bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Writing to grieve: Solidarity in times of loss in educational community spaces
Authors: Peachey Katie B. , Lee Crystal Chen
Published: October 2023

This qualitative case study is a part of a larger university–community partnership that explores adolescents' utilization of critical literacy to write, engage, and lead in their communities. For this specific study, we explore the question: How does an educational community use literacy practices and modalities to grieve through collective loss and develop solidarity with one another? Through the utilization of a critical literacy framework and a sense‐based pedagogy lens, we explore how various forms of literacy and multimodalities allowed this community to grieve and foster solidarity in a time of loss. We conducted several rounds of inductive and emotion codings to identify key themes from our data sources which included student work/publications, social media posts, organization communication, videos, focus groups, and staff interviews. Our preliminary findings show that (a) reciprocal vulnerability developed over time can produce solidarity; (b) writing can be a restorative act in collective loss; and (c) writing through grief positions students as leaders of their communities. Through this study, we provide educators and community members with potential tools for developing spaces for restorative education and supporting collective resilience through literacy practices.
Enhancing epidural needle guidance using a polarization‐sensitive optical coherence tomography probe with convolutional neural networks
Authors: Wang Chen , Liu Yunlong , Calle Paul , Li Xinwei , Liu Ronghao , Zhang Qinghao , Yan Feng , Fung Kar‐ming , Conner Andrew K. , Chen Sixia , Pan Chongle , Tang Qinggong
Published: October 2023

Epidural anesthesia helps manage pain during different surgeries. Nonetheless, the precise placement of the epidural needle remains a challenge. In this study, we developed a probe based on polarization‐sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS‐OCT) to enhance the epidural anesthesia needle placement. The probe was tested on six porcine spinal samples. The multimodal imaging guidance used the OCT intensity mode and three distinct PS‐OCT modes: (1) phase retardation, (2) optic axis, and (3) degree of polarization uniformity (DOPU). Each mode enabled the classification of different epidural tissues through distinct imaging characteristics. To further streamline the tissue recognition procedure, convolutional neural network (CNN) were used to autonomously identify the tissue types within the probe's field of view. ResNet50 models were developed for all four imaging modes. DOPU imaging was found to provide the highest cross‐testing accuracy of 91.53%. These results showed the improved precision by PS‐OCT in guiding epidural anesthesia needle placement.
Therapist's effect on children's therapeutic alliance: A naturalistic study
Authors: Casari Leandro , Areas Malenka , Ison Mirta , Gómez Beatriz , Roussos Andrés , Consoli Andrés , Gómez Penedo Juan Martín
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The therapeutic alliance (TA) has been shown to be a predictor of psychotherapy treatment success. In the case of psychotherapy with children, there is a dearth of information on TA's role. The aims of the paper are: (1) To estimate the therapist effects on children TA; (2) to investigate if therapists' TA predicts children's TA; (3) to analyze if children's age and sex predict children's TA; (4) to evaluate if the therapist's characteristics predict children's TA.

Methods

The sample consisted of 77 children undergoing psychotherapy in Argentina, and the therapists (N = 29) providing services to those children. The assessment tools utilized for the study included the Therapy Alliance Scale for Children and the Personal Style of the Therapist Questionnaire (PST‐Q).

Results

Findings indicated that 2% of the children's TA was explained by the therapists (ICC = 0.02), while 17% of the therapists' TA was explained by the therapists (ICC = 0.17). Therapists' TA predicted children's TA. Children's age and sex did not have an effect on their own TA. Moreover, therapists with more experience achieved higher scores of children's TA. Finally, the Operative dimension of the PST had a negative effect on children's TA (i.e., therapists who prefer more spontaneous interventions over structured ones may experience higher levels of therapeutic alliance with child patients).

Conclusion

We found a positive effect of the therapist's TA on children's TA, especially in the preference for using more spontaneous intervention techniques. We discuss the implications of the findings on the training of psychotherapists who provide services to children.
Obsessive‐compulsive symptoms, perceived burdensomeness, and thwarted belongingness: Associations and implications among US veterans
Authors: Patel Tapan A. , Raines Amanda M. , Morabito Danielle M. , Schmidt Norman B.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is among the most debilitating psychiatric disorders worldwide, but has gone relatively unnoticed within the US veteran population. Simultaneously, suicide rates continue to remain high within this population despite the high volume of veterans who receive psychiatric care. With recent research demonstrating OCD's unique relationship with suicidality, it is imperative to explore this association and factors that may explain this association within veterans.

Methods

The present study investigated OCD symptoms and their relationship with two known risk factors of suicide, perceived burdensomeness (PB) and thwarted belongingness (TB), in two samples of veterans.

