bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Psychoeducation on Caregivers of Individuals Experiencing Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Chow Jin Yin Alicia , Yeo Yu Ting Tracy , Goh Yong Shian
Published: September 2024

The existing paradigm on recovery in mental health prioritises self‐empowerment and person‐centred, community‐based care, which necessitates family caregivers' collaboration to support individuals with schizophrenia in the community. However, the role of family caregivers is often under‐recognised and hence insufficiently supported. This consequently compromises caregivers' well‐being and, ultimately, the recovery of individuals with schizophrenia. Although caregiver‐targeted psychoeducation may offer practical support, its effectiveness lacks conclusive evidence. This review aimed to evaluate the impacts of psychoeducation on caregiver‐related outcomes (caregiver burden, quality of life and expressed emotion). Eight electronic databases were searched from inception to September 2023, supplemented by hand searching of end‐reference lists. Two reviewers independently conducted title and abstract screening with predetermined eligibility criteria. A third reviewer was consulted to resolve any discrepancies. A random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed to estimate pooled effect sizes alongside subgroup and sensitivity analyses where appropriate. Twenty‐one studies (totalling 1639 caregivers) were included, based on which psychoeducation contributed to a statistically significant improvement in caregiver‐related outcomes. Given substantial heterogeneity, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were done for the durations and the evaluative scales for psychoeducation. Quality appraisal revealed unclear or high bias in most studies. Notwithstanding the heterogeneity, the directions of the effect sizes consistently indicated the effectiveness of psychoeducation across all outcomes. This finding aligned with Lazarus' stress appraisal and coping theory, which states that psychoeducation improves caregivers' knowledge, coping mechanisms and situation appraisal. Our findings offer encouraging evidence to advocate the integration of psychoeducation into healthcare services, but policy‐based support is warranted for sustained implementation. Further research is merited to optimise its duration and content and appraise its long‐term impacts through disease‐specific scales for objective and subjective outcomes.
Resiliency in Persons Experiencing Homelessness: A Concept Analysis Using the Evolutionary Framework
Authors: Ketel Christian , Abdoli Samereh
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Homelessness is a critical societal issue, with those affected facing disproportionate chronic and acute health conditions. At the core of understanding their experiences is the concept of resiliency. Understanding resiliency in homelessness is crucial because it highlights the dynamic interplay between inherent qualities and external challenges, underscoring the need to reassess societal value judgements and inform nursing practices in research, education and advocacy.

Aim

This paper aims to conduct a comprehensive concept analysis to propose a revised definition of resiliency in the context of homelessness.

Methods

Rogers's evolutionary method was the analytical tool of choice, perfect for examining the fluid and evolving nature of resiliency within the context of homelessness. The method entails analysing the concept's transformation over time and across disciplines, accepting variability in definitions based on the chronological and contextual constructs.

Discussion

The findings revealed that resiliency in homelessness is an inherent quality and a developed response shaped by the interplay of innate capacities and environmental challenges. It uncovered a need to reassess societal value judgements. Resiliency among people without housing suggests strengths that go unrecognised by conventional measures.

Conclusion

The analysis concludes that resiliency is not a static trait but a dynamic process encompassing individual, social and environmental dimensions. In each case, nursing is poised to make a significant difference in nursing research, practice, education and advocacy, potentially inspiring new approaches and interventions. No public or private was used in the development of this article.
Real‐world battery longevity of implantable loop recorders implanted for unexplained syncope: Results from a large single‐center registry
Authors: Duvillier Lukas , Demolder Anthony , Van Renterghem Sally , De Mey Caroline , West Filip , De Pooter Jan
Published: September 2024

Background/Purpose

Implantable loop recorders (ILR) are increasingly used in cardiac rhythm monitoring and diagnostic work‐up of unexplained syncope. ILR battery longevity, according to manufacturers' product performance specifications, typically ranges between 2 and 4 years, but real‐world data in this population are lacking.

Methods

This monocentric, prospective, observational study included consecutive patients with unexplained syncope undergoing ILR implantation between October 2007 and 2019. The main purpose was to determine real‐world battery longevity of ILRs. Diagnostic yield and relationship between arrhythmogenic diagnosis and duration of ILR monitoring were explored.

Results

The study included 309 patients (59 years [38–73], 49% female) with ILR implantation for unexplained syncope. Median battery longevity was 42 [40–45] months. A total of 99.5% of ILRs reached prespecified battery longevity. The time to end‐of‐life varied by up to 33 months among the same ILR models. Overall arrhythmogenic diagnostic yield counted 27% (73% sick sinus syndrome, 20% atrioventricular block, and 7% ventricular tachycardia). Median time to diagnosis was 10 [2–25] months, with the latest event at 43 months. The cumulative diagnostic yield for arrhythmogenic event explaining syncope was 4.2%, 6.1%, 9.4%, 14.6%, 19.4%, and 26.7% at 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 months, respectively. In univariate analysis, first degree AV block and prolonged HV time on EP study were predictors of diagnosis, while QRS duration abnormality borderline missed significance.

