bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Care burden, perceived social support, coping attitudes and life satisfaction of mothers with children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Dertli Semiha , Aydin (Yilmaz) Aydan Selen , Gunay Ulviye
Published: June 2024

Aim

This study's aim is to determine the relationship between care burden, perceived social support, coping attitudes and life satisfaction of mothers with children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

This descriptive study was conducted in Turkey between March and June 2022 to determine the relationship between caregiving burden, perceived social support, coping attitudes and life satisfaction of 122 mothers with CP children. Path analysis was used to evaluate the data.

Results

Correlation analysis showed a positive relationship between mothers' social support perceptions and life satisfaction and coping attitudes, a positive relationship between their life satisfaction and coping attitudes (p < .001). The path analysis showed that the social support perceived by the mothers significantly affected their coping attitudes (β = .257; p < .001) and life satisfaction (β = .081; p < .001). Mothers' care burden (β = .169; p < .001) and coping attitudes (β = .071; p < .05) also had a significant effect on their life satisfaction.

Conclusions

It is an important finding of this study that mothers' perceptions of social support and coping attitudes have a positive effect on their life satisfaction. Long‐term care can cause physical and psychological problems for mothers. Mothers' strong coping strategies and high levels of social support may reduce the occurrence of these problems. Drawing attention to this issue in mothers and revealing the effects of these variables is important in terms of indirectly supporting child outcomes.
Simulating the efficacy of wolf–dog hybridization management with individual‐based modeling
Authors: Santostasi Nina Luisa , Bauduin Sarah , Grente Oksana , Gimenez Olivier , Ciucci Paolo
Published: June 2024

Introgressive hybridization between wolves and dogs is a conservation concern due to its potentially deleterious long‐term evolutionary consequences. European legislation requires that wolf–dog hybridization be mitigated through effective management. We developed an individual‐based model (IBM) to simulate the life cycle of gray wolves that incorporates aspects of wolf sociality that affect hybridization rates (e.g., the dissolution of packs after the death of one/both breeders) with the goal of informing decision‐making on management of wolf–dog hybridization. We applied our model by projecting hybridization dynamics in a local wolf population under different mate choice and immigration scenarios and contrasted results of removal of admixed individuals with their sterilization and release. In several scenarios, lack of management led to complete admixture, whereas reactive management interventions effectively reduced admixture in wolf populations. Management effectiveness, however, strongly depended on mate choice and number and admixture level of individuals immigrating into the wolf population. The inclusion of anthropogenic mortality affecting parental and admixed individuals (e.g., poaching) increased the probability of pack dissolution and thus increased the probability of interbreeding with dogs or admixed individuals and boosted hybridization and introgression rates in all simulation scenarios. Recognizing the necessity of additional model refinements (appropriate parameterization, thorough sensitivity analyses, and robust model validation) to generate management recommendations applicable in real‐world scenarios, we maintain confidence in our model's potential as a valuable conservation tool that can be applied to diverse situations and species facing similar threats.
ASDNimprovement scheme for multi‐pathQUICtransmission in satellite networks
Authors: Ma Hongxin , Wang Meng , Lv Hao , Liu Jinyao , Di Xiaoqiang , Qi Hui
Published: June 2024

In recent years, with the development of low‐earth orbit broadband satellites, the combination of multi‐path transmission and software‐defined networking (SDN) for satellite networks has seen rapid advancement. The integration of SDN and multi‐path transmission contributes to improving the efficiency of transmission and reducing network congestion. However, the current SDN controllers do not support the multi‐path QUIC protocol (MPQUIC), and the routing algorithm used in current satellite networks based on minimum hop count struggles to meet the real‐time requirements for some applications. Therefore, this paper designs and implements an SDN controller that supports the MPQUIC protocol and proposes a multi‐objective optimization‐based routing algorithm. This algorithm selects paths with lower propagation delays and higher available bandwidth for subflow transmission to improve transmission throughput. Considering the high‐speed mobility of satellite nodes and frequent link switching, this paper also designs a flow table update algorithm based on the predictability of satellite network topology. It enables proactive rerouting upon link switching, ensuring stable transmission. The performance of the proposed solution is evaluated through satellite network simulation environments. The experimental results highlight that SDN‐MPQUIC significantly improves performance metrics: it reduces average completion time by 37.3% to 59.3% compared to QSMPS and by 52.8% to 72.4% compared to Disjoint for files with different sizes. Additionally, SDN‐MPQUIC achieves an average throughput improvement of 81.4% compared to QSMPS and 147.8% compared to Disjoint, while demonstrating a 26.3% lower retransmission rate than QSMPS.
Video text rediscovery: Predicting and tracking text across complex scenes
Authors: Naosekpam Veronica , Sahu Nilkanta
Published: June 2024

