bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between buprenorphine treatment duration and mortality: a multi‐site cohort study of people who discontinued treatment
Authors: Glanz Jason M. , Binswanger Ingrid A. , Clarke Christina L. , Nguyen Anh P. , Ford Morgan A. , Ray G. Thomas , Xu Stanley , Hechter Rulin C. , Yarborough Bobbi Jo H. , Roblin Douglas W. , Ahmedani Brian , Boscarino Joseph A. , Andrade Susan E. , Rosa Carmen L. , Campbell Cynthia I.
Published: July 2022

Background and aims

Buprenorphine is an effective medication for opioid use disorder that reduces mortality; however, many patients are not retained in buprenorphine treatment, and an optimal length of treatment after which patients can safely discontinue treatment has not been identified. This study measured the association between buprenorphine treatment duration and all‐cause mortality among patients who discontinued treatment. Secondary objectives were to measure the association between treatment duration and drug overdose and opioid‐related overdoses.

Design

Multi‐site cohort study.

Setting

Eight US health systems.

Participants

Patients who initiated and discontinued buprenorphine treatment between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2018 (n = 6550). Outcomes occurring after patients discontinued buprenorphine treatment were compared between patients who initiated and discontinued treatment after 8–30, 31–90, 91–180, 181–365 and > 365 days.

Measurements

Covariate data were obtained from electronic health records (EHRs). Mortality outcomes were derived from EHRs and state vital statistics. Non‐fatal opioid and drug overdoses were obtained from diagnostic codes. Four sites provided cause‐of‐death data to identify fatal drug and opioid‐related overdoses. Adjusted frailty regression was conducted on a propensity‐weighted cohort to assess associations between duration of the final treatment episode and outcomes.

Findings

The mortality rate after buprenorphine treatment was 1.82 per 100 person‐years (n = 191 deaths). In regression analyses with > 365 days as the reference group, treatment duration was not associated with all‐cause mortality and drug overdose (P > 0.05 for both). However, compared with > 365 days of treatment, 91–180 days of treatment was associated with increased opioid overdose risk (hazard ratio = 2.94, 95% confidence interval = 1.11–7.79).

Conclusions

Among patients who discontinue buprenorphine treatment, there appears to be no treatment duration period associated with a reduced risk for all‐cause mortality. Patients who discontinue buprenorphine treatment after 91–180 days appear to be at heightened risk for opioid overdose compared with patients who discontinue after > 365 days of treatment.
Temporal resource partitioning and stochastic colonization explain the co‐occurrence of gall‐inducing insects in the super‐host plant Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. (Fabaceae)
Authors: de Carvalho‐Sposito Stella Henrique , Urso‐Guimarães Maria Virginia , da Silva Fernando Rodrigues
Published: July 2022

Gall‐inducing insects exhibit elevated levels of oviposition and host specificity. An interesting pattern within the interaction between gall‐inducing insects and host plants is the fact that some species of plants, called super‐hosts, harbour several species of gall‐inducing insects. However, little is known about the mechanisms influencing the coexistence of gall‐inducing insects in super‐host plants. Here, we tested the mechanisms that allow the coexistence of multiple gall‐inducing insects associated with Copaifera langsdorffii Desf., a super‐host tropical tree. Specifically, we tested three non‐exclusive hypotheses: (i) Spatial niche partitioning: gall‐inducing species will inhabit distinct organs in the same plant; (ii) temporal niche partitioning: gall‐inducing insects occupy the host plant in different months, and (iii) local‐regional relationship: regional richness will be high, while local richness will be low, indicating high turnover (i.e. β‐diversity) of insects among individuals of the super‐host plant. We found no evidence that gall‐inducing insects are inhabiting distinct organs in the same host plant or that they are occurring in different vertical or horizontal strata. Furthermore, the incidence of other gall‐inducing insects has little effect on whether a given focal species is also found in the host plant. In contrast, gall‐inducing insects showed temporal resource partitioning with species occurring in two different periods. We also found a low α‐diversity with individuals of C. langisdorffii harbouring different gall species composition. Our results show that the temporal resource partitioning and the high β‐diversity among host plants are the main factors explaining the high number of gall‐inducing insects associated with C. langisdorffii.
Q Fever awareness and risk profiles among agricultural show attendees
Authors: Hobbs Megan J. , Ketheesan Natkunam , Eastwood Keith , Massey Peter , Ranmuthugala Geetha , Norton Robert , Quirk Frances H.
Published: July 2022

Objective

To assess awareness and risk of Q fever among agricultural show attendees.

Setting

University of New England's Farm of the Future Pavilion, 2019, Sydney Royal Agricultural Show.

Participants

Participants were ≥18 years, fluent in English, Australian residents, and gave their informed consent.

Main Outcome Measures

Participants reported whether they had ever heard of Q fever and then completed the ‘Q Tool’ (www.qfevertool.com), which was used to assess participants' demographics and risk profiles. Cross‐tabulations and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between these factors.

