bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal fluctuation of serum Krebs von den Lungen‐6 levels in systemic sclerosis‐associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Hirose Hikaru , Higuchi Tomoaki , Takagi Kae , Tochimoto Akiko , Ichimura Yuki , Harigai Masayoshi , Kawaguchi Yasushi
Published: July 2024

Aim

To evaluate whether seasonal changes influence fluctuations in serum Krebs von den Lungen‐6 (KL‐6) levels in systemic sclerosis‐related interstitial lung disease (SSc‐ILD).

Methods

Summer was defined as the period between July and September, and winter as between December and February. The study was conducted between 2015 and 2016, with a focus on these two seasons. A diagnosis of ILD and ILD progression overtime were evaluated using chest computed tomography. Among patients with SSc‐ILD, those with data on serum KL‐6 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the 2015 winter, 2015 summer, and 2016 winter seasons were included. Patients with comorbidities that could affect serum KL‐6 levels were excluded.

Results

Of 60 patients with SSc‐ILD, 52 (86.7%) had stable ILD, 5 (8.3%) had worsened ILD, and 3 (5.0%) had improved ILD. Serum KL‐6 levels were significantly higher during the winter than those during the summer (2015 winter vs. 2015 summer: 649 U/mL vs. 585 U/mL, p < .0001; 2016 winter vs. 2015 summer: 690 U/mL vs. 585 U/mL, p < .0001). No significant differences were observed between the winters of 2015 and 2016 (649 U/mL vs. 690 U/mL, p = .78). However, serum LDH levels did not exhibit seasonal fluctuations (2015 winter vs. 2015 summer: 203 U/L vs. 199 U/L, p = .3; 2016 winter vs. 2015 summer: 201 U/L vs. 199 U/L, p = .6; 2015 winter vs. 2016 winter: 203 U/L vs. 201 U/L, p = .24).

Conclusion

Seasonal fluctuations in serum KL‐6 levels were observed in patients with SSc‐ILD.
An epigraphical and artistic study of four tombstones from the Qāsimī State Era in Yemen
Authors: Enab Mohamed
Published: July 2024

This study examines four tombstones associated with significant figures in Yemen's history during the early Qāsimī State era: ʿAlī b. Imām al‐Muʾayyad Muḥammad b. al‐Qāsim (1013–1078 Hiǧrī (h)/ad 1603–1617) and his brother al‐Qāsim b. Imām al‐Muʾayyad Muḥammad b. al‐Qāsim (1024–1127 h/ad 1632–1715). The research sheds light on their biographies and historical roles. It aims to document and study these stone artefacts from both archaeological and artistic perspectives, providing a detailed description and analysing the inscriptions in terms of form and content. The inscriptions contain valuable historical information, religious and historical titles and supplicatory phrases. The researcher employed a descriptive–analytical approach and an inductive method by describing the four artefacts, reading their written texts, analyzing their contents and referencing various archaeological evidence sources and historical references. The study emphasises the importance of preserving these artefacts due to their significant archaeological and cultural value amid the ongoing armed political conflict in Yemen.
Photographic monitoring of glowworm Arachnocampa luminosa (Diptera: Keroplatidae) bioluminescence in a tourist cave reveals diurnal and annual cycles
Authors: Merritt David J.
Published: July 2024

Glowworms are the bioluminescent larvae of a group of dipteran insects related to fungus gnats. They require sheltered, consistently moist conditions and are found in aggregations on the walls and ceilings of caves and near streams in wet forests where they attract flying insects as prey. The Waitomo Glowworm Cave in New Zealand receives many thousands of visitors each year to see the colony of the glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa. The cave climate is managed to ensure the glowworms are not harmed by influxes of dry air, as happened in the 1970s. To monitor the population and warn of catastrophic population declines, time‐lapse photographic monitoring of the glowworm population began in 2011 using a permanent, fixed camera. Photographs are taken 30 min apart. The population exhibits synchronised diurnal cycles of bioluminescence intensity. The time of the acrophase (the peak) of the diurnal cycle varied seasonally between 5 pm in early southern spring and 8 pm in summer. Cross‐correlation analyses with cave and water temperatures incorporating time lags suggest that this annual cycle could be related to changes in the composition or density of prey insects. Annual cycles also occur in the number of glowing larvae and their overall intensity. In most years, the numbers are lowest in winter and increase in spring to produce the brightest display through summer. The summer peak is not seen every year and autocorrelation of the 13‐year time series of count shows signs of a 3‐ to 4‐year cycle beyond the annual periodicity. The availability of prey in the cave chamber could influence the annual cycles in glowworm density, underscoring the need for a deeper knowledge of the bionomics of prey species, mainly Chironomidae (non‐biting midges). The photographic monitoring has proven to be a useful component of the management of the glowworm population.
Midden contents as indicators of possible predator–prey relations from a sink hole on Unguja, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Authors: Struhsaker Thomas T.
Published: July 2024

