bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐dose diazoxide is safe and effective in infants with transient hyperinsulinism
Authors: Malhotra Neha , Yau Daphne , Cunjamalay Annaruby , Gunasekara Buddhi , S. Athanasakopoulou , Gilbert Clare , Morgan Kate , Dattani Mehul , Dastamani Antonia
Published: December 2023

Objective

Transient hyperinsulinism (THI) is the most common form of recurrent hypoglycaemia in neonates beyond the first week of life. Although self‐resolving, treatment can be required. Consensus guidelines recommend the lower end of the diazoxide 5–15 mg/kg/day range in THI to reduce the risk of adverse events. We sought to determine if doses <5 mg/kg/day of diazoxide can be effective in THI.

Design, Patients, Measurments

Infants with THI (duration <6 months) were treated with low‐dose diazoxide from October 2015 to February 2021. Dosing was based on weight at diazoxide start: 2 mg/kg/day in infants 1000–2000 g (cohort 1), 3 mg/kg/day in those 2000–3500 g (cohort 2) and 5 mg/kg/day in those >3500 g.

Results

A total of 73 infants with THI (77% male, 33% preterm, 52% small‐for‐gestational age) were commenced on diazoxide at a median age of 11 days (range 3–43) for a median duration of 4 months (0.3–6.8), with no difference between cohorts. The mean effective diazoxide dose was 3 mg/kg/day (range 1.5–10); 35% (26/73) required an increase from their starting dose, including 60% (9/15) of cohort 1. There was no association between perinatal stress risk factors or treatment‐related characteristics and dose increase. Adverse events occurred in 13 patients (18%); oedema (12%) and hyponatraemia (5%) were the most common. Two infants developed suspected necrotising enterocolitis (NEC); none had pulmonary hypertension.

Conclusion

Diazoxide doses <5 mg/kg/day are effective in THI. While the nature of the association between diazoxide and NEC was unclear, other adverse events were mild. We suggest considering starting doses as low as 2–3 mg/kg/day in THI to balance the side effect risk while maintaining euglycaemia.
Association between atopic disease and vaccination granulomas: A nested case–control study
Authors: Hoffmann Stine Skovbo , Thiesson Emilia Myrup , Johansen Jeanne Duus , Hviid Anders
Published: December 2023

Background

Vaccination granulomas are observed in 1% of all children vaccinated with an aluminium‐adsorbed vaccine. Most children with granulomas also have aluminium contact allergy (CA). CA and atopic diseases are both highly prevalent among children and may be associated.

Objective

To investigate the association between vaccination granulomas and atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma and rhinitis in children.

Methods

We sourced a cohort of all Danish children born from 2009 to 2017 and conducted a nested case–control study, with cases defined as children with vaccination granulomas, matched to controls 1:10 on sex, socioeconomic class, gestational age and season of birth. All cases and controls were vaccinated with aluminium‐adsorbed vaccines and followed until their second birthday. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate the odds ratios (ORs).

Results

The study included 2171 cases with vaccination granulomas, and 21 710 controls. Children with a diagnosis of AD had a significantly higher risk of a vaccination granuloma (OR 1.50, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.25–1.80). No significant association was found between granulomas and asthma or rhinitis. The association between granulomas and AD was even higher in an additional sensitivity‐analysis, following the children until their fourth birthday (OR 2.71, 95% CI 2.36–3.11).

Conclusion

AD was significantly associated with vaccination granulomas, but not with other atopic diseases, within both the first 2 and 4 years of life.
Higher education: The impact of recreational marijuana on college applications
Authors: Blake Christopher D. , Thomas Danna Kang , Hess Joshua
Published: December 2023

Using a two‐way fixed effects difference‐in‐differences model, we investigate the effects of local recreational marijuana (RMJ) policy changes on college applications and find that the three largest state public schools reaped, on average, an almost 54% increase in applications. This increase does not appear to come solely from low‐ability students as both first and third quartiles of admitted student composite SAT scores to the largest three public schools do not decrease. Rather, they both increase by almost 3.8% though these estimates are not statistically significant. Robust difference‐in‐difference and event study models support the signs and magnitudes of these gains and show they diminish over time.
The liver frailty index is a predictor of healthcare utilization after liver transplantation in older adults
Authors: Wang Melinda , Shui Amy M. , Ruck Jessica , King Elizabeth , Rahimi Robert , Kappus Matthew , Volk Michael L. , Ganger Daniel R. , Ladner Daniela P. , Duarte‐Rojo Andres , Huang Chiung‐Yu , Verna Elizabeth C. , Lai Jennifer C.
Published: December 2023

Background

Older adults have higher healthcare utilization after liver transplantation (LT), yet objective risk stratification tools in this population are lacking. We evaluated the Liver Frailty Index (LFI) as one potential tool.

Methods

Ambulatory LT candidates ≥65 years without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent LT from 1/2012 to 6/2022 at 8 U.S. centers were included. Estimates of the difference in median using quantile regression were used to assess the adjusted association between LFI and hospitalized days within 90 days post‐LT.

