bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GANtlitz: Ultra High Resolution Generative Model for Multi‐Modal Face Textures
Authors: Gruber A. , Collins E. , Meka A. , Mueller F. , Sarkar K. , Orts‐Escolano S. , Prasso L. , Busch J. , Gross M. , Beeler T.
Published: April 2024

High‐resolution texture maps are essential to render photoreal digital humans for visual effects or to generate data for machine learning. The acquisition of high resolution assets at scale is cumbersome, it involves enrolling a large number of human subjects, using expensive multi‐view camera setups, and significant manual artistic effort to align the textures. To alleviate these problems, we introduce GANtlitz (A play on the german noun Antlitz, meaning face), a generative model that can synthesize multi‐modal ultra‐high‐resolution face appearance maps for novel identities. Our method solves three distinct challenges: 1) unavailability of a very large data corpus generally required for training generative models, 2) memory and computational limitations of training a GAN at ultra‐high resolutions, and 3) consistency of appearance features such as skin color, pores and wrinkles in high‐resolution textures across different modalities. We introduce dual‐style blocks, an extension to the style blocks of the StyleGAN2 architecture, which improve multi‐modal synthesis. Our patch‐based architecture is trained only on image patches obtained from a small set of face textures (<100) and yet allows us to generate seamless appearance maps of novel identities at 6k × 4k resolution. Extensive qualitative and quantitative evaluations and baseline comparisons show the efficacy of our proposed system. (see https://www.acm.org/publications/class-2012)
Linking caregiving quality during infancy to brain activity in early childhood and later executive function
Authors: Wade Mark , Parker Victoria , Tang Alva , Fox Nathan A. , Zeanah Charles H. , Nelson Charles A.
Published: April 2024

There is no relationship more vital than the one a child shares with their primary caregivers early in development. Yet many children worldwide are raised in settings that lack the warmth, connection, and stimulation provided by a responsive primary caregiver. In this study, we used data from the Bucharest Early Intervention Project (BEIP), a longitudinal study of institutionally‐reared and family‐reared children, to test how caregiving quality during infancy is associated with average EEG power over the first 3.5 years of life in alpha, beta, and theta frequency bands, and associations with later executive function (EF) at age 8 years. The sample comprised 189 children (129 institutionally‐reared; 60 family‐reared) who contributed data on observed caregiving quality during infancy (baseline; average age of 22 months), resting EEG power at baseline, 30, and 42 months, and performance‐based data on a series of EF tasks at 8 years. Using Bayesian estimation, observed caregiving quality at baseline was marginally linked with higher average alpha and beta power, and lower theta power, from baseline to 42 months. In turn, higher average beta power and lower average theta power were marginally associated with higher EF at 8 years. In indirect effects models, higher caregiving quality at baseline was associated with higher EF at 8 years, with a marginal indirect effect through average theta power from baseline to 42 months. Variation in the quality of the early caregiving environment may be associated with later executive function, which is partially underpinned by individual differences in brain activity during early childhood.

Research Highlights

Examined associations between caregiving quality during infancy, brain activity during early childhood, and executive function during mid‐childhood in sample of never‐institutionalized and institutionally‐reared children.

Significant associations between higher quality caregiving during infancy and higher executive function during middle childhood.

Marginal associations between caregiving quality during infancy and brain activity during early childhood.

Marginal associations between brain activity during early childhood and executive function during mid‐childhood.
Conserved and specific gene expression patterns in the embryonic development of tardigrades
Authors: Li Chaoran , Yang Zhixiang , Xu Xiaofang , Meng Lingling , Liu Shihao , Yang Dong
Published: April 2024

Tardigrades, commonly known as water bears, are enigmatic organisms characterized by their remarkable resilience to extreme environments despite their simple and compact body structure. To date, there is still much to understand about their evolutionary and developmental features contributing to their special body plan and abilities. This research provides preliminary insights on the conserved and specific gene expression patterns during embryonic development of water bears, focusing on the species Hypsibius exemplaris. The developmental dynamic expression analysis of the genes with various evolutionary age grades indicated that the mid‐conserved stage of H. exemplaris corresponds to the period of ganglia and midgut development, with the late embryonic stage showing a transition from non‐conserved to conserved state. Additionally, a comparison with Drosophila melanogaster highlighted the absence of certain pathway nodes in development‐related pathways, such as Maml and Hairless, which are respectively the transcriptional co‐activator and co‐repressor of NOTCH regulated genes. We also employed Weighted Gene Co‐expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to investigate the expression patterns of tardigrade‐specific genes during embryo development. Our findings indicated that the module containing the highest proportion of tardigrade‐specific genes (TSGs) exhibits high expression levels before the mid‐conserved stage, potentially playing a role in glutathione and lipid metabolism. These functions may be associated to the ecdysone synthesis and storage cell formation, which is unique to tardigrades.
Evaluation of soluble P‐selectin as a predictive biomarker in acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism: Insights from a prospective observational study
Authors: Oblitas Crhistian‐Mario , Demelo‐Rodríguez Pablo , López‐Rubio Marina , Lago‐Rodríguez Marta‐Olimpia , García‐Gámiz Mercedes , Zamora‐Trillo Angielys , Alvarez‐Sala Walther Luis‐Antonio , García‐Martínez Rita , Galeano‐Valle Francisco
Published: April 2024

Background

Soluble P‐selectin (sP‐selectin) has been proposed as a potential biomarker for venous thromboembolism (VTE) diagnosis with interesting results. However, its role in predicting early mortality in pulmonary embolism (PE) remains unexplored.

