bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Hope dies, action begins?” The role of hope for proactive sustainability engagement among university students
Authors: Vandaele Mathilde , Stålhammar Sanna
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Education in sustainability science is largely ignorant of the implications of the environmental crisis on inner dimensions, including mindsets, beliefs, values and worldviews. Increased awareness of the acuteness and severity of the environmental and climate crisis has caused a contemporary spread of hopelessness among younger generations. This calls for a better understanding of potential generative forces of hope in the face of climate change. This paper aims to uncover strategies for fostering constructive hope among students.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines, through qualitative interviews, the characteristics of constructive hope amongst proactive students enrolled in university programs related to global environmental challenges. Constructive hope describes a form of hope leading to sustained emotional stability and proactive engagement through both individual and collective actions.

Findings

The findings are presented according to four characteristics of constructive hope: goal, pathway thinking, agency thinking and emotional reinforcement. This shows how students perceive the importance of: collaboratively constructing and empowering locally grounded objectives; reinforcing trust in the collective potential and external actors; raising students’ perceived self-efficacy through practical applications; teaching different coping strategies related to the emotional consequences of education on students’ well-being.

Originality/value

We outline practical recommendations for educational environments to encourage and develop constructive hope at multiple levels of university education, including structures, programs, courses and among students’ interactions. We call for practitioners to connect theoretical learning and curriculum content with practice, provide space for emotional expressions, release the pressure from climate anxiety, and to foster a stronger sense of community among students.
The verbiage in variable message signs and traffic diversion during crash incidents
Authors: Acharya Sailesh , Mekker Michelle
Published: August 2022

Purpose

WIth limited research on the effects of variable message sign (VMS) message content and verbiage on revealed driver behavior, this study aims to investigate how different verbiage of crash-related messages are related to the diversion rate.

Design/methodology/approach

Using ordered logit models, the associations of message verbiage with diversion rates during crash incidents were assessed using five years of VMS message history within a section of I-15 in the state of Utah.

Findings

A significant impact of message verbiage on the diversion rate was observed. Based on the analysis results, the crash message verbiage with the highest diversion was found to be miles to crash + “prepare to stop,” followed by crash location + delay information, miles to crash + “use caution” + lane of the crash, etc. In addition, the diversion rate was found to be correlated to some roadway characteristics (e.g. occupancy in mainline, weather condition and light condition) along with the temporal variations.

Research limitations/implications

These findings could be used by transportation agencies (e.g. state department of transportation [DOTs]) to make informed decisions about choosing the message verbiage during future crash incidents. This study also revealed that higher diversion rates are associated with a shorter distance between the crash location and VMS device location, recommending increasing the number of VMS devices, particularly in crash-prone areas.
Fuzzy gray clustering evaluation of green building operation effect: a case study of Shenzhen Bay One, China
Authors: Zhang Jingqi , Zhao Hui , Guo Ziliang
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper improves the evaluation index system of green building operation effect and establishes the evaluation model of green building operation effect. It is expected to promote energy saving and emission reduction and provide a more scientific evaluation method for green building operation effect evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

First, 20 key evaluation indexes are selected to establish the operation effective evaluation index system. Then, the combined weight method is proposed to determine the weight of each evaluation index. Next, the gray clustering-fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is used to construct the green building operation effective evaluation model. Finally, the feasibility and validity of the selected model were verified by taking Shenzhen Bay One green building in Shenzhen as an example.

Findings

This paper establishes the evaluation system of green building operational effect, and evaluates green building from the angle of operational effect. Taking Shenzhen Bay One project as an example, the rationality and applicability of the model are verified.

Originality/value

In this paper, for the first time, relevant indexes of user experience are included in the evaluation system of green building operational effect, which makes the evaluation system more perfect. In addition, a more scientific fuzzy gray clustering method is used to evaluate the operational effect of green building, and a new evaluation model is established.
The predator problem and PCR primers in molecular dietary analysis: Swamped or silenced; depth or breadth?
Authors: Cuff Jordan P. , Kitson James J. N. , Hemprich‐Bennett David , Tercel Maximillian P. T. G. , Browett Samuel S. , Evans Darren M.
Published: August 2022

Dietary metabarcoding has vastly improved our ability to analyse the diets of animals, but it is hampered by a plethora of technical limitations including potentially reduced data output due to the disproportionate amplification of the DNA of the focal predator, here termed “the predator problem”. We review the various methods commonly used to overcome this problem, from deeper sequencing to exclusion of predator DNA during PCR, and how they may interfere with increasingly common multipredator‐taxon studies. We suggest that multiprimer approaches with an emphasis on achieving both depth and breadth of prey detections may overcome the issue to some extent, although multitaxon studies require further consideration, as highlighted by an empirical example. We also review several alternative methods for reducing the prevalence of predator DNA that are conceptually promising but require additional empirical examination. The predator problem is a key constraint on molecular dietary analyses but, through this synthesis, we hope to guide researchers in overcoming this in an effective and pragmatic way.
A juvenile climbing exercise establishes a muscle memory boosting the effects of exercise in adult rats
Authors: Eftestøl Einar , Ochi Eisuke , Juvkam Inga S. , Hansson Kenth‐Arne , Gundersen Kristian
Published: August 2022

Aim

Investigate whether juvenile exercise could induce a long‐term muscle memory, boosting the effects of exercise in adults.

