bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring plant diversity in wind farm areas: An approach to early detection of alien plant species
Authors: Urziceanu Mihaela , Rozylowicz Laurentiu , Stefanescu Dragos Mihail , Anastasiu Paulina
Published: March 2024

The presence of alien plant species in disturbed habitats is a well‐studied subject, however, the contribution of wind farm projects to alien plant invasion is often overlooked in environmental impact assessment. The present study tests a survey method for the assessment of plant diversity and the detection of alien plant invasion in two wind farm areas in Romania. Over 5 years, we recorded plant species incidence data in disturbed and undisturbed plots, making one visit per growing season each year. Using several plant community indicators and methods, such as species richness, beta diversity, non‐metric multidimensional scaling, and multinomial species classification, we reliably detected plant species assemblage, including 26 alien plant species among the 608 recorded. Disturbed plots harbor a higher number of alien plant species, supporting the hypothesis that disturbances caused by wind farms reduce habitats' resilience to alien plant invasions. Despite the presence of habitat specialist plant species in certain plots, the community of alien plants did not show a clear preference for disturbed or undisturbed plots. The results underscore the importance of surveying the wind farms beyond the disturbed sites through regular monitoring to accurately assess their impact on plant diversity and detect alien plant invasions. The regular monitoring of all plant species during growing seasons will provide useful data for informing conservation strategies for native plants, including the control and eradication of alien species in early invasion stages.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis of thyroid and bilateral parotid diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Sharan Kuppuswamy Chandrasekaran , Agarkar Lumen , Jeyaraman Rajashree , Radhakrishnan Sathiyalakshmi , Gochhait Debasis
Published: March 2024

LCH has a distinct site predilection and cytological feature. However, it can cause diagnostic difficulties at unusual sites or deviated cytomorphology. FNAC is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in any organ (parotid and thyroid where biopsy is not commonly indicated) and multiple sites/organs simultaneously for diagnosis. FNA sampling can also help with cell block preparation for performing immunohistochemistry and molecular studies if necessary.
The effectiveness of pharmacological and lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk of diabetes and hyperglycaemia following gestational diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dennison Rebecca A. , Oliver‐Williams Clare , Qi Helen Lin Jia , Kotecha Deeya , Seed Lydia , Ward Rebecca J. , Griffin Simon J.
Published: March 2024

Aims

To synthesize the available evidence to better understand the effectiveness of interventions to prevent or delay hyperglycaemia and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) postnatally in women with current or previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

We searched five databases up to December 2020 for primary peer‐reviewed articles reporting postpartum glycaemic outcomes in women with (previous) GDM following pharmacological or lifestyle intervention. Outcomes were relative risk of T2DM or continuous measures of glycaemia, change or at follow‐up. A minimum of two studies evaluating the same intervention‐outcome combination were needed to conduct meta‐analyses, otherwise studies were described narratively. Meta‐regression was used to evaluate whether associations varied by additional variables. We assessed risk of bias using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. PROSPERO record CRD42018102380.

Results

We included 31 studies in the review with a total sample size of 8624 participants, and 26 studies in meta‐analyses. Two‐thirds of studies followed up participants at 1 year or less. Pharmacological interventions were associated with reduced risk of T2DM (0.80 [95% CI 0.64–1.00], n = 6 studies), as were lifestyle interventions albeit with a smaller effect size (0.88 [95% CI 0.76–1.01], n = 12 studies). Dietary and physical activity interventions were associated with a small reduction in fasting plasma glucose, particularly in longer interventions, but inconsistent effects were seen for other continuous outcomes.

Conclusions

Although possibly due to chance, interventions to reduce hyperglycaemia after GDM may be effective. Future research should improve understanding of how interventions affect glucose control and how to optimise interventions for this population.
Prescribing patterns for higher dose folic acid in pregnant women with epilepsy treated with antiseizure medication
Authors: Vegrim Håkon Magne , Dreier Julie Werenberg , Igland Jannicke , Gilhus Nils Erik , Alvestad Silje , Gissler Mika , Leinonen Maarit K. , Sun Yuelian , Zoega Helga , Christensen Jakob , Bjørk Marte‐Helene , Tomson Torbjörn
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study was undertaken to characterize the use of higher doses of folic acid (≥1 mg daily) in relation to pregnancy in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden in women with epilepsy treated with antiseizure medication (ASM).

Methods

In this observational study, we used data from national medical birth, patient, and prescription registers in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden to retrospectively identify pregnancies in women with epilepsy treated with ASM from 2006 to 2017. The proportion of higher dose folic acid supplementation in pregnancies among women receiving ASM for epilepsy was calculated according to country of origin, time period, and type of ASM. Logistic regression with restricted cubic splines was used to model country‐specific time trends.

Results

Among a total of 2 748 882 pregnancies, we identified 8695 (.3%) pregnancies after restricting the population to women with ASM‐treated epilepsy. A prescription for higher dose folic acid was filled in 4719 (54.3%) of these pregnancies. The proportion supplemented with higher dose folic acid was highest in Sweden (74.3%) and lower in Norway (41.4%) and Denmark (34.3%). Furthermore, we observed a decreasing trend of higher dose folic acid use in Denmark and Norway from year 2012 to 2017. Among those who used higher dose folic acid, 42% did not start preconception supplementation with higher dose folic acid.