Results

In the first study (N = 100), OCD symptoms were found to be uniquely related to both PB and TB even after covarying for demographics, trauma exposure, and probable depression. In the second study (N = 99), these relationships were replicated longitudinally. OCD symptoms at baseline were found to be indirectly related to suicidal ideation severity at a 1‐month follow‐up via PB and TB at post‐treatment.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of assessing and addressing OCD symptoms within veterans due to the unique relationship these symptoms have with suicidal constructs. A deeper understanding of the impact of OCD within the veteran population will inform future prevention and intervention efforts.
Concurrent Validity of a Low‐Cost Manometer for Objective Assessments of Respiratory Muscle Strength
Authors: Curtis James A. , Mocchetti Valentina , Rameau Anaïs
Published: October 2023

Objective(s)

This study examined the agreement in maximal expiratory (MEP) and inspiratory (MIP) pressure readings between two digital manometers: (1) the MicroRPM – the gold‐standard manometer for respiratory muscle strength testing; and (2) the LDM – a low‐cost, commercially available, alternative manometer.

Methods

Positive (MEP) and negative (MIP) pressures were simultaneously applied to the MicroRPM and LDM using a 3‐liter syringe within a controlled laboratory setting. Pressure readings were compared, and agreement was analyzed using Lin's concordance correlation (ρc). Agreement was interpreted as ‘poor’ if <0.90, ‘moderate’ if 0.90 – <0.95, ‘substantial’ if 0.95 – <0.99, and ‘excellent’ if ≥0.99. Twenty percent of the pressure trials were repeated by a second researcher to examine test–retest reliability.

Results

A total of 150 trials were completed, ranging from −167 to +208 cmH2O. There was a median absolute difference of 0.3 cmH2O in pressure readings between the MicroRPM and the LDM. Lin's concordance correlation revealed ‘excellent’ agreement between the LDM and MicroRPM devices, with test–retest reliability assessment revealing ‘substantial‐to‐excellent’ agreement between the LDM and MicroRPM devices, with a concordance correlation coefficient of ρc = 0.999 (95% CI: 0.999–0.999).

Conclusions

There was a median difference of 1.0% in MEP and MIP pressure readings consistently observed between the LDM and MicroRPM. Despite these relatively small differences, excellent agreement between the two manometers was present. These data suggest the LDM may be a valid, lower cost alternative to the MicroRPM for objectively assessing respiratory strength in clinical practice; however, additional research is needed in healthy adults and in patient populations.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:1831–1836, 2024
Quality of life and swallowing outcomes after early proactive swallowing rehabilitation by either transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation or exercise‐based swallowing training in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy
Authors: Ku Peter K. M. , Vlantis Alexander C. , Wong Rita W. M. , Hui Thomas S. C. , Law Thomas , Ng Louisa K. Y. , Wong Eddy W. Y. , Chang W. T. , Johnson David R. , Mok Florence S. T. , Wong K. H. , Abdullah Victor , van Hasselt Andrew , Lee Kathy Y. S. , Tong Michael C. F.
Published: October 2023

Background

Exercise‐based swallowing training (EBST) and transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (TNMES) are common modalities used to treat late dysphagia after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We aimed to investigate and compare the efficacies of EBST and TNMES as proactive treatments administered early after radiotherapy.

Methods

Patients with early post‐radiotherapy NPC (n = 120) underwent either TNMES or EBST. Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), quality of life (QOL), and swallowing function questionnaires were completed before the intervention as well as immediately, 6, and 12 months after the intervention. Outcome measures included the scores for the swallowing function score (SFS), penetration and aspiration scale (PAS), dynamic imaging grade of swallowing toxicity (DIGEST), functional oral intake scale (FOIS), swallowing performance status scale (SPSS), pharyngeal motor impairment (PMI), pharyngeal function impairment (PFI), and functional assessment after cancer therapy–nasopharyngeal (FACT‐NP) questionnaire.

Results

Three months after radiotherapy, 31 and 34 patients underwent TNMES and EBST, respectively, and completed swallowing assessments at all four assessment timepoints. All patients showed post‐radiotherapy impairments in the SFS, PAS, DIGEST, PMI, and PFI. Compared with the EBST group, the TNMES group showed significant improvements in the PFI and PMI scores, with small‐to‐medium effect sizes. Additionally, compared with the EBST group, the TNMES group demonstrated a trend toward slightly better improvements in the PAS, DIGEST, FOIS, and SPSS scores immediately and 6 months after the intervention. The SFS scores improved from baseline in both groups; however, the TNMES group showed an earlier improvement. Finally, the TNMES group showed better QOL according to the FACT‐NP than the EBST group.

Conclusion

Proactive TMNES and EBST are safe and feasible modalities for improving swallowing in patients with NPC when administered early after radiotherapy. Although TNMES showed better results than EBST, these results should be interpreted with caution given the study limitations.

