bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methamphetamine‐related working memory difficulties underpinned by reduced frontoparietal responses
Authors: Roy Robert J. , Parvaz Muhammad A. , Wakabayashi Ken T. , Blair Robert J. R. , Hubbard Nicholas A.
Published: October 2024

Working memory difficulties are common, debilitating, and may pose barriers to recovery for people who use methamphetamine. Yet, little is known regarding the neural dysfunctions accompanying these difficulties. Here, we acquired cross‐sectional, functional magnetic resonance imaging while people with problematic methamphetamine‐use experience (MA+, n = 65) and people without methamphetamine‐use experience (MA−, n = 44) performed a parametric n‐back task (0‐back through 2‐back). Performance on tasks administered outside of the scanner, together with n‐back performance, afforded to determine a latent dimension of participants' working memory ability. Behavioural results indicated that MA+ participants exhibited lower scores on this dimension compared to MA− participants (d = −1.39, p < .001). Whole‐brain imaging results also revealed that MA+ participants exhibited alterations in load‐induced responses predominantly in frontoparietal and default‐mode areas. Specifically, while the MA− group exhibited monotonic activation increases within frontoparietal areas and monotonic decreases within default‐mode areas from 0‐back to 2‐back, MA+ participants showed a relative attenuation of these load‐induced activation patterns (d = −1.55, p < .001). Moreover, increased activations in frontoparietal areas from 0‐ to 2‐back were related to greater working memory ability among MA+ participants (r = .560, p = .004). No such effects were observed for default‐mode areas. In sum, reductions in working memory ability were observed alongside load‐induced dysfunctions in frontoparietal and default‐mode areas for people with problematic methamphetamine‐use experience. Among them, load‐induced activations within frontoparietal areas were found to have a strong and specific relationship to individual differences in working memory ability, indicating a putative neural signature of the working memory difficulties associated with chronic methamphetamine use.
The initial impact of a predator exclosure sanctuary on small vertebrates in semi‐arid Western Australia
Authors: Hungerford Joshua , Kark Salit
Published: October 2024

Predator exclosure reserves have become pivotal to conserving some threatened Australian mammalian fauna. However, the impact of predator exclosure reserves on resident (non‐target) small vertebrates is less understood. Given the potential ecological consequences of fencing, and the contribution of small vertebrates to ecosystem processes, we investigated species' occupancy, and site colonization and extinction dynamics, inside and outside of a predator exclosure fenced area for nine small vertebrates (six reptile, three mammal). We conducted vertebrate surveying 4 years (2011–2014) pre‐ and 2 years (2015–2016) post‐fence construction at the Australian Wildlife Conservancy Mt Gibson Sanctuary, in the semi‐arid, critically endangered Wheatbelt Eucalypt Woodlands of Western Australia, to assess spatial and temporal trends in small mammal and reptile populations. Of nine species modelled, one reptile (Diplodactylus pulcher) decreased in occupancy inside of the fence following construction. We detected no negative impact of the predator exclosure fence on the remaining eight species. One native reptile species (Lerista kingi) and an introduced rodent (Mus musculus) increased occupancy inside (but not outside) the fenced area. Spatial and temporal occupancy inside and outside of the fenced area for all other modelled species was stable. Biotic (habitat) factors and stochastic interannual detectability were the most significant drivers of species' occupancy. Species‐specific habitat associations were partially determined by site‐based presence and absence probabilities. This suggests that the predator exclosure sanctuary either benefitted or had minimal impact on all but one modelled species. These results may be a useful reference for future fencing projects aimed at both conservation and land management.
The influence of endodontic treatment quality on periapical lesions' architecture in cone‐beam computed tomography
Authors: Mackiewicz Ewa , Bonsmann Tobias , Safranow Krzysztof , Nowicka Patrycja , Kołecki Janusz , Nowicka Alicja
Published: October 2024

This study assessed the influence of root canal treatment quality on the architecture of periapical lesions. A total of 121 lesions were involved in this research. Two researchers analysed the surface of the lesions, diameters in three planes, volume and sphericity. The quality of root canal treatment was assessed with PESS index. Non‐parametric statistical tests: Mann–Whitney and Spearman rank correlation coefficient were used in this research. Connected lesions of multirooted teeth spread in the coronal plane revealed a positive correlation with coronal seal and root canal filling homogenicity, however their spread in the sagittal plane showed a positive correlation only with root canal filling homogenicity. The quality of root canal treatment has an influence on the periapical lesions' architecture.
Understanding host's response to staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
Authors: Rouva Glykeria , Vergadi Eleni , Krasagakis Konstantinos , Galanakis Emmanouil
Published: October 2024

Aim

The aim of this review was to summarise the current knowledge on host‐related factors that contribute to the development and severity of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) in children.

Methods

A comprehensive assessment and analysis of the existing literature on SSSS clinical features, pathogenesis and susceptibility factors.

Results

SSSS is a blistering skin disease caused by circulating exfoliative toxins (ETs) of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), almost exclusively affecting infants, young children and immunocompromised individuals. ETs possess serine protease activity and target desmoglein‐1 (Dsg‐1) in the superficial epidermis. While the role of S. aureus ETs and site of action are well‐described, other host factors such as impaired immune responses to ETs, poor renal clearance and genetic factors are crucial for the onset of and/or the severity of SSSS in children.

