bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of species richness and diversity in sub‐alpine grasslands using satellite remote sensing and random forest machine‐learning algorithm
Authors: Mashiane Katlego , Ramoelo Abel , Adelabu Samuel
Published: June 2024

Aims

Remote‐sensing approaches could be beneficial for monitoring and compiling essential biodiversity data because they are cost‐effective and allow for coverage of large areas over a short period. This study investigated the relationship between multispectral remote‐sensing data from Landsat 8 and Sentinel‐2 and species richness and diversity in mountainous and protected grasslands.

Locations

Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State, South Africa.

Methods

In‐situ data of plant species composition and cover from 142 plots with 16 relevés each were distributed across the study site and used to calculate species richness and Shannon–Wiener species diversity index (species diversity). We used a machine‐learning random forest algorithm to optimize the prediction of species richness and diversity. The algorithm was used to identify the optimal spectral bands and vegetation indices for estimating species richness and diversity. Subsequently, the selected bands and vegetation indices were used to estimate species richness through random forest regression.

Results

This research found weak relationships between remote‐sensing vegetation indices and the diversity metrics, but significant relationships were found between some spectral bands and diversity metrics. Moreover, using machine‐learning random forest, the multispectral data sets exhibited strong predictive powers. In this investigation, near‐infrared (NIR) seemed to be the most selected band for both sensors to explain species diversity in mountainous grasslands.

Main conclusions

This finding further ascertains the efficiency of optimizing high spatial resolution spectral information to estimate plant species richness and diversity. This research shows that NIR, Soil‐Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) are the most adequate for predicting species richness and diversity in mountainous grasslands with relatively good accuracies. Plant phenology and the choice of sensor affect the relationship between spectral information and species diversity variables.
Effects of conflicting emotional cues on toddlers’ emotion perception
Authors: Brady Shannon M. , Ogren Marissa , Johnson Scott P.
Published: June 2024

The communication of emotion is dynamic and occurs across multiple channels, such as facial expression and tone of voice. When cues are in conflict, interpreting emotion can become challenging. Here, we examined the effects of incongruent emotional cues on toddlers’ interpretation of emotions. We presented 33 children (22–26 months, Mage = 23.8 months, 15 female) with side‐by‐side images of faces along with sentences spoken in a tone of voice that conflicted with semantic content. One of the two faces matched the emotional tone of the audio, whereas the other matched the semantic content. For both congruent and incongruent trials, toddlers showed no overall looking preference to either type of face stimuli. However, during the second exposure to the sentences of incongruent trials, older children tended to look longer to the face matching semantic content when listening to happy vs. angry content. Results inform our understanding of the early development of complex emotion understanding.
Developmental Trajectories of Cybervictimization Among Canadian Adolescents: The Impact of Socializing Online and Sharing Personal Information
Authors: Xiao Bowen , Shapka Jennifer D.
Published: June 2024

The goal of the present study was to investigate the developmental trajectories of cybervictimization, as well as to identify how risk factors such as the sharing of personal information online and engaging in online socializing was related to cybervictimization from age 13 to 16 for Canadian adolescents. Participants included 354 adolescents from the Lower Mainland of British Columbia who were in Grades 6 and 7 at Wave 1 of the study (193 boys, Mage = 13.65 years, SD = 0.71 year). Three years of longitudinal data on cybervictimization, sharing personal information online and time spent socializing online were collected from self‐reports surveys. Results from latent class growth analysis identified three different trajectories of cybervictimization: a moderate‐increasing trajectory (49 adolescents, 12.7% of the sample), low‐increasing trajectory (292 adolescents, 75.8% of the sample) and high‐decreasing trajectory (13 adolescents, 3.44% of the sample). Adolescents who reported higher scores on sharing personal information and socializing online were more likely to be in moderate‐increasing subgroup. This study makes a substantial contribution to our understanding of the developmental trajectories of cybervictimization in a Western context, from late childhood through to early adolescent.
Psychosocial experiences of clinicians providing care for children with severe neurological impairment
Authors: Nevin Suzanne M. , Le Marne Fleur A. , Beavis Erin , Macintosh Rebecca , Palmer Elizabeth E. , Sachdev Rani , Nunn Kenneth , Bye Ann ,   ClinEquip Advisory Group
Published: June 2024

Aim

To investigate clinicians' psychosocial experiences navigating interdisciplinary care for children with severe neurological impairment (SNI), for example children with a developmental epileptic encephalopathy; secondarily, to identify preferences for future interventions to support clinicians caring for children with SNI.

Method

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study with interdisciplinary clinicians by using a purposeful sampling recruitment strategy. Twenty‐four participants with expertise caring for children with SNI completed in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews. We transcribed the interviews, de‐identified them, and performed inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Thematic analysis elicited interrelated themes. Clinicians experienced immense professional barriers providing patient‐centred care across fragmented healthcare contexts. Physical, emotional, and psychological impacts were attributed to inadequate reflective practice training and a paucity of integrated resources to support clinicians over time. Multipronged strategies were prioritized by clinicians, incorporating psychoeducation, interdisciplinary peer mentorship, and psychological resources to build reflective practice skills for clinicians providing complex care in an advancing era of medicine.

