bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Undergraduate Dental Education in Gerodontology in Germany between 2004 and 2019—A case for compulsory teaching?
Authors: Nitschke Siri , Hahnel Sebastian , Sobotta Bernhard A. J. , Jockusch Julia
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The study surveys the present state of undergraduate dental education in gerodontology in Germany and highlights changes between 2004 and 2019.

Materials and Methods

In 2019, questionnaires were emailed to the department heads of all German dental schools. Data were analysed descriptively and compared to existing data from 2004, 2009 and 2014.

Results

Thirty‐nine (86.7%) out of forty‐five responding department heads stated to teach aspects of gerodontology in traditional core subject lecture series. Overall, 15 (55.6%) out of 27 responding dental university schools are offering special education in gerodontology (dedicated lecture series and/or practical training). A stronger focus on non‐dental topics has been observed over the years.

Discussion

The 15‐year observation period in Germany shows that teaching gerodontology should be mandatory. There is a lack of specialists in gerodontology at the dental schools, although specialisation has been possible for many years in the German professional association. Students should be sure that, as in other subjects, they are well trained for the very heterogeneous patient group of seniors. The financial and personnel prerequisites for the universities need to be established.

Conclusion

Inclusion of gerodontology in the national syllabus is a decisive factor for the integration of the subject into undergraduate courses. The recommendations of the European College of Gerodontology (2009) and of the German Association of Gerodontology (DGAZ) regarding didactical and practical teaching should be implemented in the respective compulsory syllabus to prepare current undergraduate dental students for the demographic challenges of tomorrow.
Reproductive benefits associated with dispersal in headwater populations of Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata)
Authors: Borges Isabela L. , Dangerfield Jillian C. , Angeloni Lisa M. , Funk W. Chris , Fitzpatrick Sarah W.
Published: November 2021

Theory suggests that the evolution of dispersal is balanced by its fitness costs and benefits, yet empirical evidence is sparse due to the difficulties of measuring dispersal and fitness in natural populations. Here, we use spatially explicit data from a multi‐generational capture–mark–recapture study of two populations of Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) along with pedigrees to test whether there are fitness benefits correlated with dispersal. Combining these ecological and molecular data sets allows us to directly measure the relationship between movement and reproduction. Individual dispersal was measured as the total distance moved by a fish during its lifetime. We analysed the effects of dispersal propensity and distance on a variety of reproductive metrics. We found that number of mates and number of offspring were positively correlated to dispersal, especially for males. Our results also reveal individual and environmental variation in dispersal, with sex, size, season, and stream acting as determining factors.
Machine Learning and Small Data
Authors: Cui Zhongmin
Published: November 2021

Commonly used machine learning applications seem to relate to big data. This article provides a gentle review of machine learning and shows why machine learning can be applied to small data too. An example of applying machine learning to screen irregularity reports is presented. In the example, the support vector machine and multinomial naïve Bayes methods were used and compared. The performance of machine learning was compared to human experts in terms of flagging records to be excluded from equating. The application of machine learning seemed to be successful, although the data only consisted of a couple of thousand records. Recommendations in using machine learning are provided.
Rapid response to galcanezumab and predictive factors in chronic migraine patients: A 3‐month observational, longitudinal, cohort, multicenter, Italian real‐life study
Authors: Vernieri Fabrizio , Altamura Claudia , Brunelli Nicoletta , Costa Carmelina Maria , Aurilia Cinzia , Egeo Gabriella , Fofi Luisa , Favoni Valentina , Lovati Carlo , Bertuzzo Davide , d’Onofrio Florindo , Doretti Alberto , Di Fiore Paola , Finocchi Cinzia , Schiano Di Cola Francesca , Ranieri Angelo , Colombo Bruno , Bono Francesco , Albanese Maria , Cevoli Sabina , Barbanti Piero ,   for the GARLIT Study Group
Published: November 2021

Background and purpose

A rapid response to preventive therapy is of pivotal importance in severely disabled patients with chronic migraine (CM) and diverse preventive treatment failures. This prospective, observational, multicenter real‐life study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of galcanezumab in the first 3 months of treatment of CM patients at 14 Italian headache centers.

Methods

All consecutive adult patients with CM diagnosis with the clinical indication for galcanezumab were considered. We collected patients' baseline characteristics, monthly headache days, monthly painkiller intake, migraine clinical characteristics, and disability scale scores during a 1‐month run‐in period (baseline) and the first 3 months of therapy. Possible predictive factors of treatment were considered.

