bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal asthma during pregnancy and risks of allergy and asthma in progeny: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Roff Andrea J. , Robinson Joshua L. , Hammond Sarah J. , Bednarz Jana , Tai Andrew , Clifton Vicki L. , Morrison Janna L. , Gatford Kathryn L.
Published: July 2024

Background

Clinical and preclinical evidence indicate that in utero maternal asthma exposure increases progeny asthma risk. Whether maternal asthma also increases the risks of progeny allergy is unclear.

Objectives

To synthesise the available evidence on the relationship between in utero exposure to maternal asthma and postnatal asthma, wheezing and allergic diseases (Prospero: CRD42020201538).

Search Strategy

We systematically searched MEDLINE [PubMed], Embase [Ovid], Web of Science, Informit Health, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL [EBSCOhost], MedNar [Deep Web Technologies], ProQuest Theses and Dissertations, Scopus [Elsevier] and Trove, to the end of 2023.

Selection Criteria

Studies reporting asthma, wheeze and/or allergic disease in progeny of women with and without asthma or with asthma classified by control, exacerbation or severity.

Data Collection and Analysis

Double screening, selection, data extraction and quality assessment were performed, using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoring.

Main Results

Of 134 non‐overlapping studies, 127 were included in ≥1 meta‐analysis. Maternal asthma ever was associated with greater risks of asthma (65 studies, risk ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.76 [1.57–1.96]), wheeze (35 studies, 1.59 [1.52–1.66]), food allergy (5 studies, 1.32 [1.23–1.40]), allergic rhinitis (7 studies, 1.18 [1.06–1.31]) and allergic dermatitis (14 studies, 1.17 [1.11–1.23]) ever in progeny. Asthma during the pregnancy, more severe, and uncontrolled maternal asthma were each associated with greater risks of progeny asthma.

Conclusions

Children of mothers with asthma are at increased risk for the development of allergic diseases. Whether improved maternal asthma control reduces risks of child allergy as well as asthma requires further investigation.
Changing attitudes through information exposure: Experimental evidence on reducing agricultural burning in rural Nigeria
Authors: Uchenna Efobi
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the effectiveness of an education intervention that targets low‐income farmers regarding the consequences of agricultural burning. Agricultural burning is a major contributor to carbon emissions, second only to those from the energy sector. Using three treatment arms and a control group, I provided rural farmers in Nigeria with information on the social (health impacts, wildfire spread, biodiversity loss) and economic (income implications) consequences of agricultural burning. The third group received information that combined aspects from the first and second treatments, offering a comprehensive view of the effects of agricultural burning. The analysis suggests that exposure to this information prompts farmers to view agricultural burning as unacceptable, reducing their likelihood of engaging in this practice during the upcoming planting season. In addition, exposed farmers demonstrate a higher willingness to pay nominal fees for government services, such as weed disposal. This outcome demonstrates their support for sustainable farming practices, rather than resorting to burning. The influence of economic information is particularly noteworthy; farmers exposed to it demonstrate a higher willingness to pay such fees. Furthermore, the interventions led to a shift in farmers’ perceptions regarding the primary drivers of climate change, with increased recognition of human activity as the dominant factor. The study highlights how the gender of the farmer and their religious beliefs influence attitudes towards environmental protection. Specifically, male and less religious farmers tend to be more responsive to the interventions. These findings provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of “low‐cost” educational interventions in promoting sustainable agricultural practices among low‐income communities.
Tenants of the World, Unite! From Atomisation to Structural Power in Financialised Tenancy
Authors: Appel Hannah , Ferrer Alexander , Graziani Terra
Published: July 2024

Recent transformations in the political economy of housing—particularly the corporatisation, concentration, and financialisation of landlording—paradoxically intensify both the atomisation of the tenant experience and the potential for organised tenants to exercise structural power. This potential collective power, however, is not self‐actualising. Building on two years of participatory action research and one year of operational data from the California‐based Tenant Power Toolkit (TPT), we attempt to address this conjunctural possibility. We conceptualise tenants as debtors and identify new solidarities emerging from a pandemic era landscape which has left many tenants, particularly Black tenants, deeply indebted to national corporate landlords. We discuss the TPT as a piece of legal mutual aid which both responds to the immediate imperatives of combatting eviction within the existing landscape, and we argue, helps provide the basis for advancing the work of tenant organising across scales and geographies.
Multiple small‐dose infusions of G‐CSF‐mobilized haploidentical lymphocytes after autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Yang Fei , Ren Quan , Zu Yingling , Gui Ruirui , Li Zhen , Wang Juan , Zhang Yanli , Yu Fengkuan , Fang Baijun , Fu Yuewen , Wang Yongliang , Liu Yanyan , Zhang Lina , Zuo Wenli , Li Yufu , Lin Quande , Zhao Huifang , Wang Ping , Zhang Binglei , Huang Zhenghua , Song Yongping , Zhou Jian
Published: July 2024

