bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crop phenology reshapes the food‐safety landscape for roe deer in an agroecosystem
Authors: Rigoudy Noa , Chamaillé‐Jammes Simon , Hewison A. J. Mark , Bonnet Arnaud , Chaval Yannick , Lourtet Bruno , Merlet Joël , Morellet Nicolas
Published: January 2024

Understanding the behavioural adjustments of wildlife in anthropized landscapes is key for promoting sustainable human–wildlife coexistence. Little is known, however, about how synanthropic species navigate spatio‐temporal variation in the availability of food and cover that are shaped by human practices such as agriculture.

Animal habitat use is predominantly driven by spatial and temporal variations in food and cover, as individuals respond to fluctuations in the trade‐off between food acquisition and risk avoidance. In agroecosystems, the availability of high‐quality forage and cover is dependent on agricultural practices (e.g., harvesting) and crop phenology, providing an ideal opportunity to evaluate how wildlife adjust their behaviour in a heterogeneous human‐dominated landscape.

We investigated the influence of crop phenology on the behaviour of European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) to infer the functional roles of crop types in the food‐cover landscape. We analysed the habitat selection and activity patterns of 105 GPS‐collared adult female roe deer using a unique data set combining field‐specific land cover data, region‐specific estimates of crop phenology and weekly harvesting data for three common crops in a French agroecosystem.

We found very distinct habitat selection and activity patterns according to crop type, phenological stage and time of day. Wheat and artificial meadows were strongly selected at night‐time during the early and post‐harvest stages only, when roe deer were highly active, suggestive of feeding activity. On the contrary, roe deer strongly selected maize during the day when it was high enough to provide cover, when they were less active, indicating that it was primarily used for refuge. These patterns depended on the availability of more ‘natural’ cover, suggesting that mature maize may substitute for ‘natural’ cover when the latter is scarce.

Synthesis and application: Our work highlights the importance of behavioural plasticity and habitat complementation in the persistence of this synanthropic species in agroecosystems. This behavioural adjustment may buffer the consequences of the reduction in natural habitats that accompanies intensification of agricultural production and has implications for understanding how agricultural practices shape the food‐safety trade‐off of wildlife living in these highly modified landscapes.
occupancyTuts: Occupancy modelling tutorials with RPresence
Authors: Donovan Therese , Hines James , MacKenzie Darryl
Published: January 2024

The occupancy modelling framework offers tremendous flexibility in estimating species abundance and distribution patterns while accounting for imperfect detection, and has seen rapid growth and adoption since its introduction at the beginning of the century.

At the same time, in an era of big data, there are increasing demands on developing quantitative skills and proficiency in young ecologists, many of whom lack the quantitative training needed to conduct research professionally.

We introduce occupancyTuts, an R package that features 28 learnr tutorials that teach the statistical underpinnings of several occupancy models. The tutorials include written content, instructional videos, R exercises, and quiz elements, covering a range of topics including statistical underpinnings, single‐ and dynamic‐occupancy models, study design and several of the ‘spin‐off’ models that extend the basic framework.

We plan for development of new tutorials that use RPresence as the analysis engine, and welcome new tutorial contributions that use other R packages as the analysis engine as well.
Patterns of executive functions and theory of mind in adults with a family history of alcohol use disorder: Combined group and single‐case analyses
Authors: Schmid F. , Henry A. , Benzerouk F. , Barrière S. , Gondrexon J. , Kaladjian A. , Gierski F.
Published: January 2024

Background

Impairments in executive function and social cognition are highly prevalent in individuals with an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Some studies show that similar difficulties are displayed by individuals with a positive family history of AUD (FH+) compared with individuals with a negative family history (FH‐). Yet, no studies have jointly investigated cognitive and affective theory of mind at the behavioral level. Moreover, some studies show preserved executive and socioemotional functioning in FH+ participants. One possible explanation for these divergent results is that FH+ individuals are cognitively heterogeneous. In this study, we examined the frequency and co‐occurrence of difficulties in executive function and social cognition among FH+ individuals at the individual level.

Methods

Sixty FH+ and 60 FH− participants matched on age, sex, and education level were included. They completed tasks assessing executive functions (Stroop, Trail Making Test) and affective and cognitive theory of mind (Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition). They also completed self‐report questionnaires measuring impulsivity, alexithymia, and empathy. Single‐case analyses assessed the proportion of FH+ participants with difficulties in executive function and/or theory of mind.

Results

FH+ individuals exhibited difficulties in response inhibition and made more errors during theory of mind processing, indicating an absence of mental state representation, compared with FH− individuals. In the FH+ sample, 53.33% had executive function and/or theory of mind difficulties. Those with lower theory of mind scores reported higher alexithymia and lower empathy on self‐report measures.

Conclusions

FH+ individuals display heterogeneous executive function and theory of mind abilities. Given that they mostly occur independently of one another, executive function and theory of mind difficulties may be distinct vulnerability markers in AUD.
Use of transcriptomics for diagnosis of infections and sepsis in children: A narrative review
Authors: Casini Francesca , Valentino Maria Sole , Lorenzo Marc Garcia , Caiazzo Roberta , Coppola Crescenzo , David Daniela , Di Tonno Raffaella , Giacomet Vania
Published: January 2024

Aim

The aim of this review was to summarise the most recent evidence about the use of omics‐based techniques as an instrument for a more rapid and accurate characterisation of respiratory tract infections, neurological infections and sepsis in paediatrics.

