bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lycium barbarum Extract Enhanced Neuroplasticity and Functional Recovery in 5xFAD Mice via Modulating Microglial Status of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Sun Zhongqing , Liu Jinfeng , Chen Zihang , So Kwok‐Fai , Hu Yong , Chiu Kin
Published: November 2024

Objective

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Lycium barbarum extract (LBE), a Chinese herb, on the central nervous system (CNS)—including the retina, brain, and spinal cord—in 5xFAD transgenic mice after the onset of AD.

Methods

Starting at 6 months of age, 5xFAD mice received daily intragastric gavage of LBE (2 g/kg) for 2 months. At 8 months, behavioral tests were conducted to assess cognition, motor function, and visual function. These included the Morris water maze, novel object recognition, and Y‐maze tests for cognition; the beam walking balance and clasping tests for motor function; and electroretinogram (ERG) for visual function. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and ELISA were used to evaluate Aβ deposition, microglial morphology, neuroinflammation, and neuroprotective signaling pathways. Primary microglia and the IMG cell line were used to study LBE's effects on Aβ uptake and degradation in vitro.

Results

After 2 months of LBE treatment, the decline in cognition, motor, and visual functions in 5xFAD mice was significantly slowed. Microglia in the brain, spinal cord, and retina exhibited a neuroprotective state, with reduced Aβ deposition, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels (e.g., TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6), increased Arg‐1/iNOS ratio, and enhanced phagocytic capacity. LBE also promoted Aβ uptake and degradation in primary microglia and the IMG cell line. Neuroprotective signals such as p‐Akt, p‐Erk1/2, and p‐CREB were elevated. Additionally, LBE treatment restored synaptic protein expression and enhanced neuroplasticity.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that LBE treatment can enhance neuroplasticity, reduce systemic inflammation, and improve phagocyte clearance of Aβ deposition via inducing a neuroprotective microglial phenotype throughout CNS. As an upper‐class Chinese medicine, appropriate intake of LBE may serve as a beneficial antiaging strategy for AD.
Impact of structural factors around the accessory nerve on the pathogenesis of essential neck and upper‐back stiffness: a sonographic investigation
Authors: Shibasaki Shohei , Kishino Tomonori , Sei Yoriko , Harashima Keiichiro , Sakata Konomi , Ohnishi Hiroaki , Watanabe Takashi
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Neck and upper‐back stiffness involves discomfort/ache in the trapezius muscle (TM). The pathogenesis of ‘essential neck and upper‐back stiffness’ without obvious causes remains uncertain. In symptomatic subjects, TM hardness correlates with decreased transverse cervical artery (TCA) blood flow to the TM. Neck and upper‐back stiffness could be associated with both hemodynamic and neurological factors affecting the TM. We therefore sonographically evaluated structural factors around the accessory nerve innervating the TM impacting neck and upper‐back stiffness.

Methods

Participants comprised 69 healthy young adults (33 men, 36 women; 21 ± 1 y) who completed questionnaires and underwent elastography to determine TM hardness as a strain ratio and pulsed Doppler sonography to determine TCA hemodynamics. Intermuscular length was measured as the distance between sternocleidomastoid and levator scapulae muscles around the accessory nerve. Relationships of intermuscular length with symptoms, TM hardness, and TCA hemodynamics were analyzed.

Results

Intermuscular length was greater in symptomatic subjects (median 2.3 mm, interquartile range 1.5–3.1 mm) than in asymptomatic subjects (median 1.8 mm, interquartile range 1.5–2.3 mm; p = 0.032). Intermuscular length correlated positively with symptom severity (r = 0.43, p = 0.014) and negatively with strain ratio for the TM (r = −0.39, p = 0.025) and peak systolic velocity in the TCA (r = −0.40, p = 0.022). Intermuscular length contributed independently to the presence of symptoms (p = 0.025, odds ratio 2.26, 95% confidence interval 1.11–4.62).

Conclusion

In symptomatic subjects, symptom severity, TM hardness and TCA hemodynamics all correlated with greater intermuscular length. Structures around the accessory nerve could be associated with the pathogenesis of essential neck and upper‐back stiffness.
Evaluation of Diagnostic Accuracy of the Paris System (TPS 2.0) in Urine Cytology Specimens: An Institutional Experience From a Large Cohort of a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Jangir Hemlata , Narwal Anubhav , Adhikari Suman Smith , Batra Atul , Nayak Brusabhanu , Seth Amlesh , Kaushal Seema
Published: November 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of urine cytology using The Paris System (TPS 2.0) in comparison with TPS 1.0, and the Four‐Tier Reporting System (FTRS) of our institute for identifying high‐grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC).

Methodology

A total of 789 urine cytology specimens from 240 patients including 12 UTUC cases with available histological and clinical details were included. Two hundred twenty‐two cases were newly diagnosed, whereas 18 were recurrent tumours. Histopathological evaluation categorised the cases as non‐neoplastic (33%, 13.7%), low‐grade urothelial neoplasms (LGUNs) (94%, 39.2%), high‐grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUCs) (110%, 45.8%) and other malignancies (3%, 1.3%).

