bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta‐analysis: Intestinal ultrasound to evaluate colonic contents and constipation
Authors: Mathias R. M. , Chu M. K. W. , Edwards S. , Day A. S. , Ma C. , Jairath V. , Bryant R. V.
Published: May 2024

Background

Constipation can be diagnosed clinically using the Rome criteria. Ultrasound (US), which lacks the radiation exposure of conventional X‐ray, holds promise as a non‐invasive tool to evaluate colonic contents and constipation.

Aim

To examine the role of US in the assessment of constipation.

Methods

We performed a systematic search of Embase (OVID, 1984), Medline (Ovid, 1946), Cochrane Central, ClinicalTrials.gov and Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry from database inception to 26 January 2024 according to PRISMA guidelines and prospectively registered with PROSPERO. All studies using US to assess constipation or colonic contents in either adults or children were included. Rectal diameter measurements were pooled in meta‐analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scales and Joanna Briggs Institute checklists.

Results

Of 12,232 studies screened, 51 articles (6084 patients; 3422 children) describing US to assess symptoms in patients with constipation were included. Most studies used Rome criteria to diagnose constipation. Rectal diameter was associated with clinical constipation in 29 paediatric studies (3331 patients). Meta‐analysis showed the mean rectal diameter of constipated patients was significantly higher than controls (mean difference 12 mm, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 6.48, 17.93, p < 0.0001, n = 16 studies). Other features of constipation on US included posterior acoustic shadowing and echogenicity of luminal contents.

Conclusion

US is an appealing imaging modality to assess luminal contents and constipation. Further well‐designed studies are required to validate US metrics that accurately identify constipation.
Neonatal ventriculomegaly: Pathophysiology and management guided with cranial ultrasonography
Authors: Bravo Maria Carmen , Lubian Simón , Horsch Sandra , Cabañas Fernando , de Vries Linda S. ,   the EurUS.Brain group
Published: May 2024

Neonatal ventriculomegaly often, but not always, follows intraventricular haemorrhage in infants born preterm. Serial cranial ultrasonography (CUS) is a very useful tool to evaluate the mechanism behind ventricular dilatation, to differentiate several types of cerebrospinal fluid retention, and to guide treatment. This review examines neonatal ventriculomegaly and its definition, pathophysiology, treatment, and prognosis from the perspective of CUS assessment. It also outlines the consensus statements formulated by the EurUS.Brain group, which are based on rounds of expert opinions on neonatal ventriculomegaly management, detailing the need and timing of ventricular access device placement, in the context of posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilation. The pathophysiology of neonatal ventriculomegaly is more complex than previously considered. CUS is a valuable, non‐invasive tool to determine pathophysiology, intervention thresholds, and prognosis in neonates with ventriculomegaly. Given new insights into the existence of glymphatics and water circulation in the cerebrum, further research in that area may bring new treatment options.

What this paper adds

Cranial ultrasonography has a significant role in better understanding the complex pathophysiology of neonatal ventriculomegaly.

The latest research suggests that treating posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilation in its early stages has several advantages.

Proper definition, management, and a follow‐up plan are essential because they can impact the infant and their family, health care providers, educational systems, and society.
The physiological and pathophysiological roles of copper in the nervous system
Authors: Gale Jenna , Aizenman Elias
Published: May 2024

Copper is a critical trace element in biological systems due the vast number of essential enzymes that require the metal as a cofactor, including cytochrome c oxidase, superoxide dismutase and dopamine‐β‐hydroxylase. Due its key role in oxidative metabolism, antioxidant defence and neurotransmitter synthesis, copper is particularly important for neuronal development and proper neuronal function. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that copper also serves important functions in synaptic and network activity, the regulation of circadian rhythms, and arousal. However, it is important to note that because of copper's ability to redox cycle and generate reactive species, cellular levels of the metal must be tightly regulated to meet cellular needs while avoiding copper‐induced oxidative stress. Therefore, it is essential that the intricate system of copper transporters, exporters, copper chaperones and copper trafficking proteins function properly and in coordinate fashion. Indeed, disorders of copper metabolism such as Menkes disease and Wilson disease, as well as diseases linked to dysfunction of copper‐requiring enzymes, such as SOD1‐linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, demonstrate the dramatic neurological consequences of altered copper homeostasis. In this review, we explore the physiological importance of copper in the nervous system as well as pathologies related to improper copper handling.
Multi‐omics in MECP2 duplication syndrome patients and carriers
Authors: Pascual‐Alonso Ainhoa , Xiol Clara , Smirnov Dmitrii , Kopajtich Rober , Prokisch Holger , Armstrong Judith
Published: May 2024

MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS) is an X‐linked neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the gain of dose of at least the genes MECP2 and IRAK1 and is characterised by intellectual disability (ID), developmental delay, hypotonia, epilepsy and recurrent infections. It mainly affects males, and females can be affected or asymptomatic carriers. Rett syndrome (RTT) is mainly triggered by loss of function mutations in MECP2 and is a well described syndrome that presents ID, epilepsy, lack of purposeful hand use and impaired speech, among others. As a result of implementing omics technology, altered biological pathways in human RTT samples have been reported, but such molecular characterisation has not been performed in patients with MDS. We gathered human skin fibroblasts from 17 patients with MDS, 10 MECP2 duplication carrier mothers and 21 patients with RTT, and performed multi‐omics (RNAseq and proteomics) analysis. Here, we provide a thorough description and compare the shared and specific dysregulated biological processes between the cohorts. We also highlight the genes TMOD2, SRGAP1, COPS2, CNPY2, IGF2BP1, MOB2, VASP, FZD7, ECSIT and KIF3B as biomarker and therapeutic target candidates due to their implication in neuronal functions. Defining the RNA and protein profiles has shown that our four cohorts are less alike than expected by their shared phenotypes.
The role of compartmentalized β‐AR/cAMP signaling in the regulation of lipolysis in white and brown adipocytes
Authors: De Jong Kirstie A. , Siddig Sana , Pfeifer Alexander , Nikolaev Viacheslav O.
Published: May 2024

White and brown adipocytes are central mediators of lipid metabolism and thermogenesis, respectively. Their function is tightly regulated by all three β‐adrenergic receptor (β‐AR) subtypes which are coupled to the production of the second messenger 3′,5′‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). While known for decades in other cell types, compartmentation of adipocyte β‐AR/cAMP signaling by spatial organization of the pathway and by cAMP degrading phosphodiesterases (PDEs) as well as its role in the regulation of lipolysis is only beginning to emerge. Here, we provide a short overview of recent findings which shed light on compartmentalized signaling using live cell imaging of cAMP in adipocytes and discuss possible future directions of research which could open up new avenues for the treatment of metabolic disorders.
A 1 Ma sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) record of catchment vegetation changes and the developmental history of tropical Lake Towuti (Sulawesi, Indonesia)
Authors: Ekram Md Akhtar‐E , Campbell Matthew , Kose Sureyya H. , Plet Chloe , Hamilton Rebecca , Bijaksana Satria , Grice Kliti , Russell James , Stevenson Janelle , Vogel Hendrik , Coolen Marco J. L.
Published: May 2024

Studying past ecosystems from ancient environmental DNA preserved in lake sediments (sedaDNA) is a rapidly expanding field. This research has mainly involved Holocene sediments from lakes in cool climates, with little known about the suitability of sedaDNA to reconstruct substantially older ecosystems in the warm tropics. Here, we report the successful recovery of chloroplast trnL (UAA) sequences (trnL‐P6 loop) from the sedimentary record of Lake Towuti (Sulawesi, Indonesia) to elucidate changes in regional tropical vegetation assemblages during the lake's Late Quaternary paleodepositional history. After the stringent removal of contaminants and sequence artifacts, taxonomic assignment of the remaining genuine trnL‐P6 reads showed that native nitrogen‐fixing legumes, C3 grasses, and shallow wetland vegetation (Alocasia) were most strongly associated with >1‐million‐year‐old (>1 Ma) peats and silts (114–98.8 m composite depth; mcd), which were deposited in a landscape of active river channels, shallow lakes, and peat‐swamps. A statistically significant shift toward partly submerged shoreline vegetation that was likely rooted in anoxic muddy soils (i.e., peatland forest trees and wetland C3 grasses (Oryzaceae) and nutrient‐demanding aquatic herbs (presumably Oenanthe javanica)) occurred at 76 mcd (~0.8 Ma), ~0.2 Ma after the transition into a permanent lake. This wetland vegetation was most strongly associated with diatom ooze (46–37 mcd), thought to be deposited during maximum nutrient availability and primary productivity. Herbs (Brassicaceae), trees/shrubs (Fabaceae and Theaceae), and C3 grasses correlated with inorganic parameters, indicating increased drainage of ultramafic sediments and laterite soils from the lakes' catchment, particularly at times of inferred drying. Downcore variability in trnL‐P6 from tropical forest trees (Toona), shady ground cover herbs (Zingiberaceae), and tree orchids (Luisia) most strongly correlated with sediments of a predominantly felsic signature considered to be originating from the catchment of the Loeha River draining into Lake Towuti during wetter climate conditions. However, the co‐correlation with dry climate‐adapted trees (i.e., Castanopsis or Lithocarpus) plus C4 grasses suggests that increased precipitation seasonality also contributed to the increased drainage of felsic Loeha River sediments. This multiproxy approach shows that despite elevated in situ temperatures, tropical lake sediments potentially comprise long‐term archives of ancient environmental DNA for reconstructing ecosystems, which warrants further exploration.
Is ChatGPT an evil or an angel for second language education and research? A phenomenographic study of research‐active EFL teachers’ perceptions
Authors: Derakhshan Ali , Ghiasvand Farhad
Published: May 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is influencing different aspects of human life. An AI‐powered technology, which has been recently released, is ChatGPT. It is a cutting‐edge technology that influences second/foreign language (L2) education. Although there is increasing research on the benefits and misfits of this chatbot in different disciplines, L2 education lacks a thorough investigation. To fill this lacuna, this phenomenographic study examined the perceptions of research‐active English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers regarding the potentials and pitfalls of ChatGPT for L2 learning, teaching, assessment, and research. To this end, a semistructured interview was held with 30 Iranian EFL teachers with varying educational backgrounds and AI integration experiences. The results of content and thematic analysis indicated that ChatGPT is a double‐edged sword that can both benefit and hurt these areas of L2 education. The most notable potentials were augmenting learner autonomy, providing personalized learning, reducing teachers’ teaching workload, designing assessment rubrics, and summarizing lengthy papers and theses to save L2 researchers’ time and energy. Concerning pitfalls, it was reported that ChatGPT might kill creativity and academic integrity, encourage cheating in online exams, spread fake and misinformation into the world of research, and cherish high‐tech plagiarism. Some practical suggestions are made to empower L2 educators and researchers to survive in the world of AI.
Updates on clinical and laboratory aspects of hereditary dyserythropoietic anemias
Authors: Russo Roberta , Iolascon Achille , Andolfo Immacolata , Marra Roberta , Rosato Barbara Eleni
Published: May 2024

