bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of PD‐L1 expression on the efficacy of EGFR‐TKIs in EGFR‐mutant non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lei Si‐Yu , Xu Hai‐Yan , Li Hong‐Shuai , Yang Ya‐Ning , Xu Fei , Li Jun‐Ling , Wang Zhi‐Jie , Xing Pu‐Yuan , Hao Xue‐Zhi , Wang Yan
Published: July 2023

Background

Evidence on the influence of programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression on the efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) in EGFR‐mutant non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients is at variance.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the influence of PD‐L1 expression on the efficacy of EGFR‐TKIs for NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation. Clinical information was retrieved from electronic medical records. The patients were divided into three subgroups according to PD‐L1 expression level: PD‐L1 < 1% (negative), PD‐L1 1%–49% and PD‐L1 ≥ 50%. The clinicopathological features, overall response rate (ORR), progression‐free survival (PFS) and comutation information were collected and compared between the three subgroups.

Results

A total of 117 patients were included. For PD‐L1 < 1%, PD‐L1 1%–49% and PD‐L1 ≥ 50% group, there were 39 (33.3%), 51 (43.5%) and 27 (23.0%) patients respectively, and the ORR was 43.2%, 64.0%, and 51.9%, respectively (p = 0.162), and the median progression‐free survival (mPFS) was 22.0 months (95% CI: 14.0–29.9 months), 15.4 months (95% CI: 8.9–21.8 months) and 13.0 months (95% CI: 10.6–15.3 months), respectively (log‐rank, p = 0.01). The mPFS was negatively correlated with PD‐L1 expression level (r = −0.264, p = 0.041) and PD‐L1 expression was an independent risk factor for worse PFS of EGFR‐TKIs in multivariate Cox regression. Patients with concurrent TP53 mutation had shorter PFS (p = 0.039) and the patients harboring both mutant TP53 and positive PD‐L1 had the shortest PFS (p = 0.006).

Conclusions

The efficacy of EGFR‐TKIs was influenced by the baseline PD‐L1 expression. Higher PD‐L1 expression was associated with shorter PFS. The combined indicators of TP53 and PD‐L1 identified subgroups showing divergent benefits from EGFR‐TKIs.
Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol self‐administration induces cell type‐specific adaptations in the nucleus accumbens core
Authors: Garcia‐Keller Constanza , Hohmeister Madeline , Seidling Kailyn , Beloate Lauren , Chioma Vivian , Spencer Sade , Kalivas Peter , Neuhofer Daniela
Published: July 2023

Drugs of abuse induce cell type‐specific adaptations in D1‐ and D2‐medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcore) that can bias signalling towards D1‐MSNs and enhance relapse vulnerability. Whether Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use initiates similar neuroadaptations is unknown. D1‐ and D2‐Cre transgenic rats were transfected with Cre‐dependent reporters and trained to self‐administer THC + cannabidiol (THC + CBD). After extinction training spine morphology, glutamate transmission, CB1R function and cFOS expression were quantified. We found that extinction from THC + CBD induced a loss of large spine heads in D1‐ but not D2‐MSNs and commensurate reductions in glutamate synaptic transmission. Also, presynaptic CB1R function was impaired selectively at glutamatergic synapses on D1‐MSNs, which augmented the capacity to potentiate glutamate transmission. Using cFOS expression as an activity marker, we found no change after extinction but increased cFOS expression in D1‐MSNs after cue‐induced drug seeking. Contrasting D1‐MSNs, CB1R function and glutamate synaptic transmission on D2‐MSN synapses were unaffected by THC + CBD use. However, cFOS expression was decreased in D2‐MSNs of THC + CBD‐extinguished rats and was restored after drug seeking. Thus, CB1R adaptations in D1‐MSNs partially predicted neuronal activity changes, posing pathway specific modulation of eCB signalling in D1‐MSNs as a potential treatment avenue for cannabis use disorder (CUD).
Reading minds or reading scripts? De‐intellectualising theory of mind
Authors: Taylor Derry , Gönül Gökhan , Alexander Cameron , Züberbühler Klaus , Clément Fabrice , Glock Hans‐Johann
Published: July 2023

Understanding the origins of human social cognition is a central challenge in contemporary science. In recent decades, the idea of a ‘Theory of Mind’ (ToM) has emerged as the most popular way of explaining unique features of human social cognition. This default view has been progressively undermined by research on ‘implicit’ ToM, which suggests that relevant precursor abilities may already be present in preverbal human infants and great apes. However, this area of research suffers from conceptual difficulties and empirical limitations, including explanatory circularity, over‐intellectualisation, and inconsistent empirical replication. Our article breaks new ground by adapting ‘script theory’ for application to both linguistic and non‐linguistic agents. It thereby provides a new theoretical framework able to resolve the aforementioned issues, generate novel predictions, and provide a plausible account of how individuals make sense of the behaviour of others. Script theory is based on the premise that pre‐verbal infants and great apes are capable of basic forms of agency‐detection and non‐mentalistic goal understanding, allowing individuals to form event‐schemata that are then used to make sense of the behaviour of others. We show how script theory circumvents fundamental problems created by ToM‐based frameworks, explains patterns of inconsistent replication, and offers important novel predictions regarding how humans and other animals understand and predict the behaviour of others.
Predictive value of the geriatric nutrition risk index for postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Chen Zhiqiang , Hao Quanshui , Sun Rao , Zhang Yanjing , Fu Hui , Liu Shile , Luo Chenglei , Chen Hanwen , Zhang Yiwen
Published: July 2023

Aims

The aims of the study were to determine the relationship between preoperative geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and the occurrence of postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients after cardiac surgery and to evaluate the additive value of GNRI for predicting POD.