Methods

We devised a 5‐week climbing exercise scheme with food reward administered to male juvenile rats (post‐natal week 4–9). Subsequently, the animals were subjected to 10 weeks of detraining (week 9–19) without climbing and finally retraining during week 19–21.

Results

The juvenile exercise increased fiber cross‐sectional area (fCSA) by 21% (p = 0.0035), boosted nuclear accretion by 13% (p = 0.057), and reduced intraperitoneal fat content by 28% (p = 0.007) and body weight by 9% (p = 0.001). During detraining, the fCSA became similar in the animals that had been climbing compared to naive controls, but the elevated number of myonuclei induced by the climbing were maintained (15%, p = 0.033). When the naive rats were subjected to 2 weeks of adult exercise there was little effect on fCSA, while the previously trained rats displayed an increase of 19% (p = 0.0007). Similarly, when the rats were subjected to unilateral surgical overload in lieu of the adult climbing exercise, the increase in fCSA was 20% (p = 0.0039) in the climbing group, while there was no significant increase in naive rats when comparing to the contralateral leg.

Conclusion

This demonstrates that juvenile exercise can establish a muscle memory boosting the effects of adult exercise. The juvenile climbing exercise with food reward also led to leaner animals with lower body weight. These differences were to some extent maintained throughout the adult detraining period in spite of all animals being fed ad libitum, indicating a form of body weight memory.
Video feedback parent‐infant intervention for mothers experiencing enduring difficulties in managing emotions and relationships: A randomised controlled feasibility trial
Authors: Barnicot Kirsten , Welsh Morgan , Kalwarowsky Sarah , Stevens Eloise , Iles Jane , Parker Jennie , Miele Maddalena , Lawn Tara , O'Hanlon Laura , Sundaresh Sushma , Ajala Ola , Bassett Paul , Jones Christina , Ramchandani Paul , Crawford Mike
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Parents experiencing mental health difficulties consistent with “personality disorder”, often related to a history of complex trauma, may face increased challenges in parent–child relationships and child socioemotional development. There are no published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating perinatal parent–child interventions for this population. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of undertaking an RCT of the video feedback intervention for positive parenting adapted for perinatal mental health (VIPP‐PMH).

Design

Feasibility study incorporating a pilot RCT.

Methods

Mothers with enduring difficulties in managing emotions and relationships, consistent with a “personality disorder”, and their 6‐ to 36‐month old infants were randomly allocated to receive six sessions of VIPP‐PMH (n = 20) or usual care alone (n = 14).

Results

76% of eligible mothers consented to participate. Intervention uptake and completion rates were 95% (≥1 VIPP‐PMH session) and 70% (6 sessions), respectively. Follow‐up rates were 85% at month 5 and 65% at month 8 post‐baseline. Blinded observer‐ratings of maternal sensitivity in parent–child interaction favoured the intervention group at month 5 (RR = 1.94, 95% CI 0.67–5.63) and month 8 (RR = 1.91, 95% CI 0.68–5.33). Small changes over time in self‐rated parenting confidence and stress favoured the intervention group. There were no clear intervention effects on maternal non‐intrusiveness or mental health, or on child behaviour problems, emotional functioning, or self‐regulation.

Conclusions

An RCT of VIPP‐PMH is feasible and acceptable to implement with mothers experiencing difficulties consistent with perinatal “personality disorder”. A fully powered definitive RCT should be undertaken.
Prediction of early prognosis after traumatic brain injury by multifactor model
Authors: Yang Bocheng , Sun Xiaochuan , Shi Quanhong , Dan Wei , Zhan Yan , Zheng Dinghao , Xia Yulong , Xie Yanfeng , Jiang Li
Published: August 2022

Aims

To design a model to predict the early prognosis of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) based on parameters that can be quickly obtained in emergency conditions from medical history, physical examination, and supplementary examinations.

Methods

The medical records of TBI patients who were hospitalized in two medical institutions between June 2015 and June 2021 were collected and analyzed. Patients were divided into the training set, validation set, and testing set. The possible predictive indicators were screened after analyzing the data of patients in the training set. Then prediction models were found based on the possible predictive indicators in the training set. Data of patients in the validation set and the testing set was provided to validate the predictive values of the models.

Results

Age, Glasgow coma scale score, Apolipoprotein E genotype, damage area, serum C‐reactive protein, and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) levels, and Marshall computed tomography score were found associated with early prognosis of TBI patients. The accuracy of the early prognosis prediction model (EPPM) was 80%, and the sensitivity and specificity of the EPPM were 78.8% and 80.8% in the training set. The accuracy of the EPPM was 79%, and the sensitivity and specificity of the EPPM were 66.7% and 86.2% in the validation set. The accuracy of the early EPPM was 69.1%, and the sensitivity and specificity of the EPPM were 67.9% and 77.8% in the testing set.

