bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An RNA Interference/Adeno‐Associated Virus Vector–Based Combinatorial Gene Therapy Approach Against Hepatitis E Virus
Authors: Zhang Cindy , Freistaedter Andrew , Schmelas Carolin , Gunkel Manuel , Dao Thi Viet Loan , Grimm Dirk
Published: October 2021

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major public health problem with limited therapeutic options. Here, we engineered adeno‐associated viral vectors of serotype 6 (AAV6) to express short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) against HEV transcripts with the prospect of down‐regulating HEV replication in vivo. We designed 20 different shRNAs, targeting the genome of the HEV genotype 3 (GT3) Kernow‐C1 p6 strain, for delivery upon AAV6 transduction. Using an original selectable HEV GT3 reporter replicon, we identified three shRNAs that efficiently down‐regulated HEV replication. We further confirmed their inhibitory potency with full‐length HEV infection. Seventy‐two hours following transduction, HEV replication in both systems decreased by up to 95%. The three most potent inhibitory shRNAs identified were directed against the methyltransferase domain, the junction region between the open reading frames (ORFs), and the 3´ end of ORF2. Targeting all three regions by multiplexing the shRNAs further enhanced their inhibitory potency over a prolonged period of up to 21 days following transduction. Conclusion: Combining RNA interference and AAV vector–based gene therapy has great potential for suppressing HEV replication. Our strategy to target the viral RNA with multiplexed shRNAs should help to counteract viral escape through mutations. Considering the widely documented safety of AAV vector–based gene therapies, our approach is, in principle, amenable to clinical translation.
Impact of water source dynamics on dissolved reactive phosphorus loadings in heterogenous karst agroecosystems with phosphatic limestones
Authors: Radcliff Cory , Ford William I. , Nazari Saeid , Shepard Christopher
Published: October 2021

Karst landscapes underlain with phosphatic limestones are now recognized to be an important contributor of fluvial phosphorus (P) to coastal waters. Specifically, karst agroecosystems may be a hotspot for dissolved reactive P (DRP) due to chronic over‐application of organic and inorganic fertilizers that create legacy P accumulation in surface soils. Nevertheless, few studies have assessed the hydrologic controls on DRP transport in these systems at the watershed scale, which is the focus of this study. We analysed soil moisture, soil water extractable P, and storm event hydrologic and water quality data from a small heterogenous karst watershed (10.7 km2) in the Inner‐Bluegrass Region of Central Kentucky, USA. Four storm events were sampled in winter, 2020 and were analysed for flow pathways using hydrograph recession analysis and water source connectivity using a tracer‐based unmixing model. Based on hydrograph separation results, multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess drivers of DRP concentrations and loadings. Soil water extractable P results showed stark vertical gradients with greater concentrations at both the surface and deeper soil zones, and minimum concentrations in the root zone. Results for the storm event analysis showed that water source connectivity provided superior prediction of DRP concentrations over the flow pathway analysis, which reflected the heterogeneity of karst maturity masking intermediate flow pathways. Findings from the MLR and loading analysis suggest waters sourced from the soil/epikarst produced significantly higher loadings compared with phreatic and precipitation water source in the three largest events, although concentrations fell between the phreatic (low) and precipitation (high) sources. Findings highlight variable activation of matrix‐macropore exchange at different depths throughout the event. Collectively these results suggest existing models and approaches to assess karst hydrology need revision to improve management strategies in this critical landscape.
Butanol recovery using ionic liquids as green solvents
Authors: Motghare Kalyani A , Shende Diwakar Z , Wasewar Kailas L
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Consistent rising energy demand due to depleting conventional resources leads to the development of alternative energy sources. Biobutanol is a promising fuel because of its high energy content. However, the fermentative technique of butanol generation by the acetone−butanol−ethanol procedure utilizing solventogenic Clostridium has serious constraints. It represses microbial movement (ordinarily ≥10 g L−1) and influences its production. To extricate butanol from aging broth, there are different separation techniques. To conquer these issues, ionic liquids can be utilized as novel extractants replacing ordinary unstable solvents.

