bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and histological wound healing patterns of collagen‐based substitutes: An experimental randomized controlled trial in standardized palatal defects in humans
Authors: Bienz Stefan P. , Gadzo Naida , Zuercher Anina N. , Wiedemeier Daniel , Jung Ronald E. , Thoma Daniel S.
Published: November 2023

Aim

To evaluate the progression of wound healing of standardized palatal defects in groups using three different collagen‐based wound dressings and a control group, in terms of wound closure, pain perception and descriptive histology.

Materials and Methods

Twenty participants were enrolled in this experimental study, in whom four palatal defects were created. The defects (6 mm diameter, 3 mm depth) were randomly assigned to one of four treatment modalities: C (control), MG (Mucograft®), MD (mucoderm®) and FG (Fibro‐Gide®). Photographs were taken, and pain assessment was performed before and after treatment and at 5, 7, 9, 12, 14 and 16 days after surgery. All participants wore a palatal splint for a duration of 16 days.

Results

All groups achieved complete wound closure at 14 days. The percentage of the remaining open wound on day 7 amounted to 49.3% (C; interquartile range [IQR]: 22.6), 70.1% (FG; IQR: 20.7), 56.8% (MD; IQR: 26.3) and 62.2% (MG; IQR: 34.4). Statistically significant differences were found between FG and C (p =.01) and between MD and FG (p =.04). None of the participants rated pain higher than 4 out of 10 during the entire study period.

Conclusions

Collagen‐based wound dressings provide coverage of open defects, albeit without acceleration of wound closure or reduction of pain. FG (which is not intended for open oral wounds) showed slower wound closure compared to C and MD.
Time after time: failure to identify and support females with ADHD – a Swedish population register study
Authors: Skoglund Charlotte , Sundström Poromaa Inger , Leksell Daniel , Ekholm Selling Katarina , Cars Thomas , Giacobini Maibritt , Young Susan , Kopp Kallner Helena
Published: November 2023

Background

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with risk taking and negative health‐related outcomes across the lifespan. Due to delay in referral and diagnostics, young females with ADHD may not be identified, nor appropriately supported by adequate interventions.

Methods

A total of 85,330 individuals with ADHD, all of whom were residents in Stockholm County between January 01, 2011, and December 31, 2021, were included as participants in this population‐based, cross‐sectional cohort study. Population controls (n = 426,626) were matched by age, sex, and socioeconomic status (SES). Data was obtained from Regional Healthcare Data Warehouse of Region Stockholm (VAL) in Stockholm County. Exposure was ADHD‐index, defined as the first record of either ICD‐10 F90 diagnosis and/or ATC‐code for stimulant or non‐stimulant ADHD‐medication during the study period. Primary outcome was age at ADHD‐index. Secondary outcome measures were psychiatric comorbidity, pharmacological treatment, and health care utilization, prior to and after ADHD‐index.

Results

Females were older at ADHD‐index (23.5 years, SD 13.8) compared to males (19.6 years, SD 13.9, 95% CI of difference 3.74–4.11). Overall, females with ADHD showed higher rates of psychiatric comorbidity, pharmacological treatment, and health care utilization, compared to males with ADHD and female controls.

Conclusions

Females with ADHD receive diagnosis and treatment for ADHD approximately 4 years later than males. They have a higher burden of comorbid psychiatric conditions and health care utilization, compared to males with ADHD and female controls, both prior to and after ADHD‐index. To prevent long‐term adverse consequences for females with ADHD, methods, and tools for early diagnosis and treatments that mitigate personal suffering and societal burden are warranted.
Quantitative comparison of 2D and 3D monitoring dimensions in fish behavior analysis
Authors: Lin Kai , Zhang Shiyu , Hu Junjie , Lv Xingdong , Li Hongsong
Published: November 2023

To improve the accuracy and efficiency of fish behavior assessment, this paper focuses on quantitatively exploring the variations and relationships between different monitoring dimensions. A systematic comparison was conducted between 3D and 2D behavioral factors using an infrared tracing system, during both day and night. Significant differences in swimming distance were observed among the different monitoring methods, as determined by two‐way ANOVA and Tukey's test. A correction was applied to account for the disparities observed in 2D swimming distance, ensuring accurate measurements. These findings present a cost‐effective and efficient approach for obtaining precise 3D distance data. Additionally, a kinematic factor called the “number of U‐turns” was proposed to provide a more intuitive characterization of directional changes in fish swimming. Significant differences were observed between 2D and 3D data, with higher percentages of false U‐turn counts and missing U‐turn counts compared to correct counts in the 2D view. These findings suggest that reducing the monitoring dimension may impact the accurate estimation of swimming motion, potentially resulting in inaccurate outcomes. Finally, the statistical analyses of the non‐linear properties of fractal dimension revealed significant differences among the various monitoring methods. This conclusion has practical implications for biologists and physicists, enabling them to improve the accuracy of behavioral phenotyping for organisms exhibiting 3D motion.
Psilocybin as a lead candidate molecule in preclinical therapeutic studies of psychiatric disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Gattuso James J. , Wilson Carey , Hannan Anthony J. , Renoir Thibault
Published: November 2023

