bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perioperative management of patients declining transfusions of blood components—National survey of anaesthesiologists, abdominal surgeons and obstetricians in Denmark
Authors: Jauho Kristian R. , Skovmand Kamilla , Cedergreen Pernille , Johansson Pär I. , Wildgaard Kim
Published: April 2023

Perioperative management of patients declining transfusions of blood products can be challenging both ethically and clinically. Jehovah's Witnesses (JW) decline treatment with blood products and have published a list of interventions they might accept as substitutes. No detailed documentation of available substitute interventions at Danish hospitals exists. Likewise, no national guidelines exist on how to optimise patients who refuse to receive treatment with blood products. The primary aim was to investigate which treatments are currently available to healthcare professionals in Denmark when treating patients who refuse transfusion of blood components. Additionally, we wanted to investigate how many departments have local guidelines for treatment for this group of patients. Based on our findings we would suggest potential improvements in the treatment of patients declining transfusion of blood components. Consultants from Danish departments of anaesthesiology, abdominal surgery and obstetrics were invited to participate in a nationwide cross‐sectional online survey. The questionnaire explored available interventions offered perioperatively. Respondents were all on‐call consultants. The questionnaire underwent content, face and technical validation during pilot testing. Ninety‐six of 108 (89%) respondents from 55 departments completed the questionnaire. Thirty‐five (36%) respondents reported having a departmental guideline mostly dealing with judicial aspects regarding patients declining transfusions with blood, and 34 (35%) would in collaboration with other professionals make an interdisciplinary strategy for patients declining transfusions with blood. For patients declining treatment with blood products in anticoagulant treatment, and hence with a greater risk of bleeding, reverting treatment is essential. Depending on the type of anticoagulant, between 31 (32%) and 59 (60%) of respondents reported locally available guidelines for reverting anticoagulant treatments. We found a considerable variation and limited availability of interventions to minimise blood loss in patients declining transfusion of blood components. This scarcity of local guidelines together with the considerable variation of available treatment documented in our survey could possibly be enhanced by a lack of national guidelines.
Primary, allied health, geriatric, pain and palliative healthcare service utilisation by aged care residents, 2012–2017
Authors: Inacio Maria C. , Collier Luke , Air Tracy , Thapaliya Kailash , Crotty Maria , Williams Helena , Wesselingh Steve L. , Kellie Andrew , Roder David , Lewis Adrienne , Harvey Gillian , Sluggett Janet K. , Cations Monica , Gill Tiffany K. , Khadka Jyoti , Caughey Gillian E.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To examine the incidence and trends in primary care, allied health, geriatric, pain and palliative care service use by permanent residential aged care (PRAC) residents and the older Australian population.

Methods

Repeated cross‐sectional analyses on PRAC residents (N = 318,484) and the older (≥65 years) Australian population (N ~ 3.5 million). Outcomes were Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) subsidised primary care, allied health, geriatric, pain and palliative services between 2012–13 and 2016–17. GEE Poisson models estimated incidence rates and incidence rate ratios (IRR).

Results

In 2016–17, PRAC residents had a median of 13 (interquartile range [IQR] 5–19) regular general medical practitioner (GP) attendances, 3 (IQR 1–6) after‐hours attendances and 5% saw a geriatrician. Highlights of utilisation changes from 2012–13 to 2016–17 include the following: GP attendances increased by 5%/year (IRR = 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.05) for residents compared to 1%/year (IRR = 1.01, 95%CI 1.01–1.01) for the general population. GP after‐hours attendances increased by 15%/year (IRR = 1.15, 95%CI 1.14–1.15) for residents and 9%/year (IRR = 1.08, 95%CI 1.07–1.20) for the general population. GP management plans increased by 12%/year (IRR = 1.12, 95%CI 1.11–1.12) for residents and 10%/year (IRR = 1.10, 95%CI 1.09–1.11) for the general population. Geriatrician consultations increased by 28%/year (IRR = 1.28, 95%CI 1.27–1.29) for residents compared to 14%/year (IRR = 1.14, 95%CI 1.14–1.15) in the general population.

Conclusions

The utilisation of most examined services increased in both cohorts over time. Preventive and management care, by primary care and allied health care providers, was low and likely influences the utilisation of other attendances. PRAC residents' access to pain, palliative and geriatric medicine services is low and may not address the residents' needs.
The violence of collecting
Authors: Pollock Susan
Published: April 2023

Practices of collecting have been integral to archaeology as well as to anthropology more generally since the inception of the disciplines. From the history of collecting in the later nineteenth and twentieth centuries, it is clear that although the degree of coercion varied, the practices of collecting inevitably took place in contexts of starkly unequal power relations and associated forms of violence. More than just the act of collecting, it is also the ways collections are handled, made available (or not), curated, and discarded that are imbued with different kinds of violence. This article draws on the case of human and other remains recovered in excavations on the campus of the Free University of Berlin (Germany) and examines the ways in which the amassing, use, and discard of collections are entwined with violent practices.
Machine learning to predict myocardial injury and death after non‐cardiac surgery
Authors: Nolde J. M. , Schlaich M. P. , Sessler D. I. , Mian A. , Corcoran T. B. , Chow C. K. , Chan M. T. V. , Borges F. K. , McGillion M. H. , Myles P. S. , Mills N. L. , Devereaux P. J. , Hillis G. S.
Published: April 2023

