bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mixed‐methods assessment of off‐duty police shootings in a media‐curated database
Authors: Asabor Emmanuella Ngozi , Lett Elle , Mosely Brein , Boone Cheriko A. , Sundaresan Saahil , Wong Tian An , Majumder Maimuna S.
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine rates of killings perpetrated by off‐duty police and news coverage of those killings, by victim race and gender, and to qualitatively evaluate the contexts in which those killings occur.

Data Sources and Study Setting

We used the Mapping Police Violence database to curate a dataset of killings perpetrated by off‐duty police (2013–2021, N = 242). We obtained data from Media Cloud to assess news coverage of each off‐duty police‐perpetrated killing.

Study Design

Our study used a convergent mixed‐methods design. We examined off‐duty police‐perpetrated killings by victim race and gender, comparing absolute rates and rates relative to total police‐perpetrated killings. [Correction added on 26 June 2023, after first online publication: ‘policy‐perpetrated’ has been changed to ‘police‐perpetrated’ in the preceding sentence.] We also conducted race‐gender comparisons of the frequency of news media reporting of these killings, and whether reporting identified the perpetrator as an off‐duty officer. We conducted thematic analysis of the narrative free‐text field that accompanied quantitative data using grounded theory.

Principal Findings

Black men were the most frequent victims killed by off‐duty police (39.3%) followed by white men (25.2%), Hispanic men (11.2%), white women (9.1%), men of unknown race (9.1%), and Black women (4.1%). Black women had the highest rate of off‐duty/total police‐perpetrated killings relative to white men (rate = 12.82%, RR = 8.32, 95% CI: 4.43–15.63). There were threefold higher odds of news reporting of a police‐perpetrated killing and the off‐duty status of the officer for incidents with Black and Hispanic victims. Qualitative analysis revealed that off‐duty officers intervened violently within their own social networks; their presence escalated situations; they intentionally obscured information about their lethal violence; they intervened while impaired; their victims were often in crisis; and their intervention posed harm and potential secondary traumatization to witnesses.

Conclusions

Police perpetrate lethal violence while off duty, compromising public health and safety. Additionally, off‐duty police‐perpetrated killings are reported differentially by the news media depending on the race of the victim.
Public trust is earned: Historical discrimination, carceral violence, and the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Anderson Andrew , Lewis Demar F. , Shafer Paul , Anderson Jordan , LaVeist Thomas A.
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess whether knowledge of Tuskegee, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency's detainment of children, and satisfaction with the George Floyd death investigation were associated with trust in actors involved in the development and distribution of coronavirus vaccines.

Data Sources and Study Setting

National survey with a convenience sample of Black (n = 1019) and Hispanic (n = 994) adults between July 1 and 26, 2021.

Study Design

Observational study using stratified adjusted logistic regression models to measure the association between ratings of the trustworthiness of actors involved in the development and distribution of coronavirus vaccines.

Principal Findings

Among Black respondents, lower satisfaction with the George Floyd death investigation was associated with lower trustworthiness ratings of pharmaceutical companies (ME: −0.09; CI: −0.15, 0.02), the FDA (ME: −0.07; CI: −0.14, −0.00), the Trump Administration (ME: −0.09; CI: −0.16, −0.02), the Biden Administration (ME: −0.07, CI: −0.10, 0.04), and elected officials (ME: −0.10, CI: −0.18, −0.03). Among Hispanic respondents, lower satisfaction was associated with lower trustworthiness ratings of the Trump Administration (ME: −0.14, CI: −0.22, −0.06) and elected officials (ME: −0.11; CI: −0.19, −0.02). Greater knowledge of ICE's detainment of children and families among Hispanic respondents was associated with lower trustworthiness ratings of state elected officials (ME: −0.09, CI: −0.16, 0.01). Greater knowledge of the US Public Health Service Study of Syphilis in Tuskegee was associated with higher trustworthiness ratings of their usual source of care (ME: 0.09; CI: 0.28, 0.15) among Black respondents (ME: 0.09; CI: 0.01, 0.16).

Conclusions

Among Black respondents, lower satisfaction with the George Floyd death investigation was associated with lowered levels of trust in pharmaceutical companies, some government officials, and administrators; it was not associated with the erosion of trust in direct sources of health care delivery, information, or regulation. Among Hispanic respondents, greater knowledge of the ICE detainments was associated with lower trustworthiness ratings of elected state officials. Paradoxically, higher knowledge of the Study of Syphilis in Tuskegee was associated with higher trustworthiness ratings in usual sources of care.
Linking climate policy across economic sectors: A case for green growth in Nepal
Authors: Baniya Bishal
Published: June 2023

