bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perinatal exposure to lead alters male reproductive behaviour and immunoreactivity of androgen and oestrogen receptors in the brain
Authors: Arteaga‐Silva Marcela , Vigueras‐Villaseñor Rosa María , Guillen‐Herrera Gustavo , Landero‐Huerta Daniel Adrian , Contreras‐García Itzel Jatziri , Montes Sergio , Ríos Camilo , Limón‐Morales Ofelia , Rojas‐Castañeda Julio César
Published: December 2024

Lead (Pb) exposure during perinatal development alters testosterone (T) concentrations and delays puberty in children and laboratory rodents. In addition, exposure to the metal during adult life decreases T and libido in men and affects male reproductive behaviour (MRB) in rats. MRB is regulated by various brain nuclei including the medial preoptic area (MPOa) and the medial amygdala (MeA), in which T and oestradiol (E2) act through their respective androgen (AR) and oestrogen (ER) receptors. However, the mechanism by which MRB is affected by Pb exposure is not known. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate whether perinatal Pb exposure affects MRB and the number of cells immunoreactive to AR and ERα in the MPOa and the MeA. Male Wistar rats exposed to Pb (320 ppm) in drinking water from the beginning of pregnancy until weaning were used. The experimental group experienced significant alterations in MRB, an important decrease in T and E2 concentrations, and a significant increase in Pb concentrations in the blood, MPOa (hypothalamus) and MeA. In addition, in the studied areas the number of cells immunoreactive to AR and ERα, or detected using the Nissl technique, decreased significantly. These results show that perinatal exposure to Pb alters MRB. This event may be related to a decrease in both the concentrations of sex hormones and the number of cells that express their receptors as well as in the neuronal Nissl staining population. This ultimately affects the quality of life of the individual.
Proposing a new integrated MEREC‐NDEA algorithm for assessing and selecting the optimal sustainable suppliers: a case study
Authors: Eydi Alireza , GholamAzad Maedeh
Published: December 2024

In recent decades, choosing sustainable suppliers (SS) within a supply chain (SC) has posed a significant challenge for management. The evaluation and selection of the optimal SS from a pool of suppliers in the SC stands as a pivotal factor in maintaining competitiveness in the market. Hence, decision‐makers must seek the most effective method to identify key selection criteria for SS. This study aims to introduce a novel hybrid algorithm for the selection and assessment of the best SSs, encompassing varied criteria such as economic, environmental, sustainability, and human health considerations. The innovative algorithm combines the MEthod based on the Removal Effects of Criteria (MEREC) technique with network data envelopment analysis (NDEA). The enhanced NDEA model incorporates undesirable outputs and environmental emissions like CO2. Initially, leveraging the MEREC approach, criteria weights are determined in two distinct groups: cost and benefit. Subsequently, inputs, intermediate products, and outputs are defined based on these weights, with NDEA models devised accordingly. The NDEA models effectively identify top suppliers based on efficiency. An efficient supplier is considered the best choice. The NDEA model highlights areas for improvement for inefficient suppliers while also leveraging insights from efficient ones. This leads to a comprehensive ranking of all suppliers, from which the best are selected. A case study at Shahriar Plast Company involving 10 suppliers and 11 criteria demonstrates the methodology's effectiveness. Results indicate that this hybrid algorithm is a reliable solution for supplier selection across various SCs. A comparative analysis with existing models further confirms the stability and reliability of the proposed algorithm, yielding consistent outcomes.
Influence of skin hydration level on the occurrence of blisters on the foot during hiking
Authors: Gracia‐Sánchez Alba , Martínez‐Nova Alfonso , Moya‐Cuenca Coral , Zúnica‐García Sara , Chicharro‐Luna Esther
Published: December 2024

Friction blisters are common among outdoor enthusiasts, yet their causes remain uncertain. This study aimed to compare foot hydration in long‐distance hikers with and without blisters, and to assess variability based on age and sex. An observational case–control study involving 86 hikers was conducted. Skin hydration was measured using a corneometer on various foot zones. Data on blister count, footwear, sex, age, and temperature were recorded. The most hydrated zones were the digital area, forefoot, and heel. Higher hydration was found in the blister group (61.6%) compared to the control group (38.4%). A significant relationship between hydration and blisters was observed in the left foot (p = 0.032). Total foot hydration was higher in women (p = 0.007) and inversely related to age (r = −0.333; p = 0.002). Hydration values above 30.40 a.u. in the right foot and 27.37 a.u. in the left foot were linked to blisters with 80% sensitivity. This study highlights the variability in foot hydration and its relationship with blisters. The influence of age and wet socks underscores the complexity of blister formation, emphasizing the need for future research on effective prevention.
A review on toxic epidermal necrolysis‐like superficial wound lesions: Issue and challenge on 10 clinical entities
Authors: Abtahi‐Naeini Bahareh , Pourmahdi‐Boroujeni Mahsa , Rastegarnasab Fereshte , Emamjomeh Ali
Published: December 2024