Myocardial injury due to ischaemia within 30 days of non‐cardiac surgery is prognostically relevant. We aimed to determine the discrimination, calibration, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of single‐layer and multiple‐layer neural networks for myocardial injury and death within 30 postoperative days. We analysed data from 24,589 participants in the Vascular Events in Non‐cardiac Surgery Patients Cohort Evaluation study. Validation was performed on a randomly selected subset of the study population. Discrimination for myocardial injury by single‐layer vs. multiple‐layer models generated areas (95%CI) under the receiver operating characteristic curve of: 0.70 (0.69–0.72) vs. 0.71 (0.70–0.73) with variables available before surgical referral, p < 0.001; 0.73 (0.72–0.75) vs. 0.75 (0.74–0.76) with additional variables available on admission, but before surgery, p < 0.001; and 0.76 (0.75–0.77) vs. 0.77 (0.76–0.78) with the addition of subsequent variables, p < 0.001. Discrimination for death by single‐layer vs. multiple‐layer models generated areas (95%CI) under the receiver operating characteristic curve of: 0.71 (0.66–0.76) vs. 0.74 (0.71–0.77) with variables available before surgical referral, p = 0.04; 0.78 (0.73–0.82) vs. 0.83 (0.79–0.86) with additional variables available on admission but before surgery, p = 0.01; and 0.87 (0.83–0.89) vs. 0.87 (0.85–0.90) with the addition of subsequent variables, p = 0.52. The accuracy of the multiple‐layer model for myocardial injury and death with all variables was 70% and 89%, respectively.
Beyond the Chokepoint: Blockades as Social Struggles
Authors: Chua Charmaine , Bosworth Kai
Published: April 2023

Blockades are a long‐standing tool used by political groups of various kinds to interrupt or redirect flows of materials, capital, and people. In this introduction to the Symposium, “On the Blockade: Geographies of Circulation and Struggle”, we review recent debates concerning the politics of spatial disruption, chokepoints, and circulation struggles. In doing so, we question some tendencies to fetishise the seizure of capital circulation as ade factoprogressive form of disruption to the contemporary order. We argue that blockades ought to be considered not merely as tactics or pure negations of capital, but instead are articulations of collective life and open‐ended attempts to build power. Thinking with blockades thus requires accounting for not only their spatial disruption but also their distinct historical contexts and social forms. We introduce the articles in this Symposium through an analysis of five modalities through which blockades can be interpreted: as moments of refusal, redistribution, provocation, subject‐formation, and concrete utopia. Finally, we describe five future directions for scholars and movements: insurgent mapping, feminist interpretation, expansion of blockade networks, analysis of reactionary blockades, and broadening the geographical and historical scope of study.
Lingular‐segment torsion after extended left‐upper division segmentectomy by video‐assisted thoracic surgery with indocyanine green fluorescence imaging
Authors: Kato Taketo , Ohara Yuko , Okado Shoji , Noritake Osamu , Nakanishi Keita , Kadomatsu Yuka , Ueno Harushi , Nakamura Shota , Fukumoto Koichi , Chen‐Yoshikawa Toyofumi Fengshi
Published: April 2023

Lingular‐segment torsion after left‐upper division segmentectomy (LUDS) is a rare complication, and the cause remains unclear. Here we report the case of a patient who developed lingular‐segment torsion after LUDS for multiple lung metastases of breast cancer. One lung nodule was located in the S1 + 2 segment and another between the upper lobe and S6 on an incomplete interlobar fissure. The lung metastases were resected by extended LUDS using video‐assisted thoracic surgery with indocyanine green fluorescence imaging. The staple line on the lingular segment was vertically tilted against the interlobar line because of the atypical defect of the fluorescence plane and nodule position. Chest X‐ray and contrast‐enhanced computed tomography indicated ischemia and torsion of the lingular segment on the second postoperative day, and completion of lingular segmentectomy was performed. This case showed the vertical intersegment staple line during LUDS was one of the important causes of postoperative torsion of the lingular segment.
School climate, school identification and student outcomes: A longitudinal investigation of student well‐being
Authors: Klik Kathleen A. , Cárdenas Diana , Reynolds Katherine J.
Published: April 2023

Background

Schools are increasingly recognized as key facilitators of child and youth well‐being. Much attention has been directed to the school social environment and the areas of school climate or school connectedness/identification. Drawing on the social identity approach and related work, it has been argued that school social identification may be the mechanism or process through which school climate comes to impact individual student functioning (Applied Psychology, 28, 2009, 171). Much of the previous research on social identity and well‐being, though, is limited because it is cross‐sectional.

Aims, Sample & Methods

This current study aims to advance understanding of the relationships between school climate, school identification and positive and negative well‐being. It adopts a three‐wave longitudinal sample of Australian students (N = 6537 wave 3, grades 7–10) and incorporates a range of control variables. Multilevel modelling (MLM) is used to test relationships of interest.

