bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slipping rib syndrome
Authors: Bong Jonathan , Healey David
Published: May 2021

Slipping rib syndrome (SRS) is an underdiagnosed condition that can lead to debilitating lower chest and upper abdominal pain (Am J Med Sci 2019; 357: 168). It is caused by hypermobility of the anterior ends of the costal cartilages of false ribs, allowing the eighth to tenth ribs to slip under the rib above, giving its name (Semin Pediatr Surg 2018; 27: 183). Failure to recognize this syndrome can expose patients to extensive and unnecessary investigations for unclear symptoms. Although more commonly reported in adults, SRS is a relatively uncommon but recognized cause of lower chest or upper abdomen pain in adolescence (Pediatr Anesth 2001; 11: 740). It is important for clinicians to familiarize themselves with and consider the diagnosis of SRS when assessing and managing adolescents with persistent thoracic pain. We present a case of a 14‐year‐old girl with unresolved thoracic pain for more than 4 years and was ultimately diagnosed with SRS.
Development of a questionnaire to assess clinician perspectives of the usefulness of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and cognitive screening tests
Authors: Fox Sarah Therese , Thompson Leah Elizabeth , Rowland Jeffrey T. J.
Published: June 2021

Objective

A pilot questionnaire was developed to investigate the cognitive tests that clinicians employ in their clinical practice and whether they perceive the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) to add clinical value.

Methods

A 10‐item pilot questionnaire was created and distributed to 43 health professionals of a single health service in Australia. A snowballing approach to sampling was used.

Results

There were 39 respondents. Less than half of respondents thought the FIM added clinical value, and 15% stated that they would use the FIM to assess cognition on subacute wards. Ninety‐seven per cent (97%) of respondents stated that they would rely more heavily on cognitive screening tests than the FIM.

Conclusion

Participant responses to this survey of a single health service raise interesting questions about how useful clinicians perceive the FIM to be, beyond a costing and benchmarking role. Clinicians may prefer cognitive screening tests to the FIM, in clinical practice.
Systematic review shows the benefits of involving the fathers of preterm infants in early interventions in neonatal intensive care units
Authors: Filippa Manuela , Saliba Sahar , Esseily Rana , Gratier Maya , Grandjean Didier , Kuhn Pierre
Published: May 2021

Aim

This review identifies interventions involving the fathers of preterm infants that have been tested in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). It examines their effects on the fathers and infants and highlights any differences between fathers and mothers who took part in the same interventions.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in English from 1995 to 1 September 2020, using the CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, PubMed and PsycINFO databases. We examined 14 peer‐reviewed studies that investigated NICU interventions involving 478 fathers, whose 511 infants were born before 37 weeks of gestation. These included empirical studies with clinical outcomes.

Results

Studies on fathers' interventions in NICUs were limited and mainly restricted to basic skin‐to‐skin contact or tactile interventions. The interventions had similar general positive effects on mothers and fathers when it came to infant physiological and behavioural reactions. There was also evidence of a positive effect on the fathers, including their mental health.

Conclusion

Including fathers as active partners in the care of their preterm newborn infants produced good outcomes for both of them. Further research is needed to develop new, multimodal and interactive interventions that provide fathers with positive contact with their preterm infants.
COVID‐19 in children and the effect of schools reopening on potential transmission to household members
Authors: Shapiro Ben David Shirley , Rahamim‐Cohen Daniella , Tasher Diana , Geva Adi , Azuri Joseph , Ash Nachman
Published: May 2021

Aim

The effect of reopening schools on children's contribution to SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission, especially within households, remains controversial. This study describes the clinical presentation of a large ambulatory COVID‐19 paediatric cohort and evaluates the role of children in household transmission prior to and following school reopening.

Methods

A retrospective database cohort study was conducted in a large Health Maintenance Organization in Israel. Data of all paediatric, laboratory‐confirmed Coronavirus cases between 28/2/2020 and 20/6/2020 were extracted. All cases were analysed for household contacts and primary cases within each family cluster.

Results

A total of 1,032 cases under 18 years old (median age 12 years) were included. Of these cases, 432 (41.9%) were asymptomatic; 122 (11.8%) cases acquired the infection at school, and 45 of them were part of two school clusters; 846 children had at least one positive household contact, in 498 family clusters, and among them, 293 primary cases were identified. Only 27 (9.2%) primary cases were under 18 years of age and six (2%) were below 10. The proportion of primary cases did not change after the re‐opening of educational facilities.

