bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do You Drink Coffee, or Brand? Brand Effect on Consumers' Liking and Emotional Responses to Instant Coffee Among Korean Consumers
Authors: Park Seyeong , Hwang In‐Seo , Yoon Gyeonghye , Lim Manyoel , Park Min Kyung , Oh Jungmin , Kwak Han Sub
Published: February 2025

The impact of correct and incorrect brand information on consumer preferences and emotional responses to premium and budget instant coffee products was investigated. Acceptance ratings, just‐about‐right scale for sensory attributes, and emotion response profiles were used to explore product quality and brand information influence on sensory evaluations. A significantly stronger brand effect was noted for premium products, compared with that of intrinsic attributes on consumer preference and emotions. Premium product showed high acceptance ratings and positive emotional responses when brand information was correct. Budget products showed a strong reliance on intrinsic qualities. The penalty analysis indicated that the products had different attributes requiring improvement based on brand information, highlighting the association between premium brand expectations and product quality. Leveraging brand information for premium brands is important to enhance consumer satisfaction and emotional engagement. Economic brands should focus on improving their intrinsic qualities.
S‐Allyl‐Cysteine Ameliorates Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension by Enhancing Lymphangiogenesis via a VEGF‐C‐Independent Manner
Authors: Luo Guqing , Wu Zhenghao , Fan Qiang , Zhang Chihao , Lin Jiayun , Li Hongjie , Zhao Jinbo , Huo Haizhong , Qi Xiaoliang , Wu Guangbo , Chen Min , Yu Jiwei , Zheng Lei , Luo Meng
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

Lymphangiogenesis is enhanced during the development of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension (PHT). However, hepatic lymphatic vascular system is understudied in liver cirrhosis and PHT. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and related compounds have potential prolymphangiogenic effects besides its previously reported vascular‐protective effects. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of endogenous H2S donor S‐allyl‐cysteine (SAC) on bile duct ligation (BDL)‐induced liver cirrhosis and PHT.

Methods

BDL rats with cholestatic liver cirrhosis and PHT were orally administrated with SAC at 100 or 200 mg/kg/day, as well as DL‐propargylglycine (PAG) or MAZ‐51 injections. Hemodynamic parameters were determined, and subsequent evaluations of liver fibrosis, intrahepatic vascular resistance (IHVR) and lymphangiogensis were performed. Human lymphatic endothelial cells (hLECs) were used for in vitro verification of prolymphangiogenic effects of SAC.

Results

SAC treatment significantly decreased PP and promoted endogenous H2S production. Liver fibrosis and IHVR were also ameliorated. Hepatic and mesenteric lymphangiogenesis were enhanced in BDL rats and further promoted by SAC despite a significant downregulation of hepatic VEGF‐C. Inhibition of H2S production by PAG significantly reduced lymphatic vessels, while inhibition of lymphangiogensis by MAZ‐51 reversed the protective effects of SAC against PHT. SAC enhanced lymphangiogenic functions in vitro by promoting cellular H2S production and activating Akt phosphorylation without altering VEGF‐C/D, which were reversed by PAG and MAZ‐51.

Conclusions

SAC significantly alleviated BDL‐induced liver cirrhosis and PHT. Meanwhile, elevated H2S induced by SAC facilitated lymphangiogenesis via a VEGF‐C‐independent manner, which contributed to the alleviation of PHT.
Ecological Interactions of Terrestrial Mammals in the Chihuahuan Desert: A Systematic Map
Authors: Camargo‐Sanabria Angela A. , Fernández Jesús A. , Hernández‐Quiroz Nathalie S. , Buitrago‐Torres Diana L. , Álvarez‐Córdova Fernando
Published: February 2025

The Chihuahuan Desert (CD) spans 11 Mexican and three U.S. states, covering 629,000 km2 of mountain systems and lowland basins. In this extreme environment, mammals have evolved physiological and behavioural adaptations to minimise water loss. However, their survival as individuals and species also depends on the interactions they establish over time and space. In this sense, while some ecological interactions between terrestrial mammals in the CD have been studied, our understanding of these complex networks remains unclear coupled with the lack of basic trophic relationship information for some species.

We conducted a systematic literature review in English and Spanish using the PRISMA protocol, searching major scientific databases for studies on ecological interactions among mammals in the CD. We used broad keyword combinations and performed several screenings.

We found a growing trend in studies conducted between 1946 and 2021 (n = 200), with at least one interaction recorded for 81% of the 101 terrestrial mammals in the CD. Predation and herbivory had the most records, and we observed a geographic bias in the spatial distribution of studies towards the northern CD. Rodentia and Carnivora had more information, while Eulipotyphla and Cingulata were understudied.

