bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of prophylactic wound closure in colorectal ESD on postoperative wound complications: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Fang Zhengdong , Xu Yan , Huang Xiaolin
Published: March 2024

Endoscopic submucosa dissection (ESD) has been applied extensively in the treatment of large intestine tumours due to its high total excision ratio. Nevertheless, there is a high incidence of adverse reactions in colon ESD, and the efficacy of prophylactic ESD following ESD in prevention of postoperative haemorrhage is still disputed. The purpose of this meta‐analysis is to evaluate the effectiveness of prophylaxis of wound closure in large intestine ESD after operation. For eligibility, we looked through three databases: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library. Heterogenity was measured by means of a chi‐square method of Q‐statistic and an I2 test. Fixed or random effects models were used for data processing. Based on the retrieval policy, we found a total of 1286 papers, and then we collected nine papers to extract the data. Regarding postoperative haemorrhage, there was a significant reduction in the risk of wound haemorrhage in the wound closure group than in the control group (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.19–0.44 p < 0.0001). No statistical significance was found in the incidence of perforation in the wound closure and the control group (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.19–1.03 p = 0.06). There was a significant reduction in the incidence of postoperation fever among those in the wound closure group than in the control group (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.15–0.93 p = 0.04). Preventive endoscopic closure decreased the rate of ESD in colon disease, but did not significantly decrease the rate of postoperation perforation and postoperative fever. Future research will be required to clarify the risk factors and classify high‐risk individuals in order to formulate a cost‐effective prevention strategy.
Effect of two different surgical modalities for pelvic organ prolapse on postoperative wound infection in patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Cui Hongyin , Lang Xiaolin , Huang Changchang , Sun Jie
Published: March 2024

Sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) is widely applied to the treatment of female pelvis organ prolapsed. Contradictory findings have already been reported in the comparison of sacrocolpopexy (SC) with SSLF. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of SC versus SSLF in treating pelvis organ prolapsed after operation. We conducted a meta‐analysis of both operative approaches, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. In this research, 822 articles were chosen from three databases, 201 were copied, and 10 were included. Among them, 7248 cases were operated on the prolapsed pelvis. It was found that SSLF surgery could significantly decrease the rate of postoperative wound infection after operation (odds ratio [OR], 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42–0.82; p = 0.001). No statistical significance was found among the SSLF and the SC surgery for the post‐operation haemorrhage of the patient (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.23–2.83; p = 0.75). No statistical significance was found among the SSLF and the SC surgery for the postoperative period of the patient's operation (mean difference, −15.46; 95% CI, −52.87 to 21.94; p = 0.42). Applying SSLF surgery to treat pelvic prolapse in women may benefit from a reduction in the number of post‐operative wound infections. However, SSLF had no statistical significance with respect to the amount of haemorrhage after operation or operation time.
A standardized wound infection model for antimicrobial testing of wound dressings in vitro
Authors: Wiegand Cornelia , Fink Sarah , Mogrovejo Diana C. , Ruhlandt Marina , Wiencke Vanessa , Eberlein Thomas , Brill Florian H. H. , Tittelbach Jörg
Published: March 2024

To investigate the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents against wound infections, experiments using either 2D cultures with planktonic microorganisms or animal infection models are frequently carried out. However, the transferability of the results to human skin is limited by the lack of complexity of the 2D models or by the poor translation of the results from animal models. Hence, there is a need for wound infection models capable of assessing antimicrobial agents. In this study, an easily standardized wound infection model was established. This model consists of a mechanically wounded human skin model on a collagen matrix infected with various clinically relevant bacteria. Infection of the model led to recognition of the pathogens and induction of an inflammatory response. The untreated infection spread over time, causing significant tissue damage. By applying an antimicrobial‐releasing wound dressing, the bacterial load could be reduced and the success of the treatment could be further measured by a decrease in the inflammatory reaction. In conclusion, this wound infection model can be used to evaluate new antimicrobial therapeutics as well as to study host‐pathogen interactions.
New application of traditional S retractor in collecting wound flushing fluid after skin tumour resection
Authors: Liu Yuancheng , Zhao Shuang , Liu Xin , Hu Xiheng
Published: March 2024

After Skin tumour resection, there may be residual tumour cells on the wound surface, washing the wound surface with sterilized water can mediate tumour cell lysis and improve patient prognosis. We observed that when the patient is lying behind the operating table, both the limbs and trunk will form an inclined plane with a high centre and a low periphery. Fit the hook of the traditional S retractor onto the low end of the inclined surface, and apply appropriate pressure to make the fitting tight. This way, the flushing fluid will converge at the low end of the fitting surface and will not leak out. Combined with a negative pressure aspirator, it can reduce the splashing of flushing fluid. The traditional S retractor is common in the operating room, which is easy to operate and do not increase medical costs. The method of using a traditional S retractor to collect flushing fluid is worth further promotion.
How Have EU Legislators Established EU Agencies With Enforcement Tasks? Case Studies of the European Aviation Safety Agency and the European Medicines Agency
Authors: van Kreij Laurens
Published: March 2024