Conclusion

Children, particularly under 10 years of age, are less likely to be the vector for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection within household settings. Opening educational facilities did not change transmission dynamics.
Provenance study of the glazed tiles body in the Mingzhongdu site
Authors: Yang Guimei , Wang Zhi , Yao Zhengquan , Yang Yuzhang , Wei Guofeng
Published: June 2021

In order to define the provenance of the raw material of the glazed tile bodies excavated at the site of Mingzhongdu (Fengyang, China), X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometer (ICP‐MS) were used. A comparative analysis was performed using glazed tiles excavated from the Qiaojianzi kiln in Fengyang (FQY), a kiln in Dangtu (DY), Nanjing Ming Palace (NMGG) and Dabaoensi in Nanjing (DEBS). The data suggest that the clay of the glazed tiles in Mingzhongdu came from the local area, while the others were from Dangtu and unknown areas. Clays are usually more or less refined, and minerals such as quartz, feldspar and mullite are often added. This study provides a direct basis for the material source of the glazed tile body in Mingzhongdu, and offers some useful data for further study of the firing system of glazed tiles in Mingzhongdu.
Transition to independent living: Signs of self‐determination in the discussions of Mexican students with intellectual disability
Authors: Rubio‐Jimenez Ana Luisa , Kershner Ruth
Published: May 2021

Accessible summary

Self‐determination means that people decide for themselves about their future. Self‐determination is very important in people's transition to adulthood and independent living.

Six young adults talked with peers and facilitators about their transition to living in an independent‐living flat in Mexico.

We wanted to learn what it was like for these young adults to transition to independent living.

The young adults shared that: (a) It is their decision whether to move to an independent‐living flat; (b) They feel that living independently is challenging; (c) Learning new things at independent‐living contexts makes them feel good about themselves as young adults.

Talking with young people about their independent‐living experiences is important for planning transitions according to their own strengths and interests.

Talking to others can help people decide where and with whom to live.

Background

Young people with intellectual disability experience important transitions as they move towards independent adult living. Transition is supported by self‐determination, comprising volition (making conscious choices) and agency (acting with intention). Dialogic interactions that legitimise students’ voices potentially promote self‐determination. Consequently, this project aimed to involve young people actively in talking together about their futures.

Methods

The research project took place in a university‐based transition programme in Mexico: Building Bridges. Six Mexican young adults with intellectual disability participated. The research project focused on their experiences of self‐determination in personal, social, and educational contexts. Data collection incorporated discussion sessions and participant observations. In discussions, students shared their experiences of transition to Building Bridges, and an independent‐living flat. A thematic analysis was conducted.

Findings

The students’ transition to Building Bridges was difficult, but they believed that they were learning and growing with support. Regarding their transition to the independent‐living context, the students perceive that whether to move or not is their decision, that independent living is challenging, and that the things they are learning make them feel good about themselves.

Conclusions

Listening to students’ views prompts consideration of how transition programmes could enhance their self‐determination. For instance, by reflecting and negotiating rules with them; or giving them options, such as sleeping at the flat one day per week initially. Self‐determination is exercised within the context of relationships. Creating spaces for dialogues that allows educators and/or researchers to learn and reflect with students might be a way to know and legitimise students’ experiences, and plan transitions based on their strengths and interests.
A retrospective case‐control cohort analysis of comorbidity and health expenditure in hospitalized adults diagnosed with obesity utilizing ICD‐10 diagnostic coding
Authors: Bishay Ramy H. , Meyerowitz‐Katz G. , Hng T. M. , Colaco C. M. G. , Khanna S. , Klein R. , Sanjeev D. , McLean M. , Ahlenstiel G. , Maberly G. F.
Published: May 2021

The cost and comorbidity of obesity in hospitalized inpatients, is less known. A retrospective study of patients presenting to a large district hospital in Western Sydney (April 2016‐February 2017) using clinical, pathological as well as diagnostic coding data for obesity as per ICD‐10. Of 43 212 consecutive hospital presentations, 390 had an obesity‐coded diagnosis (Ob, 0.90%), of which 244 were gender and age‐matched to a non‐obesity coded cohort (NOb). Weight and BMI were higher in the Ob vs NOb group (126 ± 37 vs 82 ± 25 kg; BMI 46 ± 12 vs 29 ± 8 kg/m2, P < .001) with a medical record documentation rate of 62% for obesity among Ob. The Ob cohort had 2‐5× higher rates of cardiopulmonary and metabolic complications (P < .001), greater pharmacologic burden, length of stay (LOS, 225 vs 89 hours, P < .001) and stay in intensive care but no differences in the prevalence of mental disorders. Compared with BMI <35 kg/m2, inpatients with BMI >35 kg/m2 were 5× more likely to require intensive care (OR 5.08 [1.43‐27.3, 95% CI], P = .0047). The initiation of obesity‐specific interventions by clinical teams was very low. People with obesity who are admitted to hospital carry significant cost and complications, yet obesity is seldom recognized as a clinical entity or contributor.
983. CEPHALOTAXUS HARRINGTONIA VAR. WILSONIANA
Authors: Gardner Martin
Published: May 2021

Cephalotaxus harringtonia(Knight ex J. Forbes) K. Koch var.wilsoniana(Hayata) Kitam. is illustrated and described with taxonomic notes, its habitat and conservation and detail concerning its propagation and cultivation.
986. POLYSPORA LONGICARPA
Authors: McNamara William , Bartholomew Bruce
Published: May 2021

Polyspora longicarpa (Hung T. Chang) C.X. Ye ex B.M. Barthol. & T.L. Ming, in the Theaceae from China, is now being grown at a number of botanical gardens in central California. Its origins and cultivation are discussed.
985. MAGNOLIA GRANDIS
Authors: McNamara William
Published: May 2021