Significance

Supplementation with higher dose folic acid occurred in approximately half of pregnancies in women with ASM‐treated epilepsy, with many not starting supplementation until after becoming pregnant. Considerable variability was observed in the use of higher dose folic acid across the countries, despite similar population characteristics and health care systems. Future guidelines should be simplified with clear recommendations developed in a collaborative manner by relevant specialists including neurologists, obstetricians, pediatricians, and public health specialists to enhance real‐world applicability.
Can quantitative investment improve market efficiency?—Evidence from China
Authors: Hu Ruiqing , Xiang Wang , Zheng Weinan , Zhou Keyu
Published: March 2024

We investigate the impact of quantitative investment on market efficiency in China. We provide an illustrative model to show that quantitative investment enhances market efficiency. Empirically, we conduct both time‐series and cross‐sectional analysis. Regarding the time series dimension, we construct QuantDegree to measure the level of quantitative investment. We find that the performance of most anomalies decreases as QuantDegree increases. In the cross‐sectional dimension, we sort stocks into portfolios based on quant fund holdings and traditional anomalies. We find the anomaly return is lower within the groups with higher quant fund holdings, a result further confirmed by Fama–MacBeth regressions.
Rule based complex event processing forIoTapplications: Review, classification and challenges
Authors: Kumar Shashi Shekhar , Agarwal Sonali
Published: March 2024

In recent decades, data aggregation and correlation have emerged as a significant and challenging area of research for finding useful relationships between different features of streaming data. Similarly, complex event processing (CEP) has emerged as a vital tool for aggregating and finding patterns from streaming data such as video streaming, real‐time stock trades, sensor data and more. In this context, rule‐based classifier algorithms are widely employed to discover valuable patterns from streaming data and cause‐and‐effect relationships between events. However, streaming data is dynamic and complex in nature, and it is not feasible to update the rules manually by domain experts continuously. On the contrary, dynamic data sometimes fails to adopt rules, which leads to sub optimal CEP implementation. Rule‐based CEP systems come up with their own set of challenges, which primarily includes rules adaptability for streaming IoT data. In dynamic environment, shifting patterns in data streams can impact the performance of the CEP system, as well as the correlation between events, and finding useful patterns is very much challenging. In this article, our objective is to provide a comprehensive survey for CEP using rule‐based algorithms applied across various domain and applications. We present a broad literature review using a sequential expansion of methods used for CEP, which primarily include event producers, preprocessing of events, robust rule implementation, and decision support. Additionally, we present a detailed classification of approaches used for different applications. Finally, after applying the rigorous review, it was feasible to present the state‐of‐the‐art research, which focuses on designing robust rules, application specific insights, scalable event‐driven architectures and finding the domain's trends with significant challenges and future scope.
Physical injury, physiological stress, and behavior impairment of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) after catch‐and‐release by spin and fly angling
Authors: Griffin Lucas P. , Hollema Heather M. , Kneebone Jeff , McCormick Stephen D. , Skomal Gregory B. , Danylchuk Andy J.
Published: March 2024

The striped bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of the most important species for anglers along the Atlantic coast and a subject of intensive fisheries management. To promote best catch‐and‐release practices, understanding the physical and physiological consequences of angling is critical. We assessed the injury and stress of striped bass captured using rod and reel spin and fly tackle in a New England embayment. During 2010–2011, of 95 striped bass captured, only one died immediately after release. Behavioral impairment measured through reflex action mortality predictors increased when hooked in the gullet or gills. While 11.6% were critically hooked (in gills, gullet, or eyes), hooking severity was not related to terminal tackle (lure or fly). However, the most severely impaired were all hooked with J hooks. Physiological stress indicators (sodium, chloride, blood lactate) increased with longer fight times. Our results suggested that different components of an angling event drove physiological and behavioral responses.
The effect of repeated hurricanes on the age of organic carbon in humid tropical forest soil
Authors: Mayer Allegra C. , McFarlane Karis J. , Silver Whendee L.
Published: March 2024

Increasing hurricane frequency and intensity with climate change is likely to affect soil organic carbon (C) stocks in tropical forests. We examined the cycling of C between soil pools and with depth at the Luquillo Experimental Forest in Puerto Rico in soils over a 30‐year period that spanned repeated hurricanes. We used a nonlinear matrix model of soil C pools and fluxes (“soilR”) and constrained the parameters with soil and litter survey data. Soil chemistry and stable and radiocarbon isotopes were measured from three soil depths across a topographic gradient in 1988 and 2018. Our results suggest that pulses and subsequent reduction of inputs caused by severe hurricanes in 1989, 1998, and two in 2017 led to faster mean transit times of soil C in 0–10 cm and 35–60 cm depths relative to a modeled control soil with constant inputs over the 30‐year period. Between 1988 and 2018, the occluded C stock increased and δ13C in all pools decreased, while changes in particulate and mineral‐associated C were undetectable. The differences between 1988 and 2018 suggest that hurricane disturbance results in a dilution of the occluded light C pool with an influx of young, debris‐deposited C, and possible microbial scavenging of old and young C in the particulate and mineral‐associated pools. These effects led to a younger total soil C pool with faster mean transit times. Our results suggest that the increasing frequency of intense hurricanes will speed up rates of C cycling in tropical forests, making soil C more sensitive to future tropical forest stressors.
Functional convergence underground? The scale‐dependency of community assembly processes in European cave spiders
Authors: Mammola Stefano , Graco‐Roza Caio , Ballarin Francesco , Hesselberg Thomas , Isaia Marco , Lunghi Enrico , Mouron Samuel , Pavlek Martina , Tolve Marco , Cardoso Pedro
Published: March 2024

