bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tip‐microVapour Fast Freezing: A novel easy method for cryopreserving severe oligozoospermic samples
Authors: Dabizzi Sara , Calamai Costanza , Degl'Innocenti Selene , Boni Luca , Vignozzi Linda , Maggi Mario , Baldi Elisabetta , Muratori Monica
Published: September 2023

Background

Sperm cryopreservation is an important procedure for oligozoospermic subjects at risk of azoospermia and after surgical recovery of spermatozoa in non‐obstructive azoospermic men. Conventional procedures for sperm cryopreservation might be, however, not suitable for samples with a very low sperm number.

Objectives

In this pilot study, we investigated the recoveries of sperm motility and viability in severe oligozoospermic subjects (n = 39) after cryopreservation with a tip‐microVapour Fast Freezing, a procedure previously developed by our group for men with good semen quality. Sperm DNA fragmentation was also evaluated in a second group of oligozoospermic samples (n = 16).

Materials and methods

We used a Vapour Fast Freezing procedure using 10 μL tips as carrier, and Test Yolk Buffer as freezing medium (tip‐microVapour Fast Freezing). In a subset of samples (n = 22), we compared recovery of motility and viability as obtained with tip‐microVapour Fast Freezing and with a Vapour Fast Freezing procedure using 500 μL straws. Sperm DNA fragmentation was evaluated by the sperm chromatin dispersion test.

Results

We found a recovery rate (median [interquartile range]) of 0.29 (0.13–0.41) for progressive motility, 0.30 (0.21–0.52) for total motility and 0.48 (0.29–0.60) for viability. Interestingly, we observed that samples with the poorest motility were apparently less damaged by freezing/thawing. In a subset of samples (n = 22), we directly compared values of viability, progressive motility and total motility by freezing/thawing with tip‐microVapour Fast Freezing and Vapour Fast Freezing conducted with 500 μL straws. We found much better values of all sperm parameters in samples after freezing/thawing with tip‐microVapour Fast Freezing than with Vapour Fast Freezing in 500 μL straws: that is, progressive motility: 7.00 (3.00–8.50)% versus 2.00 (0.00–4.25)%, p < 0.001; total motility: 12.00 (8.00–16.25)% versus 6.50 (1.00–9.25)%, p < 0.001; viability: 29.75 (23.75–45.25) versus 22.50 (13.75–28.13), p < 0.001, respectively. In the second group of oligozoospermic samples, we found that tip‐microVapour Fast Freezing produced lower levels of sperm DNA fragmentation than straws (33.00 [19.75–36.00]% vs. 36.00 [22.75–41.87]%, p < 0.001).

Discussion and conclusion

Tip‐microVapour Fast Freezing appears to be a very promising method to cryopreserve semen samples from severe oligozoospermic patients.
Decoding designers: The work of responsibility and innovation for accessibility
Authors: Usman Ramsha
Published: September 2023

Web users with disabilities from Pakistan critique web design methods as members of online feedback communities. One practice in web design that draws criticism is the omission of accessible features from the coding of the user interface/user experience (UI/UX) in the initial stages of web design production. The initial web design is associated with “innovation,” while accessibility becomes the responsibility of those working on the financially constrained and often delayed stage of repair and maintenance. Such a social hierarchy of design‐making propagates the exclusion of accessibility from both web design and design labor practices. Using critique from online feedback communities, two disabled Pakistani software designers highlight how accessibility norms define what innovation, responsibility, and expertise are within their domain of work. Drawing together anthropological work on accessibility and science and technology studies, this article analyzes how designers with disabilities build design systems by using critique from feedback communities, open‐sourcing, and reshaping code in a boot camp, a graduate school lab, and a corporate accessibility lab. The social work of design‐making and the material form of code therefore become tools to challenge inaccessibility and norms of innovation, responsibility, and expertise.
Learning strategies and reading achievement in primary schools: Longitudinal relationship and gender differences
Authors: Qin Kexin , Zhou Ji , Wang Yehui
Published: September 2023

Background

Learning is a self‐regulated loop where learning strategies and achievements are interrelated. In reading, although some studies have explored the relationship between different learning strategies (memorization, elaboration and control) and reading achievement, little is known about how they interact over time. Even though the longitudinal relationship was revealed in some studies, most of the evidence was based on the whole population, regardless of gender differences.

Aims

This study was designed to examine the longitudinal relationship between memorization, elaboration, control strategies and reading achievement, as well as the gender difference in the longitudinal relationship.

Sample

The sample consisted of 3878 Chinese students (2025 boys, 1853 girls) who were surveyed in Grade 4 and Grade 6.

Methods

A cross‐lagged model was conducted to examine the longitudinal relationship between memorization, elaboration, control strategies and reading achievement while controlling for gender, age and parents' educational levels. Multigroup cross‐lagged models were conducted to examine gender differences in the longitudinal relationship between these variables.

Results

Memorization and elaboration strategies were reciprocally related. Both predicted subsequent control strategies, but not vice versa. Only memorization strategies positively predicted subsequent reading achievement, while prior reading achievement positively predicted the subsequent three strategies. The effects of prior reading achievement on subsequent learning strategies were stronger for boys.

