bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different pipe burial depths associated with subsurface drip irrigation significantly affected soil gas emissions
Authors: Wang Jingwei , Yao Ziyan , Han Jinxian , Niu Wenquan , Li Yuan
Published: October 2021

Efforts are needed to reduce soil greenhouse gas emissions from irrigated croplands. Thus, in this study, patterns of soil carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in the root zone of tomato plants grown under subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) involving different pipe burial depths were studied, with surface drip irrigation (DI) used as a control (CK). The soil CO2and N2O emission curves under DI and SDI with pipe burial depths of 10 and 20 cm tended to be similar. In contrast, SDI with a pipe depth of 30 cm resulted in peak CO2and N2O emissions occurring at different times. The different pipe burial depths led to significantly different spatial distributions of soil water‐filled pore space, which indirectly affected root–soil interactions and soil gas emissions through direct effects on total tomato root fork numbers and microbial community composition. The SDI treatments involving 10‐ and 20‐cm pipe burial depths increased the number of root forks to 1.85 and 2.77 times that in the DI treatment, respectively, and increased the Shannon index of the fungal community by 11.9 and 7.29% compared with that in the DI treatment, respectively. The SDI treatment involving the 30‐cm pipe burial depth resulted in 2.22 times the number of root forks compared with that in the DI treatment; however, the Shannon index of the fungal community decreased by 13.6% compared with that in the DI treatment. As a result, the total soil CO2emissions and total soil N2O emissions in the SDI treatment involving the 10‐cm pipe burial depth were 1.37 and 2.03 times those in the DI treatment, and those in the SDI treatment involving the 20‐cm pipe burial depth were 1.33 and 2.17 times those in the DI treatment, respectively. In the SDI treatment involving the 30‐cm pipe burial depth, the total amount of soil CO2emissions was similar to that in the DI treatment; however, the total amount of soil N2O emissions was 28.98% lower than that in the DI treatment. Therefore, soil gas emissions can be reduced by increasing the burial depth of irrigation pipes. These results provide insights into the control of soil gas emissions in agroecosystems.
Mitochondrial DNA copy number and heteroplasmy load correlate with skeletal muscle oxidative capacity by P31 MR spectroscopy
Authors: Tian Qu , Moore Ann Zenobia , Oppong Richard , Ding Jun , Zampino Marta , Fishbein Kenneth W. , Spencer Richard G. , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: October 2021

The association between blood‐based estimates of mitochondrial DNA parameters, mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA‐CN) and heteroplasmy load, with skeletal muscle bioenergetic capacity was evaluated in 230 participants of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (mean age:74.7 years, 53% women). Participants in the study sample had concurrent data on muscle oxidative capacity (τPCr) assessed by 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mitochondrial DNA parameters estimated from whole‐genome sequencing data. In multivariable linear regression models, adjusted for age, sex, extent of phosphocreatine (PCr) depletion, autosomal sequencing coverage, white blood cell total, and differential count, as well as platelet count, mtDNA‐CN and heteroplasmy load were not significantly associated with τPCr (both p > 0.05). However, in models evaluating whether the association between mtDNA‐CN and τPCr varied by heteroplasmy load, there was a significant interaction between mtDNA‐CN and heteroplasmy load (p = 0.037). In stratified analysis, higher mtDNA‐CN was significantly associated with lower τPCr among participants with high heteroplasmy load (n = 84, β (SE) = −0.236 (0.115), p‐value = 0.044), but not in those with low heteroplasmy load (n = 146, β (SE) = 0.046 (0.119), p‐value = 0.702). Taken together, mtDNA‐CN and heteroplasmy load provide information on muscle bioenergetics. Thus, mitochondrial DNA parameters may be considered proxy measures of mitochondrial function that can be used in large epidemiological studies, especially when comparing subgroups.
Agreement between local and central reading of endoscopic disease activity in ulcerative colitis: results from the tofacitinib OCTAVE trials
Authors: Feagan Brian G. , Khanna Reena , Sandborn William J. , Vermeire Séverine , Reinisch Walter , Su Chinyu , Salese Leonardo , Fan Haiyun , Paulissen Jerome , Woodworth Deborah A. , Niezychowski Wojciech , Sands Bruce E.
Published: October 2021

Background

Endoscopy is routine in trials of ulcerative colitis therapies.

Aim

To investigate agreement between central and local Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES) reads in the OCTAVE programme

Methods

Flexible sigmoidoscopy was performed in tofacitinib induction (OCTAVE Induction 1&2, NCT01465763 and NCT01458951), maintenance (OCTAVE Sustain, NCT01458574) and open‐label, long‐term extension (OCTAVE Open, NCT01470612) studies. Kappa statistics and Bowker's tests evaluated agreement/disagreement between centrally and locally read MES, with potential determinants of differences analysed by logistic regression.

