bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recreational Fishing in the Neotropical Region: A Systematic Review
Authors: da Silva Ladislau Daniel , de Souza Pauliana Leão , Gubiani Éder André
Published: November 2024

We reviewed the scientific literature to assess the current status of recreational fishing in the Neotropical region. In total, 122 publications met our criteria and are included here. Since 1990, the number of studies published on recreational fishing in the region significantly increased. Recreational fishing was evaluated in 13 countries and two territories. Most studies were in marine environments. In total, 372 fish species captured through recreational Neotropical fishing were registered. In South American countries, the presence of nonnative species was significant. Studies were concentrated in a few countries or were not published in scientific articles, conference papers, or book chapters, and some aquatic environments, such as coastal areas, bays, coastal lagoons, and reservoirs, were not studied. In addition, there are few lines of investigation into the practice of this activity in the region, and new investigations are necessary, especially with respect to environmental problems.
A Decade of Monitoring Reveals a Dynamic Fish Assemblage on a Substantial Artificial Reef in the Texas Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Hicks David , Getz Ethan , Kline Richard , Cintra Buenrostro Carlos
Published: November 2024

Fish communities on artificial reefs have rarely been monitored over long periods to evaluate success of reef deployment. Here, we used roving diver surveys to assess changes in fish assemblages on a large, reefed vessel during 2008–2017. Multivariate analyses revealed a dynamic community that stabilized after 5 years. Species richness increased and species dominance decreased during 2008–2017. The fish community shifted toward reef‐associated species such as hogfish and pufferfish. Species composition shifted, but trophic structure was relatively stable, which suggested that functional groups may not reflect larger community shifts. Our results indicate that fish communities on artificial reefs are temporally dynamic and that long‐term monitoring is needed to understand how fish assemblage structure changes through time.
Map‐Like Redness Development After Eradication Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Infection: Prospective Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Matsumoto Sho , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Terai Tomohiro , Maruyama Yasuhiko , Sahara Shu , Kanaoka Shigeru , Yoshizawa Yashiro , Unno Shuhei , Murata Masaki , Uotani Takahiro , Sugiyama Tomohiro , Nakajima Shigemi , Hayafuji Kiyoyuki , Haruma Ken , Kamada Tomoari , Fukuzawa Masakatsu , Kawai Takashi , Itoi Takao
Published: November 2024

Background

Map‐like redness, pathological intestinal metaplasia, is observed in one‐fourth to one‐third of patients 1 year after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, mainly in the corpus, and is a newly identified endoscopic risk factor for gastric cancer development after eradication. However, it is unclear whether intestinal metaplasia is present before eradication at the site where the map‐like redness appears. We aimed to identify endoscopic findings that predict the occurrence of map‐like redness before H. pylori eradication.

Materials and Methods

As a prospective multicenter trial, the characteristics of patients in whom map‐like redness developed after eradication, and the association between the endoscopic severity of gastritis and the development of map‐like redness in patients who underwent endoscopy before and 1‐year after eradication were investigated.

Results

The rate of map‐like redness in all 93 patients 1‐year postsuccessful eradication was 30.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 21.0–40.5). All patients with map‐like redness were endoscopically observed to have intestinal metaplasia before eradication, in the site that subsequently developed map‐like redness. Patients who developed map‐like redness were older, had more severe intestinal metaplasia and nodularity and a higher total score on the Kyoto Classification of Gastritis both before and after eradication than patients who did not. On multivariate analysis, map‐like redness was found to be associated with posttreatment intestinal metaplasia (odds ratio: 8.144; 95% CI: 2.811–23.592).

Conclusions

In all patients who developed map‐like redness after eradication, endoscopic intestinal metaplasia was observed at the site developed map‐like redness before eradication therapy. Map‐like redness was especially observed in patients with more severe intestinal metaplasia at 1‐year after eradication. Such patients require increased attention at surveillance endoscopy, owing to generally having a higher risk of gastric cancer development.

Trial Registration

University Hospital Medical Information Network: UMIN000044707
Risk model for predicting failure to rescue after hepatectomy: Cohort study of 1371 consecutive patients
Authors: Kimura Jiro , Takagi Kosei , Umeda Yuzo , Fuji Tomokazu , Yasui Kazuya , Yamada Motohiko , Nishiyama Takeyoshi , Nagai Yasuo , Kanehira Noriyuki , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi
Published: November 2024

Aim

Although hepatectomy is a complex surgical procedure, its incidence among older patients has increased due to global aging. However, few studies have focused on the association between age and failure to rescue (FTR) posthepatectomy. This study aimed to investigate the association between age and FTR and develop a risk model for FTR following hepatectomy.

Methods

We analyzed a total of 1371 consecutive patients who underwent primary hepatectomy between July 2003 and September 2022. The patients were divided into three groups according to their age: young‐old (<65 years), pre‐old (65–74 years), and old group (≥75 years). Additionally, the associations among age, FTR, and risk factors for FTR were investigated. Subsequently, a risk model was developed to predict the FTR.

