bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Board gender reforms and voluntary disclosure: International evidence from management earnings forecasts
Authors: Wang Yujie , Nadeem Muhammad , Malik Ihtisham , Xiong Ling
Published: February 2024

Research Question/Issue

This study examines the relationship between boardroom gender diversity reforms (BGDRs) and corporate voluntary disclosure in the form of management earnings forecasts (MEFs) in a sample of 43 countries over the period 2000 to 2020.

Research Findings/Insights

Taking advantage of the staggered adoption of the gender diversity reforms that aim to improve women's representation on boards, we find that firms exhibit a greater propensity for and frequency of issuing MEFs. These findings hold for both governance‐based and legislation‐based reforms but are stronger for the latter. Furthermore, we find stronger results (a) when female directors possess higher financial expertise and serve on board sub‐committees, (b) when board activity (meetings and attendance) improved following BGDRs, (c) for firms that had all‐male boards before the reforms and where gender diversity increased shortly after the reforms, and (d) for countries with greater legal enforcement and gender equality. Our findings are robust using the stacked difference‐in‐differences approach and alternative samples, models, and fixed effects. In addition, we find that, after the reforms, there is an increase in the forecast horizon, forecast width, bad news disclosure, accuracy, and the number of disaggregated forecast items.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our study provides the first international and comprehensive evidence of the positive role of board gender reforms in the corporate information environment and offers vital policy implications.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our study informs the ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness of and business case for gender diversity reforms. By documenting a causal link between BGDRs and voluntary disclosure, our study provides important implications for policymakers, regulators, investors, and top management teams.
Health utility among people who regularly use opioids in Australia
Authors: Tran Anh Dam , Grebely Jason , Chambers Mark , Degenhardt Louisa , Farrell Michael , Bajis Sahar , Larance Briony
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Studies of health utilities among people who use opioids have mostly been based on in‐treatment populations. We aim to report utility‐based quality of life by participants' socio‐demographic, drug and treatment characteristics, and to examine the determinants of health utility among people who use opioids regularly.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of participants who used opioids regularly, recruited across New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania in 2018–2019. Differences in European Quality of Life (EQ‐5D‐5L) heath utility scores between socio‐demographic and clinical subgroups were assessed using non‐parametric Kruskal–Wallis test by rank. To address the unique distribution of EQ‐5D‐5L health utility scores in the current sample, a two‐part model was applied to assess factors associated with health utility.

Results

Among 402 participants enrolled in the study, 385 (96%) completed the EQ‐5D‐5L questionnaire. The mean health utility of the total sample was 0.63 (SD 0.29). Participants who previously received opioid agonist treatment [OAT] (adj marginal effect (ME) −0.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.20 to −0.02) and those currently in OAT (adj ME −0.13; 95% CI −0.22 to −0.06) reported lower health utility than those who had never received OAT. Participants who used both pharmaceutical opioids and benzodiazepines had lower health utility compared to no pharmaceutical opioids and no benzodiazepines use (adj ME −0.17; 95% CI −0.28 to −0.07).

Discussion and Conclusions

Findings provide important health utility data for economic evaluations, useful for guiding allocation of resources for treatment strategies among people who use opioids. Lower health utilities among those using benzodiazepines and pharmaceutical opioids suggests interventions targeting these subgroups may be beneficial.
Randomized controlled trial of remimazolam compared with placebo in Japanese patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: Phase III investigator‐initiated clinical trial
Authors: Ichijima Ryoji , Ikehara Hisatomo , Yamaguchi Daisuke , Nagata Yasuhiko , Ogura Kanako , Esaki Mitsuru , Minoda Yosuke , Ono Hiroyuki , Maeda Yuki , Kiriyama Shinsuke , Sumiyoshi Tetsuya , Kanmura Yuichi , Gotoda Takuji
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of remimazolam against normal saline (placebo) as a sedative agent for endoscopy in a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, investigator‐initiated phase III controlled trial.

Methods

We included 48 Japanese patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. For the procedure, an initial remimazolam dose of 3 mg and additional doses of 1 mg were administered, as determined in the phase II clinical study. The primary study end‐point was the successful sedation rate during gastrointestinal endoscopy, determined as a Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation score ≤4 before the start of endoscopy, the completion of gastrointestinal endoscopy, and two or fewer additional doses per 6 min.

Results

The successful endoscopy sedation rates were 91.9% and 9.1% in the remimazolam and placebo groups, respectively (P < 0.01). The time from the end of endoscopy to arousal was 0.0 (0.0–0.0) min for both groups. The number of additional doses required to achieve sedation was lower in the remimazolam group than that in the placebo group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Remimazolam demonstrated a significantly higher sedation effect during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in Japanese patients with safe and fast recovery compared with placebo.
Biomedical research on autism in low‐ and middle‐income countries: Considerations from the South African context
Authors: de Lange Siobhan , Muller Dee , Dafkin Chloe
Published: February 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social/communicative difficulties and perseverative behaviours. While research on autism has flourished recently, few studies have been conducted on the disorder in non‐Western contexts. In low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), biomedical research on autism is required to better understand the needs of the population and to develop contextually appropriate interventions. However, autistic individuals are a vulnerable study population and LMICs present with various considerations. While the presentation of autism is heterogeneous, stigma is a common social consequence affecting research. Drawing specifically on the South African context, the ethical intersections of these issues are discussed, along with the limitations of the current informed consent process. Community engagement is recommended as an adjunct to informed consent to ensure that biomedical research is conducted in a more inclusive way. Practical pointers are provided for implementing systematic support for conducting community engagement alongside biomedical research.
Chemical composition and thermal stability of topsoil organic carbon: Influence of cropping system and tillage practices
Authors: Mesgar M. , Voroney R. P. , Lo A. , Ardakani O. H. , Gillespie A. W.
Published: February 2024

