bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macroscopic and microscopic comparison of pecten oculi in different avian species
Authors: Korkmaz Deniz , Demircioglu Ismail , Harem Ismail Sah , Yilmaz Bestami
Published: April 2023

The current study aims to present differences between the pecten oculi of different avian species through morphologic, macroscopic, light, and electron microscopic examinations. The study is a comprehensive research on seven avian species (sparrowhawk, hawk, magpie, swan, heron, pheasant, duck). The right eyes of the animals utilized in the study were removed for light microscopic examination, whereas their left eyes were removed for electron microscopic and macroscopic examinations. Morphometric analyses, as well as stereo and light microscopic measurements, were carried out on the pecten oculi of the animals. Given all these data, it was determined that the height of the pecten oculi did not differ among the species in the study; however, the pecten oculi were larger in birds with the highest value compared to the other species in the macroscopic measurements. Also, the pecten oculi vessels were larger, and the number of melanocytes was higher in keen eyesight, raptor, and migratory birds with large bulbus oculi. All these data suggest that the pecten oculi not only supplies nutrient to the retina but also contributes to sharp vision during migration and hunting, UV absorption from sunlight, as well as preservation of intraocular equilibrium.
Macroscopic and histological aspects of the pharynx and larynx of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactylaLinnaeus, 1758)
Authors: de Oliveira Evelyn , Nascente Eduardo de Paula , Oliveira Leiny Paula , Neto Jair Martins Santiago , de Lima Bruna Siqueira Gomes , Cardoso Júlio Roquete , de Moura Veridiana Maria Brianezi Dignani
Published: April 2023

Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is an endangered species that resides in much of Latin America, but it has been losing its habitat, especially in the Cerrado biome, where it constantly suffers traumas resulting from fires and roadkill. The anatomical knowledge of structures of the respiratory system is important for a better morphophysiological understanding of the species. Thus, this study aimed to perform the macroscopic and histomorphological description of the pharynx and larynx of the giant anteater. Twelve adult giant anteaters were used, three of them fixed in buffered formalin for further dissection and pharynx and larynx macroscopic analysis of structures. From the other animals, samples of the pharynx and larynx were collected and prepared for histological evaluation under optical microscope. Macroscopically, their pharynx and soft palate are extensive, and the anatomical location of these structures and the larynx differs greatly from that described in other species. The larynx, although more caudal, was similar to that of other animals. Histologically, the epithelium of these regions varied between the pseudostratified ciliated columnar and the non‐keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. Laryngeal cartilages were composed of elastic (epiglotti) and hyaline cartilages (arytenoid, cricoid and thyroid cartilage), with an ossification process and glandular clusters around the hyaline cartilage. The distinct anatomical location of the pharynx and larynx of Myrmecophaga tridactyla is the main macroscopic finding of this study, besides the length of the pharynx and soft palate of these animals.
Is adjuvant chemotherapy necessary for 2014 FIGO stage IC adult granulosa cell tumor?: Multicentric Turkish study
Authors: Erdogan Ozgur , Kilic Cigdem , Cakir Caner , Kilic Fatih , Oktar Okan , Ersak Burak , Sahin Mustafa , Tokalioglu Alp , Kocak Ozgur , Ozturk Cagatayhan , Gorgulu Goksen , Gokkaya Mustafa , Selcuk Ilker , Korkmaz Vakkas , Comert Gunsu Kimyon , Toptas Tayfun , Ureyen Isin , Ucar Gokhan , Taskin Salih , Tasci Tolga , Uncu Dogan , Narin Mehmet Ali , Boran Nurettin , Ozdal Bulent , Tekin Ozlem Moraloglu , Ustun Yaprak , Sancı Muzaffer , Ortac Firat , Turan Taner
Published: April 2023

Aim

The aim of our study is to examine the clinical, surgical, and pathological factors of stage 1C adult granulosa cell tumor (AGCT) patients and to investigate the effects of adjuvant therapy on recurrence and survival rates in this patient group.

Methods

Out of a total of 415 AGCT patients treated by 10 tertiary oncology centers participating in the study, 63 (15.2%) patients with 2014 FIGO stage IC constituted the study group. The FIGO 2014 system was used for staging. Patient group who received adjuvant chemotherapy was compared with patient group who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy in terms of disease‐free survival (DFS), and disease‐specific survival.

Results

The 5‐year DFS of the study cohort was 89%, and the 10‐year DFS was 85%. Those who received adjuvant chemotherapy and those who did not were similar in terms of clinical, surgical and pathological factors, except for peritoneal cytology. In the univariate analysis, none of the clinical, surgical or pathological factors were significant for DFS. Adjuvant chemotherapy and type of treatment protocol had no impact on DFS.

Conclusion

Adjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with improved DFS and overall survival in stage IC AGCT. Multicentric and randomized controlled studies are needed for early stage AGCT in order to confirm these results and reach accurate conclusions.
Follicular helper T lymphocytes in the endometria of patients with reproductive failure: Association with pregnancy outcomes and inflammatory status of the endometria
Authors: Tian Ye , Zeng Qunxiong , Cheng Yanfei , Wang Xiao‐Hui , Cao Dandan , Yeung William Shu‐Biu , Liu Qingzhi , Duan Yong‐Gang , Yao Yuan‐Qing
Published: April 2023

Problem

The phenotypes and functions of B and CD4+ T‐helper cell subsets during chronic inflammation of the endometria remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and functions of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells to understand the pathological mechanisms of chronic endometritis (CE).

