bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can increased support to foster care families reduce the number of moves for children in out‐of‐home care? Evidence from Norway
Authors: Hornset Norunn , Smedsvik Bård
Published: January 2024

Norwegian youth in out‐of‐home care move three times as frequently as their peers. Such placement instability is linked to negative outcomes in terms of social attachment, well‐being, educational achievements, health, and future opportunities. Norway implemented a new child welfare service reform in 2022 that increased the municipalities responsibilities for out‐of‐home care. The “incentive package” and “Barneløftet” were measures implemented to prepare the municipalities for these changes. This study evaluates how the implemented measures affect the number of moves within out‐of‐home care in Trøndelag county. An event‐study design with difference‐in‐difference estimates was used to study the effect of the measures. The data are Norwegian registers that include most children in out‐of‐home care from 2013 to 2021. The findings of this study indicate that increased support for foster care homes significantly reduces the number of moves. Increased placement stability is associated with an increased sense of belonging, thus facilitating positive development.
The hAT family hopper transposon exists as highly similar yet discontinuous elements in the Bactrocera tephritid fly genus
Authors: Handler Alfred M. , Furlong Richard B.
Published: January 2024

The hAT family transposable element, hopper, was originally discovered as a defective 3120‐bp full‐length element in a wild‐type strain of the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), and subsequently a functional 3131‐bp element, hopperBdwe, was isolated from a white eye mutant strain. The latter study showed that closely related elements exist in melonfly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae), a closely related subgenus, suggesting that hopper could have a widespread presence in the Bactrocera genus. To further understand the distribution of hopper within and beyond the B. dorsalis species complex, primer pairs from hopperBdwe and its adjacent genomic insertion site were used to survey the presence and relatedness of hopper in five species within the complex and four species beyond the complex. Based on sequence identity of a 1.94 kb internal nucleotide sequence, the closest relationships were with mutated elements from B. dorsalis s.s. and species synonymized with B. dorsalis including B. papayae, B. philippinensis and B. invadens, ranging in identity between 88.4% and 99.5%. Notably, Bactrocera carambolae (Drew & Hancock) (Diptera: Tephritidae), which is most closely related to B. dorsalis beyond the synonymized species, shared hopper identities of 97.3%–99.5%. Beyond the B. dorsalis complex, Z. cucurbitae, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae) shared identities of 83.1%–97.1%, while hopper was absent from the Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) (Diptera: Tephritidae) strain tested. While the functional autonomous hopperBdwe element was not detected in these species, another closely related hopper element isolated from a B. dorsalis genetic sexing strain has an uninterrupted transposase open reading frame. The discontinuous presence of hopper in the Bactrocera genus has implications for its use for genomic manipulation and understanding the phylogenetic relationship of these species.
A 6‐year experience of Zephyr endobronchial valves for severe emphysema in an Australian single‐centre cohort
Authors: Brown Michael V. , Badiei Arash , Jersmann Hubertus , Fon Andrew , Chew Chong G. , Lorraine Brett , Nguyen Phan
Published: January 2024

Background

Endobronchial valve (EBV) insertion for lung volume reduction is a management option for patients with severe emphysema. One‐way valves cause lobar deflation and improve lung function, exercise capacity and quality of life.

Aims

To retrospectively analyse and compare the outcomes of the first 57 patients treated with EBVs between 2015 and 2021 at the Royal Adelaide Hospital to international standards.

Methods

Clinical outcomes of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), residual volume (RV), treated lobe volume reduction (TLVR) and 6‐min walk distance (6MWD) at 3, 6 and 12 months after valve insertion were reviewed against established minimally clinically important differences (MCIDs). Complications and subjective breathlessness measured by Borg scores were also reviewed.

Results

Fifty‐seven patients were included. At 12 months, 77.2% achieved TLVR. FEV1 improved by 170 mL (95% confidence interval (CI): 100–250, P < 0.001), 80 mL (95% CI: 10–150, P = 0.019) and 40 mL (95% CI: −60 to 130, P 0.66) at 3, 6 and 12 months respectively. RV improved by −610 mL (95% CI: −330 to −900, P < 0.0001) at 3 months, −640 mL (95% CI: −360 to −920, P < 0.0001) at 6 months and −360 mL (95% CI: −60 to −680, P = 0.017) at 12 months. 6MWD improved by 57.34 m (95% CI: 36.23–78.45, P < 0.0001) and 44.93 m (95% CI: 7.19–82.67, P = 0.02) at 3 and 6 months. Borg score improved by −0.53 (95% CI: 0.11 to −1.2, P = 0.11) and −0.49 (95% CI: 0.17 to −1.15, P = 0.16) at 3 and 6 months. Complication rates aligned with international standards with mucous/infection (26.3%) and pneumothorax (17.5%) as the most common. Subgroup analysis signalled improved outcomes in patients with heterogeneous emphysema.

