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Summary Background Objective Methods Results Conclusion During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, the Australian state of Victoria (in particular, its capital, Melbourne) experienced some of the longest lockdowns in the world.This repeated cross‐sectional study examined changes between March to June 2019 (pre‐pandemic) and April to August 2022 (6 to 11 months following pandemic‐related lockdowns) in overweight and obesity prevalence, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, diet quality, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) among primary school children in north‐east Victoria, Australia.Height and weight were measured for Grade 2, 4, and 6 students in 2019 (3889 children) and 2022 (1816 children). Grade 4 and 6 students self‐reported on their movement behaviours, diet quality, and HRQoL.Participation declined among schools (2019:56%, 2022:34%) and students (2019:87%, 2022:75%). Compared to children in 2019, children in 2022 had a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity; were less likely to have met guidelines for moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity, recreational screen time, and vegetable consumption; had higher intakes of takeaway food, energy‐dense nutrient‐poor snacks, and sugar‐sweetened beverages; and had lower HRQoL.Children's health‐related behaviours and outcomes seemed not to have returned to pre‐pandemic levels 6 to 11 months after the final lockdowns lifted for their communities. Continued monitoring and interventions targeting the drivers of childhood obesity are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The short‐run effects of cover crop use on cash crop yields (e.g., corn [Zea mays L.] and soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]) have been a topic of debate given that evidence from previous literature has generally been mixed on this issue. Past studies suggest that the observed yield effect varies (i.e., negative, positive, or insignificant), often depending on the applied cover crop species used, weather conditions, and farm management practices implemented (among others). In this study, we examine the short‐run (i.e., 1 year) yield impact of four different cover crop families—grasses (Poaceae), broadleaves (Brassicaceae), legumes (Fabaceae), and others—both as single‐family groups and as mixtures. Data from side‐by‐side on‐farm experimental plots in six Eastern US states were collected from 2017 to 2019 in order to achieve the objective of the study. Statistical analysis of this multi‐year plot‐level data suggests that the majority of the cover crop families and mixtures investigated in this study do not have a statistically significant short‐run effect on subsequent corn yields. In some cases, cover crop treatment even resulted in short‐run yield losses (i.e., a yield penalty). These results imply that cash crop yield benefits from cover crop adoption are likely not going to be observed with just 1 year of use. This lack of immediate economic benefit may explain the relatively low cover crop adoption rate currently observed in the United States and the need for upfront cost‐share subsidy payments to encourage further uptake of this practice. Core Ideas: The short‐run yield effect of different cover crop families was examined.Cover crop families and mixtures have mostly no short‐run effect on corn yields.The lack of immediate economic benefit explains the low cover crop adoption rate. Plain Language Summary: Cover crops, like grasses, legumes, and broadleaves, are often used in farming to improve soil health and reduce erosion. However, their impact on the following year's crop yields, like corn and soybeans, is debated. This study looked at how four cover crop families — grasses, broadleaves, legumes, and others — affect corn yields in the short term (one year) on farms in six states in the Eastern U.S. The research found that most cover crops did not significantly impact corn yields in the short term. In some cases, using cover crops even led to slight yield losses. This suggests that immediate yield benefits from cover crops may not be seen after just one year. The study shows that cover crops may not provide quick economic benefits, which could explain why many U.S. farmers are hesitant to adopt them. To encourage more farmers to use cover crops, financial support like subsidies may be needed to cover the initial costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the implementation of a mixed virtual and in‐person brief intervention for young people, aged 12–25 years, presenting to a large urban mental health service in crisis with suicidal ideation and/or self‐harm. Methods: A pragmatic, real‐world evaluation was conducted on the Youth Brief Intervention Service between June 2021 (inception) and October 2022. Service users were offered four sessions over an approximate one‐month period. Sessions focused on distress tolerance, safety plans and support systems. Implementation outcomes related to service uptake, retention, fidelity of the model and service user experience. Effectiveness outcomes were measured pre‐post and included mental health‐related hospital service utilization (primary outcome), functioning, mental health status, self‐harm, suicidal ideation and quality of life. Results: Of the 136 young people referred to the Youth Brief Intervention Service, 99 were accepted with 17 disengaging before the first session. Eighty percent of people who commenced, completed the package of care. Young persons' and parent/carers experience of service was high (97% and 88%, respectively). Mental health‐related emergency department presentations and inpatient days decreased from 3 months pre‐intake to 3 months post‐intake (42 vs. 7 presentations, X2 = 25.3, p <.001; 11 vs. 0 inpatient days, X2 = 9.1, p =.01). There were significant improvements in mental health status, days engaging in self‐harm, general health and functioning and quality of life. Conclusions: The Youth Brief Intervention Service is feasible, acceptable, subjectively beneficial and coincided with less mental health‐related emergency department presentations and inpatient days, and improved mental health status and behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineered stone‐associated silicosis is characterised by a rapid progression of fibrosis linked to a shorter duration of exposure. To date, there is lack of information about molecular pathways that regulates disease development and the aggressiveness of this form of silicosis. Therefore, we compared transcriptome responses to different engineered stone samples and standard silica. We then identified and further tested a stone dust specific pathway (aryl hydrocarbon receptor [AhR]) in relation to mitigation of adverse lung cell responses. Cells (epithelial cells, A549; macrophages, THP‐1) were exposed to two different benchtop stone samples, standard silica and vehicle control, followed by RNA sequencing analysis. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted, and the expression of dysregulated AhR pathway genes resulting from engineered stone exposure was then correlated with cytokine responses. Finally, we inhibited AhR pathway in cells pretreated with AhR antagonist and observed how this impacted cell cytotoxicity and inflammation. Through transcriptome analysis, we identified the AhR pathway genes (CYP1A1, CYP1B1 and TIPARP) that showed differential expression that was unique to engineered stones and common between both cell types. The expression of these genes was positively correlated with interleukin‐8 production in A549 and THP‐1 cells. However, we only observed a mild effect of AhR pathway inhibition on engineered stone dust induced cytokine responses. Given the dual roles of AhR pathway in physiological and pathological processes, our data showed that expression of AhR target genes could be markers for assessing toxicity of engineered stones; however, AhR pathway might not play a significant pathologic role in engineered stone‐associated silicosis. By comparing transcriptome responses of lung cells to engineered stone and standard silica, we have identified a specific pathway (aryl hydrocarbon receptor, AhR) potentially associated with development of engineered stone‐associated silicosis. However, our further study only shows mild effect of AhR pathway inhibition on engineered stone dust induced cytokine responses. Taken together, we conclude that AhR pathway is a marker of lung cell activation, but does not play a central pathologic role in engineered stone‐associated silicosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: With the increasing prevalence of obesity placing additional demands on healthcare systems, many jurisdictions and professional bodies have developed clinical practice guidelines to support practitioners in the management of people with overweight and obesity. This scoping review aimed to identify key features of contemporary guidelines for the clinical management of overweight and obesity. Searches of MEDLINE, Guidelines International Network's international guidelines library, and other grey literature sources identified 38 guidelines of 18 countries and one region published since 2010. Guidelines were developed by committees (n = 36, 95%) that comprised knowledgeable experts (n = 36, 95%) and were multidisciplinary (n = 33, 87%), with limited consumer representation (n = 11, 29%). Guideline documentation incorporated review questions (n = 23, 61%), systematic reviews (n = 25, 66%), evidence grading systems (n = 33, 87%), processes for reaching consensus (n = 19, 50%), and guideline review details (n = 28, 74%). Treatment approaches included in most guidelines were nutrition and physical activity (n = 38, 100%), psychology (n = 37, 97%), pharmacotherapy (n = 32, 84%), and bariatric surgery (n = 31, 82%). Most guidelines targeted populations based on age (n = 30, 79%). Guidelines contained recommendations for pregnancy (n = 12, 32%), older adults (n = 9, 24%), and people with eating disorders (n = 8, 21%). Future guidelines would benefit from involvement of consumers including groups known to be at increased risk of overweight and obesity, targeted guidance for at risk groups, and consideration of weight bias and stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: The resurgence of severe and progressive silicosis among engineered stone benchtop industry workers is a global health crisis. We investigated the link between the physico‐chemical characteristics of engineered stone dust and lung cell responses to understand components that pose the greatest risk. Methods: Respirable dust from 50 resin‐based engineered stones, 3 natural stones and 2 non‐resin‐based materials was generated and analysed for mineralogy, morphology, metals, resin, particle size and charge. Human alveolar epithelial cells and macrophages were exposed in vitro to dust and assessed for cytotoxicity and inflammation. Principal component analysis and stepwise linear regression were used to explore the relationship between engineered stone components and the cellular response. Results: Cutting engineered stone generated fine particles of <600 nm. Crystalline silica was the main component with metal elements such as Ti, Cu, Co and Fe also present. There was some evidence to suggest differences in cytotoxicity (p = 0.061) and IL‐6 (p = 0.084) between dust samples. However, IL‐8 (CXCL8) and TNF‐α levels in macrophages were clearly variable (p < 0.05). Quartz explained 11% of the variance (p = 0.019) in macrophage inflammation while Co and Al accounted for 32% of the variance (p < 0.001) in macrophage toxicity, suggesting that crystalline silica only partly explains the cell response. Two of the reduced‐silica, non‐engineered stone products induced considerable inflammation in macrophages. Conclusion: These data suggest that silica is not the only component of concern in these products, highlighting the caution required as alternative materials are produced in an effort to reduce disease risk. To understand the drivers of severe silicosis among engineered stone workers, we performed the most comprehensive multidisciplinary study linking engineered stone particle chemistry to the lung cell response published to date. We found that silica, aluminium and cobalt were associated with the cell response, highlighting the importance of non‐silica elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With growing climate change concerns, and constant advancements in smart technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, and algorithms (STARA), organisations in emerging economies are becoming more compelled to go green, develop and deploy their STARA capability to boost profits more effectively, and their environmental sustainability (ES). Likewise, with governments increasingly calling for ES, organisations' human resource management (HRM) is further pressured to ensure their programmes aid realisation of environmental objectives without compromising profit maximisation. However, it remains unclear how complementary Green HRM (GHRM) programmes can be supported by organisational STARA capability (OSC) to bolster ES. Accordingly, we investigate how OSC and GHRM programmes predict ES through a time lagged survey design with data from 461 managers of 177 manufacturing organisations in Nigeria. Results indicate that OSC positively predicts all GHRM programmes and ES but dampens the positive relationship between green training, involvement and development (GTID), and ES. Apart from green performance and compensation (GPC), which is a negative predictor, other GHRM programmes positively predict ES. While green recruitment and selection (GRS) and GTID are complementary mediators, GPC plays a competitive mediating role. Policy implications are subsequently discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need for point‐of‐care bacterial sensing and identification technologies that are rapid and simple to operate. Technologies that do not rely on growth cultures, nucleic acid amplification, step‐wise reagent addition, and complex sample processing are the key for meeting this need. Herein, multiple materials technologies are integrated for overcoming the obstacles in creating rapid and one‐pot bacterial sensing platforms. Liquid‐infused nanoelectrodes are developed for reducing nonspecific binding on the transducer surface; bacterium‐specific RNA‐cleaving DNAzymes are used for bacterial identification; and redox DNA barcodes embedded into DNAzymes are used for binding‐induced electrochemical signal transduction. The resultant single‐step and one‐pot assay demonstrates a limit‐of‐detection of 102 CFU mL−1, with high specificity in identifying Escherichia coli amongst other Gram positive and negative bacteria including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. Additionally, this assay is evaluated for analyzing 31 clinically obtained urine samples, demonstrating a clinical sensitivity of 100% and specify of 100%. When challenging this assay with nine clinical blood cultures, E. coli‐positive and E. coli‐negative samples can be distinguished with a probability of p < 0.001. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Signet ring cell carcinoma of the rectum is rare and typically presents with advanced disease. We report a case of a 68-year-old man who presented with left lower quadrant pain and was found to have signet ring cell carcinoma with intussusception. This case is unusual because of its polypoid growth pattern and apparent early pathological stage. We discuss the differential diagnoses and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Melanoma in blacks is uncommon and exceedingly rare in association with a diabetic ulcer. We present a case of a spindle cell melanoma masquerading as a diabetic ulcer. Case Report. A 57-year-old overweight woman presented to The Maria Holder Diabetes Centre for the Caribbean with a nonhealing ulcer of the right heel after being treated by various primary care physicians over the preceding year. Her general and systematic examinations were unremarkable. There was a 1 × 1.5 cm ulcer with a necrotic base which bled easily on contact with no evidence of peripheral neuropathy nor arterial insufficiency. Microscopic examination of a biopsy of the lesion showed fascicles of spindle cells with plump nuclei and intracytoplasmic yellow-brown pigment. Immunohistochemistry confirmed a diagnosis of melanoma. Discussion. There should be a high index of suspicion of malignancy with nonhealing diabetic ulcer especially when coupled with short disease duration. This case highlights the importance of a biopsy and histological evaluation in ulcers presenting in recently diagnosed diabetics with no evidence of peripheral neuropathy or vascular disease. Melanoma should be considered in spindle cell lesions especially with pigment and residual nevus cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Commercially formulated pesticide products are complex mixtures of one or more active ingredients and several co‐ingredients. However, the modifying effect of co‐ingredients on skin uptake and glove barrier protection has been poorly studied. The aim of this study was to understand the role of formulation co‐ingredients in skin and glove barrier protection performance against organophosphate insecticides. RESULTS: We adapted standard in vitro diffusion cell methods to test permeation kinetics of two commonly used organophosphate insecticides: dimethoate and omethoate. For spray dilutions, dimethoate and omethoate did not reach breakthrough glove permeation rate (1 μg·cm−2·min−1) and no or little skin permeation was observed for up to 8 h, regardless of formulation. For exposure conditions involving highly concentrated products, significant differences in glove permeation were observed between different formulations of dimethoate (about 1.5‐fold, P < 0.05) and of omethoate (184‐fold, P < 0.001). In contrast, no difference (P > 0.05) was observed between formulations in terms of skin permeation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that co‐ingredients play a critical role in glove barrier protection against undiluted organophosphate insecticides, whereas their influence on skin uptake was insignificant within the exposure time tested. This implies that dermal exposure risk may vary between handling different formulated products of the same active ingredient hence recommending a common glove material for different formulations of the same chemical without careful consideration of co‐ingredients and their permeation properties may not necessarily be appropriate. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Ultrasound is used by nearly every medical specialty. Medical schools are integrating ultrasound education into their curriculum but studies show this to be inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to provide an updated description of ultrasound in the curricula of United States Accredited Medical Schools (USAMS). Methods: In 2019, USAMS curricular offices were contacted. Institutions were asked about the presence of ultrasound curriculum and for contact information for faculty involved with education. Schools reporting ultrasound curriculum were surveyed regarding details of their curriculum. Results: Two hundred USAMS were contacted with a response rate of 84%. Of 168 schools, 72.6% indicated they have an ultrasound curriculum. For schools with a curriculum, 79 (64.8%) completed our survey. The majority of survey respondents, 66 (83.5%), indicated having mandatory ultrasound. Ultrasound is primarily integrated into courses (73.8% in basic science courses, 66.2% in clinical skills courses, and 35.4% in clinical rotations). Emergency medicine physicians accounted for 54.7% of course directors. Ten or fewer faculty participate in education in 68.4% of schools and mostly as volunteers. Dedicated machines for education were reported by 78.5% of schools. Conclusions: Compared to prior studies, this study had a higher response rate at 84%, and more schools reported ultrasound in their curricula. Emergency medicine represents the majority of leadership in ultrasound education. Despite increased integration of ultrasound into American medical school curricula, its instruction is still inconsistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The number of people over the age of 65 attending Emergency Departments (ED) in the United Kingdom (UK) is increasing. Those who attend with a mental health related problem may be referred to liaison psychiatry for assessment. Improving responsiveness and integration of liaison psychiatry in general hospital settings is a national priority. To do this psychiatry teams must be adequately resourced and organised. However, it is unknown how trends in the number and type referrals of older people to liaison psychiatry teams by EDs are changing, making this difficult. Methods: We performed a national multi‐centre retrospective service evaluation, analysing existing psychiatry referral data from EDs of people over 65. We described trends in the number, rate, age, mental health presentation, and time taken to assessment over a 7 years period. Results: Referral data from 28 EDs across England and Scotland were analysed (n = 18,828 referrals). There was a general trend towards increasing numbers of people referred to liaison psychiatry year on year. Variability in referral numbers between different departments, ranged from 0.1 to 24.3 per 1000 ED attendances. The most common reasons for referral were mood disorders, self‐harm and suicidal ideas. The majority of referrals were assessed within 60 min, however there is variability between departments, some recording waits over 11 h. Discussion: The data suggests great inter‐departmental variability in referral numbers. Is not possible to establish the cause of variability. However, the data highlights the importance of asking further questions about why the differences exist, and the impact that has on patient care. Key points: There is a general trend towards increasing numbers of people over the age of 65 referred to liaison psychiatry from Emergency Departments (EDs)There is variability in the number of people over the age of 65 referred from UK EDs from hospital to hospitalThe most common reasons for the referral of people over the age of 65 to liaison psychiatry by the emergency department are mood disorders, self‐harm and suicidal ideas [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radical technological advancements and the relentless progression of climate change compel organisations to ensure their workforce consistently exercise their creativity toward innovative green initiatives. These endeavours are essential to achieve the United Nations' (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs). To do so, organisations require competencies fundamental to smart technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics and algorithms (STARA). STARA competencies are relevant for leaders to bolster green organisational innovative evidence (GOIE). GOIE can help to attract potential investors keen on advancing the UN's SDG agenda on environmental sustainability. However, eclipsed by a volatile environment, and despite the green innovation potential of several manufacturing organisations, investors are reluctant to invest and commit funds without evidence of green innovation. We therefore, investigate how leader STARA competence (LSC), green creativity components (task motivation, creativity skills and expertise) and environmental dynamism can aid organisations to boost their GOIE. Our key findings are as follows: (a) though green task motivation shows a stronger association with green creativity skills, LSC has a large influence on green creativity skills; (b) green creativity skills exert a strong influence on GOIE while also playing a competitive and complimentary mediating role in our model and (c) environmental dynamism is negatively associated with green creativity skills and GOIE. Furthermore, to validate indirect (v) effects size in mediation analysis, we propose a new and more approachable benchmark for v effect size estimations. Organisational and environmental policy implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many seabird breeding colonies have recovered from heavy anthropogenic disturbance after conservation actions. The widely distributed red‐tailed tropicbird, Phaethon rubricauda, was used as a model species to assess potential anthropogenic impacts on the genetic diversity of breeding colonies in the Pacific Ocean.Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and control region sequences analyses were conducted across the range of the species in the Pacific Ocean. The study sites were at islands without human‐related disturbance (non‐impacted islands) and with human‐related disturbance (impacted islands). We hypothesized that (i) breeding colonies of the red‐tailed tropicbird on impacted islands have lower genetic diversity compared with colonies on non‐impacted islands, and (ii) breeding colonies of the red‐tailed tropicbird show significant fine and broad‐scale genetic structure across the Pacific Ocean. Bayesian skyline analyses were conducted to infer past changes in population sizes.Genetic diversity was similar between impacted and non‐impacted islands. There was significant broad‐scale genetic structure among colonies separated by over 6,000 km, but a lack of significant fine‐scale genetic structure within Australasia and Hawai'i, although a significant level of differentiation was found within Chile with ΦST analyses. Skyline analyses showed that effective population sizes remained relatively constant through time, but experienced either a slight decrease or the end of an expansion event through the last 1,000 years. These changes may be related to the arrival of humans on Pacific islands.Impacted islands may have received immigrants from other relatively close islands, buffering the loss of genetic diversity. However, it is also possible that colonies have retained ancestral variation or that a large effective population size coupled with a long generation time (13 years) has prevented the loss of genetic diversity in human‐impacted islands. Future research using higher‐resolution markers is needed to resolve the population genetic structure of the red‐tailed tropicbird in an ecological time‐scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stearic acid is one of five major fatty acids found in soybean oil. It is a fully saturated lipid and is known for neutral or positive effects on LDL cholesterol when consumed by humans. Unfortunately, stearic acid only accounts for about 4% of the total seed oil produced in commodity soybean. Previous work has shown that stearic acid can reach levels as high as 28% of the total oil fraction when the SACPD‐C gene, encoding the delta‐9‐stearoyl‐acyl carrier protein desaturase responsible for most of the stearic acid variation in soybean seed, is ablated in combination with other loci. In order to increase stearic acid content and create soybeans with improved utility based on fatty acid composition, we combined mutations in SACPD‐C with other mutations in the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway. Soybean plants carrying mutant alleles of both SACPD‐C and FAD2‐1A produce seed with stearic acid levels from 14% to 21%, and with elevated levels of oleic acid. Soybeans carrying mutations in both SACPD‐C and FAD3A or FAD3C have both statistically significantly elevated levels of stearic acid (from 15–21%) and statistically reduced linolenic acid levels. Neither mutant combination appears to affect other agronomic properties such as plant morphology or seed protein levels making this a potentially viable trait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interferon‐free direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) were introduced in 2013 and have transformed the therapeutic landscape for chronic Hepatitis C (HCV). Although treatment is recommended for almost all persons infected with HCV, clinical and psychosocial factors may affect treatment initiation. Methods: We conducted an observational cohort study of Kaiser Permanente Mid‐Atlantic States members with prevalent or incident HCV infection identified from November 2013 through May 2016 to identify predictors of DAA initiation. We used Cox regression with time‐dependent covariates to compare time to treatment by clinical, demographic and societal factors. Results: Of 2962 patients eligible for DAA therapy, 33% (n = 980) initiated treatment over the study period. The majority of patients (97%) were persistent with therapy and most (95%) tested for sustained virologic response (SVR) achieved cure. We found no effect of race, insurance type or fibrosis stage on treatment initiation. We observed that patients aged 41‐60 years (aHR: 2.014, 95% CI: 1.12, 3.60) and 61‐80 years (aHR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.15‐3.75) had higher treatment rates compared to younger patients. Incident cases were more likely to be treated than prevalent cases (aHR: 3.05, 95% CI: 2.40‐3.89). Patients with a history of substance use disorder (SUD) were less likely (aHR: 0.805, 95% CI: 0.680, 0.953) to be treated. Conclusions: In the first 3 years of DAA availability, one‐third of patients with HCV initiated therapy, and almost all were persistent and achieved cure. While curative, DAAs remain highly priced. Triaging for non‐clinical reasons or perceptions about patients will stall our ability to eradicate HCV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To learn dentists' perceptions, attitudes, and concerns about the problems of access to oral health care for low income and rural Marylanders and to ascertain whether the dentists believe dental therapy is a viable solution. Methods: We conducted three focus group discussions of 27 dentists during August and September 2018 in three locations in urban and rural areas of Maryland. Results: Focus group participants felt that problems with access to dental care for low income and rural Marylander were not due to a shortage of dental providers. They believed there are more than enough dentists in the state. Access problems in Maryland are due in large part to inadequate insurance coverage and low oral health literacy. With the exception of one participant, the dentists would not use dental therapists in their practices to expand access. Conclusions: Maryland dentists in our focus group strongly oppose the use of dental therapists to address the state's unmet oral health care needs. Any effort to expand the state's dental workforce using dental therapists must address Maryland dentists' concerns and opinions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The legitimacy of moral stress as a distinct form of general stress has long been debated in previous research. Moreover, individual‐level antecedents of moral stress are yet to be tested among executives. This study investigates role identity saliency (by calculating the total saliency of roles and competition between roles) as an individual‐level antecedent of managerial moral stress and turnover intent as a consequence of managerial moral stress among high‐level strategic decision makers in organisations. We also analyse the moderating effect of moral attentiveness in these relationships. Survey data were collected from 264 strategic decision makers from small to large U.S.