Methods

The data were extracted from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care (MIMIC‐IV) database. Patients who underwent cardiac surgery and were aged 65 or older were included. The relationship between preoperative GNRI and POD was investigated using logistic regression. We determined the added predictive value of preoperative GNRI for POD by measuring the changes in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calculating the net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

Results

A total of 4286 patients were included in the study, and 659 (16.1%) developed POD. Patients with POD had significantly lower GNRI scores than patients without POD (median 111.1 vs. 113.4, p < 0.001). Malnourished patients (GNRI ≤ 98) had a significantly higher risk of POD (odds ratio, 1.83, 90% CI, 1.42–2.34, p < 0.001) than those without malnutrition (GNRI > 98). This correlation remains after adjusting for confounding variables. The addition of GNRI to the multivariable models slightly but not significantly increases the AUCs (all p > 0.05). Incorporating GNRI increases NRIs in some models and IDIs in all models (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results showed a negative association between preoperative GNRI and POD in elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The addition of GNRI to POD prediction models may improve their predictive accuracy. However, these findings were based on a single‐center cohort and will need to be validated in future studies involving multiple centers.
The prevalence of contact dermatitis among surgical assistants, anaesthesia assistants and anaesthesiologists working at the Amsterdam University Medical Centre
Authors: van den Oord Lotte J. , Naber René J. , van Manen Babs C. T. , Rustemeyer Thomas
Published: July 2023

Background

Professions requiring frequent and/or long lasting wet‐work are at high risk for contact dermatitis (CD). CD may lead to loss of work productivity, sick leave and reduced quality of work. The 1‐year prevalence of healthcare workers varies between 12% and 65%. However, the prevalence of CD among surgical assistants, anaesthesia assistants and anaesthesiologists is unknown.

Objectives

(1) To establish the point‐prevalence and 1‐year prevalence among surgical assistants, anaesthesia assistants and anaesthesiologists and (2) to determine the impact of CD on work and daily activities.

Method

A single‐centre cross‐sectional prevalence study was conducted among surgical assistants, anaesthesia assistants and anaesthesiologists. Data were obtained from the Amsterdam University Medical Centre between the 1 June 2022 and 20 July 2022. For data collection, a questionnaire was used, derived from the Dutch Association for Occupational Medicine (NVAB). Participants with an atopic predisposition or symptoms of CD were invited to the contact dermatitis consultation hour (CDCH).

Results

A total of 269 employees were included. The total point prevalence of CD was 7.8%; 95% CI: 4.9–11.7, the total 1‐year prevalence was 28.3%; 95% CI: 23.0–34.0. The point‐prevalence among surgical assistants, anaesthesia assistants and anaesthesiologists was 14%, 4% and 2%, respectively. The 1‐year prevalence was 49%, 19% and 3%, respectively. Two employees reported changed work‐tasks because of symptoms, no sick days were reported. The majority of the visitors of the CDCH indicated an impact on work productivity and daily activities because of CD; however, the extent to which varied widely.

Conclusion

This study established that CD is a relevant occupational health disease among surgical assistants, anaesthesia assistants and anaesthesiologists.
1061. Lunaria annua subsp. pachyrrhiza (Borb as) Maire & Petitm.,: Cruciferae (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Grey‐Wilson Christopher , King Christabel
Published: July 2023

Lunaria annua is overviewed and its two subspecies, subsp. annua and subsp. pachyrrhiza, discussed, the latter described. Two cultivars of subsp. pachyrrhiza, ‘Corfu Blue’ and ‘Mistras’ are illustrated and described. Details of cultivation are also included.
Contrasting one's share of the shared life space: Comparing the roles of metacognition and inhibitory control in the development of theory of mind among Scottish and Japanese children
Authors: Symeonidou Mariel , Mizokawa Ai , Kabaya Shinsuke , Doherty Martin J. , Ross Josephine
Published: July 2023

Cultural comparisons suggest that an understanding of other minds may develop sooner in independent versus interdependent settings, and vice versa for inhibitory control. From a western lens, this pattern might be considered paradoxical, since there is a robust positive relationship between theory of mind (ToM) and inhibitory control in western samples. In independent cultures, an emphasis on one's own mind offers a clear route to ‘simulate’ other minds, and inhibitory control may be required to set aside one's own perspective to represent the perspective of others. However, in interdependent cultures, social norms are considered the key catalyst for behaviour, and metacognitive reflection and/or suppression of one's own perspective may not be necessary. The cross‐cultural generalizability of the western developmental route to ToM is therefore questionable. The current study used an age‐matched cross‐sectional sample to contrast 56 Japanese and 56 Scottish 3–6‐year‐old's metacognition, ToM and inhibitory control skills. We replicated the expected cultural patterns for ToM (Scotland > Japan) and inhibitory control (Japan > Scotland). Supporting western developmental enrichment theories, we find that inhibitory control and metacognition predict theory of mind competence in Scotland. However, these variables cannot be used to predict Japanese ToM. This confirms that individualistic mechanisms do not capture the developmental mechanism underlying ToM in Japan, highlighting a bias in our understanding of ToM development.

