bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic effect in nonlinear response in glass ceramics
Authors: Feng Xu , Qiu Jianrong , Zhou Shifeng
Published: November 2023

Glass ceramics may exhibit enhanced functionalities compared to the glass and crystal counterparts due to the synergistic effect with the “1+1 > 2” feature in a cooperative manner. Nonlinear optical property is expected to be next breakthrough in presenting synergistic effect in glass ceramics. In this article, we give a comprehensive review of the recent progress of the development in nonlinear glass ceramics with unique photonic domain structure, emphasizing their synergistic effect in nonlinear response. The applications in photonics of the nonlinear glass ceramics are also described. Finally, we also present the opportunities and challenges for further exploring synergistic effect in nonlinear response in glass ceramics.
Flash sintering of tungsten at room temperature (without a furnace) in <1 min by injection of electrical currents at different rates
Authors: Bamidele Emmanuel , Jalali Syed I. A. , Weimer Alan W. , Raj Rishi
Published: November 2023

Sintering of tungsten nominally requires several hours at ultrahigh temperatures. We show this refractory metal can be sintered quickly by direct injection of current into dog bone shaped specimens. The current rate was varied from 10 A s−1 (fast) to 0.1 A s−1 (slow), leading to sintering in 2–200 s, respectively. Sintering occurred at the same current density, regardless of the current rate. In all instances, the samples sintered when they reached 1000°C. The phenomenological behavior of flash sintering of metals is described by three stages: an incubation time followed by electroluminescence, and finally by abrupt sintering to full density. It is conjectured that rapid sintering is instigated by the formation of Frenkel pairs (vacancies and interstitials), as well as electrons and holes. The point defects accelerate mass transport, whereas electrons and holes recombine to form photons. Calorimetric measurements show an endothermic reaction attributed to the creation of defects. Estimates suggest an unusually large concentration of Frenkel pairs. PS: Flash sintering is different than electro‐discharge‐sintering where a capacitor is discharged in a few milliseconds to sinter a metal. Here, instead of dumping large amount of energy at once, a power supply is programed to control the rate of current injection.
A conceptual model of family well‐being: Bridging constructs, fields, and practice applications
Authors: Crandall AliceAnn , Holmes Erin Kramer , Villalon Sariah E. , Weiss‐Laxer Nomi S. , Berge Jerica M.
Published: November 2023

Family functioning, family resilience, family health, and family flourishing are concepts used in research across multiple fields. One challenge of their interdisciplinary use is that there are a variety of definitions of each, with researchers sometimes creating their own definitions rather than using well‐established definitions. This can lead to different conceptualization of the same concept across studies. It is, therefore, necessary to develop a conceptual framework to understand the interplay between each of these family concepts, including their differences and overlap, to inform research, practice, and policy. In this article, we present the definitions, concepts, and common measurements of each concept. Based on the examination of the literature, we propose a conceptual framework of family well‐being that demonstrates the interplay of these concepts. We present empirical findings to understand how well some common measures differentiate between each other. Finally, we discuss the implications for research and practice.
Reply to: Independence at home evaluation findings do not support creating a permanent Medicare program – It does
Authors: Deligiannidis Konstantinos E. , Peter Boling , George Taler , Bruce Leff , Bruce Kinosian
Published: November 2023

This letter comments on the letter by Kimmey et al in this issue.
Does SDG disclosure reflect corporate underlying sustainability performance? Evidence from UN Global Compact participants
Authors: Nicolo' Giuseppe , Zampone Giovanni , De Iorio Serena , Sannino Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

The 2030 United Nations (UN) Agenda for Sustainable Development has posed unprecedented challenges to businesses to integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) concerns into their core operations and strategies and improve their transparency on SDG commitment toward investors and other stakeholders. However, prior studies have questioned the significance of firms' SDG disclosure practices, evidencing their inadequacy. Nevertheless, despite the burgeoning SDG disclosure literature, the extent to which SDG disclosure effectively reflects corporate sustainability performance is still unclear. Accordingly, using data from a large panel data set comprising 635 companies from 45 world countries and 8 industry sectors over the period 2016–2020, this study investigates the relationship between corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and sustainable development goals (SDGs) disclosure. Voluntary SDG disclosure has been measured using a disclosure index based on each company's response to the uniform and well‐designed communication on progress (CoP) questionnaire drafted annually by business participants in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). Several panel Tobit regressions have been estimated to examine whether the level of SDG disclosure retrieved from the CoPs reflects underlying corporate sustainability performance measured by total and individual ESG scores provided by the Refinitiv Eikon database. The study's findings provide robust empirical evidence that sustainability performance positively affects SDG disclosure, especially through environmental and social channels. Therefore, in line with the voluntary disclosure theory's arguments, this study highlights that superior sustainability performers provide more SDG disclosure to prove their high performance and distinguish themselves in the eyes of investors and other stakeholders.
Trading and Shareholder Democracy
Authors: LEVIT DORON , MALENKO NADYA , MAUG ERNST
Published: November 2023