Psilocybin is the main psychoactive compound found in hallucinogenic/magic mushrooms and can bind to both serotonergic and tropomyosin receptor kinase b (TrkB) receptors. Psilocybin has begun to show efficacy for a range of neuropsychiatric conditions, including treatment‐resistant depression and anxiety disorders; however, neurobiological mechanisms are still being elucidated. Clinical research has found that psilocybin can alter functional connectivity patterns in human brains, which is often associated with therapeutic outcomes. However, preclinical research affords the opportunity to assess the potential cellular mechanisms by which psilocybin may exert its therapeutic effects. Preclinical rodent models can also facilitate a more tightly controlled experimental context and minimise placebo effects. Furthermore, where there is a rationale, preclinical researchers can investigate psilocybin administration in neuropsychiatric conditions that have not yet been researched clinically. As a result, we have systematically reviewed the knowledge base, identifying 82 preclinical studies which were screened based on specific criteria. This resulted in the exclusion of 44 articles, with 34 articles being included in the main review and another 2 articles included as Supporting Information materials. We found that psilocybin shows promise as a lead candidate molecule for treating a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions, albeit showing the most efficacy for depression. We discuss the experimental findings, and identify possible mechanisms whereby psilocybin could invoke therapeutic changes. Furthermore, we critically evaluate the between‐study heterogeneity and possible future research avenues. Our review suggests that preclinical rodent models can provide valid and translatable tools for researching novel psilocybin‐induced molecular and cellular mechanisms, and therapeutic outcomes.

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Vagus nerve SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and inflammatory reflex dysfunction: Is there a causal relationship?
Authors: Andersson Ulf , Tracey Kevin J.
Published: November 2023

Autonomic dysfunction is a clinical hallmark of infection caused by SARS‐CoV‐2, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. The vagus nerve inflammatory reflex is an important, well‐characterized mechanism for the reflexive suppression of cytokine storm, and its experimental or clinical impairment facilitates the onset and progression of hyperinflammation. Recent pathological evidence from COVID‐19 victims reveals viral infection and inflammation in the vagus nerve and associated nuclei in the medulla oblongata. Although it has been suggested that vagus nerve inflammation in these patients mediates dysregulated respiration, whether it also contributes to dysfunction of the vagus nerve inflammatory reflex has not been addressed. Because lethality and tissue injury in acute COVID‐19 are characterized by cytokine storm, it is plausible to consider evidence that impairment of the inflammatory reflex may contribute to overproduction of cytokines and resultant hyperinflammatory pathogenesis. Accordingly, here the authors discuss the inflammatory reflex, the consequences of its dysfunction in COVID‐19, and whether there are opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
Blood‐brain barrier permeability by CT perfusion predicts parenchymal hematoma after recanalization with thrombectomy
Authors: Chen Xinyi , Xu Jie , Guo Shunyuan , Zhang Sheng , Wang Huiyuan , Shen Panpan , Shang Yafei , Tan Mingming , Geng Yu
Published: November 2023

Background and Purpose

Parenchymal hematoma is a dreaded complication of mechanical thrombectomy after acute ischemic stroke. This study evaluated whether blood‐brain barrier permeability measurements based on CT perfusion could be used as predictors of parenchymal hematoma after successful recanalization and compared the predictive value of various permeability parameters in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

We enrolled 53 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy and achieved successful recanalization. Each patient underwent CT, CT angiography, and CT perfusion imaging before treatment. We used relative volume transfer constant (rKtrans) values, relative permeability–surface area product (rP·S), and relative extraction fraction (rE) to evaluate preoperative blood‐brain barrier permeability in the delayed perfusion area.

Results

Overall, 22 patients (37.7%) developed hemorrhagic transformation after surgery, including 10 patients (16.9%) with hemorrhagic infarction and 11 patients (20.8%) with parenchymal hematoma. The rP·S, rKtrans, and rE of the hypoperfusion area in the parenchymal hematoma group were significantly higher than those in the hemorrhagic infarction and no‐hemorrhage transformation groups (p < .01). We found that rE and rP·S were superior to rKtrans in predicting parenchymal hematoma transformation after thrombectomy (P·S area under the curve [AUC] .844 vs. rKtrans AUC .753, z = 2.064, p = .039; rE AUC .907 vs. rKtrans AUC .753, z = 2.399, p = .017).

Conclusions

Patients with parenchymal hematoma after mechanical thrombectomy had higher blood‐brain barrier permeability in hypoperfusion areas. Among blood‐brain barrier permeability measurement parameters, rP·S and rE showed better accuracy for parenchymal hematoma prediction.
Paramagnetic rim lesions and the central vein sign: Characterizing multiple sclerosis imaging markers
Authors: Clarke Margareta A. , Cheek Rachael , Kazimuddin Habeeb F. , Hernandez Bryan , Clarke Reece , McKnight Colin D. , Derwenskus Joy , Eaton James , Irlmeier Rebecca , Ye Fei , O'Grady Kristin P. , Rogers Baxter , Smith Seth A. , Bagnato Francesca
Published: November 2023

Background and Purpose

Paramagnetic rims and the central vein sign (CVS) are proposed imaging markers of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. Using 7 tesla magnetic resonance imaging, we aimed to: (1) characterize the appearance of paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs); (2) assess whether PRLs and the CVS are associated with higher levels of MS pathology; and (3) compare the characteristics between subjects with and without PRLs in early MS.

