bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sibling stories of parental mental distress
Authors: O'Neill Wendy , Nel Pieter W. , Horley Nic , Nolte Lizette
Published: April 2024

This paper reports on the results of a study exploring sibling stories of parental mental distress and the societal discourses that may have contributed to the adult siblings' sense‐making. Four sibling pairs were purposively recruited and interviewed, using a narrative inquiry approach. Two main plots were constructed through analysis of the participants' narratives: ‘The story of us’ and ‘We are who we are because of what happened’. Results highlighted that the identity construction of each sibling and the collective identities of the sibling pairs are influenced by the parental mental health context. The findings also suggest a change in the siblings' meaning‐making from childhood to adulthood. These findings are considered along with the implications for systemic practice and research.
MOVEMENT TO COASTAL TOWNS IN TURKEY: Urban Rescaling, Local Deregulation and New Prospects for the Predatory Construction Sector
Authors: Demirtaş‐Milz Neslihan , Memişoğlu‐Gökbinar Dilek , Aktaş Derya , Ebe‐Güzgü Pinar
Published: April 2024

In Turkey, as in many Mediterranean countries, the Covid‐19 pandemic enhanced the mobility of the country's affluent classes to coastal towns. Many decided to settle there permanently, either by making their second homes their main residences, or by purchasing or renting new property. This has created severe social, infrastructural and environmental problems in these towns because of transformed demographics, a largely unregulated construction boom, increased renovation activities and an unprecedented rise in real‐estate and consumer‐goods prices. In this article we contextualize these problems in relation to the Justice and Development Party's neoliberal policies of urban governance and rescaling in the past 15 years. The government, having given the construction sector the main role in Turkey's economic development, subsequently granted it new spatial opportunities through the authoritarian and centralized allocation of urban and rural land. Coastal towns have been the target of unregulated urban growth and predatory construction in this process and have thus provided new spatial development prospects. Local governmental reform in 2012, which introduced radical urban rescaling and weakened district municipalities’ planning and regulation capacities, further intensified the process. These factors have had a severe impact on coastal towns and their middle‐income residents, who face new mobility pressures.
RACIAL INEQUITY IN GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND GENTRIFICATION: Challenging Compounded Environmental Racisms in the Green City
Authors: Lewartowska Emilia , Anguelovski Isabelle , Oscilowicz Emilia , Triguero‐Mas Margarita , Cole Helen , Shokry Galia , Pérez‐del‐Pulgar Carmen , Connolly James JT
Published: April 2024

This article explores the role that green gentrification plays in exacerbating racial tensions within historically marginalized urban communities benefiting from new environmental amenities such as parks, gardens, waterfront restoration and greenways. Building on extensive qualitative data from three cities in Europe (Amsterdam, Vienna, Lyon) and four cities in the United States (Washington, Austin, Atlanta, Cleveland), we use thematic analysis and grounded theory to examine the complex relationship between historical environmental and racial injustices and current racial green inequities produced by the green city agenda. Our analysis also offers insights into the main differences in how community members articulate concerns and demands over racial issues related to green gentrification in Europe versus North America. Results show that urban greening—and green gentrification specifically—can create ‘compounded environmental racisms’ by worsening racial environmental injustices and further perpetrating green racialized displacement, re‐segregation and exclusion. The latter is produced by the racial inequities embedded in green infrastructure projects and the related unequal access to environmental benefits, affordable housing, political rights and place‐making. Moreover, we find that settler colonial practices combined with persisting exposure to toxins and re‐segregation in the United States together with neocolonial spatial and social practices in Europe shape how racialized community members perceive and interact with new green amenities.
The impact of natural resources rent, renewable energy, and governance on the environmental sustainability—Evidence from resource‐rich countries
Authors: Shuayb Ayman Shuayb Sulayman , Dube Sindiso , Khalifa Wagdi , Deka Abraham , Kareem Ponle Henry , Cavusoglu Behiye
Published: April 2024

Natural resources are vital in alleviating the effects imposed by human activities on the environment. For this reason, the preservation and wise utilization of natural resources has been emphasized and some laws toward ensuring that natural resources are not wasted have been put in place. However, high rents on natural resources are not sustaining. By following the STIRPAT model, this research seeks to assess the role played by natural resources rent, the rule of law, and renewable energy in alleviating the damage caused to the environment by human activities. The present research furthers the growing body of literature on the topic, which constitutes its primary contribution. To attain this goal, the dataset of the top 10 natural resource‐rich African countries, for the time range 1990 to 2021 is used. The dynamic Cross‐sectional Autoregressive Distributive Lag (CS‐ARDL) which overcomes heterogeneity, cross‐sectional dependence (CD), and dynamics is used in the analysis of the research model. The Augmented Mean Group (AMG) and the dynamic Common Correlated Estimator Mean Group (CCEMG) methods are employed to check the robustness of CS‐ARDL results. The findings illustrate that economic growth, natural resources rent, and energy intensity promote environmental damage, while renewable energy (RE) and the rule of law lessen it. This research advocates for the reduction and stabilization of natural resources rent, extensive use of RE, and improvements in the rule of law to alleviate environmental damage.
Efficacy and safety of bexagliflozin compared with dapagliflozin as an adjunct to metformin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A 24‐week, randomized, double‐blind, active‐controlled, phase 3 trial
Authors: Xie Lingding , Han Jie , Cheng Zhifeng , Liu Dexue , Liu Jie , Xu Chunrong , Sun Wenli , Li Qingju , Bian Fang , Zhang Wei , Chen Jinyu , Zhu Qian , Thurber Tara K. , Lock J. Paul , Zhang Bo
Published: April 2024

Background

Bexagliflozin and dapagliflozin are sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. No direct comparison of SGLT2 inhibitors in a randomized controlled trial has been reported to date.

