bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental expression patterns of gonadal hormone receptors in arcuate kisspeptin and GABA neurons of the postnatal female mouse
Authors: Watanabe Yugo , Fisher Lorryn , Campbell Rebecca E. , Jasoni Christine L.
Published: November 2024

The arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) is central in the neuronal regulation of fertility and reproduction through translating gonadal steroid hormone cues into the GnRH signaling pathway in the brain. Evidence suggests that circulating gonadal steroids play an important role in modulating female reproduction via kisspeptin and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons in the ARC in both development and adulthood. However, the temporal onset of these ARC neurons' sensitivity to gonadal steroids is unknown. Using RNAscope® in situ hybridization, we localized androgen receptor (Ar), estrogen receptor alpha (Esr1), and progesterone receptor (Pgr) expression in ARC kisspeptin or GABA neurons of female mice at postnatal day (P)4, P8, P12, P20, and P60. A probe that binds to kiss1 mRNA or vGat mRNA was used to produce signal in kisspeptin or GABA neurons, respectively. In adult, we identified that the vast majority of kisspeptin neurons coexpressed Esr1 (95%) and Pgr (93%), while a smaller proportion coexpressed Ar (66%). Similar proportions of Ar‐ or Esr1‐positive kisspeptin neurons were seen from P4, suggesting that kisspeptin neurons develop adult‐like sensitivity to androgen and estrogen in early postnatal life. In contrast, the proportion of Pgr‐positive kisspeptin cells in early life was significantly lower than in adulthood, suggesting that progesterone sensitivity develops over time in the ARC kisspeptin population. ARC GABA neurons also colocalized with Ar (70%), Esr1 (64%), or Pgr (85%) in adulthood. GABA neurons continuously expressed Esr1 or Pgr from the postnatal stages to adulthood, while the proportion of Ar‐positive GABA neurons gradually increased from P4 (24%) to P20 (59%). These results suggest that while ARC GABA neurons can respond to circulating estrogen and progesterone from early postnatal ages, this same population may become more sensitive to androgens during later postnatal life. Our findings identified the expression patterns of Ar, Esr1, and Pgr by ARC kisspeptin and GABA neurons during early postnatal life. These data provide the understanding for the hormone sensitivity of these populations during early postnatal life, the critical time for the formation and regulation of female reproductive physiology. [Correction added on 31 January 2025, after first online publication: Abstract has been updated.]
Assessment of Clients' Perceptions and Satisfaction With Eyebrow Mesotherapy Treatment
Authors: Dobroshi Krenar , Dodov Marija Glavash , Crcarevska Maja Simonovska , Raichki Renata Slaveska , Shuleta‐Qehaja Selvete , Krasniqi Blerim
Published: November 2024

Background

Eyebrows significantly influence facial aesthetics and are often linked to attractiveness and personality. Eyebrow loss and alopecia impact physical and psychological well‐being. Several treatments, including mesotherapy (MT), aim to enhance eyebrow density and quality. Despite the availability of MT for hair growth, its application in eyebrow revitalization is less explored.

Aims

This study evaluates clients' perceptions and satisfaction with eyebrow MT (EB MT) using AQ skin solutions' growth factor‐based MT cocktail serum.

Patients/Methods

Thirty‐two healthy women (ages 21–55) with thin or weakened eyebrows underwent three EB MT sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart. Exclusion criteria included chronic diseases, allergies, and conditions like pregnancy. Each session lasted about 40 min, and “point by point” and “nappage” techniques were employed. Satisfaction and pain levels were assessed through a Numeric Rating Scale for Satisfaction (NRSS) and Pain scale, while photographic analysis and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) evaluated effectiveness.

Results

The average GAIS score was 8.28, while the NRSS satisfaction score was 8.06. Pain levels were moderately low, averaging 4.0. A high majority (90.6%) were satisfied and willing to continue treatment, with 100% recommending EB MT to others. Notable improvements in overall appearance were reported by participants.

Conclusions

EB MT demonstrated high satisfaction and low pain levels, with significant improvements in eyebrow density and appearance. This treatment is a practical option for eyebrow enhancement with a strong safety profile, motivating further clinical application.
Late‐Onset Vitiligo: Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics, and Management Strategies
Authors: Hasan Zahbi , Pathania Yashdeep Singh
Published: November 2024

Background

Late‐onset vitiligo (LOV), generally defined as vitiligo that starts at age 30 or older, presents unique diagnostic and management challenges, reflecting an intricate interplay of genetic, environmental, and societal factors.

Objectives

This review aims to elucidate the distinct aspects of LOV such as epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes thereby enhancing diagnostic precision and planning management strategies.

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases including PubMed and EMBASE, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Studies focused on adults (age 30 or older at the time of diagnosis) with LOV were included. Data on demographics, clinical features, and comorbidities were extracted.

Results

The literature search yielded five eligible articles with a total sample size of 1099 patients. LOV prevalence ranged from 6.5% to 14.7%, with a mean age of onset in the mid to late 50s. Vitiligo vulgaris was the most common form, with increased leukotrichia and the Koebner phenomenon. Associated autoimmune/endocrine disorders, including diabetes mellitus and thyroid diseases, were prevalent, suggesting systemic links. Treatment outcomes varied, with combination therapy and phototherapy showing promise.

