bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Genetic Loci Determining Grain Yield Under Drought Stress in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Thomas Helan Baby , Verulkar Satish , Agarwal Toshi , Saxena Ritu , Verma Sunil Kumar
Published: August 2024

Identifying the genomic regions (quantitative trait loci (QTL)) significantly linked to grain yield under drought stress could expedite the development of novel rice cultivars suited for rainfed areas through marker‐assisted breeding. This study identified QTL regions linked to plant phenology and production traits by evaluating 122 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of Danteshwari × Daggaddeshi under different environmental conditions. A consistent QTL region associated with grain yield under water stress (60.4 Mbp) was mapped on chromosome 1 between RM428 and RM24 with an LOD score of 4.0. Another QTL region (9.4 Mbp) linked to plant height under all environmental conditions was mapped on chromosome 1 between RM1‐HvSSR1‐87 with a LOD score of 7.5 and phenotypic variance of 25%. A core set of 402 diverse rice accessions was also evaluated under water stress conditions and subjected to genome‐wide association analysis. Twelve markers linked to grain yield under drought were identified, out of which five were significantly associated with grain yield and days to flowering under drought. The markers linked to grain yield were compared between the bi‐parental population and germplasm accessions to identify the common markers. Three markers (RM1, RM259 and RM201) were found to be consistently linked to drought stress across the seasons in both bi‐parental population and germplasm accessions studied and could be potential candidates for application in marker‐assisted selection for improving grain yield under drought stress in rice.
Microstructure, fracture behavior, and wear resistance of cellular Ti(C,N)‐based cermets
Authors: Jiang Zhiyi , Zheng Yong , Xu Xiangyu , Li Bo , Yang Min , Wu Hao , Zhao Yijie , Lu Xuepeng
Published: August 2024

Herein, using pre‐granulation method and subsequent vacuum sintering, cellular Ti(C,N)‐based cermets with various particle sizes of hard phase in agglomerates were prepared. As the particle sizes of added Ti(C,N) powders decreased, the interface between the matrix and agglomerates developed into clear and the number of abnormally grown grains decreased. The original shape of the agglomerates was maintained most completely and formed the most obvious cellular structure with the matrix in cermets sintered at 1420°C. Combined with the fractal dimension, the fracture behavior of cellular cermets was comprehensively analyzed to confirm the changes of mechanical properties. From cermet A to cermet D, the proportion of transgranular fracture in the matrix reduced, and intergranular fracture and tearing ridge within the agglomerates could be more clearly observed. Crack propagation exhibited additional crack deflection and bridging close to the interface, which consumed considerable amount of fracture energy. Furthermore, the fractal dimension of the fracture morphology and crack propagation path of cermet C reached a maximum indicating that the fracture behavior was extremely complex and irregular, resulting in excellent strength and toughness. The wear behaviors of cermets were analyzed at both room and high temperature, respectively. The wear rates of cellular cermets greatly reduced because the binder phase with large mean free path in the agglomerates was difficult to be squeezed out and the hard phase was hard to fall off. Overall, the cellular cermet C demonstrated the appreciably comprehensive mechanical properties and excellent wear resistance.
Primary aldosteronism with postoperative elevation of aldosterone treated effectively by finerenone: A case report
Authors: Yu Cai‐Guo , Cao Bin , Gong Hao‐Lin , Ke Jing , Xian Shao‐Zhong , Wu Nan‐Nan , Zhao Dong
Published: August 2024

The authors report a case of primary aldosteronism (PA) with postoperative elevation of aldosterone treated effectively by finerenone. The patient was a hypertensive man with a 30‐year history of hypertension and sustained an acute myocardial infarction 5 years ago. Bilateral adrenal nodules with hyperplasia were detected and PA was confirmed. His blood potassium, direct renin concentration, and aldosterone level returned to normal after surgery of right adrenalectomy. However, 1 year after surgery, he experienced a decrease in blood potassium and an increase in aldosterone. A saline infusion test revealed an aldosterone level of 124.47 pg/mL. The patient consented to treatment with finerenone. His aldosterone and potassium levels and blood pressure have been controlled well during follow‐up. This case highlights the need to screen for secondary hypertension as early as possible. Finerenone may be effective for patients with PA who are not candidates for surgery and those not relieved after surgery.
Tea‐derived exosome‐like nanoparticles prevent irritable bowel syndrome induced by water avoidance stress in rat model
Authors: Gong Qianyuan , Xiong Feng , Zheng Yaxian , Guo Yuanbiao
Published: August 2024

Background and Aim

Exosome‐like nanoparticles (ELNs) have emerged as crucial mediators of intercellular communication, evaluated as potential bioactive nutraceutical biomolecules. We hypothesized that oral ELNs have some therapeutic effect on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods

In our study, ELNs from tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves were extracted by differential centrifugation. We investigated the role of ELNs by assessing visceral hypersensitivity, body weight, bowel habits, tight junctions, and corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) in rats subjected to water avoidance stress (WAS) to mimic IBS with and without ELNs (1 mg/kg per day) for 10 days.