Methods

This was a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, active‐controlled trial comparing bexagliflozin to dapagliflozin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults with disease inadequately controlled by metformin. Subjects (n = 406) were randomized to receive bexagliflozin (20 mg) or dapagliflozin (10 mg) plus metformin. The primary endpoint was noninferiority of bexagliflozin to dapagliflozin for the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to week 24. Secondary endpoints included intergroup differences in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2‐h‐postprandial glucose (PPG), body weight, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) from baseline to week 24. The trial also evaluated the safety profiles.

Results

The model‐adjusted mean change from baseline to week 24 HbA1c was −1.08% for bexagliflozin and −1.10% for dapagliflozin. The intergroup difference of 0.03% (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.14% to 0.19%) was below the prespecified margin of 0.4%, confirming the noninferiority of bexagliflozin. The changes from baseline in FPG, PPG, body weight, and SBP were −1.95 mmol/L, −3.24 mmol/L, −2.52 kg, and −6.4 mm Hg in the bexagliflozin arm and −1.87 mmol/L, −3.07 mmol/L, −2.22 kg, and −6.3 mm Hg in the dapagliflozin arm. Adverse events were experienced in 62.6% and 65.0% and serious adverse events affected 4.4% and 3.5% of subjects in the bexagliflozin and dapagliflozin arm, respectively.

Conclusions

Bexagliflozin showed nearly identical effects and a similar safety profile to dapagliflozin when used in Chinese patients on metformin.

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Pedal medial arterial calcification in diabetic foot ulcers: A significant risk factor of amputation and mortality
Authors: Chen Lihong , Chen Dawei , Gong Hongping , Wang Chun , Gao Yun , Li Yan , Tang Weiwei , Zha Panpan , Ran Xingwu
Published: April 2024

Aims

Pedal medial arterial calcification (MAC) is frequently observed in individuals with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). However, the impact of pedal MAC on individuals with DFUs remains uncertain. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the association between pedal MAC with amputation and mortality outcomes.

Methods

A prospective, observational cohort study was conducted at West China Hospital from January 2012 to December 2021. Logistic regression analyses, Kaplan–Meier survival method, and Cox proportional hazards models were employed to evaluate the relationship between pedal MAC and amputation as well as mortality.

Results

A total of 979 patients were enrolled in the study. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) was observed in 53% of patients with DFUs, and pedal MAC was found in 8%. Over a median follow‐up of 46 (23–72) months, foot amputation was performed on 190 patients, and mortality occurred in 246 patients. Pedal MAC showed a significant association with amputation both in unadjusted analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 2.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.86–4.76, p < .001) and after adjusting sex, age, albumin levels, hemoglobin levels, and diabetic retinopathy status (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.33–3.93, p = .003). The risk of amputation was found to be twofold higher in individuals with PAD and pedal MAC compared to those with PAD alone (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.10–3.82, p = .024). Furthermore, the presence of pedal MAC was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality (p = .005), particularly among individuals with DFUs but without PAD (HR 4.26, 95% CI 1.90–9.52, p < .001), rather than in individuals presenting with both DFUs and PAD.

Conclusion

The presence of pedal MAC is significantly associated with both amputation and mortality in individuals with DFUs. Moreover, pedal MAC could provide additional value to predict amputation other than PAD.

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Single‐cell RNA sequencing reveals aberrant sphingolipid metabolism in non‐small cell lung cancer impacts tumor‐associated macrophages and stimulates angiogenesis via macrophage inhibitory factor signaling
Authors: Shen Luyan , Liu Jingtao , Hu Fengling , Fang Yifan , Wu Yaya , Zhao Wei , Ma Shaohua
Published: April 2024

Background

Sphingolipids not only serve as structural components for maintaining cell membrane fluidity but also function as bioactive molecules involved in cell signaling and the regulation of various biological processes. Their pivotal role in cancer cell development, encompassing cancer cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and metastasis, has been a focal point for decades. However, the contribution of sphingolipids to the complexity of tumor microenvironment promoting cancer progression has been rarely investigated.