Results

TPS 2.0 categorised the cases as 14 (5.7%) non‐diagnostic or ND/U, 99 (41.5%) NHGUC, 37 (15.4%) AUC, 24 (10%) SHGUC and 66 (27.5%) HGUC. TPS 1.0 had 14 (5.7%) ND/U, 72 (30%) NHGUC, 61 (24.5%) AUC, 3 (1.3%) LGUC, 24 (10%) SHGUC and 66 (27.5%) HGUC. FTRS classified them as 19 (7.5%) ND/UNS, 44 (18.3%) NEG, 88 (36.7%) INC and 89 (37.1%) POS. The ROHM for TPS 2.0 was 71.4% for ND/U, 12.1% for NHGUC, 29.7% for AUC, 79.2% for SHGUC and 89.4% for HGUC. TPS 1.0 showed a similar ROHM for ND/U, SHGUC and HGUC, whereas had 13.8% for NHGUC and 19.7% for AUCs. FTRS, had 78.9% for UNS, 6.8% for NEG, 35.2% for INC and 73.1% for POS. TPS demonstrated a sensitivity of 70.91% and specificity of 90.77% for identifying HGUC, whereas FTRS showed 59.09% sensitivity and 81.54% specificity. Also, TPS was found to be 75% accurate with 62.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity for UTCC cases separately.

Conclusion

TPS 2.0 exhibits diagnostic accuracy with better performance in comparison to FTRS, making it a more reliable system for clinical practice. Our findings endorse the utility of TPS 2.0 in improving the accuracy of urine cytology in predicting histological diagnosis of HGUC.
Neuroprotection for neonatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy: A review of novel therapies evaluated in clinical studies
Authors: Chan Natalie H. , Hawkins Cheryl C. , Rodrigues Benjamin V. , Cornet Marie‐Coralie , Gonzalez Fernando F. , Wu Yvonne W.
Published: November 2024

Therapeutic hypothermia is an effective therapy for moderate‐to‐severe hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in infants born at term or near‐term in high‐resource settings. Yet there remains a substantial proportion of infants who do not benefit or who will have significant disability despite therapeutic hypothermia. Novel investigational therapies that may confer additional neuroprotection by targeting known pathogenic mechanisms of hypoxic–ischemic brain injury are under development. This review focuses on putative neuroprotective agents that have shown promise in animal models of HIE, and that have been translated to clinical studies in neonates with HIE. We include agents that have been studied both with and without concurrent therapeutic hypothermia. Our review therefore addresses not just neonatal HIE in high‐resource countries where therapeutic hypothermia is the standard of care, but also neonatal HIE in low‐ and middle‐income countries where therapeutic hypothermia has been shown to be ineffective, and where the greatest burden of HIE‐related morbidity and mortality exists.
Severe hypoglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis in adults presenting to a hospital emergency department: Adverse prognostic markers for survival in type 2 diabetes and the role of SGLT2 inhibitors
Authors: Song Soon H. , Frier Brian M.
Published: November 2024

Aims

To determine the prognosis associated with severe hypoglycaemia (SH) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in adults presenting to a hospital emergency department (ED).

Methods

Medical records of adults with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes who attended the ED with SH and DKA between 1 January 2019 and 30 June 2023, were reviewed for comorbidities, long‐term survival, mortality and causes of death.

Results

A total of 429 episodes of DKA occurred in 293 people and 643 episodes of SH in 515 people. DKA predominated in T1D (77.6%) and SH in T2D (54.3%). In T2D, 32.3% of DKA events were associated with sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor (SGLT2‐i) medication. In both SH and DKA, patients with T2D were older and had more comorbidities than T1D, particularly cardiorenal disease, heart failure, cognitive impairment and cancer (all p < 0.005). Compared with T1D, mortality was higher in T2D after SH (48.4% vs. 19.9%, p < 0.005) and after DKA (30.8% vs. 13.4%, p = 0.001) with shorter median times to fatal outcome (SH: 134 vs. 511 days; DKA: 43 vs. 266 days, both p < 0.005). Long‐term survival was lower (p < 0.005) and mortality risk was higher in T2D after index presentation with SH (HR 3.43 [95% CI: 2.43–4.84], p < 0.005) and DKA (HR 3.00 [95% CI: 1.77–5.10], p < 0.005). Irrespective of diabetes type, most causes of death in SH and DKA were non‐cardiovascular.