Results

The average diameter of ELNs from LCC, FD and MZ tea tree were 165 ± 107, 168 ± 94, and 168 ± 108 nm, the concentration of ELNs were 1.2 × 1013, 1 × 1013, and 1.5 × 1013 particles/mL, respectively. ELNs can be taken up by intestinal epithelial cells. In WAS rats, ELNs significantly restored weight, recovered tight junctions, decreased CRH, and CRH receptor 1 expression levels and inhibited abdominal hypersensitivity in comparison to positive control.

Conclusions

Oral tea‐derived ELN improves symptoms of IBS by potentially modulating the CRH pathway.
Forward genetic screen of the C. elegans million mutation library reveals essential, cell‐autonomous contributions of BBSome proteins to dopamine signaling
Authors: Refai Osama , Rodriguez Peter , Gichi Zayna , Blakely Randy D.
Published: August 2024

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is well known for its ability to support forward genetic screens to identify molecules involved in neuronal viability and signaling. The proteins involved in C. elegans dopamine (DA) regulation are highly conserved across evolution, with prior work demonstrating that the model can serve as an efficient platform to identify novel genes involved in disease‐associated processes. To identify novel players in DA signaling, we took advantage of a recently developed library of pre‐sequenced mutant nematodes arising from the million mutation project (MMP) to identify strains that display the DA‐dependent swimming‐induced‐paralysis phenotype (Swip). Our screen identified novel mutations in the dopamine transporter encoding gene dat‐1, whose loss was previously used to identify the Swip phenotype, as well as multiple genes with previously unknown connections to DA signaling. Here, we present our isolation and characterization of one of these genes, bbs‐1, previously linked to the function of primary cilia in worms and higher organisms, including humans, and where loss‐of‐function mutations result in a human disorder known as Bardet–Biedl syndrome. Our studies of C. elegans BBS‐1 protein, as well as other proteins that are known to be assembled into a higher order complex (the BBSome) reveal that functional or structural disruption of this complex leads to exaggerated C. elegans DA signaling to produce Swip via a cell‐autonomous mechanism. We provide evidence that not only does the proper function of cilia in C. elegans DA neurons support normal swimming behavior, but also that bbs‐1 maintains normal levels of DAT‐1 trafficking or function via a RHO‐1 and SWIP‐13/MAPK‐15 dependent pathway where mutants may contribute to Swip independent of altered ciliary function. Together, these studies demonstrate novel contributors to DA neuron function in the worm and demonstrate the utility and efficiency of forward genetic screens using the MMP library.

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Effectiveness of spaced education pedagogy in enhancing Nurses' knowledge on emotional resilience—A quasi‐experimental trial
Authors: Lim Siew Hoon , Ang Shin Yuh , Lim Yann Yu Amber , Leow Wen Xin Beverly , Binte Sunari Raden Nurheryany , Foo Xiangying Angelina , Aloweni Fazila
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Building resilience among nurses has been postulated as one of the key strategies to support nurses and retain them in the profession. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, of spaced education pedagogy in enhancing Nurses' knowledge on emotional resilience. Secondary objectives include evaluation of the usability and acceptability of delivery of the training via a mobile application in one's own mobile device.

Design

A quasi‐experimental study with single group pre‐test and post‐test trial was conducted.

Methods

Full‐time registered nurses working in an acute care hospital were invited to participate from June 2021 to June 2022. The group used the mobile application daily for 1 month. Pre‐test measurement includes socio‐demographic data and baseline resilience level before the intervention. Post‐test measurement includes resilience level, usability and acceptability of mobile‐assisted cognitive‐behavioral therapy measured upon completion of the training. The mobile application enabled the delivery of resilience educational content in small quantities through a repeating manner, with a concurrent evaluation of learner's understanding.

Results

When compared to their baseline (mean = 24.38, SD = 5.50), participants reported significant increase in the Connor‐Davison Resilience Scale score (mean = 26.33, SD = 5.57) (t = −4.40, p < 0.001). Upon 1 month usage of the mobile application, a higher percentage of the participants reported intermediate to high level of resilience (57.4%), as compared to prior usage (54.7%). Respondents reported knowledge of most useful strategies for their daily lives including: (i) managing negative emotions (54.1%); (ii) psychoeducation about mental health and the risks of burnout (44.7%); (iii) achieving work and life balance (43.5%); and (iv) depiction of workplace scenarios to demonstrate what can be and cannot be controlled during times of change (43.5%). Participants reported usability of the mobile application with a mean SUS score 70.5 (SD = 13.0), which was considered “acceptable.” Overall, 82.3% of the participants found the mobile application appealing, 64.7% reported they were likely to use the mobile application in the future and 72.9% would recommend it to other nurses.

Conclusion

The mobile application provided nurses with the availability and convenience to access resilience building learning content integrated with the spaced education pedagogy.

