bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of expanded vermiculite on the properties of fired bricks from water treatment sludge
Authors: Gencel Osman , Kizinievic Olga , Sutcu Mucahit , Erdogmus Ertugrul , Velasco Pedro M. , Eliche‐Quesada Dolores , Kizinievic Viktor , Kurmus Halenur
Published: December 2021

In the present study, the suitability of using water treatment sludge (WTS) as the main raw material and expanded vermiculite (EV) as aggregate in the production of fired bricks was investigated. Mixtures containing between 75%–100% WTS by weight (wt.) and 5%–25% EV by wt. were prepared at various proportions. The mixtures were compressed under 40 MPa pressure and fired at 1000°C. It was found the incorporation of EV in fired bricks resulted in a decrease in thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and bulk density and an increase in apparent porosity and water absorption. For the addition of 5%–25% EV by wt., bulk density ranged between 2.01 and 1.69 kg/m3, compressive strength 19.3 and 8.3 MPa, water absorption 21.1% and 10.1%, and thermal conductivity 0.678 and 0.374 W/m‐K, respectively. Based on the promising physical and mechanical properties, fired bricks incorporating WTS and EV can potentially offer an alternative to the traditional production of clay bricks while adhering to the principle of a circular economy.
Individual differences at play: An investigation into measuring Big Five personality facets with game‐based assessments
Authors: Wu Felix Y. , Mulfinger Evan , Alexander Leo , Sinclair Andrea L. , McCloy Rodney A. , Oswald Frederick L.
Published: December 2021

Using game‐based assessments (GBAs) to assess and select job applicants presents the dual challenges of measuring intended job‐relevant constructs while analyzing GBA data that contain more predictors than observations. Exploring those challenges, we analyzed two GBAs that were designed to measure conscientiousness facets (i.e., achievement striving, self‐discipline, and cautiousness). Scores on traditional measures of personality and cognitive ability were modeled using either a restricted set of GBA predictors using cross‐validated ordinary least squares (OLS) regression or by the fuller set (p = 248) using random forests regression. Overall, the prediction of personality was near‐zero; but the latter approach explained 14%–30% of the variance in predicting cognitive ability. Our findings warn of GBAs potentially measuring unintended constructs rather than their intended constructs.
Useful predictors of progression‐free survival for Japanese patients with LATITUDE‐high‐risk metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer who received upfront abiraterone acetate
Authors: Takahara Kiyoshi , Naiki Taku , Ito Toshiki , Nakane Keita , Koie Takuya , Yasui Takahiro , Miyake Hideaki , Shiroki Ryoichi
Published: December 2021

Objective

Recently, hormonal therapy using abiraterone acetate, a second‐generation androgen receptor axis‐targeted agent, was reported to improve overall survival and progression‐free survival in men with LATITUDE‐high‐risk metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer. This observational multicenter study aimed to assess the efficacy of upfront abiraterone acetate in Japanese patients with LATITUDE‐high‐risk metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer.

Methods

The present study included 112 Japanese patients with LATITUDE‐high‐risk metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer who received upfront abiraterone acetate at four institutions belonging to the Tokai Urologic Oncology Research Seminar group, between January 2018 and September 2020. Progression‐free survival and overall survival were assessed, and Cox regression analyses were carried out to evaluate the prognostic significance of upfront abiraterone acetate for progression‐free survival.

Results

Within a median follow‐up period of 13 months, the progression‐free survival and overall survival rates were 76.8% and 89.3%, respectively. Both univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses showed that the presence of Gleason pattern 5, performance status and hemoglobin were independent predictors of progression‐free survival. The patients were subsequently divided into three groups as follows: group 1, 17 patients negative for these three independent progression‐free survival predictors; group 2, 49 patients with one positive independent progression‐free survival predictor; and group 3, 45 patients with two or three independent progression‐free survival predictors. Progression‐free survival was significantly different among these three groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Upfront abiraterone acetate might provide satisfactory outcomes for Japanese patients with LATITUDE‐high‐risk metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer. Gleason pattern 5, performance status and hemoglobin are potential predictors of progression‐free survival in Japanese patients with LATITUDE‐high‐risk metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer who received upfront abiraterone acetate.
Contribution of climate models and APSIM phenological parameters to uncertainties in spring wheat simulations: Application of SUFI‐2 algorithm in northeast Australia
Authors: Collins Brian , Najeeb Ullah , Luo Qunying , Tan Daniel K. Y.
Published: December 2021

