bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiotherapy plus temozolomide with or without anlotinib in H3K27M‐mutant diffuse midline glioma: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Chao , Kuang Shuwen , Huang Tianxiang , Wu Jun , Zhang Longbo , Gong Xuan
Published: April 2024

Background

Besides the hallmark of H3K27M mutation, aberrant amplifications of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are commonly observed in diffuse midline glioma (DMG), a highly malignant brain tumor with dismal prognosis. Here, we intended to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a multitarget RTK inhibitor anlotinib in patients with H3K27M‐DMG.

Methods

A total of 40 newly diagnosed H3K27M‐DMG patients including 15 with anlotinib and 25 without anlotinib treatment were retrospectively enrolled in this cohort. Progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicities were assessed and compared.

Results

The median PFS and OS of all patients in this cohort were 8.5 months (95% CI, 6.5–11.3) and 15.5 months (95% CI, 12.6–17.1), respectively. According to the Response Assessment in Neuro‐Oncology (RANO) criteria, the disease control rate in the anlotinib group [93.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 70.2–98.8] was significantly higher than those without anlotinib (64%, 95% CI: 40.5–79.8, p = 0.039). The median PFS of patients with and without anlotinib was 11.6 months (95% CI, 7.8–14.3) and 6.4 months (95% CI, 4.3–10.3), respectively. Both the median PFS and OS of DMG patients treated with anlotinib were longer than those without anlotinib in the infratentorial patients (PFS: 10.3 vs. 5.4 months, p = 0.006; OS: 16.6 vs. 8.7 months, p = 0.016). Multivariate analysis also indicated anlotinib (HR: 0.243, 95% CI: 0.066–0.896, p = 0.034) was an independent prognosticator for longer OS in the infratentorial subgroup. In addition, the adverse events of anlotinib administration were tolerable in the whole cohort.

Conclusions

This study first reported that anlotinib combined with Stupp regimen is a safe and feasible regimen for newly diagnosed patients with H3K27M‐DMG. Further, anlotinib showed significant efficacy for H3K27M‐DMG located in the infratentorial region.
Long‐term risk of delayed postoperative Crohn's disease recurrence in patients with no or mild endoscopic recurrence at first assessment
Authors: Mañosa Míriam , Rivière Pauline , de Greef Ine , Oller Blanca , Roig Cristina , Calafat Margalida , Garcia‐Planella Esther , Laharie David , Ferrante Marc , Domènech Eugeni
Published: April 2024

Background

Early endoscopic evaluation is recommended for assessment of postoperative recurrence (POR) of Crohn's disease (CD) but no further monitoring recommendations are available.

Aim

To evaluate the long‐term outcome of patients without endoscopic POR at first endoscopic assessment.

Methods

Retrospective four‐centre study including consecutive CD patients with ileocolonic resection (ICR) without endoscopic POR (Rutgeerts score i0‐i1) at first endoscopic assessment performed within 18 months from ICR. All patients had a clinical follow‐up ≥24 months and at least one further endoscopic assessment. Main outcomes were endoscopic, clinical and surgical POR, need for rescue therapy and “delayed POR” (any need for rescue therapy or clinical or surgical POR) during follow‐up.

Results

Overall, 183 patients were included (79% with risk factors for POR, 44% without postoperative prophylaxis). Endoscopic POR was observed in 42% of patients. Clinical POR‐free survival was 89.4% and 81.5% at 3 and 5 years, and delayed POR‐free survival was 76.9% and 63.4% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. In multivariate analysis, postoperative prophylaxis (HR .55; 95% CI .325–.942) and active smoking (HR 1.72; 95%CI 1.003–2.962) were independent risk factors for clinical POR, whereas presence of mild endoscopic lesions at index ileocolonoscopy (i1) was the only risk factor for delayed POR (HR 1.824; 95% CI 1.108–3.002).

Conclusions

Long‐term risk of POR among patients with no or mild endoscopic lesions at first ileocolonoscopy after surgery is steadily low, being higher among smokers, in the absence of postoperative prophylaxis and when mild endoscopic lesions are observed in the first endoscopic assessment.
Termite females prefer hybrid mating to parthenogenesis when conspecific males are absent
Authors: Wu Jia , Wang Jinpei , Yue Zhiyong , Jiang Qi , Guo Rui , Jia Bao
Published: April 2024

Parthenogenesis and interspecific mating are alternative reproductive strategies that species have evolved alternative strategies when the opportunity of sexual reproduction is hindered by the natural environment. However, it is still unclear how to make a choice between parthenogenesis and interspecific mating when females are unable to reproduce sexually with males of the same species.

This study mainly investigated the reproductive behaviour of female termites in the absence of male termites of the same species. Here, reproductive behaviours of females Reticulitermes aculabialis (Ra♀) were observed when they encountered a male R. flaviceps (Rf♂) with the absence of male R. aculabialis(Ra♂).

The results showed that Ra♀‐Rf♂ tandems were more prevalent and stable compared to Ra♀‐Ra♀ tandems. When a tandem inadvertently broke apart, the female R. aculabialis displayed longer pauses while waiting for male R. flaviceps, but shorter pauses when another female R. aculabialis was involved. Furthermore, there were mating behaviour between female R. aculabialis and males R. flaviceps, resulting in offspring produced in paired Ra♀‐Rf♂ colonies were hybridization between female R. aculabialis and male R. flaviceps.

