bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secular trends of morbidity and mortality of thyroid cancer in five Asian countries from 1990 to 2019 and their predictions to 2035
Authors: Tang Shi‐Di , Zi Hao , Tao Hua , Huang Qiao , Guo Xing‐Pei , Deng Tong , Li Fei
Published: November 2023

Background

The rising burden of thyroid cancer (TC) is a public health problem in Asia. Predicting the future burden of TC in Asian countries is essential for disease prevention.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 for five Asian countries. We applied Bayesian age‐period‐cohort models to predict morbidity and mortality to 2035 and calculated age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age‐standardized mortality rate (ASMR). Furthermore, the estimated annual percentage change was calculated to evaluate the variation of ASIR and ASMR.

Results

By 2035, predictions suggest that cases of TC will reach 75.56 × 103 in China, 70.22 × 103 in India, 15.78 × 103 in the Republic of Korea, 9.01 × 103 in Japan and 5.55 × 103 in Thailand, respectively. Except Japan, a significant upward trend of ASIR of TC will be observed in five Asian countries. The deaths from TC will increase in five countries and India will become the highest reaching 14.07 × 103. The ASMR will rise to 0.83/100 000 in India and 1.06/100 000 in the Republic of Korea, while it will drop to 0.35/100 000 in China, 0.43/100 000 in Japan and 0.50/100 000 in Thailand. In further predictions projected by sex, the growth rate of ASIR is reported higher in males than in females among most countries. ASMR of male will exceed that of females in China and Thailand by 2035.

Conclusion

The disease burden caused by TC will further increase in five Asian countries, especially for men. It is necessary to develop more rational and timely disease prevention and manage strategies facing this disease trend.
The buzzOmeter system: In situ audio recordings of pollinators in flight
Authors: Volponi Paolo , Dapporto Leonardo , Skowron Volponi Marta
Published: November 2023

The role of sounds produced by free‐flying insects is challenging to research due to technical difficulties in obtaining audio recordings suitable for playback experiments. Experimental studies using flight sounds are needed to understand if buzzes carry information and by whom it is perceived.

We developed the ‘buzzOmeter system’ for recording untethered, flying insects in their habitat, followed by file processing that allows precise measurements of acoustic parameters, including those dependent on the distance of the sound source from the microphone, that is signal magnitude measurements. The system consists of commercially available elements and open source software.

We provide a practical guide for the assembly and use of two alternative setups of the buzzOmeter system, followed by a video tutorial on file processing and an R script for the assignment of audio recordings to the corresponding species based on mixture discriminant analysis. Recordings of nine insect species (bees, wasps and lepidopterans) obtained with the use of our system in various habitats demonstrate its feasibility for field studies.

Diverse species interactions are based on sound, and our new tool can aid researchers studying acoustical signalling in predator–prey, pollinator‐plant and mimic‐model complexes, among others.
How do big customers influence bank loans in China? The role of state ownership and political connections
Authors: Deng Li , Huang Peng , Lu Yue , Weng Hongjie
Published: November 2023

Firms with big customers are associated with not only high operational efficiency but also high operational risks. We study the effect of big customers on various aspects of bank loan contracts using a manually collected contract‐level dataset from China over the period of 2001–2016. We find that, big customers help firms obtain lower borrowing interest rates, longer loan duration, and larger loan amounts, though this is accompanied by more restrictive borrowing conditions. We further find that state ownership and political connections are important considerations when banks make loan decisions to firms with big customers. Overall, our results show how benefits and costs of big customers are evaluated by banks and priced into bank loan contract terms.
The prevalence and linkage disequilibrium of 21 genetic variations related to thrombophilia, folate cycle, and hypertension in reproductive age women of Rostov region (Russia)
Authors: Bordaeva Oksana Yurievna , Derevyanchuk Ekaterina Grigorievna , Alset Dema , Amelina Maria Aleksandrovna , Shkurat Tatiana Pavlovna
Published: November 2023

Several maternal genetic variations are known to play an important role during pregnancy since they can affect mother health and/or fetal growth. The frequency of these variants is variable among different populations. This study aimed to investigate thrombophilia, folate metabolism and hypertension genetic variants in reproductive age women of Rostov region (Russia) and then assess their linkage disequilibrium (LD) and heterogeneity among populations. A total of 3108 reproductive age women were included (33.75 ± 5.13 years). Twenty‐one genetic variants were detected with RT‐PCR. LD was tested according to (D′) coefficient and p value. The highest frequency of mutant allele in studied population was as follows: PAI‐1 rs1799768, MTRR rs1801394, AGT rs699, and AGTR2 rs1403543. We showed a high possibility of coinheritance of MTHFR rs1801133 with rs1801131 and AGT rs699 with rs4762 (D′=0.992 and 0.999, respectively). In addition, comparative analysis showed F7 rs6046, FGB rs1800790, MTR rs1805087, and AGT rs699 significantly more frequent among Rostov females by 1.3–1.5 times than European. MTHFR rs1801133, ADD1 rs4961, AGTR2 rs1403543, NOS3 rs2070744, and rs1799983 were with higher frequencies in Europeans than those in the studied group. Our data could be used as a reference for further associative studies of targeted genetic variations in different pregnancy complications specifically in this population.
Bending Possession: How Detroiters Care for Land by Remediating Settler Property
Authors: Caverly Nicholas L.
Published: November 2023

