bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrasting Patterns of Population Genomic Structure Between Broadcast‐Spawning and Brooding Corals in Southeast Asia
Authors: Afiq‐Rosli Lutfi , Wainwright Benjamin J. , Lee Jen Nie , Waheed Zarinah , Chou Loke Ming , Huang Danwei
Published: November 2024

Aim

As climate change increasingly threatens the world's coral reefs, enhancing their resilience by improving population connectivity for key reef species is crucial for ensuring their persistence. Here, we evaluate the population genomic structure of two common coral species, Pocillopora acuta and Porites sp., chosen due to their divergent life histories. Thousands of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were sequenced and analysed to infer regional connectivity patterns in Southeast Asia, a region that harbours a tremendous diversity of marine life.

Location

Coasts of the Malay Peninsula and northern Borneo, covering ~1 million km2.

Method

NextRAD genotyping‐by‐sequencing of 185 Porites sp. and 221 Pocillopora acuta colonies. Libraries were prepared and sequenced on Illumina NovaSeq 6000. Genotyping involved initial quality controls, allele frequency filtering and checks for contamination. Genetic structure was assessed with Bayesian clustering, and relationships between genetic variation and environmental factors were studied through redundancy analysis. Contemporary gene flow was estimated using BayesAss.

Results

We observed panmixia among the broadcasting Porites sp. populations, while for the brooding Pocillopora acuta, the Malay Peninsula acts a strong barrier to dispersal between the Malacca Strait and the southern South China Sea. Moreover, its genomic structure seems to follow current marine ecoregion delineation. By analysing contemporary migrant movement, we can prioritise reef localities for conservation. In particular, localities at the Andaman Coral Coast are contemporarily isolated from the other localities, and Tioman is identified as a major larval source for both species.

Main Conclusion

Our analyses highlight contrasting population differentiation patterns between the two species that can be explained by the disparity in their reproductive strategies. These findings are important for biodiversity managers in Southeast Asia; incorporation of regional connectivity considerations into conservation planning can help safeguard ecosystem resilience and persistence.
Visceral and subcutaneous adiposity and cardiovascular disease: Unravelling associations and prognostic value
Authors: Yi Dingwu , Tang Xianming , Xing Zhenhua
Published: November 2024

Aim

The distribution pattern of abdominal adiposity may help determine cardiovascular disease (CVD). Waist circumference (WC) is the most common but imprecise method for measuring abdominal adiposity, as it fails to differentiate between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASAT). This study aimed to determine whether elevated VAT or ASAT provides greater prognostic value for CVD events compared to elevated WC in the general population using data from the UK Biobank.

Materials and Methods

In this secondary analysis of UK Biobank study, 24 265 participants with available abdominal magnetic resonance imaging data were included. The primary outcome of the study was coronary heart disease (CHD), and secondary outcomes included stroke, heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Cox regressions for VAT, ASAT and WC were examined in relation to the predefined outcomes on continuous scales using standard deviation (SD) changes and by categories of concordant and discordant values defined by medians.

Results

During a mean follow‐up period of 12.9 ± 1.8 years, 2641 participants developed CVD events (1296 CHD, 165 stroke, 286 HF and 894 AF) Each 1 SD increase in VAT yielded a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.15 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09–1.22) for CHD risk, whereas ASAT had a HR of 1.10 (95% CI: 1.04–1.18). Further adjustment for WC eliminated the association between ASAT and CHD risk, in contrast to the association between VAT and CHD risk, which remained almost unaffected. Discordant VAT above the median with WC below presented a HR of 1.43 (95% CI: 1.15–1.78) for CHD, compared with concordant VAT and WC below the median. Similar results were found for discordant WC above the median with VAT below, with a HR of 1.46 (95% CI: 1.18–1.81). In contrast, discordant ASAT above the median with WC below was not associated with an increased risk of CHD. Similarly, discordant ASAT above the median with VAT below was not associated with an increased risk of CHD. Additionally, there was no observed association between VAT or ASAT and the risks of stroke, HF or AF after further adjustment for WC. Additionally, there was no observed association between VAT or ASAT and the risks of stroke, HF or AF after further adjustment for WC.

Conclusion

Incorporating VAT measurements alongside WC data improved the ability to identify individuals at high risk for CHD compared to using WC alone. Both VAT and WC proved to be more accurate indicators of CHD risk than ASAT. However, VAT alone did not fully account for the CHD risk associated with elevated WC levels. Neither VAT nor ASAT showed an association with the risk of stroke, HF and AF.
Maternal and Fetal Outcomes of Aplastic Anemia During Pregnancy and Delivery: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Arora Aashima , Jain Arihant , Lad Deepesh , Ganguly Drishita , Khatri Pankaj , Shamim Muhammad Aaqib , Padhi Bijaya Kumar , Patil Amol N. , Malhotra Pankaj , Jain Vanita
Published: November 2024

Background

Little scientific evidence exists on maternal and fetal outcomes in aplastic anemia (AA) during pregnancy.

Aim

The review was conducted to assess the maternal and fetal outcomes due to AA during pregnancy.

Data Sources

Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, and registries until May 5, 2024.

