bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexibility in thermal requirements: a comparative analysis of the wide‐spread lizard genus Sceloporus
Authors: PLASMAN Melissa , GONZALEZ‐VOYER Alejandro , BAUTISTA Amando , DÍAZ DE LA VEGA‐PÉREZ Aníbal H.
Published: June 2024

Adaptation or acclimation of thermal requirements to environmental conditions can reduce thermoregulation costs and increase fitness, especially in ectotherms, which rely heavily on environmental temperatures for thermoregulation. Insight into how thermal niches have shaped thermal requirements across evolutionary history may help predict the survival of species during climate change. The lizard genus Sceloporus has a widespread distribution and inhabits an ample variety of habitats. We evaluated the effects of geographical gradients (i.e. elevation and latitude) and local environmental temperatures on thermal requirements (i.e. preferred body temperature, active body temperature in the field, and critical thermal limits) of Sceloporus species using published and field‐collected data and performing phylogenetic comparative analyses. To contrast macro‐ and micro‐evolutional patterns, we also performed intra‐specific analyses when sufficient reports existed for a species. We found that preferred body temperature increased with elevation, whereas body temperature in the field decreased with elevation and increased with local environmental temperatures. Critical thermal limits were not related to the geographic gradient or environmental temperatures. The apparent lack of relation of thermal requirements to geographic gradient may increase vulnerability to extinction due to climate change. However, local and temporal variations in thermal landscape determine thermoregulation opportunities and may not be well represented by geographic gradient and mean environmental temperatures. Results showed that Sceloporus lizards are excellent thermoregulators, have wide thermal tolerance ranges, and the preferred temperature was labile. Our results suggest that Sceloporus lizards can adjust to different thermal landscapes, highlighting opportunities for continuous survival in changing thermal environments.
The potential of integrating stereotactic ablative radiotherapy techniques with hyperfractionation for lung cancer
Authors: Chiou Chi‐Chuan , Wu Yuan‐Hung , Huang Pin‐I , Lan Keng‐Li , Chen Yi‐Wei , Kang Yu‐Mei , Chou Lin‐Shan , Hu Yu‐Wen
Published: June 2024

Background

Limited literature exists on the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) techniques with hyperfractionated regimens for patients with lung cancer. This study aims to assess whether the SABR technique with hyperfractionation can potentially reduce lung toxicity.

Methods

We utilized the linear‐quadratic model to find the optimal fraction to maximize the tumor biological equivalent dose (BED) to normal‐tissue BED ratio. Validation was performed by comparing the SABR plans with 50 Gy/5 fractions and hyperfractionationed plans with 88.8 Gy/74 fractions with the same tumor BED and planning criteria for 10 patients with early‐stage lung cancer. Mean lung BED, Lyman–Kutcher–Burman (LKB) normal tissue complication probability (NTCP), critical volume (CV) criteria (volume below BED of 22.92 and 25.65 Gy, and mean BED for lowest 1000 and 1500 cc) and the percentage of the lung receiving 20Gy or more (V20) were compared using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

The transition point occurs when the tumor‐to‐normal tissue ratio (TNR) of the physical dose equals the TNR of α/β in the BED dose‐volume histogram of the lung. Compared with the hypofractionated regimen, the hyperfractionated regimen is superior in the dose range above but inferior below the transition point. The hyperfractionated regimen showed a lower mean lung BED (6.40 Gy vs. 7.73 Gy) and NTCP (3.50% vs. 4.21%), with inferior results concerning CV criteria and higher V20 (7.37% vs. 7.03%) in comparison with the hypofractionated regimen (p < 0.01 for all).

Conclusions

The hyperfractionated regimen has an advantage in the high‐dose region of the lung but a disadvantage in the low‐dose region. Further research is needed to determine the superiority between hypo‐ and hyperfractionation.
Emergency department staff compassion is associated with lower fear of enacted stigma among patients with opioid use disorder
Authors: Steinhauser Savannah , Haroz Rachel , Jones Iris , Skelton William , Fuller Brian M. , Roberts Michael B. , Jones Christopher W. , Trzeciak Stephen , Roberts Brian W.
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Fear of enacted stigma (fear of discrimination or being treated unfairly) is associated with decreased health care–seeking behaviors among patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). We sought to describe the prevalence of fear of enacted stigma among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with OUD and to test whether experiencing greater compassion from ED staff is associated with lower fear of enacted stigma.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study in the ED of an academic medical center between February and August 2023. We included adult patients with OUD presenting to the ED and assessed patient experience of compassion from ED staff using a previously validated 5‐item compassion measure (score range 5–20). The primary outcome measure was fear of enacted stigma in the ED, measured using the validated 9‐item subscale of the Substance Abuse Self‐Stigma Scale (score range 9–45).

Results

Of the 116 subjects enrolled, 97% (95% confidence interval [CI] 91%–99%) reported some degree of stigma, with a median (interquartile range) score of 23 (16–31). In a multivariable model adjusting for potential confounders, patient experience of greater ED compassion was independently associated with lower fear of enacted stigma, β = −0.66 (95% CI −1.03 to −0.29), suggesting that every 1‐point increase in the 5‐item compassion measure score is associated with a 0.66‐point decrease in the fear of enacted stigma score.