Conclusions

Real‐world battery longevity of ILRs matched industry projected longevity in 99.5% of patients implanted with ILR for unexplained syncope. A battery longevity of minimum 3.5 years is recommended to maximize the diagnostic yield in this population.
Ultrastructural and molecular characterization of Glugea sp. (microsporidia), a parasite of the Red Sea fish Carangoides bajad (Carangidae)
Authors: Abdel‐Baki Abdel‐Azeem S. , Aboelhadid Shawky M. , Abdel‐Tawab Heba , Rocha Sónia , Ahmed Manal , Al‐Quraishy Saleh , Mansour Lamjed
Published: September 2024

Glugea sp. found infecting the liver of the teleost fish Carangoides bajad from the Red Sea, Egypt, is described based on light microscopy and ultrastructural characteristics combined with phylogenetic analyses. This microsporidium forms whitish xenomas up to ~4 mm in size. Xenomas display numerous parasitophorous vacuoles totally filled by mature spores, no other life cycle stages were observed. Mature spores ellipsoidal and measuring 6.3 × 4.0 μm in size. The polaroplast appears composed of two distinct regions: an electron‐dense vesicular region and a densely packed lamellar region. The polar tubule forms approximately 24–27 coils arranged in three layers encircling the posterior vacuole. The small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and its ITS region were sequenced and showed the highest similarity of 99.4% to other Glugea spp. Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses place the novel isolate within the Glugea clade, more specifically within a subclade that predominantly grouped species described from fish inhabiting the Arabian Gulf or Red Sea. The results validate the parasite's classification in the Glugea genus. Nevertheless, until more detailed ultrastructural and molecular data are obtained, the identification of the current Glugea species is hampered by the absence of some developmental stages and the high degree of genetic similarity.
Research on flow field characteristics of curved pipe in bulk grain cyclone conveying based on gas solid coupling
Authors: Shang Kun , Li Yongxiang , Song Haihao , Xu Xuemeng , Zhang Hanshan
Published: September 2024

In the transportation of grain particles, elbow wear is a pressing concern. A novel approach to mitigate this involves introducing a lateral air supplement rotation mechanism that enables swirling transportation. We assessed the integration of this device at angles of 45°, 55°, and 65° to the central axis of the main pipeline. While the multiphase flow velocity within the main conduit was held constant at 20 m/s, the lateral device's airflow velocities were tested at 20, 30, and 40 m/s. Utilizing the CFD–DEM simulation for grain particle transportation around bends, our findings indicated that an optimal arrangement was with the lateral device at 55° relative to the main pipeline, with an airflow speed of 30 m/s. This setup fostered a forward particle spiral, drastically diminishing wear on the pipe wall. Experimental evaluations corroborated the simulation's outcomes.
Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicines in the treatment of solar lentigo based on network pharmacology and experimental validation
Authors: Wu Dongmei , Lv Pingping , Han Ping , Xie Lingna , Li Yi , Ma Congwei , Tai Meiling , Peng Yi , Lin Li
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

Solar lentigo is a prevalent skin condition that affects a significant number of individuals. Fortunately, certain traditional Chinese medicines and monomers (TCMM) have proven effective in addressing these concerns. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and underlying mechanism of TCMM, a combination of TCM and monomers in repairing solar lentigo.

Methods

We detected and identified the main compounds of TCM using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and through the approach of network pharmacology, we screened drug and disease targets, visualized networks with Cytoscape software, analyzed targets via Gene ontology and KEGG, clinically validated predictions. In a mouse model, UVB‐induced pigmentation was assessed, and the effects of TCMM were evaluated. A clinical trial on 30 patients validated the depigmenting agent.

Results

Active ingredients such as MSH, Butylated hydroxytoluen, Valerophenone, and Geranylacetone aid pigmentation treatment. One hundred and forty‐three crore targets impact PI3K‐Akt, MAPK signaling pathway, ect. pathways. TCMM reduced UVB‐induced pigmentation, water loss, epidermal thickness, and melanin. It inhibited TYR, MITF, AKT1, VEGFA, PTGS2, TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1β. Clinical and microscopic analysis showed significant pigmentation reduction.

Conclusions

The treatment of solar lentigo can benefit from the TCMM. By targeting multiple factors and pathways, this approach offers a comprehensive and effective treatment strategy.
Comparison of sEMG activity of submental muscles between the head‐lift exercise, tongue‐press exercise and the head extension tongue‐press exercise in healthy young adults
Authors: Nejadmoghbeli Mahla , Behboodi Mohammadreza , Kalbassi Gitta , Poorjavad Marziyeh
Published: September 2024

Background

Swallowing is a complex function that requires precise coordination between different muscles. Weakness in submental muscles can lead to complications such as pharyngeal residue and aspiration. Therefore, exercise interventions targeting these muscles, such as the Head‐Lift Exercise (HLE), are clinically important but pose challenges.

Objective(s)

This study aimed to compare the myoelectric activity of submental muscles during traditional Head‐Lift Exercise (HLE), Tongue‐Press Exercise (TPE) and Head Extension Tongue‐Press Exercise (HETPE), providing potential alternatives to HLE.