These results suggest that interspecific mating and recombination is an important aspect for the choice of reproduction strategy, which will provide new insights into the trade‐off between gene contribution rate and genetic diversity.
Developmental plasticity of melanisation in a beetle reveals sex‐specific responses and performance costs
Authors: Kutama Dianah M. , Minnaar Ingrid A. , Starostová Zuzana , Clusella‐Trullas Susana
Published: April 2024

Dark pigmentation of adults resulting from cold exposure during development is ubiquitous among insects. Yet the costs associated with the developmental plasticity of melanisation have been explored only for a handful of species.

We explored two hypotheses relating to colour plasticity of insects. First, if melanin pigments are costly to synthesise and require allocation of resources, increased melanisation should be negatively associated with performance traits (the cost hypothesis). Second, given the positive association between melanisation and immune responses or desiccation resistance in some species, melanisation and performance may co‐vary positively (the positive covariance hypothesis). Furthermore, given the typical differences in reproductive effort and activity between females and males, we expect these performance–melanisation relationships to differ between sexes.

We assessed whether temperature‐induced melanisation of the globally invasive beetle Harmonia axyridis f. succinea (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was related to standard metabolic rate and flight performance while accounting for developmental temperature and family affiliation.

Melanisation explained little variation in standard metabolic rate at most temperatures tested (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C). For flight performance and after the cold‐rearing regime, lighter coloured female beetles had increased flight speed compared with darker females, whereas the opposite was found in males. In addition, in warm‐reared beetles, darker individuals had lower mean flight speeds.

The results suggest that at least some flight performance costs are associated with developmentally induced melanisation, supporting the cost hypothesis. Disparities in these relationships between males and females suggest that the drivers underlying variation in melanisation differ between sexes. Importantly, variation in melanisation was more acute for females reared in the warm regime compared with equally treated males and to cold‐reared individuals. We propose new directions to test hypotheses pertaining to the maintenance of colour variation and performance between sexes in nature.
Field effects and work‐based learning: The case of school–work alternance in Italy
Authors: Pinna Gabriele , Pitzalis Marco
Published: April 2024

This essay analyses the implementation of a work‐based learning policy in upper secondary schools in Italy. The policy aims to improve student orientation and enhance their soft skills. Based on two ethnographic research studies in Italy, this essay utilises Pierre Bourdieu's theoretical framework, particularly the ‘field’ concept, to examine how this policy has been implemented in different tracks of the Italian school system in a peripheral region. The policy has challenged the autonomy of the scholastic field, primarily advocated by teachers and students in the dominant pole, represented by the classical and scientific lyceums. The policy has been translated into a series of projects in museums, libraries and third‐sector associations in this field segment. These initiatives reinforce students' citizenship values while highlighting their detachment from manual work. In the dominated pole of the field, represented by vocational schools primarily located in the suburbs of large cities and rural areas, the policy has been well received as it aligns with the expectations of teachers and students. However, due to the prevalence of small family companies, planning truly formative work‐based learning experiences becomes challenging. Consequently, this leads to an early, albeit tense, socialisation of students within the hierarchical order of small companies.
Coma in adult cerebral venous thrombosis: The BEAST study
Authors: Ranjan Redoy , Ken‐Dror Gie , Martinelli Ida , Grandone Elvira , Hiltunen Sini , Lindgren Erik , Margaglione Maurizio , Duchez Veronique Le Cam , Triquenot Bagan Aude , Zedde Marialuisa , Giannini Nicola , Ruigrok Ynte M. , Worrall Bradford B. , Majersik Jennifer J. , Putaala Jukka , Haapaniemi Elena , Zuurbier Susanna M. , Brouwer Matthijs C. , Passamonti Serena M. , Abbattista Maria , Bucciarelli Paolo , Lemmens Robin , Pappalardo Emanuela , Costa Paolo , Colombi Marina , Aguiar de Sousa Diana , Rodrigues Sofia , Canhão Patrícia , Tkach Aleksander , Santacroce Rosa , Favuzzi Giovanni , Arauz Antonio , Colaizzo Donatella , Spengos Kostas , Hodge Amanda , Ditta Reina , Pezzini Alessandro , Coutinho Jonathan M. , Thijs Vincent , Jood Katarina , Tatlisumak Turgut , Ferro José M. , Sharma Pankaj
Published: April 2024

Background and purpose

Coma is an independent predictor of poor clinical outcomes in cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). We aimed to describe the association of age, sex, and radiological characteristics of adult coma patients with CVT.

