bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microalgae colonization of different microplastic polymers in experimental mesocosms across an environmental gradient
Authors: Nava Veronica , Matias Miguel G. , Castillo‐Escrivà Andreu , Messyasz Beata , Leoni Barbara
Published: November 2021

A variety of organisms can colonize microplastic surfaces through biofouling processes. Heterotrophic bacteria tend to be the focus of plastisphere research; however, the presence of epiplastic microalgae within the biofilm has been repeatedly documented. Despite the relevance of biofouling in determining the fate and effects of microplastics in aquatic systems, data about this process are still scarce, especially for freshwater ecosystems. Here, our goal was to evaluate the biomass development and species composition of biofilms on different plastic polymers and to investigate whether plastic substrates exert a strong enough selection to drive species sorting, overcoming other niche‐defining factors. We added microplastic pellets of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and a mix of the two polymers in 15 lentic mesocosms in five different locations of the Iberian Peninsula, and after one month, we evaluated species composition and biomass of microalgae developed on plastic surfaces. Our results, based on 45 samples, showed that colonization of plastic surfaces occurred in a range of lentic ecosystems covering a wide geographical gradient and different environmental conditions (e.g., nutrient concentration, conductivity, macrophyte coverage). We highlighted that total biomass differed based on the polymer considered, with higher biomass developed on PET substrate compared to HDPE. Microplastics supported the growth of a rich and diversified community of microalgae (242 species), with some cosmopolite species. However, we did not observe species‐specificity in the colonization of the different plastic polymers. Local species pool and nutrient concentration rather than polymeric composition seemed to be the determinant factor defying the community diversity. Regardless of specific environmental conditions, we showed that many species could coexist on the surface of relatively small plastic items, highlighting how microplastics may have considerable carrying capacity, with possible consequences on the wider ecological context.
Is the climate change mitigation effect of enhanced silicate weathering governed by biological processes?
Authors: Vicca Sara , Goll Daniel S. , Hagens Mathilde , Hartmann Jens , Janssens Ivan A. , Neubeck Anna , Peñuelas Josep , Poblador Sílvia , Rijnders Jet , Sardans Jordi , Struyf Eric , Swoboda Philipp , van Groenigen Jan Willem , Vienne Arthur , Verbruggen Erik
Published: November 2021

A number of negative emission technologies (NETs) have been proposed to actively remove CO2 from the atmosphere, with enhanced silicate weathering (ESW) as a relatively new NET with considerable climate change mitigation potential. Models calibrated to ESW rates in lab experiments estimate the global potential for inorganic carbon sequestration by ESW at about 0.5–5 Gt CO2 year−1, suggesting ESW could be an important component of the future NETs mix. In real soils, however, weathering rates may differ strongly from lab conditions. Research on natural weathering has shown that biota such as plants, microbes, and macro‐invertebrates can strongly affect weathering rates, but biotic effects were excluded from most ESW lab assessments. Moreover, ESW may alter soil organic carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions by influencing physicochemical and biological processes, which holds the potential to perpetuate even larger negative emissions. Here, we argue that it is likely that the climate change mitigation effect of ESW will be governed by biological processes, emphasizing the need to put these processes on the agenda of this emerging research field.
Unravelling the distinctive growth mechanism of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) under salt stress: From root‐to‐leaf adaptations to molecular response
Authors: Yuan Yuhao , Wu Caoyang , Liu Long , Ma Qian , Yang Qinghua , Feng Baili
Published: November 2021

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) has potential applications as a new source of bioenergy owing to its high‐yielding C4 attribute. Besides, it has a short life cycle, high harvest index, low planting costs, and strong adaptability and resistance. This study comprehensively reveals the sodium ion (Na+) toxicity resistance strategies from germination to the seedling stage, root to leaf, outside to inside, macro to micro, and the phenotype to the mechanism. Comparative phenotypic and physiological analysis suggested that salt‐tolerant proso millet (ST 47) had better salt tolerance, biomass accumulation, and osmo‐protection than salt‐sensitive proso millet (SS 212). Microstructural analysis indicated that ST 47 could maintain better internal surfaces and intact structures to resist Na+ toxicity and maintain optimal growth. Further, digital RNA sequence analysis indicated that ST 47 could maintain better Na+ and K+ homeostasis by coordinated regulation of transporter genes; the abundance of transcripts involved in chlorophyll metabolism and photosynthesis pathways was higher in ST 47 than SS 212, which contributed to the biomass accumulation. These results suggest that ST 47 resists Na+ toxicity via coordinated physiological, morphological, and molecular mechanisms. Therefore, this crop can serve as an emerging salt‐tolerant bioenergy crop for sustainable saline agriculture and simultaneous phytoremediation.
Ghostly Letters: Legacies of Death Letters in Schnitzler's Short Stories
Authors: Mahan William
Published: November 2021

