bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation using macroalgae: a state of knowledge review
Authors: Pessarrodona Albert , Franco‐Santos Rita M. , Wright Luka Seamus , Vanderklift Mathew A. , Howard Jennifer , Pidgeon Emily , Wernberg Thomas , Filbee‐Dexter Karen
Published: July 2023

The conservation, restoration, and improved management of terrestrial forests significantly contributes to mitigate climate change and its impacts, as well as providing numerous co‐benefits. The pressing need to reduce emissions and increase carbon removal from the atmosphere is now also leading to the development of natural climate solutions in the ocean. Interest in the carbon sequestration potential of underwater macroalgal forests is growing rapidly among policy, conservation, and corporate sectors. Yet, our understanding of whether carbon sequestration from macroalgal forests can lead to tangible climate change mitigation remains severely limited, hampering their inclusion in international policy or carbon finance frameworks. Here, we examine the results of over 180 publications to synthesise evidence regarding macroalgal forest carbon sequestration potential. We show that research efforts on macroalgae carbon sequestration are heavily skewed towards particulate organic carbon (POC) pathways (77% of data publications), and that carbon fixation is the most studied flux (55%). Fluxes leading directly to carbon sequestration (e.g. carbon export or burial in marine sediments) remain poorly resolved, likely hindering regional or country‐level assessments of carbon sequestration potential, which are only available from 17 of the 150 countries where macroalgal forests occur. To solve this issue, we present a framework to categorize coastlines according to their carbon sequestration potential. Finally, we review the multiple avenues through which this sequestration can translate into climate change mitigation capacity, which largely depends on whether management interventions can increase carbon removal above a natural baseline or avoid further carbon emissions. We find that conservation, restoration and afforestation interventions on macroalgal forests can potentially lead to carbon removal in the order of 10's of Tg C globally. Although this is lower than current estimates of natural sequestration value of all macroalgal habitats (61–268 Tg C year−1), it suggests that macroalgal forests could add to the total mitigation potential of coastal blue carbon ecosystems, and offer valuable mitigation opportunities in polar and temperate areas where blue carbon mitigation is currently low. Operationalizing that potential will necessitate the development of models that reliably estimate the proportion of production sequestered, improvements in macroalgae carbon fingerprinting techniques, and a rethinking of carbon accounting methodologies. The ocean provides major opportunities to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and the largest coastal vegetated habitat on Earth should not be ignored simply because it does not fit into existing frameworks.
Commentary: A spectrum for all? A response to Green et al. (2023), neurodiversity, autism and health care
Authors: Whitehouse Andrew
Published: July 2023

The broadening of the clinical definition of autism over time—the so‐called, autism spectrum—has run in parallel with the growth of a neurodiversity movement that has reframed the concept of autism entirely. Without a coherent and evidence‐based framework through which both of these advances can be situated, the field is at risk of losing definition altogether. In his commentary, Green describes such a framework, which has appeal because of its grounding in basic and clinical evidence, and its ability to guide its users through its real‐world application in health care. An endless spectrum creates barriers to autistic children having their human rights met, but a denial of neurodiversity principles has the same effect. Green's framework holds great promise in coherently framing this sentiment. The real test of the framework is in its implementation, and all communities should walk that path together.
COVID‐19 Vaccine Seroresponse Based on The Timing of The Primary Series; Pre‐ versus Post‐Renal Transplantation
Authors: Weinberg Amy R. , Caeg Calvin O. , DePalma Robyn , Hernandez Frances , Rogers Jackson H. , Ibrahim Hassan N. , Bynon Steve J. , Nigo Masayuki
Published: July 2023

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) poses a serious risk to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal transplant. While COVID‐19 vaccination is recommended before transplant, there are limited data comparing vaccine timing. Our aim is to evaluate serological responses to COVID‐19 vaccines pre‐ and post‐renal transplant and the durability of antibody levels.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the antibody response of adult renal transplant recipients who had received at least a primary series of the COVID‐19 vaccine. The patients were divided into two groups based on the timing; pre‐ or post‐transplant. Antibody titer levels were evaluated at least 4 weeks after vaccination for each group. Titer durability was assessed by calculating the median titer level of individuals.

Results

A total of 139 patients were identified between January 2019 and April 2022. Twenty‐nine patients were excluded because of previous COVID‐19 infection, and 15 patients were excluded each for insufficient vaccine doses and lack of titer data. Forty patients were included for the pre‐transplant group and 40 for post‐transplant. The number of pre‐transplant patients who developed antibodies (39 patients, 97.5%) was significantly greater than the number of post‐transplant patients (21 patients, 52.5%) with p < .01. The median post‐vaccination titer levels were significantly greater in the pre‐transplant group up to 5 months after vaccination (p < .05). The pre‐transplant group's titers seemed sustained even after renal transplantation.

