bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotional regulation in Gaming Disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Estupiñá Francisco J. , Bernaldo‐de‐Quirós Mónica , Vallejo‐Achón Marina , Fernández‐Arias Ignacio , Labrador Francisco
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives

Problematic video game use is a source of concern. In addictions, difficulties with emotional regulation have become an important variable of interest. However, their study in relation to problematic video game use remains insufficient.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines; 322 studies were screened, resulting in a final sample of k = 18 studies. The methodological quality of these studies was rated as moderate according to the McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative studies (CRF‐Q).

Results

There is evidence of relationship between different facets of emotional regulation and the presence of problematic video game use. Particularly, video games serve as escape strategy for suppressing emotional expression. There is no consensus regarding the nature of the relationship between emotional regulation, psychopathology, and problematic video game use, with various proposals suggesting moderation and mediation. There is also no consensus regarding the mediation of gender in the relationship between emotional dysregulation and problematic video game use. The level of certainty regarding the validity of the results was moderate.

Discussion and Conclusions

Emotional dysregulation plays a role in problematic video game use, especially through strategies as emotional suppression, and lack of abilities to understand and control emotions. It is important to consider emotional regulation as a potential target for research and intervention in clinical populations.

Scientific Significance

We review the largest sample of papers on problem gaming and emotion regulation to date. Our results highlight the importance of emotion regulation and, specially, emotional suppression, or negative escapism, on problematic video game use.
Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome signalling for the management of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Niskala Alisha , Heijman Jordi , Dobrev Dobromir , Jespersen Thomas , Saljic Arnela
Published: June 2024

Inflammatory signalling via the nod‐like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain‐containing protein‐3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has recently been implicated in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the precise role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in various cardiac cell types is poorly understood. Targeting components or products of the inflammasome and preventing their proinflammatory consequences may constitute novel therapeutic treatment strategies for AF. In this review, we summarise the current understanding of the role of the inflammasome in AF pathogenesis. We first review the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and inflammatory signalling in cardiomyocytes, (myo)fibroblasts and immune cells, such as neutrophils, macrophages and monocytes. Because numerous compounds targeting NLRP3 signalling are currently in preclinical development, or undergoing clinical evaluation for other indications than AF, we subsequently review known therapeutics, such as colchicine and canakinumab, targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome and evaluate their potential for treating AF.
Impacts of large dams on Amazonian floodplain bird communities
Authors: Martins Gustavo de Melo , Menger Juliana , de Melo Tomaz Nascimento , Ribas Camila Cherem
Published: June 2024

Amazon river floodplains sustain distinct kinds of seasonally flooded habitats along with their specialized biota. River sediment load and geomorphology determine vegetation physiognomy and the occurrence of specialized taxa. Hydropower dams disrupt the annual flooding cycle, affecting the floodplain habitats and associated avifauna. Our goal was to understand how permanent flooding caused by large dams affects taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of bird communities in two Amazonian rivers with distinct characteristics. We sampled 35 sites, including undisturbed sites and sites impacted by the permanent flooding caused by large dams operating on the Madeira and Xingu rivers since 2012 and 2016, respectively. We recorded 202 bird species through passive acoustic monitoring. We did not find differences in mean species richness between rivers or between impacted vs. undisturbed sites. However, we found species turnover between distinct river basins and between sites. Undisturbed sites were characterized by floodplain specialists and were more phylogenetically clustered and functionally more similar than impacted sites, which were occupied by more generalist species from different phylogenetic clades, with distinct functional traits. By assessing multiple dimensions of bird diversity, we show that permanent flooding leads to extensive changes in the floodplain avifauna, favoring generalist over specialist species and thus reducing the uniqueness of the affected communities. We demonstrate that alpha diversity metrics alone are insufficient to characterize the impacts of river damming on Amazonian floodplain avifauna. To properly monitor dams' environmental impacts, additional measures of community change should be standardized, with emphasis on species replacements in seasonally flooded environments.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Association of CYP2C19 genotypes with postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Jiang Qin , Huang Keli , Han Lizhu , Kong Hong , Yang Zhenglin , Hu Shengshou
Published: June 2024