This retrospective study analysed 106 acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients undergoing autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) to assess the impact of multiple small‐dose infusions of granulocyte‐colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF)‐mobilized haploidentical lymphocytes as post‐ASCT maintenance therapy. Among them, 50 patients received lymphocyte maintenance therapy, 21 received alternative maintenance therapy, and 35 received no maintenance therapy. Patients receiving lymphocyte maintenance therapy demonstrated significantly higher overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) compared to those without maintenance therapy, with 4‐year OS and DFS rates notably elevated. While there were no significant differences in recurrence rates among the three groups, lymphocyte maintenance therapy showcased particular benefits for intermediate‐risk AML patients, yielding significantly higher OS and DFS rates and lower relapse rates compared to alternative maintenance therapy and no maintenance therapy. The study suggests that multiple small‐dose infusions of G‐CSF‐mobilized haploidentical lymphocytes may offer promising outcomes for AML patients after ASCT, particularly for those classified as intermediate‐risk. These findings underscore the potential efficacy of lymphocyte maintenance therapy in reducing disease relapse and improving long‐term prognosis in this patient population.
Successful treatment with plasmapheresis of severe Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis with high cerebrospinal fluid CXCL‐10 levels after COVID‐19 infection: A case report
Authors: Iijima Naoki , Sakurai Kenzo , Ko Riyoko , Isahaya Kenji , Yamano Yoshihisa
Published: July 2024

Background

Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis (BBE) is an autoimmune disease affecting the brainstem, typically caused by a prior infection. However, BBE after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection is rare. Here, we present a severe case of BBE after COVID‐19 infection, highlighted by increased levels of CXCL‐10.

Case Presentation

A 28‐year‐old woman presented with symptoms of cold and fever lasting 5 days, accompanied by numbness, weakness and unsteadiness in the distal parts of her limbs before being admitted. Upon admission, her condition was classified with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of E1V1M4, absence of bilateral ocular cephalic reflexes, eyes fixed in the midline position and pathological reflex in lower limbs. COVID‐19 antigen tests were positive, and cerebrospinal fluid CXCL‐10 levels were elevated. Positive serum anti‐GQ1b antibodies, along with other clinical findings, confirmed the diagnosis of BBE. Initial treatment with high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin was ineffective, leading to mechanical ventilation on day 2 from admission. Additional steroid pulse therapy and plasmapheresis were initiated on day 7. Communication abilities were restored by day 19, and the patient was extubated on day 21. Continuous alleviation of symptoms was observed, with no sequelae at discharge on day 42.

Conclusions

BBE related to COVID‐19 with high CXCL‐10 levels can become severe. However, early intensive immunotherapy, including plasmapheresis, might result in favorable prognosis.
TraM‐NeRF: Tracing Mirror and Near‐Perfect Specular Reflections Through Neural Radiance Fields
Authors: Holland Leif Van , Bliersbach Ruben , Müller Jan U. , Stotko Patrick , Klein Reinhard
Published: July 2024

Implicit representations like neural radiance fields (NeRF) showed impressive results for photorealistic rendering of complex scenes with fine details. However, ideal or near‐perfectly specular reflecting objects such as mirrors, which are often encountered in various indoor scenes, impose ambiguities and inconsistencies in the representation of the re‐constructed scene leading to severe artifacts in the synthesized renderings. In this paper, we present a novel reflection tracing method tailored for the involved volume rendering within NeRF that takes these mirror‐like objects into account while avoiding the cost of straightforward but expensive extensions through standard path tracing. By explicitly modelling the reflection behaviour using physically plausible materials and estimating the reflected radiance with Monte‐Carlo methods within the volume rendering formulation, we derive efficient strategies for importance sampling and the transmittance computation along rays from only few samples. We show that our novel method enables the training of consistent representations of such challenging scenes and achieves superior results in comparison to previous state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
Testing an intervention codesigned with stakeholders for altering wildlife consumption: Health messaging matters
Authors: Hu Sifan , Zhou Kaiwen , Liang Zhijian , Lee Tien Ming , Veríssimo Diogo , Ruan Xiangdong , Hinsley Amy
Published: July 2024

Consumer behavior change is a key priority to address the illegal wildlife trade, but evaluation of these interventions is lacking. We used surveys and randomized controlled trials to assess the effectiveness of three types of messages, which were codesigned with key stakeholders, with 2496 potential consumers and nontarget consumers in China. We found a 23% decrease in intention among potential consumers to use wild animal medicinal products by health‐related messages, and a 14% decrease by legality‐related messages, compared with the control group, though the effect size was small. Furthermore, we revealed that the effect of health‐related messages occurred indirectly by increasing health risk perceptions associated with improper utilization of wild animals. Yet, we did not find a clear effect pathway of the legality‐related messages. Regarding the nontarget consumers, information of whistleblowing platforms and incentives improved willingness to report illegal wildlife use directly, as well as indirectly through adding messages to increase perceived legality risk of using wild products and improve self‐efficacy in identifying legal products. Our findings can inform future larger scale efforts to influence wildlife consumption.
Global North–South Reparations: Demand‐side and Supply‐side Policies with a Dynamic View of International Trade and Finance
Authors: Lahiri Bidisha , Darity William A.
Published: July 2024

