bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of frequency and density dependence are highly variable in diverse annual flowering plant communities
Authors: James Aubrie R. M. , Mayfield Margaret M. , Dwyer John M. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractApplications of ecological theory to natural communities often assume that competitive, negative density‐dependent processes are the only type of interaction important for diversity maintenance. Recent advances suggest that positive interactions within trophic levels (e.g., plant–plant) may also affect plant coexistence. Though positive plant–plant interactions theoretically might result in positive or nonmonotonic frequency or density dependence (FD/DD), less is known about how commonly these patterns occur or which ecological processes might result in such patterns in natural plant communities. In this study we tested for signals of variable frequency and density dependence in annual flowering plant communities in Western Australia and searched for evidence that interactions among plants during flowering might induce positive or nonmonotonic FD/DD in flowering plants. Using four common annual wildflower species, we ask if plant fecundity exhibited positive or nonmonotonic FD/DD and if pollinator‐mediated plant–plant interactions during flowering change patterns of FD/DD relative to pollinator‐independent plant interactions. Three species exhibited nonmonotonic (hump‐shaped) density dependence, and only one species experienced strictly negative density dependence. Each species exhibited a different pattern of frequency dependence (positive, negative, weakly nonmonotonic, and no detectable frequency dependence). Pollinator‐mediated plant–plant interactions during flowering induced both nonmonotonic density dependence and negative frequency dependence in one species. Importantly, the extent of variation in FD/DD observed in our study brings into question the dominance of negative density and frequency dependence in theory, suggesting instead that demographic responses of plants to their communities fall along a continuum of possible density‐ and frequency‐dependent patterns.
Monitoring the birds and the bees: Environmental DNA metabarcoding of flowers detects plant–animal interactions
Authors: Newton Joshua P. , Bateman Philip W. , Heydenrych Matthew J. , Kestel Joshua H. , Dixon Kingsley W. , Prendergast Kit S. , White Nicole E. , Nevill Paul 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAnimal pollinators are vital for the reproduction of ~90% of flowering plants. However, many of these pollinating species are experiencing declines globally, making effective pollinator monitoring methods more important than ever before. Pollinators can leave DNA on the flowers they visit, and metabarcoding of these environmental DNA (eDNA) traces provides an opportunity to detect the presence of flower visitors. Our study, collecting flowers from seven plant species with diverse floral morphologies, for eDNA metabarcoding analysis, illustrated the value of this novel survey tool. eDNA metabarcoding using three assays, including one developed in this study to target common bush birds, recorded more animal species visiting flowers than visual surveys conducted concurrently, including birds, bees, and other species. We also recorded the presence of a flower visit from a western pygmy possum; to our knowledge this is the first eDNA metabarcoding study to simultaneously identify the interaction of insect, mammal, and bird species with flowers. The highest diversity of taxa was detected on large inflorescence flower types found on Banksia arborea and Grevillea georgeana. The study demonstrates that the ease of sample collection and the robustness of the metabarcoding methodology has profound implications for future management of biodiversity, allowing us to monitor both plants and their attendant cohort of potential pollinators. This opens avenues for rapid and efficient comparison of biodiversity and ecosystem health between different sites and may provide insights into surrogate pollinators in the event of pollinator declines.
Acute myocarditis with transient myocardial thickening in two oncologic patients treated with anti‐GD2 immunotherapy
Authors: Aurensanz‐Clemente Esther , Pérez Casares Álex , Muñoz Juan Pablo , García‐Canadilla Patricia , Zuccarino Flavio , Sanchez‐de‐Toledo Joan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractImmunotherapy has considerably improved clinical outcomes in different types of cancers but has also been associated with the development of myocarditis, especially with that mediated by immune checkpoint inhibitors. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first cases of myocarditis after anti‐GD2 immunotherapy reported to date. We present two cases of paediatric patients who, after anti‐GD2 infusion, presented severe myocarditis with myocardial hypertrophy detected on echocardiography and confirmed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. An increase in myocardial T1 and extracellular volume of up to 30% was observed with heterogeneous intramyocardial late enhancement. Myocarditis after anti‐GD2 immunotherapy may be more common than appreciated, occurs early after starting treatment, has a malignant course, and responds to higher steroid doses.
