bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of climate and species interactions in determining the distribution of two elevationally segregated species of small mammals through time
Authors: Coconis Alexandra C. , Nussear Kenneth E. , Rowe Rebecca J. , Hornsby Angela D. , Matocq Marjorie D.
Published: February 2025

The relative importance of abiotic and biotic factors in determining species distributions has long been of interest to ecologists but is often difficult to assess due to the lack of spatially and temporally robust occurrence records. Furthermore, locating places where potentially highly competitive species co‐occur may be challenging but would provide critical knowledge into the effects of competition on species ranges. We built species distribution models for two closely related species of small mammals (Neotoma) that are largely parapatric along mountainsides throughout the Great Basin Desert, USA using extensive modern occurrence records. We hindcasted these models to the mid‐Holocene to compare the response of each species to dramatic climatic change and used paleontological records to validate our models. Model results showed species co‐occurrence at mid‐elevations along select mountain ranges in this region. We confirmed our model results with fine‐scale field surveys in a single mountain range containing one of the most extensive survey datasets across an elevational gradient in the Great Basin. We found close alignment of realized distributions to the respective abiotic species distribution model predictions, despite the presence of the congener, indicating that climate may be more influential than competition in shaping distribution at the scale of a single mountain range. Our models also predict differential species responses to historic climate change, leading to reduced probability of species interactions during warmer and dryer climatic conditions. Our results emphasize the utility of examining species distributions with regard to both abiotic variables and species interactions and at various spatial scales to make inferences about the mechanisms underlying distributional limits.
Peer Academic Supports for Success: Pilot Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial
Authors: Davis Maryann , Hutchinson Dori , Cherchia Paul , Wang Bo , Golden Laura , Morrison Emily , Baczko Amanda
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Mental health conditions are prevalent among university students, putting them at elevated risk for dropout. Universities offer an array of peer programmes, and students often share their concerns with peers before professionals. A well‐specified peer intervention to help sustain academic persistence that colleges can directly offer their undergraduates with mental health conditions should benefit this population. The Peer Academic Supports for Success coaching model was developed to address this need.

Objective

This study's goal was to conduct a feasibility and preliminary impact study of the Peer Academic Supports for Success model and feasibility of randomised controlled trial research methods.

Methods

Seventy‐two undergraduate students with academically impairing mental health conditions were randomised to receive Peer Academic Supports for Success versus an active control condition. Survey data were collected at baseline and at the end of the next two semesters. Official transcripts were obtained. Intervention implementation data were assessed through coach and participant report.

Results

Peer Academic Supports for Success was delivered with fidelity, successfully attracted and retained students, and was safe. Randomised controlled trial methods proved feasible. Findings revealed significant treatment effects on several of the targeted proximal outcomes.

Conclusions

The findings suggest Peer Academic Supports for Success is a promising university‐based intervention to support young adult students with mental health conditions and should be tested in a robust clinical trial.
Barriers and Facilitators to Motivation for Work and School in First Episode Psychosis: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Balogun O. , DeTore N. R. , Dokholyan K. , Cather C. , Tepper M. C. , Lanca M. , Mueser K. T. , Russinova Z.
Published: February 2025

Aim

Decreased motivation has been found to be the strongest predictor of poor work or school functioning among individuals with psychosis. Since motivation decreases immediately following onset of psychosis, it may be an ideal potential target for intervention. The aim of this study was to explore the specific barriers and facilitators to motivation through experiences of those living with first episode psychosis.

Method

A total of 40 individuals recently diagnosed with psychosis and receiving treatment within a coordinated specialty care program completed a semi‐structured qualitative interview. Audio recordings were transcribed and independently coded by three reviewers.

Results

Themes emerged regarding barriers to work and school motivation, such as challenging mental health symptoms, discouragement resulting from negative perceptions/experiences, mental health treatment/side effects, uncertainty about the future, pressure of expectations from others, financial and legal concerns, and fear of symptom recurrence. Similarly, participants described several motivational facilitators for work and school including the opinions of others, financial needs and desires, career aspirations, beneficial mental health treatment, positive attitudes about mental illness, desire for autonomy and desire for meaning in daily life.

Discussion

Better understanding of the factors that drive motivation for work and school among those with first episode psychosis may facilitate identification of ways to optimise existing treatments and/or develop more targeted approaches.
A Review of Fe–S–C Dynamics in Blue Carbon Environments: Potential Influence of Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils
Authors: Tan Julie H. Y. , Mosley Luke M. , Wong Vanessa N. L.
Published: February 2025