Clinical Relevance

The use of mobile‐assisted cognitive behavioral training can aid in increasing nurses' resilience level. Nurses provided acceptable usability ratings and satisfactory acceptance of receiving training via the mobile application, showing promising opportunities in the improvement of overall well‐being.
The drivers of intra‐ and interregional labor mobility over the industry life cycle of the high‐tech sector
Authors: Simonen Jaakko , McCann Philip , Karhinen Santtu , Svento Rauli
Published: August 2024

In this article, we analyze how industry‐ and region‐specific characteristics influence individual‐level decisions on mobility within and between regions during the life cycle of the industry. Using uniquely detailed panel‐type data from the Finnish high technology sector, our analysis demonstrates that the influence of different regional features varies for different types of job changes and labor mobility and also according to the industry life cycle. We find that the classic agglomeration‐type arguments regarding labor search and matching only really operate in the early growth stages of an industry life cycle. These patterns change throughout the various stages of the industry life cycle, although in quite different ways according to different factors, and understanding how these patterns change helps to provide a richer understanding of the labor market roles of agglomeration and clustering.
Effect of Acacia mearnsii forage or tannin extract on rumen dry matter and crude protein degradation
Authors: Mhlongo Lindokuhle C. , Kenyon Piers , Nsahlai Ignatius V.
Published: August 2024

This study investigated rumen degradation kinetics of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) in compound feed with different tannin extract inclusions and Acacia mearnsi forage (AMF) relative to dairy feeds (perennial ryegrass+white clover mixture pasture, maize silage, lucerne hay and Themeda triandra hay). The compound feed had 0.75%, 1.5% and 3% tannins extract inclusions while the control was a commercial compound feed. Triplicates of each feed per incubation period were incubated in two fistulated Jersey cows for 0, 6, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h, resulting in six replicates per feed. Tannin extract inclusions in compound feed only affected (p < 0.05) the (a) fraction, degradation rate and potential degradability (PD) for DM degradation, and affected (p < 0.05) the (a) and (b) fractions, as well as PD for CP degradation. The (a) fraction and degradation rate for DM degradation changed linearly (p < 0.05). The (a) fraction, PD and effective degradability (ED) of DM degradation changed quadratically (p < 0.05). Except for the degradation rate, the feed type affected (p < 0.05) the degradation parameters in both DM and CP degradations. For DM and CP degradations, (a) fraction was similarly the least in Themeda triandra hay and AMF but similarly the highest in maize silage, perennial ryegrass+white clover mixture pasture and lucerne hay. The (b) fraction was the least in AMF for both DM and CP degradations but the highest for pasture's DM degradation and similarly the highest in maize silage, lucerne hay and T. triandra hay for CP degradation. The PD was the least in AMF for both DM and CP degradations and similarly the highest in pasture DM but similarly the highest in perennial ryegrass+white clover mixture pasture, maize silage and lucerne hay for CP degradation. Furthermore, the ED was the lowest in AMF and the highest for perrenial ryegrass + white clover mixture pasture for DM degradation and same trend was observed for CP degradation whereby perrenial ryegrass + white clover mixture pasture, maize silage and lucerne had the highest ED. Digestible undegraded protein was the highest in AMF and similarly the least in dairy feeds. Tannin source inclusion in ruminant diets should be moderate to prevent rumen DM or CP degradation limitation.
The effect of neighbor species' phylogenetic and trait difference on tree growth in subtropical forests
Authors: Klipel Joice , Bergamin Rodrigo Scarton , Bordin Kauane Maiara , Picolotto Rayana Caroline , Müller Sandra Cristina , de Bello Francesco
Published: August 2024

Questions

To comprehensively understand ecological dynamics within a forest ecosystem, it is vital to explore how surrounding trees influence the growth of individual trees in a community. This study investigates the importance of biotic interactions on tree growth by examining several metrics of competitive interactions and community structure and considering three classes of intrinsic growth rates among the focal individuals: slower, intermediate, and faster‐growing trees. We also separated the focal trees based on their canopy position.

Location

Brazilian subtropical forests.

Methods

We assessed various factors related to the focal trees and their neighbors, including differences in traits, neighborhood crowding, phylogenetic distance, and overall trait composition within the community. We then ran linear mixed‐effects models to test how these different metrics influenced the growth rates of the focal trees.

Results

Our results indicate that phylogenetic distance is linked to higher growth. Specific leaf area (SLA), leaf area (LA), and wood density (WD) are significantly related to tree growth. Trees surrounded by neighbors with higher SLA than themselves grow better, particularly smaller trees. Similarly, taller trees with smaller LA than their neighbors grow better. Trees in the intermediary growth class grow better when they have higher WD than their neighbors. Conversely, smaller trees benefit from greater WD difference between the focal trees and their neighbors, while height difference negatively impacts faster‐growing trees. Moreover, communities with higher SLA and WD positively impact the growth of faster‐growing trees.

