bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An aggressive case of a thoracic undifferentiated SMARCA4‐deficient tumor with extensive pleural involvement
Authors: Hanona Paul F. , Ezekwudo Daniel , Fullmer Joseph , Allen Timothy , Jaiyesimi Ishmael
Published: February 2024

SMARCA4‐deficient undifferentiated thoracic tumors are a rare phenomenon. A 40‐year‐old male was newly diagnosed with SMARCA4‐deficient undifferentiated non‐small cell lung cancer. He had a history of heavy smoking and job‐related exposure to metal dust and melted nickel. CT imaging showed numerous right‐sided pleural masses and soft tissue plaques, but no metastases. CT‐guided biopsy of a pleural mass confirmed the diagnosis. He was prescribed six cycles of carboplatin paclitaxel, and follow‐up imaging showed largely stable disease. Treatment was changed to nivolumab due to shortness of breath, and he received one cycle of nivolumab without considerable side effects. Unfortunately, during the second cycle of his nivolumab, the patient presented with new weakness. Imaging showed spinal cord metastasis and he underwent a laminectomy; he was subsequently followed up as an outpatient. The objective of this publication was to explore SMARCA4‐deficient undifferentiated thoracic tumors, other related SMARCA4‐deficient tumors, and their overall pattern of presentation. The genetic aberrations of this case are compared to recent publications that also discuss genetic aberrations commonly occurring with this disease process, with an ultimate goal of hastening detection and adding to the library of treatment results.
Identification and molecular characterization of genes modulating progression of an oocyte from M‐I to M‐II in rat ovary
Authors: Sharma Alka , Dubey Pawan K. , Kumar Pradeep , Tiwari Kavindra Nath , Tripathi Anima
Published: February 2024

Background

To achieve oocyte competence for successful fertilization, bidirectional communication between oocyte and granulosa cells is crucial. The acquisition of meiotic competency in oocyte is facilitated by various regulatory genes however, expression pattern of these genes is not well documented during meiotic transition from Metaphase‐I to Metaphase‐II stage. Therefore, the present research analyzed the expression pattern of regulatory genes that are involved in the transition from M‐I to M‐II stages in rat oocyte.

Methods

The analysis of the data was conducted by applying an array of bioinformatic tools. The investigation of gene group interactions was carried out by employing the STRING database, which relies on co‐expression information. The gene ontology (GO) analysis was performed utilizing the comparative GO database. Functional annotation for GO and pathway enrichment analysis were performed for genes involved in networking. The GO obtained through computational simulations was subsequently validated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) analysis.

Results

The findings of our study suggest that there is a distinct gene expression pattern in both the oocyte and granulosa cells. This pattern indicates that oocyte‐secreted factors, such as BMP15 and GDF9, play a crucial role in regulating the progression of the meiotic cell cycle from the M‐I to M‐II stages. We have also examined the level of mRNA expression of genes including CYP11A1, CYP19A1, and STAR, which are crucial for the steroidogenesis.

Conclusions

It is fascinating to observe that the oscillatory pattern of specific key genes may hold significance in the process of in vitro oocyte maturation, specifically during the transition from the M‐I to M‐II stage. It might be useful for determining biomarker genes and potential pathways that play a role in attaining oocyte competency, thereby aiding in the assessment of oocyte quality for the purpose of achieving successful fertilization.
The effects of cannabidiol against Methotrexate‐induced lung damage
Authors: Ozmen Ozlem , Milletsever Adem , Tasan Serife , Selcuk Esma , Savran Mehtap
Published: February 2024

Methotrexate (MTX) is a widely used medication for various cancers, yet its use is associated with adverse effects on organs, notably the lungs. Cannabidiol (CBD), known for its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, was investigated for its potential protective effects against MTX‐induced lung injury. Thirty‐two female Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups: control, MTX (single 20 mg/kg intraperitoneal dose), MTX + CBD (single 20 mg/kg MTX with 0.1 ml of 5 mg/kg CBD for 7 days intraperitoneally) and CBD only (for 7 days). Lung tissues were analysed using histopathological, immunohistochemical and PCR methods after the study. Histopathological assessment of the MTX group revealed lung lesions like hyperemia, edema, inflammatory cell infiltration and epithelial cell loss. Immunohistochemical examination showed significant increases in Cas‐3, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) expressions. PCR analysis indicated elevated expressions of apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1 (Apaf 1), glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP 78), CCAAT‐enhancer‐binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and cytochrome C (Cyt C), along with reduced B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (BCL 2) expressions in the MTX group, though not statistically significant. Remarkably, CBD treatment reversed these findings. This study highlights CBD's potential in mitigating MTX‐induced lung damage, suggesting its therapeutic promise.
Beyond normative and non‐normative: A systematic review on predictors of confrontational collective action
Authors: Uysal Mete Sefa , Saavedra Patricio , Drury John
Published: February 2024

