bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospital‐level variation in risk‐standardized admission rates for emergency care–sensitive conditions among older and younger Veterans
Authors: Cutter Christina M. , Tran Linda D. , Wu Siqi , Urech Tracy H. , Seidenfeld Justine , Kocher Keith E. , Vashi Anita A.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Research examining emergency department (ED) admission practices within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is limited. This study investigates facility‐level variation in risk‐standardized admission rates (RSARs) for emergency care–sensitive conditions (ECSCs) among older (≥65 years) and younger (<65 years) Veterans across VA EDs.

Methods

Veterans presenting to a VA ED for an ECSC between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2019 were identified and the 10 most common ECSCs established. ECSC‐specific RSARs were calculated using hierarchical generalized linear models, adjusting for Veteran and encounter characteristics. The interquartile range ratio (IQR ratio) and coefficient of variation were measures of dispersion for each condition and were stratified by age group. Associations with facility characteristics were also examined in condition‐specific multivariable models.

Results

The overall cohort included 651,336 ED visits across 110 VA facilities for the 10 most common ECSCs—chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, pneumonia, volume depletion, tachyarrhythmias, acute diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, asthma, sepsis, and myocardial infarction (MI). After adjusting for case mix, the ECSCs with the greatest variation (IQR ratio, coefficient of variation) in RSARs were asthma (1.43, 32.12), COPD (1.39, 24.64), volume depletion (1.38, 23.67), and acute diabetes mellitus (1.28, 17.52), whereas those with the least variation were MI (1.01, 0.87) and sepsis (1.02, 2.41). Condition‐specific RSARs were not qualitatively different between age subgroups. Association with facility characteristics varied across ECSCs and within condition‐specific age subgroups.

Conclusions

We identified unexplained facility‐level variation in RSARs for Veterans presenting with the 10 most common ECSCs to VA EDs. The magnitude of variation did not appear to be qualitatively different between older and younger Veteran subgroups. Variation in RSARs for ECSCs may be an important target for systems‐based levers to improve value in VA emergency care.
Case report of severe coronary artery tortuosity with coexisting connective tissue disease
Authors: Xu Zao‐Xian , Yang Yi , Xin Shang‐Ping , Zhou Rong‐Fang , Shou Xiao‐Ling
Published: February 2023

Coronary artery tortuosity (CAT) is frequently detected during coronary angiography or coronary electron‐beam computed tomography angiography by cardiovascular interventionalists. In this article, we described the case of a 69‐year‐old female patient with recurrent chest discomfort for 1 month and recurrence 1 week ago, accompanied by emaciation, gastrointestinal discomfort, and low skin temperature at the extremities. After a series of tests, the patient was finally diagnosed with severe CAT and coexisting connective tissue disease. Accordingly, she was treated with conventional medications, and diet and lifestyle modifications. The symptoms of the patient resolved gradually after 1 year of follow‐up. Although there is no unanimous conclusion on the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of CAT, this disease may provide a clue to the diagnosis of connective tissue disease, and warrants exploration through further research.
Associations between sleep, reading, and mathematics in Taiwanese children
Authors: Chung Wei‐Lun , Kyriaki Louise , Arciuli Joanne
Published: February 2023

Background: Some research shows a link between sleep behaviours and school achievement in English‐speaking children and adolescents.

Aims: The current study aimed to examine the relationship between children's sleep behaviours and aspects of their school achievement in Mandarin‐speaking children who are living in Taiwan.

Sample: The present study reports on 69 second‐grade children (age range = 6.84–8.4 years) recruited in Taipei City, Taiwan.

Methods: Children's sleep behaviours were assessed through two standardized parent self‐report questionnaires: the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC). Children undertook three standardized tests of word reading, reading comprehension and math.

Results: Key findings include: (i) sleep disturbances are more prevalent when using the CSHQ scale than the SDSC scale, (ii) around half of second graders struggle with general sleep disturbances as observed by the CSHQ scale, (iii) children who go to bed before 22:00 and have at least 9‐h sleep tend to exhibit fewer sleep disturbances, (iv) parasomnias as measured by the CSHQ are negatively correlated with reading comprehension after controlling age and nonverbal IQ, and (v) the amount of sleep (naps) during daytime is negatively correlated with Chinese character recognition, reading comprehension and math after controlling age and nonverbal IQ.

Conclusions: There is growing awareness of the value of research that spans culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Our study contributes to ongoing discussions about the relationship between sleep, and skills in reading and math in school‐aged children in Taiwan.
Salt tectonics in intracontinental sedimentary basins: Triassic–Jurassic salt movement in the Baltic sector of the North German Basin and its relation to post‐Permian regional tectonics
Authors: Ahlrichs Niklas , Noack Vera , Seidel Elisabeth , Hübscher Christian
Published: February 2023

