bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women and leadership in non‐listed private companies in an emerging country: An analysis of barriers and facilitators
Authors: Islam Md Asadul , Hack‐Polay Dieu , Rahman Mahfuzur , Fijałkowska Justyna , Dal Mas Francesca
Published: November 2024

This study explores women's barriers to accessing leadership positions within non‐listed private companies in Bangladesh, drawing on the Gendered Organization Theory (GOT) as a conceptual framework. This research seeks some possible solutions to overcome these barriers. The study adopts a two‐wave qualitative methodology: semi‐structured interviews with 16 women professionals and subsequent focus‐group discussions to explore solutions. Results reveal that women face significant barriers, such as long working hours, gender pay gaps, unclear responsibilities, biased promotion processes, lack of training, and sexual harassment. These barriers are conceptualized in terms of implicit and explicit gender biases. Research participants emphasized individual efforts like self‐determination, upskilling, job switching, technology leveraging, and family support as key factors in overcoming these obstacles. The study underscores the need for organizational and governmental interventions to promote female leadership and gender equity in non‐listed companies in developing countries.
Determination of Hormonal Growth Promotants in Beef Using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Mosburg Mary , Li Yajing , Helmes Emily , Falt Tara D. , Trott Josephine F. , Solomon Gina , Hovey Russell C. , Moeller Benjamin C.
Published: November 2024

Hormonal growth promotants (HGPs) are a class of pharmaceutical agents commonly administered to cattle in the United States to improve growth rates of the animal, alter behavior, or to improve the desired characteristics of retail cuts of meat. There is a concern that low residual concentrations of HGPs may remain in tissue after slaughter, and consumption of tissues containing these compounds may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes, including cancer. Sensitive and selective methods are necessary to assess exposure of HGPs by populations that consume meat products from animals that may have been administered HGPs. A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated to detect the low‐level presence of HGPs including estradiol, testosterone, estradiol benzoate, melengestrol, melengestrol acetate, progesterone, testosterone propionate, trenbolone, trenbolone acetate, and α‐zearalanol in retail cuts of meat following a liquid–liquid extraction using a high pH solution with 30–50× less mass of meat required as compared to similar approaches. Good chromatographic performance and sensitivity was achieved utilizing ammonium fluoride as a mobile phase additive without the need for derivatization. Validation parameters including accuracy, precision, recovery, matrix effects, limits of detection, limits of quantitation, linear range, and stability were determined. The limits of detection ranged from 0.1 to 1.0 ng/g, depending on the compound, with adequate accuracy and precision without the need for extensive sample preparation approaches.
Symbiont Acquisition Strategies in Post‐Settlement Stages of Two Co‐Occurring Deep‐Sea Rimicaris Shrimp
Authors: Guéganton Marion , Methou Pierre , Aubé Johanne , Noël Cyril , Rouxel Ouafae , Cueff‐Gauchard Valérie , Gayet Nicolas , Durand Lucile , Pradillon Florence , Cambon‐Bonavita Marie‐Anne
Published: November 2024

At deep‐sea hydrothermal vents, deprived of light, most living communities are fueled by chemosynthetic microorganisms. These can form symbiotic associations with metazoan hosts, which are then called holobionts. Among these, two endemic co‐occurring shrimp of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge (MAR), Rimicaris exoculata and Rimicaris chacei are colonized by dense and diversified chemosynthetic symbiotic communities in their cephalothoracic cavity and their digestive system. Although both shrimp harbor similar communities, they exhibit widely different population densities, distribution patterns at small scale and diet, as well as differences in post‐settlement morphological modifications leading to the adult stage. These contrasting biological traits may be linked to their symbiotic development success. Consequently, key questions related to the acquisition of the symbiotic communities and the development of the three symbiotic organs are still open. Here we examined symbiotic development in juveniles of R. exoculata and R. chacei from TAG and Snake Pit using 16S metabarcoding to identify which symbiotic lineages are present at each juvenile stage. In addition, we highlighted the abundance and distribution of microorganisms at each stage using Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). For the first time, Candidatus Microvillispirillaceae family with Candidatus Rimicarispirillum spp. (midgut tube), Candidatus Foregutplasma rimicarensis and Candidatus BG2‐rimicarensis (foregut) were identified in late juvenile stages. However, these lineages were absent in early juvenile stages, which coincides for the midgut tube with our observations of an immature tissue, devoid of microvilli. Conversely, symbiotic lineages from the cephalothoracic cavity were present from the earliest juvenile stages of both species and their overall diversities were similar to those of adults. These results suggest different symbiont acquisition dynamics between the cephalothoracic cavity and the digestive system, which may also involve distinct transmission mechanisms.
Effects of sacubitril/valsartan according to background beta‐blocker therapy in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: Insights from PARADIGM‐HF
Authors: Gupta Sharmistha Datta , Butt Jawad H. , McMurray Eoghan G.M. , Talebi Atefeh , Matsumoto Shingo , Rizkala Adel R. , Henderson Alasdair D. , Desai Akshay S. , Lefkowitz Martin , Packer Milton , Rouleau Jean L. , Solomon Scott D. , Swedberg Karl , Zile Michael R. , Jhund Pardeep S. , McMurray John J.V. ,   for the PARADIGM‐HF Investigators and Committees
Published: November 2024

Aims

Beta‐blockers may inhibit neprilysin activity and conversely, neprilysin inhibition may have a sympatho‐inhibitory action. Consequently, sacubitril/valsartan may have a greater effect in patients not receiving a beta‐blocker compared to those treated with a beta‐blocker.