Conclusion

Prediction models integrating general information, clinical manifestations, and auxiliary examination results may provide a reliable and rapid method to evaluate and predict the early prognosis of TBI patients.
Knockdown of ZBTB11 impedes R‐loop elimination and increases the sensitivity to cisplatin by inhibiting DDX1 transcription in bladder cancer
Authors: Chen Lei , Liu Zefu , Tang Huancheng , Zhou Zhaohui , Chen Jiawei , Ma Zikun , Deng Minhua , Li Xiangdong , Wu Yuanzhong , Zheng Lisi , Zhou Liwen , Zheng Xianchong , Liu Zhuowei
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant cancers, with poor prognosis and high incidence. Cisplatin is the standard chemotherapy for muscle invasive bladder cancer; however, chemotherapy resistance remains a major challenge. Moreover, oncogenic signalling and the specific mechanisms underlying cisplatin resistance in BC remain largely unclear

Methods

In this study, RT‐PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry were used to measure gene and protein expression. Colony formation assay and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate the proliferation of BC cells. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed to identify the function in which ZBTB11 was involved. Luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments were performed to determine the transcriptional regulation mechanism of ZBTB11. The effects of ZBTB11 on the malignant phenotypes of BC cells were examined in vitro and in vivo

Results

The results showed that ZBTB11 was remarkably upregulated in BC tissues, which was associated with poor prognosis in patients with BC. Furthermore, we found that knockdown of ZBTB11 remarkably inhibited the proliferation and tumorigenesis of BC cells by inducing apoptosis. Mechanistically, the knockdown of ZBTB11 transcriptionally inhibited DDX1 to suppress R‐loop clearance, resulting in DNA damage in BC cells. Importantly, the ZBTB11/DDX1 axis is required for the chemotherapy resistance of BC cells to cisplatin

Conclusion

Our findings not only reveal an underlying mechanism by which the ZBTB11/DDX1 axis promotes the tumorigenesis of BC but also provide a potential target for a combination strategy of cisplatin‐based chemotherapy for BC.
Hit from abroad: Party dominance and the fiscal response to external economic shocks
Authors: Ramos Pastrana Julio A.
Published: August 2022

Do politicians from dominant parties choose different fiscal policies in response to an external economic shock than politicians from competitive parties? This paper argues that politicians from dominant parties might adopt different fiscal policies than politicians from competitive parties in response to an external economic shock. Politicians from dominant parties might enjoy a political advantage that allows them to underinvest in areas with low political gains compared to politicians from competitive parties and divert the money to policy areas more politically profitable. I examine my theoretical prediction using a panel data set of Mexican governors from 1995 to 2010.
Body size, metabolic rate and diapause in the oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis), in two extreme climatic regions
Authors: Cohen Nitzan , Volov Mika , Bodner Levona , Bouchebti Sofia , Levin Eran
Published: August 2022

Temperature and precipitation are major components of climate that have a pervasive effect on the phenotype and physiology of insects.

The Oriental hornet has a wide geographical distribution and is the only vespid species found in a desert environment.

Recently, it has extended its geographic distribution due to climate change and human activities.

We compared the standard metabolic rate, diapause metabolic rate and body size of workers and gynes in two different climatic regions, 150 km apart along the northern part of the Great Rift Valley in Israel: In the north, high elevation Mediterranean habitat and in the south, low elevation, warm and dry desert.

The brood in the desert region developed in higher ambient temperatures than in the Mediterranean, but only the workers of the desert had a smaller body size as adults.

Worker hornets from the Mediterranean region had a higher standard metabolic rate (SMR) at the environmental temperature of main activity compared to desert hornets.

Queens had a typical discontinuous gas exchange cycles (DGC) pattern, with Mediterranean queens having a 30% lower SMR.

Such lower SMR might reflect an adaptation for prolonged and more profound diapause typical to the cold and long winter conditions in this region.
Time course of right‐hemisphere recruitment during word production following left‐hemisphere damage: A single case of young stroke
Authors: Chupina Irina , Sierpowska Joanna , Zheng Xiaochen Y. , Dewenter Anna , Piastra Maria‐Carla , Piai Vitória
Published: August 2022

