bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prolactin effects on the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Scairati Roberta , Auriemma Renata Simona , Del Vecchio Guendalina , Di Meglio Sara , Pivonello Rosario , Colao Annamaria
Published: March 2024

Background

Prolactin (PRL) is a pituitary hormone promoting lactation in response to the suckling reflex. Beyond its well‐known effects, novel tissue‐specific and metabolic functions of PRL are emerging.

Aims

To dissect PRL as a critical mediator of whole‐body gluco‐insulinemic sensitivity.

Methods

PubMed‐based search with the following terms ‘prolactin’, ‘glucose metabolism’, ‘type 2 diabetes mellitus’, ‘type 1 diabetes mellitus’, ‘gestational diabetes mellitus’ was performed.

Discussion

The identification of the PRL‐glucose metabolism network poses the basis for unprecedented avenues of research in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2, as well as of gestational diabetes. In this regard, it is of timely relevance to define properly the homeostatic PRL serum levels since glucose metabolism could be influenced by the circulating amount of the hormone.

Results

This review underscores the basic mechanisms of regulation of pancreatic β‐cell functions by PRL and provides a revision of articles which have investigated the connection between PRL unbalancing and diabetes mellitus. Future studies are needed to elucidate the burden and the role of PRL in the regulation of glucose metabolism and determine the specific PRL threshold that may impact the management of diabetes.

Conclusion

A careful evaluation and context‐driven interpretation of PRL levels (e.g., pregnancy, PRL‐secreting pituitary adenomas, drug‐related hyper‐ and hypoprolactinemia) could be critical for the correct screening and management of glucometabolic disorders, such as type 1 or 2 as well as gestational diabetes mellitus.
Effect of levodopa on pathological gait in Dravet syndrome: A randomized crossover trial using three‐dimensional gait analysis
Authors: Suzuki Takeshi , Natsume Jun , Ito Yuji , Ito Tadashi , Noritake Koji , Kinoshita Fumie , Fukasawa Tatsuya , Tsuji Takeshi , Itomi Kazuya , Kurahashi Hirokazu , Kubota Kazuo , Okanishi Tohru , Saitoh Shinji , Sugiura Hideshi , Watanabe Hirohisa , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Kidokoro Hiroyuki
Published: March 2024

Objective

Individuals with Dravet syndrome (DS) exhibit progressive gait disturbance. No quantitative studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of medication for gait disturbance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of levodopa for pathological gait in people with DS using three‐dimensional gait analysis (3DGA).

Methods

Nine individuals with DS, ages 6–20 years, participated in a crossover study of levodopa and were randomly assigned to the levodopa precedence or no levodopa precedence group. Levodopa/carbidopa hydrate was prescribed at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day (body weight <60 kg) or 300 mg/day (body weight ≥60 kg). The medication was taken for 4–6 weeks (4‐week washout period). 3DGA was performed three times before the study, with and without levodopa. A mixed‐effects model was used to evaluate the effectiveness of levodopa. The primary outcome was the change in the Gait Deviation Index (GDI). In addition, spatiotemporal gait parameters, 6‐minute walking distance (6MD), and balance were evaluated. The correlation between the effectiveness of levodopa and age or gait performance before starting levodopa was analyzed.

Results

Levodopa improved the GDI by 4.2 points, (p = .029), 6MD by 52 m (p = .002), and balance test result by 4.1 mm (p = .011) in participants with DS. No severe adverse events were observed, with the exception of one participant, who exhibited fever and consequently stopped taking levodopa. Levodopa was more effective in younger participants with a higher baseline gait performance.

Significance

Our randomized crossover trial showed that levodopa has the potential to improve gait disturbance in people with DS.
Association of midazolam route of administration and need for recurrent dosing among children with seizures cared for by emergency medical services
Authors: Ramgopal Sriram , Owusu‐Ansah Sylvia , Crowe Remle P. , Okubo Masashi , Martin‐Gill Christian
Published: March 2024

Objective

National guidelines in the United States recommend the intramuscular and intranasal routes for midazolam for the management of seizures in the prehospital setting. We evaluated the association of route of midazolam administration with the use of additional benzodiazepine doses for children with seizures cared for by emergency medical services (EMS).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study from a US multiagency EMS dataset for the years 2018–2022, including children transported to the hospital with a clinician impression of seizures, convulsions, or status epilepticus, and who received an initial correct weight‐based dose of midazolam (.2 mg/kg intramuscular, .1 mg/kg intravenous, .2 mg/kg intranasal). We evaluated the association of route of initial midazolam administration with provision of additional benzodiazepine dose in logistic regression models adjusted for age, vital signs, pulse oximetry, level of consciousness, and time spent with the patient.

Results

We included 2923 encounters with patients who received an appropriate weight‐based dose of midazolam for seizures (46.3% intramuscular, 21.8% intranasal, 31.9% intravenous). The median time to the first dose of midazolam from EMS arrival was similar between children who received intramuscular (7.3 min, interquartile range [IQR] = 4.6–12.5) and intranasal midazolam (7.8 min, IQR = 4.5–13.4) and longer for intravenous midazolam (13.1 min, IQR = 8.2–19.4). At least one additional dose of midazolam was given to 21.4%. In multivariable models, intranasal midazolam was associated with higher odds (odds ratio [OR] = 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10–1.76) and intravenous midazolam was associated with similar odds (OR = 1.00, 95% CI = .80–1.26) of requiring additional doses of benzodiazepines relative to intramuscular midazolam.