Conclusion

The fate of desmosomal fractions after cleavage by ETs, as well as the role of dermal inflammatory cell infiltrates remain to be elucidated.
One Hundred Years of Seeking Respectful Maternity Care: History and Evolution
Authors: Tilden Ellen L. , Jungbauer Rebecca , Hart Erica L. , Cantor Amy G.
Published: October 2024

Growing awareness of poor maternal health outcomes and maternal health disparities in the United States has heightened urgency around the need to promote Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) as a fundamental tenet of obstetric/midwifery care and standardize efforts to improve safety, eliminate obstetric violence and racism, and optimize health outcomes for all birthing people. The historical context of prior and contemporary perspectives around childbirth influences our understanding of RMC and are shaped by varying scholarly, clinical, and community standards (e.g., religion, human rights, government, public health, midwifery, ethics, activism, and the law), which have changed significantly since the mid‐19th century. In this commentary, we share results of a contextual question scoped as part of a larger systematic review of RMC to help inform consensus around a shared definition and development of a metric to standardize delivery and evaluation of RMC. Synthesis of this literature identified landmark historical influences on RMC over the past 100 years, highlighting the multidisciplinary scholarship and historical context influencing the progress toward RMC. Further understanding of this history may also inform policies and guidance for ongoing efforts to center respect and accountability in all aspects of maternity care, with particular attention to populations who are disproportionally impacted by disrespectful care.
The discovery of the RCC1::IRF4 Fusion in CLL patients with t(1;6)(p35.3;p25.2) chromosomal translocation
Authors: Pula Anna E. , Robak Tadeusz
Published: October 2024

Jayne et al. provide a molecular characterization of the t(1;6)(p35.3;p25.2) chromosomal translocation in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. They indicate that this translocation involves the gene encoding interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) on chromosome 6p25.2 with the regulator of chromosome condensation 1 (RCC1) gene on chromosome 1p35.3. This translocations may have important prognostic value.

Commentary on: Jayne et al. The chromosomal translocation t(1;6)(p35.3;p25.2), recurrent in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia leads to RCC1::IRF4 fusion. Br J Haematol 2024; 205:2321‐2326.
Good friends, better society: Peer effects on civic‐mindedness of elementary school students
Authors: Jung Hoyong , Bae Junghee
Published: October 2024

This study examined the effects of peers' civic‐mindedness on elementary school students' civic‐mindedness. Raising civic‐minded and socially responsible adolescents has become a focus of attention in many countries in recent years. This study used fourth‐grade elementary school panel data from the Seoul Education Longitudinal Survey 2010, identifying causality based on fixed effects and instrumental variable estimation from students' random classroom assignment. Results showed that the high civic‐mindedness among classmates increased students' own civic‐mindedness. Based on these findings, implications for adolescent education are discussed.
Gdf11 regulates left‐right asymmetry development through TGF‐β signal
Authors: Yao Wantao , Wei Zhaohui , Tian Xinning , Tan Jin , Liu Jingwen
Published: October 2024

During the embryonic developmental stage in vertebrates, internal organs are arranged along the left–right axis. Disruptions in this process can result in congenital diseases or laterality disorders. The molecular mechanisms of left–right asymmetry in vertebrate development remain largely unclear. Due to its straightforward structure, zebrafish has become a favoured model for studying early laterality events. Here, we demonstrate that growth and development factor 11 (Gdf11) is essential for left–right development via TGF‐β signalling. Morphological analysis showed that gdf11 morphants and mutants displayed clear heart and liver laterality disorders in a Nodal signal‐dependent manner. Additionally, we found that Kupffer's vesicle formation and ciliogenesis were impaired following gdf11 deletion. We also observed that Gdf11 may form a heterodimer with Spaw, which promotes Smad2/3 phosphorylation and activates TGF‐β signalling. Subsequently, Gdf11 promotes left–right laterality by stimulating Foxj1a and its target gene expression. In summary, we reveal a critical role of Gdf11 in left–right patterning, providing fundamental insights into the developmental process of left–right asymmetry.
PET‐CT Defined Micro‐Vascular Dysfunction and Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy Risk Factors in Heart Transplant Recipients
Authors: Milwidsky Assi , Chan Marvyn A. , Travin Mark , Gjelaj Christiana , Saeed Omar , Vukelic Sasa , Rochlani Yogita , Madan Shivank , Shin Julia J. , Sims Daniel B. , Murthy Sandhya , Chavez Patricia , Jorde Ulrich P. , Patel Snehal R.
Published: October 2024