Research Highlights

We replicate an independent cultural advantage for theory of mind (Scotland > Japan) and interdependent advantage for inhibitory control (Japan > Scotland).

From a western lens, this pattern might be considered paradoxical, since there is a robust positive relationship between theory of mind and inhibitory control.

Supporting western developmental enrichment theories, we find that the development of inhibitory control mediates the link between metacognition and theory of mind in Scotland.

However, this model does not predict Japanese theory of mind, highlighting an individualistic bias in our mechanistic understanding of theory of mind development.
Assessing the impacts of past and ongoing deforestation on rainfall patterns in South America
Authors: Duku Confidence , Hein Lars
Published: July 2023

Despite recent advances in modeling forest–rainfall relationships, the current understanding of changes in observed rainfall patterns resulting from historical deforestation remains limited. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed how 40 years of deforestation has altered rainfall patterns in South America as well as how current Amazonian forest cover sustains rainfall. First, we develop a spatiotemporal neural network model to simulate rainfall as a function of vegetation and climate inputs in South America; second, we assess the rainfall effects of observed deforestation in South America during the periods 1982–2020 and 2000–2020; third, we assess the potential rainfall changes in the Amazon biome under two deforestation scenarios. We find that, on average, cumulative deforestation in South America from 1982 to 2020 has reduced rainfall over the period 2016–2020 by 18% over deforested areas, and by 9% over non‐deforested areas across South America. We also find that more recent deforestation, that is, from 2000 to 2020, has reduced rainfall over the period 2016–2020 by 10% over deforested areas and by 5% over non‐deforested areas. Deforestation between 1982 and 2020 has led to a doubling in the area experiencing a minimum dry season of 4 months in the Amazon biome. Similarly, in the Cerrado region, there has been a corresponding doubling in the area with a minimum dry season of 7 months. These changes are compared to a hypothetical scenario where no deforestation occurred. Complete conversion of all Amazon forest land outside protected areas would reduce average annual rainfall in the Amazon by 36% and complete deforestation of all forest cover including protected areas would reduce average annual rainfall in the Amazon by 68%. Our findings emphasize the urgent need for effective conservation measures to safeguard both forest ecosystems and sustainable agricultural practices.
Biochar from animal manure: A critical assessment on technical feasibility, economic viability, and ecological impact
Authors: Rathnayake Dilani , Schmidt Hans‐Peter , Leifeld Jens , Mayer Jochen , Epper Carole Alice , Bucheli Thomas D. , Hagemann Nikolas
Published: July 2023

Animal manure has been used to manage soil fertility since the dawn of agriculture. It provides plant nutrients and improves soil fertility. In the last decades, animal husbandry has been significantly expanded globally. Its economics were optimized via the (international) trade of feed, resulting in a surplus of animal manure in areas with intensive livestock farming. Potentially toxic elements (PTEs), pathogenic microorganisms, antibiotic residues, biocides, and other micropollutants in manure threaten animal, human, and environmental health. Hence, manure application in crop fields is increasingly restricted, especially in hotspot regions with intensive livestock activities. Furthermore, ammonia volatilization and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during manure storage, field application, and decomposition contribute to air pollution and climate change. Conventional manure management scenarios such as composting and anaerobic digestion partially improve the system but cannot guarantee to eliminate sanitary and contamination risks and only marginally reducing its climate burden. Hence, this review discusses the potential of pyrolysis, the thermochemical conversion under oxygen‐limited conditions as an alternative treatment for animal manure providing energy and biochar. Manure pyrolysis reduces the bioavailability of PTEs, eliminates pathogenic microorganisms and organic micropollutants, and reduces GHG emissions. Pyrolysis also results in the loss of nitrogen, which can be minimized by pretreatment, that is, after removing soluble nitrogen fraction of manure, for example, by digestion and stripping of ammonia–nitrogen or liquid–solid separation. However, conclusions on the effect of manure pyrolysis on crop yield and fertilization efficiencies are hampered by a lack of nutrient mass balances based on livestock unit equivalent comparisons of manure and manure biochar applications. Hence, it is essential to design and conduct experiments in more practically relevant scenarios and depict the observations based on the amount of manure used to produce a certain amount of biochar.
Oxygen isotopes of the Japanese stalagmites as global and local paleoclimate proxies
Authors: Kano Akihiro , Kato Hirokazu , Murata Akira
Published: July 2023

