bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canadian inequality over the last 40 years: common and contrary variations on universal themes
Authors: Foley Kelly , Green David A. , Riddell W. Craig
Published: June 2024

The Gini coefficient for disposable income for Canada in 2019 was approximately the same level it was at in 1995. Underlying this flat recent long‐term pattern is an increase in the level of market earnings inequality in the 1980s and 1990s that Canada shared with other countries followed by a continuing period of flatness in that measure as well. This trend interacted with changes in policy that have, at times, offset earnings inequality trends and at other times exacerbated them. In this paper, we describe these trends and the combination of market and policy forces that drove them. We conclude that explanations rooted in ongoing technology or globalisation forces are less relevant than explanations based on deeper structural changes in the labour market. Those changes affecting earnings inequality were ultimately fully offset by changes in the tax and transfer system as well as labour market policies such as the minimum wage.
Changing labour market and income inequalities in Europe and North America: a parallel project to the IFS Deaton Review of Inequalities in the 21stcentury
Authors: Banks James , Blundell Richard , Bozio Antoine , Cribb Jonathan , Green David , Ziliak James P.
Published: June 2024

The evolution of labour market and disposable income inequalities over recent decades in high‐income countries has generated intense interest in academia and the wider public. The extent to which there have been common trends, or diverging experiences, across a broad range of different countries, remains relatively understudied. The papers in this two‐part special issue seek to provide the bases for consistent comparisons across 17 North American and European countries. In this Introduction we provide background for the cross‐country project, which has been conducted in parallel to the wider IFS Deaton Review of Inequalities. In addition, we provide brief summaries of key trends and findings in the four English‐speaking countries and four Nordic countries, as well as a companion paper on gender pay gaps across all 17 countries.
Firearms, policy, and intimate partner homicide: A structural and disaggregated examination of Black, Latina, and White female victimization
Authors: Gray Andrew C. , Kafonek Katherine , Parker Karen F.
Published: June 2024

Intimate partner homicide (IPH) continues to be a form of violence disproportionately affecting women in the United States, and access to firearms can greatly increase the likelihood that intimate partner violence becomes lethal. In response to concerns about firearms violence and their prevalence in IPH incidents specifically, states have passed restrictive firearms laws and policies. In this study, we provide an analysis of female IPH victimization disaggregated by race/ethnicity that incorporates state‐level firearms legislation. Our analytical approach is informed by intersectionality and accounts for other key intimate partner violence policies and structural predictors. We find that the relationship between firearms legislation and IPH varies in magnitude and direction across specific race/ethnicity female victimization groups. As such, our findings provide support for an intersectional framework in that restrictive firearms laws are not consistently associated with lower levels of IPH when incidents are disaggregated by gender and race/ethnicity.
A survey of emergency medical service providers' perspectives regarding relatives influence on acute prehospital treatment of adult patients
Authors: Glad Marie , Grønlund Ingeborg R. , Møller Ann Merete
Published: June 2024

Background

In the field of prehospital emergency medicine, specialized emergency medical service (EMS) providers interact with acutely ill patients and their relatives. The influence of family presence during in‐hospital resuscitation is well described. However, no studies have previously assessed the influence of relatives' presence in the acute prehospital setting. The aim of this study was to investigate EMS providers' perspectives on relatives' impact on the acute prehospital treatment of adult patients.

Methods

An online anonymous survey was distributed to all prehospital EMS providers in the Capital Region of Denmark. The survey included 25 research questions on a 5‐point Likert scale, investigating relatives' influence on treatment in three different domains: positive, negative, and resuscitation. A higher domain score indicates a high level of agreement or frequency.

Results

Two hundred forty‐six EMS providers completed the survey (84 ambulance technicians, 87 paramedics, and 75 physicians). There were no significant differences in the positive domain across professions (p = .175). Physicians had a statistically significant lower median score in the negative domain, compared with ambulance technicians and paramedics (2.50 vs. 2.63 and 2.63, p = .024). In the resuscitation domain, paramedics and physicians had a significant lower median score compared with ambulance technicians (3.00 and 3.00 vs. 3.14, p = .003).

Conclusion

All professions were equally positive towards the relatives' presence and involvement in the acute prehospital setting. Physicians were less likely to be negatively influenced by the presence of relatives compared with ambulance technicians and paramedics. In all professions, increased experience led to improved comfort with handling relatives.
Sustaining Decarbonisation: Energy Storage, Green Extractivism, and the Future of Mining
Authors: Archer Matthew , Calvão Filipe
Published: June 2024