Microvascular dysfunction (MVD) is considered a form of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), independently associated with poor prognosis after heart transplantation (HTX). It is unknown whether traditional risk factors for CAV are also applicable to MVD. We retrospectively analyzed factors associated with MVD in 94 HTX recipients who completed a PET scan after a normal baseline left heart catheterization excluding epicardial CAV. MVD was defined by abnormal PET blood flow. The mean age was 52 ± 14 and MVD was found in 49 patients (53%). No donor risk factors were significantly associated with recipient MVD. Recipients risk factors for MVD included—diabetes mellitus (51% vs. 27%, p = 0.016) and hypertension (78% vs. 49%, p = 0.004) in patients with and without MVD, respectively. In a multivariate model, recipient hypertension and diabetes were the only significant determinants of MVD development (OR = 2.63, 95% CI [1.69–36.98], p = 0.009 and OR 2.1, 95% CI [1.10–15.38], p = 0.035, respectively). In conclusion, MVD was more associated with metabolic risk determinants rather than traditional CAV risk factors.
Comparative study on sexual dysfunction in alopecia areata: prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Muñoz‐Barba Daniel , Díaz‐Calvillo Pablo , de Francisco Sofía Haselgruber , Martínez‐Lopez Antonio , Sánchez‐Díaz Manuel , Arias‐Santiago Salvador
Published: October 2024

Background and objectives

Alopecia areata (AA) impairs quality of life. However, there is no evidence on the impact of this disease in terms of sexual dysfunction (SD). The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of SD and possible associated factors in a cohort of patients with AA.

Patients and methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in a cohort of AA patients matched with healthy controls. Sexual function was assessed using a numerical scale and gender‐specific questionnaires.

Results

A total of 60 patients with AA and 60 healthy controls were included. The prevalence of SD was higher in women with AA than in healthy controls and in men with AA (p < 0.05). Female SD was associated with younger age, shorter duration of illness and higher rates of anxiety and depression (p < 0.05). Male SD was associated with older age and greater severity of AA (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Women with AA appear to have higher rates of SD than healthy controls and men with AA. Similarly, the factors associated with SD differ between men and women, with mood disturbance being of greater relevance in women, whereas disease severity seems to play a key role in men.
Understanding the complexity of decision‐making for mothers of young children with ambulatory cerebral palsy: A qualitative phenomenological study
Authors: Munger Meghan E. , Cady Rhonda G. , Shippee Nathan D. , Beebe Timothy J. , Novacheck Tom F. , Virnig Beth A.
Published: October 2024

Aim

To investigate non‐clinical factors that affect health‐related decision‐making in mothers with young ambulatory children living with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Guided by phenomenology, we asked parents to describe early experiences of raising a young ambulatory child living with CP. Conversations were audio‐recorded, transcribed, coded, and analysed using a qualitative inductive approach.

Results

Eighteen parents (all mothers) of 20 children participated. Five themes emerged related to decision‐making, each influencing goal setting, prioritization, and health service use. Mothers had to balance both child and family well‐being. Acceptance of their child's diagnosis and abilities changed over time, partially influenced by their child's emerging voice. Uncertainty arose when weighing multiple factors regarding child, family, and what the future held. Experiences were laden with system‐level burdens related to underinsurance and care coordination. Themes regularly overlapped and persisted.

Interpretation

Our findings highlight the complexity of the decision‐making experienced by mothers of young ambulatory children living with CP. Probing this information can inform appropriate shared care planning that meets the preferences and circumstances of mothers and their families.
The temporal distribution of endophytic and exophytic insect guilds responds to host plant phenology in the Brazilian Savannah
Authors: Sousa‐Lopes Bruno De , Del‐Claro Kleber
Published: October 2024

Niche theory predicts high specialisation in species‐rich environments such as neotropics, where plant‐herbivore interactions are ubiquitous in all terrestrial systems. However, there is much to be explored on how different insect guilds respond to plant phenology in these specialised environments.

Using a Fabaceae‐herbivore community as an ecological model, we evaluated how plant phenology affects the abundance and shapes the temporal distribution of exophytic (folivore chewers) and endophytic (seed chewers) insects. We tested the specialisation hypothesis, predicting insect species on only one or a few host plants, with a seasonal pattern of occurrence, many rare and few abundant species. Additionally, we analysed the relationship between plant phenology and environmental factors (temperature and precipitation). We conducted fieldwork with five species and 97 individuals of Fabaceae in Brazilian Savannah and performed an insect‐rearing study in the laboratory.

We found an immediately synchronised relationship between endophytic insects and plant phenology in the dry season, whereas exophytic were throughout the year. Only six species from the exophytic guild, out of a total of 87 species for both guilds, fed on more than one host plant, showing a specialised network. Endophytic herbivores are more abundant, ephemeral and predictable than exophytic ones. We also found a negative relationship between fruiting and precipitation and a positive relationship between new leaves and temperature and precipitation.

Our study shows that the temporal distribution of insect‐herbivore guilds responds to plant phenology. In a scenario of global warming with effects on the annual precipitation, endophytic insects are most vulnerable to local extinction due to temporal changes in plant phenology than the exophytic ones.
Pramipexole, a D3 receptor agonist, increases cortical gamma power and biochemical correlates of cortical excitation; implications for mood disorders
Authors: Gilbert Karli F. , Amontree Matthew , Deasy Samantha , Ma Junfeng , Conant Katherine
Published: October 2024