The formation and structural evolution of complex intracontinental basins, like the North German Basin, mark fundamental earth processes. Understanding these is not only essential to basic research but also of socioeconomic importance because of the multitude of resources, potential hazards, and subsurface use capability in such basins. As part of the Central European Basin System, major subsidence and structural differentiation affected the Baltic sector of the North German Basin in Permian‐to‐Jurassic times. A dense network of high‐resolution 2D seismic data together with nearby wells allow the creation of regional maps with refined stratigraphic subdivision of unprecedented spatial resolution covering the bays of Kiel and Mecklenburg (Baltic Sea). Cross sections along the basin margin allow reconstruction of the structural evolution of the Zechstein salt and its overburden. At the northern basin margin, near the Kegnaes Diapir, thinning of the Buntsandstein and divergent reflectors indicate Early Triassic faulting and salt movement. In the Late Triassic, tectonic activity increased as expressed by the onset of salt movement in the north‐eastern Glückstadt Graben, major growth of the Kegnaes Diapir and faulting at the north‐eastern basin margin during deposition of the Keuper (Erfurt, Grabfeld, Stuttgart and Weser formations). At the north‐eastern basin margin, we interpret the accumulation of Keuper and Jurassic deposits as an infill of a local sub‐basin bordered by the Werre Fault Zone and Agricola Fault System. Between the Glückstadt Graben and the north‐eastern basin margin, the Eastholstein–Mecklenburg Block formed a more stable area, where salt movement first began during the latest Triassic. In the peripheral part of the basin, salt movement was triggered by thin‐skinned extension associated with thick‐skinned faulting within the axial parts of major graben systems. Indications for gravity gliding are absent. Reactive diapirism is restricted to the basin margin, where reduced overburden thickness and Late Triassic erosion allowed diapiric breakthrough.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of some novel naphthoquinone‐glycine/β‐alanine anilide derivatives as noncovalent proteasome inhibitors
Authors: Tatar Irem , Uysal Sirin , Yilmaz Sinem , Tarikogullari Ayse H. , Ballar Kirmizibayrak Petek , Soyer Zeynep
Published: February 2023

A series of novel noncovalent glycine/β‐alanine anilide derivatives possessing 2‐chloronaphthoquinone structure as a pharmacophoric unit were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antiproliferative and antiproteasomal activities against MCF‐7 cell line, in vitro. According to biological activity results, all the target compounds showed antiproliferative activity in the range of IC50 = 7.10 ± 0.10–41.08 ± 0.14 μM and most of them exhibited inhibitory efficacy with varying ratios against the three catalytic subunits (β1, β2, and β5) presenting caspase‐like (C‐L), trypsin‐like (T‐L) and chymotrypsin‐like (ChT‐L) activities of proteasome. The antiproteasomal activity evaluations revealed that compounds preferentially inhibited the β5 subunit compared with β1 and β2 subunits of the proteasome. Among the compounds, compounds 7 and 9 showed the highest antiproliferative activity with an IC50 value of 7.10 ± 0.10 and 7.43 ± 0.25 μM, respectively. Additionally, compound 7 displayed comparable potency to PI‐083 lead compound in terms of β5 antiproteasomal activity with an inhibition percentage of 34.67 at 10 μM. This compound showed an IC50 value of 32.30 ± 0.45 μM against β5 subunit. Furthermore, molecular modeling studies of the most active compound 7 revealed key interactions with β5 subunit. The results suggest that this class of compounds may be beneficial for the development of new potent proteasome inhibitors.
Effect of material type, torque value, and sterilization on linear displacements of a scan body: An in vitro study
Authors: Diker Emre , Terzioglu Hakan , Gouveia Diogo N. M. , Donmez Mustafa Borga , Seidt Jeremy , Yilmaz Burak
Published: February 2023

Background

There is limited knowledge on the effect of scan body (SB) material type, torque value, and sterilization on linear displacements of implant SBs.

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of material type, torque value, and sterilization on linear displacements of SBs during screw tightening by using digital image correlation (DIC) analysis.

Materials and Methods

One polyetheretherketone (PEEK, Zfx Intraoral Scan Body) and one titanium SB (Ti, MPS Zimmer Scanbody R1410) were tightened with 5 Ncm torque on two implants (Zimmer TSV ⌀4.7 mm) by using a digital torque limiting device. SBs' initial spatial positions relative to the implants were recorded by using 3D DIC technique. Measurements were repeated after initially increasing torque value to 10 Ncm and then to 15 Ncm, and these steps were repeated for a total of 10 PEEK and 10 Ti SBs on both implants (n = 20). All SBs were then sterilized 25 times by using an autoclave (STATIM 5000 S G4) according to manufacturer's recommendations and all measurements were repeated. Linear displacements on three axes were calculated for each SB with increasing torque values (from 5 to 10 Ncm and from 10 to 15 Ncm) before and after sterilization. SB displacements within each torque value–sterilization pair were compared by using Mann–Whitney U test, whereas Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to compare SB displacements within each material–torque value pair between conditions and within each material–sterilization pair between torque values (α = 0.05).

