bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual effects of dietary carnosine during in vitro digestion of a Western meal model with added ascorbic acid
Authors: Li Yi Yao , Yaylayan Varoujan , Palin Marie‐France , Ngapo Tania M. , Cliche Simon , Sabik Hassan , Gariépy Claude
Published: December 2023

The beneficial role of carnosine during in vitro digestion of meat was previously demonstrated, and it was hypothesized that such benefits could also be obtained in a meal system. The current study, therefore, assessed carnosine effects on markers of lipid and protein oxidation and of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) during gastric and duodenal in vitro digestion of a burger meal model. The model included intrinsic (low) and enhanced (medium and high) carnosine levels in a mix of pork mince and bread, with or without ascorbic acid (AA) and/or fructose as anti‐ and prooxidants, respectively. In the presence of either AA or fructose, a carnosine prooxidative potential during digestion was observed at the medium carnosine level depending on markers and digestive phases. However, free carnosine found at the high carnosine level exerted a protective effect reducing the formation of 4‐hydroxynonenal in the gastric phase and glyoxal in both the gastric and duodenal phases. Dual effects of carnosine are likely concentration related, whereby at the medium level, free radical production increases through carnosine's ferric‐reducing capacity, but there is insufficient quantity to reduce the resulting oxidation, while at the higher carnosine level some decreases in oxidation are observed. In order to obtain carnosine benefits during meal digestion, these findings demonstrate that consideration must be given to the amount and nature of other anti‐ and prooxidants present and any potential interactions.

Practical Application

Carnosine, a natural compound in meat, is a multifunctional and beneficial molecule for health. However, both pro‐ and antioxidative effects of carnosine were observed during digestion of a model burger meal when ascorbic acid was included at a supplemental level. Therefore, to obtain benefits of dietary carnosine during digestion of a meal, consideration needs to be given to the amount and nature of all anti‐ and prooxidants present and any potential interactions.
Performance of contrast‐enhanced mammography for detecting multifocal and multicentric breast cancer and evaluating tumour size, and implications for surgical management: Early experience in a tertiary centre
Authors: Thanh Ha Nguyen Margaret , Varma Nisha , Lan Cheong Wah David , Chew Renny , Botha Tanita , Kouloyan‐Ilic Susan , Paiva Joseph
Published: December 2023

Introduction

To compare diagnostic accuracy of contrast‐enhanced mammography (CEM) with standard 2D digital mammography (equivalent to low‐energy image; LEM) for detection of multifocal and multicentric breast cancer and evaluation of tumour size and disease extent for preoperative planning.

Methods

Biopsy proven breast cancer patients who underwent CEM preoperatively between January 2021 and January 2023 were included in this study. CEM and LEM images were independently reviewed by at least two blinded readers. Lesion location, number, size (maximal diameter) and extension across the midline and/or nipple invasion were recorded. Tumour number and size estimated on imaging were compared with final operative histology, which served as the gold standard.

Results

Forty‐nine patients (48 females and 1 male) and 50 cases (one patient had bilateral breast lesions) were included in the analysis. Median patient age was 60 (IQR 51, 69). CEM had significantly higher lesion detection rate compared with LEM, with sensitivities of 78% for LEM and 92% for CEM for the index tumour and 15% for LEM and 100% for CEM for multicentric and multifocal cancer. We found no statistically significant difference in median tumour size measurements on CEM and final surgical specimen (P value = 0.97); however, a significant difference was identified in the tumour size measured on LEM and surgical specimen (P value < 0.001).

Conclusion

CEM is superior to standard 2D digital mammography for detection of multifocal and multicentric breast cancer and is a reliable and more accurate method for estimating tumour size.
Chromosome‐level genome assembly of the aster leafhopper (Macrosteles quadrilineatus) reveals the role of environment and microbial symbiosis in shaping pest insect genome evolution
Authors: Vasquez Yumary M. , Li Zheng , Xue Allen Z. , Bennett Gordon M.
Published: December 2023