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been associated with deficits in working memory as well as underlying gamma oscillation power. Consistent with this, overall reductions in cortical excitation have also been described with MDD. In previous work, we have demonstrated that the monoamine reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine increases gamma oscillation power in ex vivo hippocampal slices and that this is associated with concomitant increases in pyramidal arbour and reduced levels of plasticity‐restricting perineuronal nets (PNNs). In the present study, we have examined the effects of chronic treatment with pramipexole (PPX), a D3 dopamine receptor agonist, for its effects on gamma oscillation power as measured by in vivo electroencephalography (EEG) recordings in female BALB/c and C57Bl6 mice. We observe a modest but significant increase in 20–50 Hz gamma power with PPX in both strains. Additionally, biochemical analysis of prefrontal cortex lysates from PPX‐treated BALB/c mice shows a number of changes that could contribute to, or follow from, increased pyramidal excitability and/or gamma power. PPX‐associated changes include reduced levels of specific PNN components as well as tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteases‐1 (TIMP‐1), which inhibits long‐term potentiation of synaptic transmission. Consistent with its effects on gamma power, PNN proteins and TIMP‐1, chronic PPX treatment also improves working memory and reduces anhedonia. Together these results add to an emerging literature linking extracellular matrix and/or gamma oscillation power to both mood and cognition.
Spruce and pine utilization of phosphorus in soil amended with 33P‐labelled hydroxylapatite
Authors: Rütting Louise , Hofmann Diana , Pütz Thomas , Konrad‐Schmolke Matthias , Bol Roland
Published: October 2024

Mined rock phosphate is expected to become a scarce resource within the next few decades as global phosphorus (P) deposits are declining. As a result, mineral P fertilizer will be less available and more expensive. Therefore, improved knowledge is needed on other P resources, for example, apatite fertilizers derived from the by‐products of iron mining. Forestry is a potential future consumer of apatite‐rich products with the aim of obtaining more wood per hectare. The actual P availability in apatite to plants has so far been barely quantified. We therefore examined tree P uptake using 33P apatite under chamber‐grown and outdoor conditions. We examined the P uptake for the two main conifer species spruce (Picea abies) and pine (Pinus sylvestris) used in Fenno‐Scandinavian forestry. We synthesized 33P‐enriched apatite and applied it to mesocosms with growing seedlings of spruce and pine. The P uptake from 33P‐labelled hydroxylapatite was subsequently traced by (bio)imaging of radioactivity in the plants and by liquid scintillation counting (LSC) upon destructive harvest in all plant fractions (leaves, stem and roots) and rhizosphere soil. Two climatic conditions were compared, one at natural outdoor conditions and one set as 5°C warmer than the climate record from the previous years. Plant P uptake from 33P‐labelled hydroxylapatite was enhanced in chamber‐grown compared with outdoor seedlings for both tree species. This uptake was manifested in the clear radioactive images obtained over ca. 1 month after soil apatite application. Furthermore, all aboveground plant fractions of both spruce and pine seedlings showed a higher P uptake in warmer than colder daytime environments. The observed quantities and rates of P uptake from 33P‐labelled hydroxylapatite by spruce (18 Bq g−1 hour−1) and pine (83 Bq g−1 hour−1; averages in chamber condition) are as to our knowledge unique observations. Natural forest soils in Sweden are often P‐poor. Our research suggests that apatite‐based P fertilization of spruce and pine forests can increase wood production by overcoming any existing P limitation.
Long‐Term Alpine Plant Responses to Global Change Drivers Depend on Functional Traits
Authors: Henn Jonathan J. , Anderson Kurt E. , Brigham Laurel M. , Bueno de Mesquita Clifton P. , Collins Courtney G. , Elmendorf Sarah C. , Green Matthew D. , Huxley Jared D. , Rafferty Nicole E. , Rose‐Person Annika , Spasojevic Marko J.
Published: October 2024

Forecasting plant responses under global change is a critical but challenging endeavour. Despite seemingly idiosyncratic responses of species to global change, greater generalisation of ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ may emerge from considering how species functional traits influence responses and how these responses scale to the community level. Here, we synthesised six long‐term global change experiments combined with locally measured functional traits. We quantified the change in abundance and probability of establishment through time for 70 alpine plant species and then assessed if leaf and stature traits were predictive of species and community responses across nitrogen addition, snow addition and warming treatments. Overall, we found that plants with more resource‐acquisitive trait strategies increased in abundance but each global change factor was related to different functional strategies. Nitrogen addition favoured species with lower leaf nitrogen, snow addition favoured species with cheaply constructed leaves and warming showed few consistent trends. Community‐weighted mean changes in trait values in response to nitrogen addition, snow addition and warming were often different from species‐specific trait effects on abundance and establishment, reflecting in part the responses and traits of dominant species. Together, these results highlight that the effects of traits can differ by scale and response of interest.
Exogenous ketones exert antiseizure effects and modulate the gut microbiome and mycobiome in a clinically relevant murine model of epilepsy
Authors: Mu Chunlong , Kesler Mitchell , Chen Xingyu , Shearer Jane , Teskey G. Campbell , Rho Jong M.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Despite growing interest in the potential use of exogenous ketones for the treatment of epilepsy, their impact on seizures and the gut microbiome and mycobiome remain unclear.

