bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between metabolic syndrome and prevalent skin diseases: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of case‐control studies
Authors: Sodagar Sogand , Ghane Yekta , Heidari Amirhossein , Heidari Nazila , Khodadust Elaheh , Ahmadi Seyyed Amir Yasin , Seirafianpour Farnoosh , Baradaran Hamid , Goodarzi Azadeh
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a well‐known noncommunicable disease that plays a significant role in emerging other chronic disorders and following complications. MetS is also involved in the pathophysiology of numerous dermatological diseases. We aim to evaluate the association of MetS with the most prevalent dermatological diseases.

Methods

A systematic search was carried out on PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Cochrane, as well as the Google Scholar search engine. Only English case‐control studies regarding MetS and any skin disease from the beginning of 2010 up to November 15, 2022, were selected. The study was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA).

Results

A total of 37 studies (13,830 participants) met the inclusion criteria. According to our result, patients with psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), vitiligo, androgenetic alopecia (AGA), and lichen planus (LP) have a higher chance of having MetS compared to the general population. Furthermore, people with seborrheic dermatitis (SED) and rosacea are more prone to insulin resistance, high blood pressure (BP), and higher blood lipids. After pooling data, the meta‐analysis revealed a significant association between MetS and skin diseases (pooled odds ratio [OR]: 3.28, 95% confidence interval: 2.62−4.10). Concerning the type of disease, MetS has been correlated with AGA (OR: 11.86), HS (OR: 4.46), LP (OR: 3.79), and SED (OR: 2.45). Psoriasis also showed a significant association but with high heterogeneity (OR: 2.89). Moreover, skin diseases and MetS are strongly associated in Spain (OR: 5.25) and Thailand (OR: 11.86). Regarding the metaregression model, the effect size was reduced with increasing age (OR: 0.965), while the size increased with AGA (OR: 3.064).

Conclusions

MetS is closely associated with skin complications. Dermatologists and other multidisciplinary teams should be cautious while treating these patients to prevent severe complications resulting from MetS.
A novel treatment approach for traumatic scalp defects with exposed calvaria denuded of pericranium by combined application of low‐temperature plasma and negative pressure wound therapy: A case series
Authors: Ongkasuwan Pattana
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

Traumatic scalp defects with an exposed calvaria denuded of the pericranium are challenging to manage. In such cases, adjunctive therapies, such as milling the outer calvarial cortex and applying negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), can promote granulation tissue. This case series describes the successful management of traumatic scalp defects after cortical craniectomy using a combination of low‐temperature plasma (LTP) and NPWT.

Methods

This is a retrospective single‐surgeon case series. Three patients with traumatic scalp wound defects underwent cortical calvarial bone removal after LTP combined with NPWT. LTP was applied to the diploic space of the calvaria weekly or twice weekly using BioPlasmaJet BPJ1 (BIOPlasma System: Model‐BioPlasmaJet System). Subsequently, NPWT was applied with a continuous pressure of 110 mmHg until good granulation tissue formation was achieved for skin graft placement.

Results

Two males and one female were included, and the mean follow‐up duration was 7 (range 3–12) months. In addition, the average time to achieve good granulation tissue formation was 4 (2–6) weeks; all patients achieved successful split‐thickness skin grafting within 3 weeks after placement without signs of calvarial infection.

Conclusions

The combination of LTP and NPWT is a safe and effective treatment modality for scalp defects with exposed calvaria denuded of the pericranium resulting from trauma. Combining these two therapies may provide a synergistic effect that enhances granulation tissue formation and prevents local infections without complications.
Rainfall events‐spring flow relationship and karst flow component analysis in a conduit‐matrix coupled system
Authors: Li Yuxi , Shu Longcang , Wu Peipeng , Zou Zhike , Zhou Tianyu , Huang Lei
Published: September 2023

Karst aquifers have complex structures and high heterogeneity, making it difficult to describe their hydrogeological characteristics. An essential tool for comprehending karst hydrogeology and identifying the hydraulic characteristics of the karst system is a quantitative analysis of the recession process of the karst spring hydrograph. The recession process of the spring hydrograph following a rainfall event can be utilized to assess the internal structure of the karst system as it relates to the karst aquifer's response to rainfall events. In this study, a laboratory physical experiment model is built based on typical karst hydrogeological circumstances, and a corresponding combined discrete‐continuum (CDC) numerical model is established, coupling conduit and matrix. The primary goal of this paper is to investigate how the recession process of the spring hydrograph responds to various rainfall events. Different rainfall intensities with the same rainfall duration and various rainfall intensities with the same rain amount are examples of rainfall patterns. The simulation results showed that the pattern of rainfall events affects the recession process of the spring hydrograph, and the recession coefficient of the corresponding recession stage, the proportion of water volume released by conduit and matrix with the different rainfall patterns are calculated and analysed, and the impact of rainfall events on the recession coefficient of spring hydrograph and the spring water composition has been explored. The research results can provide a reference and basis for the management of water resources in karst areas.
Electrochemical C7‐Indole Alkenylation via Rhodium Catalysis
Authors: Zangarelli Agnese , Yuan Binbin , Ackermann Lutz
Published: September 2023