Dynamic texts in scene videos provide valuable insights and semantic cues crucial for video applications. However, the movement of this text presents unique challenges, such as blur, shifts, and blockages. While efficient in tracking text, state‐of‐the‐art systems often need help when text becomes obscured or complicated scenes. This study introduces a novel method for detecting and tracking video text, specifically designed to predict the location of obscured or occluded text in subsequent frames using a tracking‐by‐detection paradigm. Our approach begins with a primary detector to identify text within individual frames, thus enhancing tracking accuracy. Using the Kalman filter, Munkres algorithm, and deep visual features, we establish connections between text instances across frames. Our technique works on the concept that when text goes missing in a frame due to obstructions, we use its previous speed and location to predict its next position. Experiments conducted on the ICDAR2013 Video and ICDAR2015 Video datasets confirm our method's efficacy, matching or surpassing established methods in performance.
Other museums: The disruptive potency of curatorship for the emergence of other modes of power, knowing, and being
Authors: Noronha Elisa , Dona Michelle
Published: June 2024

In Brazil, the decolonial turn has prompted a discursive reconfiguration of art museums over the last decade, primarily through exhibitions driven by critical and reparative thinking. Consequently, alternative perspectives have emerged, aiming to propose exhibition narratives rooted in marginalized knowledge and imaginaries. Focusing on the Museu de Arte do Rio (Rio Museum of Art) as a privileged place of thought, this article delves into the curatorial methodologies employed for two exhibitions: Mulheres na Coleção MAR and Casa Carioca. These exhibitions have paved the way for another way of being a museum, holistically committed to its decolonization. While the sustainability of the changes brought about by these exhibitions may be questioned, it is recognized to acknowledge their role in collaborating to establish other interpretative frameworks for understanding local realities, defining as the primary beneficiaries of this process, not the museums themselves but the communities and individuals who grapple with the daily impacts of coloniality.
Association of KLF14 rs4731702 gene polymorphism with metabolic phenotype in young patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ryba‐Stanisławowska Monika , Słomiński Bartosz , Myśliwiec Małgorzata
Published: June 2024

Aim

To explore the potential association between the KLF14 rs4731702 polymorphism and metabolic syndrome traits among patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

The study group included 350 patients with T1D and 250 healthy control subjects. The analysis focused on the genotyping of KLF14 rs4731702 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), as well as evaluating serum concentrations of inflammatory markers, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and the quantitative status of CD4 + CD25highFOXP3+ T cells.

Results

Patients with T1D carrying the T allele of KLF14 rs4731702 SNP had higher high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, lower low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as lower glycated haemoglobin and serum concentration of proinflammatory markers than C allele carriers. They also developed hypertension less often than carriers of the C allele. The analysis of CD4 + CD25highFOXP3+ regulatory T‐cell status based on KLF14 genotype showed that, in T1D patients, those with the TT genotype had the highest frequency of these cells compared to carriers of the CC and CT genotypes.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the T allele of the KLF14 rs4731702 SNP might confer a protective effect against the development of obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and chronic inflammatory state in patients diagnosed with T1D.
Physical activity in relation to metabolic health and obesity: The Feel4Diabetes study
Authors: Pelekanou Christina , Anastasiou Costas A. , Mavrogianni Christina , Cardon Greet , Liatis Stavros , Lindstrom Jaana , Moreno Luis A. , Hilal Soukaina , Rurik Imre , Wikström Katja , Iotova Violeta , Makrilakis Konstantinos , Manios Yannis
Published: June 2024

Aim

To examine physical activity levels in association with metabolic health and estimate the stability of metabolically healthy obese (MHO) phenotypes over a 2‐year period.

Methods

In total, 2848 men and women from families at risk of the development of diabetes were recruited. Participants were classified as obese or non‐obese and metabolic health was defined using five existing definitions. Physical activity was estimated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and pedometers.

Results

Prevalence of the MHO phenotype varied among definitions (0% to 20.2%). Overall, the MHO were more active than the metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO). Daily sitting hours (odds ratio [OR] = 1.055, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.009‐1.104) and daily steps (per 500; OR = 0.934, 95% CI: 0.896‐0.973) were remarkable predictors of metabolic health in individuals with obesity; and likewise, in individuals without obesity. After 2 years, 44.1% of baseline MHO adults transitioned to MUO, while 84.0% of the MUO at baseline remained at the same phenotype. Although physical activity was not a major determinant in phenotype transitioning, daily steps were associated with the maintenance of metabolic health over time in the non‐obese group.