Methods

Through the integration of publicly available bulk RNA‐seq and single‐cell RNA‐seq data, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to compare the transcriptomic features between tumors and adjacent normal tissues, thus elucidating the intricacies of the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Results

Disparities in sphingolipid metabolism (SLM)‐associated genes were observed between normal and cancerous tissues, with the TME characterized by the enrichment of sphingolipid signaling in macrophages. Cellular interaction analysis revealed robust communication between macrophages and cancer cells exhibiting low SLM, identifying the crucial ligand‐receptor pair, macrophage inhibitory factor (MIF)‐CD74. Pseudo‐time analysis unveiled the involvement of SLM in modulating macrophage polarization towards either M1 or M2 phenotypes. Categorizing macrophages into six subclusters based on gene expression patterns and function, the SPP1+ cluster, RGS1+ cluster, and CXCL10+ cluster were likely implicated in sphingolipid‐induced M2 macrophage polarization. Additionally, the CXCL10+, AGER+, and FABP4+ clusters were likely to be involved in angiogenesis through their interaction with endothelial cells.

Conclusion

Based on multiple scRNA‐seq datasets, we propose that a MIF‐targeted strategy could potentially impede the polarization from M1 to M2 and impair tumor angiogenesis in low‐SLM non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), demonstrating its potent antitumor efficacy.
A class of kth‐order dependence‐driven random coefficient mixed thinning integer‐valued autoregressive process to analyse epileptic seizure data and COVID‐19 data
Authors: Liu Xiufang , Wang Dehui , Chen Huaping , Zhao Lifang , Liu Liang
Published: April 2024

Data related to the counting of elements of variable character are frequently encountered in time series studies. This paper brings forward a new class of th‐order dependence‐driven random coefficient mixed thinning integer‐valued autoregressive time series model (DDRCMTINAR()) to deal with such data. Stationarity and ergodicity properties of the proposed model are derived in detail. The unknown parameters are estimated by conditional least squares, and modified quasi‐likelihood and asymptotic normality of the obtained parameter estimators is established. The performances of the adopted estimate methods are checked via simulations, which present that modified quasi‐likelihood estimators perform better than the conditional least squares considering the proportion of within‐ estimates in certain regions of the parameter space. The validity and practical utility of the model are investigated by epileptic seizure data and COVID‐19 data of suspected cases in China.
A bibliometric analysis of state‐owned enterprises’ governance and performance: Trends and perspectives in the field
Authors: Ciolomic Ioana Andreea , Beleiu Ioana Natalia , Nistor Razvan Liviu
Published: April 2024

In the context of recent reforms affecting the public sector, maximizing good governance and performance of state‐owned enterprises is a major challenge for governments. The aim of the study is to provide a systematic and holistic review of the literature related to corporate governance and performance of state‐owned enterprises, to highlight and clarify the evolutionary trajectory of the field. To achieve the research objective, 409 publications that mention the term state‐owned enterprises and performance, indexed in the Web of Science database between 1997 and 2022 were analyzed by applying multiple bibliometric analysis methods and content analysis. The citation and co‐citation analysis results offer an outline of the most influential articles and journals, and links between authors, and provides a thematic classification. Through keyword co‐occurrence analysis, the paper highlights the research trends in the literature concerning state‐owned enterprises and proposes future research directions.
Escape behavior lateralization of pointed‐belly frog (Leptodactylus podicipinus) (Anura, Leptodactylidae) in the southern Pantanal
Authors: Keuroghlian‐Eaton Sean , dos Santos Sousa Patrícia , Marrie Pinheiro Müller Márcia , Cavalheri Diego G. , Bolochio Bruna E. , Santana Diego José
Published: April 2024

Functional lateralization in directional preference for predator evasion was examined in 45 Pointed‐belly frogs (Leptodactylus podicipinus). T‐maze trials revealed a preference for rightward escape, though individual bias was minimal, at only 33%, to evade predictability. Sex and size didn't influence escape decisions, aligning with predator avoidance strategies.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
A meta‐analysis of creativity training in organizational settings
Authors: McKay Alexander S. , Reiter‐Palmon Roni , Coombes Susan M. T. , Coombs Joseph E.
Published: April 2024

Creativity training involves instruction to improve learners' capability related to the generation of new and useful ideas. Although prior meta‐analyses have examined training's effectiveness, the studies included are almost solely with children or many organizational samples are excluded. Authors of notable reviews on creativity in organizational settings have noted that they were unable to find adequately conducted and reported studies using genuine intervention designs at the individual, team, or organizational level, raising the question: is creativity training research in organizational settings lacking rigor, visibility, or just lacking? In this meta‐analysis, we examine creativity training effectiveness using Kirkpatrick's four levels of evaluation (reactions, learning, behavior, results) and moderators reflecting study rigor and training delivery/content. Results indicate that training is effective overall (g = 0.68) and for learning outcomes (g = 0.73). However, effects are nonsignificant for on‐the‐job behavior/transfer outcomes (g = 0.34). All moderator analyses were nonsignificant except for timing of outcome evaluation. Studies with a delayed assessment showed a significantly smaller training effect (g = 0.40) than did studies with an immediate assessment (g = 0.86). These results indicate that rigorous creativity training research in organizational settings with behavioral outcomes measured after a delay is lacking. We discuss implications for future research and practical implications for creativity training.
Putting weight‐related conversations into practice: Lessons learned from implementing a knowledge translation casebook in a disability context
Authors: Provvidenza Christine F. , Bonder Revi , McPherson Amy C.
Published: April 2024

Background

Due to reported challenges experienced by healthcare providers (HCPs) when having weight‐related conversations with children with disabilities and their families, a knowledge translation (KT) casebook was developed, providing key communication principles with supportive resources. Our aim was to explore how the KT casebook could be implemented into a disability context. Study objectives were to develop and integrate needs‐based implementation supports to help foster the uptake of the KT casebook communication principles.

