bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial innovations in terrorism financing: a case study of Malaysian terror financing
Authors: Zahari Afzal Izzaz , Said Jamaliah , Abdullah Kamarulnizam , Mohd Noor Norazam
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to employ the use of focus groups composed of enforcement officers to explore and identify the financial methods used by terrorism-related organisations in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used an open-ended question and focus group methods to gather information from 20 Malaysian enforcement officers with extensive experience in dealing with terrorism-related activities, as they strive to prevent and counter terrorism incidents. In addition, experienced practitioners and field experts also contributed to the study.

Findings

The study reveals various innovative financial methods used by terrorist-linked organisations to evade detection by local enforcement agencies. These findings are consistent with previous research, which highlights the intelligence of these organisations in avoiding detection by financial regulators.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on the perspectives of enforcement officers involved in preventing and countering terrorism activities. Further research could be conducted to gather insights from other government agencies, such as the judiciary or local agencies.

Practical implications

The study offers practical suggestions for organisations and institutions on effectively monitoring and taking appropriate actions in financial activities related to terrorism.

Originality/value

This study provides unique insights into the financial methods of terrorism-related organisations in an emerging country in Southeast Asia. Its findings can be applied throughout the region, given the country’s global connectivity. Furthermore, the study is distinctive in that it provides information from enforcement officers within terrorism-related government organisations, an area where resources are limited. The study also considers the impact of the pandemic on the development of these financial innovations by terrorist organisations.
The role of libraries in academic achievement: case study of Azerbaijan university libraries
Authors: Abdullayeva Narmina
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the importance of libraries in higher education institutes located in Azerbaijan, mainly in the capital city of Baku. Various university libraries have been examined in terms of information services, physical environments and technical equipment support issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were completed by students and staff at several universities in Azerbaijan to examine how libraries affect people's academic achievement. The results of this study were comparatively described using multiple tables and graphs.

Findings

University library usage is positively associated with academic achievement. Studies have shown that students who use libraries are more likely to succeed academically, as measured by their responses. The role of libraries in academic achievement is not limited to traditional academic tasks such as research and writing.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study suggest that there is a positive relationship between library usage and academic achievement in some universities in Azerbaijan, and it is necessary to continue the topic in further studies in a wide range to develop relationships between academic library services and success in higher education, either personal or student.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the significance of academic libraries in higher education in Azerbaijan, providing a general overview and analysis of the separate correlations among these variables. Researchers interested in Azerbaijani education and libraries may find this to be practical.
Necessary conjunctions: Hawkspur Camp and the transdisciplinary roots of therapeutic community
Authors: Jones David W. , Fees Craig
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to tell something of the story of the “Hawkspur Experiment” (1936–1941), a therapeutic camp organised early in the modern history of therapeutic community as an intervention into the lives of young men who were viewed to be at risk of delinquency (Wills, 1967). Although it was to have a remarkable influence on group and therapeutic community practice and theory, the authors argue that its influence is not as well-remembered nor incorporated into contemporary therapeutic understanding and discussion as it should be.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a historical reflection based on systematic examination of the clinical and administrative records of Hawkspur Camp for men, and supporting documents held in the Planned Environment Therapy Archive. In addition, the authors use published primary and secondary sources.

Findings

Hawkspur Camp was a cross-disciplinary enterprise which brought together psychoanalytic thinking, social work, an interest in groups, political activism, a concern with the dynamics and working of democracy and the application of emergent social science methods. It was overtly an intervention into the criminal justice system but was also an intentional exploration of the therapeutic benefits of community living and of a “pioneering” lifestyle; a rigorous experiment in how psychoanalytic ideas might be used in group residential settings; and a politically grounded exploration of participative democracy as a fundamental therapeutic principle.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper presents the first findings from a systematic study of the records of Hawkspur Camp.
Support‐Verb Constructions with Objects:Greek‐CopticInterference in the Documentary Papyri?1
Authors: Fendel Victoria Beatrix
Published: November 2023