Results

Of the 1371 patients, 373 (27.2%) experienced major complications, and FTR occurred in 15 patients. The older group showed a higher FTR rate (8.4%) than the young‐old (1.3%) and pre‐old (4.3%) groups (p = 0.03). Multivariate analyses indicated that older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.15; p = 0.045) and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status score ≥3 (OR 4.35; 95% CI 1.24–15.2; p = 0.02) were independent predictive factors for FTR. The risk model exhibited an accuracy with an area under the curve of 0.80 (95% CI 0.69–0.92). Calibration plots of the model revealed a concordance index of 0.73.

Conclusions

This study identified an association between age, FTR, and risk factors for FTR posthepatectomy. Together, our risk model is a clinically relevant, internally validated, and useful tool for predicting FTR posthepatectomy.
Improvement of Care Cascade for Hypertension and Diabetes in Rural China: Protocol for an Implementation Study
Authors: Yin Xuejun , Wang Zhenzhong , Yang Jingsong , Li Jia , Han Shasha , Feng Wenshuai , Liu Qinglan , Li Ning , Zhang Lihui , Ke Jiawen , Wei Xiaoxia , Zhang Juan , Sarrafzadegan Nizal , Shao Ruitai
Published: November 2024

The management of hypertension and diabetes poses significant challenges to China's healthcare system, necessitating seamless patient progression through screening, diagnosis, management, and control. Utilizing the care cascade model, this study aims to systematically identify patient drop‐offs and devise strategies to address healthcare delivery bottlenecks for hypertension and diabetes in rural China. This study consists of three phases. In Phase 1, qualitative interviews are conducted to explore healthcare experiences and identify determinants across the care cascade. Phase 2 involves systematically assessing barriers identified in Phase 1 and collaborating with local stakeholders using intervention mapping and co‐design to generate interventions and implementation strategies. Phase 3 is a cluster randomized controlled trial involving 48 villages, randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio, to compare changes in hypertension and diabetes care. Intervention villages will implement interventions developed in Phase 2 for 1 year, while control villages will continue with usual care. Primary outcomes include between‐group differences in achieving blood pressure and glycemic targets, along with service and implementation outcomes. This study aims to identify the stage with the largest patient retention gap in the care cascade and develop intervention strategies through participatory co‐design with practitioners, emphasizing feasible, low‐cost approaches. The pragmatic cluster RCT will assess strategy effectiveness, offering valuable insights for practical interventions to enhance hypertension and diabetes care in rural settings, potentially shaping impactful programs and improving healthcare outcomes.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov. identifier: NCT06141278
Inhibiting YAP1 reduced abdominal aortic aneurysm formation by suppressing adventitial fibroblast phenotype transformation and migration
Authors: Xie Cuiping , Hu Yanting , Yin Zhehui
Published: November 2024

The adventitial fibroblast (AF) is the most abundant cell in the vascular adventitia, a few studies had confirmed that AF contributed to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development; YAP1 involved in several vascular diseases by promoting AF transformed to myofibroblast, the role of YAP1 in AAA is not clear yet. This study aims to determine whether YAP1 play a role in AAA process by regulating AF function. We found the expression of YAP1was significantly increased in aneurysm tissues of AAA patients compared to normal adjacent vascular tissues and mainly in adventitia. YAP1 also upregulated in elastase‐induced and CaCl2‐induced mice AAA model. Suppressed YAP1 function with YAP1 inhibitor‐Verteporfin declined AAA incident rate remarkably in mice, and the collagen deposition in the adventitia was alleviated obviously. Afterwards, we studied the effect of YAP1 on the function of AF, Verteporfin was used to block YAP1 in vitro, the process of AF transforming to myofibroblast and migration were almost completely eliminated after inhibiting YAP1 expression. This study demonstrated that YAP1 may play a key role in AAA development, inhibiting YAP1 significantly reduced AAA formation through suppressed the process of AF transformed to myofibroblast and migration.
Evaluation of Phenological and Morphological Traits in Pea Accessions (Pisum sativum L.) and Their Resistance to Pea Weevil (Bruchus pisorum L.)
Authors: Nikolova Ivelina
Published: November 2024

Diversity in pea plant germplasm is crucial in breeding programmes to select highly yielding varieties resistant to Bruchid damage. At the Institute of Forage Crops in Pleven, Bulgaria, nine field pea accessions underwent evaluation for resistance to the pea weevil Bruchus pisorum L. The study identified a relationship between the damage inflicted by the weevils and certain phenological and morphological characteristics. Earlier flowering and formatting pod accessions had a lower sum of the effective temperatures and were characterised by low weevil density. Accessions with a low percentage of damaged seeds with Bruchid emergence holes were distinguished by high seed weight and higher‐damaged ones with parasitoid emergence holes. The large seeds had low weight loss from weevil larvae, too. Parasitoid Triaspis thoracica reduced weevil larvae when the larvae in damaged seeds were in early instars and can be a successful biological agent of B. pisorum in earlier and shorter flowering and pod formation cultivars. Also, a mechanical barrier, such as the thickness of the pod wall, can limit larvae penetration in the pod and reduce weevil damage. Line 5/04‐8 and L 5/01‐3 were classified as resistant to B. pisorum and could be used in future breeding programmes such as resistant sources.
Broad‐range necrophytophagy in the flagellate Orciraptor agilis (Viridiraptoridae, Cercozoa) and the underappreciated role of scavenging among protists
Authors: Moye Jannika , Hess Sebastian
Published: November 2024