Study Eligibility Criteria

Studies (prospective, retrospective cohort, cross‐sectional, one arm, survey, follow‐up studies) evaluating AA during pregnancy were searched as per PROSPERO registered protocol (CRD42024506668). Case reports, case series, expert opinion letters, and studies assessing less than or equal to 10 pregnant women were not considered. The primary outcome was the prevalence of preeclampsia in AA pregnancies. The secondary outcomes included spontaneous abortion, preterm premature rupture of membranes, premature rupture of membranes, fetal growth restriction, type of delivery, intrauterine fetal death, maternal and neonatal mortality, and pre and post‐pregnancy remission status comparison.

Methods

The quality of research was checked using the New Castle‐Ottawa risk‐of‐bias tool. A meta‐analysis model with a random effect distribution, coupled with meta‐regression, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias assessment, was used in the statistical software R. Standard Equator network study reporting guidelines were followed.

Results

Seven (one prospective and six retrospective cohort) studies included patients with confirmed AA diagnosis in 248 pregnancies. The pooled prevalence of preeclampsia was 13% (95% CI, 8%–20%). Heterogeneity was low in the present meta‐analysis (I

2
 = 26%). The secondary outcome evaluation showed a pooled prevalence of 5% (95% CI, 3%–11%) for spontaneous abortion, 4% (95% CI, 1%–11%) for preterm premature rupture of membranes, 10% (95% CI, 3%–28%) for premature rupture of membranes, 6% (95% CI, 3%–11%) for fetal growth restriction, 5% (95% CI, 2%–13%) for intrauterine fetal death, 12% (95% CI, 5%–26%) for post‐partum hemorrhage, 74% (95% CI, 45%–91%) for intrapartum transfusion requirement, and 55% (95% CI, 27%–80%) for the cesarean delivery opting. The maternal mortality in pregnancies with AA was 4% (95% CI, 0.01–0.14), whereas neonatal mortality was 7% (95% CI, 0.03–0.18). The odds of AA complete remission were better in pre‐pregnancy than post‐pregnancy (OR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.08–1.66), although the results remain insignificant. The leave‐one‐out sensitivity analysis did not change the pooled estimates for the primary outcome.

Conclusion

A risk of developing preeclampsia was observed in every eighth pregnant woman with an AA diagnosis. AA remission status might worsen after undergoing pregnancy, considering the significant obstetric morbidity and mortality burden.
Relationship quality and educational attainment links to development of cardiometabolic morbidity and multimorbidity across middle adulthood
Authors: Roberson Patricia N. E. , Woods Sarah , Tasman Jordan , Hiefner Angela
Published: November 2024

The prevalence of cardiometabolic morbidity (e.g., high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes) and multimorbidity development (2 or more cardiometabolic morbidities) are rapidly growing in the US. Cardiometabolic morbidity and multimorbidity are linked to poor well‐being outcomes, high healthcare costs, and mortality. There is little known about cardiometabolic multimorbidity health disparities, particularly regarding mutable factors that might be targeted in future health interventions. In the present study, using a biopsychosocial framework (Biobehavioral Family Model), we examine whether cardiometabolic morbidity and multimorbidity development are linked to premorbid family and marital relationships and if it differs depending on socioeconomic status (i.e., educational attainment) using three waves of Midlife in the US (N = 4951). We assessed cardiometabolic development with three conceptualizations: number of cardiometabolic morbidities (i.e., count variable), individual cardiometabolic morbidities (i.e., diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack), and severity of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (e.g., 3+ vs. zero morbidities). Family strain increased the number of cardiometabolic morbidities (OR = 1.17) and the severity of multimorbidity (e.g., 3+ morbidities: OR = 1.38). People with a high school education experienced family support as a buffer to the negative health impact of education level. Generally, marital quality appeared less impactful on cardiometabolic morbidity and multimorbidity development compared to family strain. Positive and negative family characteristics appear to function differently across educational attainment. These findings indicate that adults’ non‐intimate family relationships predict important outcomes such as diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and cardiometabolic multimorbidity and should be considered targets for preventative health interventions.
Effect of Cyclic Load Frequency on the Fatigue Crack Nucleation and Growth of Annealed and Prestrained Austenitic SS 304
Authors: Nascimento Brenno L. , Santos Iris S. , Santos Luiara L. , Reis Matheus M. S. , de Jesus Ihana G. C. , Griza Sandro
Published: November 2024

The austenitic stainless steels are widely used in several engineering fields due to their high ductility, corrosion and high temperature performance. Despite its noble properties, components manufactured in austenitic stainless steel are subject to fatigue failure. Studies indicate that loading frequency can impact the austenitic stainless steel fatigue performance. In this scenario, the present study aims to evaluate the effect of frequencies of 3 and 30 Hz on the fatigue behavior of SS 304 alloy under load control in order to identify in which fatigue stage the effect is outstanding. Therefore, fatigue and fracture mechanics tests were evaluated on the alloy annealed at 1000°C. Furthermore, fatigue tests were also applied to the alloy after previous tensile plastic strain of 0.5. The analyses denoted a significant reduction in fatigue strength with increasing frequency, especially for the strained alloy. Fatigue crack nucleation is encouraged with greater load frequency. This behavior may be attributed to strain‐induced martensite and other strain mechanisms such as twinning and slip bands that are encouraged by lower strain rates but are relieved by auto‐heating achieved in higher frequencies, as mentioned in the literature, which decrease the strength to fatigue nucleation.
Functional Traits Predict Outcomes of Current and Novel Competition Under Warmer Climate
Authors: Lyu Shengman , Alexander Jake M.
Published: November 2024