Methods

Here, we examined the effects of both oral gavage and subcutaneous (SC) injection of a ketone ester (KE) in spontaneously epileptic Kcna1‐null (KO) mice that model seminal aspects of human temporal lobe epilepsy. Electroencephalographic recordings and biochemical analyses were performed in KE‐treated KO mice. Fecal microbial and fungal communities were profiled to determine whether the antiseizure activity of KE involves changes in the gut microbiome.

Results

We found that exogenous KE administration by SC injection was more effective than oral gavage in terms of rendering antiseizure effects while generating similar degrees of ketonemia. However, reductions in mean daily seizure counts were accompanied by overall alterations in the fecal bacterial microbiome. Either oral or SC injection imposed a greater impact on the microbiome in male than female mice. In males, oral KE decreased Bacteroidota phylum and genera of Ligilactobacillus and Muribaculaceae, whereas SC injection decreased Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Lachnospiraceae. The fecal mycobiome was affected by KE injection to a greater degree than by oral gavage, and more in females than in males, as reflected by an increase in Ascomycota and Saccharomyces. Correlation analysis between microbiome and seizure counts revealed that in mice receiving KE injection, the seizure count was positively correlated with an amplicon sequencing variant of Lactobacillus (Spearman rho = .64, p = .03) and tended toward a negative correlation with Saccharomyces (Spearman rho = −.57, p = .057).

Significance

Our findings demonstrate that exogenous ketone administration alone can induce antiseizure effects equally via different routes of administration, and that they induce differential shifts in both the bacterial microbiome and mycobiome.
Cooperative and Solitary Mobbing to Defend Offspring in Wild Gray Mouse Lemurs, Microcebus murinus
Authors: Engelhardt Sacha C. , Fichtel Claudia , Kappeler Peter M.
Published: October 2024

Gray mouse lemur, Microcebus murinus, mothers either cooperatively breed plurally with kin or breed solitarily. We describe the first observations of cooperative and solitary mobbing to defend offspring by wild cooperative breeding gray mouse lemur mothers in Kirindy Forest, Western Madagascar. We observed four groups of cooperatively breeding mothers and their offspring daily between 18:00 and 04:00 from January 1 to 15, 2023. Cooperative mobbing was observed twice, and solitary mobbing by a single cooperative breeding mother was observed once. There was one Malagasy tree boa, Sanzinia madagascariensis, per mobbing event. Mothers solitarily mobbed by directly approaching within 1 m of the boa, walking and changing distance while within 1 m of the boa. In addition to the solitary mobbing behaviors, cooperatively mobbing mothers approached the boa together from the same or different directions or alternated, and they gathered around the boa. Mothers collaborated in the context of offspring defense from predators and performed different complementary tasks: mobbing while another provided alloparental care by guarding the offspring of the association, that is, babysitting. Mothers performed similar mobbing behaviors and occasionally synchronized in time or coordinate in time and in space to approach from different directions and gather around the boa. Mothers did not come in contact with the boas during mobbing but kept a distance of at least 20 cm. On two mobbing events, the boa rose up with its head facing the mobbing mothers and climbed down the tree after the mobbing. Cooperative mobbing to defend offspring likely evolved by kin selection but reciprocity and an interaction between kin selection and reciprocity cannot be ruled out, since gray mouse lemur mothers cooperatively breed with kin and basically allonurse reciprocally.
Non‐Native Invasive Fish Species (NIFS) in Inland Waters of India: Management Issues, Strategies and Suggestions
Authors: Singh Atul K.
Published: October 2024

In India, there are 626 non‐native invasive fish species (NIFS), with 16 becoming invasive in inland waters, adversely impacting native biodiversity, and fisheries by altering the abundance of NIFS in commercial catches. Scientific findings highlight that the movement of NIFS interacts with agricultural activities and the evolving environment, facilitating their spread and establishment. The scenario of NIFS invasion disrupts biological communities, ecosystem services and fisherfolk livelihoods. Despite the implementation of existed guidelines, issues related to NIFS have persisted and escalated over time scale putting increased pressure on indigenous aquatic biological resources in inland waters. This paper suggests the need of framing a new management plans, guidelines and regulatory policies to control NIFS invasions, protecting riverine fish biodiversity and ecosystem services. Proposed management strategies include functional response (FR) and adaptive response (AR)‐based approaches, which are discussed to address NIFS management in inland waters.
Degradation of alkali‐activated Fe‐rich slag in magnesium sulfate solution
Authors: Wen Nana , Hallet Vincent , Peys Arne , Pontikes Yiannis
Published: October 2024

The potential of Fe‐rich non‐ferrous metallurgical slag (NFMS) in alkali‐activated materials has been demonstrated, exhibiting promising mechanical strength and fire resistance. However, the durability of alkali‐activated NFMS (AA‐NFMS) in terms of sulfate salt resistance remains unexplored. Additionally, the variability in the chemical composition of NFMS presents challenges in directly assessing the durability of AA‐NFMS. This study investigates the interplay between the Ca/Si and Mg/Ca ratios in Fe‐rich NFMS and the resulting MgSO4 resistance of the AA‐NFMS made thereof. To do so, mass change and compressive strength retention were monitored for six months on AA‐NFMS immersed in 5 wt% MgSO4, whereas microstructure was investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA). The results show that the MgSO4 solution attacked selectively the reacted binder matrix of AA‐NFMS rather than the unreacted slag. The corrosion primarily occurs at the sulfate exposure surface of AA‐NFMS, forming a dense, thin layer of Mg(OH)2, which acts as a barrier and impedes further attack. Dissolution of Ca is the most pronounced among the major elements (Ca, Fe, Al, and Si) in the NFMS. The mass of the specimens increased linearly with the initial Ca content. The medium Ca concentration (∼10%) retained the highest strength.
Na+ conductivity of (100−x)Na3PS4−xCa3N2 glass and glass−ceramics
Authors: Tu Tran Anh , Nguyet Nguyen Thi Minh , Toan Tran Viet , Anh Luu Tuan , Anh Luong Thi Quynh , Phuc Nguyen Huu Huy
Published: October 2024