Interpretation

This study provides novel and in‐depth insight into clinicians' experiences navigating care for children with SNI. The results will be used to inform future integrated and multipronged co‐developed resources tailored for clinicians, on the basis of their recommendations.
Sexual dimorphism and species divergence between a habitat generalist and a habitat specialist
Authors: Sudasinghe Hiranya
Published: June 2024

Sexual dimorphism, the phenotypic differences between males and females within a species, is widespread in the animal kingdom. This study investigates the extent of sexual dimorphism and species divergence in external morphology in two closely related freshwater fish species, Devario malabaricus and D. micronema, in Sri Lanka. Devario malabaricus, a habitat generalist, inhabits a wide range of aquatic environments, while D. micronema, a habitat specialist, resides in shaded rainforest streams. The study reveals size differences between the two species: D. malabaricus is consistently larger than D. micronema. However, there are no size differences between the sexes within each species. Several additional morphological traits, such as head length, interorbital width, predorsal length and postdorsal length display divergence between the species as well as between the sexes within each species; these patterns are also consistent across populations. The sexually dimorphic traits are similar between the two species despite their distinct ecological habitats. However, Devario malabaricus exhibit stronger sexual dimorphism compared to D. micronema, supporting the prediction of a positive relationship between the extent of sexual dimorphism and ecological generalism. The study highlights the importance of considering sexual dimorphism in morphometric comparisons in taxonomic studies of Devario and suggests that divergent selection between the sexes contributes to morphological variation in this group.
UK fiscal policy and external balance under Bretton Woods: Twin deficits or distant relatives?
Authors: Banerjee Joshua J.
Published: June 2024

The United Kingdom (UK) is typically regarded as the sine qua non case of an economy experiencing chronic external imbalances under the post‐war Bretton Woods system, apparently unable to reconcile the divergent objectives of robust economic growth and current account equilibrium. This paper investigates the famed ‘twin deficits hypothesis’, which ascribed responsibility for the UK's current account woes to an excessively lax fiscal policy. Calling on two distinct approaches to identifying fiscal shocks, we find evidence decisively against the traditional twin deficits view, and uncover serious shortcomings in the way that both policymakers and academics conceptualized the transmission of fiscal policy to the current account. Our results demonstrate that factors other than fiscal policy are of considerably greater importance for understanding the UK's historical experience, and we elaborate on the need for a reappraisal of some classic policy debates concerning external adjustment under the Bretton Woods system.
The factivity of practical knowledge
Authors: Ometto Dawa , van Miltenburg Niels
Published: June 2024

Anscombean accounts claim that intentional action is essentially characterized by an agent's practical knowledge of what she is doing. Such accounts are threatened by cases in which an agent seemingly fails to know what she is doing because of a mistake in the performance. It thus seems that such accounts are incompatible with the factivity of practical knowledge. We argue that Anscombean accounts should not be defended, as has recently been suggested, by drawing on familiar anti‐skeptical strategies from epistemology, but rather by attending closely to the specifically practical character of agential knowledge.
Long‐term evaluation of anterior thalamic deep brain stimulation for epilepsy in the European MORE registry
Authors: Kaufmann Elisabeth , Peltola Jukka , Colon Albert J. , Lehtimäki Kai , Majtanik Milan , Mai Jürgen K. , Bóné Beata , Bentes Carla , Coenen Volker , Gil‐Nagel Antonio , Goncalves‐Ferreira Antonio J. , Ryvlin Philippe , Taylor Rod , Brionne Thomas C. , Gielen Frans , Song Shannon , Boon Paul ,   the MORE study group
Published: June 2024

Objective

Short‐term outcomes of deep brain stimulation of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT‐DBS) were reported for people with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy (PwE). Because long‐term data are still scarce, the Medtronic Registry for Epilepsy (MORE) evaluated clinical routine application of ANT‐DBS.

Methods

In this multicenter registry, PwE with ANT‐DBS were followed up for safety, efficacy, and battery longevity. Follow‐up ended after 5 years or upon study closure. Clinical characteristics and stimulation settings were compared between PwE with no benefit, improvers, and responders, that is, PwE with average monthly seizure frequency reduction rates of ≥50%.

Results

Of 170 eligible PwE, 104, 62, and 49 completed the 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐year follow‐up, respectively. Most discontinuations (68%) were due to planned study closure as follow‐up beyond 2 years was optional. The 5‐year follow‐up cohort had a median seizure frequency reduction from 16 per month at baseline to 7.9 per month at 5‐year follow‐up (p < .001), with most‐pronounced effects on focal‐to‐bilateral tonic–clonic seizures (n = 15, 77% reduction, p = .008). At last follow‐up (median 3.5 years), 41% (69/170) of PwE were responders. Unifocal epilepsy (p = .035) and a negative history of epilepsy surgery (p = .002) were associated with larger average monthly seizure frequency reductions. Stimulation settings did not differ between response groups. In 179 implanted PwE, DBS‐related adverse events (AEs, n = 225) and serious AEs (n = 75) included deterioration in epilepsy or seizure frequency/severity/type (33; 14 serious), memory/cognitive impairment (29; 3 serious), and depression (13; 4 serious). Five deaths occurred (none were ANT‐DBS related). Most AEs (76.3%) manifested within the first 2 years after implantation. Activa PC depletion (n = 37) occurred on average after 45 months.

