bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirical indistinguishability: From the knowledge structure to the skills
Authors: Spoto Andrea , Stefanutti Luca
Published: November 2022

Recent literature has pointed out that the basic local independence model (BLIM) when applied to some specific instances of knowledge structures presents identifiability issues. Furthermore, it has been shown that for such instances the model presents a stronger form of unidentifiability named empirical indistinguishability, which leads to the fact that the existence of certain knowledge states in such structures cannot be empirically tested. In this article the notion of indistinguishability is extended to skill maps and, more generally, to the competence‐based knowledge space theory. Theoretical results are provided showing that skill maps can be empirically indistinguishable from one another. The most relevant consequence of this is that for some skills there is no empirical evidence to establish their existence. This result is strictly related to the type of probabilistic model investigated, which is essentially the BLIM. Alternative models may exist or can be developed in knowledge space theory for which this indistinguishability problem disappears.
Analysis of bioactive compounds using LC–ESI–MS/MS, cytotoxic, antimicrobial effects, and enzyme activities from Cyclotrichium origanifolium
Authors: Aktepe Necmettin , Baran Ayşe , Atalar Mehmet Nuri , Baran Mehmet Fırat , Keskin Cumali , Taşkin Abdullah , Yavuz Ömer , Demirtaş İbrahim , Oğuz Ercan , Jahan Israt
Published: November 2022

Cyclotrichium origanifolium is a medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. In this study, phenolic content analysis, antimicrobial effects, and cytotoxic effects of extracts of C. origanifolium were investigated. In the extracts, phenolic compound analysis by the liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry method, antimicrobial effect by the minimum inhibition concentration method, and cytotoxic effect on human dermal fibroblasts (HDF), glioblastoma cell (U87), ovarian adenocarcinoma cell (Skov‐3), and human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell (CaCo‐2) cancer cell lines were investigated. Cytotoxicity analyses were performed by the MTT method. In addition, the GST and AChE enzyme activities of the extracts were also measured. Around 18 compounds were detected in both the methanol and ethanol extract. It was found that the best antimicrobial effect on Gram‐negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa was on methanol extract, while the ethanol extract was on Candida albicans fungus (respectively, 2.50 mg/ml, 5.0 μg/ml). A 500 μg/ml of methanol extract has been shown to have cytotoxic activity high effect on HDF cells. GST and AChE activity were found to decrease in a concentration‐dependent manner.
Cardio‐metabolic pathophysiology in mild glucocorticoid excess: Potential implications for management of adrenal incidentaloma
Authors: Chen Angela X. , Burt Morton G.
Published: November 2022

Adrenal adenomas are incidentally identified in up to 5% of computer tomography scans performed for unrelated indications. A proportion of these adrenal incidentalomas are found to autonomously secrete cortisol based on definitions in current guidelines. Epidemiological studies suggest that chronic exposure to mild glucocorticoid excess from adrenal incidentalomas is associated with significantly increased cardiometabolic risk. However, current management guidelines adopt a conservative approach as no large prospective randomized studies have demonstrated that these patients benefit from surgery. This narrative review examines the epidemiological and mechanistic studies related to three common clinical settings of mild glucocorticoid excess to gain further insight into the potential benefits of treating patients with adrenal incidentaloma and possible autonomous cortisol secretion.
Proteomic study on the lymphocytes from pregnant Wistar rat females treated with immunosuppressive regimen
Authors: Wojciuk Bartosz , Bogucka Aleksandra , Czaplewska Paulina , Okulewicz Patrycja , Wojciechowska‐Koszko Iwona , Ciechanowski Kazimierz , Kabat‐Koperska Joanna
Published: November 2022

Kidney transplantation remains the therapeutic option for patients with end‐stage kidney disease. Current immunosuppressive regimens are efficient in combating acute kidney rejection. However, insights into chronic kidney allograft injury remains limited. Simultaneously, pregnancy is more common after kidney transplantation than during dialysis treatment. Due to ethical issues, comprehensive studies on the impact of immunosuppressive regimens on pregnancy are challenging. The study aimed to investigate the proteomic status of lymphocytes obtained from pregnant female rats under immunosuppressive treatment. The experiment involved a group of 10 female, pregnant Wistar rats, five of which were treated with tacrolimus, mofetil mycophenolate, and glucocorticosteroids; five were used as control. The lymphocytes were obtained and analyzed with mass spectrometry. Measurements were processed by a database search in the ProteinPilot software with a cutoff of 1% false discovery rate. The outcomes were verified statistically by a t‐test (p value < 0.05) regarding proteins up‐ and downregulation. A total of 2082 proteins were identified in all experiments. Eight hundred five proteins were quantified in an absolute manner in a data‐independent acquisition‐total protein approach analysis. Ninety‐five proteins were recognized as present at different concentrations in analyzed groups and were annotated to intracellular pathways. The proteins involved in nonsense‐mediated decay and L13a‐mediated translational silencing of ceruloplasmin expression were recognized as downregulated. The set of proteins clinically identified as acute phase proteins was upregulated. Despite the blockade of adaptive cellular immunity, the lymphocytes in the analyzed group reveal sustained proinflammatory status with decreased ability to regulate translation. This potentially affects pregnancy and immunity.
Mapping the impacts of multiple stressors on the decline in kelps along the coast of Victoria, Australia
Authors: Young Mary A. , Critchell Kay , Miller Adam D. , Treml Eric A. , Sams Michael , Carvalho Rafael , Ierodiaconou Daniel
Published: November 2022