Conclusion

A universally accepted definition for MHO is needed. Being physically active can contribute to a metabolically healthy profile even in the presence of obesity; still, MHO is a transient condition and physical activity alone may not be an adequate factor for its maintenance.
Endogenous monitoring through voluntary reporting in an infinitely repeated prisoner's dilemma game: experimental evidence
Authors: Kamei Kenju , Nesterov Artem
Published: June 2024

Exogenous reputational information is known to improve cooperation. This study experimentally investigates how people create such information by reporting their partner's action choices, and whether endogenous monitoring helps to sustain cooperation, in an indefinitely repeated prisoner's dilemma game with random matching. The experimental results show that most subjects report their opponents' action choices, thereby successfully cooperating when reporting does not involve costs. However, when reporting is costly, participants are strongly discouraged from doing so. Consequently, they fail to achieve strong cooperative norms when the reported information is conveyed privately only to their next‐round interaction partners. Costly reporting occurs only occasionally even when there is a public record whereby all future partners can check the reported information, but significantly more frequently relative to the condition in which it is sent to the next partner only. With public records, groups can foster cooperative norms aided by reported information that gradually accumulates and becomes more informative over time.
The regional economics of mineral resource wealth in Africa
Authors: Asatryan Zareh , Baskaran Thushyanthan , Birkholz Carlo , Hufschmidt Patrick
Published: June 2024

We study the regional economics of mineral resource activity in Africa. Using geocoded data on mine openings and closures in Africa, we document that mining regions experience local economic booms while a mine is in operation. We then explore how mineral resources affect non‐mining regions. Non‐mining regions might be affected by mining activity due to deliberate government policies (e.g. regional redistribution) or due to various inadvertent country‐level macroeconomic adjustments (e.g. Dutch‐Disease‐type effects or declining institutional quality). Our results suggest that mineral resources have heterogeneous effects on non‐mining regions. Politically important regions benefit economically, while generic non‐mining regions are, in general, worse off. Exploring mechanisms, we find that these spatial patterns arguably emerge due to both deliberate government policies as well as Dutch‐Disease‐style macroeconomic adjustments that harm regions specializing in sectors other than mining.
Molecular nociceptive mechanisms in migraine: The migraine cascade
Authors: Guo Song , Christensen Sarah Louise , Al‐Karagholi Mohammad Al‐Mahdi , Olesen Jes
Published: June 2024

Objective

This review will explore the categorization of migraine‐provoking molecules, their cellular actions, site of action and potential drug targets based on the migraine cascade model.

Methods

Personal experience and literature.

Results

Migraine impacts over 1 billion people worldwide but is underfunded in research. Recent progress, particularly through the human and animal provocation model, has deepened our understanding of its mechanisms. This model have identified endogenous neuropeptides such as calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide (PACAP) that induces controlled migraine‐like attacks leading to significant discoveries of their role in migraine. This knowledge led to the development of CGRP‐inhibiting drugs; a groundbreaking migraine treatment now accessible globally. Also a PACAP‐inhibiting drug was effective in a recent phase II trial. Notably, rodent studies have shed light on pain pathways and the mechanisms of various migraine‐inducing substances identifying novel drug targets. This is primarily done by using selective inhibitors that target specific signaling pathways of the known migraine triggers leading to the hypothesized cellular cascade model of migraine.

Conclusion

The model of migraine presents numerous opportunities for innovative drug development. The future of new migraine treatments is limited only by the investment from pharmaceutical companies.
The association of breastfeeding duration on metabolic syndrome among children and adolescents, stratified by birth weight for gestational age
Authors: Yuan Wen , Jiang Jianuo , Song Sha‐sha , Liu Jieyu , Chen Manman , Shi Qiaoxin , Zhang Yi , Chen Li , Qin Yang , Wang Ruolin , Guo Tongjun , Wang Xinxin , Ma Qi , Dong Yanhui , Ma Jun
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives

This study aimed to examine the associations between breastfeeding duration and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents and to further investigate the role of birth weight for gestational age (GA) on these associations.

Methods

A total of 10 275 participants aged 7 to 18 years were included applying multistage cluster random sampling from a Chinese national survey. Birth weight was classified into small for GA (SGA), appropriate for GA (AGA) and large for GA (LGA). Information was collected through a self‐administered questionnaire, physical examination and blood biochemical examination. Multivariable linear regression, logistic regression models, restricted cubic spline models were applied to assess the relationships of breastfeeding duration and MetS with different birth weight for GA.

Results

The prevalence of non‐breastfeeding, 0–5, 6–12 and >12 months groups were 16.2%, 23.1%, 42.5% and 18.2%, and the prevalence of SGA and LGA was 11.9% and 12.7%, respectively. Prolonged breastfeeding duration was associated with higher odds of MetS (β: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.13), WC (β: 3.49, 95% CI: 2.82, 4.16) and SBP (β: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.80, 2.89). SGA and prolonged breastfeeding synergistically increased MetS risks, but LGA appeared to offset the adverse effects of prolonged breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Prolonged breastfeeding may increase children's MetS risks. SGA synergies with prolonged breastfeeding increased MetS burden in children and adolescents, while LGA mitigated the risks. This reminds us that intensive attention should be paid to both early birth weight and subsequent living environment for children and adolescents' lifelong health.
Registered nurses' emotional responses to medication errors and perceived need for support: A qualitative descriptive analysis
Authors: Mahat Sanu , Rafferty Anne Marie , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri , Härkänen Marja
Published: June 2024

Aims

To identify the contributing factors behind the second victim phenomenon, describe the emotional responses of nurses after medication errors, assess the support received by them after errors and recognize the need for a suitable support program for second victims.

