bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Underpaid, undervalued, and overworked: The working conditions of cooks in India's school lunch programme
Authors: Whittaker Lana
Published: May 2024

Motivation

School feeding programmes employ more than 4 million people globally and have the potential to contribute to the realization of multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including decent work and reducing inequalities. However, the working conditions and experiences of workers in these programmes have received little attention from academics and policy‐makers alike. Consequently, it is currently unclear what the impacts of the employment generated are and whether this employment reduces or perpetuates inequalities.

Purpose

This article examines the extent to which school feeding programmes can generate beneficial employment by examining the experiences of cooks in the world's largest school lunch programme, India's Midday Meal Scheme. The article focuses on five key areas: who is employed; their pay; their workload; their access to social protection; and the effects of privatization.

Approach and methods

To examine these five areas, data from three sources are combined: primary data collected in Rajasthan; state‐level secondary data; and the analysis of national‐level documents.

Findings

The findings show that national policy creates a system in which cooks in the Midday Meal Scheme are underpaid, undervalued, and overworked. These working conditions are underpinned by a series of assumptions and narratives which are all too common in perceptions of care work: that the work is unskilled, not time consuming, and motivated by altruism. The state's lack of regard for these workers is evident in the growing privatization of the scheme.

Policy implications

Overall, the findings show that policy on school feeding programmes, including those in India, needs to ensure that those working in the scheme are treated as employees and receive sufficient pay and benefits. Providing decent work in these programmes has the potential to not only reduce poverty and inequalities but also to improve the implementation of school feeding programmes.
How much can hospital‐level interventions improve maternal health? Evidence from state Perinatal Quality Collaboratives
Authors: Kiser Jessica
Published: May 2024

Over the last 20 years, nearly all states have adopted Perinatal Quality Collaboratives (PQCs), which set guidelines for hospitals to provide higher standards of prenatal care. In this paper, I use individual‐level natality data from 1989 to 2019 and a stacked difference in differences design comparing maternal and infant health outcomes in US states that have recently established a PQC to those that have not yet established one. Estimates indicate that PQCs decrease eclampsia, with the effect driven by Black mothers. Evidence also shows that PQCs reduce intensive care unit admissions for mothers.
Lung cancer computed tomography image classification using Attention based Capsule Network with dispersed dynamic routing
Authors: Paramasivam Ramya , Patil Sujata N. , Konda Srinivas , Hemalatha K. L.
Published: May 2024

Lung cancer is relying as one of the significant and leading cause for the deaths which are based on cancer. So, an effective diagnosis is a crucial step to save the patients who are all dying due to lung cancer. Moreover, the diagnosis must be performed based on the severity of lung cancer and the severity can be addressed with the help of an optimal classification approach. So, this research introduced an Attention based Capsule Network (A‐Caps Net) with dispersed dynamic routing to perform in‐depth classification of the disease affected partitions of the image and results in better classification results. The attention layer with dispersed dynamic routing evaluates the digit capsule from feature vector in a constant manner. As the first stage, data acquisitioned from datasets such as Lung Nodule Analysis‐16 (LUNA‐16), The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) dataset and Lung Image Database Consortium and Image Database Resource Initiative (LIDC‐IDRI). After acquisitioning data, pre‐processing is done to enhance the resolution of the image using Generative Adversarial Network. The pre‐processed output is given as output for extraction of features that takes place using GLCM and VGG‐16 which extracts the low level features and high level features respectively. Finally, categorization of lung cancer is performed using Attention based Capsule Network (A‐Caps Net) with dispersed dynamic routing which categorize the lung cancer as benign and malignant. The results obtained through experimental analysis exhibits that proposed approach attained better accuracy of 99.57%, 99.91% and 99.29% for LUNA‐16, LIDC‐IDRI and TCIA dataset respectively. The classification accuracy achieved by the proposed approach for LUNA‐16 dataset is 99.57% which is comparably higher than DBN, 3D CNN, Squeeze Nodule Net and 3D‐DCNN with multi‐layered filter with accuracies of 99.16%, 97.17% and 94.1% respectively.
Interspecific and intraspecific difference in egg size of two mackerel (Scomber spp.) species in relation to sea surface temperature in the western North Pacific: A new approach to species identification
Authors: Watai Mikio , Yasuda Tohya , Kinoshita Junji , Nyuji Mitsuo , Nagai Satoshi , Takasuka Akinori , Yoneda Michio
Published: May 2024

Chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus, Scombridae) and blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus) are two important fishery resources in the western North Pacific that spawn eggs during the same season. Although estimating the total egg production (TEP) is important for evaluating the spawning stock biomass of mackerel species, it is difficult to accurately identify formalin‐preserved eggs collected during ichthyoplankton surveys. Hence, a new identification criterion that incorporates the effects of water temperature on egg size was developed in this study. The diameter of 37,304 mackerel eggs collected over 16 years (2006–2021) was measured, and frequency distributions of egg size across sea surface temperature (SST) ranges at 1°C interval were constructed. The frequency distributions were classified into two groups using a Gaussian mixture model; based on the results of DNA analysis, the small group was chub mackerel, while the large group was blue mackerel. The SST at the sampling stations and the mean egg size of both groups were negatively correlated. The new identification criterion, incorporating the relationship between SST and egg size, provided reasonable estimates of the TEP of the two mackerel species compared with the conventional criterion. The new species identification approach is applicable to other fish taxa in the western North Pacific.
Extinction selectivity obscures patterns of trait‐dependent endangerment in Columbiformes
Authors: Martínez‐Rubio Natàlia , Sayol Ferran , Lapiedra Oriol
Published: May 2024

