bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The activation of inflammatory responses in the brain is potentiated by over‐expressing acetylcholinesterase in myeloid lineage of transgenic mice
Authors: Xia Yingjie , Wang Xiaoyang , Guo Maggie Suisui , Wu Jiahui , Gao Jin , Dong Tina T. X. , Tsim Karl W. K.
Published: November 2024

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has functions in neuroinflammation, beyond its classical role in neurotransmission. Understanding the role of AChE in neuroinflammation is of great significance, as it highlights the potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In an in vitro study, the expression of AChE was up‐regulated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced microglia/macrophage and contrarily potentiated the inflammatory responses via disturbing the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway (CAP). However, the regulation of AChE in neuroinflammation has not been revealed in vivo yet. Here, we aim to uncover the inflammatory roles of microglial AChE in LPS‐induced neuroinflammation by using the conditional AChE over‐expression mouse model. AChE was specifically over‐expressed in the myeloid cell linkage of mouse by applying CRISPR/cas9 combined with Cre‐LoxP system. LPS was intraperitoneally injected into the mice to induce inflammation. The results showed that the inflammation, induced by LPS, was aggravated in the brain of transgenic mice having over‐expression of AChE in microglia. The expressions of pro‐inflammatory cytokines were robustly up‐regulated in the brains of LPS‐treated transgenic mice, as compared to the LPS‐treated wildtypes. In parallel, the activations of microglia and astrocytes in hippocampus were enhanced significantly in AChE transgenic mice. Transcriptomics analysis further confirmed the severer inflammation in the transgenic mice than the wildtype after LPS administration. These findings shed light on the regulation of microglial AChE in neuroinflammation in vivo for the first time, presenting another angle to understand the role of AChE in neurodegenerative diseases.

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When to change needles during neuromodulator injections—An electron‐microscopy investigation into needle tip deformation
Authors: Akintilo Lisa , Green Jeremy B. , Kaufman Joely , Ghane‐Motlagh Bahar , Freytag David L. , Frank Konstantin , Alfertshofer Michael , Cotofana Sebastian
Published: November 2024

Background

Neuromodulator injections are minimally invasive procedures performed across the globe. Despite their ubiquity, there is a dearth of information on whether and how needle tips used for neuromodulator procedures are deformed after repeated injections.

Objective

We investigated the magnitude of needle tip deformation following sequential injection passes (3×, 5×, and 10×) during facial neuromodulator injections with three commonly used needle sizes (30G, 31G, and 32G).

Methods

Neuromodulator was administered for four different aesthetic indications. Each collected needle was mounted and imaged in a Philips XL‐30 Scanning electron microscope. Images were processed using ImageJ photo analysis software.

Results

Forty‐five needle tips were investigated. When comparing the facial regions of interest, a statistically significant difference in deformation percentage was found when injecting 10× (p = 0.044) with greatest damage after injecting the glabella (38.4%), followed by lateral canthus (27.9%), forehead (27.5%), and midface (23.1%). Independent of facial region targeted, the mean percentage of needle deformation at 3× was 14.8%, at 5× 19.6%, and at 10× 29.2% with p < 0.001. Smaller needle size corresponded to smaller percentage of damage.

Conclusion

Exchanging needles after more than five injection passes will minimize needle deformation and likely increase injection precision.
Psychological‐Distress Factors in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Meta‐Synthesis
Authors: Tao Lin , Xiang Yuping , Zeng Xiaohong , Fu Lan , Li Junying , Chen Hong
Published: November 2024

Aims

To systematically review and integrate qualitative‐research results pertaining to psychological distress in patients with breast cancer and to clarify its causes and drivers.

Background

Patients with breast cancer experience psychological distress in the stages of diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, which seriously affects their quality of life. Through comprehensive qualitative research, the study comprehensively describes the experiences of patients with breast cancer to guide medical personnel in taking better care of them.

Design

A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies.

Methods

Qualitative studies were included if they were related to the psychological‐distress experiences of patients with breast cancer. The Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument was used to appraise study quality. Data were synthesised using the Thomas and Harden method of thematic and content analysis.

Data Sources

Nine electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAL [via EBSCO], and PsycINFO, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang, Chinese Biomedical, and Weipu) were searched from inception until February 2024.

Results

Thirteen studies were included in the meta‐synthesis. Four analytical themes were identified: diagnostic and therapeutic, individual, environmental, and interpersonal factors.

Conclusions

Psychological distress is a subjective feeling influenced by interactions among individual, therapeutic, environmental, and interpersonal factors, and it is commonly encountered among patients with breast cancer. Therefore, to optimise the management of psychological distress, the characteristics and external environment of patients with breast cancer should be carefully considered when delivering routine nursing care.

Impact

Patients experience psychological distress at different stages of breast cancer; however, the causes of psychological distress at different stages differ. Medical staff should implement targeted psychological‐distress intervention measures based on factors relevant to different stages.

Reporting Method

The Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research statement.