Indole derivatives are fundamental structural units in many bioactive compounds and molecular materials. The site‐selective C7‐functionalization of these moieties has been proven to be extremely challenging due to the inherent reactivity of the C2‐ and C3‐positions. Herein, we report the first electro‐C7‐alkenylation of indoles. This novel and sustainable methodology provides highly exclusive access to the C7‐position devoid of often toxic and expensive chemical oxidants. Moreover, an array of substrates was successfully alkenylated at the C7‐position, and versatile product diversification was achieved.
Food inflation, agri‐food trade, and COVID‐19: Evidence from South Asia
Authors: Afesorgbor Sylvanus Kwaku , Lim Sunghun
Published: September 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic profoundly affected food security by disrupting supply chains through border closures Our study concentrates on South Asia and examines the interplay between COVID‐19, agri‐food trade, and inflation using monthly panel data spanning 2018–2021. Our findings demonstrate that the pandemic notably escalated food inflation in the region. Nevertheless, the robust interaction of agri‐food trade with COVID‐19 helped alleviate this effect. This underscores the significance of trade policies in controlling food inflation during the pandemic in South Asia.
Updates on the mobilization pipeline for hematopoietic stem cell collection
Authors: Tran Minh‐Ha , Yunce Muharrem
Published: September 2023

Hematopoetic Stem Cell Transplantation is a life saving procedure which requires mobilization of stem cells for apheresis procedure. In this review we aimed to examine mobilizing agents that are in use and under investigation. Apheresis practitioners who oversee stem cell collections should be familiar with the recent advances in mobilization agents to utilize most up‐to‐date information for better patient outcomes.
Financial reporting complexities: Association with accounting expertise of board and audit committee
Authors: Siregar Sylvia Veronica , Harahap Siti Nurwahyuningsih
Published: September 2023

The purpose of our study is to examine the financial reporting complexity of listed firms in Indonesia and the association between the financial reporting complexity and the accounting expertise of boards (Board of Directors/BOD and Board of Commissioners/BOC) and audit committee members. We use samples of listed firms in Indonesia over the period from 2013 to 2019. We find that financial reporting complexity is negatively associated with the accounting expertise of the BOD, BOC, and audit committee. These results indicate that companies do not try to engage in higher accounting expertise to mitigate the unfavourable impact of financial reporting complexity and that companies tend to use the financial reporting complexity to obfuscate the financial reporting. The novelty of our study is developing an aggregate measure of the financial reporting complexity that has not been used in extant studies. We also have not found any previous studies examining this issue in emerging countries, including Indonesia. The previous study has examined similar issues in the USA, where the USA is a developed country with a high level of investor protection. The varying levels of investor protection may affect the results.
Orthogonal cycle systems with cycle length less than 10
Authors: Küçükçifçi Selda , Yazıcı Emine Şule
Published: September 2023

An ‐decomposition of a graph is a partition of the edge set of into subsets, where each subset induces a copy of the graph . A ‐orthogonal ‐decomposition of is a set of ‐decompositions of such that any two copies of in distinct ‐decompositions intersect in at most one edge. When , we call the ‐decomposition an ‐system of order . In this paper, we consider the case is an ‐cycle and construct a pair of orthogonal ‐cycle systems for all admissible orders when , except when .
Applying the practice‐based competencies to evaluate and characterize the contracting process within genetic counseling sessions
Authors: Baldry Emma , Baty Bonnie J. , Kaphingst Kimberly A. , Gammon Amanda , Erby Lori H. , Roter Debra L.
Published: September 2023

Contracting is a skill used by genetic counselors (GCs) to establish a shared vision for the session. Ensuring that patients and GCs are aligned on expectations for the encounter allows GCs to meet patient needs and support patient autonomy. Although contracting is described in the practice‐based competencies (PBCs), the process has not been systematically observed in practice. We sought to further elucidate the skills used for contracting within genetic counseling sessions through directed content analysis of transcripts from 148 simulated prenatal and cancer genetic counseling sessions. An a priori codebook and rating scale were developed based on four contracting sample skills described in the PBCs: (a) describing the genetic counseling process, (b) eliciting client concerns, (c) applying client concerns to a session agenda, (d) modifying the agenda in response to emerging concerns. The rating scale described the quality of each skill on a 4‐point scale of “absent,” “minimal,” “adequate,” and “excellent.” The codebook and rating scale were pilot tested with 40% of transcripts (n = 60). Three authors independently coded and rated the final 60% of transcripts (n = 88), resolving discrepancies via a consensus process. We found that the four PBC skills were present in most sessions (88%–98%), and on average, GCs received “adequate” scores on all four skills. We also identified three additional components of contracting not described in the PBCs: assessing whether client concerns were met, inviting to interrupt, and providing opportunity for partner concerns. This study represents the first attempt to evaluate GC performance of a PBC during a genetic counseling session. Our findings demonstrate that the PBC sample contracting skills reflect practice and suggest that they can be used in assessment of the genetic counseling contracting process. This type of analysis could be adapted in the future to provide support for other standards of practice in the genetic counseling field.
Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis and machine learning reveal unique gene expression profiles in patients with immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy
Authors: Liu Hongjiang , Deng Lin , Guo Yixue , Liu Huan , Chen Bo , Zhang Jiaqian , Ran Jingjing , Yin Geng , Xie Qibing
Published: September 2023