Leafhoppers comprise over 20,000 plant‐sap feeding species, many of which are important agricultural pests. Most species rely on two ancestral bacterial symbionts, Sulcia and Nasuia, for essential nutrition lacking in their phloem and xylem plant sap diets. To understand how pest leafhopper genomes evolve and are shaped by microbial symbioses, we completed a chromosomal‐level assembly of the aster leafhopper's genome (ALF; Macrosteles quadrilineatus). We compared ALF's genome to three other pest leafhoppers, Nephotettix cincticeps, Homalodisca vitripennis, and Empoasca onukii, which have distinct ecologies and symbiotic relationships. Despite diverging ~155 million years ago, leafhoppers have high levels of chromosomal synteny and gene family conservation. Conserved genes include those involved in plant chemical detoxification, resistance to various insecticides, and defence against environmental stress. Positive selection acting upon these genes further points to ongoing adaptive evolution in response to agricultural environments. In relation to leafhoppers' general dependence on symbionts, species that retain the ancestral symbiont, Sulcia, displayed gene enrichment of metabolic processes in their genomes. Leafhoppers with both Sulcia and its ancient partner, Nasuia, showed genomic enrichment in genes related to microbial population regulation and immune responses. Finally, horizontally transferred genes (HTGs) associated with symbiont support of Sulcia and Nasuia are only observed in leafhoppers that maintain symbionts. In contrast, HTGs involved in non‐symbiotic functions are conserved across all species. The high‐quality ALF genome provides deep insights into how host ecology and symbioses shape genome evolution and a wealth of genetic resources for pest control targets.
Potential of fluoropyrimidine to be an immunologically optimal partner of immune checkpoint inhibitors through inducing immunogenic cell death for thoracic malignancies
Authors: Kozai Hiroyuki , Ogino Hirokazu , Mitsuhashi Atsushi , Nguyen Na Thi , Tsukazaki Yuki , Yabuki Yohei , Ozaki Ryohiko , Yoneda Hiroto , Sato Seidai , Hanibuchi Masaki , Shinohara Tsutomu , Nokihara Hiroshi , Nishioka Yasuhiko
Published: December 2023

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a revolutionary paradigm in the treatment of thoracic malignancies and chemoimmunotherapy is a current standard care in this field. Chemotherapeutic agents are known to induce not only direct cytotoxic effects on tumor cells but also immune modulating effects, such as stimulating immunogenic cell death (ICD). Currently, either pemetrexed (PEM) or taxane plus platinum are combined with ICIs for patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, it is still unknown whether these agents are immunologically optimal partners for ICIs.

Methods

To determine the immunologically optimal chemotherapeutic agent, we first evaluated the ability of several chemotherapeutic agents, including platinum, PEM, taxane, and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) to induce ICD using several thoracic tumor cell lines in vitro. ICD was evaluated by the cell surface expression of calreticulin (CRT) and adenosine‐triphosphate (ATP) secretion. We further performed an antitumor vaccination assay in vivo.

Results

5‐FU induced cell surface expression of CRT and ATP secretion most efficiently among the several chemotherapeutic agents. This effect was enhanced when it was combined with platinum. In the antitumor vaccination assay in vivo, we found that vaccination with dying‐AB1‐HA (a murine malignant mesothelioma cell line) cells treated with 5‐FU, but neither PEM nor PTX, reduced the tumor growth of living‐AB1‐HA cells inoculated 1 week after vaccination by recruiting CD3+CD8+ T cells into the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that fluoropyrimidine can be an immunologically optimal partner of ICIs through the induction of ICD for thoracic malignancies.
An occupancy analysis of the factors affecting the presence of carnivores at the national park‐human community interface in Rwanda
Authors: Uzabaho Eustrate , Kwizera Noel , Moore Jennifer Frances , Nsabimana Donat
Published: December 2023

People, livestock and carnivores are constantly interacting especially at the interface between community and protected areas. The carnivore guild category in Volcanoes National Park is important, and if well studied, could lead to additional research opportunities for improved wildlife management. We used single season occupancy models with multi‐species data, to understand the factors affecting species occurrence, detection and distribution among native carnivores of Volcanoes National Park while accounting for imperfect detection and the effects of site variables on the observed trends. Our findings showed that six native carnivores use the park edge, where the side‐striped jackal (Canis adustus) and serval (Leptailurus serval) are the most widespread with ψ = 0.904 (SE 0.051) and ψ = 0.415 (SE 0.086), respectively, followed by African golden cat (Caracal aurata) with ψ = 0.198 (SE 0.066), while the servaline genet (Genetta servalina), slender mongoose (Herpestes sanguineus) and spotted hyaena (Crocuta Crocuta) have very low probability of occupancy with ψ = 0.087 (SE 0.045), ψ = 0.044 (SE 0.032) and ψ = 0.022 (SE 0.022) respectively. In addition, there is high occurrence of feral dogs and human presence in the park edge. Overall, the occupancy of native carnivores increases as distance from settlements increase (β = 0.559 [SE 0.195]) except for hyaena and mongoose which showed a decrease in occupancy as distance to settlements increased. In general, native carnivores preferred sites located close to pasture areas, compared to areas used for agriculture and agroforestry. High overlapping activity between native carnivores and other wildlife varied greatly between species. This study provides the baseline information for the understanding of native carnivores using the park edge and insights on their interactions with other wildlife, livestock and human activities at the interface between the park and local communities. The co‐occurrence of livestock, feral dogs and humans, and native wildlife is a challenge for both wildlife conservation inside the protected area and local communities who might be negatively affected in different ways including interspecific competition, disease exposure and increased conflicts. We anticipate that some of the current livestock keeping are hindered by the challenges of having native carnivores dwelling along the park edge and community interface.
Movement and space use in three sympatric lacertid lizards (Acanthodactylus): Inter‐ and intraspecific comparisons
Authors: Eifler Douglas A. , Eifler Maria A. , Orton Makenna , Utsumi Kaera L. , Jarray Mohsen , Zaidi Ali , Chammem Mohsen
Published: December 2023