Our understanding of post‐stroke language function is largely based on older age groups, who show increasing age‐related brain pathology and neural reorganisation. To illustrate language outcomes in the young‐adult brain, we present the case of J., a 23‐year‐old woman with chronic aphasia from a left‐hemisphere stroke affecting the temporal lobe. Diffusion MRI‐based tractography indicated that J.'s language‐relevant white‐matter structures were severely damaged. Employing magnetoencephalography (MEG), we explored J.'s conceptual preparation and word planning abilities using context‐driven and bare picture‐naming tasks. These revealed naming deficits, manifesting as word‐finding difficulties and semantic paraphasias about half of the time. Naming was however facilitated by semantically constraining lead‐in sentences. Altogether, this pattern indicates disrupted lexical‐semantic and phonological retrieval abilities. MEG revealed that J.'s conceptual and naming‐related neural responses were supported by the right hemisphere, compared to the typical left‐lateralised brain response of a matched control. Differential recruitment of right‐hemisphere structures (330–440 ms post‐picture onset) was found concurrently during successful naming (right mid‐to‐posterior temporal lobe) and word‐finding attempts (right inferior frontal gyrus). Disconnection of the temporal lobes via corpus callosum was not critical for recruitment of the right hemisphere in visually guided naming, possibly due to neural activity right lateralising from the outset. Although J.'s right hemisphere responded in a timely manner during word planning, its lexical and phonological retrieval abilities remained modest.
Evaluating the suitability of close‐kin mark‐recapture as a demographic modelling tool for a critically endangered elasmobranch population
Authors: Delaval Aurélien , Bendall Victoria , Hetherington Stuart J. , Skaug Hans J. , Frost Michelle , Jones Catherine S. , Noble Leslie R.
Published: August 2022

Estimating the demographic parameters of contemporary populations is essential to the success of elasmobranch conservation programmes, and to understanding their recent evolutionary history. For benthic elasmobranchs such as skates, traditional fisheries‐independent approaches are often unsuitable as the data may be subject to various sources of bias, whilst low recapture rates can render mark‐recapture programmes ineffectual. Close‐kin mark‐recapture (CKMR), a novel demographic modelling approach based on the genetic identification of close relatives within a sample, represents a promising alternative approach as it does not require physical recaptures. We evaluated the suitability of CKMR as a demographic modelling tool for the critically endangered blue skate (Dipturus batis) in the Celtic Sea using samples collected during fisheries‐dependent trammel‐net surveys that ran from 2011 to 2017. We identified three full‐sibling and 16 half‐sibling pairs among 662 skates, which were genotyped across 6291 genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms, 15 of which were cross‐cohort half‐sibling pairs that were included in a CKMR model. Despite limitations owing to a lack of validated life‐history trait parameters for the species, we produced the first estimates of adult breeding abundance, population growth rate, and annual adult survival rate for D. batis in the Celtic Sea. The results were compared to estimates of genetic diversity, effective population size (Ne), and to catch per unit effort estimates from the trammel‐net survey. Although each method was characterized by wide uncertainty bounds, together they suggested a stable population size across the time‐series. Recommendations for the implementation of CKMR as a conservation tool for data‐limited elasmobranchs are discussed. In addition, the spatio‐temporal distribution of the 19 sibling pairs revealed a pattern of site fidelity in D. batis, and supported field observations suggesting an area of critical habitat that could qualify for protection might occur near the Isles of Scilly.
Financial strain, the transference of stigma, and residential instability: A qualitative analysis of the long‐term effects of parental incarceration
Authors: Shaw Marcus
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study seeks to document the long‐term effects of parental incarceration on life course by interviewing adults who had a parent incarcerated when they were a child.

Background

An exponential increase in incarceration in the late 20th century has produced many adverse effects and increased social disadvantage for families and communities. From the life course perspective, parental incarceration is argued to be a detrimental experience in numerous ways.

Methods

This study utilizes (N = 31) in‐depth qualitative interviews with adult respondents in California who experienced parental incarceration at some point in their life. The study uses descriptive phenomenology to examine the effects of parental incarceration on life course.

Results

The themes discussed in this study are financial and emotional strain, residential instability, and the transference of stigma. Financial strain and residential instability were associated with many negative effects for children of incarcerated parents. Participants recalled such experiences as consistently moving residencies, attending multiple schools, homelessness and inability to attend school, and lack of household resources. The transference of stigma occurred when a parent's record became a representation of a child's moral worth. Interviewees reported feeling or experiencing stigmatization, in social and professional settings, due to their parent's incarceration or criminal record.

Conclusion

This study illuminates how the life course experience of parental incarceration can have significant long‐term impacts on children, potentially placing them at risk. Documenting the intergenerational impacts of mass incarceration on children and families is of societal importance.
Emerging roles for G‐quadruplexes in proteostasis
Authors: Guzman Bryan B. , Son Ahyun , Litberg Theodore J. , Huang Zijue , Dominguez Daniel , Horowitz Scott
Published: August 2022

How nucleic acids interact with proteins, and how they affect protein folding, aggregation, and misfolding is a still‐evolving area of research. Considerable effort is now focusing on a particular structure of RNA and DNA, G‐quadruplexes, and their role in protein homeostasis and disease. In this state‐of‐the‐art review, we track recent reports on how G‐quadruplexes influence protein aggregation, proteolysis, phase separation, and protein misfolding diseases, and pose currently unanswered questions in the advance of this scientific field.
Clinical pattern and response to treatment of primary stabbing headache: Retrospective case series study from a Portuguese tertiary hospital
Authors: Cabral Gonçalo , Saraiva Marlene , Serôdio Miguel , Serrazina Filipa , Salavisa Manuel , Fernandes Marco , Meira Bruna , Ventura Rita , Pinho André , Magriço Marta , Caetano André , Baptista Miguel Viana
Published: August 2022

Objectives

This retrospective case series study aimed to investigate the demographic and clinical patterns of primary stabbing headache (PSH). In addition, we tried to identify subgroups of treatment responses in a neurology outpatient consultation at a Portuguese tertiary hospital.