Level of evidence

1B.
Rapidly evolving zooplankton in a salinizing world: To what extent does microevolutionary adaptation to one salt increase tolerance to another one?
Authors: Zhao Shuai‐Ying , Zhou Libin , Chen Guangjie , Declerck Steven A. J.
Published: October 2023

Salinization is a worldwide emerging threat to freshwater systems. It can be caused by various salts with different toxicity to freshwater organisms. Populations of freshwater organisms have been shown to rapidly evolve adaptations to salinity, yet it remains unclear whether adaptation to one salt increases tolerance or, conversely, susceptibility to other salts. Using an experimental evolution approach, we subjected replicate populations of a planktonic monogonont rotifer species (Brachionus calyciflorus Pallas) to non‐saline and NaCl‐enriched environments. A subsequent multigenerational common garden (CG) transplant experiment demonstrated rapid microevolutionary adaptation to salinity. A second CG experiment provided evidence that adaptation to NaCl increases tolerance mainly to CaCl2 but to a much lesser extent to Na2SO4. Increased tolerance to CaCl2 was associated with increased tolerance to Ca2+ ion toxicity. In contrast, acquired tolerance to Na2SO4 could not be shown to involve an improved ability to cope with ion toxicity. Our results highlight that the evolution of cross‐tolerance may expand the temporal and spatial dimensions under which the ecological consequences of salt adaptation apply.
The Roles of Lifetime Enacted Stigma in Tic Symptoms among Young Adults with Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Shiu Chengshi , Chen Wei‐Ti , Kim Boram , Ricketts Emily , Stiede Jordan T. , Espil Flint M. , Specht Matthew W. , Woods Douglas W. , Piacentini John
Published: October 2023

Background

Although rarely framed as enacted stigma, adults with Tourette syndrome (ATS) have long suffered from discrimination associated with their tic symptoms. Given the high stress levels of enacted stigma that ATS experience, it is expected that their tic symptoms are profoundly impacted. However, the evidence linking enacted stigma to ATS's tic symptoms remains limited.

Methods

This study used a secondary data‐analysis approach to reanalyze the data from the follow‐up phase of a multi‐centered, randomized controlled trial in which a behavioral intervention was tested for its efficacy in managing tic symptoms. This study first conducted psychometric testing on a list of 16 enacted stigma events across five life stages and identified the underlying factor structure. The Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) was used to assess severity and impairment of current tic symptoms, whereas the Clinical Global Impression of Severity scale (CGI) was used to obtain the gestalt of clinical judgment on tic severity. A series of multivariate linear models were then fitted to test the relationships between different types of lifetime enacted stigma and current tic symptoms.

Results

The analytic sample included 73 young ATS (average age of 23.2 [standard deviation = 2.5] years). The factor analysis identified three types of enacted stigmas: “traumatic events,” “confrontations,” and “subtle mistreatments.” In multivariate models, traumatic events significantly associated with YGTSS‐severity, whereas subtle mistreatments provided additional explanations for CGI.

Conclusions

Enacted stigma may play important roles in shaping ATS's current tics symptom severity and, therefore, should be carefully considered in future intervention development.
Energy conservation of the resistive and the non‐resistive magnetohydrodynamic equations
Authors: Chen Qionglei , Zhang Qi
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we provide sufficient conditions on the incompressible viscous resistive MHD equations and the viscous non‐resistive MHD equations to ensure the energy equality. Part of our results also holds for the ideal MHD equations.
Small vessel platelet thrombosis in the peripheral nerves in POEMS syndrome
Authors: Takeuchi Hiroki , Yamamoto Yasumasa , Miyahara Junichi , Takeshima Takao , Ozaki Akihiko , Kawasaki Teruaki , Kawamura Kazuyuki , Oka Nobuyuki
Published: October 2023

Introduction/Aims

Vascular thrombosis is prevalent among patients with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy M‐protein, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome. The endothelial cells in the endoneurium are often hypertrophied and the lumen is frequently occluded. Consequent local hypoxia may increase vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which induces hypercoagulation and vascular permeability.

Methods

This study presents two patients in the fifth decade of life, who had rare nerve biopsy findings of vascular occlusion mainly by platelets. Before the cases presented here, we encountered nine confirmed POEMS patients whose nerve biopsies did not show similar findings.

Results

A small artery and a vein were occluded, but no atherosclerotic changes were observed. The endothelial cells that adhered to the packed platelets lost their junctions.

Discussion

Platelet aggregation, degranulation, and ischemia may cause a loose endothelial barrier and leak proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin‐12. This may increase production of VEGF and may cause nerve demyelination. Small vessel platelet thrombosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Autonomous animal heating and cooling system for temperature‐regulated magnetic resonance experiments
Authors: Verghese George , Vöröslakos Mihaly , Markovic Stefan , Tal Assaf , Dehkharghani Seena , Yaghmazadeh Omid , Alon Leeor
Published: October 2023

Temperature is a hallmark parameter influencing almost all magnetic resonance properties (e.g., T1, T2, proton density, and diffusion). In the preclinical setting, temperature has a large influence on animal physiology (e.g., respiration rate, heart rate, metabolism, and oxidative stress) and needs to be carefully regulated, especially when the animal is under anesthesia and thermoregulation is disrupted. We present an open‐source heating and cooling system capable of regulating the temperature of the animal. The system was designed using Peltier modules capable of heating or cooling a circulating water bath with active temperature feedback. Feedback was obtained using a commercial thermistor, placed in the animal rectum, and a proportional‐integral‐derivative controller was used to modulate the temperature. Its operation was demonstrated in a phantom as well as in mouse and rat animal models, where the standard deviation of the temperature of the animal upon convergence was less than a 10th of a degree. An application where brain temperature of a mouse was modulated was demonstrated using an invasive optical probe and noninvasive magnetic resonance spectroscopic thermometry measurements.
An ethnographic study evaluating emergency obstetric care education and training in a remote, fragile region of Southeast Asia: Study protocol
Authors: Campbell Rachel , Kernohan George , Dornan Lesley , Sinclair Marlene
Published: October 2023

Aim

To evaluate emergency obstetric care education and training within a medical assistant training program, being delivered in a remote, fragile region of Southeast Asia. This will aid in the identification of potential areas of enhancement to improve the management of obstetric emergencies.

