bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitätsmessung der Hebammenarbeit im
Wochenbett
Authors: Peters Mirjam
Published: December 2022

Wie gut ist meine Arbeit als Hebamme? Im Rahmen einer Promotionsarbeit wurde ein
Instrument entwickelt, das die Qualität der Hebammenarbeit im Wochenbett
mit Hilfe eines Fragebogens misst. Dieser bietet die Grundlage dafür,
die Wochenbettbetreuung zu evaluieren und zu verbessern.
Wochenbett – Familien in neuen
Umständen
Authors: Sperling Kathinka
Published: December 2022

Die Zeit nach der Geburt eines Kindes ist eine Umbruchphase. Sie kann als Zeit
des größten Glücks erlebt werden, jedoch geht sie immer
wieder auch mit sehr belastenden Gefühlen einher. Die salutogene
Hebammenbetreuung stellt die Frauen und ihre Familien in den Mittelpunkt und ist
auf ihre individuellen Bedürfnisse ausgerichtet. Dabei steht die
Förderung der Gesundheit und die Ressourcenfindung innerhalb der Familie
in der wichtigen Phase des Wochenbetts im Vordergrund.
Distanz vor Intensität – Return to Running
postnatal
Authors: Reich Sonja , Kranz Magdalena
Published: December 2022

Für laufbegeisterte Mütter ist es wichtig zu wissen, wann der
richtige Zeitpunkt nach der Geburt erreicht ist, um wieder mit dem Training zu
beginnen. Hebammen können helfen, diese Frage zu beantworten und
passgenaue Übungen anzubieten.
How the Online Learning Assistant Program Supported Course Instructor Wellbeing during a Transition to Remote Teaching
Authors: Drewery David , Potwarka Melissa , Potwarka Luke
Published: December 2022

When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, many leisure studies course instructors were asked to transition from in-person to remote teaching. Such a transition affected course instructors’ wellbeing and, in turn, students’ learning experiences in negative ways. At the same time, many talented work-integrated learning students were without work because of challenges faced by organizations that would typically host students. In response to this situation, the University of Waterloo created the Online Learning Assistant (OLA) Program. The programme hired, trained and mobilized over 300 co-operative education students in support of course instructors’ remote teaching. This case describes the positive impact of the OLA Program on one leisure studies course instructor’s wellbeing during a transition to remote teaching. In partnership with the OLA, the instructor created a supportive remote-learning environment for students that resulted in a remote-teaching award. The case offers an example of an innovative work-integrated learning programme that supported teaching and learning in leisure-related education.

Information

© CAB International 2022
Alpha-Gal Syndrome in the Infectious Diseases Clinic: A Series of 5 Cases in Central North Carolina
Authors: Boyce Ross M , Schulz Abigail , Mansour Odai , Giandomenico Dana , Farel Claire E , Commins Scott P
Published: December 2022

Background

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a recently described allergy to galactose-α-1,3-galactose, an oligosaccharide present in mammalian meat. AGS can present with angioedema, urticaria, and anaphylaxis arising 3–6 hours after ingestion, although symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, fatigue, and arthralgias are also reported. Because AGS appears to be associated with tick bites, patients may present to infectious diseases (ID) clinics for evaluation.

Methods

We documented a series of 5 patients referred to the University of North Carolina ID Clinic between 2020 and 2022 for various tick-borne infections that were found to have symptoms and laboratory testing consistent with AGS. Patients were subsequently referred to the Allergy and Immunology Clinic.

Results

Patients were referred to the ID Clinic for persistent symptoms following positive tick-borne disease testing or presumed tick-borne infection. All patients had an elevated alpha-gal immunoglobulin E and clinical presentation consistent with AGS. Common symptoms included episodic gastrointestinal distress (eg, cramping, nausea, diarrhea), fatigue, arthralgias, and subjective cognitive impairment, but a notable absence of severe anaphylaxis. Four patients were seen by at least 1 nonallergy specialist prior to referral to ID. Patients reported substantial improvement in their symptoms following dietary restriction.

Conclusions

ID physicians should be aware of AGS as a cause of persistent, nonspecific symptoms following a tick exposure or tick-borne illness. Further research is needed to determine the prevalence of alpha-gal sensitization and AGS following tick-borne bites.
Modulation of sensorimotor oscillation by sensory gating in the frontal cortex
Authors: Fujiwara Yosuke , Takahashi Osamu , Ushiba Junichi
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To reveal that nonprimary motor-related areas located in the upper stream of the sensorimotor area are associated with self-regulated local electroencephalogram changes in the sensorimotor area during motor tasks.

Methods

Among healthy participants, we measured the gating of somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) in nonprimary motor-related areas and the sensorimotor area, and event-related desynchronisation, which reflects the excitability changes of the neurons localised in the sensorimotor area during motor execution and imagery.

