bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fruit–frugivore dependencies are important in Ebolavirus outbreaks in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Sundaram Mekala , Dorado Mireya , Akaribo Benedicta , Filion Antoine , Han Barbara A. , Gottdenker Nicole L. , Schmidt John P. , Drake John M. , Stephens Patrick R.
Published: April 2024

Ebolaviruses have the ability to infect a wide variety of species, with many African mammals potentially serving either as primary reservoirs or secondary amplifying hosts. Previous work has shown that frugivorous bats and primates are often associated with spillover and outbreaks. Yet the role that patterns of biodiversity, either of mammalian hosts or of common fruiting species such as Ficus (figs, fruit resources used by a wide variety of species), play in driving outbreak risk remains unclear. We investigated what factors most directly influence Ebolavirus outbreak risk in Sub‐Saharan Africa by using a phylogenetically informed path analysis to compare a wide array of potential models (path diagrams) of spatial dynamics. We considered mammalian frugivore richness, cercopithecid and hominid primate richness, richness of pteropodid (fruit) bats, the spatial distribution of species that have tested positive for Ebolavirus antibodies in the wild, Ficus habitat suitability, and environmental conditions (mean annual and variability in temperature and rainfall). The proximate factors that most influenced whether a given host species range contained a site of a previous outbreak event were 1) habitat suitability for Ficus and 2) the diversity of cercopithecid primates. Frugivore richness overall (including bats, primates, and a few other mammals) and the richness of bats in the family Pteropodidae had a strong effect on which species tested positive for Ebolavirus antibodies, but did not influence outbreak risk directly in pathways explored. We interpret this as evidence that foraging around Ficus and frugivorous mammals (such as cercopithecid primates which are commonly hunted for food) play a prominent role in driving outbreaks into human communities, relative to other factors we considered which influence outbreak risk more indirectly.
Real effect of anticorruption on acquisition premium: Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Xin , Pan Ailing
Published: April 2024

Anticorruption is a prevalent global phenomenon and has yielded many good results. This study empirically tests the real effect of China's anticorruption on corporate acquisition premiums and explores its mechanisms. We find that after the exposure of and crackdown on corrupt provincial officials, firms without political connections had lower mergers and acquisitions (M&A) premiums than those with political connections. Cross‐sectional test results show that when firms are private or in areas with high marketization, the anticorruption event has a greater impact on their acquisition premiums. The channel test demonstrates that anticorruption reduces the value of political connections and improves the negotiation advantages of nonpolitically connected firms, enabling them to pay lower M&A premiums. Our findings indicate that anticorruption can create a considerably fair business environment. Moreover, we confirm the real effects of anticorruption on the distortion of resource allocation at the firm level. Finally, the results of this research have policy implications for the world's largest emerging market.
Predicting the potential distribution of Perina nuda under climate change in China
Authors: Mao Xinjie , Zheng Huisen , Liao Songkai , Wei Hongjian , Lin Haoyu , Wang Qi , Chen Hui
Published: April 2024

Perina nuda (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) is an important leaf‐feeding pest of Ficus species. It significantly affects the growth and reproduction of Ficus species, the economic prospects of growers, and the beauty of urban gardens. This study employed the MaxEnt model to predict and analyze the potential distribution of P. nuda in China, utilizing global distribution data and the correlation between the distribution of P. nuda and environmental variables. The results showed that the dominant environmental variables influencing the distribution of P. nuda included the warmest quarterly precipitation, coldest monthly minimum temperature, annual precipitation, and wettest monthly precipitation. The potential distribution area of P. nuda in China under current climatic conditions is 158 × 104 km2, accounting for 16.4% of the total area of the country. According to the SSP5‐8.5 scenario in 2050, the potential distribution area of P. nuda is projected to reach 200 × 104 km2, an increase of 26.5% compared to the current. P. nuda is widespread in China and has a tendency to spread, threatening the growth of Ficus species. This study is important for monitoring and control of P. nuda in areas where it is present, and where it may be present in the future.
Sickle Cell Health Awareness, Perspectives, and Experiences (SHAPE) survey: Perspectives of adolescent and adult patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals on the burden of sickle cell disease
Authors: de Montalembert Mariane , Anderson Alan , Costa Fernando F. , Inusa Baba P. D. , Jastaniah Wasil , Kunz Joachim B. , Tinga Biba , Ingoli Elvie , James John , Hartfield Regina , Beaubrun Anne , Lartey Belinda , Odame Isaac
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder that causes lifelong complications, substantially impacting the physical and emotional well‐being of patients and their caregivers. Studies investigating the effects of SCD on quality of life (QOL) are often limited to individual countries, lack SCD‐specific QOL questionnaires, and exclude the caregiver experience. The SHAPE survey aimed to broaden the understanding of the global burden of SCD on patients and their caregivers and to capture the viewpoint of healthcare providers (HCPs).

Methods

A total of 919 patients, 207 caregivers, and 219 HCPs from 10, 9, and 8 countries, respectively, answered a series of closed‐ended questions about their experiences with SCD.