RESULTS

In the present paper, separation of butanol (simulated) from aqueous media utilizing typical hydrophobic ionic liquids – 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonimide) (HMIM[NTF2]), 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (HMIM[PF6]) and other solvents; oleyl alcohol (OA), tri‐n‐butyl phosphate (TBP) and their blends – has been carried at 298 ± 1 K. Results were compared with TBP, which was taken as a conventional reference solvent. Extraction efficiency was observed in the range TBP > 85–87% for OA > 55–85 for HMIM[NTF2] > 26–66% for HMIM[PF6], respectively. From the equilibrium experiments, distribution coefficients (Kd) values were observed in the range of TBP (7–23) > OA (5–7) > HMIM[NTF2] (1.2–5.6) > HMIM[PF6] (0.36–1.94), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The present study shows how extractant–diluent combinations can be used to obtain a non‐toxic extractant to tune characteristics of ionic liquids and improve fluid properties by significantly increasing distribution coefficients and extraction efficiencies. This could be helpful for separation of butanol from aqueous phase. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
International Expert Consensus on Precision Anatomy for minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy: PAM‐HBP Surgery Project
Authors: Ban Daisuke , Nishino Hitoe , Ohtsuka Takao , Nagakawa Yuichi , Abu Hilal Mohammed , Asbun Horacio J. , Boggi Ugo , Goh Brian K. P. , He Jin , Honda Goro , Jang Jin‐Young , Kang Chang Moo , Kendrick Michael L. , Kooby David A. , Liu Rong , Nakamura Yoshiharu , Nakata Kohei , Palanivelu Chinnusamy , Shrikhande Shailesh V. , Takaori Kyoichi , Tang Chung‐Ngai , Wang Shin‐E , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Yiengpruksawan Anusak , Yoon Yoo‐Seok , Ciria Ruben , Berardi Giammauro , Garbarino Giovanni Maria , Higuchi Ryota , Ikenaga Naoki , Ishikawa Yoshiya , Kozono Shingo , Maekawa Aya , Murase Yoshiki , Watanabe Yusuke , Zimmitti Giuseppe , Kunzler Filipe , Wang Zi‐Zheng , Sakuma Leon , Osakabe Hiroaki , Takishita Chie , Endo Itaru , Tanaka Masao , Yamaue Hiroki , Tanabe Minoru , Wakabayashi Go , Tsuchida Akihiko , Nakamura Masafumi
Published: October 2021

Background

Surgical views with high resolution and magnification have enabled us to recognize the precise anatomical structures that can be used as landmarks during minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP). This study aimed to validate the usefulness of anatomy‐based approaches for MIDP before and during the Expert Consensus Meeting: Precision Anatomy for Minimally Invasive HBP Surgery (February 24, 2021).

Methods

Twenty‐five international MIDP experts developed clinical questions regarding surgical anatomy and approaches for MIDP. Studies identified via a comprehensive literature search were classified using Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network methodology. Online Delphi voting was conducted after experts had drafted the recommendations, with the goal of obtaining >75% consensus. Experts discussed the revised recommendations in front of the validation committee and an international audience of 384 attendees. Finalized recommendations were made after a second round of online Delphi voting.

Results

Four clinical questions were addressed, resulting in 10 recommendations. All recommendations reached at least a 75% consensus among experts.

Conclusions

The expert consensus on precision anatomy for MIDP has been presented as a set of recommendations based on available evidence and expert opinions. These recommendations should guide experts and trainees in performing safe MIDP and foster its appropriate dissemination worldwide.
Histology and ultrastructure of the gastrointestinal tract in four temperate marine herbivorous fishes
Authors: Johnson Kate S. , Clements Kendall D.
Published: October 2021

While alimentary tract anatomy in many terrestrial herbivorous vertebrates is well documented, the digestive systems of marine herbivorous fishes are poorly characterised. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of four species of marine herbivorous fishes from northeastern New Zealand, butterfishOdax pullus(Labridae), marblefishAplodactylus arctidens(Aplodactylidae), notch‐head marblefishA. etheridgii(Aplodactylidae) and silver drummerKyphosus sydneyanus(Kyphosidae), were examined using histology and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to provide a detailed histological and ultrastructural description of gut anatomy. Gastric glands were distributed over rugae in the stomach ofA. arctidens,A. etheridgiiandK. sydneyanus. The luminal surface of the stomach of these three species was lined by columnar mucous cells, and oxynticopeptic cells lined the glands in the stomach. Villi were present along the length of the intestine in all four species. The anterior intestine had thin musculature, and was lined by absorptive cells with long microvilli and numerous small vesicles in the apical cytoplasm. The posterior intestine was lined by absorptive columnar cells with long microvilli, invaginations between microvilli with electron‐dense membranes, and pinocytotic vesicles. Surface area generally decreased from the anterior to posterior intestine. Histological and ultrastructural results were consistent with lipid absorption occurring in the anterior GIT and protein absorption in the posterior GIT. The results of this study indicate clear differences in GIT structure among the study species, and digestion models based on chemical reactor theory were developed to characterise these differences.
Influence of temperature on secretion and functionality of lupin seed γ‐conglutin
Authors: Czubinski Jaroslaw
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Basic 7S globulins, a group of proteins commonly found in legumes, undergo the intriguing phenomenon of release from the seeds into hot water. γ‐Conglutin is a representative of this group of proteins found in lupin seeds. The physiological significance and the molecular mechanism of the selective release of γ‐conglutin from lupin seeds remain unknown. Therefore, the presented study aimed to determine changes in the functionality of this protein in response to the high temperature occurring during lupin seed incubation.

