bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of sonographic lower segment thickness and prediction of vaginal birth after caesarean in a resourced‐limited setting; Prospective study
Authors: Adu‐Takyi Charles , Munazzah Rafique , Owusu Yaw Gyanteh , Owusu‐Bempah Atta , Arhin Bernard , Opare‐Addo Henry Sakyi , Peprah Amponsah , Collins Sally L. , Adu‐Bredu Theophilus
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To assess the accuracy of ultrasound measurement of the lower uterine segment (LUS) thickness against findings at laparotomy, and to investigate its correlation with the success rate of vaginal birth after one previous caesarean delivery (CD) in a resource‐limited setting.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Obstetrics and Gynaecology department in a tertiary hospital in Ghana.

Population

Women with one previous CD undergoing either a trial of labour (TOLAC) or elective CD.

Methods

Myometrial lower uterine segment thickness (mLUS) and full lower uterine segment thickness (fLUS) were measured with transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). The women were managed according to local protocols with the clinicians blinded to the ultrasound measurements. The LUS was measured intraoperatively for comparison with ultrasound measurements.

Main outcome measures

Lower uterine segment findings at laparotomy, successful vaginal birth.

Results

A total of 311 pregnant women with one previous CD were enrolled; 147 women underwent elective CD and 164 women underwent a TOLAC. Of the women that underwent TOLAC, 96 (58.5%) women had a successful vaginal birth. The mLUS was comparable to the intraoperative measurement in the elective CD group with LUS thickness <5 mm (bias of 0.01, 95% CI −0.10 to 0.12 mm) whereas fLUS overestimated LUS <5 mm (bias of 0.93, 95% CI 0.80–1.06 mm). Successful vaginal birth rate correlated with increasing mLUS values (odds ratio 1.30, 95% CI 1.03–1.64). Twelve cases of uterine defect were recorded. LUS measurement ≤2.0 mm was associated with an increased risk of uterine defects with a sensitivity of 91.7% (95% CI 61.5–99.8%) and specificity of 81.8% (95% CI 75.8–86.8%).

Conclusion

Accurate TVUS measurement of the LUS is technically feasible in a resource‐limited setting. This approach could help in making safer decisions on mode of birth in limited‐resource settings.
Effect of mental health staffing inputs on initiation of care among recently separated Veterans
Authors: Shafer Paul R. , Yuan Yingzhe , Feyman Yevgeniy , Price Megan E. , Kabdiyeva Aigerim , Figueroa Stuart M. , Shen Yi‐Jung , Nebeker Jonathan R. , Ward Merry C. , Strombotne Kiersten L. , Pizer Steven D.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To estimate a causal relationship between mental health staffing and time to initiation of mental health care for new patients.

Data Sources and Study Setting

As the largest integrated health care delivery system in the United States, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides a unique setting for isolating the effects of staffing on initiation of mental health care where demand is high and out‐of‐pocket costs are not a relevant confounder. We use data from the Department of Defense and VHA to obtain patient and facility characteristics and health care use.

Study Design

To isolate exogenous variation in mental health staffing, we used an instrumental variables approach—two‐stage residual inclusion with a discrete time hazard model. Our outcome is time to initiation of mental health care after separation from active duty (first appointment) and our exposure is mental health staffing (standardized clinic time per 1000 VHA enrollees per pay period).

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Our cohort consists of all Veterans separating from active duty between July 2014 and September 2017, who were enrolled in the VHA, and had at least one diagnosis of post‐traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and/or substance use disorder in the year prior to separation from active duty (N = 54,209).

Principal Findings

An increase of 1 standard deviation in mental health staffing results in a higher likelihood of initiating mental health care (adjusted hazard ratio: 3.17, 95% confidence interval: 2.62, 3.84, p < 0.001). Models stratified by tertile of mental health staffing exhibit decreasing returns to scale.

Conclusions

Increases in mental health staffing led to faster initiation of care and are especially beneficial in facilities where staffing is lower, although initiation of care appears capacity‐limited everywhere.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the maximum permitted dose of midazolam in seizure termination: Insights from New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Fouche Pieter Francsois , Nichols Martin , Abrahams Raquel , Maximous Kristina , Bendall Jason
Published: June 2024

Objective

Out‐of‐hospital seizures demand rapid management. Midazolam plays a key role in stopping seizures. At times the first dose of midazolam proves insufficient, necessitating additional doses. Within the New South Wales Ambulance (NSWA) service, the upper limit for midazolam administration is set at 15 mg. However, the outcomes and safety of using midazolam at this maximum dosage have not been thoroughly investigated.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of out of hospital electronic health records from New South Wales, Australia, over the year 2022, was conducted. The study manually reviewed cases where adult patients received the maximum dose of midazolam for seizure management by paramedics. It focused on seizure cessation success rates and the incidence of adverse effects to evaluate the clinical implications of high‐dose midazolam administration.