Agricultural management practices play a significant role in regulating the potential for soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of cropping systems and tillage practices on the chemistry and thermal stability of topsoil SOC in a long‐term field study in Ontario, Canada. The cropping system is based on rotations including corn, alfalfa, cereals, soybeans and a red clover cover crop. Tillage practices of conventional (moldboard plow, CT) and conservation (no‐till, NT) were applied to each cropping system. A 130‐day laboratory incubation was conducted to measure the potentially mineralizable SOC. The thermal stability and molecular structure of SOC were investigated using thermal analysis‐programmed pyrolysis (PP) and solid‐state 13C cross polarization/total sideband suppression magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (CP/TOSS MAS NMR) spectroscopy, respectively. The SOC stocks were larger under NT practices and the crop rotations incorporating alfalfa and cover crops. Under NT practices, an abundance of aromatic‐C components was observed, however, soil under CT showed an abundance of aliphatic‐C compounds (p < 0.001), with a higher alkyl/O‐alkyl‐C ratio, indicating a higher degree of SOC decomposition. Soil under rotations that included soybeans demonstrated a significant increase in aliphatic‐C components, whereas those with cover cropping exhibited an enrichment in O‐alkyl‐C groups (p < 0.05), representing the presence of more resistant and easily decomposable SOC constituents, respectively. The results demonstrated that the thermal stability of SOC in CT systems was higher than that of NT practices (p < 0.05), while NT practices and crop rotations including cover crops are better capable of conserving the labile pool of SOC. Our findings confirmed the correlations among the parameters that characterize both the labile and stable pools of SOC as determined by the methods employed in this study. These results demonstrated that agricultural management practices significantly influence the chemical composition and thermal stability of soil organic matter (SOM), which can have significant impacts on soil health and C sequestration potential.
Exploring the molecular mechanisms of increased intensity of pyrethroid resistance in Central African population of a major malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii
Authors: Fadel Amen N. , Ibrahim Sulaiman S. , Sandeu Maurice M. , Tatsinkou Claudine Grâce Maffo , Menze Benjamin D. , Irving Helen , Hearn Jack , Nagi Sanjay C. , Weedall Gareth D. , Terence Ebai , Tchapga Williams , Wanji Samuel , Wondji Charles S.
Published: February 2024

Molecular mechanisms driving the escalation of pyrethroid resistance in the major malaria mosquitoes of Central Africa remain largely uncharacterized, hindering effective management strategies. Here, resistance intensity and the molecular mechanisms driving it were investigated in a population of Anopheles coluzzii from northern Cameroon. High levels of pyrethroid and organochloride resistance were observed in An. coluzzii population, with no mortality for 1× permethrin; only 11% and 33% mortalities for 5× and 10× permethrin diagnostic concentrations, and <2% mortalities for deltamethrin and DDT, respectively. Moderate bendiocarb resistance (88% mortality) and full susceptibility to malathion were observed. Synergist bioassays with piperonyl butoxide recovered permethrin susceptibility, with mortalities increasing to 53.39%, and 87.30% for 5× and 10× permethrin, respectively, implicating P450 monooxygenases. Synergist bioassays with diethyl maleate (DEM) recovered permethrin and DDT susceptibilities (mortalities increasing to 34.75% and 14.88%, respectively), implicating glutathione S‐transferases. RNA‐seq‐based genome‐wide transcriptional analyses supported by quantitative PCR identified glutathione S‐transferase, GSTe2 (RNA‐seqFC = 2.93 and qRT‐PCRFC = 8.4, p < 0.0043) and CYP450, CYP6Z2 (RNA‐seqFC = 2.39 and qRT‐PCRFC = 11.7, p < 0.0177) as the most overexpressed detoxification genes in the pyrethroid‐resistant mosquitoes, compared to mosquitoes of the susceptible Ngousso colony. Other overexpressed genes include P450s, CYP6M2 (FC = 1.68, p < 0.0114), CYP4G16 (FC = 2.02, p < 0.0005), and CYP4G17 (FC = 1.86, p < 0.0276). While high frequency of the 1014F kdr mutation (50%) and low frequencies of 1014S (6.61%) and 1575Y (10.29%) were observed, no ace‐1 mutation was detected in bendiocarb‐resistant populations, suggesting the preeminent role of metabolic mechanism. Overexpression of metabolic resistance genes (including GSTe2 and CYP6Z2 known to confer resistance to multiple insecticides) in An. coluzzii from the Sudan Savannah of Cameroon highlights the need for alternative management strategies to reduce malaria burden in northern Cameroon.
Quantitative analysis of reducing sugars in solid‐state fermentation based on NIR combined with GA‐AdaBoost
Authors: Zhao Meng , Sun An , He Siying , Yu Luoshui , Wang Rongxiang , Fu Wenjie , Mu Yang
Published: February 2024