RESULTS

It was confirmed that the main protein fraction released from the seeds during high‐temperature incubation was γ‐conglutin. The incubation condition favours the occurrence of this protein in a monomeric form, and the temperature used corresponds to its midpoint unfolding temperature. Subsequent analysis carried out on the γ‐conglutin monomer revealed changes in its functionality after heat shock. The thermally treated protein shows a considerable increase in its interaction strength with flavonoids. Moreover, the inhibitory activity against glycoside hydrolases was enhanced when γ‐conglutin monomer was exposed to specific temperatures.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study provide a potential explanation of the physiological relevance of γ‐conglutin and shed new light on a possible mechanism of its activation upon specific heat treatment. This knowledge will help characterise homologous proteins, which are commonly found in other legumes and undergo a similar heat‐induced secretion phenomenon. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Energy‐based devices for the treatment of Acne Scars: 2022 International consensus recommendations
Authors: Salameh Fares , Shumaker Peter R. , Goodman Greg J. , Spring Leah K. , Seago Meghan , Alam Murad , Al‐Niaimi Firas , Cassuto Daniel , Chan Henry HL , Dierickx Christine , Donelan Matthias , Gauglitz Gerd G. , Haedersdal Merete , Krakowski Andrew C. , Manuskiatti Woraphong , Norbury William B. , Ogawa Rei , Ozog David M. , Paasch Uwe , Victor Ross E. , Clementoni Matteo Tretti , Waibel Jill , Bayat Ardeshir , Goo Boncheol Leo , Artzi Ofir
Published: October 2021

Background and Objectives

Acne scars are one of the most distressing and long‐term consequences of acne vulgaris, with damaging effect on a person's physical, mental, and social well‐being. Numerous treatment options are available including surgical and nonsurgical techniques, depending on the clinical presentation. Although considerable advances in the development of new treatment technologies and applications have been made in the last decade, international treatment guidelines and reimbursement schemes have not yet caught up with current knowledge and practice in many centers. The authors intend to highlight the potential utility of energy‐based devices (EBDs) for acne scarring, offer recommendations for safe and efficacious treatment, and provide consensus‐based EBD treatment options based on varying presentations demonstrated in a series of real‐life clinical photographs.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

An international panel of 24 dermatologists and plastic surgeons from 12 different countries and a variety of practice backgrounds was self‐assembled to develop updated consensus recommendations for the treatment of acne scars. A two‐step modified Delphi method took place between March 2020 and February 2021 consisting of two rounds of emailed questionnaires. The panel members approved the final manuscript via email correspondence.

Results

The manuscript includes a comprehensive discussion and panel recommendations regarding the following topics: 1. the role of EBD in mitigating and treating acne scars in a patient with active acne, 2. the use of various EBDs for the treatment of different acne scar types with special focus on commonly used laser platform such as vascular lasers, ablative fractional lasers (AFLs) and non‐AFLs (NAFLs), 3. treatment combinations, and 4. acne scar treatments in skin of color. The last part comprised of 10 photos of real‐life clinical cases with the panel recommendation treatment plan to achieve best aesthetic outcome.

Conclusion

Panel members were unanimous in their view that EBDs have a role in the management of acne scars, with AFLs, NAFLs, vascular lasers, and RF devices preferentially selected by most of the panel experts. EBDs are considered a first‐line treatment for a variety of acne scar types and patients without access to these treatments may not be receiving the best available care for optimal cosmetic results. Future high‐quality research and updated international treatment guidelines and reimbursement schemes should reflect this status.
A deep learning‐based method for detecting and classifying the ultrasound images of suspicious thyroid nodules
Authors: Zhao Zijian , Yang Congmin , Wang Qian , Zhang Huawei , Shi Linlin , Zhang Zhiwen
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The incidence of thyroid cancer has significantly increased in the last few decades. However, diagnosis of the thyroid nodules is labor and time intensive for radiologists and strongly depends on the personal experience of the radiologists. In this pursuit, the present study envisaged to develop a deep learning‐based computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) method that enabled the automatic detection and classification of suspicious thyroid nodules in order to reduce the unnecessary fine‐needle aspiration biopsy.

Methods

The CAD method consisted of two main parts: detecting the location of thyroid nodules using a multiscale detection network and classifying the detected thyroid nodules by an attention‐based classification network.

Results

The performance of the proposed method was evaluated and compared with that of other state‐of‐the‐art deep learning methods and experienced radiologists. The proposed detection method outperformed three other detection architectures (average precision, 82.1% vs. 78.3%, 77.2%, and 74.8%). Moreover, the classification method showed a superior performance compared with four other state‐of‐the‐art classification networks (accuracy, 94.8% vs. 91.2%, 85.0%, 80.8%, and 72.1%) and that by experienced radiologists (mean value of area under the curve, 0.941 vs. 0.833).