This essay examines narratives in which Arthur Schnitzler explores the unconscious of Vienna's fin‐de‐siècle society through the leitmotif of the haunted letter. Examining five short stories written between 1880 and 1930, the essay argues that letters written by characters who anticipate their readership after their deaths reflect the uncanny paranoia and hysteria of modernity. Through an analysis of Schnitzler's narrative techniques, the essay investigates the author's psychological portrayal of modern society with the literary tool of the death letter, highlighting modernist instability and uncertainty, especially that of the bourgeois man. This essay argues that Schnitzler makes his critique of anxiety increasingly explicit over time in his published writings, showing one's social acceptance to be a catalyst for violence towards the self and others, while also continuing to problematize Viennese masculinity in his unpublished writings.
China's outward investment activity: Ambiguous findings in the literature and empirical trends in greenfield investments
Authors: Yang Ruilin , Bathelt Harald
Published: November 2021

With the rapid increase of China's outward foreign direct investments (OFDIs) since the early‐2000s, a growing body of literature has developed that investigates investment processes and their underlying motivations and tendencies. Three important findings emerge from this literature. First, it has been noted that the generation of market and resource access have been key drivers of investment activity. Second, China's OFDIs have accordingly focused on mature manufacturing and natural resource sectors. Third, a large proportion of OFDIs is assumed to have been directed to neighboring countries in East Asia or other developing economies, for instance in Africa. However, a literature review reveals limitations in prior studies with respect to measurement biases, database incompatibilities, the neglect of a knowledge perspective, and a lack of sectoral differentiation. Descriptive analysis based on a comprehensive firm‐level data set of greenfield investments shows that previous findings are only partial. According to fDi Markets data from 2003 to 2016, OFDIs from China are more diversified and widespread than assumed. Many recent investments have a distinct knowledge motivation, are focused on high‐tech and business service sectors and non‐manufacturing functions, and are directed toward developed economies.
The Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Expert Board: an analysis of activity during 2017–2020
Authors: Bateman Adrian C , Kurn Octavia R , Novelli Marco R , Rodriguez‐Justo Manuel , Shepherd Neil A , Wong Newton A C S
Published: November 2021

Aims

The inception of the National Health Service Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in England in 2006 highlighted the fact that the differential diagnosis between the presence of epithelial misplacement and adenocarcinoma occurring in colorectal adenomas is problematic. The pathology Expert Board (EB) was created to facilitate the review of difficult cases by a panel of three experienced gastrointestinal pathologists. This article describes a review of the work of the EB over a 4‐year period (2017–2020).

Methods and results

Four hundred and thirty polyps were referred to the EB from 193 pathologists and 76 hospitals during this time. The EB diagnosis was benign for 67%, malignant for 28%, and equivocal for 2% (with no consensus in the remainder). The most common diagnosis change made by the EB was from malignant to benign—made in 50% of polyps referred with an initially malignant diagnosis. The level of agreement between the individual EB members was ‘good’ (kappa score of 0.619) but that between the EB and the referring diagnosis was ‘poor’ (kappa score of 0.149). Data from one EB member indicated that the presence of lamina propria, features of torsion and cytological similarity between the superficial and deep glands were predictors of a benign diagnosis, whereas the presence of irregular neoplastic glands, a desmoplastic reaction and lymphovascular invasion were commonly observed features in polyps with a malignant diagnosis.

Conclusion

Diagnostic agreement between EB members is better than that between the EB and referring pathologists. There was a consistent trend for the EB to change diagnoses from malignant to benign.
Experimental and numerical investigation of the dynamic response of a ZrB2‐SiC ceramic under uniaxial compression
Authors: Cheng Xiang , Wang Mi , Cao Junxin , Wang Lingling
Published: November 2021

The dynamic experimental tests were performed on cylindrical zirconium diboride‐silicon carbide ceramic specimens under the uniaxial compression from 519 to 2861 s−1. The effect of the strain rate on the dynamic response of a ZrB2‐SiC ceramic was investigated using experimental and numerical methods. A significant increase on the dynamic compressive strength, elastic modulus, and the dynamic tensile strength was found with the increase of the strain rate. The damage process and fracture pattern of the ZrB2‐SiC ceramic exhibited a significant strain‐rate dependence under the dynamic compression. The strain rate‐dependent elastic modulus and tensile strength were introduced into Johnson–Holmquist (JH‐2) model to predict the dynamic compression behavior of the ZrB2‐SiC ceramic. The simulation results of the dynamic compressive strength, stress–strain relation, and fracture patterns were in good accordance with the dynamic experimental results.
Designing gluten‐free, anthocyanins‐enriched cookies on scientific basis
Authors: Slavu (Ursu) Mioara Gabriela , Banu Iuliana , Milea Adelina Ștefania , Aprodu Iuliana , Enachi Elena , Cotârleț Mihaela , Râpeanu Gabriela , Stănciuc Nicoleta
Published: November 2021

