bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overlooked seed‐dispersal modes and underestimated distances
Authors: González‐Varo Juan P. , Rumeu Beatriz , Bracho‐Estévanez Claudio A. , Acevedo‐Limón Lucía , Baltzinger Christophe , Lovas‐Kiss Ádám , Green Andy J.
Published: March 2024

Long‐distance seed dispersal is a crucial process determining the distribution of plant biodiversity and, therefore, of major interest in biogeography and macroecology. A recent data article on Global Ecology and Biogeography presented a database of estimated seed‐dispersal distance classes for the European flora, where the classes are defined by the morphological dispersal syndrome of species associated with a single dispersal mode. We explain how this article overlooks literature on the unreliable capacity of dispersal syndromes for predicting key dispersal modes involved in long‐distance seed dispersal. Consequently, the published database does not consider the possibility that individual species can naturally be dispersed through multiple modes (polychory). Most importantly, the database consistently omits seed‐dispersal modes that can mediate dispersal distances several orders of magnitude longer than the mode predicted by the syndromes. This is the case of many terrestrial and aquatic plants dispersed by animals, notably ungulates and waterbirds, and that of coastal plants dispersed by the sea. We thus urge caution when using this database to model potential plant dispersal because long‐distance seed dispersal is underestimated in many species.
Using focus groups to inform a peer health navigator service for people who are transgender and gender diverse in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Rose Gwen , McCarron Michelle , Reid Mel , Fayant‐McLeod T. , Gulka Emily , Young James , Clark Megan , Madill Stéphanie J.
Published: March 2024

Background

This study investigated healthcare access and quality for people who are transgender and gender‐diverse (PTGD) in Saskatchewan (SK), Canada, to inform a larger project that was piloting two peer health navigators for PTGD.

Methods

Two online focus groups were held. Nineteen participants were recruited to represent a broad range in age, gender and location in SK. Transcripts of the focus groups were analyzed using a thematic approach.

Results

The core theme that was identified was participants' desire for culturally safe healthcare. This core theme had two component themes: (1) systemic healthcare factors and (2) individual healthcare provider (HCP) factors. The healthcare system primarily acted as a barrier to culturally safe healthcare. HCPs could be either barriers or facilitators of culturally safe care; however, negative experiences outweighed positive ones.

Conclusions

PTGD in SK face discrimination, with delays and barriers to care at all levels of the healthcare system. Peer health navigators can address some of these discrepancies; however, greater support is required for PTGD to be able to access culturally safe healthcare.

Patient or Public Contribution

People with lived experience/PTGD were involved in all stages of this project. They were included on the team as community researchers and co‐developed the research project, conducted the focus groups, participated in the analyses and are co‐authors. As well, both navigators and all the participants in the focus groups were also PTGD.
Fluctuating salience in those living with genetic risk of motor neuron disease: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Howard Jade , Mazanderani Fadhila , Keenan Karen Forrest , Turner Martin R. , Locock Louise
Published: March 2024

Background

Motor neuron disease (MND) (also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a life‐limiting neurodegenerative condition. In up to 20% of people with MND, a pathogenic variant associated with autosomal dominant inheritance can be identified. Children of people carrying a pathogenic variant have a 50% chance of inheriting this and a higher, although harder to predict, chance of developing the disease compared to the general adult population. This paper explores the experience of living with the genetic risk of MND.

Methods

We undertook a UK‐based interview study with 35 individuals, including: 7 people living with genetically‐mediated forms of MND; 24 asymptomatic relatives, the majority of whom had an increased risk of developing the disease; and 4 unrelated partners.

Results

We explore how individuals make sense of genetic risk, unpacking the interplay between genetic knowledge, personal perception, experiences of the disease in the family, age and life stage and the implications that living with risk has for different aspects of their lives. We balance an emphasis on the emotional and psychological impact described by participants, with a recognition that the salience of risk fluctuates over time. Furthermore, we highlight the diverse strategies and approaches people employ to live well in the face of uncertainty and the complex ways they engage with the possibility of developing symptoms in the future. Finally, we outline the need for open‐ended, tailored support and information provision.

Conclusions

Drawing on wider literature on genetic risk, we foreground how knowledge of MND risk can disrupt individuals' taken‐for‐granted assumptions on life and perceptions of the future, but also its contextuality, whereby its relevance becomes more prominent at critical junctures. This research has been used in the development of a public‐facing resource on the healthtalk.org website.

Patient or Public Contribution

People with experience of living with genetic risk were involved throughout the design and conduct of the study and advised on aspects including the topic guide, sampling and recruitment and the developing analysis. Two patient and public involvement contributors joined a formal advisory panel.
β‐Catenin alterations in testicular Leydig cell tumour: a immunohistochemical and molecular analysis
Authors: Kitagawa Yukiko , De Biase Dario , Ricci Costantino , Cornejo Kristine M , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Collins Katrina , Idrees Muhammad T , Colecchia Maurizio , Ulbright Thomas M , Acosta Andres Martin
Published: March 2024

Background

Testicular Leydig cell tumours (LCTs) are the most common type of sex cord–stromal tumour in men, representing 1%–3% of all testicular neoplasms. Among testicular sex cord–stromal tumours, CTNNB1 mutations and nuclear expression of β‐catenin have been typically associated with Sertoli cell tumour. Recent genomic analyses have shown that CTNNB1 variants are also identified in a subset of LCTs; however, the frequency and clinicopathologic associations of β‐catenin alterations remain incompletely understood in this tumour type.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated 32 LCTs (five malignant/metastasizing, 27 nonmetastasizing) using β‐catenin immunohistochemistry and DNA sequencing.