Support‐verb constructions are combinations of a verb and a noun that fill the predicate slot, for example,to make a suggestioninI made the suggestion yesterday. The article examines direct‐object structures with support‐verb constructions in Greek documentary papyri from fourth‐ to mid‐seventh‐century Egypt. By the fourth century, Greek and Egyptian (at this stage called Coptic) had co‐existed in Egypt for about a millennium and the latter was gaining ground. The article focusses on the support‐verb‐construction families surrounding ἐξουσίανexousian‘power’ and ἐγγύηνegguēn‘surety’ as well as on a selection of structures with ποιέομαιpoieomai‘to do’. The article finds that direct‐object structures in the data sample have differing explanations. Direct‐object patterns are a marginal pattern in classical Greek already, such that some patterns can be explained by inheritance or the extension of a pattern to new contexts. However, some writers either idiolectally or sociolectally applied object patterns more widely based on the Coptic parallel. The syntax of support‐verb constructions in Greek does not run counter to the verbal syntax otherwise, which may aid the fact that they do not introduce systemic changes.
Stressful life events and depressive symptoms during COVID‐19: A gender comparison
Authors: Qian Yue , Fan Wen
Published: November 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic precipitated a wide range of public health, economic, social, and political shocks, setting in motion life events that reverberated to affect individuals' mental health. Moving beyond a checklist approach, this study drew on individuals' own words to identify both conventional and novel sources of stress during COVID‐19 and examine the role of stressful life events in producing gender disparities in depressive symptoms. Drawing on a 2021 U.S. nationally representative survey, we coded text responses to an open‐ended question on stressful life events and conducted descriptive and regression analyses (n = 1733). The analyses revealed three key findings. First, men were more likely to report having experienced no stressful life events or else mention politics as a source of stress. Women, by comparison, were more likely to report the following as stressful—inability to socialize, paid work, care work, health, or the death of loved ones. Second, for both women and men, respondents reporting no stressful life events had the lowest, and those reporting finances as the most stressful life event had the highest, depressive symptoms. Third, women had higher depressive symptoms than men, and mediation analysis showed that stressful life events explained approximately a third of the gender gap in depressive symptoms. The findings indicate that policies attending to people's financial stress are important for mitigating mental health risks in turbulent times. Interventions that reduce women's exposure to stressful life events are also crucial to bridging gender disparities in mental health.
Environmental sustainability and gynaecological surgery: Which factors influence behaviour? An interview study
Authors: van Nieuwenhuizen Kim E. , Both Ingena G. I. A. , Porte Petra J. , van der Eijk Anne C. , Jansen Frank Willem
Published: November 2023

Objective

To assess the various factors that influence environmentally sustainable behaviour in gynaecological surgery and examine the differences between gynaecologists and residents.

Design

An interview study.

Setting

Academic and non‐academic hospitals in the Netherlands.

Population

Gynaecologists (n = 10) and residents (n = 6).

Methods

Thematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews to determine the various factors that influence environmentally sustainable behaviour in gynaecological surgery and to examine the differences between gynaecologists and residents. By using the Desmond framework and the COM‐B BCW, both organisational and individual factors related to behaviour were considered.

Main outcome measures

Factors that influence environmentally sustainable behaviour.

Results

Awareness is increasing but practical knowledge is insufficient. It is crucial to integrate education on the environmental impact of everyday decisions for residents and gynaecologists. Gynaecologists make their own choices but residents’ autonomy is limited. There is the necessity to provide environmentally sustainable surgical equipment without compromising other standards. There is a need for a societal change that encourages safe and open communication about environmental sustainability. To transition to environmentally sustainable practices, leadership, time, collaboration with the industry and supportive regulatory changes are essential.

Conclusion

This study lays the groundwork for promoting more environmentally sustainable behaviour in gynaecological surgery. The key recommendations, addressing hospital regulations, leadership, policy revisions, collaboration with the industry, guideline development and education, offer practical steps towards a more sustainable healthcare system. Encouraging environmentally sustainable practices should be embraced to enhance the well‐being of both our planet and our population, driving us closer to a more environmentally sustainable future in healthcare.
Miscarriage after SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Velez Maria P. , Fell Deshayne B. , Shellenberger Jonas P. , Kwong Jeffrey C. , Ray Joel G.
Published: November 2023

Objective

To evaluate the risk of miscarriage following SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination, while accounting for the competing risk of induced abortion.

Design

Population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Ontario, Canada.

Participants

Women aged 15–50 years with a confirmed pregnancy at ≤19 completed weeks’ gestation.

Methods

Exposure to first SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination, handled in a time‐varying manner, was defined as (i) unvaccinated, (ii) remotely vaccinated >28 days before the estimated conception date or (iii) recently vaccinated ≤28 days before conception and up to 120 days after conception.

Main outcome measures

The outcome was miscarriage, occurring between the estimated date of conception and up to 19 completed weeks of pregnancy. Fine‐Grey hazard models, accounting for the competing risk of induced abortion, generated hazard ratios (aHR), adjusted for socio‐demographic factors, comorbidities, and biweekly periods.

Results

Included were 246 259 pregnant women, of whom 34% received a first SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination. Miscarriage occurred at a rate of 3.6 per 10 000 person‐days among remotely vaccinated women and 3.2 per 10 000 person‐days among those recently vaccinated, in contrast to a rate of 1.9 per 10 000 person‐days among unvaccinated women, with corresponding aHR of 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91–1.07) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.93–1.08).