Design

An ethnographic study, adopting a multi‐methods approach.

Methods

Emergency obstetric care education and training will be assessed through documentary analysis and interviews (online or face‐to‐face) with educators and trainers (N ~ 6–7). Student experiences will be explored using in‐person focus groups, facilitated by an external trainer involved in delivering the program (N ~ 10–12). A reflective field diary will provide insight into the lived experience of postgraduate students (N ~ 4–5). Data will be collected between May 2022 and May 2023. The full data set will be triangulated and analysed using the READ approach; (1) ready your materials, (2) extract data, (3) analyse data and (4) distil your findings. Institutional ethical approval was obtained from a university in October 2021, and inter‐country regional access was gained following adherence to their local ethical requirements.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

The findings from this study may help to inform the future design of the medical assistant training program. It is anticipated that the knowledge gained from this study will enhance the education and training of mid‐level health providers at local, national, and international levels. This work intends to contribute to addressing Sustainable Development Goal 3, Target 1 of reducing maternal mortality to 70:100,000 live births in low‐income countries.

Reporting Method

This protocol adhered to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No formal PPI has been undertaken; however, stakeholders involved in delivering the education and training have been consulted.
Associations of daily weight management‐focused social support with weight loss, activity behaviors, and eating regulation in the context of metabolic and bariatric surgery
Authors: Bond Dale S. , Smith Kathryn E. , Schumacher Leah M. , Vithiananthan Sivamainthan , Jones Daniel B. , Papasavas Pavlos , Webster Jennifer , Thomas J. Graham
Published: October 2023

Objective

Greater perceived social support (PSS) is associated with more favorable changes in weight loss, activity behaviors, and eating regulation after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). However, studies have relied on generic, retrospective PSS measures, and stability of PSS levels and relations with weight loss and weight‐related behaviors over time is unknown. Using smartphone‐based Ecological Momentary Assessment, this study evaluated pre‐to 1‐year post‐MBS changes in daily weight management‐focused PSS and associations with weight loss, device‐measured activity behaviors, and eating regulation before and during the initial year after MBS.

Method

Adult MBS patients (n = 71) received (1) an accelerometer to measure daily moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time (ST) minutes/day, and (2) a smartphone to complete morning weight‐focused PSS ratings and eating regulation (dietary restraint/disinhibition) ratings at four semi‐random times daily for 10 days at pre‐ and 3, 6, and 12‐month postoperative. Generalized linear mixed models analyzed the associations of PSS with total weight loss (%TWL) and activity/eating outcomes.

Results

Participants on average reported relatively stable moderate‐to‐high PSS (3.98 on one to five scale) across assessments. Perceived social support was not related to %TWL, MVPA, or ST. Participants with higher PSS reported lower disinhibition and higher restraint than those with lower PSS (ps < 0.05); however, participants reported higher restraint on days that PSS was lower than their usual levels (p = 0.009).

Conclusions

MBS patients on average had stable PSS levels across time. Higher PSS levels were associated with greater resistance to overeating cues (disinhibition) and cognitive control to restrict food intake (restraint) over time. Additionally, participants reported higher restraint when PSS levels were lower than usual. Overall, weight‐focused PSS appeared to hold greater importance in relation to regulating eating behavior than engaging in activity behaviors or weight loss among MBS patients during the initial postoperative year.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT02777177.
Preparation of GO‐SiO2 three‐dimensional point‐plane nanomaterials and enhancement of epoxy resin mechanical property
Authors: Hao Qiguo , Zhang Xu , Liu Shuang , Peng Hongjun , Zhang Pengyu , Yu Shengyang , Mao Zhiyi
Published: October 2023

In this research, mercapto‐anchoring graphene oxide (GO) and epoxy‐anchoring SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were assembled by mercapto‐epoxy click chemistry to form three‐dimensional (3D) point‐plane structure nanomaterials (GO‐SiO2), and epoxy resin (EP) composites were prepared using the auxiliary thermal blending method. The relationships among surface interfacial interaction, dispersion, and mechanical properties of composites were systematically investigated. The Research finding shows that SiO2 NPs covalently bonding with GO increases interface compatibility and dispersion, which explains epoxy composite strengthening. Compared to epoxy resin, 0.1 wt% GO‐SiO2/EP composite has 38.65%, 36.15%, 44.64%, and 61.61% higher tensile strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and impact strengths. The enhancement mechanism of GO‐SiO2 toward EP was analyzed.
Current status and reflections on the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory tract infections in children in the COVID‐19 pandemic and post‐COVID‐19 era
Authors: Tang Yuyi , Ren Luo , Liu Enmei
Published: October 2023

