bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change, soil conservation measures and farm performance in Austria
Authors: Zeilinger Julian , Kantelhardt Jochen , Niedermayr Andreas
Published: November 2024

Limiting the impact of climate change on agriculture is a major goal of the European Union. This requires the evaluation of farm‐level adaptation measures, available within the Common Agricultural Policy. We investigate how the adoption of soil conservation measures by farms in Austrian arable regions affects their economic performance. By applying an endogenous switching regression model to panel data, we find that climatic conditions significantly influence the decision on whether to adopt soil conservation measures. The net revenue of adopters is less sensitive to long‐term temperature and precipitation changes than for non‐adopters. The measures are profitable for a majority of farms. However, profitability is linked to baseline climatic conditions, with negative effects in cool, wet regions and significantly greater positive effects in warm, dry regions.
Melanomas on the dorsum of the hand are extremely rare: A series of seven cases with clinical and dermatoscopic images
Authors: Akay Bengu Nisa , Earl Christopher , Zeelie Tracey , Dicker Tony , Clark Simon , Rosendahl Cliff
Published: November 2024

Melanomas on the dorsum of the hand are exceedingly rare, with limited documentation in medical literature. This report presents seven cases of dorsal hand and finger melanomas, encompassing patients from Australia, New Zealand and Turkey, predominantly women with a mean age of 53 years. The majority were invasive, with a mean Breslow thickness of 1.1 mm and none were of lentigo maligna subtype. The rarity of dorsal hand melanomas prompts speculation into potential protective factors unique to this site, challenging existing knowledge on melanoma aetiology and sun exposure.
MFRP, PRSS56, and MYRF account for 60.5% of a Chinese cohort with nanophthalmos
Authors: Tao Jing , Jin Zi‐Bing , Shen Ren‐Juan
Published: November 2024

Background

This study aimed to present the genetic profile of a rare ocular disease nanophthalmos (NO) in a large Chinese cohort, to explore its genetic characteristics and genotype–phenotype correlations.

Methods

A total of 43 unrelated pedigrees diagnosed with NO were recruited. Whole exome sequencing and copy number variation analysis were performed, followed by validation and pathogenicity classification of the detected variants.

Results

The overall genetic diagnostic rate was 60.5%. Twenty‐eight unique genetic variants of MFRP, PRSS56, and MYRF have been identified, of which 19 were reported for the first time. The c.1486G>A variant in MFRP and the c.1066dupC variant in PRSS56 were the two most frequent variants. Patients with variants in MFRP or PRSS56 tended to possess shorter axial lengths than those with MYRF variants. Among patients with MFRP null variants, a higher proportion developed uveal effusion syndrome (UES) than did those without null variants, whereas among patients with PRSS56 null variants, a greater number of patients developed angle‐closure glaucoma (ACG). A higher proportion of MFRP‐related NO patients developed both UES and ACG.

Conclusions

MFRP, PRSS56, and MYRF account for the majority of genetic causes of NO. MFRP‐related NO patients tend to exhibit a strong predisposition to complications. Null variants in MFRP and PRSS56 may increase susceptibility to clinical complications. This study provides insights into the genetic landscape and clinical characteristics of NO. These findings will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying nanophthalmos and other diseases associated with eye development.
Long‐term Effect of Export Expansion on Human Capital
Authors: Fu Jintao
Published: November 2024

This paper illustrates how trade liberalization during an individual's early life can affect long‐term health and cognitive outcomes 15 years later (i.e., in adolescence). China's accession to the World Trade Organization has brought significant economic benefits but has also given rise to some environmental concerns. Exploiting variations in each prefecture's exposure to trade shock and trade‐induced pollution shock, this study constructed a shift‐share instrument variable model. The trade shocks in early life improved health and cognitive outcomes significantly during adolescence while trade‐induced pollution shock had the opposite effect, decreasing these two outcomes. These impacts were more pronounced among households with low economic status. Further investigation provided evidence for several underlying mechanisms, such as improved health and education resources and reduced SO2 emissions by firms. This study provides useful insights into how to evaluate the long‐term effects of trade liberalization on human capital in terms of economic benefits and environmental costs in China.
Does the China Railway Express Promote Equitable Regional Development? Evidence from Manufacturing Relocation
Authors: Pan An , Zhang Wenna , Du Yige , Shi Xunpeng
Published: November 2024