This paper critically examines the normative versus non‐normative distinction commonly used in collective action research. To explore the similarities and differences between antecedents of normative versus non‐normative actions, we conducted a systematic review on diverse predictors of non‐normative, radical and violent collective actions. We examined 37 social and political psychology studies published after 2010 and identified five recurring themes: identity, efficacy, injustice, emotions and norms. Findings exhibited significant overlaps with those predictors associated with normative collective action. Thus, a reconceptualization is needed to undermine the rigid boundaries between these action types, highlighting the intricate interplay of factors that transcend the conventional binary. Aiming to avoid conceptual ambiguity and challenge the perspective that associating particular collective actions with unwarranted violence using social norms as fixed and a priori, we propose the term ‘confrontational collective action’ to separate out form of action from societal approval. Through this reconceptualization, we discussed the main limitations in the literature, focusing on how studies approach normativity and efficacy and addressing the issue of decontextualization in the literature. This paper calls for a contextually informed understanding of confrontational collective action that recognizes what is seen as ‘normative’ can change over time through intra‐ and intergroup interactions.
The kids are not alright: Children as objects, audience, and agents in the 2022 Canadian convoy protests
Authors: Essex Jamey
Published: February 2024

Children figure prominently in far‐right movements, ideologies, and conspiracy theories as innocent targets of nefarious and decadent forces, unwitting symbols of social and political decay, and potentially dangerous objects of moral panic. Far‐right movements thus map a wide‐ranging network of concerns about immigration, race, public health, education, and globalization onto children's bodies and spaces. Yet children and youth also actively participate in these movements or are otherwise socialized into them, inhabiting and making the everyday geographies of the far right in numerous ways. Children's presence at and participation in a series of protests and occupations in Canada in early 2022 demonstrates well their place in far‐right movements as symbols and agents, and connects the Canadian far right to broader spatial and temporal perspectives shared across the transnational landscape of such movements. These protests, dubbed the “Freedom Convoy” by participants and ostensibly aiming to end vaccine mandates in the Canadian trucking industry, quickly turned to more general antigovernment demands and became far‐right networking events. This paper examines more closely children's presence at and participation in the Canadian protests and how the movements behind them position children as object, audience, and agent in the spatiality of the far right's current transnational resurgence.
Market power and monetary policy transmission
Authors: Duval Romain , Furceri Davide , Lee Raphaël , Tavares Marina M.
Published: February 2024

We show that firms' market power dampens the response of their output to monetary policy shocks, using firm‐level data for the USA and a large cross‐country firm‐level dataset for 14 advanced economies. We also find some evidence that the role of markups in monetary policy transmission, while independent from other channels, is greater for firms whose characteristics—notably size and age—are likely to be associated with greater financial constraints.
Analysis of seizure‐cluster circadian periodicity from a long‐term, open‐label safety study of diazepam nasal spray
Authors: Fountain Nathan B. , Quigg Mark , Murchison Charles F. , Carrazana Enrique , Rabinowicz Adrian L.
Published: February 2024

Objective

Seizure clusters require prompt medical treatment to minimize possible progression to status epilepticus, increased health care use, and disruptions to daily life. Isolated seizures may exhibit cyclical patterns, including circadian and longer rhythms. However, little is known about the cyclical patterns in seizure clusters. This post hoc analysis of data from a long‐term, phase 3, open‐label, repeat‐dose safety study of diazepam nasal spray modeled the periodicity of treated seizure clusters.

Methods

Mixed‐effects cosinor analysis evaluated circadian rhythmicity, and single component cosinors using 12 and 24 h were used to calculate cosinor parameters (e.g., midline statistic of rhythm, wave ampitude, and acrophase [peak]). Analysis was completed for the full cohort and a consistent cohort of participants with two or more seizure clusters in each of four, 3‐month periods. The influence of epilepsy type on cosinor parameters was also analyzed.

Results

Seizure‐cluster events plotted across 24 h showed a bimodal distribution with acrophases (peaks) at ~06:30 and ~18:30. A 12‐h plot showed a single peak at ~06:30. Cosinor analyses of the full and consistent cohort aligned, with acrophases for both models predicting peak seizure activity at ~23:30 on a 24‐h scale and ~07:30 on a 12‐h scale. The consistent cohort was associated with increases in baseline and peak seizure‐cluster activity. Analysis by epilepsy type identified distinct trends. Seizure clusters in the focal epilepsy group peaked in the evening (acrophase 19:19), whereas events in the generalized epilepsy group peaked in the morning (acrophase 04:46). Together they compose the bimodal clustering observed over 24 h.

Significance

This analysis of seizure clusters treated with diazepam nasal spray demonstrated that seizure clusters occur cyclically in 12‐ and 24‐h time frames similar to that reported with isolated seizures. Further elucidation of these patterns may provide important information for patient care, ranging from improved patient‐centered outcomes to seizure‐cluster prediction.
Morphological evidence of a potential arrhythmogenic substrate in the caudal and cranial vena cava in horses
Authors: Ibrahim Lara , Buschmann Eva , van Loon Gunther , Cornillie Pieter
Published: February 2024

Background

Three‐dimensional electro‐anatomical mapping, previously performed in horses with atrial arrhythmias, has demonstrated the medial region of the caudal vena cava (CaVC), 1–8 cm caudal to the fossa ovalis, as an anatomical predilection site for atrial tachycardia associated with areas of slow conduction and conduction block. Slow conduction has also been recorded in the cranial vena cava (CrVC).