Results

A total of 344 participants were recruited who, in general, lived in major NSW cities and were aged 40–59 years. 62% were aware of Q fever. Living in regional/remote areas and regular contact with livestock, farms, abattoirs and/or feedlots increased the likelihood of Q fever awareness. Direct or indirect contact with feral animals was not associated with Q fever awareness after controlling for the latter risk factors. 40% of participants had a high, 21% a medium, and 30% a low risk of exposure. Slightly less than 10% reported a likely existing immunity or vaccination against Q fever. Among those who were not immune, living in a regional or remote area and Q fever awareness were independently associated with increased likelihood of exposure.

Conclusions

Awareness of Q fever was relatively high. Although 61% of participants had a moderate to high risk of exposure to Q fever, they had not been vaccinated. This highlights the need to explore barriers to vaccination including accessibility of providers and associated cost.
Dupilumab significantly improves skin barrier function in patients with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: Berdyshev Evgeny , Goleva Elena , Bissonnette Robert , Bronova Irina , Bronoff Anna Sofia , Richers Brittany N. , Garcia Shannon , Ramirez‐Gama Marco , Taylor Patricia , Praestgaard Amy , Agueusop Inoncent , Jurvilliers Pauline , Boguniewicz Mark , Levit Noah A. , Rossi Ana B. , Zhang Annie , Leung Donald Y. M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by abnormal skin lipids that are largely driven by hyperactivated type 2 immune responses. The antibody to the α‐subunit of interleukin (IL)‐4 receptor, dupilumab, was recently approved to treat AD and demonstrated strong efficacy. However, the role of dupilumab therapy in the regulation of skin barrier structure and function has not been fully explored.

Methods

We have evaluated the content of lipids and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in lesional and non‐lesional skin of adults and adolescents with moderate‐to‐severe AD over the course of 16‐week treatment with dupilumab and compared those values with that of matched healthy volunteers.

Results

Dupilumab treatment provided a significant decrease in TEWL in AD lesions, lowering it almost to the levels seen in the skin of healthy subjects. Blocking IL‐4/IL‐13 signaling with dupilumab normalized lipid composition (decreased levels of ceramides with non‐hydroxy fatty acids and C18‐sphingosine and increased the level of esterified omega‐hydroxy fatty acid‐containing ceramides) and increased ceramide chain length in lesional as well as non‐lesional stratum corneum of AD patients. Partial changes for these parameters were already observed after 2 weeks, with a full response achieved after 8 weeks of dupilumab treatment.

Conclusions

Inhibition of IL‐4/IL‐13 signaling by dupilumab allows restoration of skin lipid composition and barrier function in patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD.
Knowing by DEAF‐listening: Epistemologies and ontologies revealed in song‐signing
Authors: Robinson Kelly Fagan
Published: July 2022

English speech and hearing are perceived by many in the UK population as the key ways that people listen, learn, and know. This often‐invisible assumption quietly colors almost every element of social interaction—within schooling, health, governance, social care, or in art and entertainment. This article unpacks the ways that a particular kind of sensorial bias can become embedded in knowledge‐making practices to the exclusion of other possibilities. Through ethnographic appraisal of signed versions of songs—“song‐signing”—one can witness how language and listening rigidities are built into the architecture of British social behaviors and public systems. I argue that attending to rigid perceptions concerning ways of listening as regards expectations of song experiences, and more broadly, presents a means for exposing invisible epistemic bias and injustice against deaf people. Throughout this text, readers are asked to alter expectations concerning sensory perception and definitions of listening. What this article ultimately explains is why what may seem to nonsigners to be an anodyne creative act of “song interpretation” in fact feeds into a political landscape that is divisive along sensorial and therefore epistemic and ontological lines.
How much of the world economy is state‐owned? Analysis based on the 2005–20 Fortune Global 500 lists
Authors: Kwiatkowski Grzegorz , Gołębiowska Marlena , Mroczek Jakub
Published: July 2022

This paper analyzes the share of state‐owned enterprises on the Fortune Global 500 lists from 2005 to 2020. The purpose is to answer two research questions—what is the share of SOEs among the world's largest companies, and is this share increasing over the years? Regarding studies of large sets of companies, the novelty of this article is the method in which SOEs were identified—based on the criterion of actual corporate control of the state and not the threshold of state ownership. The results show that the share of SOEs in the group of the world's largest companies is higher than indicated in previous similar studies, and this value has increased significantly over the last 15 years. In 2005, there were 64 SOEs on the list; in 2020, there were 141 (with the highest number—142—in 2015). In this period, the share of SOEs in revenues doubled (to almost 30%), in assets more than tripled and the total number of employees from SOEs from the list more than doubled. However, these increases were almost solely due to the growth of the Chinese economy, which resulted in more Chinese SOEs being included on the list.
Review article: Epidemiology of coeliac disease
Authors: Makharia Govind K. , Chauhan Ashish , Singh Prashant , Ahuja Vineet
Published: July 2022

