bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the antiparasitic and antimicrobial potential ofSchinus terebinthifoliusRaddi essential oil against fish and shrimp pathogens
Authors: Pereira Jucimauro de Araújo , dos Santos Gracienhe Gomes , Costa Domickson Silva , de Matos Silva Graziella Vivine Gonçalves , dos Santos Paola Capistrano , dos Anjos Gabriele Bueno , de Moraes Luiz Felipe Kretzer , Cardoso Claudia Andrea Lima , Ventura Arlene Sobrinho , da Costa Sousa Natalino , Martins Mauricio Laterça
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to perform in vitro antiparasitic and antimicrobial tests with the essential oil (EO) ofSchinus terebinthifoliusagainst of fish and shrimp. The chemical composition of the EO ofS. terebinthifoliuswas determined by gas chromatography. For the antiparasitic test, the protozoanEpistylissp. obtained from parasitizedOreochromis niloticuswas used, and exposed to different concentrations of EO (2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.25%), and control with 1% grain alcohol. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) test with EO ofS. terebinthifoliusevaluated the antimicrobial potential, with serial dilutions starting at 2% and control with 1% grain alcohol, using the strains ofAeromonas hydrophila(2.2 × 108 CFU mL−1),Edwardsiella tarda,Vibrio parahaemolyticus,V. harveyi, andV. alginolyticus(2.0 × 108 CFU mL−1). Chemical analysis revealed that the major EO compounds ofS. terebinthifoliuswere δ‐3‐Carene (56.00%) and α‐Pinene (16.89%). In the antiparasitic test, the concentration of 2% EO showed 100% efficacy againstEpistylissp. within 5 min. In the antimicrobial tests, the concentration of 2% EO was effective against all bacteria tested. The EO ofS. terebinthifoliusdemonstrated antiparasitic and antimicrobial activity at a concentration of 2%, standing out as an alternative to conventional antibiotics.
Unsettling extractivism: Indigeneity, race, and disruptive emplacements
Authors: Winchell Mareike , Howe Cymene
Published: August 2024

Drawing inspiration from new work across the fields of political ecology, plantation and abolition studies, critical Indigenous studies, and racial capitalism, this Introduction to a special issue of The Journal of Latin American and Caribbean Anthropology locates extraction within an account of property as a system of racialized exploitation. Aware of the risks of a cosmopolitics that romanticizes non‐Western value systems as largely untouched by extractivism, in this Introduction and in the articles themselves, we center the question of how Indigenous communities and others navigate extractivism in places and landscapes that have been deeply impacted and partly transformed by resource mining, agrarian monoculture, and deforestation. In voicing demands not subordinated by a materialist and secular language of resource exploitation, these accounts invite a less deterministic account of “our” late capitalist present. We contend that just as extraction is not monolithic, neither are its refusals, resistances, and alternatives.
Financial Liberalization, Credit Market Dynamism, and Allocative Efficiency
Authors: HERRERA ANA MARÍA , MINETTI RAOUL , SCHAFFER MATTHEW
Published: August 2024

We investigate the effects of financial liberalization on the dynamism of the credit market. We measure interfirm credit reallocation in the U.S. states following a methodology akin to Davis and Haltiwanger (1992). We then exploit the staggered liberalization of the credit markets of the U.S. states to identify an exogenous shock to the credit reallocation process. The liberalization intensified credit reallocation in the states, even within narrowly defined groups of continuing firms, while leaving credit growth essentially unaltered. The results suggest that the increased credit market dynamism enhanced the allocation of funds to productive firms and total factor productivity growth.
The autophagy proteome in the brain
Authors: Ito‐Silva Vitor I. , Smith Bradley J. , Martins‐de‐Souza Daniel
Published: August 2024

As one of the most important cellular housekeepers, autophagy directly affects cellular health, homeostasis, and function. Even though the mechanisms behind autophagy are well described, how molecular alterations and dysfunctions can lead to pathology in disease contexts still demands deeper investigation. Proteomics is a widely employed tool used to investigate molecular alterations associated with pathological states and has proven useful in identifying alterations in protein expression levels and post‐translational modifications in autophagy. In this narrative review, we expand on the molecular mechanisms behind autophagy and its regulation, and further compile recent literature associating autophagy disturbances in context of brain disorders, utilizing discoveries from varying models and species from rodents and cellular models to human post‐mortem brain samples. To outline, the canonical pathways of autophagy, the effects of post‐translational modifications on regulating each step of autophagy, and the future directions of proteomics in autophagy will be discussed. We further aim to suggest how advancing proteomics can help further unveil molecular mechanisms with regard to neurological disorders.

image
Investigation of the anti‐skin aging effects of taurine through mendelian randomization analysis of its relationship with immune cells
Authors: Liu Hongtao , Zheng Honglai , Zhou Siyuan , Lin Quan
Published: August 2024

Background

Aging skin, exacerbated by external factors like UV radiation and pollutants, is a major cosmetic concern. Taurine, renowned for its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, may combat skin aging. We performed mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal link between taurine and immune cells linked to skin aging.