Conclusion

Late‐onset vitiligo differs significantly from early‐onset vitiligo in its clinical traits, epidemiology, and treatment response, necessitating personalized care and targeted management strategies.
Nurses' and Midwives' Experiences of Clinical Supervision in Practice: A Scoping Review
Authors: Gill‐Meeley Nicola , Smyth Siobhan , Frawley Timmy , Hernon Orlaith , Cuddihy Ciaran
Published: November 2024

Aim

To understand the extent and type of evidence that exists related to nurses' and midwives' experiences of participating in clinical supervision and ascertain how clinical supervision is defined in the literature.

Design

A scoping review of peer reviewed research.

Data Sources

CINAHL Complete (EBSCOhost), MEDLINE (Ovid), PsycINFO (EBSCO), Embase (Elsevier) and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant articles published between 2010 and 2024.

Review Methods

The scoping review followed the JBI methodology.

Reporting Method

PRISMA‐ScR.

Results

Forty‐three articles were included, qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods studies and three reviews were found describing nurses' and midwives' experiences of clinical supervision. The studies identified were carried out across 15 countries and reported on experiences of group clinical supervision, one to one clinical supervision or both, more recent studies included a focus on group clinical supervision. All definitions found are reported, and although these varied, there were frequently used terms common in many.

Conclusion

Although some evidence exists on how nurses and midwives experience clinical supervision gaps in evidence and detail of supervision practices remain. Inconsistencies of approach to this practice remain and specific detail relating to clinical supervision explored in existing research is frequently lacking. The lack of a universally accepted definition highlighted may influence inconsistences in clinical supervision, key terms identified in this review may assist in the development of a definition. Further research into this support is required to establish its value in practice.

Impact

This scoping review progresses the ongoing debate that clinical supervision is a valuable support for nurses' and midwives' but the absence of evidence is an indication that clinical supervision is not fully understood nor is visible in practice. To this end, this review highlights that the lack of consensus on a clinical supervision definition causes ambiguity thus reducing the use of this support for nurses and midwives.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public contribution to this paper as it is a review paper that seeks information on research available on a professional support.

Protocol registration@ Open science Framework: identifier 10.17605/OSF.IO/QNKUR
Evaluation of dysmenorrhea changes in patients undergoing cervical dilatation: Does it work?
Authors: Keskin Ilkhan , Günkaya Osman Samet , Tekin Arzu Bilge , Yassa Murat , Tuğ Niyazi
Published: November 2024

Objective

To demonstrate that cervical dilation will relieve symptoms in women with primary dysmenorrhea.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, 30 patients were included in the study group and 30 patients were included in the control group. Age, sex, occupation, education level, duration of dysmenorrhea, and presence of dyspareunia were recorded for all patients. Dilation and hysteroscopy were performed on indicated patients in the study group. In both groups, pain and dysmenorrhea levels were assessed preoperatively and at 1 and 2 months postoperatively using the “Visual Analog Score,” “Facial Pain Scale,” “Quality of Life Questionnaire,” and “Quality of Life Questionnaire Health Status Scale.”

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in the results of VAS, Facial Pain Scale, Quality of Life Questionnaire, Quality of Life Questionnaire Health Status Scale before the procedure between the two groups (MWU(Z) = −0.354, p: 0.753), (MWU(Z) = −1.680, p: 0.093), (MWU(Z) = −0.787, p: 0.431), (MWU(Z) = −1.557, p: 0.119, respectively). Although there were no statistically significant differences in the control group survey scores in the second survey, the scores in all surveys in the study group were statistically significant (p < .05).

Conclusion

This study shows that the complaints of the patients decrease in the short and medium term after cervical dilatation.
Collagen Hydrolysates as Nutritional Support in Canine Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Blees Niels R. , Teunissen Michelle , Dobenecker Britta , Prawitt Janne , Tryfonidou Marianna A. , Jan Corbee Ronald
Published: November 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease in dogs with severe impact on their welfare. The multimodal management of OA includes feeding therapeutic diets and nutraceuticals to slow down OA progression. Collagen hydrolysates (CH) are a nutritional supplement that may exert anabolic effects on osteoarthritic joint cartilage as well as disease‐modifying effects. After oral intake, CH is absorbed, mainly as amino acids, di‐ and tripeptides that are transported amongst others to the joint. In addition to reducing cartilage degradation, CH metabolites may reduce synovial inflammation and subchondral bone sclerosis during OA. Preliminary evidence in dogs suffering from the consequences of OA support the clinical efficacy of CH with reported reductions in lameness. However, effects on biomarker level of cartilage metabolism and inflammation are inconclusive. Additionally, current studies show a lack of standardised dosing regimens and the use of not validated outcomes. Future work should therefore elucidate further on the bioavailability of CH in dogs in order to establish adequate dosing recommendations. Furthermore, high‐quality placebo‐controlled randomised controlled trials are essential to dstudies have evaluated the cetermine the clinical efficacy of CH to reduce lameness, prevent OA progression and thereby improve the level of evidence.
“Why Would I Go Back There?”: Medical Mistrust and the Problem of Maternal Mortality
Authors: Vayo Amber B.
Published: November 2024