Conclusion

Vaccinating renal transplant patients before transplant results in increased achievement of seroresponse, higher levels of antibody titers, and sustained titers following transplant. Larger and prospective studies are warranted to confirm the findings.
1062. Corydalis mucronata Franch.: Papaveraceae
Authors: Rix Martyn , King Christabel
Published: July 2023

Corydalis mucronata Franch., illustrated here, is among several Corydalis collected by Père Armand David in Moupine (now Baoxing) in western Sichuan. It can be a conspicuous plant, forming large populations on shady, wet slopes. Though introduced to England over 20 years ago, it is still rare in gardens. Suggestions for its successful cultivation are given.
Individual differences in response to alcohol and nicotine in zebrafish: Gene expression and behavior
Authors: Araujo‐Silva Heloysa , de Souza Augusto Monteiro , Mamede João Paulo Medeiros , de Medeiros Silvia Regina Batistuzzo , Luchiari Ana Carolina
Published: July 2023

Alcohol and nicotine are psychoactive substances responsible for serious health consequences. Although the biological mechanisms of alcohol and nicotine have been studied extensively, individual differences in the response to these drugs have received little attention. Here we evaluated gene expression and behavior of bold and shy individuals after acute exposure to alcohol and nicotine. For this, zebrafish were classified as bold and shy individuals based on emergence tests, and then fish were exposed to 0.00, 0.10, and 0.50% alcohol or 0.00, 1.00, and 5.00 mg/L nicotine and their anxiety‐like and locomotor behavior was observed. After behavioral assessment, brain mRNA expression (ache,bdnf, gaba1,gad1b,th1, andtph1) was evaluated. Locomotion patterns differed between profiles depending on alcohol and nicotine concentration. Anxiety increased in shy fish and decreased in bold fish after exposure to both drugs. Alcohol exposure induced an increase intph1mRNA expression in bold fish, whilebdnfmRNA expression was increased in shy fish. Nicotine increasedache,bdnf, andtph1mRNA levels in both profiles, but at higher levels in bold fish. Based on our research, we found that alcohol induces anxiogenic effects in both bold and shy zebrafish. Additionally, shy individuals exposed to a low concentration of nicotine exhibited stronger anxiety‐like responses than their bold counterparts. These findings further support the validity of using zebrafish as a dependable tool for studying the effects of drugs and uncovering the underlying mechanisms associated with individual variations.
Effects of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors by background cardiovascular medications: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Avgerinos Ioannis , Karagiannis Thomas , Matthews David R. , Tsapas Apostolos , Bekiari Eleni
Published: July 2023

Aim

To explore whether the beneficial cardiovascular (CV) effect of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors is consistent with or without concurrent use of CV medications in patients with type 2 diabetes, heart failure (HF) or chronic kidney disease.

Methods

We searched Medline and Embase up to September 2022 for CV outcomes trials. The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiovascular (CV) death or hospitalization for HF. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of CV death, hospitalization for HF, death from any cause, major adverse CV events or renal events, volume depletion and hyperkalaemia. We pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and risk ratios alongside 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

We included 12 trials comprising 83 804 patients. SGLT‐2 inhibitors reduced the risk of CV death or hospitalization for HF regardless of background use of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEIs/ARBs), angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs), b‐blockers, diuretics, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), or triple combination therapy of either an ACEI/ARB plus b‐blocker plus MRA, or an ARNI plus b‐blocker plus MRA (HRs ranged from 0.61 to 0.83; P > .1 for each subgroup interaction). Similarly, no subgroup differences were evident for most analyses for the secondary outcomes of CV death, hospitalization for HF, all‐cause mortality, major adverse CV or renal events, hyperkalaemia and volume depletion rate.

Conclusions

The benefit of SGLT‐2 inhibitors seems to be additive to background use of CV medications in a broad population of patients. These findings should be interpreted as hypothesis generating because most of the subgroups analysed were not prespecified.
Cysteine‐lowering treatment with mesna against obesity: Proof of concept and results from a human phase I, dose‐finding study
Authors: Vinknes Kathrine J. , Olsen Thomas , Zaré Hasse Khiabani , Bastani Nasser E. , Stolt Emma , Dahl Anja F. , Cox Roger D. , Refsum Helga , Retterstøl Kjetil , Åsberg Anders , Elshorbagy Amany
Published: July 2023

Aim

To investigate whether mesna—sodium‐2‐mercaptoethane sulfonate) can reduce diet‐induced fat gain in mice, and to assess the safety of single ascending mesna doses in humans to find the dose associated with lowering of plasma tCys by at least 30%.

Methods

C3H/HeH mice were shifted to a high‐fat diet ± mesna in drinking water; body composition was measured at weeks 0, 2 and 4. In an open, phase I, single ascending dose study, oral mesna (400, 800, 1200, 1600 mg) was administered to 17 men with overweight or obesity. Mesna and tCys concentrations were measured repeatedly for a duration of 48 hours postdosing in plasma, as well as in 24‐hour urine.

Results

Compared with controls, mesna‐treated mice had lower tCys and lower estimated mean fat mass gain from baseline (week 2: 4.54 ± 0.40 vs. 6.52 ± 0.36 g; week 4: 6.95 ± 0.35 vs. 8.19 ± 0.34 g; Poverall = .002), but similar lean mass gain. In men with overweight, mesna doses of 400‐1600 mg showed dose linearity and were well tolerated. Mesna doses of 800 mg or higher decreased plasma tCys by 30% or more at nadir (4h post‐dosing). With increasing mesna dose, tCys AUC0‐12h decreased (Ptrend < .001), and urine tCys excretion increased (Ptrend = .004).

