bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injured endocardium obtains characteristics of haemogenic endothelium during adult zebrafish heart regeneration
Authors: Ying Jun , Louca Irene , Koth Jana , Killen Abigail , Lekkos Konstantinos , Hu Zhilian , Sengul Esra , Stockdale William T. , Wang Xiaonan , Mommersteeg Mathilda T. M.
Published: December 2024

Reactivation of embryonic developmental pathways during regeneration aims to restore tissue architecture and functionality. We previously reported that following cryoinjury, a heterogeneous population of Runx1-expressing endocardial cells differentially upregulates genes associate with scarring and myofibroblast identity. Further analysis of our published RNAseq data alongside 5 publicly available datasets now identifies additional heterogeneity in the Runx1-positive injured endocardium. Here, we show that the endocardium also reactivates a dormant endocardial-to-haematopoietic transition (EHT) mechanism. Runx1-expressing endocardial cells upregulate genes associated with haemogenesis and morphologically display features of EHT. Live imaging shows cells budding off the endocardium and lineage analysis identifies overlap with leukocyte markers. Ablation ofrunx1function further shifts differentiation of the endocardium towards the EHT fate. The identification of transientrunx1-expressing cells transitioning towards myofibroblast or haemogenic endocardium identities demonstrates the complexity of the zebrafish endocardial injury response and highlights the role of Runx1 in regulating cell fate decisions in the endocardium.
Taurine pangenome uncovers a segmental duplication upstream ofKITassociated with depigmentation in white-headed cattle
Authors: Milia Sotiria , Leonard Alexander , Mapel Xena Marie , Bernal Ulloa Sandra Milena , Drögemüller Cord , Pausch Hubert
Published: December 2024

Cattle have been selectively bred for coat color, spotting, and depigmentation patterns. The assumed autosomal dominant inherited genetic variants underlying the characteristic white head of Fleckvieh, Simmental, and Hereford cattle have not been identified yet, although the contribution of structural variation upstream theKITgene has been proposed. Here, we construct a graph pangenome from 24 haplotype assemblies representing seven taurine cattle breeds to identify and characterize the white head-associated locus for the first time based on long-read sequencing data and pangenome analyses. We introduce a pangenome-wide association mapping approach which examines assembly path similarities within the graph to reveal an association between two most likely serial alleles of a complex structural variant 66 kb upstreamKITand facial depigmentation. The complex structural variant contains a variable number of tandemly duplicated 14.3 kb repeats, consisting of LTRs, LINEs, and other repetitive elements, leading to misleading alignments of short and long reads when using a linear reference. We align 250 short-read sequencing samples spanning 15 cattle breeds to the pangenome graph, further validating that the alleles of the structural variant segregate with head depigmentation. We estimate an increased count of repeats in Hereford relative to Simmental and other white-headed cattle breeds from the graph alignment coverage, suggesting a large under-assembly in the current Hereford-based cattle reference genome which had fewer copies. Our work shows that exploiting assembly path similarities within graph pangenomes can reveal trait-associated complex structural variants.
System loophole of generalized noncontextuality
Authors: Gitton Victor , Woods Mischa P.
Published: December 2024

Generalized noncontextuality is a well-studied notion of classicality that is applicable to a single system, as opposed to Bell locality. It relies on representing operationally indistinguishable procedures identically in an ontological model. However, operational indistinguishability depends on the set of operations that one may use to distinguish two procedures: we refer to this set as the reference of indistinguishability. Thus, whether or not a given experiment is noncontextual depends on the choice of reference. The choices of references appearing in the literature are seldom discussed, but typically relate to an implicit notion of a system underlying the experiment. This shift in perspective then begs the question: how should one define the extent of the system underlying an experiment? This question depends in part on one's beliefs in the universe being fundamentally continuous or fundamentally composite. To draw a coherent picture of the possible approaches one may use, we start by formulating a notion of noncontextuality for prepare-and-measure scenarios with respect to an explicit reference of indistinguishability. We investigate how verdicts of noncontextuality depend on this choice of reference, and in the process we introduce the concept of the noncontextuality graph of a prepare-and-measure scenario. We then discuss several proposals that one may appeal to in order to fix the reference to a specific choice, and we relate these proposals to different conceptions of what a system really is. With this discussion, we advocate that whether or not an experiment is noncontextual is not as absolute as often perceived.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Stripe and bubble ratchets on asymmetric substrates
Authors: Reichhardt C. , Reichhardt C. J. O.
Published: December 2024