Results

Immunohistochemistry revealed focal or multifocal nuclear β‐catenin expression in 47% of the tumours. Diffuse nuclear β‐catenin expression (in >50% of the tumour cells) was not detected in any of the cases analysed herein. Comparison of β‐catenin‐positive and β‐catenin‐negative cases did not show significant differences in the frequency of adverse histopathologic findings or malignant clinical behaviour. DNA sequencing performed de novo on a subset of seven cases revealed the presence of exon 3 CTNNB1 variants in four of them (4/7, 57%), with variant allele frequencies (VAF) ranging from 7 to 33%. Two additional β‐catenin‐positive cases that had been sequenced as part of a previous study harboured exon 3 CTNNB1 variants at VAF of 28% and 7%, respectively.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that β‐catenin alterations are relatively common in LCT, most likely occurring as subclonal events that are not enriched in cases with aggressive features. Further studies are needed to clarify the oncogenic role of β‐catenin in this tumour type.
Preparation of resistant starch‐type III from jackfruit seed starch as a promising prebiotic for the treatment of diabetes
Authors: Vu Minh‐Tan , Nguyen Thi Kim‐An , Nguyen Manh‐Ha , Nguyen Thi‐Huong , Nguyen Thanh‐Tung , Pham Thi Thu‐Ha , Nguyen Trung‐Duc , Nguyen Ngoc‐Tuan , Nguyen Phan‐Hang
Published: March 2024

In efforts to treat diabetics, foods containing anti‐digestible ingredients are a promising approach. Resistant starch (RS) is one of the prebiotic ingredients that has the ability to resist digestion and pass through the colon, reducing fat accumulation. The production of RS from natural ingredients is of interest. The results of producing RS from jackfruit seeds show that the RS content increased from 25.97% to 52.26% by heat‐moisture treatment. After the modification process, the starch granules remained undeformed but exhibited agglomeration and the crystalline structure changed from type A to type C. The thermal properties of the starch were improved (85.16–90.42 °C), and higher gelatinisation temperature, around 2–7 °C. However, its swelling and solubility decreased by 35.32–72.59% and 15.83–79.10%, corresponding.
The impact of labor market reforms on firm training for nonregular and regular workers
Authors: Ko Hyejin , Weaver Andrew
Published: March 2024

Nonstandard employment is typically associated with reduced opportunities for workers to accumulate human capital via job training. One policy response is to require equal access to training for nonstandard employees. In this study, we investigate the impact of a 2007 Korean labor‐market reform that required such access for nonstandard employees. Using a difference‐in‐difference methodology, we find that, overall, the reform reduced the incidence of employer‐provided training for both regular and nonregular workers. At the employer level, the negative effect for regular workers attenuates over time, implying some type of adaptation or evasion by employers that preserves differential rates of training. Although the main effects on training were negative, we find considerable heterogeneity in outcomes. Specifically, the presence of a union is associated with a significantly greater probability of postreform training for nonregular workers, while the presence of performance‐pay systems is associated with a significantly lower probability for nonregular workers and a higher probability for regular workers. Ultimately, these results imply that the success of labor‐market reforms that seek to improve nonstandard job quality depends upon employer and labor‐market characteristics. Such reforms may be most successful in situations where unions can help assure compliance with legislative intent.
Caregiver encouragement to act on objects is related with crawling infants' receptive language
Authors: Lopez Lukas D. , Walle Eric A.
Published: March 2024

The progression from crawling to walking in infancy is associated with changes in infant language development. One possible explanation for such change is the infant's language environment. Prior research indicates that caregivers use more action directives with walking infants compared to crawling infants, but the relations of such parental speech with infant vocabulary is unknown. Here, we present findings from day‐long home audio recordings (Study 1) and laboratory observations (Study 2) of same‐aged crawling and walking infants to explore how caregiver language, specifically action directives, were associated with parent reported infant vocabulary size. Findings in both studies indicated that caregiver action directives were associated with crawling, but not walking infants' receptive vocabulary sizes. Specifically, action directives about objects occurring when the infant and caregiver were not jointly engaged were associated with higher receptive vocabulary scores for crawling infants, but no such pattern was found for walking infants. The replication of results in distinct samples with different research methodologies strengthens the findings. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that caregiver social engagement specific to infant motoric development is related with infant language learning.
Dancing at the crossroads: Lessons from Ireland on collective labour law reform
Authors: Eustace Alan
Published: March 2024

