bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The draw of dysfunction: India’s urban infrastructure in skateboard video
Authors: McDuie‐Ra Duncan
Published: February 2022

India’s urban infrastructure is maligned for its breakdowns, inefficiencies, and inequities, and popular resentment at dysfunctional infrastructure is constant in public life. This article focuses on the surprising desire for India’s urban infrastructure among skateboarders. Skateboarders are drawn to India’s urban infrastructure because of its dysfunction, its seemingly unfinished nature. I explore these relationships by analysing four skate videos and making three arguments. First, infrastructure attracts skateboarders for possibilities of creative interpretation and appropriation, on‐camera aesthetics, and the encounters generated between mostly foreign (though not always “western”) skaters and local urban dwellers. Second, far from isolated moments, the appropriation of India’s infrastructure is captured and circulated to an audience of millions in skateboard videos. Third, skate video presents urban India as a frontier in its subcultural geographic and cartographic imagination; although over two decades India’s cities have drifted closer to skateboarding’s core; concrete and steel replacing cows and festivals on screen. The article closes by exploring the implications for skateboarding—a subculture built on disrupting the city, hacking its infrastructure, moving against its flows—when operating in spaces where disruption is the essential condition of everyday life, and how this is transmitted to an adjacent viewing public.
Yield gaps of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) in livestock systems of Argentina
Authors: Jáuregui José Martín , Ojeda Jonathan J. , Berone Germán Darío , Lattanzi Fernando Alfredo , Baudracco Javier , Fariña Santiago Rafael , Moot Derrick J.
Published: February 2022

Argentina grows the second‐largest area of lucerne in the world. Despite its importance, a yield gap exists between potential and measured yields, but factors contributing to it are still unclear. This study aimed to identify management factors and research needs to reduce the lucerne yield gap to improve the livestock systems in this region. We used meteorological data coupled with lucerne crop modelling and measured yields from the National Lucerne Cultivar Evaluation Network (NLCEN) to quantify the lucerne yield gap in nine sites located within the Argentinian Pampas (between parallels 30–45°S and meridians 58–65°W) and three sites outside the Pampas. Specifically, we used the model developed by McCall & Bishop‐Hurley (2003), adapted and calibrated for lucerne in Argentina by Berone et al. (2017) to estimate the potential yield (PY) for 12 locations (three irrigated and nine rainfed), and compared those results with measured yields from the NLCEN to calculate yield gaps. We found the average available photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) and temperatures were sufficient to achieve 21.5 ± 3.7 t dry matter (DM) ha−1 yr−1 under rainfed conditions (environments with mean annual rainfall from 400 to 1,200 mm). However, the average measured yield from the NLCEN was 16.8 ± 2.4 t DM ha−1 yr−1 (a 22% gap). Potential yields ranged between 10 and 25 t DM ha−1 yr−1 under rainfed conditions and between 25 and 39 t DM ha−1 yr−1 for irrigated crops. As latitude increased rainfed locations had lower yields, while irrigated locations had higher yields. Adding irrigation was predicted to increase yields to 35.4 ± 2.0 t DM ha−1 yr−1 (a 53% gap) in rainfed sites. For irrigated locations, the gap was smaller (27.3 ± 3.5 vs 32.4 ± 2.2 t DM ha−1 yr−1 for measured vs potential yield, respectively), and most likely linked to nutrient deficits. Also, current grazing management was estimated to achieve approximately 50% less grazing efficiency than optimal grazing management. Our results demonstrated that the livestock industry can potentially increase animal production under current environmental conditions. The four main adjustments to achieve this are increased use of irrigation, increased use of fertilisers, earlier commencement of grazing in spring and increased stocking rates. The costs of irrigation, fertilisers and grazing management are envisaged to be small compared with potential increases in incomes and thus profitability available to beef and dairy farmers using lucerne as a major feed source in Argentina.
Australia's First Nations
Authors: Merlan Francesca Cordelia
Published: February 2022

Since the 1990s, the term “nation” for Indigenous Australian groups has emerged, along with an increasingly common phrase “First Nations,” used both by Indigenous groups in self‐reference and by others in reference to them. This article examines the multiple sources of nation and its emergence in Australia as a contemporary form of Indigenous political discourse. Following a history of repeated dismissal of representative organizations by the Australian state, collective gains in recognition and legal visibility of Indigenous people, globally and nationally, have motivated a search for persuasive forms of organization that can command political authority between local social forms and governments, businesses, and other entities. Treaties are commonly understood as between distinct “nations,” but—notoriously—the Australian state did not negotiate treaties with Indigenous people. The emergence of “nation” is aspirational and double‐sided: it responds to dominant Australian conditions and political demands but retains much that is distinctive of Aboriginal social process rather than erasing it in the socio‐political innovation of nationhood. The rise of Australian Indigenous “nations,” recent and partial, sheds light both on persistence in Indigenous action and extension of governmental power into Indigenous domains—the “post‐” of settler colonialism.
Variable selection and debiased estimation for single‐index expectile model
Authors: Jiang Rong , Peng Yexun , Deng Yufei
Published: February 2022

This article develops a penalised asymmetric least squares estimator for single‐index expectile model. The oracle property of the proposed estimator is established. Moreover, the debiasing technique is used to construct an estimator that is asymptotically normal, which enables the construction of valid confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Simulation studies and one real data application are conducted to illustrate the finite sample performance of the proposed methods.
Effect of ethanol washing on porcine pulmonary artery wall decellularization using sodium dodecyl sulfate
Authors: Kim Hyungtae , Choi Kwang Ho , Sung Si Chan , Kim Young Suk
Published: February 2022

Background

To determine the effectiveness of ethanol (EtOH) washing on porcine pulmonary artery (PA) wall decellularization using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), we compared three different washing methods (phosphate‐buffered saline [PBS], pH 9 alkali, and EtOH washing).