Aim

Kelp forests throughout temperate regions of the world serve as foundation species that play a critical role in sustaining the health and function of marine ecosystems but are experiencing declines in abundance due to a loss in resilience as the ocean climate changes. Ocean warming along southeast Australia has already been linked to dramatic losses of kelp species and is contributing to the range expansion and population increases of two species of sea urchin. This research attempts to understand the impact of multiple stressors on the decline in kelps in this region.

Location

Coastal Waters of Victoria, Southeast Australia.

Methods

In this study, we use long‐term (>20 years) datasets on biological observations across Victorian waters to determine trends in coverage and the impact of multiple environmental variables (oceanography, habitat, and urchin abundances) on two important kelps that serve as foundation species (Phyllospora comosaandEcklonia radiata)using boosted regression trees. These models were then used to develop predictive distribution models for each species and also to project abundance distributions into the future.

Results

We found that both kelp species are decreasing in percent coverage over time with multiple environmental variables contributing to these declines, including increasing temperatures, intensifying wave energy, changes in currents and recruitment patterns, and increases in urchin populations. Additionally, future projections of temperature, wave energy, and urchin populations show that both species will continue to decrease across 62%–94% of their range by 2090.

Main conclusions

Long‐term biological datasets allowed us to develop maps of the past, current, and future distributions of these important foundation species, providing valuable information to managers for prioritization of areas for targeted urchin management and restoration of kelps. Understanding the environmental factors affecting their distribution helps guide manager restoration investments in regions where kelp populations are most likely to persist in the future.
Action experience in infancy predicts visual‐motor functional connectivity during action anticipation
Authors: Colomer Marc , Chung Haerin , Meyer Marlene , Debnath Ranjan , Morales Santiago , Fox Nathan A. , Woodward Amanda
Published: November 2022

Despite substantial evidence indicating a close link between action production and perception in early child development, less is known about how action experience shapes the processes of perceiving and anticipating others’ actions. Here, we developed a novel approach to capture functional connectivity specific to certain brain areas to investigate how action experience changes the networks involved in action perception and anticipation. Nine‐ and‐12‐month‐old infants observed familiar (grasping) and novel (tool‐use) actions while their brain activity was measured using EEG. Infants’ motor competence of both actions was assessed. A link between action experience and connectivity patterns was found, particularly during the anticipation period. During action anticipation, greater motor competence in grasping predicted greater functional connectivity between visual (occipital alpha) and motor (central alpha) regions relative to global levels of whole‐brain EEG connectivity. Furthermore, visual and motor regions tended to be more coordinated in response to familiar versus novel actions and for older than younger participants. Critically, these effects were not found in the control networks (frontal‐central; frontal‐occipital; parietal‐central; parietal‐occipital), suggesting a unique role of visual‐motor networks on the link between motor skills and action encoding.

Highlights

Infants’ motor development predicted functional connectivity patterns during action anticipation.

Faster graspers, and older infants, showed a stronger ratio of visual‐motor neural coherence.

Overall whole‐brain connectivity was modulated by age and familiarity with the actions.

Measuring inter‐site relative to whole‐brain connectivity can capture specific brain‐behavior links.

Measures of phase‐based connectivity over time are sensitive to anticipatory action.
Virtual reality and haptics in dental education: Implementation progress and lessons learned after a decade
Authors: Serrano Carlos M. , Bakker Dirk R. , Zamani Masie , de Boer Ilse R. , Koopman Pepijn , Wesselink Paul R. , Berkhout Erwin , Vervoorn Johanna M.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The search for alternative training environments in dentistry responded mainly to scarcity and lack of standardisation of training material and non‐availability of specific clinical procedures. The development of haptic virtual reality (VR) dental trainers provides a platform where irreversible procedures can be safely and unlimitedly practised. The aim of this study was to assess the educational implementation of these devices and evaluate schools' satisfaction.

Methods

Dental schools that were using haptic VR dental trainers, were approached. The Dental Trainer User Inventory (DTUI), addressing the educational implementation and users' satisfaction, was developed and distributed.