Results

The symptoms most frequently reported by patients were fatigue/tiredness (84%) and pain/vaso‐occlusive crises (71%). Patients' fatigue/tiredness had one of the greatest impacts on both patients' and caregivers' QOL. On average, patients and caregivers reported missing 7.5 days and 5.0 days per month, respectively, of school or work. HCPs reported a need for effective tools to treat fatigue/tiredness and a desire for more support to educate patients on long‐term SCD‐related health risks.

Conclusions

The multifaceted challenges identified using the SHAPE survey highlight the global need to improve both patient and caregiver QOL.
Who in theworldare the Heruli?1
Authors: Liccardo Salvatore
Published: April 2024

The history of the Heruli represents a historical conundrum. Because of the poor state of the sources, caution is required when analysing this subject. However, the peculiarity of the case encourages us to rethink the way we conceive of and describe migrations in Late Antiquity. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach to the history of the Heruli, this article offers a new analysis of the written evidence, identifies a need for different mapping strategies, and offers a possible interpretation of the origins of the so‐called eastern and western Heruli.
The impact of cultural stress on family functioning among Puerto Rican displaced families and the effect on mental health
Authors: García María Fernanda , Montero‐Zamora Pablo , Salas‐Wright Christopher P. , Maldonado‐Molina Mildred , Pineros‐Leano Maria , Hodges J. C. , Bates Melissa , Brown Eric C. , Rodríguez Jose , Calderón Ivonne , Schwartz Seth J.
Published: April 2024

Hurricane María caused significant devastation on the island of Puerto Rico, impacting thousands of lives. Puerto Rican crisis migrant families faced stress related to displacement and relocation (cultural stress), often exhibited mental health symptoms, and experienced distress at the family level. Although cultural stress has been examined as an individual experience, little work has focused on the experience as a family. To address this gap, we conducted a mixed‐methods study designed to examine the predictive effects of cultural stress on family conflict and its mental health implications among Puerto Rican Hurricane María parent and child dyads living on the U.S. mainland. In the quantitative phase of the study, 110 parent–child dyads completed an online survey assessing cultural stress, family dynamics, and mental health. As part of our primary analysis, we estimated a structural equation path model. Findings from the quantitative phase showed a significant positive relationship between family cultural stress and family conflict, as well as individual parent and child mental health symptoms. In the qualitative phase of the study, 35 parent–child dyads participated in individual interviews. Findings from the interviews revealed variations in difficulties related to language, discrimination, and financial burdens, with some participants adapting more quickly and experiencing fewer stressors. Findings also highlight the impact on mental health for both parents and youth, emphasizing the family‐level nature of cultural stress, while noting a potential discrepancy between qualitative and quantitative findings in the discussion of family conflict.
Inhibiting stress corrosion cracking of a prefabricated surface‐defective magnesium alloy thanks to biological organic components
Authors: Chen Lianxi , Li Xiaorong , Gu Haicheng , Zhang Xueying , Niu Ben , Zhang Zhiguo , Wang Xiaojian , Chen Dongchu , Zhao Chunwang
Published: April 2024

Biomedical magnesium (Mg) alloys remain a challenge for their mainstream application, because the combination of bio‐mechanical stress and corrosive physiological environment leading to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). It is crucial to avoid the sudden brittle fracture of Mg alloys in vivo for predicting their service duration. However, the key factors, such as surface or physiological environment features, determining the origination or propagation of SCC behavior are still unclear. In the present study, a prefabricated surface defects coating was prepared by the phytic acid (PA, C6H18O24P6) conversion treatment. Four mimicking physiological media were used, ranging from simple to equivalent (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium and Protein [DMEM+Pro]). The results showed that the PA film with numerous micro‐cracks provided limited protective ability in synthetic biological media. A striking finding was determined that although initial high corrosion rate of samples in DMEM+Pro led to an increased SCC nucleation, significant ductile fracture with elongation to failure (14.86%) was observed. Combined with the fracture features, the adsorption or deposition of biological composition into the tunnel of SCC cracks significantly inhibited the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) behavior. These results indicate that preventing the propagation of SCC crack by biological composition, rather than nucleation, plays a key role in avoiding the sudden fracture of Mg alloys. It provides a novel perspective to determine the non‐brittle fracture of Mg alloys for biomedical applications.
Carbon footprint of synthetic nitrogen under staple crops: A first cradle‐to‐grave analysis
Authors: Abdo Ahmed I. , Sun Daolin , Yang Kai , Li Yazheng , Shi Zhaoji , Abd Allah W. E. , El‐Sobky El‐Sayed E. A. , Wei Hui , Zhang Jiaen , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: April 2024

