bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Small mammals reduce distance dependence and increase seed predation risk in tropical rainforest fragments
Authors: Krishnan Aparna , Osuri Anand M. , Krishnadas Meghna 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSeed predation and reduced predation risk with distance from conspecific trees are important influences on tree regeneration in tropical forests. Shifts in animal communities, such as an increase in rodents and other small mammals due to forest fragmentation, could alter patterns of seed predation and affect tree regeneration and community dynamics in forest fragments. We performed a field experiment on four native rainforest tree species in the Western Ghats, India, to test whether fragmentation increases seed predation by mammals and alters the distance dependence of seed predation. We monitored seed predation within open and mammal exclosure plots, near and far from the canopies of conspecific trees, in contiguous and fragmented forests. Seed predation of Cullenia exarillata, Ormosia travancorica, and Syzygium rubicundum was markedly higher in forest fragments, and more so within open plots than exclosures, while the predominantly insect‐predated Acronychia pedunculata experienced similar predation in contiguous forests and fragments. Seed predation of C. exarillata and S. rubicundum was unrelated to distance from conspecific trees in open plots in both contiguous forests and fragments, in contrast to exclosures that showed marked near versus far differences in seed predation. Our findings suggest that by increasing overall seed predation risk and imposing similar seed predation risk near and far from adults variably across the tree species, small mammals could alter processes that shape tree diversity and species composition in fragmented tropical rainforests.
Rituximab pediatric drug development: Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling to inform regulatory approval for rituximab treatment in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis or microscopic polyangiitis
Authors: Jamois Candice , Gibiansky Leonid , Chavanne Clarisse , Cheu Melissa , Lehane Patricia B. , Pordeli Pooneh , Melega Simone , Gaudreault Jacques 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAnti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitides granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) are rare, potentially organ‐ and life‐threatening autoimmune conditions affecting adult and pediatric patients. An open‐label phase II study was conducted to determine safe and effective dosing regimens of rituximab in pediatric patients with GPA/MPA. To determine the selection of an appropriate dose regimen in children for induction and maintenance, a population pharmacokinetic approach was used (nonlinear mixed‐effect modeling), combining pediatric data with data from adults with GPA/MPA. The time course of B‐cell depletion was assessed in both populations. The exposure‐effect relationship was assessed by logistic regression. Twenty‐five pediatric patients (80% female patients; age range, 6–17 years) were enrolled in the trial and received the induction regimen of intravenous rituximab 375 mg/m2 weekly for 4 weeks, which resulted in a similar exposure to that of adults. Based on pharmacokinetic modeling, a maintenance dosing regimen of 250 mg/m2 administered twice over 14 days followed by 250 mg/m2 every 6 months is expected to result in similar rituximab exposure as that of adults receiving the approved maintenance dose of 500 mg administered twice over 14 days followed by 500 mg every 6 months. The time course of B‐cell depletion was similar between the pediatric and adult populations, supporting the similarities in response in both populations and allowing extrapolation to patients less than 6 years old. Using a partial extrapolation approach helped identify safe and effective dosing regimens of rituximab in pediatric patients with GPA/MPA and lead to regulatory approval.