Aim

Quantifying the relative contribution of environmental filtering versus limiting similarity in shaping communities is challenging because these processes often act simultaneously and their effect is scale‐dependent. Focusing on caves, island‐like natural laboratories with limited environmental variability and species diversity, we tested: (i) the relative contribution of environmental filtering and limiting similarity in determining community assembly in caves; (ii) how the relative contribution of these driving forces changes along environmental gradients.

Location

Europe.

Time period

Present.

Major taxa studied

Subterranean spiders.

Methods

We used data on distribution and traits for European cave spiders (n = 475 communities). We estimated the trait space of each community using probabilistic hypervolumes, and obtained estimations of functional richness independent of the species richness of each community via null modelling. We model functional diversity change along environmental gradients using generalized dissimilarity modelling.

Results

Sixty‐three percent of subterranean spider communities exhibited a prevalence of trait underdispersion. However, most communities displayed trait dispersion that did not depart significantly from random, suggesting that environmental filtering and limiting similarity were both exerting equally weak or strong, yet opposing influences. Overdispersed communities were primarily concentrated in southern latitudes, particularly in the Dinaric karst, where there is greater subterranean habitat availability. Pairwise comparisons of functional richness across caves revealed these effects to be strongly scale‐dependent, largely varying across gradients of cave development, elevation, precipitation, entrance size and annual temperature range. Conversely, geographical distance weakly affected trait composition, suggesting convergence in traits among communities that are far apart.

Main conclusions

Even systems with stringent environmental conditions maintain the potential for trait differentiation, especially in areas of greater habitat availability. Yet, the relative influence of environmental filtering and limiting similarity change with scale, along clear environmental gradients. The interplay of these processes may explain the assembly of species‐poor subterranean communities displaying high functional specialization.
“The 10th International MDM2 Workshop”: Opening up new avenues for MDM2 and p53 research, the First International MDM2 Workshop in Asia
Authors: Ohki Rieko , Itahana Koji , Iwakuma Tomoo
Published: March 2024

The 10th International MDM2 Workshop was held at the National Cancer Center Research Institute (NCCRI) in Tokyo, Japan, from October 15 to 18, 2023. It attracted 166 participants from 12 countries. The meeting featured 52 talks and 41 poster presentations. In the first special session, six invited speakers gave educational and outstanding talks on breakthroughs in MDM2 research. Three keynote speakers presented emerging p53‐independent functions of MDM2/MDM4, functional association of MDM2/p53 with cancer immunity, and drug discovery targeting the MDM2/MDM4‐p53 pathway. Additionally, 19 invited speakers introduced their new findings. Twenty‐one presenters, many of whom were young investigators, postdocs, and students, were selected from submitted abstracts and reported their exciting and unpublished results. For poster presenters, outstanding poster awards were given to the best presenters. There were many inspiring questions and discussions throughout the meeting. Social events like a welcome party, a workshop dinner, and an optional tour enabled further scientific interactions among the participants. The meeting successfully provided an exciting platform for scientific exchange. The experience gained from organizing this meeting will be handed over to the next organizers of the 11th International MDM2 Workshop.
Using infographics in disseminating healthy lifestyle information on social media is likely to increase uptake and sharing
Authors: Chu Sin Ting , Chiu Dickson K. W. , Ho Kevin K. W.
Published: March 2024

Background

Infographics facilitate rapid information dissemination with enriched eye‐catching content on social media, but it is unclear what factors affect the adoption of information presented in this way.

Objectives

We tested whether the Information Acceptance Model applies to infographics on healthy lifestyle and fitness topics.

Methods

Two hundred and four university students were invited to participate in an online survey on their acceptance after reading some healthy lifestyle and fitness topics infographics shared on social media. The data collected were analysed using Partial Least Square path modelling.

Results

The results confirmed information usefulness as a predictor of information adoption; attitude towards information and information adoption were the predictors of behavioural intention. Information credibility and attitude towards information, but not information quality and needs, were significantly related to information usefulness. Social media usage and education level were factors affecting infographics impressions.

Discussion

Results support most hypotheses. It confirms information usefulness as a predictor of infographics adoption. Attitudes towards information and information adoption are predictors of behavioural intentions of following healthy lifestyle and fitness suggestions through social media infographics.