Significance

Intranasal midazolam was associated with greater odds of repeated benzodiazepine dosing relative to initial intramuscular administration, but confounding factors could have affected this finding. Further study of the dosing and/or the prioritization of the intranasal route for pediatric seizures by EMS clinicians is warranted.
An improved maximum tangential stress criterion for an inclined crack in uniaxial compression considering T‐stress and crack parameter
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Zhu Fengjin , Zhou Yuezhi , Liu Kangqi
Published: March 2024

The rockmass in the practical engineering is often prone to compression; therefore, how to establish a fracture criterion to reflect the rockmass compression failure is vital. Take the rockmass with one inclined crack for instance, the mechanical behavior of the inclined crack face closure and friction sliding in uniaxial compression is firstly analyzed, and then the Kolosov–Muskhelishvili stress function of the cracked rockmass in uniaxial compression is established based on the complex stress functions. Next, the calculation methods of the stress intensity factor (SIF) K and three T‐stress components at or near the crack tip considering three kinds of crack parameters (e.g., geometry parameter, friction strength parameter and deformation parameter) are obtained. Thirdly, the improved maximum tangential stress (MTS) criterion is obtained considering T‐stress and three kinds of crack parameters. Finally, the test results of the wing‐crack initiation angle in uniaxial compression obtained by other researchers are adopted to verify the improved MTS criterion. Meanwhile, the effect of γ, the crack normal stiffness kn and shear stiffness ks, and the crack friction coefficient f on the wing‐crack initiation angle are discussed with the parametric sensitivity analysis.
Soil N2O emissions from specialty crop systems: A global estimation and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Lidong , Hong Mu , Zhang Yao , Paustian Keith
Published: March 2024

Nitrous oxide (N2O) exacerbates the greenhouse effect and thus global warming. Agricultural management practices, especially the use of nitrogen (N) fertilizers and irrigation, increase soil N2O emissions. As a vital sector of global agriculture, specialty crop systems usually require intensive input and management. However, soil N2O emissions from global specialty crop systems have not been comprehensively evaluated. Here, we synthesized 1137 observations from 114 published studies, conducted a meta‐analysis to evaluate the effects of agricultural management and environmental factors on soil N2O emissions, and estimated global soil N2O emissions from specialty crop systems. The estimated global N2O emission from specialty crop soils was 1.5 Tg N2O‐N year−1, ranging from 0.5 to 4.5 Tg N2O‐N year−1. Globally, soil N2O emissions exponentially increased with N fertilizer rates. The effect size of N fertilizer on soil N2O emissions generally increased with mean annual temperature, mean annual precipitation, and soil organic carbon concentration but decreased with soil pH. Global climate change will further intensify the effect of N fertilizer on soil N2O emissions. Drip irrigation, fertigation, and reduced tillage can be used as essential strategies to reduce soil N2O emissions and increase crop yields. Deficit irrigation and non‐legume cover crop can reduce soil N2O emissions but may also lower crop yields. Biochar may have a relatively limited effect on reducing soil N2O emissions but be effective in increasing crop yields. Our study points toward effective management strategies that have substantial potential for reducing N2O emissions from global agricultural soils.
Dentition and weight status in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Zelig Rena , Lyon Amy , Touger‐Decker Riva , Singer Steven R. , Samavat Hamed
Published: March 2024

Background/Objective

Tooth loss is common among older adults and can affect dietary intake and weight status. This study investigated associations between dentition status and body mass index (BMI) in older adults.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of data from a convenience sample of older adults (65–89 years) treated at an urban U.S. dental school clinic. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from electronic health records. Dentition status was determined based on data from odontograms. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of having a non‐normal weight status for each measure of dentition status, after adjusting for covariates.

Results

Patients (n = 1765) were 54.1% female, 51.5% White, 41.6% African American and 22.5% Hispanic/Latino. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 71 (67.0–75.0) years; the mean (±SD) BMI was 28.5 (±5.7) kg/m2; 72.5% were overweight or obese. The median (IQR) number of remaining teeth was 20.0 (13.0–24.0); the median numbers of anterior and posterior occluding pairs of teeth were 5.0 (2.0–6.0) and 2.0 (0.0–5.0), respectively; and 44.9% had a functional dentition (≥21 teeth). Having a higher number of remaining teeth and more posterior occluding pairs were associated with lower odds of obesity (OR = 0.980, 95% CI = 0.964, 0.997, p = .022 and OR = 0.931, 95% CI = 0.885, 0.980, p = .006, respectively). Lack of a functional dentition was associated with higher odds of obesity (OR = 1.400, 95% CI = 1.078, 1.818, p = .012), after controlling for covariates.