Background

Immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) is an autoimmune myopathy characterized by severe proximal weakness and muscle fiber necrosis, yet its pathogenesis remains unclear. So far, there are few bioinformatics studies on underlying pathogenic genes and infiltrating immune cell profiles of IMNM. Therefore, we aimed to characterize differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and infiltrating cells in IMNM muscle biopsy specimens, which may be useful for elucidating the pathogenesis of IMNM.

Methods

Three datasets (GSE39454, GSE48280 and GSE128470) of gene expression profiling related to IMNM were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Data were normalized, and DEG analysis was performed using the limma package. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed using clusterProfiler. The CIBERSORT algorithm was performed to identify infiltrating cells. Machine learning algorithm and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed to find distinctive gene signatures and the underlying signaling pathways of IMNM.

Results

DEG analysis identified upregulated and downregulated in IMNM muscle compared to the gene expression levels of other groups. GO and KEGG analysis showed that the pathogenesis of IMNM was notable for the under‐representation of pathways that were important in dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis. Three immune cells (M2 macrophages, resting dendritic cells and resting natural killer cells) with differential infiltration and five key genes (NDUFAF7, POLR2J, CD99, ARF5 and SKAP2) in patients with IMNM were identified through the CIBERSORT and machine learning algorithm. The GSEA results revealed that the key genes were remarkably enriched in diverse immunological and muscle metabolism‐related pathways.

Conclusions

We comprehensively explored immunological landscape of IMNM, which is indicative for the research of IMNM pathogenesis.
Generative adversarial networks‐based super‐resolution algorithm enables high signal‐to‐noise ratio spatial heterodyne Raman spectra
Authors: Hu Lilei , Shen Jingxuan , Chen Zhu , Zhang Yichen , Chen Chang
Published: September 2023

High‐resolution interference pattern images are vital for spatial heterodyne Raman spectroscopy to produce quality Raman spectra with a good signal‐to‐noise ratio. A sought‐after super‐resolution algorithm can enhance Raman interference pattern images, reducing reliance on expensive imaging sensors. This enables miniaturization and portability for point‐of‐care testing. This study proposes a generative adversarial network (GAN)‐based super‐resolution reconstruction algorithm explicitly designed for Raman interference patterns. Employing GAN adversarial training, the algorithm effectively reconstructs interference pattern images at higher resolution, improving Raman spectra signal‐to‐noise ratio. Considering Raman spectra analysis mainly focuses on characteristic peaks, a Raman characteristic peak‐focused network training scheme is used. For instance, acetaminophen is studied with two selected Raman characteristic peaks centered at 388 and 858 cm−1. These peaks are observed in Fourier transformed Raman spectra from corresponding low‐resolution interference pattern images obtained by down‐sampling high‐resolution ones by twofold and fourfold. The proposed GAN‐based algorithm successfully reconstructs low‐resolution interference patterns into high‐resolution ones, achieving highR‐square values (96.05% for twofold and 91.1% for fourfold). This innovation holds potential for point‐of‐care applications, like noninvasive blood glucose concentration measurements, enabling cost‐effective, portable Raman spectrometers with improved capabilities.
Riboflavin improves grain yield, 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline accumulation, and antioxidative properties of fragrant rice
Authors: Cheng Siren , Liu Haidong , Li Keqing , Zheng Likai , Su Meilin , Lin Xueer , Huang Guobao , Ren Yong
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Riboflavin, a vital water‐soluble vitamin with antioxidative activity, plays a critical role in maintaining overall bodily health and defense responses. However, its impact on fragrant rice yield and aroma remains unexplored.

RESULTS

In a 2022 pot experiment with Meixiangzhan and Yuxiangyouzhan fragrant rice cultivars, we applied riboflavin foliar treatments at concentrations of 0 (CK), 10 (R10), 20 (R20), and 40 (R40) mg L−1 during the initial heading stage. Riboflavin increased rice yield, 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline (2‐AP) content, and antioxidative properties. It boosted 2‐AP level by 13.1–50.1% for Meixiangzhan and 22.3–35.3% for Yuxiangyouzhan, with the highest levels in R20 and R10 treatments. This increase is significantly correlated with elevated levels of proline, pyrroline‐5‐carboxylic acid, pyrroline, and methylglyoxal, as well as heightened enzyme activities, including those of proline dehydrogenase, ornithine aminotransferase, and pyrroline‐5‐carboxylic acid synthetase (P5CS). The R20 treatment resulted in the highest yield due to an improved seed‐setting rate. Importantly, a positive correlation emerged between 2‐AP content and yield, both significantly linked to superoxide dismutase, proline, hydrogen peroxide, P5CS, catalase, and pyrroline.