We used SUFI‐2 for the first time to calibrate the phenology module of the APSIM‐wheat model for 10 spring wheat cultivars cultivated in northeast Australia (south‐eastern Queensland). Calibration resulted in an average root mean square error (RMSE) of 5.5 days for developmental stages from stem elongation up to flowering. Projections from 33 climate models under the representative concentration pathway 8.5 were used for simulations at 17 sites. Using adapted sowing times, we simulated significantly shorter crop cycles and grain yield improvements for the period 2036–2065 relative to 1990–2019 for three selected cultivars (Hartog, Scout and Gregory). Photoperiod and vernalisation sensitivities were shown to be the largest and smallest contributors to total uncertainties in the simulated flowering day and grain yield, respectively. Uncertainties in climate models had a relatively minor contribution to the total uncertainties in the simulated values of target traits. This contribution significantly increased when climate change impact on the target traits was quantified.
Karlodinium veneficum: Growth optimization, metabolite characterization and biotechnological potential survey
Authors: Assunção Joana , Amaro Helena M. , Lopes Graciliana , Tavares Tânia , Malcata F. Xavier , Guedes A. Catarina
Published: December 2021

Aim of this study

The major aim of this work was to consistently optimize the production of biomass of the dinoflagellate Karlodinium veneficum and evaluate its extracts biotechnological potential application towards food, nutraceutical or/and pharmaceutical industries.

Methods and results

A successful approach of biomass production of K. veneficum CCMP 2936 was optimized along with the chemical characterization of its metabolite profile. Several temperatures (12, 16, 20, 25, 30°C), L1 nutrient concentrations (0.5×, 2×, 2.5×, 3×) and NaCl concentrations (20, 25, 30, 40 g L−1) were tested. The growth rate was maximum at 16°C, 2× nutrient concentration and 40 g L−1 of NaCl; hence, these conditions were chosen for bulk production of biomass. Methanolic extracts were prepared, and pigments, lipids and phenolic compounds were assessed; complemented by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities, and cytotoxicity. Fucoxanthin and derivatives accounted for 0.06% of dry weight, and up to 60% (w/w) of all quantified metabolites were lipids. Said extracts displayed high antioxidant capacity, as towards assessed via the NO•− and ABTS•+ assays (IC50 = 109.09 ± 6.73 and 266.46 ± 2.25 µgE ml−1, respectively), unlike observed via the O2•− assay (IC25 reaching 56.06 ± 5.56 µgE ml−1). No signs of cytotoxicity were observed.

Conclusions

Karlodinium veneficum biomass production was consistently optimized in terms of temperature, L1 nutrient concentrations and NaCl concentration. In addition, this strain appears promising for eventual biotechnological exploitation.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This work provides fundamental insights about the growth and potential of value-added compounds of dinoflagellate K. veneficum. Dinoflagellates, as K. veneficum are poorly studied regarding its biomass production and added-value compounds for potential biotechnological exploitation. These organisms are difficult to maintain and grow in the laboratory. Thus, any fundamental contribution is relevant to share with the scientific community.
The FaFlbA mutant of Fusarium asiaticum is significantly increased in nivalenol production
Authors: Fang Xin , Dong Fei , Wang Shuang , Wang Gang , Wu Deliang , Lee Yin-Won , Ramzy Mohamed Sherif , Goda Amira Abdel-Karim , Xu Jianhong , Shi Jianrong , Liu Xin
Published: December 2021

Aims

Cereals contaminated with type B trichothecene nivalenol (NIV) and its acetylated derivative 4-acetyl-nivalenol (4-AcNIV) are a global mycotoxicological problem threatening the health of humans and livestock. Toxicological studies, quantitative determinations and screening for biodegrading micro-organisms require massive amounts of pure toxins. However, the low yield from fungal cultures and high prices of NIV and 4-AcNIV limit research progress in these areas. This work aimed to select Fusarium asiaticum mutant strains with enhanced production of NIV and 4-AcNIV.

Methods and Results

A total of 62 NIV-producing F. asiaticum strains were isolated and compared regarding their ability to produce NIV. Strain RR108 had the highest yield of NIV among 62 field isolates surveyed and was then genetically modified for higher production. Targeted deletion of the FaFlbA gene, encoding a regulator of G protein signalling protein, resulted in a significant increase in NIV and 4-AcNIV production in the FaFlbA deletion mutant ΔFaFlbA. The expression of three TRI genes involved in the trichothecene biosynthetic pathway was upregulated in ΔFaFlbA. ΔFaFlbA produced the highest amount of NIV and 4-AcNIV when cultured in brown long-grain rice for 21 days, and the yields were 2.07 and 2.84 g kg−1, respectively. The mutant showed reduced fitness, including reduced conidiation, loss of perithecial development and decreased virulence on wheat heads, which makes it biologically safe for large-scale preparation and purification of NIV and 4-AcNIV.

Conclusions

The F. asiaticum mutant strain ΔFaFlbA presented improved production of NIV and 4-AcNIV with reduced fitness and virulence in plants.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Targeted deletion of the FaFlbA gene resulted in increased NIV and 4-AcNIV production. Our results provide a practical approach using genetic modification for large-scale mycotoxin production.
Occurrence and clinical significance of abnormal liver findings by ultrasound in captive owl monkeys
Authors: S. C. Takeshita Rafaela , da Silva Gessiane Pereira , Monteiro Maria Vivina Barros , Pereira Washington Luiz Assunção , Monteiro Frederico Ozanan Barros
Published: December 2021

Background

Imaging diagnostic methods are essential for a complete understanding of the liver function and may aid in early detection of hepatic disorders.

