bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinician perspectives on voluntary assisted dying and willingness to be involved: a multisite, cross‐sectional survey during implementation in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Light Edwina , Kerridge Ian , Skowronski George , Venkatesha Venkatesha , Krishnamurthy Aravind , Kuper Suzanne , Noonan Kerrie , Hoyle Philip , Arnold Mark , Manley Stephen , Stedman Wade , Sheahan Linda 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn the context of nationwide law reform, New South Wales (NSW) became the last state in Australia to legalise voluntary assisted dying (VAD) – commencing 28 November 2023. Clinicians have divergent views regarding VAD, with varying levels of understanding, support, and willingness to be involved, and these may have a significant impact on the successful implementation.AimsTo understand levels of support, understanding and willingness to be involved in VAD among clinical staff across NSW during implementation of VAD.MethodsA multisite, cross‐sectional online survey of clinicians across four local health districts, assessing relevant demographics, awareness of and support for VAD legislation and willingness to be involved in different levels of VAD‐related clinical activities.ResultsA total of 3010 clinical staff completed the survey. A majority of participants were aware of VAD legislation in NSW (86.35%) and supportive of it (76%), with nursing and allied health clinicians significantly more likely than medical specialists to express support. Among medical specialists, support was statistically more likely in those who did not care for patients at the end of life and those with limited knowledge of the legislation. Willingness of medical specialists to perform key roles was significantly lower, with 41.49% willing to act in coordinating or consulting roles, and only 23.21% as administering practitioners.ConclusionsThe majority of clinical staff surveyed across NSW supported VAD legislation. While many eligible clinicians were reluctant to be actively involved, sufficient numbers appear willing to provide VAD services, indicating that successful implementation should be possible.
Time trend of respiratory viruses before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic in severe acute respiratory virus infection in the Sultanate of Oman between 2017 and 2022
Authors: Al Kindi Hanan , Meredith Luke William , Al‐Jardani Amina , Sajina Fathima , Al Shukri Intisar , al Haj Rehan , Alyaquobi Fatma , Al Wahaibi Adil , Al Maani Amal 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionSevere acute respiratory illness (SARI) is a potentially lethal condition, necessitating thorough medical care. COVID‐19 underscored the SARI threat, but other high‐risk pathogens require monitoring alongside SARS‐CoV‐2. Oman instituted a comprehensive testing system to gauge the prevalence of these pathogens between 2017 and 2021, aiding resource allocation and public health responses to potential respiratory pathogen outbreaks.MethodsSamples from SARI cases admitted to ICU were tested for pathogens using the Fast‐Track Diagnostic (FTD) molecular assay, a respiratory virus panel (RVP) that tests for 21 pathogens, including 20 viruses, by qPCR.ResultsBetween 2017 and 2022, ~30 000 samples were analysed using the RVP panel. Among SARI patients, 8%–42% tested positive for respiratory pathogens, with 4% showing multiple infectious agents, especially in children under 10. A drop in positivity during 2020–2021 can be attributed to SARS‐CoV‐2 control measures, followed by a rebound in infections in early 2022.DiscussionThe COVID‐19 pandemic heightened awareness of respiratory pathogens' spread without adequate control measures. Influenza A/B, human rhinoviruses and respiratory syncytial virus constituted over 50% of severe acute respiratory illness cases in Oman over the past 5 years. During the pandemic, the incidence of these infections significantly declined, demonstrating the efficacy of COVID‐19 prevention measures in reducing spread of other pathogens.