Objectives

To investigate the morphological characteristics of the myocardial sleeves (MS) in the CaVC and CrVC, in order to identify a potential substrate of right sided atrial arrhythmias.

Study design

Cross sectional.

Methods

Post‐mortem dissection of 37 hearts from adult warmblood horses without known cardiovascular disease. Macroscopic examination of the myocardial distribution, evaluated the MS area, length, width, and shape in the CaVC and the CrVC. At least 2 samples from each vena cava MS were histologically examined using Masson's trichrome staining.

Results

Myocardial sleeves into the medial CaVC and into the CrVC were observed in all horses and showed variations in distribution, shape, and size between horses. Their mean ± standard deviation length from the limbus into the CaVC reached 5.7 ± 1.0 cm (maximum 8.3 cm), and from the azygos vein into the CrVC 5.3 ± 1.6 cm (maximum 8.6 cm). Myocardium‐free islands were observed in the CaVC and CrVC in 30% and 6% of horses, respectively. Histologically, MS showed a non‐uniform myocardial fibre arrangement, with presence of fibroadipose tissue, features known to result in slow conduction and pro‐arrhythmia.

Main limitations

Study only included horses without history of atrial arrhythmia.

Conclusions

Myocardial sleeves are present in both CaVC and CrVC, showing anatomical variations between horses. Tissue characteristics known to favour re‐entry were identified indicating that these venae cavae MS are a potential substrate for atrial tachyarrhythmias and a target for treatment by ablation.
Patients suffering from dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa are prone to developing autoantibodies against skin proteins: A longitudinal confirmational study
Authors: Bremer J. , Pas H. H. , Diercks G. F. H. , Meijer H. J. , van der Molen S. M. , Nijenhuis A. M. , van Nijen‐Vos L. L. , Morandé P. , Yubero M. J. , Palisson F. , Fuentes I. , Pasmooij A. M. G.
Published: February 2024

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a heritable skin blistering disease caused by variants in genes coding for proteins that secure cell–cell adhesion and attachment of the epidermis to the dermis. Interestingly, several proteins involved in inherited EB are also associated with autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBD). In this study, we present a long‐term follow‐up of 15 patients suffering from recessive dystrophic or junctional EB. From these patients, 62 sera were analysed for the presence of autoantibodies associated with AIBD. We show that patients suffering from recessive dystrophic EB (RDEB) are more susceptible to developing autoantibodies against skin proteins than patients suffering from junctional EB (70% vs. 20%, respectively). Interestingly, no correlation with age was observed. Most patients showed reactivity to Type XVII collagen/linear IgA bullous dermatosis autoantigen (n = 5; 33%), followed by BP230 (n = 4; 27%), Type VII collagen (n = 4; 27%) and laminin‐332 (n = 1; 7%). The pathogenicity of these autoantibodies remains a subject for future experiments.
Factors contributing to subjective well‐being and supporting successful aging among rural Japanese community‐dwelling older adults: A cross‐sectional and longitudinal study
Authors: Shojima Kensaku , Mori Takara , Wada Yosuke , Kusunoki Hiroshi , Tamaki Kayoko , Matsuzawa Ryota , Nagai Koutatsu , Goto Masashi , Tabuchi Takahiro , Nagasawa Yasuyuki , Shinmura Ken
Published: February 2024

Aim

We aimed to identify the factors contributing to subjective well‐being in community‐dwelling older adults in rural Japan. This study explored the relationship among physical and mental health, socioeconomic status, and activity levels with regard to the subjective well‐being of older adults.

Methods

In the Frail Elderly in the Sasayama‐Tamba Area study, a cohort investigation of independent older adults in a rural Japanese community, 541 of 844 participants completed a 2‐year follow‐up survey. Subjective well‐being was assessed as a binary based on three factors – “happiness,” “satisfaction with life” and “meaning in life” – using a subset of the World Health Organization's Quality of Life questionnaire. The improvement group transitioned from not having subjective well‐being during the baseline survey to having subjective well‐being during the follow‐up survey. Furthermore, we used multivariable log‐Poisson regression models to calculate the prevalence ratios of subjective well‐being.

Results

The cross‐sectional study showed that sleep satisfaction, health services access satisfaction and having a higher‐level functional capacity were positively associated with having “happiness” and “satisfaction with life.” Furthermore, being aged 80 years and having financial leeway were positively associated with having “meaning in life.” The longitudinal study showed that having a higher‐level functional capacity was positively associated with improving “happiness” and “satisfaction with life.” Being female was positively associated with improving “happiness” and “meaning in life,” and health services access satisfaction and alcohol drinking were positively associated with improving “satisfaction with life” and “meaning in life,” respectively.