Many terrestrial mammals participate in multiple interactions in the desert, yet several species remain poorly studied, and many trophic relationships and indirect interactions are largely unknown.
Praxeology, humanism, equity, and mixed methods: Four pillars for advancing second language acquisition and teaching
Authors: Zheng Yongyan , Ortega Lourdes , Pekarek Doehler Simona , Sasaki Miyuki , Eskildsen Søren Wind , Gao Xuesong (Andy)
Published: February 2025

In this article, we present our vision of a transformed second language acquisition and teaching (SLA/T) disciplinary community that approaches second language (L2) education through four pillars. The first pillar is praxeology (i.e., the study of human action) to highlight the sociocontextually emergent nature of L2 competence. It locates the emergence of L2 grammar and interactional competence in humans acting conjointly with others with and through their L2 across a large variety of social situations and transnational, transcultural, and translingual spaces. The second pillar, humanism, calls for a complex dynamic systems theory–informed understanding of individual differences, with learner agency as a central driving force. The third pillar is equity to confront the field with the recognition that language learning is profoundly inequitable and that most present forms of inequity and injustice, including language‐related inequities, are rooted in coloniality, a matrix of power invented in the late 15th century by European White settlers to ensure the success of colonial domination. Mixed methods research, the fourth pillar, emphasizing emic perspectives, can make findings generalizable and transferrable for practitioners and policymakers, while also revealing the nuanced voices of underrepresented language learner populations. We close by illustrating our vision with the vignette of a language learner and calling researchers to use these four pillars in collaborative pursuits of this SLA/T synergy.
Relationality, interconnectedness, and identity: A process‐focused approach to second language acquisition and teaching (SLA/T)
Authors: Atkinson Dwight , Mejía‐Laguna Jorge , Ribeiro Amable Custodio , Cappellini Marco , Kayi‐Aydar Hayriye , Lowie Wander
Published: February 2025

This complex article has six subsections. Following a brief introduction, one team of three co‐authors and three single authors present compact statements of their distinctive individual research perspectives on second language acquisition and teaching (SLA/T): Atkinson, Mejía‐Laguna, and Ribeiro offer a sociocognitive perspective; Cappellini introduces an eclectic perspective in which online communication is analyzed multimodally; Kayi‐Aydar develops a broad‐based identity perspective; and Lowie presents a complex dynamic systems theory perspective on SLA/T. In the final subsection of this article, the six authors investigate together how their different perspectives might synergize with and complement each other. Conceptually, they develop five main points: (a) SLA/T is a process, (b) SLA/T is relational and ecological, (c) SLA/T occurs on multiple temporal dimensions and analytical levels, and (d) SLA/T is multimodal and embodied. Methodologically, they find common ground in multimethods and case‐based research approaches covering a range of different timescales. Pedagogically, they acknowledge the diversity of educational environments around the world, support local autonomy for teachers, and understand learning as emergent.
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Patients With Prior Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Study on the Burden, Clinic‐Radiological Features, Treatment Outcomes and Comparison With Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis and Post‐Tubercular Lung Disease Patients
Authors: Ajayababu Anuj , Meena Ved Prakash , Sethi Prayas , Singh Amandeep , Jadon Ranveer Singh , Singh Gagandeep , Xess Immaculata , Spalkit Stanzin , Nischal Neeraj , Vyas Surabhi , Sinha Sanjeev , Wig Naveet , Ray Animesh
Published: February 2025

Background

Post‐tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) is a precursor to Aspergillus‐related lung diseases. While Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) has been extensively studied in the background of tuberculosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) has been reported sporadically with limited information on its prevalence, clinical‐radiological features, and treatment outcomes.

Objective

This study, conducted in a high TB burden setting, aimed to address this knowledge gap by systematically evaluating ABPA in PTLD patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study screened PTLD patients presenting with respiratory or constitutional symptoms persisting for more than 3 months. The objective was to report the prevalence, clinical‐radiological‐laboratory data, and outcomes of ABPA‐PTLD compared to a cohort of CPA (CPA‐PTLD) and patients with PTLD (PTLD only).

Results

Out of a total of 1012 PTLD patients, ABPA was seen in 2.27%, CPA in 20.75% and Aspergillus sensitization in 0.7%. ABPA patients primarily presented with breathlessness (91.3%) and cough (82.6%) while haemoptysis (43.5%), weight loss (13%), and anorexia (21.7%) were also observed, albeit less commonly than in CPA‐PTLD. Bronchiectasis (100%) and nodules (87%) were more frequent in ABPA‐PTLD patients, whereas consolidation (21.7%), cavities (30.4%), pleural thickening (8.7%), and ‘fungal ball’ (9.1%) were also seen, although less commonly than in CPA‐PTLD. Most patients received azoles (78%) as first‐line therapy, with symptomatic improvement (partial/complete) observed in ~78%.

Conclusion

ABPA may occur in PTLD patients, with specific clinical (e.g., haemoptysis) and radiological (e.g., cavity and fungal ball) features uncommon in other types of ABPA, but resembling other PTLD conditions. Future studies should focus on identifying differences in the natural course and appropriate treatment paradigms of ABPA‐PTLD patients compared to ABPA occurring in asthma and cystic fibrosis patients.
Degenerative Hip Osteoarthritis in Unilateral Knee Osteoarthritis Patients: A Correlation Analysis
Authors: Li Juncheng , Zhu Wenrun , Yang Jun , Niu Xinhao , Tang Han , Cao Lu , Guo Changan
Published: February 2025

Objective

Hip and knee OA often occur successively. However, little is known about the relationship between hip and knee OA in unilateral knee OA patients. The aim of the study was to explore the correlation between unilateral knee OA and bilateral hip degeneration to determine the impact unilateral knee OA has on the severity of hip degeneration.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study enrolled 162 patients who were presented with unilateral knee osteoarthritis and hospitalized in Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, from January 2016 to December 2018. The severity of affected knee joint and bilateral hip joint was evaluated by using the Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) score. Variates, such as gender, age, body mass index (BMI) and Knee Society Score (KSS) at admission, were also recorded. Differences in the severity of OA between ipsilateral, contralateral hip joints and affected knee joints were accessed with chi‐square tests. Single‐factor and multi‐factor logistic regression were applied to determine the risk factors for hip OA in patients with unilateral knee OA.

