bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Mechanism of Myrrh in the Treatment of Breast Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Cell Experiments
Authors: Tao Wu , Xufeng Yu , Xianmei Chen , Mengrou Qu , Jieqiong Wang , Mingqi Qiao
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of myrrh in breast cancer (BC) treatment and identify its effective constituents. Data on the compounds and targets of myrrh were collected from the TCMSP, PubChem, and Swiss Target Prediction databases. BC‐related targets were obtained from the Genecard database. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis, gene ontology (GO) enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were conducted on the intersecting targets of the disease and drug. The key targets of myrrh in BC treatment were identified based on the PPI network. The active constituents of myrrh were determined through reverse‐screening using the top 20 KEGG pathways. Macromolecular docking studies, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, and cell assays were utilized to validate the active constituents and critical targets. Network pharmacology indicated that VEGFA, TP53, ESR1, EGFR, and AKT1 are key targets of myrrh. Pelargonidin chloride, Quercetin, and Naringenin were identified as the active constituents of myrrh. Macromolecular docking showed that Quercetin and Naringenin have strong docking capabilities with ESR1. The results of MD simulation experiments align with those of molecular docking experiments. Cell and western blot assays demonstrated that Quercetin and Naringenin could inhibit MCF‐7 cells and significantly reduce the expression of ESR1 protein. The findings reveal the active constituents, key targets, and molecular mechanisms of myrrh in BC treatment, providing scientific evidence that supports the role of myrrh in BC therapy. Furthermore, the results suggest that network pharmacology predictions require experimental validation for reliability.
Plumbagin's Antiproliferative Mechanism in Human Cancer Cells: A Copper‐Dependent Cytotoxic Approach
Authors: El Oirdi Mohamed
Published: August 2024

Cancer is a serious global health problem, causing the loss of millions of lives each year. Plumbagin, a compound derived from the medicinal plant Plumbago zeylanica, has shown promise in stopping the growth of tumor cells both in laboratory settings and in living organisms. Many plant‐based compounds exert their effects through copper's ability to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aimed to understand how plumbagin, dependent on copper, induces cell death (apoptosis) in human cancer cells through various experiments. The results demonstrate that plumbagin hinders the growth of pancreatic cancer cells PNAC‐1 and MIA PaCa‐2 by utilizing the copper naturally present in the cells. Unlike metal chelators that remove iron and zinc (desferrioxamine mesylate and histidine), a specific copper chelator called neocuproine lessens the cell death caused by plumbagin. When ROS scavengers are used, plumbagin‐induced apoptosis is inhibited, indicating that ROS plays a role in initiating cell death. The study also proves that plumbagin prevents copper from leaving cancer cells by suppressing the expression of specific genes (CTR1 and ATP7A). It is confirmed that plumbagin targets the nuclear copper, leading to signals that promote oxidative stress and, ultimately, cell death. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential of plumbagin as a substance to combat cancer, highlighting the importance of understanding how copper behaves within cancer cells.
‘It is intimidating going into your first job’: Young teens and workplace safety
Authors: Raby Rebecca , Sheppard Lindsay C. , Lehmann Wolfgang
Published: August 2024

Drawing on qualitative focus groups and interviews, this paper draws on participatory and relational approaches to explore how prospective and very new workers in their early teens in Canada talk about and navigate workplace safety. We foreground our young participants' discussions and safety management strategies to discuss their shared and sometimes narrow understanding of unsafe work; their mixed, and often limited, experiences of safety training; and the individualized avenues they prioritize to deal with potential and concrete safety issues. Countering our participants' inclination towards individualized solutions, we focus on how these young workers are embedded in relationships with others as well as the material world, including workplace cultures; networks and hierarchies of people; specific materials, time and time pressures; and safety‐related policies. Such a relational lens can in turn guide how we think about fostering workplace safety in ways that challenge more individualized approaches, specifically through recognizing interdependencies that shape how young people think about workplace safety; expanding beyond unidirectional, individualized educational strategies; and favouring shared self‐advocacy, especially with older workers, including through unionization.
Metastatic pleomorphic undifferentiated uterine sarcoma detected in pleural effusion
Authors: AbdullGaffar Badr , Keloth Tasnim
Published: August 2024

Undifferentiated uterine sarcoma is an extremely rare cytologically challenging finding in pleural effusions undistinguished from the more common causes of malignant effusions. Cellblock is a valuable diagnostic tool when combined with certain diagnostic clues, relevant immunoprofile and knowledge of the patient's history.
“I feel like I'm being talked to like an equal”: Diabetes language matters to adults with diabetes, a mixed‐methods study
Authors: Litterbach Eloise , Holmes‐Truscott Elizabeth , Gray Shikha , Halliday Jennifer , Scibilia Renza , Skinner Timothy , Speight Jane
Published: August 2024

Aim

To explore reactions to and preferences for words/phrases used in communications about diabetes among adults with diabetes and parents of children with diabetes.