Design

Qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

Eleven in‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted among registered nurses studying advanced degrees at a University in Finland during November 2021–April 2022. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The study results revealed four themes with various sub‐themes which included: contributing factors behind the second victim phenomenon; emotional responses of nurses after error; support received by nurses; and the desired need for a support program for second victims. The severity of the error and the negative work environment acted as catalysts for the second victim phenomenon among nurses. A “bitter aftermath” of emotions and a sense of insufficient support added further risk to already stressed and anxious nurses.

Conclusions

This study identifies the early exploratory and enduring impact of memories associated with medication errors, some of them haunting nurses for long periods of time. Further, the need for support at different levels is highlighted to reduce the impact of negative emotions generated among nurses after medication errors.

Implications for the Profession

Through the lens of this study, it has been possible to identify contributing factors behind the second‐victim phenomenon and enduring symptoms that make nurses vulnerable to becoming second victims of medication incidents.

Impact

This study addresses the aftermath effect of medication errors from the perspective of nurses involved with such incidents. It provides valuable insights for healthcare managers and nurse leaders to establish a just and blame‐free culture in healthcare organizations and help emotionally traumatized nurses cope effectively after error.

Reporting Method

The research adheres to Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Berberine ameliorates chronic intermittent hypoxia‐induced cardiac remodelling by preserving mitochondrial function, role of SIRT6 signalling
Authors: Zhou Zijun , Zhao Qiusheng , Huang Yuting , Meng Shan , Chen Xin , Zhang Guoxin , Chi Yanbang , Xu Dengyue , Yin Zongtao , Jiang Hui , Yu Liming , Wang Huishan
Published: June 2024

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Previously, we have shown that berberine (BBR) is a potential cardioprotective agent. However, its effect and mechanism on CIH‐induced cardiomyopathy remain uncovered. This study was designed to determine the effects of BBR against CIH‐induced cardiac damage and to explore the molecular mechanisms. Mice were exposed to 5 weeks of CIH with or without the treatment of BBR and adeno‐associated virus 9 (AAV9) carrying SIRT6 or SIRT6‐specific short hairpin RNA. The effect of BBR was evaluated by echocardiography, histological analysis and western blot analysis. CIH caused the inactivation of myocardial SIRT6 and AMPK‐FOXO3a signalling. BBR dose‐dependently ameliorated cardiac injury in CIH‐induced mice, as evidenced by increased cardiac function and decreased fibrosis. Notably, SIRT6 overexpression mimicked these beneficial effects, whereas infection with recombinant AAV9 carrying SIRT6‐specific short hairpin RNA abrogated them. Mechanistically, BBR reduced oxidative stress damage and preserved mitochondrial function via activating SIRT6‐AMPK‐FOXO3a signalling, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis as well as PINK1‐Parkin‐mediated mitophagy. Taken together, these data demonstrate that SIRT6 activation protects against the pathogenesis of CIH‐induced cardiac dysfunction. BBR attenuates CIH‐induced myocardial injury by improving mitochondrial biogenesis and PINK1‐Parkin‐dependent mitophagy via the SIRT6‐AMPK‐FOXO3a signalling pathway.
The research trend of hyperprolactinemia from 2011 to 2023 was analyzed by bibliometrics
Authors: Liu Kaiyan , Zhao Jin , Yu Han , Yang Jing , Ren Yi
Published: June 2024

The objective of this study is to conduct a bibliometric analysis of research trends in hyperprolactinemia from 2011 to 2023. This analysis aims to provide researchers with insights into the current hotspots and frontiers related to hyperprolactinemia. It is worth noting that there are currently no existing reports on bibliometric analyses of hyperprolactinemia. The Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) and Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) databases of the Web of Science Core Collection were systematically searched for “articles” and “review articles” related to the topic of hyperprolactinemia from 2011 to 2023. VOSviewer was employed to conduct bibliometric analysis, aiming to analyze the research trends in hyperprolactinemia over the past 13 years. A total of 1865 eligible articles were retrieved, with contributions from 9544 scholars representing 83 countries in the field of research. The United States had the highest number of publications, followed by China. The keywords were categorized into six clusters: (1) etiology of hyperprolactinemia and other related endocrine and metabolic diseases. (2) Hyperprolactinemia and mental illness. (3) Diagnosis and management of hyperprolactinemia. (4) Treatment of hyperprolactinemia and prolactinoma. (5) Detection of macroprolactin and macroprolactinemia. (6) Symptoms of male hyperprolactinemia. Over the past 13 years, there has been a consistent and slightly increasing trend in the number of research papers focusing on hyperprolactinemia. The primary areas of research focus are centered around the diagnosis and treatment of hyperprolactinemia caused by antipsychotic drugs or prolactinoma.
Association of night‐time sleep and daytime napping with painful temporomandibular disorder
Authors: Jiang Yang , Yu Min , Gong Xu , Zhao Yanping , Gao Xuemei
Published: June 2024

Background

Painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is the common cause of chronic oro‐facial pain, which may interfere with sleep. Previous studies have documented an association between sleep and TMD.