We study shareholder voting in a model in which trading affects the composition of the shareholder base. Trading and voting are complementary, which gives rise to self‐fulfilling expectations about proposal acceptance and multiple equilibria. Prices and shareholder welfare can move in opposite directions, so the former may be an invalid proxy for the latter. Relaxing trading frictions can reduce welfare because it allows extreme shareholders to gain more weight in voting. Delegating decision‐making to the board can help overcome collective action problems at the voting stage. We also analyze the role of index investors and social concerns of shareholders.
Effects of dietary corn and protein levels on physical properties of extruded feed pellets and growth performance of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Alkoei Amir Soltani , Jalali Sayed Mohammad Ali , Jalali Seyed Amir Hossein , Kheiri Farshid
Published: November 2023

The dietary protein levels and source of starch are factors in the economical production of feeds, which may change the physical quality of extruded pellets and the growth performance of fish. Eight feeds contained two protein levels and four levels of wheat flour substitutions by corn, as a 2 × 4 factorial experimental design, were produced by a twin‐screw extruder machine and fed to 800 rainbow trout. The results showed corn grain reduced expansion ratio, water stability at 120 and 260 min, starch gelatinization (SG), and apparent degradability, while bulk density (BD) and oil leakage of feed pellets increased. The high protein diets displayed the most BD, lower oil leakage, SG, and elastic modulus. The high protein feeds improved the final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of fish. The corn grain reduced the FCR and promoted the trout's protein efficiency ratio. Lipid proportions of fish livers corresponded to hepatosomatic index and serum concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. In general, corn, as the starch source in the high and low‐protein extruded feeds, can be replaced at levels of 33%–66% of wheat flour without adverse effects on the physical characteristics of feed pellets and the growth performance of rainbow trout.
The gender pay platform gap during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the role of platform gender segregation in Australia
Authors: Churchill Brendan
Published: November 2023

Progress towards pay equity between men and women in the Australian economy stalled during the COVID‐19 pandemic, highlighting once again the gendered impact of the pandemic. However, little is known about the impact of the pandemic on the gender pay gap in the platform economy. Drawing on data from an Australian survey of platform workers (n = 947) during the early months of the pandemic (2020), this research investigates how the pandemic impacted the gender pay gap across different platform types—care, delivery and driving, microwork, and marketplace—and the platform economy overall. The findings show that the gendered segregated nature of platform work compounded by the uneven impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on particular types of platform work increased the pay gap between men and women. This research also sought to examine the mechanisms behind the gender pay gap, finding that human capital differences and platform gender segregation largely explain the gender pay gap on platforms in Australia. There was an association between parenthood and earnings, but this is moderated by human capital and platform type, suggesting that differences in earnings amongst parents are explained by these factors. The research finds that the gender gap across the platform economy increased by five percentage points, indicating that the gendered impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic also affected the platform economy.
Endophytic fungus Falciphora oryzae enhances salt tolerance by modulating ion homeostasis and antioxidant defense systems in pepper
Authors: Zou Yuwen , Zhang Limeng , Liu Ruicheng , He Liqun , Hu Zhangjian , Liang Yan , Lin Fucheng , Zhou Yanhong
Published: November 2023

Endophytic fungi play an important role in the induction of plant tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses. However, the role of endophytic fungi in the response of horticultural plants to plant stress remains largely unknown. Here, we addressed the role of the endophytic fungus Falciphora oryzae in enhancing salt tolerance in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) by inoculation with the endophyte in the rhizosphere. F. oryzae could indeed colonize the roots of pepper and significantly improved the tolerance of pepper to salt stress. This resulted in increased plant growth and photosynthetic performance compared with control plants, which was accompanied by increases in indole acetic acid and abscisic acid biosynthesis and signaling. Furthermore, inoculation with F. oryzae significantly upregulated a subset of transcripts involved in Na+ homeostasis (NHX3, NHX6, NHX8, HKT2‐1, and SOS1) and the high‐affinity K+ transporter protein‐related gene HAK1 in the leaves to maintain Na+/K+ homeostasis. Moreover, the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, glutathione, and ascorbate peroxidase), the content of glutathione, the transcript level of genes related to antioxidants (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, peroxidase, glutamate‐cysteine ligase, and glutamine synthetase) in the leaves were significantly upregulated after inoculation with F. oryzae, which led to decreased levels of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) and reactive oxygen species. These results indicate that inoculation with F. oryzae can enhance the salt tolerance of pepper by promoting ion homeostasis and upregulating antioxidant defense systems.
The prevalence of dysphagia at risk among older adults in nursing homes: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Tian Li , Hu Zhao , Yang Liu , Xiang Yanhua
Published: November 2023