The essential treatment of the coeliac disease is a strict lifelong gluten‐free diet based on the avoidance of gluten, thus requiring new perspectives for identifying technological and functional alternatives for gluten‐free products, with similar functionality and efficiency. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the potential of purple corn flour (PCF) as a functional and technological alternative to design new gluten‐free, anthocyanins‐enriched cookies. The PCF was characterised in terms of phytochemical and antioxidant activity, yielding an extract with a total anthocyanin content of 14.94 ± 0.68 mg cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (C3G) per g dry weight (DW). The results of the thermo‐mechanical tests indicated that composite flour consisting of rice flour (RF, 75%) and PCF (25%) is suitable for obtaining gluten‐free cookies. Tests showed increased anthocyanin content in cookies with 75% addition of PCF, up to 6.99 ± 0.20 mg C3G per 100 g DW, yielding an antioxidant activity of 18.46 ± 0.18 mm Trolox equivalents per g DW. The ELISA test confirmed the absence of prolamins recognised by the monoclonal antibody R5. The sensory analysis revealed that the substitution of RF with PCF had no significant influence on overall acceptability. The results of the shelf‐life tests performed on the cookies showed slight variation in phytochemicals in both variants, influencing the antioxidant activity. The obtained results may bring potential benefits to people on restricted diets and coeliac consumers, which can benefit from a contribution of bioactives, with significant health benefits.
Effects of COVID‐19 on integration of women refugees into Turkish society
Authors: Açıkalın Şuay Nilhan , Eminoğlu Can , Erçetin Şefika Şule
Published: November 2021

The objective of this research is to determine how the COVID‐19 pandemic influenced integration of women refugees into Turkish society. The study was designed as a qualitative study between March 2020 and June 2020. The notion of integration is redefined as an eight‐dimensional model composed of education, sociocultural, health, economy, legal, shelter, family and security. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted by telephone, with 50 women refugees in Turkey, about the impact of COVID‐19 on integration. The results of the research indicate that most women refugees had both positive and negative experiences in economic, education and sociocultural dimensions of integration. The COVID‐19 outbreak affected their integration in an unprecedented way, especially in daily and work life as well as access to health services. Similarly, language barriers faced by refugee women create significant challenges and obstacles, making the integration process more complex. Refugee women stated that COVID‐19 positively influenced the security dimension of integration.
NLRP3 knockout enhances immune infiltration and inflammatory responses and improves survival in a burn sepsis model
Authors: Stanojcic Mile , Vinaik Roohi , Abdullahi Abdikarim , Chen Peter , Jeschke Marc G.
Published: November 2021

Although sepsis in burn patients is a major contributor to mortality, treatments are not always effective and underlying mechanisms have yet to be completely elucidated. NLRP3 inflammasome orchestrates burn‐induced, inflammatory‐driven pathophysiologic processes. Here, we determined the mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome activation on bacterial clearance and mortality in burn sepsis. We obtained tissue and blood from 30 wild‐type and 30 Nlrp3−/− mice. Mice were subjected to a two‐hit model of 25–30% TBSA scald burn followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa wound infection 72 hours after injury. We also obtained tissue from 34 adult burn patients (≥18 years of age) with early (0–11 days post‐burn) and later (≥12 days post‐burn) surgical time‐points and ten healthy controls. Murine studies indicated that Nlrp3−/− had 30% improved survival and bacterial clearance at the site of injury and is systemically relative to burn sepsis wild type. Greater macrophage and neutrophil infiltration occurred acutely after infection (12 hours) to the site of injury and adipose tissue. This was followed by increased macrophage and neutrophil infiltration to lymphoid organs and liver beyond the acute phase (24 and 72 hours). Interestingly, Nlrp3 ablation increased acute systemic inflammation (IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐1β). Septic burn patients had persistently increased adipose NLRP3 by‐product expression beyond the acute phase that was more pronounced in late‐onset sepsis. Our findings suggest that Nlrp3 genetic ablation enhanced acute tissue‐specific inflammatory responsiveness. Likely, this occurs by paradoxically increasing acute immune infiltration and inflammation with a non‐persistent response. Clinically, persistent NLRP3‐mediated inflammation occurs in septic versus normal burn patients and potentially detrimentally impacts patient outcomes.
Effect of Safewards on reducing conflict and containment and the experiences of staff and consumers: A mixed‐methods systematic review
Authors: Ward‐Stockham Kristel , Kapp Suzanne , Jarden Rebecca , Gerdtz Marie , Daniel Catherine
Published: November 2021

Safewards is an internationally adopted framework that provides interventions to reduce conflict and containment in healthcare settings. This systematic review evaluated the effect of Safewards on conflict and containment events in inpatient units and the perceptions of staff and consumers. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed‐methods studies were considered for inclusion. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, two reviewers independently screened, appraised, and extracted data. Qualitative data were synthesized using inductive‐thematic analysis. Quantitative and qualitative data were integrated with a convergent‐segregated approach and presented in tabular and narrative format. A search of 13 databases and grey literature yielded 14 studies of variable methodological quality. Four studies reported reduced rates of conflict and one study reported reductions that were not statistically significant. Six studies reported reductions in rates of containment, three studies found no statistical significance and one study reported statistically significant reductions at follow‐up. Staff and consumers in four studies reported an improved experience of safety. Three themes were developed as follows: (i) therapeutic hold, cohesion, support and the environment, (ii) conflict, containment and the experience of safety, and (iii) the complexities of adapting and embedding change. This review found most staff and consumers reported Safewards improved therapeutic relationships, cohesion, and ward atmosphere. Staff and consumers reported improved ward atmosphere, leading to consumer‐centred, recovery‐oriented care. Safewards improved the experience of safety from the perspective of staff and consumers when combined with ongoing training, leadership and time for consolidation. While results are promising they should be used cautiously until more robust evidence is established.
Prevalence, associated factors and adverse outcomes of workplace violence towards nurses in psychiatric settings: A systematic review
Authors: Jang Sun Joo , Son Youn‐Jung , Lee Haeyoung
Published: November 2021