Conclusions

These findings offer promising avenues for enhancing the subjective well‐being of older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 311–319.
What is the student experience of remote proctoring? A pragmatic scoping review
Authors: Marano E. , Newton P. M. , Birch Z. , Croombs M. , Gilbert C. , Draper M. J.
Published: February 2024

Remote or online proctoring (invigilating) is a technology primarily used to improve the integrity of online examinations. The use of remote proctoring increased significantly as the world switched to online assessment during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Remote proctoring received negative media attention, including concerns about user privacy, discrimination and the accuracy of automated systems for detecting and reporting cheating. However, it is unclear whether these media concerns fully reflect the experiences of students. Online assessment offers a number of potential advantages to learners and education providers, and it seems likely that it is here to stay. It is essential to fully understand the learner experience of remote proctoring, with a view to ensuring it is as effective as possible while meeting the needs of all stakeholders, especially those being proctored. We undertook a scoping review of research into the student experience of online proctoring, with a pragmatic focus, aimed at developing guidance for higher education providers, based on the student experience. We reviewed primary research studies which evaluated the student experience of the use of remote proctoring for summative assessment in Higher Education. We used the Education Research Information Center database (ERIC) and Google Scholar. 21 papers were identified, from which the positives and negatives of the student experience were extracted, along with the main recommendations from the research. These were then synthesised into a series of summary recommendations by thematic analysis, by a team of researchers that included students and academic staff. We found that student experience was largely negative, influenced by concerns over privacy, technological challenges, fairness and stress. Recommendations were to include the student voice in decisions about how and why to use remote proctoring and limiting the use of remote proctoring. Working with students as partners and limiting the use of remote proctoring where possible, are key to ensuring a positive student experience.
Mecanismos de denuncia en la regulación laboral privada de las cadenas de valor mundiales. Estudio de caso
Authors: HARRISON James , PAREJO Margarita , WIELGA Mark
Published: February 2024

¿Pueden los mecanismos de denuncia mejorar la regulación laboral privada de las cadenas de valor mundiales? En este artículo se investiga empíricamente el funcionamiento del mecanismo de denuncia de la Fair Labor Association (FLA), el único que permite verificar los resultados desde la perspectiva del denunciante. Pese a las limitaciones del sistema, la inmensa mayoría de los denunciantes lo valoran positivamente. El concepto de «enraizamiento», en su dimensión nacional, social y corporativa, permite estudiar la utilidad de la FLA para los trabajadores en diferentes contextos. Se reflexiona también sobre la aplicabilidad de las conclusiones a los mecanismos de denuncia en otras cadenas de valor.
Empowering virtual reality with feedback and reflection in hands‐on learning: Effect of learning engagement and higher‐order thinking
Authors: Huang Yueh‐Min , Wang Wei‐Sheng , Lee Hsin‐Yu , Lin Chia‐Ju , Wu Ting‐Ting
Published: February 2024

Background

Virtual reality (VR) offers significant potential for hands‐on learning environments by providing immersive and visually stimulating experiences. Interacting with such environments can bring numerous benefits to learning, including enhanced engagement, knowledge construction, and higher‐order thinking. However, many current VR studies in hands‐on learning tend to utilise one‐way learning materials, limiting participants' ability to interact with and reflect on their actions and learning experiences. Moreover, these studies often neglect to assess learners' capacity to transfer their skills from VR learning to real‐world scenarios. Therefore, this study aims to investigate participants' engagement, learning outcomes, higher‐order thinking, and their ability to apply acquired skills in real‐world contexts.

Method and Objective

Participants were immersed in a hands‐on learning environment in VR, where they received feedback and engaged in reflection during the learning process. This study recruited 68 university students to participate in the experiment, employing a quasi‐experimental design. Participants experienced learning units both with and without reflection on the feedback. The theme of these learning units was related to embedded systems, encompassing topics such as the assembly of embedded components and Python programming. The investigation aimed to assess whether reflection in VR could enhance cognitive levels, engagement, real‐world hands‐on tasks abilities, and higher‐order thinking.

Results

The research results indicate that in the VR hands‐on learning environment, participants engage in reflection through the provided feedback, effectively enhancing their engagement, cognitive levels, and hands‐on task abilities. Simultaneously, it also successfully assists participants in developing problem‐solving skills and critical thinking in higher‐order thinking.

Conclusions

Participants actively engaged in reflection on their own learning tasks and actions within the hands‐on learning environment, enabling them to develop a deeper understanding of the learning material and enhance their real‐world hands‐on tasks abilities, we encourage the integration of reflection strategies in VR learning environments for hands‐on learning, as they can yield positive benefits for learners.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of baricitinib in patients with severe alopecia areata: 104‐week results from BRAVE‐AA1 and BRAVE‐AA2
Authors: Senna M. , Mostaghimi A. , Ohyama M. , Sinclair R. , Dutronc Y. , Wu W. S. , Yu G. , Chiasserini C. , Somani N. , Holzwarth K. , King B.
Published: February 2024

Background

Efficacy of the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor baricitinib for severe alopecia areata (AA) continuously increased over 52 weeks in two Phase 3 trials. There are limited long‐term data on JAK inhibitors in AA.

