bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melding Wildlife Surveys to Improve Conservation Inference
Authors: Van Ee Justin J. , Hagen Christian A. , Jr. David C. Pavlacky , Fricke Kent A. , Koslovsky Matthew D. , Hooten Mevin B.
Published: July 2023

Integrated models are a popular tool for analyzing species of conservation concern. Species of conservation concern are often monitored by multiple entities that generate several datasets. Individually, these datasets may be insufficient for guiding management due to low spatio-temporal resolution, biased sampling, or large observational uncertainty. Integrated models provide an approach for assimilating multiple datasets in a coherent framework that can compensate for these deficiencies. While conventional integrated models have been used to assimilate count data with surveys of survival, fecundity, and harvest, they can also assimilate ecological surveys that have differing spatio-temporal regions and observational uncertainties. Motivated by independent aerial and ground surveys of lesser prairie-chicken, we developed an integrated modeling approach that assimilates density estimates derived from surveys with distinct sources of observational error into a joint framework that provides shared inference on spatio-temporal trends. We model these data using a Bayesian Markov melding approach and apply several data augmentation strategies for efficient sampling. In a simulation study, we show that our integrated model improved predictive performance relative to models for analyzing the surveys independently. We use the integrated model to facilitate prediction of lesser prairie-chicken density at unsampled regions and perform a sensitivity analysis to quantify the inferential cost associated with reduced survey effort.
Four Steps To My Future (4STMF): acceptability, feasibility and exploratory outcomes of a universal school‐based mental health and well‐being programme, delivered to young adolescents in South Africa
Authors: Coetzee Bronwynè , Loades Maria , Human Suzanne , Gericke Hermine , Laning Gerrit , Kidd Martin , Stallard Paul
Published: July 2023

Objective

Mental health disorders affect many children in South Africa, where vulnerability is high, and treatment is limited. We sought to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a universally delivered classroom‐based programme for the promotion of mental health in young adolescents.

Method

We pilot tested an 8 session, cognitive‐behavioural therapy‐based programme, 4 Steps To My Future (4STMF) in two schools. Participants were grade 5 learners (n = 222; Meanage = 10.62 (Standard deviation = 0.69)). 4STMF was delivered in class time by trained psychology postgraduates. Feasibility (rates of parental opt‐out, child assent, assessment completion at baseline and follow‐up, programme completion, session attendance and programme fidelity), acceptability (teacher feedback and focus groups with learners), as well as demographic data and data on a battery of a psychological measures were collected at baseline, postintervention and at one‐month follow‐up.

Results

Most eligible learners at both schools agreed to participate (85% – school 1; 91% – school 2) with more than 80% completing postintervention measures. Learner session attendance and programme fidelity were high. Teachers rated facilitators highly on confidence, preparedness, enthusiasm and classroom management and observed children to be enjoying the programme. Focus group data suggest that learners liked the programme, could recall the content and had shared some of the content with their family. An exploratory analysis of outcomes showed significant pre–post differences on self‐esteem at school 1 and on emotion regulation at school 1 and school 2, maintained at follow‐up.

Conclusions

This pilot study has shown that 4STMF can acceptably and feasibly be delivered, at classroom level, as a universal school‐based prevention programme to young adolescent learners in South African primary schools. The programme could fit in with school context, could be delivered by nonspecialists, showed significant improvements on self‐esteem and emotion regulation and was liked by the learners.
Review of the international play policies and their contribution to supporting a child's right to play
Authors: Armstrong Fiona , Gaul David
Published: July 2023

Play is recognised as a fundamental children's right protected by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Despite legal and constitutional requirements for ensuring children's right to play, there are few international policies dedicated to play. This paper seeks to use a critical discourse analysis lens to compare the current international policies dedicated to play and identify examples of good practice and perceived barriers to the successful development and implementation of play policies.
Using random forest machine learning on data from a large, representative cohort of the general population improves clinical spirometry references
Authors: Kristensen Kris , Olesen Pernille H. , Roerbaek Anna K. , Nielsen Louise , Hansen Helle K. , Cichosz Simon L. , Jensen Morten H. , Hejlesen Ole
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Spirometry is associated with several diagnostic difficulties, and as a result, misdiagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) occurs. This study aims to investigate how random forest (RF) can be used to improve the existing clinical FVC and FEV1 reference values in a large and representative cohort of the general population of the US without known lung disease.

Materials and methods

FVC, FEV1, body measures, and demographic data from 23 433 people were extracted from NHANES. RF was used to develop different prediction models. The accuracy of RF was compared with the existing Danish clinical references, an improved multiple linear regression (MLR) model, and a model from the literature.

Results

The correlation between actual and predicted FVC and FEV1 and the 95% confidence interval for RF were found to be FVC = 0.85 (0.85; 0.86) (p < 0.001), FEV1 = 0.92 (0.92; 0.93) (p < 0.001), and existing clinical references were FVC = 0.66 (0.64; 0.68) (p < 0.001) and FEV1 = 0.69 (0.67; 0.70) (p < 0.001). Slope and intercept for the RF models predicting FVC and FEV1 were FVC 1.06 and −238.04 (mL), FEV1: 0.86 and 455.36 (mL), and for the MLR models, slope and intercept were FVC: 0.99 and 38.56 39 (mL), and FEV1: 1.01 and −56.57‐57 (mL).

