bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting mechanical properties of ultrahigh temperature ceramics using machine learning
Authors: Han Taihao , Huang Jie , Sant Gaurav , Neithalath Narayanan , Kumar Aditya
Published: July 2022

Ultrahigh temperature ceramics (UHTCs) have melting points above 3000°C and outstanding strength at high temperatures, thus making them apposite structural materials for high‐temperature applications. Di‐borides, nitride, and carbide compounds—processed via various techniques—have been extensively studied and used in the manufacture of UHTCs. Current analytical models, based on our current but incomplete understanding of the theory, are unable to produce a priori predictions of mechanical properties of UHTCs based on their mixture designs and processing parameters. As a result, researchers have to rely on experiments—which are often costly and time‐consuming—to understand composition–structure–performance links in UHTCs. This study employs machine learning (ML) models (i.e., random forest and artificial neural network models) to predict Young's modulus, flexural strength, and fracture toughness of UHTCs in relation to a wide range of mixture designs, processing parameters, and testing conditions. Outcomes demonstrate that adequately trained ML models can yield reliable predictions, a priori, of the three aforesaid mechanical properties. The prediction performance on Young's modulus is superior to flexural strength and fracture toughness. Next, the ML model with the best prediction performance is utilized to evaluate and rank the impacts of input variables on Young's modulus. Finally, on the basis of such classification of consequential and inconsequential input variables, this study develops an easy‐to‐use, closed‐form analytical model to predict Young's modulus of UHTCs. Overall, this study highlights the ability of data‐driven numerical models to complement, or even replace, time‐consuming experiments, thereby accelerating the development of UHTCs.
Metaprofiling of the bacterial community in sorghum silages inoculated with lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Puntillo Melisa , Peralta Guillermo H. , Bürgi María D. Milagros , Huber Paula , Gaggiotti Mónica , Binetti Ana G. , Vinderola Gabriel
Published: July 2022

Aims

To characterize the fermentation process and bacterial diversity of sorghum silage inoculated with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LpAv, Pediococcus pentosaceus PpM and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LcAv.

Methods and Results

Chopped sorghum was ensiled using the selected strains. Physicochemical parameters (Ammonia Nitrogen/Total Nitrogen, Dry Matter, Crude Protein, Acid Detergent Fibre, Neutral Detergent Fibre, Acid Detergent Lignin, Ether Extract and Ashes), bacterial counts, cell cytometry and 16sRNA sequencing were performed to characterize the ensiling process and an animal trial (BALB/c mice) was conducted in order to preliminary explore the potential of sorghum silage to promote animal gut health. After 30 days of ensiling, the genus Lactobacillus comprised 68.4 ± 2.3% and 73.5 ± 1.8% of relative abundance, in control and inoculated silages respectively. Richness (Chao1 index) in inoculated samples, but not in control silages, diminished along ensiling, suggesting the domination of fermentation by the inoculated LAB. A trend in conferring enhanced protection against Salmonella infection was observed in the mouse model used to explore the potential to promote gut health of sorghum silage.

Conclusions

The LAB strains used in this study were able to dominate sorghum fermentation.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This is the first report using metaprofiling of 16sRNA to characterize sorghum silage, showing a microbiological insight where resident and inoculated LAB strains overwhelmed the epiphytic microbiota, inhibiting potential pathogens of the genus Klebsiella.
Analysis of clinical phenotypes of neuropathic symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes: A multicenter study
Authors: Kim Yu Ji , Lee Jeong Min , Lee Chang Won , Chung Choon Hee , Lee Jae Hyuk , Ko Seung Hyun , Cho Dong Hyeok , Lee Ji Hyun , Cho Ho Chan , Kim Sang Soo , Kim Chong Hwa , Won Jong Chul , Park Tae Sun
Published: July 2022

Aims/Introduction

We investigated the classification of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) patients by subjective symptoms, and identification of the relationship between the patterns and intensities of symptoms and the clustered groups of DPN patients.

Materials and Methods

This multicenter study analyzed epidemiological data and sensory symptoms of 649 patients with DPN. Cluster analysis was carried out to identify subgroups of patients with characteristic symptom profiles. Factor analysis was carried out to investigate the symptom patterns of the clustered groups of DPN patients.

Results

Three clusters of patients with DPN were identified: severe symptoms with decreased quality of life (cluster 1, n = 119, 18.3%), predominantly insensate symptoms with relatively good quality of life (cluster 2, n = 318, 49.0%), and moderate pain intensity and decreased quality of life (cluster 3, n = 204, 31.4%). The frequency of symptoms on each item of the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument questionnaire showed a similar distribution according to pain intensities along with the three clusters.

