bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotyping Kidney Function in Young Adults With High Blood Pressure: The African‐PREDICT Study
Authors: Degenaar Anja , Kruger Ruan , Jacobs Adriaan , Mels Catharina M. C.
Published: October 2024

Biomarkers of kidney function, including glomerular, tubular, and fibrotic markers, have been associated with blood pressure in elderly populations and individuals with kidney and cardiovascular diseases. However, limited information is available in young adults. In this study, we compared levels of several kidney function biomarkers between normotensive and hypertensive young adults and explored the associations of these biomarkers with blood pressure within these groups. In this cross‐sectional assessment, twenty‐four‐hour (24‐h) blood pressure measurements of 1055 participants (mean age = 24.6 years) were used to classify hypertension as per the 2018 ESC/ESH guidelines. Biomarkers of kidney function included estimated glomerular filtration rate, urinary albumin, alpha‐1 microglobulin (uA1M), neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (uNGAL), uromodulin (uUMOD), and the CKD273 classifier. All urinary biomarkers, except for the CKD273 classifier, were standardized for urinary creatinine (Cr). In the hypertensive group (61.0% White; 73.2% men), urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (uACR), uNGAL/Cr and uUMOD/Cr were lower than the normotensive group. In multiple regression analyses, 24‐h systolic blood pressure (SBP) (β = 0.14; p = 0.042), 24‐h diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (β = 0.14; p = 0.040), and 24‐h mean arterial pressure (MAP) (β = 0.16; p = 0.020) associated positively with uA1M/Cr in the hypertensive group, while 24‐h MAP positively associated with uACR (β = 0.17; p = 0.017). In exploratory factor analysis, positive associations of 24‐h DBP and 24‐h MAP with a factor pattern including tubular biomarkers were observed in the hypertensive group (24‐h DBP: β = 0.18; p = 0.026, 24‐h MAP: β = 0.17; p = 0.032). In the setting of hypertension, high perfusion pressure in the kidneys may play a role in the development of proximal tubule damage and promote early deterioration in kidney function in young adults.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03292094
The Effects of an Oral Supplementation of a Natural Keratin Hydrolysate on Skin Aging: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Study in Healthy Women
Authors: Tursi Francesco , Nobile Vincenzo , Cestone Enza , De Ponti Ileana , Lepoudere Anne , Sergheraert Renaud , Soulard Jean‐Philippe
Published: October 2024

Background

Keratin hydrolysates are active components used in food supplements to alleviate aging signs on skin, hair, and nails.

Aims

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study evaluates a novel keratin hydrolysate obtained from poultry feathers. This feather keratin hydrolysate (FKH) results in a characteristic mix of free L‐amino acids (≥ 83.5%). FKH was administered as a food supplement to a panel of adult women showing aging physiological signs.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned in three groups to receive daily dosages of 500 or 1000 mg of FKH or placebo for 90 days. Parameters of skin roughness, wrinkle features, deep skin moisturization, skin maximum elongation and elasticity, skin thickness, skin anisotropy, skin density, gloss of skin, hair and nails, and nail hardness were evaluated. Subjects also answered a questionnaire related to the treatment efficacy perception.

Results

Both FKH treatments showed a significant improvement of all parameters compared to day 0 and to placebo, with an exception for fiber anisotropy and fiber density which showed a significant improvement compared to day 0 and a tendency to improve compared to placebo. These measurements were bolstered by the results of a self‐assessment questionnaire, showing an overall set of positive answers for both treatments compared to placebo.

Conclusions

Oral supplementation of FKH for 90 days is associated with an improvement in the appearance of facial skin, hair, and nails. This study highlights the benefits of free L‐amino acids mix as potential aminobiotics and not just as building blocks of proteins, suggesting a new perspective of nutricosmetic food.
Organizations offering line manager training in mental health and presenteeism: A secondary data analysis of organizational‐level data
Authors: Dulal‐Arthur Teixiera , Hassard Juliet , Bourke Jane , Wishart Maria , Bartle Craig , Roper Stephen , Belt Vicki , Leka Stavroula , Pahl Nick , Thomson Louise , Blake Holly
Published: October 2024

Presenteeism (working while ill) due to mental ill‐health is estimated to be one of the largest economic costs to employers. We seek to investigate the relationship between line manager training in mental health (MH) and presenteeism trends at work. The aim of this study was twofold: (i) to examine the relationship between the provision of a new and emerging workplace MH and wellbeing (MH&WB) initiative – line manager (LM) training in MH – and presenteeism as reported by organizations and (ii) to examine the reasons for presenteeism, and organizational‐level strategies used to action it. To address these questions, we conducted a secondary data analysis using panel data from 7139 firms in England over four time points (2020–2023). Probit regression analysis revealed that organizations offering LM training are less likely to report presenteeism. Our analysis revealed that providing LM training may increase awareness and readiness to tackle presenteeism within the organization, but this does not always translate into actionable strategies. Limitations of the study and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Rehearsing Words and Gestures in Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde
Authors: Trigg Stephanie
Published: October 2024

