bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elizabeth Gaskell: An overlooked political economist and proto theorist in the field of industrial relations
Authors: Williams Kristin S.
Published: November 2023

This polemical essay argues that Victorian novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, and her novels North and South, and Mary Barton, portray her as an overlooked, early political economist. The objective of the paper is three‐fold: (1) to dismantle taken‐for‐granted truth claims that Alan Fox is the preeminent thinker on pluralistic forms of employee engagement (2) encourage further development and enlargement of the field and what constitutes its history, and (3) to argue for the recognition of Elizabeth Gaskell as an early political economist. Guiding this exploration is the question: How do we also make sense of Fox’s privileged situatedness in scholarship and the absence of potential early theorists like Gaskell? The paper adopts a feminist reading and polemical writing to engage in feminist critical historiography. The author draws on audience theory to help readers reorient themselves to Gaskell and to help see her as an overlooked political economist. Feminism is conceptually presented as ontology, epistemology, method, and style of writing. Despite the ongoing credit Alan Fox receives as first theorizing the frames of reference and pluralistic forms of engagement starting in the 1960s, Elizabeth Gaskell was contemplating and critiquing the employment relationship starting in the 1850s. She not only provided a rich historical understanding of the inequalities of class and wealth, but her ideas and insights remain unacknowledged in industrial relations scholarship. The paper offers a unique feminist perspective on Elizabeth Gaskell and makes the case that she is neglected early political economist. Further, the paper makes a link between the world of Victorian era fiction as historical understanding of early capitalist society and demonstrates how ideas are taken up by the field in unconscious and unjust ways.
Transcriptomic remodeling of gastric cells by Helicobacter pylori outer membrane vesicles
Authors: Melo Joana , Cavadas Bruno , Pereira Luísa , Figueiredo Ceu , Leite Marina
Published: November 2023

Background

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are spontaneously released by Gram‐negative bacteria and influence bacteria‐host interactions by acting as a delivery system for bacterial components and by interacting directly with host cells. Helicobacter pylori, a pathogenic bacterium that chronically colonizes the human stomach, also sheds OMVs, and their impact on bacterial‐mediated diseases is still being elucidated.

Materials and Methods

Transcriptomic profiling of the human gastric cell line MKN74 upon challenge with H. pylori OMVs compared to control and infected cells was performed using the Ion AmpliSeq™ Transcriptome Human Gene Expression Panel to understand the gene expression changes that human gastric epithelial cells might undergo when exposed to H. pylori OMVs.

Results

H. pylori OMVs per se modify the gene expression profile of gastric epithelial cells, adding another layer of (gene) regulation to the already complex host‐bacteria interaction. The most enriched pathways include those related to amino acid metabolism, mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling, autophagy, and ferroptosis, whereas the cell cycle, DNA replication, and DNA repair were the most downregulated. The transcriptomic changes induced by OMVs were mostly similar to those induced by the parental bacteria, likely amplifying the effects of the bacterium itself.

Conclusions

Our data provide a valuable portrayal of the transcriptomic remodeling of gastric cells induced by H. pylori OMVs. It demonstrates the breadth of cellular pathways and genes affected by OMVs, most previously unreported, which can be further dissected for the underlying molecular mediators and explored to understand the pathobiology of the full spectrum of H. pylori‐mediated diseases.
Learner knowledge of English phrasal verbs: Awareness, confidence, and learning experiences
Authors: Haugh Sam , Takeuchi Osamu
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the knowledge of English phrasal verbs (PVs) among Japanese university students. PVs have been described by learners as ambiguous and difficult, often resulting in their avoidance, and much of the literature has focused on how they can be taught effectively. However, it is relatively unknown as to what knowledge learners typically develop on their own without undergoing classroom interventions that focus specifically on PVs. To investigate this issue, a survey on PVs was distributed to eight different departments at universities across Japan resulting in 221 participants, with six students participating in follow‐up interviews. The data from the PV survey provided qualitative data for analysis, the interviews were transcribed, and axial coding was utilized to formulate a holistic examination of the participants’ knowledge of PVs. The results revealed that the participants had an awareness of PVs but had acquired most of them as chunks of language without much knowledge of their individual parts, which was found to lower their confidence and increase their perceived difficulty. Additionally, directional PVs, particularly with go and come, were the easiest for the participants due to L1–L2 similarities. However, their understanding of idiomatic and aspectual PVs appeared to be superficial and lacking.
Breastfeeding and less healthy beverage intake during the first year of life
Authors: Zaltz Daniel A. , Mueller Noel T. , Hoyo Cathrine , Østbye Truls , Benjamin‐Neelon Sara E.
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives

Breastfeeding during infancy is associated with healthier beverage consumption later in childhood, but little is known about this relation during infancy. This was a longitudinal study of breastfeeding and less healthy beverage consumption during the first year of life, in a birth cohort study conducted 2013–2018 in the Southeastern United States (n = 666).