Coeliac disease is an immune‐mediated disease caused by ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Coeliac disease has been thought to affect mainly people of European origin but subsequently many studies revealed that it affects people living in North America, Oceania, South America, Asia as well as Africa. The global pooled seroprevalence and prevalence of biopsy‐confirmed coeliac disease are 1.4% and 0.7% respectively. The pooled incidence rates in women and men are 17.4 (95% CI: 13.7‐21.1) and 7.8 (95% CI: 6.3‐9.2) per 100 000 person‐years respectively. The systematic reviews, based on many population‐based data, suggest that both the prevalence and the incidence of coeliac disease has increased over past three decades, which may be attributable not only to an increase in the detection rate (improvement in diagnostic tests, simplification of diagnostic criteria and increase in awareness about the disease) but also because of modernisation and globalisation related changes in the dietary practices including increase in the use of convenience food and dietary gluten. In addition to genetic factors, while there are many environmental risk factors, including age at the first introduction of gluten, breastfeeding, caesarean section, exposure to antibiotics and gut microbiome; the amount of gluten ingestion during early part of life, however, has been shown to increase the risk of coeliac disease, and this is relevant from the point of view of primary prevention. In this review, we have reviewed and summarised the literature, up till year 2021, related to the global and continent‐wise epidemiology and risk factors associated with coeliac disease.
Review article: Systemic consequences of coeliac disease
Authors: Laurikka Pilvi , Kivelä Laura , Kurppa Kalle , Kaukinen Katri
Published: July 2022

Background

The best‐known symptoms of coeliac disease are related to the gastrointestinal tract, but the disease may also present with various systemic manifestations outside the intestine. Some of these consequences may remain permanent in undiagnosed individuals or if the diagnostic delay is prolonged. However, for many of the systemic manifestations, the scientific evidence remains scant and contradictory.

Aims and Methods

We conducted a narrative review of the most thoroughly studied and clinically relevant systemic consequences of coeliac disease, especially those that could be prevented or alleviated by early diagnosis. The review is intended particularly for physicians encountering these patients in daily clinical practice.

Results

The possible systemic consequences of coeliac disease extend to multiple organ systems, the best studied of which are related to skeletal, reproductive, cardiovascular and neurological systems. Furthermore, the disease is associated with an elevated risk of psychiatric comorbidities, non‐Hodgkin lymphomas and intestinal adenocarcinoma.

Conclusions

The various systemic consequences of coeliac disease play a significant role in the overall health of patients. Early diagnosis and treatment with a gluten‐free diet appear to be beneficial for most, but not all of these conditions. The possible negative metabolic and psychosocial effects of the diet should be acknowledged during follow‐up.
Dendrochronological analysis of bowed and plucked instruments from the San Pietro a Majella Conservatory, Naples
Authors: Bernabei Mauro , Bontadi Jarno , Sisto Luigi
Published: July 2022

The Museo Storico Musicale of the San Pietro a Majella Conservatory of Music in Naples owns a collection of over 200 musical instruments of considerable historical importance. Within the collection, 30 bowed and plucked instruments representative of the Neapolitan violin‐making tradition were analysed dendrochronologically to date them, estimate the provenance of the wood and investigate the instruments’ construction characteristics. The values of the statistical cross‐dating tests were generally high and allowed 26 instruments to be dated. In all but one case, the dates were consistent with those of the catalogue. From the perspective of wood selection, we noted an unusual use of very old spruce wood, well beyond simple seasoning. The construction technique of the soundboard and other characteristics show good similarities with instruments analysed in other Italian collections. Thus, even in Neapolitan instruments, the growth rings are smaller in small instruments and larger in cellos or double basses. In conclusion, the Neapolitan violin‐making school has shown great care in the choice of wood, most coming from regions as far away as Germany or Switzerland, thus confirming the existence of an active large‐scale trade in wood for the production of musical instruments.
Optimal dosing of enoxaparin in overweight and obese children
Authors: Derbalah Abdallah , Duffull Stephen , Sherwin Catherine M. , Job Kathleen , Al‐Sallami Hesham
Published: July 2022

Aim

Current enoxaparin dosing guidelines in children are based on total body weight. This is potentially inappropriate in obese children as it may overestimate the drug clearance. Current evidence suggests that obese children may require lower initial doses of enoxaparin, therefore the aim of this work was to characterise the pharmacokinetics of enoxaparin in obese children and to propose a more appropriate dosing regimen.

Methods

Data from 196 unique encounters of 160 children who received enoxaparin treatment doses were analysed. Enoxaparin concentration was quantified using the chromogenic anti factor Xa (anti‐Xa) assay. Patients provided a total of 552 anti‐Xa samples. Existing published pharmacokinetic (PK) models were fitted and evaluated against our dataset using prediction‐corrected visual predictive check plots (pcVPCs). A PK model was fitted using a nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling approach. The fitted model was used to evaluate the current standard dosing and identify an optimal dosing regimen for obese children.

Results

Published models of enoxaparin pharmacokinetics in children did not capture the pharmacokinetics of enoxaparin in obese children as shown by pcVPCs. A one‐compartment model with linear elimination best described the pharmacokinetics of enoxaparin. Allometrically scaled fat‐free mass with an estimated exponent of 0.712 (CI 0.66‐0.76) was the most influential covariate on clearance while linear fat‐free mass was selected as the covariate on volume. Simulations from the model showed that fat‐free mass‐based dosing could achieve the target anti‐Xa activity at steady state in 77.5% and 78.2% of obese and normal‐weight children, respectively, compared to 65.2% and 75.5% for standard total body weight‐based dosing.