Conclusions

Our study verified the high efficiency of the proposed detection method. The findings can help improve the diagnostic performance of radiologists. However, the developed CAD system requires more training and evaluation in a large‐population study.
OxyChip embedded with radio‐opaque gold nanoparticles for anatomic registration and oximetry in tissues
Authors: Kmiec Maciej M. , Hebert Kendra A. , Tse Dan , Hodge Sassan , Williams Benjamin B. , Schaner Philip E. , Kuppusamy Periannan
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry using the OxyChip as an implantable oxygen sensor can directly and repeatedly measure tissue oxygen levels. A phase I, first‐in‐human clinical study has established the safety and feasibility of using OxyChip for reliable and repeated measurements of oxygen levels in a variety of tumors and treatment regimens. A limitation in these studies is the inability to easily locate and identify the implanted probes in the tissue, particularly in the long term, thus limiting spatial/anatomical registration of the implant for proper interpretation of the oxygen data. In this study, we have developed and evaluated an enhanced oxygen‐sensing probe embedded with gold nanoparticles (GNP), called the OxyChip‐GNP, to enable visualization of the sensor using routine clinical imaging modalities.

Methods

In vitro characterization, imaging, and histopathology studies were carried out using tissue phantoms, excised tissues, and in vivo animal models (mice and rats).

Results

The results demonstrated a substantial enhancement of ultrasound and CT contrast using the OxyChip‐GNP without compromising its electron paramagnetic resonance and oxygen‐sensing properties or biocompatibility.

Conclusions

The OxyChips embedded with gold nanoparticles (OxyChip‐GNP) can be readily identified in soft tissues using standard clinical imaging modalities such as CT, cone beam‐CT, or ultrasound imaging while maintaining its capability to make repeated in vivo measurements of tissue oxygen levels over the long term. This unique capability of the OxyChip‐GNP facilitates precisely localized in vivo oxygen measurements in the clinical setting.
Effects of High Salinity on the Larviculture of Asian Seabass Lates calcarifer in Outdoor Systems
Authors: Young Benjamin C. , AlMoutiri Ibrahim
Published: October 2021

This study estimated the survival rate and growth performance in the larviculture of Asian Seabass Lates calcarifer in extensive outdoor conditions at different levels of salinity (33, 36, 39, and 42‰) at 33.3–38.0°C. The experiments were conducted in triplicate with 1,000 larvae per outdoor 500-L fiber-reinforced plastic tank. The control group was maintained at a salinity level of 42‰ indoors. The larvae were manually counted 18 h after hatching, and larvae that were 1.26 mm in length were transferred to indoor and outdoor tanks with salinities of 33, 36, 39, and 42‰, where they were continuously monitored. To minimize cannibalism, the larvae were manually graded and monitored for survival after 14 d. The survival rate and growth performance of the developing larvae were monitored from day 21 to day 45. The best salinity level for larval survival outdoors was 33–39‰. There were significant differences between the indoor and outdoor systems in terms of survival rate (29–44%) and specific growth rate (7.5–10.5%). Overall, outdoor larviculture of Asian Seabass is feasible at 33–42‰ salinity levels.
Impact of Diuron Applications to Commercial Catfish Ponds on Musty-Odor Cyanobacteria, Musty Off-Flavor Compound Concentrations, and Channel Catfish Fillet Flavor Quality
Authors: Schrader Kevin K.
Published: October 2021

“Musty” off-flavor in pond-raised Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus can result in an unpalatable and unmarketable product for catfish farmers in the southern United States. Certain species of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in the catfish ponds produce 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), which accumulates in the Channel Catfish flesh and causes musty off-flavor. One management approach available to United States catfish farmers is the application of algicides to ponds to reduce the abundance of noxious cyanobacteria. Diuron is one approved algicide to specifically manage MIB-related off-flavor caused by the common cyanobacterium Planktothrix perornata f. attenuata. In this study, three commercial ponds determined in the early summer to contain musty off-flavor Channel Catfish were monitored over approximately 2 months to determine the impact and pattern of weekly diuron applications on the abundance of P. perornata, chlorophytes (green algae), MIB concentrations in the pond water, and flavor characteristics of the sampled Channel Catfish collected during the treatment period. After several diuron applications to each pond, the abundance of P. perornata and MIB concentrations in pond water decreased dramatically. Channel Catfish in each pond were determined to be “on-flavor” approximately 2 months after the initial diuron application. This study demonstrates that diuron applied via label-specified treatment protocols provides catfish farmers with a practical management approach for P. perornata and subsequent MIB-related off-flavor.
Pain management and coping strategies for primary dysmenorrhea: A qualitative study among female nursing students
Authors: Fernández‐Martínez Elia , Pérez‐Corrales Jorge , Palacios‐Ceña Domingo , Abreu‐Sánchez Ana , Iglesias‐López María Teresa , Carrasco‐Garrido Pilar , Velarde‐García Juan Francisco
Published: October 2021

Aim

Primary dysmenorrhea is a problem that affects both young and adult women, with a significant impact on their daily lives. This pain is primarily managed through the consumption of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatories and non‐pharmacological approaches such as exercise, acupressure and heat. The present study aimed to describe how Spanish university students manage dysmenorrhea.