Methods

We used data from the international, multicentre prospective observational BEAST (Biorepository to Establish the Aetiology of Sinovenous Thrombosis) study. Only positively associated variables with coma with <10% missing data in univariate analysis were considered for the multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

Of the 596 adult patients with CVT (75.7% women), 53 (8.9%) patients suffered coma. Despite being a female‐predominant disease, the prevalence of coma was higher among men than women (13.1% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.04). Transverse sinus thrombosis was least likely to be associated with coma (23.9% vs. 73.3%, p < 0.001). The prevalence of superior sagittal sinus thrombosis was higher among men than women in the coma sample (73.6% vs. 37.5%, p = 0.01). Men were significantly older than women, with a median (interquartile range) age of 51 (38.5–60) versus 40 (33–47) years in the coma (p = 0.04) and 44.5 (34–58) versus 37 (29–48) years in the non‐coma sample (p < 0.001), respectively. Furthermore, an age‐ and superior sagittal sinus‐adjusted multivariate logistic regression model found male sex (odds ratio = 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0–3.4, p = 0.04) to be an independent predictor of coma in CVT, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.61 (95% CI = 0.52–0.68, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Although CVT is a female‐predominant disease, men were older and nearly twice as likely to suffer from coma than women.
Variation in genomic vulnerability to climate change across temperate populations of eelgrass (Zostera marina)
Authors: Jeffery Nicholas W. , Vercaemer Benedikte , Stanley Ryan R. E. , Kess Tony , Dufresne France , Noisette Fanny , O'Connor Mary I. , Wong Melisa C.
Published: April 2024

A global decline in seagrass populations has led to renewed calls for their conservation as important providers of biogenic and foraging habitat, shoreline stabilization and carbon storage. Eelgrass (Zostera marina) occupies the largest geographic range among seagrass species spanning a commensurately broad spectrum of environmental conditions. In Canada, eelgrass is managed as a single phylogroup despite occurring across three oceans and a range of ocean temperatures and salinity gradients. Previous research has focused on applying relatively few markers to reveal population structure of eelgrass, whereas a whole‐genome approach is warranted to investigate cryptic structure among populations inhabiting different ocean basins and localized environmental conditions. We used a pooled whole‐genome re‐sequencing approach to characterize population structure, gene flow and environmental associations of 23 eelgrass populations ranging from the Northeast United States to Atlantic, subarctic and Pacific Canada. We identified over 500,000 SNPs, which when mapped to a chromosome‐level genome assembly revealed six broad clades of eelgrass across the study area, with pairwise FST ranging from 0 among neighbouring populations to 0.54 between Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Genetic diversity was highest in the Pacific and lowest in the subarctic, consistent with colonization of the Arctic and Atlantic oceans from the Pacific less than 300 kya. Using redundancy analyses and two climate change projection scenarios, we found that subarctic populations are predicted to be potentially more vulnerable to climate change through genomic offset predictions. Conservation planning in Canada should thus ensure that representative populations from each identified clade are included within a national network so that latent genetic diversity is protected, and gene flow is maintained. Northern populations, in particular, may require additional mitigation measures given their potential susceptibility to a rapidly changing climate.
New directions for Indigenous and local knowledge research and application in fisheries science: Lessons from a systematic review
Authors: Jones Benjamin L. H. , Santos Rolando O. , James W. Ryan , Costa Sophia V. , Adams Aaron J. , Boucek Ross E. , Coals Lucy , Cullen‐Unsworth Leanne C. , Shephard Samuel , Rehage Jennifer S.
Published: April 2024

Social‐ecological systems like fisheries provide food, livelihoods and recreation. However, lack of data and its integration into governance hinders their conservation and management. Stakeholders possess site‐specific knowledge crucial for confronting these challenges. There is increasing recognition that Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) is valuable, but structural differences between ILK and quantitative archetypes have stalled the assimilation of ILK into fisheries management, despite acknowledged bias and uncertainty in scientific methods. Conducting a systematic review of fisheries‐associated ILK research (n = 397 articles), we examined how ILK is accessed, applied, distributed across space and species, and has evolved. We show that ILK has generated qualitative, semi‐quantitative and quantitative information for diverse taxa across 98 countries. Fisheries‐associated ILK research mostly targets small‐scale and artisanal fishers (70% of studies) and typically uses semi‐structured interviews (60%). We revealed large variability in sample size (n = 4–7638), predicted by the approach employed and the data generated (i.e. qualitative studies target smaller groups). Using thematic categorisation, we show that scientists are still exploring techniques, or ‘validating’ ILK through comparisons with quantitative scientific data (20%), and recording qualitative information of what fishers understand (40%). A few researchers are applying quantitative social science methods to derive trends in abundance, catch and effort. Such approaches facilitate recognition of local insight in fisheries management but fall short of accepting ILK as a valid complementary way of knowing about fisheries systems. This synthesis reveals that development and increased opportunities are needed to bridge ILK and quantitative scientific data.
Queerness, Affekte und Eigensinn in Grimmelshausens Courasche (1670)
Authors: Daldrup Alrik
Published: April 2024