European Union (EU) policies were long enforced according to a well‐established framework in which member state governments made legislative, administrative and operational arrangements for realizing policies made in Brussels. EU legislators, however, are increasingly creating EU agencies to help enforce EU policies. This article attempts to explain this puzzling development, as it examines how the establishment of EU enforcement agencies by EU legislators relates to the well‐established role of member states. This article relies on case studies of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). These case studies show that, during the establishment of those agencies, the member state enforcement framework provided institutional stability on the one hand yet facilitated institutional change on the other. This institutionalist account of EU agency establishment supplements functional and political ones that have so far prevailed in the academic discourse.
Effect of the type of application tip for 35% hydrogen peroxide on bleaching efficacy and tooth sensitivity: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Centenaro Gabrielle G. , Favoreto Michael W. , Cordeiro Deisy C. F. , Gumy Fernanda N. , Machado Amanda G. , Cochinski Gabriel D. , Reis Alessandra , Loguercio Alessandro D.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Evaluate the bleaching efficacy (BE) and tooth sensitivity (TS) of in‐office bleaching using different application tips.

Methods

Forty‐eight participants were selected (split‐mouth), one to receive bleaching with an attached brush tip and one with a conventional tip. The procedure was performed with Whiteness Automixx Plus 35%. The BE was evaluated at the beginning, weekly, one and 12 months post‐bleaching with a Vita Easyshade spectrophotometer (ΔE*ab, ΔE00, and WID) and with Vita classical A1‐D4 and Vita Bleachedguide shade guides units (ΔSGU). Absolute risk and intensity of TS were recorded using the Visual Analogue Scale. The equivalence of BE was analyzed using the two one‐sided t‐tests for paired samples. The absolute risk of TS was evaluated using the McNemar test, and the TS intensity was measured with the paired t test (α = 0.05).

Results

The equivalence of BE was observed for both groups in all color evaluations (p > 0.05). A lower absolute risk and intensity of TS were observed for the attached brush tip when compared with the conventional tip (p < 0.003 and p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Using an attached brush tip showed the same BE as a conventional tip. However, for the attached brush tip, there was a reduction in TS.

Clinical Significance

The applicator‐attached brush tip is recommended for in‐office dental bleaching, because of the possible reduction in risk and intensity of TS.
Early ontogenesis from embryo to juvenile in Senegalese sole Solea senegalensis under laboratory conditions
Authors: Liu Liming , Zeng Jun , Wang Jiulong , Liu Yan , Mei Weiping , Wu Yanqin , Wang Chengwu , Xu Wengang
Published: March 2024

Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis, is a flatfish of high commercial value in the world. It has been identified as an interesting and promising species for marine commercial aquaculture diversification in Europe for at least four decades and was introduced to China in 2003. Early ontogenesis from embryo to juvenile stages in S. senegalensis was analysed under controlled laboratory conditions to provide morphological information for aquaculture. From 0 to 59 days post hatching (dph), 10–20 larvae were sampled and measured each day (0–17 dph) or every 2–6 days (17–59 dph). Morphological characteristics from the egg to the juvenile stage were described. The eggs were separate and spherical with multiple oil globules. After 3 dph, the yolk sac was completely absorbed, mouth and anus were open, a swim bladder appeared, and larvae began feeding on rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis). The larvae began metamorphosis as the notochord flexed upward and the left eye migrated upward after 10 dph. The left eye migrated to the dorsal midline at 15 dph. At 19 dph, the left eye was translocated to the right‐ocular side, and the juveniles adopted a benthic lifestyle. The swim bladder degenerated, and the juveniles completed metamorphosis at 23 dph. The growth patterns of some parameters (TL, SL, BH, BW) during larval and juvenile development stages were identified. The inflection points, which are slopes of growth changes, were calculated in growth curves. Three inflection points occurring in the growth curves of larvae and juveniles were found to be associated with metamorphosis, weaning, and transitions in feeding habits. The basic information of embryo development and ontogenesis in this study represents a valuable contribution to the S. senegalensis industry, especially in artificial breeding and rearing techniques.
The influence of swirl intensity on the prediction model of wheat picking speed
Authors: Shang Kun , Li Yongxiang , Song Haihao , Xu Xuemeng , Zhang Hanshan
Published: March 2024

To study the effect of swirl intensity on the picking speed of wheat particles, a test bench for the transportation status of bulk grain particles was developed, and a theoretical model for the picking speed of wheat particles transported by swirl was established. Firstly, the critical conveying speed is determined through theoretical analysis and budgeted using the C&K model. Then, experiments are conducted to pick up loose grain particles in different flow fields. The particles in the swirling field are gradually rolled up from the windward end and sequentially pushed backwards to be picked up and transported. The picking speed of loose grain particles shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with the increase of swirling intensity. Using dimensionless swirl intensity as a variable, a predictive model for the effect of swirl intensity on particle picking speed during swirl conveying of wheat particles is derived.