Results

We confirmed significant correlations between beta-band event-related desynchronisation and the somatosensory-evoked potential gating of frontal N30 during motor imagery and execution (motor imagery: r = 0.723; P < 0.05; motor execution: r = 0.873; P < 0.05), and nonsignificant correlations between beta-band event-related desynchronisation and the somatosensory-evoked potential gating of N20 (motor imagery: r = 0.079; P > 0.05; motor execution: r = 0.449; P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The N30 gating of SEPs, with which the beta-band event-related desynchronisation was associated, implies that they modulate sensory input to the supplementary motor area/premotor cortex during motor tasks, the beta-band self-regulated local electroencephalogram changes in the sensorimotor area related sensory input to the supplementary motor area/premotor cortex, and not to primary sensory area derived from N20 gating. This study suggests that some motor commands are derived from sensory gating in the supplementary motor area/premotor cortex.
A corticostriatal projection for sound-evoked and anticipatory motor behavior following temporal expectation
Authors: Huang Wushuang , Wang Yuting , Qin Jing , He Chao , Li Yurong , Wang Yan , Li Min , Lyu Jing , Zhou Zhenqiao , Jia Hongbo , Pakan Janelle , Xie Peng , Zhang Jianxiong
Published: December 2022

The ability to form predictions based on recent sensory experience is essential for behavioral adaptation to our ever-changing environment. Predictive encoding represented by neuronal activity has been observed in sensory cortex, but how this neuronal activity is transformed into anticipatory motor behavior remains unclear. Fiber photometry to investigate a corticostriatal projection from the auditory cortex to the posterior striatum during an auditory paradigm in mice, and pharmacological experiments in a task that induces a temporal expectation of upcoming sensory stimuli. We find that the auditory corticostriatal projection relays both sound-evoked stimulus information as well as predictive signals in relation to stimulus timing following rhythmic auditory stimulation. Pharmacological experiments suggest that this projection is required for the initiation of both sound-evoked and anticipatory licking behavior in an auditory associative-learning behavioral task, but not for the general recognition of presented auditory stimuli. This auditory corticostriatal projection carries predictive signals, and the posterior striatum is critical to the anticipatory stimulus-driven motor behavior.
Simulated climate change causes asymmetric responses in insect life history timing potentially disrupting a classic ecological speciation system
Authors: Lackey Alycia C. R. , Deneen Pheobe M. , Ragland Gregory J. , Feder Jeffrey L. , Hahn Daniel A. , Powell Thomas H. Q.
Published: December 2022

Climate change may alter phenology within populations with cascading consequences for community interactions and on-going evolutionary processes. Here, we measured the response to climate change in two sympatric, recently diverged (~170 years) populations ofRhagoletis pomonellaflies specialized on different host fruits (hawthorn and apple) and their parasitoid wasp communities. We tested whether warmer temperatures affect dormancy regulation and its consequences for synchrony across trophic levels and temporal isolation between divergent populations. Under warmer temperatures, both fly populations developed earlier. However, warming significantly increased the proportion of maladaptive pre-winter development in apple, but not hawthorn, flies. Parasitoid phenology was less affected, potentially generating ecological asynchrony. Observed shifts in fly phenology under warming may decrease temporal isolation, potentially limiting on-going divergence. Our findings of complex sensitivity of life-history timing to changing temperatures predict that coming decades may see multifaceted ecological and evolutionary changes in temporal specialist communities.
The Holdup Multiplex, an assay for high-throughput measurement of protein-ligand affinity constants using a mass-spectrometry readout
Authors: Delalande François , Gogl Gergo , Rohrbacher Aurélien , Kostmann Camille , Eberling Pascal , Carapito Christine , Travé Gilles , Monsellier Elodie
Published: December 2022

The accurate description and subsequent modeling of protein interactomes requires quantification of their affinities at proteome-wide scale. Here we develop and validate the Holdup Multiplex, a versatile assay for high-throughput measurement of protein-ligand affinity constants that uses mass-spectrometry as readout. The method can quantify thousands of affinities in one single run, with high precision and over several orders of magnitude. We applied this strategy to the seven human 14-3-3 isoforms, quantifying in a few sample-runs their interaction with 1,000 different phosphopeptides. We were able to identify hundreds of new 14-3-3 binding sites. We showed that the seven human 14-3-3 display similar specificities but staggered affinities, 14-3-3g being always the best binder and 14-3-3ε and σ, the weakest. Finally, we identified dozens of 14-3-3 bindings sites, some intervening in key signaling pathways, that were either stabilized or destabilized by the phytotoxin Fusicoccin-A. Our approach, which throughput can be pushed up to the sensitivity limit of the mass-spectrometry setup, is applicable to any category of protein-ligand interactions and thus bears a wide potential both for high-throughput interactomics and chemoproteomics.
Synthesis and structural optimization of 2,7,9-trisubstituted purin-8-ones as FLT3-ITD inhibitors
Authors: Tomanová Monika , Kozlanská Karolína , Jorda Radek , Jedinák Lukáš , Havlíková Tereza , Řezníčková Eva , Peřina Miroslav , Klener Pavel , Dolníková Alexandra , Cankař Petr , Kryštof Vladimír
Published: December 2022