Methods

We performed a narrative review using PubMed and a set of inclusion criteria: English language articles, clinical trials, meta‐analysis and reviews including only paediatric population inherited to this topic in the last 15 years.

Results

The examined studies suggest that host gene expression signatures are an effective method to characterise the different types of infections, to distinguish infection from colonisation and, in some cases, to assess the severity of the disease in children.

Conclusions

‘Omics‐based techniques’ may help to define the aetiology of infections in paediatrics, representing a useful tool to choose the most appropriate therapies and limit antibiotic resistance.
Molecular determinants and intracellular targets of taurine signalling in pancreatic islet β‐cells
Authors: Turbitt Julie , Moffett R. Charlotte , Brennan Lorraine , Johnson Paul R. V. , Flatt Peter R. , McClenaghan Neville H. , Tarasov Andrei I.
Published: January 2024

Aim

Despite its abundance in pancreatic islets of Langerhans and proven antihyperglycemic effects, the impact of the essential amino acid, taurine, on islet β‐cell biology has not yet received due consideration, which prompted the current studies exploring the molecular selectivity of taurine import into β‐cells and its acute and chronic intracellular interactions.

Methods

The molecular aspects of taurine transport were probed by exposing the clonal pancreatic BRIN BD11 β‐cells and primary mouse and human islets to a range of the homologs of the amino acid (assayed at 2–20 mM), using the hormone release and imaging of intracellular signals as surrogate read‐outs. Known secretagogues were employed to profile the interaction of taurine with acute and chronic intracellular signals.

Results

Taurine transporter TauT was expressed in the islet β‐cells, with the transport of taurine and homologs having a weak sulfonate specificity but significant sensitivity to the molecular weight of the transporter. Taurine, hypotaurine, homotaurine, and β‐alanine enhanced insulin secretion in a glucose‐dependent manner, an action potentiated by cytosolic Ca2+ and cAMP. Acute and chronic β‐cell insulinotropic effects of taurine were highly sensitive to co‐agonism with GLP‐1, forskolin, tolbutamide, and membrane depolarization, with an unanticipated indifference to the activation of PKC and CCK8 receptors. Pre‐culturing with GLP‐1 or KATP channel inhibitors sensitized or, respectively, desensitized β‐cells to the acute taurine stimulus.

Conclusion

Together, these data demonstrate the pathways whereby taurine exhibits a range of beneficial effects on insulin secretion and β‐cell function, consistent with the antidiabetic potential of its dietary low‐dose supplementation.
Effects of a community‐based, multi‐level family planning intervention on theoretically grounded intermediate outcomes for couples in rural Uganda: Results from a mixed methods pilot evaluation
Authors: Sileo Katelyn M. , Muhumuza Christine , Wanyenze Rhoda K. , Kershaw Trace S. , Ellerbe Brooke , Muñoz Suyapa , Sekamatte Samuel , Lule Haruna , Kiene Susan M.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

This study tested the theoretically grounded conceptual model of a multi‐level intervention, Family Health = Family Wealth (FH = FW), by examining FH = FW's effect on intermediate outcomes among couples in rural Uganda. FH = FW is grounded in the social‐ecological model and the social psychological theory of transformative communication.

Design

A pilot quasi‐experimental controlled trial.

Methods

Two matched clusters (communities) were randomly allocated to receive the FH = FW intervention or an attention/time‐matched water, sanitation and hygiene intervention (N = 140, 35 couples per arm). Quantitative outcomes were collected through interviewer‐administered questionnaires at baseline, 7‐months and 10‐months follow‐up. Focus group discussions (n = 39) and semi‐structured interviews (n = 27) were conducted with subsets of FH = FW participants after data collection. Generalized estimated equations tested intervention effects on quantitative outcomes, and qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis—these data were mixed and are presented by level of the social‐ecological model.

Results

The findings demonstrated an intervention effect on family planning determinants across social‐ecological levels. Improved individual‐level family planning knowledge, attitudes and intentions, and reduced inequitable gender attitudes, were observed in intervention versus comparator, corroborated by the qualitative findings. Interpersonal‐level changes included improved communication, shared decision‐making and equitable relationship dynamics. At the community level, FH = FW increased perceived acceptance of family planning among others (norms), and the qualitative findings highlighted how FH = FW's transformative communication approach reshaped definitions of a successful family to better align with family planning.