Conclusions

The results point toward machine learning models such as RF have the potential to improve the prediction of estimated lung function for individual patients. These predictions are used as reference values and are an important part of assessing spirometry measurements in clinical practice. Further work is necessary in order to reduce the size of the intercepts obtained through these results.
A surprising haven: The biodiversity of an old‐growth forest amidst a scorched landscape in Madagascar
Authors: Otero Jimenez Beatriz , Montaño Ren , Rothman Ryan S. , Williams Rachel C. , Wright Patricia C.
Published: July 2023

For the endemic wildlife of Madagascar, the risk of extinction increases as the island's forest cover decreases. Many of the remaining forests are isolated fragments serving as important refugia for biodiversity. In this research note, we describe the biodiversity of the Ivohiboro Humid Forest (IHF), and its conservation importance in Madagascar. Located in a region dominated by wooded savannah, the IHF represents a very rare vegetation type. We conducted six biological surveys to explore the diversity of vertebrates and vascular plants in this isolated forest. Our results show that the IHF maintains a diverse ecosystem and harbors species of conservation significance. Thirty‐four of the identified species are categorized as Threatened by the IUCN, such as the ring‐tailed lemur (Lemur catta) and Isalo Madagascar frog (Gephyromantis corvus). Furthermore, we inventoried species distant from their known IUCN‐reported geographic ranges such as a species of blue‐nosed chameleon (Calumma sp. aff. boettgeri, linotum) and the Lavasoa dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus lavasoensis).
Artificial intelligence in a prediction model for postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis
Authors: Takahashi Hidekazu , Ohno Eizaburo , Furukawa Taiki , Yamao Kentaro , Ishikawa Takuya , Mizutani Yasuyuki , Iida Tadashi , Shiratori Yoshimune , Oyama Shintaro , Koyama Junji , Mori Kensaku , Hayashi Yuichiro , Oda Masahiro , Suzuki Takahisa , Kawashima Hiroki
Published: July 2023

Objectives

In this study we aimed to develop an artificial intelligence‐based model for predicting postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed ERCP patients at Nagoya University Hospital (NUH) and Toyota Memorial Hospital (TMH). We constructed two prediction models, a random forest (RF), one of the machine‐learning algorithms, and a logistic regression (LR) model. First, we selected features of each model from 40 possible features. Then the models were trained and validated using three fold cross‐validation in the NUH cohort and tested in the TMH cohort. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to assess model performance. Finally, using the output parameters of the RF model, we classified the patients into low‐, medium‐, and high‐risk groups.

Results

A total of 615 patients at NUH and 544 patients at TMH were enrolled. Ten features were selected for the RF model, including albumin, creatinine, biliary tract cancer, pancreatic cancer, bile duct stone, total procedure time, pancreatic duct injection, pancreatic guidewire‐assisted technique without a pancreatic stent, intraductal ultrasonography, and bile duct biopsy. In the three fold cross‐validation, the RF model showed better predictive ability than the LR model (AUROC 0.821 vs. 0.660). In the test, the RF model also showed better performance (AUROC 0.770 vs. 0.663, P = 0.002). Based on the RF model, we classified the patients according to the incidence of PEP (2.9%, 10.0%, and 23.9%).

Conclusion

We developed an RF model. Machine‐learning algorithms could be powerful tools to develop accurate prediction models.
Survival and value: The conglomerate case
Authors: Altieri Michela , Nicodano Giovanna
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates the relationship between default probability and value when there is a selection bias due to missing controls for firm heterogeneous likelihood to survive in the sample. Our model delivers the following implications for the conglomerate case: (a) the sample conglomerate value increases in their default probability, (b) the sample conglomerate discount falls together with their excess default probability with respect to focused companies, (c) both effects disappear when the analyst controls for survival probability. The data support the presence of a selection bias distorting downwards the relative value of sample firms with higher survival probability.
Ecosystem type drives soil eukaryotic diversity and composition in Europe
Authors: Köninger Julia , Ballabio Cristiano , Panagos Panos , Jones Arwyn , Schmid Marc W. , Orgiazzi Alberto , Briones Maria J. I.
Published: July 2023

