bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthraquinone biocolourant dermocybin is metabolized whereas dermorubin is not in in vitro liver fractions and recombinant metabolic enzymes
Authors: Yli‐Öyrä Johanna , Juvonen Risto O. , Lehtonen Marko , Herrala Mikko , Finel Moshe , Räisänen Riikka , Rysä Jaana
Published: April 2024

Fungal anthraquinones dermocybin and dermorubin are attractive alternatives for synthetic dyes but their metabolism is largely unknown. We conducted a qualitative in vitro study to identify their metabolism using human liver microsomes and cytosol, as well as recombinant human cytochrome P450 (CYP), UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) and sulfotransferase (SULT) enzymes. Additionally, liver microsomal and cytosolic fractions from rat, mouse and pig were used. Following incubations of the biocolourants with the enzymes in the presence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, UDP‐glucuronic acid, 3′‐phosphoadenosine‐5′‐phosphosulfate (PAPS) or S‐adenosyl methionine (SAM) to enable CYP oxidation, glucuronidation, sulfonation or methylation, we observed several oxidation and conjugation metabolites for dermocybin but none for dermorubin. Human CYP1A1, 1A2, 1B1, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, 3A4 and 3A7 catalysed dermocybin oxidation. The formation of dermocybin glucuronides was catalysed by human UGT1A1, 1A3, 1A7, 1A8, 1A9, 1A10 and 2B15. Human SULT1B1, 1C2 and 2A1 sulfonated dermocybin. Dermocybin oxidation was faster than conjugation in human liver microsomes. Species differences were seen in dermocybin glucuronidation between human, rat, mouse and pig. In conclusion, many CYP and conjugation enzymes metabolized dermocybin, whereas dermorubin was not metabolized in human liver fractions in vitro. The results indicate that dermocybin would be metabolized in humans in vivo.
The Influence of the Militarisation of Bureaucracies during Bolsonaro's Government on Public Opinion about the Brazilian Armed Forces
Authors: Da Cruz Tatiana Paula
Published: April 2024

This paper examines the consequences of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's strategy of appointing military officials to high‐level positions within the federal executive branch and its effect on public opinion about the Armed Forces. The main argument is that the outsized role of the Armed Forces in the Bolsonaro administration harmed public perceptions of the Brazilian military. Despite the robust recruitment process in the public bureaucracy, Bolsonaro found a way to surround himself with ideologically extreme bureaucrats at the highest level. The study explores the systematic approach of enhancing military personnel's presence in the government and hypothesises about declining levels of trust in the Armed Forces. The paper draws on data from three waves of the Brazilian survey ‘A Cara da Democracia’ (The Face of Democracy) to show that the population's level of trust in the Armed Forces decreased during Bolsonaro's tenure. Furthermore, the Brazilian survey data also suggest that lower trust in the Armed Forces is robustly associated with dissatisfaction with Brazilian democracy.
Public goods and bads with vulnerable individuals: How information and social nudges change behaviour
Authors: Abatayo Anna Lou , Li Tongzhe
Published: April 2024

In a diverse society, heterogeneous returns to public goods (PG) and public bads (PB) are more often the rule rather than the exception, and often the returns from the public pool are such that individuals who are most affected no longer have incentives to free ride on others. We consider this set‐up through a laboratory experiment and investigate how heterogeneity of marginal per capita returns (MPCRs) affect economic cooperation in both PG and PB games. We also examine whether information on heterogeneity—no information, information and information with a plea to help those who are most affected by the public pool—changes cooperation. Our results show that information regarding the heterogeneity does not change individual behaviour in both PG and PB games. However, a social plea to help individuals with MPCRs of 1.20 increases average group efficiency. Average individual contributions under the social plea treatment are either maintained or increased. Those with MPCRs of 1.20 are more cooperative than their counterparts but not as completely as theoretically predicted. The exact same individual is also more cooperative under a PG game than under a PB game; a result that remains unchanged whether MPCRs are homogeneous or heterogeneous.
Quantification of urinary gonadotropins by specific assays may improve the evaluation of sex‐specific hormonal changes in early infancy
Authors: Demir And , Voutilainen Raimo , Hero Matti
Published: April 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of different gonadotropin assays for determining total and intact luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) immunoreactivity in urine (U‐LH‐ir and U‐FSH‐ir, respectively) during early infancy.

Design, Patients and Measurements

Morning urine samples were obtained from 31 infants, aged between 0 and 6 months, to study the age‐related course of urinary gonadotropins. Additionally, we investigated bi‐hourly urine samples of a 5‐day‐old male neonate for 24 h to observe the course of urinary gonadotropins during a daily cycle. We employed different immunofluorometric assays for measuring total and intact U‐LH‐ir, and U‐FSH‐ir.

Results

In neonates up to 21 days of age, the U‐LH‐ir levels measured by the regular LH assay (also detecting hCG) were significantly higher than those determined by the total (specific) LH assays (p = .004). U‐FSH‐ir was higher in girls than boys during both the first and the next 5 months (p = .02 and p < .001, respectively), whereas total U‐LH‐ir was higher in boys until 6 months of age (p < .001). Total U‐LH‐ir/U‐FSH‐ir ratio was significantly higher in boys than girls across the first half‐year (p < .001).

