bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do exotic invasive mammals disturb the native fauna? Spatiotemporal distribution and overlap between species in a national park of Argentina
Authors: SHALOM Ilán , CALFAYAN Laura Mariel , ROSPIDE Malena , THORNTON Lara , BURGOS Eliana Florencia , GÓMEZ VILLAFAÑE Isabel Elisa
Published: June 2024

Monitoring the invasive exotic species and their effect on native fauna is fundamental for their effective control. The objective of this research is to evaluate the spatiotemporal distribution and overlap of medium‐large‐sized fauna in El Palmar National Park, Argentina, to consider potential negative interactions between native and exotic species. Camera traps were distributed in 27 sites between 2017 and 2019. Spatial and temporal overlap was estimated for every pair of exotic–native taxa. With 2673 camera days, two exotic and seven native taxa were recorded. All species were distributed along the extension of the National Park but in different numbers of sites. Exotic axis deer (Axis axis) was recorded in all sites but one, and exotic wild boar (Sus scrofa) occurred at only one‐third of the sites surveyed. The occurrence of native mammals ranged between 26% (Geoffroy's cat, Leopardus geoffroyi) and 67% (capybara, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). Spatial overlap between native and exotic species was high overall and was higher in winter when species moved over larger areas to look for limited resources. Except for greater rhea (Rhea americana), which was diurnal, all species had crepuscular or nocturnal patterns. Both exotic species had an intermediate/high overlap in their activity pattern with almost all native species, including some species with similar diets, but the hours of their maximum activities did not strictly coincide. However, the existence of differences in the exotic species' activity patterns compared to their patterns in other areas where they inhabit could indicate segregation in daily activity to relax competition.
Changes in phenolic compounds of Phyllanthus emblica juice during different storage temperature and pH conditions
Authors: Long Xiaomei , Li Rong , Gu Jianxing , Zhang Lijun , Guo Shuang , Fan Yidan , Fan Yuan , Zhu Peifang
Published: June 2024

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of storage temperature and pH on phenolic compounds of Phyllanthus emblica juice. Juice was stored at different temperatures and pH for 15 days and sampled on 2‐day intervals. The browning index (BI, ABS420 nm), pH, centrifugal precipitation rate (CPR), and phenolic compounds were evaluated. The results showed 4°C and pH 2.5 could effectively inhibit browning and slow down pH drop of P. emblica juice. The result of orthogonal partial least square‐discriminant analysis showed P. emblica juice stored at 4°C and pH 2.5 still had a similar phenolic composition, but at 20°C, 37°C, and pH 3.5, the score plots were concentrated only in the first 3 days. Additionally, gallic acid (GA) and ellagic acid (EA) were screened out to be the differential compounds for browning of P. emblica juice. The contents of GA, epigallocatechin (EGC), corilagin (CL), gallocatechin gallate (GCG), chebulagic acid (CA), 1,2,3,4,6‐O‐galloyl‐d‐glucose (PGG), and EA were more stable at 4°C and pH 2.5. Overall, during storage at 4°C and pH 2.5, it could inhibit the increase of GA and EA and decrease of CL, GCG, CA, and PGG, whereas EGC did not show significant difference between storage conditions. The CPR was higher at 4°C, while pH 2.5 could reduce the CPR. In conclusion, in order to maintain stability of phenolic compounds and extended storage period, the P. emblica juice could be stored at low temperature and adjust the pH to increase the stability of juice system.
Portable sensing methods based on carbon dots for food analysis
Authors: Wang Min , Wang Lijun , Hou Aiying , Hong Min , Li Chenzhong , Yue Qiaoli
Published: June 2024

Food analysis is significantly important in monitoring food quality and safety for human health. Traditional methods for food detection mainly rely on benchtop instruments and require a certain amount of analysis time, which promotes the development of portable sensors. Portable sensing methods own many advantages over traditional techniques such as flexibility and accessibility in diverse environments, real‐time monitoring, cost‐effectiveness, and rapid deployment. This review focuses on the portable approaches based on carbon dots (CDs) for food analysis. CDs are zero‐dimensional carbon‐based material with a size of less than 10 nm. In the manner of sensing, CDs exhibit rich functional groups, low biotoxicity, good biocompatibility, and excellent optical properties. Furthermore, there are many methods for the synthesis of CDs using various precursor materials. The incorporation of CDs into food science and engineering for enhancing food safety control and risk assessment shows promising prospects.
Obesity as an independent risk factor for poor long‐term outcome after mid‐urethral sling surgery
Authors: Lundmark Drca Anna , Westergren Söderberg Marie , Ek Marion
Published: June 2024

Introduction

High body mass index (BMI) is a risk‐factor for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Mid‐urethral sling (MUS) surgery is an effective treatment of SUI. The aim of this study was to investigate if there is an association between BMI at time of MUS‐surgery and the long‐term outcome at 10 years.