Results

Gender have no impact on KSS, the length of disease, and BMI of patients. In contralateral hip joints, there was significant difference in the proportion of patients with severe hip degeneration (KL score ≥ 2) compared to those with mild hip degeneration (KL score < 2) when considering length of disease (p < 0.001), KSS symptom score < 70 (p = 0.001) or KSS function score (p < 0.001). The risk factors for contralateral hip degeneration of patients with unilateral knee OA include that long disease course (> 5 years) (OR 3.030 [95% CI 1.476 to 6.220]; p < 0.001), and high KSS function score (≥ 70 year) (OR 0.921 [95% CI 0.878 to 0.967]; p < 0.001), increased risk of contralateral hip degeneration of patients with unilateral knee OA.

Conclusions

The correlation between unilateral knee OA and contralateral hip degeneration was stronger than that between unilateral knee OA and ipsilateral hip degeneration. For knee OA patients with longer course and lower KSS functional score, more attention should be paid to the degeneration process of the contralateral hip joint.
Global identification and functional characterization of Z‐DNA in rice
Authors: He Zexue , Run Yonghang , Feng Yilong , Yang Ying , Tavakoli Mahmoud , Ahmed Asgar , Ariel Federico , Zhang Wenli
Published: February 2025

Z‐DNA is a left‐handed double helix form of DNA that is believed to be involved in various DNA transactions. However, comprehensive investigations aimed at global profiling of Z‐DNA landscapes are still missing in both humans and plants. We here report the development of two techniques: anti‐Z‐DNA antibody‐based immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ZIP‐seq), and cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&TAG) for characterizing Z‐DNA in nipponbare rice (Oryza sativa L., Japonica). We found that Z‐DNA‐IP+ (Z‐DNA recognized by the antibody) exhibits distinct genomic features as compared to Z‐DNA‐IP− (Z‐DNA not recognized by the antibody). The concomitant presence of G‐quadruplexes (G4s) and i‐motifs (iMs) may promote Z‐DNA formation. DNA modifications such as DNA‐6mA/‐4acC generally disfavours Z‐DNA formation, while modifications like DNA‐5mC (CHH) and 8‐oxodG promote it, highlighting the distinct roles of DNA base modifications in modulating Z‐DNA formation. Importantly, Z‐DNA located at transcription start sites (TSSs) enhances gene expression, whereas Z‐DNA in genic regions represses it, underscoring its dual roles in regulating the expression of genes involved in fundamental biological functions and responses to salt stress. Furthermore, Z‐DNA may play a role in transcriptional initiation and termination rather than in transcriptional elongation. Finally, the presence of Z‐DNA in promoters is correlated with the coevolution of overlapping genes, thereby regulating gene domestication. Consequently, our study represents as a pivotal point and a solid foundation for reliably launching genome‐wide investigations of Z‐DNA, thereby advancing the understanding of Z‐DNA biology in both plants and non‐plant systems.
Liver function trends in children with suspected drug‐induced hepatocellular injury: A survey using an electronic medical records database
Authors: Nakakuni Masayoshi , Nakano Kosuke , Inui Ayano , Kobayashi Shinji , Deguchi Naoko , Mitsui Seiji , Kuriyama Takeshi , Miyazaki Seiko
Published: February 2025

Background

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is a common adverse drug event with limited pediatric data in the literature. This study aimed to use pediatric electronic medical records to assess hepatocellular DILI in pediatric patients who were prescribed liver‐injury‐inducing drugs.

Methods

The Pediatric Medical Information Collection System (P‐MICS) is a centralized database integrating electronic medical records from over 40 medical pediatric centers. Pediatric patients in the P‐MICS with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels five or more times the upper limit of normal and who were below 15 years of age were selected. Those with liver diseases unrelated to drug‐induced causes were excluded. We identified drugs prescribed 2 to 90 days before the first elevated ALT reading. High‐risk liver‐injury‐causing drugs were determined based on the LiverTox score. We analyzed post‐event ALT and total bilirubin levels (TB) and DILI management.

Results

Of the 817 patients with suspected DILI, 251 were prescribed four drugs identified as high‐risk drugs for hepatocellular DILI: methotrexate (n = 129), aspirin (n = 82), vancomycin (n = 58), and cyclophosphamide (n = 51). The median ALT level at the first event was 245 U/L. Approximately 35% of methotrexate users and cyclophosphamide users experienced recurrent ALT elevation. Some methotrexate users also showed TB elevation. Discontinuation of high‐risk drugs resulted in fewer relapses and TB elevations than pharmacotherapy.

