bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negotiating Routes and/or Roots: Heritagisation of nanyin in China and Singapore, 1970s to 2010s
Authors: Zhang Beiyu
Published: November 2023

Originated in southern China, nanyin (南音) is regarded as ‘the sound of motherland’ (乡音) performed and loved by the Hokkien dialect speakers in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and diasporic populations living in Southeast Asia. Having thrived in transnational spaces, nanyin is now celebrated as a shared heritage in China and Southeast Asian countries, such as Singapore. This paper explores the process of heritage‐making, that is, the ways in which the art form and cultural practice of nanyin have been re‐shaped and re‐appropriated by the diasporic communities and the native place to articulate different understandings of the Chinese identity in their distinct nation‐state frameworks. In this ambivalent entanglement, China has re‐appropriated the diasporic history of nanyin to gain international recognition and build soft power through United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. In Singapore, the Siong Leng Music Association has actively engaged in the heritage‐making of nanyin, leading to the creation of a unique Singapore brand that speaks to hybridity and cosmopolitanism, in the same way as the re‐construction of their Chinese identity. Examining the two processes of heritagisation of nanyin along the China‐Singapore ‘heritage corridors’, the paper argues that the two ends are connected in important ways but always seek to maintain distance to articulate their own cultural representations at international stages. Thus, nanyin through a comparative perspective enables a critical examination of issues of centre versus periphery, authenticity, and hybridity in the Sinophone world.
Does pre‐stenting influence outcomes of shockwave lithotripsy? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Brain Eleanor , Geraghty Robert M. , Tzelves Lazaros , Mourmouris Panagiotis , Chatzikrachtis Nikolaos , Karavitakis Markos , Skolarikos Andreas , Somani Bhaskar K.
Published: November 2023

Objective

To determine whether preoperative use of JJ stents in patients undergoing shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) impacts on stone clearance and the rate of postoperative complications.

Patients and Methods

We screened multiple databases from inception to January 2021, using the relevant search terms for SWL in patients with a preoperative stent. Inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials of ≥20 patients aged >18 years who had had SWL with a JJ stent. This review has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; registration number CRD42023443195). Statistical analysis was performed using ‘meta’ in R.

Results

There were seven eligible studies (403 patients receiving JJ stents and 394 controls). There was no significant difference in the stone‐free rate (SFR) following SWL with a JJ stent compared to SWL alone. When considering the complication rates, there was a significantly reduced risk of steinstrasse in patients with a JJ stent. However, there was no significant difference in the risk of other complications including pain, fever, and haematuria, and no significant difference in the likelihood of requiring auxiliary procedures or re‐treatment.

Conclusions

There was a reduced risk of steinstrasse in patients undergoing SWL with a JJ stent compared to SWL alone. However, there was no significant difference in the risk of other postoperative complications. Use of a JJ stent had no effect on the efficacy of SWL, with no significant difference in the SFR.
Allergic diseases as risk factors for Long‐COVID symptoms: Systematic review of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Wolff Doreen , Drewitz Karl Philipp , Ulrich Angela , Siegels Doreen , Deckert Stefanie , Sprenger Antonia Anabella , Kuper Paula Ricarda , Schmitt Jochen , Munblit Daniel , Apfelbacher Christian
Published: November 2023

Objective

The role of allergy as a risk factor for Long‐COVID (LC) is unclear and has not been thoroughly examined yet. We aimed to systematically review and appraise the epidemiological evidence on allergic diseases as risk factors for LC.

Design

This is an initial systematic review. Two reviewers independently performed the study selection and data extraction using Covidence. Risk of bias (RoB) and certainty of evidence (GRADE) were assessed. Random effects meta‐analyses were used to pool unadjusted ORs within homogeneous data subsets.

Data Sources

We retrieved articles published between January 1st, 2020 and January 19th, 2023 from MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, the WHO‐COVID‐19 database and the LOVE platform (Epistemonikos Foundation). In addition, citations and reference lists were searched.

Eligibility Criteria

We included prospective cohort studies recruiting individuals of all ages with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection that were followed up for at least 12 months for LC symptoms where information on pre‐existing allergic diseases was available. We excluded all study designs that were not prospective cohort studies and all publication types that were not original articles.

Results

We identified 13 studies (9967 participants, range 39–1950 per study), all assessed as high RoB, due to population selection and methods used to ascertain the exposures and the outcome. Four studies did not provide sufficient data to calculate Odds Ratios. The evidence supported a possible relationship between LC and allergy, but was very uncertain. For example, pre‐existing asthma measured in hospital‐based populations (6 studies, 4019 participants) may be associated with increased risk of LC (Odds Ratio 1.94, 95% CI 1.08, 3.50) and findings were similar for pre‐existing rhinitis (3 studies, 1141 participants; Odds Ratio 1.96, 95% CI 1.61, 2.39), both very low certainty evidence.