Results

Twenty‐seven schools completed the DTUI. The total number of VR dental trainers available varied from one to 42 devices with a mean of 7 devices. The dental trainer was mostly made available from the first year (63.0%) of the undergraduate program, but it was mostly integrated into the curriculum by the third year (70.4%). Curricular integration was reported by 18 schools (66.7%), while nine schools (33.3%) indicated that they had not yet achieved integration. Twenty‐one schools (69.4%) were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with the devices, while two schools (7.4%) were dissatisfied and six schools (22.2%) were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

Conclusion

VR haptic dental trainers are implemented in multiple dental programs and are also being used for educational research and clinical training. Even though curricular changes and teachers' acceptance remain a challenge, most schools are satisfied with VR haptic dental trainers and would recommend the device to other schools.
Behavioural video to navigate predoctoral dental students toward safer practice (revision of EJE‐21‐4739)
Authors: Alvear Fa Bernadette , Reid Laura , Radjaeipour Gitta
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Local anaesthesia is considered essential knowledge within the dental profession as it helps to address pain management. Operator percutaneous needlestick injuries associated with the delivery of dental anaesthesia are common for dental healthcare providers. The study proposes a supplemental technique to reduce self‐inducing novice operator needlestick injury to complement existing pedagogies for the preclinical local anaesthesia curriculum. The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether a local anaesthesia behavioural video can navigate students to safer clinical practice. Further, a supplemental technique is proposed in whether assessing instrument retraction technique in clinical patient care leads to decreased self‐inducing intraoral needle stick injury for novice predoctoral dental operator.

Materials and Methods

Beginning in 2011, predoctoral dental students were asked to view a “what not to do” video within a summative assessment and identify at least five behaviours that were unacceptable errors for delivering local anaesthesia. Operator intraoral needlestick injury was also tracked per the bloodborne exposure reports within predoctoral patient clinics.

Results

Data from the learners' responses identified progression in recognising unacceptable errors from behavioural video. Intraoral needlestick injury, 8 and 9 years prior and after the introduction of video showed significance with a low correlation coefficient.

Conclusion

More data need to be gathered and evaluated in other dental school settings to determine whether this supplemental educational video decreases needlestick injury in novice operators. Results suggest this behavioural video may guide novice operators to overall safer clinical practice.
Rapid evolution of ecological sexual dimorphism driven by resource competition
Authors: De Lisle Stephen P.
Published: November 2022

Sex differences in ecologically important traits are common in animals and plants, and prompted Darwin to first propose an ecological cause of sexual dimorphism. Despite theoretical plausibility and Darwin's original notion, a role for ecological resource competition in the evolution of sexual dimorphism has never been directly demonstrated and remains controversial. I used experimental evolution inDrosophila melanogasterto test the hypothesis that resource competition can drive the evolution of sex differences in diet. Following just three generations of adaptation, offspring from flies evolved in low‐resource, high‐competition environments show elevated sexual dimorphism in diet preference compared to both the ancestor and populations evolved on high‐resource availability. This increased sexual dimorphism was the result of divergence in male sucrose intake and female yeast intake consistent with the differential nutritional requirements of the sexes. These results provide the first real‐time direct evidence for evolution of sexual dimorphism driven by resource competition.
Ecosystem‐level effects of re‐oligotrophication and N:P imbalances in rivers and estuaries on a global scale
Authors: Ibáñez Carles , Caiola Nuno , Barquín José , Belmar Oscar , Benito‐Granell Xavier , Casals Frederic , Fennessy Siobhan , Hughes Jocelyne , Palmer Margaret , Peñuelas Josep , Romero Estela , Sardans Jordi , Williams Michael
Published: November 2022

Trends and ecological consequences of phosphorus (P) decline and increasing nitrogen (N) to phosphorus (N:P) ratios in rivers and estuaries are reviewed and discussed. Results suggest that re‐oligotrophication is a dominant trend in rivers and estuaries of high‐income countries in the last two–three decades, while in low‐income countries widespread eutrophication occurs. The decline in P is well documented in hundreds of rivers of United States and the European Union, but the biotic response of rivers and estuaries besides phytoplankton decline such as trends in phytoplankton composition, changes in primary production, ecosystem shifts, cascading effects, changes in ecosystem metabolism, etc., have not been sufficiently monitored and investigated, neither the effects of N:P imbalance. N:P imbalance has significant ecological effects that need to be further investigated. There is a growing number of cases in which phytoplankton biomass have been shown to decrease due to re‐oligotrophication, but the potential regime shift from phytoplankton to macrophyte dominance described in shallow lakes has been documented only in a few rivers and estuaries yet. The main reasons why regime shifts are rarely described in rivers and estuaries are, from one hand the scarcity of data on macrophyte cover trends, and from the other hand physical factors such as peak flows or high turbidity that could prevent a general spread of submerged macrophytes as observed in shallow lakes. Moreover, re‐oligotrophication effects on rivers may be different compared to lakes (e.g., lower dominance of macrophytes) or estuaries (e.g., limitation of primary production by N instead of P) or may be dependent on river/estuary type. We conclude that river and estuary re‐oligotrophication effects are complex, diverse and still little known, and in some cases are equivalent to those described in shallow lakes, but the regime shift is more likely to occur in mid to high‐order rivers and shallow estuaries.
Saturation response of enhanced vegetation productivity attributes to intricate interactions
Authors: Lian Xihong , Jiao Limin , Liu Zejin
Published: November 2022