Workplace violence towards psychiatric nurses by psychiatric patients is common, which can potentially affect care quality as well as nurses’ health. This study aimed to synthesize the literature on workplace violence towards psychiatric nurses and identify the prevalence and factors influencing workplace violence and related outcomes. PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsychINFO were searched for English articles on workplace violence against psychiatric nurses published from January 2011 to December 2020. Sixteen articles were selected for the systematic review. This was followed by quality assessment and data extraction. The workplace violence prevalence ranged 11.4–97.6%. Diagnosis of the patient; nurse‐related factors such as age, sex, marital status, education, emotional intelligence level and personality; and work shift were associated with the occurrence of workplace violence. Psychiatric nurses who experienced workplace violence had primarily poor mental health such as depressive symptoms and negative work‐related outcomes such as turnover intention. The results revealed that there were relatively few patient‐related factors associated with workplace violence and few reports on workplace violence‐related to nurses’ physical health, suggesting the need for a multi‐dimensional approach. Future studies are needed to develop standardized instruments for workplace violence investigation considering inpatients psychiatric settings. Effective workplace violence prevention strategies should consider comprehensive patient‐, nurse‐ and occupation‐related factors.
Deep‐red‐emitting Ca2ScSbO6:Mn4+ phosphors with a double perovskite structure: Synthesis, characterization and potential in plant growth lighting
Authors: Chen Zhanglin , Tian Zhaobo , Zhang Jie , Li Fei , Du Songmo , Cui Wei , Yuan Xuanyi , Chen Kexin , Liu Guanghua
Published: November 2021

Mn4+‐activated double‐perovskite type Ca2ScSbO6 (CSS) phosphors were synthesized via a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. The phase purity and crystal structure of obtained samples were investigated by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The successful incorporation of Mn4+ ions into CSS lattice was confirmed by the combination of energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectra (EDX) and X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) results. The luminescent properties of the CSS phosphors, including the photoluminescence (PL) and PL excitation (PLE) spectra, commission international de l'clairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates, fluorescence decay curves, quantum yields and temperature‐dependent PL spectra, were investigated in detail. Under 310‐nm excitation, the optimized CSS:0.3%Mn4+ phosphor exhibited bright deep‐red emission covering a narrow band from 640 nm to 720 nm, which overlaps with the absorbance of phytochromes. The Racah parameters B, C, and local crystal strength Dq were calculated to be 870, 2703, and 1984 cm–1, respectively. Particularly, the emission intensity of CSS:0.3%Mn4+ still remained 61.4% at 423 K compared with that at room temperature. Therefore, all these outstanding luminescent properties provided the as‐synthesized phosphors a great potential in plant growth lighting.
Impact of water quality parameters on geosmin levels and geosmin producers in European recirculating aquaculture systems
Authors: Lukassen Mie Bech , Menanteau-Ledouble Simon , de Jonge Nadieh , Schram Edward , Nielsen Jeppe Lund
Published: November 2021

Aims

Geosmin is associated with off-flavour problems in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and represents an economic problem for the aquaculture industry. This study aims at investigating factors influencing the composition of the bacterial microbiota, in particular the presence of geosmin producers and the environmental and farming factors favouring geosmin accumulation.

Methods and Results

Several water quality parameters were correlated to the composition of the microbiota with special emphasis on the presence of geosmin producers within 26 different RAS from four European countries. Three novel groups of geosmin-producing bacteria were quantified to identify potential correlations with geosmin concentration.

Conclusions

The microbiome differed significantly between systems. However, phosphate levels, calcium levels and redox potential correlated to geosmin concentration in the water and the presence of the Actinomycetales geosmin-producers but not with the presence of other groups of geosmin-producing bacteria. Oxygen levels and conductivity were found to negatively correlate with geosmin concentration. A large proportion of the detected geosmin producers represented novel taxonomic groups not previously linked with this activity.