Functional traits offer a potential avenue to generalize and forecast the impacts of changing competition on plant communities, including changing outcomes of competition among species that currently interact (current competition) or that will interact in the future following range shifts (novel competition). However, it remains unclear how well traits explain variation in the outcomes of current and novel competition as well as the underlying processes determining coexistence or competitive exclusion, under changing climate. Here, we interacted pairs of high and low‐elevation species in three sites across an elevation gradient in the Swiss Alps. For each species pair, we quantified the population‐level outcomes of competition (invasion growth rates), relative fitness differences, and niche overlap and related these to 15 functional traits that were measured in each site. Most traits were significantly associated with invasion growth rates at the low elevation, where species had greater relative fitness differences, but these associations were much weaker towards higher elevations. This appears to be because traits, particularly those associated with light competition, captured species' relative fitness differences at lower elevations, but not at the high elevation site, highlighting that the predictive ability of traits can depend on environmental context. The amplified relative fitness differences towards lower elevations suggest that climate warming may increase the likelihood of competitive exclusion. In addition, novel competitors tended to show greater niche overlap than current competitors, leading to stronger overall competitive effects. However, in general, trait differences predicted competitive outcomes of novel and current competitors similarly well, suggesting that traits can predict interactions between species that do not yet interact. Our study reinforces the importance of considering changing interactions for predicting species responses to climate change and provides experimental evidence supporting the usefulness of functional trait differences in forecasting the impacts of future plant interactions under changing climate.
Additionality in Blue Carbon Ecosystems: Recommendations for a Universally Applicable Accounting Methodology
Authors: Houston Alex , Kennedy Hilary , Austin William E. N.
Published: November 2024

Blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs) remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store significant amounts of organic carbon (OC) in their soils. Consequently, the protection and restoration of BCEs may contribute to net greenhouse gas emissions abatement and help address the global challenges of both mitigating and adapting to climate change. An ongoing debate is whether OC sequestered out with the blue carbon (BC) project and transported to its present location (allochthonous) should be counted as ‘additional’. There are inconsistencies in the treatment of allochthonous carbon between BCE methodologies, potentially undermining the credibility of global BC accounting initiatives. To explore these inconsistences, we compare the methodologies which we were able to find online, with particular focus on the VERRA, IPCC and BlueCAM methodologies, and review the science underlying any approach to account for allochthonous OC. Our findings indicate that there are currently no robust scientific approaches to define an appropriate apportioning of allochthonous OC for discounting in the calculation of additionality. We therefore advocate for the inclusion of allochthonous OC in BC crediting projects when an observational and experimental approach does not support the calculation (and discounting) of the refractory allochthonous carbon contribution.
Aridity‐Driven Change in Microbial Carbon Use Efficiency and Its Linkage to Soil Carbon Storage
Authors: Pei Junmin , Fang Changming , Li Bo , Nie Ming , Li Jinquan
Published: November 2024

Global warming is generally predicted to increase aridity in drylands, while the effects of aridity changes on microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) and its linkage to soil organic carbon (SOC) storage remain unresolved, limiting the accuracy of soil carbon dynamic predictions under changing climates. Here, by employing large‐scale soil sampling from 50 sites along an ~6000 km aridity gradient in northern China, we report a significant decreasing trend in microbial CUE (ranging from approximately 0.07 to 0.59 across the aridity gradient) with increasing aridity. The negative effect of aridity on microbial CUE was further verified by an independent moisture manipulation experiment, which revealed that CUE was lower under lower moisture levels than under higher moisture levels. Aridity‐induced increases in physicochemical protection or decreases in microbial diversity primarily mediated the decrease in CUE with increasing aridity. Moreover, we found a highly positive microbial CUE–SOC relationship, and incorporating CUE improved the explanatory power of SOC variations along the aridity gradient. Our findings provide empirical evidence for aridity‐induced reductions in microbial CUE over a broad geographic scale and highlight that increasing aridity may be a crucial mechanism underlying SOC loss by suppressing the ability of soil microorganisms to sequester carbon.
Displacement Factors for Aerosol Emissions From Alternative Forest Biomass Use
Authors: Tikka Aapo , Hartikainen Anni , Sippula Olli , Kilpeläinen Antti
Published: November 2024