Evidence for the multifaceted responses of terrestrial ecosystems has been shown by the weakening of CO2 fertilization‐induced and warming‐controlled productivity gains. The intricate relationship between vegetation productivity and various environmental controls still remains elusive spatially. Here several inherent preponderances make China a natural experimental setting to investigate the interaction and relative contributions of five drivers to gross primary productivity for the period from 1982 to 2018 (i.e., elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations, climate change, nutrient availability, anthropogenic land use change, and soil moisture) by coupling multiple long‐term datasets. Despite a strikingly prominent enhancement of vegetation productivity in China, it exhibits similar saturation responses to the aforementioned environmental drivers (elevated CO2, climatic factors, and soil moisture). The CO2 fertilization‐dominated network explains the long‐term variations in vegetation productivity in humid regions, but its effect is clearly attenuated or even absent in arid and alpine environments controlled by climate and soil moisture. Divergence in interactions also provides distinct evidence that water availability plays an essential role in limiting the potential effects of climate change and elevated CO2 concentrations on vegetation productivity. Unprecedented industrialization and dramatic surface changes may have breached critical thresholds of terrestrial ecosystems under the diverse natural environment and thus forced a shift from a period dominated by CO2 fertilization to a period with nonlinear interactions. These findings suggest that future benefits in terrestrial ecosystems are likely to be counteracted by uncertainties in the complicated network, implying an increasing reliance on human societies to combat potential risks. Our results therefore highlight the need to account for the intricate interactions globally and thus incorporate them into mitigation and adaptation policies.
Large‐scale deployment of grass in crop rotations as a multifunctional climate mitigation strategy
Authors: Englund Oskar , Mola‐Yudego Blas , Börjesson Pål , Cederberg Christel , Dimitriou Ioannis , Scarlat Nicolae , Berndes Göran
Published: November 2022

The agriculture sector can contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing its own greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, sequestering carbon in vegetation and soils, and providing biomass to substitute for fossil fuels and other GHG‐intensive products. The sector also needs to address water, soil, and biodiversity impacts caused by historic and current practices. Emerging EU policies create incentives for cultivation of perennial plants that provide biomass along with environmental benefits. One such option, common in northern Europe, is to include grass in rotations with annual crops to provide biomass while remediating soil organic carbon (SOC) losses and other environmental impacts. Here, we apply a spatially explicit model on >81,000 sub‐watersheds in EU27 + UK (Europe) to explore the effects of widespread deployment of such systems. Based on current accumulated SOC losses in individual sub‐watersheds, the model identifies and quantifies suitable areas for increased grass cultivation and corresponding biomass‐ and protein supply, SOC sequestration, and reductions in nitrogen emissions to water as well as wind and water erosion. The model also provides information about possible flood mitigation. The results indicate a substantial climate mitigation potential, with combined annual GHG savings from soil‐carbon sequestration and displacement of natural gas with biogas from grass‐based biorefineries, equivalent to 13%–48% of current GHG emissions from agriculture in Europe. The environmental co‐benefits are also notable, in some cases exceeding the estimated mitigation needs. Yield increases for annual crops in modified rotations mitigate the displacement effect of increasing grass cultivation. If the grass is used as feedstock in lieu of annual crops, the displacement effect can even be negative, that is, a reduced need for annual crop production elsewhere. Incentivizing widespread deployment will require supportive policy measures as well as new uses of grass biomass, for example, as feedstock for green biorefineries producing protein concentrate, biofuels, and other bio‐based products.
When artificial intelligence comes to the Chinese calligraphic landscape: The coming transformation
Authors: Jiang Zhijie , Yu Jiayuan , Jin Yingying , Ginn Anthony , Chen Jianjun , Sun Guodong
Published: November 2022