What if we could save lives just by listening to women? “‘Why Would I go back There?’: Medical Mistrust and the Maternal Mortality Crisis” explores this question through birth narratives from people whose experiences made them hesitant to seek out any medical care. According to the CDC, over half of maternal mortality happens after people leave the hospital, and between 60% and 80% of maternal deaths are preventable. Understanding why these parents are not seeking care is integral to ending preventable maternal deaths. While health policy advocates have developed policies to remove structural and economic barriers to postpartum services, there are still patients who will not return to the hospital, even for lifesaving care. This article explores one possible reason why. Based on interviews with over 100 people who gave birth, this article joins scholars who view medical mistrust as a fundamental barrier to policy compliance. People will only return to the hospital if they think it will be better for them to do so. With an experience‐conscious view in mind, this article ends with relevant policy recommendations gathered from health programs designed to bring trust back into maternal care.
Screen in between: How does livestreaming impact patient participation in education?
Authors: Gomez Kelvin , Kirby Jane
Published: November 2024

Gomez and Kirby suggest that while livestreamed clinical experiences offer potential solutions to placement challenges, careful design is needed to ensure meaningful patient involvement and address risks like diminished rapport and anxiety.
First and second language use in an early total one‐way Chinese immersion classroom
Authors: Liu Mengying , Tarone Elaine
Published: November 2024

Chinese immersion programs have been increasingly popular in US schools. However, we have insufficient data on young English‐speaking children's acquisition of Chinese as a second language in these programs, and specifically on social contextual variables systematically promoting or hindering Chinese language use. Taking a variationist sociolinguistic approach, this mixed‐methods case study identifies interlocutor and task as central social variables that most significantly condition the use, and therefore the acquisition, of Chinese by second graders attending an early total one‐way Chinese immersion program in the United States. The idiosyncratic social roles learners played with different interlocutors in carrying out classroom tasks and activities help account for their use of Chinese or English, with implications for future research on second language acquisition and pedagogy in one‐way language immersion education.
Source vs sink limitations on tree growth: from physiological mechanisms to evolutionary constraints and terrestrial carbon cycle implications
Authors: Trugman Anna T. , Anderegg Leander D. L.
Published: November 2024

The potential for widespread sink‐limited plant growth has received increasing attention in the literature in the past few years. Despite recent evidence for sink limitations to plant growth, there are reasons to be cautious about a sink‐limited world view. First, source‐limited vegetation models do a reasonable job at capturing geographic patterns in plant productivity and responses to resource limitations. Second, from an evolutionary perspective, it is nonadaptive for plants to invest in increasing carbon assimilation if growth is primarily sink‐limited. In this review, we synthesize the potential evidence for and underlying physiology of sink limitation across terrestrial ecosystems and contrast mechanisms of sink limitation with those of source‐limited productivity. We highlight evolutionary restrictions on the magnitude of sink limitation at the organismal level. We also detail where mechanisms regulating sink limitation at the organismal and ecosystem scale (e.g. the terrestrial carbon sink) diverge. Although we find that there is currently no direct evidence for widespread organismal sink limitation, we propose a series of follow‐up growth chamber manipulations, systematized measurements, and modeling experiments targeted at diagnosing nonadaptive buildup of excess nonstructural carbohydrates that will help illuminate the prevalence and magnitude of organismal sink limitation.
Factors associated with myopia in the Portuguese child population: An epidemiological study
Authors: Sánchez‐Tena Miguel Ángel , Martinez‐Perez Clara , Andreu‐Vázquez Cristina , Roque Ana , Alvarez‐Peregrina Cristina
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Myopia, a leading cause of correctable visual impairment, is projected to affect nearly 50% of the global population by 2050, posing a significant public health challenge. Understanding its prevalence and associated factors, particularly in children, is crucial for devising prevention and intervention strategies. This study aims to determine the proportion of myopia in school‐aged children in Portugal and to examine the correlation between myopia occurrence and various environmental and genetic factors.

Methods

A cross‐sectional epidemiological study was conducted on children aged from 5 to 17 years from nine schools in Lisbon, Portugal, between September 2020 and May 2021. It included optometric assessments to evaluate refractive status and binocular vision, as well as questionnaires about their lifestyles and parental myopia.

Results

Out of 1992 participants enrolled, 12.7% of the children were found to be myopic. The proportion of myopia increased with age and was higher in girls. A significant association was observed between myopia and parental history, with the likelihood being higher if one or both parents were myopic. Engaging in outdoor activities was associated with a lower likelihood of myopia.

Conclusions

The study found that 12.7% of the children in the study sample, aged 5–17 years, were myopic, indicating a significant association with familial history and limited outdoor activities. These insights highlight the need for targeted myopia screening and prevention strategies in the paediatric population.
Occipital nerve stimulation: A detailed description of a surgical approach and a discussion on implantation techniques
Authors: Meier Kaare , Fogh‐Andersen Ida Stisen , Sørensen Jens Christian Hedemann
Published: November 2024

Objective

Occipital Nerve Stimulation (ONS) is increasingly used to treat a range of chronic, refractory headache conditions, most notably chronic cluster headache (CCH).