This cohort study aims to assess the connection between cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 19 (CYP2C19) genotyping, platelet aggregability following oral clopidogrel administration, and the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after off‐pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. From May 2017 to November 2022, a total of 258 patients undergoing elective first‐time CABG surgery, receiving 100 mg/day oral aspirin and 75 mg/day oral clopidogrel postoperatively, was included for analysis. These patients were categorized based on CYP2C19 genotyping. Platelet aggregability was assessed serially using multiple‐electrode aggregometry before CABG, 1 and 5 days after the procedure, and before discharge. The incidences of POAF were compared using the log‐rank test for cumulative risk. CYP2C19 genotyping led to categorization into CYP2C19*1*1 (WT group, n = 123) and CYP2C19*2 or *3 (LOF group, n = 135). Baseline characteristics and operative data showed no significant differences between the two groups. The incidence of POAF after CABG was 42.2% in the LOF group, contrasting with 22.8% in the WT group (hazard risk [HR]: 2.061; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.347, 3.153; p = 0.0013). Adenosine diphosphate‐stimulated platelet aggregation was notably higher in the LOF group compared to the WT group 5 days after CABG (30.4% ± 6.5% vs. 17.9% ± 4.1%, p < 0.001), remaining a similar higher level at hospital discharge (25.6% ± 6.1% vs. 12.2% ± 3.5%, p < 0.001). The presence of CYP2C19 LOF was linked to a higher incidence of POAF and relatively elevated platelet aggregation after CABG surgery under the same oral clopidogrel regimen.
When can higher‐order interactions produce stable coexistence?
Authors: Gibbs Theo L. , Gellner Gabriel , Levin Simon A. , McCann Kevin S. , Hastings Alan , Levine Jonathan M.
Published: June 2024

Most ecological models are based on the assumption that species interact in pairs. Diverse communities, however, can have higher‐order interactions, in which two or more species jointly impact the growth of a third species. A pitfall of the common pairwise approach is that it misses the higher‐order interactions potentially responsible for maintaining natural diversity. Here, we explore the stability properties of systems where higher‐order interactions guarantee that a specified set of abundances is a feasible equilibrium of the dynamics. Even these higher‐order interactions which lead to equilibria do not necessarily produce stable coexistence. Instead, these systems are more likely to be stable when the pairwise interactions are weak or facilitative. Correlations between the pairwise and higher‐order interactions, however, do permit robust coexistence even in diverse systems. Our work not only reveals the challenges in generating stable coexistence through higher‐order interactions but also uncovers interaction patterns that can enable diversity.
Cross‐cultural application of the International Classification of Cognitive Disorders in Epilepsy (IC‐CoDE)
Authors: Shah Urvashi , Rajeshree Shivani , Sahu Aparna , Kalika Mayuri , Ravat Sangeeta , Reyes Anny , Stasenko Alena , Busch Robyn M. , Hermann Bruce P. , McDonald Carrie R. ,   for the ILAE IC‐CoDE Task Force
Published: June 2024

Objective

Efforts to understand the global variability in cognitive profiles in patients with epilepsy have been stymied by the lack of a standardized diagnostic system. This study examined the cross‐cultural applicability of the International Classification of Cognitive Disorders in Epilepsy (IC‐CoDE) in a cohort of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in India that was diverse in language, education, and cultural background.

Methods

A cohort of 548 adults with TLE from Mumbai completed a presurgical comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. The IC‐CoDE taxonomy was applied to derive cognitive phenotypes in the sample. Analyses of variance were conducted to examine differences in demographic and clinical characteristics across the phenotypes, and chi‐squared tests were used to determine whether the phenotype distribution differed between the Mumbai sample and published data from a multicenter US sample.

Results

Using the IC‐CoDE criteria, 47% of our cohort showed an intact cognitive profile, 31% a single‐domain impairment, 16% a bidomain impairment, and 6% a generalized impairment profile. The distribution of cognitive phenotypes was similar between the Indian and US cohorts for the intact and bidomain phenotypes, but differed for the single and generalized domains. There was a larger proportion of patients with single‐domain impairment in the Indian cohort and a larger proportion with generalized impairment in the US cohort. Among patients with single‐domain impairment, a greater proportion exhibited memory impairment in the Indian cohort, whereas a greater proportion showed language impairment in the US sample, likely reflecting differences in language administration procedures and sample characteristics including a higher rate of mesial temporal sclerosis in the Indian sample.

Significance

Our results demonstrate the applicability of IC‐CoDE in a group of culturally and linguistically diverse patients from India. This approach enhances our understanding of cognitive variability across cultures and enables harmonized and inclusive research into the neuropsychological aspects of epilepsy.
Predicting species invasiveness with genomic data: Is genomic offset related to establishment probability?
Authors: Camus Louise , Gautier Mathieu , Boitard Simon
Published: June 2024

Predicting the risk of establishment and spread of populations outside their native range represents a major challenge in evolutionary biology. Various methods have recently been developed to estimate population (mal)adaptation to a new environment with genomic data via so‐called Genomic Offset (GO) statistics. These approaches are particularly promising for studying invasive species but have still rarely been used in this context. Here, we evaluated the relationship between GO and the establishment probability of a population in a new environment using both in silico and empirical data. First, we designed invasion simulations to evaluate the ability to predict establishment probability of two GO computation methods (Geometric GO and Gradient Forest) under several conditions. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the interpretability of absolute Geometric GO values, which theoretically represent the adaptive genetic distance between populations from distinct environments. Second, utilizing public empirical data from the crop pest species Bactrocera tryoni, a fruit fly native from Northern Australia, we computed GO between “source” populations and a diverse range of locations within invaded areas. This practical application of GO within the context of a biological invasion underscores its potential in providing insights and guiding recommendations for future invasion risk assessment. Overall, our results suggest that GO statistics represent good predictors of the establishment probability and may thus inform invasion risk, although the influence of several factors on prediction performance (e.g., propagule pressure or admixture) will need further investigation.
A link between evolution and society fostering the UN sustainable development goals
Authors: De Meester Luc , Vázquez‐Domínguez Ella , Kassen Rees , Forest Félix , Bellon Mauricio R. , Koskella Britt , Scherson Rosa A. , Colli Licia , Hendry Andrew P. , Crandall Keith A. , Faith Daniel P. , Starger Craig J. , Geeta R. , Araki Hitoshi , Dulloo Ehsan M. , Souffreau Caroline , Schroer Sibylle , Johnson Marc T. J.
Published: June 2024

