bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of starch content of calf starter on rumen properties and blood concentrations of metabolites and hormones in dairy calves under a high plane of milk feeding
Authors: Satoh Hitomi , Fukumori Rika , Kumano Ren , Kamata Maho , Shimada Kensuke , Izumi Kenichi , Oikawa Shin
Published: February 2024

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of calf starters with different starch content on rumen and blood properties in calves fed under a high plane of nutrition program. Twenty‐seven Holstein calves (14 female, 13 male) were assigned to one of three starter treatment groups in a randomized block design: high‐starch (41.8%) (n = 9), H; medium‐starch (31.9%) (n = 9), M; low‐starch (22.0%) (n = 9), L. Milk replacer on powder basis was fed up to 1.2 kg/day as fed, gradually reduced from 6 weeks of age; calves were weaned at 8 weeks of age. Each starter (up to 3.5 kg/day as fed) and chopped hay were provided ad libitum from 5 days of age. Blood was collected from 4 to 13 weeks of age. Rumen fluid was collected at 6, 8, 10, and 13 weeks of age. Serum urea nitrogen concentration after weaning was the lowest in H. Plasma IGF‐1 concentrations were higher in H than in L. Ruminal pH was not different, but the molar proportion of ruminal propionate was higher in H than in L throughout the study period. In summary, a high‐starch starter may increase propionate production and microbial protein synthesis in the rumen, inducing higher plasma IGF‐1 concentrations.
Holotoxin A1 from Apostichopus japonicus inhibited oropharyngeal and intra‐abdominal candidiasis by inducing oxidative damage in Candida albicans
Authors: Liao Min , Xia Xuekui , Meng Qingzhou , Zhu Chengguang , Liao Binyou , Wang Jiannan , Gou Lichen , Zhou Xuedong , Yuan Wenpeng , Cheng Lei , Ren Biao
Published: February 2024

Background and Purpose

The holotoxin A1, isolated from Apostichopus japonicus, exhibits potent antifungal activities, but the mechanism and efficacy against candidiasis are unclear. In this study we have studied the antifungal effects and mechanism of holotoxin A1 against Candida albicans and in murine oropharyngeal and intra‐abdominal candidiasis.

Experimental Approach

The antifungal effect of holotoxin A1 against C. albicans was tested in vitro. To explore the antifungal mechanism of holotoxin A1, the transcriptome, ROS levels, and mitochondrial function of C. albicans was evaluated. Effectiveness and systematic toxicity of holotoxin A1 in vivo was assessed in the oropharyngeal and intra‐abdominal candidiasis models in mice.

Key Results

Holotoxin A1 was a potent fungicide against C. albicans SC5314, clinical strains and drug‐resistant strains. Holotoxin A1 inhibited oxidative phosphorylation and induced oxidative damage by increasing intracellular accumulation of ROS in C. albicans. Holotoxin A1 induced dysfunction of mitochondria by depolarizing the mitochondrial membrane potential and reducing the production of ATP. Holotoxin A1 directly inhibited the enzymatic activity of mitochondrial complex I and antagonized with the rotenone, an inhibitor of complex I, against C. albicans. Meanwhile, the complex I subunit NDH51 null mutants showed a decreased susceptibility to holotoxin A1. Furthermore, holotoxin A1 significantly reduced fungal burden and infections with no significant systemic toxicity in oropharyngeal and intra‐abdominal candidiasis in murine models.

Conclusion and Implications

Holotoxin A1 is a promising candidate for the development of novel antifungal agents against both oropharyngeal and intra‐abdominal candidiasis, especially when caused by drug‐resistant strains.
Emerging potential of immunopeptidomics by mass spectrometry in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Minegishi Yuriko , Haga Yoshimi , Ueda Koji
Published: February 2024

With significant advances in analytical technologies, research in the field of cancer immunotherapy, such as adoptive T cell therapy, cancer vaccine, and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), is currently gaining tremendous momentum. Since the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy is recognized only by a minority of patients, more potent tumor‐specific antigens (TSAs, also known as neoantigens) and predictive markers for treatment response are of great interest. In cancer immunity, immunopeptides, presented by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I, play a role as initiating mediators of immunogenicity. The latest advancement in the interdisciplinary multiomics approach has rapidly enlightened us about the identity of the “dark matter” of cancer and the associated immunopeptides. In this field, mass spectrometry (MS) is a viable option to select because of the naturally processed and actually presented TSA candidates in order to grasp the whole picture of the immunopeptidome. In the past few years the search space has been enlarged by the multiomics approach, the sensitivity of mass spectrometers has been improved, and deep/machine‐learning‐supported peptide search algorithms have taken immunopeptidomics to the next level. In this review, along with the introduction of key technical advancements in immunopeptidomics, the potential and further directions of immunopeptidomics will be reviewed from the perspective of cancer immunotherapy.
Enhancing scene‐text visual question answering with relational reasoning, attention and dynamic vocabulary integration
Authors: Agrawal Mayank , Jalal Anand Singh , Sharma Himanshu
Published: February 2024