Methods

A sample of nurses, physicians, occupational therapists and physical therapists were recruited from a Canadian paediatric rehabilitation hospital. Informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework, group interviews were conducted with participants to understand barriers to having weight‐related conversations in their context. Implementation strategies were developed to deliver the KT casebook content that addressed these identified barriers, which included an education workshop, simulations, printed materials, and a huddle and email strategy. Participant experiences with the implementation supports were captured through workshop evaluations, pre‐post surveys and qualitative interviews. Post‐implementation interviews were analysed using descriptive content analysis.

Results

Ten HCPs implemented the KT casebook principles over 6 months. Participants reported that the workshop provided a clear understanding of the KT casebook content. While HCPs appreciated the breadth of the KT casebook, they found the abbreviated printed educational materials more convenient. Strategies developed to address participants' need for a sense of community and opportunities to learn from each other did not achieve their aim. Increased confidence in integrating the KT casebook principles into practice was not demonstrated, due, in part, to having few opportunities to practice. This was partly because of the increase in competing clinical demands at the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Conclusions

Despite positive feedback on the product itself, changes in the organisational and environmental context limited the success of the implementation plan. Monitoring and adapting implementation processes in response to unanticipated changes is critical to the success of implementation efforts.
Non‐scheduled short‐acting opioid to taper off opioids?
Authors: Liu Renyu , Milas Bonnie , Grothusen John
Published: April 2024

This commentary discusses the issues related to the current pharmacotherapy using super long‐acting opioids (for the potential convenience for both patients and medical providers) for opioid addiction and argues for the potential to use a non‐scheduled short‐acting opioid to taper off opioids to reduce total number of patients on opioids and ultimately reduce opioid‐related death. This article also proposes to develop short‐acting opioids for addiction management instead of the current long‐acting regimen. The authors further suggest that dezocine, a previously FDA approved medication for perioperative pain management and a non‐scheduled opioid, be brought back to clinical practice in the US as a potential alternative addiction management medication, especially for those who are highly motivated to quit opioids completely using a taper off strategy.
The earlier couples first discussed finances, the better? A dyadic, longitudinal replication and extension
Authors: Saxey Matthew T. , LeBaron‐Black Ashley B. , Inman Naomi F. , Yorgason Jeremy B. , Holmes Erin K.
Published: April 2024

Objective

We examined associations among couples' first financial discussion, healthy financial communication, marital satisfaction, and financial disagreements with cross‐sectional and longitudinal dyadic data.

Background

Prior research on these associations has only used cross‐sectional data from one respondent.

Method

We used actor–partner interdependent structural equation modeling with a sample of 1,079 mixed‐gender, newlywed dyads to estimate cross‐sectional and longitudinal models.

Results

Cross‐sectionally, both husbands' and wives' reports of their first financial discussion predicted better marital satisfaction and fewer financial disagreements through their own report of healthy financial communication. Longitudinally, only husbands' report of the couple's first financial discussion positively predicted between‐person changes in both husbands' and wives' marital satisfaction two waves later. Additionally, whereas husbands' healthy financial communication predicted changes in their own marital satisfaction, financial disagreements, and wives' financial disagreements over time, wives' healthy financial communication only predicted changes in their own perception of financial disagreements.

Conclusion

Future relational and financial outcomes for mixed‐gender newlyweds appear to benefit from an earlier first financial discussion in their relationship.

Implications

Therapists and educators should focus on the timing and quality of couples' financial communication to help couples mitigate financial disagreements and improve marital satisfaction.
Spatial variation in grassland vegetation and herbage mass in the Ejina oasis along the Heihe River in the southern Gobi Desert, China
Authors: Shiyomi Masae , Chen Jun , Yamamura Yasuo , Hori Yoshimichi
Published: April 2024