Methods

We estimated monthly rates of 100% juice and sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption comparing infants who were exclusively or partially breastfed, versus those who were not, in multivariable adjusted models.

Results

Mothers had a median age of 26.5 years, 71% identified as Black/African‐American, and 61% reported household incomes <$20 000/year. The prevalence of any breastfeeding during the first month was 78.2% and 18.7% at month 12. By age 12 months, infants consumed juice a mean (SD) 9.1 (10.1) times per week and SSBs 3.6 (9.5) times per week. Breastfed infants had a 38% lower incidence rate of weekly juice consumption (95% CI 52%, 15%, p = 0.003) and a 57% lower incidence rate of weekly SSB consumption (95% CI 76%, 22%, p = 0.006), compared with infants who were not breastfed.

Conclusions

Research on early‐life correlates of dietary health should focus on the earliest beverages, given evidence that consumption of obesogenic beverages may begin prior to age 1 year.
The United Airways Clinic: roadmap of a patient‐centred multidisciplinary approach to the complex airways patient: the Sydney model
Authors: Macfie Deborah , Raftopulos Marco , Eastwood Clare , Katsoulotos Gregory
Published: November 2023

Severe asthma is a subset of difficult‐to‐treat asthma which requires a systematic and multidimensional approach including the need to manage multiple comorbidities that mimic asthma. Multidisciplinary care is becoming the standard for the assessment of such patients. Multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinics are virtually nonexistent in the private space. We developed an MDT clinic to handle needs in the private space and found it was an invaluable tool for assessment, reflective practice and professional development.
Artificial intelligence–enabled penicillin allergy delabelling: an implementation study
Authors: Stretton Brandon , Jiang Melinda , Kovoor Joshua , Inglis Joshua M. , Lam Lydia , Tan Sheryn , Yuson Chino , Smith William , Shakib Sepehr , Bacchi Stephen
Published: November 2023

Inaccurate penicillin allergy labels may be delabelled following evaluation. The intervention in this study was an email‐based notification system regarding the appropriateness for penicillin allergy evaluation, with a view to delabelling, as identified by a deep learning artificial intelligence algorithm. Of the intervention group (n = 59), three (5.1%) individuals had their penicillin allergies delabelled, which was significantly more than the control group (0%, P = 0.002). Further research to optimise such approaches is required.
Health locus of control, resilience and self‐efficacy among elderly patients with psychiatric disorders
Authors: Ali Safaa Abdeazem Osman , Alenezi Atallah , Kamel Farida , Mostafa Mona Hamdy
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to assess the relationship between health locus control, resilience and self‐efficacy in older adults with psychiatric disorders. This study was conducted using a cross‐sectional design. Sample: A purposive sample of 291 older adults receiving psychiatric outpatient care at Alabbasya Hospital for Mental Health in Cairo was recruited for this study. The data were collected by the following tools: sociodemographic data sheet, the multidimensional health locus of control scale, the general self‐efficacy scale, the brief resilience scale and the general health questionnaire. The study participants reported low levels of health locus of control, low levels of self‐efficacy and normal levels of resilience. Furthermore, we found a strong positive correlation between resilience and general self‐efficacy. The study concluded that older people with psychiatric disorders reported low levels of health locus of control and self‐efficacy, while they experienced normal resilience levels. There was a strong positive correlation between resilience and general self‐efficacy among the study participants. The results of this study can guide healthcare professionals in developing tailored interventions and support programs to improve this population's quality of life and overall mental health outcomes.
Influence of annealing on microstructures and properties of Yb:Lu2O3 transparent ceramics
Authors: Liu Ziyu , Feng Yagang , Toci Guido , Pirri Angela , Patrizi Barbara , Vannini Matteo , Li Jiang
Published: November 2023

In this work, 5at.% Yb:Lu2O3 transparent ceramics were air‐annealed at different temperatures to eliminate oxygen vacancies for laser performance improvement. The influence of annealing temperature on microstructures, optical quality, and laser performance was investigated comprehensively. The ceramics HIP (Hot isostatic pressing) post‐treated at 1750°C and annealed above 1100°C show a significant optical quality decrease due to residual pore expansion, and the ceramic sample annealed at 900°C shows better laser performance than others. The maximum output of 2.88 W was obtained at 1033.3 nm with a slope efficiency of 37.4% under a quasi‐continuous wave (QCW) mode. Note that 5at.% Yb:Lu2O3 transparent ceramics HIP post‐treated at 1550°C still keep good transparency even when being annealed at 1300°C due to less residual compressed pores. The highest slope efficiency is about 73.8% with a maximum output power of 2.84 W under QCW. Fine‐grained and dense Yb:Lu2O3 transparent ceramics could be annealed at higher temperatures to eliminate oxygen vacancies more thoroughly to improve laser performance.
Insights of healthcare professionals regarding waterbirths and water immersion during labour: A mixed studies review
Authors: Chua Joelle Yan Xin , Choolani Mahesh , Lalor Joan Gabrielle , Chong Yap Seng , Shorey Shefaly
Published: November 2023

Aim

To consolidate healthcare professionals' insights about waterbirths and water immersion during labour.