Design

Qualitative case study.

Methods

Nursing students (N = 33) from the region of Andalusia (Spain) participated in focus groups. A purposive sampling method was used, and the data were collected through videoconferencing and subsequently analysed thematically. The guidelines for conducting qualitative studies established by the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) and the standards for reporting qualitative research (SRQR) were followed.

Results

Four principal themes were identified: (a) Strategies for pain management; (b) using painkillers; (c) choosing the ideal treatment; (d) non‐pharmacological interventions.

Conclusions

The nursing students experienced difficulties in managing primary dysmenorrhea, they self‐medicated, expressed reluctance to seek professional medical advice, used non‐pharmacological strategies and seeked advice from other women within their family/social circle.
Mobile web‐based self‐management program for breast cancer patients with chemotherapy‐induced amenorrhoea: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Park Jin‐Hee , Jung Yong Sik , Kim Ji Young , Bae Sun Hyoung
Published: October 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a mobile web‐based self‐management program on menopausal symptoms, self‐efficacy and quality of life in breast cancer patients with chemotherapy‐induced amenorrhoea.

Design

A quasi‐experimental pretest–posttest design with repeated measures.

Methods

The study was carried out at a university medical centre between October 2017 and September 2018. The intervention group received a 12‐week mobile web‐based self‐management program including education and coaching/support. Multiple instruments were used to measure menopausal symptoms, self‐efficacy, and quality of life at pre‐test, after the intervention (post‐test), and 3 months post‐intervention (follow‐up test). Repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyse the data.

Results

In the intervention group, menopausal symptoms were significantly improved compared to the control group at the follow‐up test. In the follow‐up test, the intervention group's self‐efficacy and quality of life were significantly improved, whereas that of the control group was decreased.
Identifying cues of distorted memories in intensive care by focus group interview of nurses
Authors: Fukuda Tomohide , Watanabe Naoki , Sakaki Kosuke , Monna Yuriko , Terachi Saori , Miyazaki Satoko , Kinoshita Yoshiko
Published: October 2021

Aim

To determine cues to identify intensive care unit patients with distorted memories and related practices.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Twenty nurses were included in semi‐structured focus groups. Qualitative content analysis was conducted.

Results

Cues and nursing practices related to distorted memories emerged under the following categories: “Get to know daily life before admission,” “Facial expressions and behaviour are different from usual,” “Pay close attention to the treatment outcome,” “Notice it after the fact,” “Sharing patients’ intensive care unit experiences” and “Creates a new life.” Nurses tried to detect distorted memories by observing the patients' facial expressions, medication effects and delirium presence during their normal lives and treatments, while trying to understand the patients' intensive care unit experiences and provide care that promotes autonomous living. This study emphasizes the importance of support for reconstructing ordinary life through communication and rehabilitation, in addition to support for medical care for distorted memories.
The effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment on pain and disability in patients with chronic neck pain: A single‐blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cholewicki Jacek , Popovich Jr John M. , Reeves N. Peter , DeStefano Lisa A. , Rowan Jacob J. , Francisco Timothy J. , Prokop Lawrence L. , Zatkin Mathew A. , Lee Angela S. , Sikorskii Alla , Pathak Pramod K. , Choi Jongeun , Radcliffe Clark J. , Ramadan Ahmed
Published: October 2021

Background

Neck pain (NP) affects up to 70% of individuals at some point in their lives. Systematic reviews indicate that manual treatments can be moderately effective in the management of chronic, nonspecific NP. However, there is a paucity of studies specifically evaluating the efficacy of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of OMT in reducing pain and disability in patients with chronic NP.

Design

Single‐blinded, cross‐over, randomized‐controlled trial.

Setting

University‐based, osteopathic manipulative medicine outpatient clinic.

Participants

Ninety‐seven participants, 21 to 65 years of age, with chronic, nonspecific NP.

Interventions

Participants were randomized to two trial arms: immediate OMT intervention or waiting period first. The intervention consisted of three to four OMT sessions over 4 to 6 weeks, after which the participants switched groups.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary outcome measures were pain intensity (average and current) on the numerical rating scale and Neck Disability Index. Secondary outcomes included Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System‐29 (PROMIS‐29) health domains and Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire. Outcomes obtained prior to the cross‐over allocation were evaluated using general linear models and after adjusting for baseline values.