Methods

This observational, prospective, single‐center study enrolled consecutive patients aged 18 or older with confirmed acute symptomatic PE and no prior anticoagulation. The study aims to assess the prognostic capacity of sP‐selectin measured at the time of PE diagnosis for short‐term mortality and major bleeding.

Results

A total of 196 patients, with a mean age of 69.1 years (SD 17), were included, of whom 52.6% were male. Within 30 days, 9.7% of patients (n = 19) died, and 5.1% (n = 10) suffered major bleeding. PE risk stratification revealed 4.6% (n = 9) with high‐risk PE, 34.7% (n = 68) with intermediate‐high‐risk PE, 38.3% (n = 75) with intermediate‐low‐risk PE, and 22.5% (n = 44) with low‐risk PE according to the European Society of Cardiology score. Mean plasma sP‐selectin levels were comparable between survivors and non‐survivors (489.7 ng/mL ±63 vs. 497.3 ng/mL ±51; p = .9). The ROC curve for 30‐day all‐cause mortality and major bleeding yielded an AUC of 0.49 (95% CI 0.36–0.63) and 0.46 (95% CI 0.24–0.68), respectively. Multivariate and survival analyses were precluded due to lack of significance.

Conclusions

sP‐selectin was not useful for predicting short‐term mortality or major bleeding in patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism. Further studies are required to clarify the role of sP‐selectin in VTE, particularly in prognosticating PE outcomes.
Cannabidiol attenuates seizure susceptibility and behavioural deficits in adult CDKL5R59X knock‐in mice
Authors: Li Xiaofan , Yennawar Madhumita , Wiest Alyssa , O'Brien William T. , Babrowicz Bergan , White Rachel S. , Talos Delia M. , Jensen Frances E.
Published: April 2024

Cyclin‐dependent kinase‐like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is caused by a loss‐of‐function mutation in CDKL5 gene, encoding a serine–threonine kinase highly expressed in the brain. CDD manifests with early‐onset epilepsy, autism, motor impairment and severe intellectual disability. While there are no known treatments for CDD, the use of cannabidiol has recently been introduced into clinical practice for neurodevelopmental disorders. Given the increased clinical utilization of cannabidiol, we examined its efficacy in the CDKL5R59X knock‐in (R59X) mice, a CDD model based on a human mutation that exhibits both lifelong seizure susceptibility and behavioural deficits. We found that cannabidiol pre‐treatment rescued the increased seizure susceptibility in response to the chemoconvulsant pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), attenuated working memory and long‐term memory impairments, and rescued social deficits in adult R59X mice. To elucidate a potential mechanism, we compared the developmental hippocampal and cortical expression of common endocannabinoid (eCB) targets in R59X mice and their wild‐type littermates, including cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R), transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) and 2 (TRPV2), G‐coupled protein receptor 55 (GPR55) and adenosine receptor 1 (A1R). Many of these eCB targets were developmentally regulated in both R59X and wild‐type mice. In addition, adult R59X mice demonstrated significantly decreased expression of CB1R and TRPV1 in the hippocampus, and TRPV2 in the cortex, while TRPV1 was increased in the cortex. These findings support the potential for dysregulation of eCB signalling as a plausible mechanism and therapeutic target in CDD, given the efficacy of cannabidiol to attenuate hyperexcitability and behavioural deficits in this disorder.
Clinical characteristics of older patients with suspected or diagnosed dementia during hospitalization
Authors: Yoshino Hiroshi , Takechi Hajime
Published: April 2024

Aim

In Japan, an additional system for patients with suspected or diagnosed dementia during hospitalization for physical illness began in 2016. We examined the clinical characteristics of older patients with suspected or diagnosed dementia during hospitalization.

Methods

The study participants consisted of 569 patients. Current age, sex, comorbidities, causative disease for admission, body mass index (BMI), blood tests, environment before admission, prescription history before admission and rate of delirium were examined. Simple regression analysis for high‐frequency diseases was carried out with the respective risk factors as independent variables. Multiple regression analysis was then carried out.

Results

Infection had the highest frequency in the causative diseases for admission. A total of 48% of patients had delirium during hospitalization. The delirium group had the highest frequency of being at home. In the infection group, BMI and serum albumin were lower in the non‐infection group (BMI 19.0 ± 3.7 vs 20.4 ± 4.1; P < 0.001, albumin 2.1 ± 0.7 vs 3.3 ± 0.6 g/dL; P < 0.001 respectively). White blood cell count and C‐reactive protein were higher than in the non‐infection group, respectively (white blood cell count 11181.4 ± 6533.3 vs 8765.8 ± 111 424.3/μL; P = 0.007, C‐reactive protein 8.6 ± 8.6 vs 3.0 ± 5.2 mg/dL; P < 0.001 respectively). Using independent factors associated with infection, multiple regression analysis was performed. BMI (P = 0.013), serum albumin (P < 0.001) and nursing home care before admission (P < 0.001) had significant correlations.