Measures of infant self‐regulation during the first year of life: A systematic review
Authors: Pinto Tiago Miguel , Figueiredo Bárbara 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to systematically review the measures used to assess infant self‐regulation during the first 12 months of life. This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis statement protocol. From 235 selected papers, 79 provided information on behavioural and physiological measures to assess infant self‐regulation during the first 12 months of life. Thirty‐six behavioural (30 observational and 6 parent‐report) and five physiological different measures were identified. Studies with a longitudinal design, comprising larger samples, and aiming to assess infant self‐regulation later in infancy, mostly used behavioural measures than physiological measures. Studies comprising lower samples and aiming to assess infant self‐regulation earlier in infancy, mostly used observational than parent‐reported measures. Studies targeting younger infants used physiological measures and studies targeting older infants used behavioural measures, with observational measures used with younger infants and parental‐reported measures used with older infants during the first year of life. When measuring self‐regulation is important to consider infant's age, to fit the measurement procedures with the self‐regulation development level.
Violence in the health care workplace and ERM solutions
Authors: Naglee Colleen 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMany health care workers are subject to violence at work on a frequent basis. This article will define different types of violence in the workplace and outline the current scope of the issue. There are a myriad of laws and regulations that apply including OSHA, Joint Commission, state and potentially new federal legislation. Violence in the health care workplace is an exceedingly complex issue that is well suited to enterprise risk management (ERM) solutions. A sample framework for an ERM solution will be explored. Health care organizations should strongly consider use of ERM to address workplace violence based on their unique risks.
Feasibility and acceptability of a virtual clinical pharmacy service for elective orthopaedic inpatients in an Australian metropolitan hospital
Authors: Chambers Brett , Allan Julaine , Webster Emma , Packer Anna , Nott Shannon 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundVirtual healthcare services are usually provided from urban centres to outpatient clinics or underserved rural areas. This study utilises virtual pharmacy as an innovative model to provide services to a metropolitan hospital from a rural area.AimThis study assesses the feasibility, and patient and staff acceptability of a Virtual Clinical Pharmacy Service (VCPS) in a tertiary metropolitan hospital ward with limited on‐site clinical pharmacy services.MethodPharmacists from a rural health district provided telepharmacy services for nine weeks. Data on service provision and detection of medication‐related issues were captured in the electronic health record. Service acceptability was assessed through a staff focus group and patient acceptability by a patient‐reported experience measures (PREM) survey. Ethical approval was granted by the Greater Western Human Research Ethics Committee (Reference no: 2021/ETH00097).ResultsThe VCPS demonstrated high utilisation, with 535 clinical and medication reviews provided for 225 patients. Virtual medication reviews identified 151 medication‐related issues or recommendations. PREM surveys (n = 22) were supportive of the VCPS model. Staff valued the service and reported ease of access to specialist medication advice and confidence that patient medications were correct. Staff raised patient confidentiality in open wards and lack of experience using virtual healthcare as barriers to the implementation.ConclusionFeasibility was demonstrated by high service utilisation, detection of medication‐related issues, and measures of acceptability from patients and staff. The VCPS offers a solution to enhance sustainability and service agility by delivery of clinical services when face‐to‐face is not practicable or available. Further research is required to demonstrate efficacy and to confirm patient acceptability.
Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sickle Cell Disease: Demographic and Polysomnographic Features
Authors: Abijay Claire A. , Kemper W. Craig , Pham An , Johnson Romaine F. , Mitchell Ron B. 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). We compared the demographic, clinical, and polysomnographic characteristics of children with and without SCD.MethodsThis retrospective chart review included children with SCD (n = 89) and without SCD (n = 192) ages 1–18 years referred for polysomnography (PSG) for OSA.ResultsChildren with SCD were predominantly African American when compared to the non‐SCD group (95% vs. 28%, p < 0.001). The non‐SCD group had a higher BMI z‐score (1.3 vs. 0.1, p < 0.001) and a higher percentage of patients classified as obese (52% vs. 13%, p < 0.001). In children with SCD, 43% had severe OSA and 5.6% had no OSA. In the non‐SCD group, 67% had severe OSA and 4.7% had no OSA. The SCD compared to the non‐SCD group had a lower mean apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) (13.6 vs. 22.4, p = 0.006) but a higher percent sleep time below 90% oxygen saturation (10.5% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.001). Predicted probability for severe OSA in children with SCD decreased with increasing age (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.70–0.93).ConclusionChildren with SCD referred for PSG are at risk for severe OSA. Compared with the non‐SCD group, most children were African American with lower rates of obesity and lower AHIs but longer periods of nocturnal hypoxemia. Likelihood for severe OSA decreased with increasing age for the SCD group.Level of Evidence3, retrospective comparative study Laryngoscope, 133:1766–1772, 2023
Microbiome and Th cytokines association in chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyp
Authors: Zhu ZhongShou , Lan Jiao , Wei Rifu , Xu Yangbin , Hong Yiyun , Bao Weijing , He Guanwen 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a common disease in otorhinolaryngology, seriously affects the life quality of patients. The existing therapy has certain limitations, and it is very urgent to deeply explore the pathogenesis and classification of CRS. Microbiome and inflammation are considered the causes of CRS, but the precise roles and the associations between these two factors in the pathogenesis of CRS remain controversial.MethodsSecretions were collected from the middle nasal canal, maxillary sinus and ethmoid sinus in CRS patients, then subjected to 16 S rRNA gene sequencing to profile microbiota community. Operational Taxonomic Units clustering and species annotation were adopted to obtain species diversity, prevalence rate and average relative abundance. Comparisons were performed at the level of microbial species and genus between CRS and control using NMDS, Anosim and MetaStat analysis. Th1 cytokines and Th2 cytokines were detected by ELISA. Spearman analysis were adopted to probe into the correlation between Th cytokines and microbial species in CRS.ResultsThirty‐seven patients were enrolled, among them 22 with CRS and 15 were controls. The most abundant genera were Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus no matter in CRS patients or control. Corynebacterium propinquum was significant decreased in CRS patients no matter with nasal polyp or not. The abundances of Prevotella birria and Carnobacterium maltaromaticum were significantly different between CRSsNP and CRSwNP group. The levels of cytokines IL‐2, TNF‐α, IFN‐ɣ, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10 were all increased in CRS patients. The cytokines levels were associated with specific microbial species in nasal tissue.ConclusionThe changes of species richness and complexity in nasal microbiome were obvious in CRS patients with nasal polyps or not. The different cytokines levels and microbiome between CRS patients without nasal polyps and patients with nasal polyps suggest heterogeneity in pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis. Distinct microbiota and different cytokines were strongly linked in CRS.Level of EvidenceNA.
Strategies to enhance physical activity in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Delphi survey
Authors: Thomas Rachel , Berry Alice , Swales Caroline , Cramp Fiona 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntroductionManaging symptoms, resisting functional decline and maintaining health and independence are key motivators for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) who successfully engage with physical activity (PA). To inform PA support for people with RA the aim was to determine whether the broader RA population share similar beliefs and strategies regarding PA to those who report successful engagement.MethodsA modified two‐stage Delphi approach. 200 patients from four National Health Service rheumatology departments received a postal questionnaire containing statements relating to engagement with PA derived from prior interview data from physically active individuals with RA. Statements rated as agree or strongly agree by >50% of respondents were retained and the same respondents asked to rate and prioritize potential PA intervention components.Ethical approval: Oxford C Research Ethics Committee (ref 13/SC/0418).ResultsQuestionnaire one received 49 responses (11 males, 37 females, 1 unknown), mean age 65 years (range 29–82). Low levels of PA were reported by 60% of respondents. Questionnaire two responses (n = 36) indicated that a PA intervention should include information about prevention of RA symptoms worsening and benefits of PA for joints; help participants to achieve improved pain management and a feeling of being in control of their RA. For PA maintenance it was important that medication controlled symptoms, and PA instructors understood RA to ensure safety.ConclusionsA key factor to consider when designing a PA intervention for people with RA is that education from a knowledgeable instructor should underpin programme delivery alongside effective medication. Programmes may need tailoring based on demographics; this should be explored in future studies.
