bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Dual Group‐Based 11‐Year Trajectory Analysis of Cognitive Impairment and Transport Restriction for Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Yang Yong , Jiang Yu , Wen Ming , Wang Li
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To examine the trajectories of cognitive impairment and transport restriction over time and the interrelation between these trajectories among older adults.

Methods

Group‐based trajectory modeling was used on the longitudinal National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) over 11 years from 2011 to 2021, among 5753 participants, stratified by age in 2011 to three groups of 65–74 years, 75–84 years, and 85 years and above.

Results

For transport restrictions, these trajectory groups were: (1) a majority with no restrictions, (2) low and increasing or stable, and (3) moderate or high and decreasing. The overall pattern was largely consistent across the three age groups, with the older group showing a higher predicted likelihood of transport restrictions compared to the younger group. For each of the three age groups, there were two cognitive impairment trajectories including (1) low and (2) increasing cognitive impairment. The proportions of increasing cognitive impairment were 12.3% among the 65–74 years old, 27.3% among the 75–84 years old, and 40.4% among the 85 years and above old. Compared with those with no transport restriction, the other two trajectories with either low or moderate transport restrictions were more likely to belong to increasing cognitive impairment. The odds ratio was 3.06 (95% CI 2.0–4.68) for low & increasing transport restrictions versus 1.57 (95% CI 0.96–2.56) for moderate & decreasing transport restrictions among 65–74 years old. The odds ratio was 2.38 (95% CI 1.68–3.38) for low & increasing transport restrictions versus 1.88 (95% CI 1.39–2.55) for moderate & decreasing transport restrictions among 75–84 years old.

Conclusions

Cognitive impairment was more likely to co‐occur with those with low and increasing transport restrictions than with those with moderate and decreasing transport restrictions. Addressing transport restriction among older adults holds the potential to ameliorate cognitive outcomes.
Investigating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male health and wellbeing programs and their key elements: A scoping review
Authors: Canuto Kootsy , Gaweda Celina , Brickley Bryce , Neate Rosie , Hammond Courtney , Newcombe Leah , Gee Graham , Black Oliver , Clinch Douglas , Smith James A. , Canuto Karla J.
Published: December 2024

Issue Addressed

This scoping review aims to explore the size and scope of the body of literature relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male health and wellbeing programs and describe key program elements.

Methods

This review considered unpublished and published literature from electronic peer‐reviewed databases and grey literature sources. Included articles must refer to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male health and wellbeing program. Descriptive data synthesised, and seven key program elements were analysed: (1) Origin of Design, (2) Governance, (3) Leads/Facilitators, (4) Funding, (5) Length and Frequency, (6) Outcomes and Measures, and (7) Monitoring and Evaluation.

Results

The review identified 54 programs described in 49 publications that were published between 1998 and 2022. Only 20 publications were peer‐reviewed articles. Most programs (n = 44) were instigated, co‐designed or adapted by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to suit cultural and community needs. Reporting on key program elements varied, with only n = 25 of the included publications reporting governance systems.

Conclusions

This work is the first to synthesise the literature and describe the key elements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male health and wellbeing programs. Relatively few publications were found describing programs designed specifically for this population group.

So What?

While the descriptive findings of the programs and their key elements in this review can assist health promotion and primary care practitioners, further investment and research are required to strengthen the evidence base and achieve the best health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males.
Differential Responses of Sap Flow to Environmental Factors Under Contrasting Rainfall Amounts During the Rainy Season in a Boreal Birch Forest
Authors: Tian Yehong , Man Xiuling , Xu Zhipeng , Cai Tijiu
Published: December 2024

Sap flow dynamics are critical for understanding how vegetation consumes water and adapts to environmental stress. The response of sap flow in boreal birch secondary forests to rainfall variations during the rainy season, however, has been inadequately explored. Our study indicated that photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) are the primary drivers of sap flow density in birch trees across different diameter classes (Fds: small trees, Fdm: medium‐sized trees, Fdl: large trees). Soil water content (SWC) significantly reduces sap flow when it falls below the 0.18 cm3/cm3. Sap flow density increased with PAR and initially with VPD but plateaued at higher VPD levels due to saturation. A hierarchy of sap flow density was observed, with Fdl > Fdm > Fds, each responding differently to PAR, VPD and SWC. With decreasing rainfall across rainy seasons, the influence of PAR on Fds and Fdm weakened, while the influence of VPD strengthened. For Fdl, the impact of VPD peaked and then declined, while the influence of PAR showed an inverse pattern. In the dry season, Fdl was primarily driven by PAR and influenced by VPD and SWC, whereas Fds was mainly controlled by VPD, with minimal effects from PAR and SWC. The response of Fdm to SWC was similar to that of Fdl, but it mirrored the response of Fds to PAR and VPD. These findings suggest that sap flow in boreal birch forests may become increasingly susceptible to SWC stress as global climate change intensifies.
Evaluating the impact of fertilizer and crop prices on phosphorus concentrations in Great Lakes watersheds
Authors: Sarkar Sampriti , Lal Preet , Sears Molly , Lupi Frank
Published: December 2024