Methods and results

We examined the effect of sacubitril/valsartan compared to enalapril on outcomes according to background beta‐blocker treatment in the 8399 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction enrolled in PARADIGM‐HF. The primary outcome was time to first heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular death. Compared to the 7811 patients taking a beta‐blocker, the 588 patients not receiving a beta‐blocker were older, more frequently female, but had a similar mean left ventricular ejection fraction and New York Heart Association class distribution, with little difference in N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide. Patients not taking beta‐blockers had a higher rate of the primary endpoint than those taking beta‐blockers. The benefit of sacubitril/valsartan on the primary endpoint was evident in both the no beta‐blocker subgroup (hazard ratio [HR] 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45–0.82) and the beta‐blocker subgroup (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.75–0.90; p‐interaction = 0.06). The respective HRs for cardiovascular death were 0.47 (95% CI 0.32–0.69) versus 0.84 (95% CI 0.75–0.95; p‐interaction <0.01) and for HF hospitalization 0.76 (95% CI 0.51–1.12) versus 0.80 (95% CI 0.71–0.90; p‐interaction = 0.73). For all‐cause death, the HR in the no beta‐blocker group was 0.50 (95% CI 0.36–0.71) compared to 0.89 (95% CI 0.80–0.99) in the beta‐blocker group (p‐interaction <0.01). Safety outcomes related to sacubitril/valsartan versus enalapril did not differ according to background beta‐blocker use.

Conclusion

Sacubitril/valsartan may be more effective than enalapril in reducing the risk of death in patients not treated with a beta‐blocker compared to those treated with a beta‐blocker, but is effective regardless of beta‐blocker use.

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01035255.
Hypertensive pregnancy disorder, an under‐recognized women specific risk factor for heart failure?
Authors: Ghossein‐Doha Chahinda , Thilaganathan Basky , Vaught Arthur Jason , Briller Joan E. , Roos‐Hesselink Jolien W.
Published: November 2024

During pregnancy, the maternal cardiovascular (CV) system undergoes major haemodynamic alterations ensuring adequate placental perfusion and a healthy pregnancy course. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) occur in almost 10% of gestations and preeclampsia, a more severe form, in 3–4%. Women with HDP demonstrated impaired myocardial function, biventricular chamber dysfunction and adverse biventricular remodelling. Shortly after delivery, women who experienced HDP express increased risk of classic CV risk factors such as hypertension, renal disease, abnormal lipid profile, and diabetes. Within the first two decades following a HDP, women experience increased rates of heart failure, chronic hypertension, ischaemic heart and cerebral disease. The mechanism underlying the relationship between HDP in younger women and CV disease later in life could be explained by sharing pre‐pregnancy CV risk factors or due to a direct impact of HDP on the maternal CV system conferring a state of increased susceptibility to future metabolic or haemodynamic insults. Racial disparities in CV risk and social determinants of health also play an important role in their remote CV risk. Although there is general agreement that women who suffered from HDP should undertake early CV screening to allow appropriate prevention and timely treatment, a screening and intervention protocol has not been standardized due to limited available evidence. In this review, we discuss why women with hypertensive pregnancy may be disproportionately affected by heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and how cardiac remodelling during or after pregnancy may influence its development.
Synthesis of Highly Fluorescent Thiazole Fused Benzo[a] Carbazoles by Sunlight Driven Photocyclization of Indolylthiazoles
Authors: Bhaumick Prabhas , Mondal Nurabul , Choudhury Lokman H.
Published: November 2024

Herein we report for the first time a sunlight‐driven, irreversible photocyclization reaction of indole‐linked trisubstituted thiazoles, for the synthesis of highly fluorescent thiazole‐fused benzo[a]carbazoles using a mixture of solvents (CH3CN: DMSO; 3 : 1). Ring opening of indole moiety was observed in the case of thiazole derivatives having 2‐methyl indole substituents. Under similar reaction conditions, photocyclization of trisubstituted thiazoles having cyclic 1,3‐dicarbonyls in place of indole moiety also worked. This reaction provides products having two medicinally important moieties thiazole and benzocarbazoles. We have studied the photophysical properties of all the products and found that most of the synthesized products have very good fluorescence quantum yields.
USTA's Lisa Campos: Breaking new ground, literally, in athletic administration
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: November 2024