More than half of the world's population is nourished by crops fertilized with synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizers. However, N fertilization is a major source of anthropogenic emissions, augmenting the carbon footprint (CF). To date, no global quantification of the CF induced by N fertilization of the main grain crops has been performed, and quantifications at the national scale have neglected the CO2 assimilated by plants. A first cradle‐to‐grave life cycle assessment was performed to quantify the CF of the N fertilizers' production, transportation, and application to the field and the uses of the produced biomass in livestock feed and human food, as well as biofuel production. We quantified the direct and indirect inventories emitted or sequestered by N fertilization of main grain crops: wheat, maize, and rice. Grain food produced with N fertilization had a net CF of 7.4 Gt CO2eq. in 2019 after excluding the assimilated C in plant biomass, which accounted for a quarter of the total CF. The cradle (fertilizer production and transportation), gate (fertilizer application, and soil and plant systems), and grave (feed, food, biofuel, and losses) stages contributed to the CF by 2%, 11%, and 87%, respectively. Although Asia was the top grain producer, North America contributed 38% of the CF due to the greatest CF of the grave stage (2.5 Gt CO2eq.). The CF of grain crops will increase to 21.2 Gt CO2eq. in 2100, driven by the rise in N fertilization to meet the growing food demand without actions to stop the decline in N use efficiency. To meet the targets of climate change, we introduced an ambitious mitigation strategy, including the improvement of N agronomic efficiency (6% average target for the three crops) and manufacturing technology, reducing food losses, and global conversion to healthy diets, whereby the CF can be reduced to 5.6 Gt CO2eq. in 2100.
Rapid and sustained resolution in generalized pustular psoriasis with IL‐17A inhibitors required high adherence: a 96‐week analysis in a real‐life setting
Authors: Hu Kun , Liu Yijie , Liu Yizhang , Jian Lu , Duan Yongfang , Liu Ruizhen , Zhang Haoqun , Chen Junchen , Zhang Mi , Kuang Yehong
Published: April 2024

Background

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, potentially life‐threatening skin disease often requiring long‐term therapy. We aimed to evaluate the use of Interleukin (IL)‐17A inhibitors (secukinumab and ixekizumab) in GPP patients over 96 weeks.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a case series of 18 patients with GPP who received secukinumab (n = 13) and ixekizumab (n = 5) therapy with a 96‐week follow‐up period. The primary effectiveness analysis included determining the percentage of patients who achieved ≥90% or 100% improvement in the Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (GPPASI) score. Adherence was captured using the medication possession ratio (MPR).

Results

Using the as‐observed (AO) method, 87% and 67% of patients treated with secukinumab or ixekizumab achieved GPPASI 90 and 100 responses, respectively. At Week 96, the mean GPPASI improvements from baseline GPPASI were 96.3% (95% CI: 0.91–1.01) using the AO method. After Week 48, 14 patients tapered (n = 8) or terminated (n = 6) the treatment. High‐adherence therapy (MPR ≥ 80%) was significantly superior to the low‐adherence group in the rate of patients achieving a GPPASI 100 response (AO, 100% vs. 38%, P < 0.05). By Week 96, 5 (27.8%) patients had new GPP flares, and 4 (80%) were in the low‐adherence group. No new safety signals occurred.

Conclusion

IL‐17A inhibitors led to effective and sustained improvement in GPP patients, and high‐adherence therapy had long‐term positive effects on skin clearance. Given its relapsing nature, improving compliance is beneficial for long‐term clinical management.
Does skill emigration hurt unskilled workers? Theory and cross‐country evidence
Authors: Kar Saibal , Marjit Sugata
Published: April 2024

How does out‐migration of skilled workers affect unskilled workers' wage in the source country? When skilled workers emigrate, unskilled wages tend to go down in some countries. If the sector that uses both skilled and unskilled workers shows a lower degree of capital intensity as compared to sectors that use only skilled workers in production, it is a common outcome. We use 19 years of cross‐country data from the International Labor Organization (ILO) spanning Asia and Latin America to show that skill emigration reduces unskilled wage unambiguously for panel fixed effects and difference generalized method of moments (DGMM) estimates. The structure is also subjected to system GMM with endogenous covariates and allied robustness checks. Importantly, we find a critical level of tertiary education, such that countries generating more skill shall face weaker negative impact on unskilled wages.
Medical database analysis of the association between kidney function and achievement of glycemic control in older Japanese adults with type 2 diabetes who started with oral antidiabetic drugs
Authors: Suzuki Ryo , Kazumori Kiyoyasu , Usui Tatsuya , Shinohara Masahiko
Published: April 2024

Aims/Introduction

Despite the emergence of new drugs with novel mechanisms of action, treatment options for older people and those with chronic kidney disease are still limited.

Materials and Methods

Using a medical database compiled from Diagnostic Procedure Combination hospitals, we retrospectively analyzed treatment status, glycemic control and kidney function over 3 years after the first oral antidiabetic drugs in Japanese adults with type 2 diabetes who were aged ≥65 years.

Results

Among 5,434 study participants, 3,246 (59.7%) were men, the median age was 72.0 years, the baseline median hemoglobin A1c was 7.1% and the baseline median estimated glomerular filtration rate was 66.6 mL/min/1.73 m2. Treatment was intensified in 40.0% of people during the 3‐year observation period, and the median time to the first treatment intensification was 198 days. Insulin was the most commonly used agent for treatment intensification (36.9%, 802/2,175). Hemoglobin A1c of <7.0% was achieved in 3,571 (65.7%) at 360 ± 90 days. Multivariable logistic regression analysis found that baseline age, hemoglobin A1c and estimated glomerular filtration rate were negatively associated with achieving hemoglobin A1c of <7.0% at 360 ± 90 days.

