bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering on the Risk of Incident Silent Myocardial Infarction: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kazibwe Richard , Ahmad Muhammad Imtiaz , Singh Sanjay , Chen Lin Y. , Soliman Elsayed Z.
Published: October 2024

Background

Silent myocardial infarction (SMI) frequently goes undetected, yet it is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The impact of intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) lowering on the risk of SMI in those with hypertension remains uncertain.

Methods

In this post hoc analysis of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT), participants with serial electrocardiograms (ECGs) during the trial were included. SPRINT investigated the benefit of intensive SBP lowering, aiming for < 120 mmHg compared to the standard SBP goal of < 140 mmHg. Incident SMI was defined as evidence of new MI on an ECG without adjudicated recognized myocardial infarction (RMI).

Results

During a median follow‐up of 3.9 years, a total of 234 MI events (55 SMI and 179 RMI) occurred. Intensive, compared to standard, SBP lowering resulted in a lower rate of SMI (incidence rate 1.1 vs. 2.3 cases per 1000 person‐years, respectively; HR [95% CI]: 0.48 [0.27–0.84]). Similarly, intensive, compared to standard, BP lowering reduced the risk of RMI (incidence rate 4.6 vs. 6.5 cases per 1000 person‐years, respectively; HR [95% CI]: 0.71 [0.52–0.95]). No significant differences were noted between the strength of the association of intensive BP control on lowering the risk of SMI and RMI (p‐value for HR differences = 0.23).

Conclusions

This study shows that in adults with hypertension, the benefits of intensive SBP lowering, compared with standard BP lowering, go beyond the prevention of RMI to include the prevention of SMI.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01206062.
An early parenting intervention focused on enriched parent–child interactions improves effortful control in the early years of school
Authors: Bennett C. , Westrupp E. M. , Bennetts S. K. , Love J. , Hackworth N. J. , Berthelsen D. , Nicholson J. M.
Published: October 2024

This study examined long‐term mediating effects of the smalltalk parenting intervention on children's effortful control at school age (7.5 years; 2016–2018). In 2010–2012, parents (96% female) of toddlers (N = 1201; aged 12–36 months; 52% female) were randomly assigned to either: standard playgroup, smalltalk playgroup (group‐only), or smalltalk playgroup with additional home coaching (smalltalk plus). Multi‐informant data indicated that smalltalk plus had unique indirect effects on children's effortful control, through parents' capacity to ‘maintain and extend’ children's focus during joint interactions. Possible mediating pathways via parent verbal responsivity, home learning activities, and descriptive language use were not supported. When parents received a structured playgroup program with additional home coaching, sustainable benefits were evident in children's self‐regulation, assessed in the early school years.
Cultural keystone species and their role in biocultural conservation
Authors: Lukawiecki Jessica , Moola Faisal , Roth Robin
Published: October 2024

Biocultural diversity is declining globally. Cultural keystone species (CKS) are one promising pathway by which biocultural approaches to conservation, which seek to protect both biological and cultural diversity, might be implemented in practice. We traced the evolution of the CKS concept in relation to Indigenous Peoples in the Canadian context through a scoping review of the literature from 2000 to 2021 and nine in‐depth interviews with Indigenous Guardians and knowledge holders. Emergent themes in this scoping review indicate that CKS, rather than being viewed as objects for conservation, can be understood as ongoing relationship(s) between the cultural and ecological, which are intimately tied to language, knowledge, practices, and places in ways that are deeply interconnected. One cannot protect CKS, therefore, without also protecting the relationships that people (or groups of people) have to that species. We conclude by recommending further investment in policies and programs that support enabling mechanisms for Indigenous Peoples to maintain, manage, and restore relationships with CKS.
Acquired Perforating Dermatosis After Herpes Zoster: Wolf Isotopic Response
Authors: Du Xiao H. , Huang Su Y. , Zeng Xiao F. , Lu Si J. , Gao Zhe
Published: October 2024

Wolf isotopic response (WIR) is a phenomenon in which a second, unrelated skin disease arises at the same site as a previously healed dermatosis. WIR most commonly occurs in healed herpes zoster but has also been described in other conditions, such as herpes simplex virus, varicella‐zoster virus, and skin tumors. Acquired perforating dermatosis (APD) is characterized by transepidermal elimination of collagen bundles that lead to the development of ulcerative papules, which are often associated with systemic conditions such as diabetes or renal failure. This report documents a rare occurrence of APD after WIR and reviews related published works.
The angled‐web: Recreational angling as an underappreciated disruptor to the interconnectedness of terrestrial and freshwater food webs
Authors: Britton J. R. , Andreou D. , Boardman R. , Garcia F. , Gimenez M. , Imbert A. , Parker B. , Warren B. , Yeldham M. , Cucherousset J.
Published: October 2024

The interconnectedness of adjacent freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems results in ‘tangled‐webs’, where the cross‐boundary exchange of materials results in energy flows that provide critical resources for ecosystem productivity. However, these energy flows can be disrupted by anthropogenic activities, resulting in modified ecosystem functioning.

