bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective validation of a seizure diary forecasting falls short
Authors: Goldenholz Daniel M. , Eccleston Celena , Moss Robert , Westover M. Brandon
Published: April 2024

Objective

Recently, a deep learning artificial intelligence (AI) model forecasted seizure risk using retrospective seizure diaries with higher accuracy than random forecasts. The present study sought to prospectively evaluate the same algorithm.

Methods

We recruited a prospective cohort of 46 people with epilepsy; 25 completed sufficient data entry for analysis (median = 5 months). We used the same AI method as in our prior study. Group‐level and individual‐level Brier Skill Scores (BSSs) compared random forecasts and simple moving average forecasts to the AI.

Results

The AI had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of .82. At the group level, the AI outperformed random forecasting (BSS = .53). At the individual level, AI outperformed random in 28% of cases. At the group and individual level, the moving average outperformed the AI. If pre‐enrollment (nonverified) diaries (with presumed underreporting) were included, the AI significantly outperformed both comparators. Surveys showed most did not mind poor‐quality LOW‐RISK or HIGH‐RISK forecasts, yet 91% wanted access to these forecasts.

Significance

The previously developed AI forecasting tool did not outperform a very simple moving average forecasting in this prospective cohort, suggesting that the AI model should be replaced.
Effects of lianas on forest biogeochemistry during their lives and afterlives
Authors: Dossa Gbadamassi G. O. , Li Hong‐Lin , Pan Bo , Ling Tial C. , Schaefer Douglas A. , Roeder Mareike , Njoroge Denis M. , Zuo Juan , Song Liang , Ofosu‐Bamfo Bismark , Schnitzer Stefan A. , Harrison Rhett D. , Bongers Frans , Zhang Jiao‐Lin , Cao Kun‐Fang , Powers Jennifer S. , Fan Ze‐Xin , Chen Ya‐Jun , Corlett Richard T. , Zotz Gerhard , Oleksyn Jacek , Wyka Tomasz P. , Codjia Jean Evans Israel , Cornelissen Johannes H. C.
Published: April 2024

Climate change and other anthropogenic disturbances are increasing liana abundance and biomass in many tropical and subtropical forests. While the effects of living lianas on species diversity, ecosystem carbon, and nutrient dynamics are receiving increasing attention, the role of dead lianas in forest ecosystems has been little studied and is poorly understood. Trees and lianas coexist as the major woody components of forests worldwide, but they have very different ecological strategies, with lianas relying on trees for mechanical support. Consequently, trees and lianas have evolved highly divergent stem, leaf, and root traits. Here we show that this trait divergence is likely to persist after death, into the afterlives of these organs, leading to divergent effects on forest biogeochemistry. We introduce a conceptual framework combining horizontal, vertical, and time dimensions for the effects of liana proliferation and liana tissue decomposition on ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling. We propose a series of empirical studies comparing traits between lianas and trees to answer questions concerning the influence of trait afterlives on the decomposability of liana and tree organs. Such studies will increase our understanding of the contribution of lianas to terrestrial biogeochemical cycling, and help predict the effects of their increasing abundance.
KF‐metaweb: A trophic metaweb of freshwater ecosystems of South Korea
Authors: Adhurya Sagar , Lee Da‐Yeong , Park Young‐Seuk
Published: April 2024

Motivation

The metaweb is a dictionary of nodes and their potential interactions developed for a particular region, focusing on a particular type of ecosystem. Based on the local biodiversity information at different spatial and temporal scales, the regional metaweb can be easily decomposed into local webs. The generated local webs are useful for understanding spatiotemporal variations in ecological interactions in a particular region. In this study, an attempt was made to develop a trophic metaweb for freshwater ecosystems in South Korea, called the KF‐metaweb. The metaweb contains 23,074 interactions between 446 taxa collected from 730 studies. This metaweb can be used to understand the spatiotemporal variability of different local food webs and the effects of the environment on food web properties. Furthermore, this is the first metaweb developed for any Asian ecosystem that contains information about many interactions that are unavailable in any other existing database. In addition, this metaweb study enriches our global understanding of ecological interactions.

Main Types of Variables Contained

The data contained trophic interactions between resources (prey) and consumers (predators).

Spatial Location and Grain

The mainland of South Korea and Jeju Island.

Time Period and Grain

2008–2021.

Major Taxa

Microalgae (belonging to the phyla Cyanobacteria, Bygra, Cryophyta, Myozoa, Ochrophyta, Charophyta, Chlorophyta, Euglenozoa and Mycetozoa), zooplankton (belonging to the phyla Arthropoda and Rotifera), benthic macroinvertebrates (Platyhelmenthes, Annelida, Arthropoda and Mollusca) and fish.

Level of Measurement

Minimum taxonomic resolution was at the genus level for fish and benthic macroinvertebrates and order level for zooplankton and microalgae.