Methods

Clinical records were retrospectively reviewed and patients meeting the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition, criteria for PSH were identified from January 2014 to December 2020. We collected data regarding demographic characteristics, clinical features of the headache, primary headache comorbidities, and information about treatment‐related do PSH.

Results

Of 1857 patients, 32 (1.7%; mean [SD] age of onset 56 [3.5] years) had the final diagnosis of PSH. Regarding headache characteristics, 20 patients (62.5%) reported episodes of stabbing in fixed locations and 12 (37.5%) in multiple areas; the duration of each attack was between ≤5 s (seven [21.9%]), 5–60 s (20 [62.5%]), and ≥60 s (five [15.6%]). In all, 18 patients (56.3%) had an episodic course (vs. six of 32 [18.8%] an acute course and eight of 32 [25%] a chronic course). In all, 17 patients started medical treatment (53.1%), with total or partial improvement in 10 (58.8%) of them. It was found that patients with pain in fixed locations had a better response to treatment when compared to patients with multiple locations, in a statistically significant way (eight of 11 vs. two of six, p = 0.023).

Conclusion

In our sample, the mean age of onset of PSH was >50 years and there was a wide range of PSH duration. The duration of each attack (>5 s), the pain in fixed locations, non‐daily episodes of the pain in each attack, and the intermittent course of headache were the most prevalent clinical features. Finally, patients with stabbing in localized areas had a better response to treatment.
Spontaneous involution of a large pineal cyst: Case report and narrative review
Authors: Bouttelgier Robin M. , Sie Mariska , Hallaert Giorgio G.
Published: August 2022

Objective

To illustrate the possibility of spontaneous involution of a pineal cyst, justifying an initial observation strategy in patients without evident mass effect.

Background

Pineal cysts are frequent radiological findings, with a reported overall prevalence from 0.6% to 40%. Historically, surgery has been reserved for patients with symptoms attributable to a mass effect of the cyst. Despite the high prevalence of pineal cysts, the clinical approach to patients with non‐specific symptoms remains controversial.

Methods

We report on the spontaneous involution of a large pineal cyst in a 26‐year‐old female who presented in our outpatient clinic with transient symptoms of headache and nausea. PubMed and Web of Science databases were scrutinized using a predefined search strategy in accordance with the Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome (PICO) set‐up using “pineal cyst” and “surgery” as search terms. Only peer‐reviewed publications were considered eligible. Titles and abstracts of 1513 manuscripts were screened for relevance. After excluding 1420 publications evaluating non‐relevant pathology, the eligibility of the remaining 93 full‐text records was further assessed and included if they reported patients with pineal cysts presenting with intractable symptoms without hydrocephalus or Parinaud syndrome, and if they documented on their symptomatology and clinical management.

Conclusion

Recent case series and reviews report favorable results of surgery in patients with pineal cysts but also a potentially high complication rate. However, the evidence offered by these reports is limited and a placebo effect cannot be ruled out. Therefore, surgery cannot be unequivocally advocated in these patients. Instead, an initial surveillance strategy is advocated. We concur with a previously propounded surveillance strategy of a single follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging at 12 months. This case report demonstrates the importance of an initial observation strategy since pineal cysts may also show a spontaneous involution.
Expectant mothers' not fathers' mind‐mindedness predicts infant, mother, and father conversational turns at 7 months
Authors: Foley Sarah , Hughes Claire , Fink Elian
Published: August 2022

Parental mind‐mindedness (MM), defined as the propensity to view one's child as an agent with thoughts, feelings, and desires, is associated with positive child outcomes (McMahon & Bernier, 2017) and can be assessed in expectant parents by using five‐minute speech samples (Magaña et al., 1986). Individual differences in MM appear stable across the transition to parenthood (Foley et al., in press), offering an exciting intervention opportunity, as expectant mothers' thoughts and feelings about their unborn infants are associated with the quality of mother‐infant interactions. To assess prenatal MM as a predictor of parent‐infant conversation at 7 months, we followed 93 low‐risk British heterosexual couples across the transition to parenthood. Mothers' and fathers' MM was measured both in the third trimester of pregnancy and at 4 months. Wearable LENA devices were used to gather detailed measures of mother‐, father‐, and infant‐initiated conversations at 7 months. Prenatal MM in both parents was associated with more frequent infant‐initiated conversations at 7 months, while prenatal maternal (not paternal) MM was also associated with more mother‐ and father‐initiated conversations. While longitudinal research with more diverse samples is needed, these findings highlight the importance of parental mentalizing in the prenatal period for early family interactions.
Simple and field amenable loop-mediated isothermal amplification-lateral flow dipstick assay for detection of west Nile virus in human clinical samples
Authors: Tomar Priyanka Singh , Patel Sapan , Dash Paban Kumar , Kumar Jyoti S.
Published: August 2022

Aim

West Nile encephalitis caused by infection with the West Nile virus (WNV) is endemic in many regions of the world and is a global public health threat. The aim of this report was to develop a method using colorimetry-based reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (cRT-LAMP) and RT-LAMP combined with lateral-flow dipstick (LFD) for rapidly detecting WNV in low-infrastructure settings.