Therapy of FLT3-positive acute myeloid leukemia still remains complicated, despite the availability of newly approved kinase inhibitors. Various strategies to avoid reduced efficacy of therapy are explored including the development of dual targeting compounds, which inhibit FLT3 and another kinase necessary for survival and proliferation of AML cells. We have designed new 2,7,9-trisubstituted 8-oxopurines as FLT3 inhibitors and report here structure-activity relationship studies. We demonstrated that substituents at positions 7 and 9 modulate activity between CDK4 and FLT3 kinase and the isopropyl group at position 7 increased substantially the selectivity toward FLT3 kinase, which led to the discovery of compound15a(9-cyclopentyl-7-isopropyl-2-((4-(piper-azin-1-yl)phenyl)amino)-7,9-dihydro-8H-purin-8-one). Cellular analyses in MV4-11 cells revealed inhibition of autophosphorylation of FLT3 kinase in nanomolar doses including suppression of downstream STAT5 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. We also describe mechanistic studies in cell lines and activity in a mouse xenograft model in vivo.
Stathmin-2 loss leads to neurofilament-dependent axonal collapse driving motor and sensory denervation
Authors: Lopez-Erauskin Jone , Bravo-Hernandez Mariana , Presa Maximiliano , Baughn Michael W. , Melamed Ze’ev , Beccari Melinda S. , Agra de Almeida Quadros Ana Rita , Zuberi Aamir , Ling Karen , Platoshyn Oleksandr , Niño-Jara Elkin , Ndayambaje I. Sandra , Arnold-Garcia Olatz , McAlonis-Downes Melissa , Cabrera Larissa , Artates Jonathan W. , Ryan Jennifer , Bennett Frank , Jafar-nejad Paymaan , Rigo Frank , Marsala Martin , Lutz Cathleen M. , Cleveland Don W. , Lagier-Tourenne Clotilde
Published: December 2022

The human mRNA most affected by TDP-43 loss-of-function is transcribed from theSTMN2gene and encodes stathmin-2 (also known as SCG10), whose loss is a neurodegenerative disease hallmark. Here using multiplein vivoapproaches, including transient antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-mediated suppression, chronic shRNA-mediated depletion in aging mice, and germline deletion, we establish stathmin-2 to be essential for acquisition and maintenance of neurofilament-dependent structuring of axoplasm critical for maintaining diameter and conduction velocity of large-myelinated axons. Sustained stathmin-2 loss from an otherwise mature adult nervous system is demonstrated over a time course of eight months to initiate and drive motor neuron disease that includes 1) shrinkage in inter-neurofilament spacing that is required to produce a three-dimensional space filling array that defines axonal caliber, 2) collapse of mature axonal caliber with tearing of outer myelin layers, 3) reduced conduction velocity, 4) progressive motor and sensory deficits (including reduction of the pain transducing neuropeptide CGRP), and 5) muscle denervation. Demonstration that chronic stathmin-2 reduction is itself sufficient to trigger motor neuron disease reinforces restoration of stathmin-2 as an attractive therapeutic approach for TDP-43-dependent neurodegeneration, including the fatal adult motor neuron disease ALS.
Safeguarding eucalypt diversity through conservation‐focused tree planting
Authors: St‐Laurent Olivia , Mokany Karel , Pollock Laura J.
Published: December 2022

The UN decade on ecosystem restoration calls for the preservation of global biodiversity. Safeguarding biological diversity is crucial for the well‐being of people and the persistence of nature. Tree planting offers a nature‐based solution to carbon abatement with significant potential to benefit biodiversity, but how well different aspects of biodiversity are captured in plantings is not well known.

We assemble a database of 218 species and >80,000 observations from environmental tree plantings in Australia, and investigate how well they capture eucalypt diversity, including possible climate change effects. We compare this to hypothetical planting scenarios that maximize biodiversity benefits for species of conservation interest. Eucalypt species that are rare, endemic, evolutionarily distinct or listed in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act (EPBC) are prioritized.

We find that environmental tree plantings are dominated by very common species likely to benefit from climate change, with less than 1% of rare or evolutionarily distinct species represented. All conservation scenarios outperform business‐as‐usual. The scenario prioritizing endemic species while considering climate change more than doubles the average extent of occurrence for species of conservation interest. It allocates four times more planting area to species of conservation interest compared to a business‐as‐usual approach and decreases weighted endemism (a favourable outcome here) by 38% on average, demonstrating the positive impact of conservation‐focused tree planting on biodiversity.