Conclusions

Pre‐existing asthma or rhinitis may increase the risk of LC.
Systematic nature positive markets
Authors: Bush Alex , Simpson Katherine Hannah , Hanley Nick
Published: November 2023

Environmental markets are a rapidly emerging tool to mobilize private funding to incentivize landholders to undertake more sustainable land management. How units of biodiversity in these markets are measured and subsequently traded creates key challenges ecologically and economically because it determines whether environmental markets can deliver net gains in biodiversity and efficiently lower the costs of conservation. We developed and tested a metric for such markets based on the well‐established principle of irreplaceability from systematic conservation planning. Irreplaceability as a metric avoids the limitations of like‐for‐like trading and allows one to capture the multidimensional nature of ecosystems (e.g., habitats, species, ecosystem functioning) and simultaneously achieve cost‐effective, land‐manager‐led investments in conservation. Using an integrated ecological modeling approach, we tested whether using irreplaceability as a metric is more ecologically and economically beneficial than the simpler biodiversity offset metrics typically used in net gain and no‐net‐loss policies. Using irreplaceability ensured no net loss, or even net gain, of biodiversity depending on the targets chosen. Other metrics did not provide the same assurances and, depending on the flexibility with which biodiversity targets can be achieved, and how they overlap with development pressure, were less efficient. Irreplaceability reduced the costs of offsetting to developers and the costs of ecological restoration to society. Integrating economic data and systematic conservation planning approaches would therefore assure land managers they were being fairly rewarded for the opportunity costs of conservation and transparently incentivize the most ecologically and economically efficient investments in nature recovery.
Implications of the scale of detection for inferring co‐occurrence patterns from paired camera traps and acoustic recorders
Authors: Vélez Juliana , McShea William , Pukazhenthi Budhan , Stevenson Pablo , Fieberg John
Published: November 2023

Multifunctional landscapes that support economic activities and conservation of biological diversity (e.g., cattle ranches with native forest) are becoming increasingly important because small remnants of native forest may comprise the only habitat left for some wildlife species. Understanding the co‐occurrence between wildlife and disturbance factors, such as poaching activity and domesticated ungulates, is key to successful management of multifunctional landscapes. Tools to measure co‐occurrence between wildlife and disturbance factors include camera traps and autonomous acoustic recording units. We paired 52 camera‐trap stations with acoustic recorders to investigate the association between 2 measures of disturbance (poaching and cattle) and wild ungulates present in multifunctional landscapes of the Colombian Orinoquía. We used joint species distribution models to investigate species–habitat associations and species–disturbance correlations. One model was fitted using camera‐trap data to detect wild ungulates and disturbance factors, and a second model was fitted after replacing camera‐trap detections of disturbance factors with their corresponding acoustic detections. The direction, significance, and precision of the effect of covariates depended on the sampling method used for disturbance factors. Acoustic monitoring typically resulted in more precise estimates of the effects of covariates and of species–disturbance correlations. Association patterns between wildlife and disturbance factors were found only when disturbance was detected by acoustic recorders. Camera traps allowed us to detect nonvocalizing species, whereas audio recording devices increased detection of disturbance factors leading to more precise estimates of co‐occurrence patterns. The collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), and white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) co‐occurred with disturbance factors and are conservation priorities due to the greater risk of poaching or disease transmission from cattle.
Research activity induces change in nest position but does not affect nest success in a vulnerable babbler
Authors: Zhang Lanlan , Wang Yufeng , Chen Benping , Liao Wenbo , Zhang Zhengwang , Fu Yiqiang
Published: November 2023

Studies show that birds cognize human disturbance as a potential predation risk. However, the responses of breeding birds to long‐term continuous disturbance by research activities and whether researcher disturbance affects the fitness of target species remain poorly understood. In this study, we used field observation data collected over 6 years to assess the potential impacts of research activities on nest‐site selection and nest success of the Emei Shan Liocichla (Liocichla omeiensis), a vulnerable babbler species endemic to Southwest China. Our results showed that Emei Shan Liocichlas tended to nest in taller nesting plants or the higher parts of nesting plants to increase nest‐site height following researcher disturbance. The average height of Emei Shan Liocichla nests increased by 52.2% over the 6‐year study period, from 129.8 ± 9.2 cm in 2009 (n = 11) to 197.5 ± 12.1 cm in 2015 (n = 18). While some pairs adopted a different strategy, placing their nests in Rosaceae plants with thorns instead of the bamboo Chimonobambusa szechuanensis (the favored nesting plant of the Emei Shan Liocichla) under high interference pressure, which made it more difficult for researchers to approach their nests. There were no significant differences both in clutch size and nest success between the low‐ and high‐disturbance groups. The study revealed the behavioral response pattern of breeding Emei Shan Liocichlas to researcher disturbance, which will contribute to conservation of this threatened songbird and the knowledge of reproductive strategies of birds. Developing specific guidelines for fieldwork and strengthening visitor management within its core habitat of Emei Shan Liocichla during breeding period should be considered.
Greater time spent with HbA1c less than 7.0% with oral semaglutide versus oral comparators: An exploratory analysis of the PIONEER studies
Authors: Rosenstock Julio , Cariou Bertrand , Eliasson Johanna , Frappin Guillaume , Kaltoft Margit S. , Montanya Eduard , Knop Filip K.
Published: November 2023

Aim

To assess how long participants with type 2 diabetes spent with HbA1c less than 7.0% and how likely they were to maintain this target with oral semaglutide 7 mg versus sitagliptin 100 mg or oral semaglutide 14 mg versus empagliflozin 25 mg, sitagliptin 100 mg or subcutaneous liraglutide 1.8 mg.