While the energy sector is the largest global contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) sector account for up to 80% of GHG emissions in the least developed countries (LDCs). Despite this, the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) of LDCs, including Nepal, focus primarily on climate mitigation in the energy sector. This paper introduces green growth—a way to foster economic growth while ensuring access to resources and environmental services—as an approach to improving climate policy coherence across sectors. Using Nepal as a case country, this study models the anticipated changes in resource use and GHG emissions between 2015 and 2030, that would result from implementing climate mitigation actions in Nepal's NDC. The model uses four different scenarios. They link NDC and policies across economic sectors and offer policy insights regarding (1) energy losses that could cost up to 10% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, (2) protection of forest resources by reducing the use of biomass fuels from 465 million gigajoules (GJ) in 2015 to 195 million GJ in 2030, and (3) a significant reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 relative to the business‐as‐usual (BAU) case by greater use of electricity from hydropower rather than biomass. These policy insights are significant for Nepal and other LDCs as they seek an energy transition towards using more renewable energy and electricity.
Mouthfeel subqualities in wines: A current insight on sensory descriptors and physical–chemical markers
Authors: Paissoni Maria Alessandra , Motta Giulia , Giacosa Simone , Rolle Luca , Gerbi Vincenzo , Río Segade Susana
Published: June 2023

Astringency and more generally mouthfeel perception are relevant to the overall quality of the wine. However, their origin and description are still uncertain and are constantly updating. Additionally, the terminology related to mouthfeel properties is expansive and extremely diversified, characterized by common traditional terms as well as novel recently adopted descriptors. In this context, this review evaluated the mention frequency of astringent subqualities and other mouthfeel attributes in the scientific literature of the last decades (2000–August 17, 2022). One hundred and twenty‐five scientific publications have been selected and classified based on wine typology, aim, and instrumental–sensorial methods adopted. Dry resulted as the most frequent astringent subquality (10% for red wines, 8.6% for white wines), while body—and related terms—is a common mouthfeel sensation for different wine types, although its concept is still vague. Alongside, promising analytical and instrumental techniques investigating and simulating the in‐mouth properties are discussed in detail, such as rheology for the viscosity and tribology for the lubrication loss, as well as the different approaches for the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the interaction between salivary proteins and astringency markers. A focus on the phenolic compounds involved in the tactile perception was conducted, with tannins being the compounds conventionally found responsible for astringency. Nevertheless, other non‐tannic polyphenolic classes (i.e., flavonols, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, anthocyanin‐derivative pigments) as well as chemical–physical factors and the wine matrix (i.e., polysaccharides, mannoproteins, ethanol, glycerol, and pH) can also contribute to the wine in‐mouth sensory profile. An overview of mouthfeel perception, factors involved, and its vocabulary is useful for enologists and consumers.
A method for bone marrow extraction of diatoms for forensic science applications
Authors: Marshall Michelle , Chraïbi Victoria , Morgan Ryan
Published: June 2023

Diatoms show potential as trace evidence indicators, particularly as evidence of drowning. Often, the diatom test to diagnose drowning is done on soft tissue or bone marrow from a recently deceased individual. This method presented here combines elements from previous forensic literature and methods of diatom isolation in phycology to extract diatoms from bone marrow of skeletal remains for forensic use. This diatom extraction method is time‐efficient, minimizes contamination risk, and produces samples of intact diatoms. This method is designed to complete sample preparation within 24 h, sampling the bone for diatoms internally and externally. This method was developed using porcine long bones submerged in water with live diatoms for up to 3 months. Three marrow samples were extracted from each bone so the method was developed using 102 marrow samples. Additionally, 132 surficial bone and environmental samples were collected and prepared during method development. To briefly summarize the method, the bone joints were cut off with an angle grinder in a biosafety hood to expose the marrow, which was removed from the hip, knee, and shaft as separate samples. The marrow was digested with nitric acid at 400°C in glass beakers before being centrifuged with DI water, plated onto microscope slides, and observed with a compound microscope. Observation found good preservation of unbroken diatom cell walls throughout the process. This method can be used to prepare diatoms as forensic trace evidence.
Higher levels of the lipophilic antioxidants coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E in long‐lived termite queens than in short‐lived workers
Authors: Tasaki Eisuke , Yamamoto Yorihiro , Iuchi Yoshihito
Published: June 2023

Termite queens and kings live longer than nonreproductive workers. Several molecular mechanisms contributing to their long lifespan have been investigated; however, the underlying biochemical explanation remains unclear. Coenzyme Q (CoQ), a component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, plays an essential role in the lipophilic antioxidant defense system. Its beneficial effects on health and longevity have been well studied in several organisms. Herein, we demonstrated that long‐lived termite queens have significantly higher levels of the lipophilic antioxidant CoQ10 than workers. Liquid chromatography analysis revealed that the levels of the reduced form of CoQ10 were 4 fold higher in the queen's body than in the worker's body. In addition, queens showed 7 fold higher levels of vitamin E, which plays a role in antilipid peroxidation along with CoQ, than workers. Furthermore, the oral administration of CoQ10 to termites increased the CoQ10 redox state in the body and their survival rate under oxidative stress. These findings suggest that CoQ10 acts as an efficient lipophilic antioxidant along with vitamin E in long‐lived termite queens. This study provides essential biochemical and evolutionary insights into the relationship between CoQ10 concentrations and termite lifespan extension.
Revisiting the relationship between age, employment, and recidivism
Authors: Nguyen Holly , Thomas Kyle J. , Tostlebe Jennifer J.
Published: June 2023