Within the context of the so‐called green energy transition, the mining industry has successfully repositioned itself as a facilitator of, rather than an impediment to, a sustainable future. Underlying the success of this claim is a discourse of sustainability that, on the one hand, equates sustainability with decarbonisation and, on the other hand, insists that the rapid expansion of renewable energy generation and storage infrastructures is the only viable way to decarbonise. Reflecting specifically on the mining industry's increasingly central role within this discourse, this article identifies three key modalities of decarbonisation, each of which involves energy storage as an important component: decarbonisation through mining; decarbonisation of mining; and decarbonisation of mines themselves. Analysing these modalities through the emergent literature on the political ecology of storage, which highlights both the spatial and temporal elements of storage infrastructures, we argue that the reinforcement and expansion of green extractivist logics is driven, in part, by the idea that extractivism can and will unlock new spaces and temporalities of decarbonisation through the installation and expansion of energy storage infrastructures. Consequently, energy storage in mining decarbonisation is not only a form of accumulation, but a condition of possibility for sustaining and generating new forms of capitalist extraction.
How have changes in accessibility and public funding influenced contraceptive use among Norwegian adolescents? A cohort study
Authors: Sæbø Sunniva , Skjeldestad Finn Egil
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The Norwegian Government introduced in 2002 a reimbursement scheme for hormonal contraceptives to adolescents at the same time as public health nurses and midwives received authorization to prescribe hormonal contraceptives. This study examines the impact of increased accessibility and public funding on hormonal contraceptive use among adolescents.

Material and Methods

The Norwegian Prescription Database, Statistics Norway, and Norwegian Institute of Public Health served as data sources for this cohort study. The study population comprised 174 653 Norwegian women born 1989–1990, 1994–1995, and 1999–2000. We examined use of hormonal contraceptives through dispensed prescriptions from age 12 through age 19 with duration of first continuous use as primary outcome. The statistical analyses were done in SPSS using chi‐squared test, survival analysis, and Joinpoint regression analysis with p‐values < 0.05.

Results

By age 19, ~75% of the cohorts had used at least one hormonal method. The main providers of the first prescription were general practitioners and public health nurses. Starters of progestogen‐only pills (POPs) have increased across the cohorts, while starters of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have decreased. The use of long‐acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) has increased since its inclusion in the reimbursement scheme (2015). Most switchers shifted from COCs or POPs as a start method to implants after LARCs became part of the reimbursement scheme. There has been a significant increase across the cohorts in the number of women who continuously used hormonal contraceptives from start to the end of the calendar year they became 19 years with the same method and after switching methods. We could not correlate changes in decreasing trends for teenage births or induced abortions (Joinpoint analysis) to time for implementation or changes in the reimbursement of hormonal contraceptives from 2002.

Conclusions

Primarily public health nurses and to a lesser extent midwives became soon after they received authorization to prescribe COCs important providers. The expansion of the reimbursement scheme to cover POPs, patches, vaginal ring, and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate in 2006 had minor impact on increasing the proportion of long‐term first‐time users. However, the inclusion of LARCs in 2015 significantly increased the proportion of long‐term first‐time hormonal contraceptive users.
Use of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists for type 2 diabetes mellitus and outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Desai Aakash , Petrov Jessica , Hashash Jana G. , Patel Harsh , Brahmbhatt Bhaumik , Kochhar Gursimran S. , Farraye Francis A.
Published: June 2024

Background

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RA) show anti‐inflammatory properties.

Aim

To evaluate their clinical impact on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study utilising the TriNetX database comparing IBD‐specific outcomes in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on GLP‐1RA compared to oral hypoglycaemic agents. The primary outcome was hospitalisation requiring intravenous steroids and IBD‐related surgery within 3 years. We performed 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) for demographics, co‐morbid conditions, BMI, laboratory values, HbA1c, and IBD medications including steroids.

Results

We identified 1130 patients in the UC GLP‐1RA cohort (mean age: 58.9 ± 11.6 years, 56.3% female, 70.2% White, 57.2% with obesity) and 1140 patients in the CD GLP‐1RA cohort (mean age: 56.7 ± 11.5, 61.9% female, 73.6% White, 56.2% with obesity). After PSM, there was no difference in the risk of intravenous steroid use (aHR: 1.21, 95% CI: 0.92–1.59) but a lower risk of colectomy (aHR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.14–0.97) between the UC GLP‐1RA and control cohort. There was no difference in the risk of intravenous steroid use (aHR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.80–1.34) but a lower risk of surgery (aHR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36–0.84) between the CD GLP‐1RA and CD control cohort. There was no difference in the risk of oral steroid use or advanced therapy initiation in the UC and CD GLP‐1RA than control cohorts.

Conclusions

We found an association between lower risk of IBD‐related surgery and GLP‐1RA use for T2DM in patients with UC or CD.
Digital interventions to support morality: A scoping review
Authors: Scuotto Chiara , Triberti Stefano , Iavarone Maria Luisa , Limone Pierpaolo
Published: June 2024

Background

Morality and moral reasoning develop over the course of life, but such development may encounter obstacles. Psycho‐educational interventions could be designed to improve moral reasoning and attitude towards prosociality. In the last decades, many interventions employed digital technologies ranging from multicomponent online platforms to serious games and virtual reality, making use of interactivity and immersive properties that could make moral stimuli more engaging.

Aims

This study aimed at reviewing the literature on digital interventions to support morality and moral reasoning, carried out with subjects of all age groups.