This study focuses primarily on the real‐time monitoring of reducing sugar levels throughout solid‐state ethanol fermentation. A predictive model for accurate quantification of reducing sugar levels will be formulated through a comprehensive analysis of near‐infrared spectra across different fermentation stages. Building a predictive model using Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), The spectral data was pre‐processed using the Standard Normal Variate (SNV) method, followed by feature band selection using the Genetic Algorithm (GA), resulting in the identification of 181 characteristic wavelengths. The resulting GA‐AdaBoost model has excellent performance metrics: of 0.989, RMSEC of 0.393, of 0.978, RMSEP of 0.640, RPD of 6.651 and RER of 0.142. Comparative evaluations against Competitive Adaptive Reweighted Sampling (CARS), Successive Projection Algorithm (SPA), Uninformative Variable Elimination (UVE) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) consistently underscore the superior efficacy of the GA‐AdaBoost model. These results robustly confirm its reliability in accurately quantifying reducing sugars in solid‐state fermentation processes.
Enhancing functional features of pectin‐based coating by incorporating cellulose nanofibre/peppermint oil
Authors: Marcellino Vincensius , Kusuma Gracella , Wardana Ata Aditya , Wigati Laras Putri , Liza Chandra , Wulandari Retno , Setiarto R. Haryo Bimo , Tanaka Fumina , Tanaka Fumihiko
Published: February 2024

Fruit loss frequently occurs due to physical and microbial deterioration. This study aimed to develop an emulsified coating formulation based on pectin (BP)/cellulose nanofibre (CNF)/(peppermint essential oil) PEO using the Pickering technique with an appropriate level of CNF as a stabiliser and to study its effect on grape quality during storage. The incorporation of 0.4% PEO‐stabilised with various 0.1%–0.325% CNF into 0.5% BP edible coatings was developed. A 0.175% concentration of CNF was found to be appropriate for stabilising the emulsion system. This technique improved the functional performance of BP coatings, including their antifungal activity against Penicillium digitatum by 64.94% on the 7th day of incubation. Moreover, light transmission at UV and visible wavelengths and elongation improved by 23.17% and 71.26% respectively compared to the pure BP‐based coating. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterise the biocompatibility of each coating formulation. The PEO‐CNF emulsion coating may be an alternative for the active coating of fresh fruit commodities.
Access all areas: multisensory science exhibitions tailored toward blind, low‐vision and diverse‐needs communities
Authors: Tandori Erica , Ciacchi Laura , Ciacchi Lisa , Ly‐Huynh Jennifer D , Favilla Stuart , Rossjohn Jamie
Published: February 2024

Monash Sensory Science is a scientific outreach initiative specifically tailored to members of the community who are blind, have low vision and have diverse needs. The purpose of this initiative is to showcase Australian science and encourage greater participation in science from these often‐overlooked communities. This article presents our experience in establishing Monash Sensory Science at Monash University and inspiring other institutions to launch similar outreach events.
Fracture strength of preformed zirconia crown and CAD–CAM zirconia, ceramic, and hybrid composite crowns for the restoration of primary molars: An in vitro study
Authors: El Hayek Joy Elian , Tohme Hani , Nasr Lara , El Hachem Roula , Kabbani Nathalie , Mchayleh Nada Farhat
Published: February 2024

Background

Paediatric‐preformed zirconia crowns have been associated with several issues, primarily their inability to be crimped and the need for extensive tooth preparation. Additionally, the capacity to adjust the size, shape, and fit of these crowns is very limited.

Aim

To evaluate and compare the fracture strength of four different types of dental crowns intended for paediatric patients.

Design

The fracture resistance of four types of paediatric crowns was evaluated using the universal testing machine; freshly extracted primary molars received one of the following: preformed zirconia crowns, custom‐made computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD–CAM) zirconia crowns, custom‐made CAD–CAM ceramic crowns, and custom‐made CAD–CAM hybrid composite crowns. Data were statistically compared using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by the Bonferroni test, and the level of significance was set at 5%.

Results

Results showed that there was a statistically significant difference among the four groups (p < .001). The highest value of fracture force was observed for the milled zirconia crown and the lowest for the prefabricated zirconia.