Methods

Sixty‐nine owl monkeys were grouped in three age groups (AG): AG1 (<2 years old, n = 14), 2 (2–6 years old, n = 21), and 3 (>7 years old, n = 34). The animals were evaluated by ultrasound, liver function tests, and hemogram.

Results

The ultrasound revealed abnormal findings in the parenchyma (“starry sky” and steatosis) and/or in the gallbladder (cholelithiasis, septum, and wall edema) in 17 individuals, with higher incidence in AG3 individuals. Seven hepatic individuals showed alterations in the blood tests.

Conclusion

Our study reported the occurrence of abnormal liver findings by ultrasound in owl monkeys and their associated clinical analyses. We recommend the regular use of ultrasound to evaluate liver condition in owl monkeys, particularly in old individuals.
Breakdown of the blood–brain barrier: A mediator of increased Alzheimer's risk in patients with metabolic disorders?
Authors: Frank Corey J. , McNay Ewan C.
Published: December 2021

Metabolic disorders (MDs), including type 1 and 2 diabetes and chronic obesity, are among the faster growing diseases globally and are a primary risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The term “type‐3 diabetes” has been proposed for AD due to the interrelated cellular, metabolic, and immune features shared by diabetes, insulin resistance (IR), and the cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration found in AD. Patients with MDs and/or AD commonly exhibit altered glucose homeostasis and IR; systemic chronic inflammation encompassing all of the periphery, blood–brain barrier (BBB), and central nervous system; pathological vascular remodeling; and increased BBB permeability that allows transfusion of neurotoxic molecules from the blood to the brain. This review summarizes the components of the BBB, mechanisms through which MDs alter BBB permeability via immune and metabolic pathways, the contribution of BBB dysfunction to the manifestation and progression of AD, and current avenues of therapeutic research that address BBB permeability. In addition, issues with the translational applicability of current animal models of AD regarding BBB dysfunction and proposals for future directions of research that address the relationship between MDs, BBB dysfunction, and AD are discussed.
Brain functional connectivity in patients with hyperthyroidism after anti‐thyroid treatment
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Singh Sadhana , Rana Poonam , Modi Shilpi , Sekhri Tarun , Kanwar Ratnesh , D’Souza Maria , Khushu Subash
Published: December 2021

Thyroid disease is known to affect brain metabolism and cognitive function, although the recovery of thyroid‐induced brain functional changes after treatment remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the alteration in brain functional connectivity and its correlation with neuropsychological variables in hyperthyroid patients before and after anti‐thyroid treatment using a resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) technique. This is a follow‐up rsfMRI study of previous work that showed impaired brain functional connectivity in hyperthyroid patients compared to healthy controls. We included rsfMRI and neuropsychological data from 21 hyperthyroid patients out of an original cohort of 28 patients, before and after anti‐thyroid treatment for 30 weeks. Functional connectivity analysis and neuropsychological scores were compared using paired t tests in patients at baseline and at follow‐up. Patients showed an improvement in some of the memory (p < .05) and executive, visuospatial and motor (p < .001) functions after treatment, and also showed increased functional connectivity in the regions of the right fronto‐parietal network, left fronto‐parietal network, and default mode network (DMN) (p < .05). At follow‐up, the functional connectivity of the right fronto‐parietal network showed a significantly positive correlation with the recognition of objects memory score. The overall findings suggest that anti‐thyroid treatment with carbimazole improves the functional connectivity within some of the resting state networks in the hyperthyroid patients, whereas the remaining networks still show impairment.
Validated 5‐point photonumeric scales for the assessment of the periorbital region
Authors: Pavicic Tatjana , Pooth Rainer , Prinz Valentina , Cajkovsky Mia , Green Jeremy B. , Hernandez Claudia A. , Mueller Daniel S. , Sattler Sonja , Klepetko Heike , Day Doris , Kerscher Martina , Suwanchinda Atchima , Cotofana Sebastian , Frank Konstantin , Fabi Sabrina G.
Published: December 2021

Objective

The objective of this investigation was to create and validate 5‐point photonumeric scales for the assessment of dynamic crow's feet, static crow's feet, and infraorbital hollows.

Material and methods

Three novel 5‐point photonumeric scales were created by a medical team. A total of 12 raters from all over the world performed a digital validation, and a total of 5 raters a live validation of the created scale.