Conclusion

Older adults with tooth loss ‐ especially loss of posterior occlusion and lack of a functional dentition ‐ were more likely to be obese than of normal weight.
African city diplomacy in global climate mobility debates
Authors: Stürner‐Siovitz Janina , Morthorst Lasse Juhl
Published: March 2024

While researchers have paid growing attention to transnational city engagement in both the policy fields of migration and climate change, there is a dearth of studies exploring how cities claim agency and start acting in emerging global climate mobility debates. Moreover, city diplomacy research tends to focus predominantly on city actors from the global North. We aim to address this research bias and advance academic debates by exploring African city diplomacy in global climate mobility debates. Specifically, we examine the question: How do African cities claim recognition as relevant actors in global dialogues on climate mobility, and what kind of action do they take? To find answers, we draw on a role theory framework analysing empirical research undertaken within an international, interdisciplinary research project.
‘Physical well‐being is our top priority’: Healthcare professionals' challenges in supporting psychosocial well‐being in stroke services
Authors: Bright Felicity A. S. , Ibell‐Roberts Claire , Featherstone Katie , Signal Nada , Wilson Bobbie‐Jo , Collier Aileen , Fu Vivian
Published: March 2024

Background

Following stroke, a sense of well‐being is critical for quality of life. However, people living with stroke, and health professionals, suggest that well‐being is not sufficiently addressed within stroke services, contributing to persistent unmet needs. Knowing that systems and structures shape clinical practice, this study sought to understand how health professionals address well‐being, and to examine how the practice context influences care practice.

Methods

Underpinned by Interpretive Description methodology, we interviewed 28 health professionals across multiple disciplines working in stroke services (acute and rehabilitation) throughout New Zealand. Data were analysed using applied tension analysis.

Results

Health professionals are managing multiple lines of work in stroke care: biomedical work of investigation, intervention and prevention; clinical work of assessment, monitoring and treatment; and moving people through service. While participants reported working to support well‐being, this could be deprioritised amidst the time‐oriented pressures of the other lines of work that were privileged within services, rendering it unsupported and invisible.

Conclusion

Stroke care is shaped by biomedical and organisational imperatives that privilege physical recovery and patient throughput. Health professionals are not provided with the knowledge, skills, time or culture of care that enable them to privilege well‐being within their work. This has implications for the well‐being of people with stroke, and the well‐being of health professionals. In making these discourses and culture visible, and tracing how these impact on clinical practice, we hope to provide insight into why well‐being work remains other to the ‘core’ work of stroke, and what needs to be considered if stroke services are to better support people's well‐being.

Patient or Public Contributions

People with stroke, family members and people who provide support to people with stroke, and health professionals set priorities for this research. They advised on study conduct and have provided feedback on wider findings from the research.
Real‐world epidemiology and treatment patterns of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma: Retrospective analysis of Diagnosis Procedure Combination claims data in Japan
Authors: Asakawa Keiko , Waratani Miina , Massey Olivia , Holbrook Tim , Kondo Makoto , Saito Atsushi , Nishiyama Hiroyuki
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Evaluate real‐world epidemiologic trends and treatment patterns in newly diagnosed patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC) in Japan.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included adults with newly diagnosed la/mUC in Japan (January 2015–December 2019) from a nationwide‐linked electronic medical record Diagnostic Procedure Combination claims dataset. Outcomes included epidemiologic trends (incidence and prevalence), baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment patterns in newly diagnosed patients with la/mUC before (2015–2017) and after (2018–2019) approval of pembrolizumab in Japan.

Results

Of 975 patients included, 76.4% were men; 71.6% were aged 70 years or older. Most cases (70.5%) were of the bladder. Between 2015 and 2019, the annual age‐adjusted incidence increased from 6.8 to 12.4 per 100 000; the annual age‐adjusted period prevalence increased from 13.0 to 25.2 per 100 000; and 307 (31.5%) and 668 (68.5%) patients were diagnosed from 2015 to 2017 and 2018 to 2019, respectively. Overall, 731 (75%) patients received systemic anticancer therapy; all received 1 line and 50.2% received 2 lines of therapy; 78.3% of patients received gemcitabine plus platinum‐based therapy and 2.2% received pembrolizumab as first‐line treatment. First‐line treatment rates increased from 69.4% to 77.5% after pembrolizumab approval. Of 367 patients who received second‐line treatment, 22.3% received gemcitabine plus platinum‐based therapy; 14.7% received pembrolizumab.

Conclusions

In the Japanese regions considered, incidence and prevalence of newly diagnosed la/mUC increased over time and first‐line treatment with pembrolizumab increased after approval.
Cooperative induction of CXCL chemokines by inflammatory cytokines and oxidized phospholipids
Authors: Hodzic Alma , Gesslbauer Bernd , Bochkov Valery , Oskolkova Olga V.
Published: March 2024