Objectives

This study aimed to further explore the association of night‐time sleep and daytime napping with painful TMD.

Methods

A total of 419 patients (aged 31.88 ± 11.54 years with women forming 85.4%) from a TMD/Orofacial Pain center were enrolled. Patients' sleep conditions were evaluated with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, and information on night‐time sleep duration, napping duration and napping frequency was interviewed. TMD was diagnosed according to the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD protocol and stratified into myalgia (muscle pain), arthralgia (joint pain) and combined (muscle and joint pain) subgroups. The severity of TMD was measured with the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) questionnaire. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression models were established to explore relationships between sleep and painful TMD subgroups.

Results

Patients with poor sleep quality (PSQI≥6) had higher FAI scores (median 60, p < .001) and higher proportions of painful TMDs. The myalgia subgroup had higher PSQI scores (median 8, p < .001) than the arthralgia subgroup. The RCS models indicated a non‐linear relationship between night‐time sleep duration and myalgia (p < .001), which was not observed in arthralgia. However, there were no significant findings concerning napping and painful TMD subgroups.

Conclusion

This study found that the association between sleep and TMD is mainly related to painful TMD conditions, which are associated with night‐time sleep duration.
β2‐adrenergic receptor activation decreases the mechanical sensitivity of rat masticatory muscle afferent fibres
Authors: Cairns Brian E. , He Nathan
Published: June 2024

Background

Activation of β2 adrenergic receptors reduces cutaneous mechanical pain thresholds in rats. While β2 adrenergic receptor activation may contribute to mechanisms that underlie temporomandibular joint pain, its effect on masticatory muscle pain sensitivity is uncertain.

Objectives

The current study sought to determine the extent to which β adrenergic receptors are expressed by masticatory muscle afferent fibres, and to assess the effect of local activation of these receptors on the mechanical sensitivity of masticatory muscle afferent fibres in rats.

Methods

Trigeminal ganglion neurons that innervate the rat (n = 12) masseter muscle and lower lip were identified by tissue injection of fluorescent dyes and were then stained with antibodies against β1 or β2 adrenergic receptors. Extracellular recordings from 60 trigeminal ganglion neurons that innervate the masticatory muscle were undertaken in a second group of anaesthetised rats of both sexes (n = 37) to assess afferent mechanical activation thresholds. Thresholds were assessed before and after injection of the β adrenergic receptor agonists into masticatory muscle.

Results

β1 and β2 adrenergic receptor expression was greater in labial skin than in masticatory muscle ganglion neurons (p < .05, one‐way ANOVA, Holm–Sidak test). There was a higher expression of β2 adrenergic receptors in masticatory muscle ganglion neurons in males than in females. The mixed β agonist isoproterenol increased afferent mechanical activation threshold in male but not female rats (p < .05, Mann–Whitney test). In male rats, salbutamol, a β2 selective agonist, also increased afferent mechanical activation threshold but hydralazine, a vasodilator, did not (p < .05, Mann–Whitney test).

Conclusion

Activation of β2 adrenergic receptors decreases the mechanical sensitivity of masticatory muscle afferent fibres in a sex‐related manner.
Phytophthora species causing root and crown rot on castor bean (Ricinus communis) in Brazil
Authors: Cabral Cléia Santos , Gandara Alessandro Da Costa Freire , Ribeiro Martins Fabiana Helena Silva , Barboza Elenice Alves , Rossato Maurício , Reis Ailton
Published: June 2024

Castor bean (Ricinus communis) is a crop of great economic importance in Brazil. It is used for producing oil used in the manufacture of cosmetics and biodiesel. The genus Phytophthora contains pathogens with a wide range of host plants, including ornamentals, fruit and vegetable crops. Among the symptoms induced by Phytophthora species are collar and root rot. This study aimed to identify Phytophthora species causing collar and root rot in castor bean seedlings in the Federal District and test their pathogenicity. Samples of symptomatic plants were collected in four satellite cities in Distrito Federal, Brazil. Fourteen isolates were obtained, and they were initially identified through the morphology of reproductive structures. The isolates were subjected to molecular characterization using phylogeny of the sequences from the ITS region and the Cytochrome Oxidase II gene. Ten isolates of the pathogen were tested for pathogenicity on seedlings of two castor bean accessions and species known to be hosts of P. nicotianae. The isolates were identified as P. nicotianae (12 isolates) and P. palmivora (two isolates). In the pathogenicity test, all isolates were capable of causing disease in castor beans. The isolates of P. nicotianae and P. palmivora varied in pathogenicity to other plant species. This is the first report of P. nicotianae causing collar and root rot in castor bean in the Central‐West Region of Brazil. It is also the first report of P. palmivora causing diseases in castor beans in South America.
Vascular cambium stem cells: past, present and future
Authors: Wybouw Brecht , Zhang Xixi , Mähönen Ari Pekka
Published: June 2024