Crop and input prices affect agricultural production and water pollution. Fertilizer prices fluctuated over the past two decades, recently increasing substantially. Corn prices also increased after authorization of the Renewable Fuel Standard. This paper estimates the effect of fertilizer and corn prices on total phosphorus (TP) and dissolved phosphorus (DP) concentrations across 226 Great Lakes region watersheds. Findings indicate that a 10% rise in fertilizer prices reduces TP by 3% and DP by 6.9%. Counterfactual analysis shows that without recent fertilizer price hikes, nutrient concentrations would be higher, underscoring the impact of crop and input prices on phosphorus pollution.
Study on the Role of microRNA‐138‐5p Through Sorbin and SH3 Domain‐Containing Protein 2 in Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang LiGong , Zhu Chao , Guo Chenxu , Yin FaXiang , Xie Qiang , Tao Min
Published: December 2024

Breast cancer (BRCA) is one of the major threats to women's health worldwide. This study focuses on the roles of sorbin and SH3 domain‐containing protein 2 (SORBS2) protein and microRNA‐138‐5p in the progression of BRCA, analyzing their regulatory effects on cancer cell proliferation, cell cycle, and migration ability. Using bioinformatics tools and experimental methods, the study found that SORBS2 is commonly underexpressed in BRCA. Additionally, it demonstrated that microRNA‐138‐5p can significantly inhibit tumor growth by suppressing SORBS2 expression, providing new molecular targets for BRCA treatment.
A Compact Piezo‐Drive Rotatable Scanning Tunneling Microscope in a 12 T Cryogen‐Free Magnet
Authors: Liu Junwei , Li Zihao , Wu Dan , Zheng Shaofeng , Gao Yue , Yang Shiwei , Wang Jihao , Zhang Jing , Feng Qiyuan , Hou Yubin , Meng Wenjie , Lu Yalin , Lu Qingyou
Published: December 2024

Atomically resolved scanning tunneling microscope (STM) capable of in situ rotation in a narrow magnet bore has become a long‐awaited but challenging technique in the field of strong correlation studies since it can introduce the orientation of the strong magnetic field as a control parameter. This article presents the design and functionality of a piezoelectrically driven rotatable STM (RSTM), operating within a 12 T cryogen‐free magnet and achieving a base temperature below 1.8 K, along with spectroscopic capabilities. The system features a compact STM head unit that combines an inertia drive shaft with spring clamping onto the inner wall of a slender piezoelectric scanning tube (PST), enabling both stepper and scanner functionality while reducing the STM's size to 25.5 mm in length and 9 mm in diameter, facilitating rotation within the magnet bore. Another linear piezoelectric motor, driven by a PST, employs a mechanical linkage to convert linear into rotational motion, driving the STM head unit coaxially aligned with it. This mechanism enables STM accurate rotation, offering angle control from 0° to 90° with an ideal closed‐loop accuracy of 0.11° per 0.01 V, as determined by a calibrated Hall sensor. Compact and suspended as a standalone unit at the tail of the sample probe, the RSTM is effectively shielded from external mechanical vibrations via secondary counterweight damping. To validate the device performance, the topographic images of graphite and NbSe2 and their spectroscopy at various magnetic field orientations up to 12 T and temperatures below 1.8 K are obtained. The compact and vibration‐resistant RSTM provides compatibility with ultra‐high‐field water‐cooled magnets, facilitating investigations into multiangle magnetic field modulation studies for condensed matter physics.
Determining health professional students’ self‐perceived cultural capability following participation in clinical placement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples: A systematic review
Authors: Paisley Kate , Sadler Sean , West (Wiradjuri) Matthew , Gerrard James , Wilson (Wiradjuri) Rhonda , Searle Angela , Chuter Vivienne
Published: December 2024

Background

Collective evaluation of studies assessing students’ self‐perceived cultural capability following clinical placement is required to help inform future cultural capability training for both university and healthcare service environments. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate studies investigating health professional students’ self‐perceived cultural capability following participation in a clinical placement with First Nations Peoples.

Methods

Electronic database searchers were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, PsychINFO, Pubmed, CINAHL and Informit. Hand Searches of grey literature were conducted including Lowitja institute, Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, Menzies School of Health Research, Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health, and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Studies published in English that investigated health professional students’ self‐perceived cultural capability before and after clinical placement undertaken with First Nations people in Australia were eligible for inclusion. Two authors independently screened potentially eligible studies and performed quality appraisal and data extraction.

Results

A total of 14 studies were included (n = 307 participants). Studies included undergraduate students from podiatry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and mixed health professions. The results of this systematic review suggest that clinical placements in health services or settings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples that involve elements of co‐design are effective in increasing aspects of health professional students’ self‐perceived cultural capability. This outcome was consistent across studies regardless of the location of clinical placements (urban or rural), type of clinical placement (health setting or Community), or length of placement.