Conclusions

In older Japanese adults with type 2 diabetes, those with a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate were more likely to achieve hemoglobin A1c of <7.0%. To safely manage blood glucose levels in older adults with chronic kidney disease, physicians should remain vigilant about the risk of iatrogenic hypoglycemia.
Plantar pressure measurement in diabetic foot disease: A scoping review
Authors: Lockhart Michael , Dinneen Sean F , O'Keeffe Derek T
Published: April 2024

Aims/Introduction

Patients with a healed diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) have a 40% risk of ulcer recurrence within a year. New and effective measures to prevent DFU recurrence are essential. We aimed to highlight emerging trends and future research opportunities in the use of plantar pressure measurement to prevent DFU recurrence.

Materials and Methods

Our scoping review protocol was drafted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis – Scoping Review protocol. Peer‐reviewed, English‐language papers were included that addressed both plantar pressure measurement and diabetic foot disease, either as primary studies that have advanced the field or as review papers that provide summaries and/or opinion on the field as a whole, as well as specific papers that provide guidelines for future research and advancement in the field.

Results

A total of 24 eligible publications were identified in a literature search using PubMed. A further 36 eligible studies were included after searching the references sections of these publications, leaving a total of 60 publications included in this scoping review.

Conclusions

Plantar pressure measurement can and will play a major role in the prevention of DFU. There is already a strong, albeit limited, evidence base in place to prove its benefit in reducing DFU recurrence. More research is required in larger populations, using remote monitoring in real‐world settings, and with improved technology.
The prey availability and diet of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in low‐productivity rivers in northern Europe
Authors: Lai Sum Yi , Pálsson Arnar , Guðbergsson Guðni , Jónsson Ingi Rúnar , Ólafsson Jón S. , Bárðarson Hlynur
Published: April 2024

The availability of resources varies across a species distributional range, and a low‐productivity area can make a species more vulnerable. We investigated the invertebrate composition and prey choice of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in low‐productivity rivers in northeast Iceland, which is one of the species’ most northerly distributions. By sampling benthic and drift invertebrate populations, we found that prey availability was similar within and between rivers. Gut content samples showed that the main prey choice for juvenile S. salar was the Chironomidae. The type of food items consumed varied across different weight groups of S. salar, with smaller juveniles having more diverse diet. S. salar did not have a selection preference for chironomids, which indicates that they were eating the highly available prey in their environment, rather than hunting high biomass items such as terrestrial invertebrates and large Dipterans. Estimates of dietary niche showed that S. salar in these low‐productivity rivers relied on consuming what was most readily available, the chironomids, and that they must share resources with other salmonid species. This may be due to the low diversity of freshwater invertebrates (fewer prey options), whereas S. salar in nutrient‐rich rivers could rely more on terrestrial invertebrates as an additional subsidy in their diet. In conclusion, with limited prey choices, juvenile S. salar in nutrient‐poor rivers, especially in a biogeographically isolated region with low species diversity, may increase in vulnerability and decrease in adaptability to environmental change. Management methods that increase benthic prey abundance and diversity are recommended for conserving the S. salar population in a nutrient‐poor river.
Changes in characteristics of gastroenterology center inpatients in Japan because of rapidly aging society
Authors: Fukunishi Yoshiko , Hiraoka Atsushi , Tada Fujimasa , Fukumoto Mai , Matsuda Takuya , Matsuoka Kana , Nakatani Kosuke , Yanagihara Emi , Saneto Hironobu , Izumoto Hirofumi , Murakami Taisei , Onishi Kei , Kitahata Shogo , Kanemitsu‐Okada Kozue , Kawamura Tomoe , Kuroda Taira , Miyata Hideki , Tsubouchi Eiji , Hanaoka Jun , Watanabe Jota , Ohtani Hiromi , Yoshida Osamu , Hirooka Masashi , Abe Masanori , Matsuura Bunzo , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim

Rapidly aging societies have become a major issue worldwide including Japan. This study aimed to elucidate relative changes in the characteristics of inpatients in Japan related to this issue.

Methods

A total of 23 835 Japanese inpatients treated from 2010 to 2021 were enrolled (2010–2013, period I; 2014–2017, period II; 2018–2021, period III). Changes in clinical features were retrospectively analyzed based on ICD‐10 diagnosis data.