To estimate the prevalence of dysphagia at risk among older adults in nursing homes. Electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL and Embase for English language, WanFang, VIP and CNKI for Chinese language were systematically searched to identify relevant observational studies published not later than July 4, 2021. Studies conducted in nursing homes and reported dysphagia screening or assessment methods were included. In total, 43 studies involving 56 746 participants were included in this meta‐analysis. The overall pooled crude prevalence of dysphagia at risk was 35.9% (95% CI: 29.0–43.4%), with high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.5%). There was a statistically significant difference in prevalence estimates with respect to study locations, dysphagia assessment staff and representativeness of samples. The prevalence of dysphagia among older adults in nursing homes is relatively high. Routine screening strategy for dysphagia is necessary for older adults in nursing homes.
Unconditioned response to a naturally aversive stimulus is associated with sensitized defensive responding and self‐reported fearful traits in a PTSD sample
Authors: Lewis Michael W. , Bradford Daniel E. , Akman Eylül , Frederiks Kevin , Rauch Scott L. , Rosso Isabelle M.
Published: November 2023

Unconditioned responding (UCR) to a naturally aversive stimulus is associated with defensive responding to a conditioned threat cue (CS+) and a conditioned safety cue (CS−) in trauma‐exposed individuals during fear acquisition. However, the relationships of UCR with defensive responses during extinction training, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, and fearful traits in trauma‐exposed individuals are not known. In a sample of 100 trauma‐exposed adults with a continuum of PTSD severity, we recorded startle responses and skin conductance responses (SCR) during fear acquisition and extinction training using a 140 psi, 250‐ms air blast to the larynx as the unconditioned stimulus. We explored dimensional associations of two different measures of UCR (unconditioned startle and unconditioned SCR) with conditioned defensive responding to CS+ and CS−, conditioned fear (CS+ minus CS−), PTSD symptom severity, and a measure of fearful traits (composite of fear survey schedule, anxiety sensitivity index, and Connor‐Davidson resilience scale). Unconditioned startle was positively associated with startle potentiation to the threat cue and the safety cue across both learning phases (CS+ Acquisition, CS− Acquisition, CS+ Extinction Training, CS− Extinction Training) and with fearful traits. Unconditioned SCR was positively associated with SCR to the CS+ and CS− and SCR difference score during Acquisition. Neither type of UCR was associated with PTSD symptom severity. Our findings suggest that UCR, particularly unconditioned startle to a naturally aversive stimulus, may inform research on biomarkers and treatment targets for symptoms of pervasive and persistent fear in trauma‐exposed individuals.
This time the canary is the coal mine
Authors: Jersmann Hubertus P. A.
Published: November 2023

See related article
Household grain storage decision in a transitory economy: Market liberalization and off‐farm employment
Authors: Wei Xiaoyun , Gai Qingen , Shi Qinghua
Published: November 2023

The grain storage held by rural households, given its significant quantity and crucial role in household operations, plays a vital role in ensuring food security. This paper constructs a theoretical framework that encompasses household decisions regarding off‐farm employment, savings, and consumption, as well as the production, selling, and storage of grain. The theoretical model, driven by motivations of risk aversion and temporal price arbitrage, highlights the importance of market liberalization and off‐farm employment in shaping rural household grain storage decisions. Utilizing household‐level panel data from 2003 to 2020, we empirically validate that both market liberalization and off‐farm employment contribute to the reduction of household grain storage. However, these effects exhibit heterogeneity depending on the scale of household grain production and the specific crops cultivated. Significant impacts of market liberalization are observed among large‐scale producers who have greater exposure to the market. Furthermore, the storage of rice and corn decreases with an increase in off‐farm employment.
Will Democracy Survive Climate Change?
Authors: Brechin Steven R. , Lee Seungyun
Published: November 2023

In this essay, we explore the relationship between democracy and climate change. Using environmental sociology and related fields as a theoretical lens, we explore two possible and contrasting scenarios of the climate crisis's sociopolitical impact. The first scenario presents that democracy is not well‐equipped to deal with climate change. The increasing pervasiveness and intensity of climate change challenges our democratic system, ultimately leading to its demise and the rise of authoritarianism around the world. In the second scenario, we argue that not only is democracy the most ideal type of governance for tackling climate change, but climate change can revive democracy in an era of rising populist, right‐wing politics. We conclude by discussing several of the conditions required to lead to one or the other scenario.
Kinetic modeling identifies targets for engineering improved photosynthetic efficiency in potato (Solanum tuberosum cv. Solara)
Authors: Vijayakumar Supreeta , Wang Yu , Lehretz Günter , Taylor Samuel , Carmo‐Silva Elizabete , Long Stephen
Published: November 2023

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a significant non‐grain food crop in terms of global production. However, its yield potential might be raised by identifying means to release bottlenecks within photosynthetic metabolism, from the capture of solar energy to the synthesis of carbohydrates. Recently, engineered increases in photosynthetic rates in other crops have been directly related to increased yield – how might such increases be achieved in potato? To answer this question, we derived the photosynthetic parameters Vcmax and Jmax to calibrate a kinetic model of leaf metabolism (e‐Photosynthesis) for potato. This model was then used to simulate the impact of manipulating the expression of genes and their protein products on carbon assimilation rates in silico through optimizing resource investment among 23 photosynthetic enzymes, predicting increases in photosynthetic CO2 uptake of up to 67%. However, this number of manipulations would not be practical with current technologies. Given a limited practical number of manipulations, the optimization indicated that an increase in amounts of three enzymes – Rubisco, FBP aldolase, and SBPase – would increase net assimilation. Increasing these alone to the levels predicted necessary for optimization increased photosynthetic rate by 28% in potato.
Regulatory T cells shield muscle mitochondria from interferon-γ–mediated damage to promote the beneficial effects of exercise
Authors: Langston P. Kent , Sun Yizhi , Ryback Birgitta A. , Mueller Amber L. , Spiegelman Bruce M. , Benoist Christophe , Mathis Diane
Published: November 2023

