bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unloading in cardiogenic shock: the rationale and current evidence
Authors: Besch Lisa , Schrage Benedikt
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

Discussing the rationale and current evidence for left ventricular unloading in cardiogenic shock.

Recent findings

Microaxial flow pumps (MFP) and intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) augment cardiac output while simultaneously unloading the left ventricle (e.g. reducing left ventricular pressure), thereby targeting a key mechanism of cardiogenic shock. A recent randomized trial has shown a mortality reduction with MFP in selected patients with cardiogenic shock, strengthening the rationale for this strategy, although the evidence for the IABP is so far neutral. MFP/IABP can also be used concomitantly with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (va-ECMO) to alleviate the va-ECMO-related increase in left ventricular afterload, to facilitate weaning and ultimately to improve myocardial recovery and prognosis of affected patients. However, the use of MFP/IABP in this indication solely relies on retrospective data, which need to be interpreted with caution, especially as these strategies are associated with more complications. Currently ongoing randomized trials will help to further clarify the role of left ventricular unloading in patients on va-ECMO.

Left ventricular unloading addresses a key mechanism of cardiogenic shock, with strong evidence to support MFP use in selected patients, but further randomized controlled trials are required to clarify the role of different devices/strategies for the overall shock population.
Cardiogenic shock trajectories: is the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions definition the right one?
Authors: Dorian David , Thomson Ross J. , Lim Hoong Sern , Proudfoot Alastair G.
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

We review the current Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) cardiogenic shock classification system and consider alternatives or iterations that may enhance our current descriptions of cardiogenic shock trajectory.

Recent findings

Several studies have identified the potential prognostic value of serial SCAI stage re-assessment, usually within the first 24 h of shock onset, to predict deterioration and clinical outcomes across shock causes. In parallel, numerous registry-based analyses support the utility of a more precise assessment of the macrocirculation and microcirculation, leveraging invasive haemodynamics, imaging and additional laboratory and clinical markers. The emergence of machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities offers the opportunity to integrate multimodal data into high fidelity, real-time metrics to more precisely define trajectory and inform our therapeutic decision making.

Whilst the SCAI staging system remains a pivotal tool in cardiogenic shock assessment, communication and reassessment, it is vital that the sophistication with which we measure and assess shock trajectory evolves in parallel our understanding of the complexity and variability of clinical course and clinical outcomes.
Cancer and sepsis: future challenges for long-term outcome
Authors: Bianchi Antoine , Mokart Djamel , Leone Marc
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to investigate the long-term outcomes of cancer patients who experience sepsis or septic shock.

Recent findings

Sepsis is a frequent cause of ICU admission in cancer patients, accounting for approximately 15% of such cases. Short-term mortality rates among these patients vary widely across studies, but they are consistently found to be slightly higher than those of noncancer patients. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the long-term outcomes of cancer patients who have experienced sepsis or septic shock. The few available studies have reported relatively high mortality rates, reaching around 80% in a few cohort studies. Although several observational studies have noted a decrease in 1-year mortality rates over time, observational data also suggest that sepsis may increase the risk of cancer in the long run.

As cancer is becoming a chronic disease, there is an urgent need for studies on the quality of life of cancer patients who have experienced sepsis. The relationship between sepsis and cancer extends beyond its impact on the progression of cancer, as sepsis might also contribute to the development of cancer.
Supporting the Nurse Preceptor Role
Authors: Kriz Tiffany M. , Brown Alexandra , Bonner Nancy
Published: June 2024

Nurse preceptors are key to the successful transition of graduate nurses to practice and experienced nurses to a new organization. Providing ongoing preceptor development is essential to support nurses in this vital role. The evidence-based R2C2 (relationship, reaction, content, coach) feedback and coaching model was implemented to facilitate the delivery of constructive feedback from nurse preceptors to their orientees. Post-intervention survey results suggest an overall positive response to the use of the feedback model in practice.
Organizational and Practice Outcomes of a Post-Baccalaureate Registered Nurse Residency Program
Authors: Zeman Debra , Hagle Mary , Bratt Marilyn Meyer , Eckert Colleen Lawlor , Ndakuya-Fitzgerald Florine
Published: June 2024

A nurse residency for newly licensed registered nurses is best practice. A novel model for transitioning new nurses is a 1-year, postbaccalaureate residency that is rotation based with protected time for supervised clinical and didactic learning. After 10 years with this program, a summative evaluation found that retention rates for 1, 2, 3, and 5 years after program completion were 93%, 83%, 73%, and 82%, respectively, higher than similar programs in the literature.
PRKACA/PRKACB Fusions in Pancreatobiliary Intraductal Oncocytic Papillary Neoplasms Including Those With Atypical Morphology
Authors: Tanaka Mariko , Takeshita Kimiko , Kunita Akiko , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Ushiku Tetsuo
Published: June 2024

Intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasms (IOPNs) of the pancreatobiliary tract are considered a separate entity from intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), especially because of the distinct molecular alterations represented by PRKACA or PRKACB fusion. However, IOPNs display a spectrum of cytoarchitectural features. Typically, an IOPN is composed of arborizing papillae lined by layers of cells with oncocytic cytoplasm, prominent nucleoli, and intraepithelial lumina, while a significant subset shows atypical morphology: lack of the characteristic cytoarchitectural features such as arborizing papillae and prominent nucleoli, or mixture with nononcocytic IPMN-like components within a single lesion. To elucidate the tumorigenesis and morphologic spectrum of IOPNs, we analyzed 22 IOPNs, including those with atypical morphology for PRKACA/PRKACB fusions in each different component separately using fluorescence in situ hybridization. In total, 18 of 22 (82%) cases harbored PRKACA/PRKACB fusions, including 3 of 3 (100%) purely typical IOPNs and 15 of 19 (79%) IOPNs with atypical morphology. In the latter, PRKACA/PRKACB fusions were noted in atypical components as well as typical IOPN components. Notably, gastric-type IPMN-like components in the fusion-positive cases were usually low grade and had scattered neoplastic cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm, a morphologic feature suggestive of an early lesion of IOPN. In summary, most IOPNs with atypical morphology either lack characteristic cytoarchitectural features or exhibit a mixture with nononcocytic IPMN-like components, harbored PRKACA/PRKACB fusion as did typical IOPN components. Our observations expanded the morphologic spectrum of IOPNs. They are expected to be useful for correct diagnosis of this neoplasm.
Virtual Reality Facilitated Exercise Increases Sympathetic Activity and Reduces Pain Perception
Authors: Rodriguez Samuel T. , Makarewicz Nathan , Wang Ellen Y. , Zuniga-Hernandez Michelle , Titzler Janet , Jackson Christian , Suen Man Yee , Rosales Oswaldo , Caruso Thomas J.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Both virtual reality and exercise reduce pain while avoiding the risks of traditional pharmacotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess how virtual reality-facilitated exercise modulates sympathetic activity and pain perception.

Design

Healthy adult volunteers were randomized by hand dominance and then subjected to a standardized cold pressor test while experiencing a virtual reality application. After a 5-min washout, participants were crossed-over and repeated the test on their other hand while undergoing a virtual reality-facilitated exercise application. Sympathetic activation, pain sensation, and pain tolerance data were collected identically during both conditions.

Results

One hundred ten participants were analyzed. Sympathetic activity increased in both conditions but was higher in the virtual reality-facilitated exercise condition (P < 0.0001). Pain sensation scores were initially higher with virtual reality-facilitated exercise but dropped below the virtual reality-only condition by the end of the intervention (P = 0.0175). There were no differences in pain tolerance between conditions (P = 0.18).

Conclusions

The decrease in pain perception with virtual reality-facilitated exercise condition compared to virtual reality alone indicates virtual reality-facilitated exercise can be a useful tool for managing pain. Though this effect did not translate into higher pain tolerance, virtual reality-facilitated exercise may be a useful intervention in the setting of physical therapy or for patients with chronic pain.
Arginine, glycine, and creatine supplementation improves symptoms in a female with creatine transporter deficiency
Authors: Tauer Kara , Theile Caroline , Owens Joshua W. , Cecil Kim M. , Shillington Amelle
Published: June 2024

X-linked creatine transporter deficiency is caused by hemizygous or heterozygous pathogenic variants in SLC6A8 that cause neuropsychiatric symptoms because of impaired uptake of creatine into tissues throughout the body. Small cohorts have suggested that supplementation of creatine, arginine, and glycine can stop disease progression in males, but only six cases of supplementation in females have been published. Here, we present a female with a de-novo pathogenic SLC6A8 variant who had ongoing weight loss, mild intellectual disability, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the brain showed reduced creatine on all acquired spectra. The patient was started on creatine-monohydrate, l-arginine, and l-glycine supplementation, and she had significant symptomatic improvement within the following 3 weeks. After 8 months of supplementation, magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed improved creatine concentrations with normalizing semiquantitative ratios with other brain metabolites. Current data supports clinicians trialing creatine, arginine, and glycine supplements for female patients with creatine transporter deficiency.
Play it by Ear: A perceptual algorithm for autonomous melodious piano playing with a bio-inspired robotic hand
Authors: Azadjou Hesam , Marjaninejad Ali , Valero-Cuevas Francisco J
Published: June 2024

Perception shapes the learning and performance of motor behavior in animals. In contrast to this inherent biological and psychological connection between perception and action, traditional artificial intelligence methods for robotics emphasize reward-driven extensive trial-and-error or error-driven control techniques.