Magnolia grandis, (Hu & W.C. Cheng) V.S. Kumar is illustrated. Its history and first flowering in cultivation are discussed. Its distribution in China and Vietnam is described.
987. CORNUS CHINENSIS
Authors: Rushforth Keith
Published: May 2021

Cornus chinenis Wagnerin, is illustrated. Its history and distribution in the Himalaya and China are discussed.
The effects of a leaflet‐based intervention, ‘Hypos can strike twice’, on recurrent hypoglycaemic attendances by ambulance services: A non‐randomised stepped wedge study
Authors: Botan Vanessa , Law Graham R. , Laparidou Despina , Rowan Elise , Smith Murray D. , Ridyard Colin , Brewster Amanda , Spaight Robert , Spurr Keith , Mountain Pauline , Dunmore Sally , James June , Roberts Leon , Khunti Kamlesh , Siriwardena Aloysius N.
Published: May 2021

Aims

We aimed to investigate the effect of an intervention in which ambulance personnel provided advice supported by a booklet—‘Hypos can strike twice’—issued following a hypoglycaemic event to prevent future ambulance attendances.

Methods

We used a non‐randomised stepped wedge‐controlled design. The intervention was introduced at different times (steps) in different areas (clusters) of operation within East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EMAS). During the first step (T0), no clusters were exposed to the intervention, and during the last step (T3), all clusters were exposed. Data were analysed using a general linear mixed model (GLMM) and an interrupted‐time series analysis (ITSA).

Results

The study included 4825 patients (mean age 65.42 years, SD 19.42; 2,166 females) experiencing hypoglycaemic events attended by EMAS. GLMM indicated a reduction in the number of unsuccessful attendances (i.e., attendance followed by a repeat attendance) in the final step of the intervention when compared to the first (odds ratio OR: 0.50, 95%CI: 0.33–0.76, p = 0.001). ITSA indicated a significant decrease in repeat ambulance attendances for hypoglycaemia—relative to the pre‐intervention trend (p = 0.008). Furthermore, the hypoglycaemia care bundle was delivered in 66% of attendances during the intervention period, demonstrating a significant level of practice change (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The ‘Hypos can strike twice’ intervention had a positive effect on reducing numbers of repeat attendances for hypoglycaemia and in achieving the care bundle. The study supports the use of information booklets by ambulance clinicians to prevent future attendances for recurrent hypoglycaemic events.
Does a forward‐looking perspective affect self‐control and the demand for commitment? Results from an educational intervention
Authors: Alan Sule , Ertac Seda , Gumus Inci
Published: May 2021

This paper reports the results from a randomized educational intervention, that aims to build a forward‐looking perspective in children. We evaluate the effects of the intervention on planning, commitment and consumption decisions in an intertemporal task using a temptation good, chocolate. We find that treated children end up consuming less chocolate on the earlier date than control children. This is both because they make more patient consumption plans, and because they exhibit a type of extreme self‐control, eating even less than they had planned. Treatment effects are heterogeneous on gender, with treated girls becoming less present‐biased (as well as more future‐biased).
Plant and soil biodiversity have non‐substitutable stabilising effects on biomass production
Authors: Yang Gaowen , Ryo Masahiro , Roy Julien , Hempel Stefan , Rillig Matthias C.
Published: May 2021

The stability of plant biomass production in the face of environmental change is fundamental for maintaining terrestrial ecosystem functioning, as plant biomass is the ultimate source of energy for nearly all life forms. However, most studies have focused on the stabilising effect of plant diversity, neglecting the effect of soil biodiversity, the largest reservoir of biodiversity on Earth. Here we investigated the effects of plant and soil biodiversity on the temporal stability of biomass production under varying simulated precipitation in grassland microcosms. Soil biodiversity loss reduced temporal stability by suppressing asynchronous responses of plant functional groups. Greater plant diversity, especially in terms of functional diversity, promoted temporal stability, but this effect was independent of soil biodiversity loss. Moreover, multitrophic biodiversity, plant and soil biodiversity combined, was positively associated with temporal stability. Our study highlights the importance of maintaining both plant and soil biodiversity for sustainable biomass production.
Postprandial insulin responses to various feedstuffs differ in insulin dysregulated horses compared with non‐insulin dysregulated controls
Authors: Macon Erica L. , Harris Patricia , Bailey Simon , Barker Virginia D. , Adams Amanda
Published: May 2021

Background

Controlling postprandial hyperinsulinaemia is important in insulin dysregulated (ID) horses to reduce the risk of laminitis.

Objectives

To evaluate postprandial insulin responses of ID versus non‐insulin dysregulated (NID) horses to feedstuffs varying in nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) and crude protein (CP).

Study design

Randomised crossover.