Conclusions

Assessment of delirium and the environment before admission of older patients with suspected or diagnosed dementia when hospitalized are necessary. Furthermore, evaluation of nutrition might also contribute to reducing deterioration due to physical illness. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 641–645.
Circulating myostatin levels as a prognostic biomarker in patients with acute liver failure and late‐onset hepatic failure
Authors: Hayashi Manabu , Abe Kazumichi , Sugaya Tatsuro , Takahata Yosuke , Fujita Masashi , Takahashi Atsushi , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: April 2024

Aim

Myostatin is a myokine involved in muscle mass regulation. The associations between circulating myostatin levels and clinical characteristics in patients with acute liver failure (ALF) and late‐onset hepatic failure (LOHF) are unclear.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 51 patients with ALF or LOHF were included. Serum myostatin was measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Myostatin levels were significantly lower in patients with ALF and LOHF than in controls (ALF/LOHF: 2522 pg/mL, controls: 3853 pg/mL, p = 0.003). The prevalence of low myostatin in deceased patients was significantly higher than that in spontaneous survivors and patients who underwent liver transplantation. Patients with low myostatin levels had a high incidence of complications. There was a positive correlation between the psoas muscle index and serum myostatin levels. Patients with low myostatin levels had shorter 1‐year transplant‐free survival and shorter 1‐year overall survival than patients with high myostatin levels. Low serum myostatin levels were associated with poor prognosis independent of the Japanese scoring system for ALF ≥3, King's College criteria, or model for end‐stage liver disease score >30.5. The combination of serum myostatin levels and prognostic models for ALF significantly stratified patients according to 1‐year prognosis.

Conclusions

Low serum myostatin levels were associated with a low psoas muscle index, complication rate, and poor prognosis in patients with ALF and LOHF. Assessment of circulating myostatin levels may improve the prediction of outcomes in patients with ALF and LOHF.
Presidential leadership in higher education: Balancing collaboration and competition in a time of systemic change
Authors: Bennett Billy , Papatsiba Vassiliki , Stephens Simon
Published: April 2024

Research on senior leadership in higher education systems is urgently needed, particularly in the context of system‐wide transformations. This study focuses on a critical juncture in Ireland, during which Institutes of Technology (IoTs) collaborated to undergo ‘redesignation’ as Technological Universities (TUs). Based on interviews with the fourteen presidents of the IoTs, this research employs the Community of Practice framework to analyse their interactions, strategies, and approaches to a policy‐initiated, systemic change. Despite decades of pervasive competition, these senior leaders formed a community of practice as they worked collectively to achieve the common goal of TU status. Four key themes emerged: Embracing a more expansive external role; Acknowledging obstacles to collective leadership; Forming groups, collaborating and competing; and Leading calmly and fostering unity. The findings of this study advance our understanding of three interconnected fields: senior leadership practices in higher education, the interplay of collaboration and competition in higher education; and the facilitation of policy‐induced systemic change within higher education systems. Our findings have significant implications for institutional leaders, policymakers and scholars aiming to comprehend and improve leadership practices in higher education.
Emotion in language: Emotion word type and valence interactively predicted Chinese emotional word processing in emotion categorization task
Authors: Gu Xiaolan , Chen Shifa
Published: April 2024

The present study examined the predicted effects of emotion word type and valence on emotional word recognition and explored their influence on emotion effects through an emotion categorization task. The results showed the influence of emotion word type and valence on emotional words recognition. Emotion‐label words exhibited faster response and higher accuracy rates (ACC) than emotion‐laden words, and positive words evoked faster response and lower ACC than negative words. Positive emotion‐label words and negative emotion‐laden words evoked higher ACC than negative emotion‐label words and positive emotion‐laden words. Besides, the findings revealed the modulation of emotion word type and valence on the emotion effects. Emotion‐label words and positive words displayed larger emotion effects than emotion‐laden words and negative words in reaction time, and only emotion‐laden words and positive emotion‐label words showed emotion effects in ACC. These findings endorsed the mediated emotion concept account, density hypothesis, and automatic vigilance hypothesis. Based on the findings, we proposed a valence cognition account to explain the interactive results.
Reinventing a training program to support the professional development of inspectors and school principals: Overcoming difficulties and creating new actions through activity analysis
Authors: Moussay Sylvie , Mauguen Frederique , Ria Luc
Published: April 2024