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a severe skin reaction caused by extensive epidermal and mucosal necrosis. This clinical phenomenon is known as an acute syndrome of apoptotic pan‐epidermolysis (ASAP). The ASAP phenomenon is observed in conditions that mimic TEN, highlighting the challenge in distinguishing these conditions. While TEN is a well‐recognized entity, distinguishing it from other TEN‐like conditions presents significant diagnostic and treatment challenges. These conditions include drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), TEN‐like methotrexate toxicity, mustard gas toxicity, pseudoporphyria, mycoplasma‐induced rash and mucositis (MIRM), multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C), graft versus host disease (GVHD), and acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. This review explores these ten separate entities and debates their clinical features, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management.
Pyrolysis synthesis and microstructure of yttrium modified hafnium carbide from polymer precursor
Authors: Zhang Huifeng , Sun Xiaoming , Lan Hao , Ge Min , Yu Shouquan , Sun Qian , Zhang Hao , Zhang Weigang
Published: December 2024

In this work, a novel polymer precursor for yttrium modified hafnium carbide (HfC) was prepared by blending polyhafnium carboxane, yttrium acetylacetonate with xylene. The pyrolysis behavior and structural evolution of the precursor were comprehensively investigated, along with a thorough examination of the microstructure and composition of the synthesized HfC particles. The results showed that Y element was introduced into the ceramics to form c‐HfO2, with Hf, Y, C and O elements well distributed. The pyrolysis of the polymer precursor at 1600°C produced HfC nanocrystallites with an average grain size of 43 nm, encapsulated by an amorphous carbon shell. The synthesized HfC ceramics exhibited distinct nanostructures that varied from amorphous structure to almost spherical morphology under different pyrolysis temperatures. The underlying formation mechanisms were also discussed.
Perils of Using Range Maps in Macroecological Models of Species Richness
Authors: Thonis Anna , Akçakaya H. Resit
Published: December 2024

Aim

As range maps do not imply the continuous presence of species across their extents—and are commonly developed with species conservation in mind—their underlying assumptions unsurprisingly lead to richness overpredictions for a given area. Despite this expectation, species richness extracted from overlapping species range maps continues to be used in macroecological models (MEMs) of species richness. In this paper, we demonstrate the various implications of using range map richness in MEMs.

Location

Puerto Rico.

Taxon

Anolis lizards.

Methods

We used random forests to build two MEMs of Puerto Rico Anolis species richness: (a) using richness extracted from superimposed species range maps and (b) using biodiversity surveys conducted by the Puerto Rico non‐profit, Para la Naturaleza. We then compare richness predictions, variable importance and evaluation metrics between the two models.

Results and Main Conclusions

We demonstrate how (1) using range map richness in MEMs results in richness overprediction, (2) variable importance taken from MEMs built with range map richness may be unreliable or indicative of variable importance at a coarser spatial scale and (3) correlation metrics used for evaluating MEMs are potentially misleading. Through this work, we shed light on the implications of using range map species richness in MEMs.
Pharmacological Network Analysis of the Functions and Mechanism of Quercetin From Jisuikang (JSK) in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
Authors: Dong Lini , He Haoyu , Chen Zejun , Wang Xiaoxiao , Li Yunchao , Lü Guohua , Wang Bing , Kuang Lei
Published: December 2024

Neuroinflammation, especially microglia/macrophage activation, is a hallmark of spinal cord injury (SCI). Jisuikang (JSK) is a clinical experiential Chinese herbal formula for SCI therapy containing Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Danggui (Angelica sinensis Radix), Chishao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra), Dilong (earthworm, Pheretima aspergillum), Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Taoren (Persicae Seman) and Honghua (Carthami Flos). Eighteen active ingredients in 6 herbs of JSK were found to be correlated with inflammation, spinal injury and other diseases. These 18 active ingredients target 5464 genes according to the PubChem database. Through comparing differentially expressed genes between SCI and normal samples using GSE datasets, 50 hub genes were identified. These hub‐genes were enriched in oxidative stress response and inflammation response. The herb‐compound‐target, herb‐compound‐signalling and compound‐target‐signalling networks were generated and quercetin was identified as the hub compound. A concentration of 25 μM quercetin showed no cytotoxicity but significantly protected microglial cells from LPS‐induced inhibition of cell viability. LPS stimulation elevated the levels of iNOS, IL‐1β and TNF‐α but decreased IL‐10 levels, whereas quercetin significantly attenuated LPS‐induced alterations in these factors. Moreover, quercetin targeted gene, IL1R1 was reduced by quercetin as predicted. Overexpression of IL1R1 further increased LPS‐induced inflammation, which could be partly reversed by quercetin treatment. In vivo, quercetin improved histopathological alterations, inflammation and promoted M2 macrophage polarisation post‐injury, whereas IL1R1 overexpression partially attenuated the beneficial effects of quercetin on the rat SCI model. Collectively, quercetin, the main ingredient compound of JSK, protects against LPS‐induced cell viability inhibition and cellular inflammation, which could be partially attenuated by IL1R1 overexpression.
Sex Differences in Ependymoma Methylation by Methylation‐Defined Subgroup
Authors: Mestnik Shelby , Sorajja Natali , Lu Zhanni , Mills Lauren J. , Williams Lindsay
Published: December 2024