The rise of Artificial intelligence (AI) heralds potentially profound impact on the Chinese calligraphic landscape (CCL). Considering AI's increasing agential capacities, the anthropocentric conception of CCL that presupposes the priority of human identities, emotion, and creative work has been challenged. However, geographers remain quiet about AI‐induced transformations up to date. To fill the research gap, this paper seeks to infuse more‐than‐human geographies into CCL. By taking a post‐human approach, cultural geographers would have a novel understanding of human being in the creation of CCL. This paper initially discusses three prominent changes brought by deep learning (DL) in such landscape: a new ontological actor, transitory, and represented space. Responding to these transformations, the paper reconceptualizes the CCL as a post human term and unravels socio‐spatial practices and diverse more‐than‐human geographies beneath such landscapes through three recent foci, namely robotic approaches to the CCL via DL, modeling experience brought about by AI, and human‐AI collaboration for the creation of the CCL. Ultimately, this paper inspires geographers to profoundly comprehend CCLs in an era of AI. Through all these attempts, this paper advances insights into CCLs as more‐than‐humans‐made.
Use of co‐design methodology in the development of cardiovascular disease secondary prevention interventions: A scoping review
Authors: Talevski Jason , Kulnik Stefan T. , Jessup Rebecca L. , Falls Roman , Cvetanovska Natali , Beauchamp Alison
Published: November 2022

Introduction

There is growing evidence to support the use of co‐design in developing interventions across many disciplines. This scoping review aims to examine how co‐design methodology has been used in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) secondary prevention interventions within health and community settings.

Methods

We searched four academic databases for studies that used the co‐design approach to develop their intervention. Studies were included if consumers (adults with CVD) and key stakeholders (e.g. clinicians, service providers) were involved in the co‐design process. The review focused on methodology rather than traditional study outcomes; therefore, co‐design processes and activities were extracted and evaluated against a selected co‐design framework.

Results

Twenty‐two studies were included in this review. Studies were implemented across various settings with consumers and stakeholder groups most frequently consisting of patients and healthcare professionals, respectively. Most studies specifically stated that they used a ‘co‐design’ approach (n = 10); others used terms such as participatory action research (n = 3), user‐centred design (n = 3) and community‐based participatory research (n = 2). Although there was variability in terminology, co‐design processes, and participants, all studies adhered to the key principles of consumer engagement. Predominant co‐design activities included semistructured interviews, focus groups, co‐design/development workshops and advisory group meetings. Intervention effectiveness was assessed in eight studies showing mixed results.

Conclusions

This review provides an overview of how the co‐design approach has previously been used in the development of CVD secondary prevention interventions. These findings provide methodological considerations that can guide researchers and healthcare services when implementing co‐design to develop feasible and acceptable interventions that can improve outcomes for CVD populations.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patients, service users, caregivers, people with lived experience or members of the public were involved in this scoping review. This review article was written by academics who have undertaken a significant amount of co‐design work with consumers and stakeholders.
Relative deprivation, time preference, and economic growth
Authors: Chakrabarty Debajyoti
Published: November 2022

We study the growth process among a large group of economies where consumption relative to a reference group determines the discount factor of the household agents. We characterize all possible balanced growth paths and their stability properties. The model can explain why two economies having similar production technologies, preferences, and total factor productivity growth rates can differ in labor supply behavior and have diverging growth paths depending on their initial conditions. Numerical analysis of the model suggests that growth path divergence is plausible based on cross‐country differences in savings rates. History dependence on time preference also generates realistic transitional dynamics.
Exploring the effects of heat processing methods on the characteristic volatile flavour of walnut kernels based on multi‐sensory analysis
Authors: Peng Wu , Ouyang Hui , Xu Feiran , Li Shugang , Zhou Qi , Yu Xiongwei , Jin Long
Published: November 2022

Heat processing has a significant effect on the flavour of walnut kernels, while the related analyses on their characteristic flavour changes have not been extensively studied yet. In this study, headspace solid phase micro‐extraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry‐olfactometry (HS‐SPME‐GC–MS‐O), electronic nose (E‐nose) and multivariate analysis methods were used to explore the effects of microwave, baking and drying treatments on the characteristic flavour of walnut kernels. The results showed that the content of aldehydes and heterocyclic compounds increased significantly after heat treatment. A total of eighty‐nine volatile compounds were identified by the above three heat processing methods, mainly aldehydes and alkanes, including twenty‐five aroma active substances and twelve potential markers. It also discovered that the flavour characteristics of walnut kernels changed from green to roasted and burnt odours after heat treatment, in which the microwave treatment group displayed the strongest roasted and burnt flavours among the above processing methods. The comparative analysis of the differences in characteristic flavour on walnut kernels via different heat processing methods could provide a technical support for the development of walnut products and their industrial utilisation.
Development of a method to identify persistent and blanchable redness by skin blotting in mice
Authors: Nakai Ayano , Minematsu Takeo , Nitta Shiori , Hsu Wei‐Jhen , Tobe Hiromi , Sanada Hiromi
Published: November 2022