Synthesis and applications. Everywhere, governments are making commitments to halt biodiversity loss. Conservation‐focused tree planting can advance our goal of safeguarding biodiversity while still contributing to carbon capture. We show that eucalypt species of conservation interest can benefit substantially from tree planting where the primary goal is biodiversity conservation, compared to the current approach to planting, which we have found largely benefits commonly occuring species. We measure potential distribution gains for eucalypt species that are rare, endemic, evolutionarily distinct and at risk of extinction (listed), and identify the most important eucalypt species to plant across Australia, taking the effects of climate change into account. Our framework for selecting species to plant based on a range of conservation goals can serve as a guide for future environmental tree planting initiatives.
Folded: A toolkit to describe mammalian herbivore dentition from 2D images
Authors: Sanisidro Oscar , Arganda‐Carreras Ignacio , Cantalapiedra Juan L.
Published: December 2022

Dental morphology is a major aspect of ecological and evolutionary studies of both extant and fossil mammalian species. Mammalian dentitions are diverse feeding systems that can be defined through continuous numerical descriptors of the enamel pattern.

We developed a comprehensive toolkit to quantify complex occlusal enamel patterns from two‐dimensional images of herbivore mammals, widespread in the scientific literature, in form of three novel enamel complexity descriptors: two‐dimensional orientation patch count (2D OPC), enamel folding (EF), and enamel thickness (ET). Previously proposed parameters such as occlusal enamel index or indentation index are implemented as well.

The current method is devised for extracting continuous variables of enamel complexity from macro and microherbivore mammalian species with conspicuous wear facets. A general case study is proposed using two clades within the Family Rhinocerotidae containing species regarded as hypsodonts. The results show that antagonist dental adaptations were achieved through disparate evolutionary strategies in both groups. To test the robustness of this tool under different practical scenarios, other mammalian groups have been evaluated as well. Additional sensitivity analyses include the impact of image size, rotation, or differences in dental wear.

Our approach differs from previous 2D techniques in its affordability, versatility, and control over individual regions within each tooth while delivering continuous numerical data. Additionally, the 2D reference images required as input are widespread in the literature and easier to process in comparison to 3D data alternatives.
Anti‐Müllerian hormone stimulates expression of the collagen‐specific chaperone 47‐kDa heat shock protein in bovine uterine epithelial cells
Authors: Ferdousy Raihana Nasrin , Kadokawa Hiroya
Published: December 2022

Uterine collagen is the most abundant component of the uterine extracellular matrix and plays a critical role in pregnancy. The 47‐kDa heat shock protein (HSP47) is the sole collagen‐specific molecular chaperone. We investigated the mechanisms regulating the expression of HSP47 in the uterus by assessing the effect of anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) stimulation on HSP47 expression in cultured bovine uterine epithelial cells. AMH receptor type 2 (AMHR2), AMH, and HSP47 expression was assessed by fluorescence immunocytochemistry in uterine epithelial layers of the uteri of Japanese Black cows. The effect of AMH on HSP47 expression was assessed in cultured epithelial cells. The effect of MEK/ERK inhibitor on AMH‐induced HSP47 expression was also assessed. We confirmed the expression of AMHR2, AMH, and HSP47 in the uterine epithelial layers. We confirmed the expression of AMHR2, AMH, HSP47, and type IV collagen in cultured uterine epithelial cells. AMH treatment at 10 or 100 ng/ml promoted significant HSP47 expression (p < 0.05). MEK/ERK inhibitor U0126 pretreatment suppressed such AMH stimulation on HSP47. These findings indicate that AMH induced HSP47 protein expression through the ERK pathway in bovine uterine epithelial cells.
No borders on a fragile planet: Introducing four lay models of social psychological precarity to support global human identification and citizenship
Authors: Mahendran Kesi , Nieland Sue , English Anthony , Goodman Simon
Published: December 2022

Measures such as Identification with all humanity (IWAH) and global identification and citizenship (GHIC) are positivity correlated with measures of humanitarianism, cosmopolitanism and environmental concern. Research using these measures suggests that most citizens have low‐global identification scores. This article sheds light on this finding by investigating how global identification relates to precarity and migration (neither of which are measured in the IWAH/GHIC). The study conducted in England, Scotland and Sweden introduces a qualitative dialogical approach to GHIC. This involves measuring migration‐mobility in dialogical interviews and controlling and removing borders on world maps—using an interactive world mapping task (N = 23). Participants articulate four social representations relating to a fragile earth, enduring colonial settler/native conflict, ingroup/outgroup conflict or, in contrast, a cooperative plentiful planet where borders are unnecessary. Such social representations demonstrate the importance of planetary consciousness and relate to four lay models of social psychological precarity related to intergroup competition, global conflict, economic rationality and human‐made borders. In conclusion, all participants employ lay models of social psychological precarity when discussing sovereignty, migration and belonging. We recommend psychologists investigating GHIC include measures of social psychological precarity and migration‐mobility.
Statin use is associated with better post‐operative prognosis among patients with hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yun Byungyoon , Ahn Sang Hoon , Oh Juyeon , Yoon Jin‐Ha , Kim Beom Kyung
Published: December 2022

Background

The high postoperative recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant challenge. Patient metabolic factors are potential disease modifiers and should be examined as risk factors for postoperative prognosis. Here, we assessed the association between long‐term statin use and HCC recurrence after surgical resection of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related HCC.