Soil eukaryotes play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem functions and services, yet the factors driving their diversity and distribution remain poorly understood. While many studies focus on some eukaryotic groups (mostly fungi), they are limited in their spatial scale. Here, we analyzed an unprecedented amount of observational data of soil eukaryomes at continental scale (787 sites across Europe) to gain further insights into the impact of a wide range of environmental conditions (climatic and edaphic) on their community composition and structure. We found that the diversity of fungi, protists, rotifers, tardigrades, nematodes, arthropods, and annelids was predominantly shaped by ecosystem type (annual and permanent croplands, managed and unmanaged grasslands, coniferous and broadleaved woodlands), and higher diversity of fungi, protists, nematodes, arthropods, and annelids was observed in croplands than in less intensively managed systems, such as coniferous and broadleaved woodlands. Also in croplands, we found more specialized eukaryotes, while the composition between croplands was more homogeneous compared to the composition of other ecosystems. The observed high proportion of overlapping taxa between ecosystems also indicates that DNA has accumulated from previous land uses, hence mimicking the land transformations occurring in Europe in the last decades. This strong ecosystem‐type influence was linked to soil properties, and particularly, soil pH was driving the richness of fungi, rotifers, and annelids, while plant‐available phosphorus drove the richness of protists, tardigrades, and nematodes. Furthermore, the soil organic carbon to total nitrogen ratio crucially explained the richness of fungi, protists, nematodes, and arthropods, possibly linked to decades of agricultural inputs. Our results highlighted the importance of long‐term environmental variables rather than variables measured at the time of the sampling in shaping soil eukaryotic communities, which reinforces the need to include those variables in addition to ecosystem type in future monitoring programs and conservation efforts.
Aura phenomena do not initiate migraine attacks—Findings from neuroimaging
Authors: Mehnert Jan , Fischer‐Schulte Laura , May Arne
Published: July 2023

Objectives/Background

As cortical spreading depolarization (CSD) has been suggested to be the cause of migraine aura and as CSD can activate trigeminal nociceptive neurons in animals, it has been suggested that CSD may be the cause of migraine attacks. This raises the question of how migraine pain is generated in migraine attacks without aura and has led to the hypothesis that CSD may also occur in subcortical regions in the form of “silent” CSDs, and accordingly “silent auras”.

Methods

In this case study, we provide evidence for common neuronal alterations preceding headache attacks with and without aura in a male patient with migraine, who underwent daily event‐correlated functional magnetic resonance imaging of trigeminal nociception for a period of 30 days. During these days the man experienced migraine attacks with and without aura.

Results

Comparing the preictal phases between both attack types revealed a common hyperactivation of the hypothalamus (p < 0.01), which was already present 2 days before the actual attack.

Conclusion

The time frame of the central pathophysiological orchestration of migraine attacks, irrelevant of the presence of later aura, strongly suggests that the aura is an epiphenomenon that is unrelated and does not initiate headache attacks.
Pediatric reference intervals for hematology parameters in healthy infants and young children in Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Maliheh , Ghazizadeh Hamideh , Mohammadi‐Bajgiran Maryam , Kathryn Bohn Mary , Yaghooti‐Khorasani Mahdiyeh , Kamel Khodabandeh Atieh , Steele Shannon , Torabzadeh Khorasani Niyusha , Ferns Gordon A. , Boskabadi Hassan , Esmaily Habibollah , Adeli Khosrow , Assaran Darban Reza , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Defining accurate age‐ and sex‐specific reference intervals (RIs) for hematology parameters, especially for the pediatric population, is important for making an appropriate clinical diagnosis. To address gaps, we established age‐specific RIs for 11 hematologic parameters in Iranian children younger than 30 months for the first time.

Methods

Fresh whole blood samples collected from a total of 344 participants (males: 158 and females: 186) ages 3 days to 30 months, with a mean age of 12.91 ± 7.15 months, were recruited from healthcare centers in Mashhad, Iran. Hematologic parameters, including complete blood count (CBC), were analyzed on the Sysmex auto‐analyzer system (KX‐21 N). RIs were calculated with 90% confidence intervals using the direct method based on CLSI Ep28‐A3 and C28‐A3 guidelines.

Results

None of the CBC parameters required sex partitioning. Of 11 CBC parameters, six required age partitions of 3 days–<4 months, 4–<10, 10–<15, and 4–<30 months. Five parameters (i.e., white blood cell count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean platelet volume, red cell distribution width, and platelet distribution width) did not demonstrate age‐specific changes. RIs of red blood cell count and hematocrit, as well as hemoglobin, increased with age, while mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and platelet count, decreased with age.

Conclusion

In this study, we established RIs for 11 hematology parameters in young children. Age partitioning was required for six parameters demonstrating marked changes during the early period of growth and development and necessitating the use of pediatric‐specific reference standards.
Risk of venous thromboembolism in COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Honkanen Meeri , Sirkeoja Simo , Viskari Hanna , Kailankangas Ville , Sinisalo Marjatta , Syrjänen Jaana
Published: July 2023

The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) for non‐hospitalised patients with coronavirus disease‐2019 infection has not been very widely studied. 13 019 persons with a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid amplification test were identified. In total, 447 (0.2%) VTEs were identified in the study population, 293 (66%) of these were pulmonary embolisms. A positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test did not increase the risk for VTE in the univariate analysis (odds ratio (OR): 1.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69–1.4) or multivariable analysis (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 0.93–1.97).
Mediators and mechanisms of immune checkpoint inhibitor‐associated myocarditis: Insights from mouse and human
Authors: Gong Jingyi , Neilan Tomas G. , Zlotoff Daniel A.
Published: July 2023