The ionic conductivity of Na3PS4 can be improved via the aliovalent substitution of P and S as well as multivalence cation substitution of Na. Although the enhanced ionic conductivities of tetragonal and cubic Na3PS4 have been theoretically and experimentally studied, the dynamics of sodium ions in these systems have been rarely reported. In this study, (100−x)Na3PS4−xCa3N2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 10) glass samples were synthesizing using high‐energy planetary ball‐milling method. These samples were subjected to heat treatment at 280°C for 1 h in an argon atmosphere to obtain glass–ceramic samples. The structures of these samples were characterized via Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The lattice parameter and cell volume of the glass–ceramic samples strongly depended on the x value in (100−x)Na3PS4−xCa3N2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 10). Their ionic conductivities were determined via alternating current electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). 92Na3PS4−8Ca3N2 glass–ceramics exhibited an ionic conductivity of 8.14 × 10−4 Scm−1 at 25°C. Charge carrier concentration and hopping rate were extracted from the EIS data to determine the ionic conductivities of the samples. The activation energies of DC conductivity and mobile ion formation and migration were also derived from the EIS data to analyze the effect of Ca3N2 doping on the ionic conductivity of the synthesized samples.
A Pleistocene Biogeography in Miniature: The Small‐Scale Evolutionary History of Podarcis lusitanicus (Squamata, Lacertidae)
Authors: Rato Catarina , Sreelatha Lekshmi B. , Gómez‐Ramírez Fernando , Carretero Miguel A.
Published: October 2024

Aim

Recent literature is unveiling more complex responses of biodiversity to Pleistocenic climatic oscillations than those derived from initial models based solely on southern glacial macrorefugia. Here, we zoom in to delve into the genetic diversity and population structure of Podarcis lusitanicus, a lizard species native to the north‐western Iberian Peninsula.

Location

North‐western Iberian Peninsula.

Taxon

Podarcis lusitanicus.

Methods

Utilising a comprehensive multilocus approach, we explored the species' phylogeography and demographic history at a very fine spatial scale and timeframe. Concurrently, we evaluated both current and historical habitat suitability for the species, linking it to the observed demographic trends. We examined DNA sequences from two mitochondrial (cytb and ND4) and three nuclear genes (ACM4, MC1R and PDC) in 230 specimens collected from 21 populations spanning most of the species' distribution range.

Results

Our findings corroborate cytonuclear discordances in Podarcis, with nuclear genes failing to identify the mitochondrial clades in P. lusitanicus. Despite its separation from other Podarcis species approximately 4 million years ago, its diversification occurred much more recently, around 0.4 million years ago, resulting in three monophyletic lineages that are geographically coherent. This pattern suggests that some lineages of P. lusitanicus might have gone extinct after the split from the common ancestor. Pleistocene climatic oscillations profoundly influenced the demographic history of the species. During warmer periods, such as the Last Interglacial, populations expanded and came into secondary contact, whereas during the Last Glacial Maximum, populations contracted and became isolated in multiple micro‐refugia. The subsequent Mid‐Holocene warming facilitated population recovery, range expansion and lineage admixture.

Main Conclusions

This study underscores the intricate interplay between isolation and dispersal at a microscale, driven by Pleistocene climatic fluctuations, which have profoundly shaped the genetic structure and diversity of Iberian terrestrial biodiversity and may remain overlooked by biogeographic studies at coarser scales.
Agreement between resting heart rate measured by unattended automated office and office blood pressure measurement, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, or electrocardiography
Authors: Sobieraj Piotr , Leśniewski Mateusz , Sawicka Agnieszka , Siński Maciej , Lewandowski Jacek
Published: October 2024