Aim

Understanding how extinction has occurred in the recent past is crucial to unravel its main drivers as well as to implement effective conservation practices to minimize global biodiversity loss. It has long been hypothesized that extinction risk is not randomly distributed among traits of species. However, the actual traits making species more prone to extinction may have been overlooked because already extinct species are often not considered in comparative analyses of extinction risk. We characterized the drivers of extinction in a cosmopolitan bird clade, including Holocene and contemporary extinctions potentially related to human impacts and provided evidence of an ‘extinction selectivity’ in species traits.

Location

Global.

Time period

Anthropocene.

Major taxa studied

Columbiformes clade, pigeons and doves.

Methods

We constructed a new phylogenetic hypothesis of the Columbiformes, a cosmopolitan bird clade consisting of 33 recently extinct and 351 extant species. Then, we integrated data on geography, behaviour and morphology to reveal the drivers of extinction risk. We used phylogenetic generalized least square models to test the effect of geography, behaviour and morphology in the risk of extinction and identified differences in the drivers of extinction when including versus excluding recently extinct species.

Results

Our analysis revealed that Columbiformes endemic to islands with ground‐foraging habits, weak flying abilities, migratory behaviour and larger body sizes are more vulnerable to extinction. Our results also show that excluding recently extinct species identifies extinction drivers different from those when including recently extinct species.

Main conclusions

Only by accurately identifying the traits that increase extinction risk we can develop targeted conservation measures that promote the long‐term persistence of threatened species. Extinction selectivity has important implications for the conservation of biological communities and ultimately ecosystem functioning, considering the critical role Columbiformes often play as seed dispersers.
Dataset for reporting of the invasive carcinoma of the breast: recommendations from the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR)
Authors: Ellis Ian , Webster Fleur , Allison Kimberly H , Dang Chau , Gobbi Helenice , Kulka Janina , Lakhani Sunil R , Moriya Takuya , Quinn Cecily M , Sapino Anna , Schnitt Stuart , Sibbering D Mark , Slodkowska Elzbieta , Yang Wentao , Tan Puay H
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives

Current national or regional guidelines for the pathology reporting on invasive breast cancer differ in certain aspects, resulting in divergent reporting practice and a lack of comparability of data. Here we report on a new international dataset for the pathology reporting of resection specimens with invasive cancer of the breast. The dataset was produced under the auspices of the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR), a global alliance of major (inter‐)national pathology and cancer organizations.

Methods and Results

The established ICCR process for dataset development was followed. An international expert panel consisting of breast pathologists, a surgeon, and an oncologist prepared a draft set of core and noncore data items based on a critical review and discussion of current evidence. Commentary was provided for each data item to explain the rationale for selecting it as a core or noncore element, its clinical relevance, and to highlight potential areas of disagreement or lack of evidence, in which case a consensus position was formulated. Following international public consultation, the document was finalized and ratified, and the dataset, which includes a synoptic reporting guide, was published on the ICCR website.

Conclusions

This first international dataset for invasive cancer of the breast is intended to promote high‐quality, standardized pathology reporting. Its widespread adoption will improve consistency of reporting, facilitate multidisciplinary communication, and enhance comparability of data, all of which will help to improve the management of invasive breast cancer patients.
A systematic review of the management of eosinophilic dermatosis of hematological malignancy
Authors: Tan Stephanie , Choong Dean Jeremy , Tan Ernest
Published: May 2024

Eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy (EDHM) is a cutaneous manifestation seen in patients with hematoproliferative and lymphoproliferative disorders, most commonly chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This systematic review aimed to summarize the therapeutic interventions of EDHM. A comprehensive search yielded 71 studies, predominantly case reports and series. The most frequently reported modalities were systemic and topical corticosteroids, as well as treatment of the underlying malignancy. Responses to these treatments varied. Targeted therapies, including dupilumab and omalizumab, showed promise, as did other modalities such as montelukast, dapsone, doxycycline, and phototherapy. Higher‐quality studies should be conducted to facilitate higher‐quality management recommendations for EDHM.
Telehealth‐based pre‐operative education session for robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy patients—A 2‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Diocera Marc , Catalan Tiphany , Medhurst Elizabeth , Chen Kenneth , Murphy Declan G.
Published: May 2024

Introduction and Objectives

As a quality improvement initiative, our institution's pre‐operative education program for patients undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy (Robocare) was changed into a telehealth‐based program (Tele‐Robocare). During the pre‐surgery evaluation process, tele‐Robocare was deemed useful (92%) and adequate (100%) in addressing pre‐operative needs of patients. Follow‐up was deemed necessary to compare patient feedback post‐surgery.

