bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable urban farming using a two‐phase multi‐objective and multi‐criteria decision‐making approach
Authors: Haloui Doha , Oufaska Kenza , Oudani Mustapha , Yassini Khalid El , Belhadi Amine , Kamble Sachin
Published: April 2024

For several reasons, recent attention has focused on urban agriculture in the context of sustainable and smart agriculture. Most of the global population has relocated from rural to urban areas. The ecological impact of agriculture is a rising concern. Furthermore, food insecurity, particularly food availability, remains a significant issue. Satisfying rising food demand with minimal environmental impact is a significant barrier to more sustainable food production. In this article, we study a sustainable location for urban farming that optimally balances economic and environmental objectives. We formulate the problem as a multi‐objective linear program that considers maximizing the ecological benefit and crop production yield and minimizing transportation cost, sensor cost, and CO2 emissions. The proposed mathematical model is then solved using a two‐phase method. The first phase uses several multi‐objective optimization (MOO) methods (weighted sum, epsilon‐constraint, augmented epsilon) to generate a pool of compromise solutions. The second phase uses multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) methods (MARCOS, VIKOR, and Possibility Degree) to rank compromise solutions. We performed a sensitivity analysis first by studying the effect of different criteria weights (balanced, environmentally, and economically oriented) and then by investigating the rank reversal. Furthermore, we developed a thorough validity test that examines the impact of the dynamic elements of rank reversal by changing the importance of the model's input parameters. To provide a fusion ranking of the MCDM rankings, we devised an aggregated ranking approach using the half‐quadratic (HQ) method.
A concurrent mixed‐method study exploring the experiences of interprofessional collaboration among Canadian midwives and obstetricians
Authors: El Hussein Mohamed Toufic , Jacoby Susan , Mclarnon Matthew , Favell Daniel , Dosani Aliyah
Published: April 2024

Aim

This study explores the experiences of interprofessional collaboration of Canadian midwives and obstetricians from midwives' perspective.

Design

A concurrent mixed‐methods approach that combined a small validation study and qualitative thematic analysis was used to provide evidence of the nature and importance of collaboration between Registered Midwives (RMs) and obstetricians.

Method

Eighteen RMs across Canada completed a demographic survey and the Midwifery‐Obstetrician Collaboration (MOC) scale in 2023. The quantitative analyses were conducted to assess the reliability of the Midwifery‐Obstetrician Collaboration (MOC) and accumulate preliminary evidence to support its validity. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants. After completing the interviews, themes were identified using thematic analysis.

Results

The primary themes identified were knowledge of midwifery scope affects collaboration, collaboration is necessary for effective patient care, midwife‐physician collaboration is impacted by power differentials and hierarchies, and proposed methods to improve physician‐midwife collaboration. Although a small sample size did not permit extensive statistical testing, the quantitative results supported the reliability of the MOC scale. In addition, a strong correlation between the MOC and the communication subscale of the Inter‐Professional Collaboration (IPC) scale provided evidence of the MOC's concurrent validity as a measure of collaboration between midwives and physicians.

Conclusion

This study provides support for the Midwifery‐Obstetrics Collaboration (MOC) Scale as an assessment tool to evaluate collaboration between midwives and OB/GYNs in obstetrics care. While the 18 RMs recruited for this study provided a fulsome analysis for the qualitative portion, a larger study is necessary to provide more extensive quantitative analysis to validate the MOC scale for continued use among RMs and OBs.

Implications

The implications of this study are to foster strong interprofessional relationships between midwives and OBs and to improve the health outcomes of pregnant women and newborns.

Reporting Method

The authors adhered to Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).
Effects of flipped English learning designs on learning outcomes and cognitive load: Workload of out‐of‐class activities versus during‐class activities
Authors: Xin Xiu , Zhang Meng
Published: April 2024

Background

Some studies have researched the correlation between flipped learning and cognitive learning outcomes; however, there is a paucity of research elaborating on the effects of flipped language learning on cognitive load (CL).

Objectives

This study investigates the effects of using flipped learning designs (student‐led, teacher‐led and collaboration‐led) on learning outcomes and CL management during out‐of‐class activities versus during‐class activities.

Methods

A mixed methods research was used to concurrently triangulate different strands of data on the effects of flipped learning designs on English as foreign language (EFL) learners' learning outcomes and CL. A total of 122 EFL learners were randomly assigned to either the control or experimental group and participated in the study. The interpretations were made based on running one‐way analysis of variance between four groups.

Results and Conclusion

This study evidenced the efficacy of the interactive use of collaboration‐led flipped learning design over student‐led and teacher‐led designs for improving learning outcomes and lowering CL during computer‐assisted language learning (CALL) course.

Pedagogically, CALL practitioners need to develop and integrate a well‐organized combination of student‐led and teacher‐led flipped learning activities for during‐class and out‐of‐class phases with respect to the CL and learning material complexity, while also considering the specific contexts and goals of their instructional settings. Theoretically, the results indicate the necessity of merging active learning and sociocultural theories into an instructional design to take advantage of the identified affordances of flipped language learning approach in terms of psychological effects (CL management) and learning effects (CALL outcomes).
Credibility and altered communication styles of AI graders in the classroom
Authors: Abendschein Bryan , Lin Xialing , Edwards Chad , Edwards Autumn , Rijhwani Varun
Published: April 2024

Background

Education is often the primary arena for exploring and integrating new technologies. AI and human‐machine communication (HMC) are prevalent in the classroom, yet we are still learning how student perceptions of these tools will impact education.