Results

Of 818 790 individual attendances by NSWA clinicians, a total of 11 392 (1.4%) adults had seizures noted, of which midazolam was administered in 2565 (22.5%). An algorithm shows that in 2352 (91.7%) instances the midazolam was associated with the apparent termination of seizures. Analysis revealed that 176 (1.5%) proportion of all adult's seizure patients required the maximum dose of midazolam for seizure control. These higher doses successfully terminate seizures in about half of the instances. AEs following the maximum dose of midazolam included hypoxia in 26.7% of patients and respiratory depression in 9.7%, indicating significant side effects at higher dosages.

Conclusion

In New South Wales, Australia, administering the maximum dose of midazolam to seizure patients is rare but proves effective in approximately half of the refractory seizure cases. Therefore, assessing the potential for additional doses of midazolam or the use of a second‐line agent is advisable.
Cardiovascular mortality in bipolar disorder: Population‐based cohort study
Authors: Paljärvi Tapio , Herttua Kimmo , Taipale Heidi , Lähteenvuo Markku , Tanskanen Antti , Tiihonen Jari
Published: June 2024

Background

Limited evidence base on cause‐specific excess cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in bipolar disorder (BD) is a barrier to developing preventive interventions aimed at reducing the persistent mortality gap in BD.

Objective

To investigate cause‐specific CVD mortality in BD.

Methods

We identified all individuals aged 15+ years during 2004–2018 with a diagnosis of BD using Finnish nationwide routine data. Standardised mortality ratios (SMR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the mortality rates in the general population as weights.

Results

53,273 individuals with BD (57% women; median age at BD diagnosis, 40 years), were followed up for 428,426 person‐years (median, 8.2 years). There were 5988 deaths due to any cause, of which 26% were due to CVD. The leading cause of absolute excess CVD mortality was coronary artery disease (CAD). The leading causes of relative excess mortality were cardiomegaly (SMR, 4.51; 95% CI, 3.58–5.43), venous thromboembolism (3.03; 2.26–3.81), cardiomyopathy (2.46; 1.95–2.97), and hypertensive heart disease (2.12; 1.71–2.54). The leading causes of absolute CVD mortality showed markedly lower relative excess, including CAD (1.47; 1.34–1.61), ischaemic stroke (1.31; 1.06–1.54), and acute myocardial infarction (1.12; 0.98–1.25). Due to the higher relative excess mortality, structural and functional heart disorders contributed as much as atherosclerotic and ischaemic disorders to the absolute excess mortality.

Conclusions

Cardiomyopathy and hypertensive heart disease as the leading causes of relative excess mortality emphasise the contribution of structural and functional heart disorders to the overall excess mortality alongside coronary artery disease. Interventions targeted at these modifiable causes of death should be priorities in the prevention of premature excess CVD mortality in BD.
Conserving low‐intensity farming is key to halting the declines of migratory passerines in their tropical wintering grounds
Authors: Agger C. , Massam M. R. , Assou D. , Boafo K. , Nelson L. , Orsman C. J. , Roberts J. T. , Segniagbeto G. H. , Skeen R. Q. , Beale C. , Mallord J. W. , Edwards D. P.
Published: June 2024

Half of all migratory bird species have declined over the past 30 years, with intercontinental migrants declining faster than their short‐distance migratory counterparts. One potential cause of these declines is habitat loss and degradation on tropical wintering grounds, where agricultural conversion of natural habitats and intensification of traditional, low‐intensity agricultural systems are frequently occurring. Although the broad patterns of wintering migrant abundance are well understood along most flyways, how species' habitat associations vary across disturbance gradients in agricultural landscapes remains a key question, with implications for landscape‐level farm management and restoration activities. We used 328 point count locations and associated habitat assessments targeted at a cohort of eight severely declining Afro‐Palaearctic migratory passerines in the Guineo–Congolian transition zone of Western Africa to model the probability of the presence of migrants within grass, shrub, forb and forest‐covered areas. We found support for the widespread use of early successional habitats retained within traditionally managed farmland by migrants. Most species utilize scrubland on fallows within the agricultural mosaic, especially Spotted Flycatcher, Garden Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Whinchat and Common Nightingale. Only Pied Flycatcher relied upon mature forested areas. The avoidance of mature forested habitats by most species suggests that habitat requirements of severely declining migrant birds must be explicitly considered within conservation and restoration schemes, via mechanisms to retain low‐intensity farming, especially short‐term abandoned fallows that regenerate scrubby areas within the agricultural matrix. Any habitat management within the agricultural matrix should be considered in the context of the needs of local communities.
Queer Economic Geographies: Sexual Hegemony, Queer and Trans Work, and Homocapitalism
Authors: Cockayne Daniel
Published: June 2024