Given the multitude of challenges Earth is facing, sustainability science is of key importance to our continued existence. Evolution is the fundamental biological process underlying the origin of all biodiversity. This phylogenetic diversity fosters the resilience of ecosystems to environmental change, and provides numerous resources to society, and options for the future. Genetic diversity within species is also key to the ability of populations to evolve and adapt to environmental change. Yet, the value of evolutionary processes and the consequences of their impairment have not generally been considered in sustainability research. We argue that biological evolution is important for sustainability and that the concepts, theory, data, and methodological approaches used in evolutionary biology can, in crucial ways, contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We discuss how evolutionary principles are relevant to understanding, maintaining, and improving Nature Contributions to People (NCP) and how they contribute to the SDGs. We highlight specific applications of evolution, evolutionary theory, and evolutionary biology's diverse toolbox, grouped into four major routes through which evolution and evolutionary insights can impact sustainability. We argue that information on both within‐species evolutionary potential and among‐species phylogenetic diversity is necessary to predict population, community, and ecosystem responses to global change and to make informed decisions on sustainable production, health, and well‐being. We provide examples of how evolutionary insights and the tools developed by evolutionary biology can not only inspire and enhance progress on the trajectory to sustainability, but also highlight some obstacles that hitherto seem to have impeded an efficient uptake of evolutionary insights in sustainability research and actions to sustain SDGs. We call for enhanced collaboration between sustainability science and evolutionary biology to understand how integrating these disciplines can help achieve the sustainable future envisioned by the UN SDGs.
Fatigue life analysis of subway e‐clips under multiwavelength rail corrugation excitation
Authors: Dong Bingjie , Chen Guangxiong , Song Qifeng , Feng Xiaohang , Ren Wenjuan , Mei Guiming
Published: June 2024

Fatigue‐induced clip fractures are the most common type of damage in railway systems, and they are exacerbated by rail corrugation. This research investigated the development of rail corrugation through long‐term measurements and examined the impact of rail corrugation on the fatigue life of e‐clips using a finite element model. The examination included different corrugation wavelengths, namely, short‐pitch corrugation (SPC), long‐pitch corrugation (LPC), and a new form of corrugation called superposed SPC and LPC. The results showed that increasing corrugation amplitude reduces an e‐clip's fatigue life and alters the region in the clip where fatigue damage occurs. A short corrugation wavelength shortens fatigue life. On railway tracks with superposed SPC and LPC, a significant increase in LPC amplitude sharply reduces a clip's fatigue life, even under minuscule SPC amplitude. Effective measures are proposed to prolong the fatigue life of e‐clips subjected to the effects of rail corrugation.
Theology and Theories of Metaphor: How We Talk When We Talk about God
Authors: Harkaway‐Krieger Kerilyn
Published: June 2024

In theology, how language about God communicates is inseparable from what is being communicated, and the form that theological discourse takes must be part of what is considered when it is interpreted. Although analogy has been given pride of place in theology, more recent interest in metaphor, from theologians, philosophers, and linguists, reveals new debates over how deeply embedded metaphor is in language, how metaphor shapes our cognition and perception, and metaphor's role in theological understanding. This article provides an overview of the relevance for theology of two recent approaches to metaphor—those of the philosopher Paul Ricoeur and the cognitive linguistic approach—and ultimately argues that the most fitting understanding of how metaphor operates theologically is to say that it is mystical, because it contains both affirmations of identity and acknowledgement of difference (between the divine and the human, the spiritual and the material).
Michel Henry and the Question of Phenomenology
Authors: Tulp Cees
Published: June 2024

Since its formulation by Edmund Husserl, phenomenology has been regarded as a ‘method’. This is contested by Michel Henry, who speaks of the ‘question’ of phenomenology. This article traces Henry's objection to the classification of phenomenology as method, and considers both what he means by phenomenology being a question and what the answer to this question would be. To this end, the notions of ‘first givenness’ and ‘Life’ are explored, both of which are identified by Henry as being essential to phenomenality. The single answer to the question of phenomenology is ‘first givenness’ or ‘Life’, as both are identical. Christianity speaks of God as Life, which is frequently referred to by Henry. The theological interest in this topic is therefore the question of whether God is, in the end, Henry's answer to the question of phenomenology. This article explores the way in which Henry cites from the Bible and expresses theological notions. It concludes that the Christian articulation of God as Life, and its approach to truth, are essentially phenomenological. Thus, for Henry, ‘God’ is not the answer to the question of phenomenology, rather the Christian notion of God as Life indicates the correct phenomenological answer.
The genome‐wide response of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus to cystatin A, a peptidase inhibitor from human skin, sheds light on its digestive physiology and allergenicity
Authors: Vidal‐Quist José Cristian , Ortego Félix , Rombauts Stephane , Hernández‐Crespo Pedro
Published: June 2024