Registration

The protocol of this study has been registered in the database PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD42023417364).
Commentary: Revisiting developmental science research practices during a global crisis
Authors: Magis‐Weinberg Lucía , Gray Carly E.
Published: November 2024

The effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on adolescents were extensive, touching aspects of their lives such as those reviewed in this Special Section : school experiences, family relationships, peer relationships, and civic engagement. In parallel with these effects on individuals, the fields of developmental and psychological science were shaken up by this global crisis. The accelerated transition to online data collection and collaboration presented opportunities to expand research on adolescence, breaking down many physical and social barriers to participation and sparking methodological innovation. Yet, this crisis also shed light on the global digital divides and the uneven impacts of the pandemic across the research community. This commentary reflects on the influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the methods and methodologies of developmental science, the challenges and opportunities it surfaced, and the populations included and omitted in this period of research. We integrate reflections on how the pandemic shaped our own research and on how the pandemic has shaped the future of developmental science.
Mergers and Licensing With Horizontal Differentiation
Authors: Fauli‐Oller Ramon , Poddar Sougata , Sandonis Joel
Published: November 2024

We consider a research laboratory that owns a patented process innovation and two firms producing differentiating goods in a Bertrand setting. The laboratory considers the possibility to license the innovation as an outsider patentee or to merge with one of the firms in the industry, becoming an incumbent patentee. Licensing takes place through observable two‐part tariff contracts. We show that the merger is profitable only for small innovations and increases social welfare for both small and large innovations. Even though we allow the royalty to be higher than the size of the innovation, and opposite to the result in a Cournot setting, we find a region where the merger is both profitable and welfare improving. This occurs only for small innovations and sufficiently differentiated goods. The same result arises for consumer surplus which allows us to derive the optimal merger policy: compared with Cournot competition, a Bertrand setting calls for a more lenient merger policy.
Self‐care behaviours in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS): development and psychometric testing of the RLS‐Self‐care Behaviour questionnaire
Authors: Odzakovic Elzana , Sandlund Christina , Hellström Amanda , Ulander Martin , Blom Kerstin , Jernelöv Susanna , Kaldo Viktor , Björk Maria , Knutsson Susanne , Lind Jonas , Pakpour Amir , Broström Anders
Published: November 2024

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a highly prevalent condition that significantly disrupts sleep and causes reduced quality of life. While previous RLS research has mainly focused on the pharmacological treatment, this study presents the first instrument to measure self‐care, the RLS‐Self‐care Behaviour questionnaire (RLS‐ScBq). Self‐care, defined as an active decision‐making process, can empower patients to effectively participate in their own healthcare through awareness, self‐control, and self‐reliance to cope with their disease. Self‐care can in a RLS context include actions such as physical exercise, meditation, and massage. Hence, the aim of this study is to explore the psychometric properties of the RLS‐ScBq in patients with RLS. A cross‐sectional design, including 788 patients with RLS (65% women, mean age 70.8 years, [standard deviation (SD) =11.4]) was used. Sociodemographics, comorbidities, and RLS‐related treatment data, including insomnia symptoms (i.e., Insomnia Severity Index), daytime sleepiness (i.e., Epworth Sleepiness Scale) and RLS symptoms (i.e., RLS‐6 scale) were collected. The validity and reliability of the RLS‐ScBq were investigated using exploratory factor analysis and Rasch models. The two‐factor solution (i.e., physical, and mental actions) showed an explained variance of 32.33% for The Self‐care Behaviour Frequency part and 36.28% for The Benefit of Self‐care Behaviour part. The internal consistency measured by Cronbach's α was 0.57 and 0.60, and McDonald's ω was 0.60 and 0.67, respectively. No differential item functioning was identified for gender, age, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, or RLS severity. The eight‐item RLS‐ScBq can serve as a tool enabling healthcare personnel to explore use and benefit of self‐care activities in patients with RLS.
Spectral EEG and heart rate changes associated with leg movements during the suggested immobilization test in patients with restless legs syndrome
Authors: Benbir Senel Gulcin , Tunali Aysun , Demirel Onur , Köse Seher , Cakir Volkan , Resadiyeli Burak , Karadeniz Derya , Ferri Raffaele
Published: November 2024