We show that various nonmonotonic ratchet effects can arise when mesophase pattern-forming systems, which exhibit anisotropic crystal, stripe, and bubble regimes, are coupled to one-dimensional asymmetric substrates under ac driving. The patterns emerge in the absence of a substrate when the ratio of attraction to repulsion is varied for particles with competing short-range attraction and long-range repulsion potentials. In the presence of the substrate, we find that the ratchet efficiency varies nonmonotonically with increasing attraction, depending upon how well the mesophase morphology matches the substrate spacing and periodicity. For strong repulsion, there is a weak but finite ratchet effect, while at intermediate attraction, there is a robust ratchet effect in which the system forms stripes aligned with the substrate symmetry direction. For strong attraction, large bubbles appear that have weak or no ratchet effects when the bubble width exceeds the substrate lattice spacing, causing the bubble to be only weakly coupled to the substrate. For very strong attraction, small bubbles form and undergo a strong ratchet effect with an efficiency that oscillates as a function of ac drive amplitude. Although the small bubble regime is a strongly correlated regime in which each bubble contains many particles, the system behaves as if it is in a single-particle regime since the bubble width is much smaller than the substrate lattice spacing. We map out the different rectification phases as a function of the pattern morphology, substrate strength, and ac drive amplitude. The pronounced ratchet effects that we observe in some regimes can be exploited for pattern sorting in hard and soft matter systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
A scoping review on health literacy in parental educational practices: What do we know about it?
Authors: Araújo Isadora , Junior Ismael Barreto Neves , Rodrigues Peixoto Quaresma Fernando , Pontes-Silva André , Maciel Erika da Silva
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to synthesize evidence on health literacy assessment in parental educational practices of parents/caregivers of newborns from 0 to 13 months old.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review. We synthesized qualitative and quantitative research according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Database selection was based on specific content coverage of peer-reviewed articles in the biomedical and life sciences (PubMed) and health sciences and education (Scopus). We included articles complete original articles in English and/or Portuguese from peer-reviewed indexed journals whose reporting of evidence was in line with the objectives of this study: studies with parents and caregivers of newborns from 0 to 13 months old. Two independent reviewers extracted data and inconsistencies were resolved in a discussion between them and the third reviewer.

Findings

A total of 345 articles were recruited, and 342 were excluded. The most studied age group was 2 months old. Regarding geographic location, most studies were carried out in the USA. All articles were published after the year 2010 and carried out only with fathers and mothers, excluding other caregivers (e.g. relatives and professionals).

Research limitations/implications

Only one instrument is focused on health literacy in parental educational practices.

Originality/value

We observe that this is a little-researched theme. All caregivers of young children face important barriers to understanding and implementing basic child health tasks (e.g. providing adequate nutrition, safety and medication).
Brave or brash? Exploring metastereotypes of voicers and nonvoicers in the workplace
Authors: Olson-Buchanan Julie B. , Finkelstein Lisa M. , De Bruin Rushika
Published: December 2024

Purpose

While sex discrimination and race discrimination are prevalent in the workplace, a relatively low proportion of those who experience it choose to voice. This paper aims to investigate why individuals choose to voice or not voice discrimination by exploring the role of metastereotypes – beliefs about what others think about a group one belongs to – with respect to voicing or not voicing discrimination at work.

Design/methodology/approach

Of the 475 participants surveyed, 34% (164 respondents) had experienced either race or sex discrimination. The metastereotypes of these 164 respondents who either voiced (31%) or did not voice (69%) sex or race discrimination were gathered and examined with respect to the themes and valence of the descriptors. Differences in the content and valence of metastereotypes were examined from different samples taken at two different time periods to explore the possible influence of social movements (#MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter).

Findings

These qualitative analyses provide new insights into how people making different choices regarding the voicing of their mistreatment believe they are viewed. Metastereotypes differed to some extent in content and valence depending on perceiver, source, type of discrimination and timing.

Social implications

This can assist in the development of strategies to encourage voicing with the ultimate goal of reducing workplace mistreatment.

Originality/value

This paper provides the critical first step for including metastereotypes in the model to predict voice in the workplace.
Risk management in Moroccan public hospitals: a literature review
Authors: Oumghar Asma , Izza Issam
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of risk management practices in the healthcare sector, with a particular focus on identifying challenges and strategies in Moroccan hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature search was carried out on several academic search engines using search terms reflecting the relationship between risk management and public hospitals in Morocco.

Findings

The Moroccan public hospital is confronted with several disjunctions, which can be sources of multiple risks. This influences the quality of care provided to patients and can sometimes threaten their vital prognosis. The risk management process can help health professionals, researchers and risk managers to be agile and identify and anticipate risks in order to avoid serious accidents that can affect the whole organization, especially after the pandemic lived experiences (COVID-19).