In June, the University of Texas System approved a contract extension for Dr. Lisa Campos, vice president for intercollegiate athletics at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). In her almost 7 years at UTSA, Campos has propelled the athletic department to a new level. Her comprehensive strategic plan, the Roadrunner Game Plan, has created a culture of excellence for student‐athletes and intensified interest in the San Antonio community.
Strategic Patent Portfolio Management in the Sodium‐Ion Battery Industry: Navigating Innovation and Competition
Authors: Jayaraman Vinoth Kumar , Prakash Annigere S.
Published: November 2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of energy storage technologies, sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional lithium‐ion batteries. SIBs exhibit moderate to high specific energy ranging from approximately 70 to 170 Wh/kg, ensuring suitability for diverse applications. Furthermore, with their abundance of raw materials and potential for lower costs, sodium‐ion batteries are attracting significant interest from researchers, manufacturers, and investors. This heightened interest is evidenced by the exponential growth in the number of patents filed for SIBs, totalling 142 648 patents. This surge in patent filings underscores the growth pattern of SIBs as promising alternatives in the energy storage landscape. In this dynamic environment, securing and maintaining a robust patent portfolio is imperative for companies and innovators to establish a competitive edge, enabling them to capitalize on the increasing market demand. This perspective examines the strategies involved in building, protecting, and managing a robust patent portfolio as well as provides intellectual property challenges and patent filing opportunities in SIB technologies.
Synergistic Effect and Mechanism of Combined Astaxanthin and Curcumin Administration on Ovarian Function in PCOS Mice
Authors: Zhang Gao , He Man , Wang Zun , Zheng Jinrong , Zhao Dan , Nie Li , Yuan Dongzhi , Zhao Ziyu , Wang Wei , Yue Limin
Published: November 2024

To investigate the synergistic effect of astaxanthin and curcumin on ovarian function in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) mice and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, fifty 4‐week‐old female mice were randomly divided into five groups: (i) normal control group; (ii) PCOS model group; (iii) PCOS + astaxanthin group; (iv) PCOS + curcumin group; and (v) PCOS + astaxanthin–curcumin. Throughout the study, various parameters were meticulously evaluated, including serum levels of key reproductive hormones (testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH)), as well as monitoring alterations in the estrous cycle, follicle development, and ovulation rates. Additionally, markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were measured. Findings revealed that PCOS mice exhibited disordered estrous cycle, polycystic ovarian morphologies, abnormal serum reproductive hormones and lipid metabolism, heightened oxidative stress, and augmented inflammatory responses. Notably, upon administration of the combined astaxanthin and curcumin, PCOS mice exhibited significant improvements in their estrous cyclicity and ovarian histology. The treatment led to a significant reduction in serum total cholesterol (TC) levels and normalization of T, E2, FSH, LH, and AMH levels. Moreover, there was a marked decrease in the levels of serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), indicating attenuation of oxidative stress. Concurrently, the activity of the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) significantly increased, while proinflammatory cytokines interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in the ovarian tissue were notably decreased. The combined treatment also resulted in a substantial increase in the number of ova and a significant decline in the rate of abnormal ova, with these therapeutic effects proving more effective compared to either astaxanthin or curcumin alone. In conclusion, the co‐administration of astaxanthin and curcumin demonstrated a remarkable effect in improving abnormal lipid metabolism and restoring reproductive endocrine functions in PCOS mice. Furthermore, it effectively mitigated systemic and local oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory injury, thereby promoting follicular growth and enhancing ovulatory function in the context of PCOS.
An Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor With a Novel ALKV1180L Mutation Leading to Acquired Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Sharpe Brittney , Green Donald C. , Tafe Laura J. , Wasp Garrett T. , Kerr Darcy A. , Dashti Nooshin K.
Published: November 2024

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm that can locally recur and potentially metastasize. Approximately 50% of IMTs harbor rearrangements in the gene encoding anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), a receptor tyrosine kinase that can be therapeutically targeted with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). With successful application of TKI in ALK‐positive nonsmall cell carcinoma (NSCLC), ALK inhibitors are often first‐line treatments for patients with unresectable or metastatic IMTs. Although acquired resistance to these agents may develop, resistance mechanisms are sparsely reported for IMTs. Here we report a case of a 71 year‐old man with metastatic pulmonary IMT harboring a DCTN1::ALK fusion that progressed during alectinib TKI treatment. Whole exome sequencing of an enlarging metastatic lesion in right 4th rib revealed a novel p.V1180L mutation in the ALK tyrosine kinase domain as the mechanism of acquired resistance. To our knowledge, this is the first report of acquired p. V1180L mutation in IMTs treated with TKIs. In cases of ALK‐positive IMTs that progress on TKI therapy, targeted sequencing for acquired ALK mutations may inform clinical decisions to adopt second‐line therapeutic strategies.
Wear, Material Transfer, and Electrocautery Damage Are Ubiquitous on CoCrMo Femoral Knee Retrievals
Authors: Kurtz Peter W. , Kurtz Michael A. , Aslani Shabnam , Taylor Lilliana M. , Goodwin Charley M. , MacDonald Daniel W. , Piuzzi Nicolas S. , Mihalko William M. , Kurtz Steven M. , Gilbert Jeremy L.
Published: November 2024

