bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practicing modernity at home: Expert discourses and women's narratives on household in late socialist Poland
Authors: Stańczak‐Wiślicz Katarzyna
Published: December 2023

This article explores gendered notions of modernity in late socialist Poland in the context of the household. It examines the scenarios of modernity for the household that were developed by various expert bodies and popularised by the mass media, and women's memoirs written as competition entries that describe their everyday practices. The main aim of this analysis is to examine how the memoirists responded to expert discourses about gendered modernity at home. The article shows that although they appear to have understood how to produce their life stories to interweave their experiences with official political discourse, the memoirs can be considered a valuable source that describes how individuals understood modernity, and how expert discourses affected their value system.
Regulatory Agencies and the Inclusion Trilemma
Authors: Brummer Chris
Published: December 2023

Regardless of economic cycles, financial regulation can be understood to be bound by an uncomfortable social policy trilemma. When faced with 1) providing market integrity, 2) fostering innovation, and 3) enabling financial inclusion, regulators have long been able to achieve, at best, only two of these three goals. Often the result of this trilemma are choices made in the name of consumer and investor protection, or innovation, that indirectly promote, enable or exacerbate wealth inequality by redlining capital markets or exposing the vulnerable to undue risk. In this article, I explain this trilemma and argue that addressing it will require novel innovations – from incorporating inclusion and innovation formally into regulatory mandates to upgrading existing offices of innovation, and creating offices of financial inclusion, to better navigate the tradeoffs inherent in the trilemma.
The triple threat: How green technology innovation, green energy production, and financial development impact environmental quality?
Authors: Zulfiqar Muhammad , Fatima Arooj , Ullah Muhammad Rizwan , Huo Weidong , Pervaiz Amber , Ghafoor Sadeen
Published: December 2023

An exponential and sustained increase in carbon emissions is worsening environmental quality and causing a global warming crisis. Climate change and global warming are now considered a major environmental threat to human civilization. The study, thus, intends to analyze the impact of green technological innovation, green energy production and financial development on environmental quality. For the analysis, the study uses two different measures of environmental quality: carbon emissions and ecological footprints. We collected panel data from various South Asian countries from 2000 to 2021. After observing the basic characteristics of data, we employ Fully Modified and Dynamic Ordinary Least Square models to examine the data. The study reports significant contributions of green energy production, green technological innovation, and financial development in determining environmental quality across the South Asian region. The study recommends increasing green energy production, technological innovation, and financial development to improve environmental quality.
Effects and molecular mechanism of sugar transporter ESA_RS15745 on desiccation resistance, motility, and biofilm formation of Cronobacter sakazakii
Authors: Ping Li , Zhengyang Zhang , Mohan Si , Ruihong Wang , Zhengang Li , Wen Lv , Xuemeng Ji , Yue Cheng , Xinjun Du , Shuo Wang
Published: December 2023

Cronobacter sakazakii, an important Gram‐negative foodborne pathogen, can cause neonatal meningitis and sepsis with high rates of infection and death. Gene ESA_RS15745 encodes a sugar transporter protein, which is not only essential for osmotic pressure maintenance during bacterial growth and reproduction but also associated with their desiccation tolerance, motility, and biofilm formation. Here, a mutant strain of ESA_RS15745 (ΔESA_RS15745) and the complementation strain (cpESA_RS15745) were constructed using a suicide vector knockout and gene complementation. ΔESA_RS15745 was found to have a decrease in its ability to transport maltose and trehalose and resist desiccation, whereas an increase in the ability of motility and biofilm formation, implying that ESA_RS15745 may positively regulate sugar transport and desiccation tolerance and negatively regulate motility and biofilm formation. To further investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the function of related genes, RNA‐seq was performed to explore the differentially expressed genes in the mutants. RNA‐seq results showed the upregulation of 114 genes (mainly including those regulating chemotaxis and flagellar motility) and the downregulation of 22 genes (mainly including those regulating sugar transport). qRT‐PCR analysis supported the RNA‐seq results and showed that ESA_RS15745 may influence the dehydration tolerance though decreasing the intracellular trehalose content and negatively regulate the motility though the chemotactic signaling pathway. In addition, the biofilm formation of C. sakazakii should also be speculated to negatively regulate by ESA_RS15745 by consuming the extracellular carbohydrates concentration and then downregulating the intracellular cyclic diguanosine monophosphate. This study offers a reference for comprehending the molecular mechanism of gene ESA_RS15745 in C. sakazakii.
Flours from Spondias mombin and Spondias tuberosa seeds: Physicochemical characterization, technological properties, and antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic activities
Authors: Oliveira Felipe Carlos de Macêdo , Holanda Tatiana Moura Vasconcelos , de Assis Cristiane Fernandes , Xavier Júnior Francisco Humberto , de Sousa Júnior Francisco Canindé
Published: December 2023

