bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of errors in death certification by medical officers in an acute hospital
Authors: Abeygunasekara Avindri , Ramasundara Malith
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To identify the frequency and types of errors in the Medical Certificate Cause of Death (MCCD) completed by hospital medical officers for deceased older patients.

Methods

Among 127 deaths in a tertiary hospital acute geriatric unit between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022, a cause of death was documented for 116 patients (mean age 87.8, SD 5.7 years, 47% female, 39% from a nursing home). The MCCD was evaluated for errors as compared to national guidelines based on five criteria: mechanism without underlying cause; competing causes; improper sequencing; incomplete data; and use of abbreviations. The level of training of the documenting medical officer and whether the MCCD was completed out of usual working hours was evaluated with respect to errors.

Results

At least one error was present in 60 (52%) of the MCCD evaluated, and there were two or more errors in 16 (14%). Most commonly, documenting competing causes of death was found in 45 (39%) of all MCCD, followed by missing data (10%) and improper sequencing (9%). MCCDs were mostly completed by postgraduate year (PGY) 1 or 2 medical officers (78%) and out‐of‐hours (in 72%). There was no significant difference in frequency of errors between junior and senior medical officers (p = 0.52) or if it was completed within or out‐of‐hours (p = 0.14).

Conclusions

The MCCD for deceased hospital patients often contained an error. Major improvement in the quality of death certification is needed among all medical officers.
Arsenic exposure and pruritus: Evidence from observational, interventional, and mendelian randomization studies
Authors: Huang Xiaoyan , Xiao Yi , Jing Danrong , Huang Yuzhou , Yang Songchun , Huang Zhijun , Yang Guoping , Duan Yanying , He Meian , Su Juan , Chen Mingliang , Chen Xiang , Shen Minxue
Published: May 2023

Background

Pruritus is identified as an adverse drug reaction to arsenic trioxide, but the association of arsenic exposure with pruritus has not been investigated.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in Shimen, China. A Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to confirm the causal relationship between genetically predicted percentages of monomethylated arsenic (MMA%) and dimethylated arsenic (DMA%) in urine with chronic pruritus in UK Biobank. A case–control study was then conducted to determine the biomarker for pruritus. Arsenite‐treated mice were used to confirm the biomarker, and von Frey test was used to induce scratching bouts. Last, a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted to test the efficacy of naloxone in arsenic‐exposed patients with pruritus in Shimen.

Results

Hair arsenic (μg/g) showed a dose–response relationship with the intensity of itch in 1079 participants, with odds ratios (OR) of 1.11 for moderate‐to‐severe itch (p = 0.012). The Mendelian randomization analysis confirmed the causal relationship, with ORs of 1.043 for MMA% (p = 0.029) and 0.904 for DMA% (p = 0.077) above versus under median. Serum β‐endorphin was identified as a significant biomarker for the intensity of itch (p < 0.001). Consistently, treatment with arsenite upregulated the level of β‐endorphin (p = 0.002) and induced scratching bouts (p < 0.001) in mice. The randomized controlled trial in 126 participants showed that treatment with sublingual naloxone significantly relieved the intensity of itch in arsenic‐exposed participants in 2 weeks (β = −0.98, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Arsenic exposure is associated with pruritus, and β‐endorphin serves as a biomarker of pruritus. Naloxone relieves pruritus in patients with arseniasis.
Review article: Functional dyspepsia and pregnancy—Effects and management in a special population
Authors: Liu Benjamin D. , Starkey Morgan , Virani Aleena , Pichette Sandra L. , Fass Shira , Song Gengqing
Published: May 2023

Background

Around 10% of Americans meet the Rome IV criteria for functional dyspepsia (FD), with a significantly higher rate in women. FD also has a higher prevalence in women below the age of 50, suggesting that women who are affected are likely to be of reproductive age. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research or evidence‐based guidelines on managing FD in pregnancy.

Aims and Methods

To address this issue, we aimed to perform a systematic review of the interactions between FD and pregnancy and managing pre‐existing FD in the peripartum and post‐partum phases using current lifestyle, pharmacological, non‐pharmacological and alternative medicine interventions.

Results

Due to the lack of Rome IV FD‐specific data in pregnancy, we instead performed a narrative review on how existing FD interventions could be extrapolated to the pregnant population. Where possible we use the highest level of available evidence or official guidelines to answer these questions, which often involves synthesising treatment and safety evidence of these interventions in other diseases during pregnancy. Finally, we highlight current substantial knowledge gaps requiring further research for the safe management of a pregnant patient with pre‐existing FD.