Results

The percentage of patients aged over 75 years increased over time (period I, 38.0%; II, 39.5%, III, 41.4%). Emergency admissions comprised 27.5% of all in period I, which increased to 43.2% in period II and again to 44.5% in period III (P < 0.001). In period I, gastrointestinal disease, liver disease, pancreatic‐biliary disease, and other disease types were noted in 47.4%, 29.5%, 19.2%, and 3.9%, respectively, while those values were 44.0%, 18.0%, 33.9%, and 4.1%, respectively, in period III (P < 0.001). The frequency of liver disease decreased by approximately 0.6‐fold from periods I to III, while that of biliary‐pancreatic disease increased by approximately 1.8‐fold during that time. Both percentage and actual numbers of patients with biliary‐pancreatic disease increased during the examined periods. Analysis of changes in the proportion of organs affected by malignancy during periods I, II, and III showed a marked increase in cases of biliary‐pancreatic malignancy (11.6%, 19.5%, 26.6%, respectively) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In association with the rapidly aging Japanese society, there has been an increasing frequency of biliary‐pancreatic disease cases requiring hospitalization for treatment in the west Japan region of Shikoku.
Colombian utopia and anti‐utopia: Remembering and reconsidering the FARC's Zona de Despeje, 1998–2002
Authors: Burgos Félix Manuel , Field Les W.
Published: April 2024

Utopian futurism is not often discussed as a motivating factor behind social science research, and in this article Colombian linguist Felix Manuel Burgos and US anthropologist Les W. Field take up that motivation in re‐assessing one period in the history of Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC). Founded in 1964 and impelled by events that exploded in 1948, FARC's history offers a window into a movement marked by a deeply dystopian trauma at its very start. In this article, with their utopian imaginations to one side, Burgos and Field dialogically consider the period of the Zona de Despeje (the demilitarized zone FARC dominated from 1998 to 2002), animated by the memory narratives of Félix Manuel Burgos who lived in that zone as a primary school‐teacher during those years. Through their dialogue, they consider the idea of “anti‐utopia” as potentially descriptive of the ZDD, specifically, as well as the FARC's overall historical character.
The influence of social media on public attitudes and behaviors towards cosmetic dermatologic procedures and skin care practices: A study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almudimeegh Almuntsrbellah , Almukhadeb Eman , Nagshabandi Khalid Nabil , Aldosari Omar , Aldakhil Ibrahim , Aldosari Zyad , Alhuqbani Mohammed , Alkhani Khalid
Published: April 2024

Background

Social media has fostered a landscape where trends, ideals, and beauty standards have significantly proliferated. Images of flawless skin, sculpted features, and curated aesthetics inundate user feeds, potentially shaping their self‐perceptions and aspirations. The rise of influencers, dermatologist social media engagement, and beauty campaigns sharing skincare routines and product recommendations wield substantial influence over individual appearance‐related decisions.

Aims

The main aim of this study is to determine the pattern of behavior in using social media to seek dermatological procedures and skin care routine.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide, online cross‐sectional study targeting the general Saudi population. Our survey aimed to understand participant social media behaviors and gather insights into skincare products, cosmetic procedures, and makeup habits.

Results

Gender‐related differences emerged in seeking skincare advice. Females preferred dermatologists on social media (p < 0.001) and beauty influencers (p < 0.001), whereas men leaned towards pharmacists (p < 0.001). Women displayed stronger engagement with dermatologist social media reputation regarding non‐cosmetic concerns (p < 0.001), education (p < 0.001), and social media impact on cosmetic decisions (p = 0.001). They frequently sought dermatologists on social media before appointments (p = 0.001), whereas men emphasized dermatologists' fame (p = 0.024). Common cosmetic barriers included high costs (62.5%), complications (40.3%), and trust issues (40.2%). Women underwent various cosmetic procedures (p < 0.05), influenced by social media in their decisions and skincare routines.

Conclusions

Our study reveals significant gender‐based disparities in seeking skincare advice. Women rely on social media, clinics, friends, and beauty influencers, whereas men prefer pharmacists. Additionally, women depend on dermatologists' social media reputation and conduct thorough pre‐appointment research. Their heightened social media engagement links to skincare practices and influences cosmetic procedure considerations based on age and usage frequency.
Successful laparoscopic resection of retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy between the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava: A case report
Authors: Mizutani Akane , Nagashima Minoru , Ohira Yasuyuki , Mimura Takashi , Onuki Mamiko , Matsuoka Ryu , Sekizawa Akihiko , Matsumoto Koji
Published: April 2024

Retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancies are extremely rare; only a few cases having been reported. Here, we report laparoscopic removal of an asymptomatic retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy from a 29‐year‐old woman who was referred to our hospital for a suspected ectopic pregnancy. Transvaginal ultrasound did not reveal a gestational sac in the uterus or pelvic cavity. However, abdominal contrast‐enhanced computer tomography showed a gestational sac between the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava. On laparoscopy, the gestational sac was confirmed to be in this retroperitoneal location and successfully removed with minimal bleeding. Histopathologic examination revealed chorionic villi surrounded by lymphatic tissue, suggesting lymphatic spread of the retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy. In summary, contrast‐enhanced computer tomography is very useful for locating the site of pregnancy in women suspected of having a retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy. Timely diagnosis of a retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy before bleeding occurs can enable their safe laparoscopic removal.
Catastrophe risk in a stochastic multi‐population mortality model
Authors: Robben Jens , Antonio Katrien
Published: April 2024

This paper incorporates mortality shocks in the scenarios for future mortality rates produced by a stochastic multi‐population mortality model. Hereto, the proposed model combines a decreasing stochastic mortality trend with a mechanism that switches between regimes of low and high volatility. During the high volatility regimes, mortality shocks occur that last from one to several years and temporarily impact the mortality rates before returning to the overall mortality trend. Furthermore, we account for the age‐specific impact of these mortality shocks on mortality rates. Actuaries and risk managers can tailor this scenario generator to their specific needs, risk management objectives, or supervisory requirements. The generated scenarios allow (re)insurers, policymakers, or actuaries to evaluate the effects of different catastrophe risk scenarios on, for example, the calculation of solvency capital requirements.
Past School Discipline Experiences: Perspectives of Disabled Adults
Authors: Fraley Hannah E. , Capp Gordon
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

School discipline has potential life‐long consequences for students. Disabled youth can be misunderstood and experience harsh discipline and are at increased risk for negative outcomes, yet little research includes their voices. The aim of this study was to explore past school discipline experiences among disabled adults.