The broad application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has led to significant gains in cancer outcomes. By abrogating inhibitory signals, ICIs promote T cell targeting of cancer cells but can frequently trigger autoimmune manifestations, termed immune‐related adverse events (irAEs), affecting essentially any organ system. Among cardiovascular irAEs, immune‐related myocarditis (irMyocarditis) is the most described and carries the highest morbidity. The currently recommended treatment for irMyocarditis is potent immunosuppression with corticosteroids and other agents, but this has limited evidence basis. The cellular pathophysiology of irMyocarditis remains poorly understood, though mouse models and human data have both implicated effector CD8+ T cells, some of which are specific for the cardiomyocyte protein α‐myosin. While the driving molecular signals and transcriptional programs are not well defined, the involvement of chemokine receptors such as CCR5 and CXCR3 has been proposed. Fundamental questions regarding why only approximately 1% of ICI recipients develop irMyocarditis and why irMyocarditis carries a much worse prognosis than other forms of lymphocytic myocarditis remain unanswered. Further work in both murine systems and with human samples are needed to identify better tools for diagnosis, risk‐stratification, and treatment.
The Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey (MOS‐SSS): A psychometric systematic review
Authors: Dao‐Tran Tiet‐Hanh , Lam Le‐Trinh , Balasooriya Namal N. , Comans Tracy
Published: July 2023

Aims

To evaluate and synthesize psychometric properties of the MOS‐SSS and to identify quality versions of MOS‐SSS for use in future research and practice.

Design

A psychometric systematic review.

Data Sources

Articles about the translation, adaptation, or validation of the MOS‐SSS in Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science and their reference lists published before 11 November 2022.

Review Methods

The review followed the Consensus Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments guidelines.

Results

The review included 35 articles. Eleven versions of MOS‐SSS (3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19, and 22 items) have been validated in various populations and 13 languages. Of 14 studies developing a translated version of MOS‐SSS, four studies performed both an experts' evaluation of content validity and a face validity test; two studies reported translation evaluation in the form of a content validity index. Of 35 studies, six performed both exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis for structural validity; hypotheses and measurements for construct validity testings were often not clearly stated; two examined criterion validity; and four assessed cross‐cultural validity. Internal consistency reliabilities were commonly examined by calculating Cronbach's alpha and reported satisfactory. Five studies analysed test–retest reliabilities using intra correlation coefficient. Methodological concerns exist.

Conclusion

The English 19‐item, Farsi Persian 19‐item, and Vietnamese 19‐item versions are recommended for future use in research and practice. Italian 19‐item and Malaysian 13‐item versions are not recommended to be used in future research and practice. All other versions considered in this review have potential use in future research and practice. Proper procedures for developing a translated version of MOS‐SSS and validating the scale are recommended.

Impact

The review identified quality versions of MOS‐SSS to measure social support in future research and practice. The study also indicated methodological issues in current validation studies. Application of the study findings and recommendations can be useful to improve outcome measurement quality and maximize the efficiency of resource use in future research and practice.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This systematic review synthesized the evidence from previous research and did not involve any human participation.
Morphological variability decreases in populations living in less suitable environments and close to the range edges
Authors: Braz Alan Gerhardt , Figueiredo Marcos de Souza Lima , Weber Marcelo de Moraes , Grelle Carlos Eduardo de Viveiros
Published: July 2023

Aim

Geographical range expansion depends on ecological and evolutionary processes that may hamper local adaptations in populations living at range edges by constraining phenotypic variability. This study investigates the spatial patterns of the intraspecific variability of skull traits throughout the geographical range of a marsupial from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We aimed to answer whether the distance from the range edge and the environmental suitability explain the geographical variation of morphological variability of the species.

Location

Atlantic Forest, Brazil.

Taxon

Marmosops incanus(Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae).

Methods

We analysed adult specimens deposited in the main biological collections in southeastern Brazil. The morphological variability extent and integration within populations were characterised by 13 linear measures of the skull, using a multivariate approach. Environmental suitability for the species' occurrence was estimated by ecological niche models, using climate variables and vegetation productivity as predictors and three different modelling methods. Distance from the range edge was calculated based on the minimum linear distance between populations and the closest range limit. We fitted linear regressions and selected the best models that explained the spatial variation of morphological variability based on the Akaike information criterion.

Results

The extent of morphological variability ofM. incanusis positively correlated with morphological integration and increases with local environmental suitability and distance from the range edges. However, the relationship between morphological variability and environmental suitability depends on the niche modelling method.