Ependymoma is the second most common malignant paediatric brain tumour composed of nine methylation‐defined, clinically relevant subgroups. It is unclear if there are sex differences in methylation profiles within these subgroups which could guide future treatment options. We obtained available methylation data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differentially methylated probes (DMPs) between sexes were identified in each ependymoma sample and mapped to genes. Reactome pathways resulting from genes were identified. Survival was estimated for each sex within molecular subgroups. There were 492 cases included in the main analysis: PF‐EPN‐A (n = 238) PF‐EPN‐B (n = 52), PF‐SE (n = 34), SP‐MPE (n = 26), SP‐EPN (n = 21), ST‐EPN‐RELA (n = 87), ST‐EPN‐YAP1 (n = 13) and ST‐SE (n = 21). Females were observed to have better, but statistically nonsignificant, 5‐year overall survival (OS) and better, marginally significant 5‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) than males. One subgroup, ST‐EPN‐RELA, showed significantly better OS in females. There was a difference in immune cell composition within tumour subgroups. One gene, RFTN1, was consistently differentially methylated by sex among all subgroups. There were biologic pathways identified from genes with differential methylation by sex in the following subgroups: PF‐EPN‐B, PF‐SE, ST‐EPN‐RELA and ST‐EPN‐YAP1. Many of the identified pathways may be options for potential therapeutic targets.
TRF‐16 Inhibits Lung Cancer Progression by Hindering the N6‐Methyladenosine Modification of CPT1A mRNA
Authors: Ye Jiankui , Chen Yu , Shao Zhuowei , Wu Yili , Li You , Fang Shuai , Wu Shibo
Published: December 2024

Transfer RNA‐derived fragments (tRFs) are a new class of small non‐coding RNAs. Recent studies suggest that tRFs participate in some pathological processes. However, the biological activities and processes of tRFs in lung cancer cells remain mainly unclear. In the present investigation, we employed tRNA‐derived small RNA (tsRNA) sequencing to predict differentially expressed tsRNAs in lung cancer cells, and nine tsRNAs with significant expression alterations were validated using qPCR. Wound healing, colony formation, transwell invasion and CCK‐8 assays were performed to detect the effects of tRF‐16 on cell function. Western blotting evaluated the relationship between tRF‐16 and the IGF2BP1 axis. Our findings demonstrated that tRF‐16 expression was substantially downregulated in lung cancer cells. TRF‐16 could inhibit lung cancer cells' ability to increase, migrate, invade and obtain radiation resistance. Furthermore, tRF‐16 decreases the stability of CPT1A by impairing the binding of IGF2BP1 to CPT1A. As a result, the fatty acid metabolism in lung cancer cells was inhibited. Finally, tRF‐16 also inhibits lung cancer cell proliferation in vivo. This study shows that tRF‐16 plays a crucial regulatory role in the proliferation of lung cancer cells and may represent a novel avenue for their regulation.
Predictors of preschool attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis: a population‐based study using national registers
Authors: Gurgel Wagner , Garcia‐Argibay Miguel , D'Onofrio Brian M. , Larsson Henrik , Polanczyk Guilherme V.
Published: December 2024

Background

The diagnosis of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschool years (before age 6 years) is a marker of severity and poor prognosis. This study investigated a broad range of predictors of ADHD diagnosis during preschool age.

Methods

Population‐based cohort study using Swedish registers. The final sample consisted of all children born in Sweden between 2001 and 2007 who could be linked to both of their biological parents, excluding those who died or emigrated (n = 631,695). Follow‐up was completed December 31, 2013. Cox proportional‐hazards models for survival analysis were used to identify the predictors that increased the risk of receiving a clinical diagnosis of ADHD from 3 to 5 years. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were presented for each of the 41 selected predictors covering early‐onset psychiatric comorbidities, nonpsychiatric medical conditions, parental history and perinatal factors.

Results

At the end of follow‐up, 1,686 preschoolers (2.7% of the whole sample) had received a diagnosis of ADHD. We found that 39 out of 41 predictors were associated with increased risk of a later diagnosis of preschool ADHD. Novel associations with preschool ADHD diagnosis were found for gastroesophageal reflux disease (HR = 3.48), premature contractions during pregnancy (HR = 2.03), and criminal conviction history from any parent (HR = 2.14).

Conclusions

A large number of novel and well‐established predictors of preschool ADHD diagnosis were identified. This broad set of early predictors may direct future clinical research and assist in early identification of preschool ADHD.
Baseline dermoscopic patterns predict long‐term changes in nevus diameter and in dermoscopic features
Authors: Reiter Ofer , Mimouni Tomer , Scope Alon , Kurtansky Nicholas R. , Pastore Larissa , Halpern Allan C. , Marghoob Ashfaq A.
Published: December 2024

Background

When monitoring melanocytic neoplasms, the pattern of change may distinguish nevi from melanoma. Anticipating the growth dynamics of nevi based on their dermoscopic pattern is important to make this distinction.

Objective

The primary aim was to examine the association between nevus dermoscopic pattern at baseline and diameter change during long‐term monitoring. The secondary aim was to examine the association between nevus dermoscopic pattern at baseline and changes in both dermoscopic pattern and colour during long‐term monitoring.