Conclusions

SH and DKA events requiring hospital treatment herald a poor prognosis with greater mortality in T2D adults with multimorbidity. A significant number of DKA episodes in T2D occurred in people receiving SGLT2‐i medication.
Incidence of diabetes mellitus following hospitalisation for COVID‐19 in the United Kingdom: A prospective observational study
Authors: Tyrer Freya , Gharibzadeh Safoora , Gillies Clare , Lawson Claire , Routen Ash , Islam Nazrul , Razieh Cameron , Zaccardi Francesco , Yates Tom , Davies Melanie J. , Brightling Christopher E. , Chalmers James D. , Docherty Annemarie B. , Elneima Omer , Evans Rachael A. , Greening Neil J. , Harris Victoria C. , Harrison Ewen M. , Ho Ling‐Pei , Horsley Alex , Houchen‐Wolloff Linzy , Leavy Olivia C. , Lone Nazir I. , Marks Michael , McAuley Hamish J. C. , Poinasamy Krisnah , Quint Jennifer K. , Raman Betty , Richardson Matthew , Saunders Ruth , Sereno Marco , Shikotra Aarti , Singapuri Amish , Wain Louise V. , Khunti Kamlesh ,   the PHOSP‐COVID Study Collaborative Group
Published: November 2024

Background

People hospitalised for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) have elevated incidence of diabetes. However, it is unclear whether this is due to shared risk factors, confounding or stress hyperglycaemia in response to acute illness.

Methods

We analysed a multicentre prospective cohort study (PHOSP‐COVID) of people ≥18 years discharged from NHS hospitals across the United Kingdom following COVID‐19. Individuals were included if they attended at least one research visit with a HbA1c measurement within 14 months of discharge and had no history of diabetes at baseline. The primary outcome was new onset diabetes (any type), as defined by a first glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measurement ≥6.5% (≥48 mmol/mol). Follow‐up was censored at the last HbA1c measurement. Age‐standardised incidence rates and incidence rate ratios (adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, length of hospital stay, body mass index, smoking, physical activity, deprivation, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia/hypercholesterolaemia, intensive therapy unit admission, invasive mechanical ventilation, corticosteroid use and C‐reactive protein score) were calculated using Poisson regression. Incidence rates were compared with the control groups of published clinical trials in the United Kingdom by applying the same inclusion and exclusion criteria, where possible.

Results

Incidence of diabetes was 91.4 per 1000 person‐years and was higher in South Asian (incidence rate ratios [IRR] = 3.60; 1.77, 7.32; p < 0.001) and Black ethnic groups (IRR = 2.36; 1.07, 5.21; p = 0.03) compared with White ethnic groups. When restricted to similar characteristics, the incidence rates were similar to those in UK clinical trials data.

Conclusion

Diabetes incidence following hospitalisation for COVID‐19 is high, but it remains uncertain whether it is disproportionately higher than pre‐pandemic levels.
The impact of financial literacy on access to formal financial products in Namibia
Authors: Mukong Alfred Kechia , Jentzsch Tiofilia , Aquilas Nkwetta Ajong
Published: November 2024

Motivation

The level of financial inclusion has increased markedly in Namibia in recent years. Currently, 78% of the population is considered to be financially included. More importantly, this increase has largely derived from vulnerable groups, including low‐income earners living in rural areas. Although there has been an increase in the rate of financial literacy, there is no formal empirical analysis showing the extent to which improved access to formal financial services is associated with financial literacy.

Purpose

This article deepens the empirical analysis of financial literacy by simultaneously considering their effects on savings, bank account ownership, and access to credit and insurance in Namibia. We further disaggregated the analysis to consider heterogeneity between men and women, as well as between rural and urban populations.

Approach and methods

We used data from the Namibia Financial Inclusion Survey of 2017 and the instrumental variable probit model to minimize the bias from possible endogeneity caused by potential measurement error, unobserved variable bias, or reverse causality.

Findings

The study showed that financial literacy significantly increases the likelihood of people using formal financial products. Failure to adequately control for the associated bias would lead to substantial overestimation of the impact of financial literacy. Estimates from the disaggregated analysis showed that the impact of financial literacy differs significantly between rural and urban populations, as well as between men and women. The effects are higher for males than for females and for rural than urban sub‐samples.

Policy implications

The positive effect of financial literacy on formal financial products suggests that policy options that promote financial literacy are crucial for improving access to formal financial products, particularly for men and the rural population. These policies could include the introduction of financial literacy programmes in schools in order to enhance personal financial knowledge and participation in the formal financial sector. Emphasis should be placed on the raising of awareness, especially among disadvantaged communities, as to the benefits of owning and operating different financial products and on the inclusion of financial literacy programmes on public television.
Analysis of the Prevalence of Traumatic Dental Injuries in the Primary Dentition: Findings From a Cohort Study Involving 4‐Year‐Old Children From South Brazil
Authors: Rivera López Muriel Denisse , Cademartori Mariana Gonzalez , Goettems Marília Leão , Demarco Flávio Fernando , Hallal Pedro Curi , da Costa Vanessa Polina Pereira
Published: November 2024

Objective

To identify factors associated with the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in children at 4 years of age.

Methods

Participants from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort were included. Demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and environmental data were collected through interviews and physical examinations during cohort follow‐up. Dental examination at 4 years of age revealed the presence of TDI. A theoretical model was constructed using a directed acyclic graph (DAG). A descriptive analysis was performed, followed by Poisson regression models relating TDI to each outcome.

Results

Data from 3650 4‐year‐old children were analyzed; the prevalence of dental trauma was 20.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 18.9%–21.5%). The prevalence of TDI was lower among girls compared with boys, suggesting a protective effect of female sex (relative risk [RR] 0.80 [95% CI: 0.79–0.91]). Increased height for age (RR 1.55 [95% CI: 1.14–2.09]), increased overjet (RR 1.45 [95% CI: 1.2–1.74]), and anterior open bite (RR 1.26 [95% CI: 1.01–1.56]) demonstrated an association with TDI after testing regression models based on DAGs.