Prescribing costs of hypoglycaemic agents and associations with metabolic control in Wales; a national analysis of primary care data
Authors: Taylor Peter N. , Siah Qi Zhuang , Marei Omar , McDade‐Kumar Mia , Rachedi Nasser , Bracchi Robert , Boldero Richard , Haines Kath , Ali Mohammed Alhadj , French Robert , Dayan Colin M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimsThere has been a dramatic increase in hypoglycaemic agent expenditure. We assessed the variability in prescribing costs at the practice level and the relationship between expenditure and the proportion of patients achieving target glycaemic control.MethodsWe utilized national prescribing data from 406 general practices in Wales. This was compared against glycaemic control (percentage of patients achieving a HbA1c level < 59 mmol/mol in the preceding 12 months). Analyses were adjusted for the number of patients with diabetes in each general practice and the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation.ResultsThere was considerable heterogeneity in hypoglycaemic agent spend per patient with diabetes, Median = £289 (IQR 247–343) range £31.1–£1713. Higher total expenditure was not associated with improved glycaemic control B(std) = −0.01 (95%CI –0.01, 0.002) p = 0.13. High‐spend practices spent more on SGLT2 inhibitors (16 vs. 9% p < 0.001) and GLP‐1 agonists (13 vs. 11% p < 0.001) and less on insulin (34 vs. 42% p < 0.001), biguanides (9 vs. 11% p = 0.001) and sulphonylureas (2 vs. 3% p < 0.001) than low spend practices. There were no differences in the pattern of drug prescribing between high spend practices with better glycaemic control (mean 68% of patients HbA1c <59 mmol/mol) and those with less good metabolic control (mean 58% of patients HbA1c <59 mmol/mol).ConclusionsSpend on hypoglycaemic agents is highly variable between practices and increased expenditure per patient is not associated with better glycaemic control. Whilst newer, more expensive agents have additional benefits, in individuals where these advantages are more marginal widespread use of these agents has important cost implications.
Political decentralization and corruption: Exploring the conditional role of parties
Authors: Shrestha Kshitiz , Martinez‐Vazquez Jorge , Hankla Charles 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis study investigates how national levels of corruption are influenced by the interaction of two factors in political decentralization: the presence of local elections and the organizational structure of national parties. Previous studies have focused primarily on the role of fiscal decentralization on corruption and have mostly ignored the institutions of political decentralization. Using new data in a series of expansive models across multiple countries and years, we find that corruption will be lower when local governments are more accountable to and more transparent toward their constituents. This beneficial arrangement is most likely to occur when local elections are combined with nonintegrated political parties, meaning that party institutions themselves are decentralized from national control. Such an institutional arrangement maximizes local accountability by putting the decision to nominate and elect local leaders in the hands of those best in a position to evaluate their honesty—local electors.
Leaf blister on two Ericaceae plants infected by Exobasidium species in Japan
Authors: Shibata Saho , Tanaka Eiji , Hirooka Yuuri 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWhitish blisters covered by a hymenium layer were found on the leaves of two Ericaceae plants, Vaccinium japonicum and Rhododendron lagopus var. niphophilum, in Shiramine, Ishikawa, Japan. Based on the morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses, the pathogens found in V. japonicum and R. lagopus var. niphophilum were identified as Exobasidium rostrupii and Exobasidium yoshinagae, respectively. This is the first report of E. rostrupii and Exobasidium leaf blisters in two plants in Japan.
Circ_TLK1 knockdown alleviates oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation‐induced PC12 cell injury by regulating microRNA‐136‐5p/follistatin like‐1 axis
Authors: Zhang Zhenduo , He Jinbo , Wang Baoliang 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs) are aberrantly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and are involved in diverse CNS diseases. However, the functions of circRNAs in ischemic stroke (IS) are largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of circ_TLK1 in oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)‐induced PC12 cell injury.MethodsQuantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was performed for the levels of circ_TLK1, TLK1, microRNA‐136‐5p (miR‐136‐5p), and follistatin like‐1 (FSTL1). RNase R and Actinomycin D assays were conducted to analyze the features of circ_TLK1. 3‐(4, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine [EdU] assay and 5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2, 5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay were adopted to analyze cell proliferation capacity. Flow cytometry analysis was applied to determine cell death. Western blot assay was employed to measure protein levels. The release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was measured with specific kits. The interaction between circ_TLK1 and miR‐136‐5p, as well as miR‐136‐5p and FSTL1, was verified by Dual‐luciferase reporter assay.ResultsCirc_TLK1 was upregulated in OGD/R‐injured PC12 cells. OGD/R treatment inhibited cell proliferation, promoted cell death, and increased LDH release in PC12 cells, while circ_TLK1 knockdown partially alleviated OGD/R‐induced PC12 cell injury. Circ_TLK1 directly bound to miR‐136‐5p and miR‐136‐5p inhibition reversed the effect of circ_TLK1 knockdown on OGD/R‐induced PC12 cell damage. Moreover, FSTL1 was targeted by miR‐136‐5p. MiR‐136‐5p upregulation inhibited PC12 cell injury induced by OGD/R, while FSTL1 overexpression partially reversed the effect.ConclusionCirc_TLK1 knockdown ameliorated OGD/R‐induced PC12 cell injury by modulating miR‐136‐5p and FSTL1, which might provide a new understanding of IS treatment.
