bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Lawsone and p‐Phenylenediamine in Natural Henna Products for Hair Colouring Available in Poland
Authors: Sienkiewicz‐Szłapka Edyta , Janysz Arleta , Wróbel Michał H.
Published: January 2025

Background

Henna is a powdered plant material traditionally used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes in Asia and the Mediterranean region. In North America and Europe, however, it is only used to colour the hair and decorate the body. This colouring process is due to the action of the secondary metabolite lawsone, which enables henna to produce orange to red shades of colour. The final colour effect of the henna treatment on the hair depends on many factors, including the amount of lawsone in the product used. Unfortunately, there are also henna products on the market that contain the strong allergen para‐phenylenediamine (PPD). Henna products whose manufacturers do not inform consumers about the addition of PPD are a particular problem.

Objectives

The aim of this study was therefore not only the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of lawsone but also of PPD in selected products offered for sale as henna.

Methods

Since HPLC assays are one of the most sensitive, rapid and reliable methods for the quality control of herbal raw materials, we developed and validated two independent HPLC methods with UV detection for both analytes.

Results and Conclusions

We found that only about 60% of the tested cosmetic products were good quality natural products containing not < 0.5% lawsone (the range was between 0.5% and 1.0%). On the other hand, up to 36% of the henna samples contained PPD (the range was between 1% and 9%), and only three out of five of these products were properly labelled. Unfortunately, most of the henna used by Polish consumers comes from online retailers and can be shipped from different regions of the world. It is difficult to adequately control this market. Therefore, proper consumer education and awareness of the risk of PPD exposure when using henna could also be crucial for the prevention and management of PPD allergy.
Impact of Day 11 Methotrexate Dose Adjustments due to Mucositis on the Outcomes Following Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant in the Setting of Anti Thymocyte Globulin (ATG) Based GVHD Prophylaxis
Authors: Dhir Vinita , Prince Connor , Allan David , Atkins Harold , Bredeson Christopher , Kekre Natasha , Kennah Michael , Masurekar Ashish , Vasudevan Nampoothiri Ram
Published: January 2025

Background

Dose adjustments of Day 11 Methotrexate (MTx) for GVHD prophylaxis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) are common due to mucositis, renal injury, or other reasons. The impact of omitting or adjusting doses of MTx in the era of ATG‐based GVHD prophylaxis remains unexplored.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of all adult patients undergoing allogeneic HCT who received ATG‐based GVHD prophylaxis at The Ottawa Hospital from January 2019 to December 2022. We compared outcomes of patients having only Day 11 MTx dose reductions due to mucositis(MTxRD group) with patients receiving full dose MTx on all 4 days (MTxFD group). The impact of Day 11 MTx dose reduction on outcomes were assessed using Kaplan–Meier analyses and log rank test.

Results

Three hundred and four patients (median age 58 [17–74] years; 64% male) underwent allogeneic HCT during the study period. Baseline characteristics were similar between the MTxRD group (n = 69) and MTxFD group (n = 199) except for an increased proportion of MAC regimens in MTxRD group. The incidence of severe aGVHD (7.2% vs. 7.5%; p = 0.96) and chronic GVHD (15.9% vs. 15.6%; p = 0.89) were not different between the two groups. The 2‐year OS (59% vs. 69.8%; p = 0.11), GRFS (42.4% vs. 47.6%; p = 0.32), NRM (17.7% vs. 12.2%; p = 0.45) or relapse/progression (CIR 27.4 vs. 26.6%; p = 0.55) were also similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

In patients receiving ATG‐based GVHD prophylaxis regimens, there were similar GVHD and survival outcomes in patients who received no or reduced D11 MTx when compared to full dose MTx. Dose adjustments of D11 MTx due to mucositis appear to be safe in the era of ATG‐based GVHD prophylaxis regimens.
Myotilin gene duplication causing late‐onset myotilinopathy
Authors: Spinazzi Marco , Savarese Marco , Letournel Franck , Sagath Lydia , Manero Florence , Guichet Agnès , Hoischen Alexander , Metay Corinne , Gouju Julien , Udd Bjarne
Published: January 2025

Background

myotilinopathy is a very rare inherited muscle disease that belongs to the group of myofibrillar myopathies. These diseases share a common alteration of the sarcomere organization at the level of the Z disk resulting in pathological protein aggregation, autophagic abnormalities, and ultimately muscle degeneration. Most reported cases are due to dominant missense mutations in the MYOT gene, two of which are largely recurrent.

Methods

We describe the clinical, radiological, pathological, and molecular analysis including long‐read sequencing of a family affected by late‐onset dominant proximodistal myopathy and muscle hypertrophy.

Results

We identified a duplication of the entire MYOT gene as the molecular cause of late‐onset‐myotilinopapthy with typical clinical and pathological features.