Protists show diverse lifestyles and fulfill important ecological roles as primary producers, predators, symbionts, and parasites. The degradation of dead microbial biomass, instead, is mainly attributed to bacteria and fungi, while necrophagy by protists remains poorly recognized. Here, we assessed the food range specificity and feeding behavior of the algivorous flagellate Orciraptor agilis (Viridiraptoridae, Cercozoa) with a large‐scale feeding experiment. We demonstrate that this species is a broad‐range necrophage, which feeds on a variety of eukaryotic and prokaryotic algae, but fails to grow on the tested fungi. Furthermore, our microscopic observations reveal an unexpected flexibility of O. agilis in handling food items of different structures and biochemistry, demonstrating that sophisticated feeding strategies in protists do not necessarily indicate narrow food ranges.
Blackness, linguistic nationalism, and postcolonial class inequality in Haiti
Authors: Marius Philippe‐Richard
Published: November 2024

This ethnographic examination of a binary linguistic hierarchy in Haiti shares the critical terrain of Viranjini Munasinghe's unpacking of Caribbean creolization theory. It is a grounded inquiry into a problematic of ontology that inheres in techniques of making non‐white identities deployed by Caribbean privileged people of color at arm's length from a European colonial heritage that underpins their privileged class positions. Borrowing Munasinghe's analytic concept of theory made schizophrenic by ideology, the investigation reveals Haiti's francophone minority ideologically utilizing Haitian Creole as a black‐nationalist symbol in its domination of the monolingual Creole‐speaking majority. The ideological move devalues Creole while elevating French in the reproduction of class inequality. The linguistic schizophrenia undermines the theoretical nation‐building logic of Creole as national language. Failing practical validation of Creole in all spheres of Haitian life, I conclude, claims on the state and civil society by Haiti's vast monolingual Creole‐speaking majority cannot logically be validated.
Commentary: The COVID‐19 pandemic and its impact on adolescent development: Embracing a more ecological perspective
Authors: Wiium Nora
Published: November 2024

To assess the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on young people's functioning, relationships, and well‐being, four systematic reviews were put together to shed light on school experiences, family and peer relationships, and civic engagement during the pandemic. The reviews presented research findings on the protective role of several personal and contextual resources including intrinsic motivation, self‐efficacy, family, school, peer, and community support, as well as the harming effect of risk factors, such as poor mental health, COVID‐19‐related stressors, and technological challenges, thus highlighting the significant role of both personal and contextual factors in adolescent development and well‐being. Equally important, the research findings collectively suggested an ecological perspective of the determining factors, although the focus was largely on factors in immediate contexts (family, school, peers, and local community). Adopting a more holistic approach that also considers factors in other ecological contexts (e.g., partnership between immediate contexts, the influence of cultural values and norms along with educational and developmental transitions) can be crucial in addressing the specific needs of young people across diverse contexts and cultures during a pandemic and in general. In addressing their needs, the ever‐growing digital space of young people can be utilized to connect them to services and supportive networks in their contexts including distal ones.
Spark Architecture and Ensemble‐Based Feature Selection With Hybrid Optimisation Enabled Deep Long Short‐Term Memory for Crop Yield Prediction
Authors: Surendran Anitha Rajathi , Sahayadhas Arun
Published: November 2024

Precise prediction of crop yield is crucial for addressing the economic resilience and food security of agricultural countries. Current models for crop yield prediction struggle to fully understand the long‐term trends and seasonal variations. Here, the Fractional Rider‐Based Water Cycle Algorithm‐Based Deep Long Short‐Term Memory (FRWCA‐DLSTM) is devised for crop production forecasting and addresses these issues. Primarily, the simulation of the IoT is performed. Then, the selection of Cluster Head (CH) and routing are done with the Rider‐Based Water Cycle Optimisation (RWCO). Then, the crop production data are accumulated at the Base Station (BS), where Spark architecture is used for crop prediction. Here, the data partitioning is done using Deep Fuzzy Clustering (DFC). Next, the technical indicators are extracted. Then, the ensemble‐based Feature selection is accomplished. Here, the ranking techniques are combined by a fusion function. The weight parameters are tuned by Hunter‐Sparrow Search Optimisation (HSSO). Finally, the crop yield prediction is performed by DLSTM, which is trained using FRWCA. The FRWCA is developed by merging Fractional Calculus (FC) with RWCO. The performance of FRWCA‐DLSTM shows the minimum mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean square error (MSE) and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.103, 0.081 and 0.284, respectively.
Identification of QoI‐Resistant Isolates of the Banana Pathogen Pseudocercospora fijiensis in Mexico
Authors: Manzo‐Sánchez Gilberto , Salazar‐Licea Luis Carlos , Buenrostro‐Nava Marco Tulio , Leopardi‐Verde Carlos L. , Martínez‐Bolaños Luciano , Islas‐Flores Ignacio , Orozco‐Santos Mario , Canto‐Canché Blondy
Published: November 2024