This article examines how people reconfigure the social, legal, and material claims that settler property relations make to place. It does so through ethnographic and historical attention to small‐scale gardens in Detroit, Michigan. When present‐day Detroiters transform grassy lots into gardens and places of shared enjoyment, they frequently encounter how antiblack environmental conditions are grafted with property claims created through settler‐colonial dispossession of Indigenous lands. Gardeners document encounters with the simultaneity of settler plotlines and contaminated soils as part of efforts to secure gardens from encroachment by real estate developers. As gardeners leverage legal conventions of settler property regimes like adverse possession manoeuvres, they also refuse the sociomaterial status quo of colonial land relations. In conversation with Detroiters and their gardens, this article offers bending possession as a handle for methods people develop that begin to provisionally redirect the violence of private property that sustains colonial racial capitalism.
Imager—A mobile health mental imagery‐based ecological momentary intervention targeting reward sensitivity: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Marciniak Marta Anna , Shanahan Lilly , Myin‐Germeys Inez , Veer Ilya Milos , Yuen Kenneth S. L. , Binder Harald , Walter Henrik , Hermans Erno J. , Kalisch Raffael , Kleim Birgit
Published: November 2023

Robust reward sensitivity may help preserve mental well‐being in the face of adversity and has been proposed as a key stress resilience factor. Here, we present a mobile health application, “Imager,” which targets reward sensitivity by training individuals to create mental images of future rewarding experiences. We conducted a two‐arm randomized controlled trial with 95 participants screened for reward sensitivity. Participants in the intervention group received an ecological momentary intervention—Imager, which encouraged participants to create mental images of rewarding events for 1 week. The control group participants received only ecological momentary assessment, without the instruction to generate mental images. Adherence to Imager was high; participants in the intervention group engaged in 88% of the planned activities. In the follow‐up assessment, the intervention group reported less mental health symptoms, mainly in depression (β = −0.34, df = 93, p = .004) and less perceived stress (β = −0.18, df = 93, p = .035), than control group participants and compared with the baseline assessment. Our results show the positive effects of Imager on mental health symptoms. The encouraging effects of the app on mental health outcomes may lead to greater use of ecological momentary interventions in the clinical preventive practice of affective disorders.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy vs retrograde intrarenal surgery for renal stones: a Cochrane Review
Authors: Soderberg Leah , Ergun Onuralp , Ding Maylynn , Parker Robin , Borofsky Michael , Pais Vernon , Dahm Philipp
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To assess the effects of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) vs retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for the treatment of renal stones in adults.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, three other databases, trials registries, other sources of the grey literature, and conference proceedings up to 23 March 2023. We applied no restrictions on publication language or status. Screening, data extraction, risk‐of‐bias assessment, and certainty of evidence (CoE) rating using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach were done in duplicate by two independent reviewers. This co‐publication focuses on the primary outcomes of this review only.

Results

We included 42 trials that met the inclusion criteria. Stone‐free rate (SFR): PCNL may improve SFRs (risk ratio [RR] 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.18; I2 = 71%; 39 studies, 4088 participants; low CoE). Major complications: PCNL probably has little to no effect on major complications (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.59–1.25; I2 = 15%; 34 studies, 3649; participants; moderate CoE) compared to RIRS. Need for secondary interventions: PCNL may reduce the need for secondary interventions (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.17–0.55; I2 = 61%; 21 studies, 2005 participants; low CoE) compared to RIRS.

Conclusion

Despite shortcomings in most studies that lowered our certainty in the estimates of effect to mostly very low or low, we found that PCNL may improve SFRs and reduce the need for secondary interventions while not impacting major complications. Ureteric stricture rates may be similar compared to RIRS. We expect the findings of this review to be helpful for shared decision‐making about management choices for individuals with renal stones.
Potential of natural flavonoids to target breast cancer angiogenesis (review)
Authors: Wang Yuetong , Huang Mengge , Zhou Xintong , Li Huayao , Ma Xiaoran , Sun Changgang
Published: November 2023

Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels form and is required for tumour growth and metastasis. It helps in supplying oxygen and nutrients to tumour cells and plays a crucial role in the local progression and distant metastasis of, and development of treatment resistance in, breast cancer. Tumour angiogenesis is currently regarded as a critical therapeutic target; however, anti‐angiogenic therapy for breast cancer fails to produce satisfactory results, owing to issues such as inconsistent efficacy and significant adverse reactions. As a result, new anti‐angiogenic drugs are urgently needed. Flavonoids, a class of natural compounds found in many foods, are inexpensive, widely available, and exhibit a broad range of biological activities, low toxicity, and favourable safety profiles. Several studies find that various flavonoids inhibit angiogenesis in breast cancer, indicating great therapeutic potential. In this review, we summarize the role of angiogenesis in breast cancer and the potential of natural flavonoids as anti‐angiogenic agents for breast cancer treatment. We discuss the value and significance of nanotechnology for improving flavonoid absorption and utilization and anti‐angiogenic effects, as well as the challenges of using natural flavonoids as drugs.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension: Sex matters
Authors: Dignam Joshua P. , Sharma Smriti , Stasinopoulos Ioannis , MacLean Margaret R.
Published: November 2023