Results

Moderate‐to‐substantial agreement was observed between central and local reads at screening (77.1% agreement; kappa 0.62 [95% confidence interval 0.59‐0.66]), OCTAVE Induction 1&2 week (Wk) 8 (63.8%; 0.62 [0.59‐0.66]), OCTAVE Sustain Wk 52 (55.6%; 0.56 [0.50‐0.62]) and for induction non‐responders at OCTAVE Open month 2 (59.9%; 0.54 [0.48‐0.60]). Where disagreements occurred, local reads were systematically lower than central reads at OCTAVE Induction 1&2 Wk 8, OCTAVE Sustain Wk 52 and OCTAVE Open month 2 (Bowker's P < 0.0001); this difference was not observed at screening (P = 0.0852). Using multivariable logistic regression, geographical region, C‐reactive protein (Wk 8), partial Mayo score (Wk 8) and prior tumour necrosis factor antagonist failure were associated with disparity at OCTAVE Induction 1&2 Wk 8 (P < 0.05). In OCTAVE Induction 1&2 and OCTAVE Sustain, significantly higher proportions of patients endoscopic improvement, remission and endoscopic remission with tofacitinib vs placebo, using either central or local reads.

Conclusion

Moderate‐to‐substantial agreement was observed between central and local endoscopic reads. Where disagreements occurred, local reads were systematically lower than central reads at most timepoints, suggesting potential bias.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01465763, NCT01458951, NCT01458574, NCT01470612.
Is laparoscopic liver resection safe for super‐elderly patients (aged ≥80)? A propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Naito Shigetoshi , Fujikawa Takahisa , Kouno Nobuji , Hasegawa Suguru
Published: October 2021

Background/Purpose

The safety of laparoscopic liver resection in super‐elderly patients with comorbidities is unknown. We used propensity score matching to evaluate the utility and safety of laparoscopic liver resection in super‐elderly patients.

Methods

Two‐hundred and five patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection were retrospectively reviewed. They were classified into two groups based on age: ≥80 years (elderly group, n = 49) and <80 years (control group, n = 156). Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed based on preoperative clinical parameters. The intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared.

Results

After matching, 45 patients were included in each group. The intraoperative blood loss was identical between the control and elderly groups (60 vs 60 mL, respectively, P = .588); the frequency of serious postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo class ≥3, 1/45 vs 1/45, P = 1.00) was also similar. There was no significant difference in terms of the exacerbation of malignancy (22.2% vs 11.1%, P = .258) or other diseases (8.9% vs 22.2%, P = .144). There was no difference in overall survival before and after PSM. However, 5‐year overall survival excluding primary cancer‐related death showed a difference after PSM (90.7% vs 70.4%; P = .048).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic liver resection is feasible and safe in super‐elderly patients. The long‐term prognosis was poor in patients affected by other illnesses compared to the younger population with similar risk profiles, but there was no difference in overall survival.
Spatial patterns of soil seed banks and their relationships with above‐ground vegetation in an arid desert
Authors: Luo Chao , Guo Xiao‐Ping , Feng Chang‐Dong , Ye Jin‐Peng , Li Peng‐Fei , Li Zhen‐Tian
Published: October 2021

Questions

What are the characteristics of the spatial patterns of soil seed banks (SSBs) at local scales? How does the spatial distribution of SSBs relate to above‐ground vegetation?

Location

The piedmont plain of the eastern slope of Gandur mountain, Wuhai, northwestern China.

Methods

A plot of 50 m × 50 m square, divided into 100 quadrats (5 m × 5 m) and 100 subquadrats (1 m × 1 m), was prepared to conduct a field survey of vegetation and SSB sampling. We analyzed the spatial pattern of 196 samples at different scales and directions with geostatistical analysis. The relationship between above‐ground vegetation and SSB was quantified by integrating geostatistics, point pattern analysis, and spatial comparison (IGPS).

Results

The SSB density in the study area was 404.5 ± 352 seeds·m−2. SSBs of shrub species and herbaceous species Ⅱ (occurring only below‐ground) had a moderate spatial autocorrelation, and their spatial dependence increased with increasing scale. The SSB of herbaceous species Ⅰ (occurring both above‐ground and below‐ground) had great spatial autocorrelation, and its spatial dependence showed an initial decrease and then increased. Furthermore, SSBs showed lower spatial heterogeneity in the prevailing wind direction than in other directions. The spatial patterns of SSBs of shrub species and herbaceous species Ⅰ correlated with shrubs within a specific range, but not with herbs, while the SSB of herbaceous species Ⅱ did not have a spatial relationship with above‐ground vegetation.