Methods

Eligible adults (aged 18+ years) living with diabetes, or parenting a child with diabetes, were recruited via social media to complete an online cross‐sectional, mixed‐methods survey. Study‐specific items were used to examine 22 commonly used diabetes words/phrases in terms of participants' cognitive perceptions (‘helpful’, ‘respectful’, ‘accurate’, ‘harmful’, ‘judgmental’ and ‘inaccurate’) and emotional reactions (‘optimistic’, ‘motivated’, ‘supported’, ‘understood’, ‘offended’, ‘blamed’, ‘distressed’ and ‘angry’). Open‐ended questions invited further feedback on (non‐)preferred language and its impact(s). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Participants (N = 865) included adults with diabetes (type 1: n = 519; type 2: n = 180, other types: n = 48) and parents of children with diabetes (n = 118). Words/phrases most commonly associated with negative perceptions/emotional responses were ‘non‐compliant’ (60% judgmental; 47% felt blamed) and ‘…good/bad’ (54% judgmental; 43% blamed). Positive perceptions were reported for ‘managing diabetes’ (73% helpful, 47% felt understood), ‘person with diabetes’ (72% respectful; 49% understood), ‘…within/outside target range’ (60% helpful, 44% understood), and ‘condition’ (58% respectful; 43% understood). Participants' qualitative responses illuminated perceptions, experiences and impacts across five themes: (1) accuracy and simplicity; (2) identity; (3) blame, judgement and stigma; (4) respect and trust and; (5) support, hope and feeling understood. Themes were consistent across diabetes types.

Conclusions

These findings provide novel evidence into (non‐)preferred, and potential (negative and positive) impacts of, commonly used diabetes words/phrases, supporting the international #LanguageMatters movement.
Ethnic differences in the relationship between ectopic fat deposition and insulin sensitivity in Black African and White European men across a spectrum of glucose tolerance
Authors: Whelehan Gráinne , Bello Oluwatoyosi , Hakim Olah , Ladwa Meera , Umpleby A. Margot , Amiel Stephanie A. , Bodicoat Danielle H. , Goff Louise M.
Published: August 2024

Aim

To examine the hypothesis that there would be ethnic differences in the relationship between ectopic fat and tissue‐specific insulin resistance (IR) across a spectrum of glucose tolerance in Black African (BA) and White European (WE) men.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐three WE men (23/10/20 normal glucose tolerance [NGT]/impaired glucose tolerance [IGT]/type 2 diabetes [T2D]) and 48 BA men (20/10/18, respectively) underwent a two‐step hyperinsulinaemic‐euglycaemic clamp with infusion of D‐[6,6‐2H2]‐glucose and [2H5]‐glycerol to assess hepatic, peripheral and adipose tissue IR. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure subcutaneous adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and intrahepatic lipid (IHL). Associations between ectopic fat and IR were assessed using linear regression models.

Results

There were no differences in tissue‐specific IR between ethnic groups at any stage of glucose tolerance. VAT level was consistently lower in the BA population; NGT (p = 0.013), IGT (p = 0.006) and T2D (p = 0.015). IHL was also lower in the BA compared with the WE men (p = 0.013). VAT and IHL levels were significantly associated with hepatic IR in the BA population (p = 0.001) and with peripheral IR in the WE population (p = 0.027).

Conclusions

The present study suggests that BA and WE men exhibit the same degree of IR across a glucose tolerance continuum, but with lower VAT and IHL levels in the BA population, suggesting that IR may be driven by a mechanism other than increased ectopic fat accumulation in BA men.
Ontogenetic transfer of microplastics in natural populations of malaria mosquitoes in Western Siberia
Authors: Simakova Anastasia V. , Varenitsina Anna A. , Babkina Irina B. , Andreeva Yulia V. , Frank Yulia A.
Published: August 2024

The uptake, accumulation, and ontogenetic transfer of microplastics (MPs) in bloodsucking mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles, vectors of helminth and protozoa parasites in humans and animals, were studied under laboratory conditions. In the experiment, 2‐μm‐diameter fluorescent polystyrene spheres were counted in mosquitoes of all stages, from larvae to adults. Larvae from a natural population readily ingested MPs with food, accumulating on average 3.9 × 106 particles per larva within 3 days. The concentration of MPs decreased significantly in mosquitoes during their transition from stage to stage. The average number of detected MPs attained 110 particles per pupa and 3.0 particles per adult. MP uptake by mosquitoes did not affect their survival, whereas the rate of metamorphosis in MP‐consuming mosquitoes was slightly higher. Our data confirmed that MPs can be transferred from feeding larvae to non‐feeding pupae and adult flying Anopheles mosquitoes from natural populations in aquatic ecosystems.
A U‐shaped curve of female entrepreneurs? The development of women's entrepreneurship in the Netherlands, 1899–2020
Authors: Dilli Selin , Boter Corinne
Published: August 2024

Many economic historians have shown that the relationship between female labour force participation and economic development is U‐shaped. However, most studies on this phenomenon do not differentiate between female wage labourers and entrepreneurs. We argue that this is problematic because standard explanations of women's wage work do not necessarily apply to entrepreneurs. To demonstrate this, this paper studies female entrepreneurship in the Netherlands between 1899 and 2020. We show that the U‐shaped curve of female labour force participation does not hold for entrepreneurs because life‐cycle events – such as marriage and having children – stimulated rather than discouraged women to take up entrepreneurial activities. Moreover, structural change of the economy did not equally affect the demand for female wage labourers and entrepreneurs. By integrating an entrepreneurship perspective, this research provides a more complete understanding of the diversity in women's occupational choices when constrained by institutional and individual conditions.
Reduction in preparatory brain activity preceding gait initiation in individuals with chronic ankle instability: A movement‐related cortical potential study
Authors: Beyraghi Zivar , Khanmohammadi Roya , Hadian Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2024

