bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rotational grazing with cattle‐free zones supports the coexistence of cattle and wild herbivores in African rangelands
Authors: Herrik Ask Lykke , Mogensen Niels , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Buitenwerf Robert
Published: August 2023

African wildlife populations are declining at an alarming rate. To stop further population declines and restore ecosystems, more areas for wildlife are needed. Community‐based conservation with wildlife‐livestock coexistence in the vast rangelands of Africa presents a major opportunity. However, the efficacy of wildlife conservation in mixed land‐use areas remains an outstanding question. To assess the ecological outcomes of land‐sharing between regulated livestock herds and wildlife populations in African savannas, we test how rotational cattle grazing affects spatiotemporal dynamics of 15 large herbivore species in the Maasai Mara, Kenya.

First, we tested how wild herbivore distributions across the Greater Mara Ecosystem (the Mara, ~2600 km2) are related to cattle density and environmental variables using 584,561 observations of wild herbivores (ecosystem scale). In a second analysis, we tested how rotational cattle grazing affects wild herbivore distributions in a 300 km2 subsection of the Mara using 30,583 observations (landscape scale). Finally, we tested how functional traits of wild herbivores affect species‐level spatiotemporal responses to cattle grazing.

At the ecosystem scale, the presence of five wild herbivore species was positively correlated with cattle density, while cattle effects on wild herbivore abundances were species‐dependent with both increases and decreases. At the landscape scale, rotational cattle grazing strongly impacted the spatiotemporal habitat selection of wild herbivores, resulting in distinct lag periods with which different species are attracted to areas previously grazed by cattle. These lag periods were linked to functional traits, with body mass and herd size explaining 35% of the interspecific differences. Small to medium‐sized herbivores with large herds select areas recently grazed by cattle, whereas large species with large herd sizes and small species with small herd sizes avoid recently grazed areas.

Synthesis and applications: Our results revealed that the effect of cattle on wild herbivores varies considerably among species, suggesting that cattle‐wildlife interactions range from facilitation to competition. To maintain species that strongly avoid cattle, designated livestock‐free zones remain essential, also in rotational grazing systems. Rotational grazing systems with regulated livestock densities present an important opportunity to better manage wildlife‐livestock coexistence and thus improve wildlife conservation in African rangelands.
Grassland degradation affects the response of soil bacterial and plant but not fungal diversity to nitrogen addition
Authors: Wang Yufan , Zhang Hongjin , Yu Guomin , Dong Lizheng , Kang Jianyong , Wang Wei
Published: August 2023

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition poses serious threats to plant and soil microbial communities in natural grasslands, which can have consequences on ecosystem functioning. However, the effects of atmospheric N deposition can be modulated by grassland degradation, defined here as soil erosion, soil nutrient decline and loss of plant diversity, which has become a global threat to the functioning of these ecosystems. It remains poorly understood whether the responses of plant and soil microbial communities to N deposition vary with grassland degradation.

We conducted a 9‐year multilevel (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 g N m−2 year−1) N enrichment experiment at four sites in Inner Mongolia, China. We evaluated grassland degradation using a compound index (grassland degradation index) and classified grassland sites into four categories: non‐degraded, moderately, severely and extremely degraded grasslands. One site was selected for each category, and then three replicates were set up within each site. N was added in the form of urea.

We first observed that the response of soil bacterial diversity to N addition was stronger in degraded grasslands than in non‐degraded grasslands, whereas the response of soil fungal diversity was not affected by degradation. Meanwhile, N enrichment had a weaker impact on plant diversity in degraded grasslands compared to non‐degraded grasslands. The controlling factors that affected the responses of soil microbial diversity and community composition to N addition were inconsistent among grasslands with different degradation status. Soil pH was the main driver in non‐degraded grasslands, and plant community composition became an important driver in degraded grasslands.

Synthesis. Our findings highlighted that grassland degradation affected the response of bacterial and plant communities to N deposition and provided new information for the management and conservation of biodiversity in degraded grasslands.
The design and development of a dyscalculia checklist based on a focus group interview
Authors: Yoong Soo May , Ahmad Noor Aini , Swaran Singh Charanjit Kaur , Wong Wei Lun
Published: August 2023

This article aims to explore the symptoms and characteristics of dyscalculia. This is a qualitative study. Five experts in the field of special education took part in a focus group interview. Each expert had more than ten years of experience in their area of expertise. To determine the content validity of the protocol, three experts in special education, language and qualitative research evaluated each of the eight items. Cohen's kappa analysis was used to assess inter‐rater reliability. The findings of this study indicate that 59 items have been developed, based on six constructs in the dyscalculia checklist. The six constructs were subitising, estimating, Arabic numerals, verbal numbers, arithmetic facts and calculating processes. Following the focus group interview, a new construct emerged: math anxiety. The study implies that teachers might utilise this checklist to carry out early detection of students with dyscalculia in primary schools. This will enable appropriate intervention, resulting in significant benefits for the Ministry of Education, for educators and teachers, and for the students themselves. Although this study was based in Malaysia, the results have wider implications because dyscalculia is present everywhere.
‘We Thought We were the Only Lesbians in the World’: 1971 Vancouver and the Rise of Lesbian and Transnational Feminist Identities Between Canada and the USA
Authors: Klein Candice
Published: August 2023