Exercise enhances physical performance and reduces the risk of many disorders such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and cancer. Exercise characteristically incites an inflammatory response, notably in skeletal muscles. Although some effector mechanisms have been identified, regulatory elements activated in response to exercise remain obscure. Here, we have addressed the roles of Foxp3
+
CD4
+
regulatory T cells (T
regs
) in the healthful activities of exercise via immunologic, transcriptomic, histologic, metabolic, and biochemical analyses of acute and chronic exercise models in mice. Exercise rapidly induced expansion of the muscle T
reg
compartment, thereby guarding against overexuberant production of interferon-γ and consequent metabolic disruptions, particularly mitochondrial aberrancies. The performance-enhancing effects of exercise training were dampened in the absence of T
regs
. Thus, exercise is a natural T
reg
booster with therapeutic potential in disease and aging contexts.
Complete genome sequence of the bacterium
Desemzia incerta
isolated from the dorsal skin of a Yucatan pig
Authors: Wei Monica , Knight Simon A. B. , Flowers Laurice , Walsh Jasmine , Grice Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

We have shown previously that an isolate of
Desemzia incerta
from porcine skin has antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
. We present here the complete
D. incerta
genome containing one circular chromosome and five circular plasmids.
Metabolomics insights into the polyketide-lactones produced by
Diaporthe caliensis
sp. nov., an endophyte of the medicinal plant
Otoba gracilipes
Authors: Charria-Girón Esteban , Marin-Felix Yasmina , Beutling Ulrike , Franke Raimo , Brönstrup Mark , Vasco-Palacios Aida M. , Caicedo Nelson H. , Surup Frank
Published: November 2023

Plants of the genus
Otoba
have been the basis for the treatment of tropical diseases in indigenous communities of countries like Colombia. Despite the lack of knowledge about their bioactive principles, endophytic fungi derived from medicinal plants are a prolific source of innovative chemistry. We systematically investigated the secondary metabolite production of a previously undescribed species of
Diaporthe
, herein introduced as
Diaporthe caliensis
sp. nov., using different metabolomics approaches together with classical chemical screening. To get an outline of the chemical space produced by this fungus, an exploratory molecular networking (MN) analysis was undertaken. A major molecular family was found to contain the known 10-membered lactone phomol (
1
), together with other putative congeners as compound
3
. After isolation by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography, we confirmed phomol (
1
) as the main reason for the antimicrobial activity of the crude extract. The unknown absolute configuration of
1
was determined by the synthesis of α-methoxy-α-trifluoromethylphenylacetyl (MTPA)-esters and chemical degradation experiments. Moreover, caliensolides A (
2
) and B (
3
) were isolated, and their structures were elucidated as novel butenolides structurally unrelated to
1
. Overall, the initial MN analysis incorrectly clustered compounds
1
and
3
within a single molecular family, despite evident differences in chemical structures and biosynthetic origin. Contrariwise, the unsupervised substructure discovery algorithm MS2LDA provided a deeper understanding of the fragmentation patterns and correctly clustered the polyketide-lactones produced by
D. caliensis
sp. nov. Our findings encourage the exploration of Colombian fungal diversity, which as demonstrated here could result in the discovery of new natural products.

IMPORTANCE

The integration of metabolomics-based approaches into the discovery pipeline has enabled improved mining and prioritization of prolific secondary metabolite producers such as endophytic fungi. However, relying on automated untargeted analysis tools might lead to misestimation of the chemical complexity harbored in these organisms. Our study emphasizes the importance of isolation and structure elucidation of the respective metabolites in addition to deep metabolome analysis for the correct interpretation of untargeted metabolomics approaches such as molecular networking. Additionally, it encourages the further exploration of endophytic fungi from traditional medicinal plants for the discovery of natural products.
European Glaucoma Society research priorities for glaucoma care
Authors: Azuara-Blanco Augusto , McCorry Noleen , Tatham Andrew J , Georgoulas Stelios , Founti Panayiota , Schweitzer Cedric , Meier-Gibbons Frances , Denis Philippe , Tuulonen Anja , Johannesson Gauti , Martínez de la Casa José María , Prokosch Verena , Giannoulis Dimitrios A , Abegão Pinto Luis , Garway-Heath David , Topouzis Fotis
Published: November 2023

Background/Aims

The goal of health research is to improve patients care and outcomes. Thus, it is essential that research addresses questions that are important to patients and clinicians. The aim of this study was to develop a list of priorities for glaucoma research involving stakeholders from different countries in Europe.