Significance

MORE provides further evidence for the long‐term application of ANT‐DBS in clinical routine practice. Although clinical benefits increased over time, side effects occurred mainly during the first 2 years. Identified outcome modifiers can help inform PwE selection and management.
Boundaries in online couples therapy: “Can anything exist without boundaries?”
Authors: Aviram Alon
Published: June 2024

Objective

This research delved into the experiences of couples and therapists in online couples therapy with an emphasis on therapeutic boundaries.

Background

Although the popularity of online therapy has surged, limited understanding exists about the meanings and experiences tied to therapeutic boundaries in this context, underscoring the need for its examination to enhance online therapy's effectiveness.

Method

A purposive sample of 51 participants, including 36 individuals (comprising 18 couples who underwent separate interviews), and 15 couple and family therapists were interviewed in four online focus groups. Constructivist grounded theory guided the data analysis to discern therapeutic boundary dimensions.

Results

The analysis identified three dimensions of therapeutic boundaries: (a) boundaries between the therapist and couple, (b) boundaries between the couple and their family, and (c) boundaries between the therapists and their own families.

Conclusion

The study offers insights into the nuanced concept of liminality within therapists' and couples' transition to online couples therapy, particularly emphasizing disruptions in conventional therapeutic paradigms.

Implications

To uphold the integrity and bolster the therapeutic alliance in online couples therapy, there is a compelling need for therapists to transition toward novel means of establishing boundaries, moving away from traditional constructs.
Southern Africa's Great Escarpment as an amphitheater of climate‐driven diversification and a buffer against future climate change in bats
Authors: Taylor Peter J. , Kearney Teresa C. , Clark Vincent Ralph , Howard Alexandra , Mdluli Monday V. , Markotter Wanda , Geldenhuys Marike , Richards Leigh R. , Rakotoarivelo Andrinajoro R. , Watson Johan , Balona Julio , Monadjem Ara
Published: June 2024

Hosting 1460 plant and 126 vertebrate endemic species, the Great Escarpment (hereafter, Escarpment) forms a semi‐circular “amphitheater” of mountains girdling southern Africa from arid west to temperate east. Since arid and temperate biota are usually studied separately, earlier studies overlooked the biogeographical importance of the Escarpment as a whole. Bats disperse more widely than other mammalian taxa, with related species and intraspecific lineages occupying both arid and temperate highlands of the Escarpment, providing an excellent model to address this knowledge gap. We investigated patterns of speciation and micro‐endemism from modeled past, present, and future distributions in six clades of southern African bats from three families (Rhinolophidae, Cistugidae, and Vespertilionidae) having different crown ages (Pleistocene to Miocene) and biome affiliations (temperate to arid). We estimated mtDNA relaxed clock dates of key divergence events across the six clades in relation both to biogeographical features and patterns of phenotypic variation in crania, bacula and echolocation calls. In horseshoe bats (Rhinolophidae), both the western and eastern “arms” of the Escarpment have facilitated dispersals from the Afrotropics into southern Africa. Pleistocene and pre‐Pleistocene “species pumps” and temperate refugia explained observed patterns of speciation, intraspecific divergence and, in two cases, mtDNA introgression. The Maloti‐Drakensberg is a center of micro‐endemism for bats, housing three newly described or undescribed species. Vicariance across biogeographic barriers gave rise to 29 micro‐endemic species and intraspecific lineages whose distributions were congruent with those identified in other phytogeographic and zoogeographic studies. Although Köppen–Geiger climate models predict a widespread replacement of current temperate ecosystems in southern Africa by tropical or arid ecosystems by 2070–2100, future climate Maxent models for 13 bat species (all but one of those analyzed above) showed minimal range changes in temperate species from the eastern Escarpment by 2070, possibly due to the buffering effect of mountains to climate change.
Association between markers of hepatitis B virus infection and risk of virological rebound in people with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Malagnino Vincenzo , Cozzi‐Lepri Alessandro , Svicher Valentina , Girardi Enrico , Perno Carlo Federico , Saracino Annalisa , Cuomo Gianluca , Rusconi Stefano , Puoti Massimo , D'Arminio Monforte Antonella , Andreoni Massimo , Sarmati Loredana ,   ICONA Foundation Study Group
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The aim of this analysis was to investigate the impact of hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection on the risk of HIV viral rebound (VR) after achieving suppression for the first time following initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the real‐world setting.