This study begins with an overview of illustrative scenarios that historically have resulted in imbalances of economic well‐being, growth and stability which demarcate the Global South and the Global North. The authors examine alternative approaches to reparations for those structural imbalances, from monetary transfers that are more likely to have demand‐side implications to capacity‐building approaches that are more likely to affect supply‐side conditions for the Global South. Targeted supply‐side strategies lean more towards rehabilitation rather than purely compensatory measures aimed at redress for historical injustices and exploitations faced by the Global South. Economic analysis underpins a discussion of these different reparations strategies. The authors argue that a dynamic approach to understanding the impact of reparations is essential. This calls for a broader strategy to be adopted, offering unconditional support in practical areas such as industrial policy, investment in manufacturing, capacity building in research and development, and initiatives for general infrastructure development. More importantly, these policies must be guided by the needs identified by the people of the nations in the Global South. Moreover, for any reparations endeavours to have enduring effects, they must be reinforced by the elimination of current external imbalances that exist within the frameworks of international economic relations.
Soil organic carbon fractions and storage potential in Finnish arable soils
Authors: Salonen Anna‐Reetta , de Goede Ron , Creamer Rachel , Heinonsalo Jussi , Soinne Helena
Published: July 2024

Understanding the factors affecting the total amount and distribution of soil organic carbon (OC) across different functional carbon pools is important to better define the future management of soil OC stocks. The interactions between soil management practices, local physicochemical soil properties and climate are essential for determining the OC content of the soil. Nevertheless, how these factors affect the total amount of OC and its distribution across carbon pools, i.e., more labile particulate (POC) and more stable mineral‐associated (MAOC) organic carbon, is only partly known. In this study, we assessed topsoil (0–20 cm) samples from 93 arable farms in the southern half of Finland to determine the total amount of OC, and its distribution in MAOC and POC, along with relevant soil properties (amount of clay and silt, aluminium and iron oxides and pH), climate (precipitation and temperature) and fertilization (mineral versus organic). The fertilization did not affect the total soil carbon content (12–58 g OC kg−1 soil). The share of OC in the MAOC fraction (on average 86% of total OC) was relatively stable across the large range of OC contents and clay contents (2%–68%). We assessed the highest feasible MAOC of the soils with boundary line analyses and their OC saturation state with Hassink's equation (Hassink, 1997). Only soils with the lowest clay content (<10% clay) were assumed to be carbon‐saturated, suggesting that most of the studied soils have a capacity to accrue more MAOC. Simple linear regression showed that clay, aluminium and iron oxides explained 9%, 21% and 22% of the variation in MAOC, respectively. Multiple regression analyses including the amount of clay, clay+silt, aluminium and iron oxides, pH, type of fertilization, precipitation and temperature as explanatory variables explained 33%–53% of the variation in OC and MAOC. In all soils, aluminium oxides were important explanatory variable for MAOC, whereas Fe oxides were significant only in soils with higher clay content (>30%). In soils with a low clay content (<30%), pH had added value in explaining MAOC. Altogether, it seems that various climatic, edaphic and soil management‐related factors are context‐dependently controlling OC and that soil textural information alone is not necessarily an adequate predictor to assess the MAOC saturation state of the soil.
Adult presentation of a rare mitochondrial tRNA Val gene mutation—an expanding clinical phenotype
Authors: Joyce Eimear , Ali Mohib , Richard Georgia , Kelly Siobhan , Martin Fiachra , Conlon Peter J. , Whelehan Anna , Ng Yi Shiau , Lefter Stela
Published: July 2024

Background and purpose

Late‐onset mitochondrial disorders are diagnostically challenging with significant heterogeneity in disease presentation. A case is reported of a 67‐year‐old gentleman who presented with a 3‐month history of seizures, recurrent encephalopathy, ataxia and weight loss, preceded by recent initiation of haemodialysis for end‐stage chronic kidney disease.

Methods

Extensive work‐up including serological, cerebrospinal fluid, magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography was performed. Whole exome sequencing and muscle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis.

Results

Magnetic resonance imaging brain demonstrated a single non‐enhancing T2 fluid attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense cortical/subcortical signal change in the right temporal lobe and cerebellar atrophy. Given the subacute presentation of uncertain aetiology, he was empirically treated for autoimmune/paraneoplastic encephalitis. Despite radiological resolution of the cortical abnormality 2 weeks later, there was no clinical improvement. Further collateral history unveiled a mildly ataxic gait and longstanding hearing loss suggestive of a genetic cause. Whole exome sequencing revealed a likely pathogenic, heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA variant in the MT‐TV gene, m.1659T>C, present at higher levels of heteroplasmy in muscle (91%) compared to other mitotic tissues. A high fat/protein diet and multivitamins including co‐enzyme Q10 were commenced. Treatment of the nutritional deficiency and avoidance of intermittent fasting due to unreliable oral intake secondary to encephalopathy probably contributed to the clinical improvement seen over the ensuing few months, with resolution of his encephalopathy and return to his baseline gait and weight.