A sample of midden contents found in a sink hole on Unguja, Zanzibar were dominated by Crocidura and Mastomys (probably natalensis) and were likely the remains following predation. I suggest that future studies of these middens in the numerous sink holes found throughout Unguja include camera traps which have the potential to greatly expand our understanding of predator–prey relations on this island.
Intravenous Immunoglobulins for Recurrent Chronic Histiocytic Intervillositis: A Series of Case Studies
Authors: Abisror Noémie , Cheloufi Meryam , Cohen Jonathan , Coulomb Aurore , McAvoy Chloé , Fain Olivier , Taupin Jean Luc , Tsatsaris Vassilis , Kayem Gilles , Mekinian Arsène
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI) is a rare inflammatory placental disease characterized by diffuse infiltration of monocytes into the intervillous space and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. No treatment is currently validated and although in some small reports, steroids with hydroxychloroquine have been described. There are no data for other therapies in refractory cases.

Patients and Methods

We here report four cases of patients with a history of CHI treated with immunoglobulins during a subsequent pregnancy. The four patients with recurrent CHI had failed to previous immunomodulatory therapies with steroids and hydroxychloroquine. All patients had at least four pregnancy losses with histopathological confirmation of CHI for at least one pregnancy loss. The usual pregnancy‐loss etiology screening and immunological screening were negative for all the patients.

Results

For three patients, intravenous immunoglobulins were initiated at the βHCG positivity at 1 g/kg every 15 days until delivery. In one case with combined therapy since the beginning of the pregnancy, intravenous immunoglobulins were introduced at 20 WG because of severe growth restriction. Two patients had live births at 36 WG and one patient at 39 WG. One patient, who presented early first‐trimester hypertension and severe placental lesions, failed to intravenous immunoglobulins and had a pregnancy loss at 15 WG.

Conclusion

This is the first report demonstrating the potential benefit of intravenous immunoglobulins in recurrent chronic intervillositis. Larger studies are needed to confirm this potential benefit for patients presenting severe cases of recurrent CHI.
Contraceptive counseling: Shared decision on contraceptive choices
Authors: Meriggiola Maria Cristina , Goulis Dimitrios G.
Published: July 2024

The promising results achieved in male hormonal contraceptive trials over the last decades suggest that new male contraceptives could hit the market soon. In shared decision‐making counseling, couples and their healthcare provider collaborate to make decisions about contraception choices. This model of contraceptive counseling could aid men in taking responsibility for contraception and women in trusting their partners in family planning. The shared decision‐making process in contraceptive counseling requires partners to provide input on their preferences, values, and desires, while healthcare professionals share medical knowledge and evidence‐based information.It has been proven that this method leads to higher adherence and satisfaction. To ensure that contraceptive counseling is inclusive, fair, and supportive of different reproductive experiences and needs, it is crucial to incorporate the Reproductive Justice Framework into counseling.
Resistance Against and Beyond Financialisation from the Vantage Point of Social Reproduction
Authors: del Río Santiago L.
Published: July 2024

This paper progresses research on resistance in the context of financialisation by drawing on various social reproduction legacies. I explore how social reproduction theory offers conceptual and methodological tools that can deepen research on de‐financialisation and resistance against predatory finance. Expanding upon relational approaches to social reproduction, this paper frames “the financialisation of social reproduction” as the dialectics between the reproduction of financialised capitalism and the regeneration of life. This supports a perspective on resistance through the identification and analysis of the interplay between the objective and subjective limits to the financial extraction from life. I examine how methodologies like “counter‐topographies” can demystify financialisation while supporting the cultivation of alternative geographies of finance. Through “financial counter‐topographies”, I explore how global reproductive entanglements contradictorily fragment working‐class interests across space while creating conditions to envision and cultivate de‐alienated financial landscapes. This approach seeks possibilities for collective action and international collaborations beyond financialisation.
Leveraging existing mid‐end ultrasound machine for point‐of‐care intestinal ultrasound in low‐resource settings: Prospective, real‐world impact on clinical decision‐making
Authors: Pal Partha , Mateen Mohammad Abdul , Pooja Kanapuram , Marri Uday Kumar , Gupta Rajesh , Tandan Manu , Reddy D. Nageshwar
Published: July 2024

Background

Point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) has transformed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management, but the cost to purchase high‐end equipment can be prohibitive.

Aim

To assess prospectively the feasibility of POCUS using pre‐existing mid‐end ultrasound equipment without incurring additional cost.

Methods

Consecutive IBD patients underwent POCUS with or without faecal calprotectin (FCP) using a mid‐end ultrasound machine. If POCUS with or without FCP could not guide management, we performed additional ileocolonoscopy or cross‐sectional imaging. We evaluated the impact of POCUS on IBD management and its correlation with ileocolonoscopy or cross‐sectional imaging. We analysed pregnant, paediatric and post‐operative patients separately.