Hereditary dyserythropoietic anemias, or congenital dyserythropoietic anemias (CDAs), are rare disorders disrupting normal erythroid lineage development, resulting in ineffective erythropoiesis and monolinear cytopenia. CDAs include three main types (I, II, III), transcription‐factor‐related forms, and syndromic forms. The widespread use of next‐generation sequencing in the last decade has unveiled novel causative genes and unexpected genotype–phenotype correlations. The discovery of the genetic defects underlying the CDAs not only facilitates accurate diagnosis but also enhances understanding of CDA pathophysiology. Notable advancements include identifying a hepatic‐specific role of the SEC23B loss‐of‐function in iron metabolism dysregulation in CDA II, deepening CDIN1 dysfunction during erythroid differentiation, and uncovering a recessive CDA III form associated with RACGAP1 variants. Current treatments primarily rely on supportive measures tailored to disease severity and clinical features. Comparative studies with pyruvate kinase deficiency have illuminated new therapeutic avenues by elucidating iron dyshomeostasis and dyserythropoiesis mechanisms. We herein discuss recent progress in diagnostic methodologies, novel gene discoveries, and enhanced comprehension of CDA pathogenesis and molecular genetics.
Interpretation of coagulation laboratory tests for patients on ECMO
Authors: Davidson Simon
Published: May 2024

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a type of circulatory life support for patients with severe lung failure. The use of ECMO has increased worldwide since the pandemic of H1N1 in 2009 and more recently SARS‐CoV‐2 in 2020 both of which caused severe respiratory failure. ECMO patients experience both increased risk of bleeding and thrombosis. This is due to the pathological insult that damages the lungs, the ECMO circuit, coagulopathy, inflammation and anticoagulation. ECMO presents unique demands on the coagulation laboratory both in tests required to manage the patients and result interpretation. This is a personal opinion of 20 years ECMO experience as a clinical scientist and a short current review of the literature. It will focus on the laboratory coagulation tests used to manage ECMO patients, including different anticoagulants used, testing frequency and interpretation of the results.
Psychological distress, well‐being, resilience, posttraumatic growth, and turnover intention of mental health nurses during COVID‐19: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Foster Kim , Shakespeare‐Finch Jane , Shochet Ian , Maybery Darryl , Bui Minh Viet , Steele Michael , Roche Michael
Published: May 2024

Mental health nurses (MHNs) experience a range of stressors as part of their work, which can impact their well‐being and turnover intention. There is no prior evidence, however, on MHNs' mental health, well‐being, resilience, and turnover intention during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The aims of this online survey‐based cross‐sectional study, conducted during the pandemic, were to explore the psychological distress, well‐being, emotional intelligence, coping self‐efficacy, resilience, posttraumatic growth, sense of workplace belonging, and turnover intention of n = 144 Australian mental health registered and enrolled nurses; and explore relationships between these variables, in particular, psychological distress, well‐being, and turnover intention. There was a higher percentage of MHNs with high (27.78%) and very high psychological distress (9.72%) compared to population norms as measured by the K10. Emotional intelligence behaviours were significantly lower than the population mean (GENOS‐EI Short). Coping self‐efficacy was mid‐range (CSES‐Short). Resilience was moderate overall (Brief Resilience Scale), and posttraumatic growth was mid‐range (Posttraumatic Growth Inventory; PTGI). Sense of workplace belonging was moderate, and turnover intention was low. Higher levels of psychological distress were associated with higher turnover intention, and lower workplace belonging, coping self‐efficacy, well‐being, resilience, and emotional intelligence behaviours. Despite the levels of psychological distress, nearly half the sample (n = 71) was ‘flourishing’ in terms of well‐being (Mental Health Continuum Short‐Form). To help prevent staff distress in the post‐pandemic period, organisations need to proactively offer support and professional development to strengthen staff's psychological well‐being, emotional intelligence, and resilience skills. These strategies and group clinical supervision may also support lower turnover.
The impact of short‐selling threats on credit rating performance and usage: Evidence from a natural experiment
Authors: Cheng Mei , Zhang Eliza X.
Published: May 2024

Using Regulation SHO as a controlled experiment, we examine the impact of short‐selling threats on credit rating performance and credit rating usage in debt contracts. We find that when short‐selling constraints are removed for pilot firms, rating accuracy increases, but rating stability decreases for these firms relative to non‐pilot firms. This result suggests that short‐selling threats push rating agencies to enhance rating accuracy at the cost of rating stability. We also find less rating usage in debt contracts for pilot firms than for non‐pilot firms when short‐selling constraints are removed for pilot firms, suggesting that in the presence of short‐selling threats, debt contracting parties emphasize rating stability over rating accuracy. Overall, our study informs academics, practitioners and regulators about short sellers’ disciplining effect on rating agencies and provides novel evidence on the rating property trade‐off and its implication for rating usage.
Role of environmental factors in the genetic structure of a highly mobile seabird
Authors: Muraro Vitória , Mazzochi Mariana S. , Fregonezi Aline M. C. R. , Bugoni Leandro
Published: May 2024