Originality/value

Protecting human life in an environment where risks are omnipresent is a dilemma that every hospital organization must confront. So, risk management in the hospital is not a simple process, given the interaction of several components and the sensitivity of the field. Risk management in this establishment must be rigorous because every error can cost human life. In this sense, the analysis of risk management processes in Moroccan hospitals, based on what really exists, enables the identification of shortcomings in order to master the risk management system and thus protect goods and services as well as human life, which is the ultimate goal of the hospital organization’s existence.
On the accuracy of a homogenization scheme for the linear buckling analysis of structures assembled from beam-based lattice plates
Authors: Suttakul Pana , Thawon Itthidet , Nanakorn Pruettha , Rungamornrat Jaroon , Atroshchenko Elena , Vo Duy
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study examines the accuracy of a homogenization scheme for the linear buckling analysis of structures assembled from beam-based lattice plates. Regardless of in-plane acting loads, the buckling behavior is characterized by the abrupt out-of-plane deformation. Apparently, if the lattice plates are modeled as homogenized ones, the out-of-plane effective material properties should be considered. However, as prevalently implemented in literature, the in-plane effective material properties are assigned to the homogenized plates for the linear buckling analysis, and thus, the results are erroneous.

Design/methodology/approach

The linear buckling analysis is performed by two finite element models, i.e. the high- and low-fidelity finite element models. In the former one, each strut of the lattice structures is modeled as an Euler–Bernoulli beam, and thus, all the geometrical features are explicitly simulated. On the other hand, the low-fidelity one involves the homogenized plates having the out-of-plane effective material properties determined from the lattice counterparts using an energy-based homogenization method.

Findings

The accuracy of the homogenization scheme is confirmed by the comparison of results obtained by the high- and low-fidelity finite element models. Six topological configurations of the unit cells are considered, and the first five buckling modes are inspected. In all examinations, the low-fidelity finite element model offers the acceptable level of accuracy, i.e. the relative difference between two finite element models is lower than 5%. Furthermore, it is recommended to use the out-of-plane effective material properties rather than the in-plane ones to ensure the precise simulation.

Originality/value

The current study is original. In literature, there are some studies regarding the buckling analysis of lattice plates or panels with out-of-plane material properties. However, these studies use the analytical approach, and consequently, they are confined to lattice structures whose geometry is simple. In the present paper, structures assembled from beam-based lattice plates are examined. It can be noticed that these structures can have complex geometry. Therefore, the feasibility and accuracy of using out-of-plane effective material properties with homogenized plates for the linear buckling analysis of lattice plates are validated.
Tribological properties of typical woods under water lubrication compared with the Lignum vitae
Authors: Zhang Tong , Guo Zhiwei , Li Xuefei , Wu Zumin
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the potential of wood as a water-lubricated bearing material, determine the factors influencing the water-lubricated properties of wood and identify suitable alternatives to Lignum vitae.

Design/methodology/approach

Three resource-abundant wood species, Platycladus orientalis, Cunninghamia lanceolata and Betula platyphylla, were selected, and their properties were compared with those of Lignum vitae. The influencing mechanism of the tribological properties of different woods under water lubrication was thoroughly analyzed, in conjunction with the characterization and testing of mechanical properties, micromorphology and chemical composition.

Findings

The findings reveal that the mechanical properties and inclusions of wood are the primary factors affecting its tribological properties, which are significantly influenced by the micromorphology and chemical composition. The friction experiment results demonstrate that Lignum vitae exhibits the best tribological properties among the four wood species. The tribological properties of Platycladus orientalis are comparable to those of Lignum vitae, being only 17.1% higher. However, it is noted that higher mechanical properties can exacerbate the wear of the grinding pair.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in the combination of friction experiments and wood performance tests to identify the factors contributing to the superior water lubrication performance of wood, thereby guiding the application and improvement of different wood types in water-lubricated bearings.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2024-0284/
Differentiating “must–have” and “should–have” supply chain capabilities for enhanced performance: a necessary conditions analysis
Authors: Fernandes Lima Thiago , Bahli Bouchaib , Arbulu Alberto , Hamdi Ahmed , Saikouk Tarik
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the “should have” and “must have” capabilities required to boost a supply chain’s robustness and operational performance. Research on supply chain capabilities and their impact has long been central to the supply chain discipline. However, empirical studies continue to report mixed results regarding the relationship between integration and performance or agility and robustness. Using a novel methodological approach, this study explores how supply chain integration, agility and supply chain risk management activities influence the operational performance and robustness of supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected through surveys and analyzed using SmartPLS 4 and necessary condition analysis (NCA). This combined approach shifts focus from average trends to identifying the required levels of capabilities, offering insights into the necessity logic of supply chain strategies.

Findings

The study reveals that supply chain risk management and internal integration significantly influence operational performance and robustness. It also supports agility as a precursor to enhancing supply chain robustness, aligning with contemporary theoretical perspectives.

Practical implications

The findings suggest the importance of integrating risk management and internal processes to enhance supply chain performance and robustness. Additionally, agility emerges as a critical strategy in navigating disruptions, emphasizing the need to prioritize it in supply chain management.