Results

Of 131 LT recipients, median (interquartile range [IQR]) (1st‐3rd quartiles) age was 68 years (66‐70); median pre‐LT MELD‐Na was 19 (15‐24). Median LFI was 4.1 (3.6‐4.7); 27% were frail (LFI≥4.5). Median hospitalized days within 90 days post‐LT was 11 (7‐20). Compared with non‐frail patients, frail patients were hospitalized for a median of 5 days longer post‐LT (95% CI .30‐9.7, p = .04). Each .5 unit increase in pre‐LT LFI was associated with an increase of 1.16 days (95%CI .42‐2.69, p = .02) in hospitalized days post‐LT.

Conclusion

Among older adults undergoing LT, frailty was associated with more hospitalized days within 90 days after LT. The LFI can identify older adults who might benefit from pre‐LT or early post‐LT programs which may reduce post‐LT healthcare utilization, such as early rehabilitation or post‐hospital discharge programs.
Evaluation of early skin cancer detection in Germany with cancer registry data – challenges, solutions and current trends
Authors: Hübner Joachim , Baltus Hannah , Eisemann Nora , Rohr Maren , Schumann Laura , Augustin Jobst , Hagenström Kristina , Wolf Sandra , Garbe Claudia , Augustin Matthias , Katalinic Alexander
Published: December 2023

Background And Aims

The evidence for the benefit of the skin cancer screening introduced in Germany in 2008 is weak. We investigate to what extent data from the German epidemiological cancer registries are suitable to contribute to the evaluation of skin cancer screening and report these evaluation results.

Material And Methods

Skin cancer‐related cancer registry data from 1999–2019 were described in terms of completeness and comprehensiveness. Regional pools with data of different validity were defined, missing data were multiply imputed where appropriate, and temporal trends were analyzed. In addition, data from the cause of death statistics were used.

Results

Reliable estimates of completeness are only available for malignant melanoma (ICD‐10: C43). Based on a regional data pool covering approximately 21% of the German population, melanoma‐related incidence can be validly described since 2005. Sufficient information for multiple imputation is available for T‐stage and localization. The trend analyses show incidence changes that can be expected in the short term in the temporal context of the introduction of early detection, which changes into a long‐lasting high incidence. The rate of advanced stages does not decrease significantly. From 2014 onwards, the melanoma mortality rate, which had been rising until then, decreases.

Conclusions

Adequately selected and processed cancer registry data are suitable for population‐based evaluation of skin cancer screening. An explanation of the persistently high incidence level is not possible based on the cancer registry data. Overdiagnosis or an increase in the background incidence can be considered. The benefit of skin cancer screening remains open.
Evaluation of skin cancer screening in Germany – Spatiotemporal associations between skin cancer screening and skin cancer mortality based on ambulatory claims data
Authors: Wolf Sandra , Augustin Matthias , Hagenström Kristina , Garbe Claudia , Baltus Hannah , Eisemann Nora , Hübner Joachim , Katalinic Alexander , Augustin Jobst
Published: December 2023

Background

There are regional differences in skin cancer screening uptake in Germany. So far, it is unclear whether a high uptake of screening services leads to a reduction in mortality. This article presents study results on the investigation of spatiotemporal associations between skin cancer screening and mortality. The methods used are discussed regarding their suitability.

Material and methods

The basis is ambulatory claims data on the utilization of early skin cancer detection as well as data on skin cancer mortality from the cause‐of‐death statistics of the years 2011–2015 at county level in Germany. In addition to a descriptive evaluation, spatiotemporal cluster analyses and regression models were used to investigate the relationship between the uptake of early detection and mortality. In addition to age, adjustments were also made for other selected socio‐economic and socio‐graphical variables.

Results

The descriptive results show striking spatial patterns of skin cancer screening and mortality. Cluster analyses identified regions with significantly higher and lower cases of early detection and skin cancer mortality. The spatiotemporal regression analyses show no clear association. Only early detection by a dermatologist, adjusted for age, shows an association with mortality.

Conclusions

No clear association between early skin cancer detection and mortality can be derived from the results. However, the study design used with a spatiotemporal cluster and regression analysis has shown that these methods allow in‐depth statements about the relationship between early skin cancer detection and mortality.
Evaluation der Hautkrebsfrüherkennung in Deutschland – Raumzeitliche Assoziationen zwischen Hautkrebsfrüherkennung und Hautkrebsmortalität auf Grundlage ambulanter Abrechnungsdaten
Authors: Wolf Sandra , Augustin Matthias , Hagenström Kristina , Garbe Claudia , Baltus Hannah , Eisemann Nora , Hübner Joachim , Katalinic Alexander , Augustin Jobst
Published: December 2023

Hintergrund

Es bestehen regionale Unterschiede in der Hautkrebsfrüherkennungsinanspruchnahme in Deutschland. Bislang ist ungeklärt, ob eine hohe Inanspruchnahme von Früherkennungsleistungen zu einer Senkung der Mortalität führt. Dieser Beitrag präsentiert Studienergebnisse zur Untersuchung raumzeitlicher Assoziationen von Hautkrebsfrüherkennung und Mortalität. Die angewendeten Methoden werden hinsichtlich ihrer Eignung diskutiert.