Persistent and blanchable redness (PBR) is not currently included in category I pressure injury (PI), which is defined as non‐blanchable redness (NBR). However, PBR progresses to PI in a clinical setting. Therefore, it should be clinically managed as category I PI, and a method to distinctly identify PBR is needed. This study aimed to examine whether PI‐related biomarkers can distinguish PRB from transient redness (TR) and NBR using skin blotting. TR, PBR, and NBR models were established by the different conditions of dorsal skin compression. Redness observation and skin blotting were performed, and the skin tissue samples were subjected to histological and molecular biological analyses. The vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegf) b, heat shock protein (Hsp) 90aa1, tumour necrosis factor, interleukin (Il) 1b, and Il6 messenger ribonucleic acid levels were significantly different between the three models. The VEGF‐A, VEGF‐B, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 protein levels were different between the three models. Although the results of skin blot examinations were inconsistent with those of the expression analysis of tissue, HSP90α and IL‐1β are suggested to be potential markers to distinguish PBR from TR and NBR.
Near‐shore island lizard fauna shaped by a combination of human‐mediated and natural dispersal
Authors: Salerno Patricia E. , Chan Lauren M. , Pauly Gregory B. , Funk W. Chris , Robertson Jeanne M.
Published: November 2022

Aim

Island biotas provide opportunities to study colonization and adaptation to novel environments. Islands, especially near‐shore islands, may have a long record of human habitation such that some lineages result from human‐assisted introductions. Here, we combine phylogenetic analyses with fossil data and historical specimen records to reconstruct colonization histories, characterize among‐island divergence and assess the role of humans in shaping the evolutionary history of lizards inhabiting a near‐shore island archipelago.

Location

Channel Islands and adjacent mainland of California, United States.

Taxa

Western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata), common side‐blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana).

Methods

We sequenced mitochondrial DNA (ND1, cyt‐b) from each of three lizard species, covering their entire island distributions plus the adjacent mainland. For each, we estimated diversity within and among each island, obtained maximum likelihood bootstrapped phylogenies, constructed haplotype networks and tested for population expansion. We used museum specimen records and microfossil evidence to infer colonization scenarios.

Results

Sceloporus occidentalis is characterized by a single island‐colonization event, and exhibits the deepest divergences from mainland relatives and the highest among‐island divergence. Elgaria multicarinata and Uta stansburiana each have at least three distinct colonization events, with fossil and historical data indicating that some of these occurred after humans arrived to the islands.

Main Conclusions

The evolution of Channel Island lineages for two lizard taxa has been mediated by ancient and contemporary anthropogenic activity, while the evolution of the third is shaped by natural dispersal and vicariance caused by sea‐level rise. Genetic divergence corroborates the treatment of S. occidentalis as an endemic island species, Sceloporus becki. The unique histories of these three taxa are synthesized with other Channel Island lineages highlighting that taxa inhabiting islands with long histories of human activity should be carefully studied to assess the role of people in facilitating colonization and subsequent gene flow.
Electroacupuncture regulates macrophage, neutrophil, and oral microbiota to alleviate alveolar bone loss and inflammation in experimental ligature‐induced periodontitis
Authors: Liu Kehao , Yang Liangjie , Wang Xu , Huang Qi , Tuerhong Kamoran , Yang Mingcong , Zhang Rong , Li Yuzhou , Yang Sheng
Published: November 2022

Aim

Electroacupuncture (EA) regulates distant body physiology through somatic sensory autonomic reflexes, balances the microbiome, and can promote the release of immune cells into bloodstream, thereby inhibiting severe systemic inflammation. This makes it possible to use EA as an integrated treatment for periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

In this study, EA was applied to the ST36 acupoints in a ligature‐induced periodontitis (LIP) mouse model. Then the effects of EA on periodontal myeloid cells, cytokines, and the microbiome were comprehensively analysed using flow cytometry, quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and 16 S sequencing.

Results

Results demonstrated that EA could significantly relieve periodontal bone resorption. EA also suppressed the infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils, reduced gene expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17 and TNF‐α, and increased expression of the anti‐inflammatory factors IL‐4 and IL‐10 in periodontal tissues. Moreover, composition of the periodontal microbiome was regulated by EA, finding that complex of microbiota, including supragingival Veillonella, subgingival Streptococcus, and subgingival Erysipelatoclostridium, were significantly reduced. Meanwhile, nitrate and nitrate‐related activities of subgingival microbiota were reversed. Network analysis revealed close relationships among Veillonella, Streptococcus, and Bacteroides.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that EA can effectively alleviate inflammation and bone resorption in LIP mice, potentially via the regulation of myeloid cells, cytokines, and periodontal microbiome.
100 years of Haldane's rule
Authors: Cowell Finn
Published: November 2022