Conclusion

An adult case is reported with an acute neurological presentation mimicking encephalitis, caused by a heteroplasmic m.1659T>C MT‐TV variant, previously reported once in a child who displayed a different clinical phenotype.
Analysis of risk factors related to chronic non‐healing wound infection and the construction of a clinical prediction model
Authors: Liu Jing , He Qiang , Guo Gaijuan , Zhai Chunbao
Published: July 2024

This study is aimed to analyse the risk factors associated with chronic non‐healing wound infections, establish a clinical prediction model, and validate its performance. Clinical data were retrospectively collected from 260 patients with chronic non‐healing wounds treated in the plastic surgery ward of Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital between January 2022 and December 2023 who met the inclusion criteria. Risk factors were analysed, and a clinical prediction model was constructed using both single and multifactor logistic regression analyses to determine the factors associated with chronic non‐healing wound infections. The model's discrimination and calibration were assessed via the concordance index (C‐index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified several independent risk factors for chronic non‐healing wound infection: long‐term smoking (odds ratio [OR]: 4.122, 95% CI: 3.412–5.312, p < 0.05), history of diabetes (OR: 3.213, 95% CI: 2.867–4.521, p < 0.05), elevated C‐reactive protein (OR: 2.981, 95% CI: 2.312–3.579, p < 0.05), elevated procalcitonin (OR: 2.253, 95% CI: 1.893–3.412, p < 0.05) and reduced albumin (OR: 1.892, 95% CI: 1.322–3.112, p < 0.05). The clinical prediction model's C‐index was 0.762, with the corrected C‐index from internal validation using the bootstrap method being 0.747. The ROC curve indicated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.762 (95% CI: 0.702–0.822). Both the AUC and C‐indexes ranged between 0.7 and 0.9, suggesting moderate‐to‐good predictive accuracy. The calibration chart demonstrated a good fit between the model's calibration curve and the ideal curve. Long‐term smoking, diabetes, elevated C‐reactive protein, elevated procalcitonin and reduced albumin are confirmed as independent risk factors for bacterial infection in patients with chronic non‐healing wounds. The clinical prediction model based on these factors shows robust performance and substantial predictive value.
Mapping the IMiD‐dependent cereblon interactome using BioID‐proximity labelling
Authors: Costacurta Matteo , Sandow Jarrod J. , Maher Belinda , Susanto Olivia , Vervoort Stephin J. , Devlin Jennifer R. , Garama Daniel , Condina Mark R. , Steele Joel R. , Kahrood Hossein V. , Gough Daniel , Johnstone Ricky W. , Shortt Jake
Published: July 2024

Immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs) are central components of therapy for multiple myeloma (MM). IMiDs bind cereblon (CRBN), an adaptor for the CUL4‐DDB1‐RBX1 E3 ligase to change its substrate specificity and induce degradation of ‘neosubstrate’ transcription factors that are essential to MM cells. Mechanistic studies to date have largely focussed on mediators of therapeutic activity and insight into clinical IMiD toxicities is less developed. We adopted BioID2‐dependent proximity labelling (BioID2‐CRBN) to characterise the CRBN interactome in the presence and absence of various IMiDs and the proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib. We aimed to leverage this technology to further map CRBN interactions beyond what has been achieved by conventional proteomic techniques. In support of this approach, analysis of cells expressing BioID2‐CRBN following IMiD treatment displayed biotinylation of known CRBN interactors and neosubstrates. We observed that bortezomib alone significantly modifies the CRBN interactome. Proximity labelling also suggested that IMiDs augment the interaction between CRBN and proteins that are not degraded, thus designating ‘neointeractors’ distinct from previously disclosed ‘neosubstrates’. Here we identify Non‐Muscle Myosin Heavy Chain IIA (MYH9) as a putative CRBN neointeractor that may contribute to the haematological toxicity of IMiDs. These studies provide proof of concept for proximity labelling technologies in the mechanistic profiling of IMiDs and related E3‐ligase‐modulating drugs.
Histamine promotes mouse decidualization through stimulating epithelial amphiregulin release
Authors: Liu Cheng‐Kan , He Yu‐Ying , Chen Si‐Ting , Shi Wen‐Wen , Wang Ying , Luo Hui‐Na , Yang Zeng‐Ming
Published: July 2024