Main Conclusions

Unfavourable environmental conditions constrain morphological variability within populations of the Gray slender opossum and may hamper local adaptation in peripheral populations living in less suitable environments. In addition to environmental conditions, geographical location of populations also plays an important role in phenotypic variability among populations. We stress the boundary effect of the species range on local adaptation of peripheral populations and its possible consequences for the range expansion dynamics.
Retroflexed catheter course reduces the risk of right free wall accessory pathway recurrence
Authors: Przybylski Robert , DeWitt Elizabeth S. , Meziab Omar , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Dionne Audrey , O'Leary Edward T. , Alexander Mark E. , Walsh Edward P. , Mah Douglas Y.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Accessory atrioventricular pathways (APs) may mediate atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia and, in some cases, have the potential to conduct atrial tachycardia rapidly, which can be life threatening. While catheter ablation can be curative, ablation of right free wall APs is associated with a high rate of recurrence, likely secondary to reduced catheter stability along the right free wall atrioventricular groove. We sought to identify characteristics associated with a lower rate of recurrence and hypothesized ablation lesions placed on the ventricular side of the atrioventricular groove using a retroflexed catheter approach would decrease rates of recurrence.

Methods and Results

Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent catheter ablation of a right free wall AP from January 1, 2008 through June 1, 2021 with >2 months follow up. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify relationships between predictor variables and AP recurrence. We identified 95 patients who underwent ablation of 98 right free wall APs. Median age was 13.1 years and median weight at ablation was 52.3 kg. Overall, 23/98 (23%) APs recurred. Use of a retroflexed catheter course approaching the atrioventricular groove from the ventricular aspect was associated with reduced risk of AP recurrence with (univariable hazard ratio of 0.10 [95% confidence interval: 0.01–0.78]), which remained significant in multiple two variable Cox proportional hazards models.

Conclusion

Use of a retroflexed catheter course is associated with a reduced likelihood of AP recurrence. This approach results in improved catheter stability and should be considered for ablation of right free wall APs.
Novel algorithms improve arrhythmia detection accuracy in insertable cardiac monitors
Authors: Gopinathannair Rakesh , Shehata Michael M. , Afzal Muhammad R. , Manyam Harish , Qu Fujian , Badie Nima , Dawoud Fady , Ryu Kyungmoo , Katcher Michael S. , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) are commonly used to diagnose cardiac arrhythmias. False detections in the latest ICM systems remain an issue, primarily due to inaccurate R‐wave sensing. New discrimination algorithms were developed and tested to reduce false detections of atrial fibrillation (AF), pause, and tachycardia episodes in ICMs.

Methods

Stored electrograms (EGMs) of AF, pause, and tachycardia episodes detected by Abbott Confirm Rx™ ICMs were extracted from the Merlin.net™ Patient Care Network, and manually adjudicated to establish independent training and testing datasets. New discrimination algorithms were developed to reject false episodes due to inaccurate R‐wave sensing, P‐wave identification, and R–R interval patterns. The performance of these new algorithms was quantified by false positive reduction (FPR) and true positive maintenance (TPM), relative to the existing algorithms.

Results

The new AF detection algorithm was trained on 5911 EGMs from 744 devices, resulting in 66.9% FPR and 97.8% TPM. In the testing data set of 1354 EGMs from 119 devices, this algorithm achieved 45.8% FPR and 97.0% TPM. The new pause algorithm was trained on 7178 EGMs from 1490 devices, resulting in 70.9% FPR and 98.7% TPM. In the testing data set of 1442 EGMs from 340 devices, this algorithm achieved 74.4% FPR and 99.3% TPM. The new tachycardia algorithm was trained on 520 EGMs from 204 devices, resulting in 57.0% FPR and 96.6% TPM. In the testing data set of 459 EGMs from 237 devices, this algorithm achieved 57.9% FPR and 96.5% TPM.

Conclusion

The new algorithms substantially reduced false AF, pause, and tachycardia episodes while maintaining the majority of true arrhythmia episodes detected by the Abbott ICM algorithms that exist today. Implementing these algorithms in the next‐generation ICM systems may lead to improved detection accuracy, in‐clinic efficiency, and device battery longevity.
GNG4, as a potential predictor of prognosis, is correlated with immune infiltrates in colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Juan , Wang Yanshuang , Zhou Jiaming , Cai Mengmeng , Guo Peng , Du Tongde , Zhang Hui
Published: July 2023

The tumour microenvironment (TME) and immunosuppression play an important role in colon cancer (CC) metastasis, which seriously affects the prognosis of CC. G protein subunit gamma 4 (GNG4) has been shown to participate in tumour progression and the tumour mutation burden (TMB) in colorectal cancer. However, the effect of GNG4 on the CC TME and immunology remains elusive. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed for screening aberrantly expressed genes associated with the immune score, and GNG4 was then selected through prognostic and immune correlation analysis. Based on RNA sequencing data obtained from the TCGA and GEO databases, the expression pattern and immune characteristics of GNG4 were comprehensively examined using a pan‐cancer analysis. Upregulation of GNG4 was linked to an adverse prognosis and immune inhibitory phenotype in CC. Pan‐cancer analysis demonstrated higher GNG4 expression in tumours than in paired normal tissue in human cancers. GNG4 expression was closely related to prognosis, TMB, immune checkpoints (ICPs), microsatellite instability (MSI) and neoantigens. GNG4 promoted CC cell proliferation, migration and invasion and participated in immune regulation in the TME. Significantly, GNG4 expression was found to negatively correlate with tumour‐infiltrating immune cells, ICP, TMB and MSI in CC. GNG4 expression predicted the immunotherapy response in the IMvigor210 cohort, suggesting that GNG4 could be used as a potential biomarker in CC for prognostication and immunology. Moreover, the expression of GNG4 predicted the immunotherapy response of ICB in CC.
Quantifying disparate questioning of Black and White jurors in capital jury selection
Authors: Effenberger Anna , Blume John H. , Wells Martin T.
Published: July 2023