Methods

We used a three-phase method, including a two-round electronic Delphi survey and a workshop. The clinician and patient electronic surveys were conducted in parallel and independently. For phase I, the survey was distributed to patients from 27 European countries in 6 different languages, and to European Glaucoma Society members, ophthalmologists with expertise in glaucoma care, asking to name up to five research priorities. During phase II, participants were asked to rank the questions identified in phase I using a Likert scale. Phase III was a 1 day workshop with patients and clinicians. The purpose was to make decisions about the 10 most important research priorities using the top 20 priorities identified by patients and clinicians.

Results

In phase I, 308 patients and 150 clinicians were involved. In phase II, the highest-ranking priority for both patients and clinicians was ‘treatments to restore vision’. In phase III, eight patients and four clinicians were involved. The top three priorities were ‘treatments to stop sight loss’, ‘treatments to restore vision’ and ‘improved detection of worsening glaucoma’.

Conclusion

We have developed a list of priorities for glaucoma research involving clinicians and patients from different European countries that will help guide research efforts and investment.
Ramadan intermittent fasting and its association with health-related indices and exercise test performance in athletes and physically active individuals: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Trabelsi Khaled , Ammar Achraf , Boukhris Omar , Boujelbane Mohamed Ali , Clark Cain , Romdhani Mohamed , Washif Jad Adrian , Aziz Abdul Rashid , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Glenn Jordan M , Chamari Karim , Chtourou Hamdi , Jahrami Haitham
Published: November 2023

Objective

To systematically review, summarise and appraise findings of published systematic reviews, with/without meta-analyses, examining associations between Ramadan fasting observance (RO), health-related indices and exercise test performances in athletes and physically active individuals.

Design

Overview of systematic reviews with assessment of reviews’ methodological quality.

Data sources

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, SPORTDiscus, ProQuest, PsycINFO and SciELO.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Systematic reviews with/without meta-analyses examining associations of RO with health-related indices and exercise performances in athletes and physically active individuals.

Results

Fourteen systematic reviews (seven with meta-analyses) of observational studies, with low-to-critically-low methodological quality, were included. Two reviews found associations between RO and decreased sleep duration in athletes and physically active individuals. One review suggested athletes may experience more pronounced reductions in sleep duration than physically active individuals. One review found associations between RO and impaired sleep quality in athletes and physically active individuals. RO was associated with decreased energy, carbohydrate and water intake in adult-aged athletes, but not adolescents. One review suggests RO was associated with athletes’ increased feelings of fatigue and decreased vigour. No association was found between RO and athletes’ lean mass or haematological indices. RO was unfavourably associated with changes in athletes’ performance during high-intensity exercise testing.

Conclusion

Continuance of training during RO could be associated with athletes’ mood state disturbances, decreased sleep duration and performance decline during high-intensity exercise testing, while preserving lean mass. However, careful interpretation is necessary due to the low-to-critically-low methodological quality of the included reviews.
Financing networks of care: a cross-case analysis from six countries
Authors: Villalobos Dintrans Pablo , Wang Huihui , Roder-DeWan Sanam
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Describe experiences of countries with networks of care’s (NOCs’) financial arrangements, identifying elements, strategies and patterns.

Design

Descriptive using a modified cross-case analysis, focusing on each network’s financing functions (collecting resources, pooling and purchasing).

Setting

Health systems in six countries: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the USA.

Participants

Large-scale NOCs.

Results

Countries differ in their strategies to implement and finance NOCs. Two broad models were identified in the six cases: top-down (funding centrally designed networks) and bottom-up (financing individual projects) networks. Despite their differences, NOCs share the goal of improving health outcomes, mainly through the coordination of providers in the system; these results are achieved by devoting extra resources to the system, including incentives for network formation and sustainability, providing extra services and setting incentive systems for improving the providers’ performance.

Conclusions

Results highlight the need to better understand the financial implications and alternatives for designing and implementing NOCs, particularly as a strategy to promote better health in low- and middle-income settings.
Supplementation with fortified balanced energy–protein during pregnancy and lactation and its effects on birth outcomes and infant growth in southern Nepal: protocol of a 2×2 factorial randomised trial
Authors: Erchick Daniel J , Lama Tsering P , Khatry Subarna K , Katz Joanne , Mullany Luke C , Zavala Eleonor , LeClerq Steven C , Christian Parul , Tielsch James M
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Many women in low and middle-income countries enter pregnancy with low nutritional reserves with increased risk of fetal growth restriction and poor birth outcomes, including small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and preterm birth. Balanced energy–protein (BEP) supplements have shown reductions in risk of stillbirth and SGA, yet variations in intervention format and composition and limited evidence on the impact of BEP during lactation on growth outcomes warrant further study. This paper describes the protocol of the Maternal Infant Nutrition Trial (MINT) Study, which aims to evaluate the impact of a fortified BEP supplement during pregnancy and lactation on birth outcomes and infant growth in rural Nepal.