Results

Among 508 patients with IBD, we analysed 419 (60.4% Crohn's disease [CD]; 61.3% male, age [years]: 36 [18–78]) undergoing 556 POCUS sessions. POCUS with or without FCP independently influenced clinical management in 42.8% of patients with CD and 49.7% with ulcerative colitis (UC). POCUS helped avoid colonoscopy in 51.4% of patients with CD and 51.8% with UC, and cross‐sectional imaging in 38.1% of suspected active small bowel CD. In patients with additional diagnostics, POCUS‐based decisions remained unchanged in 81.2% with CD and 85% with UC. Sensitivity and specificity of POCUS compared to ileocolonoscopy were 80% and 94.4% for CD and 80.8% and 92.8% for UC, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity compared to cross‐sectional imaging were 87.2% and 87.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

POCUS using existing mid‐end ultrasound equipment in low‐resource settings influenced IBD clinical decision‐making with excellent accuracy, often avoiding colonoscopy and cross‐sectional imaging.
Training kindergarten children on learning from their mistakes
Authors: Ger Ebru , Roebers Claudia M.
Published: July 2024

This study investigated whether feedback on their errors and speed improves kindergarten children's performance in an executive function (EF) task. Children from Switzerland (N = 213, 49% female, Mage = 6.4 years) were tested in the Hearts and Flowers task pre‐ and post‐training and trained either on a variant of this task with (n = 71) or without feedback (n = 72), or on a control learning task (n = 70). The feedback group performed more efficiently than the no‐feedback group during the intervention and partially also in the post‐test. Both EF training groups performed more efficiently than the control group in the post‐test. These results suggest that kindergarten children detect and monitor their errors and even get better at it given the opportunity to practice. Moreover, they benefit additionally from external feedback. Integrating feedback into computerized cognitive training (and learning apps) could be a potential avenue for interventions in school settings.
Body‐wide chimerism and mosaicism are predominant causes of naturally occurring ABO discrepancies
Authors: Dauber Eva‐Maria , Haas Oskar A. , Nebral Karin , Gassner Christoph , Haslinger Sabrina , Geyeregger René , Hustinx Hein , Lejon Crottet Sofia , Scharberg Erwin A. , Müller‐Steinhardt Michael , Schönbacher Marlies , Mayr Wolfgang R. , Körmöczi Günther F.
Published: July 2024

Routine ABO blood group typing of apparently healthy individuals sporadically uncovers unexplained mixed‐field reactions. Such blood group discrepancies can either result from a haematopoiesis‐confined or body‐wide dispersed chimerism or mosaicism. Taking the distinct clinical consequences of these four different possibilities into account, we explored the responsible cause in nine affected individuals. Genotype analyses revealed that more than three‐quarters were chimaeras (two same‐sex females, four same‐sex males, one sex‐mismatched male), while two were mosaics. Short tandem repeat analyses of buccal swab, hair root and nail DNA suggested a body‐wide involvement in all instances. Moreover, genome‐wide array analyses unveiled that in both mosaic cases the causative genetic defect was a unique copy‐neutral loss of heterozygosity encompassing the entire long arm of chromosome 9. The practical transfusion‐ or transplantation‐associated consequences of such incidental discoveries are well known and therefore easily manageable. Far less appreciated is the fact that such findings also call attention to potential problems that directly ensue from their specific genetic make‐up. In case of chimerism, these are the appearance of seemingly implausible family relationships and pitfalls in forensic testing. In case of mosaicism, they concern with the necessity to delineate innocuous pre‐existent or age‐related from disease‐predisposing and disease‐indicating cell clones.
Contrasting Affective responses and the Politics of the Energy Transition: Impact of the War in Ukraine on the Colombian Coal Industry
Authors: Carmona Susana
Published: July 2024

This piece explores the effects of the war in Ukraine on Colombia's coal industry and the contrasting affective responses of different actors. The stark contrast between environmental and Indigenous activists' anger and the industry representatives' optimism about the revival of coal exports evidences the tension between the climate policies of the current Colombian government and the longstanding pattern of export‐led economies in Latin America, a path difficult to break. Nonetheless, the situation enables a space to discuss how a ‘just transition’ would look for regions dependent on coal and, importantly, when that transition will be.
Using applied social science disciplines to implement creative outdoor cat management solutions and avoid the trap of one‐size‐fits‐all policies
Authors: Leong Kirsten Mya , Gramza Ashley Rochelle , Duberstein Jennifer N. , Bryson Chelsey , Amlin Angela
Published: July 2024