Lesbian feminists in Vancouver cite the 1971 Vancouver Indochinese Women's Conference (VIWC) as a critical moment in the formation of solidarity networks and community building. In the months leading up to, and during the 1971 VIWC, lesbians forged long‐lasting connections with one another across regional and international borders. As a result of these efforts, these early lesbian feminists developed meaningful lesbian support networks that would continue for over fifty years. The VIWC was a watershed event for lesbians across the North American West.
The impact of labelling students with learning difficulties on teacher self‐efficacy in differentiated instruction
Authors: Porta Tom , Todd Nicole
Published: August 2023

Differentiated instruction (DI) is a pedagogical framework to which all students can be engaged in their learning and achieve academically in their schooling. While DI is for all students, there is little research in DI for students with learning difficulties, in senior‐secondary schools in Australia. This research formed part of a larger study, which recruited 12 participants across two Australian states, to investigate how teachers in senior‐secondary schooling, differentiate for students with learning difficulties. Findings indicated that when students had labelled learning difficulties as recognised by other professionals, teachers expressed being able to differentiate more easily with greater self‐efficacy, as compared with differentiating for students who teachers themselves considered were experiencing difficulties in their learning but had no label assigned to them. Teachers voiced that learning difficulties was a broad concept, with each teacher defining learning difficulties differently. This suggests that with the broad nature of learning difficulties, teachers may struggle to differentiate accordingly, leading to lower self‐efficacy beliefs. While labelled learning difficulties provide guidance for differentiating, this may also see teachers differentiating based on preconceived ideas and for students with special needs, rather than individual students' current understanding. Implications for future practice are discussed.
Practical benzylation of N,N‐substituted ethanolamines related to chemical warfare agents for analysis and detection by electron ionization gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Valdez Carlos A. , Vu Alexander K. , Hok Saphon , Alcaraz Armando
Published: August 2023

The benzylation of three low molecular weight N,N‐disubstituted ethanolamines related to chemical warfare agents (CWAs) to furnish derivatives with improved gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) profiles is described. Due to their low molecular weight and polar nature, N,N‐disubstituted ethanolamines are notoriously difficult to detect by routine GC‐MS analyses during Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) proficiency tests (PTs), particularly in scenarios when they are present at low levels (~1–10 ppm) amidst more abundant interferences. Our studies revealed that the optimal derivatization conditions involved the treatment of the ethanolamine with benzyl bromide in the presence of an inorganic base (e.g., Na2CO3) in dichloromethane at 55°C for 2 h. This optimized set of conditions was then successfully applied to the derivatization of N,N‐dimethylethanolamine, N,N‐diethylethanolamine and N,N‐diisopropylethanolamine present separately at 1 and 10 μg/mL concentrations in a glycerol‐rich matrix sample featured in the 48th OPCW PT. The benzylated derivatives of the three ethanolamines possessed retention times long enough to clear the massive glycerol‐containing matrix interferences. The protocol herein is introduced as an alternative method for derivatization of these CWA and pharmaceutically important species and should find broad applicability in laboratories where routine forensic analysis is carried out.
Is there hybridization between 2 species of the same genus in sympatry?—The genetic relationships between Anoplophora glabripennis, Anoplophora chinensis, and putative hybrids
Authors: Qin Haiwen , Xu Huachao , Capron Arnaud , Porth Ilga , Cui Mingming , Keena Melody A. , Deng Xiaofang , Shi Juan , Hamelin Richard C.
Published: August 2023

Anoplophora glabripennis (Asian longhorn beetle, ALB) and Anoplophora chinensis (Citrus longhorn beetle, CLB) are native forest pests in China; they have become important international quarantine pests. They are found using the same Salix aureo‐pendula host tree of Cixi, Zhejiang province, China. On this host tree, we collected additional beetles that appeared to be morphologically intermediate between ALB and CLB. By using a stereoscope, we observed that there were several bumps on the base of the elytra, which was inconsistent with ALB, which typically has a smooth elytral base, but was more like CLB, which has numerous short tubercles on the elytral base. Given their sympatry and intermediate morphology, we hypothesized that these may represent ALB × CLB hybrids. We studied the genomic profiles for 46 samples (ALB, CLB, and putative hybrids) using genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) providing a reduced representation of the entire genome. Employing principal component analyses on the 163 GBS‐derived single nucleotide polymorphism data, we found putative hybrids tightly clustered with ALB, but genetically distinct from the CLB individuals. Therefore, our initial hybrid hypothesis was not supported by genomic data. Further, while mating experiments between adult ALB and CLB were successful in 4 separate years (2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021), and oviposition behavior was observed, no progeny was produced. Having employed population genomic analysis and biological hybridization experiments, we conclude that the putative hybrids represent newly discovered morphological variants within ALB. Our approach further confirmed the advantage of genome‐wide information for Anoplophora species assignment in certain ambiguous classification cases.
Nocebo response intensity and influencing factors in the randomized clinical trials of functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Rui Jie , Zhang Qing Qing , Feng Yu Qing , Pei Qiao Qiao , He Xuan Xuan , Chen Fu Ping , Wang Dong Ke , Liu Xing Huang , Liu Jin Song , Hou Xiao Hua , Bai Tao
Published: August 2023

Objectives

In this study we aimed to evaluate the nocebo response rate in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) and to explore its influencing factors.