The digestive physiology of house dust mites (HDMs) is particularly relevant for their allergenicity since many of their allergens participate in digestion and are excreted into faecal pellets, a main source of exposure for allergic subjects. To gain insight into the mite dietary digestion, the genome of the HDM Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was screened for genes encoding peptidases (n = 320), glycosylases (n = 77), lipases and esterases (n = 320), peptidase inhibitors (n = 65) and allergen‐related proteins (n = 52). Basal gene expression and transcriptional responses of mites to dietary cystatin A, a cysteine endopeptidase inhibitor with previously shown antinutritional effect on mites, were analysed by RNAseq. The ingestion of cystatin A resulted in significant regulation of different cysteine endopeptidase and glycosylase genes. One Der p 1‐like and two cathepsin B‐like cysteine endopeptidase genes of high basal expression were induced, which suggests their prominent role in proteolytic digestion together with major allergen Der p 1. A number of genes putatively participating in the interaction of mites with their microbiota and acquired by horizontal gene transfer were repressed, including genes encoding the peptidase Der p 38, two 1,3‐beta‐glucanases, a lysozyme and a GH19 chitinase. Finally, the disruption of mite digestion resulted in the regulation of up to 17 allergen and isoallergen genes. Altogether, our results shed light on the putative role of specific genes in digestion and illustrate the connection between the digestive physiology of HDM and allergy.
Feminist Pedagogy and Student Collaboration in Open Educational Practices in the Art History Classroom
Authors: Ishii‐Bear Sara Tomoe
Published: June 2024

This article examines undergraduate students' experiences in creating open educational resources (OERs) in a contemporary art history course. The construction of OERs reflects an interest in feminist pedagogy and open educational practices, which aim to create a learner‐centred classroom that values accessibility, equity, and cultural responsiveness. The article discusses the scaffolded assignment that guided students in researching and writing open access lesson plans. The students' work was subsequently published on the OERTX Repository website. Student‐generated materials give learners the opportunity to focus on topics that interest them the most. Such a move is especially valuable since the student demographics represent a high number of women of colour and first‐generation students. Given the historical marginalisation of women's and people of colours' voices in art history, the inclusion of women students of colours' research is valuable to art history pedagogy. The results of an anonymous student survey indicate that students felt that coauthoring an OER offered opportunities to communicate their interests and create more meaningful work, while at the same time, they asked for additional support in navigating group work challenges and research needs.
Differential predictive value of tissue‐specific PD‐L1 expression scores in adjuvant immunotherapy of melanoma
Authors: Geidel Glenn , Parnian Niousha , Meß Christian , Schlepper Noemi , Rünger Alessandra , Heidrich Isabel , Hansen Inga , Smit Daniel J. , Menz Anne , Pantel Klaus , Schneider Stefan W. , Kött Julian , Gebhardt Christoffer
Published: June 2024

Background

Adjuvant treatment of stage II–IV melanoma with PD‐1‐based immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has improved relapse‐free survival (RFS) and has therefore become a standard‐of‐care treatment option. Approximately 25%–30% of patients still recur within 1 year. Predictive biomarkers reflecting real‐world data are desired. The predictive relevance of tumour tissue PD‐L1 expression in the adjuvant setting remains inconclusive.

Objectives

This retrospective, observational study was conducted to evaluate the value of PD‐L1 expression scores in different tumour tissue locations in predicting response towards adjuvant immunotherapeutic treatment.

Methods

Tumour tissue taken prior to anti‐PD‐1 adjuvant ICI in 243 stage II–IV melanoma patients was collected at University Skin Cancer Center Hamburg. PD‐L1 expression was evaluated on immune cells (ICS), tumour cells (TPS) and combined (CPS). Scores were determined by independent pathological physician quantification and correlated with therapy outcome at different cut‐off (CO) levels (relapse‐free survival, RFS) for different tumour tissue locations (primary tumour, metastases).

Results

A total of 104 patients were eligible for analysis. Positivity of ICS, TPS and CPS showed no predictive RFS outcome association at different CO levels when analysed irrespective of tissue origin. In primary tumours, ICS at CO 1% showed a significantly improved RFS upon positivity (HR 0.22). In contrast, positivity to TPS (CO 1%) correlated significantly and independently with improved RFS when evaluated in metastatic tumour tissue specimens (HR 0.37).