Objectives

To investigate the association between taurine and immune cells using mendelian randomization, to thereby explore the mechanism through which taurine exerts anti‐aging effects on the skin via immune modulation.

Methods

A MR approach was employed using taurine‐level data from the Ieu Open GWAS Project and immunocyte traits from a large European cohort. MR‐Egger regression, weighted median estimation, and inverse variance weighting all provided statistical insights into causality. Sensitivity analyses assessed the heterogeneity and pleiotropy among the genetic instruments used.

Results

MR analysis identified a causal relationship between taurine levels and 10 immunocyte phenotypes, with taurine found to be negatively and positively associated with three and seven phenotypes, respectively. Sensitivity analysis revealed no significant heterogeneity or pleiotropy, suggesting reliable MR findings.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into the immunological pathways by which taurine contributes to skin anti‐aging effects, suggesting that increasing taurine levels could offer a novel strategy for anti‐aging skincare.
Silymarin in combination with hair follicle transplantation as a potential treatment for refractory vitiligo: A double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Feily Amir , Hosseinpour Masoome , Samipour Leila , Parvar Seyedeh Yasamin , Hadibarhaghtalab Maryam , Goodarzian MReza
Published: August 2024

Background

There is still no certain effective treatment for vitiligo as a common chronic skin disorder characterized by depigmented patches and loss of skin melanocytes.

Objectives

This study evaluates the efficacy of oral silymarin combined with hair follicle transplantation compared to follicle transplantation alone in the treatment of refractory vitiligo.

Materials and Methods

Twenty refractory vitiligo patients were enrolled in this randomized controlled clinical trial, following up for 3 months. One group underwent hair transplantation plus oral silymarin, while the other group underwent follicle transplantation alone. We assessed the progress with Vitiligo Extent Tensity Index (VETI) in both groups and the peri‐follicular pigmentation diameter was estimated monthly. The Friedman test for comparing two groups at the end and the Mann–Whitney test for comparing two groups during each month was used.

Results

The mean age was 30.22 (18–59) years, with the male to female ratio of 1:1. The decrease in the VETI and increase in the perifollicular pigmentation was statistically significant between silymarin and another group in monthly follow‐up (p‐value: 0.019, 0.019, and 0.035, respectively). Finally, the re‐pigmentation was notable in silymarin group (p‐value <0.001 vs. 0.029, respectively). In addition, both genders had a significant increase in peri‐follicular re‐pigmentation in the last follow‐up (p‐value: 0.012 and 0.044, respectively); although the improvement was not statistically significant between genders in each month.

Conclusion

According to our study, silymarin in combination with hair transplantation could be a potential medical treatment for vitiligo; however, further trials are needed to establish the efficacy of combination therapies.
Comparison of laparoscopy and vNOTES in early‐stage endometrial cancer
Authors: Mat Emre , Keles Esra , Dereli Murat Levent , Sucu Serap Topkara , Kartal Özgür , Solmaz Ulaş , Yıldız Pınar , Yıldız Gazi
Published: August 2024

Aim

To compare the demographic, clinical, surgical, histopathological, and oncological outcomes of vNOTES and conventional laparoscopy (CL)for early‐stage endometrial cancer.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out in the Gynecologic Clinic of a tertiary hospital from January 2019 to November 2020. Patient demographic characteristics, surgical outcomes, histopathological characteristics, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at postoperative 6th, 12th, and 24th, intra‐ and postoperative complications, and follow‐up results were noted.

Results

A total of 45 patients enrolled, of which 16 underwent CL and 29 were vNOTES. The operative time and decrease in hemoglobin levels were similar for both groups (p = 0.202, p = 0.699). Postoperative hospital stay did not differ between the vNOTES group and the CL group (p = 0.549). VAS pain scores at postoperative 6th, 12th, and 24th h were significantly lower in vNOTES group than in the CL group (p < 0.001). The requirement for additional opioid/narcotic analgesic was lower in the vNOTES group than in the CL group (p = 0.037).

Conclusion

vNOTES may be a safe and feasible option in early‐stage endometrial cancer, having less postoperative pain and less requirement of opioid/narcotic analgesic compared with laparoscopy.
Relationships among adult full, half, and stepsiblings: Does coresidence explain the stepgap?
Authors: de Leeuw Suzanne , Hornstra Maaike , Kalmijn Matthijs
Published: August 2024

Objective

This article aims to compare adult sibling ties of stepsiblings to the ties of full and half‐siblings in divorced families, widowed families, and single‐parent families.

Background

Siblings are one of the most stable sources of attachment and companionship over the life course and function as important providers of practical and emotional support when going through important life transitions. Due to a steep rise in divorce over the past decades and accompanied increases in remarriage and multipartner fertility, many adults nowadays not only have full siblings, but also half‐siblings and stepsiblings.

Method

Using a new module on adult sibling relationships and random‐ and fixed‐effects modeling (OKiN, N = 4506 dyads nested in N = 1742 respondents), we examine the quality of full, half, and stepsibling ties in adulthood and test the main mechanisms driving a potential stepgap in sibling ties: (1) the (absence) of a shared genetic relatedness and (2) the amount of time shared in the same parental household.