Evidence suggests that chronic ankle instability (CAI) is not merely a peripheral musculoskeletal injury but should be recognized as a neurophysiological dysfunction. This reflects a paradigm shift from focusing on peripheral structural changes to emphasizing the central nervous system. However, changes in cortical activity during functional activities remain poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to compare preparatory brain activity during gait initiation (GI) through movement‐related cortical potentials (MRCPs) in individuals with CAI and healthy subjects. The proactive components of MRCPs, including contingent negative variation (CNV) and event‐related desynchronization (ERD), were measured using electroencephalography. The primary outcomes were late CNV amplitude, CNV peak amplitude, CNV peak time, and alpha/beta ERD. The results indicated that the late CNV amplitude was significantly lower in the CAI group compared to the healthy group at the Fz and Cz electrodes (P < 0.001). The CAI group also demonstrated lower CNV peak amplitude at the Fz, Cz, and Pz electrodes (P < 0.0025). Additionally, in the CAI group, signals peaked earlier at the Cz electrode (P = 0.002). Furthermore, alpha ERD at Pz was significantly lower in the CAI group than in the healthy group (P = 0.003), suggesting diminished preparatory brain activity during GI in CAI subjects. Recognizing CAI as a condition involving both peripheral and central dysfunctions highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in treatment and rehabilitation. This approach should target brain activity in addition to peripheral structures, potentially leading to improved long‐term outcomes for patients.
Presumed aetiologies and clinical outcomes of non‐lesional late‐onset epilepsy
Authors: Puisieux Salomé , Forthoffer Natacha , Maillard Louis , Hopes Lucie , Jonveaux Thérèse , Tyvaert Louise
Published: August 2024

Background and purpose

Our objective was to define phenotypes of non‐lesional late‐onset epilepsy (NLLOE) depending on its presumed aetiology and to determine their seizure and cognitive outcomes at 12 months.

Methods

In all, 146 newly diagnosed NLLOE patients, >50 years old, were prospectively included and categorized by four presumed aetiological subtypes: neurodegenerative subtype (patients with a diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease) (n = 31), microvascular subtype (patients with three or more cardiovascular risk factors and two or more vascular lesions on MRI) (n = 39), inflammatory subtype (patient meeting international criteria for encephalitis) (n = 9) and unlabelled subtype (all individuals who did not meet the criteria for other subtypes) (n = 67). Cognitive outcome was determined by comparing for each patient the proportion of preserved/altered scores between initial and second neuropsychological assessment.

Results

The neurodegenerative subtype had the most severe cognitive profile at diagnosis with cognitive complaint dating back several years. The microvascular subtype was mainly evaluated through the neurovascular emergency pathway. Their seizures were characterized by transient phasic disorders. Inflammatory subtype patients were the youngest. They presented an acute epilepsy onset with high rate of focal status epilepticus. The unlabelled subtype presented fewer comorbidities with fewer lesions on brain imaging. The neurodegenerative subtype had the worst seizure and cognitive outcomes. In other groups, seizure control was good under antiseizure medication (94.7% seizure‐free) and cognitive performance was stabilized or even improved.

Conclusion

This new characterization of NLLOE phenotypes raises questions regarding the current International League Against Epilepsy aetiological classification which does not individualize neurodegenerative and microvascular aetiology per se.
Effects of heterogenous forest environments on ground‐dwelling beetles in a conifer plantation
Authors: Ueda Akira , Itô Hiroki , Kanetani Seiichi
Published: August 2024

It is widely recognized that heterogeneous environments promote biodiversity. Consequently, we investigated whether heterogeneous environments influence the diversity of ground‐dwelling beetles within a well‐managed conifer plantation forest. We collected carabid beetles, and necrophagous silphid and dung beetles (necrophagous beetles) using pitfall traps at 37 sites with or without fish meat bait. The result of a two‐dimensional principal component analysis (PCA) utilizing environmental indices measured at each site suggested that the environmental heterogeneity depended on the survival density of planted conifers, serving as an indicator of historical gap formation levels. Gaps populated by invading broadleaved trees exhibited low canopy opening percentages and understory cover degrees, while those filled by the growth of planted conifers displayed the opposite conditions. The presence of bait had a negligible impact on carabid beetles but significantly influenced necrophagous beetles. No significant relationships were found between the scores of PCA components and the beetle species richness, suggesting that a heterogeneous environment does not increase the beetle species diversities. However, significant relationships were observed with the scores on nonmetric multidimensional scaling axes, indicating that a heterogeneous environment contributes to the complexity of beetle assemblages. The most dominant carabid, Synuchus cycloderus, was abundant in areas where historical gap formation was thought to be more prevalent. Among necrophagous beetles, Pherotrupes laevistriatus and Panelus parvulus preferred habitats with darker environments, in contrast to Onthophagus fodiens and O. nitidus. This study will aid in developing forestry practices aimed at conserving specific ground‐dwelling beetle species within conifer plantations.
Metal ions steer the duality in microbial community recovery from nitrogen enrichment by shaping functional groups
Authors: Chen Mengmeng , Zheng Yao , Zhai Xiufeng , Ma Fangling , Chen Ji , Stevens Carly , Zhang Wen‐Hao , Tian Qiuying
Published: August 2024