Design

Patients living with HIV (PLWH) who were enrolled in the ICONA Foundation Study cohort and achieved viral suppression ≤50 copies/mL for the first time after starting ART were prospectively evaluated and divided in three exposure groups according to serology test results: (a) HIV‐monoinfected; (b) HIV‐positive/HBcAb‐positive/HBsAg‐negative; (c) HIV‐positive/HBsAg‐positive. The occurrence of VR, defined as two consecutive HIV‐RNA values >50 copies/mL after achieving viral suppression for the first time (baseline), was investigated.

Methods

Standard survival analysis by means of Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression analysis with the serology exposure fitted as a time‐fixed covariate measured at baseline was employed after controlling for key confounding factors.

Results

Of a total of 5657 patients included, 4090 (72%) were HIV‐monoinfected, 1342 (23.7%)were HBcAb‐positive, and 225 (3.9%) were HbsAg‐positive coinfected. Overall, 654 (11.5%) PLWH experienced VR > 50 copies/mL during follow‐up. After controlling for all sources of measured confounding, coinfected PLWH showed an increased risk of experiencing VR compared with those who were HIV‐monoinfected. In particular, the strongest associations were seen for the HIV/HBsAg‐positive participants [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–2.38, p = 0.037] but an excess of risk was also seen in those who were HIV‐positive/HBcAb‐positive/HBsAg‐negative (aHR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.00–1.55, p = 0.047).

Conclusions

Coinfection with HBV seems to have an impact on the probability of maintaining HIV viral suppression achieved for the first time after ART initiation. Of note, even PLWH positive for HBcAb, a marker of inactive HBV infection, appeared to be at higher risk of VR compared with those who were HIV‐monoinfected and their HIV‐RNA should be carefully monitored.
Functional and esthetic effects of botulinum toxin injection into the masseter muscles: evaluation of 80 patients from a dermatological perspective
Authors: Ozdemir Cetinkaya Pinar , Karaosmanoglu Nermin , Özkesici Kurt Birgül , Aksu Cerman Aslı , Altunay Iknur Kivanc
Published: June 2024

Background

Masseter muscle hypertrophy is characterized by a symmetrical or asymmetrical increase in muscle volume. Although it can be asymptomatic, it may be associated with bruxism. Therefore, patients may seek intervention for esthetic and/or functional concerns. This study aimed to establish patient characteristics, purpose of undergoing botulinum toxin injection into the masseter muscles, efficacy, and side effects of the procedure at a dermatology clinic.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was carried out over a period of one year from January 2022 to January 2023 for the patients who underwent botulinum toxin injection into the masseter muscles. The general characteristics of patients, the purpose of botulinum toxin treatment, relief levels regarding bruxism according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), side effects, and complications were recorded.

Results

The study group comprised 74 female and 6 male patients with a mean age of 31.20 ± 6.71 years. Eighteen (22.5%) patients were treated only for narrowing the lower face contour, 28 (35%) patients were treated only for the relief of bruxism, and 34 (42.5%) patients were treated for both indications. Fifteen (18.8%) patients experienced 16 treatment‐related side effects, including two (2.5%) with smile asymmetry and two (2.5%) with paradoxical bulging.

Conclusions

Botulinum toxin injection into the masseter muscles with the intention of lower face contouring and/or relieving bruxism offers a minimally invasive, safe, and effective treatment option. Although it has a favorable safety profile, the risks of significant side effects or complications remain.
Structural phase transitions in multicomponent La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Gd0.2RE50.2NbO4 (RE5 = Ho, Y, Tb, Eu, Pr) oxides
Authors: Dawczak Arkadiusz , Mielewczyk‐Gryń Aleksandra , Gazda Maria
Published: June 2024

In this work, the influence of compositional complexity on the structural and thermal properties of multicomponent rare‐earth ortho‐niobates from the La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Gd0.2RE50.2NbO4 (RE5 = Ho, Y, Tb, Eu, Pr) series was investigated. Based on X‐ray powder diffraction studies using synchrotron radiation, it was found that all tested materials were pure single‐phase compositions and showed stability in the monoclinic I2/c crystal structure at room temperature. High‐temperature X‐ray powder diffraction studies and dilatometry studies confirmed the presence of a structural phase transition between low‐temperature (I2/c) and high‐temperature (I41/a) polymorphs. The structural phase transition temperatures are between 676°C and 701°C. Interestingly, despite their compositional complexity, the structural phase transition temperature behaves similarly to conventional ortho‐niobates, that is, it depends on the radius of the A‐cation; that is, as the ionic radius increases, the phase transition temperature decreases. The transition has been categorized as a second‐order phase transition based on the observed relationship between the Landau order parameter and spontaneous strain. The coexistence of the tetragonal and monoclinic phases has been seen in all compositions around the temperature of the structural phase transition. The presence of two orientation states in the monoclinic structure leads to the so‐called spontaneous strain, which consists of longitudinal (u) and shear (v) strain components. The values of these strains at 300°C range between 2.42 and 2.58 × 10−2 for longitudinal, 2.98 and 3.04 × 10−2 for shear, and 5.46 and 5.57 × 10−2 for scalar spontaneous strain. It was found that the spontaneous strain in each of the materials under test was very little impacted by the variation in the complexity of the A sublattice's composition. In addition, thermal expansion coefficients of both polymorphs were determined, which range from 12.7 × 10−6 K−1 to 13.2 × 10−6 K−1 for the monoclinic structure and 9.7 × 10−6 K−1 to 9.9 × 10−6 K−1 for the tetragonal one.
Hard edges, soft edges, and species range evolution: A genomic analysis of the Cumberland Plateau salamander
Authors: Watts Emily F. , Waldron Brian P. , Kuchta Shawn R.
Published: June 2024