Methods

Eighteen adult mixed‐breed horses (13.3 ± 2.2 years; 621 ± 78.8 kg) were individually fed [~1 g/kg body weight (BW)] specific feedstuffs within two crossover studies. Eight ID and eight NID were used in Study A, and 11 ID and 5 NID in Study B. In Study A, all horses were randomly fed once: cracked corn (CC: ~74% NSC & ~9% CP), ration balancer with low protein (RB‐LP: ~15% NSC & ~17% CP), ration balancer with high protein (RB‐HP: ~14% NSC and ~37% CP) and 50:50 mixture of RB‐LP:RB‐HP (MIX‐P). In Study B, horses were randomly fed once: CC, RB‐HP, steam‐flaked corn (SF: ~73% NSC & ~10% CP), oat groats (OG: ~64% NSC & ~14% CP) and a low NSC pellet (L‐NSC: ~6% NSC & ~12% CP). Blood was collected for insulin determination [radioimmunoassay (RIA)] before and 30, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 150, 180, 210 and 240‐minute post‐feeding in Study A and at 60‐minute in Study B. Data were analysed via analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures after any required transformations.

Results

ID horses had significantly greater insulin responses (AUCi) than NID for all diets in both studies (P < .001; ID 22 362 ± 10 298 µIU/mL/min & NID 6145 ± 1922 µIU/mL/min). No effect of diet on AUCi for NID (P = .2), but in ID, the CC (32 000 ± 13 960 µIU/mL/min) AUCi was higher than RB‐LP (P = .01; 18 977 ± 6731 µIU/mL/min). ID insulin (T60) was lower for the L‐NSC (57.8 ± 18.5 µIU/mL) versus all other diets (P < .02; 160.1 ± 91.5 µIU/mL).

Main limitations

Small numbers of horses; no ponies.

Conclusions

NSC appears to be the main driver of the postprandial insulin response. ID horses respond disproportionately to feeding even small amounts of low/moderate NSC feedstuffs. Data on possible dietary thresholds for postprandial insulin responses cannot be extrapolated from NID horses.
A novel α‐glucosidase inhibitor polysaccharide from Sargassum fusiforme
Authors: Zhang Mengqing , Yang Ruijin , Yu Shuhuai , Zhao Wei
Published: May 2021

α‐Glucosidase inhibitors, which can inhibit α‐glucosidase to reduce the release of glucose after a mixed carbohydrate diet, has become a key tool in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). SFP‐1, an α‐glucosidase inhibitor derived from Sargassum fusiforme (S. fusiforme), was studied as a food‐derived hypoglycaemic agent. By binding α‐glucosidase and then changing the conformation of the enzyme, SFP‐1 with a mixed inhibition type exerted an excellent inhibitory effect (IC50 value: 0.681 mg mL−1). Structural analyses suggested that the average molecular weight of SFP‐1 was 1.61 × 105 Da, mainly composed of glucuronic acid, fucose, galactose, glucose, mannose and xylose, and the relative molar ratio was 23.07: 15.17: 7.72: 4.92: 4.04: 1.99. FTIR and NMR analysis suggested that SFP‐1 was an acidic polysaccharide with both α‐type and β‐type glycosidic bonds. S. fusiforme polysaccharide (SFP‐1) has the potential to develop as functional foods and nutraceuticals in T2DM management.
Role of pulses to modulate the nutritive, bioactive and technological functionality of cereal‐based extruded snacks: a review
Authors: Sharma Rajan , Sharma Savita , Makroo Hilal A. , Dar B.N.
Published: May 2021

Pulses hold excellent nutritive potential owing to high‐quality protein content, dietary fibre, minerals, vitamins, oligosaccharides, polyphenols, tannins, phytosterols and several other bioactive constituents. These bio‐functional compounds impart significant health benefits by reducing the risk of several chronic complications such as hypertension, cancers, cardiovascular diseases and neurological concerns mainly through anti‐oxidative and radical scavenging mechanisms. These high protein ingredients when added to cereal‐based extruded snacks not only enhance the nutritive and bioactive profile of the resultant snacks but also modulate the techno‐functional attributes of the extrudates. Protein interactions with cereal‐based starch and other constituents result in structural variation at the macromolecular level consequently varying the physical, mechanical and techno‐functional properties including expansion ratio, bulk density, hydration properties, pasting characteristics and texture. The present review aimed at elaborating the nutritive and bio‐functional potential of pulses enriched cereal‐based expanded snacks. Further, significant emphasis has been given to the impact of pulse flour incorporation on functional, structural and mechanical properties of the cereal‐based extrudates.
Intermediaries in the relevance‐gap debate: A systematic review of consulting roles
Authors: Bouwmeester Onno , Heusinkveld Stefan , Tjemkes Brian
Published: June 2021

A highly contested issue in management science is its relevance to practice. Despite third parties’ potentially significant role in changing the interaction between divided parties, the long‐standing literature on the relevance gap has paid third parties little systematic attention. Drawing on a boundary‐spanning perspective, and the concept of brokerage in particular, we review how the consultant role is discussed as an intermediary third party between management science and management practice. Based on a systematic literature review of 133 articles, we identify different intermediary consultant roles linking management science to management practice. Our findings detail how the practices associated with intermediary consultant roles performed by academics or practitioners relate to several key relevance criteria, how management knowledge flows when including intermediaries and how intermediaries in different roles relate to different audiences. Based on the findings, we develop a third‐party model of intermediary consultant roles and knowledge flows. The model indicates the theoretical significance of third parties in shaping the interaction and knowledge flows between management science and management practice and has theoretical implications for understanding the persistence of the relevance gap. Regarding practical implications, we suggest how management scientists could target third parties as new key practitioner audiences. Considering third parties, and thus moving away from a two‐party view, opens up promising directions for further research on the roles and role shifts of various intermediary actors and on how different intermediary audiences may appreciate different types of academic knowledge.
Psychometric properties of Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced in patients with multiple chronic conditions: A preliminary study
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Yang Cong‐Yan , Inder Kerry , Chan Sally Wai‐Chi
Published: June 2021