Conclusions

Overall, despite the paucity of knowledge of treating FD during pregnancy, providers can mitigate this uncertainty by planning ahead with the patient. Patients should ideally minimise treatment until after breastfeeding. However, interdisciplinary resources are available to ensure that minimal‐risk interventions are maximised, while interventions with more risks, if necessary, are justifiable by both the patient and the care team. Future investigations should continue to elicit the mechanistic relationship between FD and pregnancy while cautiously expanding prospective research on promising and safe therapies in pregnant patients with pre‐existing FD.
Neurogenesis in the regenerating tail of tsinling dwarf skinks (Scincella tsinlingensis)
Authors: Yang Chun , Sun Jinyu , Kou Zhaoting , Liu Bo
Published: May 2023

Spinal ganglia and peripheral nerves innervate the regenerating tail and muscles of lizards, which provide new opportunities to probe the mechanisms leading to successful functional recovery following spinal cord injury. The regenerated spinal cord and peripheral nerves were detected using immunohistochemistry in original and regenerating tails of Scincella tsinlingensis. Our results showed that positive PCNA, GFAP and SOX2 cells were observed in the ependymal ducts at 15 and 30 days after the autotomy (dpa), with a small number of immunopositive NSE neurons. GFAP and SOX2 positive cells were primarily localized along the regenerated spinal cord after 45 dpa, and the descending nerve of medulla tissue showed positive NSE. Peripheral axons distributed around the muscle and inside the connective tissue and muscle tissue at 15 dpa. The number of axons decreased after 30 dpa. The peripheral axons was mainly distributed between the connective tissue, muscle group and the muscle and epidermis, presenting a radial distribution centred on the cartilage tube at 120 dpa. MBP myelination labelling of the regenerated tail at 30 dpa revealed that the regenerated axons rapidly myelinated along the rostro‐caudal axis. The density of NMJ significantly increased at 120 dpa and 250 dpa. In the second regenerated tails, NMJ density at 250 dpa was still greater than original tails. Overall, these results indicated that neurogenesis was an early event and the ependymal cells were heterogeneous in the regenerated spinal cord of S. tsinlingensis. The regenerated peripheral axons presented a radial distribution centred on the cartilage canal, and the regenerated axons were rapidly myelinated along the rostro‐caudal axis. During the process of regeneration, there were a large number of regenerated neuromuscular joints with high density.
Out of steady state: Tracking canopy gap dynamics across Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Gorgens Eric Bastos , Keller Michael , Jackson Toby , Marra Daniel Magnabosco , Reis Cristiano Rodrigues , de Almeida Danilo Roberti Alves , Coomes David , Ometto Jean Pierre
Published: May 2023

Canopy gaps are evidence of disturbances on forest landscapes. A forest stand is in constant flux, with long stretches of biomass accumulation punctuated by episodic disturbances. We used multitemporal airborne laser scanning data to compare the gap dynamics of four Amazon forest sites. We assessed gap dynamics over 1.9–3.8 years between 2017 and 2020 at sites in the central, central eastern, southeastern, and northeastern regions of the Brazilian Amazon, over areas ranging from 590 to 1205 ha at each site. Gap size ranged from a minimum of 10 m2 to a maximum of about 10,000 m2. We analyzed four stages of gap dynamics: formation, expansion, persistence, and recovery based on two consecutive airborne laser scanning surveys. The gap fraction at our study sites varied between 1.26% and 7.84%. All the sites have similar proportion of gaps among gap size classes. What notably differed among sites was not the gap size‐distribution, but the relative importance of stages of gap dynamics. Expansion and persistence rates ranged from 12 to 118 m2 ha−1. The gap formation rate (formation + expansion) was lower than the recovery rate for three of the four study sites. In contrast, the southeastern site has 1.44 times more area in formation and expansion compared to gap recovery. Over the 2–4 years interval of our study, no site was close to steady state. Multitemporal analyses of large areas over many years are needed to improve our understanding of tropical forest dynamics.
Executive functioning skills and their environmental predictors among pre‐school aged children in South Africa and The Gambia
Authors: Milosavljevic Bosiljka , Cook Caylee J. , Fadera Tijan , Ghillia Giulia , Howard Steven J. , Makaula Hleliwe , Mbye Ebrima , McCann Samantha , Merkley Rebecca , Mshudulu Mbulelo , Saidykhan Mariama , Touray Ebou , Tshetu Nosibusiso , Elwell Clare , Moore Sophie E. , Scerif Gaia , Draper Catherine E. , Lloyd‐Fox Sarah
Published: May 2023

Executive functions (EFs) in early childhood are predictors of later developmental outcomes and school readiness. Much of the research on EFs and their psychosocial correlates has been conducted in high‐income, minority world countries, which represent a small and biased portion of children globally. The aim of this study is to examine EFs among children aged 3–5 years in two African countries, South Africa (SA) and The Gambia (GM), and to explore shared and distinct predictors of EFs in these settings. The SA sample (N = 243, 51.9% female) was recruited from low‐income communities within the Cape Town Metropolitan area. In GM, participants (N = 171, 49.7% female) were recruited from the rural West Kiang region. EFs, working memory (WM), inhibitory control (IC) and cognitive flexibility (CF), were measured using tablet‐based tasks. Associations between EF task performance and indicators of socioeconomic status (household assets, caregiver education) and family enrichment factors (enrichment activities, diversity of caregivers) were assessed. Participants in SA scored higher on all EF tasks, but children in both sites predominantly scored within the expected range for their age. There were no associations between EFs and household or familial variables in SA, except for a trend‐level association between caregiver education and CF. Patterns were similar in GM, where there was a trend‐level association between WM and enrichment activities but no other relationships. We challenge the postulation that children in low‐income settings have poorer EFs, simply due to lower socioeconomic status, but highlight the need to identify predictors of EFs in diverse, global settings.