Aim

Gene flow from central to edge populations is thought to limit population growth at range edges by constraining local adaptation. In this study, we explore the thesis that range edges can differ in their dynamics and be either ‘hard’ (e.g. a river) or ‘soft’ (e.g. ecological gradients). We hypothesize that soft edge populations will have smaller effective population sizes than central populations and that gene flow will be greater from the centre to the edge than vice versa. Conversely, we hypothesize that hard edge populations should have similar effective population sizes to central populations and that gene flow will be equal between the two.

Location

Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia, USA.

Taxon

Plethodon kentucki (Caudata: Plethodontidae).

Methods

We evaluated landscape suitability using an ecological niche model, then we compared gene flow and effective population sizes between edge and central populations and quantified gene flow between populations. Finally, we characterized landscape genetic variation, testing for isolation by distance and isolation by environment.

Results

We found continuously decreasing habitat quality along soft edges, with hard edges more variable. Additionally, we found that soft edges had lower effective population sizes than central populations and that gene flow was greater from the centre of the range to the soft edges than the reverse. In hard edges, by contrast, we found effective population sizes in edge populations were similar to central populations, with relatively equal gene flow in both directions.

Main Conclusions

Understanding why species have range limits is central to investigations of the structure of biodiversity, yet the evolutionary dynamics of range edges remain poorly understood. We show that within a single species with a small range, the evolutionary dynamics operating at range boundaries may depend on the nature of the boundary.
Using multimodal learning analytics as a formative assessment tool: Exploring collaborative dynamics in mathematics teacher education
Authors: Moon Jewoong , Yeo Sheunghyun , Banihashem Seyyed Kazem , Noroozi Omid
Published: June 2024

Background

Traditionally, understanding students' learning dynamics, collaboration, emotions, and their impact on performance has posed challenges in formative assessment. The complexity of monitoring and assessing these factors have often limited the depth and breadth of insights.

Objectives

This study aims to explore the potential of multimodal learning analytics as a formative assessment tool in math education. The focus is on discerning how collaborative discourse behaviours and emotional indicators interplay with lesson evaluation performance.

Methods

Using undergraduate students' multimodal data, which includes collaboration data, facial behaviour data, and emotional data, the study explored the patterns of collaboration and emotion. Through the lens of multimodal learning analytics, we conducted exploratory data analysis to identify meaningful relationships between specific types of collaborative discourse, facial expressions, and performance indicators. Moreover, the study evaluated a machine learning model's potential to predict target learning outcomes by integrating data from multiple channels.

Results

The analysis revealed key features from both discourse and emotion data as significant predictors. These findings underscore the potential of a multimodal analytical approach in understanding students' learning process and predicting outcomes.

Conclusions

The study emphasizes the importance and feasibility of a multimodal learning analytic approach in the context of math education. It highlights the academic and practical implications of such an approach, along with its limitations, pointing towards future research directions in this area.
Racial and ethnic differences in telemedicine use among community‐dwelling older adults with dementia
Authors: Qin Qiuyuan , Temkin‐Greener Helena , Veazie Peter , Cai Shubing
Published: June 2024

Background

Routine ambulatory care is essential for older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) to manage their health conditions. The federal government expanded telemedicine coverage to mitigate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on ambulatory services, which may provide an opportunity to improve access to care. This study aims to examine differences in telemedicine use for ambulatory services by race, ethnicity, and community‐level socioeconomic status among community‐dwelling older adults with ADRD.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used Medicare claims data between April 01, 2020 and December 31, 2021. We included community‐dwelling Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries aged 65 years and older with ADRD. The outcome variable is individual's use (yes/no) of telemedicine evaluation and management (tele‐EM) visits in each quarter. The key independent variables are race, ethnicity, and community‐level socioeconomic status.

Results

The analytical sample size of the study was 2,068,937, including 9.9% Black, 82.7% White, and 7.4% Hispanic individuals. In general, we observed a decreasing trend of tele‐EM use, and the average rate of quarterly tele‐EM use was 23.0%. Tele‐EM utilization varied by individual race, ethnicity, and community‐level socioeconomic status. On average, White and Black individuals in deprived communities were 3.5 and 2.4 percentage‐points less likely to use tele‐EM compared with their counterparts in less‐deprived communities (p < 0.001). However, Hispanic individuals in deprived communities were 2.4 percentage‐points more likely to utilize tele‐EM compared with those in less‐deprived communities (p < 0.001). Additionally, we observed various racial and ethnic differences in telemedicine use in deprived communities versus less‐deprived communities.