While queer and trans perspectives and theories are significant themes in most areas of critical human geography today, the same cannot be said of economic geography. This paper argues for the importance of theorising the relations between non‐normative sexualities and gender identities in economic geography. This argument builds on research in feminist economic geography and beyond about the centrality of cisheterosexuality to the economy and structures of capitalism. I show how queer and trans geography and feminist economic geography have already contributed to research about the relations between non‐normative sexualities and gender identities and the economy, then outline three queer economic geographies as examples of how economic geography might further engage with sexuality beyond cisheterosexuality: (1) sexual hegemony; (2) queer and trans work; and (3) homocapitalism. Together with existing research on the economy in queer and trans geography, these queer economic geographies—each touching on concepts central to economic geography—contribute further to our understandings of how non‐normative sexualities and gender identities can be theorised in economic geography.
Global epidemiology of alcohol‐associated liver disease in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Danpanichkul Pojsakorn , Chen Vincent L. , Tothanarungroj Primrose , Kaewdech Apichat , Kanjanakot Yatawee , Fangsaard Panisara , Wattanachayakul Phuuwadith , Duangsonk Kwanjit , Kongarin Siwanart , Yang Ju Dong , Wong Robert J. , Noureddin Mazen , Díaz Luis Antonio , Arab Juan Pablo , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Wijarnpreecha Karn
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims

The objective of the study was to analyse the prevalence, incidence, and death of alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) among adolescents and young adults globally, continentally, and nationally, focusing on trends over time.

Methods

The study analysed data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study between 2000 and 2019. It examined ALD's prevalence, incidence, and death in adolescents and young adults aged 15–29, segmented by region, nation, and sociodemographic index. The analysis utilised Joinpoint regression modelling to calculate the annual per cent change (APC) in the rate of these parameters over time.

Results

In 2019, there were 281,450 ALD prevalences, 18,930 incidences, and 3190 deaths among adolescents and young adults globally. From 2000 to 2019, the age‐adjusted prevalence rate per 100,000 increased in the 25–29 age group (APC: +0.6%, p = 0.003), remained stable among ages 20–24 (p = 0.302) and ages 15–19 (p = 0.160). Prevalence increased significantly from age 15–19 to 20–24 (19‐fold increase) and from age 20–24 to 25–29 (2.5‐fold increase). ALD prevalence rates increased in all age groups in adolescents and young adults in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean region. Around three‐quarters of countries and territories experienced an increase in ALD incidence rates in young adults.

Conclusion

Over two decades, the burden of ALD among adolescents and young adults has increased globally. The study emphasises the importance of public health policies aimed at reducing alcohol consumption and preventing ALD among younger populations.
Quercetin inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation and survival by targeting Akt/mTOR/PTEN signaling pathway
Authors: Jiang Ji , Yang Yan , Wang Fuhuan , Mao Wei , Wang Zhongjun , Liu Zegang
Published: June 2024

Recently, natural compounds such as quercetin have gained an increasing amount of attention in treating breast cancer. However, the exact mechanisms responsible for the antiproliferative functions of quercetin are not completely understood. Therefore, we aimed to examine quercetin impacts on breast cancer cell proliferation and survival and the involvement of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cells were exposed to quercetin, and cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. ELISA was applied to evaluate cell apoptosis. The expression levels of apoptotic mediators such as caspase‐3, Bcl‐2, Bax and PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and PTEN were assessed via qRT‐PCR and western blot. We found that quercetin suppressed dose dependently cell growth capacity in MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cells. In addition, quercetin treatment increase apoptosis in both cells lines via modulating the pro‐ and antiapoptotic markers. Quercetin upregulated PTEN and downregulated PI3K, Akt, and mTOR, hence suppressing this signaling pathway in cells. In conclusion, we showed antiproliferative and pro‐apoptotic function of quercetin in breast cancer cell lines, which is mediated by targeting and suppressing PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal transduction.
Network pharmacology and experimental verification to explore the effect of Hedyotis diffusa on Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Chen JingXu , Rao JiaLi , Lu Hao , Lu Min , Wang ChengCheng , Cao Yan
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to explore the active components and the effect of Hedyotis diffusa (HD) against Alzheimer's disease (AD) via network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental evaluations. We conducted a comprehensive screening process using the TCMSP, Swiss Target Prediction, and PharmMapper databases to identify the active components and their related targets in HD. In addition, we collected potential therapeutic targets of AD from the Gene Cards, Drugbank, and OMIM databases. Afterward, we utilized Cytoscape to establish both protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks and compound‐target (C‐T) networks. To gain further insights into the functional aspect, we performed GO and KEGG pathway analyses using the David database. Next, we employed Autodock vina to estimate the binding force between the components and the hub genes. To validate our network pharmacology findings, we conducted relevant experiments on Caenorhabditis elegans, further confirming the reliability of our results. Then a total of six active compounds and 149 therapeutic targets were detected. Through the analysis of the association between active compounds, therapeutic targets, and signaling pathways, it was observed that the therapeutic effect of HD primarily encompassed the inhibition of Aβ, suppression of AChE activity, and mitigating oxidative stress. Additionally, our investigation revealed that the key active compounds in HD primarily consisted of iridoids, which exhibited resistance against AD by acting on the Alzheimer's disease pathway and the AGE‐RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications.
Role of projective psychological tests in patients with Prader‐Willi syndrome
Authors: Gonzalez‐Ruiz Yohanna , Galiana Anabela , Stegmann Jorgelina
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and relevance of projective techniques such as house‐tree‐person (HTP) and family in individuals with Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS), who have a limited ability to identify and verbalize emotions and express them often using behaviors.