Employment theoretically serves as a source of informal social control that can promote desistance from crime (Sampson & Laub, 1993). Findings from studies assessing the effects of employment, however, have been mixed. In a seminal study, Uggen (2000) reanalyzed data from the National Supported Work (NSW) Demonstration Project and found that employment significantly reduced the rate of recidivism among individuals aged 27 and older but had no impact on younger individuals. We reproduce and replicate Uggen's (2000) findings with data from four distinct employment programs: The National Supported Work Program (1975–1979), the Transitional Aid Research Project (1976–1977), the Employment Services for Ex‐Offenders (1981–1984), and the Enhanced Services for the Hard‐to‐Employ Center for Employment Opportunities (2004–2008). We closely reproduced Uggen's original findings in the NSW but found evidence that the statistically significant interaction between age and employment in the NSW was only present at the year 3 follow‐up and the observed effect is highly sensitive to minor threats to internal validity. Furthermore, a significant age–employment interaction was not observed in the three other data sources. These findings should encourage scholars to continue to investigate the age‐graded nature of employment and crime, especially through a sociohistorical lens.
The Passage of the Welsh Church Bill under the 1911 Parliament Act and the Impact of War
Authors: Jones David W.
Published: June 2023

In 1910, David Lloyd George, who was serving as chancellor of the exchequer in the Liberal government, opined that: ‘Wales had been solid for disestablishment for 40 years’ (The Times, 18 Jan. 1910, p.12). According to Lloyd George, this aspiration had been thwarted by the political reality that: ‘if a Bill went up to the House of Lords it would not have the slightest chance of getting through’. At its core, the quest for the disestablishment of the Anglican church in Wales was viewed as an unprecedented constitutional and political change. It threatened to dismember one of the pillars of the English state and thereby sever a church/state relationship which, it was argued, predated parliament itself. This article will address the democratic deficit in Wales where the desire of the electorate had been repeatedly frustrated over decades, and the way disestablishment legislation would eventually be enacted through the provisions of the Parliament Act 1911. The final ignominy was that the delay inherent in the new parliamentary process would jeopardise the disestablishment that it had enabled, and this was evident in the first years of the Great War.
Anti‐nuclear matrix protein 2 antibody‐positive dermatomyositis with gastrointestinal ulcers: A case report
Authors: Uchio Naohiro , Komaki Shogo , Sudo Takashi , Matsumoto Yusuke , Hao Akihito , Kojima Kentaro , Toda Nobuo , Kitamura Asuka , Maeda Meiko Hashimoto , Kubota Akatsuki , Matsumoto Hideyuki
Published: June 2023

Gastrointestinal manifestations are a very rare complication of dermatomyositis (DM) and are much less frequent in adult cases than in juvenile cases. Only a few previous papers have reported adult patients who had DM with anti‐nuclear matrix protein 2 (anti‐NXP2) antibodies and who developed gastrointestinal ulcers. Herein, we report a similar case of a 50‐year‐old man who had DM with anti‐NXP2 antibodies followed by relapsing multiple gastrointestinal ulcers. Even after the administration of prednisolone, his muscle weakness and myalgia deteriorated and gastrointestinal ulcers relapsed. In contrast, intravenous immunoglobulin and azathioprine improved his muscle weakness and gastrointestinal ulcers. Based on the parallel disease activity of the muscular and gastrointestinal symptoms, we considered that his gastrointestinal ulcers were a complication of DM with anti‐NXP2 antibodies. We also propose that early intensive immunosuppressive therapy would be required for the muscular and gastrointestinal symptoms in DM with anti‐NXP2 antibodies.
Pulmonary involvement in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitides: A single center experience from Turkey
Authors: Yildirim Dogan Hale Gulcin , Yildirim Fatih , Icacan Ozan Cemal , Yalcin Mutlu Melek , Celik Selda , Bes Cemal
Published: June 2023

Objective

Pulmonary involvement is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the type and frequency of pulmonary involvement and investigate the potential relationship between thorax computed tomography (CT) signs and other systemic clinical findings in AAV.

Methods

A total of 63 patients over the age of 18 and diagnosed with AAV were included in this study. Thoracic CT imaging findings and clinical features of the patients at the time of diagnosis were retrospectively evaluated. The frequency and distribution of detected pathological findings on imaging according to disease types, in addition to the relationship of these findings with other systemic findings and disease severity, were analyzed.

Results

Of 63 patients, 50 (79.4%) had pulmonary symptoms at the time of presentation. Most frequently observed pulmonary finding of thorax CT was nodular opacity. Consolidation, cavitary nodules, bronchiectasis, emphysema and fibrotic sequelae change were more common in the patients with diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Honeycomb, atelectasis, interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary venous congestion and pleural effusion were more common in the patients with diagnosis of microscopic polyangiitis. Ground‐glass appearance, central airway disease, peribronchovascular nodules, pericardial effusion and lymphatic adenomegaly (>10 mm) were more common in the patients with diagnosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hemorrhage and severe lung involvement were found significantly increased in patients with myeloperoxidase antibody (MPO)‐ANCA positivity (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Lung involvement was detected in almost all of the patients with AAV. Both interstitial lung disease and severe lung involvement were more frequently found in patients with MPO‐ANCA positivity compared to other patients. Pulmonary examination by an imaging technique in all patients with AAV may be useful to determine the vasculitis subtype and to determine the extent of the disease.