Methods

Patients who initially underwent curative resection for HBV‐related HCC between 2005 and 2015 were recruited and followed up until December 2019. Patients were classified into statin user and non‐statin user groups based on whether or not they had been prescribed statins for ≥2 years. The primary outcome was HCC recurrence, and the secondary outcome was liver‐related mortality. The cumulative incidence by statin use was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log‐rank test. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable Cox regression.

Results

Among 5653 patients with a median 6.1 years of follow‐up, HCC recurrence and liver‐related mortality occurred in 1603 and 316 patients, respectively. The 5‐year cumulative incidence of HCC recurrence in the statin user group (15.9%) was significantly lower than that in the non‐user group (21.3%; p = .019). From multivariable Cox regression analysis, statin use was significantly associated with a reduced risk of HCC recurrence (aHR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61–0.98; p = .035) and liver‐related mortality (aHR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.25–0.90; p = .023).

Conclusion

Long‐term statin use was significantly associated with reduced risk of HCC recurrence and liver‐related mortality after curative resection of HBV‐related HCC.
U‐Pb Saturn: New U‐Pb/Pb‐Pb Data Reduction Software for LA‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Silva Joao P.A. , Lana Cristiano , Mazoz Ariela , Buick Ian , Scholz Ricardo
Published: December 2022

U‐Pb Saturn is new freeware for U‐Pb LA‐ICP‐MS data reduction. It has been developed to provide easy interaction with and visualisation of LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb datasets, and allows fast and reliable data reduction of hundreds of data‐points. Saturn offers dynamic graphic interfaces to quickly view, evaluate, and plot U‐Pb and Pb‐Pb isotope data. It operates online (or offline), giving the freedom to change parameters and reprocess data at any stage of data acquisition. The main interface allows the user to: (1) choose the best statistics for drift correction, (2) include/exclude offset factors and (3) apply (or not) Pbc corrections in different modes. Signal intensities are displayed in a separate graphic interface that allows users to interact with the time‐resolved signal of individual spot analyses. All graphic windows are interactive; any modification to data treatment (e.g., inclusion or exclusion of analyses of reference material, or modification of the time‐resolved signal windows) is instantaneously updated on the data tables. Saturn is particularly attractive for beginners in LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb geochronology as it is non‐commercial, easy to install, and very interactive. Coding information and a version of the software can be accessed at http://www.air.ufop.br.
Between Ideology and Nationality: Drivers of Legislative Oversight in the European Parliament's Economic Dialogues
Authors: Akbik Adina , Migliorati Marta
Published: December 2022

What drives the behaviour of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in legislative oversight? In this article, we explore the interplay between the ideology and nationality of MEPs in policy fields where the two dimensions are likely to come into conflict. Focusing on EU socio‐economic governance, we collect an original dataset of parliamentary questions asked during the Economic Dialogues with the European Commission (2012–2019). By means of content analysis, we detect variation in MEPs' preferences relating to two dimensions central to this field, that is, economic effectiveness and social inequality. We argue that the variation in MEPs' concerns can be explained to different degrees by their ideology and nationality. We find that ideology plays a highly significant role in shaping the type of questions posed in legislative oversight; however, the nationality of MEPs is also an important driver of behaviour, especially when a member state is disproportionately affected by EU measures.
Do insurers respond to active purchasing? Evidence from the Massachusetts health insurance exchange
Authors: Shepard Mark , Forsgren Ethan
Published: December 2022

Health insurance markets face continued challenges with high premiums and limited insurer competition. We describe a unique set of “active purchasing” policies used by Massachusetts' pioneer health insurance exchange to shape the rules of competition and reward lower‐price insurers with additional customers. We provide evidence that these policies significantly influenced insurer pricing. Between 2010 and 2013, over 80% of insurer prices were set exactly at or within 1% of pricing thresholds created by active purchasing policies. A key “limited choice” policy was associated with a 16%–20% reduction in average insurance prices relative to comparison markets in 2012–2014. Insurers achieved these price cuts partly through cost reductions via narrower provider networks and partly through reduced profit margins.
Phylogenomic analysis of pseudocryptic diversity reveals the new genus Deltalsia (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Díaz‐Tapia Pilar , Rodríguez‐Buján Iván , Maggs Christine A. , Verbruggen Heroen
Published: December 2022