Substituting alternative materials and energy sources with forest biomass can cause significant environmental consequences, such as alteration in the released emissions which can be described by displacement factors (DFs). Until now, DFs of wood‐based materials have included greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and have been associated with lower fossil and process‐based emissions than non‐wood counterparts. In addition to GHGs, aerosols released in combustion processes, for example, alter radiative forcing in the atmosphere and consequently have an influence on climate. In this study, the objective was to quantify the changes in the most important aerosol emission components for cases when wood‐based materials and energy were used to replace the production of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, common fossil‐based construction materials (concrete, steel and brick), non‐wood textile materials and energy produced by fossil fuels and peat. For this reason, we expanded the DF calculations to include aerosol emissions of total suspended particles (TSP), respirable particulate matter (PM10), fine particles (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and non‐methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) based on the embodied energies of materials and energy sources. The DFs for cardboard implied a decrease in BC, SO2 and NMVOC emissions but an increase in the other emission components. DFs for sawn wood mainly indicated higher emissions of both particles and gaseous emissions compared to non‐wood counterparts. DFs for wood‐based textiles demonstrated increased particle emissions and reduced gaseous emissions. DFs for energy biomass mainly implied an increase in emissions, especially if biomass was combusted in small‐scale appliances. Our main conclusion highlights the critical need to thoroughly assess how using forest biomass affects aerosol emissions. This improved understanding of the aerosol emissions of the forestry sector is crucial for a comprehensive evaluation of the climate and health implications associated with forest biomass use.
The Sociality of Form: Camillo Sitte's Urban Morphologies
Authors: Christian Margareta Ingrid
Published: November 2024

This article examines a text by a lesser‐known figure of fin‐de‐siècle Vienna, Camillo Sitte's Der Städtebau nach seinen künstlerischen Grundsätzen (1889), tracing the relationship between urban form and social structure in Sitte's treatise. It identifies the key points of this relationship in terms of causality: the form of public spaces can determine the form of social life; surrogacy: the throngs of the places’ inanimate inhabitants, the statues and monuments, are placeholders for the missing human gatherings; and finally displacement: the thick sociality of community life is transferred onto a heightened relationality with urban forms. Sitte's text sublimates the social; it diffuses abstract social structures—density, relationality, connection—onto the spatial morphologies of the city. Ultimately, this diffusion results in a capacious yet weakened model of sociality.
Zircon Trace‐Element Compositions in Cenozoic Granitoids in Japan: Revised Discrimination Diagrams for Zircons in I‐Type, S‐Type, and A‐Type Granites
Authors: Sawaki Yusuke , Asanuma Hisashi , Sakata Shuhei , Abe Mariko , Ueda Hisahiro , Fujisaki Wataru , Ohno Takeshi
Published: November 2024

Owing to high resistance to alteration, detrital zircons retain information about their formation ages and parental magmas for a long period of time. Many geochemical researchers have proposed various indicators for zircon to constrain tectonic settings and to identify source rock. Because most detrital zircons analyzed by geochronologic studies are derived primarily from granitoids, we focus on the classification of zircon within granitoids. In the style of alphabetical classification scheme (Igneous, I; Sedimentary, S; and Alkaline, A types), some discrimination diagrams have been proposed. To improve the database and enhance discriminating studies, we examined trace‐element compositions of zircons extracted from some Cenozoic granitoids exposed in the Japan Islands. The zircons showed systematic differences in Nb, Ta, Ce, and P contents. Zircons in Oceanic Arc I‐type granite are poor in Nb and Ta, and these signatures clearly reflect those elements in their parental bodies. Despite their low abundance at the whole‐rock level, zircons in Oceanic Arc I‐type granite are characterized by high Ce content. This is attributable to the relatively oxidizing conditions of Oceanic Arc I‐type magma. Zircons in S‐type granite are characterized by high P and low Ce contents. The former can be explained by high apatite solubility in Al‐rich magma, whereas the reducing environment of S‐type magma is accountable for the latter. The zircon crystallized at the later stage during S‐type granite solidification is slightly depleted in Nb and Ta. This is attributable to the depletion of these elements in the magma by Ti‐bearing minerals such as ilmenite prior to zircon crystallization. In analogy with whole‐rock composition, zircons in transitional I‐A‐type granite have intermediate composition between I‐type and A‐type zircons. On the basis of the updated database, we demonstrated that the Nb/P–Ce/P or Ta/P–Ce/P crossplots are the most useful for discriminating zircons in Oceanic Arc I‐type, I‐type, S‐type, and A‐type granites.
Theorising Bounded Rationality in EU Policy‐Making
Authors: Figueira Filipa
Published: November 2024

This article proposes a theoretical framework combining multi‐level governance (MLG) with bounded rationality. MLG theories have become increasingly popular to understand European Union (EU) policy‐making and interactions between national, sub‐national and EU levels. At the same time, principles of bounded rationality are entering the public policy debate, highlighting the role of cognitive biases in policy formation. However, these two developments have been separate, as bounded rationality has been little used in EU studies. The article therefore proposes a framework integrating the two lenses. This sheds new light on the optimal allocation of tasks between EU and national levels, given the prevalence of different cognitive biases at each level. Findings are that EU‐level policy‐making can be hampered by availability heuristics and undefined preferences, whilst national policy‐making is prone to zero‐sum bias and myopia. Insights are applied to research policy as an example, helping to explain obstacles to EU integration in this area.
Whitefly‐Pathogenic Beauveria bassiana JEF‐507 as a Competitive Biopesticide, Chongchae‐Stop
Authors: Kim Jong‐Cheol , Baek Sehyeon , Kim Jae Su
Published: November 2024

Silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is a destructive insect pest damaging to diverse crops by vectoring several plant pathogenic viruses, which consequently causes economic losses in crop production. As the resistance of whiteflies to chemical insecticides is increasing, this study aimed to investigate the potential of entomopathogenic fungi as an alternative. A total of 72 entomopathogenic fungal isolates, collected from soils using Tenebrio molitor larvae as an insect baiting method, were assessed for their virulence against 2nd nymphs of whitefly. Their virulence was assayed by dipping whitefly‐infested tomato leaves in fungal conidia suspensions at 1.0 × 107 conidia/mL. Among the tested isolates, two isolates of Beauveria bassiana JEF‐462 and JEF‐507 showed high virulence. In the assessment of virulence depending on conidia concentrations, the estimated LC50 values for JEF‐462 and JEF‐507 were similarly 8.7–14.0 × 107 conidia/mL. However, B. bassiana JEF‐507 showed higher conidial productivity and thermotolerance on most of tested 12 grain substrates than B. bassiana JEF‐462, and millet was the most suitable grain substrate. Additionally, siloxane as a surfactant was able to sufficiently exhibit the insecticidal activity of JEF‐507 against whitefly nymphs compared with other surfactants. In a pot‐based greenhouse trial, JEF‐507 showed higher control efficacy than chemical insecticides, dinotefuran and spinetoram. This work suggests that B. bassiana JEF‐507 could be competitively used as a biopesticide to control silverleaf whiteflies while overcoming current resistance issues. The JEF‐507 isolate has been registered in Korea, 2022 and successfully commercialised as the name of Chongchae‐Stop in this local market to control whitefly and thrips.
Developing and Evaluating SEE‐Diabetes: A Patient‐Centered Educational Decision Support System for Diabetes Care
Authors: Narindrarangkura Ploypun , Dejhansathit Siroj , Khan Uzma , Day Margaret , Boren Suzanne A. , Simoes Eduardo J. , Kim Min S.
Published: November 2024

Objectives

This feasibility study evaluated the effectiveness of Support‐Engage‐Empower‐Diabetes (SEE‐Diabetes), a patient‐centered educational tool designed to promote shared decision‐making of diabetes management in older adults. We aimed to assess SEE‐Diabetes's ability to facilitate patient engagement and collaborative goal setting, as measured by the Observational Patient Involvement (OPTION) scale and Shared Decision‐Making Questionnaire (SDM‐Q‐Doc). We hypothesized that these instruments would effectively differentiate between healthcare providers who actively leveraged SEE‐Diabetes to guide patient‐centric conversations and set goals compared to those who did not.

Methods

SEE‐Diabetes, developed through a 4‐year user‐centered design process, was employed in simulated clinical encounters at the University of Missouri Health Care. We conducted an analysis of 12 clinical encounters using video recordings. This analysis involved three simulated patients and four providers, two internals and two externals, utilizing a mixed‐methods approach. We assessed the decision‐making process using SEE‐Diabetes by SDM‐Q‐Doc, OPTION scale, and conversation analysis.

Results

The average scores for the SDM‐Q‐Doc and the OPTION scale, out of a possible 100, were 52.6 and 75.9, respectively. Our findings revealed that active provider engagement with SEE‐Diabetes during patient interactions served as an effective medium to facilitate shared decision‐making and to set patient‐centered goals. Providers who actively utilized SEE‐Diabetes to guide conversations, ask open‐ended questions, and incorporate patient input into goal setting demonstrated significantly higher OPTION and SDM‐Q‐Doc scores compared to those who used the tool less frequently or primarily for documentation purposes. Providers expressed positive feedback, highlighting its conciseness, patient‐centricity, and optimism about integrating SEE‐Diabetes into their future practices.

Conclusion

SEE‐Diabetes showed considerable promise in improving interactions between patients and providers, presenting an innovative approach to diabetes management for older adults. This tool has the potential to not only close communication gaps but also enable patients to take a more active role in their healthcare decisions.
A cross‐sectional survey exploring knowledge, beliefs and barriers to whole food plant‐based diets amongst registered dietitians in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Authors: Metoudi Michael , Bauer Alexander , Haffner Tanya , Kassam Shireen
Published: November 2024

Background

Plant‐based diets (PBDs) have gained popularity in recent years due to their co‐benefits for human and planetary health. Although clinical guidelines now recommend well‐balanced PBDs, it remains unclear how dietitians in the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland (ROI) view such diets and their implementation in practice. This study aimed to evaluate the perspectives of registered dietitians (RDs) on the role of a whole food plant‐based diet (WFPBD) in clinical practice.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey was conducted amongst RDs in the UK and ROI between September and November 2023.