Conclusions

A population PK model that describes the time course of anti‐Xa activity of enoxaparin was developed in a paediatric population. Based on this model, a unified dosing regimen was proposed that will potentially improve the success rate of target attainment in overweight/obese patients without the need for patient body size categorisation. Therefore, prospective validation of the proposed approach is warranted.
Litter quality and stream physicochemical properties drive global invertebrate effects on instream litter decomposition
Authors: Yue Kai , De Frenne Pieter , Van Meerbeek Koenraad , Ferreira Verónica , Fornara Dario A. , Wu Qiqian , Ni Xiangyin , Peng Yan , Wang Dingyi , Heděnec Petr , Yang Yusheng , Wu Fuzhong , Peñuelas Josep
Published: July 2022

Plant litter is the major source of energy and nutrients in stream ecosystems and its decomposition is vital for ecosystem nutrient cycling and functioning. Invertebrates are key contributors to instream litter decomposition, yet quantification of their effects and drivers at the global scale remains lacking. Here, we systematically synthesized data comprising 2707 observations from 141 studies of stream litter decomposition to assess the contribution and drivers of invertebrates to the decomposition process across the globe. We found that (1) the presence of invertebrates enhanced instream litter decomposition globally by an average of 74%; (2) initial litter quality and stream water physicochemical properties were equal drivers of invertebrate effects on litter decomposition, while invertebrate effects on litter decomposition were not affected by climatic region, mesh size of coarse‐mesh bags or mycorrhizal association of plants providing leaf litter; and (3) the contribution of invertebrates to litter decomposition was greatest during the early stages of litter mass loss (0–20%). Our results, besides quantitatively synthesizing the global pattern of invertebrate contribution to instream litter decomposition, highlight the most significant effects of invertebrates on litter decomposition at early rather than middle or late decomposition stages, providing support for the inclusion of invertebrates in global dynamic models of litter decomposition in streams to explore mechanisms and impacts of terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric carbon fluxes.
Expanding narratives of governance constraints to improve coral reef conservation
Authors: Turner Rachel A. , Forster Johanna , Fitzsimmons Clare , Mahon Robin
Published: July 2022

To understand and address the failures of reef governance, it is critical to understand the perceptions of diverse policy makers and practitioners about the challenges they face in achieving their goals. Examining the discourse of policy makers and practitioners can reveal the extent to which these perceptions capture the full spectrum of potential governance challenges, including those related to management, institutional structures and processes, the values and principles underpinning governance, and the social and environmental context. We conducted semistructured interviews with 110 policy makers and practitioners across multiple sectors, scales, and contexts in Barbados, St Kitts and Nevis, Belize, and Honduras. We used thematic qualitative analysis informed by theories of interactive governance and governability to examine the challenges perceived by governance actors. Perceived governance challenges were broadly consistent across countries, but differed by sector (V= 0.819,F6,60= 1.502,p= 0.01) and by level (community compared with national) (V= 0.194,F1,10= 2.178, = 0.026). Management inputs and outputs, challenges relating to the socioeconomic context, issues of leadership and power, and stakeholder engagement were commonly cited challenges (>75%). Few respondents discussed challenges relating to the ecological context, governance processes, or the values and principles underpinning governance. We argue that examining perceptions can inform efforts to improve governance and assess the appropriateness of particular management tools under context‐specific governance constraints. Furthermore, expanding the narratives of governance challenges to encompass the subtle values and images underpinning governance, and the scale of the challenges faced, can help identify a wider set of opportunities for change.
Towards the Cape Town Document
Authors: Vawda Shahid , Denison Edward
Published: July 2022

The Modern Heritage of Africa (MoHoA) initiative was conceived at a critical confluence of existential planetary conditions and rising global inequality, exacerbated and accelerated by the Covid‐19 pandemic, the Ukraine ‐Russia war, and a resurgence of racism and extreme nationalism. These phenomena share a common root in being products of the modern age and yet, paradoxically, endanger its legacy through the pursuit of inequitable and unsustainable practices. It is one of the key questions and concerns for MoHoA. MoHoA seeks to decentre, reframe and reconceptualise the legacies of the recent past in light of these existential crises, and to acknowledge the inequitable ways in which this past has been researched and recorded, and consequently valorised and protected. This article addesses these issues in the context of African cultural heritage and the long duree of its global connections.
Tracing the origins of the STEM gender gap: The contribution of childhood spatial skills
Authors: Tian Jing , Ren Kexin , Newcombe Nora S. , Weinraub Marsha , Vandell Deborah Lowe , Gunderson Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2022

Despite some gains, women continue to be underrepresented in many science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Using a national longitudinal dataset of 690 participants born in 1991, we tested whether spatial skills, measured in middle childhood, would help explain this gender gap. We modeled the relation between 4th‐grade spatial skills and STEM majors while simultaneously accounting for competing cognitive and motivational mechanisms. Strong spatial skills in 4th grade directly increased the likelihood of choosing STEM college majors, above and beyond math achievement and motivation, verbal achievement and motivation, and family background. Additionally, 4th‐grade spatial skills indirectly predicted STEM major choice via math achievement and motivation in the intervening years. Further, our findings suggest that gender differences in 4th‐grade spatial skills contribute to women's underrepresentation in STEM majors.