The past 20 years were convulsive for industrial relations in Ireland: from boom to bust and back again, with the Financial Crisis killing off national bargaining; the Supreme Court first undermining sectoral bargaining, then shifting back in favour of it; and of course, the Covid‐19 pandemic generating an overhaul of working conditions across society. All along, widespread industrial unrest has been notable by its absence. Long‐term decline in Irish trade union density continues, despite recent research showing significant popular support for trade unions, particularly among young workers. Now, the obligation to transpose the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages has brought Ireland to a crossroads in collective labour law and industrial relations reform. How Ireland has responded to these pressures, internal and external, holds lessons for other jurisdictions, of which this article highlights three: a commitment to pragmatic adaptation over principled coherence makes measuring the success of any reform project difficult; different methods of reform enjoy varying levels of legitimacy; and disjunction between different levels of bargaining generates pressure on the system, including risks to the legitimacy of the system itself and the actors within it—particularly beleaguered trade unions.
Differences of waterlogging tolerance in winter pulse crop between emergence and vegetative stages
Authors: Zaman Md Shahin Uz , Malik Al Imran , Luna Lutfun Nahar , Hossain Md Altaf , Alam A. K. M. Mahbubul , Prodhan M. Asaduzzaman , Erskine William
Published: March 2024

Pulse production is decreased when grown on waterlogged soil in rice‐based cropping. This study evaluated four pulse crops—grass pea, field pea, cowpea and lentil—to find out their responses to waterlogging (WL) stress at emergence and vegetative stages. The treatment levels at emergence were drained control, 4‐, 7‐ and 10‐day WL, while in the vegetative stage they were drained control, 6‐, 10‐ and 14‐day WL. In the emergence stage, %emergence was significantly reduced as WL duration increased. After 10‐day WL, emergence was reduced to 65% for grass pea, 30% for field pea, 5% for lentil and 7% for cowpea. At the vegetative stage, in both the WL and recovery phases, the WL treatment reduced plant height, tap root length, shoot and root dry mass compared to those in drained control with a significant difference in crops. In recovery as compared to the WL phase at 14‐day WL, the chlorophyll content was increased 15% in cowpea and 14% in grass pea but decreased in field pea (26%) and lentil (35%). Similarly, in the recovery phase at 14‐day WL, shoot relative growth rates (RGRs) of cowpea, grass pea, field pea and lentil were 20, 66, 10 and 5 mg plant−1 d−1; which were 66%, 70%, 8% and 14% of drained control, respectively. The RGR of root at 14‐day WL was also higher in cowpea and grass pea with the rate of 13.8 and 16 mg−1 plant−1 d−1, respectively; in sharp contrast to a reduction of −4.3 mg−1 plant−1 d−1 in field pea and −3.9 mg−1 plant−1 d−1 for lentil than drained control. Furthermore, the higher number of adventitious roots was found in cowpea (14) and grass (9) pea than in field pea (6) and lentil (4). Comparison between growth stages, grass pea was tolerant to WL in both stages. Cowpea was WL sensitive at emergence, but tolerant to vegetative stage. Field pea was moderately tolerant to emergence but was sensitive at vegetative stage. Lentil was sensitive at WL at both stages. These novel insights will allow the fitting of winter pulses to various cropping systems according to the perceived risk of WL at various growth stages.
Peer inclusion and school equality norm associations with intergroup contact, and academic self‐efficacy amongst ethnic majority and ethnic minority youth
Authors: McKeown Shelley , Di Bernardo Gian Antonio , Charlesford Jaysan , Vezzali Loris , Sagherian‐Dickey Thia
Published: March 2024

Social norms are important predictors of youth attitudes and behaviours. There is substantial evidence that positive and meaningful intergroup contact supported by inclusive norms can have a range of benefits beyond prejudice reduction. The present research explores whether perceived peer inclusion norms and perceived norms of equality in school are associated with better quality and more frequent intergroup contact and in turn, whether these are associated with better academic self‐efficacy. To test these assertions, we conducted a cross‐sectional survey with ethnic majority and ethnic minority youth aged 11–12 (n = 629, 48% female, 43% minority ethnic) attending one of four ethnically diverse secondary schools in England. In support of our hypotheses, we found that both perceived inclusive peer norms and perceived school equality norms were associated with higher quantity and quality of contact for both ethnic majority and minority group youth. An indirect effect was observed whereby perceived peer norms of inclusion and school norms of equality were associated with higher academic self‐efficacy through higher quality outgroup contact for both groups. No indirect effect was observed for contact quantity. Findings evidence the importance of perceived peer and school equality norms as well as intergroup contact effects for outcomes that go beyond prejudice reduction, in this case academic self‐efficacy.
Stable chlorine dioxide combined with slightly acidic electrolyzed water as preservation strategies in large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) during cold storage: Effects on microbiological, physicochemical, and sensorial qualities
Authors: Lan Weiqing , Zhou Qi , Zhao Xinyu , Xie Jing
Published: March 2024