Numerous studies have demonstrated that female and Black jurors are under‐represented on juries in criminal cases, especially so when the prosecution seeks the death penalty. The primary, but not exclusive, way in which this happens is that prosecutors remove them from the jury pool through the exercise of peremptory challenges. The practice remains widespread despite the Supreme Court's decision more than 30 years ago holding that using such challenges in a racially (or gender based) discriminatory manner violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. In the years since, enforcement by the Supreme Court and state and federal courts has been uneven. However, in several recent cases, in finding that prosecutors struck Black venire persons because of their race, the Supreme Court relied in part on evidence that the prosecution questioned Black and White venire persons differently. The legal term of art for this practice is “disparate questioning.”
Distinguishing digitization and digitalization: A systematic review and conceptual framework
Authors: Gradillas Maria , Thomas Llewellyn D. W.
Published: July 2023

With increasing interest in how digital technology impacts innovation, the constructs “digitization” and “digitalization” have become popular. However, different conceptualizations have emerged resulting in conceptual overlap and little definitional consensus. To understand how these two constructs have been used within innovation management, we systematically review both constructs and identify 26 different definitions used for both, underscoring the need for greater precision. Building from our systematic review, we synthesize and integrate these findings to derive clear and parsimonious definitions of digitization and digitalization and propose a conceptual framework that systematically links both constructs with existing innovation scholarship. We then discuss the implications of our framework on theories of the process of innovation and digital transformation. We recommend future research into digital design principles, digital product life cycle, knowledge accumulation, generativity, and the feedback dynamics within our framework. We also provide practitioner implications and limitations.
Relationship Between Self‐Compassion and Turnover Intention Among Early Career Nurses in Japan1
Authors: Sugawara Daichi , Mizuno Masashi , Tani Shujiro , Fukiya Kazuyo , Sato Jun
Published: July 2023

This study examined the relationship between self‐compassion and turnover intention among early career nurses in Japan, as well as the mediating effects of nursing job stress, burnout, and work engagement. A total of 326 nurses, with over 5 years of experience, participated in a web‐based survey. Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the relationship between self‐compassion and other factors related to turnover. Self‐compassion, job stress, burnout, work engagement, and turnover intention were assessed using the Japanese Burnout Scale, Nursing Job Stressor Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Self‐Compassion Scale. The model fit indices showed acceptable estimates. Self‐compassion was negatively associated with nursing job stress and burnout and positively associated with work engagement. Moreover, conflict with other nursing staff and quantitative work were positively associated with burnout, whereas qualitative work was negatively associated with work engagement. However, nursing role conflict was negatively associated with burnout and positively associated with work engagement. Burnout predicted turnover intention, whereas work engagement did not. Thus, increasing self‐compassion may reduce stress among early career nurses and reduce turnover intention.
Perioperative management of infant inguinal hernia surgery; a review of the recent literature
Authors: Taverner Fiona , Krishnan Prakash , Baird Robert , von Ungern‐Sternberg Britta S.
Published: July 2023

Inguinal hernia surgery is one of the most common electively performed surgeries in infants. The common nature of inguinal hernia combined with the high‐risk population involving a predominance of preterm infants makes this a particular area of interest for those concerned with their perioperative care. Despite a large volume of literature in the area of infant inguinal hernia surgery, there remains much debate amongst anesthetists, surgeons and neonatologists regarding the optimal perioperative management of these patients. The questions asked by clinicians include; when should the surgery occur, how should the surgery be performed (open or laparoscopic), how should the anesthesia be conducted, including regional versus general anesthesia and airway devices used, and what impact does anesthesia choice have on the developing brain? There is a paucity of evidence in the literature on the concerns, priorities or goals of the parents or caregivers but clearly their opinions do and should matter. In this article we review the current clinical surgical and anesthesia practice and evidence for infants undergoing inguinal hernia surgery to help clinicians answer these questions.
The tomato calcium‐permeable channel 4.1 (SlOSCA4.1) is a susceptibility factor for pepino mosaic virus
Authors: Ruiz‐Ramón Fabiola , Rodríguez‐Sepúlveda Pascual , Bretó Pau , Donaire Livia , Hernando Yolanda , Aranda Miguel A.
Published: July 2023