Geoffrey Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde offers many rhetorical lessons and models in how to speak and behave well according to the mediaeval conventions of fin'amor. The first three books of the poem are especially concerned with the best ways to control and express deep feeling. The two lovers prepare nervously for their first meeting at the beginning of Book III. Troilus, in particular, rehearses and seeks to memorise the best words, gestures, and facial expressions to use when he first speaks with Criseyde. In Book V, Diomede enacts very similar practices in his seduction of Criseyde, but the reader is encouraged to read this as a different kind of deliberate performance. Using the work of Monique Scheer and other theorists of emotional practice and the history of emotions, this essay explores the ambiguity of performance as both a rehearsed theatrical mode; and as the practice and affirmation of conventional forms of emotional expression. It concludes by proposing that Thomas Hoccleve's ‘mirror scene’ in his Compleinte draws on Troilus's rehearsals, adopting the performance anxiety associated with romantic love for his own more social and public concerns.
Emerging Orchestrator of Ecological Adaptation: m6A Regulation of Post‐Transcriptional Mechanisms
Authors: Ahi Ehsan Pashay , Singh Pooja
Published: October 2024

Genetic mechanisms have been at the forefront of our exploration into the substrate of adaptive evolution and phenotypic diversification. However, genetic variation only accounts for a fraction of phenotypic variation. In the last decade, the significance of RNA modification mechanisms has become more apparent in the context of organismal adaptation to rapidly changing environments. RNA m6A methylation, the most abundant form of RNA modification, is emerging as a potentially significant player in various biological processes. Despite its fundamental function to regulate other major post‐transcriptional mechanisms such as microRNA and alternative splicing, its role in ecology and evolution has been understudied. This review highlights the potential importance of m6A RNA methylation in ecological adaptation, emphasising the need for further research, especially in natural systems. We focus on how m6A not only affects mRNA fate but also influences miRNA‐mediated gene regulation and alternative splicing, potentially contributing to organismal adaptation. The aim of this review is to synthesise key background information to enhance our understanding of m6A mechanisms driving species survival in dynamic environments and motivate future research into the dynamics of adaptive RNA methylation.
Butin Protects Keratinocytes From Particulate Matter 2.5 and Ultraviolet B‐Mediated Damages
Authors: Fernando Pincha Devage Sameera Madushan , Piao Mei Jing , Kang Kyoung Ah , Herath Herath Mudiyanselage Udari Lakmini , Kim Eui Tae , Hyun Chang Lim , Kim Young Ree , Hyun Jin Won
Published: October 2024

Background

Butin is a naturally occurring compound with a wide range of medicinal properties, including anti‐inflammatory, anti‐arthritic, and antioxidant properties. Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation contribute to skin cell damage via the induction of oxidative stress.

Methods

This study sought to assess the protective effects of butin against damage triggered by PM2.5 and UVB in human HaCaT keratinocytes. Assessments were performed to evaluate cell viability, apoptosis, and cellular component damage.

Results

Butin exhibited its protective ability via the inhibition of PM2.5‐induced reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, protein carbonylation, and mitochondrial damage. Butin reduced the PM2.5‐induced c‐Fos and phospho‐c‐Jun protein levels as well as mitogen‐activated protein kinase. Furthermore, butin mitigated PM2.5‐ and UVB‐induced apoptosis.

Conclusion

Butin had the potential as a pharmaceutical candidate for treating skin damage caused by PM2.5 and UVB exposure.
Social contact and ethnic identity: Experimental evidence from West Africa
Authors: Doces John A.
Published: October 2024

What determines one's ethnic identity? I argue that contact with a co‐ethnic encourages an enhanced ethnic identity compared to contact with a non‐co‐ethnic. This is most likely to hold where identities are more ethnic and less national, as in many African countries, thus creating a sense of trust among co‐ethnics. To test this claim, I conducted a field experiment with participants from the West African countries of Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal using two designs to test my claims including if enumerators and participants share an ethnic identity established directly with face‐to‐face contact, and indirectly with enumerators employing ethnic sounding names. Social contact in which ethnicity is shared increases identification with one's ethnic group. Not sharing an ethnic identity does not increase the chances of a national identity. Variation by ethnic groups is strongest for members of groups who have recently lost political power or are marginalized. Sharing an ethnic identity affects political views. These findings contribute to our understanding about the potential for contact to affect prejudice and bias, and they raise issues about data collection done with personal contact.
Exploring emotions beyond the laboratory: A review of emotional and physiological ecological momentary assessment methods in children and youth
Authors: Sosa‐Hernandez Linda , Vogel Natasha , Frankiewicz Katelyn , Reaume Chelsea , Drew Abbey , McVey Neufeld Sadie , Thomassin Kristel
Published: October 2024