Originality/value

By adopting a holistic approach grounded in dynamic capability theory, this study contributes to understanding the interplay of supply chain strategies amid unprecedented challenges. The combined use of SmartPLS 4 and NCA offers a novel perspective, shedding light on the necessary logic of supply chain capabilities.
Unleashing green innovation: navigating the path with green inclusive leadership, green knowledge management and internal CSR communication
Authors: Badar Kamal , Siddiquei Ahmad Nabeel
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Drawing upon the natural resource-based view (NRBV), organizational learning (OL) and contingency theories, this paper aims to develop and test a theoretical framework that examines the impact of green inclusive leadership on green innovation in business-to-business (B2B) context. This framework further examines the simple and serial mediation of green knowledge acquisition and sharing and the moderation of internal corporate social responsibility(CSR) communication.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey questionnaires, authors collected multiwave data from 215 middle managers from different manufacturing and production organizations operating in Pakistan. The hypotheses were inspected using the PROCESS macro.

Findings

According to the findings, green inclusive leadership and green innovation are positively associated, and green knowledge acquisition and green knowledge sharing are efficient serial mediators of this relationship. Furthermore, the results suggest that internal CSR communication moderates the serial mediation such that the indirect relationship between green inclusive leadership and green innovation was stronger at high levels of internal CSR communication rather than at lower levels.

Practical implications

This research offers implications for manufacturing industry leaders and policymakers. Green inclusive leadership nurtures green knowledge dynamics, making it vital for achieving United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and promoting ecological stewardship. Investing in green knowledge processes and transparent internal CSR communication can enhance sustainable innovation and align with broader sustainability goals in organizations predominantly operating under the B2B model.

Originality/value

By merging NRBV, OL and contingency theories and drawing links across different genres of literature, this study provides unique insight into leadership, knowledge management, corporate communication, sustainability and CSR and innovation in the B2B sector.
Mixed convective heat transfer to flexible viscosity nanofluid over a radially elongated convective exterior with temperature dependent heat source and Arrhenius activation energy
Authors: Joshi Naveen , R. Vijaya Lakshmi , Singh Jitendra Kumar
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the collective influence of several factors, namely, thermal radiation, Brownian motion, magnetic field and variable viscosity parameter, on the boundary layer flow, heat and mass transfer of an electrically steering nanofluid over a radially stretching exterior subjected to convective heating. In addition, the impacts of thermal and solutal buoyancy forces and activation energy are taken into account. The enlarging velocity is assumed to vary linearly with radial distance.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the similarity transformation technique, the governing highly nonlinear partial differential equations are transformed into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, which are then numerically solved using the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method with a shooting technique.

Findings

Graphical depictions are provided to analyze the velocity, temperature and nanoparticle concentration fields under the influence of various pertinent parameters. Furthermore, local skin friction, local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are quantitatively presented and discussed. A comparison with previous results demonstrates good agreement.

Originality/value

This study uniquely integrates multiple factors influencing boundary layer flow in electrically conducting nanofluids, offering a nuanced understanding of heat and mass transfer over radially stretching surfaces. By using advanced numerical methods, it provides valuable insights and quantitative data that can inform practical applications in engineering and materials science.
Why are some invasive plant species so successful in nutrient‐impoverished habitats in south‐western Australia: A perspective based on their phosphorus‐acquisition strategies
Authors: Tang Dan , Yan Li , Fisher Judith L. , Kang Haibin , Dallongeville Paul , Wasaki Jun , Wang Xiao , Lambers Hans
Published: December 2024

Invasive plants are a major cause of the global biodiversity crisis; it is therefore crucial to understand mechanisms that contribute to their success. South‐western Australia is a global biodiversity hotspot with extremely low soil phosphorus (P) concentrations. In this region, a large proportion of native plant species release carboxylates that mobilise soil P. Many widespread invasive plant species in south‐western Australia are arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM). We hypothesised that some of these invasive AM plant species exhibit similar P‐acquisition strategies as native carboxylate‐releasing P‐mobilising species which allows them to thrive in P‐impoverished soils.

To test this hypothesis, we collected 23 common invasive species in the field and assessed their leaf manganese concentration [Mn], relative to that of native reference species at different locations, as a proxy for carboxylate release. In addition, we cultivated seven of the invasive species in hydroponics at different P supply to measure their root carboxylate exudation. Furthermore, we measured leaf P concentration and photosynthetic P‐use efficiency (PPUE) of five invasive species in the glasshouse.

In the field investigation, almost all invasive species exhibited significantly higher leaf [Mn] than the negative references, which do not release carboxylates, indicating carboxylate release of the invasive plants. Leaf [Mn] of a few invasives even exceeded that of positive references, which exhibit significant carboxylate release, indicating substantial carboxylate release of these invasives. All glasshouse‐grown invasive species with high field leaf [Mn] released root carboxylates under low P supply. Most of the tested invasive plant species also exhibited greater PPUE than native plants under low P supply.