Despite high total knee arthroplasty (TKA) survivorship after 10 years (92%–99%), a gap persists where patient satisfaction lags clinical success. Additionally, while cobalt chrome molybdenum (CoCrMo) use decreases in primary total hip arthroplasty, the alloy continues to be widely used in TKA femoral components. In vivo, CoCrMo degradation may be associated with adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR) and compared with the hip, the damage mechanisms that may release metal in the knee and the potential biological effects remain poorly understood. In this study, we characterized the damage on 50 retrieved CoCrMo femoral knee implants paired with 19 titanium alloy and 31 CoCrMo tibial baseplates. We asked (1) what damage modes can release CoCrMo debris in vivo from femoral components and (2) how frequently does the damage occur? First, we developed a semiquantitative scoring system for abrasive wear. Then, we characterized damage modes on CoCrMo femoral implants using digital optical microscopy (DOM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). We found that wear, electrocautery damage, and Ti‐6Al‐4V material transfer were ubiquitous. Of the 50 CoCrMo femoral implants we investigated, we documented wear on 100% (n = 50/50), electrocautery damage on 98% (n = 49/50), and Ti‐6Al‐4V material transfer to the posterior condyles on 95% (n = 18/19). Our results suggest that these damage modes may be more prevalent than previously thought and may act as metal release mechanisms in vivo.
An Annual Review of Important Apheresis Articles From the American Society for Apheresis Attending Physician Subcommittee
Authors: Tanhehco Yvette C. , Alsammak Mohamed , Wu Ding Wen , Costa Victoria , Chhibber Vishesh , Levenbrown Yosef , Li Yanhua , Lu Wen , Mattiazzi Adela D. , Stephens Laura D. , Noland Daniel K. , Martin Marisa C. Saint , Singh Nirupama , Zantek Nicole D. , Becker Joanne , Wehrli Gay
Published: November 2024

In this first annual review article, the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) Attending Physician Subcommittee (APSc) of the Physicians' Committee (PC) curated key apheresis literature in 2023 and presented their choices for the 10 most seminal apheresis articles. PubMed and OVID search engines were used to identify manuscripts from four topic areas: donor apheresis, therapeutic apheresis, education, and cellular therapy. To further identify seminal criteria, they had to present at least one of the following: novel findings, practice‐altering outcomes, international scope, randomized controlled trial, relevant to current clinical practice, and/or provide evidence for category III or IV indications based on the ASFA ninth special issue of the Guidelines on the Use of Therapeutic Apheresis in Clinical Practice‐Evidence‐Based Approach. Inclusion criteria included: full‐length, peer‐reviewed, English language, and human subjects. Case reports, review articles, and meta‐analyses were excluded.
Metagenomic Analysis Identifies Sex‐Related Gut Microbial Functions and Bacterial Taxa Associated With Skeletal Muscle Mass
Authors: Park Hang A. , Sung Joohon , Chang Yoosoo , Ryu Seungho , Yoon Kyung Jae , Kim Hyung‐Lae , Kim Han‐Na
Published: November 2024

Background

This study aimed to explore the association between gut microbiota functional profiles and skeletal muscle mass, focusing on sex‐specific differences in a population under 65 years of age.

Methods

Stool samples from participants were analysed using metagenomic shotgun sequencing. Skeletal muscle mass and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) were quantified (SMI [%] = total appendage muscle mass [kg]/body weight [kg] × 100) using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Participants were categorized into SMI quartiles, and associations between gut microbiota, functional profiling and SMI were assessed by sex, adjusting for age, BMI and physical activity.

Results

The cohort included 1027 participants (651 men, 376 women). In men, Escherichia coli (log2 fold change 3.08, q = 0.001), Ruminococcus_B gnavus (log2 fold change 2.89, q = 0.014) and Enterocloster sp001517625 (log2 fold change 2.47, q = 0.026) were more abundant in the lowest SMI compared to the highest SMI group. In contrast, Bifidobacterium bifidum (log2 fold change 3.13, q = 0.025) showed higher levels in the second lowest SMI group in women. Microbial pathways associated with amino acid synthesis (MET‐SAM‐PWY: log2 fold change 0.42; METSYN‐PWY: log2 fold change 0.44; SER‐GLYSYN‐PWY: log2 fold change 0.20; PWY‐5347: log2 fold change 0.41; P4‐PWY: log2 fold change 0.53), N‐acetylneuraminate degradation (log2 fold change 0.43), isoprene biosynthesis (log2 fold change 0.20) and purine nucleotide degradation and salvage (PWY‐6353: log2 fold change 0.42; PWY‐6608: log2 fold change 0.38; PWY66‐409: log2 fold change 0.52; SALVADEHYPOX‐PWY: log2 fold change 0.43) were enriched in the lowest SMI in men (q < 0.10). In women, the second lowest SMI group showed enrichment in energy‐related pathways, including lactic acid fermentation (ANAEROFRUCAT‐PWY: log2 fold change 0.19), pentose phosphate pathway (PENTOSE‐P‐PWY: log2 fold change 0.30) and carbohydrate degradation (PWY‐5484: log2 fold change 0.31; GLYCOLYSIS: log2 fold change 0.29; PWY‐6901: log2 fold change 0.27) (q < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study highlights sex‐specific differences in gut microbiota and functional pathways associated with SMI. These findings suggest that gut microbiota may play a role in muscle health and point toward microbiota‐targeted strategies for maintaining muscle mass.
Ultrastructural and Functional Organization of Maxillary Palps in Ladybird Species (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) With Different Feeding Preferences
Authors: Sevarika Milos , Romani Roberto
Published: November 2024