Recent advancements in methodologies such as ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and ambulatory physiology devices have enhanced our ability to measure emotions experienced in daily life. Despite the feasibility of EMA for assessing children's and youth's emotional self‐reports, the feasibility of combining it with physiological measurements in a real‐life context has yet to be established. Our scoping review evaluates the feasibility and usability of implementing emotional and physiological EMA in children and youth. Due to the complexities of physiological EMA data, this review also synthesized existing methodological and statistical practices of existing studies. Following the PRISMA‐ScR guidelines, we searched and screened PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science electronic databases for studies that assessed children's and youth's subjective emotions and cardiac or electrodermal physiological responses outside the laboratory. Our initial search resulted in 4174 studies, 13 of which were included in our review. Findings showed significant variability in the feasibility of physiological EMA, with physiology device wear‐time averaging 58.77% of study periods and data loss due to quality issues ranging from 0.2% to 77% across signals. Compliance for emotional EMA was approximately 60% of study periods when combined with physiological EMA. The review points to a lack of standardized procedures in physiological EMA and suggests a need for guidelines in designing, processing, and analyzing such data collected in real‐life contexts. We offer recommendations to enhance participant engagement and develop standard practices for employing physiological EMA with children and youth for emotion, developmental, and psychophysiology researchers.
Risk and benefits of expanded donor screening: A viewpoint from Germany
Authors: Fischer‐Fröhlich Carl‐Ludwig , Grossi Paolo , Rahmel Axel , Barreiros Ana‐Paula
Published: October 2024

This review describes the risks and benefits of expanding screening for transmissible pathogens in deceased organ donors. The focus is on the experience and procedure in Germany to make a decision on how to proceed with a possible donor. Three issues are of interest in how screening policies impact the process with the aim of mitigating unexpected transmission risks: (1) Should we add universal or targeted nucleic acid testing to serological tests for common blood‐borne viruses (BBVs; HIV, HBV, and HCV)? (2) Which tests should be added for screening in a geographically restricted region beyond testing for these BBVs? (3) Being faced with changes (e.g., climate and population) in the own geographically restricted region, what strategies are needed before implementing new tests, and which considerations apply for proper indication to do this? Testing may only be effective when during donor characterization the appropriate conclusions are drawn from the existing findings and screening tests are initiated. This statement overlaps the need to implement universal screening for a pathogen or targeted screening based on the risk that the donor has acquired the transmissible pathogen or is not as possible to identify by current methods of clinical judgment and/or specific tests.
Management of vancomycin‐resistant Enterococci and daptomycin‐resistant Enterococci infections in liver transplant recipients in a single academic center
Authors: Barajas‐Ochoa Aldo , Hess Olivia , Smith Tucker , Ambrosio Matthew , Morales Megan , Yakubu Idris , Thomas Lora , Bruno David , Vissichelli Nicole
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Vancomycin‐resistant Enterococci (VRE) infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in liver transplant (LT) recipients. Management is challenging, especially in the setting of daptomycin resistance (DR).

Methods

Single‐center retrospective review of patients who underwent LT between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022, and developed VRE infections. Descriptive statistics were used and Kaplan‐Meier curves estimated freedom from treatment failure and survival.

Results

Forty‐two patients (median age 58; 64% female; 67% white) were included. Alcohol‐related cirrhosis (48%) and metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (31%) were the most common indications for LT, and most were from deceased donors (86%). VRE infection occurred at a median of 21 days after LT, and 16% had known prior VRE colonization. Common infection sites were blood (45%, n = 19), intraabdominal (36%, n = 15), and urine (36%, n = 15). Most were initially treated with daptomycin alone (64%) or in combination with other agents (21%); 7% received linezolid alone. Twelve (29%) developed breakthrough infections during treatment and 11 (26%) had recurrent infections after discontinuation of treatment. All‐cause mortality was 36% (n = 15) at a median of 90 days after VRE infection diagnosis and was nearly twice as high in patients with DR (63%).

Conclusion

VRE infection in LT recipients relapsed or recurred in over 25%. Mortality was high, especially in cases with DR. More data is needed to establish an optimal treatment approach, particularly for relapse and DR.

image
A better environment at the expense of export growth: A supply‐chain linkage perspective
Authors: Deng Xinghua , Shu Li , Wang Wei
Published: October 2024

We estimate the impacts of the 2017–2019 Chinese solid waste import ban on export growth through the channel of supply chain linkages. Using Chinese firm‐level transaction data from 2016, we constructed product‐level measures of import ban exposure to capture supply chain linkages. We find that exports with higher import ban exposure experience lower export growth after the import ban policy is implemented. Our results suggest that a 1% increase in exposure to the import ban of a product would lead to a reduction of its export growth by almost 2%. The effects are more prominent when export products have the closest characteristics to the banned solid waste. We also find that importing prices of solid wastes surge after the implementation of the policy, which leads to a higher price for exports that undermines the competitiveness of Chinese exports and results in lower export growth.
Stereotactic Radiation Therapy Planning, Dose Prescription and Delivery in Veterinary Medicine: A Systematic Review on Completeness of Reporting and Proposed Reporting Items
Authors: Rohrer Bley Carla , Meier Valeria , Turek Michelle , Besserer Juergen , Unterhirkhers Sergejs
Published: October 2024