Despite this, there is still no consensus on the optimal implantation technique. Clinical reports and reviews in the field have reported remarkably high complication rates of which several can be directly related to the surgical approach.

We here describe a comprehensive and detailed surgical approach used at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, aiming to improve paresthesia coverage and minimize complications.

Methods

The implantation procedure described here is performed with a sleep‐awake anesthetic regimen in a lateral position using anatomical landmarks and perioperative testing based on patient feedback. A single lead is subcutaneously implanted from behind the ear and across the back of the head, and the implantable pulse generator (IPG) is placed below the right clavicle.

Results

From March 2018 to June 2024, 45 CCH patients were implanted using this approach and followed up for a total of 86.3 patient years. A total of 22 adverse events (AEs) occurred in 17 patients, with nine AEs requiring revision surgery. Notably, no instances of lead migration, lead breakage, or muscle/neck stiffness were observed. Temporary occipital dysesthesia was the most frequent non‐surgical AE, resolving spontaneously within weeks. The rate of serious adverse events (SAEs) was one per 9.6 patient years. Six patients had the ONS system explanted due to lack of efficacy.

Conclusions

The surgical approach described here in detail offers several advantages, with a favorable complication profile, satisfactory paresthesia coverage, and good perioperative patient comfort. Advances in the surgical technique are vital to both patients and healthcare providers, and we believe this approach is a valuable contribution toward improved patient outcomes and procedural efficiency.
Distributional, tax rate, and revenue implications of property tax homestead exemptions
Authors: Merriman David
Published: November 2024

This paper provides a non‐technical exposition of what homestead exemptions accomplish. When homestead exemptions are not capitalized, they may result in increased tax rates. It is possible that the tax rate increases so much that eliminating exemptions could even lower the tax payment of a taxpayer who previously claimed an exemption. When we allow for full capitalization of both exemptions and tax rate changes, those who get the exemptions have no gain because the appreciation of their parcels increases their tax bill enough so that their tax payment is the same as it would have been without the exemption.
Spatiotemporal regulation of anther's tapetum degeneration paved the way for a reversible male sterility system in cotton
Authors: Verma Rishi Kumar , Singh Surendra Pratap , Singh Sudhir Pratap , Narayan Shiv , Verma Praveen C. , Sawant Samir V.
Published: November 2024

Male sterility is an important agronomical trait in self‐pollinating plants for producing cost‐effective F1 hybrids to harness the heterosis. Still, large‐scale development and maintenance of male sterile lines and restoring fertility in F1 hybrids pose significant challenges in plant hybrid breeding. Cotton is a self‐pollinating crop and exhibits strong hybrid vigor. However, there are currently few breeding methods to achieve cost‐effective production of F1 hybrid cotton. Here, we utilized novel functions of the Arabidopsis autophagy‐related BECLIN1/ATG6 and a mutant of E3 ubiquitin ligase COP1 (COP1L105A) genes in developing rescuable male sterility in cotton. We have generated multiple male‐sterile (MS) and restorer (RS) cotton lines expressing BECLIN1 and COP1L105A, respectively. Cytological observation showed that post‐meiotic tapetal expression of BECLIN1 delays tapetum developmental programmed cell death (dPCD) by affecting reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance—this delay in dPCD results in early microspore defects and later small‐sized flowers with indehiscent anthers. Furthermore, the evaluation of F1 hybrids developed by crossing MS and RS lines showed that early tapetal COP1L105A expression abolishes expression of BECLIN1 resulting in normal tapetum degeneration, pollen development, and fertility. In addition, the F1 hybrid developed with MS and RS cotton lines in transgenic glass‐house and net‐house conditions showed the rescued fertility comparable with control plants (WT). In terms of cotton fiber productivity, the COP1L105A‐expressing transgenic cotton lines outperformed the WT. The current work effectively demonstrates the wider applicability of the new F1 cotton production system.
Judging for ourselves
Authors: Khoo Justin
Published: November 2024

Suppose I hear from a trusted friend that The Shining is scary. Believing them, I decide not to watch the film. Later, we're talking about the movie and I say, “The Shining is scary!” My assertion here is misleading and inappropriate—I misrepresent myself as having seen the film and judged whether it is scary. But why is this? In this paper, I clarify the scope of the observation, discuss existing explanations of it, and argue that they are all lacking. I argue that the observation is best explained as a particular instance of a general norm which holds that authorities should make assertions about matters in their authority only if they have judged those matters for themselves. Along the way, I offer a theory of judgment which distinguishes it from mere belief.
The roles of florivory and herbivory in maintaining intra‐population flower colour variation in Anemone coronaria
Authors: Saabna N. , Keasar T. , Sapir Y.
Published: November 2024

Most flowering plants are colour monomorphic, while within‐population flower colour variation is rare. Multiple selection agents on flower colour, each favouring a different colour morph, may drive such uncommon polymorphisms. We tested the role of biotic antagonistic interactions in maintaining flower colour variation in Anemone coronaria (Ranunculaceae), in colour‐polymorphic populations comprised of red, purple, and white flowers.

We estimated the extent of leaf herbivory and petal florivory in each flower colour morph in three populations over two flowering seasons. We categorized types of damage to four groups of herbivores and estimated the plant maternal fitness. We tested pollinator response to different levels (0–30%) of simulated florivory in experimental flower arrays.