Material and Methods

Women who went through MUS surgery in Sweden between 2006 and 2010 and had been registered in the Swedish National Quality Register of Gynecological Surgery were invited to participate in the 10‐year follow‐up. A questionnaire was sent out asking if they were currently suffering from SUI or not and their rated satisfaction, as well as current BMI. SUI at 10 years was correlated to BMI at the time of surgery. SUI at 1 year was assessed by the postoperative questionnaire sent out by the registry. The primary aim of the study was to investigate if there is an association between BMI at surgery and the long‐term outcome, subjective SUI at 10 years after MUS surgery. Our secondary aims were to assess whether BMI at surgery is associated with subjective SUI at 1‐year follow‐up and satisfaction at 10‐year follow‐up.

Results

The subjective cure rate after 10 years was reported by 2108 out of 2157 women. Higher BMI at the time of surgery turned out to be a risk factor for SUI at long‐term follow‐up. Women with BMI <25 reported subjective SUI in 30%, those with BMI 25—<30 in 40%, those with BMI 30—<35 in 47% and those with BMI ≥35 in 59% (p < 0.001). Furthermore, subjective SUI at 1 year was reported higher by women with BMI ≥30, than among women with BMI <30 (33% vs. 20%, p < 0.001). Satisfaction at 10‐year follow‐up was 82% among women with BMI <30 vs 63% if BMI ≥30 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We found that higher BMI at the time of MUS surgery is a risk factor for short‐ and long‐term failure compared to normal BMI.
Veno‐arterial ECMO ventricular assistance as a direct bridge to heart transplant: A single center experience in a low‐middle income country
Authors: Burgos Lucrecia M. , Chicote Fiorella S. , Vrancic Mariano , Seoane Leonardo , Ballari Franco N. , Baro Vila Rocio C. , De Bortoli María A. , Furmento Juan F. , Costabel Juan P. , Piccinini Fernando , Navia Daniel , Espinoza Juan , Diez Mirta
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The use of veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO) as a direct bridge to heart transplantation (BTT) is not common in adults worldwide. BTT with ECMO is associated with increased early/mid‐term mortality compared with other interventions. In low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), where no other type of short‐term mechanical circulatory support is available, its use is widespread and increasingly used as rescue therapy in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) as a direct bridge to heart transplantation (HT).

Objective

To assess the outcomes of adult patients using VA‐ECMO as a direct BTT in an LMIC and compare them with international registries.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center study analyzing consecutive adult patients requiring VA‐ECMO as BTT due to refractory CS or cardiac arrest (CA) in a cardiovascular center in Argentina between January 2014 and December 2022. Survival and adverse clinical events after VA‐ECMO implantation were evaluated.

Results

Of 86 VA‐ECMO, 22 (25.5%) were implanted as initial BTT strategy, and 52.1% of them underwent HT. Mean age was 46 years (SD 12); 59% were male. ECMO was indicated in 81% for CS, and the most common underlying condition was coronary artery disease (31.8%). Overall, in‐hospital mortality for VA‐ECMO as BTT was 50%. Survival to discharge was 83% in those who underwent HT and 10% in those who did not, p < .001. In those who did not undergo HT, the main cause of death was hemorrhagic complications (44%), followed by thrombotic complications (33%). The median duration of VA‐ECMO was 6 days (IQR 3‐16). There were no differences in the number of days on ECMO between those who received a transplant and those who did not. In the Spanish registry, in‐hospital survival after HT was 66.7%; the United Network of Organ Sharing registry estimated post‐transplant survival at 73.1% ± 4.4%, and in the French national registry 1‐year posttransplant survival was 70% in the VA‐ECMO group.

Conclusions

In adult patients with cardiogenic shock, VA‐ECMO as a direct BTT allowed successful HT in half of the patients. HT provided a survival benefit in listed patients on VA‐ECMO. We present a single center experience with results comparable to those of international registries.
Sensitivity to psychosocial influences at age 3 predicts mental health in middle childhood
Authors: McDermott Cassidy L. , Taylor Katherine , Sharp Sophie D. S. , Lydon‐Staley David , Leonard Julia A. , Mackey Allyson P.
Published: June 2024

Children vary in how sensitive they are to experiences, with consequences for their developmental outcomes. In the current study, we investigated how behavioral sensitivity at age 3 years predicts mental health in middle childhood. Using a novel repeated measures design, we calculated child sensitivity to multiple psychological and social influences: parent praise, parent stress, child mood, and child sleep. We conceptualized sensitivity as the strength and direction of the relationship between psychosocial influences and child behavior, operationalized as toothbrushing time, at age 3 years. When children were 5–7 years old (n = 60), parents reported on children's internalizing and externalizing problems. Children who were more sensitive to their parents’ praise at age 3 had fewer internalizing (r = −0.37, p = 0.016, pFDR = 0.042) and externalizing (r = −0.35, p = 0.021, pFDR = 0.042) problems in middle childhood. Higher average parent praise also marginally predicted fewer externalizing problems (r = −0.33, p = 0.006, pFDR = 0.057). Child sensitivity to mood predicted fewer internalizing (r = −0.32, p = 0.013, pFDR = 0.042) and externalizing (r = −0.38, p = 0.003, pFDR = 0.026) problems. By capturing variability in how children respond to daily fluctuations in their environment, we can contribute to the early prediction of mental health problems and improve access to early intervention services for children and families who need them most.