Method of study

Eighty patients who underwent hysteroscopic and histopathological examinations for CE were divided into three groups—those with positive results for hysteroscopy and CD138 staining (DP), negative results for hysteroscopy but positive CD138 staining (SP), and negative results for hysteroscopy and CD138 staining (DN). The phenotypes of B cells and CD4+ T‐cell subsets were analyzed using flow cytometry.

Results

CD38+ and CD138+ cells were mainly expressed in the non‐leukocyte population of the endometria, and the endometrial CD19+CD138+ B cells were fewer than the CD3+CD138+ T cells. The percentage of Tfh cells increased with chronic inflammation in the endometria. Additionally, the elevated percentage of Tfh cells correlated with the number of miscarriages.

Conclusions

CD4+ T cells, particularly Tfh cells, may be critical in chronic endometrial inflammation and affect its microenvironment, thereby regulating endometrial receptivity, compared to B cells.
Are hippos Africa's most influential megaherbivore? A review of ecosystem engineering by the semi‐aquatic common hippopotamus
Authors: Voysey Michael D. , de Bruyn P. J. Nico , Davies Andrew B.
Published: April 2023

Megaherbivores perform vital ecosystem engineering roles, and have their last remaining stronghold in Africa. Of Africa's remaining megaherbivores, the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) has received the least scientific and conservation attention, despite how influential their ecosystem engineering activities appear to be. Given the potentially crucial ecosystem engineering influence of hippos, as well as mounting conservation concerns threatening their long‐term persistence, a review of the evidence for hippos being ecosystem engineers, and the effects of their engineering, is both timely and necessary. In this review, we assess, (i) aspects of hippo biology that underlie their unique ecosystem engineering potential; (ii) evaluate hippo ecological impacts in terrestrial and aquatic environments; (iii) compare the ecosystem engineering influence of hippos to other extant African megaherbivores; (iv) evaluate factors most critical to hippo conservation and ecosystem engineering; and (v) highlight future research directions and challenges that may yield new insights into the ecological role of hippos, and of megaherbivores more broadly. We find that a variety of key life‐history traits determine the hippo's unique influence, including their semi‐aquatic lifestyle, large body size, specialised gut anatomy, muzzle structure, small and partially webbed feet, and highly gregarious nature. On land, hippos create grazing lawns that contain distinct plant communities and alter fire spatial extent, which shapes woody plant demographics and might assist in maintaining fire‐sensitive riverine vegetation. In water, hippos deposit nutrient‐rich dung, stimulating aquatic food chains and altering water chemistry and quality, impacting a host of different organisms. Hippo trampling and wallowing alters geomorphological processes, widening riverbanks, creating new river channels, and forming gullies along well‐utilised hippo paths. Taken together, we propose that these myriad impacts combine to make hippos Africa's most influential megaherbivore, specifically because of the high diversity and intensity of their ecological impacts compared with other megaherbivores, and because of their unique capacity to transfer nutrients across ecosystem boundaries, enriching both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Nonetheless, water pollution and extraction for agriculture and industry, erratic rainfall patterns and human–hippo conflict, threaten hippo ecosystem engineering and persistence. Therefore, we encourage greater consideration of the unique role of hippos as ecosystem engineers when considering the functional importance of megafauna in African ecosystems, and increased attention to declining hippo habitat and populations, which if unchecked could change the way in which many African ecosystems function.
Impact of thyroid autoimmunity on pregnancy outcomes in euthyroid women following fresh/frozen‐thawed embryo transfer
Authors: Yang Xiaoyan , Qiu Shumin , Jiang Wenwen , Huang Zhiqing , Shi Hang , Du Shengrong , Sun Yan , Zheng Beihong
Published: April 2023

Objective

To investigate whether thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) is associated with assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes in euthyroid women undergoing fresh embryo transfer (ET) and frozen‐thawed embryo transfer (FET).

Design

A retrospective cohort study. Pregnancy and neonatal outcome after fresh ET or FET were compared between the positive and negative thyroid autoimmune antibody groups.

Patients

A total of 5439 euthyroid women who started their ART cycle at our centre between 2015 and 2019 were included.

Results

The thyroid antibody positive group had a greater mean age than the thyroid antibody negative group (32(29,35) vs. 31(28,34), p < .001). Women with positive thyroid antibody presented with a higher prevalence of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) (9.1% vs. 7.1%, p = .026) and lower number of oocyte retrieved (9(5,15) vs. 10(6,15), p = .020), but difference was not significant after adjusting for age. The pregnancy rate, live birth rate, pregnancy loss rate, preterm delivery rate and low birthweight rate between the thyroid antibody positive and thyroid antibody negative groups were comparable both in fresh ET cycles and FET cycles. Subanalysis of the treatment outcomes when using a stricter threshold of TSH of 2.5 mIU/L showed no difference to that achieved when using an upper limit of 4.78 mIU/L.