Results

The statistical analysis revealed almost perfect intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability in the digital validation of the scales for the assessment of static and dynamic crow's feet as well as infraorbital hollows. In the live validation, both crow's feet scales showed almost perfect intra‐rater reliability, while the Croma Infraorbital Hollow Assessment Scale showed substantial intra‐rater reliability. Inter‐rater reliability was substantial for all three scales in the live validation. All three scales, the Croma Dynamic Crow's Feet Assessment Scale, Croma Static Crow's Feet Assessment Scale, and Croma Infraorbital Hollow Assessment Scale, were validated digitally and in a live setting.

Conclusion

The created scales to assess infraorbital hollowing, dynamic and static crow's feet have been shown to provide substantial to almost perfect agreement in the digital and live validation and can thus be considered as helpful tools in the clinical and research setting. While technical methods and appliances to assess the degrees of severity of age‐dependent features are advancing, validated scales are of great importance due to their ease of use and, as shown by the validations, reliability, and reproducibility.
Experience as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Performance Outcome Delays in the Private Equity Context
Authors: Castellaneta Francesco , Gottschalg Oliver , Kacperczyk Aleksandra , Wright Mike
Published: December 2021

A large body of work argues that the accumulation of organizational experience fosters learning because firms can correctly modify their understandings on the basis of past actions and their outcomes. But although performance information on past decisions can often be delayed, little research considered how firms respond to experience without complete performance information. In this study, we propose that experience is a double‐edged sword: whereas experience with performance feedback can foster learning, experience without complete performance feedback impedes learning. Using a sample of 7,223 private equity buyout investments, we find that experience with (in)complete performance information increases (decreases) the performance of a subsequent investment. The positive impact of experience with complete performance information is amplified when firms engage in search, following a shortfall in their performance. Moreover, we find that experience with (in)complete performance information decreases (increases) excessive risk taking. Overall, we advance the experiential learning literature by unpacking the positive and negative impact of experiential learning.
Dropout and adherence of obstructive sleep apnoea patients to mandibular advancement device therapy: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials with meta‐analysis and meta‐regression
Authors: Bortolotti Francesco , Corazza Giulia , Bartolucci Maria Lavinia , Incerti Parenti Serena , Paganelli Corrado , Alessandri‐Bonetti Giulio
Published: December 2021

Background

Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are used as an alternative to continuous positive airways pressure to treat obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients, but to date, specific data on the adherence to MAD therapy are lacking.

Objectives

The aim of the present systematic review was to investigate the dropout rate and adherence of OSA patients to different custom‐made (CM) and non‐custom‐made (NCM) MAD therapies.

Search Methods

An electronic search was performed in MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, LILACS and Web of Science.

Selection Criteria

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the compliance to customised and not customised MADs in the treatment of adult OSA patients were included.

Data Collection and Analysis

The quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) and the risk of bias by the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias in RCT. The dropout rate of each study was computed and the adherence to MAD therapy in terms of hours per night and nights per week was extracted from each study.

Results

Thirty‐two RCTs were included. The risk of bias resulted low in most of the studies. The GRADE scores indicated that the quality of evidence was from very low to moderate. The meta‐analyses showed that the mean dropout rate did not significantly differ between CM and NCM MADs: The overall mean dropout rate was 0.171 [0.128–0.213] with a mean follow‐up of 4.1 months. The hours per night adherence was significantly higher for CM MADs (6.418 [6.033–6.803]) compared to NCM MADs (5.107 [4.324–5.890]. The meta‐regression showed that the dropout rate increases significantly during time (p < .05).

Conclusions

There is a very low to moderate quality of evidence that the dropout rate of MAD therapy is similar among CM and NCM MADs, that the dropout rate increases significantly during time and that CM MADs have higher hours per night adherence compared with NCM MAD.

Registration

The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (n. CRD42020199866).
Methyl donor supplementation alters serum leptin levels and increases appetite but not body weight in cross‐fostered male Syrian hamster offspring (Mesocricetus auratus)
Authors: Gündüz Bülent , Okimoto Darren K.
Published: December 2021

A pregnant hamster's exposure to changes in environmental factors, such as light, temperature and nutrition, may influence behavioural and physiological changes in offspring. In this study, dietary methyl donor supplementation was employed to examine the role of maternal diet on appetite, body weight, serum leptin levels and locomotor activity in male Syrian hamster offspring. Dams were fed a standard control (SC) or methyl donor‐supplemented (MDSD) diet through pregnancy and lactation. At birth, offspring were cross‐fostered to dams fed an SC or MDSD diet (SC‐MDSD and MDSD‐SC) or remained with their birth mothers (SC‐SC and MDSD‐MDSD). At weaning, offspring were fed a SC or MDSD diet until 60 days of age. Food intake, serum leptin levels and locomotor activity were measured from 30–60 days of age. Offspring fed a MDSD diet post‐weaning (MDSD‐MDSD and SC‐MDSD) consumed more than double the amount of food daily compared with offspring fed a SC diet post‐weaning (SC‐SC, MDSD‐SC). Interestingly, there were no observed differences in body weight among all four groups. Serum leptin levels at 60 days of age were depressed in offspring fed a MDSD diet post‐weaning (MDSD‐MDSD and SC‐MDSD). There were no observed differences in wheel running activity between the SC‐SC and MDSC‐SC groups. Wheel running activity was at least twice the amount in offspring fed a MDSD diet post‐weaning (SC‐MDSD and MDSD‐MDSD). Taken together, these results indicate that the timing of methyl donor supplementation appears to be an important factor during the development of offspring.
Telomeres in ecology and evolution: A review and classification of hypotheses
Authors: Tobler Michael , Gómez‐Blanco David , Hegemann Arne , Lapa Mariana , Neto Júlio M. , Tarka Maja , Xiong Ye , Hasselquist Dennis
Published: December 2021