Methods

Prospective study of 32 treatment‐naïve subjects around the time of diagnosis who were assessed for the presence of PRLs and the CVS. Comparisons of lesion volume and macromolecular pool size ratio (PSR) index, a proxy of myelin integrity, between PRLs and non‐PRLs, and CVS‐positive and CVS‐negative lesions were carried out. Differences in clinical/demographic characteristics between patients with PRLs and those without were tested.

Results

Fifteen subjects had ≥1 PRL for a total of 36 PRLs, of which two‐thirds had a full rim. PRLs predicted a larger lesion size and decreased PSR signal. Lesion volume and presence of cervical spine lesions were significantly different between subjects with PRLs and those without, although neither remained significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons. One hundred and eighty‐one lesions with CVS were identified with no differences between CVS‐positive and CVS‐negative lesions in volume (p = .27) and PSR values (p = .62).

Conclusions

PRLs, but not CVS‐positive lesions, are larger and have lower myelin integrity. Our findings indicate that PRLs are associated with higher levels of lesion‐specific pathology prior to the start of disease‐modifying therapy.
A longitudinal analysis of brain volume changes in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease
Authors: Amin Mohammad , Al‐iedani Oun , Lea Rodney A. , Brilot Fabienne , Maltby Vicki E. , Lechner‐Scott Jeannette
Published: November 2023

Background and Purpose

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease (MOGAD) is a relapsing demyelinating condition. There are several cross‐sectional studies showing evidence of brain atrophy in people with MOGAD (pwMOGAD), but longitudinal brain volumetric assessment is still an unmet need. Current recommendations do not include monitoring with MRI and assume distinct attacks. Evidence of ongoing axon loss will have diagnostic and therapeutic implications. In this study, we assessed brain volume changes in pwMOGAD over a mean follow‐up period of 2 years and compared this to changes in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).

Methods

This is a retrospective single‐center study over a 7‐year period from 2014 to 2021. MRI brain scans at the time of diagnosis and follow‐up in remission were collected from 14 Caucasian pwMOGAD, confirmed by serum myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunoglobulin G antibody presence, detected by live cell‐based assays. Total brain volume (TBV), white matter (WM), gray matter (GM), and demyelinating lesion volumes were assessed automatically using the Statistical Parametric Mapping and FMRIB automated segmentation tools. MRI brain scans at diagnosis and follow‐up on remission were collected from 32‐matched pwMS for comparison. Statistical analysis was done using analysis of variance.

Results

There is evidence of TBV loss, affecting particularly GM, over an approximately 2‐year follow‐up period in pwMOGAD (p < .05), comparable to pwMS. WM and lesion volume change over the same period were not statistically significant (p > .1).

Conclusion

We found evidence of loss of GM and TBV over time  in pwMOGAD, similar to pwMS, although the WM and lesion volumes were unchanged.
Primary affective systems and personality: Disentangling the within‐person reciprocal relationships
Authors: Ion Andrei
Published: November 2023

Personality traits and affective functioning have been closely linked. Empirical evidence suggests that the Five‐Factor Model traits have been linked with Panskepp's six primary affective systems, as measured by the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales: SEEKING, PLAY, CARE (positive emotions) and FEAR, SADNESS, ANGER (negative emotions).

Objective

The present work investigated the dynamic relations between primary affective systems and FFM personality.

Method

Drawing from a sample of 220 participants completing surveys on four consecutive days, we used the random intercept cross‐lagged panel model (RI‐CLPM) to investigate the associations between primary affective systems and personality traits.

Results

The following associations were identified: bidirectional associations between negative emotions and neuroticism, unidirectional associations from SEEKING to openness and from agreeableness to three primary affective systems. No significant associations were observed between extraversion and primary affective systems.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the importance of disentangling the within‐person effects when examining the relationship between primary affective systems and personality.
Ancient mitochondrial genomes unveil the origins and evolutionary history of New Zealand's enigmatic takahē and moho
Authors: Verry Alexander J. F. , Mas‐Carrió Eduard , Gibb Gillian C. , Dutoit Ludovic , Robertson Bruce C. , Waters Jonathan M. , Rawlence Nicolas J.
Published: November 2023