Stalagmite oxygen isotopes (δ18O) have been used to reconstruct terrestrial paleoclimates during the late Pleistocene and Holocene. However, the interpretation of the δ18O is not straightforward when determining the factor controlling δ18O; temperature or water δ18O. In addition, the water δ18O changes with rainfall intensity (amount effect), rainfall seasonality, and some other factors. Here, we first review the hydrochemical processes and behaviors of the oxygen isotopes and the other proxies in a cave system, which are fundamental for interpretating the paleoclimatic signals. We then introduce the oxygen isotope records of Japanese caves. Some of the Japanese stalagmites demonstrated a δ18O profile that represented a similar pattern to the Chinese stalagmite records, but had relatively small δ18O amplitudes, which can be explained mainly by temperature changes rather than the amount effect. This demands a reversal of the relationship between climate and rainwater δ18O across the Japanese Islands. Using δ18O data for rainwater samples from four sites in Japan (in Niigata, Fukuoka, Gifu and Mie Prefectures), we presents the results of model calculations to verify how the rainfall intensity and the seasonality relate with the δ18O of rainwater. A significant correlation coefficient was observed in Niigata, where the rainfall δ18O decreases with an increase in the annual amount of rainfall, and with a decrease in the winter rainfall. Similar trends were observed in Fukuoka, whereas while the results of Gifu and Mie exhibited no significant trends. Temperature change was would be the main factor controlling the stalagmite δ18O at the latter two sites. For a better understanding of the stalagmite δ18O records, the measurement of fluid inclusions and carbonate clumped isotopes can be used to evaluate the effect of temperature on the stalagmite δ18O, as well as to reconstruct the water δ18O. We predict that the 17O excess in stalagmites reconstructs the seasonal shift in the vapor sources.
Embracing the paradox of customer experiences in the hospitality and tourism industry
Authors: Zha Dongmei , Marvi Reza , Foroudi Pantea
Published: July 2023

This paper aims to re‐evaluate the customer experience literature in the hospitality and tourism (H&T) domain by employing a paradox lens and constructing a model for future research direction and practitioners. Using two co‐citation analysis methods—a hierarchical cluster analysis and a multidimensional scaling analysis—to investigate 312 customer experience papers from the leading H&T journals with 22.124 citations over the 44‐year period (1987–2021), we identified five knowledge foundations that have made up the intellectual structure of customer experience in H&T: experiential consumption, authenticity, memorability, place branding, and service. This result reveals the dualistic representations of the paradoxical character of customer experience including authentic/fantastical, structured/unstructured, branded/ecological, and bubbled/exposed. Based on this finding, this study developed a framework for scholars and marketers to reveal different approaches to managing the tensions between paradoxes.
Locked external doors on inpatient mental health units: A scoping review
Authors: Searby Adam , James Russell , Snipe Jim , Maude Phil
Published: July 2023

The principles of least restrictive care and recovery‐focused practice are promoted as contemporary practice in the care of individuals with mental ill health, underpinning legislation concerning mental health and illness in many jurisdictions worldwide. Inpatient mental health units with locked doors are incompatible with this style of care and throwback to a time where care for mental illness was primarily custodial. The aim of this scoping review is to determine whether evidence exists for locking mental health unit doors, whether this practice is compatible with recovery‐focused care and to determine whether door locking has changed since a review conducted by Van Der Merwe et al. (Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 16, 2009, 293) found that door locking was not the preferred practice in the management of acute mental health units. We used Arksey and O'Malley's (International Journal of Social Research Methodology: Theory and Practice, 8, 2005, 19) framework for scoping reviews, with our initial search locating 1377 studies, with screening narrowing final papers for inclusion to 20. Methodologies for papers included 12 using quantitative methodology, 5 qualitative and 3 that used mixed methods designs. Poor evidence was found for door locking to mitigate risks such as absconding, aggression or illicit substance importation. Furthermore, locked doors had a detrimental impact on the therapeutic relationship, nurse job satisfaction and intention to leave the profession. This scoping review indicates that research is urgently needed to address a mental healthcare culture where door locking is an entrenched practice. Studies of alternative approaches to risk management are required to ensure inpatient mental health units are truly least‐restrictive, therapeutic environments.
A scoping review and intersectionality‐based analysis of heart failure telehealth interventions for vulnerable populations
Authors: Allana Saleema , Norris Colleen , Hussain Armish , Clark Alex
Published: July 2023

Aims

To map the existing body of heart failure (HF) telehealth interventions for vulnerable populations, and to conduct an intersectionality‐based analysis utilizing a structured checklist.

Design

A scoping review and intersectionality‐based analysis.

Data Sources

The search was conducted in March 2022 in the following databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

Review Methods

First, the titles and abstracts were screened, and then the entire articles were screened against the inclusion criteria. Two of the investigators screened the articles independently in Covidence. The studies included and excluded at various stages of screening were depicted through a PRISMA flow diagram. The quality of the included studies was assessed based on the mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT). Each study was read thoroughly and the intersectionality‐based checklist by Ghasemi et al. (2021) was applied, whereby a yes/no response was marked for each question on the checklist and the relevant supporting data were extracted.