Research on telomeres in the fields of ecology and evolution has been rapidly expanding over the last two decades. This has resulted in the formulation of a multitude of, often name‐given, hypotheses related to the associations between telomeres and life‐history traits or fitness‐facilitating processes (and the mechanisms underlying them). However, the differences (or similarities) between the various hypotheses, which can originate from different research fields, are often not obvious. Our aim here is therefore to give an overview of the hypotheses that are of interest in ecology and evolution and to provide two frameworks that help discriminate among them. We group the hypotheses (i) based on their association with different research questions, and (ii) using a hierarchical approach that builds on the assumptions they make, such as about causality of telomere length/shortening and/or the proposed functional consequences of telomere shortening on organism performance. Both our frameworks show that there exist parallel lines of thoughts in different research fields. Moreover, they also clearly illustrate that there are in many cases competing hypotheses within clusters, and that some of these even have contradictory assumptions and/or predictions. We also touch upon two topics in telomere research that would benefit from further conceptualization. This review should help researchers, both those familiar with and those new to the subject, to identify future avenues of research.
Fine‐scale genetic diversity and putative ecotypes of oxymonad protists coinhabiting the hindgut of Reticulitermes speratus
Authors: Igai Katsura , Kitade Osamu , Fu Jieyang , Omata Kazumi , Yonezawa Takahiro , Ohkuma Moriya , Hongoh Yuichi
Published: December 2021

The hindgut of lower termites is generally coinhabited by multiple morphologically identifiable protist species. However, it is unclear how many protist species truly coexist in this miniaturized environment, and moreover, it is difficult to define the fundamental unit of protist diversity. Species delineation of termite gut protists has therefore been guided without a theory‐based concept of species. Here, we focused on the hindgut of the termite Reticulitermes speratus, where 10 or 11 morphologically distinct oxymonad cell types, that is, morphospecies, coexist. We elucidated the phylogenetic structure of all co‐occurring oxymonads and addressed whether their diversity can be explained by the “ecotype” hypothesis. Oxymonad‐specific 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing analyses of whole‐gut samples, combined with single‐cell 18S rRNA sequencing of the oxymonad morphospecies, identified 210 one‐nucleotide‐level variants. The phylogenetic analysis of these variants revealed the presence of microdiverse clusters typically within 1% sequence divergence. Each known oxymonad morphospecies comprised one to several monophyletic or paraphyletic microdiverse clusters. Using these sequence data sets, we conducted computational simulation to predict the rates of ecotype formation and periodic selection, and to demarcate putative ecotypes. Our simulations suggested that the oxymonad genetic divergence is constrained primarily by strong selection, in spite of limited population size and possible bottlenecks during intergenerational transmission. A total of 33 oxymonad ecotypes were predicted, and most of the putative ecotypes were consistently detected among different colonies and host individuals. These findings provide a possible theoretical basis for species diversity and underlying mechanisms of coexistence of termite gut protists.
Environmental resistance and habitat quality influence dispersal of the saltwater crocodile
Authors: Fukuda Yusuke , Moritz Craig , Jang Namchul , Webb Grahame , Campbell Hamish , Christian Keith , Lindner Garry , Banks Sam
Published: December 2021

Landscape genetics commonly focuses on the effects of environmental resistance on animal dispersal patterns, but there is an emerging focus on testing environmental effects on emigration and settlement choices. In this study, we used landscape genetics approaches to quantify dispersal patterns in the world's largest crocodilian, the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), and demonstrated environmental influences on three processes that comprise dispersal: emigration, movement and settlement. We found that both environmental resistance and properties of the source and destination catchments (proportion of breeding habitat) were important factors influencing observed dispersal events. Our habitat quality variables related to hypotheses about resource competition and represented the ratio of breeding habitat (which limits carrying capacity), suggesting that competition for habitat influences emigration and settlement choices, together with the strong effect of environmental resistance to movement (where high‐quality habitat was associated with greatest environmental permeability). Approximately 42% of crocodiles were migrants from populations other than their sampling locations and some outstandingly productive populations had a much higher proportion of emigration rather than immigration. The distance most commonly travelled between source and destination was 150–200 km although a few travelled much longer distances, up to 600–700 km. Given the extensive dispersal range, individual catchments or hydrographic regions that combine two or three adjacent catchments are an appropriate scale for population management.
Making things work: Using Bourdieu's theory of practice to uncover an ontology of everyday nursing in practice
Authors: Lake Sarah , West Sandra , Rudge Trudy
Published: December 2021