Results

A total of 156 patients (82.4% female, aged 47.3 ± 12.3 years) were enrolled. The 65 (41.7%) patients with a consecutive ≥50% response rate (RR) in the 3 months of therapy presented a lower body mass index (p = 0.004) and more frequently presented unilateral migraine pain (p = 0.002) and good response to triptans (p = 0.003). Persistent conversion from CM to episodic migraine was observed in 55.8% (87/156) of patients. They more frequently presented a good response to triptans (p = 0.003) and unilateral pain (p = 0.046). At baseline, 131 of 156 (83.9%) patients presented medication overuse (MO). Of these, 61.8% (81/131) no longer displayed MO consistently during the 3 months. These patients were more frequently responders to triptans (p = 0.002) and less frequently suffered from gastrointestinal comorbidity (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

Unilateral pain, good response to triptans, and normal weight may be associated with a persistent positive response in the first 3 months of therapy with galcanezumab in CM patients.
Population and seascape genomics of a critically endangered benthic elasmobranch, the blue skate Dipturus batis
Authors: Delaval Aurélien , Frost Michelle , Bendall Victoria , Hetherington Stuart J. , Stirling David , Hoarau Galice , Jones Catherine S. , Noble Leslie R.
Published: November 2021

The blue skate (Dipturus batis) has a patchy distribution across the North‐East Atlantic Ocean, largely restricted to occidental seas around the British Isles following fisheries‐induced population declines and extirpations. The viability of remnant populations remains uncertain and could be impacted by continued fishing and by‐catch pressure, and the projected impacts of climate change. We genotyped 503 samples of D. batis, obtained opportunistically from the widest available geographic range, across 6 350 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using a reduced‐representation sequencing approach. Genotypes were used to assess the species’ contemporary population structure, estimate effective population sizes and identify putative signals of selection in relation to environmental variables using a seascape genomics approach. We identified genetic discontinuities between inshore (British Isles) and offshore (Rockall and Faroe Island) populations, with differentiation most pronounced across the deep waters of the Rockall Trough. Effective population sizes were largest in the Celtic Sea and Rockall, but low enough to be of potential conservation concern among Scottish and Faroese sites. Among the 21 candidate SNPs under positive selection was one significantly correlated with environmental variables predicted to be affected by climate change, including bottom temperature, salinity and pH. The paucity of well‐annotated elasmobranch genomes precluded us from identifying a putative function for this SNP. Nevertheless, our findings suggest that climate change could inflict a strong selective force upon remnant populations of D. batis, further constraining its already‐restricted habitat. Furthermore, the results provide fundamental insights on the distribution, behaviour and evolutionary biology of D. batis in the North‐East Atlantic that will be useful for the establishment of conservation actions for this and other critically endangered elasmobranchs.
Tracheal trauma and pneumonia secondary to endotracheal intubation in a horse undergoing general anaesthesia, computerised tomography and myelography
Authors: Díaz M. D. M. , Hewetson M. , Kaartinen J.
Published: November 2021

Endotracheal intubation is commonly performed in horses undergoing general anaesthesia to avoid fluid aspiration and provide mechanical ventilation and inhalational anaesthetic agents. Secondary laryngeal and tracheal trauma following intubation is not rare. This case report describes the successful treatment of a horse with laryngeal and tracheal trauma secondary to intubation during myelography. Based on other clinical reports and clinical experience, movement of the endotracheal tube during myelography was considered the most likely cause of the damage. This case underscores the importance of monitoring horses for development of respiratory signs after general anaesthesia for computerised tomography and myelography.
Accessory carpal bone fracture repair by means of computer‐assisted orthopaedic surgery in a Warmblood stallion
Authors: de Preux M. , van der Vekens E. , Racine J. , Sangiorgio D. , Klopfenstein Bregger M. D. , Brünisholz H. P. , Koch C.
Published: November 2021

A 10‐year‐old, 595 kg Irish Warmblood stallion used for showjumping was presented with a marked right forelimb lameness at walk. The horse sustained a dorsal plane fracture of the accessory carpal bone (ACB) when falling with both carpi in flexion. The fracture was repaired by means of computer‐assisted orthopaedic surgery (CAOS) using two cortex screws placed in lag fashion. In a second CAOS procedure, a dorsoproximal fragment of the ACB was removed after further proximal displacement had become apparent. Both surgical procedures were facilitated by the application of a fibreglass cast to immobilise the carpus in extension and to allow for the placement of the patient tracker distant from the surgical site. One year after surgery, the horse had returned to full athletic activity. Neither the antebrachiocarpal joint nor the carpal sheath were distended. Control radiographs and standing cone beam computed tomography showed complete osseous union of the fracture and osteophyte formation on the caudal aspect of the radius and the proximal border of the ACB.
Investigation of the bidirectional relations between adolescents' anger at their parents and symptoms of depression
Authors: Parra Gilbert R. , Smith John P. , Mason W. Alex
Published: November 2021

Objective

This study examined the associations between adolescents' anger at their parents and depression over a 1‐year period.

Background

Anger tends to co‐occur with depression during adolescence. Most research on anger has investigated anger in general and has not focused on specific sources of anger. Anger at parents is likely an important source of adolescents' anger.

Method

Participants were 321 adolescents (Mage at enrollment = 13.41 years [SD = 0.52]; 46.7% male) and one of their parents. Families completed questionnaires at two time points separated by 1 year.