Conclusion

Our study represents the first publicly funded Australian analysis of EBVs. The results align with international prospective trials demonstrating improved lung function and exercise capacity. Australians with severe emphysema and gas trapping should be referred to a multidisciplinary centre for consideration of EBVs.
Reliability comparisons between additively manufactured and conventional SiC–Si ceramic composites
Authors: Chaugule Pawan S. , Du Wenchao , Kamath Rakesh R. , Barua Bipul , Messner Mark C. , Singh Dileep
Published: January 2024

An additively manufactured reaction‐bonded silicon carbide ceramic composite is fabricated using a bimodal powder feedstock and the binder‐jetting printing technique. On fabricating, the ceramic is investigated to report its composition, mechanical, and thermal properties at room temperature and high temperatures (up to 750). The ceramic has a density of 2.76 g/cc, and shows a hardness of 21.74 GPa, and a flexure strength of 207.5 MPa at room temperature. The mechanical property of flexure strength is used to estimate its failure probability under applied stress, using a Weibull distribution. The mechanical properties and failure probabilities are compared with those of conventionally fabricated reaction‐bonded silicon carbide ceramics reported in the literature. These ceramics were fabricated using methods such as slip‐casting, compacting, and tape‐casting. The comparison is used to elucidate the advantages and areas of improvement of the present additive manufacturing technique for reaction‐bonded ceramics.
Genome‐wide detection of structural variation in some sheep breeds using whole‐genome long‐read sequencing data
Authors: Qiao Guoyan , Xu Pan , Guo Tingting , He Xue , Yue Yaojing , Yang Bohui
Published: January 2024

Genomic structural variants (SVs) constitute a significant proportion of genetic variation in the genome. The rapid development of long‐reads sequencing has facilitated the detection of long‐fragment SVs. There is no published study to detect SVs using long‐read data from sheep. We applied a long‐read mapping approach to detect SVs and characterized a total of 30,771 insertions, deletions, inversions and translocations. We identified 716, 916, 842 and 303 specific SVs in Southdown sheep, Alpine merino sheep, Qilian White Tibetan sheep and Oula sheep, respectively. We annotated these SVs and found that these SV‐related genes were primarily enriched in the well‐established pathways involved in the regulation of the immune system, growth and development and environmental adaptability. We detected and annotated SVs based on NGS resequencing data to validate the accuracy based on third‐generation detection. Moreover, five candidate SVs were verified using the PCR method in 50 sheep. Our study is the first to use a long‐reads sequencing approach to construct a novel structural variation map in sheep. We have completed a preliminary exploration of the potential effects of SVs on sheep.
Clinical outcomes and risk factor analysis of dental implants inserted with lateral maxillary sinus floor augmentation: A 3‐ to 8‐year retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Liefen , Zhou Chuan , Jiang Jimin , Chen Xiaoyu , Wang Yaoqiong , Xu Antian , He Fuming
Published: January 2024

Aim

To evaluate the 3‐ to 8‐year outcomes of dental implants placed with lateral sinus floor augmentation (LSFA) and to identify factors affecting implant survival.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study was performed by screening all implants placed with LSFA procedures, which were conducted between January 2012 and December 2016. Subantral bone gain (SABG) and apical bone height (ABH) were assessed using panoramic radiographs. The cumulative survival rate of implants was analysed using life‐table analysis and Kaplan–Meier survival curves. The influential risk factors affecting survival were assessed using univariate log‐rank tests and multivariable mixture cure rate model. Implant complications were recorded.

Results

Based on the established criteria, a total of 449 patients (760 implants) were included in this study. In the 3‐ to 8‐year follow‐up (mean ± SD, 5.81 ± 1.33 years), 15 implants in 14 patients failed, with a CRS of 96.81% on an implant basis and 95.07% on a patient basis. A history of periodontitis and poor compliance with supportive periodontal treatment was associated with a significantly higher risk of implant failure at both implant and patient levels. Significant decreases in ABH occurred during each yearly interval except for 3 years. A similar trend has been observed for SABG at 1, 2, 6 and 8 years. The total complication rate was 31.84% on implant basis, with peri‐implant mucositis (21.58%) being the most frequent biologic complication and porcelain cracking (5.00%) being the most common technical complication.

Conclusions

Implant with LSFA is a reliable treatment option in atrophic maxilla. A history of periodontitis without regular supportive periodontal treatment was identified as a predictor for implant failure. Slight but significant shrinkage of vertically augmented bone can be observed after implant placement.
Association between glycemia risk index and arterial stiffness in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Cai Lingli , Shen Wenqi , Li Jiang , Wang Bin , Sun Ying , Chen Yi , Gao Ling , Xu Fei , Xiao Xinhua , Wang Ningjian , Lu Yingli
Published: January 2024

Aim

This study aims to investigate the association of glycemia risk index (GRI), a novel composite metric derived from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), with arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

A total of 342 adults with type 2 diabetes were enrolled between April and June 2023 from 11 communities in Shanghai, China. Medical examinations, including measurements of anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and venous blood samples were conducted. Brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was examined to evaluate arterial stiffness. All the participants underwent a 14 day CGM recording and GRI was calculated from the CGM data.