Invasive AM plant species exhibited root exudation of carboxylates as a P‐acquisition strategy, which very likely allows their successful invasion of severely P‐impoverished habitats.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Topography‐dependent eikonal solver in tilted transverse isotropic media with anelliptical factorization
Authors: Zhou Xiaole , Sambolian Serge , Lan Haiqiang , Operto Stéphane
Published: December 2024

Incorporating anisotropy and complex topography is necessary to perform traveltime tomography in complex land environments while being a computational challenge when traveltimes are computed with finite‐difference eikonal solvers. Previous studies have taken this challenge by computing traveltimes in transverse isotropic media involving complex topography with a finite‐difference eikonal equation solver on a curvilinear grid. In this approach, the source singularity, which is a major issue in eikonal solvers, is managed with the elliptical multiplicative factorization method, where the total traveltime field is decomposed into an elliptical base traveltime map, which has a known analytical expression and an unknown perturbation field. However, the group velocity curve can deviate significantly from an ellipse in anellipitically anisotropic media. In this case, the elliptical base traveltime field differs significantly from the anelliptical counterpart, leading to potentially suboptimal traveltime solutions, even though it helps to mitigate the detrimental effects of the source singularity. To overcome this issue, we develop a more accurate topography‐dependent eikonal solver in transverse isotropic media that relies on anelliptical factorization. To achieve this, we first define the coordinate transform from the Cartesian to the curvilinear coordinate system, which provides the necessary framework to implement the topography‐dependent transverse isotropic finite‐difference eikonal solver with arbitrary source and receiver positioning. Then, we develop a semi‐analytical method for the computation of the topography‐dependent anelliptical base traveltime field. Finally, we efficiently solve the resulting quadratic elliptical equation using the fast sweeping method and a quartic anelliptical source term through fixed‐point iteration. We assess the computational efficiency, stability and accuracy of the new eikonal solver against the solver based on elliptical factorization using several transverse isotropic numerical examples. We conclude that this new solver provides a versatile and accurate forward engine for traveltime tomography in complex geological environments such as foothills and thrust belts. It can also be used in marine environments involving complex bathymetry when tomography is applied to redatumed data on the sea bottom.
In‐situ and ex‐situ conservation priorities and distribution of lentil wild relatives under climate change: A modelling approach
Authors: Rouichi Salma , Ghanem Michel Edmond , Amri Moez
Published: December 2024

Lentil wild relatives are an important source of desirable traits that can be used for improving the productivity and resilience of cultivated lentil. Yet, our understanding of their habitat suitability and associated environmental factors remains limited. This study aimed to (i) assess climate change's impact on the potential distribution of six wild lentil species (Lens culinaris subsp. orientalis, L. culinaris subsp. tomentosus, L. culinaris subsp. odemensis, Lens ervoides, Lens lamotte and Lens nigricans) under various climate scenarios and (ii) assess their risk of extinction and determine their in‐situ and ex‐situ conservation status.

We used a species distribution modelling approach with MaxEnt to assess the present and future potential distribution of wild lentil species. Extinction risk was evaluated based on International Union of Conservation of Nature criterion B, and the conservation status was assessed using the GapAnalysis method.

The precipitation of the coldest quarter (bio19) and the minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio6) were found as the most important variables influencing the distribution of wild lentil species. Final Conservation Score (FCS) ranged from 17.85 and 37.55, highlighting three wild lentil species (L. ervoides, L. nigricans, and L. culinaris subsp. tomentosus) with high priority for conservation and medium priority for the remaining species. L. culinaris subsp. tomentosus is categorized as a vulnerable species, while the other five species are of least concern or near threatened.

Synthesis and applications: This study underscores the urgent need for policy development to safeguard the diversity of lentil wild relatives in the face of climate change. The identified vulnerability of Lens culinaris subsp. tomentosus, among others, needs prompt and proactive conservation actions. Key management practices include the establishment and expansion of protected areas, habitat restoration, and the promotion of sustainable land use practices. The integration of effective in‐situ and ex‐situ conservation strategies, along with ecological management practices, is essential. These measures, not only, enhance biodiversity conservation but also improve the resilience of agricultural ecosystems. Such an approach is pivotal in shaping effective conservation management practices for lentil wild relatives, promoting a sustainable agricultural system and ensuring food security in an evolving climate scenario.
Incorporation of dietary phenolic compounds into dairy products: Interactions and beneficial effects
Authors: Yu Cheng‐wei , Hu Qi‐rui
Published: December 2024