Conclusion

Male sex, increased height, and increased overjet and open bite were factors predisposing to TDI at 4 years of age. Understanding these factors can contribute to the implementation of targeted prevention strategies for reducing TDI and their potential long‐term consequences.
Mapping the Landscape of Generative Language Models in Dental Education: A Comparison Between ChatGPT and Google Bard
Authors: Aldukhail Shaikha
Published: November 2024

Generative language models (LLMs) have shown great potential in various fields, including medicine and education. This study evaluated and compared ChatGPT 3.5 and Google Bard within dental education and research.

Methods

We developed seven dental education‐related queries to assess each model across various domains: their role in dental education, creation of specific exercises, simulations of dental problems with treatment options, development of assessment tools, proficiency in dental literature and their ability to identify, summarise and critique a specific article. Two blind reviewers scored the responses using defined metrics. The means and standard deviations of the scores were reported, and differences between the scores were analysed using Wilcoxon tests.

Results

ChatGPT 3.5 outperformed Bard in several tasks, including the ability to create highly comprehensive, accurate, clear, relevant and specific exercises on dental concepts, generate simulations of dental problems with treatment options and develop assessment tools. On the other hand, Bard was successful in retrieving real research, and it was able to critique the article it selected. Statistically significant differences were noted between the average scores of the two models (p ≤ 0.05) for domains 1 and 3.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential of LLMs as dental education tools, enhancing learning through virtual simulations and critical performance analysis. However, the variability in LLMs' performance underscores the need for targeted training, particularly in evidence‐based content generation. It is crucial for educators, students and practitioners to exercise caution when considering the delegation of critical educational or healthcare decisions to computer systems.
High‐Precision Sn Isotopic Measurement in Geological Materials by Double‐Spike MC‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Song Wenrui , Zhu Chuanwei , Wen Hanjie , Zhang Yuxu , Liu Zerui , Zhou Meifu
Published: November 2024

Tin isotope ratios of eight different geological reference materials were determined using Neptune and Neoma (Thermo Fisher, USA) multi‐collector‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS) systems using the 117Sn‐122Sn double‐spike technique. Tin was purified by two‐stage ion‐exchange chromatography with a recovery of 85% ± 5%, with isobarically interfering matrix elements being reduced to negligible levels. Doping experiments indicated that the Neoma instrument was less affected by isobaric interferences than the Neptune instrument. The determined δ124/116SnSRM3161a values are consistent with published values, and the long‐term (> 6 months) intermediate precision was better than ±0.01‰ amu−1 for both instruments. The method allows the Sn isotope ratios of samples containing ~ 2 ng of Sn to be precisely determined with an Sn solution concentration of 1 ng g−1.
Romanticism in the Kenotic God: Receptivity, Engaging, Affective Unity, and the Psychological Ontology of the Christic Person
Authors: Pârvan Alexandra
Published: November 2024

The ‘romantic vs. classic’ dispute in the literary field is proposed as a useful frame of reference from which to analyse, mend, and expand Bruce McCormack's latest theological model. The first part of the essay identifies several clashes of McCormack's theory with classical theism, explaining how their ontologies are mutually incompatible. The second part uses insights from romantic poetry and thinking in order to develop McCormack's concept of ‘ontological receptivity’ (in the Son) and introduce the new concept of ‘engaging’ (in Jesus) as its conceptual pair and to propose ‘affective unity’ as the basis for Christic unity. Throughout, an argument for the value of employing a psychological ontology in discourses about the God‐human is shaped.
The effects of continuous care utilizing rational emotive therapy on prostate cancer patients
Authors: Chen Hualan , Fang Fang , Chen Yaping , Cai Yibo
Published: November 2024

This study is to investigate the impact of rational emotive behaviour therapy in conjunction with continuity nursing on the negative emotions and quality of life of patients with radical prostatectomy (RPT). A total of 82 patients who underwent RPT for prostate cancer and were admitted to our department between November 2020 and October 2021 were randomly divided into two groups: the control group received conventional nursing interventions, while the observation group received rational emotion therapy combined with continuity of care interventions. The patients' negative emotions and quality of life in the two groups were compared. The Self‐rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self‐assessment Scale of Depression (SDS) scores of the observation group after nursing care were significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the scores of the observation group in the dimensions of vitality (VT), physiological functioning (PF), general health (GH), affective functioning (RE), mental health (MH), and social functioning (SF) were higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). Finally, the differences in both scores were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The combination of rational emotion therapy and continuity nursing has been demonstrated to have a positive effect on prostate cancer patients. It has been shown to effectively relieve patients' negative emotions, such as depression and anxiety, and to improve the quality of survival. This approach is worthy of further promotion and application in clinical practice.
Lipid signature changes of women with gestational diabetes mellitus in response to puerperal exclusive breastfeeding
Authors: He Jin , Yin Xiaoxiao , Yu Tingting , Li Lu , Cui Yan , Jiang Chen , Qiao Chengping , Miao Zhijing , Cui Xianwei , Ji Chenbo
Published: November 2024

Objective

We here investigated whether lactation during puerperium could help to reverse the diabetogenic effect of gestation and further explored the lipid profiling changes upon breastfeeding.