Conclusions

The assessment of total U‐LH‐ir and U‐FSH‐ir, and their respective ratio constitutes a noninvasive, practical and scalable tool to investigate sex‐specific changes during early infancy, with the ratio being significantly higher in boys than girls. Only highly specific LH assays detecting beta‐subunit and its core fragment in addition to intact LH should be used for determining U‐LH‐ir in the neonatal period to avoid potential cross‐reactivity with hCG of placental origin.
Peripheral quantitative computed tomography is a valid imaging technique for tracking changes in skeletal muscle cross‐sectional area
Authors: Ruple Bradley A. , Vann Christopher G. , Sexton Casey L. , Osburn Shelby C. , Smith Morgan A. , Godwin Joshua S. , Mumford Petey W. , Stock Matt S. , Roberts Michael D. , Young Kaelin C.
Published: April 2024

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) has recently expanded to quantifying skeletal muscle, however its validity to determine muscle cross‐sectional area (mCSA) compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is unknown. Eleven male participants (age: 22 ± 3 y) underwent pQCT and MRI dual‐leg mid‐thigh imaging before (PRE) and after (POST) 6 weeks of resistance training for quantification of mid‐thigh mCSA and change in mCSA. mCSA agreement at both time points and absolute change in mCSA across time was assessed using Bland‐Altman plots for mean bias and 95% limits of agreement (LOA), as well as Lin's concordance correlation coefficients (CCC). Both pQCT and MRI mCSA increased following 6 weeks of resistance training (∆mCSApQCT: 6.7 ± 5.4 cm2, p < 0.001; ∆mCSAMRI: 6.0 ± 6.4 cm2, p < 0.001). Importantly, the change in mCSA was not different between methods (p = 0.39). Bland‐Altman analysis revealed a small mean bias (1.10 cm2, LOA: −6.09, 8.29 cm2) where pQCT tended to overestimate mCSA relative to MRI when comparing images at a single time point. Concordance between pQCT and MRI mCSA at PRE and POST was excellent yielding a CCC of 0.982. For detecting changes in mCSA, Bland‐Altman analysis revealed excellent agreement between pQCT and MRI (mean bias: −0.73 cm2, LOA: −8.37, 6.91 cm2). Finally, there was excellent concordance between pQCT and MRI mCSA change scores (CCC = 0.779). Relative to MRI, pQCT imaging is a valid technique for measuring both mid‐thigh mCSA at a single time point and mCSA changes following a resistance training intervention.
Reproducibility and sex differences in muscle oxygenation during brachial artery occlusion in healthy participants
Authors: Jeskanen Tommi , Ylinen Venla , Valtonen Rasmus I. P. , Tulppo Mikko P.
Published: April 2024

Significance

Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measurement is a widely used technique to measure muscle oxygenation. A knowledge of the reproducibility of NIRS measurements is essential for the correct interpretation of data.

Aim

Our aim was to test the reproducibility and sex differences of NIRS measurements during brachial artery occlusion in healthy participants.

Approach

An NIRS device was used to measure muscle oxygenation and microvascular function during a 5 min brachial occlusion. Muscle oxygen consumption (mVO2) and tissue saturation index (TSI%) were used. The occlusion test was performed three times on separate days for males (n = 13, 28 ± 8 years) and females (n = 13, 29 ± 7 years).

Results

During the occlusion phase, the reproducibility of mVO2 was excellent (intraclass correlation; ICC = 0.90). During the reperfusion phase, the maximal change in TSI% revealed the best reproducibility (ICC = 0.77). There were no sex differences in reproducibility. Male participants had higher muscle oxygenation during occlusion (mVO2, 0.054 ± 0.010 vs. 0.038 ± 0.012 mLO2/min/100 g, p = 0.001, male and female, respectively). There were no sex differences during the reperfusion phase.

Conclusion

The reproducibility of NIRS to measure muscle oxygenation and microvascular function during circulation occlusion and reperfusion is good to excellent. Muscle oxygen capacity measured during occlusion is higher in males compared to females, and there are no sex differences in microvascular function during the reperfusion phase.
‘Insulin is super dangerous if you don't know what you're doing’: Situating the risks of insulin within the image and performance enhancing drug community
Authors: Piatkowski Timothy , Cox Luke Thomas Joseph
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Insulin is an essential treatment within diabetes management; however, it takes on a role of enhancement within image and performance enhancing drug (IPED) communities due to its anabolic effects. This study sought to provide insight into how IPED users perceive and manage the risks linked to insulin.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 10 individuals from Australia and United Kingdom who used insulin as part of their IPED protocols. The analysis followed an iterative categorisation approach and applied the lens of situated rationality theory.

Results

The decision to incorporate insulin was influenced by peers' experiences and preferences. Participants highlighted the risks and responsibilities associated with insulin use, emphasising the need for precise lifestyle habits. They recognised the potential dangers and called for comprehensive harm reduction strategies within IPED communities to respond to such concerns. Some participants expressed reluctance to discuss insulin openly, underlining the importance of education and awareness to mitigate health risks associated with underground and uninformed use.