Yellow mombin (Spondias mombin) and Brazil plum (Spondias tuberosa) seeds are byproducts of exploiting their pulp and currently have no relevant food or industrial applications. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical, technological, and functional characteristics of flours obtained from yellow mombin (YMF) and Brazil plum (BPF) residues. The flours presented a high percentage of insoluble fiber (68.8–70.2 g/100 g) and low carbohydrate (2.7–4.0 g/100 g) and caloric (91.9–95.3 kcal) values. The flours showed potential for technological application. In addition, the highest concentration of total phenolic content (31.1–50.2 mg GAE/g) was obtained with 70% acetone, which provided excellent results for antioxidant capacity evaluated by 2,2′‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (81.0%–89.7%) and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (60.6%–69.1%) radical scavenging capacity assays. Flour extracts in 70% acetone also exhibited inhibition of α‐amylase (63.3%–78.8%) and amyloglucosidase (63.5%–71.0%). The antibacterial study revealed that extracts inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, Burkholderia cepacia, and Burkholderia multivorans. Therefore, this study suggests the use of yellow mombin and Brazil plum residues for different food or industrial applications.

Practical Application

The knowledge gained from this study will open a new approach to add value to yellow mombin and Brazil plum fruit seeds as sources of fiber and bioactive compounds, with promising application in the formulation of functional and nutraceutical products, benefiting both a sustainable environment and a sustainable industry.
Effect of ultrasound and thermal pretreatments on antioxidant activity of egg white hydrolysate
Authors: Prawulanari Astri Suryani , Noisa Parinya , Thumanu Kanjana , Yongsawatdigul Jirawat
Published: December 2023

The use of ultrasonic (US) treatment of egg white prior to enzymatic hydrolysis to produce hydrolysate with antioxidant activity was investigated. The state of egg white (raw vs. cooked form) along with two levels of Alcalase (1% and 10% (w/w) protein) was applied. Hydrolysis and antioxidant activity of hydrolysate increased by US pretreatment at intensity of 41.53 W/cm2. The hydrolysate prepared from US treatment on raw egg white hydrolyzed by 1% Alcalase (US‐R1%) showed the lowest degree of hydrolysis (DH); however, its 2,2′‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power activities were the highest. In contrast, the highest cytoprotective effect and intracellular reactive oxygen species scavenging activity were more notable in the hydrolysate prepared from US treatment of boiled egg white hydrolyzed by 10% Alcalase (US‐B10%), which also exhibited the highest DH and metal chelation ability. The hydrolysate possessing cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) showed the highest proportion of small molecular weight peptides (<200 Da). Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy revealed an increase of N‐ and C‐terminal ends at 1500 and 1400 cm−1, respectively, in concomitant with a decrease of amide I. Principal component analysis showed clear differentiation of spectra from different levels of enzyme according to their DH, C‐terminal ends, and antioxidant activity. Our findings suggested that cooked egg white followed by US pretreatment was beneficial to produce hydrolysate containing high CAA.
Lipoteichoic acid restrains macrophage senescence via β‐catenin/FOXO1/REDD1 pathway in age‐related osteoporosis
Authors: Cheng Weike , Fu Yong , Lin Zexin , Huang Mouzhang , Chen Yingqi , Hu Yanjun , Lin Qingrong , Yu Bin , Liu Guanqiao
Published: December 2023

Osteoporosis and its related fractures are common causes of morbidity and mortality in older adults, but its underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we found that lipoteichoic acid (LTA) treatment could ameliorate age‐related bone degeneration and attenuate intramedullary macrophage senescence. FOXO1 signaling, which was downregulated and deactivated in aging macrophages, played a key role in the process. Blocking FOXO1 signaling caused decreased REDD1 expression and increased phosphorylation level of mTOR, a major driver of aging, as well as aggravated bone loss and deteriorated macrophage senescence. Moreover, LTA elevated FOXO1 signaling through β‐catenin pathway while β‐catenin inhibition significantly suppressed FOXO1 signaling, promoted senescence‐related protein expression, and accelerated bone degeneration and macrophage senescence. Our findings indicated that β‐catenin/FOXO1/REDD1 signaling plays a physiologically significant role that protecting macrophages from senescence during aging.
Agri‐food trade channel and the ASEAN macroeconomic impacts from output and price shocks
Authors: Raghavan Mala , Khan Faisal , Devadason Evelyn S.
Published: December 2023

This paper examines the diffusion of external (output and price) shocks to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) through the agri‐food trade channel for the 1990Q1 to 2020Q4 period. For that purpose, the study develops a Global Vector Autoregressive (GVAR) model to simulate the region's economic resilience (output, inflation, interest rate and exchange rate) from various external shocks. We find that the agri‐food channel is relevant in the shock propagation to ASEAN. There are more pronounced output effects on ASEAN from global output shocks relative to regional output shocks channeled through agri‐food trade. However, the macroeconomic responses of ASEAN to global price shocks are not uniform due to the different consumption intensities of oil and raw materials, with negative and positive output effects from oil price shocks and raw material price shocks, respectively. Overall, ASEAN is more vulnerable to oil price shocks than to raw material price shocks. Our results emphasize that the distributional impacts of the agri‐food trade channel and the ASEAN region's ability to mitigate the effects of global shocks depend on the degree of trade linkages and the region's capacity to counter the demand contractions and supply disruptions. The findings suggest that ASEAN should be cautious about the global shocks penetrating through the agri‐food channel to address its macroeconomic vulnerabilities and better manage its economic resiliency.
Methadone pharmacokinetics in opioid agonist treatment: Influencing factors and clinical implications
Authors: Chalabianloo Fatemeh , Fadnes Lars Thore , Johansson Kjell Arne , Høiseth Gudrun , Vold Jørn Henrik , Kringen Marianne K. , Spigset Olav , Bramness Jørgen G.
Published: December 2023

Background

A considerable inter‐individual variability has been reported in the relationship between methadone doses applied and serum concentrations achieved in methadone maintenance treatment. However, the underlying causes for this variability are not fully understood.