Methods

The study included high‐risk adult patients that underwent ≥2 total‐body photography (TBP) sessions, with at least 14 years' time gap between first and last sessions. Nevi on the torso, with available dermoscopic images, were included. New and disappearing nevi were defined as nevi not appearing on the first and last TBP, respectively. Nevus diameter and colour were assessed on clinical images of first and last TBP images. Dermoscopic images were analysed for dermoscopic patterns and structures at baseline and follow‐up.

Results

In total, 877 nevi from 101 patients were included. Mean follow‐up time between TBPs and between dermoscopic images was 16.7 and 11.5 years, respectively. Most nevi were reticular or structureless at baseline, but new nevi had a higher frequency of peripheral globules and smudgy patterns. Peripheral globules and diffuse negative network patterns as well as regression structures were associated with nevus diameter growth. In total, 30% and 15% of new and existing nevi, respectively, demonstrated dermoscopic pattern change, mainly transforming into reticular and structureless patterns.

Conclusions

Among high‐risk patients, nevi showing peripheral globules or negative network are more likely to grow in diameter during long‐term monitoring. Most nevi retain their overall dermoscopic pattern and those that change, mostly transform into reticular or structureless patterns.
Diagnostic challenges of acute appendicitis in preschool children: A comprehensive case‐control study
Authors: Paran Maya , Dreznik Yael , Totah Moussa , Nevo Avner , Kravarusic Dragan , Samuk Inbal
Published: December 2024

Aim

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency in children, yet it poses diagnostic challenges in preschool children due to atypical presentation. This case‐control study aims to evaluate the distinct characteristics of acute appendicitis in preschool compared to school‐aged children.

Methods

Children under 5 years and a control group of children aged 5–10 years, operated on due to acute appendicitis at our institution during 2009–2022 were included. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory results, imaging, surgical procedure, pathology, bacteriology, antibiotic treatment, length of stay and outcomes were collected retrospectively.

Results

A total of 184 preschool and 187 school‐aged children were included. Preschool children presented less frequently with abdominal pain but more often with vomiting, diarrhoea and fever. Preschool children had lower rates of leucocytosis but higher thrombocytosis and C reactive protein. Younger patients were more likely to undergo both chest and abdominal X‐rays and be admitted to a paediatric department before diagnosing appendicitis. Complicated appendicitis, requiring increased use of intra‐operative drain placement, and conversions to open procedures were more common in preschool children, with higher rates of ICU admission and surgical complications. Polymicrobial positive cultures and positive cultures for Bacteroides were more common in preschool children.

Conclusions

This study highlights the critical need for increased awareness among healthcare providers regarding the diagnostic challenges posed by atypical presentations of acute appendicitis in preschool children. Despite comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis in this age group may be difficult, emphasising the significance of recognising these presentation patterns to improve diagnostic accuracy and prompt management.
Cognitive and behavioural therapy for insomnia in the treatment of adolescent insomnia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Galgut Yael , Hoyos Camilla , Kempler Liora , Aji Melissa , Grunstein Ronald R. , Gordon Christopher J. , Bartlett Delwyn J.
Published: December 2024

Insomnia is common in adolescents with associated negative health consequences. This systematic review and meta‐analysis assessed the effect of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia interventions on insomnia symptoms and subjective sleep quality in adolescents aged 10–19 years. Key electronic databases, including CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Scopus, were systematically searched from inception to October 2024, and five randomised controlled trials met inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis. Four randomised controlled trials, examining a total of 527 participants, were included in the meta‐analysis. One randomised controlled trial employing a hybrid cluster design was excluded in quantitative analyses due to the number of clusters and sizes not reported. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia delivered to adolescents with insomnia improved subjective sleep quality and insomnia symptoms, with effect sizes (Hedge's g) of 0.4 and 1.04, respectively. Our findings provide support for the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia in the treatment of adolescents with insomnia regardless of delivery modality. Further high‐quality randomised controlled trials are required to strengthen our findings and understand how best to deliver cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia to adolescents.
Neural optimal stopping boundary
Authors: Reppen Andres Max , Soner Halil Mete , Tissot‐Daguette Valentin
Published: December 2024

A method based on deep artificial neural networks and empirical risk minimization is developed to calculate the boundary separating the stopping and continuation regions in optimal stopping. The algorithm parameterizes the stopping boundary as the graph of a function and introduces relaxed stopping rules based on fuzzy boundaries to facilitate efficient optimization. Several financial instruments, some in high dimensions, are analyzed through this method, demonstrating its effectiveness. The existence of the stopping boundary is also proved under natural structural assumptions.
ChromEvol v.3: modeling rate heterogeneity in chromosome number evolution
Authors: Shafir Anat , Halabi Keren , Baumer Ella , Mayrose Itay
Published: December 2024

Changes in chromosome numbers are a prominent driver of plant evolution, impacting ecological diversification, stress tolerance, and phenotypes. ChromEvol is a widely used software tool for deciphering patterns of chromosome‐number change along a phylogeny of interest. It evaluates the fit of alternative models to the data, estimates transition rates of different types of events, and infers the expected number of events along each branch of the phylogeny.