Leaf and petal damage did not differ between white‐ and purple‐flowering plants. Red‐flowering plants had higher leaf damage than white‐flowering plants and higher petal damage than purple‐flowering plants. Nevertheless, all colour morphs had similar fitness. Red flowers exhibited more petal scratches (attributed to glaphyrid beetles), but fewer petal bites (attributed to caterpillars or grasshoppers), than white and purple flowers. Experimentally induced florivory did not reduce visits by potential pollinators in any colour morph.

Glaphyrid beetles are the major pollinators of red anemone flowers, suggesting that their service to red flowers as mutualists (pollinators) should be weighed against their disservice as antagonists (florivores). A balance between pollination service and petal scratch damage of red flowers, both mediated by Glaphyird beetles, may equalize fitness between the red and the purple/white colour morphs, contributing to colour polymorphism.
Early‐life menstrual characteristics and gestational diabetes in a large US cohort
Authors: Wang Zifan , Baird Donna D. , Williams Michelle A. , Jukic Anne Marie Z. , Wilcox Allen J. , Curry Christine L. , Fischer‐Colbrie Tyler , Onnela Jukka‐Pekka , Hauser Russ , Coull Brent A. , Mahalingaiah Shruthi
Published: November 2024

Background

Associations between early‐life menstrual cycle characteristics (MCC) and gestational diabetes (GDM) remain unclear.

Objectives

To evaluate associations between early‐life MCCs and GDM in first pregnancy, across pregnancies and its recurrence.

Methods

This analysis included participants from a US‐based digital cohort enrolled between 11/2019 and 9/2023 who provided consent, completed relevant surveys, were without diabetes and aged ≥18 at first pregnancy (n = 30,473). Age at menarche [<11 (early), 11–15 (referent), ≥16 (late) years] and time from menarche to cycle regularity [<1 (referent), 1–2, 3–4, ≥5 years, not yet regular, regular after hormones] were self‐recalled at enrolment. Additionally, the last three categories were considered prolonged time‐to‐regularity (PTTR). GDM history was recalled at enrolment for each pregnancy. We restricted to pregnancies of ≥24 weeks with a live birth. We evaluated associations of early‐life MCCs with GDM at first pregnancy using modified Poisson regression, across pregnancies using cluster‐weighted Poisson generalised estimating equation and GDM recurrence using multinomial logistic regression, adjusted for sociodemographic, early‐life factors and age at pregnancy. Missing variables were imputed with multiple imputation by chained equations.

Results

Among 30,473 participants, 20,591 had eligible first pregnancies, of which 5.9% reported GDM. In 17,512 participants with ≥2 pregnancies, 8.3% had GDM once and 3.7% had recurrent GDM. Early menarche (<11 years, vs. 11–15 years) was associated with GDM in first pregnancy (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.15, 1.57), across pregnancies (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10, 1.39) and recurrence (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.21, 1.89). PTTR was associated with GDM in the first pregnancy (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08, 1.38), across pregnancies (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05, 1.27) and recurrence (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.99, 1.43).

Conclusions

Earlier menarche and prolonged time‐to‐regularity are associated with higher risk of GDM and recurrence, suggesting menstrual characteristics during childhood/adolescence as potential early‐life markers for GDM.
Male sterility is related to the imbalance of reactive oxygen species homeostasis in Prunus sibirica
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Zhang Yuncheng , Fan Wenxuan , Ren Tingting , Chen Jianhua , Dong Shengjun
Published: November 2024

Prunus sibirica is an economically important forest tree with great development prospects. To study the mechanisms of male sterile P. sibirica, we compared the phenotypic, cytological, and physiological characteristics of male sterile clone 1 with those of male fertile clone 60. Phenotypic characteristics of male sterile P. sibirica included abnormal anther dehiscence, short and unbent filaments, and distorted pollen. Cytological features of abnormal anther development in male sterile P. sibirica emerged following the late‐uninucleate stage and were characterized by delayed tapetum degeneration, delayed and limited secondary thickening of the endothecium, and incomplete mitotic division of pollen. Physiological traits of male sterile P. sibirica included excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and low antioxidant enzyme activity. At the early‐binucleate stage, the content of malondialdehyde, superoxide radicals, and hydrogen peroxide in male sterile clone 1 was 2.48, 1.27, and 1.34 times of those in male fertile clone 60, respectively. At the late‐binucleate stage, superoxide dismutase in male sterile clone 1 was 50.48% of that in male fertile clone 60, and peroxidase activity in male sterile clone 1 was 36.62% of that in male fertile clone 60. In conclusion, we identified the characteristics and critical period of male sterility in P. sibirica, revealing the association between an imbalance in ROS homeostasis and male sterility.
Etiolation promotes protoplast transfection and genome editing efficiency
Authors: Kim Yunsun , Lee Eunbin , Kang Beum‐Chang
Published: November 2024