Conclusion

The implementation of the CAD–CAM digital crown fabrication technique has the potential to address issues associated with preformed crowns in paediatric patients, particularly in terms of fracture resistance.
Women's economic empowerment in Africa: Is economic globalization friend or foe?
Authors: Tetteh Bright , Baajike Franklin Bedakiyiba , Baidoo Samuel Tawiah , Nuamah Esther
Published: February 2024

The proponents of globalization claim that economic globalization (EGLO) is a catalyst for women's economic empowerment (WEE), whereas the opponents of EGLO are of the view that it is detrimental to WEE, especially in developing countries, as it can exacerbate preexisting inequality. This study has examined the impact of EGLO on WEE from 2005 to 2020 for 45 African countries. The analysis disaggregated the EGLO variable into trade and financial globalizations to examine their individual impact on WEE. The system generalized method of moments is used as the estimation technique. The results show that overall EGLO, trade globalization and financial globalizations significantly promote WEE. Furthermore, the paper reveals that female labour force participation and human development expedite WEE. The results obtained from the analyses of the segregated data – official English and non‐English speaking countries – are consistent with the aggregated data. Given these findings, this paper sheds light on how WEE could be enhanced on the African continent. Promoting WEE has the potential to expedite the achievement of some of the sustainable development goals.
The Paradox of Desert
Authors: Benatar David
Published: February 2024

This article describes a paradoxical phenomenon arising from the fact that those who act rightly often pay a price for doing so. The paradox is that the very thing – acting rightly – that incurs the cost also makes the cost (especially) undeserved. In explicating the paradox, I distinguish between two kinds of cost (internal and external), two kinds of unfairness (intrinsic and comparative), and two manifestations of the paradox (prospective and retrospective). I suggest that the problem generated by the paradox of desert arises and becomes steadily more pronounced as we regress through three kinds of cases. I then consider and reject an attempt to dissolve the paradox, and I discuss the relevance of the paradox for questions about the extent of duty. Finally, I consider a concern about drawing attention to the paradox of desert.
How to support peer resistance in adolescents with mild‐to‐borderline intellectual disability? Intervention development and feasibility
Authors: Wagemaker Eline , Salemink Elske , Huizenga Hilde M. , Bart Han F. , Dekkers Tycho J. , Bexkens Anika
Published: February 2024

Background

Adolescents with mild‐to‐borderline intellectual disability face peer resistance challenges, risking harmful or dangerous situations.

Method

We designed a peer resistance group intervention at school for adolescents with mild‐to‐borderline intellectual disability, tested its feasibility (N = 4, Mage = 14.1, MIQ = 78.8), adapted it, and tested it again (N = 6, Mage = 15.0, MIQ = 72.8).

Results

Study 1 demonstrated feasibility in recruitment, resources, and potential benefits on the distal outcome risk taking. However, attendance, obtained knowledge, and potential benefits on peer resistance, peer problems, and prosocial behaviour were suboptimal. Consequently, study 2 contained more learning by doing and individual lessons, resulting in higher attendance and greater personalization. While potential benefits on improved peer resistance measures were not observed, risk taking improved.

Conclusions

Despite finding no potential benefits on peer resistance, running a peer resistance intervention for adolescents with mild‐to‐borderline intellectual disability at school is considered feasible.
Genetic parameters for different types of medullated fibre in Alpacas
Authors: Cruz Alan , Murillo Yanin , Burgos Alonso , Yucra Alex , Morante Renzo , Quispe Max , Quispe Christian , Quispe Edgar , Gutiérrez Juan Pablo
Published: February 2024

The quality of alpaca textile fibre has great potential, especially if objectionable fibres (coarse and medullated fibres) that cause itching are reduced, considering that objectionable fibres can be identified by diameter and medullation types. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for medullar types and their respective diameters to evaluate the possibility of incorporating them as selection criteria in alpaca breeding programmes. The research used 3149 alpaca fibre samples collected from 2020 to 2022, from a population of 1626 Huacaya type alpacas. The heritability and correlations of the percentages of non‐medullated (NM), fragmented medulle (FM), uncontinuous medullated (UM), continuous medullated (CM), and strongly medullated (SM) fibres were analysed, also the fibre diameter (FD) for each of the medullation types. The heritability estimated for medullation types were 0.25 ± 0.01, 0.18 ± 0.01, 0.10 ± 0.01, 0.20 ± 0.01 and 0.11 ± 0.01 for NM, FM, UM, CM and SM, respectively. The genetic correlations for medullation categories ranged from 0.15 ± 0.03 to 0.66 ± 0.02 (in absolute values). The heritabilility estimated for fibre diameter (FD) of each of the medullation types were 0.29 ± 0.03, 0.27 ± 0.02, 0.35 ± 0.02, 0.30 ± 0.02, 0.25 ± 0.02 and 0.10 ± 0.02 for FD, FD_NM, FD_FM, FD_UM, FD_CM and FD_SM, respectively. The genetic correlations for fibre diameter of the medullation types ranged from 0.04 ± 0.04 to 0.97 ± 0.01. FD, NM and FM are the main traits to be used as selection criteria under a genetic index, since they would reduce fibre diameter, and also increase NM and FM, and, in addition reducing indirectly CM, SM, and SM_FD. Therefore, the quality of alpaca fibre could be improved.
Some like it hot: Past and present phylogeography of a desert dwelling gecko across the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Pola Lukáš , Crochet Pierre‐André , Geniez Philippe , Shobrak Mohammed , Busais Salem , Jablonski Daniel , Masroor Rafaqat , Abduraupov Timur , Carranza Salvador , Šmíd Jiří
Published: February 2024

Aim

Deserts represent dynamic ecosystems that support communities of endemic and specialised species. We analysed the role of present and past climatic conditions in shaping the distribution of the widespread Bunopus geckos in the Arabian and south‐west Asian deserts. We studied their phylogeographic and demographic history to test whether the Bunopus geckos colonised Arabia from Asia or, vice versa, Asia from Arabia and to identify migration corridors that have historically enabled the dispersal of Bunopus geckos.