Methods

A literature search of the EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted for all articles published up to March 2021. Randomized, parallel‐designed, placebo‐controlled trials on pharmacological interventions for patients with FD were included. A meta‐analysis that utilized random effects to analyze the incidence of adverse events (AEs) among participants who were given placebo was conducted, and the correlation between trial characteristics and the magnitude of the nocebo response rate was analyzed.

Results

Altogether, 27 studies including 1866 paitents were deemed eligible and included in the analysis. The total nocebo response rate was 26% (95% confidence interval [CI] 18%–33%). The most frequently reported AEs included nasopharyngitis (9%), constipation (6%), headache (5%), and diarrhea (3%). There were significant differences in nocebo response rates among studies conducted in different country or region, treatment duration, types of medication, sponsorship and different versions of the Rome criteria used for FD diagnosis. While number of centers engaged in the study, types of FD diagnosis and dosing frequency were not significantly associated with the nocebo response rate.

Conclusions

Patients with FD exhibit notable nocebo response strength in clinical trials. The researchers should adopt a more careful approach when analyzing the relationships between AEs and interventions in such trials.
Drivers of enhanced evaporative demand in U.S. croplands: Determining relative contribution using constrained input scenarios
Authors: Kukal M. S. , Kukal S. , Irmak S. , Vellidis G.
Published: August 2023

Altered evaporative demand is a global phenomenon observed over recent decades, however, such change has not been attributed explicitly to specific meteorological drivers, hampering consensus on what has caused such change. Here we investigate exactly how much individual drivers have contributed to long‐term grass‐reference evapotranspiration (ETo) change within conterminous United States (CONUS), with an emphasis on agricultural croplands. Using scenarios that constrain individual drivers i.e., air temperatures (T), relative humidity (RH), solar radiation (Rs), and wind speeds (U2) to their climatologies, we determined their relative contribution toward ETo change at monthly and annual scales. Annual ETo increased by 111 mm, or >2 standard deviations (SD) relative to the 1981–2000 baseline, accompanied by strong increase in Rs (2.7 SD), U2 (2.5 SD), T (1.1 SD), and decreased RH (2.3 SD) in regions that account for one‐third of calories produced in the U.S. Annual ETo increase was attributed primarily to T (relative contribution of 36%), followed by Rs (29%), U2 (18%), and RH (17%) with significant spatial and seasonal variability. During agriculturally critical summer months, Rs was the dominant driver with a 40%–50% relative contribution, and other three drivers were roughly equally important. These findings address demand‐side of agricultural water use and imply long‐term change in crop functions and performance, water security, and planning across aridity gradients.
Changes in soil microbial communities after exposure to neonicotinoids: A systematic review
Authors: Akter Sharmin , Hulugalle Nilantha R. , Jasonsmith Julia , Strong Craig L.
Published: August 2023

Neonicotinoids are a group of nicotine‐related chemicals widely used as insecticides in agriculture. Several studies have shown measurable quantities of neonicotinoids in the environment but little is known regarding their impact on soil microbial populations. The purpose of this systematic review was to clarify the effects of neonicotinoids on soil microbiology and to highlight any knowledge gaps. A formal systematic review was performed following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses) guidelines using keywords in PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science. This resulted in 29 peer‐reviewed articles, whose findings diverged widely because of variable methodologies. Field‐based studies were few (28%). Imidacloprid was the most widely used (66%) and soil microbial communities were most sensitive to it. Spray formulations were used in 83% of the studies and seed treatments in the rest. Diversity indices were the most frequently reported soil microbial parameter (62%). About 45% of the studies found that neonicotinoids had adverse impacts on soil microbial community structure, composition, diversity, functioning, enzymatic activity and nitrogen transformation. Interactions with soil physicochemical properties were poorly addressed in all studies. The need for more research, particularly field‐based research on the effects of neonicotinoids on soil microorganisms was highlighted by this review.
CEO turnovers and capital structure persistence
Authors: Staneva Viktoriya
Published: August 2023

Firm fixed effects in panel leverage regressions act as a noisy proxy for managerial effects that drive persistence in leverage. Firms that do not change their chief executive officer (CEO) for prolonged periods of time are more likely to keep debt ratios within a narrow bandwidth and to display persistent differences in their time‐series averages for up to 20 years. A CEO turnover is associated with considerable modifications to the financing policy of the firm. Significant capital structure changes take place immediately after a new executive takes office and leverage ratios remain relatively stable for the remaining tenure of the CEO.
Opportunities for research and conservation of freshwater turtles in Australia
Authors: Bower Deborah S. , McKnight Donald T. , Sullivan Kyra , Macdonald Stewart L. , Georges Arthur , Clulow Simon , Mathwin Rupert , Connell Marilyn J. , Nelson Holly V. , Santoro Anthony , Nordstrom Bethany , Van Dyke James U. , Kidman Rosie A. , Streeting Louise M. , Dillon Martin L. , Spencer Ricky‐John , Thompson Michael B. , Nordberg Eric J.
Published: August 2023