Many avian species endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand were driven to extinction or reduced to relict populations following successive waves of human arrival, due to hunting, habitat destruction and the introduction of mammalian predators. Among the affected species were the large flightless South Island takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri) and the moho (North Island takahē; P. mantelli), with the latter rendered extinct and the former reduced to a single relictual population. Little is known about the evolutionary history of these species prior to their decline and/or extinction. Here we sequenced mitochondrial genomes from takahē and moho subfossils (12 takahē and 4 moho) and retrieved comparable sequence data from takahē museum skins (n = 5) and contemporary individuals (n = 17) to examine the phylogeny and recent evolutionary history of these species. Our analyses suggest that prehistoric takahē populations lacked deep phylogeographic structure, in contrast to moho, which exhibited significant spatial genetic structure, albeit based on limited sample sizes (n = 4). Temporal genetic comparisons show that takahē have lost much of their mitochondrial genetic diversity, likely due to a sudden demographic decline soon after human arrival (~750 years ago). Time‐calibrated phylogenetic analyses strongly support a sister species relationship between takahē and moho, suggesting these flightless taxa diverged around 1.5 million years ago, following a single colonisation of New Zealand by a flighted Porphyrio ancestor approximately 4 million years ago. This study highlights the utility of palaeogenetic approaches for informing the conservation and systematic understanding of endangered species whose ranges have been severely restricted by anthropogenic impacts.
A retrospective analysis of practical benefits and caveats of the new WHO 2021 central nervous system tumor classification scheme in low‐resource settings: “A perspective from low‐ and middle‐income countries”
Authors: Köy Yazgı , Ceylan Onur , Kahraman Aslı , Cangi Sibel , Özmen Sevilay , Tihan Tarık
Published: November 2023

The revised classification of tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021 was hailed as a major advance and improvement in the management of brain tumor patients. However, the increased reliance on sophisticated technology and molecular analysis posed a major challenge to healthcare systems in low‐ and middle‐income countries. A few recent publications have drawn attention to the issue of the applicability of the new CNS WHO 2021 worldwide, but the exuberant enthusiasm observed in high‐income countries seems to have stifled such a concern. In this study, we present data on the practical utility of the changes that occurred in CNS WHO 2021 in four institutions with limited resources. Our findings demonstrate no major alterations in patient management in low resource settings and significant added financial impact. While there is no doubt that the revised classification provides greater insight into tumor biology and molecular/genetic features of CNS tumors, its practical benefit and applicability in the majority of cases worldwide are limited, and attempts to improve its utility in low resource settings are warranted.
IRON MAN interacts with Cu‐DEFICIENCY INDUCED TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR 1 to maintain copper homeostasis
Authors: Cai Yuerong , Ping Huaqian , Zhao Junhui , Li Chenyang , Li Yang , Liang Gang
Published: November 2023

Copper (Cu) is essential for plant growth and development. IRON MAN (IMA) is a family of small peptides that can bind both iron (Fe) and Cu ions. It was reported that IMAs mediate Fe homeostasis in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, it remains unclear whether IMAs are involved in Cu homeostasis.

The transcript abundance of IMA genes decreased in response to Cu deficiency. The combined disruption of all IMA genes caused enhanced tolerance to Cu deficiency and resulted in an increase in the transcript abundance of Cu uptake genes, whereas the overexpression of IMA1 or IMA3 led to the opposite results.

Protein interaction assays indicated that IMAs interact with Cu‐DEFICIENCY INDUCED TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR1 (CITF1), which is a positive regulator of the Cu uptake genes. Further studies showed that IMAs not only interfere with the DNA binding of CITF1 but also repress the transcriptional activation activity of CITF1, hence resulting in downregulation of the Cu uptake genes. Genetic analyses indicated that IMAs modulate Cu homeostasis in a CITF1‐dependent manner.

Our findings indicate that IMAs inhibit the functions of CITF1 in regulating Cu deficiency responses, thereby providing a conceptual framework for comprehending the regulation of Cu homeostasis.
Identifying Politically Connected Firms: A Machine Learning Approach*
Authors: Titl Vitezslav , Mazrekaj Deni , Schiltz Fritz
Published: November 2023

This article introduces machine learning techniques to identify politically connected firms. By assembling information from publicly available sources and the Orbis company database, we constructed a novel firm population dataset from Czechia in which various forms of political connections can be determined. The data about firms' connections are unique and comprehensive. They include political donations by the firm, having members of managerial boards who donated to a political party, and having members of boards who ran for political office. The results indicate that over 85% of firms with political connections can be accurately identified by the proposed algorithms. The model obtains this high accuracy by using only firm‐level financial and industry indicators that are widely available in most countries. These findings suggest that machine learning algorithms could be used by public institutions to improve the identification of politically connected firms with potentially large conflicts of interest.
E3 ubiquitin ligase TaSDIR1‐4A activates membrane‐bound transcription factor TaWRKY29 to positively regulate drought resistance
Authors: Meng Ying , Lv Qian , Li Liqun , Wang Bingxin , Chen Liuping , Yang Weibing , Lei Yanhong , Xie Yanzhou , Li Xuejun
Published: November 2023