Black Sigatoka disease is a significant threat to banana (Musa spp.) fruit yield and quality. For the control of the fungal pathogen, Pseudocercospora fijiensis, producers currently rely on fungicides such as Quinone outside Inhibitor (QoI). In this study, we examined the resistance status of P. fijiensis to QoI fungicides using 80 isolates from 24 localities in the main banana‐producing areas of Mexico (Colima, Michoacán, Tabasco and Chiapas). Resistance was evaluated using the RFLP‐PCR mutation assay on Cytochrome b gen (Cytb). The results showed the G143A mutation in three isolates from Chiapas, indicating a relatively low mutation frequency in the sampled areas, where additionally, a microplate bioassay confirmed the resistance to fungicides. We also evaluated the genetic structure and differentiation among the sampled populations, detecting differences between populations within each region and among all populations. Furthermore, our analysis revealed shared haplotypes between resistant populations in Chiapas and nonresistant populations in Michoacán. These findings provide valuable insight into the resistance status of P. fijiensis to QoI fungicides in Mexico and serve as foundation for the development of strategies to manage strobilurin resistance in the country. Overall, this study highlights the importance of monitoring and implementing effective management practices to mitigate the spread of resistant strains.
Genetic Evidence for GLP‐1 and GIP Receptors as Targets for Treatment and Prevention of MASLD/MASH
Authors: Yan Ran , Liu Lu , Tzoulaki Ioanna , Fan Jiangao , Targher Giovanni , Yuan Zhongshang , Zhao Jian
Published: November 2024

Background and Aims

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP1R) agonists and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) agonists may help treat metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH). However, their definitive effects are still unclear. Our study aims to clarify this uncertainty.

Methods

We utilised conventional Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis to explore potential causal links between plasma GLP‐1/GIP concentrations and MASLD and its related traits. Next, we conducted drug‐target MR analysis using highly expressed tissue data to assess the effects of corresponding drug perturbation on these traits. Finally, mediation analysis was performed to ascertain whether the potential causal effect is direct or mediated by other MASLD‐related traits.

Results

Circulating 2‐h GLP‐1 and GIP concentrations measured during an oral glucose tolerance test showed hepatoprotective effects on MASLD risk (ORGLP‐1 = 0.168 [95% CI 0.033–0.839], p = 0.030; ORGIP = 0.331 [95% CI 0.222–0.494], p = 6.31 × 10−8). GLP1R expression in the blood had a minimal causal effect on MASLD risk, whereas GIPR expression significantly affected MASLD risk (OR = 0.671 [95% CI 0.531–0.849], p = 9.07 × 10−4). Expression levels of GLP1R or GIPR in the blood significantly influenced MASLD‐related clinical traits. Mediation analysis revealed that GIPR expression protected against MASLD, even after adjusting for type 2 diabetes or body mass index.

Conclusions

GLP‐1/GIP receptor agonists offer promise in lowering MASLD/MASH risk. GIP receptor agonists can exert direct and indirect effects on MASLD mediated by weight reduction or glycemic control improvement.
Fish–Seascape Associations Within an Offshore Protected Area in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Kembrey Holly , Pittman Simon J. , Bejarano Ivonne , Blanco‐Parra María del Pilar , Jabado Rima W. , Yaghmour Fadi , Mateos‐Molina Daniel
Published: November 2024

Coral reef ecosystems support high fish biodiversity through ecological interactions with structural complexity across multiple spatial scales including coral colony architecture and the surrounding seascape structure. In an era where the complexity of coral reef ecosystems is being diminished, understanding the importance of structural characteristics beyond single focal patches has the potential to better inform actions for protecting, restoring or creating habitat for reef‐associated species. A seascape ecology approach was applied to explore the associations between multiple scales of seascape structure and fish assemblage response variables within a small (49.6 km2) offshore no‐take MPA, Sir Bu Nair Island Protected Area, in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Fish–seascape associations were modelled with single regression trees. Both in situ and remote sensing–derived variables produced the best models with highest contributions from coral cover, amount of hard‐bottom habitat type and structural complexity of the seafloor terrain. Fish species richness was significantly higher where coral cover exceeded 35%. The hard‐bottom areas with coral supported diverse assemblages dominated by carnivorous and omnivorous fishes. The Sir Bu Nair Island Protected Area provides a critical refuge for threatened and regionally overexploited species including those with low resilience to fishing. The ecological success of this protected area is key to safeguarding regional marine biodiversity and recovering fish populations to enhance food security.
Shock petrographic and numerical modeling constraints on the morphology and size of the Morokweng impact structure, South Africa
Authors: Gibson Roger L. , Wela S'lindile S. , Rae Auriol S. P. , Andreoli Marco A. G.
Published: November 2024