Inflammation is initiated and driven by a mixture of mediators, which modify effects of each other. This study analysed in vitro pro‐inflammatory activity of inflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL‐1β) in a combination with a lipid DAMP molecule, oxidized palmitoyl‐arachidonoyl‐phosphatidylcholine (OxPAPC). The study was performed on endothelial and monocytic cell lines. The cells were treated with different concentrations of TNFα or IL‐1β, OxPAPC and their combinations, either in the presence or absence of drugs regulating inflammation. Pro‐inflammatory effects of TNFα/IL‐1β and OxPAPC were estimated by analysis of chemokines CXCL8, CXCL2 and CXCL3 by ELISA and RT‐PCR. Toxicity was determined by analysis of metabolic activity. Statistical significance was estimated by ANOVA and Dunnett's test. OxPAPC was a much weaker chemokine inducer as compared to TNFα or IL‐1β. However, OxPAPC and TNFα/IL‐1β together induced effects that were significantly stronger than the arithmetical sum of individual effects. This cooperative action of OxPAPC and TNFα was reversed by inhibitors of p38 MAPK. We hypothesise that the boosting of TNFα and IL‐1β effects by OxPAPC may be more pathologically important than the action of the lipid alone. Inhibitors of p38 MAPK may become a tool for analysis of pathological role of oxidized phospholipids.
Impacts of continuous quality improvement on wound pain in the puncture site of arteriovenous fistula in haemodialysis patient
Authors: Li Hui , Liu Xian‐Li , Huang Si‐Feng , Wen Yi‐Jun
Published: March 2024

This study analyses the effects of a continuous quality improvement nursing model on wound pain at the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) puncture site in patients undergoing haemodialysis. Forty haemodialysis patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, from September 2020 to December 2022, were selected as study subjects. They were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group. The control group received conventional nursing care, while the observation group was treated with a continuous quality improvement nursing model. The study compared the impact of these nursing approaches on pain intensity post‐AVF puncture, wound visual analogue scale scores, self‐rating anxiety scale, self‐rating depression scale, quality of life scores and patient satisfaction with nursing care. In the observation group, the proportion of patients experiencing moderate to severe pain during AVF puncture was lower than that in the control group, whereas the proportion of patients with no pain or mild pain was higher (P = 0.008). After nursing, the observation group exhibited significantly lower wound visual analogue scale scores, self‐rating anxiety scale scores, and self‐rating depression scale scores compared to the control group (P < 0.001), with a significantly higher quality of life score (P < 0.05). The nursing satisfaction rate was 95.00% in the observation group, significantly higher than the 65.00% in the control group (P = 0.018). The continuous quality improvement nursing model significantly reduces wound pain at the AVF puncture site in haemodialysis patients, alleviates negative emotions, enhances the quality of life, and achieves high patient satisfaction. It is thus a highly recommendable approach in nursing practice.
RETRACTED: Effect of angiogenesis inhibitors on wound healing in patients with ovarian cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Xin , Zeng Deyang , Shi Jing
Published: March 2024

Angiogenic inhibitors have been demonstrated to inhibit tumour cells in ovarian carcinoma, but the initial data are not accurate enough to indicate the influence of these drugs on the post‐therapy wound healing. In order to assess the effect of angiogenic inhibitors on the treatment of wound healing in ovarian carcinoma, we performed a meta‐analysis of related literature. For this meta‐analysis, we looked up the data from 4 databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. All literature searches were performed up to October 2023. The ROBINS‐I tool was applied to evaluate the risk of bias in the inclusion trials, and statistical analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3. In this research, 971 related research were chosen, and 9 of them were selected. These studies were published between 2013 and 2023. In all 9 trials, a total of 3902 patients were enrolled. There was a significant reduction in the risk of wound infection in the control group than in those who received angiogenesis inhibitors (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49–0.89 p = 0.007). The risk of developing an abscess was not significantly different from that of those who received angiogenesis inhibitors (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.20–3.12 p = 0.74). The risk of perforation in the control group was smaller than that in those receiving angiogenic inhibitors (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.11–0.56 p = 0.0006). There was a significant increase in the risk of injury and GI perforation in women who received angiogenic inhibitors than in the control group. But the incidence of abscess did not differ significantly among the two groups.
Systematic review and quality assessment of clinical and economic evidence for superabsorbent wound dressings in a population with chronic ulcers
Authors: M. Veličković Vladica , Macmillan Tom , Lones Emma , Arlouskaya Yana , Prieto Pablo Arija , Webb Neil , Crompton Amy , Munro Isobel , Carvalho Viviane Fernandes , Attila Szijártó , Bárdos Dávid , Lin YunNan , Chiao HaoYu , Probst Sebastian
Published: March 2024

Effective exudate management is key for optimal ulcer healing. Superabsorbent dressings are designed to have high fluid handling capacity, reduced risk of exudate leakage, fluid retention under compression, and to sequester harmful exudate components. This study aimed to systematically identify existing evidence for the clinical efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of superabsorbent dressings for the treatment of moderate‐to‐highly exudating chronic ulcers of various etiologies. The aim is focused on examining the ‘class’ effect of all superabsorbers, not any particular dressing. Clinical and cost effectiveness systematic reviews were conducted, searching Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. The Cost Effectiveness Analysis Registry and Econ papers were also searched for the economic review. Outcomes of interest included ulcer closure, dressing properties, hospital‐ and infection‐related outcomes, safety, and economic outcomes. Fourteen studies were included in the clinical systematic review. Eleven were case series, with one randomised controlled trial, one retrospective matched observational study, and one retrospective cohort study. The studies investigated eight superabsorbent dressings and were heterogeneous in their patient population and outcomes. Superabsorbent dressings may result in favourable outcomes, including reductions in frequency of dressing change and pain scores. As most studies were case series, drawing firm conclusions was difficult due to absence of a comparator arm. The economic systematic review identified seven studies, five of which were cost‐utility analyses. These suggested superabsorbent dressings are a more cost‐effective option for the treatment of chronic ulcers compared with standard dressings. However, the small number and low quality of studies identified in both reviews highlights the need for future research.
Excellent temperature stability of piezoelectric properties in PbNb2O6‐based ceramics up to 450°C
Authors: Jin Ruoqi , Ren Xiaodan , Hu Liqing , Tang Mingyang , Xu Zhuo , Yan Yongke
Published: March 2024