Material und Methodik

Grundlage sind ambulante Abrechnungsdaten zur Inanspruchnahme von Hautkrebsfrüherkennung sowie Daten zur Hautkrebsmortalität aus der Todesursachenstatistik der Jahre 2011–2015 auf Ebene der Kreise und kreisfreien Städte in Deutschland. Neben einer deskriptiven Auswertung wurden raumzeitliche Clusteranalysen und Regressionsmodelle angewendet, um den Zusammenhang zwischen der Inanspruchnahme von Früherkennung und Mortalität zu untersuchen. Dabei wurde neben Alter auch nach weiteren ausgewählten sozioökonomischen und ‐grafischen Variablen adjustiert.

Ergebnisse

Die deskriptiven Ergebnisse zeigen markante räumliche Muster der Hautkrebsfrüherkennung und Mortalität. Mittels Clusteranalysen konnten Regionen mit signifikant höheren und niedrigeren Fällen an Früherkennung und Hautkrebsmortalität identifiziert werden. Die raumzeitlichen Regressionsanalysen zeigen keine eindeutige Assoziation. Lediglich die Früherkennung beim Dermatologen, adjustiert nach Alter, zeigt eine Assoziation mit Mortalität.

Diskussion

Aus den Ergebnissen lässt sich kein eindeutiger Zusammenhang zwischen Hautkrebsfrüherkennung und ‐mortalität ableiten. Das verwendete Studiendesign mit einer raumzeitlichen Cluster‐ und Regressionsanalyse hat jedoch gezeigt, dass diese Methoden vertiefte Aussagen über den Zusammenhang von Hautkrebsfrüherkennung und ‐mortalität ermöglichen.
Don't throw the associative baby out with the Bayesian bathwater: Children are more associative when reasoning retrospectively under information processing demands
Authors: Benton Deon T. , Kamper David , Beaton Rebecca M. , Sobel David M.
Published: December 2023

Causal reasoning is a fundamental cognitive ability that enables individuals to learn about the complex interactions in the world around them. However, the mechanisms that underpin causal reasoning are not well understood. For example, it remains unresolved whether children's causal inferences are best explained by Bayesian inference or associative learning. The two experiments and computational models reported here were designed to examine whether 5‐ and 6‐year‐olds will retrospectively reevaluate objects—that is, adjust their beliefs about the causal status of some objects presented at an earlier point in time based on the observed causal status of other objects presented at a later point in time—when asked to reason about 3 and 4 objects and under varying degrees of information processing demands. Additionally, the experiments and models were designed to determine whether children's retrospective reevaluations were best explained by associative learning, Bayesian inference, or some combination of both. The results indicated that participants retrospectively reevaluated causal inferences under minimal information‐processing demands (Experiment 1) but failed to do so under greater information processing demands (Experiment 2) and that their performance was better captured by an associative learning mechanism, with less support for descriptions that rely on Bayesian inference.

Research Highlights

Five‐ and 6‐year‐old children engage in retrospective reevaluation under minimal information‐processing demands (Experiment 1).

Five‐ and 6‐year‐old children do not engage in retrospective reevaluation under more extensive information‐processing demands (Experiment 2).

Across both experiments, children's retrospective reevaluations were better explained by a simple associative learning model, with only minimal support for a simple Bayesian model.

These data contribute to our understanding of the cognitive mechanisms by which children make causal judgements.
First report of phyllode rust on Acacia crassicarpa outside its native range
Authors: Wingfield Michael J. , Marincowitz Seonju , Barnes Irene , Tarigan Marthin , Solís Myriam , Durán Alvaro , Pham Nam Q.
Published: December 2023

Acacia crassicarpa is a tropical tree species native to Australia, West Papua and Papua New Guinea, which has been widely used to establish plantations in the lowland humid tropics of Sumatra and Kalimantan. These trees, able to grow on sites having relatively poor nutrition, have been relatively free of serious disease problems. A rust disease infecting the phyllodes of A. crassicarpa has recently been encountered in plantations in various areas of Indonesia and Malaysia where they are not native. In this study, the rust was collected and identified as Endoraecium violae‐faustiae using DNA sequence analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA. This is the first record of the rust outside its native range. Damage at present appears to be relatively mild but the pathogen could become important in the future.
Development of pore structure and related driving factors following land‐use change by dual‐scale x‐ray tomography
Authors: Yu Xiuling , Qi Dongmei , Lu Shenggao
Published: December 2023