Objectives

To evaluate efficacy and safety of baricitinib for severe AA through 104 weeks of continuous therapy.

Methods

Integrated data from the BRAVE‐AA1 and BRAVE‐AA2 Phase 3 trials included adults with Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) scores ≥50 (≥50% scalp hair loss) randomized to and continuously treated with 2‐mg or 4‐mg baricitinib through Week 104. Patients who qualified to remain on continuous treatment included subjects who achieved SALT score ≤20 at Week 52 (Week‐52 responders; 2‐mg: N = 65; 4‐mg: N = 129) and baricitinib 4‐mg‐treated patients who had SALT score >20 at Week 52 but achieved SALT score ≤20 at prior visit(s) and/or had significant improvement in eyebrow or eyelash hair growth relative to baseline by Week 52 (Week‐52 mixed responders; N = 110). Week‐104 outcomes included the proportion of patients achieving SALT score ≤20 (≤20% scalp hair loss). Data were censored after treatment discontinuation.

Results

Among baricitinib 4‐mg‐treated and baricitinib 2‐mg‐treated Week‐52 responders, 90.7% and 89.2%, respectively, maintained SALT score ≤20 at Week 104. Among Week‐52 mixed responders, 39.1% reached SALT score ≤20 by Week 104. Continued improvement in eyebrow and eyelash regrowth was observed across groups. The most frequent treatment‐emergent adverse events were COVID‐19, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, nasopharyngitis, acne, urinary tract infection and creatine phosphokinase increase.

Conclusions

Baricitinib demonstrated a high level of maintenance of efficacy over 104 weeks in patients with severe AA. Efficacy increased in Week‐52 mixed responders, illustrating that long‐term treatment is necessary to observe maximum benefit in some patients. No new safety signals were observed.
A comparison of adult population fluctuation of Anastrepha pest species between agricultural environments and protected natural areas in northeastern Mexico
Authors: Martínez‐Bernal Celestino , Vanoye‐Eligio Venancio , Vanoye‐Eligio Maximiliano , Rosas‐Mejía Madai , Chacón‐Hernández Julio César , Rocandio‐Rodríguez Mario
Published: February 2024

Fruit fly pestiferous species within the genus Anastrepha Schiner (Diptera: Tephritidae) affect fruit growing in northeastern Mexico, particularly citrus and mango production. Little is known about the population fluctuation of these pests in protected natural areas adjacent to agricultural environments. This study aimed to compare and analyse the temporal profiles of adult populations of Anastrepha pest species inhabiting agricultural zones and a protected natural area. Six years of adult capture data of Anastrepha ludens (Loew), A. obliqua (Macquart), A. striata Schiner and A. serpentina (Wiedemann) were compared and analysed between commercial orchards and fruit tree areas located in the buffer zone of the biosphere reserve “El Cielo”. The analyses were carried out for each of two triennial periods (2008–2010 and 2019–2021). Temporal patterns of the pest populations were characterized, and generalized linear mixed models were used for data analysis. All locations registered the four species, although Anastrepha ludens and A. obliqua represented the highest number of adult captures. Populations of pest species of Anastrepha showed similar fluctuation patterns throughout the year regardless of the location. However, significant differences in the population size were noted between the “El Cielo” reserve and commercial areas. The “El Cielo” reserve and its surroundings captured the highest population levels of the four species. Persistent populations of A. striata and A. serpentina were related to the area under ecological protection. The “El Cielo” reserve is a shelter for the pest species of Anastrepha, which are mainly linked to backyard hosts. We discuss the importance of these findings in the context of an Area‐Wide Integrated Pest Management approach and of studying fruit flies' quarantine pests in Mexico's neotropical limits. Practical implications in designing specific phytosanitary measures to suppress or control pest populations are addressed.
Compatibility of powdered sulphur and natural enemies for the control of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae): Effects on Anthocoris nemoralis (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Trichopria drosophilae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) activity
Authors: Pérez‐Guerrero Sergio , Avivar‐Lozano Laura , Molina‐Rodríguez José María
Published: February 2024

Spotted‐wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) cause yield losses and important economic impacts in fruits with thin epicarp. In the present study, the combination of powdered sulphur and predators/parasitoids for the control of SWD was analysed. First, the interaction of powered sulphur with Anthocoris nemoralis (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) on infested strawberry fruits and Trichropia drosophilae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) on SWD pupae was evaluated. Second, exposure of predators/parasitoids to strawberry leaves with powdered sulphur was also assessed. Additionally, sublethal effects of powdered sulphur on T. drosophilae parasitism were examined. The results show powdered sulphur did not interfere with the activity of A. nemoralis and caused a significant reduction in fruit infestation. In contrast, sulphur affected the activity of T. drosophilae, reducing parasitism when the two agents were combined. Direct exposure to powdered sulphur did not cause significant mortality of A. nemoralis and T. drosophilae. Finally, previous exposure to sulphur did not affect T. drosophilae in terms of parasitism rates and sex ratio. Based on the results obtained herein, sulphur and T. drosophilae impacts on different stages of SWD when they are applied separately. However, the effects of sulphur on T. drosophilae should be taken into account in combination control strategies of SWD.
Building Pious Generations in Turkey: The Islamization of Childhood in the Children's Magazine of the Directorate of Religious Affairs
Authors: Arpacı Murat
Published: February 2024