Results

A total of 335 RDs participated in the survey. Most RDs (76%) agree that a well‐planned WFPBD is suitable for all stages of life, with some (48%) expressing concerns over the risk of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Three‐quarters of RDs (75%) incorrectly thought that plant protein is incomplete, necessitating protein combining. A WFPBD was on average ranked fourth out of 14 dietary strategies for managing some of the leading non‐communicable diseases. Excluding dairy and eggs was the primary reason preventing RDs from personally adopting a WFPBD, whereas meal preparation and cost were the main barriers for their clients. The majority of RDs (79%) feel they did not receive sufficient education on WFPBDs, with 58% agreeing there are insufficient evidence‐based resources available in their field. Only 33% feel supported when advocating for a WFPBD in their workplace.

Conclusions

Although many RDs view WFPBDs as viable and clinically relevant, significant barriers to their implementation exist, underscoring the need for enhanced education and support.
Scope, Scale, and Concentration: The 21st‐Century Firm
Authors: HOBERG GERARD , PHILLIPS GORDON M.
Published: November 2024

We provide evidence using firm 10‐Ks that over the past 30 years, U.S. firms have expanded their scope of operations. Increases in scope were achieved largely without increasing traditional operating segments. Scope expansion significantly increases valuation and is realized primarily through acquisitions and investment in R&D, but not through capital expenditures. Traditional concentration ratios do not capture this expansion of scope. Our findings point to a new type of firm that increases scope through related expansion, which is highly valued by the market.
Assessment Tools for Masticatory Function in Periodontitis Patients: A Scoping Review
Authors: Fok Chris T. C. , Acharya Aneesha , Chin Bonnie H. M. , Fok Melissa Rachel , Pelekos George
Published: November 2024

Aims

The aim of this scoping review was to map the available evidence on assessment tools for masticatory function for periodontitis patients. It also aimed to examine the methodology of masticatory function assessment and to identify the elements of subjective masticatory function evaluation for periodontitis patients reported in the literature.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted following the methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews. Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched for published studies in English reporting objective or subjective masticatory function assessment in periodontitis patients.

Results

Forty‐five studies were included in the analysis. The identified assessment tools for masticatory function were summarized using the terminology described by the recent consensus. Heterogeneity was observed in the approach of assessment, the type(s) and design of assessment tools, and the methods of measurement employed. Most studies utilized only one assessment tool. Seven studies reported composite objective assessment and five studies utilized assessment tools for both objective and subjective masticatory function. Items from the included instruments for subjective masticatory function were analyzed and categorized into seven potentially clinically relevant elements of subjective masticatory function evaluation. Unclear reporting on validation status was found in all included instruments for subjective masticatory function.

Conclusion

Variable methodologies have been reported to assess masticatory function in periodontitis patients. Future research is needed to discern the clinical utility of these assessment tools for masticatory function in periodontitis patients.
Mud crab, Scylla tranquebarica (Fabricius, 1798), crablet grow‐out in lined ponds with different stocking densities to support soft‐shell crab production
Authors: Gunarto Gunarto , Herlinah Herlinah , Muliani Muliani , Nurbaya Nurbaya , Rosmiati Rosmiati , Suryati Emma , Sulaeman Sulaeman , Lante Samuel , Parenrengi Andi , Syafaat Muhammad Nur , Septiningsih Early , Nursyamsi Idayanti
Published: November 2024

Crab stocking densities in brackish water ponds can influence crab growth rate, survival, and production volume. This study aimed to determine the optimum grow‐out stocking density for Scylla tranquebarica crablets reared in lined ponds to supply the soft‐shell crab industry. Three stocking density treatments (1, 4, and 8 ind./m2) were applied to crablets reared in lined ponds for 90 days. The crablets were fed low‐value fish (Leiognathus equula) at an initial rate of 100% of total body weight for two weeks, reduced to 3% toward the end of the study. Crablets stocked at 1 and 4 ind./m2 had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher net growth (NG) and daily growth rate (DGR) than crablets stocked at 8 ind./m2. Deformed crabs were also most common at the highest stocking density. The intermediate stocking rate achieved moderate survival and feed conversion rates, with the highest crab production volume (19.65 ± 0.10 kg/100 m2) and net income (6845.60 US$/Ha/2 crops/year). Based on these findings, a stocking rate of around 4 ind./m2 is recommended for the grow‐out of S. tranquebarica crablets in lined ponds.
Genomic Vulnerability to Climate Change of an Australian Migratory Freshwater Fish, the Golden Perch (Macquaria ambigua)
Authors: Booth Emily J. , Brauer Chris J. , Sandoval‐Castillo Jonathan , Harrisson Katherine , Rourke Meaghan L. , Attard Catherine R.M. , Gilligan Dean M. , Tonkin Zeb , Thiem Jason D. , Unmack Peter J. , Zampatti Brenton , Beheregaray Luciano B.
Published: November 2024