Methods

We included individuals with genetic confirmation of PWS immersed in a regular transdisciplinary treatment in an institution dedicated to rare diseases. All individuals were evaluated using the HTP and family projective techniques. These instruments are commonly administered to the general population and, in this case, to people with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, including difficulties in their communication abilities.

Results

A total of 25 individuals with PWS between 10 and 41 years old (15 men and 10 women) were included. We identified the presence of graphic indicators corresponding to the behavioral phenotype of individuals with PWS, such as anxiety, stubbornness, emotional lability, difficulty in achieving adequate externalization and identification of emotions, impulsivity, aggressive traits, poor social skills, need for support and interaction, low self‐concept, and compulsive behaviors.

Conclusions

In the present study, we demonstrated the usefulness of graphic techniques to elucidate aspects of behavior, emotions, and thoughts that individuals with PWS cannot formulate due to expression and communication difficulties.
Sleep disruption and premolar absence, NHANES, 2017–2020: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wiener R. Constance , Hnat Michael , Ngan Peter
Published: June 2024

Objective

Orthodontic treatment often involves four first premolar extractions. There is concern that the retraction of the anterior teeth due to extraction of first premolars may constrict tongue space and will reduce oral cavity and oropharynx space. Constricted airways are often associated with sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and sleep disruption. The aim of this study was to determine if there is an association of SDB factors with the absence of first premolars.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017‐March 2020 data on participants, aged 18–65 years (n = 4742). Variables of interest included self‐reports of SDB (symptoms of disrupted sleep such as snoring, snorting, daytime sleepiness, and inappropriate number of hours of sleep). Data for the presence/absence of first premolars were gathered from the oral examination section of NHANES. An assumption was made that absence of four first premolars in dentate participants indicated extractions for orthodontic treatment. Data analyses were conducted with Rao Scott chi squared test.

Results

There were no significant associations of SDB and symptoms of disrupted sleep associated with the absence of four first premolars in dentate participants.

Conclusion

Concerns of the impact of first premolar extractions on SDB were not supported with this study.
Addressing the Southeast Asian snaring crisis: Impact of 11 years of snare removal in a biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Tilker Andrew , Niedballa Jürgen , Viet Hung Luong , Abrams Jesse F. , Marescot Lucile , Wilkinson Nicholas , Rawson Benjamin M. , Sollmann Rahel , Wilting Andreas
Published: June 2024

Unsustainable snaring is causing biodiversity declines across tropical protected areas, resulting in species extinctions and jeopardizing the health of forest ecosystems. Here, we used 11 years of ranger‐collected data to assess the impact of intensive snare removal on snaring levels in two protected areas in Viet Nam. Snare removal resulted in significant declines in snare occupancy (36.9, 95% Bayesian credible interval [4.6, 59.0] reduction in percent area occupied), but snaring levels nonetheless remained high (31.4, [23.6, 40.8] percent area occupied), and came with a substantial financial cost. Our results indicate that snare removal remains an important component of efforts to protect tropical protected areas but by itself is likely insufficient to address this threat. To stop snaring in protected areas, a multifaceted approach will be necessary that combines short‐term reactive snare removal with long‐term proactive programs that address the underlying drivers behind snaring.
Recreational angler preferences for, and potential effort responses to, different red snapper management approaches
Authors: Chong Lisa , Pienaar Elizabeth F. , Ahrens Robert N. M. , Camp Edward V.
Published: June 2024

The Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery has been caught in a spiral of more restrictive regulations and disputed management. Current management measures have failed to reduce fishing mortality, owing in part to derby style fishing. A harvest tag system could potentially better limit fishing mortality without decreasing harvest seasons. In 2019/20 we surveyed 766 recreational anglers who fish in Florida with private boats to ascertain their preferences for regulation changes, and how they would alter their fishing effort if a harvest tag was implemented. Respondents were heterogeneous in terms of their preferences for harvest tags versus current management approaches, with most respondents preferring to maintain their current effort under the existing management approach of bag, size, and season limits. Respondents who preferred harvest tags indicated that they might increase or decrease fishing effort. Our findings suggest that more stringent regulations using current management approaches will not secure angler satisfaction or reduce fishing pressure on the red snapper stock. Harvest tags, though not preferred by all respondents, may allow regulators to better manage the number of anglers in the fishery and to rebuild the stock, although implementing this program will pose some challenges.
Understanding cultural inclusion in alcohol and other drug services in New South Wales, Australia and assessing the acceptability of a cultural inclusion audit
Authors: Horwitz Robyn , Brener Loren , Prankumar Sujith Kumar , de Jesus Tata , Jaworski Alison , Jadran Ahmad , Bryant Joanne
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Cultural inclusion and competence are understood at the most basic level to be the practice of considering culture so as to provide effective services to people of different cultural backgrounds. In order to work better with clients from diverse backgrounds, alcohol and other drug (AOD) services need to offer a service that is designed to be accessible to all people, where systems in place operate in a way that considers different cultural needs. This research aimed to assess the extent to which non‐government AOD services in New South Wales are positioned to support cultural inclusion as well as to evaluate the acceptability of a cultural inclusion audit across four AOD sites.