CONCLUSION

Riboflavin maintained enzyme activities, regulated substance synthesis pathways, and increased 2‐AP and yield, especially in the R20 treatment. These insights advance fragrant rice production theory by uncovering riboflavin's role in the development of fragrant rice. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Exploiting ion‐mobility mass spectrometry for unraveling proteome complexity
Authors: Perchepied Stan , Zhou Zhuoheng , Mitulović Goran , Eeltink Sebastiaan
Published: September 2023

Ion mobility spectrometry‐mass spectrometry (IMS‐MS) is experiencing rapid growth in proteomic studies, driven by its enhancements in dynamic range and throughput, increasing the quantitation precision, and the depth of proteome coverage. The core principle of ion mobility spectrometry is to separate ions in an inert gas under the influence of an electric field based on differences in drift time. This minireview provides an introduction to IMS operation modes and a description of advantages and limitations is presented. Moreover, the principles of trapped IMS‐MS (TIMS‐MS), including parallel accumulation‐serial fragmentation are discussed. Finally, emerging applications linked to TIMS focusing on sample throughput (in clinical proteomics) and sensitivity (single‐cell proteomics) are reviewed, and the possibilities of intact protein analysis are discussed.
Spatial patterns of soil stoichiometry and their responses to land use in a desertified area: A case study of China's Horqin Sandy Land
Authors: Cao Wenjie , Li Yuqiang , Chen Yun , Chen Yinping , Wang Xuyang
Published: September 2023

Ecological stoichiometry facilitates the understanding of biogeochemical cycles by studying the balance among multiple elements in ecosystems. However, the spatial patterns of soil stoichiometry and their responses to land use in desertified land are unclear. In this study, we selected 525 sample points to collect topsoil (0–20 cm) samples throughout China's Horqin Sandy Land and measured soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP). We then calculated stoichiometric ratios (C:N:P). SOC (8.7 g kg−1), TN (0.9 g kg−1), and TP (0.3 g kg−1) were lower in this region than in Chinese and global terrestrial ecosystems due to aeolian desertification. SOC, TN, C:P, and N:P were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in grassland, followed by woodland, cropland, and sandy land. This sequence may result from the large number of dead roots that participate in the SOC turnover in grassland. TP was significantly higher in cropland due to fertilization. C:N did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) among grassland, woodland, and cropland because of the strong coupling relationship between SOC and TN. The values of SOC, TN, TP, C:P, and N:P in the Horqin Sandy Land were high in the north (dominated by mountain woodland and grassland) and were low in the south (dominated by desertified land). SOC, TN, and TP contents and C:N:P ratios were mainly affected by mean annual temperature (29.6%), land use (11.5%), and bulk density (11.4%) through their influence on soil microbial metabolism, litter and nutrient input, and soil structure, respectively. The results provide information on the overall changes in soil stoichiometry in the Horqin Sandy Land and its responses to land‐use changes, and can therefore guide ecological restoration in semiarid regions affected by desertification in the modern context of climate change.
A new blowup criterion of strong solutions to the two‐dimensional equations of compressible nematic liquid crystal flows
Authors: Liu Yang , Guo Renying , Zhao Weiwei
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we concern the Cauchy problem of two‐dimensional (2D) compressible nematic liquid crystal flows with vacuum as far‐field density. Under a geometric condition for the initial orientation field, we establish a blowup criterion in terms of the integrability of the density for strong solutions to the compressible nematic liquid crystal flows. This criterion generalizes previous results of compressible nematic liquid crystal flows with vacuum, which concludes the initial boundary problem and Cauchy problem.
Well‐posedness of reynolds averaged equations for compressible fluids with a vanishing pressure
Authors: Deléage Émile
Published: September 2023

We show that the Reynolds averaged equations for compressible fluids (neglecting third order correlations) are well‐posed in
when the pressure vanishes in dimensions
and 3. In order to do this, we show that the system is Friedrichs‐symmetrizable. This model belongs to the class of non‐conservative hyperbolic systems. Hence the usual symmetrisation method for conservation laws can not be used here.
Research on bidirectional beam tracking and performance analysis of optical communication system with microvibrations
Authors: Teng Yunjie , Qin Hao , Zhang Min
Published: September 2023

The impact of tracking errors over the vibration interference is investigated. A novel expression is presented for the bidirectional laser tracking mechanism which takes in account both periscope communication terminal and beam acquisition process with beaconless technology. In this paper, platform microvibrations are measured and compensated to improve the tracking characteristics of the optical communication terminal. An experiment was conducted to verify the high precision tracking system with the combination of coarse and fine tracking technologies, which represents that the fine tracking error is suppressed to 2.1 μrad. This high precision implementation demonstrates the effectiveness of the tracking control loop, and will contribute to the space laser communication.
National Improvement of Waiting Times: First Results From the Dutch Head and Neck Audit
Authors: van Oorschot Hanneke Doremiek , de Jel Dominique Valérie Clarence , Hardillo Jose Angelito , Smeele Ludi E. , Baatenburg de Jong Robert Jan ,   the Dutch Head and Neck Audit Group
Published: September 2023

Objective

Timely treatment initiation in head and neck cancer (HNC) care is of great importance regarding survival, oncological, functional, and psychological outcomes. Therefore, waiting times are assessed in the Dutch Head and Neck Audit (DHNA). This audit aims to assess and improve the quality of care through feedback and benchmarking. For this study, we examined how waiting times evolved since the start of the DHNA.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

National multicentre study.