Conclusions

We conclude that the interactions between trees are mediated by their ecological differences, but the performance and responses to surrounding competitors vary along with their grow class and position within a community. This study has revealed that the tree's intrinsic growth rate mediates the effect of traits and phylogeny of surrounding trees on individual tree growth.
Intellectual property‐based financing scheme for creative industry in Indonesia: Policy, progress, challenges and potential solutions
Authors: Mayana Ranti Fauza , Santika Tisni
Published: August 2024

Despite the massive growth of creative industries, 92.37% of creative industry players in Indonesia are independently self‐funded and have not received any outside funding such as banking credit. The government then issued Law Number 24 of 2019 concerning the Creative Economy (“Creative Economy Law”) where Article 16 verse (1) states that the government facilitates the development of Intellectual Property (IP)‐Based Financing for Creative Economy actors. The “Creative Economy Law” was then followed by the issuance of Government Regulation Number 24 of 2022 concerning the Implementing R egulations of Law Number 24 of 2019 concerning the Creative Economy (“Indonesian Government Regulation of Creative Economy”) as the regulatory framework. Using the normative juridical and comparative approach, this article examines the implementation of those regulations in establishing the IP‐based financing scheme for the creative industry in Indonesia, the progress, challenges, and potential solutions. This study shows that there's still a lack of political willingness from Indonesian banking institutions to accept and implement IP assets as collateral, therefore, concrete steps need to be taken for the formulation of IP‐based financing and IP‐based collateral through coordination and synergy between state holders and stakeholders for example by formulating pilot project led by the government.
How does competition from informal firms impact research and development by formal manufacturing small and medium enterprises in the developing and emerging economies?
Authors: Amin Mohammad
Published: August 2024

The impact of competition from informal or unregistered firms on the likelihood of research and development (R&D) activity by formal manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in 90 developing and emerging countries is estimated. A positive impact is found with a one standard deviation increase in informal competition resulting in a 3.1–3.6 percentage point increase in the probability of R&D activity. Given that only 15.7% of SMEs are engaged in R&D activity, this is a large effect. Consistent with the “legalist” view of informality, the positive impact of informal competition on the likelihood of R&D activity is bigger in countries where the business environment is less favorable to formal versus informal firms due to factors such as weaker rule of law, a higher tax rate on commercial profits, and a greater regulatory burden on the formal firms. We provide several layers of defense against omitted variable bias, reverse causality, and measurement errors. As expected, informal competition has no statistically significant impact on the likelihood of large firms engaging in R&D activity.
Personality and political representation—How personality traits shape MPs' attitudes toward gender equality
Authors: Höhmann Daniel , Kroeber Corinna
Published: August 2024

This study analyzes whether the personality traits of Members of Parliament (MPs) affect their attitudes toward the representation of gender equality issues. Based on the Big Five personality traits, we argue that Openness to Experience and Conscientiousness shape MPs' positions toward gender equality policies through two different pathways. The first pathway proposes a direct connection. While Openness is expected to positively affect MPs' support for gender equality, Conscientiousness is assumed to have a negative impact. The second pathway runs indirectly, linking Openness and Conscientiousness to preferences toward gender equality through the effect of these personality traits on MPs' general ideological positions. Using data from a survey of elite politicians in Germany and Switzerland, the results of a causal mediation analysis show a positive direct effect of Openness that holds independent of a mediating influence of political ideology. The analysis deepens our understanding of gender equality legislation and the MPs engaging in it.
Women's views and experiences of breastfeeding during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A systematic review of qualitative evidence
Authors: Devi Padma Uma , Beake Sarah , Chang Yan‐Shing
Published: August 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic affected breastfeeding women in various ways. Understanding their experiences during the pandemic is crucial for informing actionable recommendations, evidence‐based strategies and future policies to support breastfeeding during global pandemics. This review aimed to synthesise qualitative evidence on women's breastfeeding perceptions, experiences and support needs during the pandemic. The Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) guidelines on systematic reviews of qualitative evidence were followed. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science Core Collection databases were searched. Methodological quality of included papers was assessed using JBI's checklist for qualitative research. The synthesised findings were generated using JBI's meta‐aggregation approach. The JBI ConQual process was used to rank each synthesised finding. Fifty‐two papers were included. The synthesised findings included: (1) women's awareness and commitment to breastfeeding during the pandemic, (2) the multifaceted breastfeeding experiences of women during the pandemic, (3) breastfeeding practices and challenges for working women, (4) professional support during the pandemic: navigating breastfeeding in an evolving health care context and (5) family and peer support groups during the challenging times of the pandemic. Breastfeeding women require clear information, accessible in‐person lactation support, family emotional support, food security and protection of psychological well‐being. The review reported diverse breastfeeding experiences, from social support challenges to positive aspects like remote work. Breastfeeding support and lactation consultants should be considered as essential services in future pandemics. Food security is crucial for breastfeeding households. Lactation services could prioritise face‐to‐face consultations for physical challenges and providing online informational support. Future research could explore innovative breastfeeding education strategies.
Medical school selection is a sociohistorical embedded activity: A comparison of five countries
Authors: Cleland Jennifer , Blitz Julia , Amaral Eliana , You You , Alexander Kirsty
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The medical school selection literature comes mostly from a few countries in the Global North and offers little opportunity to consider different ways of thinking and doing. Our aim, therefore, was to critically consider selection practices and their sociohistorical influences in our respective countries (Brazil, China, Singapore, South Africa and the UK), including how any perceived inequalities are addressed.