Materials and Methods

2 years since the complete adoption of the Tele‐Robocare program in our institution, a follow‐up study was conducted on the participants who attended the original quality improvement initiative (n = 147). An 8‐question survey was created via Redcap. A survey link was sent to all participants: 144 via email link and 3 via QR code sent via postal mail. All responses were logged onto the Redcap database.

Results

A total of 87 patients (59.2%) completed the survey. 86 patients completed the survey via email link and 1 patient accessed the survey via the mailed QR code.

The percentage of patients who found Tele‐Robocare useful in the following sections are: pre‐surgery preparation (90%), discharge care (89%), catheter care (82%), follow‐up (93%), troubleshooting (80%).

When asked about what should remain as a part of the program handout and presentation, the findings were similar: pre‐surgery preparation (94%), hospital stay information (92%), discharge information (93%), follow‐up (90%), access to allied health (90%). The most requested topics that needed additional emphasis were sexual health (n = 5) and impact on mental health (n = 3).

78% agree or strongly agree that telehealth was sufficient in receiving patient education programs such as Tele‐Robocare. The most common advice from patients (n = 25) to improve the patient experience and sense of preparedness was to actively seek additional information from the healthcare team, patients and/or patient advocates.

Conclusion

Tele‐Robocare is now the standard method in delivering pre‐prostatectomy patient education in our institution. However, these follow‐up findings highlight the importance of sufficient follow‐up and support of patients after surgery as their needs change along with their recovery and outcomes.
Efficacy of antipsychotics in delusional infestation
Authors: Tang Paul K. , Lepping Peter , Lepping Sophie G. , Noorthoorn Eric O. , Squire Stephen B. , Mohandas Padma , Bewley Anthony
Published: May 2024

Background

Data remain scarce for the first‐line antipsychotic choice in treating delusional infestation (DI).

Objectives

We evaluated the treatment responses associated with different antipsychotics in DI patients.

Methods

We undertook a multicentre, retrospective observational study using anonymised electronic patient records from two hospitals in the United Kingdom from 1 January 2011 to 1 January 2023. Eligible participants were adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with DI treated with an antipsychotic, and had both an assigned baseline and follow‐up Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI‐S) score. The CGI‐S is a validated psychiatric research tool. Participants were excluded if they had known limited or non‐adherence to an antipsychotic, or if no CGI‐S scores were present at follow‐up. First clinic visits before the initiation of an antipsychotic were assigned as the baseline CGI‐S score. The last available CGI‐S score before the patient either changed antipsychotic or left the clinic for any reason was used to assign follow‐up CGI‐S scores. The primary outcome was the response to each individual antipsychotic treatment, measured by the difference in the baseline and last available follow‐up CGI‐S scores. Differences in CGI‐S changes between antipsychotic episodes were tested by analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

In total, 414 patient records were analysed, and data were extracted. The mean age was 61.8 years (SD 14.1). One hundred seventy (41%) of 414 patients were men and 244 (59%) were women. In total, 156 (38%) of 414 patients were eligible, yielding a total of 315 antipsychotic prescribing episodes. The ANOVA, ranking in order of treatment response, showed that the highest mean score (expressing highest treatment response) was observed in amisulpride (31 [67%] of 46) and risperidone (95 [57%] of 167), followed by some distance by quetiapine (9 [36%] of 25), aripiprazole (13 [28%] of 46) and olanzapine (7 [25%] of 28).

Conclusions

Amisulpride and risperidone were associated with a higher treatment response than quetiapine, aripiprazole and olanzapine. Amisulpride and risperidone should therefore be considered the first‐line treatment options in DI patients.
Histological analysis and etiology of a pathological iguanodontian femur from England
Authors: Bertozzo Filippo , Stein Koen , Varotto Elena , Galassi Francesco M. , Ruffell Alastair , Murphy Eileen
Published: May 2024

Derived ornithopods, such as hadrosaurids, show a high occurrence of fossilized lesions and diseases. However, paleopathologies in iguanodontians seem to be less common, considering the rich fossil record of these taxa in Europe, in particular in Belgium, Britain and Spain. Here, we describe an iguanodontian femur discovered in England that exhibits a large overgrowth of its lateral aspect, not previously recognized in any other similar remains. The specimen was scanned with micro‐computed tomography (microCT) and later sectioned in three sites of the overgrowth for histological analysis. The femur belongs to an early adult Iguanodontia indet., based on the presence of a woven parallel fibered complex in the outer cortex and three to four lines of arrested growth. Internal analysis of the dome‐like overgrowth suggests it can be diagnosed as a fracture callus. The injury might have negatively impacted upon the animal's locomotion as the trauma had occurred in the region above the knee, a crucial spot for hindlimb musculature. Finally, a cancellous medullary bone‐like tissue was recognized in the medullary cavity next to the pathological overgrowth. An attempt was made to determine the precise nature of this tissue, as medullary bone is linked with the ovulation period in (avian) dinosaurs, whereas other types of endosteal, medullary bone‐like tissue have previously been recognized in pathological bones.
Pregnancy‐associated atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Case report
Authors: Barrera‐Hoffmann Christopher , Mariaca‐Ortíz Yadira , Ruiz‐Villa Josué Giovani , Cuevas‐Cruz Lesllie Eugenia , López‐Mendoza María del Rosario , Briones‐Garduño Jesús Carlos
Published: May 2024