Practitioner Points

Pulmonary involvement is quite common in AAV.

Every patient with suspected AAV should be examined with imaging for lung involvement, even in the absence of respiratory symptoms.

Severe pulmonary involvement is associated with the presence of severe disease and MPO‐ANCA positivity.
Serositis and lymphopenia are common features of systemic lupus erythematosus following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: A case report and literature review
Authors: Kioi Yoshiyuki , Yorifuji Hideki , Higami Yuichi , Katada Yoshinori
Published: June 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) can affect a number of human systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal systems. These symptoms persist long after the acute infection has healed and is called “long COVID”. Interestingly, there have been a series of reports that SARS‐CoV‐2 infections trigger the development of various autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), inflammatory arthritis, myositis, vasculitis. Here, we report a novel case of SLE characterized by persistent pleural effusion and lymphopenia following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. This is the first case in the Western Pacific region to our knowledge. Furthermore, we reviewed 10 similar cases including our case. By looking at the characteristics of each case, we found that serositis and lymphopenia are common features of SLE following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Our finding suggests that patients with prolonged pleural effusion and/or lymphopenia after COVID‐19 should be checked for autoantibodies.
Impacts of COVID‐19 on Women and/or Caregivers in Accounting Academia at Canadian Postsecondary Institutions and Suggestions Moving Forward: A Commentary*
Authors: McLachlan Lindsay
Published: June 2023

This commentary provides insights on the issues faced by women and/or caregivers in accounting academia at Canadian postsecondary institutions during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Personal reflections from 23 contributors across Canada were compiled and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results show that COVID‐19 has adversely impacted research, teaching, and other areas of work and life for this demographic. Research stopped or slowed, lower productivity was experienced, concerns over academic integrity increased, interactions with students decreased, academics left the profession, mental health was adversely impacted, and academics lost dedicated work time. In addition, the contributors provide suggestions to address these issues moving forward to help equity‐seeking groups. Suggestions include support from postsecondary institutions at all levels, additional funding, adjustments to tenure and promotion criteria, and the option for a reduced workload.
Implementation of an algorithm for tapering analgosedation reduces iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome in pediatric intensive care
Authors: Dokken Mette , Rustøen Tone , Diep Lien My , Fagermoen Frode Even , Huse Rakel Iren , Egerod Ingrid , Bentsen Gunnar Kristoffer
Published: June 2023

Background

Proper analgosedation is a cornerstone in the treatment of critically ill patients in Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs). Medications, such as fentanyl, morphine, and midazolam, are essential to safe and respectful care. The use of these medications over time may lead to side effects such as iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome (IWS) in the tapering phase. The aim of the study was to test an algorithm for tapering analgosedation to reduce the prevalence of IWS in two Norwegian PICUs at Oslo University Hospital.

Methods

A cohort of mechanically ventilated patients from newborn to 18 years with continuous infusions of opioids and benzodiazepines for 5 days or more were included consecutively from May 2016 to December 2021. A pre‐ and posttest design, with an intervention phase using an algorithm for tapering analgosedation after the pretest, was used. The ICU staffs were trained in using the algorithm after the pretest. The primary outcome was a reduction in IWS. The Withdrawal Assessment Tool‐1 (WAT‐1) was used to identify IWS. A WAT‐1 score ≥3 indicates IWS.

Results

We included 80 children, 40 in the baseline group, and 40 in the intervention group. Age and diagnosis did not differ between the groups. The prevalence of IWS was 95% versus 52.5% in the baseline group versus the intervention group, and the peak WAT‐1 median was 5.0 (IQR 4–6.8) versus 3.0 (IQR 2.0–6.0) (p = .012). Based on SUM WAT‐1 ≥ 3, which describes the burden over time better, we demonstrated a reduction of IWS, from a median of 15.5 (IQR 8.25–39) to a median of 3 (IQR 0–20) (p = <.001).

Conclusion

We suggest using an algorithm for tapering analgosedation in PICUs since the prevalence of IWS was significantly lower in the intervention group in our study.
Effect of multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) on survival outcomes of lung cancer patients: Experiences from China
Authors: Jing Xiao‐mei , Chen Ping , Li Si‐feng , Feng Zi‐rui , Li Yin‐feng , Yang Qing
Published: June 2023

Aim

To evaluate the effect of multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) on the survival outcomes of Chinese lung cancer patients.

Methods

Data from a Chinese tertiary cancer hospital of lung cancer patients were collected and divided into two groups (MDT+/−) according to whether the patients had received an MDT. The survival analysis was performed after propensity score matching (PSM).