Assessing Mailuoning injection in wound healing and thrombophlebitis management: A rat model study
Authors: Xiao Junqi , Xie Yang , Liu Jianping , Liu Tao , Ye Rong , Duan Xunhong , Le Zhibiao , Deng Nan , Duan Qing 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThrombophlebitis is the inflammatory condition characterized by obstruction of one or more vessels, commonly in the legs, due to the formation of blood clots. It has been reported that traditional Chinese medicine, including Mailuoning injection, is advantageous for treating inflammatory and blood disorders. This research assessed the therapeutic efficacy of Mailuoning injection in the treatment of thrombophlebitis in rodents, as well as investigated its impact on fibrinolysis, inflammation, and coagulation. An experimental setup for thrombophlebitis was established in rodents via modified ligation technique. Five groups comprised the animals: sham operation group, model group, and three Mailuoning treatment groups (low, medium, and high dosages). The pain response, edema, coagulation parameters (PT, APTT, TT, FIB), serum inflammatory markers (IL‐6, TNF‐α, CRP), and expression levels of endothelial markers (ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, NF‐κB) were evaluated. Blood flow and vascular function were further assessed by measuring hemorheological parameters and the concentrations of TXB2, ET, and 6‐k‐PGF1α. In contrast to the sham group, model group demonstrated statistically significant increases in endothelial expression levels, coagulation latencies, and inflammatory markers (p < 0.05). The administration of mailing, specifically at high and medium dosages, resulted in a substantial reduction in inflammatory markers, enhancement of coagulation parameters, suppression of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expression, and restoration of hemorheological measurements to baseline (p < 0.05). Significantly higher concentrations of 6‐k‐PGF1α and lower levels of TXB2 and ET were observed in high‐dose group, suggesting that pro‐ and anti‐thrombotic factors were restored to equilibrium. Utilization of Mailuoning injection in rat model of thrombophlebitis exhibited significant therapeutic impact. This effect was manifested through pain alleviation, diminished inflammation, enhanced blood viscosity and facilitation of fibrinolysis. The study indicated that Mailuoning injection may serve as a viable therapeutic option for thrombophlebitis, potentially aiding in the improvement of wound healing by virtue of its anti‐inflammatory and blood flow‐enhancing characteristics.
Soil toxicity and species dominance rather than nutrient availability drive plant species richness in swamp forests of Central Europe
Authors: Slezák Michal , Douda Jan , Hegedüšová Vantarová Katarína , Jarolímek Ivan , Kochjarová Judita , Májeková Jana , Hrivnák Richard 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimA resource based conceptual model of plant diversity (RBCM) assumes direct relationships between resource supply and the diversity of a local plant assembly. However, the RBCM largely ignores variation in soil toxicity imposed by climatic effects. Both soil limiting resources and soil toxicity vary along climatic gradients but their net and interactive effects on plant species diversity remain unknown. We asked how climatic gradients shape resource availability, soil toxicity and dominance of herb‐layer graminoids, and how these predictors control local species diversity of herbs and bryophytes.LocationSwamp forests, Central Europe.TaxonVascular plants, bryophytes.MethodsAlpha taxonomic diversity of vascular plants and bryophytes was counted for 101 vegetation plots sampled in temperate swamp forests distributed along an 800‐km geographical gradient across the Continental, Alpine and Pannonian biogeographical regions. Path analysis (structural equation modelling) was used to quantify the direct and indirect effects of climatic variable (potential evapotranspiration; PET), limiting resources (soil N/P, Ca, C/N, proxies for light and water availability) and soil toxicity (Mn) on graminoid dominance and community diversity.ResultsPET negatively influenced species richness of both groups analysed either directly or indirectly through its positive effect on the cover of graminoid species. Alpha diversity of herbs was additionally reduced by soil toxicity (Mn). Limiting resources correlated either with species dominance (canopy shading, soil Ca) or with PET (soil N/P ratio), but they did not control species richness pattern.Main ConclusionsClimate, soil toxicity and species dominance determined alpha diversity instead of the expected importance of soil limiting resources. These results are key to advancing the theoretical framework of the RBCM. Increased soil toxicity (Mn) in well‐watered regions favours the dominance of plant competitors at the expense of less tolerant species. This implies a potential threat to wetland diversity under ongoing climate change.