Conclusions

This mixed methods pilot evaluation supports FH = FW's theoretically grounded conceptual model and ability to affect multi‐level drivers of a high unmet need for family planning.
Preoperative lateral lymph node features and impact on local recurrence after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and total mesorectal excision for locally advanced rectal cancer: results from a multicentre international cohort study
Authors: Achilli Pietro , Ferrari Davide , Calini Giacomo , Bertoglio Camillo L. , Magistro Carmelo , Origi Matteo , Carnevali Pietro , Alampi Bruno D. , Giusti Irene , Ferrari Giovanni , Calafiore Eleonora , Spinelli Antonino , Grass Fabian , Deslarzes Philip , Hahnloser Dieter , Abdalla Solafah , Larson David W.
Published: January 2024

Aim

Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is commonly treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and total mesorectal excision (TME) to reduce local recurrence (LR) and improve survival. However, LR, particularly associated with lateral lymph node (LLN) involvement, remains a concern. The aim of this study was to investigate preoperative factors associated with LLN involvement and their impact on LR rates in LARC patients undergoing nCRT and curative surgery.

Method

This multicentre retrospective study, including four academic high‐volume institutions, involved 301 consecutive adult LARC patients treated with nCRT and curative surgery between January 2014 and December 2019 who did not undergo lateral lymph node dissection (LLND). Baseline and restaging pelvic MRIs were evaluated for suspicious LLNs based on institutional criteria. Patients were divided into two groups: cLLN+ (positive nodes) and cLLN– (no suspicious nodes). Primary outcome measures were LR and lateral local recurrence (LLR) rates at 3 years.

Results

Among the cohort, 15.9% had suspicious LLNs on baseline MRI, and 9.3% had abnormal LLNs on restaging MRI. At 3 years, LR and LLR rates were 4.0% and 1.0%, respectively. Ten out of 12 (83.3%) patients with LR showed no suspicious LLNs at the baseline MRI. Abnormal LLNs on MRI were not independent risk factors for LR, distant recurrence or disease‐free survival.

Conclusion

Abnormal LLNs on baseline and restaging MRI assessment did not impact LR and LLR rates in this cohort of patients with LARC submitted to nCRT and curative TME surgery.
Diagnostic implication of thyroid spherules for cytological diagnosis of thyroid nodules
Authors: Sohn Heeseung , Kakudo Kennichi , Jung Chan Kwon
Published: January 2024

Objective

Thyroid fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) is a principal diagnostic procedure for thyroid nodules. A specific cytomorphological structure, known as the thyroid spherule, is often seen in FNA specimens. The clinical significance of these spherules in terms of diagnosis and prevalence remains largely unexplored.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study on 310 thyroid FNA specimens and categorized them according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. The presence, size and number of thyroid spherules in each specimen were examined and these data were subsequently correlated with the clinicopathological features.

Results

Thyroid spherules were almost exclusively detected in benign cases, comprising 7.6% of all benign diagnoses. The average diameter of spherules in benign cases was 84.9 μm. Benign cases and cases with atypia of undetermined significance cases primarily exhibited low cellularity, while follicular neoplasms and malignant cases typically showed moderate to high cellularity. In the subgroup of FNA cases with moderate to high cellularity, spherules were identified in 12 (20%) of 59 benign FNA cases. Within this group, the sensitivity and specificity of thyroid spherules for detecting benign FNA cases were 20% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the presence of thyroid spherules in FNA specimens can serve as a highly specific marker for benign thyroid conditions. The prevalence of spherule detection is strongly influenced by the cellularity. In cases with moderate to high cellularity, the identification of spherules can assist the cytopathologists in diagnosing thyroid FNA cases as benign.
Prisoners’ perceived oral and general health and their experience with accessing, understanding and assessing health information: A qualitative study
Authors: Bergum Kathrine Høyvik , Bull Vibeke Hervik , Stein Linda Maria , Evensen Kjersti Berge
Published: January 2024

Prisoners’ oral health and general health are closely connected and generally poorer than that of the wider population. Moreover, knowledge of prisoners’ health literacy is scarce. This study aimed to explore prisoners’ perceived oral and general health and how they accessed, understood and assessed health information to gain insight into their health literacy. Twelve prisoners in a high‐security prison and a halfway house participated in individual semi‐structured interviews. Data was analysed through thematic analysis, which identified five themes: inconsistent self‐reporting of general and oral health; autonomous health behaviour through utilizing personal resources; preference for personalized adapted health information; psychological and physical proximity; and barriers. The prisoners perceived their oral and general health as good despite several health problems. They expressed scepticism towards health information from public authorities and made their own health‐related choices based on previous experiences, their own ‘common sense’ and the experiences of people they trusted. Health information was considered useful when adjusted to their needs. Obtaining health‐related information through physical encounters was considered more accessible than through online platforms. Adapting the communication to prisoners’ expressed needs and their health literacy can enhance the accessibility to improve their oral and general health. In‐person encounters would be preferable.
How context influences primates' decisions about reciprocity
Authors: Brosnan Sarah F.
Published: January 2024