Research Highlights

Assessed Executive Functioning (EF) skills and their psychosocial predictors among pre‐school aged children (aged 3–5 years) in two African settings (The Gambia and South Africa).

On average, children within each setting performed within the expected range for their age, although children in South Africa had higher scores across tasks.

There was little evidence of any association between socioeconomic variables and EFs in either site.

Enrichment activities were marginally associated with better working memory in The Gambia, and caregiver education with cognitive flexibility in South Africa, both associations were trend‐level significance.
Molecular functions of the double‐sided and inverted ubiquitin‐interacting motif found in Xenopus tropicalis cryptochrome 6
Authors: Okano Keiko , Otsuka Hiroaki , Nakagawa Marika , Okano Toshiyuki
Published: May 2023

Cryptochromes (CRYs) are multifunctional molecules that act as a circadian clock oscillating factor, a blue‐light sensor, and a light‐driven magnetoreceptor. Cry genes are classified into several groups based on the evolutionary relationships. Cryptochrome 6 gene (Cry6) is present in invertebrates and lower vertebrates such as amphibians and fishes. Here we identified a Cry6 ortholog in Xenopus tropicalis (XtCry6). XtCRY6 retains a conserved long N‐terminal extension (termed CRY N‐terminal extension; CNE) that is not found in any CRY in the other groups. A structural prediction suggested that CNE contained unique structures; a tetrahelical fold structure topologically related to KaiA/RbsU domain, overlapping nuclear‐ and nucleolar‐localizing signals (NLS/NoLS), and a novel motif (termed DI‐UIM) overlapping a double‐sided ubiquitin‐interacting motif (DUIM) and an inverted ubiquitin‐interacting motif (IUIM). Potential activities of the NLS/NoLS and DI‐UIM were examined to infer the molecular function of XtCRY6. GFP‐NLS/NoLS fusion protein exogenously expressed in HEK293 cells was mostly observed in the nucleolus, while GFP‐XtCRY6 was observed in the cytoplasm. A glutathione S‐transferase (GST) pull‐down assay suggested that the DI‐UIM physically interacts with polyubiquitin. Consistently, protein docking simulations implied that XtCRY6 DI‐UIM binds two ubiquitin molecules in a relationship of a twofold rotational symmetry with the symmetry axis parallel or perpendicular to the DI‐UIM helix. These results strongly suggested that XtCRY6 does not function as a circadian transcriptional repressor and that it might have another function such as photoreceptive molecule regulating light‐dependent protein degradation or gene expression through a CNE‐mediated interaction with ubiquitinated proteins in the cytoplasm and/or nucleolus.
Development of the Cold Agglutinin Disease Symptoms and Impact Questionnaire (CAD‐SIQ)
Authors: Joly Florence , DasMahapatra Pronabesh , DiBenedetti Dana B. , Kosa Katherine , Hill Quentin A.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia. This study aimed to identify disease‐related symptoms and impacts important to patients with CAD, and to develop a novel CAD‐specific patient‐reported outcome measure.

Methods

Adults with CAD were randomly selected from a United States patient panel to participate in concept elicitation (CE) interviews to identify important symptoms and impacts or cognitive debriefing (CD) interviews to assess the comprehension and relevance of the draft item set.

Results

Overall, 37 adults were included (mean [range] age 67.2 [35–87] years). In CE interviews (n = 16), the most frequently reported CAD‐related symptoms were reactions to cold environments and fatigue (both 93.8%). CAD had negative impacts on enjoyable activities (81.3%) and daily activities (75.0%). Following CE, standard survey methodological principles were used to develop a draft item pool of 14 concepts. Items were refined through three iterative rounds of CD interviews (n = 21), yielding 11 final items: fatigue; cold sensitivity; dyspnea; wearing extra clothing; limited physical, social, and enjoyable activities; difficulty with usual activities; mood; frustration; and anxiety/stress.

Conclusions

The novel 11‐item CAD‐Symptoms and Impact Questionnaire provides a measure of the symptoms and impacts of CAD that are important to patients.
Environmental quality mediates the ecological dominance of cooperatively breeding birds
Authors: Lin Yu‐Heng , Chen Ying‐Yu , Rubenstein Dustin R. , Liu Ming , Liu Mark , Shen Sheng‐Feng
Published: May 2023

Although social species as diverse as humans and ants are among the most abundant organisms on Earth, animals cooperate and form groups for many reasons. How these different reasons for grouping affect a species' ecological dominance remains unknown. Here we use a theoretical model to demonstrate that the different fitness benefits that animals receive by forming groups depend on the quality of their environment, which in turn impacts their ecological dominance and resilience to global change. We then test the model's key predictions using phylogenetic comparative analysis of >6500 bird species. As predicted, we find that cooperative breeders occurring in harsh and fluctuating environments have larger ranges and greater abundances than non‐cooperative breeders, but cooperative breeders occurring in benign and stable environments do not. Using our model, we further show that social species living in harsh and fluctuating environments will be less vulnerable to climate change than non‐social species.
Different aspects of vocabulary depth knowledge in L2 Chinese reading comprehension: Comparing higher‐ and lower‐proficiency readers
Authors: Chen Tianxu , Zhang Dongbo
Published: May 2023