Objectives

We investigated the influence of genetic, pathophysiological and pharmacological factors on serum methadone concentration‐to‐dose ratio (CDR) and discussed the clinical implications of the findings.

Methods

We used data from two retrospective laboratory databases and a prospective cohort study to investigate the impact on methadone CDR of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzyme system (CYP) genetic polymorphisms, age, sex, concomitant medication, liver fibrosis and body mass index through linear mixed model analyses.

Findings

A positive association was found between CDR and the homozygous CYP2B6*6 genotype, concurrent treatment with CYP3A4 inhibitors and body mass index. CDR was lower among women and during concomitant use of CYP inducers. CDR was not associated with age or the degree of liver fibrosis in our investigations.

Conclusions

This research work supports the need for individually tailored dosage considering the various factors that influence methadone CDR. The gained knowledge can contribute to reducing the risks associated with the treatment and optimizing the desired outcomes.
Drivers of sunbird‐plant interactions on Mount Cameroon: Between neutrality and niche‐based processes
Authors: Uceda‐Gómez Guillermo , Chmel Kryštof , Janečková Petra , Mlíkovský Jiří , Klomberg Yannick , Ewome Francis Luma , Molua Lucas Lyonga , Njie Marcus Mokake , Tropek Robert , Janeček Štěpán
Published: December 2023

The drivers behind plant‐pollinator interactions still need to be fully understood. Previous research has suggested that observed interactions result from either neutral interaction between species based on their abundance or from niche‐based processes, which are reflected in the adaptations of both plants and pollinators. Furthermore, the importance of both scenarios can differ depending on seasonal dynamics translated into differences in resource availability. Extensive research has been conducted on New‐World hummingbirds (Trochilidae), whereas much less is known about Old World nectar‐feeding sunbirds (Nectariniidae). Our study aimed to explore whether sunbird‐plant interactions are explained by neutral and/or niche‐based processes. Thus, we tested the effects of abundance, morphology, and nectar sugar content on the observed interactions and the link between sunbirds and plant traits. Moreover, we explored the effects of robbing on these mechanisms. Finally, we investigated the partitioning of bird pollination niches, based on floral traits. We used a dataset of sunbird‐plant interactions collected at Mount Cameroon during two seasons (dry and wet seasons). Our study shows that sunbird‐plant interactions are influenced by both neutral and niche‐based processes. Neutral processes and nectar reward were the main mechanisms underlaying the observed interactions in the dry season. However, as more ornithophilous plants bloom during the rainy season, morphological trait‐matching becomes more important. We found a correlation between bill length and floral tube dimensions and observed niche overlap among the sunbird species. Considering this and other research, we suggest that plant‐pollinator interactions are influenced by a combination of both neutral and niche‐based processes.
Areas of endemism of Pteridaceae (Polypodiopsida) in Brazil: a first approach
Authors: Possamai Della Aline , Prado Jefferson
Published: December 2023

Areas of endemism (AoE) comprise regions host to two or more endemic taxa, whose distributional limits are congruent and not random. These areas are important for two reasons: they comprise the smallest geographic units for biogeographic analyses and they are priority targets for conservation actions. Ferns are a monophyletic group that despite having a wide geographic distribution, concentrates great species richness and endemism in some regions (centres). The southern and southeastern regions of Brazil comprise one of these centres for the Neotropics. This study aims to verify the AoE of Pteridaceae in Brazil and examine whether the results obtained here are congruent with areas already delimited for other groups and whether there is spatial correspondence between the AoE and Conservation Units. To this end, a database was created with collection records of the 205 Pteridaceae species occurring in Brazil based on a review of herbaria. We analysed 23 815 records for 205 Pteridaceae species using Endemicity Analysis (NDM‐VNDM), selecting the fill and assumed parameters, and 1°, 2° and 3° grid‐cells. The consensus of 158 AoE, using different grid sizes, was calculated, and subsequently, generalized AoE were established. The Guiana Shield, southern Brazil, southeastern Brazil, and southeastern Bahia were considered generalized AoE. These areas correspond to those found for animals and angiosperms, and in previous studies with ferns. Furthermore, two areas, Acre and Mato Grosso do Sul, were recovered only on grids with 2° and 3°. It will be essential to conduct more research to confirm the persistence of both AoE (Acre and Mato Grosso do Sul), especially after expanding sampling. Most endemic species distribution points occur outside protected areas, demonstrating an alarming situation regarding the conservation of these taxa. In addition, fern distribution data could (and should) be used in conservation practices, programmes and policies, given that they are good ecological indicators and that the distribution of ferns may not reflect that of angiosperms and animals.
Tripartite‐structure transformer for hyperspectral image classification
Authors: Wan Liuwei , Zhou Meili , Jiang Shengqin , Bai Zongwen , Zhang Haokui
Published: December 2023