Methods and Results

The primers for the cRT-LAMP and RT-LAMP-LFD assays were designed based on env gene of the WNV. Primers concentration, temperature and time were optimized for cRT-LAMP and RT-LAMP-LFD. The diagnostic performance of the cRT-LAMP and RT-LAMP-LFD assays was evaluated using human serum samples from 110 patients who were clinically suspected to be infected with WNV. The RT-LAMP was performed in a heating block at 63°C for 40 min. The LAMP amplicons were visible in the lateral-flow dipstick within 5 min. The detection limit of the developed cRT-LAMP and RT-LAMP-LFD assays was 10 copies and this assay showed a high degree of specificity for WNV. Compared with quantitative real-time RT-PCR assay, the kappa value of cRT-LAMP and RT-LAMP-LFD were 0.970.

Conclusions

These results showed that the newly developed WNV-specific cRT-LAMP and RT-LAMP-LFD assays can be employed as an alternative method for screening of WN-suspected human samples. The results revealed that the assay could potentially identify the virus without interference from human serum samples. Collectively, all results revealed that cRT-LAMP and RT-LAMP-LFD assays offer a suitable field-based diagnosis of WNV.

Significance and Impact of the Study

The cRT-LAMP and LAMP-LFD platform for the detection of WNV is rapid, accurate and simple-to-perform. Our present method has not only a short turnaround time but also avoided cross-contamination problem. Moreover, the use of simple lateral flow dipsticks broadens its application potential for the point-of-care use in resource-limited settings during outbreak situations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report for the development of cRT-LAMP and LAMP-LFD assays for rapid, simple, specific and sensitive detection of WNV using human clinical samples and EvaGreen dye.
Discovering computational thinking in everyday problem solving: A multiple case study of route planning
Authors: Ezeamuzie Ndudi O. , Leung Jessica S. C. , Garcia Raycelle C. C. , Ting Fridolin S. T.
Published: August 2022

Background

The idea of computational thinking is underpinned by the belief that anyone can learn and use the underlying concepts of computer science to solve everyday problems. However, most studies on the topic have investigated the development of computational thinking through programming activities, which are cognitively demanding. There is a dearth of evidence on how computational thinking augments everyday problem solving when it is decontextualized from programming.

Objectives

In this study, we examined how computational thinking, when untangled from the haze of programming, is demonstrated in everyday problem solving, and investigated the features of such solvable problems.

Methods

Using a multiple case study approach, we tracked how seven university students used computational thinking to solve the everyday problem of a route planning task as part of an 8‐week‐long Python programming course.

Results and Conclusions

Computational thinking practices are latent in everyday problems, and intentionally structuring everyday problems is valuable for discovering the applicability of computational thinking. Decomposition and abstraction are prominent computational thinking components used to simplify everyday problem solving.

Implications

It is important to strike a balance between the correctness of algorithms and simplification of the process of everyday problem solving.
Chronic pruritus in multiple sclerosis and clinical correlates
Authors: Ingrasci Giuseppe , Tornes Leticia , Brown Andrew , Delgado Silvia , Hernandez Jeffrey , Yap Qai Ven , Yosipovitch Gil
Published: August 2022

Background

To date, little is known about the prevalence of itch in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its characteristics.

Objectives

In this cross‐sectional study, we assessed the prevalence, intensity and characteristics of chronic pruritus in MS patients and its effect on quality‐of‐life and association with MS symptoms, clinical signs, comorbidities and MRI findings.

Methods

MS patients presenting to an outpatient neurology clinic were asked about their current symptoms. Those who experienced chronic pruritus were administered the Standardized Itch Questionnaire and Itch Quality of Life forms. All patients' medical records were reviewed. Patients with any medical conditions associated with chronic itch were excluded.

Results

Seventy‐seven total MS patients were included, and 27 (35%) reported pruritus. The average itch NRS severity was 5.42 (range 0–10). The most affected body parts were the extremities, face or scalp, and trunk. Itch was characterized as acute (74%), paroxysmal (59%) and tingling (55%). Heat (52%) was the most common aggravating factor, while cold temperatures had no effect.

Compared with MS patients without itch, itch patients reported more fatigue (77% vs 44%, p = 0.004), heat sensitivity (48% vs 20%, p = 0.0177), cognitive impairment (62% vs 26%, p = 0.0029) and depression or anxiety (48% vs 16%, p = 0.0063). Additionally, itch patients had more T2 hyperintensities in the posterior cervical cord and anterior pons/ventromedial medulla (74.1% vs 46.0%, p = 0.018 and 29.6% vs 8.0%, p = 0.020, respectively). Finally, T2 hyperintensities in the anterior pons/ventromedial medulla were strongly associated with itch localized to the face or scalp (OR 11.3, 95% CI 1.6–78.6, p = 0.025).