Our study area, Ejina, is located in the southern Gobi Desert, Inner Mongolia, China, where the annual precipitation is <50 mm and the annual potential evaporation is >3,600 mm. The Heihe River flows from the Qilian Range through the study area, and the desert landscape along the river includes oases formed by forests and grasslands. We established a survey area of approximately 1.5 ha in grassland facing a seasonal swamp, a branch of the Heihe River. We posed the following questions in this desert grassland: (1) how do soil water content (SWC) and salinity change with distance from the riverbank? (2) How do vegetation, aboveground biomass, and species richness change with distance from the riverbank? (3) How much can be supplied to grazing animals, and how many animals can be grazed? Our results indicated that (1) the SWC is high within 20 m of the riverbank and low beyond 20 m, the standing biomass is positively correlated with SWC, but there was no evidence of a correlation between salinity and distance to water; the electrical conductivity was high both inland and adjacent to the riparian swamp. (2) Vegetation could be classified to six classes, following a gradient from the riverbank (swamp margin) to the dry inland area beyond 20 m from the riverbank. Species richness and aboveground biomass were highly correlated. Classification result led us to recommend that generalist species tolerant of the distinct moisture gradient in the site be used in restoration efforts. (3) Per‐hectare aboveground biomass was 478.93 dry weight (dw) kg, 321.2 ha of equivalent grassland would be required to graze 100 goats annually.
INTERTEMPORAL CONSUMPTION WITH ANTICIPATING, REMEMBERING, AND EXPERIENCING SELVES
Authors: Cosaert Sam , Potoms Tom
Published: April 2024

We study intertemporal choice through a novel and flexible framework that accounts for savoring of future consumption and memories of past consumption. The model uses standard intertemporal budget constraints but enriches preference structures with utility from anticipation, remembering, and experience. We also present an internal commitment mechanism that ensures dynamic consistency. We provide a revealed preference characterization of this model and apply it to quarterly consumption data from Spanish households. Utility from anticipation is important—and time inconsistency not strictly needed—to rationalize consumption patterns in the data.
Effect of fat on physicochemical, rheological, textural and sensory properties of Ricotta cheese spreads
Authors: Gautam Avinash Chandra , Goel Nitika , Nagarajappa Veena , Singh Pranav Kumar , Yadav Deep Narayan
Published: April 2024

The effect of different fat contents of milk and cheese whey mixture (20:80) on physicochemical, rheological and sensory properties of Ricotta cheese spread (RCS) was evaluated. Four types of product such as no‐fat milk (NFM)‐RCS, low‐fat milk (LFM)‐RCS, medium‐fat milk (MFM)‐RCS and full‐fat milk (FFM)‐RCS were prepared from Ricotta cheese curd added with salt (1.5%) and guar gum (0.4%). The NFM‐RCS had higher (P < 0.05) protein, ash, acidity, dynamic modulus (G' and G"), critical stress, firmness, work of shear, stickiness, work of adhesion values and lower fat, and pH, L*, a*, b* values when compared with LFM‐, MFM‐ and FFM‐RCS. Except spreadability, highest sensory scores for all other attributes were found in MFM‐RCS when compared with other experimental samples. This study indicated that increase in fat content or decrease in protein content of RCS samples produced lower viscoelastic modulus values, firmness, stickiness, adhesiveness and higher spreadability, yield, solids recovery and highly acceptable sensory characteristics.
Fish myofibrillar protein glycated with uronic acid‐type reducing sugar via Maillard reaction attenuates toll‐like receptor 4 signalling pathway activation and suppresses lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages
Authors: Li Wenzhao , Saeki Hiroki , Yang Boxue , Shimizu Yutaka , Joe Ga‐Hyun
Published: April 2024

Our previous study found that glycation with uronic acid‐type reducing sugar enhanced the anti‐inflammatory effect of fish myofibrillar protein (Mf) via the Maillard reaction, and the molecular mechanism of enhanced anti‐inflammatory effect was investigated in this study. Mf was glycated with various reducing sugars at 60 °C and 35% relative humidity. After pepsin‐trypsin digestion, the anti‐inflammatory effects were evaluated by assessing secretions of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and expressions of LPS‐stimulated signalling pathway‐related genes in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Mf glycated with uronic acid‐type reducing sugars: glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid and alginate oligosaccharide, suppressed expression of cd14 and further suppressed expressions of tlr4 and myd88 comparing with intact and glycated Mf with glucose and galactose. Furthermore, uronic acid‐glycated Mf significantly suppressed expressions and secretions of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. The results indicate that uronic acid‐type glycation enhances anti‐inflammatory effect of Mf by attenuating expression of cd14 and enhancing the Mf‐induced suppression in TLR4‐MyD88‐dependent inflammatory signalling pathway.
Efficient extraction methods and callus culture of quercetin from Indian white radish: yield analysis via HPLC quantification and assessment of cytotoxic activity
Authors: Balasubramanian Muthusamy , Kumaraguru Gowtham , Girija Shanmugam
Published: April 2024