Conclusions

We observed various racial and ethnic differences in telemedicine use, both within and between communities by socioeconomic status. Telemedicine is a viable healthcare delivery option that may influence healthcare access for racial and ethnic minorities and for individuals in socioeconomically deprived communities. Further policies or interventions may be needed to ensure all individuals have equal access to newly available care delivery models.
Potential therapeutic effect of a ketogenic diet for the treatment of lymphoedema: Results of an exploratory study
Authors: Lodewijckx Inge , Matthys Christophe , Verheijen Joke , Verscuren Raf , Devoogdt Nele , Van der Schueren Bart , Goffin Karolien , Fourneau Inge , Thomis Sarah
Published: June 2024

Background

Lymphoedema is a chronic and progressive disease characterised by excessive accumulation of lymph in the interstitial compartment, leading to tissue swelling and fibroadipose deposition. Lymphangiogenesis is partly regulated by ketone body oxidation, and a ketogenic diet (KD) has shown therapeutic efficacy in a preclinical mouse tail lymphoedema model. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of a KD in patients with secondary lymphoedema.

Methods

Nine patients with unilateral stage 2 lymphoedema secondary to lymphadenectomy were included in this quasi‐experimental exploratory study consisting of a short run‐in phase to gradually induce ketosis, followed by a classic KD (CKD) and modified Atkins diet (MAD) phase during which patients consumed a CKD and MAD, respectively. Lymphatic function and oedema volume, the primary outcomes, were assessed at baseline and at the end of both the CKD and MAD phase. Secondary outcomes included health‐related and lymphedema‐specific quality of life (QoL).

Results

Seven out of nine patients completed the study protocol. Lymphatic function was improved upon consumption of both a CKD (dermal backflow score [mean ± SD]: 7.29 ± 2.98 vs. 10.86 ± 2.19 at baseline; p = 0.03) and MAD (6.71 ± 2.06; p = 0.02), whereas oedema volume did not decrease during the course of the study (excess limb volume [mean ± SD]: 20.13 ± 10.25% at end of CKD and 24.07 ± 17.77% at end of MAD vs. 20.79 ± 12.96% at baseline; p > 0.99 and p > 0.30, respectively). No changes were observed in health‐related, nor lymphoedema‐specific QoL at the end of CKD and MAD.

Conclusions

The consumption of a KD improved lymphatic function and was associated with a clinically meaningful reduction in oedema volume in some patients (3/7 at end of CKD, 2/7 at end of MAD) with unilateral stage 2 secondary lymphoedema. These results highlight the potential of a KD to improve lymphatic function in patients with lymphoedema. However, further studies are required to substantiate our findings.
Gendered patterns of intergenerational contact in Korea: Transitions from young‐old to middle‐old
Authors: Lim‐Soh Jeremy , Kim Dahye , Kim Kyungmin
Published: June 2024

Objective

To identify changes over time in gendered patterns of intergenerational contact between older adults and their adult children in an Asian context.

Background

Patterns of contact between older adults and their adult children have strong implications for older adults' health in societies with strong family values and gendered expectations for old age care.

Methods

The authors utilized data from two waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (2006 and 2016); 1,311 Korean older adults reported their frequency of contact (in‐person contact and mediated communication) with their 5,663 mixed‐gender adult children when they were aged 65–74 years and when they were aged 75–84 years, respectively. Latent transition analysis was applied to identify gendered patterns of contact among multiple children and examine transitions between waves.

Results

More frequent contact with sons was twice as common as more frequent contact with daughters in 2006. However, these gender‐unequal patterns of contact were likely to transition to gender‐equal patterns in 2016. The onset of functional limitations was associated with transitions into equally frequent in‐person contact with sons and daughters, whereas the onset of clinically significant depressive symptoms was associated with transitions into more frequent mediated communication with daughters.

Conclusion

The findings show a decline in traditional son‐preferential patterns of contact, in favor of gender‐equal contact among Korean older adults. Furthermore, mental health issues emerging in the transition from young‐old to middle‐old emphasize the role of daughters as kin‐keepers who support their parents emotionally.
Signal to noise ratio of masticatory muscle activity of functional and non‐functional oral tasks
Authors: Kothari Simple Futarmal , Devendran Anupriyadarshini , Kumar Abhishek , de Caxias Fernanda P. , Svensson Peter
Published: June 2024

Background

Electromyographic activity (EMG) of masticatory muscles during wakefulness is understudied. It is unclear if single channel ambulatory EMG devices are sensitive enough to detect masticatory muscle activity (MMA) during wakefulness.

Objectives

To compare the MMA of various oral tasks recorded with a single channel EMG device ((Grindcare4‐datalogger Prototype device) (GC4‐β)) and a conventional EMG (cEMG) device.

Methods

EMG activity of 30 standardised oral tasks was recorded unilaterally from the masseter and anterior temporalis muscle in 24 healthy volunteers using GC4‐β and a cEMG device. To compare the EMG data, signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNR) were calculated as a way to normalise EMG activity across tasks. Analysis of variance was used to compare the SNR between the devices, muscles and oral tasks.