Methods

This paper summarises many constructive dialogues grounded in the idea of he er butong (和而不同) (harmony with diversity), learning about and from each other.

Results

Some practices were similar across the five countries, but there were differences in precise practices, attitudes and sociohistorical influences thereon. For example, in Brazil, South Africa and the UK, there is public and political acknowledgement that attainment is linked to systemic and social factors such as socio‐economic status and/or race. Selecting for medical school solely on prior attainment is recognised as unfair to less privileged societal groups. Conversely, selection via examination performance is seen as fair and promoting equality in China and Singapore, although the historical context underpinning this value differs across the two countries. The five countries differ in respect of their actions towards addressing inequality. Quotas are used to ensure the representation of certain groups in Brazil and regional representation in China. Quotas are illegal in the UK, and South Africa does not impose them, leading to the use of various, compensatory ‘workarounds’ to address inequality. Singapore does not take action to address inequality because all people are considered equal constitutionally.

Discussion

In conclusion, medical school selection practices are firmly embedded in history, values, societal expectations and stakeholder beliefs, which vary by context. More comparisons, working from the position of acknowledging and respecting differences, would extend knowledge further and enable consideration of what permits and hinders change in different contexts.
Evidence‐based food serving size labelling: Survey and laboratory analyses of consumer cooking spray usage
Authors: Montoye Alexander H. K. , Molesky Monroe J. , Vondrasek Joseph D. , Becker Tyler B.
Published: August 2024

Nutrition label serving sizes are determined primarily based on typical consumption when such data are available. However, such data are not available for certain foods such as spray cooking oil (cooking spray). Our study assessed cooking spray use by the United States (US) adults compared to the 0.25‐s serving size used on US‐sold cooking spray labels. Adults (n = 1041, aged 33 ± 16.7 years) completed a 13‐question survey on cooking spray use and perceptions. In the survey, participants reported using cooking spray for 1.9 ± 0.9 s per use, and 42.3%–43.1% of participants reported being more likely to purchase products if they were labelled calorie‐ or fat‐free. Next, 30 adults (aged 29.7 ± 11.0 years) completed a laboratory‐based study which assessed cooking spray durations for seven cookware items. Spray times ranged from 1.0 ± 0.5 (smallest pan) to 2.5 ± 1.3 s (largest baking sheet), with 100% of sprays (210/210) exceeding the 0.25‐s US serving size. Our results suggest that cooking spray serving size should be increased to 1 s to better reflect actual consumption, and this would have the added benefit of aligning better with cooking spray serving sizes in other developed countries (0.5–1.0 s). A 1‐s serving size would also preclude cooking spray advertised as calorie‐ or fat‐free, allowing consumers to make more informed choices on the dietary implications of using cooking spray.
Institutional ethnography: A methodology for exploring complex problems in healthcare systems
Authors: McLiesh Paul , Wiechula Rick , Rasmussen Philippa
Published: August 2024

Healthcare professionals experiencing barriers in the delivery of care are often unaware of factors within complex institutions that create and perpetuate those problems. Institutional ethnography in healthcare is a research methodology that starts from the perspective of a problem that clinicians or people receiving care experience and seeks to identify how those negative experiences are coordinated by institutional structures. This paper describes and advocates for the use of institutional ethnography as a powerful tool to investigate problems experienced by individuals or groups in the complex systems of healthcare design and delivery. It is a research methodology that has been adopted across settings in North America, although it has the potential to be utilized more broadly across other settings by clinicians and researchers. This echoes calls from other authors for its use across a wider range of healthcare disciplines and settings. Institutional ethnography is an underutilized research methodology that has potential to address a wide range of challenges experienced in contemporary healthcare. It offers healthcare clinicians the opportunity to better understand and resolve issues affecting their practice within complex healthcare systems.
Negative and sex‐specific effects of drought on flower production, resources and pollinator visitation, but not on floral scent in monoecious Cucurbita pepo
Authors: Barman Monica , Tenhaken Raimund , Dötterl Stefan
Published: August 2024

The globally changing climatic condition is increasing the incidences of drought in several parts of the world. This is predicted and already shown to not only impact plant growth and flower development, but also plant–pollinator interactions and the pollination success of entomophilous plants. However, there is a large gap in our understanding of how drought affects the different flowers and pollen transfer among flowers in sexually polymorphic species.