This article presents an empirical study on a new training program for the professional development of school inspectors and principals. The international literature reviews show that training based on the learning of managerial skills has limits. Another approach to training based on professional difficulties experienced and on authentic practice is necessary for school inspectors and principals. The study explores the effects of the training program “NeopassCadres” on the professional development of inspectors and school principals. A qualitative research design elaborated from a practice perspective and based on self‐confrontation interviews with inspectors and school principals who participated in the program “NeopassCadres”. The results show the impact of the activity analysis on the professional development of inspectors and principals. The activity analysis is an opportunity to describe professional actions and difficulties, share experiences between peers, engage in professional debates on generic problems, identify progress in the practice, and assess the effectiveness of new actions. The study focuses on a case study in France. The number of participants is low; the results must therefore be supplemented by new studies on the impact of activity analysis on the professional development of inspectors and principals. The study contributes to the evolution of training for novice inspectors and novice school principals. The main contribution concerns the understanding of the process of professional development, linking it with individual and collective activity analysis. The other contribution relates to the evolution of the trainers' posture during viewing and analysis of videos. The study provides knowledge about training based on analyzing the “non‐visible” dimensions of actors' activity at work. The activity analysis method helps inspectors and school principals evoke difficulties, motives, intentions, and emotions.
Impact of COVID‐19 Nonpharmaceutical Interventions on Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections in Hospitalized Children
Authors: Lu Yingfeng , Chen Qinghui , Ren Shaolong , Zhang Youyi , Yi Liping , Qian Chen , Shen Jiaming , Liu Xiaofei , Jiang Miao , Wang Biying , Song Jian , Shao Xuejun , Zhang Tao , Tian Jianmei , Zhao Genming
Published: April 2024

Background

Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) targeted at SARS‐CoV‐2 have remarkably affected the circulation of other respiratory pathogens, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This study aimed to assess the changes in epidemiological and clinical characteristics of RSV infections in hospitalized children before and during the pandemic in Suzhou, China.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled children aged < 18 years who were hospitalized in Soochow University Affiliated Children's Hospital with acute lower respiratory infection (ALRIs) from January 2018 to July 2022. Changes in epidemiological and clinical characteristics of RSV infections were analyzed.

Results

Compared with the same period in 2018–2019, the difference in the overall positive rate of RSV was not statistically significant in 2020, while it increased significantly in 2021 (11.8% [662/5621] vs. 20.8% [356/1711], p < 0.001) and 2022 (9.0% [308/3406] vs. 18.9% [129/684], p < 0.001). Specifically, the positive rates declined considerably from October to December 2020 but sharply increased during the summer of 2021. Compared to prepandemic period, RSV infections were more frequently observed in older children during the pandemic. RSV‐positive children exhibited milder clinical characteristics during the COVID‐19 pandemic, including decreased proportion of patients with hospital stay ≥ 11 days (10.3% vs. 6.7%, p < 0.05), less requirement for oxygen therapy (13.7% vs. 6.9%, p < 0.001), and fewer cases of polypnea (12.2% vs. 9.7%, p < 0.05) and wheeze (50.1% vs. 42.9%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The implementation of multilayered NPIs targeted at COVID‐19 has affected the activity of RSV. Ongoing monitoring of RSV is warranted as the changing RSV epidemiology can provide valuable insights for future healthcare system planning.
Effectiveness of XBB.1.5 Monovalent COVID‐19 Vaccines During a Period of XBB.1.5 Dominance in EU/EEA Countries, October to November 2023: A VEBIS‐EHR Network Study
Authors: Monge Susana , Humphreys James , Nicolay Nathalie , Braeye Toon , Van Evercooren Izaak , Holm Hansen Christian , Emborg Hanne‐Dorthe , Sacco Chiara , Mateo‐Urdiales Alberto , Castilla Jesús , Martínez‐Baz Iván , de Gier Brechje , Hahné Susan , Meijerink Hinta , Kristoffersen Anja Bråthen , Machado Ausenda , Soares Patricia , Nardone Anthony , Bacci Sabrina , Kissling Esther , Nunes Baltazar ,   VEBIS‐EHR Working Group
Published: April 2024

Using a common protocol across seven countries in the European Union/European Economic Area, we estimated XBB.1.5 monovalent vaccine effectiveness (VE) against COVID‐19 hospitalisation and death in booster‐eligible ≥ 65‐year‐olds, during October–November 2023. We linked electronic records to construct retrospective cohorts and used Cox models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios and derive VE. VE for COVID‐19 hospitalisation and death was, respectively, 67% (95%CI: 58–74) and 67% (95%CI: 42–81) in 65‐ to 79‐year‐olds and 66% (95%CI: 57–73) and 72% (95%CI: 51–85) in ≥ 80‐year‐olds. Results indicate that periodic vaccination of individuals ≥ 65 years has an ongoing benefit and support current vaccination strategies in the EU/EEA.
How do unintended consequences emerge from EHR implementation? An affordance perspective
Authors: Trocin Cristina , Lee Gwanhoo , Bernardi Roberta , Sarker Suprateek
Published: April 2024

Drawing upon an affordance‐actualisation perspective, we aim to advance our knowledge of the emergence of unintended consequences from the implementation of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. Prior research has not yet deeply understood how these unintended consequences unfold. We investigate how the (non‐)actualisation of affordances produces unintended consequences. Our exploratory case study of an EHR system implemented in Italy reveals four types of actions (flexing, bypassing, avoiding, and reorganising) through which different types of unintended consequences occur with the (non‐)actualisation of affordances. We explain and theorise how interactions among technology features and psychosocial and organisational constraints/enablers contribute to users' perception of affordances and technological constraints. This, in turn, influences different types of user actions, leading to unintended consequences. Our findings and insights contribute to the literature on unintended consequences and help organisations better manage implementing new systems.
Perceived barriers and enablers to utilising the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme for adults with an intellectual disability and their families: A scoping review
Authors: Zubrinich Alice , de Jong Gideon , Salehi Nasim , Lakeman Richard
Published: April 2024

Background

The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia in 2013 promised significant improvements in the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities. Although the scheme enables support, there are challenges associated with establishing eligibility and administering funds. This scoping review explored perceived barriers and enablers to effectively utilising the NDIS for adults with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Method

A scoping review of the empirical literature on the NDIS and intellectual disabilities included nine studies in this review. These papers were subjected to thematic analysis and the findings were presented as a narrative synthesis.