Conclusions

Memorization strategies play a prominent role in promoting deeper strategies and reading achievement in Chinese primary schools, which might relate to culture and developmental stages. Higher achievement or positive feedback from learning results might be motivation for using different strategies, especially for boys.
Royalty taxation under tax competition and profit shifting
Authors: Juranek S. , Schindler D. , Schneider A.
Published: September 2023

Multinational corporations increasingly use royalty payments for intellectual property rights to shift profits globally. This not only threatens the tax base of countries worldwide but also affects the nature of tax competition. Against this background, our theoretical analysis suggests a surprising solution to the problem of curbing profit shifting without suffering major outflows of capital: a strictly positive withholding tax on royalty payments is both the Pareto‐efficient solution under international coordination and the optimal unilateral response. If internal debt is sufficiently responsive, governments can even implement optimal targeting. Then, the royalty tax closes the profit‐shifting channel, while all competition for mobile capital is relegated to internal‐debt regulation. Our results question the ban on royalty taxes in double tax treaties and the EU Interest and Royalty Directive.
Outcomes of asymptomatic histologic pyelonephritis of kidney transplant
Authors: Budhiraja Pooja , Butterfield Richard , Gea‐Banacloche Juan , Swaminathan Sundararaman , Smith Maxwell L. , Khamash Hassan A. , Me Hay Me , Kodali Lavanya , Mour Girish K. , Nair Sumi , Misra Suman , Heilman Raymond L.
Published: September 2023

Background

Urinary Tract Infections are the most common post‐transplant infection and can have varied presentations. This study aimed to describe the outcomes of kidney transplant recipients with asymptomatic histologic pyelonephritis on allograft biopsy. Histologic Pyelonephritis was defined as neutrophil cast or neutrophilic tubulitis, interstitial infiltrates with predominant neutrophils, and no evidence of rejection or glomerulonephritis on biopsy.

Methods

The study included 123 kidney transplant recipients, of whom 95 underwent protocol biopsies, and 28 had biopsies for elevated creatinine within the first 2 years of a kidney transplant.

Results

The mean age of the cohort was 55.3 years, with 52% females and 78% deceased donor transplants. The risk factors for asymptomatic histologic pyelonephritis were recipient female sex (OR 1.89, 1.3–2.7, diabetes mellitus (OR 2.479, 1.687–3.645), and deceased donation (OR 1.69, 1.098–2.63). The incidence of asymptomatic pyelonephritis on protocol biopsy was 1.7%, with 52% having positive urine cultures and Escherichia coli being the most common bacteria. Subjects with asymptomatic pyelonephritis had inferior graft survival compared to the matched cohort HR 1.88 (1.06–3.35), p = .0281. In addition, of these 123 subjects, 68 (55%) subsequently developed pyelonephritis, and 34 subjects had pyelonephritis within 6 months after this episode. Subjects with recurrent infections exhibited lower survival HR 2.86 (1.36–6.02) and a trend toward higher rejection risk.

Conclusion

Asymptomatic histologic pyelonephritis can occur in kidney transplant recipients and is associated with inferior graft survival.
Various effects of repeated rifampin dosing on coproporphyrin levels in humans
Authors: Kinzi Jonny , Grube Markus , Brecht Karin , Seibert Isabell , Siegmund Werner , Meyer zu Schwabedissen Henriette E.
Published: September 2023

In recent years, the identification of endogenous substrates as biomarkers became an uprising topic. Particularly coproporphyrins (CPs), byproducts of heme biosynthesis, are intensely investigated as biomarkers for predicting interactions with the organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B transporters. In the context of drug–drug interactions, several preclinical and clinical studies assessed the effect of the OATP1B‐index inhibitor rifampin on CPI levels. However, rifampin is not only a “perpetrator” drug of transporters but is also known for its interaction with the nuclear receptor pregnane X receptor (PXR) leading to the efficient induction of PXR‐target genes. These include hemoproteins like cytochrome P450 enzymes but also the δ‐aminolevulinate synthase 1, which is the rate‐limiting enzyme in heme biosynthesis. In this study, we showed that quantification of CPs in clinical serum samples was possible after long‐term storage at −20°C. We quantified CPI, CPIII, and heme levels in clinical serum samples (at selected timepoints) that originated from a trial investigating the interaction potential of repeated rifampin administration in 12 healthy participants. In samples collected at the assumed time to maximum concentration of rifampin, higher CP levels were observed compared to baseline. Increased levels persisted even 14 h after discontinuation of rifampin. No impact on heme serum levels was observed. We found a correlation between CP isomers at baseline and at 14 h after rifampin intake. In summary, we show that multiple doses of rifampin affect CP levels. However, besides inhibition of hepatic OATP function there is evidence for an interaction with CP levels beyond the transporter level.
A unified evolutionary framework for understanding parasite infection and host migratory behaviour
Authors: Shaw Allison K. , Levet Marie , Binning Sandra A.
Published: September 2023