Conclusion

The spatial pattern of SSBs had scale dependence features, which exhibited clustered distribution at a certain scale, and were significantly correlated with above‐ground shrubs. Therefore, we suggest subsampling larger quadrats with smaller sample units near shrubs in desert areas. Our workflow seems efficient for determining the spatial pattern of SSBs at medium small scale in arid areas.
Bayesian nonparametric quantile process regression and estimation of marginal quantile effects
Authors: Xu Steven G. , Reich Brian J.
Published: October 2021

Flexible estimation of multiple conditional quantiles is of interest in numerous applications, such as studying the effect of pregnancy‐related factors on low and high birth weight. We propose a Bayesian nonparametric method to simultaneously estimate noncrossing, nonlinear quantile curves. We expand the conditional distribution function of the response in I‐spline basis functions where the covariate‐dependent coefficients are modeled using neural networks. By leveraging the approximation power of splines and neural networks, our model can approximate any continuous quantile function. Compared to existing models, our model estimates all rather than a finite subset of quantiles, scales well to high dimensions, and accounts for estimation uncertainty. While the model is arbitrarily flexible, interpretable marginal quantile effects are estimated using accumulative local effect plots and variable importance measures. A simulation study shows that our model can better recover quantiles of the response distribution when the data are sparse, and an analysis of birth weight data is presented.
The use of implant‐level connection in screw‐retained fixed partial dentures: A 3‐year randomised clinical trial
Authors: Toia Marco , Stocchero Michele , Galli Silvia , Papia Evaggelia , Wennerberg Ann , Becktor Jonas P.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

This randomised controlled trial compares the 3‐year outcomes, that is, marginal bone‐level (MBL) changes and clinical parameters, between an abutment‐level (AL) and implant‐level (IL) connection for implants with an internal conical connection (ICC) supporting a screw‐retained fixed partial denture.

Material and methods

Fifty patients with 119 implants were randomly allocated to either the AL or IL group. Radiographic and clinical examinations were performed after one, two, and 3 years. A linear mixed model was used to evaluate the differences between groups.

Results

The MBL change was not significantly different between the groups at any point. The MBL was 0.12 ± 0.31 mm (AL) and 0.23 ± 0.26 mm (IL) after 1 year; 0.15 ± 0.34 mm (AL) and 0.17 ± 0.22 mm (IL) after 2 years; 0.18 ± 0.39 mm (AL) and 0.15 ± 0.21 mm (IL) after 3 years. The bleeding on probing was 43.44 ± 39.24% (AL) and 58.19 ± 41.20% (IL) after 1 year; 35.78 ± 39.22% (AL) and 50.43 ± 41.49% (IL) after 2 years; 51.27 ± 44.63% (AL) and 49.57 ± 37.31% (IL) after 3 years and was significantly different (p = .025) between 1 and 2 years. The probing depth showed a significant difference at each time point while the plaque was not significant between the groups. The overall technical, biological and prosthetic complication rates were 5.04%, 3.36%, and 16.00%, respectively.

Conclusions

The MBL change was similar in the groups. The slight differences in the soft tissue complications between the groups are likely not of clinical relevance. An IL connection is considered to be a valid alternative to an AL set‐up in ICC implants.
Avoiding parachute science when addressing conflict over wildlife
Authors: Ruppert Kirstie A. , Lenguya Laiyon , Letoluai Ambrose , Limo Isaac , Owen Megan A. , Pilfold Nicholas W. , Wachira Paul , Glikman Jenny A.
Published: October 2021

As a solutions‐oriented discipline, our attention is often placed on the substance of conservation challenges. Ideally, conservation science is relevant for policy and practice, contributing relevant data to fill key knowledge gaps. Thus, the data value is not only determined by methodological rigor, but also by its usefulness. In this perspective, we contend that trust in the purpose and process of data collection is integral to evidence‐based conservation and threatened by parachute science. We describe the substance, process, and relationships involved in the establishment of a community‐based reporting network for evaluating conflict responses and interventions to wildlife damage. We demonstrate how reflection on the process of science can provide the foundation for meaningful collaboration. We illustrate how, as a multinational team, supporting local researchers to establish a community‐based program, trust and demonstration of a long‐term commitment are essential to avoid the pitfalls of parachute science.
A data‐driven geospatial workflow to map species distributions for conservation assessments
Authors: Palacio Ruben Dario , Negret Pablo Jose , Velásquez‐Tibatá Jorge , Jacobson Andrew P.
Published: October 2021

Aim

Species distribution maps are essential for assessing extinction risk and guiding conservation efforts. However, most come sourced as expert‐drawn range maps with known issues of accuracy or are developed with overly complex modelling procedures. Thus, data‐driven alternatives that are accessible and reliable are a welcome addition to the spatial conservation toolkit. Here, we developed a geospatial workflow to refine the distribution of a species from its extent of occurrence (EOO) to area of habitat (AOH) within the species range map. The range maps are produced with an inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation procedure using presence and absence points derived from primary biodiversity data.

Location

The Americas (North, South, Central America and the Caribbean).

Methods

As a case study, we mapped the distribution of 723 resident forest birds in the Americas and assessed their performance in comparison with expert‐drawn range maps. We evaluated differences in accuracy, spatial overlap, range map size and derived AOH.

Results

The geospatial workflow generated IDW range maps with a higher overall accuracy (87% versus 62%) and fewer errors of omission (<1%) and commission (14%) than the expert range maps (28% both errors). The spatial overlap between both datasets was low (35%), but the agreement increased in areas of high probability of occurrence (68%). We did not find significant differences in range size, but the AOH derived from the expert‐drawn range maps was consistently smaller than the estimates from the IDW range maps.