The present study examines the recent ideological and cultural apparatuses aimed at the Islamization of children in Turkey through the example of the Children's Magazine, published periodically by the Directorate of Religious Affairs (DRA). Since 2002, under the Islamist government in Turkey, the Directorate of Religious Affairs has progressively evolved into an ideological apparatus that operates in alignment with the government's social objectives. The DRA, supported by significant state funding, has become an institution that holds discussions on matters of family, children, youth, and gender. Seeking to align the government's ideological goals with the Islamization of society, the Directorate of Religious Affairs has placed special emphasis on cultural policies, media, and publishing. The Children's Magazine is one of the monthly publications produced by the Directorate of Religious Affairs, which has evolved into a significant cultural enterprise. The magazine conveys a religious pedagogy rooted in Sunni Hanafi Islam and a nationalist‐conservative family ideology. It not only reinforces the prevailing ideology on religious matters but also promotes the political strategies of the government and the newly established official historical narrative.
Managing Seller Conduct in Online Marketplaces and Platform Most‐Favored Nation Clauses*
Authors: Schlütter Frank
Published: February 2024

This article investigates the incentive and ability of a platform to limit the extent of competition between the sellers it hosts. Absent contractual restrictions, a platform has an incentive to ensure competition between the sellers. This incentive can change with the introduction of so‐called platform most‐favored nation clauses (PMFN) that require the online sellers not to offer better conditions on other distribution channels. Such clauses can align the interests between sellers and platforms to restrict competition. I illustrate that a platform can stabilize seller collusion to its own benefit. These results offer a novel rationale to treat PMFNs with scrutiny.
Collusion Between Supply Chains under Asymmetric Information*
Authors: Yehezkel Yaron
Published: February 2024

This paper considers an infinitely repeated competition between manufacturer‐retailer supply chains. In every period, retailers privately observe the demand and manufacturers pay retailers ‘information rents’. I study collusive equilibria between the supply chains that may or may not involve the retailers. I find that including forward‐looking retailers in the collusive scheme may facilitate or hinder collusion, depending on the likelihood of a high demand and the gap between a high and a low demand. Moreover, collusion on monopoly profits can be easier or more difficult to implement than collusion on upstream profits.
Some productive and reproductive performance, eggshell quality, serum metabolites and immune responses due to L‐threonine supplementation in Japanese quail breeders' diet
Authors: Omary Mohammad Amin , Zarghi Heydar , Hassanabadi Ahmad
Published: February 2024

A dose‐response experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of graded levels of dietary digestible threonine (dThr) during the first laying cycle on productive and reproductive performance, egg quality and immune responses of Japanese quail breeders (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Also, dThr requirements were determined based on nutrient dose‐response data. A total of 450 (360 females and 90 males) 11‐week‐old breeders were allocated to five increment (+0.03%) levels of dThr (0.49%, 0.52%, 0.55%, 0.58%, 0.61% and 0.64%) with five replicates per treatment and 15 (12 females and three males) birds each. The experiment lasted for 12 weeks. In response to increasing dietary dThr levels, egg production, egg mass, feed efficiency, egg specific gravity, eggshell relative weight, eggshell thickness, egg fertility (EF) and immune response against sheep red blood cell (SRBC) inoculation were improved with quadratic trends and egg hatchability as set eggs was improved with linear trends. Japanese quail breeders fed a diet with 0.58% dThr concentration (threonine/lysine ratio of 59%) showed the productive performance traits, EF, eggshell quality and immune response against SRBC inoculation in the highest values. However, feed intake, egg weight, egg albumen and yolk relative weight, egg shape index, haugh unit and egg composition were not affected by increasing dietary dThr level. Based on the broken‐line regression model, the dThr requirements to optimize productive performance, eggshell quality, EF and immune response against SRBC inoculation were estimated at 159−188, 169−183, 175 and 178 mg/bird per day, respectively. It is concluded, in the Japanese quail breeders during the first laying phase a daily dThr intake of 188 mg/bird, dietary dThr concentration at 0.58% (threonine/lysine ratio of 59%) is adequate for optimized productive and reproductive performance, eggshell quality and immune responses. The estimated requirements depend on what production parameter is taken into considered for optimization.
Comparative effectiveness of two interventions to increase colorectal cancer screening among females living in the rural Midwest
Authors: Vachon Eric A. , Katz Mira L. , Rawl Susan M. , Stump Timothy E. , Emerson Brent , Baltic Ryan D. , Biederman Erika B. , Monahan Patrick O. , Kettler Carla D. , Paskett Electra D. , Champion Victoria L.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To assess the comparative effectiveness of a tailored, interactive digital video disc (DVD) intervention versus DVD plus patient navigation (PN) intervention versus usual care (UC) on the uptake of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among females living in Midwest rural areas.