Results

High levels of adolescents' anger at their parents were related to increased levels of depression 1 year later (based only on parent‐reported anger at parents). Similarly, high levels of depression were associated with increased levels of adolescents' anger at their parents 1 year later (based on adolescent‐ and parent‐reported anger at parents).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that adolescents' anger at their parents and depression are mutually reinforcing during middle adolescence.

Implications

The results highlight the importance of assessing anger at parents when working with adolescents who are experiencing depressive symptoms. Further, adolescents' feelings of anger at their parents when evident should be incorporated into case conceptualizations and treatment plans.
Factors associated with marital readiness among Turkish young adults
Authors: Keldal Gökay , Yıldırım İbrahim
Published: November 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine common themes for marital readiness, to evaluate the generalization to broader samples consisting of single individuals, and to examine the factors associated with marital readiness.

Background

Readiness for marriage is essential to the formation of a healthy marital union. Therefore, it is important to conceptualize marital readiness.

Method

This study was designed using the exploratory sequential design, a mixed‐methods research approach. This research was carried out with a total of 1523 (865 female, 658 male) unmarried Turkish young adults in three study groups. In the data analysis, thematic analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and regression analysis were used.

Results

Six themes were determined as the factors to which single young adults attach importance for marital readiness. These themes were financial readiness, emotional readiness, interpersonal relationship readiness, family life and family role readiness, sexual readiness, and social responsibility readiness.

Conclusion

The Marital Readiness Scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool. The variables of age, ideal marital age, and the ideal amount of time needed to get to know a partner before marriage were revealed to be related to marital readiness.

Implications

Mental health professionals can benefit from the results of this research when designing marriage preparation programs.
Akt acts as a switch for GPCR transactivation of the TGF‐β receptor type 1
Authors: Mohamed Raafat , Shajimoon Aravindra , Afroz Rizwana , Gabr Mai , Thomas Walter G. , Little Peter J. , Kamato Danielle
Published: November 2021

Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β signalling commences with the engagement of TGF‐β ligand to cell surface TGF‐β receptors (TGFBR) stimulating Smad2 carboxyl‐terminal phosphorylation (phospho‐Smad2C) and downstream biological responses. In several cell models, G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) transactivate the TGF‐β receptors type‐1 (TGFBR1) leading to phospho‐Smad2C, however, we have recently published that in keratinocytes thrombin did not transactivate the TGFBR1. The bulk of TGFBRs reside in the cytosol and in response to protein kinase B (Akt phosphorylation) can translocate to the cell surface increasing the cell's responsiveness to TGF‐β. In this study, we investigate the role of Akt in GPCR transactivation of the TGFBR1. We demonstrate that angiotensin II and thrombin do not phosphorylate Smad2C in human vascular smooth muscle cells and in keratinocytes respectively. We used Akt agonist, SC79 to sensitise the cells to Akt and observed that Ang II and thrombin phosphorylate Smad2C via Akt/AS160‐dependent pathways. We show that SC79 rapidly translocates TGFBRs to the cell surface thus increasing the cell's response to the GPCR agonist. These findings highlight novel mechanistic insight for the role of Akt in GPCR transactivation of the TGFBR1.
Effect of stress ratios on corrosion fatigue life of high‐strength steel wires
Authors: Jie Zhiyu , Chen Chao , Berto Filippo , Wang Kainan , Peng Xi
Published: November 2021

In order to discuss the influence of the stress ratio on the corrosion fatigue life of high‐strength steel wires, a theoretical and experimental investigation was conducted on corroded steel wires at three different stress ratios (R = 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5) under axial tensile fatigue loading. Different S‐N curves of corroded steel wires were regressed from test data. The stress method based on eight mean stress correction models, the strain energy method, and the facture mechanics method considering environmental corrosion and crack closure were proposed to estimate the fatigue life. Preliminary results show that corrosion can reduce the ultimate strength, the yield strength, and the fatigue life. There is a negative correlation between corrosion fatigue life and stress ratio. WhenR > 0, fatigue life predicted results by using the Morrow and Marin models in the stress method are more efficient and accurate than other models. Likewise, the Zheng model in the fracture mechanics method is in better agreement with test results. The error and scatter of the strain energy method are relatively large. Therefore, the Morrow, Marin, and Zheng models are more suitable to predict the corrosion fatigue life of high‐strength steel wires under different stress ratios.
Off‐label use of emicizumab in persons with acquired haemophilia A and von Willebrand disease: A scoping review of the literature
Authors: Thomas Vinay Mathew , Abou‐Ismail Mouhamed Yazan , Lim Ming Y.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Since the approval of emicizumab, a bispecific, factor VIII‐mimetic antibody, for use in persons with congenital haemophilia A in 2018, there have been increasing case reports and case series of off‐label use of emicizumab in other bleeding disorders, including acquired haemophilia A (AHA) and von Willebrand disease (VWD).

Aim

We conducted a scoping review on the use of emicizumab in AHA and VWD, focusing on the clinical presentation and outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus up to July 15, 2021. The following criteria were applied to the studies identified in the initial search: patients had a diagnosis of AHA or VWD; and the study reported on the clinical outcome of emicizumab use.