Aim

Environmental features can act as selection pressures and barriers to gene flow between populations. The genetic structuring of highly mobile but philopatric seabirds creates a paradox, and the role of oceanographic and geographic variables is still poorly understood. In this study, we investigate the influence of environmental and geographic variables in the genetic and phenotypic diversity of a pantropical seabird breeding in islands and archipelagos separated by different geographic distances, up to thousand kilometres, and which differ in environmental characteristics.

Location

Islands and archipelagos in the southwestern (SW) Atlantic Ocean.

Taxon

Sula dactylatra, Lesson, 1831 (masked booby).

Methods

The population structure of the species was accessed through mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. To test Isolation by Environment (IBE) versus by Distance (IBD), sea surface temperature, primary productivity and salinity, as well as isotopic niche based on carbon and nitrogen, and distances between colonies and from the continent, were used. We also tested the correlation between the genetic structure and the morphometry of individuals in each colony.

Results

We uncover the presence of low genetic structure between populations. Nevertheless, differences were identified between inshore and offshore colonies, with the influence of landscape characteristics of these two types of environment. The morphometric and isotopic niche variations are consistent with this segregation.

Main Conclusions

Environmental variables of coastal and oceanic environments seem to influence the genetic structure of masked boobies, even though it is low in the SW Atlantic Ocean, highlighting the role of environmental heterogeneity in shaping biodiversity.
Clinical distinction between cognitive disengagement syndrome andADHDpresentations in a nationally representative sample of Spanish children and adolescents
Authors: Burns G. Leonard , Becker Stephen P. , Montaño Juan José , Servera Mateu
Published: May 2024

Background

This study sought to determine whether cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS, formerly sluggish cognitive tempo) has different external correlates relative to ADHD‐inattentive presentation (INP), ADHD‐hyperactive/impulsive presentation (HIP), and ADHD‐combined presentation (CP).

Methods

Parents of a nationally representative sample of 5,525 Spanish youth (ages: 5–16, 56.1% boys) completed measures of CDS, ADHD‐inattention (IN), and ADHD‐hyperactivity/impulsivity (HI) and other measures. Scores greater/less than the top 5% on CDS, ADHD‐IN, and ADHD‐HI were used to create control (n = 5,013, 90.73%), CDS‐only (n = 131, 2.37%), ADHD‐INP‐only (n = 83, 1.50%), ADHD‐HIP‐only (n = 113, 2.05%), ADHD‐CP‐only (n = 48, 0.97%), CDS + ADHD‐INP (n = 44, 0.80%), CDS + ADHD‐HIP (n = 25, 0.45%), and CDS + ADHD‐CP (n = 68, 1.23%) groups.

Results

Forty‐nine percent of youth with clinically elevated CDS did not qualify for any ADHD presentation, whereas 64% of youth with clinically elevated ADHD did not qualify for CDS. The CDS‐only group was higher than the ADHD‐INP‐only, ADHD‐HIP‐only, and ADHD‐CP‐only groups on anxiety, depression, somatization, daytime sleep‐related impairment, nighttime sleep disturbance, and peer withdrawal, whereas the CDS‐only and ADHD‐INP‐only groups did not differ on ODD (ADHD‐HIP‐only and ADHD‐CP‐only higher) and academic impairment (ADHD‐CP‐only higher than CDS‐only and ADHD‐HIP‐only lower than CDS‐only). The CDS‐only group also had higher rates of anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder diagnoses than the ADHD‐only group.

Conclusions

A distinction was found between CDS and each ADHD presentation, thus providing support for CDS as a syndrome that frequently co‐occurs with yet is distinct from each ADHD presentation.
Sea anemone–anemonefish symbiosis: Behavior and mucous protein profiling
Authors: Nguyen Hai‐Thanh T. , Zhao Min , Wang Tianfang , Dang Binh T. , Geffen Audrey J. , Cummins Scott F.
Published: May 2024

Fish species of the genus Amphiprion (Perciformes: Pomacentridae) seek protection from predators among the tentacles of sea anemones as their natural habitat, where they live essentially unharmed from stinging by the host's nematocysts. The skin mucus of these anemonefish has been suggested as a protective mechanism that prevents the discharge of the nematocysts upon contact. Whereas some anemonefish species seem to produce their own protective mucous coating, others may acquire mucus (or biomolecules within) from the sea anemone during an acclimation period. In controlled experiments, we show that Amphiprion ocellaris acclimated successfully to their natural host anemone species Stichodactyla gigantea, and also to Stichodactyla haddoni, and in some cases Heteractis crispa, neither of which are natural host species. No symbiosis was observed for three other anemone species tested, Entacmaea quadricolor, Macrodactyla doreensis, and Heteractis malu. We explored the skin mucous protein profile from naive and experienced A. ocellaris during their acclimation to natural and unnatural host anemones. We confidently report the presence of metabolic and structural proteins in the skin mucus of all samples, likely involved in immunological defense, molecular transport, stress response, and signal transduction. For those anemonefish that established symbiosis, there was a clear increase in ribosomal‐type proteins. We additionally provide evidence for the presence of anemone proteins only in the skin mucus of individuals that established symbiosis. Our results support previous speculation of the role of skin mucous–associated proteins in anemonefish–anemone symbiosis. Further exploration of these mucosal proteins could reveal the mechanism of anemonefish acclimation to host anemones.
Cholecystohepatic shunt pathway reduces secondary bile acid accumulation to enhance natural killer T cell‐mediated anti‐hepatocellular carcinoma immunity
Authors: Liu Shenglu , Gou Haoxian , Wei Hui , Chen Shengdeng , Zhuo Shijie , Luo Ming , Qin Shu , Zhang Mengyu , Chen Jiatong , Huang Zhiwei , Xia Xianming , Yang Xiaoli , He Kai
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim

The impact of cholecystectomy, which blocks the cholecystohepatic shunt pathway (CHSP), on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. Hepatic secondary bile acids (BAs) inhibit natural killer T (NKT) cell‐mediated immunity against HCC, and the regulation of homeostasis of hepatic secondary BAs is controlled by the CHSP. However, the influence of CHSP on NKT cell‐mediated immunity against HCC remains unclear.

Methods

The clinical data of hospitalized patients undergoing HCC resection were collected. Meanwhile, an in situ HCC mouse model was established, and the CHSP was augmented using oleanolic acid (OA).

Results

After 1:1 propensity score matching, Cox regression analysis revealed that cholecystectomy was an independent risk factor for HCC recurrence after hepatectomy (P = 0.027, hazard ratio: 1.599, 95% confidence interval: 1.055–2.422). Experimentally, when OA enhanced CHSP, a significant decrease was observed in the accumulation of secondary BAs in the livers of mice. Additionally, a significant increase was observed in the levels of C‐X‐C ligand 16 and interferon γ in the serum and tumor tissues. Further, the percentage of C‐X‐C receptor 6 (+) NKT cells in the tumor tissues increased significantly, and the growth of liver tumors was inhibited.

Conclusions

This clinical study revealed that cholecystectomy promoted the recurrence after radical hepatectomy in patients with HCC. Preserving the normal‐functioning gallbladder as much as possible during surgery may be beneficial to the patient's prognosis. Further investigation into the mechanism revealed that CHSP enhanced NKT cell‐mediated immunity against HCC by reducing the hepatic accumulation of secondary BAs.
Coeval formation and exhumation of metamorphic sole and ophiolite in the Saga ophiolitic mélange: Insights into subduction initiation of the Neo‐Tethys
Authors: Shen Jie , Dai Jingen , Yang Kai , Zhao Lingling , Zhang Wencang , Malaspina's Nadia , Sternai's Pietro
Published: May 2024

Subduction initiation is recorded by upper plate magmatism and lower plate metamorphism, that is, supra‐subduction zone (SSZ) ophiolite–metamorphic sole pair. Here, we report geochemical and geochronological data as well as P–T calculations of amphibolites (metamorphic sole) and hornblende gabbros (SSZ ophiolite) from the Saga ophiolitic mélange in Tibetan Plateau. Amphibolites show trace element contents compatible with normal‐mid‐ocean ridge basalt (N‐MORB), indicating that the protolith of amphibolite formed in a MOR setting. Instead, hornblende gabbros show significant high field strength elements (HFSEs) negative anomalies, enriched large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and high zircon εHf(t) values, suggesting they formed by fluid‐induced partial melting of a depleted mantle. Thermobarometry and phase equilibrium modelling suggest two stages of metamorphism for garnet–clinopyroxene amphibolites: (I) a peak metamorphic stage (~1.9 GPa and 1000°C) and (II) a retrograde metamorphic stage (1.1–1.6 GPa and 800–1000°C). Zircon U–Pb ages of amphibolite and hornblende gabbro are 128.8 ± 5.1 Ma and 128.1 ± 1.5 Ma, respectively, suggesting subduction initiation within the eastern Neo‐Tethys occurred no later than 128 Ma and SSZ ophiolite formed at ~128 Ma. Apatite U–Pb ages of amphibolite and hornblende gabbro are 121.8 ± 2.1 Ma and 117.5 ± 4.5 Ma, respectively. Titanite U–Pb age of amphibolite is 122.2 ± 1.5 Ma. Overall, our data suggest that the metamorphic sole and SSZ ophiolite were exhumed since 128–118 Ma, and finally exhumed into the ophiolitic mélange.
Navigating the contradictory dynamics of production and social reproduction in collectively owned agricultural enterprises in South Africa's land reform
Authors: Bunce Brittany , Hornby Donna , Cousins Ben
Published: May 2024