Conclusions

Our study supports the hypothesis that diversity in sensory symptoms exists in patients with DPN. Heterogeneity in DPN patients should be taken into account for a more stratified or individualized treatment approach. Based on a multicenter study, we identified three clusters of patients with DPN. Our research supports the hypothesis that diversity in sensory symptoms exists in patients with DPN. Heterogeneity in DPN patients should be taken into account for a more stratified or individualized treatment approach.
Effect of a physical activity intervention and frailty on frailty trajectory and major mobility disability
Authors: Quach Jack , Theou Olga , Pérez‐Zepeda Mario U. , Godin Judith , Rockwood Kenneth , Kehler Dustin S.
Published: July 2022

Background

Physical activity (PA) interventions may reduce the burden of frailty and can prevent mobility disability for older adults. We explored whether a 2‐year PA intervention would improve frailty trajectory, lead to clinically meaningful frailty changes (CMC), or impact major mobility disability (MMD) across baseline frailty levels.

Methods

We analyzed data for 1635 community‐dwelling participants who were 70–89 years old (mean baseline age [SD]: 78.9 [5.2] years, 67.2% female) from the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence Study. Participants were randomized to either PA or health education (HE) intervention. A 44‐item frailty index (FI) was constructed at baseline and 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 years after baseline. CMC was defined as change in FI of ≥0.03. MMD was the inability to complete a 400 m‐walk within 15 min without assistance. Mixed‐effects models were used to estimate frailty trajectory and CMC. Cox regression models were used to determine whether the effect of PA on the composite of MMD or death differed by baseline FI.

Results

Mean FI (SD) at baseline for both the PA and HE groups was 0.18 (0.10). Two years after baseline, mean FIs were 0.23 (0.12) for PA and 0.24 (0.12) for HE. The MMD rates were 30.1% (246/818) and 35.5% (290/817) for PA and HE, respectively. There was no time‐by‐intervention interaction for frailty trajectory or for CMC. Regarding the composite MMD and death, there was no FI‐by‐intervention interaction. Simple association analyses revealed that when baseline FI was centered at 0.15 or higher, the PA intervention was associated with lower risk of MMD or death compared to HE (HR [CI] range for FI ≥ 0.15: 0.65–0.81 [0.43–0.67, 0.90–0.98]).

Conclusion

Participants in both groups showed similar frailty trajectories and CMC. Those who were frailer benefitted more from the PA intervention regarding MMD and death and may be a focus of recruitments for future PA program.
Emergency department‐to‐community care transition barriers: A qualitative study of older adults
Authors: Gettel Cameron J. , Serina Peter T. , Uzamere Ivie , Hernandez‐Bigos Kizzy , Venkatesh Arjun K. , Rising Kristin L. , Goldberg Elizabeth M. , Feder Shelli L. , Cohen Andrew B. , Hwang Ula
Published: July 2022

Background

Over one‐half of older adults are discharged to the community after emergency department (ED) visits, and studies have shown there is increased risk of adverse health outcomes in the immediate post‐discharge period. Understanding the experiences of older adults during ED‐to‐community care transitions has the potential to improve geriatric emergency clinical care and inform intervention development. We therefore sought to assess barriers experienced by older adults during ED‐to‐community care transitions.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative analysis of community‐dwelling cognitively intact patients aged 65 years and older receiving care in four diverse EDs from a single U.S. healthcare system. We constructed a conceptual framework a priori to guide the development and iterative revision of a codebook, used purposive sampling, and conducted recorded, semi‐structured interviews using a standardized guide. Two researchers coded the professionally transcribed data using a combined deductive and inductive approach and analyzed transcripts to identify dominant themes and representative quotations.

Results

Among 25 participants, 20 (80%) were women and 17 (68%) were white. We identified four barriers during the ED‐to‐community care transition: (1) ED discharge process was abrupt with missing information regarding symptom explanation and performed testing, (2) navigating follow‐up outpatient clinical care was challenging, (3) new physical limitations and fears hinder performance of baseline activities, and (4) major and minor ramifications for caregivers impact an older adult's willingness to request or accept assistance.

Conclusions

Older adults identified barriers to successful ED‐to‐community care transitions that can inform the development of novel and effective interventions.
Nutrition support and intervention preferences of cancer survivors
Authors: Keaver Laura , O'Callaghan Niamh , Douglas Pauline
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Ascertaining cancer survivors’ specific needs and preferences regarding nutrition information delivery is important in developing and designing future health interventions in oncology. The present study aimed to explore the nutrition information needs of cancer survivors and their preferences regarding intervention delivery.

Methods

The present study is a mixed‐methods study comprising a cross‐sectional survey and focus groups. Participants were eligible for inclusion if they were aged ≥ 18 years, living in Ireland with a cancer diagnosis and had completed treatment at least 6 months previously. Cancer support centres promoted the online survey on social media. Focus groups were conducted with 20 individuals.

Results

The cohort (n = 56) was predominantly female (n = 50; 89.3%) breast cancer survivors (n = 42; 75%). Seven (12.5%) had received nutrition advice from a dietitian. Most were interested in receiving nutrition advice (n = 52; 92.9%), with variability in delivery mode. There was interest in improving sleep quality (n = 35; 62.5%), making positive lifestyle changes (n = 28; 50%) and accessing cancer‐specific physical activity classes (n = 27; 48.2%). The best time to deliver information was throughout the cancer journey (n = 31; 55.4%). Time and motivation (n = 15; 26.8%) were the main barriers. Facilitators were keeping healthy (n = 42; 75%) and weight maintenance (n = 31; 55.4%). Four themes emerged from thematic analysis: lack of nutrition guidance, an abundance of misinformation, one size does not fit all and dietitians as the preferred source of advice.