Conclusions

The P‐MICS effectively identifies pediatric patients with potential liver injury and tracks liver function in those prescribed liver‐injury‐causing drugs. This study underscores liver injury risks in pediatric anticancer drug users, highlighting the utility of the P‐MICS in monitoring off‐label drug safety in children.
The C3H gene PtZFP2‐like in Pinellia ternata acts as a positive regulator of the resistance to soft rot caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum
Authors: Luo Ming , Li Xinyao , Zhang Jingyi , Miao Yuhuan , Liu Dahui
Published: February 2025

Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit is a member of the Araceae family and is globally distributed. The dry tuber has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. With agricultural development, the harm of soft rot to P. ternata is an increasing problem. The lack of germplasm resources resistant to soft rot leads to less research on resistance mechanisms. In our study, we screened disease‐resistant P. ternata P‐1 and disease‐susceptible P. ternata P‐4 for the first time. Then, the infection of soft rot for 0, 24, and 48 hours was performed, and a de novo transcriptome analysis explored key genes associated with soft rot resistance. A total of 260,169 unigenes were identified and differentially expressed gene analysis was conducted. In total, 33 C3H‐type ZFP genes were differentially expressed under Pectobacterium carotovorum infection. Transient expression of ZFP2‐like (Cluster‐5189.85444) resulted in a twofold increase at 24 hour post infection (hpi) and a threefold increase at 48 hpi in P‐1 with soft rot infection, but no significant difference at P‐4 enhanced the resistance of Nicotiana benthamiana to soft rot. Stable overexpression in P. ternata with a 2 ~ 11‐fold increase in gene expression and reduced the lesion size from 6 mm to 2 ~ 4 mm at 24 hpi, demonstrating increased resistance to P. carotovorum. These findings indicated the ZFP2‐like gene plays a pivotal role in soft rot resistance, enriches genetic data on disease resistance in P. ternata, and contributes to breed selection and improvement.
Using gravel pits as novel fire refugia for the threatened Tasmanian paleoendemic conifer Athrotaxis cupressoides
Authors: Prior Lynda D. , Nichols Scott C. , French Ben J. , Staubmann Herbert , Bowman David M. J. S.
Published: February 2025

Athrotaxis cupressoides is an endemic conifer restricted to montane areas of Tasmania. It is slow‐growing and vulnerable to the increasing wildfire activity associated with climate change. We explored the novel idea that disused gravel pits could serve as artificial fire refugia for transplanted populations. We compared survival, growth, and response to fertilizer of nursery‐grown A. cupressoides transplants in these artificial refugia, which had mineral soils, and in burnt and unburnt sites in wilderness areas, which had organic soils. Survival over the 16‐month trial increased with initial transplant height and was slightly higher in the gravel pits (97%) than the wilderness areas (89%). Height growth of unfertilized plants was slow, especially in the unburnt wilderness sites and gravel pits. However, fertilizer boosted growth most strongly in the gravel pits, to rates similar to those of fertilized plants in unburnt wilderness sites. Our results show that it is feasible to reintroduce A. cupressoides into populations eliminated by wildfire. They also demonstrate the capacity to reclaim gravel pits by creating new localized populations of this iconic species. Thus, denuded gravel pits can be re‐imagined as fire refugia to help maintain populations of A. cupressoides and other long‐lived but fire‐sensitive plants in the wild.
Rising Income Inequality and the Impact of r‐g$$ r\hbox{-} g $$ in the United States
Authors: Abatemarco Antonio , Lagomarsino Elena , Spiganti Alessandro
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a novel non‐parametric strategy to test ‘Piketty's third law,' postulating that a positive gap between the rate of return on capital () and the economy's growth rate () is associated with increased income inequality. The strategy is based on a decomposition of inequality changes over time that allows investigating the existence of a distributive effect of the gap and its relative importance with respect to other drivers of income inequality changes over time. Applying this strategy to data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics on the last 50 years, we find support for the existence of Piketty's law in the evolution of income inequality in the United States. Whereas factors other than Piketty's income dynamics predominantly drive overall inequality, the gap accounts for approximately 10% of the trend in income inequality in the medium‐ and long‐term.
The Polarization of Personal Saving
Authors: Gindelsky Marina , Martin Robert
Published: February 2025

The Bureau of Economic Analysis and Bureau of Labor Statistics have constructed the first complete distribution of personal saving (2004–2022) for the U.S. by estimating the joint distribution of disposable personal income and personal consumption expenditures. We start with household surveys, augmented with administrative sources, to correct for suspected underreporting in the distribution tails. We then scale household values to national accounts totals and calculate the resulting distribution of personal saving, extending existing distributional national accounts for the U.S. While aggregate saving is 3% of personal income in 2022, it is negative for the bottom half of the distribution. In fact, consumption expenditures are more than double income for the bottom 10%, but almost six times less than income for the top 1%. Despite a temporary increase in saving during the COVID pandemic, the polarization is large and persistent, and robust to modifying the definitions and sample composition.
A cell fractionation and quantitative proteomics pipeline to enable functional analyses of cotton fiber development
Authors: Lee Youngwoo , Rani Heena , Mallery Eileen L. , Szymanski Daniel B.
Published: February 2025