Conclusions

The findings from this systematic review suggest that clinical placement in health services or settings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples may contribute to increased self‐perceived cultural capability in health professions graduates. However, the impact of the placements on the cultural safety of student‐led care, from a First Nations perspective, remains to be established.
High recent PrEP adherence with point‐of‐care urine tenofovir testing and adherence counselling among young African women: results from the INSIGHT cohort
Authors: Gati Mirembe Brenda , Donnell Deborah , Krows Meighan , Zwane Zinhle , Bukusi Elizabeth , Panchia Ravindre , Louw Cheryl , Mwelase Noluthando , Selepe Pearl , Senne Melissa , Naidoo Logashvari , Chihana Rachel , Kasaro Margaret , Nuwagaba‐Biribonwoha Harriet , Kotze Philip , Gill Katherine , MacDonald Pippa , vanHeerden Alastair , Bosman Shannon , Jaggernath Manjeetha , du Preez Phillip , Ward Amy , Peters Remco P. H. , Delany‐Moretlwe Sinead , Peacock Sue , Johnson Rachel , Caucutt Jason , Morrison Susan , Wang Guohong , Gandhi Monica , Velloza Jennifer , Heffron Renee , Celum Connie ,   the INSIGHT Study Team
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) account for two‐thirds of new HIV infections in Africa. African AGYW have had high uptake of oral HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) but low adherence, which might be improved by point‐of‐care adherence monitoring with tailored counselling.

Methods

From August 2022 to July 2023, we conducted a PrEP demonstration project with sexually active AGYW ages 16−30 years from 20 sites in South Africa, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda and Zambia. Participants were offered oral tenofovir‐based PrEP at enrolment and followed up at 1, 3 and 6 months. PrEP adherence was assessed by a point‐of‐care qualitative lateral flow urine tenofovir (TFV) assay indicating PrEP use in the prior 4 days, which accompanied real‐time adherence counselling that incorporated urine TFV results when testing was available (70.8% of month 1, 35.3% of month 3 and 83.9% of month 6 visits). We estimated overall adherence, correcting for missing test results, and analysed the association of having received urine TFV results at month 1 or 3 with subsequent urine TFV test positivity, using modified Poisson regression.

Results

Of the 3087 AGYW enrolled, the median age was 24 years (interquartile range 21−27), 75.7% were from South Africa, 2878 (93.2%) initiated PrEP at enrolment and 107 (3.5%) after enrolment. Visit retention was 92.0−96.2% for months 1, 3 and 6, and 2518 (90.1%) exited the study with a PrEP refill. Adherence, based on the point‐of‐care urine tenofovir test positivity rate, was estimated as 72%, 71% and 65% at months 1, 3 and 6, respectively. Women who received one prior urine TFV test had a 42% higher likelihood of a subsequent positive urine TFV test (adjusted odds ratio, OR = 1.42, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.27−1.60), and those having received two prior tests had a 67% higher likelihood (adjusted OR = 1.67; 95% CI 1.41−1.98). Observed HIV incidence was 1.38/100 person‐years (95% CI 0.97−2.08).

Conclusions

Oral PrEP uptake, recent adherence and persistence were high in a multisite cohort of young African women over 6 months of follow‐up. The use of a novel point‐of‐care tenofovir assay with tailored real‐time adherence counselling was associated with increased adherence to PrEP at subsequent visits, warranting further study.

Clinical trials registration

clinicaltrials.gov NCT05746065
Executive and adaptive function impacts long‐term outcomes for adults with maple syrup urine disease
Authors: Gold Jessica I. , Strong Alanna , Gold Nina B. , Yudkoff Marc , Szalda Dava , Jan Sophia , Schwartz Lisa A. , Ganetzky Rebecca
Published: December 2024

Successful transition to independent adulthood requires intact executive and adaptive function. These neurocognitive domains are frequently impaired in inherited metabolic disorders (IMD), despite optimal management. For many IMDs, the impact of executive and adaptive dysfunction on long‐term outcomes remains undefined. Standardized assessments linking neurocognitive status with functional outcomes are needed to improve prognostication and tailor support for affected emerging adults. Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), a relatively prevalent IMD, is primarily diagnosed in the first week of life through newborn screening. Despite early intervention, executive and adaptive dysfunction persist. We designed a remote, interactive battery of neurocognitive and functional assessments for adults (≥21 years) with MSUD to correlate neurocognition and long‐term outcomes. Participants were selectively recruited for racial, ethnic, socio‐economic, and geographic diversity. Assessments completed by 28 adults with MSUD (82% diagnosed after symptom onset, 25% from minority communities) show a wide range in educational attainment, employment, and residence. Executive and adaptive function were significantly impaired in adults with MSUD compared to controls. Executive and adaptive deficits correlated negatively with educational attainment, employment, and obtaining skills needed for adult‐oriented healthcare or independent living. Clinical history did not predict functional outcomes, but neurocognitive assessments suggest the benefits of pre‐symptomatic diagnosis. Independent adulthood is attainable for individuals with MSUD. Routine assessment of neurocognition and interventions targeting executive and adaptive function may improve long‐term functional outcomes in IMD.
Imaging Assessment of the Pituitary Gland and Long‐Term Endocrinological Abnormalities in Pediatric Brain Cancer Survivors
Authors: Qawasmi Feras , Segev Maria , Sobeh Tamer , Gorenstein Larisa , Abebe‐Campino Gadi , Hoffmann Chen , Yalon Michal , Modan‐Moses Dalit , Shrot Shai
Published: December 2024

Background

Pediatric brain cancer survivors often experience hypothalamic–pituitary dysfunction due to cranial irradiation and chemotherapy. While hormone deficiencies have been studied, the changes in pituitary size and shape on long‐term MRI and their relationship to endocrine dysfunction remain under‐explored.