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are common and frequently occurring diseases in children, posing a significant health threat to children worldwide. Viruses are the most important pathogens of childhood RTIs. Since the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19), a series of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have been widely implemented around the globe, and important changes have taken place in the spectrum of respiratory diseases and viruses in children. However, with relaxation of NPIs, there has been a “virus resurgence” in some areas, with multiple viral infectious diseases appearing simultaneously. This review comprehensively summarizes the changes observed in the spectrum of respiratory diseases and viruses in children in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic, explores possible mechanisms, and presents reflections on the key points of diagnosis and treatment of RTIs in children in the post‐COVID‐19 era in light of recent advances in COVID‐19 in children.
DUF916 and DUF3324 in the WxL protein cluster bind to WxL and link bacterial and host surfaces
Authors: Hassan Mahreen U. , Chaudhuri Roy R. , Williamson Mike P.
Published: October 2023

Bacterial WxL proteins contain peptidoglycan‐binding WxL domains, which have a dual Trp‐x‐Leu motif and are involved in virulence. It was recently shown that WxL proteins occur in gene clusters, containing typically a small WxL protein (which in the mature protein consists only of a WxL domain), a large WxL protein (which contains a C‐terminal WxL domain with N‐terminal host‐binding domains), and a conserved protein annotated as a Domain of Unknown Function (DUF). Here we analyze this DUF and show that it contains two tandem domains—DUF916 and DUF3324—which both have an IgG‐like fold and together form a single functional unit, connected to a C‐terminal transmembrane helix. DUF3324 is a stable domain, while DUF916 is less stable and is likely to require a stabilizing interaction with WxL. The protein is suggested to have an important role to bind and stabilize WxL on the peptidoglycan surface, via the DUF916 domain, and to bind to host cells via the DUF3324 domain. AlphaFold2 predicts that a β‐hairpin strand from DUF916 inserts into WxL adjacent to its N‐terminus. We therefore propose to rename the DUF916‐DUF3324 pair as WxL Interacting Protein (WxLIP), with DUF916, DUF3324 and the transmembrane helix forming the first, second and third domains of WxLIP, which we characterize as peptidoglycan binding domain (PGBD), host binding domain (HBD), and transmembrane helix (TMH) respectively.
A station‐based evaluation of near‐surface south foehn evolution in COSMO‐1
Authors: Tian Yue , Duarte Julian Quimbayo , Schmidli Juerg
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the skill of the Consortium for Small‐scale Modeling (COSMO) model (v5.7) at 1.1 km horizontal grid size in simulating the near‐surface foehn properties and evolution for five south foehn events and a five‐year‐long climatology. A significant near‐surface cold bias is found during foehn, with an average bias of  K in the Rhine Valley in the five foehn cases and  K in the major northern foehn valleys in the five‐year foehn climatology. The cold bias tends to be larger in the stronger and moister deep foehn events. Sensitivity experiments are carried out to examine the possible causes of the cold bias, including changes to the parameterization of the land–atmosphere interaction, 1D turbulence parameterization, and horizontal grid spacing. Most sensitivity experiments have only a very minor impact on the cold bias, except for the model run with a horizontal grid spacing of 550 m. The 550‐m COSMO run shows a reduced cold bias during foehn hours and also an improvement in the simulated foehn duration and northward foehn extent. By inspecting the vertical dimension, we found that the near‐surface cold bias downstream might partly originate upstream. A further contribution to the downstream cold bias is likely due to insufficient vertical mixing in the foehn flow. The latter is possibly enhanced in the 550‐m model run, leading to a less stably stratified atmosphere in the lower few hundred meters of the atmosphere and a reduction of the reported model cold bias.
Mapping water content in drying Antarctic moss communities using UAS‐borne SWIR imaging spectroscopy
Authors: Turner Darren , Cimoli Emiliano , Lucieer Arko , Haynes Ryan S. , Randall Krystal , Waterman Melinda J. , Lucieer Vanessa , Robinson Sharon A.
Published: October 2023

Antarctic moss beds are sensitive to climatic conditions, and both their survival and community composition are particularly influenced by the availability of liquid water over summer. As Antarctic regions increasingly face climate pressures (e.g., changing hydrology and heat waves), advancing capabilities to efficiently and non‐destructively monitor water content in moss communities becomes a key research priority. Because of the complexity induced by multiple micro‐climatic drivers and its fragility, tracking the evolution and responses of moss bed moisture requires monitoring methods that are non‐intrusive, efficient, and spatially significant, such as the use of unoccupied aerial systems (UAS). In this study, we combine a multi‐species drying laboratory experiment with short‐wave infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy analyses to first develop a Random Forest regression Model (RFM) capable of predicting Antarctic moss turf water content (~5% error). The RFM was then applied to UAS‐borne SWIR imaging data (900–1700 nm, <16 nm spectral resolution) of the moss beds at high spatial resolution (2 cm) across three sites in the vicinity of Casey Station, Antarctica. The sites differed in terrain, snow cover, and moisture availability to evaluate method capabilities under different conditions. Optimum RFM parameters and input variables (spectral indices and reflectance spectra) were determined. Maps of moss moisture were validated via acquiring moss spectra and water content (using sponges inserted into the moss turf) collected in situ, for which an exponential correlation (R2 = 0.72) was reported. RFM further allowed investigation of the influential spectral variables to model water content in moss and associated spectral water absorption features. We demonstrated that UAS‐borne SWIR imaging is a promising new tool to map and quantify water content in Antarctic moss beds. Hyperspectral mapping facilitates the exploration of the spatial variability of moss health and enables the creation of a baseline against which changes in these moss communities can be measured.
Solution of trade‐offs between food production, water use, and climate change mitigation in global agriculture
Authors: Kyoi Shinsuke , Mori Koichiro , Matsushita Kyohei
Published: October 2023