Design

Mixed studies review.

Data Sources

Seven electronic databases were searched from their inception dates till June 2023: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and Pluye and Hong's mixed studies review framework guided this review. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Findings were synthesized using the convergent qualitative synthesis method, and results were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke's framework.

Results

Three main themes were identified from the 22 included studies: (1) believing in waterbirths, (2) opposing forces and (3) plotting the course ahead.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals reported different views about waterbirths and water immersion practices; midwives were most likely to support these practices, followed by nurses and lastly, few physicians supported them. Reasons for opposing waterbirths include insufficient training and support from colleagues as well as concerns about work efficiency, waterbirth safety and litigation issues.

Impact

The available evidence suggests the need to provide waterbirth training for healthcare professionals, equip healthcare facilities with necessary waterbirth‐related infrastructure and develop appropriate waterbirth policies/guidelines. Healthcare professionals could also consider providing antenatal waterbirth education to women and obtain women's feedback to improve current policies/guidelines. Future research should explore the views of different types of healthcare professionals from more diverse cultures.

Reporting Method

The PRISMA guidelines.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Systematic review.
Mitigating the impact of family burden on psychological health in parents of children with special needs: Buffering effects of resilience and social support
Authors: Rakap Salih , Vural‐Batik Meryem
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

This study examined the link between perceived family burden among parents of children with moderate and severe disabilities and their psychological health, and the potential moderating roles of resilience and social support.

Methods

256 parents completed an online questionnaire including Demographic Information Form, Family Burden Assessment Scale, General Health Questionnaire, Brief Resilience Scale, and Revised Parental Social Support Scale.

Results

Results revealed negative associations between resilience, social support, and depression‐anxiety symptoms. Both resilience and social support played moderating roles in the association between family burden and psychological health. Social support buffered the negative association between family burden and psychological health, alongside psychological resilience.

Discussion and Conclusion

The study highlights the negative effects of family burden on the psychological health of parents of children with disabilities, but also suggests that resilience and social support can mitigate these effects. Therefore, interventions should consider these factors to enhance the psychological well‐being of parents.
Characteristics of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in young people with PTSD following multiple trauma exposure
Authors: Lofthouse Katie , Beeson Ella , Dalgleish Tim , Danese Andrea , Hodgekins Joanne , Mahoney‐Davies Gerwyn , Smith Patrick , Stallard Paul , Wilson Jon , Meiser‐Stedman Richard
Published: November 2023

Background

Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is a relatively new diagnosis. The objective of the present study was to investigate how trauma characteristics, comorbid psychopathology and cognitive and social factors experienced by children and adolescents with a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis following exposure to multiple traumatic events differs between those who meet the criteria for CPTSD and those who do not.

Method

The present research used baseline data from the DECRYPT trial (BMJ Open, 2021, 11, e047600). Participants (n = 120) were aged 8–17 years and had exposure to multiple traumas and a PTSD diagnosis. The data collected comprised self‐report and parent/caregiver‐report questionnaires and interviews. Three primary analyses were conducted, comparing number of trauma types, prevalence of sexual trauma and prevalence of intrafamilial abuse between the CPTSD and PTSD‐only groups. A range of comorbid psychopathology and cognitive and social factors were compared between the groups in an exploratory secondary analysis. All analyses were preregistered.

Results

The CPTSD group (n = 72, 60%) had a significantly higher frequency of sexual trauma than the PTSD‐only group (n = 48, 40%). The groups did not significantly differ on number of trauma types or prevalence of intrafamilial abuse. From the secondary analysis, the CPTSD group were found to have significantly higher scores on measures of negative post‐traumatic cognitions, depression and panic. These results were replicated in correlation analyses using a continuous measure of CPTSD symptoms.

Conclusions

A large proportion of youth exposed to multiple traumatic events met criteria for CPTSD. Sexual trauma appears to be related to CPTSD symptoms. Youth with CPTSD appear to have greater severity of comorbid depression and panic symptoms, as well as more negative post‐traumatic cognitions. Further investigation could focus on the directionality and mechanisms for these associations.
Identifying the function of the PI3K‐AKT pathway during the pathogenic infection of Macrobrachium rosenbergii
Authors: Zhan Fanbin , Zhou Shichun , Shi Fei , Li Qingqing , Lin Li , Qin Zhendong
Published: November 2023

The phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase/protein kinase b (PI3K‐Akt) pathway is a signalling pathway based on protein phosphorylation and can be activated by a wide range of factors. To investigate the function of the PI3K‐AKT signalling pathway in antibacterial immunity, we analysed the gene expression level of three key factors (PI3K, AKT and FoxO) and innate immune factors in immune tissues at different time points after Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Staphylococcus aureus infection. Tissues analysis showed that PI3K, AKT, and FoxO were expressed at high levels in the intestinal, hemocytes and hepatopancreas. Moreover, the expression levels of PI3K, AKT and FoxO can be regulated postinfection by different pathogens. In hemocytes and the intestine, V. parahaemolyticus infection was found to regulate the levels of PI3K, AKT, and FoxO more rapidly; however, an S. aureus infection regulated the levels of these factors more rapidly in the hepatopancreas and gills. Analysis showed that V. parahaemolyticus and S. aureus infection caused changes in the gene expression level of crustin, caspase 3 and NF‐κB. Therefore, PI3K‐AKT regulates the downstream immune pathway differentially in different immune tissues and participates in the regulation of cell apoptosis and the inflammatory response by activating caspase and NF‐κB, respectively, following infection with V. parahaemolyticus and S. aureus.
Association of diet quality and weight increase in adult heart transplant recipients
Authors: Miura Kyoko , Yu Regina , Entwistle Timothy R. , McKenzie Scott C. , Green Adèle C
Published: November 2023

Background

Understanding the quality of the diet of heart transplant recipients (HTRs) is essential to developing effective dietary interventions for weight control, but relevant evidence is scarce. We investigated diet quality and its association with post‐transplant increase in weight adjusted for height (body mass index [BMI]) in Australian HTRs.

Methods

We recruited adult HTRs from Queensland's thoracic transplant clinic, 2020–2021. Study participants completed a 3‐day food diary using a smart‐phone app. Socio‐demographic information was collected by self‐administered questionnaire, and height, serial weight and clinical information were obtained from medical records. We calculated the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) index based on nine food groups and nutrients (index of 90 indicates highest possible quality), and any changes in BMI (≤ 0 kg m–2 or >0 kg m–2) post‐transplantation. Median DASH index values were assessed in relation to sex and BMI change using Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

Among 49 consented HTRs, 25 (51%) completed the food diary (median age 48 years, 52% females). Median BMI at enrolment was 27.2 kg m–2; median BMI change since transplant was +3.7 kg m–2. Fruit, vegetable, and whole grain intakes were generally lower than recommended, giving a low overall median DASH index of 30 with no sex differences. HTRs for which the BMI increased post‐transplant had significantly lower median DASH indices than those whose BMI did not increase (30 vs. 45, p = 0.013).

Conclusions

The diet quality of HTRs appears suboptimal overall, with fruit and vegetable intakes especially low. HTRs whose BMI increased post‐transplant had substantially lower quality diets than HTRs whose BMI did not increase.
Verbal and nonverbal fluency in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Barker Megan S. , Ceslis Amelia , Argall Rosemary , McCombe Pamela , Henderson Robert D. , Robinson Gail A.
Published: November 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multi‐system disorder that commonly affects cognition and behaviour. Verbal fluency impairments are consistently reported in ALS patients, and we aimed to investigate whether this deficit extends beyond the verbal domain. We further aimed to determine whether deficits are underpinned by a primary intrinsic response generation impairment (i.e., a global reduction across tasks), potentially related to apathy, or an inability to maintain responding over time (i.e., a ‘drop off’ pattern). Twenty‐two ALS patients and 21 demographically‐matched controls completed verbal and nonverbal fluency tasks (phonemic/semantic word fluency, design fluency, gesture fluency and ideational fluency), requiring the generation of responses over a specified time period. Fluency performance was analysed in terms of the overall number of novel items produced, as well as the number of items produced in the first ‘initiation’ and the remaining ‘maintenance’ time periods. ALS patients' overall performance was not globally reduced across tasks. Patients were impaired only on meaningful gesture fluency, which requires the generation of gestures that communicate meaning (e.g., waving). On phonemic fluency, ALS patients showed a ‘drop off’ pattern of performance, where they had difficulty maintaining responding over time, but this pattern was not evident on the other fluency tasks. Apathy did not appear to be related to fluency performance. The selective meaningful gesture fluency deficit, in the context of preserved meaningless gesture fluency, highlights that the retrieval of action knowledge may be weakened in early ALS.
Meta‐analysis of social science research: A practitioner's guide
Authors: Irsova Zuzana , Doucouliagos Hristos , Havranek Tomas , Stanley T. D.
Published: November 2023

This article provides concise, nontechnical, step‐by‐step guidelines on how to conduct a modern meta‐analysis, especially in social sciences. We treat publication bias, p‐hacking, and systematic heterogeneity as phenomena meta‐analysts must always confront. To this end, we provide concrete methodological recommendations. Meta‐analysis methods have advanced notably over the last few years. Yet many meta‐analyses still rely on outdated approaches, some ignoring publication bias and systematic heterogeneity. While limitations persist, recently developed techniques allow robust inference even in the face of formidable problems in the underlying empirical literature. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the state of the art in a way accessible to aspiring meta‐analysts in any field. We also discuss how meta‐analysts can use advances in artificial intelligence to work more efficiently.
The influence of radical trachelectomy on endometrial thickness in in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer
Authors: Yabuki Atsushi , Muraoka Ayako , Tamauchi Satoshi , Seki Tomomi , Takeda Takehiko , Sonehara Reina , Miyake Natsuki , Nakamura Tomoko , Osuka Satoko , Kajiyama Hiroaki
Published: November 2023

Aim

Both morbidity and mortality rates of cervical cancer are increasing, especially in reproductive‐aged women. Radical trachelectomy (RT) is an effective fertility‐preserving surgery for early‐stage cervical cancer. This study aimed to determine the influence of RT on endometrial thickness during in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer (IVF‐ET).