Results

The key themes identified were: (1) Limited understanding of the NDIS process; (2) Language use and capacity assumptions; (3) Unrealistic goals and progress, and difficulty utilising plans; (4) Expectations of families and associated workloads; (5) Opening up opportunities not previously available; (6) Knowledgeable planners who actively seek to involve adults and their families.

Conclusion

Although qualitative studies demonstrate that adults with an intellectual disability and their families are largely satisfied with the increased opportunities the NDIS has afforded them, there are various areas in which accessibility to services can be improved. In order for the NDIS to continue to improve, the results from this scoping review underline the need for adults with an intellectual disability and their support systems to have their voices heard and be utilised.
Evaluating Sentence‐BERT‐powered learning analytics for automated assessment of students' causal diagrams
Authors: Pijeira‐Díaz Héctor J. , Subramanya Shashank , van de Pol Janneke , de Bruin Anique
Published: April 2024

Background

When learning causal relations, completing causal diagrams enhances students' comprehension judgements to some extent. To potentially boost this effect, advances in natural language processing (NLP) enable real‐time formative feedback based on the automated assessment of students' diagrams, which can involve the correctness of both the responses and their position in the causal chain. However, the responsible adoption and effectiveness of automated diagram assessment depend on its reliability.

Objectives

In this study, we compare two Dutch pre‐trained models (i.e., based on RobBERT and BERTje) in combination with two machine‐learning classifiers—Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Neural Networks (NN), in terms of different indicators of automated diagram assessment reliability. We also contrast two techniques (i.e., semantic similarity and machine learning) for estimating the correct position of a student diagram response in the causal chain.

Methods

For training and evaluation of the models, we capitalize on a human‐labelled dataset containing 2900+ causal diagrams completed by 700+ secondary school students, accumulated from previous diagramming experiments.

Results and Conclusions

In predicting correct responses, 86% accuracy and Cohen's κ of 0.69 were reached, with combinations using SVM being roughly three‐times faster (important for real‐time applications) than their NN counterparts. In terms of predicting the response position in the causal diagrams, 92% accuracy and 0.89 Cohen's κ were reached.

Implications

Taken together, these evaluation figures equip educational designers for decision‐making on when these NLP‐powered learning analytics are warranted for automated formative feedback in causal relation learning; thereby potentially enabling real‐time feedback for learners and reducing teachers' workload.
Functional divergences of natural variations of TaNAM‐A1 in controlling leaf senescence during wheat grain filling
Authors: Zhou Longxi , Chang Guowei , Shen Chuncai , Teng Wan , He Xue , Zhao Xueqiang , Jing Yanfu , Huang Zhixiong , Tong Yiping
Published: April 2024

Leaf senescence is an essential physiological process related to grain yield potential and nutritional quality. Green leaf duration (GLD) after anthesis directly reflects the leaf senescence process and exhibits large genotypic differences in common wheat; however, the underlying gene regulatory mechanism is still lacking. Here, we identified TaNAM‐A1 as the causal gene of the major loci qGLD‐6A for GLD during grain filling by map‐based cloning. Transgenic assays and TILLING mutant analyses demonstrated that TaNAM‐A1 played a critical role in regulating leaf senescence, and also affected spike length and grain size. Furthermore, the functional divergences among the three haplotypes of TaNAM‐A1 were systematically evaluated. Wheat varieties with TaNAM‐A1d (containing two mutations in the coding DNA sequence of TaNAM‐A1) exhibited a longer GLD and superior yield‐related traits compared to those with the wild type TaNAM‐A1a. All three haplotypes were functional in activating the expression of genes involved in macromolecule degradation and mineral nutrient remobilization, with TaNAM‐A1a showing the strongest activity and TaNAM‐A1d the weakest. TaNAM‐A1 also modulated the expression of the senescence‐related transcription factors TaNAC‐S‐7A and TaNAC016‐3A. TaNAC016‐3A enhanced the transcriptional activation ability of TaNAM‐A1a by protein–protein interaction, thereby promoting the senescence process. Our study offers new insights into the fine‐tuning of the leaf functional period and grain yield formation for wheat breeding under various geographical climatic conditions.
The effect of work readiness on work well‐being for newly graduated nurses: The mediating role of emotional labor and psychological capital
Authors: Ding Yueming , Tang Haishan , Zhang Yiming , Peng Qianwen , Dong Wanglin , Lu Guangli , Chen Chaoran
Published: April 2024

Objective

To investigate the relationship between work readiness and work well‐being for newly graduated nurses and the mediating role of emotional labor and psychological capital in this relationship.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in mainland China. A total of 478 newly graduated nurses completed the Work Readiness Scale, Emotional Labour Scale, Psychological Capital Questionnaire, and Work Well‐being Scale. Descriptive statistical methods, Pearson correlation analysis, and a structural equation model were used to analyze the available data.