Vegetated blue carbon environments have the potential to sequester large amounts of carbon due to their high productivity and typically saturated, anaerobic soils that promote carbon accumulation. Despite this, and the coupling of Fe–S–C cycling processes, the influence of iron (Fe) in acid sulfate soils (ASSs) on carbon sequestration in blue carbon environments has yet to be systematically explored. To address this knowledge gap, this review provides an overview linking the current state of blue carbon studies with the influence of Fe on soil organic carbon (SOC), as well as the potential influence ASSs have on carbon sequestration. A systematic literature review on SOC stock in blue carbon studies using the Web of Science database yielded 1477 results. Studies that investigated the drivers of carbon accumulation in blue carbon studies were restricted to vegetation species/structure and geomorphic setting, and few focused on soil properties and type. Iron both protects and enhances SOC decomposition depending on its redox state. Under oxic conditions, Fe oxyhydroxides can protect SOC via adsorption, co‐precipitation and by acting as a cement in soil aggregates. Iron can also increase SOC decomposition under oxic conditions due to Fenton reactions. However, under anoxic conditions, SOC mineralisation can also occur as Fe acts as an electron transporter in dissimilatory reductions. ASSs contain a range of Fe minerals, but the oxidation of Fe sulfides can result in soil acidification (pH < 4) and subsequent impacts, such as a decline in vegetation health, poor water quality and infrastructure damage. Therefore, potential SOC protection by Fe under oxic conditions may come at the cost of soil acidification in ASSs, while maintaining anoxic conditions prevents acidification but may enhance SOC decomposition. Future studies on the influence of ASSs on Fe–S–C cycling and carbon sequestration in blue carbon environments are important, particularly for ‘hotspots’ such as Australia.
Bridging the Gap: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Impact of the Involvement of Researchers With Lived Experience on a Multisite Randomised Control Trial in the National Probation Service in England and Wales
Authors: Simes Elizabeth , Butler Stephen , Allison Elizabeth , Barrett Barbara , Bateman Anthony , Cameron Angus , Crawford Mike , Frater Alison , Hoare Zoe , McMurran Mary , Moran Paul , Pilling Stephen , Wason James , Yakeley Jessica , Fonagy Peter
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Methodological and ethical arguments support the involvement of individuals with lived experience in research to reduce engagement barriers and ensure those directly affected by studies contribute to knowledge generation. However, there is limited evidence on the impact of including researchers with lived experience of serving a prison or community sentence in clinical trials. This qualitative study aimed to explore the value of involving researchers with lived experience of the criminal justice system as data collectors in the Mentalization for Offending Adult Males (MOAM), a multisite RCT conducted in the National Probation Service in England and Wales.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 30 trial participants and 17 key stakeholders, either in person or via telephone. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Findings

Five themes emerged for trial participants and 11 for key stakeholders. For some, lived experience researchers helped overcome engagement barriers by fostering common ground with participants who were serving a prison or community sentence during recruitment. Participants reported that the involvement of lived experience researchers enhanced the study by facilitating knowledge transfer in certain instances. However, their inclusion did not eliminate all barriers and, for some participants, introduced new challenges to engagement.

Conclusion

Forensic lived experience researchers bridged the gap by fostering trust between data collectors and participants. Future studies should ensure that lived experience researchers receive adequate clinical supervision to support their role. The adopted methodology challenged assumptions about knowledge generation and stereotypes associated with being an ex‐offender, benefiting both lived experience and traditional researchers.

Patient or Public Contribution

The study was developed in collaboration with User Voice (charity number: 1136047), who contributed to the study's design and conduct. The service user organisation co‐designed the interview schedule and directed the protocol for participant payments, emphasising a consistent approach to avoid tokenism and ensure equal recognition of all contributions. The dissemination plan was developed in partnership with individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system.
Weight development in children with obesity without treatment: A Danish cohort study with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Jørgensen Rasmus Møller , Bruun Jens Meldgaard , Fogh Mette , Altaba Iris Iglesia , Moreno Luis A. , Støvring Henrik , Østergaard Jane Nautrup
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Limited insight exists into the weight development in children with obesity not receiving obesity treatment.

Methods

This cohort study included 467 Danish children aged 5–10 years with obesity (iso‐BMI >30 kg/m2) not receiving treatment. Data from mandatory health check‐ups on school‐children's height and weight (converted to BMI z‐scores) were merged with the Danish National Registries. A multivariable logistic regression weighted for the duration of follow‐up was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) for normalization of BMI (iso‐BMI 18.5–25 kg/m2) and obesity remission (iso‐BMI 18.5–30 kg/m2).

Results

During a median follow‐up of more than 6 years, 7.9% of the children normalized their BMI, while 45.4% obtained obesity remission. BMI z‐score at inclusion acted as a strong inverse predictor for normalizing BMI (OR 0.14 per one‐unit SD, CI: 0.03–0.53) and for obesity remission (OR 0.17 per one‐unit SD, CI: 0.08–0.37). No other significant predictors were observed in the weighted multivariable models.