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has been substantially reduced due to declines in the reactive N emission in major regions of the world. Nevertheless, the impact of reduced N deposition on soil microbial communities and the mechanisms by which they are regulated remain largely unknown. Here, we examined the effects of N addition and cessation of N addition on plant and soil microbial communities through a 17‐year field experiment in a temperate grassland. We found that extreme N input did not irreversibly disrupt the ecosystem, but ceasing high levels of N addition led to greater resilience in bacterial and fungal communities. Fungi exhibited diminished resilience compared to bacteria due to their heightened reliance on changes in plant communities. Neither bacterial nor fungal diversity fully recovered to their original states. Their sensitivity and resilience were mainly steered by toxic metal ions and soil pH differentially regulating on functional taxa. Specifically, beneficial symbiotic microbes such as N‐fixing bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi experienced detrimental effects from toxic metal ions and lower pH, hindering their recovery. The bacterial functional groups involved in carbon decomposition, and ericoid mycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi were positively influenced by soil metals, and demonstrated gradual recovery. These findings could advance our mechanistic understanding of microbial community dynamics under ongoing global changes, thereby informing management strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of N enrichment on soil function.
Relationship between the response to donepezil and plasma amyloid beta oligomers in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Yang YoungSoon , Huh Kyoon , Kwak Yong Tae
Published: August 2024

Aim

To date, there is no reported effective biomarker that can predict which Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients will respond to donepezil and which will not. This study aimed to investigate whether baseline values of Aβ oligomers (AβOs), measured by the Multimer Detection System‐Oligomeric Aβ (MDS‐OAβ), can be used to predict responders after 6 months of donepezil medication.

Methods

The study enrolled 104 patients diagnosed with probable AD. After 6 months of donepezil medication, the response to treatment was evaluated by re‐assessing the Korean version of the Mini‐Mental State Examination (K‐MMSE) and Clinical Dementia Rating scale‐Sum of Box (CDR‐SB) scales conducted at baseline. The patients were categorized into two groups according to the baseline MDS‐OAβ values known as the cut‐off for AD diagnosis: a group with values below 0.78 and another group with values equal to or above 0.78.

Results

After 6 months of medication, the number of responders was 50 (49.5%). Responders exhibited significantly worse baseline CDR, CDR‐SB, K‐MMSE, and Barthel index compared with non‐responders. There was a significantly higher number of responders among patients with MDS‐OAβ values below the cut‐off of 0.78 compared with those with values equal to or above this threshold. Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in the K‐MMSE and CDR‐SB after 6 months of donepezil medication in patients with MDS‐OAβ values below 0.78 compared with those with values equal to or above 0.78.

Conclusions

Baseline MDS‐OAβ values might constitute a novel biochemical marker for the efficacy of 6 months of donepezil treatment in AD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 918–923.
The Effective Vertical Anisotropy of Layered Aquifers
Authors: Bakker Mark , Bot Bram
Published: August 2024

Many sedimentary aquifers consist of small layers of coarser and finer material. When groundwater flow in these aquifers is modeled, the hydraulic conductivity may be simulated as homogeneous but anisotropic throughout the aquifer. In practice, the anisotropy factor, the ratio of the horizontal divided by the vertical hydraulic conductivity, is often set to 10. Here, numerical experiments are conducted to determine the effective anisotropy of an aquifer consisting of 400 horizontal layers of which the homogeneous and isotropic hydraulic conductivity varies over two orders of magnitude. Groundwater flow is simulated to a partially penetrating canal and a partially penetrating well. Numerical experiments are conducted for 1000 random realizations of the 400 layers, by varying the sequence of the layers, not their conductivity. It is demonstrated that the effective anisotropy of the homogeneous model is a model parameter that depends on the flow field. For example, the effective anisotropy for flow to a partially penetrating canal differs from the effective anisotropy for flow to a partially penetrating well in an aquifer consisting of the exact same 400 layers. The effective anisotropy also depends on the sequence of the layers. The effective anisotropy values of the 1000 realizations range from roughly 5 to 50 for the considered situations. A factor of 10 represents a median value (a reasonable value to start model calibration for the conductivity variations considered here). The median is similar to the equivalent anisotropy, defined as the arithmetic mean of the hydraulic conductivities divided by the harmonic mean.
Professionals' and Intercultural Mediators' Perspectives on Communication With Ukrainian Refugees in the Czech Healthcare System
Authors: Těšinová Jolana Kopsa , Dobiášová Karolína , Jelínková Marie , Tulupova Elena , Koščík Michal
Published: August 2024

Introduction

A growing body of research is examining how healthcare systems are responding to the increasing numbers of migrants and the resulting superdiversity of patients. The aim of this article is to identify and explain communication barriers in the provision of healthcare to Ukrainian war refugees in the Czech Republic from the perspectives of healthcare professionals and intercultural mediators.