Results

The weaker bonds adults, on average, have with their stepsiblings compared to their biological (full and half) siblings are largely explained by the shorter period of time they have lived together during childhood. Nevertheless, a substantial gap remains.

Conclusion

Our results confirm that a stepgap in sibling closeness, contact, and support is visible, but substantially reduced once shared time is considered.
Clinical and radiographic evaluation of implant‐supported single‐unit crowns with cantilever extensions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: De Angelis Paolo , Manicone Paolo Francesco , Liguori Margherita Giorgia , D'addona Antonio , Ciolfi Alessandro , Cavalcanti Camilla , Piccirillo Davide , Rella Edoardo
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to analyze the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients rehabilitated using a single implant supporting a crown with a cantilever extension or two implants supporting two single crowns.

Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, a systematic review of relevant literature published from 2000 was conducted in the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and MEDLINE databases. Moreover, a manual search was performed. A meta‐analysis of the resulting data was carried out. Peri‐implant marginal bone level, probing pocket depth, prevalence of technical and mechanical complications, implant survival rate, and prosthesis survival rate were assessed.

Results

The meta‐analysis showed a non‐statistically significant change in the peri‐implant marginal bone level and probing pocket depth in the cantilever group and revealed a non‐significant prevalence of technical complications, showing a 27% rate in the cantilever group. The analysis of the prosthesis survival rate in the cantilever group showed a mean survival rate of 99% while the comparison of the implant survival between the two groups revealed an odds ratio of 0.50.

Conclusions

The use of a single implant supporting a crown with a cantilever extension does not result in lower implant survival rate if compared with two implants supporting two single crowns. Moreover, a high prosthesis survival rate was observed in the cantilever group even if the high prevalence of complications should be carefully considered by the clinician.
Complexity and Difficulty in Second Language Acquisition: A Theoretical and Methodological Overview
Authors: Bulté Bram , Housen Alex , Pallotti Gabriele
Published: August 2024

This article presents a theoretical review of and methodological guidelines for the study of two key notions in second language acquisition research, complexity and difficulty. The term complexity has gained considerable currency over the past decades and has taken on a wide range of meanings. We argue for a more restricted interpretation, focusing exclusively on formal, structural properties of linguistic items. The less employed term difficulty in our account refers to the cognitive costs associated with learning and using such items. On the basis of our theoretical definitions, we critically review measures operationalizing these constructs and discuss their strengths, limitations, and potential applicability to second language research, in order to establish a small set of measures to be used routinely in the interest of replicability and knowledge accumulation in the field. In addition, we discuss the relationship between complexity and difficulty and the associated notions of proficiency and development.
The Fundamental Argument without any garbage
Authors: Milburn Joe
Published: August 2024

Rik Peels's (2017) Fundamental Argument is an important argument against epistemic scientism. The crucial premise of the Fundamental Argument is that if nonscientific sources of belief did not provide us with knowledge, neither could the sciences. But, the sciences do provide us with knowledge. Thus, epistemic scientism is false. This paper defends Peels's argument against recent criticisms. In particular, Hietanen and colleagues criticize Peels's argument for resting on what they call the “garbage in, garbage out” principle (GIGO). This paper strengthens their attacks on the GIGO principle. It shows, however, that we don't need the GIGO principle to motivate the crucial premise of the Fundamental Argument. Instead, it argues that the crucial premise is true for the following reasons: scientific knowledge is the result of successful inquiry; at some point we lacked scientific knowledge; and, we cannot successfully inquire without some prior knowledge.
Developing and managing qualitative analysis protocol for a large‐scale, multisited project
Authors: Long Rex , Brunson Emily K.
Published: August 2024

Collaboration and communication serve as the foundation of team‐based research, and this extends to the analysis phase of a project. This article discusses the work involved in developing, communicating, and managing the analysis plan for a large‐scale, multisited project. To generate an effective analysis plan, we considered what data were needed to reach our project goals and then selected methods and designed data collection tools accordingly. Once data collection commenced, we developed a basic codebook that provided an overarching structure but flexibility for localized tailoring. We then coordinated updates to the coding scheme and conducted reliability checks on the analyses. All of this required regular communication and constant monitoring of progress toward project goals. While only one example, this article provides insights and guidelines for other researchers working on large, team‐based, and/or multisited qualitative projects.
HOS15‐mediated turnover of PRR7 enhances freezing tolerance
Authors: Kim Yeon Jeong , Kim Woe‐Yeon , Somers David E.
Published: August 2024

Arabidopsis PSEUDORESPONSE REGULATOR7 (PRR7) is a core component of the circadian oscillator which also plays a crucial role in freezing tolerance. PRR7 undergoes proteasome‐dependent degradation to discretely phase maximal expression in early evening. While its repressive activity on downstream genes is integral to cold regulation, the mechanism of the conditional regulation of the PRR7 abundance is unknown.