Methods and results

Two electronic databases were searched with a systematic approach, and retrieved publications were scanned by authors against inclusion criteria. Twenty‐three articles were reviewed. In general, the literature describes encouraging results of digital interventions to support morality. Moreover, a huge variety of morality conceptualizations emerged across various contexts (e.g., professional, school and sports) as well as various outcome measurements (e.g., change in attitudes and change in behaviour).

Conclusions

Effectiveness of digital interventions may relate to immersive and interactive simulations in particular, in that they allow participants not only to learn about moral rules and principles but also to actively exercise their own morality to make decisions. Future research may build on the present scoping review to analyse specific types of interventions' effectiveness with a meta‐analytical approach.
Aetiology and epidemiology of surgical vitreoretinal presentations in an Australian paediatric population: A seven‐year retrospective study
Authors: Bai Amelia , Sharma Abhishek , Chiang Mark , Lee Lawrence
Published: June 2024

Background

Paediatric vitreoretinal pathology is distinct from adult cases in both presentation and surgical planning. Here we aim to report the aetiology and epidemiology in children 0–18 years requiring vitreoretinal surgery at a major tertiary paediatric hospital in Queensland, Australia.

Methods

Retrospective review of cases requiring vitreoretinal surgery between May 2015 and October 2022 was conducted. Demographics, ocular and medical history, surgical pathology, procedures performed, and epidemiology data were retrieved. Patients were grouped into three main aetiologies: traumatic, syndromic, or secondary.

Results

A total of 124 patients, the majority male (87, 70.2%) with a mean age of 10.3 years underwent vitreoretinal surgery. Trauma accounted for 32.3% of cases requiring surgery of which 47% were due to a penetrating eye injury. 35.5% were associated with a syndromic cause with common aetiology including coats, congenital cataract, sticklers, and retinopathy of prematurity. 32.3% developed secondary pathology and retinal detachment was the primary cause for surgery (55%). The average time from symptom onset to presentation was 30 days (SD 56.88) with patients living an average of 306.2 km (SD 558.9) away from the Queensland Children's Hospital. Older age was significantly associated with increased days to presentation in the traumatic group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study provides an insight into the aetiology and epidemiology of paediatric vitreoretinal presentations in Queensland, Australia.
Unexpected variation in outcomes following total (procto)colectomies for ulcerative colitis in New South Wales, Australia: a population‐based 19‐year linked‐data study
Authors: Giddings Hugh L. , Ng Kheng‐Seong , Solomon Michael J. , Steffens Daniel , Van Buskirk Joe , Young Jane
Published: June 2024

Aim

Total (procto)colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with significant morbidity, which is increased in the emergency setting. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes following total (procto)colectomies at a population level within New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and identify case mix and hospital factors associated with these outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective data linkage study of patients undergoing total (procto)colectomy for UC in NSW over a 19‐year period (2001–2020) was performed. The primary outcome was 90‐day mortality. The influence of hospital level factors (including annual volume) and patient demographic variables on outcomes was assessed using logistic regression. Temporal trends in annual volume and evidence for centralization were assessed.

Results

In all, 1418 patients (mean 47.0 years [SD 18.7], 58.7% male) underwent total (procto)colectomy during the study period. The overall 90‐day mortality rate was 3.2% (emergency 8.6% and elective 0.8%). After adjusting for confounding, increasing age at total (procto)colectomy, higher comorbidity burden, public health insurance (Medicare) status, emergency operation and living outside a major city were significantly associated with increased mortality. Hospital volume was significantly associated with mortality at a univariate level, but this did not persist on multivariate modelling.

Conclusions

Outcomes of UC patients undergoing total (procto)colectomy in NSW Australia are comparable to international experience. Whilst higher mortality rates are observed in low volume and public hospitals, this appears attributable to case mix and acuity rather than surgical volume alone. However, as inflammatory bowel disease surgery is not centralized in Australia, only one NSW hospital performed >10 UC total (procto)colectomies annually. Variation in mortality according to insurance status and across regional/remote areas may indicate inequality in the availability of specialist inflammatory bowel disease treatment, which warrants further research.
Cerebral Doppler imaging in neonates: A guide for clinical application and diagnosis
Authors: Horsch Sandra , Schwarz Simone , Arnaez Juan , Steggerda Sylke , Arena Roberta , Govaert Paul ,   the EurUS.Brain group
Published: June 2024

Cranial ultrasound reliably diagnoses many neonatal brain disorders. Adding Doppler imaging expands the spectrum by providing information on the status of the vasculature and haemodynamics that may guide further diagnostic and clinical management. Doppler imaging may identify neonates with congenital or acquired vascular abnormalities such as perinatal stroke, sinuvenous thrombosis, vein of Galen malformation, dural sinus malformation, sinus pericranii, and developmental venous anomaly. These entities may need further investigation with complementary imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography, or conventional angiography.