Discussion and Conclusions

While people who use IPEDs demonstrate awareness of the risks associated with insulin, their practices of routinisation moderate these risks within the context of IPED use. Silence as a risk‐reduction strategy highlights vulnerabilities among certain prospective users, while the hierarchical structure of IPED use establishes expertise and status within the community. Reconsidering insulin risks entails reframing harm reduction messages to better match the social dynamics of IPED communities. Closer ties between IPED communities can enhance support accessibility, particularly through peers, who, with their firsthand knowledge, can offer tailored guidance.
Amplified State Capitalism in China: Overproduction, Industrial Policy and Statist Controversies
Authors: Liu Mingtang
Published: April 2024

As China has emerged as a great economic power in the 21st century, comparativists and China scholars have sought to explore the characteristics of China's statist development model. Most accounts, however, have not taken seriously the policy implications of China's macroeconomic imbalance and its tendency to overproduction since the mid‐1990s. This article examines China's industrial‐policy‐centred responses to waves of overproduction crises from the late 1990s to the 2010s. China's expansive industrial policy incorporates demand‐side macroeconomic policy and long‐term planning for upgrading. This policy framework, designed to preserve the status quo, has been inherently lopsided, and has only served to reproduce China's macroeconomic imbalance. In the context of this persistent imbalance, China's industrial‐policy‐centred responses have contributed to periodic investment expansion of the state sector relative to the private sector, deepening ambitions around upgrading, and growing controversies regarding its statist model. In short, the statist features of China's economy have been periodically amplified by its particular responses to overproduction. This research shows that far from a statist shift engineered by President Xi Jinping, China's recent statist tendency has deeper historical and structural‐macroeconomic roots. This implies that the Chinese state adjusted and intensified its state interventions just as it underwent a profound process of marketization in the late 1990s.
Endoscopic metal stent placement with the “half‐and‐half technique” using a balloon enteroscope for malignant afferent loop obstruction
Authors: Jinushi Ryuhei , Koizumi Kazuya , Kimura Karen
Published: April 2024

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Developmental differences in children and adults’ enforcement of explore versus exploit search strategies in the United States and Turkey
Authors: Şen Hilal H. , Kiefer Sarah L. , Aksu Ece , Lucca Kelsey
Published: April 2024

Across development, as children acquire a deeper understanding of their environment, they explore less and take advantage, or “exploit,” what they already know. Here, we test whether children also enforce exploration‐oriented search behaviors onto others. Specifically, we ask whether children are more likely to encourage a search agent to explore versus exploit their environment, and whether this pattern varies across childhood (between 3 and 6 years). We also ask whether this pattern differs between children and adults, and generalizes across two different sociocultural contexts—Turkey and the United States—that differ on dimensions that might relate to children's decisions about exploration (e.g., curiosity‐focused educational practices, attitudes toward uncertainty avoidance). Participants (N = 358) watched an agent search for rewards and were asked at various points whether the agent should “stay” (exploit) in their current location, or “go” (explore) to a new location. At all points in the experiment, children enforced exploration significantly more often than adults. Early in the agent's search, children in the US enforced exploration more often than children in Turkey; later in the search, younger children (from both sociocultural contexts) were more likely to continue enforcing exploration compared to older children. These findings highlight that children are not only highly exploratory themselves, but also enforce exploration onto others—underscoring the central role that exploration plays in driving early cognitive development across diverse sociocultural contexts.

Research Highlights

The current study examined developmental and cross‐cultural differences in children and adults’ enforcement of explore‐exploit search strategies.

Children in the US and Turkey enforced exploration more than adults, who enforced exploitation more often; results were generally consistent across cultures with small differences.

Mirroring developmental changes in children's own search behavior; the tendency to enforce exploration decreased between 3‐ to 6‐years of age.

Findings underscore the central role of an “exploration mindset” in children's early decision‐making—even when exploration has no direct benefits to the child themselves.
Using FastTest PlugIn for the design of remote and hybrid learning environments to improve the engineering skills of university students
Authors: Huerta‐Gomez‐Merodio M. , Fernández‐Ruiz M. A. , Requena‐Garcia‐Cruz M. V.
Published: April 2024

Research on improving engineering skills in students advocates for high‐quality teaching practices as well as the implementation of digitally enhanced management systems, such as e‐Learning. Furthermore, COVID‐19 led to several changes in education, such as switching drastically from face to face to emergency remote and later hybrid teaching. This study has focused on the proposal, the application and the evaluation of a new e‐Learning teaching method. FastTest PlugIn has been used for the creation of large sets of questions, to develop parameterised and individualised exercises in Moodle. The method has been applied since COVID‐19, considering different types of teaching: completely remote, hybrid and face to face. It has been implemented in some courses of the bachelor's and master's degree in engineering at the University of Cadiz (Spain). The academic performance and students' feedback on the method have been obtained. During remote teaching, students presented lower scores than before the pandemic. However, as students became familiar with the method and at least face‐to‐face exams were carried out, the scores and students' perception of the difficulty of the courses improved. The main novelty of this method is the reliability of creating different exercises for a consistent level of difficulty; the ability to avoid dishonest actions of students; and the time saved by instructors, as exercises are automatically corrected. This study provides the advantages and benefits of digitally enhancing university teaching. Furthermore, it is the first to investigate the integration of FastTest PlugIn to enhance teaching quality and engineering skills.
In‐field soil spectroscopy in Vis–NIR range for fast and reliable soil analysis: A review
Authors: Piccini Chiara , Metzger Konrad , Debaene Guillaume , Stenberg Bo , Götzinger Sophia , Borůvka Luboš , Sandén Taru , Bragazza Luca , Liebisch Frank
Published: April 2024