Methods

Fresh porcine PA walls were decellularized using 0.5% SDS and 0.5% sodium deoxycholate (SDC). The decellularized tissues were rinsed using three different washing techniques. Histological, biochemical, and mechanical analyses were conducted. Implantation into the subcutaneous tissue of rats and patch implantation into the carotid artery of dogs were performed as preliminary in vivo studies.

Results

The decellularization protocol based on SDS and SDC effectively removed the cells. The major extracellular matrix (ECM) structures (collagen, elastic fiber, and glycosaminoglycan) were properly preserved with the 75% EtOH‐washing method. Significantly reduced residual SDS content was identified in EtOH‐washed tissues compared to that in the other methods. No significant difference in the mechanical strength test was observed between the washing methods, and the EtOH‐washing method showed better results in the metabolic activity test compared to the PBS‐washing method. In the rat study model, no acute rejection or massive calcification was observed. The in vivo preliminary canine study showed better cell repopulation in the EtOH‐washed group.

Conclusion

EtOH washing of SDS‐based decellularized porcine PA wall can reduce the residual SDS content and preserve ECM structures, especially the elastin content, and could also enhance cell repopulation after re‐implantation.
Overt hepatic encephalopathy is an independent risk factor for de novo infection in cirrhotic patients with acute decompensation
Authors: Alabsawy Eman , Shalimar  , Sheikh Mohammed Faisal , Ballester Maria Pilar , Acharya Subrat Kumar , Agarwal Banwari , Jalan Rajiv
Published: February 2022

Background

The occurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) is associated with increased mortality. HE is commonly precipitated by infection, but whether HE predisposes to new infection is unclear. This study aimed to test if OHE predisposes to de novo infection during hospitalisation and its association with short‐term mortality.

Aims and Methods

Seven hundred and fifty‐nine consecutive patients were identified at two institutions from prospectively maintained clinical databases of cirrhotic patients admitted with acute decompensation (AD). Infection and HE data were collected on the day of admission, and the occurrence of de novo infections was assessed for 28 days after admission. EASL‐CLIF organ failure criteria were used to determine the presence of organ failures. Multivariable analysis using the logistic regression model was used to assess predictors of 28‐day mortality and de novo infection.

Results

Patients were divided into four groups; no baseline OHE or infection (n = 352); OHE with no baseline Infection (n = 221); no OHE but baseline infection (n = 100) and OHE with baseline infection (n = 86). On multivariate analyses, OHE (OR, 1.532 [95% CI, 1.061–2.300,P = 0.024]), and admission to ITU (OR, 2.303 [95% CI, 1.508–3.517,P < 0.001]) were independent risk factors for de novo infection. 28‐day mortality was 25.3%, 60.2%, 55.0% and 72.1% in the 4‐groups respectively. Age, INR and creatinine were independently predictive of mortality. The presence of overt HE, infection, coagulation, kidney, circulatory, respiratory and liver failures were significantly associated with higher mortality.

Conclusion

OHE is an independent risk factor for de novo infection in cirrhotic patients with AD.
Modification of a GnRH‐based system to synchronise oestrus in Bos indicus cattle improves pregnancy rates to AI in heifers but not cows
Authors: Cavalieri J , Das S
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate if modification of a gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) based protocol to synchronise oestrus in Bos indicus cattle will improve response rates to the first administration of GnRH and improve pregnancy rates to artificial insemination (AI).

Design

Randomised control study.

Methods

Bos indicus heifers, nonlactating and lactating cows allocated to a GnRH‐18 treatment (n = 237) were treated with an intravaginal device (IVD) and cloprostenol (0.5 mg IM) on day −11 and on day 0 remaining animals in the GnRH‐7 treatment (n = 222) were administered an IVD and every animal was treated with GnRH (100 μg IM). On day 7, equine chorionic gonadotrophin (400 IU IM) and cloprostenol were administered and IVD's were removed. Animals detected in oestrus on day 9 were artificially inseminated while those not detected in oestrus were administered GnRH (100 μg IM) at 1700 hours and inseminated on day 10. Bulls were inserted 2 weeks after completion of AI and remained until day 65.

Results

The GnRH‐18 protocol increased the diameter of the largest follicle in the ovary on day 0, increased the percentage of new CL's induced after day 0 (46.3% vs 36.1%, for GnRH‐18 and GnRH‐7; P = 0.022), decreased circulating concentrations of progesterone on day 7 and increased odds of pregnancy to AI in heifers but not in nonlactating and lactating cows.