Trade‐off conflicts among the Sustainable Development Goals have been a challenge. To reconcile frictional relationships among food production security (Goal 2), water use efficiency (Goal 6), and climate change mitigation (Goal 13), an empirical examination using deterministic frontier analysis was conducted globally. A single volume‐based index for each goal is too simple to evaluate the agricultural sustainability of different areas from the nexus assessment perspective. Our major findings are threefold. First, approximately two‐thirds of African countries have suffered from small food production and excess water use. Second, marked contrasts are observed in the possibilities of an increase in food production and reduction in water use and CO2 emissions among regions. Asian countries use water efficiently, whereas countries in the western regions control CO2 emissions. Third, trade‐offs among food production, water use, and CO2 emissions in agriculture are observed. It is almost impossible to reduce water use in Asia and CO2 emissions in the western regions for food production security. Based on the nexus approach, local strategies need to be compatible with global sustainability. Future research should identify the factors that determine the agricultural efficiency to devise local strategies, and develop policies simultaneously pursuing relevant environmental and well‐being goals.
Gating small conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels in the thalamic reticular nucleus
Authors: Silván Ágata , Kohlmeier Kristi Anne , Herrik Kjartan Frisch , Hougaard Charlotte
Published: October 2023

Small conductance calcium‐activated potassium (SK) channels are well‐known regulators of neuronal excitability. In the thalamic hub, SK2 channels act as pacemakers of thalamic reticular neurons, which play a key role in the thalamocortical circuit. Several disease‐linked genes are highly enriched in these neurons, including genes known to be associated with schizophrenia and attentional disorders, which could affect neuronal firing. The present study assessed the effect of pharmacological modulation of SK channels in the firing pattern and intrinsic properties of thalamic reticular neurons by performing whole cell patch clamp recordings in brain slices. Two SK positive allosteric modulators and one negative allosteric modulator were used: CyPPA, NS309, and NS8593, respectively. By acting on the burst afterhyperpolarization (AHP), negative modulation of SK channels resulted in increased action potential (AP) firing, increased burst duration, and decreased intervals between bursts. Conversely, both CyPPA and NS309 increased the afterburst AHP, prolonging the interburst interval, which additionally resulted in reduced AP firing in the case of NS309. Alterations in SK channel activity would be expected to alter functioning of thalamocortical circuits. Targeting SK channels could be promising in treating disorders involving thalamic reticular dysfunction such as psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Recruitment methods and yield rates for a multisite clinical trial exploring risk reduction for Alzheimer's disease (rrAD)
Authors: Szabo‐Reed Amanda N. , Hall Tristyn , Vidoni Eric D. , Van Sciver Angela , Sewell Monica , Burns Jeffrey M. , Cullum C. Munro , Gahan William P. , Hynan Linda S. , Kerwin Diana R. , Rossetti Heidi , Stowe Ann M. , Vongpatanasin Wanpen , Zhu David C. , Zhang Rong , Keller Jeffrey N. , Binder Ellen F.
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION

The risk reduction for Alzheimer's disease (rrAD) trial was a multisite clinical trial to assess exercise and intensive vascular pharmacological treatment on cognitive function in community‐dwelling older adults at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease.

METHODS

Eligibility, consent, and randomization rates across different referral sources were compared. Informal interviews conducted with each site's project team were conducted upon study completion.

RESULTS

Initially, 3290 individuals were screened, of whom 28% were eligible to consent, 805 consented to participate (87.2% of those eligible), and 513 (36.3% of those consented) were randomized. Emails sent from study site listservs/databases yielded the highest amount (20.9%) of screened individuals. Professional referrals from physicians yielded the greatest percentage of consented individuals (57.1%). Referrals from non‐professional contacts (ie, friends, family; 75%) and mail/phone contact from a site (73.8%) had the highest yield of randomization.

DISCUSSION

Professional referrals or email from listservs/registries were most effective for enrolling participants. The greatest yield of eligible/randomized participants came from non‐professional and mail/phone contacts. Future trials should consider special efforts targeting these recruitment approaches.

Highlights

Clinical trial recruitment is commonly cited as a significant barrier to advancing our understanding of cognitive health interventions.