A ubiquitous anthropogenic activity in fresh waters is recreational angling. Five major angling activities can disrupt the structure of the ‘tangled‐web’ to produce an ‘angled‐web’ (a tangled food web that is modified by angling activities). (1) Fish stocking increases the number and species available to exploit, but the increased fish abundances can have strong top‐down effects and disrupt reciprocal prey subsidies. Following capture, fish are either (2) harvested or (3) released alive (‘catch‐and‐release0’); both can both drive eco‐evolutionary changes that can modify food‐web structure. Where fish are exploited using baited hooks, (4) the release of ‘ground‐bait’ is used as a fish attractant; its composition of novel protein and carbohydrate sources form novel trophic links in the food web and can accelerate eutrophication. Some angling styles also require (5) riparian and in‐stream vegetation to be cleared to minimise gear fouling, potentially modifying fish spawning and nursery areas.

We suggest that each of these angling impacts (and their interactions) can contribute to transforming the ‘tangled web’ into an ‘angled‐web’, with the strength and direction of the transformation dependent on angling pressure, prevailing fishery practices, regulations and management, and the extent of the interaction effects of the activities. These interactions and their impacts will vary globally given angling methods, practices and regulations differ across the world.

We argue that, in this era of substantial environmental change driven by climate change, habitat loss and nutrient enrichment of fresh waters, the extent to which angling impacts food webs should not be overlooked and underappreciated. We emphasise that when freshwater angling activities are poorly managed and/or unregulated, they can strongly modify the interconnectedness between terrestrial and freshwater food webs.
Ability of the SMART‐COP score to predict the need for intensive care unit admission and mortality in older patients with non–ventilator‐associated hospital‐acquired pneumonia: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Kollu Korhan , Yilmaz Kars Merve , Dogan Mustafa Hakan , Akkar Ilyas , Dikmeer Ayse , Kizilarslanoglu Muhammet Cemal
Published: October 2024

Aim

To evaluate the ability of SMART‐COP (systolic blood pressure, multilobar infiltrates, albumin, respiratory rate, tachycardia, confusion, oxygen and pH) score to predict the need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality among patients with non–ventilator‐associated hospital‐acquired pneumonia (NV‐HAP) and to compare ICU‐hospitalized patients with those followed‐up in the clinic, as well as the patients who survived with those who died in the ICU, in terms of clinical and laboratory parameters.

Methods

A total of 203 patients (aged > 65 years) who were diagnosed with NV‐HAP while staying in the geriatric clinic were enrolled in this retrospective observational study. Patient information was retrieved from hospital files.

Results

In a total of 203 patients with NV‐HAP, the rate of ICU admission was 77.3% and the rate of mortality was 40.9%. The SMART‐COP score was significantly higher in those admitted to the ICU and those died in the ICU (ICU nonsurvivors). The rate of ICU mortality was 52.9%. The SMART‐COP score had significantly poor to moderate ability to predict the need for ICU admission (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.583) and both in‐hospital mortality (AUC = 0.633) and ICU mortality (AUC = 0.617) with low sensitivity. The regression analysis revealed that a one‐unit increase in SMART‐COP score resulted in a 1.2‐fold increase in both the hospital and ICU mortality (P < 0.05 for both) and 1.1‐fold increase in ICU admission (P = 0.154).

Conclusion

The SMART‐COP score has poor to moderate ability to predict the need for ICU admission, in‐hospital mortality and ICU mortality, and a one‐unit increase in the SMART‐COP score significantly increases the risk of both hospital and ICU mortality. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 1165–1172.
Residential Segregation of Foreign Immigrants in South Korea by Country‐of‐Birth Income
Authors: Kim Chanyong , Kim Donghyun
Published: October 2024

This study examines changes in spatial distribution and residential segregation patterns of immigrant groups in South Korea from 2008 to 2021. Since the mid‐1990s, the immigrant community has increased rapidly; however, geographical stratification has intensified among heterogeneous immigrant groups. Foreign immigrants from 195 countries are divided into four groups based on the average income in the country of birth. Dissimilarity and multigroup entropy indices were adopted to explore the aspatial aspects of immigrant segregation. Exploratory spatial data analysis was used to examine the spatial separation of foreign clusters. The implications of these results are threefold. First, immigrant residential segregation is as serious as in developed countries and has deepened. Second, immigrants from advanced economies are concentrated in Seoul, while immigrants from upper‐middle economies are clustered in the southwestern part of the capital region. In contrast, immigrants born in lower‐middle class and underdeveloped countries are distributed among rural and manufacturing areas in the non‐capital region. Finally, the differences in the course of economic migration according to socioeconomic background are considered to be the decisive cause of the spatial segregation of immigrants. This study challenges policymakers engaged in integrating immigrant communities in South Korea.
The Encounter of Two Worlds: Divided Narratives of Decision‐Making on Cancer Treatment Between Physicians and Patients
Authors: Lu Weiwei , Wong Dennis Sing Wing
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Divided narratives pose long‐standing difficulties in physician and patient communication. In decision‐making on cancer treatment, divided narratives between physicians and patients hinder mutual understanding and agreement over the illness and its treatment. For effective decision‐making on treatments, it is necessary to investigate the similarities and differences in these divided narratives.