We used mutant analysis, protein interaction and ubiquitylation assays to establish that the ubiquitin ligase adaptor, HIGH EXPRESSION OF OSMOTICALLY RESPONSIVE GENE 15 (HOS15), controls the protein accumulation pattern of PRR7 through direct protein–protein interactions at low temperatures. Freezing tolerance and electrolyte leakage assays show that PRR7 enhances cold temperature sensitivity, supported by ChIP‐qPCR at C‐REPEAT BINDING FACTOR1 (CBF1) and COLD‐REGULATED 15A (COR15A) promoters where PRR7 levels were higher in hos15 mutants.

HOS15 mediates PRR7 turnover through enhanced ubiquitylation at low temperature in the dark. Under the same conditions, increased PRR7 association with the promoters of CBFs and COR15A in hos15 correlates with decreased CBF1 and COR15A transcription and enhanced freezing sensitivity.

We propose a novel mechanism whereby HOS15‐mediated degradation of PRR7 provides an intersection between the circadian system and other cold acclimation pathways that lead to increased freezing tolerance.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator explantation upon patient request: Clinical and ethical considerations
Authors: Romanò Massimo
Published: August 2024

Background

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) implantation has significantly modified the natural history of patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in various types of heart diseases. However there is a high rate of psychological distress and reduced quality of life in patients with an ICD, more evident in younger individuals. The ICD removal upon patient request is a very rare event and causes many clinical and ethical issues.

Methods

The article discusses the case of a young patient affected by hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, who underwent implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation as a primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Two years after the implantation, the patient repeatedly requested removal of the ICD due to of a significant and untreatable psychological device intolerance.

Results

Intervention became possible only after extensive psychological evaluation, which excluded specific pathology, and the ratification of Italian law 219/2017 on informed consent and advance directives, which guarantees the patient's independent decisions on current and future medical treatment. The explantation was performed 7 years after the implant. The patient is alive and in good health.

Conclusions

The paper debates the issues related to establishing a patient–physician relationship based on respect for the patient's autonomy and experience of illness, in reference to principles such as beneficence and non‐maleficence, and the conflicts that sometimes arise between them.

If a paternalistic approach in the patient–physician relationship evolves into a patient‐centered model, it is more certain that the patient's choice is realistically known and shared, and that it is consistent with the patient's values and life goals.

The shared decision making (SDM) process and the use of pathology‐specific decision aids are able to transform the informed consent tool, usually related to medical‐legal issues, into an aid for true partnership between the patient and the medical care team.
Complete pacemaker failure following lightning strike injury: A case report
Authors: Torres Gustavo Gomes , de Oliveira William Santos , Neto Nestor Rodrigues de Oliveira
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Modern cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have mechanisms that prevent damage from external electric shocks, and malfunction following accidental electrocution is rare. However, the effects of lightning injuries in patients with CIEDs are uncertain.

Case presentation

A 74‐year‐old man with a dual‐chamber pacemaker due to complete heart block was struck by a lightning while farming. He had no serious injury at the time and sought medical evaluation 1 month later, when he presented with asymptomatic bradycardia. Device interrogation suggested major battery and lead damage, requiring extraction and subsequent placement of a new pacing system.

Discussion

While a previous report depicted pacing threshold elevation without extensive device impairment, our patient presented with major damage to the whole pacing system. The factors contributing to these divergent outcomes are unclear. Differences in injury mechanism, pacemaker model, and the pattern of electric current dispersion within the device may each play a part in this discrepancy.
The effects of potentially traumatic events on the recovery from pre‐existing anxiety and depression symptomatology and the risk of PTSD
Authors: van der Velden Peter G. , Contino Carlo , Lenferink Lonneke , Das Marcel , Wittmann Lutz
Published: August 2024

Aim

The extent to which recent potentially traumatic events (PTEs) hinder the recovery from pre‐existing mental health problems is largely unknown. The same applies to the extent to which non‐recovery from pre‐existing mental health problems increases the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of the present study is to gain insight in these effects.

Methods

Data were extracted from six annual surveys of the Dutch population‐based Victims in Modern Society (VICTIMS) study. Of the adult respondents who participated in two subsequent surveys (labeled T1 and T2, n = 6942), those with severe anxiety and depression symptoms (ADS) at T1 (n = 487) were selected. We distinguished respondents exposed to PTEs (PTE‐group, n = 162) and not exposed to PTEs (comparison group, n = 325) between T1 and T2. We applied five indicators of recovery [based on the Reliable Change Index (RCI), degrees of symptom reduction, and the cut‐off score at T2]. Differences in the recovery from ADS and probable PTSD at T2 were examined using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

The PTE group less often recovered from severe ADS between T1 and T2 than the comparison group according to all five indicators of recovery, while controlling for 11 different variables (0.40 ≤ adjusted OR's ≤ 0.66). Those in the PTE group who did not recover, considerably more often suffered from probable PTSD at T2 (63%–82%) than those who did recover (0%–29%; 8.96 ≤ adjusted OR ≤ 26.33).