Haldane's rule is one of the ‘two rules of speciation’. It states that if one sex is ‘absent, rare or sterile’ in a hybrid population, then that sex will be heterogametic. Since Haldane first made this observation, 100 years have passed and still questions arise over how many independent examples exist and what the underlying causes of Haldane's rule are. This review aims to examine research that has occurred over the last century. It seeks to do so by discussing possible causes of Haldane's rule, as well as gaps in the research of these causes that could be readily addressed today. After 100 years of research, it can be concluded that Haldane's rule is a complicated one, and much current knowledge has been accrued by studying the model organisms of speciation. This has led to the primacy of dominance theory and faster‐male theory as explanations for Haldane's rule. However, some of the most interesting findings of the 21st century with regard to Haldane's rule have involved investigating a wider range of taxa emphasizing the need to continue using comparative methods, including ever more taxa as new cases are discovered.
Transcriptomic responses of females to consumption of nuptial food gifts as a potential mediator of sexual conflict in decorated crickets
Authors: Foquet Bert , Rapkin James , Sharma Manmohan D. , Sadd Ben M. , Sakaluk Scott K. , Hunt John
Published: November 2022

Nuptial food gift provisioning by males to females at mating is a strategy in many insects that is thought to be shaped by sexual conflict or sexual selection, as it affords males access to a female's physiology. While males often attempt to use these gifts to influence female behaviour to their own advantage, females can evolve counter mechanisms. In decorated crickets, the male's nuptial gift comprises part of the spermatophore, the spermatophylax, the feeding on which deters the female from prematurely terminating sperm transfer. However, ingested compounds in the spermatophylax and attachment of the sperm‐containing ampulla could further influence female physiology and behaviour. We investigated how mating per se and these two distinct routes of potential male‐mediated manipulation influence the female transcriptomic response. We conducted an RNA sequencing experiment on gut and head tissues from females for whom nuptial food gift consumption and receipt of an ejaculation were independently manipulated. In the gut tissue, we found that females not permitted to feed during mating exhibited decreased overall gene expression, possibly caused by a reduced gut function, but this was countered by feeding on the spermatophylax or a sham gift. In the head tissue, we found only low numbers of differentially expressed genes, but a gene co‐expression network analysis revealed that ampulla attachment and spermatophylax consumption independently induce distinct gene expression patterns. This study provides evidence that spermatophylax feeding alters the female post‐mating transcriptomic response in decorated crickets, highlighting its potential to mediate sexual conflict in this system.
A co‐designed health information system implementation into residential aged care: A mixed‐method evaluation
Authors: Bail Kasia , Merrick Eamon , Gibson Diane , Hind Alicia , Strickland Karen , Redley Bernice
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Internationally, the adoption of technology into residential aged care settings has been slow and fraught with multiple challenges for residents, staff and service providers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability, efficiency, and quality of health information system implementation into aged care.

Methods

Three‐stage, mixed‐methods participatory action research, concurrent with the natural experiment of a co‐designed health information system implementation into a 169‐bed aged care home in Australia. Data were collected pre‐, during, and post implementation between 2019 and 2021. Qualitative data included focus groups, interviews, and observations. Quantitative data included work observations, pedometers, record audits, incident reports and staff and resident surveys. There were 162 participants composed of 65 aged care residents, 90 staff, and 7 managers/consultants.

Results

Improved work efficiency included reduced staff time searching for information (6%); reduced nurse time on documentation (20.4% to 6.4%), and 25% less steps. Documentation improvement included resident assessments (68% to 96%); resident‐focused goals (56% to 88%) and evaluations (31% to 88%). The staff reported being better equipped to manage the ‘delicacies of dignity’.

Conclusion

Implementation of a health information system into a residential aged care facility was associated with improved resident‐focused care and staff efficiency.

Clinical relevance

Technology can support nurses and care staff to spend more time with residents in residential aged care homes, improve the quality of resident care, and assist meeting regulatory reporting requirements. Flexible and tailored co‐design strategies can enhance both effectiveness and success of technology implementation into residential aged care.
Endometriosis‐related spontaneous hemoperitoneum in pregnancy: A case series
Authors: Bazzurini Luca , Ornaghi Sara , Colciago Elisabetta , Penati Cristina , di Gennaro Filiberto , Passoni Paolo , Buda Alessandro , Locatelli Anna , Landoni Fabio , Vergani Patrizia
Published: November 2022

Endometriosis can be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. We report six cases of endometriosis‐related spontaneous hemoperitoneum diagnosed in pregnant and postpartum women over 13 years. Spontaneous hemoperitoneum in pregnancy mainly occurred in the second half of gestation. All women presented with acute abdominal pain; four of them needed an emergent surgery, two were managed expectantly. The median estimated blood loss was 4250 ml, four women required massive transfusion. Three out of six women had a known history of endometriosis, all of them had histologically confirmed endometriosis after surgery. No maternal or perinatal deaths occurred. In one case, reticence to perform a computed tomography scan led to delayed diagnosis. Since delay can lead to lethal consequences, high levels of suspicion for spontaneous hemoperitoneum should be maintained in cases of severe abdominal pain, even with a woman's negative history of endometriosis. Improved knowledge and regular interdisciplinary meetings are pivotal to ameliorate outcomes.
Sensory neuromuscular electrical stimulation for dysphagia rehabilitation: A literature review
Authors: Assoratgoon Itt , Shiraishi Naru , Tagaino Ryo , Ogawa Toru , Sasaki Keiichi
Published: November 2022

Background

Dysphagia is a common disorder following a cerebrovascular accident. It can cause detrimental effects on patient's quality of life and nutrition intake, especially in older adults. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation has been one of the management strategies for acceleration of the recovery. This review summarises the current evidence on sensory threshold stimulation of the procedure.