Conclusion

Higher BMI z‐scores inversely predict normalizing BMI and achieving obesity remission in untreated children. Given that many children naturally achieve obesity remission or weight normalization, resources should focus on understanding barriers of obesity maintenance and to develop effective strategies for those who do not experience improvement.
Microstructural, magnetic, dielectric, and optical studies of La‐doped Sr2Fe0.5Hf1.5O6 double perovskite oxides
Authors: Tang Qingkai , Zhu Xinhua
Published: February 2025

Herein, we report on the structural, magnetic, dielectric, and optical properties of La‐doped Sr2‐xLaxFe0.5Hf1.5O6 (SLFHO, 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 2.0) double perovskite oxides synthesized by solid‐state reaction method. X‐ray powder diffraction data and their Rietveld refinement reveal that the SLFHO powders crystallize in an orthorhombic structure with the Pnma space group. The SLFHO powders exhibit spherical morphology with an average particle size of 160 nm, as shown from SEM images. Their molar ratios of the Sr:La:Fe:Hf elements were determined as 1.77:0.50:0.50:1.95 by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy data, approaching their nominal stoichiometry. X‐ray photoelectron spectra verified that Sr2+, La3+, Fe3+, and Hf4+ (Hfx+) ions existed in the SLFHO powders, and oxygen existed in species lattice oxygen and adsorbed oxygen, respectively. The SLFHO powders exhibit ferromagnetic behavior at 2 and 300 K, respectively, and at 2 K the saturated magnetization was 5.66 emu/g (or 0.60 μB/f.u.). Magnetic transition temperature, TC was determined to be 867 K. Dielectric measurements demonstrated a strong frequency‐dependent dielectric behavior observed in the SLFHO ceramics and a relaxor‐like dielectric behavior appearing in the temperature range of 200–600 K. Such relaxor‐like dielectric behavior is ascribed to the dielectric response of the singly‐ionized oxygen vacancies ( an activation energy of 0.54 eV. Room temperature optical properties of the SLFHO powders examined by using UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy exhibit high optical absorption in this wavelength region, and a wide indirect optical bandgap (Eg = 3.39 eV) was estimated using the Tauc's relation from the diffuse reflectance spectra. The SLFHO double perovskite oxides display high‐temperature ferrimagnetism, relaxor‐like dielectric behavior, and wide optical bandgap, making them potential to be employed in the fields of high‐temperature spintronics and magnetic semiconductor devices.
Genetic Parameter Estimates for Carcass and Meat Quality Traits and Their Genetic Associations With Sexual Precocity Indicator Traits in Nellore Cattle
Authors: Arikawa Leonardo Machestropa , Mota Lucio Flavio Macedo , Schmidt Patrícia Iana , Salatta Bruna Maria , Nasner Sindy Liliana Caivio , Silva Neto João Barbosa da , Fonseca Larissa Fernanda Simielli , Magalhães Ana Fabrícia Braga , Silva Delvan Alves , Carvalheiro Roberto , Chardulo Luis Artur Loyola , de Albuquerque Lucia Galvão
Published: February 2025

For developing beef cattle breeding programmes, it is essential to understand the genetic basis of economically relevant traits, such as carcass, meat quality and female sexual precocity. However, the direct selection of most of these traits is a challenge for producers because of the high cost and measurement difficulty. Genetic correlation estimates between carcass and meat quality traits obtained after slaughter and sexual precocity indicator traits in Nellore are limited in the literature. Thus, this study aimed to estimate genetic parameters for longissimus muscle area (LMA), backfat thickness (BF), hot carcass weight (HCW), shear force tenderness (SF), marbling score (MARB), intramuscular fat content (IMF), age at first calving (AFC), heifer pregnancy (HP) and scrotal circumference (SC) in Nellore cattle, using pedigree and genomic information. For this, data from 6910 young bulls with phenotypic information for carcass and meat traits, 230,682 for sexual precocity indicator traits, and 17,850 animals genotyped with or imputed to the Illumina Bovine HD BeadChip were used. The (co)variance components and genetic parameters were estimated considering BLUP and single‐step GBLUP (ssGBLUP) models via Bayesian inference using the GIBBSF90+ software. The multi‐trait animal model included additive and residual genetic effects as random; the fixed effects of contemporary group (for all traits) and date of analysis as classes (for BF, SF and MARB); and the linear effects of age at slaughter (all carcass and meat traits) and age at yearling (YW and SC) as covariates. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.13 to 0.34 for carcass and meat quality traits, and for SC, AFC and HP, were 0.33, 0.07 and 0.29, respectively. Favourable genetic correlations were estimated between YW‐HCW (0.79 ± 0.03), YW‐LMA (0.28 ± 0.05), YW‐SC (0.35 ± 0.03), HCW‐LMA (0.44 ± 0.05), HCW‐SF (−0.22 ± 0.09), HCW‐SC (0.19 ± 0.05), MARB‐IMF (0.90 ± 0.07), SF‐IMF (−0.20 ± 0.11), BF‐MARB (0.29 ± 0.08), BF‐IMF (0.22 ± 0.09), BF‐AFC (−0.21 ± 0.07) and BF‐HP (0.24 ± 0.10). In general, the correlations between carcass traits and those of meat quality were low to moderate. Additionally, carcass and meat quality traits did not exhibit strong genetic correlations with female precocity indicators. So, to achieve significant genetic advances in female sexual indicator traits, carcass composition and meat quality, these traits must compose selection indices for Nellore cattle.
The Relationship Between Long Covid Symptoms and Vaccination Status in COVID‐19 Survivors
Authors: Öztürk Furkan , Emiroğlu Canan , Aypak Cenk
Published: February 2025

Background

The positive effects of vaccination status on the course of Long COVID symptoms have not been fully elucidated. Our aim is to determine the most common Long COVID symptoms in patients monitored in the COVID‐19 follow‐up clinic and to examine whether there is a difference between the recovery rates of those who are vaccinated and those who are not vaccinated.