Results

Newly graduated nurses' work readiness was significantly positively correlated with work well‐being (r = 0.21, p < 0.01), deep acting (r = 0.11, p < 0.05), and psychological capital (r = 0.18, p < 0.01). Emotional labor and psychological capital partially mediated the relationship between work readiness and work well‐being. Additionally, emotional labor and psychological capital had a chain‐mediating effect on the association.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Work readiness not only affects newly graduated nurses' work well‐being directly but also indirectly through emotional labor and psychological capital. These results provide theoretical support and guidance for the study and improvement of newly graduated nurses' work well‐being and emphasize the importance of intervention measures to improve work readiness and psychological capital and the adoption of deep‐acting emotional‐labor strategies.
Misdiagnosis of cutaneous facial sporotrichosis: An analysis of five cases
Authors: Shi Weiwei , Zheng Yunyan , Wang Huiying , Zhang Ruzhi
Published: April 2024

Background

Facial cutaneous sporotrichosis presents with diverse clinical manifestations, often leading to misdiagnosis.

Objective

This study aims to present the clinical characteristics of five misdiagnosed cases of facial cutaneous sporotrichosis, aiming to enhance understanding of this disease and prevent misdiagnosis and mistreatment.

Methods

Clinical data, histopathology, and fungal culture results of these five cases were comprehensively analyzed.

Results

Among these five patients, three presented with lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis, while two had the fixed cutaneous type. Due to misdiagnosis, initial treatments were ineffective for all patients. Upon histopathological examination and fungal culture confirming sporotrichosis, treatment with itraconazole for 3 months led to complete resolution of lesions. While one patient experienced a relapse due to noncompliance with the prescribed medication.

Conclusion

Facial sporotrichosis, with its diverse clinical manifestations and obscure trauma history, is prone to misdiagnosis. Timely and thorough examinations are crucial for precise diagnosis and management. Itraconazole treatment demonstrated notable efficacy, and patient compliance is also essential for favorable outcomes.
A Formula to Save Us (From Ourselves): Continuity and Change in the Spanish Legal Domination System (1959–2024)
Authors: Villena‐Oliver Andrés , Romero‐Reche Alejandro
Published: April 2024

This paper analyzes how a structure of Weberian rational domination has been built and consolidated in Spain since 1959, the year when the so‐called Economic Stabilization Plan was approved. This sort of economic constitution represents one of the most important foundations of a technocratic regime that survived the death of a dictator (General Francisco Franco), not only transcending the traditional differentiations between autocratic and democratic regimes but also offering a different perspective to the debate about the degree of continuity and rupture attained by the Spanish political transition in the 1970s. We analyze the institutions, leadership, most influential networks, political discourse, and historical myths through a theory of power and elites to examine the Spanish case. With this remarkable example of structural transformation and institutional resilience over decades, we also propose a more complex and multidimensional approach that could be fruitful to understanding some of the problems of political representation that current democracies are undergoing.
Artificial intelligence and smile design: An e‐Delphi consensus statement of ethical challenges
Authors: Rokhshad Rata , Karteva Teodora , Chaurasia Akhilanand , Richert Raphaël , Mörch Carl‐Maria , Tamimi Faleh , Ducret Maxime
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Smile design software increasingly relies on artificial intelligence (AI). However, using AI for smile design raises numerous technical and ethical concerns. This study aimed to evaluate these ethical issues.

Methods

An international consortium of experts specialized in AI, dentistry, and smile design was engaged to emulate and assess the ethical challenges raised by the use of AI for smile design. An e‐Delphi protocol was used to seek the agreement of the ITU‐WHO group on well‐established ethical principles regarding the use of AI (wellness, respect for autonomy, privacy protection, solidarity, governance, equity, diversity, expertise/prudence, accountability/responsibility, sustainability, and transparency). Each principle included examples of ethical challenges that users might encounter when using AI for smile design.

Results

On the first round of the e‐Delphi exercise, participants agreed that seven items should be considered in smile design (diversity, transparency, wellness, privacy protection, prudence, law and governance, and sustainable development), but the remaining four items (equity, accountability and responsibility, solidarity, and respect of autonomy) were rejected and had to be reformulated. After a second round, participants agreed to all items that should be considered while using AI for smile design.

Conclusions

AI development and deployment for smile design should abide by the ethical principles of wellness, respect for autonomy, privacy protection, solidarity, governance, equity, diversity, expertise/prudence, accountability/responsibility, sustainability, and transparency.
Ethnicity and socio‐economic deprivation in children with intestinal failure in New Zealand: Disparities in incidence, but not in outcomes
Authors: Andrews Amy , Fraser‐Irwin Cate , Herbison Kim , Han Dug Y , Evans Helen M , Roberts Amin J
Published: April 2024

Aims

The New Zealand National Intestinal Failure and Rehabilitation Service (NZ‐NIFRS) was established in October 2015 to gather longitudinal data on the aetiology, clinical course and outcomes of children with intestinal failure (IF). One main objective is to achieve health equity for patients with IF in NZ.