Competition can be keen within and between closely related species but can be reduced when sympatric individuals differ in resource use. To determine how sympatric, closely related species coexist, we examined movement and activity of foraging individuals, developing detailed profiles for males of three species (Acanthodactylus boskianus, A. dumerilii and A. scutellatus) and for female A. boskianus in arid sub‐desert steppes of southern Tunisia. All three species were active concurrently with different peak activity times. Males varied markedly in their movement, as did A. boskianus sexes. Interspecifically, male A. boskianus moved most frequently, for the most time, covering the greatest distance and searching the largest area, while male A. dumerilii moved the least often, travelled the shortest distances and intensively searched small areas. Acanthodactylus scutellatus males generally were intermediate between the other species but dug more frequently and had movement rates comparable to A. boskianus. Intraspecifically, A. boskianus females moved less frequently, for a smaller percentage of time, covering shorter distances and searching smaller areas than male A. boskianus. Habitat use varied among species and by sex within A. boskianus. Differences in movement and activity likely reflect differences in resource use that promote coexistence between and within species.
Tezepelumab in patients with allergic and eosinophilic asthma
Authors: Caminati Marco , Buhl Roland , Corren Jonathan , Hanania Nicola A. , Kim Harold , Korn Stephanie , Lommatzsch Marek , Martin Neil , Matucci Andrea , Nasser Shuaib M. , Pavord Ian D. , Domingo Christian
Published: December 2023

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease commonly driven by allergic and/or eosinophilic inflammation, both of which may be present in severe disease. Most approved biologics for severe asthma are indicated for specific phenotypes and target individual downstream type 2 components of the inflammatory cascade. Tezepelumab, a human monoclonal antibody (immunoglobulin G2λ), binds specifically to thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an epithelial cytokine that initiates and sustains allergic and eosinophilic inflammation in asthma. By blocking TSLP, tezepelumab has demonstrated efficacy across known asthma phenotypes and acts upstream of all current clinically used biomarkers. In a pooled analysis of the phase 2b PATHWAY (NCT02054130) and phase 3 NAVIGATOR (NCT03347279) studies, compared with placebo, tezepelumab reduced the annualized asthma exacerbation rate over 52 weeks by 62% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 53, 70) in patients with perennial aeroallergen sensitization (allergic asthma); by 71% (95% CI: 62, 78) in patients with a baseline blood eosinophil count ≥300 cells/μL; and by 71% (95% CI: 59, 79) in patients with allergic asthma and a baseline blood eosinophil count ≥300 cells/μL. This review examines the efficacy and mode of action of tezepelumab in patients with allergic asthma, eosinophilic asthma and coexisting allergic and eosinophilic phenotypes.
Development and validation of models for predicting preterm birth and gestational latency following emergency cervical cerclage: A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Chen Cheng , Zhao Baihui , Pan Yu , Chen Lujiao , Yang Xiaofu , Lv Min , Qiu Liping , Yang Mengmeng , Ying Xia , Wang Minmin , Wang Huanhuan , Chen Xiuying , Zhang Xiaoxing , Weng Xiaofeng , Luo Qiong
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Emergency cervical cerclage is a recognized method for preventing mid‐trimester pregnancy loss and premature birth; however, its benefits remain controversial. This study aimed to establish preoperative models predicting preterm birth and gestational latency following emergency cervical cerclage in singleton pregnant patients with a high risk of preterm birth.

Material and methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from patients who received emergency cerclage between 2015 and 2023 in three institutions. Patients were grouped into a derivation cohort (n = 141) and an independent validation cohort (n = 61). Univariate and multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to identify independent predictive variables and establish the models. Harrell's C‐index, time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curves and areas under the curves, calibration curve, and decision curve analyses were performed to assess the models.

Results

The models incorporated gestational weeks at cerclage placement, history of prior second‐trimester loss and/or preterm birth, cervical dilation, and preoperative C‐reactive protein level. The C‐index of the model for predicting preterm birth before 28 weeks was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.82–0.93) in the derivation cohort and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.71–0.92) in the independent validation cohort; The C‐index of the model for predicting gestational latency was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.66–0.75) and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.71–0.84), respectively. In the derivation set, the areas under the curves were 0.84, 0.81, and 0.84 for predicting 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐week pregnancy prolongation, respectively. The corresponding values for the external validation were 0.78, 0.78, and 0.79, respectively. Calibration curves showed a good homogeneity between the observed and predicted ongoing pregnant probabilities. Decision curve analyses revealed satisfactory clinical usefulness.

Conclusions

These novel models provide reliable and valuable prognostic predictions for patients undergoing emergency cerclage. The models can assist clinicians and patients in making personalized clinical decisions before opting for the cervical cerclage.
Impact of cataract surgery on cognitive impairment in older people
Authors: Yoshida Yuto , Ono Koichi , Sekimoto Shinichiro , Umeya Reiko , Hiratsuka Yoshimune
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To examine the impact of cataract surgery on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in older people.