Conclusions

SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination was not associated with miscarriage while accounting for the competing risk of induced abortion. This study reiterates the importance of including pregnant women in new vaccine clinical trials and registries, and the rapid dissemination of vaccine safety data.
Perceptions of work–life balance and gender issues in private radiology in Australia
Authors: Seal Alexa N , Hayter Catherine L , Singh Neha
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Women comprise almost 30% of practising clinical radiologists in Australia. Despite three‐quarters of clinical radiologists working in private practice, there is limited research regarding the experience of female radiologists in private practice and issues surrounding work–life balance. The primary aim of this study was to identify gender issues within private radiology and investigate work–life balance, focusing on issues relevant for female practitioners.

Methods

Clinical radiologists working in private practice at five major Australian private radiology service providers were sent an email on behalf of the researchers, containing study information and a link to an online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi‐square analysis and Fisher's exact test were used. Binary logistic regression was used to determine odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Responses to short‐answer questions were analysed manually and grouped into themes.

Results

There were consistent gender differences in perceptions of gender and its implication upon working and career progression in radiology private practice. There was near unanimous agreement that private radiologists should be able to work flexible/reduced working hours for a proportionate decrease in pay. Two themes with distinct gender differences related to pay equity and transparency. Key themes relating to work–life balance for private radiologists included workload, setting boundaries and flexibility of work hours in private radiology.

Conclusion

This preliminary survey highlights areas related to work–life balance and gender issues relevant for female practitioners in private practice radiology in Australia that can be targeted for further investigation and improvement, namely pay equity and transparency, and part‐time leadership opportunities.
Well‐controlled disease activity with drug treatment will not improve the frailty status of RA patients to robust state: A multicenter observational study (T‐FLAG)
Authors: Ohashi Yoshifumi , Takahashi Nobunori , Sobue Yasumori , Suzuki Mochihito , Sato Ryo , Maeda Masataka , Terabe Kenya , Asai Shuji , Imagama Shiro
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To investigate a plateau in treatment enhancement for improving the frailty status of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods

A total of 345 RA patients who were not robust in 2021 were assigned to the improved (“robust 2022,” n = 51) and non‐improved (“pre‐frailty/frailty 2022,” n = 294) groups. Factors associated with “robust 2022” were examined by logistic regression analysis. Patients were assigned to the stable (Follow‐up mean DAS28‐ESR in 2020 and 2021 < 3.2, n = 225) and unstable (≥3.2, n = 120) groups, which were further divided into the non‐improved (stable: n = 180, unstable: n = 114) and improved (stable: n = 45, unstable: n = 6) groups. Factors influencing Japanese Cardiovascular Health Study (J‐CHS) score were examined by multiple regression analysis. Changes over 2 years were compared between the non‐improved and improved groups of the stable group.

Results

The associated factor of “robust 2022” was the follow‐up meanDAS28‐ESR in 2020 and 2021 < 3.2 (i.e., stable state) (OR: 4.01). Follow‐up mean DAS28‐ESR in 2020 and 2021 was associated with J‐CHS score (T = 2.536, p = .013) only in the unstable group. In the stable group, HAQ‐DI was lower (2020: 0.32 vs. 0.16; 2021: 0.32 vs. 0.17; 2022: 0.32 vs. 0.21), and the proportion of J‐CHS: Q4 (weakness) was lower (2020: 48.4 vs. 17.8%; 2021: 55.0 vs. 29.2%; 2022: 50.4 vs. 0%), in the improved group than in the non‐improved group, whereas both groups maintained clinical and functional remission over 2 years.

Conclusions

Drug treatment to maintain well‐controlled disease activity alone is insufficient for improving patients' frailty status after achieving treat‐to‐target goals, suggesting the need for multifaceted approaches.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels in perinatal depression: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jafarabady Kyana , Shafiee Arman , Bahri Razman Arabzadeh , Rajai Firouzabadi Shahryar , Mohammadi Ida , Amini Mohammad Javad
Published: November 2023

Background

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aim to synthesize the available evidence and determine the overall brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in individuals diagnosed with perinatal depression (PND).

Methods

We performed a thorough search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, from their start until April 30, 2023. Our search strategy involved using specific keywords and medical subject headings (MeSH) terms related to BDNF, perinatal, post‐partum, and antepartum depression. In the meta‐analysis, we employed a random‐effects model, and subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate any variations in the results.