Dense (Pb0.92Ba0.08)Nb2O6‐xmol% MnO2with 0.25 wt% TiO2ceramics with a single orthorhombic phase were synthesized through a conventional solid‐state reaction method. Excellent piezoelectric performance (d33 = 90 pC/N) and low dielectric loss (tanδ = 0.5%) are achieved in Mn‐doped samples. Interestingly, the dielectric anomalies are observed in the temperature range of 300–400°C, which could be completely suppressed through Mn doping. The dielectric anomalies are associated with thermally activated domain wall motion, which could be constrained by the defect dipoles produced by Mn doping. More importantly, all samples experience about 12% performance degradation below 300°C, attributed to an accelerated aging process at elevated temperatures. After thermal aging, the samples exhibit excellent performance stability within the temperature range of 25–450°C, showing no further degradation. The results indicate that the PbNb2O6‐based ceramics are promising high‐temperature piezoelectric materials for piezoelectric devices operating at temperatures up to 450°C.
Incidence of hospital‐acquired pressure injuries and predictors of severity in a paediatric hospital
Authors: Dimanopoulos Tanesha , Chaboyer Wendy , Campbell Jill , Ullman Amanda J. , Battley Callan , Ware Robert S. , Patel Maharshi , Griffin Bronwyn R.
Published: March 2024

Background

Hospital‐acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) pose significant challenges in healthcare and cause increased patient suffering, longer hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. Paediatric patients face unique risks, but evidence remains scarce. This study aimed to identify and describe HAPI admission incidence and severity predictors in a large Australian children's hospital.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study investigated all paediatric patients between January 2020 and December 2021 using a census approach. Demographic and clinical data including HAPI‐related data were accessed from the incident monitoring and hospital administration databases. The incidence rate (per 1000 patient admissions) was calculated based on all admissions. Predictors of HAPI severity were identified using multivariable multinomial logistic regression. The study adhered to the STROBE guidelines for retrospective cohort studies.

Results

The HAPI incidence rate was 6.96 per 1000 patient admissions. Of the age groups, neonates had the highest HAPI incidence (15.5 per 1000 admissions). Critically ill children had the highest rate for admission location (12.8 per 1000 patient admissions). Most reported cases were stage I (64.2%). Age was associated with injury severity, with older paediatric patients more likely to develop higher‐stage HAPIs. Additionally, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients had a higher HAPI severity risk.

Conclusion

HAPI injuries in paediatric patients are unacceptably high. Prevention should be prioritized, and the quality of care improved in Australia and beyond. Further research is needed to develop targeted prevention strategies for these vulnerable populations.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

This research emphasizes the need for standardized reporting, culturally sensitive care and tailored prevention strategies.

Impact

The research has the potential to influence healthcare policies and practices, ultimately enhancing the quality of patient care.

Reporting Method

STROBE guidelines.

No Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public contribution to the conduct of this study.
Students' reflections on their experience with ChatGPT
Authors: Šedlbauer Josef , Činčera Jan , Slavík Martin , Hartlová Adéla
Published: March 2024

Background

The emergence of Generative Artificial Intelligence has brought a number of ethical and practical issues to higher education. Solid experimental evidence is yet inadequate to set the functional rules for the new technology.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to analyse the experience of undergraduate students’ interaction with ChatGPT and contribute to identifying the problems arising from the widespread use of artificial intelligence.

Methods

Junior university students (N = 25) were assigned the task of working on their seminar essays with the aid of ChatGPT. Most students were novices with this tool (the study was conducted in the spring of 2023). Their essays were analysed qualitatively, according to the principles of the general inductive approach.

Results and Conclusions

The initial attitudes towards artificial intelligence were almost equally distributed from enthusiastic to indifferent and cautious, with one student refusing to interact with the chatbot on ideological grounds. After the first experience, most of the students declared themselves adopters of the new technology. We have found some evidence for enhancing critical thinking competence when using ChatGPT, as well as examples of unquestioned reliance on its outputs. The tendency to personification of the chatbot was apparent in the students' essays.