Hyperspectral images contain rich spatial and spectral information, which provides a strong basis for distinguishing different land‐cover objects. Therefore, hyperspectral image (HSI) classification has been a hot research topic. With the advent of deep learning, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have become a popular method for hyperspectral image classification. However, convolutional neural network (CNN) has strong local feature extraction ability but cannot deal with long‐distance dependence well. Vision Transformer (ViT) is a recent development that can address this limitation, but it is not effective in extracting local features and has low computational efficiency. To overcome these drawbacks, we propose a hybrid classification network that combines the strengths of both CNN and ViT, names Spatial‐Spectral Former(SSF). The shallow layer employs 3D convolution to extract local features and reduce data dimensions. The deep layer employs a spectral‐spatial transformer module for global feature extraction and information enhancement in spectral and spatial dimensions. Our proposed model achieves promising results on widely used public HSI datasets compared to other deep learning methods, including CNN, ViT, and hybrid models.
A study of collagen refractility in dermatofibroma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans using diffractive microscopy
Authors: Brailsford Caroline , Khamdan Fatema , Dirr McKenzie A. , Sagut Pelin , Nietert Paul J. , Elston Dirk
Published: December 2023

Background

Diffractive microscopy creates contrast within samples that are otherwise uniform under bright light. This technique can highlight subtle differences in refractive indices within birefringent samples containing varying amounts of mature collagen. Dermatofibroma (DF) and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) possess differences in their mature collagen content and, therefore, may be distinguishable using diffractive microscopy.

Methods

Two hundred forty‐two DF and 85 DFSP hematoxylin–eosin (H&E)‐stained specimens were analyzed using diffractive microscopy. Data regarding the distribution pattern and strength of refractility was recorded.

Results

DFSP was more frequently found to be focally, weakly, or non‐refractile (82.9%; n = 68) under diffractive microscopy, while DF more often showed diffusely bright refractility (52.9%; n = 128). DFSP samples with diffuse refractility in portions of the lesion (17.1%; n = 14) also exhibited a unique checkerboard pattern distinct from that which was seen in DF samples.

Conclusions

The absence of diffuse refractility was more closely associated with DFSP, as was the presence of a unique checkerboard diffraction pattern. Despite high sensitivity (Sn = 82.9%), absent refractility was not a specific test (Sp = 52.9%), with 47.1% (n = 114) of DF samples sharing this feature. The distinction between DF and DFSP is often diagnosed using H&E alone. In difficult cases, examination of collagen under diffractive microscopy may be useful in distinguishing DFSP from DF and provide an alternative cost‐effective tool to immunohistochemical staining.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α inhibitor treatment of acne fulminans – a clinical and literature review
Authors: Taudorf Elisabeth Hjardem , Jensen Mikkel Bak , Bouazzi Dorra , Sand Carsten , Thomsen Simon Francis , Jemec Gregor Borut Ernst , Saunte Ditte Marie Lindhardt
Published: December 2023

Acne fulminans (AF) is a rare, serious, sudden‐onset and long‐lasting skin disease that causes scarring of face and body. Standard treatment with combined long‐term isotretinoin and prednisolone is not always sufficient and has a well‐known propensity for adverse effects leaving an unmet need for improved therapy. Case reports suggest that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α inhibitors may play a role in the management of AF. In a 3‐year retrospective data collection from two dermatology centers and literature review of clinical cases of acne fulminans treated with anti‐TNF‐α therapy, three clinical cases and twelve literature cases were identified. A total of five different TNF‐α inhibitors have been tested, with adalimumab being the most commonly used. Clinical response was seen after 1 month in 2/3 (67%) clinical cases and 5/12 (42%) literature cases, respectively, and treatment was successful in 2/3 (67%) and 11/12 (92%) after a median 3–7 months. All reported adverse effects were mild and reversible. Anti‐TNF‐α treatment may provide rapid improvement in patients with AF when initial treatment with isotretinoin and prednisolone fails. However, randomized controlled trials are lacking, and exact dosage and timing need to be explored before clinical implementation.
An attention‐based deep learning method for right ventricular quantification using 2D echocardiography: Feasibility and accuracy
Authors: Kampaktsis Polydoros N. , Bohoran Tuan A. , Lebehn Mark , McLaughlin Laura , Leb Jay , Liu Zhonghua , Moustakidis Serafeim , Siouras Athanasios , Singh Anvesha , Hahn Rebecca T. , McCann Gerry P. , Giannakidis Archontis
Published: December 2023

Aim

To test the feasibility and accuracy of a new attention‐based deep learning (DL) method for right ventricular (RV) quantification using 2D echocardiography (2DE) with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) as reference.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively analyzed images from 50 adult patients (median age 51, interquartile range 32–62 42% women) who had undergone CMR within 1 month of 2DE. RV planimetry of the myocardial border was performed in end‐diastole (ED) and end‐systole (ES) for eight standardized 2DE RV views with calculation of areas. The DL model comprised a Feature Tokenizer module and a stack of Transformer layers. Age, gender and calculated areas were used as inputs, and the output was RV volume in ED/ES. The dataset was randomly split into training, validation and testing subsets (35, 5 and 10 patients respectively).