Ausgehend von der Überlegung, dass Grimmelshausens Courasche (1670) trotz einer konservativen Botschaft ein epistemisch subversives Sujet bietet, analysiert der Beitrag den Roman mithilfe von Sara Ahmeds queerer Affekttheorie. Grimmelshausens Protagonistin geht einen bösen Weg, der sie weit von den vorgeschriebenen Pfaden der christlichen Weltordnung abbringt, ihr jedoch auch eine kreative Politik der Verweigerung ermöglicht, etwas anderes sehen, spüren und erschaffen zu können. Courasche kann ihre hässlichen Gefühle nicht beherrschen, was dazu führt, dass sie die Räume, Objekte und Sprechweisen der Weltordnung auf eine queere Weise nutzt. Ebenso queer ist die Slapstick‐Ästhetik des Romans, die in Momenten affektiver Entgleisung zum Tragen kommt. Courasche zensiert sich nicht selbst, um der Dominanzgesellschaft anzugehören, worauf diese mit disziplinierender Gewalt reagiert, damit Anständigkeit wiederhergestellt ist. Doch Courasche leistet Widerstand gegen die voyeuristischen Blicke der anderen. Sie bewahrt sich Eigensinn, indem sie Bedeutungen produziert, deren Zeit noch nicht gekommen ist und die die Christenmenschen nicht verstehen.
Effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on hand grip strength, walking speed, and expression of vitamin D receptor, interleukin‐6, and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 in monocyte in pre‐frail older adults: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Dwimartutie Noto , Setiati Siti , Tamin Tirza Z. , Prijanti Ani Retno , Harahap Alida R. , Purnamasari Dyah , Harimurti Kuntjoro , Pramantara I Dewa Putu , Suwarto Suhendro , Kojima Taro
Published: April 2024

Aim

To investigate the effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on hand grip strength, walking speed, and expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR), interleukine‐6 (IL‐6) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) in monocyte in pre‐frail older adults.

Methods

We conducted a randomized double‐blinded placebo‐controlled clinical trial for 12 weeks, involving 120 pre‐frail older adults who were randomized to the cholecalciferol group (cholecalciferol 4000 IU/day) or the placebo group. All subjects were given calcium lactate 500 mg/day. Hand grip strength and walking speed, as primary outcomes, were analyzed using intention‐to‐treat analysis. The expression of VDR, IGF‐1 and IL‐6 in monocytes, as secondary outcomes, were analyzed using per‐protocol analysis.

Results

After a 12‐week intervention, there was a significant increase in serum 25(OH)D levels in both groups, with the increase being higher in the cholecalciferol group than in the placebo group (49.05 vs. 24.01 ng/mL; P < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in hand grip strength (P = 0.228) and walking speed (P = 0.734) between the groups. There were no differences in the expression of VDR (P = 0.513), IL‐6 (P = 0.509), and IGF‐1 (P = 0.503) monocytes between the groups.

Conclusions

Cholecalciferol supplementation for 12 weeks increased serum 25(OH)D levels among pre‐frail older adults. However, it did not improve hand grip strength and walking speed, and nor did it change the expression of VDR, IL‐6, and IGF‐1 in monocytes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 554–562.
Evaluation of quality of life scores and family impact scales in pediatric patients with alopecia areata: a cross‐sectional cohort study
Authors: Yücesoy Sera Nur , Uzunçakmak Tuğba Kevser , Selçukoğlu Özge , Aşkın Özge , Ak Tumay , Özdil Eser Ayşenur , Turan Şenol , Serdaroğlu Server
Published: April 2024

Background

There are a limited number of studies evaluating the effects of alopecia areata (AA) on the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of pediatric patients and their families. This study aimed to assess the HRQoL of pediatric patients with AA and their parents.

Materials and methods

This single‐center cross‐sectional cohort study included 72 pediatric patients diagnosed with AA. The study was conducted between December 2020 and December 2021 in the dermatology department of a single tertiary center in Turkey. The HRQoL index of the pediatric patients was assessed with the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). At the same time, their parents, who were primarily involved in the disease process, were evaluated using the Dermatological Family Impact Scale (DeFIS). An ordinal logistic regression model was used to detect predictors for CDLQI severity.

Results

The mean ± SD CDLQI of the pediatric patients who participated in our study was 8.4 ± 5.3, corresponding to moderate impairment. The highest impairment in CDLQI was observed in the symptoms and feelings domain, while the slightest impairment was observed in the domain of personal relationships (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score and all CDLQI domains, and the most substantial relationship was with the leisure domain (r = 0.78, P < 0.001). DeFIS scores of female patients were substantially higher than males (25.3 ± 8.6 vs. 17.6 ± 9, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study supports that AA is a disease that significantly impacts the HRQoL of affected children and their families.
Risk of cardiovascular disorders in hidradenitis suppurativa patients: a large‐scale, propensity‐matched global retrospective cohort study
Authors: Krajewski Piotr K , Matusiak Łukasz , Ständer Sascha , Thaçi Diamant , Szepietowski Jacek C , Zirpel Henner
Published: April 2024

Background

Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) often suffer from comorbid diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and hyperlipidemia and, therefore, are susceptible to the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Moreover, systemic inflammation plays a vital role in the development of atherosclerosis. The creation of atherosclerotic plaque is characterized by endothelial dysfunction driven by elevated concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐6, and IL‐18 among others, as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha.

Methods

This study aimed to assess the risk of HS patients developing CVDs. We performed a large‐scale, propensity‐matched global retrospective cohort study analyzing the risk of development of CVDs in patients suffering from HS. The analysis included 144,100 HS patients with 144,100 healthy controls (HC). The cohorts were matched regarding demographics and history of diseases relevant to CVDs, e.g., diabetes, obesity, and nicotine dependence. A total of 90 cardiovascular disorders were identified. The identification of cardiovascular disorders was based on ≥1% appearance of the event, based on absolute numbers, in both cohorts.