Methods

The exploratory case study is based on a qualitative analysis of semi‐structured interviews with frontline health professionals: 20 with doctors and 10 with nurses. The second source of data is two focus groups aimed at capturing communication problems from the perspective of intercultural mediators who accompany refugees to health facilities. The interview transcripts and FGs were analysed using six‐stage thematic coding.

Results

The survey identified five main themes related to barriers to communication: (1) language barriers and interpreting, (2) cultural barriers, (3) differing expectations of health and the healthcare systems in the Czech Republic and Ukraine, (4) prejudices and negative attitudes and unethical behaviour towards refugees and migrants and (5) lack of awareness of patient rights.

Conclusions

The arrival of large numbers of migrants has highlighted deficiencies in the system that may affect other vulnerable groups and the general population. These include the lack of general communication skills and legal awareness among many health professionals, which are barriers to the development of patient‐centred care. The involvement of intercultural mediators fundamentally improves communication between health professionals and (not only) migrant patients. Nevertheless, it is necessary to legally anchor and define the position of intercultural mediators within the healthcare system.

Patient or Public Contribution

Collaboration with intercultural mediators who interpreted the extensive experiences of Ukrainian refugee patients and also have personal experience as migrant or migrant‐origin patients contributed to shaping research questions, facilitating study participation and enriching evidence interpretation. Researchers with multicultural backgrounds and experience with working with people from refugee backgrounds were involved in the study design and analysis.
Patient‐related predictors of post‐operative pain following root canal treatment: A structural model analysis
Authors: Vitali Filipe Colombo , Mafra Gabriel , Santos Pablo Silveira , da Fonseca Roberti Garcia Lucas , da Silveira Teixeira Cleonice
Published: August 2024

Aim

The pathways to post‐operative pain are complex and encompass factors that extend beyond the treatment protocol employed. This study aimed to identify patient‐related predictors of post‐operative pain following root canal treatment.

Methodology

A total of 154 patients received a single‐visit root canal treatment for asymptomatic necrotic mandibular molars. Before treatment, dental anxiety, dental fear and sense of coherence (SOC) were measured as predictors for each patient using validated questionnaires. Other measured predictors included gender, age, previous negative experiences at the dental offices and prior root canal treatment. Post‐operative pain was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale at multiple time‐points over 30 days. Structural equation analysis was employed to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of patient‐related predictors on a theoretical model of post‐operative pain. The irrigant solution was also included in the model, as it was the only aspect that varied in the treatment protocol (sodium hypochlorite 2.5% and 8.25%).

Results

Dental anxiety (coefficient 0.028; p < .01), dental fear (coefficient 0.007; p = .02) and irrigant solution (coefficient 0.004; p = .03) exerted a direct effect on post‐operative pain. SOC exerted an indirect effect on post‐operative (coefficient 0.006; p = .01) through dental anxiety and dental fear. Moreover, previous negative experiences (coefficient 0.048; p = .04) exerted an indirect effect on post‐operative pain through dental anxiety.

Conclusions

Dental anxiety, dental fear, previous negative experiences and SOC are patient‐related predictors of post‐operative pain following root canal treatment. These factors should be taken into consideration in clinical practice, as patients with these characteristics may be at an increased risk of experiencing post‐operative pain.
CONDORCET CONSISTENCY AND PAIRWISE JUSTIFIABILITY UNDER VARIABLE AGENDAS
Authors: Barberà Salvador , Berga Dolors , Moreno Bernardo , Nicolò Antonio
Published: August 2024

We compare the consequences of imposing upon collective choice functions the classical requirement of Condorcet consistency with those arising when requiring the functions to satisfy the principle of pairwise justifiability. We show that, despite the different logic underlying these two requirements, they are equivalent when applied to anonymous and neutral rules defined over a class of domains. The class contains the universal, the single‐peaked, and that of order restriction, among other preference domains.
Investigation on the microscopic mechanism of curdlan with different strengths formed by heating
Authors: Wang Huaiguang , Lv Zhikun , Hao Yuhao , Lu Mengling , Huang Zhi , Li Jianbin
Published: August 2024

In this study, temperature‐dependent changes in the molecular conformation of curdlan were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), microscopic observation, particle size analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The DSC results showed that the gel formation temperature of curdlan is related to the glass transition temperature (Tg). The results of microscopic observation and particle size analysis showed that the curdlan particles swelled with increasing temperature, and the original rough and irregular surface morphology gradually became relatively smooth. The MD results show that the weak gel is the result of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interaction, whereas the strong gel is less affected by hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic interaction is the main driving force.
Can nest design hinder brood parasitism success?
Authors: Moreras Angela , Tolvanen Jere , Kysučan Michal , Samaš Peter , Grim Tomáš , Thomson Robert L.
Published: August 2024