The 369 m deep M4 drill hole, located ~18 km NNW of the center of the 146 Ma Morokweng impact structure (MIS), intersects shocked Archean granitoid gneisses and subsidiary dolerite intrusions that are cut by faults, cataclasites and mm‐ to m‐wide suevitic and pseudotachylitic breccia dikes. The shock features in quartz in the gneisses and breccia dikes include decorated planar deformation features (PDFs), planar fractures, feather features, and toasting. Other minerals show features that may be shock‐related, such as multiple sets of planar features and alternate twin ladder structures in feldspars, kink bands in biotite, and planar features in titanite, apatite, and zircon; however, these are variably annealed and/or overprinted by hydrothermal alteration effects, and confirmation of their origin awaits further study. Universal Stage measurements of PDF sets in quartz from 12 gneissic target rocks and from lithic and mineral clasts in three suevitic and three pseudotachylitic breccia dikes reveal four dominant sets: (0001), {}, {} and {}. Based on these observations, the average peak shock pressure in these rocks is estimated at ≤16 GPa, which supports the original proximity (within one transient cavity radius) of these rocks to the point of impact. No discernible depth‐dependent shock attenuation was noted in the core. These shock levels and the elevated structural position of the rocks in the M4 core relative to the impact melt sheet intersected in drill holes closer to the center of the MIS suggest that the M4 lithologies represent part of the parautochthonous peak ring volume that subsequently experienced 1.5–2 km of post‐impact erosion before it was buried beneath younger sediments. Numerical modeling using the iSALE‐2D code suggests that the original Morokweng crater had a rim‐to‐rim diameter of between 70 and 80 km, and that the rocks in the M4 core were originally located at a depth of 7–8 km and a radial distance of 8–9 km from the point of impact.
The Effect of Book Genre in Eliciting Teacher Math Talk
Authors: Ang Daphne , Sun Baoqi , Cheung Pierina
Published: November 2024

Number books are an effective tool to increase math talk and promote children's mathematical thinking, but little is known about book genre effects. How do different types of number books impact mathematical input? This study examined whether book genre affects the amount and types of teachers' math talk. Using a within‐subjects design, we asked 31 teachers of 4‐ to 5‐year‐olds to read a narrative number book and a nonnarrative number book in a counterbalanced order. The books were matched in target numerical content. We found that the nonnarrative number book elicited more math talk than the narrative number book. In a qualitative analysis, we analyzed multiple conversational turns and found that both books allowed teachers to engage in simple math discussions, but there were differences in other types of math discussions. Together, these findings show that the quantity and quality of mathematical input differ as a function of genre.
A branched Fourier neural operator for efficient calculation of vehicle–track spatially coupled dynamics
Authors: Wang Qingjing , Sun Huakun , He Qing , Li Peihai , Sun Yu , Wu Weijun , Lyu Guanren , Wang Ping
Published: November 2024

In railway transportation, the evaluation of track irregularities is an indispensable requirement to ensure the safety and comfort of railway vehicles. A promising approach is to directly use vehicle dynamic responses to assess the impact of track irregularities. However, the computational cost of obtaining the dynamic response of the vehicle body using dynamics simulation methods is large. To this end, this study proposes a physics‐informed neural operator framework for vehicle–track spatially coupled dynamics (PINO‐VTSCD) calculation, which can effectively acquire the vehicle dynamic response. The backbone structure of PINO‐VTSCD is established by the branched Fourier neural operator, which features one branch for outputting car body responses and the other branch for estimating the responses of bogie frames, wheelsets, and rails. The relative L2 loss (rLSE) of PINO‐VTSCD under the optimal hyperparameter combination is 4.96%, which is 57% lower than the convolutional neural network‐gated recurrent unit model. Evaluation cases from large‐scale simulations and real‐world track irregularities show that the proposed framework can achieve fast solution in scenarios such as different wavelength‐depth combinations and different wavelength ranges. Compared with the traditional vehicle–track coupled model, the speedup of the PINO‐VTSCD model is 32x. The improved computational efficiency of the proposed model can support many railway engineering tasks that require repetitive calculations.
Herbicides as fungicides: Targeting heme biosynthesis in the maize pathogen Ustilago maydis
Authors: Damoo Djihane , Kretschmer Matthias , Lee Christopher W. J. , Herrfurth Cornelia , Feussner Ivo , Heimel Kai , Kronstad James W.
Published: November 2024

Pathogens must efficiently acquire nutrients from host tissue to proliferate, and strategies to block pathogen access therefore hold promise for disease control. In this study, we investigated whether heme biosynthesis is an effective target for ablating the virulence of the phytopathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis on maize plants. We first constructed conditional heme auxotrophs of the fungus by placing the heme biosynthesis gene hem12 encoding uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (Urod) under the control of nitrogen or carbon source‐regulated promoters. These strains were heme auxotrophs under non‐permissive conditions and unable to cause disease in maize seedlings, thus demonstrating the inability of the fungus to acquire sufficient heme from host tissue to support proliferation. Subsequent experiments characterized the role of endocytosis in heme uptake, the susceptibility of the fungus to heme toxicity as well as the transcriptional response to exogenous heme. The latter RNA‐seq experiments identified a candidate ABC transporter with a role in the response to heme and xenobiotics. Given the importance of heme biosynthesis for U. maydis pathogenesis, we tested the ability of the well‐characterized herbicide BroadStar to influence disease. This herbicide contains the active ingredient flumioxazin, an inhibitor of Hem14 in the heme biosynthesis pathway, and we found that it was an effective antifungal agent for blocking disease in maize. Thus, repurposing herbicides for which resistant plants are available may be an effective strategy to control pathogens and achieve crop protection.
Radium levels in Brazil nuts: A review of the literature
Authors: Koeder Christian , Keller Markus
Published: November 2024