We introduce ChromEvol v.3, featuring multiple novel methodological advancements that capture variation in the transition rates along a phylogeny. This version better allows researchers to identify how dysploidy and polyploidy rates change based on the number of chromosomes in the genome, with respect to a discrete trait, or at certain subclades of the phylogeny.

We demonstrate the applicability of the new models on the Solanaceae phylogeny. Our analyses identify four chromosome‐number transition regimes that characterize distinct Solanaceae clades and demonstrate an association between self‐compatibility and altered dynamics of chromosome‐number evolution.

ChromEvol v.3, available at https://github.com/anatshafir1/chromevol, offers researchers a more flexible, comprehensive, and accurate tool to investigate the evolution of chromosome numbers and the various processes affecting it.
Environment‐ and system‐specific interactions between population and trait dynamics
Authors: Holmes Mark , De Bruin Tessa , Witsel Pauline , Jadoul Julie , Schtickzelle Nicolas , De Laender Frederik
Published: December 2024

Understanding population dynamics across environmental contexts is essential to predict ecosystem stability. Functional traits influence population growth, which can in turn influence the traits and thus create feedbacks between population and trait dynamics. Here, by augmenting models of population and trait change with trait and population information, respectively, we demonstrate that such a feedback occurred in an autotrophic but not in a heterotrophic microbial system. Furthermore, exposure to a pollutant disrupted this feedback: trait change and population growth ceased to interact in either system. Finally, when the models augmented with trait/population information were superior, the improvement was substantial, showing that density–trait feedbacks are potentially large, even though they are system‐ and environment‐specific.
Sec24C Participates in Cuticular Wax Transport by Facilitating Plasma Membrane Localization of ABCG5
Authors: Zhao Qing‐ping , Miao Bai‐ling , Zhu Jin‐dong , Li Xing‐kun , Fu Xiang‐lin , Han Meng‐Yuan , Wu Qi‐Qi , Niu Qiu‐hong , Zhang Xiao , Zhao Xiang
Published: December 2024

Cuticular waxes synthesised in the endoplasmic reticulum of epidermal cells must be exported to the outer surface of the epidermis to fulfil their barrier function. Beyond transmembrane trafficking mediated by ABC transporters, little is known about the movement of wax molecules. In this study, we characterise a mutant named sugar‐associated vitrified 1 (sav1), which exhibits a vitrified phenotype and displays a reduced root length when cultivated on sugar‐free medium. The mutation in SAV1, which encodes the protein Sec. 24C, leads to ultrastructural alterations in cuticle membranes, decreased deposition of epicuticular wax crystals, and modifications in the chemical composition of very‐long‐chain fatty acids in cuticular waxes. SAV1 is a membrane protein and expressed during the early stages of seedling development. The defective phenotype of sav1‐1 in sugar‐free medium resembles that of abcg5, which encodes an ATP‐BINDING CASSETTE TRANSPORTER subfamily G 5 (ABCG5) protein involved in cuticle layer formation. Further investigations reveal that SAV1 interacts with ABCG5, influencing the membrane localisation of ABCG5. Collectively, our results suggest that SAV1 plays a critical role in wax transport by altering the subcellular localisation of ABCG5.
Nurses’ Experience of Peacebuilding: International Perspectives
Authors: Srof Brenda J. , Lagerwey Mary
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Nursing is a moral endeavor that embodies humanitarian responses to human suffering. Nurses understand the impact of direct and indirect violence on the health of individuals and communities around the world. The intersections of health, justice, caring, and peace are important considerations for the profession.

Methods

This qualitative research study, in the interpretive phenomenology tradition, describes the experience of peacebuilding from the perspective of eight nurses with experience living and working in low‐resource international settings.

Results

Attributes of peacebuilding included fostering authentic human relationships that contribute to community engagement, nurturing holistic human kindness with humility, and experiencing the personal costs of peacebuilding amid violence. Peacebuilding practices included mediating conflict rooted in direct and indirect violence, accompanying communities toward resilience, and building capacity through teaching and learning.

Conclusion

This study represents an introduction to the considerations of how peacebuilding is integral to nursing research, theory, and practice and provides the basis for further studies.
An overview of global desertification control efforts: Key challenges and overarching solutions
Authors: Ahmed Zeeshan , Gui Dongwei , Abd‐Elmabod Sameh Kotb , Murtaza Ghulam , Ali Sikandar
Published: December 2024