Animal migration impacts organismal health and parasite transmission: migrants are simultaneously exposed to parasites and able to reduce infection for both individuals and populations. However, these dynamics are difficult to study; empirical studies reveal disparate results while existing theory makes assumptions that simplify natural complexity. Here, we systematically review empirical studies of migration and infection across taxa, highlighting key gaps in our understanding. Next, we develop a unified evolutionary framework incorporating different selective pressures of parasite–migration interactions while accounting for ecological complexity that goes beyond previous theory. Our framework generates diverse migration–infection patterns paralleling those seen in empirical systems, including partial and differential migration. Finally, we generate predictions about which mechanisms dominate which empirical systems to guide future studies. Our framework provides an overarching understanding of selective pressures shaping migration patterns in the context of animal health and disease, which is critical for predicting how environmental change may threaten migration.
Genome‐wide association study identifies novel caries‐associated loci showing sex‐specificity—A study on the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966
Authors: Laajala Anne , Pesonen Paula , Alaraudanjoki Viivi , Anttonen Vuokko , Laitala Marja‐Liisa
Published: September 2023

A genome‐wide association study was performed in sex‐stratified groups representing three different caries phenotypes among adults. The study sample consisted of 46‐year‐old participants of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 study (n = 1481). The phenotypes for analyses were the dentin caries phenotype (persons having at least one tooth with dentin caries lesion), and the enamel caries phenotype (those having teeth with more than 10 enamel caries lesions), while the control group had <10 enamel caries lesions and no teeth with dentin caries, respectively. A third phenotype dubbed the caries severity phenotype had a below‐average number of teeth with initial lesions and at least one extensive dentin caries lesion; their controls had an above‐average number of teeth with initial caries lesions and no teeth with extensive dentin caries lesions. All analyses were performed for the whole group and for sex‐stratified subgroups. In females, loci in chromosomes 2, 5, and 15 showed a statistically significant association with caries severity. In males, there was a novel association between chromosome 5 and dentin caries. The results of this study may suggest a genetic background of caries among adults. In the future, the detection of genetic predisposing variants may allow the identification of patients at risk for caries, even in the absence of behavioral and environmental risk factors.
Building resilience: Alignment of nonprofit leaders’ understanding of environmental challenges
Authors: Willems Emma Lotte , Van Puyvelde Stijn , Jegers Marc
Published: September 2023

The ways in which a common understanding of environmental challenges is established among nonprofit leaders are not clearly presented in the literature, despite the importance of such understanding as an antecedent of organizational resilience. In response to this research gap, this paper seeks to identify how such an alignment is facilitated. We use a qualitative research approach and investigate seven international nonprofit organizations whose leadership is aligned on environmental challenges. The data collection is twofold. First, leaders of these organizations, being the board chair, one board member, and the managerial executive, respond to closed and open‐ended survey questions. Second, we analyze organizational documents of the participating nonprofits. This includes for example their bylaws, codes of conduct, and strategic plans. Our results indicate that transparency, clarity, flexibility, and quality relationships among the leadership are key interaction characteristics associated with leadership alignment. Good board chair leadership and board gender balance are crucial personal characteristics. The present paper provides insights to academics as well as practitioners who aim to enhance cohesion of their leadership's understanding of environmental challenges.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of hepatitis E vaccination strategies among patients with chronic hepatitis B in China
Authors: Cui Tingting , Zhang Xuefeng , Wang Qiang , Yue Na , Bao Changjun , Jiang Renjie , Xu Shilin , Yuan Zhaohu , Qian Yunke , Chen Liling , Hang Hui , Zhang Zhong , Sun Hongmin , Jin Hui
Published: September 2023

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of hepatitis E vaccination strategies in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

Methods

Based on the societal perspective, the cost‐effectiveness of three hepatitis E vaccination strategies—vaccination without screening, screening‐based vaccination, and no vaccination—among CHB patients was evaluated using a decision tree–Markov model, and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated. Values for treatment costs and health utilities were estimated from a prior investigation on disease burden, and values for transition probabilities and vaccination‐related costs were obtained from previous studies and government agencies. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken for assessing model uncertainties.

Results

It was estimated that CHB patients superinfected with hepatitis E virus (HEV) incurred significantly longer disease course, higher economic burden, and more health loss compared to those with HEV infection alone (all p < 0.05). The ICERs of vaccination without screening and screening‐based vaccination compared to no vaccination were 41,843.01 yuan/quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) and 29,147.32 yuan/QALY, respectively, both lower than China's per‐capita gross domestic product (GDP) in 2018. The screening‐based vaccination reduced the cost and gained more QALYs than vaccination without screening. One‐way sensitivity analyses revealed that vaccine price, vaccine protection rate, and decay rate of vaccine protection had the greatest impact on the cost‐effectiveness analysis. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed the base‐case results, and if the willingness‐to‐pay value reached per‐capita GDP, the probability that screening‐based vaccination would be cost‐effective was approaching 100%.