Using stable chlorine dioxide (ClO2) combined with slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW), the quality variations of cold‐stored large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) were studied. The results of microbial indicators demonstrated that ClO2 and SAEW treatment inhibited microbial growth. Moreover, ClO2 + SAEW treatment had lower values of pH, malondialdehyde content, total volatile basic nitrogen, and higher water‐holding capacity than those in other groups. From the results of free amino acids and trimethylamine, ClO2 + SAEW treatment could delay the breakdown of umami amino acids and the accumulation of bitter amino acids in large yellow croaker. According to the results of microbial indexes and K‐value, compared with sterile distilled water treatment, the shelf life of large yellow croaker with ClO2 + SAEW treatment was extended for an additional 4 days. Therefore, ClO2 + SAEW treatment is a potential method to preserve the flavor and quality of large yellow croaker during cold storage.
Tools to measure the burden on informal caregivers of cancer patients: A literature review
Authors: Zhong Mingming , Sun Shanshan , Long Jianying , Yuan Mengyuan , Wang Min , Zhang Zhigang
Published: March 2024

Objectives

(1) To describe existing tools to assess the burden of informal caregivers of people with cancer, (2) to describe how these tools have been validated and (3) to describe the areas of interest of existing assessment tool entries.

Background

The caregiver burden of informal caregivers of people with cancer greatly affects their lives. There is a wide variety of relevant assessment tools available, but there are no studies to help researchers to select tools.

Methods

A search was conducted using the keywords ‘cancer’, ‘caregiver’, ‘burden’ and ‘scale’ in Medline (PubMed), CINAHL and EMBASE to include articles that developed or applied tools to assess the burden on informal caregivers of cancer patients. Once eligible tools were identified, we searched their ‘primary reference’ studies. If the original scale was assessed in a population other than informal caregivers of cancer patients, we again searched for psychometric measures in the population of caregivers of cancer patients.

Results

This study retrieved 938 articles on developing or applying the informal caregiver burden instrument for cancer patients, including 42 scales. Internal consistency of the original scales ranged from 0.53 to 0.96. Nineteen scales initially developed to assess caregiver burden for patients with dementia, stroke and other disorders were later used for caregivers of cancer patients, eight of which have not yet been validated. Reclassifying all scale domains of concern revealed that scale assessments focused more on caregivers' physical health, emotional state and caregiving tasks.

Conclusion

This review identifies many scales for assessing informal caregiver burden in cancer patients and gives scales recommended. However, a portion still needs to be validated. The development of a new scale proposes to be based on a theoretical framework and to consider dimensions for assessing support resources.

Impact

What problem did the study address?: This paper collates assessment tools on the burden of informal carers of people with cancer. It also provides information on the applicable population, reliability and validity.

What were the main findings?: 41 scales could be considered for use, eight of which have not been validated. The scales focus more on assessing caregivers' physical health, emotional state and caregiving tasks, and less on the dimension of support resources.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact?: There are implications for informal carers of cancer patients in hospitals or in the community, as well as for relevant researchers.

Reporting Method

Retrieved with reference to systematic evaluation.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Effects of fermented tofu processing wastewater on growth performance and meat quality of Xianghuang broilers
Authors: Tan LuPeng , Tao YiJia , Chen Li , Yang Can , Tang XiaoWu , Ma JianJun , Murong XiangJian , Peng XinFei , Liu Xu , Yu ZhengJun
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermented tofu processing wastewater (FTPW) on the growth performance and meat quality of Xianghuang broilers. A total of 160 six‐week‐old Xianghuang broilers were randomly assigned to control or FTPW groups with eight replicate pens of 10 birds each pen. Broilers received the same corn‐soybean diet but different water. Broilers received ordinary water in the control group and 40% (volume: volume) FTPW (the solution has been filtered with four layers of sieve, containing Bacillus 1.52 × 10−7 CFU/mL) in FTPW group. The experiment lasted for 30 days. Results indicated that growth performance was not affected by treatment (p > 0.05). The value of pH45 min and a48 h increased and drip loss72 h and toughness decreased in breast muscle when broilers received FTPW solution compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The pH45 min, a45 min, a48 h value and crude fat concentration of thigh muscle were higher in FTPW group than that in control group (p < 0.05). Compared with control group, fibre area decreased but fibre density increased in thigh muscle when Xianghuang chickens supplemented with FTPW solution (p < 0.05). Supplementation of FTPW solution in drinking water significantly decreased malondialdehyde content in the breast muscle of Xianghuang chickens (p < 0.05). Gene expressions such as carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1) and glycogen synthase of breast muscle were downregulated in experimental group when compared with control group. In conclusion, FTPW supplementation in drinking water could improve meat quality of Xianghuang broilers by regulating pH value, redness and fibre morphology.
A randomized placebo‐controlled double‐blinded study comparing oral and subcutaneous administration of mistletoe extract for the treatment of equine sarcoid disease
Authors: Beermann Anke , Clottu Ophélie , Reif Marcus , Biegel Ulrike , Unger Lucia , Koch Christoph
Published: March 2024

Background

Equine sarcoids (ES) are the most common cutaneous tumors in equids. Systemic treatment options are sparse. Subcutaneous (SC) injections of Viscum album extract (VAE) demonstrate efficacy as a systemic treatment directed against ES.

Objectives/Aim

To critically assess the therapeutic efficacy of orally administered VAE.