Practical applications

When conveying bulk grain particles through a swirling flow, the intensity of swirling flow is closely related to the picking speed of bulk grain particles. This is extremely important for setting the wind speed of the conveying system, as it directly affects the energy consumption, particle crushing, and conveying efficiency of the entire system. Therefore, it is extremely important to predict the picking speed of bulk grain particles under different swirling strengths to control the corresponding wind speed. Therefore, this study conducts in‐depth research on this issue.
Telemedicine for Routine Prenatal Care: Use and Satisfaction During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Wu Katrina K. , Phillippi Julia , Mueller Martina , Lopez Cristina , Nichols Michelle
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Telemedicine use in prenatal care has greatly expanded without substantial research. Optimizing user experiences can increase telemedicine's utilization to support care access. The purpose of this study was to explore patient and provider experiences using telemedicine for routine prenatal care during the COVID‐19 pandemic, identifying factors affecting its utilization and satisfaction.

Methods

In this mixed methods study, online surveys and semi‐structured interviews with pregnant and postpartum patients and perinatal providers across the United States were used to explore experiences with telemedicine and prenatal care during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Data were collected from July to December 2021. Survey findings were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and interviews were thematically coded and analyzed, followed by mixed methods analysis.

Results

Results of 946 surveys (750 patients and 196 providers) and 30 interviews (15 patients and 15 providers) met inclusion for analysis. Telemedicine was utilized by 42% of patients and 72% of perinatal provider participants. The primary reason patients did not use telemedicine was because it was not offered. Patients and providers who did not use telemedicine expressed the following main concerns with virtual care: uncertainty about care quality, particularly when blood pressure and the fetal heart rate were not assessed, and potential challenges with developing trusting patient‐provider relationships. Patients and providers who used telemedicine rated their experience as mild to moderate satisfaction across the 6 Telehealth Usability Questionnaire domains. Satisfaction scores were not dependent on whether physical examination components were included in virtual visits.

Discussion

Providing patients with the choice to use telemedicine as needed or combined with in‐person visits for routine prenatal care may increase care utilization. Although not directly linked with satisfaction, interest in using telemedicine would likely increase for patients and providers concerned with care quality if blood pressure and fetal heart rate are assessed during virtual visits.
Evaluation of the parameters in predicting single‐dose methotrexate therapy success for ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Deniz Simsek , Ali Bahadırlı , Canan Urun , Yılmaz Akın Hasan , Olcay Ilhan , Burcu Dincgez , Fatma Gencer Ketenci
Published: March 2024

Aim

Methotrexate has demonstrated efficacy in treating ectopic pregnancies. This study explores factors influencing treatment success, focusing on laboratory and ultrasonographic findings, particularly the day 4 to day 1 β‐hCG level ratio.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study was conducted within patients diagnosed with tubal ectopic pregnancy. Patients' characteristics, ultrasound findings, laboratory data, and β‐hCG levels (days 1, 4, 7), and operation findings were reviewed. Women's characteristics were investigated who were treated with single dose of MTX (50 mg/m2). Patients who were performed surgery after MTX treatment were identified as MTX treatment failure.

Results

Among 439 women, 259 underwent surgery due to acute symptoms. Of those treated with MTX, 143 experienced treatment success, while 37 underwent surgery after MTX (MTX failure). Comparative analysis revealed significant differences in β‐hCG levels on admission (1128 and 4125 mIU/mL) and the day 4 to day 1 β‐hCG ratio (0.91 and 1.25). The overall MTX success rate was 79%, reaching 93% and 89% for β‐hCG levels <1000 mIU/mL and <2000 mIU/mL, respectively. Success dropped to 50% with levels exceeding 5000 mIU/mL. ROC analysis identified a crucial 2255 mIU/mL cut‐off for β‐hCG (sensitivity 70.3% and specificity 68.5%) and a day 4 to day 1 β‐hCG ratio of 95.5% (sensitivity 84.7%, specificity 72.5%, positive predictive value 75.4%) for predicting MTX success.

Conclusion

Establishing a β‐hCG cutoff can reduce hospital stay. The day 4 to day 1 β‐hCG ratio holds promise as a widely applicable predictor for MTX success or for determining MTX administration on day 4.
Effects of age and diet consistency on the expression of myosin heavy‐chain isoforms on jaw‐closing and jaw‐opening muscles in a rat model
Authors: Schaub Leandra , Lagou Aikaterini , Ait‐Lounis Aouatef , Kiliaridis Stavros , Antonarakis Gregory S.
Published: March 2024

Background

Skeletal craniofacial morphology can be influenced by changes in masticatory muscle function, which may also change the functional profile of the muscles.

Objectives

To investigate the effects of age and functional demands on the expression of Myosin Heavy‐Chain (MyHC) isoforms in representative jaw‐closing and jaw‐opening muscles, namely the masseter and digastric muscles respectively.

Methods

Eighty‐four male Wistar rats were divided into four age groups, namely an immature (n = 12; 4‐week‐old), early adult (n = 24; 16‐week‐old), adult (n = 24; 26‐week‐old) and mature adult (n = 24; 38‐week‐old) group. The three adult groups were divided into two subgroups each based on diet consistency; a control group fed a standard (hard) diet, and an experimental group fed a soft diet. Rats were sacrificed, and masseter and digastric muscles dissected. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to compare the mRNA transcripts of the MyHC isoforms—Myh7 (MyHC‐I), Myh2 (MyHC‐IIa), Myh4 (MyHC‐IIb) and Myh1 (MyHC‐IIx)—of deep masseter and digastric muscles.