Results

On x‐axis, PEEK SBs had higher displacements than Ti SBs (p < 0.001), whereas sterilization (p ≤ 0.028) and 15 Ncm torque application (p ≤ 0.006) led to higher displacements of PEEK SBs. On y‐axis, PEEK SBs had higher displacements than Ti SBs with 15 Ncm torque application (p ≤ 0.033). A total of 15 Ncm torque‐applied PEEK SBs and 10 Ncm torque‐applied Ti SBs had higher displacements after sterilization (p ≤ 0.028). Application of 15 Ncm torque led to higher displacements regardless of the material (p ≤ 0.002). On z‐axis, PEEK SBs had higher displacements (p ≤ 0.015), except for 10 Ncm torque‐applied sterilized SBs (p = 0.102). With 10 Ncm torque application, sterilization decreased the displacement values of PEEK SBs (p = 0.044). Greater displacements were observed with 10 Ncm torque‐applied Ti SBs before sterilization and 15 Ncm torque‐applied PEEK SBs after sterilization (p ≤ 0.033).

Conclusions

Axial displacement of SBs was affected by material type, torque value, and sterilization. Ti SBs mostly had lower displacements than PEEK SBs. Application of 15 Ncm torque to tested PEEK SBs should be refrained from and a calibrated tightening tool may enable the application of 10 Ncm or lower torque values for lower displacements. Sterilization generally increased PEEK SB displacements.
The influence of self‐inflating soft tissue expander on the outcomes of horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation: A randomized controlled clinical and histological study
Authors: Ali Alaa T. , Kheir El‐Din Nevine H. , Ali Mohammed. , Abdelhamid Ehab S. , Amr Ahmed E.
Published: February 2023

Objective

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of soft tissue augmentation using a self‐inflating soft tissue expander when performed before horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation on the outcomes of the bone augmentation procedure. The primary outcome is the bucco‐palatal radiographical changes in alveolar ridge width, while the secondary outcome is the quality of the augmented bone assessed histomorphometrically.

Materials and Methods

Sixteen patients underwent horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation using autogenous bone. For the test group, soft tissue expanders were used in a separate surgery before bone grafting surgery. For the control group, patients received treatment including single surgery of bone grafting associated with periosteal releasing incision. Implants were placed in both groups 6 months after bone augmentation. Bucco‐palatal changes in alveolar ridge width were evaluated via cone‐beam computed tomography. Augmented bone quality was assessed histomorphometrically.

Results

After 6 months, regarding radiographic bone width, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups, as mean bone width in group I and group II were 8.57 mm and 8.75 mm, respectively. Regarding histomorphometric analysis, Group I showed significantly higher mean bone surface area fraction, higher median mature collagen area fraction, and higher median blood vessel count than Group II (p‐value = .012), (p‐value = .004), and (p‐value = .014), respectively.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of the present study, soft tissue expander has no influence on bone width gain after horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation with an autogenous bone block but may have a positive effect on the quality of augmented bone.
Osteological and histological comparison of the development of the interphalangeal intercalary skeletal element between hyloid and ranoid anurans
Authors: Nakanishi Kensuke , Hasegawa Nao , Takeo Koichi , Nakajima Keisuke , Furuno Nobuaki , Tazawa Ichiro
Published: February 2023

Some frog species have a unique skeletal element, referred to as the intercalary element (IE), in the joints between the terminal and subterminal phalanges of all digits. IEs are composed of cartilage or connective tissue and have a markedly differ shape than the phalanges. IEs are highly related to the arboreal lifestyle and toe pads. The IE is found only in neobatrachian frogs among anurans, suggesting that it is a novelty of Neobatrachia. IEs are widely distributed among multiple neobatrachian lineages and are found in the suborders Hyloides and Ranoides (the two major clades in Neobatrachia). However, it is unclear whether the IEs found in multiple linages resulted from convergent evolution. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to examine how similar or different the developmental trajectories of the IEs are between Hyloides and Ranoides. To that end, we compared the osteological and histological developmental processes of the IEs of the hyloid frog Dryophytes japonicus and the ranoid frog Zhangixalus schlegelii. Both species shared the same IE‐initiation site and level of tissue differentiation around the IE when it began to form in tadpoles, although the IE developments initiated at different stages which were determined by external criteria. These results suggest that similar mechanisms drive IE formation in the digits of both species, supporting the hypothesis that the IEs did not evolve convergently.
A rare combination of Ebstein's anomaly with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction
Authors: Sun Chenchen , Sun Wei , Zhang Yanting , Li Yuman , Xie Mingxing
Published: February 2023

We describe a rare case of Ebstein's anomaly (EA) combined with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in a 54‐year‐old man that was accurately identified by echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). The imaging result was ultimately validated by surgery. We emphasize the clinical importance of using echocardiography and CMR together to provide a thorough, noninvasive explanation of these results.
Differences in clinical outcomes between octogenarian and nonagenarian patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Sakaguchi Kunihiko , Uemura Yusuke , Shibata Rei , Ishikawa Shinji , Takemoto Kenji , Murohara Toyoaki , Watarai Masato
Published: February 2023

Aim

The number of hospitalized super‐elderly patients with heart failure (HF) has increased with aging of the population. These patients are associated with poor clinical outcomes with the advance of age; however, few reports regarding acute HF have compared the clinical outcomes of nonagenarians with those of octogenarians.

Methods

This study enrolled 683 patients aged ≥80 years who were admitted to our institution for acute HF between 2016 and 2020. The outcomes of interest were the 1‐year all‐cause mortality, incidence of cardiac events (cardiac‐related death or HF‐related readmission), and physical function during hospitalization of patients with survival‐to‐discharge. Physical function was evaluated using the Barthel index.