Drought is a deleterious abiotic stress factor that constrains crop growth and development. Post‐translational modification of proteins mediated by the ubiquitin–proteasome system is an effective strategy for directing plant responses to stress, but the regulatory mechanisms in wheat remain unclear. In this study, we showed that TaSDIR1‐4A is a positive modulator of the drought response. Overexpression of TaSDIR1‐4A increased the hypersensitivity of stomata, root length and endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) content under drought conditions. TaSDIR1‐4A encodes a C3H2C3‐type RING finger protein with E3 ligase activity. Amino acid mutation in its conserved domain led to loss of activity and altered the subcellular localization. The membrane‐bound transcription factor TaWRKY29 was identified by yeast two‐hybrid screening, and it was confirmed as interacting with TaSDIR1‐4A both in vivo and in vitro. TaSDIR1‐4A mediated the polyubiquitination and proteolysis of the C‐terminal amino acid of TaWRKY29, and its translocation from the plasma membrane to the nucleus. Activated TaWRKY29 bound to the TaABI5 promoter to stimulate its expression, thereby positively regulating the ABA signalling pathway and drought response. Our findings demonstrate the positive role of TaSDIR1‐4A in drought tolerance and provide new insights into the involvement of UPS in the wheat stress response.
Vitamin D status in children with congenital melanocytic nevi
Authors: Hughes Connor T. , Dadhra Jusvinder , Polubothu Satyamaanasa , Kinsler Veronica A.
Published: November 2023

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are rare, pigmented birthmarks that can predispose patients to melanoma of the central nervous system and skin. Data from non‐CMN melanoma cohorts suggest that vitamin D levels may be connected to outcome, prompting this study of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels in plasma samples from 40 children with CMN. While 27% were insufficient and 13% deficient, this was representative of European populations, and UK supplementation guidelines are already in place. Our data support routine vitamin D supplementation for all CMN patients during winter months, without routine serum measurement.
Current practices for pediatric phototherapy: Findings from a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Spencer Riley K. , Bartholomew Erin , Padniewski Jessica , Bhutani Tina , Asch Sarah
Published: November 2023

Phototherapy is broadly utilized for treatment of inflammatory skin conditions affecting pediatric patients. However, there are no specific guidelines or recommendations for implementing phototherapy in pediatric populations leading to variability in treatment procedures. Here, we present findings from a cross‐sectional, survey‐based study investigating the implementation of phototherapy in pediatric patients across the United States. A total of 39 sites from 19 different states identified via the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) Health Care Provider Directory responded. Common practices included a signed informed consent prior to performing phototherapy (86.4%, n = 32), no minimum age requirement for pediatric patients (91.8%, n = 34), the use of Fitzpatrick skin type to determine dosing protocol (100%, n = 37), and allowing parents to accompany their children into the lightbox (65%, n = 20). Our results provide insights into current common practices and themes for further study.
Lamellar ichthyosis with a novel NIPAL4 variant showing dramatic response to high‐dose vitamin D therapy
Authors: Azeez Femina , Sunil Minu , Sahadevan Geethanjali , Kidangazhiathmana Ajithkumar , Mathews Irene
Published: November 2023

Therapeutic options are limited in cases of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis with inadequate response to topical agents. Acitretin is the current standard of care in these patients, but its use is limited by cumulative toxicity when prolonged therapy is needed in children. There is evidence to suggest that high doses of vitamin D can normalize keratinization and suppress inflammatory cytokines. Here, we report a patient with lamellar ichthyosis with a novel mutation in the Nipa‐like Domain‐Containing 4 (NIPAL4) gene. High dose short‐term vitamin D therapy was administered with a dramatic and sustained clinical response.
Rice resistance against Bipolaris oryzae infection is mediated by lower foliar potassium concentration
Authors: Silva Leandro C. , Einhardt Andersom M. , Brás Verônica V. , Oliveira Lillian M. , Chaves Joicy A. A. , Pinto Luiz F. C. C. , Rodrigues Fabrício A.
Published: November 2023

Brown spot, caused by Bipolaris oryzae, is a very important disease of rice. This study investigated the effect of potassium (K) on rice resistance to brown spot. The working hypothesis tested was that higher foliar K concentration could allow plants to respond more efficiently against fungal infection. Plants were grown in nutrient solution amended with three K rates (0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 mM) and noninoculated or inoculated with B. oryzae. The photosynthetic performance of plants, activities of defence and antioxidant enzymes and the concentrations of reactive oxygen species, phenolics and lignin were determined. Foliar K concentration was significantly higher by 38% and 91% for plants supplied with 1.0 and 2.5 mM K, respectively, compared to plants supplied with 0.5 mM K. Brown spot severity was significantly higher (≥20%) for plants supplied with 1.0 and 2.5 mM K than those supplied with 0.5 mM K (≤15%). Higher brown spot severity for plants supplied with 2.5 mM K resulted in changes in the photosynthetic apparatus, reduced chlorophyll a + b and carotenoids concentrations, and higher production of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion radical. In contrast, higher activities of defence and antioxidant enzymes and more production of phenolics for plants supplied with 0.5 mM K helped them to cope with B. oryzae infection more efficiently. In conclusion, rice resistance against brown spot was achieved by keeping a lower foliar K concentration linked to more active defence reactions, a robust antioxidative system and less damage to the photosynthetic apparatus.
Promotion of faba bean seedling growth under Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fabae and cinnamic acid stress in faba bean‐wheat intercropping system and underlying proteomic mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zheng Yiran , Lv Jiaxing , Dong Yan
Published: November 2023