In the United States, policy conflicts have prevented successful population‐level management of outdoor cats for decades. Wildlife conservation professionals have sought widespread use of humane dispatch (i.e., lethal culling applied humanely), whereas cat welfare professionals have promoted trap–neuter–return (TNR) (cats are trapped, neutered, and returned to the outdoors). These conflicts represent a policy panacea trap, which we argue drives many conservation conflicts. In these situations, the focus on defending a one‐size‐fits‐all policy fails to account for the value differences that shape the different understandings of the problem and desired outcomes associated with each policy, as well as complexities in the social–ecological system. Over the past 5 years, a group of wildlife conservation and cat welfare professionals codeveloped a set of products that have started to be used to help organizations break out of the policy panacea trap. We used a case study to illustrate how efforts grounded in applied social science disciplines, such as science communication, social–ecological systems, and conservation marketing, can help identify a more robust set of policy options tailored to local management and cultural contexts for successful implementation. Shifting the focus to embrace a shared understanding of the broader system helped us identify areas for collaboration, broaden the policy toolbox, and allow space for policy tools originally framed as opposing panaceas. This work helped prepare all parties to have difficult but productive discussions and address shared policy needs. We suggest that many value‐based conservation conflicts would benefit from similar efforts that use applied social science to transform how conflict is addressed, moving beyond policy panaceas that end in stalemate to develop shared understandings of context‐specific policies, and to identify opportunities for creative cooperation that yield real conservation progress.
Components of Residential Neighborhood Deprivation and Their Impact on the Likelihood of Live‐Donor and Preemptive Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Li Yiting , Menon Gayathri , Kim Byoungjun , Clark‐Cutaia Maya N. , Long Jane J. , Metoyer Garyn T. , Mohottige Dinushika , Strauss Alexandra T. , Ghildayal Nidhi , Quint Evelien E. , Wu Wenbo , Segev Dorry L. , McAdams‐DeMarco Mara A.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Adults residing in deprived neighborhoods face various socioeconomic stressors, hindering their likelihood of receiving live‐donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) and preemptive kidney transplantation (KT). We quantified the association between residential neighborhood deprivation index (NDI) and the likelihood of LDKT/preemptive KT, testing for a differential impact by race and ethnicity.

Methods

We studied 403 937 adults (age ≥ 18) KT candidates (national transplant registry; 2006–2021). NDI and its 10 components were averaged at the ZIP‐code level. Cause‐specific hazards models were used to quantify the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of LDKT and preemptive KT across tertiles of NDI and its 10 components.

Results

Candidates residing in high‐deprivation neighborhoods were more likely to be female (40.1% vs. 36.2%) and Black (41.9% vs. 17.7%), and were less likely to receive both LDKT (aHR = 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64–0.67) and preemptive KT (aHR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.59–0.62) than those in low‐deprivation neighborhoods. These associations differedby race and ethnicity (Black: aHRLDKT = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.55–0.62; aHRpreemptive KT = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.63–0.73; Pinteractions: LDKT < 0.001; Preemptive KT = 0.002). All deprivation components were associated with the likelihood of both LDKT and preemptive KT (except median home value): for example, higher median household income (LDKT: aHR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.07–1.09; Preemptive KT: aHR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.08–1.11) and educational attainments (≥high school [LDKT: aHR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.15–1.18; Preemptive KT: aHR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.21–1.25]).

Conclusion

Residence in socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods is associated with a lower likelihood of LDKT and preemptive KT, differentially impacting minority candidates. Identifying and understanding which neighborhood‐level socioeconomic status contributes to these racial disparities can be instrumental in tailoring interventions to achieve health equity in LDKT and preemptive KT.
Temporal trends in Finnish agricultural soils: A comparative analysis of national and LUCAS soil monitoring datasets
Authors: Heikkinen Jaakko , Kostensalo Joel , Keskinen Riikka , Soinne Helena , Nuutinen Visa
Published: July 2024

Finnish agricultural soil conditions are regularly monitored both through national and European Union (EU)‐wide LUCAS Soil sampling. In this study, we compare temporal trends and variability in organic carbon content (OC), pH, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in 2009–2018 across the two datasets. The national monitoring programme encompasses more monitoring plots (620 vs. 134 in 2018), while LUCAS sampling is repeated more frequently and in addition to 2009 and 2018, it also includes data from 2015. The temporal variability in all examined indicators was substantially higher in the LUCAS dataset compared to the national monitoring data. In mineral soils, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between element contents measured in 2009 and 2018 ranged between 0.82 and 0.94 in the national dataset, and between 0.52 and 0.67 in the LUCAS dataset. The results for organic soils mirrored those of mineral soils. The higher variability in the LUCAS dataset may be attributed to less precise geolocation of sampling plots and/or variations in the sampling protocol such as greater sampling depth and the use of a spade instead of a core auger. The greater temporal variability, coupled with a smaller number of sampling plots in the LUCAS dataset, resulted in lower statistical power making the detection of trends with a realistic magnitude more challenging. Further, in LUCAS data, the confidence intervals of trends were of the same magnitude, regardless of whether the data from the year 2015 was included or not. The national dataset was found to be sufficient for detecting nationwide trends in element contents. Our results indicate that refining sampling protocols and improving the location accuracy of sampling plots are more cost‐effective approaches to enhance the precision of temporal trend estimation than increasing the number of sampling plots.
Adoption of satellite behavior by small male green treefrogs, Dryophytes cinereus, is not associated with age: Implications for the maintenance of alternative behavioral phenotypes
Authors: Leary Christopher J. , Crocker‐Buta Sarah P. , Kennedy Joseph G. C. , Bohenek Jason R.
Published: July 2024