Research Highlights

Using a national longitudinal dataset, we found 4th‐grade spatial skills directly predicted STEM college major choice after accounting for multiple cognitive and motivational mechanisms.

Strong spatial skills in 4th grade also elevated STEM major choice via enhanced math achievement and motivation in the intervening years.

Gender differences in 4th‐grade spatial skills contributed to women's underrepresentation in STEM college majors.
Motor function and safety after allogeneic cord blood and cord tissue‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells in cerebral palsy: An open‐label, randomized trial
Authors: Sun Jessica M. , Case Laura E. , McLaughlin Colleen , Burgess Alicia , Skergan Natalie , Crane Sydney , Jasien Joan M. , Mikati Mohamad A. , Troy Jesse , Kurtzberg Joanne
Published: July 2022

Aim

To evaluate safety and motor function after treatment with allogeneic umbilical cord blood (AlloCB) or umbilical cord tissue‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hCT‐MSC) in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Ninety‐one children (52 males, 39 females; median age 3 years 7 months [range 2–5 years]) with CP due to hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy, stroke, or periventricular leukomalacia were randomized to three arms: (1) the AlloCB group received 10 × 107 AlloCB total nucleated cells (TNC) per kilogram at baseline (n = 31); (2) the hCT‐MSC group received 2 × 106 hCT‐MSC at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months (n = 28); (3) the natural history control group received 10 × 107 AlloCB TNC per kilogram at 12 months (n = 31). Motor function was assessed with the Gross Motor Function Measure‐66 (GMFM‐66) and Peabody Developmental Motor Scale, Second Edition.

Results

Infusions (n = 143) were well tolerated, with eight infusion reactions (three in the AlloCB group, five in hCT‐MSC) and no other safety concerns. At 12 months, the mean differences (95% confidence intervals [CI]) between actual and expected changes in GMFM‐66 score were AlloCB 5.8 points (3.4–8.2), hCT‐MSC 4.3 (2.2–6.4), and natural history 3.1 (1.4–5.0). In exploratory, post hoc analysis, the mean GMFM‐66 score (95% CI) of the hCT‐MSC group was 1.4 points higher than natural history (−1.1 to 4.0; p = 0.27), and the AlloCB group was 3.3 points higher than natural history (0.59–5.93; p = 0.02) after adjustment for baseline Gross Motor Function Classification System level, GMFM‐66 score, and etiology.

Interpretation

High‐dose AlloCB is a potential cell therapy for CP and should be further tested in a randomized, blinded, placebo‐controlled trial.

What this paper adds

Unrelated donor allogeneic umbilical cord blood (AlloCB) and human umbilical cord tissue‐derived mesenchymal stromal cell infusion is safe in young children with cerebral palsy.

Significant changes in motor function were not observed 6 months after treatment.

One year later, treatment with AlloCB was associated with greater increases in Gross Motor Function Measure‐66 scores.
The constitution of ambiguity: The effects of constitutions on economic freedom
Authors: Murphy Ryan H
Published: July 2022

This article follows de Vanssay et al. (2005) in examining the effects of characteristics of constitutions on economic freedom, using data originating in the Database of Political Institutions. With recent data, correlational findings are reproduced and extended. However, introducing almost any degree of identification draws results strongly into question. There are strong reasons against placing confidence in a causal relationship between a broader array of constitutional characteristics and economic freedom. But the variables considered here do not include direct measures of democracy or civil liberties, whose positive effects on economic freedom have stronger support elsewhere in the literature.
Using homosoils for quantitative extrapolation of soil mapping models
Authors: Nenkam Andree M. , Wadoux Alexandre M. J.‐C. , Minasny Budiman , McBratney Alex B. , Traore Pierre C. S. , Falconnier Gatien N. , Whitbread Anthony M.
Published: July 2022

Since the early 2000s, digital soil maps have been successfully used for various applications, including precision agriculture, environmental assessments and land use management. Globally, however, there are large disparities in the availability of soil data on which digital soil mapping (DSM) models can be fitted. Several studies attempted to transfer a DSM model fitted from an area with a well‐developed soil database to map the soil in areas with low sampling density. This usually is a challenging task because two areas have hardly ever the same soil‐forming factors in two different regions of the world. In this study, we aim to determine whether finding homosoils (i.e., locations sharing similar soil‐forming factors) can help transferring soil information by means of a DSM model extrapolation. We hypothesize that within areas in the world considered as homosoils, one can leverage on areas with high sampling density and fit a DSM model, which can then be extrapolated geographically to an area with little or no data. We collected publicly available soil data for clay, silt, sand, organic carbon (OC), pH and total nitrogen (N) within our study area in Mali, West Africa and its homosoils. We fitted a regression tree model between the soil properties and environmental covariates of the homosoils, and applied this model to our study area in Mali. Several calibration and validation strategies were explored. We also compared our approach with existing maps made at a global and a continental scale. We concluded that geographic model extrapolation within homosoils was possible, but that model accuracy dramatically improved when local data were included in the calibration dataset. The maps produced from models fitted with data from homosoils were more accurate than existing products for this study area, for three (silt, sand, pH) out of six soil properties. This study would be relevant to areas with very little or no soil data to carry critical soils and environmental risk assessments at a regional level.