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex disease of multifactorial origin. While registries have demonstrated that women are more susceptible to the disease, females with PAH have superior right ventricle (RV) function and a better prognosis than their male counterparts, a phenomenon referred to as the ‘estrogen paradox’. Numerous pre‐clinical studies have investigated the involvement of sex hormones in PAH pathobiology, often with conflicting results. However, recent advances suggest that abnormal estrogen synthesis, metabolism and signalling underpin the sexual dimorphism of this disease. Other sex hormones, such as progesterone, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone may also play a role. Several non‐hormonal factor including sex chromosomes and epigenetics have also been implicated. Though the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are complex, several compounds that modulate sex hormones levels and signalling are under investigation in PAH patients. Further elucidation of the estrogen paradox will set the stage for the identification of additional therapeutic targets for this disease.
One ant's trash is another ant's treasure: Army ant middens provide resources for diverse ant assemblages
Authors: Robles López Karen Y. , Sosa‐Calvo Jeffrey , Calixto Juliana M. , Zoppas de Albuquerque Emilia , Baudier Kaitlin M.
Published: November 2023

The army ant Eciton burchellii boasts more animal associates than any other animal species yet described, but the relationship between army ants and other ant species has only been studied in the context of predation. The waste deposits (middens) of army ant colonies are nitrogen‐rich, a potentially high‐value nutrient source for leaflitter arthropods. We explored this bottom‐up role of army ant middens in the context of tropical ant communities. Our three main questions were the followings: (1) Which ant species forage on army‐ant middens? (2) How does the bi‐phasic life cycle of army ant colonies (affecting midden size, persistence, and abundance) affect which and how many ant species a midden boasts? (3) How do the ants that forage on army ant middens differ across elevations? Across 39 bivouacs, we found 36 species of ants foraging on army ant middens. These included highly predatory ants, nitrogen‐limited arboreal ants, and fungus‐farming ants. Per‐midden richness was significantly lower for the usually smaller middens deposited during the nomadic phase and was higher for the typically larger middens deposited during the statary phase. Per‐midden richness was not significantly different across elevations, but there was far greater species turnover across elevations than across phases within the same elevational site. Our results suggest that army ant middens are an important resource for a wide variety of tropical ants, informing a better understanding of the complex network of associations revolving around this keystone species.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material
CircBRD7 attenuates tumor growth and metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma via epigenetic activation of its host gene
Authors: Wei Jianxia , Li Mengna , Chen Shipeng , Xue Changning , Zheng Lemei , Duan Yumei , Deng Hongyu , Fan Songqing , Xiong Wei , Zhou Ming
Published: November 2023

BRD7 was identified as a tumor suppressor in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) are involved in the occurrence and development of NPC as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. However, the function and mechanism of the circular RNA forms derived from BRD7 in NPC are not well understood. In this study, we first identified that circBRD7 was a novel circRNA derived from BRD7 that inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion of NPC cells, as well as the xenograft tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, circBRD7 promoted the transcriptional activation and expression of BRD7 by enhancing the enrichment of histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) in the promoter region of its host gene BRD7, and BRD7 promoted the formation of circBRD7. Therefore, circBRD7 formed a positive feedback loop with BRD7 to inhibit NPC development and progression. Moreover, restoration of BRD7 expression rescued the inhibitory effect of circBRD7 on the malignant progression of NPC. In addition, circBRD7 demonstrated low expression in NPC tissues, which was positively correlated with BRD7 expression and negatively correlated with the clinical stage of NPC patients. Taken together, circBRD7 attenuates the tumor growth and metastasis of NPC by forming a positive feedback loop with its host gene BRD7, and targeting the circBRD7/BRD7 axis is a promising strategy for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of NPC.
Family math engagement with young Latine children in the United States
Authors: Swirbul Mackenzie , Melzi Gigliana
Published: November 2023

Young children's early math experiences are culturally situated, occurring in the context of everyday family interactions and routines. Yet, we know little about the math experiences in culturally and linguistically minoritized families, including those from Latine communities. In this article, we provide the first review of research on family math in the homes of young Latine children in the United States. We identify shared patterns and inconsistencies across studies on family math cognitions and math practices, and their relations with children's outcomes. We argue for the need to use a sociocultural lens to examine and understand family math, and offer recommendations that center families' experiences to generate foundational knowledge, capture within‐group variation, and use more flexible and culturally relevant measures.
Staging the New City: Urban spectacles and the ecological origins of Nayib Bukele's authoritarian populism
Authors: Gutiérrez Julio
Published: November 2023