Results

In the masseter muscle, hypofunction increases Myh1 (26, 38 weeks; p < .0001) but decreases Myh4 (26 weeks; p = .046) and Myh2 (26 weeks; p < .0001) expression in adult rats. In the digastric muscle, hypofunction increases Myh1 expression in the mature adult rats (38 weeks; p < .0001), while Myh2 expression decreases in adult rats (26 weeks; p = .021) as does Myh4 (26 weeks; p = .001). Myh7 expression is increased in the digastric muscle of mature adult rats subjected to hypofunction (38 weeks; p = <.0001), while it is very weakly expressed in the masseter.

Conclusion

In jaw‐opening and jaw‐closing muscles, differences in myosin expression between hard‐ and soft‐diet‐fed rats become evident in adulthood, suggesting that long‐term alteration of jaw function is associated with changes in the expression of MyHC isoforms and potential fibre remodelling. This may give insight into the role of function on masticatory muscles and the resultant craniofacial morphology.
Pain and salivary biomarkers of stress in temperomandibular disorders were affected by maxillary splints
Authors: Klepzig K. , Wendt J. , Teusch L. , Rickert C. , Kordaß B. , Lotze M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Longitudinal intervention studies on treatment options in temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) including self reports and salivary biomarkers of stress are rare and the exact therapeutic function of occlusal splints widely unknown.

Methods

We examined the therapeutic effects of a Michigan splint with occlusal relevance in patients with TMD using a placebo‐controlled, delayed‐start design. Two intervention groups received a Michigan splint, while one of them had a placebo palatine splint for the first 3 weeks. We collected pain intensities (at rest and after five occlusal movements), salivary measures associated with stress (cortisol and alpha‐amylase) and self‐reported psychological distress (stress, anxiety, catastrophizing) at baseline and 3 and 7 weeks after onset of intervention.

Results

At baseline, we observed increased pain intensity and psychological distress in TMD patients compared to 11 matched healthy controls. Baseline anxiety was linked to movement pain intensity through stress. Over therapy reductions in pain intensity and morning cortisol were more pronounced in those patients starting immediately with the Michigan splint, while psychological distress decreased similarly in both groups.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that perceived stress plays a role for the association between anxiety and TMD pain and underlines the need for an interdisciplinary perspective on the pathogenesis and therapy of TMD in a setting where psychotherapeutic knowledge is still scarce or rarely applied.
Exploring adolescent‐adult connections, coping, and safety among minoritized youth in neighborhoods impacted by community violence
Authors: Fenner Maxine , Wilson Tyia , Riley Alexander , Culyba Alison J.
Published: March 2024

Dyadic interviews were conducted with 32 youth ages 13–21 and their self‐identified key adult supports to illuminate how adult supports help protect youth in communities impacted by high levels of violence. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Youth described choosing social interactions carefully, avoiding high‐violence areas, and keeping busy with activities. Many youths discussed the necessity of minimizing contact with peers to avoid violence, resulting in isolation from friends and increased engagement with family at home. Adult supports reflected upon an intergenerational transfer of violence avoidance, safety planning, and coping strategies through sharing their own lived experiences. Dyads highlighted the need for intergenerational programming to address social isolation and build supportive social networks.
Plant parasitic nematodes on soybean (Glycine max (L) Merr.) in the Metekel zone (Ethiopia) and varietal resistance evaluation to Meloidogyne javanica
Authors: Adamu Frezer A. , Hundessa Wakuma B. , Getachew Sihen , Aseffa Abebe W. , Meressa Beira H.
Published: March 2024

Plant parasitic nematodes cause severe damage to soybean crops, leading to substantial losses in yield and quality. However, more information is needed regarding the occurrence, distribution and damage status of soybean PPNs in Ethiopia. A total of 180 samples of rhizosphere and roots were collected randomly from three major soybean‐producing districts of Metekel Zone. Nematodes were extracted and identified at the genus level based on their morphological characteristics, except Meloidogyne javanica, the deadly species, which was identified using morphological and molecular techniques. Seven nematode genera were recovered: Meloidogyne, Scutellonema, Pratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Rotylenchulus, Hemicycliophora and Criconema. The genera Meloidogyne, Scutellonema and Pratylenchus were dominant and had FO% of 98.3%, 97.5% and 81.8%, respectively. The host status of 10 soybean varieties to M. javanica infection was determined. Data on the shoot height, root length, fresh shoot and root weight, gall number and nematode density were estimated 3 months after inoculation. The results revealed that Jalele variety suppresses M. javanica multiplication while the other nine supported it. Comparatively, Pawe‐3, Awassa‐95 and Koreme varieties supported the highest nematode multiplication 24.4, 16.2 and 15.3 reproductive factors, respectively. Nova experienced the highest shoot and root relative biomass losses (84%) and roots (63%). In contrast, Jalele did not experience any loss in all parameters. However, Jalele variety resisted M. javanica, making it a promising approach towards soybean breeding programs for nematode management.
Synthesis: International perspectives on healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Breuer Marian E. J. , Pelle Tim , Leusink Geraline L. , Linehan Christine , Naaldenberg Jenneken
Published: March 2024

Background

The organization of healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) varies across countries. Each country has developed unique practices embedded in their historical and organizational context. Understanding and sharing these practices across borders facilitates mutual understanding about healthcare needs of people with IDD and facilitates the adoption of effective strategies in other countries.