Methods

This prospective observational study included patients aged 75 years and older who underwent cataract surgery between 2019 and 2021. Mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) and MMSE for the visually impaired (MMSE‐blind) were measured to evaluate cognitive function before and 3 months after cataract surgery. MMSE score at baseline was used to categorize patients into dementia (MMSE ≤ 23) and MCI groups (23 < MMSE ≤ 27). Logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between improvement in cognitive function and other factors.

Results

Of 132 patients screened for inclusion in the study, 88 met the inclusion criteria; 39 patients were assigned to the dementia group (mean age, 85.7 ± 4.2 years) and 49 to the MCI group (mean age, 84.2 ± 3.4 years). The MCI group showed significant improvement from before to after surgery in the MMSE score (25.65 ± 1.03 vs. 27.08 ± 1.99, respectively, p < 0.001) and MMSE‐blind score (18.04 ± 1.14 vs. 19.41 ± 2.01, respectively, p < 0.001). Cognitive function improved significantly in the MCI group compared with the dementia group (odds ratio, 2.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–7.97; and p = 0.046).

Conclusions

Cataract surgery significantly increases cognitive test scores in older patients with MCI. After cataract surgery, the likelihood of improvement in cognitive function may be highly dependent on a patient's preoperative cognitive state.
Declining frequency of sensitization to fragrance mixes I and II: IVDK‐data of the years 2012–2021
Authors: Geier Johannes , Schubert Steffen , Rieker‐Schwienbacher Juliane , Brans Richard , Weisshaar Elke , Kränke Birger , Brockow Knut , Ruёff Franziska , Recke Andreas , Uter Wolfgang ,   for the IVDK
Published: December 2023

Background

EU Commission Regulation 2017/1410 prohibits using atranol and chloroatranol, the main allergens in Evernia prunastri (oakmoss), and hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (HICC) in cosmetic products. Oakmoss absolute is contained in fragrance mix (FM) I and HICC in FM II which are patch tested as screening mixtures in the baseline series.

Objective

To describe the time trends of reaction frequencies to both FMs as well as to their components in FM‐positive patients.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of data from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 2012–2021.

Results

Positive reactions to FM I (FM II) declined from 9.1% (4.7%) in 2012 to 4.6% (3.0%) in 2021. Full breakdown tests were performed in 24% (FM I) and 31% (FM II), respectively, of the mix‐positive patients. From this data, frequencies of sensitization to the 14 single fragrances of FM I and FM II were calculated. For the majority, a decline was noted from 2012/2013 to 2020/2021, for oakmoss absolute 1.9%–0.8% and for HICC 1.8%–0.9%.

Conclusion

EU Commission Regulation 2017/1410 was an effective measure. However, our data have some limitations, possibly causing underestimation of sensitization frequencies to fragrances.
How do cytopathologists learn fine needle aspiration techniques? An international survey
Authors: Alcaraz‐Mateos Eduardo , Exposito‐Afonso Idaira Jael , Labiano‐Miravalles Tania , Pijuan Lara , Temprana‐Salvador Jordi , Zhao Qing , Jiang Xiaoyin “Sara”
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a widely accepted diagnostic technique, but performance varies according to expertise. Little is known about variation in FNAC training practices worldwide. We surveyed pathologists using social media networks to determine FNAC training practices internationally.

Design

Pathologists were surveyed on questions related to FNAC simulation training using direct messaging on the Twitter and WhatsApp platforms. Survey responses over a period of 2 weeks were collected.

Results

In total, 149 pathologists participated (96.1% response rate). The respondents came from 24 countries and 87 institutions. The majority of the pathologists (63.8%) performed FNAC directly on patients for the first time. Only 36.2% of them had simulation instruction during their training. It was performed on food items such as fruit (64.8%), surgical specimens (37.0%), autopsies (13.0%) and others (9.3%), including commercially available phantom simulators for ultrasound‐guided FNAC (US‐FNAC) (two pathologists).

Discussion

Most pathologists did not receive formal training in a simulated environment, and of the pathologists who had simulation instruction, food items were commonly used for education. A few participants used a commercial US‐FNAC simulator, but since most pathologists perform FNAC by palpation, this method of simulation training is not applicable to many practices. Social media is an effective and efficient way to perform survey research, yielding a very high response rate.
Parents who inject drugs: Demographics, care arrangements and correlates for child placement in out‐of‐home care
Authors: Chan Jocelyn , Ward Bernadette , Maher Lisa , Crawford Sione , Stoové Mark , Dietze Paul
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Children in families affected by substance use disorders are at high risk of being placed in out‐of‐home care (OOHC). We aimed to describe the characteristics of parents who inject drugs and identify correlates associated with child placement in OOHC.