This paper analyzes the connections between real estate speculation and authoritarian populism in El Salvador. Focusing on president Nayib Bukele's term as mayor of Nuevo Cuscatlán (2012–2015), I examine the role speculative urbanism played in the crafting of his profile as a promising politician in the early years of his career. I trace how Bukele instrumentalized the ecosystem of Nuevo Cuscatlán's coffee forest as a means to fund a personalistic populist strategy whose main project called for the construction of a “New City.” This project involved the lifting of barriers to real estate investment to raise funds for social programs and municipal infrastructure. Its flipside was an aggressive process of deforestation and displacement of rural populations. Drawing on urban political ecology and critical agrarian studies, I argue that Bukele's New City project constituted a type ofurban spectacle. This urban spectacle was rooted in two socio‐ecological dynamics: (1) The use of land as a revenue‐raising token of exchange; and (2) The fetishization of urban water infrastructure in the context of water scarcity. The paper concludes with various considerations about the destructive force of the link between authoritarian populism and urban extractivism in rural environments.
Weight change in patients with new‐onset type 2 diabetes mellitus and its association with remission: Comprehensive real‐world data
Authors: Kim Jinyoung , Kim Bongseong , Kim Mee Kyoung , Baek Ki‐Hyun , Song Ki‐Ho , Han Kyungdo , Kwon Hyuk‐Sang
Published: November 2023

Aims

We aimed to investigate weight change in patients with new‐onset type 2 diabetes mellitus and the association of weight loss on diabetes remission in Korean adults.

Materials and Methods

We used the health examination database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service. Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus from 2009 to 2012 were enrolled and followed to 2017. The baseline body weight was measured at the health examination closest to the time the patient was enrolled, and the change was calculated by examining the weight measured at the subsequent examination within 2 years. Remission was defined as fasting blood glucose less than 126 mg/dl at two or more consecutive health examinations after stopping medication.

Results

In total, 114, 874 patients with new‐onset type 2 diabetes mellitus were analysed. Of these, 23 156 (20.2%) lost more than 5% of their body weight, and 2429 (2.1%) achieved remission. The adjusted odds ratio for remission in the weight loss group was 2.56 (95% confidence interval 2.35‐2.79) compared with the group with stable body weight. Sensitivity analysis according to the degree of weight change showed that the greater weight loss, the higher the likelihood of remission. In the subgroup analysis, the effects of weight loss on remission were significantly greater in subgroups of age <65 years, male sex and body mass index >25.

Conclusion

Weight loss within the first 2 years of treating type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with diabetes remission. Physicians should pay more attention to weight management in new‐onset type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly for young and obese individuals.
Surgical performance of dental students using computer‐assisted dynamic navigation and freehand approaches
Authors: Zhong Xinyi , Xing Yihan , Yan Juan , Chen Jieyin , Chen Zhuofan , Liu Quan
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Nowadays, the training of implant placement has shifted from once entirely instructor–student teaching to the increasing use of computer‐assisted simulation. Based on computerized virtual planning, dynamic navigation has been used for implant placement with higher accuracy than the traditional freehand protocol. However, whether dynamic navigation benefits to the training of dental students in implant placement remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the surgical performance of dental students in implant placement using computer‐assisted dynamic navigation and freehand approaches.

Materials and Methods

A total of 20 dental students (6 males, 14 females, age: 25.6 ± 0.5 years) were enrolled in this study. With the traditional freehand approach (training 1) as the control protocol, computer‐assisted dynamic navigation (training 2) was used in the training of dental students in implant placement. For each training, both the operating time (OT) of students and placement accuracy represented by the linear (at the implant platform, Dpl, and apex, Dap) and angular (Dan) deviations between the virtually planned and placed implants were recorded. Statistical comparisons were made between the two training protocols as well as male and female surgeons.

Results

OT2 was around twice of OT1 (p < .0001), whereas Dan1 was almost three times of Dan2 (p < .0001). Dap1 and Dpl1 were significantly higher than Dap2 (p = .014) and Dpl2 (p = .033) respectively. Besides, male students showed statistically higher Dpl1 (p = .033) and Dan1 (p = .002) than females. No significant difference was found between male and female students in OT1, OT2, Dpl2, Dap1, Dap2 and Dan2.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, the use of computer‐assisted dynamic navigation in the preclinical training could improve the surgical performance of the dental students in implant placement. The combination of dynamic navigation with the traditional preclinical surgical training may benefit to dental students and could be applied in dental education.
Inhibition of striatal dopamine release by the L‐type calcium channel inhibitor isradipine co‐varies with risk factors for Parkinson's
Authors: Brimblecombe Katherine R. , Connor‐Robson Natalie , Bataille Carole J. R. , Roberts Bradley M. , Gracie Caitlin , O'Connor Bethan , te Water Naude Rebecca , Karthik Gayathri , Russell Angela J. , Wade‐Martins Richard , Cragg Stephanie J.
Published: November 2023