Results

A total of 22 studies were included in this review. About 42.2% of the responses indicated that studies incorporated the principles of intersectionality at the ‘problem identification’ stage, followed by 42.9% and 29.44% responses indicating incorporation of these principles at the ‘design and implementation’ and ‘evaluation’ stages respectively.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the research around HF telehealth interventions for vulnerable populations is not adequately grounded in appropriate theoretical underpinning. The principles of intersectionality have been applied mostly to the problem identification and the intervention development and implementation stages, and not so much at the evaluation stage. Future research must fill the identified gaps in this area of research.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Since this was a scoping, there was no patient contribution to this work; however, based on this study's findings, we are undertaking patient‐centred studies with patient contribution.
Effectiveness of mHealth interventions for improving hypertension control in uncontrolled hypertensive patients: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhou Le , He Liu , Kong Yu , Lai Yiwei , Dong Jianzeng , Ma Changsheng
Published: July 2023

The benefits of mHealth interventions in uncontrolled hypertension are unclear. To determine whether mHealth effectively improves the control rate of uncontrolled hypertension. PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from January 2007 to September 2022. The intervention group consisted of mHealth intervention, and the control group was usual care. Random‐effects meta‐analysis models were used to assess pooled mHealth intervention effects and CIs. The primary outcome was the blood pressure (BP) control rate of uncontrolled hypertension. The secondary outcome was the change of BP. Thirteen RCTs were included in this meta‐analysis, of which eight reported the successful BP control rate, 13 reported the change of systolic blood pressure (SBP), and 11 reported the change in diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The mean age of trial participants ranged from 47.7 to 66.9 years old, with a female composition ratio of 40.0%–66.1%. The duration of follow‐up ranged from 3 to 18 months. This study showed a more robust effect size for improving BP control rate by mHealth interventions than usual care (57.5% vs. 40.8% of successful control rate; odds ratio [OR], 2.19 [95% CI, 1.32—3.62]). Furthermore, mHealth significantly reduced SBP by 4.45 mm Hg and DBP by 2.47 mm Hg, and subgroup analysis did not observe the major source of heterogeneity. This meta‐analysis found that mHealth could significantly improve the uncontrolled hypertension control rate and might be a feasible, acceptable, and effective tool for uncontrolled hypertension management.
Factors influencing the development of gastrointestinal tract and nutrient transporters' function during the embryonic life of chickens—A review
Authors: El Sabry Mohamed I. , Yalcin Servet
Published: July 2023

Intestinal morphology and regulation of nutrient transportation genes during the embryonic and early life of chicks influence their body weight and feed conversion ratio through the growing period. The intestine development can be monitored by measuring villus morphology and enzymatic activity and determining the expression of nutrient transporters genes. With the increasing importance of gut development and health in broiler production, considerable research has been directed towards factors affecting intestine development. Thus, this article reviews (1) intestinal development during embryogenesis, and (2) maternal factors, in ovo administration, and incubation conditions that influence intestinal development during embryogenesis. Conclusively, (1) chicks from heavier eggs may have a better‐developed intestine than chicks from younger ones, (2) in ovo supplementation with amino acids, minerals, vitamins or a combination of several probiotics and prebiotics stimulates intestine development and increases the expression of intestine mucosal‐related genes and (3) the long storage period, improper incubation temperature and imbalanced ventilation can negatively influence intestinal morphology and nutrient transporters gene expression. Finally, understanding the intestine development during embryonic life will enable us to enhance the productivity of broilers.
Genesis of the mafic impact melt rock in the northwest sector of the Vredefort Dome, South Africa
Authors: Reimold Wolf Uwe , Hauser Natalia , Oliveira Alisson Lopes , Maciel Ana Rita Pereira , Goderis Steven , Pittarello Lidia , Wegner Wencke , Fischer‐Goedde Mario , Koeberl Christian , Debaille Vinciane , Silva Maia de Souza Carolinna
Published: July 2023

Genesis and emplacement of Vredefort Granophyre, the impact melt rock exposed on the Vredefort Dome, the erosional remnant of the central uplift of the Vredefort impact structure, South Africa, have long been debated. This debate was recently reinvigorated by the discovery that besides the previously known felsic variety of >66 wt% SiO2, a second, somewhat more mafic phase of <66 wt% SiO2 occurs along a Granophyre dike on farms Kopjeskraal and Eldorado in the northwest sector of the dome. Two hypotheses have been put forward to explain the genesis and emplacement of this second phase: (1) successive injections of impact melt into extensional fractures opened in the course of central uplift formation/crater modification, with melts of distinct compositions derived from a differentiating impact melt body in the crater, and (2) generation of the more mafic phase as a product of admixture/assimilation of a mafic country rock component, either the so‐called epidiorite of possible Ventersdorp Supergroup affiliation or the Dominion Group meta‐lava (DGL), to Felsic Granophyre. In the latter model, contamination with mafic country rock would have occurred during downward intrusion and stoping into and below the crater floor. The so‐called Mafic Granophyre has previously only ever been sampled on a single site (Farm Kopjeskraal). In this study, samples of Granophyre occurring along the southerly extension of this dike on farm Rensburgdrif, and from a second dike on the Rietkuil property further southwest were investigated by field work, and petrographic, geochemical, and isotopic analysis. The mafic phase indeed occurs in the interior of the dike at Rensburgdrif, and also on Rietkuil. New geochemical and Sr‐Nd isotope data support the hypothesis that the Mafic Granophyre composition represents a mixture between Felsic Granophyre and a mafic country rock. A 20% admixture of epidiorite or DGL to Felsic Granophyre provides an excellent match for the chemical composition of the Mafic Granophyre. The Sr‐Nd isotope data indicate that this admixture likely involved the epidiorite component rather than DGL. Together with earlier Sr‐Nd‐Os‐Se isotopic data, and other geochemical data, these results further support formation of the Mafic Granophyre by local assimilation/admixture of epidiorite to Felsic Granophyre.
Tafsīr or Taʾwīl? The Shaykhī Contribution to the Qurʾānīc Tradition of Nineteenth Century Iran
Authors: Chamankhah Assistant Professor of Literary and Cultural Stud Leila
Published: July 2023