Conclusion

Social media facilitates interpersonal communication, information exchange and knowledge sharing, and infographics may draw people into healthy lifestyle and fitness information items relevant to them.
Fabrication, microstructure, and mechanical properties of novel three‐layer structured bionic ceramic cutting tools
Authors: Li Shijie , Huang Chuanzhen , Liu Hanlian , Shi Zhenyu , Ji Lianggang , Cui Xinyao , Du Chongzhen , Wang Zhen , Xu Longhua , Huang Shuiquan
Published: March 2024

Ceramic cutting tools have low fracture toughness owing to brittleness. To improve the fracture toughness and flexural strength of ceramic cutting tools, the growth model of SiCw during the sintering process was established by the laminated structure and anisotropy of growth of bionic shells. Furthermore, a theoretical model of sintering parameters and total fracture toughness was achieved. Then, the dispersion process of SiCw was improved to enhance the homogeneity of the mixed powders further. Finally, a novel three‐layer structured bionic ceramic cutting tool was fabricated by hot‐pressing. The effects of sintering temperature, holding time, and sintering pressure on the mechanical properties and microstructure of bionic ceramic cutting tools were investigated. The results showed that the flexural strength (three point bending), fracture toughness (indentation method), and Vickers hardness of the three‐layer structured bionic ceramic cutting tool with excellent dispersed were 735 ± 34 MPa, 5.68 ± 0.06 MPa·m1/2, and 19.66 ± 0.12 GPa, respectively. The microstructure of the fracture revealed that the fracture mechanism of the bionic ceramic cutting tool was a mixture of intergranular fracture, transgranular fracture, whisker pull‐out, whisker fracture, forked crack, crack deflection, crack bridging, zig‐zag crack, and crack termination. The accuracy of the total fracture toughness model was reliable.
Environmental drivers of wheat yield variability across China's production regions: Insights from field experiments
Authors: Zheng Dongxiao , Zhou Yang , Harrison Matthew Tom , Zhou Meixue , Xiong Dongliang , Deng Nanyan , Wang Fei , Ling Xiaoxia , Nie Lixiao , Huang Jianliang , Peng Shaobing , Liu Ke , Man Jianguo
Published: March 2024

Wheat crops underpin contemporary global food security. Predominant wheat production zones in China include the Huang‐Huai‐Hai‐Plain and the Mid‐Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River, although climatic effects on productive potential across these regions vary markedly in space and time. Here, we conducted field experiments during the wheat season of 2015–2018 to examine environmental effects on growth, with fertilization and irrigation provided at levels ensuring that nutrient and water stress exposure was minimal. Yields in Huang‐Huai‐Hai‐Plain and the Mid‐Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River averaged 8950 and 4818 kg ha−1, respectively. Yield variation across regions was primarily related to spike number per unit area and grain number per spike. Maturity biomass was higher in Huang‐Huai‐Hai‐Plain; this translated into higher grain yields. Lower temperature and longer growing duration between emergence and jointing in Huang‐Huai‐Hai‐Plain afforded higher tillering and spike numbers, whereas higher growth rates from jointing to maturity resulted in higher biomass production in Huang‐Huai‐Hai‐Plain compare with the Mid‐Lower Reaches of Yangtze River. Growth rate, grain numbers and yield were positively correlated with the ratio of daily intercepted solar radiation to mean temperature during jointing to anthesis, termed photothermal quotient. Collectively, our results suggest that growth rate accounted for more variation in biomass production compared with growth duration, and the photothermal conditions in the Mid‐Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River were restrictive for spike development and yield formation. Our results help disentangle drivers of crop growth through the development of agro‐environmental conceptual frameworks, enabling a better understanding of yield variability in space and time.
Impact of short‐notice accreditation assessments on hospitals' patient safety and quality culture—A scoping review
Authors: Scanlan Robyn , Flenady Tracy , Judd Jenni
Published: March 2024

Aim

To explore the published evidence describing the impact of short‐notice accreditation assessments on hospitals' patient safety and quality culture.

Design

Arksey and O'Malley (2005)'s scoping study framework and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis Extension for Scoping reviews (PRISMA‐ScR).

Methods

A scoping review was conducted to identify papers that provided an evaluation of short‐notice accreditation processes. All reviewers independently reviewed included papers and thematic analysis methods were used to understand the data.

Data Sources

PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, and ProQuest databases were searched to identify papers published after 2000.

Results

Totally, 3317 records were initially identified with 64 full‐text studies screened by the reviewers. Five studies were deemed to meet this scoping review's inclusion criteria. All five studies reported variable evidence on the validity of health service or hospital accreditation processes and only three considered the concept of patient safety and quality culture in the context of accreditation. None of the five included studies report the impact of a short‐notice accreditation process on a hospital's patient safety and quality culture.

Conclusions

Limited evidence exists to report on the effectiveness of hospital short‐notice accreditation models. No study has been undertaken to understand the impact of short‐notice accreditation on patient safety and quality cultures within hospital settings.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Understanding this topic will support improved hospital quality, safety, policy, and governance.

Impact

To provide an understanding of the current knowledge base of short‐notice accreditation models and its impact on hospital patient safety and quality culture.

