bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of the ecological niche behind the largest disjunct freshwater fish distribution in the world
Authors: Ramírez‐Álvarez Rodrigo , Peterson Townsend A. , Contreras Sergio , Górski Konrad
Published: March 2024

Ecological processes that are behind distributions of species that inhabit isolated localities, complex disjunct distributions, remain poorly understood. Traditionally, vicariance and dispersion have been proposed as explanatory mechanisms that drive such distributions. However, to date, our understanding of the ecological processes driving evolution of ecological niches associated with disjunct distributions remains rudimentary.

Here, we propose a framework to deconstruct drivers of such distribution using World's most widespread freshwater fish Galaxias maculatus as a model and integrating marine and freshwater environments where its life cycle may occur. Specifically, we assessed ecological and historical factors (Gondwanan vicariance, marine dispersion) and potential dispersion (niche‐tracking) that explain its distribution in the Southern Hemisphere.

Estimated distribution was consistent with previously reported distribution and mainly driven by temperature and topography in freshwater environments and by primary productivity and nitrate in marine environments. Niche dynamics of G. maculatus provided evidence of synergy between vicariance and marine dispersion as explanatory mechanisms of its disjunct distribution, suggesting that its ecological niche was conserved since approximately 30 Ma ago.

This integrated assessment of ecological niche in marine and freshwater environments serves as a generic framework that may be applied to understand processes underpinning complex distributions of diadromous species.
Relationships between rhizosphere microbial communities, soil abiotic properties and root trait variation within a pine species
Authors: Lin Dunmei , Shen Rong , Lin Jiani , Zhu Guangyu , Yang Yongchuan , Fanin Nicolas
Published: March 2024

Rhizosphere microbes play important roles in plant performance and ecosystem functioning. It is becoming increasingly clear that rhizosphere communities vary with soil properties and variation in root traits among plant species. However, less is known about whether and how variation in root traits within plant species influences the rhizosphere microbial communities.

We evaluated the intraspecific root traits variation and explored their associations with bacterial and fungal communities in rhizosphere by focusing on an ectomycorrhizal tree species, that is Pinus massoniana, in 22 sites in subtropical China.

The first dimension of the principal component analysis on root traits revealed evidence for the ‘conservation’ gradient of the root economics space. Overall, root traits explained more variation in fungal communities than in bacterial communities in the rhizosphere. Functional composition of rhizosphere microbial communities changed significantly along the ‘conservation’ gradient, with fast‐growing copiotrophic bacteria and symbiotic ectomycorrhizal fungi were significantly enriched on the ‘acquisition’ side, while slow‐growing oligotrophic bacteria were significantly enriched on the ‘conservation’ side of the gradient.

Synthesis: Our study demonstrates that intraspecific variation in plant roots significantly influence rhizosphere microbial communities, which in turn can influence plant nutrition and therefore plant performance within the community.
Prevalence and prenatal diagnosis of congenital eye anomalies: A population‐based study
Authors: Maillet Corentin , Guilbaud Lucie , Monier Isabelle , Khoshnood Babak , Quoc Emmanuel Bui , Dugas Anais , Lelong Nathalie , Jouannic Jean‐Marie
Published: March 2024

Objective

To estimate the prevalence and trend of congenital eye anomalies (CEAs) and the rate of prenatal diagnosis over a 10‐year period.

Design

Retrospective population‐based registry study.

Setting

All maternity units in Paris, France, from 2010 to 2020.

Population

A cohort of 115 cases of CEA detected among all live births or stillbirths, after 22 weeks of gestation, and terminations of pregnancy.

Methods

The total prevalence of CEAs and prevalence of each specific CEA were calculated using 95% Poisson exact confidence intervals.

Main outcome measures

The total prevalence of CEAs and the proportion of prenatal diagnosis of CEAs, and their evolution.

Results

The prevalence of CEAs was 4.1 (95% CI 3.4–5.0) cases, ranging between 3.1 and 5.7 cases, per 10 000 births. CEAs were prenatally diagnosed in 23.5% of cases. CEAs were bilateral in 51 cases (44.3%), unilateral in 43 cases (37.4%) and missing or unknown in 21 cases (18.3%). Of those with CEAs, 20.9% had genetic anomalies and 53.0% had at least one other extraocular anomaly. When detected prenatally, CEAs were bilateral in 15 cases (55.6%), unilateral in eight cases (29.6%) and missing in the four remaining cases. The prenatal diagnosis rate of CEAs associated with genetic anomalies, CEA cases with at least one other malformation and isolated CEA cases were 29.2%, 26.2% and 13.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

In total, 115 cases of CEAs were observed during the study period, representing a total prevalence of 4.1 cases per 10 000 births. The overall prenatal detection rate of CEAs in our population was 23.5%, which dropped to 13.3% for isolated cases of CEAs.
Has the rescheduling of modified‐release paracetamol in Australia affected the frequency of overdoses?
Authors: Ryan Michaela J , Graudins Andis , O'Shea Nicole , Noghrehchi Firouzeh , Wong Anselm
Published: March 2024