Pregnancy‐associated atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (P‐aHUS) is a rare disease. There are only few reports in the literature, and most are in the puerperium period. It is a thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) characterized for microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and renal dysfunction. We report the case of a pregnant patient at 26.3 gestation weeks, who developed clinical features of TMA, neurological alterations, and septic shock; then after fetus and placental delivery, no clinical improvement was observed; a diagnostic protocol was performed due to suspicion of P‐aHUS, showing improvement after the plasma exchange sessions and eculizumab. We present here a brief review of the case since it is an entity that needs to be suspected during pregnancy when TMA features and requires an immediate diagnosis to provide timely treatment.
Comparative analysis of the molecular starvation response of Southern Ocean copepods
Authors: Berger Cory A. , Steinberg Deborah K. , Copeman Louise A. , Tarrant Ann M.
Published: May 2024

Large lipid‐storing copepods dominate mesozooplankton biomass in the polar oceans and form a critical link between primary production and higher trophic levels. The ecological success of these species depends on their ability to survive periods of food deprivation in a highly seasonal environment, but the molecular changes that mediate starvation tolerance in these taxa are unknown. We conducted starvation experiments for two dominant Southern Ocean copepods, Calanoides acutus and Calanus propinquus, allowing us to compare the molecular starvation response between species. These species differ in life history, diet and metabolic traits, and expressed overlapping but distinct transcriptomic responses to starvation. Most starvation‐response genes were species‐specific, but we identified a conserved core set of starvation‐response genes related to RNA and protein metabolism. We used phylotranscriptomics to place these results in the context of copepod evolution and found that starvation‐response genes are under strong purifying selection at the sequence level and stabilizing selection at the expression level, consistent with their role in mediating essential biological functions. Selection on starvation‐response genes was especially strong in our focal lipid‐storing lineage relative to other copepod taxa, underscoring the significance of starvation tolerance for these species. We also found that certain key lipid enzymes (elongases and desaturases) have experienced diversification and positive selection in lipid‐storing lineages, reflecting the unique lipid storage needs of these animals. Our results shed light on the molecular adaptations of high‐latitude zooplankton to variable food conditions and suggest that starvation‐response genes are under particularly strong sequence and expression constraints.
Mitonuclear interactions impact aerobic metabolism in hybrids and may explain mitonuclear discordance in young, naturally hybridizing bird lineages
Authors: McDiarmid Callum S. , Hooper Daniel M. , Stier Antoine , Griffith Simon C.
Published: May 2024

Understanding genetic incompatibilities and genetic introgression between incipient species are major goals in evolutionary biology. Mitochondrial genes evolve rapidly and exist in dense gene networks with coevolved nuclear genes, suggesting that mitochondrial respiration may be particularly susceptible to disruption in hybrid organisms. Mitonuclear interactions have been demonstrated to contribute to hybrid dysfunction between deeply divergent taxa crossed in the laboratory, but there are few empirical examples of mitonuclear interactions between younger lineages that naturally hybridize. Here, we use controlled hybrid crosses and high‐resolution respirometry to provide the first experimental evidence in a bird that inter‐lineage mitonuclear interactions impact mitochondrial aerobic metabolism. Specifically, respiration capacity of the two mitodiscordant backcrosses (with mismatched mitonuclear combinations) differs from one another, although they do not differ significantly from the parental groups or mitoconcordant backcrosses as we would expect of mitonuclear disruptions. In the wild hybrid zone between these subspecies, the mitochondrial cline centre is shifted west of the nuclear cline centre, which is consistent with the direction of our experimental results. Our results therefore demonstrate asymmetric mitonuclear interactions that impact the capacity of cellular mitochondrial respiration and may help to explain the geographic discordance between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes observed in the wild.
Do Turkey's 2024 Local Elections Signal the End of Erdoğan's Reign?
Authors: Yavuz M. Hakan , Koç Rasim
Published: May 2024

The unexpected victory of the opposition Republican People's Party in Turkey's March 31 municipal elections raises intriguing questions about the future of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan after more than two decades of his rule. Just 10 months after Erdoğan won a new term, a significant portion of the electorate voted against him and his Justice and Development Party, marking his largest defeat ever. The president acknowledged the significance of the defeat, describing the results as “not only a loss of votes but also a loss of soul and blood.” This article analyzes the factors that drove the outcome and contends that this was more a protest of the Turkish strongman than an approval of opposition policies. The people voted against Erdoğan's arrogance and authoritarian style, as well as the poor quality of his party's candidates; the worsening economy, especially for retirees; and perceptions of a deteriorating justice system. The main opposition party also benefited from skillful leadership less than a year after its defeat in the presidential election. While the outcome of the 2024 vote signals a desire for democratic governance and accountability, it remains uncertain at this early stage whether this is a temporary deviation.
Influence of compression garments on proprioception: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ghai Shashank , Nilson Finn , Gustavsson Johanna , Ghai Ishan
Published: May 2024