This review aims to help clinicians to improve their Doppler sonography knowledge and skills in order to use this helpful tool in neonates with neurological symptoms or suspected cerebral vascular abnormalities admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.
Changes in lean body mass with glucagon‐like peptide‐1‐based therapies and mitigation strategies
Authors: Neeland Ian J. , Linge Jennifer , Birkenfeld Andreas L.
Published: June 2024

Weight loss induced by glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) and dual glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R)/glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonists is coming closer to the magnitudes achieved with surgery. However, with greater weight loss there is concern about potential side effects on muscle quantity (mass), health and function. There is heterogeneity in the reported effects of GLP‐1‐based therapies on lean mass changes in clinical trials: in some studies, reductions in lean mass range between 40% and 60% as a proportion of total weight lost, while other studies show lean mass reductions of approximately 15% or less of total weight lost. There are several potential reasons underlying this heterogeneity, including population, drug‐specific/molecular, and comorbidity effects. Furthermore, changes in lean mass may not always reflect changes in muscle mass as the former measure includes not only muscle but also organs, bone, fluids, and water in fat tissue. Based on contemporary evidence with the addition of magnetic resonance imaging‐based studies, skeletal muscle changes with GLP‐1RA treatments appear to be adaptive: reductions in muscle volume seem to be commensurate with what is expected given ageing, disease status, and weight loss achieved, and the improvement in insulin sensitivity and muscle fat infiltration likely contributes to an adaptive process with improved muscle quality, lowering the probability for loss in strength and function. Nevertheless, factors such as older age and severity of disease may influence the selection of appropriate candidates for these therapies due to risk of sarcopenia. To further improve muscle health during weight loss, several pharmacological treatments to maintain or improve muscle mass designed in combination with GLP‐1‐based therapies are under development. Future research on GLP‐1‐based and other therapies designed for weight loss should focus on more accurate and meaningful assessments of muscle mass, composition, as well as function, mobility or strength, to better define their impact on muscle health for the substantial number of patients who will likely be taking these medications well into the future.
Memory, fear, and manipulated sectarianism: Exploring Christian views and intercommunal dynamics in Al‐Hasakah amidst the Syrian uprising
Authors: Dukhan Haian , Hawat Sinan
Published: June 2024

The Syrian uprising and subsequent civil war have been extensively studied with a predominant emphasis on sectarianism between the Sunni and Alawite sects. This narrow focus overlooks the profound influence of other religious and ethnic elements within Syrian society. This article aims to broaden the analytical lens by examining the position and attitudes of Christians in the Al‐Hasakah governorate regarding the Syrian uprising and opposition forces. The article addresses two key inquiries: first, the factors influencing Christians' position in Al‐Hasakah regarding the Syrian uprising, and second, the ramifications of these positions on intercommunal relationships in the region. The paper argues that the collective memory of fear experienced by Christians, manipulated by the Syrian regime, has contributed to the emergence of “sectarianism from below” and “sectarianism from above.” The former reflects the construction of sectarian identities by Christians in response to discrimination and marginalization, while the latter pertains to influential institutions perpetuating sectarian identities and divisions. The findings highlight the complex interplay of factors shaping communal attitudes and relations during times of upheaval and conflict.
Species–environment sorting explains latitudinal patterns in spatiotemporal β‐diversity for freshwater macroinvertebrates
Authors: He Siwen , Wang Beixin , Chen Kai , Li Ning , Soininen Janne
Published: June 2024

Understanding how and why β‐diversity varies along latitude is a long‐standing challenge in community ecology and rarely addressed in both space and time. We aimed to explore the spatiotemporal variations in macroinvertebrate β‐diversity and their underlying drivers in eight biogeographic regions covering a substantial latitudinal gradient of more than 40 degrees. By combining β‐diversity partitioning and distance decay of community similarity analyses, we found that subtropical β‐diversity varies more in space relative to variation in time compared with temperate β‐diversity, as we predicted. This is probably because subtropical β‐diversity is shaped by species–environment sorting (SS), caused by habitat heterogeneity and species specialization, more strongly in space relative to time than temperate β‐diversity. Our study highlights the importance of SS in shaping latitudinal gradients of β‐diversity in space and time.
Credit risk correlation and the cost of bank loans
Authors: Javadi Siamak , Osah Theophilus
Published: June 2024

Using several approaches to compute firms’ credit risk correlation, we provide robust empirical evidence that lenders charge higher loan spreads to borrowers with higher credit risk correlation. Consistent with the theoretical literature, we find that the credit risk correlation effect is concentrated in investment‐grade firms, driven by tightening lending conditions, and more pronounced for firms with higher rollover risk. We also show that banks whose borrowers have higher average credit risk correlation, have greater default risk themselves. Overall, our results indicate that banks view credit risk correlation as an important risk factor.
Leaf area predicts conspecific spatial aggregation of woody species
Authors: Xi Jingjing , Li Guolin C. , Wang Min , Veresoglou Stavros D.
Published: June 2024

Aim

Addressing how woody plant species are distributed in space can reveal inconspicuous drivers that structure plant communities. The spatial structure of conspecifics varies not only at local scales across co‐existing plant species but also at larger biogeographical scales with climatic parameters and habitat properties. The possibility that biogeographical drivers shape the spatial structure of plants, however, has not received sufficient attention.