Research Highlights

Children differ in how strongly their behavior depends on psychosocial factors including parent praise, child mood, child sleep, and parent stress.

Children who are more sensitive to their parents’ praise at age 3 have fewer internalizing and externalizing problems at age 5–7 years.

Child sensitivity to mood also predicts fewer internalizing and externalizing problems.
Foresight and futures thinking for international development co‐operation: Promises and pitfalls
Authors: Reilly‐King Fraser , Duggan Colleen , Wilner Alex
Published: June 2024

Motivation

Strategic foresight is gaining traction for anticipating changes in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world—one which will require different mindsets and approaches. Yet international development co‐operation practitioners have been slow to adopt foresight.

Purpose

What promises and pitfalls should development practitioners consider in order to integrate strategic foresight into their work?

Methods and approach

We review the literature on strategic foresight applied to development. We draw on reflections from the articles included in this special issue. We incorporate the International Development Research Centre's experiences and early insights on the use of foresight for development.

Findings

Strategic foresight provides tools to anticipate long‐term and potentially disruptive change. To apply the approach effectively, organizations need to understand the debates about foresight. But no one size fits all: organizations must identify where and how foresight can best be used; be clear on its purpose, use, and end‐users; be sensitive to how foresight intersects with broader calls for decolonizing development and the future; and should adapt methods to different sociocultural contexts.

Connecting foresight practitioners and international development actors to explore potential synergies between these two worlds offers opportunities to innovate.

Policy implications

Traditional, short‐term strategic planning, and reactive responses to emerging crises, are increasingly ill‐suited to a VUCA world. To be fit for the future, international development actors must consider adding proactive longer‐term anticipatory planning—that accommodates more systematic understanding and appreciation of plausible futures—to reactive responses.
Less is better: various means to reduce protein load in the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Dabsan Salam , Twito Gal , Biadsy Suma , Igbaria Aeid
Published: June 2024

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an important organelle that controls the intracellular and extracellular environments. The ER is responsible for folding almost one‐third of the total protein population in the eukaryotic cell. Disruption of ER‐protein folding is associated with numerous human diseases, including metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. During ER perturbations, the cells deploy various mechanisms to increase the ER‐folding capacity and reduce ER‐protein load by minimizing the number of substrates entering the ER to regain homeostasis. These mechanisms include signaling pathways, degradation mechanisms, and other processes that mediate the reflux of ER content to the cytosol. In this review, we will discuss the recent discoveries of five different ER quality control mechanisms, including the unfolded protein response (UPR), ER‐associated‐degradation (ERAD), pre‐emptive quality control, ER‐phagy and ER to cytosol signaling (ERCYS). We will discuss the roles of these processes in decreasing ER‐protein load and inter‐mechanism crosstalk.
The co‐governance of basic education: Assessing the complementary effects of intergovernmental support, municipal capacity, non‐governmental organization presence and international development assistance
Authors: Kaye‐Essien Charles W.
Published: June 2024

Ensuring equitable local service delivery requires sustained investments that are often beyond the reach of local governments in poor countries. In many developing countries, access to basic education is achieved primarily through the complementary efforts of state, municipal, non‐governmental and international development agencies — what I call the complementary “quartet” of service delivery. While the current literature acknowledges the individual roles of this “quartet,” it has not given much attention to the influence of their complementary efforts on access and quality of education outcomes. Using a unique (2013–2015) dataset of 260 Ghanaian municipalities in a cross‐sectional pooled regression analysis, the study finds that state assistance has broader influence on both access and quality of education outcomes, while municipal capacity, international development assistance and the presence of education focused non‐governmental organizations are associated with access (enrollment).
Embedding Public Involvement in a PhD Research Project With People Affected by Advanced Liver Disease
Authors: Beresford Cathy J. , Rahman Mahabuba , Gray Yvonne , Ramshaw Sandra , Gelling Leslie , Baron Sue , Dominey Jackie
Published: June 2024

Background

Liver disease is an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality in the United Kingdom and can be challenging to live with in the advanced stages. There has been little research exploring the healthcare experiences of UK individuals with decompensated disease when the liver cannot carry out its functions properly. A PhD research project was developed with people who have liver disease to explore care experiences in decompensated advanced liver disease. Public involvement (PI) is an essential aspect of meaningful health research, and this paper reports on the progression of our PI approach in this ongoing study.

Objective

To embed PI throughout the research project to ensure that the study is meaningful to individuals with liver disease and the people who support them.

Methods

The research adopts a Constructivist Grounded Theory methodology to develop a theory of care experience. Various PI approaches were considered in developing the PI strategy for this qualitative study. Initially, Embedded consultation was the preferred model, which has evolved to include aspects of collaboration and coproduction. A PI group was set up to oversee the project through the national public engagement website VOICE, and reflections on PI from three members of the group are included in this paper to illuminate the PI process.