Conclusions

Among ED patients with OUD, fear of enacted stigma is common. Patient experience of compassion from ED staff is associated with lower fear of enacted stigma. Future research is warranted to test if interventions aimed at increasing compassion from ED staff reduce patient fear of enacted stigma among patients with OUD.
Digital financial inclusion, rural consumption and economic growth in China
Authors: Zhang Zepu , Wang Jing , Sun Chen
Published: June 2024

In recent years, the continuous development of China's digital inclusive finance has provided favorable conditions for improving the consumption level of domestic residents and stimulating national economic growth. Based on the theory of financial development and deepening, this paper studies the mechanism and effect of digital inclusive finance on rural residents’ consumption and economic growth. The results show that (1) the development of digital inclusive finance can directly promote economic growth. Specifically, the breadth of coverage, the depth of use and the degree of digitization of digital inclusive finance all contribute to economic growth. (2) Digital inclusive finance significantly promotes rural residents’ consumption, and rural residents’ consumption significantly promotes economic growth, that is, digital inclusive finance can indirectly promote economic growth by promoting rural residents’ consumption. (3) When digital inclusive finance is at different levels of development, rural residents’ consumption has different effects on economic growth. The higher the development level of digital inclusive finance, the better the promotion effect of rural residents’ consumption on economic growth. Therefore, we should continue to promote the development of digital inclusive finance, give full play to the inclusiveness and convenience of digital inclusive finance, and contribute to the promotion of rural residents’ consumption and economic growth.
Virtue ethics and the unsettled ethical questions in controlled human infection studies
Authors: Poomkudy Jeffrey T. , Shah Seema K.
Published: June 2024

Controlled human infection studies (CHIs) involve the intentional infection of human subjects for a scientific aim. Though some past challenge trials have involved serious ethical abuses, in the last few decades, CHIs have had a strong track record of safety. Despite increased attention to the ethics of CHIs during the COVID‐19 pandemic, CHIs remain controversial, and there has been no in‐depth treatment of CHIs through the lens of virtue ethics. In this article, we argue that virtue theory can be helpful for addressing CHIs that present a constellation of controversial, unresolved, and/or under‐regulated ethical issues. We begin with some brief background on virtue ethics. We then substantiate our claim that some CHIs raise a constellation of ethical issues that are unresolved in the ethics literature and/or lack adequate regulatory guidance by demonstrating that CHIs can present indeterminate social value, risks to third parties, limitations on the right to withdraw from research, and questions about the upper limit of allowable risk. We argue that the presence of a virtuous investigator, with virtues such as prudence, compassion, and integrity, is especially important when these unresolved research ethics issues arise, which is the case for certain types of controlled human infection studies. We use the historical example of Walter Reed and the Yellow Fever Commission to illustrate this claim, and we also highlight some contemporary examples. We end by sketching some practical implications of our view, such as ensuring that investigators with experience running CHIs are involved in novel CHI models.
Staying self‐regulated in the classroom: The role of children's executive functions and situational factors
Authors: Eberhart Janina , Bryce Donna , Baker Sara T.
Published: June 2024

Background

Self‐regulation is crucial for children's learning and development. Several studies have explored children's inter‐individual differences in self‐regulation, but little is known about sources of intra‐individual variation.

Aims

This study addressed the variability of children's self‐regulation across typical classroom situations and how this might be associated with children's executive functions (EFs).

Sample

The study included 148 children (54.7% girls; Mage = 56.73 months).

Methods

Self‐regulation was assessed with an observational measure in teacher‐led and child‐led activities within naturalistic classroom settings. Children's EFs were assessed with direct assessments at the start and end of the school year.

Results

Linear mixed‐effect models showed that children demonstrated higher levels of self‐regulation in child‐led in comparison with teacher‐led activities. Children with higher levels of EFs at the start of the school year showed less variation across teacher‐led and child‐led activities in comparison with children with lower levels of EFs. Regarding other aspects of the classroom context, neither the group size in which the activity took place nor which school subject it was focused on were associated with children's self‐regulation. However, in teacher‐led activities the type of interaction involved in the activity and the type of task influenced children's self‐regulation.

Conclusion

These results suggest that children who start school with higher levels of EFs are more able to adapt to different situations, highlighting the importance of fostering these skills in early childhood. In turn, children with lower levels of EFs may need additional support from teachers to remain self‐regulated across different contexts.
HSP90β shapes the fate of Th17 cells with the help of glycolysis‐controlled methylation modification
Authors: Yang Ling , Zhu Jing‐Chao , Li Shi‐Jia , Zeng Xi , Xue Xin‐Ru , Dai Yue , Wei Zhi‐Feng
Published: June 2024

Background and Purpose

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a refractory inflammatory disease associated with immune dysregulation. Elevated levels of heat shock protein (HSP) 90 in the β but not α subtype were positively associated with disease status in UC patients. This study validated the possibility that pharmacological inhibition or reduction of HSP90β would alleviate colitis, induced by dextran sulfate sodium, in mice and elucidated its mechanisms.