Methods

Forty‐four patients had undergone RT, and 23 women undergoing IVF‐ET treatment (105 ET cycles) were included. Endometrial thickness during hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was retrospectively evaluated and compared between patients with and without RT.

Results

Eleven patients (50 ET cycles) in the RT group and 12 (52 ET cycles) in the control group were investigated. Compared with the control group, higher ET cancellation rates were observed in patients in the RT group (1 of 52 cycles [control group] vs. 8 of 50 cycles [RT group], p < 0.01). Endometrial thinning was not affected by patient age at first IVF‐ET treatment, history of artificial abortion, preservation of uterine arteries during RT, or postoperative chemotherapy (p = 0.27, 1, 1, and 1, respectively).

Conclusions

Our data revealed that RT influenced endometrial thickness in IVF‐ET. This was not affected by the background of the patients or perioperative management in this study. We could not reveal the underlying mechanism, but it is postulated that the transient postoperative uterine blood flow status and postoperative infections may have some effect on the endometrium. To resolve these issues, accumulation of evidences are required. We recommend informing patients about the impact of RT on IVF‐ET before starting assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Healthy School Meals for All in Utah
Authors: Spruance Lori A. , Guenther Patricia M. , Callaway Sarah , Giles Lahela , Varas Sebasthian , Metos Julie
Published: November 2023

Background

The National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs reduce food insecurity and improve dietary intake. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, school meals were provided to all children at no cost, regardless of income. This policy is known as Healthy School Meals For All (HSMFA). The purpose of the study was to examine the feasibility of a HSMFA policy in Utah.

Methods

A mixed‐methods approach was used, including qualitative interviews for policymakers, surveys for school foodservice directors, and financial modeling of Utah Child Nutrition Programs data. Analysis included a phenomenological analytic approach for qualitative data, descriptive statistics for surveys, and development of a cost model with 6 scenarios.

Results

Qualitative data revealed themes of (1) awareness; (2) responsibility; (3) perspectives on school meals; and (4) new opportunities. Most (81%) foodservice directors believed HSMFA should continue post‐pandemic. HSMFA would cost $51,341,436 to $82,358,375 per year.

Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity

HSMFA would result in the equitable treatment of all children regarding access to healthy school meals.

Conclusions

Given the support of foodservice directors but the lack of political consensus, considering stepwise implementation and providing cost estimates may increase feasibility of a HSMFA policy in Utah.
Microscopic image recognition of diatoms based on deep learning
Authors: Pu Siyue , Zhang Fan , Shu Yuexuan , Fu Weiqi
Published: November 2023

Diatoms are a crucial component in the study of aquatic ecosystems and ancient environmental records. However, traditional methods for identifying diatoms, such as morphological taxonomy and molecular detection, are costly, are time consuming, and have limitations. To address these issues, we developed an extensive collection of diatom images, consisting of 7983 images from 160 genera and 1042 species, which we expanded to 49,843 through preprocessing, segmentation, and data augmentation. Our study compared the performance of different algorithms, including backbones, batch sizes, dynamic data augmentation, and static data augmentation on experimental results. We determined that the ResNet152 network outperformed other networks, producing the most accurate results with top‐1 and top‐5 accuracies of 85.97% and 95.26%, respectively, in identifying 1042 diatom species. Additionally, we propose a method that combines model prediction and cosine similarity to enhance the model's performance in low‐probability predictions, achieving an 86.07% accuracy rate in diatom identification. Our research contributes significantly to the recognition and classification of diatom images and has potential applications in water quality assessment, ecological monitoring, and detecting changes in aquatic biodiversity.
Characterization of clinical presentation, histological features, ultrasonographic findings, and survival in 29 dogs with granulomatous hepatitis
Authors: Prentice Kayla D. , Callahan‐Clark Julie E. , Parry Nicola M. , Schwarz Leslie A. , Webster Cynthia R. L.
Published: November 2023

Background

Granulomatous hepatitis (GH) is a form of chronic hepatitis (CH) in dogs for which limited information is published.

Hypothesis

Describe the clinical presentation, clinical pathology, ultrasound, and hepatic histopathology findings and to report survival times in dogs with GH.

Animals

Twenty‐nine client‐owned dogs with GH.