Implications

The findings show how easily the students embrace artificial intelligence and suggest a failure of any attempts for its strict regulation. This, on the other hand, underlines the need for emphasis on personal and research‐oriented approaches in teaching and learning.
Role of β‐cell autophagy in β‐cell physiology and the development of diabetes
Authors: Yasasilka Xaviera Riani , Lee Myung‐Shik
Published: March 2024

Elucidating the molecular mechanism of autophagy was a landmark in understanding not only the physiology of cells and tissues, but also the pathogenesis of diverse diseases, including diabetes and metabolic disorders. Autophagy of pancreatic β‐cells plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of the mass, structure and function of β‐cells, whose dysregulation can lead to abnormal metabolic profiles or diabetes. Modulators of autophagy are being developed to improve metabolic profile and β‐cell function through the removal of harmful materials and rejuvenation of organelles, such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Among the known antidiabetic drugs, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists enhance the autophagic activity of β‐cells, which might contribute to the profound effects of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists on systemic metabolism. In this review, the results from studies on the role of autophagy in β‐cells and their implication in the development of diabetes are discussed. In addition to non‐selective (macro)autophagy, the role and mechanisms of selective autophagy and other minor forms of autophagy that might occur in β‐cells are discussed. As β‐cell failure is the ultimate cause of diabetes and unresponsiveness to conventional therapy, modulation of β‐cell autophagy might represent a future antidiabetic treatment approach, particularly in patients who are not well managed with current antidiabetic therapy.
OsWRKY78 regulates panicle exsertion via gibberellin signaling pathway in rice
Authors: Mei Enyang , He Mingliang , Xu Min , Tang Jiaqi , Liu Jiali , Liu Yingxiang , Hong Zhipeng , Li Xiufeng , Wang Zhenyu , Guan Qingjie , Tian Xiaojie , Bu Qingyun
Published: March 2024

Panicle exsertion is one of the crucial agronomic traits in rice (Oryza sativa). Shortening of panicle exsertion often leads to panicle enclosure and severely reduces seed production. Gibberellin (GA) plays important roles in regulating panicle exsertion. However, the underlying mechanism and the relative regulatory network remain elusive. Here, we characterized the oswrky78 mutant showing severe panicle enclosure, and found that the defect of oswrky78 is caused by decreased bioactive GA contents. Biochemical analysis demonstrates that OsWRKY78 can directly activate GA biosynthesis and indirectly suppress GA metabolism. Moreover, we found OsWRKY78 can interact with and be phosphorylated by mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase OsMAPK6, and this phosphorylation can enhance OsWRKY78 stability and is necessary for its biological function. Taken together, these results not only reveal the critical function of OsWRKY78, but also reveal its mechanism via mediating crosstalk between MAPK and the GA signaling pathway in regulating panicle exsertion.
Mother–child dynamics: Examining reciprocal relations between parental knowledge, child disclosure, parental legitimacy beliefs, and adolescent alcohol use
Authors: Fallah‐Sohy Nilofar , Trucco Elisa M.
Published: March 2024

Early adolescent alcohol use is associated with adverse developmental and health outcomes. Parental knowledge can prevent or delay substance use, while youth behaviors may concurrently influence parenting. More research is needed to examine the role of youth's perceptions of legitimacy of parental authority. This multi‐informant study examined prospective bidirectional effects between parental knowledge and child disclosure alongside youth‐reported alcohol use and perceived legitimacy of parental authority. Data were analyzed across three waves in a community sample of 304 mother–child dyads. A cross‐lagged panel model was estimated using repeated measures of adolescent alcohol use, perceived legitimacy of parental authority, parental knowledge, and child disclosure. Positive reciprocal associations were found in early adolescence between child disclosure and both parental knowledge and perceived legitimacy of parental authority. Legitimacy of parental authority negatively predicted alcohol use across adolescence. Child alcohol use also negatively predicted parental knowledge among mothers in later adolescence. Effects were not reciprocated nor sustained. Novel findings demonstrate that the parental legitimacy beliefs predict reduced alcohol use and have a reciprocal association with child disclosure. Clinical implications to mitigate youth alcohol use initiation, by enhancing parental self‐efficacy and positive parenting, are discussed.
“My mother did not have civil rights under the law”: Family derived race categories in negotiating positions on Critical Race Theory
Authors: Sambaraju Rahul
Published: March 2024

How do persons negotiate the relevance of historic racial injustice for contemporary concerns? In this paper, I show that persons could develop and use racial categorizations in association with family relations to make salient (or not) the relevance of past racial injustice for contemporary concerns. I examined how people construct and orient to racial group membership as implying historical oppression, and its relevance for contemporary interracial relations in the form of supporting or opposing Critical Race Theory (CRT) teaching in the United States public school system. I examined debates and discussions on CRT televised in the American news media using discursive psychological approaches. Findings show that race categories were developed and used in relation to one's ancestors: parents, aunts and uncles, and distant generations. This was done to raise the salience of past racial injustice, which otherwise would involve offering historic or other social structural arguments. The use of family derived race categories at once personalized and enhanced the credibility of the speaker, and countered possible implications for taking responsibility for past actions. These family‐derived race categories were then a resource speakers could use to negotiate their position on CRT. These findings are discussed in relation to the relevance of time for negotiating racism. Further arguments are developed in relation to how an ethnomethodological approach can illuminate critical arguments on race and racism.
The experiences of living with a suicidal family member, and the impact on daily life: A systematic review and meta‐aggregation
Authors: Hennipman‐Herweijer Christina , Amerongen‐Meeuse Joke van Nieuw , Schaap‐Jonker Hanneke , Boonstra Nynke
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Because of the pivotal role that family members play in caring for their suicidal relative, insight into their experiences is necessary to develop good support for them.