Experimental Approach

Histopathological and biochemical analysis assessed disease severity, and bioinformatics and correlation analysis explained the association between the many immune cells and HSP90β. Flow cytometry was used to analyse the homeostasis and transdifferentiation of Th17 and Treg cells. In vitro inhibition and adoptive transfer assays were used to investigate functions of the phenotypically transformed Th17 cells. Metabolomic analysis, DNA methylation detection and chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to explore these mechanisms.

Key Results

The selective pharmacological inhibitor (HSP90βi) and shHSP90β significantly mitigated UC in mice and promoted transformation of Th17 to Treg cell phenotype, via Foxp3 transcription. The phenotypically‐transformed Th17 cells by HSP90βi or shHSP90β were able to inhibit lymphocyte proliferation and colitis in mice. HSP90βi and shHSP90β selectively weakened glycolysis by stopping the direct association of HSP90β and GLUT1, the key glucose transporter, to accelerate ubiquitination degradation of GLUT1, and enhance the methylation of Foxp3 CNS2 region. Then, the mediator path was identified as the “lactate‐STAT5‐TET2” cascade.

Conclusion and Implications

HSP90β shapes the fate of Th17 cells via glycolysis‐controlled methylation modification to affect UC progression, which provides a new therapeutic target for UC.
Impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) seroconversion pre‐allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation on posttransplant outcomes
Authors: Sayyed Ayman , Wilson Leeann , Stavi Vered , Chen Shiyi , Chen Carol , Mattsson Jonas , Lipton Jeffrey H. , Kim Dennis D. , Viswabandya Auro , Kumar Rajat , Lam Wilson , Law Arjun D. , Gerbitz Armin , Pasic Ivan , Novitzky‐Basso Igor , Mazzulli Tony , Michelis Fotios V.
Published: June 2024

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation post‐allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (post‐alloHCT) increases morbidity and mortality. We sought to determine the frequency of CMV seroconversion in patients pre‐alloHCT and to investigate the impact on posttransplant outcomes. We retrospectively investigated 752 adult patients who underwent alloHCT at our center from January 2015 to February 2020 before the adoption of letermovir prophylaxis. CMV serology was assessed at consult and pretransplant. The cohort was divided into four groups based on pretransplant CMV seroconversion: negative to positive (Group 1), positive to negative (Group 2), consistently negative (Group 3), and consistently positive (Group 4). Eighty‐nine patients (12%) had seroconverted from negative to positive, 17 (2%) from positive to negative, 151 (20%) were consistently seronegative, and 495 (66%) were consistently seropositive pretransplant. For the four CMV serostatus groups, cumulative incidence of CMV reactivation at 6 months posttransplant was 4.5%, 47.1%, 6.6%, and 76.6% for Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (p < .0001). No differences between groups were seen regarding Grade III–IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) (p = .91), moderate/severe chronic GVHD (p = .41), or graft failure (p = .28). On multivariable analysis, there was no impact of CMV serostatus group on overall survival (p = .67), cumulative incidence of relapse (p = .83) or non‐relapse mortality. alloHCT patients who demonstrate CMV seroconversion pretransplant from negative to positive have a very low risk of CMV reactivation posttransplant. The observed seroconversion may be due to passive CMV immunity acquired through blood products. Quantitative CMV immunoglobulin G/immunoglobulin M pretransplant may help differentiate between true seroconversion and passively transmitted CMV immunoglobulin.
Test–retest reliability of the attention network test from the perspective of intrinsic network organization
Authors: Kong Ziwei , Chen Jingkai , Liu Jin , Zhou Yanfei , Duan Yuping , Li Hai , Yang Li‐Zhuang
Published: June 2024

The attention network test (ANT), developed based on the triple‐network taxonomy by Posner and colleagues, has been widely used to examine the efficacy of alerting, orienting and executive control in clinical and developmental neuroscience studies. Recent research suggests the imperfect reliability of the behavioural ANT and its variants. However, the classical ANT fMRI task's test–retest reliability has received little attention. Moreover, it remains ambiguous whether the attention‐related intrinsic network components, especially the dorsal attention, ventral attention and frontoparietal network, manifest acceptable reliability. The present study approaches these issues by utilizing an openly available ANT fMRI dataset for participants with Parkinson's disease and healthy elderly. The reproducibility of group‐level activations across sessions and participant groups and the test–retest reliability at the individual level were examined at the voxel, region and network levels. The intrinsic network was defined using the Yeo‐Schaefer atlas. Our results reveal three critical facets: (1) the overlapping of the group‐level contrast map between sessions and between participant groups was unsatisfactory; (2) the reliability of alerting, orienting and executive, defined as a contrast between conditions, was worse than estimates of specific conditions. (3) Dorsal attention, ventral attention, visual and somatomotor networks showed acceptable reliability for the congruent and incongruent conditions. Our results suggest that specific condition estimates might be used instead of the contrast map for individual or group‐difference studies.
Modified M‐RCNN approach for abandoned object detection in public places
Authors: Veluri Rahul Chiranjeevi , Khan Shakir , Sankareswaran Senthil Pandi , Shabaz Mohammad , Farouk Ahmed , Innab Nisreen
Published: June 2024