In plants, DNA‐free genome editing using preassembled clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐ribonucleoprotein (RNP) has the advantage of avoiding transgene integration and limiting off‐target effects. The efficiency of this gene editing strategy can vary, so optimization of protoplast transfection conditions is necessary to achieve maximum yield. In this study, we examined the effects of etiolation, or increased exposure to darkness during cultivation, on the transfection efficiency of protoplasts from lettuce and Chinese cabbage. Seedlings were grown under three different conditions: non‐etiolated, etiolated, and de‐etiolated. First, we tested PEG‐mediated transfection after etiolation using a plasmid DNA for green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐expression. Etiolated protoplasts had the highest percentage of GFP‐expressing cells, with a 3.1‐fold and 4.8‐fold improvement in lettuce and Chinese cabbage, respectively, compared with non‐etiolated protoplasts. We also assessed gene editing of endogenous genes after etiolation using CRISPR‐RNP. Using targeted deep sequencing, we observed the highest editing efficiency in etiolated protoplasts from both plant species, for the LsPDS and LsFT genes in lettuce, this led to an 8.7‐fold and 4.4‐fold improvement compared with non‐etiolated protoplasts, respectively. These results suggest that etiolation during seedling growth can improve transfection efficiency and DNA‐free gene editing in protoplasts.
The image of China in Giovanni Botero
Authors: Zhu Xin
Published: November 2024

China was a focal point among early modern European intellectuals, with some attempting to reflect on Europe's own problems through the process of understanding this country. Among them was Giovanni Botero, whose view of China has not garnered much attention. This state occupies an irreplaceable position in Botero's works, yet his attitude towards it is nuanced: On the one hand, he praises its large population, prosperous cities, and social stability, considering it the best‐governed country in history; on the other hand, he acknowledges that it is an example of oriental despotism. However, this characterization of an oriental despotic state has not diminished Botero's admiration for this state. The main reason is that China's voluntary renunciation of external expansion and its commitment to internal peace, justice and prosperity align with his political model of the ‘conservative’ state. Botero believes that its restraint and prudence in foreign policy, its effectiveness in social organization and governance and its promotion of the art of peace are lessons worth learning for European countries. This study of Botero's view of China will help us to better understand its place in his political thought and its image in early modern Europe.
Present‐day sedimentary processes on the shelves of inactive volcanic ocean islands: The case study of Porto Santo Island (Madeira Archipelago)
Authors: Innocentini Simone , Quartau Rui , Madeira José , Casalbore Daniele , Andrade César , Silva Ana Nobre , Cachão Mário , Moreira Sandra , Santos Rúben , Pombo Joaquim , Rodrigues Aurora
Published: November 2024

Shelves surrounding reefless volcanic islands usually host sediment that is considered to result mostly from erosion of pre‐existing volcanic rocks, with minor contributions from active volcanism and biogenic production. However, due to the scarcity of studies on volcanic islands, the way in which sediment is produced and deposited in these settings is still relatively poorly understood. In this study, a source‐to‐sink approach is used to understand how sediments on the southern shelf of the inactive volcanic island of Porto Santo (Madeira Archipelago) have formed. To achieve this aim, sediment texture, composition (carbon content) and morphoscopic characterization are integrated with acoustic information from the shelf (multibeam bathymetry, backscatter imagery and sediment thickness). Seafloor sediments are mostly moderately sorted sands with carbonate skeletal particles representing around 80% of the grains and minor volcaniclasts and aeolianite particles from inland subaerial erosion. Multibeam and seismic data allow recognizing some elongated erosive–depositional features that give insights into present‐day and past currents on the shelf. Additionally, an assessment of the subaerial sediment contribution to the shelf has been compared to the overall sediment volume present there. The findings indicate that the current sediment volume significantly exceeds the terrigenous supply, suggesting a significant primary biogenic carbonate production on the shelf. The sediment microscopic characterization supports this hypothesis, which leads to the conclusion that on low‐relief inactive volcanic islands, like Porto Santo, the contribution of carbonate factories to shelf sediment has a bigger role than previously considered.
Crowding and Preferred Interpersonal Distances Across Time: An Experience‐Sampling Method Study
Authors: Stieger Stefan , Lewetz David
Published: November 2024

Individuals prefer interpersonal distance; that is approaching beyond a certain amount of distance is perceived as unpleasant. The extensive research in this area spans from cross‐cultural psychology to applied sciences such as architecture. Although there is a large corpus of research on inter‐individual and cross‐cultural differences in preferred interpersonal distances, these preferences have—to our knowledge—yet to be analysed intra‐individually across time. Therefore, we conducted a pre‐registered experience‐sampling study in the field (N = 81 participants, 2 weeks, k = 3716 daily assessments) by assessing preferred distances and whether they were contingent on the number of people in close proximity (i.e., crowding). Furthermore, we used a Bluetooth scan to nonintrusively measure the number of people within 2 m. We found substantial variance in the preferred interpersonal distances, not only between participants but also within participants, suggesting large situation‐dependent state‐like aspects of this construct. Second, in addition to the expected age and gender effects (older and female participants preferred larger distances), the more people there were within 2 m (Bluetooth was the best measure for this), the smaller the preferred interpersonal distance to strangers. This observation indicates the potential presence of either an adaptation process (i.e., adapting to the situation) or a selection process (i.e., demonstrating a greater tolerance for crowding due to the self‐selection of the situation). It seems probable that research on the state aspects of preferred interpersonal distances will retain their significance in the future, given the ongoing process of urbanisation in numerous countries worldwide.
Alternative Pneumocystis Pneumonia Prophylaxis in Solid Organ Transplants
Authors: He Kevin D. , Nguyen Linh , Norris Maxwell , Malat Gregory , Witek Stephanie , Sammons Chelsea , Forte Abigail , Claridge Tamara , Clark Jennifer Trofe , Blumberg Emily
Published: November 2024

Background

Despite limited data supporting use in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, atovaquone and dapsone are often used as alternatives to trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX) for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) prophylaxis.