Results

Seventeen studies were included in the final review for a total of 41 patients (33 AHA, eight type 3 VWD). The majority of AHA patients and all type 3 VWD patients were started on emicizumab for active/recurrent bleeds. The dosing regimen of emicizumab used varied significantly in AHA patients. All patients had a clinical response to emicizumab use. One AHA patient developed a stroke on emicizumab use in association with concomitant recombinant FVIIa use for surgery. Data on adverse events from emicizumab use were not specifically reported in 24.4% of patients (four AHA, six type 3 VWD).

Conclusion

Based on published case reports and case series, emicizumab appears to be an effective haemostatic therapy for AHA and VWD. Larger confirmatory clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Aquinas, Joseph Selling, and the Exterior Moral Act
Authors: McWhorter Matthew R.
Published: November 2021

Contemporary Catholic theologian Joseph Selling proposes an interpretation of the moral teaching of Thomas Aquinas that focuses strictly on an agent’s interior intention of a primary goal. As a result, Selling rejects the idea that in some instances a person’s moral act can also be partially specified in light of the kind of voluntary exterior action that is performed. He maintains that, for Aquinas, an exterior act in and of itself has no intrinsic moral character apart from an agent’s intention of a primary goal. I address the key claims that Selling makes about the teaching of Aquinas, and I propose an alternative interpretation. It is not the case that Aquinas teaches that all voluntarily performed exterior acts are morally indifferent (merely physical) acts. Rather, Aquinas teaches that only some kinds of voluntarily performed exterior acts involve moral indifference.
¿Por qué no convence el argumento comercial a favor del cumplimiento social en las cadenas mundiales de valor? Un replanteamiento de costes, precios y beneficios
Authors: ANTOLIN Ana , BABBITT Laura , BROWN Drusilla
Published: November 2021

Suele creerse que los fabricantes de las cadenas mundiales de valor ofrecerán condiciones de trabajo humanas cuando se convenzan de que el cumplimiento de las normas sociales mejora la productividad, la calidad del producto y los plazos de entrega. Pese a que esto se ha demostrado empíricamente, persisten condiciones inhumanas de trabajo en estas cadenas. Con datos relativos a fábricas del programa Better Work en Indonesia, Jordania y Viet Nam, las autoras observan que el cumplimiento social puede ser costoso y anular los beneficios de la mayor productividad. La ventaja comercial dependerá pues de las prácticas de aprovisionamiento y fijación de precios de los compradores internacionales. La pandemia de COVID‐19 confirma la enorme influencia de los compradores en las condiciones de trabajo.
Anti‐CD52 antibody treatment in murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induces dynamic and differential modulation of innate immune cells in peripheral immune and central nervous systems
Authors: Barbour Mark , Wood Rachel , Harte Tanith , Bushell Trevor J. , Jiang Hui‐Rong
Published: November 2021

Anti‐CD52 antibody (anti‐CD52‐Ab) leads to a rapid depletion of T and B cells, followed by reconstitution of immune cells with tolerogenic characteristics. However, very little is known about its effect on innate immune cells. In this study, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice were administered murine anti‐CD52‐Ab to investigate its effect on dendritic cells and monocytes/macrophages in the periphery lymphoid organs and the central nervous system (CNS). Our data show that blood and splenic innate immune cells exhibited significantly increased expression of MHC‐II and costimulatory molecules, which was associated with increased capacity of activating antigen‐specific T cells, at first day but not three weeks after five daily treatment with anti‐CD52‐Ab in comparison with controls. In contrast to the periphery, microglia and infiltrating macrophages in the CNS exhibited reduced expression levels of MHC‐II and costimulatory molecules after antibody treatment at both time‐points investigated when compared to controls. Furthermore, the transit response of peripheral innate immune cells to anti‐CD52‐Ab treatment was also observed in the lymphocyte‐deficient SCID mice, suggesting the changes are not a direct consequence of the mass depletion of lymphocytes in the periphery. Our study demonstrates a dynamic and tissue‐specific modulation of the innate immune cells in their phenotype and function following the antibody treatment. The findings of differential modulation of the microglia and infiltrating macrophages in the CNS in comparison with the innate immune cells in the peripheral organs support the CNS‐specific beneficial effect of alemtuzumab treatment on inhibiting neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis patients.
Factors associated with Health of the Nation Outcomes Scales (HoNOS) in an acute young adult psychiatric unit
Authors: Branjerdporn Grace , Robertson Julia , Dymond Alex
Published: November 2021