Conclusion

Recent potentially traumatic events hinder the recovery from pre‐existing anxiety and depression symptomatology and thereby increase the risk of probable PTSD.
Gratitude: Its Nature and Normativity
Authors: Lewis Max
Published: August 2024

Gratitude is a pervasive, if often overlooked, aspect of our daily lives. At its core, it is a response to being benefitted. Yet, several philosophical puzzles surround this ostensibly ordinary emotion. This article is an overview of the major philosophical debates concerning gratitude. We start with personal gratitude, i.e., gratitude directed to an agent for something they have done. We consider what personal gratitude consists in. We then consider its normativity, i.e., when it is fitting, owed, a directed duty, or a virtue. We then turn to impersonal gratitude, i.e., gratitude for something without gratitude to any agent for it. We consider the normativity of this attitude, i.e., when it is fitting. We end by considering whether personal gratitude and impersonal gratitude are two species of the same genus—as their names suggest—or whether they are distinct attitudes.
First line of defence: Eucalyptus leaf waxes influence infection by an aggressive fungal leaf pathogen
Authors: Solís M. , Naidoo S. , Wingfield M. J. , Joubert J. C. , Hammerbacher A.
Published: August 2024

Leaf epicuticular waxes provide important anatomical and chemical defences against fungi that infect leaves. In this study we analysed the leaf wax composition of Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla hybrids with contrasting susceptibilities to Teratosphaeria leaf blight (TLB) caused by Teratosphaeria destructans, one of the most important foliar diseases of Eucalyptus.

The Eucalyptus cuticular wax was extracted from non‐inoculated and inoculated genotypes with different levels of susceptibility to TLB and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

The results showed that a triterpenoid, cycloartenol (CAS), was abundant in a resistant genotype and that hexanedioic acid content increased in the resistant genotypes in response to T. destructans infection. In contrast, palmitic acid was significantly more abundant in the inoculated highly susceptible genotype. In‐vitro and in‐planta T. destructans spore germination assays with pure compounds, showed that CAS and hexanedioic acid significantly inhibited spore germination. Application of these two compounds to the leaves of a susceptible host also significantly increased resistance to infection. In contrast, palmitic acid promoted spore germination and, when applied to the leaves of a resistant genotype, increased colonization by the pathogen.

This is the first study providing insights into differences in the leaf wax composition of hosts with different levels of susceptibility to T. destructans. It also showed that leaf wax compounds can modulate spore germination and, ultimately, host resistance to infection.
Recent Research Advances on the Hippo‐Yki Pathway of Crustaceans: Current Knowledge and Potential Applications in Crustacean Aquaculture
Authors: Yang Linwei , Gan Yushi , Deng Hengwei , He Jianguo , Xu Xiaopeng
Published: August 2024

The Hippo‐YAP/Yki pathway is critical for the regulation of physiological responses in various biological processes from invertebrates to mammals. Crustaceans, in particular shrimp and crabs, are important food sources worldwide. In response to the needs of crustacean aquaculture and disease control, the regulatory mechanisms of crustacean life activities, especially immunity, have been increasingly emphasized. Emerging clues suggest that Hippo‐Yki pathway is important for immunity and regeneration in crustaceans. In this review, the structure, activation pattern, response mechanism to pathogen invasion, and crosstalk with other signaling cascades of the Hippo‐Yki pathway in aquaculture crustaceans are summarized and its similarities and differences with those in mammals and Drosophila are investigated. Based on this, the roles of the Hippo‐Yki pathway in crustacean immune response and limb regeneration are further discussed, and the application potential of strategies pharmacologically or biologically targeting this pathway for crustacean disease control and breeding is theoretically explored.
Measuring citizen trust in regulatory agencies: A systematic review and ways forward
Authors: Maman Libby , Fahy Lauren , Grimmelikhuijsen Stephan , Kappler Moritz
Published: August 2024

Citizen trust in regulatory agencies is essential for the functioning of society and markets. Trust in regulatory agencies promotes compliance and strengthens trust in regulated sectors. Despite its importance, there is no systematic study on how trust is in this context can be measured best. In response, this article presents findings of a systematic review of measures of trust in regulatory contexts, assessing their utility for measuring citizen trust in regulatory agencies. Our review of recent literature and of seven major international surveys finds several areas for methodological improvement in the measurement of such trust. The review highlights that while trust in various institutions is extensively studied, high‐quality measures for regulatory agencies specifically are lacking. Both one‐off studies of trust in regulatory agencies and large international surveys of trust in government reveal an absence of systematic and consistent measurement of trust in these agencies. We propose recommendations to enhance measurement consistency, transparency, and contextual diversity. This study underscores the urgency of addressing this critical dimension of trust and provides a roadmap for improving our understanding of citizen trust in regulatory agencies.
Testing rurality as a moderator of associations between masculinity constructs, help‐seeking, and firearm storage practices
Authors: Grunewald William , Waitz‐Kudla Sydney N. , Daruwala Samantha E. , Smith April R. , Anestis Michael D.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Self‐reliance, emotional control, and honor ideology may prevent help‐seeking when suicidal ideation emerges. Furthermore, these factors are associated with an increased likelihood of firearm ownership and unsecure storage, which could facilitate suicide attempts. The rurality of residence may impact these associations, as rural regions report increased independence, honor culture, and firearm prevalence. Therefore, this study examined how emotional control, self‐reliance, and honor ideology relate to firearm storage and help‐seeking for suicidal ideation, with rurality moderating these associations.