Results

A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 10 were used in the quantitative analysis. The meta‐analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in BDNF levels in both individuals with antepartum depression (SMD: –0.31; 95% CI: −0.48 to −0.13; p‐value = 0.0008; I2 = 71%), and post‐partum depression (SMD: –0.61; 95% CI: −0.99 to −0.22; p‐value = 0.0002 I2 = 77%). Furthermore, a significantly higher rate of PND among individuals in the lowest BDNF quartile (OR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.01 to 6.89; p‐value = 0.05; I2 = 90%) was seen. The results of subgroup analyses showed a statistically significant effect of the depression assessment tool on overall heterogeneity between studies.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta‐analysis provide evidence of lower BDNF protein levels in individuals diagnosed with PND. The results indicate that BDNF dysregulation may play a part in the development of PND. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this and explore potential therapeutic applications.
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in Estonia in 2020 and 2021: A register‐based study
Authors: Veerus Piret , Nõmm Oskar , Innos Kaire , Allvee Kärt , Karro Helle
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Data from different countries show partly controversial impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on pregnancy outcomes. A nationwide register‐based study was conducted in Estonia to assess the impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection at any time during pregnancy on stillbirth, perinatal mortality, Apgar score at 5 minutes, cesarean section rates, rates of preterm birth and preeclampsia.

Material and methods

Data on all newborns and their mothers were obtained from the Estonian Medical Birth Registry, and data on SARS‐CoV‐2 testing dates, test results and vaccination dates against SARS‐CoV‐2 from the Estonian Health Information System. Altogether, 26 211 births in 2020 and 2021 in Estonia were included. All analyses were performed per newborn. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were analyzed for all outcomes, adjusted for mother's place of residence, body mass index, age of mother at delivery and hypertension and for all the aforementioned variables together with mother's vaccination status using data from 2021 when vaccinations against SARS‐CoV‐2 became available. For studying the effect of a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test during pregnancy on preeclampsia, hypertension was omitted from the models to avoid overadjustment.

Results

SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of stillbirth (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.81; 95% CI 1.37–5.74) and perinatal mortality (aOR 2.34; 95% CI 1.20–4.56) but not with a lower Apgar score at 5 minutes, higher risk of cesarean section, preeclampsia or preterm birth. Vaccination slightly decreased the impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during pregnancy on perinatal mortality.

Conclusions

A positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test during pregnancy was associated with higher rates of stillbirth and perinatal mortality in Estonia but was not associated with change in preeclampsia, cesarean section or preterm birth rates.
CCDC65, encoding a component of the axonemal Nexin‐Dynein regulatory complex, is required for sperm flagellum structure in humans
Authors: Jreijiri Fadwa , Cavarocchi Emma , Amiri‐Yekta Amir , Cazin Caroline , Hosseini Seyedeh‐Hanieh , El Khouri Elma , Patrat Catherine , Thierry‐Mieg Nicolas , Ray Pierre F. , Dulioust Emmanuel , Whitfield Marjorie , Touré Aminata
Published: November 2023

Sperm flagella share an evolutionary conserved microtubule‐based structure with motile cilia expressed at the surface of several cell types, such as the airways epithelial cells. As a result, male infertility can be observed as an isolated condition or a syndromic trait, illustrated by Primary Cilia Dyskinesia (PCD). We report two unrelated patients showing multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) and carrying distinct homozygous truncating variants in the PCD‐associated gene CCDC65. We characterized one of the identified variants (c.1208del; p.Asn403Ilefs*9), which induces the near absence of CCDC65 protein in patient sperm. In Chlamydomonas, CCDC65 ortholog (DRC2, FAP250) is a component of the Nexin‐Dynein Regulatory complex (N‐DRC), which interconnects microtubule doublets and coordinates dynein arms activity. In sperm cells from the patient, we also show the loss of GAS8, another component of the N‐DRC, supporting a structural/functional link between the two proteins. Our work indicates that, similarly to ciliary axoneme, CCDC65 is required for sperm flagellum structure. Importantly, our work provides first evidence that mutations in the PCD‐associated gene CCDC65 also cause asthenozoospermia.
Prognostic gene HLA‐DMA associated with cell cycle and immune infiltrates in LUAD
Authors: Huang Ya‐jie , He Jian‐kun , Duan Xiaoyang , Hou Ran , Shi Jian
Published: November 2023

Background

The dominant subclass of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a crucial feature of carcinogenesis and progression in LUAD. Furthermore, immune and stromal components of TME are crucial factors to investigating and curing LUAD. Thus, the study assessed the value of TME‐related genes for LUAD prognosis and immune infiltration.

Methods

All data were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. The immune and stromal scores were downloaded from ESTIMATE, and the association between the scores and prognosis was explored by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and univariate Cox regression were used to find TME‐related differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and HLA‐DMA was regarded as a prognostic hub gene. Western blot analyses, qRT‐PCR, and immunofluorescence were applied to verify HLA‐DMA expression in clinical samples. NSCLC cell lines were used to verify the effect of HLA‐DMA on cell proliferation and cell cycle distribution. At last, the alteration of immunotherapy response and TME transition caused by HLA‐DMA different expression were further studied.