Animals

Forty‐five ES‐affected, privately owned, 3–12 year‐old horses.

Methods

A 3‐armed randomized placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded study was conducted in a double‐dummy design. Horses were subjected to oral administration and SC injections of either VAE or placebo (VAE oral/placebo SC, VAE SC/placebo oral, placebo oral/placebo SC) over a 7‐month treatment period. Primary endpoint was the change of baseline of a composite index of ES number and ES area after 14 months. Second endpoint was the clinical response.

Results

No statistically significant difference in the composite endpoint between the 3 study arms was found. The primary endpoint showed 4 (27%) horses in the VAE oral group with complete ES regression, 3 (21%) in the VAE SC injection group, and 2 (13%) in the placebo group. The clinical response revealed complete or partial regression in 6 horses of the oral VAE group (40%), 4 of the SC injection group (29%), and 4 of the placebo group (25%). Direct comparison of oral VAE and placebo showed an odds ratio, stratified for prognosis of 2.16 (95%‐CI: 0.45–10.42) and a P‐value of 0.336.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Oral administration of VAE is well tolerated. No statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of systemic VAE versus placebo against ES was found.
Are government expenditures more cyclical the more they finance the provision of public goods?
Authors: Abbott Andrew , Jones Philip
Published: March 2024

The “publicness” of services provided by governments can be gauged with reference to the extent to which services are “non‐rival in consumption.” Services that are more “rival in consumption” (e.g., education and medical care) are more likely to be “parceled out” between citizens. With greater personal experience, voters are more likely to be aware of private‐good benefits and therefore are far more likely to perceive these services as part of a personal “endowment.” In economic downturns, they attach priority to sustaining expenditures on more “private” services and vote‐maximizing governments respond by diverting expenditure from “more public” to “more private” services. Consequently, government expenditures are more cyclical the more they finance non‐rival services. Predictions are tested with reference to government expenditures in 28 OECD countries between 1997 and 2019.
Fish diversity indices of Hail Haor, a subtropical wetland in the north‐east region of Bangladesh: Diversity influencing factors and recommendations
Authors: Pramanik Md. Mehedi Hasan , Hasan Md. Monjurul , Hoque Md. Mozzammel , Moniruzzaman Md. , Yasmin Rumana , Karim Ehsanul , Islam Md. Amirul , Rahman Md. Anisur , Mahmud Yahia
Published: March 2024

One of the largest wetlands in Bangladesh's north‐east, Hail Haor supports a variety of aquatic habitats and has a diversified ecosystem. To ascertain the fish diversity indices of Hail Haor, this study was carried out month by month from December 2020 to June 2021. For this study, three sampling sites in the Moulvi Bazar district—Chiruadobi Beel, Gopla River and Balla Beel were chosen from which fish samples were collected. Twenty‐five different fish species were identified and 12,076 fish (individual numbers) were counted and categorized. The Shannon diversity index varied from 1.33 to 1.65. Hail Haor's species diversity index is moderate by the index standard. The Shannon evenness index (E) varied from .41 to .51. The Depressed Community is present in the Hail Haor species diversity index, as per the index standard. The Simpson dominance index fluctuated from .56 to .72. The species diversity index of Hail Haor contains moderate dominance, as per the index standard. With the help of local retailers, fishers, and other relevant stakeholders, the FGD identified factors that have an impact on the diversity index. The current study on diversity indices will be highly beneficial for formulating strategy and managing Hail Haor by strictly adhering to the recommendations.
Minimum acceptable diet and its predictors among children aged 6‐23 months in Ethiopia. A multilevel cloglog regression analysis
Authors: kitaw Tegene Atamenta , Tilahun Befkad Derese , Abate Biruk Beletew , Haile Ribka Nigatu
Published: March 2024

Despite significant progress made previously and the recognized health benefits of optimal feeding practices, ensuring a minimum acceptable diet in developing countries like Ethiopia remains a formidable challenge. Additionally, there is a scarcity of data in this area. Therefore, our study aims to identify predictors of a minimum acceptable diet using a powerful tool called complementary log‐log regression analysis. Thus, it contributes to accelerating the pathway of ending child undernutrition thereby promoting optimal child health. A multilevel analysis was conducted among a weighted sample of 1427 children aged 6‐23 months using the 2019 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS). The EDHS sample was stratified and selected in two stages. A minimum acceptable diet is defined as a composite of children fed with both minimum dietary diversity and minimum meal frequency. Data extraction took place between August 1 and 30, 2023. We used STATA software version 17 for data analysis. A complementary log‐log regression model was fitted to identify significant predictors of the minimum acceptable diet. A p‐value of ≤0.05 was used to declare statistically significant predictors. Only 10.44% (95CI: 8.90‐12.15) of the children meet the minimum acceptable diet. Child aged (18‐23 month) (AOR = 1.78, 95CI:1.14‐2.78)], mother's educational level (secondary and above education) (AOR = 279,95CI: 1.51‐5.15), number of children three and above [(AOR = 0.78,95CI: 0.53‐0.94], institutional delivery [AOR = 1.77,95CI: 1.11‐3.11], having postnatal‐check‐up [AOR = 2.33,95CI: 1.59‐3.41] and high community poverty level (AOR = 0.49,95CI: 0.29‐0.85) were found to be predictors of minimum acceptable diet. In Ethiopia, only one in ten children achieve a minimum acceptable diet. Which is lower than the global report findings (16%). Enhancing maternal education programs and promoting family planning strategies to reduce household size are essential. Besides, encouraging institutional deliveries and postnatal check‐ups are also recommended. It is necessary to implement targeted interventions for poverty reduction in communities to ensure that families can afford nutritious diets for their children.
Phylosymbiosis and metabolomics resolve phenotypically plastic and cryptic sponge species in the genus Agelas across the Caribbean basin
Authors: Pankey M. S. , Gochfeld D. J. , Gastaldi M. , Macartney K. J. , Clayshulte Abraham A. , Slattery M. , Lesser M. P.
Published: March 2024