Visual question answering (VQA) is a challenging task in computer vision. Recently, there has been a growing interest in text‐based VQA tasks, emphasizing the important role of textual information for better understanding of images. Effectively utilizing text information within the image is crucial for achieving success in this task. However, existing approaches often overlook the contextual information and neglect to utilize the relationships between scene‐text tokens and image objects. They simply incorporate the scene‐text tokens mined from the image into the VQA model without considering these important factors. In this paper, the proposed model initially analyzes the image to extract text and identify scene objects. It then comprehends the question and mines relationships among the question, OCRed text, and scene objects, ultimately generating an answer through relational reasoning by conducting semantic and positional attention. Our decoder with attention map loss enables prediction of complex answers and handles dynamic vocabularies, reducing decoding space. It outperforms softmax‐based cross entropy loss in accuracy and efficiency by accommodating varying vocabulary sizes. We evaluated our model's performance on the TextVQA dataset and achieved an accuracy of 53.91% on the validation set and 53.98% on the test set. Moreover, on the ST‐VQA dataset, our model obtained ANLS scores of 0.699 on the validation set and 0.692 on the test set.
Mapping social conflicts to enhance the integrated management of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Authors: Stinchcomb Taylor R. , Ma Zhao , Swihart Robert K. , Caudell Joe N. , Nyssa Zoe , Sponarski Carly C.
Published: February 2024

Understanding the social feasibility of wildlife conservation approaches is essential to reducing social conflicts over wildlife and public backlash toward wildlife agencies and organizations. The Potential for Conflict Index2 (PCI2) and geospatial analyses of conflict can help wildlife practitioners strategically engage their publics, but these two tools have yet to be combined. Using data from a 2021 survey about white‐tailed deer in Indiana (n = 1806), we analyzed conflict levels among stakeholder self‐identities and political ideologies regarding the acceptability of six possible management methods, three lethal and three nonlethal. We then conducted a hotspot analysis of gridded PCI2 values to map areas of high and low social conflicts across the state. Conflict potentials showed more consistent covariation with political ideologies than with stakeholder self‐identities, aligning with urban–rural divides in wildlife experiences. Data on political leanings and residency may thus be more reliable than stakeholder categories to predict social conflicts over wildlife management. Hotspots of conflict over lethal methods clustered around urban areas, indicating that agencies should focus on engaging urban residents about deer management. Our conflict hotspots can be combined with other spatial data to create social units of analysis, which can help practitioners develop targeted and socially accepted strategies for wildlife conservation and management.
Making the Wakehurst prairie
Authors: Wenham Jo
Published: February 2024

The creation of the North American prairie gardens at Wakehurst Place is described, with details of different stages in the planting, designed to form a species‐rich perennial sward which will be self‐sustaining.
Simulation training for medical emergencies: Evaluation of dentists’ long‐term learning skills and confidence
Authors: Kishimoto Naotaka , Ujita Tomoaki , Tran Simon D. , Sanuki Takuro , Seo Kenji
Published: February 2024

Introduction

As the population ages and more patients experience medical emergencies during dental treatments, dentists must competently and confidently manage these situations. We developed a simulation training course for medical emergencies in the dental setting using an inexpensive vital sign simulation app for smartphones/tablets without the need for an expensive simulator. However, the duration for which this effect is maintained is unclear. This study was performed to evaluate the long‐term educational effect at 3, 6, and 12 months after taking the course.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐nine dental residents participated in this course. Scenarios included vasovagal syncope, anaphylaxis, hyperventilation syndrome, and acute coronary syndrome, each of which the participants had to diagnose and treat. The participants were evaluated using a checklist for anaphylaxis diagnosis and treatment skills immediately after and 3, 6, and 12 months after the course. The participants were also surveyed about their confidence in diagnosing and treating these conditions by questionnaire before, immediately after, and 3, 6, and 12 months after the course.

Results

The checklist scores for anaphylaxis were significantly lower at 3, 6, and 12 months after the course than immediately after the course. The percentage of participants who provided a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment for vasovagal syncope, hyperventilation syndrome, and acute coronary syndrome was lower at all reassessments than immediately after the course.

Conclusion

Because medical emergency management skills and confidence declined within 3 months, it would be useful to introduce a refresher course approximately 3 months after the initial course to maintain skills and confidence.
Dynamic characteristics of parent–adolescent closeness: Predicting adolescent emotion dysregulation
Authors: Chiang Shou‐Chun , Bai Sunhye , Mak Hio Wa , Fosco Gregory M.
Published: February 2024

Emotion dysregulation is linked to adolescent psychological problems. However, little is known about how lability in daily closeness of parent–adolescent dyads affects the development of emotion dysregulation. This study examined how closeness lability with parents was associated with emotion dysregulation 12 months later. The sample included 144 adolescents (M = 14.62, SD = 0.83) who participated in a baseline assessment, 21‐day daily diaries, and a 12‐month follow‐up assessment. Parents and adolescents both reported adolescent emotion dysregulation at baseline and follow‐up assessments, while adolescents reported daily parent–adolescent closeness. Results indicate that lability in father–adolescent closeness was associated with increased emotion dysregulation at 12 months reported by adolescents. However, lability in mother–adolescent closeness was not associated with adolescent emotion dysregulation. Moreover, when baseline father–adolescent closeness was high, greater lability in father–adolescent closeness was associated with decreased emotion dysregulation. Findings indicate that daily fluctuations in father–adolescent closeness are a key family characteristic that links to long‐term adolescent emotion dysregulation.
Structural and functional analysis of SpGlu64A: a novel glycoside hydrolase family 64 laminaripentaose‐producing β‐1,3‐glucanase from Streptomyces pratensis
Authors: Ma Junwen , Jiang Zhengqiang , Yan Qiaojuan , Lv Ang , Li Yanxiao , Yang Shaoqing
Published: February 2024

