bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population structure and genomic footprints of selection in five major Iranian horse breeds
Authors: Salek Ardestani Siavash , Zandi Mohammad Bagher , Vahedi Seyed Milad , Janssens Steven 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe genetic structure and characteristics of Iranian native breeds are yet to be comprehensibly investigated and studied. Therefore, we employed genomic information of 364 Iranian native horses representing the Asil (n = 109), Caspian (n = 40), Dareshuri (n = 44), Kurdish (n = 95), and Turkoman (n = 76) breeds to reveal the genetic structure and characteristics. For these and 19 other horse breeds, principal component analysis, Bayesian model‐based, Neighbor‐Net, and bootstrap‐based TreeMix approaches were applied to investigate and compare their genetic structure. Additionally, three haplotype‐based methods including haplotype homozygosity pooled, integrated haplotype score, and number of segregating sites by length were applied to trace genomic footprints of selection of Asil, Caspian, Dareshuri, Kurdish, and Turkoman groups. Then, the Mahalanobis distance based on the negative‐log10 rank‐based P‐values was estimated based on the haplotype homozygosity pooled, integrated haplotype score, and number of segregating sites by length values. Asil, Caspian, Dareshuri, Kurdish, and Turkoman can be categorized into five different genetic clusters. Based on the top 1% of Mahalanobis distance based on the negative‐log10 rank‐based P‐values of SNPs, we identified 24 SNPs formerly reported to be associated with different traits and >100 genes undergoing selection pressures in Asil, Caspian, Dareshuri, Kurdish, and Turkoman. The detected QTL undergoing selection pressures were associated with withers height, equine metabolic syndrome, overall body size, insect bite hypersensitivity, guttural pouch tympany, white markings, Rhodococcus equi infection, jumping test score, alternate gaits, and body weight traits. Our findings will aid to have a better perspective of the genetic characteristics and population structure of Asil, Caspian, Dareshuri, Kurdish, and Turkoman horses as Iranian native horse breeds.
The impact of no‐till on agricultural land values in the United States Midwest
Authors: Chen Le , Rejesus Roderick M. , Aglasan Serkan , Hagen Stephen , Salas William 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of no‐till practice on agricultural land values in the United States (US) Midwest. Two county‐level panel data sets—the agricultural census farmland value data and the Iowa Farmland Values Survey data—are separately merged with a novel satellite‐based data set on no‐till adoption rates to achieve the study objective. Based on linear fixed effect econometric models, recently developed “external‐instrument‐free” estimation procedures, and a number of robustness checks, we find that increasing no‐till adoption rates has a statistically significant positive effect on agricultural land values at the county level. Results from the empirical analysis support the notion that economic and environmental benefits from adopting soil conservation practices, such as no‐till, are likely capitalized into higher farmland values.
A Practical Guide to Counterfactual Estimators for Causal Inference with Time‐Series Cross‐Sectional Data
Authors: Liu Licheng , Wang Ye , Xu Yiqing 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis paper introduces a simple framework of counterfactual estimation for causal inference with time‐series cross‐sectional data, in which we estimate the average treatment effect on the treated by directly imputing counterfactual outcomes for treated observations. We discuss several novel estimators under this framework, including the fixed effects counterfactual estimator, interactive fixed effects counterfactual estimator and matrix completion estimator. They provide more reliable causal estimates than conventional two‐way fixed effects models when treatment effects are heterogeneous or unobserved time‐varying confounders exist. Moreover, we propose a new dynamic treatment effects plot, along with several diagnostic tests, to help researchers gauge the validity of the identifying assumptions. We illustrate these methods with two political economy examples and develop an open‐source package, fect, in both R and Stata to facilitate implementation.
Applying systems leadership and participatory action research in developing a water contamination management tool
Authors: Grey Paul , Bettiol Silvana , Quinn Wendy 
Published: August 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis research used systems leadership to explore stakeholder engagement regarding requirements, incentives and barriers to adopting a faecal source tracking method to identify contamination sources in surface waters.SettingThe research comprised two branches, one quantitative, conducted in a food and water laboratory; the other qualitative, conducted within stakeholder organisations and meeting premises.ParticipantsTen stakeholder representatives participated in semi‐structured interviews and ten in a focus group. Seven individuals participated in both activities while three who were interviewed were replaced by alternate representatives for the focus group.DesignA multimethod participatory action research project was completed, with a quantitative trial of a microbial source tracking method conducted concurrently with two iterations of qualitative research into the needs of the stakeholder system through semi‐structured interviews and a focus group.ResultsThematic analysis of stakeholder interviews yielded key incentive and barrier themes, while the laboratory trial created a comparison library and tested the efficacy of the laboratory method. The focus group further explored key themes and identified requirements for collaborative effort across the system, and the need to address misinterpretation of statistical associations.ConclusionSystems leadership was effective in exploring stakeholder interest in the proposed faecal source tracking method. Two iterations of qualitative research helped to identify the needs of individual stakeholders, and then develop collective strategies for addressing the critical incentives and barriers.