Method

Between December 1, 2020 and April 30, 2022, prospectively collected data of 916 patients who were admitted to the COVID‐19 follow‐up outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital for the first time were evaluated as a retrospective cohort in this study. The frequencies of the ten most common symptoms in the first and last examinations of 478 patients with Long COVID symptoms were determined, and their recovery was compared. Patients were divided into two groups according to their vaccination status. The values showing the recovery rates obtained for these two groups were compared between themselves again.

Results

The average age of the patients in the study group was 54.43 ± 11.71 years, and 255 (53.3%) were male. The median follow‐up period was 10 months. 84.7% of patients had received at least one dose of vaccine. Statistically significant results were found for improvement in all ten symptoms in vaccinated patients compared to the never‐vaccinated group. There was no statistically significant difference between the CoronaVac, BNT162b2, and heterologous (CoronaVac+ BNT162b2) vaccine groups. Factors affecting recovery for the three most common symptoms (dyspnea, fatigue, forgetfulness) were examined with univariate logistic regression analysis, and only vaccination or non‐vaccination was found to be a significant risk factor.

Conclusion

This study showed that receiving vaccination may be effective in improving Long COVID symptoms. Although there were no statistically significant differences between the inactive vaccine CoronaVac, the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2, and the heterologous (CoronaVac+ BNT162b2) vaccine in terms of reducing Long COVID symptoms, higher recovery rates were detected in those who received the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2.
Parents' Medicine‐Seeking Behavior and Their Beliefs About the Efficacy of Medicines
Authors: Dawood Omar Thanoon , Al‐Shammaa Zainab M.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Parents' medicine‐seeking behavior is often influenced by their own experiences with illness. The purpose of this study was to investigate parents' medicine‐seeking behavior and their beliefs regarding the efficacy of medicines.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among parents in Mosul, Iraq. A convenience sampling method was used to select the parents who visited community pharmacies to buy medication for their ill children. A self‐administered questionnaire was utilized to collect data from 380 parents who successfully completed the survey.

Results

The majority of parents (83.4%) stated that they read the labels of medications before giving them to their children, and more than half of the parents (57.9%) did not buy medicines for their children without consulting a doctor. In addition, 65% of the participants asked about the possible side effects of the medicines. Additionally, the majority of parents (73.2%) believed that branded medicines were more effective than generic medicines, and 63.4% of them believed that the efficacy of medicines is not related to the manufacturing countries. Furthermore, 62.9% of the parents believed that the efficacy of medicines is not related to their price, while 35.2% of them believed that injections were more effective than other dosage forms. Parents' medicine‐seeking behavior and their beliefs about the efficacy of medicines were significantly associated with parents' higher education level and higher family income.

Conclusion

There was inadequate information among parents concerning the use of medicines, including side effects, proper utilization, and the importance of seeking medical assistance. Furthermore, parents have false beliefs about the efficacy of medicines.
Influence of Hydrogen Introduced Drying Atmosphere on Drying Kinetics, Phenolic Profile, and Rehydration Behavior of Tomato Slices
Authors: Perumkulam Lakshmanan Meenakshi , Gopal Amuthaselvi , Perumal Rajkumar , Gurumurthy Gurumeenakshi , Manickam Anand , Murugesan Balakrishnan , Jaganathan Deepa , Sivamani Ganga Kishore , Durgawati  , Murugesan Arulkumar
Published: February 2025

The current study performed drying of tomato slices in a drying atmosphere with hydrogen gas (RADMIX; a gaseous mixture of 4% hydrogen, 5% carbon dioxide and 91% nitrogen), and compared with 100% air, 100% nitrogen drying environments. All the drying experiments were carried out at 60°C. Control samples and pretreated samples with 1% Potassium metabisulfite (KMS) treated samples were dried to a final moisture content of around 13.29% to 13.70% (wet basis), respectively. The drying behavior and quality characteristics including color change (ΔE), lycopene retention, total phenolics and rehydration ratio of the dried products were studied. The better retention of color and quality was observed in the sulfite pretreated and RADMIX dried sample. The color change (ΔE) was found to be 10.1, lycopene retention by 94.28% (3.3 mg/100 g), and the maximum rehydration ratio of 4.67 were observed in samples subjected to reduced atmospheric drying. Additionally, the color change was lesser for samples pretreated with KMS than the control samples. It was found that the use of hydrogen gas at 4% concentration (RADMIX) in the drying environment significantly impacted quality parameters of tomato slices. The sulfite pretreatment was advantageous technique in terms of moisture diffusivity, antioxidant compounds retention and rehydration ratio of tomato slices.
The Impact of Home Enteral Tube‐Feeding on the Intent and Experience of Going Out in Public: A Qualitative Study on Patients' and Caregivers' Perspectives
Authors: Lee Yan Shan , Zulkifli Nafisah , Lim Yi Huan , Lim Shinee Ying Yi , Chow Benjamin Jian Wen , Salazar Ennaliza , Wong Seng Mun
Published: February 2025

Background

Individuals on tube‐feeding experience significant lifestyle changes and social isolation, but the barriers and support for travelling out while on tube‐feeding to reintegrate into the community have not been studied. This research explores the factors influencing the decisions of individuals on tube‐feeding and their carers to travel outside of their homes, their experiences, and perceived barriers and support when performing tube‐feeding in public settings.