Methods and analysis

MINT is a 2×2 factorial, household randomised, unblinded, efficacy trial conducted in a subarea of Sarlahi District, Nepal. The study area covers six rural municipalities with about 27 000 households and a population of approximately 100 000. Married women (15–30 years) who become pregnant are eligible for participation in the trial and are randomly assigned at enrolment to supplementation with fortified BEP or not and at birth to fortified BEP supplementation or not until 6 months post partum. The primary pregnancy outcome is incidence of SGA, using the INTERGROWTH-21st standard, among live born infants with birth weight measured within 72 hours of delivery. The primary infant growth outcome is mean length-for-age z-score at 6 months using the WHO international growth reference.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA (IRB00009714), the Committee on Human Research IRB at The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA (081739), and the Ethical Review Board of the Nepal Health Research Council, Kathmandu, Nepal (174/2018).

Trial registration number

NCT03668977.
Does injury risk increase when youth athletes start to study at a sports high school?
Authors: Ekenros Linda , Fridén Cecilia , von Rosen Philip
Published: November 2023

Background/aim

The injury risk is high in adolescent elite athletes. However, little is known about how the injury risk changes when young talented athletes start studying at a sports high school. The primary aim was therefore to explore the risk of injury when the athlete starts to study at a sports high school. A secondary aim was to identify risk factors for injury.

Methods

A total of 489 athletes (age 15–16 years) were followed for 20 weeks, including 10 weeks before and 10 weeks after the athlete had started to study at a sports high school. Substantial injury was monitored in adolescent elite athletes using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Questionnaire.

Results

The results showed that the mean difference (md) in injury prevalence was significantly (p=0.001) higher across the 10 weeks after school had started (md 3.6; 95% CI 1.5 to 5.8), compared with the 10 weeks before. Female athletes had significantly (p<0.001) higher injury prevalence (md 6.4%; 95% CI 3.0 to 9.8) across the 10 weeks after school had started, whereas male athletes (md 0.9%; 95% CI −1.8 to 3.6) had not (p=0.530). Three significant (p<0.05) risk factors were identified; previous injury within the past 12 months (OR 3.23), higher training volume (OR 0.97) and lower well-being (OR 0.71).

Conclusions

Our results provide supporting evidence for increased injury risk in female adolescent elite athletes after the athletes had started to study at a sports high school.
Addition of aspirin to venous thromboembolism chemoprophylaxis safely decreases venous thromboembolism rates in trauma patients
Authors: Lammers Daniel , Scerbo Michelle , Davidson Annamaria , Pommerening Matthew , Tomasek Jeffrey , Wade Charles E , Cardenas Jessica , Jansen Jan , Miller Charles C , Holcomb John B
Published: November 2023

Background

Trauma patients exhibit a multifactorial hypercoagulable state and have increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Despite early and aggressive chemoprophylaxis (CP) with various heparin compounds (“standard” CP; sCP), VTE rates remain high. In high-quality studies, aspirin has been shown to decrease VTE in postoperative elective surgical and orthopedic trauma patients. We hypothesized that inhibiting platelet function with aspirin as an adjunct to sCP would reduce the risk of VTE in trauma patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational study of prospectively collected data from all adult patients admitted to an American College of Surgeons Level I Trauma center from January 2012 to June 2015 to evaluate the addition of aspirin (sCP+A) to sCP regimens for VTE mitigation. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the potential benefit of adjunctive aspirin for symptomatic VTE incidence.

Results

10,532 patients, median age 44 (IQR 28 to 62), 68% male, 89% blunt mechanism of injury, with a median Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 12 (IQR 9 to 19), were included in the study. 8646 (82%) of patients received only sCP, whereas 1886 (18%) patients received sCP+A. The sCP+A cohort displayed a higher median ISS compared with sCP (13 vs 11; p<0.01). The overall median time of sCP initiation was hospital day 1 (IQR 0.8 to 2) and the median day for aspirin initiation was hospital day 3 (IQR 1 to 6) for the sCP+A cohort. 353 patients (3.4%) developed symptomatic VTE. Aspirin administration was independently associated with a decreased relative hazard of VTE (HR 0.57; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.88; p=0.01). There were no increased bleeding or wound complications associated with sCP+A (point estimate 1.23, 95% CI 0.68 to 2.2, p=0.50).

Conclusion

In this large trauma cohort, adjunctive aspirin was independently associated with a significant reduction in VTE and may represent a potential strategy to safely mitigate VTE risk in trauma patients. Further prospective studies evaluating the addition of aspirin to heparinoid-based VTE chemoprophylaxis regimens should be sought.

Level of evidence

Level III/therapeutic.
Penetrating chest injury secondary to an improvised home-made marble airgun: a case report
Authors: Japzon John Kristoffer Manicani , Mokamad-Romancap Halima O
Published: November 2023

Background

An improvised air gun with marble bullets, locally known as “Jolen Gun”, is a type of home-made gun using Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes and compressed air. It is mainly being used as a hunting tool in Central Mindanao. This “non-lethal” weapon has the potential in causing serious harm. There has been several incidents of minor injuries from this type of weapon in our institution but this is the first documented case of an improvised marble air-gun causing significant injury to the patient.