‐based organisations. While controlling for overall stress, results support a moderated model, wherein individuals exhibiting a high level of moral attentiveness also demonstrated a significant positive relationship between work role competition and moral stress and between managerial moral stress and turnover intent. Surprisingly, total role saliency demonstrated a significant negative relationship with managerial moral stress for the same individuals. Overall, the results suggest that managerial moral stress may be a legitimate threat to executive retention, above and beyond general stress, for the individuals who are highly attentive to the moral aspects of their environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Team design thinking in new product development (NPD) refers to a set of design‐oriented principles that can be embedded in the everyday routines of NPD teams. We theorize that team design thinking enables NPD teams to develop more innovative products––products that are useful and novel––by reducing the routine and cognition‐based inertia that constrains the team's innovativeness. Through a study of 247 NPD projects, we investigate the relationships between team design thinking, product utility, and product novelty. Further, we also explore whether the team's unfamiliarity with product contexts influences these relationships. Findings show that team design thinking is positively associated with useful products in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts, but that team design thinking is associated with product novelty only in familiar contexts. Findings also suggest that team design thinking can be framed as a dynamic capability that addresses routine and cognition‐based inertia by expanding the organization's knowledge resource base, particularly in familiar contexts. A key implication of this research is that team design thinking will influence product utility in a variety of situations, but its influence on product novelty will be evident primarily in familiar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why this research Matters: Management of dense infestations of wilding Pinus contorta in New Zealand requires high doses of herbicides; 18 kg active ingredient (a.i.) ha−1 triclopyr and 5 kg a.i. ha−1 dicamba are used in combination with a complex mix of adjuvants (methylated seed oil, non‐ionic surfactant and ammonium sulfate) and other active ingredients. From the perspective of cost and environmental impact there is a need to reduce the complexity of this tank mix and the rates of active ingredients. Using radiolabelled herbicides, this study evaluated the effect of dose and adjuvants (crop oils, non‐ionic surfactants, and organosilicones) on needle injury and uptake of triclopyr and dicamba into P. contorta needles at 24 hr or 7 days after treatment (DAT). The uptake of triclopyr decreased significantly with increasing concentration (0.75%–6%) resulting in the highest uptake dose at the equivalent of 18 kg a.i. ha−1 triclopyr at 7 DAT. When applied at 18 kg a.i. ha−1, none of the adjuvants tested significantly increased the uptake of triclopyr (applied as Grazon®), with ~50% uptake occurring at 7 DAT. The uptake of dicamba (applied as Kamba® at 5 kg a.i. and 10 kg a.i. ha−1) was significantly affected by dose and adjuvants. The uptake of dicamba applied at 5 kg a.i. ha−1 was low at 7 DAT with no adjuvant (31%); however, use of a methylated seed oil doubled the uptake. When triclopyr and dicamba were applied together, there was no evidence that either active ingredient negatively affected uptake of the other, with triclopyr enhancing uptake of dicamba. These results show potential to reduce the amount of herbicide used for conifer control without compromising efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study was undertaken to investigate whether Latina and African American women with arthritis-related knee pain and primary care providers who treat them believe their treatment decisions would benefit from having more information about the impact of treatment on their quality of life, medical care costs, and work productivity.Methods: We conducted 4 focus groups of Latina and African American women over age 45 years who had knee pain. We also conducted 2 focus groups with primary care providers who treated Latina and African American women for knee pain. The participants were recruited from the community. They were asked their opinions about a decision tool that presented information on a range of treatment options and their impacts on quality of life, medical care costs, and work productivity. They were asked whether providing this information would help them make better treatment decisions. We analyzed the focus group transcripts using ATLAS.ti.Results: We found that minority women and primary care providers endorsed the use of a decision-making tool that provided information of the impact of treatment on quality of life, medical care costs, and work productivity. Providers felt that patients would benefit from having the additional information but were concerned about its complexity and some patients' ability to comprehend the information.Conclusion: Latina and African American women could make more informed treatment decisions for their knee pain using a decision-making tool that provides them with significant information about how various treatment options may impact their quality of life, medical care costs, and workforce productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Cyanogen is a toxic flammable gas used as a fumigant in numerous industries. Occupational exposure to cyanogen can occur during its production and use. The most serious human health risk from exposure to cyanogen is via the respiratory system. However, there is also potential for skin exposure in many workplace situations. The extent of skin absorption under occupational exposure scenarios has not been directly assessed. Understanding skin uptake potential may inform risk assessment and exposure control measures. RESULTS: We describe an in vitro experimental system using human epidermis and dynamic atmosphere exposure to cyanogen to mimic potential workplace exposures. The influence of clothing and ventilation on skin permeation outcomes were also assessed. No evidence of transdermal permeation was found at 100 or 1000 ppm exposures, while permeation of 0.99 ± 0.38 μg cm−2 was observed after 60 min exposure to 10 000 ppm. Fabric on skin and skin ventilation had no additional influence on transdermal permeation compared with naked skin, but fabric provided a reservoir for potential secondary exposures. CONCLUSION: Results show dermal uptake following cyanogen exposure is possible, but only at very high atmospheric concentrations (10 000 ppm after >15 min exposure). Importantly, this could have implications for fumigant applicators who may only be wearing personal respiratory protection. These empirical data may be used in conjunction with other relevant toxicological information in determining whether a Skin Notation is warranted for Workplace Exposure Standard setting. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have indicated that soil properties and texture could lead to differences in N mineralization from applied organic materials. We conducted a 100-day (d) incubation study to measure net N mineralized from feather meal (14–0.1–0.1) and pellet mix (10–1–6) at 150 mg N kg soil −1 (approximately 72 kg N ha−1) incorporated into four common southeastern soils: Cecil 1, Cecil 2, Greenville, and Tifton. A second 23-d study was conducted to determine pH dynamics and the potential for ammonia volatilization from the same soils and materials. There were no differences in net N mineralized from pellet mix among soils, but net N mineralized from feather meal was lower in Greenville soil, which had the greatest clay content. Analysis of the first-order dynamics of N mineralization indicated that even in soils that differ in clay content it may be possible to describe N mineralization from feather meal and pellet mix with a single model. Our results also suggest that the effect of pH on the N mineralization dynamics of these fertilizers may be more important than the effect of clay content. No ammonia loss was observed regardless of soil texture, soil pH buffering capacity, or initial soil pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic growers use a wide range of organic fertilizers and materials to supply nutrients and meet plant demand of N. These products range from commercially processed animal and plant byproducts to composts and poultry litters. To better synchronize N release with plant demand, we investigated the rate and pool of potentially mineralizable N from 22 commercial, organic fertilizers; 15 poultry litters; and 11 composts. Fertilizers and organic materials were mixed with soil and inorganic N was measured over 99 days under optimal conditions (50% estimated water holding capacity and 30◦C). Net N mineralized from the organic fertilizer or material was determined and fit to first-order kinetics to determine the rate of mineralization (k) and the pool of mineralizable nitrogen (N0). Net N mineralized ranged from 25–93%, 10–55%, and 1–5% of the organic N applied for the fertilizers, poultry litters, and composts that mineralized, respectively. The pool of mineralizable N was accurately predicted from the initial total N of the materials, but no characteristics predicted the rate constant, k. Using a grouped approach based on product type and the percentage of N mineralized to determine k, we were able to predict net mineralized for fertilizers (R² = 0.84) and poultry litters (R² = 0.62). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since Emaraviruses have been discovered in 2007 several new species were detected in a range of host plants. Five genome segments of a novel Emaravirus from mosaic‐diseased Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula) have been completely determined. The monocistronic, segmented ssRNA genome of the virus shows a genome organisation typical for Emaraviruses encoding the viral RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP, 268.2 kDa) on RNA1 (7.1 kb), a glycoprotein precursor (GPP, 73.5 kDa) on RNA2 (2.3 kb), the viral nucleocapsid protein (N, 35.6 kDa) on RNA3 (1.6 kb), and a putative movement protein (MP, 41.0 kDa) on RNA4 (1.6 kb). The fifth identified genome segment (RNA5, 1.3 kb) encodes a protein of unknown function (P28, 28.1 kDa). We discovered that it is distantly related to proteins encoded by Emaraviruses, such as P4 of European mountain ash ringspot‐associated virus. All proteins from this group contain a central hydrophobic region with a conserved secondary structure and a hydrophobic amino acid stretch, bordered by two highly conserved positions, thus clearly representing a new group of homologues of Emaraviruses. The virus identified in Eurasian aspen is closely associated with observed leaf symptoms, such as mottle, yellow blotching, variegation and chloroses along veins. All five viral RNAs were regularly detectable by RT‐PCR in mosaic‐diseased P. tremula in Norway, Finland and Sweden (Fennoscandia). Observed symptoms and testing of mosaic‐diseased Eurasian aspen by virus‐specific RT‐PCR targeting RNA3 and RNA4 confirmed a wide geographic distribution of the virus in Fennoscandia. We could demonstrate that the mosaic‐disease is graft‐transmissible and confirmed that the virus is the causal agent by detection in symptomatic, graft‐inoculated seedlings used as rootstocks as well as in the virus‐infected scions used for graft‐inoculation. Owing to these characteristics, the virus represents a novel species within the genus Emaravirus and was tentatively denominated aspen mosaic‐associated virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy has significant health benefits for the mother and her child; however, many women reduce their activity levels during pregnancy and most are not sufficiently active. Given the important health benefits of PA during pregnancy, evidence that supports research translation is vital.Objectives: To determine the extent to which physical activity interventions for pregnant women report on internal and external validity factors using the RE-AIM framework (reach, efficacy/effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance).Search Strategy: Ten databases were searched up to 1 June 2015. Eligible published papers and unpublished/grey literature were identified using relevant search terms.Selection Criteria: Studies had to report on physical activity interventions during pregnancy, including measures of physical activity during pregnancy at baseline and at least one point post-intervention. Randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies that had a comparator group were included.Data Collection and Analysis: Reporting of RE-AIM dimensions were summarised and synthesised across studies.Main Results: The reach (72.1%) and efficacy/effectiveness (71.8%) dimensions were commonly reported; however, the implementation (28.9%) and adoption (23.2%) dimensions were less commonly reported and no studies reported on maintenance.Conclusions: This review highlights the under-reporting of issues of contextual factors in studies of physical activity during pregnancy. The translation of physical activity interventions during pregnancy could be improved through reporting of representativeness of participants, clearer reporting of outcomes, more detail on the setting and staff who deliver interventions, costing of interventions and the inclusion of process evaluations and qualitative data.Tweetable Abstract: The systematic review highlights the under-reporting of contextual factors in studies of physical activity during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donnai‐Barrow syndrome (DBS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by typical craniofacial features, vision and hearing loss, intellectual disability, agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), and omphalocele. This condition is associated with loss‐of‐function mutations in the LRP2 gene. Few cases have been described in the literature. In our case, CDH and ACC were prenatally diagnosed by ultrasound, and the fetus was the product of a first‐degree union. Single‐nucleotide polymorphism‐microarray showed large regions of homozygosity. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed and revealed a homozygous frameshift pathogenic variant in LRP2 (c.6978dupG). Here, we present a case of DBS, which diagnosed prenatally via WES in a fetus with CDH and ACC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the start of human civilisation, storytelling has served as an effective medium for disseminating important knowledge within families, communities, and organisations. We make a case for the use of visual storytelling, namely, video stories, to supplement traditional scholarly articles in the Information Systems (IS) discipline, thereby exploring its potential to improve actual and perceived comprehension, perceived utility, satisfaction as well as intentions to cite, share, and accept research. Drawing on cognitive learning theory, the cognitive theory of multimedia learning and the literature on deep processing, we develop our research model, which is based on the model by Jiang and Benbasat (2007). We test our model in experimental settings with 269 research‐oriented students and academics who were randomised into four conditions: (1) reading a text‐based article, (2) reading the script for a video about the article, (3) viewing the video story of the article, and (4) viewing the video story followed by reading the article. Results showed that the article's script was significantly perceived to be the least useful in disseminating research content. The video story and text‐based article were perceived to be equally useful, and supplementing the text‐based article with a video story was perceived to be the most useful. Moreover, the video story and text‐based article supplemented by a video story were of roughly equal effectiveness; yet, the video script was the most effective, and the text‐based article was least effective relative to other formats in disseminating scholarly knowledge. Last, we discuss how to further improve the design of video stories by referring to the critical narrative theory, which has the potential to significantly promote the dissemination of IS scholarly knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than a decade ago, evidence‐based recommendations emerged regarding what students of information systems (IS) management education should learn and how should they learn it. Although these recommendations for how IS management should be taught remain valid, they need to be updated to account for recent advances in technologies that enable multimedia learning. Promoters of such technologies promise enhanced cognitive and behavioural outcomes, but this promise remains unreached, reflecting the underdeveloped multimedia‐enabled learning literature. To help attain this promise and rejuvenate the literature of multimedia learning, we offer a roadmap for new areas of research that would inform the design and use of a novel form of multimedia materials: narrative animated videos (NAVs). NAVs represent a form of