Results

The immune score was positively correlated with survival. The functional analyses suggested that TME‐related DEGs may be involved in the immune response. The expression level of HLA‐DMA was decreased in LUAD. In addition, HLA‐DMA expression was associated with several clinical features and was positively associated with survival. Furthermore, HLA‐DMA may suspend cell proliferation by regulating cell cycle. HLA‐DMA expression was closely associated with immune infiltration and positively correlated with TMB, indicating that patients with high HLA‐DMA level were more suitable for immunotherapy.

Conclusion

These results reveal that HLA‐DMA might act as a biomarker for immune infiltration and immunotherapy response.
Changes in postictal cerebral perfusion are related to the duration of electroconvulsive therapy‐induced seizures
Authors: Pottkämper Julia C. M. , Verdijk Joey P. A. J. , Aalbregt Eva , Stuiver Sven , van de Mortel Laurens , Norris David G. , van Putten Michel J. A. M. , Hofmeijer Jeannette , van Wingen Guido A. , van Waarde Jeroen A.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Postictal symptoms may result from cerebral hypoperfusion, which is possibly a consequence of seizure‐induced vasoconstriction. Longer seizures have previously been shown to cause more severe postictal hypoperfusion in rats and epilepsy patients. We studied cerebral perfusion after generalized seizures elicited by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and its relation to seizure duration.

Methods

Patients with a major depressive episode who underwent ECT were included. During treatment, 21‐channel continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded. Arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging scans were acquired before the ECT course (baseline) and approximately 1 h after an ECT‐induced seizure (postictal) to quantify global and regional gray matter cerebral blood flow (CBF). Seizure duration was assessed from the period of epileptiform discharges on the EEG. Healthy controls were scanned twice to assess test–retest variability. We performed hypothesis‐driven Bayesian analyses to study the relation between global and regional perfusion changes and seizure duration.

Results

Twenty‐four patients and 27 healthy controls were included. Changes in postictal global and regional CBF were correlated with seizure duration. In patients with longer seizure durations, global decrease in CBF reached values up to 28 mL/100 g/min. Regional reductions in CBF were most prominent in the inferior frontal gyrus, cingulate gyrus, and insula (up to 35 mL/100 g/min). In patients with shorter seizures, global and regional perfusion increased (up to 20 mL/100 g/min). These perfusion changes were larger than changes observed in healthy controls, with a maximum median global CBF increase of 12 mL/100 g/min and a maximum median global CBF decrease of 20 mL/100 g/min.

Significance

Seizure duration is a key factor determining postictal perfusion changes. In future studies, seizure duration needs to be considered as a confounding factor due to its opposite effect on postictal perfusion.
RETRACTED: Effects of an enhanced recovery after surgery nursing programme on surgical site wound infection and postoperative complications in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lu Haiying , Yu Jinjiao , Hong Huiqin
Published: November 2023

This meta‐analysis aimed to investigate the effects of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) nursing program on surgical wound infection (SWI) and postoperative complications in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang databases were searched from the date of establishment of the database until August 2023 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effects of the ERAS nursing program on SWI and postoperative complications in patients undergoing TKA. The literature was screened, data were extracted by two independent investigators, and the literature quality was assessed using the methods recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. Data analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software. Nineteen RCTs with 1580 patients were included in the study. The meta‐analysis results showed that the rates of SWI (odds ratio [OR] = 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10–0.37, p < 0.001) and postoperative complications (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.12–0.25, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the ERAS intervention group than those in the control group. Therefore, ERAS intervention after TKA can significantly reduce the occurrence of SWI and postoperative complications. It has a remarkable rehabilitation effect and can be widely used in clinical settings.
RETRACTED: Analysis of the association between serum levels of 25(OH)D, retinol binding protein, and Cyclooxygenase‐2 and the disease severity in patients with diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Chen Xuehui , Xu Yun , Meng Xiangyu , Geng Ruina , Wang Xu , Zhang Guanying , Bai Liwei
Published: November 2023

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) pose significant clinical challenges, representing severe complications in diabetes mellitus patients and contributing to non‐traumatic amputations. Identifying reliable biomarkers can optimize early diagnosis and improve therapeutic outcomes. This study focused on evaluating the association between serum levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25‐(OH)D], Serum Retinol Binding Protein (RBP), and Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in elderly DFU patients. A retrospective study involving 240 participants, from March 2020 to March 2023. The participants were segmented into three cohorts: 80 with DFUs, 80 diabetic patients without DFUs, and 80 healthy controls. Serum concentrations of the three biomarkers were assayed using methods like enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), chemiluminescence immunoassay, and an automated biochemistry analyser. Comparisons were made both between groups and within the DFU group based on disease severity. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in biomarker levels across the groups (p < 0.05). COX‐2 and RBP concentrations were highest in the DFU group, followed by the non‐DFU diabetic group, and lowest in the control group. Conversely, 25(OH)D levels were highest in the control group, followed by the non‐DFU diabetic group, and lowest in the DFU group. Within the DFU group, RBP and COX‐2 levels increased with disease severity, while 25(OH)D levels decreased. These variations were especially pronounced in patients with the most severe Wagner grading. A significant positive correlation was observed between disease severity and levels of RBP (r = 0.651, p < 0.05) and COX‐2 (r = 0.356, p < 0.05). Conversely, a significant negative correlation was identified between disease severity and 25(OH)D levels (r = −0.658, p < 0.05). Assessing 25(OH)D, RBP, and COX‐2 serum levels offers a promising tool for evaluating the severity and progression of DFUs. Monitoring these biomarkers can enrich our understanding of the metabolic and inflammatory pathways of the disease and potentially refine therapeutic strategies.
Fitness and cold tolerance of Spodoptera frugiperda fed on corn and two winter crops
Authors: Qi Xue‐Wei , Hong Lin , Chen Jian , Liang Yu‐Yong
Published: November 2023

Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda is a major migratory and polyphagous pest. Overwintering, migrating and colonizing characters of FAW are closely related to vegetation and host adaptation. In this study, we investigated oviposition preference, feeding preference of FAW, as well as fitness, cold tolerance of FAW larvae fed on spring and summer crop (corn) and two winter crops (cabbage, Brassica campestris and rape, B. napus). The results showed that FAW could complete their life cycle by feeding on cabbage and rape, although fitness was not as good as corn. FAW fed on cabbage had higher survival, female pupal mass and host suitability index than rape while larvae preferred to feed on rape leaves and females preferred to lay eggs on rape plants. In addition, FAW larvae fed on cabbage had the shortest recovery time from chill coma compared to corn and rape, indicating that cold tolerance of FAW larvae was improved by feeding on cabbage. Consequently, cabbage could be an ideal host for FAW which needed to survive and reproduce in winter. These results improve our understanding of host selection and adaption of FAW, as well as lay a foundation for predicting winter breeding areas of FAW.
Flower morphology and nectar quality traits in faba bean affect attraction to bees
Authors: Barda Myrto , Karamaouna Filitsa , Kasiotis Konstantinos M. , Baira Eirini , Papadopoulos Georgios K. , Bebeli Penelope J. , Perdikis Dionysios
Published: November 2023

Legumes provide nutritious floral resources for bees thus are commonly considered for use in schemes to enhance pollinators in agroecosystems. In particular, legume landraces are important elements in practices towards sustainable agriculture. Differences in flower morphology and nectar may affect the attraction of pollinators. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible differences in pollinator attraction between aVicia fabaL. landrace and a commercial variety and to indicate differences in floral characteristics and nectar quality traits which can be associated with bee visits. To assess this, floral morphological trait measurements and chemical analysis using high‐resolution mass spectrometry‐based non‐targeted screening of the flower nectar were carried out and bee visits on faba bean flowers were recorded. Floral traits that contributed to the separation of the two accessions were ‘intensity of streaks’ and ‘extent of anthocyanin colouration’ on standard petal which were more pronounced in the landrace. All nectar traits examined contributed to the separation of the twoV. fabaaccessions. Chemical substances such as amino acids and sugars which are important for bee nutrition are differentially increased in the landrace compared with the commercial variety. The landrace attracted more bee genera (Apis,Anthophora,Eucera) and bee visits compared with the commercial variety (onlyEucera) supporting that the floral and nectar differences between the accessions of the same plant species are important to bees. The well‐fitting interrelation of the landrace flowers and bee visits can have possible implications in agricultural practices such as crop breeding for pollinator friendly varieties through selecting floral traits, improvement of foraging resources for pollinators in agroecosystems and subsequently food production. Exploitation of theV. fabalandrace in agroecological schemes to support conservation of flora and fauna genetic resources in situ should be considered also for the benefit of future food stability and security.
The role of community paramedicine in fall prevention: A SWOT analysis
Authors: Quatman Carmen E. , Wiseman Jessica M. , Dickinson Chandler , Leach Monica C. , Hislop Michelle , Kegelmeyer Deb A. , Kloos Anne D. , Quatman‐Yates Catherine C.
Published: November 2023

Background

Millions of older US adults fall annually, leading to catastrophic injuries, over 32,000 deaths and healthcare costs of over $55 billion. This study evaluated perceived benefits and limitations of using community paramedicine for fall prevention strategies from the lens of older adults, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

Methods

Semi‐structured focus groups were held with individuals from three stakeholder groups: (1) community‐dwelling older adults (age ≥60), (2) caregivers, and (3) healthcare providers. The Strengths‐Weaknesses‐Opportunities‐Threats (SWOT) framework was used to quantitatively analyze stakeholder perceptions of using community paramedicine for fall prevention strategies.