Methods

The DHNA was established in 2014 and reached national coverage of all patients treated for primary HNC in 2019. DHNA data on curative patients from 2015 to 2021 was extracted on national (benchmark) and hospital level. We determined 3 measures for waiting time: (1) the care pathway interval (CPI, first visit to start treatment), (2) the time to treatment interval (TTI, biopsy to start treatment), and (3) CPI‐/TTI‐indicators (percentage of patients starting treatment ≤30 days). The Dutch national quality norm for the CPI‐indicator is 80%.

Results

The benchmark median CPI and TTI improved between 2015 and 2021 from 37 to 26 days and 37 to 33 days, respectively. Correspondingly, the CPI‐ and TTI‐indicators, respectively, increased from 39% to 64% and 35% to 40% in 2015 to 2021. Outcomes for all hospitals improved and dispersion between hospitals declined. Four hospitals exceeded the 80% quality norm in 2021.

Conclusion

Waiting times improved gradually over time, with 4 hospitals exceeding the quality standard in 2021. On the hospital‐level, process improvement plans have been initiated. Systematic registration, auditing, and feedback of data support the improvement of quality of care.
Reducing Pediatric Posttonsillectomy Opioid Prescribing: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Amin Shaunak N. , Thompson Trey , Wang Xing , Goldklang Samantha , Martin Lynn D. , Low Daniel K.‐W. , Parikh Sanjay R. , Sie Kathleen C. , Dahl John P.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Postoperative pain is the most common morbidity associated with tonsillectomy. Opioids are frequently used in multimodal posttonsillectomy analgesia regimens; however, concerns regarding respiratory depression, drug‐drug interactions, and medication misuse necessitate responsible opioid stewardship among prescribing surgeons. It is unclear if intentionally reducing opioid prescription doses negatively affects the patient experience.

Methods

A quality improvement team reviewed all posttonsillectomy opioid prescriptions at a pediatric ambulatory surgery center between January and June 2021 (preintervention, 163 patients). Following this review, we performed an opioid education session for surgeons and studied opioid prescribing habits between July and December 2021 (Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act [PDSA] 1, 152 patients). We then implemented a standardized prescription protocol of 7 doses of oxycodone per patient and again reviewed prescriptions between January and June 2022 (PDSA 2, 178 patients). The following measures were evaluated: initial number of opioid doses prescribed, need for refills, 7‐day emergency department (ED) visits, and readmissions.

Results

Each intervention reduced the average number of initial oxycodone doses per patient (12.2 vs 9.2 vs 6.9 doses, P < .001). There were no changes in the rate of refill requests, 7‐day ED visits, and readmissions, by descriptive or Statistical Process Control analyses.

Discussion

In 2 PDSA cycles, we achieved a 43% reduction in the number of doses of oxycodone prescribed following tonsillectomy. We did not observe any increased rates in balancing measures, which are surrogates for unintentional effects of PDSA changes, including refills, ED presentations, and readmission rates.

Implications for Practice

Directed provider education and standardized posttonsillectomy prescription protocols can safely decrease postoperative opioid prescribing. Further PDSA cycles are required to consider even fewer opioid prescription doses.
Integrating biocultural conservation and sociocultural valuation in the management of sacred forests: What values are important to the public?
Authors: Ihemezie Eberechukwu Johnpaul , Albaladejo‐García José A. , Stringer Lindsay C. , Dallimer Martin
Published: September 2023

The need to recognise plural values and integrate these into policy design has long been of interest in nature conservation. However, we also need to understand whether and how different values are prioritised among diverse stakeholders. This is particularly important when indigenous and traditional cultures play a role in how land is managed and protected.

Working in the sacred forests of Nigeria, we applied the principles of biocultural conservation and sociocultural valuation to understand the values that underpin people's relationship with nature and with other users of nature. We operationalised this by employing participatory workshop methods to identify multiple values of sacred forests, and conjoint analysis to elicit local people's value priorities and preferences for conserving sacred forests.

We identified multiple values attributed to sacred forests, but the strongest preferences were for improved provision of medicinal values. However, preference heterogeneity analysis showed that sacred forests are valued differently among clusters of people with distinct sociodemographic profiles.

Our findings also showed that the current management strategy for the conservation of sacred forests is inadequate to galvanise shared and collective responsibility from diverse stakeholders. Using a value‐based approach, more robust management strategies that will yield high utility to the public were determined and recommended for implementation.