Our study goes back to the perceptual roots of biological learning and behavior, and demonstrates a novel end-to-end perceptual experience-driven approach for autonomous piano playing. Our ‘Play it by Ear’ perceptual learning algorithm, coupled to a bio-inspired 4-finger robotic hand, can replicate melodies on a keyboard after hearing them once—without explicit or prior knowledge of notes, the hand, or the keyboard. Our key innovation is an end-to-end pipeline that, after a brief period of ‘motor babbling’ by the hand, converts the sound of a melody into native musical percepts (note sequences and intensities) that it replays as sequences of key presses.

In this way, any new melody consisting of notes experienced during babbling can be reproduced by the robotic musician hand on the basis of its percepts. This playback includes capturing the qualitative and quantitative musical dynamics and tempo with a nuance comparable with that of four human pianists performing the same melody. These compelling results emphasize the perceptual underpinnings of artistic performance as an alternative to traditional control-theoretical emphasis on state estimation and error correction. Our approach opens avenues for the development of simple machines that can still execute artistic and physical tasks that approach the nuance inherent in human behavior.
Post-Eocene Rhinocerotid Dispersal via the North Atlantic
Authors: Fraser Danielle , Rybczynski Natalia , Gilbert Marisa , Dawson Mary R.
Published: June 2024

The North Atlantic Land Bridge (NALB), which connected Europe to North America, enabled high latitude dispersal, particularly during globally warm periods such as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, a period of dramatic faunal reorganization. It has been generally accepted that the NALB was submerged by the early Eocene. Herein, we describe a new rhinocerotid species from the early Miocene of the Canadian High Arctic with proximity to the NALB and present a novel phylogenetic hypothesis for rhinocerotids. We model a high number of dispersals between Europe and North America, some of which occurred in the Oligo-Miocene, suggesting that the NALB may have been crossable for mammals millions of years longer than previously considered. Moreover, recent geological and palaeoclimatological evidence suggest that, until the Miocene, portions of the NALB may have been separated only by narrow and shallow waterways and, potentially, bridged by seasonal sea ice as early as the late Eocene, enabling rhinocerotid dispersal. We thus provide insight into the importance of the Arctic as a persistent connector of otherwise geographically disparate faunas that played a pivotal role in mammalian evolution.
Assessing equitable use of large language models for clinical decision support in real-world settings: fine-tuning and internal-external validation using electronic health records from South Asia
Authors: Hasheminasab Seyed Alireza , Jamil Faisal , Afzal Muhammad Usman , Khan Ali Haider , Ilyas Sehrish , Noor Ali , Abbas Salma , Cheema Hajira Nisar , Shabbir Muhammad Usman , Hameed Iqra , Ayub Maleeha , Masood Hamayal , Jafar Amina , Khan Amir Mukhtar , Nazir Muhammad Abid , Jamil Muhammad Asaad , Sultan Faisal , Khalid Sara
Published: June 2024

Objective

Fair and safe Large Language Models (LLMs) hold the potential for clinical task-shifting which, if done reliably, can benefit over-burdened healthcare systems, particularly for resource-limited settings and traditionally overlooked populations. However, this powerful technology remains largely understudied in real-world contexts, particularly in the global South. This study aims to assess if openly available LLMs can be used equitably and reliably for processing medical notes in real-world settings in South Asia.

Methods

We used publicly available medical LLMs to parse clinical notes from a large electronic health records (EHR) database in Pakistan. ChatGPT, GatorTron, BioMegatron, BioBert and ClinicalBERT were tested for bias when applied to these data, after fine-tuning them to a) publicly available clinical datasets I2B2 and N2C2 for medical concept extraction (MCE) and emrQA for medical question answering (MQA), and b) the local EHR dataset. For MCE models were applied to clinical notes with 3-label and 9-label formats and for MQA were applied to medical questions. Internal and external validation performance was measured for a) and b) using F1, precision, recall, and accuracy for MCE and BLEU and ROUGE-L for MQA.

Results

LLMs not fine-tuned to the local EHR dataset performed poorly, suggesting bias, when externally validated on it. Fine-tuning the LLMs to the local EHR data improved model performance. Specifically, the 3-label precision, recall, F1 score, and accuracy for the dataset improved by 21-31%, 11-21%, 16-27%, and 6-10% amongst GatorTron, BioMegatron, BioBert and ClinicalBERT. As an exception, ChatGPT performed better on the local EHR dataset by 10% for precision and 13% for each of recall, F1 score, and accuracy. 9-label performance trends were similar.