Detection of abandoned and stationary objects like luggage, boxes, machinery, and so forth, in public places is one of the challenging and critical tasks in the video surveillance system. These objects may contain weapons, bombs, or other explosive materials that threaten the public. Though various applications have been developed to detect stationary objects, different challenges, like occlusions, changes in geometrical features of things, and so forth, are still to be addressed. Considering the complexity of scenarios in public places and the variety of objects, a context‐aware model is developed based on mask region‐based convolution network (M‐RCNN) for detecting abandoned objects. A modified convolution operation is implemented in the Backbone network to understand features from geometric variations near objects. These modified operation layers can be adapted based on geometric interpretations to extract required features. Finally, a bounding box operation is performed to locate the abandoned object and mask the particular thing. Experiments have been performed on the benchmark dataset like ABODA and our dataset, which shows that an mAP of 0. 0.699 is achieved for model 1, 0.675 is achieved for model 2, and 0.734 mAP is completed for model 3. An ablation analysis has also been performed and compared with other state‐of‐the‐art methods. Based on the results, the proposed model better detects abandoned objects than existing state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Calcium‐ferrum‐alumina‐silicate (CFAS) corrosion behavior of Lu4Hf3O12 ceramics at 1400°C
Authors: Wang Chenkai , Chen Zedong , Zhao Wei , Li Yang , Zhou Wei
Published: June 2024

In this work, the corrosion behavior of rare‐earth Lu4Hf3O12 ceramic when exposed to a CaO‐FeO1.5‐AlO1.5‐SiO2 (CFAS) environment at a temperature of 1400°C was investigated, with a focus on exploring the associated phase transformation, microstructure evolution, and corrosion reaction mechanism. Results reveal that during the corrosion process, the CFAS melt infiltrates Lu4Hf3O12 particles through cracks, resulting in the formation of a continuous reaction layer. This reaction leads to the generation of several high‐melting‐point garnets, including HfO2, Lu3Al5O12, Ca3Fe2(SiO4)3 (Ca‐Fe garnet), and Ca3Al2Si3O12 (Grossular). These garnets effectively fill the voids within the Lu4Hf3O12 ceramics, preventing further infiltration of the CFAS melts. As time progresses, the rate of the reaction gradually increases, while the rate of infiltration consistently decreases. Consequently, a relatively stable corrosion layer is achieved, effectively impeding further corrosion.
Effect of food processing on the immunoreactivity of gliadin
Authors: Alhendi Abeer S. , Ali Aqeel M.
Published: June 2024

Wheat is the most important crop in the world mainly because of the feature of its storage protein, gluten, such as stretching and extending, that can hold the produced gas. However, some people have immunoreactivity against wheat gluten, which is generally called gluten disorder. Coeliac disease (CD) and non‐coeliac gluten sensitivity are types of gluten disorders. Several food processing techniques have been used to reduce gliadin immunoreactivity such as using thermal processing, fermentation, high‐pressure processing and pulsed light with different wheat products such as wheat flour, flatbread and gluten suspension. CD is the most known gluten disorder; therefore, this review will focus on the reduction effect of food processing on it. Gluten consists of gliadins and glutenin; the allergic effect of gliadins is well known, and several epitopes were identified, which are usually used to follow gluten immunoreactivity. Till now, consuming a gluten‐free diet is the only way for people who are suffering from gluten disorder. Up to now, all the attempts to reduce the immunoreactivity of gliadin (IRG) by food processing have not fully succeeded. The main techniques used to follow the target epitopes are enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot, LC–MS/MS, etc. The fermentation process and adding enzymes are the most promising food processing in terms of reducing IRG. Worth mentioning that using different techniques gave different gliadin reductions; beyond that, using different ELISA kits gave different reductions. Combining different techniques is recommended to monitor the IRG reduction by using the most effective method till now.
Primary care perspectives on prescribing anti‐obesity medication for adolescents
Authors: Chivate Rutha , Schoemer Pamela , Ragavan Maya I. , Ray Kristin , Bensignor Megan O. , Goldschmidt Andrea B. , Vajravelu Mary Ellen
Published: June 2024

Background

Recent pediatric guidelines recommend clinicians offer anti‐obesity medication (AOM) as an adjunct to intensive lifestyle intervention.

Objective

To investigate pediatricians' perspectives about prescribing AOM, including barriers and facilitators.

Methods

An investigator‐developed survey was emailed to primary care pediatric physicians (n = 187) and advanced practice providers (n = 190) within an academic‐affiliated network. The survey evaluated how willing clinicians were to prescribe AOM and their agreement with 25 statements about barriers and facilitators. Three vignettes explored AOM decision‐making. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine relative risk ratios for willingness to prescribe by agreement with each statement.

Results

Among 74 respondents (20% response rate), 24% were willing, 42% uncertain and 34% unwilling to prescribe. Most (64%) agreed that AOM should be managed only by specialists. Willingness to prescribe was associated with clinician motivation and belief in guideline practicality and applicability. Unwillingness was associated with beliefs that patients would not continue AOM long enough for benefit and that there was insufficient time or resources to implement. In vignettes, 52% were willing to prescribe AOM for a patient with severe obesity and metabolic complications, versus 11% for a patient with obesity and possible disordered eating.