Results

Before the matching, HS patients displayed a higher frequency in excess weight or obesity (25 vs. 14.4%, respectively), nicotine dependence, and diabetes mellitus, but lower odds of primary hypertension in comparison to healthy controls. A total of 47 CVDs are associated with an increased risk of onset in HS patients. Although the highest hazard ratio (HR; 2.1; 95% CI: 1.95–2.269) was found for unspecified heart failure, the HS cohort was exceptionally predisposed to developing myocardial infarction (HR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.88–2.27) and an acute embolism and deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity (HR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.74–2.14).

Conclusions

This is the most extensive study on the association of HS with CVDs. We demonstrated that HS patients are at significantly greater risk of developing various CVDs compared to matched controls, with heart failure being the most common one.
Porphyria cutanea tarda in Scotland: underlying associations and treatment approaches
Authors: Chaiyabutr Chayada , Dawe Robert , Ibbotson Sally H. , Clarke Tara , McGuire Victoria A.
Published: April 2024

Background

Despite its rarity, porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is globally recognized as the most common form of cutaneous porphyria. This study aims to review the underlying associations and treatment of PCT in Scotland.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data on 27 patients diagnosed with PCT between 1987 and 2022 at the Scottish Cutaneous Porphyria Service.

Results

Males slightly predominated (66.7%). The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age at diagnosis was 55.6 ± 12.5 years. Common associated factors were heavy alcohol intake (88.5%), genetic hemochromatosis (72%), smoking (45.5%), and hepatitis C virus infection (16%). Most had multiple associated factors (70.4%). Patients with genetic hemochromatosis with the C282Y genotype exhibited higher median transferrin saturation (69.5 vs. 35, P = 0.004) and ferritin levels (observed in males only) (1175 vs. 339; P = 0.014) than those with the H636D genotype. Most (52%) received combination therapy of venesection and antimalarials, followed by venesection monotherapy (32%) and antimalarial monotherapy (16%). Overall, 95.2% achieved biochemical improvement. Median time to improvement was 7, 5, and 9 months with venesection, antimalarial, and combined treatments, respectively (P = 0.173). Biochemical remission was achieved in 50% of patients. Remission occurred in 2/4 of patients with antimalarial monotherapy (median time 19 months) and 9/13 patients with combined treatment (median time 26 months). Biochemical relapse was found in three patients, all of whom received combination therapy.

Conclusion

Excess alcohol intake and genetic hemochromatosis were the most common underlying associations with PCT in our Scottish cohort. Treatment for PCT should be individualized, and long‐term follow‐up is needed to monitor for disease relapse.
Phytochemical diversity of Alpinia mutica Roxb. leaves extracts and their bioactivity correlations elucidated by nmr‐based metabolomics
Authors: Noorhadi Najihah Hassan , Sofian‐Seng Noor‐Soffalina , Teh Arnida Hani , Afzan Adlin , Misnan Norazlan Mohmad , Mediani Ahmed , Rahman Hafeedza Abdul
Published: April 2024

Alpinia mutica Roxb. possesses diverse phytochemicals with potential as treatment modalities in managing diabetes and obesity. Employing a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)‐based metabolomics, we conducted discriminative analysis to investigate the metabolite profiles across different extraction solvents (ethanol:water −100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80 and 0:100) and correlated these profiles with bioactivities. Metabolites were identified using NMR supplemented with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis. The 40:60 extract showed high phenolic content, strong ferric ion reduction capability and low IC50 value in scavenging free radicals, pancreatic lipase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory assays. Partial Least Square (PLS) biplot indicated that isorhamnetin, catechin, zerumin B, curcumanggoside, curcuzederone, demethoxycurcumin, ascorbic acid, apigenin, and phenylalanine in the 40:60 extract exhibited good correlations with the measured bioactivities. Additionally, LC–MS/MS tentatively identified proanthocyanidins and multiple flavonoid glucuronides in this extract. This study provides preliminary insight into its chemistry and highlight the potential of A. mutica extract as natural antioxidant and antiobesity agent.
Effects of dietary fibres, polyphenols and proteins on the estimated glycaemic index, physicochemical, textural and microstructural properties of steamed bread
Authors: Liu Sijing , Sun Hongnan , Ma Mengmei , Mu Taihua
Published: April 2024

The effects of dietary fibres, polyphenols, proteins and their combination on the estimated glycaemic index (eGI) of steamed bread, as well as the specific volume, height‐to‐diameter ratio, textural and microstructural properties thereof were studied. The results showed that supplementation of 7% soybean dietary fibre, 10% gallic acid combined with 25% soybean protein isolate significantly reduced the starch digestibility of wheat steamed bread, as evidenced by the significant decrease of eGI value from 88.16 to 49.16, which was classified as low GI steamed bread. While, the addition of soybean dietary fibre, gallic acid and soybean protein isolate together negatively affected the fermentation properties of dough, resulting in lower specific volume, chewiness, springiness and higher hardness of steamed bread compared to wheat bread without any addition. The above results in this study might provide theoretical guidance for the development of healthier and blood glucose‐friendly steamed bread in the staple food industry.
Performance of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) testing by hemostasis laboratories: The Australasian/Asia‐Pacific experience
Authors: Favaloro Emmanuel J. , Arunachalam Sandya , Dean Elysse
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) reflect anticoagulation agents given to treat or prevent thrombosis, having largely replaced vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) such as warfarin. DOACs are given in fixed daily doses and generally do not need monitoring. However, there may be a variety of reasons that justify measurement of plasma DOAC levels in individual patients.