Australia's freshwater turtles have high endemicity and many are threatened by extinction. Following a symposium held at the 2022 conference of the Australian Society of Herpetologists, we summarized the current status of research and conservation for Australian freshwater turtles and identified opportunities for future research. Eight species (32%) of Australia's 25 native freshwater turtles are listed as threatened by Australia's Federal Government. Symposium discussions on the primary gaps in research identified the lack of baseline data to inform population modelling as a key deficiency. Knowledge of the most effective conservation actions, the effectiveness of attempts to aid population recovery, and whether these actions are required at all, remains lacking for many species. A heavy bias exists between some well‐studied species compared with others for which little or no information is published. Community science, engagement with First Nations people, advances in technology, and recognition of the importance of turtles are contributing to better knowledge.
Phylogenetic placement and description of Ngaliadessus humphreysi gen. et sp. nov., Watts & Villastrigo (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae), a subterranean diving beetle from the Ngalia Basin in central Australia
Authors: Watts Christopher H. S. , Villastrigo Adrián , Langille Barbara L. , Stringer Danielle N. , Bradford Tessa M. , Humphreys William F. , Austin Andrew D. , Balke Michael , Cooper Steven J. B.
Published: August 2023

The largest diversity in the world of subterranean diving beetles (Dytiscidae) has been discovered in underground waters of the Australian arid zone. The majority of species are from the Dytiscidae genera Limbodessus Guignot, 1939 (Bidessini) and Paroster Sharp, 1882 (Hydroporini) and are distributed within two major regions: calcrete islands of central Western Australia and the Ngalia Basin of the Northern Territory. Here, we use an integrative approach based on morphological and molecular analyses to describe Ngaliadessus humphreysi gen. et sp. nov. Watts & Villastrigo representing a new genus and species of stygobiotic Bidessini collected from a single well in the Ngalia Basin. Phylogenetic analyses using whole mitochondrial genome, Histone 3 and 18S rRNA data, representing a comprehensive coverage of Bidessini genera, support the distinction of the genus and species as a separate evolutionary lineage sister to the Australasian genus Limbodessus and the widely distributed genus Allodessus Guignot, 1953. Our study further confirms that the Ngalia Basin, containing 13 subterranean dytiscid species from four distinct genera, is one of the most speciose areas within the world's most diverse hotspot of subterranean diving beetles.
Indigenous Military Inclusion: A Settler Colonial Critique of the Regional Force Surveillance Units
Authors: Caso Federica
Published: August 2023

In the context of this special issue's inquiry into whether it is possible to decolonise Australian international relations, this article investigates the service of Indigenous people in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The military is a crucial site to investigate the colonial state of Australian international relations not only because it is an institution that performs key international relations practices such as war and diplomacy, but also because it defines and projects the identity of the state both domestically and internationally. In the past two decades, there has been a sustained effort to include Indigenous people in the ADF. An inclusive and multicultural defence purports to represent a post‐colonial state where Indigenous and non‐Indigenous people stand next to one another for the defence of their shared country. However, in Australia, Indigenous people do not enjoy the wealth of the nation equally and remain dispossessed from their land and economically disadvantaged. Using discourse analysis of publicly available materials praising Indigenous military inclusion, this article argues that the inclusion of Indigenous people in the Australian Defence Force risks further entrenching the settler colonial project.
Imaginal research for unlearning mastery: Divination with tarot as decolonizing methodology
Authors: Greenberg Yvan
Published: August 2023

Tarot use has become increasingly popular in contemporary society. However, unlike the position afforded divination in some cultures, it is not culturally consecrated as a legitimate way of knowing in the so‐called Modern West—in large part, due to the attempted disenchantment of the world by the colonial project of modernity. This paper posits that engagement with tarot divination can be a decolonizing methodology. I explore how divination's dependence on chance, the imagination, and engagement with spirits can heal the Cartesian mental models that underly modernity's hold on our society. Academic writing on divination has, until recently, largely been authored by people who are not also practitioners of divination themselves. Writing as both a scholar and practitioner of tarot, I use the cards as a form of “imaginal research” to directly assist in the creation of this paper—allowing the tarot itself to speak (as much as me speak about it).
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the efficacy of different optical interventions on the control of myopia in children
Authors: Sarkar Samrat , Khuu Sieu , Kang Pauline
Published: August 2023