Background

Multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) are highly prevalent in primary care. Coping is an important psychological factor that influences patients' ability to adapt physically and mentally to MCCs. Testing a reliable and valid psychometric inventory is necessary to identify coping strategies before developing coping‐oriented interventions.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief COPE‐CN) inventory in patients with MCCs.

Method

This study adopted a cross‐sectional design. A convenience sample of 290 Chinese patients with MCCs was recruited from a tertiary hospital in East China. The Brief COPE‐CN, sociodemographic characteristics and clinical data were collected using a self‐reported questionnaire from November 2017 to May 2018. Factor analysis and reliability analysis were performed.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 58.5 years (range from 23 to 95 years), and approximately half of the participants were female (49.3%). Most participants had two chronic conditions (82.1%) and reported having had MCCs for more than 2 years. The explanatory factor analysis (EFA) identified five factors in the Brief COPE‐CN that explained 58.4% of the total variance. The Cronbach's α coefficients ranged from .65 to .85 for the five subscales.

Conclusions

The psychometric properties of the Brief COPE‐CN were acceptable for use with Chinese patients with MCCs. With further evaluation, this instrument may help health‐care professionals understand patients' coping and develop coping‐based interventions to promote coping in this population.
Effect of oxybutynin patch versus mirabegron on nocturia‐related quality of life in female overactive bladder patients: A multicenter randomized trial
Authors: Suzuki Toshiro , Minagawa Tomonori , Saito Tetsuichi , Nakagawa Tatsuo , Suzuki Tomio , Furuhata Masayuki , Hosaka Kyoko , Ogawa Teruyuki , Ishizuka Osamu
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To investigate the effect of oxybutynin patch versus β3‐adrenoceptor agonist mirabegron on nocturia‐related quality of life in female overactive bladder patients.

Methods

In the present study, female overactive bladder patients were enrolled. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups: the oxybutynin patch group and the mirabegron group. Each of the drugs was given for 8 weeks. The changes in the total Nocturia Quality of Life Questionnaire score were evaluated. Parameters on a frequency volume chart were also evaluated.

Results

In total, 100 patients (51 oxybutynin patch, 49 mirabegron) were treated with oxybutynin patch or mirabegron. The changes in the Nocturia Quality of Life Questionnaire score 4 weeks after administration were 3.8 ± 18.6 and 8.7 ± 13.1 with the oxybutynin patch group and the mirabegron group, respectively, which were significantly higher than those at the baseline. Furthermore, the changes in the Nocturia Quality of Life Questionnaire score 8 weeks after administration were 4.3 ± 16.5 and 7.7 ± 12.3, respectively. A statistical difference was seen only in the mirabegron group. Regarding the Nocturia Quality of Life Questionnaire subscores, oxybutynin patch and mirabegron significantly improved the Nocturia Quality of Life Questionnaire bother/concern subscore 4 and 8 weeks after administration, whereas the Nocturia Quality of Life Questionnaire sleep/energy subscore was not significantly improved in each period. Eight weeks after administration, 24‐h frequency, 24‐h urinary urgency and mean voided urine volume were improved in both groups statistically.

Conclusions

The oxybutynin patch improves quality of life, focusing mainly on nocturia by improving the bother/concern subscores of the Nocturia Quality of Life Questionnaire in the short term.
Endocannabinoids in immune regulation and immunopathologies
Authors: Rahaman Oindrila , Ganguly Dipyaman
Published: May 2021

Endocannabinoids are key bioactive components of the endocannabinoid system, and the profound influence of endocannabinoids on the modulation of the immune system is being increasingly appreciated. The knowledge of endocannabinoid–immune cell crosstalk will pave the way to therapeutic implications of modulators of this pathway in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders. Endocannabinoids seem to exert both anti‐inflammatory and pro‐inflammatory effects in specific contexts, based on specific receptor engagement and the downstream signalling pathways involved. In this review, we summarized the biosynthesis, signalling and degradation of two well‐studied endocannabinoids—anandamide and 2‐arachidonylglycerol in immune cells. Then, we discussed the effects of these two endocannabinoids on the functioning of major innate and adaptive immune cells, along with the choice of receptors employed in such interactions. Finally, we outline our current knowledge on the involvement of anandamide and 2‐arachidonylglycerol in context of inflammation, allergies, autoimmunity and metabolic disorders.
Neutralizing interferon‐α blocks inflammation‐mediated vascular injury via PI3K and AMPK in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ding Xuewei , Xiang Wei , Yi Ren , Huang Xiaoyan , Lin Qiuyu , He Xiaojie
Published: June 2021