Objectives

We sought to understand student perceptions of credibility related to written feedback attributed to a human or an AI grader (Study One). We also investigated how corrective messages containing verbal immediacy and social support influenced student perceptions of an AI grader's credibility based on feedback in an evaluated essay (Study Two).

Methods

We used an online experimental design to assess the perceived credibility of a grader. In Study One, we randomly assigned students (N = 155) to a condition that contained a paragraph they were told was evaluated by a human or an AI grader. In Study Two (N = 222), we investigated ways of increasing perceptions of an AI grader's credibility by writing messages with higher/lower levels of immediacy and social support.

Results

In Study One, the students rated both the human and AI grader as credible (yet rated the AI grader lower on goodwill). The data suggest that students in Study Two attributed more goodwill (i.e., caring) to the AI grader when the feedback included more verbal immediacy.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of student perceptions and communication styles when integrating technology into education. The two studies imply that students viewed the human and AI graders as competent, caring, and trustworthy, specifically when feedback included more immediacy cues.
Dental implant considerations in patients with systemic diseases: An updated comprehensive review
Authors: Mosaddad Seyed Ali , Talebi Sahar , Keyhan Seied Omid , Fallahi Hamid Reza , Darvishi Mohammad , Aghili Seyedeh Sara , Tavahodi Narges , Namanloo Reza Abdollahi , Heboyan Artak , Fathi Amirhossein
Published: April 2024

Background

Various medical conditions and the drugs used to treat them have been shown to impede or complicate dental implant surgery. It is crucial to carefully monitor the medical status and potential post‐operative complications of patients with systemic diseases, particularly elderly patients, to minimize the risk of health complications that may arise.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to review the existing evidence on the viability of dental implants in patients with systemic diseases and to provide practical recommendations to achieve the best possible results in the corresponding patient population.

Methods

The information for our study was compiled using data from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases and searched separately for each systemic disease included in our work until October 2023. An additional manual search was also performed to increase the search sensitivity. Only English‐language publications were included and assessed according to titles, abstracts and full texts.

Results

In total, 6784 studies were found. After checking for duplicates and full‐text availability, screening for the inclusion criteria and manually searching reference lists, 570 articles remained to be considered in this study.

Conclusion

In treating patients with systemic conditions, the cost–benefit analysis should consider the patient's quality of life and expected lifespan. The success of dental implants depends heavily on ensuring appropriate maintenance therapy, ideal oral hygiene standards, no smoking and avoiding other risk factors. Indications and contraindications for dental implants in cases of systemic diseases are yet to be more understood; broader and hardcore research needs to be done for a guideline foundation.
Location of the upper oesophageal sphincter during swallowing: Analysis using swallowing CT
Authors: Gao Minxing , Inamoto Yoko , Saitoh Eiichi , Aihara Keiko , Shibata Seiko , Gonzalez‐Fernandez Marlis , Otaka Yohei
Published: April 2024

Background

Upper oesophageal sphincter (UES) serves as an important anatomical and functional landmark during swallowing. However, the precise UES location before and during swallowing has not been well established.

Objective

This study aimed to determine upper oesophageal sphincter (UES) location and displacement during swallowing accounting for sex, age, and height in healthy adults using 320‐row area detector computed tomography (320‐ADCT).

Methods

Ninety‐four healthy adults (43 males; 22–90 years) underwent 320‐ADCT scanning while swallowing one trial of 10 mL honey thick barium. UES location at bolus hold and at maximum displacement and vertical displacement during swallowing were identified using the coordinates and the section classification of vertebrae (VERT scale). The differences and correlations of UES location and distance in terms of sex, age, and height were analysed using Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman's correlation coefficient.

Results

UES locations at bolus hold and at maximum displacement were significantly lower and UES vertical displacement was significantly larger in males than in females (p < .001). UES location at bolus hold became lower with increasing age (r = −.312, p = .002), but the negative correlation was low at maximum displacement (r = −.230, p = .026), resulting in larger vertical distance with ageing. UES locations showed high negative correlation at bolus hold with height (r = −.715, p < .001), and showed moderate negative correlation at maximum displacement with height (r = −.555, p < .001), although this effect was unclear when analysed by sex.