Conclusions

The present study reveals that patients with anti‐thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAbs) and/or antithyroglobulin antibodies (TgAbs) showed no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes following fresh ET and FET when compared with patients with negative thyroid antibodies.
Genetic risk for Huntington Disease and reproductive decision‐making: A systematic review
Authors: Fahy Neil , Rice Charlotte , Lahiri Nayana , Desai Roopal , Stott Joshua
Published: April 2023

Huntington Disease (HD) is an incurable autosomal dominant single gene neurodegenerative disorder. Typical onset is between 30 and 40 years and characterised by motor difficulties, cognitive impairment, and behavioural and personality changes. The availability of reproductive testing means that affected and at‐risk individuals can make reproductive decisions with genetic risk in mind. We aimed to summarise the literature on reproductive decision‐making in the context of HD risk in terms of outcomes and the subjective experiences of at‐risk individuals. Five databases were searched. Findings were synthesised using Framework analysis to identify common factors across results of quantitative and qualitative studies. Twenty five studies met inclusion criteria. Framework analysis identified the following key areas: ‘The relationship between reproductive intentions and HD genetic risk’, ‘Views on assistive options’, ‘Complexity and challenges in reproductive decision‐making’, ‘Actual reproductive outcomes’, and ‘Other factors influencing reproductive decision‐making’. Quality of included studies was mixed. Reproductive decision making in the context of HD risk was found to be a complex and emotionally challenging process. Further research is required into reproductive decision‐making and outcomes among those not utilising assistive options, and in developing a model of reproductive decision‐making in HD.
Quantification of congruence among gene trees with polytomies using overall success of resolution for phylogenomic coalescent analyses
Authors: Simmons Mark P. , Goloboff Pablo A. , Stöver Ben C. , Springer Mark S. , Gatesy John
Published: April 2023

Gene‐tree‐inference error can cause species‐tree‐inference artefacts in summary phylogenomic coalescent analyses. Here we integrate two ways of accommodating these inference errors: collapsing arbitrarily or dubiously resolved gene‐tree branches, and subsampling gene trees based on their pairwise congruence. We tested the effect of collapsing gene‐tree branches with 0% approximate‐likelihood‐ratio‐test (SH‐like aLRT) support in likelihood analyses and strict consensus trees for parsimony, and then subsampled those partially resolved trees based on congruence measures that do not penalize polytomies. For this purpose we developed a new TNT script for congruence sorting (congsort), and used it to calculate topological incongruence for eight phylogenomic datasets using three distance measures: standard Robinson–Foulds (RF) distances; overall success of resolution (OSR), which is based on counting both matching and contradicting clades; and RF contradictions, which only counts contradictory clades. As expected, we found that gene‐tree incongruence was often concentrated in clades that are arbitrarily or dubiously resolved and that there was greater congruence between the partially collapsed gene trees and the coalescent and concatenation topologies inferred from those genes. Coalescent branch lengths typically increased as the most incongruent gene trees were excluded, although branch supports typically did not. We investigated two successful and complementary approaches to prioritizing genes for investigation of alignment or homology errors. Coalescent‐tree clades that contradicted concatenation‐tree clades were generally less robust to gene‐tree subsampling than congruent clades. Our preferred approach to collapsing likelihood gene‐tree clades (0% SH‐like aLRT support) and subsampling those trees (OSR) generally outperformed competing approaches for a large fungal dataset with respect to branch lengths, support and congruence. We recommend widespread application of this approach (and strict consensus trees for parsimony‐based analyses) for improving quantification of gene‐tree congruence/conflict, estimating coalescent branch lengths, testing robustness of coalescent analyses to gene‐tree‐estimation error, and improving topological robustness of summary coalescent analyses. This approach is quick and easy to implement, even for huge datasets.
Artificial neural network prediction of post‐thyroidectomy outcome
Authors: Tsutsumi Kotaro , Goshtasbi Khodayar , Ahmed Khwaja H. , Khosravi Pooya , Tawk Karen , Haidar Yarah M. , Tjoa Tjoson , Armstrong William B. , Abouzari Mehdi
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The goal of this study was to develop a deep neural network (DNN) for predicting surgical/medical complications and unplanned reoperations following thyroidectomy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The 2005–2017 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS‐NSQIP) database was queried to extract patients who underwent thyroidectomy. A DNN consisting of 10 layers was developed with an 80:20 breakdown for training and testing.

Main Outcome Measures

Three primary outcomes of interest, including occurrence of surgical complications, medical complications, and unplanned reoperation were predicted.

Results

Of the 21 550 patients who underwent thyroidectomy, medical complications, surgical complications and reoperation occurred in 1723 (8.0%), 943 (4.38%) and 2448 (11.36%) patients, respectively. The DNN performed with an area under the curve of receiver operating characteristics of .783 (medical complications), .709 (surgical complications) and .703 (reoperations). Accuracy, specificity and negative predictive values of the model for all outcome variables ranged 78.2%–97.2%, while sensitivity and positive predictive values ranged 11.6%–62.5%. Variables with high permutation importance included sex, inpatient versus outpatient and American Society of Anesthesiologists class.