Results

A total of 38 and 37 participants were available for the analysis in the OMT and waiting period groups, respectively. The results showed significantly better primary outcomes in the immediate OMT group for reductions in average pain (−1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.72, −0.32; p = .005), current pain (−1.02, 95% CI −1.75, −0.30; p = .006), disability (−5.30%, 95% CI −9.2%, −1.3%; p = .010) and improved secondary outcomes (PROMIS) related to sleep (−3.25, 95% CI −6.95, −1.54; p = .003), fatigue (−3.26, 95% CI −6.04, −0.48; p = .022), and depression (−2.59, 95% CI −4.73, −0.45; p = .018). The effect sizes were in the clinically meaningful range between 0.5 and 1 standard deviation. No study‐related serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

OMT is relatively safe and effective in reducing pain and disability along with improving sleep, fatigue, and depression in patients with chronic NP immediately following treatment delivered over approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
Physiotherapy student clinical placements in Australian private practice: Patient‐reported outcomes with supervised student care
Authors: Chia Ruo Xin , Gomersall Sjaan R. , Fooken Jonas , Birch Stephen , Dinsdale Alana , Dunwoodie Ruth , Forbes Roma
Published: October 2021

Background and purpose

The sustainability of physiotherapy clinical placements is an ongoing challenge, yet there is potential to increase placement capacity within the private practice sector. Barriers to hosting students, including perceived impacts on patient care, reportedly limit the uptake of hosting students within this setting. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of physiotherapy student involvement on patient‐reported Global Rating of Change (GRoC) in Australian physiotherapy private practice care.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, patient survey study was conducted in three private physiotherapy practices over two 5‐week periods. At their completion of care, participants completed the survey seeking demographic information, GRoC and aspects of care including number of consultations involving students, proportion of physiotherapy time involving students and frequency of student involvement in treatment delivery. After accounting for clinic‐level differences, ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the impact of supervised student care on GRoC.

Results

119 participants across three practices completed the survey. There were no significant associations between patient‐reported GRoC and: (1) student involvement in patient care; (2) number of consultations involving students; (3) proportion of physiotherapy time involving students; or (4) frequency of student involvement in treatment delivery (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Supervised student care in private physiotherapy practice does not appear to have a detrimental impact on patient‐reported outcomes. These findings may address concerns relating to student involvement in patient care within this setting. Future research should address economic and service delivery impacts of supervised student care on private practices.
Influence of biotic and abiotic factors on home range size and shape of invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Clontz Lindsay M , Pepin Kim M , VerCauteren Kurt C , Beasley James C
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Determining factors influencing animal movements at a temporal scale that is similar to that at which management actions are conducted (e.g. weekly) is crucial for identifying efficient methods of wildlife conservation and management. Using global positioning system (GPS) data from 49 wild pigs in the southeast United States, we constructed weekly 50% and 95% utilization distributions to quantify the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on weekly core area and home range size, as well as home range shape.

RESULTS

We found vegetative composition (i.e. proportion of bottomland hardwoods), season (based on forage availability), meteorological conditions (i.e. temperature and pressure), and sex influenced wild pig weekly home range and core area size, while vegetative composition (i.e. proportion of upland pines) and landscape features (i.e. distance to streams) also were important factors influencing home range shape. At close distances to streams, wild pigs had more elongate home ranges when their home ranges comprised less upland pine habitat; however, farther from streams, there was no change in home range shape across fluctuating proportions of upland pines.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that fine‐scale wild pig home ranges and movements are pliable from week to week and influenced by several habitat, landscape, and meteorological attributes that can easily be quantified from available land use and meteorological databases. These findings are important for designing monitoring studies, identifying high risk zones for disease transmission, planning response to disease emergence events, and allowing more effective and efficient short‐term management planning.
Deterring the Movement of an Invasive Fish: Individual Variation in Common Carp Responses to Acoustic and Stroboscopic Stimuli
Authors: Bzonek P. A. , Edwards P. D. , Hasler C. T. , Suski C. D. , Boonstra R. , Mandrak N. E.
Published: October 2021

Biological invasions erode ecosystem functioning and occur more frequently in freshwater ecosystems than in terrestrial environments. Nonphysical deterrents may be used to limit invasive fish dispersal, without altering the streamflow or connectivity of a watershed. Little is currently known about how behavioral variation among individuals may affect the efficacy of a deterrent, although such variation has been shown to affect fish dispersal in other contexts, such as range expansion. Furthermore, deterrent effectiveness is rarely tested when fish are motivated to disperse. Across a control, CO2, and CO2 + deterrent treatment, we quantified the avoidance response of invasive Common Carp Cyprinus carpio to a combined acoustic‐stroboscopic deterrent. In the CO2 treatment, we motivated individuals to enter a novel environment by degrading the home chamber of a choice arena with a continuous infusion of CO2. In the CO2 + deterrent treatment we introduced acoustic and stroboscopic stimuli to delay the departure of the fish and evaluate the efficacy of the deterrent. Finally, we tested a subset of the fish multiple times to determine whether they consistently responded to the same concentration of CO2. We found that the acoustic and stroboscopic deterrent could detain the fish in an increasingly unfavorable environment. Common Carp took only 195 and 131 s, respectively, to swim between the chambers during the control and CO2 treatment but took an average of 596 s in the CO2 + deterrent treatment. High CO2 concentrations in the CO2 + deterrent treatment led to most fish eventually dispersing toward the deterrent stimuli. Avoidance behavior varied widely within the CO2 + deterrent treatment, and Common Carp expressed repeatable differences in the tank‐inflow CO2 concentrations that were observed during chamber departure. Such interindividual variation in deterrent avoidance indicates that some individuals within a given species are more likely to move past a deterrent than others.
An Introduction to the Problems of Surrogacy and the Demands from Civil Society
Authors: Bandelli Daniela
Published: October 2021