Results

The mean age was 70.3 ± 6.8 years, and 162 (47.4%) were male. Participants with a higher baPWV had significantly higher levels of GRI and hyperglycemia component (both P for trend < 0.05). Linear regression revealed the significant positive linear associations of the GRI with baPWV in unadjusted or adjusted models (All P < 0.05). In the multivariable logistic analysis, each increase in the GRI quartile was associated with a 1.30‐fold (95% CI 1.01–1.68, P for trend < 0.05) higher prevalence of increased arterial stiffness after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, diabetes duration, current smoking status, blood pressure, and lipid profile. Subgroup analyses showed that the association between the GRI quartiles and increased arterial stiffness was stronger among participants with a diabetes duration ≥15 years (P for interaction = 0.014).

Conclusion

Glycemia risk index assessed by continuous glucose monitoring is associated with increased arterial stiffness in type 2 diabetes.
Staged esthetic crown lengthening: Classification and guidelines for periodontal‐restorative therapy
Authors: Lee Ernesto A. , Cambra Victor , Bergler Michael
Published: January 2024

Objective

This article presents technical guidelines for perio‐restorative esthetic crown lengthening, along with a discussion of the biologic rationale. A classification system is proposed to assist in treatment planning and sequencing the surgical and restorative phases.

Clinical Considerations

When esthetic crown lengthening is performed as an adjunct to restorative therapy, the surgical approach must be determined by the anticipated position of the restorative margins. The removal of sufficient bone to achieve the desired clinical crown length and preserve the supracrestal gingival tissue dimensions is facilitated by the use of a surgical guide fabricated according to the design of the restorations. A staged approach allows sequencing the provisional restoration to minimize unesthetic sequelae during the healing period. Inadequate bone resection and/or alteration of the soft tissue dimensions results in delayed healing, leading to coronal gingival rebound and biologic width impingement.

Conclusion

The identification and preservation of appropriate restorative and biologic landmarks is essential for success in pre‐prosthetic esthetic crown lengthening treatment. A staged approach improves the esthetic management during the postsurgical healing and maturation period.

Clinical Significance

A restorative driven classification system for sequencing and staging adjunctive esthetic crown lengthening procedures is presented. Technical guidelines to enhance gingival margin predictability are suggested, accompanied by relevant evidence. In addition, wound healing timelines following gingival and osseous resection are provided.
City‐scale assessment of the material and environmental footprint of buildings using an advanced building information model: A case study from Canberra, Australia
Authors: Soonsawad Natthanij , Marcos‐Martinez Raymundo , Schandl Heinz
Published: January 2024

As cities grow, demand for urban materials is set to rise. Meeting sustainability targets will require transformative changes to how cities are constructed. Yet, accurate information on embodied building materials and their environmental impacts at the city scale is still lacking. We use Light Detection and Ranging data, building archetype information, and statistical models to estimate the embodied materials in buildings in Canberra, Australia, and their energy, carbon, and water footprint. In 2015, 57 million tonnes (Mt) of materials were embodied in 140,805 buildings. By weight, concrete was the most used material (44%), followed by sand and stone (32%), and ceramics (11%). Current population growth and building construction trends indicate a need for 2.4 times the building materials stock of 2015 by 2060. Producing such materials would require 1.6 thousand TJ of energy and 793 thousand megaliters of water and emit 48 Mt of CO2e—an environmental footprint 1.6 times the one in 2015. If the additional population were to live only in new single houses, material demand would be 4% higher than under current trends and the environmental footprint 5% higher. Housing new residents in low‐rise apartments would reduce from current trends the material demand by 5% and the environmental footprint by 12%. Using only apartments of four or more stories would reduce material demand by 28% and the environmental footprint by 14%. This research can inform circular economy efforts to improve building materials management by helping estimate the implications of alternative configurations of the urban built environment.
Categorization of manufacturing companies’ readiness profiles for the transition to the circular economy: A multidimensional cluster analysis
Authors: Zomer Thayla , McAloone Tim , Pigosso Daniela
Published: January 2024

The circular economy (CE) field has moved from purely conceptual research into empirical studies. However, the literature does not provide generalized conclusions regarding the overall state of CE transition in manufacturing companies. Existing studies lack a perspective in explaining differences among companies planning or already transitioning to the CE because most empirical research so far is based on single or few case studies, generally assuming that the transition to CE, once undertaken as a purpose, moves along a continuum from a linear model to a circular one. This paper identifies differences among manufacturing companies planning and transitioning to CE and conceptualizes readiness profiles along eight dimensions of change identified in the literature as essential to CE implementation in organizations. A cluster analysis of a sample of manufacturing companies from different sectors, sizes, and locations identified five readiness profiles: the laggards, the explorers, the frontrunners, the strategizers, and the information oriented. The results show that companies may follow different approaches when exploring the potential of CE in their businesses. While some companies decide to explore and experiment across all dimensions of change, others follow a more strategic or operational approach, suggesting different states in which companies find themselves. The findings offer evidence of the change happening across the manufacturing industry and how CE transition unfolds in practice, extending existing literature by providing more overall conclusions on how the transition might unfold in manufacturing companies and different states that companies might be regarding the multiple dimensions of change that should be considered.
Determinacy and E‐Stability with Interest Rate Rules at the Zero Lower Bound
Authors: EO YUNJONG , MCCLUNG NIGEL
Published: January 2024