Conclusions

This study expands the molecular spectrum of myotilinopathy and highlights the use of long‐read sequencing in the diagnosis of genetic neurological diseases caused by duplications and genomic structural variants. Myotilinopathy as well as other myofibrillar and distal myopathies should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients affected by distal muscle weakness, even when presenting at an old age.
Clinical utility of 18F‐fluorodopa positron emission tomography in the movement disorder clinic: an Australian experience
Authors: Yeow Dennis , Fielder Matthew , Hynard Shane , Adam Robert , Katz Matthew , Lehn Alexander , Thomas Paul , O'Sullivan John D.
Published: January 2025

Background

Differentiating idiopathic Parkinson disease (iPD) from other causes of tremor and parkinsonism based on clinical grounds can be challenging, particularly early in the course of disease or in the case of atypical clinical presentations. 18F‐fluorodopa (F‐DOPA) is a positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand that can be used to demonstrate the presence and pattern of striatal presynaptic dopaminergic deficit and, thus, assist in the diagnosis of iPD and related disorders.

Aims

To determine the clinical utility of F‐DOPA PET in an Australian movement disorder clinic setting.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of movement disorder clinic patients referred for F‐DOPA PET by four movement disorder neurologists over a 10‐year period to a single Australian nuclear medicine centre. Results of F‐DOPA PET scans were correlated with changes in provisional diagnosis and management in the short term following review of F‐DOPA PET results.

Results

A total of 105 F‐DOPA PET scan results and patient records were examined. In this cohort, provisional clinical diagnosis was altered in 37.9% of patients, and changes to clinical management were made in 48.4% of patients in the short term following review of F‐DOPA PET results. Changes in both diagnosis and management were more common following a normal F‐DOPA PET scan result (42.4% and 53.0% respectively) than a scan consistent with iPD (23.5% and 32.4% respectively).

Conclusions

There was significant change in provisional clinical diagnosis and management in the short term following review of F‐DOPA PET results indicating significant clinical utility of F‐DOPA PET in the Australian movement disorder clinic setting.
An optimization model for the energy management of the network of tanks in a drinking water distribution system
Authors: Djeumou Fomeni Franklin , Ali Montaz , Fernández David Abert , Cabrera‐Codony Alba , Monclús Hèctor
Published: January 2025

“L'eau c'est la vie” is a well‐known French expression for “water is life,” which reflects the fact that water is undoubtedly the most vital resource in the world. The main mission for water utility companies is to convey and distribute water that is of acceptable quality to satisfy the demand of the population at any time of the day. In the recent years, achieving this mission has become very challenging for these companies. Indeed, on the one hand, the rapid growth of population and the expansion of urbanization have significantly increased the demand for water, while on the other hand, natural phenomenon, such as drought, as well as the impact of climate changes are making it almost impossible for water distribution companies to convey the right amount of water where and when it is needed. The presence of water storage tanks in a water distribution network is aimed at alleviating this pressure by storing water and distributing it later in response of the variability of the demand across the network. The management of the tanks of the network is done based on the assignment of three‐level set points, which allows to meet the outflow demand of water from each tank, while maintaining the adequate flow rate through the network. The set points define the level at which the valves that enable inflow and outflow of water to the tank have to be switched on or off. However, operating the valves during different periods of the day to meet the water demand may yield extremely high operational cost because opening some of the valves will induce the running of pumps to maintain an adequate flow rate of water in the network. We present a network optimization model for managing the network of storage tanks in a drinking water distribution system while minimizing the total cost of electricity involved. Computational experiments have been conducted on up to three sets of distribution networks. The results show that our proposed optimization model can be used to reduce the operational cost of managing the network of storage tanks for a water distribution system by up to 38%, while still being able to maintain the right amount of water in the tanks.
Effects of Shade Stress on the Synthesis of Cellulose and Lignin in Maize Nodal Roots
Authors: Shengqin Liu , Yuze Liu , Shengqun Liu , Yue Ma , Mingmei Dai , Junren Liu , Chang Liu
Published: January 2025

Low solar radiation is an important factor affecting maize root growth and development. Roots have an anchoring function, and their important components are cellulose and lignin. Here, shade experiments were conducted using shade nets with 50% light transmittance (L50). The experiment was conducted in 2021 and 2022 using the ‘Xianyu 335’ maize variety under two nitrogen conditions (N1 = 180 kg ha−1 and N2 = 240 kg ha−1) to investigate the effect of shading on the structural carbohydrate content of maize nodal roots. The results showed that light had a highly significant effect on cellulose and lignin contents. Compared with normal light (L100), the cellulose content significantly decreased by 10.36%–13.87% and the lignin content significantly decreased by 12.96%–18.68% under shading (L50). Shading decreased the sucrose and soluble sugar contents and the cellulose and lignin‐related enzyme activities. The cellulose and lignin contents were significantly positively correlated with the sucrose content. The cellulose content at the silking (R1) stage was significantly positively correlated with the soluble sugar content and sucrose synthase (SS) and sucrose phosphate synthase activities at the 15th leaf (V15) stage; the lignin content at R1 was significantly positively correlated with the soluble sugar content and SS, acid invertase, tyrosine ammonia‐lyase, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase, polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities at V15. Genes related to cellulose synthesis, including sucrose synthase (SS), cellulose synthase (CESA), cellulose synthase‐interactive protein 1 (CSI1), Chitinase‐Like1 (CTL1) and STELLO2 (STL2), were downregulated under shading, as were the lignin synthesis‐related phenylalanine/tyrosine ammonia‐lyase (PTAL), 4‐coumarate‐CoA ligase (4CL) and peroxidase (POD) genes. Auxin and jasmonic acid were significantly affected by light and decreased under shading, thereby reducing cellulose and lignin synthesis. These findings provide theoretical support for the development of appropriate maize cultivation practices under reduced solar radiation.
The effect of pressure on the aluminoborosilicate glass optical basicity
Authors: Haryouli Gabin , Soudani Sami , Grolleau Stéphane , Paris Michael , Morizet Yann
Published: January 2025