Purpose

To evaluate pituitary gland height, volume, and shape in relation to long‐term endocrine abnormalities in pediatric brain tumor survivors.

Study Type

Retrospective cohort study.

Population

A total of 56 pediatric brain tumor survivors (50% male) with an average follow‐up of 10.8 ± 1.6 years; 44.6% underwent radiotherapy, and 48% were treated with chemotherapy. One‐third of the cohort experienced at least one pituitary hormone deficiency.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T, including volumetric 1 mm sagittal post‐contrast T1 images.

Assessment

Pituitary height, volume, and shape (concave, horizontal, convex) were measured. Endocrine abnormalities were diagnosed through routine serum hormone testing.

Statistical Tests

The t test, chi‐square test, and Pearson test with significance at P < 0.05 were used. Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) analysis assessed the association of imaging parameters and pituitary dysfunction.

Results

Radiation and chemotherapy treatment were significantly associated with pituitary hormone deficiencies. There were significant differences in pituitary height and volume in patients with pituitary hormone deficiencies compared with normal pituitary function (4.0 ± 1.3 vs. 5.5 ± 1.5 mm, and 354.2 ± 198.0 vs. 568.3 ± 184.4 mm3, respectively). There was a significant association between radiation therapy and pituitary gland shape, with 60.0% of patients who received radiation therapy exhibiting a pituitary shape categorized as concave, 32.0% as horizontal, and 8.0% as convex, compared to 9.7%, 74.2%, and 16.1%, respectively. ROC analysis for association with pituitary hormone deficiency was 0.81, 0.8, and 0.74 for pituitary height, volume, and shape, respectively.

Data Conclusion

Cranial irradiation and chemotherapy in pediatric brain tumors are associated with endocrine dysfunction, with decreased pituitary height, volume, and concave shape in long‐term MRI surveillance are associated with such late endocrine dysfunction.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Recent Trends in Extreme Temperature Events Across the Contiguous United States
Authors: Ibebuchi Chibuike Chiedozie , Lee Cameron C. , Sheridan Scott C.
Published: December 2024

Extreme heat events (EHEs) are becoming prevalent across the globe and are a major factor in terms of temperature‐related mortality in the United States (US). In this study, we compare trends in extreme temperature events (ETEs) across the Contiguous US, from 3 reanalysis products, namely: European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis Version 5 (ERA5), Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications Version 2 (MERRA2) and North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR). We focused on the trends (1980–2022) in absolute extreme heat and cold events (ECE) as well as seasonally relative extreme heat and cold events (REHE and RECE). ETEs are defined based on a duration‐intensity metric calculated from excess apparent temperature factors, based on the exceedance of apparent temperature beyond local percentile thresholds while incorporating an acclimatisation factor. Our results show that the reanalysis data sets generally produced consistent climatology of ETEs, though with some inconsistencies in their number and spatial distribution. ETE trends in the study region are spatially heterogeneous and were more consistent between MERRA2 and ERA5. Nonetheless, all data sets agree that the frequency of EHEs is significantly increasing in the western parts of the US, whereas REHEs are significantly increasing in the southern parts. The highest increase in the frequency of EHEs occurs in southern California and Nevada, while REHE trends are maximal in Florida. RECEs are significantly decreasing more in spatial scale and magnitude than ECEs, especially towards the coastal regions. The highest decrease in RECEs is in Florida peninsula, southern California and Nevada. The data sets show inconsistency in ECE trends. Trends in excess temperature factors further indicated that extreme cold conditions are decreasing faster compared to the increasing trends of extreme heat conditions. Our findings highlight the need for improving the monitoring of ETEs across the US and for policies that mitigate the impact of ETEs on biological systems.
Enhancing stability and physiological activity of Aronia melanocarpaL. anthocyanin by polysaccharides
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Zhu Shiyu , Shang Dansen , Hamid Nazimah , Ma Qianli , Xiao Yuhang , Ren Lining , Liu Guochen , Sun Aidong
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

The existence of multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups in anthocyanins makes their structure unstable and leads to the degradation of anthocyanins. At present, there are few studies on the stability and physiological activity of Aronia melanocarpa L. anthocyanins by different polysaccharides. The present study investigated the effects of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), pectin and xanthan gum (XG) on the stability and biological activities of A. melanocarpa L. anthocyanins.

RESULTS

The anthocyanins of A. melanocarpa L. (AAM) were successfully extracted from A. melanocarpa L. with an extraction rate of 3.07 mg g−1 by single factor and response surface experiments. The results of scanning electron microscopy and a multispectral technique showed that AAM‐polysaccharides complex was combined by hydrogen bond, cation‐π interaction and electrostatic interaction. The AAM‐polysaccharides complex improved the retention rate of anthocyanins after treatment with light, heating, oxidant reducing agent, metal ions and preservatives compared to the results for AAM alone. Determination of DPPH· scavenging capacity, ABTS+ scavenging capacity and total reducing capacity indicated that the presence of polysaccharide could improve the antioxidant activity of AAM in vitro. The three polysaccharides combined with AAM showed higher binding ability to taurocholate and glycocholate compared to the AAM group, with the AAM‐XG binding rate being the highest at 27.61% and 20.61%, respectively. The tyrosinase inhibition rate significantly increased with the incorporation of XG, reaching 72.22%.