Reporting Methods

PRISMA reporting guidelines have been adhered to.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
COVID‐19 and beyond: A systematic review of adaptations to psychosocial support in oncology
Authors: Martin Mahala , Rice Kylie , Murray Clara V. , Thorsteinsson Einar B. , Usher Kim J.
Published: March 2024

Aims

To understand the strategies used to continue providing psychosocial support to cancer patients during the pandemic, including outcomes and implications beyond the pandemic.

Design

A systematic review of original research.

Data Sources

ProQuest Health & Medicine, CINAHL Complete (via EBSCOhost), Scopus, and PubMed were searched for original work published between January 2020 and December 2022.

Methods

Abstract and title screening identified eligible articles for full‐text review. Following a full‐text review, data were extracted from eligible articles, and a risk of bias assessment was conducted. A synthesis without meta‐analysis was performed.

Results

Thirty‐four articles met the selection criteria. These articles provide evidence that systematic adaptations during the pandemic improved the assessment and screening of psychological needs and/or increased the number of clients accessing services. Additionally, while the pandemic was associated with decreased psychosocial well‐being for cancer patients, five intervention studies reported improvements in psychosocial well‐being. Barriers, strategies, and recommendations were described.

Conclusion

Adapting psychosocial support during a pandemic can be successful, achieved relatively quickly, and can increase the uptake of support for people experiencing cancer.

Implications for Patient Care

It is imperative that these adaptations continue beyond the pandemic to maximize adaptive psychosocial outcomes for a group vulnerable to ongoing mental health concerns.

Impact

While the COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with increased psychosocial need for cancer patients, evidence in the review suggested that adaptations made to service delivery facilitated increased access for patients who may not previously have been able to access support. Additionally, improvements in psychosocial well‐being were achieved. These findings are relevant for clinicians and decision‐makers who fund and design psychosocial support services for cancer patients.

Reporting Method

The review was guided by PRISMA Guidelines and the SWiM Reporting Guideline.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Triploid brown trout, Salmo trutta, develop functional gonads with age and are able to interbreed with diploid counterparts
Authors: Lahnsteiner Franz , Dünser Anna
Published: March 2024

The study investigated if gonad maturation in triploid brown trout, Salmo trutta, was entirely suppressed or only delayed, and if triploids could interbreed with diploid counterparts. Ten percent of the total number of 3‐year‐old triploid S. trutta, 15% of 4‐year‐old fish, and 17% of 5‐year‐old fish produced semen. Three and 4 years old triploid fish did not produce eggs, but 15% of the 5‐year‐old fish did so. The quantity and sperm motility of triploid semen did not differ from diploids, but the sperm concentration was significantly lower. When diploid eggs were fertilized with triploid semen (3n × 2n crosses), the percentage of eyed stage embryos, of hatched larvae, and of normal‐shaped larvae did not differ from the diploid controls. Circa 90% of 3n × 2n crosses had a ploidy level of 2.4n. In the remaining percentage of 3n × 2n crosses, the ploidy level was ≥2n and <2.4n. In sperm competition experiments where diploid eggs were fertilized with a mixture of diploid and triploid semen, 52% of the originating larvae had a ploidy level of 2n, 43% of 2.4n, and 5% of the fish were not exactly classified. From the start of feeding to an age of 248 days, the mortality rate of 3n × 2n interploid crosses and of 2n × 2n controls was similar. The growth of interploid crosses was significantly higher than that of controls. In triploid mature females, the egg mass per kilogram of body weight was significantly lower than in diploids. The mass of the non‐hardened eggs and the percentile weight increase during hardening did not differ from diploid eggs. When triploid eggs were fertilized with diploid semen (2n × 3n crosses), the development rate to normal hatched larvae was less than 10%. All originating larvae had a ploidy level of 3n. From the start of feeding to an age of 248 days, 2n × 3n crosses had a higher mortality rate (15%) than diploid controls (<5%). Growth of this type of interploid crosses was reduced in comparison to controls. Therefore, triploids introduced into natural waters for recreational fisheries or escaping from farms may interbreed with diploid counterparts. This not only alters the genotypes of local populations but also changes the ploidy levels.
Successful outcomes in juvenile justice: Overcoming community based and correctional challenges
Authors: Willingham Michelle L.
Published: March 2024

The juvenile justice system has long struggled with practices for understanding, preventing, and intervening in delinquency. Debates concerning youth delinquency, diversion efforts, and effective rehabilitation have consistently been examined. However, the answers to most of these fundamental approaches remain unresolved. Mental health is a major concern for juveniles under a correctional treatment program, but the juvenile justice system lacks individualized mental health services, having devastating and unfair results on youth in need. Through research, professional development, and advocacy, youth who are especially vulnerable to experiencing the undesired outcomes that result from receiving inadequate and inappropriate services will gain better outcomes.
Incarcerated youth and their siblings: A review of historical and current context, and future directions
Authors: Garza Micheal , Williams Claire
Published: March 2024