Conclusions

There is a desire for evidence‐based nutrition advice and for dietitians to be integrated into cancer clinics and cancer survivorship care. This research guides future nutrition interventions to improve cancer survivorship outcomes.
Effect of platelet concentrate prepared by different methods on the healing of full‐thickness skin defects
Authors: Huang Liwen , Dong Yunqing , Li Changhui , Han Sheng , Cheng Biao
Published: July 2022

Background

Platelet‐rich plasma and concentrated growth factors have been widely utilized in tissue regeneration. However, very few studies have focused on comparing the merits of these two materials in skin repair.

Aims

We aim to compare the wound healing effects of four platelet concentrates.

Methods

Auto‐platelet‐rich plasma, artificial platelet‐rich plasma, concentrated growth factors in a liquid phase, and a gel phase were prepared, and a full‐thickness skin defect model of mice was made. The skin defects were treated with normal saline as a control and also the four kinds of platelet concentrates mentioned above, respectively. Wound size was measured and calculated on days 3, 5, 7, and 10, with histological analysis performed.

Results

All four platelet concentrates accelerated wound healing in mice. Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) in concentrated growth factors in a liquid phase, a gel phase, and artificial platelet‐rich plasma groups were significantly lower than those in the control group; and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD34 were significantly higher than those in the control group and auto‐platelet‐rich plasma group.

Conclusions

All four platelet concentrates appear to promote wound healing. Compared with auto‐platelet‐rich plasma, concentrated growth factors in a liquid phase and in a gel phase, and artificial platelet‐rich plasma seem to have more substantial effects in promoting angiogenesis, epithelialization, and reducing inflammation, thus promoting a stronger effect on wound healing.
Evaluation of antibacterial and wound‐healing activities of alcoholic extract of Boswellia carterii, in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Hasson Shaimaa Obaid , Jasim Adnan Mansour , Salman Sumod Abdul Kadhem , Akrami Sousan , Saki Morteza , Hassan Maryam Adil
Published: July 2022

Background

Today, despite the existence of various chemical and physical treatments for wound healing, the use of traditional medicine including herbal medicine is still widely used in most developed and developing countries.

Objectives

To investigate the antimicrobial and wound‐healing activities of alcoholic extract of Boswellia carterii (BC) plant.

Methods

The BC extract was prepared using alcohol 70%. The chemical groups and extract compounds were determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, respectively. The antimicrobial and wound‐healing activities of different concentrations of BC extract and its combination with penicillin–streptomycin were assessed by agar well diffusion and infected wound model in albino rabbits, respectively.

Results

FTIR revealed the presence of hydroxyl, amide, carboxyl, alkyl C–H stretches, aromatic C=C bends, and aromatic C–H bends in the BC extract. The HPLC revealed 14 different compounds including thujene (48.0%) as the most abundant ingredient. All BC concentrations showed antibacterial and wound‐healing activities. The 10% concentration of BC extract had the strongest antibacterial effect. Also, the combination of penicillin–streptomycin with BC extract showed synergistic antibacterial effect. The 5% concentration of BC was the best wound‐healing compound which healed the wound in 6 days and decreased the wound size 10 mm each day.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the potential abilities of BC as an antibacterial and wound‐healing medicinal plant. Further studies are required to justify the in vivo use of this plant.
Contribution of fetal magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of neurosonographically detected cases of isolated mild and moderate cerebral ventriculomegaly
Authors: Adiyaman Duygu , Öztekin Özgür , Kuyucu Melda , Atakul Bahar K. , Toklu Gizem , Aykut İsmail , Yıldırım Alkım G. Ş. , Özeren Mehmet , Öztekin Deniz
Published: July 2022

Aim

This study aimed to present the contribution of prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of fetuses that were previously identified as isolated mild and moderate cerebral ventriculomegaly (VM) by ultrasound (US).

Methods

The data between February 2013 and August 2020 were collected for women who were diagnosed with isolated mild or moderate fetal VM by US and subsequently underwent a fetal MRI.

Results

Among 321 women, 21 (6.5%) had a clinically important additional finding after MRI. Twelve of 276 (4.3%) fetuses with mild VM and 9 of 45 (20%) with moderate VM had turned out to have additional central nervous system abnormalities. Additional findings were detected more in fetuses with moderate VM, mothers with an anterior‐located placenta, and mothers with higher body mass indexes (BMIs) with statistical significance (p = 0.001, p = 0.013, p = 0.036, respectively). The most common additional MRI finding was grade 3 or 4 germinal matrix hemorrhage, which was detected in 11 of 21 fetuses (52.3%).