Land‐use conversion has a great impact on soil pore structure. However, the variation of pore structure and the related driving factors following land‐use conversion are still in need of further interpretation. In this study, the pore structure of millimetric intact aggregates as well as centimetric undisturbed soil cores collected from paddy fields (PF) and vegetable fields converted from paddy fields for 5 years (VF‐5), 13 years (VF‐13), and 20 years (VF‐20) was quantified by dual‐scale x‐ray tomography. Results revealed that the pore structure at the aggregate and soil core scales responded differently after the paddy fields were converted to vegetable fields. Imaged porosity and pore connectivity of aggregates increased slightly following land‐use conversion. Those properties increased significantly within soil cores. Compared with the paddy field aggregates, the porosity of elongated pores with larger diameters markedly increased in vegetable field aggregates, suggesting an enhancement in the accessibility of air, water, and nutrients. At the soil core scale, the alteration of pore structure was mainly attributed to the shift of the soil environment, the change of tillage operation, and the plantation of different crops. The shift of rice to vegetable plantation significantly altered the length and tortuosity of the intermediate branch pores. Importantly, the land‐use change created a more drainable pore structure due to the significant increase of pore connectivity at the soil core scale, which is suitable for vegetable plantations. These findings are crucial for evaluating and interpreting the microscale pore structure change following land‐use conversion.
Discovery of a new population of the endangered giant water bug Kirkaldyia deyrolli (Heteroptera: Belostomatidae) in Kyushu and evaluation of their genetic structure
Authors: Suzuki Tomoya , Ichiyanagi Hidetaka , Ohba Shin‐ya
Published: December 2023

The giant water bug Kirkaldyia deyrolli is one of the most well‐known endangered aquatic insects in Japan. The population of this species in Kyushu, one of the four major islands of the Japanese Archipelago, is extremely limited. In the present study, we identified a new population of K. deyrolli and undertook population genetic structure analyses based on genome‐wide nuclear DNA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We collected samples using a nonlethal sampling method and obtained 59,279 SNPs. The results of our study confirm that sufficient SNP data for population genetic structure analysis can be obtained through nonlethal sampling. We determined that the newly identified population is genetically differentiated from a previously identified population on Kyushu. Therefore, this population is considered highly important for the conservation of K. deyrolli in Kyushu.
Finishing technique effect on strength of zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate ceramic
Authors: Benalcazar‐Jalkh Ernesto Byron , Cunha Verena Souza , Bergamo Edmara Tatiely Pedroso , Alves Larissa Marcia Martins , de Monteiro‐Sousa Raphaelle Santos , Campos Tiago Moreira Bastos , Tanaka Ricardo , Marcolino Giovana de Assis , Souza Felipe Machado de , Bonfante Estevam Augusto
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two finishing techniques, glazing or polishing, in comparison with the as‐cut condition, on the biaxial‐flexural‐strength (BFS) of a zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate ceramic (ZLS). Cylinders were milled from CAD/CAM blocks and sliced to obtain disc‐shaped specimens (ISO6872:2015). Polished and glazed specimens were processed following the manufacturer's instructions. Thirty‐three specimens were obtained for each condition and microstructural and BFS/fractographic characterizations were performed. BFS and roughness data were analyzed using Weibull statistics and ANOVA one‐way with Tukey post‐hoc test, respectively. While a rougher surface was observed for as‐cut specimens, smoother surfaces were observed for polished and glazed ZLS at microscopical evaluation and confirmed through surface‐roughness evaluation. X‐ray spectra depicted a glass phase for all groups and characteristic metasilicate, lithium disilicate, and lithium phosphate peaks for the as‐cut and polished specimens. Glazed specimens showed higher characteristic strength than polished and as‐cut specimens, which did not differ significantly. While higher Weibull‐modulus was observed for the polished than for the as‐cut specimens, no statistically significant differences were noted between glazed and polished, and between glazed and as‐cut specimens. ZLS presents higher strength when glazed, and polishing increases the structural reliability of the material relative to the as‐cut condition. Both finishing techniques reduced surface roughness similarly.
Optical effects of graphene addition on adhesives for orthodontic lingual retainers
Authors: Liu Shiyao , El‐Angbawi Ahmed , Ji Ruidong , Rosa Vinicius , Silikas Nick
Published: December 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the effects on the colour of adding increasing concentrations of graphene to orthodontic fixed retainer adhesives and to evaluate changes in optical transmission during light curing and the resultant degree of conversion. Two different types of adhesives commonly used for fixed retainers were investigated: A packable composite (Transbond) and a flowable composite (Transbond Supreme). Graphene was added to the adhesives in three different concentrations (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 wt%). Adhesives without graphene addition were set as control groups. A Minolta colourimeter was used to measure the colour and translucency parameters. Irradiance transmitted during curing was quantified using MARC Light Collector. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy was used to record degree of conversion. Data were statistically analysed with the Student's t‐test and one‐way ANOVA with Tukey's tests (α = 0.05). The findings showed that incorporating graphene darkened the adhesive colour significantly and reduced translucency. As the graphene concentration reached 0.1 wt%, samples became opaque; yet, no adverse effect on degree of conversion was observed. The addition of graphene reduces optical transmission of lingual retainer adhesives; the effect increases with graphene concentration.
Population genetic insights into establishment, adaptation, and dispersal of the invasive quagga mussel across perialpine lakes
Authors: Haltiner Linda , Spaak Piet , Dennis Stuart R. , Feulner Philine G. D.
Published: December 2023