Methods

Thirty healthy volunteers (22 females and 8 males, mean age 25.63 ± 5.27 years) participated in this cross‐sectional study. Surface electromyography (sEMG) recorded activity of the submental muscles bilaterally during HLE, TPE and HETPE. Participants performed each manoeuvre for 14 s, repeated three times in a counterbalanced order. Statistical analyses assessed differences in mean, maximum and median frequency of the sEMG signals among manoeuvres using repeated‐measures analysis of variance (RM‐ANOVA). The experienced irritation levels by participants during manoeuvres were also compared by the Friedman test.

Results

HETPE exhibited significantly higher maximum sEMG activity compared to HLE and TPE (p < .05). Mean sEMG activity was significantly increased during HETPE compared to TPE. Median frequency was significantly lower during HETPE compared to the two other exercises, indicating greater muscle fatigue. Participants reported similar levels of irritation for HLE and HETPE, and significantly lower levels during TPE.

Conclusion

These results indicate that HETPE is effective in activating and strengthening submental muscles, potentially serving as a viable alternative to HLE without added difficulty. Further research is recommended to assess the long‐term impacts on swallowing physiology in patients with dysphagia.
Both‐Sideology Endangers Democracy and Social Science
Authors: Jost John T.
Published: September 2024

In social psychology these days it is commonplace to read or hear that liberal‐leftists and conservative‐rightists are every bit as “moral”; prejudiced and intolerant; susceptible to misinformation, “fake news,” and conspiratorial thinking; lax about upholding democratic standards; and prone to terrorism and political violence. Upon careful inspection, however, I conclude that every one of these claims is false or misleading. Liberal‐leftists in the United States and elsewhere are demonstrably more committed than conservative‐rightists to humanistic‐egalitarian values, deliberative reasoning, and adherence to democratic norms. In Western societies, acts of authoritarian aggression, hate crimes, and political violence are overwhelmingly more likely to come from the right than the left. As a witness to Nazi atrocities, Kurt Lewin deeply understood the role of historical, economic, and political forces in human lives and the interdependence between democracy and social science. He rejected moral relativism and what I call “both‐sideology” and offered a sophisticated critique of anti‐democratic tendencies. There are perfectly understandable reasons why people—especially academics and journalists—would be tempted to draw parallels between the left and right, and indeed there are many similarities as well as dissimilarities between liberal‐leftists and conservative‐rightists. However, the uncritical adoption of both‐sideology threatens liberal democracy itself and, with it, the only social science worth having. What we—as citizens and social scientists—need now is a renewal and revitalization of Lewin's critical‐emancipatory legacy before it is too late.
Conducting research within the acronym: Problematizing LGBTIQ+ research in psychology
Authors: Klysing Amanda , Prandelli Marta , Roselló‐Peñaloza Miguel , Alonso Daniel , Gray Madison , Glazier Jessica J. , Swanson Sarah , Wang Yu‐Chi
Published: September 2024

LGBTIQ+ research acknowledges shared experiences of groups marginalized due to gender identities, sexualities, and sex characteristics. This universalist coalition approach has resulted in much affirmational research and progressive policy development. However, it risks homogenizing the unique experiences and needs of specific groups; a risk lessened by a particularist subgroup approach. In this theoretical paper, we reflect on the challenges of a coalition or subgroup approach by considering interdependencies and boundaries between sex, gender, and sexuality‐based identities. Through tracing the historical development of LGBTIQ+ research and activism and using examples from intersex studies, intersectionality, and political actions, we explore tensions between the collective identities that make up the LGBTIQ+ acronym. We further offer suggestions for reimagining LGBTIQ+ research, advocating for community‐driven approaches that respect the situated knowledge of LGBTIQ+ individuals, and use adaptable and inclusive research practices that bridge academia and activism that aim to improve the lives of the marginalized.
Whose voices are heard in health professions education validity arguments?
Authors: Stephens Georgina C. , Brand Gabrielle , Yahalom Sharon
Published: September 2024

The authors contend that building adequate validity evidence requires collaborating with stakeholders with diverse expertise (e.g. students, patients, practicing clinicians, and researchers from multiple disciplines).
Conservation status of three rare endemic Phaseolus bean (Leguminosae, Phaseoleae) species of Costa Rica
Authors: Debouck Daniel G. , Chaves Barrantes Néstor , Araya Villalobos Rodolfo
Published: September 2024

We aimed at an inventory of all populations of wild Phaseolus (bean) species in Costa Rica, in relation to future plant breeding. During the field work in 2003–2018, three new and rare bean species (i.e. P. albicarminus, P. angucianae and P. hygrophilus) were found in different montane forest habitats which originally occupy a small acreage. Field observations, together with satellite images, indicate deforestation due to coffee plantations or pastures. To date only eleven populations of these species are known, distributed along the Talamanca and Fila Cruces mountainous ranges, making them endemic. Their narrow distribution, deforestation affecting the original habitats, and occurrence outside established and enforced protected areas motivate the assessment of their conservation status as ‘Endangered' (EN).
Systematics of Anaphalis of Taiwan I: resurrection of A. nagsawae (Compositae: Gnaphalieae) with recognition of two varieties
Authors: Yu Chih‐Chieh , Mochizuki Ko , Nemoto Shuichi , Tsai Szu‐Wei , Liao Pei‐Chun , Chao Chien‐Ti
Published: September 2024