Methods

This study adopted a qualitative research design of narrative inquiry to examine the data, which included interviews with 32 cancer patients and 16 paired physicians in two hospitals in China. Data analysis was conducted using grounded theory to generate findings.

Results

Both physicians and patients were concerned about goals and obstacles to their decision‐making on cancer treatment. Four common aspects of goal setting were identified from the divided narratives: decision pools, treatment goals, identity practice and preferred identity. Four common obstacles were identified: pains and trust, communication gap, financial issues and complex family. However, the meanings attached to these eight aspects differed between physicians and patients.

Conclusion

Cancer treatment decision‐making is an encounter of the scientific world and lifeworld. A divided narrative approach can identify the similarities and differences in the decision‐making on cancer treatment between physicians and patients. Physicians generally adopt a rational decision‐making approach, whereas patients generally adopt a relational decision‐making approach. Despite the common concerns in their goals and obstacles, physicians and patients differed in their contextualized interpretations, which demonstrates the physicians' and the patients' pursuit of preferred identities in decision‐making. The results of this study provide a new perspective to treatment decision‐making, emphasizing the importance of narrative integration in reaching mutual agreement.

Patient and Public Contribution

The findings were shared with 15 cancer patients and caregivers for feedback and advice in June 2024. This study was also presented at the international conferences of COMET (International and Interdisciplinary Conference on Communication, Medicine, and Ethics) and ICCH (International Conference on Communication in Healthcare) 2023 for continuous feedback and comments.
Long COVID and Health Inequalities: What's Next for Research and Policy Advocacy?
Authors: Baz Sarah Akhtar , Woodrow Mirembe , Clutterbuck Donna , Fang Chao , Mullard Jordan , Banerjee Amitava , Barley‐McMullen Sarah , Carpentieri Jd , Donskoy Anne‐Laure , Faux‐Nightingale Alice , Lewis‐Jackson Sasha , O'Hara Margaret E. , Rai Tanvi , Sherwood Ondine , Smyth Nina , Stanley Kirsty , Welsh Victoria , Mir Ghazala , Alwan Nisreen A.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Organised by the ‘Qualitative Long Covid Network’, a workshop for qualitative Long COVID (LC) researchers, LC charity representatives and people with LC took place in June 2023, where research on the intersectional inequalities affecting LC prevalence, recognition and care was shared and discussed.

Methods

Five key themes were drawn up from presentations, discussions and reflections during the workshop, which are presented in this study.

Results

The following five themes are discussed: the unfairness of LC, difficulties in accessing care, mistrust of the healthcare system, a lack of understanding of LC and experiences of stigma and discrimination. Factors that widen or narrow inequalities related to LC were identified.

Conclusion

A call to action is proposed to investigate and address inequalities through a robust LC research agenda that speaks with conviction to policy and decision‐makers. We argue that there needs to be a strong investment in research and evidence‐based policy and practice to mitigate the worst effects of the condition and address the inequalities in experience, treatment and support, which are experienced more often and more acutely by some of society's most vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals.

Patient and Public (PPI) Contribution

Projects included in this article had PPI ongoing activity to inform their research. A member of the CONVALESCENCE PPI group presented at the QLC Network ‘Long Covid and Health Inequalities’ workshop, as did members of Long COVID Kids, Long COVID Support and Long COVID SOS charities. They were all invited to be co‐authors of this article.
A deep learning approach to case prioritisation of colorectal biopsies
Authors: White Ciara D , Chetty Runjan , Weldon John , Morrissey Maria E , Sykes Rob , Gîrleanu Corina , Colleuori Mirko , Fitzgerald Jenny , Power Adam , Ahmad Ajaz , Carmody Seán , Moulin Pierre , O'Shea Donal , Aslam Muhammad , Dada Mahomed A , Loughrey Maurice B , McManus Martine C , Nowak Klaudia M , McCombe Kristopher , Hutton Sinead , Rafferty Máirín , Mulligan Niall
Published: October 2024

Aims

To create and validate a weakly supervised artificial intelligence (AI) model for detection of abnormal colorectal histology, including dysplasia and cancer, and prioritise biopsies according to clinical significance (severity of diagnosis).

Materials and methods

Triagnexia Colorectal, a weakly supervised deep learning model, was developed for the classification of colorectal samples from haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained whole slide images. The model was trained on 24 983 digitised images and assessed by multiple pathologists in a simulated digital pathology environment. The AI application was implemented as part of a point and click graphical user interface to streamline decision‐making. Pathologists assessed the accuracy of the AI tool, its value, ease of use and integration into the digital pathology workflow.

Results

Validation of the model was conducted on two cohorts: the first, on 100 single‐slide cases, achieved micro‐average model specificity of 0.984, micro‐average model sensitivity of 0.949 and micro‐average model F1 score of 0.949 across all classes. A secondary multi‐institutional validation cohort, of 101 single‐slide cases, achieved micro‐average model specificity of 0.978, micro‐average model sensitivity of 0.931 and micro‐average model F1 score of 0.931 across all classes. Pathologists reflected their positive impressions on the overall accuracy of the AI in detecting colorectal pathology abnormalities.