Results

SNR measured from GC4‐β was overall significantly higher than the cEMG device (p =.001). The SNR for maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) was significantly higher than all other tasks (p <.001). SNR for temporalis with GC4‐β was significantly higher for MVC, hard food, soft food, gum chewing (dominant side), rhythmic clenching and upper lip biting compared to the cEMG device (p <.021). The SNR for masseter with GC4‐β was significantly higher for hard food and gum chewing (dominant side), rhythmic clenching, rhythmic biting of an object and yawning compared to the cEMG device (p <.022).

Conclusions

This study provides novel insight into the EMG patterns of numerous oral tasks enhancing knowledge of physiological differences between the masticatory muscles. Further, single channel EMG devices can effectively measure the EMG activity of various oral tasks during wakefulness.
METTL3 promotes the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells by increasing YAP activity via IGF2BP1 and YTHDF1‐mediated m6A modification
Authors: Sun Xuefei , Meng Xiujiao , Piao Yu , Dong Shaojie , Dong Qianqian
Published: June 2024

Aims

N6‐Methyladenosine (m6A) has been confirmed to play a dynamic role in osteoporosis and bone metabolism. However, whether m6A is involved in the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) remains unclear. The present study aimed to verify the role of methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3)‐mediated m6A modification in the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs.

Methods

The METTL3, Runx2, Osx, and YAP mRNA expression was determined by qPCR. METTL3, RUNX2, OSX, YTHDF1, YAP, IGF2BP1, and eIF3a protein expression was measured by Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. The levels of m6A modification were evaluated by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) and dot blot analyses. MeRIP‐seq and RNA‐seq were used to screen potential candidate genes. Nucleic acid and protein interactions were detected by immunoprecipitation. Alizarin red staining was used to evaluate the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs. Gene transcription and promoter activities were assessed by luciferase reporter assays (n ≥ 3).

Results

The expression of METTL3 and m6A modifications increased synchronously with the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs (p = .0016). YAP was a candidate gene identified by MeRIP‐seq and RNA‐seq, and its mRNA and protein expression levels were simultaneously increased. METTL3 increased the m6A methylated IGF2BP1‐mediated stability of YAP mRNA (p = .0037), which in turn promoted osteogenic differentiation (p = .0147). Furthermore, METTL3 increased the translation efficiency of YAP by recruiting YTHDF1 and eIF3a to the translation initiation complex (p = .0154), thereby promoting the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs (p = .0012).

Conclusion

Our study revealed that METTL3‐initiated m6A mRNA methylation promotes osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs by increasing IGF2BP1‐mediated YAP mRNA stability and recruiting YTHDF1 and eIF3a to the translation initiation complex to increase YAP mRNA translation. Our findings reveal the mechanism of METTL3‐mediated m6A modification during hPDLC osteogenesis, providing a potential therapeutic target for periodontitis and alveolar bone defects.
Role of Phenylethanolamine‐N‐methyltransferase on Nicotine‐Induced Vasodilation in Rat Cerebral Arteries
Authors: Li Ming‐Wei , Chang Shang‐Jen , Chang Hsi‐Hsien , Yang Stephen Shei‐Dei
Published: June 2024

Objective

The sympathetic–parasympathetic (or axo–axonal) interaction mechanism mediated that neurogenic relaxation, which was dependent on norepinephrine (NE) releases from sympathetic nerve terminal and acts on β2‐adrenoceptor of parasympathetic nerve terminal, has been reported. As NE is a weak β2‐adrenoceptor agonist, there is a possibility that synaptic NE is converted to epinephrine by phenylethanolamine‐N‐methyltransferase (PNMT) and then acts on the β2‐adrenoceptors to induce neurogenic vasodilation.

Methods

Blood vessel myography technique was used to measure relaxation and contraction responses of isolated basilar arterial rings of rats.

Results

Nicotine‐induced relaxation was sensitive to propranolol, guanethidine (an adrenergic neuronal blocker), and Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine. Nicotine‐ and exogenous NE‐induced vasorelaxation was partially inhibited by LY‐78335 (a PNMT inhibitor), and transmural nerve stimulation depolarized the nitrergic nerve terminal directly and was not inhibited by LY‐78335; it then induced the release of nitric oxide (NO). Epinephrine‐induced vasorelaxation was not affected by LY‐78335. However, these vasorelaxations were completely inhibited by atenolol (a β1‐adrenoceptor antagonist) combined with ICI‐118,551 (a β2‐adrenoceptor antagonist).