Fundamental to holobiont biology is recognising how variation in microbial composition and function relates to host phenotypic variation. Sponges often exhibit considerable phenotypic plasticity and also harbour dense microbial communities that function to protect and nourish hosts. One of the most prominent sponge genera on Caribbean coral reefs is Agelas. Using a comprehensive set of morphological (growth form, spicule), chemical and molecular data on 13 recognised species of Agelas in the Caribbean basin, we were able to define only five species (=clades) and found that many morphospecies designations were incongruent with phylogenomic and population genetic analyses. Microbial communities were also strongly differentiated between phylogenetic species, showing little evidence of cryptic divergence and relatively low correlation with morphospecies assignment. Metagenomic analyses also showed strong correspondence to phylogenetic species, and to a lesser extent, geographical and morphological characters. Surprisingly, the variation in secondary metabolites produced by sponge holobionts was explained by geography and morphospecies assignment, in addition to phylogenetic species, and covaried significantly with a subset of microbial symbionts. Spicule characteristics were highly plastic, under greater impact from geographical location than phylogeny. Our results suggest that while phenotypic plasticity is rampant in Agelas, morphological differences within phylogenetic species affect functionally important ecological traits, including the composition of the symbiotic microbial communities and metabolomic profiles.
Borrelia burgdorferiPlzA is a cyclic‐di‐GMP dependent DNA and RNA binding protein
Authors: Jusufovic Nerina , Krusenstjerna Andrew C. , Savage Christina R. , Saylor Timothy C. , Brissette Catherine A. , Zückert Wolfram R. , Schlax Paula J. , Motaleb Md A. , Stevenson Brian
Published: March 2024

The PilZ domain‐containing protein, PlzA, is the only known cyclic di‐GMP binding protein encoded by all Lyme disease spirochetes. PlzA has been implicated in the regulation of many borrelial processes, but the effector mechanism of PlzA was not previously known. Here, we report that PlzA can bind DNA and RNA and that nucleic acid binding requires c‐di‐GMP, with the affinity of PlzA for nucleic acids increasing as concentrations of c‐di‐GMP were increased. A mutant PlzA that is incapable of binding c‐di‐GMP did not bind to any tested nucleic acids. We also determined that PlzA interacts predominantly with the major groove of DNA and that sequence length and G–C content play a role in DNA binding affinity. PlzA is a dual‐domain protein with a PilZ‐like N‐terminal domain linked to a canonical C‐terminal PilZ domain. Dissection of the domains demonstrated that the separated N‐terminal domain bound nucleic acids independently of c‐di‐GMP. The C‐terminal domain, which includes the c‐di‐GMP binding motifs, did not bind nucleic acids under any tested conditions. Our data are supported by computational docking, which predicts that c‐di‐GMP binding at the C‐terminal domain stabilizes the overall protein structure and facilitates PlzA‐DNA interactions via residues in the N‐terminal domain. Based on our data, we propose that levels of c‐di‐GMP during the various stages of the enzootic life cycle direct PlzA binding to regulatory targets.
State‐Level Immigrant Policies and Ideal Family Size in the United States
Authors: Behrman Julia A. , Weitzman Abigail
Published: March 2024

Demographers have long been interested in how fertility ideals vary in response to perceived existential threats. Although migration scholars document the increasingly threatening nature of U.S. immigration policies, little research explores how these policies shape the fertility ideals of those most affected by them. To that end, we exploit spatiotemporal variation in states’ evolving immigrant policy contexts to understand the effects of different policies on the ideal family size of Hispanics—a group who is most likely to be stereotyped as undocumented and most likely to live in mixed‐status households or communities. Specifically, we combine time‐varying information on state‐level immigrant policies with geo‐referenced data from the General Social Survey. Results suggest that ideal family sizes are significantly higher among Hispanics (compared to non‐Hispanic whites) in state‐years with omnibus policies—which bundle multiple restrictive laws together and thus impose sweeping restrictions— compared to state‐years without these policies. On the other hand, sanctuary policies, which aim to curb federal immigration enforcement, and E‐verify mandates, which aim to curb the employment of undocumented immigrants, are not associated with significant differences. Our analyses provide new insights into the complex ways in which the evolving U.S. immigrant policy landscape has far‐reaching impacts on reproductive and family life.
Prenatal and postnatal exposure to antibiotics and risk of food allergy in the offspring: A nationwide birth cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Oh Jiyeon , Lee Myeongcheol , Park Jaeyu , Kim Hyeon Jin , Lee Seung Won , Rahmati Masoud , Koyanagi Ai , Smith Lee , Kim Min Seo , López Sánchez Guillermo F. , Dragioti Elena , Min Chanyang , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Shin Youn Ho , Shin Jae Il , Yon Dong Keon
Published: March 2024