Conclusions

Considering the countries' health policies, prenatal MRI would contribute mostly to the diagnosis of fetuses with moderate VM, pregnancies with anterior‐located placenta, and mothers with high BMIs. According to our data, we believe that MRI will be valuable, especially in the diagnosis of grade 3 and 4 intracranial hemorrhage group.
Surface Characteristics and Flexural Strength of Porous‐Surface Designed Zirconia Manufactured via Stereolithography
Authors: Ma Quanquan , Ding Qian , Zhang Lei , Sun Yuchun , Xie Qiufei
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To design and fabricate zirconia bars with porous surfaces using stereolithography and evaluate their surface characteristics and flexural strengths.

Materials and Methods

Five groups of zirconia bars (20 mm × 4 mm × 2 mm) with interconnected porous surfaces were designed and manufactured: (i) 400‐µm pore size and 50% porosity (D400‐P50 group), (ii) 400‐µm pore size and 30% porosity (D400‐P30 group), (iii) 200‐µm pore size and 50% porosity (D200‐P50 group), (iv) 200‐µm pore size and 30% porosity (D200‐P30 group), and (v) 100‐µm pore size and 30% porosity (D100‐P30 group). Zirconia bars without a porous surface (NP) were used as controls. The surface topographies and pore structures were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and three‐dimensional laser microscopy. The printed porosity was calculated using the Archimedes method. Fifteen specimens from each group were subjected to a three‐point bending test according to the ISO 6872:2015 standard. A Weibull analysis was performed, and the fractured surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy.

Results

Zirconia bars with porous surfaces were designed and successfully manufactured. The designed pore size, porosity, and shape of the printed pores were approximately achieved for all the porous surfaces. The flexural strength of the control group was significantly higher than those of the groups with porous surfaces (p < 0.001). For the same porosity, groups with a pore size of 400 µm exhibited a lower flexural strength than the other groups (p<0.001). Additionally, for the same pore‐size design, the flexural strengths of group D400‐P50 and D400‐P30 exhibited no significant differences (p = 0.150), while the flexural strengths of D200‐P30 were significantly higher than that of the D200‐P50 group (p = 0.043). The control group and D400‐P50 group had higher Weibull moduli than the other groups. The fractography of the specimens with porous surfaces indicated more than one crack origin, mainly owing to defects, including pores and cracks.

Conclusion

Zirconia bars with porous surfaces were successfully designed and fabricated using the stereolithography technique. Although porous surfaces may be advantageous for osteogenesis, the porous‐surface design can reduce the flexural strength of the printed zirconia bars. By reducing the pore size, controlling the porosity, and improving the printing accuracy, a higher strength can be achieved.
From adversity to activism: A psychobiographical case study of Cori Bush
Authors: Wilson Megan E. , Hill Patrick L.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Cori Bush is a prominent modern activist in the U.S., becoming involved in activism following Michael Brown's death. Bush, like many activists before her, has set clear goals for social change, yet work is needed to understand why Bush (and like others) became an activist when others did not. One potential reason may be that these exemplars found purpose in life in activism. Thus, the current psychobiography explores the purpose in life of Cori Bush, a prominent activist and politician in the U.S., as well as what factors emerge for how Bush found her purpose in life.

Method

The present research gathered public materials (e.g., speeches) from Bush and coded materials for the presence and depth of both themes of purpose and factors predicting purpose.

Results

Activism was the most prominent theme of purpose for Bush, with some pro‐social purposes also occurring. Multiple personal factors emerged as influences on her activist purpose, including extraversion, psychological flexibility, and action‐oriented coping style. Additionally, the situational factors of discriminatory experiences and Michael Brown's death emerged as factors.

Conclusion

These results suggest that Bush has an activist purpose in life and that she found this purpose through a combination of personal and situational factors.
Physical activity and physical and mental health in middle‐aged adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Fleming Victoria , Piro‐Gambetti Brianna , Handen Benjamin , Christian Bradley T. , Cohen Annie , Tudorascu Dana , Plante David T. , Okonkwo Ozioma , Hartley Sigan L.
Published: July 2022

Adults with Down syndrome have an increased risk of aging‐related physical and mental health conditions and experience them at an earlier age than the general population. There is a need to investigate modifiable lifestyle factors that may reduce risk for these conditions. The present study investigated the associations between physical activity (i.e., sedentary behavior and moderate‐to‐vigorous activity) assessed via accelerometer across 7 days and caregiver‐reported physical and mental health of 66 nondemented middle‐aged adults with Down syndrome aged 25–55 years (52% female). Regression analyses indicated that more time spent in moderate intensity physical activity was associated with less risk of sleep apnea (β = −0.031, p = 0.004) and endocrine/metabolic conditions (β = −0.046, p = 0.009), and lower total number of physical health conditions (β = −0.110, p = 0.016) and anxiety disorders (β = −0.021, p = 0.049) after controlling for relevant sociodemographics. After also adjusting for body‐mass‐index (BMI), the association between time spent in moderate intensity physical activity and sleep apnea (β = −0.035, p = 0.002), endocrine/metabolic conditions (β = −0.033, p = 0.045) and total physical health (β = −0.091, p = 0.026) remained significant. Unexpectedly, time spent in sedentary behavior was negatively associated with musculoskeletal conditions (β = −0.017, p = 0.044). Findings indicate important associations between physical activity in everyday life and the physical and mental health of adults with Down syndrome. Social policies and interventions aimed at reducing time spent sitting around (i.e., sedentary behavior) and encouraging moderate‐to‐vigorous activity may be a low‐burden and low‐cost mechanism for fostering healthy physical and mental aging in the Down syndrome population.
Antifungal activity of poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles incorporated with Eucalyptus essential oils against Hemileia vastatrix
Authors: Caetano A.R.S. , Cardoso M.G. , Resende M.L.V. , Chalfuon S.M. , Martins M.A. , Gomes H.G. , Andrade M.E.R. , Brandão R.M. , Campolina G.A. , Nelson D.L. , de Oliveira J.E.
Published: July 2022