The China Railway Express (CRE) has improved regional economic integration with external markets and has reshaped regional development by encouraging the relocation of manufacturing activities (“manufacturing transfer”). We analyzed data from 284 prefecture‐level cities in China to evaluate the impact of the CRE on regional manufacturing relocation, using a staggered difference‐in‐differences model with entropy balancing. We found that the launch of the CRE significantly stimulated the relocation of manufacturing industries to node cities – key hubs for transportation and logistics within the CRE network – especially in the central, western, and northeastern regions. Specifically, the CRE significantly increased manufacturing dynamism, firm profitability, openness, and foreign investment in node cities, which attracted more manufacturing industries to relocate in this area. Higher levels of infrastructure development moderated the CRE's effect. Further analysis showed that significant moderating effects of infrastructure development occurred only in the western region. Overall, our conclusions provide useful insights into how to promote equitable regional development through manufacturing development in China.
Explanatory variables of objectively measured physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep in adults with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review
Authors: Bogaert Lotte , Dirinck Eveline , Calders Patrick , Helleputte Simon , Lapauw Bruno , Marlier Joke , Verbestel Vera , De Craemer Marieke
Published: November 2024

Aims

This systematic review aimed to summarize knowledge on explanatory variables of PA, SB and sleep in adults with T1D to support the development of healthy lifestyle interventions.

Methods

A systematic search of four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase) was performed. Only objective measurements of PA, SB and sleep were included and all explanatory variables were classified according to the socio‐ecological model (i.e. intrapersonal, interpersonal, environmental and policy level). Risk of bias (ROB) (Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal checklists) and level of evidence (Evidence‐Based Guideline Development) were assessed.

Results

Twenty‐one studies were included (66.7% low ROB). Most explanatory variables were situated at the intrapersonal level. A favourable body composition was associated with more time spent in total PA and moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA). Men with T1D spent more time in MVPA than women and a younger age was associated with increased MVPA. Barriers to PA were indeterminately associated with MVPA and HbA1c showed an indeterminate association with sleep. Explanatory variables of SB and light PA were not studied in at least two independent studies.

Conclusion

This review underscores the focus on the individual level to identify explanatory variables of movement behaviours in adults with T1D, despite the necessity for a socio‐ecological approach to develop effective interventions. More evidence on psychological, interpersonal and environmental variables is needed as these are modifiable.
Fatigue Properties of Carbon Fiber–Reinforced Foams and Experimental Observation of the Damage Growth Mechanism
Authors: Sano Ryuto , Koga Yuta , Sato Yusuke , Kikuchi Takuto , Hosoi Atsushi , Kawahara Kota , Takebe Yoshiki , Kawada Hiroyuki
Published: November 2024

Carbon fiber–reinforced foams (CFRFs) are expanded thermoplastic composite materials reinforced with three‐dimensional discontinuous carbon fibers. Herein, the effects of their unique internal structure on fatigue properties were investigated. Through tension‐tension fatigue tests and the digital image correlation (DIC) method, distinct stiffness reduction behavior was observed across the entire specimen and at the fracture points. The results suggest that local stiffness reduction behavior affects the fatigue properties. From the DIC method, damage was observed by scanning electron microscopy and the fiber tortuosity, and the void fraction were quantified using X‐ray computed tomography scans. In the case of three‐dimensional oriented fibers, stress was concentrated at fiber ends, fiber intersections, and bent fibers, resulting in fiber pull‐outs and matrix cracks. In the case of voids, the void size affected damage development, and the stress concentration around the voids caused fiber fracture and matrix cracks.
Measuring the Response Diversity of Ecological Communities Experiencing Multifarious Environmental Change
Authors: Polazzo Francesco , Limberger Romana , Pennekamp Frank , Ross Samuel R. P.‐J. , Simpson Gavin L. , Petchey Owen L.
Published: November 2024