Methods

Retrospective observational study. Pathology records were searched. Inclusion criteria included a histopathologic diagnosis of GH, absence of an identified etiology or evidence of extrahepatic granulomatous disease, and a medical record available for review. Clinical presentation, clinical pathologic findings, treatment protocols, and survival times were recorded. Available hepatic biopsy material was graded and scored, and ultrasound evaluations reviewed.

Results

The median age was 7 years (range, 0.66‐12 years). Nineteen breeds were represented. Decreased appetite (19/29), lethargy (16/29), and fever (13/29) were seen most commonly. All dogs had increased serum transaminase activities, whereas 21/29 and 12/24 had hyperbilirubinemia and neutrophilia, respectively. Ultrasonographic findings included hepatomegaly (12/22), nodular parenchymal lesions (9/22), and hyperechoic parenchymal bands (8/22). Histopathologic necroinflammatory scores were moderate to severe in 16/19 dogs, and fibrosis scores were mild in 14/19 dogs. Treatments varied and included antibiotics, immunosuppressive drugs, and hepatoprotectants. Overall median survival was 635 days (range, 1‐2482 days).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Granulomatous hepatitis in dogs is associated with high histopathologic grade, fever, neutrophilia, and a high incidence of hepatomegaly and focal parenchymal lesions on ultrasound examination. Despite disease severity on presentation, dogs with GH can have a good outcome with prolonged survival.
Uncovering Sampling Biases, Advancing Inclusivity, and Rethinking Theoretical Accounts in Second Language Acquisition: Introduction to the Special Issue SLA for All?
Authors: Godfroid Aline , Andringa Sible
Published: November 2023

The social sciences have grappled with sampling biases, perhaps most notably the prevalent reliance on convenience samples drawn from university student populations. Researchers in second language acquisition (SLA) have likewise taken steps to assess and address the scope of these biases and their effects on theory construction. This special issue presents a collection of replications and registered replication reports comprising one such initiative, titled SLA for All? The replications aimed to evaluate the generalizability of findings from foundational SLA studies, which were obtained with university‐educated participants, to nonuniversity participant groups. In this introduction to the special issue, we review and discuss the general failure to replicate the initial results, the complex notion of replication, and questions of research ethics. We offer an in‐depth reflection on how our perspectives, practices, and future plans have evolved and conclude with a vision for a more inclusive, diverse, and informative approach to SLA research going forward.
Comparing the effect of larval dispersal strategies on morphological versus genetic differentiation in two neotropical fiddler crabs
Authors: Martins Salise Brandt , Marochi Murilo Zanetti , Masunari Setuko , Schubart Christoph D.
Published: November 2023

The dispersal mode of estuarine invertebrates has a strong effect on genetic variability and phenotypic expression, potentially maintaining gene flow among widely separated populations or limiting connectivity among close ones. Understanding the dispersal strategies effects can support adequate strategies for environment management and understand the evolutionary history of the studied species. A comparative study on the effect of larval dispersal strategies (export vs retention) along the overall geographic distribution ranges of adult populations of two co‐distributed fiddler crab species was performed. Geometric morphometric techniques were used to evaluate morphological differentiation in the shape of the carapace and major cheliped propodus in 10 populations of Minuca mordax and five populations of Leptuca leptodactyla. Potential genetic differentiation was assessed using DNA sequence data from up to 170 fiddler crab specimens, corresponding to the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1). Patterns of genetic and morphological characteristics diverged among populations of both species. In terms of morphology, populations of both species showed intraspecific variation in the shape of the carapace and, to a lesser extent, in the major cheliped propodus. This observed intraspecific variation followed a clear geographic pattern of morphometric differentiation, in which the geographic origin is associated with a phenotypic response to the environmental diversity along the extended Brazilian coast. In contrast, there are shared haplotypes in populations separated by more than 4000 km, but with significant ΦST values among most populations of L. leptodactyla and M. mordax, suggesting a moderate to high level of gene flow. Therefore, it can be concluded that the split of the Central South Equatorial Current has not acted as an efficient long‐term barrier to the dispersal of larvae in both species. In M. mordax, a slight limitation of genetic exchange can be observed between the southernmost populations and the remaining ones. This first evidence of genetic structuring within this widely distributed species is consistent with its documented strategy to retain larvae in the estuarine environments. However, occasional transport of larvae to more open coastal waters seems to maintain stepwise gene flow between neighboring populations. Overall, our results still provide evidence of more pronounced genetic homogeneity in a species with a larval export strategy (L. leptodactyla) compared to a species with a larval retention strategy (M. mordax). This suggests that larval dispersal strategies, coupled with the microhabitat in which the respective species occur, have a noticeable effect on the degree of gene flow. Most likely, these biological aspects are further influenced by the estuarine and coastline geomorphology.
The effects of wild ungulates on small mammals: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Afonso Beatriz C. , Rosalino Luís Miguel , Henriques Jorge , Tinoco Torres Rita , Wauters Jella , Carvalho João
Published: November 2023

Wild ungulates are increasing in several regions of the world, recolonizing the empty niche left by previous livestock systems. Due to their important role as ecosystem engineers, wild ungulates can modify and change vegetation structure, as well as modulate soil ecological processes, affecting the remaining components of communities and posing new management challenges. Several studies have evaluated the effects of wild ungulates on other guilds, but the results are taxonomically biased. Thus, our goal is to synthesise the overall effects of wild ungulates on smaller mammals on a broad scale.