Nocebo language in anaesthetic patient written information
Authors: Guscoth L. B. , Cyna A. M. 
Published: August 2022

SummaryRecent evidence suggests that how anaesthesia information is presented may influence patient treatment outcomes. We conducted an observational study of anaesthetic‐based patient information leaflets across NHS Trusts in England for their nocebo terms vs. therapeutic terms, and how adverse effects were presented. In this study, ‘nocebo’ is wording that may predispose the patient to expect adverse events such as pain or nausea. Data were extracted and analysed for word frequency, weighted proportion and thematic analysis. In total, 42 patient information leaflets from 61 NHS Trusts were analysed. ‘Pain’ was the second most common word across the leaflets, median (IQR [range]) 0.82 (0.50–1.0 [0.12–1.47]) per 100 words, second only to ‘anaesthesia’. In comparison, ‘safe’ was the most common positively valanced word which featured eight times less frequently than ‘pain’ 0.10 (0.07–0.18 [0.0–0.84]) and ‘comfort’ featured 16.5 times less than ‘pain’ 0.02 (0.0–0.05 [0.0–0.13]). Multiple examples of phrasing that could have potential nocebo effects included, ‘you will need strong painkillers’ suggesting ‘strong pain’ and the need for ‘painkillers’ rather than using therapeutic terms focusing on ‘comfort’, ‘healing’ and ‘recovery’. Our results suggest a dominance of phrases with negative content in the presentation of anaesthesia information provided to patients. Clinicians need to be aware of inadvertent generation of nocebo‐weighted vs. comfort‐weighted communication with patients. Our study findings suggest an opportunity for more emphasis to be placed on therapeutic outcomes and effective mitigation strategies of anaesthesia risks to avoid potential unintended nocebo effects of anaesthesia information leaflets or websites.
Validity and success rate of noninvasive mean arterial blood pressure measurements in cf‐LVAD patients: A technical review
Authors: Lankheet Steven , Pieterse Martijn M. , Rijnhout Robin , Tuerlings Emma , Oppelaar Anne‐Marie C. , van Laake Linda W. , Ramjankhan Faiz Z. , Westerhof Berend E. , Oerlemans Marish I. F. J. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe life expectancy of patients with a continuous flow left ventricular assist device (cf‐LVAD) is increasing. Adequate determination and regulation of mean arterial pressure (MAP) is important to prevent adverse events. Given the low pulsatility characteristics in these patients, standard blood pressure equipment is inadequate to monitor MAP and not recommended. We provide an overview of currently available noninvasive techniques, using an extensive search strategy in three online databases (Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar) to find validation studies using invasive intra‐arterial blood pressure measurement as a reference. Mean differences with the reference values smaller than 5 ± 8 mm Hg were considered acceptable.ObservationsAfter deduplication, screening, and exclusion of incorrect sources, eleven studies remained with 3139 successful MAP measurements in 386 patients. Four noninvasive techniques, using Doppler, pulse oximetry, finger cuff volume clamp, or slow upper arm cuff deflation, were identified and evaluated for validity and success rate in cf‐LVAD patients. Here, a comprehensive technical background of the blood pressure measurement methods is provided in combination with a clinical use comparison. Of the reported noninvasive techniques, slow cuff devices performed most optimally (mean difference 1.3 ± 5.2 mm Hg).ConclusionsOur results are encouraging and indicate that noninvasive blood pressure monitoring options with acceptable validity and success rate are available. Further technical development and validation is warranted for the growing population of patients on long‐term cf‐LVAD support.
Supervisors' interpersonal styles: An integrative perspective and a measure based on self‐determination theory
Authors: Huyghebaert‐Zouaghi Tiphaine , Morin Alexandre J. S. , Ntoumanis Nikos , Berjot Sophie , Gillet Nicolas 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis research addresses recent calls for an alternative integrative framework to apprehend leaders' behaviors and examines the validity ofaquestionnaire anchored in this theoretical approach. Building upon Self‐Determination Theory, we examined a tripartite approach of supervisors' behaviors (supportive, thwarting, and indifferent toward subordinates' psychological needs). The psychometric properties of this Tripartite Measure of Interpersonal Behaviors‐Supervisor (TMIB‐S) were tested through three studies. Results from bifactor exploratory structural equation modeling supported a solution including one global factor and three specific factors reflecting need supportive, thwarting, and indifferent behaviors. This solution was fully invariant across distinct samples of French‐ and English‐speaking employees. Results also supported the criterion‐related and discriminant validity of the TMIB‐S. More specifically, results supported the added‐value of the TMIB‐S, when compared to well‐established measures of leadership (passive leadership, abusive supervision, LMX, and tranformational leadership) in predicting well‐ and ill‐being. Results also highlighted well‐differentiated effects of the different components of supervisory behaviors and showed that supervisors' need indifferent behaviors constitute a key piece in the prediction of employees' health‐related consequences.