Genomic vulnerability is a measure of how much evolutionary change is required for a population to maintain optimal genotype‐environment associations under projected climates. Aquatic species, and in particular migratory ectotherms, are largely underrepresented in studies of genomic vulnerability. Such species might be well equipped for tracking suitable habitat and spreading diversity that could promote adaptation to future climates. We characterised range‐wide genomic diversity and genomic vulnerability in the migratory and fisheries‐important golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) from Australia's expansive Murray–Darling Basin (MDB). The MDB has a steep hydroclimatic gradient and is one of the world's most variable regions in terms of climate and streamflow. Golden perch are threatened by fragmentation and obstruction of waterways, alteration of flow regimes, and a progressively hotter and drying climate. We gathered a genomic dataset of 1049 individuals from 186 MDB localities. Despite high range‐wide gene flow, golden perch in the warmer, northern catchments had higher predicted vulnerability than those in the cooler, southern catchments. A new cross‐validation approach showed that these predictions were insensitive to the exclusion of individual catchments. The results raise concern for populations at warm range edges, which may already be close to their thermal limits. However, a population with functional variants beneficial for climate adaptation found in the most arid and hydrologically variable catchment was predicted to be less vulnerable. Native fish management plans, such as captive breeding and stocking, should consider spatial variation in genomic vulnerability to improve conservation outcomes under climate change, even for dispersive species with high connectivity.
What intrinsic factors affect the central corneal thickness?
Authors: Da Silva Filipe , Linhares João M. M. , Lira Madalena
Published: November 2024

The cornea is one of the tissues responsible for covering and protecting the inner structures of the eye. Central corneal thickness (CCT) is defined as the distance between the anterior epithelial surface and the posterior surface of the endothelial layer. This parameter plays a very important role regarding intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, evaluation of corneal uniformity, selection of a suitable technique for corneal refractive surgery and the planning of surgical procedures to overcome corneal disease. This comprehensive review elucidates the multifaceted factors influencing the central corneal thickness. Recognising the impact of these factors not only enhances our understanding of corneal dynamics but also contributes significantly to the refinement of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in ophthalmology.
Documenting customary land boundaries using unmanned aerial vehicle imagery and artificial intelligence
Authors: Abeho Dianah Rose , Shoko Moreblessings , Odera Patroba Achola
Published: November 2024

The use of computer vision and deep learning in boundary documentation for land registration stems from the ongoing demand for appropriate mapping approaches of unregistered land rights to eradicate the global challenge of tenure insecurity. Previous research has yielded promising results towards automated extraction of photo‐visible cadastral boundaries from high‐resolution imagery. Nonetheless, the extraction of invisible cadastral boundaries is still a challenge. This study investigates the place of sensor/s on‐board unmanned aerial vehicles and deep learning algorithms in detecting cadastral boundaries. It develops a participatory boundary marking procedure using low‐cost markers to bring monument to previously invisible and ill‐defined cadastral boundaries. After that, the researchers trained and tested the accuracy of a convolutional neural network, namely single shot multi‐box detector (SSD) based on Residual Neural Network (ResNet) and Visual Geometry Group (VGG) backbone networks to automatically detect cadastral boundary markers from unmanned aerial vehicle imagery. SSD based on ResNet34 performed best with 0.88 precision, 0.92 recall and 0.91 F measure or (F1) score. VGG19‐based SSD yielded a precision of 0.47, recall of 0.53 and F1 score of 0.50. The horizontal accuracy of the cadastral map generated varied from 0.089 to 0.496 m per parcel, with a standard deviation of 0.120 m. Results show that this approach is practical for cadastral mapping in rural areas.
Periodontal diseases in Africa
Authors: Olujitan Mojisola , Ayanbadejo Patricia O. , Umeizudike Kehinde , Oyapero Afolabi , Okunseri Christopher , Butali Azeez
Published: November 2024

Periodontal diseases, a group of complex conditions marked by an excessive immune response and periodontal tissue destruction, are a global health concern. Since 1990, the incidence of these diseases has doubled, with Western sub‐Saharan Africa experiencing the highest burden. Accurate diagnosis and case identification are crucial for understanding the etiology, features of disease, research, treatment and prevention. Modern perspectives on periodontal disease classification are based on commonality among those affected. However, current literature is often plagued by methodological inconsistencies and focused on disease mechanisms in European populations. Health inequalities in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) are exacerbated by these challenges, with sub‐Saharan Africa, and Nigeria specifically, facing unique difficulties such as clinical personnel shortages and limited research infrastructure. This review explored disparities in periodontal disease research, care and outcomes in African populations. We highlighted these disparities and identified the factors contributing to inequities in periodontal health outcomes. We further demonstrated the critical need for inclusive and equitable healthcare and research practices tailored to the unique challenges faced by diverse populations and regions with limited resources. Addressing these disparities is essential for ensuring that advancements in healthcare are accessible to all, thereby improving global oral health and general health.
The immediate and lasting effects of imagery rescripting and their associations with imagery tendency in young adults with childhood maltreatment history: An ERP study
Authors: Liu Mingfan , Niu Juan , Zhou Li , Zeng Yuandong , Ouyang Huan
Published: November 2024