Laminaripentaose (L5)‐producing β‐1,3‐glucanases can preferentially cleave the triple‐helix curdlan into β‐1,3‐glucooligosaccharides, especially L5. In this study, a newly identified member of the glycoside hydrolase family 64, β‐1,3‐glucanase from Streptomyces pratensis (SpGlu64A), was functionally and structurally characterized. SpGlu64A shared highest identity (30%) with a β‐1,3‐glucanase from Streptomyces matensis. The purified SpGlu64A showed maximal activity at pH 7.5 and 50 °C, and exhibited strict substrate specificity toward curdlan (83.1 U·mg−1). It efficiently hydrolyzed curdlan to produce L5 as the end product. The overall structure of SpGlu64A consisted of a barrel domain and a mixed (α/β) domain, which formed an unusually wide groove with a crescent‐like structure. In the two complex structures (SpGlu64A–L3 and SpGlu64A–L4), two oligosaccharide chains were captured and the triple‐helical structure was relatively compatible with the wide groove, which suggested the possibility of binding to the triple‐helical β‐1,3‐glucan. A catalytic framework (β6–β9–β10) and the steric hindrance formed by the side chains of residues Y161, N163, and H393 in the catalytic groove were predicted to complete the exotype‐like cleavage manner. On the basis of the structure, a fusion protein with the CBM56 domain (SpGlu64A–CBM) and a mutant (Y161F; by site‐directed mutation) were obtained, with 1.2‐ and 1.7‐fold increases in specific activity, respectively. Moreover, the combined expression of SpGlu64A–CBM and ‐Y161F improved the enzyme activity by 2.63‐fold. The study will not only be helpful in understanding the reaction mechanism of β‐1,3‐glucanases but will also provide a basis for further enzyme engineering.
Mechanical properties of additively manufactured AlSi10Mg under quasi‐static and cyclic loading
Authors: Yankin Andrei , Seisekulova Aidana , Perveen Asma , Talamona Didier
Published: February 2024

This study examines the effects of minor variations in the building angle of 3D‐printed AlSi10Mg components on mechanical properties under different processing and postprocessing conditions (as‐built [AB], stress relief [SR], and platform heating [HP]). Beginning with tensile tests to determine stress ranges for subsequent fatigue experiments, findings indicate that the building angle significantly impacts tensile strength, yield strength, and ultimate strain, rising with inclining angles. However, Young's modulus remains unaffected. High‐cycle fatigue testing at stress amplitudes below yield strength values reveals differences in S‐N fatigue curves among AB, SR, and HP conditions. While the building angle's influence is not statistically significant, AB samples exhibit lower fatigue resistance than SR and HP counterparts. HP samples perform similarly to SR at high stress levels but notably worse at low stress values. The developed multiple linear regression model shows reasonable accuracy, with 84% of predictions within ±2‐factor and 97.2% within ±3‐factor.
Internationalization and disciplinary differences: Tensions in the academic career in Chilean universities
Authors: Véliz Daniela , Marshall Pìo
Published: February 2024

This article broadens the knowledge about the experience of academics in relation to how the internationalization of research has changed in a southern country and tensions that have risen depending on the different disciplines. This work resulted from interviews and documentary data collected mainly through semi‐structured interviews with 57 administrators (including University rectors, provosts, vice‐rectors and deans from multiple disciplines) who had been involved in developing the research strategies. Findings suggest that trends between disciplines differ notoriously. Publishing in foreign countries is more likely to happen to academics from hard sciences. Social sciences and humanities' research activities are often performed in books and book chapters. This translates into an initial disadvantage for social sciences in terms of internationalization since the result of their work is often less visible abroad than scientific indexed papers. This difference might be problematic if used as an indicator of academic productivity and recognition without considering disciplinary differences, especially in countries where research capacities and internationalization are still under development.
The crisis literature in higher education
Authors: Tight Malcolm
Published: February 2024

The literature on higher education includes a substantial genre devoted to the theme of crisis. While higher education is not alone in this, higher education researchers and writers all too often reach for the language of crisis to describe what they are experiencing or finding. Crises are identified at institutional, disciplinary, national and international levels, with radical and far‐reaching solutions to them sometimes set out. This article will explore and synthesize the crisis literature in higher education, attempt to explain its prevalence and speculate on how it might be resolved or taken forward.
Women in STEM graduate education: Case of the German excellence initiative
Authors: Önder Ali Sina
Published: February 2024