Conclusion

Males showed lower UES location and larger displacement than females. The impact of age was evident with lower location before swallowing and larger displacement during swallowing. Differences observed by sex were not completely explained by using the VERT scale to adjust for height.
The Ultra‐Long‐Term Sleep study: Design, rationale, data stability and user perspective
Authors: Ahrens Esben , Jennum Poul , Duun‐Henriksen Jonas , Borregaard Helle W. S. , Nielsen Sofie Sylvest , Taptiklis Nick , Cormack Francesca , Djurhuus Bjarki Ditlev , Homøe Preben , Kjær Troels W. , Hemmsen Martin Christian
Published: April 2024

Sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality are significant societal challenges that negatively impact individuals' health. The interaction between subjective sleep quality, objective sleep measures, physical and cognitive performance, and their day‐to‐day variations remains poorly understood. Our year‐long study of 20 healthy individuals, using subcutaneous electroencephalography, aimed to elucidate these interactions, assessing data stability and participant satisfaction, usability, well‐being and adherence. In the study, 25 participants were fitted with a minimally invasive subcutaneous electroencephalography lead, with 20 completing the year of subcutaneous electroencephalography recording. Signal stability was measured using covariance of variation. Participant satisfaction, usability and well‐being were measured with questionnaires: Perceived Ease of Use questionnaire, System Usability Scale, Headache questionnaire, Major Depression Inventory, World Health Organization 5‐item Well‐Being Index, and interviews. The subcutaneous electroencephalography signals remained stable for the entire year, with an average participant adherence rate of 91%. Participants rated their satisfaction with the subcutaneous electroencephalography device as easy to use with minimal or no discomfort. The System Usability Scale score was high at 86.3 ± 10.1, and interviews highlighted that participants understood how to use the subcutaneous electroencephalography device and described a period of acclimatization to sleeping with the device. This study provides compelling evidence for the feasibility of longitudinal sleep monitoring during everyday life utilizing subcutaneous electroencephalography in healthy subjects, showcasing excellent signal stability, adherence and user experience. The amassed subcutaneous electroencephalography data constitutes the largest dataset of its kind, and is poised to significantly advance our understanding of day‐to‐day variations in normal sleep and provide key insights into subjective and objective sleep quality.
Crosslinguistic Differences in Food Labels Do Not Yield Differences in Taste Perception
Authors: Bylund Emanuel , Samuel Steven , Athanasopoulos Panos
Published: April 2024

Research has shown that speakers of different languages may differ in their cognitive and perceptual processing of reality. A common denominator of this line of investigation has been its reliance on the sensory domain of vision. The aim of our study was to extend the scope to a new sense—taste. Using as a starting point crosslinguistic differences in the category boundaries of edible bulbs, we examined whether monolingual speakers of English and bilingual speakers of Norwegian and English were influenced by language‐specific categories during tasting. The results showed no evidence of such effects, not even for the Norwegian participants in an entirely Norwegian context. This suggests that crosslinguistic differences in visual perception do not readily generalize to the domain of taste. We discuss the findings in terms of predictive processing, with particular reference to trigeminal stimulation (a central tasting component) and the interplay between chemosensory signals and top‐down linguistic modulation.
The role of historical biogeography in shaping colour morph diversity in the common wall lizard
Authors: Aguilar Prem , Pérez i de Lanuza Guillem , Carneiro Miguel , Andrade Pedro , Pinho Catarina
Published: April 2024

The maintenance of polymorphisms often depends on multiple selective forces, but less is known on the role of stochastic or historical processes in maintaining variation. The common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) is a colour polymorphic species in which local colour morph frequencies are thought to be modulated by natural and sexual selection. Here, we used genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphism data to investigate the relationships between morph composition and population biogeography at a regional scale, by comparing morph composition with patterns of genetic variation of 54 populations sampled across the Pyrenees. We found that genetic divergence was explained by geographic distance but not by environmental features. Differences in morph composition were associated with genetic and environmental differentiation, as well as differences in sex ratio. Thus, variation in colour morph frequencies could have arisen via historical events and/or differences in the permeability to gene flow, possibly shaped by the complex topography and environment. In agreement with this hypothesis, colour morph diversity was positively correlated with genetic diversity and rates of gene flow and inversely correlated with the likelihood of the occurrence of bottlenecks. Concurrently, we did not find conclusive evidence for selection in the two colour loci. As an illustration of these effects, we observed that populations with higher proportions of the rarer yellow and yellow‐orange morphs had higher genetic diversity. Our results suggest that processes involving a decay in overall genetic diversity, such as reduced gene flow and/or bottleneck events have an important role in shaping population‐specific morph composition via non‐selective processes.
When I say … inclusive teaching
Authors: Boyd Taylor , Amanuel Hanna , Mateo Camila M.
Published: April 2024

In the latest, "When I say" inclusive teaching is presented as an active process involving the everyday work and engagement of i) educators, ii) medical students, iii) educational content and iv) teaching methods.
Parallel heterogeneous data‐fusion convolutional neural networks for improved rail bridge strike detection
Authors: Khresat Hussam , Sitton Jase D. , Story Brett A.
Published: April 2024