Methods

We report updated findings for DOAC testing in our geographic region, using recent data from the RCPAQAP, an international external quality assessment (EQA) program, currently with some 40–60 participants in each of the different DOAC (rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran) modules, to assess laboratory performance in this area. Data has been assessed for the past 5 years (2019–2023 inclusive), with 20 samples each per DOAC.

Results

Data shows a limited repertoire of assays in use, and mostly consistency in reported numerical values when assessing proficiency samples. Available assays mostly comprised reagents from four manufacturing suppliers. There was good consistency across what participants identified as ‘DOAC detected’, but some variability when participants attempted to grade DOAC levels as low vs moderate vs high. Inter‐laboratory/method coefficient of variation (CVs) were generally <15% for each DOAC, when present at >100 ng/mL.

Conclusion

We hope our findings, reflecting on mostly consistent reporting of DOAC levels and interpretation provides reassurance for clinicians requesting these measurements, and helps support their implementation in regions where there is a paucity of test availability.
Immune reconstitution in children after haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Apasuthirat Saranthorn , Apiwattanakul Nopporn , Anurathapan Usanarat , Thokanit Nintita Sripaiboonkij , Paisooksantivatana Karan , Pasomsub Ekawat , Hongeng Suradej , Pakakasama Samart
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Immune reconstitution (IR) kinetics of paediatric patients underwent haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with post‐transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) have not been extensively studied. We compared IR patterns of children receiving HSCT from haploidentical (n = 92) and HLA‐matched donors (n = 36), and analysed risk factors for viral infection in these patients.

Methods

We prospectively measured lymphocyte subset numbers before HSCT and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after HSCT. Blood cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein–Barr virus, adenovirus, BK virus (BKV) and urine adenovirus and BKV viral loads were measured at designated time points.

Results

The median numbers of total T and T helper cells at 1 month were significantly lower in the haploidentical group compared with the HLA‐matched group. Haploidentical HSCT recipients had significantly lower median numbers of several T cell subsets and B cells for 1 year after HSCT. The median NK cell count of the haploidentical group was lower at 1 month. BKV haemorrhagic cystitis, blood CMV and urine adenovirus reactivation were more frequently found in the haploidentical group. Post‐haploidentical HSCT patients receiving anti‐T lymphocyte globulin (ATG) had significantly lower median numbers of total T cells (at 1 month) and T helper cells (at 6 and 12 months) and higher rate of blood BKV reactivation compared with those without ATG.

Conclusion

Paediatric patients who undergo haploidentical HSCT with PTCy are likely to have delayed IR and an increased risk of viral reactivation/infection compared with HLA‐matched HSCT. The addition of ATG to PTCy delayed T cell recovery and increased risk of BKV reactivation.
Income and balance sheet diversification effects on banks' cost and profit efficiency: Evidence from the United States
Authors: Abbas Faisal , Rubbaniy Ghulame , Ali Shoaib , Khan Walayet A.
Published: April 2024

Using two‐step system generalized method of moments approach, we provide empirical evidence on the impact of income, asset, and funding diversification on the cost and profit efficiency of US commercial banks from 2002 to 2019. Furthermore, we use two‐stage least squares to examine the interdependence between cost efficiency and profit efficiency. Our results show that funding and income (assets) diversification has a positive (detrimental) effect on the cost efficiency of banks, whereas funding (income and assets) diversification has a significantly negative (positive) effect on profit efficiency. Our findings reveal that during the global financial crisis, asset diversification is not beneficial for banks, whereas funding ‎diversification has a positive effect on cost and profit efficiency.‎ Our results confirm bidirectional causality between cost and profit efficiency in US commercial banks. Our mixed results on the influence of income, asset, and funding diversification on the cost and profit efficiency of banks with varying characteristics have useful implications for policymakers and regulators‎.
Unveiling employee motivating factors during economic crisis periods: A structural approach
Authors: Chatzoglou Prodromos D. , Diamantidis Anastasios D. , Karras Anastasios
Published: April 2024

Despite the unfavourable labour market and work environment conditions that have emerged in the last decade, this study identifies the factors that positively influence employee motivation. The study was conducted in Greece's banking sector, which was at the epicentre of the economic crisis. A new research model is proposed exploring the relationships between employee motivating factors, employee performance and organizational effectiveness. This model is empirically tested using structural equation modelling on data from 328 bank employees. The results are controversial, showing that non‐financial incentives motivate Greek bank employees most, emphasizing their need to stay in their jobs. Highly motivated workers may boost corporate effectiveness by improving employee performance. Even though this study found that non‐financial incentives motivate employees most, management should not overlook financial and job‐related reward programmes. Managers must provide financial compensation, job security, and supportive leadership to reduce employee dissatisfaction and keep employees motivated. Managers should view recognition as an essential component of motivation because it contributes to the creation of an environment that is both productive and efficient for the organization. The conclusions drawn from studying Greece's 10‐year‐long economic crisis are significant because many other countries around the world are experiencing (or may experience) a similar crisis.
Philanthropic Giving and Volunteering Among Religious Disaffiliates
Authors: Taggart Gabel , Jensen Jeffrey
Published: April 2024