Coffee (Coffea L.) is one of the main crops produced globally. Its contamination by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix Berkeley and Broome has been economically detrimental for producers. The objective of this work was to extract and characterize the essential oils from Eucalyptus citriodora Hook, Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn and Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden, produce and characterize nanoparticles containing these essential oils and evaluate the in vivo and in vitro antifungal activity of free and nanoencapsulated essential oils. The principal constituent of the essential oil from E. citriodora was citronellal; that from E. grandis was α-pinene; and that from E. camaldulensis was 1,8-cineol. The in vitro antifungal activity against the fungus H. vastatrix was 100% at a concentration of 1000 μl l−1 for all the oils and nanoparticles containing these natural products. The sizes of the nanoparticles produced with the essential oils from E. citriodora, E. camaldulensis and E. grandis were 402·13 nm, 275·33 nm and 328·5 nm, respectively, with surface charges of −11·8 mV, −9·24 mV and − 6·76 mV, respectively. Fourier transform infrared analyses proved that the encapsulation of essential oils occurred in the polymeric matrix of poly(ε-caprolactone). The incorporation of essential oils into biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles increased their efficiency as biofungicides in the fight against coffee rust, decreasing the severity of the disease by up to 90·75% after treatment with the nanoparticles containing the essential oil from E. grandis.
Comparison of primary liver cancer mortality estimates from World Health Organization, global burden disease and global cancer observatory
Authors: Li Chenxi , He Wen‐Qiang
Published: July 2022

Aims

This study aims to compare estimates of primary liver cancer mortality from World Health Organization (WHO), Global Burden Disease (GBD) and Global Cancer Observatory (GCO).

Methods

Liver cancer mortality was extracted from WHO, GBD and GCO for 92 countries for the most recent year. Age‐standardized rate (ASR) was computed and used for current comparisons across the three data sources. Temporal trend for 75 countries was analysed and compared between WHO and GBD from 1990 to 2019 using joinpoint regression. Average annual percentage change for the most recent 10 years was used as indicator for change.

Results

The estimates of ASR were quite consistent across the three data sources, but most similar estimates were found between WHO and GCO in both region and country levels. The differences in ASR were negatively correlated with completeness of cause‐of‐death registration, human development index and proportion of liver cancer because of alcohol consumption. Consistent trends of ASR were found from 35 countries between WHO and GBD in the most recent 10 years. However, opposite trends were found from 10 countries with five from Southern America, four from Europe and one from Asia. Of the 18 countries for projection, opposite trends between WHO and GBD were found from seven countries.

Conclusion

While the ASR of primary liver cancer mortality was comparable across the three data sources, most similar estimates were found between WHO and GCO. The opposite trends found from 10 countries between WHO and GBD raised concerns of true patterns in these countries.
Giant tree frogs exemplify the promise of integrating multiple types of data in phylogeographic investigations
Authors: Carstens Bryan C. , Moshier Shelby P.
Published: July 2022

Hugall et al. (2022) is one of the seminal publications from the single locus era of phylogeographic research. These authors were among the first to argue that genetic data are ideally suited to test hypotheses that are ultimately derived from other sources of information. While the testing of predictions from the fossil record has long been important to molecular systematics (e.g., Donoghue et al., 1989), phylogeographic investigations into the more recent evolutionary past lack a fossil record in most focal taxa. In lieu of fossils, which were not available for the small snails that served as the focal taxon, Hugall et al. (2002) applied the (then) new technique of environmental modelling to identify regions within the species range with habitat that was predicted to be stable throughout the Holocene. They then present data that suggests that these regions correspond to the areas with high genetic diversity. Apart from the inferences about snail evolutionary history, the core argument of Hugall et al. (2002) is that consilience (i.e., agreement between inferences drawn from different sources of data) is an important goal for phylogeographic investigation. Consilience in the inferences drawn from independent types of data has a multiplicative effect; when present the researcher is likely to have more confidence in their inference than would be possible to have in an inference from any one source of data. The manuscript by Jaynes et al. (2022) is a splendid illustration of this principle.
The problem with paradoxes: The hidden costs of fatigue
Authors: Field Emily , Taylor Taryn
Published: July 2022

Empirical research on workplace fatigue remains fraught with contradictions that mask fatigue’s true costs. Tackling the issue will require collective acknowledgement of the problem and a structural approach to solutions.
Assessing the normative significance of desire satisfaction
Authors: Segers Seppe , Pennings Guido , Mertes Heidi
Published: July 2022