Low clearance rail bridges provide vital crossings for freight and passenger trains and are susceptible to frequent strikes from overheight vehicles or equipment. Impact detection systems can help ensure the safety of railroad bridges and their users; such systems streamline monitoring efforts by providing near real‐time strike notifications to rail managers responsible for assessing a bridge after a strike. This paper develops parallel heterogeneous data‐fusion convolutional neural networks (PHD‐CNN) operating on data collected from in‐service rail bridges that improves detection and classification of from overheight vehicles. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) automatically extract features from multiple data streams from different sensor modalities. The method provides a mechanism to homogenize and fuse disparate data streams for use as inputs to a classifier that distinguishes bridge strikes from passing trains. The study also provides practical implementation guidelines through a framework sensitivity characterization to examine the effects on performance of input data stream type, data set size, and CNN architecture complexity. Optimum networks detect, on average, 95% of bridge strikes with false positive rates less than 2%.
Visual pigment concentration and photoreceptor outer segment length in the human retina
Authors: Pattni Krishna , Wood Ashley , Cassels Nicola , Margrain Tom
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The Beer–Lambert law suggests that visual pigment optical density (OD) should be linearly related to the length of photoreceptor outer segments (POSs). Mammalian studies indicate that visual pigment concentration increases with POS length, but the nature of this relationship may vary due to factors such as visual pigment packing density or retinal eccentricity, and may not necessarily be linearly related. The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between OD and POS length in humans.

Methods

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to image POS, and imaging retinal densitometry (IRD) was used to measure OD at corresponding locations in 19 healthy participants (age range 25–82 years). POS length and OD measurements were extracted from OCT and IRD images at 23 discrete locations spanning the central 9° of the retina. The averaged data from all participants were fitted with models based on the Beer–Lambert law to establish the relationship between OD and POS length.

Results

Visual pigment OD increased monotonically with POS length, but the relationship was non‐linear, and a straight‐line fit, based on a simple interpretation of the Beer–Lambert law, provided a poor description. A model allowing for different rod and cone visual pigment concentrations provided a superior fit. Specifically, the data were well described by a model where the molar concentration of visual pigment in cones and rods were 3.8 × 10−3 mol/L and 1.8 × 10−3mol/L, respectively.

Conclusions

In accordance with the Beer–Lambert law, the results indicate that OD increases monotonically with POS length in humans, but the precise relationship is dependent on photoreceptor type. These results suggest that visual pigment concentration in rods is only about 48% of that found in cones. This may be due to the ubiquitous nature of artificial light that works to reduce the concentration of rhodopsin in rod photoreceptors.
Highly effective decontamination in a hospital environment: An easy‐to‐operate, low‐cost prototype
Authors: de la Rocha Clarice , Caprara Carolina da Silva Canielles , Poester Vanice Rodrigues , Xavier Melissa Orzechowski , Porte Anderson Favero , Galarça Marcelo Moraes , Filgueira Daza de Moraes Vaz Batista , Votto Ana Paula de Souza , Ramos Daniela Fernandes
Published: April 2024

Healthcare‐associated infections (HAI) are illnesses acquired during healthcare and are often the most important adverse event during healthcare. With the aim of increasing the effectiveness of disinfection/decontamination processes in the health service with safe and not promote microbial resistance, we propose the development of portable equipment associated with type C ultraviolet light (UVC). The efficiency of the irradiance emitted by the equipment (at dosages 3.5, 5.0, and 60 mJ/cm2) was determined by the action exerted after exposure against four different bacterial (Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus) and three different fungi (Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, and Aspergillus section Fumigati). It was possible to observe that all treatments were capable of inactivating the bacterial species evaluated (p < 0.05), causing the irreversible death of these microorganisms. The most effective elimination of fungal agents was at a dose of 60 mJ/cm2 of UVC radiation, with a decrease in the fungal inoculum varying between 94% and 100% in relation to the control without exposure. Thus, our study showed that the application of the portable prototype with UVC light (254 nm) at a distance of 48 mm, allowed an average irradiance of 3.5 mW/cm2, with doses of 3.5 ≈ 60 mJ/cm2 (from 1 to 60 s of exposure), which can promote the total reduction of the bacteria evaluated and significantly reduce fungal growth. Therefore, this prototype could be used safely and effectively in the hospital environment, considerably reducing contamination and contributing to the reduction of healthcare‐associated infection risk.
Perspectives from the pandemic epicenter: Sexual and reproductive health of immigrant women in New York City
Authors: Samari Goleen , Wurtz Heather M. , Desai Sheila , Coleman‐Minahan Kate
Published: April 2024

Context

The United States' response to COVID‐19 created a policy, economic, and healthcare provision environment that had implications for the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of racialized and minoritized communities. Perspectives from heterogenous immigrant communities in New York City, the pandemic epicenter in the United States (US), provides a glimpse into how restrictive social policy environments shape contraception, abortion, pregnancy preferences, and other aspects of SRH for marginalized immigrant communities.

Methods

We conducted in‐depth interviews in 2020 and 2021 with 44 cisgender immigrant women from different national origins and 19 direct service providers for immigrant communities in New York City to explore how immigrants were forced to adapt their SRH preferences and behaviors to the structural barriers of the COVID‐19 pandemic. We coded and analyzed the interviews using a constant comparative approach.

Results

Pandemic‐related fears and structural barriers to healthcare access shaped shifts in contraceptive use and preferences among our participants. Immigrant women weighed their concerns for health and safety and the potential of facing discrimination as part of their contraceptive preferences. Immigrants also described shifts in their pregnancy preferences as rooted in concerns for their health and safety and economic constraints unique to immigrant communities.