Highlights

Soil mapping models were fitted with soil data within the homosoils of Mali.

The fitted models were applied to our study area.

Model accuracy dramatically improved when including local data.

Homosoil maps were more accurate for 3 out of 6 soil properties compared to global and continental maps.

New opportunity to map the regional soil pattern of areas with limited soil data coverage.
Strategic targeting of the temporal lobe with orthogonal placement of responsive neurostimulation leads
Authors: Ho Victoria M. , Dewar Sandra , Salamon Noriko , Fried Itzhak , Eliashiv Dawn
Published: July 2022

Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) is an effective treatment modality for refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, the optimal placement of RNS leads is not known. We use an orthogonal approach to lead placement instead of the more common longitudinal approach to target the entorhinal cortex (EC), given its potential for modulating activity entering and leaving the hippocampus. An orthogonal approach allows for coverage of the EC as well as the anterior lateral temporal cortex, which may be particularly beneficial for patients with mesial–lateral TLE and may also enable greater modulation of the limbic network. The objective of this study was to determine treatment outcomes for orthogonally placed RNS depth leads targeting the EC. We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on a cohort of 13 patients. Mean follow‐up duration was 57.3 months, and the 50% responder rate was 76.9%. These results show that orthogonally placed RNS leads are safe and effective for the treatment of refractory TLE. Larger cohorts are needed to further delineate the clinical utility of this novel targeting strategy.
Low‐field MRI findings and follow‐up of central tarsal bone fractures in four non‐racehorses
Authors: Zimmerman Marieke , Schramme Michael , Eberlé Olivia , Drumond Bianca , Carter Joe , Carter‐Arnold Jessica , Thomas‐Cancian Aurelie , Ségard‐Weisse Emilie
Published: July 2022

Background

Central tarsal bone fractures in non‐racehorses are uncommon and their MRI appearance and follow‐up have not been described.

Objectives

To describe the clinical and MRI characteristics and follow‐up of central tarsal bone fractures in non‐racehorses.

Study design

Retrospective descriptive case series.

Methods

The low‐field MRI appearance of central tarsal bone fractures in sports horses identified over a 9‐year period, was reviewed. Follow‐up MRI examinations, treatment and clinical outcome were included.

Results

Four horses with five vertical fractures of the central tarsal bone were included. There were three Warmbloods, of which two were showjumpers and one a dressage horse, and one Quarter Horse used for western performance. All fractures could consistently be visualised on low‐field standing MRI and were associated with marked sclerosis in the surrounding bone, with little to no associated bone marrow lesion of the central tarsal bone. One horse had bilateral fractures. Three fractures were complete (full‐thickness) slab fractures and two were incomplete (partial‐thickness) slab fractures. Fractures occurred in a consistent dorsomedial to plantarolateral oblique orientation and were non‐displaced. Incomplete fractures occurred at the dorsomedial proximal aspect of the central tarsal bone. All horses were treated conservatively initially. The dressage horse with bilateral fractures and the Quarter Horse remained lame after conservative treatment and were subsequently treated surgically. Three horses returned to their previous level of performance, one horse in spite of persistent MRI evidence of a fracture line (non‐union), while the Quarter Horse returned to a lower level of reining.

Main limitations

Small number of horses.

Conclusions

Standing low‐field MRI is helpful in the diagnosis of central tarsal bone fractures. Central tarsal bone fractures occur in a dorsomedial to plantarolateral orientation in sports horses, can be complete or incomplete, unilateral or bilateral and remain non‐displaced. The prognosis is good for return to performance.
The future of public audit
Authors: Ferry Laurence , Radcliffe Vaughan S. , Steccolini Ileana
Published: July 2022

Public sector audit is a vital activity within democratic states, which underpins the relationship between the government and the governed, the executive and the legislature, and different parts of the government. While there has been a lot of exceptional work in recent years on public sector audit, the sector faces new challenges. These challenges include regulatory space considerations, digitalization, the impact of service delivery design change, how audit and accountability arrangements address crises such as austerity, Brexit, black lives matter, climate change, disease in the form of COVID‐19 and war, and increased skepticism about the role of audit in society more generally. In this special issue, a group of scholars came together to describe this crisis in public audit, how the current literature addresses different facets of it and show how future research can contribute to analyzing it. This introductory article provides a brief summary of the current context of the “what, why, when, how, where and who” of public audit, before considering the contribution of each individual paper in this special issue to assisting in understanding the crisis of public audit, and finally setting out a conclusion and future directions.
Early childhood income instability, food insecurity, and adolescents' behavioral health
Authors: Zhang Liwei , Shimizu Rei , Zhang Yiwei , Simmel Cassandra
Published: July 2022

Objective

This research examines the associations of early childhood income instability with subsequent behavioral outcomes in adolescence, paying attention to the mediating role of food insecurity.