Methods

As part of a larger study, 663 females (ages 50–74) living in rural Indiana and Ohio and not up‐to‐date (UTD) with CRC screening at baseline were randomized to one of three study groups. Demographics , health status/history, and beliefs and attitudes about CRC screening were measured at baseline. CRC screening was assessed at baseline and 12 months from medical records and self‐report. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine whether females in each group were UTD for screening and which test they completed.

Results

Adjusted for covariates, females in the DVD plus PN group were 3.5× more likely to complete CRC screening than those in the UC group (odds ratio [OR] 3.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.09, 6.47) and baseline intention to receive CRC screening (OR 3.45, CI: 2.21,5.42) at baseline. Adjusting for covariates, there was no difference by study arm whether females who became UTD for CRC screening chose to complete a colonoscopy or fecal occult blood test/fecal immunochemical test.

Conclusions

Many females living in the rural Midwest are not UTD for CRC screening. A tailored intervention that included an educational DVD and PN improved knowledge, addressed screening barriers, provided information about screening test options, and provided support was more effective than UC and DVD‐only to increase adherence to recommended CRC screening.
C4 photosynthesis provided an immediate demographic advantage to populations of the grass Alloteropsis semialata
Authors: Sotelo Graciela , Gamboa Sara , Dunning Luke T. , Christin Pascal‐Antoine , Varela Sara
Published: February 2024

C4 photosynthesis is a key innovation in land plant evolution, but its immediate effects on population demography are unclear. We explore the early impact of the C4 trait on the trajectories of C4 and non‐C4 populations of the grass Alloteropsis semialata.

We combine niche models projected into paleoclimate layers for the last 5 million years with demographic models based on genomic data.

The initial split between C4 and non‐C4 populations was followed by a larger expansion of the ancestral C4 population, and further diversification led to the unparalleled expansion of descendant C4 populations. Overall, C4 populations spread over three continents and achieved the highest population growth, in agreement with a broader climatic niche that rendered a large potential range over time. The C4 populations that remained in the region of origin, however, experienced lower population growth, rather consistent with local geographic constraints. Moreover, the posterior transfer of some C4‐related characters to non‐C4 counterparts might have facilitated the recent expansion of non‐C4 populations in the region of origin.

Altogether, our findings support that C4 photosynthesis provided an immediate demographic advantage to A. semialata populations, but its effect might be masked by geographic contingencies.
Insertion of YFP at P5CS1 and AFL1 shows the potential, and potential complications, of gene tagging for functional analyses of stress‐related proteins
Authors: Longkumer Toshisangba , Grillet Louis , Chang Hao‐Yi , Lường Tài Chiến , Chen Chih‐Yun , Putra Hadi , Schmidt Wolfgang , Verslues Paul E.
Published: February 2024

Crispr/CAS9‐enabled homologous recombination to insert a tag in frame with an endogenous gene can circumvent difficulties such as context‐dependent promoter activity that complicate analysis of gene expression and protein accumulation patterns. However, there have been few reports examining whether such gene targeting/gene tagging (GT) can alter expression of the target gene. The enzyme encoded by Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthetase 1 (P5CS1) is key for stress‐induced proline synthesis and drought resistance, yet its expression pattern and protein localisation have been difficult to assay. We used GT to insert YFP in frame with the 5′ or 3′ ends of the endogenous P5CS1 and At14a‐Like 1 (AFL1) coding regions. Insertion at the 3′ end of either gene generated homozygous lines with expression of the gene‐YFP fusion indistinguishable from the wild type allele. However, for P5CS1 this occurred only after selfing and advancement to the T5 generation allowed initial homozygous lethality of the insertion to be overcome. Once this was done, the GT‐generated P5CS1‐YFP plants revealed new information about P5CS1 localisation and tissue‐specific expression. In contrast, insertion of YFP at the 5′ end of either gene blocked expression. The results demonstrate that GT can be useful for functional analyses of genes that are problematic to properly express by other means but also show that, in some cases, GT can disrupt expression of the target gene.
Leaf and shoot apical meristem transcriptomes of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) in response to photoperiod and plant development
Authors: Maldonado‐Taipe Nathaly , Rey Elodie , Tester Mark , Jung Christian , Emrani Nazgol
Published: February 2024

Understanding the regulation of flowering time is crucial for adaptation of crops to new environment. In this study, we examined the timing of floral transition and analysed transcriptomes in leaf and shoot apical meristems of photoperiod‐sensitive and ‐insensitive quinoa accessions. Histological analysis showed that floral transition in quinoa initiates 2–3 weeks after sowing. We found four groups of differentially expressed genes in quinoa genome that responded to plant development and floral transition: (i) 222 genes responsive to photoperiod in leaves, (ii) 1812 genes differentially expressed between accessions under long‐day conditions in leaves, (iii) 57 genes responding to developmental changes under short‐day conditions in leaves and (iv) 911 genes responding to floral transition within the shoot apical meristem. Interestingly, among numerous candidate genes, two putative FT orthologs together with other genes (e.g. SOC1, COL, AP1) were previously reported as key regulators of flowering time in other species. Additionally, we used coexpression networks to associate novel transcripts to a putative biological process based on the annotated genes within the same coexpression cluster. The candidate genes in this study would benefit quinoa breeding by identifying and integrating their beneficial haplotypes in crossing programs to develop adapted cultivars to diverse environmental conditions.
Blue light photoreceptor cryptochrome 1 promotes wood formation and anthocyanin biosynthesis in Populus
Authors: Chen Xiaoman , Fan Yiting , Guo Ying , Li Shuyi , Zhang Bo , Li Hao , Liu Li‐Jun
Published: February 2024