Objectives

In June 2020, modified‐release paracetamol (paracetamol‐MR) preparations were up‐scheduled from schedule‐2 (available in pharmacy) to schedule‐3 (available by request to a pharmacist only). The present study aims to ascertain whether up‐scheduling affected the frequency of paracetamol‐MR overdoses.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of two data sets from 1 June 2017 to 31 May 2022. Monash Health data were extracted using the diagnosis of paracetamol overdose coding and electronic medical records data. Calls regarding paracetamol‐MR overdoses to Victorian Poisons Information Centre (VPIC) were extracted from the Poisons centre call database. We used a quasi‐experimental research design with interrupted time series analysis to evaluate the immediate impact and change in trend of poisoning‐related calls and ED presentations before and after June 2020. The change in proportion of paracetamol‐MR cases in both databases was analysed using the Χ2 test.

Results

The proportion of paracetamol‐MR cases in both data sets did not change. From Monash Health, there was no level change in monthly paracetamol‐MR overdose‐related presentations following re‐scheduling (rate ratio [RR] = 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57–2.01). There was no change in monthly paracetamol‐MR overdose‐related calls to VPIC following re‐scheduling (RR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.96–1.14).

Conclusion

The proportion of paracetamol‐MR overdoses did not decrease after the up‐scheduling to S3. Similarly, the frequency of overdoses by month remained similar. Further limitations on access to paracetamol products may need to be considered.
Pseudomonas putida as a platform for medium‐chain length α,ω‐diol production: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Lu Chunzhe , Wijffels Rene H. , Martins dos Santos Vitor A. P. , Weusthuis Ruud A.
Published: March 2024

Medium‐chain‐length α,ω‐diols (mcl‐diols) play an important role in polymer production, traditionally depending on energy‐intensive chemical processes. Microbial cell factories offer an alternative, but conventional strains like Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae face challenges in mcl‐diol production due to the toxicity of intermediates such as alcohols and acids. Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology enable the engineering of non‐model strains for such purposes with P. putida emerging as a promising microbial platform. This study reviews the advancement in diol production using P. putida and proposes a four‐module approach for the sustainable production of diols. Despite progress, challenges persist, and this study discusses current obstacles and future opportunities for leveraging P. putida as a microbial cell factory for mcl‐diol production. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential of using P. putida as an efficient chassis for diol synthesis.
Engineering the carbon and redox metabolism of Paenibacillus polymyxa for efficient isobutanol production
Authors: Meliawati Meliawati , Volke Daniel C. , Nikel Pablo I. , Schmid Jochen
Published: March 2024

Paenibacillus polymyxa is a non‐pathogenic, Gram‐positive bacterium endowed with a rich and versatile metabolism. However interesting, this bacterium has been seldom used for bioproduction thus far. In this study, we engineered P. polymyxa for isobutanol production, a relevant bulk chemical and next‐generation biofuel. A CRISPR‐Cas9‐based genome editing tool facilitated the chromosomal integration of a synthetic operon to establish isobutanol production. The 2,3‐butanediol biosynthesis pathway, leading to the main fermentation product of P. polymyxa, was eliminated. A mutant strain harbouring the synthetic isobutanol operon (kdcA from Lactococcus lactis, and the native ilvC, ilvD and adh genes) produced 1 g L−1 isobutanol under microaerobic conditions. Improving NADPH regeneration by overexpression of the malic enzyme subsequently increased the product titre by 50%. Network‐wide proteomics provided insights into responses of P. polymyxa to isobutanol and revealed a significant metabolic shift caused by alcohol production. Glucose‐6‐phosphate 1‐dehydrogenase, the key enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway, was identified as a bottleneck that hindered efficient NADPH regeneration through this pathway. Furthermore, we conducted culture optimization towards cultivating P. polymyxa in a synthetic minimal medium. We identified biotin (B7), pantothenate (B5) and folate (B9) to be mutual essential vitamins for P. polymyxa. Our rational metabolic engineering of P. polymyxa for the production of a heterologous chemical sheds light on the metabolism of this bacterium towards further biotechnological exploitation.
Human α‐synuclein overexpression upregulates SKOR1 in a rat model of simulated nigrostriatal ageing
Authors: Morales‐Prieto Noelia , Bevans Rebekah , O'Mahony Adam , Barron Aaron , Giles Doran Conor , McCarthy Erin , Concannon Ruth M. , Goulding Susan R. , McCarthy Cathal M. , Collins Louise M. , Sullivan Aideen M. , O'Keeffe Gerard W.
Published: March 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterised by progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons from the substantia nigra (SN) and α‐synuclein (αSyn) accumulation. Age is the biggest risk factor for PD and may create a vulnerable pre‐parkinsonian state, but the drivers of this association are unclear. It is known that ageing increases αSyn expression in DA neurons and that this may alter molecular processes that are central to maintaining nigrostriatal integrity. To model this, adult female Sprague–Dawley rats received a unilateral intranigral injection of adeno‐associated viral (AAV) vector carrying wild‐type human αSyn (AAV‐αSyn) or control vector (AAV‐Null). AAV‐αSyn induced no detrimental effects on motor behaviour, but there was expression of human wild‐type αSyn throughout the midbrain and ipsilateral striatum at 20 weeks post‐surgery. Microarray analysis revealed that the gene most‐upregulated in the ipsilateral SN of the AAV‐αSyn group was the SKI Family Transcriptional Corepressor 1 (SKOR1). Bioenergetic state analysis of mitochondrial function found that SKOR1 overexpression reduced the maximum rate of cellular respiration in SH‐SY5Y cells. Furthermore, experiments in SH‐SY5Y cells revealed that SKOR1 overexpression impaired neurite growth to the same extent as αSyn, and inhibited BMP‐SMAD‐dependent transcription, a pathway that promotes DA neuronal survival and growth. Given the normal influence of ageing on DA neuron loss in human SN, the extent of αSyn‐induced SKOR1 expression may influence whether an individual undergoes normal nigrostriatal ageing or reaches a threshold for prodromal PD. This provides new insight into mechanisms through which ageing‐related increases in αSyn may influence molecular mechanisms important for the maintenance of neuronal integrity.
Telehealth and delivery of alcohol use disorder treatment in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Perumalswami Ponni V. , Adams Megan A. , Frost Madeline C. , Holleman Rob , Kim Hyungjin Myra , Zhang Lan , Lin Lewei (Allison)
Published: March 2024