Background

Existing research has documented the rise in income instability in recent decades. Yet, few studies have addressed how income instability during early childhood may shape subsequent behavioral health outcomes in adolescence, beyond the effect of income levels. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the longitudinal link remains unexplored.

Method

Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted with the Fragile Families and Child Well‐being Study, a longitudinal data set following families with children in 20 large cities in the United States (N = 3,422).

Results

Independent from average income levels, both incidence and frequency of negative income changes were significantly indirectly associated with higher levels of internalizing and externalizing behaviors in adolescence. Food insecurity operated as a mediator of the association.

Conclusion

The results suggest cumulative associations between income instability and children's behavioral outcomes and the substantial role of food insecurity in linking the two.

Implications

Policies and programs need to promote economic stability during early childhood and to ensure food security in nurturing children's short‐ and long‐term well‐being.
Metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease directly related to liver fibrosis independent of insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and alcohol intake in morbidly obese patients
Authors: Inamine Susumu , Kage Masayoshi , Akiba Jun , Kawaguchi Takumi , Yoshio Sachiyo , Kawaguchi Machiko , Nakano Dan , Tsutsumi Tsubasa , Hashida Ryuki , Oshiro Kouichi
Published: July 2022

Aim

Hepatic fibrosis is associated with various factors, including metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), insulin resistance, and alcohol intake in patients with morbid obesity. We investigated factors directly associated with hepatic fibrosis in patients with morbid obesity using a graphical model.

Methods

We enrolled 134 consecutive patients with morbid obesity who underwent liver biopsy during sleeve gastrectomy (median age 43.5 years; MAFLD 78.4%; homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA‐IR] 5.97; >20 g/day alcohol intake 14.2%). Patients were classified into none/mild (F0/1; n = 77) or significant/advanced fibrosis (F2/3; n = 57) groups, based on histology. Factors associated with F2/3 were analyzed using logistic regression analysis and a graphical model.

Results

F2/3 was observed in 42.5% of the enrolled patients. The prevalence of MAFLD and HOMA‐IR values were significantly higher in the F2/3 group than in the F0/1 group; however, no significant difference in alcohol intake was observed between the two groups. On logistic regression analysis, MAFLD, but not HOMA‐IR or alcohol intake, was the only independent factor associated with F2/3 (odds ratio 7.555; 95% confidence interval 2.235–25.544; p = 0.0011). The graphical model revealed that F2/3 directly interacted with MAFLD, diabetes mellitus, HOMA‐IR, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Among these factors, MAFLD showed the strongest interaction with F2/3.

Conclusions

We determined that MAFLD was more directly associated with significant/advanced fibrosis than insulin resistance or hyperlipidemia, and alcohol intake was not directly associated with hepatic fibrosis. Metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease could be the most important factor for hepatic fibrosis in patients with morbid obesity.
Evaluation of an immersive simulation programme for mental health clinicians to address aggression, violence, and clinical deterioration
Authors: Young Jeanne , Fawcett Kylie , Gillman Lucia
Published: July 2022

This study investigated the effectiveness of high‐fidelity immersive simulation education to support inter‐professional hospital clinical staff in recognizing and responding to aggression, violence, and clinical deterioration of patients admitted with mental health issues. Increased incidents of aggression and violence have been reported in many clinical hospital settings, especially in mental health wards. Patients experiencing severe psychological distress/agitation can result in the escalation of physiological symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, traumatic injury, etc. Mental health staff do receive aggression prevention training and medical emergency team training. However, there is added complexity when dealing with a mental health patient who is exhibiting aggressive, violent behaviour while also experiencing a medical or psychological emergency. Therefore, mental health staff needed a combined training programme that enhanced their delivery of recovery focussed care, de‐escalation, and medical emergency crisis resource management skills. This study used a prospective quasi experimental research design with repeated measures. Hospital clinical staff were immersed in two mental health emergency response and clinical deterioration scenarios and debriefing sessions. Self‐efficacy was evaluated using a 10‐item validated tool which addressed non‐technical skills of Leadership, Management, Communication, and Teamwork. The sample consisted of 122 clinical staff, with the majority from mental health wards (52%; n = 63) who were nurses (68%; n = 83). Mean self‐efficacy scores increased significantly across the three time points (F = 11.555; df = 2; P = 0.000). Post hoc pairwise comparisons showed that self‐efficacy scores increased between pretest (mean 62.9; n = 122) and posttest 1 (mean 83.2; n = 122) and follow up, 3 months later (posttest 2; mean 81.9; n = 24). Between pre‐ and posttest 1, significant improvements in self‐efficacy were observed for both the Leadership/Management domain (t = 8.2; df 119; P < 0.000; 95% CI 13.3–21.7) and the Communication/Teamwork domain (t = 8.0; df 119; P < 0.000; 95% CI 11.1–18.4). Immersive simulation with high fidelity education was found to be effective in improving hospital nursing and medical staffs' confidence, when responding to incidents of aggression/violence and clinical deterioration of a mental health patient.
Plant dispersal characteristics shape the relationship of diversity with area and isolation
Authors: Walentowitz Anna , Troiano Claudia , Christiansen Julie B. , Steinbauer Manuel J. , Barfod Anders S.
Published: July 2022