Conclusions

We predicted surgical/medical complications and unplanned reoperation following thyroidectomy via development of a well‐performing ML algorithm. We have also developed a web‐based application available on mobile devices to demonstrate the predictive capacity of our models in real time.
Documenting a Reduction in Signing Space in Nicaraguan Sign Language Using Depth and Motion Capture
Authors: Flaherty Molly , Sato Asha , Kirby Simon
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we use motion tracking technology to document the birth of a brand new language: Nicaraguan Sign Language. Languages are dynamic entities that undergo change and growth through use, transmission, and learning, but the earliest stages of this process are generally difficult to observe as most languages have been used and passed down for many generations. Here, we observe a rare case of language emergence: the earliest stages of the new sign language in Nicaragua. By comparing the signing of the oldest and youngest signers of Nicaraguan Sign Language, we can track how the language itself is changing. Using motion tracking technology, we document a decrease in the size of articulatory space of Nicaraguan Sign Language signers over time. The reduction in articulatory space in Nicaraguan Sign appears to be the joint product of several decades of use and repeated transmission of this new language.
Postural and Gestural Synchronization, Sequential Imitation, and Mirroring Predict Perceived Coupling of Dancing Dyads
Authors: Hartmann Martin , Carlson Emily , Mavrolampados Anastasios , Burger Birgitta , Toiviainen Petri
Published: April 2023

Body movement is a primary nonverbal communication channel in humans. Coordinated social behaviors, such as dancing together, encourage multifarious rhythmic and interpersonally coupled movements from which observers can extract socially and contextually relevant information. The investigation of relations between visual social perception and kinematic motor coupling is important for social cognition. Perceived coupling of dyads spontaneously dancing to pop music has been shown to be highly driven by the degree of frontal orientation between dancers. The perceptual salience of other aspects, including postural congruence, movement frequencies, time‐delayed relations, and horizontal mirroring remains, however, uncertain. In a motion capture study, 90 participant dyads moved freely to 16 musical excerpts from eight musical genres, while their movements were recorded using optical motion capture. A total from 128 recordings from 8 dyads maximally facing each other were selected to generate silent 8‐s animations. Three kinematic features describing simultaneous and sequential full body coupling were extracted from the dyads. In an online experiment, the animations were presented to 432 observers, who were asked to rate perceived similarity and interaction between dancers. We found dyadic kinematic coupling estimates to be higher than those obtained from surrogate estimates, providing evidence for a social dimension of entrainment in dance. Further, we observed links between perceived similarity and coupling of both slower simultaneous horizontal gestures and posture bounding volumes. Perceived interaction, on the other hand, was more related to coupling of faster simultaneous gestures and to sequential coupling. Also, dyads who were perceived as more coupled tended to mirror their pair's movements.
The DACRIN data project: A process for harmonising data collection for clinical research in alcohol and other drugs services in New South Wales
Authors: Monds Lauren A. , Topp Libby , Pados Jade , Holmes Jennifer , Lintzeris Nicholas
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Standardised data collection processes allow for harmonisation and comparison of data across different studies and services. This project aimed to develop a ‘core dataset’ to serve as the default collection when designing future studies and evaluations, building upon data routinely collected in clinical alcohol and other drugs (AOD) settings in NSW, Australia.

Methods

A working group was established, comprising clinicians, researchers, data managers and consumers from public sector and non‐government organisation AOD services in the NSW Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network. A series of Delphi meetings occurred to reach consensus on the data items to be included in the core dataset for three domains: demographics, treatment activity and substance use variables.

Results

There were 20–40 attendees at each meeting. An initial consensus criterion of having received >70% of the vote was established. Given the difficulty in reaching consensus for most items, subsequently, this was changed to eliminate items that received <5 votes, after which the item receiving the most votes would be selected.

Discussions and Conclusions

This important process received considerable interest and buy‐in across the NSW AOD sector. Ample opportunity for discussion and voting was provided for the three domains of interest, allowing participants to contribute their expertise and experience to inform decisions. As such, we believe the core dataset includes the best options currently available to collect data for these domains in the NSW AOD context, and potentially more broadly. This foundational study may inform other attempts to harmonise data across AOD services.
Formalization and its Discontents: Conceptual Fallacies and Ways Forward
Authors: Gallien Max , Boogaard Vanessa van den
Published: April 2023

The concept of formalization has long underpinned policy interventions and measures intended to connect informal entities with state institutions or formal economic structures. However, despite the policy enthusiasm, the outcomes of formalization policies have frequently been disappointing. This article argues that this disconnect lies in the concept of formalization itself and that common approaches to formalization are often rooted in three conceptual fallacies: a binary distinction between formal and informal economic actors, a lack of appreciation for the diversity of informal economic actors and the idea that ‘becoming’ formal necessarily spurs positive externalities. These conceptual confusions pay insufficient attention to contextual complexity and the political and social dynamics that shape informality in a given context and they are frequently rooted in the practicalities and power structures that shape knowledge creation in this area. This article demonstrates this through case studies of tax registration and property titling. Thus, it argues for a new research agenda on formalization that challenges both its conventional conceptual foundations and the practices of research that engage with it.
Fast and high‐quality decision‐making: The role of behavioral integration
Authors: Shepherd Neil , Mooi Erik , Elbanna Said , Lou Bowen
Published: April 2023