Human activities have facilitated the invasion of freshwater ecosystems by various organisms. Especially, invasive bivalves such as the quagga mussels, Dreissena bugensis, have the potential to alter ecosystem function as they heavily affect the food web. Quagga mussels occur in high abundance, have a high filtration rate, quickly spread within and between waterbodies via pelagic larvae, and colonize various substrates. They have invaded various waterbodies across the Northern Hemisphere. In Central Europe, they have invaded multiple large and deep perialpine lakes with first recordings in Lake Geneva in 2015 and 2016 in Lake Constance. In the deep perialpine lakes, quagga mussels quickly colonized the littoral zone but are also abundant deeper (>80 m), where they are often thinner and brighter shelled. We analysed 675 quagga mussels using ddRAD sequencing to gain in‐depth insights into the genetic population structure of quagga mussels across Central European lakes and across various sites and depth habitats in Lake Constance. We revealed substantial genetic differentiation amongst quagga mussel populations from three unconnected lakes, and all populations showed high genetic diversity and effective population size. In Lake Constance, we detected no genetic differentiation amongst quagga mussels sampled across different sites and depth habitats. We also did not identify any convincing candidate loci evidential for adaptation along a depth gradient and a transplant experiment showed no indications of local adaptation to living in the deep based on investigating growth and survival. Hence, the shallow‐water and the deep‐water morphotypes seem to be a result of phenotypic plasticity rather than local adaptation to depth. In conclusion, our ddRAD approach revealed insight into the establishment of genetically distinct quagga mussel populations in three perialpine lakes and suggests that phenotypic plasticity and life history traits (broadcast spawner with high fecundity and dispersing pelagic larvae) facilitate the fast spread and colonization of various depth habitats by the quagga mussel.
The current state of undergraduate medical Spanish: Results of a national survey
Authors: Miller De Rutté Alyssia M. , Kentengian Isabel María , Pérez María E. , Ortega Pilar
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the following research question: What is the landscape of medical Spanish offerings in undergraduate, 4‐year universities in US states with large Spanish‐speaking populations? Forty‐four percent of institutions responded to the survey, which explored institutional characteristics, medical Spanish programs and individual courses, and instructors. Nonrespondent institutions' web sites were manually searched. The findings revealed that 43% of institutions offer medical Spanish programming. Based on results from the study, recommendations for undergraduate medical Spanish programming include starting with learners who have at least an intermediate level of Spanish language proficiency, recruiting students studying health professions, focusing on linguistic and intercultural competence, incorporating topics that impact health, developing a series of medical Spanish courses, expanding medical Spanish teaching and research positions, and collaborating across disciplines. The results emphasize the importance of continued research on medical Spanish and development to better prepare healthcare professionals to provide linguistically appropriate and culturally relevant healthcare to the growing Spanish‐speaking population.
When rivers run dry: Perennial pools as ecological refuges for freshwater mussels during drought
Authors: Cushway Kiara C. , Schwalb Astrid N.
Published: December 2023

As the intensity and frequency of drought and drying events are predicted to increase globally with climate warming and increasing human water usage, there is an urgent need to understand what kind of habitats may serve as refuges for organisms to withstand adverse effects. When flows decrease in rivers, disconnected pools may provide critical habitat for survival of aquatic organisms such as freshwater mussels, a highly imperilled group for which drought and dewatering pose a major threat.

The objective of this study was to (1) examine whether pools serve as ecological refuges for freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) in drought‐stricken streams by surveying mussel distribution in an intermittent section (i.e., a section that regularly goes dry) of the San Saba River, Texas, and (2) examine the habitat characteristics that influence whether a pool functions as a refuge.

We found that pool dimensions, thermal conditions, past dryness (number of years a pool was dry between 2004 and 2020), underlying geology, and aquatic and riparian vegetation influence the abundance and species richness of freshwater mussels in pools that may serve as important refuges for mussels to avoid desiccation and lethal high temperatures. Despite this, abundances and richness of mussels were low at all sites.

Our results suggest that pools that retain water during drought conditions (i.e., perennial pools) may serve as ecological refuges for globally imperilled organisms such as freshwater mussels on shorter timescales (e.g., days to years). Protection and prioritisation of maintaining suitable conditions in refuge pools may help mussels persist as drought and drying issues become more pervasive in aquatic ecosystems. However, if there is a limited number of isolated pools that only allow the survival of a small number of mussels, then these pools cannot prevent overall declines of mussels in drying rivers. Better management of surface water and groundwater in anthropogenically impacted systems could ensure the flowing conditions that are needed to protect mussels in the face of climate change.
Beta‐diversity within coral atolls: Terrestrial species turnover increases with cyclone frequencies
Authors: Steibl Sebastian , Russell James C.
Published: December 2023

Aim

Atolls are a widely distributed, common type of tropical ecosystem, each consisting of an annular coral reef and up to several hundred individual islets sitting on the reef platform. The small land areas and low elevation render the terrestrial communities susceptible to local extinctions from overwash and inundation due to tropical cyclones. Such recurring catastrophic disturbances should be expected to drive strong priority effects and historical contingency in species assembly, thus also promoting species turnover within atolls. This stands contradictory to the received wisdom of atolls consisting of numerous uniform, replicated island systems. We tested the hypothesis that the individual islets within an atoll exhibit compositional turnover and that this species turnover within atolls is related to cyclone frequency.

Location

Atolls worldwide.

Time Period

Present.

Taxa Studied

Vascular plants, reptiles, birds.