Compression garments (CGs) are commonly used in rehabilitation and sports contexts to enhance performance and speed up recovery. Despite the growing use of CGs in recent decades, there is no unanimous consensus on their overall influence on joint proprioception. In this current meta‐analysis, we aim to fill this knowledge gap by assessing the impact of CGs on joint proprioception. We conducted a literature search across seven databases and one registry. Ultimately, we included 27 studies with 671 participants. The meta‐analysis revealed that wearing CGs resulted in a significant reduction in absolute error during joint position sensing (Hedges’ g: −0.64, p = 0.006) as compared to no CGs. However, further analyses of variables such as constant error (p = 0.308), variable error (p = 0.541) during joint position sense tests, threshold to detect passive motion (p = 0.757), and active movement extent discrimination (p = 0.842) did not show a significant impact of CGs. The review also identified gaps in the reporting of certain outcomes, such as parameters of CGs, reporting of performance, individual‐reported outcomes, and lack of placebo comparators. Consequently, this review provides guidelines for future studies that may facilitate evidence‐based synthesis and ultimately contribute to a better understanding of the overall influence of CGs on joint proprioception.
Efficacy of antimalarials in oral lichen planus: A systematic review
Authors: Tillero Rosana , González‐Serrano José , Caponio Vito Carlo Alberto , Serrano Julia , Hernández Gonzalo , López‐Pintor Rosa María
Published: May 2024

Objective

To evaluate whether hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) or chloroquine (CQ) are effective for the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP).

Materials and Methods

A literature search was conducted in four databases. Clinical studies investigating the effect of HCQ/CQ in patients with OLP were included.

Results

Eleven studies were included. Four were RCTs and seven quasi‐experimental studies. The studies included 390 patients diagnosed with OLP, of which 326 and 7 received HCQ and CQ, respectively. 46 patients received topical dexamethasone, 5 placebo and 6 griseofulvin as controls. Five studies assessed pain, and all of them obtained pain reduction with the use of HCQ. Six studies reported objective clinical improvement of OLP with the use of HCQ. Five studies that used a subjective scale obtained that 24%–100% of the patients achieved a complete/almost complete improvement of OLP lesions and its symptomatology. The most frequent side effects were vision problems, gastric discomfort, rash, nauseas, headaches, skin pigmentation, and elevated kidney function. 17 patients had to withdraw from the studies.

Conclusions

Current evidence is scarce to confirm HCQ as a therapeutic option for OLP. More RCTs are needed to compare its efficacy with topical corticosteroids and to evaluate whether HCQ reduces relapses of OLP.
Periodontitis and systemic parameters in chronic kidney disease: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ferreira Suélem Maria Santana Pinheiro , Gomes‐Filho Isaac Suzart , Costa Maria da Conceição Nascimento , Cruz Simone Seixas da , Neves Carolina Lara , Silva Carlos Alberto Lima da , Andrade Kaio Vinicius Freitas de , Moreira Marcela Beatriz Aguiar , Hintz Alexandre Marcelo , Vianna Maria Isabel Pereira
Published: May 2024

Objective

To perform a systematic review with meta‐analysis to assess recent scientific evidence on the association between periodontitis and systemic parameters/conditions in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Materials and Methods

The search for studies was performed in MedLine/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and BIREME databases. Reference lists of selected articles were also searched. Studies with different epidemiological designs evaluating the influence of exposure to periodontitis on serum markers and mortality in individuals with CKD were eligible for inclusion. Three independent reviewers performed the article selection and data extraction. The assessment of methodological quality used the adapted Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Random effects meta‐analysis was performed to calculate association measurements and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

In total, 3053 records were identified in the database search, with only 25 studies meeting the eligibility criteria and, of these, 10 studies contributed data for meta‐analysis. Using a random‐effects model, periodontitis was associated with hypoalbuminemia (PRunadjusted = 2.47; 95%CI:1.43–4.26), with high levels of C‐reactive protein (PRunadjusted = 1.35; 95%CI%:1.12–1.64), death from cardiovascular disease (RRunadjusted = 2.29; 95%CI:1.67–3.15) and death from all causes (RRunadjusted = 1.73; 95%CI:1.32–2.27).