Insects antennae serve as their primary sensory organs, playing a crucial role both in intra‐ and interspecific communication, a trait shared across the entire class Insecta. Representatives of Coccinellidae (ladybird) are known for being important natural enemies of economically relevant pests, and occasionally for being pests themselves. In this study, we investigated the ultrastructural organization of maxillary palps in several ladybird species exhibiting different feeding preferences, including entomophagous species (Harmonia axyridis, Scymnus interruptus, Delphastus catalinae, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Ceratomegilla undecimnotata, Propylea quatuordecimpunctata) and phytophagous species (Subcoccinella vigintiquatuorpunctata). We analyzed the ultrastructure of the maxillary palps using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. In all species, the maxillary palps were segmented, with the main sensory area located at the apical part of the enlarged distal segment. Our investigation revealed the presence of five distinct sensilla types on the maxillary palps, including uniporous, multiporous, campaniform, trichoidea, and digitiform sensilla. Interestingly, the sensilla shared a similar morphology across the investigated species. Uniporous and multiporous sensilla were the most abundant and were exclusively located in the apical sensory area. Campaniform sensilla were located on the apical sensory area, but positioned along the marginal zone, surrounding the area occupied by uniporous and multiporous sensilla. Digitiform sensilla were positioned in a restricted area of the dorsal side of the last palpomere. Our study hypothesizes that in Coccinellidae, maxillary palps play the role of primary sensory organ, along with the antennae. The comprehensive data presented here lay a robust foundation for further investigations into the role of maxillary palps in the chemical ecology of ladybirds.
Species behavioral characteristics lead to unique fragmentation threats: The Nubian ibex as a case study
Authors: Tichon Jonathan , Freiman Elyasaf , Spiegel Orr , Baruchi Erez , Atar Aviam , Lapid Roi , King Roni , Bar‐David Shirli , Saltz David
Published: November 2024

The behavioral characteristics of species may result in certain populations being inherently more susceptible to fragmentation. For example, species exhibiting spatial sexual segregation or those constrained to elongated and narrow habitats. We studied the fragmentation threats, spatial dynamics, resource utilization, and movement ecology of a particularly vulnerable species that is both sexually segregated and constrained to elongated and narrow habitat—the north Judean Desert population of Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana). From 2016‒2020 we tracked 48 marked ibex (27 male, 21 female), of which 38 (20 male, 18 female) also had global position system (GPS) collars. Using GPS‐collar and camera‐trap data in zones delineated around perennial water sources (PWSs), we calculated ibex drinking frequencies and individual utilization distributions by season and sex, focusing on their overall (95% isopleth) and core (50% isopleth) home ranges. We quantified joint space use between sexes using a utilization distribution overlap index (UDOI) and ibex daily movements and space use via movement indices. Female groups formed philopatric activity centers that were anchored around PWSs year‐round and arranged in a metapopulation‐like structure, with no female movement detected between them. Conversely, movement of adult males changed seasonally, with the cores of male groups anchored around PWSs only during the dry season, and long‐range movement between female activity centers during the rut. Female groups also spent more time at steeper terrain and higher elevations compared with male groups. Outside the rut, groups of males and groups of females exhibited minimal joint space use (i.e., average dry season UDOI was 0.06). These patterns indicate high sensitivity of this population to intersexual fragmentation by obstacles (physical or virtual). Management strategies to mitigate fragmentation threats for such populations should be sex‐specific and landscape‐oriented.
Self‐Induced Nasal Septal Perforation: Rhinotillexomania—A Different Entity From Nose Picking
Authors: Alobid Isam , Arango Cabezas Natalia , Yuen‐Ato Katherine C. , Hopkins Claire , Rojas‐Lechuga María Jesús
Published: November 2024

Background

Nose picking is a common habit that rarely leads to mutilating self‐injury. It is important to distinguish between rhinotillexomania (compulsive nose picking) as a disease and nose picking that results in or contributes to nasal septal perforation (NSP). The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of rhinotillexomania and NSP repair on sinonasal symptoms and quality of life (QoL).

Methodology/Principal

Patients with symptomatic NSP due to rhinotillexomania and candidates for surgical repair were included. Sinonasal symptoms and QoL were measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS), Sinus CT scan, Barcelona Smell Test 24 (BAST‐24), Sinonasal outcome test (SNOT‐22), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), NOSE‐Perf, and Medical Outcome Study Short Form (SF‐36). Healthy volunteers without sinonasal disorders (n = 43) were also included.

Results

A total of 37 patients with Rhinotillexomania (20 male [54.1%]; mean age, 49.2 years [SD 15.4]) were recruited. Totally 32 patients (86.5%) had NSP with the posterior border anterior to the incisive canal. Follow‐up data were registered for 29 patients with a mean follow‐up duration of 22.1 months (standard deviation, SD 16.7). The overall success rate of NSP repair was 96.6%. Patients experienced significant improvement in sinonasal symptoms and QoL after surgery.

Conclusions

Rhinotillexomania is a distinct entity from nose picking. Multidisciplinary approach including behavior therapy and NSP repair are considered the best approaches to relieve sinonasal symptoms. Placing nasal silicone sheets is recommended when the diagnosis of rhinotillexomania is confirmed. The greater palatine artery flap combined with inverted edges appears to be the most effective approach.