Methods

The research adopted a mixed methods approach comprising of a pre‐audit online survey (n = 85) designed to assess AOD services' attitudes and practices towards cultural inclusion, and in‐depth interviews that were conducted with nine AOD service staff and four cultural auditors to explore the acceptability of a cultural inclusion audit process.

Results

Findings from the survey indicate cultural inclusion practices are limited. Interview data highlight that while staff are not fully aware of what appropriate cultural inclusions entails, they are receptive to and want a cultural inclusion program.

Discussion and Conclusions

The study illustrates the benefits of implementing a cultural inclusion audit process aimed at raising awareness of what cultural inclusion entails. Including a cultural inclusion service audit is likely to enhance AOD service provision to culturally and linguistically diverse groups and thereby improve treatment outcomes.
Exploring causal effects of gut microbiota and metabolites on body fat percentage using two‐sample Mendelian randomization
Authors: Wang Xiaojun , Lu Chunrong , Li Xiang , Ye Pengpeng , Ma Jie , Chen Xiaochun
Published: June 2024

Aim

The relationship between the gut microbiota, metabolites and body fat percentage (BFP) remains unexplored. We systematically assessed the causal relationships between gut microbiota, metabolites and BFP using Mendelian randomization analysis.

Materials and Methods

Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with gut microbiota, blood metabolites and BFP were screened via a genome‐wide association study enrolling individuals of European descent. Summary data from genome‐wide association studies were extracted from the MiBioGen consortium and the UK Biobank. The inverse variance‐weighted model was the primary method used to estimate these causal relationships. Sensitivity analyses were performed using pleiotropy, Mendelian randomization‐Egger regression, heterogeneity tests and leave‐one‐out tests.

Results

In the aspect of phyla, classes, orders, families and genera, we observed that o_Bifidobacteriales [β = −0.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.07 to −0.03; false discovery rate (FDR) = 2.76 × 10−3], f_Bifidobacteriaceae (β = −0.05; 95% CI: −0.07 to −0.07; FDR = 2.76 × 10−3), p_Actinobacteria (β = −0.06; 95% CI: −0.09 to −0.03; FDR = 6.36 × 10−3), c_Actinobacteria (β = −0.05; 95% CI: −0.08 to −0.02; FDR = 1.06 × 10−2), g_Bifidobacterium (β = −0.05; 95% CI: −0.07 to −0.02; FDR = 1.85 × 10−2), g_Ruminiclostridium9 (β = −0.03; 95% CI: −0.06 to −0.01; FDR = 4.81 × 10−2) were negatively associated with BFP. G_Olsenella (β = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.01‐0.03; FDR = 2.16 × 10−2) was positively associated with BFP. Among the gut microbiotas, f_Bifidobacteriales, o_Bifidobacteriales, c_Actinobacteria and p_Actinobacteria were shown to be significantly associated with BFP in the validated dataset. In the aspect of metabolites, we only observed that valine (β = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.5‐1.04; FDR = 8.65 × 10−6) was associated with BFP.

Conclusions

Multiple gut microbiota and metabolites were strongly associated with an increased BFP. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this putative causality. In addition, BFP, a key indicator of obesity, suggests that obesity‐related interventions can be developed from gut microbiota and metabolite perspectives.
Limited evidence for genetic differentiation or adaptation in two amphibian species across replicated rural–urban gradients
Authors: Babik W. , Marszałek M. , Dudek K. , Antunes B. , Palomar G. , Zając B. , Taugbøl A. , Pabijan M.
Published: June 2024

Urbanization leads to complex environmental changes and poses multiple challenges to organisms. Amphibians are highly susceptible to the effects of urbanization, with land use conversion, habitat destruction, and degradation ranked as the most significant threats. Consequently, amphibians are declining in urban areas, in both population numbers and abundance, however, the effect of urbanization on population genetic parameters remains unclear. Here, we studied the genomic response to urbanization in two widespread European species, the common toad Bufo bufo (26 localities, 480 individuals), and the smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris (30 localities, 516 individuals) in three geographic regions: southern and northern Poland and southern Norway. We assessed genome‐wide SNP variation using RADseq (ca. 42 and 552 thousand SNPs in toads and newts, respectively) and adaptively relevant major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II genes. The results linked most of the genetic differentiation in both marker types to regional (latitudinal) effects, which also correspond to historical biogeography. Further, we did not find any association between genetic differentiation and level of urbanization at local scales for either species. However, urban smooth newts, but not toads, have lower levels of within‐population genome‐wide diversity, suggesting higher susceptibility to the negative effects of urbanization. A decreasing level of genetic diversity linked to increasing urbanization was also found for MHC II in smooth newts, while the relationship between MHC class I diversity and urbanization differed between geographic regions. We did not find any effects of urbanization on MHC diversity in the toad populations. Although two genetic environment association analyses of genome‐wide data, LFMM and BayPass, revealed numerous (219 in B. bufo and 7040 in L. vulgaris) SNPs statistically associated with urbanization, we found a marked lack of repeatability between geographic regions, suggesting a complex and multifaceted response to natural selection elicited by life in the city.
Genomics and 20 years of sampling reveal phenotypic differences between subpopulations of outmigrating Central Valley Chinook salmon
Authors: Thompson Tasha Q. , O'Leary Shannon , O'Rourke Sean , Tarsa Charlene , Baerwald Melinda R. , Goertler Pascale , Meek Mariah H.
Published: June 2024