Cotton fibers are aerial trichoblasts that employ a highly polarized diffuse growth mechanism to emerge from the developing ovule epidermis. After executing a complicated morphogenetic program, the cells reach lengths over 2 cm and serve as the foundation of a multi‐billion‐dollar textile industry. Important traits such as fiber diameter, length, and strength are defined by the growth patterns and cell wall properties of individual cells. At present, the ability to engineer fiber traits is limited by our lack of understanding regarding the primary controls governing the rate, duration, and patterns of cell growth. To gain insights into the compartmentalized functions of proteins in cotton fiber cells, we developed a label‐free liquid chromatography mass spectrometry method for systems‐level analyses of fiber proteome. Purified fibers from a single locule were used to fractionate the fiber proteome into apoplast (APOT), membrane‐associated (p200), and crude cytosolic (s200) fractions. Subsequently, proteins were identified, and their localizations and potential functions were analyzed using combinations of size exclusion chromatography, statistical and bioinformatic analyses. This method had good coverage of the p200 and APOT fractions, the latter of which was dominated by proteins associated with particulate membrane‐enclosed compartments. The apoplastic proteome was diverse, the proteins were not degraded, and some displayed distinct multimerization states compared to their cytosolic pool. This quantitative proteomic pipeline can be used to improve coverage and functional analyses of the cotton fiber proteome as a function of developmental time or differing genotypes.
Unraveling the role of OsSCL26 in transcriptional regulation in rice: Insights into grain shape, heading date, and carbohydrates
Authors: Jin Xiaoli , Lu Yingying , Liu Jialin , Liu Hui , Wu Nan , Li Mei , Zhou Weijun
Published: February 2025

Grain shape, heading date, and amylase content are pivotal traits influencing rice yield, quality, distribution, and regional adaptability. Through our investigation, we identified a mutant, characterized by slender grains, elevated amylose content, and early heading date. Histocytologic scrutiny unveiled heightened cell proliferation in the spikelet hull contributing to the slender grain morphology. The OsSCL26 gene, governing these significant traits, was meticulously cloned via fine‐mapping. Phenotypic scrutiny of OsSCL26 knockout and overexpression lines validated its pivotal role in trait regulation. Further analysis disclosed a substitution in the OsSCL26 promoter region, creating a novel binding site for the transcript factor OsbZIP47, thereby modulating its expression in the osscl26 mutant. Functionally, OsSCL26, acting as a serine/arginine‐rich SC35‐like protein, interacted with U1‐70K in vivo and in vitro. OsSCL26 exhibited direct binding to genes implicated in grain shape and carbohydrates, thereby regulating their splicing. Moreover, OsSCL26 showed direct and indirect associations with target RNAs involved in circadian rhythm. Overall, our findings elucidate the mechanism of OsSCL26, an RNA binding protein interacting with splicing factor, as a crucial member of the spliceosome, thereby impacting post‐transcriptional splicing and regulating grain shape, heading date, and carbohydrates in rice.
Jordan correspondence and block distribution of characters
Authors: Kessar Radha , Malle Gunter
Published: February 2025

We complete the determination of the ‐block distribution of characters for quasi‐simple exceptional groups of Lie type up to some minor ambiguities relating to non‐uniqueness of Jordan decomposition. For this, we first determine the ‐block distribution for finite reductive groups whose ambient algebraic group defined in characteristic different from has connected centre. As a consequence, we derive a compatibility between ‐blocks, ‐Harish‐Chandra series and Jordan decomposition. Further, we apply our results to complete the proof of Robinson's conjecture on defects of characters.
The ‘Religious Right’ in the 2020 Aotearoa New Zealand General Election
Authors: Gregory Isabella
Published: February 2025

This article investigates the unsettled relationship between religion and politics in Aotearoa New Zealand through a close study of the 2020 General Election. By examining three intersecting policy domains—health reform, Māori policy, and foreign affairs—the article examines the ways in which the New Conservatives, One Party, Vision New Zealand, and Advance New Zealand challenged normative paradigms of the ‘religious right’. While these groups’ moral conservatism loomed large in the public eye, their pursuit of radical possibilities for social change remains little understood. While these parties were often antagonistic and always provocative, a close analysis of their policies helps to situate how conservative, far-right, and progressive politics may be found knitted together in the political fabric of Aotearoa New Zealand. Recognising this reality is important for the left to counter extremism, foster progressive alliances, and productively imagine alternative futures.
Austerity, Precarity, and Tertiary Union Strategy: Notes from The Left TEU Network
Authors: Russell Matt , Salter Leon , White Ani , Tie Warwick , Samaha Amal , Smith Tom , Boraman Toby , Zepke Joshua
Published: February 2025

This intervention critiques the Tertiary Education Union (TEU) prior to, during, and beyond the 2023 ‘Stop the Cuts’ campaign across the tertiary education sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. The members of The Left TEU Network, represented here by the authors of this piece, suggest that the TEU have focused on maintaining good relationships with university management over the specific needs of tertiary staff, especially those on precarious contracts. The result of this ‘service unionism’ model has been a narrow focus on the collective bargaining process for full-time staff with little attempt made to challenge the structural conditions that are corroding the tertiary sector, and the TEU’s base, from within. Against the service unionism model, The Left TEU Network seeks a transformationof what it means to be a TEU member away from mere payment of dues in return for a vague sense of insurance towards direct and democratic engagement in a political forum. The TEU left Network thus seeks a style of organisation that can build the nationalunion movement within and across sectors in order to intervene on wider issues of politics and social justice.
Carbon Loss from Earthquake Induced Landslides in Fiordland
Authors: Cox Charles
Published: February 2025