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play a key role in the initiation and amplification of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)‐associated vascular injury. In this study, we found that dsDNA induced dose‐ and time‐dependent increase in IFN‐α and Toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR7), TLR9 and IRF7 expression in pDCs. Co‐cultured circulating endothelial cells (ECs) with activated pDCs significantly decreased proliferation, tube formation and migration in ECs. The elevated level of cellular IFN‐α increased cell adhesion, promoted cell apoptosis, induced cell senescence and arrested cells at G0/G1 phase of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Additionally, the co‐culture system activated MAPK and inactivated PI3K. Pristane was used to establish a in vivo SLE‐like mouse model. Importantly, we showed that INF‐α‐neutralizing antibody (IFN‐α‐NA) rescued all the changes induced by IFN‐α in vitro and prevented vascular injury in pristane‐induced SLE model in vivo. In conclusion, we confirmed that activated pDCs promoted vascular damage and the dysfunction of ECs/EPCs via IFN‐α production. IFN‐α‐neutralizing antibody may be a clinical implication for preventing vascular injury. PI3K signalling and AMPK signalling were associated with SLE‐associated vascular functions.
COVID‐19: Looking to the future of nursing: innovations & policy recommendations
Authors: Turale Sue
Published: May 2021

The impressive work of nurses, midwives and other health and emergency workers is far from over in the COVID‐19 pandemic. But opportunities to learn from adversity are being explored and enacted in many settings and locations. Many ideas, opinions, research findings, innovations in practice, and policy recommendations are described in this Special Issue of International Nursing Review, The Official Journal of the International Council of Nurses in Switzerland. The contents will help inform educators, policymakers, health reformers, researchers, governments, leaders and practitioners about nursing’s future. On International Nurses Day 2021, we dedicate this issue to the memory of the yet unknown number of nurses and midwives around the world who have died during this pandemic.
International Nurses Day 2021 literary contribution: At a fork in the research journey: a poem in resistance to publishing in highly ranked journals
Authors: Park Claire Su‐Yeon
Published: May 2021

In celebration of International Nurses Day 2021 and in critique of scholars who are driven to publish as many articles as possible in highly ranked journals, a short poem is offered here. This poem has resonance for the scholarly world in terms of questioning why we keep trying to be seen as successful scholars in the eyes of others employing a publish or perish mentality rather than pursuing the true purpose of our scholarly existence. The author asks nurses, ‘Why are you doing science’?
Laboratory infection rates and associated mortality of juvenile Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) from parasitic copepod (Salmincola californiensis)
Authors: Neal Travis , Kent Michael L. , Sanders Justin , Schreck Carl B. , Peterson James T.
Published: May 2021

Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) rearing in lakes and reservoirs above dams have been known to become heavily infected with an ectoparasitic copepod (Salmincola californiensis). Little is known about the factors that affect the parasite infection prevalence and intensity. However, previous research suggests that the parasite may negatively affect the fitness and survival of the host fish. The effect of water temperature, confinement and the density of the free‐swimming infectious stage of S. californiensis, the copepodid, on infection prevalence and intensity was evaluated by experimentally exposing juvenile Chinook Salmon (O. tshawytscha). Infection rates observed in wild populations were achieved under warm water (15–16°C) and high copepodid density (150–300/L) treatment conditions. Infection prevalence and intensity were also significantly higher in larger fish. During the infection experiment, 4.5% of infected fish died within 54 days with mortality significantly related to copepod infection intensity. The potential for autoinfection was compared to cross‐infection by cohabitation of infected fish with naïve fish. Previously infected fish had significantly greater infection intensity compared with naïve fish, indicating that infected fish can be reinfected and that they may be more susceptible than naïve fish.
Intervening on health literacy by knowledge translation processes in kidney transplantation: A feasibility study
Authors: Andersen Marit H. , Urstad Kristin H. , Larsen Marie H. , Henrichsen Gina Fraas , Engebretsen Eivind , Ødemark John , Stenehjem Aud‐Eldrid , Reisæter Anna V. , Nordlie Arve , Wahl Astrid K.
Published: May 2021

Background

Patients awaiting kidney transplantation need to be prepared ahead of the upcoming transplantation by developing targeted pre‐ and post‐transplant knowledge. On this background, we designed a new health literacy intervention, including a film and a counselling session, based on motivational interviewing for dialysis patients provided by dialysis nurses.

Aim

To explore patients' and nurses' experiences of the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, focusing on the patient as a prepared knowledge actor.

Design

An explorative qualitative study.

Participants and Methods

Data included in‐depth interviews with nine patients and three nurses who participated in the intervention. The interviews were audiotaped and analysed following Kvale and Brinkmann's method for thematic data analysis.

Findings

Three main themes were identified: a different kind of health intervention stimulating new insight; a challenging kind of health conversation and changed relationships and increased security.