Significance and Impact of the Study

These results improve our understanding of the diversity of microbiota in RAS and the water quality parameters favouring the populations of geosmin-producing bacteria and the production of geosmin.
Association of blood pressure and long‐term change with chronic kidney disease risk among Chinese adults with different glucose metabolism according to the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines
Authors: He Jia , Li Zhaoyang , Wang Ruixin , Nie Hongli , Wang Fei , Yuan Jing , Miao Xiaoping , Yao Ping , Wei Sheng , Zhang Xiaomin , Guo Huan , Yang Handong , Wu Tangchun , He Meian
Published: November 2021

Whether the definition of hypertension according to 2017 AHA/ACC guidelines and blood pressure (BP) changes was related to the increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) remained debated. This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the association of BP and long‐term BP change with CKD risk with different glucose metabolism according to the new hypertension guidelines. This study examined 12 951 participants and 11 183 participants derived from the older people cohort study, respectively. Participants were divided into three groups based on blood glucose and the risks were assessmented by the logistic regression model. During a 10 years of follow‐up period, 2727 individuals developed CKD (21.1%). Compared with those with BP < 130/80 mmHg, individuals with increased BP levels had significantly increased risk of incident CKD. Participants with BP of 130–139/80–89 or ≥140/90 mmHg had 1.51‐ and 1.89‐fold incident risk of CKD in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Compared with individuals with stable BP (−5 to 5 mmHg), the risk of CKD was reduced when BP decreased by 5 mmHg or more and increased when BP increased ≥5 mmHg among normoglycemia and prediabetes participants. Similar results were observed for rapid estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline. In conclusion, the BP of 130–139/80–89 mmHg combined with prediabetes or DM had an increased risk of incident CKD and rapid eGFR decline in older people. Long‐term changes of BP by more than 5 mmHg among normoglycemia or prediabetes were associated with the risk of incident CKD and rapid eGFR decline.
Increased UBE2L6 regulated by type 1 interferon as potential marker in TB
Authors: Gao Jiao , Li Chonghui , Li Wenjing , Chen Haotian , Fu Yurong , Yi Zhengjun
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study is to identify potential biomarker of tuberculosis (TB) and determine its function. Differentially expressed mRNAs(DEGs) were selected from a blood database GSE101805, and then, 30 key genes were screened using STING, Cytoscape and further functionally enriched. We then found that only 6 of 13 genes related to ubiquitination (the first in the functional enrichment) were increased significantly. ROC analysis showed that UBE2L6, among 6 genes, had the highest diagnostic value, and then, we found that it also had mild value in differential diagnosis. Moreover, our analysis showed that UBE2L6 may be upregulated by type I interferon, which was further confirmed by us. In addition, we also found that UBE2L6 inhibits the apoptosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb)infected macrophages. Subsequently, we discovered that miR‐146a‐5p, which may target UBE2L6, is reduced in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and plasma of TB, and it also had certain diagnostic efficiency(AUC=0.791). In brief, we demonstrated that UBE2L6 as well as miR‐146a‐5p is a potential biomarker for TB and UBE2L6,which may also plays important role in TB by, at least, modulating Mtb‐infected macrophage apoptosis.
Predicting how environmental conditions and smolt body length when entering the marine environment impact individual Atlantic salmon Salmo salar adult return rates
Authors: Simmons Olivia Meredith , Britton J. Robert , Gillingham Phillipa K. , Nevoux Marie , Riley William D. , Rivot Etienne , Gregory Stephen D.
Published: November 2021

Populations of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar have experienced precipitous declines in abundance since the 1970s. This decline has been associated with reduced numbers of adult salmon returning to fresh water from their marine migration, i.e., their marine return rates (MRR). Thus, understanding the factors that affect MRR is of crucial conservation importance. The authors used a state‐space model with a 13‐year time series of individually tagged salmon mark‐recapture histories on the River Frome, southern England, to test the effect of smolt body length on their MRR. In addition to smolt length, the model tested for the influence of environmental covariates that were representative of the conditions experienced by the smolts in the early stages of their seaward migration, i.e., from the lower river to the estuary exit. The model indicated that, even when accounting for environmental covariates, smolt body length was an important predictor of MRR. Although larger smolts have a higher probability of returning to their natal river as adults than smaller smolts, and one‐sea‐winter salmon have a survival rate twice as high as multi‐sea‐winter salmon, the actual biological mechanisms underpinning this phenomenon remain uncertain. These results have important applications for salmon conservation, as efforts to bolster salmon populations in the freshwater environment should consider methods to improve smolt quality (i.e., body size) as well as smolt quantity.
A new species of Cambeva (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) from the Rio Iguaçu basin, Paraná State, Brazil and redescription of Cambeva stawiarski (Miranda Ribeiro 1968)
Authors: dos Reis Renan B. , Ferrer Juliano , da Graça Weferson J.
Published: November 2021

This work aimed to describe Cambeva cauim, sp. nov., endemic to the Rio Iguaçu basin, Brazil and redescribe Cambeva stawiarski using external and internal morphological data through the revision of specimens deposited in fish collections, including the type material. In this process, we have also added comments on the possible type locality of C. stawiarski. C. cauim, sp. nov. and C. stawiarski are mainly diagnosed by the anatomy and number of procurrent caudal‐fin rays in addition to colouration and several meristic and morphometric characters. Both species are compared with other possibly related species and their synapomorphic characters are discussed. C. cauim, sp. nov. and C. stawiarski along with eight other congeners are endemic to the Rio Iguaçu basin, a high impacted freshwater region which could be considered as a biodiversity hotspot to the genus.
Acute care utilization risk among older adults living undiagnosed or unaware of dementia
Authors: Amjad Halima , Samus Quincy M. , Huang Jin , Gundavarpu Sneha , Bynum Julie P. W. , Wolff Jennifer L. , Roth David L.
Published: November 2021

Background

Dementia is associated with increased risk of hospitalization and emergency department (ED) visits. Many persons with dementia are undiagnosed or unaware of their diagnosis, however. Our objective was to determine whether undiagnosed dementia or unawareness affects risk of hospitalization or ED visits.