Body size is often a critical determinant of competitive ability and reproductive behavior. For example, small males characteristically lose contests with larger males and may be metabolically constrained from sustaining energetically demanding reproductive behaviors. Small males thus often utilize alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) to maximize their reproductive success. How variation in body size among behavioral phenotypes arises can provide important insight into the maintenance of ARTs. For instance, smaller body sizes for males adopting ARTs may simply be a function of age, suggesting that the tactic is maintained by the periodic recruitment of young males into the population. Alternatively, body size differences among behavioral phenotypes that are unrelated to age suggest disparate growth rates that potentially arise as a consequence of variation in environmental conditions during development or genotypic differences between the phenotypes. Here we examine these alternative scenarios in the green treefrog, Dryophytes cinereus, using skeletochronological analysis combined with body size measures. As with many other anuran amphibians, male green treefrogs conditionally adopt a noncalling satellite mating tactic and attempt to intercept females attracted to the vocalizations of calling “host” males. We show that males adopting satellite behavior in natural choruses are smaller than calling males but do not represent a class of younger individuals, indicating that satellite males have lower growth rates than calling males. We also show that satellite males are in poorer condition than larger calling males, implicating energetic constraints in size‐related variation in mating tactic expression. Our work suggests that environmental conditions during development, genetic differences between phenotypes, or both, give rise to size discrepancies in behavioral phenotypes, neither of which have been previously explored in anurans. We discuss body size and condition differences between behavioral phenotypes in the context of energetic constraints and endocrine mediation of tactic expression in this species.
Type I Hsp40s/DnaJs aggregates exhibit features reminiscent of amyloidogenic structures
Authors: Tiroli‐Cepeda Ana O. , Linhares Leonardo A. , Aragão Annelize Z. B. , de Jesus Jemmyson R. , Wasilewska‐Sampaio Ana P. , De Felice Fernanda G. , Ferreira Sérgio T. , Borges Júlio C. , Cyr Douglas M. , Ramos Carlos H. I.
Published: July 2024

A rise in temperature triggers a structural change in the human Type I 40 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp40/DnaJ), known as DNAJA1. This change leads to a less compact structure, characterized by an increased presence of solvent‐exposed hydrophobic patches and β‐sheet‐rich regions. This transformation is validated by circular dichroism, thioflavin T binding, and Bis‐ANS assays. The formation of this β‐sheet‐rich conformation, which is amplified in the absence of zinc, leads to protein aggregation. This aggregation is induced not only by high temperatures but also by low ionic strength and high protein concentration. The aggregated conformation exhibits characteristics of an amyloidogenic structure, including a distinctive X‐ray diffraction pattern, seeding competence (which stimulates the formation of amyloid‐like aggregates), cytotoxicity, resistance to SDS, and fibril formation. Interestingly, the yeast Type I Ydj1 also tends to adopt a similar β‐sheet‐rich structure under comparable conditions, whereas Type II Hsp40s, whether human or from yeast, do not. Moreover, Ydj1 aggregates were found to be cytotoxic. Studies using DNAJA1‐ and Ydj1‐deleted mutants suggest that the zinc‐finger region plays a crucial role in amyloid formation. Our discovery of amyloid aggregation in a C‐terminal deletion mutant of DNAJA1, which resembles a spliced homolog expressed in the testis, implies that Type I Hsp40 co‐chaperones may generate amyloidogenic species in vivo.
Youth Perspectives on ‘Highly Personalised and Measurement‐Based Care’: Qualitative Co‐Design of Education Materials
Authors: McKenna Sarah , Hutcheon Alexis , Gorban Carla , Song Yun , Scott Elizabeth , Hickie Ian
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Despite high levels of mental ill‐health amongst young people (aged 15–30), this group demonstrates low help‐seeking and high drop‐out from mental health services (MHS). Whilst shared decision‐making can assist people in receiving appropriate and effective health care, young people frequently report that they do not feel involved in treatment decisions. The current study focused on co‐design of a clinical education and participant information programme for the Brain and Mind Centre Youth Model of Care. This model, which articulates a youth‐focused form of highly personalised and measurement‐based care, is designed to promote shared decision‐making between young people and clinical service providers.

Methods

We conducted workshops with 24 young people (16–31; MAge = 21.5) who had accessed mental health services. Participants were asked what advice they would give to young people entering services, before giving advice on existing materials. Workshops were conducted and transcripts were coded using thematic analysis by two lived experience researchers and a clinical researcher.

Results

Young people found it empowering to be educated on transdiagnostic models of mental illness, namely clinical staging, which gives them a better understanding of why certain treatments may be inappropriate and ineffective, and thus reduce self‐blame. Similarly, young people had limited knowledge of links between mental health and other life domains and found it helpful to be educated on multidisciplinary treatment options. Measurement‐based care was seen as an important method of improving shared decision‐making between young people and health professionals; however, to facilitate shared decision‐making, young people also wanted better information on their rights in care and more support to share their expertise in their own needs, values and treatment preferences.

Conclusions

These findings will inform the delivery of the further development and implementation of a youth‐specific clinical education and participant information programme for the BMC Youth Model.