Avian nest design varies depending on environmental factors but may also be influenced by between‐species interactions. In the brood parasitism context, hosts may evolve nest architectures that may limit parasite access to the nest cup, reduce parasite laying success or hinder parasite chick success. Therefore, nest characteristics may reduce the likelihood or minimise the costs of being parasitised. The common redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus is a regular host of the common cuckoo Cuculus canorus, for which cuckoo eggs are often laid outside the nest cup, resulting in low effective parasitism rates. This allowed us to evaluate variation in host nest design and test whether nest design characteristics correlate with brood parasitism likelihood and cuckoo laying success (i.e. cuckoo egg laid in the nest cup versus outside the nest cup). While recording brood parasitism events in two distant redstart populations, we documented nest cup characteristics, such as internal dimensions, materials used and nest cup position, along with the nest‐box dimensions. Cuckoo parasitism likelihood was lower for redstart nests in cavities with smaller entrances, for redstart nests with smaller nest cups and with nest cups that were built level to the rim material. For parasitised nests, cuckoo laying success was lower at redstart nests with nest cups placed further from the cavity entrance. Our results suggest a conditional process, where the cavity entrance size first prevents brood parasites access, then the cup size and the cup level in reference to the rim material affect the cuckoo choice, and finally, the nest cup position hinders cuckoo's laying success. The use of multiple nest design strategies may explain the current low effective parasitism rates in this system. Host nest design may serve as a frontline defence that could shape parasite's preferences, and consequently host nest characteristics.
Projected changes in mangrove distribution and vegetation structure under climate change in the southeastern United States
Authors: Bardou Rémi , Osland Michael J. , Alemu Jahson B. , Feher Laura C. , Harlan David P. , Scyphers Steven B. , Shepard Christine C. , Swinea Savannah H. , Thorne Kalaina , Andrew Jill E. , Hughes A. Randall
Published: August 2024

Aim

The climate change‐induced transition from grass‐dominated marshes to woody‐plant‐dominated mangrove forests has the potential to impact the ecosystem goods and services provided by coastal wetlands. To better anticipate and prepare for these impacts, there is a need to advance understanding of future changes in mangrove distribution and coastal wetland vegetation structural properties due to warming winters.

Location

Southeastern United States.

Time Period

Recent (1981–2010) and future (2071–2100).

Major Taxa Studied

Coastal wetland vegetation.

Methods

We estimated changes in mangrove distribution and coastal wetland vegetation structure using known climate‐ecological relationships, recent climate data for the period 1981–2010, and future projected climate data for the period 2071–2100. We quantified potential changes in mangrove presence, mangrove relative abundance, coastal wetland vegetation height, and coastal wetland vegetation aboveground biomass under two Shared Socio‐Economic Pathway scenarios (SSPs; SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5), which correspond to intermediate and high greenhouse gas emissions scenarios, respectively.

Results

Our analyses indicate that mangrove presence and relative abundance will dramatically increase in the northern Gulf of Mexico and the southeast Atlantic coast of the United States, particularly under the high emissions scenario. Because of the higher stature of mangroves relative to salt marsh vegetation, this expansion will cause a transformative change in coastal wetland vegetation height and aboveground biomass in many areas. However, along the arid southern Texas coast, low precipitation and high salinities are expected to constrain mangrove expansion and growth.

Main Conclusions

Our results show where and to what extent climate change, in the form of winter temperature warming, is projected to enable the transition from shorter, grass‐dominated salt marshes to taller, woody plant‐dominated mangrove forests in the southeastern United States, with consequent impacts on ecosystem goods and services.
Research Review: Why do prospective and retrospective measures of maltreatment differ? A narrative review
Authors: Coleman Oonagh , Baldwin Jessie R. , Dalgleish Tim , Rose‐Clarke Kelly , Widom Cathy Spatz , Danese Andrea
Published: August 2024

Background

Childhood maltreatment contributes to a large mental health burden worldwide. Different measures of childhood maltreatment are not equivalent and may capture meaningful differences. In particular, prospective and retrospective measures of maltreatment identify different groups of individuals and are differentially associated with psychopathology. However, the reasons behind these discrepancies have not yet been comprehensively mapped.

Methods

In this review, we draw on multi‐disciplinary research and present an integrated framework to explain maltreatment measurement disagreement.

Results

We identified three interrelated domains. First, methodological issues related to measurement and data collection methods. Second, the role of memory in influencing retrospective reports of maltreatment. Finally, the motivations individuals may have to disclose, withhold, or fabricate information about maltreatment.

Conclusions

A greater understanding of maltreatment measurement disagreement may point to new ways to conceptualise and assess maltreatment. Furthermore, it may help uncover mechanisms underlying maltreatment‐related psychopathology and targets for novel interventions.
Vitamin E improves serum markers and histology in adults with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chee Nicholas Ming‐Zher , Sinnanaidu Ram Prasad , Chan Wah‐Kheong
Published: August 2024

Background and Aim

Multiple clinical trials have been conducted to study the potential benefits of vitamin E for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Despite available evidence, vitamin E is not widely used. This study aimed to assess the effect of vitamin E on serum markers of liver inflammation, specifically serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and histology, including resolution of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH), in adult patients with MASLD.