The glass optical basicity (Λ) is an adequate way of representing a glass composition that has been successfully applied for glasses made under ambient pressure conditions. However, we do not know if the proposed calculation based on the glass structure and the proposed measurement involving the determination of glass refractive index can apply to glasses made under high‐pressure conditions. We studied several aluminoborosilicate glass compositions synthesized under high‐pressure conditions up to 3 GPa and 1250°C. Recovered glasses were characterized to determine the refractive index (nD) and the density (ρ). The glass structure was determined using 11B and 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance. Increasing pressure up to 3 GPa increases nD and ρ for the studied glasses. Change in the glass structure is consistent with previous studies showing an increase in Al coordination, especially for Ca‐bearing glass composition; and an increase in the proportion of BO4 species. The glass optical basicity decreases with increasing pressure. From the structural changes, Λ decreases by ∼2% from ambient to 1 GPa in pressure for the investigated glass compositions.
Hybridized microstructures of oxygen‐defective HfO2−x films produced by controlling oxidation of metallic Hf foil
Authors: Matsuda Mitsuhiro , Imamura Kai , Kusuda Kaori , Shozaki Masahiro , Shida Kenji , Matsuda Motohide
Published: January 2025

We successfully produced a dopant‐free oxygen‐defective HfO2−x film that exhibit room‐temperature ferromagnetism via a heat treatment of metallic Hf foil at 1673 K for 10 h under an oxygen partial pressure of 1.0 × 10−4 atm. The sample, which exhibits ∼50% transmission of visible light, demonstrates room‐temperature ferromagnetism, with saturation and residual magnetizations of ∼0.05 emu/g and ∼0.005 emu/g, respectively. The HfO2−x film comprises columnar grains several hundred nanometers wide and several micrometers long. High‐angle annular dark‐field scanning electron microscopy observations indicated that the tetragonal HfO2 structure was distributed in nanodomains within the monoclinic HfO2 grains; that is, the films exhibited a hybridized microstructure. The tetragonal HfO2 structure would be mainly due to the introduction of oxygen deficiencies, which led to the room‐temperature ferromagnetism.
Pairing Residual Contact Insecticide Use With Long‐Lasting Insecticide‐Incorporated Netting to Reduce Dispersal and Damage by Stored Product Insects
Authors: Ranabhat Sabita , Abshire Jennifer , Castaldi Joseph , Scheff Deanna S. , Bingham Georgina V. , McKay Tanja , Zhu Kun Yan , Morrison William R.
Published: January 2025

Long‐lasting insecticide‐incorporated netting (LLIN) can intercept insects and has shown promise for pest management before and after harvest in agriculture. Understanding how to incorporate LLIN into existing integrated pest management (IPM) programs, with other commonly used tactics like residual contact insecticides, can significantly enhance IPM programs at food facilities. In this study, we assessed whether LLIN (0.34% alpha‐cypermethrin, BASF) may enhance the effects of residual contact insecticides such as Centanyl EC (Central Life Sciences), active ingredient (a.i.) deltamethrin and Evergreen (McLaughlin Gormley King Co.), a.i. natural pyrethrins against Tribolium castaneum and Rhyzopertha dominica. We recorded their dispersal and progeny production in treatments with LLIN alone, deltamethrin or pyrethrins alone, LLIN + insecticide, or no treatment (positive control). We demonstrated the use of both LLIN and residual insecticide with either deltamethrin or pyrethrins reduced adult insect dispersal to the food sources compared to the control, but only increased control of progeny production marginally by 8%–19%. LLIN alone was highly effective in reducing progeny production of T. castaneum by 40% compared to the positive control. Importantly, pyrethrins did not cause significant direct mortality or prevent progeny production when used alone against T. castaneum. However, the combined use of pyrethrins with LLIN showed an enhanced efficacy against the insect. Together, the combined use of LLIN and the residual contact insecticides evaluated in our study may have some benefits over using residual contact insecticide alone to manage stored product insects.
Haplotype‐resolved genome of a papeda provides insights into the geographical origin and evolution of Citrus
Authors: Wang Fusheng , Wang Shaohua , Wu Yilei , Jiang Dong , Yi Qian , Zhang Manman , Yu Hong , Yuan Xiaoyu , Li Mingzhu , Li Guijie , Cheng Yujiao , Feng Jipeng , Wang Xiaoli , Cheng Chunzhen , Zhu Shiping , Liu Renyi
Published: January 2025