Methods

Thirty‐five women diagnosed with GDM were recruited, and fasting plasma samples were collected at ~6 weeks postpartum. Maternal metabolic parameters were determined, and an untargeted lipidomic analysis was performed. The relationship between underlying lipidomic responses and lactation was explored.

Results

Improved glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity were observed in GDM women who adopted breastfeeding during the puerperium. Further lipidomics analysis revealed prominent correlations between lipid constitution changes and breastfeeding in women with GDM. A total of 766 lipid species were identified, 33 of which were found to be significantly altered in response to lactation. Significant associations between dysregulated lipids and maternal metabolic parameters were also shown. Subsequently, we identified a panel of three lipids that were strongly associated with breastfeeding, from which we constructed a predictive model with higher discriminating power.

Conclusions

We generally revealed that lactation during puerperium appears to have favorable effects on diabetogenic risk factors for GDM women. We also discovered that lipidomic changes related to lactation could elucidate the mother's recovery from GDM pregnancy.
Individual‐Based Networks Reveal the Importance of Bee Fly (Bombyliidae) Pollination in a Diverse Co‐Flowering Community
Authors: Carneiro Liedson Tavares , Williams Jessica Nicole , Barker Daniel Andrew , Arceo‐Gomez Gerardo
Published: November 2024

Flowering plants can be visited by a wide diversity of pollinating insects; however, the structure of plant–insect interactions for non‐bee pollinators is not well‐known, even though non‐bee insects can play a central role in the pollination of many plant species. Pollination by non‐syrphid flies, such as bee flies (Bombylius major L., Bombyliidae, Diptera), has often been underappreciated. Bee flies represent a diverse group of long‐tongue nectar‐feeding insects that are often reported as generalists who visit flowers indiscriminately. Here, we used individual‐based pollen transport networks to assess patterns of individual foraging in bee flies over two flowering seasons in a diverse co‐flowering community. Using this approach, we uncover the structure (e.g., modular vs. nested) of bee fly individual foraging and the degree of individual specialisation. We further evaluate the role of resource availability (floral abundance) and intraspecific trait variation (proboscis length and body size) in shaping individual specialisation. Overall, bee flies visited 20 different plant species. However, network analysis shows that individuals are more specialised and tend to partition the floral resource as reflected by the high degree of network modularity. Most bee fly individuals concentrate their foraging on only a few floral resources (two to four plant species) suggesting strong niche partitioning in this group of pollinators. This modular foraging pattern was not explained by differences in resource availability over the season. Proboscis length, however, was negatively related to the level of individual specialisation. Individuals with larger proboscis had larger foraging niches (less specialisation) perhaps due to easier access to a wide range of plant species with different floral tube sizes. Overall, our study reveals high individual specialisation and niche partitioning in bee‐fly interactions, mediated by differences in proboscis length, and with important implications for pollen transfer dynamics, plant–plant competition and plant reproductive success in diverse co‐flowering communities.
Insight Into the Diversity of Flower‐Visiting Hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) in Shrubland Maquis Around Ajaccio (South‐West Corsica, France)
Authors: Plume Laurent , Maestracci Pierre‐Yves , Gibernau Marc
Published: November 2024

With around 6000 species and 200 genera worldwide, hoverflies (Syrphidae, Diptera) are important and a diverse group of pollinators, second to wild bees (Hymenoptera). Here, we studied the diversity of Syrphidae visiting flowers in low shrubland maquis environments of three compensation areas in the Ajaccio region (Corsica, France). A total of 138 hoverflies visiting flowers were sampled representing 27 species from 16 genera. The subfamily Syrphinae was the most diverse in comparison to Milesinae or Eristalinae. The syrphid communities were dominated at 67% by seven species (Eumerus barbarus, Sphaerophoria scripta, Chrysotoxum intermedium, Episyrphus balteatus, Syritta pipiens, Melanostoma mellinum and Melanostoma scalare). Most of data reported here are new for the Ajaccio region. Loretto stands out from the other two sites with both a greater species diversity and specimen abundance of hoverflies recorded visiting flowers. With regard to the daily activity, flower visits by syprhids occurred mainly during the morning at the three studied sites, and flowers of Asteraceae were the most visited. Finally, hoverflies showed a marked seasonality since most records of flower visits occurred in autumn (from September to November) when other floral visitors are rarer or absent.
Radiomics in advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: Identifying responders to somatostatin analogs
Authors: Polici Michela , Caruso Damiano , Masci Benedetta , Marasco Matteo , Valanzuolo Daniela , Dell'Unto Elisabetta , Zerunian Marta , Campana Davide , De Santis Domenico , Lamberti Giuseppe , Iannicelli Elsa , Prosperi Daniela , Annibale Bruno , Laghi Andrea , Panzuto Francesco , Rinzivillo Maria
Published: November 2024