Patient or Public Contribution

Workshops were facilitated by researchers with lived expertise in mental ill‐health (A.H. and/or C.G.) and a clinical researcher (who has expertise as an academic and a clinical psychologist). A.H. and C.G. were also involved in conceptualisation, analysis, interpretation, review and editing of this paper.
Impact of thermal, high‐pressure and ultra‐shear pasteurisation technologies on beetroot juice metabolites using untargeted nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Guduru Sai Sasidhar , Balasubramaniam V.M. , Hatzakis Emmanuel
Published: July 2024

The impact of three food pasteurisation technologies, namely thermal, high‐pressure and ultra‐shear processing, on the metabolites of beetroot juice was evaluated using a processomics approach with nuclear mass resonance (NMR) as an analytical technique. Two batches of beetroots acquired from different local grocery stores were used for this study. Beetroot juice obtained from these batches was subjected to high‐pressure processing (HPP) at 600 MPa and 25 °C for 5 min, ultra‐shear technology processing (UST) at 400 MPa and 30 °C and thermal processing (TP) at 96 °C for 12 min. Principal component analysis (PCA) for the two batches indicated that both extrinsic factors such as processing parameters (temperature, pressure, shear and holding time) and intrinsic factors such as the origin of the beetroot influenced the PCA plot. When the influence of intrinsic parameters was minimised by studying a single batch processed by TP, HPP and UST, distinct clusters for different processing methods were formed, indicating that processing influenced the metabolites. While processing is not the main factor determining the final composition, as indicated by PCA with different batches, supervised techniques like orthogonal partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) and random forest (RF) demonstrated that processing does impact the beetroot juice metabolome. Seven metabolites (leucine, alanine, valine, glutamine, gamma‐aminobutyric acid, fructose and glucose) were identified as potential process‐induced biomarkers.
Unlocking the potential of plant‐based foods in sub‐Saharan Africa: a review of the opportunities and challenges
Authors: Ogutu Fredrick O. , Okiko Gertrude , Wanjala George , Luvitaa Susan , Obong'o Boniface O. , Vriesekoop Frank , Munialo Claire D.
Published: July 2024

The continued increase in the global population comes with an increase in the demand for nutritious food. In particular, there is a concurrent increase in the demand for protein‐rich foods as protein is needed for human growth and development. Animal proteins have in the past has been used both in food processing and in the diets due to the exceptional functional properties that range from gelation, emulsification to foaming and water‐holding capacity among others. However, the use of proteins from animal sources has come under heavy criticism due to the impact of animal husbandry on the climate that includes global warming due to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Some of the most affected countries when it comes to global warming are mainly in sub‐Saharan Africa where climate changes have resulted either in prolonged seasons of drought, or flooding and consequently agriculture is severely disrupted. In order to continue feeding the growing population, there has been the use and adoption of alternative proteins such as those of plant origin and the adoption of plant‐based foods in the human diet. These proteins are often viewed to be more sustainable compared to the animal counterparts. Therefore, this review looks at the landscape of plant‐based foods in sub‐Saharan Africa. Additionally, the review looks at the challenges and opportunities that face the plant‐based foods adoption in the sub‐Saharan market.
Consumers' sensory perception and emotional response towards animal and plant‐based soups (familiar food items) with the addition of shio‐koji (an unfamiliar ingredient)
Authors: Dolan Emily , Baxter Laura , Moss Rachael , McSweeney Matthew B.
Published: July 2024

Globally, consumers continue to seek out novel foods and ingredients from different cultures and regions. Shio‐koji is a fermented seasoning that is usually made by fermenting rice with koji (Aspergillus oryzae). It has been proposed that shio‐koji can be used as a flavour enhancer of foods. This study investigated consumers' (n = 96; generally unfamiliar with koji) liking (hedonic scales), emotional response (using the EsSense25 profile in check‐all‐that‐apply format), as well as their sensory perception (generalised Labelled Magnitude Scales and free comment) of shio‐koji additions to food items. Participants evaluated three different soups (chicken, vegetable and tomato), a familiar food product, with and without the addition of shio‐koji. The shio‐koji increased the consumers' liking of the vegetable soup and increased their perception of saltiness in the vegetable and tomato soups. The bitterness and sourness intensity of the chicken soup decreased with the addition of shio‐koji, while the sweetness increased. However, the umami taste of all soups was not impacted. The soups with shio‐koji were also associated with positive emotions. During the free comment task, shio‐koji led to an increased mention of meaty attributes to describe the vegetable soup, but the inverse occurred when the participants evaluated the chicken soup. The results indicate that shio‐koji impacted consumer perceptions of both animal‐ and plant‐based soups. Future studies should continue to investigate the use of shio‐koji to enhance the flavour of different food products.
Comparative analysis of sensory, textural, microstructural, amino acids and protein digestibility properties of animal and alternative meat products in the Asian market
Authors: Ng Grace Cui Fang , Choy Michelle Jie Ying , Tan Vicki Wei Kee , Theng Alicia Hui Peng , Ng Felicia Siew Kay , Ong Dayna Shu Min , Ong Kian Siang , Lim Pei Ying , Madathummal Mufeeda , Chong Pik Han , Chiang Jie Hong
Published: July 2024