Intraspecific diversity plays a critical role in the resilience of Chinook salmon populations. California's Central Valley (CV) historically hosted one of the most diverse population complexes of Chinook salmon in the world. However, anthropogenic factors have dramatically decreased this diversity, with severe consequences for population resilience. Here we use next generation sequencing and an archive of thousands of tissue samples collected across two decades during the juvenile outmigration to evaluate phenotypic diversity between and within populations of CV Chinook salmon. To account for highly heterogeneous sample qualities in the archive dataset, we develop and test an approach for population and subpopulation assignments of CV Chinook salmon that allows inclusion of relatively low‐quality samples while controlling error rates. We find significantly distinct outmigration timing and body size distributions for each population and subpopulation. Within the archive dataset, spring run individuals that assigned to the Mill and Deer Creeks subpopulation exhibited an earlier and broader outmigration distribution as well as larger body sizes than individuals that assigned to the Butte Creek subpopulation. Within the fall run population, individuals that assigned to the late‐fall run subpopulation also exhibited an earlier and broader outmigration distribution and larger body sizes than other fall run fish in our dataset. These results highlight the importance of distinct subpopulations for maintaining remaining diversity in CV Chinook salmon, and demonstrates the power of genomics‐based population assignments to aid the study and management of intraspecific diversity.
Al‐based energy aware parent selection mechanism to enhance security and energy efficiency for smart homes in Internet of Things
Authors: Rahman Habib Ur , Habib Muhammad Asif , Sarwar Shahzad , Ahmad Awais , Paul Anand , Alkhrijah Yazeed , Obidallah Waeal J.
Published: June 2024

The growing ubiquity of Internet of Things (IoT) devices within smart homes demands the use of advanced strategies in IoT implementation, with an emphasis on energy efficiency and security. The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the IoT framework improves the overall efficiency of the network. An inefficient mechanism of parent selection at the network layer of IoT causes energy drain in the nodes, particularly near the sink node. As a result, nodes die earlier, causing network holes that further increase the control message overhead as well as the energy consumption of the network, compromising network security. This research introduces an AI‐based approach to parent selection of the Routing Protocol for Low Power and Lossy networks (RPL) at the network layer of IoT to enhance security and energy efficiency. A novel objective function, named Energy and Parent Load Objective Function (EA‐EPL), is also proposed that considers the composite metrics, including energy and parent load. Extensive experiments are conducted to assess EA‐EPL against OF0 and MRHOF algorithms. Experimental results show that EA‐EPL outperformed these algorithms in improving energy efficiency, network stability, and packet delivery ratio. The results also demonstrate a significant enhancement in the overall efficiency of IoT networks and increased security in smart home environments.
Examining Malaysian mothers' causal attributions of maladaptive externalizing and internalizing behaviors in young children
Authors: Heng Jean Anne , Olson Sheryl
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study provides insight into how cultural beliefs influence parents' causal attributions of maladaptive externalizing and internalizing behaviors in young children.

Background

Understanding how parents from different cultures explain difficult behavior in young children may inform culturally sensitive approaches for early intervention and prevention. To date, work on Malaysian parents' causal attributions of maladaptive behaviors in young children has received little empirical attention.

Method

We employed a semistructured interview method to assess Malaysian mothers' (N = 16) open‐ended explanations for maladaptive externalizing and internalizing behavior in their young children, as depicted in hypothetical scenarios. Mothers' responses were coded according to a coding system of parental attributions.

Results

We identified cultural specificity in Malaysian parents' attributions of children's behaviors, with mothers endorsing reasons for children's maladaptive externalizing and internalizing behaviors that were not previously captured by the existing coding system. Mothers' attributions were informed by religious and spiritual beliefs.

Conclusions

Parents' causal attributions for children's maladaptive behaviors are culturally specific and are best captured by open‐ended approaches.