To evaluate a radiomic strategy for predicting progression in advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (GEP‐NET) patients treated with somatostatin analogs (SSAs). Fifty‐eight patients with GEP‐NETs and liver metastases, with baseline computerized tomography (CT) scans from June 2013 to November 2020, were studied retrospectively. Data collected included progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), tumor grading, death, and Ki67 index. Patients were categorized into progressive and non‐progressive groups. Two radiologists performed 3D liver segmentation on baseline CT scans using 3DSlicer v4.10.2. One hundred six radiomic features were extracted and analyzed (T‐test or Mann–Whitney). Radiomic feature efficacy was evaluated via receiver operating characteristic curves, and both univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to develop predictive models. A significance level of p < .05 was maintained. Of 55 patients, 38 were progressive (median PFS and OS: 14 and 34 months, respectively), and 17 were non‐progressive (median PFS and OS: 58 months each). Six radiomic features significantly differed between groups (p < .05), with an area under the curve (AUC) range of 0.64–0.74. Ki67 was the only clinical parameter significantly associated with progression risk (odds ratio (OR) = 1.14, p < .05). The combined radiomic features and Ki67 model proved most effective, showing an AUC of 0.814 (p = .008). The radiomic model alone did not reach statistical significance (p = .07). A combined model incorporating radiomic features and the Ki67 index effectively predicts disease progression in GEP‐NET patients eligible for SSA treatment.
Retrospective evaluation of risk factors for worsening renal function after angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor treatment in dogs
Authors: Lee Yelim , Baek Minju , Lee Dongseop , Park Jinyeong , Chae Yeon , Kang Byeong‐Teck , Yun Taesik , Kim Hakhyun
Published: November 2024

Background

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) have the potential to cause worsening renal function (WRF). Therefore, reevaluation of renal function is recommended 1‐2 weeks after starting ACEi therapy.

Objectives

To identify risk factors for WRF in dogs receiving ACEi for cardiac diseases, proteinuria, or systemic hypertension.

Animals

A total of 156 client‐owned dogs that received ACEi were included.

Methods

Serum creatinine concentration was determined at the initial presentation and first reevaluation to detect and grade WRF (increase in sCr ≥ 0.3 mg/dL). Grade 1 (nonazotemic), 2 (mild), and 3 (moderate to severe) WRF were characterized by sCr remaining ≤1.6 mg/dL, 1.7‐2.5 mg/dL increase, and 2.6‐5.0 mg/dL increase, respectively. Demographic and serum chemistry data, such as total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, symmetric dimethylarginine, glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol concentrations, and serum electrolyte concentrations at first presentation, were evaluated. Multivariable modeling was performed to identify risk factors for WRF after treatment with ACEi.

Results

Worsening renal function was identified in 27/156 (17%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11‐0.23) dogs after ACEi treatment. It was classified as Grades 1, 2, and 3 in 17, 2, and 8 dogs, respectively. The only significant factors associated with WRF in dogs receiving ACEi were concurrent administration of furosemide (odds ratio, 5.05; 95% CI, 2.05‐12.4; P < .001) and pre‐existing azotemia (odds ratio, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.28‐8.03; P = .01).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Although WRF is uncommon and mild, ACEi should be cautiously prescribed in dogs receiving furosemide or those with pre‐existing azotemia.
Lotus resistance against Ralstonia is enhanced by Mesorhizobium and does not impair mutualism
Authors: Prévitali Thomas , Rouault Mathilde , Pichereaux Carole , Gourion Benjamin
Published: November 2024

Legumes establish nitrogen‐fixing symbioses with rhizobia. On the contrary, they can be attacked concomitantly by pathogens, raising the question of potential trade‐offs between mutualism and immunity.

In order to study such trade‐offs, we used a tripartite system involving the model legume Lotus japonicus, its rhizobial symbiont Mesorhizobium loti and the soilborne pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. We investigated the impact of mutualism on plant defense and the reciprocal influence of plant defense on mutualism.

We found that Lotus age‐related resistance against Ralstonia was improved by the interaction with rhizobia especially when nodulation is triggered. Conversely, age‐related resistance did not compromise nodule organogenesis or functioning under pathogen attack. Proteomic characterization indicates that this resistance is associated with distinct proteome modifications in roots and nodules.