Conclusions

Mesna reduces diet‐induced fat gain in mice. In men with overweight, single oral doses of mesna (800‐1600 mg) were well tolerated and lowered plasma tCys efficiently. The effect of sustained tCys‐lowering by repeated mesna administration on weight loss in humans deserves investigation.
Buddha's grace illuminates all: Temple destruction, school construction and modernization in 20th century China
Authors: Wang Shaoda , Zhang Boxiao
Published: July 2023

This paper studies how modern human capital emerged in early 20th century China. We document a novel historical episode known as the ‘Temple Destruction Movement’ (TDM), in which Chinese local governments appropriated huge amounts of Buddhist and Taoist temple assets to support the modernization of local schooling. We find that before the TDM, the initial stock of temple assets was uncorrelated with the levels and trends of human capital development; after the TDM was intensified, regions with higher initial stocks of temple assets suddenly constructed more modern schools, enrolled more students in modern educational programmes, and produced more modern elites. A back of the envelope calculation suggests that the TDM could account for nearly 70% of China's modern school construction in the early 20th century, which is consistent with historical records collected from numerous county gazetteers. Further analysis shows that the TDM was most effective in the presence of both a strong government and a powerful civil society, as the former made it easier to appropriate assets from the religious sector, while the latter helped to prevent the confiscated religious assets from being captured by local officials.
The power and burden of representing diversity in a performing arts organization: A recognition‐based approach
Authors: Johansson Janet , Tienari Janne , Wickström Alice
Published: July 2023

This paper explores tensions related to using representation to signal diversity and inclusion on and behind the stage in a performing arts organization in Sweden. Drawing on a recognition‐based approach to inclusion, we analyze how minority and majority organisational members negotiate tensions related to representing, and being made to represent, diversity. Our ethnographic study illustrates how increased representation gives rise to conflicting experiences when collective or individual heterogeneity is negated and directs attention to the interpersonal and organisational relations that condition these experiences. We contribute to the critical literature on diversity and inclusion, and to research on recognition‐based inclusion, by elucidating the interplay between recognition and misrecognition that shapes how representation is negotiated. We critically examine the complexities of using representation to promote diversity and inclusion and discuss its implications for creating more equal conditions of participation in culture and arts.
High‐moisture soy protein‐mushroom‐based meat analogue: physicochemical, structural properties and its application
Authors: Ketnawa Sunantha , Chaijan Manat , Grossmann Lutz , Rawdkuen Saroat
Published: July 2023

As the flexitarian diet becomes more popular, as well as rising concerns about the environment and health wellness, the demand for plant‐based meat has significantly increased in recent years. This study aimed to develop the feasibility of using mushrooms as an alternative ingredient in a plant‐based meat analogue via high‐moisture twin‐screw extrusion. Five high‐moisture fibrous‐structured meat analogues (HMs, moisture around 61–64 wt, %) from soy protein isolate (SPI) mixed with mushroom powder (MP) in the ratios of SPI and MP of 60:0 (control: CT), 45:15 (M15), 35:25 (M25), 25:35 (M35), and 15:45 (M45) were successfully developed. The increase in MP led to a significant change in darker and brown spot scattering attributes; however, it significantly decreased the textural properties (hardness, and chewiness) of the selected HM (M25), which were significantly lower than CT (P < 0.05). Water holding capacity slightly decreased, while oil holding capacity decreased in HMs with MP compared to CT. Low protein solubility and viscosity of HMs proved the thermally denatured when extrusion cooking. The protein content of all HMs ranges from 52.29 to 72.14 wt% in concordance with the increment of the SPI ratio. HMs showed higher protein digestibility during the intestinal stage than the gastric stage. Thai‐Northern style sausage (Sai‐aua) analogue prepared from M25 gained the highest overall acceptability. Due to their availability, low cost, nutritional values, and health benefits, mushrooms proved to be a potential source to produce HMs. Besides, our findings help create high‐added‐value products that benefit human health, protein sustainability, and environmental concerns.
Application of adoptive cell therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wu Dengqiang , Li Yujie
Published: July 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global health challenge. Novel treatment modalities are urgently needed to extend the overall survival of patients. The liver plays an immunomodulatory function due to its unique physiological structural characteristics. Therefore, following surgical resection and radiotherapy, immunotherapy regimens have shown great potential in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Adoptive cell immunotherapy is rapidly developing in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we summarize the latest research on adoptive immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. The focus is on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cells and T cell receptor (TCR) engineered T cells. Then tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), natural killer (NK) cells, cytokine‐induced killer (CIK) cells, and macrophages are briefly discussed. The main overview of the application and challenges of adoptive immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. It aims to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the current status of HCC adoptive immunotherapy and offers some strategies. We hope to provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
A vascular multi‐arm multi‐stage trial to prevent groin wound surgical site infection: A feasibility survey
Authors: Popplewell Matthew A. , Gwilym Brenig L. , Benson Ruth A. , Juszczak Maciej , Bosanquet David , Pinkney Thomas D. , Chetter Ian , Wall Michael
Published: July 2023