The hyperosmolality‐gated calcium permeable channel 4.1 (OSCA4.1) belongs to an evolutionarily conserved small family of mechano‐sensitive channels. OSCA members may represent key players in plant resistance to drought and to pathogen infection but are scarcely studied. After screening for resistance to pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) a collection of 1000 mutagenized tomato families, we identified a mutant showing no symptoms and reduced virus accumulation. Resistance was mapped to chromosome 2 between positions 46 309 531 to 47 044 163, where a missense mutation caused the putative truncation of the OSCA4.1 protein. A CRISPR/Cas9 slosca4.1 mutant was resistant to PepMV, but not to tobacco mosaic virus or potato virus X. Inoculation of mutant and wild type tomato protoplasts showed that resistance was expressed in single cells, suggesting a role for SlOSCA4.1 in early viral function(s); congruently, SlOSCA4.1 re‐localized to structures reminiscent of viral replication complexes. We propose that SlOSCA4.1 contributes to the correct regulation of the Ca2+ homeostasis necessary for optimal PepMV infection. PepMV is a pandemic virus that causes significant losses in tomato crops worldwide. In spite of its importance, no tomato‐resistant varieties have been deployed yet; the mutant identified here has great potential to breed tomato varieties resistant to PepMV.
Comparative genomics of the medicinal plants Lonicera macranthoides and L. japonica provides insight into genus genome evolution and hederagenin‐based saponin biosynthesis
Authors: Yin Xiaojian , Xiang Yaping , Huang Feng‐Qing , Chen Yahui , Ding Hengwu , Du Jinfa , Chen Xiaojie , Wang Xiaoxiao , Wei Xinru , Cai Yuan‐Yuan , Gao Wen , Guo Dongshu , Alolga Raphael N. , Kan Xianzhao , Zhang Baolong , Alejo‐Jacuinde Gerardo , Li Ping , Tran Lam‐Son Phan , Herrera‐Estrella Luis , Lu Xu , Qi Lian‐Wen
Published: July 2023

Lonicera macranthoides (LM) and L. japonica (LJ) are medicinal plants widely used in treating viral diseases, such as COVID‐19. Although the two species are morphologically similar, their secondary metabolite profiles are significantly different. Here, metabolomics analysis showed that LM contained ~86.01 mg/g hederagenin‐based saponins, 2000‐fold higher than LJ. To gain molecular insights into its secondary metabolite production, a chromosome‐level genome of LM was constructed, comprising 9 pseudo‐chromosomes with 40 097 protein‐encoding genes. Genome evolution analysis showed that LM and LJ were diverged 1.30–2.27 million years ago (MYA). The two plant species experienced a common whole‐genome duplication event that occurred ∼53.9–55.2 MYA before speciation. Genes involved in hederagenin‐based saponin biosynthesis were arranged in clusters on the chromosomes of LM and they were more highly expressed in LM than in LJ. Among them, oleanolic acid synthase (OAS) and UDP‐glycosyltransferase 73 (UGT73) families were much more highly expressed in LM than in LJ. Specifically, LmOAS1 was identified to effectively catalyse the C‐28 oxidation of β‐Amyrin to form oleanolic acid, the precursor of hederagenin‐based saponin. LmUGT73P1 was identified to catalyse cauloside A to produce α‐hederin. We further identified the key amino acid residues of LmOAS1 and LmUGT73P1 for their enzymatic activities. Additionally, comparing with collinear genes in LJ, LmOAS1 and LmUGT73P1 had an interesting phenomenon of ‘neighbourhood replication’ in LM genome. Collectively, the genomic resource and candidate genes reported here set the foundation to fully reveal the genome evolution of the Lonicera genus and hederagenin‐based saponin biosynthetic pathway.
Quality of athlete screening for high‐risk cardiovascular conditions—A systematic review
Authors: Panhuyzen‐Goedkoop Nicole M. , Verbeek André L. M. , Goedkoop René J. , Malekzadeh Arjan , Wilde Arthur A. M. , Peters Ron J. G. , Jørstad Harald T.
Published: July 2023

Background

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading medical cause of death in athletes. To prevent SCD, screening for high‐risk cardiovascular conditions (HRCC) is recommended. Screening strategies are based on a limited number of studies and expert consensus. However, evidence and efficacy of athlete HRCC screening is unclear.

Objective

To determine methodological quality and quality of evidence of athlete screening, and screening efficacy to detect HRCC in a systematic review.

Methods

We performed a systematic search of Medline, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library up to June 2021. We included articles containing original data of athlete cardiovascular screening, providing details of screening strategies, test results and HRCC detection. We assessed methodological quality of the included articles by QUADAS‐2, quality of evidence of athlete HRCC screening by GRADE, and athlete HRCC screening efficacy by SWiM.