Implications

Cultural frames of reference shape parental beliefs, which are crucial to the effective formulation of early intervention and prevention approaches. Caution should be taken in general against universally operationalizing parents' attributions of children's behaviors.
The archaeal highly thermostable GH35 family β‐galactosidase DaβGal has a unique seven domain protein fold
Authors: Kil Yury , Pichkur Evgeny B. , Sergeev Vladimir R. , Zabrodskaya Yana , Myasnikov Alexander , Konevega Andrey L. , Shtam Tatiana , Samygina Valeriya R. , Rychkov Georgy N.
Published: June 2024

The most extensively studied β‐d‐galactosidases (EC3.2.1.23) belonging to four glycoside hydrolase (GH) families 1, 2, 35, and 42 are widely distributed among Bacteria, Archaea and Eukaryotes. Here, we report a novel GH35 family β‐galactosidase from the hyperthermophilic Thermoprotei archaeon Desulfurococcus amylolyticus (DaβGal). Unlike fungal monomeric six‐domain β‐galactosidases, the DaβGal enzyme is a dimer; it has an extra jelly roll domain D7 and three composite domains (D4, D5, and D6) that are formed by the distantly located polypeptide chain regions. The enzyme possesses a high specificity for β‐d‐galactopyranosides, and its distinguishing feature is the ability to cleave pNP‐β‐d‐fucopyranoside. DaβGal efficiently catalyzes the hydrolysis of lactose at high temperatures, remains stable and active at 65 °С, and retains activity at 95 °С with a half‐life time value equal to 73 min. These properties make archaeal DaβGal a more attractive candidate for biotechnology than the widely used fungal β‐galactosidases.
Humanistic burden of haemophilia A without inhibitors: A cross‐sectional analysis of the HemoLIFE study
Authors: Álvarez‐Román María Teresa , Nuñez Vazquez Ramiro Jose , Benitez Hidalgo Olga , Quintana Paris Laura , Entrena Ureña Laura , Lopez Jaime Francisco Jose , la De Corte‐Rodríguez Hortensia , García Dasí María , Bosch Pau , Mingot Castellano María Eva , Guerra Garaeta Itziar , Soto‐Ortega Inmaculada
Published: June 2024

Aim

To evaluate the impact of haemophilia A without inhibitors on humanistic outcomes in patients and caregivers. Herein, we report a cross‐sectional analysis of the baseline data of persons with haemophilia (PWH) participating in the prospective study HEMOLIFE.

Methods

These data are part of a prospective, observational, and multicentre study currently being conducted in 20 hospitals in Spain by haematologists. We included subjects 12 years or older diagnosed with haemophilia. The evaluations included the Maladjustment Scale, Haemophilia–Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire for Adults (HaemoQol)/HaemoQol Short Form (Children), haemophilia‐specific version of the Work Productivity and Impairment Questionnaire plus the Classroom Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI+CIQ:HS), Haemophilia Activity List (HAL)/Paediatric Haemophilia Activities List (pedHAL), visual analogue scale (VAS) for evaluating pain, Coping Pain Questionnaire–Reduced (CAD‐R), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Results

A total of 81 PWH were recruited at 18 centres; 66 PWH were ≥18 years (i.e., adults), and PWH 15 were <18 years (i.e., paediatric patients). Out of the 79 evaluable subjects, 16 (20%) showed an impact of haemophilia on daily life, and the areas most affected were “leisure time” (58% showed maladjustment) and “work/studies” (47% showed maladjustment). Patients reported a higher impact of haemophilia on quality of life (mean [SD] of the transformed score) in the dimensions of “sport” (49.4 [28.6]), “physical health” (40.5 [25.8]) and “future” (37.7 [28.9]). In adults, according to HAL scores, greater impairment of function was observed in “lying/sitting/kneeling/standing,” “function of legs” and “leisure activities and sports,” with mean normalized scores of 64.7, 65.1 and 69.0, respectively. Productivity was mostly impacted by presenteeism. The pain was infrequent and moderate. According to the HADS scores, nine (11.5%) patients had clinical anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

PWH without inhibitors exhibited impairments in adjustment, quality of life and functionality, especially related to leisure and sports activities, and exhibit relevant levels of anxiety and depression.
Efficacy and safety of erythritol air‐polishing in implant dentistry: A systematic review
Authors: Delucchi F. , Ingegnieros L. , Pesce P. , Baldi D. , Canullo L. , Bagnasco F. , Zunino P. , Menini M.
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Professional oral hygiene is essential to prevent peri‐implant disease. Appropriate instruments should be employed for implant‐supported restorations: they should effectively remove deposits without damaging dental implant surface. The aim of the present systematic review is to investigate the efficacy and safety of erythritol air‐polishing in implant‐supported rehabilitations, compared to alternative hygienic techniques.

Materials and Methods

The guidelines reported in the indications of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) were employed for this systematic review. The focused question was: ‘what is the effect of erythritol air‐polishing on dental implant surfaces regarding its cleansing efficacy and/or safety?’ The final online search was conducted on 13 August 2023; MEDLINE—PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library were employed. Comparative in vitro or in vivo original studies were included.