Decision speed and quality are both vital for organizational survival and prosperity. However, they are assumed to be in tension, and there has been limited theory development concerning whether, and if so how, both are attainable. To address this gap, we turn to behavioral integration which captures the intensity of intrateam interactions. While behavioral integration is considered an antecedent of decision quality, it is presumed to slow decision‐making, and overall, there remains a “black box” surrounding the mechanisms, behaviors, and processes which transmit behavioral integration to decision outcomes. Our theoretical account challenges the notion of behavioral integration being an impediment to decision speed, and we present new theory and evidence—comprising a mixed‐method field study—explaining how behavioral integration acts as a key driver of both decision speed and quality while theorizing decision uncertainty as a new and important boundary condition.
Serum/glucose starvation strikingly reduces heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 protein and its target, cyclin D1
Authors: Takahashi Tetsuyuki , Ando Yuri , Ichikawa Hirona , Tsuneyama Koichi , Hijikata Takao
Published: April 2023

Our investigation to explore cellular alterations related to undernutrition in cancer cells revealed that the protein level of heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) is drastically decreased by serum/glucose starvation. Its loss was reversible, serum/glucose starvation‐specific and universal throughout cell types and species. The hnRNP A1 mRNA level and hnRNP A1 mRNA/protein stability were not altered under this condition. CCND1 mRNA, which we newly identified as the binding target of hnRNP A1, was decreased by serum/glucose starvation. Under similar conditions, CCND1 protein was reduced in vitro and in vivo, whereas hnRNP A1 mRNA level and CCND1 mRNA level revealed no correlation in most clinical samples. Functional analyses revealed that CCND1 mRNA stability is certainly dependent on hnRNP A1 protein level and that RNA recognition motif‐1 (RRM1) in hnRNP A1 plays a central role in maintaining CCND1 mRNA stability and subsequent protein expression. The injection of RRM1‐deleted hnRNP A1‐expressing cancer cells in the mouse xenograft model did not form any tumours, and that of hnRNP A1‐expressing cancer cells retained CCND1 expression at the lesion adjacent to necrosis with a slight increase in tumour volume. Furthermore, RRM1 deletion caused growth suppression with the induction of apoptosis and autophagy, whereas CCND1 restoration completely recovered it. Our results indicate that serum/glucose starvation triggers entire hnRNP A1 protein loss, and its loss may play a role in CCND1 mRNA destabilization and CCND1‐mediated cellular event inhibition, i.e. growth promotion, apoptosis induction and autophagosome formation.
Assessment of women's contribution in small‐scale fisheries in Indian Sundarbans: Issues, strategies, and way forward for sustainability
Authors: Roy Aparna , Manna Ranjan K. , Ghosh Souvik , Sahu Sanjeev K. , Das Basanta K.
Published: April 2023

In five islands of Indian Sundarbans, issues were identified related to women fishers associated with small‐scale fisheries (SSF) and strategies were formulated to address them in the context of “Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small‐Scale Fisheries” formulated by FAO being followed by signatory nations. Women were actively involved in different fisheries‐related sectors for earning their livelihoods. Despite the significant contribution of women in livelihood and nutritional security, their roles are often unrecognized leading to unfair distribution of benefits between men and women. The strategic and practical gender constraints were identified; “lack of awareness and low social participation” was the major factor as perceived by women fishers with the highest score (86.06). It was identified that gender‐sensitive extension approaches, training methodologies, and region‐specific appropriate technologies are to be applied to uplift the women members of the fishers' community associated with SSF. The aforesaid findings may be considered as precursors for formulating location‐specific strategies to address the gender gap and to create gender equality in SSF that will lead to increased productivity and sustainability of SSF across the world.
Change in monarch winter abundance over the past decade: A Red List perspective
Authors: Meehan Timothy D. , Crossley Michael S.
Published: April 2023

Assessing invertebrate species for the IUCN Red List under Criterion A frequently involves fitting an appropriate statistical model to available abundance data and calculating a 10‐year change (TYC) estimate from predicted abundances. When the rate of change has not been constant across the entire time series, models that accommodate variable change rates are recommended.

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) was recently added to the IUCN Red List (A2ab Endangered) based on analysis of data on winter abundances in Mexico and the western USA between 1993 and 2020. TYC estimates in the monarch assessment came from models that assumed constant change rates. We conducted a Bayesian analysis of the same data using models that accommodated variable change rates and used those models to compute TYC estimates.

Our results suggested that monarch population change rates have not been constant over the study period. The analysis yielded a model‐averaged TYC estimate of +5.23%, which was not statistically distinguishable from 0% and was considerably different from values of −46% and −72% in the assessment. The Bayesian posterior probability of a TYC value below −30% (A2ab Vulnerable) was 0.15 and that of a TYC value below −50% (A2ab Endangered) was 0.03.