The images of 40 babies crammed into the Venice Hotel in Kiev, waiting to be picked up by their parents who are stuck in their countries due to the March/April 2020 lockdown, revealed to world public opinion the fallibility of the transnational system of surrogacy. By prolonging the time between leaving the surrogate’s body and delivery to the parents, the lockdown revealed in slow motion the unavoidable aspect of any surrogacy: the passage of a baby from one contractor to another. The Kiev case is used to introduce some of the most discussed controversies that revolve around the diffusion of transnational surrogacy, the limitation of national-based policy making, opposing demands coming from different social movements and challenges that surrogacy poses to society.
Features of a Booming Reproductive Practice: The Medical Process, the Market, the Antecedents, and the Risks
Authors: Bandelli Daniela
Published: October 2021

Surrogacy is a social practice aimed at the procreation of human beings through the use of biomedical technologies. It includes the willingness of a woman to carry out a pregnancy and give birth to a child, with whom she has no genetic link, which will be immediately entrusted at birth to the people who wanted and commissioned it, known as the intended parents. A multi-million transnational market has flourished around this kind of arrangement, with the national legal frameworks being very different from each other and constantly changing. The surrogate’s revenue varies considerably from country to country, as does the price that the aspiring parents pay. This chapter aims to introduce readers to the topic by providing the main coordinates of the phenomenon: how the medical-procreative procedure takes place, what the commercial transaction consists of; the history of this market, the similarity of surrogacy with other procreative practices, and the difference with other assisted procreation practices; the variety of regulatory frameworks, the flexibility of the market according to the logic of globalization; the health risks and the inevitability for the child of the fracture with the “environment” in which he began his psychophysical development.
Sociological Perspectives Across Individual Experiences, Social Structures, and Representations
Authors: Bandelli Daniela
Published: October 2021

This chapter is a literature review which aims to highlight the most critical aspects discussed in the surrogacy scholarship, whose interdisciplinarity represents a major value for the advancement of the sociological understanding of the phenomenon. The literature review is organized into three levels. The first is that of individual experience, which includes some of the main ethnographies that have tried to explain the motivations that push people, aspiring parents but above all the surrogates, to undertake this procreative path. At the second level, that of the social structure, there are three recurring themes: inequality—explained through the concept of stratified reproduction—which permeates the relationships between the parties and upon which the surrogacy market proliferates; the transformation of procreation into a productive process in which life is commodified and the woman reduced to her womb; the transformation of kinship from a natural fact to a cultural product, which is defined by one’s own intentions, and the parallel fragmentation of motherhood into several figures. At the third level, that of representation, there are the studies that discuss how surrogacy is told by the media, and the studies that provide a systematization of the different feminist perspectives on the subject.
The Italian Case: A Strong Opposition in the Name of Women’s Sexual Identity and Motherhood
Authors: Bandelli Daniela
Published: October 2021

Surrogacy is prohibited by law in Italy but it is increasingly undergone abroad by Italian aspiring parents. Although the majority of couples resorting to surrogacy internationally are heterosexuals, the surrogacy debate in Italy intertwines with discussions on homo-parenting and the problem of children born through surrogacy abroad, remaining in a legal limbo once they arrive in Italy. Since 2015, Italian feminists, led by the feminist group Senonoraquando-Libere (Snoq-L), in alliance with French feminists, have mobilized for the universal ban of surrogacy and the enforcement of surrogacy national prohibition, along with saying no to attempts of legalization promoted by same-sex families and civil rights organizations. Italian feminists are engaging in a battle that presently, and until surrogacy will be prohibited by law, does not closely pertain to the exploitation or commodification of women in the country, but to the commodification of women in other countries of the world, and more broadly to the theoretical notion of “the woman”. Although there are other feminists who do not agree with the abolitionist demand, this case study does not identify a structured regulatory or pro-surrogacy feminist front.
Conclusions
Authors: Bandelli Daniela
Published: October 2021