Conclusions

We have developed a high‐performing colorectal biopsy AI triage model that can be integrated into a routine digital pathology workflow to assist pathologists in prioritising cases and identifying cases with dysplasia/cancer versus non‐neoplastic biopsies.
A survey of commercial soda–lime–silica glass compositions: Trends and opportunities I—Compositions, properties and theoretical energy requirements
Authors: Deng Wei , Wakelin Elliott , Kilinc Erhan , Bingham Paul A.
Published: October 2024

This research aimed to investigate the compositions of commercial soda–lime–silica glasses currently present in the UK market, as there is a lack of recent research on the subject, with the most recent studies now being over 20 years old. This study involved sampling and analyzing the compositions of over 30 commercial soda–lime–silica container and float glass samples, primarily from the UK market, in 2022 to 2023. Based on the results, the characteristics of these commercial glasses has been evaluated using multiple property models and analysis methods. In the first part, we illustrated the opportunities for glass manufacturers to modify or adjust their glass compositions to enable lower melting temperatures, thereby reducing energy demand and fuel carbon emissions. This can help the glass industry meet its net zero carbon emissions targets. It de‐risks compositional modifications for a glass manufacturer by highlighting that other manufacturers have already successfully commercially implemented such changes.
Mastering meta‐analysis in Microsoft Excel with MetaXL add‐in: A comprehensive tutorial and guide to meta‐analysis
Authors: Elmakaty Ibrahim
Published: October 2024

Rationale

Meta‐analysis, a powerful technique for combining effect estimates from multiple studies, enhances statistical power and precision. However, its adoption can be hindered by challenges in statistical interpretation and the complexity of specialized software. MetaXL, a freely available Microsoft Excel add‐in, aims to mitigate these barriers by providing comprehensive support and facilitating seamless integration of meta‐analytical results into research publications.

Aims and Objectives

This tutorial illustrates the practical application of MetaXL for synthesizing meta‐analytical evidence, with a focus on common effect sizes and their presentation.

Method

This paper reintroduce MetaXL's functions and provide concise explanations of common effect sizes employed in meta‐analysis. The tutorial delves into fundamental concepts such as the selection of appropriate effect sizes for pooling and the choice of meta‐analytical models. Eight illustrative examples are presented, incorporating diverse effect sizes and data formats, including scenarios involving incidence rate ratios, weighted and standardized mean differences, hazard ratios, and prevalence. Additionally, key concepts in network meta‐analysis are discussed, along with their implementation in MetaXL. MetaXL provides convenient access to data formatting templates tailored to various data types and effect sizes encountered in included studies.

Results and Conclusion

This tutorial offers researchers, particularly those with limited resources, detailed explanations and insights into commonly used methodologies for pooling effect sizes. Furthermore, it introduces the new Excel functions that comes with the MetaXL add‐in. Accurate population of this function and adherence to the correct format are essential to ensure error‐free analyzes.
Influence of preheating and water storage on the color, whiteness, and translucency of modern resin‐based composites
Authors: Prodan Corina Mirela , Gasparik Cristina , Ruiz‐López Javier , Dudea Diana
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of preheating and water storage on color, whiteness, and translucency of one‐shaded, group‐shaded, and multi‐shaded resin‐based composites.

Materials and Methods

A total of 270 samples were fabricated from one‐shaded (Omnichroma), group‐shaded (Optishade MD), and multi‐shaded (Enamel Plus HRI) resin‐based composites and divided into six groups: no heating (control) and 1–5 heatings (test) (n = 15). The CIE L*, a*, b*, C*, and h° color coordinates were registered over white, black, and gray backgrounds with a spectrophotometer before and after 24, 72, 144 h water storage. Kruskal–Wallis test was used to evaluate differences in the color coordinates, whiteness index, and translucency parameter (α = 0.05). The Mann–Whitney U test was performed with a Bonferroni correction (p < 0.001) for pairwise comparisons. CIEDE2000 color, whiteness, and translucency differences between groups and subgroups were evaluated using their respective 50%:50% perceptibility and acceptability thresholds.

Results

Preheating influenced color coordinates, whiteness index, and relative translucency parameters (p < 0.001). Although color differences were below the acceptability threshold for all materials, translucency differences were above the acceptability threshold for Omnichroma. Water storage significantly influenced the whiteness index of Optishade MD (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Preheating had a more considerable effect on the color, whiteness, and translucency of one‐shaded resin‐based composite, while water storage influenced group‐shaded resin‐based composite more importantly.

Clinical Significance

Preheating influences the color, whiteness level, and translucency of the resin‐based composites, but the variations remain generally clinically acceptable; however, practitioners should be aware that the modifications in translucency for one‐shaded resin‐based composites could be more important than for group‐shaded and multi‐shaded resin‐based composites.
Veteran comfort and satisfaction with comprehensive geriatric assessment via video telehealth to home
Authors: Sawyer Linda M. , Keller Hallie E. , Cervantes Maria D. , Howell Teresa F. , Scott Robynn J. , Dunlap Janette , Cigolle Christine T. , Dawson Bonnie D. , Sullivan Dennis H.
Published: October 2024

Background

The purpose of this project was to measure satisfaction with virtual comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGA) among older Veterans (OVs).