Conclusions

These results suggest that NE may be methylated by PNMT to form epinephrine and cause the release of NO and vasodilation. These results provide further evidence supporting the physiological significance of the axo–axonal interaction mechanism in regulating brainstem vascular tone.
Pinnipeds with proportionally wider aortic bulbs make longer dives
Authors: Storlund Rhea L. , Rosen David A. S. , Trites Andrew W.
Published: June 2024

The enlarged size of the aortic bulb is thought to enhance the ability of marine mammals to remain underwater for extended periods. However, a convincing link between aortic bulb size and diving capacity has not been established. Using new and existing data, we examined the relationships between body size, maximum and routine dive duration, and aortic bulb size of pinnipeds. Comparisons among seven species of pinnipeds showed that the diameter of the aortic bulb increases allometrically with body mass (aortic bulb diameter = 0.58 × body mass0.41). We also found a linear relationship between routine dive duration and relative aortic bulb diameter (routine dive duration = 0.20 × relative aortic bulb diameter − 3.30), but no apparent relationship with maximum dive duration. Our results indicate that relative aortic bulb diameter influences diving capacity, providing further evidence that the aortic bulb is an adaptation to diving. Specifically, the relative diameter of the aortic bulb partially determines how long pinnipeds can routinely remain underwater. This has implications for the ability of different species of marine mammals to adapt to projected environmental changes and effectively forage or evade threats in altered habitats.
The ontogeny of flowers and inflorescences in the andromonoecious annual Iranian endemic Dicyclophora persica (Apiaceae)
Authors: Bagherzadeh Homaee Mozafar , Ajani Yousef
Published: June 2024

Species of Apiaceae, despite uniform floral structure, show great variation in floral morphs and sexual distribution. In the present study, the ontogeny of the diclinous flowers within the cage‐shaped inflorescences of the andromonoecious Dicyclophora persica Boiss. was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to determine if they follow the same ontogenetic processes. The development of an interesting, unusual club‐like organ in the center of the umbel was also studied. Our findings show that the floral organs in diclinous flowers follow the same pattern. Petals initiate in a clockwise direction, while stamens form in a helical pattern. The perfect central sessile flower in the umbellet, despite sepal suppression, was synchronized with inner staminate flowers in the initiation of petals, stamens, and carpels. In staminate flowers, two prominent sepals initiate after the inception of the stamens. Ovules only get aborted in the late stages. The club‐like organ initiates from a naked receptacle that has no resemblances to umbellets or flowers. In perfect flowers, the delayed initiation and prolonged spatial constraints are caused by bracts and massive staminate flowers which suppress the sepals and make them sessile. Considering the ovule suppression, staminate flowers may be adapted to prevent the perfect flowers from being exposed to extreme environmental conditions.
Trajectories of biomedical research leading to Nobel Prize–winning discoveries
Authors: Burnett Wendy J. , Balas E. Andrew , Heboyan Vahe , Matthews Kirstin R. W.
Published: June 2024

Significant advancements in public health come from scientific discoveries, but more are needed to meet the ever‐growing societal needs. Examining the best practices of outstanding scientists may help develop future researchers and lead to more discoveries. This study compared the comprehensive work of 49 Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine from 2000 to 2019 to a matched control of National Institutes of Health (NIH)‐funded biomedical investigators. Our unique data set, comprising 11,737 publications, 571 US patents, and 1693 NIH research awards produced by pre‐Nobel laureates, was compared to a similar data set of control researchers. Compared to control researchers, pre‐Nobel laureates produce significantly more publications annually (median = 5.66; interquartile range [IQR] = 5.16); significantly fewer coauthors per publication (median = 3.32; IQR = 1.95); consistently higher Journal Impact Factor publications (median = 12.04; IQR = 6.83); and substantially more patents per researcher (median = 5; IQR = 14). Such differences arose from nearly identical cumulative NIH award budgets of pre‐Nobel laureates (median $25.3 M) and control researchers. Nobel laureates are neither hyper‐prolific (>72 papers per year) nor hyper‐funded (>$100 M cumulative). An academic age–specific trajectory graph allows aspiring researchers to compare their productivity and collaboration patterns to those of pre‐Nobel laureates.
Complete mitochondrial genomes of edible mushrooms: features, evolution, and phylogeny
Authors: Zeb Umar , Aziz Tariq , Azizullah Azizullah , Zan Xin‐Yi , Khan Asif Ali , Bacha Syed Asim Shah , Cui Feng‐Jie
Published: June 2024

Edible mushrooms are an important food source with high nutritional and medicinal value. They are a useful source for studying phylogenetic evolution and species divergence. The exploration of the evolutionary relationships among these species conventionally involves analyzing sequence variations within their complete mitochondrial genomes, which range from 31,854 bp (Cordyceps militaris) to 197,486 bp (Grifolia frondosa). The study of the complete mitochondrial genomes of edible mushrooms has emerged as a critical field of research, providing important insights into fungal genetic makeup, evolution, and phylogenetic relationships. This review explores the mitochondrial genome structures of various edible mushroom species, highlighting their unique features and evolutionary adaptations. By analyzing these genomes, robust phylogenetic frameworks are constructed to elucidate mushrooms lineage relationships. Furthermore, the exploration of different variations of mitochondrial DNA presents novel opportunities for enhancing mushroom cultivation biotechnology and medicinal applications. The mitochondrial genomic features are essential for improving agricultural practices and ensuring food security through improved crop productivity, disease resistance, and nutritional qualities. The current knowledge about the mitochondrial genomes of edible mushrooms is summarized in this review, emphasising their significance in both scientific research and practical applications in bioinformatics and medicine.