To compare the treatment efficacy of childhood myopia control optical interventions [spectacles, soft contact lenses (SCLs) and orthokeratology (OK) lenses], explore the consistency of treatment efficacies during the treatment period and evaluate the impact of baseline spherical equivalent refraction (SER), axial length (AL) and age on the treatment effect. A literature search of EMBASE, PubMed and Google Scholar databases identified 220 articles published between January 2000 and April 2022, which reported the treatment efficacy by differences in the SER and AL change between intervention and control groups. Thirty‐five articles were included in the analysis. Treatment effect sizes (ESs) were calculated, where more positive and negative directions indicated greater treatment efficacy for SER and AL respectively. For SER, the ESs with peripheral add design spectacles (0.66) and SCLs (0.53) were large but not significantly different between treatment types (p = 0.69). For AL, ESs with peripheral add design spectacles (−0.37), SCLs (−0.55) and OK lenses (−0.93) were large, but OK lenses had a significantly greater effect than peripheral add design spectacles (p ≤ 0.001). ESs were large during the first 12 months of treatment for all interventions [peripheral add design SCLs and OK (F ≥ 5.39, p ≤ 0.01), peripheral add design spectacles (F = 0.47, p = 0.63)] but reduced towards the end of 24–36 months of treatment. Baseline SER had an impact on the treatment effect with peripheral add design spectacles only. Optical interventions are efficacious in controlling childhood myopia progression. However, treatment effects were largest only during the first 12 months of treatment and reduced over time.
Economic performance of rural collective‐owned cooperatives: Determinants and influence mechanism
Authors: Wang Jiayi , Wang Yongping
Published: August 2023

Rural collective‐owned cooperatives (RCOCs) have received significant attention for rural development, alleviating rural poverty, and achieving common welfare in China. Using the Social‐ecological system (SES) framework as a conceptual and analytical lens, this paper clarifies the determinants and the influence mechanism for the economic performance of RCOCs. A mixed method, PLS‐SEM combined NCA approach is applied to 420 smallholder farmers in rural China. The results reveal that rural collective property‐rights system reform (RCPRSR), leadership, social capital, and collective action positively affect the economic performance of RCOCs. Moreover, leadership and social capital also operate through their mediating effect on collective action amongst collective members. Our results further show that RCPRSR, leadership, and social capital are necessary conditions for the high economic performance of RCOCs.
What happened to field practicum in social work education during COVID‐19? Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Das Tulshi Kumar , Paul Krittebas , Bhattacharjee Priyanka
Published: August 2023

Field practicum is an integral part of social work education, and students of bachelor's and master's levels need to gain the requisite experience of field practicum to achieve the degrees. Like many practice‐based disciplines, social work has been facing enormous challenges in arranging field practicum during COVID‐19. This qualitative study aims to understand the experiences of social work faculties, students, and agency representatives for field practicum in the time of the COVID crisis in Bangladesh. Four public universities having social work schools were selected purposively and a total of 18 in‐depth interviews and four Key Informant Interviews were conducted with different stakeholders related to field practicum. The study finds that though theoretical classes were conducted using online platforms, students faced many hurdles in completing their field practicum. Several innovative strategies, such as community‐based field practice, delaying completion of field practicum, reducing daily working hours, etc. were followed to adapt to the new normal situation. This pandemic seemed to be a lesson for everyone to think of an alternative arrangement for field practicum, such as developing a flexible curriculum, virtual fieldwork, community‐based field practice, field meetings, concurrent fieldwork, etc.
Drugs and bruxism: A study in the World Health Organization's pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Montastruc Jean‐Louis
Published: August 2023

Bruxism is a movement disorder of uncertain aetiology. Beside local peripheral and central psychological factors, drugs were suspected. Using the World Health Organization (WHO) global pharmacovigilance database, Vigibase®, we investigated through disproportionality analyses potential associations between exposure to drugs and bruxism reports. All reports of bruxism in adults between 01/01/2000 and 31/12/2022 were included. Results are expressed as reporting odds ratio (ROR). Among the 564 reports of bruxism, an association was found with eight antidepressants (first sertraline followed by escitalopram, venlafaxine, vortioxetine, citalopram, paroxetine, fluoxetine, duloxetine) and four antipsychotics (first ziprasidone followed by aripiprazole, olanzapine, risperidone). A signal was also described for oxybate sodium and metoclopramide. For antidepressants, a negative association was found between ROR values and NET (norepinephrine transporter) but not SERT (serotonin transporter) pKi values, suggesting this ADR is more closely linked to norepinephrine than serotonin reuptake inhibition.
The birth center model of care: Staffing, business characteristics, and core clinical outcomes
Authors: Jolles Diana R. , Niemczyk Nancy , Hoehn Velasco Lauren , Wallace Jacqueline , Wright Jennifer , Stapleton Susan , Flynn Cynthia , Pelletier‐Butler Paula , Versace Autumn , Marcelle Ebony , Thornton Patrick , Bauer Kate
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Interest in expanding access to the birth center model is growing. The purpose of this research is to describe birth center staffing models and business characteristics and explore relationships to perinatal outcomes.

Methods

This descriptive analysis includes a convenience sample of all 84 birth center sites that participated in the AABC Site Survey and AABC Perinatal Data Registry between 2012 and 2020. Selected independent variables include staffing model (CNM/CM or CPM/LM), legal entity status, birth volume/year, and hours of midwifery call/week. Perinatal outcomes include rates of induction of labor, cesarean birth, exclusive breastfeeding, birthweight in pounds, low APGAR scores, and neonatal intensive care admission.