People have various desires, but it is a contested moral issue when a desire becomes of such importance that it legitimizes a moral claim on others. This paper explores how the normative significance of desire satisfaction can be assessed and argues that a normatively significant desire can constitute a pro tanto obligation to help satisfy it. The paper presents a framework that relates the normative significance of a given desire to the general goal of living a reasonably valuable life and inquires how the latter can be given determinate content without excluding a heterogeneity of the personal good. The paper contends that the set of possibly normatively significant desires is thus restricted by considerations about intelligibility, adequacy, and replaceability, which are mediated by societal background theories.
The place of discourse in philosophy as a way of life
Authors: Miranda Vilchis Rogelio
Published: July 2022

For ancient philosophers, philosophy was not only a theory about the big questions but also a way of life, yet it was not only a way of life but also a theory. Pierre Hadot showed the importance of philosophy as a way of life in antiquity. Moreover, he defended, as this paper demonstrates, the view that ancient philosophy was primarily a way of life and that philosophical discourse or theory played a secondary role. The paper argues against Hadot, taking the paradigmatic Socratic way of life as an illustration, that theory is as crucial for philosophy as practice is. Doing spiritual exercises and living in a particular way was very important for the ancients, but so were truth and understanding reality.
Ericoid shrubs shape fungal communities and suppress organic matter decomposition in boreal forests
Authors: Fanin Nicolas , Clemmensen Karina E. , Lindahl Björn D. , Farrell Mark , Nilsson Marie‐Charlotte , Gundale Michael J. , Kardol Paul , Wardle David A.
Published: July 2022

Mycorrhizal fungi associated with boreal trees and ericaceous shrubs are central actors in organic matter (OM) accumulation through their belowground carbon allocation, their potential capacity to mine organic matter for nitrogen (N) and their ability to suppress saprotrophs. Yet, interactions between co‐occurring ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF), ericoid mycorrhizal fungi (ERI), and saprotrophs are poorly understood.

We used a long‐term (19 yr) plant functional group manipulation experiment with removals of tree roots, ericaceous shrubs and mosses and analysed the responses of different fungal guilds (assessed by metabarcoding) and their interactions in relation to OM quality (assessed by mid‐infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance) and decomposition (litter mesh‐bags) across a 5000‐yr post‐fire boreal forest chronosequence.

We found that the removal of ericaceous shrubs and associated ERI changed the composition of EMF communities, with larger effects occurring at earlier stages of the chronosequence. Removal of shrubs was associated with enhanced N availability, litter decomposition and enrichment of the recalcitrant OM fraction.

We conclude that increasing abundance of slow‐growing ericaceous shrubs and the associated fungi contributes to increasing nutrient limitation, impaired decomposition and progressive OM accumulation in boreal forests, particularly towards later successional stages. These results are indicative of the contrasting roles of EMF and ERI in regulating belowground OM storage.
Histone demethylase KDM3C regulates the lncRNA GAS5–miR‐495‐3p–PHF8 axis in cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Zhao Linlin , Qi Feng , Du Dongdong , Wu Naishi
Published: July 2022

Cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is a pathological phenotype of cardiomyopathy. Epigenetic modification is a mechanism associated with CH. Our study here investigated the histone demethylase KDM3C in relation to epigenetic regulation in CH. We found that KDM3C mRNA silencing alleviated CH, as evidenced by reduced ANP, BNP, and β‐MHC mRNAs, increased α‐MHC mRNA, decreased cell surface area, and reduced cellular protein/DNA ratios. Specifically, KDM3C upregulated miR‐200c‐3p expression through demethylation of H3K9me2, leading to enhanced binding of miR‐200c‐3p to GAS5 and suppression of GAS5 expression; these effects then led to reduced binding of GAS5 to miR‐495‐3p, increased miR‐495‐3p expression, and repression of PHF8 transcription. Through these mechanisms, our data indicate that KDM3C‐dependent epigenetic modification promotes CH.
Intravenous ondansetron reduced nausea but not pruritus following intrathecal morphine in children: Interim results of a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐control trial
Authors: Putnam Elizabeth M. , Hong Rebecca A. , Park John M. , Li Ying , Leis Aleda , Malviya Shobha
Published: July 2022

Study Objective

This study's purpose was to determine if ondansetron can prevent pruritus after administration of intrathecal morphine in children, as has been demonstrated in adults.

Design

A double‐blinded, randomized placebo‐controlled trial.

Setting

Operating room and first 24 h postoperative inpatient stay at an academic children's hospital.

Patients

Forty‐six children aged 3–17 years, who received 4–5 mcg/kg intrathecal morphine for urological or orthopedic procedures were included.

Interventions

Children were randomized to receive intravenous ondansetron (treatment) or saline placebo (placebo), prior to intrathecal morphine administration, and q6H for 24 h thereafter. Intraoperative anti‐emetics and postoperative rescue treatments for pruritus and nausea were standardized.

Measurements

Patients were interviewed q6H for scored pruritus, nausea, and pain, using standardized scales.