Ca2+ entry into nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) neurons and axons via L‐type voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels (LTCCs) contributes, respectively, to pacemaker activity and DA release and has long been thought to contribute to vulnerability to degeneration in Parkinson's disease. LTCC function is greater in DA axons and neurons from substantia nigra pars compacta than from ventral tegmental area, but this is not explained by channel expression level. We tested the hypothesis that LTCC control of DA release is governed rather by local mechanisms, focussing on candidate biological factors known to operate differently between types of DA neurons and/or be associated with their differing vulnerability to parkinsonism, including biological sex, α‐synuclein, DA transporters (DATs) and calbindin‐D28k (Calb1). We detected evoked DA release ex vivo in mouse striatal slices using fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry and assessed LTCC support of DA release by detecting the inhibition of DA release by the LTCC inhibitors isradipine or CP8. Using genetic knockouts or pharmacological manipulations, we identified that striatal LTCC support of DA release depended on multiple intersecting factors, in a regionally and sexually divergent manner. LTCC function was promoted by factors associated with Parkinsonian risk, including male sex, α‐synuclein, DAT and a dorsolateral co‐ordinate, but limited by factors associated with protection, that is, female sex, glucocerebrosidase activity, Calb1 and ventromedial co‐ordinate. Together, these data show that LTCC function in DA axons and isradipine effect are locally governed and suggest they vary in a manner that in turn might impact on, or reflect, the cellular stress that leads to parkinsonian degeneration.
Evolution of patterning
Authors: Filippopoulou Konstantina , Konstantinides Nikolaos
Published: November 2023

Developing tissues are patterned in space and time; this enables them to differentiate their cell types and form complex structures to support different body plans. Although space and time are two independent entities, there are many examples of spatial patterns that originate from temporal ones. The most prominent example is the expression of the genes hunchback, Krüppel, pdm, and castor, which are expressed temporally in the neural stem cells of the Drosophila ventral nerve cord and spatially along the anteroposterior axis of the blastoderm stage embryo. In this Viewpoint, we investigate the relationship between space and time in specific examples of spatial and temporal patterns with the aim of gaining insight into the evolutionary history of patterning.
Mesoscale spatial variability of ichthyoplankton in the Southwest Atlantic during the autumn–winter period
Authors: Santos Régis , Falcão Cristina , Cabral Elisabeth
Published: November 2023

To gain a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying spatial heterogeneity in ichthyoplankton communities in the SW Atlantic, we examined for the first time the latitudinal and continental shelf–slope gradients in ichthyoplankton structure and oceanographic features in the Campos Basin during the relaxation phase of coastal upwellings (late autumn to early winter). This region, located on SE Brazil's continental margin, is the most productive offshore oil basin in the country and has ecological relevance owing to the existence of areas that experiences mesoscale (tens to hundreds of kilometers) processes (eddies, filaments, and upwelling) caused by the interaction of continental shelf and slope circulation with deep water masses. The present study collected a total of 3892 fish eggs and 10,030 larvae from 36 sampling stations, averaging 22 eggs per 100 m3 and 56 larvae per 100 m3. A total of 250 taxa (5 for fish eggs and 248 for larvae) were identified, encompassing 80 families and 145 genera. Species distribution exhibited a considerable degree of spatial variability, which was related mostly to hydrological characteristics. In general, greater densities were associated with higher nutrient concentrations areas. Through distance‐based Redundancy Analysis, some discriminating species were found to associate with certain areas of the continental shelf characterized by colder temperatures. The ichthyoplankton distribution patterns suggested a potential influence from mesoscale oceanographic fronts, specifically those that induce upwelling of the cold and nutrient‐rich South Atlantic Central Water. Nonetheless, the methodologies used in this study faced challenges in distinctly identifying these processes.
An overview of multimorbidity and polypharmacy in older people living with HIV
Authors: Yang Chen , Teh Yii Ean , Chua Nathalie Grace Sy , Lee Kiat Loon Simon , Ng Rachel Qiao Ming
Published: November 2023

The availability of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) has revolutionized the care of people living with HIV (PLHIV). As a result, PLHIV now have a life expectancy comparable with that of the general population. PLHIV are increasingly confronted with age‐related comorbidities and geriatric syndromes, including frailty and polypharmacy, which occur at a higher prevalence and set in at an earlier age compared with their uninfected counterparts. The underlying pathophysiology for multimorbidity and polypharmacy are multifactorial, multidimensional and complex. Therefore, regular review and optimization of risk factors to maintain physical function, social and psychological health is of utmost importance. With an ever‐growing population of older PLHIV, there is a pressing need to provide holistic care to address these emerging issues. Accelerated aging observed in PLHIV suggests that early involvement of a multidisciplinary team, including geriatricians, and implementation of integrated models of care can potentially improve the care of older PLHIV, who are at increased risk of frailty and complex multimorbidity. This article reviews the current global situation, discusses the challenges involved and suggests approaches to deliver comprehensive care for older PLHIV. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 49–59.
High‐pressure homogenisation improves food quality of plant‐based milk alternatives
Authors: He Aien , Xu Baojun
Published: November 2023