Materials and Methods

Analyses used on‐treatment data without rescue medication for all randomized participants (semaglutide [approved maintenance doses], n = 1880; comparators [not including placebo], n = 1412). Duration of time with HbA1c less than 7.0% was calculated using an HbA1c time curve. A binary endpoint of achieving HbA1c less than 7.0% at weeks 26 (week 24 for PIONEER 7) and 52 of each trial (and week 78 for PIONEER 3) was analysed.

Results

Mean duration of time with HbA1c less than 7.0% was greater with oral semaglutide 7 mg versus sitagliptin in PIONEER 3 (27 vs. 22 weeks) and with oral semaglutide 14 mg versus empagliflozin and sitagliptin (27‐34 vs. 19 vs. 22 weeks, respectively), and similar versus subcutaneous liraglutide. A greater proportion of participants achieved and maintained HbA1c less than 7.0% for more than 75% of the trial with oral semaglutide 14 mg versus oral comparators. The odds of achieving HbA1c less than 7.0% at weeks 24/26 and 52/78 were significantly greater with oral semaglutide 14 mg versus oral comparators or subcutaneous liraglutide, and with oral semaglutide 7 mg versus sitagliptin.

Conclusions

Oral semaglutide 7 and 14 mg resulted in greater time spent with HbA1c less than 7.0%, and a greater likelihood of achieving and maintaining HbA1c less than 7.0% versus oral comparators.
From ‘publish or perish’ to ‘publish for purpose’
Authors: Elbanna Said , Child John
Published: November 2023

Pressures to publish prolifically have led to an abundance of research on trivial matters rather than on issues of significance. This trend is particularly pronounced in developing countries, where limited access to paid content has fueled the growth of open‐access publications. Additionally, the prevailing “publish or perish” culture has encouraged the pursuit of inconsequential and conformist research. The scholarly integrity of academic institutions is eroded when they struggle with evaluating research impact through metrics, potentially overlooking substantive contribution. The emergence of AI technology adds a fresh dimension to the issue, creating new possibilities for mass output rather than work that is innovative or informed by social values and priorities. This commentary serves as a call to action for scholars, institutions, and policymakers collectively to reshape the trajectory of academic publishing, restoring its sense of purpose through making lasting contributions to the betterment of society.
Mediterranean springs: Keystone ecosystems and biodiversity refugia threatened by global change
Authors: Fernández‐Martínez M. , Barquín J. , Bonada N. , Cantonati M. , Churro C. , Corbera J. , Delgado C. , Dulsat‐Masvidal M. , Garcia G. , Margalef O. , Pascual R. , Peñuelas J. , Preece C. , Sabater F. , Seiler H. , Zamora‐Marín J. M. , Romero E.
Published: November 2023

Mediterranean spring ecosystems are unique habitats at the interface between surface water and groundwater. These ecosystems support a remarkable array of biodiversity and provide important ecological functions and ecosystem services. Spring ecosystems are influenced by abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors such as the lithology of their draining aquifers, their climate, and the land use of their recharge area, all of which affect the water chemistry of the aquifer and the spring discharges. One of the most relevant characteristics of spring ecosystems is the temporal stability of environmental conditions, including physicochemical features of the spring water, across seasons and years. This stability allows a wide range of species to benefit from these ecosystems (particularly during dry periods), fostering an unusually high number of endemic species. However, global change poses important threats to these freshwater ecosystems. Changes in temperature, evapotranspiration, and precipitation patterns can alter the water balance and chemistry of spring water. Eutrophication due to agricultural practices and emergent pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and pesticides, is also a growing concern for the preservation of spring biodiversity. Here, we provide a synthesis of the main characteristics and functioning of Mediterranean spring ecosystems. We then describe their ecological value and biodiversity patterns and highlight the main risks these ecosystems face. Moreover, we identify existing knowledge gaps to guide future research in order to fully uncover the hidden biodiversity within these habitats and understand the main drivers that govern them. Finally, we provide a brief summary of recommended actions that should be taken to effectively manage and preserve Mediterranean spring ecosystems for future generations. Even though studies on Mediterranean spring ecosystems are still scarce, our review shows there are sufficient data to conclude that their future viability as functional ecosystems is under severe threat.
Shift in algal blooms from micro‐ to macroalgae around China with increasing eutrophication and climate change
Authors: Feng Yuan , Xiong Yonglong , Hall‐Spencer Jason M. , Liu Kailin , Beardall John , Gao Kunshan , Ge Jingke , Xu Juntian , Gao Guang
Published: November 2023