Are public policies effective in enhancing gender balance in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduate education? Although the literature is rich in studies that prescribe micro‐level interventions to promote gender balance in specific STEM areas or institutions, there are surprisingly few studies that quantitatively evaluate existing macro‐level policies. Using Germany's Excellence Initiative as an event study, I analyse changes in cohorts of doctorate recipients in STEM fields and investigate whether the Excellence Initiative's graduate school line of funding, which is a large‐scale public policy that aimed to create and sustain STEM graduate programs, also succeeded to increase women's share among STEM doctorate recipients. Assessing difference‐in‐differences in natural sciences and mathematics doctorate recipients between 2000 and 2014, I find no statistically significant evidence that the Excellence Initiative led to any significant increase in women's participation in STEM studies beyond already existing trends in these fields. I find, however, significant differences between funded and non‐funded STEM graduate programs in their rate of internationalization, which was another major policy target of the Excellence Initiative.
Sex differences in the effectiveness and tolerability of dolutegravir plus rilpivirine as a switch strategy in people living with HIV
Authors: Ramos‐Ruperto Luis , Arcos‐Rueda Maria del Mar , de Miguel‐Buckley Rosa , Busca‐Arenzana Carmen , Mican Rafael , Montejano Rocío , Delgado‐Hierro Ana , Montes María Luisa , Valencia María Eulalia , Serrano Lucía , Arribas José Ramon , González Juan , Bernardino Jose Ignacio , Martín‐Carbonero Luz
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Dolutegravir + rilpivirine (DTG + RPV) is an effective antiretroviral therapy regimen approved in clinical guidelines as a switch therapy for virologically suppressed people with HIV. Our study aimed to compare the effectiveness and tolerability of DTG + RPV in women and men in real‐world clinical practice.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of treatment‐experienced people with HIV from a large HIV unit who switched to DTG + RPV. We analysed treatment effectiveness, rates of adverse events and discontinuation, and metabolic changes after 48 weeks of treatment. HIV‐RNA levels <50 copies/mL were analysed at 48 weeks using both intention‐to treat analysis (where missing data were interpreted as failures) and per‐protocol analysis (excluding those with missing data or changes due to reasons other than virological failure). Outcomes were compared between women and men based on sex at birth.

Results

A total of 307 patients were selected (71 women and 236 men). No transgender people were included. At baseline, women had lived with HIV infection and received antiretroviral therapy for longer than men (23.2 vs 17.4 years and 18.9 vs 14.2 years, respectively). In the intention‐to‐treat analysis, 74.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 63.4–83.3%) of women and 83.5% (95% CI 78.2–87.7) of men had HIV‐RNA <50 copies/mL. In the per‐protocol analysis, 96.4% (95% CI 87.7–99) of women and 99% (95% CI 98.9–99.7) of men had HIV‐RNA levels <50 copies/mL. Two women and two men had HIV‐RNA >50 copies/mL at 48 weeks. Discontinuation due to adverse events was more frequent in women than in men: 12.7% vs 7.2% (p < 0.02). Neuropsychiatric and gastrointestinal events were the most frequently reported. A median (interquartile range) weight gain of 1.9 kg (0–4.2) in women and 1.2 kg (−1–3.1) in men was reported (median of differences between baseline visit and week 48); the remaining changes in metabolic parameters were neutral.

Conclusions

DTG + RPV exhibited good and similar virological effectiveness in women and men in real‐world settings. However, poorer tolerability and more treatment interruptions were observed in women.
DRESS syndrome with multiorgan involvement and HHV‐6 reactivation in the absence of a drug trigger
Authors: Aw Yi Tong Vincent , Ooi Meidelynn , Ekladious Adel
Published: February 2024

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe drug reaction where patients present with fever, morbilliform rash and multiorgan manifestations, which may include acute renal failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome and eosinophilic myocarditis. We present a case of a 60‐year‐old woman with acute heart failure, DRESS syndrome features and human herpesvirus 6 reactivation in the absence of a drug trigger. She was diagnosed with eosinophilic myocarditis and successfully treated with corticosteroid therapy.
Marital concerns of long‐term hospitalised patients with diagnosed schizophrenia: A descriptive phenomenological study
Authors: Ma Rui , Wang Yu , Li Yu‐xin , Yu Kai , Wang Xiao‐qing , Wang Zheng‐jun , Zhou Yu‐qiu
Published: February 2024

Marital concerns can trigger emotional stress, especially among long‐term hospitalised individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, significantly affecting their treatment and recovery. Unfortunately, rehabilitation programs tend to overlook the marital needs of individuals with diagnosed schizophrenia. This research aimed to investigate the content related to marital concerns of Chinese individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who were undergoing extended hospitalisation. Fifteen participants diagnosed with schizophrenia were recruited through purposive sampling for face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews. The gathered data were analysed using Colaizzi's method, revealing three themes: (1) manifestations of marriage‐related concerns, (2) effects of marriage on disease progression, and (3) the need for support from family and the hospital. This study offers new insights into marital concerns among long‐term schizophrenia inpatients and underscores the significance of screening and intervention for such concerns. Healthcare professionals and family members should extend support to patients to foster confidence within their marital relationships.
‘Everything would have gone a lot better if someone had listened to me’: A nationwide study of emergency department contact by people with a psychosocial disability and a National Disability Insurance Scheme plan
Authors: McIntyre Heather , Loughhead Mark , Hayes Laura , Allen Caroline , Barton‐Smith Dean , Bickley Brooke , Vega Louis , Smith Jewels , Wharton Ursula , Procter Nicholas
Published: February 2024