Conclusions

PD‐L1 tumour tissue expression may serve as a predictive biomarker for adjuvant ICI treatment response stratification in melanoma, but caution should be spent on the origin of tumour tissue analysed. The cell‐type relevant for the predictive value of PD‐L1 expression is tissue‐specific with immune cells being important in primary tumours while tumour cells are key in metastases. The present results should be validated in a multicentre cohort.
Unlocking the potential of ‘passive’ modulation: How sensory stimulation shapes hand and face size
Authors: Mora Laura , Committeri Giorgia , L'Abbate Teresa , Cocchini Gianna
Published: June 2024

Knowledge of the body size is intricately tied to multisensory integration processes that rely on the dynamic interplay of top‐down and bottom‐up mechanisms. Recent years have seen the development of passive sensory stimulation protocols aimed at investigating the modulation of various cognitive functions, primarily inducing perceptual learning and behaviour change without the need for extensive training. Given that reductions in sensory input have been associated with alterations in body size perception, it is reasonable to hypothesize that increasing sensory information through passive sensory stimulation could similarly influence the perception of the size of body parts. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the potential modulatory effects of passive sensory stimulation on the perception of hand and face size in a group of young adults. Passive sensory stimulation effectively modulated the size representation of the stimulated hand, supporting the notion that access to somatosensory and proprioceptive information is prioritised for the hands but may not extend to the face. Increased somatosensory input resulted in a reduction of distortion, providing evidence for bottom‐up modulation of size representation. Passive sensory stimulation can induce subjective changes in body size perception without the need for extensive training. This paradigm holds promise as a potential alternative for modulating distorted size representation in individuals with body representational deficits.
Re‐weighing the 5% tagging recommendation: assessing the potential impacts of tags on the behaviour and body condition of bats
Authors: Meierhofer Melissa B. , Tena Elena , Lilley Thomas M. , Dechmann Dina K. N. , Voigt Christian C. , Troitsky Tanya S. , De Bruyn Luc , Braun de Torrez Elizabeth , Eldegard Katrine , Elmeros Morten , Gyselings Ralf , Hoyt Dillan , Janssen René , Jonasson Kristin A. , López‐Baucells Adrià , Matlova Mariia , Melber Markus , Perea Santiago , Stidsholt Laura , Valanne Valeria , Varghese Mebin George , Zavattoni Giorgio , Weller Theodore J.
Published: June 2024

Considerable advances and breakthroughs in wildlife tracking technology have occurred in recent years, allowing researchers to gain insights into the movements and behaviours of a broad range of animals. Considering the accessibility and increase in use of tracking devices in wildlife studies, it is important to better understand the effects on these on animals.

Our endeavour revisits a guideline established in 1988, which proposes that bats may encounter body condition or health problems and alter their behaviour when carrying tags weighing more than 5% of their body mass. Through a systematic literature review, we conducted a meta‐analysis to identify the impacts of tags on bats, including 367 papers from 1976 to 2023 that discussed, mentioned, employed, or quantified tagging of bats.

We noted that the proportion of studies exceeding the 5% rule has not changed in recent years. However, the impact of tags was quantified in few studies for behaviour (n = 7) and body condition (n = 10) of bats. We were unable to assess whether tags weighing less or more than 5% of the bat's body mass impacted bats, but our meta‐analysis did identify that tags, irrespective of mass, affect the behaviour and body condition of bats.

Although the overall magnitude of measured effects of tags on bats was small, progress has been made to advance our understanding of tag mass on bats. Naturally, there is a bias in reporting of significant results, illustrating the need of reporting results when there is no apparent effect of tags on bats. Our findings highlight the need for rigorous reporting of behaviour and body condition data associated with tagging of animals and illustrate the importance for studies comparing how tracking devices of different dimensions and masses may impact bat species to ensure research meets rigorous ethical standards.
Sex‐specific overdominance at the maturation vgll3 gene for reproductive fitness in wild Atlantic salmon
Authors: Mobley Kenyon B. , Barton Henry J. , Ellmén Mikko , Ruokolainen Annukka , Guttorm Olavi , Pieski Hans , Orell Panu , Erkinaro Jaakko , Primmer Craig R.
Published: June 2024

Linking reproductive fitness with adaptive traits at the genomic level can shed light on the mechanisms that produce and maintain sex‐specific selection. Here, we construct a multigenerational pedigree to investigate sex‐specific selection on a maturation gene, vgll3, in a wild Atlantic salmon population. The vgll3 locus is responsible for ~40% of the variation in maturation (sea age at first reproduction). Genetic parentage analysis was conducted on 18,265 juveniles (parr) and 685 adults collected at the same spawning ground over eight consecutive years. A high proportion of females (26%) were iteroparous and reproduced two to four times in their lifetime. A smaller proportion of males (9%) spawned at least twice in their lifetime. Sex‐specific patterns of reproductive fitness were related to vgll3 genotype. Females showed a pattern of overdominance where vgll3*EL genotypes had three‐fold more total offspring than homozygous females. In contrast, males demonstrated that late‐maturing vgll3*LL individuals had two‐fold more offspring than either vgll3*EE or vgll3*EL males. Taken together, these data suggest that balancing selection in females contributes to the maintenance of variation at this locus via increased fitness of iteroparous vgll3*EL females. This study demonstrates the utility of multigenerational pedigrees for uncovering complex patterns of reproduction, sex‐specific selection and the maintenance of genetic variation.
The tip of the iceberg: Generalism in undergraduate medical education, a systems thinking analysis
Authors: Kelly Martina , Power Lyn , Lee Ann , Boudreault Nathalie , Ali Murthatha , Hubinette Maria
Published: June 2024