Software Format

Excel (*.xlsx).
‘GRADE, WEIL ICH MICH ALS DEUTSCHEN FÜHLE’: THE PROGRESSIVE PATRIOTISM OF DIE WELTBÜHNE
Authors: Arscott Jack
Published: April 2024

This article investigates the under‐researched phenomenon of left‐wing patriotism through the prism of the Weimar‐era weekly journal Die Weltbühne. Drawing on my recently completed doctoral thesis on this subject, I argue that patriotism and nationalism must be understood as two separate concepts capable of being driven by contrasting political agendas. To this end, I first critically examine a handful of canonical studies of nationalism and patriotism, pointing out a pronounced tendency in scholarship both to equate the two and to undermine the basis for existence of any form of patriotism. I then trace the origins of left‐wing German patriotism back to the early nineteenth century, briefly considering two texts by Heinrich Heine, Deutschland. Ein Wintermärchen and Zur Geschichte der Religion und Philosophie in Deutschland, before turning to my case study. Choosing a small but representative number of texts from the journal's expansive corpus, I set out the three pillars on which my analysis depends: regionalism, internationalism and socialism. In so doing, I demonstrate the need to revise our understanding both of the position of Die Weltbühne within Weimar journalism and of the potential of patriotism to serve progressive political ends.
Association of sense of coherence and periodontal disease severity, in two cross‐sectional studies
Authors: Wahlin Åsa , Lindmark Ulrika , Norderyd Ola
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To investigate the association between the individuals' level of sense of coherence (SOC) and periodontal disease severity.

Methods

The study populations originated from two stratified cross‐sectional random samples of residents in a medium‐sized Swedish city in 2003 and 2013, respectively. The final samples constituted 491 individuals in 2003 and 538 individuals in 2013. The samples were classified into three groups according to the severity of periodontitis (no/minor, moderate and severe). The 13‐item Swedish version of Antonovsky's “Orientation to life” questionnaire, measuring the individual's SOC, was filled out. Descriptive statistics were performed as well as multinomial logistic regression analysis. Dependent variable was the severity of periodontal disease and independent variables, age in years, presently smoking and education at university level.

Results

In the multinomial regression analysis, smoking, age, and total SOC score were significantly associated with severe periodontitis at both examinations. The strongest predictor of severe periodontal disease was smoking. The total SOC score did not differ between the examinations, but there was a statistically significant difference in two of the SOC dimensions, manageability (lower), and comprehensibility (higher), over time.

Conclusions

Individuals with severe periodontitis had significantly lower SOC compared to subjects periodontally having no/minor periodontal disease. Smoking was the strongest overall predictor of having severe periodontitis.
Mixed processing improved the theaflavin, theanine and aroma components of Congou black tea
Authors: Zuo Haoming , Lv Zhidong , Guo Shuning , Zhou Yuebing , Shen Chengwen
Published: April 2024

Congou black tea is mainly processed from single variety leaves, with obvious variety characteristics. This study investigated the effects of mixed processing withered leaves varieties on sensory quality, the volatile and non‐volatile compounds of seven Congou black tea samples. Sensory quality evaluation revealed that the Congou black tea with three leaves varieties were fresher, more floral and had coordinate taste. The total quality score was in the order: MPH > H > M&H > M > M&P > H&P > P. However, samples MPH and M&H have a higher content of theaflavins and amino acids, especially theanine. Furthermore, 130 volatile substances were identified in seven black teas by using HS‐SPME/GC–MS. M&H and MPH have more aroma types and total amount than that of M, P and H. The mixed processing of withered leaves may fully use the catalysis of endogenous enzymes to increase the 19 kinds of black tea key aromas including Benzyl alcohol, trans‐2‐hexenyl hexanoate, Hexyl hexanoate and Methyl jasmonate. Thus, blended processing can enhance the taste, aroma and LC quality of black tea.
Effect of novel infrared–ohmic thawing method on the thawing rate and minced turkey breast quality
Authors: Safari Shabnam , Zandi Mohsen , Ganjloo Ali
Published: April 2024

The study evaluated the effect of the ohmic thawing method with IR pre‐treatment (unilateral and bilateral) on ground turkey breast that was frozen using various freezing methods, including snap freezing, freezing at −70 °C and −20 °C. The results revealed that the thawing time in ohmic thawing with unilateral and bilateral IR pre‐treatment (in the snap freezing method) was 69.23% and 50.14% shorter compared to the ohmic thawing method without pre‐treatment, respectively. Additionally, the snap freezing method exhibited a significantly higher thawing rate compared to the other freezing methods. Implementing IR pre‐treatment, particularly bilaterally, along with snap freezing, resulted in a reduction of all losses ranging from 20% to 70%. The results of Raman spectroscopy showed that the ohmic thawing method with bilateral IR pre‐treatment resulted in better preservation of protein secondary structure, protein solubility and reduced oxidation of frozen turkey meat. Although the pH changes were not affected by the thawing method, the pH value decreased as the freezing speed reduced. The preservation of meat colour quality was enhanced by increasing the freezing speed and implementing IR pre‐treatment. The results indicate that using IR pre‐treatment can enhance the positive effects of ohmic thawing. Also, the IR type applied showed better results obtained in bilateral mode (P > 0.05).
A nano photocatalyst rGO/TiO2 modified by sol–gel‐irradiation and its degradation of deoxynivalenol in liquid products
Authors: Yan Ruyu , Lin Guitian , Wu Qianhui , Su Shufen , Song Xianliang , Luo Shucan , Ye Shengying , Situ Wenbei
Published: April 2024