An experimental assessment of fracture toughness in novel crimp‐free‐based composite materials for aerospace applications
Authors: Lepore Marcello A. , Maligno Angelo R. , Canale Giacomo , Harris Linden 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn the design of structural composite components for aerospace applications, durability and reliability play a very significant role. To assess the reliability of these material it is essential to carry out robust experimental tests on several specimens and under different loading conditions to allow the determination of fundamental fracture parameters. Fracture toughness, in particular, allows the quantification of the material strength to fracture. This work proposes a study on non‐crimp fabric (NCF) together with a two‐component epoxy resin. The selected system has been selected based on its suitability to produce aerospace‐approved components using resin transfer molding (RTM) process. The fabric adopted is a SAERTEX NCF with very high modulus and strength, whereas the resin is BDP 4294. This work shows the methods, equipment, and results of an experimental campaign carried out to determine the fracture toughness of the manufactured NCF composite material. Finally, to quantify the fracture toughness of the NCF composite material, Mode I, II, Mixed Mode I–II, and translaminar fracture tests were also considered.
Intensive care in an older population: Influence of age, comorbidities and sex in 304 plastic and reconstructive surgical patients older than 75 years
Authors: Staud Clement J. , Zaussinger Maximilian , Holzbauer Matthias , Christ Alexandra , Beiglböck Hannes , Unterberger Karin , Radtke Christine 
Published: June 2022

AimAn aging population will lead to an increasing demand for critical care resources. Hence, we evaluated the potential influence of age, comorbidities and sex in plastic and reconstructive patients ≥75 years that were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).MethodsWe included 304 patients who required intensive care between 2000 and 2019. Besides patient demographics, medical case characteristics were statistically evaluated.ResultsIn this study, 184 patients were female (61%) (120 male), the median age was 81.8 years (25th and 75th percentiles: 77.4–87.2) with a range of 75.0–98.9 years. The median length of stay in the ICU was 12 days (25th and 75th percentiles: 3–28) with a range of 0–382 days. The reasons for admission were burn injury (n = 230, 76%), necrotizing fasciitis (n = 34, 11%), non‐combustion‐related traumas (n = 22, 7%) and postoperative observation after plastic surgery procedures (n = 18, 6%). In total, 108 patients (36%), who were significantly older (P = 0.005) and had a significantly shorter stay (P < 0.001) compared with the surviving cohort, died during their stay in the ICU. Our multivariable logistic regression model revealed that age (odds ratio: 1.05 [1.01, 1.09]; P = 0.017) and number of operations (odds ratio: 0.75 [0.60, 0.96]; P = 0.023) were significant predictors for death in the ICU.DiscussionAge plays a critical role in determining fatal outcome of old patients requiring intensive care. In contrast, sex and number of comorbidities shows no significant influence. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 597–602.