Results

Before PSM, more patients in the MDT+ group had documented information on clinical characteristics and showed more unfavorable clinical characteristics than patients in the MDT− group. After PSM, there was no imbalance in the first‐line treatment strategies between the two groups. When the patients were analyzed separately, for patients in the MDT− group, age at diagnosis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, stage, smoking history, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene status were all significant factors for survival (p < 0.05). For patients in the MDT+ group, only age at diagnosis, stage, and comorbidities were significant factors for survival (p < 0.05). Moreover, age at diagnosis, ECOG score, stage, EGFR gene status, and MDT were all significant factors for survival for all patients (p < 0.001). The results indicate that MDT was a significant prognostic factor independent of clinical characteristics (HR: 2.095, 95% CI: 1.568–2.800, p < 0.001), with a significantly improved median survival (58.0 vs. 29.0 months, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Based on PSM, MDT itself did have a real favorable prognostic significance for Chinese lung cancer patients in the study.
Barriers to obesity health care in general practice from rural Waikato GP perspectives: A qualitative study
Authors: Norman Kimberley , Burrows Lisette , Chepulis Lynne , Lawrenson Ross
Published: June 2023

Objective

Over 34% of New Zealand (NZ) adults are classed as obese, which reduces quality of life for many individuals. Those living in rural areas, high‐deprivation communities, and indigenous Māori populations are more likely to experience obesity and related co‐morbidities than other cohorts. General practice is positioned as most suitable to deliver effective weight management health care; however, little is understood about the rural general practitioner (GP) experience in NZ, despite having the majority of patients at high risk of developing obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate rural GP perspectives on barriers to delivering weight management.

Design

Qualitative descriptive design guided by Braun and Clarke (2006) using semi‐structured interviews and analysed using deductive reflexive thematic approach.

Setting

Rural Waikato general practice which has significant rural, Māori and high‐deprivation communities.

Participants

Six rural Waikato GPs.

Results

Three significant themes were identified: communication barriers, rural health care barriers, and social and cultural barriers. GPs reported not wanting to jeopardise the doctor‐patient relationship by discussing weight. GPs felt unsupported by the health system through lack of rurally appropriate obesity intervention options, funding and resources. The unique rural lifestyle and health needs were reportedly not understood at the wider health system level, making the role of a rural GP working in high‐deprivation communities more difficult. Additional barriers to delivering effective weight management included factors outside the clinical practice such as obesity stigma, an obesogenic environment and sociocultural factors shaping rural patients' lives.

Conclusion

Rural GPs have a lack of weight management referral options that are considered effective for their patients, as the options available reportedly do not cater for their patients' unique rural health needs. GPs position addressing the individualised and complex weight management health issue as challenging. Navigating stigma, wider sociocultural issues, and limited intervention options were difficult and found to be questionable to achieve in a short 15‐min consult. There is a need for rural health support in the form of funding, staff (indigenous and non‐indigenous), and rurally feasible resources to improve health outcomes and reduce inequity. Effective primary care weight management strategies need to be appropriate for high‐deprivation rural communities, including tailored, affordable and reliable interventions that GPs can offer patients if future weight management efforts are to be successful in this space.
Early detection of disease onset through changes in appearance of pre‐weaning calves
Authors: Shingu Yuko , Dokoshi Akira , Ueda Koichiro
Published: June 2023

The onset of diseases in pre‐weaning calves can lead to changes in their appearance, which can aid early disease detection. This study measured the changes in appearance that led to disease onset in 66 pre‐weaning Holstein calves. The appearance scores of the calves were recorded for 7 days before the onset of digestive or respiratory diseases. Appearance features (ear position, head position, topline curve, hair coat length, hair coat gloss, eye opening, and sunken eyes) were recorded using video camera images and scored from 0 (healthy) to 2 (poor). Among the calves with respiratory diseases, the proportion of calves with a score of 0 for ear position decreased linearly over time (p = 0.0437). Among the calves with digestive diseases, the proportion of calves with a score of 2 for hair coat length increased linearly over time (p = 0.0197). Among the calves with both respiratory and digestive diseases, the proportion of calves with scores of 1 for the topline curve and 2 for eye opening increased linearly over time (p = 0.0191). Therefore, early signs of disease manifest as different appearance features depending on the type of disease before its onset.
On a remarkable sexual dimorphic trait on scales and fins of the old world Cyprinodontiformes (Actinopterygii: Aphaniidae)
Authors: Esmaeili Hamid Reza , Echreshavi Sorour , Masoumi Amir Hassan , Nejad Abbas Motlagh
Published: June 2023

Secondary sexual dimorphism is an interesting and stupendous subject of research study due to the fact that it is a result of sexual selection, mostly attributed to either female mate choice or male–male competition. This study aims to investigate the microscopic characterization of scales and fin rays in several aphaniids (Cyprinodontiformes: Aphaniidae) to find out the possibility of using these structures as secondary sexual dimorphism traits and discuss their taxonomic and evolutionary significance. Herein, the results reveal that (i) male individuals of aphaniid species of the genera Aphanius, Aphaniops and Paraphanius present contact organs in the forms of ctenus‐like structure (in posterior margin of the scales) and spicule‐like structure (in anal fin rays) that show sexual dimorphism of scales and fins; (ii) number, position, size and shape of contact organs provide taxonomic signal to distinguish members of the genus Aphaniops from two other genera; (iii) females of Aphaniops ginaonis also represent contact organs in scales but fewer than males and (iv) as the sexual dimorphism results from different sexual selection pressures acting on males and females, it provides evolutionary signals.
Gametogenesis in Rhinella bergi (Anura: Bufonidae): Morphological and morphometric analysis
Authors: Cheij Esteban , Olea Gabriela Beatriz , Rodríguez Florencia , Céspedez Jorge , Flores Quintana Carolina
Published: June 2023