Level of Evidence

Level 3 Laryngoscope, 2024
Gut microbiota in health and disease: advances and future prospects
Authors: Zhang Yusheng , Wang Hong , Sang Yiwei , Liu Mei , Wang Qing , Yang Hongjun , Li Xianyu
Published: November 2024

The gut microbiota plays a critical role in maintaining human health, influencing a wide range of physiological processes, including immune regulation, metabolism, and neurological function. Recent studies have shown that imbalances in gut microbiota composition can contribute to the onset and progression of various diseases, such as metabolic disorders (e.g., obesity and diabetes) and neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., Alzheimer's and Parkinson's). These conditions are often accompanied by chronic inflammation and dysregulated immune responses, which are closely linked to specific forms of cell death, including pyroptosis and ferroptosis. Pathogenic bacteria in the gut can trigger these cell death pathways through toxin release, while probiotics have been found to mitigate these effects by modulating immune responses. Despite these insights, the precise mechanisms through which the gut microbiota influences these diseases remain insufficiently understood. This review consolidates recent findings on the impact of gut microbiota in these immune‐mediated and inflammation‐associated conditions. It also identifies gaps in current research and explores the potential of advanced technologies, such as organ‐on‐chip models and the microbiome–gut–organ axis, for deepening our understanding. Emerging tools, including single‐bacterium omics and spatial metabolomics, are discussed for their promise in elucidating the microbiota's role in disease development.
SIW Broadband Circularly Polarized High‐Gain Low‐Profile Magneto‐Electric Dipole Antenna Array
Authors: Xu Juan , Xie Yue , Zhao Jianping
Published: November 2024

This study presents a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) broadband circularly polarized (CP) high‐gain low‐profile magneto‐electric dipole antenna array. The antenna array is characterized by wide impedance bandwidth (IBW), novel CP operating principle, small form factor, and good radiation performance. First, the antenna element consists of a two‐layer dielectric substrate, two pairs of magneto‐electric dipoles, and a SIW cavity coupled and fed through a cross‐shaped rectangular slit. To achieve a wide CP bandwidth (BW), a pair of magneto‐electric dipoles is rectangularly chamfered and then an “L” type parasitic patch is introduced. The simulation results show that the antenna element has an axial ratio (AR) BW of 14.2% in the 31.48–36.16 GHz range, the IBW in the 29.08–35.98 GHz range is 21.2%, and the gain is greater than 8 dBic in all bands. The antenna exhibits stable patterns and wide overlap IBW (31.48–35.98 GHz). Then, a planar 2 × 2 antenna array fed by a one‐part‐four SIW power divider was designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured results show that the array has an ARBW of 14% in the range of 31.29−35.83 GHz, an IBW of 21.8% in the range of 29.28–35.83 GHz, and a peak gain of 14.1 dBic.
How, why, where and when people feed birds?—Spatio‐temporal changes in bird‐feeding in Finland
Authors: Deshpande Purabi , Haukka Anna , Rönkä Katja , Aivelo Tuomas , Santangeli Andrea , Thorogood Rose , Lehikoinen Aleksi
Published: November 2024

Providing food to animals, especially birds, during winter is a common activity in many countries. While bird‐feeding can increase connections between people and nature, there are increasing calls from researchers and the general public to limit this activity due to emerging knowledge of potential negative ecological impacts (e.g. biased competition and spread of pathogens). However, what motivates changes in bird‐feeding habits remains largely unknown, despite the ‘provisioners’ perspective’ being critical for designing and implementing policy that benefits both animals and people.

Here, we investigate changes in how and why people feed birds in urban and rural areas of Finland as a case study. We made use of two long‐term annual bird monitoring data sets (the Winter bird census and Finnish bird feeder monitoring scheme) to investigate how the number of bird‐feeding sites and the amount of food provisioned have changed since the 1980s. Additionally, we conducted an online questionnaire in 2021 (over 14,000 respondents) to examine reasons for the changes that we detected.

We find that, over 40 years, the annual amount of food provided has increased significantly in rural areas, while the number of bird‐feeding sites has decreased and especially so in urban areas. Questionnaire answers indicated that this decline was likely due to changing regulations of local governments and housing organisations, with increased concerns of attracting pests leading to restrictions on providing food for birds. In rural areas, people who reduced feeding more often identified concerns over avian diseases and the effort required to access, clean and refill bird‐feeding sites.

Policy implications: Our results highlight that provisioning food to wild animals involves complex decision‐making depending on habitat, geography and economic factors. Therefore, policies designed to curb (or promote) this activity should take into account its multifaceted nature.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Language Mindsets and Strategic Approaches to Studying: The Mediating Roles of Control‐Value Appraisals and Emotions
Authors: Chou Mu‐Hsuan
Published: November 2024

Language mindsets influence learners' behavior, motivation, and strategic approaches to studying a language. These mindsets impact how learners perceive control and value in achievement activities, which, in turn, affect their achievement emotions and ultimately their learning strategies and academic performance. This study investigates the effects of growth and fixed language mindsets on strategic approaches to studying English, with perceived academic control, task value, and positive/negative achievement emotions serving as mediators. Questionnaire surveys were administered to 517 university students in Taiwan. The structural models revealed that students with growth language mindsets exhibited stronger academic control and task value, experienced more positive emotions, and employed more study strategies. These factors partially mediated the relationship between growth language mindsets and study strategies. In contrast, fixed language mindsets did not predict task value or study strategies, but they negatively predicted academic control. No mediating effects were found between fixed language mindsets and study strategies.
Unveiling the Impact of Operating Current on Active Species Generation in Pin‐To‐Water Plasma Activated Water System
Authors: Punith N. , Avaneesh Athreya V. , Prasad Boggavarapu , Ravikrishna R. V. , Rao Lakshminarayana
Published: November 2024