We evaluate and compare alternative interest rate rules, namely, average inflation targeting (AIT), price‐level targeting (PLT), and traditional inflation targeting rules, in a standard New Keynesian model that features recurring, transient zero lower bound regimes. We use determinacy and expectational stability (E‐stability) of equilibrium as the criteria for stabilization policy. We find that PLT policy, including nominal GDP targeting as a special case, most effectively promotes determinacy and E‐stability among the policy frameworks, whereas standard inflation targeting rules are prone to indeterminacy. AIT can induce determinacy and E‐stability effectively, provided the averaging window is sufficiently long.
Investigator‐blinded, controlled, and randomized comparative study on 1565 nm non‐ablative fractional laser versus 5% minoxidil for treatment of androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Qu Huanhuan , Zhang Rongli , Xin Wuyan , Jing Huan , Wang Gang , Gao Lin
Published: January 2024

Background

Characterized by progressive hair loss due to an excessive response to androgens, androgenetic alopecia (AGA) affects up to 50% of males and females. Minoxidil is one of approved medications for AGA but inadequate responses occur in many patients.

Aims

To determine whether 1565 nm non‐ablative fractional laser (NAFL) could yield better therapeutic benefits for patients with AGA as compared with 5% minoxidil.

Methods

Thirty patients with AGA were enrolled; they were randomly assigned into the laser or minoxidil treatment groups. For the laser treatment group, patients were treated by 1565 nm NAFL at 10 mJ, 250 spots/cm2 with 2 weeks intervals for 4 sessions in total. For the minoxidil treatment group, 1‐milliliter of topical 5% minoxidil solution was applied to hair loss area twice a day.

Results

The primary outcomes were the changes in numerous hair growth indexes at the Week 10 as compared with the baselines. Both 1565 nm NAFL and 5% minoxidil led to significantly greater hair densities and diameters in patients at the Week 10 than the baselines (p < 0.01). As compared with 5% minoxidil, 1565 nm NAFL showed significantly greater improvements in total hair number, total hair density (hair/cm2), terminal hair number, terminal hair density (hair/cm2), number of hair follicle units, and average hair number/number of hair follicle units.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that 1565 nm NAFL exhibits superior clinical efficacy in some aspects of hair growth to the topical minoxidil. It is a safe and effective modality in treating AGA.
Sleep–wake state discrepancy does not impair the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia: Findings from a large clinic sample
Authors: Moulder Zoe , Sweetman Alexander , Lovato Nicole , Micic Gorica , Lack Leon , Scott Hannah
Published: January 2024

The current study determined the extent to which sleep–wake state discrepancy impairs the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia in a real‐world clinical sample. Sleep–wake state discrepancy occurs when there is an inconsistency between a person's subjective and objective sleep, and is a common phenomenon amongst patients with insomnia. Limited information is available on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia in treating patients who experience significant sleep–wake state discrepancy in “real‐world” samples. In the present study, all patients with insomnia received cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia through an outpatient insomnia program (N = 386; mean age = 51.96 years, SD = 15.62; 65.97% [N = 254] female). Prior to treatment, participants completed a polysomnography sleep study and sleep diary, which was used to calculate sleep–wake state discrepancy. At pre‐treatment, post‐treatment and 3‐month follow‐up, participants completed the Insomnia Severity Index and other questionnaires, and 1 week of sleep diaries from which sleep‐onset latency, wake after sleep onset and other sleep variables were calculated. There were no differences in self‐reported sleep‐onset latency, wake after sleep onset or Insomnia Severity Index scores at post‐treatment or 3‐month follow‐up between quintiles of sleep–wake state discrepancy. These results indicate that sleep–wake state discrepancy at pre‐treatment does not predict treatment response to cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia. Future research could examine multi‐night assessments of sleep–wake state discrepancy to determine whether variations in discrepancy may relate to pre‐treatment insomnia severity and cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia outcomes.
Strewn field, mineralogy, and petrology of Al Haggounia 001: A unique enstatite chondrite
Authors: Leili M. H. , Chennaoui Aoudjehane H. , Devouard B. , Rochette P. , Gattacceca J. , Folco L. , Gemelli M. , Baziotis I.
Published: January 2024

In this work, we investigate macroscopic characteristics, magnetic susceptibility, mineralogy, and mineral composition of Al Haggounia 001. The samples were collected during eight field missions in the period between 2015 and 2019. In the strewn field of about 65 km in length, the specimens are found either on the surface or shallowly buried in loose sediments, which rules out the previous suggestions that this meteorite is a fossil meteorite. Macroscopically, the samples exhibit three major lithologies with various colors, porosities, and distributions of oxidized veins. The data obtained using transmitted and reflected light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron microprobe analysis confirm the macroscopic observations and show a heterogenous distribution of silicates and metal sulfides. Al Haggounia 001 is composed of enstatite, plagioclase, kamacite, taenite, schreibersite, daubreelite, troilite, graphite, sinoite, and silica polymorphs. We identified a new type of chondrules that are flattened and composed of rods of albite and enstatite, as well as elongated nodules of metal and sulfides, in addition to compression fractures in the form of subparallel veinlets. These features presumably reflect the deformation caused by shock. The magnetic susceptibility of Al Haggounia 001 (4.39 ± 0.20) is much lower than that of usual EH (5.48 ± 0.16) and EL (5.46 ± 0.04) chondrites but is in the range of E finds (5.05 ± 0.43). The thermomagnetic and hysteresis measurements are controlled by type, size, distribution of metal‐sulfide nodules, arrangement of oxyhydroxide veins, and weathering. Al Haggounia 001 is an anomalous meteorite with a polymict nature. It records multiple events revealing its unique origin which expends the groups of enstatite chondrites and provides insights into the complex formation and evolution history of their parent body.
The genomic consequences of selection across development
Authors: James Maddie E. , Ortiz‐Barrientos Daniel
Published: January 2024