Policy implications. Overall, our study demonstrates that sacred forests are valued in multiple ways above and beyond their role in a cultural belief system. New strategies are therefore needed to effectively manage and conserve them. We recommend a plural approach to the conservation of sacred forests that will incorporate multiple values. This can be achieved by integrating biocultural conservation and sociocultural valuation.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Iron insertion into coproporphyrin III‐ferrochelatase complex: Evidence for an intermediate distorted catalytic species
Authors: Gabler Thomas , Dali Andrea , Sebastiani Federico , Furtmüller Paul Georg , Becucci Maurizio , Hofbauer Stefan , Smulevich Giulietta
Published: September 2023

Understanding the reaction mechanism of enzymes at the molecular level is generally a difficult task, since many parameters affect the turnover. Often, due to high reactivity and formation of transient species or intermediates, detailed information on enzymatic catalysis is obtained by means of model substrates. Whenever possible, it is essential to confirm a reaction mechanism based on substrate analogues or model systems by using the physiological substrates. Here we disclose the ferrous iron incorporation mechanism, in solution, and in crystallo, by the coproporphyrin III‐coproporphyrin ferrochelatase complex from the firmicute, pathogen, and antibiotic resistant, Listeria monocytogenes. Coproporphyrin ferrochelatase plays an important physiological role as the metalation represents the penultimate reaction step in the prokaryotic coproporphyrin‐dependent heme biosynthetic pathway, yielding coproheme (ferric coproporphyrin III). By following the metal titration with resonance Raman spectroscopy and x‐ray crystallography, we prove that upon metalation the saddling distortion becomes predominant both in the crystal and in solution. This is a consequence of the readjustment of hydrogen bond interactions of the propionates with the protein scaffold during the enzymatic catalysis. Once the propionates have established the interactions typical of the coproheme complex, the distortion slowly decreases, to reach the almost planar final product.
Evaluating hybrid controls methodology in early‐phase oncology trials: A simulation study based on the MORPHEUS‐UC trial
Authors: Wang Guanbo , Poulin‐Costello Melanie , Pang Herbert , Zhu Jiawen , Helms Hans‐Joachim , Reyes‐Rivera Irmarie , Platt Robert W. , Pang Menglan , Koukounari Artemis
Published: September 2023

Phase Ib/II oncology trials, despite their small sample sizes, aim to provide information for optimal internal company decision‐making concerning novel drug development. Hybrid controls (a combination of the current control arm and controls from one or more sources of historical trial data [HTD]) can be used to increase statistical precision. Here we assess combining two sources of Roche HTD to construct a hybrid control in targeted therapy for decision‐making via an extensive simulation study. Our simulations are based on the real data of one of the experimental arms and the control arm of the MORPHEUS‐UC Phase Ib/II study and two Roche HTD for atezolizumab monotherapy. We consider potential complications such as model misspecification, unmeasured confounding, different sample sizes of current treatment groups, and heterogeneity among the three trials. We evaluate two frequentist methods (with both Cox and Weibull accelerated failure time [AFT] models) and three different commensurate priors in Bayesian dynamic borrowing (with a Weibull AFT model), and modifications within each of those, when estimating the effect of treatment on survival outcomes and measures of effect such as marginal hazard ratios. We assess the performance of these methods in different settings and the potential of generalizations to supplement decisions in early‐phase oncology trials. The results show that the proposed joint frequentist methods and noninformative priors within Bayesian dynamic borrowing with no adjustment on covariates are preferred, especially when treatment effects across the three trials are heterogeneous. For generalization of hybrid control methods in such settings, we recommend more simulation studies.
Natural compounds against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A review on the involvement of the LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway
Authors: Omidkhoda Navid , Mahdiani Sina , Hayes A. Wallace , Karimi Gholamreza
Published: September 2023

Although various therapeutic approaches are used to manage nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the best approach to NAFLD management is unclear. NAFLD is a liver disorder associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus. NAFLD progression can lead to cirrhosis and end‐stage liver disease. Hepatic kinase B1 (LKB1) is an upstream kinase of 5′‐adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), a crucial regulator in hepatic lipid metabolism. Activation of LKB1/AMPK inhibits fatty acid synthesis, increases mitochondrial β‐oxidation, decreases the expression of genes encoding lipogenic enzymes, improves nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and suppresses NAFLD progression. One potential opening for new and safe chemicals that can tackle the NAFLD pathogenesis through the LKB1‐AMPK pathway includes natural bioactive compounds. Accordingly, we summarized in vitro and in vivo studies regarding the effect of natural bioactive compounds such as a few members of the polyphenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, and some natural extracts on NAFLD through the LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway. This manuscript may shed light on the way to finding a new therapeutic agent for NAFLD management.
What do the children and teachers say?: Voices on gender stereotyping in children's literature for MalaysianESLclassrooms
Authors: Yeoh Hai Nin , Cheong Huey Fen
Published: September 2023