Surgical site infection (SSI) is common following arterial surgery involving a groin incision. There is a lack of evidence regarding interventions to prevent groin wound SSI, therefore, a survey of vascular clinicians was undertaken to assess current opinion and practice, equipoise and feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Participants at the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting were surveyed regarding three separate interventions designed to prevent SSI in the groin; impregnated incise drapes, diakylcarbomoyl chloride dressings and antibiotic impregnated collagen sponges. Results were collated via an online survey using the Research Electronic Data Capture platform. Seventy‐five participants completed the questionnaire, most were consultant vascular surgeons (50/75, 66.7%). The majority agree that groin wound SSI is a major problem (73/75, 97.3%), and would be content using either of the three interventions (51/61, 83.6%) and had clinical equipoise to randomise patients to any of the three interventions versus standard of care (70/75, 93.3%). There was some reluctance to not use impregnated incise drapes as may be considered “standard of care”. Groin wound SSI is perceived as major problem in vascular surgery, and a multicentre RCT of three preventative interventions appears acceptable to vascular surgeons.
RETRACTED: A systematic review of nursing students' attitude and related factors towards pressure ulcer prevention
Authors: Hermis Alaa Hamza , Mollaei Amirabbas , Ghorbani Vajargah Pooyan , Karkhah Samad , Takasi Poorya , Firooz Mahbobeh , Hosseini Seyed Javad , Alizadeh Otaghvar Hamidreza , Raziani Yosra
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this review study is to investigate the attitude of nursing students toward the prevention of pressure ulcers (PUs) and related factors. From February 1, 2023, a comprehensive search was conducted in international and Persian electronic databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Iranmedex, and Scientific information database (SID). The keywords obtained from Medical Subject Headings, including “Attitude”, “Nursing students”, and “Pressure ulcer” were used in this search. The quality assessment of the present studies in this systematic review was based on the appraisal tool for cross‐sectional studies (AXIS tool). A total of 6454 nursing students participated in ten cross‐sectional studies. All students were studying at the undergraduate level and 81.20% of them were female. Nursing students were in the first (39.27%), second (28.19%), and third and fourth (32.54%) academic years. Among the participants, 49.86% have completed at least 2 clinical units. The mean scores of attitudes toward PU prevention in nursing students based on attitude toward PU prevention (APuP) and researcher‐made questionnaires were 75.01% and 68.82%, respectively. The attitude of nursing students was influenced by various factors, including age, sex, academic year, clinical experience, number of clinical units, experience in caring for PU patients, previous courses on PU in the curriculum, and contribution of training to knowledge. Also, in the present study, the positive relationship between the attitude and knowledge of nursing students was shown as the only significant correlation. In sum, the attitude of the majority of nursing students toward the prevention of PUs was at a satisfactory level. Therefore, it is expected to transfer the necessary knowledge to them with proper planning so that preventive actions can be carried out by following the guidelines.
RETRACTED: Effect of hydrocolloid dressings in the management of different grades of pressure wound ulcers in critically ill adult subjects: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Ruifeng , Hua Zhaozhao , Li Lan , Zhou Yiyuan , Xu Yuefang , Zhang Taiwei
Published: July 2023

A meta‐analysis was implemented to appraise the effect of hydrocolloid dressings (HCDs) in the management of different grades of pressure wound ulcers (PWUs) in critically ill adult subjects (CIUSs). Inclusive literature research until April 2023 was done, and 969 interconnected researches were revised. The 8 picked researches, enclosed 679 critically ill adult persons at the utilized researchers' starting point; 355 of them were utilizing HCDs, and 324 were controls. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to appraise the consequences of HCDs in treating CIUSs by the dichotomous approach and a fixed or random model. HCDs had significantly higher PWU complete healing (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.54–3.02, p < 0.001), PWU stage II ulcers complete healing (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.40–5.69, p = 0.004), and PWU stage III ulcers complete healing (OR, 3.73; 95% CI, 1.23–11.35, p = 0.02) compared to control in critically ill adult persons. HCDs had significantly higher PWU complete healing, PWU stage II ulcers complete healing, and PWU stage III ulcers complete healing compared with control in critically ill adult persons. However, caution needs to be taken when interacting with its values since there was a low sample size of most of the chosen research found for the comparisons in the meta‐analysis.
Gamma‐ray irradiation effect on microstructure and physical performances of porous silica
Authors: Feng Qingyi , Deng Hongxiang , Wang Biyi , li Bo , Xiang Xia , Li Li , Zhong Bo , Li Sean , Zu Xiaotao
Published: July 2023