Results

Post‐discharge all‐cause mortality, particularly non‐cardiac mortality, was significantly higher in nonagenarians than octogenarians. Conversely, the incidence of cardiac death or rehospitalization for HF after discharge was comparable between the two groups. On admission, the Barthel index score was significantly lower in nonagenarians than octogenarians, and further decreased during hospitalization. Nonagenarians required social support at discharge more often than octogenarians (67.4% vs. 44.4%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The current study demonstrated that nonagenarians have poorer non‐cardiac outcomes and were more vulnerable regarding physical activities than octogenarians among patients with acute HF. Holistic medical care, including palliative care and social support, will be increasingly required with increasing age. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 227–233.
Associations between a range‐shifting damselfly (Erythromma viridulum) and the UK's resident Odonata suggest habitat sharing is more important than antagonism
Authors: Cranston James , Isaac Nick J. B. , Early Regan
Published: February 2023

Species shifting their ranges under climate change are a conservation dilemma. Range‐shifters may be threatened by climate change in their historic range. However, range‐shifters are likely to be generalist opportunists, which could mean they could harm aspects of biodiversity in their new ecosystems. Therefore, we need approaches to rapidly assess how range‐shifters may integrate into the community of historically resident species.

The small red‐eyed damselfly (Erythromma viridulum) has shifted into the United Kingdom since 1999 and may affect resident Odonata via intraguild predation. We asked whether the damselfly's arrival is associated with a decline in resident Odonata.

We harnessed the British Dragonfly Society's dataset, using records from 49,788 site visits between 2000 and 2015 to construct dynamic species occupancy models for 17 resident UK Odonata. We estimated the potential effect of E. viridulum presence on the probability that each species would persist at a given site, while controlling for potential effects of climate and recording effort.

On average, dragonflies (Anisoptera) persisted more frequently at sites where E. viridulum had established, while damselflies (Zygoptera) showed no change in persistence. Nevertheless, two resident damselflies, including E. viridulum's congener, disappeared more frequently when the range‐shifter established.

We suggest that E. viridulum poses minimal risk to most UK resident Odonata. Rather, E. viridulum may be differentially establishing in areas with good habitat quality, where many species of historically resident Odonata are also found. Therefore, high quality, biodiverse sites may become home to increasing numbers of range‐shifters in future. Our approach permits rapid detection of how range‐shifters are integrating into resident biota.
Hypercitrullination and anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies in chronic apical periodontitis, a laboratory investigation. Does autoimmunity contribute to the pathogenesis?
Authors: Martos Renáta , Tar Ildikó , Nagy Attila Csaba , Csősz Éva , Kiss Csongor , Márton Ildikó
Published: February 2023

Aim

The presence of Gram‐negative anaerobic bacteria, in particular, Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) in periapical granulomas predicts the generation of citrullinated proteins in the lesion. Citrullination of proteins may lead to the formation of anti‐citrullinated autoantibodies (ACPA‐s) initiating the formation of an autoimmune loop which may contribute to the perpetuation of inflammatory reactions and tissue damage in chronic apical periodontitis. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the formation of citrullinated proteins in chronic apical periodontitis and whether they can act as autoantigens.

Methodology

Twenty‐five periapical granulomas (n = 25) were investigated in the study. Healthy periodontal tissue samples served as normal control tissue (n = 6). The peptidyl‐citrulline level was determined with the dot blot method. ACPA levels were analysed using anti‐citrullinated cyclic peptide (anti‐CCP) EDIA kit. Differences between periapical granuloma and control samples were assessed using Mann–Whitney U tests. p Values <.05 were considered as statistically significant.

Results

Protein concentrations, peptidyl‐citrulline levels and anti‐CCP ratios were compared between periapical granuloma and healthy control groups. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant (p = .042) hypercitrullination in periapical granuloma samples. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the ACPA ratios between periapical granuloma (2.03 ± 0.30) and healthy control (0.63 ± 0.17) groups (p = .01). Seventeen of 25 periapical granuloma samples (17/25; 68%), whereas one out of six control samples (1/6; 17%) were shown to be positive for the presence of ACPA.

Conclusions

This is the first study detecting the presence of citrullinated peptides and APCA in periapical granuloma, suggesting the contribution of autoimmune reactions in the pathogenesis and perpetuation of chronic apical periodontitis.
Holothuria scabra Jaegar 1833 (Sandfish) extracts and collagens modulate protein‐bound Nε‐carboxymethyllysine, Nε‐carboxyethyllysine and methylglyoxal‐derived hydroimidazolone‐1 levels
Authors: Wong Hoi Y. , Jaunay Emma L. , Lau Wai C. D. , Peake Brock , Ram Ravinesh , Southgate Paul C. , Deo Permal
Published: February 2023