Due to the complexity of assessing these impacts throughout the ecological network, we focused on mammals since they occupy different trophic levels and are key taxa in food webs. We conducted a review of the documented effects of wild ungulates on the guild's abundance of mammals with less than 10 kg, which revealed a gap in the literature regarding how higher trophic levels respond to wild ungulate disturbances. Using a hierarchical meta‐analytic approach, we assessed, on a subset of articles, whether the presence of wild ungulates affects the guild of small mammals and whether these effects were associated with biome, wild ungulates' body mass and foraging strategy, and small mammals' body mass.

A quantitative meta‐analysis was possible only for small mammals (Rodentia/Soricomorpha/Macroscelidea <1 kg) and revealed that their abundance tended to decrease with increasing abundance of wild ungulates. The magnitude of this impact, however, was modulated by body mass, being greater for larger small mammals than for smaller ones.

The impacts of wild ungulates might result in changes in the abundance of small mammals through direct and indirect pathways. Our results motivate a more holistic evaluation of rewilding projects and the correct assessment of the effects concerning wild ungulates' reintroductions.
Comparative population genomics of manta rays has global implications for management
Authors: Humble Emily , Hosegood Jane , Carvalho Gary , de Bruyn Mark , Creer Simon , Stevens Guy M. W. , Armstrong Amelia , Bonfil Ramon , Deakos Mark , Fernando Daniel , Froman Niv , Peel Lauren R. , Pollett Stephen , Ponzo Alessandro , Stewart Joshua D. , Wintner Sabine , Ogden Rob
Published: November 2023

Understanding population connectivity and genetic diversity is of fundamental importance to conservation. However, in globally threatened marine megafauna, challenges remain due to their elusive nature and wide‐ranging distributions. As overexploitation continues to threaten biodiversity across the globe, such knowledge gaps compromise both the suitability and effectiveness of management actions. Here, we use a comparative framework to investigate genetic differentiation and diversity of manta rays, one of the most iconic yet vulnerable groups of elasmobranchs on the planet. Despite their recent divergence, we show how oceanic manta rays (Mobula birostris) display significantly higher heterozygosity than reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) and that M. birostris populations display higher connectivity worldwide. Through inferring modes of colonization, we reveal how both contemporary and historical forces have likely influenced these patterns, with important implications for population management. Our findings highlight the potential for fisheries to disrupt population dynamics at both local and global scales and therefore have direct relevance for international conservation of marine species.
How to repel a killer; chemical identification and effective repellent activity of commercial essential oils against kissing bugs
Authors: Rito‐Rueda Azhary , Flores‐Jiménez Juan Eduardo , Gutiérrez‐Cabrera Ana Erika , Cruz‐Esteban Samuel , Córdoba‐Aguilar Alex , Cruz‐López Leopoldo , Alavez‐Rosas David
Published: November 2023

Triatomines are haematophagous insects, some species are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas disease. The main strategy for interrupting T. cruzi transmission is to avoid contact of the vector populations with humans. Volatiles from commercial essential oils are excellent candidates to serve as repellents of kissing bugs. We used an exposure device to assess the repellence effect of eight commercial essential oils on Triatoma pallidipennis. The most effective oils were blended and evaluated against T. infestans, T. pallidipennis and Rhodnius prolixus. The blend was also evaluated on parasitised T. pallidipennis. Data were compared with the commercial repellent NN‐diethyl‐3‐methylbenzamide. We recorded the time the insects spent in the proximity of the host and determined if any of the evaluated oils served as kissing bug repellent. We found commercial essential oils and a blend that significantly reduced the time spent in the proximity of the host. The blend was effective for use by human males and females, repelling infected and non‐infected insects. The study of essential oils as repellents of blood‐sucking disease‐vector insects could shed light on the development of new control strategies.
Early processed electroencephalography for the monitoring of deeply sedated mechanically ventilated critically ill patients
Authors: Favre Eva , Bernini Adriano , Miroz John‐Paul , Abed‐Maillard Samia , Ramelet Anne‐Sylvie , Oddo Mauro
Published: November 2023

Background

Deep sedation may be indicated in the intensive care unit (ICU) for the management of acute organ failure, but leads to sedative‐induced delirium. Whether processed electroencephalography (p‐EEG) is useful in this setting is unclear.

Aim

To describe the PSI index in deeply sedated critically ill patients with acute organ failure, and to examine a potential association between low PSI values and ICU delirium. [Correction added on 16 October 2024, after first online publication: Aim subsection in Abstract has been added on this version.]