Understanding how natural selection drives diversification in nature has been at the forefront of biological research for over a century. The main idea is simple: natural selection favours individuals best suited to pass on their genes. However, the journey from birth to reproduction is complex as organisms experience multiple developmental stages, each influenced by genetic and environmental factors (Orr, 2009). These complexities compound even further as each stage of development might be governed by a unique underlying set of alleles and genes. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Goebl et al. (2022) examine the role of natural selection in driving ecotypic divergence across different life history stages of the prairie sunflower Helianthus petiolaris. The authors used reciprocal transplant experiments, demographic models, and genomic sequencing to explore fitness variation across developmental stages. They show how natural selection impacts population divergence across multiple life history stages and evaluate the resulting allele frequency changes. Goebl et al. link these results to the role of chromosomal inversions, thus furthering our understanding of how ecological divergence proceeds in the face of gene flow. Below, we explore these results in detail and complement their interpretation by considering the evolution of genetic correlations amongst traits governing fitness.
Fit for purpose: Ensuring robust, contextually appropriate global accreditation practices
Authors: Cartmill Carrie , Rashid Mohammed Ahmed , Whitehead Cynthia R.
Published: January 2024

The authors comment on the need for research to account for how political and power dynamics are embedded in accreditation systems to explore their unintended consequences.
When medical education and health policy meet: Will we find our leaders there?
Authors: Annan Henry G. , Do Victor
Published: January 2024

In this article, Annan & Do discuss why a better understanding of the relationship between medical education and health policy is key to solving some the health system's biggest challenges.
Bringing social accountability education into hospital‐based clinical practice
Authors: Shah Adarsh P. , Cleland Jennifer , Ross Sarah
Published: January 2024

How can social accountability education be made relevant for hospital‐based practice? Shah et al. address this question by exploring the dichotomy between primary/community and secondary care.
The dynamics of self‐monitoring in medicine: Safety, efficiency and clinical implications
Authors: Johnson W. Rainey , Durning Steven J. , Artino Anthony R.
Published: January 2024

.@MedEdDoc et al. delve into how the concepts of 'safety' and 'efficiency' in self‐monitoring can be used to influence clinical practice and #MedEd.
Skin innate immune response against fungal infections and the potential role of trained immunity
Authors: Bombassaro Amanda , Figueiredo Julia Marcondes , Taborda Carlos P. , Joosten Leo A. B. , Vicente Vania A. , Queiroz‐Telles Flavio , Meis Jacques F. , Kischkel Brenda
Published: January 2024

Fungal skin infections are distributed worldwide and can be associated with economic and social traits. The immune response related to skin cells is complex and its understanding is essential to the comprehension of each cell's role and the discovery of treatment alternatives. The first studies of trained immunity (TI) described the ability of monocytes, macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells to develop a memory‐like response. However, the duration of TI does not reflect the shorter lifespan of these cells. These conclusions supported later studies showing that TI can be observed in stem and haematopoietic cells and, more recently, also in non‐immune skin cells such as fibroblasts, highlighting the importance of resident cells in response to skin disorders. Besides, the participation of less studied proinflammatory cytokines in the skin immune response, such as IL‐36γ, shed light into a new possibility of inflammatory pathway blockade by drugs. In this review, we will discuss the skin immune response associated with fungal infections, the role of TI in skin and clinical evidence supporting opportunities and challenges of TI and other inflammatory responses in the pathogenesis of fungal skin infections.
Understanding the complex dynamics of zebra mussel invasions over several decades in European rivers: drivers, impacts and predictions
Authors: Haubrock Phillip J. , Soto Ismael , Kourantidou Melina , Ahmed Danish A. , Serhan Tarkan Ali , Balzani Paride , Bego Kristi , Kouba Antonín , Aksu Sadi , Briski Elizabeta , Sylvester Francisco , De Santis Vanessa , Archambaud‐Suard Gaït , Bonada Núria , Cañedo‐Argüelles Miguel , Csabai Zoltán , Datry Thibault , Floury Mathieu , Fruget Jean‐François , Jones John Iwan , Lizee Marie‐Helene , Maire Anthony , Murphy John F. , Ozolins Davis , Jessen Rasmussen Jes , Skuja Agnija , Várbíró Gábor , Verdonschot Piet , Verdonschot Ralf C. M. , Wiberg‐Larsen Peter , Cuthbert Ross N.
Published: January 2024