Accumulating evidence shows that inflammation is essential for embryo implantation and decidualization. Histamine, a proinflammatory factor that is present in almost all mammalian tissues, is synthesized through decarboxylating histidine by histidine decarboxylase (HDC). Although histamine is known to be essential for decidualization, the underlying mechanism remains undefined. In the present study, histamine had no obvious direct effects on in vitro decidualization in mice. However, the obvious differences in HDC protein levels between day 4 of pregnancy and day 4 of pseudopregnancy, as well as between delayed and activated implantation, suggested that the blastocyst may be involved in regulating HDC expression. Furthermore, blastocyst‐derived tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) significantly increased HDC levels in the luminal epithelium. Histamine increased the levels of amphiregulin (AREG) and disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain‐containing protein 17 (ADAM17) proteins, which was abrogated by treatment with famotidine, a specific histamine type 2 receptor (H2R) inhibitor, or by TPAI‐1 (a specific inhibitor of ADAM17). Intraluminal injection of urocanic acid (HDC inhibitor) on day 4 of pregnancy significantly reduced the number of implantation sites on day 5 of pregnancy. TNFα‐stimulated increases in HDC, AREG and ADAM17 protein levels was abrogated by urocanic acid, a specific inhibitor of HDC. Additionally, AREG treatment significantly promoted in vitro decidualization. Collectively, our data suggests that blastocyst‐derived TNFα induces luminal epithelial histamine secretion, and histamine increases mouse decidualization through ADAM17‐mediated AREG release.
MediatorWeb: a protein–protein interaction network database for the RNA polymerase II Mediator complex
Authors: Maji Sourobh , Waseem Mohd , Sharma Manish Kumar , Singh Maninder , Singh Anamika , Dwivedi Nidhi , Thakur Pallabi , Cooper David G. , Bisht Naveen C. , Fassler Jan S. , Subbarao Naidu , Khurana Jitendra P. , Bhavesh Neel Sarovar , Thakur Jitendra Kumar
Published: July 2024

The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of the Mediator complex is very tightly regulated and depends on different developmental and environmental cues. Here, we present an interactive platform for comparative analysis of the Mediator subunits from humans, baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and model plant Arabidopsis thaliana in a user‐friendly web‐interface database called MediatorWeb. MediatorWeb provides an interface to visualize and analyze the PPI network of Mediator subunits. The database facilitates downloading the untargeted and unweighted network of Mediator complex, its submodules, and individual Mediator subunits to better visualize the importance of individual Mediator subunits or their submodules. Further, MediatorWeb offers network visualization of the Mediator complex and interacting proteins that are functionally annotated. This feature provides clues to understand functions of Mediator subunits in different processes. In an additional tab, MediatorWeb provides quick access to secondary and tertiary structures, as well as residue–level contact information for Mediator subunits in each of the three model organisms. Another useful feature of MediatorWeb is detection of interologs based on orthologous analyses, which can provide clues to understand the functions of Mediator complex in less explored kingdoms. Thus, MediatorWeb and its features can help the user to understand the role of Mediator complex and its subunits in the transcription regulation of gene expression.
Size‐based indicators of unexploited deep‐sea community in the Colombian Caribbean Sea
Authors: Paramo Jorge , Pérez Daniel
Published: July 2024

Composition, size distribution, structure, and function of deep‐sea marine communities must be understood before they are impacted by anthropogenic effects. The deep‐sea ecosystem of the Colombian Caribbean Sea is unexploited with no fishing activity ever registered. We quantified the current state of the marine community using body size distribution (size‐spectra), size‐based indicators, minimum length (LMIN), maximum length (LMAX), average length (Lmean), standard deviation of length (LSD), 10th and 90th percentiles of the length distribution, Shannon–Wiener diversity (H′), and Pielou's evenness (J′) to generate a baseline of potential ecological indicators that contribute to management and conservation of the Colombian bento‐demersal community of deep‐sea marine ecosystem. Sampling was in the Colombian Caribbean Sea at 58 stations during four samplings in August and December 2009, 21 stations in March and May 2010, and 45 stations from August to December 2020, using the swept area method, at depths of 200–550 m. Catches included >50% families and species of fish, followed by 27 families (30%) and 33 and species (37%) of crustaceans. Chondrichthyes included 14% families and 9–11% species. Cephalopods included 2–3% families and 1–4% species. Size‐spectra analysis confirmed expected values for unexploited communities in three sampling years for teleostei, crustacea, and whole community.
Not all soil carbon is created equal: Labile and stable pools under nitrogen input
Authors: Zang Huadong , Mehmood Imran , Kuzyakov Yakov , Jia Rong , Gui Heng , Blagodatskaya Evgenia , Xu Xingliang , Smith Pete , Chen Haiqing , Zeng Zhaohai , Fan Mingsheng
Published: July 2024