The publication of several high‐quality genomes has contributed greatly to clarifying the evolution of citrus. However, due to their complex genetic backgrounds, the origins and evolution of many citrus species remain unclear. We assembled de novo the 294‐Mbp chromosome‐level genome of a more than 200‐year‐old primitive papeda (DYC002). Comparison between the two sets of homologous chromosomes of the haplotype‐resolved genome revealed 1.2% intragenomic variations, including 1.75 million SNPs, 149,471 insertions and 154,215 deletions. Using this genome as a reference, we resequenced and performed population and phylogenetic analyses of 378 representative citrus accessions. Our study confirmed that the primary origin center of core Citrus species is in South China, particularly in the Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains. Papeda species are an ancient Citrus type compared with C. ichangensis. We found that the evolution of the Citrus genus followed two radiations through two routes (to East China and Southeast Asia) along river systems. Evidence for the origin and evolution of some individual citrus species was provided. Papeda probably played an important role in the origins of Australian finger lime, citrons, Honghe papeda and pummelos; Ichang papeda originated from Yuanjiang city of Yunnan Province, China, and C. mangshanensis has a close relationship with kumquat and Ichang papeda. Moreover, the Hunan and Guangdong Provinces of China are predicted to be the origin center of mandarin, sweet orange and sour orange. Additionally, our study revealed that fruit bitterness was significantly selected against during citrus domestication. Taken together, this study provides new insight into the origin and evolution of citrus species and may serve as a valuable genomic resource for citrus breeding and improvement.
A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Supplement With Standardized Botanicals in Males With Thinning Hair
Authors: Bhatia Neal , Ablon Glynis , Farris Patricia K. , Hazan Adina , Raymond Isabelle
Published: January 2025

Background

Hair thinning in men is a prevalent issue for which treatment oftentimes consists of a multi‐modal approach. Targeting key root causes of hair thinning, such as hormones, stress, and metabolism through vitamins, minerals, and botanicals, has been shown to be effective in improving hair growth and quality in women. This approach could also be effective in improving hair growth and quality in men with thinning hair.

Aims

This study investigates the safety and efficacy of a nutraceutical in improving hair growth and quality in men with thinning hair.

Methods

This was a 6‐month multi‐center, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial. Men aged 21–61 years old with confirmed hair thinning were included. Subjects were randomized to receive the oral supplement or placebo. The study end points included changes in blinded Global Investigator Ratings for hair growth and quality, the Men's Hair Growth Questionnaire (MHGQ), and changes in the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) in the active group compared to baseline and placebo.

Results

Daily intake of the nutraceutical resulted in significantly more subjects in the active group compared to the placebo rated as improved for hair growth and quality in the blinded investigator global assessments. Overall changes and responses to the MHGQ also corroborated blinded investigator ratings. There were no trends in either treatment group for changes in sexual function on the ASEX questionnaire, and the supplement was well tolerated.

Conclusions

Ingestion of a nutraceutical targeting key root causes of male hair thinning significantly improves hair growth and quality in men with no changes in sexual function.
Middle Cerebral Artery M2 Occlusions: Impact of Segment Dominance and Benefit of Direct Aspiration for the First‐Pass Effect
Authors: Navia Pedro , Barrios Andrés Javier , Utrilla Cristina , Fuentes Blanca , Fernández‐Prieto Andrés , Álvarez‐Muelas Alberto , Frutos Remedios , Marín Begoña , Royo Arantxa , García‐Raya Pilar , Fernández‐Zubillaga Amelia , de Celis Elena , Puig Josep , Comas‐Cufí Marc , Arráez‐Aybar Luis‐Alfonso , Garzón Gonzalo
Published: January 2025

Background and Purpose

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with M2 segment occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is debatable. This study assessed the efficacy, safety, and functional outcomes of EVT in M2 occlusion patients, examining differences in outcomes based on the dominance of the occluded segment (DomM2 vs. Non‐DomM2).

Methods

A prospective cohort of 108 patients with AIS resulting from M2 segment occlusion of the MCA who underwent EVT was analyzed. We compared demographic, clinical, angiographic, and clinical outcome data (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score at 24 h and modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score at 3 months) between patients with or without DomM2. The primary endpoint was the first‐pass effect (FPE), defined as achieving modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2c–3 after one pass. We examined the symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation, 3‐month functional outcomes, and mortality rates.

Results

Seventy‐five patients (69.44%) had DomM2. FPE rates (48.48% for DomM2; 42.66% for Non‐DomM2, p = 0.521), final successful recanalization rate, and functional outcomes were comparable between subgroups. Direct aspiration yielded a higher FPE rate (56.25%). FPE was associated with lower NIHSS scores at discharge (median, 2 [interquartile range 0–4] vs. 5 [1–10]; p < 0.001) and higher 3‐month functional independence (83.33% vs. 60.34%; p < 0.001). Direct aspiration independently predicted FPE, with a 75% likelihood compared to stent retriever (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

EVT is a safe and effective treatment for acute M2 occlusion regardless of the dominance of the M2 segment. Direct aspiration used as a frontline technique increases the likelihood of FPE.
Functional Connectivity to the Amygdala in the Neonate Is Impacted by the Maternal Anxiety Level During Pregnancy
Authors: Hill Trenesha L. , Na Xiaoxu , Bellando Jayne , Glasier Charles M. , Ou Xiawei
Published: January 2025

Background and Purpose

Anxiety during pregnancy is common, and exposure to heightened anxiety during pregnancy may influence children's brain development and functioning. However, it is unclear if exposure to low levels of anxiety in utero would also impact the developing brain. The current prospective and longitudinal study included 40 healthy pregnant women without pregnancy complications or previous diagnosis of anxiety disorders.