Methods

Participants were 733 adults (63.6% female, 33.5% male, and 2.9% transgender/other) who reported past‐month suicidal ideation. Analyses tested associations between emotional control, self‐reliance, and honor ideology with help‐seeking for suicidal ideation and firearm storage, with rurality moderating these associations.

Results

The association of self‐reliance and decreased help‐seeking willingness for suicidal ideation was significant for those in non‐urban areas. The association of emotional control and decreased help‐seeking willingness for suicidal ideation was significant for those in urban areas. No variables predicted firearm storage.

Conclusions

Self‐reliance and emotional control could be barriers for help‐seeking regardless of gender identity that depend on rurality. Clinicians may target emotional control/self‐reliance via strengths‐based approaches with an emphasis on when these constructs could be maladaptive, as this could promote help‐seeking.
Identification of four novel KIR alleles in haematopoietic stem cell donors of Indian origin
Authors: Agarwal Disha , Sharma Gaurav , Khadwal Alka , Malhotra Pankaj
Published: August 2024

Four novel KIR alleles KIR3DL1*0010120, KIR3DS1*01315, KIR3DL3*0020703 and KIR2DL4*0010310 identified using next‐generation sequencing.
Anki flashcards: Spaced repetition learning in the undergraduate medical pharmacology curriculum
Authors: Magro Juliana , Oh So‐Young , Košćica Nikola , Poles Michael
Published: August 2024

Background

Teaching clinical pharmacology is often a challenge for medical schools. The benefits and popularity of active recall and spaced repetition through Anki flashcards are well‐established and can offer a solution for teaching complex topics, but educators are often unfamiliar with this resource.

Approach

We implemented 501 faculty‐generated pharmacology flashcards in five modules across the medical preclinical curriculum, available to 104 first‐year students. At the end of each module, students were surveyed on the usefulness of this novel resource. The data from the cohort who had access to flashcards was compared with the previous cohort, without access, to analyse whether student use of Anki flashcards changed students' perceptions of the pharmacology curriculum and whether there were changes in pharmacology exam performance.

Evaluation

Seventy‐five percent of the respondents rated the Anki pharmacology flashcards as ‘very useful’ or ‘somewhat useful’. Eight hundred and seventy‐five responses were analysed with a natural language processing algorithm, showing that fewer students mentioned pharmacology as a difficult topic in the cardiovascular and renal modules, compared with the cohort who did not use Anki flashcards. There was not a statistically significant difference in test scores between the cohorts.

Implications

Anki flashcards were well‐received by medical students, which might have impacted their perception of the curriculum, as evidenced by the decrease in mentions of pharmacology being a difficult topic, maintaining consistency in academic performance. Educators should consider providing flashcards to offer spaced repetition opportunities in the curriculum; an additional benefit could be increasing information equality in medical schools.
Tear cytokines as potential markers of inflammation in feline conjunctivitis
Authors: Davari Ali , Tabandeh Mohammad Reza , Abarkar Mohammad , Torkaman Bahar
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Conjunctivitis is a prevalent feline ocular surface disorder, often accompanied by inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of conjunctival inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in the tears of cats with conjunctivitis and compare them with healthy controls, thereby enhancing our understanding of the inflammatory processes in feline conjunctivitis.

Methods and Materials

Tear samples were collected from cats of various breeds diagnosed with conjunctivitis (n = 15) and healthy control cats (n = 5) using Schirmer strips. The levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 were measured using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Protein concentration were measured using Bradford assay and data were expressed as pg/mg protein of tear sample.

Results

Our results revealed a statistically significant increase in the levels of both TNF‐α and IL‐6 in cats with conjunctivitis compared to the control group (p < .0001). Positive correlation were observed between tear IL‐6 (p < .001, r = 0.902) and TNF‐α (p < .001, r = 0.919) with clinical grades of conjunctivitis.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated a significant elevation in the levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in the tears of cats with conjunctivitis, suggesting that these cytokines are involved in the inflammatory response of feline conjunctivitis. These findings could pave the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, focusing on cytokine modulation, to manage feline conjunctivitis more effectively.
Computed tomographic characteristics of anatomical variations of external and internal jugular veins in dogs
Authors: Lau Seng Fong , Dubansky Brooke , Liu Chin‐Chi , Rademacher Nathalie
Published: August 2024