Main Conclusions

Our geospatial workflow provides a straightforward approach to accurately map species ranges and the estimation of area of habitat (AOH) for conservation planning and decision‐making. Conversely, procedures that refine expert‐drawn range maps to obtain AOH risk producing biased estimates for local‐scale applications.
Draxin inhibits chick trunk neural crest delamination and migration by increasing cell adhesion
Authors: Du Juan , Zhang Sanbing , Zhao Jiqian , Li Sha , Chen Wenyong , Cui Huixian , Su Yuhong
Published: October 2021

The neural crest is a multipotent cell population that migrates extensively to play important roles during embryonic development. After acquiring motility, trunk neural crest cells delaminate from the spinal cord and migrate to various regions of the body. Several cellular adhesion molecules, such as vinculin, are involved in the regulation of neural crest delamination and migration. In the present study, we found that draxin could inhibit delamination and migration of neural crest cells from the chick spinal cord and abnormal aggregation of the migrating neural crest cells. In the presence of draxin, the resuspended neural crest regained its adhesive ability such that it was significantly increased. Overexpression of draxin caused increased vinculin expression in vivo. Our data indicate that draxin might control delamination and migration of chick trunk neural crest by increasing cell adhesion.
Suffering and memory in Asian contexts and beyond: Towards a hermeneutical proposal for remembering comfort women in the future
Authors: Lim Sung Uk , Kuo Henry S.
Published: October 2021

How can we ensure that these important voices testifying to the memory of comfort women do not remain solely figments of local history, fixed within a certain time, to be gradually forgotten with each passing generation? In reflecting on this question, this study ventures the possibility of constructing a hermeneutical model that critically engages the memory of comfort women for the sake of all global citizens committed to resisting any types of violence, regardless of racial/ethnic and gendered boundaries. To do this, it proposes a hermeneutical model based on Kuan‐Hsing Chen's “Asia as method,” which places in conversation the theologies of Johann Baptist Metz and Angela Sims to read the memories of comfort women as dangerous memories that can remember a future of freedom from sexual violence, trauma, and militarism. The final result of the proposed hermeneutical model is to remember the testimonies of comfort women as dangerous memory for the global community, making them part of a global discourse that remembers them into different stories of suffering. Overall, the current project can readily address the implications of the proposed hermeneutical model to make comfort women's stories relevant to the present and future generations locally, nationally, and internationally, not only in terms of resistance to social sins such as sexual violence, but also in terms of fostering a spirit of solidarity with those in need of our support as a form of love.
Towards targeted dietary support for shift workers with type 2 diabetes (Shift‐Diabetes study): A mixed‐methods case study protocol
Authors: Gibson Rachel , Oliver Nick , McGowan Barbara , Vetter Céline , Palla Luigi , D'Annibale Maria , Linley Jayne , Lorencatto Fabiana , Guess Nicola
Published: October 2021

Background

Blood glucose is higher in people working night shifts compared to day workers. Changes to eating behaviour, activity and sleep patterns in addition to circadian disruption are likely to impact glucose management in night‐shift workers with type 2 diabetes.

Aim

To investigate current dietary intake and glucose variability during night work, including barriers and facilitators to dietary behaviour in this context.

Methods

A mixed‐methods case study will be conducted. Shift workers with type 2 diabetes working in a hospital setting will be recruited to this two‐part study. Part 1: 70 participants will complete a 10‐day observational study collecting data on continuous glucose, diet (self‐report diary), sleep and physical activity during a period covering night work, rest days and non‐night workdays. Mean glucose concentration and variability, and the mean healthy diet index score, will be compared between days of night work, non‐night work and rest, after adjusting for other individual factors (sleep/physical activity/demographics). Part 2: A sample (n~13) will complete semi‐structured interviews based on behavioural science frameworks to explore barriers/enablers to dietary behaviour when working night shifts. This will inform a quantitative survey to explore the generalisability of interview findings.