Results and Conclusions

In line with predictions, school identification was a significant mediator of the relationship between school climate and the well‐being dimensions of positive affect and depression (but not anxiety). The substantial theoretical and practical implications of this research are discussed, including the role of the school social environment in helping young people successfully transition to adulthood.
Requesting a commitment in school teachers to teach in unprecedented ways: The mediating role of teacher agency
Authors: Yang Yunying , Dong Yan , Jiang Liming , Xu Chang , Luo Fang , Zhao Guoqing , Kurup Premnadh M.
Published: April 2023

The necessity for the development and enhancement of teacher commitment to satisfying students' learning needs in response to the COVID crisis is increasingly highlighted. It is not known, however, how to increase commitment in schoolteachers to boost online teaching in light of the fact that they, too, are struggling to cope with the rapid, unexpected change. A total of 601 teachers from primary and secondary schools across China participated in this study, with an average teaching experience of 15.9 years. Structural equation modelling was used to verify the significance of contextual, cognitive, affective and behavioural factors in boosting teachers' commitment to online teaching. The findings demonstrated that teacher agency played a complete mediating role in the predicting power of other factors to teacher commitment. Therefore, it was recommended that attention be paid to the practice and opportunities for teacher agentic actions, which necessitates real encounters with online teaching, allowing teachers to act meaningfully and initiate a new set of teaching strategies.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

The large‐scale transition to emergency online teaching serves as the catalyst for creating a blended or hybrid model of education provision in the long term.

How hard teachers work to perform at their best and overcome obstacles to support students' learning needs in new environment relies on the intensity of teacher commitment to change.

Online and blended learning requires teachers to not only be prepared for a diverse learning environment but also to build and rebuild their own identity as future teachers.

What this paper adds

This study adds to our knowledge of how traditional F2F classroom teachers reinvented their roles and responsibilities in response to the pandemic‐driven challenges based on real‐world experiences.

As a result of the COVID‐19 lockdown school closures, schoolteachers' commitment to enhancing online teaching efforts has increased.

The study highlights the complete mediating role of teacher agency in the predicting power of cognitive and affective factors to teacher commitment.

Implications for practice and/or policy

To learn more about how to be a good online teacher, future teachers need greater deliberate effort in diverse online teaching activities.

Future teachers should be equipped with not only new technological and remote instructional strategies and skills, but also with confidence in, value for, and actual experiences with online teaching in a technology‐rich environment.

For teachers to obtain hands‐on experience in integrating technology with distance teaching pedagogy at a time of rapid change, schools should have some days online and offer blended learning opportunities wherever possible.
How do fault systems and seafloor bathymetry influence the structure and distribution characteristics of gas chimneys?
Authors: Zhang Boda , Su Ming , Chen Hui , Liu Fang , Zheng Wenyi , Su Pibo , Liang Jinqiang , Kuang Zenggui , Yang Chengzhi , Lin Zhixuan , Wu Nan
Published: April 2023

Gas chimneys are key pathways for geofluid vertical migration; therefore, deciphering their formation and evolution is crucial for hydrocarbon exploration and geohazard risk assessment. However, the influences of ambient conditions (e.g. bathymetry, tectonics, sediment supply flux) on gas chimney development have not been thoroughly investigated. Using high‐resolution 3D seismic data, we have identified 59 gas chimneys beneath the Shenhu Slope (a gas hydrate test production area on the northern South China Sea margin), 35 of which intersect faults. Above fault interfaces, internal seismic structures are dominated by chaotic discontinuous reflections. Internal structures below interfaces display more continuous reflections, which are also apparent in gas chimneys, not intersecting faults. A higher degree of chaotic or discontinuous seismic reflections may indicate more fragmented networks. This may occur due to increased fluid flow along faults and concomitant fluid overpressure. The present‐day undulating seafloor comprises the inter‐canyon (IT) region, intra‐canyon (IN) region and flat slope (FD) region downstream of canyons. Gas chimneys beneath IT and IN regions exhibit elongated elliptical shapes in the plane, with the long axis azimuth (sub‐) parallel to the main strike of canyons. Chimneys beneath the IT region have larger heights than those beneath the IN and FD regions. Thicker sediment in the IT region corresponds to a higher overburden pressure, which may induce stronger overpressure in the subsurface reservoir region. This overpressure may promote chimneys gathering in the IT region. Canyons' main directions are likely to limit hydraulic fracturing due to maximum gradient boundaries between overlying sediment stress fields. This study provides insights into gas chimney distribution, morphology and structure evolution in relation to bathymetry and fault conditions. It contributes to an improved understanding of how geofluids migrate in marginal ocean basins.
A comprehensive review on potential candidates for the treatment of chagas disease
Authors: Pathak Shilpi , Bhardwaj Muskan , Agrawal Neetu , Bhardwaj Aditya
Published: April 2023