Grammatical and vocabulary knowledge (i.e., breadth and depth) are widely acknowledged as key predictors of reading comprehension in a second language (L2). However, it remains unclear how different aspects of vocabulary depth may independently contribute to L2 reading comprehension and how learners' proficiency may moderate the relative contributions of vocabulary knowledge. Based on the Lexical Quality Hypothesis and the Reading Systems Framework, this study investigated 238 L2 Chinese learners who were college‐level students in China, using a set of reading‐related tasks. The results showed that (1) vocabulary breadth and grammatical knowledge independently contributed to L2 reading comprehension with grammatical knowledge being a more deciding factor; (2) different aspects of vocabulary depth (i.e., polysemy and synonymy), over and above vocabulary breadth and grammatical knowledge, played an independent role; and (3) more importantly, lower‐proficiency learners relied more on vocabulary breadth whereas higher‐proficiency learners made more use of vocabulary depth during text‐level comprehension.
Different approaches, similar results: Preparing foreign language teachers to implement high‐leverage teaching practices
Authors: Kissau Scott , Davin Kristin J. , Haudeck Helga , Wang Chuang
Published: May 2023

Research has identified 10 high‐leverage teaching practices (HLTPs) that can impact student learning of a foreign language. While acknowledging the importance of this work, more research is needed to inform the preparation of novice teachers to enact these practices. In response, the researchers conducted a case study involving two foreign language teacher preparation programs in the United States and Germany, to better understand how the two very different programs prepare their candidates to implement HLTPs, which HLTPs are emphasized, and how successful they are at preparing their aspiring teachers to implement one practice that has been identified in the research as particularly important (facilitating target language comprehensibility). Survey, teaching observation, and interview data collected from teacher candidates and their instructors suggested the critical nature of select HLTPs, that some of the subcomponents of one of these practices may be more challenging for novice teachers to master than others, and that there may be multiple approaches to preparing foreign language teachers to implement HLTPs.
Adapting Patient and Public Involvement processes in response to the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Snowdon Claire , Silver Elizabeth , Charlton Paul , Devlin Brian , Greenwood Emma , Hutchings Andrew , Moug Susan , Vohra Ravinder , Grieve Richard
Published: May 2023

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic brought rapid and major changes to research, and those wishing to carry out Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) activities faced challenges, such as restrictions on movement and contact, illness, bereavement and risks to potential participants. Some researchers moved PPI to online settings during this time but remote consultations raise, as well as address, a number of challenges. It is important to learn from PPI undertaken in this period as face‐to‐face consultation may no longer be the dominant method for PPI.

Methods

UK stay‐at‐home measures announced in March 2020 necessitated immediate revisions to the intended face‐to‐face methods of PPI consultation for the ESORT Study, which evaluated emergency surgery for patients with common acute conditions. PPI plans and methods were modified to all components being online. We describe and reflect on: initial plans and adaptation; recruitment; training and preparation; implementation, contextualisation and interpretation. Through first‐hand accounts we show how the PPI processes were developed, experienced and viewed by different partners in the process.

Discussion and Conclusions

While concerns have been expressed about the possible limiting effects of forgoing face‐to‐face contact with PPI partners, we found important benefits from the altered dynamic of the online PPI environment. There were increased opportunities for participation which might encourage the involvement of a broader demographic, and unexpected benefits in that the online platform seemed to have a ‘democratising’ effect on the meetings, to the benefit of the PPI processes and outcomes. Other studies may however find that their particular research context raises particular challenges for the use of online methods, especially in relation to representation and inclusion, as new barriers to participation may be raised. It is important that methodological challenges are addressed, and researchers provide detailed examples of novel methods for discussion and empirical study.

Patient and Public Contribution

We report a process which involved people with lived experience of emergency conditions and members of the public. A patient member was involved in the design and implementation, and two patients with lived experience contributed to the manuscript.
‘Lifts your spirits, lifts your mind’: A co‐produced mixed‐methods exploration of the benefits of green and blue spaces for mental wellbeing
Authors: McCartan Claire , Davidson Gavin , Bradley Liam , Greer Katherine , Knifton Lee , Mulholland Aodán , Webb Paul , White Chris
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Mental health problems are a considerable public health issue and spending time in nature has been promoted as a way to access a range of psychological benefits leading to the development of nature‐based interventions for people with severe and enduring mental health problems. Less, however, is understood about the potential benefits and efficacy of day‐to‐day routine access to outdoor green and blue spaces for mental health service users.

Methods

Using a mixed‐methods design between April and October 2021, we explored the benefits and barriers to spending time outdoors with a purposive sample of mental health service users (N = 11) using qualitative interviews and an online general population survey (N = 1791). Qualitative evidence highlighted the restorative benefits of nature and identified a number of barriers associated with fears around personal safety, social anxiety, fatigue and lack of motivation. COVID‐19 had also restricted access to green and blue spaces. Having social contact and support encouraged people to spend time outdoors. In the quantitative survey, self‐report and standardised measures (the Patient Health Questionnaire and the Warwick–Edinburgh Wellbeing Scale) were used to assess past and current mental wellbeing.