Results

A total of 10 focus groups were held with 56 participants representing older adults (n = 15), caregivers (n = 16), and healthcare providers (n = 25). Community paramedicine was supported as a model of fall prevention by older adults, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Participants identified strengths such as visibility to the home environment, ability to implement home modifications, implicit trust in emergency medical services (EMS), and capacity to redirect resources toward prevention. Additionally, participants acknowledged opportunities such as providing continuity of care across the healthcare spectrum, improving quality and safety of care and potentially reducing unnecessary emergency department use. Participants endorsed weaknesses and threats such as funding, concerns of patients about stigma, and struggles with medical data integration.

Conclusions

The results of this study illuminate the opportunity to leverage community paramedicine to address a variety of perceived barriers in order to design and implement better solutions for fall prevention efforts.
The dynamic characteristics of multi‐media carbon pollution and their spatial influencing factors: A case study of the Greater Bay Area of China
Authors: Chen Chen , Wen Zongguo
Published: November 2023

For urban agglomerations that contain multiple interconnected cities, carbon pollution mitigation is particularly challenging due to the complex pollution transfer among environmental media and among cities. Insufficient attention has been paid to the city‐level metabolic processes of carbon in diverse physicochemical forms and their spatial interactions, impeding the identification and management of multi‐media carbon pollution from the integrated perspective of the whole urban agglomeration. Using the Greater Bay Area of China as a case, this study reveals the dynamic characteristics and spatial influencing factors of multi‐media carbon pollution covering 30 consecutive years based on substance flow analysis and a spatial econometric model. We find increasing necessity for controlling carbon pollution in the solid state, which reached 1890 Gg C/a in 2018 and was significantly higher than that in the gaseous (290 Gg C/a) and liquid (730 Gg C/a) state. Cross‐media transfer of carbon pollution made an increasingly substantial contribution to total carbon pollution from 14.6% to 20.7%, stressing the need for treatment and harmless disposal of sludge and the control of CH4 produced from waste landfilling, wastewater treatment, and livestock manure. Relocation of heavily polluting industries and variances at the level of environmental regulation between cities causes spatial transfer of carbon pollution, while the improvement of industrial structure and the advancement of pollution treatment technology have a positive demonstration effect for carbon pollution abatement of the neighboring cities. This study demonstrates the necessity of multi‐media and multi‐city integrities in carbon pollution mitigation within clustered cities.
A method of concrete damage detection and localization based on weakly supervised learning
Authors: Jiang Yongqing , Pang Dandan , Li Chengdong , Wang Jianze
Published: November 2023

Automatic inspection of concrete surface defects based on visual elements is crucial for the timely detection of security risks in infrastructure. Moreover, accurate determination of the geographical location of the detected defects is critical for subsequent maintenance and reinforcement tasks. This study employed convolutional neural network (CNN) training methods for detection and localization. This approach employs bounding boxes to confine damaged pixels and utilizes projection loss to foster similarity learning between pixels. In addition, geotags are automatically indexed through the vectorization of invariant features in a scene, which maintains high model accuracy and reduces training costs. The proposed method can detect and classify typical concrete defects in complex scenarios and accurately locate them without the use of external sensors. In addition, the proposed model can achieve pixel‐level defect detection and geographic location determination through the cost of bounding box annotation and automatic indexing. The proposed model was evaluated using 10,691 images of four typical concrete defects in various complex environments. The results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a pixel‐level detection accuracy of 48.75 and a location accuracy of 83.69, showing a better performance than other methods.
Association between trigeminal neuralgia and degenerative cervical myelopathy: A cross‐sectional study using US data
Authors: Trager Robert J. , Theodorou Elainie C. , Chu Eric Chun‐Pu
Published: November 2023

Background

Limited research has suggested that trigeminal neuralgia (TN), an often‐idiopathic pain disorder affecting the face and head, may arise from compression of the cervical spinal cord due to involvement of the spinal trigeminal tract. We hypothesized that adults with TN would have a greater likelihood of concurrent degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) compared to matched adults without TN.

Methods

We retrieved de‐identified data from a US network (TriNetX, Inc.) including medical records of >113 million patients, with a query date of October 1, 2023, and data spanning the previous 20 years. We created two groups of adults (aged ≥18 years): Those with (1) TN and (2) No TN, excluding individuals with predisposing conditions for TN (e.g., multiple sclerosis, ophthalmic and oral/maxillofacial surgery) and propensity matched for confounders (e.g., age, sex, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, hypertensive diseases, migraine, osteoporosis). We calculated the point prevalence and odds ratio (OR) of DCM with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

After matching there were 37,163 patients per group. The mean point prevalence of DCM in the TN group was 0.55% (95% CI: 0.47–0.63%) compared with 0.04% (0.03–0.06%) in the no TN group, yielding an OR of 12.94 (95% CI: 7.78–21.53; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Adults with TN had more than 12 times greater odds of concurrent DCM compared to those without TN. These findings suggest that DCM may be a risk factor for TN, yet causality should be further examined using case–control or cohort designs.
Stimulating and toxic effect of chromium on growth and photosynthesis of a marine chlorophyte
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Charles Philip D. , Bendif El Mahdi , Hester Svenja S. , Mohammad Shabaz , Rickaby Rosalind E. M.
Published: November 2023

Marine phytoplankton can interchange trace metals in various biochemical functions, particularly under metal‐limiting conditions. Here, we investigate the stimulating and toxicity effect of chromium (Cr) on a marine Chlorophyceae Osetreococcus tauri under Fe‐replete and Fe‐deficient conditions.