Anthropogenic activities have raised nitrogen (N) input worldwide with profound implications for soil carbon (C) cycling in ecosystems. The specific impacts of N input on soil organic matter (SOM) pools differing in microbial availability remain debatable. For the first time, we used a much‐improved approach by effectively combining the 13C natural abundance in SOM with 21 years of C3–C4 vegetation conversion and long‐term incubation. This allows to distinguish the impact of N input on SOM pools with various turnover times. We found that N input reduced the mineralization of all SOM pools, with labile pools having greater sensitivity to N than stable ones. The suppression in SOM mineralization was notably higher in the very labile pool (18%–52%) than the labile and stable (11%–47%) and the very stable pool (3%–21%) compared to that in the unfertilized control soil. The very labile C pool made a strong contribution (up to 60%) to total CO2 release and also contributed to 74%–96% of suppressed CO2 with N input. This suppression of SOM mineralization by N was initially attributed to the decreased microbial biomass and soil functions. Over the long‐term, the shift in bacterial community toward Proteobacteria and reduction in functional genes for labile C degradation were the primary drivers. In conclusion, the higher the availability of the SOM pools, the stronger the suppression of their mineralization by N input. Labile SOM pools are highly sensitive to N availability and may hold a greater potential for C sequestration under N input at global scale.
Biochar produced from waste‐based feedstocks: Mechanisms, affecting factors, economy, utilization, challenges, and prospects
Authors: Ahmed Shams Forruque , Mehejabin Fatema , Chowdhury Ashfaque Ahmed , Almomani Fares , Khan Nadeem A. , Badruddin Irfan Anjum , Kamangar Sarfaraz
Published: July 2024

Biochar possesses unique characteristics, including a substantial surface area, a high carbon content, sufficient capacity for cation exchange, and a robust structure. However, biochar contains hazardous pollutants like volatile organic compounds that harm soil properties and functionality. Although several studies on biochar production from various feedstocks have been undertaken in recent years, several issues about feedstock preparation, economic feasibility, influencing factors, and the proper utilization of biochar production processes need to be addressed. This paper thus addresses these issues by providing potential solutions identified through a comprehensive review. Slow pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass and Acacia nilotica yields biochar from 20 to 52 wt% at various temperatures and residence times. Biochar yield varies from 29 to 48.3 wt% when waste tires and corn stalks are rapidly pyrolyzed at higher temperatures and for shorter periods. Torrefaction of algal biomass at moderate temperatures with different residence times can result in a substantial yield of 50–60 wt%. However, the variability and heterogeneity of waste feedstocks pose potential challenges affecting biochar's quality and properties. Given its widespread use in carbon sequestration, soil remediation, wastewater purification, and organic waste composting, the mechanisms of biochar production in environmental usage need to be investigated.
Climate and ecosystem type affect the correlated evolution of body size and trophic position in fishes
Authors: Dalponti Guilherme , Caliman Adriano , Uyeda Josef C. , Guariento Rafael D.
Published: July 2024

Aim

The relationship between body size and trophic position (BS–TP) typically exhibits a positive correlation in aquatic foodwebs, but the strength of this relationship is contingent on ecosystem type and climate. Different hypotheses have been proposed to elucidate climate and ecosystem type effects on the BS–TP relationship for ray‐finned fish. However, our understanding of whether such a relationship evolved in a correlated fashion, spanning various climates and ecosystem types, remains limited.

Location

Temperate and tropical marine and freshwater ecosystems.

Time Period

Present to millions of years ago.

Major Taxa Studied

Ray‐finned fish.

Methods

We used a phylogenetic tree and TP and BS data of more than a thousand freshwater and marine ray‐finned fishes, from distinct climates and ecosystems, to investigate patterns on macroevolutionary time scales of the evolutionary correlation of BS and TP. As part of our investigation, we also ran analyses excluding herbivores and detritivores from the dataset, then further focusing solely on carnivores.

Results

We found distinct patterns of the BS–TP evolutionary correlation for different climates and ecosystems. The evolutionary correlation between BS and TP was significant for all ecosystem type–climate combinations, except for tropical freshwater ecosystems. The results remained consistent even after accounting for phylogenetic uncertainty and when excluding herbivores and detritivores from the analysis.

Main Conclusions

We found a weaker evolutionary correlation between BS and TP in tropical freshwater ecosystems. These findings are consistent with the stronger BS–TP relationship between extant taxa in temperate climates compared to the tropics, illustrating how evolutionary dynamics might have influenced the trophic structure of fish and contributed to shaping macroecological patterns of the BS–TP relationship. Our findings suggest that limitations that hinder evolutionary integration between BS and TP might be primarily attributed to energetic constraints imposed by temperature and the availability of C‐rich food resources at the base of the foodweb.
Forage potential of Thinopyrum intermedium through near‐infrared spectrometry and grown in mixture with various legumes
Authors: Fagnant Laura , Duchene Olivier , Bindelle Jérôme , Beckers Yves , Decruyenaere Virginie , Dumont Benjamin
Published: July 2024