CONCLUSION

The stability and physiological activity of AAM were improved after the addition of CMC, pectin and XG in the simulated system, and the presence of XG showed greater advantages. The present study strongly suggests that anthocyanins driven by polysaccharides have a positive effect on the stability and physiological activity of anthocyanins and may also provide a research basis for the development of processing technology for anthocyanins in food. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Quantitative analysis of velopharyngeal closure function in patients with cleft palate using four‐dimensional computed tomography: Early experience of pre‐ and postoperative evaluation in pediatric patients
Authors: Kobayashi Yoshikazu , Tsurumi Takuya , Aizawa Takako , Yoshida Mitsuyoshi
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in cleft palate patients often requires surgical intervention. This study evaluates the effectiveness of four‐dimensional computed tomography (4D‐CT) in assessing velopharyngeal function (VPF) pre‐ and postoperatively.

Case presentation

Four pediatric patients with cleft palate underwent 4D‐CT imaging before and after surgery. Velar length, thickness, elevation angle, and minimum cross‐sectional area were measured during sustained phonation.

Conclusion

4D‐CT provided detailed imaging without patient discomfort, allowing both qualitative and quantitative analysis. While surgery improved velopharyngeal motion in most cases, further research is needed to understand the relationship between structural changes and hypernasality outcomes.
E‐Government and Tax Evasion: Does the Free Press Connect the Dots?
Authors: Kuzey Cemil , Uyar Ali , Nimer Khalil
Published: December 2024

This study, for the first time, tests the moderating effect of press freedom on the association between e‐government and tax evasion. It aims to suggest policymaking better to combat tax evasion through e‐government and the press. The study sample covers the period between 2002 and 2017 and includes 2202 country‐year records affiliated with 138 countries. The time‐fixed effect was executed to test the proposed hypotheses. The conclusions drawn from the study are as follows. First, the study finds that e‐government practices with four proxies curtail tax evasion through a long‐term vision of public administration, governments' adaptability to change, delivering online services to the citizens by governments, and crafting a legal framework for digital business services. Second, the study finds that all three proxies of press freedom (i.e., legal, economic, and political) are significant predictors of tax evasion implying that tax evasion is curbed in countries where the press is free in terms of highlighted dimensions of media freedom. Third, the free press, with its all three proxies, moderates and strengthens the relationship between e‐government implementation and tax evasion. To fully realize the benefits obtained from e‐government implementations, states worldwide need to build a better institutional environment one dimension of which is the free press.
Why do people walk their dog where the wild things are? A qualitative content analysis from an urban nature reserve
Authors: Packer Jasmin , Kohler Mark , Dawson Dolly , Asad Nusrat , von der Borch Rosslyn , Chur‐Hansen Anna
Published: December 2024

Domestic dogs can have devastating impacts on threatened wildlife, but limiting their damage is challenging because it relies on changing the behaviour of people who bring dogs into natural areas and allow them to romp unrestrained.

Our study addressed the need to understand people and their behaviour when walking a dog on versus off‐leash in nature reserves protecting wildlife species such as endangered marti (bandicoot; Isoodon obesulus) in an Australian biodiversity hotspot. This research was Step 1 (Selecting behaviours) of community‐based social marketing to activate dog control behaviours that benefit dogs, people and wildlife in nature reserves. We investigated the specific target audience and behaviours through semi‐structured interviews of dog walkers within a nature reserve where dogs are legally required to be on lead, qualitative content analyses of the interview transcripts, and review of motivations and underlying values identified from this and past studies.

Our results indicate that personal motivations, the natural atmosphere and/or proximity to home, were the strongest drivers for dog walkers in visiting the reserve. Most people keep their dog on the lead at least some of the time, mainly for their dog's safety and to align with social norms.

Our findings provide insight into people's behaviours that are strongly motivated by social norms, rather than wildlife protection, in respecting dog control regulations within nature reserves.

Synthesis and applications. Land managers can use our framework to identify motivations and values among local dog walkers who keep their dog on lead. Policymakers can use our findings to better understand how community‐based social marketing can help understand dog walkers and explore the links between norms and behaviour as a powerful policy lever for people who want to walk their dog and protect wildlife in nature reserves.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Synthesis of Diethylamino End‐Modified Poly(Ethylene Glycol) With Imine Spacer to Form Mono‐Ion Complexes With pDNA
Authors: Oba Riku , Mori Amika , Asayama Shoichiro
Published: December 2024