METHODS

Disabled adult perspectives (N = 9) regarding past school discipline experiences were explored employing qualitative descriptive methodology framed by the Peace and Power Conceptual Model. Peace‐Power versus Power‐Over‐Powers involve actions/behaviors reflecting critical emancipation or oppression of those in power.

RESULTS

Eight peace‐power versus power‐over themes emerged: “humiliating,” “threatening,” “escaping,” “observing,” “avoiding,” “diverging,” “isolating,” and “failing.”

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY

Disabled students can experience oppressive power‐over dynamics separating them from others because they are unable to meet rigid classroom expectations. Educators may lack awareness of structural biases shaping reactions warranting need for school policies and practices promoting restorative justice, social‐emotional learning, and inclusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Classroom discipline can represent emancipatory peace‐power or oppressive power‐over powers. Not all teacher interactions represent 1 power or the other. Future research should focus on including disabled student voices informing school discipline practices. Educators' perspectives of their role fostering inclusive classrooms should also be considered.
Revisiting the relevance of Hirano bodies in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Yoshida Koji , Forrest Shelley L. , Ichimata Shojiro , Tanaka Hidetomo , Kon Tomoya , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Tator Charles H. , Lang Anthony E. , Nishida Naoki , Kovacs Gabor G.
Published: April 2024

Aims

Hirano bodies (HBs) are eosinophilic pathological structures with two morphological phenotypes commonly found in the hippocampal CA1 region in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study evaluated the prevalence and distribution of HBs in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study systematically evaluated HBs in a cohort of 193 cases with major neurodegenerative diseases, including AD (n = 91), Lewy body disease (LBD, n = 87), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP, n = 36), multiple system atrophy (MSA, n = 14) and controls (n = 26). The prevalence, number and morphology of HBs in the stratum lacunosum (HBL) and CA1 pyramidal cell layer were examined. In addition, we investigated the presence of HBs in five additional hippocampal subregions.

Results

The morphological types of HBs in CA1 were divided into three, including a newly discovered type, and were evaluated separately, with their morphology confirmed in three dimensions: (1) classic rod‐shaped HB (CHB), (2) balloon‐shaped HB (BHB) and the newly described (3) string‐shaped HB (SHB). The prevalence of each HB type differed between disease groups: Compared with controls, for CHB in AD, AD + LBD, PSP and corticobasal degeneration, for BHB in AD + LBD and PSP, and SHB in AD + LBD and PSP were significantly increased. Regression analysis showed that CHBs were independently associated with higher Braak NFT stage, BHBs with LBD and TDP‐43 pathology, SHBs with higher Braak NFT stage, PSP and argyrophilic grain disease and HBLs with MSA.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that HBs are associated with diverse neurodegenerative diseases and shows that morphological types appear distinctively in various conditions.
Application of dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy in vivo in the evaluation of nevi in children
Authors: Pogorzelska‐Antkowiak Anna , Gonzalez Salvador
Published: April 2024

Background

Melanocytic nevi are frequently observed in the pediatric population. While newly acquired nevi can appear during childhood, congenital nevi can continue to grow and clinically change, making patient caregivers concerned. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in vivo is a noninvasive tool that might enhance the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy, reducing the rate of unnecessary surgical procedures. This study aimed to assess the utility of RCM in increasing the diagnostic accuracy of pediatric melanocytic nevi that show pigmentation changes or grow rapidly.

Methods

Pediatric patients who presented between January 2022 and February 2023 in a single institution with rapidly growing melanocytic nevi or nevi that presented changes in the pigmentation were included in the study. All nevi were evaluated by means of dermoscopy and RCM.

Results

Forty‐two patients with a total of 42 melanocytic nevi were included. Most lesions showed a honeycombed pattern (n = 21, 50%). On RCM, only 3 of 42 nevi presented atypical cells within the epidermis (7.1%). Evaluation of the dermoepidermal junction (DEJ) revealed the predominance of the meshwork pattern (n = 22, 52.4%). Notably, features considered significant for atypical melanocytic nevi included 9 nevi with scant atypical melanocytes (21.4%) and 3 nevi with nonedge papillae (7.1%). None of the studied lesions required biopsy among this cohort.