In‐field soil spectroscopy represents a promising opportunity for fast soil analysis, allowing the prediction of several soil properties from one spectral reading representing one soil sample. This facilitates data acquisition from large amounts of samples through its rapidity and the absence of required chemical processing. This is of particular interest in agriculture, where the chance to retrieve information from soils directly in the field is very appealing. This review is focused on in‐field visible to near infrared (Vis–NIR) spectroscopy (350–2500 nm), aimed at analysing soils directly in the field through proximal sensing. The main scope was to explore the available knowledge to identify existing gaps limiting the reliability and robustness of in‐field measurement, to foster future research and help transition towards the practical application of this technology. For this purpose, a literature review was performed, and surveyed information encompassed sensor range, carrier platforms in use, sensor type, distance to the soil sample, measurement methodology, measured soil properties and soil management, among many others. From this, we derived a list of tools in use with their spectral measurement properties, including the potential cross‐calibration with soil spectral libraries from laboratory spectroscopy of soil samples and potential measured target soil properties. Different instruments and sensors used to measure at varying wavelength ranges and with different spectral qualities are available for a large range of prices. The most frequently analysed soil properties included soil carbon contents (soil organic carbon, soil organic matter, total carbon), texture (clay, silt, sand), total nitrogen, pH and cation exchange capacity. Future perspectives comprise the implementation of larger databases, including different instruments and cropping systems as well as methodologies combining existing knowledge regarding laboratory spectroscopy with in‐field methods. The authors highlight the need for a broadly accepted measurement protocol for in‐field soil spectroscopy, fostering harmonization and standardization and consequently a more robust application in practice.
Image‐based remote evaluation of PASI scores with psoriasis by the YOLO‐v4 algorithm
Authors: Yin Heng , Chen Hui , Zhang Wei , Zhang Jing , Cui Tao , Li Yunpeng , Yu Nan , Yu Yingyao , Long Hai , Xiao Rong , Su Yuwen , Li Yaping , Zhang Guiying , Tan Yixin , Wu Haijing , Lu Qianjin
Published: April 2024

As a chronic relapsing disease, psoriasis is characterized by widespread skin lesions. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) is the most frequently utilized tool for evaluating the severity of psoriasis in clinical practice. Nevertheless, long‐term monitoring and precise evaluation pose difficulties for dermatologists and patients, which is time‐consuming, subjective and prone to evaluation bias. To develop a deep learning system with high accuracy and speed to assist PASI evaluation, we collected 2657 high‐quality images from 1486 psoriasis patients, and images were segmented and annotated. Then, we utilized the YOLO‐v4 algorithm to establish the model via four modules, we also conducted a human‐computer comparison through quadratic weighted Kappa (QWK) coefficients and intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICC). The YOLO‐v4 algorithm was selected for model training and optimization compared with the YOLOv3, RetinaNet, EfficientDet and Faster_rcnn. The model evaluation results of mean average precision (mAP) for various lesion features were as follows: erythema, mAP = 0.903; scale, mAP = 0.908; and induration, mAP = 0.882. In addition, the results of human‐computer comparison also showed a median consistency for the skin lesion severity and an excellent consistency for the area and PASI score. Finally, an intelligent PASI app was established for remote disease assessment and course management, with a pleasurable agreement with dermatologists. Taken together, we proposed an intelligent PASI app based on the image YOLO‐v4 algorithm that can assist dermatologists in long‐term and objective PASI scoring, shedding light on similar clinical assessments that can be assisted by computers in a time‐saving and objective manner.
Deep learning‐based aggregate analysis to identify cut‐off points for decision‐making in pancreatic cancer detection
Authors: Dzemyda Gintautas , Kurasova Olga , Medvedev Viktor , Šubonienė Aušra , Gulla Aistė , Samuilis Artūras , Jagminas Džiugas , Strupas Kęstutis
Published: April 2024