Increasing numbers of religious disaffiliates in the United States is a notable demographic shift with deep implications for the money donated in the philanthropic sector. We seek to understand this change in more detail by analyzing philanthropic giving and volunteering patterns among religious disaffiliates using data from the General Social Survey. This article identifies that people who were religious at age 16 but leave later in life gave less to charitable causes, gave less often, and were less likely to have volunteered recently than their consistently religious counterparts. This article initiates the study of philanthropy specifically among religious disaffiliates, and so we conclude by discussing areas for further research that could further address fundamental questions about religious disaffiliates and their philanthropic behavior. By examining religious disaffiliates, this article adds nuance to more common comparisons of giving and volunteering across religious and nonreligious people. With changing religiosity in the United States, understanding these philanthropic changes is important for the future of both secular and religious nonprofits that rely on these donations for funding.
Here comes the sun: Thermoregulatory behavior in ectotherms illuminated by light‐level geolocators
Authors: Otten J. G. , Clifton I. T. , Becker D. F. , Refsnider J. M.
Published: April 2024

Daily activity patterns of free‐ranging wildlife affect a wide range of ecological and physiological processes and, in turn are affected by anthropogenic disturbances to the environment. However, obtaining a continuous record of activity without disturbing wild animals is logistically challenging. We used commercially available, multi‐purpose light‐level geolocator dataloggers to continuously record light environment and time spent out of water during 5‐months (1 May to 9 September 2021) in an ectothermic freshwater turtle species, the northern map turtle (Graptemys geographica). We used these data to compare time of year and sex differences in thermoregulatory behavior in an ectothermic species in its natural habitat. We recorded >500 000 data points from 17 individual turtles (nine males and eight females). We found no differences in the mean light levels, or proportion of time spent out of the water, between males and females. However, there was a significant effect of both time of year and sex by time of year interaction in both light level, proportion of time spent dry, and number of state changes (i.e., shuttling behavior, wet to dry or dry to wet), suggesting that turtles alter their aerial basking behavior over the course of the season and that the changes in patterns of aerial basking behavior differ between the sexes throughout the year. In general, the proportion of time spent dry decreased over the active season, with an increase during the last week of June and the first week of July, while the number of state changes increased in females during late May/early June before decreasing, while males remained relatively constant. These changes may reflect the different energetic demands associated with reproduction between the two sexes. The overall downward trend in aerial basking likely reflects the role of increasing environmental temperatures, particularly water temperature, in the maintenance of body temperature in this largely aquatic species.
Physiological adaptations to semi‐aquatic habits: the thermogenic macronutrient intake of the Eurasian otter
Authors: Baggio Lara , Mosconi Giacomo , Tremolada Paolo , Nessi Alessandro , Balestrieri Alessandro
Published: April 2024

Maintaining thermal homeostasis in water is a major challenge for semi‐aquatic mammals, which entails morphological, behavioural and physiological adaptations. Foraging strategies and dietary‐induced thermogenesis (DIT) contribute to regulating body temperature in cold environments. As DIT differs among macronutrients, semi‐aquatic mammals may be expected to regulate their macronutrient ratios to enhance their capability of thermoregulating.

We estimated the nutritional intake target of a widespread semi‐aquatic mustelid, Eurasian otter Lutra lutra by reviewing the available literature on otters' diet throughout Europe and assessing the nutritional composition of non‐commercial fish species forming the bulk of otter diet through laboratory analyses.

The macronutrient intake target for the otter was assessed as 61% protein and 39% lipid energy ratios. The mean percent protein energy was higher than that reported for typical hypercarnivores and tended to increase with decreasing water temperatures.

The additional source of heat provided by the thermogenic effect induced by protein digestion may contribute to balance heat loss, compensating for the costs associated with protein overconsumption.

If, as suggested by fossil records, semi‐aquatic habits appeared after the development of otter's ‘fish specialist’ dentition, the thermogenic effect of its fish‐based diet may have promoted the tight relationship occurring between otters and water habitats.
Understanding the factors supporting language teachers’ sustained motivation until retirement
Authors: Haukås Åsta
Published: April 2024

While many language teachers leave the profession early, others thrive and teach until retirement. Understanding how these teachers maintain their passion can help identify the support needed for their personal and professional growth. However, research on the factors behind their sustained happiness in the teaching profession is limited. The main objective of this qualitative study was to explore the beliefs and career stories of three recently retired German language teachers in Norway, recognized for their long‐term motivation and effective teaching over several decades. Data were generated from in‐depth semistructured interviews and analyzed through the lens of self‐determination theory. The analysis revealed that the teachers shared several key characteristics. First, they enjoyed a high degree of autonomy related to the choice of subject content and teaching approaches. Second, they perceived themselves as highly competent in the subject and expressed a passion for it. Third, they cherished being with students and managed to establish good relationships with them. The findings suggest that teachers should be aware of their basic psychological needs and reflect on how they can be fulfilled. Furthermore, school administrators should foster trust in teachers as autonomous professionals and actively support their competency development and relationships with students and colleagues.
The growth effect of crude oil revenue and capital investment: The Nigerian perspective
Authors: Salaudeen Mohammed Bashir , Emmanuel Precious Muhammed
Published: April 2024