Conclusions

The disease burden in CHB patients superinfected with HEV is relatively heavy in China, and the screening‐based hepatitis E vaccination strategy for CHB patients is the most cost‐effective option.
A comparison of summer, fall and winter estimates of monarch population size before and after milkweed eradication from crop fields in North America
Authors: Pleasants John , Thogmartin Wayne E. , Oberhauser Karen S. , Taylor Orley R. , Stenoien Carl
Published: September 2023

Measures of the area occupied by overwintering monarchs in México since the mid‐1990s show a decline. Summer surveys of monarchs, however, do not show a similar decline. This discrepancy has led to the proposition that summer monarch numbers are actually stable and that increasing mortality during migration has led to declining overwintering numbers. A competing hypothesis is that this discrepancy is due to a sampling bias in the summer counts and that the summer population has declined because of the eradication of milkweed habitat from crop fields that occurred in the late 1990s through mid‐2000s.

We posit that the sampling bias occurred during the period when milkweeds were declining in crop fields and resulted from not sampling in the crop fields.

We examined three measures of the size of the population made in the fall during migration and four summer survey measures and compared them to the overwintering measures. Counts of migrating monarchs are not expected to have this sampling bias since migrants come from all habitats, including crop fields.

During the period of milkweed eradication, counts of the migrating population were correlated with the size of the overwintering population, whereas summer survey counts were not. After milkweed eradication from crop fields, all population measures were correlated with one another.

These results indicate that during the pre‐eradication period, summer counts were not an accurate measure of summer population size. Population trends observed at the overwintering site reflect factors, principally milkweed loss, that affect summer population size.
W/Si3N4 composite ceramics reinforced with core‐shell W‐crystallized oxynitride phase
Authors: Wang Qiang , Zhou Cunlong , Yang Chao
Published: September 2023

The introduction of a reinforced phase is an effective way to toughen silicon nitride ceramics. However, the residual stress caused by thermal expansion mismatch between the reinforced phase and Si3N4 ceramics may generate interfacial defects and deteriorate the strength of silicon nitride ceramics. Therefore, a novel strategy for optimizing interface structure to reinforceW/Si3N4 composite ceramics has been proposed. After introducing (Y2O3, Al2O3, W) particles in the W/Si3N4 ceramics, the melted liquid phase encompasses the W particles at high temperature and in situ‐generates the core‐shell structural W‐crystallized oxynitride phase as the material cools. As a result, the interfacial defect was inhibited after the core‐shell W‐crystallized oxynitride phase was introduced. With the increase of W addition from 0 to 4 wt%, the flexural strength of the W/Si3N4 ceramics with introducing core‐shell structural W‐crystallized oxynitride phase increases from 985 to 1168 MPa, and the fracture toughness improves from 6.5 to 9.0 MPa m1/2.
Effect of graphene on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear behavior of plasma‐sprayed Al2O3–Cr2O3 coating
Authors: Gou Junfeng , Guo Jinbao , Zhu Jieyu , Yao Jiawen , Li Dongyang , Wang You , Liu Jiangwen , Yang Yang
Published: September 2023

In this study, plasma‐sprayed Al2O3–Cr2O3 coatings with different contents of graphene nanosheets were prepared for investigating effects of the graphene on microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear behavior of the coating. The experimental results showed that graphene increased the porosity and the microhardness of the coating. But excessive graphene decreased the microhardness remarkably. Besides, the anti‐crack initiation and propagation abilities of the coatings with graphene improved significantly. The wear rate of the coatings decreased first, and then increased with increasing the graphene content. Impressively, the wear rates of the coating with 2.9% graphene decreased by 33.5% and 36.7%, compared with those of the coating without graphene under normal loads of 5 and 15 N, respectively. The main wear mechanisms of the coatings with and without graphene are brittle fracture and abrasive wear.
Impact of open and minimally invasive surgery on postoperative wound complications in patients undergoing prostate surgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhu Jialiang , Lu Ziwen , Cai Xianguo , Chen Wanbo
Published: September 2023

In this article, we analysed the therapeutic efficacy of open radical prostatectomy (ORP) and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) after operation for the treatment of post‐operation complications. In summary, because of the broad methodology of the available trials and the low number of trials, the data were limited. The investigators combined the results of six of the 211 original studies. We looked up 4 databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. A total of six publications were selected. The main result was the rate of post‐operation wound complications. Secondary results were the time of operation and the duration of hospitalization. Our findings indicate that the minimal invasive operation can decrease the incidence of wound infections (OR, 0.61; 95% CI: 0.42,0.90, p = 0.01), bleeding (MD, −293.09; 95% CI: −431.48, −154.71, p < 0.0001), and length of stay in the hospital compared with open surgery (MD, −1.85; 95% CI: −3.52, −0.17, p = 0.03), but minimally invasive surgery increased patient operative time (MD, 51.45; 95% CI: 40.99, 61.92, p < 0.0001). Compared with the open operation, the microinvasive operation has the superiority in the treatment of the wound complications following the operation of radical prostatic carcinoma. But the operation time of the microinvasive operation is much longer. Furthermore, there is a certain amount of bias among the various studies, so it is important to be cautious in interpretation of the findings.
Reframing Civil–Military Relations in the EU: Insights From the Drone Strategy 2.0
Authors: Lavallée Chantal , Martins Bruno Oliveira
Published: September 2023