Conclusion

Treatment with the GnRH‐18 compared to the GnRH‐7 protocol increased pregnancy rates to AI in heifers but not in nonlactating or lactating cows.
Are brand names special words? Letter visual‐similarity affects the identification of brand names, but not common words
Authors: Perea Manuel , Baciero Ana , Labusch Melanie , Fernández‐López María , Marcet Ana
Published: February 2022

Brand names are often considered a special type of words of special relevance to examine the role of visual codes during reading: unlike common words, brand names are typically presented with the same letter‐case configuration (e.g., IKEA, adidas). Recently, Pathak et al. (European Journal of Marketing, 2019,53, 2109) found an effect of visual similarity for misspelled brand names when the participants had to decide whether the brand name was spelled correctly or not (e.g., tacebook [baseword: facebook] was responded more slowly and less accurately than xacebook). This finding is at odds with both orthographically based visual‐word recognition models and prior experiments using misspelled common words (e.g., viotin [baseword:violin] is identified as fast asviocin). To solve this puzzle, we designed two experiments in which the participants had to decide whether the presented item was written correctly. In Experiment 1, following a procedure similar to Pathak et al. (European Journal of Marketing, 2019,53, 2109), we examined the effect of visual similarity on misspelled brand names with/without graphical information (e.g.,anazonvs.atazon[baseword:amazon]). Experiment 2 was parallel to Experiment 1, but we focused on misspelled common words (e.g.,anarillovs.atarillo; baseword:amarillo[yellow in Spanish]). Results showed a sizeable effect of visual similarity on misspelled brand names – regardless of their graphical information, but not on misspelled common words. These findings suggest that visual codes play a greater role when identifying brand names than common words. We examined how models of visual‐word recognition can account for this dissociation.
Robust determinants of the shadow economy
Authors: Zhanabekov Sarsen
Published: February 2022

This study examines the determinants of the shadow economy by employing Bayesian Model Averaging technique, which allows taking into account model uncertainty. Having estimated millions of combinations of models, the study revealed that while higher GDP growth rate, trade openness, and better institutional quality lead to the reduction of the informal sector, higher rate of unemployment, complicated regulations, and the large size of government are associated with a greater size of the shadow economy. Lessening bureaucratic complexity by eliminating burdensome regulations could help to reduce both wasteful spending of government on operating these regulations and the size of the underground economy.
An updated Weichselian chronostratigraphic framework of the Kongsfjorden Trough Mouth Fan and its implications for the glacial history of Svalbard
Authors: Wiberg Daniel Hesjedal , Haflidason Haflidi , Laberg Jan Sverre
Published: February 2022

The Arctic is a climate‐sensitive area, responding rapidly to present changes, but for the past changes, the record is still incomplete. For instance, the Weichselian glacial history of the Svalbard–Barents Sea Ice Sheet (SBIS) has largely been reconstructed based on studies of the fragmentary Spitsbergen terrestrial and shelf records. However, the sediments removed from the land and shelf areas during peak glacials were deposited on trough mouth fans located along the continental slope. By studying the stratigraphy and processes of the trough mouth fans, comprising a more complete sediment archive, our new data have allowed gaps in the Weichselian glacial history of the SBIS to be refined and filled. Here we present new lithological and geochronological data from the Kongsfjorden Trough Mouth Fan, closely linked to the advance and decay of the SBIS. High‐resolution TOPAS seismic profiles reveal three distinct packages of glacigenic debris flows (GDFs) within its upper stratigraphy, each interpreted to represent an advance of the SBIS to the shelf edge. A radiocarbon dated, 12.6‐m‐long core from the southern flank of the Kongsfjorden Trough Mouth Fan penetrates trough sediments directly linked to the youngest GDF package and terminates in the second GDF, allowing us to study the last two Kongsfjorden ice‐stream advances in greater detail than was previously possible. The age model of core GS10‐164‐09PC, based on combining 14C‐, 18O‐stable isotope and magnetic susceptibility data, spans the last ~54 ka. An Early Weichselian glacial advance is tentatively dated to have ended at ~90 ka. A second peak glaciation is estimated at ~70 ka, followed by a deglaciation from ~54 ka. An ice rafted debris‐rich unit (U7) dated between 38 and 34 ka, followed by a plumite (U6), indicates an advance of unknown extent. The Last Glacial Maximum advance is dated to before 24 ka BP, followed by a rapid deglaciation at ~15 ka. The presence of coarser‐grained sorted sediments at the present seafloor is attributed to the influence of the West‐Spitsbergen Current, acting on water depths of at least 846 m, and is thought to have worked in the vicinity of the coring site since ~14 ka BP.
Community guidelines for GPCR ligand bias: IUPHAR review 32
Authors: Kolb Peter , Kenakin Terry , Alexander Stephen P. H. , Bermudez Marcel , Bohn Laura M. , Breinholt Christian S. , Bouvier Michel , Hill Stephen J. , Kostenis Evi , Martemyanov Kirill A. , Neubig Rick R. , Onaran H. Ongun , Rajagopal Sudarshan , Roth Bryan L. , Selent Jana , Shukla Arun K. , Sommer Martha E. , Gloriam David E.
Published: February 2022