Methods

A systematic literature search on randomized controlled trials published in English was conducted using electronic databases. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and mean difference (MD) were used for continuous outcomes, while risk ratio (RR) was used for dichotomous outcomes, with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of eight studies were included in the qualitative synthesis while seven studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Vitamin E significantly reduced serum ALT and AST levels with SMD of −0.82 (95% CI, −1.13 to −0.51) and −0.68 (95% CI, −0.94 to −0.41), respectively. Vitamin E significantly reduced steatosis, lobular inflammation, and hepatocyte ballooning with a MD of −0.60 (95% CI, −0.83 to −0.37), −0.34 (95% CI, −0.53 to −0.16), −0.32 (95% CI, −0.53 to −0.12), and increased MASH resolution with a RR of 1.9 (95%CI, 1.20 to 3.02). However, vitamin E did not reduce fibrosis, with a MD of −0.23 (95% CI, −0.51 to 0.05).

Conclusion

Vitamin E resulted in significant improvement in serum markers of liver inflammation and histology in patients with MASLD.
An alignment algorithm using coherent twin boundaries as internal reference in 3D‐EBSD
Authors: Li Heng , Xia Shuang , Bai Qin , Liu Tingguang , Zhang Yong
Published: August 2024

A three‐dimensional (3D) microstructural volume is reconstructed from a stack of two‐dimensional sections which was obtained by serial sectioning coupled with electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD) mapping of a 316L austenitic stainless steel. A new alignment algorithm named linear translation by minimising the indicator (LTMI) is proposed to reduce the translational misalignments between adjacent sections by referencing to coherent twin boundaries which are flat and lying on {111} planes. The angular difference between the measured orientation of a flat twin boundary and that of the {111} plane is used as an indicator of the accuracy of the alignment operations. This indicator is minimised through linear translations of the centroids of triangular facets, which constitute grain boundaries at a distance not restricted by the in‐plane step size of the EBSD maps. And hence the systematic trend in the translational misalignments can be effectively reduced. The LTMI alignment procedure proposed herein effectively corrects the misalignments remained by other methods on a 3D‐EBSD data prepared using serial sectioning methods. The accuracy in distinguishing between coherent and incoherent twin boundaries is significantly improved.
Does grit predict thriving or is it the other way around? A latent cross‐lagged panel model on the triarchic model of grit and the 5Cs of positive youth development
Authors: Buenconsejo Jet Uy , Datu Jesus Alfonso D. , Liu Duo
Published: August 2024

Grit, defined as passion and perseverance to achieve long‐term goals, has been associated with adolescents' optimal academic and psychological functioning. However, the role of grit in adolescents' positive youth development (PYD)—characterized by the 5Cs known as competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring—remains unknown. Using latent cross‐lagged panel modeling, this study examined the longitudinal relations between the triarchic model of grit (TMG) dimensions (i.e., perseverance of effort, consistency of interest, and adaptability to situations), and the 5Cs of PYD while controlling for specific socio‐demographic covariates (gender, age, SES, and school type). Data were obtained from 1620 Filipino adolescents (Mage = 17.15; SDage = 1.00) in November 2021 and May 2022. Results show that grit dimensions predicted subsequent PYD dimensions, but not vice versa. Specifically, while perseverance and adaptability were linked to higher levels of competence, confidence, and character, consistency was associated with lower levels of competence and confidence six months later. Results highlight the importance of grit's dimensions in facilitating PYD characteristics among adolescents, especially efficacy‐related Cs (competence and confidence). Theoretical and practical implications in promoting adolescent thriving and well‐being are discussed.
Efficacy of short‐course antibiotics for culture‐positive neonatal sepsis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Singh Poonam , Priyadarshi Mayank , Chaurasia Suman , Basu Sriparna
Published: August 2024

Sepsis is a common cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Though antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment in culture‐positive neonatal sepsis, the dilemma persists for the optimum duration of antimicrobial therapy. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of short‐course antibiotics for uncomplicated culture‐positive neonatal sepsis. This systematic review and meta‐analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42023444899) identified, appraised, and synthesised the available evidence from randomised and quasi‐randomised controlled trials related to the efficacy of short‐course (7–10 days) versus standard‐course (14 days) antibiotics for uncomplicated culture‐positive neonatal sepsis on the rate of treatment failure, mortality, duration of hospitalisation, morbidities including antibiotics‐related adverse events, long‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes and cost analysis. Data were pooled using RevMan 5.4 software. Certainty of evidence (COE) for predefined outcomes was analysed by GRADE. Available evidence showed no significant difference in the rate of treatment failure between 7‐ to 10‐day versus 14‐day antibiotics courses [risk ratio (95% confidence interval, CI), 2.45 (0.93–6.47), I2 = 0%, six studies, n = 573, very low COE]. No incidence of death was reported in either treatment arm in the two included studies. Duration of hospitalisation was significantly shorter with the short‐course antibiotics arm compared to standard‐course [mean difference (95% CI), −3.88 (−4.22 to −3.54) days, I2 = 0%, five studies, n = 507, low COE]. Morbidities reported in the three studies were similar. Other outcomes were not reported. To conclude the evidence is very uncertain about the effect of short‐course antibiotic regimen, compared to a standard‐course, on the treatment failure rate in uncomplicated culture‐positive neonatal sepsis. Adequately powered trials with outcomes including death and long‐term neurodevelopmental impairment are needed.
Autonomic cardiovascular control is unaffected in children referred for assessment of excessive daytime sleepiness
Authors: Francis Jamilla , Plunkett Georgina , Shetty Marisha , Davey Margot J. , Nixon Gillian M. , Walter Lisa M. , Horne Rosemary S. C.
Published: August 2024