The rGO/TiO2 nanocomposite photocatalyst was synthesised using the sol–gel‐irradiation way to efficiently remove deoxynivalenol (DON) for the grains product's safety and quality. With the nanosize effect of irradiation, the photocatalyst has a smaller average grain size, preventing the recombination of electrons and holes. Moreover, based on UV–Vis DRS study, rGO/TiO2 could utilise visible light and have a broader response range to light. Furthermore, to the application, the photocatalyst rGO/TiO2 with 30 KGy irradiation dosage had an 80.32 ± 4.41% photocatalytic degradation rate of DON. Compared to the photocatalyst without irradiation, there was a 9.98% increase in the degradation rate. This result provided an excellent candidate photocatalyst for the removal of DON and also promoted the development of photocatalysis applications.
Protein oxidation‐induced changes in the physicochemical properties and quality of plant food
Authors: Wu Jiayang , Ji Yanli , Xue Jie , Gao Yaran , Sun Shuyuan , Yang Hui
Published: April 2024

Protein oxidation is widely present in food systems and is susceptible to internal factors involving lipids and enzymes as well as external factors such as temperature and oxygen promoters. Protein oxidation leads to modification of the peptide skeletons and amino acid side chains, which in turn alters the structural characteristics of proteins, including protein cleavage, aggregation and derivative formation, and severely affects their physicochemical properties and bioavailability, thereby reducing the edible and storage qualities of foods. This review summarises the main factors that cause and regulate oxidation of plant protein, the effects of protein oxidation on food quality and strategies to ameliorate protein over‐oxidation, aiming to provide meaningful information for the development of high‐quality plant protein products.
“It's an ongoing discussion about desire”: Adults' strategies for managing sexual and affectionate desire discrepancies in romantic relationships
Authors: Clark Alyssa N. , Walters Tracy L. , Lefkowitz Eva S.
Published: April 2024

Desire discrepancies are a common source of relationship conflict and one reason adults may seek couples counseling. Within romantic relationships, adults individually experience sexual and affectionate desire, but also experience desire relative to their partner. If desire discrepancies exist, partners may attempt to resolve these discrepancies. Thus, we examined adults' strategies for managing sexual and affectionate desire discrepancies. Our sample consisted of 300 adults (45% women; Mage = 29.5; 86.3% LGBTQ+) who were in a romantic relationship and reported a desire discrepancy. Thematic analysis revealed five strategies for managing desire discrepancies: alternative behaviors, communication, doing nothing, engaging in behaviors anyway, and giving control to a specific partner. Adults reported similar strategies for resolving sexual and affectionate desire discrepancies. Perceived effectiveness and strategies varied by whether adults thought that their discrepancies were problematic. Our findings hold implications for clinicians approaching problematic desire discrepancies, and suggest strategies that may promote effective resolutions.
Reframing prediabetes: A call for better risk stratification and intervention
Authors: Kim Sun H.
Published: April 2024

Prediabetes is an intermediate state of glucose homeostasis whereby plasma glucose concentrations are above normal but below the threshold of diagnosis for diabetes. Over the last several decades, criteria for prediabetes have changed as the cut points for normal glucose concentration and diagnosis of diabetes have shifted. Global consensus does not exist for prediabetes criteria; as a result, the clinical course and risk for type 2 diabetes vary. At present, we can identify individuals with prediabetes based on three glycemic tests (hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose, and 2‐h plasma glucose during an oral glucose tolerance test). The majority of individuals diagnosed with prediabetes meet only one of these criteria. Meeting one, two, or all glycemic criteria changes risk for type 2 diabetes, but this information is not widely known and does not currently guide intervention strategies for individuals with prediabetes. This review summarizes current epidemiology, prognosis, and intervention strategies for individuals diagnosed with prediabetes and suggests a call for more precise risk stratification of individuals with prediabetes as elevated (one prediabetes criterion), high risk (two prediabetes criteria), and very high risk (three prediabetes criteria). In addition, the roles of oral glucose tolerance testing and continuous glucose monitoring in the diagnostic criteria for prediabetes need reassessment. Finally, we must reframe our goals for prediabetes and prioritize intensive interventions for those at high and very high risk for type 2 diabetes.
Finding your Sea Legs: Exploring Newcomer Embodied Learning in an Extreme Context
Authors: Bharatan Ila , Oborn Eivor , Swan Jacky
Published: April 2024