The concept of our pDNA mono‐ion complex (MIC) to minimize cationic cytotoxicity for pDNA delivery has been established by using the monocationic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). In this study, the diethylamino end‐modified PEG with imine spacer (DEAP‐NC‐PEG) has been synthesized to enhance the MIC formation by the hydrophobic cation of a diethylamino group, which increase the hydrophobic environment around the site of electrostatic interaction with a phosphate anion of pDNA. Although our previous monocationic PEGs are necessary to form MICs with pDNA at large mixing positive/negative charge ratio, the synthesized monocationic DEAP‐NC‐PEG formed the MIC at a mixing charge ratio of 1. The resulting DEAP‐NC‐PEG/pDNA MIC was stable under aqueous conditions. Furthermore, the DEAP‐NC‐PEG formed the MIC with mRNA, offering a unique platform for nucleic acid delivery systems to minimize potential cationic cytotoxicity.
Association of Unmet Social Needs With Disease‐Related Outcomes in Pediatric Patients With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Sonenklar Molly , Marks Sarah , Donald Cerelia , Valrie Cecelia , Smith Wally , Sisler India
Published: December 2024

Background

Social determinants of health (SDoH) are socioeconomic factors that influence health and well‐being, though when unmet can greatly contribute to health disparities. Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk of mortality, disability, and healthcare utilization. However, there are limited data linking specific social needs with disease outcomes in this population. Therefore, we sought to identify the unmet needs in one institution and their association with healthcare utilization.

Methods

Children with SCD and their guardians answered demographic and SDoH questionnaires during routine Sickle Cell Clinic appointments. We defined an unmet social need as any positive answer to the SDoH questionnaire. Disease outcome variables were electronic health record (EHR)‐documented emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, clinic appointment attendance, and guardian‐reported acute SCD events in the previous year.

Results

A total of 114 parent–guardian dyads participated, with 103 having complete data to analyze. In all, 52% of subjects reported at least one unmet social need with food insecurity (36%), trouble paying utility bills (28%), and unemployment (16%) being the most prevalent. Subjects with at least one unmet need had two times the rate of ED visits and/or hospitalizations and were 1.15 times more likely to have an SCD event in the past year. However, only the association with ED visits was statistically significant (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Over half of subjects reported at least one unmet need; the most common being reliable access to food, which has the potential to impact health outcomes of sickle cell patients. Furthermore, unmet social needs are linked to healthcare utilization and SCD‐related complications, supporting routine screening for SDoH in this population.
Changes in the pharmacokinetics of lurasidone in a pregnant woman with schizophrenia
Authors: Kawai Mihoko , Aratake Ryosuke , Ogawa Tadashi
Published: December 2024

Background

The population of pregnant women with schizophrenia is increasing. Managing schizophrenia during pregnancy poses unique challenges due to the potential effects of second‐generation antipsychotics on maternal mental health and fetal development and changes in drug pharmacokinetics. Evidence on how physiological changes during pregnancy affect the levels of second‐generation antipsychotics, particularly lurasidone, is limited. There are no data on effectively managing medications and decreasing side‐effects during pregnancy.

Case Presentation

We presented the case of a 34‐year‐old pregnant woman with schizophrenia who had a stable condition with lurasidone therapy before conception. However, she exhibited worsening psychiatric symptoms during the third trimester of pregnancy. Serial measurements of serum lurasidone levels were performed during late pregnancy. Despite maintaining the same dosage, her serum lurasidone levels significantly decreased during the third trimester (maximum decrease of ~65% compared with baseline) and rapidly increased during the postpartum period, coinciding with an improvement in psychiatric symptoms.

Conclusion

Decreased serum lurasidone levels during pregnancy may increase the risk of symptom worsening in patients with schizophrenia. Hence, clinicians should be knowledgeable about the risk of decreased drug levels and the need for therapeutic monitoring and dosage adjustments during pregnancy to maintain treatment efficacy and maternal and fetal health.
In Vitro Hepatic Metabolism Input Parameters Support Toxicokinetic Simulations for the Formation of Methoxy Propionic Acid From β‐Isomer Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether
Authors: Werner Sophie , Hegg Lucie , Hopf Nancy B. , Borgatta Myriam , Suter‐Dick Laura
Published: December 2024

Propylene glycol ethers (PGEs) are organic solvents commonly found as technical grade on the commercial market, as mixtures of secondary (α‐isomer) and primary (β‐isomer, generally < 5%) alcohols. After handling products containing PGEs, they readily enter the human body where they are metabolized. The minor β‐isomer is oxidized by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) followed by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) to a potentially harmful metabolite. Although the enzymatic rate is needed to estimate both parent and metabolite internal exposures, kinetic data for many PGEs are still scarce. Therefore, we generated in vitro hepatic intrinsic clearance data for propylene glycol methyl ether β‐isomer (β‐PGME) and its metabolite methoxy propionic acid (2‐MPA) and integrated these data into an in silico toxicokinetic (TK) model. Hepatic clearance values for the model were generated using an established in vitro 3D culture of the human HepaRG cell line and human S9 liver fraction. Our results showed the presence of ADH and ALDH and consequently, the formation of 2‐MPA in the 3D HepaRG and S9 fraction, which was slow to medium. We integrated the hepatic clearance values into the TK model to predict urinary 2‐MPA concentrations. The simulated urinary 2‐MPA concentrations fitted well (within twofold error from observed experimental data) for both liver systems, showing that they were both able to reliably predict the hepatic clearance of β‐PGME. Although S9 is suitable for short‐term studies, 3D cell culture models maintain metabolic competence over days and weeks. This opens the opportunity for long‐term metabolism studies applying the 3D HepaRG model alone or in multi‐organ systems.
Comparison of Robot‐Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy Using the Made‐in‐Japan Robotic System Hinotori Versus Da Vinci: A Propensity Score‐Matched Analysis
Authors: Tsujioka Hiroki , Setoguchi Kiyoshi , Nirazuka Asumi , Hasegawa Kintaro , Izumi Keita , Nakayama Akinori , Saito Kazutaka
Published: December 2024

Background

We compared the surgical outcomes of patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) using hinotori with those of patients who underwent RARP using da Vinci Xi through propensity score matching to evaluate the potential benefits and efficacy of hinotori.