Increasing numbers of dogs and cats with cancer are treated with stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic radiation therapy or stereotactic body radiotherapy (SRS, SRT or SBRT). We provide a systematic review of the current data landscape with a focus on technical and dosimetric data of stereotactic radiotherapy in veterinary oncology. Original peer‐reviewed articles on dogs and cats with cancer treated with SRT were included. The systematic search included Medline via PubMed and EMBASE. The study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) statement. We assessed the manuscripts regarding outcome reporting, treatment planning, dose prescription, ‐delivery and ‐reporting as well as quality assurance. As of February 2024, there are 80 peer‐reviewed publications on various disease entities on SRS, SRT and SBRT in veterinary medicine. Overall, we found often insufficient or highly variable technical data, with incomplete information to reproduce these treatments. While in some instances, technical factors may not impact clinical outcome, the variability found in protocols, outcome and toxicity assessments precludes accurate and reliable conclusions for a benefit of stereotactic radiotherapy for many of the treated diseases. In line with the extensive recommendations from human stereotactic radiotherapy practise, we propose a draft of reporting items for future stereotactic radiation treatments in veterinary medicine. SRS, SRT and SBRT have specific clinical and technological requirements that differ from those of standard radiation therapy. Therefore, a deep understanding of the methodologies, as well as the quality and precision of dose delivery, is essential for effective clinical knowledge transfer.
Resistance profile study of SU‐resistant Sagittaria trifolia in a comparison of seedlings and tuber‐derived plants
Authors: Ohta Kensuke , Sada Yoshinao
Published: October 2024

Sagittaria trifolia, a perennial weed of Alismataceae in Japanese rice paddies, has a single ALS gene, and both target and non‐target‐site resistance are known in the SU resistance of this species. In this study, the target‐site resistance profile at the whole‐plant and enzyme levels was investigated using self‐pollinated S1 seedlings from a parent plant heterozygous for a Pro197Ser ALS mutation and their clonal tubers. Our objectives were to reveal differences and similarities between whole‐plant resistance of seedlings to imazosulfuron and that of tuber‐derived plants and to correlate the whole‐plant responses to enzymatic inhibition, as well as to quantify the effects of mutant ALS allele stacking. Genotyping confirmed a Mendelian segregation ratio (1:2:1) among S1 plants for wild‐type, heterozygous, and homozygous ALS mutations. Enzymatic assays showed that resistance correlated with the number of mutant alleles, and heterozygous plants exhibited a double‐sigmoid curve plateauing at 50%, indicating the function of a 50:50 wild‐type to mutant enzyme ratio. Studies of tuber‐derived plants showed that resistance increased with more mutant alleles, but with a disproportionate jump over 3000‐fold from wild‐type to heterozygous, and only 5‐fold from heterozygous to homozygous, indicating a saturating tendency in the stacking effect of mutations. The dose response of S1 seedlings was consistent with Mendelian segregation of genotypes and suggested a similar saturation of resistance increase due to allele stacking as observed in tubers, with comparable dose–response patterns across identical genotypes.
Reporting guidelines for evidence‐based practice projects: A Delphi study and publication checklist
Authors: Whalen Madeleine , Bissett Kim , Ascenzi Judy , Budhathoki Chakra
Published: October 2024

Background

Evidence‐based practice (EBP) is the cornerstone of sound patient care. Despite the known importance of disseminating EBP, of the 600 reporting guidelines registered with the EQUATOR network, none exist on reporting an EBP project. This lack of guidance leads to publications that lack rigor and discourages more novice writers who may not know where to begin.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to establish Reporting Guidelines for EBP projects by achieving consensus among subject matter experts (SMEs) regarding the required components for a high‐quality report.

Methods

This study followed a modified Delphi technique. The first round solicited free‐text responses regarding reporting sections and sub‐sections. The team analyzed these results and incorporated information from the literature to generate items for the second round. In the second and third rounds, participants ranked each section on a Likert scale of 1–4 (not relevant to extremely relevant) and provided free‐text revision suggestions. Items that reached a 70% consensus moved from one round to the next.

Results

SMEs reached consensus on 6 sections and 30 sub‐sections. Sections address the process for determining best practice recommendations as well as implementation into practice. Headers include (1) “Introduction,” (2) “EBP Design,” (3) “Methods to Generate Recommendations,” (4) “Evidence Findings,” (5) “Implementation,” and (6) “Conclusion.” All items are unaffiliated with specific EBP models, hierarchies, or question formats.

Linking Evidence to Action

The Reporting Guidelines for EBP Projects is a checklist of items with associated descriptors that should be addressed in articles reporting an EBP project. The intention is to provide a roadmap of the items required to publish EBP efforts. It is meant to create a set of expectation for journal editors to provide concrete guidance for authors and elevate the quality and quantity of EBP projects in the literature.
On subgroups with narrow Schreier graphs
Authors: Azuelos Pénélope
Published: October 2024

We study finitely generated pairs of groups such that the Schreier graph of has at least two ends and is narrow. Examples of narrow Schreier graphs include those that are quasi‐isometric to finitely ended trees or have linear growth. Under this hypothesis, we show that is a virtual fiber subgroup if and only if contains infinitely many double cosets of . Along the way, we prove that if a group acts essentially on a finite‐dimensional CAT(0) cube complex with no facing triples, then it virtually surjects onto the integers with kernel commensurable to a hyperplane stabiliser.
Generalising axion-like particle as the curvaton: sourcing primordial density perturbation and non-Gaussianities
Authors: Ghoshal Anish , Naskar Abhishek
Published: October 2024