Continuous cropping severely affects faba bean growth, mainly due to pathogen and autotoxic substance accumulation. Here, we used faba bean monocropping (M) and intercropping with wheat (I), with stress treatments of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fabae (FOF) alone (F) and combined with cinnamic acid (F + C), to analyze seedling growth, defense‐related enzymes, levels of resistance‐associated substances, and protein expression profiles in roots. The results showed that intercropping mitigated the inhibitory effects of FOF and cinnamic acid. FOF resulted in increased activities of defense‐related enzymes as well as levels of resistance‐associated substances. Proteomic analysis showed that 22 proteins were upregulated following FOF inoculation (M + F), and 6 proteins were downregulated after the addition of cinnamic acid (M + F + C) in monocropping plants; these proteins were mainly involved in pathways associated with carbohydrate metabolism, energy, and the cytoplasm. Comparison of monocropping and intercropping indicated that the upregulated proteins were mostly associated with stress and defense, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, maintenance of cellular homeostasis, and protein synthesis. KEGG analysis revealed that intercropping increased enrichment in pathways associated with metabolism, ribosomes, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, proteasomes, pyruvate metabolism, and pentose and glucuronate interconversions. The results indicated that intercropping mitigated growth inhibition by FOF and cinnamic acid by increasing energy production, maintaining normal cellular functions, and promoting the synthesis of defense‐associated secondary metabolites. These findings provide a basis for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of intercropping in controlling resistance to Fusarium wilt in the faba bean.
Influence of nano‐formulations of clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum) extract on freezing ability, antioxidant capacity, caspase‐3 activity, acrosome reaction and fertility of frozen rabbit semen
Authors: Khalil Wael A. , Atta Amr M. I. , El‐Ratel Ibrahim T. , Abdelnour Sameh A. , Abdel‐Khalek Abdel‐Khalek E. , Fouda Sara F.
Published: November 2023

The current study aimed to investigate the impact of nano‐formulations of clove bud ethanolic extract (CBENF) in the extender on sperm characteristics, antioxidant capacity, oxidative biomarkers, enzymatic activity, apoptosis and fertility of post‐thawed rabbit semen. Twelve mature male rabbits semen samples were pooled and cryopreserved in a Tris‐egg yolk‐based extender containing varying concentrations of CBENF (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 μg/mL). After the equilibration and freezing–thawing process, CBENF (100 μg /mL) significantly enhanced progressive motility, viability and membrane integrity. Conversely, sperm abnormality was significantly reduced by CBENF supplementation. Total antioxidant capacity was increased in the post‐thawed sperm medium, while nitric oxide and malondialdehyde were decreased in all CBENF concentrations. The lactic dehydrogenase and caspase‐3 activities were decreased, whereas the number of live spermatozoa with an intact acrosome was increased in all CBENF concentrations. Conception rate and litter size per doe were higher in doe rabbits inseminated with semen supplemented with 100 μg CBENF/mL than un‐supplemented group (76% vs. 52% and 8.4 vs. 7.7/doe), with no statistical differences. These findings suggest that supplementing rabbit extenders with 100 μg of CBENF/mL could be an effective strategy for enhancing freeze–thawing rabbit sperm attributes and fertility.
Recontextualising graduate employability in support of pedagogical reform in public universities in the Kurdistan Region‐Iraq
Authors: Whiteside Victoria , Cross John
Published: November 2023

In light of the high graduate unemployment rate and migrant crisis, graduate employability in the Kurdistan Region – Iraq is an ever more pressing issue. Reducing the issue of graduate employability to a skills gap between Kurdish graduates and the private sector labour market is too simplistic and dismisses other sociocultural and structural factors that are external to graduates and higher education institutions (HEIs), and which impact the former’s employability. Through a qualitative study and using Bourdieu’s (1977) habitus as an explanatory framework for the analysis, this article aims to recontextualise graduate employability by exploring five stakeholders’ perceptions of what impacts graduate employability in the region. The findings uphold previous labour market reports that there is a skills gap, but also reveals other sociocultural and structural factors that also impact graduate employability. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR) has introduced a programme of pedagogical reform in KRI’s public HEIs and is in the process of training its academic practitioners in the tenets of Freire’s (1970) critical pedagogy. This article supports the implementation of Freire’s critical pedagogy in KRI’s public HEIs as a critical pedagogy can address the skills gap while also creating spaces for students to explore, question, analyse and evaluate the sociocultural and structural factors that impact graduate employability in KRI.
From free‐for‐all (free‐for‐some?) to speakers' list: Using consensus‐based decision‐making practice to enhance student participation in the theological classroom
Authors: Johnson Sheryl
Published: November 2023

Although the goals of consensus‐based decision‐making (CBDM) and the academic theological classroom are quite distinct (most notably that in the classroom, there is no need to come to a group decision), both share the aim of honoring all voices and perspectives and ensuring that marginalized voices and experiences are elevated. It is an important tool for all to consider, particularly due to its benefits for students from different cultural backgrounds who may experience various forms of systemic inequality. This paper considers the strengths as well as limitations of CBDM‐related practices for facilitating conversation in a theological studies classroom, with specific emphasis on the speakers' list—a common CBDM tool.
The Dynamical Hypothesis in Situ: Challenges and Opportunities for a Dynamical Social Approach to Interpersonal Coordination
Authors: Paxton Alexandra
Published: November 2023