GPCRs modulate a plethora of physiological processes and mediate the effects of one‐third of FDA‐approved drugs. Depending on which ligand activates a receptor, it can engage different intracellular transducers. This ‘biased signalling’ paradigm requires that we now characterize physiological signalling not just by receptors but by ligand–receptor pairs. Ligands eliciting biased signalling may constitute better drugs with higher efficacy and fewer adverse effects. However, ligand bias is very complex, making reproducibility and description challenging. Here, we provide guidelines and terminology for any scientists to design and report ligand bias experiments. The guidelines will aid consistency and clarity, as the basic receptor research and drug discovery communities continue to advance our understanding and exploitation of ligand bias. Scientific insight, biosensors, and analytical methods are still evolving and should benefit from and contribute to the implementation of the guidelines, together improving translation from in vitro to disease‐relevant in vivo models.
Distinct leaf water potential regulation of tree species and vegetation types across the Cerrado–Amazonia transition
Authors: Soares Jancoski Halina , Schwantes Marimon Beatriz , C. Scalon Marina , de V. Barros Fernanda , Marimon‐Junior Ben Hur , Carvalho Eder , S. Oliveira Rafael , Oliveras Menor Imma
Published: February 2022

The Cerrado–Amazonia transition harbors forest and savanna formations under the influence of pronounced climate seasonality; however, the water use strategies of this key region is not yet well understood. This study aimed at deciphering in intra‐ and interspecific variability in leaf water potential regulation among species across three distinct vegetation types (typical cerrado, cerradão, and semideciduous seasonal forest) of the Cerrado–Amazonia transition region. We expected a variation across iso/anisohydric strategies driven by plant–environment interactions and by species attributes (phenology and wood density). We selected 21 dominant species (seven per vegetation type), recorded their phenological strategy and wood density, and measured leaf water potential (Ψl) during the dry and rainy seasons to analyze variations associated with minimum Ψl, predawn Ψl (ΔΨpd), and midday Ψl (ΔΨmd) under the effect of variable vapor pressure deficit (VPD). The variation in Ψl across species was higher in the dry season than in the rainy season for all vegetation types. Most species from typical cerrado and cerradão showed similar behavior patterns, with higher Ψl regulation under high VPD and lower ΔΨpd. In contrast, most forest species showed lower regulation under high VPD, and higher ΔΨpd. Total or partial deciduousness together with strong stomatal regulation seems to be common water regulation strategies in the dry season for cerrado species but not for forest species. Our results suggest that, if drought events become more intense and frequent as predicted, seasonal forest species may be more vulnerable due to their lower Ψl regulation.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Creation of a neovascular age‐related macular degeneration national database using a web‐based platform: Fight Retinal Blindness Spain. Report 1: Visual outcomes
Authors: Zarranz‐Ventura Javier , Parrado‐Carrillo Alba , Nguyen Vuong , Sararols Laura , Garay‐Aramburu Gonzaga , Puzo Martín , Arruabarrena Carolina , Figueras‐Roca Marc , Gillies Mark C. , Casaroli‐Marano Ricardo P. ,   from the writing committee of the Fight Retinal Blindness Spain (FRB! Spain) Users Group
Published: February 2022

Background

To study the visual outcomes of neovascular AMD (nAMD) treated with anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs at national level.

Methods

Multicenter national database of nAMD eyes treated with anti‐VEGF intravitreal injections (ranibizumab, aflibercept, bevacizumab) in fixed bimonthly (FB) or treat‐and‐extend (TAE) regimens. Demographics, visual acuity (VA) in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) ETDRS letters at baseline and subsequent visits, number of injections and visits data were collected using a validated web‐based tool (Fight Retinal Blindness!).

Results

1273 eyes (1014 patients) were included, 971 treatment naïve (TN) and 302 previously treated (PT). Baseline VA (mean ± SD) was 57.5 (±19.5) and 62.2 (±17) (p > 0.001), and 24 months final VA was 60.4 (±21.2) and 58.8 (±21.1) (p = 0.326), respectively. Mean VA change at 12/24 months was +4.2/+2.9 letters in TN eyes and +0.1/−3.4 letters in PT eyes (p < 0.001/p < 0.001). The percentage of ≥15 letters gainers/losers at 24 months was 24.8%/14.5% in TN, and 10.3%/15.7% in PT eyes. The median number of injections/visits at 12 months was 7/9 in TN and 6/8 in PT (p = 0.002/p < 0.001) and at 24 months was 11/16 in TN and 11/14 in PT (p = 0.329/p < 0.001). Study drugs included ranibizumab (39.5%), aflibercept (41.2%) and bevacizumab (19.3%).