Conclusions

The findings of this review validated a positive association between periodontitis and serum markers and mortality data in individuals with CKD.
Extended commentary—U.S.‐Asian policy in the throes of McCarthyism, old and new
Authors: Thornton William H. , Thornton Songok Han
Published: May 2024

The subtext of this extended commentary for the 2024 Policy Studies Yearbook in Politics & Policy is the crucial role that liberalism and civil rights must play in U.S. foreign policy if America is to be on the right side of history. Our explicit subject is the conflux of elite and populist forces that constantly work against such liberal‐democratic engagement. It is no secret that today's MAGAism (“Make America Great Again”) wears many of the same antiliberal stripes as did postwar McCarthyism, which was its direct progenitor. Thanks largely to the center‐right resistance of President Eisenhower, McCarthyism was ultimately held in check domestically. Unfortunately, that was not the case on the side of U.S. foreign policy, where tenacious strains of antiliberalism had a very long shelf life. Thus, McCarthyism ended up having its most durable impact in the developing world, where cozy relations with highly reactionary regimes were considered necessary in the face of communist inroads. At a time when liberalism was hitting its full stride on American soil, U.S. foreign policy was exporting a very different America abroad, and especially in Asia. Even domestically, the waspish virulence of McCarthyism was never eradicated. It simply hibernated, and in 2016, it came back with a vengeance in the even more truculent form of Trumpism. Once again, xenophobic populism is laying claim to U.S. foreign policy and savaging liberal internationalism. The entrenched progressivism that stood its ground against McCarthyism has long since eroded. MAGAism faces no obstacle comparable to the dynamic liberalism of the 1950s or the counterculture of the 1960s. Seen from the perspective of January 6, 2021, the old McCarthyism looks tame by comparison.

Related Articles

Craig, Stephen C., and Jason Gainous. 2024. “To Vote or Not to Vote? Fake News, Voter Fraud, and Support for Postponing the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election.” Politics & Policy 52(1): 33–50. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12577.

Haar, Roberta N., and Lutz F. Krebs. 2021. “The Failure of Foreign Policy Entrepreneurs in the Trump Administration.” Politics & Policy 49(2): 446–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12399.

Skidmore, Max J. 2023. “Abortion—Reactionary Theocracy Rises in America, While Declining Elsewhere.” Politics & Policy 51(3): 437–57. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12534.
The use of Groasis Waterboxx devices to improve mineland reclamation efforts by increasing transplant survival and growth of five native woody species
Authors: Lund Holley M. , Geary Brad , Ruebelmann Kate , Koide Roger T. , Calder Bridget , Madsen Matthew D.
Published: May 2024

The reclamation of disturbed lands worldwide is a difficult and increasing problem. In the Mountain West region of the United States, mining activities commonly occur in zones dominated by native woody plants. The restoration of woody plants in these areas is challenging, and direct seeding efforts result in poor seedling emergence and establishment. Therefore, seedling transplants are often used, but they frequently experience high mortality during the first year, particularly due to summer stresses. We evaluated if the Groasis Waterboxx device could be used to mitigate drought stress on seedling transplants and improve their establishment on a reclaimed waste rock dump. The Waterboxx device collects precipitation into a polypropylene reservoir and slowly dispenses water onto the soil next to the seedling. To test such a hypothesis, 400 seedlings from five native woody plants (Atriplex canescens, Cercocarpus ledifolius, Pinus edulis, Purshia tridentata, and Rhus glabra) were planted with and without a Waterboxx. The Waterboxx device improved soil water potential, at 40 cm, it took 1 month longer to go below −1 MPa under a Waterboxx. Survival increased 30–65% in four of the five species, and seedling vigor increased for three of the five species. Vigor was higher with all plant species at both planting times and was significantly better in 50% of comparisons. Results support the use of the Waterboxx for improving seedling establishment on mineland overburden sites in the semiarid mountain west. The effectiveness of the Waterboxx device provides merit for future testing where drought challenges seedling establishment.
The ripple effect: How trade policy shocks impact innovation of Chinese firms
Authors: Meng Ning , Ni Yining , Ma Yeqing
Published: May 2024

This article examines how trade policy shocks impact firm innovation indirectly through information sharing across firms. Using a unique dataset of Chinese firms between 2000 and 2013, we identify connections between firms by exploiting spillover effects of antidumping. Empirical results show that antidumping has negative spillover effects on firm innovation through information exchanges across firms in market or product networks. Trade restrictions on extensive and intensive margins work as important channels through which the networks impact firm innovation. Our findings provide new empirical evidence on indirect effects of antidumping on firm innovation and better understanding on channels of trade policy shocks.
Characterisation of two new HLA‐A alleles: HLA‐A*01:454 and HLA‐A*31:229
Authors: Loginova Maria , Smirnova Daria , Paramonov Igor
Published: May 2024

HLA‐A*01:454 and HLA‐A*31:229, two novel HLA‐A alleles detected during routine typing by next‐generation sequencing.
M2WISH: An easy and efficient protocol for whole‐mount mRNAin situ hybridization that allows 3D cell resolution of gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Chelysheva Liudmila , Morin Halima , Biot Eric , Nicolas Antoine , Rech Philippe , da Costa Marco , Barel Lisa , Laufs Patrick , Palauqui Jean‐Christophe
Published: May 2024