This conclusive chapter offers a few proposals to contribute to the necessary overcoming of the current polarization in the debate: adult-centric arguments could be renovated by focusing on the child as the protagonist of reproduction and representative of tomorrow’s humanity; adult participation in surrogacy could be understood as the result of decision-making influenced by social values of self-determination, with any support or condemnation of surrogacy being grounded on considerations about the social impact of surrogacy and child’s protection and not on the immediate personal benefits that it gives to the adults; the ideal goal of eliminating surrogacy can coexist with pragmatic restrictive regulatory initiatives; monitoring both the surrogates and children’s health and well-being, along with the quantification of surrogacy births are priority objectives to be achieved regardless of prohibitionist or regulatory orientations; inform women who are targets of recruitment about medical and legal risks and individual as well as social implications of surrogacy for their life and for children; single issue campaigns focused on the child and woman’s health can offer platforms of dialogue and mobilization for social movements which on other themes (e.g. abortion, same-sex couples parenting, and women empowerment) have different and even opposing views.
Coherence, Alignment and Integration: Understanding the Legal Relationship Between Sustainable Development, Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction
Authors: Cubie Dug , Natoli Tommaso
Published: October 2021

International law can play an important role in promoting national, regional and international actions to tackle the human impacts of climate change and disasters. Of note, 2015 saw the adoption of three interconnected normative frameworks: the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, the Paris Agreement under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One may therefore be tempted to view this body of international norms, rules and standards as a comprehensive and unified system. Yet the increasing complexity and specialisation of different international legal regimes has led to concerns regarding a confusing fragmentation of international law. This chapter will therefore examine the relationship between the three topics of sustainable development, climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR) from a legal perspective. The chapter will commence with a discussion of the legal status of different international instruments, before providing a textual analysis of the language used by states, the UN, NGOs and other actors in the relevant documents. We then propose an ‘hourglass’ model of the legal relationships between these three different international frameworks based on: systemic coherence at the international level; vertical alignment between the international, regional and national levels; and horizontal integration of international norms at the domestic level. To support this proposal, examples will be provided from the Pacific Island Countries (PICs), drawing on research undertaken through the IRC-MSCA CAROLINE project ‘Leave No One Behind: Developing Climate-Smart/Disaster Risk Management Laws that Protect People in Vulnerable Situations for a Comprehensive Implementation of the UN Agenda 2030.’
Bridging Gaps: Connecting Climate Change Risk Assessments with Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Agendas
Authors: Paterson Shona K. , Guida Kristen
Published: October 2021

Changing climates and increasing variability, in combination with maladaptive societal responses, present many threats and risks to both social and biophysical systems. The outcomes of such changes will progressively affect all aspects of ecosystem functioning including social, political, and economic landscapes. Coordination between the three frameworks that govern risk at national and subnational scales, climate change risk assessments, climate adaptation planning and disaster risk reduction (DRR), is often lacking or limited. This has resulted in a siloed and fragmented approach to climate action. By examining risk as a dynamic social construction that is reimagined and reinvented by society over time, this chapter explores how a greater degree of cohesion between these three frameworks might be achieved.
Enhancing Integration of Disaster Risk and Climate Change Adaptation into Irish Emergency Planning
Authors: Medway Peter , Flood Stephen , Cubie Dug , Le Tissier Martin
Published: October 2021

This chapter critically assesses the integration of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction with a special focus on the Irish policy and governance context. The chapter first presents a comprehensive overview of the Irish policy environment for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction including its current level of integration. Analysis of alignment with global and regional drivers of integration is then considered. Next, drawing on empirical research conducted with multidisciplinary experts across the Republic of Ireland, the chapter employs the SHIELD model, developed by the EU-funded ESPREssO project, which outlines six pathways to enhance integration across the domains of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. The pathways comprise of sharing knowledge, harmonising capacities, institutionalising coordination, engaging stakeholders, leveraging investments and developing communication. Findings of stakeholder focus groups and survey responses highlight the challenges and opportunities for impactful integration between climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in Ireland from a practitioner perspective across the six SHIELD pathways. Finally, conclusions from the study indicate the importance of governance, management and coordination of systems for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction; the sequencing of policy-making, planning and research; and the significance of specificity in relation to use of the six SHIELD pathways.
Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation into Planning and Development: A Case Study in Northern Ireland
Authors: Burns Cathy , Flood Stephen , O’Dwyer Barry
Published: October 2021

This study outlines the adaptation planning journey undertaken by Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) in Northern Ireland and reflects how the prevailing policy context and level of organisational adaptive capacity create the conditions for mainstreaming climate adaptation into planning and development. This chapter explores the potential of local government in Northern Ireland to integrate local authority policy drivers such as disaster risk reduction (DRR), emergency planning, risk and assurance, and community resilience. The ability to communicate risks and solutions was identified as an important consideration when undertaking adaptation planning, particularly when discussing the adaptation planning process and securing input or support from colleagues. Moreover, a significant amount of engagement was required with local government agencies to increase understanding of the relevance of climate change and DRR. Embedding DRR and climate change adaptation (CCA) within local authority policy and planning can enable a greater understanding of specific risks to local governments and act as a catalyst for further action.