There is a growing market for plant‐based milk products, but the consumer acceptance remains low when compared with cow milk. The aim of this study was to compare the physiochemical and organoleptic properties of plant‐based milk made from adzuki bean, adlay and oat, and to investigate the effects of using household and high‐pressure homogeniser on the physiochemical and sensory properties of plant‐based milk. The colour, pH, Brix value, suspension stability, total solid content, total soluble protein content, particle size distribution, steady‐shear rheological properties, microstructure and sensory attributes of the samples were determined. The lightness and Brix values of the plant‐based milk samples were increased 2.9%–9.6%, and 1%–5% after HPH, respectively, indicating the increase in total soluble protein content and the release of starch granules. The particle size of the samples reduced over 50%, and the viscosity apparently increased after HPH. Sensory evaluation showed that there was no significant difference in the acceptability of samples prepared by household and HPH, but the samples containing adzuki bean and oat had higher acceptance. In conclusion, HPH could significantly improve food quality of plant‐based milk products, more in‐depth research can be conducted to develop more acceptable plant‐based milk products with HPH technology.
The Role of Auditory Feedback in the Vocal Behavior of the Domestic Fowl1
Authors: Konishi Masakazu
Published: November 2023

1. A new deafening technique for day‐old chicks of the domestic fowl is described.

2. Audiospectrographic comparisons of vocal signals were made between normal birds on the one hand and birds that had been experimentally deafened at an early age on the other. It was demonstrated that insofar as the types are concerned, the deaf birds could develop the normal repertoire and forms of vocalization. The detailed comparisons of sound structures are difficult because of individual variation and grading in the calls.

3. One adult cock was deafened to determine the effects of deafening on the maintenance of its vocal signals. The result indicated that the forms of the calls studied here remained unchanged after deafening, although some change occurred in the detailed aspect of its crowing.

4. Most vocal signals are morphologically discrete and tend to carry qualitatively different information. The quantitative aspect of environmental and motivational information is conveyed by grading of signals. Most signals can convey both types of information simultaneously. Several methods of achieving this purpose were described.

5. The fact that the birds could develop and also maintain the normal repertoire and forms of their vocal signals without auditory feedback does not necessarily mean that the forms of the various vocal signals are determined by a centrally patterned motor command, although it is the most probable mechanism. The involvement of nonauditory feedback in the control of the central motor output has not yet been excluded in this case.

1. Eine neue Methode des operativen Ertaubens frisch geschlüpfter Küken wird beschrieben.

2. Klangspektrographische Vergleiche der Lautäußerungen bei hörenden und tauben Vögeln haben ergeben, daß die Entwicklung des Repertoires und der Formen der Laute bei den gehörlosen Individuen normal geschehen konnte, so weit es die Lauttypen betraf. Die individuellen und die innerhalb einer Lautform vorkommenden Variationen erschweren feinere Vergleiche der Laute beider Gruppen.

3. Der Einfluß des Taubwerdens auf das Erhaltenbleiben der Lautformen wurde bei einem Hahn studiert. Die hier untersuchten Lautformen blieben alle erhalten, wenn auch das spektrographische Bild in gewissen Einzelheiten etwas verändert war.

4. Die meisten Hühnerlaute sind deutlich unterscheidbar und pflegen qualitativ verschiedene Informationen zu übertragen. Die Übertragung der quantitativen Information über Umgebung und Stimmung der Tiere wird durch Abstufung der Lautsignale ermöglicht. Fast alle Lautsignale können die beiden Informationstypen gleichzeitig geben. Einige Weisen, auf die dieser Zweck erreicht wird, werden beschrieben.

5. Die Tatsache, daß die tauben Vögel alle artgemäßen Laute entwickeln und bewahren konnten, beweist noch nicht endgültig das motorische Angeborensein all dieser Laute, doch ist es die wahrscheinlichste Erklärung. Daß nichtakustische Rückmeldungen die Lauterzeugung kontrollieren, ist in diesem Falle noch nicht experimentell ausgeschlossen.
Eye Ornamentation of Caribbean Reef Fishes
Authors: Thresher Ronald E.
Published: November 2023

Considerable emphasis has, in the past, been placed on the eye camouflage of a wide variety of animals, including fishes. Evidence from those fishes inhabiting Caribbean reefs indicates that eye ornamentation is much more common than their obliteration; this is probably due mainly to the ease with which reef fishes can avoid predators and the importance of the eyes as signals in intraspecific interactions. The similarities between eye ornamentation of these fishes and the concept of poster‐coloration are discussed.

Obwohl bisher die Augentarnung der Fische viel beachtet wurde, zeigt ein Vergleich der Arten, die karibische Riffe bewohnen, daß Hervorhebung der Augen häaufiger ist als Tarnung:

1. In den meisten Fällen ist eine dunkle Pupille von einer stark kontrastie‐renden hellen Iris umrandet.

2. Viele Arten haben außerdem noch andere Augenmarkierungen, wie Ringe oder ‘Brauen’ von abstechender Farbe.

3. Die Hauptfarben der Umgebung der Augen (schwarz, blau und gelb) erhöhen noch den Kontrast.

Die beiden Faktoren, die wahrscheinlich zur Entwicklung der Augen als Farbsignale führten, sind die Unfähigkeit eines Raubfisches, kleine Korallenfische bei Tageslicht zu erbeuten, wenn Farbsignale am auffälligsten sind, und die gut belegte Tatsache, daß Fischaugen in der arteigenen Verständigung eine Rolle spielen.
Sexual Behavior in the Cockroach Genera Periplaneta and Blatta
Authors: Simon David , Barth Robert H.
Published: November 2023