The most cited referral source was email, followed by interviews/editorials on the radio, television, local newspapers, newsletters, or magazine articles.

The referral method that brought in the largest number of contacts was email but did not result in the greatest yield of consents or eligible participants.

The sources that yielded the greatest likelihood of consent were professional referrals (ie, physician), social media, and mail/phone contact from study site.

The greatest yield of eligible/randomized participants came from non‐professional contacts and mail/phone contact from a site.

Findings suggest that sites may need to focus on more selective referral sources, such as using contact mailing and phone lists, rather than more widely viewed recruitment sources, such as social media or TV/radio advertisements.
Three decades of EU climate policy: Racing toward climate neutrality?
Authors: Dupont Claire , Moore Brendan , Boasson Elin Lerum , Gravey Viviane , Jordan Andrew , Kivimaa Paula , Kulovesi Kati , Kuzemko Caroline , Oberthür Sebastian , Panchuk Dmytro , Rosamond Jeffrey , Torney Diarmuid , Tosun Jale , von Homeyer Ingmar
Published: October 2023

The European Union (EU) began developing climate policy in the 1990s. Since then, it has built up a broad portfolio of mitigation policy measures and governance tools, including legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and policy measures addressing emissions trading, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and more. In 2019, the European Commission—the EU's executive arm—published the European Green Deal (EGD), an overarching policy framework to achieve the goal of climate neutrality by 2050. The EGD aims to push EU climate policy and governance far beyond incremental policy development. In this article, we ask: does the EGD represent a break from past patterns of EU climate governance? We argue that it maintains several past patterns, but nevertheless breaks from other established policy and governance trends. We review insights from politicization and new institutionalist theoretical lenses to help us understand these findings. We reveal certain tensions and challenges inherent in the EU's climate governance approach—around speed and coherence, effectiveness and just transition—that highlight future research needs, and raise questions about the EU's ability to implement its climate policy goals.

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > Multilevel and Transnational Climate Change Governance
Synaptic plasticity and the role of astrocytes in central metabolic circuits
Authors: Ameroso Dominique , Rios Maribel
Published: October 2023

Neural circuits in the brain, primarily in the hypothalamus, are paramount to the homeostatic control of feeding and energy utilization. They integrate hunger, satiety, and body adiposity cues from the periphery and mediate the appropriate behavioral and physiological responses to satisfy the energy demands of the animal. Notably, perturbations in central homeostatic circuits have been linked to the etiology of excessive feeding and obesity. Considering the ever‐changing energy requirements of the animal and required adaptations, it is not surprising that brain‐feeding circuits remain plastic in adulthood and are subject to changes in synaptic strength as a consequence of nutritional status. Indeed, synapse density, probability of presynaptic transmitter release, and postsynaptic responses in hypothalamic energy balance centers are tailored to behavioral and physiological responses required to sustain survival. Mounting evidence supports key roles of astrocytes facilitating some of this plasticity. Here we discuss these synaptic plasticity mechanisms and the emerging roles of astrocytes influencing energy and glucose balance control in health and disease.

This article is categorized under:

Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology

Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
On Some Approximation Processes Generated by Integrated Means on Noncompact Real Intervals
Authors: Altomare Francesco , Cappelletti Montano Mirella , Leonessa Vita
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the present paper is to carry out a detailed study of a sequence of positive linear operators acting on continuous function spaces on an arbitrary real interval and constructed by means of (Borel) integrated means with respect to two families of probability Borel measures on the underlying interval and a positive real parameter. The study is mainly focused on their approximation properties in weighted spaces of continuous functions with respect to wide classes of weights. Pointwise estimates as well as weighted norm estimates are also established. In the final section a weighted asymptotic formula is obtained.
Dissecting the genetic architecture of root-related traits in a grafted wild Vitis berlandieri population for grapevine rootstock breeding
Authors: Blois Louis , de Miguel Marina , Bert Pierre-François , Ollat Nathalie , Rubio Bernadette , Voss-Fels Kai P. , Schmid Joachim , Marguerit Elisa
Published: October 2023

In woody perennial plants, quantitative genetics and association studies remain scarce for root-related traits, due to the time required to obtain mature plants and the complexity of phenotyping. In grapevine, a grafted cultivated plant, most of the rootstocks used are hybrids between American Vitis species (V. rupestris, V. riparia, and V. berlandieri). In this study, we used a wild population of an American Vitis species (V. berlandieri) to analyze the genetic architecture of the root-related traits of rootstocks in a grafted context. We studied a population consisting of 211 genotypes, with one to five replicates each (n = 846 individuals), plus four commercial rootstocks as control genotypes (110R, 5BB, Börner, and SO4). After two independent years of experimentation, the best linear unbiased estimates method revealed root-related traits with a moderate-to-high heritability (0.36–0.82) and coefficient of genetic variation (0.15–0.45). A genome-wide association study was performed with the BLINK model, leading to the detection of 11 QTL associated with four root-related traits (one QTL was associated with the total number of roots, four were associated with the number of small roots (< 1 mm in diameter), two were associated with the number of medium-sized roots (1 mm < diameter < 2 mm), and four were associated with mean diameter) accounting for up to 25.1% of the variance. Three genotypes were found to have better root-related trait performances than the commercial rootstocks and therefore constitute possible new candidates for use in grapevine rootstock breeding programs.
Differential elongation of the gastrocnemius after Achilles tendon rupture: a novel technique of selective shortening to treat push‐off weakness with case series and literature review
Authors: Hong Choon Chiet , Schaarup Susanne Olesen , Calder James
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Differential elongation of the gastrocnemius after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) may compromise the ability of athletes to return to competition. Recognition of this differential elongation of the gastrocnemius relative to the soleus is vital to treat patients with weakness in push‐off. This paper describes a novel technique performed for selective shortening of the gastrocnemius to treat push‐off weakness.