Methods

This single‐center, retrospective cohort study describes a multi‐organ program's experience with alternative PJP prophylaxis. Adult SOT recipients transplanted November 13, 2020 to November 13, 2022 who received non‐TMP‐SMX PJP prophylaxis and had > 1 year follow‐up were included.

Results

Among 953 SOTs performed, 333 (34.9%) recipients received alternative PJP prophylaxis (319 [95.8%] atovaquone and 14 [4.2%] dapsone). Alternative prophylaxis was initiated in 76 (22.8%) recipients without starting TMP‐SMX, mostly due to sulfa allergy (62, 81.6%). In 257 recipients who started TMP‐SMX, common reasons for switching to alternatives were hyperkalemia (105, 40.9%) and leukopenia (77, 30.0%). While 79.8% of recipients had these adverse effects resolve, only 27.3% resumed TMP‐SMX. Tolerance was high after resumption (85.7%). Barriers to accessing alternative prophylaxis included cost (25, 7.5%) and prior authorizations (26, 7.8%). There was one case of severe disseminated toxoplasmosis, one case of Nocardia infection, and no cases of PJP.

Conclusion

Alternative PJP prophylaxis carries risk of breakthrough infection and barriers to initiation. Since most recovered from adverse effects of TMP‐SMX and tolerated resumption, providers should re‐trial TMP‐SMX when feasible.

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Modeling and Simulation Credibility Assessments of Musculoskeletal Computational Models for Simulating Astronaut Injuries Due to a Poor Spacesuit Fit
Authors: Gallo Christopher A. , Perkins Richard A. , Ivanoff Athena E. , Myers Jerry G. , Prabhu Raj K.
Published: November 2024

The musculoskeletal (MS) system of astronauts is subject to physiological changes, potentially leading to injuries due to the exposure to different gravitational environments experienced during spaceflight. These injuries can occur while an astronaut is performing an extravehicular activity (EVA) in space, on lunar or planetary surfaces or while wearing a spacesuit during terrestrial training for an EVA. The opensim MS modeling software can assess EVA induced MS injury mechanisms such as muscle strains, ligament injuries, and joint injuries. One area of concern, since there are only a few different spacesuit sizes with limited adjustability, is the possibility of a poorly fitting spacesuit. This can cause unnatural joint motions and torques resulting in various MS injuries. A credibility assessment of the opensim modeling and simulation procedures is performed per NASA-STD-7009A to provide information on the credibility of the model's use in simulating EVA related injury mechanisms. The credibility assessment evaluated various opensim models against the following eight credibility factors: data pedigree, input pedigree, code verification, solution verification, conceptual validation, referent validation, results uncertainty, and results robustness (sensitivity). The models evaluated for EVA injuries will require additional credibility factor analysis and upgrades to the model features, such as adding ligaments to a whole-body model, to reliably predict and analyze the EVA injuries expected to occur due to a poor spacesuit fit. The degree of elevation strategy required to increase the credibility assessment scores will depend on the model complexity and the injury mechanism.
Development of a Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay on Digital Microfluidics for Point-of-Care Detection of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Ngo Yen Khanh , Tran Doan Hong Ngoc , Nguyen Ngoc Phuong Uyen , Huynh Trieu Man , Hoang Tuan , Hoang Thien , Mai Thi Hoang Nghi , Van Vo Toi , Nguyen Minh Nam , Huynh Khon
Published: November 2024

Malaria is a dangerous mosquito-borne infectious disease that causes millions of death cases each year worldwide, especially in Southeast Asia. Current P. falciparum detection methods (e.g., blood smear, enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), etc.) have many disadvantages, such as being time-consuming, dependent on the operator's experience, and relying on sophisticated instruments that hinder the point-of-care (POC) application. To overcome those drawbacks, we developed a colorimetric recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) reaction on a digital microfluidic (DMF) platform using SYBR Green I as the indicator for a simple result readout step, thus simplifying the diagnostic procedure. Using primers specific for the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) gene, P. falciparum plasmids were successfully detected under optimal conditions for RPA reaction. For the implementation of RPA on the DMF platform, 0.1% Tween-20 was added to support droplet movement on the chip without interfering with the reaction. The droplet pathway was designed so the system can carry out up to five samples simultaneously on one single DMF device, thus providing a time-efficient point-of-care method for detecting P. falciparum and laying a foundation for developing a simple diagnostic procedure for other diseases.
Numerical Investigation on Tip Clearance Leakage Control for a Radial Turbine With Tip Control Holes
Authors: Weifeng He , Chen Wang , Pengfei Su , Zeyu Lou , Adam Abdalazeem , Dong Han
Published: November 2024