Restless legs syndrome is usually associated with periodic limb movements during sleep, which are defined as repetitive, stereotyped movements in sleep. Changes in spectral analysis of electroencephalography and heart rate were shown to be associated with periodic limb movements during sleep and non‐periodic leg movements in sleep. Considering the circadian distribution of symptoms of restless legs syndrome, we investigated spectral electroencephalography and heart rate accompanying periodic limb movements, isolated leg movements and short‐interval leg movements during suggested immobilization test. The mean age of 53 patients was 51.9 ± 13 years, 54.7% were females. Prominent increases in electroencephalography activation were associated with periodic limb movements, isolated leg movements and short‐interval leg movements during the suggested immobilization test, which were significant in all spectral bands (p < 0.001). An increase in all electroencephalography bands started ~10 s before periodic limb movements, isolated leg movements and short‐interval leg movements; increases in delta and theta band activities ended ~10 s after the movements, while increases in alpha and beta band activities lasted for about ~20 s. Maximum increases in delta, theta, alpha and beta bands were all observed after periodic limb movements and short‐interval leg movements, but before isolated leg movements in theta and alpha bands, and after isolated leg movements in delta and beta bands. A notably longer increase in alpha and beta bands was evident for periodic limb movements and short‐interval leg movements. An increase in heart rate was prominent at 4–12 s after movement onset in short‐interval leg movements, being significantly higher than those associated with periodic limb movements and isolated leg movements. Our study shows that, in patients with restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movements, isolated leg movements and short‐interval leg movements during suggested immobilization test are associated with prominent cortical and cardiac activation, which warrants confirmation in larger restless legs syndrome cohorts and requires long‐term follow‐up studies to delineate its possible clinical consequences.
Safety and Effectiveness of Vibegron in Japanese Patients With Overactive Bladder: A Japanese Postmarketing Survey
Authors: Yoshimura Shoko , Yagi Hiromitsu , Abe Kazunori , Yamasaki Masakazu
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of vibegron, a highly selective β3‐adrenoceptor agonist, in Japanese patients with overactive bladder (OAB) in a real‐world clinical setting.

Methods

This prospective survey was conducted from August 2019 to July 2023 using a central registration method. Patients newly treated with vibegron for OAB were followed for 12 weeks, and those who continued treatment were observed for up to 52 weeks. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and the overall improvement level were assessed, and overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) and International Prostate Symptom Score‐Quality of Life (IPSS QOL) score were collected.

Results

Of the 1848 patients in the safety analysis set, 154 ADRs were reported in 141 patients (7.63%). Common ADRs were increased residual urine volume (1.30%), constipation (1.14%), dysuria and urinary retention (0.97% each), cystitis (0.65%), and dry mouth (0.32%). The incidence of urinary retention‐related adverse events (AEs) was higher in male patients, patients ≥ 65 years old, and patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The effectiveness rate was 88.8% among the 1561 patients in the effectiveness analysis set. Significant improvement in both OABSS and IPSS QOL scores was observed at all observation periods. The rate of achieving the minimal clinically important change in OABSS total score at the final evaluation was 75.35%. OABSS scores were also significantly reduced in all subgroup analyses.

Conclusions

This survey found no major concerns regarding the safety and effectiveness of vibegron in Japanese OAB patients, except for urinary retention‐related AEs. Vibegron is considered to represent a useful drug for treating OAB symptoms in a real‐world clinical setting.
Flg22‐facilitated PGPR colonization in root tips and control of root rot
Authors: Li Yanan , Li Yafei , Wang Yuepeng , Yang Yanqing , Qi Man , Su Tongfu , Li Rui , Liu Dehai , Gao Yuqian , Qi Yuancheng , Qiu Liyou
Published: November 2024

Plant root border cells (RBCs) prevent the colonization of plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) at the root tip, rendering the PGPR unable to effectively control pathogens infecting the root tip. In this study, we engineered four strains of Pseudomonas sp. UW4, a typical PGPR strain, each carrying an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)‐expressing plasmid. The UW4E strain harboured only the plasmid, whereas the UW4E‐flg22 strain expressed a secreted EGFP‐Flg22 fusion protein, the UW4E‐Flg(flg22) strain expressed a non‐secreted Flg22, and the UW4E‐flg22‐D strain expressed a secreted Flg22‐DNase fusion protein. UW4E‐flg22 and UW4E‐flg22‐D, which secreted Flg22, induced an immune response in wheat RBCs and colonized wheat root tips, whereas the other strains, which did not secrete Flg22, failed to elicit this response and did not colonize wheat root tips. The immune response revealed that wheat RBCs synthesized mucilage, extracellular DNA, and reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, the Flg22‐secreting strains showed a 33.8%–93.8% higher colonization of wheat root tips and reduced the root rot incidence caused by Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium pseudograminearum by 24.6%–35.7% compared to the non‐Flg22‐secreting strains in pot trials. There was a negative correlation between the incidence of wheat root rot and colonization of wheat root tips by these strains. In contrast, wheat root length and dry weight were positively correlated with the colonization of wheat root tips by these strains. These results demonstrate that engineered secretion of Flg22 by PGPR is an effective strategy for controlling root rot and improving plant growth.
mHealth‐Based Self‐Management Program for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Oh Hyunjin , Suh Chang‐Hee , Kim Ji‐Won , Boo Sunjoo
Published: November 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that gradually limits physical function and decreases quality of life (QOL). We evaluated an mHealth‐based self‐management program to help patients with RA improve their physical and psychological health, self‐efficacy, physical activity, and QOL. The sample included 73 experimental and 69 control participants. A pilot randomized controlled design was employed to identify the effectiveness of an 8‐week mHealth‐based self‐management program, which comprised educational modules regarding disease management and exercise, cognitive training, and motivational support through mobile messages and periodic phone calls. Knowledge of the health effects of RA, disease activity, perceived health, depression, self‐efficacy for controlling symptoms, physical activity, and QOL were evaluated pre‐ and postintervention and after the 4‐week follow‐up period. This pilot study indicates that the mHealth‐based program for people with RA is feasible. The mHealth self‐management program improved patients' knowledge of RA, depression, self‐efficacy for controlling symptoms, physical activity, and perceived health; however, disease activity and QOL did not significantly change. This pilot study demonstrates the potential of mHealth intervention as an effective program for strengthening self‐management capacities in patients with RA.