Discussion

Findings from Part 1 and 2 will be triangulated to identify potential intervention strategies to address key barriers and enablers to healthier eating, and in turn improved glucose control, in shift workers with type 2 diabetes. This will be facilitated through stakeholder consultation and application of behavioural science frameworks. Shift‐Diabetes study registration: ISRCTN11764942.
Parkinson's disease affects the neural alpha oscillations associated with speech‐in‐noise processing
Authors: De Groote Evelien , Eqlimi Ehsan , Bockstael Annelies , Botteldooren Dick , Santens Patrick , De Letter Miet
Published: October 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) has increasingly been associated with auditory dysfunction, including alterations regarding the control of auditory information processing. Although these alterations may interfere with the processing of speech in degraded listening conditions, behavioural studies have generally found preserved speech‐in‐noise recognition in PD. However, behavioural speech audiometry does not capture the neurophysiological mechanisms supporting speech‐in‐noise processing. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the neural oscillatory mechanisms associated with speech‐in‐noise processing in PD. Twelve persons with PD and 12 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. Persons with PD were studied in the medication off condition. All subjects underwent an audiometric screening and performed a sentence‐in‐noise recognition task under simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) recording. Behavioural speech recognition scores and self‐reported ratings of effort, performance, and motivation were collected. Time‐frequency analysis of EEG data revealed no significant difference between persons with PD and HCs regarding delta‐theta (2–8 Hz) inter‐trial phase coherence to noise and sentence onset. In contrast, significantly increased alpha (8–12 Hz) power was found in persons with PD compared with HCs during the sentence‐in‐noise recognition task. Behaviourally, persons with PD demonstrated significantly decreased speech recognition scores, whereas no significant differences were found regarding effort, performance, and motivation ratings. These results suggest that persons with PD allocate more cognitive resources to support speech‐in‐noise processing. The interpretation of this finding is discussed in the context of a top‐down mediated compensation mechanism for inefficient filtering and degradation of auditory input in PD.
Circulating choline pathway nutrients and depression after ischemic stroke
Authors: Miao Mengyuan , Du Jigang , Che Bizhong , Guo Yufei , Zhang Jintao , Ju Zhong , Xu Tan , Zhong Xiaoyan , Zhang Yonghong , Zhong Chongke
Published: October 2021

Background and purpose

Choline pathway nutrients, including choline and betaine, are reported to exert antidepressant effects. However, there is little population‐based evidence on the relationships between circulating choline and betaine and poststroke depression (PSD). We aimed to prospectively explore the associations between plasma choline and betaine and depression after ischemic stroke.

Methods

This study was based on the China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke. A total of 612 participants with plasma choline and betaine concentrations were included in the analysis. The study outcome was depression 3 months after ischemic stroke. Logistic regression models were performed to estimate the relationships between plasma choline and betaine and the risk of PSD. Risk reclassification and calibration of models with choline or betaine were analyzed.

Results

Patients with PSD had lower choline and betaine levels than those without PSD (p < 0.05). Compared with tertile 1, the multivariable‐adjusted odds ratios (95% CIs) for tertile 3 of choline and betaine were 0.54 (0.35–0.83) and 0.59 (0.38–0.92), respectively. Per 1 SD increase in choline or betaine was associated with a 25% (95% CI 9%–37%) or an 19% (95% CI 3%–32%) decreased risk of PSD, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of choline or betaine to the established risk factors model improved the risk reclassification for PSD, as shown by an increase in the net reclassification index and integrated discrimination improvement (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with elevated levels of choline and betaine had a lower risk of depression after acute ischemic stroke, suggesting the protective significance of choline pathway nutrients for PSD.
Biological invasions and climate change amplify each other’s effects on dryland degradation
Authors: Ravi Sujith , Law Darin J. , Caplan Joshua S. , Barron‐Gafford Greg A. , Dontsova Katerina M. , Espeleta Javier F. , Villegas Juan C. , Okin Gregory S. , Breshears David D. , Huxman Travis E.
Published: October 2021

Climate models predict that, in the coming decades, many arid regions will experience increasingly hot conditions and will be affected more frequently by drought. These regions are also experiencing rapid vegetation change, notably invasion by exotic grasses. Invasive grasses spread rapidly into native desert ecosystems due, in particular, to interannual variability in precipitation and periodic fires. The resultant destruction of non‐fire‐adapted native shrub and grass communities and of the inherent soil resource heterogeneity can yield invader‐dominated grasslands. Moreover, recurrent droughts are expected to cause widespread physiological stress and mortality of both invasive and native plants, as well as the loss of soil resources. However, the magnitude of these effects may differ between invasive and native grasses, especially under warmer conditions, rendering the trajectory of vegetated communities uncertain. Using the Biosphere 2 facility in the Sonoran Desert, we evaluated the viability of these hypothesized relationships by simulating combinations of drought and elevated temperature (+5°C) and assessing the ecophysiological and mortality responses of both a dominant invasive grass (Pennisetum ciliare or buffelgrass) and a dominant native grass (Heteropogan contortus or tanglehead). While both grasses survived protracted drought at ambient temperatures by inducing dormancy, drought under warmed conditions exceeded the tolerance limits of the native species, resulting in greater and more rapid mortality than exhibited by the invasive. Thus, two major drivers of global environmental change, biological invasion and climate change, can be expected to synergistically accelerate ecosystem degradation unless large‐scale interventions are enacted.
Interannual climate variability mediates changes in carbon and nitrogen pools caused by annual grass invasion in a semiarid shrubland
Authors: Mahood Adam L. , Jones Rachel O. , Board David I. , Balch Jennifer K. , Chambers Jeanne C.
Published: October 2021