Australians with a psychosocial disability (PSD) and a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan may at times require emergency care due to the fluctuating nature of their physical and mental health conditions or when their supports have become insufficient. This nationwide study investigated the experiences of people presenting to an emergency department (ED) who have a PSD and an NDIS plan. The objective was to understand current care and communication practices and to provide recommendations for service integration. Twenty‐four interviews were conducted with people who had a PSD and an NDIS plan. Participants were asked semi‐structured questions about their experiences when engaging with NDIS processes and when engaging with the ED as an NDIS recipient and how communication practices could be improved between the two services. A qualitative, descriptive thematic analysis approach was used. A lived experience advisory group participated in the research and provided commentary. The findings of this study indicate that the NDIS, as a personalised budget scheme, presents challenges for people with complex PSD and physical needs. ED clinicians appear to be unclear about what the NDIS provides and communication between the two systems is fragmented and inconsistent. The themes identified from the analysed transcripts are: (a) People with PSD experience distress when dealing with the NDIS; (b) There's a blame game between the ED and the NDIS; and (c) Inadequate service integration between the ED and NDIS. Recommendations to assist with service integration include building service capacity, providing overlapping care and bridging the diverse biomedical, psychosocial and disability care services.
Isolation, identification and osteogenic capability analysis of mesenchymal stem cells derived from different layers of human maxillary sinus membrane
Authors: Lv Huixin , Xu Jing , Wang Yihan , Liu Xiuyu , Chen Sheng , Chen Jingxia , Zhai Jingjie , Zhou Yanmin
Published: February 2024

Aim

To discover the populations of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from different layers of human maxillary sinus membrane (hMSM) and evaluate their osteogenic capability.

Materials and Methods

hMSM was isolated into a monolayer using the combined method of physical separation and enzymatic digestion. The localization of MSCs in hMSM was performed by immunohistological staining and other techniques. Lamina propria layer‐derived MSCs (LMSCs) and periosteum layer‐derived MSCs (PMSCs) from hMSM were expanded using the explant cell culture method and identified by multilineage differentiation assays, colony formation assay, flow cytometry and so on. The biological characteristics of LMSCs and PMSCs were compared using RNA sequencing, reverse transcription and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence staining, transwell assay, western blotting and so forth.

Results

LMSCs and PMSCs from hMSMs were both CD73‐, CD90‐ and CD105‐positive, and CD34‐, CD45‐ and HLA‐DR‐negative. LMSCs and PMSCs were identified as CD171+/CD90+ and CD171−/CD90+, respectively. LMSCs displayed stronger proliferation capability than PMSCs, and PMSCs presented stronger osteogenic differentiation capability than LMSCs. Moreover, PMSCs could recruit and promote osteogenic differentiation of LMSCs.

Conclusions

This study identified and isolated two different types of MSCs from hMSMs. Both MSCs served as good potential candidates for bone regeneration.
Ultrasound bleaching and quality evaluation of rice bran oil
Authors: Zhang Fuqiang , Wu Zhihao , Huang Haoyi , Wang Peixuan , Yu Yue , Wu Caie , Li Tingting , Li Xiaojing , Zhou Dandan , Fan Gongjian
Published: February 2024

Rice bran oil (RBO) contains rich nutrients that are beneficial to the human body, but RBO suffers from severe nutrient loss due to bleaching difficulties. This article investigates low‐power ultrasound‐assisted bleaching as a new method for RBO during the bleaching process, which could potentially reduce nutrient loss and lipid oxidation. First, florisil (FL), magnesium trisilicate (MAT), and activated blending earth (ABE) were selected to use a mixture design for formula optimization from six adsorbent types, and then, central composite design was employed to optimize the parameters of the bleaching process for the ultrasound‐assisted adsorbent formula. The results showed that the optimal formula was 66% FL, 10% MAT, and 24% ABE, the highest L* value and the lowest a* value is obtained at ultrasound power of 50 W for 9 min. The various parameters of RBO were subjected to comparison before and after ultrasound‐assisted bleaching. Following this bleaching procedure, the color and quality of RBO experienced notable enhancements, all the while maintaining micronutrient and fatty acid compositions within acceptable ranges. The characterization analysis of the adsorbent by FT‐IR spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy confirmed its adsorption of pigments and other substances. The results indicate that the low‐power ultrasound‐assisted bleaching is effective for RBO bleaching and may provide a promising alternative to the adsorption‐based bleaching method.

Practical Applications

RBO is made from pressed rice bran and has high nutritional value, such as fatty acids, vitamin E, sterols, and oryzanol, with over 90% absorption by the body. The dark color of RBO makes it difficult to produce clear, transparent, and light‐colored rice bran oil, and even if bleaching is achieved, it results in significant nutrient losses. Conventional bleaching methods are commonly inefficient while emerging technologies cannot be applied industrially. Three adsorbents were selected for formulation optimization based on the fact that the bleaching effect of a single adsorbent is not obvious. Low‐power ultrasound‐assisted bleaching was performed to reduce nutrient loss and lipid oxidation. The aim is to find new bleaching methods that achieve bleaching results with acceptable nutrient losses.
Impact of metabolic unhealthiness and its changes on the risk of erosive esophagitis: a cohort study
Authors: Kim Nam Hee , Chang Yoosoo , Ryu Seungho , Sohn Chong Il
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim

We aimed to compare the risk of erosive esophagitis (EE) among individuals with different phenotypes based on metabolic health status and obesity and investigate the role of changes in metabolic health in EE risk.