Location

Global synthesis.

Time Period

1997–2022.

Major Taxa Studied

Woody angiosperms and conifers.

Methods

We carried out a quantitative synthesis to capture the interplay between local scale and larger scale drivers. We modelled conspecific spatial aggregation as a binary response through logistic models and Ripley's L statistics and the distance at which the point process was least random with mixed effects linear models. Our predictors covered a range of plant traits, climatic predictors and descriptors of the habitat.

Results

We hypothesized that plant traits, when summarized by local scale predictors, exceed in importance biogeographical drivers in determining the spatial structure of conspecifics across woody systems. This was only the case in relation to the frequency with which we observed aggregated distributions. The probability of observing spatial aggregation and the intensity of it was higher for plant species with large leaves but further depended on climatic parameters and mycorrhiza.

Main Conclusions

Compared to climate variables, plant traits perform poorly in explaining the spatial structure of woody plant species, even though leaf area is a decisive plant trait that is related to whether we observe homogenous spatial aggregation and its intensity. Despite the limited variance explained by our models, we found that the spatial structure of woody plants is subject to consistent biogeographical constraints and that these exceed beyond descriptors of individual species, which we captured here through leaf area.
The CRK14 gene encoding a cysteine‐rich receptor‐like kinase is implicated in the regulation of global proliferative arrest in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Imai Sho , Hirozawa Hikaru , Sugahara Shingo , Ishizaki Chisato , Higuchi Mayu , Matsushita Yuma , Suzuki Takamasa , Mochizuki Nobuyoshi , Nagatani Akira , Ueguchi Chiharu
Published: June 2024

Global proliferative arrest (GPA) is a phenomenon in monocarpic plants in which the activity of all aboveground meristems generally ceases in a nearly coordinated manner after the formation of a certain number of fruits. Despite the fact that GPA is a biologically and agriculturally important event, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we attempted to elucidate the molecular mechanism of GPA regulation by identifying the gene responsible for the Arabidopsis mutant fireworks (fiw), causing an early GPA phenotype. Map‐based cloning revealed that the fiw gene encodes CYSTEIN‐RICH RECEPTOR‐LIKE KINASE 14 (CRK14). Genetic analysis suggested that fiw is a missense, gain‐of‐function allele of CRK14. Since overexpression of the extracellular domain of CRK14 resulted in delayed GPA in the wild‐type background, we concluded that CRK14 is involved in GPA regulation. Analysis of double mutants revealed that fiw acts downstream of or independently of the FRUITFULL‐APETALA2 (AP2)/AP2‐like pathway, which was previously reported as an age‐dependent default pathway in GPA regulation. In addition, fiw is epistatic to clv with respect to GPA control. Furthermore, we found a negative effect on WUSCHEL expression in the fiw mutants. These results thus suggest the existence of a novel CRK14‐dependent signaling pathway involved in GPA regulation.
Metal phosphide poisoning in a disaster‐stricken area. Can early hemodialysis improve outcomes?
Authors: Abdo Najjar , Mohamed Sekkarie , Luyckx Valerie , Mohammad Alabdullah , Rahman Sulaiman Abdu el , Christine Kuhn , Alexander Jetter , Khaled Hajj Nasan , Lina Murad , Oussama Rifai Ahmad , Alasfar Sami , Ahmad AlhajHusain
Published: June 2024

Background

Phosphide metal poisoning results in tens of thousands of fatalities per year worldwide. The mortality in critically ill patients often exceeds 50%. The available treatment is supportive and there is no antidote. Dialysis is recommended to treat advanced complications but has not been prescribed early in the process. In this study we report our experience in using dialysis in the early hours of presentation of the patients and suggest it can favorably improve the prognosis. We also draw attention to the risk of suicide under conditions of chronic conflict such as those in northwestern Syria, and to the lack of necessary mental health support for patients after suicide attempts.

Methods

Retrospective review of records of patients poisoned with aluminum phosphide and admitted to critical care facilities in northwestern Syria between July 2022 and June 2023.

Results

During the observation period 16 cases were encountered. Suicide was the reason of the poisoning in 15 patients, the median patient age was 18 years and over two thirds of the patients were female. Early dialysis was used in 11 patients who were critically ill and their mortality rate was 18%.