A value‐based healthcare model for initiating and switching psoriasis therapies—Results from the prospective multicentre IMPROVE study
Authors: Nielsen V. W. , Johansen C. B. , Todberg T. , Skov L. , Nissen C. V. , Dodge R. , Egeberg A. , Thyssen J. P. , Thomsen S. F. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the therapeutic benefits of a value‐based healthcare model compared to a traditional activity‐based incentive model in psoriasis (PsO).ObjectivesThis prospective non‐interventional study evaluated an outcome‐based, patient‐centred management model for patients with PsO.MethodsIn total, 49 patients with a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) ≥3 who were starting or switching between treatments were included. Patients were assessed at baseline, 3 and 9 months. The patient benefit index (PBI) was calculated using predefined questionnaires. An expected PBI was calculated and adjusted for risk factors known to complicate treatment, that is overweight and smoking. The model remunerated the department on whether the observed PBI exceeded the expected PBI to incentivize over‐performance.ResultsIn total, 40 patients (80%) completed all three visits; 32.7% were smokers and 73.5% were overweight. Mean PASI at baseline was 11.5 (SD 9.1); PASI improved significantly from baseline through 3 months: mean reduction, 8.0 (SD 9.2), p < 0.001 and was maintained until 9 months: mean further reduction, 0.1 (SD 3.3), p = 0.893. The mean PBI was 2.5 (SD 1.3) and 2.8 (SD 1.1) at 3 and 9 months, respectively. A PBI ≥1 was achieved by 87.8% at 3 and 95.1% at 9 months. Overall, the department was remunerated a mean 2721.1 DKK (SD 4472.8) per patient. In subgroup analysis, the department was remunerated a mean of, respectively, 2428.6 (SD 5089.5), 2636.6 (SD 4471.3) and 3196.5 (SD 4497.1) DKK for patients with none, 1 or 2 risk factors, that is smoking or/and overweight.ConclusionsThe model evaluated herein is the first value‐based model to calculate remuneration from patient reported outcomes and showed to successfully predict the expected PBI and remunerate treatment based on whether the expected treatment goal was met or exceeded. This can be utilized in the patient‐centred management of PsO.
Open‐source hardware‐ and software‐based cryomicroscopy system for investigation of phase transitions in cryobiological research
Authors: Pakhomov Oleksandr , Shevchenko Nadiia , Chernobai Nadiia , Prokopiuk Volodymyr , Yershov Serhii , Bozhok Galyna 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe development of inexpensive equipment adapted for the study of a specific biological object is very important for cryobiology. In the presented work, we have proposed a simple system for microscopy utilising open‐source platform Arduino. Testing this system showed that it had sufficient sensitivity to determine the physical processes occurring in a cryopreserved sample such as intra‐ and extracellular water crystallisation and salt eutectic. Utilising this system, we investigated the mechanisms of cryoprotection and cryodamage of testis interstitial cells (ICs) in cryoprotective media, which included cryoprotective agents such as dimethyl sulphoxide (Me2SO), as well as foetal bovine serum or polymers (dextran, hydroxyethyl starch and polyethylene glycol). It was shown that a serum‐/xeno‐free medium that included 0.7 M Me2SO and 100 mg/mL dextran was able to reduce intracellular water crystallisation in cells, change the structure of extracellular ice, and reduce salt eutectic and recrystallisation. All these effects correlated with better IC survival after cryopreservation in the medium. This medium is potentially less toxic as it has lower concentrations of Me2SO compared to serum‐containing media developed for cryopreservation of testicular cells. This would pave a way for the creation of nontoxic serum‐free compositions that does not require removal before use of cryopreserved living cells for laboratory practice or in clinics.