This study assesses how oil revenue and capital investment affected Nigeria's economic growth from 1981 to 2020. The study uses the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and Toda–Yamamoto causality models for analysis. More so, we considered the possibility of structural break and thus utilised the Lee–Strazicich LM unit root test. The structural break unit roots confirm the stationarity of the variables with identified breakpoints. Therefore, the ARDL result reveals that crude oil revenue enhances short‐ and long‐term economic growth; the short‐term effect is insignificant, but it is very substantial in the long term. Again, capital investment positively but insignificantly drives short‐period economic growth. However, capital investment substantially promotes long‐term economic growth. The causality evidence indicates that crude oil revenue causes capital investment and economic growth. Also, capital investment and economic growth exhibit bidirectional causality. The evidence suggests improving oil revenue by increasing crude oil exports and ensuring pipeline security to reduce oil theft. The government should channel crude oil earnings toward capital investment to promote real economic productivity.
Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) improvement: Challenges and prospects—A review
Authors: Gebreyohannes Adane , Shimelis Hussein , Mashilo Jacob , Odeny Damaris A. , Tadesse Taye , Ojiewo Chris O.
Published: April 2024

Finger millet is a climate‐resilient and highly nutritious small grain crop widely grown in the semi‐arid tropics. It has multiple uses, including for food, feed and beverage preparations. However, finger millet is an under‐utilized and under‐researched crop with a mean yield of <1.0 t/ha despite a potential productivity of up to 8 t/ha. The yield gap is attributed to several production constraints, such as biotic and abiotic stresses, a lack of access to improved seeds and production inputs and poor agronomic management practices. There are valuable genetic resources and genetic variability of finger millet in its centres of diversity and global gene banks for variety design, product development and commercialization. The genetic variability can be harnessed further to integrate essential traits into candidate varieties through conventional and modern breeding methods. Breeding and genetic innovations such as genomics‐assisted breeding, mutation breeding and genome editing would accelerate finger millet breeding and new variety design and deployment. The objective of this review was to document the opportunities, challenges and prospects of finger millet improvement as a guide for variety development and deployment with enhanced grain yield and nutritional contents. The first section describes global production status and yield gains, major production and productivity challenges in finger millet. This is followed by an in‐depth presentation on breeding and genetic progress on variety development with improved agronomic and nutritional quality traits, drought and salinity tolerance, and fungal diseases, weeds and insect pest resistance. Further, the review summarized finger millet's genetic and genomic resources, reference genomes, whole genome re‐sequencing and transcriptomics of finger millet technologies, genetic engineering and genome editing and their integration with conventional breeding methods for variety design with desired end‐use traits. The review provides foundational information to expedite the development of new‐generation finger millet cultivars with desirable product profiles, including high grain yield potential, early maturity, desirable seed colour, compact head type, food and feed nutrients quality and high marketability through modern breeding approaches.
Characterization of Colletotrichum species obtained from citrus in northern Thailand and introducing a new host record for C. plurivorum
Authors: Najafiniya Mousa , de Farias Antonio Roberto Gomes , Armand Alireza , Jungkhun Nootjarin , Jayawardena Ruvishika
Published: April 2024

Citrus trees are affected by many plant‐pathogenic fungi. The present study aimed to characterize Colletotrichum species on citrus showing anthracnose symptoms, leaf and fruit spot and wither tip in northern Thailand using multilocus data and assay their pathogenicity. The surveys were carried out from December 2021 to January 2022 and 73 isolates were obtained from infected tissues. The fungal strains were identified based on morphological traits and were confirmed via amplification and sequencing of ITS, ACT, CHS‐1, GAPDH and TUB2. In all, 41 isolates were subjected to multilocus phylogeny. Forty of these isolates of Colletotrichum species belonged to the C. gloeosporioides species complex and one isolate belonged to the C. orchidearum species complex. Colletotrichum siamense, comprising 19 isolates, was the most dominant species associated with symptomatic citrus, followed by C. gloeosporioides (17 isolates), C. fructicola (three isolates), C. endophytica (one isolate) and C. plurivorum (one isolate). C. plurivorum is reported for the first time from citrus in the world. These isolates were obtained from mandarin (Citrus reticulata), pomelo (C. maxima), Persian lime (C. latifolia), Thai lime (C. hystrix) and acid lime (C. aurantifolia). The pathogenicity of the isolated fungi was tested through inoculation on branch, fruit and leaf using the detached method on mandarin, pomelo and Persian lime hosts, confirming Koch's postulate. In terms of disease severity, C. gloeosporioides and C. siamense were observed to be the most pathogenic species. This is the first pathogenic and molecular study of Colletotrichum species infecting citrus in northern Thailand.