Gene expression analysis is essential for understanding the mechanisms involved in plant development. Here, we developed M2WISH, a protocol based on MicroWave treatment for Wholemount mRNA In Situ Hybridization in Arabidopsis. By permeabilizing tissues without damaging cellular organization this protocol results in high and homogeneous hybridization yields that enable systematic analysis of gene expression dynamics. Moreover, when combined with cellular histochemical staining, M2WISH successfully provides a cellular resolution of gene expression. Thus, we demonstrate the robustness of M2WISH with 10 genes on roots, aerial meristems, leaves, and embryos in the seed. We applied M2WISH to study the spatial dynamics of WUSCHEL (WUS) and CLAVATA3 (CLV3) expression during in vitro meristematic conversion of roots into shoot apical meristems. Thus, we showed that shoot apical meristems could arise from two different types of root structures that differed by their CLV3 gene expression patterns. We constructed 3D cellular representations of WUS and CLV3 gene co‐expression pattern and stressed the variability inherent to meristem conversion. Thus, this protocol generates a large amount of data on the localization of gene expression, which can be used to model complex systems.
Prognostic value of pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and ventilation–perfusion SPECT findings in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Mohammad Milan , Hartmann Jacob P. , Carlsen Jørn , Greve Anders M. , Berg Ronan M. G. , Mortensen Jann
Published: May 2024

Reduced pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) can be observed in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and associates with increased mortality. However, the prognostic value of DLCO when corrected for haemoglobin (DLCOc), an independent modifier of DLCO, remains understudied. Additionally, the prognostic role of ventilation (V)–perfusion (Q) emission computed tomography (V/Q SPECT) findings in patients with PAH, which may concurrently be performed to rule out chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, is uncertain. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 152 patients with PAH referred to a tertiary hospital for evaluation from January 2011 to January 2020. Lung function tests, clinical data and V/Q SPECT were ascertained. Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between DLCOc, DLCO and V/Q SPECT defects at referral with all‐cause mortality. In equally adjusted Cox regression analysis, each percentage increase in DLCOc % predicted (%pred) (hazard ratio (HR) 0.97; 95% CI: 0.94–0.99) and DLCO%pred (HR 0.97; 95% CI: 0.94–0.99) was similarly associated with all‐cause mortality. There was no detectable difference in area under the curve for prediction of all‐cause mortality by DLCOc%pred and DLCO%pred (C‐index 0.71 and 0.72, respectively, P = 0.85 for difference). None of the defects noted on V/Q SPECT were significantly associated with mortality, but mismatched defects were associated with lower values of DLCOc%pred and DLCO%pred. DLCOc%pred and DLCO%pred perform equally as prognostic markers in PAH, supporting the use of either metric when available for prognostic stratification.
Advancements and Challenges in Integrating Renewable Energy Sources Into Distribution Grid Systems: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Singh Surender , Singh Saurabh
Published: May 2024

The issues in integrating renewable energy sources (RES) into distribution grid structures are thoroughly examined in this research. It highlights how important this integration is to updating the energy system and attaining environmental goals. The study explores the specific problems confronted by means of on-grid power structures, along with overall performance metrics and compatibility issues. Additionally, it presents a thorough assessment of the attributes of various RES hybrid systems, together with technology from the fields of solar, wind, batteries, and biomass. To be able to spotlight the significance of innovative solutions inside the dispersed technology environment, the integration of RES with combined heat and power system structures is investigated. This study addresses the numerous problems with RES integration into the grid to better comprehend their intricacies. The viability of RES integration is supported by real-world case studies that provide operational examples of dispersed generation systems. The study concludes by discussing the technical, financial, and grid-related problems associated with distributed generating systems' limits and highlighting the contribution of cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence to their removal. In conclusion, the report highlights the development toward smarter grids and improved distributed generating capacities as the essential component of a robust and sustainable energy future.
Reduced digit spans and ear dominance using dichotic digits in bimodal cochlear-implant users
Authors: Blackmon Allison , Goupell Matthew J. , Bakke Matthew , Stakhovskaya Olga
Published: May 2024

Bimodal stimulation, a cochlear implant (CI) in one ear and a hearing aid (HA) in the other, provides highly asymmetrical inputs. To understand how asymmetry affects perception and memory, forward and backward digit spans were measured in nine bimodal listeners. Spans were unchanged from monotic to diotic presentation; there was an average two-digit decrease for dichotic presentation with some extreme cases of decreases to zero spans. Interaurally asymmetrical decreases were not predicted based on the device or better-functioning ear. Therefore, bimodal listeners can demonstrate a strong ear dominance, diminishing memory recall dichotically even when perception was intact monaurally.
The Learner-Centered Curriculum: Is it the Missing Piece in Coaching Programs?
Authors: Martins Lincoln Cruz , Woodburn Andrea J. , Milistetd Michel
Published: May 2024