Main Results

The trial was terminated for futility after interim analysis. Forty‐six children were recruited and 45 completed data collection. No significant difference was found between both groups for incidence of pruritus (requiring treatment) [relative risk (RR) 0.9, 95% CI: 0.7, 1.2], during the first postoperative 24 h. Notably, the incidence of pruritus was 84% overall, much higher than rates in previously published studies. Intravenous ondansetron significantly reduced the incidence of nausea, compared with the placebo group [RR 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3, 0.9].

Conclusions

This study found no evidence for intravenous ondansetron as an effective preventative for pruritus following intrathecal morphine in children. However, this RCT did find that the rate of pruritus following intrathecal morphine administration may be significantly higher than previously thought. Nausea and vomiting (a secondary outcome) were reduced significantly in the treatment group. The negative findings of this study reinforce the potential dangers of extrapolating the drug effects seen in adults onto pediatric patients.
Training clinicians to become leaders of complex change: Lessons from Scotland
Authors: Thakore Shobhan
Published: July 2022

Clinicians are trained to diagnose disease and recommend treatments or procedures. This is the focus of much of undergraduate training, but delivery of healthcare depends on so much more than theoretical knowledge and technical skill. It is a complex environment where professionals from different backgrounds have to work together to deliver safe pathways of care to patients who have very varied backgrounds. This can lead to inefficiency and variation in provision of care and clinical outcomes. In turn, this can negatively impact on the experience of patients and staff. Attempting to change this complex environment requires a unique set of skills. This article describes an international fellowship that creates a network of individuals skilled in quality improvement, human factors, service design and leadership.
Comparative analysis of R2R3‐MYB transcription factors in the flower of Iris laevigata identifies a novel gene regulating tobacco cold tolerance
Authors: Yang J. , Yu S. , Shi G. F. , Yan L. , Lv R. T. , Ma Z. , Wang L.
Published: July 2022

Breeding for flower cold resistance is a priority for flower breeding research in northern China. The identification of cold resistance genes will not only provide genetic resources for cold resistance breeding, but also form a basis for the study of plant cold resistance mechanisms.

Based on the flower transcriptome of Iris laevigata, 20 R2R3‐MYBs were identified and comprehensive analysis, including conservative domain, phylogenetic analyses and functional distribution, were performed for R2R3‐MYBs. Expression patterns of the abiotic stress genes under cold stress were detected, the upregulated gene was genetically transformed into tobacco, and the related physiological indicators of the transgenic tobacco were measured.

A novel cold resistance gene, IlMYB306, was obtained. qRT‐PCR indicated that IlMYB306 was dramatically induced by cold stress and was significantly upregulated in roots. The free proline content, MDA, SOD and POD activity of the transgenic tobacco improved after cold stress, and the chlorophyll content decreased slowly. In addition, overexpression of IlMYB306 improved cold resistance of the seeds. SEM results showed leaves of transgenic tobacco had obvious folds, more grooves and bulges on the lower leaf surface.

Overall, we report a novel cold resistance R2R3‐MYB gene, IlMYB306, in the flower of I. laevigata, which could improve tobacco cold stress tolerance by thickening the waxy layer, increasing antioxidant activity and the content of proline.
Optimization of active surveillance strategies for heterogeneous patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Denton Brian T. , Morgan Todd M.
Published: July 2022

Prostate cancer (PCa) is common in American men with long latent periods, during which the disease is asymptomatic. Active surveillance is a monitoring strategy commonly used for patients diagnosed with low‐risk PCa who may harbor latent high‐risk PCa. The optimal monitoring strategy attempts to minimize the disutility of testing while ensuring that the patient is detected at the earliest time when the disease progresses. Unfortunately, guidelines for the active surveillance of PCa are often one‐size‐fits‐all strategies that ignore the heterogeneity among multiple patient types. In contrast, personalized strategies based on partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) models are challenging to implement in practice given the large number of possible strategies that can be used. This article presents a two‐stage stochastic programming approach that selects a set of strategies for predefined cardinality based on patients' disease risks. The first‐stage decision variables include binary variables for the selection of periods at which to test patients in each strategy and the assignment of multiple patient types to strategies. The objective is to maximize a weighted reward function that considers the need for cancer detection, missed detection, and cost of monitoring patients. We discuss the structure and complexity of the model and reformulate a logic‐based Bender's decomposition formulation that can solve realistic instances to optimality. We present a case study for the active surveillance of PCa and show that our model results in strategies that vary in intensity according to patient disease risk. Finally, we show that our model can generate a small number of strategies that can significantly improve the existing “one‐size‐fits‐all” guideline strategies used in practice.
Prediabetes and the incidence of dementia in general population: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Wang Qihao , Li Xinying , Teng Nan , Li Xiaofeng
Published: July 2022

Background

Continuous hyperglycaemia has been related with dementia. However, it remains unclear whether prediabetes poses a higher risk of dementia. A meta‐analysis was therefore conducted to comprehensively investigate the possible role of prediabetes as a risk factor of dementia.