Methods

We used baseline data from a community‐based cohort of parents who inject drugs (SuperMIX) from Melbourne, Australia. Participants were recruited via convenience, respondent‐driven and snowball sampling from April 2008 to November 2020, with follow‐up until March 2021. To explore correlates associated with child placement to OOHC, we used multivariable logistic regression and assessed for potential interactions between gender and a range of relevant covariates.

Results

Of the 1067 participants, 611 (57%) reported being parents. Fifty‐six percent of parents reported child protection involvement. Almost half (49%) had children in OOHC. Nearly half of the parents lived in unstable accommodation (44%) and many of them experienced moderate–severe levels of anxiety (48%) and depression (53%). Female or non‐binary gender, identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, experiencing assault and having more children were associated with child removal to OOHC. Of the 563 participants who reported their own childhood care status, 135 (24%) reported they had been removed to OOHC.

Discussion and Conclusions

We identified high rates of child placement in OOHC among parents who inject drugs. There is a need for targeted health and social services, that are gender and culturally responsive, in addition to systems‐level interventions addressing social inequities, such as housing, to support parents to care for their children.
Population genetic patterns across the native and invasive range of a widely distributed seagrass: Phylogeographic structure, invasive history and conservation implications
Authors: Zhang Xiaomei , Li Yu‐Long , Kaldy James E. , Suonan Zhaxi , Komatsu Teruhisa , Xu Shaochun , Xu Min , Wang Feng , Liu Peng , Liu Xujia , Yue Shidong , Zhang Yu , Lee Kun‐Seop , Liu Jin‐Xian , Zhou Yi
Published: December 2023

Aim

The seagrass Zostera japonica is a dramatically declined endemic species in the Northwestern Pacific from the (sub)tropical to temperate areas, however, it is also an introduced species along the Pacific coast of North America from British Columbia to northern California. Understanding the population's genetic patterns can inform the conservation and management of this species.

Location

North Pacific.

Methods

We used sequences of the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and chloroplast trnK intron maturase (matK), and 24 microsatellite loci to survey 34 native and nonnative populations (>1000 individuals) of Z. japonica throughout the entire biogeographic range. We analysed the phylogeographic relationship, population genetic structure and genetic diversity of all populations and inferred possible origins and invasion pathways of the nonnative ones.

Results

All markers revealed a surprising and significant deep divergence between northern and southern populations of Z. japonica in the native region separated by a well‐established biogeographical boundary. A secondary contact zone was found along the coasts of South Korea and Japan. Nonnative populations were found to originate from the central Pacific coast of Japan with multiple introductions from at least two different source populations, and secondary spread was likely aided by waterfowl.

Main Conclusions

The divergence of the two distinct clades was likely due to the combined effects of historical isolation, adaptation to distinct environments and a contemporary physical barrier created by the Yangtze River, and the warm northward Kuroshio Current led to secondary contact after glacial separation. Existing exchanges among the nonnative populations indicate the potential for persistence and further expansion. This study not only helps to understand the underlying evolutionary potential of a widespread seagrass species following global climate change but also provides valuable insights for conservation and restoration.
A retrospective of deaths related to migration along the southeasternmost land borders of Europe: an update encompassing the years 2015–22
Authors: Mavroudas Sophia R. , Pavlidis Pavlos , Karakasi Maria‐Valeria
Published: December 2023

This study presents an update of forensic accounting of the numbers and demographics of migrants found deceased in the Evros region of Greece in the years from 2015–22. Compared to data from 2000–14, this update reflects the mounting number of border‐related deaths in the region, as well as the changing demographic trends associated with the migrants who perish crossing the Greek‐Turkish border. Specifically, the paper documents a broadening of locations from which migrants originate, the increasing diversity of migrant death locations, and a shift in the leading causes of death. It contains important forensic accounting of the unique humanitarian crisis occurring along the Greek‐Turkish land border while also providing an additional context for the global migration crisis. The data presented here offer insights into other forensic stakeholders impacted by the global migration crisis, with respect to what factors contribute to and detract from identification rates, and can help stakeholders make informed policy decisions.
What's Wrong with Tuition‐Free Four‐Year Public College?
Authors: Brighouse Harry , Mullane Kailey
Published: December 2023

Advocates of tuition‐free four‐year public college make the argument for it too easy by asserting that it would be paid for out of taxes on the wealthy. Other uses of the revenues are possible. In this paper, Harry Brighouse and Kailey Mullane establish two criteria for comparing different uses of the revenues: the first criterion is, will the policy increase the overall level of educational goods?, and the second is, will the policy reduce inequalities of educational goods? Here, Brighouse and Mullane compare tuition‐free four‐year public college with two alternatives: (1) spending the revenues in pre‐K and K‐12, and (2) spending them on expanding the Pell Grant Program. Both alternatives are superior with respect to reducing inequalities, and spending in pre‐K and K‐12 is superior with respect to increasing the overall level of educational goods. While on some assumptions tuition‐free four‐year public college might prove better than expanding Pell Grants at increasing the overall level of educational goods, there are good reasons, nevertheless, to prefer expanding Pell Grants.
Educational Case Studies and Speaking for Others
Authors: Morton Jennifer M.
Published: December 2023