Location

The Middle East, especially the Arabian Peninsula.

Taxon

Genus Bunopus (Squamata; Gekkonidae).

Methods

We generated sequence data for four genes and performed maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference and time‐calibrated phylogenetic analyses and ancestral area reconstruction to infer the phylogenetic and biogeographic history of the genus. We modelled the species' distribution and projected it to several past time periods spanning from mid‐Pliocene to the present. We analysed contemporary landscape connectivity across the peninsula to identify dispersal corridors that enable migration and promote gene flow among Bunopus populations in Arabia.

Results

Bunopus is formed by deeply divergent lineages that correspond to up to eight candidate species. The genus originated in southwest Asia and dispersed to Arabia in the late Miocene. The Arabian populations were stable through most of their history in terms of size and distribution extent. Major corridors for contemporary Bunopus dispersal stretch along the eastern Arabian coasts from where they cross through the peninsula to the northern Red Sea coasts.

Main Conclusions

The evolutionary history of Bunopus was substantially influenced by paleoenvironmental conditions. The generalist habits and ground‐dwelling lifestyle enabled the geckos to colonise most of the arid regions of southwest Asia, with Arabia being colonised from the Iranian Plateau in the late Miocene. The distribution extent of Bunopus responded to the past climatic and habitat oscillations; the range was fragmented during moist climatic phases, and it expanded in times of increased aridity. The genus requires taxonomic revision to formally assess its diversity. Based on the results obtained in this study, Crossobamon orientalis is reassigned to Bunopus.
mADRES predicts hepatocellular carcinoma development in patients with hepatitis C virus who achieved sustained virological response
Authors: Tada Toshifumi , Kumada Takashi , Hiraoka Atsushi , Kariyama Kazuya , Yasuda Satoshi , Tada Fujimasa , Ohama Hideko , Nouso Kazuhiro , Matono Tomomitsu , Nakamura Shinichiro , Toyoda Hidenori ,   Real‐life Practice Experts for HCC (RELPEC) Study Group
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim

The study aims to develop a novel predictive model including the fibrosis (FIB)‐3 index for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) who achieved sustained virological response (SVR) with direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy.

Methods

This study included 2529 patients in whom HCV was eradicated with DAA therapy. The after DAA recommendation for surveillance (ADRES) score, which is based on sex, FIB‐4 index, and α‐fetoprotein, was used to predict HCC development. We developed a modified ADRES (mADRES) score, in which the FIB‐4 index was replaced by the FIB‐3 index, and evaluated its usefulness in predicting HCC development compared with the ADRES score.

Results

In the training set (n = 1770), multivariate analysis with Cox proportional hazards modeling showed that male sex (hazard ratio [HR], 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48–3.01), FIB‐3 index (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.28–1.45), and α‐fetoprotein (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03–1.07) are independently associated with HCC development. The incidence of HCC differed significantly by ADRES or mADRES score in multiple comparisons. Univariate Cox proportional hazards models showed that compared with the mADRES score 0 group, the HR for HCC development was 2.07 (95% CI, 1.02–4.19) for the mADRES score 1 group, 11.37 (95% CI, 5.80–22.27) for the mADRES score 2 group, and 21.95 (95% CI, 10.17–47.38) for the mADRES score 3 group. Similar results were obtained for mADRES score but not for ADRES score in the validation set (n = 759).

Conclusion

The mADRES score is useful for predicting HCC development after SVR.
Kisspeptin and neurokinin B neuroendocrine pathways in the control of human ovulation
Authors: Anderson Richard A.
Published: February 2024

The roles of initially kisspeptin and subsequently neurokinin B pathways in the regulation of human reproduction through the control of GnRH secretion were first identified 20 years ago, as essential for the onset of puberty in both boys and girls. Within that short time we already now have the first licence for clinical use for a neurokinin antagonist in a related indication, for menopausal vasomotor symptoms. Between these two markers of the start and end of the reproductive lifespan, it is clear that these pathways underlie many of the aspects of the hypothalamic regulation of reproduction which had hitherto been enigmatic. In this review, we describe the data currently available from studies designed to elucidate the roles of kisspeptin and neurokinin B in human ovarian function, specifically the regulation of follicle development leading up to ovulation, and in the control of the mid‐cycle GnRH/LH surge that triggers ovulation. These studies, undertaken with only very limited pharmacological tools, provide evidence that the neurokinin B pathway is important in controlling the hypothalamic contribution to the precise gonadotropic drive to the ovary that is necessary for mono‐ovulation, whereas the switch from negative to positive estrogenic feedback results in kisspeptin‐mediated increased GnRH secretion. Potential therapeutic opportunities in conditions characterised by disordered hypothalamic/pituitary function, polycystic ovary syndrome, and functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea, and in the induced LH surge that is a necessary part of IVF treatment are discussed.
A sleepless night disrupts the resolution of emotional conflicts: Behavioural and neural evidence
Authors: Lam Yeuk Ching , Li Cheng , Hsiao Janet Hui‐wen , Lau Esther Yuet Ying
Published: February 2024