Fiordland is a carbon sink, and the influence of landslide events on carbon transport and sequestration in the region needs to be understood. Landslides triggered by two earthquakes in Fiordland were mapped using Google Earth Pro satellite imagery (eye altitude of 1.5–2.5 km, enabling ± 50 m precision). Ground acceleration during the 2003 Mw 7.2 Secretary Island Earthquake resulted in at least 1852 landslides. The larger 2009 Mw 7.8 Dusky Sound Earthquake had lower accelerations, producing only 313. Both events dislodged large swaths of native forest, grassland vegetation and soil, some landing in rivers and fjords.  The landslide maps and magnitude–frequency distributions show close similarity to a published Global Forest Loss dataset derived from 2001–2022 satellite imagery. Assuming forest loss here is predominantly landslide related, it enables the more-precise earthquake-induced landslide mapping to be placed in a longer-term context of other vegetation loss, mostly rainfall-induced landslides, during the past two decades. The total area of forest loss during the 2003 earthquake was anomalous, whereas during 2009 the earthquake losses were similar to areas of forest loss assumed to be rainfall-induced landslides throughout Fiordland each year. Carbon concentrations of landslide vegetation were calculated by defining vegetation types from a published Land Cover Database, and soil organic carbon concentration from a 1 km resolution raster dataset. Total carbon loss from earthquake-induced landslides amounts to 2.05 Mt for the 2003 Mw7.2 and 0.217 Mt for the 2009 Mw 7.8. By way of comparison, New Zealand’s total annual carbon sequestration was 6.3 Mt in 2020, and CO2 emissions were 9.2 MtC. Multiple-occurrence regional landslide events can account for changes carbon storage and sequestration in areas of dense vegetation, such as Fiordland. Processes of landscape disturbance are significant for carbon accounting and could be included in estimates of national greenhouse gas emissions.
The Eco-Express: Exploring an Event-Specific Train Service to Enhance Sustainable Travel for Dunedin Tertiary Students.
Authors: Muirsmeath Brooke
Published: February 2025

Students travelling between their city of study and their hometowns is one of the largest emissions generators for the University of Otago, these emissions also contribute to the profile of Dunedin as a whole (Rutherford & Cliff, 2023). To address this, this report will cover the question ‘How can an ‘event specific’ train to and from Dunedin be utilised to reduce the emissions created by student’s travel behaviour and what other benefits could this deliver for students and Dunedin?’ This inquiry aims to analyse solutions to the issue of emissions resulting from student travel, with a particular focus on travel between Dunedin and Christchurch for events and University breaks. Current underutilisation of existing rail and public transport infrastructure contributes to high rates of flying and driving. The effective use of rail is a key tool for reducing transport emissions. However, in its current state, the reinstatement of passenger rail is complex and faces barriers. The introduction of irregular passenger rail would be a more feasible near-term solution. This report endeavours to bridge the gap in formal research, offering insights into the viability of this method and provide further understanding to allow for more work to be done on the introduction of this service and additional supporting initiatives. This report may also provide insights for other possible institutions interested in implementing a similar service to further explore the idea.
The first record of the water mite genus Parathyas Lundblad, 1926 (Acari: Hydryphantoidea: Hydryphantidae) from China with description of two new species
Authors: Zhong Hao , Gu Xin-Yao , Li Ping , Hu Zhan-Yu , Guo Jian-Jun
Published: February 2025

Two species, Parathyas pingwuensis Zhong & Guo sp. nov. and Parathyas qilianensis Zhong & Guo sp. nov.,  were described and illustrated in detail as new species to science, which represent a new recorded genus of Euthyadinae K. Viets, 1931 for the Chinese water mite fauna, and were collected from Wanglang National Natural Reserve, Pingwu County, Sichuan Province and Qilian Mountain, Qinghai Province, China.
Association Between Meeting 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescents
Authors: Zhao Hanhua , Hu Sha , Yang Xi , Wang Haoyu , Miao Jiachen , Gao Naichun , Gao Ying , Haapala Eero A.
Published: February 2025