Methods

The CGA involved five different healthcare providers and four one‐hour VA Video Connect (VVC) calls. Using specific enrollment criteria, OVs were recruited in four cohorts separated by time. After completing the CGA, participants were asked to complete a 10‐statement telephone questionnaire. Before analyses, responses to each statement were dichotomized as Agree (Agree/Strongly agree) or Do not Agree (Neutral/Disagree/Strongly Disagree). Descriptive statistics and Binomial generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to analyze the data.

Results

All 269 enrolled OVs completed all components of the CGA. This included 79, 57, 61, and 72 Veterans in cohorts 1 to 4, respectively. Their average age was 76.0 ± 5.9 years, and they were predominately white (82%), male (94%), and residents of rural settings (64%). Of the 236 (88%) OVs who completed the telephone survey, 57% indicated they were comfortable using VVC and 57% expressed willingness to use VVC again; 44% felt that VVC was easier than going to in‐person visits. The OVs in Cohort 1 were more likely to agree with these statements than those in the remaining cohorts, especially Cohorts 2 and 4. Differences in demographics partially explained some of these findings. The majority (89% or higher) of survey participants agreed with the remaining seven survey statements indicating they were satisfied with the CGA program.

Conclusion

OVs were very satisfied with their participation in a program of CGA, although not necessarily the mode of delivery. The percentage of participants who indicated discomfort using VVC for the CGA visits appeared to increase with time. Further work is needed to determine which OVs would be the best candidates to use VVC to complete all or part of a CGA.
Radiographic Measurements of the Hip Joint in Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajus spp.)
Authors: de Souza Siragusi Rafael H. , Rahal Sheila C. , da Silva Jeana P. , Mamprim Maria J. , Mayrink Cardoso Eduardo B. , Moresco Anneke
Published: October 2024

Background

Radiographs are useful for the initial evaluation of the hip joints. The information can be utilized for the betterment of animal health or other goals such as anatomic studies and gait analysis, among others. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate radiographic measurements of the hip joint in capuchin monkeys, kept under human care at a reference center for wildlife.

Methods

Twelve capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.) (three adult males, seven adult females, and two sub‐adult females) were evaluated. Ventrodorsal radiographic views were taken under chemical restraint. All measurements on the digital images were performed in triplicate by one examiner.

Results and Conclusions

None of the measurements evaluated were statistically different between males and females. No statistical differences were found between hind limbs. The mean (±SD) Norberg angle was 104.92° (±2.82°) and the Wiberg angle was 15.26° (±1.86°). The percentage of the femoral head covered by the acetabulum was 68.57% (±3.65%) and the acetabular index depth to width ratio was 54.66% (±3.85%). In conclusion, the radiographic measurements showed certain morphological features of the hip joint in Sapajus spp. that contribute to improving species knowledge.
Prevalence of discospondylitis and association with congenital vertebral body malformations in English and French bulldogs
Authors: Grapes Nick , Bertram Simon , Gonçalves Rita , De Decker Steven
Published: October 2024

Background

Limited current information exists regarding discospondylitis within breeds commonly affected by congenital vertebral body malformations.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Report the prevalence of discospondylitis in English and French bulldogs and investigate for possible associations of discospondylitis with congenital vertebral body malformations.

Animals

108 client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Retrospective multi‐institutional study between June 2010 and 2020. Cases with a diagnosis of discospondylitis on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and complete medical records included. Signalment, discospondylitis location, presence of congenital vertebral body malformations, and the site of maximal kyphosis were recorded.

Results

The prevalence of discospondylitis was 3.4 (1.6‐6.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]) times higher in French bulldogs (P < .001) and 4.3 (1.7‐9.8, 95% CI) times higher in English bulldogs (<.001), compared with the overall hospital cohort. One or more vertebral malformations were present in 12 French bulldogs (92.3%), 6 English bulldogs (75.0%), and 1 “other” breed dog (1.1%). Discospondylitis was diagnosed adjacent to congenital vertebral body malformations in 12 (80%) intervertebral discs in French bulldogs and 5 (50%) intervertebral discs in English bulldogs. The median age at presentation was significantly younger in French bulldogs (1.1 years; range, 0.5‐9.2 years) and English bulldogs (1.0 years; range, 0.4‐7.0 years), compared with “other” breed dogs (7.3 years; range, 0.3‐14.0 years; both P < .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Congenital vertebral body malformations were frequently associated with discospondylitis in French and English bulldogs, with clinical signs commonly encountered at a significantly younger age.
Islamic Medievalism and Mobility in Mathias Énard's Street of Thieves
Authors: D'Arcens Louise
Published: October 2024