In November 2022, the European Commission presented its Drone Strategy 2.0 with two main objectives: to build the European Union's (EU's) drone service market and to strengthen the Union's civil, security and defence industry capabilities and synergies. From the Commission's perspective, accelerating the integration of drones in Europe's airspace has the potential to enable progress on numerous policy objectives, such as the green transition, urban mobility, industrial renewal and cutting‐edge R&D in the civil–military domain. In this commentary, though, we argue that the Strategy is indicative of wider contemporary trends in EU policy‐making regarding cross‐cutting policy agendas, industry‐centred R&D ambitions and the identification and promotion of infrastructural goals enabling further civil–military co‐operation. These tendencies capture the growing importance of dual‐use technologies, both in society at large and in the security and military domains. This is particularly relevant in the current European context of growing military expenditure with the war in Ukraine.
Advantages of sensor‐augmented insulin pump therapy for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Imafuku Hitomi , Tanimura Kenji , Masuko Naohisa , Tomimoto Masako , Shi Yutoku , Uchida Akiko , Deguchi Masashi , Fujioka Kazumichi , Yamamoto Akane , Yoshino Kei , Hirota Yushi , Ogawa Wataru , Terai Yoshito
Published: September 2023

Aims/Introduction

To evaluate the efficacy of sensor‐augmented pump (SAP) for improving obstetric and neonatal outcomes among pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus by comparing it with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion plus self‐monitoring of blood glucose (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion [CSII]/SMBG).

Materials and Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 40 cases of pregnancy complicated by type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with SAP (SAP group), and 29 cases of pregnancy complicated by type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with CSII/SMBG (CSII/SMBG group). The obstetric and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

The median of the glycoalbumin levels in the first (18.8% vs 20.9%; P < 0.05) and second (15.4% vs 18.0%; P < 0.05) trimesters, the hemoglobin A1c levels in the peripartum period (6.1% vs 6.5%; P < 0.05) and the standard deviation score of birthweights (0.36 vs 1.52; P < 0.05) were significantly lower in the SAP group than in the CSII/SMBG group. The incidence rate of large for gestational age newborns was significantly lower in the SAP group than in the CSII/SMBG group (27.5% vs 65.5%; P < 0.05). No significant differences in the incidence rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, small for gestational age, respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal hypoglycemia, hypervolemia and hyperbilirubinemia were observed between the groups.

Conclusion

The present study showed that SAP therapy is more effective in preventing large for gestational age newborns in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus than CSII/SMBG.
Impact of a passive clinical decision support tool on potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) use in older adult patients
Authors: Luu Alan , Bui Nghi (Andy) , Adeola Mobolaji , Bhakta Sunny , Fuentes Amaris , Agarwal Kathryn
Published: September 2023

Background

Medication related clinical decision support (CDS) interventions may improve patient safety. In older patient populations, there has been effort placed in reducing exposure to potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). After years of reducing exposure of older adults in our hospitals to PIMs through multi‐component interventions, our system chose to expand the scope and attempt a new strategy to lessen alert burden for providers and pharmacists. Based on the American Geriatric Society Beers Criteria and internal data, a passive CDS approach, termed “geriatric context” was established to recommend appropriate medication selection including lower dosage amounts and frequency of administration in older adults.

Methods

Retrospective descriptive study examining change in a pre and post implementation analysis of medication usage patterns between two 9‐month time periods in 2019 and 2021 in patients age ≥65 years across an 8‐hospital health system. The primary endpoint is the percentage of each medication intervened with an ordered dose and frequency outside of alignment with recommended context parameters. Secondary endpoints include total daily dose (TDD) and average dose (AD) per patient of the individual PIMs. Exploratory endpoints include frequency of active alerts fired by the CPOE and overridden by providers.

Results

A total of 62,738 older adult hospital admissions are included in the overall study period, with 32,969 pre‐implementation and 29,769 post‐implementation. Haloperidol showed the greatest reduction in inappropriate doses from 41.5% to 21.4% (p < 0.001) of orders, followed by reduction in inappropriate frequencies in orders for diphenhydramine from 57.2% to 39.7% (p < 0.001). Secondary endpoints showed favorable reductions across 11 of the 16 medications in both TDD and AD administered. Exploratory analysis with select medications showed reductions in frequency of alerts fired and overridden.