Intermediate wheatgrass [IWG; Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey] is a perennial grass, dual‐purpose crop that can provide environmental services. In addition to the grain production, assessing its forage potential is crucial. We developed models for near‐infrared (NIR) spectrometry prediction of the chemical composition and digestibility of IWG across various experimental sites. Among these, a Belgian field was used to compare its dual production in pure stands or in mixture with legumes. Good quality NIR predictions were observed, offering an efficient tool to characterize the forage composition of IWG. Its forage parameters were mainly influenced by the phenological stage with an increase of fiber and a decrease of protein, digestibility, and energy content (NEL) during the growing season. IWG forage at vegetative stages could be used to feed lactating dairy cattle with a NEL of 1625 kcal kg−1 of DM but, its biomass was low averaging 1.8 t of DM ha−1. At grain maturity, biomass was higher (i.e., 5.3 t of DM ha−1), representing 73%–92% of the total biomass production, and could replace straw in high‐starch dairy diets with a NEL averaging 849 kcal kg−1 of DM. Although the mixture of IWG with legumes enhanced some forage parameters, its value as animal feed was not improved. In mixture, we observed a tradeoff between the increase of the forage yield and the reproductive potential of IWG. These insights can inform the on‐going process of breeding and help farmers to design relevant systems to experiment this new crop.
Assessing Potential Bias in PFAS Concentrations in Groundwater and Surface Water Samples
Authors: Wanzek Tom , McIntyre Hannah , Hawley Elisabeth , Deeb Rula , Bogdan Dorin , Shaefer Charles , DiGuiseppi Bill , Struse Amanda , Schwichtenberg Trever , Field Jennifer
Published: July 2024

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) encompass a large group of recalcitrant anthropogenic compounds that have been used in a variety of consumer and industrial products and processes over many decades. Drinking water standards were recently finalized for two PFAS at low nanogram per liter concentrations. Due to the widespread use of PFAS and low health‐based thresholds, a literature review and laboratory and field studies were conducted to assess several potential sources of bias in PFAS concentrations. Fluoropolymers are commonly present in equipment, products, and materials used during field sampling, potentially leading to false positive results. Laboratory results confirmed the presence of PFAS in multiple commonly used field materials. However, best practices can be used to limit pathways for cross contamination. Laboratory‐specified hold times and sample storage temperatures are scientifically founded and adequately prevent bias due to PFAS sorption to sampling containers or partial degradation of some PFAS to form others. PFAS are also known to accumulate at the air‐water interface and other interfaces. Results from laboratory and field studies indicate that PFAS enrichment in foam and in the surface microlayer does occur. However, the effect of this phenomenon is within the range of analytical and spatial sampling variability and therefore a change in sampling procedures is not needed. Findings were distilled into science‐based and practical recommendations to minimize bias during PFAS sampling without incurring unnecessary cost and effort.
Motherhood and consumption: A systematic review and directions for future research
Authors: Freitas Thalita Meyli Lin , Leite Ramon Silva , de Rezende Pinto Marcelo
Published: July 2024

This article presents a hybrid literature review on the relationship between motherhood and consumption, encompassing academic research in Business, Management, and Cultural Studies that investigates mothers as consumers and the reciprocal influence between mothers and other actors in family consumption dynamics. Bibliometric research was conducted on 175 articles indexed on the Web of Science using the SPAR‐4‐SLR protocol. It included performance analysis, intellectual and conceptual structure of the field, an evolutionary overview of publications, and a map of trends. Moreover, from the systematic review, a new framework, PTCCM, is proposed to identify the publications' widely used perspectives, theories, constructs, characteristics, and methods. The findings reveal nine major perspectives on motherhood and consumption: consumer socialization and intergenerational influence, consumption and identity, vulnerabilities and public policies, consumption and liminality, influences of children on family consumption, maternal practices, decision‐making and consumption process, gender studies, and advertising. Based on the identified gaps, thematic, theoretical, contextual, and methodological suggestions for future work are presented. This systematic review provides a map for academics and professionals interested in consumption in the context of motherhood, offering a comprehensive overview of the state‐of‐the‐art and research agenda.
Determining the effects of nomophobia on nurses and midwives in a maternity and child health hospital: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Dinçer Yeliz , Çelik İnce Sevecen
Published: July 2024

Aim

This study aims to assess the levels of nomophobia among nurses and midwives employed at a gynecology and children's hospital and to explore its impact on their lives.

Methods

This descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted in a gynecology and pediatrics hospital situated in the western region of Turkey. The research sample comprised 112 nurses and midwives. Data collection was facilitated through an “Introductory Information Form” and the “Nomophobia Scale,” with adherence to the STROBE checklist for reporting this cross‐sectional study.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 34.50 ± 9.98 years. The average total score on the nomophobia scale was 68.45 ± 24.62, with 54.5% of participants classified as having moderate levels of nomophobia. Factors such as age, years of experience in nursing or midwifery, work patterns, and the habit of checking their phones immediately upon waking and before sleeping were found to influence their levels of nomophobia.