Here, we evaluated in monoecious Styrian oil pumpkin, and separately for female and male flowers, the responses of drought stress on flower production, petal size, nectar, floral scent and visitation by bumblebee pollinators.

Drought stress adversely affected all floral traits studied, except floral scent. Although both flower sexes were adversely affected by drought stress, the effects were more severe on female flowers, with most of the female flowers even aborted before opening. The drought had negative effects on floral visitation by the pollinators, which generally preferred female flowers.

Overall, our study highlights that the two flower sexes of a monoecious plant species are differently affected by drought stress and calls for further investigations to better understand the cues used by the pollinators to discriminate against male flowers and against flowers of drought‐stressed plants.
Mouthpart morphology and feeding structures in the palaeocharinid trigonotarbids of the Rhynie chert: insights from comparisons to modern arachnids
Authors: Long Emma J. , Edgecombe Gregory D. , Clark Brett , Hatch Callum , Ball Alexander D. , Ma Xiaoya
Published: August 2024

Trigonotarbida, an extinct order of spider‐like arachnids, were significant predators between the late Silurian and early Permian. Characterized by their segmented opisthosoma, clasp‐knife chelicera, and paired book lungs, they played a pivotal role in the formation of Early Devonian terrestrial ecosystems. However, the compression‐fossil or mould preservation of most trigonotarbids has been a limiting factor in understanding their fine morphology. Here, we re‐examine the mouthparts of Palaeocharinus, a trigonotarbid genus from the c. 408 Ma Rhynie chert of Scotland. Rhynie preserves the palaeocharinid trigonotarbids in three dimensions with extraordinary fidelity, offering detailed insights into their anatomy, feeding and hunting behaviours, and phylogenetic position. Here we present the first confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) data for Palaeocharinus using three‐dimensional modelling to reconstruct the morphology of a tiered filtration apparatus, comprising a coarse outer mesh of interlacing plumose setae and a fine inner filter of pinnate setae. Together with the clasp‐knife action of the chelicera and mastication by the cheliceral teeth, Palaeocharinus emerges as a sophisticated terrestrial predator with a feeding mechanism resembling that of extant representatives of Pedipalpi (Amblypygi + Uropygi + Schizomida). Phylogenetic analyses with new and modified mouthpart characters affirm the placement of Trigonotarbida within Pantetrapulmonata (Aranaeae + Pedipalpi). This study provides insights into the evolutionary innovations that facilitated the diversification and proliferation of trigonotarbids in early terrestrial landscapes.
Predicting key water stress indicators of Eucalyptus viminalis and Callitris rhomboidea using high‐resolution visible to short‐wave infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Haynes Ryan S. , Lucieer Arko , Brodribb Timothy J. , Tonet Vanessa , Cimoli Emiliano
Published: August 2024

Drought is one of the main factors contributing to tree mortality worldwide and drought events are set to become more frequent and intense in the face of a changing climate. Quantifying water stress of forests is crucial in predicting and understanding their vulnerability to drought‐induced mortality. Here, we explore the use of high‐resolution spectroscopy in predicting water stress indicators of two native Australian tree species, Callitris rhomboidea and Eucalyptus viminalis. Specific spectral features and indices derived from leaf‐level spectroscopy were assessed as potential proxies to predict leaf water potential (Ψleaf), equivalent water thickness (EWT) and fuel moisture content (FMC) in a dedicated laboratory experiment. New spectral indices were identified that enabled very high confidence linear prediction of Ψleaf for both species (R2 > 0.85) with predictive capacity increasing when accounting for a breakpoint in the relationships using segmented regression (E. viminalis, R2 > 0.89; C. rhomboidea, R2 > 0.87). EWT and FMC were also linearly predicted to a high accuracy (E. viminalis, R2 > 0.90; C. rhomboidea, R2 > 0.80). This study highlights the potential of spectroscopy as a tool for predicting measures of plant water noninvasively, enabling broader applications for monitoring and managing plant water stress.
Kidney Paired Donation—European Transnational Experience in Adults and Opportunities for Pediatric Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Böhmig Georg A. , Müller‐Sacherer Thomas , Viklicky Ondrej
Published: August 2024

Background

Live donor kidney transplantation is considered the optimal choice for renal replacement therapy, providing established benefits, such as superior patient survival and improved quality of life. However, immunological challenges, including ABO blood group incompatibility and, particularly, donor‐specific HLA antibodies, may impact long‐term outcomes considerably or even prevent safe direct transplantation with the intended donor.

Methods

In this review, the authors discuss kidney paired donation (KPD) as a viable strategy to overcome immunological barriers to living donation through organ exchanges. We thereby lay special focus on the Czech‐Austrian transnational KPD program.

Results

While the benefits of KPD programs are well established for adult recipients, recent data suggest that this may hold true also for pediatric patients. Complex algorithms, considering factors like the intricate patterns of HLA sensitization, play a pivotal role in predicting suitable matches, but for pediatric patients also non‐immunological factors including age and weight match may play a role. As pool size proves crucial for program efficacy, several countries in Europe have now initiated transnational collaborations to maximize match rates. Among those, the Czech‐Austrian transnational joint program, established in 2015 and now expanded to a cooperation with the Israel transplant program to further increase transplant rates, represents a successful example.