In the montane flora of Taiwan, Anaphalis nepalensis is the most widely present species of Anaphalis (Compositae), yet its taxonomic status is uncertain. In the present study, we employed both morphological and molecular data to demonstrate that A. nepalensis is misidentified and does not occur in Taiwan. In contrast, the name has been misapplied in Taiwan to the previously described endemic species, A. nagasawae, which can be further divided into two varieties based on the number of heads in the inflorescence: A. nagasawae var. nagasawae has one or two heads, while A. nagasawae var. niitakayamensis has three to five heads. Furthermore, the typification of A. nagasawae, A. nepalensis and Gnaphalium niitakayamense are discussed here.
Evolutionary cycles in a model of nestmate recognition
Authors: Mitesser Oliver , Menzel Florian , Foitzik Susanne , Schmitt Thomas , Hovestadt Thomas
Published: September 2024

Nestmate recognition is a widespread phenomenon and evolutionary important trait in the social insects. Yet evidence accumulates that the responses to non‐nestmates varies more than previously thought. We present a simple frequency‐dependent cost‐benefit model of nestmate recognition to understand conditions that might or might not favor the evolution of nestmate recognition that is based on cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles. Costs accounted for are costs for 1) maintaining a functional recognition system and 2) keeping a CHC profile that may be sub‐optimal regarding other functionalities like desiccation control, whereas the benefit of recognition is the prevention of nest raiding by other colonies. Unsurprisingly, the model indicates that recognition systems only evolve if costs are sufficiently low and benefits sufficiently high. In addition, the model suggests that nestmate recognition is more likely to evolve if colony turnover is fast (colony life‐expectancy is low). Our model creates evolutionary cycles that are typically longest under parameter combinations that just allow the evolution of recognition systems at all; the system expresses attributes of a rock‐paper‐scissors game. The model shows that a breakdown of nestmate recognition may occur under changing ecological situations, e.g. as a result of reduced intraspecific competition or increased abiotic stress. We speculate that such effects may be involved in the formation of supercolonies during invasions. Nestmate recognition may have evolved more to prevent interspecific predation or parasitism by antagonists that managed to mimic their host's CHC profile than as a mechanism to prevent exploitation by conspecific colonies.
Ultra‐processed foods, allergy outcomes and underlying mechanisms in children: An EAACI task force report
Authors: Berni Canani Roberto , Carucci Laura , Coppola Serena , D'Auria Enza , O'Mahony Liam , Roth‐Walter Franziska , Vassilopolou Emilia , Agostoni Carlo , Agache Ioana , Akdis Cezmi , De Giovanni Di Santa Severina Fiorenza , Faketea Gavriela , Greenhawt Matt , Hoffman Karin , Hufnagl Karin , Meyer Rosan , Milani Gregorio Paolo , Nowak‐Wegrzyn Anna , Nwaru Bright , Padua Ines , Paparo Lorella , Diego Peroni , Reese Imke , Roduit Caroline , Smith Peter K. , Santos Alexandra , Untersmayr Eva , Vlieg‐Boerstra Berber , Venter Carina
Published: September 2024

Background

Consumption of ultra‐processed foods [UPFs] may be associated with negative health outcomes. Limited data exist regarding the potential role of UPFs in the occurrence of allergic diseases. The underlying mechanisms underpinning any such associations are also poorly elucidated.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and narrative evidence synthesis of the available literature to assess associations between UPF consumption and pediatric allergy outcomes (n = 26 papers), including data on the association seen with the gut microbiome (n = 16 papers) or immune system (n = 3 papers) structure and function following PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Dietary exposure to fructose, carbonated soft drinks, and sugar intake was associated with an increased risk of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and food allergies in children. Commercial baby food intake was associated with childhood food allergy. Childhood intake of fructose, fruit juices, sugar‐sweetened beverages, high carbohydrate UPFs, monosodium glutamate, UPFs, and advanced glycated end‐products (AGEs) was associated with the occurrence of allergic diseases. Exposure to UPFs and common ingredients in UPFs seem to be associated with increased occurrence of allergic diseases such as asthma, wheezing, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis, in many, but not all studies.