Trial Registration: KCT0007523
Progress Stalled? The Uncertain Future of Mortality in High‐Income Countries
Authors: Dowd Jennifer Beam , Polizzi Antonino , Tilstra Andrea M.
Published: November 2024

Steady and significant improvements in life expectancy have been a bright spot for human progress for the last century or more. Recently, this success has shown signs of faltering in some high‐income countries, where mortality improvements have slowed or even reversed since the early 2010s. Combined with the large mortality shock of the COVID‐19 pandemic, guaranteed forward progress feels less certain. We review mortality trends in high‐income countries since 2000 through the COVID‐19 pandemic. While deteriorating mortality in the United States has received the most attention, countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Greece, and Germany are also seeing slowdowns. Before COVID‐19, these slowdowns largely reflected stalling improvements in cardiovascular disease mortality and increases in deaths from external causes in young and midlife for the worst‐performing countries. We discuss prospects for the future of mortality in high‐income countries, including lingering impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic, challenges and opportunities related to the obesity epidemic, and emerging reasons for both optimism and pessimism. While biological limits to increased life expectancy may eventually dominate long‐term trends, human‐made social factors are currently holding many countries back from already achievable best‐practice life expectancy and will be key to near‐term improvements.
Flavonoids Mitigate Nanoplastic Stress in Ginkgo biloba
Authors: Cui Jiawen , Li Xiang , Gan Quan , Lu Zhaogeng , Du Yicheng , Noor Iqra , Wang Li , Liu Sian , Jin Biao
Published: November 2024

Microplastics/nanoplastics are a top global environmental concern and have stimulated surging research into plant–nanoplastic interactions. Previous studies have examined the responses of plants to nanoplastic stress at various levels. Plant‐specialized (secondary) metabolites play crucial roles in plant responses to environmental stress, whereas their roles in response to nanoplastic stress remain unknown. Here, we systematically examined the physiological and biochemical responses of Ginkgo biloba, a species with robust metabolite‐driven defenses, to polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs). PSNPs negatively affected seedling growth and induced phytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and nuclear damage. Notably, PSNPs caused significant flavonoid accumulation, which enhances plant tolerance and detoxification against PSNP stress. To determine whether this finding is universal in plants, we subjected Arabidopsis, poplar, and tomato to PSNP stress and verified the common response of enhanced flavonoids across these species. To further confirm the role of flavonoids, we employed genetic transformation and staining techniques, validating the importance of flavonoids in mitigating excessive oxidative stress induced by NPs. Matrix analysis of transgenic plants with enhanced flavonoids further demonstrated altered downstream pathways, allocating more energy towards resilience against nanoplastic stress. Collectively, our results reveal the flavonoid multifaceted roles in enhancing plant resilience to nanoplastic stress, providing new knowledge about plant responses to nanoplastic contamination.
The Multifunctional Anaphase Promoting Complex 7 (APC7) Gene Is Associated With Increased Plant Growth and Improved Resistance to DNA and RNA Viruses
Authors: Araújo‐Lopes Bruna Gino de , Basso Marcos Fernando , Carvalho Thiago Bretz , Montessoro Patrícia , Carneiro Aline Köhn , Silva Aline Cunha da , Lima Marcelo de Freitas , Eloy Nubia Barbosa , Silva Fabio Nascimento da , Thiebaut Flávia , Bernado Wallace de Paula , Campostrini Eliemar , Engler Janice de Almeida , Santiago‐Fernandes Lygia , Grossi‐de‐Sa Maria Fatima , Hemerly Adriana Silva
Published: November 2024