In this paper, a novel tip clearance control structure, the tip control hole (TCH), is proposed, which is appropriate for the radial turbines with the characteristics of low manufacturing cost, thin blade, insufficient tip space and insufficient strength of winglets. Under the original conditions, when the tip clearance height is 2% of the outlet blade height, the effect from the position and number of holes on the overall turbine performance is discussed, and the physical mechanism of efficiency improvement is analyzed. It is found that the optimal scheme of single hole and multiple-hole structures increase the total-total efficiency by 0.173% and 0.198%, with the relevant the tip leakage decreased by 0.812% and 1.058%. The results show that the closer the holes are to the upstream of the impeller, the better the optimization effect is compared with the original turbine. The main optimization mechanism of leakage control is to restrain the tip leakage vortex. The control hole decreased the scale of the vortex, makes the position of the vortex close to the suction surface. In the optimal scheme, the tip control hole reduced the pressure difference between the suction surface and the pressure surface, suppressed the leakage, and plays an auxiliary role in improving the efficiency.
An Investigation of a Multi-Injector, Premix/Micromix Burner Burning Pure Methane to Pure Hydrogen
Authors: Durocher Antoine , Fan Luming , Füri Marc , Bourque Gilles , Sirois Julien , May David , Bergthorson Jeffrey M. , Yun Sean , Vena Patrizio
Published: November 2024

Micromix combustion technology has been identified as a promising strategy to mitigate the risks associated with burning high-hydrogen-content fuels. This technology has recently been introduced in premixed injector designs to develop burners with broader fuel flexibility, allowing the combustion of fuels ranging from natural gas, or currently available hydrocarbons, to pure hydrogen by controlling the micromix fuel ratio (MFR). Modifying this additional operating parameter can lead to premixed, partially premixed, and micromixed combustion, each having different stability mechanisms. The combustion characteristics of such flames in an industrial combustion environment with hundreds of injectors are unknown. A multi-injector configuration, consisting of five (5) injectors placed in a cross pattern, is used to investigate the combustion of pure methane to pure hydrogen, and different blends. Stability and combustion dynamic maps are first obtained at atmospheric temperature and pressure for fuel-lean mixtures of H2/CH4 ranging from 0/100%, 70/30%, 90/10%, to 100/0%, by volume. For each fuel mixture, the equivalence ratio is adjusted to maintain the same adiabatic flame temperature throughout the experiments. An increase in blowoff (BO) limit is observed for the multi-injector array compared to a single nozzle, while flashback occurs more rapidly for dominantly premixed conditions with high-hydrogen-content fuel. In addition to extending the flashback limit, micromixed flames are generally quieter for high-hydrogen-content fuels. Laser diagnostics are performed on selected operating conditions with hydrogen content of 0%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 90%, and 100%. Eight cases are investigated in this work at a constant bulk inlet velocity to highlight the impact of hydrogen content and MFR on the flame shape. Two-dimensional (2D) particle image velocimetry (PIV), OH and acetone planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF), as well as acoustic measurements are performed simultaneously. The planar measurements show that the OH-PLIF signal becomes thinner and nonaxisymmetric as MFR is increased from 0% to 100%, with the flames gradually transitioning from V-shaped to M-shaped, before stabilizing as jet flames in crossflow.
Rehabilitation Services Improve Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Capability in Patients After Discharge From Convalescent Rehabilitation Wards
Authors: Matsushita Tatsuya , Kawakami Michiyuki , Nemugaki Sayaka , Maeda Kazutaka , Kanatani Koji , Akimoto Kentaro , Ohnaka Koichi , Ohta Toshio , Tokunaga Yoshiharu
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: There is a notable lack of evidence regarding the long-term effects of rehabilitation services, particularly concerning functional recovery and daily living activities of patients following discharge from convalescent rehabilitation wards. This study aimed to clarify the longitudinal changes in activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living of patients after discharge from a convalescent rehabilitation ward and the association between the use of rehabilitation services and clinical outcomes. Methods: Patients discharged from Japanese convalescent rehabilitation wards in August 2021 were included. They were classified into two groups (rehabilitation and nonrehabilitation services use) based on whether they used rehabilitation services (outpatient rehabilitation, older adult day care, or home-based rehabilitation) after discharge. The primary outcomes, including the Barthel Index, functional independence measure, Frenchay Activities Index, and life-space assessment scores at 6 months after discharge, were analyzed by multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 293 patients (median age: 75 years; 148 females) were included in the analysis. The use of rehabilitation services was independently associated with the Barthel Index (partial regression coefficient [B]: 7.224; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.760, 12.688]), functional independence measure (B: 2.659; 95% CI: [0.194, 5.125]), Frenchay Activities Index (B: 2.351; 95% CI: [0.5088, 4.192]), and life-space assessment at 6 months after discharge (B: 8.226, 95% CI: [3.902, 12.550]). Conclusions: The use of rehabilitation services was independently associated with patients’ Barthel Index, functional independence measure, Frenchay Activities Index, and life-space assessment after discharge from a convalescent rehabilitation ward. This study emphasizes crucial role of postdischarge interventions for improved patient outcomes.