Conclusions

Publicly available LLMs, predominantly trained in global north settings, were found to be biased when used in a real-world clinical setting. Fine-tuning them to local data and clinical contexts can help improve their reliable and equitable use in resource-limited settings. Close collaboration between clinical and technical experts can ensure responsible and unbiased powerful tech accessible to resource-limited, overburdened settings used in ways that are safe, fair, and beneficial for all.
Crystal structure via fluctuation scattering
Authors: Adams Patrick , Greaves Tamar L. , Martin Andrew V.
Published: June 2024

Crystallography is a quintessential method for determining the atomic structure of crystals. The most common implementation of crystallography uses single crystals that must be of sufficient size, typically tens of micrometres or larger, depending on the complexity of the crystal structure. The emergence of serial data-collection methods in crystallography, particularly for time-resolved experiments, opens up opportunities to develop new routes to structure determination for nanocrystals and ensembles of crystals. Fluctuation X-ray scattering is a correlation-based approach for single-particle imaging from ensembles of identical particles, but has yet to be applied to crystal structure determination. Here, an iterative algorithm is presented that recovers crystal structure-factor intensities from fluctuation X-ray scattering correlations. The capabilities of this algorithm are demonstrated by recovering the structure of three small-molecule crystals and a protein crystal from simulated fluctuation X-ray scattering correlations. This method could facilitate the recovery of structure-factor intensities from crystals in serial crystallography experiments and relax sample requirements for crystallography experiments.
Heterogenous social mechanisms drive the intention to purchase organic food
Authors: Lopez-Sintas Jordi , Lamberti Giuseppe , Lopez-Belbeze Pilar
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This article explores the heterogenous social mechanisms that drive responsible environmental behaviours by investigating differences in the mean effect of the psychosocial determinants of the intention to buy organic foods.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data for a representative sample of the Spanish population, we estimated the mean effect of the constructs represented in the responsible environmental behaviour (REB) theory that affect sustainable food consumption, and examined the social mechanisms that may explain heterogeneity in the mean effect of those constructs. Confirmatory factor analysis, linear regression, and latent class regression were used in the analysis.

Findings

We found that the effect of REB’s psychosocial constructs varied significantly, demonstrating social heterogeneity in the estimated average effect. We identified different social mechanisms that explain variations in organic food purchase intentions: environmental attitudes and social norms shape these intentions among socioeconomically privileged consumers, whereas personal norms shape these intentions among less socially advantaged consumers.

Originality/value

Our research contributes to the literature by highlighting the existence of differing social mechanisms explaining organic food purchase intentions. The uncovering of three social mechanisms explaining differences in the mean effect of factors driving those intentions provides valuable insights with regard to both further developing a holistic framework for responsible environmental behaviours and developing new public policies and marketing strategies aimed at improving sustainable food consumption.
Unravelling the effects of burnout on mental health nurses: a qualitative approach
Authors: Tsolakidou Asimina , Fouskas Theodoros , Koulierakis George , Liarigkovinou Angeliki
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Burnout is defined as the syndrome that causes emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and reduction in personal achievement, and concerns people-oriented professions. This study explores the impact of burnout on the health, social and family life of mental health nurses.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative method with face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews was implemented with 16 mental health nurses working in Athens, Greece.

Findings

Nursing staff experience emotional exhaustion intensely due to stress since psychiatric patients require constant contact and communication and increased needs that workers have to meet. Regarding the feeling of personal achievement, they evaluated their performance positively and were satisfied with the effectiveness of the care provided. Regarding depersonalisation, the interviewees stated that they do experience it; however, in their majority they express that they do not wish to distance themselves from their duties. Their social and family life is not significantly affected and communication and support from family members is highly rated.

Originality/value

The research has focused on samples of nurses without mentioning their specialisation, while few studies in Greece have focused on the phenomenon in mental health nurses using qualitative research methods. This study aimed to fill this gap in the literature by examining burnout syndrome using a qualitative methodology.
Accounting practitioners’ perspectives on small- and medium-sized enterprises’ environmental sustainability reporting
Authors: O'Reilly Seán , Mac An Bhaird Ciarán , Gorman Louise , Brennan Niamh M.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This research investigates the feasibility, benefits and challenges of environmental sustainability reporting by Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop an abridged SME environmental sustainability reporting framework based on the environmental aspects of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards for Sustainability Reporting. The authors collect the views of 203 SME accounting practitioners on our proposed reporting framework using a survey questionnaire.

Findings

The authors find that the greatest perceived benefit for firms adopting environmental sustainability reporting is that it leads to an improvement in company image. Lack of knowledge, resources and data capturing tools impede implementation of environmental sustainability reporting for both SMEs and accounting practitioners. While SMEs are not yet required to implement environmental sustainability reporting, the research discusses implications for policy makers and practitioners for adopting environmental sustainability reporting in the SME context.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is that environmental sustainability reporting for SMEs is in its infancy. A longitudinal survey, or re-examining this survey over time, could be beneficial to assess the long-term benefits and costs of implementing sustainability reporting.