Conclusions

Most rapidly growing and clinically changing nevi rarely exhibit single atypical cells in the DEJ. The RCM served as a valuable adjunct to dermoscopy, allowing reassurance in the evaluation of these lesions.
Effect of hydrogen‐rich saline on melanopsin after acute blue light‐induced retinal damage in rats
Authors: Wang Xiao , Sun Yifan , Luan Changlin , Yang Shiqiao , Wang Kailei , Zhang Xiaoran , Hao Rui , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2024

Excessive exposure to blue light can cause retinal damage. Hydrogen‐rich saline (HRS), one of the hydrogen therapies, has been demonstrated to be effective in eye photodamage, but the effect on the expression of melanopsin in intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) is unknown. In this study, we used a rat model of light‐induced retinal injury to observe the expression of melanopsin after HRS treatment and to determine the effect of HRS on retinal ganglion cell protection. Adult SD rats were exposed to blue light (48 h) and treated with HRS for 0, 3, 7, and 14 days. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blotting (WB) were performed to find the expression of genes and proteins, respectively. The function of retinal ipRGCs was measured by pattern‐evoked electroretinography (pERG). The number and morphological changes of melanopsin‐positive ganglion cells in the retina were observed by immunofluorescence (IF). Acute blue light exposure caused a decrease in ipRGC function, decreased expression of melanopsin protein and the melanopsin‐positive RGCs, and diminished immunoreactivity in dendrites. However, over time, melanopsin showed a tendency to self‐recovery, with an increase in melanopsin protein expression and the number of melanopsin‐positive RGCs, with incomplete recovery of function within two weeks. HRS treatment accelerated the recovery process, with a significant increase in melanopsin expression and the number of melanopsin‐positive RGCs, and an improvement in the pERG waveform within two weeks.
Brassica napus BnaA09.MYB52 enhances seed coat mucilage accumulation and tolerance to osmotic stress during seed germination in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Ma J. , He T. , Yu R. , Zhao Y. , Hu H. , Zhang W. , Zhang Y. , Liu Z. , Chen M.
Published: April 2024

Seed coat mucilage plays an important role in promoting seed germination under adversity. Previous studies have shown that Arabidopsis thaliana MYB52 (AtMYB52) can positively regulate seed coat mucilage accumulation. However, the role of Brassica napus MYB52 (BnaMYB52) in accumulation of seed coat mucilage and tolerance to osmotic stress during seed germination remains largely unknown.

We cloned the BnaA09.MYB52 coding domain sequence from B. napus cv ZS11, identified its conserved protein domains and elucidated its relationship with homologues from a range of plant species. Transgenic plants overexpressing BnaA09.MYB52 in the A. thaliana myb52‐1 mutant were generated through Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation and used to assess the possible roles of BnaA09.MYB52 in accumulation of seed coat mucilage and tolerance to osmotic stress during seed germination.

Subcellular localization and transcriptional activity assays demonstrated that BnaA09.MYB52 functions as a transcription factor. RT‐qPCR results indicate that BnaA09.MYB52 is predominantly expressed in roots and developing seeds of B. napus cv ZS11. Introduction of BnaA09.MYB52 into myb52‐1 restored thinner seed coat mucilage in this mutant to levels in the wild type. Consistently, expression levels of three key genes participating in mucilage formation in developing seeds of myb52‐1 were also restored to wild type levels by overexpressing BnaA09.MYB52. Furthermore, BnaA09.MYB52 was induced by osmotic stress during seed germination in B. napus, and ectopic expression of BnaA09.MYB52 successfully corrected sensitivity of the myb52‐1 mutant to osmotic stress during seed germination.

These findings enhance our understanding of the functions of BnaA09.MYB52 and provide a novel strategy for future B. napus breeding.
Can corruption connect you to politics? Nepotism, anxiety, and government blame
Authors: Kolberg‐Shah Deanna , Shin Hwayong
Published: April 2024

Can corruption scandals trigger citizens to punish a poor‐performing government? Citizens often fail to punish governments with subpar policy outcomes because they tend to isolate politics from their personal life and avoid blaming one's own party. Challenging these popular beliefs, our findings from a survey experiment in South Korea indicate that corruption scandals accusing elected officials of nepotism trigger people to blame the government as the cause of their personal grievances. This effect is prominent among individuals who are highly worried about their own education, employment, and retirement, highlighting anxiety as a driving factor. Surprisingly, the effect of nepotism spills across domains; for example, college admission nepotism increases government blame for concerns on not only education but also employment and retirement. Moreover, nepotism may prompt partisans whose party is in power, who are otherwise less likely to blame the incumbent government, to attribute greater blame to the government. These findings imply that corruption scandals can alter perceptions of how government performance affects personal lives. Overall, the study suggests that nepotism in areas critical to personal well‐being may generate an effective opposition against poor‐performing government, as seen in the 2016–17 South Korean presidential corruption scandal.
Picochloropsis malayensis gen. et sp. nov. (Chlorellales, Chlorophyta), an ammonium tolerant, polyphosphate‐accumulating microalga from seawater
Authors: Katayama Tomoyo , Takahashi Kazuya , Wahid Mohd Effendy Abd , Yusoff Fatimah Md. , Takahashi Kazutaka
Published: April 2024