We have good reasons to be concerned about the underrepresentation of historically marginalized people's perspectives from philosophical and academic discourse. Normative case studies provide a potential avenue through which we can address this lack of diversity. However, there is a risk that those who engage in this kind of project are “speaking for others” in ways that reproduce the inequalities we seek to remedy. While this challenge cannot be avoided, Jennifer Morton discusses here how the problem can be mitigated by conceiving of normative case studies as a way to facilitate dialogue within our classrooms and with communities outside the academy.
System quality in early childhood care and education in Jamaica: Implications for policy
Authors: Kinkead‐Clark Zoyah
Published: December 2023

Despite steady investment to improve early childhood progammes in recent years, many Jamaican early childhood institutions are ill‐prepared or unable to adequately meet the developmental needs of children for a number of reasons. Such schools are often labelled as failing or low quality. While teachers and schools are often blamed for this, an overlooked consideration in all this however is the preparedness of the existing systems, structures and policies to support the Early Childhood sector to carry out its function. [Corrections made on 30 April 2024, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, ‘systems and policies’ has been corrected to ‘systems, structures and policies’ and ‘their function’ has been corrected to ‘its function’ in this version.] This article examines system quality in Early Childhood Care and Education and the implications for policy. System quality is an important yet often overlooked aspect of education. Four aspects of system quality were examined in this paper; the forms and dimensions of ECCE, the financing of ECCE and Laws and Regulations governing the system and current priorities relevant to ECCE. The gaps and strengths in the system are examined as well as implications of these on Early Childhood Care and Education policies are discussed.
Real‐world treatment patterns in patients initiating third‐line therapy for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, and Spain
Authors: Lehne Moritz , Kortüm K. Martin , Ramasamy Karthik , Zamagni Elena , d'Estrubé Tim , Zhuleku Evi , Hanna Maya , Shukla Soham , Ghiani Marco , Maywald Ulf , Wilke Thomas , Kellermann Lenka , Perera Sue
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To retrospectively analyze real‐world treatment patterns in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who initiated third‐line treatment in Europe.

Methods

German and Italian administrative claims data were sourced from the German AOK PLUS health insurance fund and Italian local health units (2016–2020). Data for the United Kingdom (UK), France, and Spain were sourced from medical chart reviews (MCRs) from 2016 to 2018 (historical) and 2019 to 2021 (new) using electronic case report forms.

Results

Across all countries, immunomodulatory imide drug (IMiD)‐based regimens were prominent in the third‐line setting. From 2016 to 2020, lenalidomide‐dexamethasone was most common in Italy (18.0%) and Germany (12.7%). From 2019 to 2021, the most common regimen was ixazomib‐lenalidomide‐dexamethasone (67.5%) in the UK, pomalidomide‐dexamethasone (17.1%) in France, and daratumumab‐bortezomib‐dexamethasone (15.0%) in Spain.

In the historical data (2016–2018), third‐line lenalidomide‐ and pomalidomide‐dexamethasone doublet use across the UK (>47%), France (>46%), and Spain (>33%) was high. From historical to new, triplet use increased in Spain (>19% to >60%) as did anti‐CD38 agent use in France (15.1% to 51.9%) and Spain (19.7% to 42.1%).

Conclusions

From 2016 to 2021, third‐line regimens were mostly IMiD based. The MCR data demonstrated evolving treatment choices from 2016 to 2018 and 2019 to 2021, providing insights into uptake of novel agents and current RRMM European clinical practice.
Continent‐wide parallel urban evolution of increased heat tolerance in a common moth
Authors: Merckx Thomas , Nielsen Matthew E. , Kankaanpää Tuomas , Kadlec Tomáš , Yazdanian Mahtab , Kivelä Sami M.
Published: December 2023

Urbanization and its urban‐heat‐island effect (UHI) have expanding footprints worldwide. The UHI means that urban habitats experience a higher mean and more frequent extreme high temperatures than rural habitats, impacting the ontogeny and resilience of urban biodiversity. However, many organisms occupy different microhabitats during different life stages and thus may experience the UHI differently across their development. While evolutionary changes in heat tolerance in line with the UHI have been demonstrated, it is unknown whether such evolutionary responses can vary across development. Here, using common‐garden‐reared Chiasmia clathrata moths from urban and rural populations from three European countries, we tested for urban evolution of heat shock tolerance in two life stages: larvae and adults. Our results indicate widespread urban evolution of increased heat tolerance in the adult stage only, suggesting that the UHI may be a stronger selective agent in adults. We also found that the difference in heat tolerance between urban and rural populations was similar to the difference between Mid‐ and North‐European regions, suggesting similarity between adaptation to the UHI and natural, latitudinal temperature variation. Our observations incentivize further research to quantify the impact of these UHI adaptations on fitness during urbanization and climate change, and to check whether life‐stage‐specific adaptations in heat tolerance are typical of other ectothermic species that manage to survive in urbanized settings.
Associations between turn out practices and rates of musculoskeletal disease and injury in Thoroughbred foals and yearlings on stud farms in the United Kingdom
Authors: Mouncey Rebecca , Arango‐Sabogal Juan C. , de Mestre Amanda , Verheyen Kristien L.
Published: December 2023

Background

Early‐life locomotor activity during turn out may alter susceptibility to musculoskeletal disease and injury via modulation of behaviours and tissue development during growth.