Practical implications

The findings of this study have practical implications for the future development of SME environmental sustainability reporting in the EU and for regulators considering sustainability reporting regulations with a specific focus on SMEs.

Originality/value

The study reconstructs the GRI environmental guidelines into a framework for SMEs and provides empirical evidence on the accountant’s sustainability reporting role.
Emotional intelligence at the heart of customer orientation: the front-office bank employee perspective
Authors: Elbirou Hiba
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to discern and refine the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in the development of customer orientation among banking employees in Morocco. This analysis seeks to enhance understanding about the significance of this emotional skill within the Moroccan banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The research embraces an interpretivist philosophical perspective to gain insight into the subjective meanings and experiences of study participants. The methodology employed is qualitative, involving data collected from semi-structured interviews conducted with 21 front-office bank employees. The analysis of the data was conducted through employing thematic analysis.

Findings

The findings of this study conclude that emotional intelligence fosters and stimulates customer orientation for bank employees. The perception, understanding and effective management of emotions – both those of the contact personnel and their customers – enable employees to better comprehend customer reactions. They experience heightened empathy through the impact of accumulated professional experience, adapt their behaviors according to the emotional state of the customer, maintain a positive relationship with them and ultimately gain their confidence.

Originality/value

This study offers clear theoretical explanations and conceptualizations that have identified and linked pertinent literature on the topic. It focuses on a salient subject, investigating how emotional intelligence influences the customer-oriented behavior of front-office bank employees. Notably, this study represents one of the first attempts to explore this relationship within the Moroccan context. As a result, it contributes to the enhancement of managerial practices and human resource policies, thereby fostering a more productive and harmonious working environment.
From intentions to action: how behavioural intentions shape employee performance through digital learning?
Authors: Gajendragadkar Sandeep , Arora Rachna , Trivedi Rushabh , Neelam Netra
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of “Performance Expectancy” (PE) on the performance of Indian automotive manufacturing employees through their “Behavioural Intention” (BI) in the context of digital learning within the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive research design was adopted to gather data from 211 employees of Indian automotive manufacturing companies. Structural equation modelling was applied for data analysis and obtaining results.

Findings

Largely, the findings indicate that BI does mediate the relationship between PE and employee performance (EP) in the context of the Indian automotive manufacturing sector. The findings would help in boosting digital learning initiatives, improving EP and fostering organizational success in the VUCA world.

Research limitations/implications

The current study focused on the Indian manufacturing industry. Extending the research beyond the manufacturing sector to other industries in India could possibly help in generalizing the findings, and thereby enhance knowledge of the broader consequences of digital learning on EP.

Practical implications

Digital learning platforms can enhance sustainable industrialization in the manufacturing sector by providing employees with access to digital learning opportunities. Managers must provide employees with access to digital learning opportunities for making them more creative and innovative, so that they can become real change agents, and can handle real-world problems more efficiently, leading the organization to deal with the complexities and unpredictability in this VUCA world.

Originality/value

Within the ambits of Indian automotive manufacturing organizations, there have been limited research studies that have used two constructs of the UTAUT2 framework to see their impact on EP in terms of digital learning. Thus, based on the limited information available, this research stands as a pioneering effort in the realm of digital learning within the Indian automotive manufacturing industry, where the relationship between PE and EP is examined through the mediational role of BI of employees. Moreover, this research possibly would pave the way for further research studies on exploring the role of potential factors influencing the strength and direction of the relationships between these variables (PE and EP).
Diplomacy and MNE strategy: how international relations can influence international business
Authors: Hartwell Christopher Andrew , Ursprung Dominique
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study, a perspective piece, aims to argue that one particular slice of political institutional operations – the conduct of international relations – offers a clue to the possible risks that businesses face from geopolitics.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine the various facets of international relations and diplomacy, including the processes and arenas, to show the relevance of statecraft for firms looking to minimize political risk.

Findings

By understanding the role of diplomacy and statecraft as a process, firms can better prepare themselves for events that have far-reaching ramifications. This is very different than minimizing risk from inherent geopolitical tensions and allows for a more flexible approach to understanding risk levels in the global arena.

Originality/value

International business scholarship has focused on institutions and their effects on firms and has recently begun to re-examine the role of geopolitics and political risk on firm performance and decisions. However, the current literature continues to have a superficial understanding of institutional processes and their impact on business, especially when it comes to the daily workings of political institutions.
Assessing the evidence for treating developmental plasticity and phenotypic flexibility as different phenomena
Authors: Stager Maria , Velotta Jonathan P. , Cheviron Zachary A. , Senner Nathan R.
Published: June 2024

Phenotypic plasticity has long played a central role in eco‐evolutionary theory, but it was not until 20 years ago that it was proposed that the term encompasses two distinct phenomena—developmental plasticity and phenotypic flexibility. While this terminology has since been adopted by some, the question of whether they are distinct phenomena remains contentious and they are both frequently lumped under the umbrella of ‘plasticity.’