Purpose

There is a shortage of generalist physicians globally impacting health equity and access to care. An important way in which medical schools can demonstrate social accountability is by graduating learners interested in careers in generalism. While generalism is endorsed as a matter of principle in medical education, how this translates into curricula is less clear. The aim of this study was to identify how generalism is understood and supported by family physician educational leaders in undergraduate medical education (UME) in Canada.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study, interviewing 38 family medicine leaders in UME across all 17 Canadian medical schools. We examined the data with template analysis, informed by the iceberg model of systems thinking.

Results

Four themes were identified: (1) Teaching and learning strategies in support of generalism—a consistent range existed across UME curricula; (2) Curriculum patterns—changes in leadership and curriculum reform created positive or negative feedback loops that promoted or hindered initiatives to support generalism; (3) Curriculum structures—organ‐system‐based curricula and availability of generalist faculty presented particular challenges to teaching generalist approaches; (4) Mental models and ways of knowing—the preponderance of biomedical frameworks of thinking in curricula unconsciously undermined generalist approaches to patient care.

Conclusions

UME programmes promoted generalism through a range of teaching activities and strategies, but these efforts were countered by curriculum structures and mental models that perpetuate epistemic inequity between biomedical approaches to medical education and generalist models of care. Novel curricular frameworks are needed to align undergraduate programmes' commitment to social accountability with community‐based need.
The impact of brokers on ACA marketplace growth
Authors: Gürel Aleka
Published: June 2024

Brokers are an under‐studied channel of enrollment in the affordable care act (ACA), having grown to support nearly 80% of active federally facilitated marketplace (FFM) enrollment during the 2024 Open Enrollment Period. Brokers enroll a disproportionately low‐income and new‐to‐market consumer base compared to the core exchange websites, and have contributed to the record‐breaking growth in the ACA Marketplace in recent years. Understanding the role brokers play and the technological and policy changes that have enabled their work may help state‐based marketplaces improve stagnant enrollment growth.
Bodies in action: Do contractive and expansive postures facilitate adaptive behavior?
Authors: Mikkelsen Mai B. , Tramm Gitte , Michalak Johannes , Mennin Douglas S. , Elkjær Emma , O'Toole Mia S.
Published: June 2024

The present study investigated the effects of expansive and contractive body displays on adaptive behavior and affective outcomes. Addressing limitations in past research, the effects were investigated in two different contexts (i.e., fear context and sadness context), compared with two types of control conditions and the moderating effects of motivational traits and symptoms of psychopathology were accounted for. A sample of 186 adults completed a fear experiment involving a mock job interview and a sadness experiment involving sad mood induction. For each experiment, participants were randomly assigned to one of four body manipulations: (1) expansive; (2) contractive; (3) active control (i.e., running in place); or 4) passive control (i.e., doing nothing). The primary outcome was adaptive behavior (i.e., appropriate job‐interview behavior and positive recall bias). Secondary affective outcomes were emotions, action tendencies, and appraisals. Results revealed small, non‐significant effects of body displays on primary outcomes (ds = 0.19–0.28). For secondary outcomes, significant effects were identified for positive emotions (ds = 0.33). Across secondary outcomes, pairwise comparisons revealed that expansive displays led to more favorable outcomes than contractive displays. For participants with the highest levels of depression, body display conditions led to less favorable affective outcomes than control conditions. The results suggest that body displays do not influence adaptive behavior within the investigated contexts. When compared to contractive displays, expansive displays were found to yield more favorable affective changes. Lastly, the findings indicate that further investigations into body manipulations in the context of psychopathology are warranted.
Longitudinal Associations Between Enjoyment of Physical Education, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Muscular Fitness Among Finnish Adolescents
Authors: Costigan Sarah , Gråstén Arto , Huhtiniemi Mikko , Kolunsarka Iiris , Lubans David R. , Jaakkola Timo
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Students' experiences in physical education (PE) can shape future physical activity (PA) behaviors. PE enjoyment is associated with PA; however, the relationship between PE enjoyment and fitness has not been extensively investigated. The aim of this study was to examine if changes in PE enjoyment were associated with changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular fitness (MF) among Finnish adolescents.

Methods

Study participants were students (n = 1147; 11.27 [±0.32] years at baseline) attending public schools in Finland. Data were collected yearly (2017–2021). The 20 m shuttle run assessed CRF, curl‐up/push‐up tests assessed MF, and the enjoyment subscale of the Sport Commitment Questionnaire‐2 measured PE enjoyment. The random intercept cross‐lagged panel model, including repeated measures (within‐level) and latent levels (between‐level) of PE enjoyment, CRF and MF, was tested. Sex, body mass index, moderate to vigorous PA, and peak height velocity were included as covariates in the analysis.