Results

Six individuals with liver disease and three carers from across the United Kingdom are part of an ongoing PI group. Their role includes commenting on the findings of the systematic literature review for this project and contributing to decisions about recruitment, data collection and data analysis. Additionally, they had a direct impact on changing the focus of the research. The PI group will continue involvement until the completion of the project.

Conclusion

Successfully embedding PI into doctoral research, as demonstrated in this project, requires commitment, planning and dedication to reciprocal working for the benefit of PI contributors as well as the research. This approach could be adopted by other postgraduate researchers.

Patient or Public Contribution

This project is overseen by the PI group, whose contribution is described throughout, including reflections from three PI group members.
A vocational education and training subject teacher for fostering students' entrepreneurial skills—The development of a conceptual model
Authors: Kolho Piia
Published: June 2024

In the future, a significant portion of the workforce is expected to engage in self‐employment or pursue part‐time entrepreneurial endeavours, especially in vocational education and training (VET) fields where entrepreneurship serves as a predominant avenue of employment. The primary goal of this article is to investigate the interconnectedness of a teacher's autonomy, agency, and guiding behaviour and to understand their relevance to the teacher's pedagogical decisions and ability to effectively guide students toward entrepreneurship. To achieve this objective, semistructured interviews were conducted with eight VET subject teachers, employing predetermined concept definitions derived from prior research. Analysis of the interviews revealed a connection between these concepts, highlighting their influence on the pedagogical decisions made by VET teachers. However, minor variations were observed across diverse fields of VET. The study underscores the significance of autonomy, decision‐making capabilities and teacher agency in fostering students' entrepreneurial skills. It emphasises that autonomy alone is insufficient, and various factors either facilitate or hinder the promotion of entrepreneurship. This article contributes to entrepreneurship education research in two ways. First, it provides new information about the VET subject teacher as a promoter of students' entrepreneurial skills. Second, by presenting a theoretical model that helps to understand the factors influencing teachers' actions. The model, being novel, can be utilised to understand how VET teachers utilise autonomy and express agency in their work. Additionally, the research results are considered from an international perspective. The discourse revolves around the conceptual model, by exploring the reasons behind it, and considering subject teachers' professional identity as entrepreneurship teachers.
Early warning tools and clinician ‘agency’ for strengthening safety culture: An integrative review
Authors: Ferguson Bridget , Baldwin Adele , Henderson Amanda
Published: June 2024

Aim

Identify and analyse literature investigating nurses' and midwives' use of early warning tools during the care of adult inpatients.

Design

An integrative literature review.

Methods

Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) framework guided this integrative review. PubMed, CINAHL, EMCARE and Google Scholar were systematically searched. The authors assessed the methodological quality of 21 papers meeting inclusion criteria and thematically analysed key data.

Results

Three main themes were identified, each with further sub‐themes.

Conclusion

Early warning tools operate within various systems and cultural contexts. However, their potential for improved patient safety may be hindered. Protocols influencing tool usage may make nurses and midwives distanced from patients and their expertise. For early warning tools to enhance patient safety, assessing their integration into practice is crucial to maximizing effectiveness.

Impact

This review emphasizes the importance of integrating human relationships with early warning tools for patient safety.

Patient or Public Contribution

This integrative literature review does not include patient or public input.

Implications for Practice/Policy

Adapting early warning tools to balance standardization for safety and efficiency and promoting nurses' and midwives' expertise and autonomy is required to optimize delivery of quality care and uphold patient safety.

Reporting Method

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines were used.
Whole‐exome sequencing for genetic diagnosis of idiopathic liver injury in children
Authors: Lülecioğlu Aysima Atılgan , Yazıcı Yılmaz Yücehan , Baran Alperen , Warasnhe Khaled , Beyaz Şengül , Aytekin Caner , Özçay Figen , Aydemir Yusuf , Barış Zeren , Belkaya Serkan
Published: June 2024

Genome‐wide approaches, such as whole‐exome sequencing (WES), are widely used to decipher the genetic mechanisms underlying inter‐individual variability in disease susceptibility. We aimed to dissect inborn monogenic determinants of idiopathic liver injury in otherwise healthy children. We thus performed WES for 20 patients presented with paediatric‐onset recurrent elevated transaminases (rELT) or acute liver failure (ALF) of unknown aetiology. A stringent variant screening was undertaken on a manually‐curated panel of 380 genes predisposing to inherited human diseases with hepatobiliary involvement in the OMIM database. We identified rare nonsynonymous variants in nine genes in six patients (five rELT and one ALF). We next performed a case‐level evaluation to assess the causal concordance between the gene mutated and clinical symptoms of the affected patient. A genetic diagnosis was confirmed in four rELT patients (40%), among whom two carried novel mutations in ACOX2 or PYGL, and two had previously‐reported morbid variants in ABCB4 or PHKA2. We also detected rare variants with uncertain clinical significance in CDAN1, JAG1, PCK2, SLC27A5 or VPS33B in rELT or ALF patients. In conclusion, implementation of WES improves diagnostic yield and enables precision management in paediatric cases of liver injury with unknown aetiology, in particular recurrent hypertransaminasemia.
Effect of monosodium glutamate supplementation in diet on fatty acid profiles, genes expression related to lipid metabolism and egg yolk cholesterol in late phase of production in laying hens
Authors: Kazemifard Mohammad , Rezaei Mansour , Kardel Ali Asghar , Pirsaraei Zarbakht Ansari , Dirandeh Essa
Published: June 2024