Methods

Clinical outcomes (enteral autonomy, parenteral nutrition (PN) dependence, death or intestinal transplantation) for IF patients diagnosed from October 2015 to 2018 were analysed; comparisons were made by ethnicity and socio‐economic status (SES) using published ‘prioritised‐ethnicity’ health data and the NZ index of deprivation, respectively. The Cox proportional‐hazards model was used to assess time to enteral autonomy.

Results

Of the 208 patients (55.77% male, 43.75% preterm), 170 (81.73%) achieved enteral autonomy and 14 (6.73%) remained PN dependent. Pacific and Māori children accounted for 12.98% and 27.88% of the patient cohort, respectively, compared to 9.46% and 25.65% of the NZ paediatric population. More significantly, IF patients with a high NZ socio‐economic deprivation score were overrepresented, with 35.92% in the highest deprivation quintile and 10.19% in the least deprived quintile, compared to 23.53% and 20.31%, respectively, of the NZ paediatric population. There were no significant differences in primary clinical outcomes for any patients based on ethnicity or SES.

Conclusion

While disparities in ethnicity and social deprivation do exist in the incidence of IF in NZ children, clinical outcomes are similar for children regardless of ethnicity or SES. NZ‐NIFRS has achieved one of its core objectives: to achieve health equity for all patients with IF nationwide.
Dietary Tenebrio molitor larvae meal effects on cellular stress responses, antioxidant status and intermediate metabolism of Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Feidantsis Konstantinos , Panteli Nikolas , Bousdras Thomas , Gai Francesco , Gasco Laura , Antonopoulou Efthimia
Published: April 2024

In the context of evaluating the impact of environmentally friendly and sustainably produced alternative protein sources in fish feed, the present study's aim was to examine the overall physiological stress response in one of the main fish species of European freshwater aquaculture, Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout), following the partial substitution of fish meal (FM) with a Tenebrio molitor (TM) (yellow mealworm) full‐fat meal. In total, 222 rainbow trout individuals (115.2 ± 14.2 g) were allocated randomly into six tanks, three per dietary treatment, and were fed a formulated diet containing 60% yellow mealworm (TM60) compared to a control diet without insect meal (TM0). Both diets contained equal amounts of crude protein, dry matter and, lipid content, while the FM in TM60 was 100 g kg−1 corresponding to the one seventh of the TM0. Heat shock response (HSR), MAPK signalling, cell death pathways (apoptosis and autophagy), antioxidant defence mechanisms, and intermediate metabolism were evaluated. In general, HSR and MAPK signalling were activated in response to the inclusion of T. molitor. Moreover, triggering of apoptotic and autophagic processes and the onset of antioxidant defence mechanisms underlined the existence of physiological stress. Despite the apparent dietary‐induced stress, rainbow trout in the present study exhibited no mortality and no significant effects regarding growth performance parameters. Specifically, TM60 dietary inclusion resulted in no changes in final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate. However, feed intake depicted a statistically significant decrease in TM60 fish compared to TM0 individuals. Nevertheless, nutrient stress should be considered a limiting factor regarding the utilization of T. molitor in O. mykiss diet due to the associated risks for health and welfare.
A narrative review of the phenomenon of predatory journals to create awareness among researchers in veterinary medicine
Authors: Fadel Charbel , Milanova Aneliya , Suran Jelena , Sitovs Andrejs , Kim Tae Won , Bello Abubakar , Abay Solomon Mequanente , Horst Stefanie , Mileva Rositsa , Amadori Michela , Oster Ena , Re Giovanni , Abdul Kadir Arifah , Gambino Graziana , Vercelli Cristina
Published: April 2024

In recent years, especially since the COVID‐19 pandemic, the number of predatory journals has increased significantly. Predatory journals exploit the “open‐access model” by engaging in deceptive practices such as charging high publication fees without providing the expected quality and performing insufficient or no peer review. Such behaviors undermine the integrity of scientific research and can result in researchers having trouble identifying reputable publication opportunities, particularly early‐career researchers who struggle to understand and establish the correct criteria for publication in reputable journals. Publishing in journals that do not fully cover the criteria for scientific publication is also an ethical issue. This review aimed to describe the characteristics of predatory journals, differentiate between reliable and predatory journals, investigate the reasons that lead researchers to publish in predatory journals, evaluate the negative impact of predatory publications on the scientific community, and explore future perspectives. The authors also provide some considerations for researchers (particularly early‐career researchers) when selecting journals for publication, explaining the role of metrics, databases, and artificial intelligence in manuscript preparation, with a specific focus on and relevance to publication in veterinary medicine.
Combining population genomics and biophysical modelling to assess connectivity patterns in an Antarctic fish
Authors: Bernal‐Durán Valentina , Donoso David , Piñones Andrea , Jonsson Per R. , Benestan Laura , Landaeta Mauricio F. , Naretto Javier , Gerard Karin , Haye Pilar A. , Gonzalez‐Wevar Claudio , Poulin Elie , Segovia Nicolás I.
Published: April 2024