Twenty different infectious disorders induced by bacteria, viruses, and parasites are categorized as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) by WHO. The severity of chagas disease remains a major concern in endemic areas and an emerging public health hazard in nonendemic countries. Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of this NTD, is mostly transmitted by triatomine vectors and comprises a range of epidemiologically significant variants. Current chemotherapeutics are obsolete, and one of the primary reasons for treatment cessation is their poor safety and effectiveness. Due to the aforementioned challenges, researchers are now focusing on discovering alternative novel safe, and economically reachable therapies for the treatment of trypanosomiasis. Certain target‐based drugs that target specific biochemical processes of the causative parasites have been described as potential antichagasic agents that possesses various types of heterocyclic scaffolds. These flexible molecules have a wide range of biological actions, and various synthesized compounds with strong activity have been documented. This review aims to discuss the available literature on synthetic anti‐T. cruzi drugs that will give a food for thought to medicinal chemists thriving to design and develop such drugs. Furthermore, some of the studies discussed herein are concerned with the potential of novel drugs to block new viable sites in T. cruzi.
Evaluating global interest in biodiversity and conservation
Authors: de Oliveira Caetano Gabriel Henrique , Vardi Reut , Jarić Ivan , Correia Ricardo A. , Roll Uri , Veríssimo Diogo
Published: April 2023

The first target of the Convention for Biological Diversity (Aichi target 1) was to increase public awareness of the values of biodiversity and actions needed to conserve it—a key prerequisite for other conservation targets. Monitoring success in achieving this target at a global scale has been difficult; however, increased digitization of human life in recent decades has made it easier to measure people's interests at an unprecedented scale and allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of Aichi target 1 than previously attempted. We used Google search volume data for over a thousand search terms related to different aspects of biodiversity and conservation to evaluate global interest in biodiversity and its conservation. We also investigated the correlation of interest in biodiversity and conservation across countries to variables related to biodiversity, economy, demography, research, education, internet use, and presence of environmental organizations. From 2013 to 2020, global searches for biodiversity components increased, driven mostly by searches for charismatic fauna (59% of searches were for mammal species). Searches for conservation actions, driven mostly by searches for national parks, decreased since 2019, likely due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Economic inequality was negatively correlated with interest in biodiversity and conservation, whereas purchasing power was indirectly positively correlated with higher levels of education and research. Our results suggest partial success toward achieving Aichi target 1 in that interest in biodiversity increased widely, but not for conservation. We suggest that increased outreach and education efforts aimed at neglected aspects of biodiversity and conservation are still needed. Popular topics in biodiversity and conservation could be leveraged to increase awareness of other topics with attention to local socioeconomic contexts.
A case of aleukemic leukemia cutis after COVID‐19 infection presenting as facial rash
Authors: Shen Nancy W. , Freitas Cristielle Peres de , Bacchi Carlos E. , Gru Alejandro A.
Published: April 2023

Aleukemic leukemia cutis (ALC) is a rare condition that is characterized by leukemic cells in the skin before presenting in the peripheral blood or bone marrow. We report a case of a 43‐year‐old woman who underwent assessment for bilateral facial nodules arising 1 month after COVID‐19 infection. A punch biopsy specimen showed a malignant neoplasm primarily composed of immature blasts dissecting through the collagen in the dermis, concerning for myeloid sarcoma versus leukemia cutis. Bone marrow and blood specimens were negative for hematologic malignancy. The patient was appropriately treated with chemotherapy and is recovering well. This report highlights an interesting case of ALC following COVID‐19 infection presenting as an isolated facial rash. Whether there is a true relationship between the patient's COVID‐19 infection and her abrupt presentation of leukemia remains unclear, but we present this case regardless, in an effort to highlight a potentially unique association requiring further study.
New therapeutic developments for basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kunstfeld Rainer , Nguyen Van Anh
Published: April 2023

In 2013, systemic therapy was introduced into the treatment of locally advanced (laBCC) and metastatic basal cell carcinoma (mBCC). Meanwhile, immunotherapy has been approved in this indication as well. Additional immunotherapies and other classes of drugs including combination regimens are currently being investigated in clinical trials. These agents might considerably expand the therapeutic armamentarium for laBCC and mBCC in the future.
Aktuelle Entwicklungen und Perspektiven bei Psoriasis
Authors: Schön Michael P. , Wilsmann‐Theis Dagmar
Published: April 2023

Die Erforschung kaum einer anderen Erkrankung hat so grundlegend neue Erkenntnisse über immunologischen Regulationen und gleichzeitig eine derart rasante Entwicklung innovativer Therapien hervorgebracht wie das Studium der Psoriasis. In dieser kurzen Übersichtsarbeit umreißen wir die Grundzüge der aktuellen Psoriasisforschung unter besonderer Berücksichtigung pathophysiologischer Vorgänge und der Meilensteine bei der Zulassung verschiedener Biologika und niedermolekularer Pharmaka. Nicht zuletzt durch die Psoriasisforschung verstehen wir das Zusammenspiel der Komponenten des angeborenen und des adaptiven Immunsystems immer besser. Neue Therapeutika greifen dabei an entscheidenden Punkten in regulatorische Netzwerke ein. Ausgehend vom derzeitigen Kenntnisstand skizzieren wir einige aus unserer Sicht wesentliche zukünftige Forschungsrichtungen sowie therapeutische und klinische Entwicklungen im Bereich der Psoriasis. Diese reichen von der Erforschung genetischer, epigenetischer, zellulärer und immunologischer Mechanismen über die Untersuchung spezifischer klinischer Formen der Psoriasis und individueller systemischer Auswirkungen der Krankheit sowie ihrer Behandlung bis hin zur Einbeziehung vonBig Dataund künstlicher Intelligenz. Ziele sind ein ganzheitliches Verständnis der Psoriasis von der molekularen bis zur organismischen und gesellschaftlichen Ebene und darauf aufbauend individualisierte Präventions‐ und Behandlungsstrategien. Trotz beeindruckender Fortschritte muss die Psoriasisforschung sowohl im kleinen als auch im großen Maßstab weiterentwickelt werden, um den Bedürfnissen von Behandlern und Patienten noch besser gerecht zu werden.
Lupus erythematodes
Authors: Günther Claudia , Wenzel Jörg
Published: April 2023