Seeking to answer the question of what it is that nurses do, scholars researching nursing have worked with theoretical approaches ranging from the more abstract to the concrete: from philosophizing the nature of nursing to emphasizing the interpersonal nature of nursing practice to exploring processes of clinical decision‐making. In this paper, we engage with Bourdieu's theory of practice as an alternative approach that helps to understand the finer points of nurses' everyday practices of nursing as being grounded in an ontology of practice. We first outline the foundations of Bourdieu's thinking as he established both a relational philosophy of science and an embodied philosophy of action to develop the theory of practice around notions of habitus, capital and field. Then, using the inter‐relationships of these key elements of the theory of practice as a ‘toolkit to think with’, we explore an instance of nursing in practice in an acute care setting and show how, in taking account of social context, the dialectics between the elements reveal the social interactions that are accomplished in the doing. Moving to the relationships of these three elements with Bourdieu's further notions of illusio, symbolic power and symbolic violence, we uncover an ontology of nursing practices in the everyday. We conclude by summarising what this ontology of practice has to offer investigations into practices of nursing in any social context.
Persuasive discourses in editorials published by the top‐five nursing journals: Findings from a 5‐year analysis
Authors: Iob Giovanna , Visintini Chiara , Palese Alvisa
Published: December 2021

The aim is to describe which persuasive tool from the triad of Aristotle (Ethos, Pathos and Logos) is most commonly used in editorials to convey visions and ideas in the nursing journals of the last 5 years (2014–2019). A descriptive qualitative study, based on content analysis, was performed in 2020 and summarized according to the COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research principles. Two hundred and eighty‐five editorials were included in the study, all of which were published in the top‐five nursing journals, specifically, the International Journal of Nursing Studies (5‐years Journal Impact Factor [5‐Y JIF] = 5.022), the Journal of Nursing Scholarship (=3.374), the Journal of Advanced Nursing (=3.010), the Worldviews on Evidence‐Based Nursing (2.990) and the Nursing Outlook (=2.867). Logos was the most widely used tool in 148 editorials (51.9%). Ethos was used in a quarter of them (n = 72, 25.3%) and the Pathos tool was used to a similar extent (n = 65, 22.8%). Logic is the most used tool for persuasion in nursing editorials; however, nurses who would capture the attention of the nursing community by writing an editorial should also consider the profiles of the potential readers, who might be attracted in different ways by logical‐objective, ethical–moral, or emotional discourses.
Effects of interproximal enamel reduction techniques used for orthodontics: A systematic review
Authors: Gómez‐Aguirre Jessica Nataly , Argueta‐Figueroa Liliana , Castro‐Gutiérrez María Eugenia Marcela , Torres‐Rosas Rafael
Published: December 2021

This systematic review aimed to determine the effects of the interproximal enamel reduction (IPR) techniques used in orthodontics. Six databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, ScienceDirect and Clinical Trials. Grey literature was sourced from Google Scholar. The risk of bias was assessed by Risk of Bias 2, Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale and Robins‐I depending on the design of the evaluated study. Additionally, the quality of the included studies was determined using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. This systematic review included randomized clinical trials, non‐randomized clinical trials and observational studies with a control group that reported the effects of IPR for orthodontic purposes on the teeth and periodontium. Case reports, and in vitro and in vivo studies were excluded. Eight clinical studies match the eligibility criteria. As a result, no demineralization of the enamel, no increase in caries incidence, no periodontal changes or dental sensitivity was found after IPR. Also, considering the duration of orthodontic treatment, IPR resulted in a quicker technique than dental extractions. At the risk‐of‐bias assessment, all observational studies showed low risk, the non‐randomized clinical trial had a critical bias, and all randomized clinical trials exhibited some concerns. The overall quality of the studies was found to be between low and very low. After the analysis of the data from included studies, it was concluded that the IPR procedures could be useful to treat dental crowding in orthodontic clinical practice without negative effects. However, more randomized controlled clinical trials with a longer follow‐up time and high‐quality studies are required to generate robust statements.
On the crossroad – renewable energy sources or shale oil? Understanding patterns of social attitudes in Jordan
Authors: Komendantova Nadejda , Marashdeh Leena , Al‐Salaymeh Ahmed , Al Twassi Sara , AlBeek Rasha , Hassouneh Kholoud
Published: December 2021