A longitudinal investigation of structural empowerment profiles among healthcare employees
Authors: Cougot Baptiste , Gillet Nicolas , Morin Alexandre J. S. , Gauvin Jules , Ollierou Florian , Moret Leïla , Tripodi Dominique 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPurposeResearch on structural empowerment has typically adopted a variable‐centered perspective, which is not ideal to study the combined effects of structural empowerment components. This person‐centered investigation aims to enhance our knowledge about the configurations, or profiles, of healthcare employees' perceptions of the structural empowerment dimensions present in their workplace (opportunity, information, support, and resources). Furthermore, this study considers the replicability and stability of these profiles over a period of 2 years, and their outcomes (perceived quality of care, and positive and negative affect).DesignParticipants completed the same self‐reported questionnaires twice, 2 years apart.MethodsA sample of 633 healthcare employees (including a majority of nurses and nursing assistants) participated. Latent transition analyses were performed.ResultsFive profiles were identified: Low Empowerment, High Information, Normative, Moderately High Empowerment, and High Empowerment. Membership into the Normative and Moderately High Empowerment profiles demonstrated a high level of stability over time (79.1% to 83.2%). Membership in the other profiles was either moderately stable (43.5% for the High Empowerment profile) or relatively unstable (19.7% to 20.4% for the Low Empowerment and High Information profiles) over time. More desirable outcomes (i.e., higher positive affect and quality of care, and lower negative affect) were observed in the High Empowerment profile.ConclusionsThese results highlight the benefits of high structural empowerment, in line with prior studies suggesting that structural empowerment can act as a strong organizational resource capable of enhancing the functioning of healthcare professionals. These findings additionally demonstrate that profiles characterized by the highest or lowest levels of structural empowerment were less stable over time than those characterized by more moderate levels.Clinical RelevanceFrom an intervention perspective, organizations and managers should pay special attention to employees perceiving low levels of structural empowerment, as they experience the worst outcomes. In addition, they should try to maintain high levels of structural empowerment within the High Empowerment profile, as this profile is associated with the most desirable consequences. Such attention should be fruitful, considering the instability of the High Empowerment and Low Empowerment profiles over time.RegistrationNCT04010773 on ClinicalTrials.gov (4 July, 2019).
Agricultural intensification increases farmers' income but reduces food self‐sufficiency and bee diversity: Evidence from southeast Mexico
Authors: Vides‐Borrell Eric , Gasselin Pierre , Ferguson Bruce G. , Porter‐Bolland Luciana , Dangla‐Pelissier Tiffany , Ayvayan Simon , Vandame Rémy 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe tropical region of Hopelchén, southeastern Mexico, is a place of high contrasts in terms of the agricultural intensity of production systems and landscape configuration: It presents enormous areas of conserved forest and at the same time the highest rate of deforestation in Mexico. The consequences of agricultural intensification in this region are the subject of our research. We surveyed 80 farmers, whom we grouped into seven types, and developed an index of agricultural intensity based on sowing intensity, frequency of pesticide application and frequency of tractor use. We evaluated the economic potential and added value for farmers, such as food security and self‐sufficiency, as well as bee diversity in the agricultural intensification gradient. Our results show that agricultural intensification generates higher added value, but not economic potential, and does not necessarily lead to higher food security. However, it does negatively affect bee diversity and pollination potential, which compromises the sustainable development of the region.
The risk assessment of imminent inpatient aggression: A cross‐cultural validation study of the dynamic appraisal of situational aggression in Estonia
Authors: Lenk‐Adusoo Margit , Kangro Raul , Haring Liina 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe reason for this study was void of a data‐driven imminent risk assessment instrument for aggression in psychiatry clinics in Estonia. The predictive accuracy of the observer‐rated Dynamic Assessment of Situational Aggression (DASA) has been repeatedly demonstrated. However, the research gap remains regarding a deeper conceptual understanding of the underlying latent structure of the DASA.AimComprehensively evaluate the psychometric properties of the Estonian DASA version for cross‐cultural clinical use.MethodWe used a prospective repeated measure design and collected 6097 risk evaluations from 381 adult inpatients, 151 of whom committed 1013 aggressive incidents during the study.ResultsThe Estonian DASA version has acceptable inter‐rater reliability (Kendall's τ = 0.74) and is a useful instrument with excellent predictive validity (AUC = 0.86) for identifying potentially aggressive inpatients. In our sample, the DASA has a bi‐factorial structure which explains 83% of the total variance.DiscussionThe adapted DASA has acceptable validity and reliability indices for measuring imminent aggression risk in adult inpatient units.Implications for PracticeEvidence‐based risk assessment of aggression in psychiatric clinics enhances recognition of the signs of potentially aggressive behaviour in order to apply preventive actions and reduce aggression, thereby improving the quality of the care provided.