Results

The birth center model of care is demonstrated to be safe and effective, across a variety of staffing and business models. Outcomes for both CNM/CM and CPM/LM models of care exceed national benchmarks for perinatal quality with low induction, cesarean, NICU admission, and high rates of breastfeeding. Within the sample of medically low‐risk multiparas, variations in clinical outcomes were correlated with business characteristics of the birth center, specifically annual birth volume. Increased induction of labor and cesarean birth, with decreased success breastfeeding, were present within practices characterized as high volume (>200 births/year). The research demonstrates decreased access to the birth center model of care for Black and Hispanic populations.

Conclusions for Practice

Between 2012 and 2020, 84 birth centers across the United States engaged in 90,580 episodes of perinatal care. Continued policy development is necessary to provide risk‐appropriate care for populations of healthy, medically low‐risk consumers.
Longitudinal reactions of maxillary sinus in patients treated with multiple zygomatic implants: A modified radiographic evaluation with clinical follow‐up
Authors: Jin Shufang , Ma Hailong , Ling Xiaowan , Tao Baoxin , Wang Feng , Wu Yiqun
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To investigate the effects of zygomatic implant placement on the maxillary sinus using radiographic and clinical indicators.

Methods

Patients with an atrophic maxilla who underwent zygomatic implant placement were included. The thickness and morphology of the Schneiderian membrane (SM), infundibular obstruction, and posterior bone wall of the maxillary sinus were analyzed. The generalized estimating equation and chi‐square tests were performed to compare the measurements.

Results

Fifty patients with 100 maxillary sinuses were included. In total, 148 zygomatic implants and 105 regular implants were placed in the maxilla. Overall, the mean pre‐ and postoperative SM thickness was 2.79 ± 3.26 mm and 3.97 ± 5.45 mm, respectively (p = 0.063). In sinuses with two zygomatic implants, the SM thickness increased significantly from 2.12 ± 2.14 mm preoperatively to 4.07 ± 6.14 mm postoperatively (p = 0.026). The number of sinuses with type IV morphology (fully radiopaque) increased from zero preoperatively to six (13%) postoperatively. Sinuses with a single zygomatic implant showed no difference in the pre‐ and postoperative SM thickness. Postoperatively, six sinuses had infundibulum obstructions. Postoperative osteitis of the bilateral sinuses was found in two patients.

Conclusions

We have proposed a new imaging evaluation method and system for evaluating the maxillary sinus response. Preoperative infundibulum obstruction combined with mucosal thickening and double zygomatic implant placement are more likely to induce postoperative maxillary sinus mucositis and osteitis.
The potential role of glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism in the treatment of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Li Hangzhen , Zeng Fancai , Huang Cancan , Pu Qiqi , Thomas Elizabeth Rosalind , Chen Yan , Li Xiang
Published: August 2023

Purpose of Review

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease, which can cause progressive deterioration of motor function causing muscle stiffness, tremor, and bradykinesia. In this review, we hope to describe approaches that can improve the life of PD patients through modifications of energy metabolism.

Recent Findings

The main pathological features of PD are the progressive loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons and the production of Lewy bodies. Abnormal aggregation of α‐synuclein (α‐Syn) leading to the formation of Lewy bodies is closely associated with neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. The main causes of PD are said to be mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, and abnormal protein aggregation. Presence of abnormal energy metabolism is another cause of PD. Many studies have found significant differences between neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic decompensation, which has become a biological hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases.

In this review, we highlight the relationship between abnormal energy metabolism (Glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism) and PD. Improvement of key molecules in glucose metabolism, fat metabolism, and amino acid metabolism (e.g., glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, triglycerides, and levodopa) might be potentially beneficial in PD. Some of these metabolic indicators may serve well during the diagnosis of PD. In addition, modulation of these metabolic pathways may be a potential target for the treatment and prevention of PD.
Design and validation of pictograms and educational video clips to improve the knowledge of skin care and protection: Comprehension and recall among professional hospital cleaners
Authors: Sedeh Farnam B. , Michaelsdóttir Thórunn E. , Mortensen Ole S. , Jemec Gregor E. , Ibler Kristina S.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Insufficient knowledge about protection and care of the skin among Danish hospital cleaners, particularly immigrant cleaners, is guessed to be a widespread issue that can increase the likelihood of them developing occupational hand eczema (OHE). This study aimed to design and validate 10 pictograms and 10 short video clips showing recommendations for skin care that would help prevent OHE among professional cleaners.

Methods

Ten pictograms and 10 short, educational video clips, based on standard, recommended information were developed in collaboration with a medical illustrator and a video director. The materials were validated in a two‐step process that included bus drivers (primary validation) and professional cleaners (secondary validation).