Methods

A cohort of 258 892 asymptomatic adults without EE at baseline who underwent ollow‐up esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) were categorized into the following four groups according to metabolic health and obesity status: (i) metabolically healthy (MH) non‐obese; (ii) metabolically unhealthy (MU) non‐obese; (iii) MH obese; and (iv) MU obese. EE was defined as the presence of grade A or higher mucosal breaks on EGD.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 4.5 years, the incidence rates of EE were 0.6/103 person‐years (PY), 1.7/103 PY, 1.7/103 PY, and 3.1/103 PY in the MH non‐obese, MU non‐obese, MH obese, and MU obese groups, respectively. The multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence intervals [CI]) for developing EE comparing the MH obese, MU non‐obese, and MU obese groups with the MH non‐obese group were 1.49 (1.29–1.71), 1.56 (1.25–1.94), and 2.18 (1.90–2.49), respectively. The multivariable‐adjusted HR (95% CI) comparing the progression of MH to MU, regression of MU to MH, and persistent MU with the persistent MH group were 1.39 (1.10–1.76), 1.39 (1.09–1.77), and 1.86 (1.56–2.21), respectively. The increased risk of EE among the persistent MU group was consistently observed in individuals without obesity or abdominal obesity.

Conclusion

Metabolic unhealthiness and obesity were independent risk factors for the development of EE, suggesting that maintaining both normal weight and metabolic health may help reduce the risk of EE.
Early warning scores for sepsis identification and prediction of in‐hospital mortality in adults with sepsis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chua Wei Ling , Rusli Khairul Dzakirin Bin , Aitken Leanne M.
Published: February 2024

Aim

The early warning scores (EWS), quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria have been proposed as sepsis screening tools. This review aims to summarise and compare the performance of EWS with the qSOFA and SIRS criteria for predicting sepsis diagnosis and in‐hospital mortality in patients with sepsis.

Design

A systematic review with meta‐analysis.

Review Methods

Seven databases were searched from January 1, 2016 until March 10, 2022. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool. Sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and diagnostic odd ratios were pooled by using the bivariate random effects model. Overall performance was summarised by using the hierarchical summary receiver–operating characteristics curve. This paper adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies (PRISMA‐DTA) guidelines.

Results

Ten studies involving 52,474 subjects were included in the review. For predicting sepsis diagnosis, the pooled sensitivity of EWS (65%, 95% CI: 55, 75) was similar to SIRS ≥2 (70%, 95% CI: 49, 85) and higher than qSOFA ≥2 (37%, 95% CI: 20, 59). The pooled specificity of EWS (77%, 95% CI: 64, 86) was higher than SIRS ≥2 (62%, 95% CI: 41, 80) but lower than qSOFA ≥2 (94%, 95% CI: 86, 98). Results were similar for the secondary outcome of in‐hospital mortality.

Conclusions

Although no one scoring system had both high sensitivity and specificity, the EWS had at least equivalent values in most measures of diagnostic accuracy compared with SIRS or qSOFA.

Implications for the profession

Healthcare systems in which EWS is already in place should consider whether there is any clinical benefit in adopting qSOFA or SIRS.

No patient or public contribution

This systematic review did not directly involve patient or public contribution to the manuscript.
Scrutinizing parental minimization reactions to adolescents' negative emotions through the lens of Chinese culture
Authors: Shi Zeyi , Fan Lanyue , Wang Qian
Published: February 2024

This research examined in China two types of parental minimization reactions to adolescents' negative emotions: Devaluing/invalidating that degrades the significance of adolescents' emotions (thereby invalidating adolescents' feelings) versus discounting/mitigating that downplays the seriousness of the situations (thereby mitigating adolescents' emotional arousals). Study 1 had 777 adolescents (389 females; mean age = 12.79 years) complete a survey; Study 2 had 233 adolescents (111 females; mean age = 12.19 years) complete a survey twice spanning around 6 months. Study 1 showed adolescents' perceived maternal devaluing/invalidating and discounting/mitigating reactions as two distinct factors, with different patterns of associations with other supportive versus nonsupportive parenting practices. Study 2 showed that over time, adolescents' perceived maternal devaluing/invalidating reactions predicted their dampened socioemotional functioning; discounting/mitigating reactions predicted their enhanced functioning.
Effect of rumen‐protected choline on fat digestibility and lymph metabolome in dairy cows
Authors: Arshad Usman , Zimpel Roney , Husnain Ali , Poindexter Michael B. , Santos José E. P.
Published: February 2024