Der kutane Lupus erythematodes manifestiert sich mit oder ohne systemische Beteiligung mit einem breiten klinischen Spektrum. Die Pathogenese der Erkrankung ist durch einen Toleranzverlust gegenüber körpereigenen Antigenen und einer chronisch schubweisen Aktivierung des angeborenen und adaptiven Immunsystems geprägt. Die Forschung der letzten Jahre erweiterte unser pathogenetisches Verständnis. Allerdings sind die therapeutischen Möglichkeiten aktuell begrenzt. Gegen den Faktor Blys und den Typ‐I‐Interferon‐Rezeptor gerichtete Biologika können bei Patienten mit kutaner Beteiligung und systemischem Lupus erythematodes mit zum Teil ausgezeichnetem Ansprechen eingesetzt werden.

Die Durchführung klinischer Studien ist aufgrund der klinischen Variabilität der Erkrankung schwierig. Da jedoch die kutane Manifestation zunehmend als primärer Endpunkt erfasst wird, bleibt zu hoffen, dass die vielfältigen therapeutischen Ansatzpunkte in näherer Zukunft zu besseren Behandlungsmöglichkeiten der Erkrankung führen.
Ausgewählte Genodermatosen – Stand der Dinge und Zukunftsaussichten
Authors: Frank Jorge , Has Cristina , Betz Regina C.
Published: April 2023

Genodermatosen sind monogen vererbte Erkrankungen, die sich entweder ausschließlich mit Symptomen an der Haut manifestieren oder im Rahmen eines assoziierten Syndroms auch andere Organe betreffen können. In den zurückliegenden 30 Jahren wurden zahlreiche hereditäre Haar‐, Tumor‐, blasenbildende und Keratinisierungskrankheiten klinisch und genetisch charakterisiert. Dies hat zur kontinuierlichen Weiterentwicklung krankheitsspezifischer Klassifikationen sowie diagnostischer Algorithmen und Untersuchungstechniken geführt, aber auch zu neuen Pathogenese‐basierten Therapiekonzepten. Während die Entschlüsselung der diesen Krankheiten zugrundeliegenden Gendefekte bereits weit fortgeschritten ist, gibt es noch viel Raum für die Entwicklung neuer translationaler Behandlungsstrategien.
The development of bi‐directionally coupled self‐organizing neurovascular networks captures orientation‐selective neural and hemodynamic cortical responses
Authors: Kumar Bhadra S. , O'Herron Philip J. , Kara Prakash , Chakravarthy V. Srinivasa
Published: April 2023

Networks of neurons are the primary substrate of information processing. Conversely, blood vessels in the brain are generally viewed to have physiological functions unrelated to information processing, such as the timely supply of oxygen, and other nutrients to the neural tissue. However, recent studies have shown that cerebral microvessels, like neurons, exhibit tuned responses to sensory stimuli. Tuned neural responses to sensory stimuli may be enhanced with experience‐dependent Hebbian plasticity and other forms of learning. Hence, it is possible that the microvascular network might also be subject to some form of competitive learning rules during early postnatal development such that its fine‐scale structure becomes optimized for metabolic delivery to a given neural micro‐architecture. To explore the possibility of adaptive lateral interactions and tuned responses in cerebral microvessels, we modelled the cortical neurovascular network by interconnecting two laterally connected self‐organizing networks. The afferent and lateral connections of the neural and vascular networks were defined by trainable weights. By varying the topology of lateral connectivity in the vascular network layer, we observed that the partial correspondence of feature selectivity between neural and hemodynamic responses could be explained by lateral coupling across local blood vessels such that the central domain receives an excitatory drive of more blood flow and a distal surrounding region where blood flow is reduced. Critically, our simulations suggest a new role for feedback from the vascular to the neural network because the radius of vascular perfusion determines whether the cortical neural map develops into a clustered vs. salt‐and‐pepper organization.
Geographical variation in community‐wide herbivory matches patterns of intraspecific variation instead of species turnover
Authors: Liu Xiang , Lin Ziyuan , Hu Kui , Wang Xingxing , Zhang Peng , Xiao Yao , Zhang Li , Liu Mu
Published: April 2023

Aim

Attempts over the past 30 years to explain geographical variation in the strength of herbivore pressure have given rise to ecological hypotheses like the latitudinal herbivory hypothesis. This hypothesis, however, has rarely been tested using community‐level data. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the patterns and potential mechanisms underlying geographical variation in community‐wide herbivory.