Here, we treat the dichotomy between developmental plasticity and phenotypic flexibility as a hypothesis, put forth a set of predictions that follow from this hypothesis, and review the support for this hypothesis in the literature. We predict that, if they result from separate phenomena, developmentally plastic and phenotypically flexible traits should differ in: (1) the environmental context under which they evolve, (2) their mechanisms of regulation, (3) their costs of production, (4) how selection acts on them and (5) their influence on a population's evolutionary trajectory.

In general, most evidence supports treating developmental plasticity and phenotypic flexibility as separate phenomena, but much remains to be learned, and few studies have specifically investigated their potential differences. In particular, explorations of their regulation, as well as the costs of trait production and reversal are needed.

Given the hypothesized link between developmental plasticity, phenotypic flexibility and resiliency in the face of rapid environmental change, this is an urgent topic that will further our understanding of phenotypic evolution across environmental contexts.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Training and learning support for people with vision impairment in the use of smartphones and applications (apps): an exploratory Australasian survey
Authors: Tan Hwei Lan , Aplin Tammy , McAuliffe Tomomi , Siow Ai Sun , Gullo Hannah
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Occupational therapists working in low vision rehabilitation make recommendations for assistive technology (AT) and provide training in AT use for people with vision impairment (PVI) to support participation and independence. Smartphones and apps are an important AT for PVI, yet little is known about the training needs of PVI or what training is currently provided. Research exploring PVI's learning and training experiences is required to inform training development.

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the perspectives, needs, and recommendations of PVI from Australia and Singapore on smartphone training methods.

Methods

An online survey collected data between November 2020 to February 2021. Participants were recruited from Australia and Singapore using purposeful sampling. The survey had three sections: (i) demographics, (ii) use of smartphones and apps, and (iii) training. It consisted of 26 closed and open‐ended questions. The quantitative results from the survey were analysed descriptively, and responses to open‐ended questions were analysed using content analysis.

Results

Sixty‐eight PVI responded to the survey, with 34 (50%) participants from each country. There were more Australians (n = 19/34, 55.9%) who had accessed formal training compared to Singaporeans (n = 11/34, 32.3%). Participants valued both formal and informal training, and self‐training was the most used method for informal training (Australia: n = 29/34, 85%, Singapore: n = 22/34, 64.7%). Participants stated they preferred individualised formal training that caters to their learning needs and is provided by patient and knowledgeable trainers. They also preferred formal training, which is flexible and convenient to access, including online training with peers.

Conclusion

Findings such as providing individualised training, ensuring increased awareness of formal training, and using both formal and informal training methods can be considered by occupational therapists to enhance and develop training for PVI in the use of smartphones and apps.

Consumer and community consultation

Consumers were involved at the development stage. Three people with vision impairment reviewed and provided feedback on the survey's accessibility and content.
Global economic contraction, climate change and the gold market volatility: A GARCH‐MIDAS approach
Authors: Salisu Afees A. , Penzin Dinci J. , Vo Xuan Vinh
Published: June 2024

Our paper has two main objectives. First, we aim to investigate the relationship between global economic contraction (GECON) and the return volatility of gold. Second, we examine the role of climate change as a mediator in this connection. To achieve this, we use the GARCH‐MIDAS model, which accommodates data in different frequencies in the same model. This prevents the loss of important information when aggregating high‐frequency data to lower‐frequency data. We also use alternative measures of GECON from Kilian and Zhou (Journal of International Money and Finance, 2018; 88, 54–78) and Baumeister et al. (Review of Economics and Statistics, 2020;104(4), 828–844) to ensure the robustness of our findings. Our results show that global economic contraction positively impacts the return volatility of gold. Additionally, our findings confirm that the increased uncertainty caused by climate change makes gold a safe haven for investors. This means that gold's return volatility is not negatively impacted by the rising level of uncertainty caused by climate‐induced contraction. Moreover, we note that the index of GECON that accommodates more dynamics can produce more accurate predictability for gold market volatility. Our analysis of stock market volatility further confirms that gold has a safe haven potential relative to the stock market.
The Discovery of D'Ewes's Long Parliament Diary
Authors: Mendle Michael
Published: June 2024