Methods

Perioperative data of patients who underwent RARP between 2017 and 2023 were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

After adjusting for preoperative risk factors, each group comprised 118 propensity score‐matched patients. Both median total operative time and median console time were significantly longer in the hinotori group (median differences, 26 and 23 min, respectively). Although the hinotori group had lower estimated blood loss, no significant differences were noted between the groups in postoperative complications, positive surgical margin rates, 12‐month biochemical recurrence rates, and urinary continence recovery rates.

Conclusions

Although RARP requires more time with hinotori, our study demonstrated that RARP can be performed safely and effectively immediately after the installation of hinotori.
Event‐Triggered Fault‐Tolerant Control for Nonlinear Multilateral Teleoperation System With Unknown Environmental Forces
Authors: Li Ming , Chen YangJie , Li Jian‐Ning
Published: December 2024

In this paper, an event‐triggered fuzzy adaptive fault‐tolerant control scheme is investigated to achieve displacement synchronization and force tracking for nonlinear multilateral teleoperation systems subject to actuator faults and communication network constraints. The time‐varying delays and network communication bandwidth limitations are incorporated into the communication network constraints, and the considered nonlinear systems are modeled by using T‐S fuzzy system theory. Then, a novel event‐triggered fuzzy adaptive fault‐tolerant control algorithm is designed to simultaneously estimate and compensate for possible actuator faults during system operation. Next, unlike many existing works, the unknown environmental forces are estimated by introducing radial basis function neural networks, and the estimated results are taken into account in the design of the event‐triggered mechanisms. Finally, a numerical simulation example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the designed algorithm.
Critically Engaged Language and Literacy Workshops as a Disruptive Pedagogy in Plurilingual Classrooms
Authors: Zaidi Rahat , Moura Gustavo da Cunha , Cruz Fabielle Rocha
Published: December 2024

This study explored racialized newcomer student participants' experiences in a rural high school in Western Canada, and utilized critically engaged language and literacy workshops (CELLWs) as a means to authentically represent participants' interrelationships with and relatability to their school and community spaces. CELLWs are an important avenue for self‐reflection that fosters socially just, diverse, and equitable educational practices. Understanding the nuanced lived experiences of newcomers, and how these inform educational practices today, represents a pivotal need in the development of educational pedagogies that encompass past and present experiences reinforced within different places and spaces. The study was guided by the following question: To what extent can CELLWs afford multicultural and plurilingual identities to establish a disruptive pedagogy and re‐imagine classroom spaces? The researchers centered arts and walking methodologies within four CELLWs sessions to open up subjective practices and analyses that intersect equitable, inclusive, and diverse theories and participants' life experiences. Data was drawn from a qualitative and thematic analysis that was obtained from participants' artwork, written reflections, and individual/group interviews. The study revealed the importance of CELLWs in research and in‐classroom practices as practitioners and scholars become accountable when appropriating such activities to create spaces for meaning‐making processes that consider relevant personal experiences and feelings within schools and communities.
Goat and sheep manure based vermicompost and vermi‐leachate as a nutrient source in drip hydroponic tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris)
Authors: Mupambwa Hupenyu A. , Nyambe Given Isaka , Matomola Brendan , Handura Bethold , Howoses Veronica Amalia , Hausiku‐Ikechukwu Martha K. , Gawanab Werner
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Small stock animal manures have the potential to be used in arid countries to produce vermi‐leachate or vermi‐teas that can be effectively utilised in the hydroponic production of both leafy and fruity vegetables.

Materials & Methods

Our study evaluated the potential of sheep and goat manure vermicompost (SGMVC) as an amendment to cocopeat at varying levels, as well as sheep and goat manure vermi‐leachate (SGMVL) diluted at 5%, 10%, and 20%, on crop phytotoxicity, seedling growth, and crop growth and yield.

Results

The 100% inorganic Hygrotech fertiliser and SGML showed consistently high values for relative root elongation (RRE) and germination index (GI), with values above 90% for most treatments. However, the treatments with less SGMVC incorporation showed phytotoxic effects, with cocopeat alone having the lowest GI and RRE values. However, for direct seed germination, all treatments showed germination percentages above 80% for Swiss chard and above 70% for tomato, including the cocopeat alone treatment, indicating the complementary effects of the SGMVL irrigation source. For Swiss chard, the use of 10% and 20% leachate alone resulted in a 141.8% and 137.5% lower leaf area, respectively, compared to the treatments irrigated with Hygrotech fertiliser. Similarly, for tomatoes, the use of 10% and 20% leachate alone resulted in 129.2% and 143.4% lower leaf areas, respectively, compared to the Hygrotech irrigated treatments. For Swiss chard, the application of 0% VC resulted in an overall 43% reduction in leaf yield, whereas in tomato, it resulted in an overall 44% reduction in tomato fruit yield. The increased yield under 50% VC clearly indicated increased nutrient availability and enhanced water holding capacity of the media compared to when no SGMVC was added.