Conclusions

Willingness to prescribe AOM was low and was associated with perceived practicality and appropriateness for patients.
Effect of motivational interviewing on preventive strategies for children receiving full‐mouth dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gonzalez Jessica , Brickhouse Tegwyn H. , Carrico Caroline K. , Jayaraman Jayakumar
Published: June 2024

Background

Motivational interviewing (MI) is an approach to increase parental compliance to follow up and recall of their children. It has proven to be successful in motivating parents to adopt and maintain preventive child oral health behaviors.

Aim

To assess the effectiveness of motivational interviewing on prevention strategies for parents of children who have received full‐mouth dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia (GA).

Design

This is a parallel‐arm randomized controlled trial. Parents in the treatment arm were randomized and received a combination of motivational interviewing, individualized goal setting, visual aids, and verbal education post‐GA. Those in the control arm received the same information by verbal and written education. Both groups were evaluated at 2‐week follow‐up and 3‐month recall. Differences in attendance, oral health knowledge, readiness to change, and parental self‐efficacy (PSE) were compared between groups and at return visits.

Results

Of 74 parents of children randomly allocated in this study, 22 (61%) and 13 (38%) from the intervention group, and 21 (55%) and 16 (46%) from the control group attended the 2‐week, and 3‐month follow‐up, respectively. The average PSE for participants in the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group at the follow‐up visit (p = .0050).

Conclusion

Readiness to change dietary habits and average PSE for parents in the intervention group were significantly higher than that of the control group after receiving the modified preventive strategy.
Top weapons in skin aging and actives to target the consequences of skin cell senescence
Authors: Draelos Z. , Bogdanowicz P. , Saurat J.‐H.
Published: June 2024

Skin aging has long been considered a purely cosmetic problem. However, as life expectancy increases, skin aging is taking on a functional dimension that goes beyond cosmetics and appearance. Preventive or therapeutic strategies are needed to target cellular senescence, a key process underlying the alterations in skin function and appearance that occur with aging, as well as to address the age‐related skin changes associated with ‘dermatoporosis’ and chronic skin insufficiency/fragility syndrome. Thus, given the need for effective anti‐aging products that improve both the appearance and function of the skin, it is essential to distinguish active ingredients that have been proven to be effective, among the large number of available over‐the‐counter cosmeceuticals. This brief review focuses on a core group of topical actives, describing their clinical effects on senescence and aging, and their molecular mechanisms of action. These actives include hyaluronic acid, which has hydrating and viscoelastic properties and has been shown to reduce skin atrophy; retinaldehyde, which activates retinoid receptors and increases cutaneous elasticity; vitamins C and E, which provide stable oxidative protection; and niacinamide, which reduces inflammation and mitigates the effects of senescence.
The influence of the race of defendant and the race of victim on capital charging and sentencing in California
Authors: Grosso Catherine M. , Fagan Jeffrey , Laurence Michael
Published: June 2024

The California Racial Justice Act of 2020 recognized racial and ethnic discrimination as a basis for relief in capital cases, expressly permitting several types of statistical evidence to be introduced. This statewide study of the influence of race and ethnicity on the application of capital punishment contributes to this evidence. We draw on data from over 27,000 murder and manslaughter convictions in California state courts between 1978 and 2002. Using multiple methods, we found significant racial and ethnic disparities in charging and sentencing decisions. Controlling for defendant culpability and specific statutory aggravators, we show that Black and Latinx defendants and all defendants convicted of killing at least one white victim are substantially more likely to be sentenced to death. We further examined the role that race and ethnicity have in decision‐making at various points in the criminal justice system. We found that prosecutors were significantly more likely to seek death against defendants who kill white victims, and that juries were significantly more likely to sentence those defendants to death. The magnitude of the race of the defendant and race of the victim effects is substantially higher than in prior studies in other states and in single‐jurisdiction research. The results show an entrenched pattern of racial disparities in charging and sentencing that privileges white victim cases, as well as patterns of racial disparities in who is charged and sentenced to death in California courts that are the natural result of California's capacious statutory definition of death eligibility, which permits virtually unlimited discretion for charging and sentencing decisions. This pattern of racial preferences illustrates the social costs of California's failure to follow the Supreme Court's directive in Furman v Georgia to narrow the application of capital punishment over 50 years ago.
Shared decision‐making in advanced physiotherapy and first contact physiotherapy management of adults with musculoskeletal disorders in the United Kingdom: An online cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Thompson Joanne H. , Thompson Jonathan , Bailey Stephen
Published: June 2024

Rationale

Advanced practice physiotherapy roles (Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners [APPs] and First Contact Physiotherapists [FCPs]) are pivotal in supporting patients to manage their musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. Having a greater understanding of how decisions are made by these practitioners will inform competency frameworks and improve the provision of patient‐centred care.

Aim

To evaluate the current knowledge, views and use of shared decision‐making in MSK advanced physiotherapy practice in the United Kingdom.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey using an online questionnaire was used to collect demographic information, knowledge, views and self‐reported use of shared decision‐making (SDM) of APPs and FCPs who work with adults with MSK disorders in the United Kingdom.