The paper explores how beneficiaries of South Africa's land reform programme attempt to navigate the contradictory dynamics of production and social reproduction in collectively owned agricultural enterprises. The Mphuzanyoni Communal Property Association in KwaZulu‐Natal province farms with commercial beef herds and the Mayime Cooperative in the Eastern Cape province is engaged in a joint venture dairy farming scheme in partnership with an agribusiness firm. Severe tensions are evident between the social reproduction of households and the requirements of simple or expanded reproduction of agricultural enterprises. Bernstein's concept of competing ‘funds’ is used to examine struggles over production and reproduction on the farms, in which members of socially differentiated households contest divergent visions for the collective enterprises. Conflicts centre on how labour and capital should be mobilised, how income and other benefits in kind should be distributed to households and whether or not income should be invested for purposes of simple or expanded reproduction of the enterprise. Challenges of governance are rooted in these conflicts rather than in group ownership as a form of property right.
Dispelling Educational Neuromyths: A Review of In‐Service Teacher Professional Development Interventions
Authors: Rousseau Luc
Published: May 2024

Despite considerable progress made in educational neuroscience, neuromyths persist in the teaching profession, hampering translational endeavors. The initial wave of interventions designed to dispel educational neuromyths was predominantly directed at preservice teachers. More recent work in the field, reviewed here, has shifted its focus primarily to in‐service teacher professional development interventions. We discuss various interventional approaches, including refutation texts embedded into a brief training in foundational neuroscience, personalized refutation texts, insightful reflections upon science of learning key concepts (e.g., brain plasticity), and immersive experiences within research groups, highlighting their strengths and limitations. The evolving nature of scientific knowledge, the imperative to respect educators' personal and professional sensitivities, as well as challenges posed by conceptual change, are also addressed. This narrative review underscores the need to bring neuromyth investigations into the classroom environment.
Factors associated with the consumption of voluntarily fortified foods with micronutrients by the Portuguese population
Authors: Pimenta‐Martins Ana , Correia Daniela , Carvalho Catarina , Lopes Carla , Gomes Ana Maria , Torres Duarte
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to identify the sociodemographic and health‐related factors associated with the consumption of voluntarily fortified foods with micronutrients (Mn‐FF) by the Portuguese population, using data from the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (IAN‐AF 2015–2016). Food consumption, sociodemographic and other health‐related factors, and physical activity data were computerised using the You Eat & Move e‐platform. Foods consumed by participants and labelled foods reported as consumed were included in the database. Mn‐FF were considered all foods containing added micronutrients legally authorised, and MN‐FF users were those who consumed at least one Mn‐FF on at least one of the dietary recall days.

Approximately 57% of the population consumed at least one Mn‐FF. Children and adolescents consumed significantly more Mn‐FF than older age groups. The primary contributors to Mn‐FF consumption were breakfast cereals and fat spreads. Being a child (female OR 2.07 [95% CI: 1.52, 2.83]; male OR 4.80 [95% CI: 3.23, 7.14]) or adolescent (female OR 1.62 [95% CI: 1.78, 2.22]; male OR 4.59 [95% CI: 3.26, 6.47]), having a higher level of education (female OR 1.52 [95% CI: 1.17, 1.99]; male OR 1.85 [95% CI: 1.42, 2.42]) and engaging in regular physical activity (female OR 1.31 [95% CI: 1.09, 1.58]; male OR 1.36 [95% CI: 1.11, 1.68]) were factors positively associated with Mn‐FF consumption. Conversely, obesity (female OR 0.76 [95% CI: 0.60, 0.96]), living in predominantly rural areas (male OR 0.70 [95% CI: 0.49, 0.91]) and eating fewer mid‐meals per day (female OR 0.60 [95% CI: 0.48, 0.76]; male OR 0.64 [95% CI: 0.49, 0.84]) were associated with lower Mn‐FF consumption.

Younger age, higher education and physical activity practice were positively associated with Mn‐FF consumption. These findings provide important insights on priority factors to be considered when deciding on nutrient fortification policies from both public health and food industry perspectives.
Mindfulness networks: Analyzing associations with self‐compassion, other‐compassion, need fulfillment, and satisfaction in midlife married Canadians
Authors: Quinn‐Nilas Christopher , Milhausen Robin R.
Published: May 2024

Interest in mindfulness in the field of romantic relationships is growing. Drawing from a Self‐Determination Theory (SDT) perspective—which proposes that the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are foundational for well‐being—we attempted to map out the complex associations between mindfulness, self‐compassion, other‐compassion, basic need fulfillment in relationships, and increased relationship and sexual satisfaction. A sample of 640 midlife (40–59‐year‐old) married Canadians was recruited from a national panel. To test the associations at a systems‐level, we utilized psychological network analysis based on the premise that the relational and sexual effects of mindfulness are understood as part of a dynamic and multivariate network of associations with other variables. Need fulfillment in relationships (particularly relatedness needs) occupied a central position in the model, connecting mindfulness and self‐compassion with relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction. The findings underscored the major importance of SDT in relationships, and the overall structure of the network was consistent with growing theories of mindfulness in relationships. Future research employing longitudinal network models will aid in elucidating this system's operation over time.
Stacking pattern transition caused by submarine channel inception and internal levée development
Authors: Kaempfe‐Droguett Sebastian A. , Romans Brian W. , Hubbard Stephen M. , Daniels Benjamin G. , Stright Lisa
Published: May 2024