Aim

The relation of plant dispersal syndromes with insular species richness patters remains one of the challenges in island biogeography, especially as people have affected species distribution patterns. This study disentangles how dispersal syndromes influence the relationship of richness with area and isolation while also accounting for the human impact on island biodiversity. It builds on the potential of islands at the mesoscale and of similar origin to contribute to the ongoing discussion in island biogeography on what determines species richness and filtering.

Location

Denmark, 54 islands in the North and Baltic Sea.

Taxon

Vascular plants, including pteridophytes.

Methods

Generalized linear models (GLMs) and linear regressions are used to analyse how dispersal syndromes influence the relationships of species numbers with island area and isolation, as well as island inhabitation and human density, respectively.

Results

Species numbers, seed mass and the proportion of zoochore and anemochore species are positively related to island area while the share of water‐dispersed species decreases with increasing area. Isolation is weakly related to mean seed mass but has no explaining power for species numbers and the presence of specific dispersal syndrome on the target islands. Species richness and seed mass were positively related to human presence.

Main conclusions

Human impact for centuries has not overwritten the strong relationship of species richness with area on the Danish Islands but is affecting the shape of this relationship. Island area constitutes a strong filter for different dispersal syndromes and leads to the assumption that heavier and animal‐dispersed seeds are positively related to area due to the presence of more bird and mammal species. Human‐induced loss of isolation caused by ongoing traffic and the connection of landmasses by bridges and ferries may be a reason for the overall low explanatory power of island isolation.
Three Decades on: Still a Capability–Expectations Gap? Pragmatic Expectations towards the EU from Asia in 2020
Authors: Lai Suetyi , Bacon Paul , Holland Martin
Published: July 2022

This paper uses Hill's seminal ‘Capability–Expectations Gap’ framework (CEG) to analyse EU capabilities and expectations of the EU, from the perspectives of four key Asia‐Pacific states, China, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea. Intensive analysis of domestic print media shows that all four states have low perceptions of EU capability, particularly EU ability to reach agreement on common action. Indonesia and South Korea also have low overall expectations of the EU. Japan has some expectations of the EU, but mostly related to EU internal and neighbourhood action, confirming findings of previous research identifying a Japanese ‘expectations deficit’ regarding EU external action. China however had many expectations of EU external action, on bilateral relations, but also multilateral governance and management of the international economy. Therefore, from the Chinese perspective a significant EU capability–expectations gap is identified.
The efficacy of culture‐guided versus empirical therapy with high‐dose proton pump inhibitor as third‐line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: A real‐world clinical experience
Authors: Wang Jiunn‐Wei , Hsu Ping‐I , Lin Ming‐Hong , Kao John , Tsay Feng‐Woei , Wu I‐Ting , Shie Chang‐Bih , Wu Deng‐Chyang
Published: July 2022

Background and Aim

Most consensuses recommend culture‐guided therapy as third‐line Helicobacter pylori treatment. This study aimed to investigate the efficacies of culture‐guided therapy and empirical therapy with high‐dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) in the H. pylori third‐line treatment.

Methods

Between August 2012 and October 2021, H. pylori‐infected patients with at least two failed eradication attempts received anti‐H. pylori therapy according to the results of antimicrobial sensitivity tests plus high‐dose rabeprazole and/or bismuth. They were categorized into three groups: patients who had positive results of culture with equal to or more than three susceptible antibiotics were treated by culture‐guided non‐bismuth quadruple therapy, patients who had positive results of culture with one or two susceptible antibiotics were treated by culture‐guided bismuth‐containing therapy, and patients who had a negative result of culture were treated by an empirical therapy with high‐dose rabeprazole plus amoxicillin, tetracycline and levofloxacin. A post‐treatment assessment was conducted at week 8.

Results

We recruited 126 patients. The eradication rates of culture‐guided non‐bismuth quadruple therapy (n = 50), culture‐guided bismuth‐containing therapy (n = 46) and empirical therapy (n = 30) were 84.0%, 87.0%, and 66.7% (95% confidence interval: 73.8–94.2%, 77.3–96.7%, and 49.8–83.6%), respectively. Overall, culture‐guided therapy achieved a higher eradication rate than empirical therapy (85.4% vs 66.7%; 95% confidence interval, 0.4% to 37.0%, P = 0.022).

Conclusions

Culture‐guided therapy with high‐dose PPI achieves a higher eradication rate than empirical therapy with high‐dose PPI in the third‐line treatment of H. pylori infection. The eradication rate of rescue therapy with bismuth plus two susceptible antibiotics is not inferior to that with three susceptible antibiotics.