In this paper, the gamma irradiation effect on the microstructure and physical performances of porous silica, including mechanical, thermal, and optical performances, are systematically investigated by using molecular dynamics and density‐functional theory‐based methods. The study of bond angle distribution, pair distribution function, coordination number distribution, and average ring size distribution show that, after gamma‐ray irradiation, the microstructure of porous silica is obviously modified. The tight packing of SiO2 tetrahedrons in the porous silica network is broken by gamma‐ray irradiation. Defects of three‐coordinated Si and non‐bridging oxygen are induced by gamma‐ray irradiation. Moreover, we find that the defects concentrations rapidly grow as gamma‐ray dose increases. The mechanical, thermal, and optical performances of porous silica are all seriously degenerated by gamma‐ray irradiation. Our results show that, for mechanical performance, Young's modulus, Bulk modulus, and Shear modulus first decrease and then keep stable as gamma‐ray dose increases, but the change of Poisson's ratio is slight. For thermal performance, the thermal conductivity decreases exponentially as gamma‐ray dose increases. For optical performance, light absorption coefficients increase exponentially and light transmittance drops as gamma‐ray dose increases in the working range (photon energy range around 3.5 eV) of inertial confinement fusion. Present work is expected to be valuable for studying the degradation mechanism of silicate materials under gamma radiation and developing gamma‐ray irradiation protection technology.
Anchoring or Undermining Democracy: The European People's Party and Democratic Backsliding in Serbia
Authors: Stojić Marko
Published: July 2023

This article considers how the European People's Party (EPP) responded to democratic backsliding in Serbia that unfolded under the leadership of its affiliate, the Serbian Progressive Party. Drawing on a qualitative analysis of the European Parliament resolutions and the responses of EPP legislators, the article demonstrates that the EPP has systematically ignored increasingly non‐democratic practices in Serbia. Seeking a wider pan‐European sway, the EPP strove to protect its Serbian member driven by strategic concerns and the logic of partisan allegiance. While there was a high level of intra‐party cohesion, a few EPP members consistently dissented and did not toe the party line. Their positions were fundamentally informed by contrasting normative commitments to liberal democratic principles and ideological proximity to the Serbian Progressive Party.
Clinical and genetic determinants of severe acute pancreatitis: A genetic association study in the UK Biobank
Authors: Chou Wing Kiu , Lam Stephen , Kumar Bhaskar
Published: July 2023

Background and Aim

The clinical severity of acute pancreatitis is unpredictable, ranging from self‐limiting disease to life‐threatening inflammation. The determinants of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) are unclear. We aim to identify clinical variables and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with SAP.

Methods

We used UK Biobank data to conduct a case–control clinical and genetic association study. Pancreatitis patients were identified through national hospital and mortality records across the United Kingdom. Clinical covariates and SAP were analyzed for associations. Genotyped data that included 35 SNPs were assessed for independent associations with SAP and SNP to SNP interaction.

Results

A total of 665 patients with SAP and 3304 non‐SAP patients were identified. Male sex and older age increased odds of developing SAP (odds ratio [OR] 1.48; 95% confiden interval [CI] 1.24–1.78, P < 0.0001) and (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.17–1.29), P < 0.0001), respectively. SAP was associated with diabetes (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.15–1.86, P = 0.002), chronic kidney disease (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.26–2.42, P = 0.001), and cardiovascular disease (OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.54–2.61, P = 0.0001). A significant association was established between IL‐10 rs3024498 and SAP (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.09–1.41, P = 0.0014). Epistasis analysis revealed that the odds of SAP was greater by an interaction between TLR 5 rs5744174 and Factor V rs6025 (ORinteraction 7.53; P = 6.64 × 10−5).

Conclusion

This study reports clinical risk factors for SAP. We also show evidence for an interaction between rs5744174 and rs6025 as determinants for SAP in addition to rs3024498 independently altering the severity of acute pancreatitis.
Clinical and financial outcome impacts of comprehensive geriatric assessment in a level 1 geriatric emergency department
Authors: Haynesworth Austin , Gilmer Todd P. , Brennan Jesse J. , Weaver Emily H. , Tolia Vaishal M. , Chan Theodore C. , Killeen James P. , Castillo Edward M.
Published: July 2023

Background

The aging population has led to an increase in emergency department (ED) visits by older adults who have complex medical conditions and high social needs. The purpose of this study was to assess if comprehensive geriatric evaluation and management impacted service utilization and cost by older adults admitted to the ED.

Methods

This is a retrospective matched case–control study at a level 1 geriatric ED (GED) from January 1, 2018–March 31, 2020. Geriatric nurse specialists (GENIEs) provided comprehensive evaluations and management for GED patients. Propensity score matching was used to match patients receiving GENIE consultations to ED patients who did not receive a GENIE consult. Regression was used to assess the impact of the GENIE services on inpatient admissions, ED revisits and cost of inpatient and ED care from the payor perspective.

Results

GENIE consults were associated with a 13.0% reduction in absolute risk of admission through the ED at index (95% confidence interval [CI] −17.0%, −9.0%, p < 0.001) and a reduction in risk for total admissions at 30 and 90‐days post discharge (−11.3%, 95% CI −15.6%, −7.1%, p‐value < 0.001; and −10.0, 95% CI −13.8%, −6.0%; p < 0.001 respectively), both driven by reduced risk of admission at the index visit. GENIE consults were associated with a 4% increase in absolute risk of revisits to the ED within 30 days (95% CI 0.6%, 7.3%; p = 0.001). GENIE consults were associated with a decrease in cost of inpatient and ED care, with savings of $2344 within 30 days (95% CI $2247, $2441, p < 0.001) and savings of $2004 USD within 90 days (95% CI $1895, $2114, p < 0.001), driven by reduced costs at the index visit.