Conclusion

Understanding how immigrant women's SRH shifted in response to the structural and policy constraints of the COVID‐19 pandemic can reveal how historically marginalized communities will be impacted by an increasingly restrictive reproductive health and immigration policy landscape.
Experiences of caring after religious disaffiliation: A qualitative study based on the DEW model
Authors: Björkmark Maria , Andtfolk Malin , Nyholm Linda
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim

Leaving a religious community may occasionally lead to suffering in a human being's life and difficult existential life issues, such as loss of social relationships, identity and well‐being. Only a few studies have been conducted on what kind of care and support human beings who are suffering need in this context. The aim of this study was to increase the understanding of what a human being perceives as caring after religious disaffiliation.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were conducted with 18 participants who had left different religious communities in Finland. The material was analysed through a deductive thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke, based on the Dressing an existential wound model by Rehnsfeldt and Arman.

Results and Conclusion

The results show that what human beings experience as caring after religious disaffiliation is encountering a care professional who understands the needs of someone in this life situation. Based on these needs, caring is described through seven themes.

Care professionals need to understand the impact religious disaffiliation may have on clients' lives and respond to their needs. Understanding the suffering of a human being calls for a care professional's holistic view and caring for the whole human being, including spiritual dimensions. This new knowledge can be used by care professionals to develop caring for clients after religious disaffiliation.
Getting a grip on yourself or your environment: Creating opportunities for strategic self‐control in behavioral public policy
Authors: de Ridder Denise
Published: April 2024

In recent years, self‐control research has shifted from a focus on effortful inhibition towards an understanding of self‐control as strategically navigating one's environment by ignoring or avoiding situations that may challenge self‐control. Yet despite increased attention to strategic self‐control, an explicit consideration of perceived control over the environment as a potentially critical driver of self‐control strategies is lacking. Recognizing the crucial role of perceived control, this article reviews research highlighting the interplay between self‐control and control over one's surroundings. We first examine research on new conceptualizations of self‐control that go beyond effortful inhibition of impulses. We then turn to research that addresses the role of perceived control over the environment, arguing that an emphasis on strategic self‐control requires a profound understanding of how perceptions of control determine options for employing self‐control strategies. We conclude with a discussion of promising new directions for behavioral public policies. These policies should better acknowledge the importance of perceived control by creating arrangements that help people in getting more control over their surroundings. This new perspective will take away concerns about an excessive individual frame that holds individuals responsible for self‐control failures in unsupportive environments.
Public sector corruption is fertile ground for conspiracy beliefs: A comparison between 26 Western and non‐Western countries
Authors: Cordonier Laurent , Cafiero Florian
Published: April 2024

Objective

Research on conspiracy theories has mainly focused on psychosocial and sociodemographic factors associated with conspiracy beliefs. Little is known about factors at the nation level that provide a breeding ground for conspiracist thinking. However, an interesting finding emerges from recent international comparisons: people living in countries with a highly corrupt public sector seem to be more likely to endorse conspiracy theories. The present study aims to replicate this finding with new data.

Methods

We investigate the relationship between corruption and conspiracy beliefs across 26 Western and non‐Western countries through multiple linear regression analyses and conditional inference trees. In addition to the corruption level of these countries, our statistical models include other nation‐level factors known to be associated with the prevalence of conspiracy beliefs, namely, their levels of democracy, freedom of the press, social threat (unemployment and homicide rates), economic inequality, and human development (life expectancy, standard of living, and education).

Results

Our analyses confirm a robust link between public sector corruption and conspiracy beliefs that remains significant when controlling for these other factors.

Conclusion

We suggest that public sector corruption is fertile ground for conspiracy theories because it makes them less implausible to the public.
Porcine‐derived collagen peptides promote re‐epithelialisation through activation of integrin signalling
Authors: Mistry Krishan , Richardson Grant , Vleminckx Sara , Smith Robert , Gevaert Elien , Lovat Penny E.
Published: April 2024