Conclusion

The study observed that mobile phone usage among nurses and midwives in a gynecology and pediatrics setting negatively affects their mental and physical health, with a moderate level of nomophobia being prevalent. Notably, older age and increased work experience were associated with lower nomophobia scores.

Implications for nursing practice

Initiatives aimed at preventing the onset of nomophobia are recommended, especially targeting younger nurses and midwives who play a crucial role in health service delivery.
An adapted constraint‐programming formulation of the resource‐constrained project scheduling problem applied to the identical parallel machines group shop and mixed shop scheduling problems
Authors: Yuraszeck Francisco , Mejía Gonzalo , Lüer‐Villagra Armin
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we study the group shop and the mixed shop scheduling problems with single and identical parallel machines at each workstation with the makespan criterion. We adapted a constraint programming formulation previously presented for the classical resource‐constrained project scheduling problem. The effectiveness of our approach is evident in the fact that it achieved optimality in 107 out of 130 classical group shop scheduling problem instances and in 320 classical mixed shop scheduling problem instances. In the last set, we obtained 13 new optimal solutions.
The incidence of lower extremity amputation and its associated risk factors in patients with diabetic foot ulcers: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Luo Yinli , Liu Chang , Li Chuying , Jin Meitong , Pi Longquan , Jin Zhehu
Published: July 2024

This study analysed the incidence of lower extremity amputation and its associated risk factors in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. This study systematically searched both Chinese and English databases, including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science, to identify cohort studies related to lower extremity amputation and associated risk factors in patients with diabetic foot ulcers up to October 2023. The patients were stratified based on whether they underwent lower extremity amputation, and relevant data, including basic information, patient characteristics, complications, comorbidities and pertinent laboratory test data, were extracted from the included studies. The literature quality assessment in this study utilized the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale to screen for high‐quality literature, resulting in the inclusion of 16 cohort studies, all of which were of at least moderate quality. Meta‐analysis of outcome indicators was conducted using the Stata 14.0 software. The results indicate that the overall amputation rate of lower extremities in patients with diabetic foot ulcers is 31% (0.25, 0.38). Among the 16 variables evaluated, gender (male), smoking history, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, white blood cell count, haemoglobin and albumin levels were found to be correlated with the occurrence of lower extremity amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. However, no significant correlation was observed between age, diabetes type, duration of diabetes, stroke, glycosylated haemoglobin, creatinine and total cholesterol levels and lower extremity amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. This meta‐analysis indicates that the overall amputation rate in patients with diabetic foot ulcers is 31%. Factors such as gender (male), smoking history, high BMI, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, white blood cell count, haemoglobin and albumin levels are identified as significant risk factors for lower extremity amputation in diabetic foot ulcer patients. These findings suggest that attention should be focused on these risk factors in patients with diabetic foot ulcers to reduce the risk of lower extremity amputation. Therefore, preventive and intervention measures targeting these risk factors are of significant importance in clinical practice. (Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier [CRD42024497538]).
An exploration of frontline health professional's current understanding of non‐fatal strangulation
Authors: Donaldson A. E. , Ravono A. , Hurren E. , Harvey C. , Baldwin A. , Solomon B.
Published: July 2024

Aim

To explore frontline health professionals' current understanding of non‐fatal strangulation and their need for and support for a comprehensive education and screening package to support health delivery.

Design

A descriptive mixed‐method approach was chosen to analyse responses to an anonymous, online survey consisting of ten Likert scale, open‐ended and five demographic questions. 103 frontline health professionals (nurses, doctors, paramedics, midwives) participated in this study.

Methods

Content analysis of the Likert scale and open‐ended questions describing the subjective experiences and perceptions of the participants was undertaken along with percentage and frequency counts of the rated Likert responses.

Results

The findings identified that 51.1% of health professionals do not ask about strangulation routinely and that 59% of health professionals reported receiving no formal education or professional development on NFS to enhance their knowledge or inform clinical practice. No health professionals identified mild traumatic brain injury as a consequence or sign of strangulation, nor did they identify an understanding that 50% of people may have no visible injuries after being strangled. Health professionals also do not routinely document the different agencies referred to or involved in supporting the person who experienced NFS.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that frontline health professionals lack the confidence, skills and education needed to meet medical obligations to their patients and to fulfil their duty to ‘do no harm’. Frontline health professionals would welcome a comprehensive education and screening package to guide recognition and response to non‐fatal strangulation in their clinical settings.

Where and on Whom Will the Research Have an Impact?

The purpose of the study was to understand and explore health professionals' knowledge about non‐fatal strangulation so that improved education around better screening, and management of trauma‐focused care to people who have been subjected to non‐fatal strangulation could occur.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This review contains no patient or public contribution since it examines health professionals' knowledge of identifying non‐fatal strangulation and the screening and assessment tools used in clinical practice.