Blooms of microalgal red tides and macroalgae (e.g., green and golden tides caused by Ulva and Sargassum) have caused widespread problems around China in recent years, but there is uncertainty around what triggers these blooms and how they interact. Here, we use 30 years of monitoring data to help answer these questions, focusing on the four main species of microalgae Prorocentrum donghaiense, Karenia mikimotoi, Noctiluca scintillans, and Skeletonema costatum) associated with red tides in the region. The frequency of red tides increased from 1991 to 2003 and then decreased until 2020, with S. costatum red tides exhibiting the highest rate of decrease. Green tides started to occur around China in 1999 and the frequency of green tides has since been on the increase. Golden tides were first reported to occur around China in 2012. The frequency of macroalgal blooms has a negative linear relationship with the frequency and coverage of red tides around China, and a positive correlation with total nitrogen and phosphorus loads as well as with atmospheric CO2 and sea surface temperature (SST). Increased outbreaks of macroalgal blooms are very likely due to worsening levels of eutrophication, combined with rising CO2 and SST, which contribute to the reduced frequency of red tides. The increasing grazing rate of microzooplankton also results in the decline in areas affected by red tides. This study shows a clear shift of algal blooms from microalgae to macroalgae around China over the past 30 years driven by the combination of eutrophication, climate change, and grazing stress, indicating a fundamental change in coastal systems in the region.
Pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma and lymphoepithelial carcinoma – morphology, molecular characteristics and differential diagnosis
Authors: Berezowska Sabina , Maillard Marie , Keyter Mark , Bisig Bettina
Published: November 2023

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) comprises one of the major groups of non‐small‐cell carcinoma of the lung, and is subtyped into keratinising, non‐keratinising and basaloid SCC. SCC can readily be diagnosed using histomorphology alone in keratinising SCC. Confirmatory immunohistochemical analyses should always be applied in non‐keratinising and basaloid tumours to exclude differential diagnoses, most prominently adenocarcinoma and high‐grade neuroendocrine carcinoma, which may have important therapeutic consequences. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) classification 2015, the diagnosis of SCC can be rendered in resections of morphologically ambiguous tumours with squamous immunophenotype. In biopsies and cytology preparations in the same setting the current guidelines propose a diagnosis of ‘non‐small‐cell carcinoma, favour SCC’ in TTF1‐negative and p40‐positive tumours to acknowledge a possible sampling bias and restrict extended immunohistochemical evaluation in order to preserve tissue for molecular testing. Most SCC feature a molecular ‘tobacco‐smoke signature’ with enrichment in GG > TT mutations, in line with the strong epidemiological association of SCC with smoking. Targetable mutations are extremely rare but they do occur, in particular in younger and non‐ or light‐smoking patients, warranting molecular investigations. Lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC) is a poorly differentiated SCC with a syncytial growth pattern and a usually prominent lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and frequent Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) association. In this review, we describe the morphological and molecular characteristics of SCC and LEC and discuss the most pertinent differential diagnoses.
PEComa with ASPSCR1::TFE3 fusion: expanding the molecular genetic spectrum of TFE3‐rearranged PEComa with an emphasis on overlap with alveolar soft part sarcoma
Authors: Zhao Ming , Huang Yan , Yin Xiaona , Xu Jiayun , Sun Yuefang , Wang Jian
Published: November 2023

Aims

Mesenchymal neoplasms involving TFE3 gene fusions are diverse, mainly include alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) that is characterised by ASPSCR1::TFE3 fusion, and a small subset of perivascular epithelioid cell tumours (PEComas) referred to as TFE3‐rearranged PEComa, that most frequently harbours SFPQ::TFE3 fusion. Historically, ASPS and TFE3‐rearranged PEComa are considered two distinctive entities despite their known morphological overlap. However, recent studies have suggested a potential histogenetic relationship between them, and several neoplasms that showed morphological features more closely fit PEComa rather than ASPS but harboured ASPSCR1::TFE3 fusion have been documented. In this study, we report three cases of PEComa with ASPSCR1::TFE3 fusion.

Methods and results

Clinicopathological features were assessed and partner agnostic targeted next‐generation sequencing on clinically validated platforms were performed. The patients are two females and one male with age at presentation ranging from 21 to 51 years. All three tumours were located in the viscera (rectum, kidney and cervix). On a relatively limited follow‐up period (range = 9–15 months), all patients are alive without evidence of recurrent or metastatic disease. The neoplasms were composed of tight nested architecture of epithelioid clear cells separated by a delicate vascular network, two of which were associated with sheets of plump spindle cells, and none showed significant discohesive tumour morphology. Immunohistochemically, in addition to TFE3 protein, all three neoplasms demonstrated co‐expression of melan‐A and smooth muscle actin. RNA‐sequencing identified ASPSCR1::TFE3 fusion in all three cases that were confirmed by subsequent fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation analyses.