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a highly vulnerable period for mental health concerns and is a key life‐stage, fundamental to later health and quality of life. Scant research has investigated the health outcomes of young adults admitted to a specialised acute psychiatric unit for this cohort. Understanding health and functional outcomes for young adults admitted to a specialised acute mental health inpatient unit is beneficial in identifying treatment effectiveness and vulnerable groups. The study examines the relationship between demographic and clinical factors with admission, discharge and change in Health of the Nation Outcomes Scale (HoNOS) scores in patients admitted to an acute young adult psychiatric unit. The HoNOS was completed at admission and discharge for patients admitted to an acute young adult psychiatric unit in Australia. Descriptive statistics, paired t‐tests, generalised estimating equations, independent samples t‐tests and correlations were completed. Patients (N = 130) were aged between 18 and 25 years old (M = 21.26 years old, SD = 2.31). Patients were diagnosed with mood disorders (21.54%), substance abuse disorders (20.00%), personality disorders (19.23%), and psychotic disorders (17.69%). HoNOS scores across all subscales improved from admission to discharge, when controlling for confounding variables. Admission, discharge and change in HoNOS scores were associated with gender, country of birth, number of admissions, mental health act, diagnosis and socioeconomic status. This study is the first to explore HoNOS scores, demographic factors and clinical variables in young adults admitted to a specialised psychiatric inpatient unit for this age group. While further research is required, the findings identifies vulnerable subgroups (e.g., individuals with personality disorders, individuals with substance use, those admitted involuntarily, those readmitted) that may benefit from increased tailored support to foster more optimal health outcomes.
From front line to battle planning: a nursing perspective of covid‐19
Authors: Dyson Jennie L. , Lamb Di
Published: November 2021

Aim

The aim of this paper is to reflect upon the experiences of a senior nurse in a patient‐facing role, who led a tea providing direct care to those with coronavirus disease 2019 (covid‐19). This would establish what those experiences meant to nurses during the initial outbreak to enable their coping mechanisms to face subsequent waves in the United Kingdom.

Background

The worst infectious disease outbreak of a generation rapidly made its impact known to the medical profession and its support infrastructure across the globe. It imparted unprecedented challenges, not only for managing the care of the most critically ill but for minimising its spread and protecting the workforce.

Sources of evidence

Reflections of working on the covid‐19 frontline during the initial stages of the pandemic, the challenges faced, and lessons learned enabled the development of a strategy to better support nurses in the ongoing pandemic.

Discussion

Visible, invested and consistent leadership was key in forming a strong foundation to support clear communication, peer support and increasing confidence. Consequently, strong bonds were forged to enable the team to face further challenges as they felt ‘in it together’.

Summary and implications for nursing and health policy

The experiences described in this paper are those of a senior nurse leader within a particular care context. However, the lessons learned are likely to resonate with many nurses who are facing the same challenges in very similar care contexts and who are urged to reflect upon their own experiences. Furthermore, the associated lessons may help support others and inform their strategy for coping throughout potential future admission surges of this pandemic.
Combining multiple Bacillus spp. with fish protein hydrolysates mitigates root rot (Fusarium solani) and improves cucumber seedlings growth and substrate nutrients
Authors: Qi Ruixue , Lin Wei , Ma Hui , Gao Yanming , Tian Yongqiang , Li Jianshe , Zhang Xueyan
Published: November 2021

Aims

The effect of Bacillus strains combined with fish protein hydrolysates (FPHs) on cucumber root rot disease, seedlings growth and substrate nutrients was investigated.

Methods and Results

We isolated three strains capable of mitigating cucumber root rot disease, XY-1 and XY-13 strains were identified as B. amyloliquefaciens, and XY-53 strain as B. subtilis. In the absence of bacteria, The 200×dilution (5 ml L−1) of FPHs was the optimum concentration for improving cucumber seedlings growth. In vivo antibiosis tests showed that combined bacteria alongside FPHs inhibited the pathogen growth by 85%~90%, higher than individual bacteria. The FPHs combined either with XY-1 and XY-53 strains or with XY-13 and XY-53 strains promoted seedlings growth under infection, whereas FPHs combined with a mixture of XY-1, XY-13 and XY-53 strains showed the highest total phosphorus and organic matter content in substrate. Moreover, FPHs combined with XY-53 strain increased urease activity, while combined either with XY-13 and XY-53 strains or with XY-1, XY-13 and XY-53 strains increased sucrase activity under infection.

Conclusions

FPHs combined with B. amyloliquefaciens and B. subtilis had great potential to suppress growth of root rot and promote cucumber seedlings and increase substrate nutrient content.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Co-inoculation of B. amyloliquefaciens and B. subtilis with addition of FPHs is a good strategy for maintaining healthy crops.
Delivering Covid‐19 research during the UK pandemic: Experiences of a local research taskforce
Authors: Gardiner Siobhan , MacLellan Jennifer
Published: November 2021

Aim

During the COVID‐19 pandemic in the UK, clinical research nurses had to work in new ways and under significant pressure to generate evidence for the developing health crisis. Research nurse support needs, personal and professional challenges have not been explored. This study addresses that gap, generating learning for continued support and development of the research nurse specialty and its ability to respond to public health priorities.

Design

We employed a qualitative exploratory approach through online open‐ended interviews to explore research nurses’ experiences of delivering research during the pandemic using principles of Grounded Theory.

Methods

Fifteen research nurses in the local research taskforce were identified through purposive sampling. Qualitative interviews were conducted online between November 2020 and January 2021 and analysed using the principles of constructivist grounded theory.