This study aims to characterize the gonads, folliculogenesis, and spermatogenesis processes of male and female Rhinella bergi through anatomical, histological and morphometric analysis. We worked with specimens previously collected in the spring and summer seasons (2014–2015), in which the gonads were studied based on morphological, histological and morphometric analysis. The reproductive system was analyzed using a stereoscopic microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Histological preparations were made following the conventional protocol of dehydration, inclusion in paraffin and stained with haematoxylin–eosin, Mallory trichrome and PAS histochemical reactions. The anatomical and morphometric characteristics and the gametogenesis in R. bergi agree with what was proposed for other analyzed species of the Bufonidae family. Females with ovaries with oocytes in different stages of maturity and postovulatory females were found. The males presented continuous spermatogenesis. The results of this work serve as a basis for the characterization of the reproductive cycle in R. bergi and, at the same time, provide background information on the analysis of gametogenic activity. Future investigations will be focused on evaluating the reproductive cycle in this species, both in ovaries and testes as well as Bidder's organ, to compare and correlate with the results obtained in this study.
Shake it off! Adaptive coping with stress reduces national narcissism
Authors: Molenda Zuzanna , Marchlewska Marta , Rogoza Marta , Szczepańska Dagmara
Published: June 2023

Examining the role of coping with stress strategies in shaping national narcissism, we proposed that this type of defensive national commitment (stemming from psychological shortcomings) should be lowered by adaptive coping strategies. In Study 1 (longitudinal, N = 603), we found that higher adaptive (i.e. self‐sufficient) coping attenuated national narcissism. In Study 2 (experimental, N = 337), the priming of adaptive coping significantly decreased national narcissism. We also demonstrated the indirect effects of the induced adaptive coping strategy on conspiracy beliefs via national narcissism. These findings suggest that using adaptive coping strategies (either dispositional or situationally induced) may attenuate national narcissism. We discuss the role of coping with stress in shaping group‐level phenomena.
Late Jurassic rift physiography of the Froan Basin and Frøya High, offshore Mid‐Norway: Development of a syn‐rift shallow marine system
Authors: Nakken Lise , Chiarella Domenico , Jackson Christopher A‐L.
Published: June 2023

The Froan Basin and Frøya High are two major structural elements located on the Mid‐Norwegian Continental Shelf and are separated from the Halten Terrace by major west‐dipping normal fault zones. Compared to the Halten Terrace, the Froan Basin and Frøya High are relatively under‐explored and remain poorly understood in terms of their Late Jurassic tectono‐stratigraphic evolution. Upper Jurassic, shallow marine, syn‐rift deposits (i.e. Rogn Formation) are present locally, but their source, delivery system and depositional environment are not yet well understood. Improving our understanding of how fault activity and rift‐shoulder uplift influenced rift physiography and paleowater depths is crucial when developing depositional models in this region. In this study, we present a model of the Late Jurassic rift physiography of the Froan Basin and Frøya High based on seismic reflection and well data and reverse subsidence modelling. We show that during the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, major footwall uplift caused the Frøya High and the western margin of the central Froan Basin to be subaerially exposed, forming an intra‐rift footwall island. Shallow marine areas to the east, immediately adjacent to the footwall island, accumulated sediment supplied from the uplifted and partially eroded footwall. In contrast, the Trøndelag Platform, north of the Froan Basin and Frøya High, remained submerged throughout the rift episode. We therefore suggest that the extent of the shallow marine system was controlled by the magnitude of footwall uplift along the western margin of the basin and that sediment dispersal was influenced by the coastal paleogeomorphology of the back‐tilted footwall.
Synthetic approaches and applications of an underprivileged 1,2,5‐oxadiazole moiety: A review
Authors: Kumar Greesh , Kumar Rajnish , Mazumder Avijit , Salahuddin  , Kumar Upendra
Published: June 2023

1,2,5‐oxadiazole belongs to five‐membered heterocyclic compounds with two nitrogen and one oxygen atom. In comparison with other heterocyclic moieties, 1,2,5‐oxadiazoles moiety is considered as underprivileged as it attracted little attention of the researchers although lot of scopes and possible applications in medicinal, material and agriculture science. 1,2,5‐oxadiazole and its derivatives have been reported as good pharmacophores as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, antibacterial, vasodilating agents, antimalarial, anticancer, etc. In the presented manuscript, we reviewed granted patents and different synthetic strategies which have been reported for the synthesis of 1,2,5‐oxadiazoles such as cycloaddition, dimerization, cyclodehydration, condensation, thermolysis, nitration, oxidation and ring‐conversion. These synthetic methods have also been analysed for their merits and demerits. The manuscript also highlighted various applications of 1,2,5‐oxadiazole and its derivatives. We hope that researchers across the scientific streams will be benefitted from the presented review articles for designing their work related to 1,2,5‐oxadiazoles.
Instability of harmonized thyroid‐stimulating hormone immunoassays in clinical practice
Authors: Uto Kenichi , Bando Hironori , Fukuoka Hidenori , Yamamoto Masaaki , Ogasahara Ayako , Ono Shoko , Oyabu Chinami , Sato Itsuko , Imanishi Takamitsu , Saegusa Jun , Ogawa Wataru , Yano Yoshihiko
Published: June 2023

Objective

Thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) harmonization is effective in minimizing differences between the results of immunoassays in healthy subjects. However, the effectiveness of TSH harmonization in clinical practice has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the instability of TSH harmonization in clinical practice.