The present study aims to investigate the influence of 24‐hr sleep deprivation on implicit emotion regulation using the emotional conflict task. Twenty‐five healthy young adults completed a repeated‐measures study protocol involving a night of at‐home normal sleep control and a night of in‐laboratory sleep deprivation. Prior to the experimental session, all participants wore an actigraph watch and completed the sleep diary. Following each condition, participants performed an emotional conflict task with electroencephalographic recordings. Emotional faces (fearful or happy) overlaid with words (“fear” or “happy”) were used as stimuli creating congruent or incongruent trials, and participants were instructed to indicate whether the facial expression was happy or fearful. We measured the accuracy and reaction time on the emotional conflict task, as well as the mean amplitude of the P300 component of the event‐related potential at CPz. At the behavioural level, sleep‐deprived participants showed reduced alertness with overall longer reaction times and higher error rates. In addition, participants in the sleep deprivation condition made more errors when the current trial followed congruent trials compared with when it followed incongruent trials. At the neural level, P300 amplitude evoked under the sleep‐deprived condition was significantly more positive compared with the normal sleep condition, and this effect interacted with previous‐trial and current‐trial congruency conditions, suggesting that participants used more attentional resources to resolve emotional conflicts when sleep deprived. Our study provided pioneering data demonstrating that sleep deprivation may impair the regulation of emotional processing in the absence of explicit instruction among emerging adults.
Local anesthetics allergy in children: Evaluation of diagnostic tests with Real‐Life data
Authors: Caliskan Nilay , Yildirim Guler , Bologur Hamit , Gungor Hilal , Karaca Sahin Merve , Erbay Fatih , Kokcu Karadag Sefika İlknur , Ozceker Deniz
Published: February 2024

Background

Local anesthetic (LA) drugs are commonly used in clinical practice to provide effective analgesia, including in dentistry and minor surgical procedures. The perception of a high risk of allergy in daily applications leads to the referral of atopic patients and those with other drug allergies to allergy clinics for the evaluation of allergic reactions to LA. The aim of this study was to determine who should be referred to the allergy clinic for LA allergy testing, assess the frequency of LA allergy in pediatric patients, and identify the negative predictive value of skin tests in diagnosis.

Methods

January 2017–July 2023, the clinical and laboratory data, as well as the results of drug allergy tests, of patients referred to our pediatric allergy clinic by dentists and physicians performing minor surgical procedures with suspected LA allergy were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

Our study included a total of 153 patients, comprising 84 girls (54.9%) and 69 boys (45.1%), with a mean age of 8.9 (±3.3) years. The most common reason for referral was a history of non‐LA drug allergies (n = 66, 43.2%), followed by asthma (n = 25, 16.3%). Hypersensitivity reactions (HRs) with LA were most commonly associated with articaine (n = 7, 4.8%), followed by lidocaine (n = 6, 4.1%). When intradermal tests were evaluated, 17 patients (11.1%) had a positive test result. The positivity for lidocaine was 70.6% (n = 12), and prilocaine was 29.4% (n = 5). Subcutaneous provocation was administered to 109 patients (71.2%), and one patient exhibited local erythema and swelling with prilocaine.

Conclusion

Although LA allergy is a rare occurrence, consultations of this nature are frequently requested from allergy clinics in real life. Considering the negative predictive value of skin tests performed with LA drugs, the reaction rate appears to be low in patients with atopy or other drug allergies. It is crucial for all relevant healthcare professionals to be knowledgeable about the appropriate approach to suspected LA allergies to avoid unnecessary tests. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the most comprehensive work in the literature that evaluates the results of diagnostic tests in children referred with a suspicion of LA allergy.
Phytochrome‐interacting factors play shared and distinct roles in regulating shade avoidance responses in Populus trees
Authors: Sun Fan , Cheng Hongli , Song Zhi , Yan Huiting , Liu Huajie , Xiao Xingyue , Zhang Zhichao , Luo Mengting , Wu Feier , Lu Jun , Luo Keming , Wei Hongbin
Published: February 2024

Plants adjust their growth and development in response to changing light caused by canopy shade. The molecular mechanisms underlying shade avoidance responses have been widely studied in Arabidopsis and annual crop species, yet the shade avoidance signalling in woody perennial trees remains poorly understood. Here, we first showed that PtophyB1/2 photoreceptors serve conserved roles in attenuating the shade avoidance syndrome (SAS) in poplars. Next, we conducted a systematic identification and characterization of eight PtoPIF genes in Populus tomentosa. Knocking out different PtoPIFs led to attenuated shade responses to varying extents, whereas overexpression of PtoPIFs, particularly PtoPIF3.1 and PtoPIF3.2, led to constitutive SAS phenotypes under normal light and enhanced SAS responses under simulated shade. Notably, our results revealed that distinct from Arabidopsis PIF4 and PIF5, which are major regulators of SAS, the Populus homologues PtoPIF4.1 and PtoPIF4.2 seem to play a minor role in controlling shade responses. Moreover, we showed that PtoPIF3.1/3.2 could directly activate the expression of the auxin biosynthetic gene PtoYUC8 in response to shade, suggesting a conserved PIF‐YUC‐auxin pathway in modulating SAS in tree. Overall, our study provides insights into shared and divergent functions of PtoPIF members in regulating various aspects of the SAS in Populus.
Reduced expression of bZIP19 and bZIP23 increases zinc and cadmium accumulation in Arabidopsis halleri
Authors: Spielmann Julien , Schloesser Marie , Hanikenne Marc
Published: February 2024