Conclusions

Our study expands the molecular genetic spectrum of TFE3‐rearranged PEComa and further indicates its close relationship to ASPS.
The cell stress and immunity cycle in cancer: Toward next generation of cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Laureano Raquel S. , Vanmeerbeek Isaure , Sprooten Jenny , Govaerts Jannes , Naulaerts Stefan , Garg Abhishek D.
Published: November 2023

The cellular stress and immunity cycle is a cornerstone of organismal homeostasis. Stress activates intracellular and intercellular communications within a tissue or organ to initiate adaptive responses aiming to resolve the origin of this stress. If such local measures are unable to ameliorate this stress, then intercellular communications expand toward immune activation with the aim of recruiting immune cells to effectively resolve the situation while executing tissue repair to ameliorate any damage and facilitate homeostasis. This cellular stress‐immunity cycle is severely dysregulated in diseased contexts like cancer. On one hand, cancer cells dysregulate the normal cellular stress responses to reorient them toward upholding growth at all costs, even at the expense of organismal integrity and homeostasis. On the other hand, the tumors severely dysregulate or inhibit various components of organismal immunity, for example, by facilitating immunosuppressive tumor landscape, lowering antigenicity, and increasing T‐cell dysfunction. In this review we aim to comprehensively discuss the basis behind tumoral dysregulation of cellular stress‐immunity cycle. We also offer insights into current understanding of the regulators and deregulators of this cycle and how they can be targeted for conceptualizing successful cancer immunotherapy regimen.
Deleterious genetic changes in AGTPBP1 result in teratozoospermia with sperm head and flagella defects
Authors: Lin Yu‐Hua , Wang Ya‐Yun , Lai Tsung‐Hsuan , Teng Jih‐Lung , Lin Chi‐Wei , Ke Chih‐Chun , Yu I‐Shing , Lee Hui‐Ling , Chan Chying‐Chyuan , Tung Chi‐Hua , Conrad Donald F. , O'Bryan Moira K. , Lin Ying‐Hung
Published: November 2023

Approximately 10%–15% of couples worldwide are infertile, and male factors account for approximately half of these cases. Teratozoospermia is a major cause of male infertility. Although various mutations have been identified in teratozoospermia, these can vary among ethnic groups. In this study, we performed whole‐exome sequencing to identify genetic changes potentially causative of teratozoospermia. Out of seven genes identified, one, ATP/GTP Binding Protein 1 (AGTPBP1), was characterized, and three missense changes were identified in two patients (Affected A: p.Glu423Asp and p.Pro631Leu; Affected B: p.Arg811His). In those two cases, severe sperm head and tail defects were observed. Moreover, AGTPBP1 localization showed a fragmented pattern compared to control participants, with specific localization in the neck and annulus regions. Using murine models, we found that AGTPBP1 is localized in the manchette structure, which is essential for sperm structure formation. Additionally, in Agtpbp1‐null mice, we observed sperm head and tail defects similar to those in sperm from AGTPBP1‐mutated cases, along with abnormal polyglutamylation tubulin and decreasing △−2 tubulin levels. In this study, we established a link between genetic changes in AGTPBP1 and human teratozoospermia for the first time and identified the role of AGTPBP1 in deglutamination, which is crucial for sperm formation.
A framework for how homelessness impacts children's attachments to their caregiver
Authors: Stekler Nathaniel
Published: November 2023

In this paper, I create a framework that explains how homelessness reduces a child's attachment security. Attachment theory states how over time and repeated interactions, children and caregivers develop patterns of behavior that foster the development of children's schemas about what to generally expect from relationships with others. In order for children to develop secure attachments, a caregiver must be consistent and sensitive when responding to their child. Homeless caregivers have to juggle many stressors at once and therefore have fewer mental or physical resources (the effects of caregiver stress) to devote to consistent, sensitive, and responsive caregiving. This theoretically grounded framework proposes that stressors affect homeless caregivers, which in turn affects their effective parenting effort, which ultimately impacts the child's attachment. I describe in detail each of the proposed associations in the framework and summarize existing literature that supports these theoretical processes. Limitations and future directions are also discussed.
Understanding rural‐urban differences in veterans’ internet access, use and patient preferences for telemedicine
Authors: O'Shea Amy M. J. , Gibson Mikayla , Merchant James , Rewerts Kelby , Miell Kelly , Kaboli Peter J. , Shimada Stephanie L.
Published: November 2023

Background

The expansion of telemedicine (e.g., telephone or video) in the Veterans Health Administration (VA) raises concerns for health care disparities between rural and urban veterans. Factors impeding telemedicine use (e.g., broadband, digital literacy, age) disproportionally affect rural veterans.

Purpose

To examine veteran‐reported broadband access, internet use, familiarity with, and preferences for telemedicine stratified by residential rurality.

Methods

Three hundred fifty veterans with a VA primary care visit in March 2022 completed a 30‐min computer‐assisted telephone interview. The sampling design stratified veterans by residential rurality (i.e., rural or urban) and how primary care was delivered (i.e., in‐person or by video). Counts and weighted percentages are reported.

Findings

After accounting for survey weights, 96.2% of respondents had in‐home internet access and 89.5% reported functional connection speeds. However, rural‐ compared to urban‐residing veterans were less likely to experience a telemedicine visit in the past year (74.1% vs. 85.2%; p = 0.02). When comparing telemedicine to in‐person visits, rural versus urban‐residing veterans rated them not as good (45.3% vs. 36.8%), just as good (51.1% vs. 53.1%), or better (3.5% vs. 10.0%) (p = 0.05). To make telemedicine visits easier, veterans, regardless of where they lived, recommended technology training (46.4%), help accessing the internet (26.1%), or provision of an internet‐enabled device (25.9%).