Methods

Three patients with differential proximal retraction of the gastrocnemius greater than 20 mm after treatment for ATR with inability to run and jump underwent surgical correction with this novel technique and were followed‐up for 2 years. A novel selective shortening of the gastrocnemius with autologous hamstring graft was performed in these patients. The Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score were recorded preoperatively and at the final follow‐up.

Results

All three patients were able to return to running and jumping at final follow‐up. The ATRS improved significantly in the strength, fatigue, running and jumping domains but there appeared to be a less notable improvement in activities of daily living domain. The AOFAS score showed improvement with the greatest margin in the domain of activity limitation.

Conclusion

This procedure is the first described selective shortening method of the gastrocnemius tendons after differential elongation following ATR. It is a safe and reliable technique providing improved ATRS and AOFAS scores in three patients who were all able to return to running and jumping sports at 2‐year follow‐up.

Level of evidence

IV.
Defining Feasibility as a Criterion for Essential Surgery: A Qualitative Study with Global Children's Surgery Experts
Authors: Abbas Alizeh , Rice Henry E. , Poenaru Dan , Samad Lubna
Published: October 2023

Background

The Disease Control Priorities (DCP‐3) group defines surgery as essential if it addresses a significant burden, is cost‐effective, and is feasible—yet the feasibility component remains largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to develop a precise definition of feasibility for essential surgical procedures for children.

Methods

Four online focus group discussions (FGDs) were organized among 19 global children's surgery providers with experience of working in low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries (LMICs), representing 10 countries. FGDs were transcribed verbatim, and qualitative data analysis was performed. Codes, categories, themes, and subthemes were identified.

Results

Six determinants of feasibility were identified, including: adequate human resources; adequate material resources; procedure and disease complexity; team commitment and understanding of their setting; timely access to care; and the ability to monitor and achieve good outcomes. Factors unique to feasibility of children's surgery included children's right to health and their reliance on adults for accessing safe and timely care; the need for specialist workforce; and children's unique perioperative care needs. FGD participants reported a greater need for task‐sharing and shifting, creativity, and adaptability in resource‐limited settings. Resource availability was seen to have a direct impact on decision‐making and prioritization, e.g., saving a life versus achieving the best outcome.

Conclusions

The identification of a precise definition of feasibility serves as a pivotal step in identifying a list of essential surgical procedures for children, which would serve as indicators of institutional surgical capacity for this age group.
A Comparative Analysis of Safety and Efficacy of Bariatric Surgery During the COVID‐19 Pandemic and Pre‐Pandemic Period: Insights from the Tehran Obesity Treatment Study
Authors: Ebadinejad Amir , Ghazy Faranak , Hosseinpanah Farhad , Fardoost Shakiba , Rajabian Tabesh Mastaneh , Khalaj Alireza , Mahdavi Maryam , Ebadi Seyed Alireza , Valizadeh Majid , Barzin Maryam
Published: October 2023

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has raised global health concerns and posed challenges for postoperative follow‐up care for patients undergoing bariatric surgery due to social distancing rules.

Methods

This was a cohort study on patients with morbid obesity who underwent bariatric surgery and had been enrolled in Tehran Obesity Treatment Study. Patients who had surgery between March 2020 and March 2021 were classified as those undergoing the procedure amid the COVID‐19 pandemic, while those who had surgery between March 2017 and March 2018 were categorized as the pre‐pandemic group.

Results

The study included 982 patients in the pre‐COVID‐19 pandemic group and 602 patients in the COVID‐19 pandemic group, with mean ages of 39.61 and 39.51 years, respectively. After adjusting for preoperative body mass index (BMI) and surgery type, the patients who underwent surgery during the COVID‐19 pandemic demonstrated comparable results to the pre‐COVID‐19 group in terms of total weight loss %, excess weight loss %, BMI reduction, and fat mass reduction during the 12‐month postoperative period. Additionally, the rate of complications with a grade≥III based on the Clavien–Dindo classification was significantly lower in patients who underwent surgery during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Notably, there were no deaths reported in either group.

Conclusion

Despite social isolation and unfavorable lifestyle modifications, bariatric surgery‐induced weight loss after one year was the same in patients undergoing the procedure either before or after the implementation of social distancing measures. More research is needed to analyze the influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the long‐term outcomes of bariatric surgery.