We determined the growth, photosynthesis, and proteome expressions of Osetreococcus tauri cultured under different Cr and Fe concentrations.

In Fe‐replete conditions, the presence of Cr(VI) stimulated significantly the growth rate and the maximum yield of photochemistry of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) of the phytoplankton, while the functional absorption cross‐section of photosystem II (σPSII) did not change. Minor additions of Cr(VI) partially rescued phytoplankton growth under Fe‐limited conditions. Proteomic analysis of this alga grown in Fe‐replete normal and Fe‐replete with Cr addition media (10 μM Cr) showed that the presence of Cr significantly decreased the expression of phosphate‐transporting proteins and photosynthetic proteins, while increasing the expression of proteins related to carbon assimilation.

Cr can stimulate the growth and photosynthesis of O. tauri, but the effects are dependent on both the Cr(VI) concentration and the availability of Fe. The proteomic results further suggest that Cr(VI) addition might significantly increase starch production and carbon fixation.
Insights into molecular links and transcription networks integrating drought stress and nitrogen signaling
Authors: Cerda Ariel , Alvarez José M.
Published: November 2023

Drought and the availability of nitrate, the predominant source of nitrogen (N) in agriculture, are major factors limiting plant growth and crop productivity. The dissection of the transcriptional networks' components integrating droght stress and nitrate responses provides valuable insights into how plants effectively balance stress response with growth programs. Recent evidence in Arabidopsis thaliana indicates that transcription factors (TFs) involved in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling affect N metabolism and nitrate responses, and reciprocally, components of nitrate signaling might affect ABA and drought gene responses. Advances in understanding regulatory circuits of nitrate and drought crosstalk in plant tissues empower targeted genetic modifications to enhance plant development and stress resistance, critical traits for optimizing crop yield and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Benefits of assisted gene flow diminish with latitudinal distance between populations in Chamaecrista fasciculata
Authors: Rushing Naomi
Published: November 2023

In ecological restoration, seed sourcing is often among the first and most critical steps in achieving restored populations that establish and reproduce successfully, while also having the genetic capacity to adapt to future change. Many approaches have been proposed to guide seed sourcing for restoration, including a strong focus on local seed sources, the use of assisted gene flow or assisted migration, and regional admixture provenancing. The goal of this research was to evaluate these issues in the context of grassland restoration. We collected seed of Chamaecrista fasciculata, an annual native to the prairies of North America, from four locations along a latitudinal gradient. We generated inter‐ and intrapopulation crosses and grew them in two common gardens located in restored prairies in southeast Minnesota. We found that northern populations tended to flower and fruit earlier than southern populations, while hybrids generally had intermediate phenologies. There were strong fitness benefits of hybridization, particularly among the local crosses. However, the plants grown from our southernmost seed source produced few mature seed pods in the common gardens before the advent of fall frost, suggesting that translocating populations across significant latitudinal distances may be problematic. Taken together, our findings support a regional admixture provenancing approach while indicating that assisted migration and assisted gene flow across latitudinal distances of three degrees or more compromises fitness in this species.
A New Masaccio—and Other Low‐Life Images—from Anton Francesco Grazzini's Florentine Art History
Authors: Goodchild Karen Hope
Published: November 2023

What if a new Masaccio were found? This article offers a 16th century ekphrasis of a “lost” Masaccio so ornate, funny, and lusty that it upends prior conceptions of the artist. I examine this description and two others, all by the comic writer Anton Francesco Grazzini (“Il Lasca,” 1503‐1584), to see how art could be leveraged within Florence's literary and artistic culture as class commentary. I have located in Florence two of the works of art that clearly motivated Grazzini's literary portraits and, by analyzing Grazzini's texts in relation to these and other possible inspirations, I reveal his associative view of Florence, one that links upper‐class, humanist concerns with lower‐class stereotypes. What emerges is a Florence with boundaries removed: in Grazzini's words, the material and literary fabric of the city are knitted together in a new way, one that elides eras as it conjures the visions, sounds, and even tastes of Florence's carnival streets. My analysis suggests why Grazzini may have wanted such juxtapositions, and will show that while his vision is fantastic, it is grounded in identifiable, even material, cultural production.