Over the past three decades, Van Gelder's dynamical hypothesis has been instrumental in reconceptualizing the ways in which perception‐action‐cognition unfolds over time and in context. Here, I examine how the dynamical approach has enriched the theoretical understanding of social dynamics within cognitive science, with a particular focus on interpersonal coordination. I frame this review around seven principles in dynamical systems: three that are well‐represented in interpersonal coordination research to date (emergent behavior, context‐sensitive behavior, and attractors) and four that could be useful opportunities for future growth (hysteresis, sensitivity to initial conditions, equifinality, and reciprocal compensation). In addition to identifying specific promising lines of theoretical inquiry, I focus on the significant potential afforded by computationally intensive science—especially in naturally occurring data or trace data. Building on the foundation laid over the past three decades, I argue that looking to increasingly situated and naturalistic settings (and data) is not only necessary to realize the full commitment to the dynamical hypothesis but is also critical to building parsimonious and principled theories of social phenomena.
Mutations in the genes responsible for the synthesis of furan fatty acids resolve the light‐induced off‐odor in soybean oil
Authors: Watanabe Satoshi , Omagari Ayako , Yamada Risa , Matsumoto Akane , Kimura Yuta , Makita Naruto , Hiyama Erina , Okamoto Yuki , Okabe Ryo , Sano Takashi , Sato Toshiro , Suzuki Mototaka , Saito Sanshiro , Anai Toyoaki
Published: November 2023

Soybean oil is the second most produced edible vegetable oil and is used for many edible and industrial materials. Unfortunately, it has the disadvantage of ‘reversion flavor’ under photooxidative conditions, which produces an off‐odor and decreases the quality of edible oil. Reversion flavor and off‐odor are caused by minor fatty acids in the triacylglycerol of soybean oil known as furan fatty acids, which produce 3‐methyl‐2,4‐nonanedione (3‐MND) upon photooxidation. As a solution to this problem, a reduction in furan fatty acids leads to a decrease in 3‐MND, resulting in a reduction in the off‐odor induced by light exposure. However, there are no reports on the genes related to the biosynthesis of furan fatty acids in soybean oil. In this study, four mutant lines showing low or no furan fatty acid levels in soybean seeds were isolated from a soybean mutant library. Positional cloning experiments and homology search analysis identified two genes responsible for furan fatty acid biosynthesis in soybean: Glyma.20G201400 and Glyma.04G054100. Ectopic expression of both genes produced furan fatty acids in transgenic soybean hairy roots. The structure of these genes is different from that of the furan fatty acid biosynthetic genes in photosynthetic bacteria. Homologs of these two group of genes are widely conserved in the plant kingdom. The purified oil from the furan fatty acid mutant lines had lower amounts of 3‐MND and reduced off‐odor after light exposure, compared with oil from the wild‐type.
The value of genetic data from 665,460 individuals in managing iron deficiency anaemia and suitability to donate blood
Authors: Toivonen Jarkko , Allara Elias ,   FinnGen, Castrén Johanna , di Angelantonio Emanuele , Arvas Mikko
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives

Although the genetic determinants of haemoglobin and ferritin have been widely studied, those of the clinically and globally relevant iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and deferral due to hypohaemoglobinemia (Hb‐deferral) are unclear. In this investigation, we aimed to quantify the value of genetic information in predicting IDA and Hb‐deferral.

Materials and Methods

We analysed genetic data from up to 665,460 participants of the FinnGen, Blood Service Biobank and UK Biobank, and used INTERVAL (N = 39,979) for validation.

We performed genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) of IDA and Hb‐deferral and utilized publicly available genetic associations to compute polygenic scores for IDA, ferritin and Hb. We fitted models to estimate the effect sizes of these polygenic risk scores (PRSs) on IDA and Hb‐deferral risk while accounting for the individual's age, sex, weight, height, smoking status and blood donation history.

Results

Significant variants in GWASs of IDA and Hb‐deferral appear to be a small subset of variants associated with ferritin and Hb. Effect sizes of genetic predictors of IDA and Hb‐deferral are similar to those of age and weight which are typically used in blood donor management. A total genetic score for Hb‐deferral was estimated for each individual. The odds ratio estimate between first decile against that at ninth decile of total genetic score distribution ranged from 1.4 to 2.2.