Conclusions

Though rural‐residing veterans were less likely to experience a telemedicine visit, the same actionable facilitators to improve telemedicine access were reported regardless of residential rurality. Importantly, technology training was most often recommended. Policy makers, patient advocates, and other stakeholders should consider novel initiatives to provide training resources.
Clinical findings, surgical treatment and outcome in dogs with parotid duct ectasia: 14 cases (2010‐2023)
Authors: Martinez I. , Mielke B. , Rutherford L. , Cantatore M. , Cinti F. , Charlesworth T. , de la Puerta B. , Rossanese M.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, surgical treatment and outcome of dogs diagnosed with parotid duct ectasia.

Materials and Methods

Medical records of dogs diagnosed with parotid duct ectasia between 2010 and 2023 at six small animal referral hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome was assessed by contacting the owners or referring veterinarians.

Results

Fourteen dogs were included. Lateral facial swelling was the most common clinical presentation. CT revealed a tortuous cavitary tubular fluid‐filled structure consistent with a dilated parotid duct in all dogs. Surgical treatment included marsupialisation of the parotid duct papilla, surgical exploration of the duct alone, parotid duct marsupialisation with surgical exploration of the duct, parotidectomy or en‐bloc parotid duct resection. The aetiology of parotid duct ectasia was not established in 13 of 14 dogs. In one case, a foreign body was retrieved from the duct. No recurrence of clinical signs was noted during the follow‐up period (range 21 to 2900 days).

Clinical Significance

Parotid duct ectasia should be considered for dogs with a lateralised fluctuant non‐painful tubular facial swelling. Surgical management was associated with a favourable prognosis without evidence of recurrence in all cases reported in the case series.
Incidence of hepatitis C virus infection in the prison setting: The SToP‐C study
Authors: Hajarizadeh Behzad , Carson Joanne M. , Byrne Marianne , Grebely Jason , Cunningham Evan , Amin Janaki , Vickerman Peter , Martin Natasha K. , Treloar Carla , Martinello Marianne , Lloyd Andrew R. , Dore Gregory J. ,   the SToP‐C study group
Published: November 2023

People in prison are at high risk of HCV given high injecting drug use prevalence. This study evaluated HCV incidence and associated injecting drug use characteristics in prison. The SToP‐C study enrolled people incarcerated in four Australian prisons. Participants were tested for HCV at enrolment and then every 3–6 months (October‐2014 to November‐2019). Participants eligible for this analysis included those at‐risk of HCV primary infection (anti‐HCV negative) or re‐infection (anti‐HCV positive, HCV RNA negative) with follow‐up assessment. A total of 1643 eligible participants were included in analyses (82% male; median age 33 years; 30% injected drugs in prison; 1818 person‐years of follow‐up). Overall HCV incidence was 6.11/100 person‐years (95%CI: 5.07–7.35), with higher rate of re‐infection (9.34/100 person‐years; 95%CI: 7.15–12.19) than primary infection (4.60/100 person‐years; 95%CI: 3.56–5.96). In total population (n = 1643), HCV risk was significantly higher among participants injecting drugs in prison [vs. no injecting; adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 10.55, 95%CI: 5.88–18.92), and those who were released and re‐incarcerated during follow‐up (vs. remained incarcerated; aHR: 1.60, 95%CI: 1.03–2.49). Among participants who injected recently (during past month, n = 321), HCV risk was reduced among those receiving high‐dosage opioid agonist therapy (OAT), i.e. methadone ≥60 mg/day or buprenorphine ≥16 mg/day, (vs. no OAT, aHR: 0.11, 95%CI: 0.02–0.80) and increased among those sharing needles/syringes without consistent use of disinfectant to clean injecting equipment (vs. no sharing, HR: 4.60, 95%CI: 1.35–15.66). This study demonstrated high HCV transmission risk in prison, particularly among people injecting drugs. High‐dosage OAT was protective, but improved OAT coverage and needle/syringe programmes to reduce sharing injecting equipment are required.
The GABA shunt contributes to ROS homeostasis in guard cells of Arabidopsis
Authors: Xu Bo , Feng Xueying , Piechatzek Adriane , Zhang Shuqun , Konrad Kai R. , Kromdijk Johannes , Hedrich Rainer , Gilliham Matthew
Published: November 2023

γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulates rapidly under stress via the GABA shunt pathway, which has been implicated in reducing the accumulation of stress‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants.

γ‐Aminobutyric acid has been demonstrated to act as a guard‐cell signal in Arabidopsis thaliana, modulating stomatal opening. Knockout of the major GABA synthesis enzyme Glutamate Decarboxylase 2 (GAD2) increases the aperture of gad2 mutants, which results in greater stomatal conductance and reduces water‐use efficiency compared with wild‐type plants.

Here, we found that the additional loss of GAD1, GAD4, and GAD5 in gad2 leaves increased GABA deficiency but abolished the more open stomatal pore phenotype of gad2, which we link to increased cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) and ROS accumulation in gad1/2/4/5 guard cells. Compared with wild‐type and gad2 plants, glutamate was ineffective in closing gad1/2/4/5 stomatal pores, whereas lowering apoplastic calcium, applying ROS inhibitors or complementation with GAD2 reduced gad1/2/4/5 guard‐cell ROS, restored the gad2‐like greater stomatal apertures of gad1/2/4/5 beyond that of wild‐type.