The 2020 Juvenile Residential Facility Census reports that roughly 25,000 youth in the United States (U.S.) are incarcerated—placing the United States as the leading nation in number of juveniles in correctional facilities worldwide. This paper aims to highlight an overlooked population impacted by this issue: not the incarcerated youth themselves, but their siblings. This paper first grounds historical trends, the effects of racialized sociopolitical systems on disparate rates of incarceration, and the current state of youth incarceration, with a specific focus on impacts on families. This paper reviews the literature on how families are affected by the juvenile justice system in terms of their well‐being, education, and other outcomes—drawing from the small body of research directly on siblings and hypothesizing impacts in need of further study based on families' experiences in the criminal justice system. We present historical and current issues/limitations to understanding and addressing the impacts of youth incarceration on siblings, concluding with areas of future research needed to address the impacts that a youth's incarceration has on their siblings and family.
Most of the escaped farmed salmon entering a river during a 5‐year period were infected with one or more viruses
Authors: Madhun Abdullah S. , Karlsbakk Egil , Skaala Øystein , Solberg Monica F. , Wennevik Vidar , Harvey Alison , Meier Sonnich , Fjeldheim Per T. , Andersen Kaja Christine , Glover Kevin A.
Published: March 2024

Disease interactions between farmed and wild populations have been poorly documented for most aquaculture species, in part due to the complexities to study this. Here, we tested 567 farmed Atlantic salmon escapees, captured in a Norwegian river during 2014–2018, for five viral infections that are prevalent in global salmonid aquaculture. Over 90% of the escapees were infected with one or more viruses. Overall prevalences were: 75.7% for piscine orthoreovirus (PRV‐1), 43.6% for salmonid alphavirus (SAV), 31.2% for piscine myocarditis virus (PMCV), 1.2% for infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) and 0.4% for salmon anaemia virus (ISAV). A significantly higher prevalence of PMCV infection was observed in immature compared to mature individuals. The prevalence of both SAV and PMCV infections was higher in fish determined by fatty acid profiling to be ‘recent’ as opposed to ‘early’ escapees that had been in the wild for a longer period of time. This is the first study to establish a time‐series of viral infection status of escapees entering a river with a native salmon population. Our results demonstrate that farmed escapees represent a continuous source of infectious agents which could potentially be transmitted to wild fish populations.
Influence of Food Security Status and Diet Quality on Maternal Gestational Weight Gain
Authors: Sparks Joshua R. , Myers Candice A. , Phelan Suzanne , Newton Robert L. , Yang Shengping , Redman Leanne M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Recommended gestational weight gain (GWG) is crucial for health of women and their offspring. Food security status is hypothesized to influence diet quality and GWG. Therefore, we examined the relationship between diet quality and GWG by food security status.

Methods

Participants (n = 679) were enrolled in the Initial Vanguard Study of the National Children's Study. GWG was calculated as third trimester weight minus prepregnancy weight. Food security status and diet quality (Healthy Eating Index [HEI]‐2015) were assessed using the Household Food Security Survey and a Diet History Questionnaire, respectively. General linear models evaluated the relationship between GWG and HEI‐2015 by food security status.

Results

A greater proportion of women experienced food security (81.3%) compared with food insecurity (18.7%). In women with food security, GWG was negatively associated with HEI‐2015 in women having overweight (r = −0.421, P = .003) and positively associated with HEI‐2015 in women with inadequate GWG (r = 0.224, P = .019). Conversely, no significant relationships were found between GWG and HEI‐2015 in women with food insecurity.

Discussion

Improved diet quality potentially lowers GWG in women with food security. However, in vulnerable populations, including women with food insecurity, improvements in diet quality may not effectively enhance GWG.
“The Anamorphic Journey”: Jean‐Luc Marion on Revelation
Authors: Hart Kevin
Published: March 2024

In part four of D'ailleurs, la Révélation (2020) Jean‐Luc Marion evokes the state of being seized by a saturated phenomenon, whether divinely revelatory or not, which guides one “across the desert on an anamorphic journey [parcours d'anamorphose].” The figure of anamorphosis is well‐known to anyone familiar with sixteenth‐century art, visual or literary; it comes directly from experiments with mirrors or perspective, giving rise with the latter to examples of affine transformation. Undoubtedly, Hans Holbein the Younger's double portrait “The Ambassadors” (1533) is the best‐known visual example: if one looks directly at the canvas in the National Gallery in London, one sees a diagonal blur across its bottom center, beneath Jean de Dinteville (1504‐1555), French Ambassador to London, and Georges de Selve (1508‐1541), Bishop of Lavaur and French Ambassador to the Republic of Venice. Only when one views the blur from a particular point—either low on the left‐hand side or high on the right‐hand side—can one see that it is a skull. The vanity of human achievement or, worse, human pride, is made manifest only when the artwork is viewed from a perspective that one is constrained to adopt. The sole sign of hope is a crucifix in the top left of the canvas.
Intravenous methylprednisolone therapy for ocular myasthenia gravis: A retrospective study
Authors: Yorozu Shoko , Koh Jinsoo , Miyamoto Katsuichi , Sakata Mayumi , Nakayama Yoshiaki , Takahashi Maiko , Mori Megumi , Taruya Junko , Matsumoto Takuya , Minamino Mai , Ogami Shuhei , Niwa Mayako , Hiwatani Yasuhiro , Kajimoto Yoshinori , Ishiguchi Hiroshi , Ito Hidefumi
Published: March 2024

Background

Although intravenous methylprednisolone pulse (IVMP) therapy has been recommended for ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG), the evidence is limited.