Aim

To provide a synthesis across the country‐specific papers in the JPPID special edition and thereby identify underlying trends, challenges, and best practices in healthcare for people with IDD.

Methods

The papers in this special edition, which describe the organization of healthcare for people with IDD in 13 countries, were qualitatively analyzed using thematic content analysis, focusing on general characteristics, history, and context, organization of healthcare for people with IDD, challenges, and best practices.

Results

Each paper described a specific national history of evolution of healthcare for people with IDD, but our analysis showed that countries face similar challenges in healthcare for people with IDD. These challenges cover (1) access to healthcare, (2) quality of healthcare, (3) implementation, and (4) visibility of people with IDD. Consequently, people with IDD continue to face significant health disparities. Several best practices have been developed, ranging from making mainstream healthcare more accessible and suitable to providing specialized services, and advocating and raising awareness.

Conclusions

This synthesis is the first paper to include perspectives on healthcare for people with IDD across 13 countries. We identified that, despite differences in context, countries face similar challenges in improving healthcare for people with IDD. International collaboration and networking can provide essential tools in reducing health disparities that people with IDD face, starting with the challenges identified in this synthesis. This will require effort to especially include low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Multi‐omics provides insights into genome evolution and betacyanin biosynthesis in the halophyte Suaeda salsa
Authors: Wang Xin , Xia Jiang‐Bao , Bai Jun‐Hong , Yin Shuo , Wang Wei , Wang Da‐Wei , Yi Xin‐Xin , Dai Sheng‐Hong
Published: March 2024

As an important halophyte in the Yellow River Delta, the Amaranthaceae C3 Suaeda salsa (L.) Pall. has attracted much attention for the “red carpet” landscape, and could be simply divided into red and green phenotypes according to the betacyanin content in the fleshy leaves. However, S. salsa has not been sequenced yet, which limited people's understanding of this species at the molecular level. We constructed a high‐quality chromosome‐scale reference genome by combining high‐throughput sequencing, PacBio single molecule real‐time sequencing, and Hi‐C sequencing techniques with a genome size of 445.10 Mb and contigs N50 of 2.94 Mb. Through the annotation of the S. salsa genome, 298.76 Mb of the repetitive sequences and 23 965 protein‐coding genes were identified, of which the proportion of long terminal repeats type in the repetitive sequences was the most abundant, about 50.74% of the S. salsa genome. Comparative genomics indicated that S. salsa underwent a whole‐genome duplication event about 146.15 million years ago (Ma), and the estimated divergence time between S. salsa and Suaeda aralocaspica was about 16.9 Ma. A total of four betacyanins including betanidin, celosianin II, amaranthin and 6′‐O‐malonyl‐celosianin II were identified and purified in both phenotypes, while two significantly up‐regulated betacyanins (celosianin II and amaranthin) may be the main reason for the red color in red phenotype. In addition, we also performed transcriptomics and metabolomics in both phenotypes to explore the molecular mechanisms of pigment synthesis, and a series of structural genes and transcription factors concerning with betacyanin production were selected in S. salsa.
Qineryangia, a new genus from the Hengduan Mountains and new insights into the phylogeny of the subtribe Crepidinae (Cichorieae, Asteraceae)
Authors: Xu Lian‐Sheng , Song Zhu‐Qiu , Liao Shu‐Yuan , Chen You‐Sheng
Published: March 2024

The Crepidinae are the largest subtribe of the Cichorieae (Asteraceae). Debate remains over the circumscription and phylogeny of this subtribe, mainly due to its complex morphology and the poor phylogenetic signal provided by traditional Sanger sequencing markers. In this study, a well‐resolved phylogeny of the subtribe Crepidinae, consisting of seven highly supported clades, was obtained for the first time using nuclear data with a phylogenomics approach (Hyb‐Seq). Using this phylogeny along with other evidence, we propose a new taxonomic framework for the Crepidinae with seven lines and 29 genera, which merges subtribe Chondrillinae with the Crepidinae. We also describe a new monotypic genus, Qineryangia, that is characterized by broad involucres, loose imbricate phyllaries with wavy margins, and thick pappus bristles.
Aspidistra pentagona (Asparagaceae, Convallarioideae), a new species from northern Vietnam
Authors: Averyanov Leonid V. , Nguyen Khang Sinh , Tillich Hans‐Juergen , Maisak Tatiana V. , Shvanova Valeria V.
Published: March 2024

This paper continues the publication of Aspidistra species newly discovered in the flora of Vietnam. It includes an illustrated description of A. pentagona, found in the northern part of the country. Detailed analytical color illustrations, data on morphology and ecology, phenology, tentative relationships, distribution and expected conservation status are provided for the discovered species.
Phytochrome B photobody components
Authors: Kwon Yongmin , Kim Chanhee , Choi Giltsu
Published: March 2024