The study of Qurʾānīc exegesis in the Shaykhī school has been widely, albeit surprisingly, neglected in modern scholarship. It is surprising because there is hardly any aspect of Shaykhīsm that has remained intact after scholars have touched upon different dimensions of the school. Considering the Qurʾān, its centrality in Islamic tradition and the different methods of reading it, what is commonly understood and accepted by the mainstream as exegesis (tafsīr) might not necessarily be a suitable label for what the Shaykhī leaders did in their very ‘distinguished’ reading and interpretation of the Book. I call it ‘distinguished’, because Shaykhī elitism remains far from any compromising effort that might reduce the complexity and convolution of an all‐celestial text into a literal interpretation. From a Shaykhī perspective, any such simplified challenge would not do justice to the deep and multiple levels (buṭūn) of meaning in the Qurʾān, which need an esoteric, and at times lettrist methodology to unveil divine revelation (tanzīl). Furthermore, every word needs to be understood in consideration of the akhbār of the imāms as well. Given this, the present paper will examine a number of key writings, delving into how the Shaykhī ʿulemā have interpreted the Qurʾān from an esoteric perspective, and by so doing have left a legacy which has culminated in what I call ‘the exegetical school of Kerman’. Pertinent to this is the language of the school.1 As the paper argues, the choice of Arabic as the language of tafsīr in a Persophone context was deliberate, and in fact should be understood in the light of the Shaykhī approach that assigns understanding the Qurʾān to only a skilled few.
Heart rate and heart rate variability following sleep deprivation in retired night shift workers and retired day workers
Authors: Jain Naveen , Lehrer H. Matthew , Chin Brian N. , Tracy Eunjin Lee , Evans Marissa A. , Krafty Robert T. , Buysse Daniel J. , Hall Martica H.
Published: July 2023

Shift workers experience poor sleep and dysregulated cardiac autonomic function during sleep. However, it is unknown if this dysregulation persists into retirement, potentially accelerating the age‐associated risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Using sleep deprivation as a physiological challenge to cardiovascular autonomic function, we compared heart rate (HR) and high‐frequency heart rate variability (HF‐HRV) during baseline and recovery sleep following sleep deprivation between retired night shift and day workers. Participants were retired night shift (N = 33) and day workers (N = 37) equated on age (mean [standard deviation] = 68.0 [5.6] years), sex (47% female), race/ethnicity (86% White), and body mass index. Participants completed a 60‐h lab protocol including one night of baseline polysomnography‐monitored sleep, followed by 36 h of sleep deprivation and one night of recovery sleep. Continuously recorded HR was used to calculate HF‐HRV. Linear mixed models compared HR and HF‐HRV during non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) and REM sleep between groups during baseline and recovery nights. Groups did not differ on HR or HF‐HRV during NREM or REM sleep (ps > .05) and did not show differential responses to sleep deprivation. In the full sample, HR increased and HF‐HRV decreased from baseline to recovery during NREM (ps < .05) and REM (ps < .01). Both groups exhibited cardiovascular autonomic changes during recovery sleep following 36 h of sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation appears to induce cardiovascular autonomic changes that persist into recovery sleep in older adults, regardless of shift work history.
Maintaining asymmetry in cell division
Authors: Goldy Camila , Caillaud Marie-Cécile
Published: July 2023

Promoting asymmetric division through microtubule dynamics establishes cell fate
Studies probe COVID-19 shots’ link to rare symptoms
Authors: Vogel Gretchen , Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: July 2023

Details emerge for uncommon cases of neurologic complications, blood pressure swings, and other side effects
In Vitro
Roles of
Burkholderia
Intracellular Motility A (BimA) in Infection of Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line
Authors: Jitprasutwit Niramol , Rungruengkitkun Amporn , Lohitthai Sanisa , Reamtong Onrapak , Indrawattana Nitaya , Sookrung Nitat , Sricharunrat Thaniya , Sukphopetch Passanesh , Chatratita Narisara , Pumirat Pornpan
Published: July 2023

Neurological melioidosis, caused by
Burkholderia pseudomallei
, can result in severe neurological damage and enhance the mortality rate of melioidosis patients. We investigate the involvement of the virulent factor BimA, which mediates actin-based motility, in the intracellular infection of neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.
Predator-Prey Interactions between
Halobacteriovorax
and Pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus Strains: Geographical Considerations and Influence of
Vibrio
Hemolysins
Authors: Richards Gary P. , Watson Michael A. , Williams Henry N. , Jones Jessica L.
Published: July 2023