Sports federations and national sports organizations worldwide are responsible for coaching education programs. While notable progress has been made to improve the quality of coaching in different countries over the past two decades, the literature still highlights limitations in coach education programs regarding the achievement of meaningful learning. A learner-centered perspective that promotes ongoing development is suggested instead of a traditional instructional approach to overcome this. However, shifting to adopting a learner-centered curriculum remains a challenge. Although evidence of the paradigm shift exists within the microcontext of teaching and learning, researchers highlight the difficulty of application of a learner-centered culture in coach education. This article examines the traditional curriculum’s conception and design, the need for restructuring, and the principles of learner-centered curricular design. Additionally, it provides practical implications to assist sports organizations in creating a learner-centered curriculum.
Spatiotemporal vortex strings
Authors: Huang Shunlin , Li Ziwei , Li Jiawei , Zhang Ning , Lu Xu , Dorfman Konstantin , Liu Jun , Yao Jinping
Published: May 2024

Light carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) holds unique properties and boosts myriad applications in diverse fields. However, the generation of an ultrafast wave packet carrying numerous vortices with various transverse OAM modes, i.e., vortex string, remains challenging, and the corresponding detection method is lacking. Here, we demonstrate that a vortex string with 28 spatiotemporal optical vortices (STOVs) with customizable topological charge (TC) arrangements can be generated in one wave packet. The diffraction rules of STOV strings are revealed theoretically and experimentally. Following these rules, the TC values and positions of all STOVs in a vortex string can be simultaneously recognized from the diffraction pattern. Such STOV strings facilitate STOV-based optical communication. As a proof-of-principle demonstration, the transmission of an image is realized with 16-STOV strings. This work provides guidance for revealing the underlying properties of the transverse OAM light and opens up opportunities for applications of the structured light in optical communication, quantum information processing, etc.
Coexistence of superconductivity with partially filled stripes in the Hubbard model
Authors: Xu Hao , Chung Chia-Min , Qin Mingpu , Schollwöck Ulrich , White Steven R. , Zhang Shiwei
Published: May 2024

The Hubbard model is an iconic model in quantum many-body physics and has been intensely studied, especially since the discovery of high-temperature cuprate superconductors. Combining the complementary capabilities of two computational methods, we found superconductivity in both the electron- and hole-doped regimes of the two-dimensional Hubbard model with next-nearest-neighbor hopping. In the electron-doped regime, superconductivity was weaker and was accompanied by antiferromagnetic Néel correlations at low doping. The strong superconductivity on the hole-doped side coexisted with stripe order, which persisted into the overdoped region with weaker hole-density modulation. These stripe orders varied in fillings between 0.6 and 0.8. Our results suggest the applicability of the Hubbard model with next-nearest hopping for describing cuprate high–transition temperature (

T
c

) superconductivity.
Accumulation of resistance genes in
Salmonella
Typhimurium transmitted between poultry and dairy farms increases the risk to public health
Authors: Perry Janet , Arnold Katya , Satuchne Cinthia , Koren Ori , Kenigswald Gaby , Elnekave Ehud
Published: May 2024

Salmonella
Typhimurium is a zoonotic pathogen that poses a major threat to public health. This generalist serotype can be found in many hosts and the environment where varying selection pressures may result in the accumulation of antimicrobial resistance determinants. However, the transmission of this serotype between food-producing hosts, specifically between poultry layer flocks and nearby dairy herds, was never demonstrated. We investigated an outbreak at a dairy in Israel to determine the role of nearby poultry houses to be sources of infection. The 2-month outbreak resulted in a 47% mortality rate among 15 calves born in that period. Routine treatment of fluid therapy, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, and cefquinome was ineffective, and control was achieved by the introduction of vaccination of dry cows against
Salmonella
(Bovivac S, MSD Animal Health) and a strict colostrum regime. Whole genome sequencing and antimicrobial sensitivity tests were performed on
S
. Typhimurium strains isolated from the dairy (
n
= 4) and strains recovered from poultry layer farms (
n
= 10). We identified acquired antimicrobial-resistant genes, including the
bla
CTX-M-55
gene, conferring resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, which was exclusive to dairy isolates. Genetic similarity with less than five single nucleotide polymorphism differences between dairy and poultry strains suggested a transmission link. This investigation highlights the severe impact of
S
. Typhimurium on dairy farms and the transmission risk from nearby poultry farms. The accumulation of potentially transferable genes conferring resistance to critically important antimicrobials underscores the increased public health risk associated with
S
. Typhimurium circulation between animal hosts.

IMPORTANCE

Salmonella
Typhimurium is one of the major causes of food-borne illness globally. Infections may result in severe invasive disease, in which antimicrobial treatment is warranted. Therefore, the emergence of multi-drug-resistant strains poses a significant challenge to successful treatment and is considered one of the major threats to global health.
S
. Typhimurium can be found in a variety of animal hosts and environments; however, its transmission between food-producing animals, specifically poultry layers flocks and dairy herds, was never studied. Here, we demonstrate the transmission of the pathogen from poultry to a nearby dairy farm. Alarmingly, the multi-drug-resistant strains collected during the outbreak in the dairy had acquired resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, antibiotics critically important in treating Salmonellosis in humans. The findings of the study emphasize the increased risk to public health posed by zoonotic pathogens’ circulation between animal hosts.