Methods

We compared the reactivities of four harmonized TSH immunoassays using combined difference plots of 431 patients. We selected patients with statistically significant deviations in TSH levels and analyzed their thyroid hormone levels and clinical characteristics.

Results

The combined difference plots showed that one harmonized TSH immunoassay exhibited markedly different reactivity even after TSH harmonization compared with the other three immunoassays. Among 109 patients with mild‐to‐moderate elevation of TSH levels, we selected 15 patients with statistically significant deviations in TSH levels according to the difference plots of three harmonized TSH immunoassays, excluding one immunoassay that showed different reactivity. The thyroid hormone levels of three patients were misclassified as hypothyroidism or normal due to deviating TSH levels. In terms of clinical characteristics, these patients were in poor nutritional status and general condition, possibly due to their severe illness (e.g., advanced metastatic cancer).

Conclusion

We have confirmed that TSH harmonization in clinical practice is relatively stable. However, some patients showed deviating TSH levels in the harmonized TSH immunoassays, indicating the need for caution, particularly in poorly nourished patients. This finding suggests the presence of factors that contribute to the instability of TSH harmonization in such cases. Further investigation is warranted to validate these results.
Exploring the effect of kin caregivers' family functioning on child survival in South Africa: An application of the Family Systems Theory
Authors: Mabetha Khuthala , De Wet‐Billings Nicole C. , Odimegwu Clifford O.
Published: June 2023

The survival of children who are raised in kinship care is largely influenced by the way their primary caregivers manage their family dynamics. Although research has focused on the effects of family structure and other extended kin effects on various child health outcomes, it remains largely unknown how kin caregivers' family functioning influences child survival, particularly in the South African context where the practice of kinship care is widely spread. An inductive thematic approach was employed, and data were collected from 24 kin caregivers who were providing care to under‐five children. Analysis of the data resulted in the development of three superordinate themes, namely, (1) relationship with family members, (2) poor relationships and (3) family attachment and communication. Each superordinate theme was linked to subthemes that helped explain the phenomenon under study. Overall, the kin caregivers' family environments serve as both protective barriers and risk factors for child survival depending on the state of familial relationships, collaboration and involvement of other kin within the households of primary kin caregivers. This translates into the survival of children being greatly determined by the family environment in which they live and the quality of care that they receive in that family environment.
Soft tissue outcomes following alveolar ridge preservation with/without primary flap closure for periodontally damaged extraction socket: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Seo Gil‐Jong , Lim Hyun‐Chang , Chung Jong‐Hyuk , Kim Gyutae , Shin Seung‐Il , Chang Dong‐Wook , Shin Seung‐Yun
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The changes in soft tissue profile following alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) with/without primary flap closure (PC) in periodontally damaged sockets have yet to be discovered.

Methods

For periodontally damaged non‐molar extraction sockets, ARP with PC (group PC)/without PC (group SC) was performed using granule‐type xenogeneic bone substitute material and a collagen barrier. Intraoral scans were performed at the time of ARP and 4 months thereafter. Superimposition of STL files was performed to examine tissue change on the soft tissue level. The level of mucogingival junction (MGJ) was also evaluated.

Results

A total of 28 patient (13 in group PC, 15 in group SC) completed the study. Soft tissue profile change was evaluated only when the measurement level was located on the non‐mobile tissue. Group PC tended to shrink less on the long axis of the extraction socket than group SC (−4.3 ± 3.1 mm vs. −5.9 ± 4.4 mm at the 1 mm below the pre‐extraction gingival margin, p > 0.05). Profilometric analysis (on the region of interest) also have a tendency of less tissue profile change in group PC than group SC (−1.0 ± 0.8 mm vs. −1.3 ± 0.5 mm, p > 0.05). The MGJ level change was not statistically significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05) even though the MGJ level was located more apically at 4 months in group SC compared with group PC.

Conclusions

Alveolar ridge preservation with PC tended to yield less soft tissue shrinkage than ARP without PC.
Mediation effect of stroke recurrence in the association between post‐stroke interleukin‐6 and functional disability
Authors: Gu Hong‐Qiu , Yang Kai‐Xuan , Li Jie‐Jie , Lin Jin‐Xi , Jing Jing , Xiong Yun‐Yun , Zhao Xing‐Quan , Wang Yi‐Long , Liu Li‐Ping , Meng Xia , Jiang Yong , Li Hao , Wang Yong‐Jun , Li Zi‐Xiao
Published: June 2023

Aim

Post‐stroke inflammation increases the risk of functional disability through enlarged cerebral infarct size directly and follow‐up stroke event indirectly. We aimed to use post‐stroke proinflammatory cytokine interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) as a marker of inflammatory burden and quantify post‐stroke inflammation's direct and indirect effect on functional disability.