For alternative meat products to gain more traction, it is crucial to determine the differences in sensory and nutritional properties between animal and alternative meat food products currently available in the market. The present work compared 27 food products from poultry, pork, and seafood (i.e. three main categories with nine sub‐groups consisting of one animal‐based and two alternative meat products). Results from both the sensory evaluation and instrumental texture analysis indicate that there were distinct differences between the animal meat and their alternative meat counterparts. The alternative meat products tested in this study were divided into five clusters using agglomerative hierarchical clustering, with various clusters associated with different sensory attributes. Differences in the denseness of structure, ingredient interactions, and moisture content contributed to the varied textural properties. The lysine and methionine content in at least one of the alternative meat products was lower than that of their animal meat counterpart for all meat and seafood categories, except for prawn. Alternative meat products containing higher levels of carbohydrates, fibres, and fats resulted in poorer protein digestibility. These findings provide information on the sensorial (both taste and texture) and nutritional gaps that need to be overcome when developing next‐generation alternative meat products.
Effect of cultures of synthetic starters on the flavour and ethyl carbamate content of rice wine
Authors: Tian Shufang , Li Yanbin , Du Guocheng , Liu Qingtao
Published: July 2024

Ethyl carbamate (EC) concentration is an important indicator of the safety of rice wine. In this study, the effects of replacing traditional starters with synthetic starters on the quality of rice wine were studied to provide a basis for the application of laboratory strains to explore the metabolic basis of EC formation in rice wine fermentation systems. The effects of synthetic starters on the physicochemical indices, free amino acids, flavour compounds, urea and EC of rice wine were studied. The results showed that the microorganism species and inoculation fermentation method strongly influenced the physicochemical and flavour properties of the rice wine, among which continuous co‐fermentation improved the mellowness and flavour of the rice wine. The concentrations of urea and EC in rice wine fermented with synthetic starters decreased significantly compared with those in the control group, in which the urea content decreased by up to 97.4% and the EC content decreased by up to 90.9%. In addition, the flavour compound data showed that the differences in the aromas of rice wine fermented with different starters were mainly due to the differences in the contents of alcohols and esters. These findings suggest that EC can be regulated by changes in starters and provide guidance for the optimal configuration of mixed fermentation systems.
Australians with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia continue to have high rates of second primary malignancies in the modern era
Authors: Baggio Diva , Chung Eliza , Wellard Cameron , Waters Neil , Cushion Tania , Chong Geoffrey , Cochrane Tara , Cull Gavin , Giri Pratyush , Hamad Nada , Johnston Anna , Lee Denise , Murali Aarya , Morgan Susan , Mulligan Stephen , Talaulikar Dipti , Ratnasingam Sumita , Wood Erica , Hawkes Eliza , Opat Stephen
Published: July 2024

Population‐based studies have demonstrated a high risk of second cancers, especially of the skin, among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). We describe age‐standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) of second primary malignancies (SPM) in Australian patients with relapsed/refractory CLL treated with at least two lines of therapy, including ibrutinib. From December 2014 to November 2017, 156 patients were identified from 13 sites enrolled in the Australasian Lymphoma and Related Diseases Registry, and 111 had follow‐up data on rates of SPM. At 38.4 months from ibrutinib therapy commencement, 25% experienced any SPM. SIR for melanoma and all cancers (excluding nonmelanomatous skin cancers) were 15.8 (95% confidence interval (CI): 7.0–35.3) and 4.6 (95% CI: 3.1–6.9) respectively. These data highlight the importance of primary preventive interventions and surveillance, particularly as survival from CLL continues to improve.
The impact of AI‐based decision support systems on nursing workflows in critical care units
Authors: Almagharbeh Wesam Taher
Published: July 2024

Aim

This research examines the effects of artificial intelligence (AI)‐based decision support systems (DSS) on the operational processes of nurses in critical care units (CCU) located in Amman, Jordan.

Background

The deployment of AI technology within the healthcare sector presents substantial opportunities for transforming patient care, with a particular emphasis on the field of nursing.

Method

This paper examines how AI‐based DSS affect CCU nursing workflows in Amman, Jordan, using a cross‐sectional analysis. A study group of 112 registered nurses was enlisted throughout a research period spanning one month. Data were gathered using surveys that specifically examined several facets of nursing workflows, the employment of AI, encountered problems, and the sufficiency of training.

Result

The findings indicate a varied demographic composition among the participants, with notable instances of AI technology adoption being reported. Nurses have the perception that there are favorable effects on time management, patient monitoring, and clinical decision‐making. However, they continue to face persistent hurdles, including insufficient training, concerns regarding data privacy, and technical difficulties.

Discussion

The study highlights the significance of thorough training programs and supportive mechanisms to improve nurses' involvement with AI technologies and maximize their use in critical care environments. Although there are differing degrees of contentment with existing AI systems, there is a general agreement on the necessity of ongoing enhancement and fine‐tuning to optimize their efficacy in enhancing patient care results.