Results

Of 2720 citations, we included 33 articles (1991–2018), comprising 82 417 athletes (26.7% elite, 73.4% competitive, 21.7% women, 75.2% aged ≤35). Methodological quality was ‘very low’ (33 articles), caused by absence of data blinding and inappropriate statistical analysis. Quality of evidence was ‘very low’ (33 articles), due to observational designs and population heterogeneity. Screening efficacy could not be reliably established. The prevalence of HRCC was 0.43% with false positive rate (FPR) 13.0%.

Conclusions

Methodological quality and quality of evidence on athlete screening are suboptimal. Efficacy could not be reliably established. The prevalence of screen detected HRCC was very low and FPR high. Given the limitations of the evidence, individual recommendations need to be prudent.
Does online social support uniquely buffer effects of stress during the COVID‐19 pandemic?: A natural experiment
Authors: Eamiello Madison L. , Reid Allecia E.
Published: July 2023

In‐person sources of social support buffer effects of stress on mental health. However, online social support inconsistently demonstrates stress‐buffering effects. Highly stressful circumstances, such as the first month of COVID‐19 lockdown, may be necessary to benefit from support received from online networks. We investigated whether online support demonstrated an increased stress‐buffering effect on depressive symptoms during the first month of COVID‐19 lockdown. We collected cross‐sectional data on three distinct groups of participants from February to April 2020—preceding lockdown (pre‐COVID; n = 53), up to four weeks following university closures (initial lockdown; n = 136), and the final weeks of the semester (later lockdown; n = 127). Initial lockdown participants reported significantly more stress than pre‐COVID but not later lockdown participants. The online social support by stress by COVID phase interaction was only significant for the initial versus later lockdown comparison. Online support buffered stress during initial lockdown but not later lockdown. Stress‐buffering effects of offline support were observed and did not depend on COVID phase. Online support may only buffer stress when stress is heightened and offline support is less available.
Comparative optimism and well‐being during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Hua Jacqueline , Howell Jennifer L. , Johnson Angela E. , Meese William B.
Published: July 2023

Past research suggests that being comparatively optimistic about one's risk for disease is associated with benefits to mental health, such as lowered stress and anxiety. However, few studies have longitudinally examined whether comparative optimism has the same protective benefits during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The current study examined levels of comparative optimism, changes in comparative optimism over time, and the association between comparative optimism and COVID‐related mental and physical health outcomes among a US adult sample during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants completed online surveys at four timepoints, over the course of four weeks in May and June of 2020. Results from paired‐samples t‐tests revealed that comparative optimism was present, such that participants estimated their risk for COVID‐19 as being significantly lower than that of others their age and sex. Results from linear mixed models suggested that people who were more comparatively optimistic reported lower anxiety, depression, and stress. However, at times when people were more comparatively optimistic, they also reported greater depression and poorer sleep quality. Together, the findings suggest that the relationship between comparative optimism and health may be more complex than previously anticipated and further research is needed to examine the potential pathways through which comparative optimism affects health.
Understanding digital services in GVCs: An extended gravity model through the lens of network analysis
Authors: Blázquez Leticia , Díaz‐Mora Carmen , González‐Díaz Belén
Published: July 2023

Countries are increasingly incorporating foreign digital services in their exports, creating new and complex interdependencies between economies, which suggests a new channel for the expansion of global value chains (GVCs). To better understand how these new and complex interdependencies are evolving, we apply a novel methodological framework. First, using social network analysis methodology, we calculate several indicators that capture these complex network interdependencies. Second, we include these indicators in the second stage of a two‐step gravity model that explains (in the first step) dyadic trade flows of embodied digital services. Our motivation for this two‐stage approach is to avoid difficulties that traditional gravity models have in incorporating complex network interdependencies. Our empirical results suggest statistically significant effects of such interdependencies in the embodied digital services trade flows.
Intralesional amphotericin B in a cat with cutaneous protothecosis
Authors: Roldán Villalobos Wendie , Ferreira Tássia , Gmyterco Vanessa , Bastos Renata , Bacher Louise , Jagielski Tomasz , Ribeiro Márcio , Farias Marconi
Published: July 2023

A domestic cat was presented with nodular lesions on the nose/muzzle and pinnae. Protothecosis was diagnosed through cytological and histopathological examination, and culture. Molecular identification confirmed Prototheca wickerhamii infection. Intralesional application of amphotericin B in conjunction with oral terbinafine resulted in a significant reduction of the nasal lesion and complete resolution of the pinnal lesion, without adverse effects.
Lectura crítica, sabiduría práctica, experiencia y formación
Authors: Fonnegra Osorio Claudia Patricia
Published: July 2023

A partir de un enfoque filosófico interpretativo, este texto tiene por objetivo estudiar los alcances y limitaciones del modelo de lectura crítica propuesto por el Ministerio de Educación Nacional de Colombia. Para abordar lo anterior, en primer lugar, se estudia cómo están diseñadas las pruebas de lectura crítica y qué significa interpretar un texto; en segundo lugar, se analiza la importancia de la lectura crítica para el fomento de la sabiduría práctica, y, en tercer lugar, se responde por qué es importante concebir la lectura como experiencia formativa desde perspectivas creativas y plurales.