Brazil nuts are well known for their extraordinarily high selenium content. For this reason, they are frequently recommended as a kind of natural selenium ‘supplement’, particularly for certain population groups such as vegetarians and vegans in regions with low soil selenium levels. Typically, an intake of one or two Brazil nuts per day is recommended. Brazil nuts, however, also stand out from other nuts in terms of their high (albeit highly variable) radium content. The radium isotopes Ra‐226 and Ra‐228 emit alpha‐ and beta‐radiation, with this type of radiation being particularly harmful when ingested. Consequently, it is important to consider radium levels in Brazil nuts before formulating recommendations for a long‐term, daily intake of these nuts. To date, however, no comprehensive overview of radium levels in Brazil nuts has been published. Therefore, a literature review without time or language restrictions was conducted, including unpublished original data from Germany. The literature review (including the German data) indicated mean Ra‐226 and Ra‐228 levels of 49 (range: 17–205) mBq/g and 67 (range: 12–235) mBq/g, respectively. Assuming a consistent daily intake of one or two Brazil nuts, this would result in an effective dose of ~88–220 μSv/year. This level of exposure appears to be neither clearly harmful nor clearly harmless. As increased radioactivity exposure (at least at higher doses) is associated with increased cancer risk, randomised controlled trials assessing the effect of Brazil nuts on cancer risk biomarkers are needed.
Adenoid glioblastoma: Stromal hypovascularity and secretion of chondromodulin‐I by tumor cells
Authors: Shintaku Masayuki , Hashiba Tetsuo , Nonaka Masahiro , Asai Akio , Tsuta Koji
Published: November 2024

The case of a 75‐year‐old man with a glioblastoma of the right frontal lobe showing features of adenoid glioblastoma is reported. The tumor consisted of two components: the adenoid component, in which large, cohesive, polygonal cells with vesicular nuclei and abundant basophilic cytoplasm showed nest‐like, trabecular, or tubular growth on the myxoid matrix and formed a multinodular configuration; and the subsidiary component, in which short spindle cells showed compact fascicular growth. The features of ordinary glioblastoma were also found in a small area. Tumor cells were immunoreactive for S‐100 protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and Olig2, and some tumor cells in the adenoid component showed immunoreactivity for cytokeratins and E‐cadherin. A marked regional decrease in microvascular density, approaching almost complete absence of microvessels, was demonstrated in the adenoid component. In contrast, microvascular density was well preserved in the spindle cell component and the area of ordinary glioblastoma. Tumor cells in the adenoid component showed cytoplasmic expression of chondromodulin‐I, one of the cytokines that strongly inhibit angiogenesis, whereas the expression of this protein was very weak or only faint in the spindle cell component and the area of ordinary glioblastoma. A marked regional decrease in microvascular density was associated with myxoid change of the stroma and considered to be caused by the secretion of chondromodulin‐I by tumor cells. Stromal hypovascularity with myxoid change might play an important role in the morphogenesis of adenoid features.
CPK28‐mediated phosphorylation enhances nitrate transport activity of NRT2.1 during nitrogen deprivation
Authors: Yue Lindi , Liu Mengyuan , Liao Jiahui , Zhang Kaina , Wu Wei‐Hua , Wang Yang
Published: November 2024

Nitrate (NO3−) serves as the primary inorganic nitrogen source assimilated by most terrestrial plants. The acquisition of nitrate from the soil is facilitated by NITRATE TRANSPORTERS (NRTs), with NRT2.1 being the key high‐affinity nitrate transporter. The activity of NRT2.1, which has multiple potential phosphorylation sites, is intricately regulated under various physiological conditions. Here, we discovered that CALCIUM‐DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASE 28 (CPK28) positively regulates nitrate uptake under nitrogen deprivation conditions.

We found CPK28 as the kinase targeted by immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry and examined the in‐planta phosphorylation status of NRT2.1 in cpk28 mutant plants by employing quantitative MS‐based phosphoproteomics. Through a combination of in vitro phosphorylation experiment and immunoblotting using phospho‐specific antibody, we successfully demonstrated that CPK28 specifically phosphorylates NRT2.1 at Ser21.

Functional analysis conducted in Xenopus oocytes revealed that co‐expression of CPK28 significantly enhanced high‐affinity nitrate uptake of NRT2.1. Further investigation using transgenic plants showed that the phosphomimic variant NRT2.1S21E, but not the nonphosphorylatable variant NRT2.1S21A, fully restored high‐affinity 15NO3− uptake ability in both nrt2.1 and cpk28 mutant backgrounds.