Reciprocally patterned behavior is widespread in animals in the wild, but experimental evidence has been frustratingly inconsistent. Contrary to earlier contentions that this inconsistency is because reciprocity in non‐human species is a rare or fragile effect, recent authors have argued that the evidence suggests that reciprocity is widespread, that it often relies on cognitive mechanisms that are common across species, and is potentially an important factor in animals' daily lives. Another possible explanation for its apparent rarity, then, is that due to experimental studies' (intentionally) structured environment, they can lack the appropriate context to promote and support reciprocity. Focusing on outcomes from experimental reciprocal tasks in non‐human primates, I consider several factors that may be important, including the identity of the interactors and their relationship to one another, whether there is free choice of partners, whether the individuals are interacting directly, the timing of the interaction, the commodity involved, whether individuals have a reason to reciprocate, and the equity of the interaction. Clarifying the role of each of these factors will help improve experimental tasks and the social and ecological contexts that promote reciprocity.
Body size and predator cues structure variation in defensive displays of Neotropical calico snakes (Oxyrhopus spp.)
Authors: Sealey Briana A. , Larson Joanna G. , Westeen Erin P. , Sánchez‐Paredes Ciara M. , Moore Talia Y. , Davis Rabosky Alison R.
Published: January 2024

Interactions between predator and prey are fundamental drivers of ecological and evolutionary dynamics. Behavioral responses are one of the most common strategies that prey species use to deter predation, especially through highly stereotyped defensive displays. However, these displays are also predicted to show strong context‐dependence, in which individuals can dynamically employ different display elements as a function of their own characteristics (e.g., age and sex) or those of the predator (e.g., type of predator). In this study, we experimentally tested for the effects of four simulated predator cues on defensive displays in two species of South American calico snakes (genus Oxyrhopus). We found that juvenile snakes were both more likely to respond and to respond more strongly than adults and that displays were most common in response to tactile stimuli than to other treatments. However, we also found broad similarity across both simulated predator treatments and species in the components used in each snake's defensive display, suggesting a high degree of stereotyping. This research suggests an important role for both ontogeny and intensity of predation risk in structuring variation in defensive behavior in Neotropical snakes and emphasizes the foundational importance of context dependence in conceptual frameworks for understanding predator–prey interactions.
Enhanced quality of hESC‐derived melanocytes through modified concentration of endothelin‐1
Authors: Zeng Xuanhao , Lv Haozhen , Jin Yiting , Liu Yating , Wang Jinqi , Lian Weiling , Huang Shiyi , Shen Jiayi , Wu Fuyue , Zhang Qi , Xu Jinhua
Published: January 2024

The study investigated the effectiveness of EDN1 and EDN3 cytokines in the differentiation of melanocytes from hESCs. The findings showed that 100 nM EDN1 was more effective in promoting hESC to CD117+/TYR+ melanoblasts compared to 100 nM EDN3. Additionally, maintaining melanoblasts is beneficial for preserving the ability to proliferate. The study found that 10 nM EDN1 helped maintain the proliferation of melanoblasts without over maturing them into melanocytes in the late stage of differentiation. Thus, using 100 nM EDN1 in the initial stage and 10 nM EDN1 in the late stage proved to be an efficient and cost‐effective method for obtaining hESC‐derived melanocytes. The preliminary results suggest that EDN1 promotes melanoblast formation during the initial differentiation stage through its binding to both the EDNRB receptor and EDNRA receptor. This study provides a valuable tool for studying the development of human melanocytes and modelling the biology of disease.
Site 1 protease aggravates acute kidney injury by promoting tubular epithelial cell ferroptosis through SIRT3‐SOD2‐mtROS signaling
Authors: Xie Shiying , Zou Wei , Liu Sirui , Yang Qinglan , Hu Tiantian , Zhu Wei‐ping , Tang Hua , Wang Cheng
Published: January 2024

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mortality. Ferroptosis, a newly discovered form of oxidative cell death, is involved in the pathogenesis of renal I/R injury; however, the underlying mechanism remains to be explored. Here, we reported that site 1 protease (S1P) promotes ischemic kidney injury by regulating ferroptotic cell death of tubular epithelial cells. S1P abundance was measured in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐treated Boston University mouse proximal tubular (BUMPT) cells and I/R‐induced murine kidney tissue. S1P expression in BUMPT cells and kidneys was initially activated by hypoxic stimulation, accompanied by the ferroptotic response. Blocking S1P blunted H/R‐induced ferroptotic cell death, which also restored sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) expression and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) activity in BUMPT cells. Next, inhibition of S1P expression restored I/R‐suppressed SIRT3 abundance, SOD2 activity and reduced the elevated level of mitochondria reactive oxygen species (mtROS), which attenuated tubular cell ferroptosis and renal I/R injury. In conclusion, S1P promoted renal tubular epithelial cell ferroptosis under I/R status by activating SIRT3‐SOD2‐mtROS signaling, thereby accelerating kidney injury. Thus, targeting S1P signaling may serve as a promising strategy for I/R kidney injury.
Effect of gamma irradiation on microbial growth, physicochemical properties, and non‐volatile flavour of chicken sausages during storage
Authors: You Yun , Huang Xiaoxia , Xiao Sili , Zhuang Xiaoqi , Liu Qiaoyu , Zeng Xianjun , Wei Xianling , Zeng Xiaofang , Dong Hao
Published: January 2024