Mean RVEDV, RVESV and RV ejection fraction (EF) were 163 ± 70 mL, 82 ± 42 mL and 51% ± 8% respectively without differences among the subsets. The proposed method achieved good prediction of RV volumes (R2 = .953, absolute percentage error [APE] = 9.75% ± 6.23%) and RVEF (APE = 7.24% ± 4.55%). Per CMR, there was one patient with RV dilatation and three with RV dysfunction in the testing dataset. The DL model detected RV dilatation in 1/1 case and RV dysfunction in 4/3 cases.

Conclusions

An attention‐based DL method for 2DE RV quantification showed feasibility and promising accuracy. The method requires validation in larger cohorts with wider range of RV size and function. Further research will focus on the reduction of the number of required 2DE to make the method clinically applicable.
A plurality of morphological characters need not equate with phylogenetic accuracy: A rare genomic change refutes the placement of Solifugae and Pseudoscorpiones in Haplocnemata
Authors: Gainett Guilherme , Klementz Benjamin C. , Setton Emily V. W. , Simian Catalina , Iuri Hernán A. , Edgecombe Gregory D. , Peretti Alfredo V. , Sharma Prashant P.
Published: December 2023

Recent advances in higher‐level invertebrate phylogeny have leveraged shared features of genomic architecture to resolve contentious nodes across the tree of life. Yet, the interordinal relationships within Chelicerata have remained recalcitrant given competing topologies in recent molecular analyses. As such, relationships between topologically unstable orders remain supported primarily by morphological cladistic analyses. Solifugae, one such unstable chelicerate order, has long been thought to be the sister group of Pseudoscorpiones, forming the clade Haplocnemata, on the basis of eight putative morphological synapomorphies. The discovery, however, of a shared whole genome duplication placing Pseudoscorpiones in Arachnopulmonata provides the opportunity for a simple litmus test evaluating the validity of Haplocnemata. Here, we present the first developmental transcriptome of a solifuge (Titanopuga salinarum) and survey copy numbers of the homeobox genes for evidence of systemic duplication. We find that over 70% of the identified homeobox genes in T. salinarum are retained in a single copy, while representatives of the arachnopulmonates retain orthologs of those genes as two or more copies. Our results refute the placement of Solifugae in Haplocnemata. Subsequent reevaluation of putative interordinal morphological synapomorphies among chelicerates reveals a high incidence of homoplasy, reversals, and inaccurate coding within Haplocnemata and other small clades, as well as Arachnida more broadly, suggesting existing morphological character matrices are insufficient to resolve chelicerate phylogeny.
Osseous pathologic changes in the lumbar region of the equine vertebral column: A descriptive post‐mortem study in three breeds
Authors: Spoormakers Tijn J. P. , Veraa Stefanie , Graat E. A. M. , van Weeren P. René , Brommer Harold
Published: December 2023

Background

Data on equine lumbar pathology hardly exist in breeds other than Thoroughbreds.

Objectives

To describe pathological changes of the osseous lumbar vertebral column in Warmblood horses, Shetland ponies and Konik horses.

Study design

Descriptive post‐mortem study.

Methods

The lumbar vertebral columns of 34 Warmblood horses, 28 Shetland ponies, and 18 Konik horses were examined by computed tomography (CT). Osteoarthritis (OA) of articular processes (APJs), OA of intertransverse joints (ITJs), intervertebral disc (IVD) mineralisation, impingement of spinous (SPs) and transverse (TPs) processes and spondylosis were scored. Breed differences in prevalence and severity of pathologies were analysed by linear regression analysis and by calculating Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (rs).

Results

In Warmblood horses, the prevalence of OA of APJs, impingement of SPs and TPs was respectively 90%, 36%, and 35%, significantly higher than in the other breeds (p < 0.001). In Konik horses, IVD mineralisation (40%) and spondylosis (10%) were more frequent than in Warmbloods and Shetland ponies (p = 0.03). Severity score for OA of ITJs was highest in Shetland ponies (p < 0.001). For impingement of SPs, severity score was highest in Warmbloods (p = 0.03), and of TPs lowest in Shetland ponies (p = 0.003). For all parameters, except for spondylosis in Shetland ponies, there was a positive correlation between percentage of vertebrae affected and age, with IVD mineralisation scores increasing faster in Konik horses (p < 0.001). In all breeds, there was also a positive relation between scores of severity and age for OA of APJs and ITJs and for IVD mineralisation, with severity scores increasing faster in Shetland ponies (p = 0.04). Strong left/right correlations of the severity scores were seen for OA of the APJ, ITJ, impingement of TPs, and paramedian spondylosis (rs = 0.74–0.86, all p < 0.001).

Main limitations

Clinical histories were not available.