Results

Responses from 49 participants (25 APPs and 24 FCPs) were included in the study. In total, 80% of participants had received SDM training and overall high levels of knowledge were shown. Only 12% of participants used a communication model to facilitate SDM. In total, 80% of participants reported making decisions together with the patient either always or most of the time. FCPs favoured a more patient‐led approach to decision‐making compared to APPs who favoured collaborative decision‐making. The most commonly reported barriers to SDM included lack of time, lack of patient education resources, lack of access to patient decision aids and treatment pathway restrictions.

Conclusions

The responses in this study showed that overall APPs and FCPs have good knowledge of SDM and report routine use of collaborative and patient‐led decision‐making approaches.
Integrative taxonomy reveals a new species of the glass knifefish genus Eigenmannia Jordan & Evermann, 1896 (Teleostei: Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) from the Rio Branco basin, Brazil
Authors: Dutra Guilherme Moreira , Peixoto Luiz Antônio Wanderley , Donin Laura Modesti , de Santana Carlos David , Menezes Naercio Aquino
Published: June 2024

A new species of Eigenmannia is described from the Rio Branco basin, Roraima, Brazil, based on morphological and molecular datasets. It is distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of characters: lateral line stripe extending from first perforated lateral line scale to distal portion of caudal filament, presence of superior midlateral stripe with origin posterior to end of body cavity anal‐fin hyaline, caudal filament corresponding to 15.2%–43.1% LEA, subterminal mouth, ii,14–16 pectoral‐fin rays, 166–219 anal‐fin rays, 10–13 scale rows above lateral line at vertical through posterior tip of pectoral fin, 100–128 scales on lateral line, 22–28 premaxillary teeth, 19–23 dentary teeth, 7–10 endopterygoid teeth, depth of posterodorsal expansion on infraorbitals 1 + 2 half as long as infraorbitals 1 + 2 length, basibranchial 1 unossified, 13 precaudal vertebrae, and length of coronomeckelian bone corresponding to 20% of Meckel's cartilage length. The new species has significant genetic divergence from species with accessible DNA sequences in public repositories, ranging from 10.8% to 17.7%. An osteological description of the new species, a review of Eigenmannia cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences available in public repositories based on voucher examination, and a hypothesis of phylogenetic relationships for the new species based on COI are provided. The critical importance of including voucher examination as one of the steps in the pipeline for using DNA sequences present in public repositories in taxonomic and phylogenetic studies is discussed.
Comparative genomics of dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus, Sciaenidae) conspecifics: Evidence for speciation and the genetic mechanisms underlying traits
Authors: Jackson Tassin Kim , Rhode Clint
Published: June 2024

Dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus) is a commercially important finfish, indigenous to South Africa, Australia, and China. Previous studies highlighted differences in genetic composition, life history, and morphology of the species across geographic regions. A draft genome sequence of 0.742 Gb (N50 = 5.49 Mb; BUSCO completeness = 97.8%) and 22,438 predicted protein‐coding genes was generated for the South African (SA) conspecific. A comparison with the Chinese (CN) conspecific revealed a core set of 32,068 orthologous protein clusters across both genomes. The SA genome exhibited 440 unique clusters compared to 1928 unique clusters in the CN genome. Transportation and immune response processes were overrepresented among the SA accessory genome, whereas the CN accessory genome was enriched for immune response, DNA transposition, and sensory detection (FDR‐adjusted p < 0.01). These unique clusters may represent an adaptive component of the species' pangenome that could explain population divergence due to differential environmental specialisation. Furthermore, 700 single‐copy orthologues (SCOs) displayed evidence of positive selection between the SA and CN genomes, and globally these genomes shared only 92% similarity, suggesting they might be distinct species. These genes primarily play roles in metabolism and digestion, illustrating the evolutionary pathways that differentiate the species. Understanding these genomic mechanisms underlying adaptation and evolution within and between species provides valuable insights into growth and maturation of kob, traits that are particularly relevant to commercial aquaculture.
Access to nutrition advice and knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women in Ireland: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: McCarthy Elaine K. , Ní Riada Clodagh , O'Brien Roisin , Minogue Hannah , McCarthy Fergus P. , Kiely Mairead E.
Published: June 2024

Background

Healthy nutritional status, appropriate gestational weight gain and a balanced diet are important predictors of perinatal health outcomes. However, gaps exist in the translation of nutrition recommendations into dietary practices of women before and during pregnancy. The present study explored the relationship between access to nutrition advice, nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices among pregnant women.

Methods

Pregnant women aged > 18 years in Ireland were eligible to complete a self‐administered survey consisting of four subsections (demographics, nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices) delivered online through Qualtrics.

Results

In this convenience sample (n = 334, median [interquartile range] gestation, 25.0 [16.0, 34.0] weeks), 85% had at least an honours bachelor degree and 88.9% planned their pregnancy. Two out of five women received nutrition advice during their pregnancy, mostly from a midwife. Based on the percentage of correct answers (of 15 questions), women with previous nutrition education (e.g., school home economics) had better median [interquartile range] nutrition knowledge than those with none (80.0% [66.7, 86.7%] vs. 73.3% [60.0, 80.0%],p < 0.001). Those who received nutrition advice during pregnancy did not score higher than those who did not (73.3% [66.7, 80.0%] vs. 73.3% [66.7, 80.0%],p = 0.6). Over three‐quarters of participants considered nutritional supplement use to be very or extremely important. Although 73.6% and 92.4% took supplements prior to and during pregnancy, only 25.7% reported compliance with periconceptional folic acid supplementation guidelines. Half of respondents considered healthy eating during pregnancy as very or extremely important.