Location

The Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau.

Time Period

July 2021.

Major Taxa Studied

Plants.

Methods

We selected 43 grassland sites along a 1500‐km latitudinal gradient (c. 27°N to 39°N) and a 2698‐m elevational gradient (1886–4584 m) on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. We evaluated geographical patterns in invertebrate herbivory pressure at the population and community levels, while also evaluating the importance of geographical variation in mediating the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on intraspecific variation (through changes in herbivory on component species) and species turnover effects (through changes in plant community composition).

Results

Community‐wide herbivory decreased with latitude, mirroring intraspecific variation, while species turnover effects did not vary along any tested geographical gradients. Furthermore, we found that geographical variation in community‐wide herbivory was strongly positively correlated with soil nitrogen content. We also found a positive effect of soil nitrogen content on intraspecific variation and a negative effect of plant community biomass on species turnover effects.

Main Conclusions

The latitudinal gradient in community‐wide herbivory was primarily mediated by intraspecific variation, which was in turn associated with a gradient in soil nitrogen content. Our findings highlight the need for community‐wide assessments of geographical variation in plant–herbivore interactions, decomposing community‐wide herbivory into intraspecific variation and species turnover effects.
How does industrial agglomeration affect regional innovation? A spatial econometric analysis
Authors: Yang Nana , Liu Qiming
Published: April 2023

This study empirically investigates the direct and indirect (spillover) effects of three types of industrial agglomeration with different cognitive distances, namely, industrial specialization, industrial related variety, and industrial unrelated variety, on regional innovation. Accordingly, we applied the concepts of related and unrelated variety and used spatial econometric analysis. Based on panel data of 283 Chinese cities from 2004 to 2016, the empirical results reveal that both industrial specialization and industrial related variety significantly improve regional innovation and produce positive spatial spillover effects on the surrounding regions. However, industrial unrelated variety has a significant negative impact on regional innovation and produces a negative spatial spillover effect on the surrounding regions. Moreover, the direct and indirect effects of the three types of industrial agglomeration on regional innovation between China's coastal and inland cities. The findings have important theoretical and policy implications.
Blenderized watermelon consumption decreases body mass index, body mass index percentile, body fat and HbA1c in children with overweight or obesity
Authors: Daughtry Jaikko , Rasmussen Caitlin , Rosas Martin , Zhang Liyue , Lu Stephanie , Hooshmand Shirin , Liu Changqi , Kern Mark , Hong Mee Young
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Childhood obesity increases risk factors related to metabolic diseases. Watermelon's bioactive components can help reduce these risk factors. However, no study has investigated the effects of whole watermelon including both the flesh and rind or have assessed the impacts of any form of watermelon on children with overweight or obesity. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of whole‐blenderized watermelon (BWM) consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors.

Methods

A randomized, cross‐over clinical design was implemented. Boys and girls ages 10–17 years with overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 85th percentile) consumed one cup of BWM or an isocaloric sugar‐sweetened beverage (control) every day for 8 weeks with a 4‐week washout between trials. Anthropometrics, dietary, biochemical and clinical measures were obtained before and at the end of each trial.

Results

A total of 17 participants completed the study. Eight weeks of BWM intake significantly decreased BMI (p = 0.032), BMI percentile (BMIP) (p = 0.038), body fat percentage (p = 0.036), and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (p = 0.012) compared to the sugar‐sweetened beverage. Sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption increased BMIP (p = 0.014) compared to baseline. No significant differences were observed for inflammation, blood glucose, insulin, lipids, liver function enzymes, and satiety hormones.

Conclusions

The results support that BWM consumption improved some cardiometabolic risk factors including BMI, BMIP, body fat, and HbA1c. Watermelon is a potential alternative to unhealthful snacks for improving anthropometry and some risk factors related to obesity in children.
Early outcomes following the implementation of a specialised pleural disease service
Authors: Duong Victor , Tacey Mark , Shum Evonne , Hannan Liam , See Katharine , Muruganandan Sanjeevan
Published: April 2023

Background

Pleural effusion is a common cause of hospitalisation and a poor prognostic marker that is associated with morbidity and mortality. The evaluation and management of pleural effusion may be performed more effectively by a specialised pleural disease service (SPDS).

Aims

To evaluate the impact of a SPDS established in 2017 at a 400‐bed metropolitan hospital in Victoria, Australia.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was undertaken comparing outcomes of individuals with pleural effusions. People with pleural effusion were identified using administrative data. Two 12‐month time periods were compared, 2016 (Period 1, before SPDS) and 2018 (Period 2, after SPDS).