Conclusions

There are distinct breed differences between prevalence and severity of osseous pathologies of the lumbar spine. Warmblood horses have higher scores for most pathologies with IVD mineralisation being more important in Konik horses and OA of ITJs in Shetland ponies.
Value generation from academic activities in a public higher education: A lean perspective
Authors: Klein Leander Luiz , Vieira Kelmara Mendes , Dorion Eric Charles Henri , Costa Luana Brondani , Moreira Patricia Kruel Froner
Published: December 2023

The concept of value, in a context of higher education institutions (HEIs), simply refers to meeting or exceeding customer requirements and expectations. HEIs have a fundamental role in the dissemination of knowledge, in addition to developing new skills and awareness for future professionals, in relation to local, regional and national issues. The aim of this research is to analyse the academic activities and outcomes influence on value generation perception in a public university students' perspective. A survey, built from a structured questionnaire, was carried out in a Brazilian HEI, the Federal University of Santa Maria, with students who are in their course final stage. Data collection came out with a valid sample of 389 respondents. It was analysed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor and regression analyses. The findings suggest that among the services and resources that the university may offer to its students, the ones that present the most impact refer to cognitive and social abilities emerging from specific teaching practices and strategies from the professors. This research presents useful insights and applicable elements from which public managers can utilize to enhance engagement, create value and build a more rigorous and relevant practice.
Integrated sun protection advice for the South African population
Authors: Tod Bianca , Whitaker Dagmar , Visser Willie , Isaacs Thuraya , Jacobs Tarryn , Wiid Kim , Dlova Ncoza C. , Wright Caradee Y.
Published: December 2023

Exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is associated with several cutaneous adverse effects. However, to the best of our knowledge, in South Africa there are no formal guidelines on sun protection. A group of South African dermatologists and researchers convened over the course of 1 year to deliberate on integrated advice for sun protection among the multi‐ethnic South African population. For people with light skin and those with genetic skin disorders (e.g., oculocutaneous albinism), sun protection was identified as critical to prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and photoaging. The evidence is less clear for people with medium and darker skin types, especially the latter, in whom melanin may confer a degree of protection against some parts of the solar spectrum. Recent studies have demonstrated that visible light can cause pigmentary changes in individuals with darker skin types in particular. Sun protection for people of all skin colors is beneficial to protect against photoaging and ocular damage. Herein sun protection advice is suggested for South Africans of all skin colors to reduce morbidity and mortality from sun exposure, particularly relating to skin cancer. Several knowledge gaps are identified as future research priorities.
A typology of disinformation intentionality and impact
Authors: French Aaron , Storey Veda C. , Wallace Linda
Published: December 2023

In contemporary society, the increased reliance on social media as a vital news source has facilitated the spread of disinformation that has potential polarising effects. Disinformation, false information deliberately crafted to deceive recipients, has escalated to the extent that it is now acknowledged as a significant cybersecurity concern. To proactively tackle this issue, and minimise the risk of negative outcomes associated with disinformation, this research presents a typology of disinformation intentionality and impact (DII) to understand the intentionality and impact of disinformation threats. The typology draws upon information manipulation theory and risk management principles to evaluate the potential impact of disinformation campaigns with respect to their virality and polarising impact. The intentionality of disinformation spread is related to its believability among susceptible consumers, who are likely to propagate the disinformation to others if they assess it to be believable. Based on the dimensions of intentionality and impact, the DII typology can be used to categorise disinformation threats and identify strategies to mitigate its risk. To illustrate its utility for evaluating the risk posted by disinformation campaigns, the DII typology is applied to a case study. We propose risk mitigation strategies as well as recommendations for addressing disinformation campaigns spread through social media platforms.
Factors influencing clinician decision‐making about POLST use with nursing facility residents: A qualitative study
Authors: Cole Connie S. , Lum Hillary D. , Hickman Susan E.
Published: December 2023

Background

National POLST guidance indicates POLST is intended for individuals at risk of life‐threatening clinical events due to serious illness. Even though this patient population includes many, but not all, nursing facility residents, there is evidence that POLST is used broadly in this setting. This study aimed to identify clinician perspectives regarding factors that influence their decision‐making about whether to use POLST with nursing facility residents and to distinguish between inappropriate and appropriate use.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive qualitative study to explore the experience of nursing facility clinicians using POLST with residents and deciding who is appropriate and inappropriate for POLST. Participants were purposively sampled from multiple states using POLST. Interviews were audio‐recorded and professionally transcribed. We used rapid qualitative analysis to code data and identify themes.