Conclusions

GENIE consults were associated with decreased inpatient admissions through the ED, modestly increased ED revisits, and decreased cost of inpatient and ED care. The results of this study can be useful for EDs considering approaches to better serve older adults. They can also be of interest to payers as an area of potential cost savings.
Effect of chromosomal polymorphisms on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer
Authors: Liang Lixia , Zhang Xiuping , Zhang Zhiping , Xu Suming , Wu Yuanxia , Zhang Xueluo , Wu Xueqing
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The incidence of chromosomal polymorphisms (CP) is increased in infertile couples, but its impact on reproduction is uncertain, especially undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect ofCPon the outcomes of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection‐embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI‐ET) treatment

Methods

A total of 1331 infertile couples undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment were involved in this retrospective case–control study. The participants were divided into 4 groups according to CP variations: (i) normal chromosomes (NC) group; (ii) CP group; (iii) both chromosomal polymorphisms (BCP) group; and (iv) double chromosomal polymorphisms (DCP) group. The CP group was further divided into five subgroups: qh+, D/G, inv(9), Yqh+ and Yqh−. The outcomes of IVF/ICSI‐ET treatment were compared among the groups.

Results

There were no differences observed between the eight groups in terms of number of oocytes retrieved, MII rate, fertilization rate, cleaved embryo rate, and quality embryo rate for both females and males (p > 0.05). In both male and female, some of the CP subgroups experienced more oocyte retrieval operations and more embryo transfer operations to achieve pregnancy than the NC groups (p < 0.05). The rates of live births were significantly lower in some of the CP subgroups compared to the NC group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pregnancy outcomes of ET were affected byCP. It was speculated that this may be associated with the effect of chromosome polymorphism on embryo quality, although this could not be observed or determined by morphological evaluation.
From the historical Roman road network to modern infrastructure in Italy
Authors: De Benedictis Luca , Licio Vania , Pinna Anna Maria
Published: July 2023

The road system built during the Roman Empire continues to have a significant impact on modern infrastructure in Italy. This paper examines the historical influence of Roman roads on the development of Italy's motorways and railways. The empirical analysis demonstrates how modern Italian transport infrastructure largely follows the path of the consular trajectories established by the network of Roman roads. These ancient roads, being paved and connecting the extremes of the Italian peninsula, have endured over time, serving as the foundational physical capital for the development of the current transport network. Overall, this research highlights the enduring legacy of the Roman road system and the robustness of Roman roads as an instrument in determining the causal effect of modern infrastructure.
Normative data for odor identification performance using the U‐sniff test from Chinese children and adolescents
Authors: Qiu Yi‐qi , Zhou Han , Ma Qian‐wen , Schriever Valentin A. , Hummel Thomas , Zou Lai‐quan
Published: July 2023

The sense of smell is essential in daily life. Children with olfactory dysfunction face a series of problems, so assessing olfactory function during early‐life period is very important. The Universal Sniff (U‐Sniff) test is a widely used measurement of odor identification ability in children and adolescents, although there is a lack of normative data in China. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish normative data for the U‐Sniff test in a large sample of healthy Chinese children and adolescents. A total of 922 healthy children and adolescents (441 boys, 481 girls) aged 6–17 years from China were involved in this study. Odor identification performance was assessed using the U‐Sniff test. The U‐Sniff test mean score across all participants was 10.50 ± 1.73 points (range 1–12). U‐Sniff test scores increased with age, and no effects of sex or an interaction between age group and sex were recorded in this population.

Practical Applications

There is currently no published data reporting normative data of the U‐Sniff test among Chinese children and adolescents. From the present research, normative data for olfactory identification using the U‐Sniff test have been established for Chinese population aged 6–17 years. This study provides routine measurements to support future examinations at hospitals, school check‐ups and so on, which can help patients with reduced olfactory function receive appropriate therapy as early as possible.
A scoping review of studies examining mental health literacy among Arabs worldwide
Authors: Abo‐Rass Fareeda , Nakash Ora , Abu‐Kaf Sarah
Published: July 2023

Background

There is growing interest in Mental health literacy (MHL) worldwide, given its important role in overcoming barriers to service use and reducing mental health disparities. However, little is known about MHL among Arabs.

Aim

We conducted a scoping review to examine MHL levels and correlates among Arabs in both Arab and non‐Arab countries, based on Jorm's MHL framework.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, using six electronic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Soc Index, Web of Science, and Scopus. Data were summarized and synthesized.

Results

Nine studies examining MHL among Arabs met our inclusion criteria. Seven of them used a quantitative cross‐sectional design. Four studies were conducted in Arab, and five were in non‐Arab countries. Five studies were conducted among university students. The studies included indicate moderate to high levels of MHL. Higher MHL was associated with female gender, personal experience of mental health illness, and with help‐seeking behaviours.