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
is a formidable obstacle to seafood safety. Strains pathogenic to humans are numerous and difficult to control, especially within molluscan shellfish.
Supplemental Material: New Late Cretaceous paleomagnetic and geochronologic results from the southern Qiangtang Terrane: Contributions to the reliability of redbed paleomagnetic datasets from the Tibetan Plateau and shape of the Qiangtang Terrane
Authors: Ma Jiahui , yang tianshui , et al.
Published: July 2023

The supplemental material contains characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) directions for the Abushan Formation redbeds (Table S1), Summary of Late Cretaceous redbeds paleomagnetic results from the Qiangtang (Table S2).
Supplemental Material: U-Pb dating of pedogenic calcite near the Permian–Triassic boundary, Karoo Basin, South Africa
Authors: Rochín-Bañaga Heriberto , et al.
Published: July 2023

The supplemental material contains the LA-ICP-MS parameters for U-Pb analyses, the Tera-Wasserburg concordia diagrams for the calcite standards, and the Utilchron Excel files used for data processing and age regressions from individual samples. 
Resistance training prescription for muscle strength and hypertrophy in healthy adults: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Currier Brad S , Mcleod Jonathan C , Banfield Laura , Beyene Joseph , Welton Nicky J , D'Souza Alysha C , Keogh Joshua A J , Lin Lydia , Coletta Giulia , Yang Antony , Colenso-Semple Lauren , Lau Kyle J , Verboom Alexandria , Phillips Stuart M
Published: July 2023

Objective

To determine how distinct combinations of resistance training prescription (RTx) variables (load, sets and frequency) affect muscle strength and hypertrophy.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched until February 2022.

Eligibility criteria

Randomised trials that included healthy adults, compared at least 2 predefined conditions (non-exercise control (CTRL) and 12 RTx, differentiated by load, sets and/or weekly frequency), and reported muscle strength and/or hypertrophy were included.

Analyses

Systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis methodology was used to compare RTxs and CTRL. Surface under the cumulative ranking curve values were used to rank conditions. Confidence was assessed with threshold analysis.

Results

The strength network included 178 studies (n=5097; women=45%). The hypertrophy network included 119 studies (n=3364; women=47%). All RTxs were superior to CTRL for muscle strength and hypertrophy. Higher-load (>80% of single repetition maximum) prescriptions maximised strength gains, and all prescriptions comparably promoted muscle hypertrophy. While the calculated effects of many prescriptions were similar, higher-load, multiset, thrice-weekly training (standardised mean difference (95% credible interval); 1.60 (1.38 to 1.82) vs CTRL) was the highest-ranked RTx for strength, and higher-load, multiset, twice-weekly training (0.66 (0.47 to 0.85) vs CTRL) was the highest-ranked RTx for hypertrophy. Threshold analysis demonstrated these results were extremely robust.

Conclusion

All RTx promoted strength and hypertrophy compared with no exercise. The highest-ranked prescriptions for strength involved higher loads, whereas the highest-ranked prescriptions for hypertrophy included multiple sets.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021259663 and CRD42021258902.
Evaluation of the Global Health Security Index as a predictor of COVID-19 excess mortality standardised for under-reporting and age structure
Authors: Ledesma Jorge Ricardo , Isaac Christopher R , Dowell Scott F , Blazes David L , Essix Gabrielle V , Budeski Katherine , Bell Jessica , Nuzzo Jennifer B
Published: July 2023

Background

Previous studies have observed that countries with the strongest levels of pandemic preparedness capacities experience the greatest levels of COVID-19 burden. However, these analyses have been limited by cross-country differentials in surveillance system quality and demographics. Here, we address limitations of previous comparisons by exploring country-level relationships between pandemic preparedness measures and comparative mortality ratios (CMRs), a form of indirect age standardisation, of excess COVID-19 mortality.

Methods

We indirectly age standardised excess COVID-19 mortality, from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation modelling database, by comparing observed total excess mortality to an expected age-specific COVID-19 mortality rate from a reference country to derive CMRs. We then linked CMRs with data on country-level measures of pandemic preparedness from the Global Health Security (GHS) Index. These data were used as input into multivariable linear regression analyses that included income as a covariate and adjusted for multiple comparisons. We conducted a sensitivity analysis using excess mortality estimates from WHO and The Economist.

Results

The GHS Index was negatively associated with excess COVID-19 CMRs (β= −0.21, 95% CI=−0.33, −0.10). Greater capacities related to prevention (β= −0.11, 95% CI= −0.20 to −0.03), detection (β=−0.09, 95% CI= −0.17 to −0.02), response (β = −0.19, 95% CI= −0.32 to −0.05), international commitments (β= −0.17, 95% CI= −0.30 to −0.04) and risk environments (β= −0.30, 95% CI= −0.42 to −0.18) were each associated with lower CMRs. After adjustment for multiple hypotheses, the GHS Index (table 2; β= −0.21, adjusted 95% CI=−0.41, −0.02) and risk environment (β= −0.30, adjusted 95% CI=−0.50, −0.10) remained associated with excess deaths. Results were not replicated using excess mortality models that rely more heavily on reported COVID-19 deaths (eg, WHO and The Economist).