Exotic plant invasions alter ecosystem properties and threaten ecosystem functions globally. Interannual climate variability (ICV) influences both plant community composition (PCC) and soil properties, and interactions between ICV and PCC may influence nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) pools. We asked how ICV and non‐native annual grass invasion covary to influence soil and plant N and C in a semiarid shrubland undergoing widespread ecosystem transformation due to invasions and altered fire regimes. We sampled four progressive stages of annual grass invasion at 20 sites across a large (25,000 km2) landscape for plant community composition, plant tissue N and C, and soil total N and C in 2013 and 2016, which followed 2 years of dry and wet conditions, respectively. Multivariate analyses and ANOVAs showed that in invasion stages where native shrub and perennial grass and forb communities were replaced by annual grass‐dominated communities, the ecosystem lost more soil N and C in wet years. Path analysis showed that high water availability led to higher herbaceous cover in all invasion stages. In stages with native shrubs and perennial grasses, higher perennial grass cover was associated with increased soil C and N, while in annual‐dominated stages, higher annual grass cover was associated with losses of soil C and N. Also, soil total C and C:N ratios were more homogeneous in annual‐dominated invasion stages as indicated by within‐site standard deviations. Loss of native shrubs and perennial grasses and forbs coupled with annual grass invasion may lead to long‐term declines in soil N and C and hamper restoration efforts. Restoration strategies that use innovative techniques and novel species to address increasing temperatures and ICV and emphasize maintaining plant community structure—shrubs, grasses, and forbs—will allow sagebrush ecosystems to maintain C sequestration, soil fertility, and soil heterogeneity.
Positional embodiment: How networks shape the lived experiences of the bodies of female sex workers in post‐socialist China
Authors: Yu Yeon Jung
Published: October 2021

This paper accounts for the influence of social networks on female sex workers (FSWs) (xiaojie) in post‐socialist China, as they interpret cultural values and meaning, create and revise strategies for survival and success, and embody their lived experiences. Drawing upon recent feminist ethnography on sex work and embodiment, I describe the network processes that draw these women into sex work and contribute to both their achievements and challenges as a form of “positional embodiment.” The concept of “positional embodiment” highlights the role of social networks in creating and maintaining a particular inscribed and agentic sex worker body. In identifying this meso‐level process, I delineate the culturally specific and structurally framed ways in which social networks position the women to make daily choices within structural constraints, choices that ultimately lead to the patterned embodiment of their daily experiences. Even as these savvy entrepreneurs tend to exceed gendered moral obligations to family and actively immerse themselves as trendy modern women in contemporary urban lifestyles, they also struggle with the emotional and physical suffering of working within the sex industry. In this sense, their bodies become fields where various challenges and achievements are negotiated, contested, and embodied. This paper intends to contribute to our understanding of intimate labor by developing the concept of “positional embodiment” from the lens of social networks of FSWs.
Lessons from the field: The role of agility in a coproduction project encompassing the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Pritchard Rebecca , Bhavsar Sonal , Campbell‐Morris Pamela , Modi Prafulla , Nugent Marie , Hughes Jason
Published: October 2021

Aim

We reflect on our experiences of coproducing a redesigned, COVID‐safe priority‐setting activity at a time of shifting priorities and upheaval to gain insight into good practice.

Method

The project team documented the experience of adapting to COVID‐19 through the reflective project evaluation. We reflect on how COVID disrupted coproduction through radically shifting personal and professional priorities and the implications for good practice.

Results

Our experiences highlighted the role of agility, management capacity, social capital and power in coproduction.

Conclusions

COVID‐19 disrupted and enabled coproduction, compounding tensions and serving as the basis to transcend them. The pandemic created new demands on institutions that initially prompted withdrawal to established power, and team members which redefined them in relation to each other. Shifting priorities and demands forced team members into new, and out of former, roles coming into conflict with enduring power dynamics articulating constructs of expertise and authority in the institutional structure. We consider how the tensions found expression: as governance and human resource concerns, problems with authorizing payments, challenges in institutionally accommodating community researchers and the exclusion of some from participation.
Periapical lesions in two inbred strains of rats differing in immunological reactivity
Authors: Zivanovic Suzana , Papic Milos , Vucicevic Tamara , Miletic Kovacevic Marina , Jovicic Nemanja , Nikolic Nadja , Milasin Jelena , Paunovic Verica , Trajkovic Vladimir , Mitrovic Slobodanka , Lukic Miodrag L , Lukic Aleksandra , Ljujic Biljana
Published: October 2021

Aim

To investigate the influence of strain differences in immune responses on the pathogenesis of experimental periapical lesions in Dark Agouti (DA) and Albino Oxford (AO) inbred strains of rats.

Methodology

Periapical lesions were induced in male DA and AO rats by pulp exposure of the first mandibular right molars to the oral environment. Animals were killed 21 days after pulp exposure. The mandibular jaws were retrieved and prepared for radiographic, pathohistological, immunohistochemical analysis, real‐time PCR and flow cytometry. Blood samples and the supernatant of periapical lesions were collected for measurement of cytokines and oxidative stress marker levels. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis H and Mann–Whitney U non‐parametric tests or parametric One‐Way anova and Independent Samples T‐test to determine the differences between groups depending on the normality of the data. A significant difference was considered when p values were <.05.