Embodied learning involves developing not only socio‐technical know‐how but also the bodily capacity to execute practices competently. In extreme contexts, newcomers encounter threatening experiences that may incapacitate their ability to participate. How newcomers develop the bodily capacity to participate in such situations is a research area that requires further attention. Using ethnographic data from a study of novices working in the risky context of seafaring, we show that newcomers encounter threat experiences (imagined, immediate, and attenuated) that trigger them to engage in three types of body work: priming, battling, and enduring, from which they develop the capacity to participate. Our analysis suggests a model of newcomer embodied learning in practices in an extreme context and contributes to embodied learning literature by showing: (1) body work directed at capacity to participate, (2) the mutually constitutive relationship between body work and threat experiences, and (3) the temporal complexity of embodied learning anchored in the body work and threat experiences.
Daily associations between global self‐esteem and self‐concept clarity and their relationships with subjective well‐being in a sample of adult workers
Authors: Filosa Lorenzo , Sommovigo Valentina , Tavolucci Simone , Rosa Valentina , Alivernini Fabio , Baiocco Roberto , Borghi Anna , Chirico Andrea , Fini Chiara , Palombi Tommaso , Pistella Jessica , Lucidi Fabio , Alessandri Guido
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The present pre‐registered study examined the reciprocal day‐to‐day associations between global self‐esteem and self‐concept clarity and their incremental validity with respect to daily life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect.

Methods

We used intensive longitudinal data from 153 adult workers (45.1% women), over a period of 31 days. Data were analyzed using dynamic structural equation modeling.

Results

Results attested higher global self‐esteem and self‐concept clarity mean levels for older vs. younger participants, and lower global self‐esteem and self‐concept clarity variability for older vs. younger participants. Furthermore, global self‐esteem and self‐concept clarity were correlated at a cross‐sectional daily level, yet only self‐concept clarity states positively predicted subsequent global self‐esteem states, while global self‐esteem states did not predict subsequent self‐concept clarity states. Daily global self‐esteem and daily self‐concept clarity further predicted subsequent daily higher life satisfaction and positive affect, respectively.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings shed light on the short‐term relationships linking global self‐esteem and self‐concept clarity, pointing to their discriminant validity in predicting individuals' subjective well‐being.
Which patients should be considered for gene therapy
Authors: Miesbach Wolfgang
Published: April 2024

Gene therapy for haemophilia, utilizing adeno‐associated viral vectors (AAVs) and coagulation factor genes, have demonstrated promising results, leading to recent approvals and introduction of the first gene therapy products into clinical practice. For successful and safe use, there are predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the treatment process and associated risks should be thoroughly understood and long‐term safety and efficacy carefully evaluated during follow up. As gene therapy becomes more accessible outside of clinical study centers, continuous evaluation of patient eligibility for subsequent AAV‐based treatments becomes essential. Thorough evaluation of factors such as liver condition, anti‐AAV status, and medical history ensures that gene therapy maximizing benefits while minimizing risks. Apart from fulfilling the established inclusion and exclusion criteria, the success of gene therapy is greatly influenced by the motivation and willingness of patients to accept temporary constraints, such as regular laboratory monitoring, potential use of immunosuppressants, and thorough documentation. Furthermore, various patient‐related factors play a significant role in the management and outcomes of gene therapy, making a comprehensive evaluation essential. With the accumulation of more data, there is potential for the expansion of certain inclusion criteria, which may allow for a larger number of eligible patients to benefit from gene therapy. Empowering patients through shared decision‐making enables them to thoroughly consider the therapy's potential benefits and risks.
Hepatitis after gene therapy, what are the possible causes?
Authors: Maina Ann , Foster Graham R.
Published: April 2024

Hepatitis is a common adverse event following gene therapy for haemophilia, often associated with a loss of transgene expression. Investigating the potential causes and implications of this is crucial for the overall success of treatment. Gene therapy trials using adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vectors have demonstrated promising results marked by increases in factor FVIII and FIX levels and reductions in episodes of bleeding. However, hepatocellular injury characterised by elevations in alanine aminotransferases (ALT) has been noted. This liver injury is typically transient and asymptomatic, posing challenges in determining its clinical significance. Proposed causes encompass immune‐mediated responses, notably T cell cytotoxicity in response to the AAV vector, direct liver injury from the viral capsid or transcribed protein via the unfolded protein response and pre‐existing liver conditions. Liver biopsy data conducted years post‐gene therapy infusion has shown sinusoidal infiltration without significant inflammation. The overall safety profile of gene therapy remains favourable with no evidence drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) based on Hy's Law criteria. Essential pre‐therapy monitoring and identifying patients at high risk of liver injury should involve liver function tests and non‐invasive fibroscans, while novel blood‐based biomarkers are under exploration. Further research is required to comprehend the mechanisms underlying transaminitis, loss of transgene expression and long‐term effects on the liver, providing insights for optimising gene therapy for haemophilia.
Livestreaming clinical experience to remotely located learners: A critical narrative review
Authors: Gomez Kelvin , Edwards Helen L. , Kirby Jane
Published: April 2024

Context

Medical education relies on real patient learning (RPL) to provide medical students with essential clinical experience. However, growing demand for clinical placements continues to be a challenge in providing sufficient RPL opportunities. The COVID‐19 pandemic forced academic institutions to rethink the delivery of traditional clinical training and innovations in online clinical learning experiences, specifically livestreamed clinical experiences, have emerged which show promise in addressing the capacity limitations of traditional placements. Although previous reviews have explored the use of livestreamed clinical experiences during the pandemic, there is a lack of rigorous theoretical framing to support these innovations.