Methods

A qualitative design using purposive sampling explored the experiences of three individuals and five carers living at home on long‐term tube‐feeding. One‐to‐one semi‐structured interviews were conducted and transcribed. Thematic analysis was conducted via open coding and merging of recurring codes to form themes.

Results

Six themes emerged: (1) Motivators and deterrents to going out: Motivators include desire for social normalcy. Deterrents include physical health, logistics and psychosocial considerations, such as fear of negative public perception and the loss of travelling and dining as motivating social activities. (2) Going out requires meticulous preparation and planning. (3) Inadequate tube‐feeding facilities in the community contribute to ambivalence and discomfort to tube‐feeding outside. Participants must accept potential negative emotions when confronted with public reaction to tube‐feeding. (4) Ideal tube‐feeding facilities should be private and hygienic, in highly frequented locations. (5) Community support and awareness are needed to support tube‐feeding. (6) Adaptability is crucial when satisfactory feeding locations are absent during local and overseas travel.

Conclusions

Carers and healthcare professionals are pivotal in encouraging patients to disregard public curiosity, planning tube‐feeding logistics, and advocating for the right to tube feed in public spaces without shame. Public awareness, carer support, and availability of tube‐feeding facilities should be improved for patients to live, work and engage meaningfully in the community.
Focused Ultrasound Modulates Dopamine in a Mesolimbic Reward Circuit
Authors: Olaitan Greatness , Ganesana Mallikarjunarao , Strohman Andrew , Lynch Wendy J. , Legon Wynn , Venton B. Jill
Published: February 2025

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in reward and motivation. Dysfunction in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway has been linked to a variety of psychiatric disorders, including addiction. Low‐intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) has demonstrated effects on brain activity, but how LIFU affects dopamine neurotransmission is not known. Here, we applied three different intensities (6.5, 13, and 26 W/cm2 ISPPA) of 2‐min LIFU to the prelimbic cortex (PLC) and measured dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core using fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry. Two minutes of LIFU sonication at 13 W/cm2 to the PLC significantly reduced dopamine release by ~50% for up to 2 h. However, double the intensity (26 W/cm2) resulted in less inhibition (~30%), and half the intensity (6.5 W/cm2) did not result in any inhibition of dopamine. Anatomical controls applying LIFU to the primary somatosensory cortex did not change NAc core dopamine, and applying LIFU to the PLC did not affect dopamine release in the caudate or NAc shell. Histological evaluations showed no evidence of cell damage or death. Modeling temperature rise demonstrates a maximum temperature change of 0.5°C with 13 W/cm2, suggesting that modulation is not due to thermal mechanisms. These studies show that LIFU at a moderate intensity provides a noninvasive, high spatial resolution means to modulate specific mesolimbic circuits that could be used in future studies to target and repair pathways that are dysfunctional in addiction and other psychiatric diseases.

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FOXP1 is a Transcription Factor for the Alzheimer's Disease Risk Gene SORL1
Authors: Fu Xiaofeng , Quan Shuiyue , Liang Wenping , Li Yu , Cai Huimin , Ren Ziye , Xu Yinghao , Wang Zhe , Jia Longfei
Published: February 2025

Sortilin‐related receptor 1 (SORL1) is a risk gene of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and some protein‐truncating (PTV) and rare missense variants causing the loss of function of SORL1 contribute to AD pathogenesis. SORL1 is an endosomal receptor that interacts with multiple protein sorting complexes to facilitate the transport of various cargoes through the endolysosomal network (ELN). However, the regulatory mechanisms governing SORL1 expression remain unknown. Through biochemical methods, we identified Forkhead Box P1 (FOXP1) as a binding protein to the minimal promoter region of SORL1 gene. Silencing FOXP1 using siRNA significantly decreased the activity of the SORL1 minimal promoter and reduced SORL1 protein and mRNA levels in the neuroblastoma cell line SH‐SY5Y. Additionally, using 5xFAD mouse models of AD, we observed significantly decreased FOXP1 and SORL1 expression in neurons within the prefrontal cortex. Disruption of ELN and the autophagy degradation system by bafilomycin A1 (BafA1) appeared to be a specific condition to suppress FOXP1 and hence SORL1 in SH‐SY5Y cells. These findings highlight the critical role of FOXP1 in regulating SORL1 expression and suggest that FOXP1 could be a potential target to maintain SORL1 expression for AD prevention and therapy.

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Women who initiate divorce embrace autonomy
Authors: Almog Ephrat , Herbst‐Debby Anat
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study investigates the coping mechanisms and resilience of women who initiate divorce, with a focus on their development of autonomy post‐divorce.