Is adiposity associated with white matter microstructural health and intelligence differently in males and females?
Authors: Patel Arjun , Chad Jordan A. , Chen J. Jean 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe role of vascular risk factors in age‐related brain degeneration has long been the subject of intense study, but the role of obesity remains understudied. Given known sex differences in fat storage and usage, this study investigates sex differences in the association between adiposity and white matter microstructural integrity, an important early marker of brain degeneration.MethodsThis study assesses the associations between adiposity (abdominal fat ratio and liver proton density fat fraction) and brain health (measures of intelligence and white matter microstructure using diffusion‐tensor imaging [DTI]) in a group of UK Biobank participants.ResultsThis study finds that intelligence and DTI metrics are indeed associated with adiposity differently in males and females. These sex differences are distinct from those in the associations of DTI metrics with age and blood pressure.ConclusionsTaken together, these findings suggest that there are inherent sex‐driven differences in how brain health is associated with obesity.
Tracheal Mirror Image Artifact in Patients With Normal and Pathologic Tracheas
Authors: Nicholas Grace E. , Dahl John P. , Otjen Jeffrey P. , Richardson Clare M. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractUltrasonography is gaining popularity as a diagnostic imaging modality for airway pathology. Tracheal ultrasound (US) has several nuances that are important for clinicians, including imaging artifacts, which can be mistaken for pathology. Tracheal mirror image artifacts (TMIAs) occur when the US beam is reflected back to the transducer in a nonliner direction or with multiple timesteps. It has previously been believed that the convexity of the tracheal cartilage prevents mirror image artifacts, but in reality, the air column acts as an acoustic mirror and causes TMIA. We describe a cohort of patients with both normal and pathologic tracheas, all of whom have TMIA on the tracheal US. These artifacts are important to recognize, especially as the airway US becomes more commonplace.
Analysis of an Expanded Targeted Early Cytomegalovirus Testing Program
Authors: Suarez Daniel , Nielson Christopher , McVicar Stephanie B. , Sidesinger Max , Ostrander Betsy , O'Brien Elizabeth , Ampofo Krow , Ling Con Y. , Miner Lonnie J. , Park Albert H. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveDetermine the detection rate from an expanded targeted early cytomegalovirus (CMV) testing program implemented from a large healthcare system (Intermountain Healthcare, IHC).Study DesignRetrospective review.SettingTertiary medical center.MethodsAn electronic system was modified to include indications for testing whenever a provider placed an order for CMV testing. A retrospective analysis of this database was performed.ResultsFrom March 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022, there were 3450 (8.8%) patients who underwent CMV testing out of 39,245 total live births within the IHC system. Since the formal implementation of this program in 2019, annual CMV testing has increased almost 10‐fold: 2668 CMV tests were performed in 2021 compared to 289 CMV tests in 2015. The most frequent indication for congenital CMV (cCMV) testing was small for gestational age (SGA) (68.2%), followed by macrocephaly (13.5%), an abnormal hearing test (5.0%), and microcephaly (4.4%). Fourteen cCMV‐infected infants were diagnosed all of them meeting the criteria for symptomatic cCMV. The most common indication resulting in a positive diagnosis was those who presented with SGA (n = 10 patients). The positivity rate would result in a prevalence of 35.7 symptomatic cCMV cases diagnosed per 100,000 live births, numbers comparable to those expected for universal cCMV screening.ConclusionAn expanded targeted early cCMV testing program may improve detection rates of symptomatic cCMV cases and should be considered as a feasible alternative approach to universal or hearing‐targeted early CMV testing.