Objectives

The aim of this review is two‐fold: to examine the effectiveness of livestreamed clinical experiences through an experience‐based learning (ExBL) theory perspective and to provide practical recommendations to optimise and implement these innovations.

Methods

A review of literature was conducted to identify journal articles published between September 2019 and January 2023 reporting on innovations relating to livestreamed clinical experiences. The search focused on undergraduate and postgraduate medical education but relevant evidence from other healthcare professions were also included due to a limited evidence base. Strengths and weaknesses were derived from the literature and analysed in relation to ExBL components.

Results

Principal strengths of livestreamed clinical experiences included expanded access to RPL opportunities and medical specialties, enhanced standardisation of learning experiences and positive perceptions from students regarding convenience. Clinical educators found these innovations enabled teaching at scale. Patients did not perceive such innovations to negatively impact their standard of care. Limitations included the inability to practice physical examination skills, challenges in ensuring learner engagement and connectivity issues.

Conclusion

Livestreamed clinical experiences have the potential to effectively expand placement capacity and provide high‐quality educational experiences for medical students. Although certain limitations exist, technological and pedagogical adaptations can help overcome these challenges. The application of theoretical frameworks to future online innovations will be fundamental to ensure effective clinical learning.
Systematic review on efficacy and safety of empirical versus pre‐emptive antifungal therapy among children with febrile neutropenia reveals paucity of data
Authors: Sachdeva Meenakshi , Malik Meenakshi , Pradhan Pranita , Kaur Kulbir , Dogra Sarita , Mathew Joseph L.
Published: April 2024

Background

Two approaches are used to manage invasive fungal disease (IFD) in febrile neutropenic patients viz. empirical therapy (without attempting to confirm the diagnosis), or pre‐emptive therapy (after screening tests for IFD).

Objective

This systematic review was undertaken to compare these approaches in children.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Clinical Trial Registries and grey literature, for randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing empirical versus pre‐emptive antifungal therapy in children with FN suspected to have IFD. We used the Cochrane Risk of bias 2 tool for quality assessment, and evaluated the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach.

Results

We identified 7989 citations. Stepwise screening identified only one relevant RCT that administered empirical (n = 73) or pre‐emptive (n = 76) antifungal therapy. There were no significant differences in all‐cause mortality (RR 1.56, 95% CI: 0.46, 5.31), IFD mortality (RR 1.04, 95% CI:0.15, 7.20) and other clinically important outcomes such as duration of fever, duration of hospitalization and proportion requiring ICU admission. There were no safety data reported. The number of days of antifungal therapy was significantly lower in the pre‐emptive therapy arm. The certainty of evidence for all outcomes was ‘moderate’.

Conclusions

This systematic review highlighted the paucity of data, comparing empirical versus pre‐emptive antifungal therapy in children with febrile neutropenia having suspected invasive fungal disease. Data from a single included trial suggests that both approaches may be comparable in research settings. Robust trials are warranted to address the gap in existing knowledge about the optimal approach in clinical practice.
Lenalidomide‐induced posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: A case report
Authors: Ayoub Marc , Ballout Ahmad , Burshtein Joshua , Burshtein Aaron , Lin Amanda , LeDoux David
Published: April 2024

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a disorder of cerebrovascular dysregulation. To our knowledge, we present the first case of lenalidomide‐induced PRES in English. A 59‐year‐old woman with history of multiple myeloma status post stem cell transplant and induction triple therapy 6 months ago with partial remission and subsequent high‐dose melphalan 1 month ago presented with progressive vision loss for 1 week. Her systolic blood pressure was >180 mmHg, and neurological examination demonstrated decreased vision bilaterally. Brain MRI revealed significant T2 hyperintensity restricted to temporal and occipital lobes and left occipital parenchymal hemorrhage and diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement. She had a witnessed generalized tonic–clonic seizure and EEG that captured an electrographic seizure originating from the occipital lobe. Her vision improved rapidly after discontinuing the lenalidomide. She was discharged to rehab with a normal neurological examination. We report the first English case of presumed lenalidomide induced PRES in a patient undergoing multiple myeloma treatment.
Ecological predictors of cultural competence among nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit: A cross‐sectional descriptive study
Authors: Kim Na Rae , Lee Ja‐yin , Park Jiyoung , Lau Siew Tiang
Published: April 2024

Active migration and globalization have led to increased opportunities for critical care nurses to care for patients from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds. This study thus aimed to identify the individual, interpersonal, and organizational factors affecting cultural competence levels among neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses based on an ecological model. This was a cross‐sectional descriptive study that included 135 NICU nurses in South Korea. A hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was conducted using the proposed ecological model, and a regression model for each of the four subdomains of cultural competence was constructed and compared. NICU nurses' cultural competencies were influenced not only by the “necessity of multicultural education” and “ethnocultural empathy” at the individual level but by the “hospital's readiness and support for cultural competencies” at the organizational level. To promote the cultural competence of nurses in critical care settings, environmental and organizational support should be improved, along with developing strategies that focus on nurses' individual characteristics. It is also necessary to investigate the “intersectionality” of the effects of individual and environmental factors on cultural competence.
Sources of confusion in global biodiversity trends
Authors: Boënnec Maëlys , Dakos Vasilis , Devictor Vincent
Published: April 2024