In this study, sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra; Jaegar 1833) extracts and collagens were evaluated for inhibitory properties of protein‐bound advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Processed dried sea cucumber with salt extract showed a significant lower IC50 value for fluorescent AGEs (9.19 ± 7.68 μg mL−1, P < 0.05) and fructosamine (503.47 ± 46.37 μg mL−1, P < 0.05), respectively. Processed dried with and without salt extracts significantly reduced the Nε‐carboxymethyllysine (CML) and methylglyoxal‐derived hydroimidazolone‐1 (MG‐H1) levels tested at 250 μg mL−1. Smoked dried and fresh‐dried extracts significantly reduced the Nε‐carboxyethyllysine (CEL) levels tested at 250 μg mL−1. Pepsin‐solubilised collagen and the crude collagen fibrils significantly reduced CML and MG‐H1 levels whereas CEL levels were unchanged. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that protein‐bound AGE and CML inhibition significantly correlated with the total phenolic and antioxidant activities, respectively. This study provides a strong rationale for further investigation aimed at identifying the active compounds responsible for the observed effects on biomarkers relevant to diabetes.
Challenging the ‘dirty worker’—‘clean client’ dichotomy: Conceptualizing worker‐client relations in dirty work
Authors: Galazka Anna Milena , Wallace James
Published: February 2023

Dirty work research has long analytically prioritized focusing on the people who do dirty work, largely sidestepping who the clients of dirty work are and what contribution they can make to workers’ experience of the job as more or less dirty. We address these oversights through a systematic review and analysis of 65 articles, theorizing the role played by clients within dirty work. Firstly, we propose a three‐fold categorization of dirty work clients based on their temporal‐spatial proximity to the work and explain how clients can be a source of stigma through communicative and corporeal interactions with workers. Secondly, we collate existing discussions that mention worker‐client relations into a conceptual framework of clients’ contributions to dirty work through considering several feedback loops between clients’ and workers’ behaviours and discourses. In doing so, we examine the ways in which clients can both reinforce and alleviate workers’ experience of dirty work stigma.
Construction of a predictive model for cognitive impairment risk in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Xinran Zhu , Shumei Zhuang , Xueying Zhou , Linan Wang , Ying Guo , Peng Wang , Yahong Hou , Longting Ma , Jing Wang
Published: February 2023

Aims

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for cognitive impairment in advanced cancer patients and to develop predictive models based on these risk factors.

Background

Cancer‐related cognitive impairment seriously affects the quality of life of advanced cancer patients. However, neural network models of cognitive impairment in patients with advanced cancer have not yet been identified.

Design

A cross‐sectional design was used.

Methods

This study collected 494 questionnaires between January and June 2022. Statistically significant clinical indicators were selected by univariate analysis, and the artificial neural network model and logistic regression model were used for multivariate analysis. The predicted value of the model was estimated using the area under the subject's working characteristic curve.

Result

The artificial neural network and the logistic regression models suggested that cancer course, anxiety and age were the major risk factors for cognitive impairment in advanced cancer patients. All the indexes of artificial neural network model constructed in this study are better than those of the logistic model.

Conclusion

The artificial neural network model can better predict the risk factors of cognitive impairment in patients with advanced cancer. Better prediction will enable nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide better targeted and timely support.
It's just (family) business: The impact of familial work experience on perceived qualification and hireability during the selection process
Authors: Hughes Ian M. , Childers Marie
Published: February 2023

Though scholars have explored the impact of familial work experience (FWE) posthire, research has yet to determine the role of such experience during the selection process. Drawing from Attribution Theory and research on nepotism and family business dynamics, we suggest that the presence of FWE on an applicant's selection materials will lead to reduced perceptions of qualifications and hireability. Through two online experiments (N1 = 170, N2 = 251), we found mixed support for this proposition. In our first study focused on cover letters, we found that applicants who reported FWE were not appraised differently than those who did not. In our second study focused on letters of recommendation, however, we found that applicants who reported FWE were perceived as less qualified and less hireable. Moreover, we found that the level of job (i.e., service vs. managerial) moderates these relations, such that managerial applicants with FWE on their letter of recommendation were perceived as less hireable than those who did not. Implications for research and practice are discussed, and future research directions are offered.
Development of a self‐management scale for lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with cancer after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Amano Koji
Published: February 2023

How can nurses assess the self‐management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with cancer after radical prostatectomy (RP)? Patients with prostate cancer who have undergone RP experience multiple LUTS. This study aimed to develop a self‐management scale for LUTS in patients with cancer following RP (SMS‐LUTS‐RP), as well as to verify its reliability and validity. LUTS has physical, social, and psychological consequences for patients. As a result, patients are forced to self‐manage their LUTS and LUTS‐related issues. However, no indicators exist to assess self‐management of LUTS. A total of 246 individuals were surveyed. A 49‐item scale draft, whose content validity and face validity were confirmed, was used to develop a questionnaire for patients with LUTS after RP. The reliability and validity were determined using by item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and Cronbach's α coefficient. The exploratory factor analysis produced the following 18 items on five extracted factors: ‘monitoring of urinary status,’ ‘coping with daily life difficulties due to LUTS,’ ‘collaboration with medical professionals,’ ‘continued training to improve LUTS,’ and ‘living with LUTS.’ The goodness‐of‐fit‐index (GFI) for confirmatory factor analysis was 0.876, and the root mean square error of approximation was 0.075. Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.754–0.820. SMS‐LUTS‐RP has desirable psychometric properties and can assess the cognitive and behavioural aspects of self‐management of LUTS in patients with cancer who have undergone a RP. This scale can be used to provide individualized self‐management support according to living conditions.
Intersensory processing of faces and voices at 6 months predicts language outcomes at 18, 24, and 36 months of age
Authors: Edgar Elizabeth V. , Todd James Torrence , Bahrick Lorraine E.
Published: February 2023