Conclusions

Phosphide metal poisoning is common in the disasters stricken area of northwestern Syria. Most cases are suicidal and impact young females. Early dialytic interventions may favorably impact the outcomes.
Appraisal analysis of the vague expressions in academic lectures using English as an academic lingua franca in an EMI university
Authors: Jin Xiaoling
Published: June 2024

This study aims to compare how lecturers, also being different English as a lingua franca (ELF) users use various vague expressions in academic lectures in a Chinese English‐medium instruction (EMI) university. The study adopts the framework of appraisal grounded in systemic functional linguistic theory to classify all vague expressions according to intensity, amount, and categorisation. It is found that vagueness in relation to amount with no gradable features was used most frequently in the 12 academic lectures of the study, followed by those related to no‐scaled categorisation and upscaled intensity. The use of vague expressions is further examined from an academic ELF perspective. We discover that native‐speaker lecturers may use more vague expressions concerning amount whereas ELF lecturers may prefer those concerning intensity. Finally, we suggest some pedagogical implications of using vagueness in ELF communication for delivering academic lectures in the EMI university context.
Geopolymers made using organic bases. Part II: Crystallization and physical properties
Authors: Samuel Devon , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: June 2024

It was previously demonstrated that geopolymers can be synthesized using organic bases rather than alkali hydroxides, thereby removing the alkali cations from the composition and allowing other ceramics to be made. This work compared the microstructures of Al2O3·2SiO2 and Al2O3·4SiO2 bodies made using guanidine and tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH) with equivalent sodium geopolymers. The guanidine and sodium samples were similar, whereas TMAOH caused a clear difference in structure. Sodium and guanidine geopolymers with overall compositions of 3Al2O3·2SiO2 were also synthesized with the aim of developing a castable route to bulk mullite. The development of crystalline phases was followed by powder x‐ray diffractometry for all of these compositions after thermal treatment at temperatures up to 1600°C. The microstructures after firing at 1600°C were examined by scanning electron microscopy. When heated, the Al2O3·2SiO2 and Al2O3·4SiO2 compositions transformed from amorphous phases into a mixture of fine, needle‐shaped, mullite crystals and amorphous silica, while 3Al2O3·2SiO2 compositions became entirely mullite, with the shape of the mullite crystals being dependent on the type of precursors used. All samples exhibited substantial amounts of porosity, which could be reduced with improved processing techniques. This work demonstrated that alumina‐rich guanidine geopolymers are a potential route to casting bulk mullite bodies.
‘Key skills’ building in schools as a possible approach to reducing and preventing challenging behaviour
Authors: Armstrong Heather , McDowell Claire , Leavey Gerard , Denne Louise D.
Published: June 2024

Background

Building ‘key skills’ may help prevent the development of challenging behaviour in children with an intellectual disability. The aim of this paper was to extend the current limited evidence in this area.

Method

We undertook two studies with children with an intellectual disability in school settings: (1) a cross‐sectional replication study exploring the relationship between ‘key skills’ and challenging behaviour. (2) a longitudinal study follow‐up exploring change in ‘key skill’ levels and challenging behaviour.

Results

The replication study recruited 74 participants, those scoring lowest in ‘key skill’ had a 94% chance of having challenging behaviour; those with the highest scores had a 6% chance.

The follow‐up study recruited 39 participants, we found a significant increase in children's ‘key skill’ level (p < .001) and a decrease in their challenging behaviour (p = .046).

Conclusion

Building ‘key skills’ in children with an intellectual disability may help reduce or prevent challenging behaviour.
Exploring the implementation of COVID‐19 infection control guidance in congregate living settings supporting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Rianto Michelle , Freeman Matthew , Di Rezze Briano
Published: June 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic has put the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) at risk, including those residing in congregate living settings. This study aimed to explore the experiences of congregate living agencies supporting individuals with IDD when implementing infection control guidance during the COVID‐19 pandemic for the purpose of identifying recommendations for future implementation. Interpretive description was the methodological approach used for this qualitative study. Data were collected through a semi‐structured focus group with administrative personnel from developmental services (DS) congregate living agencies supporting adults with IDD in Ontario, Canada. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Our findings identified successes and challenges related to the implementation of infection control guidelines in practice, as well as strategies used during the implementation of guidelines. Five main themes were identified—Communication, Collaboration, Finding and Managing Resources, Agency Capacity, and Future Considerations. Effective communication and collaboration within agencies, as well as between agencies and local public health units or governing ministries, led to the successful implementation of infection control guidance. Prior experience with pandemics, as well as managers with knowledge of infectious disease and infection control, was crucial in interpreting and implementing COVID‐19 infection control guidance. DS agencies experienced successes and challenges when implementing infection control guidelines. The needs of DS agencies and individuals with IDD should be prioritized when developing infection control guidance to ensure that implementation is feasible and appropriate for congregate living settings and the population supported.
Pharmacokinetics of nalbuphine administered intravenously and subcutaneously in goats (Capra aegagrus hircus)
Authors: Garcia Jessica D. , Smith Joe S. , Minich David , Hopson Makenna , Rahn Rebecca , Hampton Chiara , Graves Meggan , Bussières Geneviève , Mulon Pierre‐Yves , Ebner Lisa S. , Cox Sherry
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of intravenously (IV) and subcutaneously (SC) administered nalbuphine in domestic goats. Nalbuphine hydrochloride was administered at 0.8 mg/kg for both IV and SC routes in six goats with a minimum of 10‐day washout period between sample collection phases. Eighteen plasma samples were collected over a 36‐hour period, analyzed using reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Plasma data were analyzed using compartmental and noncompartmental approaches. Following IV nalbuphine administration, elimination half‐life, area under the plasma concentration time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0 − ∞), concentration at time zero (C0), and total body clearance were 120.4 ± 39.1 (min−1 ± SD), 17311.01 ± 7227.32 (min·ng·mL−1 ± SD), 675.6 ± 337.13 (ng·mL−1 ± SD), and 44.5 ± 13.8 (mL·min−1·kg−1 ± SD), respectively. After SC nalbuphine administration, elimination half‐life, area under the plasma concentration time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0 − ∞), and maximum plasma drug concentration were 129 ± 52.9 (min−1 ± SD), 20826.5 ± 14376.2 (min·ng·mL−1), and 368.03 ± 503.78 (ng·mL−1). Calculated bioavailability for the SC route was 138 ± 126 (% ± SD). Nalbuphine in goats is characterized by rapid elimination and high subcutaneous bioavailability and may be a safe analgesic opioid option in goats in the future.
Mutualisms evolve in correlation across the plant tree of life
Authors: Sinnott‐Armstrong Miranda A.
Published: June 2024