Background

There are only preliminary studies examining the associations of postnatal antibiotic exposure with food allergy in childhood, and the effect of antibiotic exposure in utero has not been resolved. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of prenatal and postnatal antibiotic exposure on the risk of food allergy in childhood.

Methods

Using the nationwide birth cohort in South Korea, all 3,163,206 infants (pairing mother; n = 2,322,735) born in South Korea between 2010 and 2017 were included in the analysis. The primary outcome was the diagnosis of food allergy, and the observation period was between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2020. We implemented four different designs for the study, which consisted of a full unmatched cohort, 1:1 propensity‐matched cohort, sibling comparison cohort, and health screening cohort along with multiple subgroup analyses.

Results

During the follow‐up period (median 6.92 years [IQR, 4.72–9.00]) of the 3,161,858 infants (52.6% male) in the birth cohort, 29,973 (1.9%) were diagnosed with food allergies. After a 1:1 propensity score matching, the use of antibiotics increased the risk of overall food allergy (prenatal [HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.04–1.09] and postnatal [HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01–1.10] periods). The association was more significantly accentuated when antibiotic exposure was used in the short term, and the children were born preterm or with low birthweight; however, a trimester‐specific effect was not observed. We observed more pronounced risks of food allergy in the health screening cohort (prenatal, 17%; postnatal, 15%), thus addressing the adverse effects of critical factors including maternal BMI, smoking status, and type of infant feeding. Similar trends were observed across all four differnt cohorts.

Conclusion

This study reported a moderate association between early‐life antibiotic use and subsequent food allergy during childhood throughout four different designs of analyses. This study suggests that clinicians need to consider the risks and benefits of antibiotics when administering antibiotics to individuals in the prenatal and postnatal periods.
Interactive effects of hearing aid use and cognitive function in patients with hearing loss
Authors: Okano Takayuki , Yamamoto Yosuke , Kuzuya Akira , Egawa Naohiro , Furuta Ichiro , Mizuno Kayoko , Fujino Kiyohiro , Omori Koichi
Published: March 2024

Background

There has been a significant increase in scientific investigations of the hearing‐dementia association among the research on potentially modifiable risk factors for cognitive impairment. We tested two clinical questions. Analysis 1: does persistent hearing aid (HA) use decrease the decline in cognitive function caused by ageing? Analysis 2: does cognitive function at the time of HA fitting predict future persistent HA use?

Methods

This case–control study performed at two referral centres reported data obtained over a 4.5‐year period. We recruited a group of patients with cognitive decline, aged 65 or older with or without hearing loss. The intervention consisted of the use of HAs. The primary outcome measures were adherence to continuous HA use and cognitive function measured using the Japanese version of the Mini‐Mental State Examination Test and the Reading Cognitive Test Kyoto.

Results

Eighteen HA users and 18 controls were included in the first analysis. HA use was associated with a deceleration of cognitive decline 12 months later. In the second analysis, 11 participants with good adherence to HA use were compared with 12 participants who showed poor adherence to HA use. Among the variables employed in this study, cognitive function measured using the Reading Cognitive Test Kyoto was significantly lower in participants with poor adherence to HA.

Conclusions

HA use in cognitively impaired individuals with hearing loss can slow age‐related cognitive decline. Cognitively impaired people with hearing loss who fail to commit to HA use tend to have lower cognitive measurement scores before HA fitting. HA use is generally more challenging as people age and their cognitive abilities decline. Therefore, it is desirable that HAs be used when hearing loss and dementia are in their early stages.
Governing personal data and trade in digital services
Authors: Ferracane Martina F. , van der Marel Erik
Published: March 2024

The regulation of personal data varies widely between countries, with potential effects on digital services. We develop a taxonomy for the regulation of cross‐border personal data transfers and systematically categorize 143 countries in one of the three data models identified, which are an open data model, a conditional model, and a control model. Using a gravity model, we then study if sharing a similar regulatory model between trading partners is associated with trade in digital services. Moreover, we assess if enacting a comprehensive data protection law impacts the relationship between data models and digital services. The open model of data transfers appears to support data flows, regardless of the the presence of a domestic regime for personal data. We find a negative effect on digital services for the conditional model that prescribes conditions that need to be fulfilled to transfer personal data across borders. Interestingly, we find that this negative effect is more than offset by the presence of a comprehensive data protection law. Finally, the control model, which has strict conditions to transfer personal data outside the country, only has a negative and significant effect when a domestic regime for data protection is implemented. The latter is likely to reflect the cost burden of firms to comply with these regulations as the trust channel might not be effective in countries characterized by government surveillance.
The Impact of COVID‐19 on Education in Latin America: Long‐Run Implications for Poverty and Inequality
Authors: Bracco Jessica , Ciaschi Matías , Gasparini Leonardo , Marchionni Mariana , Neidhöfer Guido
Published: March 2024