We investigate the non-perturbatively generated axion-like particle (ALP) potential, involving fermions in the dark sector that couple to the ALP, in an early universe cosmological inflationary stage with the ALP being a spectator field. The potential here deviates from the standard cosine nature due to the presence of the two dark sector fermion masses

$$m_u$$

m
u

and

$$m_d$$

m
d

which couple to the ALP. The ALP is a spectator field during inflation but it starts to oscillate and dominates the energy density of the universe after inflation ends, thereby sourcing isocurvature perturbations, while standard curvature fluctuations from the inflaton are assumed to be sub-dominant. Subsequently the ALP decays converting the isocurvature perturbations to adiabatic perturbations thereby acting as the origin of the primordial density perturbations. We identify the parameter space involving the axion decay constant

$$f_{\phi }$$

f
ϕ

, scale of confinement

$$\Lambda $$

Λ

, ALP mass m and the masses of the fermions,

$$m_u$$

m
u

and

$$m_d$$

m
d

where it can satisfactorily behave as the curvaton and source the observed primordial density perturbation. We also predict local non-Gaussianity signals for bi-spectrum and tri-spectrum

$$f_{NL}$$

f

NL

and

$$g_{NL}$$

g

NL

, as a function of the ratio

$$m_u/m_d$$

m
u

/

m
d

, which are within the allowed range in the latest Planck observations and are detectable with future observations. Particularly we find that the value of

$$f_{NL}$$

f

NL

and

$$g_{NL}$$

g

NL

are dependent on the ratio of

$$m_u$$

m
u

and

$$m_d$$

m
d

:

$$f_{NL}$$

f

NL

is more or less positive for all scenarios except

$$m_u = m_d$$

m
u

=

m
d

and

$$g_{NL}$$

g

NL

is always positive irrespective of the ratio between

$$m_u$$

m
u

and

$$m_d$$

m
d

. The results of our analysis in the limit

$$m_u = m_d$$

m
u

=

m
d

resembles vanilla curvaton scenario while in the limit

$$m_u \gg m_d$$

m
u

≫

m
d

resembles pure axion cosine potential. This is because the model has the unique feature where the extra matter in the dark sector determines the nature and shape of the potential.
Vitamin D Status and Physical Functioning in Nursing Home Residents after Improved Adherence to the Vitamin D and Calcium Recommendation—A Quasiexperimental Study
Authors: Mortensen Charlotte , Beck Anne Marie , Tetens Inge , Jeppesen Charlotte , Jørgensen Søren Frank , Nielsen Leif Kofoed , Kristensen Michael
Published: October 2024

Introduction. Dietary supplements with vitamin and calcium are recommended to nursing home residents in Denmark, but adherence to the recommendation is low. In a previous part of this study, we reported improved adherence by means of The Model for Improvement leading to increased awareness and change of workflows at two nursing homes. However, potential effects of this improved adherence are unknown. Objective. The objective of this substudy was to investigate if the improved adherence to the recommendation affected vitamin D status, muscle strength, and physical functioning of the residents. Methods. This was a 20‐week quasiexperimental study involving 40 residents from two Danish nursing homes. Baseline and endpoint measurements took place in October 2021 and March 2022, respectively. Outcomes were number of residents taking vitamin D and calcium supplements; vitamin D status; handgrip strength; and physical functioning with timed‐up‐and‐go test and 30‐second chair stand test. Results. Prevalence of vitamin D supplement users increased from 45 to 78% (mean dose 41 μg) and of calcium supplement users from 40 to 72% (mean dose 769 mg) (both P = 0.002). Among those having blood sampled at both baseline and endpoint (n = 30), mean vitamin D status increased from 66.6 ± 31.7 nmol/L to 82.8 ± 26.3 nmol/L (P < 0.001), and more residents were vitamin D sufficient at endpoint (90 vs. 63%, P = 0.021). Endpoint vitamin D status among supplement users was 88.2 ± 22.2 nmol/L, which was higher compared to nonsupplement users (55.3 ± 30.4 nmol/L, P < 0.01). No effects were seen on muscle strength or physical functioning. Conclusions. Increased supplementation with vitamin D using The Model for Improvement positively affected vitamin D status and prevalence of vitamin D sufficiency but did not affect muscle strength or physical functioning. Longer‐term studies involving more residents are needed to investigate effects of improved adherence on these outcomes. This trial is registered with NCT04956705.
Trends in the Air Temperature: A Practical Approach for Auto‐ and Cross‐Correlation Analysis
Authors: da Costa Moisés Domingos Namila , Brito Andréa de Almeida , de Castro Arleys Pereira Nunes , Dias Rui Manuel Teixeira Santos , Zebende Gilney Figueira
Published: October 2024