This article is a Commentary on Yamawo & Ohno (2024), 243: 1586–1599.
Pemphigus oral lesions area index (POLAI): A new scoring scale for assessing oral pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Xuefeng , Yao Yihuan , Wang Jiongke , Shi Yujie , Liu Tiannan , Xu Hao , Zhou Yu , Dan Hongxia , Zeng Xin
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Current scales for Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) do not adequately represent the clinical variability of oral lesions. This study aimed to develop an independent scale, the Pemphigus Oral Lesions Area Index (POLAI), for assessment of oral PV exclusively, and compare POLAI, Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI), Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorder Intensity Score (ABSIS) and Oral Disease Severity Score (ODSS) regarding inter‐ and intra‐observer reliability and validity.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective cohort included 209 sets of digital‐photographs. Additional clinical cohort included 32 PV patients. All visits were assessed by four clinicians using the PDAI, ABSIS, ODSS and POLAI, and were rated by three specialists using the Physician's Global Assessment (PGA).

Results

The intraclass correlation coefficient showed the inter‐observer reliability with 0.89 and 0.86 for PDAI, 0.87 for ABSIS, 0.93 for ODSS, 0.96 for POLAI, and 0.97 and 0.96 for PGA. Intra‐observer agreements showed excellent reliability for all 4 scores. Highest correlation was observed between PGA and POLAI (correlation coefficients were 0.96). The mean time taken to complete each scale was within 1.5 min.

Conclusion

POLAI is valid for the assessment of oral PV with superior inter‐ and intra‐observer reliability to PDAI, ABSIS and ODSS, and is feasible in clinic.
Negative excess oral and pharyngeal cancer mortality in Europe during the early pandemic years
Authors: Petti Stefano
Published: June 2024

Objective

The COVID‐19 pandemic had direct and indirect effects on oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC) mortality due to high COVID‐19 mortality risk among cancer patients, and to the COVID‐19 response that caused treatment delays and reduced routine visits. This study investigated the excess OPC mortality in Europe during the early pandemic years.

Methods

Mortality and population data were gathered from the Eurostat database. The 2011–2019 mortality rates were used to estimate the 2020–2021 expected rates through joinpoint trend analysis. The excess mortality rates (observed minus expected mortality) with 95% confidence intervals (95 CIs) were assessed.

Results

Statistically significant negative excess age‐standardized and crude (age strata <65 and ≥65 years) OPC mortality rates in males and females, in the European Union (EU, 27 countries) and Europe were reported. The estimated OPC missing deaths in EU were 831 (95 CI, 630–985) and 1240 (95 CI, 1039–1394) in 2020 and 2021, respectively, with differences between sexes, age strata, and countries. The OPC deaths in the EU and Europe were 3.6% and 3.5% lower than expected.

Conclusion

Missing OPC deaths reported in Europe in 2020–2021 could be explained by changes in death certification of OPC patients who developed COVID‐19, rather than a real OPC mortality decline.
Reindeer grazing reduces climate‐driven vegetation changes and shifts trophic interactions in the Fennoscandian tundra
Authors: Ramirez J. Ignacio , Sundqvist Maja , Lindén Elin , Björk Robert G. , Forbes Bruce C. , Suominen Otso , Tyler Torbjörn , Virtanen Risto , Olofsson Johan
Published: June 2024