Secondary xylem and phloem originate from a lateral meristem called the vascular cambium that consists of one to several layers of meristematic cells. Recent lineage tracing studies have shown that only one of the cambial cells in each radial cell file functions as the stem cell, capable of producing both secondary xylem and phloem. Here, we first review how phytohormones and signalling peptides regulate vascular cambium formation and activity. We then propose how the stem cell concept, familiar from apical meristems, could be applied to cambium studies. Finally, we discuss how this concept could set the basis for future research.
Bovine somatotropin increases the pregnancy rate in fixed‐time artificial insemination in beef cattle
Authors: Valle Vitor Mohad , Fazzano Clovis Juk , Segui Marcio Saporski , Souza Fernando Andrade , Kaled Tharini Xavier Accioly , Gomes Marcio Gianardoli Teixeira , Nogueira Eriklis , Kozicki Luiz Ernandes
Published: June 2024

This study evaluated the effect of bovine somatotropin (bST) on pregnancy rate (PR) and size of the dominant follicle (DF) on the day of intravaginal progesterone (P4) removal in protocols for fixed‐time artificial insemination (FTAI). Bos indicus (Nellore) females (n = 392) were distributed into three groups. The control group (CG; n = 92) received an intravaginal P4 device + estradiol benzoate on day (d)0; prostaglandin F2α on d7 (first application); removal of P4 + estradiol cypionate (EC) + PGF2α (second application) + ultrasound (US) of the DF on d9; the FTAI was performed on d11; and pregnancy diagnosis (PD) was performed on d45. The bST group (bSTG; n = 142) underwent the same protocol as the CG, except that the animals received 125 mg of bST on d7. The equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) group (eCGG; n = 158) underwent the same protocol as the CG, except that the animals received 300 IU of eCG on d9. The PRs of the bSTG, eCGG, and CG were 48%, 48%, and 35%, respectively (p < .05); the bSTG and eCGG showed greater PRs, with follicles 6–7.9 mm (p < .05) and 8–8.9 mm in diameter, respectively. The bSTG exhibited a greater dimension of the DF on d9 of the protocol (p < .05). The eCGG had higher PRs with a body condition score (BCS) of 2.5, and the bSTG had a BCS of 3.0 (p < .05). It was concluded that bST increased PR, bST showed better performance in smaller DF and larger follicular diameter on d9 of the protocol, eCG acted better on animals with lower BCSs, and bST can be used in FTAI.
The precautionary approach and challenges posed by mega‐constellations
Authors: Su Jinyuan , Shi Yanan
Published: June 2024

The advent and continuing deployment of mega‐constellations has brought new challenges, particularly increased risk of collision, proliferation of space debris, reduced numbers of launch windows and obstruction to astronomical observation. The precautionary approach, which is becoming part of customary international law, is instrumental in addressing these challenges. Although precautionary measures are incorporated in international treaties and soft law instruments regarding outer space, a full application of the precautionary approach is necessary to balance the need of innovation and the sustainable use of outer space. To this end, operators of mega‐constellations must keep the approach in mind and comply with its substantive obligations once it is triggered, including suspension of activities, risk assessment, mitigation and prevention, and notification and information. The possibility of new deployment of mega‐constellation being frozen at some point makes the equitable distribution of satellite orbits and radio frequencies a pressing issue.
The use of psychotropic medication in the perinatal period
Authors: Petrosellini Chiara , McAlpine Lynsey , Protti Olivia , Siassakos Dimitrios
Published: June 2024

Key content:

The perinatal period confers an elevated risk of both relapses and new onset of mental illness. Suboptimal treatment can have a profound impact on maternal mortality and morbidity, neonatal outcomes and longer term child development.

Most psychotropic medication can be used safely in pregnancy, with some notable exceptions.

While decisions on the use of psychotropic medications in pregnancy are often complex and should be multidisciplinary, it is imperative that obstetricians and gynaecologists familiarise themselves with current literature to provide evidence‐based counselling and care.

Existing guidelines on the use of psychotropic medication are largely aimed at psychiatrists, and to date there has been a lack of concise, digestible information with a focus on core knowledge for obstetricians and gynaecologists.

We summarise existing evidence on the use of antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers and sedatives in the perinatal period. For each drug class we describe the teratogenicity, impact on pregnancy, breastfeeding and the newborn.

Learning objectives:

To be familiar with common psychotropic medication used in pregnancy and the postpartum period.