Results

During the primary validation, 5 of the 10 pictograms (50%) were comprehended correctly by at least 85%. Those that were misinterpreted, were modified and retested several times until they were understood correctly by at least 85%. During the secondary validation, all 10 pictograms achieved acceptable levels of comprehension among professional cleaners. All the video clips were comprehended correctly by both bus drivers and cleaners.

Conclusion

Ten easy‐to‐understand pictograms and 10 educational video clips for cleaners about the prevention of OHE have been designed and validated.
Pelvic floor imaging in asymptomatic subjects
Authors: Hainsworth Alison J. , Premakumar Yaamini S. , Griffin Nyree , Solanki Deepa , Morris Samantha J. , Ferrari Linda , Emmanuel Anton , Taylor Stuart , Schizas Alexis M. P. , Williams Andrew B.
Published: August 2023

Aim

The aim of this work was to determine the range of normal imaging features during total pelvic floor ultrasound (TPFUS) (transperineal, transvaginal, endovaginal and endoanal) and defaecation MRI (dMRI).

Method

Twenty asymptomatic female volunteers (mean age 36.5 years) were prospectively investigated with dMRI and TPFUS. Subjects were screened with symptom questionnaires (ICIQ‐B, St Mark's faecal incontinence score, obstructed defaecation syndrome score, ICIQ‐V, BSAQ). dMRI and TPFUS were performed and interpreted by blinded clinicians according to previously published methods.

Results

The subjects comprised six parous and 14 nulliparous women, of whom three were postmenopausal. There were three with a rectocoele on both modalities and one with a rectocoele on dMRI only. There was one with intussusception on TPFUS. Two had an enterocoele on both modalities and one on TPFUS only. There were six with a cystocoele on both modalities, one on dMRI only and one on TPFUS only. On dMRI, there were 12 with functional features. Four also displayed functional features on TPFUS. Two displayed functional features on TPFUS only.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the presence of abnormal findings on dMRI and TPFUS without symptoms. There was a high rate of functional features on dMRI. This series is not large enough to redefine normal parameters but is helpful for appreciating the wide range of findings seen in health.
Autoimmunerkrankungen der Haut und SARS‐CoV‐2‐Impfung – eine Metaanalyse
Authors: Hinterseher Julia , Hertl Michael , Didona Dario
Published: August 2023

Hintergrund und Ziele

Das Coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2, welches bei infizierten Patienten die COVID‐19‐Erkrankung auslöst, führte zu einer weltweiten Pandemie. Obwohl die SARS‐CoV‐2‐Impfung einen stark positiven Einfluss auf den Verlauf von COVID‐19 hatte, mehren sich die Hinweise auf Nebenwirkungen nach der SARS‐CoV‐2‐Impfung. Diese Metaanalyse unterstreicht den Zusammenhang zwischen der SARS‐CoV‐2‐Impfung und der Neuentstehung oder Verschlechterung von entzündlichen und autoimmunen Hauterkrankungen.

Materialien und Methodik

Eine systematische Metaanalyse der Literatur über das Neuauftreten oder die Verschlechterung von entzündlichen und autoimmunen Hauterkrankungen nach der SARS‐CoV‐2‐Impfung wurde gemäß den PRISMA‐Richtlinien durchgeführt. Die Suchstrategie umfasste folgende Begriffe: „COVID‐19/SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine bullous pemphigoid/pemphigus vulgaris/systemic lupus erythematosus/dermatomyositis/lichen planus/leukocytoclastic vasculitis“ Außerdem beschreiben wir repräsentative Fälle aus unserer dermatologischen Abteilung.

Ergebnisse

Die Datenbanksuche in MEDLINE ergab bis zum 30.06.2022 31 Veröffentlichungen über bullöses Pemphigoid, 24 über Pemphigus vulgaris, 65 über systemischen Lupus erythematodes, neun über Dermatomyositis, 30 über Lichen planus und 37 über leukozytoklastische Vaskulitis. Schweregrad und Ansprechen auf die Behandlung waren bei den beschriebenen Fällen unterschiedlich.

Schlussfolgerungen

Unsere Metaanalyse zeigt einen Zusammenhang zwischen der SARS‐CoV‐2‐Impfung und dem Neuauftreten oder der Verschlechterung von entzündlichen und autoimmunen Hauterkrankungen. Darüber hinaus wurde das Ausmaß der Krankheitsverschlechterung anhand von Fällen aus unserer dermatologischen Abteilung veranschaulicht.
Glucose‐lowering treatment pathways of individuals with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes 2012 risk classification
Authors: Pollock Carol , Sanchez Juan Jose Garcia , Carrero Juan‐Jesus , Kumar Supriya , Pecoits‐Filho Roberto , Lam Carolyn S. P. , Chen Hungta , Kanda Eiichiro , Lainscak Mitja , Wheeler David C.
Published: August 2023

Aims

To describe treatment pathways for key glucose‐lowering therapies in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) using retrospective data from DISCOVER CKD (NCT04034992).