Methods

We compiled a global dataset at the level of islets for species presence/absence within atolls. We obtained long‐term (80 year) tropical cyclone frequency data for each atoll from the NOAA hurricane database and used Bayesian regression to estimate the effects of tropical cyclone frequency on species turnover within atolls.

Results

We consistently measured high within‐atoll species turnover (i.e., between the individual islets within an atoll) on atolls worldwide. The degree of within‐atoll species turnover increases with increasing tropical cyclone frequency. Atolls that are more frequently hit by tropical cyclones show higher species turnover between their islets than those that occur outside the tropical cyclone belt.

Main Conclusions

Tropical cyclones are a significant driver of the community assemblages on atolls. These catastrophic disturbances promote a heterogenous atoll landscape, which challenges perceptions that the islets within an atoll are identical replicates of the entire atoll terrestrial community. Biodiversity surveys undertaken at the islet‐level (alpha‐diversity) might therefore not be representative of the entire atoll metacommunity (gamma) diversity.
Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of a patient‐reported experience measure for children
Authors: Nordlind Anna , Anderzén‐Carlsson Agneta , Sundqvist Ann‐Sofie , Ängeby Karin , Wray Jo , Oldham Geralyn , Almblad Ann‐Charlotte
Published: December 2023

Background

There is no national, validated, generic patient‐reported experience measure (PREM) for children under 15 years of age in Sweden. A recent cross‐sectional study found no consensus in how children's voices are heard in paediatric health care, as well as a lack of validated questionnaires.

Aim

The aim of this study is to translate, adapt and validate the six versions of the Children's and Young People's PREM for use in a Swedish health care context.

Design

An exploratory sequential mixed‐method design including cognitive interviews and content validity index (CVI) was used. The interviews focused on evaluating children's understanding of the questionnaire, and the CVI was used to further adjust the relevance of the questionnaire.

Participants

A convenience sample of 62 children participated in the cognitive interviews and an additional convenience sample of 42 children was included in the CVI testing. The children, aged 8–16 years, were attending routine visits at paediatric departments in a county hospital and a children's hospital in the mid‐Sweden region between October 2020 and June 2022.

Results

The translation, adaptation and validation process identified several issues regarding the understanding of the questionnaire in a Swedish context. Adaptations were made based on issues related to context, wording and the structure of the questions. CVI testing resulted in the removal of 3–10 questions in each of the different versions of the questionnaire.

Conclusion

The study has resulted in six face‐ and content‐validated Swedish versions of the questionnaire ready for pilot testing. Although the versions of the original questionnaire were developed in collaboration with children in the United Kingdom, this did not mean that they could automatically be used in a Swedish health care context. This study confirms the importance of a rigorous process of adaptation and validation to ensure quality and applicability to children accessing health care in different countries.

Patient or Public Contribution

Children's views have guided the development of the original instrument and its adaptation to the Swedish health care context. Due to the strong patient involvement in the process of developing the Swedish versions of the questionnaire, the research group made a pragmatic decision to have no other patient contribution in the study.
The lived experiences of oropharyngeal dysphagia in adults living with fibromyalgia
Authors: Gilheaney Órla , Hussey Joeann , McTiernan Kathleen
Published: December 2023

Background

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition which has recently been linked with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). However, to date, sample sizes within completed research are small and study designs heterogeneous, and therefore, little is known about the lived experiences of dysphagia among people with fibromyalgia. To go some way towards addressing this gap in the literature, this study collected and analysed the first‐hand experiences of the physical symptoms, the psychosocial impacts and environmental factors that influenced the lived experience of a sample of people living with fibromyalgia‐associated dysphagia.

Methods

Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted with adults with dysphagia and fibromyalgia. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed and themes were identified regarding the reported experience and impact of swallowing problems. The same researcher conducted the interviews and extracted all data, and a second researcher analysed a random sample of 5% of the data for accuracy, with no disagreements arising between the two researchers.

Results

All participants (n = 8) reported the negative psychosocial impact of their dysphagia. Participants reported managing their dysphagia independently, primarily using compensatory strategies. Participants discussed feeling unsupported in healthcare interactions due to clinicians not understanding the occurrence, nature or impact of eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties. Participants also reported that they did not have access to evidence‐based management strategies that adequately addressed their fibromyalgia‐related swallowing problems.

Conclusions

Despite minimal previous research in this area, findings here highlight the impact that dysphagia has on people with fibromyalgia. A broad range of physical symptoms were reported to have negative consequences across both social and emotional domains. The reported symptoms often required complex coping strategies and sometimes impeded participants from seeking suitable medical intervention from healthcare providers. There are both broad‐ranging implications of fibromyalgia‐associated dysphagia and reported poor perceptions of medical interactions for this cohort of patients. Therefore, there is evidently a need for clinical research into the management of this condition to develop patient‐centred care delivery options and to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide efficacious management to this group.