This study clarifies that the kinase activity of CPK28 is promoted during nitrogen deprivation conditions. These significant findings provide valuable insights into the intricate regulatory mechanisms that govern nitrate‐demand adaptation.
Effects of mindfulness‐based interventions on obesogenic eating behaviors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kao Tsui‐Sui Annie , Ling Jiying , Alanazi Mohammed , Atwa Ahmed , Liu Stephanie
Published: November 2024

This systematic review and meta‐analysis examined the effects of mindful‐based interventions (MBIs) on changes in obesogenic eating behaviors. Seven databases (CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, Sociological Abstracts) were searched. Random‐effects models were performed to estimate the pooled effects, and mixed‐effects models were used to explore potential moderators of MBIs on eating behavioral changes. The significant effects on mindless eating habits included controlled eating (Hedge's g = 0.23, p = 0.005), external eating (g = −0.62, p = 0.001), fullness awareness (g = 0.64, p < 0.001), hunger eating (g = −0.69, p = 0.032), energy intake (g = −0.60, p = 0.003), sweet intake (g = −0.39, p < 0.001), and impulsive food choice (g = −0.43, p = 0.002). However, small and insignificant effects were noted for stress‐related eating habits like emotional eating (g = −0.27; p = 0.070) and binge eating (g = −0.35, p = 0.136). The long‐term effects were significantly sustained on hunger eating (g = −0.50, p = 0.007) but insignificant on emotional eating (g = −0.22, p = 0.809). MBIs delivered in clinical settings were more effective for decreasing emotional eating compared with those in school settings. Our findings support the effectiveness of MBIs. The pooled effects on improving mindless eating habits were stronger than the modification of stress‐related eating habits.
OsBRW1, a novel blast‐resistant gene, coded a NBS‐LRR protein to interact with OsSRFP1 to balance rice growth and resistance
Authors: Ma Shiwei , Xu Shichang , Tao Huan , Huang Yunxia , Feng Changqing , Huang Guanpeng , Lin Shoukai , Sun Yiqiong , Chen Xuan , Fabrice Kabore Manegdebwaoga Arthur , Tareke Woldegiorgis Samuel , Ai Yufang , Zhang Lina , Liu Wei , He Huaqin
Published: November 2024

It is urgent to mine novel blast‐resistant genes in rice and develop new rice varieties with pyramiding blast‐resistant genes. In this study, a new blast‐resistant gene, OsBRW1, was screened from a set of rice near‐isogenic lines (NILs) with different blast‐resistant ability. Under the infection of Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae), OsBRW1 in the resistant NIL Pi‐4b was highly induced than that in the susceptible NIL Pi‐1 and their parent line CO39, and the blast‐resistant ability of OsBRW1 was further confirmed by using CRISPR/Cas9 knockout and over‐expression methods. The protein encoded by OsBRW1 was a typical NBS‐LRR with NB‐ARC domain and localized in both cytoplasm and nucleus, and the transient expression of OsBRW1 was capable of triggering hypersensitive response in tobacco leaves. Protein interaction experiments showed that OsBRW1 protein directly interacted with OsSRFP1. At the early infection stage of M. oryzae, OsBRW1 gene induced OsSRFP1 to highly expression level and accumulated H2O2, up‐regulated the defence responsive signalling transduction genes and the pathogenesis‐related genes and increased JA and SA content in the resistant NIL Pi‐4b. By contrary, lower content of endogenous JA and SA in osbrw1 mutants was found at the same stage. After that, OsSRFP1 was down‐regulated to constitution abundance to balance the growth of the resistant NIL Pi‐4b. In summary, OsBRW1 solicited OsSRFP1 to resist the infection of blast fungus in rice by inducing the synergism of induced systemic resistance (ISR) and system acquired resistance (SAR) and to balance the growth of rice plants.
Use of Postoperative Radiotherapy and Multiple Adjuvant Treatments After Surgical Removal of a Giant Retroauricular Keloid in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Sicre Joaquín Espiñeira , Ivars Marta , Heinz Oliver Haag , Ludwig Peter Wienberg , Isern Verdun Josep , Baselga Torres Eulalia
Published: November 2024

The use of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) for the treatment of keloids in the pediatric population is rare, despite being a common pathology at this age. Recurrences after surgery are very common. The absence of a standardized protocol for the management of recurrent keloids further complicates therapeutic decision‐making. Here, we present a clinical case involving a recurrent giant retroauricular keloid in a pediatric patient, demonstrating a satisfactory response to a comprehensive approach involving surgery, PORT, and periodic injections of 5‐fluorouracil with corticosteroid. We believe that reporting this case adds value as a potential therapeutic option in the absence of established protocols for recurrent keloids in pediatric patients.
Periodontal disease: A systemic condition
Authors: Villoria German E. M. , Fischer Ricardo G. , Tinoco Eduardo M. B. , Meyle Joerg , Loos Bruno G.
Published: November 2024