Desertification threatens land integrity, social stability, and sustainable global economic development. Between 1982 and 2015, 6% of the world's drylands experienced desertification because of unsustainable land use practices exacerbated by anthropogenic climate change. Despite initiating several global and regional projects to control desertification actively, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) failed to achieve its land restoration goals. Therefore, this paper thoroughly examines the primary factors contributing to desertification, identifies the obstacles impeding control efforts, and presents effective solutions to combat this pressing issue. Poor policy and awareness about desertification, institutional gaps, social and cultural barriers, limited access to credit and modern technologies, lack of standardization, and inconsistent estimates of desertification extent were the main constraints hindering the desertification control efforts. However, implementing several crucial approaches could effectively address the challenge of global desertification. The capacity building, education, and training should be more comprehensive for local communities, but land managers, government officials, and development planners should be part of this. Local and indigenous knowledge should be integrated with scientific knowledge to get a better harvest against desertification. Sustainable land management practices could enhance soil productivity and advanced technology (remote sensing, digital maps, machine learning approaches and data mining) could help standardize procedures and accurately assess the extent of desertification. Different approaches can stabilize soil against wind and water erosion, such as bio‐cementing and biocrust formation. Converting degraded areas into green spaces can create about 10 million green jobs and foster a green economy in developing countries. Finally, to achieve aspirant land restoration targets and sustainable development goals (SDGs), it is imperative to carry out comprehensive research on desertification, utilizing sound and modern scientific knowledge by investing in research institutes and training the next generation of researchers.
A review of the global inequalities in the management of gynaecological cancers
Authors: Illah Ojone , Morhason‐Bello Imran , Olaitan Adeola
Published: December 2024

Key content

The burden of gynaecological cancers is growing rapidly globally. Low‐resource countries are disproportionately affected with high rates of premature deaths from gynaecological cancers. This represents an epidemiological shift in these regions, which have historically been burdened with communicable diseases.

Despite cervical cancer being a largely preventable disease, over 300,000 women die annually from the disease. Most of these deaths occur in low‐resource countries making this a disease of inequity. Initiatives such as the WHO cervical cancer elimination strategy demonstrates awareness of the problem, but considerable obstacles hinder attainment of their goals.

Closing the gynaecological cancer care gap between high‐resource and low‐resource countries requires a multifaceted approach. Work must be done to increase public awareness of gynaecological cancers and dispel stigma and myths. Investment into healthcare infrastructure, workforce and research in low‐resource settings is needed, and strategies to reduce the negative impacts of poverty such as universal health coverage deserve consideration.

Learning objectives

To understand the global impact of gynaecological cancers.

To understand the barriers to closing the gynaecological cancer gap between high‐resource and low‐resource countries.

To understand how collaboration, research and implementation can be used to improve gynaecological cancer outcomes globally.

Ethical issues

Significant geographical disparities exist in gynaecological cancer outcomes, with the majority of deaths occurring in low‐resource countries.

Addressing this disparity requires a multifaceted approach that thoughtfully examines all contributing factors and offers practical, actionable solutions.
Cytochrome c levels link mitochondrial function to plant growth and stress responses through changes in SnRK1 pathway activity
Authors: Coronel Florencia P. , Gras Diana E. , Canal M. Victoria , Roldan Facundo , Welchen Elina , Gonzalez Daniel H.
Published: December 2024

Energy is required for growth as well as for multiple cellular processes. During evolution, plants developed regulatory mechanisms to adapt energy consumption to metabolic reserves and cellular needs. Reduced growth is often observed under stress, leading to a growth‐stress trade‐off that governs plant performance under different conditions. In this work, we report that plants with reduced levels of the mitochondrial respiratory chain component cytochrome c (CYTc), required for electron transport coupled to oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production, show impaired growth and increased global expression of stress‐responsive genes, similar to those observed after inhibiting the respiratory chain or the mitochondrial ATP synthase. CYTc‐deficient plants also show activation of the SnRK1 pathway, which regulates growth, metabolism, and stress responses under carbon starvation conditions, even though their carbohydrate levels are not significantly different from wild‐type. Notably, loss‐of‐function of the gene encoding the SnRK1α1 subunit restores the growth of CYTc‐deficient plants, as well as autophagy, free amino acid and TOR pathway activity levels, which are affected in these plants. Moreover, increasing CYTc levels decreases SnRK1 pathway activation, reflected in reduced SnRK1α1 phosphorylation, with no changes in total SnRK1α1 protein levels. Under stress imposed by mannitol, the growth of CYTc‐deficient plants is relatively less affected than that of wild‐type plants, which is also related to the activation of the SnRK1 pathway. Our results indicate that SnRK1 function is affected by CYTc levels, thus providing a molecular link between mitochondrial function and plant growth under normal and stress conditions.
Improving Covid-19 Forecasts in Malaysia: A Hybrid SARIMAX-SARIMA Model with Application to State Elections and Cultural Festivals
Authors: Wan Amir Wan Anis Farhah , Misro Md Yushalify
Published: December 2024

Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, numerous challenges have emerged, including ensuring an adequate supply of personal protective equipment, evaluating the sufficiency of the healthcare workforce, and determining safety measures to sustain businesses and the economy. Consequently, there is a critical need for a computationally competent and realistic model to monitor current caseloads and forecast future cases, thereby enhancing public health awareness, preparation, and response. However, many forecast models currently in use have wide prediction intervals, diminishing their effectiveness as forecasting tools. Thus, this study aims to analyse the trend of Covid-19 cases in Malaysia and develop a forecast model that provides appropriate limits to improve prediction accuracy. This study relied on secondary data of daily Covid-19 cases in Malaysia provided by Ministry of Health from April 12, 2021, to April 24, 2022. Future Covid-19 incidence was predicted using simple, double and Holts-Winter exponential smoothing and SARIMAX models. SARIMAX (0, 1, 1) (1, 0, 2)7 was identified as the best model, exhibiting the lowest error values for forecasting cases. However, the results indicated that SARIMAX's prediction intervals were broad. To address this issue, a new model called hybrid SARIMAX-SARIMA was proposed where the orders from the best SARIMAX model found by using auto.arima() function are extracted and used to specify the order for a SARIMA model. The resulting combined model was then utilized to predict future trends in daily Covid-19 cases and evaluation during cultural festivals and state elections. It was observed that the proposed model outperformed others, demonstrating lower error rates and narrower confidence intervals for future predictions.
Destruction Of C7, C9 Perfluorocarboxylic Acids By The Strain Ensifer Adhaerens M1
Authors: Hkudaigulov Gaisar , Sharipov Danil , Starikov Sergey , Chetverikov Sergey
Published: December 2024