Populations and ecological communities are changing worldwide, and empirical studies exhibit a mixture of either declining or mixed trends. Confusion in global biodiversity trends thus remains, while assessing such changes is of major social, political, and scientific importance. Part of this variability may arise from the difficulty to reliably assess global biodiversity trends. Here, we conducted a literature review of studies documenting the temporal dynamics of global biodiversity. We classified the differences among approaches, data, and methodology used by the reviewed papers to reveal common findings and sources of discrepancies. We show that reviews and meta‐analyses, along with the use of global indicators, are more likely to conclude that trends are declining. On the other hand, the longer the data are available, the more nuanced are the trends they generate. Our results also highlight the lack of studies providing information on the impact of synergistic pressures on a global scale, making it even more difficult to understand the driving factors of the observed changes and how to decide conservation plan accordingly. Finally, we stress the importance of taking into account the sources of confusion identified, as well as the complexity of biodiversity changes, in order to implement effective conservation strategies. In particular, biodiversity dynamics are almost systematically assumed to be linear, while non‐linear trends are largely neglected. Clarifying the sources of confusion in global biodiversity trends should strengthen large‐scale biodiversity monitoring and conservation.
Implications of cannabis legalization for the US federal budget
Authors: Brill Alex , Miller Brian J. , Veuger Stan
Published: April 2024

Federal legislation to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis could have significant impacts on the federal budget. While the specific details of any potential cannabis legalization legislation are unknown at present, such reforms are likely to affect both tax receipts and federal outlays through a wide range of mechanisms including excise tax collections, changes in the size and composition of the labor force, and the major federal health care programs. We identify the main federal budgetary implications of legalizing cannabis and estimate their likely magnitude where possible.
Africa and the prospects of rotational democracy
Authors: Ibanga Diana‐Abasi
Published: April 2024

Sharing of social, economic, and political opportunities is crucial for the stability of many African states. Democracy has been identified as an inclusive framework that allows individuals to freely contest for these opportunities. However, in Africa, democracy appears not to work as compared to Western democratic societies. Some African political philosophers blame the problem on liberal democratic type practiced in the continent, which is modeled after the hegemonic socio‐political discourse in Europe and North America. Thus, it is argued that workable democratic model for Africa must be embedded in the continent's cultural and historical nuances. Consequently, initial effort by the Ghanaian philosopher Kwasi Wiredu appealed to the nonpartisan Consensus Democracy of traditional Akan society. But it is doubtful that the consensual model, which was successful in the mono‐ethnic traditional Akan society, will produce the same effect in a multi‐ethnic society as the modern African states. At present, ethnicity inter alia remains a major obstruction to democratization of the continent. Africa needs a democratic model that takes its rigid multi‐ethnic character into account instead of uncritically imposing global democratic knowledge to African situations or totally disregarding local knowledge of democracy. Therefore, I investigate how ethnicity inter alia can be accommodated in democratic practice. An experimental model called “Rotational Democracy” is introduced based on the traditional African social practice of One Cup, which embodies the phenomena of power rotation and rationing of the traditional society. The article demonstrates how indigenous knowledge can be the starting point for democratic practice in Africa.
Fine mapping and analysis of a candidate gene controlling Phytophthora blight resistance in cucumber
Authors: Wang R. , Lin Y.'e. , Zhang C. , Wu H. , Jin Q. , Guo J. , Cao H. , Tan D. , Wu T.
Published: April 2024

Cucumber blight is a destructive disease. The best way to control this disease is resistance breeding. This study focuses on disease resistance gene mapping and molecular marker development.

We used the resistant cucumber, JSH, and susceptible cucumber, B80, as parents to construct F2 populations. Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) combined with specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF‐seq) were used, from which we developed cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPs) markers to map the resistance gene.

Resistance in F2 individuals showed a segregation ratio of resistance:susceptibility close to 3:1. The gene in JSH resistant cucumber was mapped to an interval of 9.25 kb, and sequencing results for the three genes in the mapped region revealed three mutations at base sites 225, 302, and 591 in the coding region of Csa5G139130 between JSH and B80, but no mutations in coding regions of Csa5G139140 and Csa5G139150. The mutations caused changes in amino acids 75 and 101 of the protein encoded by Csa5G139130, suggesting that Csa5G139130 is the most likely resistance candidate gene. We developed a molecular marker, CAPs‐4, as a closely linked marker for the cucumber blight resistance gene.

This is the first report on mapping of a cucumber blight resistance gene and will provideg a useful marker for molecular breeding of cucumber resistance to Phytophthora blight.
Cover Image
Authors: Zhang Qingshuang , Yang Hongwei , Teame Tsegay , Ran Chao , Yang Yalin , Yao Yuanyuan , Ding Qianwen , Liu Shubin , Li Shengkang , Zhang Zhen , Zhou Zhigang
Published: April 2024

The cover image is based on the Review Article Immune disorders induced by improper use of dietary immunostimulants in aquatic animals: Research progress and prospective solutions by targeting gut microbiota by Qingshuang Zhang and Hongwei Yang et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.12852.