Quality of life of early‐stage breast‐cancer patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 in the first three waves of the epidemic treated in the Spanish region of Navarre
Authors: Arraras Juan Ignacio , Illarramendi Jose Juan , Manterola Ana , Cruz Susana de la , Zarandona Uxue , Ibañez Berta , Salgado Esteban , Visus Ignacio , Barrado Marta , Teijeira Lucia , Martinez Enrique , Vera Ruth 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the Quality of Life (QOL) of breast‐cancer patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 and analyse its evolution, compare the QOL of these patients according to the COVID‐19 wave in which they were diagnosed, and examine the clinical and demographic determinants of QOL.MethodsA total of 260 patients with breast cancer (90.8% I‐III stages) and COVID‐19 (85% light/moderate) were included (February‐September 2021) in this study. Most patients were receiving anticancer treatment (mainly hormonotherapy). Patients were grouped according to the date of COVID‐19 diagnosis: first wave (March‐May 2020, 85 patients), second wave (June‐December 2020, 107 patients) and third wave (January‐September 2021, 68 patients). Quality of Life was assessed 10 months, 7 months, and 2 weeks after these dates, respectively. Patients completed QLQ‐C30, QLQ‐BR45, and Oslo COVID‐19 QLQ‐PW80 twice over four months. Patients ≥65 also completed QLQ‐ELD14. The QOL of each group and changes in QOL for the whole sample were compared (non‐parametric tests). Multivariate logistic regression identified patient characteristics related to (1) low global QOL and (2) changes in Global QOL between assessments.ResultsModerate limitations (>30 points) appeared in the first assessment in Global QOL, sexual scales, three QLQ‐ELD14 scales, and 13 symptoms and emotional COVID‐19 areas. Differences between the COVID‐19 groups appeared in two QLQ‐C30 areas and four QLQ‐BR45 areas. Quality of Life improvements between assessments appeared in six QLQ‐C30, four QLQ‐BR45 and 18 COVID‐19 questionnaire areas. The best multivariate model to explain global QOL combined emotional functioning, fatigue, endocrine treatment, gastrointestinal symptoms, and targeted therapy (R2 = 0.393). The best model to explain changes in global QOL combined physical and emotional functioning, malaise, and sore eyes (R2 = 0.575).ConclusionsPatients with breast cancer and COVID‐19 adapted well to illness. The few differences between wave‐based groups (differences in follow‐up notwithstanding) may have arisen because the second and third waves saw fewer COVID restrictions, more positive COVID information, and more vaccinated patients.
Cooperative multiple elastic‐joint arms control using the (p, q)‐analogue of Bernstein operators as the uncertainty approximator
Authors: Bayat Karim , Izadbakhsh Alireza 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis paper presents the position‐force tracking control problem of cooperative multiple elastic‐joint robotic arms, encountering model nonlinearities, unknown perturbations, and dynamic uncertainties. To this mean, an adaptive function approximation technique (FAT) is proposed, authorizing the reference trajectory to be tracked by the object. This potential originates from the universal approximation feature of the FAT‐based methodologies. The (p,q)‐analogue of the Bernstein operators is utilized for this purpose. Since the systems' parameters are not precisely known, adaptive laws are employed for adjusting the uncertainty coefficients. The Lyapunov stability theorem assures that all signals in the error space remain uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB). In the end, two elastic‐joint arms carrying a rigid object are utilized for validation of the theoretical outcomes. The suggested strategy is also compared to the Chebyshev neural network (CNN). The results show the benefit of the existing method, managing the system even in the presence of disturbances and uncertainties with lower tuning parameters compared with CNN.