Aim

This systematic review aimed to aggregate qualitative research examining the experiences of family members living with their suicidal relative, and their impact on daily life.

Methods

Systematic searches, covering the period 2000–2022, were conducted in Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Ovid Nursing database and CINAHL. The JBI‐QARI meta‐aggregation approach and the PRISMA guidelines were followed.

Results

Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Six themes were identified: The hard job of managing the risk of suicide; contributing to the relative's survival; struggling with professional care; being in a lonely position; pressure on relationships; and disruption of well‐being.

Discussion

The constant worry of losing their relative and ever‐present vigilance dominates their lives in such a way that their well‐being may be decreased. Professionals often overlook family members, which leads to feelings of powerlessness and loneliness.

Implications for Practice

Collaborating with families in treatment, allowing them to share information and supporting them in the care at home may lead to better outcomes for both the family and their suicidal relative.
Courts and authoritarian populism in Asia: Reflections from Indonesia and the Philippines
Authors: Dressel Björn , Bonoan Cristina Regina
Published: March 2024

Authoritarian populism has been making a comeback in Asia, as illustrated in Southeast Asia's most important presidential regimes: the Philippines and Indonesia. In the Philippines, President Duterte (2016–2022) has shown unprecedented illiberal transgressions. Meanwhile in Indonesia, Joko Widodo's increasingly assertive presidency (2014–) has renewed concerns about “democratic backsliding” in what to date has been one of the region's most vibrant democracies. In both instances, courts have been largely muted in responding to these developments, raising concerns about their ability to counter democratic backsliding. A distinct political agenda targeting the courts through partisan control over parliament to pursue illiberal goals; undue presidential influence over judicial appointments reinforced by informal loyalty dynamics; and traditionally weak public support for the courts versus high executive popularity are critical drivers behind this trend. Nevertheless, the inherent fragility of competitive‐clientelist regimes common to the region also offers courts the opportunity to recover and resist such efforts, especially in electoral democracies.
“Culture and practice eat documents for lunch:” Norms and procedures in the 2020 election cases
Authors: Dichio Michael A. , Logvinenko Igor
Published: March 2024

The US Supreme Court has been rightfully criticized for its role in contributing to the anti‐democratic processes in the United States. However, the focus on the apex court overlooks the potential for the judiciary as a whole to support democratic institutions. In the aftermath of the 2020 US presidential election, a series of lawsuits contesting the results were filed in federal courts, overseen by judges appointed by presidents from both major parties. Despite the prevailing perception of courts as politically influenced, every one of these cases ruled against the former President Trump's claims. This research delves into the influence of judicial norms and legal profession culture, intertwined with specific procedural doctrines such as Article III standing and justiciability. The study contends that these procedural rules, deeply ingrained within the culture of the legal profession in the United States, served as a crucial mechanism upholding judicial independence. The analysis draws from the texts of the 2020 election‐related court decisions and interviews with 17 legal experts, primarily consisting of federal and state Supreme Court judges.
Autonomous flight strategy of an unmanned aerial vehicle with multimodal information for autonomous inspection of overhead transmission facilities
Authors: Jeon Munsu , Moon Joonhyeok , Jeong Siheon , Oh Ki‐Yong
Published: March 2024

This study proposes an innovative method for achieving autonomous flight to inspect overhead transmission facilities. The proposed method not only integrates multimodal information from novel sensors but also addresses three essential aspects to overcome the existing limitations in autonomous flights of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). First, a novel deep neural network architecture titled the rotational bounding box with a multi‐level feature pyramid transformer is introduced for accurate object detection. Second, a safe autonomous method for the transmission tower approach is proposed by using multimodal information from an optical camera and 3D light detection and ranging. Third, a simple yet accurate control strategy is proposed for tracking transmission lines without necessitating gimbal control because it keeps the UAV's altitude in sync with that of the transmission lines. Systematic analyses conducted in both virtual and real‐world environments confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method. The proposed method not only enhances the performance of autonomous flight but also provides a safe operating platform for inspection personnel.
Insights from entire mitochondrial genome sequences into the phylogeny of ticks of the generaHaemaphysalisandArchaeocrotonwith the elevation of the subgenusAlloceraeaSchulze, 1919 back to the status of a genus
Authors: Kelava Samuel , Apanaskevich Dmitry A. , Shao Renfu , Gofton Alexander W. , Mans Ben J. , Teo Ernest J. M. , Norval Gerrut , Barker Dayana , Nakao Ryo , Barker Stephen C.
Published: March 2024