Effects of 60Co‐γ ray irradiation on physicochemical properties and non‐volatile flavour changes of chicken sausage during storage were investigated. Gamma irradiation at high doses effectively inhibited microbial growth and retarded physicochemical deterioration of chicken sausages throughout the storage period. The total fatty acid, saturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids increased and decreased with increasing irradiation dose. In contrast, the monounsaturated acid content decreased with increasing irradiation dose. The free amino acid content exhibited a reduction of 4.27% following irradiation at a dose of 6 kGy and this decrease was further intensified during storage. Tartaric acid and pyruvate were chicken sausage's main organic acids and the most important taste‐active compounds. The irradiation dose had no significant effect on the organic acid content of chicken sausages, which continued to decrease during storage. The degradation products of nucleotides in irradiated chicken sausages demonstrated a noteworthy reduction in AMP and IMP, with no significant alterations observed in the remaining products. Thus, appropriate irradiation treatment (3 kGy) could effectively prolong the shelf life of chicken sausages without affecting their overall quality and had no adverse effects on the non‐volatile flavour compounds.
Anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory milieu differentially regulate differentiation and immune functions of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells
Authors: Zveik Omri , Rechtman Ariel , Brill Livnat , Vaknin‐Dembinsky Adi
Published: January 2024

Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) were regarded for years solely for their regenerative role; however, their immune‐modulatory roles have gained much attention recently, particularly in the context of multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite extensive studies on OPCs, there are limited data elucidating the interactions between their intrinsic regenerative and immune functions, as well as their relationship with the inflamed central nervous system (CNS) environment, a key factor in MS pathology. We examined the effects of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, represented by interferon (IFN)‐γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, as well as anti‐inflammatory cytokines, represented by interleukin (IL)‐4 and IL‐10, on OPC differentiation and immune characteristics. Using primary cultures, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence stainings, we assessed differentiation capacity, phagocytic activity, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐II expression, and cytokine secretion. We observed that the anti‐inflammatory milieu (IL4 and IL10) reduced both OPC differentiation and immune functions. Conversely, exposure to TNF‐α led to intact differentiation, increased phagocytic activity, high levels of MHC‐II expression, and cytokines secretion. Those effects were attributed to signalling via TNF‐receptor‐2 and counteracted the detrimental effects of IFN‐γ on OPC differentiation. Our findings suggest that a pro‐regenerative, permissive inflammatory environment is needed for OPCs to execute both regenerative and immune‐modulatory functions.
Effective doses of midazolam oral solution for the prevention of preoperative anxiety in paediatric patients
Authors: Xiong Hongfei , Liu Jing , Liu Guangbo , Zhang Yunyun , Wei Ziwen , Fan Linna , Jiang Fangfang , Zhao Yingchao , Wei Wei , Li Siyuan , Xue Rongliang
Published: January 2024

Background

More than 60% children exhibit anxiety before undergoing an anesthetic‐surgical procedure, particularly among pre‐school paediatric patients. Oral midazolam can provide procedural sedation for children prior to anesthesia. However, extemporaneous solutions of midazolam are usually prepared from injectable drug solutions, leading to inconsistent efficacy due to variable preparation methods. Xiaoerjing® is the first commercially available oral formulation of midazolam for procedural sedation in children in China. Despite the recommended dosage range of 0.25–0.5 mg/kg, its effective dose is still largely unknown.

Aim

To determine the 95% effective dose (ED95) of midazolam oral solution (Xiaoerjing®) for alleviating preoperative anxiety in children prior to mask induction of general anesthesia.

Design

The study included 61 children between the ages of 1 and 6 years undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia. The first patient received a single dose of 0.5 mg/kg midazolam oral solution, which was adjusted for subsequent patients using the biased coin design method based on their response to the previous dose. Doses were increased or decreased at the rate of 0.1 mg/kg. An effective response was defined as having a modified Ramsay sedation score ≥3a, separation anxiety score ≤2, and mask acceptance score ≤2 during inhalational anesthesia induction.

Results

Fifty‐six children were included in the final analysis. Of those, sedation was successful in 50 patients, with a median separation time of 15 (IQR: 25) min. Midazolam oral solution has an ED95 of 0.8254 mg/kg (95% CI: 0.6915–0.8700 mg/kg) for relieving preoperative anxiety in children. No adverse events occurred following drug administration.

Conclusion

Midazolam oral solution is a safe and effective medication for relieving preoperative anxiety in children. The ED95 of a single oral dose of midazolam oral solution is 0.8254 mg/kg (95% CI: 0.6915–0.8700 mg/kg).
Shedding new light for nurses: Enhancing pressure injury prevention across skin tones with sub‐epidermal moisture assessment technology
Authors: Osborne Chambers Cynthia , Thompson Julie A.
Published: January 2024

Aim(s)

To assess the effectiveness of sub‐epidermal moisture (SEM) assessment technology in the detection of early‐stage pressure damage in a critical care unit (CCU) and dark skin tone patients and its impact on hospital‐acquired pressure injury (HAPI) incidence.

Design

Quality improvement study employing Kurt Lewin's change model emphasizing planning, implementation, evaluation and sustainable change.