The anaphase promoting complex 7 (AtAPC7) is an APC/C subunit expressed in different organs of Arabidopsis thaliana and conserved among eukaryotes. A variant of the complete APC7 protein, containing its C‐terminal region (named APC‐CT), shows a high homology with a tobacco viral replication inhibitor (IVR‐like) protein that reduces plant susceptibility to RNA viruses. Here, the role of the AtAPC7 gene was investigated by characterizing Arabidopsis plants overexpressing the full‐length AtAPC7 (APC7OE) and the C‐terminal portion (APC7‐CTOE), by phenotypical, physiological and molecular approaches. APC7OE plants showed improved growth of vegetative organs, earlier flowering and increased photosynthetic efficiency, CO2 assimilation and productivity, compared with Col‐0 control plants. Conversely, APC7‐CTOE plants showed reduced susceptibility to both RNA and DNA viruses, along with an improvement in plant growth, although not surpassing APC7OE plants. Altogether, the data provide evidence for the role of the AtAPC7 in regulating cell division, expansion and differentiation, accompanied by an increase in photosynthetic capacity, resulting in enhanced plant biomass and seed yield. AtAPC7‐CT might reduce growth‐defence trade‐offs, enabling plants to simultaneously defend themselves while promoting better growth. Our findings highlight the multifunctional role of AtAPC7, unveiling the potential of its orthologous genes as valuable biotechnological tools in important crops.
Performance of chatbots in queries concerning fundamental concepts in photochemistry
Authors: Taniguchi Masahiko , Lindsey Jonathan S.
Published: November 2024

The advent of chatbots raises the possibility of a paradigm shift across society including the most technical of fields with regard to access to information, generation of knowledge, and dissemination of education and training. Photochemistry is a scientific endeavor with roots in chemistry and physics and branches that encompass diverse disciplines ranging from astronomy to zoology. Here, five chatbots have each been challenged with 13 photochemically relevant queries. The chatbots included ChatGPT 3.5, ChatGPT 4.0, Copilot, Gemini Advanced, and Meta AI. The queries encompassed fundamental concepts (e.g., “Why is the fluorescence spectrum typically the mirror image of the absorption spectrum?”), practical matters (e.g., “What is the inner filter effect and how to avoid it?”), philosophical matters (“Please create the most important photochemistry questions.”), and specific molecular features (e.g., “Why are azo dyes non‐fluorescent?”). The chatbots were moderately effective in answering queries concerning fundamental concepts in photochemistry but were glaringly deficient in specialized queries for dyes and fluorophores. In some instances, a correct response was embedded in verbose scientific nonsense whereas in others the entire response, while grammatically correct, was utterly meaningless. The unreliable accuracy makes present chatbots poorly suited for unaided educational purposes and highlights the importance of domain experts.
‘Sneaky’ Persuasion in Public Health Risk Communication
Authors: Brown Rebecca C. H.
Published: November 2024

This paper identifies and critiques a tendency for public health risk communication to be ‘sneakily’ persuasive. First, I describe how trends in the social and health sciences have facilitated an approach to public health risk communication which focuses on achieving behaviour change directly, rather than informing people's decisions about their health behaviour. I then consider existing discussions of the merits of informing versus persuading in public health communication, which largely endorse persuasive approaches. I suggest such accounts are unsatisfying insofar as their definitions of persuasion often fail to recognise its directional nature and the distorting effect this has on the total picture of the evidence. I re‐characterise persuasion as directional influence aimed at achieving a particular outcome in the recipient and acknowledge that persuasive influence may also be manipulative. I then contrast this with (non‐directional) information provision. I suggest that much persuasive public health risk communication is ‘sneaky’: it appears to be informative, but in fact presents a distorted picture of the evidence (in accordance with my characterisation of persuasion). I argue that such sneakily persuasive public health risk communication is unethical on the basis that it fails to adhere to the norms of cooperative communication.
Redesigning mineral regimes to strengthen the environmental rule of law: A case study on lithium in brines
Authors: Bastida Ana Elizabeth
Published: November 2024

This article aims to contribute to aligning the legal regimes for energy transition minerals with sustainability and justice. The focus of the article is on effectively embedding the human right to a healthy environment into the design of these regimes. The article distinguishes between two models of legal design for mineral extraction and argues that the present predominant model must evolve towards one that bridges the normative and enforcement gaps for exercising public authority. Legal regimes need therefore to be reorganised to protect the integrity and resilience of ecosystems while upholding the right to a healthy environment and interdependent human rights. The task of redesigning regimes in ways that are embedded in a thicker environmental rule of law is emerging through litigation and policy reform. The complexity of this task must be recognised and upscaled for transformative change. This article is based on a case study focusing on lithium found in brines (highly saline waters), and in the legal regime and judicial decisions in Argentina and policy initiatives in Chile.
Exile in Barbary: English‐speaking expatriates, biblical theology, and mercantile ethics in the seventeenth‐century Maghreb☆
Authors: Cutter Nat
Published: November 2024