There is conflicting evidence for impaired autonomic control of heart rate (HR) in adults with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnolence (IH). Despite these chronic hypersomnia conditions primarily being diagnosed around the age of puberty, there are limited studies in children. The present study investigated cardiovascular control using heart rate variability (HRV) and the extent of nocturnal HR dipping during sleep in children and adolescents with narcolepsy and IH. Children having an overnight polysomnographic study followed by a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) for investigation of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) between May 2010 to December 2023 were included: 28 children diagnosed with narcolepsy, 11 with IH, and 26 subjectively sleepy children who did not meet the diagnostic criteria for either narcolepsy or IH. Each clinically referred child was matched for age and sex with a control. Time domain and frequency domain HRV were calculated from ECG recorded at 512 Hz. There were no differences in either time domain or spectral analysis of HRV between clinical groups or between clinical groups and their control group. The expected sleep state differences in HRV were observed in all groups. There was also no difference in HR nocturnal dipping between groups. Despite evidence for abnormal autonomic function in adults with narcolepsy and IH, our study did not identify any abnormalities in HR, HR control, or nocturnal dipping of HR in children referred for assessment of EDS. This suggests that autonomic dysfunction may be a feature of these conditions that develops in later life.
Pharmacokinetics of Enrofloxacin and Its Metabolite Ciprofloxacin in Nanyang Cattle
Authors: Yang Fang , Sun Long‐Ji , Yang Fan , Li Shi‐Hao , Chen Yu‐Xin , Wang Wen‐Rui
Published: August 2024

The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and its metabolite, ciprofloxacin, in Nanyang cattle after a single intravenous (IV), and intramuscular (IM) administration of enrofloxacin at 2.5 mg/kg body weight (BW). Blood samples were collected at predetermined time points. Enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin concentrations in plasma were simultaneously determined using a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay method and subjected to a non‐compartmental analysis. After IV administration, enrofloxacin had a mean (±SD) volume of distribution at steady state (V
SS) of 1.394 ± 0.349 L/kg, a terminal half‐life (t
1/2λz
) of 3.592 ± 1.205 h, and a total body clearance (Cl) of 0.675 ± 0.16 L/h/kg. After IM administration, enrofloxacin was absorbed relatively slowly but completely, with a mean absorption time (MAT) of 6.051 ± 1.107 h and a bioavailability of 99.225 ± 7.389%. Both compounds were detected simultaneously in most plasma samples following both routes of administration, indicating efficient biotransformation of enrofloxacin to ciprofloxacin. After IV injection, the peak concentration (C
max) of ciprofloxacin was 0.315 ± 0.017 μg/mL, observed at 0.958 ± 0.102 h. Following IM injection, the corresponding values were 0.071 ± 0.006 μg/mL and 3 ± 1.095 h, respectively. Following IV and IM administration, the conversion ratio of enrofloxacin to ciprofloxacin was calculated as 59.2 ± 9.6% and 31.2 ± 7.7%, respectively. The present results demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic profiles for enrofloxacin, characterized by complete absorption with relatively slow kinetics, extensive distribution, efficient biotransformation to ciprofloxacin, and prolonged elimination in Nanyang cattle.
Recurrent hybridization and gene flow shaped Norway and Siberian spruce evolutionary history over multiple glacial cycles
Authors: Zhou Qiujie , Karunarathne Piyal , Andersson‐Li Lili , Chen Chen , Opgenoorth Lars , Heer Katrin , Piotti Andrea , Vendramin Giovanni Giuseppe , Nakvasina Elena , Lascoux Martin , Milesi Pascal
Published: August 2024

Most tree species underwent cycles of contraction and expansion during the Quaternary. These cycles led to an ancient and complex genetic structure that has since been affected by extensive gene flow and by strong local adaptation. The extent to which hybridization played a role in this multi‐layered genetic structure is important to be investigated. To study the effect of hybridization on the joint population genetic structure of two dominant species of the Eurasian boreal forest, Picea abies and P. obovata, we used targeted resequencing and obtained around 480 K nuclear SNPs and 87 chloroplast SNPs in 542 individuals sampled across most of their distribution ranges. Despite extensive gene flow and a clear pattern of Isolation‐by‐Distance, distinct genetic clusters emerged, indicating the presence of barriers and corridors to migration. Two cryptic refugia located in the large hybrid zone between the two species played a critical role in shaping their current distributions. The two species repeatedly hybridized during the Pleistocene and the direction of introgression depended on latitude. Our study suggests that hybridization helped both species to overcome main shifts in their distribution ranges during glacial cycles and highlights the importance of considering whole species complex instead of separate entities to retrieve complex demographic histories.