self‐determined learning that features immersive, story‐based content. We argue that their use will intrinsically motivate users to process the materials to completion, thereby enhancing cognitive and behavioural outcomes, and thus catalysing the effectiveness of the team‐based learning and self‐regulated learning modes for problem‐based learning (PBL) delivery of IS management education. This compelling roadmap corresponds to meaningful IS research because it centres on a topic that the IS literature has long examined—the role of user motivation—and because its theoretical contributions invite specific paths of research for informing the design of the PBL delivery of IS management education within an information systems artefact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tamarix is one of the taxonomically most complex genera among the angiosperms, and there is little consensus regarding its infrageneric classification. Here we present the most complete phylogenetic reconstruction of the genus to date. This includes a DNA phylogenetic tree based on nuclear ribosomal ITS, and a plastid DNA phylogeny based on three intergenic spacers (trnS‐trnG, ndhF‐rpl32, and trnQ‐rps16). In total, both nuclear and plastid phylogenetic analyses include more than 70 samples of 39 species from 27 countries, which represent close to 60% of the diversity of the genus. Two complementary trees, based only on one plastid marker, are also included. The first, based on trnS‐trnG, is used to increase the number of species related to T. amplexicaulis. The second, based on ndhF‐rpl32, is used to investigate the separation between T. tetrandra and T. parviflora. The incongruence between the available infrageneric classifications and the molecular results is confirmed. A reticulate evolution is inferred from the trees, showing characters such as vaginate leaves appearing at different stages along the evolutionary history of the genus. The presence of T. canariensis outside the Canary Islands is cast into doubt, and all such records from NW Africa and Europe are here considered to belong to T. gallica. The results also suggest independence of T. karelinii from T. hispida, and T. parviflora from T. tetrandra. Relationships between a number of species are still not resolved, and additional studies will be needed to further refine the complex taxonomy of Tamarix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To implement and appraise a new model of care in terms of: patient experience, knowledge of epilepsy, readiness for transition and emotional and behavioural support in a new purpose-built facility for adolescents and young adults.Methods: The new model of care included: upskilling of neurology staff in adolescent engagement and provision of group education sessions on epilepsy and mental health (MH), along with MH support, in a new purpose-built adolescent facility. Parameters examined pre- and post-attendance at the new clinic included: adolescent experience of service delivery, transition readiness, emotional and behavioural well-being, epilepsy knowledge and medication adherence.Results: A total of 45 adolescents (mean age 15.7 years) attended the new epilepsy clinic between February 2017 and December 2017. Adolescents felt significantly better informed following education in relation to epilepsy and driving, alcohol/street drugs and birth control/pregnancy. There was no significant improvement in self-reported medication adherence, transition readiness or mental well-being at follow-up. While MH education was ranked highly in terms of importance by adolescents and parents at baseline, attendance at MH education and engagement with MH support was low.Conclusions: This paper documents what is important to young people with epilepsy regarding service delivery. The new adolescent service was well received. Based on feedback from adolescents and parents relating to the service, and the suboptimal uptake of MH supports, the model of care has been revised to reduce attendance burden on families and improve patient experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of related taxa are important for understanding the biology of a species. Also, spatial distribution of genetic variation may offer insights into history of range shifts and demographic changes. The genus Tamarix L. from the Old World is a taxonomically challenging group that has widely expanded its range in the recent past. We examined genomic diversity patterns and the taxonomic identities of Korean Tamarix species whose taxonomy has remained unresolved. We used a total of 1773 SNP data from genotyping by sequencing for 37 Tamarix plants representing two species; T. chinensis and T. ramosissima to infer species delimitation and the geographic distribution of genomic diversity. Clustering (STRUCTURE; PCA, neighbor joining) and phylogenetic tree results indicated that the two morphologically similar species T. chinensis and T. ramosissima are genetically distinct and the two Korean populations (Sihwa & Songdo) are clustered closely with T. chinensis. Approximate Bayesian Computation based hypothesis testing results suggested that one of the two Korean populations, Songdo might have primarily been derived from the native area, China, followed by range expansion to Sihwa with a secondary admixture event between an established population, Songdo, and a native population, Beijing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: nformal caregivers provide substantial support for people living with cancer. Previous systematic reviews report on the efficacy of cancer caregiver interventions but not their potential to be implemented. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the potential for cancer caregiver interventions to be implemented into practice.Methods: We searched three electronic databases to identify cancer caregiver interventions on 5 January 2018. We operationalised six implementation outcomes (acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity, and costs) into a tool to guide data extraction.Results: The search yielded 33 papers (27 papers from electronic databases and six papers from other sources) reporting on 26 studies that met review criteria. Fewer than half the studies (46%) contained evidence about the acceptability of interventions from caregivers' perspectives; only two studies (8%) included interventions developed with input from caregivers. Two studies (8%) addressed potential adoption of interventions, and no studies discussed intentions, agreement, or action to implement interventions into practice. All studies reported on intervention appropriateness by providing a rationale for the interventions. For feasibility, on average less than one-third of caregivers who were eligible to be involved consented to participate. On fidelity, whether interventions were conducted as intended was reported in 62% of studies. Cost data were reported in terms of intervention delivery, requiring a median time commitment of staff of 180 minutes to be delivered.Conclusions: Caregiver intervention studies lack components of study design and reporting that could bridge the gap between research and practice. There is enormous potential for improvements in cancer caregiver intervention study design to plan for future implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although consumer demand for local and organic food continues to grow, some direct market outlets have tightened. In response, small and mid‐acreage farmers are beginning to consider the value of shifting from the direct marketing of hundreds of varieties for farmers markets or community supported agriculture to growing fewer crops for sale in a wholesale market. We report on one field study of a simplified crop rotation indicating that regionally adapted crop rotations may allow producers to achieve profitable harvests while maintaining or building soil health. However, this shift toward mid‐scale practice may be risky. Growers reduce variety and increase mechanization with the assumption that increased volume will compensate for lower prices; yet, it is unclear what the scale‐shift must be to make wholesale