We recommend that researchers evaluating monarch conservation status consider using abundance models with variable change rates, as models with constant change rates may not accurately predict the trajectory of monarch abundances into the future.
Physical therapy in diabetic foot ulcer: Research progress and clinical application
Authors: Huang Hao , Xin Rujuan , Li Xiaolong , Zhang Xinyue , Chen Zhongjian , Zhu Quangang , Tai Zongguang , Bao Leilei
Published: April 2023

Diabetes foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most intractable complications of diabetes and is related to a number of risk factors. DFU therapy is difficult and involves long‐term interdisciplinary collaboration, causing patients physical and emotional pain and increasing medical costs. With a rising number of diabetes patients, it is vital to figure out the causes and treatment techniques of DFU in a precise and complete manner, which will assist alleviate patients' suffering and decrease excessive medical expenditure. Here, we summarised the characteristics and progress of the physical therapy methods for the DFU, emphasised the important role of appropriate exercise and nutritional supplementation in the treatment of DFU, and discussed the application prospects of non‐traditional physical therapy such as electrical stimulation (ES), and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the treatment of DFU based on clinical experimental records in ClinicalTrials.gov.
To wear or not to wear? The influence of regulatory focus and individual cultural orientation on face mask wearing
Authors: Wen Yuan , Gupta Shipra , Coskun Merve
Published: April 2023

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, much focus has been placed on the healthcare benefits of wearing face masks, yet some people resist wearing them. Though mask mandates may enhance face mask adoption in the short run, the effectiveness of such mandates, in the long run, remains questionable. Thus, understanding of psychological and sociological mechanisms behind wearing face masks becomes pertinent. This study by examining these underlying mechanisms, tends to answer two research questions: (1) How does regulatory focus impact one's behavior to wear face masks? (2) How does the impact of regulatory focus on this behavior vary under different cultural orientations? Drawing on the theory of regulatory fit, we found that people with a prevention focus will have fewer concerns about wearing face masks than people with a promotion focus. In addition, we also found that prevention‐focused people who exhibited a cultural orientation with higher levels of collectivism, masculinity, power distance, and uncertainty avoidance had fewer concerns about face mask wearing perception and were more likely to wear face masks than did promotion‐focused people with the same cultural orientation. The implications of these findings on the relevant literature and practice are also discussed.
Vulnerable consumer experiences of (dis)empowerment with consumer protection regulations
Authors: Hazzouri Mohammed El , El‐Bialy Rowan , Veresiu Ela , Main Kelley J.
Published: April 2023

The payday lending industry has been characterized as predatory, which has led to tougher government interventions. However, research on how stricter consumer protection regulations affect actual vulnerable consumers' lived experiences remains seriously underdeveloped. Following in‐depth interviews with financially excluded and therefore vulnerable payday loan consumers, this study finds that increased payday loan industry regulations are perceived by consumers as either empowering, disempowering, or simultaneously (dis)empowering. Accordingly, practical implications are developed to help public policy makers navigate vulnerable consumers' ambivalent relationship with consumer protection regulations.
Early‐stage detection of root freezing injuries of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings by impedance loss factor and hydraulic conductance
Authors: Repo Tapani , Ballandras Julien , Kilpeläinen Jouni , Wu Dongxia , Domisch Timo
Published: April 2023

The condition of the root system affects the quality of seedlings in forestry and horticulture. Previously, the electrical impedance loss factor (δ) and the reverse‐flow hydraulic conductance (Kr) of the roots of Scots pine seedlings were found to increase when assessed a few days after frost damage. How these variables change with time after the root damage is unknown. We arranged an experiment with 1.5‐year‐old Scots pine seedlings exposed to −5°C or − 30°C, with the control seedlings kept at 3°C. Then, δ and Kr of roots were monitored for 5 weeks in favorable growing conditions. The properties of the roots were observed to be in a dynamic state after the damage. A significant difference in δ was found between the test temperatures −30°C versus −5°C and 3°C (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). The clearest effect of freezing injuries on δ of roots was observed in the first measurement 1 week after the freezing test. The temperature significantly affected Kr, too, with a significant difference between the low‐temperature treated plants −30°C versus −5°C and control (p < 0.001, respectively). The difference in Kr between −30°C and the other two temperatures increased with time and was the largest in the last samples, taken after 5 weeks. We conclude that the impedance loss factor may detect root damage if the measurements occur early enough after the damage, but a longer time difference (3–5 weeks) is needed according to the reverse‐flow hydraulic conductance.
Purple Rehmannia: Investigation of the activation of R2R3‐MYB transcription factors involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis
Authors: Zuo Xin , Miao Chunyan , Li Mingming , Gu Li , Yang Xu , Song Ci , Li Mingjie , Du Jiafang , Xie Caixia , Liu Xiangyang , Sun Hongzheng , Li Lianzhen , Zhang Zhongyi , Wang Fengqing
Published: April 2023