As part of a study of sexual behavior in 6 species of closely related and often sympatric cockroaches, interspecific interactions among the various species were examined. To some degree ♂♂ of nearly all species court ♀♀ of a second species. ♀♀ almost always rejected these courtship attempts. Experimental evidence indicates that the volatile female sex pheromone of each species is attractive to ♂♂ of most of the other species. Rejection of heterospecific ♂♂ appears to be due to species specific male pheromones. These pheromones also appear to mediate the formation of homospecific clusters of courting ♂♂ in time or space.

In dieser Arbeit berichten wir über Beobachtungen zwischenartlicher Interaktionen von 6 Schabenarten der Gattungen Periplaneta und Blatta. Waren zwei verschiedene Arten in einem Käfig, so balzten die ♂♂ der einen Art fast immer auch vor den ♀♀ der anderen Art, bis das angebalzte Tier davonlief oder angriff. Bei den meisten Arten reagierten weder die ♀♀ noch die ♂♂ positiv auf die Balz. Die ♂♂ der verschiedenen Arten sonderten sich in vielen Fällen räumlich ab, oder sie balzten abwechselnd.

Ähnlich verliefen die Interaktionen zwischen 4 Arten in größeren Käfigen. Die ♂♂ der verschiedenen Arten balzten auch unter diesen Bedingungen zeitlich getrennt. Nur die ♂♂ von P. australasiae und P. fuliginosa zeigten häufig interspezifische, homosexuelle Balz.

Gruppen von ♂♂ wurden weiblichen Sexualpheromonen anderer Arten ausgesetzt. In allen getesteten Kombinationen kamen einige positive Reaktionen vor.

Gemischte Gruppen von P. americana und P. fuliginosa wurden im Freien und unter Zuchtbedngungen beobachtet. Die Reaktionen waren in beiden Situationen gleich. Es kam weder zu interspezifischen Paarungen noch zu positiven Reaktionen auf die Balz, obwohl die ♂♂ beider Arten die ♀♀ der anderen Art anbalzten.

Als potentielle Isolationsmechanismen sind die weiblichen Sexualpheromone weitgehend ungeeignet. Hauptisolationsmechanismen scheinen die männlichen Sexualpheromone zu sein, die von der Terga der ♂♂ stammen. Diese Pheromone können möglicherweise die Balz der anderen Arten unterdrücken oder die räumliche Trennung der zwei Arten herbeiführen. Homosexuelles Verhalten wird in Beziehung zur Unterscheidung der Geschlechter und zur Hybridisierung, die häufig vorkommt, kurz diskutiert.
Terrain Preferences in the Play Behavior of Siberian Ibex Kids (Capra ibex sibirica)
Authors: Byers John A.
Published: November 2023

Play behavior was studied in a captive group of Siberian ibex at the Chicago Zoological Park. The hypothesis that physical training effects were at least partially responsible for the evolution of play in this species was tested by noting the amounts of play which occurred on flat and on sloped surfaces. The kids showed a clear preference for play on sloped terrain, even though this choice resulted in considerably greater risks. The danger involved in highly active locomotor play performed on steeply sloped areas is presumably outweighed by the physical training benefit for an adult life spent moving in precipitous areas.
ASPECT‐RELATED DIFFERENCES IN BADLANDS SLOPE MORPHOLOGY*
Authors: CHURCHILL ROBERT R.
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT Comparative analyses of slope profiles developed on erosional residuals in the Big Badlands of South Dakota revealed marked differences in slope morphology between north‐facing and south‐facing slopes. The profiles of south‐facing slopes were found to be consistently shorter and steeper and are generally rectilinear in appearance. Profiles of the flatter, north‐facing slopes are more complex in composition and exhibit a tread‐and‐riser appearance in overview. The absence of stream channels paralleling the bases of the pedimented residuals and the nearly flat‐lying mudstones on which they are developed preclude an explanation of morphological differences based either on preferential stream corrasion or structural controls. The observed differences in slope form most likely reflect differences in type and rate of weathering and erosion that result from aspect‐induced topoclimatic differential. More intense fluvial erosion on north‐facing slopes is evidenced by significantly greater rilling densities. Evidence of mass wasting, although present on both north‐ and south‐facing slopes, suggest aspect‐related differences in magnitude and frequency of occurrence.
Experimental Test of a Q‐Sort Procedure for Prioritizing R&D Projects
Authors: HELIN ARTHUR F. , SOUDER WILLIAM E.
Published: November 2023