The zebra musselDreissena polymorphais one of the most successful, notorious, and detrimental aquatic invasive non‐native species worldwide, having invaded Europe and North America while causing substantial ecological and socio‐economic impacts. Here, we investigated the spatiotemporal trends in this species' invasion success using 178 macroinvertebrate abundance time series, containing 1451 records ofD. polymorphacollected across nine European countries between 1972–2019. Using these raw (absolute) abundance data, we examined trends and drivers of occurrences and relative abundances ofD. polymorphawithin invaded communities. Meta‐regression models revealed non‐significant trends both at the European level and for the majority of the invaded countries, except for France (significant decreasing trend) and Hungary (marginally positive trend). At the European level, the number ofD. polymorphaoccurrences over time followed a flat‐top bell‐shaped distribution, with a steep increase between 1973–1989 followed by a plateau phase prior to significantly declining post‐1998. Using a series of climatic and hydromorphological site‐specific characteristics of invaded and uninvaded sites from two periods (1998–2002; 2011–2015), we found that native richness, non‐native abundance, distance to the next barrier, and elevation were associated with the occurrence ofD. polymorpha. We also found that higher native richness and lower latitude were related to lower relative abundances. Using Cohen's D as a measure ofD. polymorphaimpact, we found that biodiversity within the invaded sites was initially higher than in uninvaded ones, but then declined, suggesting differences in biodiversity trends across invaded and uninvaded sites. While our results emphasise the high invasion success ofD. polymorpha, increasing stressors within the context of global change – particularly ongoing climate change – are likely to enhance invasion rates and the impact ofD. polymorphain the near future, exacerbated by the lack of timely and effective management actions.
Novel ultrasound‐guided supraclavicular stellate ganglion block
Authors: Fajardo Pérez Mario , Yamak‐Altinpulluk Ece , Díez Tafur Rodrigo , Salazar‐Zamorano Carlos H. , Espinosa Morales Karla , Oliver‐Fornies Pablo , Rocha‐Romero Andrés , Aguilar Ureña Ricardo , Juarez‐Lemus Angel , Galluccio Felice , Abd‐Elsayed Alaa
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Stellate ganglion block (SGB) provides diagnostic and therapeutic benefits in pain syndromes in the head, neck, and upper extremity, including complex regional pain syndrome Types I and II, Raynaud's disease, hyperhidrosis, arterial embolism in the region of the arm.

Methods

We present a novel ultrasound‐guided supraclavicular stellate ganglion block. Considering the existing anatomical structures of the targeted area.

Results and Conclusions

We hope that we can provide fewer complications and additional benefits with this new approach.
The transcription factor OsbZIP48 governs rice responses to zinc deficiency
Authors: Hu Shubao , Du Binbin , Mu Guangmao , Jiang Zichen , Li Hui , Song Yuxinrui , Zhang Baolei , Xia Jixing , Rouached Hatem , Zheng Luqing
Published: January 2024

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is the most prevalent micronutrient disorder in rice and leads to delayed development and decreased yield. Nevertheless, despite its primary importance, how rice responds to Zn deficiency remains poorly understood. This study presents genetic evidence supporting the crucial role of OsbZIP48 in regulating rice's response to Zn deficiency, consistent with earlier findings in the model plant Arabidopsis. Genetic inactivation of OsbZIP48 in rice seedlings resulted in heightened sensitivity to Zn deficiency and reduced Zn translocation from roots to shoots. Consistently, OsbZIP48 was constitutively expressed in roots, slightly induced by Zn deficiency in shoots and localized into nuclei induced by Zn deficiency. Comparative transcriptome analysis of the wild‐type plants and osbzip48 mutant grown under Zn deficiency enabled the identification of OsbZIP48 target genes, including key Zn transporter genes (OsZIP4 and OsZIP8). We demonstrated that OsbZIP48 controlled the expressions of these genes by directly binding to their promoters, specifically to the Zn deficiency response element motif. This study establishes OsbZIP48 as a critical transcription factor in rice's response to Zn deficiency, offering valuable insights for developing Zn‐biofortified rice varieties to combat global Zn limitation.
Volatile organic compounds as potential biomarkers of Cadophora luteo‐olivacea presence on kiwifruits
Authors: Di Francesco Alessandra , Reddi Giorgia , Moret Erica , Cignola Rudy , Ermacora Paolo
Published: January 2024

Cadophora luteo‐olivacea is the causal agent of the skin‐pitting disease of kiwifruit, a syndrome that appears after 4–5 months of cold storage. However, it is assumed that the infection takes place in the field during fruit development. The present work takes into consideration the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of Actinidia deliciosa ‘Hayward’ at different phenological phases as potential C. luteo‐olivacea infection biomarkers. In vitro assays were conducted to gain knowledge on the effect of kiwifruit VOCs on pathogen conidial germination and mycelial growth. VOCs produced by kiwifruit either inoculated or not with C. luteo‐olivacea were analysed at different phenological phases by SPME/GC–MS analysis. In particular, ethanol, o‐xylene, d‐limonene and acetic acid showed a significant increase in the presence of fungal inoculation. Ethanol and d‐limonene were also detected as volatile metabolites of the pathogen. The effect of each compound (ethanol, o‐xylene, d‐limonene and acetic acid) was tested on the fungal conidial germination at different concentrations, showing a growth stimulation at lower amounts. These results show how the production of some VOCs can contribute to the knowledge of fruit–pathogen interaction in the field with the aim of developing future tools for early disease detection and consequent effective control.
Intelligent play: How improv can improve clinician's emotional intelligence
Authors: Mehta Ankit , Hendel‐Paterson Brett , Shah Nilesh , Hemphill Jesse , Adams Nell , Fredrickson Mary
Published: January 2024

Background

Emotional intelligence (EI) of physicians significantly impacts their personal well‐being and professional success with broad implications in health care. A focused training on EI is often lacking in medical curricula. We sought to understand the impact of improvisation training on clinicians' EI.