Duodenal CD8+ T resident memory cell apoptosis contributes to gut barrier dysfunction and microbial translocation in early alcohol‐associated liver disease in humans
Authors: Maccioni Luca , Loriot Axelle , Dewulf Joseph , Bommer Guido , Horsmans Yves , Lanthier Nicolas , Leclercq Isabelle , Schnabl Bernd , Stärkel Peter 
Published: August 2022

SummaryBackgroundIntestinal T cells are key in gut barrier function. Their role in early stages of alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) remain unknown.AimTo explore the links between intestinal T cells, microbial translocation and ALDMethodsPatients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) following a rehabilitation programme were compared to subjects with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and healthy controls. Clinical and laboratory data (liver stiffness, controlled attenuation parameter, AST, ALT, K18‐M65) served to identify AUD patients with isolated steatosis (minimal liver disease) or steatohepatitis/fibrosis (ALD). Serum microbial translocation markers were measured by ELISA, duodenal and plasma levels of sphingolipids by targeted LC–MS. T lymphocytes in duodenal biopsies were characterised by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and RNA sequencing on FACS‐sorted cells. Mechanisms for T‐cell alterations were assessed in vitro.ResultsPatients with ALD, but not those with minimal liver disease, showed reduced numbers of duodenal CD8+ T resident memory (TRM) cells compared to controls or patients with NAFLD. TRM transcriptomic analysis, in vitro analyses and pharmacological inhibition of cathepsin B confirmed TRM apoptosis driven by lysosomal membrane permeabilisation and cathepsin B release into the cytosol. Altered lipid metabolism and increased duodenal and plasma sphingolipids correlated with apoptosis. Dihydroceramide dose‐dependently reduced viability of TRM. Duodenal TRM phenotypic changes, apoptosis and transcriptomic alterations correlated with increased levels of microbial translocation markers. Short‐term abstinence did not reverse TRM cell death in patients with ALD.ConclusionsDuodenal CD8+ TRM apoptosis related to functional changes in lysosomes and lipid metabolism points to impaired gut adaptive immunity specifically in patients with AUD who developed early ALD.
Modelling inflammatory biomarker dynamics in a human lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge study using delay differential equations
Authors: Liu Feiyan , Aulin Linda B. S. , Guo Tingjie , Krekels Elke H. J. , Moerland Matthijs , van der Graaf Piet H. , van Hasselt Johan G. C. 
Published: August 2022

Clinical studies in healthy volunteers challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a constituent of the cell wall of Gram‐negative bacteria, represent a key model to characterize the Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)‐mediated inflammatory response. Here, we developed a mathematical modelling framework to quantitatively characterize the dynamics and inter‐individual variability of multiple inflammatory biomarkers in healthy volunteer LPS challenge studies. Data from previously reported LPS challenge studies were used, which included individual‐level time‐course data for tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), interleukin 8 (IL‐8) and C‐reactive protein (CRP). A one‐compartment model with first‐order elimination was used to capture the LPS kinetics. The relationships between LPS and inflammatory markers was characterized using indirect response (IDR) models. Delay differential equations were applied to quantify the delays in biomarker response profiles. For LPS kinetics, our estimates of clearance and volume of distribution were 35.7 L h−1 and 6.35 L, respectively. Our model adequately captured the dynamics of multiple inflammatory biomarkers. The time delay for the secretion of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐8 were estimated to be 0.924, 1.46 and 1.48 h, respectively. A second IDR model was used to describe the induced changes of CRP in relation to IL‐6, with a delayed time of 4.2 h. The quantitative models developed in this study can be used to inform design of clinical LPS challenge studies and may help to translate preclinical LPS challenge studies to humans.
Sustainable global health practice: An ethical imperative?
Authors: Pratt Bridget 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWe are in the midst of a crisis of climate change and environmental degradation that will only get worse, unless significant changes are rapidly made. Globally, the healthcare sector causes a large share of our total environmental footprint: 4.4% of greenhouse gases. Sustainable healthcare has emerged as a way for healthcare sectors in high‐income countries to help mitigate climate change by reducing their emissions. Whether global health should be sustainable and what ethical grounds might exist to support such a claim are not questions that have been investigated. The paper argues that global health practice—the delivery of health services to underserved populations in resource‐poor areas of the world—should be sustainable as a matter of climate justice and solidarity. Reducing climate change‐related risks and harms for the vulnerable is integral to the mission of global health and thus it is necessary to consider the climate impact of its practice. The field has a duty to provide sustainable health services that are responsive to climate change‐related changes in the local burden of disease and to build sustainable health system infrastructure. Specific responsibilities for global health funders, managers, and implementers to uphold the duty are proposed. To conclude, the paper considers what limits might be placed on the duty to deliver sustainable global healthcare.