Methods

Retrospective longitudinal cohort study of 3537 community‐living adults age ≥65 enrolled in the 2011–2017 National Health and Aging Trends Study with linked fee‐for‐service Medicare claims. Using self or proxy reported diagnosis, proxy dementia screening questionnaire, cognitive testing, and Medicare claims diagnosis, participants were classified as having (1) no dementia or dementia, for which they were classified as (2) undiagnosed, (3) diagnosed but unaware, or (4) diagnosed and aware. Proportional hazards models evaluated all‐cause and potentially preventable hospitalization and ED visit risk by time‐varying dementia status, adjusting for older adult characteristics.

Results

Most participants (n = 2879) had no dementia at baseline. Among participants with dementia at baseline (n = 658), 187 were undiagnosed, 300 diagnosed but unaware, and 171 diagnosed and aware. In multivariable adjusted proportional hazards models, persons with undiagnosed dementia had lower risk of hospitalization and ED visits compared to persons diagnosed and aware (all‐cause hospitalization aHR 0.59 [0.44, 0.79] and ED visit aHR 0.63 [0.47, 0.85]) and similar risks of these outcomes compared to persons without dementia. Individuals diagnosed but unaware had greater risk compared to those without dementia: aHR 1.37 (1.18, 1.59) for all‐cause hospitalization and 1.48 (1.28, 1.71) for ED visits; they experienced risk comparable to individuals diagnosed and aware.

Conclusion

Older adults with undiagnosed dementia are not at increased risk of acute care utilization after accounting for differences in other characteristics. Individuals unaware of diagnosed dementia demonstrate risk similar to individuals aware of the diagnosis. Increasing diagnosis alone may not affect acute care utilization. The role of awareness warrants further investigation.
Reply to: Comment on: How physicians evaluate patients with dementia who present with shortness of breath
Authors: Ly Dan P. , Shekelle Paul G.
Published: November 2021

This letter comments on the letter by Takashi Yoshioka.
Spatial phylogenetics of the Chinese angiosperm flora provides insights into endemism and conservation
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Xia , Ye Jian‐Fei , Laffan Shawn W. , Mishler Brent D. , Thornhill Andrew H. , Lu Li‐Min , Mao Ling‐Feng , Liu Bing , Chen You‐Hua , Lu An‐Ming , Miller Joseph T. , Chen Zhi‐Duan
Published: November 2021

The flora of China is well known for its high diversity and endemism. Identifying centers of endemism and designating conservation priorities are essential goals for biodiversity studies. However, there is no comprehensive study from a rigorous phylogenetic perspective to understand patterns of diversity and endemism and to guide biodiversity conservation in China. We conducted a spatial phylogenetic analysis of the Chinese angiosperm flora at the generic level to identify centers of neo‐ and paleo‐endemism. Our results indicate that: (i) the majority of grid cells in China with significantly high phylogenetic endemism (PE) were located in the mountainous regions; (ii) four of the nine centers of endemism recognized, located in northern and western China, were recognized for the first time; (iii) arid and semiarid regions in Northwest China were commonly linked to significant PE, consistent with other spatial phylogenetic studies worldwide; and (iv) six high‐priority conservation gaps were detected by overlaying the boundaries of China's nature reserves on all significant PE cells. Overall, we conclude that the mountains of southern and northern China contain both paleo‐endemics (ancient relictual lineages) and neo‐endemics (recently diverged lineages). The areas we highlight as conservation priorities are important for broad‐scale planning, especially in the context of evolutionary history preservation.
Normal structure and pathological features in peripheral neuropathies
Authors: Hoke Ahmet , Cerri Federica , Fisgin Aysel , Riva Nilo , Quattrini Angelo
Published: November 2021

Normal nerve architecture is basic to a complete understanding of nerve pathology. Here, normal components of the nerve are illustrated, including myelinated and non‐myelinated nerve fibres, stromal elements, and vascular components. These are relevant because the differential diagnosis of neuropathy depends on the pathological processes affecting axon, myelin, interstitial space, and blood vessels. Thus, we present a description of the general pathological characteristics for the diagnosis of peripheral nerve disorders.
Techniques for the standard histological and ultrastructural assessment of nerve biopsies
Authors: Weis Joachim , Katona Istvan , Nikolin Stefan , Nobbio Lucilla , Prada Valeria , Grandis Marina , Schenone Angelo
Published: November 2021

It is always a challenge to acquire a clear picture of the pathological processes and changes in any disease. For this purpose, it is advantageous to directly examine the affected organ. Nerve biopsy has been a method of choice for decades to classify peripheral neuropathies and to find clues to uncover their etiology. The histologic examination of the peripheral nerve provides information on axonal or myelin pathology as well as on the surrounding connective tissue and vascularization of the nerve. Minimal requirements of the workup include paraffin histology as well as resin semithin section histology. Cryostat sections, teased fiber preparations and electron microscopy are potentially useful in a subset of cases. Here we describe our standard procedures for the workup of the tissue sample and provide examples of diagnostically relevant findings.
Communication strategies for nursing research with older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia using life course theory
Authors: Walker Verónica García
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To explore effective communication strategies that may be used to promote efficacious research with older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Design

A theoretical framework of Life Course Theory was used to examine the problems of communicating in research settings with older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia and present potential effective solutions to these problems.