Robot‐assisted versus conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal hilar tumors: Parenchymal preservation and functional recovery
Authors: Bao Xingjun , Dong Wen , Wang Jipeng , Sun Fengze , Yao Huibao , Wang Di , Zhou Zhongbao , Wu Jitao 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveTo determine whether robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) can benefit patients in terms of functional recovery in the treatment of renal hilar tumors compared to conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (CLPN).MethodsBetween January 2019 and July 2021, patients with hilar tumors who underwent partial nephrectomy (PN) were acquired at our center and were classified into RALPN and CLPN groups. Ipsilateral parenchymal volume (IPV) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were determined independently 3–5 days before and 3 months after PN using contrast‐enhanced computed tomography and nuclear renal scans. Pearson correlation was used to determine the link between ipsilateral GFR preservation and IPV preserved. Concurrently, multivariable analysis was employed to determine characteristics associated with functional recovery.ResultsA total of 96 patients with hilar tumors were studied, of which 41 received RALPN and 55 received CLPN. Excisional parenchymal volume was 27 and 37 cm3 (p = 0.005) in RALPN and CLPN groups, respectively, and IPV preserved was 77% and 68% (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the ipsilateral GFR preserved was 77.7% and 75.3%, respectively (p = 0.003). On Pearson correlation, ipsilateral GFR preservation was linked with IPV preserved (r = 0.36, p < 0.001). According to a multivariate study, baseline GFR, IPV preserved, and surgical procedures (RALPN vs. CLPN) were significant factors influencing functional recovery.ConclusionOur study suggests that RALPN, rather than CLPN, can achieve better functional recovery in the treatment of hilar tumors due to its ability to win more IPV preserved. RALPN should be recommended as the first‐line treatment for hilar tumors, but randomized controlled trials are required to validate our findings.
Longing for homelikeness: A hermeneutic phenomenological analysis of patients' lived experiences in recovery from COVID‐19‐associated intensive care unit acquired weakness
Authors: van Oorsouw Roel , Klooster Emily , Koenders Niek , Van Der Wees Philip J. , Van Den Boogaard Mark , Oerlemans Anke J. M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimsTo explore lived experiences of patients recovering from COVID‐19‐associated intensive care unit acquired weakness and to provide phenomenological descriptions of their recovery.DesignA qualitative study following hermeneutic phenomenology.MethodsThrough purposeful sampling, 13 participants with COVID‐19‐associated intensive care unit acquired weakness were recruited with diversity in age, sex, duration of hospitalization and severity of muscle weakness. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted from 4 to 8 months after hospital discharge, between July 2020 and January 2021. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using hermeneutic phenomenological analysis.ResultsThe analysis yielded five themes: ‘waking up in alienation’, ‘valuing human contact in isolation’, ‘making progress by being challenged’, ‘coming home but still recovering’ and ‘finding a new balance’. The phenomenological descriptions reflect a recovery process that does not follow a linear build‐up, but comes with moments of success, setbacks, trying new steps and breakthrough moments of achieving mobilizing milestones.ConclusionRecovery from COVID‐19‐associated intensive care unit acquired weakness starts from a situation of alienation. Patients long for familiarity, for security and for recognition. Patients want to return to the familiar situation, back to the old, balanced, bodily self. It seems possible for patients to feel homelike again, not only by changing their outer circumstances but also by changing the understanding of themselves and finding a new balance in the altered situation.ImpactMuscle weakness impacts many different aspects of ICU recovery in critically ill patients with COVID‐19‐associated intensive care unit acquired weakness. Their narratives can help nurses and other healthcare professionals, both inside and outside of the intensive care unit, to empathize with patient experiences. When healthcare professionals connect to the lifeworld of patients, they will start to act and communicate differently. These insights could lead to optimized care delivery and meeting patients' needs in this pandemic or a possible next.