Methods

Pregnant women's anxiety symptoms were measured at 12, 24, and 36 weeks of gestation. Their healthy, full‐term offspring underwent a brain MRI scan without sedation, including resting‐state functional MRI, at 2 weeks postnatal age. The associations between neonatal brain cortical functional connectivity originating from the amygdala and maternal prenatal anxiety symptom scores were examined using correlational analyses.

Results

Significant correlations were identified after controlling for child sex, postmenstrual age at MRI, and mother's depression symptom scores. Higher maternal anxiety during pregnancy was related to alterations in offspring's functional connectivity between the amygdala and other brain regions involved in fear learning. Specifically, higher maternal prenatal anxiety during the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with lower connectivity between the amygdala and fusiform gyrus and higher connectivity between the amygdala and thalamus. Higher maternal prenatal anxiety during the third trimester was also associated with lower connectivity between the amygdala and fusiform gyrus.

Conclusions

The findings from this study indicate that exposure to low levels of anxiety in utero may also impact offspring brain development and functioning, particularly brain regions that are important for threat detection.
Effect of Using Vitamin C Supplementation on Performance, Blood Parameters, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens Under Heat Stress Condition: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Tavakolinasab Fatemeh , Hashemi Mazaher
Published: January 2025

This meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of vitamin C (Vit C) supplementation on broiler performance, blood parameters, carcass characteristics and meat quality under heat stress. Based on searches conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Science, 35 studies published in authoritative journals from 1985 to 2023 were meta‐analysed. Heterogeneity was explored by meta‐regression analysis. The results of this meta‐analysis showed that the body weight (BW, SMD = +0.339, p = 0.003) and average daily gain (ADG, SMD = +0.381, p = 0.001) were significantly higher in the group receiving Vit C supplementation under heat stress compared to the control group. However, Vit C supplementation did not have a significant effect on feed intake (FI, SMD = +0.084, p = 0.245), but the results were significant for the feed conversion ratio (FCR, SMD = −0.529, p = 0.001). Breast, thigh, abdominal fat, carcass drop loss, liver, gizzard, heart and spleen were not affected by Vit C supplementation, but it has a significant effect on wing weight (SMD = −3.77, p = 0.001). The use of Vit C supplementation decreased triglyceride (SMD = −0.527, p = 0.001), cholesterol (SMD = −0.976, p = 0.001) and blood glucose (SMD = −0.734, p = 0.02) concentrations in the broiler under heat stress. Breast meat quality (L*, a* and b*) was not affected by Vit C supplementation. In the current study, most of the responses had high heterogeneity (I2 > 50%). The findings of this meta‐analysis demonstrated that, in broiler chickens under heat stress, adding Vit C supplementation to the feed can enhance performance. However, Vit C did not have a significant effect on carcass characteristics and the quality of the breast meat of broiler chickens. According to our meta‐analysis results, utilisation of 250 mg/kg of Vit C is recommended as an effective growth promoter in broiler under heat stress, and as an antioxidant compound, it had a positive effect on reducing blood TG and TC.
Dialect‐Specific Modes Influence Second Language Production: Evidence From Bidialectal Shanghai–Mandarin Chinese Learners of English Within the Second Language Linguistic Perception Model
Authors: Liu Xiaoluan , Bai Lan , Escudero Paola
Published: January 2025

The present study investigates the impact of bidialectalism on L2 production, focusing on the role of dialect modes. Shanghai–Mandarin Chinese bidialectal speakers were recruited to produce second language (L2) English vowels under the influence of either Shanghai or Mandarin Chinese mode. Results showed that in the Shanghai mode, participants’ English vowel production closely resembled that of native English speakers. Notably, Shanghai Chinese significantly influenced English vowel production in the Shanghai mode, and Mandarin Chinese had a strong impact on English vowel production in the Mandarin mode. This highlights that each first language (L1) dialect—that is, the activated dialect mode—significantly influences L2 English vowel production. The present study reveals that bidialectal speakers have differential L2 production performance depending on the L1 dialect mode that they activate. These results are interpreted within the framework of the second language linguistic perception (L2LP) model, contributing to the theoretical understanding of how L1 dialect modes influence L2 acquisition.
Coupling Spatial Working Memory With STEM Educational Performance and Related Neural Markers—Evidence From ERPs
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Xiong Mengqi , Guo Binbin , Huang Rongchuan , Li Mengxue , Li Mengyao , Feng Xue , Qin Tianyu , Wei Zixu
Published: January 2025