Objectives

Investigate associations between turn out practices and rates of musculoskeletal disease and injury in young Thoroughbreds on stud farms in the United Kingdom.

Study design

Prospective cohort.

Methods

Daily records were kept on location and duration of turn out for 134 Thoroughbred foals on six stud farms, from birth until leaving the farm or study exit. Data on veterinary‐attended episodes of musculoskeletal disease or injury were collated concurrently. Average daily turn out times (hours), areas (acres) and group size (n foals) were calculated for rolling 7‐ and 30‐day periods of age. Multivariable Cox regression, including farm as a random effect, was used to investigate associations between turn out practices and musculoskeletal disease and injury.

Results

The overall incidence of musculoskeletal disease or injury was 5.3 cases/100 foal‐months at risk (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.2–6.6). Compared with 24/7 turn out, average daily turn out times of between 9 and 23 hours over a 7‐day period were associated with a 4.6‐fold increase in musculoskeletal injury rate (95% CI: 1.7–12.3; P < 0.001), adjusting for farm and paddock area. Each 1‐acre increase in the average daily turn out area during the 4th month of life, reduced the rate of musculoskeletal disease and injury between 6 and 18 months of age by 24% (hazard ratio 0.76, 95% CI: 0.58–0.99; P < 0.001), adjusting for farm and turn out time.

Main limitations

Non‐random sample of participants may affect generalisability. Use of veterinary‐attended events likely underestimates disease/injury rates.

Conclusions

Results suggest that disruptions or alterations to turn out time routines increase injury risk and should be avoided where possible. Turn out in larger paddocks, particularly before weaning, may confer protection against subsequent musculoskeletal disease and injury.
Reproduction of efficiency through management accounting practices: Socio‐economic, environmental, and human consequences of NPM reforms
Authors: Barrios‐Álvarez Claudia , Adhikari Pawan , Salifu Ekililu , Gómez‐Mejía Alina , Giraldo‐Villano Ximena
Published: December 2023

Using Giddens (1984) structuration theory (ST), in this paper we illustrate how the efficiency‐driven approaches adopted by a large stated‐owned public company in Latin America (Latin American Multiutility Conglomerate [LAMC]) implicitly resulted in triggering a dam disaster with far‐reaching socio‐economic, environmental, and human consequences. Data for the study were derived through document analysis and conducting unstructured, semi‐structured, and email interviews. Our findings show that the internalization of efficiency as a corporate value at LAMC was further rationalized through the adoption of new public management (NPM)‐based management accounting practices (MAPs) embedded within the market‐led development approach. These MAPs connected agencies and structures in a dialectic way and continued reproducing efficiency through day‐to‐day operations and by enabling the company to champion itself as a successful NPM adopter. However, throughout this process, the socio‐environmental and human costs relating to “the dam project” were overlooked, making the disaster inevitable. The paper questions the market‐led development approach, and NPM‐based MAPs, and calls for further empirical work delineating how MAPs can be implicated in public value creation and promoting publicness in emerging economies. Such work is of paramount importance not only to prevent the “unexpected and unwanted effects of public sector accounting” under NPM and market‐led development but also to save the lives and livelihoods of poor and vulnerable community members in emerging economies.
Distinct, direct and climate‐mediated environmental controls on global particulate and mineral‐associated organic carbon storage
Authors: Hansen Paige M. , Even Rebecca , King Alison E. , Lavallee Jocelyn , Schipanski Meagan , Cotrufo M. Francesca
Published: December 2023

Identifying controls on soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, and where SOC is most vulnerable to loss, are essential to managing soils for both climate change mitigation and global food security. However, we currently lack a comprehensive understanding of the global drivers of SOC storage, especially with regards to particulate (POC) and mineral‐associated organic carbon (MAOC). To better understand hierarchical controls on POC and MAOC, we applied path analyses to SOC fractions, climate (i.e., mean annual temperature [MAT] and mean annual precipitation minus potential evapotranspiration [MAP‐PET]), carbon (C) input (i.e., net primary production [NPP]), and soil property data synthesized from 72 published studies, along with data we generated from the National Ecological Observatory Network soil pits (n = 901 total observations). To assess the utility of investigating POC and MAOC separately in understanding SOC storage controls, we then compared these results with another path analysis predicting bulk SOC storage. We found that POC storage is negatively related to MAT and soil pH, while MAOC storage is positively related to NPP and MAP‐PET, but negatively related to soil % sand. Our path analysis predicting bulk SOC revealed similar trends but explained less variation in C storage than our POC and MAOC analyses. Given that temperature and pH impose constraints on microbial decomposition, this indicates that POC is primarily controlled by SOC loss processes. In contrast, strong relationships with variables related to plant productivity constraints, moisture, and mineral surface availability for sorption indicate that MAOC is primarily controlled by climate‐driven variations in C inputs to the soil, as well as C stabilization mechanisms. Altogether, these results demonstrate that global POC and MAOC storage are controlled by separate environmental variables, further justifying the need to quantify and model these C fractions separately to assess and forecast the responses of SOC storage to global change.
Photosynthetic H2 production: Lessons from the regulation of electron transfer in microalgae
Authors: Wei Lanzhen , Ma Weimin
Published: December 2023