This study addresses the problem of detecting pancreatic cancer by classifying computed tomography (CT) images into cancerous and non‐cancerous classes using the proposed deep learning‐based aggregate analysis framework. The application of deep learning, as a branch of machine learning and artificial intelligence, to specific medical challenges can lead to the early detection of diseases, thus accelerating the process towards timely and effective intervention. The concept of classification is to reasonably select an optimal cut‐off point, which is used as a threshold for evaluating the model results. The choice of this point is key to ensure efficient evaluation of the classification results, which directly affects the diagnostic accuracy. A significant aspect of this research is the incorporation of private CT images from Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, combined with publicly available data sets. To investigate the capabilities of the deep learning‐based framework and to maximize pancreatic cancer diagnostic performance, experimental studies were carried out combining data from different sources. Classification accuracy metrics such as the Youden index, (0, 1)‐criterion, Matthew's correlation coefficient, the F1 score, LR+, LR−, balanced accuracy, and g‐mean were used to find the optimal cut‐off point in order to balance sensitivity and specificity. By carefully analyzing and comparing the obtained results, we aim to develop a reliable system that will not only improve the accuracy of pancreatic cancer detection but also have wider application in the early diagnosis of other malignancies.
Prediction of Liaoning province steel import and export trade based on deep learning models
Authors: Zhang Limin
Published: April 2024

In the field of deep learning, time series forecasting, particularly for economic and trade data, is a critical area of research. This study introduces a hybrid of auto regressive integrated moving average and gated recurrent unit (ARIMA‐GRU) to enhance the prediction of steel import and export trade in Liaoning Province, addressing the limitations of traditional time series methods. Traditional models like ARIMA excel with linear data but often struggle with non‐linear patterns and long‐term dependencies. The ARIMA‐GRU model combines ARIMA's linear data analysis with GRU's proficiency in non‐linear pattern recognition, effectively capturing complex dynamics in economic datasets. Our experiments show that this hybrid approach surpasses traditional models in accuracy and reliability for forecasting steel trade, providing valuable insights for economic planning and strategic decision‐making. This innovative approach not only advances the field of economic forecasting but also demonstrates the potential of integrating deep learning techniques in complex data analysis.
Autosomal dominant hypercalciuric hypocalcaemia: the calcium‐sensing receptor in renal calcium homeostasis and the impact of renal transplantation
Authors: Florance James A. , Schollum John B. W. , Pomeranc Abigail , Endre Zoltan H. , Walker Robert J.
Published: April 2024

Calcium‐sensing receptors (CaSRs) are G protein‐coupled receptors that help maintain Ca2+ concentrations, modulating calciotropic hormone release (parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D) by direct actions in the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and bone. Variability in population calcium levels has been attributed to single nucleotide polymorphisms in CaSR genes, and several conditions affecting calcium and phosphate homeostasis have been attributed to gain‐ or loss‐of‐function mutations. An example is autosomal dominant hypercalciuric hypocalcaemia, because of a missense mutation at codon 128 of chromosome 3, as reported in our specific case and her family. As a consequence of treating symptomatic hypocalcaemia as a child, this female subject slowly developed progressive end‐stage kidney failure because of nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis. After kidney transplantation, she remains asymptomatic, with decreased vitamin D and elemental calcium requirements, stable fluid and electrolyte homeostasis during intercurrent illnesses and has normalised urinary calcium and phosphate excretion, reducing the likelihood of hypercalciuria‐induced graft impairment. We review the actions of the CaSR, its role in regulating renal Ca2+ homeostasis along with the impact of a proven gain‐of‐function mutation in the CaSR gene resulting in autosomal dominant hypercalciuric hypocalcaemia before and after kidney transplantation.
Combining acoustic telemetry with archival tagging to investigate the spatial dynamic of the understudied pollack, Pollachius pollachius
Authors: Gonse Marine , Laurans Martial , Magin Justus , Odaka Tina , Delouis Jean‐Marc , Martin Stéphane , Garren François , Lazard Coline , Drogou Mickael , Stamp Thomas , Davies Peter , Hall Alice , Sheehan Emma , Woillez Mathieu
Published: April 2024

Combining fish tracking methods is a promising way of leveraging the strengths of each approach while mitigating their individual weaknesses. Acoustic telemetry provides presence information as the fish move within receiver range, eliminating the need for tag recovery. Archival tags, on the other hand, record environmental variables on tag retrieval, enabling continuous path reconstruction of a fish beyond coastal regions. This study capitalizes on the combination of both methods for geolocating pollack, Pollachius pollachius, an understudied species of the northeast Atlantic, where declining stocks are raising concern. Essential knowledge of population structure and connectivity between essential habitats is critically lacking and could help inform stock assessment and management. The aims of the study were (1) to evaluate the feasibility of double‐tagging pollack, known for being challenging to tag, and (2) to track seasonal movements across the Channel to gain first insights into pollack spatial ecology. In 2022, an extensive network of acoustic receivers was been deployed in the Channel along the French, English, and Belgian coasts as part of the Fish Intel project. We tagged 83 pollack with acoustic transmitters, among which 48 were double‐tagged with data storage tags. Post‐tagging survival assessment, conducted on a subset of 35 individuals, revealed a successful procedure with a 97% short‐term survival rate. By October 2023, the acoustic telemetry network detected 30 out of 83 pollack at least once, with no large‐scale movements observed across the Channel. Presence in the network fluctuates seasonally, peaking in summer, particularly among immature fish. Integrating acoustic detections with temperature and depth time series in a geolocation model enabled trajectory reconstruction of 10 recaptured pollack, seven of which were detected by the network. This combined tracking approach revealed coastal movements along the coast of Brittany in France, highlighting the ecological significance of the Iroise Sea for pollack throughout the year, particularly in summer. The geolocation model also suggested movements towards the entrance of the western Channel. This study highlights the complementarity of acoustic telemetry and archival tagging in reconstructing fish movements in their natural environment. As data accumulate, these innovative tracking methods promise to continually unveil new insights into the spatial ecology of the understudied pollack, which is essential for the species' management.
The toxicity of chlorine dioxide to clownfish and its bactericidal capability to pathogenic strains of vibrio spp.
Authors: Lin Chia‐Te , Liu Juan‐Ting , Wang Pei‐Chi , Chen Shih‐Chu
Published: April 2024