This study explores plasma‐activated water (PAW) generation in a pin‐to‐water (P2W) setup, examining how operating current affects gas production and its interaction with neutral pH range water. High‐current mode (HCM‐32.3 mA) significantly increases hydrogen peroxide ( by 2x and nitrite () by 1.5x over low‐current mode (LCM‐19.5 mA), with and concentrations reaching 161 mg/L and 1070 mg/L, respectively. These findings align with increased gas production. The study underscores the air–water interface's role in PAW chemistry, with ICCD emission and chemical‐workbench (CWB) simulations providing further reaction insights. Overall, it highlights operating current as a critical factor in PAW chemistry and the role of in reactive nitrogen species formation.
Tracheal bronchogenic cyst: a rare cause of stridor
Authors: Potti Priyanka , Madhusudan Manoj , Chandra Tejaswi , Kamble Ravindra B. , Srikanta J. T.
Published: November 2024

A 6‐month‐old child with stridor from 3 months of age presented with interim worsening following a respiratory infection. Airway evaluation revealed a smooth, polypoidal mass herniating in and out of the airway with each respiratory cycle, from the anterior surface of the upper trachea. Computerized tomography showed a non‐enhancing cystic mass in anterior neck protruding into the upper trachea through an anterior tracheal defect. Surgical resection was performed and pathological examination revealed a bronchogenic cyst. Tracheal bronchogenic cyst is a rare cause of stridor and can occur anywhere along the tracheobronchial tree.
A pressure‐jump EPR system to monitor millisecond conformational exchange rates of spin‐labeled proteins
Authors: Grosskopf Julian D. , Sidabras Jason W. , Altenbach Christian , Anderson Jim R. , Mett Richard R. , Strangeway Robert A. , Hyde James S. , Hubbell Wayne L. , Lerch Michael T.
Published: November 2024

Site‐directed spin labeling electron paramagnetic resonance (SDSL‐EPR) using nitroxide spin labels is a well‐established technology for mapping site‐specific secondary and tertiary structure and for monitoring conformational changes in proteins of any degree of complexity, including membrane proteins, with high sensitivity. SDSL‐EPR also provides information on protein dynamics in the timescale of ps–μs using continuous wave lineshape analysis and spin lattice relaxation time methods. However, the functionally important time domain of μs–ms, corresponding to large‐scale protein motions, is inaccessible to those methods. To extend SDSL‐EPR to the longer time domain, the perturbation method of pressure‐jump relaxation is implemented. Here, we describe a complete high‐pressure EPR system at Q‐band for both static pressure and ms‐timescale pressure‐jump measurements on spin‐labeled proteins. The instrument enables pressure jumps both up and down from any holding pressure, ranging from atmospheric pressure to the maximum pressure capacity of the system components (~3500 bar). To demonstrate the utility of the system, we characterize a local folding–unfolding equilibrium of T4 lysozyme. The results illustrate the ability of the system to measure thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of protein conformational exchange on the ms timescale.
ESM‐scan—A tool to guide amino acid substitutions
Authors: Totaro Massimo G. , Vide Uršula , Zausinger Regina , Winkler Andreas , Oberdorfer Gustav
Published: November 2024

Protein structure prediction and (re)design have gone through a revolution in the last 3 years. The tremendous progress in these fields has been almost exclusively driven by readily available machine learning algorithms applied to protein folding and sequence design problems. Despite these advancements, predicting site‐specific mutational effects on protein stability and function remains an unsolved problem. This is a persistent challenge, mainly because the free energy of large systems is very difficult to compute with absolute accuracy and subtle changes to protein structures are hard to capture with computational models. Here, we describe the implementation and use of ESM‐Scan, which uses the ESM zero‐shot predictor to scan entire protein sequences for preferential amino acid changes, thus enabling in silico deep mutational scanning experiments. We benchmark ESM‐Scan on its predictive capabilities for stability and functionality of sequence changes using three publicly available datasets and proceed by experimentally testing the tool's performance on a challenging test case of a blue‐light‐activated diguanylate cyclase from Methylotenera species (MsLadC), where it accurately predicted the importance of a highly conserved residue in a region involved in allosteric product inhibition. Our experimental results show that the ESM‐zero shot model is capable of inferring the effects of a set of amino acid substitutions in their correlation between predicted fitness and experimental results. ESM‐Scan is publicly available at https://huggingface.co/spaces/thaidaev/zsp.
Sickle Cell Disease and Sickle Cell Trait on Curaçao: Pregnancy‐Related Outcomes and Complications: A Retrospective Cohort Study From a Single Centre
Authors: de Vries Colleen , Landman Hans , Hammoud Nurah
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To describe the pregnancy‐related outcomes and complications as well as neonatal outcomes among patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and sickle cell trat (SCT) on Curaçao over the past half decade.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patients with SCD and SCT were included who gave birth from 1 December 2016 to 9 November 2019 in St. Elisabeth Hospital and from 10 November 2019 to 1 November 2023 in Curaçao Medical Center, Curaçao. Various data regarding participant characteristics, pregnancy‐related outcomes and complications and neonatal data were gathered and analysed. Descriptive statistics were utilized and p values calculated.