2023 marked the centenary of Wallace Notestein's edition of part of Sir Simonds D'Ewes's journal of the Long Parliament. This essay treats the diary's pre‐Notestein emergence as a prime source for the history of the Long Parliament. Thomas Carlyle was first to publicise the diary. He could not read it but paid for a ‘transcript’ of major passages. Though only indirectly useful to Carlyle's project of editing Oliver Cromwell's letters and speeches, the so‐called transcript prompted Carlyle to experiment at the boundary of history and fiction. Carlyle passed the transcript to the antiquary John Bruce and to John Forster. Both praised the diary, touted their paleographical skills, and also relied on the ‘transcript’. Whatever their paleographical limitations, their enthusiasm canonised the text. When Samuel Rawson Gardiner turned to the Long Parliament, D'Ewes's diary joined the Thomason tracts and the State Papers as foundational sources. Though he owed his source‐agenda to Carlyle, Bruce, Forster and J. L. Sanford, Gardiner was determined to supersede them, in large part by correcting their use of D'Ewes's diary. In Forster's case, Gardiner verged on the patricidal. This was a moment in the bifurcation of ‘history’ from ‘letters’, and in the creation of the historical ‘profession’.
A novel process to infer the reliability of ecological information derived from passive acoustic telemetry track reconstruction
Authors: Bowers Mary E. , Kajiura Stephen M.
Published: June 2024

Passive acoustic telemetry can be used within cooperative networks to track migratory species over great distances at a relatively low cost. However, the non‐uniform distribution of fixed receivers within networks often results in sporadic detection data.

Here, we propose a novel combination of methods to measure the reliability of hot spot analysis results derived from track reconstructions of passive telemetry data. We use an iterative process to simulate tracks of animals, derive detection data from these tracks, and reconstruct tracks from these derived data using a movement model. We then compare quadrat count residuals from the simulated and reconstructed tracks for different grid resolutions. The methodological framework is outlined in detail and tested on the acoustic telemetry cooperative arrays off the US East Coast. Our methods are applied to a subset of blacktip shark, Carcharhinus limbatus, acoustic telemetry detection data collected off the US East Coast. We then apply the resultant quadrat count to a hot spot analysis to determine the distribution of animals derived from these track reconstruction methods. We integrate the results of our methods process with the hot spot analysis results to determine the reliability of this distribution information.

The track reconstruction methods performed well in coastal regions, from Palm Beach County, FL to Long Island, NY, minimized the clustering effect of high densities of receivers, and closed the gaps in some regions that were lacking receiver coverage. This performance was primarily affected by the presence/absence of receivers, and to a lesser extent by receiver density and water depth, depending on the grid resolution.

Our method combination demonstrates a means by which passive telemetry data can be regularized to determine the spatial distribution of animals across regions with non‐uniform sampling coverage. These methods also allow the user to determine the reliability of animal distribution products in a telemetry array and the factors that contribute to high accuracy and precision. Our iterative process enables managers to infer the reliability of ecological results in decision‐making processes and could be leveraged for use as a gap analysis to develop a national strategy for telemetry assets.
Comparison of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery versus conventional surgery for uterosacral ligament suspension in patients who had concomitant vaginal hysterectomy for subtotal uterine prolapse
Authors: Ekin Murat , Dura Mustafa Cengiz , Yildiz Sukru , Gürsoy Berk , Yildiz Yagmur Yucebas , Dogan Keziban , Kaya Cihan
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The study aimed to compare the short‐term outcomes of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) for uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) versus nonendoscopic USLS in patients with subtotal uterine prolapse who had a concomitant vaginal hysterectomy.

Methods

There were 51 patients who underwent vNOTES USLS, whereas the nonendoscopic conventional USLS group had 49 patients. The information about patient demographics, and perioperative data including the operative duration, blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and length of postoperative hospital stay were determined from the patients' files. Postoperative follow‐up visits were scheduled at the first week and 1 month after surgery.

Results

The demographic variables including age, body mass index, menopausal status, and parity were comparable, and no significant differences were found. A total of 90.2% of the patients in the vNOTES group and 69.4% of the patients in the shull group were at menopause (p = .09). Operation time was significantly shorter in the shull group (p < .001), and the hospitalization period (p = .029) was significantly shorter in the vNOTES group. Ba, Bp, and D points and total vaginal length (TVL) were significantly behind the hymenal ring in patients who had vNOTES USLS procedure (p < .001). None of the patients who had intraoperative significant blood loss required transfusion. One patient in the vNOTES and two patients in the shull group had a postoperative cuff hematoma.