Newtonian science, complexity science and suicide—critically analysing the philosophical basis for suicide research: A discussion paper
Authors: Olarte‐Godoy Jennifer 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimA critical discussion comparing Newtonian science and complexity science as the philosophical basis for suicide research and its impact on suicide knowledge development and clinical practice.DesignDiscussion paper.Data SourcesA review of literature on suicide research and complexity science ranging from 2000 to 2022.Implications for NursingSuicide research based on a Newtonian worldview can have negative consequences for suicide knowledge development and can permeate nursing practice in ways that take away from addressing the complex needs of patients, their families and healthcare teams.ConclusionA Newtonian worldview as a philosophical basis for research is insufficient for the study of a phenomenon as complex as suicide. A complexity science approach is better suited to the study of suicide given the multiple, interrelated, emerging factors that can contribute to a person's decision to end their own life.ImpactSuggestions are provided as to how a complexity science approach to the research of suicide can inform useful knowledge development that better meets the needs of individuals facing suicidality and their families. Researchers, healthcare administrators and nurses providing care to those struggling with suicidality can benefit from adopting a complexity science worldview in addressing this multifaceted phenomenon.
Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Readiness to Encounter Partner Abuse Patients Scale
Authors: Çürük Gülsüm Nihal , Özgül Ecem , Alkanat Hafize Özdemir 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimPartner abuse is a global public health issue with both short‐ and long‐term health effects. Healthcare professionals frequently encounter patients who experience partner abuse and should be knowledgeable about how to respond to these individuals. The aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of The Readiness to Encounter Partner Abuse Patients (READI) Scale.DesignA descriptive, methodological and cross‐sectional design was used.MethodsData were collected with a sociodemographics form and the READI‐T Scale between 13 December 2021 and 5 January 2022. The study sample comprised nursing students (n = 323) at or over the age of 18 years and accepting to take part in the study. The linguistic and content validity and confirmatory factor analysis were used to assess the validity of the scale. The reliability of the scale was achieved using Cronbach's alpha, item‐total correlations and test–retest.ResultsThe READI‐T Scale had a content validity index of 0.99 and adequate sensitivity. The factor loadings ranged from 0.63 to 0.84 for the self‐efficacy sub‐dimension, from 0.82 to 0.91 for the emotional readiness sub‐dimension, from 0.47 to 0.81 for the motivational readiness sub‐dimension and from 0.28 to 0.64 for the partner abuse knowledge sub‐dimension. The CFA showed that the model had a good fit (x2/df = 1.792; GFI = 0.88; CFI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.050). Cronbach's alpha was found to be 0.92 for the scale.ConclusionThe READI‐T Scale is a valid and reliable tool to determine whether Turkish nursing students are knowledgeable enough to encounter partner abuse patients.ImpactThis scale can be used to determine the training needs of healthcare professionals on partner abuse and may be useful as a pre‐and posttest to determine the effects of partner abuse education programs. Thus, this scale may also assist early identification of persons who have a risk for partner abuse.
Effects of smoking intensity trajectory, cumulative smoking exposure, and the number of years since quitting on the subsequent risk of hypertension
Authors: Fan Hui , Zhang Xingyu 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of smoking intensity trajectory, cumulative smoking exposure, and the number of years since quitting on the subsequent risk of hypertension in Chinese adults. The study included 2783 men and 3416 women who participated in at least three waves of the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Information regarding smoking behavior was obtained using a standardized questionnaire. The trajectory of smoking intensity was determined using a group‐based trajectory model. The number of pack‐years of smoking and the number of years since quitting were calculated. The incidence of hypertension was 18.2% and 15.5% in men and women, respectively, during a median follow‐up duration of 4 years. Male participants with trajectories denoting light and moderate smoking had increased risks of hypertension compared with those with trajectories denoting non‐smoking (Ps < .05). Compared with male participants with 0 pack‐years, those with < 5.5 pack‐years had a higher risk of hypertension (P < .05). Male participants with ≥5.5 pack‐years and weight gain had a higher risk of hypertension compared with those with 0 pack‐years and weight loss (P < .05). However, smoking was not related to an increased risk of hypertension in women. Additionally, similar to never smoking, having quit within 2–5 years or ≥5 years was not associated with the incidence of hypertension in men. The results of this study showed that light/moderate smoking or high cumulative smoking exposure accompanied by weight gain increased the risk of hypertension in Chinese men and smoking cessation decreased this effect.