We conclude that GADs are important contributors to ROS homeostasis in guard cells likely via a Ca2+‐mediated pathway. As such, this study reveals greater complexity in GABA's role as a guard‐cell signal and the interactions it has with other established signals.
The value of regular follow‐up of oral leukoplakia for early detection of malignant transformation
Authors: Evren Ilkay , Najim Ahmad M. , Poell Jos B. , Brouns Elisabeth R. , Wils Leon J. , Peferoen Laura A. N. , Brakenhoff Ruud H. , Bloemena Elisabeth , van der Meij Erik H. , de Visscher Jan G. A. M.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Evaluate whether regular follow‐up of oral leukoplakia (OL) resulted in early detection of malignant transformation (MT).

Method

Two hundred and twenty‐two consecutive patients with OL (147 females, 75 males); median follow‐up period of 64 months (range: 12–300). Three groups were distinguished: group A (n = 92) follow‐up at the hospital; group B (n = 84) follow‐up by their dentist; group C (n = 46) lost to follow‐up.

Results

OLs in group B compared to group A, were smaller in size (<2 cm; p < 0.001), showed more hyperkeratosis (p < 0.001) and less moderate/severe dysplasia (p < 0.001). MT occurred in 45 (20%) patients: 32 (35%) in group A, five (6%) in group B and eight (17%) in group C. There was no significant difference in clinical tumour size between group A (median: 15 mm, range: 1–40) and group B (median: 10 mm, range: 3–25; p = 0.496). Tumour size was smaller for patients in groups A and B (median: 10 mm, range 1–40) compared to group C (median: 33 mm, range: 3–100; p = 0.003). There was a positive correlation between tumour size and interval between the last visit in all patients (p = 0.022).

Conclusion

Regular follow‐up of OL resulted in early detection of MT. If properly selected, follow‐up of OL performed by the dentist seems feasible.
Intra‐Hisian Wenckebach after surgical closure of conoventricular ventricular septal defect
Authors: Schwartzman Kathryn H. , Mascio Christopher E. , Chauhan Dhaval , Udassi Jai , Kohli Utkarsh
Published: November 2023

We report a 5‐year‐old girl with transient complete atrioventricular (AV) block following surgical closure of a symptomatic conoventricular ventricular septal defect (VSD) which recovered on post‐operative day 9. She later presented with exertional dizziness and fatigue. While congenital cardiac defect repairs are occasionally complicated by complete heart block, this patient was found to have intra‐Hisian Wenckebach which is rare in the pediatric population and can be very difficult to discern from surface electrocardiograms and by Holter monitoring. Mechanisms of post‐surgical AV block, including intra‐Hisian Wenckebach, are not well characterized in the pediatric population.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DRB1*11:324 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Blandin Lucie , Cargou Marine , Guidicelli Gwendaline , Rouzaire Paul , Lemal Richard
Published: November 2023

HLA‐DRB1*11:324 differs from HLA‐DRB1*11:62:02 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 38 in exon 2.
Development of an innovative curriculum for paediatricians on peanut allergy prevention: How do we address current guidelines?
Authors: Leeds Stephanie , Slade Martin , Hafler Janet , Samady Waheeda , Jiang Jialing , Bilaver Lucy , Gupta Ruchi S.
Published: November 2023

Background

There exists strong evidence for the early introduction of peanut to at‐risk infants for the primary prevention of peanut allergy. There is a need for educational initiatives to assist in dissemination and implementation of updated clinical guidelines on peanut allergy prevention.

Approach

The aim for this project was to create an innovative curriculum for paediatricians on peanut allergy prevention. The Intervention to Reduce Early Allergy (Peanut) in Childhood (iREACH) study was leveraged to recruit paediatricians for a needs assessment. Materials from the iREACH study, including an educational YouTube video and knowledge survey, were evaluated. Applying findings from the needs assessment, an innovative curriculum was developed, and updated knowledge survey questions were developed.

Evaluation

The iREACH YouTube video had suboptimal viewing behaviours, and iREACH participants had high baseline knowledge scores that did improve after viewing the video. The majority of respondents to the needs assessment felt that all paediatricians needed access to an effective educational module on peanut allergy prevention, and they wanted a broadly accessible curriculum that incorporated quality media and content segmentation. An online, interactive curriculum was developed that includes clinical cases and games, and updated knowledge questions were created with associated internal structure and reliability evidence, as well as relation to other variables evidence.

Implication

The next steps of this project will focus on curriculum implementation and evaluation through a randomised, prospective study with the aim to serve as an educational model for how to integrate specialty‐specific guidelines into broader clinical practice through education.
Detection and phenotype analysis of a novel Ael blood group allele
Authors: Wang Cuibi , Tang Yichao , Zhang Pingping , Xiong Leiqun , Chen Weiyuan , Lv Xiaoying
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives

The presence of blood subtypes may lead to difficulties in blood group identification; however, third‐generation sequencing (TGS) can help in accurately identifying difficult blood groups, and study the serological characteristics and molecular mechanism of Ael subtypes.