Phytochrome B (phyB) is a red and far‐red photoreceptor that promotes light responses. Upon photoactivation, phyB enters the nucleus and forms a molecular condensate called a photobody through liquid–liquid phase separation. Phytochrome B photobody comprises phyB, the main scaffold molecule, and at least 37 client proteins. These clients belong to diverse functional categories enriched with transcription regulators, encompassing both positive and negative light signaling factors, with the functional bias toward the negative factors. The functionally diverse clients suggest that phyB photobody acts either as a trap to capture proteins, including negatively acting transcription regulators, for processes such as sequestration, modification, or degradation or as a hub where proteins are brought into close proximity for interaction in a light‐dependent manner.
Should left atrial appendage closure be considered in resistant left atrial appendage thrombus cases? ‘Former Foe, New Ally’
Authors: Ates Ahmet Hakan , Kivrak Ahmet , Karakulak Ugur Nadir , Coteli Cem , Yorgun Hikmet , Sahiner Mehmet Levent , Barıs Kaya Ergun , Aytemir Kudret
Published: March 2024

Background

The study explores left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) as a safe and effective alternative to anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients at high bleeding risk. Complications, such as cardioembolic events due to left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT), highlight the need for alternative stroke prevention strategies.

Aims

This research assesses LAAC's safety and efficacy in patients with LAAT, aiming to offer valuable insights into its potential as a viable option for stroke prevention in such cases.

Methods

The study included 205 patients who underwent LAAC using specific devices between September 2015 and February 2023. Among them, 32 patients had persistent LAAT. Baseline characteristics, antithrombotic medications, risk scores, and LAAC indications were documented. Patients were followed to monitor significant clinical events like stroke, cardiovascular mortality, and all‐cause mortality.

Results

The mean age was 71.9 and mostly female. Indications for LAAC were ischemic cerebrovascular events (CVE) despite anticoagulation (25%), bleeding complications (major/minor, 37.5% each), or both. Successful LAA closure was achieved in all cases, with minimal pericardial effusion in one. One‐month follow‐up showed no major events or device‐related issues. Median follow‐up of 16.5 months saw 21.9% non‐cardiac deaths. The study underscores LAAC's efficacy for stroke prevention in patients with persistent LAAT.

Conclusions

The LAAC in cases of LAAT, whether pursued initially or as a deferred approach, demonstrates feasibility and safety, exhibiting notable procedural success and minimal incidence of periprocedural complications.
Effectiveness of a media literacy‐based smoking prevention program in female adolescents
Authors: Kim Sookyung , Lee Hyeonkyeong , Kim Sanghee , Lee Kyung Hee , Yoo Seunghyun , Hong Jin Eui
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To examine the effectiveness of a media literacy‐based smoking prevention program based on Ajzen's theory of planned behavior in female adolescents.

Methods

This quasi‐experimental study was conducted with female high school students aged 16–17 years in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The program provided eight sessions over 4 weeks. Quantitative data were collected before and after online surveys in an intervention (n = 21) and control (n = 21) groups, and analyzed using mixed analysis of variance. Qualitative data on participation experiences was collected by requesting the participants to answer open‐ended questions once a week during the intervention and performing co‐occurrence analysis of specific terms in the responses was conducted through text mining.

Results

Although the program decreased smoking intention and increased smoking media literacy in the intervention group, there were no significant differences between the groups. Qualitative results obtained from the intervention group showed cognitive and behavioral changes in the perception of the harmfulness of e‐cigarettes in the media and the expression of a willingness to overcome the temptation to smoke.

Conclusions

Our findings show that the enhancement of smoking media literacy, specifically by correcting misconceptions regarding e‐cigarettes promoted by the new media, contributes smoking prevention in female adolescents. It supports calls for an expanded role of public health professionals in health education at the school level.
What explains elite affective polarization? Evidence from Canadian politicians
Authors: Lucas Jack , Sheffer Lior
Published: March 2024

Concerns about affective polarization are on the rise globally, and it has been associated with negative outcomes such as diminished trust in government and discrimination against out‐partisans. While elected politicians are typically thought to be a major source of mass‐level affective polarization, and despite the policy and representation consequences of heightened partisan hostility in legislatures, existing research has focused almost exclusively on the measurement and explanation of affective polarization among citizens. As a result, we know far less about the magnitude and sources of elite affective polarization. Here, we take a step towards addressing this gap using an original survey of hundreds of Canadian local politicians, a setting uniquely situated for addressing the role of a host of individual‐level and institutional‐level predictors of affective polarization. We find that Canadian local politicians are, on average, less affectively polarized than the citizens they represent. However, levels of affective polarization among these politicians vary considerably, with higher levels of affective polarization among politicians who are ideologues, partisans, and who harbor strong progressive ambition. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings for research on affective polarization and describe the need for comparative studies of affective polarization among political elites.
Fulvic acid alleviates the stress of low nitrogen on maize by promoting root development and nitrogen metabolism
Authors: Liang Yuanyuan , Wang Junbo , Wang Zeping , Hu Desheng , Jiang Ying , Han Yanlai , Wang Yi
Published: March 2024