Approach

Four online medical improv workshops were offered to a diverse group of physicians with varied levels of practice experience including medicine‐paediatric residents, paediatric educators, practising paediatricians and internal/family medicine clinicians. The improv training was thoughtfully curated and remained consistent for all four cohorts, lasting 2 h. Self‐reported EI scales (pre and post) were captured using an online survey tool. The overall EI score and the scores of three EI components were compared before and after training.

Evaluation

Out of 64 participants, 41 participants (64%) completed both the pre‐ and post‐surveys and were included in the final analysis. Participant's pre‐training score (mean:123.9, range: 121.1–126.7) was compared to their post‐training score (mean:128.9, range: 126.3–131.3). The t tests comparing EI scores showed that compared to pre‐intervention, participants on average scored 4.9 points higher (95% CI: 3.1–6.7; p < 0.01) on the overall scale, 2.2 points higher (95% CI: 1.2–3.2; p < 0.01) on the appraisal score, 1.4 points higher (95% CI: 0.8–2.0; p < 0.01) on the regulation score and 1.2 points higher (95% CI: 0.4–2.1; p = 0.01) on the utilisation score.

Implications

Improv training is an innovative method to fill the crucial gap in EI curricula. There was a statistically significant improvement in average score for clinicians' EI after a pilot improv training programme.
Reimagining rural clinical education from lessons learnt during COVID
Authors: Billett Stephen , Noble Christy , Sturman Nancy , O'Shannessy Megan , Brumpton Kay , Le Anh Hai
Published: January 2024

Background

Securing access to sufficient and focussed learning experiences is a perennial challenge for medical trainees. This challenge was accentuated during the COVID‐19 pandemic lockdowns and with physical isolation processes that decreased in‐person patient presentations and a shift to telehealth consultations. This situation has prompted the need to optimise the available experiences and educational responses to overcome the limitations in the number, quantum and range of available clinical learning experiences.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with medical practice teams in four rural general practices to understand how medical trainees' education in rural general practices can be sustained in such circumstances.

Findings

Key considerations included optimising the available experiences to assist medical trainees to generate the kinds of mental models needed by trainees to conduct medical work, and particularly, when it became even more restricted through remote or physically distanced consultations. It also identified lessons learnt during COVID‐19 pandemic lockdowns to inform and improve the provision of trainees' experiences in such practices.

Discussion

Providing experiences for trainees to participate fully in clinical activities is imperative. A sequenced set of experiences was proposed to incrementally prepare trainees to engage in and conduct clinical consultations remotely using digital technologies.

Conclusion

Such an approach may not always be easy or possible to enact but offers a pathway of experiences most likely to lead to positive outcomes for the trainees whilst maintaining patient care and safety considerations.
How medical students' trauma histories affect their clinical clerkship experiences
Authors: Neff Katherine , McKean Erin , Miller Madison , Fitzgerald James T. , Owens Lauren , Morgan Helen K.
Published: January 2024

Background

As the gender demographics of medical students have evolved over the past decades, it is important to understand potential stressors and challenges that may affect clinical learning experiences. This study investigated the prevalence of prior sexual assault (SA) and interpersonal violence (IPV) in medical students and how these affect their clinical clerkship experiences.

Methods

A survey was distributed to third‐ and fourth‐year medical students at a single institution in August 2022 querying respondents on demographics and prior experiences with SA/IPV at any point in their lives. Respondents who indicated they had previously experienced SA/IPV were directed to questions about how these experiences affected clerkships.

Findings

Of 419 students, 125 responded to the survey (30.8% response rate). Forty (31.1%) reported a history of SA/IPV—32 (80.0%) women, five (12.5%) men, and three (7.5%) who did not report gender or identified as non‐binary. Of the 40 respondents with a history of SA/IPV, 20 (50.0%) reported that their prior history affected their overall clinical experience, and nine (22.5%) felt that it affected their performance. Only seven (17.5%) reported using any resources, such as counselling, during their clerkships. Narrative responses discussed significant effects on performing physical exams, taking a history, interacting with team members, and engaging during clerkships.

Discussion

This work demonstrates the high number of students affected by SA/IPV and how these prior experiences affected core components of their clerkship experiences.