Working memory is a hot topic in the field of cognitive neuroscience and has attracted the attention of many researchers in the field of education. In recent years, it has been found that the cognitive ability related to spatial information in working memory can positively affect STEM academic performance, which is highly important for educational practice. However, empirical studies on the relationship between spatial working memory and education, especially STEM education, are still scarce, especially studies on the combination of brain electrophysiological activities. On this basis, we designed an n‐back spatial working memory experiment and recorded the electrophysiological data at the same time. The results indicate that STEM education level has a significant main effect on participants' behavioral accuracy, whereas working memory load has no significant main effect on behavioral accuracy. The differential characteristics of the N1, P3, and LPP components in electrophysiological ERP performance also have potential as biomarkers to distinguish between different types of STEM educational performance. This means that there is a new direction and focus for STEM education from macro decision‐making and reform to micro design and intervention. Moreover, this study provides exploratory ideas for the optimization of different subject courses in STEM education and science education related to students' growth process.
Hybrid‐data‐driven bridge weigh‐in‐motion technology using a two‐level sequential artificial neural network
Authors: Yan Wangchen , Ren Hao , Luo Xin , Li Shaofan
Published: January 2025

For existing bridge weigh‐in‐motion technologies, the main challenge in accurate weight estimation is to overcome the difficulty of identifying the closely spaced axles. To do so, many field test data are generally required for each bridge in application. To address such a challenge, a novel two‐level sequential artificial neural network (ANN) model trained by the hybrid simulated‐experimental data was proposed in this study to identify the gross weight and axle weight. For this, simulations and scaled experiments were conducted for the vehicle–bridge interaction system to develop the sequential ANN model. The sequential ANN model was realized by a special data looping strategy, in which the outputs of the global‐level ANN served as partial inputs to the following local‐level ANN to predict the axle weight. The optimized size of the training data and the appropriate hybrid ratio of the sequential ANN model were also explored. Finally, the proposed algorithm was applied to a real bridge application via transfer learning, as the optimized hybrid sequential ANN model serves as the pre‐trained model. The results showed that for the small training datasets with only 5% experimental data, the proposed algorithm significantly improved the accuracy in weight estimation of moving vehicles with closely spaced axles. The field test demonstrated that the proposed algorithm also applies to different bridges within a gross weight identification error of 5%, showing the promise of the proposed algorithm in practical applications.
Does non‐territorial autonomy essentialise ethnicity? Cultural autonomy legislation in interwar Estonia
Authors: Tark Triin
Published: January 2025

Theorists of non‐territorial autonomy (NTA) have argued that one of its weaknesses is that it essentialises ethnicity and thereby potentially increases societal tensions. This article challenges this view by analysing cultural autonomy legislation in interwar Estonia, particularly national registers of minority self‐governments. It shows that while the constitutional right to subjective ethnic self‐identification was abolished several years after the implementation of cultural autonomy, the core reason for the abolition was the legal importance of ethnicity and bureaucratic practices of ethnicity determination that existed years before the autonomy was implemented. National registers had a potential to be based on subjective self‐identification, yet lawmakers abandoned this principle when they adapted the autonomy legislation to existing bureaucratic practices stemming from tense ethnic relations. Thus, the article argues that associating NTA with the essentialisation of ethnicity is misleading and suggests that instrumental considerations of relevant actors and social contexts should be paid more attention instead.
Towards a realist theory of nationalism: Exploring realpolitik and the threshold principle in nineteenth century nationalism
Authors: Glenthøj Rasmus
Published: January 2025

This article critiques Ernest Gellner's definition of nationalism for not fully capturing the intricacies of nineteenth‐century nationalist movements and introduces “realist nationalism” as a more comprehensive framework. By integrating Eric Hobsbawm's threshold principle with the realism prevalent in international relations, this concept emphasises the strategic importance of power and security in nationalist endeavours. Through a detailed historical analysis, the study demonstrates how pre‐World War II nationalist movements and state formations were significantly influenced by realpolitik, thereby challenging the conventional dichotomy between nationalism and imperialism. “Realist nationalism” provides a nuanced historical understanding of nationalism's interplay with geopolitical dynamics, offering insights that illuminate the complexities of nationalist movements both in the past and their continuing relevance today.
Research Progress and Hot Topics in Telerehabilitation for Hip or Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Wang Liqiong , Zhang Liming , He Chengqi
Published: January 2025

Objective

Many publications on telerehabilitation for hip or knee arthroplasty have been published in recent years. However, no specific studies have attempted to characterize research hotspots, global research collaborations, or trends related to telerehabilitation after hip or knee arthroplasty. Therefore, the aim of this bibliometric analysis was to provide an overview of the current status of research and map the research landscape on telerehabilitation for joint replacement to understand current trends, identify research gaps, and guide future research directions.

Methods

The Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed were comprehensively searched to identify all relevant English‐language documents published from 2003 to June 7, 2024. Data from these published studies were then cleaned and structured. CiteSpace and VOSviewer were used to conduct the bibliometric visualization and comparative analysis of countries, institutions, journals, authors, references, and keywords. Then, the map illustrating the research hotspots and knowledge structure was plotted based on the analysis results.