Conclusion

More preclinical and clinical studies are required to better define the link between UPF consumption and the risk of allergies and asthma. These observational studies ideally require supporting data with clearly defined UPF consumption, validated dietary measures, and mechanistic assessments to definitively link UPFs with the risk of allergies and asthma.
MetFinder: A Tool for Automated Quantitation of Metastatic Burden in Histological Sections From Preclinical Models
Authors: Karz Alcida , Coudray Nicolas , Bayraktar Erol , Galbraith Kristyn , Jour George , Shadaloey Arman Alberto Sorin , Eskow Nicole , Rubanov Andrey , Navarro Maya , Moubarak Rana , Baptiste Gillian , Levinson Grace , Mezzano Valeria , Alu Mark , Loomis Cynthia , Lima Daniel , Rubens Adam , Jilaveanu Lucia , Tsirigos Aristotelis , Hernando Eva
Published: September 2024

As efforts to study the mechanisms of melanoma metastasis and novel therapeutic approaches multiply, researchers need accurate, high‐throughput methods to evaluate the effects on tumor burden resulting from specific interventions. We show that automated quantification of tumor content from whole slide images is a compelling solution to assess in vivo experiments. In order to increase the outflow of data collection from preclinical studies, we assembled a large dataset with annotations and trained a deep neural network for the quantitative analysis of melanoma tumor content on histopathological sections of murine models. After assessing its performance in segmenting these images, the tool obtained consistent results with an orthogonal method (bioluminescence) of measuring metastasis in an experimental setting. This AI‐based algorithm, made freely available to academic laboratories through a web‐interface called MetFinder, promises to become an asset for melanoma researchers and pathologists interested in accurate, quantitative assessment of metastasis burden.
Genetic diversity and incidence of cassava bacterial blight (CBB) caused by Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis in Burkina Faso
Authors: Yaméogo Florence , Zerbo Kevin Ben Fabrice , Blondin Laurence , Ouedraogo Léonard , Somda Irenée , Verdier Valerie , Szurek Boris , Wonni Issa
Published: September 2024

Cassava bacterial blight (CBB), caused by Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis (Xpm), poses a significant threat to cassava production in Burkina Faso. Prior to this study, the geographical distribution, incidence and origin of CBB introductions were poorly understood. In this investigation, we assessed the incidence of CBB in major cassava‐cropping regions and analysed the genetic diversity of 344 Xpm strains collected from 19 fields between 2015 and 2016, using a multilocus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) scheme targeting 14 microsatellite markers. Our results reveal the presence of CBB in three out of four cropping regions, with incidences ranging from 0% to 100% at locality and variety scale. Burkina Faso's Xpm strains exhibited high genetic diversity at multiple levels, including country scale (He = 0.6), cropping region (0.43 to 0.57), locality (0.25 to 0.50) and field (0.25 to 0.52). Pairwise comparisons among populations from different cropping areas indicated a strong genetic differentiation. The categorical minimum spanning tree reveals that the Cascades region has the higher diversity indices and consequently could be the origin site of dispersion of Xpm in the other cropping regions of cassava. Human activities play a major role in the dissemination of Xpm through cassava cuttings. The importance of the sanitary state of cuttings must be emphasized in order to avoid CBB and ensure good cassava production.
To caucus or primary? Why state parties change their presidential nomination contests
Authors: Jewitt Caitlin E. , Masket Seth
Published: September 2024

Presidential nominations are generally perceived to be under the control of primary voters and caucus‐goers, with party organizations themselves largely powerless to steer outcomes. However, parties are highly active in the background, often switching contests between primaries and caucuses or vice versa in order to influence the nomination. Despite the popular narrative of parties becoming more internally democratic and abandoning caucuses, we find numerous instances of states moving from primaries to caucuses. We examine state party switches between caucuses and primaries between 1980 and 2024, testing various theories of party change. This approach yields few systematic conclusions. Therefore, we shift to examining contemporaneous coverage of state party switches using an inductive qualitative approach, revealing a complex and dynamic nomination system and a variety of reasons why state parties choose one form of contest over another. These findings catch state parties in the act of trying to control nomination contests in surprisingly overt ways.
The Research Advances in Distant Hybridization and Gynogenesis in Fish
Authors: Liu Qizhi , Wang Shi , Tang Chenchen , Tao Min , Zhang Chun , Zhou Yi , Qin Qinbo , Luo Kaikun , Wu Chang , Hu Fangzhou , Wang Yude , Liu Qingfeng , Li Wuhui , Wang Jing , Zhao Rurong , Liu Shaojun
Published: September 2024

Distant hybridization and gynogenesis are two prevalent breeding techniques for fishes. Drawing from the research achievements of our team and the existing literature, we summarize the reproductive traits and genetic features of fishes derived from distant hybridizations and gynogenesis, and we deduce the fundamental mechanisms of these two methods and compare them, discerning their common and different characteristics. Both distant hybridization and gynogenesis techniques can alter genotypes and phenotypes, thus establishing them as significant breeding methods. Additionally, the genetic principles and the basic biological characteristics of distant hybridization and gynogenesis in fish have been inferred. We propose the concepts of macro‐hybrid and micro‐hybrid based on extensive experimental findings from fish distant hybridizations and gynogenesis. The term “macro‐hybrid” refers to offspring from distant hybridization that possess two distinct subgenomes, each inherited from one of the two parental species, such as allodiploid and allotetraploid lineages. The concept of “micro‐hybrid” refers to offspring, including autodiploid and autotetraploid lineages, as well as those resulting from artificial gynogenesis, whose genome almost originates solely from the maternal parent but in which certain DNA fragments derived from the paternal parent insert. Distant hybridization and gynogenesis are vital techniques in fish genetics, breeding, and evolution. We highlight the prospective paths for research and application of distant hybridization and gynogenesis in fishes.
Carving to excise, carving to create: Conversations on creating and sustaining safe spaces in higher education
Authors: Heyward Devin A. , Ayala Jennifer , Guajala Scarlett , Madore Ash , Menes Maria , Pickett Nico
Published: September 2024