Conclusion

Independent, large‐scale national audits are feasible if committed health care professionals are provided with efficient information technology systems to do them. The results described here represent an adequate measurement of the quality of care delivered nationwide and benchmark the clinical management of nAMD at a country level compared to other real‐world international cohorts.
Multidimensional evaluation of the learning curve for laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision for right colon cancer: a risk‐adjusted cumulative summation analysis
Authors: Giani Alessandro , Veronesi Valentina , Bertoglio Camillo Leonardo , Mazzola Michele , Bernasconi Davide Paolo , Grimaldi Simona , Gualtierotti Monica , Magistro Carmelo , Ferrari Giovanni
Published: February 2022

Aim

Despite the suggested potential benefit of complete mesocolic excision (CME) for right‐sided colon cancer (RCC) for patient survival, concerns about its safety and feasibility have contributed to delayed acceptance of the procedure, especially when performed by a minimally invasive approach. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the actual learning curve (LC) of laparoscopic CME for experienced colorectal surgeons.

Method

Prospectively collected data for consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic CME for RCC between October 2015 and January 2021 at our institution, operated on by experienced surgeons, were analysed. A multidimensional assessment of the LC was performed through cumulative sum (CUSUM) and risk‐adjusted (RA) CUSUM analysis.

Results

Two hundred and two patients operated by on by three surgeons were considered. The CUSUM graphs based on operating time showed one peak of the curve between 17 and 27 cases. The CUSUM graphs based on surgical failure showed one peak of the curve between 20 and 24 cases The RA‐CUSUM curve also showed one preeminent peak at 24–33 cases. Based on the CUSUM and RA‐CUSUM analyses all the surgeons reached proficiency in 24–33 cases.

Conclusions

Our study showed that an experienced minimally invasive colorectal surgeon acquires proficiency in laparoscopic CME for RCC after performing 24–33 cases.
Technocracy in a time of changing values: Wildlife conservation and the “relevancy” of governance reform
Authors: Sullivan Leeann M. , Manfredo Michael J. , Teel Tara L.
Published: February 2022

Calls for organizational change have pervaded wildlife conservation in recent decades, driven by a shift in values that is reshaping the social landscape of wildlife management. As this process unfolds, wildlife agencies in North America seek new ways to remain relevant, focusing primarily on how they might expand support for their ongoing work. Less attention, however, has been given to expanding opportunities for a value‐diverse public to directly shape what that work might entail. As citizen ballot initiatives, lawsuits, and other forms of political intervention continue to complicate wildlife management, we ask whether agencies—who have historically shied away from value‐based conflict in pursuit of apolitical scientific management—can remain relevant without fundamental changes to their governance structures. Using data from a 2018 survey of wildlife values among the American public (n = 24,393) and state wildlife agency employees (n = 10,191), we explore the extent to which public values are mirrored within wildlife agencies and examine the implications of a “values gap” on the long‐term sustainability of technocratic wildlife management. Findings suggest that as the public's perspectives on wildlife conservation change, governance reform may become a growing area of focus in the years ahead.
Reenvisioning the university education needs of wildlife conservation professionals in the United States
Authors: Teel Tara L. , Bruyere Brett , Dayer Ashley , Stoner Kathryn E. , Bishop Chad , Bruskotter Jeremy , Freeman Stephanie , Newmark Jennifer , Jager Corey , Manfredo Michael J.
Published: February 2022

The future viability of wildlife conservation in the United States hinges on the field's ability to adapt to changing social–ecological conditions including shifting societal values and mounting pressures to engage a greater diversity of voices in decision‐making. As wildlife agencies respond to calls to broaden their relevance amid such changes, there is a need to consider the role of university education programs in preparing future wildlife professionals to meet the challenges of this new era. We identify four core areas of competency (technical, leadership, administrative, and adaptive) for universities to consider integrating into new or existing programs to support the emergent needs of the wildlife profession. We focus on undergraduate degree programs as a critical foundation for wildlife‐related careers but also recommend consideration of these skill sets in other areas of professional development including graduate education. Our approach acknowledges the importance of building on traditional areas of expertise such as biology and expanding them to include more interdisciplinary training in areas such as systems approaches, the social sciences, and organizational change. We conclude with recommendations for implementation, highlighting several successful examples, for universities to contemplate as they explore programmatic changes to help build greater capacity for wildlife conservation in the 21st century.
Evaluating an Aboriginal community controlled residential alcohol and other drug services: Use of benchmarking to examine within treatment changes in wellbeing
Authors: Kelly Peter J. , Coyte Joe , Robinson Laura D. , Deane Frank P. , Russell Sophie , Clapham Kathleen , Dale Elizabeth , Longbottom Marlene , Solley Ryan , Baker Amanda L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCO) have an important role in the Australian health‐care sector. However, there has been a lack of research evaluating ACCOs in the treatment of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. Using a benchmarking approach, the present study examined within treatment changes on measures of wellbeing for people attending a residential AOD ACCO.

Methods

The study focused on The Glen, an AOD residential treatment service that is managed by the Ngaimpe Aboriginal Corporation (n = 775). The Glen is a male‐only service and provides treatment to both Indigenous and non‐Indigenous men. The evaluation focused on measures of wellbeing (i.e. symptom distress and quality of life) collected at intake, 30 and 60 days during the person's stay. Comparative benchmarking was conducted with a cohort of men who were attending non‐ACCO residential AOD treatment services (n = 4457).