This preliminary study analyses children's and teachers' views towards gender stereotyping in children's literature for Malaysian ESL (English as a Second Language) classrooms. We employed focus groups with 14 children (aged 10–12) and interviews with 6 experienced ESL teachers, in which children and teachers reflected on selected literature taught in schools. Our findings suggested that both children and teachers overlooked gender stereotyping in the selected children's literature as they focused more on the storyline and moral values. However, our focus groups with children showed their potential in adapting the reading materials to their social context, despite the typical belief that young children blindly learn and accept anything presented to them. Comparison between the boys and girls also showed different gendered responses towards gender stereotyping, with the boys showing stronger support for gender equality. The children insisted that men and women are equals and suggested more active male participation in domestic settings could indicate their readiness to discuss gender‐related issues. In addition, our interviews with teachers led to their call for more reading materials that reflect gender equality. The teachers admitted to a lack of explicit discussions about gender in their current teaching/learning process and expressed their willingness to include gender discussions with their students in the future. This study hopes to give voices to Malaysian children and teachers in the Global South, highlighting their potential for agency in pedagogical review and gender advocacy in education.

Context and implications

Rationale for this study

This study explores children's views' and teachers' strategies for addressing gender stereotyping in children's literature for Malaysian ESL classrooms.

Why the new findings matter

Our findings highlight the need for training for teachers and teaching/learning materials that reflect gender equality. Our findings signal children's readiness to discuss gender and the importance of teachers' role in fostering such discussions.

Implications for practitioners and policy makers

This study is significant for teachers and curriculum reviewers in highlighting how children's literature may influence children and foster gender equality. There is a need for support materials, training for teachers and careful selection of suitable reading materials for children in terms of cultural and gender values.
Gamifying requirements: An empirical analysis of game‐based technique for novices
Authors: Yasin Affan , Fatima Rubia , JiangBin Zheng , Ali Khan Javed , Ali Khan Arif
Published: September 2023

Requirements elicitation is a process that involves gathering requirements for a given project. Several studies have been published suggesting strategies to improve the requirements gathering process. Using game‐based and crowd‐based approaches, researchers are extracting requirements that are useful for product development today. This study follows the same line of research. This research study aims to improve the understanding of the requirements gathering process by novices or students through different activities: (I) knowledge of requirements gathering method and (II) techniques or activities viable for software requirements (education). Important methods used to address the above objectives are as follows: (I) a comprehensive review of the literature to understand requirements gathering; (II) designing an activity to embed RE challenges and RE sub‐activities; and (III) experiment, survey, and observation to collect data and to assess the proposed methods' effectiveness. The suggested activity for requirement gathering is based on the game tic‐tac‐toe. The participants suggest that the design of the activity is helpful in brainstorming and is also valuable for identifying requirements; moreover, a post questionnaire has been designed to determine the learning of the participants regarding the proposed activity. We can observe simply from the coefficients that both skills and challenges (as perceived by the participants) have positive impacts on engagement, immersion, and perceived learning. The proposed activity helps novices or students gain (basic) knowledge of the requirements gathering process/technique; the outlined activity can be a way of learning requirements and gathering knowledge (basic). From this study, we conclude that the proposed activity has positive results and is helpful for participants to get a better understanding of the requirements engineering method(s).
Evolutionary process of extremely twisted heteromorph ammonites from the Upper Cretaceous of Japan
Authors: Misaki Akihiro , Okamoto Takashi , Maeda Haruyoshi
Published: September 2023

The heteromorph ammonitePravitoceras sigmoidalewith extremely twisted retroversal hook and its probable ancestors,Didymoceras awajienseandD. morozumii, occur mainly in the Upper Cretaceous Izumi and Sotoizumi groups in southwest Japan. Their morphological characteristics were investigated in this study. Morphotypes I–II were recognized inD. morozumii. Morphotypes III–V were recognized in D. awajiense. Morphotypes VI–VIII were recognized inP. sigmoidale. Moreover, all morphotypes were recognized in both the dextral and sinistral forms of these three species. Based on the morphological and stratigraphic relationships, it is considered that the evolutionary process of these species is divided into three steps: (1) shift from morphotypes I–II to III; (2) increase in variation from morphotypes III to III–V; and (3) shift from morphotypes III–V to VI–VIII. By comparing these morphotypes based on the ‘growing tube model’ belonging to the moving frame analysis, it is seen that there are no significant gaps of coiling patterns in the evolutionary processes of this lineage. Meanwhile, morphotypes III–V ofD. awajiensehave a larger morphological variation than morphotypes I–II ofD. morozumiiand morphotypes VI–VIII ofP. sigmoidale. These results, and the radiometric ages from previous studies, suggest thatD. awajiense, with considerable variation between ancestor and descendant species, existed in a short interval. It seems thatP. sigmoidaleoccurred after the continuous but rapid and drastic morphological evolution fromD. morozumiiviaD. awajiense.
Using qualitative behavior assessment to investigate the effect of tourist presence on the welfare in captive tigers (Panthera tigris) in three tourism facilities in Thailand
Authors: Erzinçlioğlu Tanya S. , Rutherford Kenny M. D.
Published: September 2023