Method

This review compiled data from the Internet database PubMed, Cochrane Library and Scopus using combination of MeSH thesaurus: ‘Sensory threshold’, ‘electrical stimulation’, ‘neuromuscular stimulation’, ‘Deglutition’, ‘Dysphagia’. Eleven studies were intergraded into the review.

Results

Most of the studies show significant improvement to the outcomes of sensory neuromuscular electrical stimulation treatment. In many cases, the results of the treatment are comparable or superior to motor threshold stimulation and conventional therapy. However, the study design and parameters of the procedure varied greatly without conclusive standardised guidelines.

Conclusion

The sensory neuromuscular electrical stimulation (SNMES) is a viable treatment option for treating oropharyngeal dysphagia. The most suggested application parameters are an intensity at sensory threshold, a frequency of 80 Hz, an impulse time of 700 μs, a combined total duration of 20 h of stimulation in a 2‐week period, and placing the electrodes in the submental area of the neck. However, further research is necessary to construct a definitive guideline for clinicians.
A Mixed‐Methods Approach to Refining and Measuring the Construct of Positive Risk‐Taking in Adolescence
Authors: Patterson Megan W. , Pivnick Lilla , Mann Frank D. , Grotzinger Andrew D. , Monahan Kathryn C. , Steinberg Laurence D. , Oosterhoff Benjamin , Tackett Jennifer L. , Tucker‐Drob Elliot M. , Harden K. Paige
Published: November 2022

Adolescence is a peak period for risk‐taking, but research has largely overlooked positive manifestations of adolescent risk‐taking due to ambiguity regarding operationalization and measurement of positive risk‐taking. We address this limitation using a mixed‐methods approach. We elicited free responses from contemporary college students (N = 74, Mage = 20.1 years) describing a time they took a risk. Qualitative analysis informed the construction of a self‐report positive risk‐taking scale, which was administered to a population‐based sample of adolescents (N = 1,249, Mage = 16 years) for quantitative validation and examination of associations with normative and impulsive personality. Sensation seeking predicted negative and positive risk‐taking, whereas extraversion and openness were predominantly related to positive risk‐taking. Results provide promising evidence for a valid measure of adolescents' engagement in positive risks.
Cross‐Cultural Commonalities in Religiosity by Measurement Invariance
Authors: Watanabe Mitsuharu , Kawabata Akira , Yumiyama Tatsuya
Published: November 2022

In this study, we attempted to determine the cross‐cultural commonalities in religiosity between the U.S. and Japan by measurement invariance. While both countries share many common values and similar social systems, some differences exist in religion. We collected religious propositions/concepts typical in most religions in the two countries. Then, using a mind map tool and database, we prepared 100 mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive religious belief items that do not employ the terminologies of any specific religion. U.S. and Japanese research companies administered the survey via the internet. By differential item functioning (DIF) analysis, we found 23 common items, and five remarkably specific items showing opposing patterns. By multiple‐group confirmatory factor analysis, we found that the two countries share the same structure of religiosity, consisting of three correlated factors: “Supernaturalism,” “Psychological Benefits of Religion,” and “New Age Spirituality.” The factor “New Age spirituality” connects the other two factors.
Prevalence of hepatitis B virus amongst refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Lee Caroline , Emeto Theophilus I. , Walsh Nick
Published: November 2022

Hepatitis B, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), is a global public health issue that affects 290 million people worldwide. Most people with hepatitis B are in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), where health systems and resources are often constrained. Refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons (IDPs) often face barriers in seeking health care and are a priority population at risk of hepatitis B. No systematic review to date has evaluated the prevalence of hepatitis B amongst refugees in in LMIC. We undertook a systematic review of the literature identifying 28 studies addressing this topic. Though few studies on this topic exist, the available evidence suggests a high prevalence amongst refugees in LMIC, with wide variation between and within countries. Possible risk factors contributing to hepatitis B include unsafe injections, low immunization coverage, low awareness, mother‐to‐child transmission, and limited health services. Further study is needed to better understand the prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis B amongst refugees in LMIC, to inform public health responses. Vulnerable populations such as refugees are an important group to consider in national and global efforts to eliminate hepatitis B.