The shift from highly amalgamated and laterally offset to aggradational and vertically stacked submarine channels is a pattern that has been widely recognized in seismic reflection datasets as well as in outcropping successions worldwide. However, the sedimentary and stratigraphic details of such an important part of channel evolution and its implications have not been discussed extensively. That gap is addressed here by characterizing a previously undocumented, seismic‐scale outcrop of the Tres Pasos Formation (Magallanes Basin, Chile) that records the transition from a laterally offset/low‐aggradational channel complex to a vertically stacked aggradational complex associated with the development of an internal levée that enhanced channel aggradation. The boundary between the two complexes is defined by a composite erosional surface (up to ca 35 m relief) with two adjacent element‐scale channelized incisions with contrasting sedimentary infills that provide unprecedented insight into this key phase of submarine channel evolution. Observations indicate that, in between these two depositional architecture styles, there is a significant phase of deep incision and bypass. The relief achieved via this deep incision of one or multiple simultaneously active conduits is interpreted to be necessary to set up the conditions for flow stripping and, subsequently, overbank deposition. Finally, the siltstone‐rich intra‐channel lithofacies association observed directly overlying part of the incision is interpreted to represent the stratigraphic expression of the earliest deposits of an active submarine channel preserved due to the abrupt abandonment of this pathway and the development of an adjacent conduit, which resulted in the former being covered with fine‐grained overbank deposits.
Using modified Fenn diagrams to assess ventilatory acclimatization during ascent to high altitude: Effect of acetazolamide
Authors: Isakovich Rodion , Cates Valerie C. , Pentz Brandon A. , Bird Jordan D. , Vanden Berg Emily R. , de Freitas Emily M. , Nysten Cassandra E. , Leacy Jack K. , O'Halloran Ken D. , Brutsaert Thomas D. , Sherpa Mingma T. , Day Trevor A.
Published: May 2024

High altitude (HA) ascent imposes systemic hypoxia and associated risk of acute mountain sickness. Acute hypoxia elicits a hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR), which is augmented with chronic HA exposure (i.e., ventilatory acclimatization; VA). However, laboratory‐based HVR tests lack portability and feasibility in field studies. As an alternative, we aimed to characterize area under the curve (AUC) calculations on Fenn diagrams, modified by plotting portable measurements of end‐tidal carbon dioxide () against peripheral oxygen saturation () to characterize and quantify VA during incremental ascent to HA (n = 46). Secondarily, these participants were compared with a separate group following the identical ascent profile whilst self‐administering a prophylactic oral dose of acetazolamide (Az; 125 mg BID; n = 20) during ascent. First, morning and measurements were collected on 46 acetazolamide‐free (NAz) lowland participants during an incremental ascent over 10 days to 5160 m in the Nepal Himalaya. AUC was calculated from individually constructed Fenn diagrams, with a trichotomized split on ranked values characterizing the smallest, medium, and largest magnitudes of AUC, representing high (n = 15), moderate (n = 16), and low (n = 15) degrees of acclimatization. After characterizing the range of response magnitudes, we further demonstrated that AUC magnitudes were significantly smaller in the Az group compared to the NAz group (P = 0.0021), suggesting improved VA. These results suggest that calculating AUC on modified Fenn diagrams has utility in assessing VA in large groups of trekkers during incremental ascent to HA, due to the associated portability and congruency with known physiology, although this novel analytical method requires further validation in controlled experiments.

Highlights

What is the central question of this study?

What are the characteristics of a novel methodological approach to assess ventilatory acclimatization (VA) with incremental ascent to high altitude (HA)?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Area under the curve (AUC) magnitudes calculated from modified Fenn diagrams were significantly smaller in trekkers taking an oral prophylactic dose of acetazolamide compared to an acetazolamide‐free group, suggesting improved VA. During incremental HA ascent, quantifying AUC using modified Fenn diagrams is feasible to assess VA in large groups of trekkers with ascent, although this novel analytical method requires further validation in controlled experiments.
Single‐cell ionic current phenotyping elucidates non‐canonical features and predictive potential of cardiomyocytes during automated drug experiments
Authors: Clark Alexander P. , Wei Siyu , Christini David J. , Krogh‐Madsen Trine
Published: May 2024

All new drugs must go through preclinical screening tests to determine their proarrhythmic potential. While these assays effectively filter out dangerous drugs, they are too conservative, often misclassifying safe compounds as proarrhythmic. In this study, we attempt to address this shortcoming with a novel, medium‐throughput drug‐screening approach: we use an automated patch‐clamp system to acquire optimized voltage clamp (VC) and action potential (AP) data from human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC‐CMs) at several drug concentrations (baseline, 3×, 10× and 20× the effective free plasma concentrations). With our novel method, we show correlations between INa block and upstroke slowing after treatment with flecainide or quinine. Additionally, after quinine treatment, we identify significant reductions in current during voltage steps designed to isolate If and IKs. However, we do not detect any IKr block by either drug, and upon further investigation, do not see any IKr present in the iPSC‐CMs when prepared for automated patch experiments (i.e. in suspension) – this is in contrast to similar experiments we have conducted with these cells using the manual patch setup. In this study, we: (1) present a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of a single‐cell medium‐throughput drug study, and (2) characterize the non‐canonical electrophysiology of iPSC‐CMs when prepared for experiments in a medium‐throughput setting.

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Key points

Human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC‐CMs) offer potential as an in vitro model to study the proarrhythmic potential of drugs, but insights from these cells are often limited by the low throughput of manual patch‐clamp.

In this study, we use a medium‐throughput automated patch‐clamp system to acquire action potential (AP) and complex voltage clamp (VC) data from single iPSC‐CMs at multiple drug concentrations.