Chronic non‐healing cutaneous wounds represent a major burden to patients and healthcare providers worldwide, emphasising the continued unmet need for credible and efficacious therapeutic approaches for wound healing. We have recently shown the potential for collagen peptides to promote proliferation and migration during cutaneous wound healing. In the present study, we demonstrate that the application of porcine‐derived collagen peptides significantly increases keratinocyte and dermal fibroblast expression of integrin α2β1 and activation of an extracellular signal‐related kinase (ERK)‐focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signalling cascade during wound closure in vitro. SiRNA‐mediated knockdown of integrin β1 impaired porcine‐derived collagen peptide‐induced wound closure and activation of ERK‐FAK signalling in keratinocytes but did not impair ERK or FAK signalling in dermal fibroblasts, implying the activation of differing downstream signalling pathways. Studies in ex vivo human 3D skin equivalents subjected to punch biopsy‐induced wounding confirmed the ability of porcine‐derived collagen peptides to promote wound closure by enhancing re‐epithelialisation. Collectively, these data highlight the translational and clinical potential for porcine‐derived collagen peptides as a viable therapeutic approach to promote re‐epithelialisation of superficial cutaneous wounds.
Joint environmental and social benefits from diversified agriculture
Authors: Rasmussen Laura Vang , Grass Ingo , Mehrabi Zia , Smith Olivia M. , Bezner-Kerr Rachel , Blesh Jennifer , Garibaldi Lucas Alejandro , Isaac Marney E. , Kennedy Christina M. , Wittman Hannah , Batáry Péter , Buchori Damayanti , Cerda Rolando , Chará Julián , Crowder David W. , Darras Kevin , DeMaster Kathryn , Garcia Karina , Gómez Manuel , Gonthier David , Hidayat Purnama , Hipólito Juliana , Hirons Mark , Hoey Lesli , James Dana , John Innocensia , Jones Andrew D. , Karp Daniel S. , Kebede Yodit , Kerr Carmen Bezner , Klassen Susanna , Kotowska Martyna , Kreft Holger , Llanque Ramiro , Levers Christian , Lizcano Diego J. , Lu Adrian , Madsen Sidney , Marques Rosebelly Nunes , Martins Pedro Buss , Melo America , Nyantakyi-Frimpong Hanson , Olimpi Elissa M. , Owen Jeb P. , Pantevez Heiber , Qaim Matin , Redlich Sarah , Scherber Christoph , Sciligo Amber R. , Snapp Sieglinde , Snyder William E. , Steffan-Dewenter Ingolf , Stratton Anne Elise , Taylor Joseph M. , Tscharntke Teja , Valencia Vivian , Vogel Cassandra , Kremen Claire
Published: April 2024

Agricultural simplification continues to expand at the expense of more diverse forms of agriculture. This simplification, for example, in the form of intensively managed monocultures, poses a risk to keeping the world within safe and just Earth system boundaries. Here, we estimated how agricultural diversification simultaneously affects social and environmental outcomes. Drawing from 24 studies in 11 countries across 2655 farms, we show how five diversification strategies focusing on livestock, crops, soils, noncrop plantings, and water conservation benefit social (e.g., human well-being, yields, and food security) and environmental (e.g., biodiversity, ecosystem services, and reduced environmental externalities) outcomes. We found that applying multiple diversification strategies creates more positive outcomes than individual management strategies alone. To realize these benefits, well-designed policies are needed to incentivize the adoption of multiple diversification strategies in unison.
HD-Zip proteins modify floral structures for self-pollination in tomato
Authors: Wu Minliang , Bian Xinxin , Huang Benben , Du Yadi , Hu Shourong , Wang Yanli , Shen Jingyuan , Wu Shuang
Published: April 2024

Cleistogamy is a type of self-pollination that relies on the formation of a stigma-enclosing floral structure. We identify three homeodomain-leucine zipper IV (HD-Zip IV) genes that coordinately promote the formation of interlocking trichomes at the anther margin to unite neighboring anthers, generating a closed anther cone and cleistogamy (flower morphology necessitating strict self-pollination). These HD-Zip IV genes also control style length by regulating the transition from cell division to endoreduplication. The expression of these HD-Zip IV genes and their downstream gene,
Style 2.1
, was sequentially modified to shape the cleistogamy morphology during tomato evolution and domestication. Our results provide insights into the molecular basis of cleistogamy in modern tomato and suggest targets for improving fruit set and preventing pollen contamination in genetically modified crops.
In Science Journals
Authors: Lopez Bianca , Stajic Jelena , Jiang Di , Szuromi Phil , Aldenderfer Mark , Grocholski Brent , Seale Madeleine , Malo Courtney , Ross Sarah H. , Ash Caroline , Hurtley Stella M. , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Funk Michael A. , Yeston Jake S. , VanHook Annalisa M. , Isles Hannah M.
Published: April 2024

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
In Other Journals
Authors: Uzogara Ekeoma , Kelly Priscilla N. , Funk Michael A. , Stajic Jelena , Ray L. Bryan , Stern Peter , Smith H. Jesse
Published: April 2024

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
NeonatalBacillus cereus: an unusual case of congenital pneumonia requiring ECMO
Authors: Anderson Darren , Patel Sanjay , Hargadon-Lowe Antonia
Published: April 2024

A term neonate presented with cyanosis from birth, with refractory hypoxaemia despite intubation, administration of 100% oxygen and inhaled nitric oxide. Structural congenital heart disease was excluded. He developed profuse pulmonary haemorrhage at 6 hours of life with worsening hypoxia and was transferred to a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for initiation of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vvECMO). Endotracheal aspirates from both the birth hospital and the PICU were positive forBacillus cereus, with all other investigations finding no alternative cause for his presentation. Of note, mother was a practising veterinarian raising another potential source of exposure to this pathogen. A full recovery occurred after a total of 5 days of vvECMO, 13 days of ventilation and 20 days of PICU stay.
BRCA
awareness and testing experience in the UK Jewish population: a qualitative study
Authors: Sarig Katrina , Oxley Samuel , Kalra Ashwin , Sobocan Monika , Fierheller Caitlin T , Sideris Michail , Gootzen Tamar , Ferris Michelle , Eeles Rosalind A , Evans D Gareth , Quaife Samantha L , Manchanda Ranjit
Published: April 2024

Background

1 in 40 UK Jewish individuals carry a pathogenic variant in
BRCA1/BRCA2
. Traditional testing criteria miss half of carriers, and so population genetic testing is being piloted for Jewish people in England. There has been no qualitative research into the factors influencing
BRCA
awareness and testing experience in this group. This study aimed to explore these and inform improvements for the implementation of population genetic testing.