This resistance questions the concept of interference between efficient defense reactions and mutualistic interactions and is of great interest for agricultural purposes as it not only restricts pathogen colonization, but would also preserve nitrogen fixation and yield.
Painting the plant body: pigment biosynthetic pathways regulated by small RNAs
Authors: Barrera‐Rojas Carlos Hernán , Nogueira Fabio Tebaldi Silveira , van den Berg Cássio
Published: November 2024

Plant pigments are diverse natural molecules involved in numerous biological functions such as development, growth, and metabolism. As plants age, not only new organs will be formed, but also, they will acquire the necessary pigments in response to the environment and endogenous programming in order to achieve reproductive success. Among the endogenous cues, the small RNAs (sRNAs), an endogenous group of ubiquitous regulatory molecules, may regulate the pigments‐associated biosynthetic pathways at posttranscriptional level. Although plant pigments and sRNAs have been comprehensively studied in several processes throughout the entire plant cycle in model and nonmodel species, connections among these central players must be revised. Studying these complex networks allow us not only to know the progress that has been made in this area, but also generate research questions to be explored in order to unravel novel mechanisms for improving plant yield; therefore, in this review we have summarized the emerging roles of sRNAs‐regulated nodes in mediating plant pigmentation‐associated biosynthetic pathways, focused on chlorophylls, flavonoids, carotenoids, and betalains. In addition, we discuss perspectives related to the manipulation of those genes associated with plant pigments for obtaining genetically improved plants.
Trends in adherence to physical activity guidelines from 1997 to 2018 among adults with obesity: An analysis from the US National Health Interview Survey
Authors: López‐Gil José Francisco , Calatayud Joaquín , López‐Bueno Rubén
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to estimate the temporal trends in adherence rates to the physical activity (PA) guidelines for aerobic and muscle‐strengthening activities (MSA) among United States (US) adults with obesity. We retrieved data from 22 consecutive rounds of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) conducted between 1997 and 2018. Meeting with the PA guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization was determined as follows: individuals achieving ≥150 weekly minutes of moderate physical activity (MPA), ≥75 weekly minutes of vigorous physical activity (VPA), and ≥2 weekly MSA training sessions. The prevalence of meeting PA guidelines increased from 9.4% in 1997 to 15.0% in 2018, although less than 2 in 10 adults with obesity met the guidelines throughout the study period. Overall, compared to females, males with obesity were more likely to adhere to PA recommendations (odds ratio (OR) = 2.03 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.94 to 2.12]). Also, each age year significantly reduced the odds of adhering to PA recommendations overall (OR = 0.97 [95% CI, 0.97 to 0.98]). Compared with their White counterparts, Black and other races people with obesity have higher significant odds of adhering to PA recommendations with, respectively, OR = 1.18 (95% CI, 1.12 to 1.24) and OR = 1.30 (95% CI, 1.18 to 1.43). In representative samples of adults with obesity from the US, there was an increasing trend for meeting PA guidelines, although only less than 2 in 10 met them.
Light‐based manipulation of visual processing speed during soccer‐specific training has a positive impact on visual and visuomotor abilities in professional soccer players
Authors: Rodrigues Patricia , Woodburn Jack , Bond Alexander John , Stockman Andrew , Vera Jesús
Published: November 2024

This study was aimed at assessing the effects of a 6‐week intervention within a training environment that uses special lighting conditions targeted to slow down the visual processing speed of visual and visuomotor performance in professional soccer players. Twenty‐four soccer players (age = 21.8 ± 4.8 years, 50% women) from the under 18 and under 23 men's teams, and 1st Women's team of the Sunderland Association Football Club participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups, with the intervention group performing 2‐weekly 30‐min sessions of specific soccer tasks with specific lighting conditions using the Okkulo system (Okkulo™, okkulo.com), whereas the control group performed the same training under normal lighting conditions. The intervention group showed significant improvements in dynamic visual acuity (p < 0.001), recognition time (p = 0.002), sensory reaction time (p < 0.001), motor reaction time (p = 0.002) and peripheral identification accuracy (p < 0.001), whereas no significant effects were obtained for stereopsis (p = 0.05), peripheral identification speed (p = 0.17) and anticipation (p = 0.22). In conclusion, a 6‐week training intervention using the Okkulo system improved several visual and visuomotor skills in professional soccer players. Future studies will assess the transfer effects of using this technology to on‐field performance.
Sex‐Differences in Characteristics and Factors Associated With New Running‐Related Injuries Among Recreational Runners
Authors: van Hoek Joeri P. K. D. , Cloosterman Kyra L. A. , de Vos Robert‐Jan , van Middelkoop Marienke
Published: November 2024

Previous findings of sex‐differences in type, location, consequences, and risk factors of running‐related injuries (RRIs) are contradictory. We aim to clarify these potential sex‐differences. This cohort study analyzed prospective RRIs among recreational runners participating in running events (5–42 km) by combining data of two RCTs, including all intervention arms. Participants received a baseline questionnaire at registration and three follow‐up questionnaires (before and up to 1 month after the event) detailing runners characteristics, injury characteristics (location, type [muscle and tendon], joint injury, etc.), and consequences (medication use, pain scores [0–10]). A predetermined injury definition was used to register RRIs. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis of risk factors for a new RRI (demographics, training characteristics, event distance, and RRI‐history), using separate models per sex. We analyzed 6428 participants with an average follow‐up time of 4.8 months, 82% finished at least one follow‐up questionnaire. During follow‐up, 2133 (33%) participants (33% men, 34% women) suffered one or more RRIs. We found no sex‐differences in injury location and type of injury. Men used less medication (13% vs. 15%, p = 0.01) and had lower pain scores while running (4.2 [SD2.9] vs. 4.5 [SD 2.8], p = 0.04) compared to women. A history of RRIs was associated with a new RRI in both men (OR 1.9 [95% CI: 1.6–2.2]) and women (OR 1.7 [95% CI: 1.4–2.0]). No relevant sex‐differences were found between middle‐aged runners. Our findings do not support accounting for sex‐specific factors, specifically with regard to training characteristics, injury history, or injury consequences, in the development of personalized RRI risk reduction.