Methods

Using Life Course Theory as an underpinning, a literature review was conducted regarding communication strategies/methods commonly used in psychiatric nursing. This paper deductively presents how these strategies/methods could theoretically improve nursing research with older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Results

Four main potential effective strategies for communication with older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia in nursing research were identified which were (1) giving space; (2) shortened intervals; (3) the use of simple, meaningful phrases; and (4) showing engagement.

Conclusions

Older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia may be given more opportunities to share their input regarding their perceptions and valuable input regarding health care systems if these effective strategies of communication are used when conducting nursing research.

Clinical relevance

There is a need to gain more information regarding the perceptions of older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia as they are living longer and are entering into a health care system that is often at a quandary as to how to best care for them. The strategies delineated in this paper are part of an ongoing project to co‐develop a model with older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia specifically tailored to improve their health outcomes and quality of life.
Trust crisis: New frontline nurse managers’ ethical experience in their units
Authors: Cao Lina , Bian Junping , Xiao Juan , Jia Yuxiu
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To explore the ethical experiences of new nurse managers when working at their units and propose response strategies accordingly.

Design and methods

A qualitative approach was taken at a Grade 3A hospital in Shandong, China. Data were collected via semi‐structured long interviews and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. A total of 19 new frontline nurse managers participated in the study.

Findings

The sample consisted of 17 females and two males, with an age range of 40.11 ± 2.71 years and each worked in a variety of units. Trust crisis, tests on capability, and conflicts with the administration were the main ethical issues of new nurse managers, and trust crisis was the most common, especially with nurses in the unit. Eleven subthemes were also involved in these three themes.

Conclusions

New nurse managers encountered a variety of ethical conflicts and dilemmas in their first year. They should enhance their leadership to cope with the issues, and policy support at the hospital level is also needed.

Clinical relevance

Senior hospital managers could use these findings to design interventions that might solve new frontline nurse managers’ ethical issues. And medical staff might understand the ethical experiences of new nurse managers and support them in the most critical period of role transition. Findings are conducted in the hope of facilitating new nurse managers to quickly settle into the new position, establishing a good relationship with physicians and patients and improving the quality of nursing services.
The mediating effect of workplace incivility on organization culture in South Korea: A descriptive correlational analysis of the turnover intention of nurses
Authors: Lee Yoon Heui , Lee Jumi , Lee Soo‐Kyoung
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to understand the mediating effect of workplace incivility on the relationship between nursing organizational culture and turnover intention among nurses.

Design

A descriptive survey was used to collect data. The participants were 170 nurses with more than six months of clinical experience at university hospitals or hospitals with over 500 beds in South Korea.

Methods

Data were collected using self‐report questionnaires. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t‐test, ANOVA, Scheffé test, and Pearson's correlation. Baron and Kenny's three‐step hierarchical regression analysis and the Sobel test were used to determine the mediating effect of workplace incivility on the relationship between nursing organizational culture and nurses’ turnover intention.

Results

This study found a full mediating effect of workplace incivility on the association between relationship‐oriented culture and turnover intention (Z = −3.02, p = 0.003) and a partial mediating effect of workplace incivility on the association between hierarchy‐oriented culture and turnover intention (Z = 2.36, p = 0.018).

Conclusion

This study empirically confirmed that nursing organizational culture and workplace incivility directly or indirectly influenced turnover intention, which highlights the seriousness of workplace incivility.

Clinical relevance

This study suggests that there is a need to establish a concrete strategy to avoid a hierarchy‐oriented culture and create a relationship‐oriented culture. It is important to develop a variety of intervention programs to reduce workplace incivility in order to prevent nurses’ turnover.
Consumers' knowledge of cashless payments: Development, validation, and usability of a measurement scale
Authors: Cwynar Andrzej , Świecka Beata , Filipek Kamil , Porzak Robert
Published: November 2021

The global digital shift, recently accelerated by the COVID‐19 pandemic, requires that consumers have knowledge allowing them to navigate increasingly cashless markets safely and effectively. To enable valid and reliable measurement of such knowledge, we used data obtained from a random sample of adult Poles to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties and applicability of an original cashless payments knowledge scale (CPK scale). Our analyses based on Item Response Theory show that some evident subdomains exist within the CPK construct. The separate dimensions of the CPK merge into a coherent scale with solid psychometric properties. We find that the CPK score depends on the place of residence, education, and household size, and is positively related to safe cashless behavior. Our findings may have important implications for financial institutions as well as policymakers interested in segmenting consumers in terms of their financial knowledge, potential risks resulting from deficits in this knowledge, and enhancing financial literacy.
Considerations on zero‐degree cellulite
Authors: Hexsel Doris , Valente Bezerra Indira , Mosena Gabriela , Hexsel Camile
Published: November 2021