The aim of the study was to determine the resistance to high concentrations of fluoride ions in the environment of the strain Ensifer adhaerens M1 isolated from soil at a fire extinguishing agent storage and testing site, to determine the growth kinetics and destruction of C7, C9 perfluorocarboxylic acids, perfluoroheptanoic acid and perfluorononanoic acid, respectively, as the sole sources of carbon and energy. The degradation products of perfluorinated carboxylic acids were identified using LCMS-IT-TOF. It was found that the degradation process occurs in multiple stages leading to the formation of perfluorohexanoic acid and accompanied by the release of fluoride ions. Strain Ensifer adhaerens M1 is resistant to F- up to a concentration of 150 mg/L in the environment. Within 14 days of cultivation, bacteria completely utilized perfluoroheptanoic acid and perfluorononanoic acid. Based on chromatography-mass spectrometry and ion chromatography data, a scheme for the stepwise degradation of the investigated perfluorinated acids involving the enzymes coded by novR and dhlA genes is proposed.
Neem Leave (Azadirachta Indica): Extraction, Fractionation, Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant and Food Antifungal Activities
Authors: Sutrisno  , Elfira Devi Riyanti  , Wijaya Husni Wahyu , Megawati
Published: December 2024

Neem (Azadirachta indica), a widely recognized medicinal plant, is known for its numerous therapeutic properties. People use neem leaves to increase their appetite to treat dysentery, malarial ulcers, and bacterial infections. Research on neem leaves that has been done is still focused on extracts, but not their fractions. This study aimed to extract neem leaves that separate the components based on their polarity (fractionation), analyze and identify their components, and test antioxidant and antifungal activities. The research stages caried out include (1) extraction and fractionation, (2) analysis (thin layer chromatography, bromine, visible and IR spectrophotometry), (3) phytochemical identification, and (4) assay of antioxidant and antifungal activities. The yield of extraction with methanol is 8.08%. Fractionation of the methanol extract using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, 1-butanol, and methanol-water produced yields of 13.86, 6.84, 16.58, and 48.68%, respectively. The methanol extract contains alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and saponins, while each fraction contains flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, terpenoids, and saponins. Flavonoid and phenolic compounds is dominant in methanol extract, ethyl acetate fraction, and 1-butanol fraction. Both the two groups of compounds are most content in the ethyl acetate fraction, namely total flavonoid content 17.32 and total phenolic content 12.80 mg GAE/g sample. Ethyl acetate fraction shows the best antioxidant and antifungal activity. The antioxidant activity of this fraction is in the strong category with IC50 19.06 ppm, but weaker than ascorbic acid. The ethyl acetate fraction was able to withstand the growth of mold on white bread for 96 hours at 500 ppm and 120 hours at 2000 ppm. The content of flavonoid and phenolic compounds indicates that it mainly contributes to antioxidant and antifungal activity, and there is a significant relationship between antioxidant and antifungal activity. Neem leaf extract has the potential to be an antioxidant and antifungal for food, especially methanol extract, ethyl acetate, and 1-butanol fractions. Therefore, ethyl acetate and 1-butanol fractions could be an alternative to natural additives in white bread formulations.
Some Mathematical Properties of Sombor Indices for Regular Graphs
Authors: Muhammad Rafiullah Muhammad , Jabeen Dur-E- , Husin Mohamad Nazri
Published: December 2024

In 2021, Gutman introduced Sombor index (SO) of a graph G and defined as SO(G)=∑_(uv∈E(G))▒√(〖deg⁡(u)〗^2+deg(v)^2 ) . In this paper, we have calculated the Sombor index of r-regular graph G_r, line graph of G_r, 〖L(G〗_r) and complement graph of G_r, (G_r ) ̅. We have also discussed a particular case of regular graphs, generalized Petersen graph P(s,t), its line graph L((P(s,t)) and complement graph (P(s,t)) ̅ for s>4 . We have proved the relation between these graphs and categorized them on the base of the Sombor index.
Cubulating surface‐by‐free groups
Authors: Mj Mahan
Published: December 2024