Findings

Statistically significant differences were found between wellbeing and the use of green and blue spaces. Those with mental health problems spent time outdoors because they: felt guilty; wanted to reduce their anxiety; or rely on someone for encouragement. Those without mental health problems endorsed more positively framed reasons including relaxation, improving physical health or getting exercise. Barriers for people with mental health problems involved safety concerns, feeling anxious and having a poor self‐image. These findings give insight into motivations for an outdoor activity to help inform the design of public mental health interventions.

Conclusion

Further work is required to improve access and safety to promote the benefits of green and blue spaces for everyone.

Patient or Public Contribution

The research team included expert experienced researchers with a mental health service provider (Praxis Care) and they were involved in the development of the research idea, funding application, design, data collection, analysis, writing up and dissemination activities.
Population genetic structure associated with a landscape barrier in the Western Grasswren (Amytornis textilis textilis)
Authors: Gibson Vega Aline , Hall Michelle L. , Ridley Amanda , Cowen Saul J. , Slender Amy L. , Burbidge Allan H. , Louter Marina , Kennington W. Jason
Published: May 2023

Dispersal patterns can dictate genetic population structure and, ultimately, population resilience, through maintaining gene flow and genetic diversity. However, geographical landforms, such as peninsulas, can impact dispersal patterns and thus be a barrier to gene flow. Here, we use 13 375 genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to evaluate genetic population structure and infer dispersal patterns of the Western Grasswren Amytornis textilis textilis (WGW, n = 140) in the Shark Bay region of Western Australia. We found high levels of genetic divergence between subpopulations on the mainland (Hamelin) and narrow peninsula (Peron). In addition, we found evidence of further genetic sub‐structuring within the Hamelin subpopulation, with individuals collected from the western and eastern regions of a conservation reserve forming separate genetic clusters. Spatial autocorrelation analysis within each subpopulation revealed significant local‐scale genetic structure up to 35 km at Hamelin and 20 km at Peron. In addition, there was evidence of male philopatry in both subpopulations. Our results suggest a narrow strip of land may be acting as a geographical barrier in the WGW, limiting dispersal between a peninsula and mainland subpopulation. In addition, heterogeneous habitat within Hamelin may be restricting dispersal at the local scale. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that the limited gene flow is asymmetrical, with directional dispersal occurring from the bounded peninsula subpopulation to the mainland. This study highlights the genetic structure existing within and between some of the few remaining WGW subpopulations, and shows a need to place equal importance on conservation efforts to maintain them in the future.
Feasibility study on electrically conductive joining of MoSi2 electrodes for spark plugs
Authors: Gruber Manuel , Tilz Anton , Harrer Walter , Papsik Roman , Fimml Wolfgang , Engelmayer Michael
Published: May 2023

Despite the often outstanding functional as well as (high temperature‐) mechanical properties of ceramics, their usage is often limited due to their inherent brittleness. This also compromises the joining with metals, which is often indispensable for engineering applications. In this context, electrically conductive ceramics like MoSi2 are promising materials for the application as electrodes where high temperatures in harsh environments are present (e.g., in spark plugs for large gas engines). Due to the difficult joining of the respective materials, long‐term experiments are thereby often still pending. In this work, adhesive bonding, brazing, tungsten inert gas‐, and resistance welding were performed to evaluate their applicability for generating electrically conductive as well as mechanically reliable joints between MoSi2 and Inconel 600, aiming to utilize MoSi2 electrodes in spark plugs. Fractographic analyses are performed to understand cracks associated with the high (thermo‐) mechanical stresses. Additionally, a finite element model was set up for a deeper understanding of the observed fracture behavior. While adhesive bonding is acceptable for short‐term experiments at low temperatures, brazing and resistance welding may qualify for fast and reliable manufacturing of spark plugs with ceramic electrodes.
L2 writing as a scaffold for L2 speaking accuracy
Authors: Sletova Natalia
Published: May 2023

Although second language (L2) writing is a popular topic among SLA researchers, the fact that L2 writing has the potential to act as a scaffold for L2 speaking accuracy is often overlooked. This study's objective was to provide empirical evidence that L2 writing can be used to improve accuracy of L2 oral discourse. Twenty‐three Novice and 21 Intermediate university learners of Russian participated in the study. They completed a text reconstruction task by working with the original text to “notice the gap” using both written and spoken modes of recall. Both written and spoken forms of recall provided sufficient opportunity for improving lexical diversity of produced texts with both Novice and Intermediate learners and, additionally, for improving semantic accuracy with Intermediate learners. Only the Novice and Intermediate learners working with the written text as recall showed improvement in their speaking accuracy, however. Further research to investigate ways of incorporating written texts and tasks in communicative classroom activities is warranted.

Письменные навыки в иностранном языке как инструмент для улучшения аккуратности разговорной речи.