The effectiveness of imagery rescripting (IR) in reducing psychological symptoms associated with aversive memories has been confirmed across various disorders. To better understand the neural mechanisms underlying IR, we assessed the immediate and lasting effects and their associations with imagery tendency by using unpleasant pictures depicting child maltreatment within a population with childhood maltreatment (CM) history. Participants (n = 68) were instructed to engage in two experimental phases while electroencephalogram was recorded. In the rescripting phase, participants viewed neutral or unpleasant pictures and then either imagined the same pictures or rescripted unpleasant ones to assess immediate effect. In the re‐exposure phase, participants passively viewed all pictures without instruction to assess lasting effect. Participants rated their subjective valence and imagery vividness in the rescripting phase or intensity of negative feelings in the re‐exposure phase. IR led to an attenuation of the late positive potential (LPP) amplitude in the late time window (2000–6000 ms at parietal‐occipital electrodes) and a decrease in self‐reported unpleasantness during the rescripting phase. After 5‐min interval, unpleasant pictures with rescripted history elicited smaller LPP (400–1500 ms at centro‐parietal electrodes) and negative feelings than those with imagery history in the re‐exposure phase. The higher habitual use of imagery was associated with a greater reduction in late LPP during the rescripting phase and full‐time range LPP during the re‐exposure phase. The current findings suggest that IR has an immediate effect and a lasting effect on subjective and neural response in the CM population. Individuals with higher imagery tendency are likely to profit more from IR.
Overexpression of TAF4B Promoted the Proliferation of Undifferentiated Spermatogonia in Cattleyak In Vitro
Authors: Tian Yuan , Zhang Peng , Jing Kemin , Li Yuqian , Yue Binglin , Wu Zhijuan , Dong Wenjing , Zhong Jincheng , Cai Xin
Published: November 2024

As the hybrid between cattle and yak, cattleyak is a typical male sterile mammal, and the underlying mechanism for its spermatogenic arrest is still unclear. In this study, the coding region of cattleyak TAF4B gene was cloned by RT‐PCR and analysed by bioinformatics. To investigate the effects of TAF4B on cellular proliferation and differentiation, an expression vector was generated and introduced into undifferentiated spermatogonia (UDSPG) of cattleyak. The results showed that the protein encoded by TAF4B did not contain the signal peptide sequence. The expression level of TAF4B in UDSPG of cattleyak was lower than that in yak, while the overexpression of TAF4B in cattleyak promoted the proliferation activity of cattleyak UDSPG. Meanwhile, the expression of proliferation and meiosis‐related genes was increased but the differentiation‐related genes were decreased. Therefore, the aberrant expression of TAF4B in cattleyak UDSPG possibly impaired its proliferation and differentiation equilibrium and decreased its growth potentiality, thereby reducing the quantity of UDSPG and affecting spermatogenesis. This study provided a potential approach for further elucidation of the mechanism of spermatogenesis arrest and provided a new idea for solving the problem of male infertility in cattleyak.
Benchmark dose modeling for epidemiological dose–response assessment using case‐control studies
Authors: De Pretis Francesco , Zhou Yun , Shao Kan
Published: November 2024

Following a previous article that focused on integrating epidemiological data from prospective cohort studies into toxicological risk assessment, this paper shifts the focus to case‐control studies. Specifically, it utilizes the odds ratio (OR) as the main epidemiological measure, aligning it with the benchmark dose (BMD) methodology as the standard dose–response modeling approach to determine chemical toxicity values for regulatory risk assessment. A standardized BMD analysis framework has been established for toxicological data, including input data requirements, dose–response models, definitions of benchmark response, and consideration of model uncertainty. This framework has been enhanced by recent methods capable of handling both cohort and case‐control studies using summary data that have been adjusted for confounders.

The present study aims to investigate and compare the “effective count” based BMD modeling approach, merged with an algorithm used for converting odds ratio to relative risk in cohort studies with partial data information (i.e., the Wang algorithm), with the adjusted OR‐based BMD analysis approach. The goal is to develop an adequate BMD modeling framework that can be generalized for analyzing published case‐control study data. As in the previous study, these methods were applied to a database examining the association between bladder and lung cancer and inorganic arsenic exposure. The results indicate that estimated BMDs and BMDLs are relatively consistent across both methods. However, modeling adjusted OR values as continuous data for BMD estimation aligns better with established practices in toxicological BMD analysis, making it a more generalizable approach.
Support needed by parents when a child's mental well‐being is threatened—A qualitative study of views of experts‐by‐experience
Authors: Tiina Putkuri , Irene Latva‐Korpela , Mikko Häkkinen
Published: November 2024

Background

In situations where a child's mental well‐being is threatened, the parents also need support. The available support has been perceived as insufficient by both parents and professionals.

Aim

To explore the views of experts‐by‐experience of the support needed by parents when a child's mental well‐being is threatened.

Methods

A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was conducted in Finland. The data were collected in six focus group interviews during the autumn of 2022. The participants (n = 26) were adult experts‐by‐experience who had experienced either mental well‐being challenges in their own childhood (before the age of 18 years) or experienced the mental well‐being challenges of a child from the role of a parent. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis.

Results

The support needed by parents in situations where the mental well‐being of their child is at risk consists of support for parenting, support for sharing and support for surviving.

Conclusion

Parents whose child's mental well‐being is at risk, need support both for their own well‐being and for their ability to support their child's well‐being. Support is needed not only from professionals but also from peers.