In an experiment with four treatments and five replicates, the effects of adding monosodium glutamate (MSG) to the diet in late phase of egg production was studied on performance, and lipid metabolism in laying hens. Dietary treatments included the control basal diet without MSG and the other treatments adding 0.4%, 0.8% and 1.2% MSG in the control diet respectively. The effect of supplementation of MSG on egg weight, egg production, feed conversion ratio and egg mass was insignificant (p < 0.05). Adding MSG to the diet significantly increased feed intake and blood polyunsaturated fatty acids concentration (p < 0.05). Intake of 0.8% and 1.2% MSG in the diet up regulated the mRNA expression of acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase, fatty acid synthase and lipoprotein lipase in the abdominal and liver tissues in comparison to the control group. Blood very low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, triglycerides and cholesterol concentration were increased in treatment fed with a diet containing 0.8% MSG compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The effect of MSG on total egg yolk cholesterol concentration was not significant. In conclusion, the results of the present experiment indicated that adding MSG increased feed intake and blood polyunsaturated fatty acid concentration.
Petrocosmea arunachalense: a new species of Gesneriaceae from Northeast India
Authors: Chowlu Krishna , Shenoy Akshath , Ray Ajit
Published: June 2024

Petrocosmea arunachalense, a new species of Gesneriaceae, is described and illustrated from West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. The new species is similar to P. nanchuanensis, and P. parryorum, but differs from the former in having much bigger, lanceolate ovate to lanceolate elliptic leaves, uniformly entire margins, more numerous lateral veins, inflorescence with long peduncles, short pedicels, and more numerous flowers, striated corolla, hairy filaments and number of staminodes, and from the later by more numerous leaves per plant, texture of leaves, uniformly entire margins, more numerous lateral veins, green calyx, corolla colour and striation, and colour of the hairs on the filaments. The new species is assessed as Data Deficient according to the IUCN Red List criteria.
Deciphering the mechanism of E3 ubiquitin ligases in plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses and perspectives on PROTACs for crop resistance
Authors: Su Yingying , Ngea Guillaume Legrand Ngolong , Wang Kaili , Lu Yuchun , Godana Esa Abiso , Ackah Michael , Yang Qiya , Zhang Hongyin
Published: June 2024

With global climate change, it is essential to find strategies to make crops more resistant to different stresses and guarantee food security worldwide. E3 ubiquitin ligases are critical regulatory elements that are gaining importance due to their role in selecting proteins for degradation in the ubiquitin‐proteasome proteolysis pathway. The role of E3 Ub ligases has been demonstrated in numerous cellular processes in plants responding to biotic and abiotic stresses. E3 Ub ligases are considered a class of proteins that are difficult to control by conventional inhibitors, as they lack a standard active site with pocket, and their biological activity is mainly due to protein–protein interactions with transient conformational changes. Proteolysis‐targeted chimeras (PROTACs) are a new class of heterobifunctional molecules that have emerged in recent years as relevant alternatives for incurable human diseases like cancer because they can target recalcitrant proteins for destruction. PROTACs interact with the ubiquitin‐proteasome system, principally the E3 Ub ligase in the cell, and facilitate proteasome turnover of the proteins of interest. PROTAC strategies harness the essential functions of E3 Ub ligases for proteasomal degradation of proteins involved in dysfunction. This review examines critical advances in E3 Ub ligase research in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. It highlights how PROTACs can be applied to target proteins involved in plant stress response to mitigate pathogenic agents and environmental adversities.
Utilising soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] wild and untapped genetic resources through pre‐breeding: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Bhartiya Anuradha , Aditya Jay prakash , Gupta Sanjay , Rajesh Vangla , Nataraj Vennampally , Kant Lakshmi , Joshi Hemlata
Published: June 2024