Engineering anthocyanin biosynthesis in herbs could provide health‐promoting foods for improving human health. Rehmannia glutinosa is a popular medicinal herb in Asia, and was a health food for the emperors of the Han Dynasty (59 B.C.). In this study, we revealed the differences in anthocyanin composition and content between three Rehmannia species. On the 250, 235 and 206 identified MYBs in the respective species, six could regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis by activating the ANTHOCYANIDIN SYNTHASE (ANS) gene expression. Permanent overexpression of the Rehmannia MYB genes in tobacco strongly promoted anthocyanin content and expression levels of NtANS and other genes. A red appearance of leaves and tuberous/roots was observed, and the total anthocyanin content and the cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside content were significantly higher in the lines overexpressing RgMYB41, RgMYB42, and RgMYB43 from R. glutinosa, as well as RcMYB1 and RcMYB3 in R. chingii and RhMYB1 from R. henryi plants. Knocking out of RcMYB3 by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing resulted in the discoloration of the R. chingii corolla lobes, and decreased the content of anthocyanin. R. glutinosa overexpressing RcMYB3 displayed a distinct purple color in the whole plants, and the antioxidant activity of the transgenic plants was significantly enhanced compared to WT. These results indicate that Rehmannia MYBs can be used to engineer anthocyanin biosynthesis in herbs to improve their additional value, such as increased antioxidant contents.
Full‐length genomic sequence of HLA‐DQA1*02:19 by next generation sequencing
Authors: Liacini Abdelhamid , Peters Lindsey , Gravante Christopher , Mancini Shannon , Geier Steven
Published: April 2023

Full‐length sequence of HLA‐DQA1*02:19 covers the 5′‐untranslated region (UTR), all introns and exons and the 3′ UTR.
(3R,7S)‐12‐Hydroxy‐jasmonoyl‐l‐isoleucine is the genuine bioactive stereoisomer of a jasmonate metabolite in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Saito Rina , Muto Toshiya , Urano Haruyuki , Kitajima Tsumugi , Kato Nobuki , Kwon Eunsang , Ueda Minoru
Published: April 2023

The oxylipin plant hormone (3R,7S)‐jasmonoyl‐l‐isoleucine [or (+)‐7‐iso‐jasmonoyl‐l‐isoleucine, JA‐Ile] is widely recognized as a plant defense hormone against pathogens and chewing insects. The metabolism of JA‐Ile into 12‐OH‐JA‐Ile and 12‐COOH‐JA‐Ile is the central mechanism for the inactivation of JA signaling. Recently, 12‐OH‐JA‐Ile was reported to function as a ligand for the JA‐Ile co‐receptor COI1‐JAZ. However, in previous studies, ‘12‐OH‐JA‐Ile’ used was a mixture of four stereoisomers, the naturally occurring cis‐isomer (3R,7S)‐12‐OH‐JA‐Ile and the trans‐isomer (3R,7R)‐12‐OH‐JA‐Ile, and the unnatural cis‐isomer (3S,7R)‐12‐OH‐JA‐Ile and the trans‐isomer (3S,7S)‐12‐OH‐JA‐Ile. Thus, the genuine bioactive form of 12‐OH‐JA‐Ile has not yet been identified. In the present study, we prepared pure stereoisomers of 12‐OH‐JA‐Ile and identified (3R,7S)‐12‐OH‐JA‐Ile as the naturally occurring bioactive form of 12‐OH‐JA‐Ile and found that it binds to COI1‐JAZ9 as effectively as (3R,7S)‐JA‐Ile. In addition, we revealed that the unnatural trans‐isomer (3S,7S)‐12‐OH‐JA‐l‐Ile functions as another bioactive isomer. The pure (3R,7S)‐12‐OH‐JA‐Ile causes partial JA‐responsive gene expression without affecting the expression of JAZ8/10, which is involved in the negative feedback regulation of JA‐signaling. Thus, (3R,7S)‐12‐OH‐JA‐Ile could cause weak and sustainable expression of certain JA‐responsive genes until the catabolism of (3R,7S)‐12‐OH‐JA‐Ile into (3R,7S)‐12‐COOH‐JA‐Ile occurs. The use of chemically pure (3R,7S)‐12‐OH‐JA‐Ile confirmed the genuine biological activities of ‘12‐OH‐JA‐Ile’ by excluding the possible effects of other stereoisomers. A chemical supply of pure (3R,7S)‐12‐OH‐JA‐Ile with an exact bioactivity profile will enable further detailed studies of the unique role of 12‐OH‐JA‐Ile in planta.
Durable remission of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in the setting of pembrolizumab therapy
Authors: Kozak Michael , Rubenstein Wesley , Okwan‐Duodu Derick , Friedman Kenneth , Nassir Youram , Perez‐Alvarez Ingrid , Gibb David R. , Klapper Ellen , Pepkowitz Samuel
Published: April 2023

Background

There is a small but growing number of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) cases attributed to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, with nivolumab and ipilimumab therapy being the most frequently described in the literature.

Study Design and Methods

This report evaluates the course of a patient with a history of metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung who developed TTP following treatment with the PD‐1 inhibitor Pembrolizumab. The patient was treated with six sessions of therapeutic plasma exchange and appeared to be in remission. Exacerbation occurred 4 days later, and seven more sessions of plasma exchange were performed along with four total doses of Rituximab, and a steroid taper with monitoring of platelet counts and ADAMTS13 activity.

Results

His platelet count recovered to a peak of 318,000 UL with an ADAMTS13 activity of 77% at the time of discharge. The patient has been following up regularly for outpatient testing with no TTP relapse as of the completion of this report.