Global ornamental fish transportation ranging from hours to days can produce multiple stress factors impact fish health and cause mortality. Clownfish, particularly Amphiprion ocellaris, are among the most traded saltwater ornamental fish. Vibrio includes several pathogenic strains that affect aquatic animals. Consequently, prophylactic treatment of the water or fish is recommended. In this study, six Vibrio strains including V. alginolyticus, V. parahaemolyticus and V. harveyi isolated from sick A. ocellaris and one V. harveyi strain from a sick East Asian fourfinger threadfin (Eleutheronema rhadinum) were tested for their sensitivity to a popular disinfectant, chlorine dioxide (ClO2). The results showed that 0.25 ppm ClO2 effectively suppressed five of the seven tested Vibrio strains for 24 h; however, 0.1 ppm ClO2 is safer for A. ocellaris. Meanwhile, ClO2 2.5 ppm reduced the bacterial counts to below 3.3 × 105 CFU/mL for 24 hours. The LC50 of ClO2 for A. ocellaris was 0.87 ppm at 10 min and 0.72 ppm at 24 h post treatment. Mild changes in water quality, including dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature and pH, were recorded during the trial. More research is necessary to understand the sensitivity of various aquatic animal pathogens to ClO2 and its toxicity to different aquatic animals.
Military independent directors and merger activity
Authors: Li Zhe , Ramsey Megan
Published: April 2024

In this article, we examine the relation between independent directors with past military service and merger activity. We find that firms with a greater proportion of independent directors with military experience complete fewer mergers, and the deals are of smaller value. Our results are robust to instrumental variable estimation. The reduction in merger and acquisition activity is concentrated in firms with weak CEOs, suggesting independent directors with military service do not improve firm agency problems.
Impact of the geriatric emergency medicine specialist intervention on final emergency department disposition
Authors: Cohen Inessa , Sangal Rohit B. , Taylor Richard Andrew , Crawford Anna , Lai James M. , Martin Pamela , Palleschi Sarah , Rothenberg Craig , Tomasino Debra , Hwang Ula
Published: April 2024

Background

The Geriatric Emergency Medicine Specialist (GEMS) pilot program is an innovative approach that utilizes geriatric‐trained advanced practice providers to facilitate geriatric assessments and care planning for older adults in the emergency department (ED). The objective of this study was to explore the effect of GEMS on the use of observation status and final ED disposition.

Methods

This was a retrospective study under a target trial emulation framework. Geriatric patients (65+ years old) who presented to two ED sites within a large regional healthcare system between December 2020 and December 2022 were included. The primary outcome was final ED disposition (discharge, hospital inpatient admission, or hospital observation admission). Secondary outcomes included ED observation and ED length of stay. Non‐GEMS patients were propensity score matched 5:1 to GEMS patients. Doubly robust regression was used to estimate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of inpatient admission, discharge, hospital observation admission, ED observation admission, and estimate the mean ED length of stay.

Results

A total of 427 of 43,064 total patients (1.0%) received a GEMS intervention during the study period. Our analysis included 2,302 geriatric ED patients (410 GEMS, 1,892 non‐GEMS) after propensity score matching. Hospital admission rates were 34.1% for GEMS compared to 56.4% for conventional treatment. GEMS patients had decreased odds of inpatient admission (OR: 0.41, 95 CI: 0.34–0.51, p < 0.001), increased odds of discharge (OR: 1.19 95 CI: 1.00–1.42, p = 0.047), hospital observation admission (OR: 2.97, 95 CI: 2.35–3.75, p < 0.001), ED observation admission (OR: 4.84 95 CI: 3.67–6.38, p < 0.001), and had a longer average ED length of stay (170 min, 95 CI: 84.6–256, p < 0.001) compared to non‐GEMS patients.

Conclusions

Patients seen by GEMS during their ED visit were associated with higher rates of hospital discharge and lower rates of hospital admissions.
Evolution of nutritional management in children with cystic fibrosis – a narrative review
Authors: Smith Chris , Lowdon Jacqueline , Noordhoek Jacqueline , Wilschanski Michael
Published: April 2024

Nutrition has played a central role in the management and outcomes of people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) since the 1970s. Advances in therapies and practices in recent decades have led to a significant change in the patient landscape with dramatic improvements in life expectancy, as well as quality of life, bringing with it new issues. Historically, cystic fibrosis was a condition associated with childhood and malnutrition; however, changes in patient demographics, nutritional assessment and fundamental nutritional management have evolved, and it has become an increasingly prevalent adult disease with new nutritional challenges, including obesity. This paper aims to describe these changes and the impact and challenges they bring for those working in this field. Nutritional professionals will need to evolve, adapt and remain agile to the wider range of situations and support required for a new generation of pwCF. Specialised nutrition support will continue to be required, and it will be additionally important to improve and optimise quality of life and long‐term health.
Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of cosmetics ingredient Spherulites Paeony Superior Retinol
Authors: Han Jiejun , Gong Rongyue , Wang Bin , Gong Tiangui , Chen Xueping
Published: April 2024

Background

Microencapsulation of hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR) can improve its application in cosmetics.