To understand key evidence on the safety profile of psychiatric medication in the perinatal period and apply this to individualised counselling.
Outcomes of Stereotactic Radiation Therapy Versus Fractionated Radiation Therapy in 44 Dogs With Pituitary Masses: A Multi‐Institutional Retrospective Study (2016–2022)
Authors: Gieger Tracy L. , Magestro Leanne , Walz Jillian , Yoshikawa Hiroto , Nolan Michael W.
Published: June 2024

Although canine pituitary masses (PM) are increasingly treated with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), historical literature supports superior outcomes with conventional full‐course fractionated radiation therapy (FRT). A multi‐institutional retrospective study was performed, including dogs with PM treated from 2016 to 2022 with SRT (total dose 30 or 35 Gy in 5 daily fractions) or FRT (total dose 50–54 Gy in 19–20 daily fractions). The influence of potential prognostic/predictive factors was assessed, including pituitary: brain height, pituitary: brain volume, sex, age and endocrine status (functional [F] vs. nonfunctional [NF] PM). Forty‐four dogs with PM were included (26 F, 14 NF, 4 unknown). All patients completed protocols as scheduled (SRT = 27, FRT = 17) and two dogs had suspected Grade 1 acute neurotoxicity. During the first 6 months after RT, 5/27 (19%) dogs treated with SRT (4 F, 1 NF) and 3/17 (18%) dogs treated with FRT (all F) died or were euthanised because of progressive neurologic signs. The overall median survival time was 608 days (95% CI, 375–840 days). Young age at the time of treatment was significant for survival (p = 0.0288); the overall median survival time was 753 days for dogs <9 years of age (95% CI, 614–892 days) and 445 days for dogs ≥9 years of age (95% CI, 183–707 days). Survival time was not associated with treatment type or any other factor assessed herein. A prospective study using standardised protocols would further validate the results of the present study and potentially elucidate the predictors of early death.
Influence of donor age, sex and ethnicity on high‐titre anti‐A and ‐B: Review of 6 million donations from two national blood providers
Authors: Robbins Melanie , Huish Sian , Griffiths Alexandra , Powley Tanya , Daly James , Cardigan Rebecca
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives

Some blood operators routinely screen blood donations for high‐titre (HT) anti‐A/B to reduce the risk of a haemolytic transfusion reaction due to out‐of‐group plasma‐rich components. We assessed donor factors associated with an increased likelihood of screening positive and compared routine data between England and Australia.

Materials and Methods

Data were assessed from HT screening during 2018–2020 in Australia and 2018–2021 in England, totalling nearly 6 million blood donations. Screening was performed using a Beckman Coulter PK7300 analyser with a micro‐titre plate saline direct agglutination test in both countries, although different reagent red cells were chosen. HT‐positive was defined as testing positive at a titre of 128 or above.

Results

The likelihood of a donor testing HT‐positive was greater for females than males, declined with age and was dependent on the ABO group. However, the proportion of donors testing HT‐positive was consistently higher in Australia than in England: overall, 14% of group O donations and 5% of group A donations in England tested HT‐positive, compared with 51% and 22%, respectively in Australia. English data also showed that donors from Black, Asian or mixed ethnic backgrounds were more likely to test HT‐positive than White donors.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that donor sex, age, ABO group and ethnicity affect the likelihood of testing HT‐positive. Differences in testing methods likely had a significant impact on the proportion of donors testing as HT‐positive or ‐negative rather than any differences in donor populations.
Leuven’s College Laboratories
Authors: Vanpaemel Geert
Published: June 2024

Throughout its history, Leuven University has been home to many famous scientists. The names of cartographer Gerard Mercator, discoverer of gas lighting Jan Pieter Minckelers, chemist Jean-Baptist Van Mons, zoologist Pierre Joseph Van Beneden, and inventor of the Big Bang theory Georges Lemaître live on in the local street scene. The laboratories where they worked were housed in university colleges, repeatedly adapted over the centuries to the requirements of scientific research. With the last of these laboratories soon to move out of the inner city to a campus outside the city, this book outlines the urban history of Leuven’s scientists and their laboratories, taking the reader along the still-visible traces of this remarkable heritage. Leuven’s College Laboratories: An Urban Walking Guide through 600 Years of Science focuses on the material heritage of science. The book provides an engaging and accessible introduction to the university’s urban history, appealing to a wide audience of interested parties such as alumni, visitors, and tourists.
A Novel Unsupervised Domain Adaptation Transformation Reconstructed Gated Recurrent Unit Framework Considering Prediction Uncertainty for Machinery Prognostics Under Variable Lubrication Conditions
Authors: Shen Xintian , Wang Zi , Ding Peng , Zhao Xiaoli , Jia Minping
Published: June 2024

As critical components in industrial application scenarios, high-precision and high-confidence health assessment of rolling bearings attract more and more attention. Currently, predictive maintenance obtains outstanding achievements under the same object and working conditions. However, evaluation performances under variable working conditions and different specifications still need to be improved. This study zeroes in on the cross-domain prognostics of rotating machinery under oil and grease lubrication conditions. It proposes an unsupervised domain adaptation (DA) transform reconstruction GRU (UDATrGRU) prognostics framework, which captures the common degradation characteristics under different lubrication conditions through the designed second-order statistical quantity, facilitating the following high-precision predictions. To be specific, the vibration degradation features are first extracted through signal preprocessing and then input into UDATrGRU. The developed domain adaptation layer calculates high-dimensional projections between diverse data sets, and then corresponding degradation features are statistically aligned under the pressure of the designed quantity. Subsequently, time-series modeling and Bootstrap-based uncertainty estimations are carried out. Finally, lifecycle accelerated tests of the rolling bearing from PRONOSITA and ABLT-1A cross-validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed machinery prognostics framework. The results are pretty promising: compared to existing methods, our UDATrGRU framework has achieved an improvement of at least 5.65% in R2 and a reduction of at least 21.5% in root mean squared error.
Data Augmentation Based on Image Translation for Bayesian Inference-Based Damage Diagnostics of Miter Gates
Authors: Zeng Yichao , Zeng Jice , Todd Michael D. , Hu Zhen
Published: June 2024