Soybean is an economically important oilseed crop with diverse uses as food, feed, biofuel and so forth. Although the demand for soybean is growing rapidly worldwide, the narrow genetic base of released cultivars due to meagre utilisation of available wild and untapped genetic resources is a major factor contributing to stagnant production and productivity levels of soybean. Considering the continuously increasing global population, changing dietary habits, ongoing climatic fluctuations, rapidly evolving biotic stresses and shrinking land and water resources, utilisation of novel and diverse sources of variation is required for the genetic enhancement of soybean. To widen the genetic base of commercial soybean cultivars and to improve the genetic gain of the crop focused and systematic pre‐breeding efforts can play a game‐changing role by supplying novel genes in crop improvement programs. This article discusses the rationale of tapping wild and untapped genetic resources of soybean, gene pools, soybean genetic resources conserved ex‐situ and its utilisation status, genetic base of commercial soybean cultivars, identified novel genes and genomic regions in wild genetic resources, pre‐breeding efforts in India and strategies for incorporating desirable traits in the elite cultivated gene pool for fulfilling the requirements of farmers and other end‐users.
Prophylactic sildenafil to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hirata Katsuya , Nakahari Atsuko , Takeoka Mami , Watanabe Masahiko , Nishimura Yutaka , Katayama Yoshinori , Isayama Tetsuya ,   Japan Evidence Based Neonatology (JEBNeo)
Published: June 2024

Background

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) persists as one of the foremost factors contributing to mortality and morbidity in extremely preterm infants. The effectiveness of administering sildenafil early on to prevent BPD remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of prophylactically administered sildenafil during the early life stages of preterm infants to prevent mortality and BPD.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Ichushi were searched. Published randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non‐RCTs, interrupted time series, cohort studies, case–control studies, and controlled before‐and‐after studies were included. Two reviewers independently screened the title, abstract, and full text, extracted data, assessed the risk of bias, and evaluated the certainty of evidence (CoE) following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment and Development and Evaluation approach. The random‐effects model was used for a meta‐analysis of RCTs.

Results

This review included three RCTs (162 infants). There were no significant differences between the prophylactic sildenafil and placebo groups in mortality (risk ratio [RR]: 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16–10.75; very low CoE), BPD (RR: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.79–1.83; very low CoE), and all other outcome assessed (all with very low CoE). The sample sizes were less than the optimal sizes for all outcomes assessed, indicating the need for further trials.

Conclusions

The prophylactic use of sildenafil in individuals at risk of BPD did not indicate any advantageous effects in terms of mortality, BPD, and other outcomes, or increased side effects.
Early modern women philosophers and politics: Accommodating sphere restrictions
Authors: Bergès Sandrine
Published: June 2024

In his Politics, Aristotle decreed that human beings needed to take part in politics to flourish, but that women, despite being human, needed to stay at home and away from politics. This paper offers an overview of how early modern women philosophers worked to makes their lives more political despite being constricted to the domestic sphere. Lucrezia Marinella argued that the home was like a small city, requiring quasi political skill to run, Cavendish believed that politics should cover the home and its inhabitants, not just the so‐called ‘public domain’. Mary Astell, less optimistic, thought that women could compensate for the urge to be political by retreating into a well‐educated mind.
Impact of papain on the treatment of raw diluted dromedary semen
Authors: Abdel‐Ghani Mohammed A. , Ghoneim Ibrahim M. , Nagano Masashi , AlMomen Hussain Qasem M.
Published: June 2024

A variety of parameters, including liquefaction and semen viscosity, affect the sperm's ability to travel and reach the egg for fertilization and conception. Given that the details behind the viscosity of the semen in male camels have not yet been fully clarified, the purpose of this study was to ascertain how the addition of papain affected the viscosity of fresh diluted camel semen. The study examined semen samples derived from camels that had distinct viscosities. Sperm motility, viability, abnormal sperm percentage, concentration, viscosity, morphometry, acrosome integrity and liquefaction were among the evaluations following 0, 5, 10, 20 or 30 min of incubation at 37°C with papain (0.004 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mL or 0.4 mg/mL; a semen sample without papain was used as a control). A statistically significant interaction between the effects of papain concentrations and incubation time was found (F = 41.68, p = .0001). Papain concentrations (p = .0001) and incubation times (p = .0001) both had a statistically significant impact on viscosity, according to a simple main effects analysis. A lower viscosity was found (p < .05) at 0.04 mg/mL (0.1 ± 0.0) after 10 min of incubation. A simple main effects analysis showed that papain concentrations and incubation time have a statistically significant effect on sperm motility (p = .0001). At 0.04 mg/mL papain, the sperm motility % was higher (p < .05) after 10 min (64.4 ± 4.8), 20 min (68.4 ± 6.2), and 30 min incubation (72.2 ± 6.6) compared to 0, 5 min (38.3 ± 4.1 and 51.6 ± 5.0, respectively). In conclusion, the fresh diluted camel semen had the lowest viscosity properties after 10 min of incubation with 0.04 mg/mL papain, without compromising sperm motility, viability, acrosome integrity and sperm morphology.
A Framework for Developing Systematic Testbeds for Multifidelity Optimization Techniques
Authors: Tao Siyu , Sharma Chaitra , Devanathan Srikanth
Published: June 2024