The external jugular vein (EJV) has been commonly used for clinical procedures in veterinary medicine, while the internal jugular vein (IJV) has been used mainly for research. Limited literature regarding anatomical variants in both EJV and IJV is available. The objectives of this descriptive retrospective study were to identify the number of dogs with variations of the jugular veins in canine patients undergoing CT of the head and neck and characterize these variations. Of 1000 dogs, 193 dogs (19.3%) had anatomical variations. Six types of anatomical variations were identified. The most common Type I was the absence of the linguofacial vein (72.0%, n = 139), with the lingual, facial, and maxillary veins entering the EJV at a common branching point. Type II described a variable course of the EJV and IJV, which in some dogs resulted in the absence of the EJV (14.0%, n = 27). Type III was a variable anastomotic loop formed by the linguofacial or maxillary vein cranial or at the junction of the EJV (4.2%, n = 8). In Type IV, the EJV was either suspected to be aplastic or markedly reduced in diameter compared with the contralateral side just distal to its formation (3.6%, n = 7). Type V was found in only six dogs (3.1%) with unilateral differences in the diameter of the IJV. Six of 193 dogs had a combination of more than one variation (Type VI, 3.1%). Type I was significantly observed more frequently in meso‐ and dolichocephalic breeds. Type II was significantly observed more frequently in brachycephalic breeds.
Ex vivo MRI and histological comparison of the canine adrenal glands
Authors: Carafí Olga Amorós , Imlau Michelle , Dalla Serra Giulia , Puggioni Antonella , Shorten Eimear , Cloack Brain , Hoey Seamus
Published: August 2024

Cross‐sectional imaging is widely used to characterize adrenal gland tumors in humans. In small animal veterinary medicine, while some studies have attempted to distinguish between types of adrenal gland neoplasia using CT, peer‐reviewed studies investigating canine adrenal glands on MRI are scant. This prospective, pilot, single‐center, method comparison, cadaveric study aimed to assess the agreement between ex vivo MRI findings and analogous histopathological findings of the adrenal glands in dogs. The adrenal glands of randomly selected dogs presented for necropsy were examined by MRI (n = 31). Additionally, five adrenal masses in dogs who underwent invasive adrenalectomy (including three adrenocortical carcinomas, one pheochromocytoma, and one adenoma) were imaged. Subsequently, gross pathology and histopathology of all the specimens were performed and correlated with the imaging findings. Adrenal gland lesions were identified on MRI with a sensitivity of 24%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, a negative predictive value of 31%, and an accuracy of 45%. The present study provides MRI features of multiple adrenal gland lesions that had never been described in dogs, including cortical hyperplasia, nodular fibrosis, hemorrhage, or multiple tumors, such as adenoma, carcinoma, and hemangiosarcoma. While MRI identified numerous adrenal gland lesions, a significant portion of those went undetected. Therefore, the absence of adrenal gland lesions on MRI does not exclude the possibility of histological lesions being present.
Exploring Cultural Capital in the College and Financial Aid Decision Process for the GEAR UP Federal Grant Program
Authors: Osborne Jessica , White Carol Cutler , Melvin Olivia
Published: August 2024

This qualitative study investigates the relationship between cultural capital and financial aid in college decision-making through use of an updated model based on Perna’s (2006) cultural capital model, focusing on decision-making influences within the habitus layer. Researchers conducted focus groups and interviews, yielding (N=15) GEAR UP scholarship recipient participants. Findings from this study evidence the importance of personal and social networks, individual intuition, and trust in college decision-making, with these components often cited more frequently than traditionally cited factors beyond the habitus layer. This study serves as a model for investigating student decision-making, highlighting the importance of uplifting student voice, and as an initial investigation into the ways in which college-going students’ decision-making practices are changing.
A Review on Recent Progress of Biodegradable Magnetic Microrobots for Targeted Therapeutic Delivery: Materials, Structure Designs, and Fabrication Methods
Authors: Cao Yang , Michel Karen Nunez , Alimardani Farzam , Wang Yi
Published: August 2024

Targeted therapeutic delivery employs various technologies to enable precise delivery of therapeutic agents (drugs or cells) to specific areas within the human body. Compared with traditional drug administration routes, targeted therapeutic delivery has higher efficacy and reduced medication dosage and side effects. Soft microscale robotics have demonstrated great potential to precisely deliver drugs to the targeted region for performing designated therapeutic tasks. Microrobots can be actuated by various stimuli, such as heat, light, chemicals, acoustic waves, electric fields, and magnetic fields. Magnetic manipulation is well-suited for biomedical applications, as magnetic fields can safely permeate through organisms in a wide range of frequencies and amplitudes. Therefore, magnetic actuation is one of the most investigated and promising approaches for driving microrobots for targeted therapeutic delivery applications. To realize safe and minimally invasive therapies, biocompatibility and biodegradability are essential for these microrobots, which eliminate any post-treatment endoscopic or surgical removals. In this review, recent research efforts in the area of biodegradable magnetic microrobots used for targeted therapeutic delivery are summarized in terms of their materials, structure designs, and fabrication methods. In the end, remaining challenges and future prospects are discussed.
Data-Informed Risk Analysis of Power Grids: Application of Method for Managing Heterogeneous Datasets
Authors: Pacevicius Michael Felix , Ramos Marilia , Eriksen Christian Thun , Paltrinieri Nicola
Published: August 2024