For decades, periodontitis has been considered to be a local inflammatory disease of the periodontal tissues in the oral cavity. Initially, associations of periodontitis with a multitude of noncommunicable diseases were each studied separately, and relationships were shown. The associations of periodontitis with morbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, respiratory diseases, have been demonstrated. As most such studies were cross‐sectional in nature, questions about causality cannot be univocally answered. And periodontitis as an independent risk factor for one systemic disease, becomes even more difficult to assess since recently periodontitis has also been associated with multimorbidity. Periodontitis and many systemic diseases share environmental, lifestyle and genetic risk factors, and share immunopathology. Moreover, suffering from one common noncommunicable disease may increase the susceptibility for another such chronic disease; the systemic effects of one condition may be one of various risk factors for another such disease. The overarching effect of any systemic disease is it causing a pro‐inflammatory state in the individual; this has also been shown for periodontitis. Moreover, in periodontitis a prothrombotic state and elevated immunological activity have been shown. As such, when we consider periodontal disease as another systemic disease, it can affect the susceptibility and progression of other systemic diseases, and importantly, vice versa. And with this, it is not surprising that periodontitis is associated with a variety of other noncommunicable diseases. The medical definition of a systemic disease includes diseases that affect different organs and systems. Thus, the aim of this opinion paper is to propose that periodontitis should be considered a systemic disease in its own right and that it affects the individual's systemic condition and wellbeing. The dental and medical profession and researchers alike, should adapt this paradigm shift, advancing periodontal disease out of its isolated anatomical location into the total of chronic noncommunicable diseases, being for some conditions a comorbid disease and, vice versa, comorbidities can affect initiation and progression of periodontal disease.
Associations between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and adherence to self‐management behaviours among community‐dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Sun Jingxian , Zhao Yayi , Wang Aihong
Published: November 2024

Background

Self‐management is vital for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to enhance cognitive health and mitigate the risk of dementia. However, maintaining consistent engagement in self‐management strategies can be challenging for older adults with MCI. This study aimed to explore the associations between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and adherence to self‐management behaviours among community‐dwelling older adults with MCI.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study involving 467 community‐dwelling older adults with MCI was conducted from July to November 2022 across Nanjing, Xuzhou, and Lianyungang in Jiangsu Province, China. Data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, as well as self‐management behaviours for MCI, were collected. Multiple linear and binary logistic regressions were employed to identify factors influencing self‐management behaviours.

Results

Among the four recommended self‐management behaviours for MCI, participants adopted an average of 1.37 ± 1.202 behaviours. Physical exercise (n = 239; 51.2%) was the most prevalent behaviour, followed by modifiable risk factors management (n = 156; 33.4%), cognitive training (n = 144; 30.8%), and cognitive function monitoring (n = 103; 22.1%). Higher education level (B = 0.286, P < 0.001), urban employee medical insurance (B = 0.621, P < 0.001), and non‐smoking status (B = 0.389, P = 0.002) positively correlated with aggregate MCI self‐management behaviours, while older age (B = −0.295, P < 0.001) had a negative association. Marital status, monthly income, employment status, gender, residence, and family history of cognitive disorders were also found to be associated with specific self‐management behaviours for MCI.

Conclusions

Enhancing adherence to self‐management among community‐dwelling older adults with MCI is critical. Sociodemographic and clinical factors should be considered to pinpoint at‐risk populations and accordingly tailor support strategies.
The lasting effect of the Romantic view of nature: How it influences perceptions of risk and the support of symbolic actions against climate change
Authors: Siegrist Michael , Berthold Anne
Published: November 2024

Culture can have a major impact on how we perceive different hazards. In the Romantic period, nature was described and portrayed as mysterious and benevolent. A deep connection to nature was perceived as important. We proposed that this romantic view would be positively related to people's risk perceptions of man‐made hazards and, more specifically, to concerns about climate change. Further, we hypothesized that the Romantic perception of nature leads to a biased perception of natural hazards and that the moral component of action is of particular importance above and beyond the mere efficacy of the action. We conducted an online survey in Germany (N = 531), a country where Romanticism had a very widespread influence. The study shows that individuals with a Romantic view of nature perceived greater risks associated with climate change than those without such a view. In addition, those with a Romantic view of nature were more likely to support measures to reduce the risks of climate change, even when it is said that such measures are not effective. Finally, the study found a significantly higher positive correlation between Romantic views of nature and risk perceptions of man‐made versus natural hazards. The results suggest that ideas developed during the Romantic era continue to influence hazard perception in Germany.
The mirage of research and research expertise: Reflections on leading Horizon Europe bids
Authors: Shortall Sally , Meredith David
Published: November 2024

This article offers critical reflections on the process of leading Horizon Europe research bids, drawing from the authors’ experiences with two funded projects: GRASS CEILING and SafeHabitus. It highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by multi‐actor research, which brings together researchers, policymakers, stakeholders and end users. We discuss strategies for developing and managing these partnerships, including approaches to participant compensation and engagement. We address the complexities of fitting research into the EU framework, noting how prescriptive call texts can sometimes limit innovative approaches. It raises questions about the role of academics in these projects, highlighting concerns about the potential for an instrumental approach to research that prioritises funding acquisition over intellectual curiosity. The authors provide recommendations for future co‐ordinators, emphasising the importance of clear communication, early deliverables to build team cohesion and showcasing participants from living labs or communities of practice. The article concludes with a call for honest debate about the significance of research within multi‐actor projects and suggests the development of mentoring systems for co‐ordinators.