Results

The most common pregnancy‐related complications in patients with SCD were pre‐eclampsia (4; 23.5%), vaso‐occlusive crisis (10; 58.8%), anaemia (15; 88.2%) and urinary tract infection (6; 35.3%). Intrauterine growth restriction was recorded in four (22.2%) pregnancies, five (29.4%) patients delivered preterm and eight (44.4%) neonates had a birth weight below 2500 g. The need for blood transfusion was significantly higher in patients with HbSS compared to patients with HbSC (88.9% HbSS vs. 12.5% HbSC, p = 0.002) and significantly more neonates from patients with HbSS were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (66.7% HbSS vs. 11.1% HbSC, p = 0.016). Regarding SCT, anaemia occurred in 78 (25.2%) patients and 73 (23.5%) times the amniotic fluid was stained with meconium.

Conclusion

The data of this study support the results of previous studies, displaying a high rate of maternal and neonatal complications and adverse outcomes during pregnancy in patients with SCD. Close observation and a multidisciplinary approach are essential. SCT does not appear to be associated with adverse effects on maternal or foetal outcomes and complications, except for a high rate of meconium‐stained amniotic fluid.
Synthesis of Novel Phenylalanine Carboxamides Derivatives Bearing Sulfonamides Functionality and Their Molecular Docking, In Vitro Antimalarial, and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Achilonu Chinwendu Faustina , Okoro Uchechukwu Christopher , Achilonu Matthew Chilaka , Onoyima Samson Chinekwu
Published: November 2024

A new series of phenylalanine‐derived carboxamides with sulfonamide functionality is designed, synthesized, and assessed for their in silico studies, in vitro antimalarial, and antioxidant activities. The interaction of 4‐nitrobenzene sulfonyl chloride with phenylalanine in a basic aqueous solution yielded an intermediate ((4‐nitrophenyl)sulfonyl)phenylalanine. The reaction of various cyclic amines with the intermediate, utilizing phenylboronic acid as the coupling agent, yielded the carboxamides derivatives. The derived‐carboxamides passed in silico test and fulfilled all the allowed ranges for molecular descriptors. Optimization was achieved before compounds were deployed as ligands in molecular docking studies using density functional theory utilizing the functional B3LYP and the basis set 6–31G**. The docking experiments were done on the active site of FKBP35 binding domain of Plasmodium falciparum for antimalarial impact whereas that of antioxidants was performed on the active site of PDB ID:IXAN. The computational antimalarial and antioxidant study demonstrated that the compounds displayed a high binding affinity with the target protein residues via hydrogen bonding, π‐π, π‐alkyl, π‐sigma, and π‐cation bonding interactions. Additionally, the new compounds were evaluated for in vitro antimalarial and antioxidant properties. The screening findings suggest that the new compounds exhibit effective antimalarial and antioxidant action compared to traditional medicines.
Noble‐Metal‐Free Modified TiO2 Nanotube Arrays (TNTAs) for Efficient Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to CO Under Visible Light
Authors: Ikreedeegh Riyadh Ramadhan , Hossen Md. Arif , Tahir Muhammad
Published: November 2024

In the past decades, TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTAs) have gained a great attention as a durable photocatalyst for CO2 reduction due to their unique properties. TNTAs have been widely modified with noble metals for increasing their absorption of visible light and limiting their associated rapid electron‐hole recombination rate. However, these metals are extremely expensive, which limits their practical applications in the fields of energy and environment. In this study, three noble‐metal‐free materials of graphitic carbon nitrides, metal–organic framework, and reduced graphene oxide were used for modifying pure TNTAs through a simple drying‐deposition method. The modified TNTAs samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analyses for approving successful synthesis of these nanocomposites. Finally, the modified TNTAs nanocomposites were investigated for their ability in converting the CO2 gas to CO under visible light. However, the TNTAs modified with graphitic carbon nitrides displayed the highest CO productions of 27551 µmol m−2 which represents 16% enhancement compared to that of pure TNTAs (23871 µmol m−2). The enhanced CO2 photoreduction performance of modified TNTAs is attributed to promoted light absorption, increased surface area, and improved electrical conductivity.
Design of AIE‐active Schiff‐bases: Mechanochromic, Thermochromic and Sensing Studies
Authors: Malla Mahraj Din , Malik Asif A. , Ahangar Aadil A. , Dey Somnath , Sharma Nandini , Jose D. Amilan , Chopra Deepak , Dar Aijaz A.
Published: November 2024

There is a notable shift toward organic functional materials for their advantages in terms of availability, processability and biodegradability. Solid‐state organic emitters, though rare, are fascinating with diverse range of applications. In this work we utilize crystal engineering principles to design Schiff bases 1 and 2, to realize solid state emission and its tuning. The products have been characterized and studied through crystallographic, Hirshfeld, and optical studies. Structural studies validate crystallization of 1 and 2 with a molecule of methanol and water, respectively, and their packing is predominantly aided by solvent assisted hydrogen bonding, while the π‐π stacking interactions are absent. Crystalline solids are emissive: 1 (λ max 474 nm, τ 0.35 ± 0.04 ns) and 2 (481 nm, 1.80 ± 0.07 ns) and aggregation induced emission (AIE) active. Mechano and thermo‐fluorochromic responses of the products are attributed to phase changes triggered by grinding and desolvation, respectively. The nonemissive solutions of 1 and 2 detect presence of Pb(II) /Hg(II) through emission turn‐on, with limit of detection (LOD) values in the range of 0.0017–0.0022 ppb, while picric acid sensing is reported by their AIE luminogen (AIEgen) forms with LOD values of 0.0017 ppb and 0.0034 ppb, respectively.