During the seventeenth century, thousands of English‐speaking Protestants went to the Maghreb as captives, diplomats, traders, and travellers. Distant from the guiding and controlling hands of monopoly trading companies and the established churches, and placed under various pressures by non‐Christian neighbours, colleagues, and captors, these Protestants faced the temptation (or opportunity) to compromise or abandon their Christianity and nationality to survive and thrive in their new circumstances. Most English‐speaking residents, whether free expatriates, captives, or converts, felt a tension between attraction to local norms and longing for their lives at home. Using a vast and little‐known collection of merchant correspondence and financial records, this article explores the tension of exile in the professional, material, religious, moral, and ethical lives and views of long‐term free English‐speaking residents (‘expatriates’) in the Maghreb. I argue that the biblical‐theological framework of exile, widespread in contemporary English culture and brought to mind by their circumstances, provided many expatriates with a way of understanding their lives and a set of ethical principles for conducting them appropriately. By considering the ways in which British Protestants made use of this framework, historians can better make sense of their experiences of living in the early modern Islamic world.
Impact of electronic networks on E‐waste trade: Evidence from ASEAN+6 countries
Authors: Lin Chin‐Ho , Chen Yiting , Yang Yiwen
Published: November 2024

The development of electronic networks promotes economic growth and international trade flows. Because of the short life cycle of electrical and electronic equipment, considerable electronic waste (e‐waste) is generated. We identified the determinants of e‐waste trade, focusing on ASEAN+6 countries and their trading partners for the years 2000 to 2018. The empirical results regarding trade value and trade weight revealed that electronic networks significantly promoted the import of e‐waste into ASEAN+6 countries. The results were robust to using different measures of electronic networks and different estimation methods.
Explaining Variation in Decision‐Making Authority for Care Managers in a Decentralised Welfare State
Authors: Wittberg Sara , Kelfve Susanne
Published: November 2024

Local policy documents play a key role in the provision of social services in decentralised welfare systems. Previous Swedish research shows great municipal variation in local policies for delegation, which determines social workers' legal rights to make decisions about the welfare service given to older people. In this paper, we examine the association between local conditions and the variation of restrictiveness in local policies on delegation for elder care services, by combining data on political rule and economic, demographic, and geographic characteristics of all Swedish municipalities (n = 290), with data on delegation policy. Based on logistic regression models, the results indicate that population density, political rule and average income are correlated with the probability of restrictiveness in delegation. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding local conditions while allocating the responsibility for the provision of welfare in decentralised states with varying local prerequisites. They further highlight the need for studies investigating the consequences of varying local political policies on the outcome of the elder care services provided to older adults.
Risk of transfusion‐associated malaria in sub‐Saharan Africa: The case of Mali
Authors: Loua Ouo‐Ouo , Cissoko Yacouba , Chantal Loua Seny , Konaté Issa , Issa Hama Hamidou , Maïga Boubacar , Bouh Aden Ibrahim , Soumaré Mariam , Sogoba Dramane , Magassouba Oumar , Fofana Assétou , Dao Sounkalo
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Malaria is a health threat in sub‐Saharan Africa, where Plasmodium is not tested in blood bags. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of plasmodial carriage in blood bags and the associated factors, and the involvement of these bags in the occurrence of malaria in recipients.

Methods

From 1st April to 30th November, 2020, we conducted a prospective cross‐sectional study of 348 blood bags stored at 4°C in Bamako. Using SPSS 21.0 software, statistical analyses were performed using a binary logistic regression model with a significance threshold of p < 0.05 and the odds ratio (OR) framed by its 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

During this period, 348 blood bags were transfused into 108/152 hospitalised patients, generating a transfusion frequency of 71.1%, with a prevalence of plasmodial carriage of 22%. Among the 54 initially malaria‐negative recipients, all 20 (37%) who received malaria‐positive blood bags and slept under long‐acting insecticide‐treated nets (LLINs) developed malaria. We recorded 33.3% deaths. Donor age ≤ 34 years (p = 0.011; OR = 2.55[CI.95% = 1.25–5.23]), replacement donation (p = 0.000; OR = 0.04[CI.95% = 0.0–0.19]) and not regular use of LLINs by donors (p = 0.048; OR = 0.53[CI.95% = 0.29–1]) were factors associated with plasmodial carriage of blood bags. CD4 count<200 cells/mm3 (p = 0.002; OR = 0.2[CI.95% = 0.10–0.52]), severe anaemia (p = 0.034; OR = 0.26[CI.95% = 0.10–0.90]) and decompensated anaemia (p = 0.034; OR = 3.88[CI.95% = 1.11–13.56]) were factors independently associated with recipient death.

Conclusion

The prevalence of plasmodial carriage among blood donors is increasing in Mali. Transfusion malaria is a reality to be feared, with the risk increasing with the level of malaria endemicity of the blood donor.
Long‐term effects of non‐pharmacological interventions in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee DaeEun , Lee Haejung , Lee Misoon , Park Gaeun
Published: November 2024

Background

Consistent diabetes control is crucial for patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to prevent diabetic complications. Analyzing the long‐term effects of non‐pharmacological interventions can improve diabetes management.

Aim

To examine the long‐term effects of non‐pharmacological interventions in adolescents and young adults with T1D through a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

The searches, without any year limitations, were conducted in seven databases. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction and risk of bias assessments. The meta‐analysis was conducted using the RevMan 5.4 program and R Studio. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024503185).