Set against the backdrop of the Arab Spring uprisings, Jihadist extremism, and the neoliberal exploitation of the Global South, Mathias Énard's 2012 novel Street of Thieves (Rue des voleurs) follows the fortunes of Lakhdar, a young man from Tangier who finds himself living as an undocumented migrant in Barcelona's notorious Carrer d’En Robador, the Street of Thieves. Lakhdar's misadventures are shaped by regional and global forces which have compelled Moroccan nationals to seek political and economic asylum in Mediterranean Europe. Although Street of Thieves is strikingly contemporary, this essay explores the novel's medievalism: its contrasting of the grim present with the premodern Islamic world as an era of sophistication, mobility and cultural exchange. The essay focuses on Lakhdar's preoccupation with his fellow Tangier native Ibn Battuta, the fourteenth‐century traveler and writer whose life becomes a frame through which Lakhdar views his own. It argues that contrary to the current tendency to view Ibn Battuta's world as a precursor to modern globalised culture, Énard's novel invokes cosmopolitan Islamic premodernity to comment on the turmoil of the modern Islamosphere and the harm done to the Islamicate world by Western neo‐colonialism and neoliberalism.
Residents' perceptions of what makes feedback valuable in workplace‐based learning: A discrete choice experiment
Authors: van der Leeuw Renée M. , Bouwmeester Noor H. , Eva Kevin W. , Hiligsmann Mickaël , Teunissen Pim W.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Research on feedback has shifted emphasis away from its ‘delivery’ to consideration of the interaction between individual learners and their ‘feedback provider’. The complexity inherent in determining whether feedback is perceived as valuable by learners, however, can quickly overwhelm educators if every interaction must be considered completely idiosyncratic. We, therefore, require a better understanding of variability in the ways in which feedback is perceived. To that end, we ran a discrete choice experiment aimed at determining residents' preferences and whether discernible patterns exist across learners regarding factors that influence perceptions of feedback's learning value.

Methods

We performed a discrete choice experiment in which respondents were asked to read a clinical case and select repetitively between two feedback scenarios that differed according to six attributes identified from the literature as influencing feedback credibility: Dialogue, Focus, Relationship, Situation, Source and Valence. By systematically varying the levels of each attribute contained in the scenarios and asking residents to choose which from each pair they deemed more valuable for learning, a mixed logit model and latent class analysis could be applied to determine learners' feedback preferences and whether clusters of preference exist.

Results

Ninety‐five elderly care medicine residents in the Netherlands completed the questionnaire. Their responses indicated that Valence, Dialogue, Relationship and Focus each accounted for about 20% of their preferences regarding the type of feedback perceived to offer the most learning value. Source and Situation were less influential, each accounting for 11% of the choices made. A latent class model with three clusters of respondents best accounted for the heterogeneity in feedback preferences. A total of 62% of respondents could be assigned to one of the three profiles with at least 80% probability. None of the respondents' characteristics (seniority, residency programme nor sex) were related to the feedback preference profile.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that ‘how’ feedback is provided has a greater influence on perceived learning value than who provides it. That said, variability exists in resident perceptions with no evidence (as yet) of factors that predict individual preferences. As such, tailoring to the needs and reactions of individual learners is likely to require open and ongoing conversations, and we recommend using the learner profiles generated through this study as a starting point because they provide classifications that could facilitate effective connections for the majority of residents.
Central nervous tissue in ovarian mature teratoma: A neuropathological study of 101 resected tumors
Authors: Shintaku Masayuki
Published: October 2024

Ovarian mature teratomas frequently contain central nervous system (CNS) tissue that often exhibits a variety of neuropathologic alterations. The author systematically examined the changes seen in CNS tissue from a series of 251 cases of resected ovarian mature teratomas. A total of 101 (40.2%) samples contained CNS tissue in varying amounts. The principal pathologic findings in the CNS tissue from ovarian mature teratomas were as follows: (i) CNS tissue tended to form a relatively thin, undulating, plate‐like structure that comprised the walls or septa of cystic tumors; (ii) most neurons were small or medium sized, and no CD34‐positive “ramifying cells” were observed; (iii) cytoplasmic processes of some astrocytes closely surrounded the walls of capillaries, suggesting formation of a blood–brain barrier; (iv) some ependymal cells exhibited a columnar shape and showed a pseudostratified arrangement, and these cells extended thick basal cytoplasmic processes into the neuropil; (v) a few choroid plexus epithelial cells showed melanin deposition, tubular transformation, or oncocytic changes; (vi) hamartoma‐like hyperplasia of arachnoid cells was noted beneath skin tissue; (vii) some CNS tissue showed formation of cerebral cortical structures exhibiting “gyration” with incompletely layered structures, and disruption of the glia limitans with spillage of cortical tissue into the “subarachnoid” space was also observed; and (viii) in the well‐formed cerebellar cortex, dendrites of Purkinje cells exhibited varied dysmorphic changes. These neuropathologic observations should lead to a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of various lesions in the brain.
Critical posthumanism: A double‐edged sword for advancing nursing knowledge in planetary health
Authors: Hodge Lesley A. , Olson Joanne K.
Published: October 2024

In this article, we aimed to evaluate the utility of critical posthumanism for nurses interested in planetary health—a growing area of study that requires a decentering of the human, and environmental justice considerations. We used Chinn and colleagues' method to describe and critically reflect on critical posthumanism, extending the theory analysis method to include a wide range of academic and video sources. We found that critical posthumanism is like a double‐edged sword: It provides a lens through which to transcend human‐centric approaches to healthcare but is marred by its lack of clarity and inaccessibility. We argue critical posthumanism can be adapted to enhance its potential at the intersection of nursing and planetary health. An analysis of critical posthumanism is followed by a discussion framed by five ways of knowing in nursing, highlighting real‐world examples of how critical posthumanism can aid nurses in dealing with planetary health concerns. By exploring the intersections of critical posthumanism with nursing knowledge, we demonstrate how critical posthumanism can enable nurses to comprehend and tackle environmental issues intricately linked to human health.
Environmental drivers of the decline of the fen orchid Liparis loeselii
Authors: Andersen Dagmar Kappel , Ejrnæs Rasmus , Minter Martine , Riis Tenna , Vinther Erik , Bruun Hans Henrik Kehlet
Published: October 2024