Results

We interviewed 28 clinicians from 14 states about how they decided whether to use POLST with nursing facility residents and to distinguish between inappropriate and appropriate use. Four themes emerged as factors driving clinician‐decision‐making POLST use: (1) belief that “everyone is appropriate”; (2) resident and family preferences; (3) resident health status; and (4) policies requiring POLST [Correction added after first online publication on 07 Feb 2024. The word “For” has been changed to “Four” in the previous sentence.]. In most cases, participants cited resident and family preferences for treatment limitations as well as prognosis and clinical assessments in determining when POLST use was appropriate. Factors influencing potentially inappropriate POLST use included nursing facility policies requiring POLST completion that preempted clinical judgments of appropriateness.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the disconnect between National POLST guidance and current use of POLST in nursing facilities. Policies requiring POLST use in nursing facilities and the belief that “everyone is appropriate” may impede clinician autonomy and lead to potentially inappropriate POLST use. Given varying approaches to POLST use in nursing facilities, there is a need to refocus attention on the intended population for POLST.
Developing electronic health record‐based measures of the 4Ms to support implementation and evidence generation for Age‐Friendly Health Systems
Authors: Thombley Robert L. , Rogers Stephanie E. , Adler‐Milstein Julia
Published: December 2023

Background

To support implementation of the 4Ms framework and more rigorous evidence of 4Ms impact, we translated Institute for Healthcare Improvement's (IHI's) recommended 4Ms routine care practices into electronic health record‐based, encounter‐level adherence measures and then implemented measures at a large academic medical center.

Methods

We started with the 19 care practices in IHI's 4Ms implementation guide and developed encounter‐level adherence measures using structured EHR data. We also developed overall 4Ms‐level and M‐level composite measures. Next, we operationalized measures at UCSF Health—an academic medical center that has implemented the 4Ms using the IHI guide. We identified UCSF Health patients who should have received 4Ms care during their inpatient admission (19,335 individuals 65 years and older with an admission between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2021), then implemented the individual measures and composite measures (all at the encounter level) using Epic EHR data. We focused on 4Ms inpatient care processes, but similar approaches can be followed for ambulatory, post‐acute, and other settings.

Results

We developed 18 EHR‐based measures that captured all IHI care practices, 16 of which could be implemented using UCSF Health EHR data. For example, the EHR‐based measure for the Medication care practice “deprescribe high risk medications” was measured using EHR data as “Patient had no previously existing prescriptions for high‐risk medications OR patient had ≥1 previously existing prescriptions for high‐risk medications deprescribed during the encounter,” and 29.5% of UCSF Health encounters met this measure. For composite measures, on average, UCSF Health encounters had 61.1% adherence to the 4Ms (SD = 14.4%), with the lowest average adherence to What Matters (50.9%; SD = 44.3%) and the highest for Mentation (68.4%; SD = 13.4%).

Conclusions

It is feasible to construct encounter‐level measures of 4Ms adherence using EHR data and derive insights to guide ongoing implementation efforts. Future efforts should refine measures based on assessments of reliability and validity.
The requirement for external carbonic anhydrase in diatoms is influenced by the supply and demand for dissolved inorganic carbon
Authors: Keys Matthew , Hopkinson Brian , Highfield Andrea , Chrachri Abdul , Brownlee Colin , Wheeler Glen L.
Published: December 2023

Photosynthesis by marine diatoms contributes significantly to the global carbon cycle. Due to the low concentration of CO2 in seawater, many diatoms use extracellular carbonic anhydrase (eCA) to enhance the supply of CO2 to the cell surface. While much research has investigated how the requirement for eCA is influenced by changes in CO2 availability, little is known about how eCA contributes to CO2 supply following changes in the demand for carbon. We therefore examined how changes in photosynthetic rate influence the requirement for eCA in three centric diatoms. Modeling of cell surface carbonate chemistry indicated that diffusive CO2 supply to the cell surface was greatly reduced in large diatoms at higher photosynthetic rates. Laboratory experiments demonstrated a trend of an increasing requirement for eCA with increasing photosynthetic rate that was most pronounced in the larger species, supporting the findings of the cellular modeling. Microelectrode measurements of cell surface pH and O2 demonstrated that individual cells exhibited an increased contribution of eCA to photosynthesis at higher irradiances. Our data demonstrate that changes in carbon demand strongly influence the requirement for eCA in diatoms. Cell size and photosynthetic rate will therefore be key determinants of the mode of dissolved inorganic carbon uptake.
Variability in human tooth cementum thickness reflecting functional processes
Authors: Nicklisch Nicole , Hinrichs Christopher , Palaske Lukas , Vach Werner , Alt Kurt W.
Published: December 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the thickness of acellular extrinsic fibre cementum (AEFC) at four root positions of anterior and posterior teeth with special focus on functional aspects. Furthermore, the correlations between cementum thickness and chronological age and sex are investigated.

Background

While numerous studies confirm continuous cementum apposition with age, masticatory forces as well as physiological and orthodontically induced tooth movements also have the potential to affect tooth cementum thickness.

Materials and Methods

Undecalcified teeth were embedded in resin and transverse‐sectioned in the cervical third of the root. Two sections per root were selected, and digital images at four positions were obtained (mesial, distal, oral, and vestibular) using light microscopy. The AEFC thickness of 99 teeth (anterior = 66, posterior = 33, male = 54, female = 45) were measured in both sections. The differences in mean values between root positions and the association of root position variation with tooth type, age, sex, and subject as well as the overall effects of age and sex were analysed using a mixed model.