In this piece, we grapple with the conditions of creating and sustaining liberatory, healing spaces connected to higher education, delivering our analysis through a fictive podcast format. We present three different scenes authored by undergraduates, tied together by common, intersecting threads of both struggle and resistance, community in/as healing amidst layered crises and traumas, and deep desires for universities to fulfill their potential as learning spaces of safety, structural critique and connection. We consider our individual and collective roles as faculty and program directors in these institutional settings, and the conditions that help and hinder opportunities for students to co‐construct or live into liberatory spaces. We also consider the threats to the sustainability and viability of these initiatives, as well as the disproportionate impact on minoritized students, staff, and faculty. These learnings are in line with research that highlights the importance of students' sense of safety and belonging, the role of student agency, and perspectives that position educators through the lens of accompaniment.
The domestic politics of the Swiss‐EU negotiations on the Institutional Framework Agreement (and beyond)
Authors: Gago Angie
Published: September 2024

This article examines the domestic political dynamics surrounding the negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) on the Institutional Framework Agreement. It identifies the main domestic difficulties that prevented an agreement from being reached. The empirical reconstruction of the negotiations suggests that domestic consensus became very difficult because the issues under negotiation were two‐dimensional, activating both the anti‐EU and the left–right dimensions. Moreover, the data suggest two main factors that prevented this difficulty from being resolved. First, political parties across the political spectrum were internally divided on the issues under negotiation. Second, the worsening corporatist dynamic between the Confederation and the social partners, as well as between the social partners themselves, made it very difficult to activate the concessions to the trade unions that had been used in previous EU negotiations to secure their agreement.
Proanthocyanidins alleviate Henoch‐Schönlein purpura by mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress through regulation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Wang Meng , Pan Shihong , Xian Li , Zhang Shuyi , Xian Dehai , Zhong Jianqiao
Published: September 2024

Objective

Investigate Proanthocyanidins (PCs) efficacy and mechanisms in treating Henoch‐Schönlein purpura (HSP)‐like rat models, focusing on inflammatory and oxidative stress (OS) responses.

Methods

An HSP‐like rat model was established using ovalbumin (OVA) injection, leading to symptoms mimicking HSP. The study measured inflammatory markers (IL‐4, IL‐17, TNF‐α), OS markers (MDA, SOD, CAT), and assessed the TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB signaling pathway's involvement via histopathological and immunofluorescence analyses.

Results

PCs treatment significantly improved HSP‐like symptoms, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and decreased IgA deposition in renal mesangial areas. Serum analyses revealed that PCs effectively lowered IL‐4, IL‐17, TNF‐α, and MDA levels while increasing SOD and CAT levels (p < 0.05). Crucially, PCs also downregulated TLR4, MyD88, and NF‐κB expressions, highlighting the blockage of the TLR4‐mediated signaling pathway as a key mechanism.

Conclusion

PCs show promising therapeutic effects in HSP‐like rats by mitigating inflammatory responses and oxidative damage, primarily through inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB pathway. These findings suggest PCs as a potential treatment avenue for HSP, warranting further investigation.
Effect of breed, obturator type and surgical experience on tenoscopic portal creation into the digital flexor tendon sheath in horses
Authors: White Jonathan M. , Hibner‐Szaltys Maria , Duz Marco , Withers Jonathan M. , Marcatili Marco
Published: September 2024

Objective

To determine the influence of breed (cob [CB] and non‐cob [NC]), obturator type and surgical experience on the number of attempts, time taken and iatrogenic damage (ID) created when entering the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) tenoscopically.

Study design

Prospective experimental cadaveric study.

Animals

A total of 104 cadaver limbs.

Methods

An equal number of randomly selected CB and NC limbs were operated using a conical obturator (OB) or a switching stick (SS) by one boarded (BS) and one resident surgeon (RS). Skin measurements, number of attempts and time taken to enter the DFTS were recorded. The DFTS was endoscopically examined and then dissected to record ID and cumulative ID calculated.

Results

Mean CB skin thickness (8.4 mm) was nearly twice that of NC limbs (4.5 mm) (p < .001). Mean DFTS entry took longer in CB limbs (133 s) compared to NC limbs (112 s) (p = .02). BS mean entry time in CB limbs was 115 s compared to 46 s in NC limbs (p < .001). Cumulative ID was greater in CB limbs (25 of 52 limbs with ID) compared to NC limbs (14 of 52 limbs with ID) (p = .04). No difference was noted between obturators. Surgical experience reduced attempts and time entering the DFTS.

Conclusion

Surgeons take longer to enter DFTS in CB limbs and more cumulative ID is created, regardless of obturator type used.