Background

The use of telehealth treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD) has increased since the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, it is unclear which patients are using telehealth and how telehealth visits are associated with treatment duration. This study examined characteristics associated with telehealth use among Veterans Health Administration patients receiving AUD treatment.

Methods

Using a national retrospective cohort study, we examined data from March 01, 2020 to February 28, 2021 to: First, identify patient characteristics associated with (a) any telehealth versus only in‐person care for AUD treatment, and (b) video (≥1 video visit) versus only telephone visits for AUD treatment (≥1 telephone visit, no video) among any telehealth users. This analysis used mixed‐effects logistic regression models to adjust for potential correlation across patients treated at the same facility. Second, we assessed whether visit modality was associated with the amount of AUD treatment received (number of AUD psychotherapy visits or medication coverage days). This analysis used mixed‐effects negative binomial regression models.

Results

Among 138,619 patients who received AUD treatment, 52.8% had ≥1 video visit, 38.1% had ≥1 telephone but no video visits, and 9.1% had only in‐person visits. In the regression analyses, patients who were male or had an opioid or stimulant use disorder (compared to having no non‐AUD substance use disorder) were less likely to receive any telehealth‐delivered AUD treatment compared to only in‐person AUD treatment. Among patients who received any telehealth‐delivered AUD treatment, those who were ≥45 years old (compared to 18–29 years old), Black (compared to White), diagnosed with a cannabis or stimulant use disorder, or diagnosed with a serious mental illness were less likely to receive a video visit than only telephone visits. Receiving any AUD telehealth was associated with receiving more psychotherapy visits and medication coverage days than only in‐person care.

Conclusions

Telehealth, a common modality for AUD treatment, supported a greater number of psychotherapy visits and a longer duration of medication treatment for AUD. However, some groups were less likely to receive any video telehealth than telephone visits, suggesting that multiple treatment modalities should remain available to ensure treatment access.
Assessing the impact of socio‐demographics and farming activity on ward‐level mortality patterns using farm and population decennial censuses
Authors: Trearty Kelly , Bunting Brendan , Mallett John
Published: March 2024

Introduction and Objective

Farmers experience a specific set of unique dangers, which increases their risk of mortality compared with any other occupation. This study hypothesised that Northern Ireland's (NIs) agriculturally saturated Wards have a higher risk of mortality compared against non‐agriculturally based Wards.

Design

The Population Census and Farm Census information were downloaded from the Northern Ireland Neighbourhood Service (NINIS) online depository to compile three mortality‐based data sets (2001, 2011, pooled data sets). Assessing the impact of socio‐demographics and farming activity on Ward‐level mortality patterns using farm and population decennial censuses. This study analysed all 582 Ward areas of NI, which enclosed the entire populace of the country in 2001 and 2011.

Findings

Path analysis was utilised to examine direct and indirect paths linked with mortality within two census years (2001; 2011), alongside testing pathways for invariance between census years (pooled data set). Ward‐level results provided evidence for exogenous variables to mortality operating through three/four endogenous variables via: (i) direct effects (age), (ii) summed indirect effects (age; males; living alone; farming profit; and deprivation) and (iii) total effects (age; males; living alone; and deprivation). Multi‐group results cross‐validated these cause‐and‐effect relationships relating to mortality.