Results

DA rats developed significantly larger (p < .05) periapical lesions compared to AO rats as confirmed by radiographic and pathohistological analysis. The immunohistochemical staining intensity for CD3 was significantly greater in periapical lesions of DA rats compared to AO rats (p < .05). In DA rats, periapical lesions had a significantly higher (p < .05) percentage of CD3+ cells compared to AO rats. Also, the percentage of INF‐γ, IL‐17 and IL‐10 CD3+CD4+ cells was significantly higher in DA rats (p < .05). DA rats had a significantly higher Th17/Th10 ratio. RT‐PCR expression of IL‐1β, INF‐γ and IL‐17 genes was significantly higher in periapical lesions of DA compared to AO rats (p < .05). The receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐Β ligand/osteoprotegerin ratio was higher in DA compared to AO rats with periapical lesions (p < .05). Systemic levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 were significantly higher in DA compared to AO rats (p < .05). Levels of lipid peroxidation measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and reduced glutathione were significantly higher (p < .05) in the supernatant in the periapical lesions of DA rats.

Conclusion

After pulp exposure, DA rats developed much larger periapical lesions compared to AO rats. Genetically determined differences in immunopathology have been demonstrated to be a significant element defining the severity of periapical lesions.
Evaluation of the validity and reliability of the Revised Professional Practice Environment Scale for Turkish society
Authors: Cal Ayse , Acil Dilay , Bahar Zuhal , Cengiz Burcu
Published: October 2021

Background

Professional practice environment is a concept comprising autonomy, teamwork and professional motivation.

Aim

We aimed to validate and demonstrate the reliability of the Turkish version of the Revised Professional Practice Environment Scale in this study.

Methods

The study has a methodological design with a sample of 306 nurses working in university hospitals located in two different regions in Turkey. The data of the study were collected between July 2019 and January 2020 using introductory information form and the Revised Professional Practice Environment Scale. In the analysis of the data, Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient was employed using SPSS 22.0 and Amos 23.0, whereas exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were applied to test the construct validity.

Results

The Cronbach alpha value obtained for the whole scale was 0.89, ranging between 0.68 and 0.86 for the subscales. RMSEA, SRMR, GFI and χ2/df, which account for the fit indices of the 29‐item and 6‐factor structure of the scale, were at an acceptable level.

Conclusion

We concluded that the Revised Professional Practice Environment Scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool fit for use in Turkish environments.
Developing a framework for implementing opioid stewardship programmes in Australian hospital settings
Authors: Pattullo Champika , Suckling Benita , Donovan Peter , Hall Lisa
Published: October 2021

There is growing interest in strategies to improve patient safety with prescription opioids, collectively known as opioid stewardship (OS). This study aimed to develop a framework to facilitate the implementation of OS in the Australian acute hospital setting. Using a Modified Delphi Technique, a diverse stakeholder panel (including patient representatives and multidisciplinary healthcare professionals) was selected. A survey based on the results of a literature review was sent to the panel for appraisal. In line with standard Delphi methodology, the primary outcome for each element was reaching consensus of at least 70% of the participants on the importance of its inclusion in the framework. The survey allowed the participants to suggest new items for inclusion in subsequent rounds or rephrase existing items. Of the 29 participants who completed the survey, the majority (23/29) were regularly involved in providing direct patient care. Twenty‐six of 27 items reached the 70% threshold for agreement for importance after the first round. The remaining item not agreed on in the initial round was modified based on comments received and reached 100% agreement on importance at the second round. There was greater than 85% agreement on importance of 24 of 27 items for inclusion in a framework with 8 of 27 reaching a 100% level of agreement. We have developed a framework for OS in the Australian acute hospital settings that may be used to guide health services to prioritise and plan strategies to improve opioid use.
Impact of travel distance on outcomes for clinical trial patients: the Kinghorn Cancer Centre experience
Authors: Lim Jennifer , Akbar Ali Syafiq , Prawira Amy , Sim Hao‐Wen
Published: October 2021

Background

Geographic isolation and travel distance to specialist care is a known social determinant of health and contributes to poorer oncology survival outcomes.

Aims

To compare survival and toxicity outcomes for patients travelling long distances (>50 km) for treatment on clinical trials with local patients (<10 km and 10–50 km).

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study based at the Kinghorn Cancer Centre, a comprehensive cancer care centre in metropolitan Sydney. We included adult patients with advanced solid‐organ malignancies who were enrolled on therapeutic clinical trials between July 2015 and December 2017. Outcome measures included overall survival, progression‐free survival, rates of grade 3–4 toxicity and unplanned hospital admissions for the duration of the clinical trial.

Results

We included 173 patients, of whom 27% lived within 10 km, 29% lived between 10 and 50 km and 44% lived further than 50 km. We did not identify significant differences between survival or toxicity outcomes between patients travelling long distances and local patients.