Conclusion

The first direct comparison of COVID-19 excess mortality rates across countries accounting for under-reporting and age structure confirms that greater levels of preparedness were associated with lower excess COVID-19 mortality. Additional research is needed to confirm these relationships as more robust national-level data on COVID-19 impact become available.
Dissuasive cigarettes as a tobacco control measure: a scoping review
Authors: Al-Zalabani Abdulmohsen Hamdan , Monshi Sarah S , Al-Ahmadi Ahmed Fahd , Ali Ahmed Khalid A , Mirdad Ghazal Assaad , Alanazi Manal Muteb , Alsaedi Mawada Qabl , Alanazi Abdullah M
Published: July 2023

Objective

The aim was to identify and review the research literature on dissuasive cigarettes, including key concepts, types, sources of evidence and research gaps.

Data sources

PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched up to January 2023 with no language or date restrictions. All study designs were included. Reference lists of the identified studies were manually searched. Studies on tobacco products other than cigarettes or on external cigarette packaging alone were excluded.

Study selection

Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts independently using eligibility criteria. The full text of the selected articles was subsequently screened independently by two reviewers to confirm eligibility.

Data extraction

Two reviewers independently extracted data from all studies using data abstraction forms. Results were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist.

Data synthesis

We identified 24 original studies, 3 review articles and 4 commentary articles. Research on dissuasive cigarettes was reported from Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America. We presented results in four themes: the concept of dissuasive cigarettes; approaches and types; potential benefits, barriers and concerns; and current research gaps.

Conclusions

Dissuasive cigarettes represent a promising strategy that could be used in tobacco control. Parallel implementation with plain packaging would be feasible and synergistic.
Production efficiency of loblolly pine stands under roundwood and carbon price risks
Authors: Huang Yu-Kai , Dwivedi Puneet
Published: July 2023

This study examines the efficiency of loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.) production under roundwood and carbon price risks. The data are generated from the biophysical–economic optimization model, consisting of the loblolly pine growth and yield model in Georgia, United States, combined with a stochastic economic model. The model incorporates the timber and carbon price risk parameters and generates the optimal biomass volumes and the associated harvest profits for 56 scenarios given different silvicultural treatments and price risks. Timber production efficiencies under each scenario are evaluated using the data envelopment analysis. This study also assesses potential economic losses due to inefficient forest production. The result shows that forest landowners with lower risk tolerance have a higher profit foregone. Inefficient forest management could cause up to $319/ha and $405/ha of potential economic losses under herbicide and fertilizer treatment scenarios, respectively. As timber-related price risks can influence forest landowners’ decisions, the findings of this study incorporating different risks would help forestry professionals and policymakers to establish a more realistic and greater degree of accuracy in the forest productivity evaluation.
Accelerating environmental flow implementation to bend the curve of global freshwater biodiversity loss
Authors: Arthington Angela H. , Tickner David , McClain Michael E. , Acreman Mike C. , Anderson Elizabeth P. , Babu Suresh , Dickens Chris W.S. , Horne Avril C. , Kaushal Nitin , Monk Wendy A. , O'Brien Gordon C. , Olden Julian D. , Opperman Jeffrey J. , Owusu Afua G. , LeRoy Poff N. , Richter Brian D. , Salinas-Rodríguez Sergio A. , Shamboko Mbale Beauty , Tharme Rebecca E. , Yarnell Sarah M.
Published: July 2023

Environmental flows (e-flows) aim to mitigate the threat of altered hydrological regimes in river systems and connected waterbodies and are an important component of integrated strategies to address multiple threats to freshwater biodiversity. Expanding and accelerating implementation of e-flows can support river conservation and help to restore the biodiversity and resilience of hydrologically altered and water-stressed rivers and connected freshwater ecosystems. While there have been significant developments in e-flow science, assessment, and societal acceptance, implementation of e-flows within water resource management has been slower than required and geographically uneven. This review explores critical factors that enable successful e-flow implementation and biodiversity outcomes in particular, drawing on 13 case studies and the literature. It presents e-flow implementation as an adaptive management cycle enabled by 10 factors: legislation and governance, financial and human resourcing, stakeholder engagement and co-production of knowledge, collaborative monitoring of ecological and social-economic outcomes, capacity training and research, exploration of trade-offs among water users, removing or retrofitting water infrastructure to facilitate e-flows and connectivity, and adaptation to climate change. Recognising that there may be barriers and limitations to the full and effective enablement of each factor, the authors have identified corresponding options and generalizable recommendations for actions to overcome prominent constraints, drawing on the case studies and wider literature. The urgency of addressing flow-related freshwater biodiversity loss demands collaborative networks to train and empower a new generation of e-flow practitioners equipped with the latest tools and insights to lead adaptive environmental water management globally. Mainstreaming e-flows within conservation planning, integrated water resource management, river restoration strategies, and adaptations to climate change is imperative. The policy drivers and associated funding commitments of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework offer crucial opportunities to achieve the human benefits contributed by e-flows as nature-based solutions, such as flood risk management, floodplain fisheries restoration, and increased river resilience to climate change.