In this paper, VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to conduct bibliometric approaches to investigate the current trends (2010–2023) of ‘incorporation of polyphenol‐rich ingredients in dairy products’. Given the diversity, bioactivity and accessibility of phenolic compounds, researches in this field have seen extensive global engagement and have been currently experiencing rapid growth. The improvements in antioxidant activity and stability of dairy products were topical beneficial effects of phenolic compounds. Moreover, antimicrobial properties and support for probiotic functions of phenolic compounds are critical factors driving their widespread application in the dairy industry. Additionally, there has been a significant interest in the interactions between phenolic compounds and proteins in dairy products as well. Furthermore, the attention on rheological property and sensory property might be rising in the upcoming years. This paper quantified and visualised the evolution of polyphenol‐rich dairy products and provided insights into future trends.
The Use of Novel Therapies in the Management of Haemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN)
Authors: Cordell V. , Soe A. , Latham T. , Bills V. L. ,   the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Published: December 2024

Plain language summary

Haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) is a rare condition that causes a baby to develop anaemia while growing inside the woman; or after birth. Left untreated, this may lead to stillbirth or neonatal death.

HDFN is caused when the pregnant woman's antibodies cross the placenta, enter the baby's circulation, and attach to proteins called antigens (inherited from the father) on the baby's haemoglobin containing red blood cells, and cause them to break apart, causing fetal anaemia.

Women routinely have their blood tested at the start of pregnancy to assess their ABO blood group and Rh antigens. There are five main Rhesus antigens: D, C, c, E, e; with anti‐D being responsible for most cases of HDFN. If a woman is found to be Rh D negative; a ‘non‐invasive’ blood test is performed to assess if the fetal blood group is the same as the woman's. If a woman is found to be Rh D negative, and the baby is found to be D positive, the baby is at risk. This is because the baby has inherited the D antigen from the father; so‐called Rhesus incompatibility. Other red blood cell antibodies such as anti‐Kell or anti‐Duffy can also cause fetal anaemia. Women at highest risk of developing HDFN are those who have had at least one previous birth or a sensitising event (such as abdominal trauma) in a current or previous pregnancy, causing the woman and baby's blood to mix.

Current treatment for haemolytic disease of the fetus involves giving fetal blood transfusions, with a small risk of early labour or pregnancy loss. If anaemia develops later in pregnancy, early delivery of the baby may be recommended; which could lead to complications of prematurity. In cases of mild HDFN, the baby may only require light therapy for neonatal jaundice. However, if the anaemia occurs earlier in pregnancy and is severe, the baby may need blood transfusions while still in the womb ‐ and after birth may require an exchange transfusion, to remove the woman's antibodies from their circulation and to treat the anaemia.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a potential non‐invasive method to prevent or delay the onset of severe anaemia. It is a blood product given intravenously every week to women who have been deemed at very high risk of early onset HDFN. It can be started at the end of the first trimester until birth, or until anaemia develops. This paper will discuss the evidence behind IVIG and other novel therapies during pregnancy, including the risks and the benefits. The developers of the paper include obstetricians, neonatologists and haematologists to provide different opinions on this topic.
The therapeutic effect of different cumin essential oil fractions against gastric ulcer in rats
Authors: Lu Shuai , Suo Feiya , Yu Wenfeng , Wu Guofeng
Published: December 2024

Cumin, a popular spice, is widely used to treat stomach ailments in Central Asia and Xinjiang, China. Cumin essential oil has been found to effectively treat gastric ulcers, but its pharmacodynamic basis remains unclear. In this study, cumin essential oil was directly separated using column chromatography, and its components were identified through multi‐dimensional gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Finally, the cumin essential oil was fractionated into E1, E2, and E3. The effects of these fractions on gastric ulcers were studied using an anhydrous ethanol‐induced rat model. The results indicated that the three fractions decreased ulcer index, gastric fluid pH, and pepsin activity to different extents. They lowered the levels of prostaglandin E2, gastrin, and epidermal growth factor in rat serum. According to an analysis of the above indices, E3 fraction had the best anti‐ulcer effect. The detection results of the oxidative stress and inflammatory factors showed that all three fractions relieved the ethanol‐induced oxidative stress and reduced the release of inflammatory factors to varying degrees. The E3 fraction played the most significant role. The E3 fraction was selected to explore the relevant mechanism, and the results showed that E3 fraction significantly prevented the cleaved caspase‐3 and Bax protein levels that were ethanol‐induced and resisted apoptosis induced by ethanol injury. The western blot results for detecting the NF‐κB‐related pathway protein showed that E3 fraction significantly inhibited the activation of p‐p65, p‐IKKβ, and p‐IκBα. The study found that the E3 fraction of cumin essential oil had the most effective anti‐ulcer effect by inhibiting NF‐κB activation and apoptosis, thus reducing inflammation.
ChirpArray: A low‐cost, easy‐to‐construct microphone array for long‐term ecoacoustic monitoring
Authors: Okamoto Ryotaro , Oguma Hiroyuki
Published: December 2024

Advances in passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) have highlighted the importance of recording devices and audio recognition techniques in ecosystem monitoring.