Methods

We analyzed patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to 169 hospitals in the Third China National Stroke Registry. Blood samples were collected within 24 h of admission. Stroke recurrence and functional outcome measured by the modified Rankin scale (mRS) were assessed via face‐to‐face interviews at 3 months. Functional disability was defined as an mRS score ≥2. Mediation analyses under the counterfactual framework were performed to examine the potential causal chain in which stroke recurrence may mediate the relationship between IL‐6 and functional outcome.

Results

Among the 7053 analyzed patients, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) NIHSS score was 3 (1–5), and the median (IQR) level of IL‐6 was 2.61 (1.60–4.73) pg/mL. Stroke recurrence was observed in 458 (6.5%) patients, and functional disability was seen in 1708 (24.2%) patients at the 90‐day follow‐up. Per stand deviation (4.26 pg/mL) increase in the concentration of IL‐6 was associated with an increased risk of stroke recurrence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.19; 95% CI, 1.09–1.29) and disability (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.15–1.30) within 90 days. Mediation analyses revealed that 18.72% (95% CI, 9.26%–28.18%) of the relationship between IL‐6 and functional disability was mediated by stroke recurrence.

Conclusions

Stroke recurrence mediates less than 20% of the association between IL‐6 and functional outcome at 90 days among patients with acute ischemic stroke. In addition to typical secondary prevention strategies for preventing stroke recurrence, more attention should be paid to novel anti‐inflammatory therapy to improve functional outcomes directly.
@ease peer‐to‐peer youth walk‐in centres in The Netherlands: A protocol for evaluating longitudinal outcomes, follow‐up results and cost‐of‐illness
Authors: Boonstra Anouk , van Mastrigt Ghislaine A. P. G. , Evers Silvia M. A. A. , van Amelsvoort Therese A. M. J. , Leijdesdorff Sophie M. J. ,   @ease consortium
Published: June 2023

Aim

Innovative youth mental health services around the globe vigorously work on increasing highly needed mental health care accessibility but their service users and care effectiveness have rarely been studied. The Dutch youth walk‐in centres of @ease opened in 2018, with currently 11 locations at which free anonymous peer‐to‐peer counselling is offered to young people aged 12–25. The aim of this protocol is to outline the to‐be‐conducted research at @ease.

Methods

Three studies are outlined: (1) an outcome evaluation of @ease visits using hierarchical mixed model analyses and change calculations, (2) a cost‐of‐illness study using calculations for costs of truancy and care usage among these help‐seeking young people, with regression analyses for risk group identification, and (3) a follow‐up evaluation at three, six and 12 months to assess long‐term effects after ending @ease visits. Data provided by young people include demographics, parental mental illness, truancy, past treatment, psychological distress (CORE‐10) and health‐related quality of life (EQ‐5D‐5L). Social and occupational functioning (SOFAS), suicidal ideation and need for referral are rated by the counsellors. Questionnaires are filled out at the end of every visit and at follow‐up via e‐mail or text, provided permission is given.

Discussion

Research regarding the visitors and effectiveness of the @ease services is fully original. It offers unique insights into the mental wellbeing and cost‐of‐illness of young people who may otherwise remain unseen while suffering from a high disease burden. The upcoming studies shed light on this unseen group, inform policy and practice and direct future research.
High JAK2V617F variant allele frequency is associated with coronary artery but not aortic valve calcifications in patients with Philadelphia‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Solli Camilla Nordheim , Chamat‐Hedemand Sandra , Elming Hanne , Ngo Anh , Kjær Lasse , Skov Vibe , Sørensen Anders Lindholm , Ellervik Christina , Hasselbalch Hans , Bruun Niels Eske
Published: June 2023

Background

Patients with Philadelphia‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) have a higher burden of cardiac calcifications compared to the general population. It is not known whether the JAK2V617F mutation is associated with increased cardiac calcification.

Aim

To investigate if a higher JAK2V617F variant allele frequency (VAF) is associated with severe coronary atherosclerosis and the presence of aortic valve calcification (AVC).

Methods

Patients with MPNs were examined by cardiac computer tomography to establish coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and AVC score. The first VAF after diagnosis was registered. Severe coronary atherosclerosis was defined as a CACS >400 and AVC was defined as an AVC score >0.

Results

Among 161 patients, 137 were JAK2V617F mutation‐positive, with a median VAF of 26% (interquartile range 12%–52%). A VAF in the upper quartile range was associated with a CACS >400 [odds ratio (OR) 15.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.13–119.53, p = .0070], after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors and MPN subtype. An association was not found for the presence of AVC (OR 2.30, 95% CI 0.47–11.33, p = 0.31).

Conclusion

In patients with MPNs, there is a significant association between having a VAF in the upper quartile (>52%), and severe coronary atherosclerosis, defined as a CACS >400. The presence of AVC is not associated with VAF.