Menopausal hormone therapy and risk for dementia in women with CKD: A nationwide observational cohort study
Authors: Huh Hyuk , Kim Minsang , Jung Sehyun , Cho Jeong Min , Kim Seong Geun , Park Sehoon , Lee Soojin , Kang Eunjeong , Kim Yaerim , Kim Dong Ki , Joo Kwon Wook , Han Kyungdo , Cho Semin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimThe risk for dementia is increased in postmenopausal women. The incidences of premature menopause and dementia have increased in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on cognitive function may be a more critical issue for patients with CKD.MethodsWomen aged >40 years with or without HRT were identified using the 2009 National Health Screening Questionnaire. Women who were newly diagnosed with CKD between 2009 and 2013 were enrolled. HRT was used as an exposure variable, and participants were followed from the day CKD was diagnosed to December 2019. The hazard ratio (HR) for dementia was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.ResultsWe included 755 426 postmenopausal women with CKD. The median follow‐up period was 7.3 (IQR, 5.8–8.7) years. All‐cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia occurred in 107 848 (14.3%), 87 833 (11.6%), and 10 245 (1.4%) women, respectively. HRT was significantly associated with a lower risk for dementia in the adjusted Cox regression model (all‐cause dementia: HR 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78–0.82; p < 0.001; Alzheimer's disease: HR 0.80; 95% CI 0.77–0.82; p < 0.001; vascular dementia: HR 0.80; 95% CI 0.74–0.87; p < 0.001).ConclusionsHRT was significantly associated with a lower risk for CKD‐related cognitive dysfunction in postmenopausal women. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether HRT lowers the risk for dementia in menopausal women with CKD.
Maize DDK1 encoding an Importin‐4 β protein is essential for seed development and grain filling by mediating nuclear exporting of eIF1A
Authors: Huang Xing , Huang Yongcai , Qin Li , Xiao Qiao , Wang Qiong , Wang Jiechen , Wang Wenqin , Lu Xiaoduo , Wu Yongrui 
Published: December 2023

Summary

Nuclear‐cytoplasmic trafficking is crucial for protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells due to the spatial separation of transcription and translation by the nuclear envelope. However, the mechanism underlying this process remains largely unknown in plants.

In this study, we isolated a maize (Zea mays) mutant designated developmentally delayed kernel 1 (ddk1), which exhibits delayed seed development and slower filling. Ddk1 encodes a plant‐specific protein known as Importin‐4 β, and its mutation results in reduced 80S monosomes and suppressed protein synthesis.

Through our investigations, we found that DDK1 interacts with eIF1A proteins in vivo. However, in vitro experiments revealed that this interaction exhibits low affinity in the absence of RanGTP. Additionally, while the eIF1A protein primarily localizes to the cytoplasm in the wild‐type, it remains significantly retained within the nuclei of ddk1 mutants. These observations suggest that DDK1 functions as an exportin and collaborates with RanGTP to facilitate the nuclear export of eIF1A, consequently regulating endosperm development at the translational level.

Importantly, both DDK1 and eIF1A are conserved among various plant species, implying the preservation of this regulatory module across diverse plants.
Is distinct location evidence of distinct objects? Multilocation and the problem of parsimony
Authors: Harmon David 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFor an object to be multilocated is for it to wholly occupy disjoint spatial regions simultaneously. If multilocation is possible, it is possible that a multilocated particle is wholly located at 1080 distinct locations, such that it constitutes a particle‐for‐particle duplicate of the actual universe. Such a universe would presumably be perceptually identical to the actual universe. If we take multilocation as possible, we are thus presented with two accounts between which our perceptual evidence cannot adjudicate: one wherein the universe is constituted by many particles and another wherein it is constituted by one radically multilocated particle. Parsimony concerns dictate that the latter is the more rational to accept. Since this is absurd, we should reject that multilocation is possible. Mooney responds to the problem by arguing that distinct location is evidence of non‐identity, even if acceptance of the possibility of multilocation entails that this evidence is not decisive. If this is right, then the evidence favors a theory featuring many particles. In this paper, I contend that our commitment to taking distinct location as evidence of nonidentity is motivated by a more fundamental intuition that does not apply in the relevant context.