This study introduces ChirpArray, a cost‐effective and easily assembled microphone array for long‐term ecoacoustic monitoring of outdoor ecosystems. The ChirpArray system features a four‐channel microphone array that estimates sound source directions, aids in identifying individual animals and provides a detailed behavioural analysis.

Unlike previous microphone arrays, ChirpArray is low‐cost, low‐power and waterproof, making it ideal for extended‐field monitoring. It is a fully open source and is constructed from readily available materials, ensuring broad accessibility for applications ranging from local citizen projects to large‐scale landscape recordings. This study details the power, storage consumption and localization performance of ChirpArray.

Current measurements show that a small solar‐power set‐up can continuously operate the system. Localization tests using loudspeakers have yielded promising results. ChirpArray is a compact, energy‐efficient microphone array designed for long‐term outdoor recording, offering considerable advantages in ecoacoustic monitoring. Its exceptionally low power consumption allows for efficient and flexible deployment, making it an ideal solution for extended‐field monitoring and large‐scale landscape recordings.
The Role of P‐Wave Variables in Enhancing Prediction of New‐Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Yang Na , Li Xiaoyan , Wu Bo , Dai Longhao , Yang Shaobin , Zhang Qinning , Jia Shaobin
Published: December 2024

Background

After acute myocardial infarction (AMI), it is common to observe new‐onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF), which is often related to a negative prognosis. Some P‐wave variables (P‐wave duration [PWD], P‐wave amplitude, and interatrial block [IAB]), reflecting the process of electrical and structural remodeling, could predict the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to assess the predictive value of P‐wave variables for post‐AMI NOAF.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 1581 AMI patients with no prior AF, using follow‐up data from January 2023 to January 2024. P‐wave variables were measured, and patients were grouped based on in‐hospital NOAF occurrence.

Results

Overall, 164 (10.3%) of the 1581 patients had NOAF. The age (61.08 ± 12.02 vs. 67.91 ± 11.60, p < 0.001), left atrial size (36.31 ± 3.94 vs. 39.12 ± 5.51, p < 0.001), Brain Natriuretic Peptide (1588.45 ± 3346.18 vs. 3864.39 ± 6251.92, p < 0.001), P‐wave variables (PWD: 102.78 ± 12.56 vs. 117.88 ± 18.81, p < 0.001; P‐wave amplitude: 0.12 ± 0.04 vs. 0.13 ± 0.04, p = 0.041; interatrial block: 89.6% vs. 10.3%, p < 0.001), congestive heart failure (4.7% vs. 23.2%, p < 0.001), and Killip > 1 (25.3% vs. 55.5%, p < 0.001) showed significant differences between the non‐AF and NOAF groups. P‐wave variables were significantly associated with an increased risk of NOAF in multivariable regression analysis.

Conclusions

The addition of P‐wave variables to AF risk factors from literature and guidelines significantly improved NOAF risk discrimination. P‐wave variables were strongly associated with NOAF after AMI. Adding these variables enhanced the predictive performance for post‐AMI NOAF.
Development and Validation of a Multimodal Machine Learning Model for Diagnosing and Assessing Risk of Crohn's Disease in Patients With Perianal Fistula
Authors: Xiang Yu , Yang Fan , Yuan Fen , Gong Yuxia , Li Jing , Wang Xiaoxiao , Sun Xueliang , Zhang Heng , Wang Can , Zhu Zhenxing , Chen Qi , Chen Hongjin , Zhu Weiming , Qiao Lichao , Yang Bolin
Published: December 2024

Background

Diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) can pose challenges, particularly when perianal fistula is the initial presentation.

Aim

To develop and validate a predictive model, establishing a visual web tool for early diagnosis of CD in patients presenting with perianal fistula.

Methods

This retrospective, multicentre validation study involved patients diagnosed with either perianal fistulising CD or cryptoglandular fistula who underwent initial perianal fistula surgery subsequent to rectal MRI at three Chinese centres from September 2016 to December 2020. A random forest classification model was trained on the derivation cohort (n = 550), randomly split into training and test sets at a 7:3 ratio. Validation utilised data from two external centres (n = 300). Model interpretation employed the Shapley Addictive explanation (SHAP) framework. The validated model was integrated into a web tool for calculating patient‐specific risk.

Results

In the derivation cohort, SHAP analysis highlighted rectal wall ulceration, rectal wall thickening, submucosal fistula, and T2 hyperintensity as risk factors, while age was identified as protective. A random forest classification model developed using these top 5 features achieved an AUROC of 0.9425 (95% CI: 0.8943–0.9906). In the validation cohort, the model performed well with AUROC values of 0.9187 (95% CI: 0.8620–0.9754) and 0.9341 (95% CI: 0.8876–0.9806), respectively. We developed a publicly accessible web‐based application.