Zinc is an essential micronutrient for all living organisms. When challenged by zinc‐limiting conditions, Arabidopsis thaliana plants use a strategy centered on two transcription factors, bZIP19 and bZIP23, to enhance the expression of several zinc transporters to improve their zinc uptake capacity. In the zinc and cadmium hyperaccumulator plant Arabidopsis halleri, highly efficient root‐to‐shoot zinc translocation results in constitutive local zinc deficiency in roots and in constitutive high expression of zinc deficiency‐responsive ZIP genes, supposedly boosting zinc uptake and accumulation. Here, to disrupt this process and to analyze the functions of AhbZIP19, AhbZIP23 and their target genes in hyperaccumulation, the genes encoding both transcriptional factors were knocked down using artificial microRNAs (amiRNA). Although AhbZIP19, AhbZIP23, and their ZIP target genes were downregulated, amiRNA lines surprisingly accumulated more zinc and cadmium compared to control lines in both roots and shoot driving to shoot toxicity symptoms. These observations suggested the existence of a substitute metal uptake machinery in A. halleri to maintain hyperaccumulation. We propose that the iron uptake transporter AhIRT1 participates in this alternative pathway in A. halleri.
Held in the grip: Political status, governing institutions, and emergency management procedural arrangements in the cases of Florida and Puerto Rico
Authors: Belligoni Sara
Published: February 2024

To what extent do institutions governing the relationship of the U.S. Federal government with U.S. states and U.S. territories affect their emergency preparedness and response operations? States retain more legislative autonomy and representation than territories in the U.S. Congress, which is responsible for the emergency management budget. The advocacy capabilities of territories may be limited, and greater budget constraints are expected to affect the capability of territories to implement federal emergency management plans and perform effective response operations. This work focuses on a comparative case study between responses to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and Hurricane Michael in Florida. The multi‐technique qualitative approach combines content analysis and interviews. Findings suggest that neither Florida nor Puerto Rico was prepared to respond to hurricanes of such magnitude, but the procedural arrangements of the Florida emergency management system resulted in a more effective response to Hurricane Michael if compared to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

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A new genus and species of Cryphonectriaceae causing stem cankers on plantation eucalypts in South Africa
Authors: Suzuki Hiroyuki , Marincowitz Seonju , Roux Jolanda , Paap Trudy , Wingfield Brenda D. , Wingfield Michael J.
Published: February 2024

Fungi in the Cryphonectriaceae are important canker pathogens of woody shrubs and trees in the Melastomataceae and Myrtaceae (Myrtales). During 2021 disease surveys in KwaZulu‐Natal (South Africa) plantations, a serious stem canker disease was discovered on species of Eucalyptus and Corymbia. The cankers had structures on their surfaces typical of fungi in the Cryphonectriaceae. The aims of the study were to identify the fungus associated with the disease and to test its pathogenicity. Morphological characteristics of both sexual and asexual structures and phylogenetic analyses based on partial sequences of the conserved nuclear large subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions including the 5.8S gene of the ribosomal DNA operon, and two β‐tubulin (BT1/BT2) regions were used for identification purposes. Phylogenetic analyses of the sequence data and morphological characteristics supported the establishment of a new genus in the Cryphonectriaceae, for which the name Xanthoporthe myrticola gen. et sp. nov. is provided. Pathogenicity trials showed that isolates were pathogenic on tested Eucalyptus grandis and hybrids as well as Corymbia henryi. The results suggest that this is an emerging pathogen that could influence the sustainability of plantation forestry in South Africa.
Foreign‐born nurses as COVID‐19 survivors in the Nordic region: A descriptive phenomenological study
Authors: Cubelo Floro , Parviainen Anndra , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri , Palaganas Erlinda
Published: February 2024

Objective

In 2020, amid limited COVID‐19 vaccination access, many nurses from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups in the United States of America and United Kingdom succumbed to the virus. No fatalities among Filipino foreign‐born nurses (FBNs) in the BAME groups were recorded in the Nordic region. This study explored the experiences of Filipino FBNs in the Nordic region who, during the initial 2020 pandemic wave, cared for COVID‐19 patients, contracted the virus and subsequently recovered.

Methods

The research employed a descriptive phenomenological methodology to explore the experiences of six Filipino FBNs who had recovered from COVID‐19 in various regions of the Nordic countries, including Finland (n = 1), Sweden (n = 1), Denmark (n = 2), Norway (n = 1) and Iceland (n = 1). Data collection occurred through online videoconferencing between September 2020 and February 2021, utilising a semi‐structured approach. The data analysis was conducted following Sundler and colleagues' qualitative thematic analysis, which is grounded in descriptive phenomenology.

Results

The data analysis yielded three primary themes and twelve sub‐themes, which explored the experiences of Filipino FBNs with COVID‐19 infection. The study demonstrated that unclear national guidelines impacted nurses' preparedness in caring for COVID‐19 patients, contributing to their susceptibility to contracting the virus. The lack of occupational healthcare services for nurses during and after the pandemic affected their work morale in an unfamiliar setting.