The significant concentrations of phosphate in wastewater can be considered as an important fertilizer source. Some microalgae uptake phosphate from wastewater and store it in the form of polyphosphate (polyP). Therefore, biological phosphorus recovery processes have been attracting significant attention recently. However, wastewaters are often rich in ammonium, and so microalgae used for phosphorus recovery should be tolerant of this component. In the present study, 151 microalgae were isolated from freshwater, brackish water and seawater. Among them, 11 strains showed higher growth rates in ammonium‐rich media. Of these, the strain SLG4‐06 originating from a marine environment showed the highest polyP accumulation rate and was selected as the most potential alga for phosphorus recovery from wastewater. Based on the morphological and ultrastructural characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of nuclear‐encoded 18S rDNA and chloroplast‐encoded rbcL of strain SLG4‐06, we propose Picochloropsis malayensis gen. et sp. nov. for this strain in the Chlorellales, Trebouxiophyceae. Because P. malayensis can grow in both seawater and freshwater environments, it may be suitable for wastewater treatment in marine aquaculture ponds with widely fluctuating salinity levels.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for depression, quality of life, and cognitive function in the post‐stroke period: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wan Mingye , Zhang Ying , Wu Youping , Ma Xia
Published: April 2024

The post‐stroke period is associated with a lot of sequelae, including depression, decreased quality of life, and decline of cognitive function. Apart from the pharmacotherapy, it is also important to find a non‐pharmacological treatment to relieve the sequelae. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) might be a potential candidate, which can be clarified by a systematic review and meta‐analysis. The eligible criteria of enrolled studies in the systematic review and meta‐analysis were the randomised clinical trials (RCTs) using CBT to treat post‐stroke depression, or with the focus on quality of life or cognitive function in the post‐stroke period. The endpoint scores of depression, quality of life, and cognitive function scales were the targeted outcome for the final meta‐analysis in the random effects model. Ten RCTs with 432 post‐stroke patients receiving CBT and 385 controls were included. The meta‐analysis results showed significant improvements in depression severity and quality of life. However, no significant difference between CBT and control groups was found in cognitive function. In addition, significant heterogeneity was derived from the meta‐analysis. According to the meta‐analysis results, CBT might be beneficial for relieving depression severity and improving quality of life. However, cognitive function might not be influenced by CBT. Further studies with a more consistent CBT design with greater sample sizes should be warranted to clarify and confirm the treatment effects of CBT for post‐stroke depression and quality of life.
Restoring stone and dominant grass species cover in a Mediterranean grassland: 20‐year effects on soil, vegetation, and arthropod communities
Authors: Saby Léa , Buisson Elise , Blight Olivier , Vidaller Christel , Dutoit Thierry
Published: April 2024

Long‐term studies are needed to monitor recovery following restoration, as it may take decades or even centuries, particularly in the case of Mediterranean dry grasslands, for communities to reach their former equilibrium before the degradation occurred. A multi‐component approach is also needed to evaluate restoration success and better understand the complex impacts of former restoration projects on present‐day ecological interactions and ecosystem functions. The objective of this study was to address the restoration of a Mediterranean grassland in southern France, 20 years after implementation. Particularly, we examine the long‐term impact on soil, vegetation, and arthropods of the reintroduction of a dominant grass species (Brachypodium retusum) and the restoration of the natural stone cover on a degraded former cultivated field. Soil analyses revealed that reestablishing stone cover only slightly acidified the soil, while B. retusum presence enhanced soil fertility. Brachypodium retusum also decreased the nutritional value of forage and increased plant biomass and litter. Plant composition shifted with treatments: B. retusum and stone cover favored xeromesophilous species, while B. retusum alone encouraged less palatable species. The soil seed bank composition and abundance were positively influenced by stone cover but negatively impacted by B. retusum reintroduction. Negative outcomes on some arthropods and mesofauna were measured in treatments with both B. retusum and stones, except for Acari, which were positively impacted by the presence of stones. The findings emphasize that B. retusum is an ecological engineer with complex effects on the different ecosystem components.
The negotiation process of the EU Nature Restoration Law Proposal: bringing nature back in Europe against the backdrop of political turmoil?
Authors: Cliquet An , Aragão Alexandra , Meertens Matilde , Schoukens Hendrik , Decleer Kris
Published: April 2024

In 2022, the European Commission proposed an EU Nature Restoration Law (Proposal). This was a groundbreaking proposal and would be the first comprehensive piece of binding international legislation that holds legally binding targets and deadlines for landscape‐wide restoration. Although the Proposal initially received very positive reactions from a variety of stakeholders, including scientists, organizations, and companies, certain lobby groups—mainly from the primary sectors (agriculture, forestry, and fisheries)—led a strong campaign against the Proposal, often based on unfounded arguments and short‐term considerations. After several nail‐biting voting rounds, a political compromise on an amended text was finally reached and awaits final approval. The Compromise still provides an appropriate legal basis for upscaling restoration within the EU through clear targets on restoration for different ecosystems and implementation obligations for Member States. However, we argue that, since the Compromise weakens the Proposal on some vital points regarding the operationalization of restoration at the national level, it remains uncertain whether the final law will produce the tangible effects that are necessary in the coming years.