Conclusion

KPD programs, with their innovative approaches and international partnerships, hold promise for enhancing outcomes and addressing the increasing demand for kidney transplantation.
Organisms, agency and Aristotle
Authors: Lennox James G.
Published: August 2024

There is a tension at the heart of Aristotle's understanding of organic activities, created by his appeals to the productive activities of craftsmen and his use of normative language to characterize the goals of such activities. In this paper I discuss two ways of interpreting Aristotle's teleology aimed at resolving this tension, and discuss a closely analogous tension at the heart of a number of contemporary defenses of teleological reasoning in biology.
Four false dichotomies in the study of teleology
Authors: McShea Daniel W. , Babcock Gunnar
Published: August 2024

The study of teleology is challenging in many ways, but there is a particular challenge that makes matters worse, distorting the conceptual space that has set the terms of debate. And that is the tendency to think about teleology in terms of certain long‐established dichotomies. In this paper, we examine four such dichotomies prevalent in the literature on teleology, the notions that: 1) Teleological explanations are opposed to mechanistic explanations; 2) teleology must arise from processes operating either internal to an organism or external to it; 3) systems are either alive and teleological, or nonliving and not teleological; 4) humans are teleological, on account of our ability to intend, seek, prefer, etc., while other systems without these capacities are not. Here, we use our own view of goal directedness, field theory, to show for each dichotomy that there is an alternative, a view of teleology that either violates these dichotomies or demands revision of them. What this reveals is not only the dangers of dichotomous thinking, but a widespread lack of clarity about what teleology is.
Removal of native bamboo promotes natural regeneration in degraded temperate rainforests in North‐Patagonia, Chile
Authors: Bannister Jan R. , Bustos‐Salazar Angela , Smith‐Ramírez Cecilia
Published: August 2024

Forest degradation often permits the proliferation of dense understories that inhibit the development of natural regeneration over long periods. In South American temperate rainforests, native Chusquea bamboo species become unusually competitive after logging and invade forest understories, creating dense and continuous thickets under remnant canopy tree species. In this study, we aim to evaluate how natural regeneration of native species develops after removal of the Chusquea bamboo understory and to define which microsite conditions can facilitate species' early development. To achieve this, we removed the Chusquea understory in 45 experimental units, systematically established in a 4 ha experiment located in degraded temperate forests on Chiloé Island, North‐Patagonia, Chile. We evaluated microsite conditions and monitored the natural regeneration response during 5 years. After 5 years, greater than 81% of the remnant canopy tree species were regenerating, mostly from seed, and there was a 55.5% increase in total natural regeneration (p < 0.05; increase >1 individuals/m2 yr−1), with species like Amomyrtus spp. increasing abundance by greater than 121%. Total natural regeneration presented positive significant correlations (p < 0.01) with the depth of the water table (rs: 0.40), soil carbon (rs: 0.44), nitrogen (rs. 0.41), and organic matter (rs: 0.44). We conclude that removing the Chusquea understory assists the natural recovery of degraded temperate rainforests by facilitating additional recruitment of early, mid, and late successional tree species. In this process, early and mid‐successional tree species are more specific in their microsite preferences than successionally late ones.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Cognitive Frailty in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Cheng Min , Liu Qin , Gan Haoyue , Liu Hangcheng , He Mei
Published: August 2024

Background

The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence and risk factor of cognitive frailty in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

Methods

Systematically searched PubMed, EmBase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang Database, and Weipu Database from inception until January 1, 2024. Two researchers were independently screened and cross‐checked. Stata 15.1 software was used to perform the meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 15 articles were included, including 5398 patients. The results showed that the prevalence of cognitive frailty in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis was 24%. Among them, age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.33, 95% CI [1.16, 1.53]), waist circumference (OR = 1.05, 95% CI [1.03, 1.08]), malnutrition (OR = 2.91, 95% CI [1.94, 4.35]), comorbidities (OR = 1.93, 95% CI [1.47, 2.54]), stroke history (OR = 2.94, 95% CI [1.72, 5.03]), and depression (OR = 3.26, 95% CI [1.91, 5.57]) were the main risk factors for cognitive frailty in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Education level (OR = 0.48, 95% CI [0.31, 0.73]) was protective factors for cognitive frailty in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

Conclusions

Current evidence showed that the prevalence of cognitive frailty in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis was high, and there were many risk factors. Therefore, early identification and intervention of cognitive frailty in maintenance hemodialysis patients should be carried out, which may be helpful to reduce the prevalence rate and occurrence of adverse events and improve the prognosis of patients.
Key genes and immune infiltration patterns and the clinical implications in psoriasis patients
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Tan Luyi , Zhu Chenyu , Li Min , Cheng Wenli , Zhang Wenji , Chen Yibo , Zhang Wenjuan
Published: August 2024

Background

Psoriasis is an immune‐mediated skin disease, closely related to immune regulation. The aim was to understand the pathogenesis of psoriasis further, reveal potential therapeutic targets, and provide new clues for its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Materials and methods

Expression profiling data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for skin tissues from healthy population and psoriasis patients. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected for Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis separately. Machine learning algorithms were used to obtain characteristic genes closely associated with psoriasis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the diagnostic value of the characteristic genes for psoriasis. The Cell‐type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT) algorithm was used to calculate the proportion of immune cell infiltration. Correlation analysis was used to characterize the connection between gene expression and immune cell, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).