Objective

To investigate the safety and efficacy of Spherulites Paeony Superior Retinol, a HPR microcapsule containing 5%–10% peony seed oil, 0.01%–1% epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside (ECGG), and 0.1%–1% HPR.

Methods

The safety of Spherulites Paenoy Superior Retinol was evaluated with zebrafish embryo self‐rotation irritation test and developmental toxicity test. SymRenew™ HPR was used as a reference. The skin care efficacies of Spherulites Paenoy Superior Retinol were evaluated using zebrafish embryos covering antioxidation, anti‐inflammation, blood circulation, whitening, wound healing, skin barrier protection, Type I collagen, elastin, and 5α‐reductase genes expression activities.

Results

The irritation test revealed that 250 μg/mL Spherulites Paenoy Superior Retinol did not, while 20 μg/mL SymRenew™ HPR significantly (p < 0.05) increased zebrafish embryo self‐rotation frequency. The developmental toxicity test found the teratogenicity index (half lethal concentration/half toxicity concentration) of Spherulites Paenoy Superior Retinol and SymRenew™ HPR were 1.9 and 3.1, respectively. The efficacy analysis results showed that 5 μg/mL Spherulites Paenoy Superior Retinol significantly (p < 0.05) exerted 7.1% anti‐ROS, 20% anti‐inflammation, 14% enhanced blood circulation, 10% suppressed melanin synthesis, 9% enhanced tail fin regeneration, 72% elicited skin barrier protection activity, enhanced the expression of Type I collagen genes col1a1, col1a2, and col1a2 by 34%, 51%, and 42%, respectively, and elastin gene elna by 46%, and suppressed the expression of 5α‐reductase genes srd5a1, srd5a2a, and srd5a2b by 52%, 15%, and 30%, respectively.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that Spherulites Paenoy Superior Retinol is a safe cosmetic ingredient with multi‐skin care efficacies.
Pattern hair loss and health care professionals: How well are we connecting with our audience?
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Faour Sara , Wang Tong , Ravi Shruthi Polla , Talukder Mesbah
Published: April 2024

Background

Pattern hair loss, the most common form of hair loss, affects millions in the United States. Americans are increasingly seeking health information from social media. It would appear that healthcare professionals contribute relatively minimally to pattern hair loss content, thereby posing serious concerns for credibility and quality of information available to the general public.

Objectives

This study evaluates popular pattern hair loss‐related content on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, aiming to understand effective engagement strategies for healthcare professionals on social media.

Methods

The top 60 short‐form videos were extracted from Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, using the search term “pattern hair loss” and inclusion of USA‐based accounts only. Videos were categorized by creator type (healthcare vs. non‐healthcare professional), content type (informational, interactional, and transactional), and analyzed for user engagement and quality, using engagement ratios and DISCERN scores, respectively.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals, especially dermatologists, play a crucial role in delivering credible information on social media, supported by higher DISCERN scores. Multi‐platform presence, frequent activity, and strategic content creation contributes to increased reach and engagement. Duration of short‐form videos does not impact engagement. The “Duet” or “Remix” options on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube serve as a valuable tool for healthcare professionals to counter misinformation. Our study underscores the importance of optimizing educational impact provided by health care professionals at a time when the public increasingly relies on social media for medical information.
Race and ethnic differences in step‐ versus biological parent support to adult children
Authors: Wiborg Corrine E. , Yahirun Jenjira J.
Published: April 2024

Objective

This brief report examines differences in step‐ versus biological family support between White, Black, and Hispanic families in the United States.

Background

The increasing share of stepfamilies reflects a potential shift in family relationships. Although research finds that stepfamilies are generally less likely to engage in instrumental support than biological families, recent work suggests that the relationship between family structure and family behaviors may vary across racial/ethnic groups.

Method

Using data from the 2015 to 2017 Add Health Parent Study, this report examines racial/ethnic differences in step‐ versus biological family support between parents and adult children. Specifically, parents' likelihood of and hours of providing instrumental support to adult children are assessed.

Results

Findings from this report indicate that for Black and White families, stepfamilies are less likely to provide instrumental support to their adult children than biological families. Among Hispanic families, however, stepfamilies are not more or less likely to provide support than biological families. When hours of instrumental support are examined, White stepfamilies provide fewer hours of support than biological families, whereas no difference is found for Black or Hispanic families.