Case report

A child was brought to a rural tertiary center after being shot in the chest using an improvised gun with marble as bullet. On evaluation, the patient had a single gunshot wound approximately 2cm x 2cm in size on the posterior chest at the right paravertebral area of the 4th thoracic vertebra. There was no exit wound noted. Chest CT done showed a rounded radiopaque foreign body seen in the right upper lung field with gunshot fracture involving the posterior aspect of the 4th rib. There was also pulmonary contusion of the right upper lobe and a fluid density at the right posterior pleural space attributed to a hemothorax. Open thoracotomy, removal of foreign body, repair of lung injury and debridement was done. Patient had an unremarkable post-operative course and was subsequently discharged.

Conclusion

After extensive search of both local and international literatures, this appears to be the first case involving a penetrating chest injury from an improvised marble air-gun which has been treated successfully. Although this is a low-energy type of weapon, it still has the potential to cause significant harm to the body. Relevant laws should be made to against the use of this type of weapon to prevent similar injuries in the future.
Whole-protein enteral nutrition formula supplementation reduces Escherichia and improves intestinal barrier function in HIV-infected immunological nonresponders
Authors: Lu Danfeng , Wang Yue-Xin , Geng Shi-Tao , Zhang Zunyue , Xu Yu , Peng Qing-Yan , Li Shao-You , Zhang Jian-Bo , Wang Kun-Hua , Kuang Yi-Qun
Published: November 2023

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) have persistent malnutrition, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and gut microbial imbalance. The interplay between gut microbiota and nutrients is involved in the immune reconstitution of PLWH. To evaluate the effects of whole-protein enteral nutrition formula supplementation on T-cell levels, intestinal barrier function, nutritional status, and gut microbiota composition in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected immunological nonresponders (INRs) who failed to normalize CD4+ T-cell counts, with a number <350 cells/µL, a pilot study was carried out in 13 HIV-infected INRs undergoing antiretroviral therapy who received a 3-month phase supplementation of 200 mL/200 kcal/45 g whole-protein enteral nutrition formula once daily. Our primary endpoint was increased CD4+ T-cell counts. Secondary outcome parameters were changes in intestinal barrier function, nutritional status, and gut microbiota composition. We showed that CD4+ T-cell counts of HIV-infected INRs increased significantly after the 3-month supplementation. Dietary supplementation for 3 months improved the intestinal barrier function and nutritional status of HIV-infected INRs. Furthermore, the enteral nutrition formula significantly decreased the relative abundance of Escherichia at the genus level and increased the alpha diversity of gut microbiota in HIV-infected INRs. The findings demonstrated that the whole-protein enteral nutrition formula aids in reducing Escherichia and improving intestinal barrier function in HIV-infected INRs. This study provides insight into the role of nutrients in the improvement of immune reconstitution in HIV-infected INRs. This study is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Document No. ChiCTR2000037839; http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx ).
WWP2 binds to NKRF, enhances the NF-κB signaling, and promotes malignant phenotypes of acute myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Wang Hongjia , Lian Xin , Wang Kexin , Wang Shuye
Published: November 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the hematological malignancies with a high recurrence rate. WW domain-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 (WWP2) is identified as a pivotal regulator of tumor progression. This study aimed to assess the possible role of WWP2 in AML. Analysis of the GEPIA database indicated an elevated WWP2 expression in AML. We established stable WWP2-overexpressed or WWP2-silenced cells using lentivirus loaded with cDNA encoding WWP2 mRNA or shRNA targeting WWP2. Notably, WWP2 overexpression facilitated cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, which was manifested as the increase of colony formation number, S-phase percentage and cell cycle related protein levels. As observed, WWP2 knockdown presented opposite effects, leading to inhibition of tumorigenicity. Strikingly, WWP2 knockdown induced apoptosis, accompanied by upregulation of pro-apoptosis proteins cleaved caspase-9, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and downregulation of anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2. Functionally, we further confirmed that WWP2 overexpression enhanced the NF-κB signaling and upregulated the levels of downstream genes, which may contribute to aggravating the development of AML. More importantly, by co-immunoprecipitation assay, we verified that WWP2 bound to NF-κB-repressing factor (NKRF) and promoted NKRF ubiquitylation. Dramatically, NKRF overexpression abolished the role of WWP2 in facilitating the process of AML. Overall, our observations confirm that WWP2 exerts a critical role in the tumorigenicity of AML, and NKRF is regarded as an essential factor in the WWP2-mediated AML progression. WWP2 may be proposed as a promising target of AML.
Population growth rates of pronghorn: influence of temporally and spatially explicit conditions, density dependence, and scale
Authors: Gese Eric M. , Bleke Cole A. , Roberts Shane B. , Atwood Paul , Terletzky Patricia A.
Published: November 2023