Conclusions

Our review shows a significant lack of empirical studies on Arabs' MHL. These findings should be considered as a call for action for public health researchers, mental health workers, and policymakers to prioritize research in this field.
The effects of dietary microbial 6‐phytase on growth parameters, intestinal morphometric properties and selected intestinal genes expression in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1876)
Authors: Kaiza Victor E. , Yildiz Mustafa , Eldem Vahap , Golzaradabi Shahram , Ofori‐Mensah Samuel
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the effects of dietary 6‐phytase, produced by a genetically modified Komagataella phaffii, on growth performance, feed utilisation, flesh quality, villus morphometric properties, and intestinal mRNA expression in rainbow trout. Six iso‐nitrogenous, iso‐lipidic, and iso‐caloric diets were formulated and fed to triplicate groups of juvenile rainbow trout weighing 32.57 ± 0.36 g (mean ± SD) for 90 days. The dietary treatments included two positive controls (PC), one formulated with 400 g/kg of fish meal named T1, and the other formulated with 170 g/kg of fish meal plus 1% avP derived from monocalcium phosphate named T2. The remaining dietary treatments consisted of a negative control (NC) formulated with 170 g/kg of fish meal (T3), NC+ 750, NC+ 1500, and NC+ 3000 OTU/kg levels of phytase designated as T4, T5, and T6 diets respectively. Compared to T1, weight gain (WG) increased by 16.29, 13.71 and 11.66% in T4, T5 and T6, respectively (p < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lowered by 3.2 and 0.8% in T4 and T5 compared to T1 (p < 0.05). WG, feed intake (FI), FCR, final body length, bone ash, bone ash P, and intestinal morphometry were negatively affected in T3 fed fish (p < 0.05). Whole‐body fish nutrient, bone ash, bone ash phosphorus (P) compositions and mucosal villus morphometric properties improved in rainbow trout fed diets supplemented with phytase dose ranging from 750–3000 OTU. Bone ash increased by 6.12% in T5 compared to T1 (p < 0.05). Phytase inclusion enhanced the profitability of feeding juvenile rainbow trout such diets as it reduced the feed price and economic conversion rate. Dietary inclusion of phytase down‐regulated mRNA expression of genes responsible for fatty acid synthesis and lipogenesis in juvenile rainbow trout. Dietary phytase up‐regulated the mRNA expression of genes (SLC4A11 and ATP1A3A) responsible for nutrient uptake and down‐regulated intestinal expression of MUCIN 5AC—like genes (mucus secreting genes) in juvenile rainbow trout. Along with improving performance parameters, the inclusion of phytase in rainbow trout diet containing plant‐based protein sources, can preserve intestinal morphology by regulating the mRNA expression of genes responsible for fatty acid synthesis, lipogenesis and nutrient uptake and transport.
Plastomic data shed new light on the phylogeny, biogeography, and character evolution of the family Crassulaceae
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Ying , Zhang Dan‐Qing , Zhang Jian‐Qiang
Published: July 2023

Crassulaceae is a mid‐sized family of angiosperms, most species of which are herbaceous succulents, usually with 5‐merous flowers and one or two whorls of stamens. Although previous phylogenetic studies revealed seven major “clades” in Crassulaceae and greatly improved our understanding of the evolutionary history of the family, relationships among major clades are still contentious. In addition, the biogeographic origin and evolution of important morphological characters delimiting infrafamilial taxa have not been subject to formal biogeographic and character evolution analyses based on a well‐supported phylogeny backbone. In this study, we used plastomic data of 52 species, representing all major clades revealed in previous studies to reconstruct a robust phylogeny of Crassulaceae, based on which we unraveled the spatiotemporal framework of diversification of the family. We found that the family may originate in southern Africa and then dispersed to the Mediterranean, from there to eastern Asia, Macaronesia, and North America. The crown age of Crassulaceae was dated at ca. 63.93 million years ago, shortly after the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K‐Pg) boundary. We also traced the evolution of six important morphological characters previously used to delimit infrafamilial taxa and demonstrated widespread parallel and convergent evolution of both vegetative (life form and phyllotaxis) and floral characters (number of stamen whorls, petals free or fused, and flower merism). Our results provide a robust backbone phylogeny as a foundation for further investigations, and also some important new insights into biogeography and evolution of the family Crassulaceae.
The bulk mineralogy, elemental composition, and water content of the Winchcombe CM chondrite fall
Authors: Bates H. C. , King A. J. , Shirley K. S. , Bonsall E. , Schröder C. , Wombacher F. , Fockenberg T. , Curtis R. J. , Bowles N. E.
Published: July 2023