Intersensory processing of social events (e.g., matching sights and sounds of audiovisual speech) is a critical foundation for language development. Two recently developed protocols, the Multisensory Attention Assessment Protocol (MAAP) and the Intersensory Processing Efficiency Protocol (IPEP), assess individual differences in intersensory processing at a sufficiently fine‐grained level for predicting developmental outcomes. Recent research using the MAAP demonstrates 12‐month intersensory processing of face‐voice synchrony predicts language outcomes at 18‐ and 24‐months, holding traditional predictors (parent language input, SES) constant. Here, we build on these findings testing younger infants using the IPEP, a more comprehensive, fine‐grained index of intersensory processing. Using a longitudinal sample of 103 infants, we tested whether intersensory processing (speed, accuracy) of faces and voices at 3‐ and 6‐months predicts language outcomes at 12‐, 18‐, 24‐, and 36‐months, holding traditional predictors constant. Results demonstrate intersensory processing of faces and voices at 6‐months (but not 3‐months) accounted for significant unique variance in language outcomes at 18‐, 24‐, and 36‐months, beyond that of traditional predictors. Findings highlight the importance of intersensory processing of face‐voice synchrony as a foundation for language development as early as 6‐months and reveal that individual differences assessed by the IPEP predict language outcomes even 2.5‐years later.
What has been done to improve learning for intellectual disability? An umbrella review of published meta‐analyses and systematic reviews
Authors: de Alvarenga Kevin Augusto Farias , de Alcântara Wagner Lima , de Miranda Débora Marques
Published: February 2023

Background

Intellectual disability (ID) affects 1%–3% of the paediatric population. Currently, there is no consensus as to the most effective strategies for improving the learning skills of children and adolescents with ID. This review aims to systematically gather information regarding interventions to promote and improve learning skills in children/adolescents with ID from previously published systematic reviews and meta‐analyses.

Methods

Systematic search strategies, including appropriate descriptors, were employed on Medline, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, SciELO, ERIC, and PsycINFO databases. Quality assessment was conducted via the AMSTAR‐2.

Results

Fifty‐nine studies were selected, subdivided by outcome domains and by the type of intervention. Interventions were related to caregiving, education, pharmaco‐dietary, physical, and technology approaches. The overall low quality of the studies limited our recommendations.
Real change or more of the same? Analysing Australian media's portrayal of intellectual disability during the NDIS rollout
Authors: Winterbotham Sonya , Knight Bob G. , du Preez Jan
Published: February 2023

Background

Through the filtering of information, the creation, and reinforcement of stereotypes, media moulds attitudes and set agendas on critical social issues including public policy and disability.

Methods

This study explored Australian media representations of the care of people with intellectual disability during a crucial period in disability policy change: the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) rollout (2013–2018). Search criteria identified 168 news stories, examined via content analysis and news framing.

Results

Four major issues were identified: Roles and responsibilities of government; housing; mistreatment of persons with intellectual disability, and responsibility of care for families. Stories tended to be presented negatively, however, regional and local/community metropolitan stories were more balanced or positive compared with major metropolitan stories.

Conclusion

Despite significant disability policy change, media presentations continue to reinforce stereotypes of people with intellectual disability and position the government as one continuing to fall short in critical areas of funding, safety, and support.
A novel approach for developing left bundle branch pacing and left bundle branch block in a canine model
Authors: Hu Yiran , Cheng Sijing , He Pengkang , Huang Hao , Li Hui , Weng Sixian , Sun Xue Rong , Gu Min , Niu Hongxia , Liu Xi , Jin Han , Zhou Xiaohong , Hua Wei
Published: February 2023

Background and Objective

Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) has shown the benefits in the treatment of dyssynchronous heart failure (HF). The purpose of this study was to develop a novel approach for LBBP and left bundle branch block (LBBB) in a canine model.

Methods

A “triangle‐center” method by tricuspid valve annulus angiography for LBBP implantation was performed in 6 canines. A catheter was then applied for retrograde His potential recording and left bundle branch (LBB) ablation simultaneously. The conduction system was stained to verify the “triangle‐center” method for LBBP and assess the locations of the LBB ablation site in relation to the left septal fascicle (LSF).

Results

The mean LBB potential to ventricular interval and stimulus‐peak left ventricular activation time were 11.8 ± 1.2 and 35.7 ± 3.1 ms, respectively. The average intrinsic QRS duration was 44.7 ± 4.7 ms. LBB ablation significantly prolonged the QRS duration (106.3 ± 8.3 ms, p < .001) while LBBP significantly shortened the LBBB‐QRS duration to 62.5 ± 5.3 ms (p < .001). After 6 weeks of follow‐up, both paced QRS duration (63.0 ± 5.4 ms; p = .203) and LBBB‐QRS duration (107.3 ± 7.4 ms; p = .144) were unchanged when comparing to the acute phase, respectively. Anatomical analysis of 6 canine hearts showed that the LBBP lead‐tip was all placed in LSF area.