Conclusions

All patients should be considered for clinical trial referral based on clinical parameters and preference, regardless of geographic proximity. In the meantime, improving access to clinical trials for rural and regional patients continues to be a priority.
Early epidemiological investigations: World Health Organization UNITY protocols provide a standardized and timely international investigation framework during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Bergeri Isabel , Lewis Hannah C. , Subissi Lorenzo , Nardone Anthony , Valenciano Marta , Cheng Brianna , Glonti Ketevan , Williams Bridget , Abejirinde Ibukun‐Oluwa Omolade , Simniceanu Alice , Cassini Alessandro , Grant Rebecca , Rodriguez Angel , Vicari Andrea , Al Ariqi Lubna , Azim Tasnim , Wijesinghe Pushpa Ranjan , Rajatonirina Soatiana Cathycia , Okeibunor Joseph Chukwudi , Le Linh‐Vi , Katz Mark , Vaughan Aisling , Jorgensen Pernille , Freidl Gudrun , Pebody Richard , Van Kerkhove Maria D.
Published: October 2021

Background

The declaration of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 30 January 2020 required rapid implementation of early investigations to inform appropriate national and global public health actions.

Methods

The suite of existing pandemic preparedness generic epidemiological early investigation protocols was rapidly adapted for COVID‐19, branded the ‘UNITY studies’ and promoted globally for the implementation of standardized and quality studies. Ten protocols were developed investigating household (HH) transmission, the first few cases (FFX), population seroprevalence (SEROPREV), health facilities transmission (n = 2), vaccine effectiveness (n = 2), pregnancy outcomes and transmission, school transmission, and surface contamination. Implementation was supported by WHO and its partners globally, with emphasis to support building surveillance and research capacities in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC).

Results

WHO generic protocols were rapidly developed and published on the WHO website, 5/10 protocols within the first 3 months of the response. As of 30 June 2021, 172 investigations were implemented by 97 countries, of which 62 (64%) were LMIC. The majority of countries implemented population seroprevalence (71 countries) and first few cases/household transmission (37 countries) studies.

Conclusion

The widespread adoption of UNITY protocols across all WHO regions indicates that they addressed subnational and national needs to support local public health decision‐making to prevent and control the pandemic.
Real-time detection of volatile metabolites enabling species-level discrimination of bacterial biofilms associated with wound infection
Authors: Slade Elisabeth A. , Thorn Robin M. S. , Young Amber E. , Reynolds Darren M.
Published: October 2021

Aims

The main aim of this study was to investigate the real-time detection of volatile metabolites for the species-level discrimination of pathogens associated with clinically relevant wound infection, when grown in a collagen wound biofilm model.

Methods and Results

This work shows that Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes produce a multitude of volatile compounds when grown as biofilms in a collagen-based biofilm model. The real-time detection of these complex volatile profiles using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry and the use of multivariate statistical analysis on the resulting data can be used to successfully differentiate between the pathogens studied.

Conclusions

The range of bacterial volatile compounds detected between the species studied vary and are distinct. Discrimination between bacterial species using real-time detection of volatile metabolites and multivariate statistical analysis was successfully demonstrated.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Development of rapid point-of-care diagnostics for wound infection would improve diagnosis and patient care. Such technological approaches would also facilitate the appropriate use of antimicrobials, minimizing the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. This study further develops the use of volatile metabolite detection as a new diagnostic approach for wound infection.
Educational interventions and strategies for spiritual care in nursing and healthcare students and staff: A scoping review
Authors: Rykkje Linda , Søvik Margrethe Bakstad , Ross Linda , McSherry Wilfred , Cone Pamela , Giske Tove
Published: October 2021

Aims and objectives

To map existing evidence about educational interventions or strategies in nursing and allied healthcare concerning students’ and staffs’ spiritual care provision.

Background

Spiritual care is an important part of whole person care, but healthcare staff lack competence and awareness of spiritual issues in practice. To rectify this, it is important to identify what educational approaches are most helpful in supporting them to provide spiritual care.

Design

A scoping review using the PRISMA‐ScR checklist.

Method

Searches in the databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, ATLA and ERIC were conducted for papers spanning January 2009–May 2020. Search terms were related to spirituality, spiritual care, education and clinical teaching. Appraisal tools were used.

Results

From the 2128 potentially relevant papers, 36 were included. The studies were from 15 different countries and involved nurses, physicians and other health‐related professions, and both quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods were used. The results are presented in three themes: Understanding of spirituality, Strategies in educational settings, and Strategies in practice settings. The review points to great diversity in the content, lengths and setting of the educational interventions or strategies.

Conclusions

Courses in spiritual care should be implemented in curricula in both undergraduate and postgraduate education, and several studies suggest it should be mandatory. Courses should also be available for healthcare staff to raise awareness and to encourage the integration of spiritual care into their everyday practice. There is a need for greater consensus about how spirituality and spiritual care are described in healthcare settings.

Relevance to clinical practice

Spiritual care must be included both in monodisciplinary and multidisciplinary educational settings. The main result of spiritual care courses is in building awareness of spiritual issues and self‐awareness. To ensure the provision of spiritual care for patients in healthcare practices, continuing and multidisciplinary education is recommended.