Results

A total of 229 records were obtained, and the number of articles published has increased steadily over the investigated period. The largest increase was observed in 2022. With the highest number of publications and centrality, the United States was the most influential country. The University of Sherbrooke was the most productive institution. Author Boissy P. ranked first in terms of the number of publications, while Tousignant M. ranked highest in cited authors, with 7 publications and 65 citations. The Journal of Arthroplasty published the greatest number of articles, with 29 publications. The most popular keywords from 2018 to 2023 were “home telerehabilitation,” “older adults,” and “physical therapy”. In terms of the strongest citation burst, the top five keywords were associated with “total knee arthroplasty,” “in home tele rehabilitation,” “physical activity,” “motion,” and “range.” The frontier keywords were “patient satisfaction,” “mobile application,” “self‐efficacy,” “fear avoidance model,” “home assessment tool,” and “cost benefit analysis.”

Conclusions

The current status and trends in telerehabilitation for hip or knee arthroplasty are presented. A major concern at present is physical therapy for home telerehabilitation in the elderly. In the future, mobile app–based telerehabilitation programs for arthroplasty will continue to be encouraged, and some outcomes, such as “patient satisfaction,” “self‐efficacy,” and “cost benefit analysis,” are expected to receive more attention. Our work will serve as a valuable resource, providing fundamental references and a directional guide for future research.
Carbon Dynamics Under Drought and Recovery in Grapevine's Leaves
Authors: Perry Aviad , Sperling Or , Rachmilevitch Shimon , Hochberg Uri
Published: January 2025

Drought stress reduces leaf net assimilation (AN) and phloem export, but the equilibrium between the two is unknown. Consequently, the leaf carbon balance and the primary use of the leaf nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) under water deficit are unclear. Also, we do not know how quickly leaves can replenish their NSC storage and resume export after rehydration.

Hence, we dried grapevines to either zero AN, leaf turgor loss, or complete wilting while following the leaf carbon dynamics.

The vines ceased growth and minimized carbon export under drought, conserving the leaves NSC until AN zeroed. Subsequently, the leaves slowly depleted their NSC storage. However, the NSC depletion rate in the leaves was too slow to support the leaf's energetic requirements, potentially transforming the leaves into carbon sinks. Even under extreme drought (–2 MPa), the leaves had substantial NSC reserves (38% of the controls). After rehydration, all surviving leaves recovered their NSC storage within a week, and even leaves that were later shed had functional phloem export in the week after rehydration. The study reveals the leaf carbon relations under drought, highlighting the preference of the leaf to conserve its NSC storage rather than utilize it.
Prevalence of Malnutrition in Children With Congenital Ichthyoses in a Tertiary Care Centre in India
Authors: Mendiratta Vibhu , Verma Damini , Himadri  , Meena Amit kumar
Published: January 2025

Malnutrition has been reported in congenital ichthyoses in several studies, but its prevalence in Indian children with congenital ichthyoses (CI) as compared to unaffected children is unknown. The objective was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition in 32 children with CI and matched healthy controls and to study the correlation between clinical severity of ichthyosis using visual ichthyosis index severity (VIIS) score with malnutrition, biochemical parameters (hemoglobin, vitamin D, protein and albumin). Malnutrition was detected in 46.8% (15/32) [wasting 40.6%; stunting 37.5%] of children with CI and 18.8% (6/32) (wasting 15.6%; stunting 12.5%) of controls (p value < 0.001) and there was positive correlation between the severity of ichthyosis and malnutrition (p value < 0.001). Children with ichthyosis are at increased risk of malnutrition, and early identification and treatment of malnutrition could improve the severity of ichthyosis and growth potential.
Me First or We First: An Examination of the Positive and Negative Effects of Value Priority Congruence on Individual and Group‐Level Outcomes
Authors: McFarland Lynn A. , Ray Caitlin , Shepherd William J. , Harold Crystal M.
Published: January 2025

We build from and advance value congruence theory and research by introducing new insights related to how value congruence may have different consequences when considered in light of job demands. Specifically, we apply both the theory of basic values and job demands‐resources theory to understand when and why objective value priority congruence with other organizational members results in positive or negative outcomes for both individuals and groups. Using data from a large quick service organization, we examine how employee‐supervisor and employee‐group value priority congruence and incongruence, on social or personal values, relate to both affective and behavioral individual‐level outcomes (employee engagement and turnover), and group‐level outcomes (collective engagement, customer satisfaction, sales, and group turnover). The results suggest that value priority congruence is associated with less employee engagement and higher turnover when the shared values represent personal (rather than social) value priorities because personal values are misaligned with the demands of the job. In some instances incongruence results in more positive outcomes than congruence on personal values. This pattern of results is consistent across both employee‐supervisor and employee‐group foci. Further, groups in which members predominantly prioritize personal values have lower collective engagement; resulting in significantly lower customer satisfaction and lower sales compared to groups with a majority of members who prioritize values aligned with job demands (social values). Altogether, this research helps explain when value congruence will be positive, and why value incongruence can be more beneficial than value congruence in some instances.
Populist Narratives and Personalized National Role Conception in Middle Powers: The Cases of Mexico and Turkey During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Baydag R. Melis , Villanueva Ulfgard Rebecka
Published: January 2025

This article examines the populist influences on middle power roles, focusing on two charismatic populist leaders, Presidents López Obrador in Mexico and Erdoğan in Turkey during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Conventional middle power theories emphasize material, behavioral and identity factors as shaping middle power roles, highlighting the cooperative foreign policy stances of their leaders, while largely overlooking the domestic political contexts where these leaders may display highly polarizing styles. We argue that leaders themselves are a critical factor in shaping middle power behavior. Incorporating the framework of role theories, we demonstrate that both López Obrador and Erdoğan personalized their countries' roles globally, aligning national populist narratives with foreign policy. We identify two core populist narratives—the leader's opposition to the political establishment and advocacy for the people's interests—and explore how these shaped Mexico's and Turkey's middle power roles, particularly in their promotion of global justice and solidarity during the pandemic.