АННОТАЦИЯ

Несмотря на то, что письменные навыки в иностранном языке являются популярной темой среди исследователей, тот факт, что практика письма на иностранном языке имеет потенциал улучшить аккуратность устной речи, часто упускается вниманием. Цель данного исследования заключалась в предоставлении эмпирических данных о том, что навыки письма на иностранном языке могут использоваться для улучшения аккуратности устного дискурса. В исследовании приняли участие двадцать три ученика русского языка как иностранного начинающего уровня и двадцать один—среднего уровня. Они выполнили задание, включающее в себя письменную и устную реконструкцию текста и последующую работу с оригинальным текстом с целью обнаружения ошибок и их исправления. Использование как письменной, так и устной формы для реконструкции текста обеспечило улучшение лексического разнообразия произведенных текстов как для учеников начинающего уровня, так и для учеников среднего уровня, а также для повышения семантической аккуратности у учеников среднего уровня. Однако только ученики начинающего и среднего уровня, работающие с текстом в письменном виде, продемонстрировали улучшение в аккуратности устного дискурса. По результатам эксперимента, необходимы дальнейшие исследования по использованию письменных текстов и заданий в коммуникативных классах.
Acetylcholine titre regulation by non‐neuronal acetylcholinesterase 1 and its putative roles in honey bee physiology
Authors: Kim Sanghyeon , Seong Keon Mook , Lee Si Hyeock
Published: May 2023

Similar to other insects, honey bees have two acetylcholinesterases (AChEs), AmAChE1 and AmAChE2. The primary catalytic enzyme for acetylcholine (ACh) hydrolysis in synapses is AmAChE2, which is predominantly expressed in neuronal tissues, whereas AmAChE1 is expressed in both neuronal and non‐neuronal tissues, with limited catalytic activity. Unlike constitutively expressed AmAChE2, AmAChE1 expression is induced under stressful conditions such as heat shock and brood rearing suppression, but its role in regulating ACh titre remains unclear. In this paper, to elucidate the role of AmAChE1, the expression of AmAChE1 was suppressed via RNA interference (RNAi) in AmAChE1‐induced worker bees. The ACh titre measurement following RNAi revealed that the expression of AmAChE1 downregulated the overall ACh titre in all tissues examined without altering AmAChE2 expression. Transcriptome analysis showed that AmAChE1 knockdown upregulated protein biosynthesis, cell respiration, and thermogenesis in the head. These findings suggest that AmAChE1 is involved in decreasing neuronal activity, enhancing energy conservation, and potentially extending longevity under stressful conditions via ACh titre regulation.
Nonlethally assessing elasmobranch ontogenetic shifts in energetics
Authors: Wheeler Carolyn R. , Irschick Duncan J. , Mandelman John W. , Rummer Jodie L.
Published: May 2023

Body condition is an important proxy for the overall health and energetic status of fishes. The classically used Fulton's condition factor requires length and mass measurements, but mass can be difficult to obtain in large species. Girth measurements can replace mass for wild pelagic sharks. However, girth‐calculated condition has not been validated against Fulton's condition factor intraspecifically, across ontogeny or reproduction, or in a controlled setting. We used the epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum), because they are amenable to captive reproduction, to track fine‐scale body condition changes across life stages, oviparous reproduction and between condition indices. We measured four girths, total length and mass of 16 captive epaulette sharks across 1 year and tracked female reproduction daily. We also collected length and mass data from an additional 72 wild‐caught sharks and 155 sharks from five previous studies and two public aquaria to examine the relationship between length and mass for this species. Even though data were derived from a variety of sources, a predictable length–mass relationship (R2 = 0.990) was achievable, indicating that combining data from a variety of sources could help overcome knowledge gaps regarding basic life history characteristics. We also found that condition factor decreased during early life stages, then increased again into adulthood, with predictable changes across the female reproductive cycle. Finally, we determined that both Fulton's and girth condition analyses were comparable. Outcomes from this study uniquely provide body condition changes across the complete life history, including fine‐scale female reproductive stages, and validate the use of girths as a nonlethal whole‐organism energetic assessment for fishes.
Risk factors for sessile serrated lesions among Chinese patients undergoing colonoscopy
Authors: Zhang Ru , Ni Yunbi , Guo Cosmos LT , Lui Rashid NS , Wu William KK , Sung Joseph JY , Wong Vincent WS , Wong Sunny H
Published: May 2023

Background and Aim

Serrated polyps have been recognized as a premalignant lesion accounting for a significant proportion of colorectal cancer. Limited data are available regarding the risk factors for colorectal sessile serrated lesions (SSLs). We aimed to investigate clinical risk factors of SSLs and compared them with colorectal adenomas in a study population of Chinese individuals.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study was performed in an academic tertiary‐referral center in Hong Kong. Subjects with SSLs and adenomas were identified from the hospital pathology database from January 2010 to December 2020, and additional clinical data were retrieved from the electronic patient record system. We compared clinical features and risk factors of SSL patients with those without these lesions.