Abstract— In this study, fifteen managers and scientists experimented with the use of a Q‐sort procedure for evaluating and prioritizing thirteen research projects. Q‐sorting is a psychometric method for classifying items according to the opinions of a group of persons, and for evoking group consensus on these classifications. The procedure focuses on the rather natural individual opinion/group decision making process that must take place in project selection/evaluation. In general, the participants thought that Q‐sorting was too imprecise to yield final decisions. However, progress was made toward organizational consensus, and the participants felt the procedure was valuable for facilitating scientist/scientist and the scientist‐manager communications within the project evaluation process. It was therefore concluded that Q‐sorting may be a valuable aid to the heuristic idea‐exchange process that should accompany any formal project selection exercise. The results here suggest that Q‐sorting may be a good procedure to facilitate the use of a mathematical project selection model.
Explicit and implicit attitudes of occupational therapy workshops' staff towards people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Kurtek Paweł
Published: November 2023

The aim of this article is to present explicit and implicit attitudes of occupational therapy (OT) staff towards people with intellectual disabilities. The study was conducted on a group of 77 OT employees. To explore the explicit attitude, the Conditional Respect for Persons with Disabilities Questionnaire (Kurtek, Roczniki Psychologiczne, 2018, 4, 327–344) was used, while to estimate the implicit attitude, the Intellectual Disability Attitudes Implicit Association Test was applied (Kurtek, Roczniki Psychologiczne, 2021, 1, 43–64). At the explicit level, OT staff tended to tolerate negative and overrate positive behaviours of people with intellectual disabilities, which indicates a tendency to favour the individuals. However, the opposite devalorizing tendency was observed at the implicit dimension, which indicates aversive ableism. Although the study confirmed the independence of the two dimensions of the personnel's attitude, relationships were observed between the disclosure of negativity towards antagonistic behaviours of the people with intellectual disabilities and a decrease in the level of their implicit devaluation.
Deprescribing electronic case reviews for older veterans at risk for falls: Effects on drug burden and falls
Authors: Pavon Juliessa M. , Davidson Spencer , Sloane Richard , Pepin Marc , Bryan William , Bailey Janine , Igwe Ivuoma , Colon‐Emeric Cathleen
Published: November 2023

Background

Falls are the most common medication‐related safety event in older adults. Deprescribing fall risk‐increasing drugs (FRIDs) may mitigate fall risk. This study assesses the effects of an innovative deprescribing program in reducing FRID burden and falls‐related acute visits over 1 year.

Methods

The Falls Assessment of Medications in the Elderly (FAME) Program is a pilot deprescribing program designed to improve medication safety in Veterans aged ≥65, screening positive for high fall risk at the Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Central case finding and electronic case reviews with deprescribing recommendations were completed by an interdisciplinary team, forwarded to prescribers for approval, then implemented during follow‐up telephone visits by FAME team. Primary outcome was change in FRID burden calculated by modified Drug Burden Index (DBI) at 1 year and an exploratory outcome was 1‐year fall‐related acute visits.

Results

Overall, 472 patients (236 intervention cases, 236 matched controls) were included in the study. Of the 236 patients receiving a FAME deprescribing plan, 147 had recommendations approved by prescriber and patient. In the intention‐to‐treat analysis, the 1‐year change in modified DBI was −0.15 (95% CI −0.23, −0.08) in the intervention cohort and −0.11 (−0.21, −0.00) in the matched control cohort (p = 0.47). The odds of increasing DBI by a clinically important threshold of 0.5 was significantly lower in the FAME cohort (OR 0.37, 0.21, 0.66). Fall‐related acute events occurred in 6.3% of patients in the intervention group versus 11.0% in control patients over a one‐year period (p = 0.10).

Conclusions

The program was associated with a significantly lower odds of further increasing FRID burden at 1 year compared to matched controls. An electronic case review and telephone counseling program has the potential to reduce drug‐related falls in high‐risk older adults.
Do repetitive botulinum neurotoxin injections induce muscle fibrosis? Sonographic observation of the masseter muscle
Authors: Koo Hyeon‐Jung , Hu Hyewon , Kim Wooram , Kim Ji‐Soo , Kim Hee‐Jin , Yi Kyu‐Ho
Published: November 2023

Objective

In the esthetic field, the masseter muscle is commonly targeted by botulinum neurotoxin for facial contouring. However, multiple botulinum neurotoxin injections have been reported to cause muscle fibrosis. Ultrasonography can be useful for clinical consideration in such cases.

Materials and Methods

This study presents nine cases of masseteric fibrosis caused by repeated botulinum neurotoxin injections with ultrasonographic analysis of full and partial masseteric fibrosis.

Results

Repetitive botulinum neurotoxin injections resulted in reduced masseter muscle volume, which frequently appeared hyperechoic on ultrasonography. The hyperechoic region was mostly located in the deep and posterior portions; however, in some cases, it was observed throughout the muscle, including the superficial, deep, or both areas.

Conclusion

The fibrotic masseter muscles appear hyperechoic, and ultrasonography is necessary to analyze the degree and location of fibrosis. Predictions can be made for cases in which botulinum neurotoxin injections may have less of an effect after ultrasonography. Because muscle fibrosis can be localized, it is necessary to confirm the degree and location of fibrosis before determining the effective area of injection. In clinical practice, muscle fibrosis may be visible in a specific area where blind injections are administered.