Conclusions

Both the patients and the nurses had an overall positive attitude toward the intervention, providing a kind of dialogue to prepare dialysis patients going through kidney transplantation. The nurses found the MI methodology to be challenging. When introducing a comprehensive communication method like MI, potential training and supervision needs for the nurses must be addressed.
Diaries in intensive care units: An Italian qualitative study
Authors: Negro Alessandra , Villa Giulia , Zangrillo Alberto , Rosa Debora , Manara Duilio F.
Published: May 2021

Background

The literature emphasizes the importance of the intensive care unit (ICU) diary to fill the gaps and recover the delusional memories of patients admitted to ICU in order to build the history of their illness. The ICU diary is a measure originally intended to support the severely ill patient, but it would also seem to be useful for family members and carers. According to our analysis of the literature, this study is the first description of the contents of ICU diaries in the Italian context.

Aim

The aim of the study was to describe the contents of ICU patients' diaries filled in by their caregivers, in order to explore the experience and significance attributed to the diaries.

Design

A qualitative longitudinal narrative investigation was conducted at an ICU during the period from April 2016 to April 2017 with a sample composed of 32 families.

Methods

The participants were caregivers selected through purposive sampling. An ICU nurse explained the study to caregivers and offered the opportunity to participate.

Results

The sample included 32 diaries. Through the analysis we identified seven themes: future plans and memories; the people who care for the patient and the context; the love surrounding the patient; the clinical progression of the patient and the passage of time; what happens outside the patient's life; references to the usefulness/non‐usefulness of the diary; communication/reflection on the likely death of the patient.

Conclusions

Some themes emerged that have never explored in the literature, and it would be necessary to understand whether the themes that emerged depend on cultural issues.

Relevance to clinical practice

The diaries could be adapted to the Italian context and this could make the diary a common practice in Italy as well.
Overproduction of ABA in rootstocks alleviates salinity stress in tomato shoots
Authors: Martínez‐Andújar Cristina , Martínez‐Pérez Ascensión , Albacete Alfonso , Martínez‐Melgarejo Purificación A. , Dodd Ian C. , Thompson Andrew J. , Mohareb Fady , Estelles‐Lopez Lucia , Kevei Zoltan , Ferrández‐Ayela Almudena , Pérez‐Pérez José Manuel , Gifford Miriam L. , Pérez‐Alfocea Francisco
Published: May 2021

To determine whether root‐supplied ABA alleviates saline stress, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Sugar Drop) was grafted onto two independent lines (NCED OE) overexpressing the SlNCED1 gene (9‐cis‐epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase) and wild type rootstocks. After 200 days of saline irrigation (EC = 3.5 dS m−1), plants with NCED OE rootstocks had 30% higher fruit yield, but decreased root biomass and lateral root development. Although NCED OE rootstocks upregulated ABA‐signalling (AREB, ATHB12), ethylene‐related (ACCs, ERFs), aquaporin (PIPs) and stress‐related (TAS14, KIN, LEA) genes, downregulation of PYL ABA receptors and signalling components (WRKYs), ethylene synthesis (ACOs) and auxin‐responsive factors occurred. Elevated SlNCED1 expression enhanced ABA levels in reproductive tissue while ABA catabolites accumulated in leaf and xylem sap suggesting homeostatic mechanisms. NCED OE also reduced xylem cytokinin transport to the shoot and stimulated foliar 2‐isopentenyl adenine (iP) accumulation and phloem transport. Moreover, increased xylem GA3 levels in growing fruit trusses were associated with enhanced reproductive growth. Improved photosynthesis without changes in stomatal conductance was consistent with reduced stress sensitivity and hormone‐mediated alteration of leaf growth and mesophyll structure. Combined with increases in leaf nutrients and flavonoids, systemic changes in hormone balance could explain enhanced vigour, reproductive growth and yield under saline stress.
Managing Perishable Inventory Systems with Age‐differentiated Demand
Authors: Chen Shouchang , Li Yanzhi , Yang Yi , Zhou Weihua
Published: May 2021

We consider a periodic‐review perishable inventory system with multiple demand classes, each characterized by a different lost‐sales cost and the least freshness requirement. Demands of different classes in the same period could be correlated, while demands across periods are independent but not necessarily identical. In each period, the firm jointly makes the decisions regarding demand fulfillment, production/ordering, and disposal. The objective is to minimize the total discounted expected cost over the entire planning horizon including linear ordering cost, inventory holding/lost‐sales cost, expiration cost, and disposal cost. By establishing new properties of multimodularity, we explore some monotonicity and bounded sensitivity properties of the optimal policies. The optimality analysis enables us to propose a novel approximation approach, called adaptive approximation approach, which can be recursively calculated through a single‐dimension dynamic program. Numerical studies demonstrate that our proposed approximation approach is nearly optimal with the average optimality gap 0.30% and significantly outperforms the existing heuristics in the literature.
Subsystems and ill‐fitting problems: Clarifying a concept
Authors: Lewallen Jonathan
Published: May 2021