Discussion and Conclusion

This study demonstrated that farming intensity scores, farming profits and socio‐demographics' influence on mortality risk in a Ward were dependent on the specific social‐environmental characteristics within that area. In line with earlier area level research, results support the aggregated interpretation that higher levels of farming activity within a Ward increase the risk of mortality within those Wards of NI. This was an essential study to enable future tailoring of new strategies and upgrading of current policies to bring about significant mortality risk change at local level.
Haikuology, for Kara, after Sonia Sanchez
Authors: Welland Sasha Su‐Ling
Published: March 2024

Beginning with an autoethnographic reflection on my sister's obsession with writing haiku toward the end of her long struggle with cancer, this essay falls into a wider world of illness and confinement, death and grief, moving from the COVID‐19 pandemic to the haiku practices of two modern innovators of the form, Masaoka Shiki (1867–1902) and Richard Wright (1908–1960). As a mixed genre piece interweaving prose and poetry, it draws upon Renato Rosaldo's examination of culture, emotion, and rituals of bereavement, as well as his development of antropoesía as a form of ethnographic attention to emotional force. Survival, as the organizing principal of campaigns such as the War on Cancer, conditions us to privilege individuated cure and protection, with the body defended by promissory regimes of science and security. How do survivors of those lost to untimely death account for the harm this discourse simultaneously produces? The haiku moment—declarative and fleeting—sketches a map across time and place, of struggle and loss, intimate and global. Dwelling in the details of its reparative terrain provides connection to the joy and pain of yearning to be of the world, in spite of and because of the ways it tears us apart.
Stroke prevention strategies for cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Fong Khi Yung , Yeo Selvie , Luo Haidong , Kofidis Theodoros , Teoh Kristine L. K. , Kang Giap Swee
Published: March 2024

Background

Stroke is a much‐feared complication of cardiac surgery, but existing literature on preventive strategies is fragmented. Hence, a systematic review and meta‐analysis of stroke prevention strategies for cardiac surgery was conducted.

Methods

An electronic literature search was conducted to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating perioperative interventions for cardiac surgery, with stroke as an outcome. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were conducted to generate risk ratios (RRs), 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and forest plots. Descriptive analysis and synthesis of literature was conducted for interventions not amenable to meta‐analysis, focusing on risks of stroke, myocardial infarction and study‐defined major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Results

Fifty‐six RCTs (61 894 patients) were retrieved. Many included trials were underpowered to detect differences in stroke risk. Among pharmacological therapies, only preoperative amiodarone was shown to reduce stroke risk in one trial. Concomitant left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) significantly reduced stroke risk (RR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.36–0.84, P = 0.006) in patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation, and there was no difference in on‐pump versus off‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (RR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.64–1.37, P = 0.735). Much controversy exists in literature on the timing of carotid endarterectomy relative to CABG in patients with severe carotid stenosis. The use of preoperative remote ischemic preconditioning was not found to reduce rates of stroke or MACE.

Conclusion

This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of existing interventions for stroke prevention in cardiac surgery, and identifies gaps in research which may benefit from future, large‐scale RCTs. LAAC should be considered to reduce stroke incidence in patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation.
Time intervals between pumping did not affect breastmilk protein produced by mothers of preterm infants
Authors: Kappel Susanne S. , Maastrup Ragnhild , Iyore Elisabeth O , Greisen Gorm , Egeskov Merete , Lando Ane , Hansen Bo M.
Published: March 2024

Aim

Few studies investigate factors that might influence the content of expressed breastmilk. This study aims to investigate the influence of the intervals between breastmilk pumping and the time of the day on protein and fat concentration in breastmilk.

Methods

Mothers of very preterm infants in a neonatal ward who expressed more than 400 mL per day were included. Expressed breastmilk was obtained from each mother over 30 h who were pumping at strictly planned and varying intervals: 2, 3, 4 and 6 h. All samples were analysed using infrared transmission spectroscopy.

Results

Ten mothers participated at a median of 22 days postpartum. A total of 176 milk samples were analysed, and the average protein and fat concentrations in g/100 mL were 1.1 ± 0.23 and 4.2 ± 1.3, respectively. The time intervals between breast pumping sessions did not impact protein content, but fat content decreased by longer intervals (p < 0.01). The time of the day for milk pumping did not influence the protein or fat content.

Conclusion

A single milk sample collected after any 2–6 h interval, at any time during the day, represents the protein content in the breastmilk, but not the fat content which decreased with longer intervals.
Safety and feasibility of colonoscopy in nonagenarians: A systematic review, meta‐analysis and meta‐regression analysis
Authors: Hajibandeh Shahab , Hajibandeh Shahin , Regan Azel , Waterman Jennifer , Stewart Christopher M. B. , Ansell James , Horwood James , Phillips Simon , Davies Michael
Published: March 2024

Aim

The aim of this work was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of performing colonoscopy in patients aged 90 years or over.

Method

In compliance with PRISMA statement standards, a systematic review of studies reporting the outcomes of colonoscopy in patients aged ≥90 years was conducted. A proportional meta‐analysis model was constructed to quantify the risk of outcomes and a direct comparison meta‐analysis model was constructed to compare outcomes between nonagenarians and patients aged between 50 and 89 years via random‐effects models.