Results

First incisors and canines showed the greatest mean AFEC thickness, in contrast to premolars which had the lowest values. Differences were found across the four root positions, with a pattern varying considerably between anterior and posterior teeth and between maxilla and mandible in the anterior teeth. An interaction between root position and subject pointed to the existence of an individual component in the variation of AEFC thickness across the four root positions. There was an age trend with an almost linear increase in cementum thickness of 1 μm per year. Overall, females tended to exhibit a significantly lesser AEFC thickness compared to males.

Conclusions

Distinct differences in the pattern of thickness values across the four root positions in anterior and posterior teeth support the assumption that the AEFC is strongly affected by functional processes. In addition to sex‐specific differences and age‐related trends, the root position variation of AEFC thickness varies from individual to individual.
Impact of Z chromosome inversions on gene expression in testis and liver tissues in the zebra finch
Authors: Viitaniemi Heidi M. , Leder Erica H. , Kauzál Ondřej , Stopková Romana , Stopka Pavel , Lifjeld Jan T. , Albrecht Tomáš
Published: December 2023

Chromosomal inversions have been identified in many natural populations and can be responsible for novel traits and rapid adaptation. In zebra finch, a large region on the Z chromosome has been subject to multiple inversions, which have pleiotropic effects on multiple traits but especially on sperm phenotypes, such as midpiece and flagellum length. To understand the effect, the Z inversion has on these traits, we examined testis and liver transcriptomes of young males at different maturation times. We compared gene expression differences among three inversion karyotypes: AA, B*B* and AB*, where B* denotes the inverted regions on Z with respect to A. In testis, 794 differentially expressed genes were found and most of them were located on chromosome Z. They were functionally enriched for sperm‐related traits. We also identified clusters of co‐expressed genes that matched with the inversion‐related sperm phenotypes. In liver, there were some enriched functions and some overrepresentation on chromosome Z with similar location as in testis. In both tissues, the overrepresented genes were located near the distal end of Z but also in the middle of the chromosome. For the heterokaryotype, we observed several genes with one allele being dominantly expressed, similar to expression patterns in one or the other homokaryotype. This was confirmed with SNPs for three genes, and interestingly one gene, DMGDH, had allele‐specific expression originating mainly from one inversion haplotype in the testis, yet both inversion haplotypes were expressed equally in the liver. This karyotype‐specific difference in tissue‐specific expression suggests a pleiotropic effect of the inversion and thus suggests a mechanism for divergent phenotypic effects resulting from an inversion.
Taxonomic studies of Araceae in Myanmar VI: Amorphophallus mirabilis – a new species and a new record for the genus Amorphophallus
Authors: Arcebal K. Naive Mark , Zaw Hein Khant , Serebryanyi Michael , Hetterscheid Wilbert
Published: December 2023

Amorphophallus mirabilis is herein described and illustrated from Hpa‐an District, Kayin State, Myanmar. A detailed description, colour plates, phenology, and a provisional conservation status are provided. In addition, A. napalensis is reported as a newly recorded species for Myanmar. With the discovery of the new species and A. napalensis, Myanmar now holds 17 Amorphophallus species.

Keywords: Amorphophallus napalensis, Burma, Chin State, Kayin State, mirabilis, new species
Evaluating plant lineage losses and gains in temperate forest understories: a phylogenetic perspective on climate change and nitrogen deposition
Authors: Padullés Cubino Josep , Lenoir Jonathan , Li Daijiang , Montaño‐Centellas Flavia A. , Retana Javier , Baeten Lander , Bernhardt‐Römermann Markus , Chudomelová Markéta , Closset Déborah , Decocq Guillaume , De Frenne Pieter , Diekmann Martin , Dirnböck Thomas , Durak Tomasz , Hédl Radim , Heinken Thilo , Jaroszewicz Bogdan , Kopecký Martin , Macek Martin , Máliš František , Naaf Tobias , Orczewska Anna , Petřík Petr , Pielech Remigiusz , Reczyńska Kamila , Schmidt Wolfgang , Standovár Tibor , Świerkosz Krzysztof , Teleki Balázs , Verheyen Kris , Vild Ondřej , Waller Donald , Wulf Monika , Chytrý Milan
Published: December 2023

Global change has accelerated local species extinctions and colonizations, often resulting in losses and gains of evolutionary lineages with unique features. Do these losses and gains occur randomly across the phylogeny?

We quantified: temporal changes in plant phylogenetic diversity (PD); and the phylogenetic relatedness (PR) of lost and gained species in 2672 semi‐permanent vegetation plots in European temperate forest understories resurveyed over an average period of 40 yr.

Controlling for differences in species richness, PD increased slightly over time and across plots. Moreover, lost species within plots exhibited a higher degree of PR than gained species. This implies that gained species originated from a more diverse set of evolutionary lineages than lost species. Certain lineages also lost and gained more species than expected by chance, with Ericaceae, Fabaceae, and Orchidaceae experiencing losses and Amaranthaceae, Cyperaceae, and Rosaceae showing gains. Species losses and gains displayed no significant phylogenetic signal in response to changes in macroclimatic conditions and nitrogen deposition.

As anthropogenic global change intensifies, temperate forest understories experience losses and gains in specific phylogenetic branches and ecological strategies, while the overall mean PD remains relatively stable.