Conclusion and implications for nursing and/or health policy

This research provides essential knowledge about the intricacies of incorporating AI into nursing practice, highlighting the significance of tackling obstacles to guarantee the ethical and efficient use of AI technology in healthcare.
Unveiling the detrimental vicious cycle linking skeletal muscle and COVID‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Qin , Shi Peipei , Cao Lu , Li Haoran , Chen Xiankai , Wang Peiyu , Zhang Jianjiang
Published: July 2024

Objective

Skeletal muscle catabolism supports multiple organs and systems during severe trauma and infection, but its role in COVID‐19 remains unclear. This study investigates the interactions between skeletal muscle and COVID‐19.

Methods

The PubMed, EMbase, and The Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from January 2020 to August 2023 for cohort studies focusing on the impact of skeletal muscle on COVID‐19 prevalence and outcomes, and longitudinal studies examining skeletal muscle changes caused by COVID‐19. Skeletal muscle quantity (SMQN) and quality (SMQL) were assessed separately. The random‐effect model was predominantly utilized for statistical analysis.

Results

Seventy studies with moderate to high quality were included. Low SMQN/SMQL was associated with an increased risk of COVID‐19 infection (OR = 1.62, p < 0.001). Both the low SMQN and SMQL predicted COVID‐19‐related mortality (OR = 1.53, p = 0.016; OR = 2.18, p = 0.001, respectively). Mortality risk decreased with increasing SMQN (OR = 0.979, p = 0.009) and SMQL (OR = 0.972, p = 0.034). Low SMQN and SMQL were also linked to the need for intensive care unit/mechanical ventilation, increased COVID‐19 severity, and longer hospital stays. Significant skeletal muscle wasting, characterized by reduced volume and strength, was observed during COVID‐19 infection and the pandemic.

Conclusions

This study reveals a detrimental vicious circle between skeletal muscle and COVID‐19. Effective management of skeletal muscle could be beneficial for treating COVID‐19 infections and addressing the broader pandemic. These findings have important implications for the management of future virus pandemics.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42023395476.
Variation in parasitoid adult size is related to host egg size, maternal state and developmental time
Authors: Qi Mei , Yin Yuan‐Feng , Luo Ting‐Yu , Qiu Lan‐Feng , Li Xiang , Wang Xi‐Qing , Hu Hao‐Yuan , Liu Peng‐Cheng
Published: July 2024

Body size is a characteristic of many animal species that is correlated with many fitness‐related traits. Parasitoids are important biological control agents of pests; larger parasitoids often have greater fitness and enhanced performance. Host size is a major influence on parasitoid size, which has been explored in the important egg parasitoid Anastatus disparis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), a potential biological control agent for several Lepidopteran pests. Here, we found that the body size of A. disparis females increased with increasing host egg size, while host egg size did not significantly affect male size. In addition, both female and male offspring sizes significantly increased with increasing maternal size, and female offspring produced by younger mothers were also larger. Furthermore, the body sizes of both females and males appeared to increase when the total development time from egg to adult eclosion decreased. Male offspring produced by larger females have shorter development times, while female offspring produced by older females have longer development times. Consequently, our results suggested that the effect of maternal status on offspring size may be mediated by influencing development time. In summary, our results indicated that the body size of A. disparis is determined by multiple factors with differing effects on females and males, and our results provide guidance for its effective mass rearing and its performance in the field.
Crops dependency on pollinators to secure pollination success and fruit development: A case study of almond varieties from Morocco
Authors: Skaou Ayyoub , Aglagane Abdessamad , Er‐Rguibi Omar , El Mouden El Hassan
Published: July 2024

The contribution of insects to pollination constitutes a globally important ecosystem service. Due to the increasing demand for entomophilous crops, the nutritional and economic importance of insect‐pollinated crops and the inability of managed pollinators (Apis mellifera L) to meet the high demand for their services indicate that agriculture heavily relies on wild pollinators. Almonds are an economically valuable crop in Morocco. Therefore, it is essential to understand the fundamental pollination requirements of major almond varieties to promote their production. The main objectives of this study were to assess the dependency of three almond cultivars (Espoir, Largueta and Planeta) on insect pollination, and then to evaluate the pollination deficit resulting from the lack of these pollinators. For this purpose, we used insect‐proof net bags constructed around branches of almond trees to compare fruit set and yield with open and open + hand‐pollinated flowers. The results of the fruit set experiment confirmed that all three varieties require insect pollination, as fruit set and yield were significantly higher in insect‐pollinated than insect‐isolated trees. All three almond varieties were categorized as obligatory dependent on biotic pollinators. In addition, two out of the three studied almond varieties showed high pollination deficit resulting from the lower abundance and/or diversity of pollinating insects. The results of the current study highlights the important role of insect pollinators for almond crops and the urgent need for the implementation of sustainable strategies to preserve pollinators within agricultural ecosystems.