We used entire mitochondrial (mt) genome sequences (14.5–15 kbp) to resolve the phylogeny of the four main lineages of the Haematobothrion ticks:Alloceraea, Archaeocroton, BothriocrotonandHaemaphysalis. In our phylogenetic trees,Alloceraeawas the sister toArchaeocroton sphenodonti, a tick of an archetypal reptile, the tuatara, from New Zealand, to the exclusion of the rest of the species ofHaemaphysalis. The mt genomes of all four of the Alloceraeaspecies that have been sequenced so far had a substantial insert, 132–312 bp, between the tRNA‐Glu (E) gene and thenad1gene in their mt genomes. This insert was not found in any of the other eight subgenera ofHaemaphysalis. The mt genomes of 13 species ofHaemaphysalisfrom NCBI GenBank were added to the most recent data set onHaemaphysalisand its close relatives to help resolve the phylogeny ofHaemaphysalis, including five new subgenera ofHaemaphysalisnot previously considered by other authors:Allophysalis(structurally primitive),Aboimisalis(structurally primitive),Herpetobia(structurally intermediate),Ornithophysalis(structurally advanced) andSegalia(structurally advanced). We elevatedAlloceraeaSchulze, 1919 to the status of genus becauseAlloceraeaSchulze, 1919 is phylogenetically distinct from the other subgenera ofHaemaphysalis. Moreover, we propose that the subgenusAllophysalisis the sister to the rest of theHaemaphysalis(14 subgenera) and that the ‘structurally primitive’ subgenera Hoogstraal and Kim comprise early diverging lineages. Our matrices of the pairwise genetic difference (percent) of mt genomes and partial 16S rRNA sequences indicated that the mt genome sequence ofAl.kitaokai(gb# OM368280) may not beAl.kitaokaiHoogstraal, 1969 but rather another species ofAlloceraea. In a similar way, the mt genome sequence ofH.(Herpetobia)nepalensisHoogstraal, 1962 (gb# NC_064124) was only 2% genetically different to that ofH. (Allophysalis)tibetensisHoogstraal, 1965 (gb# OM368293): this indicates to us that they are the same species.Alloceraea cretaceamay be better placed in a genus other thanAlloceraeaSchulze, 1919. Reptiles may have been the host to the most recent common ancestor ofArchaeocrotonandAlloceraea.
Modelling height–diameter relationships in living Araucaria (Araucariaceae) trees to reconstruct ancient araucarian conifer height
Authors: Xie Aowei , Gee Carole T. , Griebeler Eva M.
Published: March 2024

To reconstruct a fossil forest in three dimensions, an accurate estimation of tree height is crucial. However, modelling the height–diameter relationship of ancient trees is difficult, because the trunks of fossil trees are usually fragmentary, making direct height measurements impossible. One practical approach for reconstructing ancient tree height is to use growth models based on the height–diameter relationships of the nearest living relatives of fossil taxa. Here we apply 19 models to describe height–diameter relationships of living Araucaria trees for establishing appropriate models for ancient Araucariaceae trees. Data come from four living populations of Araucaria: A. bidwillii and A. cunninghamii in Queensland, Australia, and A. cunninghamii and A. hunsteinii in New Guinea. According to an AIC‐based model selection, a power function with an exponent of 0.67 (termed here the modified Mosbrugger model) is found to be the most appropriate for each population and for the entire dataset (157 trees), but normalization constants differ across populations. To find the most appropriate models for the genus Araucaria, 100 random samples (each population generating 25 random samples) from the entire dataset are used. Based on 100 curve fitting results on each model and multiple performance criteria, three median models are generated from the medians of their parameter estimates. Of these, the median 2pPower model works best for Araucaria, but the modified Mosbrugger and Curtis models perform nearly as well. In a case study, we revise tree heights of Upper Jurassic araucariaceous logs in Utah, USA, by applying these three models.
PTI‐ETI synergistic signal mechanisms in plant immunity
Authors: Yu Xiao‐Qian , Niu Hao‐Qiang , Liu Chao , Wang Hou‐Ling , Yin Weilun , Xia Xinli
Published: March 2024

Plants face a relentless onslaught from a diverse array of pathogens in their natural environment, to which they have evolved a myriad of strategies that unfold across various temporal scales. Cell surface pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) detect conserved elicitors from pathogens or endogenous molecules released during pathogen invasion, initiating the first line of defence in plants, known as pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI), which imparts a baseline level of disease resistance. Inside host cells, pathogen effectors are sensed by the nucleotide‐binding/leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) receptors, which then activate the second line of defence: effector‐triggered immunity (ETI), offering a more potent and enduring defence mechanism. Moreover, PTI and ETI collaborate synergistically to bolster disease resistance and collectively trigger a cascade of downstream defence responses. This article provides a comprehensive review of plant defence responses, offering an overview of the stepwise activation of plant immunity and the interactions between PTI‐ETI synergistic signal transduction.
Diffuse neurofibroma with hypertrichosis in a toddler
Authors: Bower Robert P. , Leiphart Paul , Samson Thomas , Helm Klaus F. , Zaenglein Andrea
Published: March 2024

Diffuse neurofibroma is a rare type of neurofibroma uncommonly reported in infancy. It is a slow growing tumor originating in the peripheral nerve sheath. We present the case of a 17‐month‐old boy with diffuse neurofibroma of the scalp associated with hypertrichosis. His genetic and clinical workup for neurofibromatosis was negative.