Expert identification for ethics expertise informed by feminist epistemology—Using awareness of biases and situated ignorance as an indicator of trustworthiness
Authors: Gauckler Charlotte 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe notion of moral expertise poses a variety of challenges concerning both the question of existence of such experts and their identification by laypeople. I argue for a view of ethics expertise, based on moral understanding instead of on moral knowledge, that is less robust than genuine moral expertise and that does not rely on deference to testimony. I propose identification criteria that focus mainly on the awareness and communication of implicit biases and situated ignorance. According to the account of ethics expertise presented in this paper, the expert's testimony is not an epistemic reason for the layperson's belief, but merely an epistemic influence. The epistemic reasons for the layperson's belief are largely independent from the expert. But there is still some epistemic risk involved in the proposed method of knowledge transfer, and therefore criteria for the identification of a trustworthy expert are necessary. The risk involved in knowledge transfer can be both due to willful manipulation and due to the expert's implicit biases and situated ignorance. While willful manipulation cannot really be avoided, the influence from biases and ignorance can be minimized. I argue that the best way to do this is if the expert is aware of their own biases and ignorance and communicates them. Combined with evidence of the expert's education in moral philosophy and experience with the topic in question, this gives the layperson the best chance to identify someone who can really help them consider all relevant aspects of a situation and come to a better justified decision.
Understanding the barriers and facilitators to using self‐sampling packs for sexually transmitted infections and blood‐borne viruses: Thematic analyses for intervention optimization
Authors: Flowers Paul , Vojt Gabriele , Pothoulaki Maria , Mapp Fiona , Woode Owusu Melvina , Estcourt Claudia , Cassell Jackie A. , Saunders John 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPurposeSelf‐sampling packs for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood‐borne viruses (BBVs) are widely offered. There are ongoing problems with reach and sample return rates. The packs have arisen without formal intervention development. This paper illustrates initial steps of an intervention optimization process to improve the packs.MethodsEleven focus groups and seven interviews were conducted with convenience samples of patients recruited from sexual health clinics and members of the public (n = 56). To enable intervention optimization, firstly, we conducted an inductive appraisal of the behavioural system of using the pack to understand meaningful constituent behavioural domains. Subsequently, we conducted a thematic analysis of barriers and facilitators to enacting each sequential behavioural domain in preparation for future behaviour change wheel analysis.ResultsOverall, we found that self‐sampling packs were acceptable. Participants understood their overall logic and value as a pragmatic intervention that simultaneously facilitated and reduced barriers to individuals being tested for STIs and BBVs. However, at the level of each behavioural domain (e.g., reading leaflets, returning samples) problems with the pack were identified, as well as a series of potential optimizations, which might widen the reach of self‐sampling and increase the return of viable samples.ConclusionsThis paper provides an example of a pragmatic approach to optimizing an intervention already widely offered globally. The paper demonstrates the added value health psychological approaches offer; conceptualizing interventions in behavioural terms, pinpointing granular behavioural problems amenable for systematic further improvement.
Review: System transformation to enhance transitional age youth mental health – a scoping review
Authors: Adu Joseph , Oudshoorn Abe , Van Berkum Amy , Pervez Romaisa , Norman Ross , Canas Eugenia , Virdee Michelle , Yosieph Lily , MacDougall Arlene G. 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundYouth mental health challenges are an emerging and persistent global public health issue despite efforts for improvement. As part of a broader social innovation study to transform youth mental health systems, this scoping review assesses interventions that aim for systems‐level changes to improve the mental well‐being of transitional age youth (TAY) (15–25 years) in high‐income countries.MethodsThe scoping review method of Arksey and O'Malley (International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8, 2005, 19) was used. Seven health and social service databases were utilized with study inclusion criteria applied. Titles and abstracts were screened by two independent reviewers, and four members of the research team were involved in the review and thematic analysis of selected studies.ResultsA total of 5652 peer‐reviewed articles were screened at the title and abstract level, of which 65 were assessed in full for eligibility, and 29 were included for final analysis. The peer‐reviewed articles and gray literature were based in seven different high‐income countries and published between 2008 and 2019. Four major themes to support youth mental health were identified in the literature: (a) improving transitions from youth to adult mental healthcare services; (b) moving care from institutions to the community; (c) general empowerment of youth in society; and (d) youth voice within the system. Inconsistent or limited systems‐level approaches to TAY mental health care were noted.ConclusionsThere remains a need for innovative, evidence‐based approaches to improve TAY mental health care.