Multifidelity (MF) models abound in simulation-based engineering. Many MF strategies have been proposed to improve the efficiency in engineering processes, especially in design optimization. When it comes to assessing the performance of MF optimization techniques, existing practice usually relies on test cases involving contrived MF models of seemingly random math functions, due to limited access to real-world MF models. While it is acceptable to use contrived MF models, these models are often manually written up rather than created in a systematic manner. This gives rise to the potential pitfall that the test MF models may be not representative of general scenarios. We propose a framework to generate test MF models systematically and characterize MF optimization techniques' performances comprehensively. In our framework, the MF models are generated based on given high-fidelity (HF) models and come with two parameters to control their fidelity levels and allow model randomization. In our testing process, MF case problems are systematically formulated using our model creation method. Running the given MF optimization technique on these problems produces what we call “savings curves” that characterize the technique's performance similarly to how receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves characterize machine learning classifiers. Our test results also allow plotting “optimality curves” that serve similar functionality to savings curves in certain types of problems. The flexibility of our MF model creation facilitates the development of testing processes for general MF problem scenarios, and our framework can be easily extended to other MF applications than optimization.
Structural–Parametric Synthesis of Single-Loop 6R and 7R Mechanisms Using Factorization of Motion Polynomials and Its Application in Grippers
Authors: Li Meng , Liu Kai , Liu Jingfang , Ding Huafeng
Published: June 2024

In this study, the so-called quasi-spiral motion pattern of a particular 3R (revolute) chain, which could track a quasi-spiral curve, is discovered for application in enveloping gripping. Naturally, a novel perspective on the synthesis of 1-DOF (degree of freedom) single-loop 6R and 7R mechanisms is presented to implement the quasi-spiral motion pattern. In these processes, the method of factorization of the motion polynomials is used to synthesize a series of single-loop mechanisms with the motion to generate quasi-spiral curves. By employing the proposed method, numerous innovative 6R and 7R mechanisms have been developed to construct dual layers of grippers based on specific network regulations. Taking a novel 6R mechanism as an example, the forward solution of the mechanism is determined, and the relationship between different rotation angles is obtained. Then, the changes in each angle are displayed. Finally, the novel 6R and 7R mechanisms are employed as units to determine the networking method and assemble new types of grippers. Grippers formed by the aforementioned 1-DOF mechanisms exhibit the characteristics of enveloping grasping.
Experimental validation of an inverse method for defect reconstruction in a two-dimensional waveguide model
Authors: Bulling J. , Jurgelucks B. , Prager J. , Walther A.
Published: June 2024

Defect reconstruction is essential in non-destructive testing and structural health monitoring with guided ultrasonic waves. This paper presents an algorithm for reconstructing notches in steel plates, which can be seen as artificial defects representing cracks by comparing measured results with those from a simulation model. The model contains a parameterized notch, and its geometrical parameters are to be reconstructed. While the algorithm is formulated and presented in a general notation, a special case of guided wave propagation is used to investigate one of the simplest possible simulation models that discretizes only the cross section of the steel plate. An efficient simulation model of the plate cross section is obtained by the semi-analytical scaled boundary finite element method. The reconstruction algorithm applied is gradient-based, and algorithmic differentiation calculates the gradient. The dedicated experimental setup excites nearly plane wave fronts propagating orthogonal to the notch. A scanning laser Doppler vibrometer records the velocity field at certain points on the plate surface as input to the reconstruction algorithm. Using two plates with notches of different depths, it is demonstrated that accurate geometry reconstruction is possible.
Effects of Brief Mindfulness Training on Basketball Free-Throw Shooting Performance Under Pressure: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Dosage Response
Authors: Arthur-Cameselle Jessyca N. , Keeler Linda A.
Published: June 2024

Studies have indicated that as little as 15 min of mindfulness training (MT) positively affects sport performance under pressure, but the minimum amount of MT required to induce effects is unclear. The current experiment tested the effects of MT of different lengths on free-throw shooting under pressure. Forty-six participants (78% men) with competitive basketball experience completed pretest mindfulness and anxiety surveys and shot under low pressure. Using performance-based matched assignment, participants were randomly distributed into groups. On another day, participants completed audio trainings (6-min MT, 15-min MT, or control) and then shot under high pressure. Under high pressure, anxiety and mindfulness states did not differ among groups, nor were there group differences in average shooting percentage. However, only the control group performed worse on the second shot under high pressure compared with low pressure, suggesting possible protection effects of MT. Findings are discussed regarding application and possible interactions between traits, motivation, and incentive values.
Physical Activity Among Utah Cancer Survivors: Analysis From a Population-Based Statewide Survey
Authors: Millar Morgan M. , Edwards Sandra L. , Codden Rachel R. , Ofori-Atta Blessing S. , Herget Kimberly A. , Carter Marjorie E. , Kirchhoff Anne C. , Coletta Adriana M. , Sweeney Carol
Published: June 2024