Conclusions

Utilization of a passive CDS positively influences prescribing patterns for older adults and reduces the alert burden to ordering providers.
Formation of low‐pressure reaction textures during near‐isothermal exhumation of hot orogenic crust (Bohemian Massif, Austria)
Authors: Sorger Dominik , Hauzenberger Christoph A. , Finger Fritz , Linner Manfred , Skrzypek Etienne , Schorn Simon
Published: September 2023

Two types of aluminous paragneiss from the Loosdorf complex (Bohemian Massif, NE Austria) contain coarse‐grained granulite assemblages and retrograde reaction textures that are investigated to constrain the post‐peak history of the Gföhl unit in the southern Bohemian Massif. Both types have a peak assemblage garnet–biotite–sillimanite–plagioclase–K‐feldspar–quartz–granitic melt ± kyanite ± ilmenite ± rutile, recording peak metamorphic conditions of
0.9–1.1 GPa and
780–820°C estimated by isochemical phase equilibrium modelling. The first sample type (Ysper paragneiss) developed (i) cordierite coronae around garnet and (ii) cordierite–spinel and cordierite–quartz reaction textures at former garnet–sillimanite interfaces. Calculated chemical potential relationships indicate that the textures formed in the course of a post‐peak near‐isothermal decompression path reaching
0.4 GPa. Texture formation follows a two‐step process. Initially, cordierite coronae grow between garnet and sillimanite. As these coronae thicken, they facilitate the development of local compositional domains, leading to the formation of cordierite–spinel and cordierite–quartz symplectites. The second sample type (Pielach paragneiss) exhibits only discontinuous cordierite coronae around garnet porphyroblasts but lacks symplectites. The formation of cordierite there also indicates near‐isothermal decompression to 0.4–0.5 GPa and 750–800°C. This relatively hot decompression path is explained by the contemporaneous exhumation of a large HP–UHT granulite body now underlying the Loosdorf complex. The timing of regional metamorphism in the granulites and the southern Bohemian Massif in general is well constrained and has its peak at
340 Ma. Monazite from Loosdorf paragneiss samples yield a slightly younger age of
335 Ma. Although the ages overlap within error, they are interpreted to reflect near‐isothermal decompression and exhumation resulting in the formation of the observed reaction textures.
Humanised care in acute psychiatric hospitalisation units: Definition, values and strategic initiatives from the perspective of persons with mental health problems, primary carers and professionals
Authors: Sanz‐Osorio Maria Teresa , González‐Diez Lydia , Sánchez‐Rueda Guadalupe , Vallès Vicenç , Escobar‐Bravo Miguel Angel , Monistrol Olga
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Humanised care refers to the holistic approach to the person, considering their bio‐psycho‐social and behavioural dimensions. It becomes more complex when the person has mental health problems that may affect his or her will, cognition and relationship to the world. The literature on the humanisation of mental health is scarce and only offers the view of professionals.

Aim

To analyse the concept, values and strategic initiatives of humanised care in acute psychiatric units from the perspective of persons with mental health problems, carers and professionals.

Method

Qualitative grounded‐theory approach. Data were collected through focus groups and in‐depth interviews among persons with mental health problems, carers and professionals.

Results

Thirteen focus groups and three in‐depth staff interviews were performed, with a total of 61 participants. Humanised care is defined as quality care of an individualised, ethical and safe nature, empowering persons/carers to involve them in their health process, helping them resist the stigma of mental illness through a therapeutic relationship, bond and communication. Formal training, teamwork and effective communication are required. Six values and strategic initiatives were identified.

Discussion

Each value and strategic initiatives acquires full meaning when connected with the rest. Without this interconnection, humanised care would be impossible.
Reproductive payoffs of territoriality are snow‐dependent in a mountain ungulate, the Alpine chamois
Authors: Cotza A. , Tomassini O. , Corlatti L. , Ferretti F. , Davoli M. , Bassano B. , Lovari S.
Published: September 2023

Female density and distribution are dependent on resource phenology and female availability strongly influences male mating behaviour and success. When a male adopts a ‘resource defence’ tactic, his reproductive success depends on the location and attractiveness of his territory. Environmental factors associated with territory quality are expected to influence mating success, for example, through territory features or male–male competition. In a protected population of a mountain‐dwelling polygynous herbivore, the Alpine chamois Rupicapra r. rupicapra, we investigated the relationships among mating opportunities, some environmental variables (snow depth, topographic features and size of territories) and male intra‐sexual competition for mating. We recorded the mating behaviour and territory size of 15 GPS‐GSM radio‐tagged territorial males, during five rutting seasons (early November to early December: N = 8 individuals in 2011, N = 9 in 2012, N = 8 in 2015, N = 11 in 2016, N = 7 in 2017; 80% of them were observed for more than one mating season) and related them to snow depth and topography of territories. In ruts with deep snow cover, territorial males had smaller territories and higher number of mating opportunities than in ruts with lower snow cover. Smaller territories showed the highest values of terrain roughness, in turn with little or no snow cover in the mating season, and were visited by a greater number of females, than larger territories. Number of wins was positively influenced by snow depth and negatively related to the frequency of aggressions. The frequency of male–male aggressive interactions was greater during ruts with deep snow cover and for males with territories at higher elevations; additionally, it was negatively related to interactions won. Thus, snow depth, which influences resource distribution and female movements, is confirmed as a strong determinant of male mating opportunities and mating behaviour.
An automation solution to convert CAD engineering drawings into railroad station models
Authors: Wang Yuan , Li Xiaopeng , Zhang Yu
Published: September 2023