Conclusions

Access to nutrition advice during pregnancy was inadequate with poor nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices observed. Accessible, evidence‐based nutrition education for women prior to and during pregnancy is required.
A case of a blind‐ending right ureter first identified intraoperatively during total laparoscopic hysterectomy for uterine adenomyosis and fibroids in a woman with severe ipsilateral kidney hypoplasia
Authors: Tasaka Keitaro , Ota Yoshiaki , Ota Kuniaki , Takahashi Toshifumi , Shimoya Koichiro
Published: June 2024

Detecting ureteral injury—a serious intraoperative and postoperative complication of hysterectomy—is a high level of difficulty if ureteral malformations are not identified preoperatively. A 39‐year‐old Japanese woman underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy for uterine adenomyosis. During surgery, ureteral peristalsis was absent on the right side, whereas the left ureter was visible under the peritoneum. Transabdominal ultrasonography failed to locate the right kidney, with cystoscopy showing no flow from the right ureteral orifice. The ureteral tunnel was identified by tracing the vascular path of the internal iliac and uterine arteries, confirming that the corded tissue was the right ureter. Postoperative contrast‐enhanced CT revealed severe right kidney atrophy with no contrast effect or connected ureter. Based on intraoperative laparoscopy and postoperative examination, a diagnosis of a unilateral ureteral scar with a proximal blind end and ipsilateral renal dysgenesis was established, marking the first reported instance of endoscopic visualization of this anomaly. In addition to normal pelvic anatomy, surgeons must consider embryological abnormalities to prevent intraoperative complications.
Strained ties in plurinational states: Analysing the social network divide between Canada's two solitudes
Authors: Brie Evelyne , Mathieu Félix
Published: June 2024

Patterns of social networks in plurinational societies remain understudied in the inter‐group contact literature. In Canada, a significant number of authors have studied political divides between Quebecers and other Canadians, but little is still known about the scope and determinants of the social disconnect between both communities. This paper provides the first quantitative measure of the social networking gap between Canada's ‘two solitudes’ using behavioural data. Our analysis mobilises the Facebook Connectedness Index (2020), which provides district‐level connectivity estimates between all active Facebook users in Canada. Results obtained via linear regression models show that population size, distance and self‐isolation patterns cannot account for the significant connectivity gap between Quebec and the rest of Canada. However, bilingualism in Quebec is positively correlated with higher inter‐regional networks, suggesting asymmetrical linguistic exchanges. These results empirically confirm decades of anecdotal accounts about the existence of a social disconnect between Canada's French‐ and English‐speaking communities.
Consumption Responses to Income Shocks through Lottery Winning: Evidence from Older Adults in Singapore
Authors: Kim Seonghoon , Koh Kanghyock
Published: June 2024

We study the effects of lottery winning on consumption spending using household survey data of older individuals aged 50–70 years in Singapore. We find strong consumption responses to a transitory income shock from lottery wins, and lottery winners spend about half of their prizes within 12 months of winning. We show that consumption responses are stronger among households with more binding liquidity constraints. The strong consumption response suggests that fiscal stimulus policies or other public transfer programmes could effectively boost consumption spending in the short run.
Tissue‐specific roles of mitochondrial unfolded protein response during obesity
Authors: Carneiro Fernanda S. , Katashima Carlos K. , Dodge Joshua D. , Cintra Dennys E. , Pauli José Rodrigo , Da Silva Adelino S. R. , Ropelle Eduardo R.
Published: June 2024

Obesity is a worldwide multifactorial disease caused by an imbalance in energy metabolism, increasing adiposity, weight gain, and promoting related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Recent findings have reported that metabolic stress related to obesity induces a mitochondrial stress response called mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), a quality control pathway that occurs in a nuclear DNA–mitochondria crosstalk, causing transduction of chaperones and proteases under stress conditions. The duality of UPRmt signaling, with both beneficial and detrimental effects, acts in different contexts depending on the tissue, cell type, and physiological states, affecting the mitochondrial function and efficiency and the metabolism homeostasis during obesity, which remains not fully clarified. Therefore, this review discusses the most recent findings regarding UPRmt signaling during obesity, bringing an overview of UPRmt across different metabolic tissues.
Reconsidering vulnerability, history, and our postmodern condition in Colson Whitehead's The Nickel Boys
Authors: Aqeeli Ammar
Published: June 2024

This paper analyzes Colson Whitehead's The Nickel Boys (2019) by exploring the consequences of an uneven distribution of vulnerability in relation to both historical and contemporary contexts. This study emphasizes the significance of this depiction in comprehending the enduring effects of racial oppression and institutional disparities. This means that while all humans are inherently vulnerable, systemic inequalities make some people more vulnerable and less protected than others. Whitehead depicts the experiences of the young black boys at the Nickel Academy as heightening their vulnerability, the more they embrace resistance. The novel points to the notion that political structures not only establish hierarchies and inequalities among individuals but also place them in a position of inherent vulnerability, judged by preconceived notions of permanent inferiority and inequality. Ultimately, Whitehead depicts vulnerability as a method of uncovering the truth and fighting for justice by giving voice to the black perspectives that have been marginalized and silenced throughout history.
The value of ripple mapping in the age of coherent mapping in scar‐related atrial tachycardia
Authors: Shen Wenzhi , Pan Tong , Liu Yu , Chen Juan , Bai Jian , Wu Xiang , Chen Zheng , Lan Rongfang , Xu Wei
Published: June 2024

Background

An accurate display of scar‐related atrial tachycardia (ATs) is a key determinant of ablation success. The efficacy of ripple mapping (RM) in identifying the mechanism and critical isthmus of scar‐related ATs during coherent mapping is unknown.