Conclusion

Findings from this study contribute to broader work that calls for a more nuanced understanding of the differential effects of family structure across social groups. Future research should consider applying within‐race/ethnicity analyses when examining the association between family structure and intergenerational support.
Association of individual and combined exposures of 10 metals with periodontitis: Results from a large population‐based study
Authors: Yang Han , Hu Xiaoying , Luo Lan , Chen Shengjun , Ma Qinghui , Liang Yuezhen , Cheng Yao , Ye Zihao , He Baochang , Wang Jing , Chen Fa
Published: April 2024

Aims

To systematically investigate the association between individual and combined metal exposure and periodontitis.

Methods

Data encompassing complete periodontal examinations and metal detection in blood and urine samples were procured from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014. Three statistical methods, namely weighted logistic regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, were used to evaluate the independent and combined associations between metals and periodontitis.

Results

Elevated concentrations of blood cadmium (odds ratio [OR]: 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15–2.61) and blood lead (OR: 1.17, 95 %CI: 1.02–1.34) exhibited a positive association with periodontitis, even after adjusting for potential confounding factors. The BKMR and WQS regression suggested that the co‐exposure of metals was also positively associated with periodontitis. Moreover, estradiol and albumin were identified as potential mediators in the relationship between the WQS index of the 10 metals in blood and periodontitis explaining 25.36% and 2.02% of the relationship, respectively. Furthermore, generally consistent patterns of associations between metals and periodontitis and mediating roles of estrogen and albumin were observed after a series of sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of positive associations between elevated levels of cadmium, lead or metal mixture and periodontitis, which may be partially mediated by sex hormones and oxidative stress indicators.
Spectral Density Estimation for a Class of Spectrally Correlated Processes
Authors: Dudek Anna E. , Majewski Bartosz , Napolitano Antonio
Published: April 2024

We study the estimation problem of the spectral density function for harmonizable non‐stationary processes. More precisely, we consider spectrally correlated processes whose spectral measure has the support contained in the union of unknown lines with possibly non‐unit slopes. We propose the frequency‐smoothed periodogram along the estimated support line as an estimator of the spectral density function. We show the mean‐square consistency of the proposed estimator. Additionally, we discuss the estimation of the support line in a specific model with its applications in locating a moving source. Finally, we present simulations confirming the proven results.
Usefulness of serum amyloid A for the diagnosis of pyelonephritis in cats: A prospective evaluation
Authors: Kurtz Maxime , Pey Pascaline Bénédicte Marie , Mortier Jérémy , Manassero Mathieu , Da Riz Fiona , Canonne‐Guibert Morgane , Maurey Christelle , Benchekroun Ghita
Published: April 2024

Background

The diagnosis of pyelonephritis in cats is challenging and development of a noninvasive and accurate biomarker is needed.

Hypotheses

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is increased in cats with pyelonephritis, but not in cats with other urinary tract diseases.

Animals

A cohort of 125 cats (149 observations).

Methods

This was a prospective study. Group 1 included cats with a diagnosis of pyelonephritis either confirmed by bacterial culture of pelvic urine (Group 1a) or presumed (1b). Group 2 included cats for which pyelonephritis was ruled out (with certainty: Group 2a or judged unlikely: Group 2b). SAA concentration was compared between groups, and accuracy of SAA for the diagnosis of pyelonephritis was calculated using a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

Median SAA concentration was significantly higher in Group 1a (86.8 mg/L [73.3; 161.5]; n = 8) than in Group 2a (4 mg/L [1.8; 5.6], n = 19; P < .001) and in Group 2b (5.4 mg/L [3.1; 9.7], n = 113; P < .001). It was also significantly higher in Group 1b (98.8 mg/L [83.1; 147.3]; n = 9) than in Group 2b (P < .001) and Group 2a (P < .001). Optimal diagnostic cut‐off for SAA concentration was 51.3 mg/L. yielding a sensitivity of 88% (95% confidence interval: [64%; 99%]) and a specificity of 94% (95% confidence interval: [88%; 97%]).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Measurement of SAA could be used to rule out pyelonephritis in the case of low suspicion of the disease. Increased SAA concentration is suggestive of pyelonephritis despite a lack of specificity.
Neural Activation during Phonological Processing in Primary‐School Children with Limited Reading Experience: Insights from Rural Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Jasińska Kaja K. , Nematova Shakhlo , Brice Henry , Yang Xinyi
Published: April 2024

Phonological awareness (PA) is an important predictor and outcome of reading. Yet, little is known about the reciprocal relation between PA and reading across development without consistent reading experience (e.g., as a result of limited access to quality education and late enrolment in school). We tested the hypothesis that variable reading experience in childhood influences neural activation in regions involved in language and reading processing—left frontal and temporoparietal cortex. Sixty‐nine primary‐school children (Mage = 10.4) from rural low‐literacy communities in Côte d'Ivoire completed a PA task while undergoing functional near‐infrared spectroscopy neuroimaging (fNIRS) neuroimaging and a reading battery. We observed differences in left inferior frontal and bilateral temporoparietal activation for younger versus older children with similar reading skills, suggesting neural activations for phonological processing depends on the age when children have reading experience. Without consistent access to quality education, children may miss out on reciprocal interactions between phonological processing and reading shaping language processing in the brain.