The potential of fulvic acid (FA) to improve plant growth has been acknowledged, but its effect on plant growth and nutrient uptake under nutrient stress remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of different FA application rates on maize growth and nitrogen utilization under low nitrogen stress. The results showed that under low nitrogen stress, FA significantly stimulated maize growth, particularly root development, biomass, and nitrogen content. The enhanced activity levels of key enzymes in nitrogen metabolism were observed, along with differential gene expression in maize, which enriched nitrogen metabolism, amino acid metabolism and plant hormone metabolism. The application of FA regulated the hormones' level, reduced abscisic acid content in leaves and Me‐JA content in roots, and increased auxin and zeatin ribose content in leaves. This study concludes that, by promoting root development, nitrogen metabolism, and hormone metabolism, an appropriate concentration of FA can enhance plant tolerance to low nitrogen conditions and improve nitrogen use efficiency.
NRG2 family members of Arabidopsis and maize regulate nitrate signalling and promote nitrogen use efficiency
Authors: Li Shuna , Ji Meiling , Liu Fei , Zhu Mingyue , Yang Yi , Zhang Wenjing , Liu Shubing , Wang Yong , Lv Wei , Qi Shengdong
Published: March 2024

Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and most plants absorb it as nitrate. AtNRG2 has been reported to play an important role in nitrate regulation. In this study, we investigated the functions of AtNRG2 family members of Arabidopsis thaliana and maize in nitrate signalling and metabolism. Our results showed that both AtNRG2.10 and AtNRG2.15 regulated nitrate signalling and metabolism. Overexpression of AtNRG2.11 (AtNRG2) could promote plant growth and improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). In addition, the maize genome harbors 23 ZmNRG2 members. We detected the expression of these genes treated with nitrate and the expression of four genes was strongly induced with ZmNRG2.7 having the highest levels. Overexpression of ZmNRG2.7 in the atnrg2 mutant could restore the defects of atnrg2, suggesting that ZmNRG2.7 is involved in nitrate signalling and metabolism. Moreover, the overexpression lines of ZmNRG2.7 showed increased biomass and NUE. These findings demonstrate that at least a part of NRG2 family genes in Arabidopsis and maize regulate nitrate signalling and provide a molecular basis for improving the NUE of crops.
Litter decomposition and nutrient dynamics of four macrophytes in intact, restored, and constructed freshwater marshes of Canada
Authors: Dong Dan , Badiou Pascal , Moore Tim R. , von Sperber Christian
Published: March 2024

The restoration and construction of wetlands offer opportunities to rewet soils, inhibit decomposition, and enhance nutrient retention in decomposing litters. Here, we report the decomposition rates and nutrient dynamics of macrophyte litters in intact, restored, and constructed wetlands. A 2.1‐year litterbag experiment of four common freshwater macrophytes (Phalaris arundinacea, Phragmites australis, Scirpus cyperinus, and Typha latifolia) was conducted in eight freshwater marshes (three intact, four restored, and one constructed) within three sites in Manitoba and Ontario, Canada, which varied in restoration age, inundation periods, and surrounding land uses. Litter mass loss and N and P dynamics were measured. Litter decomposition rates (k) followed the order of P. arundinacea (0.42 ± 0.03 year−1) > T. latifolia (0.31 ± 0.03 year−1) > P. australis (0.19 ± 0.01 year−1) > S. cyperinus (0.13 ± 0.01 year−1) in most wetlands and were positively correlated to the initial litter N concentration. Litters decomposed fastest under seasonally inundated conditions rather than permanent inundation. N and P retention in litters were significantly affected by both initial litter N and P concentration and wetland surrounding land uses. After 2.1 years of decomposition, the N:P ratio of all litters converged to 20 to 28:1, regardless of the initial litter N:P ratio or N or P concentrations. The effectiveness of wetland restoration in slowing decomposition and enhancing nutrient accumulation depends on the quality of the input litters and wetland characteristics, including inundated periods and surrounding anthropogenic disturbances.
Cost‐effectiveness of tourism‐led coral planting at scale on the northern Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Scott Rachael I. , Edmondson John , Camp Emma F. , Agius Taryn , Coulthard Phillip , Edmondson Jenny , Edmondson Katrina , Hosp Russell , Howlett Lorna , Roper Christine D. , Suggett David J.
Published: March 2024

Stakeholder‐led coral reef restoration efforts, aimed at locally retaining or rebuilding coral populations, have rapidly grown over the last two decades. However, the cost‐effectiveness—and in turn viability—of coral restoration projects remains rarely reported. We therefore evaluated coral planting (often termed “outplanting”) cost‐effectiveness across the first 3.5 years of the Coral Nurture Program (CNP), a coral restoration approach integrated within tourism operations on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. CNP operator activity reporting forms (63,632 corals planted, 5 tourism operators, and 23 reef sites) were used to opportunistically calculate coral planting costs (PC; US$ coral−1 trip−1) for “routine” planting versus when additional stewardship activities—that regulate planting effectiveness—were undertaken (e.g., nursery maintenance). Mean PC (±standard error) was US$2.34 ± 0.20 coral−1 trip−1 (ranging US$0.78–6.03, 5th–95th percentile), but increased 2‐ to ‐6‐fold on trips where nursery propagation, site maintenance, or staff training was conducted to support planting efforts. The “realized” cost (PCR) of establishing coral biomass was subsequently determined by evaluating survivorship of planted corals across space (9 sites, single survey timepoint, n = 4,723 corals up to 3 years old) or over time (2 sites, over 9–12 months, n = 600 corals), resulting in costs increasing from PC to PCR by 25–71%. We demonstrate how integration of practices into tourism operations creates potential for cost‐effective coral planting at “high‐value” tourism reef sites, and discuss important steps for improving cost‐accounting in stakeholder‐led restoration programs that may be similarly positioned to routinely determine their cost‐effectiveness.
Morphodynamics and depositional architecture of mid‐channel bars in large Amazonian rivers
Authors: Almeida Renato P. , Galeazzi Cristiano P. , Best Jim , Ianniruberto Marco , Do Prado Ariel H. , Janikian Liliane , Mazoca Carlos E. M. , Tamura Larissa N. , Nicholas Andrew
Published: March 2024