Results

Seven studies enrolling 1304 patients (1342 colonoscopies) were included. Analyses showed that complications related to bowel preparation occurred in 0.7% (95% CI 0.1%–1.6%), procedural complications in 0.6% (0.00%–1.7%), 30‐day complications in 1.5% (0.6%–2.7%), procedural mortality in 0.3% (0.0%–1.1%) and 30‐day mortality in 1.1% (0.3%–2.2%). Adequate bowel preparation and colonoscopy completion were achieved in 81.3% (73.8%–87.9%) and 92.1% (86.7%–96.3%), respectively. No difference was found in bowel preparation‐related complications [risk difference (RD) 0.00, p = 0.78], procedural complications (RD 0.00, p = 0.60), 30‐day complications (RD 0.01, p = 0.20), procedural mortality (RD 0.00, p = 1.00) or 30‐day mortality (RD 0.01, p = 0.34) between nonagenarians and patients aged between 50 and 89 years. The colorectal cancer detection rate was 14.3% (9.8%–19.5%), resulting in therapeutic intervention in 65.9% (54.5%–76.6%).

Conclusions

Although the evidence is limited to a selected group of nonagenarians, it may be fair to conclude that if a colonoscopy is indicated in a nonagenarian with good performance status (based on initial less‐invasive investigations), the level 2 evidence supports its safety and feasibility. Age on its own should not be a reason for failing to offer colonoscopy to a nonagenarian.
Computational Modeling of the Segmentation of Sentence Stimuli From an Infant Word‐Finding Study
Authors: Swingley Daniel , Algayres Robin
Published: March 2024

Computational models of infant word‐finding typically operate over transcriptions of infant‐directed speech corpora. It is now possible to test models of word segmentation on speech materials, rather than transcriptions of speech. We propose that such modeling efforts be conducted over the speech of the experimental stimuli used in studies measuring infants' capacity for learning from spoken sentences. Correspondence with infant outcomes in such experiments is an appropriate benchmark for models of infants. We demonstrate such an analysis by applying the DP‐Parser model of Algayres and colleagues to auditory stimuli used in infant psycholinguistic experiments by Pelucchi and colleagues. The DP‐Parser model takes speech as input, and creates multiple overlapping embeddings from each utterance. Prospective words are identified as clusters of similar embedded segments. This allows segmentation of each utterance into possible words, using a dynamic programming method that maximizes the frequency of constituent segments. We show that DP‐Parse mimics American English learners' performance in extracting words from Italian sentences, favoring the segmentation of words with high syllabic transitional probability. This kind of computational analysis over actual stimuli from infant experiments may be helpful in tuning future models to match human performance.
Physiology, ecology, and evolution of a successful colonizer: the horned dung beetle, Euoniticellus intermedius
Authors: González‐Tokman Daniel , Esquivel‐Román Andrea , Martínez M Imelda
Published: March 2024

Insects are intentionally introduced to various regions out of their native ranges to perform fundamental functions, such as pest control, and some keep dispersing from introduction sites to become cosmopolitan and even invasive. The African horned dung beetle, Euoniticellus intermedius (Reiche) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), has been intentionally introduced on multiple continents to bury cattle dung and control livestock pests, but has naturally dispersed and became very abundant at various latitudes and elevations out of its native and original introduction ranges. This beetle has been considered invasive, but there is no direct evidence of its effects on displacing native species. As it is highly fecund, E. intermedius has been an important model in experimental studies performed in nature and in the laboratory in multiple fields. In evolutionary biology, it serves as a model for sexual selection, given the sexual dimorphism characterized by the presence of a horn in males which is correlated with individual condition and strength, and which is absent in females. In ecotoxicology, it has been studied regarding physiological mechanisms of responses to contaminants, population declines, and evolutionary responses to challenging toxic conditions. Given its importance in burying dung in cattle pastures, experiments have also determined environmental conditions that limit this ecological function. Despite being unique in its tolerance to a wide variety of stressors and environments, this species is sensitive to current conditions of global change, including warming and pollution. We identify the most promising questions to be solved in physiology, ecology, and evolution, for which E. intermedius would be an ideal study system.
Using implementation science to operate as a learning health system to improve outcomes in early psychosis
Authors: Kim Bo , Guyer Margaret , Keshavan Matcheri
Published: March 2024

Aim

Early interventions are well understood to improve psychosis outcomes, but their successful implementation remains limited. This article introduces a three‐step roadmap for advancing the implementation of evidence‐based practices to operate as a learning health system, which can be applied to early interventions for psychosis and is intended for an audience that is relatively new to systematic approaches to implementation.

Methods

The roadmap is grounded in implementation science, which specializes in methods to promote routine use of evidence‐based innovations. The roadmap draws on learning health system principles that call for commitment of leadership, application of evidence, examination of care experiences, and study of health outcomes. Examples are discussed for each roadmap step, emphasizing both data‐ and stakeholder‐related considerations applicable throughout the roadmap.