Results

A total of 2295 subjects were included in the study, including 459 subjects with SSLs, 918 subjects with adenomas, and 918 subjects with normal colonoscopy. By multivariable logistic regression, compared with normal subjects, patients with SSLs only were significantly more likely to have dyslipidemia (adjusted OR: 1.431, 95% CI 1.008–2.030) and diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR: 2.119, 95% CI 1.439–3.122).

Conclusions

Dyslipidemia and diabetes were independent risk factors for SSLs. Our findings suggest these metabolic factors may be important for the risk of SSLs. The findings may improve our understanding of SSLs and shed light on patient selection for screening and risk stratification.
KNDyneurones andGnRH/LHpulse generation: Current understanding and future aspects
Authors: Uenoyama Yoshihisa , Tsukamura Hiroko
Published: May 2023

Uncovering the central mechanism underlying mammalian reproduction is warranted to develop new therapeutic approaches for reproductive disorders in humans and domestic animals. The present study focused on the role of arcuate kisspeptin neurones (also known as KNDy neurones) as an intrinsic gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generator, which plays a fundamental role in mammalian reproduction via the stimulation of pituitary gonadotropin synthesis and release and thereby in gametogenesis and steroidogenesis in the gonads of mammals. We also discuss the mechanism that inhibits pulsatile GnRH/gonadotropin release under a negative energy balance, considering that reproductive disorders often occur during malnutrition in humans and livestock.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of a hyaluronic acid dermal filler based on Tri‐Hyal technology on restoration of midface volume
Authors: Kestemont Philippe , Fanian Ferial , Garcia Philippe , Grand‐Vincent Anne , Benadiba Laurent , Delmar Henry , Bodokh Isaac , Brun Patrick , Braccini Frédéric , Desouches Christophe , Paris Jérôme , Nadra Karim , Salomon Catherine , Trevidic Patrick
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Art Filler Volume (AFV) is a hyaluronic acid (HA)‐based filler formulated with “Tri‐Hyal” technology, a unique combination of three sizes of HA chains. This study assessed AFV efficacy and safety over 18 months when used to restore midface volume.

Methods

During this open‐label study, a maximum of 1.8 mL AFV was injected into each cheek area on Day 0 (D0). Subjects were evaluated at D21, when, if necessary, a retouch could be performed (maximum 1.2 mL per cheek). Subjects were evaluated at seven follow‐up visits through to D540. The primary assessment was based on the evolution of the Medicis Midface Volume Scale (MMVS) grade on D21. Secondary outcomes were local and general adverse events, investigator‐ and subject‐assessed Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores and changes in self‐esteem.

Results

Of the 79 healthy Caucasians enrolled (mean age 54.8 years), 25 required a second injection. In the intention‐to‐treat population, mean overall MMVS scores improved significantly from D0 (3.2 ± 0.4) to D21 (1.8 ± 0.6) and D42 (1.7 ± 0.6) (all p < 0.0001). MMVS scores for each cheek also improved significantly, irrespective of retouch on D21: 22% of injections showed a persistent benefit at D540 without retouch. The most common adverse events were pain on palpation (19%), erythema (15%) and edema (13%); most were mild or moderate and resolved within 2 weeks.

Conclusion

AFV produces a sustained objective and subjective midface volume restoration in female and male subjects, often without retouching, and was well tolerated.
Translating Buen Vivir: Latin American Indigenous Cultures, Stadial Development, and Comparative Religious Ethics
Authors: Lantigua David
Published: May 2023

This article considers the methodological limits and possibilities of a cultural turn in comparative religious ethics by “translating” the Latin American Indigenous meanings of buen vivir (living well), a subsistent mode of interdependent flourishing resistant to Western models of extractive development amid the Anthropocene. It problematizes the methodological challenge of translating Indigenous cultures from within a Western colonial political economy that has historically relegated Indigenous Americans to the primitive level of savage inferiority according to a stadial theory of socioeconomic development. However, constructive methodological options for translating Indigenous cultures emerge from the Journal of Religious Ethics's existing conversations about comparative religious ethics. On the one hand, recent critical anthropology and ethnography, abetted by intellectual history, provide tools for ethicists in the recovery of Indigenous critiques and meanings against longstanding Western cultural patterns. On the other hand, nativizing the concept of the religious classic thematizes the normative dimensions of Indigenous cultures, demonstrating how the translation of buen vivir points to intercultural dialogue rather than cooptation and manipulation.
The nutritional strategy of European rabbits is affected by age and sex: Females eat more and have better nutrient optimisation
Authors: Marín‐García Pablo‐Jesús , Llobat Lola , Aguayo‐Adán Juan Antonio , Larsen Torben , Cambra‐López María , Blas Enrique , Pascual Juan José , Rouco Carlos
Published: May 2023