Let
be an exact sequence where is the fundamental group of a closed surface of genus greater than one, is hyperbolic, and is finitely generated free. The aim of this paper is to provide sufficient conditions to prove that is cubulable and construct examples satisfying these conditions. The main result may be thought of as a combination theorem for virtually special hyperbolic groups when the amalgamating subgroup is not quasiconvex. Ingredients include the theory of tracks, the quasiconvex hierarchy theorem of Wise, the distance estimates in the mapping class group from subsurface projections due to Masur–Minsky, and the model geometry for doubly degenerate Kleinian surface groups used in the proof of the ending lamination theorem. An appendix to this paper by Manning, Mj, and Sageev proves a reduction theorem by showing that cubulability of follows from the existence of an essential incompressible quasiconvex track in a surface bundle over a graph with fundamental g\roup .
The possibilities and dissonances of abolitionist social work
Authors: Silver Erin
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION: The normative ideal of justice in Aotearoa New Zealand is dominated by the twin pillars of colonialism and carceralism. The expansion and entrenchment of this colonial carceral paradigm is facilitated by auxiliary and complicit social systems. How can social work respond to its position as an element of these systems?
APPROACH: This article uses the three-stage framework of Emancipatory Social Science to examine the harms of carceralism and carceral social work, to offer abolitionist social work as an alternative, and to begin an exploration of the possibilities and dissonances presented by this alternative.
CONCLUSIONS: Like carceralism, carceral social work is inherently harmful. However, the alternative praxis of abolitionist social work raises questions for our profession regarding the balancing of immediate relief and wider social change, the potential abolition of many currently accepted forms of social work, and the strengthening or building of non-carceral social works.
Galvanising criticality: Analysing trans health policy in a hostile political context
Authors: Howe Rebecca
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION: Pathologisation has long provided the architecture for governing access to gender-affirming medical care. An explicit orientation towards human rights in the latest revision of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s (WPATH) Standards of Care is an important success in achieving trans depathologisation. This development is the result of sustained efforts by trans activists who have been dismantling pathologising structures and practices in the face of intensifying opposition and vitriolic attacks.
METHODS: I present findings from the comparison of approaches to depathologisation in the WPATH Standards for Care, version 7 (SOC-7), and an alternative best-practices guide created by the Spanish Network for Depathologisation of Trans Identities (the Guide) using the What’s the Problem Represented to be? (WPR) approach to policy analysis. This WPR analysis is informed by trans and First Nations policy workers, scholars, and activists. This methodological–conceptual approach is used to explore uncertainties about the limits of a liberal rights model in the Guide.
FINDINGS: Situating rights in the broader field of governing logics indicates that, although this approach seeks to replace harmful practices, it does little to address underlying colonial mechanisms. Noticing uncertainty supported consideration of the dynamic ways that medicalisation and rights, liberalism and neoliberalism, and colonial power are sustained in trans health policy.
CONCLUSION: In an increasingly hostile context, when uncertainty about the transformative capacity of human rights necessarily shifts focus, returning to trans analytics provides solid ground for deepening interrogation of the colonial conditions of care to enable full depathologisation to unfold.
Inter-speaker acoustic differences of sustained vowels at varied dysarthria severities for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Bhattacharjee Tanuka , Vengalil Seena , Belur Yamini , Atchayaram Nalini , Ghosh Prasanta Kumar
Published: December 2024

We study inter-speaker acoustic differences during sustained vowel utterances at varied severities of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-induced dysarthria. Among source attributes, jitter and standard deviation of fundamental frequency exhibit enhanced inter-speaker differences among patients than healthy controls (HCs) at all severity levels. Though inter-speaker differences in vocal tract filter attributes at most severity levels are higher than those among HCs for close vowels /i/ and /u/, these are comparable with or lower than those among HCs for the relatively more open vowels /a/ and /o/. The differences typically increase with severity except for a few parameters for /a/ and /i/.
bb0689
contributes to the virulence of
Borrelia burgdorferi
in a murine model of Lyme disease
Authors: Waldron Connor , George Sierra , Thompson Christina , Liao Yu Hsien , Ouyang Zhiming
Published: December 2024

Borrelia burgdorferi
, the Lyme disease pathogen, continuously changes its gene expression profile in order to adapt to ticks and mammalian hosts. The alternative sigma factor RpoS plays a central role in borrelial host adaptation. Global transcriptome analyses suggested that more than 100 genes might be regulated by RpoS, but the main part of the regulon remains unexplored. Here, we showed that the expression of
bb0689
, a gene encoding an outer surface lipoprotein with unknown function, was activated by RpoS. By analyzing gene expression using luciferase reporter assays and quantitative reverse transcription PCR, we found that expression of
bb0689
was induced by an elevated temperature, a reduced pH, and increased cell density during
in vitro
cultivation. The transcriptional start site and a functional promoter for gene expression were identified in the 5′ regulatory region of
bb0689
. The promoter was responsive to environmental stimuli and influenced by RpoS. We also showed that
bb0689
expression was expressed in
B. burgdorferi
during animal infection, suggesting the importance of this gene for infection. We further generated a
bb0689
mutant and found that the infectivity of the mutant was severely attenuated in a murine infection model. Although
bb0689
-deficient spirochetes exhibited no defect during
in vitro
growth, they were defective in resistance to osmotic stress.
Cis
-complementation of the mutant with a wild-type copy of
bb0689
fully rescued all phenotypes. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the RpoS-regulated gene
bb0689
is a key contributor to the optimal infection of
B. burgdorferi
in animals.