Green hydrogen, produced during microalgal photosynthesis, is regarded as one of the most promising sustainable energy sources. It utilizes sunlight and water, which are essentially unlimited, and its combustion results in only water as a waste product. In microalgal hydrogen energy production systems, the sensitivity of hydrogenase to O2 poses a significant challenge, limiting sustained photosynthetic H2 production in microalgae. Additionally, efficient photosynthetic H2 production in anaerobic microalgal cells is hindered by impaired electron source (photosystem II) and electron loss through the Calvin‐Benson cycle, cyclic electron transfer around photosystem I, and O2 photoreduction, which are identified as the other key challenges. Over the past eight decades, considerable progress has been made in addressing these challenges and regulating electron transfer to achieve sustainable and efficient photosynthetic H2 production in microalgae. In this review, we discuss a range of regulatory methods for achieving sustainable and efficient photosynthetic H2 production in microalgae. Emphasizing the significant progress made over the past eight decades, we also address current challenges and propose potential future solutions.
Temporal and spatial evolution of the coupling and coordination between tourism and rural development: A case study of 33 counties in southern Xinjiang
Authors: Wang Mimi , Cao Kaijun
Published: December 2023

Tourism plays an important role in promoting rural transformation and development globally. Based on the logical relationship between tourism and rural development, this study constructs a tourism and rural development index using two models. The projection pursuit model is used to analyse the temporal and spatial evolution characteristics of the level of tourism and rural development, while the coupling coordination degree model measures the relationship in the counties of four southern Xinjiang prefectures from 2010 to 2019. A panel regression model is used to analyse the influencing factors of the coupling coordination relationship between them. The results show the following: (1) The level of tourism and rural development fluctuates and increases in time, and both demonstrate high‐level agglomeration in some counties (cities) in the northeast and southwest of the four prefectures, spatially. (2) During the study period, the level of tourism and rural development changed from ‘high coupling and serious imbalance’ to ‘high coupling and barely coordinated’. Spatially, the degree of coupling is similar to the high‐value region of the coupling coordination degree. Over time, the spatial heterogeneity of the coupling degree decreases and the spatial heterogeneity of the coupling coordination degree increases. (3) The main influencing factors for the coordinated development of tourism and rural areas are tourism resource endowment, tourist density index, rural employees, rural per capita disposable income, and tourism contribution rate.
Extra‐terrestrial resources: A potential solution for securing the supply of rare metals for the coming decades?
Authors: Merle Renaud , Troll Valentin R. , Höök Mikael , Kuchler Magdalena , Byrne Paul K. , Donoso George
Published: December 2023

The forthcoming energy transition driven by the need to reduce CO2 emissions requires large amounts of critical elements to construct renewable energy devices such as car batteries, wind turbines and solar panels. For many elements such as Li, Co, REEs and Ti, the production sources are located in countries with poor social and environmental standards, prone to political destabilization such as military conflicts, or vulnerable to strained relationships with consumer countries. Lately, the volatile geopolitical context has further demonstrated the high dependency of Europe and other developed countries in terms of raw material supply. In addition, there is a debate about the Earth's potential to sustain the transition toward a green society by using conventional resources from mining of terrestrial rocks. As nature conservation and climate mitigation are now priorities for the majority of governments, and since conventional mining on Earth suffers from a growing social resistance, humankind may need to look toward new frontier resources for supplying the mineral needs of the coming decades. Here, we explore the use of extra‐terrestrial resources as a potential source to feed the future supply of critical metals. Extra‐terrestrial mining may be an opportunity for wealth creation and an option for critical metal resource supply when mining on Earth becomes increasingly untenable. We conclude that the potential impacts of extraction and exploitation of space resources, both good and bad, could be societally profound.
Function of inflexible ‘roots’ of Palaeozoic crinoids and solitary corals
Authors: Donovan Stephen K.
Published: December 2023

Although not a common feature of either group, solitary rugose corals and Palaeozoic crinoids may be anchored by unsegmented, rod‐like root structures, referred to as ‘radiciform’ processes and ‘pseudoradices’, respectively. Crinoid pseudoradices likely penetrated the sediment radially from the column, like the roots of a tree. Radiciform processes may have fulfilled a similar function for a solitary rugose coral, but they were also encrusters.