Background

Life after divorce is viewed as a transition period with new opportunities. This is particularly pertinent in Israel, a familistic, traditional society where family and marriage are centrally controlled by religious institutions.

Method

A qualitative methodology involved semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with 38 Israeli‐Jewish mothers (ages 25–70) who initiated divorce. Data analysis included identifying central motifs, creating a category tree, and using the Narrlarizer software to organize data.

Results

Women described their challenging roles re‐independence and control within their families, with their narratives highlighting their shift towards becoming family leaders and perceiving themselves as experiencing greater autonomy.

Conclusion

Women who initiate divorce act against societal norms, breaking through marital barriers to gain autonomy and control over their lives. This aligns with authentic behavior, emphasizing their strength and the reclamation of personal agency.

Implications

Our research provides a nuanced perspective on women initiating divorce, recognizing their liberation from patriarchal norms and gains despite diverse struggles. It underscores opportunities for reshaping women's societal roles and self‐identity, presenting divorce initiation as an act of autonomy and resistance to gender oppression, and enriching discussions on women's experiences.
Maternal Knowledge and Care Ethics in Navigating the Stances on Abortion Taken by Young Catholic Mothers in Poland
Authors: Krotofil Joanna , Wójciak Dorota , Mętel Dagmara
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we explore young Polish Catholic mothers' moral reasoning on abortion. We draw on the concept of maternal knowledge and theoretical insights developed within the ethics of care to shed light on the complexities and contradictions experienced by Catholic mothers in the context of reproductive choices. The narratives we gathered through in‐depth interviews illustrate how mothers evoke embodied, experience‐based maternal knowledge to challenge hegemonic frameworks associated with legal, medical, and religious authoritative knowledges. We show how mothers engage critically with ideologized notions of sacrifice and suffering by placing these concepts in the context of relational maternal care work and argue that mothers adopt a position on the moral permissibility of abortion by reinterpreting religious norms and ideas, such as the protection of the family and vocation of care.
Neuropsychiatric Side Effects of Hydroxychloroquine in a Patient With Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis
Authors: Cengiz Didar Ağca , Başaran Abdurrahman Erdem , Parlak Betül Bankoğlu , Şambel Irmak Tanal , Bingöl Ayşen
Published: February 2025

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare interstitial lung disease. Glucocorticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine are the most commonly used treatments. Although neuropsychiatric side effects related to hydroxychloroquine use are seen in adult cases, only one paediatric patient has been reported in the literature.

Case Presentation

We report a case of a 6‐year‐old girl with IPH, who developed neuropsychiatric symptoms, including restlessness, confusion and myoclonic movements, after the therapeutic use of hydroxychloroquine.

Conclusion

With increasing knowledge and experience of interstitial lung disease, the use of hydroxychloroquine treatment is increasing. It is important to remember that hydroxychloroquine is a central nervous system stimulant, and neuropsychiatric side effects may be seen in children. This report highlights the importance of recognising potential neuropsychiatric side effects in paediatric patients using hydroxychloroquine, especially when combined with corticosteroids or other risk factors.
CAS9 Mediated In‐Planta Defence Strategy Against Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus (ToLCNDV) in Tomato
Authors: Ali Muhammad Ayyaz , Khan Muhammad Azmat Ullah , Naz Habiba , Malik Muniba Abid Munir , Rashid Umer , Ashraf Naeem Mahmood , Afroz Amber , Shafiq Muhammad , Rao Abdul Qayyum
Published: February 2025

Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), a begomovirus, that causes severe leaf curling, stunting, and reduced yield in tomato plants is consistently threatening its production worldwide. CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing has shown immense potential in developing disease‐resistant crops. This study successfully focuses on designing a precise and efficient strategy for in planta defence against ToLCNDV. Five key targets within the viral genome, essential for its replication and pathogenicity, were selected. Five Cas9‐expressing constructs, along with the ToLCNDV infectious clone, were agroinfiltrated into tomato plants. Three constructs effectively disrupted the ToLCNDV genome. These three constructs, 1T, 2T, and 4T, were shortlisted based on symptom severity level. They showed a relatively low viral titre of 0.5, 0.42, and 0.25 through quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) after 3, 6, and 9 days of post‐co‐infiltration, respectively. Positive control plants showed significant signs of infection like yellowing of leaves, thickening of veins, and majorly upward curling of leaves. In comparison, plants infiltrated with three Cas9 constructs had mild yellowing of leaves that recovered after approximately 21‐dpi. Furthermore, we assessed the agronomic performance of Cas9‐mediated tomato plants through in planta Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation with three short‐listed guided RNA (gRNA) constructs under greenhouse conditions. Also, qPCR analysis of Cas9 protein in 7, 14, and 21‐day of intervals gave a relative expression of 0.85, 0.76 and 0.51 respectively in genetically engineered (GE) plants through in planta transformation. In conclusion, this research contributes to CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated plant genome editing. Our findings substantiate the efficacy of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in achieving durable engineering of resistance against ToLCNDV with 30% transformation efficiency in tomato plant. Furthermore, this study illuminates potential avenues for extending the application of this technology to confer resistance against singular and multiple infectious viruses in diverse crop species.
Sleep microstructure in patients with systemic sclerosis: A cyclic alternating pattern analysis study
Authors: Gök Duygu Kurt , Aslan‐Kara Kezban , Yıldız Burak , Türk İpek , Arslan Didem
Published: February 2025

The cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) is a cyclic variation of sleep electroencephalogram activity within non‐rapid eye movement (non‐REM) sleep and increased CAP is the marker of sleep instability. The present study aimed to examine the expression of cyclic alternating pattern in non‐REM sleep in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to compare these findings with the control group. Thirty‐one patients with SSc were compared with matched controls by age, gender, body mass index, and apnea–hypopnea index (AHI). Sleep measurements were obtained by standard polysomnography with conventional sleep scoring. A CAP analysis was performed and verified by certified somnologists. The sleep parameters of the SSc and control groups were similar for sleep efficiency, sleep stage percents N1, N2, N3, sleep latency, and minimum oxygen saturation (p = 0.627, p = 0.693, p = 0.530, p = 0.736, p = 0.772, and p = 0.693, respectively). The SSc patients presented a higher arousal and periodic limb movement index. The CAP analyses showed that SSc patients had higher CAP numbers, phase A2 index, A3 duration, and lower A1 duration (p = 0.032, p = 0.016, p = 0.016, and p = 0.016, respectively). Overall the phase A2 index, A2 total time during non‐REM sleep were significantly higher and the A1 duration was significantly lower in SSc patients, although sleep efficiency and the distribution of sleep macro‐structure seem to be similar to the control group. This study emphasises that microstructure analysis performed with CAP provides information that would otherwise be lost if only macrostructure analysis were considered.
Impacts of Body Colour, Symbionts and Genomic Regions on the Pea Aphid Wing Plasticity Variation
Authors: Gregory Lauren E. , Driscoll Rose M. H. , Parker Benjamin J. , Brisson Jennifer A.
Published: February 2025

Adaptive phenotypic plasticity describes the phenomenon in which a single genotype can produce a variety of phenotypes that match their environments. Like any trait, plasticity is a phenotype that can exhibit variation, but despite the ecological importance of plasticity variation, little is known about its genetic basis. Here we use the pea aphid to investigate the genetic basis of wing plasticity variation. Previous reports have suggested an ecological association between body coloration and wing plasticity strength in the pea aphid, so we tested the hypothesis that the body colour determination locus (tor) associated with wing plasticity variation. We discover that there is no relationship between body colour and wing plasticity in natural populations or in a genetic mapping population. We also localise the tor locus to the third autosome, whereas it was previously thought to be on the first autosome, a finding that will be important for future studies of the locus. We find that the presence of the bacterial symbiont Regiella is associated with higher levels of wing plasticity. Genome‐wide association analysis of wing plasticity variation did not reveal an impact of the tor locus, consistent with independence of body colour and wing plasticity. This analysis implicated one possible candidate gene—a Hox gene, abdominal‐A—underlying wing plasticity variation, although SNPs do not reach the level of genome‐wide significance and therefore will require further study. Our study highlights that plasticity variation is complex, impacted by a bacterial symbiont and genetic variation, but not influenced by body colour.
The Effect of Online Infant Care Education and Postpartum Counseling Based on Meleis's Transition Theory on Mothers' Self‐Esteem and Infant Health: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bilgiç Fatma Şule , Bozkurt Gülçin
Published: February 2025

The aim of this research was to assess the effects of online infant care education and postnatal counseling, based on Meleis's transition theory, on maternal self‐esteem and infant health. The randomized controlled trial was conducted between November 2022 and May 2023 with 102 mothers and their infants, n = 52 in the intervention and n = 50 in the control. The intervention group received training across two sessions between 32 and 38 weeks of gestation and counseling support for 3 months postbirth. The control group was shared with additional educational materials in PDF format in addition to their usual care. In the intervention group, the subdimension and total score mean of the Karitane Parental Self‐Confidence Scale during pregnancy, postpartum, first, second, and third months were higher than the control group (p = 0.001). The proportion of exclusive breastfeeding in the third month was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p = 0.001). Newborn nurses' care on Meleis' transition theory will increase the quality of care and newborn health. In our study, Meleis's transition theory provides a strong foundation for understanding mothers' psychological and physical transitions in the postpartum period.