Conclusion

We have developed a multimodal machine learning model and a web tool that can predict and present CD risk in patients initially presenting with perianal fistula.
Coping with peer suicidality, help‐seeking intentions, and suicidal attitudes among Asian adolescents: a mixed‐methods study in Hong Kong
Authors: Chen Sikky Shiqi , Lam Tai Pong , Lam Kwok Fai , Lo Tak Lam , Chao David Vai Kiong , Mak Ki Yan , Lam Edmund Wing Wo , Tang Wai Sin , Chan Hoi Yan , Yip Paul Siu Fai
Published: December 2024

Background

Adaptive responses to peer suicidality and the involvement of professional help are crucial for adolescent suicide prevention and may be influenced by suicidal attitudes. This study aimed to explore Hong Kong adolescents' responses to and help‐seeking intentions for suicidal peers and to examine the influence of suicidal attitudes.

Method

This study used an exploratory sequential mixed‐methods approach targeting Hong Kong adolescents aged 15–19 between September 2018 and October 2019. Adolescents' reactions to peer suicidality, suicidal attitudes, and willingness to help were examined through six focus groups and 12 individual interviews (N = 40). A cross‐sectional survey (N = 1676) was subsequently conducted to investigate the prevalence of different responses to peer suicidality, help‐seeking intentions, differences by background characteristics, and the impacts of suicidal attitudes.

Results

Qualitative findings revealed three major themes: attitudes toward suicide, reactions to peer distress and suicidality, and willingness to help suicidal individuals. Most survey respondents reported actively responding and seeking informal help, but not professional support. Differences were observed based on sex, academic performance, and self‐suicidality. Notably, a stigmatizing attitude was positively associated with both response types and informal help‐seeking intentions. The belief that suicide is unpreventable was positively associated with passive responses but negatively associated with active responses and informal help‐seeking intentions.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight variability in adolescents' responses to peer suicidality and help‐seeking intentions, underscoring the need for attitude‐tailored courses and more systematic, action‐based gatekeeper training. Recommendations are provided to enhance the effectiveness of mental health first aid programs through public education, school interventions, and media campaigns.
Microglial Mayhem NLRP3 Inflammasome's Role in Multiple Sclerosis Pathology
Authors: Fan Hua , Fu Qizhi , Du Ganqin , Qin Ling , Shi Xiaofei , Wang Dongmei , Yang Yanhui
Published: December 2024

Introduction

This review delves into the intricate relationship between NLR inflammasomes, particularly the NLRP3 inflammasome, and the immune‐mediated neurodegenerative disease, multiple sclerosis (MS). While the precise etiology of MS remains elusive, compelling research underscores the pivotal role of the immune response in disease progression. Notably, recent investigations highlight the significant involvement of NLRP3 inflammasomes in various autoimmune diseases, prompting an in‐depth exploration of their impact on MS.

Method

The review focuses on elucidating the activation mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasomes within microglia/macrophages (MG/MФ), examining how this activation promotes an inflammatory response that exacerbates neuronal damage in MS. A comprehensive analysis of existing literature and research findings forms the basis for understanding the intricate interplay between NLRP3 inflammasomes and MS pathogenesis.

Results

Synthesizing current research, the review provides insight into the pivotal role played by NLR inflammasomes, specifically NLRP3, in MS. Emphasis is placed on the inflammatory response orchestrated by activated MG/MФ, elucidating the cascade that perpetuates neuronal damage in the disease.

Conclusions

This review concludes by consolidating key findings and offering a nuanced perspective on the role of NLRP3 inflammasomes in MS pathogenesis. The detailed exploration of the activation process within MG/MФ provides a foundation for understanding the disease's underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, the review sets the stage for potential therapeutic strategies targeting NLRP3 inflammasomes in the pursuit of MS treatment.
Potential and Challenges of Transcranial Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Stroke
Authors: Li Siyue , Wong Thomson W. L. , Ng Shamay S. M.
Published: December 2024

Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low‐level laser therapy, employs red or near‐infrared light emitted from a laser or light‐emitting diode for the treatment of various conditions. Transcranial PBM (tPBM) is a form of PBM that is delivered to the head to improve brain health, as tPBM enhances mitochondrial function, improves antioxidant responses, reduces inflammation, offers protection from apoptosis, improves blood flow, increases cellular energy production, and promotes neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. As such, tPBM holds promise as a treatment for stroke. This review summarizes recent findings on tPBM as a treatment for stroke, presenting evidence from both animal studies and clinical trials that demonstrate its efficacy. Additionally, it discusses the potential and challenges encountered in the translation process. Furthermore, it proposes new technologies and directions for the development of light‐delivery methods and emphasizes the need for extensive studies to validate and widen the application of tPBM in future treatments for stroke.