Methods

The study evaluated 140 adult patients admitted to the CCU over a 24‐week period, from July to December 2022. Retrospective analysis of standard PI care pathways was performed in 90 patients admitted during a 12‐week pre‐implementation period. Fifty patients were admitted through the subsequent 12‐week implementation period. SEM assessments were performed daily at the sacrum and heels and interventions were applied based on SEM assessments; SEM delta ≥0.6 indicating localized oedema or persistent focal oedema. Statistical analyses were performed on anonymized data.

Results

Pre‐implementation HAPI incidence was 8.9% (N = 8/90). All eight patients were African American with varying skin tones. A 100% reduction in HAPI incidence was achieved in the implementation period which included 35 African American patients. The relative risk of HAPI incidence was 1.6 times higher in the pre‐implementation group.

Conclusion

Implementing SEM assessment technology enabled equitable PI care for all population types and resulted in a 100% reduction of PIs in our CCU. Objective SEM assessments detected early‐stage PIs, regardless of skin tone and enabled providing interventions to specific anatomies developing tissue damage as opposed to universal preventive interventions.

Implications

PI care pathways relying on visual and tactile skin assessments are inherently biased in providing equitable care for dark skin tone patients. Implementing SEM assessments empowers healthcare practitioners in driving objective clinical interventions, eliminates bias and enables positive PI health outcomes.

Impact

Implementing SEM assessment technology had three main effects: it detected early tissue damage regardless of skin tone (detection effect), enabled anatomy‐specific interventions (treatment effect) and prevented PIs across all population types (prevention effect).

The authors have adhered to the Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE) 2.0 guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

What does this paper contribute to the wider global clinical community? Addressing health inequities in pressure injury prevention; Demonstrated effectiveness across patient populations; Resource optimization and enhanced patient safety.
Analyzing the concept of toxic positivity for nursing: A dimensional analysis approach
Authors: Shipp Hannah G. , Hall Katherine C.
Published: January 2024

Aim

To analyze toxic positivity and its relevance to nursing.

Design

Concept analysis using Schatzman's dimensional analysis approach.

Data Sources

Two searches were conducted using Google Scholar, JSTOR, ProQuest and CINAHL (1990–2023). Keywords included “toxic positivity” (Phase 1) and “emotional suppression,” “unrealistic optimism”; “disingenuous happiness,” “forced gratitude” and “logical fallacy” (Phase 2). Retained sources (1) were in English (Phases 1 and 2); (2) used ‘toxic positivity’ as a construct reflecting the purpose of analysis (Phase 1); and (3) demonstrated relevance towards analytical findings (Phase 2). Total analytic sources were 35.

Methods

The analytic phase, identification, elucidated conceptual dimensions and contexts. The analytic phase, logistics, examined relationships among dimensions and contexts through an iterative process resulting in a dimensional matrix/conceptual model.

Results

Salient dimension is Emotional Suppression with two sub‐dimensions, Logical Fallacy and Forced Gratitude. Other dimensions include Unrealistic Optimism and Disingenuous Happiness. Contexts include intra‐ and post‐paradigmatic societal shifts and intra‐ and post‐traumatic experiences. Analysis reveals toxic positivity as an exchange between a giver and receiver with the receiver experiencing negative outcomes.

Conclusion

The concept appears consistent in its application and use across contexts and is emerging in nursing literature.

Implications for the Profession

Acknowledging toxic positivity in nursing may inform theoretical and future research related to improving nursing burnout, bolstering retention, and enhancing well‐being. Nurses across work environments may encounter toxic positivity. Leaders should consider policy adoption and inclusion of trauma‐informed practices.

Impact

Nursing workforce issues require deeper examination of potential contributing factors. Findings suggest toxic positivity may be encountered in work environments impacting nursing at individual and system levels.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Productive Justice in the ‘Post‐Work Future’
Authors: Althorpe Caleb , Finneron‐Burns Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

Justice in production is concerned with ensuring the benefits and burdens of work are distributed in a way that is reflective of persons' status as moral equals. While a variety of accounts of productive justice have been offered, insufficient attention has been paid to the distribution of work's benefits and burdens in the future. In this article, after granting for the sake of argument forecasts of widespread future technological unemployment, we consider the implications this has for egalitarian requirements of productive justice. We argue that in relation to all the benefits affiliated with work, other than undertaking social contribution, the technological replacement of work is unproblematic as these benefits could in principle be attained elsewhere. But because social contribution uniquely corresponds to work (when work is understood as more than a paid job), the normative assessment of technological unemployment will turn on the value that theories of justice give to contributive activity. We then argue that despite technological replacement being plainly beneficial insofar as it relieves persons from the burdens of work, such as dangerous work or drudgery, because the nature of care work makes it less susceptible to technological replacement, egalitarian concern will require the burdens of care work to be shared equally between individuals.
Bacterial abscesses in whitespotted bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) in managed care
Authors: Mason Alexandra K. , Adams Lance , Garner Michael M.
Published: January 2024