Materials and Methods

ABO blood group was identified by the standard serological technique, weak blood group antigen was identified by adsorption‐elution experiments, ABH substance in the saliva was determined and glycosyltransferase activity of A and B was detected. The ABO gene full‐length sequence and promoter region were amplified by specific primers using single‐molecule real‐time sequencing, with the amplified products being sequenced directly and analysed in real time.

Results

The patient was serologically identified as Ael subtype, and TGS analysis revealed new intron mutations in Ael patients (c.467C>T; c.29‐10T>A).

Conclusion

The discovery of the new allele and the identification of ABO subtypes can be combined with serological characterization and molecular biological methods.
Effect of atomic-scale microstructures on TiZrV non-evaporable getter film activation
Authors: Shi Qingzhi , Wang Sihui , Wang Pengcheng , Ma Yongsheng , Tan Biao , Shi Shiyuan , Huang Tao , Huang Tao , Sun Fei , Wang Lixin , Zhao Xiaoguang , Chen Shuping , Lu Meitong
Published: November 2023

Non-evaporable getter (NEG) films are widely used in high vacuum technologies and have played a critical role in applications requiring ultrahigh vacuum conditions, such as accelerator vacuum systems. The passivation layers on the film surface due to air exposure generally require thermal vacuum activation. This research aims to elucidate the key factor in the activation of TiZrV NEG films from the perspective of atomic-scale microstructures. The characteristics of film element distributions, morphologies, and crystalline states before and after activation were investigated by energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and grazing incidence x-ray diffraction. In situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to detect compositional variations in the film surface layer at different activation temperatures. According to the analysis, from an atomic-scale perspective, the easily activated structures would degrade in activation performance when surrounded by structures that are difficult to activate. During activation, the activated structures tend to act as channels for foreign atoms until the surrounding structures are fully activated. Hydroxyl and carbonyl groups are generally easier to activate than hydrocarbons and surface carbides, but even groups of the same type vary greatly in activation difficulty due to the differences in atomic-scale microstructures on the film surface. These findings provide valuable insight into the activation of NEG films and may be beneficial in the design of novel NEG films with excellent activation performance.
E-mode AlGaN/GaN HEMTs using p-NiO gates
Authors: Chiang Chao-Ching , Wan Hsiao-Hsuan , Li Jian-Sian , Ren Fan , Yoo Timothy Jinsoo , Kim Honggyu , Pearton S. J.
Published: November 2023

Sputtered p-NiO films were used to suppress gate leakage and produce a positive shift in the gate voltage of AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistors for e-mode operation. A direct comparison with Schottky-gated devices fabricated on the same wafer shows the utility of the NiO in increasing the on-off ratio and shifting the threshold voltage from −0.95 V (Schottky gated) to +0.9 V (NiO gated). The breakdown voltage was 780 V for a 40 μm drain-source separation. The subthreshold swing decreased from 181 mV/dec for Schottky-gated HEMTs to 128 mV/dec on NiO-gated devices. The simple fabrication process without any annealing or passivation steps shows the promise of NiO gates for e-mode AlGaN/GaN HEMT operation.
Study of “half-integer” harmonics in recorder tones and some speculations about their origin
Authors: Giordano Nicholas , Saenger Katherine L.
Published: November 2023

The musical notes produced by recorders and other flue instruments consist primarily of spectral components with frequencies given approximately by nf1, where n is an integer and f1 is the fundamental frequency. However, the real tones of these instruments contain other spectral components that have been observed and discussed by a number of authors. We report a study of spectral components in the tones produced by recorders that are odd half-integer multiples of f1, i.e., spectral components with frequencies n±12f1. Our results, obtained through a combination of experimental and simulation studies of soprano recorders, suggest that these components are associated with the air flow in the vicinity of the window region and the labium edge. We also show that these half-harmonics can be suppressed by modifications of the instrument that alter the pattern of air flow in those regions. Speculations concerning the importance of the half-harmonics and the degree to which they are perceptible by a listener are briefly discussed.
Comparison of the saccules and lagenae in six macrourid fishes from different deep-sea habitats
Authors: Deng Xiaohong , Wagner Hans-Joachim , Popper Arthur N.
Published: November 2023

There are substantial interspecific differences in the morphology of the ears of the more than 34 000 living fish species. However, almost nothing is known about the functional significance of these differences. One reason is that most comparative studies have been conducted on shallow-water species with far less focus on the numerous species that inhabit the depths of the oceans. Thus, to get a better sense of ear diversity in fishes and its potential role in hearing, this study focuses on the saccule and lagena, the primary auditory end organs, in six species of the family Macrouridae (rattails), a large group of fishes that typically inhabit depths from 1000 to 4000 m. The inner ears and, particularly, the saccules and lagenae in these species are large with the saccule resembling that of other Gadiformes. The lagenae of all macrourids studied here have serrated edge otoliths and highly diverse hair cell ciliary bundle shapes. The differences found in the inner ear anatomy of macrourids likely reflect the sensory advantages in different habitats that are related to the benefits and constraints at different depths, the fish's particular lifestyle, and the trade-off among different sensory systems.