Results

A total of 40 studies were included in the systematic review, of which 28 were included in the meta‐analysis. Notably, non‐pharmacological interventions were effective in improving glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at 6 months and self‐care at >12 months of follow‐up. Subgroup analyses revealed that combined interventions encompassing self‐care behavior management, education, and psychological interventions could enhance self‐care. Additionally, a combination of face‐to‐face and telephonic communication was effective in improving HbA1c.

Linking Evidence to Action

Non‐pharmacological interventions are effective in improving HbA1c levels and self‐care in adolescents and young adults undergoing long‐term treatment. However, few studies have analyzed their effects on cardiovascular disease risk factors. Future studies should investigate the long‐term effects of non‐pharmacological interventions.
Motor unit adaptation to disuse: crossing the threshold from firing rate suppression to neuromuscular junction transmission
Authors: Piasecki Mathew
Published: November 2024

Neural conditioning to scenarios of muscle disuse is undoubtedly a cause of functional decrements that typically exceed losses of muscle size. Yet establishing the relative contribution of neural adaptation and the specific location in the motor pathway remains technically challenging. Several studies of healthy humans have targeted this system and have established that motor unit firing rate is suppressed following disuse, with a number of critical caveats. It is suppressed in the immobilized limb only, at relative and absolute force levels, and preferentially targets lower‐threshold motor units. Concomitantly, electrophysiological investigation of neuromuscular junction transmission (NMJ) stability of lower‐threshold motor units reveals minimal change following disuse. These findings contrast with numerous other methods, which show clear involvement of the NMJ but are unable to characterize the motor unit to which they belong. It is physiologically plausible that decrements observed following disuse are a result of suppressed firing rate of lower‐threshold motor units and impairment of transmission of the NMJ of higher‐threshold motor units. As such, motor units within the pool should be viewed in light of their varying susceptibility to disuse.

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Full-Field Modal Analysis of a Tensegrity Column Using a Three-Dimensional Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer With a Mirror
Authors: Yuan Ke , Yuan Sichen , Zhu Weidong
Published: November 2024

Tensegrity structures become important components of various engineering structures due to their high stiffness, light weight, and deployable capability. Existing studies on their dynamic analyses mainly focus on responses of their nodal points while overlook deformations of their cable and strut members. This study proposes a non-contact approach for the experimental modal analysis of a tensegrity structure to identify its three-dimensional (3D) natural frequencies and full-field mode shapes, which include modes with deformations of its cable and strut members. A 3D scanning laser Doppler vibrometer is used with a mirror for extending its field of view to measure full-field vibration of a novel three-strut metal tensegrity column with free boundaries. Tensions and axial stiffnesses of its cable members are determined using natural frequencies of their transverse and longitudinal modes, respectively, to build its theoretical model for dynamic analysis and model validation purposes. Modal assurance criterion (MAC) values between experimental and theoretical mode shapes are used to identify their paired modes. Modal parameters of the first 15 elastic modes of the tensegrity column identified from the experiment, including those of the overall structure and its cable members, can be classified into five mode groups depending on their types. Modes paired between experimental and theoretical results have MAC values larger than 78%. Differences between natural frequencies of paired modes of the tensegrity column are less than 15%. The proposed non-contact 3D vibration measurement approach allows accurate estimation of 3D full-field modal parameters of the tensegrity column.
X-DoF: Automatic Degree-of-Freedom Subset Selection for Inverse Blocked Force Characterization
Authors: Bofinger Philipp E. , Boelens Jelle , Klaassen Steven W. B. , de Klerk Dennis
Published: November 2024

Selecting the proper set of degrees-of-freedom (DoFs) is essential in inverse blocked force calculation. Including too many degrees-of-freedom in the computation can lead to overfitting, resulting in inaccurate force estimations and poor prediction quality. The discrepancy arises from errors within the dataset, such as measurement noise or other artifacts. This article presents a solution to the overfitting problem, introducing the X-DoF procedure to automatically identify the relevant subset of blocked force degrees-of-freedom. Its effectiveness is showed through numerical and experimental validation and compared against regularization techniques.
Ambient noise source characterization using spectral, coherence, and directionality estimates at Kongsfjorden
Authors: M. C. Sanjana , G. Latha , A. Thirunavukkarasu
Published: November 2024

Ambient noise measurements from an Arctic fjord during summer and winter are analyzed using spectral, coherence, and directionality estimates from a vertically separated pair of hydrophones. The primary noise sources attributed to wind, shipping, and ice activity are categorized and coherence is arrived at. Estimates of the noise field directionality in the vertical and its variation over time and between seasons are used to strengthen the analysis of the time-varying nature of noise sources. Source identification using such processing techniques serves as a valuable tool in passive acoustic monitoring systems for studying ice dynamics in glacierized fjords.
Spring-Mass Characteristics in Runners Before and After a 56-km Road Ultramarathon
Authors: Burns Geoffrey T. , Tam Nicholas , Langerak Nelleke G. , Zernicke Ronald F. , Lamberts Robert P.
Published: November 2024