The application of unattended blood pressure measurement (uAOBPM) for resting heart rate (RHR) assessment is unknown. To assess the agreement between RHR measured during uAOBPM and other methods, the authors conducted a comparability study with office blood pressure measurement (OBPM), ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), and electrocardiogram (ECG) in a group of 110 participants referred for ABPM. RHR measured with uAOBPM (70.8 ± 12.5 bpm) was significantly lower than OBPM (72.8 ± 12.6 bpm) but higher than measured by 24 h ABPM (67.5 ± 10.2 bpm). There was no significant difference was found between RHR measured by uAOBPM and daytime ABPM (70.3 ± 11.2 bpm) or ECG (69.1 ± 11.6 bpm). Using Bland‐Altman statistics, the authors discovered a small difference in agreement between RHR measured by uAOBPM and daytime ABPM (bias: 0.4 with 95% confidence interval: ‐0.8 to 1.6 bpm), with a poorer agreement with OBPM (bias ‐2 with 95% confidence interval: ‐2.8 to ‐1.3 bpm) and ECG (bias 1.6 with 95% confidence interval: 0.5 to 2.7 bpm). The authors found significant agreement between uAOBPM and ECG in identifying subjects with RHR > 80 bpm OBPM, with Cohen's kappa coefficients of 0.783 and 0.671, respectively. Their findings indicate that RHR measured with uAOBPM remains in acceptable agreement with OBPM, ABPM, and ECG, the best agreement obtained with RHR from daytime ABPM.
Morphology of the unique egg cases of hornsharks (Heterodontiformes: Heterodontidae)
Authors: O'Neill Helen L. , Tokunaga Kotaro , White William T.
Published: October 2024

Many of the egg cases of oviparous chondrichthyans remain unknown and undescribed in the literature. Egg cases can be a useful taxonomic character for species distinction and can be a valuable indicator of a species distribution in the field. In this study, the egg cases for 9 of the 10 nominal species of Heterodontus are described and compared, and the terminology and methodology for studying them are standardized. Heterodontus egg cases are distinct and easily identifiable from other oviparous egg cases by having a unique corkscrew shape formed by a pair of lateral keels spiraling along its length. Heterodontus egg cases range between 7.5 and 14.5 cm in egg case length, 3.7 and 5.8 cm in egg case width at midportion, and have 0.75–4 complete rotations. Morphometric measurements of egg cases from the nine species were subjected to multivariate analysis, with unique characters enabling distinction between them. Egg cases can be separated into three morphotypes: the “wide keels lacking tendrils” group, the “narrow keels with tendrils” group, and the “wide keels with tendrils” group. The egg case of Heterodontus ramalheira remains unknown.
Cost‐effectiveness of universal esophageal cancer screening for newly diagnosed oral cancer patients
Authors: Hsieh Hui‐Min , Ho Chi‐Mei , Chen Yi‐Hsun , Hsu Wen‐Hung , Wang Yao‐Kuang , Wang Yen‐Yun , Yuan Shyng‐Shiou F. , Wu I‐Chen
Published: October 2024

Background and Aim

Oral and esophageal cancers are globally prevalent, especially in East Asia. Over half of head and neck cancer patients developing second primary esophageal cancer (SPEC) were initially diagnosed with oral cavity cancer (OCC). This study assessed the cost‐effectiveness of universal endoscopic screening for early SPEC prevention in newly diagnosed OCC patients at different stages.

Methods

This study employed Markov cohort models to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of endoscopic SPEC screening post‐OCC diagnosis (stages 0 to IV) between screened and non‐screened groups. Four surveillance frequencies were assessed: (i) one time, (ii) annual for 3 years, (iii) annual for 10 years, and (iv) annual for life. A hypothetical cohort of 100 000 cases across stages was compared for costs and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs), discounted annually at 3%.

Results

All four screening strategies were beneficial for all OCC stages, especially for early‐stage patients, resulting in higher QALYs. Lifetime/annual screening from the payer's perspective proved most favorable, with incremental QALYs of 1.23 at stage 0 and 0.06 at stage IV. Incremental costs for this strategy ranged from NTD 121 331 (USD 4044) at stage 0 to NTD 13 032 (USD 434) at stage IV. Both incremental costs and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) values indicated cost savings from a societal perspective. The ICER values ranged from NTD −626 440 (USD −20 881) at stage 0 and NTD −475 021 (USD −15 834) at stage IV.

Conclusions

Overall, our study provided cost‐effectiveness evidences to understanding the cost‐effectiveness of endoscopic screening in OCC patients, particularly emphasizing the benefits of early and consistent screening.
The impact of an enteral formula with food‐derived ingredients on dietetic practice at a specialist children's hospital in the UK: Retrospective study
Authors: O'Connor Graeme , Velandia Angela Camacho , Capriles Zoltan Hartfiel
Published: October 2024

Background

Blended tube feeds are reported to be better tolerated in some children compared to standard commercial enteral formulas, allowing children to normalise feeding by having similar foods as the rest of the family. However, a blended tube feed is contraindicated in patients who are immunocompromised or require post‐pyloric feeding as a result of a food safety risk. Other contraindications for blended diet include children who require continuous pump feeding via gastrostomy or nasogastric feeding tube (< 12 Fr) and fluid restrictions. To meet the demands of consumers, manufacturers have developed enteral formulas with food‐derived ingredients (EFI). Commercially available EFIs are relatively novel in the UK. The present study aimed to monitor the implementation of an EFI by dietitians in a specialist children's hospital.

Methods

A single‐centre retrospective study was conducted to monitor the dietetic practice of commencing a commercially available EFI (Compleat® paediatric; Nestlé Health Science; 1.2 kcal/ml with 14% food‐derived ingredients). Using electronic medical notes, data were collected on all children who commenced an EFI via an enteral feeding tube in a specialist paediatric hospital between August 2022 and December 2023. Data were gathered on demographics (age, sex and primary diagnosis), anthropometric measurements (weight‐for‐age Z‐score and height‐for‐age Z‐score), feed regimens (feed volume, feeding route, mode of feeding [continuous, bolus]), gastrointestinal symptoms (gastro‐oesophageal reflux, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, constipation and loose stools) and geographical discharge area for children on home enteral nutrition.