The ecological interest in the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has grown since it was declared an endangered species. Nutrition is fundamental in its dispersion and the key to its success. This is the main reason why knowledge of their nutritional preferences/requirements could play a fundamental role in rabbit biology and, therefore, in their conservation. The objectives of the work will be to elucidate how age and sex affect both nutritional preferences/requirements, and the nutrient optimisation of European rabbits. To address this gap, 70 wild European rabbits were studied. The rabbits were divided according to their age: adult (n = 43) and young (n = 27). Two groups were differentiated according to the adult rabbits' sex: females (n = 28) and males (n = 15). We analysed the relative (%) and absolute (g) chemical composition of the rabbits' gastric contents: dry matter (DM), ashes (ASH), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), and lignin, hemicelluloses and celluloses, highly digestible nonnitrogenous nutrients (HDNN: fat, starch, and soluble fibre), well from the blood was analysed with plasmatic urea nitrogen (PUN), nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) and glucose (GLU). As a nutrient optimisation measure, the following indices between blood metabolites and stomach content were calculated: PUN/CP total content, NEFA/DM total content and GLU/DM total content ratios. Our works showed that age and sex affected the nutritional strategy of rabbits. Regarding age: adults showed lower CP (−14%; p = 0.0217) and higher HDNN (+21%; p = 0.0399) relative content than young rabbits, and absolute amount of most nutrients: DM (+59%; p = 0.001), OM (+43%; p = 0.0049), ASH (+54%; p = 0.0085), Hemicelluloses (+73%; p = 0.0084), Cellulose (+27%; p = 0.0452), and HDNN (+63%; p = 0.0012). In addition, adults showed better nutrient optimisation. Sex did not affect the relative chemical composition of the gastric content, but it showed a clear higher gastric content by females (+85%; p < 0.0001) and higher intake of most of the absolute chemical components: DM (+64%; p < 0.001), CP (+56%; p = 0.0005), OM (+58%; p = 0.0001), ASH (+44%; p = 0.0123), HDNN (+39%; p = 0.001), NDF (+59%; p = 0.001), ADF (+64%; p = 0.0003), lignin (+82%; p = 0.0036) and cellulose (+58%; p = 0.0002). Finally, we observed that females had better nutrient optimisation than males. This works supports the idea that feeding ecology and nutrition are particularly relevant to reproductive success and fitness in wild animals.
Effect of Brazilian spinach (Alternanthera sissoo) pellet supplementation and dietary ratios on rumen characteristics, microorganisms, methane production, milk yield, and milk composition in dairy cows
Authors: Sommai Sukruthai , Wanapat Metha , Prachumchai Rittikeard , Cherdthong Anusorn
Published: May 2023

The aim of the previous research was to evaluate the effects of Brazilian spinach pellet (BSP) supplementation and dietary ratios on rumen characteristics, methane estimation, and milk production in dairy cows. Four crossbred Thai dairy cattle, with Holstein Friesian (HF) cows with a body weight of 442 ± 50 kg were assessed in a 2 × 2 factorial in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to obtain diets; factor A was the roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratio at 40:60 and 30:70, and factor B was level of BSP supplantation at 2% and 6% of dry matter (basis) intake (DMI). R:C ratio and supplementation of BSP had no interaction effect on DMI and nutrient digestibility. On DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake, the R:C ratio increased (p < 0.05). The digestibility of OM improved (p < 0.05) when cows were fed a R:C ratio of 30:70. On pH, ammonia‐nitrogen, protozoal population, and blood urea‐nitrogen, there were no interactions between the R:C ratio and BSP supplementation. Increasing the BSP supplementation to 6% (p < 0.01) decreased the protozoal population. The R:C ratio of 30:70 increased total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and propionate (C3) concentrations while decreasing the acetate (C2) to C3 ratio and methane (CH4) estimation (p < 0.01). The average concentration of total VFA has increased by 114.46 mmol/L for 6% of BSP supplementation. Increased BSP supplementation increased the C3 concentration while decreasing the C2:C3 ratio and CH4 emissions (p < 0.05). The R:C ratio and BSP supplementation had no interaction effect on milk yield, 3.5% fat‐corrected milk (FCM), or milk composition. The R:C ratio of 30:70 increased milk yield (p < 0.05) to the highest level of 12.18 kg/day. In conclusion, the diet containing a R:C ratio of 30:70 increased feed intake, milk yield, BUN, total VFA, and C3 concentration, and decreased the C2:C3 ratio and CH4 emission. BSP supplementation at 6% could increase TVFA and C3 concentrations while decreasing the protozoal population and CH4 estimation.
Adolescents’ Change in Motivation as a Result of Buddhist Education: How Does It Make a Difference in Their Learning Outcomes?
Authors: Tan Le Loc
Published: May 2023

Motivation significantly influences students’ learning outcomes. Changing their learning motivation improves their performance. This study used an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach, with the participation of 140 adolescents attending retreats at three Zen monasteries belonging to the Truc Lam (Bamboo Forest) Zen sect, to examine how they changed their motivation, what made them change, and how the change improved their learning outcomes. The study also evaluated the effect of gender and age on changes in motivation. The results indicated that many teenagers had changed from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation thanks to Dharma lessons, teacher support, and leisure activities. Compared to students who maintained their extrinsic motivation unchanged, they had better learning outcomes. Age, but not gender, had a considerable effect on changes in teenagers’ motivation. These findings provide more evidence for extending Buddhist education and conducting further research on young Buddhist learners’ motivation in various contexts.