Trial Registration: NCT05812833
Lived Experiences of Turkish Internationally Educated Nurses: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Gülşen Mehmet , Akan Dilan Deniz , Tosun Salih
Published: February 2025

The international mobility of the nursing workforce is growing. In recent years, Türkiye has seen a notable increase in the number of nurses seeking employment abroad. This study aimed to describe lived experiences of Turkish internationally educated nurses (IENs). A qualitative design with a descriptive phenomenological approach was employed, and the results are reported following the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist. Data were collected from September to November 2023 through in‐depth, individual online interviews using a semi‐structured interview form. Sixteen Turkish IENs were interviewed. Through thematic analysis, four themes emerged: push factors of migration, pull factors of migration, positive experiences following migration, and negative experiences following migration. The migration of Turkish nurses to higher‐income countries significantly enhanced their professional and personal lives but also presented considerable challenges. This study underscores the dual nature of migration, offering both opportunities and challenges.
Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness, or Hypnotherapy for GI Disorders: Similar Mechanisms of Action?
Authors: Hamal Anjal , Shin Andrea , van Tilburg Miranda A. L.
Published: February 2025

Mind–body approaches aim to improve gut symptoms and quality of life by targeting the interaction between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system. These include treatments such as hypnotherapy, mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. Although evidence is building on efficacy of mind–body approaches, we generally lack a thorough understanding of how they work. Despite being presented as separate treatment modalities, mind–body approaches often use overlapping treatment aspects with the same mechanism of action. There is evidence that yoga, meditation, and hypnotherapy may partly draw their benefit from creating an absorbed state of attention combined with suggestions for change. This has implications for clinical application of these treatments in patients with GI disease. We propose studies on mechanisms of mind–body approaches to develop more efficacious and more precise treatments for GI diseases.
Memory‐guided perception is shaped by dynamic two‐stage theta‐ and alpha‐mediated retrieval
Authors: Fischer Manda , Moscovitch Morris , Alain Claude
Published: February 2025

How does memory influence auditory perception, and what are the underlying mechanisms that drive these interactions? Most empirical studies on the neural correlates of memory‐guided perception have used static visual tasks, resulting in a bias in the literature that contrasts with recent research highlighting the dynamic nature of memory retrieval. Here, we used electroencephalography to track the retrieval of auditory associative memories in a cue–target paradigm. Participants (N = 64) listened to real‐world soundscapes that were either predictive of an upcoming target tone or nonpredictive. Three key results emerged. First, targets were detected faster when embedded in predictive than in nonpredictive soundscapes (memory‐guided perceptual benefit). Second, changes in theta and alpha power differentiated soundscape contexts that were predictive from nonpredictive contexts at two distinct temporal intervals from soundscape onset (early—950 ms peak for theta and alpha, and late—1650 ms peak for alpha only). Third, early theta activity in the left anterior temporal lobe was correlated with memory‐guided perceptual benefits. Together, these findings underscore the role of distinct neural processes at different time points during associative retrieval. By emphasizing temporal sensitivity and by isolating cue‐related activity, we reveal a two‐stage retrieval mechanism that advances our understanding of how memory influences auditory perception.
Cost effectiveness of fortified bouillon in addressing Burkinabe children's vitamin A inadequacy: An economic optimization model
Authors: Colina Armando R. , Vosti Stephen A. , Jarvis Michael , Engle‐Stone Reina , Michuda Aleksandr , Ortiz‐Becerra Karen , Adams Katherine P.
Published: February 2025

Vitamin A dietary inadequacy remains a serious public health problem among young children 6–59 months of age in Burkina Faso. Planners face several interrelated challenges: Selecting concrete policy objectives regarding vitamin A inadequacy reductions, identifying cost‐effective vitamin A intervention programs that can achieve those objectives, and being reasonably sure that proposed intervention programs are robust to uncertainty in program benefits and costs. A 10‐year, subnational economic optimization model making use of secondary dietary intake data and program cost data was developed and implemented to address these issues and included the following vitamin A program options: existing or improved edible oils fortification, a pair of hypothetical vitamin A‐fortified bouillon programs, and a set of subnational vitamin A supplementation (VAS) programs. The model consistently identified the improved edible oils and bouillon fortification programs as the core national programs upon which the more expensive subnational VAS programs could be layered, depending on policy objectives and available funding. These results were robust to uncertainty in program nutritional benefits and costs. However, even if the most impactful set of modeled programs was implemented, vitamin A inadequacy among children would remain a serious public health problem; hence, additional efforts to address it would be needed.
Monitoring measurable residual disease in NUP98::NSD1‐positive acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Okuchi Ikuo , Nishimura Akira , Kamiya Takahiro , Sasaki Makiko , Yamashita Motoi , Hoshino Akihiro , Kajiwara Michiko , Isoda Takeshi , Kanegane Hirokazu , Morio Tomohiro , Takagi Masatoshi
Published: February 2025

Background

NUP98 fusion genes are detected in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) subgroups that have a poor prognosis. An appropriate therapeutic approach should therefore be established. Treatment intensification according to the minimal residual disease (MRD) level can lead to a better prognosis in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, the importance of MRD monitoring in the patient with NUP98‐positive AML is unclear.

Methods

This study aimed to develop a digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) method for monitoring NUP98::NSD1‐positive leukemic cells and to report its utility compared with the results of NUP98 split fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

Results

The results of NUP98::NSD1 ddPCR correlated with those of NUP98 split FISH and were more sensitive than NUP98 split FISH. The sensitivity of ddPCR was 0.001%, equivalent to 1 in 1 × 105 cells. The MRD level of NUP98::NSD1, measured by ddPCR, correlated well with relapse.

Conclusion

The use of ddPCR to target NUP98::NSD1 chimera mRNA for MRD monitoring would be beneficial for NUP98::NSD1 AML treatment.