economically feasible. Farmers must also enact a series of organizational reforms to meet the regulations and expectations of wholesale markets, regardless of acreage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Software development organizations (SDOs) innovate in diverse ways. In this paper, based on an extensive review of innovation typologies, we develop a theory‐driven typology of SDO innovator classes. We theorize about the driving forces behind these classes, with specific attention given to knowledge‐based dispositions that relate to the SDO's knowledge‐based competencies in technology appropriation, technology generation, and network intensity within ecological niches. Through a survey of 136 SDOs, which adopted Internet technologies during 1995‐2006, we empirically verify that these classes also determine different ways that SDOs innovate around software services they provide to their clients. Our findings suggest that the knowledge‐based dispositions of different SDO innovator classes impact how they innovate. Overall, the study involves theorizing around different types of innovation behaviours and associated knowledge‐based factors that influence the way SDOs innovate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover crops can provide substantial quantities of N for subsequent crops, but estimating the amount of N that will be mineralized from residues is challenging. Complex interactions of residue chemistry with soil temperature and soil water content affect N mineralization during residue decomposition. A simulation model can describe these interactions and provide estimates of N mineralized if specific soil water and temperature data are available. Our objectives are (i) to describe a web-based N mineralization model and its operation, (ii) to calibrate the model with results from published N mineralization studies, and (iii) to validate it using field studies investigating decomposition of surface-applied or incorporated crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) or rye (Secale cereale L.) residues over 3 yr. Inputs required by the model include residue N, nonstructural carbohydrates, cellulose + hemi-cellulose, and lignin contents, as well as 5-yr average values of daily soil temperature and soil water content from a user-selected weather station. The model was successfully calibrated with published data from eight laboratory and field studies and was validated with data from field studies that used soil cores with cover crop residues. Simulated values of N mineralized were acceptable for incorporated residues but tended to overpredict N mineralized from surface residues because soil temperature and water content are not good drivers to simulate N mineralization from residues on the soil surface. Additional research is needed to develop algorithms to estimate temperature and water content/water potential of surface residues so they can be used as driver variables for the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Semi‐alluvial stream channels eroded into till and other glacial sediments are common in areas of extensive glacial deposition such as the Great Lakes region and northern interior plains of North America. The mechanics of erosion and erosional weakness of till results in the dominance of fluvial scour and mass erosion due to spontaneous fracture at planes of weakness under shearing flow. There have been few controlled tests looking at erosional mechanisms and resistance of till in river channels. We subjected small blocks of till to unidirectional flows in a laboratory flume to measure the threshold shear stress for erosion and observed the erosion mechanics. Critical shear stress for erosion varied from 7 to 8 Pa for samples with initial saturated moisture content in which a combination of fluvial scour and mass cracking/block erosion dominated. When dried, micro‐fissures occurred in the sample and erosional resistance of the till was extremely low at <1 Pa with erosion appearing to be by fluvial scour. When mobile gravel was added to the test conditions, the gravel reduced the erosion threshold slightly because of the enhanced scour around and below the gravel particles and the tendency for the gravel to aid in crack enlargement. Thus a partial or thin gravel cover over the till may provide no protection from erosion. The erosion processes and effects reflect the complex and contingent mechanics and properties of till, and suggest that the erosion characteristics of till bed semi‐alluvial channels differ from abrasion or plucking dominated processes in more resistant bedrock. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance This study highlights the efficacy and safety of trabeculectomy in Victoria, Australia. Background Trabeculectomy is currently the gold standard in glaucoma surgery. However, its role has been increasingly questioned because of its associated risks and complications. This audit aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of trabeculectomy surgery in the state of Victoria, Australia. Design A cross-sectional, retrospective and voluntary statewide audit of trabeculectomy surgery by individual surgeons in 2012 with 24 months follow-up. Participants Twenty-four surgeons in the state of Victoria submitted data on 227 trabeculectomies. Methods Basic preoperative and perioperative data were collected. Post-operative data collected included intra-ocular pressure measurements, glaucoma medications, associated complications and subsequent surgery up to 24 months post-trabeculectomy. Main Outcome Measures The main outcome measures were post-operative intra-ocular pressure and surgical complications. Results At 12 months, the mean intra-ocular pressure was 12.6 ± 4.1 mmHg (range 3-28 mmHg). A total of 91% of eyes had an intra-ocular pressure ≤18 mmHg with or without ocular hypotensive medications. One-third of eyes that were phakic at the time of trabeculectomy underwent cataract extraction within the 24 months of follow-up. Eyes that underwent combined cataract extraction and trabeculectomy (23% of trabeculectomies) had a significantly higher mean 12-month intra-ocular pressure than eyes that underwent trabeculectomy alone (13.9 vs. 12.2 mmHg, P = 0.01). At 24 months, there were no cases of blebitis/endophthalmitis. Conclusions and Relevance The Victorian Trabeculectomy Audit demonstrates excellent efficacy and safety results that are comparable with international standards. Combined cataract extraction and trabeculectomy tended to result in a higher mean post-operative intra-ocular pressure than trabeculectomy alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Development of proteinuria in lupus nephritis (LN) is associated with podocyte dysfunction. The NLRP3 inflammasome has been implicated in the pathogenesis of LN. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether NLRP3 inflammasome activation is involved in the development of podocyte injury in LN. Methods A fluorescence-labeled caspase 1 inhibitor probe was used to detect the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes in podocytes derived from lupus-prone NZM2328 mice and from renal biopsy tissues obtained from patients with LN. MCC950, a selective inhibitor of NLRP3, was used to treat NZM2328 mice. Proteinuria, podocyte ultrastructure, and renal pathology were evaluated. In vitro, sera from diseased NZM2328 mice were used to stimulate a podocyte cell line, and the cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results NLRP3 inflammasomes were activated in podocytes from lupus-prone mice and from patients with LN. Inhibition of NLRP3 with MCC950 ameliorated proteinuria, renal histologic lesions, and podocyte foot process effacement in lupus-prone mice. In vitro, sera from diseased NZM2328 mice activated NLRP3 inflammasomes in the podocyte cell line through the production of reactive oxygen species. Conclusion NLRP3 inflammasomes were activated in podocytes from lupus-prone mice and from LN patients. Activation of NLRP3 is involved in the pathogenesis of podocyte injuries and the development of proteinuria in LN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]