Indian white radish Co. 1 (Raphanus sativus L.) contains medicinal quercetin, and its commercial value supports large‐scale quercetin isolation. Various extraction methods, including ultra‐assisted extraction (UAE), maceration extraction (ME), Soxhlet extraction (SE), conventional extraction (CSE) and serial maceration extraction (SME), were employed to extract quercetin from radish leaf sections. RP‐HPLC‐optimising key experimental parameters yielded a linear response for the individual target compounds in the concentration range, with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 2.2 μg mL−1 (r2 = 0.9995), a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.2 μg per 1.0 g of crushed leaves and repeatability within the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.23–0.37%. For in vitro callus cultures, 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D), 6‐benzylaminopurine (BAP) and zeatin were used for callus induction from in vitro leaf segments of radish. MS medium enriched with 2,4‐D (0.5 mg) induced the highest percentage of callus at 4 weeks. Among the extraction methods, the SME method yielded the highest recovery of quercetin (96.9%; 1.92 mg g−1 DW), phenolic (26.07 mg g−1 DW) and flavonoid (34.03 mg g−1 DW), compared to other methods and solvents. The callus extract included 0.5 mg of 2,4‐D, 32.07 mg of phenolic, 42.03 mg of flavonoid and 6.46 mg of quercetin. The presence of phytocompounds and quercetin was confirmed by GC–MS/MS and RP‐HPLC. The isolated quercetin (57.9 μg) also showed lethal effects on HT‐29 human colon cancer cells. This method may be effective for evaluating quercetin in radish extracts.
Effects of glycation reactions on the structure and immunological properties of sesame proteins
Authors: Hu Fengxin , Yu Ning , Kang Wenhan , Qin Yufei , Li Yang , Zhang Jiukai , Chen Ying
Published: April 2024

Sesame has been included in the top eight food allergens, and therefore reduction of sesame allergen potency is of great practical significance. Glycation reactions are extensively researched for their role in regulating the allergic properties of food allergens due to their distinct benefits. This study involved the glycation of sesame proteins with three different reducing sugars to generate reaction products. The structure of the reaction products was characterized by the use of spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques. The impact of glycation on the allergenic properties of sesame proteins was explored by in vitro simulated digestion tests combined with immunological techniques. The study results indicated that all three reducing sugars underwent glycation with sesame proteins, with D‐ribose showing the most significant level of glycation. During the glycation reaction of sesame proteins in this study, the proteins underwent precipitation as well as structural changes, leading to reduced immunoglobulin G (IgG) binding capacity. Glycation alters the digestive stability of sesame proteins and further reduces the ability to bind to IgG. Overall, glycation modification shows promise in decreasing the allergenicity of sesame.
Improving the density functional theory prediction accuracy for elastic moduli and thermal expansion of MoAlB, Fe2AlB2, and Mn2AlB2
Authors: Qin Kebin , Qi Xinxin , Gao Jin , He Xiaodong , Yin Hang , Yin Weilong , Song Guangping , Zheng Yongting , Bai Yuelei
Published: April 2024

The elastic moduli and thermal expansion of MoAlB, Fe2AlB2, and Mn2AlB2 are investigated by first‐principles calculations, in particular to improve the density functional theory (DFT) prediction accuracy after clarifying the critical role of their lattice constants. By calculating the lattice constants and elastic moduli using the typical exchange‐correlation functionals, the observed positive correlation between the calculation errors of elastic moduli and those of cell volumes suggests a method to significantly improve the calculation accuracy for elastic moduli using the experimental cell volume to correct the input model (volume correction method), resulting in satisfactory results. Furthermore, a two‐step strategy is proposed for the precise high‐temperature elastic moduli with the help of quasi‐harmonic approximation for the most accurate high‐temperature cell volume using an exchange‐correlation functional in the first step, and another one used in the volume correction method in the second step. Similarly, the calculation accuracy of thermal expansion also heavily depends on that of cell volumes and configurations, where their thermal expansion is estimated with great accuracy by using the exchange‐correlation functional that well reproduces the lattice constants.
Impact of Quaternary Amazonian river dynamics on the diversification of uakari monkeys (genus Cacajao)
Authors: Silva Felipe Ennes , Luna Leilton Willians , Batista Romina , Röhe Fabio , Gubili Chrysoula , Farias Izeni P. , Hrbek Tomas , Valsecchi João , Ribas Camila C. , McDevitt Allan D. , Dellicour Simon , Flot Jean‐François , Boubli Jean P.
Published: April 2024

Aim

The central and western Amazonia underwent several landscape changes during the Quaternary. Whereas the Riverine Barrier Hypothesis is traditionally used to explain the influence of rivers on speciation, processes such as river rearrangements have been overlooked to explain the geographic distribution and evolutionary history of Amazonia biota. Here, we tested how river rearrangements influenced the evolutionary history of uakari monkeys, genus Cacajao, a primate genus primarily associated with seasonally flooded forests in central and western Amazonia.

Location

Central and Western Amazonia.

Taxon

The genus Cacajao, including the black uakaris (C. melanocephalus, C. ayresi, C. hosomi); and the bald‐headed uakaris (C. calvus, C. amuna, C. rubicundus, C. ucayalii, C. novaesi).

Methods

We performed a continuous phylogeographic analysis using 77 cytochrome b sequences to identify the origin and dispersal of Cacajao lineages. We used genome‐wide SNP variation (ddRADseq) to investigate population structure, gene flow and demographic history in Cacajao populations and used digital elevation models to identify landscape and riverscape characteristics that may have influenced the geographic distribution of Cacajao.