Results

Period 1 had n = 76 and Period 2 had n = 96 individuals with pleural effusion receiving intervention. Age (69.8 ± 17.6 vs 71.8 ± 15.8), gender and Charlson Comorbidity Index (4.9 ± 2.8 vs 5.4 ± 3.0) were similar across both periods. Utilisation of point‐of‐care ultrasound for pleural procedures increased from Period 1 to 2, 57.3–85.7% (P < 0.001). There was a reduction in median days from admission to intervention (3.8–2.1 days, P = 0.048) and pleural‐related re‐intervention rate (32% vs 19%, P = 0.032). Pleural fluid testing was more consistent with recommendations (16.8% vs 43.2%, P < 0.001). Overall, there was no difference in the median length of stay (7.9 vs 6.4 days, P = 0.23), pleural‐related readmissions (11% vs 16%, P = 0.69) or mortality (17.1% vs 15.6%, P = 0.79). Procedural complications were similar between the two periods.

Conclusions

The introduction of a SPDS was associated with increased point‐of‐care ultrasound utilisation for pleural procedures, shorter delays to intervention and improved standardisation of tests on pleural fluid.
Exploring the effectiveness of a regional nurse practitioner led, long‐acting injectable buprenorphine‐based model of care for opioid use disorder
Authors: Strike Teresa , D'Angelo‐Kemp Dante , Searby Adam
Published: April 2023

The introduction of long‐acting injectable buprenorphine preparations for opioid use disorder has been widely heralded as a breakthrough treatment, with several studies indicating positive results when using these medications. In many locations, nurse practitioners prescribe, administer, and monitor long‐acting injectable preparations. The objective of this paper is to explore whether a reduction in dispensed needles and syringes is attributable to increased nurse practitioner prescribing of LAIB. We used a retrospective audit of needles dispensed through the health service needle and syringe program vending machine, and individuals treated with long‐acting injectable buprenorphine by the nurse practitioner led model. In addition, we examined potential factors that may influence changes in the number of needles dispensed. Linear regression found that each individual with opioid dependence treated with long‐acting injectable buprenorphine was associated with 90 fewer needles dispensed each month (p < 0.001). The nurse practitioner led model of care for individuals with opioid dependence appears to have influenced the number of needles dispensed at the needle and syringe program. Although all confounding factors could not be discounted entirely, such as substance availability, affordability, and individuals obtaining injecting equipment elsewhere, our research indicates that a nurse practitioner led model of treating individuals with opioid use disorder influenced needle and syringe dispensing in the study setting.
How social connectedness contributes to life satisfaction among Chinese nurses: Testing potential moderated mediation pathways
Authors: Ke Yuye , Zhang Taotao , Xu Jianghua , Chai Xiaoyun
Published: April 2023

Aims

The purpose of this study was to identify the mediating and moderating mechanisms by which social connectedness predicts life satisfaction among Chinese nurses.

Background

Previous researchers have primarily focused on sociodemographic and occupational domain risk factors for nurses’ life satisfaction with relatively little insight into facilitative and protective factors and underlying psychological mechanisms.

Methods

We investigated 459 Chinese nurses’ social connectedness, work–family enrichment, self‐concept clarity, and life satisfaction via a cross‐sectional design. We explored the underlying predictive mechanisms among these variables by creating a moderated mediation model. We followed STROBE checklist.

Results

Work–family enrichment played a mediating role in understanding the positive effects of social connectedness on nurses’ life satisfaction. In addition, the moderating effect of self‐concept clarity was manifested itself in the association between work–family enrichment and life satisfaction.

Discussion and conclusion

Interpersonal asset (social connectedness) and the positive aspect of the work–family interface (work–family enrichment) were significant contributors to nurses’ life satisfaction. In particular, high self‐concept clarity can enhance the beneficial effect of work‒family enrichment on life satisfaction.

Implications for nursing policy and practice

Strengthening social connectedness, promoting synergy in work‒family roles, and maintaining a clarity of self‐concept are important intervention pathways to enhance the health and well‐being of nurses.
Theoretical models of inequality: Examples from rational choice theory and behavioural economics
Authors: Puzon Klarizze Anne , Gisselquist Rachel
Published: April 2023

Using illustrations from research on inequality, this essay makes a case for ‘behavioural synthesis’, that is the reconciliation between neo‐classical and behavioural economics. Focusing on selected theories of absolute and relative inequality, we first give a brief critique of utilitarian models that emphasize self‐interested income maximization. Their assumptions are then compared to status‐seeking models of competition where income differences are maximized. These are then contrasted to altruism models that consider other‐regarding preferences that encourage less inequality. We emphasize the value of behavioural economic experiments in testing the competing predictions of these models. We conclude that consolidation among assumptions from neo‐classical and behavioural economics is necessary when it comes to understanding inequality and propose strategies on how it can be done. We specifically identify some empirical shortcomings of these key economic theories of inequality: context‐dependency in the Global South, specificity of reference groups and consistency of measurement. We propose several ways forward, including the relaxation of assumptions of rationality in theoretical models and further fieldwork in developing countries.
Psychotropic substitutions: Out of the frying pan and into the fire
Authors: Reppas‐Rindlisbacher Christina , Stall Nathan M. , Rochon Paula A.
Published: April 2023

See related article by Wastila et al. in this issue.
Incidence and risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Can‐ran , Xue Bing , Gao Ying , Yue Shu‐wen , Redding Sharon R. , Wang Rong , Ouyang Yan‐qiong
Published: April 2023

Aim

To estimate the incidence and identify risk factors of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) after vaginal delivery.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted. PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched from inception to April 30th, 2022. Cross‐sectional, cohort, case–control, and secondary analysis of randomized controlled studies that reported the incidence of PPH and the related risk factors in vaginal delivery were eligible through screening of 2343 articles. The incidence, associated standard error, adjusted odds ratios, relative risks and associated 95% confidence intervals were combined in the meta‐analysis.