Large rivers are characterized by large water discharges, high suspended sediment fluxes and low slope, and typically display multiple channels that are separated by large complex bars. The most common channel style found in these rivers is characterized by the alternating presence of single and multiple channel threads. Mid‐channel compound bars separate a main deeper channel from shallower secondary channels, leading to low‐order braiding and low to moderate sinuosity. Despite the importance of this type of river for global terrestrial sediment transport and the interpretation of ancient fluvial successions, integrated depositional models for large multi‐channel rivers are still not fully developed. This paper interprets the channel morphodynamics and depositional architecture of such large rivers by investigating the distinctive features of their laterally‐accreting mid‐channel bars in the Solimões–Amazonas River. This is achieved by examination of temporal series of satellite images, quantification of bedforms using multibeam echosounding surveys, analysis of shallow seismic and ground penetrating radar surveys of selected areas, and on‐site field observations and sample collections. Such mid‐channel bars produce directional variability in planform scroll bar accretion of up to 180°. As these bars – and their associated channels – evolve, they become progressively shallower, due to the bifurcation of the two channels and the resultant partitioning of discharge that leads to a gradual reduction in transport capacity within the outer channel. The preserved successions of this process in the alluvial plain are characterized by fining‐upward trends, with larger cross‐strata sets at mid‐depths and internal erosional surfaces marking distinct cycles of bar development with potentially differing palaeocurrent trends. The new depositional models proposed for these mid‐channel bars and channels constitute a basis for the recognition of large multi‐channel river deposits in the ancient rock record.
Comparing psychopathological symptoms, life satisfaction, and personality traits between the WHO and APA frameworks of gaming disorder symptoms: A psychometric investigation
Authors: Bäcklund Christian , Sörman Daniel Eriksson , Gavelin Hanna M. , Király Orsolya , Demetrovics Zsolt , Ljungberg Jessica K.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The inclusion of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in the fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐5) by the American Psychiatric Association and Gaming Disorder in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐11) by the World Health Organization requires consistent psychological measures for reliable estimates. The current study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Gaming Disorder Test (GDT), the Ten‐Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT‐10), and the Five‐Item Gaming Disorder Test (GDT‐5) and to compare the WHO and the APA frameworks of gaming disorder symptoms in terms of psychopathological symptoms, life satisfaction, and personality traits.

Methods

A sample of 723 Swedish gamers was recruited (29.8% women, 68.3% men, 1.9% other, Mage = 29.50 years, SD = 8.91).

Results

The results indicated notable differences regarding the estimated possible risk groups between the two frameworks. However, the association between gaming disorder symptoms and personality traits, life satisfaction, and psychopathological symptoms appeared consistent across the two frameworks. The results showed excellent psychometric properties in support of the one‐factor model of the GDT, IGDT‐10, and GDT‐5, including good reliability estimates (McDonald's omega) and evidence of construct validity. Additionally, the results demonstrated full gender and age measurement invariance of the GDT, IGDT‐10, and GDT‐5, indicating that gaming disorder symptoms are measured equally across the subgroups.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that the IGDT‐10, GDT‐5, and GDT are appropriate measures for assessing gaming disorder symptoms and facilitating future research in Sweden.
Meta-analysis on studies with heterogeneous and partially observed covariates
Authors: Akkaya Hocagil Tugba , Hwang Hon , Jacobson Joseph L. , Jacobson Sandra W. , Ryan Louise M.
Published: March 2024

Individual participant data meta-analysis is a commonly used alternative to the traditional aggregate data meta-analysis. It is popular because it avoids relying on published results and enables direct adjustment for relevant covariates. However, a practical challenge is that the studies being combined often vary in terms of the potential confounders that were measured. Furthermore, it will inevitably be the case that some individuals have missing values for some of those covariates. In this paper, we demonstrate how these challenges can be resolved using a propensity score approach, combined with multiple imputation, as a strategy to adjust for covariates in the context of individual participant data meta-analysis. To illustrate, we analyze data from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation–funded Healthy Birth, Growth, and Development Knowledge Integration project to investigate the relationship between physical growth rate in the first year of life and cognition measured later during childhood. We found that the overall effect of average growth velocity on cognitive outcome is slightly, but significantly, positive with an estimated effect size of 0.36 (95% CI 0.18, 0.55).