Methods

A total of 97 patients with complex ATs who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation at our center between October 2018 and September 2022 were included. ATs was mapped using a multielectrode mapping catheter on the CARTO3v7 CONFIDENCE module. Coherent and RM were used to identify the reentrant circuit.

Results

The mechanisms of 128 ATs were analyzed retrospectively (84 anatomic‐reentrant ATs and 44 non‐anatomic reentrant ATs). The median AT cycle length was 264 ± 25ms. The correct diagnosis was achieved in 83 ATs (68%) using only coherent mapping. Through coherent mapping plus RM, 114 ATs (84.2%) were correctly diagnosed (68% vs. 89%, p = .019). In non‐anatomical reentrant ATs, 81% of the diagnostic rate was achieved by reviewing both coherent and ripple mapping compared to reviewing coherent mapping alone (81% vs. 52%, p = .03). Reviewing coherent mapping and ripple mapping showed a higher diagnostic rate in patients who underwent cardiac surgery than those with Coherent mapping alone (64% vs. 88%, p = .04).

Conclusion

Coherent mapping combined with RM was superior to coherent mapping alone in identifying the mechanism of scar‐related ATs post‐cardiac surgery and non‐anatomic reentrant ATs.
A structural variation in the promoter of the leucoanthocyanidin reductase gene AaLAR1 enhances freezing tolerance by modulating proanthocyanidin accumulation in kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta)
Authors: Sun Shihang , Qi Xiujuan , Zhang Zhenzhen , Sun Leiming , Wang Ran , Li Yukuo , Chen Jinyong , Gu Hong , Fang Jinbao , Lin Miaomiao
Published: June 2024

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are important metabolites that enhance freezing tolerance of plants. Actinidia arguta, especially freezing‐tolerant germplasms, accumulate abundant PAs in dormant shoots and thereby enhance freezing tolerance, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. In this study, we used two A. arguta with contrasting cold‐resistant phenotypes, KL and RB, to explore the mechanisms in response to cold tolerance. We determined that a leucoanthocyanidin reductase gene (AaLAR1) was more highly expressed in freezing‐tolerant KL than in freezing‐sensitive RB. Moreover, overexpressing AaLAR1 in kiwifruit promoted PAs biosynthesis and enhanced cold tolerance. The AaLAR1 promoters of various A. arguta germplasms differ due to the presence of a 60‐bp deletion in cold‐tolerant genotypes that forms a functional binding site for MYC‐type transcription factor. Yeast one‐hybrid and two‐hybrid, dual‐luciferase reporter, bimolecular fluorescence complementation and coimmunoprecipitation assays indicated that the AaMYC2a binds to the MYC‐core cis‐element in the AaLAR1 promoter with the assistance of AaMYB5a, thereby promoting PAs accumulation in the shoots of cold‐tolerant kiwifruit. We conclude that the variation in the AaLAR1 promoter and the AaMYC2a–AaMYB5a–AaLAR1 module shape freezing tolerance in A. arguta. The identification of a key structural variation in the AaLAR1 promoter offers a new target for resistance breeding of kiwifruit.
Functional characterization of two odorant‐binding proteins to sex pheromones in Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Yi Ting , Wei Jia‐Qi , Wang Man‐Wen , Liu Miao‐Jiao , Li Lin , Liu Rong , Zeng Ling‐Da , Xu Han‐Hong , Wang Jia‐Li
Published: June 2024

The primary function of odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) is thought to be binding and transporting odorants molecules. The research on the molecular mechanisms of SfruOBPs binding with sex pheromones is beneficial to the prevention and control of Spodoptera frugiperda (S. frugiperda). Herein, two screened SfruOBPs (Sfru10933 and Sfru21187) were knocked down by RNA interference, and then the changes in electroantennogram (EAG) and behavioral responses of male mutants to their main sex pheromone components were recorded. Upon interfering with Sfru10933, the EAG response and behavioural preferences of males to sex pheromones were significantly reduced or eliminated. The interference with Sfru21187 resulted in a weakening of the behavioural preference, while the EAG response remained unchanged. However, the co‐interference of Sfru10933/Sfru21187 led to a significant reduction in the EAG activity of male to sex pheromones. These results reveal that Sfru10933 and Sfru21187 play a crucial role in sex pheromone recognition, and there may be a synergistic effect between them. Furthermore, these results will help clarify the perception of sex pheromones by S. frugiperda, which may provide new targets for the development of mating inhibitors in the future.