Results

Thirty‐six articles were included in the descriptive review. The incidence of PPH (blood loss ≥500 mL and blood loss ≥1000 mL) was 17% and 6%, respectively. Forty‐one identified risk factors were divided into five categories under two criteria: history and demographics; maternal comorbidity; pregnancy‐related factors; labor‐related factors; delivery‐related factors.

Conclusions

With the increasing incidence of PPH globally, obstetric health care providers need to improve their awareness of these multi‐factorial risks to optimize obstetric care and reduce maternal morbidity. This systematic review and meta‐analysis have raised important questions about the nature of vaginal delivery, such as the duration of prolonged labor, details on the use of oxytocin, and the presence of genital tract trauma. There should be highlighted by obstetric personnel on these factors during a patients' labor process.
Australian and New Zealand consensus guideline for paediatric newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopaenia endorsed by Australian New Zealand Children's Haematology and Oncology Group
Authors: Verissimo Vanessa , Carter Tina , Wright Helen , Robertson Jeremy , Osborn Michael , Bradbeer Peter , Sabesan Vanaja , Saxon Ben , Barbaro Pasquale , Crighton Gemma , Chamberlain Janis , Zheng Silvia , Freeman Kate
Published: April 2023

In children, the majority of cases are self‐limiting and thus many paediatric patients can be managed conservatively with minimal complications. This varies considerably compared to adult newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopaenia (NDITP) where, in most cases, thrombocytopaenia persists with higher risk of moderate to severe bleeding complications. In the past decade, local and international guidelines have emerged to support approaches to the investigation and management of NDITP, with a focus primarily on adult immune thrombocytopaenia (ITP). International consensus guidelines on paediatric NDITP have been developed, however gaps remain, and approaches vary between North American, Asia, Europe and the UK. There are no current Australian or New Zealand paediatric ITP guidelines readily available, rather differing guidelines for each state, territory or island. These inconsistencies cause uncertainty for patients, families and physicians managing cases. Subsequently, physicians, including paediatric haematologists and general paediatricians, have come together to provide a consensus approach guideline specific to paediatric NDITP for Australian or New Zealand. Persistent or chronic paediatric ITP remains a complex and separate entity and are not discussed here.
Previewing Novel Words Before Reading Affects Their Processing During Reading: An Eye‐Movement Study With First and Second Language Readers
Authors: Elgort Irina , Wetering Ross van de , Arrow Tara , Beyersmann Elisabeth
Published: April 2023

In this study, we examined the effect of previewing unfamiliar vocabulary on the real‐time reading behavior of first language (L1) and second language (L2) readers. University students with English as their L1 or L2 read passages with embedded pseudowords. In a within‐participant manipulation, definitions of the pseudowords were either previewed before reading or reviewed after reading. Previewing significantly affected reading behavior on early and late eye‐movement measures, and the patterns of change on the first three contextual encounters with the pseudowords differed for L1 and L2 readers. On the multiple‐choice cloze posttest, encountering novel words in reading followed by definitions resulted in somewhat more accurate responses for L1 but not L2 participants. The learning condition did not affect the results of the meaning recall posttest. These findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between vocabulary support approaches and the reading behavior of L1 and L2 readers when they encounter unfamiliar words in texts.
Dietitians' and nutritionists' knowledge and views on aspects of health claims regulation in the UK: Do we inadvertently shoot the messenger?
Authors: Ruxton Carrie , Ashwell Margaret
Published: April 2023

Article 12(c) of the Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation (NHCR) prohibits authorised health claims in consumer‐facing commercial communications which make reference to the recommendations of individual doctors or health professionals. However, this has been controversial amongst dietitians and nutritionists who work in commercial settings. Given the lack of empirical data, a survey was conducted amongst UK‐based nutrition professionals to assess their knowledge of, and attitudes to, Article 12(c). The findings revealed confusion about the scope of the regulation and how it applies to working practices, with a considerable proportion of respondents being unable to recognise examples of commercial communications or health claims, indicating a need for additional training. There was also a broad interpretation of what nutrition professionals could, and could not, say about a hypothetical food product. This paper explores current guidance in Great Britain and debates the proportionality and fairness of Article 12(c), which, at present, does not regulate authorised health claims made by influencers or celebrities in commercial communications to consumers. It could be argued that consumers are better protected by the articulation of health claims by nutrition professionals who are guided by codes of practice rather than by unqualified, unregulated individuals. Hence, it is essential to level the regulatory playing field either by revising the NHCR to amend Article 12(c) or by updating the guidance to apply an interpretation of the Article's intention which enables a broader role for nutrition professionals in commercial communications. Such action would also be consistent with the UK's better regulation agenda to ensure evidence‐based, proportionate regulation for industry.