Conclusion

The new approach for LBBP and LBBB canine model was stable and feasible to simulate the clinical dyssynchrony and resynchronization. It provided a useful tool to investigate the basic mechanisms of underlying physiological pacing benefits.
Astragaloside IV improves pulmonary arterial hypertension by increasing the expression of CCN1 and activating the ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Liu Yu , Tang Bai‐Lin , Lu Mei‐Li , Wang Hong‐Xin
Published: February 2023

The aim of the present study was to investigate the underlying mechanism of AS‐IV and CCN1 in PAH and to evaluate whether the protective effect of AS‐IV against PAH is associated with CCN1 and its related signalling pathway. In vivo, male SD rats were intraperitoneally injected with monocrotaline (MCT, 60 mg/kg) or exposed to hypoxia (10% oxygen) and gavaged with AS‐IV (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg/day) to create a PAH model. In vitro, human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (hPAECs) were exposed to hypoxia (3% oxygen) or monocrotaline pyrrole (MCTP, 60 μg/mL) and treated with AS‐IV (10, 20 and 40 μM), EGF (10 nM, ERK agonist), small interfering CCN1 (CCN1 siRNA) and recombinant CCN1 protein (rCCN1, 100 ng/mL). We identified the differences in the expression of genes in the lung tissues of PAH rats by proteomics. At the same time, we dynamically detected the expression of CCN1 by Western blot both in vivo and in vitro. The Western blot experimental results showed that the expression of CCN1 increased in the early stage of PAH and decreased in the advanced stage of PAH. The results showed that compared with the control group, MCT‐ and hypoxia‐induced increased the hemodynamic parameters and apoptosis. AS‐IV can improve PAH, as characterized by decreased hemodynamic parameters, vascular wall area ratio (WA%), vascular wall thickness ratio (WT%) and α‐SMA expression and inhibition of cell apoptosis. Moreover, the improvement of PAH by AS‐IV was accompanied by increased CCN1 expression, which activated the ERK1/2 signalling pathway. Meanwhile, CCN1 and p‐ERK1/2 were inhibited by siCCN1 and promoted by rCCN1. EGF not only activated the ERK1/2 signalling pathway but also induced the expression of CCN1. In conclusion, AS‐IV improves PAH by increasing the expression of CCN1 and activating the ERK1/2 signalling pathway. The results of our study provide a theoretical basis for additional study on the protective effect of AS‐IV against PAH.
‘A Sovereign Europe’? Strategic Use of Discourse at the Service of French Economic Interests in EU Politics (2017–2022)
Authors: Bora Salih I.
Published: February 2023

The ‘practice turn’ in European Union (EU) studies has shown that everyday actions, notably discursive practices, are consequential for producing European integration. Yet, an important development has been overlooked by scholars: the emergence of a ‘European sovereignty’ discourse in EU politics. Since President Emmanuel Macron's Sorbonne speech in September 2017, the EU policy of the French government has been structured around the affirmed objective of building ‘European sovereignty’. It supposes that the EU should become more geopolitical and not shy away from defending its own interests in an increasingly disorderly and hostile world. This article enquires into the objectives that President Macron and the French government have sought to realise by introducing this discourse into EU politics. We argue that ‘European sovereignty’ is a discursive practice that instrumentalises security threats to the EU in order to legitimise France's economic policy objectives, most notably the reform of EU competition policy. Our findings derive not only from publicly available documents and speeches but also 72 semi‐directed interviews.
Towards a global perspective for Salvia L.: Phylogeny, diversification and floral evolution
Authors: Moein Fatemeh , Jamzad Ziba , Rahiminejad Mohammadreza , Landis Jacob B. , Mirtadzadini Mansour , Soltis Douglas E. , Soltis Pamela S.
Published: February 2023

Salvia is the most species‐rich genus in Lamiaceae, encompassing approximately 1000 species distributed all over the world. We sought a new evolutionary perspective for Salvia by employing macroevolutionary analyses to address the tempo and mode of diversification. To study the association of floral traits with speciation and extinction, we modelled and explored the evolution of corolla length and the lever‐mechanism pollination system across our Salvia phylogeny. We reconstructed a multigene phylogeny for 366 species of Salvia in the broad sense including all major recognized lineages and 50 species from Iran, a region previously overlooked in studies of the genus. Our comprehensive sampling of Iranian species of Salvia provides higher phylogenetic resolution for southwestern Asian species than obtained in previous studies. Our phylogenetic data in combination with divergence time estimates were used to examine the evolution of corolla length, woody versus herbaceous habit, and presence versus absence of a lever mechanism. We investigated the timing and dependence of Salvia diversification related to corolla length evolution through a disparity test and BAMM analysis. A HiSSE model was used to evaluate the dependency of diversification on the lever‐mechanism pollination system in Salvia. A medium corolla length (15–18 mm) was reconstructed as the ancestral state for Salvia with multiple shifts to shorter and longer corollas. Macroevolutionary model analyses indicate that corolla length disparity is high throughout Salvia evolution, significantly different from expectations under a Brownian motion model during the last 28 million years of evolution. Our analyses show evidence of a higher diversification rate of corolla length for some Andean species of Salvia compared to other members of the genus. Based on our tests of diversification models, we reject the hypothesis of a direct effect of the lever mechanism on Salvia diversification. Therefore, we suggest caution in considering the lever‐mechanism pollination system as one of the main drivers of speciation in Salvia.
Trade‐off between pre and post‐copulatory traits depends on locomotor activity in male Tribolium castaneum beetles
Authors: Matsumura Kentarou
Published: February 2023