Results

Over 5 years, PE enjoyment decreased, CRF increased until Timepoint 3, and MF remained stable. Positive associations between PE enjoyment and fitness were observed, indicating the greater the PE enjoyment, the higher the fitness. For PE enjoyment, CRF and MF repeated measures were positively associated with measurement of the next year. PE enjoyment was positively related to CRF and MF the years thereafter.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the importance of quality PE experiences for enjoyment and fitness gains during the transition from primary to secondary school. These findings are important given youth fitness levels are associated with future health status.
Coupling cellular automata and What If? models for residential expansion simulation: A case study of Southwest Sydney, Australia
Authors: Lu Yi , Laffan Shawn , Pettit Christopher
Published: June 2024

The impact of urban expansion on achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) has become a significant research topic in the field of geographic information science. In this article, we describe a coupled cellular automata (CA)—‐What If? model to explore SDG11 “Sustainable cities and communities.” The model calculates overall residential land use demand based on historical data archives using the What If? planning support system (PSS), and then allocates it using a CA model that incorporates variables related to SDG11.2.1 and 11.7.1. Historical datasets for years 2016 and 2021 from Southwest Sydney, Australia were used to assess model accuracy, after which two residential expansion scenarios (years 2021 and 2026) were generated. Based on the modeling results, the SDG‐related spatial variables can improve the overall accuracy of CA sub‐models using an XGBoost machine learning training methodology. The simulation results of these scenarios confirm the effectiveness of the coupled CA‐What If? model, which has the potential to generate more reliable scenario results than the standalone What If? PSS for modeling urban growth of cities across Australia and internationally.
Identifying Difficult Questions and Student Difficulties in a Spanish Version of a Programming Assessment Instrument (SCS1)
Authors: Vieira Camilo , Vásquez Andrea , Meza Federico , Quintero-Manes Roxana , Godoy Pedro
Published: June 2024

Currently, there is little evidence about how non-English-speaking students learn computer programming. For example, there are few validated assessment instruments to measure the development of programming skills, especially for the Spanish-speaking population. Having valid assessment instruments is essential to identify the difficulties of the students, make formative decisions, and evaluate the impact of pedagogical interventions. This article presents the outcomes of the early steps toward a validation in Spanish of the SCS1 assessment, derived from the first conceptual inventory to measure programming knowledge decoupled from a particular language. The goal of this initial step is twofold: (1) identifying the questions that are too difficult in this version and might need to be adapted based on empirical evidence of how students answer them and (2) identifying students’ common difficulties with the most challenging questions. This study started with a “think-aloud” protocol to validate whether the Spanish version was similar to the original instrument and if the students understood the translation as intended. Then, the instrument was applied to a sample of 71 university students who had previously taken an introductory programming course using Python. We computed the difficulty index for each question and identified students’ difficulties in answering them. We also propose potential improvements for these items. The main contributions of this study include (1) progress toward the validation of an instrument for evaluating programming skills in Spanish, (2) noting the advantage that experienced students in Python have to complete the instrument, (3) identifying the tendency of students to translate the pseudo-code from Spanish into English, and (4) the identification of common mistakes, like misunderstanding the scope of local variables or the confusion between returning and printing.
ID.8: Co-Creating Visual Stories with Generative AI
Authors: Antony Victor Nikhil , Huang Chien-Ming
Published: June 2024

Storytelling is an integral part of human culture and significantly impacts cognitive and socio-emotional development and connection. Despite the importance of interactive visual storytelling, the process of creating such content requires specialized skills and is labor-intensive. This article introduces ID.8, an open-source system designed for the co-creation of visual stories with generative AI. We focus on enabling an inclusive storytelling experience by simplifying the content creation process and allowing for customization. Our user evaluation confirms a generally positive user experience in domains such as enjoyment and exploration while highlighting areas for improvement, particularly in immersiveness, alignment, and partnership between the user and the AI system. Overall, our findings indicate promising possibilities for empowering people to create visual stories with generative AI. This work contributes a novel content authoring system, ID.8, and insights into the challenges and potential of using generative AI for multimedia content creation.
Tumor Growth in Overdrive: Detailing an Aggressive Course of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Singh Simardeep , Delungahawatta Thilini , Wolff Marcos , Haas Christopher J.
Published: June 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma ranks as the third leading cause of cancer‐related mortality globally. We present a case of a rapidly progressive hepatocellular carcinoma in an 81‐year‐old female with metabolic abnormalities. The patient initially presented with non‐specific signs and symptoms and was managed for sepsis of suspected urinary source. Unresolving laboratory markers led to repeat abdominal imaging demonstrating new hepatic lesions within six days. Biopsy confirmed moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient received conservative inpatient treatment with recommendation for nutritional and performance status optimization prior to oncologic therapies, however continued to decline and passed away three months later.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Risk Perception in Oral Isotretinoin Use: A Cross‐Sectional Study from Jordan
Authors: Al-Hawamdeh Mai I. , Al-Ameri Mariam , Lutfi Salli , Muhtaseb Nidal , Takhayneh Rasha , Awamreh Tasneem
Published: June 2024