Conclusion

The value of genetic data in predicting IDA or suitability to donate blood appears to be on a practically useful level.
Fermatean Fuzzy Weighted Geometric Aggregation Operator inMultiple Attribute Group Decision Making Problems
Authors: Khan Faiz Muhammad , Ahmad Waqas
Published: November 2023

Fermatean fuzzy set, an extension of Intuitionistic fuzzy set and Pythagoreanfuzzy set, plays a remarkable role in dealing with ambiguityowing to its vast spacecompared to Intuitionistic fuzzy set and Pythagorean fuzzyset. Aggregation operatorshave been helpful in multi-attribute group decision making(MAGDM) problems, becauseof their importance and efficacy in coping with uncertainty. The purpose of this paper isto prove important theorems in the domain of the Fermatean fuzzy weighted geometricoperator (FFWG) and discuss its essential properties. Mostimportantly, how to utilizethe Fermatean fuzzy weighted geometric operator in the MAGDM problem. An algorithmof the proposed method has been established. The proposed operator is applied to decisionmaking problems to show the validity, practicality and effectiveness of the new approach.The main advantage of using the FFWG method is that this method gives more accurateresults as compared to the existing methods.
Flat EEG Image Segmentation by Fuzzy Entropy-Based Multi-Level Thresholding
Authors: Zenian Suzelawati , Ahmad Tahir , Hamzah Norhafiza
Published: November 2023

Thresholding is a type of image segmentation that deals with the conversion of an image with many gray levels into another image with fewer gray levels. It classifies grayscale pixels into two categories which creates a binary image. However, the output image is not alwayssatisfying due to several factors such as inherent image vagueness as uncertainty arises within the gray values of an image. In this paper, a multi-level image thresholding based on fuzzy entropy is applied on Flat Electroencephalography (Flat EEG) image. The outcomes are compared visually with global thresholding.
VIBRATION-BASED DAMAGE DETECTION FOR ONE-STORY STEEL FRAME STRUCTURE USING MODE SHAPE CURVATURE
Authors: Zong Xiang Alan Wong , Umar Sarehati , Ahmad Shah Mohamad Shazwan , Seyed Hakim Seyed Jamalaldin
Published: November 2023

Structural health monitoring techniques, particularly vibration-based damage detection, have gained significance in assessing civil structure condition. This paper focuses on utilising mode shape curvature for damage detection in a one-story steel frame structure. The study aims to overcome traditional inspection limitations by exploring vibration-based approaches. Experimental investigation is conducted to analyse intact and damaged structural modal behaviour. Modal analysis technique extracts modal frequencies and mode shapes, enabling analysis of mode shape curvature for damage detection and localisation. Preliminary findings show that damaged structures display deviations in mode shapes and reduced natural frequencies, providing evidence of structural damage. However, a significant issue arises near the support, where unexpected patterns emerge in the Total Damage Index (TDI) with increasing damage severity. This finding challenges the expected correlation between severity levels and TDI values, highlighting the need to consider factors like fixed supports. Misleading signs of damage in some segments underscore the importance of cautious result interpretation and accounting for noise. Future studies should focus on noise resistance, false indication mitigation, and understanding segments with fixed supports to enhance mode shape curvature analysis’s reliability for damage detection in civil structures.
An Assessment of the Partition and Scramble of Africa and the Effect of Slave Trade in the Continent
Authors: Yahaya Jibrin Ubale
Published: November 2023

The scramble and Partition of African countries began in earnest with the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, and this was the cause of the most of Africa’s borders today. The conference was called by German Chancellor Bismarck to settle how European countries would claim colonial land in Africa and to avoid a war among European nations over African territory.  All the major European States were invited to the conference which includes the Germany, France, Great Britain, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, and Spain were all considered to have a future role in the imperial partition of Africa.  The United States was invited because of its interest in Liberia but did not attend the conference because it had no desire to build a colonial empire in Africa. Also invited were Austria–Hungary, Sweden–Norway, Denmark, Italy, Turkey, and Russia who all were considered minor players in the quest for colonizing Africa, though Italy has claim some colonial possessions in Northeast Africa. Most notably there were no Africans present at that conference, nor were any Europeans present to ensure that native Africans had any say in the proceedings. This paper has adopted secondary source of data in the process of data collection. The findings of the paper have revealed that partition in Africa has led to emergence of colonialism, slave trade and other related contemporary imbalance that led to for present African underdevelopment. The paper recommended that African countries needs to be allowed to run its affairs as an independent sovereign countries  to manage both their mineral and human resource to compete with every continent of the world interterms of development dynamism and African countries should develop an approach that will help them to fight social menace of poverty, corruption, insecurity and unemployment.
Predicting Leg Forces and Knee Moments Using Inertial Measurement Units: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Ajdaroski Mirel , Baek So Young , Ashton-Miller James A. , Esquivel Amanda O.
Published: November 2023

We compared the ability of seven machine learning algorithms to use wearable inertial measurement unit (IMU) data to identify the severe knee loading cycles known to induce microdamage associated with anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Sixteen cadaveric knee specimens, dissected free of skin and muscle, were mounted in a rig simulating standardized jump landings. One IMU was located above and the other below the knee, the applied three-dimensional action and reaction loads were measured via six-axis load cells, and the three-dimensional knee kinematics were also recorded by a laboratory motion capture system. Machine learning algorithms were used to predict the knee moments and the tibial and femur vertical forces; 13 knees were utilized for training each model, while three were used for testing its accuracy (i.e., normalized root-mean-square error) and reliability (Bland–Altman limits of agreement). The results showed the models predicted force and knee moment values with acceptable levels of error and, although several models exhibited some form of bias, acceptable reliability. Further research will be needed to determine whether these types of models can be modified to attenuate the inevitable in vivo soft tissue motion artifact associated with highly dynamic activities like jump landings.