Aim

We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of IVMP for OMG.

Methods

The patients with OMG were chosen retrospectively from May 2010 to December 2022. The therapeutic effects between IVMP‐treated and non‐IVMP‐treated groups were determined by ∆ocular quantitative MG (QMG) score and the ∆ocular MG activities of daily living profile (MG‐ADL) score, which is the disparities of the scores between before and after 1 month of drug administration; and Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America post‐intervention status at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

There were 26 patients with OMG included, with the mean age of 67.2 ± 13.1 years. 13 of the 26 people with OMG received IVMP and subsequent low‐dose immunotherapies. The ∆ocular QMG and ∆ocular MG‐ADL scores were significantly higher in the IVMP group of 3 (1.5, 4) and 3 (2, 4.5) than in the non‐IVMP group of 1.5 (0, 3) and 1 (0, 2), p = 0.038 and p = 0.0027, respectively. The rates of minimal manifestation or better status in post‐intervention status at 1 and 12 months were also considerably higher in the IVMP group of 77% and 92% compared with the non‐IVMP group of 0% and 23%, p = 0.0001 and 0.001. There were no serious side effects discovered.

Conclusion

IVMP induction therapy can quickly and safely improve symptoms of OMG, and subsequent low‐dose immunotherapy can keep symptoms at bay for 12 months.
Lacertus notch as a sign of lacertus syndrome
Authors: Brutus Jean‐Paul , Vo Thiên‐Trang , Chang Min Cheol
Published: March 2024

Objective

Many clinicians are unfamiliar with a diagnosis of lacertus syndrome (LS). We investigated the value of the lacertus notch sign in diagnosing LS.

Methods

We included 56 consecutive patients (112 upper extremities) who had neuropathic pain and neurological symptoms of the hand. The presence of LS and the lacertus notch sign in each upper extremity was assessed.

Results

Of the 83 upper extremities with LS, 54 (65.1%) had a lacertus notch sign, whereas 29 (34.9%) did not. Of the 29 upper extremities without LS, 9 (31.0%) and 20 (69.0%) had and did not have a lacertus notch sign, respectively. The rates of lacertus notch presence in upper extremities with and without LS were significantly different. Of the 63 upper extremities with a lacertus notch sign, 54 (85.7%) were diagnosed with LS, whereas 9 (14.3%) were not. Of the 49 upper extremities without a lacertus notch sign, 20 (40.8%) were diagnosed with LS, and 29 (59.2%) were not. We observed significant differences in the rates of LS in upper extremities with and without lacertus notch.

Conclusions

The presence of the lacertus notch sign is useful for diagnosing LS. When patients with neuropathic pain and neurological symptoms present with a lacertus notch sign, clinicians should consider the possibility of LS.
The current state of training in pain medicine fellowships: An Association of Pain Program Directors (APPD) survey of program directors
Authors: Wahezi Sayed Emal , Emerick Trent D. , Caparó Moorice , Choi Heejung , Eshraghi Yashar , Naeimi Tahereh , Kohan Lynn , Anitescu Magdalena , Wright Thelma , Przkora Rene , Patel Kiran , Lamer Tim J. , Moeschler Susan , Yener Ugur , Alerte Jonathan , Grandhe Radhika , Bautista Alexander , Spektor Boris , Noon Kristen , Reddy Rajiv , Osuagwu Uzondu C. , Carpenter Anna , Gerges Frederic J. , Horn Danielle B. , Murphy Casey A. , Kim Chong , Pritzlaff Scott G. , Marshall Cameron , Kirchen Gwynne , Oryhan Christine , Swaran Singh Tejinder S. , Sayed Dawood , Lubenow Timothy R. , Sehgal Nalini , Argoff Charles E. , Gulati Amit , Day Miles R. , Shaparin Naum , Sibai Nabil , Dua Anterpreet , Barad Meredith
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) approved the first pain medicine fellowship programs over three decades ago, designed around a pharmacological philosophy. Following that, there has been a rise in the transition of pain medicine education toward a multidisciplinary interventional model based on a tremendous surge of contemporaneous literature in these areas. This trend has created variability in clinical experience and education amongst accredited pain medicine programs with minimal literature evaluating the differences and commonalities in education and experience of different pain medicine fellowships through Program Director (PD) experiences. This study aims to gather insight from pain medicine fellowship program directors across the country to assess clinical and interventional training, providing valuable perspectives on the future of pain medicine education.

Methods

This study involved 56 PDs of ACGME‐accredited pain fellowship programs in the United States. The recruitment process included three phases: advanced notification, invitation, and follow‐up to maximize response rate. Participants completed a standard online questionnaire, covering various topics such as subcategory fields, online platforms for supplemental education, clinical experience, postgraduate practice success, and training adequacy.