Conclusion

This study showed that Swiss chard and tomato have different nutrient requirements, and the use of SGMVC should not be based on blanket recommendations from one crop. In addition, the use of reduced inorganic soluble fertilisers in combination with SGMVC has no economic benefits, as this reduced yield is almost proportional to the level of soluble fertiliser reduction.
Towards Pharmaceutical Particle Imaging in Ultrathick Organic Films: 3D Visualization and Image Distortions Using Gas Cluster Bombardment Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Muramoto Shin
Published: December 2024

Polystyrene spheres ranging in diameter from 2, 5, 10, to 20 μm were embedded in five different types of thick organic films (> 50 μm) to serve as model systems to evaluate the use of time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry for the localization and particle sizing of pharmaceuticals in orodispersible drug delivery films. It was found that certain films, such as gelatin and ethyl cellulose, are prone to developing micron‐scale topography which can affect the linearity of the sputter yield, which can ultimately affect the maximum analyzable depth. Surprisingly, the sputter yield of the film was more of a determining factor for affecting the measurement of spheres. It was possible to more accurately extract the true dimensions of the buried spheres in faster sputtering films, while slower sputtering films were associated with matrix effects and sputtering artifacts that degraded the quality of the reconstructed image. Signal attenuation was also found to be problematic and quite significant for certain film chemistries, which placed a limit on the size of the particles that could be visualized. Overall, visualization of particles embedded in thick organic films is possible, but the extraction of quantitative data such as size and the amount of material is difficult given the influence of sample dependent sputtering artifacts.
Silica Supported Boric Acid (H3BO3‐SiO2): An Extravagant Catalyst for One‐Pot Transesterification‐Biginelli Reaction Under Solvent‐Free Condition
Authors: Das Kamal , Paul Bhaswati , Natarajan Ramalingam , Chakraborty Sourav , Majumdar Swapan
Published: December 2024

Present study aimed to develop an eco‐friendly protocol for the synthesis of diverse structure of 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐one/thione via one‐pot transesterification–multicomponent reaction using silica‐supported boric acid (H3BO3‐SiO2) as catalyst. This one‐pot trans‐esterification of commercially available β‐ketoesters such as methyl or ethyl acetoacetate followed by multicomponent reactions with aldehydes and urea or thiourea under solvent‐free conditions at 100 °C afforded diverse structures of DHPM's. The catalyst used in the reaction can be recycled without significant loss of its activity which was verified by comparing SEM‐EDX micrographs of freshly prepared catalyst with the recycled one. The notable features of the present protocol are its ease‐of‐use, wide substrate scope, mild reaction conditions, most simplified work‐up process, less hazardous catalysts and so on. Thus, in our opinion, the present methodology is a superior and more practical greener route for the production of dihydropyrimidinones/thiones of biological importance.
Harnessing Cyclopropenium Salts in Phase‐Transfer Catalysis: A Cascade Reaction of Enaminones and Coumarins for the Construction of Functionalized Quinoline‐2,5‐Diones
Authors: Chen Lin , Ran Long‐Hao
Published: December 2024

Cyclopropenium salts, being the smallest class of aromatic compounds, have garnered extensive scientific interests across several realms of study. Herein, we report a phase‐transfer catalyzed cascade reaction of cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione‐derived enaminones and 3‐aromacyl coumarins utilizing triaminocyclopropenium salts. This reaction efficiently synthesized a diverse set of quinoline‐2,5‐diones in good yields (78%–92%) and notably exhibited excellent diastereoselectivities, often furnishing the products as a single diastereoisomer. The successful gram‐scale reaction and structural modifications of the product fully demonstrated the application potential of this protocol. Mechanistic studies implied that the triaminocyclopropenium ion transported the carbonate ion from the solid phase to the liquid phase to abstract protons, thus dramatically accelerating the reaction process.
Effective Promotion of Proline‐Catalyzed Aldol Reaction in Water by Bile Acid Salt Surfactants
Authors: Raglione Venanzio , Vetica Fabrizio , Cautela Jacopo , Galantini Luciano , D'Annibale Andrea
Published: December 2024

Proline‐catalyzed aldol reaction of aromatic aldehydes with cyclohexanone was successfully carried out in water without any cosolvent in presence of catalytic amounts of bile acid salt surfactants. The bile acid salts, acting as surfactants, facilitate the dispersion of nonpolar substrates, enabling efficient reaction conditions “in presence of water” which exploit the role of water beyond its simple characteristic as a solvent. While enantioselectivity is moderate, the high yields achieved reflect the potent synergy between proline and sodium deoxycholate (NaDC), underscoring the feasibility of water‐exclusive processes in synthetic organic chemistry.