Results

The initial database search yielded 128 entries; the final selection comprised 15 articles. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa scale (NOS), the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, GRADE method. Ultrasonic scaling with PEEK tips, glycine air‐polishing and cold atmospheric plasma were the devices most frequently compared to erythritol powder in the included studies. Erythritol air‐polishing appeared to be significantly more effective in reducing biofilm compared to other treatments, without causing any significant damage to the implant surface and peri‐implant tissues, promoting a good biological response.

Conclusion

Erythritol air‐polishing showed promising results for professional oral hygiene in implant‐supported restorations. According to this systematic review, it is effective and safe for removing biofilm from titanium dental implants.
Exploring the motivational mechanisms of growth beliefs on perseverance among EFL students: The role of ideal and ought‐to L2 selves
Authors: Jiang Yan , Yue Shuqi , Mantou Lou Nigel
Published: June 2024

Perseverance of effort is essential for success in learning a second language (L2). While past research has examined how motivational beliefs (e.g., growth mindset) influence L2 learners’ perseverance, their generalizability and underlying motivational mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the relationship between growth language mindsets and perseverance of efforts in L2 learning, as well as whether this relationship can be explained by the ideal L2 self and ought‐to L2 self. A cohort of 740 EFL students from four universities in China completed a questionnaire. The results revealed that EFL learners with higher levels of growth language mindsets showed greater levels of perseverance in language learning. Furthermore, mediation analysis indicated that growth language mindsets indirectly predicted perseverance through both the ideal L2 self and the ought‐to L2 self. These results suggested that the motivational mechanisms associated with growth language mindsets are complex, involving both ideal and ought‐to images of the L2 self, which in turn could contribute to sustaining perseverance in L2 learning. Theoretical and practical implications for researchers and language teachers are discussed in light of these findings.
Solid‐state fermentation by Aspergillus niger and Lactobacillus plantarum improved the nutritional and physicochemical properties of wheat bran and whole wheat bread
Authors: Wang Ziyuan , Song Shuimiao , Liu Jiayuan , Bai Xinyu , Ye Gaoqi , Liu Jie
Published: June 2024

Solid‐state fermentation (SSF) is an economically viable processing technique to improve the bioactive content from agricultural by‐products. The impacts of SSF by Aspergillus niger (AN) and Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) on the physicochemical and functional properties of wheat bran and whole wheat bread were investigated in this study. Compared with unfermented wheat bran, the pH of fermented wheat bran decreased significantly, and the titrated acidity increased significantly. The water absorption index, water solubility index and swelling capacity of wheat bran were significantly increased after fermentation. Besides, the free‐radical scavenging activities for DPPH, ABTS and the total antioxidant capacity of wheat bran were notably increased after SSF. Moreover, the content of alkylresorcinols (ARs), total phenolics and flavonoids compounds in wheat bran were enhanced by 137.85%, 52.87% and 95.6%, respectively, after fermentation. The content of aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone and ochratoxin A were decreased by 76.34%, 18.67%, 34.48% and 20.46%, respectively. SSF enhanced the content of ARs, total phenols and flavonoids in the reconstituted whole wheat bread by 136.55%, 54.55% and 97.74%, respectively. Whereas, the hardness and chewiness of the bran‐rich bread were decreased by 75.2% and 92.41%, respectively. Additionally, the sensory evaluation score, specific volume and the overall score of reconstituted bread were significantly improved. Taken together, SSF by AN and LP could improve the processing value of wheat bran and might be a feasible solution to upgrade whole wheat product quality.
Effects of amorphous phase and yttrium on flash sintering and microstructures of ZrO2–SiO2 ceramic nanocomposites
Authors: Fu Le , Yu Wenjun , Wen Zixu , Liu Jinling
Published: June 2024

Flash sintering has been used to consolidate a wide range of ceramics and ceramic composites. However, flash sintering of ceramic nanocomposite with a substantial amorphous phase is rarely studied. Meanwhile, the effects of yttrium addition on the flash sintering behaviors and microstructures of ZrO2‐based ceramic nanocomposite remain unknown. Herein, ZrO2‐SiO2 crystalline‐amorphous ceramic nanocomposites (CACNs) with different contents of amorphous phase and two types of yttrium dopants were sintered by flash sintering. Results showed that the content of amorphous phase (SiO2) had significant effects on the flash sintering behavior. The CACN with 65 mol% SiO2 was nonflash sinterable due to the high electric resistivity of SiO2, whereas, the CACN with 45 mol% SiO2 can be flash sintered to high densification within 35 seconds. The flash‐sintered CACNs consisted of ZrO2 nanocrystallites distributed in an amorphous SiO2 matrix. Flash sintering enhanced the tetragonal‐to‐monoclinic phase transformation of ZrO2. In addition, influences of yttrium dopant on CACNs were also investigated. Yttrium dopants can rapidly dissolve in ZrO2 lattices and show a tetragonal phase stabilization effect during flash sintering. Firework‐like ZrO2 microcrystallites formed by dendritic growth were observed close to the cathode region, which was attributed to athermal electric field effects and the formation and aggregation of oxygen vacancies at the cathode region. The results would provide guidance for fabricating CACNs via flash sintering.