Results

Three themes of adapting to uncertainty, inclusive leadership and finding validity in the stretch zone were generated in the analysis.

Conclusion

A model of inclusive leadership and support can facilitate high‐functioning performance in a research team, supporting a rapid, confident and efficient response to research needs.

Impact

Research nurses, a previously invisible workforce, have proved critical to the pandemic response. This study explores the experiences of a team of redeployed research nurses and develops a theory of their experience as they were undertaking the rapid delivery of urgent public health studies during COVID‐19. What was found was a process of adaptation and resilience through collaborative teamwork, a strong sense of purpose and role validation enabled by an inclusive leadership style. This work will drive future development of a model of research nursing with a focus on collaboration between research and clinical colleagues.
Feasibility study protocol of the PainChek app to assess the efficacy of a social robot intervention for people with dementia
Authors: Pu Lihui , Coppieters Michel W. , Byrnes Joshua , Jones Cindy , Smalbrugge Martin , Todorovic Michael , Moyle Wendy
Published: November 2021

Aim

This study aims to test the feasibility of the PainChek app to assess pain for people with dementia living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). It will also identify the optimal dosage and efficacy of a social robot (personal assistant robot [PARO]) intervention on chronic pain for people with dementia.

Design

This is a feasibility randomized controlled trial with three groups.

Methods

Forty‐five residents living with dementia and chronic pain will be recruited from one RACF. The intervention consists of an individual 15‐min non‐facilitated session with a PARO robot twice a day (Group 1), a PARO robot once a day (Group 2), or a Plush‐Toy (non‐robotic PARO) once a day (Group 3) from Monday to Friday for 4 weeks. Participants will be followed at 4 and 8 weeks after baseline assessments. The primary outcome will be the feasibility of using the PainChek app to measure changes in pain levels before and after each session. Secondary outcomes include staff‐rated pain levels, neuropsychiatric symptoms, quality of life and changes in psychotropic and analgesic medication use. Participants, staff and family perceptions of using PARO and the PainChek app will be collected after the 4‐week intervention.

Discussion

This study will test the use of the PainChek app and PARO to improve pain management for people with dementia. Results from this study will help determine its usefulness, feasibility and acceptability for pain management in people with dementia living in RACFs.

Impact

As pain is a significant problem for people with dementia, this project will generate evidence on the use of the PainChek to measure the efficacy of a social robot intervention that has the potential to improve the quality of pain care in people with dementia.

Trial Registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number (ACTRN12621000837820) date registered 30/06/2021.
Advantages of laboratory natural selection in the applied sciences
Authors: Lewis Jordan A. , Morran Levi T.
Published: November 2021

In the past three decades, laboratory natural selection has become a widely used technique in biological research. Most studies which have utilized this technique are in the realm of basic science, often testing hypotheses related to mechanisms of evolutionary change or ecological dynamics. While laboratory natural selection is currently utilized heavily in this setting, there is a significant gap with its usage in applied studies, especially when compared to the other selection experiment methodologies like artificial selection and directed evolution. This is despite avenues of research in the applied sciences which seem well suited to laboratory natural selection. In this review, we place laboratory natural selection in context with other selection experiments, identify the characteristics which make it well suited for particular kinds of applied research and briefly cover key examples of the usefulness of selection experiments within applied science. Finally, we identify three promising areas of inquiry for laboratory natural selection in the applied sciences: bioremediation technology, identifying mechanisms of drug resistance and optimizing biofuel production. Although laboratory natural selection is currently less utilized in applied science when compared to basic research, the method has immense promise in the field moving forward.
Megachile rotundata (Fab.) as a potential agro‐environmental conservation strategy for alfalfa seed production in Argentina
Authors: Renzi Juan P. , Coito Carlos , Reinoso Omar , Quintana Matías , García Flavia , Cantamutto Miguel A.
Published: November 2021

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. 1753) is one of the main forage crops of the world, and the availability of an adequate seed supply to farmers is one of the main concerns for the seed industry. The international alfalfa seed trade is widespread and several countries depend on imported seed. The continued importation of alfalfa seed carries a serious risk of unintentional introductions, such as contamination by genetically engineered (GE) alfalfa. We evaluated: (i) GE contamination in the main alfalfa seed production area of Argentina by analysing 263 conventional bulk seed lots (~900 tonnes) and feral populations (n = 49) over a 5‐year period (2016–2021); and (ii) the location of alfalfa fields near natural vegetation formations as a pollination management strategy to increase the local seed production. Although GE alfalfa seed fields are prohibited, contamination was present in commercial seed lots (5.58% to 23.25%) and in feral alfalfa populations (8.16%). We did not observe an increase in the alfalfa seed yield in fields pollinated with honey bees (HB, Apis mellifera L., 1758) or located near natural vegetation formations when compared to fields pollinated by the alfalfa leafcutting bee (ALCB, Megachile rotundata Fabricius, 1793). In this study, use of the specialized pollinator ALCB was two to four times more effective than HB in terms of seed yield. Therefore, ALCB can reduce the risks of GE contamination by increasing the alfalfa yield in Argentina, which may then lead to a decrease in imported seed containing the potential contaminants. In addition, due to its specificity and small radial action, the ALCB could also drastically limit unintentional transgene diffusion. The reduction of seed importation will decrease the risk of worse biological or transgenic introductions of contaminants into national agroecosystems. Therefore, the use of ALCB as an input becomes a priority until new management practices are developed and adopted.
The danger of the single storyline obfuscating the complexities of managing SARS‐CoV‐2/COVID‐19
Authors: Sturmberg Joachim , Paul Elisabeth , Van Damme Wim , Ridde Valery , Brown Garrett W. , Kalk Andreas
Published: November 2021