Conclusion

MS patients experience paroxysmal neuropathic pruritus that is most frequently localized to the extremities, face or scalp. Patients with itch were more likely to have MS‐related comorbidities and demyelinating lesions in the spinal cord or brainstem.
Big Five personality and religiosity: Bidirectional cross‐lagged effects and their moderation by culture
Authors: Entringer Theresa M. , Gebauer Jochen E. , Kroeger Hannes
Published: August 2022

Objective

Personality has long been assumed to be a cause of religiosity, not a consequence. Yet, recent research suggests that religiosity may well cause personality change. Consequently, longitudinal research is required that examines the bi‐directionality between personality and religiosity. The required research must also attend to cultural religiosity—a critical moderator in previous cross‐sectional research.

Method

We conducted four‐wave, cross‐lagged panel models assessing the bi‐directional effects between religiosity (measured as religious attendance) and the Big Five personality traits over 12 years in 14 samples (Ntotal = 44,485). Each sample used population‐representative data from a different German federal state—states that vary widely in religiosity.

Results

The findings were the following: (1) Agreeableness, openness, and conscientiousness were associated with changes in religiosity, with the latter two effects being culture‐contingent. (2) Religiosity was associated with changes in agreeableness and openness, with the latter effect being culture‐contingent. (3) The cross‐lagged effects of personality on religiosity were overall stronger than the reverse effects.

Conclusions

The directionality between the Big Five and religiosity seems to go both ways and culture matters for those effects. We discuss the power of religiosity to alter personality and the role of culture for this effect and for personality change more generally.
Biogeographic patterns of polyploid species for the angiosperm flora in China
Authors: Wang Kai‐Lai , Deng Pu‐Rong , Yao Zhi , Dong Jin‐Yi , He Zhi , Yang Peng , Liu Yong‐Bo
Published: August 2022

Exploring the frequency and distribution pattern of polyploid species in geographic parameters is of significance in understanding the mechanisms of polyploid speciation and evolutionary drivers of biodiversity. We here explored polyploid and paleopolyploid incidence frequency in a scale of 100 × 100 km grids in China. We found 33% of angiosperm species are polyploidy in China, and 23% of polyploid speciation. Western China and eastern China showed a significantly different polyploid and paleopolyploid frequency, with an evolutionary cradle of polyploid angiosperms in the Qinghai–Tibetan plateau. Herbaceous species exhibited higher polyploid frequency but lower paleopolyploid frequency than woody species, indicating the former experienced more rapid differentiation and speciation than the latter. Our results indicate that western China is an evolutionary cradle for polyploid angiosperms where harsh environment facilitates the establishment and survival of polyploids, while polyploid lineages tend to rediploidize to be diploids with sufficient time in suitable environment.
Influence of ozonation and roasting on functional, microstructural, textural characteristics, and aflatoxin content of groundnut kernels
Authors: Kaur Gurjeet , Sidhu Gagandeep Kaur , Kaur Preetinder , Kaur Amarjit
Published: August 2022

The present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of ozonation, roasting and their combination on the moisture content, color, functional, structural, textural components, and aflatoxins in groundnut kernels. Samples were subjected to three treatments namely, dry roasting (R): 166°C for 7 min; gaseous ozone treatment (O): 6 mg/L for 30 min; combined ozonation‐roasting (OR): gaseous ozonation at 6 mg/L for 30 min followed by dry roasting at 166°C for 7 min. The ozonated‐roasted samples had the lowest moisture content (3.45%), the highest total phenolic content (4.18 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g), and antioxidants capacity (69.59%). The treatments did not induce significant changes in color of kernels (p < .05). Scanning electron microscopy indicated cracking of granules in roasted and swelling in ozonated kernels whereas more uniform orientation of granules was observed in ozonated‐roasted kernels. Roasted and ozonated kernels indicated a significant reduction of fracturability force to 54.60 and 14.11%, respectively, whereas ozonated‐roasted samples demonstrated a nonsignificant increase (4.37%). An increase in wave number of ozonated samples to 3,289.37 cm−1 in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum (FTIR) indicated stretching in OH groups. FTIR spectrum of ozonated‐roasted kernels suggested the formation of a new compound with CC and CC groups. The major aflatoxin B1 was reduced to maximum, that is, 100% in ozonated‐roasted kernels followed by ozonated (80.95%) and roasted (57.14%) samples. The findings indicate that the ozonation‐roasting treatment had a prominent role in the enhancement of functional compounds, structural and textural attributes along with the considerable reduction in aflatoxin content.
Infant feeding policies and monitoring systems: A qualitative study of European Countries
Authors: Gray Helen , Zakarija‐Grković Irena , Cattaneo Adriano , Vassallo Charlene , Borg Buontempo Mariella , Harutyunyan Susanna , Bettinelli Maria Enrica , Rosin Stefanie
Published: August 2022