Energy policy in Jordan is a contested issue as several options for deployment of technologies exist. Shale oil and renewable energy sources are two energy generation technologies which are currently being intensively considered by the Jordanian energy policy process and there are shale oil and renewable energy projects which are currently in operation, in planning or in construction. Each of these options relates to various perceptions of risks and benefits of a given technology and has its opponents and supporters. Understanding of how inhabitants of communities where infrastructure is planned perceive these energy generation technologies is crucial as infrastructure will impact the life of the community and the feedback from the community can improve the deployment of infrastructure. The major focus of this paper is on attitudes of local communities where shale oil and renewable energies are in operation. To identify of how various environmental, technical, social and environmental factors influence attitudes including awareness and perceptions of these two energy generation technologies we conducted large scale surveys in four different communities of Jordan. Two of these communities (Ma’an and Tafileh) had renewable energy projects and other two communities (Lajoun and Attarat) had projects on shale oil extraction and power generation.
Local anesthetic toxicity following erector spinae plane block in a neonate: A case report
Authors: Crowe Ann‐Marie , Mislovič Branislav
Published: December 2021

A 6‐day‐old, 4.0 kg neonate presented with intestinal malrotation, necessitating laparotomy. Intra‐operatively, an ultrasound‐guided erector spinae plane block was performed under general anesthesia with administration of 1 mg/kg levobupivacaine. Minutes following this, acute cardiac compromise was evident from a tapering end‐tidal carbon dioxide, falling oxygen saturations, and low blood pressure. Intravenous epinephrine 1 mcg/kg was administered, with some hemodynamic improvement. Intralipid (1.5 ml/kg) was given, with a return to normal hemodynamic parameters. This is the first case report of suspected local anesthetic toxicity in a neonate following an erector spinae plane block.
Ventilatory management of critically ill children in the emergency setting, during transport and retrieval
Authors: Riphagen Shelley , Bird Ruth
Published: December 2021

Critical illness in children is uncommon. The acute stabilization and resuscitation of critically ill children remains challenging to even the most experienced operator. Cardiorespiratory illness represents the largest subgroup of diseases causing critical illness and, thus adds a layer of complexity and additional challenge to the safe intubation and establishment of effective ventilation of this group of children. Children have unique physiological and anatomical differences to adults, and present the team involved in their resuscitation and stabilization with challenges exaggerated by critical illness. The consideration of pathophysiological implications of disease and the equipment available during transport and retrieval from the roadside or nonspecialist setting to pediatric intensive care allows the clinician involved in resuscitation, stabilization, and establishment of ventilation to employ targeted strategies to optimize ventilatory success. This review focuses on the types of ventilatory challenges that must be addressed when managing critically ill children in the local settings in which they present, and the resources available to optimize the outcome prior to and during transfer to a higher level of care.
Respiratory prehabilitation in pediatric anesthesia in children with muscular and neurologic disease
Authors: St‐Laurent Aaron , Zysman‐Colman Zofia , Zielinski David
Published: December 2021

Children with neuromuscular, chronic neurologic, and chest wall diseases are at increased risk of postoperative respiratory complications including atelectasis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure with the possible need for reintubation or even tracheostomy. These complications negatively impact patient outcomes, including increased healthcare resource utilization and increased surgical mortality. In these children, the existing respiratory reserve is often inadequate to withstand the stresses brought on during anesthesia and surgery. A thorough clinical assessment and objective evaluation of pulmonary function and gas exchange can help identify which children are at particular risk for poor postoperative outcomes and thus merit preoperative interventions. These may include initiation and optimization of non‐invasive ventilation and mechanical insufflation‐exsufflation. Furthermore, such an evaluation will help identify children who may require a postoperative extubation plan tailored to neuromuscular diseases. Such strategies may include avoidance of pre‐extubation lung decruitment by precluding continuous positive airway pressure trials, aggressively weaning to room air and directly extubating to non‐invasive ventilation with a high inspiratory to expiratory pressure differential of at least 10 cm H20. Children with cerebral palsy and other neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental disorders are a more heterogeneous group of children who may share some operative risk factors with children with neuromuscular disease; they may also be at risk of sleep‐disordered breathing, may also require non‐invasive ventilation or mechanical insufflation‐exsufflation, and may have associated chronic lung disease from aspirations that may require perioperative treatment.
Dreams, Morality and the Waking World
Authors: Cowan Robert
Published: December 2021

Is it ever wrong to cheat in a dream? It has been argued that the conjunction of reasonable claims about dreams with Evaluational Internalism (the view that moral evaluation is determined by factors ‘internal’ to agency, such as intentions) entails a positive answer. This implausible result seemingly provides reason to favour an alternative theory of moral evaluation. I here argue that a wide range of Evaluational Externalist views (which base moral evaluation on factors ‘external’ to agency, such as harms produced) are similarly committed to morality in dreams. I end by identifying implications for theorising about dreams and morality.
Closed‐PICU perioperative management of congenital tracheal stenosis
Authors: Aoki Kazunori , Kurosawa Hiroshi , Seino Yusuke , Morita Keiichi , Matsuhisa Hironori , Oshima Yoshihiro
Published: December 2021

Background

Perioperative management of congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) is challenging. In the present study, compared the effect of closed‐pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) perioperative management by pediatric intensivists and open‐PICU management by surgeons. Outcomes in terms of ventilator‐free days (VFD) and length of postoperative PICU stay in children with CTS were evaluated.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a PICU in Japan. Children with CTS who underwent slide tracheoplasty were grouped according to whether they were perioperatively managed in an open (January 2015 to April 2016) or a closed (May 2016 to August 2019) PICU. Data were extracted from patients' medical records.