Clinical significance

Skin thickness is a major determinant of time taken to enter the DFTS and increases the risk of ID. Awareness of the challenges in CB limbs is important.
A meta‐analysis of person‐centered care interventions for improving health outcomes in persons living with dementia
Authors: Saragih Ita Daryanti , Suarilah Ira , Saragih Ice Septriani , Pu Lihui , Porta Carolyn M. , Saragih Helinida , Lin Yen‐Ko , Lin Chia‐Ju
Published: September 2024

Background

Person‐centered care emphasizes the importance of valuing and supporting the humanness of a person living with dementia as compared to focusing heavily on disease symptom management and treatment. The state of the evidence and outcomes from person‐centered care is unclear and is an important knowledge gap to address informed evidence‐based care for persons living with dementia.

Aims

To synthesize the evidence on the efficacy of person‐centered care in improving health outcomes in people living with dementia.

Methods

Our search using the following databases: Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, COCHRANE library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The methodology quality of the included studies was assessed using a revised Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool for randomized trials. Meta‐analyses were performed using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model to investigate the effectiveness of person‐centered care on improving health outcomes in persons living with dementia.

Results

Seventeen trials were included in this systematic review and meta‐analysis. Person‐centered care implementation was found to improve cognitive function (pooled SMD: 0.22; 9CRD420223808975% CI [0.04, 0.41], p = .02) in persons living with dementia, although outcomes including the impact of the care model on activities of daily living, agitation, depression, and quality of life remain inconclusive.

Linking Evidence to Action

Person‐centered care improves the cognitive function of persons living with dementia, which is clinically meaningful and should not be ignored or overlooked in delivering evidence‐based care to this population. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of person‐centered care implementation among people living with dementia as an approach in improving health outcomes particularly on cognitive function improvement. Person‐centered care emphasizes the personhood of individuals living with dementia while respecting their needs, values, and beliefs and is identified as a preferred model of delivering dementia care in all settings as a non‐pharmacological approach.
Evaluation of the Epidemic Situation of Anthrax in Armenia Over the Last Decade
Authors: Kharatyan Satenik , Sargsyan Khachik , Elbakyan Hasmik , Hakobyan Varduhi , Sargsyan Vazgen , Chobanyan Gayane , Badalyan Manvel , Markosyan Tigran
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Anthrax is a World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)‐listed disease that must be reported upon confirmation based on the Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Anthrax poses a serious health issue for unvaccinated livestock, is a threat to humans through interaction with contaminated livestock and animal products and is endemic in many areas throughout the world, including the Transcaucasian Region. Despite several control and eradication efforts that have been implemented by the government of the Republic of Armenia (RA), sporadic cases of anthrax are still reported. We sought to understand the epidemic situation of anthrax in RA during the last 10 years (2012–2023) based on analysis of outbreaks and reported cases in cattle and humans.

Methods

We collected and evaluated officially reported data from human and animal cases, such as time, location, animal species, disease intensity and spread radius. The data and various parameters were mapped using ArcGIS to prepare a viable risk assessment.

Results

Based on the officially available data and reports, there have been 80 human cases and 55 animal cases of anthrax confirmed in RA from 2012 to 2023. We also identified the presence of anthrax spores in soil and environmental samples near animal burial sites in RA in 2015–2017 through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Upon comparing the human and animal cases by frequency and intensity, the human cases are directly proportional to the animal husbandry practices performed in RA.

Conclusion

The detection of the anthrax pathogen at the burial sites highlights the continued threat in these areas. Thus, it is imperative to secure and monitor any areas that have been used for anthrax burial and limit the movement of animals in these areas. In the future, legislation should be updated to prioritise incineration of anthrax‐infected carcasses instead of burial to limit further exposure to animals and humans.
Cyclic‐Schottky strata of Schottky space
Authors: Hidalgo Rubén A. , Izquierdo Milagros
Published: September 2024

Schottky space , where is an integer, is a connected complex orbifold of dimension ; it provides a parametrization of the ‐conjugacy classes of Schottky groups of rank . The branch locus , consisting of those conjugacy classes of Schottky groups being a finite index proper normal subgroup of some Kleinian group, is known to be connected. If , then there is a Kleinian group containing as a normal subgroup of index some prime integer . The structural description, in terms of Klein–Maskit Combination Theorems, of such a group is completely determined by a triple , where are integers such that . For each such tuple , there is a corresponding cyclic‐Schottky stratum . It is known that is connected. In this paper, for , we study the connectivity of these .
The effect of seasonal heat acclimatization on cool‐seeking behaviour during passive heat stress in young adults
Authors: Wang Hui , Schlader Zachary J. , Lei Tze‐Huan , Mündel Toby , Amano Tatsuro , Fujii Naoto , Nishiyasu Takeshi , Cotter James , Kondo Narihiko
Published: September 2024