[Correction added on 27 March 2024, after first online publication: Cover image has been changed]

image
Interdependent network restoration games with incomplete information and bounded rationality
Authors: Talebiyan Hesam , Duenas‐Osorio Leonardo
Published: April 2024

Communities face the challenge of finding restoration strategies in the aftermath of disasters. In particular, independent and self‐interested utility managers devise such strategies for infrastructure through a heuristic decentralized process. This paper takes a game‐theoretic approach to model the decentralized and strategic restoration decision making with application to interdependent infrastructure. Particularly, we model the decision process using simultaneous games to investigate decision makers' conflicting preferences. We employ Bayesian games to incorporate the realistic assumptions of poor interagent communication, resulting in incomplete information. Also, we account for behavioral biases such as bounded rationality, cooperative behavior or lack thereof, and equality‐driven resource allocations. We test our models using ideal, synthetic interdependent networks, and the realistic infrastructure of Shelby County, TN. Results show that cooperation leads to the best‐performing decisions even if others are not cooperative. The necessity of cooperation is even higher when there is a dominant player whose service is vital to other players. Our sensitivity results highlight the significant influence of resource availability and allocation on the performance of restoration plans. Our approach enhances the practicality of decision models for community resilience, and unravels novel policy strategies such as cooperation incentives.
Emergence of simple and complex contagion dynamics from weighted belief networks
Authors: Aiyappa Rachith , Flammini Alessandro , Ahn Yong-Yeol
Published: April 2024

Social contagion is a ubiquitous and fundamental process that drives individual and social changes. Although social contagion arises as a result of cognitive processes and biases, the integration of cognitive mechanisms with the theory of social contagion remains an open challenge. In particular, studies on social phenomena usually assume contagion dynamics to be either simple or complex, rather than allowing it to emerge from cognitive mechanisms, despite empirical evidence indicating that a social system can exhibit a spectrum of contagion dynamics—from simple to complex—simultaneously. Here, we propose a model of interacting beliefs, from which both simple and complex contagion dynamics can organically arise. Our model also elucidates how a fundamental mechanism of complex contagion—resistance—can come about from cognitive mechanisms.
Mechanically stable polymer molecular sieve membranes with switchable functionality designed for high CO
2
separation performance
Authors: Lee Hongju , Bae Tae-Hyun
Published: April 2024

The development of high-performance membranes selective for carbon dioxide is critically important for advancing energy-efficient carbon dioxide capture technologies. Although molecular sieves have long been attractive membrane materials, turning them into practical membrane applications has been challenging. Here, we introduce an innovative approach for crafting a polymeric molecular sieve membrane to achieve outstanding carbon dioxide separation performance while upholding the mechanical stability. First, a polymer molecular sieve membrane having high gas permeability and mechanical stability was fabricated from a judiciously designed polymer that is solution-processable, hyper–cross-linkable, and functionalizable. Then, the carbon dioxide selectivity was fine-tuned by the subsequent introduction of various amine-based carriers. Among the diverse amines, polyethyleneimine stands out by functionalizing the larger pore region while preserving ultramicropores, leading to improved carbon dioxide/dinitrogen separation performance. The optimized membrane demonstrates exceptional carbon dioxide/dinitrogen separation performance, outperforming other reported polymer molecular sieve membranes and even competing favorably with most carbon molecular sieve membranes reported to date.
Coupled conversion of polyethylene and carbon dioxide catalyzed by a zeolite–metal oxide system
Authors: Liu Yangyang , Ma Bing , Tian Jingqing , Zhao Chen
Published: April 2024

Zeolite-catalyzed polyethylene (PE) aromatization achieves reduction of the aromatic yield via hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis reactions. The hydrogen required for CO
2
hydrogenation can be provided by H radicals formed during aromatization. In this study, we efficiently convert PE and CO
2
into aromatics and CO using a zeolite–metal oxide catalyst (HZSM-5 + CuZnZrO

x

) at 380°C and under hydrogen- and solvent-free reaction conditions. Hydrogen, derived from the aromatization of PE over HZSM-5, diffuses through the Brønsted acidic sites of the zeolite to the adjacent CuZnZrO