Density-independent and density-dependent population regulation has long been a subject of investigation. We examined density-dependent and density-independent factors on growth rates of pronghorn ( Antilocapra americana (Ord, 1815)) using a retrospective analysis of population survey data. Across Idaho, we found that as the proportion of the subpopulation harvested the previous year increased, growth rates increased. Similarly, as fawn recruitment increased, growth rates increased. We also found when the growth rate in the previous year increased, the growth rate the subsequent year decreased. When subpopulations were examined independently, we found that in a low-elevation desert subpopulation, growth rates were influenced by growth the previous year. In an agricultural-dominated site, growth rates were influenced by fawn recruitment in the current year and maximum temperature the previous fall. Growth rates in a mid-elevation shrub–steppe site were influenced by drought severity prior to parturition and the growth rates from the previous year. Growth rates in two mountain valley subpopulations were influenced by measures of vegetative greenness. At the statewide scale, while managers may strive for increased numbers of pronghorn, density dependence will limit the ability for a region-wide numerical response. On the localized scale, drivers of growth were temporally and spatially explicit, and biologists must consider site-specific actions.
Resonance X(7300): excited 2S tetraquark or hadronic molecule $$\chi _{c1}\chi _{c1}$$?
Authors: Agaev S. S. , Azizi K. , Barsbay B. , Sundu H.
Published: November 2023

We explore the first radial excitation$$X_{\textrm{4c}}^{*}$$X4c∗of the fully charmed diquark-antidiquark state$$X_{\textrm{4c}}=cc{\overline{c}}{\overline{c}} $$X4c=ccc¯c¯built of axial-vector components, and the hadronic molecule$${\mathcal {M}} =\chi _{c1}\chi _{c1}$$M=χc1χc1. The masses and current couplings of these scalar states are calculated in the context of the QCD two-point sum rule approach. The full widths of$$X_{\textrm{4c}}^{*}$$X4c∗and$${\mathcal {M}}$$Mare evaluated by taking into account their kinematically allowed decay channels. We find partial widths of these processes using the strong couplings$$g_i^{*}$$gi∗and$$G_i^{(*)}$$Gi(∗)at the$$X_{\textrm{4c}}^{*}$$X4c∗($${\mathcal {M}}$$M)-conventional mesons vertices computed by means of the QCD three-point sum rule method. The predictions obtained for the parameters$$m=(7235 \pm 75)~ \textrm{MeV}$$m=(7235±75)MeV,$$\Gamma =(144 \pm 18)~\textrm{MeV}$$Γ=(144±18)MeVand$${\widetilde{m}}=(7180 \pm 120)~\textrm{MeV}$$m~=(7180±120)MeV,$${\widetilde{\Gamma }}=(169 \pm 21)~\textrm{MeV}$$Γ~=(169±21)MeVof these structures, are compared with the experimental data of the CMS and ATLAS Collaborations. In accordance to these results, within existing errors of measurements and uncertainties of the theoretical calculations, both the excited tetraquark and hadronic molecule may be considered as candidates to the resonanceX(7300). Detailed analysis, however, demonstrates that the preferable model forX(7300) is an admixture of the molecule$${\mathcal {M}}$$Mand sizeable part of$$X_{\textrm{4c}}^{*}$$X4c∗.
On bounded coordinates in bimodules
Authors: De Debabrata , Mukherjee Kunal
Published: November 2023

We provide a comprehensive study on uniformly left [Formula: see text]-bounded (respectively, [Formula: see text]-bounded) orthonormal bases in infinite-dimensional cyclic bimodules associated with c.p. maps between two von Neumann algebras [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are faithful normal states on [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. Separate investigations on cyclic bimodules associated with Markov maps and arbitrary c.p. maps are also provided since the results differ. This generalizes the results of the authors’ previous work on Kadison’s unitary basis problem.
RETURN CONNECTEDNESS AMONG ENERGY AND FINANCIAL MARKETS PRE AND DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA AND THE US
Authors: JIANG WEI , LIU XINYI
Published: November 2023

This paper explores the return connectedness among energy and financial markets in China and the US pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that the spillovers during COVID-19 were obviously higher than normal period, and before COVID-19, the total spillover effects of Chinese markets are larger than that of the US, while during the COVID-19, the situation is just the opposite. Second, before COVID-19, crude oil, fuel oil, gold, and silver are the main net contributors, gasoline, natural gas, platinum, equities, and exchange rate are the main receivers. However, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the roles of crude oil, gold, gasoline, and platinum as net contributors or net recipients experienced a reversal. Third, during the COVID-19, in the US, the strongest net contributor shifts from gold to fuel oil. In China, silver always be the strongest net contributor. The above findings suggest that policymakers are advised to promptly adjust regulatory policies, and investors should adopt a discerning approach to asset allocation.
ESG RATING AND BANK FINANCING — EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM THE CHINESE CAPITAL MARKET
Authors: REN TENGYUN , HE JIANMEI , WANG XIAOLING , CHEN HANYU
Published: November 2023

This study examines how banks perceive companies’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Using a sample of Chinese listed corporations for the period 2009–2019, we find that banks value the ESG performance of emerging market companies. The higher a company’s ESG rating, the more likely it is to receive a loan. Moreover, it is easier to obtain long-term bank loans with a lower cost. Compared with state-owned enterprises (SOEs), ESG rating among private companies is more helpful for enterprises to obtain bank loans. Additionally, the positive effect of an ESG rating on obtaining bank loans is stronger in regions with greater banking competition landscape.