Methods

Qualitative study of UK Jewish adults who have undergone
BRCA
testing. We conducted one-to-one semistructured interviews via telephone or video call using a predefined topic guide, until sufficient information power was reached. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and interpreted using applied thematic analysis.

Results

32 individuals were interviewed (28 carriers, 4 non-carriers). We interpreted five themes intersecting across six time points of the testing pathway: (1) individual differences regarding personal/family history of cancer, demographics and personal attitudes/approach; (2) healthcare professionals’ support; (3) pathway access and integration; (4) nature of family/partner relationships; and (5) Jewish community factors. Testing was largely triggered by connecting information to a personal/family history of cancer. No participants reported decision regret, although there was huge variation in satisfaction. Suggestions were given around increasing UK Jewish community awareness, making information and support services personally relevant and proactive case management of carriers.

Conclusions

There is a need to improve UK Jewish community
BRCA
awareness and to highlight personal relevance of testing for individuals without a personal/family history of cancer. Traditional testing criteria caused multiple issues regarding test access and experience. Carriers want information and support services tailored to their individual circumstances.
Phenotypic characterisation ofSMAD4variant carriers
Authors: Caillot Claire , Saurin Jean-Christophe , Hervieu Valérie , Faoucher Marie , Reversat Julie , Decullier Evelyne , Poncet Gilles , Bailly Sabine , Giraud Sophie , Dupuis-Girod Sophie
Published: April 2024

Background

Both hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) are known to be caused bySMAD4pathogenic variants, with overlapping symptoms for both disorders in some patients. Additional connective tissue disorders have also been reported. Here, we describe carriers ofSMAD4variants followed in an HHT reference centre to further delineate the phenotype.

Methods

Observational study based on data collected from the Clinical Investigation for the Rendu-Osler Cohort database.

Results

Thirty-three participants from 15 families, out of 1114 patients with HHT, had anSMAD4variant (3%).

Regarding HHT, 26 out of 33 participants (88%) had a definite clinical diagnosis based on Curaçao criteria. Complication frequencies were as follows: epistaxis (n=27/33, 82%), cutaneous telangiectases (n=19/33, 58%), pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (n=17/32, 53%), hepatic arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) (n=7/18, 39%), digestive angiodysplasia (n=13/22, 59%). No cerebral AVMs were diagnosed.

Regarding juvenile polyposis, 25 out of 31 participants (81%) met the criteria defined by Jasset alfor juvenile polyposis syndrome. Seven patients (21%) had a prophylactic gastrectomy due to an extensive gastric polyposis incompatible with endoscopic follow-up, and four patients (13%) developed a digestive cancer.

Regarding connective tissue disorders, 20 (61%) had at least one symptom, and 4 (15%) participants who underwent echocardiography had an aortic dilation.

Conclusion

We describe a large cohort ofSMAD4variant carriers in the context of HHT. Digestive complications are frequent, early and diffuse, justifying endoscopy every 2 years. The HHT phenotype, associating pulmonary and hepatic AVMs, warrants systematic screening. Connective tissue disorders broaden the phenotype associated withSMAD4gene variants and justify systematic cardiac ultrasound and skeletal complications screening.
Minimum inhibitory concentrations ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaestrains in clients of the Amsterdam sexual health clinic with a Dutch versus an international sexual network
Authors: Teker Buhari , Schim van der Loeff Maarten , Hoornenborg Elske , Boyd Anders , Reedijk Sophia , van Dam Alje , Jongen Vita Willemijn , de Vries Henry
Published: April 2024

Objectives

International travel combined with sex may contribute to dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR)Neisseria gonorrhoeae(Ng). To assess the role of travel in Ng strain susceptibility, we compared minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for five antibiotics (ie, azithromycin, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, cefixime and ciprofloxacin) in strains from clients with an exclusively Dutch sexual network and clients with an additional international sexual network.

Methods

From 2013 to 2019, we recorded recent residence of sexual partners of clients (and of their partners) with Ng at the Center for Sexual Health of Amsterdam. We categorised clients as having: (1) exclusively sexual partners residing in the Netherlands (‘Dutch only’) or (2) at least one partner residing outside the Netherlands. We categorised the country of residence of sexual partners by World Bank/EuroVoc regions. We analysed the difference of log-transformed MIC of Ng strains between categories using linear or hurdle regression for each antibiotic.