Power utilities are continuously under high pressure to ensure the best performance of their grid. Nevertheless, power outages continue to be periodically observed. This paper assesses the applicability and implications of the Three-Phases method for optimized dataset selection in dynamic risk analysis, through a case study focusing on vegetation along power lines—a major hazard in power grid management. The case study comprises 17 different real-world datasets originating from 12 different types of data sources. We estimate how these datasets can inform eight parameters related to the physical configuration—one of the three dimensions impacting the probability of tree falls on power lines. The results provide two main take-aways: (1) datasets initially considered as less valuable for risk analysis can end up being the most relevant ones; (2) the potential of knowledge of a dataset needs to be assessed parameter per parameter. The results demonstrate that the Three-Phases method is a step toward traceable, data-driven, and dynamic risk analyses of power grids, resulting in a more reliable management of those large-scale infrastructures.
Time-Critical Unified Rendezvous Guidance for an Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle
Authors: Sinha Abhinav , Kumar Shashi Ranjan
Published: August 2024

This paper addresses the time-critical rendezvous problem for a pursuing autonomous unmanned vehicle, e.g., an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), guided using the concept of true proportional-navigation guidance, which is a variant of proportional-navigation guidance. In existing vehicle routing and flight time-constrained guidance techniques, specific rendezvous guidance commands are designed based on the specific motion of the target. In contrast to that, we propose a unified guidance command for a UAV that guarantees a time-critical rendezvous with a target that moves arbitrarily. We explore the purview of true proportional-navigation guidance and posit that a guidance law thus designed may be a potential candidate for designing time-critical rendezvous strategies against various target motions, even when the pursuer does not necessarily have a speed advantage over the target. We first derive a closed-form expression for the flight duration until rendezvous, over which we exercise control to make the pursuing vehicle rendezvous with the target at any feasible time prescribed a priori. Next, we ensure that the necessary flight-time-based error variable converges to zero with an optimal convergence pattern with respect to a suitable cost function. We finally validate the efficacy of the proposed unified guidance command via numerical simulations.
Control-Oriented Modeling of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Affected by Redox Cycling Using a Novel Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Tofigh Mohamadali , Fakouri Hasanabadi Masood , Smith Daniel , Kharazmi Ali , Hanifi Amir Reza , Koch Charles R. , Shahbakhti Mahdi
Published: August 2024

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a multiphysics system that involves heat transfer, mass transport, and electrochemical reactions to produce electrical power. Reduction and re-oxidation (Redox) cycling is a destructive reaction that can occur during SOFC operation. Redox induces various degradation mechanisms, such as electrode delamination, nickel agglomeration, and microstructural changes, which should be mitigated. The interplay of these mechanisms makes a post-Redox SOFC a nonlinear, time-varying, nonstationary dynamic system. Physics-based modeling of these complexities often leads to computationally expensive equations that are not suitable for the control and diagnostics of SOFCs. Here, a data-driven approach based on dilated convolutions and a self-attention mechanism is introduced to effectively capture the dynamics underlying SOFCs affected by Redox. Controlled Redox cycles are designed to collect appropriate experimental data for developing deep learning models, which are lacking in the current literature. The performance of the proposed model is validated on diverse unseen data sets gathered from different fuel cells and benchmarked against state-of-the-art models, in terms of prediction accuracy and computation complexity. The results indicate 31% accuracy improvement and 27% computation speed enhancement compared to the benchmarks.
Thermal Management and Optimization of Automotive Film Capacitors Based on Parallel Microchannel Cooling Plates
Authors: Huang Linhao , Yuan Tao , Wang Yansong , Guo Hui , Li Zhanghao , Zhao Lihui , Chang Bin , Wang Yi
Published: August 2024

The automotive film capacitors (AFCs) stand as a widely employed components in electric vehicles. Yet, a notable concern arises with the potential for excessive ripple current, which can prompt self-heating in the AFC and diminish its reliability. Therefore, it becomes crucial to conduct thermal management and effective heat dissipation design for the AFC to ensure its optimal performance. In this study, considering the trend toward integrated and lightweight motor controllers, a parallel microchannel cooling plate (PMCP) is designed at the bottom of the AFC. Through optimization, the thermal performance of the AFC and the overall cooling performance of the PMCP are enhanced. The AFC thermal model is established, and the calculation method for equivalent thermal properties of the film capacitor core is described. A conjugate heat transfer simulation model for the AFC and the PMCP is created by fluent and validated through two experimental tests. In addition, based on an optimal Latin hypercube sample size, the accuracy of five fitting models is compared and the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) for optimization is employed. The results indicate that the error between the simulation method and the two experiments is within 5%. The application of the PMCP effectively redistributes the hottest region of the AFC to the outer housing, reducing the maximum AFC temperature by 10.90 °C. Among the five fitting models, the response surface model (RSM) proved to be the most accurate. The optimized PMCP enhances the overall cooling performance by 10.32% and increases the maximum withstand ripple current of the AFC by 43.83%.