Creating a high‐fidelity railroad station model to match the physical details of hundreds of tracks and switches is never a trivial task. The manual modeling approach often costs engineers significant efforts and constrains the generality and extensivity of many advanced methods. Taking advantage that many stations are drawn proportionally into two‐dimensional drawing exchange format (DXF) files via state‐of‐the‐art computer‐aided design (CAD) techniques, this paper proposed an efficient solution to convert DXF files into meaningful station models. The proposed solution consists of two phases (1) converting graphic basic primitives without explicit engineering interpretations into recognizable railroad symbols and (2) modeling undirected railroad station graphs with necessary configurations such as endpoints and routes. The proposed solution is developed into a graphic user interface application with minimal user interactions and subsequently tested at several real‐world passenger stations in Asia for its validity, productivity, and applicability.
Evaluation of the cost‐effectiveness of a multicomponent fall prevention program in hospitalized patients
Authors: Baris Veysel Karani , Seren Intepeler Seyda
Published: September 2023

The aim of this pre‐ and post‐interventional study was to analyze the cost‐effectiveness of the multicomponent fall prevention program in hospitalized patients. To achieve this aim, cost‐effectiveness analysis performed using decision tree modeling was compared with the implementation of the fall prevention program and usual care. The primary outcome was the number of patient falls. The uncertainty in cost and effectiveness data was evaluated using one‐way sensitivity analysis, best–worst‐case scenario analysis, and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. According to cost‐effectiveness analysis, implementation of the fall prevention program was dominantly cost‐effective. As a result of the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, it was revealed that, even if willing‐to‐pay per‐fall prevented value was 0, the probability of being cost‐effective was 54.4% for the fall prevention program. Economic evaluation results showed that implementing the multicomponent fall prevention program was dominantly cost‐effective in hospitalized patients. Nurses and nurse managers can benefit from economic evaluations in their decision‐making processes to implement fall prevention programs.
Differences in the feasibility, anatomical parameters predicting procedural difficulty, and isolation area of a left atrial posterior wall isolation using radiofrequency versus cryoballoon catheters
Authors: Sakai Satoshi , Takitsume Akihiro , Soeda Tsunenari , Kawata Hiroyuki , Nishida Taku , Watanabe Makoto
Published: September 2023

Backgrounds

The difficulty and outcome of the adjunctive left atrial posterior wall isolation (LAPWI) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PersAF) may be affected by the ablation energy used. This study aimed to compare the completion rate, anatomical parameters predicting procedural difficulty, and the isolation area of a LAPWI between the use of radiofrequency (RFA) and cryoballoon ablation (CBA).

Methods

We enrolled 95 and 93 patients with PersAF who underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI)+LAPWI using RFA (RF group) and CBA (CB group), respectively. Preoperative computed tomography was used to evaluate the anatomical features associated with an incomplete LAPWI. Post‐ablation 3‐dimensional maps were analyzed to quantify the isolation area.

Results

The completion rate of the LAPWI was significantly higher in the RF group than the CB group without touch‐up RFA (88.4% vs. 72.0%; p = .005). Predictors of incomplete LAPWI were a longer left inferior pulmonary vein (LIPV)‐esophageal distance (p < .001) for RFA and a steeper angle of the LAPW (p < .001) and longer transverse LAPW diameter (p = .016) for CBA. The isolated non‐PV area with RFA or CBA alone was significantly greater in the CB group than the RF group (27.5 ± 9.5 cm2 vs. 22.9 ± 6.9 cm2; p < .001).

Conclusion

The position of the esophagus at a distance from the LIPV was associated with an incomplete LAPWI using RFA, while a steeper angle of the LAPW and transverse enlargement of the LAPW were associated with that using CBA. The completion rate of the LAPWI was higher with RFA, but the isolation area outside of the PVs was greater with CBA.
Grief, Smell and the Olfactory Air of a Person
Authors: Millar Becky , Richardson Louise
Published: September 2023

Philosophical research into olfaction often focuses on its limitations. We explore instead an underappreciated capacity of the sense of smell, namely, its role in interpersonal experience. To illustrate this, we examine how smell can enable continuing connections to deceased loved ones. Understanding this phenomenon requires an appreciation of, first, how olfaction's limitations can facilitate experiences of the deceased person and, second, how olfaction enables experiences of what we refer to as the ‘olfactory air’ of a person. This way of experiencing someone privileges their status as an environmentally situated human animal.
Evaluation of domestic animal sperm head morphology via flow cytometric DNA labelling and pulse shape analysis using bull and stallion spermatozoa as model species
Authors: Nagy Szabolcs , Kovacs Barnabas , Johannisson Anders
Published: September 2023