Discussion

This is one of a few cases of Pembrolizumab‐associated TTP reported in the literature with successful complete remission following treatment. Plasma exchange in this setting may be an especially beneficial therapeutic intervention because of the removal of both the anti‐ADAMTS13 antibody as well as the immune system upregulating anti‐PDL1 monoclonal antibody with replacement of ADAMTS13 from donor plasma. Longer duration of plasma exchange and monitoring for normalization of ADAMTS13 levels in addition to platelet count before cessation of treatment may improve durable remission rates in this entity.
Study on Lubricating Performance of the Bubbly Oil Under High Shear Rate—Part 2: Application Study in High-Speed Bearing
Authors: Jiang Shuyun , Li Shaohua , Zhou Feida , Lin Xiaohui
Published: April 2023

This paper aims to investigate the lubricating performance of the bubbly oil. Due to space limitation, the work is divided into two parts. Part 1 concluded that the bubbly oil under high shear rate has a lower viscosity than the non-aerated oil, and the air volume fraction can be adjusted conveniently to reach a high value. Based on this, in Part 2, we intend to explore the feasibility of using the bubbly oil in lubricating high-speed bearings. Here, we select a step thrust bearing as object and analyze its static characteristics under the bubbly oil lubrication. A test rig for the high-speed step thrust bearing was developed to measure the static characteristics of the bearing under the bubbly oil lubrication. The lubrication models for the hydrodynamic step thrust bearing were established to predict the bearing static characteristics. The results show that the static characteristics parameters of the bearing under the bubbly oil lubrication are less than those under the non-aerated oil lubrication, and the differences of static characteristics parameters of the bearing between the non-aerated oil lubrication and the bubbly oil one become larger with the increase of air volume fraction and the external load, especially at a higher speed.
Spatial Succession Underlies Microbial Contribution to Food Digestion in the Gut of an Algivorous Sea Urchin
Authors: Masasa Matan , Kushmaro Ariel , Nguyen Dzung , Chernova Helena , Shashar Nadav , Guttman Lior
Published: April 2023

Alga grazing by the sea urchin
Tripneustes gratilla elatensis
is vital for nutrient recycling and constructing new reefs. This research was driven by the need to expand the knowledge of bacteria that may aid this host in alga digestion and their phylogeny, roles, and activity niches.
Development of a Serum-Free Medium To Aid Large-Scale Production of
Mycoplasma
-Based Therapies
Authors: Burgos Raul , Garcia-Ramallo Eva , Shaw Daniel , Lluch-Senar Maria , Serrano Luis
Published: April 2023

Mycoplasma
infections have a significant negative impact on both livestock production and human health. Vaccination is often the first option to control disease and alleviate the economic impact that some
Mycoplasma
infections cause on milk production, weight gain, and animal health.
Are children with prolonged fever at a higher risk for serious illness? A prospective observational study
Authors: Nijman Ruud G , Tan Chantal D , Hagedoorn Nienke N , Nieboer Daan , Herberg Jethro Adam , Balode Anda , von Both Ulrich , Carrol Enitan D , Eleftheriou Irini , Emonts Marieke , van der Flier Michiel , de Groot Ronald , Kohlmaier Benno , Lim Emma , Martinón-Torres Federico , Pokorn Marko , Strle Franc , Tsolia Maria , Yeung Shunmay , Zachariasse Joany M , Zavadska Dace , Zenz Werner , Levin Michael , Vermont Clementien L , Moll Henriette A , Maconochie Ian K
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To describe the characteristics and clinical outcomes of children with fever ≥5 days presenting to emergency departments (EDs).

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

12 European EDs.

Patients

Consecutive febrile children <18 years between January 2017 and April 2018.

Interventions

Children with fever ≥5 days and their risks for serious bacterial infection (SBI) were compared with children with fever <5 days, including diagnostic accuracy of non-specific symptoms, warning signs and C-reactive protein (CRP; mg/L).

Main outcome measures

SBI and other non-infectious serious illness.

Results

3778/35 705 (10.6%) of febrile children had fever ≥5 days. Incidence of SBI in children with fever ≥5 days was higher than in those with fever <5 days (8.4% vs 5.7%). Triage urgency, life-saving interventions and intensive care admissions were similar for fever ≥5 days and <5 days. Several warning signs had good rule in value for SBI with specificities >0.90, but were observed infrequently (range: 0.4%–17%). Absence of warning signs was not sufficiently reliable to rule out SBI (sensitivity 0.92 (95% CI 0.87–0.95), negative likelihood ratio (LR) 0.34 (0.22–0.54)). CRP <20 mg/L was useful for ruling out SBI (negative LR 0.16 (0.11–0.24)). There were 66 cases (1.7%) of non-infectious serious illnesses, including 21 cases of Kawasaki disease (0.6%), 28 inflammatory conditions (0.7%) and 4 malignancies.

Conclusion

Children with prolonged fever have a higher risk of SBI, warranting a careful clinical assessment and diagnostic workup. Warning signs of SBI occurred infrequently but, if present, increased the likelihood of SBI. Although rare, clinicians should consider important non-infectious causes of prolonged fever.