Background: Evidence-based 24-hour movement guidelines have been developed to integrate recommendations for time spent on moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), screen time (ST), and sleep. This study investigated the adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines and explored the relationship with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional findings are based on 1774 adolescents (49.1% female) aged 13–16 years from the Shenyang region of China. MVPA, ST, and sleep duration were self-reported using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, an ST questionnaire, and a wake–sleep time questionnaire. HRQoL was measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, which encompasses physical, psychosocial, and total HRQoL. Adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines was classified by meeting general (eg, none, 1, 2, and 3 guidelines) and specific combinations (eg, MVPA and ST guidelines) within the 3 recommendations. Associations were examined using general linear models adjusted for age, sex, and parents’ education. Results: A total of 5.1% of the sample met all three 24-hour movement guidelines. Additionally, compared with meeting no guideline, meeting all 3 guidelines was associated with better physical (β = 5.37; 95% CI, 0.69–9.49; P = .005), psychosocial (β = 3.76; 95% CI, 0.84–6.68; P = .012), and total HRQoL (β = 4.16; 95% CI, 1.35–6.98; P = .004). Compared with not meeting the specific combination guidelines, meeting MVPA and ST was associated with better physical HRQoL (β = 5.52; 95% CI, 1.30–9.74; P = .01). Conclusions: These cross-sectional findings suggest that meeting all three 24-hour movement guidelines were associated with better HRQoL in adolescents. Since a low proportion of this sample was meeting the overall guidelines, future effort should encourage, and perhaps improve adherence to the 24-hour movement guidelines.
The influence of trace metal supplementation on the presence of ceftriaxone resistance in
Enterobacteriaceae
in the gastrointestinal tract of dairy cattle
Authors: Martineau Charles-Antoine , Duplessis Mélissa , Ronholm Jennifer , Petri Renée M.
Published: February 2025

The addition of trace minerals into the diet of lactating cows frequently exceeds national recommendations for industry practices. However, the presence of certain heavy metals, such as zinc and copper, has been shown to exert selection pressure on the gut microbiota, favoring metal resistance and potential co-selection for antimicrobial resistance. To determine whether oversupplementation of dietary zinc alters the gut microbiota of dairy cattle, a cross-over design was used to feed either recommended or surplus levels of dietary zinc (0.89×; high mineral diet) compared to the recommended levels (control diet). Rumen, duodenum, and fecal samples were collected to analyze the 16S rRNA microbial community for diversity and relative abundance, with a greater focus on the
Enterobacteriaceae
family, while mixed enriched gut content samples were cultured to determine the presence of zinc, copper, and ceftriaxone resistances in gram-negative bacteria. Alpha-diversity analysis showed a decrease in richness and evenness (Simpson index) when cows were in the HIGH treatment (
P =
0.0464) and a tendency to decrease (
P =
0.0592) diversity according to the Shannon index. Despite alpha-diversity differences,
Enterobacteriaceae
abundance showed no difference between treatments. For culturing, a tendency (
P =
0.0956) for decreased fecal resistance to zinc on MacConkey mixed enriched isolates was observed for the HIGH group. This study showed that there were differences between niches but no significant increase in resistance in response to zinc, copper, and ceftriaxone in the enriched
Enterobacteriaceae
populations from the rumen, duodenum, and fecal niches and that zinc oversupplementation had minimal impact on gut microbiota communities.

IMPORTANCE

The addition of trace minerals into the diet of lactating cows, at levels exceeding national recommendations, is a common industry practice. However, there are new concerns as the presence of certain heavy metals, such as zinc, has been shown to exert selection pressure on the gut microbiota, favoring metal resistance and potential co-selection for antimicrobial resistance. We evaluated how the addition of zinc in the diet of lactating cows affects the bacterial community’s relative abundance and diversity, with a focus on the
Enterobacteriaceae
family throughout the gastrointestinal tract, due to their importance for human health. Using samples from the rumen, duodenum, and feces, we cultivated gram-negative bacteria from enriched samples in the presence of zinc, copper, and ceftriaxone resistances to confirm phenotype resistances. This study contributes to our understanding of how dairy diets oversupplemented with minerals may alter the microbial community of the animal and could contribute to the dissemination of antibiotic resistance.
Association between sun-protective behaviours and psoriasis in US adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2014: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xuan Yawen , Feng Yibin , Rong Fen , He Xufeng , Wang Wuqing , Li Wen
Published: February 2025

Objective

To evaluate the association between sun-protective behaviours and psoriasis in a nationally representative sample of US adults.

Design

Analysis of cross-sectional data.

Setting

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2009–2014.

Participants

A total of 9735 participants aged 20–59 years with available data on psoriasis, sun-protective behaviours and covariates were included in the analysis.

Outcome measures

Information on sun-protective behaviours (staying in the shade, wearing long sleeves and using sunscreen) and psoriasis was obtained from questionnaires in the NHANES database. Logistic regression models and subgroup analyses were employed to investigate the association between sun-protective behaviours and psoriasis.

Results

After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, body mass index (BMI), alcohol drinking status, smoking status, sun sensitivity and time spent outdoors in the multivariable logistic regression model, moderate wearing of long sleeves was negatively associated with psoriasis (OR, 0.55; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.90, p=0.02), while frequent wearing showed no significant relationship. There was no significant association between staying in the shade and psoriasis, regardless of frequency. Subgroup analyses stratified by age, gender, race/ethnicity and smoking status revealed no significant associations in most groups, but moderate wearing of long sleeves was found to be negatively associated with psoriasis among those aged 20–39 years (OR, 0.42; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.98, p=0.04), among non-Hispanic white individuals (OR, 0.52; 95% CI 0.28 to 0.97, p=0.04) and among non-smokers (OR, 0.49; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.95, p=0.04), as it was among women in terms of overall sun protection (OR, 0.58; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.97, p=0.04). However, among non-Hispanic white individuals (staying in the shade: OR, 1.69; 95% CI 1.00 to 2.84, p=0.049) and former/current smokers (overall: OR, 3.28; 95% CI 1.41 to 7.63, p=0.009), frequent sun protection was positively associated with psoriasis.