Sixteen whitespotted bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) with histologically similar bacterial abscesses were submitted to Northwest ZooPath from nine zoo and aquarium institutions over a 17‐year period. These abscesses were characterized by inflammatory cell infiltrates and necrosis with intralesional small, Gram‐positive, acid‐fast negative, cocci bacteria. The clinical presentation, histologic findings, and culture results indicate that Enterococcus faecalis is a relatively common cause of these lesions in whitespotted bamboo sharks. This organism also provides a treatment challenge due to its inherent antibiotic‐resistant properties and ability to form biofilms, confounding the host's immune response. Enterococcus faecalis represents an important cause for abscess formation and cellulitis in captive whitespotted bamboo sharks.
Structure of Disaster Preparedness Motivation and Its Relationship with Disaster Preparedness Behaviors
Authors: Toyosawa Junko , Takehashi Hiroki , Shimai Satoshi
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the motivations related to autonomous and continuous disaster preparedness from the viewpoint of self‐determination theory (SDT). Study 1 was a bottom‐up investigation to capture the structure of motivation. Four hundred people who had already engaged in preparedness answered an open‐ended question concerning the reason for their preparedness. After categorizing the descriptions, four distinct categories (personal significance, avoidance of negative affect, introjection of social norms, and other‐oriented motivation) were extracted. Study 2 developed survey items, based on the four categories extracted in Study 1 and a conceptual definition of the theory, and examined their relationships with disaster preparedness. Five hundred and sixty people answered the questions on disaster preparedness motivation (32 items), autonomous disaster preparedness (four items), household preparedness (10 items), and continuous preparedness (10 items). Factor analysis of motivation extracted four factors (personal significance and avoidance of negative affect, introjection of social norms, intimate other‐orientation, and general other‐orientation). Correlation analysis showed that all motivations were positively correlated with autonomous, household, and continuous preparedness. The results contribute to extending the scope of application of SDT and to clarifying the motivations corresponding to disaster preparedness. For future studies, strategies to promote disaster preparedness are discussed.
How many species of algae are there? A reprise. Four kingdoms, 14 phyla, 63 classes and still growing
Authors: Guiry Michael D.
Published: January 2024

To date (1 November 2023), the online database AlgaeBase has documented 50,589 species of living algae and 10,556 fossil species here referred to four kingdoms (Eubacteria, Chromista, Plantae, and Protozoa), 14 phyla, and 63 classes. The algae are the third most speciose grouping of plant‐like organisms after the flowering plants (≈382,000 species) and fungi (≈170,000 species, including lichens) but are the least well defined of all the botanical groupings. Priority is given to phyla and class names that are familiar to phycologists and that are nomenclaturally valid. The most species‐rich phylum is the Heterokontophyta to which 18 classes are referred with 21,052 living species and which is dominated by the diatoms in three classes with 18,673 species (16,427 living; 2239 fossil). The next most species‐rich phyla are the red algae (7276 living), the green algae (6851 living), the blue‐green algae (Cyanobacteria, 5723 living), the charophytes (4950 living, including the Charophyceae, 511 species living, and the Zygnematophyceae, 4335 living species), Dinoflagellata (2956 living, including the Dinophyceae, 2828 extant), and haptophytes (Haptophyta 1722 species, 517 living).
Dementia exacerbates periodontal bone loss in females
Authors: Yamada Chiaki , Ho Anny , Garcia Christopher , Oblak Adrian L. , Bissel Stephanie , Porosencova Tatiana , Porosencov Egor , Uncuta Diana , Ngala Bidii , Shepilov Dmytro , Skibo Galyna , Mascarenhas Ana Karina , Akkaoui Juliet , Lakshmana Madepalli K. , Sankar Uma , Nichols Frank , Lamb Bruce T. , Groppa Stanislav , Movila Alexandru
Published: January 2024

Background

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease defined by the pathologic loss of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone in relation to aging. Although clinical cohort studies reported that periodontitis is significantly elevated in males compared to females, emerging evidence indicates that females with dementia are at a greater risk for periodontitis and decreased alveolar bone.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate whether dementia is a potential sex‐dependent risk factor for periodontal bone loss using an experimental model of periodontitis induced in the triple transgenic (3x‐Tg) dementia‐like mice and clinical samples collected from senior 65 plus age patients with diagnosed dementia.

Materials and Methods

We induced periodontitis in dementia‐like triple‐transgenic (3x‐Tg) male and female mice and age‐matched wild‐type (WT) control mice by ligature placement. Then, alveolar bone loss and osteoclast activity were evaluated using micro‐CT and in situ imaging assays. In addition, we performed dental examinations on patients with diagnosed dementia. Finally, dementia‐associated Aβ42 and p‐Tau (T181) and osteoclastogenic receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐Β ligand (RANKL) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) collected from mice and clinical samples were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Alveolar bone loss and in situ osteoclast activity were significantly elevated in periodontal lesions of 3x‐Tg females but not males, compared to wild‐type control mice. In addition, we also observed that the probing pocket depth (PPD) was also significantly elevated in female patients with dementia. Using ELISA assay, we observed that females had elevated levels of osteoclastogenic RANKL and dementia‐associated Aβ42 and p‐Tau (T181) in the GCF collected from experimental periodontitis lesions and clinical samples.