Results

Surveys were completed by 39/56 (69%) standing members of the Association of Pain Program Directors (APPD). All PDs allowed fellows to participate in industry‐related and professional society‐related procedural workshops, with 59% encouraging these workshops. PDs emphasized the importance of integrity, professionalism, and diligence for long‐term success. Fifty‐four percent of PDs expressed the need for extension of fellowship training to avoid supplemental education by industry or pain/spine societies.

Conclusion

This study highlights the challenge of providing adequate training in all Pain Medicine subtopics within a 12‐month pain medicine fellowship. PDs suggest the need for additional training for fellows and discuss the importance of curriculum standardization.
Do homeowners care about tax relief? Property tax relief and tax perceptions in the United States
Authors: Kim Yusun
Published: March 2024

This study examines whether receiving property tax relief contributes to homeowner's support for local taxes and spending. Using a survey sample of 10,655 homeowners in 40 US States in 2022, I find a negative association between property tax relief and opposition against property tax. Also, homeowners who receive property tax relief are more likely to support higher local taxes. Homeowners who receive tax reduction display a weaker preference for local budget cuts and a stronger preference for tax increases than homeowners who do not. These results suggest that tax relief may contribute to a higher tolerance for tax increases.
Interventions on residual lesions in patients with heterotaxy syndrome following orthotropic heart transplantation: A single‐center experience
Authors: Pedamallu Havisha , O'Halloran Conor P. , Morrison Adam , Monge Michael C. , Magnetta Defne A. , Tannous Paul
Published: March 2024

Background

Heterotaxy syndrome (HS) is a defect in lateralization which often results in complex intra and extracardiac abnormalities. Orthotropic heart transplantation (OHT) in HS involves intricate and individualized modifications to surgical technique. Post‐OHT outcomes are worse in patients with HS, however, the impact of post‐OHT residual lesions has not yet been characterized.

Methods

Patients with HS who underwent OHT at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago between January 2012 and June 2023 were identified. Patients were excluded if follow‐up data was not available due to follow up at a different institution of early mortality. Pre‐OHT clinical data, surgical data, and post‐OHT surgical and catheterization data were collected.

Results

Two early mortalities were excluded from analysis, leaving 15 patients in the study cohort. Median age at OHT was 3.7 years (range: 0.7–15.4). Nine out of 15 patients were diagnosed with residual lesions requiring intervention at a median of 188 days post transplantation. All interventions on residual lesions occurred via catheterization. Overall mortality rate was 27% (4/15) with all deaths occurring in patients with residual lesions (4/9 patients, 44%). 83% (10/12) of lesions were diagnosed via catheterization, and 83% (10/12) of lesions of occurred in the first year after transplant.

Conclusions

Patients with HS are at high risk for residual lesions after OHT, which may contribute to increased mortality. Comprehensive invasive diagnostics were required to diagnose residual lesions, which were all addressed percutaneously.
Evaluating threshold for donor fraction cell‐free DNA using clinically available assay for rejection in pediatric and adult heart transplantation
Authors: Deshpande Shriprasad R. , Zangwill Steven D. , Richmond Marc E. , Kindel Steven J. , Schroder Jacob N. , Gaglianello Nunzio , Bichell David P. , Wigger Mark A. , Knecht Kenneth R. , Thrush Phillip T. , Mahle William T. , North Paula E. , Simpson Pippa M. , Zhang Liyun , Dasgupta Mahua , Tomita‐Mitchell Aoy , Mitchell Michael E.
Published: March 2024

Background

The aims of the study were to assess the performance of a clinically available cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) assay in a large cohort of pediatric and adult heart transplant recipients and to evaluate performance at specific cut points in detection of rejection.

Methods

Observational, non‐interventional, prospective study enrolled pediatric and adult heart transplant recipients from seven centers. Biopsy‐associated plasma samples were used for cfDNA measurements. Pre‐determined cut points were tested for analytic performance.

Results

A total of 487 samples from 160 subjects were used for the analysis. There were significant differences for df‐cfDNA values between rejection [0.21% (IQR 0.12–0.69)] and healthy samples [0.05% (IQR 0.01–0.14), p < .0001]. The pediatric rejection group had a median df‐cfDNA value of 0.93% (IQR 0.28–2.84) compared to 0.09% (IQR 0.04–0.23) for healthy samples, p = .005. Overall negative predictive value was 0.94 while it was 0.99 for pediatric patients. Cut points of 0.13% and 0.15% were tested for various types of rejection profiles and were appropriate to rule out rejection.

Conclusion

The study suggests that pediatric patients with rejection show higher levels of circulating df‐cfDNA compared to adults and supports the specific cut points for clinical use in pediatric and adult patients with overall acceptable performance.
The power of “it will be okay”
Authors: VanderPluym Christina J.
Published: March 2024

As caregivers for critically ill children and their families, there are moments when we find ourselves unsure of how best to offer support. The magnitude of the medical experience can cloud our communication with patients and their families. With years of counseling families through some of their most challenging and darkest hours, I aim to emphasize the profound impact of thoughtful and well‐informed reassurance; how we can provide hope in hopeless situations.