Connectivity is a fundamental process of population dynamics in marine ecosystems. In the last decade, with the emergence of new methods, combining different approaches to understand the patterns of connectivity among populations and their regulation has become increasingly feasible. The Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) is characterized by complex oceanographic dynamics, where local conditions could act as barriers to population connectivity. Here, the notothenioid fish Harpagifer antarcticus, a demersal species with a complex life cycle (adults with poor swim capabilities and pelagic larvae), was used to assess connectivity along the WAP by combining biophysical modelling and population genomics methods. Both approaches showed congruent patterns. Areas of larvae retention and low potential connectivity, observed in the biophysical model output, coincide with four genetic groups within the WAP: (1) South Shetland Islands, (2) Bransfield Strait, (3) the central and (4) the southern area of WAP (Marguerite Bay). These genetic groups exhibited limited gene flow between them, consistent with local oceanographic conditions, which would represent barriers to larval dispersal. The joint effect of geographic distance and larval dispersal by ocean currents had a greater influence on the observed population structure than each variable evaluated separately. The combined effect of geographic distance and a complex oceanographic dynamic would be generating limited levels of population connectivity in the fish H. antarcticus along the WAP. Based on this, population connectivity estimations and priority areas for conservation were discussed, considering the marine protected area proposed for this threatened region of the Southern Ocean.
Ancestral TALE homeobox protein transcription factor regulates actin dynamics and cellular activities of protozoan parasite Entamoeba invadens
Authors: Pandey Meenakshi , Sarkar Shilpa , Ghosh Sudip K.
Published: April 2024

Entamoeba histolytica causes invasive amoebiasis, an important neglected tropical disease with a significant global health impact. The pathogenicity and survival of E. histolytica and its reptilian equivalent, Entamoeba invadens, relies on its ability to exhibit efficient motility, evade host immune responses, and exploit host resources, all of which are governed by the actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Our study demonstrates the early origin and the regulatory role of TALE homeobox protein EiHbox1 in actin‐related cellular processes. Several genes involved in different biological pathways, including actin dynamics are differentially expressed in EiHbox1 silenced cells. EiHbox1 silenced parasites showed disrupted F‐actin organization and loss of cellular polarity. EiHbox1's presence in the anterior region of migrating cells further suggests its involvement in maintaining cellular polarity. Loss of polarized morphology of EiHbox1 silenced parasites leads to altered motility from fast, directionally persistent, and highly chemotactic to slow, random, and less chemotactic, which subsequently leads to defective aggregation during encystation. EiHbox1 knockdown also resulted in a significant reduction in phagocytic capacity and poor capping response. These findings highlight the importance of EiHbox1 of E. invadens in governing cellular processes crucial for their survival, pathogenicity, and evasion of the host immune system.
Political Philosophy of Shaykhīsm: Conservative Nationalism in the Time of Crisis
Authors: Chamankhah Leila
Published: April 2024

Muḥammad Karīm Khān Kirmānī (d. 1871) wrote Khātamayah nāṣirīyyah (Naṣīrean Epilogue), a concise treatise of a few pages, in 1865 (eighteenth of Rajab of 1273 hijri); thirteen years after the emergence of the Bābī movement and seven years after the execution of Sayyid ʿAlī Muḥammad Shīrāzī (d. 1850) in Tabriz. In this treatise, he expresses his loyalty to both the fourth Qajar monarch, Nāṣir al‐Dīn Shah (d. 1896) and Twelver Shīʿīsm. Furthermore, he expounds on the political inclination of Kirmānī Shaykhīsm as well as the suspicious affiliation of his school with the Bābīs, which was a matter of speculation for the court. Khātamayah nāṣirīyyah, which took its name from the Shah, should be treated as Kirmānī's political manifesto, reflecting his uncomfortable attitude toward the presence of foreigners in a Muslim country, which was resented by the monarch as well. Kirmānī not only takes sides with him, but also warns him of the harm of becoming too close to infidels, which may even result in the dominance of kuffār on Muslim territories.

Kirmānī's outlook toward politics was largely shaped by the Bābī movement. As no hint of having any political philosophy is traceable in his writings prior to 1260 H/1852, and since Khātamayah nāṣirīyyah was written shortly after the suppression of the movement, one can come to the conclusion that the socio‐religious anxiety and the radical tone of Bābīsm made him adopt such a conservative approach, which seemed to be the only tenable way of representing his patriotism. Moreover, Khātamayah nāṣirīyyah, should be treated as the official response of the Shaykhī school to the messianic radicalism of Shīrāzī and his followers. Khātamayah nāṣirīyyah has a sister text, Nāṣirīyyah dar jihād (Naṣīrean in Jihād), which was finished in the same year, although it is lengthier and discusses Jihād, inter alia, in a more nuanced way. In some copies, Nāṣirīyyah is published with Khātamah as its epilogue.

In this paper, I will read and analyze both Khātamayah nāṣirīyyah and Nāṣirīyyah dar jihād to investigate Kirmānī's stance on politics, religion and nationalism. Relevant to this are his arguments against any probable affiliation with Bābīsm. As a product of its time, Khātamayah nāṣirīyyah reflects the concerns of a jurist‐theologian who was able to foresee how the religious messianism and social radicalism of Bābīsm and similar movements, can bring considerable changes to state, society and faith.