Blue light photoreceptor cryptochrome 1 (CRY1) in herbaceous plants plays crucial roles in various developmental processes, including cotyledon expansion, hypocotyl elongation and anthocyanin biosynthesis. However, the function of CRY1 in perennial trees is unclear. In this study, we identified two ortholog genes of CRY1 (PagCRY1a and PagCRY1b) from Populus, which displayed high sequence similarity to Arabidopsis CRY1. Overexpression of PagCRY1 substantially inhibited plant growth and promoted secondary xylem development in Populus, while CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated knockout of PagCRY1 enhanced plant growth and delayed secondary xylem development. Moreover, overexpression of PagCRY1 dramatically increased anthocyanin accumulation. The further analysis supported that PagCRY1 functions specifically in response to blue light. Taken together, our results demonstrated that modulating the expression of blue light photoreceptor CRY1 ortholog gene in Populus could significantly influence plant biomass production and the process of wood formation, laying a foundation for further investigating the light‐regulated tree growth.
Weighing structural damage and social susceptibility: A decision‐making tool to perform longitudinal studies of geographically large hazard events
Authors: Johnston Blythe , van de Lindt John
Published: February 2024

Geographically large climatic hazard events are occurring more frequently, and with this increase, more research emphasis is being placed on their impact. However, a metrology for selecting which communities to survey following an event is not frequently discussed and as a result does not effectively incorporate all relevant disciplines in disaster research. This article provides a method for selecting communities for inclusion in field studies not only based on anticipated damage but also community‐level social factors that show predictive power in long‐term analyses. Due to the perishable nature of disaster data, this social metric and the field study decision tool were developed with the intent of being as rapidly implementable as possible while still providing insight regarding long‐term post‐event community trends. The community‐level social metric was developed using a hindcasting technique for hazard events in the years 2011, 2012, and 2013. Thresholds for stability and decline were established for both the predicted and the actual community outcomes. Of the communities that the model predicted would recover, 73% recovered using the definition provided. Meanwhile 74% of the communities predicted to decline did indeed decline, again using the definition provided. To enhance operability of this social metric, a decision‐making tool for community selection was also formalized and implemented in a field study conducted following the December 2021 quad‐state tornado outbreak in the United States. The lessons learned from this first implementation were used to inform a refined version of the decision‐making tool that is presented herein.
Inflation measurement in the presence of stockpiling and consumption smoothing
Authors: von Auer Ludwig
Published: February 2024

A chained price index is said to suffer from chain drift bias if it indicates an overall price change, even though the prices and quantities in the current period have reverted back to their levels of the base period. The empirical relevance of this bias is well documented in studies that apply sub‐annual chaining to scanner data. There it is shown that stockpiling can lead to downward chain drift bias. The present paper draws attention to the fact that smoothing consumption causes substantial upward chain drift. In addition, this study introduces a stochastic simulation approach that is consistent with both, stockpiling and consumption smoothing. A “stress test” is conducted that examines whether rolling window variants of multilateral indices (GEKS, TPD, and GK) effectively curtail the chain drift problem.
Effects of Siegesbeckia herba extract against particulate matter 10 (PM10) in skin barrier‐disrupted mouse models
Authors: Park Kyung Duck , Kwack Mi Hee , Yoon Hyo Jin , Lee Weon Ju
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Skin barrier disruption is a significant problem of the older population in an aging society. It is characterized by increased transepidermal water loss and decreased skin water content, and particulate matter (PM) is a social issue that can contribute to the exacerbation of skin inflammation. Thus, addressing this problem is urgent.

Methods

Skin barrier‐disrupted mouse models were induced by two methods using acetone application or tape‐stripping. This study investigated the antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties of the Siegesbeckia herba extract (SHE) on PM‐induced changes in skin barrier‐disrupted mouse models. To examine changes in skin water content, inflammatory cytokines, and keratinocyte differentiation markers, mouse models were treated with vehicle 100 μL, PM10 100 μL (100 μg/mL), SHE 100 μL, or PM10 100 μL (100 μg/mL) plus SHE 100 μL.

Results

SHE preserved skin hydration in the skin barrier‐disrupted mouse models regardless of the presence of PM10. SHE also inhibited the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, and tumor necrosis factor‐α and normalized the downregulation of keratinocyte differentiation markers against PM10 in skin barrier‐disrupted mouse models.

Conclusions

This study elucidated the therapeutic effects of SHE against PM10 in skin barrier‐disrupted mouse models.