Seasonal heat acclimatization is known to enhance autonomic thermoeffector responses, whereas the behavioural response following seasonal heat acclimatization remains unknown. We investigated whether seasonal heat acclimatization would alter autonomic and behavioural thermoregulatory responses. Sixteen healthy participants (eight males and eight females) underwent two trials involving 50 min of lower‐leg passive heating (lower‐leg submersion in 42°C water) with (Fan trial) and without (No fan trial) the voluntary use of a fan in a moderate thermal environment (27°C, 50% relative humidity) across winter and summer months. In Fan trials, participants were allowed to use a fan to maintain thermal comfort, but this was not allowed in the No fan trials. Cool‐seeking behaviour was initiated at a lower change in rectal temperature [mean (SD): 0.21 (0.18)°C vs. 0.11 (0.13)°C, P = 0.0327] and change in mean skin temperature [2.34 (0.56)°C vs. 1.81 (0.32)°C, P < 0.0001], and cooling time was longer [16.46 (5.62) vs. 20.40 (4.87) min, P = 0.0224] in summer compared with winter. However, thermal perception was not modified by season during lower‐leg passive heating (all P > 0.0864). Furthermore, rectal temperature was higher in summer (P = 0.0433), whereas mean body temperature and skin temperature were not different (all P > 0.0631) between the two seasons in Fan trials. In conclusion, seasonal heat acclimatization enhanced the cool‐seeking behaviour from winter to summer.
Unified, Integral Approach to Modeling and Design of High-Pressure Pipelines: Assessment of Various Flow and Temperature Models for Supercritical Fluids
Authors: Wang Guo-Xiang , Prasad Vish
Published: September 2024

A unified one-dimensional (1D), steady-state flow and heat transfer model is presented for the pipeline transport of fluids at high pressures, including the supercritical (SC) conditions. The model includes a generalized temperature equation, presented here for the first time, and accounts for all of the important effects, including the property variation, viscous dissipation, Joule-Thomson (J-T) cooling, and heat exchange with the surrounding. With appropriate approximations, this model can yield all isothermal and nonisothermal pipe flow solutions reported thus far. A generalized multizone integral method is developed which solves the two resulting algebraic equations for pressure and temperature in conjunction with a property database, such as the National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST) reference fluid thermodynamic and transport properties (REFPROP). With appropriately selected number and size of the zones and using property values at the mean temperature and pressure within each zone, this integral method can accurately predict the complex effects of the governing parameters, such as the pipe diameter and length, inlet and exit pressures, mass flowrate, J-T cooling, and inlet and surrounding temperatures. Its accuracy for small-to-large diameter pipes has been ascertained by a comparison with the numerical solutions of the differential form of governing equations that requires a large number of small grids along the pipe and the values of mean properties within each grid. Indeed, this integral model can be used for the pipeline transport at both subcritical and supercritical pressures as long as the fluid does not encounter its anomalous states and the phase-change.
Resources, Training, and Education Under the Heliostat Consortium: Industry Gap Analysis and Building a Resource Database
Authors: Mitchell Rebecca , Zhou Yu , Grabel Michael , Zhu Guangdong , Sment Jeremy
Published: September 2024

Concentrating solar power is not a widely deployed or known technology area, and the heliostat workforce community in the United States is currently small, with knowledge and expertise not widely available. The resource, training, and education (RTE) topic within the Heliostat Consortium (HelioCon) was established to address this. RTE encompasses resources, practices, and programs to ensure that (1) newcomers to the heliostat development community have an adequate knowledge base and training to conduct R&D efforts, (2) outsiders to the field are provided with resources and opportunities to join the workforce, and (3) the workforce community is a productive, healthy, and fulfilling environment for all workers. In the first year of the project, a roadmap study was conducted, in which the major gaps in RTE were identified by consulting experts in the industry, with the top gap being the lack of public accessibility to concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) knowledge. To address this, the HelioCon team has been developing a centralized web-based resource database, containing a reference library, educational videos, lists of components suppliers and software/metrology tools, a power tower plant database, and information on existing standards/guidelines.
A Nonintrusive Optical Approach to Characterize Heliostats in Utility-Scale Power Tower Plants: Camera Position Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Mitchell Rebecca , Sperber Kyle , Grabel Michael , Zhu Guangdong
Published: September 2024

Optics plays a major role in the effectiveness of concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies. The nonintrusive optical (NIO) approach developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory uses uncrewed aircraft system (UAS)-based imaging to survey heliostats in a commercial-scale power tower CSP plant and characterize their optical errors. The image processing algorithm uses photogrammetry to calculate the camera position for each image frame, and the accuracy of the estimated optical errors is highly sensitive to the calculated camera position accuracy. In this study, we simulate a series of case studies in python to examine the impact of different parameters of the sensitivity of the camera calculation, including the number of facet corners used as control points for the photogrammetric calculation, precision error in the detected pixel locations of the facet corners in the image, and precision error of the canting and mounting positions of the facets of the heliostat. The case studies consider heliostat geometry based on three commercial designs to serve as representative examples of different possible sizes of heliostats that the NIO method could be applied to. The results show that increasing the number of control points can improve accuracy for heliostats with many facets, pixel precision has a significantly larger impact on camera calculation accuracy than facet canting and mounting errors, and the camera distance and focal length must be chosen to ensure adequate pixel accuracy on the heliostat surface depending on the size of heliostat. Based on the results, recommendations for the allowable values of each parameter are provided to achieve the required NIO optical error estimation accuracy depending on the size of heliostat.