On the microscale, the Winchcombe CM carbonaceous chondrite contains a number of lithological units with a variety of degrees of aqueous alteration. However, an understanding of the average hydration state is useful when comparing to other meteorites and remote observations of airless bodies. We report correlated bulk analyses on multiple subsamples of the Winchcombe meteorite, determining an average phyllosilicate fraction petrologic type of 1.2 and an average water content of 11.9 wt%. We show the elemental composition and distribution of iron and iron oxidation state are consistent with measurements from other CM chondrites; however, Winchcombe shows a low Hg concentration of 58.1 ± 0.5 ng g−1. We demonstrate that infrared reflectance spectra of Winchcombe are consistent with its bulk modal mineralogy, and comparable to other CM chondrites with similar average petrologic types. Finally, we also evaluate whether spectral parameters can estimate H/Si ratios and water abundances, finding generally spectral parameters underestimate water abundance compared to measured values.
That's no moon, it's a Starship: Giant transposons driving fungal horizontal gene transfer
Authors: Bucknell Angus H. , McDonald Megan C.
Published: July 2023

To date, most reports of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in fungi rely on genome sequence data and are therefore an indirect measure of HGT after the event has occurred. However, a novel group of class II‐like transposons known as Starships may soon alter this status quo. Starships are giant transposable elements that carry dozens of genes, some of which are host‐beneficial, and are linked to many recent HGT events in the fungal kingdom. These transposons remain active and mobile in many fungal genomes and their transposition has recently been shown to be driven by a conserved tyrosine‐recombinase called ‘Captain’. This perspective explores some of the remaining unanswered questions about how these Starship transposons move, both within a genome and between different species. We seek to outline several experimental approaches that can be used to identify the genes essential for Starship‐mediated HGT and draw links to other recently discovered giant transposons outside of the fungal kingdom.
Cooking and food skills confidence of team sport athletes in Ireland
Authors: Renard Michèle , Kelly David T. , Ní Chéilleachair Niamh , Lavelle Fiona , Ó Catháin Ciarán
Published: July 2023

Nutritional support often focuses on cooking and food skills such as food selection, recipe planning and meal preparation. Individuals with greater cooking and food skills confidence have previously displayed higher diet quality scores and lower intakes of overall calories, saturated fat and sugar. Despite this, the cooking and food skills of team sport athletes have yet to be investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between cooking and food skills confidence and athletes' demographic characteristics. A validated measure for the assessment of cooking and food skills confidence was distributed via an online survey. Participants were required to rate their confidence on a Likert scale (1 “very poor” – 7 “very good”) for 14 items related to cooking skills and 19 items for food skills. Food engagement, general health interest and self‐reported fruit and vegetable consumption as a measure of diet quality were also measured. The survey was completed by 266 team sport athletes (male: 150, female: 116, age: 24.8 ± 6.1 years). Group differences were explored using t‐tests and ANOVA and associations were evaluated using Spearman's correlation and hierarchical multiple regressions. Athletes' total cooking and food skills confidence was 62.7 ± 17.4 (64.0 ± 17.8%) and 83.8 ± 20.1 (63.0 ± 15.1%), respectively. Females reported greater confidence in both cooking (+20.3%, p < 0.01) and food skills (+9.2%, p < 0.01). Hierarchical multiple regressions explained 48.8% of the variance in cooking skills confidence and 44% of the variance in food skills confidence with gender, previous culinary training, cooking learning stage, general health interest and food engagement all remaining significant in the cooking skills confidence model and cooking frequency, previous culinary training, general health interest and food engagement remaining significant in the food skills confidence model. Male team sport athletes may benefit the most from educational interventions designed to increase cooking and food skills confidence.
Distress, wellbeing, and growth amidst COVID‐19: Considering the dynamic interplay between positive and negative anticipatory emotions
Authors: Marshall Emma M. , Karantzas Gery C. , Greenwood Christopher J. , Aarsman Stephanie R. , Fernando Julian W. , Romano Daniel , Knox Laura , Stokes Mark A. , Fuller‐Tyszkiewicz Matthew , Mikocka‐Walus Antonina , Westrupp Elizabeth M.
Published: July 2023

Although negative anticipatory emotions are typically seen as risk factors for poorer psychological outcomes over COVID‐19, emotion theorists suggest that this risk may be attenuated if balanced by the experience of positive emotion. Thus, the current study examined whether interactions between positive and negative anticipatory emotions were concurrently associated with psychological distress and greater personal wellbeing/posttraumatic growth (PTG) at three distinct periods (i.e., pre‐lockdown, during lockdown, post‐lockdown), and whether associations varied by these three COVID‐19 time periods. The study utilizes two large longitudinal Australian samples, surveyed in 2020 prior to, during, and after a strict 4‐month lockdown that occurred in Australia. Overall, positive emotions attenuated the adverse psychological outcomes arising from higher levels of negative emotion (i.e., higher psychological distress and lower personal wellbeing). Observed effects varied according to COVID‐19 threat exposure. Specifically, the interaction was significantly associated with psychological distress prior to the lockdown for Sample 2, and during the lockdown for both samples. The interaction was significantly associated with wellbeing (Sample 2) prior to, and during, the lockdown but only marginally associated post‐lockdown. The interaction, however, was not significantly associated with PTG (Sample 1). The results suggest that it is valuable for future research to consider greater emotional complexity (i.e., mixed emotions) over COVID‐19, and other stressors more generally, to encompass a more nuanced understanding of resilience.