Background: Regular physical activity improves cancer survivors’ health-related quality of life and physical function. We estimated the proportion of Utah cancer survivors meeting U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for weekly physical activity (aerobic plus strength exercise) and identify sociodemographic, cancer, and health-related factors associated with meeting guidelines. Methods: Survivors randomly sampled from Utah Cancer Registry records were surveyed from 2018 to 2022 to ascertain physical activity. We calculated the percent of survivors meeting guidelines and conducted logistic regression to assess predictors of meeting guidelines. Analyses were weighted to account for complex survey sample design and nonresponse and age adjusted. Results: Among Utah cancer survivors, 20.7% (95% CI, 18.5%–23.2%) met guidelines for both aerobic activity and strength exercise. 22.4% reported no aerobic exercise in a typical week, and 59.4% reported no strength exercise. Survivors 75 or older were less likely to meet physical activity guidelines than those under 55 (adjusted odds ratio: 0.40; 95% CI, 0.25–0.65). Survivors with a bachelor’s degree or higher were more likely to meet physical activity guidelines than those without a college degree. Individuals with poorer overall health were less likely to report sufficient physical activity. Individuals treated with both chemotherapy and radiation had decreased odds of meeting guidelines compared to no treatment (adjusted odds ratio: 0.54; 95% CI, 0.29–0.99). Conclusions: Most Utah cancer survivors, and particularly those who received multiple modes of adjuvant treatment, are not participating in sufficient physical activity to improve longevity and quality of life after cancer.
Ambivalent attitudes promote support for extreme political actions
Authors: Siev Joseph J. , Petty Richard E.
Published: June 2024

Political extremism varies across people and contexts, but which beliefs will a person support through extreme actions? We propose that ambivalent attitudes, despite reducing normative political actions like voting, increase support for extreme political actions. We demonstrate this hypothesized reversal using dozens of measures across six studies (
N
= 13,055). The effect was robust to relevant covariates and numerous methodological variations and was magnified when people’s attitudinal or ideological positions were more polarized. It appears to occur because being conflicted about political issues can feel psychologically uncomfortable, making extreme actions more appealing. Notably, this emerged when people thought ambivalence was justified, whereas leading them to consider ambivalence unjustified suppressed the effect, suggesting that ambivalent people are coping with but not necessarily trying to reduce their ambivalence. These results highlight the interplay of affective and cognitive influences in extreme behavior, showing that beliefs people feel justifiably conflicted about can promote extremism.
Green/red light-sensing mechanism in the chromatic acclimation photosensor
Authors: Nagae Takayuki , Fujita Yuya , Tsuchida Tatsuya , Kamo Takanari , Seto Ryoka , Hamada Masako , Aoyama Hiroshi , Sato-Tomita Ayana , Fujisawa Tomotsumi , Eki Toshihiko , Miyanoiri Yohei , Ito Yutaka , Soeta Takahiro , Ukaji Yutaka , Unno Masashi , Mishima Masaki , Hirose Yuu
Published: June 2024

Certain cyanobacteria alter their photosynthetic light absorption between green and red, a phenomenon called complementary chromatic acclimation. The acclimation is regulated by a cyanobacteriochrome-class photosensor that reversibly photoconverts between green-absorbing (Pg) and red-absorbing (Pr) states. Here, we elucidated the structural basis of the green/red photocycle. In the Pg state, the bilin chromophore adopted the extended C15-
Z
,
anti
structure within a hydrophobic pocket. Upon photoconversion to the Pr state, the bilin is isomerized to the cyclic C15-
E
,
syn
structure, forming a water channel in the pocket. The solvation/desolvation of the bilin causes changes in the protonation state and the stability of π-conjugation at the B ring, leading to a large absorption shift. These results advance our understanding of the enormous spectral diversity of the phytochrome superfamily.
Realveolarization with inhalable mucus-penetrating lipid nanoparticles for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis in mice
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Jing , Liu Ying , Yue Xiao , Han Kun , Kong Zhichao , Dong Yuanmin , Yang Zhenmei , Fu Zhipeng , Tang Chunwei , Shi Chongdeng , Zhao Xiaotian , Han Maosen , Wang Zhibin , Zhang Yulin , Chen Chen , Li Anning , Sun Peng , Zhu Danqing , Zhao Kun , Jiang Xinyi
Published: June 2024

The stemness loss–associated dysregeneration of impaired alveolar type 2 epithelial (AT2) cells abolishes the reversible therapy of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We here report an inhalable mucus-penetrating lipid nanoparticle (LNP) for codelivering dual mRNAs, promoting realveolarization via restoring AT2 stemness for IPF treatment. Inhalable LNPs were first formulated with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and our in-house–made ionizable lipids for high-efficiency pulmonary mucus penetration and codelivery of dual messenger RNAs (mRNAs), encoding cytochrome b5 reductase 3 and bone morphogenetic protein 4, respectively. After being inhaled in a bleomycin model, LNPs reverses the mitochondrial dysfunction through ameliorating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide biosynthesis, which inhibits the accelerated senescence of AT2 cells. Concurrently, pathological epithelial remodeling and fibroblast activation induced by impaired AT2 cells are terminated, ultimately prompting alveolar regeneration. Our data demonstrated that the mRNA-LNP system exhibited high protein expression in lung epithelial cells, which markedly extricated the alveolar collapse and prolonged the survival of fibrosis mice, providing a clinically viable strategy against IPF.