Results

The Glen participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements on measures of wellbeing. The Glen participants were more likely to complete treatment than participants attending non‐ACCO services. Likewise, Indigenous people attending The Glen were more likely to complete treatment (compared to Indigenous people attending non‐ACCO services). Rates of reliable and clinically significant change suggested that changes in quality of life were largely equivalent between The Glen and non‐ACCO services, while participants attending The Glen tended to demonstrate larger reductions in symptom distress compared to the non‐ACCO services.

Discussion and Conclusion

The study provides further support for the important role that ACCOs play in supporting Indigenous people in their recovery.
Correlates of e‐cigarette use before and after comprehensive regulatory changes and e‐liquid flavour ban among general population
Authors: Ruokolainen Otto , Ollila Hanna , Karjalainen Karoliina
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In 2016, the Finnish Tobacco Act was revised to harmonise e‐cigarette regulations with the EU Tobacco Products Directive. Unlike before, the sale of nicotine‐containing e‐liquids was allowed while additional national regulations included, for example, a ban for other than unflavoured and tobacco‐flavoured e‐liquids. This study examines the correlates of e‐cigarette use before and after the comprehensive regulatory change, and characteristics and correlates of flavoured e‐cigarette use after the flavour ban in the general Finnish population.

Methods

Repeated cross‐sectional population‐based drug surveys for 15–69‐year‐olds in 2014 (n = 3485; 50% response rate) and in 2018 (n = 3229; 46%). Correlates of e‐cigarette use were studied with logistic regression models.

Results

Current e‐cigarette use remained infrequent (approximately 2%) and the correlates of e‐cigarette use varied only slightly between the study years. In 2018, of past‐year e‐cigarette users (n = 316), 43% used unflavoured e‐liquids, 24% used tobacco and 43% used other flavours, fruits being the most common. In univariate models, demographic variables, smoking and e‐cigarette use‐related factors were associated with flavoured e‐cigarette use. In multivariable models, those who used e‐cigarettes to experiment used unflavoured e‐cigarettes more likely than other than tobacco flavours (odds ratio 3.00, 95% confidence interval 1.15–7.82).

Discussion and Conclusions

In Finland, the regulated entry of nicotine‐containing e‐liquids to retail sales has not led to increased e‐cigarette use in the general population. After the flavour ban, other than tobacco‐flavoured e‐cigarette use still occurs. The use of flavoured e‐cigarettes is associated with reasons for e‐cigarette use. Flavoured e‐cigarette use and its correlates warrant further monitoring.
Clinico‐radiological characteristics of anti‐myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated autoimmune encephalitis in children
Authors: Han Ji Yeon , Kim Soo Yeon , Kim Hunmin , Hwang Hee , Choi Jieun , Chae Jong‐Hee , Kim Ki Joong , Cheon Jung‐Eun , Lim Byung Chan
Published: February 2022

Aim

To investigate the clinical characteristics and prevalence of paediatric anti‐myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody‐associated autoimmune encephalitis.

Method

A total of 94 paediatric patients (46 males, 48 females, median age 9 years 5 months, range: 8 months–17 years 8 months) with autoimmune encephalitis were recruited at Seoul National University Children’s Hospital. We evaluated autoantibody status and identified patients with anti‐MOG antibody‐associated autoimmune encephalitis. Retrospective reviews of medical records were performed to describe clinical presentations, laboratory findings, treatments, and outcomes.

Results

Eight patients (five males, three females, median age 11 years 9 months) with anti‐MOG antibody‐associated encephalitis were identified (8.5% of those with autoimmune encephalitis), one of whom was copositive for anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibodies. Anti‐NMDAR antibodies were identified in 23 patients (23 out of 94, 24.5%). Unilateral or bilateral cortical involvement was identified in five patients. Focal contrast enhancement was also identified in three of the five patients with cortical lesions. All patients showed favourable response to immunotherapy with a Modified Rankin Scale ≤2 at the last follow‐up. Relapse was found in one patient and clinico‐radiological remission was achieved with cyclic intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.

Interpretation

Anti‐MOG antibody‐associated encephalitis accounts for a significant proportion of clinically defined paediatric patients with autoimmune encephalitis. Anti‐MOG antibody‐associated encephalitis should be included in the clinical spectrum of anti‐MOG‐associated diseases.
A pilot study of a mindfulness informed yoga intervention in young people with psychosis
Authors: O'Dea Destiny , Curtis Jackie , Scully Alana , Lappin Julia
Published: February 2022

Aim

To determine the acceptability and safety of a mindfulness informed yoga intervention as adjunct to usual care for young people with early psychosis.

Methods

People aged 16–25 years attending a community‐based specialist early psychosis clinic were invited to participate in a 12‐week yoga intervention. The intervention consisted of 1‐h weekly classes of mindfulness informed yoga. Acceptability was measured by uptake, attendance and participants' satisfaction. Safety was measured by incidence of physical injury, participants' level of comfort, distress and anxiety during the sessions, and the following mental health outcomes: positive and negative psychotic, depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, sleep quality and functioning.