Conclusions

Moderate sun-protective behaviours among US adults were found to be negatively associated with psoriasis. However, among non-Hispanic white individuals and former/current smokers, frequent sun protection was positively associated with psoriasis. Future studies with rigorous study design could further explore and validate the potential reasons for these associations to better inform evidence-based behavioural recommendations that protect human health.
School nurse-led educational interventions for sexual and reproductive health promotion in adolescents in high-income countries: a mixed-methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Choi Yu Mi , Noh Suyeon , Seo Hyun-Ju , Yoon Jaehee
Published: February 2025

Introduction

As educators and health professionals, school nurses are in an optimal position to improve and advocate for adolescent reproductive and sexual health. This report outlines a protocol for a systematic review to synthesize evidence on the effects of school nurse-led education interventions and barriers and facilitators to implementing the interventions to improve students’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to sexual and reproductive health in high-income countries.

Methods and analysis

We will develop a protocol to systematically review school nurse-led education interventions aimed at promoting adolescent sexual and reproductive health. This protocol will be based on the methodology of theCochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The search will be conducted in Ovid-MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Ovid-Embase, PsycINFO, Koreamed and ScienceON using relevant Medical Subject Headings and text words to identify the literature on different types of studies examining school nurse-led sexual and reproductive health education interventions in April 2024. Two independent reviewers will select relevant studies and extract data using a predefined template. We will assess methodological quality using the risk-of-bias tools appropriate for study designs and will resolve discrepancies through discussion with the review team. Where appropriate, we will conduct meta-analyses to estimate the effectiveness of school nurse-led sexual and reproductive health education interventions. Additionally, a qualitative evidence synthesis will be performed for the qualitative research included in the review. Finally, both a quantitative synthesis and a qualitative synthesis will be combined into a secondary synthesis addressing the facilitators and barriers of sexual and reproductive health educational interventions provided by school nurses to adolescents.

Ethics and dissemination

This review will synthesise publicly available resources and does not require ethical approval. The findings will provide insights into how school nurses can improve students’ sexual and reproductive health. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, reports and academic conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022347625.
Evaluating a digital prehabilitation tool in patients with colorectal surgery: protocol for a multisite randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ogomori Kelsey , Broering Jeanette , Rogine Camille , Kin Cindy , Chang George J , Finlayson Emily
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality in the USA and occurs most frequently in older adults. These patients are at increased risk of adverse outcomes following major cancer surgery. While prehabilitation has been shown to mitigate this risk, multiple barriers to implementation remain. Our team created a digital tool co-designed with older adults that employs an algorithm to assess patient-specific geriatric vulnerabilities and generate personalised prehabilitation programmes before surgery.

Methods and analysis

We have designed a multisite, unblinded randomised trial to be completed at three high-volume academic cancer centres located in California or Texas. Our study population is individuals aged 65 and older with planned colorectal cancer resection who are proficient in English and have home internet access. We aim to enroll 132 patients who will be randomised in a 2:1 ratio to receive the intervention (assistance from a home health coach and access to the web application (web app)) or control (usual care with written prehabilitation materials). Our primary outcome is patient engagement with prehabilitation activities.

Ethics and dissemination

A properly executed, written, informed consent will be obtained from each subject prior to entering the subject into the trial. Information will be given in both oral and written form, and subjects may withdraw at any time from the study without effect on their medical care. The protocol and consent form have been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of each participating centre. We anticipate publication of results in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

NCT05520866.
Development of a nomogram for predicting depression risk in patients with chronic kidney disease: an analysis of data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2014
Authors: Lai Ru Le , Cheng Jia Yin , Zhang Tianhao , Liang Xiao , Zhu Yuan Yue , Huang Xu , Wu Bin
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Depression frequently occurs among individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD), diminishing life quality considerably while accelerating the disease course. This study aims to create a predictive model to identify patients with CKD at high risk for depression.

Design

Analysis of cross-sectional data.

Setting

US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2014).

Participants

A total of 2303 patients with CKD (weighted=17 422 083) with complete data were included in the analysis.

Outcome measures

We used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression for variable selection and constructed a weighted logistic regression model through stepwise backward elimination based on minimisation of the Akaike information criterion, visualised with a nomogram. Internal validation was conducted using 1000 bootstrap resamples. Model discrimination was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration was evaluated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test and calibration curves, and net benefits and clinical impact were analysed using decision curve analysis and comparative impact chart curves.

Results

The final model included 10 predictors: age, gender, poverty income ratio, body mass index, smoking, sleep time, sleep disorder, chest pain, diabetes and arthritis. The model achieved an area under the curve of 0.776 (95% CI 0.745 to 0.806) with good fit (Hosmer-Lemeshow p=0.805). Interventions within the 0.1–0.6 probability range showed significant benefits.

Conclusion

We have crafted a predictive model with good discriminative power that could potentially help clinicians identify patients with CKD at high risk for depression, thereby facilitating early intervention and improving the prognosis of these patients.