Structural health monitoring (SHM) data is the essential foundation for any SHM structural integrity assessment, including large civil infrastructure such as the miter gate application in this work. For some applications, the amount of monitoring data is limited due to various reasons such as a lack of sensor deployment investment, sensor reliability, inaccessibility of measurement locations, expensive duty cycles, etc. This limited data could result in uncertainty in structural health assessment. This paper addresses this challenging issue by proposing a data augmentation method based on image translation for Bayesian inference-based damage diagnostics. In particular, we translate the monitoring data of one miter gate to that of another, thereby increasing the volume of monitoring data available for assessing the structural health of a target miter gate. This translation starts with converting the monitoring data of different miter gates into images. After that, Cycle Generative Adversarial Networks (CycleGAN) are employed to accomplish the task of image translation among different miter gates. A verification method is developed to verify the accuracy of the translated images (i.e., synthetic monitoring data). After the accuracy verification, the translated images are used together with the true monitoring data for damage diagnostics. Two types of CycleGAN architectures are investigated and compared using a case study. Results of the case study show that the proposed data augmentation method can effectively improve the accuracy and confidence of damage diagnostics of miter gates. It demonstrates the potential of integrating synthetic data generation with probabilistic model updating in structural health monitoring.
Assessment of ansys-fluent Code for Computation of Two-Phase Flow Characteristics: A Comparative Study of Water–Air and Silicone Oil–Air in a Vertical Pipe
Authors: Mondal Prantik , Lahiri Sandip Kumar , Ghanta Kartik Chandra
Published: June 2024

The study aimed to assess the flow characteristics of water–air and silicone oil–air in a vertical upward pipe, utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with the volume of fluid (VOF) model. Structured meshes with various resolutions were employed to ensure mesh independence, and the k–ε realizable model addressed turbulence. Simulations were conducted in a vertical pipe with a diameter of 67 mm, while varying superficial gas velocities. The investigation focused on the impact of superficial gas velocity on flow patterns, radial void fractions, void fraction time series, probability density functions (PDFs), and mean void fractions. Results indicated a transition in flow patterns with increasing superficial gas velocities: water–air shifted from cap-bubbly to churn flow, and silicone oil–air transitioned from bubbly to annular flow. Notably, annular flow was observed in silicone oil even at low gas velocity. Substantial alterations were observed in radial void fraction profiles corresponding to changing flow patterns. Void fraction time series showed higher fluctuations for water compared to silicone oil, and PDFs identified regimes. Mean void fraction consistently demonstrated higher values for silicone oil compared to water across all flow conditions. The CFD results were validated against experiments, demonstrating good agreement. Furthermore, the validated model was applied to predict pressure drops and liquid velocities between the two systems. Silicone oil exhibited lower pressure drops compared to water. Significant differences in liquid velocities were observed between the two systems at 0.05 m/s and 5.71 m/s, emphasizing the impact of fluid properties.
Intensity Gradients: A Novel Method for Interpreting External Loads in Football
Authors: McGregor Ruairidh , Anderson Liam , Weston Matthew , Brownlee Thomas , Drust Barry
Published: June 2024

Purpose: Global navigation satellite system device–derived metrics are commonly represented by discrete zones with intensity often measured by standardizing volume to per-minute of activity duration. This approach is sensitive to imprecision in duration measurement and can lead to highly variable outcomes—transforming data from zones to a gradient may overcome this problem. The purpose of this study was to critically evaluate this approach for measuring team-sport activity demands. Methods: Data were collected from 129 first-team and 73 academy matches from a Scottish Premiership football club. Gradients were calculated for velocity, acceleration, and deceleration zones, along with per-minute values for several commonly used metrics. Means and 95% CIs were calculated for playing level, as well as first-team positional groups. Within-subject coefficients of variation were also calculated for match level, position, and individual groups. Results: The gradient approach showed consistency with per-minute metrics when measuring playing level and position groups. With coefficients of variation of 10.8% to 26.9%, the gradients demonstrated lower variability than most per-minute variables, which ranged from 10.7% to 84.5%. Conclusions: Gradients are a potentially useful way of describing intensity in team sports and compare favorably to existing intensity variables in their ability to distinguish between match types and position groups, providing evidence that gradient variables can be used to monitor match and training intensity in team sports.