Methods

We conducted a single‐centre observational study of non‐neurological ICU patients sedated according to a standardized guideline of deep sedation (Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale [RASS] between −5 and −4) during the acute phase of respiratory and/or cardio‐circulatory failure. The SedLine (Masimo Incorporated, Irvine, California) was used to monitor the Patient State Index (PSI) (ranging from 0 to 100, <25 = very deep sedation and >50 = light sedation to full awareness) during the first 72 h of care. Delirium was assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM‐ICU).

Results

The median duration of PSI monitoring was 43 h. Patients spent 49% in median of the total PSI monitoring duration with a PSI <25. Patients with delirium (n = 41/97, 42%) spent a higher percentage of total monitored time with PSI <25 (median 67% [19–91] vs. 47% [12.2–78.9]) in non‐delirious patients (p .047). After adjusting for the cumulative dose of analgesia and sedation, increased time spent with PSI <25 was associated with higher delirium (odds ratio 1.014; 95% CI 1.001–1.027, p = .036).

Conclusions

A clinical protocol of deep sedation targeted to RASS at the acute ICU phase may be associated with prolonged EEG suppression and increased delirium. Whether PSI‐targeted sedation may help reducing sedative dose and delirium deserves further clinical investigation.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Patients requiring deep sedation are at high risk of being over‐sedated and developing delirium despite the application of an evidence‐based sedation guideline. Development of early objective measures are essential to improve sedation management in these critically ill patients.
Stimulus characteristics of a novel air‐based multiple stimulus aesthesiometer
Authors: Mungalsingh Melanie A. , Thompson Benjamin , Peterson Sean D. , Murphy Paul J.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To identify the stimulus airflow characteristics and confirm the consistency of a novel air jet‐based aesthesiometer capable of producing and applying multiple stimuli separated either by time and/or by space.

Methods

A novel aesthesiometer (Dolphin Aesthesiometer) was designed around a micro‐blower under software management. Two nozzle attachments assisted in airflow control (flexible tube 1.6 mm diameter; brass tube 0.5 mm diameter). Four studies that tested the characteristics of the airflow and stimulus consistency were completed: (i) airflow pattern/trajectory, (ii) airflow surface dispersion, (iii) force of airflow across a range of stimulus strengths and (iv) thermal effects on the ocular surface.

Results

Stimulus characteristic studies revealed: (i) airflow is coherent within the expected test distance range for the instrument, and spread rate is constant irrespective of stimulus strength; (ii) airflow dispersion occurs upon encountering a surface and dispersion increases with increasing airflow rate; (iii) a consistent and small force (10−4 N) is applied by the airflow and (iv) repeatable thermal effects occur in relation to the airflow, and the mode of stimulation of the Dolphin aesthesiometer is predominantly thermal in nature.

Conclusions

These studies confirm the repeatability and consistency of the novel instrument. The device is suitable for measuring corneal sensitivity. The availability of additional air jets allows the application of multiple stimuli to facilitate corneal summation investigations.
Efficacy and safety of supraclavicular and pectoralis nerve blocks as primary peri‐procedural analgesia for cardiac electronic device implantation: A pilot study
Authors: Antiperovitch Pavel , Mokhtar Ahmed T. , Yee Raymond , Manlucu Jaimie , Gula Lorne J. , Leong‐Sit Peter , Skanes Allan C. , Tang Anthony S. L. , Khan Habib Rehman
Published: November 2023

Background

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are routinely implanted using intravenous drugs for sedation. However, some patients are poor candidates for intravenous sedation.

Objective

We present a case series demonstrating the safety and efficacy of a novel, ultrasound‐guided nerve block technique that allows for pre‐pectoral CIED implantation. The targets are the supraclavicular nerve (SCN) and pectoral nerve (PECS1).

Methods

We enrolled 20 patients who were planned for new CIED implantation. Following US‐localization of the SCN and PECS1, local anesthetic (LA) was instilled at least 30–60 min pre‐procedure. Successful nerve block was determined if < 5 mL of intraprocedural LA was used, along with lack of sensation with skin and deep tissue pinprick. Optional sedation was offered to patients’ pre‐procedure if discomfort was reported.

Results

Seventeen patients (85%) had a successful periprocedural nerve block, with only three patients exceeding 5 mL of LA. SCN and PECS1 success occurred in 19 (95%) and 18 (90%) patients, respectively. The overall success of nerve block by fulfilling all the criteria was demonstrated in 17 out of 20 patients (85%). Patients who reported no pain (VAS score = 0) were distributed as follows: 13 patients (65%) in the immediate post‐procedure interval, 18 patients (90%) at the 1 h post‐implant interval, and 14 patients (70%) at the 24 h post‐ implant interval. The median cumulative VAS score was 0 (IQR = 0 ‐ 1). There were no reported significant adverse effects.

Conclusion

SCN and PECS1 nerve blocks are safe and effective for patients undergoing CIED implantation to minimize or eliminate the use of intravenous sedation.