Ultramarathons are a unique model to study the effects of systemic fatigue in athletes. This investigation applied the spring-mass template to study runners before and 2 days after a road ultramarathon to characterize the effects of fatigue on systemic gait patterns. Overground kinetics were captured 7 days before and 2 days after the event in 14 runners. Traditional kinetic and spring-mass parameters were calculated, along with nonlinear regression-derived parameters and spring-mass model fit metrics. After the ultramarathon, vertical force magnitudes and loading rates were unchanged, but impact peaks increased (1.88 ± 0.08–1.95 ± 0.10 bodyweight). Ground contact times were modestly shorter (−3 ± 1 ms), resulting in increased leg stiffness (10.0 ± 0.5–10.3 ± 0.5 kN/m) with equivocal vertical stiffnesses. The deviation from the modeled spring-mass kinetics also increased (171.3 ± 15.0–181.4 ± 16.5 N). Overall, the systemic mechanical behaviors of the runners persisted despite the fatigue and stress induced by a road ultramarathon. These findings support previous observations that runners maintain gross mechanical behavior when fatigued with small compensatory changes in spatiotemporal and traditional spring-mass characteristics. However, these findings also suggest that the variability within that gross behavior may increase after stress, suggesting new opportunities for quantifying those deviations.
Foot–Ankle Mechanical Transmission: Age Effects and the Relation to Ankle Push-Off During Walking
Authors: Gray Aubrey J. , Takahashi Kota Z. , Kashefsky Howard E. , Franz Jason R.
Published: November 2024

Older adults walk with less push-off power than younger adults. Principally attributed to plantar flexor dysfunction, growing evidence implicates interactions between the foot and ankle as critical for generating effective push-off. Our purposes were to measure age effects on foot–ankle mechanical transmission (FAMT, ie, the ratio between metatarsal phalangeal extension and medial gastrocnemius fascicle length change), and its association with ankle push-off during walking. We hypothesized that (1) FAMT would be lesser in older adults and (2) lesser FAMT would positively correlate with slower preferred speeds and reduced ankle push-off intensity. Fourteen younger adults (25 [6] y) and 15 older adults (71 [5] y) participated. Older adults had 45% to 48% lesser FAMT than younger adults from 0° to 30° metatarsal phalangeal extension—an age-related difference that was not evident from 30° to 60° metatarsal phalangeal extension. However, we did not find any significant correlations with walking outcomes. Assuming our findings can be replicated in future studies and represent a genuine phenomenon of relevance to the biomechanics of aging gait, we suspect that compensations may be discovered in older adults to explain this lack of significance. Future work should include measures of muscle activities and foot mechanics during walking and/or perform more controlled comparisons at fixed speeds.
Neuroinvasive virus utilizes a lipid droplet surface protein, perilipin2, to restrict apoptosis by decreasing Bcl-2 ubiquitination
Authors: Wang Qianruo , Zhao Jianqing , Zhang Mai , Sun Meixin , Fu Zhen F. , Zhao Ling , Zhou Ming
Published: November 2024

Lipid droplets (LDs) can interact with other organelles to regulate cell death, and it has also been reported to play an important role in virus replication. However, the interplay among LDs, cell death, and viral replication remains unclear. Neuroinvasive viruses, such as Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), rabies virus (RABV), and encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) still threaten global public health and raise intensive concerns. Here, we reveal that neuroinvasive virus infection enhances cellular triglyceride biosynthesis by upregulating the expression of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) to promote LD formation and increase the expression of Perilipin 2 (PLIN2), an LD surface protein, which consequently facilitates neuroinvasive virus replication. Furthermore, PLIN2 could reduce mitochondrial damage and suppress apoptosis by restoring mitochondrial potential and interacting with anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, specifically the 136–209 amino acid region, to interrupt the BAX-Cytc-caspase-3 apoptotic pathway by decreasing the K48-linked ubiquitination of Bcl-2 at the 17th lysine. Together, we elucidate that neuroinvasive virus utilizes an LD surface protein to restrict the apoptosis of infected cells, providing a fresh insight into the pathogenesis and antiviral therapeutics development of neuroinvasive viruses.

IMPORTANCE

The neuroinvasive virus is a kind of pathogen that is capable of infiltrating and infecting the central nervous system to potentially induce severe neurological damage and disorders, which pose a significant threat to public health. Here, we found that neuroinvasive viruses can utilize an LD surface protein PLIN2 to facilitate viral replication. Notably, PLIN2 could reduce mitochondrial damage and suppress apoptosis by restoring mitochondrial potential and interacting with anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, specifically the 136-209 amino acid region, to interrupt the BAX-Cytc-caspase-3 apoptotic pathway by decreasing the K48-linked ubiquitination of Bcl-2 at the 17th lysine. This study reveals a common strategy for neuroinvasive viruses to avoid apoptosis of infected cells by employing LDs, which extends the important role of LDs in viral pathogenesis and may inspire further research in this field.