Implementation of the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding varies widely among countries. Policymakers would benefit from insights into obstacles and enablers. Our aim was to explore the processes behind the development and implementation of national infant and young child feeding policies and monitoring systems in Europe. A qualitative study design was employed to analyze open text responses from six European countries (Croatia, Germany, Lithuania, Spain, Turkey and Ukraine) using inductive thematic analysis. Countries were selected based on their World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative scores on national policy and monitoring systems. The 33‐item online questionnaire was distributed to country representatives and completed by country teams. Key enablers and strengths included strong and continuous government commitment to infant and young child feeding, an operational national breastfeeding authority, a national and active monitoring and evaluation system, implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes in national legislation, the integration of skilled breastfeeding supporters, the implementation of the Baby‐friendly Hospital Initiative, and positive cultural norms and traditions supporting optimal infant and young child feeding. In some countries, UNICEF played a key role in funding and designing policies and monitoring systems. Weak government leadership, the strong influence of the industry, lack of adequate national legislation on the International Code and cultural norms which devalued breastfeeding were particularly noted as obstacles. Government commitment, funding and protection of optimal infant and young child feeding are essential to the implementation of strong national policies and monitoring systems.
Pathophysiological crosstalk between migraine aura and epilepsy: Effect of lomerizine hydrochloride
Authors: Fujita Kazuki , Shibata Mamoru , Maruki Yuichi , Sakai Fumihiko
Published: August 2022

A 29‐year‐old woman previously diagnosed with both migraine with aura and epilepsy visited our hospital complaining of unusual headaches. The prodromal symptoms changed from typical scintillating scotoma to short‐lasting moving lights against deja‐vu scenery. Then, loss of consciousness and urinary incontinence after headaches, and even generalized convulsion began to occur. Lomerizine hydrochloride decreased her headache attacks, urinary incontinence, loss of consciousness, and seizure. We considered her headache changed from migraine with typical aura to post‐ictal headache. Lomerizine hydrochloride may have alleviated epilepsy in addition to migraine.
A case of retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukoencephalopathy and systemic manifestations: Long‐term treatment with repeated courses of immunotherapy
Authors: Muguruma Kazuki , Sugimoto Takamichi , Terada Yoshiko , Yuan Junhui , Nomura Eiichi , Takashima Hiroshi , Yamawaki Takemori , Kohriyama Tatsuo , Maruyama Hirofumi
Published: August 2022

We present here the case of a 48‐year‐old man who first developed retinopathy, and motor deficit and aphasia occurred 8 years later. A tumor‐like lesion was seen by brain MRI. He was diagnosed with retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukoencephalopathy and systemic manifestations (RVCL‐S) because a three prime repair exonuclease 1 (TREX1) gene abnormality was identified. After intravenous methylprednisolone pulse (IVMP) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test results and clinical manifestations improved. However, a new lesion appeared 3 years later. Immunotherapy became ineffective, and repeated relapses occurred. We evaluated the results of laboratory tests and brain MRI for 6 years after the first treatment. Coagulation tests, including measurements of vWF activity, remained high, so immunotherapy was thought to have a limited effect.
Vincetoxicum arabicum (Apocynaceae–Asclepiadoideae), a new combination for a species in Arabia and Africa, and notes on Rhinolobium
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: August 2022

The new combination Vincetoxicum arabicum is made for a species in Saudi Arabia and northeastern and eastern Africa that has previously mostly been called Blyttia fruticulosa or Vincetoxicum fruticulosum. The basionym, Blyttia arabica, previously regarded as a superfluous name, is resurrected. A synonymy of V. arabicum is provided, and the species is illustrated by photographs. Rhinolobium, with R. tenue as type, published simultaneously with Blyttia and B. arabica, is an older name for Aspidoglossum.
Neonatal cutaneous inflammatory syndrome associated with homozygous epidermal growth factor receptor mutation
Authors: Labbouz Sofia , Keegan Grace , King Thomas
Published: August 2022

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane protein with tyrosine kinase signaling activity regulating many essential cellular functions, and loss of function mutations in EGFR result in a life‐threatening neonatal syndrome. We present the case of a preterm boy born with intrauterine growth restriction who developed multisystem disease due to a homozygous mutation in the EGFR gene. He experienced a tumultuous and complex clinical course with recurrent skin infections and sepsis, nephrocalcinosis, failure to thrive, severe electrolyte imbalances, rectal perforation, and thrombus formation, and died after 11 months due to renal failure. This case report builds on work recently published in 2020 describing a case series of 18 similar patients and adds to the growing literature describing the severe phenotype and multisystem disease associated with loss of EGFR mutation in the Roma population.
Praise
Authors: Telech Daniel
Published: August 2022

One way of being responsible for an action is being praiseworthy for it. But what is the “praise” of which the praiseworthy agent isworthy? This paper provides a survey of answers to this question, i.e. a survey of possible accounts of praise’s nature. It then presents an overview of candidate norms governing our responses of praise. By attending to praise’s nature and appropriateness conditions, we stand to acquire a richer conception of what it is to be, and to regard another as, a responsible agent.