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie showed how a single story is limited and thereby distorts the true nature of an issue. During this COVID‐19 pandemic there have been, at least, three consecutive single stories—the ‘lethal threat’ story, followed by the ‘economic threat’ story, and finally the ‘vaccine miracle’ story. None of these single stories can convincingly and permanently capture the dynamics of the pandemic. This is because countries experienced different morbidity and mortality patterns, different socioeconomic disadvantage, age and vulnerability of population, timing and level of lockdown with economic variability, and, despite heavy promotion, vaccines were beset with a significant and variable degree of hesitancy. Lack of transparency, coherence and consistency of pandemic management—arising from holding on to single storylines—showed the global deficiency of public health policy and planning, an underfunding of (public) health and social services, and a growing distrust in governments' ability to manage crises effectively. Indeed, the global management has increased already large inequities, and little has been learnt to address the growing crises of more infectious and potentially more lethal virus mutations. Holding onto single stories prevents the necessary learnings to understand and manage the complexities of ‘wicked’ problems, whereas listening to the many stories provides insights and pathways to do so effectively as well as efficiently.
Evaluation of the marginal excess cement and retention force of implant‐supported zirconia crowns with various vent designs under different cement application patterns
Authors: Wang Fangfang , Li Shuyuan , Li Qiang , Dong Heng
Published: November 2021

Objective

To investigate the effects of implant‐supported zirconia crowns with various vent designs on the marginal excess cement (MEC) and retention values under different cement application patterns.

Materials and Methods

Cercon zirconia crowns (n = 36) were divided into the following groups: no venting (NV group), a small occlusal vent hole (SOV group), a large occlusal vent hole (LOV group), and a small palatal‐occlusal vent hole (SPV group). The cement was applied to the crowns with different methods: occlusally half axial walls (OH), cervically half axial walls (CH) and all axial walls (AA), and different amounts of cement were applied with a chosen method. The weight of the MEC was calculated, and the retention force was recorded. ANOVA was used to analyze the MEC weights and retention values.

Results

In all vented groups, the OH application method resulted in no MEC and the least retention force, and the AA method expressed significantly less MEC (p < 0.01) than the CH method without retention force reduction. At each amount of cement (5, 10, 20, 30 mg), all three venting designs significantly reduced the MEC by the AA method, and the mean MEC of the LOV group was lower than that of any other group.

Conclusions

Applying a thin layer of cement evenly to all axial walls of vented zirconia crowns showed excellent clinical effects regarding the MEC and the retention force.

Clinical significance

Residual excess cement was identified as a possible risk indicator for peri‐implant diseases. Simply and effectively minimizing marginal extrusions without reducing the retention force has clinical value. The results of this study indicate that applying a thin layer of cement evenly to all axial walls of vented zirconia crowns is an acceptable method.
Finite element simulation of mechanical properties of Rosa roxburghii under compression loading
Authors: Lang Yancheng , Xie Zhiping , Chen Luqi
Published: November 2021

It is very necessary to understand the mechanical properties of Rosa roxburghii fruit for harvesting, packaging, processing, transportation, storage, and related equipment design and improvement. This research was to determine the mechanical properties of R. roxburghii fruits through compressive experiments and finite element simulations and to verify the accuracy of the finite element model. In order to achieve finite element analysis, an accurate three‐dimensional (3D) geometric model was reconstructed by applying 3D laser technology and point cloud reconstruction algorithm. The elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio of R. roxburghii fruits were determined to be 4.0 MPa and 0.35 through experiments. The finite element simulation results provided valuable numerical data and visualized stress distribution. The simulation results showed that R. roxburghii fruits were damaged under the loads of 156.2 N (vertical) or 148.3 N (horizontal), with a maximum deformation of 5.0 mm (vertical) or 6.93 mm (horizontal), respectively. In the vertical and horizontal compression positions, the maximum relative errors between the experimental results and the finite element model are 24.71 and 13.99%, respectively. The results of the compressive strain energy of the fruit showed that the maximum relative error between the experimentally measured strain energy and the strain energy calculated by FEM simulation was 9.20 and 2.09% in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively.