Patient or Public Contribution

Before initiation of the qualitative interviews, the interview schedule was piloted with an individual living with fibromyalgia and dysphagia, with feedback provided on the appropriate wording and format of semi‐structured questioning.
Increased accumulation of the advanced glycation endproduct Ne(carboxymethyl) lysine in the intramyocardial vasculature in patients with epicarditis
Authors: Baylan U , Baidoshvili A , Simsek S , Schalkwijk CG , Niessen HWM , Krijnen PAJ
Published: December 2023

Advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular disease. In previous studies we have found increased deposition of N(e)‐(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) in intramyocardial vasculature in the heart in acute myocardial infarction and myocarditis. It is known that the process of inflammation plays a role in the formation of AGEs. In this study we have explored the presence of CML (a major AGE) in the heart of patients with epicarditis using a monoclonal anti‐CML antibody. Nine patients with epicarditis (n = 9) died and their hearts were used for this study, control were hearts from patients who died from conditions unrelated to heart disease and without signs of myocarditis or epicarditis CML deposition and complement were significantly increased in patients with epicarditis compared to control hearts. Thus epicarditis increases CML depositions in the intramyocardial vasculature.
Modeling and optimization of the sagging process for large‐size and high‐purity silica glass synthesis
Authors: Li Chengshuai , Yin Suping , Ma Qianli , Fang Haisheng
Published: December 2023

Glass sagging is a subsequent process to the CVD process used for large‐size and high‐purity silica glass synthesis. Physical phenomena taking place in this process are complicated which need an in‐depth understanding for better control. In this paper, a comprehensive study is conducted for the sagging process using a level‐set and enthalpy‐porosity coupled model. With this model, the deforming behavior of glass ingot and evolution of OH uniformly distributed region are well predicted. Then, two performance indices (the effective yield rate and maximum extension radius of OH uniformly distributed region) are proposed based on different applications, and important factors, including geometrical parameters (the ingot initial length, crucible diameter and pedestal height) and operating parameter (the heater power allocation scheme), are explored for their effects on the two indices. The orthogonal test design method is adopted to further determine the collective effects of the four factors. According to the range analysis results, the initial ingot length has the greatest effect, while the crucible diameter has the least effect on the effective yield rate; and for the maximum extension radius, the crucible diameter becomes the major factor, while the pedestal height is the most insensitive factor. The corresponding optimal schemes are proposed for the two indices finally, which are believed to provide useful guidance for improving the sagging process.
The Western Australian experience of COVID‐19 after the borders reopened: evaluation of public health modelling predictions
Authors: Law Lynden , Lo Wei Juen , House Caris , Rawlins Matthew , Boan Peter , Musk Michael
Published: December 2023

Background

Western Australia (WA) serves as a unique global case study on the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on an isolated, prepared and highly vaccinated population. This study builds upon the study performed by House et al. through an extended data set.

Aim

To examine the impact of COVID‐19 at the only quaternary hospital in WA following the border opening from 3 March to 17 July 2022.

Participants

A total of 257 adults were admitted with COVID‐19 under either respiratory or the intensive care unit (ICU).

Outcomes

Admission numbers, disease severity, ICU admission, prevalence of COVID‐19 deterioration risk factors, length of stay and mortality.

Results

A total of 257 patients were admitted with COVID‐19, under respiratory (81.7%) and ICU (18.3%). COVID‐19 was the primary reason for admission for 67.7%. Ten patients died during the study, with seven deaths attributed to COVID pneumonitis. COVID‐19 severity was 37.4% mild, 37.0% moderate, 18.3% severe and 7.4% critical. Risk factors for requiring ICU included incomplete immunisation status (P = 0.011), chronic kidney disease (P = 0.008) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) ethnicity. The WA Department of Health predicted that the number of hospitalisations and ICU cases were significantly higher than the actual number of cases.

Conclusion

The number of hospitalisations and ICU COVID‐19 cases were significantly less than predicted, likely due to high population vaccination rates prior to border opening. The main risk factors for COVID‐19 severity were incomplete immunisation and ATSI ethnicity.
The prevalence and risk factors of PTSD symptoms among nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hernández‐Bojorge Santiago , Campos Adriana , Parikh Jeegan , Beckstead Jason , Lajeunesse Marc , Wildman Derek
Published: December 2023

Since the first reported outbreak in China, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has raised serious concerns globally. The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused a severe psychological impact on healthcare workers (HCWs), and especially nurses, who are the most numerous and exposed frontline group. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to summarise extant literature on the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the psychological health of nurses, particularly concerning the prevalence and risk factors for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Embase and PsycInfo from March 2020 to July 2023. Articles were included/excluded on predetermined eligibility criteria. A random‐effect meta‐analysis was performed using proportions to determine the pooled prevalence for PTSD among nurses. Subgroup analyses were also performed, and heterogeneity across studies was analysed using meta‐regression. Relatively high prevalence rates of PTSD were reported among nurse populations during the COVID‐19 pandemic in twenty‐six different countries, globally. Risk factors associated with PTSD include having prior mental health co‐morbidities, being a female, having high exposure/contact with COVID‐19 patients, having insufficient protective conditions and having intensive workloads. The overall pooled prevalence was 29.1% (95% C.I. = 23.5%, 35.5%) using a random‐effects model in 55 studies. The regression test of funnel plot asymmetry indicated a significant level of publication bias among studies. The COVID‐19 pandemic is associated with significant levels of PTSD among frontline nurses globally. A high level of heterogeneity was observed across studies. Psychological, social and administrative interventions should be implemented to mitigate heavy psychological distress in nurses.
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Authors: Li Yiting , Tang Li , Zhang Yi , Liao Ga , Zheng Liwei
Published: December 2023

The cover image is based on the Original Article Global bibliometric mapping of dental development research for the period 2012–2021 by Yiting Li et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/ipd.13098.