Cellulite affects almost all women, and it is characterized by surface relief alterations, mainly located on the thighs and buttocks, and other areas. Whereas depressed lesions occur due to the presence of thick subcutaneous fibrous septa that pull the skin surface down, raised areas result from the projection of underlying fat to the skin surface. We support that the absence of cellulite can be defined as the ideal balance between the mechanical forces that act between the subcutaneous structures, such as fat and fibrous septa and muscles, and the overlying skin.
Egg enrichment with n‐3 fatty acids in farmed hens in sub‐optimum temperature: A cold‐temperament additive mix alleviates adverse effects of stress on performance and health
Authors: Hosseini Hossein , Esmaeili Noah , Zare Mahyar , Rombenso Artur
Published: November 2021

At some stage, laying hen farming is likely to be subjected to sub‐optimum temperatures (SOTem) due to climate change. While egg enrichment with n‐3 fatty acids is a common practice in the poultry industry, in SOTem it has been less investigated. This study tested the effects of egg enrichment through extruded flaxseed (FLX) (180 g/kg) alone or along with hulled‐soaked barley (H‐SB) (170 g/kg), namely FLBA, with and without a cold‐temperament additive mix (CTA) (25 g/kg: 5 g/kg flixweed (Descurainia sophia), 10 g/kg dried herb‐extraction residues from pussy willow (Salix aegyptiaca) and 10 g/kg dried lemon (Citrus limon) residue) in two temperatures (20°C and SOTem: 27°C) on egg performance, yolk fatty acids, lipid components, blood biochemistry, serological enzymes, antioxidant and immune system of Hy‐Line W‐36 53‐week‐old for 9 weeks. Two hundred seventy layers were randomly distributed to nine treatments, resulting in six replicates with five hens. Hens fed flaxseed diets, regardless of temperature or CTA, had higher levels of n‐3 fatty acids in yolks than others. Temperature negatively influenced feed intake and egg production. FLX + H27 and FLBA + H27 groups outperformed the other groups regarding cholesterol in yolk (10.1, 10.3 mg/g yolk), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) (5.19, 4.93 mg/g yolk), total protein (FLX + H27: 6.82 mg/dl), HDL in the blood (FLBA + H27:83.8 mg/dl), superoxide dismutase (FLBA + H27:90.4 U/ml), glutathione reductase (FLBA + H27: 1042.1 U/ml), glutathione peroxidase (FLX + H27: 1149.7 U/ml) and catalase (FLBA + H27: 12.5 U/ml). Total antibody, immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M after 42 days were significantly higher in chicks fed CTA‐added diets (p < 0.05). Replacing corn and soya bean meal with H‐SB did not negatively change the above‐mentioned factors. Our findings collectively suggest that egg enrichment with n‐3 fatty acids through dietary FLBA + H27 (180 g/kg flaxseed, 170 g/kg H‐SB, and 25 g/kg CTA) in SOtem is suggested without any adverse impacts.
Differential regulation of NPY and SP receptor expression in STRO‐1+ve PDLSCs by inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Winning Lewis , El Karim Ikhlas A. , Linden Gerard J. , Irwin Christopher R. , Killough Simon A. , Lundy Fionnuala T.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The aims of this study were to investigate neuropeptide receptor expression regulation on STRO‐1 +ve periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in response to inflammatory cytokines and to investigate a potential osteogenic effect of neuropeptides.

Background

Nerve fibres innervating the periodontal tissues in humans contain several neuropeptides including neuropeptide Y and substance P. The role of neuropeptide receptors on PDLSCs, including their response to the local inflammatory environment of periodontitis, is currently unknown.

Methods

A homogenous population of STRO‐1 +ve PDLSCs was prepared by immunomagnetic separation of cells obtained by the tissue out‐growth method from healthy premolar teeth from a single donor. Regulation of gene expression of the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor and substance P receptor tachykinin receptor 1 was investigated. A potential osteogenic effect of neuropeptide Y and substance P was also investigated by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin red staining and quantifying osteogenic gene expression.

Results

Treatment of STRO‐1 +ve PDLSCs with tumour necrosis factor‐alpha or interleukin 1‐beta up‐regulated the expression of the neuropeptide Y’s Y1 receptor, but down‐regulated substance P’s receptor. Significantly increased ALP activity was observed in STRO‐1 +ve PDLSCs treated with neuropeptide Y but not substance P. Further studies showed that neuropeptide Y had a modest osteogenic effect on cells at both a functional level and a gene level.

Conclusions

Expression of the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor gene on STRO‐1 +ve PDLSCs was sensitive to local inflammatory cytokines. Treatment of cells with neuropeptide Y was found to produce a modest enhanced osteogenic effect.