Methods

Data were extracted from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) linked to Hospital Episode Statistics data (2008–2020) and the US integrated Limited Claims and Electronic Health Records Database (LCED; 2012–2019). Eligible individuals were aged ≥18 years with CKD, identified by two consecutive estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measures (15–<75 mL/min/1.73 m2; 90–730 days apart; index date was the second measurement) and T2D. Chronological treatment pathways for glucose‐lowering therapies prescribed on or after CKD index to end of follow‐up were computed. Median time and proportion of overall follow‐up time on treatment were described for each therapy by database and by eGFR and urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) categories.

Results

Of 36,951 and 4339 eligible individuals in the CPRD and LCED, respectively, median baseline eGFR was 67.8 and 64.9 mL/min/1.73 m2; 64.2 and 63.9% received metformin prior to index; and median (interquartile range) time on metformin during follow‐up was 917 (390–1671) and 454 (192–850) days (accounting for ~75% of follow‐up time in both databases). The frequency of combination treatment increased over time. There were trends towards decreased metformin prescriptions with decreasing eGFR and increasing UACR within each eGFR category.

Conclusions

Individuals with CKD and T2D had many combinations of therapies and substantial follow‐up time on therapy. These results highlight opportunities for improved CKD management.
Growth impact of status seeking behavior: A counter example
Authors: Beladi Hamid , Marjit Sugata , Hati Koushik Kumar
Published: August 2023

This paper analyzes the impact of status seeking behavior on the growth of income. Conventional wisdom suggests that such behavior should stimulate the growth rate. We introduce a general status indicator as an average of relative income and another that reflects relative expenditure on a status good in a simple dynamic model. We show that the conventional approach, which includes only concern for relative income, matters for growth. Otherwise, higher relative expenditure on a status good does not have any additional impact on optimal growth beyond the golden rule. Thus, the accepted wisdom that relative status concern always stimulates incentive for growth is called into question and provides fresh policy perspective.
Impact of fully online flipped classroom on academic achievement in undergraduate dental education: An experimental study
Authors: Karaca Ozan , Çınarcık Buğse Şakı , Aşık Aslı , Sağlam Ceren , Yiğit Yasemin , Hakverdi Gülden , Yetkiner Arzu Aykut , Ersin Nazan
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The last two decades have seen a shift towards blended learning in education due to technological advancements. This study focuses on dental education, comparing two blended learning models ‐enriched virtual and fully online flipped classroom ‐ in terms of academic achievement, aligning with the Association for Dental Education in Europe's competencies.

Materials and Methods

The research was modelled in a quantitative design with a pre–post‐test control group experimental design. The study was conducted at Ege University Faculty of Dentistry in Turkey for 4 weeks with the experimental (n = 44) and control (n = 39) groups divided into two groups by impartial assignment. To the experimental group, the theoretical part of the course was tried to be conveyed before each lesson with video lessons prepared with EdPuzzle containing reinforcement questions and a question set consisting of case questions. The practical learning objectives of the course were tried to be gained through the discussion of the previously presented case questions in the online synchronous course. As tools for collecting data, a unique academic achievement test, a course evaluation form and a semi‐structured qualitative data collection form were used.

Results

It was seen that the flipped classroom model had a more positive effect on students' academic achievement than the enriched virtual classroom model. The general satisfaction levels of the participants regarding these two models are also higher in favour of the flipped classroom model.

Conclusion

This study provides significant findings for educational institutions, policymakers and educators about the impact of fully online teaching methods on academic achievement. In this context, the flipped classroom method can be preferred both in cases where education is blocked and in dental education institutions that want to ensure digital transformation efficiently and partially remotely.
De novo CLPTM1 variants with reduced GABAAR current response in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Liu Nana , Li Jinliang , Gao Kai , Perszyk Riley E. , Zhang Jing , Wang Jingmin , Wu Ye , Jenkins Andrew , Yuan Hongjie , Traynelis Stephen F. , Jiang Yuwu
Published: August 2023

Objective

To investigate the clinical features and potential pathogenesis mechanism of de novo CLPTM1 variants associated with epilepsy.

Methods

Identify de novo genetic variants associated with epilepsy by reanalyzing trio‐based whole‐exome sequencing data. We analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients with these variants and performed functional in vitro studies in cells expressing mutant complementary DNA for these variants using whole‐cell voltage‐clamp current recordings and outside‐out patch‐clamp recordings from transiently transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells.

Results

Two de novo missense variants related to epilepsy were identified in the CLPTM1 gene. Functional studies indicated that CLPTM1‐p.R454H and CLPTM1‐p.R568Q variants reduced the γ‐aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABAAR) current response amplitude recorded under voltage clamp compared to the wild‐type receptors. These variants also reduced the charge transfer and altered the time course of desensitization and deactivation following rapid removal of GABA. The surface expression of the GABAAR γ2 subunit from the CLPTM1‐p.R568Q group was significantly reduced compared to CLPTM1‐WT.

Significance

This is the first report of functionally relevant variants within the CLPTM1 gene. Patch‐clamp recordings showed that these de novo CLPTM1 variants reduce GABAAR currents and charge transfer, which should promote excitation and hypersynchronous activity. This study may provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of the CLPTM1 variants underlying the patients’ phenotypes, as well as for exploring potential therapeutic targets for epilepsy.