Related Articles

Özer, Sanem, Asiye Gün Güneş Gülal, and Yusuf Kenan Polat. 2023. “The Rule of Law in the Grip of Populist Authoritarianism: Hungary and Poland.” Politics & Policy 51(5): 936–59. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12554.

Skowronska, Kaja. 2021. “The Recent Politicization of Immigration in Poland in Light of Preexisting State Practices: Continuity or Change in the Understanding of Citizenship and Nationhood?” Politics & Policy 49(4): 940–67. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12424.

Villanueva Ulfgard, Rebecka, and César Villanueva. 2019. “Introduction: Capturing the Dilemmas of Modernity and Tradition in Mexico.” Politics & Policy 47(1): 6–27. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12289.
Digitalization and Food Security: Evidence From Developing Countries
Authors: Subramaniam Yogeeswari , Loganathan Nanthakumar , Habibullah Muzafar Shah
Published: January 2025

As digitalization continues to benefit countries, this study examines the role of digitalization in enhancing food security in developing countries. The study utilizes data from a group of 42 developing countries, covering the period between 2014 and 2016, and applies Ordinary Least Squares and two‐stage least squares estimations. The empirical findings indicate that digitalization has a positive impact on food security by increasing food supply and reducing food insecurity. The results suggest that digitalization could be a key factor in improving food supply. Therefore, governments should strive to enhance digitalization to ensure agricultural output, aiding developing countries in improving their food security.
Developmental Dictatorship in East Asia as Model for Africa? The Era Park Chung‐hee in South Korea (1963–1979) in Comparison to the Era Paul Kagame in Rwanda (2000–Today)
Authors: Wrobel Ralph
Published: January 2025

Rwanda is among the fastest‐growing economies in Sub‐Saharan Africa, often discussed in the context of a ‘development state’. This paper examines whether Rwanda can be classified as a ‘developmental dictatorship’, a term closely associated with South Korea. It compares Rwanda's development under Paul Kagame (2000–2024) with South Korea's under Park Chung‐hee (1963–1979). Although both countries share similarities in their developmental preconditions and the motivations of their leaders, their policies differ significantly. Park Chung‐hee focused on industrialization through Five‐Year Plans, whereas Kagame emphasizes creating favourable business conditions. Consequently, South Korea has achieved significant wealth, whereas Rwanda remains a Less Developed Country, though both exemplify successful ‘developmental dictatorships’.
A new distribution record of Sedum tricarpum (Crassulaceae) in Korea
Authors: PARK Jin Hee , KIM Jin-Seok , SUH Hwa-Jung , YOO Su-Chang , YU Jeong-Nam
Published: January 2025

We report a new distribution of Sedum tricarpum Makino on the Korean Peninsula. This species was first reported in Japan and is distributed in Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Recently the species was reported in Anhui Province, China. We found this species in Chungcheongnam-do Province, South Korea. Sedum tricarpum is well distinguished from other species in the genus by its perennial habit, alternate and subsessile or petiolate leaves on the sterile and flowering stems. We provide its morphological description, photographs, and a key to related taxa. We have given this species a new Korean name, Seo-san-dol-namul, which comes from the name of the area where it was first discovered.
Enhancing muscle and brain resilience: The role of prehabilitative exercise in mitigating disuse effects
Authors: Soendenbroe Casper , Boraxbekk Carl‐Johan , Mackey Abigail L.
Published: January 2025

Short‐term disuse leads to rapid declines in muscle mass and strength. These declines are driven by changes at all levels of the neuromuscular system; the brain, spinal cord and skeletal muscle. In addition to neural input from the central and peripheral nervous systems to the muscle, molecular factors originating in the muscle can be transported to the central nervous system. These interactions highlight the interconnected nature of the neuromuscular system during exercise and disuse, and form the basis for this review. Although it is well known that physical activity confers a myriad of health benefits, a recent interest in targeted exercise before periods of disuse or immobility, termed prehabilitation, has emerged. Clinical studies within multiple medical specialities suggest positive effects of prehabilitative exercise on preserving muscle function, reducing adverse outcomes and shortening the length of hospital stay. Yet, the studies available are few and heterogeneous, and the underlying protective mechanisms of prehabilitative exercise remain elusive. In this review, we examine the ramifications of disuse across all levels of the neuromuscular system and explore how prehabilitation may counteract these effects. We summarize these mechanisms into three primary categories: (1) enhancing pre‐disuse capacity; (2) establishing neural and muscle memory; and (3) fostering structural adaptations in both muscle and brain.

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