Results

Seventy children were included in the analysis. The mean ± SD age was 4.7 ± 6 years. The median admission weight‐for‐age Z‐score was −1.50. The most common primary diagnosis was a neurological impairment in 37/70 (47%) children. Most children were fed via a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy 31/70 (44%) and 8/70 (11%) of the children fed directly into the jejunum. The most common reason being gastrointestinal symptoms, 58/70 (83%). The most common gastrointestinal symptom reported before commencing an EFI was loose stools in 22/58 (38%) children. Within 7 days of commencing an EFI, there was reported improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms in all categories. In total, 42/70 children were discharged on an EFI.

Conclusions

In our specialist children's hospital, EFI is primarily implemented by dietitians in children who are already established on an enteral formula displaying gastrointestinal symptoms. However, dietitians are increasingly implementing an EFI as their first‐line whole protein enteral formula. Furthermore, an EFI was also implemented as a compromise to a blended diet.
Review: Leather sustainability, an industrial ecology in process
Authors: Thomasset Agnès , Benayoun Stéphane
Published: October 2024

Leather production is a historic industry that still has an economic influence throughout the world. Leather making is done following a sequence of complex chemical and mechanical steps, using energy, quantity of water and chemicals, and generating waste. For several decades, many organizations have been working toward a cleaner tannery industry resulting in better practices, saving energy and water, and increasing wastewater treatment efficiency. Solid waste management remains a big issue. Another question posed today is the use of chromium in tanning. It is why a lot of research is now dedicated to metal‐free tanning solutions. Chromium alternatives exist but none can actually rival all the advantages of chromium and a balance must be found with environmental issues. To measure the environmental performance of leather, several tools are available. The LWG (Leather Working Group) audit is one of them. On the side of consumers, some reliable leather ecolabelings exist. Finally, life cycle assessment (LCA) is the most exhaustive tool for characterizing leather's environmental performance. Numerous LCA studies done in the past two decades underline the difficulty in obtaining general results, considering the large variety of processes used depending on tanneries, localization, and raw materials. In addition, the data available for LCA are still poor in regard to the specific data needed for leather chemicals. The best methods associated with new technologies, audit, and labeling lead leather production into a cleaner and environment‐friendly industry.
Identity work responses to workplace stigmatization: Power positions, authenticity, religious coping and religious accommodation for skilled practising Muslim professionals
Authors: Al‐Sharif Rami
Published: October 2024

Despite the challenges Muslims face because of their stigmatized religious identity, little is known about how they navigate that identity in the workplace. Adopting an interpretivist perspective of identity work, this study investigates this issue by building on two‐round in‐depth interviews (35 in round‐one and 21 in round‐two) with skilled practising British Muslim professionals. It extends work on power positions to show the privileges those in senior managerial positions have, including assertiveness and control over workplace interactions and outcomes. It further advances understanding of authenticity, revealing that, despite their experiences of stigmatization, these professionals tend to remain true to their religious identity, openly practising their religion in the workplace. They perceive identity re‐interpretation to be part of authenticity, and a responsibility to contest religious stigma. Importantly, this study conceptualizes proactive religious coping as an identity work response to workplace stigmatization, theorized in this organizational context as turning to God and religious rituals for meaning, comfort, resilience and reconciliation, whilst also being proactive and fighting to challenge experiences of stigmatization. However, unlike for other stigmatized groups, inclusive organizational practices, particularly religious accommodation, are not a driver for authenticity, but rather a signal for environment‐fit and authenticity is instead driven by religious identity.
When I say … haunted curriculum
Authors: Ansari David A. , Jain Neera R. , Tucker Constance R. , Karlin Jennifer
Published: October 2024

As medical and health professions education (HPE) fields shift towards frameworks of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI), there has been an increased focus on addressing the environments of learning to understand hierarchies of power and create better learning experiences for students who have historically been marginalised in these fields. We propose the haunted curriculum as an evocative conceptual framing to engage with the aspects of medical and HPE that are toxic and troubling to learners and to understand how violent histories continue to loom large and permeate the present. The haunted curriculum examines how forms of oppression and injustice, such as racism and ableism, are always ever‐present and often arise in unexpected ways during training. The haunted curriculum also helps to uncover how environments of training and professionalisation may themselves inflict these forms of oppression and injustice and may be ideal spaces to counter them.
Dialogues across difference: Teaching for social justice and inclusion in health professions education
Authors: Kumagai Arno K. , Najeeb Umberin
Published: October 2024

When dialoguing across cultures, it is important to consider who speaks for whom, whose stories are told, and whose voice is missing.
Considerations of equity, diversity and inclusion in peer reviews conducted for Medical Education
Authors: Hauer Karen E. , Ajjawi Rola , Alwazzan Lulu , Eva Kevin
Published: October 2024

What equity, diversity and inclusion issues are commented upon by Med Educ's reviewers? This commentary offers an analysis and recommendations for authors, reviewers and editors alike.