Liparis loeselii is a rare and declining orchid species restricted to rich fens in the Northern Hemisphere. Habitat destruction, eutrophication, drainage and scrub encroachment have been suggested as reasons for the decline. However, which factors are most important is not well understood. Based on vegetation and environmental properties from extant, potential and historical L. loeselii sites, we 1) developed habitat suitability models from either Ellenberg Indicator Values, which were derived from known habitat preferences of co‐occurring plant species, or field‐measured environmental properties, and 2) identified the primary reasons for the observed decline of L. loeselii. We found nutrient status to be the most important predictor for L. loeselii occurrence, followed by hydrology proxies (Ellenberg reaction and Ellenberg moisture). Vegetation height and Ellenberg light were of minor importance. Effect partitioning based on sites, from which L. loeselii has gone locally extinct, pinpointed eutrophication and drainage to be the most likely primary drivers of the species' demise. Phosphorus limitation induced by discharge of calcium‐rich groundwater seems to be crucial for L. loeselii to sustain populations in landscapes dominated by intensive agriculture.
The triangular relationship in platform gig work: Consumers, platform beneficence and worker vulnerability
Authors: Healy Joshua , Pekarek Andreas
Published: October 2024

Platform gig work is created and contested in dynamic, triangular relationships between platforms, workers, and consumers. Compared with the first two groups, however, evidence about the role of the third—consumers—is sparse. In this paper, we investigate consumers' changing perceptions of work in the platform gig economy and argue that their perspective warrants greater attention in sociological analyses. Using data from two Australian public opinion surveys conducted 5 years apart (2017 and 2022), we explore how consumers' views of platform gig work evolved during a period of rapid change that includes the first 2 years of the COVID‐19 pandemic. We find that while overall platform use increased markedly, many consumers felt conflicted about gig workers' conditions and key features of platforms' typical labour practices. There is a pronounced, enduring, and consequential tension in consumers' views of the merits and drawbacks of this work; between, on the one hand, an acceptance that platforms do benefit workers to some extent and, on the other hand, misgivings about workers' vulnerability to harm. In centring consumers, our paper empirically enriches current triangular conceptions of labour relations in the platform gig economy, by showing how consumers mediate the interests of platforms and workers, to shape how gig work manifests and who benefits from it. We also contribute useful new practical knowledge, by elucidating the prevailing concerns of consumers that could be developed into resonant themes for campaigns aimed at improving platform gig workers' rights.
Axial length association with corneoscleral sagittal height and scleral asymmetry
Authors: Martínez‐Plaza Elena , López‐de la Rosa Alberto , Molina‐Martín Ainhoa , Bataille Laurent , Piñero David P.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To determine how corneoscleral geometry changes with axial length and to assess the usefulness of including the sagittal configuration of the anterior segment when predicting the axial length.

Methods

An observational study was performed including 96 healthy subjects (96 eyes). Axial length was calculated from optical biometry (IOL Master 500). Corneal curvature and scleral sagittal height parameters at 13, 14 and 15 mm were obtained automatically using corneoscleral topography (eye surface profiler; ESP). In addition, corneal and scleral sagittal heights at numerous locations (21 radii: 0–10 mm from the corneal apex at 12 angles: 0–330°) were calculated using the raw height data extracted from the ESP. The relationships between axial length and the study parameters were analysed using Pearson correlation analysis. The equations for the prediction of axial length were obtained by fitting multiple linear regression models.

Results

The temporal‐nasal scleral asymmetry at 13‐, 14‐ and 15‐mm chord lengths was significantly correlated with axial length (r2 ≤ 0.26; p < 0.001). Significant inverse correlations were found between the temporal scleral sagittal height and axial length (r2 ≤ 0.28; p ≤ 0.02). The nasal scleral sagittal height was not associated with axial length. Three significant multiple linear regression models were fitted based on spherical equivalent, corneal radius and scleral asymmetry at 13 (r2 = 0.79; p < 0.001), 14 (r2 = 0.80; p < 0.001) and 15 (r2 = 0.80; p < 0.001) mm chord lengths.