Results

A total of 254 DEGs were identified in the psoriasis group, including 185 upregulated and 69 downregulated genes. GO was mainly enriched in cytokine‐mediated signaling pathway, response to virus, and cytokine activity. KEGG was mainly focused on cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction and IL‐17 signaling pathway. GSEA was mainly in chemokine signaling pathway and cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction. The machine learning algorithm screened nine characteristic genes C10orf99, GDA, FCHSD1, C12orf56, S100A7, INA, CHRNA9, IFI44, and CXCL9. In the validation set, the expressions of these nine genes increased in the psoriasis group, and the AUC values were all > 0.9, consistent with those of the training set. The immune infiltration results showed increased proportions of macrophages, T cells, and neutrophils in the psoriasis group. The characteristic genes were positively or negatively correlated to varying degrees with T cells and macrophages. Nine characteristic genes were highly expressed in the moderate to severe psoriasis group and positively correlated with PASI scores.

Conclusion

High levels of nine characteristic genes C10orf99, GDA, FCHSD1, C12orf56, S100A7, INA, CHRNA9, IFI44, and CXCL9 were risk factors for psoriasis, the differential expression of which was related to the regulation of immune system activity and PASI scores, affecting the proportions of different immune cells and promoting the occurrence and development of psoriasis.
Causal relationship between inflammatory skin diseases and immunoglobulin A nephropathy: A Mendelian randomization and enrichment analysis study
Authors: Li Chundi , Wang Baisen , Han Tianrun , Xu Ying , Li Xinhong
Published: August 2024

Objective

To investigate the causal relationship between inflammatory skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis) and IgA nephropathy using Mendelian randomization and enrichment analysis.

Methods

The instrumental variables (IVs) in the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) database were used for two‐sample MR analysis. The results of inverse variance weighting (IVW) were used as the main method, the MR−Egger method was used for pleiotropy analysis and the leave‐one‐out method was used for sensitivity analysis to verify the reliability of the data. Combined with the human genome database GeneCards database and Metascape enrichment analysis.

Results

People with AD had an increased risk of IgA nephropathy (IVW: OR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.0002–1.1248], p = 0.0491). Psoriasis and IgA nephropathy (IVW: OR = 0.97, 95% CI [0.9394–1.0055], p = 0.1002) no statistical significance, therefore cannot prove cause‐and‐effect relationship between.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that atopic dermatitis is associated with an increased risk of IgA nephropathy, but does not provide evidence that psoriasis is causologically associated with IgA nephropathy. Enrichment analysis suggested a causal relationship between inflammatory skin diseases and IgA nephropathy at the genetic level.
Patient satisfaction following treatment with micro‐focused ultrasound with visualization: A retrospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bukhari Abrar , Shadid Asem , Al‐Omair Abdullah , Alheggi Ashjan , Almukhadeb Eman Abdulaziz , Albarqawi Salma Y.
Published: August 2024

Background

There has been increased public interest in noninvasive skin tightening procedures that produce the best possible cosmetic outcomes. Micro‐focused ultrasound with visualization (MFU‐V) is a secure, efficient method of treating skin laxity approved by the FDA. Few studies have assessed patient satisfaction following MFU‐V.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted between January 2022 and 2023. After obtaining the author's permission, a previously examined and published questionnaire was used to contact all participants (n = 98) who had received MFU‐V therapy in a private clinic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between 2016 and 2020 via phone interview.

Results

All 98 patients undergoing MFU‐V were female. About two‐thirds indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with the results. Those receiving treatment around the eye and submentum reported lower satisfaction levels than those receiving therapy in other regions. The number of treatment locations and satisfaction were positively correlated. Patients treated by consultants rather than laser experts reported much higher satisfaction levels. Satisfaction and the amount of time for improvement to occur following treatment were correlated statistically. Pain and tingling were the most frequent adverse effects the respondents reported, followed by skin redness and swelling; however, adverse effects were not connected with satisfaction. Cost (78.6%) was cited as the main deterrent to seeking treatment again.

Conclusion

MFU‐V, an FDA‐approved procedure, has proven effective and safe for treating facial and neck skin laxity. When patients are carefully selected and physicians properly trained, higher satisfaction is achieved.