Conclusion

Altogether, we demonstrate that females with dementia have an increased risk for periodontal bone loss compared to males.
Independent biodiversity mechanisms regulate ecosystem multifunctionality and its temporal stability under resource enrichment in a mown grassland
Authors: Xu Fengwei , Li Jianjun , Wu Liji , Su Jishuai , Zhu Biao , Wang Yang , Chen Dima , Bai Yongfei
Published: January 2024

Questions

Although the relationships between biodiversity and individual ecosystem functions under resource enrichment have been extensively studied, there is limited understanding of how resource‐induced changes affect ecosystem multifunctionality and its temporal stability, along with the underlying biological mechanisms.

Location

Inner Mongolia, China.

Methods

We investigated the impact of biodiversity mechanisms on ecosystem multifunctionality and its temporal stability through a 3‐year field experiment. This experiment involved augmenting growing season precipitation and nitrogen deposition, conducted in a typical steppe ecosystem of Inner Mongolia alongside regular mowing.

Results

Our findings revealed that the addition of water (W) and nitrogen (N) had varying effects on ecosystem multifunctionality and its temporal stability. The combination of N and W additions enhanced ecosystem multifunctionality, whereas both W and N + W additions promoted the temporal stability of ecosystem multifunctionality. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that the community‐weighted mean height, in response to nitrogen addition, played a key role in enhancing ecosystem multifunctionality. By contrast, increased species asynchrony because of water addition and greater functional diversity in terms of leaf area contributed to heightened temporal stability of ecosystem multifunctionality. Furthermore, the positive effects of community‐weighted mean height on ecosystem multifunctionality exhibited a gradual increase with rising threshold levels.

Conclusions

Our study provides the first evidence of the independent effects of selection, exemplified by community‐weighted mean and complementarity, represented by factors such as species richness, functional diversity and species asynchrony on both ecosystem multifunctionality and its temporal stability. This underscores how global change factors can directly influence ecosystem multifunctionality and its temporal stability while also indirectly modulating biodiversity effects in the short term. Overall, our findings underscore the vital role of biodiversity conservation in enhancing grassland management and the delivery of ecosystem services in the context of global change, particularly in regions subject to extensive mowing.
Association of adverse childhood experiences with irritable bowel syndrome in Mexican adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Priego‐Parra Bryan Adrian , Triana‐Romero Arturo , Lajud‐Barquín Francisco Antonio , de Fátima Higuera‐DelaTijera María , Martínez‐Vázquez Sophia Eugenia , Salgado‐Álvarez Giovanni Alejandro , García‐Mora Uriel , Cruz‐Márquez Miguel Ángel , Cano‐Contreras Ana Delfina , Cid Héctor‐Vivanco , Remes‐Troche José María
Published: January 2024

Background

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to the development of gastrointestinal disorders during adulthood, but there is limited research on the prevalence of ACEs in Latin American populations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and impact of ACEs on Mexican adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we recruited 290 Mexican adults (aged 18–65), including 90 individuals with IBS and 200 healthy controls. All participants completed four self‐reported questionnaires: The Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACEs), Visceral Sensitivity Index, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Severity Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Statistical analyses included mean differences using either the Student's t‐test or the Wilcoxon test, correlations assessed with Spearman's correlation coefficient, and logistic regression models. Statistical significance was defined as a p‐value less than 0.05.

Key Results

Among IBS subjects, the prevalence of ACEs was 80%, significantly higher than the 59% prevalence observed in controls (p < 0.0001). Individuals with ACEs exhibited elevated levels of anxiety and depression. Seventy‐five percent of IBS subjects with severe symptoms reported four or more ACEs. The presence of four or more ACEs was found to be associated with an increased risk of IBS.

Conclusions and Inferences

ACEs are notably prevalent among Mexican individuals with IBS and are positively correlated with the severity of gastrointestinal pain. These findings underscore the critical significance of evaluating and addressing ACEs in the comprehensive management of IBS within Latin American populations.
Will trees or grasses profit from changing rainfall regimes in savannas?
Authors: Wigley Benjamin J. , Coetsee Corli , February Edmund C. , Dobelmann Svenja , Higgins Steven I.
Published: January 2024

Increasing rainfall variability is widely expected under future climate change scenarios. How will savanna trees and grasses be affected by growing season dry spells and altered seasonality and how tightly coupled are tree–grass phenologies with rainfall?

We measured tree and grass responses to growing season dry spells and dry season rainfall. We also tested whether the phenologies of 17 deciduous woody species and the Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index of grasses were related to rainfall between 2019 and 2023.

Tree and grass growth was significantly reduced during growing season dry spells. Tree growth was strongly related to growing season soil water potentials and limited to the wet season. Grasses can rapidly recover after growing season dry spells and grass evapotranspiration was significantly related to soil water potentials in both the wet and dry seasons. Tree leaf flushing commenced before the rainfall onset date with little subsequent leaf flushing. Grasses grew when moisture became available regardless of season.

Our findings suggest that increased dry spell length and frequency in the growing season may slow down tree growth in some savannas, which together with longer growing seasons may allow grasses an advantage over C3 plants that are advantaged by rising CO2 levels.