Results

Our continuous phylogeographic reconstruction pointed out that the ancestral Cacajao lineage occupied the flooded forests of the Solimões River, in central Amazonia, at ~1.7 Mya and descendant lineages dispersed throughout central and western Amazonia more recently. We identified gene flow in both black and bald‐headed uakari populations, even across rivers considered barriers (e.g. the Negro River). Landscape analysis showed that river rearrangements influenced the geographic distribution and population structure in Cacajao. Historical demographic analyses suggest varied scenarios of population size changes among Cacajao monkeys consistent with periods of intense dynamism in flooded habitats and the formation of non‐flooded upland forests.

Main Conclusion

Our results support that the river rearrangements have shaped the geographic distribution and divergence of recently diverged Cacajao lineages. Landscape and riverscape changes, along with retractions of the flooded forests, isolated some Cacajao populations in floodplain areas. Our study also suggests that these events led to the recent changes in demographic histories in species with a restricted geographic distribution.
Collective Memory and the Stalling of European Integration: Generational Dynamics and the Crisis of European Leadership
Authors: Verovšek Peter J.
Published: April 2024

The project of European integration has been battered by repeated crises since the turn of the second millennium. However, in contrast to earlier periods in its history, when it responded to difficulties by adding new competencies to its repertoire of powers, since 2000, the deepening of integration has stalled. This article addresses why this is happening – and why this is happening now, 70 years after the foundation of the European Communities – using the paradigm of collective memory. More specifically, I argue that generational dynamics are crucial for understanding development of European integration. I identify and analyse the memories of three cohorts of leaders: the ‘founders’ of the 1950s, the ‘deepeners’ of the 1980s and 1990s and the current generation of ‘sceptics’. Based on this analysis, I conclude that debates about the European Union's (EU's) finalité politique should be set aside until a younger, more pro‐European cohort of leaders has come to power.
Can Telenomus remus and Trichogramma foersteri be used in combination against the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda?
Authors: Sampaio Fábio , Marchioro Cesar A. , Foerster Luís A.
Published: April 2024

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), poses a global threat to agriculture, causing significant economic losses in numerous cash crops. Various control methods, including chemical insecticides, have proven insufficient against S. frugiperda, leading to a demand for alternative strategies, such as biological control. In this context, laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the parasitism of Trichogramma foersteri (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) and Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) on egg masses of S. frugiperda with one and two layers. Additionally, the potential synergistic use of both species against the fall armyworm were assessed. Although both species parasitized single and double‐layered egg masses of S. frugiperda, Te. remus showed higher parasitism compared to T. foersteri. The parasitism of Te. remus was not affected by the competition with T. foersteri. Conversely, an increase in parasitism of T. foersteri was observed due to competition with Te. remus, especially when both species had simultaneous access to S. frugiperda egg masses. The total number of parasitized eggs was significantly higher when Te. remus was allowed to parasitize first, and when both parasitoids had simultaneous access to the egg masses. These results are crucial for the development of biological control programs using T. foersteri and Te. remus, as they indicate that both parasitoids could be used, either individually or in combination, against S. frugiperda.
A survey regarding the role of UK dietitians in spiritual care
Authors: Lycett Deborah , Garvey Stephen , Patel Riya
Published: April 2024

Background

Users of dietetic services have unmet spiritual needs, although no study has yet explored dietitians' opinion, perceptions or experience of assessing spiritual needs and delivering spiritual care in clinical practice.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey assessed the role of UK dietitians in spiritual care.

Results

Thirty‐seven practicing dietitians, with experience ranging from newly qualified to over 21 years of practice, took part in the survey containing open and closed questions. Almost half (49%) of dietitians said they always conducted spiritual assessments and most (57%) said they sometimes made a referral for spiritual concerns. When spiritual issues arose, dietitians were highly likely to listen well (score 4.6 out of 5) and encourage service users in their own (the service user) spiritual or religious practices (score 4 out of 5). However, the likelihood of taking the initiative and enquiring about religious and spiritual issues was lower (score <3 out of 5) in all areas of practice including end of life care. This may have been because confidence around spiritual care was also low (score 4.7 out of 10), uncertainty was high (score >3.5 out of 5) and there was a strong desire to receive training (>4 out of 5). Qualitative responses expanded further on these results suggesting that there was positive “intention” to provide spiritual care, but lack of training was a significant barrier (qualitative theme: “inadequacies”). The recognition of necessity but uncertainty of how to meet spiritual needs was also shown through qualitative findings to be a source of “emotional labour”, particularly where there were conflicting beliefs between a dietitian and service user.