We study the air temperature with 10 years of hourly measured in 12 automatic weather stations, located in the State of Bahia (Brazil), considering mainly its auto‐ and cross‐correlation. We found that, in general, there is a positive linear trend, indicating warming in this variable for all stations. Also, we observe that the probability distribution function clearly exhibits a bimodal distribution, meaning that there are two main seasonal cycles (the largest relating to winter, the other to summer). In order to have a more robust statistical analysis, detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) method was applied in these time‐series to analyzing data where traditional methods might struggle due to nonstationary. In this case, DFA was useful in identifying long‐range autocorrelations in these time‐series (with persistent and antipersistent behavior) with specific seasonal time‐scales (1 day and 1 year). However, if we quantify the cross‐correlations between the air temperature in Salvador and the other stations, by ρDCCA, we found that detrended cross‐correlation analysis cross‐correlation coefficient is always positive with two peaks, the first is located at n = 24 (1 day) and the second at n = 8766 (1 year). In this sense, ρDCCA coefficient provides insights how air temperature in Salvador is correlated with air temperature in other weather stations over different time‐scales, helping to understand their long‐term interactions. These results, for example, allow us to identify temporal scales that may be useful to better understand trends in the air temperature and that can help us further answer global warming questions.
M6A Modification and Transcription Analysis of LncRNA in Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Mo Jierong , Li Zhiquan , Yang Zhengfei , Huang Zuhua , Guo Pengpeng , Gao Jianfeng , xiao Haiqiong , Ye Ping , Qin Haini , Zhou Tianen , Jiang Jun
Published: October 2024

LncRNA is a major factor in the occurrence and development of many diseases. However, its mechanism in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI) is yet unknown. In this study, the transcriptional level and methylation modification level of LncRNAs before and after mechanical thrombectomy were compared by high‐throughput sequencing. Venn diagram, Spearman correlation analysis, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, TargetScan, and miRanda were used to analyze the experimental data. The results showed that four key LncRNAs changed at both transcription and methylation levels. Specifically, LncRNA FAR2, LINC02431, and AL357060.1 were downregulated and hypomethylated, while LncRNA FOXD2‐AS1 was upregulated and hypomethylated. Moreover, positive regulation of angiogenesis, protein domain–specific binding, autophagy pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway were co‐enriched between LncRNAs with different expression levels and different methylation levels. Finally, a LncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA network was constructed. Therefore, this study explored the potential key LncRNAs and regulatory mechanisms of CIRI.
A Systematic Review of the Burden of Stroke in Ghana
Authors: Attakorah Joseph , Mensah Kofi Boamah , Yamoah Peter , Wiafe Ebenezer , Bangalee Varsha , Oosthuizen Frasia
Published: October 2024

Background: Stroke is considered a significant public health concern in sub‐Saharan Africa and Ghana due to its impact on quality of life. However, there is a lack of comprehensive pooled data on the prevalence and incidence rates of stroke in Ghana. Updating this information would help inform decision‐making bodies on measures to reduce the burden of stroke in Ghana. This systematic review is aimed at critically appraising evidence gathered from studies done in Ghana on the prevalence and incidence rates of stroke among the Ghanaian population.

Method: Four databases (CINAHL via EBSCOhost, Web of Science, MEDLINE via PubMed, and PsycINFO via EBSCOhost) were searched, for articles published between May 2000 and May 2020 on stroke burden. The search was constrained to studies conducted in Ghana and published in English that have been peer reviewed. Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of evidence. Meta‐analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled stroke prevalence and incidence in the country.

Results: A total of three studies that documented 12,974 stroke cases in 1,197,498 participants based on the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The meta‐analysis revealed that the overall national prevalence and incidence rate of stroke for the country were 7.96% and 1.17%, respectively, calculated at 95% confidence intervals.

Conclusion: According to the review findings, the incidence and prevalence rates of stroke are high in Ghana or among the Ghanaian population, and they are increasing.
Validation of a Dermatoscopy-Based Algorithm for the Diagnosis of Acral Melanoma
Authors: Müller Christoph , Kittler Harald , Tschandl Philipp , Rinner Christoph , Grausenburger Marie-Luise , Kyrgidis Athanassios , Koga Hiroshi , Moscarella Elvira , Apalla Zoe , Di Stefani Alessandro , Kobayashi Ken , Lazaridou Elisabeth , Longo Caterina , Phan Alice , Saida Toshiaki , Sotiriou Elena , Tanaka Masaru , Thomas Luc , Zalaudek Iris , Argenziano Giuseppe , Lallas Aimilios
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Diagnosis of acral melanocytic lesions can be challenging. The BRAAFF checklist was introduced as a tool to help differentiate between acral nevi and melanoma but has not been validated. Methods: We asked raters with varying expertise in dermatoscopy to diagnose dermatoscopic images of 533 acral nevi and 144 melanomas via an online platform with and without use of the BRAAFF checklist. From the ratings, we calculated sensitivity, specificity, and interrater agreement. Additionally, a new simplified version of the checklist was also tested. Results: We collected 6,880 ratings from 175 readers. The BRAAFF checklist achieved a sensitivity of 92.5% and a specificity of 65.0%, which was similar to diagnosis from pattern recognition (sensitivity 90.0%, specificity: 72.1%). Interrater agreement for the BRAAFF criteria ranged from fair to moderate, with lowest agreement for parallel ridge and fibrillar pattern (alpha = 0.31) and highest for asymmetry of colors and structures (alpha = 0.46). Agreement and diagnostic accuracy were higher for more experienced readers. A simplified version with only two criteria achieved similar sensitivity (95.0%) and lower specificity (60.0%) as the original BRAAFF checklist. Conclusion: The BRAAFF checklist is a useful tool for the diagnosis of melanocytic acral lesions with acceptable sensitivity and reasonable specificity but is not superior to pattern recognition. A simplified version of the checklist could be easier to use with equal sensitivity while exhibiting a modest reduction in specificity.
A Predictive Model for Treatment Effectiveness in Severe Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia during Pregnancy: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Critical Maternity Referral Center
Authors: Wang Chuan , He Zhihong , Lio Ka U. , Shi Haoting , Wang Jieying , Zhang Yu , Zhang Ning
Published: October 2024