Conclusions

Early psychosis care is a promising topic through which to discuss the critical need to move evidence into practice. Despite remarkable advances in early psychosis interventions, population‐level impact of those interventions is yet to be realized. By providing an introduction to how implementation science principles can be operationalized in a learning health system and sharing examples from early psychosis care, this article prompts inclusion of a wider audience in essential discourse on the role that implementation science can play for moving evidence into practice for other realms of psychiatric care as well. To this end, the proposed roadmap can serve as a conceptual guiding template and framework through which various psychiatric services can methodically pursue timely implementation of evidence‐based interventions for higher quality care and improved outcomes.
Unruly diaspora action as decolonization: Abjection and activism among Zimbabweans in London
Authors: Mutambasere Thabani
Published: March 2024

In an era where migration and asylum are becoming more securitized, this article argues that unruly action by asylum seekers contributes to decolonization through challenging stratified citizenship and hierarchical immigration laws. I argue through a case of members of the Zimbabwe Vigil in London that diasporas challenge the system within their countries of settlement, enhancing self‐determination, and speak back to their homelands by demanding rights where excluded. The article draws from 20 key informant interviews conducted with members of the Zimbabwe Vigil in London and their partners on the ground in Harare, Zimbabwe. Through speaking back to the homeland, these individuals play a role in challenging coloniality within the homeland and thus are agents of decolonization. Ultimately, the article answers calls by scholars to expand and challenge the way we have conceptualized diaspora in addition to the literature on diaspora lobbying, engagement and decolonization.
Money first? Strategic and economic interests in the international arms trade network, 1920–1936
Authors: Mehrl Marius , Seussler Daniel , Thurner Paul W.
Published: March 2024

Arms transfers result from economic and political motives, with the latter often dominating the former. While this is accepted knowledge for the post‐World War II period, it seems not to apply earlier. Much existing research argues that in the interwar years, weapons were traded as purely commercial goods because governments had neither the ability nor willingness to control and direct arms transfers. We reassess this idea and argue that, while formal control was largely absent, governments could steer weapons shipments nonetheless because arms producers depended on them as main customers, sales agents, and financiers of their export business. Anecdotal evidence suggests that governments actively used this influence. To test whether interwar arms transfers were the result of political or commercial interests, we use newly collected, historical data on the small arms trade and inferential network analysis methods. Our results suggest that although economic drivers existed throughout the interwar period, political considerations were especially influential when international relations were hostile at the start and end of the period. This research contributes to our understanding of international economic relations between the world wars and of the drivers of arms transfers across time.
Papillary thyroid carcinoma tall cell subtype (PTC‐TC) and high‐grade differentiated thyroid carcinoma tall cell phenotype (HGDTC‐TC) have different clinical behaviour: a retrospective study of 1456 patients
Authors: Ghossein Ronald , Katabi Nora , Dogan Snjezana , Shaha Ashok R , Tuttle R Michael , Fagin James A , Ganly Ian , Xu Bin
Published: March 2024

Aims

Papillary thyroid carcinoma, tall cell subtype (PTC‐TC) is a potentially aggressive histotype. The latest World Health Organisation (WHO) classification introduced a novel class of tumours; namely, high‐grade differentiated thyroid carcinoma (HGDTC), characterised by elevated mitotic count and/or necrosis, which can exhibit a tall cell phenotype (HGDTC‐TC).

Methods and results

We analysed the clinical outcomes in a large retrospective cohort of 1456 consecutive thyroid carcinomas with a tall cell phenotype, including PTC‐TC and HGDTC‐TC. HGDTC‐TC is uncommon, accounting for 5.3% (77 of 1379) of carcinomas with tall cell morphology. HGDTC‐TC was associated with significantly older age, larger tumour size, angioinvasion, gross extrathyroidal extension, higher AJCC pT stage, positive resection margin and nodal metastasis (P < 0.05). Compared with PTC‐TC, HGDTC was associated with a significantly decreased DSS, LRDFS and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS; P < 0.001). The 10‐year DSS was 72 and 99%, the 10‐year LRDFS was 61 and 92% and the 10‐year DMFS was 53 and 97%, respectively, for HGDTC‐TC and PTC‐TC. On multivariate analysis, the classification (HGDTC‐TC versus PTC‐TC) was an independent adverse prognostic factor for DSS, LRDF, and DMFS when adjusted for sex, age, angioinvasion, margin status, AJCC pT and pN stage.

Conclusions

Compared with PTC‐TC, HGDTC‐TC is associated with adverse clinicopathological features, a higher frequency of TERT promoter mutations (59% in HGDTC‐TC versus 34% in PTC‐TC) and incurs a significantly worse prognosis. HGDTC‐TC is an independent prognostic factor for carcinoma with tall cell morphology. This validates the concept of HGDTC and the importance of tumour necrosis and high mitotic count for accurate diagnosis and prognosis of differentiated thyroid carcinomas.
The effect of primary closure versus secondary closure techniques on postoperative wound pain in patients undergoing mandibular surgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Lina , Li Lei
Published: March 2024