Numerous facilities around the world offer tourists interactive experiences with captive tigers. Yet, the animal welfare implications of this practice have not been widely studied. This study aimed to investigate whether qualitative behavioral assessment (QBA) could: (i) provide a valid indicator of tiger's emotional state and (ii) be applied to assess whether unfamiliar human presence with hand‐raised captive tigers had an impact on the emotional state of those tigers. To investigate this, QBA was applied to video clips of hand‐raised captive tigers from three sites (two offering unfamiliar human interaction, Sites A and C, and one retirement site with no direct interactions, Site B) in Thailand. QBA allows inferences to be made about animal emotion on the basis of descriptions of behavioral expression. Analysis, using a free choice profiling methodology, was provided by observers (N = 38) split between three groups; tiger keepers and vets from the Thai venues (n = 12), UK‐based animal behavior MSc and vet students (n = 16), and international tiger keepers (n = 10). Tigers (N = 35) were split between Sites A (n = 7), B (n = 18), and C (n = 10) and filmed at three time points; morning (0800–0930 h); midday, (1130–1230 h); and evening, (1630–1830h) totaling 105 clips. Using generalized procrustes analysis, a consensus profile was calculated for each observer group. Two meaningful dimensions of behavioral expression, explaining 75.0% of the variation, were observed across these groups: Dimension 1 (D1: “active”/“interested”/“agitated” to “relaxed”/“calm”/“chilled‐out”) and Dimension 2 (D2: “bored”/“stressed”/“frustrated” to “relaxed”/“curious”/“interested”). There was clear agreement between the three observer groups in terms of tiger emotional expression along D1. However, agreement was more variable on D2. The behavioral expression on D1 was not significantly affected by site but was significantly affected by an interaction between age and time of day. Time of day also affected scores on D2, with the Thai observer group also showing an effect of site. During the midday period, when unfamiliar humans were present, all tiger age groups showed more positive behavioral expressions on D1 (lower scores: “relaxed”/“calm”/“chilled‐out”) and more negative behavioral expressions on D2 (higher scores: “bored”/“stressed”/“frustrated”), which could indicate that the presence of unfamiliar humans was a stressor. However, tigers in the retirement Site C also displayed similar behavioral expressions, which could indicate a deeper welfare issue. With further development, QBA could be used as part of a valid tool for long‐term measurement of behavioral expression in captive tigers.
Sex and Behavior
Authors: Würsig Bernd , Rich Jacquline , Orbach Dara N.
Published: September 2023

We provide a conceptual primer for sexual selection and conflict, mating systems, and socio-sexual behaviors and patterns among animals, largely with mammalian and cetacean examples. The important roles of mate choice are discussed (including female choice) and the occasional fluidity of sexual roles. An overview of topics pertinent to sex and behavior is described, including evolutionary drivers (the concept of “why sex after all?”) followed by general mammalian and cetacean mating strategies and tactics. We describe mating systems (monogamy, polygyny, polyandry, polygynandry) with the present understanding that most cetaceans do not have monogamous or polyandrous mating systems. The primer includes brief introductions to historical knowledge and highlights emerging areas of research within the field of sex in cetaceans, with context for other chapters of this book. As part of overall sexual behavior, alloparental care, female reproductive senescence, and non-procreative behaviors including homosexual and necrocoital mating are also introduced.
Sperm Whale Reproductive Strategies: Current Knowledge and Future Directions
Authors: Eguiguren Ana , Konrad Clarke Christine M. , Cantor Mauricio
Published: September 2023

Sperm whales’ reproductive strategies are centered around their extreme sexual dimorphism, both in morphology and behavior. Females are much smaller than males and are highly social. Females live in stable, matrilineally based social units with communal care of calves, including cooperative defense and allonursing. In contrast, male sperm whales are large nearly solitary nomads. Males disperse from their natal social unit and move toward the poles, where they eat and grow almost three times larger than females. Males’ great ranges span across and between ocean basins, allowing global genetic connectivity. As they rove the warm waters where females concentrate, mature males avoid each other; physical aggression on the breeding grounds is rarely observed. Instead, males may rely on powerful acoustic displays to establish dominance over potential competitors and provide females with an honest quality signal. Associations between sexually mature males and groups of females tend to be transitory. Disproportionate mating success of some males is suggested by evidence of paternal relatedness within female social units. Sperm whale mothers provide a substantial investment of time and energy to calves, resulting in the slowest reproductive rate among cetaceans. The peculiar characteristics of sperm whale mating systems reflect the evolutionary interplay between habitat structure, predation risk, sociality, and reproduction. A convergence of reproductive biology between sperm whales and African elephants likely results from similarities in these ecological pressures. Despite sperm whales being one of the most studied cetaceans, much remains unknown about their reproductive strategies. Most of what we know comes from whaling data and long-term observational and modeling studies. The rapid advances in technology for behavioral and physiological studies at sea can refine our understanding of these elusive deep-diving animals’ social, mating, and caring systems and the extent to which these vary across oceans.