Objectives: The study aimed to identify factors influencing the severity of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) during pregnancy, develop a predictive model for treatment response, and report maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with severe ITP. Design: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 155 pregnancies with severe ITP between January 2018 and April 2023 at a tertiary critical maternity referral center in Shanghai, China. Participants/Materials: The study included 155 pregnancies diagnosed with severe ITP, divided into groups based on the lowest platelet count (<30 × 109/L vs. 30–50 × 109/L) and first-line treatment response (non-response vs. response). Setting: The study was conducted at Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, a tertiary critical maternity rescue referral center. Methods: Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between groups. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the severity of ITP. A prediction model for treatment response was established using LASSO-logistic regression and internally validated. Results: ITP severity was found to be correlated with low maximum amplitude of thromboelastography (OR 5.43, 95% CI: 1.48–16.00, p = 0.002), bleeding events (OR 4.91, 95% CI: 1.62–14.86, p = 0.005), and low reticulocytes (OR 2.40 × 10−7, 95% CI: 1.06 × 10−13 to 0.55, p = 0.04). Of the 118 patients who received first-line therapy, 52 (44%) responded. The dataset was randomly split into a training (N = 99) and test (N = 23) set with a ratio of 8:2. A predictive nomogram was created and internally validated showing good discrimination. The model yielded an area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.78 (0.69–0.87) and 0.85 (0.67–1.00) in the training and validation cohort, respectively. Earlier delivery and high rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission occurred with severe ITP and treatment failure. Limitations: The study was limited by a relatively small sample size and the retrospective observational design, which imposed limitations on the assessment of treatment efficacy. Conclusions: We identified clinical predictors of ITP severity and treatment resistance during pregnancy. A nomogram predicting first-line response was validated. These findings can facilitate clinical decision-making and counseling regarding this challenging pregnancy complication.
Creative Chronography in Early Christianity: John Malalas on the Deaths of King Cyrus of Persia
Authors: Djurslev Christian T.
Published: October 2024

In this article, I use John Malalas’ account of Cyrus’ two deaths – which he claimed was based on Pythagoras of Samos and Julius Africanus – as a case study for historiographical creativity in early Christian chronography. First, I detect that one of Cyrus’ deaths is calqued on Xerxes’ death in the Greek historian, Ctesias of Cnidus, and thus an original interpretation of the event. Second, I place this death story in the greater context of Malalas’ account, showing the great extent to which Malalas, or his source, has rewritten the story of Cyrus. Third, I test the death story’s attribution to Julius Africanus, which I argue is false, based on the high level of chronographic accuracy required for Africanus’ Chronographiae. Fourth and finally, I examine how Malalas was using Africanus’ authority to authenticate the dubious death story of Cyrus.
Sago palm weevil larvae: larval ontogeny and nutritional value assessed from enzymatic activity and in vitro digestibility
Authors: Jeenkeawpieam J. , Panpipat W. , Thongprajukaew K. , Panya A. , Phonsatta N. , Pruksaphon K. , Chinarak K. , Timon F. , Rodjan P.
Published: October 2024

Sago palm weevil larvae (SPWL, Rhynchophorus vulneratus) have potential for use as food and feed. This study aimed to investigate their development, digestive enzyme activity, nutrient values, and digestible protein using an in vitro digestibility technique. Bioassays for SPWL at 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, and 56 days after hatching (DAH) were conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed, and means were compared at using Bonferroni (Dunn) t-tests and orthogonal polynomial contrasts. Trypsin activity significantly increased at 35 DAH (, quadratic effect ), with peak chymotrypsin activity at 28 DAH (). Lipase activity showed both linear and quadratic increases (), and cellulase activity also increased significantly (, linear and quadratic terms ). Meanwhile, the A:T ratio increased significantly (, quadratic effect ) with age-related rises in these digestive enzyme activities. The highest crude protein content in SPWL was observed at 42 DAH (), with peak carbohydrate at 28 DAH (). Phenylalanine and histidine levels increased linearly (), while lysine and total essential amino acids peaked at 42 DAH (, linear and quadratic terms ). Levels of linoleic acid, total polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the n-6:n-3 ratio peaked at 49 DAH (). In vitro protein digestibility assays were performed using enzymes extracted from quails, broilers, Thai native chickens, and ducks. Significant increases in digestibility were attributed to SPWL protein content and age, particularly beyond 42 DAH (, linear and quadratic terms ), except with duck enzymes. In conclusion, these findings suggest that SPWL cultivation, particularly between 42 and 56 DAH, provides a potential alternative protein source with substantial nutritional benefits for poultry feed. The promise of SPWL to contribute to more sustainable and efficient poultry feeding practices is evident, and further in vivo studies are warranted to validate these results.
اللّسانيّات العرفانيّة ومقاربة الخطاب الأدبيّ
Authors: البوعمراني محمّد الصّالح
Published: October 2024