Results

We included 3367 gay and bisexual men who had sex with men (GBMSM), 516 women and 525 men who exclusively had sex with women (MSW) with Ng. Compared with GBMSM with a ‘Dutch only’ network, GBMSM with: (1) a Western European network had higher MICs for ceftriaxone (β=0.19, 95% CI=0.08 to 0.29), cefotaxime (β=0.19, 95% CI=0.08 to 0.31) and cefixime (β=0.06, 95% CI=0.001 to 0.11); (2) a Southern European network had a higher MIC for cefixime (β=0.10, 95% CI=0.02 to 0.17); and (3) a sub-Saharan African network had a lower MIC for ciprofloxacin (β=−1.79, 95% CI=−2.84 to −0.74). In women and MSW, higher MICs were found for ceftriaxone in clients with a Latin American and Caribbean network (β=0.26, 95% CI=0.02 to 0.51).

Conclusions

For three cephalosporin antibiotics, we found Ng strains with slightly higher MICs in clients with partner(s) from Europe or Latin America and the Caribbean. International travel might contribute to the spread of Ng with lower susceptibility. More understanding of the emergence of AMR Ng is needed.
Identification of potential candidate genes associated with milk protein differences in Holstein cows: a meta-analysis integrating GWAS and RNA-Seq transcriptome
Authors: Bakhshalizadeh S. , Zerehdaran S. , Hasanpur K. , Javadmanesh A.
Published: April 2024

Despite the identification of candidate genes influencing milk protein, the connections between genes and regulatory pathways remains elusive. This study aimed integrate findings from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) through meta-analysis to pinpoint single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genes responsible for high and low protein yield in cows. Previous GWAS and RNA-Seq analyses had identified 663 SNPs and 1106 genes ( P < 0.05). Twenty SNPs from GWAS, 10 genes from RNA-Seq, and 49 SNP/gene associations from both datasets, were identified using meta-analysis. Meta-analysis validated several SNPs previously identified through GWAS, such as rs135549651 ( P = 2.6 × 10−256), rs109146371 ( P = 3.1 × 10−208), rs109350371 ( P = 4.0 × 10−207), and rs109774038 ( P = 8.6 × 10−587). Genes identified in RNA-Seq experiments, including NR4A1 ( P = 3.2 × 10−7), ATF3 ( P = 9.6 × 10−7), CDH16 ( P = 9.9 × 10−7), VEGFA ( P = 1.0 × 10−6), and SAA3 ( P = 7.3 × 10−11), were confirmed. The combined GWAS and RNA-Seq datasets highlighted CCND2 ( P = 8.9 × 10−111), MAPK15 ( P = 1.3 × 10−151), and CPSF1 ( P = 1.2 × 10−306) as the most significant genes. Additionally, significant gene ontology (GO) terms, including ionizing radiation ( P = 1.5 × 10−4), nuclear pore cytoplasmic filaments ( P = 9.4 × 10−5), and phenylalanine 4-monooxygenase activity ( P = 1.4 × 10−5), were identified. In conclusion, the integration of GWAS and RNA-Seq, coupled with GO enrichment, allowed identification of candidate SNPs and genes with higher accuracy. These findings improve our knowledge about genomic architecture of milk protein and enhance evaluation of Holstein cows.
Matching the elemental fingerprints of fish otoliths with water masses of the St. Lawrence River and its tributaries, Canada
Authors: Fortin William , Morissette Olivier , Lavoie Serge , Mingelbier Marc , Sirois Pascal
Published: April 2024

The physicochemical heterogeneity of large river ecosystems generates a mosaic of habitats that support diverse fish communities. Understanding the connectivity between habitats and exploited fish populations is necessary for the sustainable management of fisheries. This study evaluates the spatial concordance between elemental fingerprints of fish otoliths and surface waters in the St. Lawrence River (Canada) and its tributaries. We sampled 16 tributaries and various freshwater habitats of the St. Lawrence River and collected 136 water samples and 930 fish, representing 21 species. We observed a high spatial variability of trace element composition in the water and fish otolith samples. Reclassification using Sr and Ba concentrations of the collected water and otoliths was sufficiently accurate to correctly assign most fish to their capture region. We also observed significant variation in the elemental deposition relationships for Sr and Ba among fish families. The development of this elemental fingerprint reference database is fundamental for understanding the structure of exploited fish populations, validating the connectivity among habitats, and reconstructing habitat use by invasive fish species.
Morita equivalence and globalization for partial Hopf actions on nonunital algebras
Authors: Alves Marcelo Muniz , Ferrazza Tiago Luiz
Published: April 2024

In this work, we investigate partial actions of a Hopf algebra [Formula: see text] on nonunital algebras and the associated partial smash products, with the objective of providing a framework where one may obtain results for both [Formula: see text]-algebras with local units and [Formula: see text]-categories. We show that our partial actions correspond to nonunital algebras in the category of partial representations of [Formula: see text]. The central problem of existence of a globalization for a partial action is studied in detail, and we provide sufficient conditions for the existence (and uniqueness) of a minimal globalization for associative algebras in general. Extending previous results by Abadie, Dokuchaev, Exel and Simon, we define Morita equivalence for partial Hopf actions, and we show that if two symmetrical partial actions are Morita equivalent then their standard globalizations are also Morita equivalent. Particularizing to the case of a partial action on an algebra with local units, we obtain several strong results on equivalences of categories of modules of partial smash products of algebras and partial smash products of [Formula: see text]-categories.