Molecular analyses, in combination with morphological studies, provide invaluable tools for delineating red algal taxa. However, molecular datasets are incomplete and taxonomic revisions are often required once additional species or populations are sequenced. The small red alga Conferva parasitica was described from the British Isles in 1762 and then reported from other parts of Europe. Conferva parasitica was traditionally included in the genus Pterosiphonia (type species P. cloiophylla in Schmitz and Falkenberg 1897), based on its morphological characters, and later transferred to Symphyocladia and finally to Symphyocladiella using molecular data from an Iberian specimen. However, although morphological differences have been observed between specimens of Symphyocladiella parasitica from northern and southern Europe they have yet to be investigated in a phylogenetic context. In this study, we collected specimens from both regions, studied their morphology and analyzed rbcL and cox1 DNA sequences. We determined the phylogenetic position of a British specimen using a phylogenomic approach based on mitochondrial and plastid genomes. Northern and southern European populations attributed to S. parasitica represent different species. Symphyocladiella arecina sp. nov. is proposed for specimens from southern Europe, but British specimens were resolved as a distant sister lineage to the morphologically distinctive Amplisiphonia, so we propose the new genus Deltalsia for this species. Our study highlights the relevance of using materials collected close to the type localities for taxonomic reassessments, and showcases the utility of genome‐based phylogenies for resolving classification issues in the red algae.
Factors associated with nutrition intervention adherence: Evidence from a cluster‐randomised controlled trial in Kenya
Authors: Siegal Kim , Musau Kelvin , Woodruff Bradley A. , Custer Emily , Vergari Lucie , Anyango Hellen , Donkor William , Kiprotich Marion , Rohner Fabian , Wegmüller Rita
Published: December 2022

Nutrition experts point to the importance of a multipronged approach to address high stunting rates in rural areas. This can include nutrition‐specific and ‐sensitive interventions, such as the provision of micronutrient powder, eggs, and chlorine, and nutrition training to improve feeding practices. In 2018, an agricultural nongovernmental organisation initiated a multipronged approach as part of a randomised trial. However, adherence to a programme with so many components can be challenging for participants. The aim of this study is to understand which factors are associated with high adherence in complex multifaceted nutrition‐sensitive agricultural programmes. We used a mixed method approach in which we used bivariate and multivariable analyses to estimate the relationship between child and caregiver demographic factors with product adherence. We analyzed data from six focus groups and 120 feedback sessions on barriers to product adherence. We found that the age and sex of the child did not influence product adherence, but caregivers were more likely to adhere to all products if they were not the child's biological mother (most often grandmothers) (0.28 higher adherence score; p < 0.001) and if caregivers were older (0.34 higher adherence score, p < 0.001). A higher monthly training attendance, combining product distribution and interactive training, predicted stronger product adherence. Participants noted that adherence was supported by the early demonstration of positive results, regular reminders, interactive trainings, and the encouragement of family members. These findings underscore the importance of combining product distribution with training and include potentially targeting grandmothers and other caregivers who may demonstrate higher product adherence.
Force behaviour of elastic chains during a simulated gap closure in extraction therapy cases
Authors: Sabbagh Hisham , Bamidis Elias P. , Keller Alexander , Stocker Thomas , Baumert Uwe , Hoffmann Lea , Wichelhaus Andrea
Published: December 2022

Objective

Tooth movement with elastic chains requires defined force magnitudes. This study assessed the force behaviour of different elastic chains at different configurations of gap width.

Methods

Self‐ligating brackets of teeth 5 & 6 and 2 & 3 were bonded to two movable aluminium plates. The plates were positioned on a joint basis with varying distances of 0.5, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 8.0 mm. Reset forces of open and closed chains from four different manufacturers were investigated in four different configurations. Configurations differed in either having an additional intermediate ring within the gap (#1, #3) and/or having intermediate rings between teeth adjacent to the gap (#1, #2), or by no intermediate rings (#4). Forces were measured with a universal testing machine. The results were statistically analysed using U‐test, H‐test and (if applicable) post‐hoc tests with a significance level of .05.

Results

Configurations #1 and #3, and #2 and #4 formed homogenous subgroups (P < .001). Initial forces in configuration #4 were significantly higher than in configuration #3 (P = .029). Initial forces in closed chains were significantly higher than for open chains (P = .029).

Conclusions

Intermediate chain rings adjacent to the gap are not required to modulate the force. In contrast, leaving a ring unapplied in the tooth gap can help modulate the force. Open thermoset chains with an additional ring within the gap (#3) seem to produce suitable initial forces for a gap closure of 4 mm. With a residual gap width of <2 mm, open thermoset chains and closed thermoset chains (#4) seem suitable.
Decompression versus decompression plus fusion for treating degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Peng , Liu Zhenxiu , Liu Hong , Yu Yaqiong , Huang Liqun , Lu Min , Jin Xiaohong
Published: December 2022

Background

Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) is a complex clinical syndrome that leads to spinal compression. Decompression with fusion has been the most commonly used surgical procedure for treating DLSS symptoms for many years. However, the exact role of fusion and its effectiveness in DLSS therapy has recently been debated.

Objective

The main purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of decompression alone and decompression plus fusion in the treatment of DLSS with or without spondylolisthesis.

Study Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the therapeutic effects of decompression for DLSS with or without the combination of fusion.

Methods

A literature search in five relevant databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane Library was performed from the inception of the database to March 2022. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the comparison between decompression and decompression plus fusion for DLSS were included.