The aim of the present study was to test a rapid, robust flow cytometric technique for the detection of sperm head abnormalities of domestic bulls and stallions. The so‐called PulSA approach detects the pulse profiles of propidium‐iodide labelled spermatozoa. In the first experiment, species‐specific threshold values were established on sperm samples that were tested for sperm head abnormalities with a classic visual morphology analysis. In the second experiment, serial mixtures of bull and stallion spermatozoa mimicking different percentages of sperm head abnormalities were analysed. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling showed a clear separation between the normal and mixed samples. The PulSA approach may be a useful tool in identifying sub‐ or infertile breeding males as well as in studying the evolutionary aspects of sperm morphology and morphometry.
How bad is it to eat an intelligent chicken? Children's judgments of eating animals are less ‘self‐serving’ than adults
Authors: Kozachenko Heather Henseler , Piazza Jared
Published: September 2023

Research shows that adult meat eaters strategically distort or disregard information about animals (e.g., their intelligence) that is problematic for meat consumption. However, the development of such behaviours is not well understood. Two studies tested whether primary‐school‐age children exhibit motivated use of information about food animals as adults do (N = 148 children, 410 adults). Using experimental methods that manipulated participants’ perceptions of the intelligence (high vs. low) of food animals versus non‐food animals (Study 1) and the perspective taken (self vs. other; Study 2), it was found that, compared to adult omnivores, children tend to hold stronger moral views about the wrongness of harming animals to use as food. Only adults exhibited motivated non‐use of intelligence information and self‐other distinctions in their moral‐concern judgments. Children's judgments of eating animals did not exhibit the strategic, self‐serving processes characteristic of adult meat eaters. Psychological explanations for these developmental differences are discussed.
Reclaiming other geographical traditions: The hidden roots of Italian radical geography
Authors: Celata Filippo , Governa Francesca
Published: September 2023

The article recalls the history of Geografia Democratica, a collective of scholars that during the second half of the 1970s sought to dismantle the old deterministic approach and promote a critical and radical turn in Italian academic geography. The aim is to contribute to the ongoing debate about ‘other geographical traditions’ beyond the Anglo‐American hegemony, to highlight the pluriversal roots of contemporary critical geographies and the influence that the transnational circulation of knowledge had in their unfolding, in light of recent quests for a more global geographical imagination. To do so, the article first engages with Geografia Democratica as a ‘rupture experience’ in the mainstream of Italian geography, and then discusses how it intersected or not similar turns that occurred elsewhere, focusing on the mostly implicit dialogue between Italian and Anglo‐American critical/radical geographies of the time. By following the controversial story of the collective during and after its short existence, we question its legacy for today's geographical scholarship, and reflect more generally upon the significance of reviving other critical and radical traditions. To highlight the plurality of our disciplinary past, we suggest, is crucial not only to fill the ‘asymmetric ignorance’ between various traditions, but also to nurture and reposition the present ‘worlding’ practices of non‐Anglophone critical geographers.
Amplification of Ovis aries papillomavirus type 2 DNA from an ovine cutaneous fibropapilloma
Authors: Munday John S. , Klobukowska Hanna J. , Nicholson Karen
Published: September 2023

Seven of 60 Perendale sheep within a flock developed single or multiple exophytic masses on their distal hind limbs. A mass was excised from one sheep and histological evaluation revealed epidermal and mesenchymal proliferation, papillomavirus‐induced keratinocyte changes and marked keratohyalin clumping. Ovis aries papillomavirus type 2 DNA sequences were amplified using PCR.
Distribution of equine and food animal emergency caseload by time of day, day of week, time of year, holiday, and phase of moon at an academic ambulatory and referral hospital
Authors: Graves Meggan T. , Zhu Xiaojuan
Published: September 2023

Objective

Determine the association of time of day, day of week, time of year, holiday, and phase of moon on academic ambulatory and hospital emergency caseload for equine and food animal species.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Large animal teaching hospital emergency service.

Animals

Equine and food animals.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

The hospital database was searched for after‐hours on‐farm and in‐hospital emergencies seen from 2014 to 2020. Variables included date and time of admission, species (equine or food/fiber animal [FA]), and hospital service (field or in‐hospital). The association of the caseload with time of day, day of week, day of year (holiday, full moon, or new moon), and season of year was defined and examined. The majority of equine field‐based emergencies occurred on the weekend, in contrast to 44.8% of hospital cases. Most equine emergencies occurred between 4:00 p.m. and midnight on weekdays and between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekends for both field (89.1% and 46.9%) and hospital (82.8% and 48%) services. The same was true for FA cases on the farm (90% and 49.2%) and in the hospital (85% and 51.4%). More equine cases (67%) were seen in the field than FA. Winter had the fewest emergency cases for all species and locations, and spring had the most for FA. The majority of holiday equine emergencies were seen in the field (62.2%), but the majority of holiday FA emergencies were seen in the hospital (66.3%). Moon phase had no significance on caseload for all species and locations.

Conclusions

Saturdays and Sundays were the busiest days for all species and services. Winter was the slowest time for emergencies for all species and services. Most emergencies were seen between 4:00 p.m. and midnight on weekdays and between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Sundays and Saturdays.