ملخّص

يطرح هذا البحث إشكاليّة العلاقة بين اللّسانيّات العرفانيّة والنّقد الأدبيّ العرفانيّ بمختلف تفريعاته، السّرديّات العرفانيّة والأسلوبيّة/ الشّعريّة العرفانيّة، ويثير جملة من القضايا التي تكشف عنها هذه العلاقة، من أهمّها كيف تُرحَّل المفاهيم اللّسانيّة من فضاء اللّسانيّات إلى فضاء الأدب؟ وما الذي يطرأ عليها من تحوّلات؟ وإلى أيِّ فروع المعرفة ينتمي النّقد الأدبيّ العرفانيّ أ إلى العلوم العرفانيّة أم إلى النّقد الأدبيّ؟ وما كان لنا أن ننظر في هذه العلاقة بإشكاليّاتها المختلفة دون تتبّع لمسارها وتحوّلاتها وللقضايا التي أثارتها في النّقد بدءًا بموضوع هذه “المناهج” وإشكاليّاتها الأساسيّة ووصولًا إلى آلياتها وممارساتها الإجرائيّة. وليس من مقاصد هذا البحث تقديم آليات المعالجة العرفانيّة للأدب، بل النّظر في فلسفة هذه العلاقة وما طرحته من قضايا وما أثارته من إشكاليّات لعلّنا بطرح هذه الإشكاليّات نتجاوز المزالق التي وقع فيها النّقد الأدبيّ العرفانيّ تنظيرًا وإجراءً.
Why Individuals Do Not Visit a Destination? The Role of Familiarity and Novelty Seeking in Shaping Non-visitors’ Destination Image
Authors: Stylidis Dimitrios , Terzidou Matina
Published: October 2024

Non-visitors constitute a large but underexplored market pool with strong potential for tourist destinations. Drawing on the mere exposure and motivation frameworks, this study explores image differences among two groups of non-visitors (i.e., uninterested, unable to visit), along with the underlying factors for such variations. Findings drawn from two studies suggest that the groups significantly differ in terms of their images, novelty, familiarity, and intentions toward a destination. For the uninterested group it is familiarity, along with cognitive and affective image that shape intentions; while novelty and familiarity are the key determinants of conative image for those who cannot visit. The study contributes to the tourism marketing literature by demonstrating clear differences on destination image and its determinants across the two groups of non-visitors. In practical terms, such knowledge proves prudent in cultivating a place’s novelty, familiarity and desirability, thereby increasing the possibility that more non-visitors turn into goers.
The Importance of Project Status for Career Success: A Network Perspective
Authors: Li Shihan , Krackhardt David , Niezink Nynke M. D.
Published: October 2024

Employees’ career trajectories in project-based organizations are closely associated with their project participation history. Yet, little is known about what features make a project stand out as a career booster for its participants and who obtains more career benefits than others from working on “hotshot” projects. In this study, we focus on a unique feature of projects—project status—and theorize about potential network-related sources from which it derives. Specifically, we develop arguments for how the pattern of a project’s social relations with other projects in the project network reflects the project’s status. Then, we deduce hypotheses regarding the impact of project status on employees’ career advancement and the moderating role of one’s hierarchical level in this relationship, drawing on the literature on status diffusion, endorsement, evaluative uncertainty, and attribution. Our empirical examinations entailed two studies. Study 1 provides evidence for the validity of using a network structural feature of a project to indicate its status using data from a high-tech company’s R&D projects. Study 2 tested our hypotheses by leveraging a sample of over 1,000 IT specialists in a multinational accounting firm tracked over five years. We found that employees assigned to higher-status projects received faster promotions. This career advantage was moderated by a person’s organizational hierarchical level in a complex way such that middle-level people obtained more rapid promotions when assigned to high-status projects than their bottom- or top-level counterparts.
A Comparison of European Union and Turkish Reports on the Statistics of Experimental Animal Use in Toxicity Testing
Authors: Sinmez Cagri Caglar , Yaşar Aşkın , van den Hoven Rene
Published: October 2024

The data on the number of animals used for experimental purposes, with a particular focus on regulatory toxicity studies, in Turkey and EU member states plus Norway (EU+), were compared for the period 2015 to 2020 (UK data after Brexit for 2020 were included too). The total number of listed vertebrates used for regulatory toxicity testing in the full 6-year reporting period in Turkey was 3.6% of that reported for the EU+. However, these numbers showed an increasing trend over the reporting period in Turkey, while the trend decreased in the EU+. In the top three most-used species for regulatory toxicology purposes in Turkey, 41% were fish (68,758 animals), followed by rats (29%; 49,975 animals), and then mice (20%; 33,292 animals). Turkey used low numbers of cats and dogs, while the corresponding number for the EU+ was more than 70-fold higher. Non-human primates were not used at all in Turkey, whereas about 34,000 were used in EU+ laboratories. The majority of toxicity tests (57%) performed in Turkey were categorised as ‘Other’ toxicity tests, and 27% were acute and sub-acute toxicity tests. Successful replacement alternatives (e.g. in vitro and in silico approaches) are already used in a wide range of research areas. However, although this new research and testing paradigm is underpinned by scientific evidence, the legislation and pace of acceptance of these new techniques in Turkey is considerably lagging behind other countries.