Herbivores drive shifts in plant species composition by interacting with vegetation through defoliation, trampling and nutrient addition: urine and faeces. As herbivore effects on vegetation accumulate over time, they might spillover to other trophic levels, but how and when this happens is poorly understood. Since it is methodologically demanding to measure biodiversity across spatial gradients, an alternative approach is to assess it through biodiversity indices of vascular plants. We employed the Index of biodiversity relevance developed for Swedish flora which provides an estimated number of organisms associated with a plant species, allowing the quantification of trophic community size. Values from this index were coupled with vegetation data from a network of 96 fenced and paired grazed plots across Fennoscandia. We analysed the role herbivory has on plant richness and diversity, and on the number of organisms that interact with the vegetation according to the index values. We also explored how herbivores influence the competitive effects of tall shrubs on other plants since the dominance of a vegetation type links directly to biodiversity. Plant diversity had no clear response to grazing. Overall vegetation and the vegetation subgroups herbs and non‐fruit shrubs had higher biodiversity index values in fenced plots, indicating a higher number of plant–host interactions. Herb cover was negatively related to shrubs in both treatments but with a faster decline in the absence of herbivores. This study highlights the importance of maintaining herbivore populations in the Arctic to conserve the vegetation structure and biodiversity of the tundra. This method of coupling biodiversity indexes with vegetation data provides complementary information to the plant diversity, especially when methodological or time constraints prevent complete field inventories.
Peacemaking past & present: A syllabus
Authors: Clinton Michael
Published: June 2024

This article discusses a seminar‐style course on peace history offered as an option in the general education program at Gwynedd Mercy University since the Spring 2020 semester. After describing the context that led to the development of the course, it outlines features of the course syllabus, such as course topics, assignments, and resources. It offers specific suggestions for reading material and other content, discussion threads, in‐class activities, options for short essays, and research paper topics. Instructors may find the syllabus helpful as a catalyst for developing ideas for their own course emphasizing peace as a theme in history or as a source for topics about peace to include piecemeal in syllabi in survey and other courses.
Short‐term fire exclusion affects germination and seed traits in tropical savannas
Authors: Zirondi H. L. , Ooi M. K. J. , Fidelis A.
Published: June 2024

In fire‐prone ecosystems, plant traits are influenced by the fire regime, thus reproduction and establishment can be altered by this disturbance. Changes in fire frequency and history can therefore influence seed and germination traits.

We investigated the effects of short‐term fire exclusion on seed and germination traits of species from tropical open savannas. Seeds from 27 species were collected from two areas with distinct fire histories: recently and frequently burned (RB) or unburned for 5 to 7 years (E). Seeds from both areas underwent germination trials under optimal conditions for 30 days. Also, 10 species were exposed to high temperature treatments (100 or 200 °C) and seed and germination traits measured. Comparisons were then made for each trait, analysing each species separately, between the two areas.

Approximately 85% of species studied had at least one of their germination traits altered in the RB area compared to the E area. Clear differences included lower viability and faster germination in seeds from RB areas. Seed traits of 70% of measured species differed between the two areas.

Our results show species‐specific trait response to different fire histories. For example, faster germination and lower viability of seeds from RB plots suggest selection for faster maturing individuals and differences in resourcing, respectively, under a regime of frequent fire. This study provides insights into fire effects on regeneration responses of tropical savanna species and also points to the need for more studies evaluating the effects of fire history on seed traits.
Can multi‐species plantings alleviate abiotic stressors to enhance Bald cypress restoration?
Authors: Ellis Victoria S. , Sloey Taylor M.
Published: June 2024

Restoration researchers and practitioners alike advocate for novel restoration approaches, informed by ecological theories and principles, to enhance the likelihood of meeting restoration goals. Forested wetland restoration has historically focused on creating abiotic conditions that support the tolerance thresholds of desired species, but the stress gradient hypothesis provides guidance for potential new strategies that use biotic interactions to ameliorate stressful abiotic conditions. In this study, we tested whether multi‐species planting approaches can be used to enhance the survival and growth of a target restoration tree species, Bald cypress, along multiple abiotic gradients. We conducted a fully factorial controlled greenhouse experiment which manipulated above‐ and belowground interactions between two species (Bald cypress and Soft rush), as well as light availability and depth of inundation. Our findings showed that co‐planting Bald cypress seedlings with Soft rush did not increase tree biomass production or growth metrics (e.g. stem height and leaf area) under any exposed stress combination. Importantly, we found that full‐sun irradiance negatively impacted functional traits associated with the tree seedlings' health and ability to photosynthesize. Our findings are important for consideration by practitioners as light is rarely the focus of wetland ecosystem restoration and degraded forested wetlands or restoration sites often have open canopies.
Contemporary Concise Review 2023: Asthma
Authors: Politis John , Bardin Philip G. , Leong Paul
Published: June 2024

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS

Asthma research and management needs to meet the priorities of the end user—patients, carers and clinicians.

A better understanding of the natural history of asthma and the progression of disease has highlighted the importance of early identification of patients with asthma and the potential role of early intervention.

Management of mild asthma requires a consistent approach with the same detail and consideration used when managing severe disease.

Evidence around treatable traits approaches continues to evolve, supporting the role of a personalized medicine in asthma.

Oral corticosteroid (OCS) stewardship continues to be an urgent issue in asthma management. Strategies to taper OCS doses and the implementation of biologic therapies for their steroid sparing benefits will be important steps to address this problem.

The concept of remission in asthma provides an ambitious target and treatment outcome.