Conclusions

Larger ocular globes show reduced temporal‐nasal scleral asymmetry, mainly due to the lower sagittal height of the temporal sclera. Thus, the geometry of the temporal scleral may be a factor of interest during myopia progression.
ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR6, A Central Regulator of Plant Growth in Response to Stress
Authors: Li Ting , Peng Zhen , Kangxi Du , Inzé Dirk , Dubois Marieke
Published: October 2024

ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR6 (ERF6) has emerged as a central player in stress‐induced plant growth inhibition. It orchestrates complex pathways that enable plants to acclimate and thrive in challenging environments. In response to various abiotic and biotic stresses, ERF6 is promptly activated through both ethylene‐dependent and ‐independent pathways, and contributes to enhanced stress tolerance mechanisms by activating a broad spectrum of genes at various developmental stages. Despite the crucial role of ERF6, there is currently a lack of published comprehensive insights into its function in plant growth and stress response. In this respect, based on the tight connection between ethylene and ERF6, we review the latest research findings on how ethylene regulates stress responses and the mechanisms involved. In addition, we summarize the trends and advances in ERF6‐mediated plant performance under optimal and stressful conditions. Finally, we also highlight key questions and suggest potential paths to unravel the ERF6 regulon in future research.
Interleukin‐27 Regulates Adaptative Immune Responses Associated With Control of Parasite Replication in Canine Leishmaniasis
Authors: dos Santos Marilene Oliveira , Costa Sidnei Ferro , Rebech Gabriela Torres , de Freitas Jéssica Henrique , Bragato Jaqueline Poleto , Soares Matheus Fujimura , Ito Lucas Takeshi Siqueira , de Rezende Eugênio Flavia , dos Santos Paulo Sérgio Patto , de Lima Valéria Marçal Felix
Published: October 2024

Interleukin 27 (IL‐27) is a cytokine that regulates susceptibility to Leishmania infantum infection in humans and experimental models. This cytokine has not yet been described in canine leishmaniasis (CanL). Therefore, we investigated whether IL‐27 has a regulatory role in CanL. The EBI3 and p28 subunits of IL‐27 were measured in splenic leukocytes culture supernatant from dogs with CanL and compared to control dogs. We also correlated EBI3 and p28 levels with IL‐21, anti‐L. infantum antibodies and parasite loads. We performed functional assays followed by IL‐27 blockade and measured parasite loads, production of cytokines in splenic leukocytes culture supernatant, and the expression of PD‐1, CTLA‐4, phospho‐Stat‐1/3, T‐bet, GATA3 and nitric oxide production (NO). Both IL‐27 subunits increased in the supernatant of dogs with CanL compared to control dogs. EBI3 and p28 levels showed a moderate positive correlation with IL‐21 (r = 0.67, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.45, p < 0.012, respectively), and the EBI3 subunit was positively associated with anti‐L. infantum IgG antibodies (r = 0.38, p < 0.040) and parasite load (r = 0.47, p < 0.009). IL‐27 and IL‐21 participate of immune responses in CanL. IL‐27 may be associated with the failure of immunity to control parasite replication via upregulation of the expression of PD‐1, CTLA‐4, T‐bet and NO in splenic leukocytes from dogs with CanL. These findings suggest that the pathways regulated by IL‐27 are involved in CanL pathogenesis in the host, and may be targets for new therapies.
Evaluation of the roles of brassinosteroid, gibberellin and auxin for tomato internode elongation in response to low red:far‐red light
Authors: Li Linge , Wonder Jesse , Helming Ticho , van Asselt Gijs , Pantazopoulou Chrysoula K. , van de Kaa Yorrit , Kohlen Wouter , Pierik Ronald , Kajala Kaisa
Published: October 2024

In this study, we explore the interplay between the plant hormones gibberellins (GA), brassinosteroids (BR), and Indole‐3‐Acetic Acid (IAA) in their collective impact on plant shade avoidance elongation under varying light conditions. We focus particularly on low Red:Far‐red (R:FR) light conditions achieved by supplementing the background light with FR. We characterized the tomato internode response to low R:FR and, with RNA‐seq analysis, we were able to identify some of the potential regulatory hormonal pathways. Through a series of exogenous pharmacological modulations of GA, IAA, and BR, we demonstrate that GA and BR are sufficient but also necessary for inducing stem elongation under low R:FR light conditions. Intriguingly, while IAA alone shows limited effects, its combination with GA yields significant elongation, suggesting a nuanced hormonal balance. Furthermore, we unveil the complex interplay of these hormones under light with low R:FR, where the suppression of one hormone's effect can be compensated by the others. This study provides insights into the hormonal mechanisms governing plant adaptation to light, highlighting the intricate and adaptable nature of plant growth responses. Our findings have far‐reaching implications for agricultural practices, offering potential strategies for optimizing plant growth and productivity in various lighting environments.
Unveiling and explaining the procedural justice in the policy design of renewable energy siting process in the United States
Authors: Gao Xue , Zhou Shan , Schurr Dori
Published: October 2024

Social justice is a fundamental value in public policy, but empirically examining this intricate concept remains a persistent challenge. Recent studies have made early attempts to examine how policy design choices consider distributive justice but have overlooked how procedural justice considerations have been integrated into policy designs. Drawing on policy design and participatory governance literature, this study develops a procedural justice score to empirically measure and compare policy design features of renewable energy siting policies across U.S. states. We focus on policy goals, settings, and calibrations of policy instruments, and the congruence between policy goals and instruments. We do not find consistent policy congruence, which implies that policymakers can view procedural justice as both a normative goal associated with democratic ideals and an instrumental goal facilitating a successful and sustainable energy transition. While most states fall short in designing a fair, inclusive, and participatory process, there is a growing trend toward adopting participatory approaches in renewable siting.