The most prevalent skin condition is acne vulgaris. Recent clinical practice guidelines recommend oral isotretinoin to treat moderate‐to‐severe acne. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and risk perception of oral isotretinoin for acne treatment. This is a cross‐sectional descriptive study conducted in the country of Jordan. The study sample includes people resident in Jordan aged ≥14 years who have been treated with oral isotretinoin for acne. The study involved 373 participants who previously used oral isotretinoin for skin disorders. Most were Jordanian (89.3%), aged 19–25 (37.3%), and from the central region (82.8%). Mostly, they used isotretinoin for severe or mild acne (25.2% and 24.1%, respectively), rosacea (4.1%), or to alleviate acne scars. Surprisingly, 58.1% did not consult their specialist for side effects, and 20% shared their treatment. The average proper use score was 9.98 out of 16. A link was found between higher risk knowledge scores and proper use scores. Side effects such as nausea, irregular heartbeat, and pancreatitis affected some users (11.5%, 10.5%, 7.0%, and 3.2%, respectively). Knowledge about isotretinoin’s risks varied, with percentages recognizing teratogenicity (57.7%), liver damage (52.6%), and lipid profile effects (37.2%), while 25% believed that they had no side effects. The study revealed partial adherence to oral isotretinoin guidelines, with gaps in monitoring and consultation. A positive correlation emerged between risk knowledge and proper usage, emphasizing the need for comprehensive education and monitoring strategies in isotretinoin therapy for skin disorders.
Study on a Moisture Ratio Curve Model for Refractance Window Drying Based on a D‐Optimal Mixture Design
Authors: He Jingyu , Song Weidong , Li Jianqiang , Ding Tianhang , Guan Jian , Wu Jinji , Wang Jiaoling
Published: June 2024

Refractance window (RW) drying is a new thin‐layer drying technology that can control well the heating temperature to effectively reduce the loss of heat‐sensitive substances. Here, an experiment on tomato pulp drying was carried out to study the drying characteristics of RW drying based on a D‐optimal mixture design. The fitting of the classical model of thin‐layer drying was studied, and SAS and 1stOpt calculation software were used to analyze the test data. The result showed that the RW drying equipment could dry 8 mm of tomato pulp in 120 min, and the maximum drying speed could reach 0.40 g/(g·min). Based on an effective diffusion coefficient under different conditions, the activation energy was 27.35 kJ/mol at an air speed of 3 m/s. When comparing the fitting of the moisture ratio curve in four classic thin‐layer drying models, it was found that the R‐square value of the modified Page model was 0.9960, which had better fitting properties. Then, the polynomial fitting model of thin‐layer drying reflects the regression relationship between the coefficient of the classic model and drying conditions including temperature, wind speed, and time. After comparison with the classic model and validation experiment, the results showed that there is no significant difference between the polynomial fitting model and the validations under a confidence level of 0.95, which could well predict the change in the water content ratio over time under different conditions.
Pet Primates: Attacks, Escapes, and the Law
Authors: Iles Gale , Basham Sherah L. , McGuffee Karen , Ashmore Pamela , Fuller Rachel
Published: June 2024

Many homes throughout the United States contain nonhuman primates who are kept as pets. These private ownerships potentially endanger the pet, their owners, and society as a whole. Using data compiled by the Humane Society of the United States, 238 incidents of attacks and escapes of individuals classified as pets from 2000 to 2020 are examined. More than half of the reported incidents involved primate attacks on humans, 44% of attack victims were strangers, and attacks occurred at various locations suggesting that wherever caretakers of primates reside or take their pets, an attack is likely to occur. A review of state laws reveals no relationship between states with a greater number of incidents and more restrictive laws or states with the least number of incidents and less restrictive laws. Risks associated with keeping primates in private households and ethical concerns about the welfare of these primates are discussed.
Changing Political Identities of the Iranian Kurdish Left in Europe
Authors: Mofidi Sabah
Published: June 2024

This article examines the tendency towards political individualism and its impact among first-generation political immigrants with a leftist political background from Iran/Eastern Kurdistan (Rojhelat) living in Western Europe, from the perspective of individuals’ political identity in terms of relations with political organizations and their ideological stance. Following a qualitative approach, data was collected through semi-structured in-depth and focus group interviews with members and ex-members of political parties. The findings show that, as a result of leaving Iran’s political climate as well as Kurdish political organizations, and with the influence of a new political culture, many interviewees have adopted individualized politics based on their own opinions and self-interest. The immigrants have found a multi-dimensional political view that simultaneously pays attention to the ethno-national, class, and gender issues of Kurdish society.