Practical Applications

As there is no relevant literature on the mechanical analysis of Rosa roxburghii fruit, the finite element method has been successfully applied to analyze the mechanical properties of R. roxburghii fruit under compressive load. At the same time, the simulation results have also been verified by experimental data, and the finite element technology has certain application prospects in food processing engineering. This study proposes a method based on 3D scanning technology and point cloud reconstruction algorithm to reconstruct an accurate geometric model of R. roxburghii fruit for finite element simulation, and conducts an in‐depth analysis on the stress, strain, and strain energy of the fruit. The purpose of this article is to propose a reliable method to predict the mechanical properties of the fruits under compressive load. The finite element simulation results can not only provide the basic data needed for fruit packaging and protection but also can be used for the design of automated fruit picking manipulators and the improvement of fruit processing equipment.
Delineation of flood‐prone areas in cliffed coastal regions through a procedure based on the geomorphic flood index
Authors: Albertini Cinzia , Miglino Domenico , Iacobellis Vito , De Paola Francesco , Manfreda Salvatore
Published: November 2021

The geomorphic flood index (GFI) method provides a good representation of flood‐prone areas. However, the method does not account for floodwater transfers in undefined interbasins (UIBs), which represent intercluded small basins along the coastline likely to be flooded by adjacent major rivers. The present work addresses this shortcoming by complementing the GFI approach with an iterative procedure that considers UIBs and water transfers between basins. The methodology was tested on a coastal basin in southern Italy and the outcome was compared with a flood map obtained by a two‐dimensional hydraulic simulation. GFI performance as a morphological descriptor improved from 74% (standard method) to 94% with the addition of the iterative procedure. The proposed methodology, with the same parameterization, was applied on a second adjacent coastal basin obtaining improvements both in terms of true positive (from 56 to 79%) and false negative rates (from 44 to 21%). Finally, a sensitivity analysis to the flood return periods highlighted a strong influence on model parameterization for return periods below 20 years. This achievement represents a new development in the application of the GFI method, which can help stakeholders in a more time‐ and cost‐effective flood risk management in hazard‐prone areas.
Country‐wide flood exposure analysis using Sentinel‐1 synthetic aperture radar data: Case study of 2019 Iran flood
Authors: Sherpa Sonam Futi , Shirzaei Manoochehr
Published: November 2021

Extreme precipitation and flooding often lead to human and economic losses. However, the high‐resolution nationwide flooding exposure data are scarce. Availability of all‐weather space‐borne SAR satellite data can potentially improve the ability to generate high‐resolution flood map extent and exposure globally. In Iran, flooding is a major concern, given the socioeconomic vulnerabilities and increased likelihood of climate extremes. Iran experienced extreme flooding during January to March 2019, attributed to significant precipitation during October 2018 to March 2019, which is well above the long‐term averages for 1999–2019. Using Pettitt and Mann Kendall tests, nationwide precipitation records were identified by significant decreasing and increasing trends in north and south, respectively. Utilizing 673 Sentinel‐1 SAR intensity images, we applied a fast‐marching algorithm for image segmentation in combination with a Bayesian framework to obtain high‐resolution probabilistic flood maps. We found, 22, 9, and 15 states in January, February, and March, respectively, experienced flooding that covered >15% of their area with high flooded area percent in the northwestern and southeastern region. We estimated that >15, >11.32, and >11.33 million people were exposed to floods in January, February, and March, respectively. Our datasets inform flooding models and management efforts under increasing climate extremes and changing land use and cover.
Arabidopsis F‐BOX STRESS INDUCED 4 is required to repress excessive divisions in stomatal development
Authors: Li Yi , Xue Shan , He Qixiumei , Wang Junxue , Zhu Lingling , Zou Junjie , Zhang Jie , Zuo Chaoran , Fan Zhibin , Yue Junling , Zhang Chunxia , Yang Kezhen , Le Jie
Published: November 2021

During the terminal stage of stomatal development, the R2R3‐MYB transcription factors FOUR LIPS (FLP/MYB124) and MYB88 limit guard mother cell division by repressing the transcript levels of multiple cell‐cycle genes. In Arabidopsis thaliana possessing the weak allele flp‐1, an extra guard mother cell division results in two stomata having direct contact. Here, we identified an ethylmethane sulfonate‐mutagenized mutant, flp‐1 xs01c, which exhibited more severe defects than flp‐1 alone, producing giant tumor‐like cell clusters. XS01C, encoding F‐BOX STRESS‐INDUCED 4 (FBS4), is preferentially expressed in epidermal stomatal precursor cells. Overexpressing FBS4 rescued the defective stomatal phenotypes of flp‐1 xs01c and flp‐1 mutants. The deletion or substitution of a conserved residue (Proline166) within the F‐box domain of FBS4 abolished or reduced, respectively, its interaction with Arabidopsis Skp1‐Like1 (ASK1), the core subunit of the Skp1/Cullin/F‐box E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Furthermore, the FBS4 protein physically interacted with CYCA2;3 and induced its degradation through the ubiquitin‐26S proteasome pathway. Thus, in addition to the known transcriptional pathway, the terminal symmetric division in stomatal development is ensured at the post‐translational level, such as through the ubiquitination of target proteins recognized by the stomatal lineage F‐box protein FBS4.