Conclusions

Institutions must be proactive to create better supports for learners with histories of trauma, including SA/IPV.
The ‘take‐5 theatre brief’: Group mindfulness practice for operating theatre teams
Authors: Schuster‐Bruce James , Crossley Eleanor , Peters David , Sathyanath Ananth , Rajasingam Daghni , Shylaja Venu , Syed Irfan , Lakhani Raj
Published: January 2024

Background

A surgical team works in a high‐performance environment and is exposed to stress. Mindfulness practice is evidenced to reduce symptoms of stress, as well as burnout, which is high amongst health workers. The operating theatre is unique, with many job‐roles, needs and time‐critical tasks. It is plausible that group mindfulness may benefit the surgical team. This evaluates the take‐5 theatre brief, consisting of a ‘check‐in’ and short breathwork, when used by two surgical teams as part of the regular theatre team brief.

Approach

The take‐5 theatre brief was evaluated using domains of acceptability and implementation. Data were collected at two district general hospitals in the United Kingdom using 5‐point Likert scales hosted on electronic surveys Thematic analysis was performed of participant voice notes, strategic meeting notes and transcripts of interviews between key informants.

Evaluation

There were 17 participants. Ten were from site A (59%), with the remainder being from site B (41%) and covered a range of roles within the theatre team. Participants found the take‐5 theatre brief helpful (median Likert 5) and felt that it would benefit themselves (median Likert 5) as well as the team (median Likert 5) and that it fitted into the day easily (median Likert 4). There was a high demand, no financial investment was required and overall it was easy to implement; however, it became challenged in theatre lists that were late to start.

Implication

The take‐5 theatre brief is an acceptable initiative for these two operating theatre teams.
How does multi‐modal travel enhance tourist attraction accessibility? A refined two‐step floating catchment area method using multi‐source data
Authors: Zhang Yongqi , Fu Xiao , Yu Zhaoyuan , Luo Shuli
Published: January 2024

In the post‐pandemic era, tourism has emerged as the most popular form of recreation in densely populated areas, driven by the pursuit of improved quality of life and the younger generation's growing enthusiasm for connecting with nature or history. Accurate measurement of the accessibility of tourist attractions has become crucial due to this trend. However, existing methods for measuring accessibility, such as the widely used two‐step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method, show limitations in multi‐modal transport networks as it overlooks multi‐modal travels and assumes uniform access for each transport mode within the catchment area. In this article, we present a novel multi‐modal network‐based two‐step floating catchment area (MMN‐2SFCA) method, which incorporates a super‐network to explicitly model the multi‐modal travels. The proposed method emphasizes the modeling of transfer behavior, resulting in a more comprehensive and accurate measurement of tourist attraction accessibility compared to the conventional 2SFCA method. The proposed method emphasizes the modeling of transfer behavior, travel mode choice, and travel demand estimation by multi‐source big data (including mobile phone signaling data, travel survey data, subway smart card data, and bike‐sharing data), resulting in a more comprehensive and accurate measurement of tourist attraction accessibility compared to the conventional 2SFCA method. The results of the case study in Suzhou (a famous tourism city in China) demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed MMN‐2SFCA method. The method can rectify the imbalance in accessibility distribution caused by considering only single‐modal trips, and avoid overestimation of accessibility by accounting for transfer behavior. This study contributes to advancing accessibility measurement for multi‐modal transport networks. Moreover, the MMN‐2SFCA method offers excellent extensibility, enabling authorities to optimize and coordinate multi‐modal transport networks for improving the accessibility of tourist attractions and other facilities.
Novel method for determining when a field‐collected donor unit is sufficiently full
Authors: Yazer Mark H. , Werneiwski Kendall , Thompson Patrick , Titlestad Kjell , Watkins Thomas , Smith Stephen , Bengtsson Jesper , Brunetta Denise M. , Carlos Luciana , Jenkins Donald , Salcido Julian , Ngamsuntikul Samantha G. , Taye Habetamu , Kinfu Abiy , Tadesse Demewoz , Jackson Bryon P. , Kutner José , Yokoyama Ana Paula , Hess John R. , Tuott Erin , Ilmakunnas Minna , de Regt Ann K. , Wiebke Handke , Seltsam Axel , Braverman Maxwell , Compton Frances , Sutor Laurie , Meledeo Michael A. , Messenger Jacquelyn M. , DePasquale Marc
Published: January 2024

Background

Whole blood (WB) collections can occur downrange for immediate administration. An important aspect of these collections is determining when the unit is sufficiently full. This project tested a novel method for determining when a field collection is complete.

Methods

The amount of empty space at the top of WB units, destined to become LTOWB or separated into components, that were collected at blood centers or hospitals was measured by holding a WB unit off the ground and placing the top of a piece of string where the donor tubing entered the bag. The string was marked where it intersected the top of the column of blood in the bag and measured from the top. The WB units were also weighed.

Results

A total of 15 different bags, two of which were measured in two different filling volumes, from 15 hospitals or blood centers were measured and weighed. The most commonly used blood bag, Terumo Imuflex SP, had a median string length of 9 mm (range: 2–24 mm) and weighed a median of 565.1 g (range: 524.8–636.7 g).

Conclusion

Pieces of string can be precut to the appropriate length depending on the type of bag before a mission where field WB collections might be required and a mark placed on the bag before the collection commences to indicate when the unit is full.