Results

Of those who consented to the study, 80% (12) participated and on average attended 4.4 yoga classes. There were no physical injuries and participants reported minimal distress and anxiety. Post‐intervention, there was a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms and an improvement in function.

Conclusions

Mindfulness‐based yoga interventions are both acceptable and safe as an intervention for youth with early psychosis. Though numbers were small, the study shows promise for yoga as a potentially useful intervention. Importantly, there was no deterioration in mental health outcomes. A larger trial evaluating clinical effectiveness is now timely.
Detection of risk for future depression among adolescents: Stakeholder views of acceptability and feasibility in the United Kingdom
Authors: Burgess Abigail , Wahid Syed Shabab , Ottman Katherine , Kieling Christian , Mondelli Valeria , Kohrt Brandon A. , Fisher Helen L.
Published: February 2022

Aim: Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses globally and a leading cause of disability. It is often established by late adolescence and thus identifying which adolescents are most at risk is crucial to enable early intervention to prevent depression onset. We have previously developed a risk calculator to stratify which adolescents are at high risk of developing depression and in this study explore the views of stakeholders to ascertain the acceptability and feasibility of implementing such a tool in the UK.

Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 60 UK‐based stakeholders (12 healthcare workers, 12 social workers, 12 school workers, 12 policymakers and 12 parents). Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed drawing on framework analysis techniques in NVivo 12.

Results: Six overarching themes were identified: facilitators of acceptability; barriers to acceptability; role of stakeholders in implementing risk screening; feasibility of delivering the risk calculator in practice; barriers to implementation; and policy and system implications of using it in the current UK health and social care climate. The implementation of a depression risk calculator in the UK was seen as largely acceptable and feasible by most respondents. There was a strong emphasis on the utility of schools to implement this risk calculator, although it was recognized that training and support would be essential.

Conclusions: Stakeholders were generally positive about utilizing a tool to screen for risk of future depression among adolescents in the UK but raised important concerns which should be taken into account before implementation.
Application of 3D‐printed teeth models in teaching dentistry students: A scoping review
Authors: Dobroś Katarzyna , Hajto‐Bryk Justyna , Zarzecka Joanna
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Both regular teaching of dentistry students and various training schemes for dentists primarily make use of the series teeth models, resin blocks or extracted teeth, whereas the 3D teeth models may well offer an alternative in this respect.

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE were searched in September 2020. Eligibility of the studies was determined on whether they had made use of the 3D‐printed teeth models in both pre‐ and post‐graduate education in dentistry.

Results

The final review embraced 15 studies. There were 659 (89.54%) student participants, and 77 (10.46%) dentists involved in those studies. Five studies addressed the prosthetic and surgical procedures, two—endodontics, one—paediatric dentistry and one—trauma management. The 3D‐printed models were also used in the study focused on enhancing the students’ manual dexterity, whilst making use of the PhantHome tool.

Discussion

The 3D‐printed teeth models developed for teaching purposes are used in various areas of dentistry. Their overall usefulness in acquiring the necessary hands‐on skills for clinical work was acknowledged in all the studies under review, regardless of a specific procedure at issue. The 3D models effectively eliminate the hazard of cross‐infection. Overall effectiveness of the soft tissue reproduction appears to be their weakest point indicated to date, especially in the surgical models.

Conclusions

The 3D‐printed teeth models provide an alternative to the extracted ones, and the series teeth models in regular teaching practice. Participants of the studies under review thoroughly recommend introducing 3D models into any hands‐on practice.
Soil carbon sequestration for climate change mitigation: Mineralization kinetics of organic inputs as an overlooked limitation
Authors: Berthelin Jacques , Laba Magdeline , Lemaire Gilles , Powlson David , Tessier Daniel , Wander Michelle , Baveye Philippe C.
Published: February 2022

Over the last few years, the question of whether soil carbon sequestration could contribute significantly to climate change mitigation has been the object of numerous debates. All of these debates so far appear to have entirely overlooked a crucial aspect of the question. It concerns the short‐term mineralization kinetics of fresh organic matter added to soils, which is occasionally alluded to in the literature, but is almost always subsumed in a broader modelling context. In the present article, we first summarise what is currently known about the kinetics of mineralization of plant residues added to soils, and about its modelling in the long run. We then argue that in the short run, this microbially‐mediated process has important practical consequences that cannot be ignored. Specifically, since at least 90% of plant residues added to soils to increase their carbon content over the long term are mineralized relatively rapidly and are released as CO2to the atmosphere, farmers would have to apply to their fields 10 times more organic carbon annually than what they would eventually expect to sequester. Over time, because of a well‐known sink saturation effect, the multiplier may even rise significantly above 10, up to a point when no net carbon sequestration takes place any longer. The requirement to add many times more carbon than what one aims to sequester makes it practically impossible to add sufficient amounts of crop residues to soils to have a lasting, non‐negligible effect on climate change. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that raising the organic matter content of soils is desirable for other reasons, in particular guaranteeing that soils will be able to keep fulfilling essential functions and services in spite of fast‐changing environmental conditions.

Highlights

Attempts to promote soil carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change have so far ignored the short‐term effects of the mineralization of plant residues added to soils.