Results

A total of seven studies, 894 patients were analyzed in this meta‐analysis. Among these, 443 patients were included in the decompression plus fusion group while 451 patients were included in the decompression alone group. Pooled analysis showed that the combination of decompression with fusion had no superior benefits to decompression alone in terms of Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score in the first 2 years and long‐term follow‐up after surgery, also no significant difference in the improvement of back and leg pain was found between two groups. Adding fusion to decompression was associated with a longer operation time, higher complication rate, more blood loss, and extended hospital stay. Furthermore, there was no difference in reoperation rates and patients' satisfaction between the two groups at the last follow‐up.

Conclusion

Decompression plus fusion may not be associated with a better clinical outcome in ODI scores and back or leg pain improvement but with a longer duration of operation time, extended hospital stay, and more blood loss.
The effect of high‐voltage monophasic pulsed current on diabetic ulcers and their potential pathophysiologic factors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Girgis Beshoy , Carvalho Davide , Duarte José Alberto
Published: December 2022

The present review was conducted to determine the efficacy of high‐voltage monophasic pulsed current (HVMPC) in treating diabetic ulcers, assess its effect on skin lesions with each of the pathophysiologic factors potentially contributing to diabetic ulcers, evaluate its safety, and identify treatment parameters. Electronic search of PubMed, Scopus, PEDro and Google Scholar databases was conducted. The revised tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials (RoB 2), the risk of bias in non‐randomised studies‐of interventions (ROBINS‐I) and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool were used to assess risk of bias and methodological quality. Overall quality of evidence was determined using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) principles. Thirty‐two studies matched the eligibility criteria, and included 1061 patients with 1103 skin lesions of selected aetiologies; 12 randomised controlled trials were included in quantitative synthesis. HVMPC plus standard wound care (SWC) likely increased the probability of complete wound healing of pressure ulcers (PrUs) compared with sham/no stimulation plus SWC; relative risk (RR) 2.08; 95% CI: [1.42, 3.04], p = 0.0002; I2 = 0%, p = 0.61; eight studies, 358 ulcers. Although conclusive evidence regarding the effect of HVMPC on diabetic ulcers was not found, collateral evidence might suggest a potential benefit. Direct evidence, with moderate certainty, may support its efficacy in treating PrUs, albeit few adverse reactions were reported. Other observations, moreover, might indicate that this efficacy may not be limited to PrUs. Nonetheless, several aspects remain to be clarified for safe and effective application of electrical stimulation for wound healing.
Theory-derived intervention to improve oral health of older adults: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gao Xiaoli , Wong Mun Loke , Kalhan Ashish Chetan , Xie Joshua Jiaming , Siti Hajar Hamzah , Yeo Alvin Boon Keng , Allen Patrick Finbarr
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Changing health behaviours is an important and difficult task. Despite growing interest in behavioural theories and models, there is a paucity of research examining their validity in explaining oral health behaviours, and there is a need for interventional studies to assess their effectiveness in improving oral health. This study aims to test the explanatory power of the dominant psychological theories, develop theory-derived intervention and evaluate its effectiveness in improving oral health of older adults.

Methods and analysis

440 community dwelling older adults will be recruited. To be eligible for this trial, one needs to be 55–79 years old, having at least 8 natural teeth, and with no life-threatening disease, impaired cognitive function, or radiotherapy in the head and neck region. At the initial visit, each participant will be required to complete a detailed questionnaire which collects information on sociodemographic background, oral health behaviours and domains of three psychological theories and models: (1) health belief model, (2) theory of planned behaviour and (3) social cognitive theory. The theory or model that best explains the health behaviours will be selected for designing the oral health intervention. The effectiveness of the theory-derived intervention will be evaluated in a randomised controlled trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups, receiving theory-derived intervention and conventional health education, respectively. At baseline and at 12 and 24 months post intervention, each participant will complete a short questionnaire and undergo an oral examination (dental check-up). The effectiveness of the interventions will be evaluated using behavioural outcomes (diet, toothbrushing, interdental cleaning) and clinical outcomes (oral hygiene, dental caries and periodontal conditions).

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of National University of Singapore (Ref: NUS-IRB-2020-417). Findings will be presented in international conferences and peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04946292.
Qualitative study to explore UK medical students’ and junior doctors’ experiences of occupational stress and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Tawse James , Demou Evangelia
Published: December 2022

Objectives

This qualitative study aimed to explore the occupational experiences of medical students and junior doctors working during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the research sought to identify factors which mediated work stress, barriers to disclosing mental health problems and levels of support medical students and junior doctors received during the pandemic.

Design

This study was a form of thematic analysis and adopted an inductive, ‘bottom-up’ approach, in which coded categories were derived from rich, descriptive data.

Setting

Semistructured interviews were conducted online with UK-based medical students and junior doctors. Interviews were recorded, and analysis was done by coding salient quotes into themes.

Participants

The final sample consisted of seven junior doctors and eight medical students, during the summer of 2021.

Results

High levels of occupational stress were identified, which were exacerbated by COVID-19. A number of organisational difficulties associated with the pandemic compounded participants’ experiences of work stress. Participants recognised progress towards promoting and managing mental health within the profession but may still be reluctant to access support services. Barriers to disclosure included fear of stigmatisation, concerns about adding to colleagues’ workloads, lack of clarity about career implications and mistrust of occupational health services.