A correlation between AP upstroke and INa transients was identified and drug‐induced changes in ionic currents found.

We also characterize the substantially altered physiology of iPSC‐CMs when patched in an automated system, suggesting the need to investigate differences between manual and automated patch experiments.
Optimized Design of a Soft Actuator Considering Force/Torque, Bendability, and Controllability via an Approximated Structure
Authors: Yang Wu-Te , Kurkcu Burak , Tomizuka Masayoshi
Published: May 2024

This paper introduces a novel design method that enhances the force/torque, bendability, and controllability of soft pneumatic actuators (SPAs). The complex structure of the soft actuator is simplified by approximating it as a cantilever beam. This allows us to derive approximated nonlinear kinematic models and a dynamical model, which is explored to understand the correlation between natural frequency and dimensional parameters of SPA. The design problem is then transformed into an optimization problem, using kinematic equations as the objective function and the dynamical equation as a constraint. By solving this optimization problem, the optimal dimensional parameters are determined. Six prototypes are manufactured to validate the proposed approach. The optimal actuator successfully generates the desired force/torque and bending angle, while its natural frequency remains within the constrained range. This work highlights the potential of using optimization formulation and approximated nonlinear models to boost the performance and dynamical properties of soft pneumatic actuators.
N-MYC impairs innate immune signaling in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Miranda Alex , Pattnaik Swetansu , Hamilton Phineas T. , Fuss Monica Alvaro , Kalaria Shreena , Laumont Céline M. , Smazynski Julian , Mesa Monica , Banville Allyson , Jiang Xinpei , Jenkins Russell , Cañadas Israel , Nelson Brad H.
Published: May 2024

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) is a challenging disease, especially for patients with immunologically “cold” tumors devoid of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). We found that HGSC exhibits among the highest levels of
MYCN
expression and transcriptional signature across human cancers, which is strongly linked to diminished features of antitumor immunity. N-MYC repressed basal and induced IFN type I signaling in HGSC cell lines, leading to decreased chemokine expression and T cell chemoattraction. N-MYC inhibited the induction of IFN type I by suppressing tumor cell–intrinsic STING signaling via reduced STING oligomerization, and by blunting RIG-I–like receptor signaling through inhibition of MAVS aggregation and localization in the mitochondria. Single-cell RNA sequencing of human clinical HGSC samples revealed a strong negative association between cancer cell–intrinsic
MYCN
transcriptional program and type I IFN signaling. Thus, N-MYC inhibits tumor cell–intrinsic innate immune signaling in HGSC, making it a compelling target for immunotherapy of cold tumors.
Reconfigurable 4D printing via mechanically robust covalent adaptable network shape memory polymer
Authors: Li Honggeng , Zhang Biao , Ye Haitao , Jian Bingcong , He Xiangnan , Cheng Jianxiang , Sun Zechu , Wang Rong , Chen Zhe , Lin Ji , Xiao Rui , Liu Qingjiang , Ge Qi
Published: May 2024

4D printing enables 3D printed structures to change shape over “time” in response to environmental stimulus. Because of relatively high modulus, shape memory polymers (SMPs) have been widely used for 4D printing. However, most SMPs for 4D printing are thermosets, which only have one permanent shape. Despite the efforts that implement covalent adaptable networks (CANs) into SMPs to achieve shape reconfigurability, weak thermomechanical properties of the current CAN-SMPs exclude them from practical applications. Here, we report reconfigurable 4D printing via mechanically robust CAN-SMPs (MRC-SMPs), which have high deformability at both programming and reconfiguration temperatures (>1400%), high
T
g
(75°C), and high room temperature modulus (1.06 GPa). The high printability for DLP high-resolution 3D printing allows MRC-SMPs to create highly complex SMP 3D structures that can be reconfigured multiple times under large deformation. The demonstrations show that the reconfigurable 4D printing allows one printed SMP structure to fulfill multiple tasks.
Amplified seasonality in western Europe in a warmer world
Authors: de Winter Niels J. , Tindall Julia , Johnson Andrew L. A. , Goudsmit-Harzevoort Barbara , Wichern Nina , Kaskes Pim , Claeys Philippe , Huygen Fynn , van Leeuwen Sonja , Metcalfe Brett , Bakker Pepijn , Goolaerts Stijn , Wesselingh Frank , Ziegler Martin
Published: May 2024

Documenting the seasonal temperature cycle constitutes an essential step toward mitigating risks associated with extreme weather events in a future warmer world. The mid-Piacenzian Warm Period (mPWP), 3.3 to 3.0 million years ago, featured global temperatures approximately 3°C above preindustrial levels. It represents an ideal period for directed paleoclimate reconstructions equivalent to model projections for 2100 under moderate Shared Socioeconomic Pathway SSP2-4.5. Here, seasonal clumped isotope analyses of fossil mollusk shells from the North Sea are presented to test Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project 2 outcomes. Joint data and model evidence reveals enhanced summer warming (+4.3° ± 1.0°C) compared to winter (+2.5° ± 1.5°C) during the mPWP, equivalent to SSP2-4.5 outcomes for future climate. We show that Arctic amplification of global warming weakens mid-latitude summer circulation while intensifying seasonal contrast in temperature and precipitation, leading to an increased risk of summer heat waves and other extreme weather events in Europe’s future.