Conclusions

Although limited by a small sample size, these results provide new knowledge that spiritual care is considered an important part of the dietitians' role and that this is the case regardless of the dietitians own spiritual identity or religion. Dietitians would value training in spiritual care so that they can support service user needs more readily and confidently.
The prolactin receptor: A cross‐species comparison of gene structure, transcriptional regulation, tissue‐specificity, and genetic variation
Authors: Banks Carmen M. , Trott Josephine F. , Hovey Russell C.
Published: April 2024

The conserved and multifaceted functions of prolactin (PRL) are coordinated through varied distribution and expression of its cell‐surface receptor (PRLR) across a range of tissues and physiological states. The resultant heterogeneous expression of PRLR mRNA and protein across different organs and cell types supports a wide range of PRL‐regulated processes including reproduction, lactation, development, and homeostasis. Genetic variation within the PRLR gene also accounts for several phenotypes impacting agricultural production and human pathology. The goal of this review is to highlight the many elements that control differential expression of the PRLR across tissues, and the various phenotypes that exist across species due to variation in the PRLR gene.
Resurfacing of atrophic facial acne scars with a multimodality CO2 and 1570 nm laser system
Authors: García Pablo Naranjo , Andrino Rodolfo Lopez
Published: April 2024

Background

Scarring is one of the most prevalent long‐term complications of acne vulgaris and has cosmetic, psychological, and social burdens. Contemporary management programs integrate multiple modalities to best address the multiple factors underlying their development and persistence. This work assessed the impact of sequential multimodal laser therapy on acne scar geometrics and texture.

Methods

Adult patients (n = 16) with Fitzpatrick skin type II–IV and presenting with facial acne scars, underwent three combination ablative (CO2), and nonablative (1570 nm) laser treatment sessions at two‐month intervals. Treatment was delivered using a ProScan Hybrid applicator, with each regimen including illumination with both ablative and a nonablative lasers applied in a grid mode sequence. Scar microtopography was assessed at baseline and 6 months after the last treatment session.

Results

At baseline, all patients had both box and rolling scars, while only three had icepick scars. Six months following treatment, mean scar volume improved from 5.7 ± 5.2 mm3 at baseline to 3.1 ± 3.0 mm3 and mean affected area improved from 165.6 ± 134.0 mm2 94.0 ± 80.1 mm2, translating to 47.0 ± 7.9% and 43.2 ± 8.6% reductions from baseline, respectively. Patients were highly satisfied with treatment outcomes, and no serious adverse reactions were documented during the course of treatment or follow‐up.

Conclusion

Multimodal CO2 and 1570‐nm laser treatment improved the surface profilometry of patients with atrophic facial acne scars. Customization of both treatment intervals and laser settings to cosmetic regions, scar profiles and skin phototypes may further enhance treatment outcomes and expand its applicability to additional skin deformities.
Effectiveness of an articulating laparoscopic needle holder for cesarean scar defect repair
Authors: Nobuta Yuri , Tsuji Shunichiro , Nakamura Akiko , Yoneoka Yutaka , Ogawa Chiemi , Amano Tsukuru , Murakami Takashi
Published: April 2024

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of an articulating laparoscopic needle holder in laparoscopic surgery for cesarean scar defect.

Methods

We performed a retrospective case–control study at the Shiga University of Medical Science. Patients who underwent laparoscopic uterine scar repair were divided into an articulating laparoscopic needle holder (ArtiSential®) group and a rigid needle holder (conventional) group to compare the suture and total operative times. Uterine myometrial suturing involves a double‐layer interrupted suture, including a modified Gambee suture for the first layer. We measured the residual myometrial thickness using magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively.

Results

Both groups comprised 10 patients each. The time per stitch for the first and second layers was significantly shorter in the ArtiSential group than in the conventional group (median 208 s vs. 403 s, p < 0.0001 and median 17 s vs. 29 s; p < 0.0001, respectively). The total operating time was significantly shorter in the ArtiSential group (mean 188 min vs. 240 min, p = 0.0015). The postoperative residual myometrial thickness (mean 9.1 mm in the ArtiSential group and 9.6 mm in the conventional group) was significantly higher than the preoperative residual myometrial thickness (mean 1.6 mm in the ArtiSential group and 1.6 mm in the conventional group) (p < 0.0001 in both groups).

Conclusions

An articulating needle holder is useful in laparoscopic surgery for cesarean scar defect, especially when a modified Gambee suture is required.
Experimental warming and nitrogen deposition in clear‐cuts and forest edges: Assessing impacts on plant communities and tree seedling performance
Authors: Super Laura , Guy Robert D.
Published: April 2024

Questions

Do nitrogen deposition and climate warming affect tree seedlings and plant communities in different habitats? In these habitats, how do microenvironments, including soil properties and, when applicable, edge effects relate to plant performance?

Location

The University of British Columbia Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada.

Methods

We assessed performance of Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don and Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. planted tree seedlings and associated vascular plant communities. Performance of tree seedlings (height) and under vascular plant communities (percent cover) were examined in an experiment with warming (open‐top chambers) and nitrogen deposition (ammonium nitrate applied at 10 kg N ha−1 year−1) treatments applied to subplots in six forest edges and six clear‐cuts (N = 298 total subplots).

Results

In clear‐cuts, tree seedling height increased with experimental warming and differed among species, and vascular plant cover increased with warming. In clear‐cuts, species identity, not soil variables, was a strong predictor of height, and plant cover was negatively related to pH. In forest edges, edge position and some soil variables were related to height, but not plant cover. There were no interaction effects found between experimental nitrogen deposition and warming.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that moderate warming can enhance tree seedling height and understorey vascular plant cover in clear‐cuts in Pacific Northwest coastal ecosystems, but low nitrogen deposition may not have an effect alone or synergistically with warming.