Conclusions

While attitudes towards mental health have improved, medical students and junior doctors may avoid seeking help. Given the immense pressures faced by health services, it is imperative that extra measures are implemented to minimise work-stress, encourage help-seeking behaviours and promote supportive work cultures.
Efficacy of perioperative intravenous lidocaine infusion on postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic lung resection surgery: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wang Fei , He Yanxia , Zhou Miyi , Luo Qingyong , Zeng Zuojia , Liu Li , Zeng Si , Lei Qian
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are the most common complications following thoracoscopic surgery, resulting in increased hospital costs and perioperative mortality. Studies have shown that intravenous lidocaine infusion can exert its anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the release of proinflammatory cytokines. This study is designed to investigate whether intraoperative intravenous lidocaine infusion can reduce the incidence of PPCs in adult patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic lung resection surgery.

Methods and analysis

This single-centre, double-blinded study will enrol 366 patients scheduled for video-assisted thoracoscopic lung resection surgery. Patients will be randomly assigned to the lidocaine or placebo infusion group in a 1: 1 ratio. The lidocaine group will receive lidocaine intravenously during the intraoperative period, while the placebo group will be administered normal saline at an equal volume, infusion rate and timing. The primary outcome is the incidence of PPCs within 7 days following surgery. The secondary outcomes are quality of postoperative recovery 40 scores; length of hospital stay (determined by the number of days from admission to discharge); incidence of moderate to severe pain within 24 and 48 hours at rest and when coughing; incidence of additional rescue analgesics use and incidence of adverse events.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital (approval no. 20222241). Written informed consent will be obtained from all patients before randomisation. The results of this trial will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200061979.
Tsallis cosmology and its applications in dark matter physics with focus on IceCube high-energy neutrino data
Authors: Jizba P. , Lambiase G.
Published: December 2022

In this paper we employ a recent proposal of C. Tsallis and formulate the first law of thermodynamics for gravitating systems in terms of the extensive but non-additive entropy. We pay a particular attention to an integrating factor for the heat one-form and show that in contrast to conventional thermodynamics it factorizes into thermal and entropic part. Ensuing two laws of thermodynamics imply Tsallis cosmology, which is then subsequently used to address the observed discrepancy between current bound on the Dark Matter relic abundance and present IceCube data on high-energy neutrinos. To resolve this contradiction we keep the conventional minimal Yukawa-type interaction between standard model and Dark Matter particles but replace the usual Friedmann field equations with Tsallis-cosmology-based modified Friedmann equations. We show that when the Tsallis scaling exponent $$\delta \sim 1.57$$

δ
∼
1.57

(or equivalently, the holographic scaling exponent $$\alpha \sim 3.13$$

α
∼
3.13

) the aforementioned discrepancy disappears.
Prediction of Compressive Strength of Concrete Using the Spearman and PCA-Based BP Neural Network
Authors: Wang Haiying , Zhao Keyu , Zhang Yingzhi , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: December 2022

Using real-time production data of concrete to predict its 28-day compressive strength has great significance for improving the engineering structure quality and overcoming the shortage of the traditional tests long period of concrete compressive strength. The current research has the shortcomings such as insufficient prediction accuracy, inadequate matching between data characteristics and model characteristics, and redundant input parameter information. This paper proposes a BP neural network prediction model optimized by Spearman and PCA. The model first uses Spearman method to reduce the number of the input variables by eliminating variables that have a low correlation with the compressive strength and then uses PCA to eliminate the correlation between material-related variables. Following this, the new uncorrelated input variables optimized by Spearman and PCA are input to the BP neural network-based model to predict the compressive strength of concrete. The results showed that it yielded the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 2.78% and the root mean-squared error (RMSE) of 1.66 MPa, far lower than the error of 4.82% and 2.92 MPa obtained by the nonoptimized BP neural network, respectively. The proposed model fully exploits real-time monitoring data from the concrete mixing station, and its results are close to those of traditional tests. It has great practical significance to guide the concrete production and construction, shorten the production cycle, and reduce the project cost.
Multi-objective load balancing in cloud infrastructure through fuzzy based decision making and genetic algorithm based optimization
Authors: George Neema , Kadan Anoop Balakrishnan , Vijayan Vinodh P.
Published: December 2022

Cloud computing became a popular technology which influence not only product development but also made technology business easy. The services like infrastructure, platform and software can reduce the complexity of technology requirement for any ecosystem. As the users of cloud-based services increases the complexity of back-end technologies also increased. The heterogeneous requirement of users in terms for various configurations creates different unbalancing issues related to load. Hence effective load balancing in a cloud system with reference to time and space become crucial as it adversely affect system performance. Since the user requirement and expected performance is multi-objective use of decision-making tools like fuzzy logic will yield good results as it uses human procedure knowledge in decision making. The overall system performance can be further improved by dynamic resource scheduling using optimization technique like genetic algorithm.