Conclusion

vNOTES USLS has a good safety profile, higher percentage of adnexal surgeries with better improvement on POP‐Q points Ba, Bp, D, and TVL compared with classic USLS in patients with subtotal uterine prolapse. Studies evaluating short‐ and long‐term results of vNOTES versus conventional USLS are needed.
An Experimental Evaluation of Viewpoint‐Based 3D Graph Drawing
Authors: van Wageningen S. , Mchedlidze T. , Telea A.
Published: June 2024

Node‐link diagrams are a widely used metaphor for creating visualizations of relational data. Most frequently, such techniques address creating 2D graph drawings, which are easy to use on computer screens and in print. In contrast, 3D node‐link graph visualizations are far less used, as they have many known limitations and comparatively few well‐understood advantages. A key issue here is that such 3D visualizations require users to select suitable viewpoints. We address this limitation by studying the ability of layout techniques to produce high‐quality views of 3D graph drawings. For this, we perform a thorough experimental evaluation, comparing 3D graph drawings, rendered from a covering sampling of all viewpoints, with their 2D counterparts across various state‐of‐the‐art node‐link drawing algorithms, graph families, and quality metrics. Our results show that, depending on the graph family, 3D node‐link diagrams can contain a many viewpoints that yield 2D visualizations that are of higher quality than those created by directly using 2D node‐link diagrams. This not only sheds light on the potential of 3D node‐link diagrams but also gives a simple approach to produce high‐quality 2D node‐link diagrams.
Clinical efficacy of a two‐piece abutment conforming to the concept of one abutment one time in the posterior region: A clinical pilot study
Authors: Jiang Jimin , Yang Hang , Zhu Han , Bouhamed Ibrahim El Khalil , Shen Xiaoting , Lu Hongye , He Fuming
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To assess the impact of a two‐piece abutment workflow on enhancing the stability of the alveolar bone and gingiva surrounding the dental implant, and to determine the level of patient satisfaction.

Materials and Methods

A total of 48 patients with dentition defect in the posterior region were included and divided into two groups: the two‐piece abutment workflow (TAW) and the sealing screw with submerged healing workflow (SHW). Marginal bone level (MBL), soft tissue indicators, oral hygiene indicators, and patient satisfaction were assessed and recorded partially at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The primary outcome was the change of MBL in different time periods. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to take into account the correlated nature of the data, and adjust for potential confounding factors within inter‐group differences.

Results

The survival rate of implants and prosthesis reached 100% at 12‐month follow‐up, with an average decrease of 0.25 mm (SD 0.23 mm) of MBL in the TAW group and 0.48 mm (SD 0.45 mm) in the SHW group. The change of MBL in the TAW group (0.15 ± 0.31 mm) was significantly lower than the SHW group (0.41 ± 0.41 mm) through the analysis of GLMM within 6 months, while no significance was found in 12 months. Moreover, less gingival pain and oppression during prosthesis loading, and less time consumption overall duration were showed in the TAW group through Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Within a 6‐month period, the two‐piece abutment workflow showed superior efficacy in preserving the integrity of the marginal bone level. Furthermore, it streamlined treatment procedures and mitigated discomfort, hence increasing patient satisfaction.
Whole genome sequencing for copy number variant detection to improve diagnosis and management of rare diseases
Authors: Bowman Pamela , Grimes Hannah , Dallosso Anthony R. , Berry Ian , Mullin Stephen , Rankin Julia , Low Karen J.
Published: June 2024

First‐line genetic investigations for rare neurological and developmental conditions have limitations in their ability to detect and characterize copy number variants (CNVs). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) offers potential advantages over other methods of CNV analysis. We aimed to demonstrate the utility of CNV detection using WGS through description of three clinical cases. WGS analysis was undertaken in three patients presenting to a national rare disease service, in whom a genetic aetiology remained uncertain after gene panel testing or microarray based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH). In all three cases, WGS identified CNVs and confirmed zygosity and pathogenicity, resulting in genetic diagnoses of PRKN‐related Parkinson disease, TAOK1‐related neurodevelopmental disorder, and AP1G1‐related Usmani‐Riazuddin syndrome. This case series demonstrates the value of WGS analysis in identifying or better characterizing CNVs that were missed or deemed of uncertain significance using conventional methods of testing. Importantly, our approach facilitated accurate genetic diagnosis and counselling for the families involved.
Lockdown drinking: The sobering effect of price controls in a pandemic
Authors: Bokhari Farasat A. S. , Chakraborty Ratula , Dobson Paul W. , Morciano Marcello
Published: June 2024

Lockdown restrictions reduce the spread of COVID‐19 but disrupt livelihoods and lifestyles that can induce harmful behavior changes, including problematic lockdown drinking fueled by cheap alcohol. Exploiting differences amongst the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom, we use triple difference analysis on alcohol retail sales to examine the efficacy of minimum unit pricing as a price control device to help curb excessive consumption in a pandemic setting. We find the policy is remarkably effective and well‐targeted in reducing demand for cheap alcohol, with minimal spillover effects, and consumers overall buying and spending less.