Conclusion

The study provided valuable insights into the experiences of Filipino FBNs during the COVID‐19 pandemic, emphasising the need for clearer guidelines, enhanced training and improved support for healthcare workers. It highlighted the psychological impact of COVID‐19, emphasising the importance of mental health support and stigma reduction efforts. The study also emphasised the significance of improving occupational health services to support the well‐being and recovery of healthcare workers during and after the pandemic, with implications for developing comprehensive strategies to protect frontline healthcare workers in health crises.
Translating interdisciplinary knowledge for gender equity: Quantifying the impact of NSF ADVANCE
Authors: Gates Alexander J. , Gold Jessica R. , Nelson Laura K. , Zippel Kathrin
Published: February 2024

Background

Interdisciplinarity is often hailed as a necessity for tackling real‐world challenges. We examine the prevalence and impact of interdisciplinarity in the NSF ADVANCE program, which addresses gender equity in STEM.

Methods

Through a quantitative analysis of authorship, references, and citations in ADVANCE publications, we compare the interdisciplinarity of knowledge produced within the program to traditional disciplinary knowledge. We use Simpon's Diversity Index to test for differences across disciplines, and we use negative binomial regression to capture the potential influences of interdisciplinarity on the long‐term impact of ADVANCE publications.

Results

ADVANCE publications exhibit higher levels of interdisciplinarity across three dimensions of knowledge integration, and cross‐disciplinary ties within ADVANCE successfully integrate social science knowledge into diverse disciplines. Additionally, the interdisciplinarity of publication references positively influences the impact of ADVANCE work, while the interdisciplinarity of authorship teams does not.

Conclusions

These findings emphasize the significance of interdisciplinarity in problem‐oriented knowledge production, indicating that specific forms of interdisciplinarity can lead to broader impact. By shedding light on the interplay between interdisciplinary approaches, disciplinary structures, and academic recognition, this article contributes to programmatic design to generate impactful problem‐solving knowledge that also adds to the academic community.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DPA1*02:124 allele in a Korean individual by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Roh Soong Ki , Won Dong Il
Published: February 2024

HLA‐DPA1*02:124 differs from HLA‐DRB1*02:02:02:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 5 in exon 2.
The Crisis of Journalism and the Health of Journalists
Authors: Buoncompagni Giacomo
Published: February 2024

The greatest public health emergency of recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic, wars, economic and climatic crises at local level have threatened to "wipe out" many of the journalistic newsrooms present throughout the world, causing feelings of psycho-physical discomfort among journalists. Events that have a strong impact on media behaviour and the effectiveness of building clear narratives while controlling personal problems, stress and anxiety. The study will analyse, through qualitative methods, a local Italian case on how difficult it is to work for those who provide information during a natural disaster.
Excavations at the Late Bronze Age site of Erimi-Pitharka, Cyprus (2022-2023 seasons): Regional production and storage in the Kouris Valley
Authors:   University of Graz, Recht Lærke , Zeman-Wiśniewska Katarzyna , Mazzotta Lorenzo
Published: February 2024

The rural site of Erimi-Pitharka is located in the archaeologically rich Kouris Valley of south-central Cyprus. Previous rescue excavations by the Department of Antiquities, Cyprus, have revealed a subterranean complex, industrial areas, and a building complex at the highest topographical point of the site. New excavations by an international team began in 2022 and continued in 2023. We here report on the findings from these first two seasons, which have focused on the large building complex in Area I/1A. Dated to LC IIC-IIIA (c. 1300-1150 BCE), this part of the site is characterised by an emphasis on agricultural production and storage. The inhabitants took advantage of the soft limestone-rich bedrock to create subterranean and semi-subterranean installations, rooms and storage spaces, and pithoi were similarly used for storage and industrial activities. Pitharka was peacefully abandoned, and much of the material culture was removed in the process.
Deciphering protein prenylation in endocytic trafficking in
Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Carruthers Vern B. , Dou Zhicheng
Published: February 2024

Toxoplasma gondii
is a widespread intracellular protozoan pathogen infecting virtually all warm-blooded animals. This parasite acquires host-derived resources to support its replication inside a membrane-bound parasitophorous vacuole within infected host cells. Previous research has discovered that
Toxoplasma
actively endocytoses host proteins and transports them to a lysosome-equivalent structure for digestion. However, few molecular determinants required for trafficking of host-derived material within the parasite were known. A recent study (Q.-Q. Wang, M. Sun, T. Tang, D.-H. Lai, et al., mBio 14:e01309-23, 2023,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.01309-23
) identified a critical role for membrane anchoring of proteins via prenylation in the trafficking of endocytosed host proteins by
Toxoplasma
, including an essential
Toxoplasma
ortholog of Rab1B. The authors also found that TgRab1 is crucial for protein trafficking of the rhoptry secretory organelles, indicating a dual role in endocytic and exocytic protein trafficking. This study sets the stage for further dissecting endomembrane trafficking in
Toxoplasma
, along with potentially exploiting protein prenylation as a target for therapeutic development.