Methods

Prospective cohort studies reporting the association of prediabetes and dementia were identified from PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases. A random‐effects model was applied to combine the results by incorporating the influence of heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses were also conducted to explore the influences of study features on the relationship. Sensitivity analysis re‐estimated the combined effect size after excluding single studies separately to explore the robustness of the results.

Results

Nine studies involving 29 986 adults from the general population, 6265 (20.9%) of whom had prediabetes, were included. It was shown that prediabetes was not independently associated with a higher incidence of dementia compared with normoglycaemia (adjusted risk ratio (RR): 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85–1.21, P = 0.89, I2 = 39%). Subgroup analyses according to the definitions of prediabetes, follow‐up duration, method for diagnosis of dementia, and quality score produced similar findings (P for all subgroup differences >0.05). In addition, prediabetes was not independently associated with the incidence of Alzheimer's disease (RR: 1.24, 95% CI: 0.98–1.56, P = 0.07, I2 = 0%) or vascular dementia (RR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.70–1.92, P = 0.56, I2 = 0%). Different definitions of prediabetes have the potential to influence the results, as reflected in the subgroup analysis for Alzheimer's disease (RR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.06–1.60, P = 0.01, I2 = 0%).

Conclusions

Prediabetes may not be an independent risk factor of all‐cause dementia or vascular dementia in the general adult population. However, changing the definition of prediabetes may have an impact on the outcome for Alzheimer's disease.
Evaluation of depression, social support and quality of life in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in semi‐rural Turkey
Authors: Çalişkan Pala Seval , Ünsal Alaettin , Arslantaş Didem , Öcal Ece Elif , Dağtekin Gökçe
Published: July 2022

Background

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in a semi‐rural area in a city in Turkey and to evaluate perceived social support and quality of life by examining some of the variables thought to be related.

Methods

The study was conducted on 827 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women aged 40–60 years. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, some variables associated with depression, questions from the Beck Depression Inventory, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and European Health Impact Scale ‐ Quality of Life‐8 (EUROHIS‐QOL‐8) scale.

Results

The prevalence of depression was 23.1% (n = 191) in the study. The prevalence of depression was found to be higher in single/widowed/separated individuals (odds ratio (OR): 2.539; 95% CI: 1.593–4.047) and at poor income levels (1.980; 1.000–3.021). The frequency of depression was found to be lower in those who gave birth once or twice (0.470; 0.294–0.752), those with a high level of social support (0.959; 0.948–0.971), and those with a high level of QOL (0.836; 0.794–0.879). There was a moderate negative correlation between the depression scale and QOL scale scores (r = −0.405, P = 0.001). A weak negative correlation was found between depression and social support scores (r = −0.383, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Women are more vulnerable to depression in premenopausal and postmenopausal periods. Being single/widowed, having a poor income level, having low social support, and low QOL are important risk factors which increase the frequency of depression.
Ten years to restore the planet: a seedy situation
Authors: Berto Bianca , Brown Vanessa S.
Published: July 2022

Almost 1 billion hectares of land have been pledged for restoration globally under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Seed‐based restoration will be essential to achieve native revegetation targets in a timely and effective manner. However, problematic seed germination, seeding environments, and seed handling can limit our ability to use native seeds in revegetation. Seed enhancement technologies (SETs) are post‐harvest seed treatments, which may improve seed performance and handling, thereby optimizing seed‐use efficiency and success in restoration. We highlight SETs as a restoration tool accessible to anyone and which can also be used to deliver seed‐based restoration at scale. If SETs are to rise to the challenge of restoration targets in the coming decade, improving native seed supply, research efforts, knowledge and data sharing, and collaboration and funding will be essential. These actions are discussed within a roadmap for advancing SETs in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
District nurses' perspectives on health‐promotive and disease‐preventive work at primary health care centres: A qualitative study
Authors: Lundin Gurné Frida , Jakobsson Sofie , Lidén Eva , Björkman Ida
Published: July 2022

Background

Health promotion and disease prevention are of utmost importance for sustainable health care and primary health care. District nurses play a key role in primary health care centres, where they meet people suffering from, and/or having risk factors for, non‐communicable diseases.

Aim

The study aim was to describe district nurses' perspectives on their health‐promotive/disease‐preventive work at primary health care centres.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with 16 district nurses at primary health care centres in Sweden. An interpretive descriptive approach was employed for the analysis.

Findings

The district nurses integrated a focus on health‐promotive and disease‐preventive work into every patient encounter, which manifested through four intertwined themes: finding opportunities and striving for visibility; building relationships; considering patients' life situations; and inviting patients to share responsibility. Our findings show how, through a flexible approach, the district nurses strived for equal health and care for all, and how the care was built on a shared responsibility between the district nurse and patient, where district nurses aimed to empower patients to take action for their own health.

Conclusion

The district nurses described health‐promotive endeavours, in line with person‐centred care in prioritising building relationships with patients, starting from their lived experience. They spoke of barriers, at both micro and macro levels, to health‐promotive/disease‐preventive work. These included language barriers, the impact of the media, and the overall organisation of primary health care. The work at primary health care centres should be restructured to clarify the district nurse's role, and to strengthen community outreach, and thereby improve individuals' access to support in lifestyle changes.