Policy process scholars are increasingly attentive to issues that engage multiple subsystems, though they disagree on what the unit of analysis should be. Researchers have used the term “boundary spanning,” which already refers to a different class of institutions and actors, as well as variants of the terms wicked and messy problems without incorporating their full definitions. In this article, I argue that trans‐subsystem issues are better understood as “ill‐fitting problems” because they do not neatly fit into existing institutional jurisdictions. Jurisdictions are arbitrary rather than fixed, so our understanding of which problems stretch across subsystems depends on the political system or institution under study. I illustrate the match or mismatch between issues and institutional organization using data on attention to cybersecurity issues in U.S. congressional hearings from 1966 to 2014. Cybersecurity's widely varied attributes mean that multiple committees and the subsystems they represent compete for policymaking authority, while cybersecurity also competes for attention within each component subsystem. While the opposite phenomenon, “well‐fitting problems” are possible, endogenous and exogenous problem definition dynamics will worsen the fit between most issues and their governing arrangements. The clarified concept of ill‐fitting problems can support research into policy regimes, wicked problems, and complex systems.
Use of ammonium sulphate as a sulphur fertilizer: Implications for ammonia volatilization
Authors: Powlson David S. , Dawson Chris J.
Published: May 2021

Ammonium sulphate is widely used as a sulphur (S) fertilizer, constituting about 50% of global S use. Within nitrogen (N) management, it is well known that ammonium‐based fertilizers are subject to ammonia (NH3) volatilization in soils with pH > 7, but this has been overlooked in decision making on S fertilization. We reviewed 41 publications reporting measurements of NH3 loss from ammonium sulphate in 16 countries covering a wide range of soil types and climates. In field experiments, loss was mostly <5% of applied N in soils with pH (in water) <7.0. In soils with pH > 7.0, there was a wide range of losses (0%–66%), with many in the 20%–40% range and some indication of increased loss (ca. 5%–15%) in soils with pH 6.5–7.0. We estimate that replacing ammonium sulphate with a different form of S for arable crops could decrease NH3 emissions from this source by 90%, even taking account of likely emissions from alternative fertilizers to replace the N, but chosen for low NH3 emission. For every kt of ammonium sulphate replaced on soils of pH > 7.0 in temperate regions, NH3 emission would decrease from 35.7 to 3.6 t NH3. Other readily available sources of S include single superphosphate, potassium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, calcium sulphate dihydrate (gypsum), and polyhalite (Polysulphate). In view of the large areas of high pH soils globally, this change of S fertilizer selection would make a significant contribution to decreasing NH3 emissions worldwide, contributing to necessary cuts to meet agreed ceilings under the Gothenburg Convention.
Analysis of urban agglomeration structure through spatial network and mobile phone data
Authors: Liu Xintao , Huang Jianwei , Lai Jianhui , Zhang Junwei , Senousi Ahmad M. , Zhao Pengxiang
Published: May 2021

Urban agglomeration is an important strategy used to promote economic development and urbanization in China. Understanding the structure of urban agglomeration is therefore essential for policy‐makers and planners. In this study, the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration (BTHUG) is explored through a proposed spatial network analytical framework and a large mobile phone data set (over 20 million users). We first construct a weight‐directed spatial interaction network based on an origin–destination matrix derived from the data set. Several network metrics (i.e., degree, strength, the rich‐club coefficient, and the assortativity coefficient) and three selected community detection algorithms (i.e., Infomap, Louvain, and Regionalization) are applied and compared to reveal the structure of the BTHUG. A four‐level hierarchical structure is defined and observed: one global center, two local centers, major cities that have low mobility flow but strong linkages with the three centers, and peripheral cities that have low mobility flow and weak linkages with the three centers. In particular, the results imply that the spatial structure of the BTHUG is over‐dependent on the global center (i.e., Beijing and northern Langfang). Further, ignoring spatial interaction patterns in top‐down administrative planning for urban agglomeration may lead to ineffective integrated development. The implications for BTHUG planning are discussed.
Influence of multiple factors on hematologic reference intervals in horses residing in livery yards in Spain
Authors: Buendia Aranzazu , Teng Kendy Tzu‐Yun , Camino Eliazar , Dominguez Lucas , Cruz‐Lopez Fatima
Published: May 2021

The hemogram is a routine analysis for equine veterinary practitioners in the assessment of patient clinical status. Reference intervals (RIs) of hematologic constituents vary according to different horse populations and are often described for a particular breed or horse type. The aims of this study were to determine RIs for hematologic constituents in a mixed‐breed horse population residing in livery yards in central Spain and evaluate the associations between estimated RIs and multiple phenotypic and management characteristics. A total of 122 healthy horses from different breeds in central Spain were included in the study. RIs were calculated following the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. Significant associations between red blood cell (RBC) counts, packed cell volumes (PCVs), hemoglobin (HGB) concentrations, white blood cell (WBC) counts, and phenotypic and management features were evaluated using a novel multiple linear regression model analysis. Reference intervals were 5.8‐10.0 × 1012/L for RBCs, 97‐164 g/L for HGB, 0.27‐0.46 L/L for PCVs, 37.1‐53.6 fL for MCVs, 3.8‐10.8 × 109/L for WBCs, and 76.1‐377.9 × 109/L for platelet counts. The season, discipline, and housing when and where the horses were sampled were factors significantly associated with WBC counts and/or red cell values (HGB, RBC, and PCV). Hematologic RIs for these horses were comparable to the RIs of warm‐blooded horses and influenced by husbandry. These location‐specific RIs should allow veterinary practitioners to make better‐informed decisions for their patients residing in livery yards.