The shock of the COVID‐19 pandemic affected the human capital formation of children and youths. As a consequence of this disruption, the pandemic is likely to imply permanent lower levels of human capital. This paper provides new evidence on the impact of COVID‐19 and school closures on education in Latin America by exploiting harmonized microdata from a large set of national household surveys carried out in 2020, during the pandemic. In addition, the paper uses microsimulations to assess the potential effect of changes in human capital due to the COVID‐19 crisis on future income distributions. The findings show that the pandemic is likely to have significant long‐run consequences in terms of incomes and poverty if strong compensatory measures are not taken soon.
Demystifying math myths: Examining rules that expire
Authors: Ray Amy , Herron Julie
Published: March 2024

In our mathematics methods courses for elementary preservice teachers, we work to uncover and confront students' understandings as well as misconceptions about important mathematical topics. Karp and colleagues' (Teaching Children Mathematics, 21(1), 18–25) “13 Rules That Expire” article has been a useful resource for us to highlight and challenge students' mathematical misconceptions. In this article, we share the components of an iteratively developed assignment focused on the 13 rules article. We detail how students explored the “lives” of these rules and investigated alternatives to pervasive mathematics shortcuts and tricks. We posit that our intentionally designed assignment provides an opportunity for students to think critically about their views, beliefs, and misconceptions, which encourages a mindset for preservice teachers to consider the kinds of mathematical misconceptions they will encounter in their classroom teaching. We anticipate that sharing this developed assignment with other mathematics teacher educators could provide opportunities for additional adaptations in unique contexts and continued improvements to support future teachers.
Spatial–Temporal Mapping Reveals the Golgi as the Major Processing Site for the Pathogenic Swedish APP Mutation: Familial APP Mutant Shifts the Major APP Processing Site
Authors: Wang Jingqi , Gleeson Paul A. , Fourriere Lou
Published: March 2024

Alzheimer's disease is associated with increased levels of amyloid beta (Aβ) generated by sequential intracellular cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by membrane‐bound secretases. However, the spatial and temporal APP cleavage events along the trafficking pathways are poorly defined. Here, we use the Retention Using Selective Hooks (RUSH) to compare in real time the anterograde trafficking and temporal cleavage events of wild‐type APP (APPwt) with the pathogenic Swedish APP (APPswe) and the disease‐protective Icelandic APP (APPice). The analyses revealed differences in the trafficking profiles and processing between APPwt and the APP familial mutations. While APPwt was predominantly processed by the β‐secretase, BACE1, following Golgi transport to the early endosomes, the transit of APPswe through the Golgi was prolonged and associated with enhanced amyloidogenic APP processing and Aβ secretion. A 20°C block in cargo exit from the Golgi confirmed β‐ and γ‐secretase processing of APPswe in the Golgi. Inhibition of the β‐secretase, BACE1, restored APPswe anterograde trafficking profile to that of APPwt. APPice was transported rapidly through the Golgi to the early endosomes with low levels of Aβ production. This study has revealed different intracellular locations for the preferential cleavage of APPwt and APPswe and Aβ production, and the Golgi as the major processing site for APPswe, findings relevant to understand the molecular basis of Alzheimer's disease.
An Analysis of Practicality for Google Classroom Implementation in Kelantan State Secondary Schools
Authors: Razali Faizul Izudin , Abas Hafiza , Shariff Sya Azmeela
Published: March 2024

E-learning, a contemporary technological innovation, is extensively employed in contemporary educational institutions and is recognized by educators. The utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) as an instructional mechanism constitutes an additional pioneering teaching and learning (T&L) approach. The credibility of technology must be ensured in order to effectively augment the current instructional framework. The utilization of Google Classroom as an instructional platform to supplant the conventional physical approach to learning has the potential to establish an educational setting aligned with the demands of the 21st century. The accelerated growth of Google Classroom can be attributed to its distinctive attributes, each of which contributes independently to its efficacy. This research study employs a quantitative research approach that employs a survey methodology utilizing a questionnaire to assist researchers in gathering more precise and high-quality data and information. Issues and Challenges of Using Google Classroom in PdPR are inadequacy of support and exposure, the preparedness of teachers, the preparedness of students, access to the Internet, and the availability of device tools. Several proposed resolutions can be considered in addressing this issue. These include augmenting preparedness through the provision of comprehensive teacher education, fostering cognizance among parents and guardians, fostering cooperative efforts between governmental and private entities, as well as enhancing the capabilities and infrastructure of information and communication technology (ICT) facilities. It is of utmost importance to tackle additional obstacles that emerge in the utilization of this platform in order to alter the instructional regimen. Collaboration among stakeholders in the industry is imperative to guarantee that elementary school pupils are provided with technological resources and receive assistance for remote education.