Objectives were to determine the effects of supplementing rumen‐protected choline (RPC) from an established source with low (L, 28.8%) or a prototype with less lipid coating protection and high (H, 60.0%) concentrations of choline chloride on digestibility of fat and supra‐mammary lymph metabolome in feed‐restricted cows. Pregnant, nonlactating Holstein cows (n = 33; 11/treatment) at mean (±standard deviation) 231 ± 4.7 days of gestation were blocked by body condition (4.23 ± 0.47) and assigned to receive 0 (CON) or 25.8 g/d of choline ion from L (L25.8) or H (H25.8). Cows were adapted to the diet and then fed‐restricted to 42% of the net energy of lactation required for maintenance and pregnancy for 9 days. Intake of metabolizable methionine was maintained at 19 g/d. On Day 9, cows were fed 450 g of saturated fatty acids (SFA), and feces and blood were sampled continuously for 24 h. Supra‐mammary lymph was sampled 6 h after feeding SFA and metabolome was characterized. Feeding RPC increased digestibility of fat (CON = 80.4 vs. RPC = 86.0 ± 1.9%) and reduced the concentration of haptoglobin in serum (CON = 174 vs. RPC = 77 ± 14 µg/ml) independent of source of RPC fed. Feeding RPC increased the concentrations of triacylglycerol in serum (CON = 15.1 vs. RPC = 17.8 ± 1.9 mg/dl) in feed‐restricted cows after feeding SFA, and the increment tended to be greater for cows fed H25.8 than L25.8. Supplementing RPC tended to increase the concentrations of triacylglycerol (CON = 11.4 vs. RPC = 15.8 ± 3.4 mg/dl) in supra‐mammary lymph. Feeding RPC increased the concentration of choline and affected the concentrations of analytes involved in metabolic pathways associated with amino acid metabolism and biosynthesis of phospholipids in lymph compared with CON. Feeding RPC, independent of source used, increased fat digestibility with some changes in lymph metabolome in cows under negative nutrient balance.
Effects of stocking density during simulated transport on physiology and behavior of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Authors: Yang Yifei , Narayan Edward , Rey Planellas Sonia , Phillips Clive J. C. , Zheng Lu , Xu Bingying , Wang Lei , Liu Yuechong , Sun Yuxiao , Sagada Gladstone , Shih Hao‐Yu , Shao Qingjun , Descovich Kris
Published: February 2024

The live transport of farmed fish is an important practice in Chinese aquaculture due to consumer preferences in its domestic market. However, live transport can be stressful for fish and may cause many welfare issues. This study aimed to examine the effects of transport density on the welfare of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Adult fish were allocated to four experimental treatments in a two‐factor design (N = 5 groups per treatment). Factor one was stocking density of either 39 (low density) or 78 (high density) g L−1. Factor two was transport, with half of the fish groups exposed to simulated transport stress for 3 h using a motion platform, and the other half kept in static tanks for the same length of time. Baseline behavior and physiology were determined from a subset of fish after acclimation but before selection into groups and application of transport. To determine the effects of transport, stocking density, and their interaction on the experimental groups, physiological sampling and behavioral recording were carried out immediately after simulated transport, and water quality was measured both before and after transport. Changes in water quality were observed between two timepoints, with decreased dissolved oxygen levels and increased water temperature. Total ammonia nitrogen levels significantly increased in all treatments over time, particularly in the high‐density groups. Fish ventilation rates were significantly elevated in the groups kept at a high stocking density regardless of whether they also experienced transport stress. Fish transported at a high stocking density also showed more fear‐related behaviors such as freezing and thigmotaxis than non‐transported groups. Serum cortisol, catalase, and aspartate transaminase levels were significantly higher in the transported treatment groups compared to the baseline fish, but no difference was found for serum glucose, lactate, and glutathione peroxidase. We concluded that 3 h of simulated transport was stressful to largemouth bass kept at 78 g L−1, as evidenced by altered fish physiological and behavioral indicators of stress, as well as deteriorated water quality. Additionally, we identified a positive correlation between serum and skin mucus samples for cortisol, glucose, and lactate in transported fish, providing important information for developing less invasive methods for the welfare assessment of largemouth bass.
Problematizing “Security” in Citizen Security: A feminist security studies critique of Mexico's “feminist” foreign policy and women, peace and security projects
Authors: Runyan Anne Sisson
Published: February 2024

This article problematizes the concept of “security” within the concept of “citizen security” employed by Mexico, through a feminist security studies critique. Considering feminist security studies critiques that often see security as ultimately tied to militarization, regardless of the security referent, this article shows how this problem surfaces in Mexico's National Action Plan for Women, Peace, and Security and in the claim that Mexico has adopted a feminist foreign policy. Not only do these initiatives largely ignore high rates of femicide and other forms of state and nonstate violence in Mexico, but they are also reproductive of violence, particularly militarized violence, in their attachments to security. The article delves into the literature on how Mexico and other states domestically inimical to feminist movements have instituted national action plans that militarize the women, peace, and security agenda, embraced feminist foreign policies as they have further militarized, or both, often promulgating plans with little or no input from civil society. Mexico is revealed as a Janus‐faced example where seemingly liberal feminist values are promoted abroad but are not implemented at home. Thus, the nation is refashioning itself as a “good global citizen” at the expense of implementing and expanding citizen (and noncitizen) rights and protections within its borders.
TaLBD41 interacts with TaNAC2 to regulate nitrogen uptake and metabolism in response to nitrate availability
Authors: Jing Yanfu , Shen Chuncai , Li Wenjing , Peng Lei , Hu Mengyun , Zhang Yingjun , Zhao Xueqiang , Teng Wan , Tong Yiping , He Xue
Published: February 2024

Nitrate is the main source of nitrogen (N) available to plants and also is a signal that triggers complex regulation of transcriptional networks to modulate a wide variety of physiological and developmental responses in plants. How plants adapt to soil nitrate fluctuations is a complex process involving a fine‐tuned response to nitrate provision and N starvation, the molecular mechanisms of which remain largely uncharted. Here, we report that the wheat transcription factor TaLBD41 interacts with the nitrate‐inducible transcription factor TaNAC2 and is repressed by nitrate provision.

Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and dual‐luciferase system show that the TaLBD41‐NAC2 interaction confers homeostatic coordination of nitrate uptake, reduction, and assimilation by competitively binding to TaNRT2.1, TaNR1.2, and TaNADH‐GOGAT.

Knockdown of TaLBD41 expression enhances N uptake and assimilation, increases spike number, grain yield, and nitrogen harvest index under different N supply conditions. We also identified an elite haplotype of TaLBD41‐2B associated with increased spike number and grain yield.

Our study uncovers a novel mechanism underlying the interaction between two transcription factors in mediating wheat adaptation to nitrate availability by antagonistically regulating nitrate uptake and assimilation, providing a potential target for designing varieties with efficient N use in wheat (Triticum aestivum).
How do people with chronic low back pain perceive specific and general exercise? A mixed methods survey
Authors: Natoli A. , Jones M. D. , Long V. , Mouatt B. , Walker E. D. , Gibbs M. T.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Exercise prescriptions for chronic low back pain (CLBP) often utilize reductionistic, trunk‐focused exercise aimed at addressing proposed pain mechanisms. It is unknown if the use of these trunk‐focused exercises imply beliefs to people with CLBP about the rationale for their use (e.g., etiology), even without concurrent biomedical narratives. This study aimed to explore people's perceptions of specific and general exercise without an accompanying narrative when experiencing CLBP.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was distributed. Mixed methods were utilized for analysis. Six‐point Likert scales categorized people's beliefs about individual exercises. Open‐ended questions were used to gather further beliefs which were then coded into themes.

Results

People with CLBP perceived specific exercise as more beneficial than general exercise. Eight themes and five subthemes were defined. A high volume of positive beliefs were centered around strengthening the low back and abdominal musculature, emphasizing the importance of correct technique. Negative beliefs were held against spinal flexion and external load. Both positive and negative beliefs were underpinned by spinal/pelvic stability being important as well as certain exercises being achievable or not.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that people with CLBP consider specific exercises to be more beneficial than general exercises for CLBP. Specific exercises irrespective of an accompanying narrative can imply meaning about the intent of an exercise. Understanding this requires practitioners to be mindful when prescribing and communicating exercise.
Heterosexual men's reactions to infidelity revisited: Comparing the sex role presentation of extradyadic female partners
Authors: Brown Mitch , Snowden Samuel E. , Bridges Seth M.
Published: February 2024

Heterosexual men report less distress at infidelity from female interlopers than male interlopers. In addition to presenting no risk of cuckoldry, men could also perceive these women as additional sexual opportunities if they assume mutual interest from the female interloper. The current study considered this possibility by experimentally manipulating the sex role assumption of a female interloper (either masculine or feminine presentation) for expected sexual interest in men. Heterosexual men reacted to infidelity from hypothetical long‐term romantic partners in two experiments. The extrapair mate was another man, a feminine woman, or a masculine‐presenting woman. Although infidelity elicited an overall negative reaction, men reported less distress when the extradyadic partner was female. The feminine woman was additionally regarded as affording the most sexual opportunity. Effects were particularly amplified when this information included images of the extradyadic partner. Studies provide evidence for complementary hypotheses based on intrasexual conflict and intersexual opportunities.
The differential expressions of aquaporins underline the diverse strategies of cucumber and tomato against salinity and zinc stress
Authors: Martinez‐Alonso Alberto , Nicolás‐Espinosa Juan , Carvajal Micaela , Bárzana Gloria
Published: February 2024

Salinity and excess zinc are two main problems that have limited agriculture in recent years. Aquaporins are crucial in regulating the passage of water and solutes through cells and may be essential for mitigating abiotic stresses. In the present study, the adaptive response to moderate salinity (60 mM NaCl) and excess Zn (1 mM ZnSO4) were compared alone and in combination in Cucumis sativus L. and Solanum lycopersicum L. Water relations, gas exchange and the differential expression of all aquaporins were analysed. The results showed that cucumber plants under salinity maintained the internal movement of water through osmotic adjustment and the overexpression of specific PIPs aquaporins, following a “conservation strategy”. As tomato has a high tolerance to salinity, the physiological parameters and the expression of most aquaporins remained unchanged. ZnSO4 was shown to be stressful for both plant species. While cucumber upregulated 7 aquaporin isoforms, the expression of aquaporins increased in a generalized manner in tomato. Despite the differences, water relations and transpiration were adjusted in both plants, allowing the RWC in the shoot to be maintained. The aquaporin regulation in cucumber plants facing NaCl+ZnSO4 stress was similar in the two treatments containing NaCl, evidencing the predominance of salt in stress. However, in tomato, the induced expression of specific isoforms to deal with the combined stress differed from independent stresses. The results clarify the key role of aquaporin regulation in facing abiotic stresses and their possible use as markers of tolerance to salinity and heavy metals in plants.