x

, where it is captured in situ by CO
2
to produce bicarbonate and further hydrogenated to CO. This favors aromatization while inhibiting hydrogenation and secondary hydrogenolysis reactions. An aromatic yield of 62.5 wt % is achieved, of which 60% consisted of benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX). The conversion of CO
2
reaches values as high as 0.55 mmol g
PE
−1
. This aromatization–hydrogen capture pathway provides a feasible scheme for the comprehensive utilization of waste plastics and CO
2
.
Monitoring ESBL-
Escherichia coli
in Swiss wastewater between November 2021 and November 2022: insights into population carriage
Authors: Conforti Sheena , Holschneider Aurélie , Sylvestre Émile , Julian Timothy R.
Published: April 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global health threat, causing millions of deaths annually, with expectations of increased impact in the future. Wastewater surveillance offers a cost-effective, non-invasive tool to understand AMR carriage trends within a population. We monitored extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing
Escherichia coli
(ESBL-
E. coli
) weekly in influent wastewater from six wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Switzerland (November 2021 to November 2022) to investigate spatio-temporal variations, explore correlations with environmental variables, develop a predictive model for ESBL-
E. coli
carriage in the community, and detect the most prevalent ESBL-genes. We cultured total and ESBL-
E. coli
in 300 wastewater samples to quantify daily loads and percentage of ESBL-
E. coli
. Additionally, we screened 234 ESBL-
E. coli
isolates using molecular methods for the presence of 18 ESBL-gene families. We found a population-weighted mean percentage of ESBL-
E. coli
of 1.9% (95% confidence interval: 1.8–2%) across all sites and weeks, which can inform ESBL-
E. coli
carriage. Concentrations of ESBL-
E. coli
varied across WWTPs and time, with higher values observed in WWTPs serving larger populations. Recent precipitations (previous 24/96 h) showed no significant association with ESBL-
E. coli
, while temperature occasionally had a moderate impact (
P
< 0.05, correlation coefficients approximately 0.40) in some locations. We identified
bla
CTX-M-1
,
bla
CTX-M-9
, and
bla
TEM
as the predominant ESBL-gene families. Our study demonstrates that wastewater-based surveillance of culturable ESBL-
E. coli
provides insights into AMR trends in Switzerland and may also inform resistance. These findings establish a foundation for long term, nationally established monitoring protocols and provide information that may help inform targeted public health interventions.

IMPORTANCE

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat and is commonly monitored in clinical settings, given its association with the risk of antimicrobial-resistant infections. Nevertheless, tracking AMR within a community proves challenging due to the substantial sample size required for a representative population, along with high associated costs and privacy concerns. By investigating high resolution temporal and geographic trends in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing
Escherichia coli
in wastewater, we provide an alternative approach to monitor AMR dynamics, distinct from the conventional clinical settings focus. Through this approach, we develop a mechanistic model, shedding light on the relationship between wastewater indicators and AMR carriage in the population. This perspective contributes valuable insights into trends of AMR carriage, emphasizing the importance of wastewater surveillance in informing effective public health interventions.
Providing insight into the mechanism of action of cationic lipidated oligomers using metabolomics
Authors: Hussein Maytham , Mahboob Muhammad Bilal Hassan , Tait Jessica R. , Grace James L. , Montembault Véronique , Fontaine Laurent , Quinn John F. , Velkov Tony , Whittaker Michael R. , Landersdorfer Cornelia B.
Published: April 2024

The increasing resistance of clinically relevant microbes against current commercially available antimicrobials underpins the urgent need for alternative and novel treatment strategies. Cationic lipidated oligomers (CLOs) are innovative alternatives to antimicrobial peptides and have reported antimicrobial potential. An understanding of their antimicrobial mechanism of action is required to rationally design future treatment strategies for CLOs, either in monotherapy or synergistic combinations. In the present study, metabolomics was used to investigate the potential metabolic pathways involved in the mechanisms of antibacterial activity of one CLO, C
12
-o-(BG-D)-10, which we have previously shown to be effective against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) ATCC 43300. The metabolomes of MRSA ATCC 43300 at 1, 3, and 6 h following treatment with C
12
-o-(BG-D)-10 (48 µg/mL, i.e., 3× MIC) were compared to those of the untreated controls. Our findings reveal that the studied CLO, C
12
-o-(BG-D)-10, disorganized the bacterial membrane as the first step toward its antimicrobial effect, as evidenced by marked perturbations in the bacterial membrane lipids and peptidoglycan biosynthesis observed at early time points, i.e., 1 and 3 h. Central carbon metabolism and the biosynthesis of DNA, RNA, and arginine were also vigorously perturbed, mainly at early time points. Moreover, bacterial cells were under osmotic and oxidative stress across all time points, as evident by perturbations of trehalose biosynthesis and pentose phosphate shunt. Overall, this metabolomics study has, for the first time, revealed that the antimicrobial action of C
12
-o-(BG-D)-10 may potentially stem from the dysregulation of multiple metabolic pathways.

IMPORTANCE

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. Novel anti-infective therapeutics are urgently needed to combat drug-resistant microorganisms. Cationic lipidated oligomers (CLOs) show promise as new antibacterial agents against Gram-positive pathogens like methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). Understanding their molecular mechanism(s) of antimicrobial action may help design synergistic CLO treatments along with monotherapy. Here, we describe the first metabolomics study to investigate the killing mechanism(s) of CLOs against MRSA. The results of our study indicate that the CLO, C
12
-o-(BG-D)-10, had a notable impact on the biosynthesis and organization of the bacterial cell envelope. C
12
-o-(BG-D)-10 also inhibits arginine, histidine, central carbon metabolism, and trehalose production, adding to its antibacterial characteristics. This work illuminates the unique mechanism of action of C
12
-o-(BG-D)-10 and opens an avenue to design innovative antibacterial oligomers/polymers for future clinical applications.