This research is intended to explore the influence of second and first degree closure methods on the degree of wound pain and swelling of the face following the removal of the mandible. For the purpose of this study, three data sets, including PubMed and Embase, were selected. A separate statistical analysis was conducted on the choice of the trial, the collection of data and the risk of bias. Differences between trials were analysed with a chi‐square approach, with data analyses dependent on I2. A sensitivity analysis was conducted, and a possible publication bias was evaluated. Ultimately, nine qualifying trials were chosen out of an original pool of 1922 related trials following an in‐depth evaluation under the eligibility and exclusion criteria, as well as a follow‐up screening. The results indicated that there was no statistically significant change in the degree of post‐operation pain after 1 day operation between one or secondary closures of treatment (MD, −0.46; 95% CI, −0.93, 0.01, p = 0.06); the results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in post‐operation wound pain after 3 days in two group (MD, −0.15; 95% CI, −0.68, 0.37, p = 0.56); the results showed that there were no statistically different effects on the post‐operation wound pain after the 7th day in two groups (MD, −0.14; 95% CI, −0.31, 0.03, p = 0.1). The results showed that there were no statistically different effects on the post‐operation wound pain after the 1 day in two groups (MD, −0.26; 95% CI, −0.38, −0.13, p < 0.0001); on the 3rd day after surgery, the face was significantly smaller swelling in the secondary closure of closure compared with the first‐stage closure group (MD, −0.70; 95% CI, −1.40, −0.00, p = 0.05). While there is no obvious effect on post‐operation wound pain in patients with mandibular surgery, there is significant difference in post‐operation face swelling. The findings do not support a preference for any of these methods.
The use of ultrasonography in education for undergraduate nursing students: A literature review
Authors: Kubo Eri , Nagata Miu , Yoshinaga Naoki
Published: March 2024

Aim

The incorporation of ultrasonography into nursing practice is becoming more common, but how ultrasonography is used or applied in nursing student education is still unclear. This study aimed to review and synthesize relevant literature on the use of ultrasonography in education for undergraduate nursing students.

Methods

An electronic literature search was conducted in June 2022 (updated in June 2023) using MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Ichushi‐Web databases. Two researchers independently screened/assessed the eligibility of the studies, synthesized extracted data using a narrative synthesis (due to anticipated heterogeneity across studies), and evaluated the methodological quality of quantitative studies using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument.

Results

Thirteen peer‐reviewed articles were included in the review. All of the studies were conducted in high‐income countries, and the majority of them employed an uncontrolled single‐group design. Ultrasonography was used mainly for visualizing the vascular system to improve students' puncture skills, but it was also used with various other applications. The included studies were predominantly of moderate quality and heterogeneous, but all of them reported at least some benefits in nursing student education, such as enhancing knowledge and understanding of subcutaneous anatomical structures, and improving confidence in and/or skills of venipuncture and other visualization/assessment methods.

Conclusions

This review provides a broad perspective and highlights the potential use of ultrasonography in education for undergraduate nursing students. Further research is needed to develop standardized teaching methods/curriculum and competency assessments in order to ensure minimum competency standards for students and to improve clinical outcomes for patients.
Oil Strikes Back: Trend Factors and Exchange Rates
Authors: HAN LIYAN , XU YANG , ZHANG QUNZI , ZHU XIAONENG
Published: March 2024

A well‐known puzzle in international finance is that, to predict exchange rate returns, existing predictive models often perform worse than the naive random walk (RW) model. In this paper, we construct an oil trend factor which performs better than the RW model. More importantly, an oil‐trend‐based dynamic trading strategy can generate superior economic values. This result holds in both developed and emerging markets, with different forecasting horizons, with different specifications of trend factors, and across different currencies. Finally, we explore the economic link for the powerful predictability of the oil trend factor.
‘We had conversations we wouldn't have had otherwise’—Exploring home‐dwelling people with dementia and family members' experiences of deliberating on ethical issues in a literature‐based intervention
Authors: Skov Sofie Smedegaard , Berg Marie Eva , Andersen Josefine Ranfelt , Schou‐Juul Frederik , Jensen Anja M. B. , Folker Anna Paldam , Lauridsen Sigurd
Published: March 2024

Aim

To explore home‐dwelling people with dementia and family members' perceptions of the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention using dementia‐related literature excerpts to facilitate conversations on ethical issues related to living with dementia.

Background

Ethical issues in dementia care emerge throughout the illness. In the early stages, they may involve decisions about disclosing the illness to the family, shifting roles and responsibilities, and considerations of transitioning to a nursing home. Addressing ethical issues and providing adequate support to home‐dwelling people with dementia and their families are often lacking.

Design

An exploratory‐descriptive qualitative study.

Methods

We conducted eight interviews with 14 home‐dwelling persons with dementia and their family caregivers. Six were dyadic interviews, and two were individual interviews with family caregivers. We analysed the interview data using template analysis. We adhered to the COREQ checklist in reporting this study.

Results

Using excerpts from dementia‐related literature was a feasible and acceptable way of initiating discussions on ethical issues among home‐dwelling persons with dementia and family caregivers. However, engaging the families of newly diagnosed individuals was challenging due to emotional distress. The intervention provided peer support, including identifying with others and sharing experiences. Moreover, participating couples found intimacy and relational attunement through shared reflections.