Locomotor performance is an indicator of dynamic exercise; thus, it is a central trait in many animal behaviours. Although higher locomotor endurance may increase male reproductive success (e.g., in mate searching and male–male contests), investment in other male reproductive traits (e.g., male attractiveness and sperm competition) may be decreased through energy consumption due to higher activity levels. Here, I investigated male attractiveness, mating success, and paternity success using males of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum selected for higher (H) and lower (L) locomotor endurance. Although there was no difference in male attractiveness between the selection regimes, H males had significantly higher mating success than L males. Conversely, L males had significantly higher paternity success than H males. Therefore, there was a trade‐off between mating success and paternity success among the selection regimes, suggesting that locomotor endurance affects male reproduction in T. castaneum, and individual variation of locomotor endurance may be maintained within a population.
Molecular phylogeny of Spirotrichonymphea (Parabasalia) with emphasis on Spironympha, Spirotrichonympha, and three new genera Pseudospironympha, Nanospironympha, and Brugerollina
Authors: Noda Satoko , Kitade Osamu , Jasso‐Selles Daniel E. , Taerum Stephen J. , Takayanagi Miki , Radek Renate , Lo Nathan , Ohkuma Moriya , Gile Gillian H.
Published: February 2023

Spirotrichonymphea, one of the six classes of phylum Parabasalia, are characterized by bearing many flagella in spiral rows, and they occur exclusively in the guts of termites. Phylogenetic relationships among the 13 described genera are not well understood due to complex morphological evolution and a paucity of molecular data. One such understudied genus is Spironympha. It has been variously considered a valid genus, a subgenus of Spirotrichonympha, or an “immature” life cycle stage of Spirotrichonympha. To clarify this, we sequenced the small subunit rRNA gene sequences of Spironympha and Spirotrichonympha cells isolated from the hindguts of Reticulitermes species and Hodotermopsis sjostedti and confirmed the molecular identity of H. sjostedti symbionts using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Spironympha as currently circumscribed is polyphyletic, with both H. sjostedti symbiont species branching separately from the “true” Spironympha from Reticulitermes. Similarly, the Spirotrichonympha symbiont of H. sjostedti branches separately from the “true” Spirotrichonympha found in Reticulitermes. Our data support Spironympha from Reticulitermes as a valid genus most closely related to Spirotrichonympha, though its monophyly and interspecific relationships are not resolved in our molecular phylogenetic analysis. We propose three new genera to accommodate the H. sjostedti symbionts and two new species of Spirotrichonympha from Reticulitermes.
Thermal and nonthermal sonication: Extraction of bioactive compounds from beet leaves and microbiological quality of extracts
Authors: Nutter Julia , Correa de Carvalho Màrcia , Zarbo Colombo Antonella Ailín , Jagus Rosa Juana , Agüero María Victoria
Published: February 2023

This work aimed to optimize a nonthermal (NT) ultrasound‐assisted aqueous extraction (aq‐UAE) to maximize the recovery of polyphenols, betaxanthins, and betacyanins. Extraction yields, thermal profiles and microbiological quality of the extract were compared with a previoulsy optimized thermal aq‐UAE. Extraction yields resulted 68%–121% higher in NT‐aqUAE. Polyphenols and betaxanthins were the most affected by high temperatures of thermal process showing decreses after 8 min of thermosonication at temperatures >50°C. Temperature during NT‐aqUAE waslower than 30ºC avoiding the detrimental effects of heat. Microbial counts decreased 2‐log cycles after thermosonication and the remaining microbial load did not resist the storage conditions. Conversely, no significant decreases were detected after NTaq‐UAE. However, sublethal damage was observed as microbial counts presented a higher lag phase than control during refrigerated storage. Although NTaq‐UAE process allows for higher phytochemical extraction yields than thermal aq‐UAE, it does not contribute to controlling the microbial load of extracts.

Practical application

Nonthermal ultrasound‐assisted aqueous extraction of bioactive compounds from beet leaves was optimized in this work. This process improved the extraction yield of polyphenols and betalains compared with the thermal counterpart as thermolabile compounds degradation was avoided with the limitation on thermal increments. The developed process resulted simple and reasonably efficient for producing extracts rich in polyphenols and betalain pigments that hold potential to be used as natural additives. Additionally, evaluation of microbiological quality of extracts obtained by thermal and nonthermal optimized UAE processes allow to establish that thermal aq‐UAE improved microbiological quality and stability of extracts while nonthermal one would require an additional treatment of the extract to improve its microbiological quality. Developed processes are effective postharvest strategies to the valorisation of horticultural by products such as beet leaves and increase biomass utilization improving the sustainability of the agri‐food chain.