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Cover Image
Authors: Tavares Mary , Chiu Chung‐Jung , Hasturk Hatice , Lake Kristina , O'Keefe Anna C. , De Armas Veronica , Yaskell Tina , Esberg Anders , Johansson Ingegerd , Tanner Anne C.
Published: December 2023

The cover image is based on the Original Article Household, dietary, and clinical characteristics of childhood caries and overweight progression—A prospective cohort study by Mary Tavares et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/ipd.13093.

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Successive phase transitions–induced multiple boundaries and unprecedented electrocaloric effect in Pb(Yb1/2Nb1/2)O3–Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 system
Authors: Li Feng , Long Mingsheng , Tan Qi , Lou Xiaojie , Shan Lei , Wang Chunchang
Published: December 2023

Temperature stability of electrocaloric effect (ECE) is a thorny problem in ferroelectrics (FE). A general method is to design ferroelectric‐to‐relaxor phase transition at a sacrifice of electrocaloric (EC) strength. The Pb(Yb1/2Nb1/2)O3 antiferroelectrics (AFE) + Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 relaxors strategy designed in this work is effective to tackle this dilemma [(1 − x)PYN–xPMN, x = 0.08–0.36]. PMN addition induces a successive phase transition and dual phase boundaries of ferrielectric (FIE)‐nonergodic relaxor (NER) and NER‐ergodic relaxor (ER), where ferroelectric polarization/strain and ECE reach a local maximum. Thermally stable ΔT is unexpectedly achieved in FIE (x = 0.14) and NER (x = 0.24), except for a generality for ER state (x = 0.30). A dome‐like variation trend is observed in x = 0.14 and 0.24 with a wide temperature span of ∼60 and ∼55 K (±15%ΔTmax). Notably, x = 0.24 NER possesses a large directly measured ΔTmax ∼0.64 K simultaneously. Dielectric/ferroelectric properties clarify that two‐stage transition of AFE rigid‐order de‐texture and dissociation of de‐textured AFE domains into polar nano‐entities accounts for thermal stability of ΔT as the alternation of ordered antipolar domains to disorder relaxors serves as a buffer to compensate for the thermal‐shock enhanced random field. This work not only accounts for the underlying mechanism for thermal stability of ΔT at FIE and NER side for the first time in physics but also provides an exotic approach to seek for high‐performance EC materials in practical applications.
Biogeography and global flows of 100 major alien fungal and fungus‐like oomycete pathogens
Authors: Schertler Anna , Lenzner Bernd , Dullinger Stefan , Moser Dietmar , Bufford Jennifer L. , Ghelardini Luisa , Santini Alberto , Capinha César , Monteiro Miguel , Reino Luís , Wingfield Michael J. , Seebens Hanno , Thines Marco , Dawson Wayne , van Kleunen Mark , Kreft Holger , Pergl Jan , Pyšek Petr , Weigelt Patrick , Winter Marten , Essl Franz
Published: December 2023

Aim

Spreading infectious diseases associated with introduced pathogens can have devastating effects on native biota and human livelihoods. We analyse the global distribution of 100 major alien fungal and oomycete pathogens with substantial socio‐economic and environmental impacts and examine their taxonomy, ecological characteristics, temporal accumulation trajectories, regional hot‐ and coldspots of taxon richness and taxon flows between continents.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Alien/cryptogenic fungi and fungus‐like oomycetes, pathogenic to plants or animals.

Methods

To identify over/underrepresented classes and phyla, we performed Chi2 tests of independence. To describe spatial patterns, we calculated the region‐wise richness and identified hot‐ and coldspots, defined as residuals after correcting taxon richness for region area and sampling effort via a quasi‐Poisson regression. We examined the relationship with environmental and socio‐economic drivers with a multiple linear regression and evaluated a potential island effect. Regional first records were pooled over 20‐year periods, and for global flows the links between the native range to the alien regions were mapped.

Results

Peronosporomycetes (Oomycota) were overrepresented among taxa and regional taxon richness was positively correlated with area and sampling effort. While no island effect was found, likely due to host limitations, hotspots were correlated with human modification of terrestrial land, per capita gross domestic product, temperate and tropical forest biomes, and orobiomes. Regional first records have increased steeply in recent decades. While Europe and Northern America were major recipients, about half of the taxa originate from Asia.

Main Conclusions

We highlight the putative importance of anthropogenic drivers, such as land use providing a conducive environment, contact opportunities and susceptible hosts, as well as economic wealth likely increasing colonisation pressure. While most taxa were associated with socio‐economic impacts, possibly partly due to a bias in research focus, about a third show substantial impacts to both socio‐economy and the environment, underscoring the importance of maintaining a wholescale perspective across natural and managed systems.