Results

In total, 13 and 38 patients were included in the open‐ and closed‐PICU groups, respectively. Compared to the open‐PICU group, the closed‐PICU group had shorter duration of muscle relaxant administration (median 4 vs 5 days; P < 0.001), earlier enteral nutrition (34/38 [90%] vs 1/13 [8%]; P < 0.001), more 28‐day VFD (median 21 vs 20 days; P = 0.04), and shorter duration of postoperative PICU stay (median 16 vs 36 days; P = 0.002), but mortality did not differ significantly between the two groups (0/38 [0%] vs 1/13 [8%]; P = 0.25).

Conclusions

Closed‐PICU perioperative management with pediatric intensivists' participation significantly increased 28‐day VFD and reduced the length of postoperative PICU stay in patients with congenital tracheal stenosis.
Photoinduced Electron Transfer in Encapsulated Heterocycles by Cavitands
Authors: Bojesomo Rukayat S. , Saleh Na’il
Published: December 2021

Host−guest complexation of small heterocyclic (guest) and macrocyclic cavitands (hosts) organic molecules is still to date a very popular, inexpensive approach that bypasses the burdens of conventional covalent synthesis. Understanding the selection criteria of these chemicals is crucial to the design and potential applications of their supramolecular assemblies. This review surveys examples within the last 15 years (2005–2020) of supramolecular complexes in which the interacting photoinduced electron transfer (PET)‐based chromophore and quencher fragments are commonly used in the market with reported CAS numbers. It appears from this survey that the supramolecular effects can be directed to specifically disrupt PET when the nonemissive macrocycles separately encapsulate the fluorescent acceptor or donor molecules, among other specific factors, such as when inducing conformational changes or pKa shift of the donor. On the contrary, synergetic encapsulation of both donor and acceptor molecules, formation of ternary self‐assembly at the rim or encapsulation of one component while grafting the other onto the macrocycle, among other specific factors such as the modulation of the excited‐state structure of donor, will lead to the enhancement of PET process. In the event the donor or acceptor molecules have multitopic structures, the PET process can repeatedly be switched on and off. It is generally concluded that understanding the criteria for the combination of these available products for the purpose of manipulating their PET efficiency should pave the way for the facile alternative generation of new noncovalently bonded host−guest supramolecular assemblies with a more specific design tailored for more advanced, diverse and economic applications such as chemical sensing, molecular gates, drug delivery and biolabeling.
Nutritional optimization for female elite football players—topical review
Authors: de Sousa Maysa V. , Lundsgaard Anne‐Marie , Christensen Peter M. , Christensen Lars , Randers Morten B. , Mohr Magni , Nybo Lars , Kiens Bente , Fritzen Andreas M.
Published: December 2021

Women’s football is an intermittent sport characterized by frequent intense actions throughout the match. The high number of matches with limited recovery time played across a long competitive season underlines the importance of nutritional strategies to meet these large physical demands. In order to maximize sport performance and maintain good health, energy intake must be optimal. However, a considerable proportion of female elite football players does not have sufficient energy intake to match the energy expenditure, resulting in low energy availability that might have detrimental physiologic consequences and impair performance. Carbohydrates appear to be the primary fuel covering the total energy supply during match‐play, and female elite football players should aim to consume sufficient carbohydrates to meet the requirements of their training program and to optimize the replenishment of muscle glycogen stores between training bouts and matches. However, several macro‐ and micronutrients are important for ensuring sufficient energy and nutrients for performance optimization and for overall health status in female elite football players. The inadequacy of macro‐and micronutrients in the diet of these athletes may impair performance and training adaptations, and increase the risk of health disorders, compromising the player’s professional career. In this topical review, we present knowledge and relevant nutritional recommendations for elite female football players for the benefit of sports nutritionists, dietitians, sports scientists, healthcare specialists, and applied researchers. We focus on dietary intake and cover the most pertinent topics in sports nutrition for the relevant physical demands in female elite football players as follows: energy intake, macronutrient and micronutrient requirements and optimal composition of the everyday diet, nutritional and hydration strategies to optimize performance and recovery, potential ergogenic effects of authorized relevant supplements, and future research considerations.