Trial Registration: The INSPIRE trial (NTR5998) and SPRINT study (NL7694) were prospectively registered in the Dutch Trial Register
Corrigendum: The average analytic rank of elliptic curves with prescribed torsion
Authors: Cho Peter J. , Jeong Keunyoung
Published: November 2024

We fix two mistakes in the paper “The average analytic rank of elliptic curves with prescribed torsion” and remove the moment conditions of the main theorem therein.
Cusps of caustics by reflection in ellipses
Authors: Bor Gil , Spivakovsky Mark , Tabachnikov Serge
Published: November 2024

This paper is concerned with the billiard version of Jacobi's last geometric statement and its generalizations. Given a non‐focal point inside an elliptic billiard table, one considers the family of rays emanating from and the caustic of the reflected family after reflections off the ellipse, for each positive integer . It is known that has at least four cusps and it has been conjectured that it has exactly four (ordinary) cusps. The present paper presents a proof of this conjecture in the special case when the ellipse is a circle. In the case of an arbitrary ellipse, we give an explicit description of the location of four of the cusps of , though we do not prove that these are the only cusps.
Cavitation Behavior in Sewage Pumps
Authors: Mekhael Samer , Thamsen Paul Uwe
Published: November 2024

Cavitation phenomena in water pumps are well known and several standards are available for measurement and investigation. However, for sewage pumps, only a few pieces of information are available. Due to their design with a low number of blades, large channel width, and large gaps (vortex pump), the onset and development of cavitation are unique. Cavitation behavior was explored on three distinct wastewater impellers: vortex, one and two-channel impeller, which were replaced in the same volute casing. The target of this paper is to give a wide overview of the cavitation behavior in sewage pumps. Therefore, the formation of cavitation inside each pump and its correlation with the Net Positive Suction (Head NPSH) values have been studied.

For this purpose, an experimental setup has been developed to investigate the three different sewage pumps. The system is supported with a visual inspection combination for the detection of cavitation bubbles once they start to form. In addition to classical NPSH3% measurements, the impellers used in the study had specially prepared mesh lines over the blades to facilitate cavitation bubble size analysis. Disparities between NPSHic and NPSH3% were found. Damage spots on the blades of the impellers were linked to the occurrence of various cavitation types, including cloud and sheet cavitation.
Examining Axiological and Ethical Assumptions in Physical Activity Intervention Research involving Individuals With Intellectual Impairments: A Review
Authors: Tshosa Dineo , Spencer Nancy L.I.
Published: November 2024

Adapted physical activity has been critiqued for its lack of attention to assumptions underlying both research and practice. In response to these critiques, the purpose of this paper was to perform a secondary analysis of a recent systematic literature review to examine the axiological and ethical assumptions of physical activity intervention research involving adults with Down syndrome since 1990 in light of the possibilities of critical disability studies. Findings revealed the dominance of normative movement ideologies and a focus on physical activity performance. Participants were not afforded research roles beyond that of subjects, and there was no evidence of results being communicated to them. In future, we hope scholars will consider the use of emancipatory frameworks where power is situated within the community involved and more inquiry that expands our understanding of the benefits of physical activity for individuals with intellectual impairment that decenters the focus on normative ways of being.
Ethnography and Physical Education Teacher Education: Habitus That Matters
Authors: Clark Langston
Published: November 2024

In this paper, the author delves into the transformative nature of ethnographic research methodologies, going beyond their theoretical and epistemological dimensions. Beginning with an exploration of the marginal or insignificant status of physical education teacher education scholars, historical examples are presented to highlight scholars who have defied traditional scholarly boundaries. A generic overview of ethnography is provided, followed by a more nuanced analysis of how ethnographic methodology can, if done with appropriate reciprocity and reflexivity, innately reshape scholars’ habitus through participant observation. Contemporary scholars are highlighted as exemplars whose transformed habitus has propelled their scholarship beyond academic norms. The author argues that while scholarly endeavors traditionally generate new knowledge, the practice of ethnography can also catalyze personal transformation for scholars, ultimately infusing their work with increased significance and impact in the field of physical education teacher education.
Complete genome sequences of the prosthecate dimorphic bacteria
Brevundimonas intermedia
CB63
T
and
Brevundimonas staleyi
FWC43
T
Authors: Hallgren Joel , Daneby Fredrik , Jonas Kristina
Published: November 2024

Here, we report the complete genome sequences of the dimorphic prosthecate bacterial species type strains
Brevundimonas intermedia
CB63
T
and
Brevundimonas staleyi
FWC43
T
, isolated from pond water and wastewater, respectively.
B. intermedia
CB63
T
contains a chromosome of 3.60 Mb, and
B. staleyi
FWC43
T
contains a chromosome of 3.97 Mb and a 157-kb plasmid.