Conclusion

Based on the findings, it appears that the participants in this study felt that using excerpts from dementia‐related literature to deliberate on ethical issues was feasible and acceptable. Deliberating on ethical issues with peers and family caregivers offers valuable social support and opportunities for strengthening relationships.

Implications for patient care

This study makes an important contribution by providing valuable insights into how ethical issues related to living with dementia can be addressed using related literature and suggests how the intervention can be integrated into existing care initiatives for home‐dwelling people with dementia and their families.

Reporting method

We have adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines with the COREQ reporting method.

Patient or public contribution

A healthcare professional working as a so‐called dementia coordinator (a title used in the Danish context) was involved in the conduct of this study by being responsible for the recruitment of home‐dwelling people with dementia and their family members. Moreover, she had joint responsibility for facilitating the intervention along with the first author.
Association of hospital‐treated infectious diseases and infection burden with cardiovascular diseases and life expectancy
Authors: Zheng Jiazhen , Ni Can , Lee S. W. Ricky , Li Fu‐Rong , Huang Jinghan , Zhou Rui , Huang Yining , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Wu Xianbo , Tang Shaojun
Published: March 2024

Background

The association of a broad spectrum of infectious diseases with cardiovascular outcomes remains unclear.

Objectives

We aim to provide the cardiovascular risk profiles associated with a wide range of infectious diseases and explore the extent to which infections reduce life expectancy.

Methods

We ascertained exposure to 900+ infectious diseases before cardiovascular disease (CVD) onset in 453,102 participants from the UK Biobank study. Time‐varying Cox proportional hazard models were used. Life table was used to estimate the life expectancy of individuals aged ≥50 with different levels of infection burden (defined as the number of infection episodes over time and the number of co‐occurring infections).

Results

Infectious diseases were associated with a greater risk of CVD events (adjusted HR [aHR] 1.79 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.74–1.83]). For type‐specific analysis, bacterial infection with sepsis had the strongest risk of CVD events [aHR 4.76 (4.35–5.20)]. For site‐specific analysis, heart and circulation infections posed the greatest risk of CVD events [aHR 4.95 (95% CI 3.77–6.50)], whereas noncardiac infections also showed excess risk [1.77 (1.72–1.81)]. Synergistic interactions were observed between infections and genetic risk score. A dose–response relationship was found between infection burden and CVD risks (p‐trend <0.001). Infection burden >1 led to a CVD‐related life loss at age 50 by 9.3 years [95% CI 8.6–10.3]) for men and 6.6 years [5.5–7.8] for women.

Conclusions

The magnitude of the infection‐CVD association showed specificity in sex, pathogen type, infection burden, and infection site. High genetic risk and infection synergistically increased the CVD risk.
Investigating the safety profiles of exogenous melatonin and associated adverse events: A pharmacovigilance study using WHO‐VigiBase
Authors: Ha Minyoung , Yoon Dongwon , Lee Chae‐Young , Lee Mose , Kim Young‐Wook , Lee Jung‐Min , Shin Ju‐Young
Published: March 2024

Melatonin, a pineal hormone that modulates circadian rhythms, sleep, and neurotransmitters, is widely used to treat sleep disorders. However, there are limited studies on the safety of melatonin. Therefore, we aimed to present the overall patterns of adverse events (AEs) following melatonin administration and identify potential safety signals associated with melatonin. Using VigiBase, a global individual case safety report (ICSRs) database managed by the World Health Organization (WHO), we conducted a retrospective, observational, pharmacovigilance study of melatonin between January 1996 and September 2022. Disproportionality analysis was conducted using two comparator settings: all other drugs and other sleep medications. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate reporting odds ratios (RORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to compare the frequencies of AEs reporting between melatonin and each comparator setting. Furthermore, we assessed adverse events of special interests (AESIs) that could potentially be associated with melatonin. Signals were identified when the following criteria were met: cases ≥3, x2 ≥ 4, IC025 ≥ 0, and the lower end of the 95% CI of ROR > 2. These signals were then compared with the AE information on the drug labels provided by regulatory bodies. A total of 35 479 AE reports associated with melatonin were identified, with a higher proportion of reports from females (57.1%) and individuals aged 45–64 years (20.8%). We identified 21 AEs that were commonly detected as safety signals in the disproportionality analyses, including tic, educational problems, disturbance in social behavior, body temperature fluctuation, and growth retardation. In AESI analyses, accidents and injuries (adjusted ROR 2.97; 95% CI, 2.80–3.16), fall (2.24; 2.12–2.37), nightmare (4.90; 4.37–5.49), and abnormal dreams (3.68; 3.19–4.25) were detected as a signal of melatonin when compared to all other drugs, whereas those signals were not detected when compared to other sleep medications. In this pharmacovigilance study, exogenous melatonin showed safety profiles comparable to other sleep medications. However, several unexpected potential safety signals were identified, underscoring the need for further investigation at the population level.