Only about 10%, at most, of added plan residues remain in soils after mineralization by soil organisms.

To have a significant effect on climate change, farmers would need to add impractically large amounts of plant residues, requiring unrealistic nitrogen inputs.

Therefore, rather than as a mitigation strategy, farmers should aim to increase the carbon content of soils to make them resilient to climate change.
Sexual dimorphism in immune function and oxidative physiology across birds: The role of sexual selection
Authors: Vincze Orsolya , Vágási Csongor I. , Pénzes Janka , Szabó Krisztián , Magonyi Nóra M. , Czirják Gábor Á. , Pap Péter L.
Published: February 2022

Sex‐specific physiology is commonly reported in animals, often indicating lower immune indices and higher oxidative stress in males than in females. Sexual selection is argued to explain these differences, but empirical evidence is limited. Here, we explore sex differences in immunity, oxidative physiology and packed cell volume of wild, adult, breeding birds (97 species, 1997 individuals, 14 230 physiological measurements). We show that higher female immune indices are most common across birds (when bias is present), but oxidative physiology shows no general sex‐bias and packed cell volume is generally male‐biased. In contrast with predictions based on sexual selection, male‐biased sexual size dimorphism is associated with male‐biased immune measures. Sexual dichromatism, mating system and parental roles had no effect on sex‐specificity in physiology. Importantly, female‐biased immunity remained after accounting for sexual selection indices. We conclude that cross‐species differences in physiological sex‐bias are largely unrelated to sexual selection and alternative explanations should be explored.
Fusion of B‐mode and shear wave elastography ultrasound features for automated detection of axillary lymph node metastasis in breast carcinoma
Authors: Pham The‐Hanh , Faust Oliver , Koh Joel En Wei , Ciaccio Edward J. , Barua Prabal D. , Omar Norlia , Ng Wei Lin , Ab Mumin Nazimah , Rahmat Kartini , Acharya U. Rajendra
Published: February 2022

In this study, we evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of ultrasound for non‐invasive axillary lymph node (ALN) metastasis detection. The study was based on fusing shear wave elastography (SWE) and B‐mode ultrasonography (USG) images. These images were subjected to pre‐processing and feature extraction, based on bi‐dimensional empirical mode decomposition and higher order spectra methods. The resulting nonlinear features were ranked according to theirp‐value, which was established with Student'st‐test. The ranked features were used to train and test six classification algorithms with 10‐fold cross‐validation. Initially, we considered B‐mode USG images in isolation. A probabilistic neural network (PNN) classifier was able to discriminate positive from negative cases with an accuracy of 74.77% using 15 features. Subsequently, only SWE images were used and as before, the PNN classifier delivered the best result with an accuracy of 87.85% based on 47 features. Finally, we combined SWE and B‐mode USG images. Again, the PNN classifier delivered the best result with an accuracy of 89.72% based on 71 features. These three tests indicate that SWE images contain more diagnostically relevant information when compared with B‐mode USG. Furthermore, there is scope in fusing SWE and B‐mode USG to improve non‐invasive ALN metastasis detection.
The vascular impact of dapagliflozin, liraglutide, and atorvastatin alone or in combinations in type 2 diabetic rat model
Authors: El Medany Azza Mohammed Hafez , Hammadi Sami Hussein Mahmoud , Khalifa Hoda Mahmoud , Ghazala Rasha Abdelmawla , Zakaria Mohammed Hend Samir
Published: February 2022

Diabetic dyslipidemia is a significant contributor in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The study aimed at comparing the effect of dapagliflozin, liraglutide, and atorvastatin alone or their combinations on lipids and inflammatory markers and their vascular impact in T2D rats. There were 56 male albino rats included in the study and divided into two main groups. Group A (8 rats) served as normal control. Group B (48 rats) were streptozotocin–nicotinamide‐induced diabetic rats. Subgroups (B‐1, B‐2, B‐3, B‐4, B‐5, and B‐6) received (no medications, dapagliflozin, liraglutide, atorvastatin, dapagliflozin + atorvastatin, and liraglutide + atorvastatin), respectively. Urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1c), fasting serum glucose (FSG), serum low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C), TGs, lipoprotein(a) Lp (a), serum thyrotropin (TSH), highly sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), were assessed. Qualitative and quantitative histological examination of kidneys focused on renal corpuscles. Dapagliflozin improved the studied parameters but with statistically insignificant increase in LDL‐C, Lp (a) and significant increase in UACR. Atorvastatin improved the studied parameters but with statistically insignificant increase in FSG and HbA1C. Liraglutide and the combination groups significantly improved all studied parameters. Histologically, liraglutide and atorvastatin produced therapeutic effect, while dapagliflozin depicted nephrotoxic effect. Combination groups resulted in better effects with normalization of most of renal corpuscles. There were positive correlations between LDL‐C and hs‐CRP, AGEs, TSH and mesangial expansion. Combination of atorvastatin with liraglutide can improve its vasculoprotective effect. Moreover, combination of atorvastatin with dapagliflozin can ameliorate its possible nephrotoxic effect.