The diversity in organismal responses to environmental changes (i.e., response diversity) plays a crucial role in shaping community and ecosystem stability. However, existing measures of response diversity only consider a single environmental variable, whereas natural communities are commonly exposed to changes in multiple environmental variables simultaneously. Thus far, no approach exists to integrate multifarious environmental change and the measurement of response diversity. Here, we show how to consider and quantify response diversity in the context of multifarious environmental change, and in doing so introduce a distinction between response diversity to a defined or anticipated environmental change, and the response capacity to any possible set of (defined or undefined) future environmental changes. First, we describe and illustrate the concepts with empirical data. We reveal the role of the trajectory of environmental change in shaping response diversity when multiple environmental variables fluctuate over time. We show that, when the trajectory of the environmental change is undefined (i.e., there is no information or a priori expectation about how an environmental condition will change in future), we can quantify the response capacity of a community to any possible environmental change scenario. That is, we can estimate the capacity of a system to respond under a range of realistic or extreme environmental changes, with utility for predicting future responses to even multifarious environmental change. Finally, we investigate determinants of response diversity within a multifarious environmental change context. We identify factors such as the diversity of species responses to each environmental variable, the relative influence of different environmental variables and temporal means of environmental variable values as important determinants of response diversity. In doing so, we take an important step towards measuring and understanding the insurance capacity of ecological communities exposed to multifarious environmental change.
High prevalence of osteoporosis among virally suppressed older people (≥60 years) living with HIV
Authors: Penner Jeremy , Ombajo Loice A. , Nkuranga Joseph , Otieno Edwin , Nyakoe Diana , Wanjohi Ruth , Mbewa Victor , Ndinya Florentius , Eshiwani Sheila , Wahome Simon , Bhagani Sanjay , Pozniak Anton , Gregson Celia L.
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Our objective was to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) among older people living with HIV at the time of enrolment into a clinical trial in Kenya.

Methods

The bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BFTAF) Elderly Study is a clinical trial among virally suppressed people living with HIV aged ≥60 years randomized to switch to BFTAF or continue their pre‐enrolment regimen. At enrolment, dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck was performed and T‐scores calculated for BMD. Osteoporosis was defined as T‐score −2.5 or lower and osteopenia as T‐score between −1 and −2.5. Fracture risk was calculated based on clinical risk factors (not including BMD), considering HIV as a secondary cause of osteoporosis, and the correlation between FRAX®‐HIV and BMD assessed.

Results

Between February and May 2022, a total of 296 participants were enrolled. All were Black African, 147 (49.7%) were female, the median age was 64 years (range 60–77), and 280 (94.6%) were on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. The median BMD of lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck was 0.87 g/cm2 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.78–0.99), 0.89 g/cm2 (IQR 0.79–1.01), and 0.75 g/cm2 (IQR 0.67–0.84), respectively, with median T‐scores of −1.9 (IQR −2.8 to −0.7), −1.0 (IQR −1.9 to −0.3), and −1.5 (IQR −2.2 to −0.9), respectively. Osteoporosis and osteopenia were found in 37.5% and 47.3% of participants, respectively. Major osteoporotic fracture and hip fracture 10‐year median probabilities using FRAX®‐HIV were 3.4% (IQR 2.8–4.6) and 1.0% (IQR 0.7–1.3). Correlation coefficients between these FRAX®‐HIV probabilities and femoral neck BMD were −0.204 for major osteoporotic fracture and −0.338 for hip fracture.

Conclusions

The prevalence of osteoporosis is high among older people living with HIV in Kenya, where DXA is not readily available and risk calculation without BMD had low correlation with measured BMD values. Additional data are required on the impact of investment in fracture risk assessment and treatment, including population‐specific risk calculators.
DNA metabarcoding reveals unexpected diet breadth of the specialist large‐headed resin bee (Heriades truncorum) in urbanised areas across Germany
Authors: Crone Makaylee K. , Fornoff Felix , Klein Alexandra‐Maria , Grozinger Christina M.
Published: November 2024

Host plants required by specialist bee species may be limited in urban areas.

We investigated the effects of urbanisation on Heriades truncorum, a solitary bee species that is a specialist on the plant family Asteraceae.

We examined brood cell number, host and native plant pollen proportions (via DNA metabarcoding) and the nutritional composition of pollen provisions in H. truncorum nests.

Increasing urbanisation resulted in fewer brood cells and higher plant genus diversity in pollen provisions.

Bees collected pollen from non‐native and non‐Asteraceae plant genera, including new records for H. truncorum.

Increasing overall plant genus diversity in brood provisions was associated with decreased brood cell numbers. However, an increased diversity of Asteraceae plant genera was associated with increased brood cell number.

The proportion of native plant genera and native plant pollen were not associated with changes in brood cell number.

Pollen provision nutritional composition was not related to urbanisation or brood cell numbers. Pollen provisions averaged a P:L ratio of ~1:1, similar to Asteraceae.

These results suggest that native and non‐native Asteraceae are equally beneficial to H. truncorum in Germany. Moreover, fewer brood cells at more urban sites and an increased diversity of plant pollen suggests that the overall level of resources, particularly Asteraceae plants, could be limited in highly urban landscapes.

While H. truncorum is not of high conservation concern, our data demonstrate the mechanisms by which a specialist bee with a more narrow or less common host plant specificity could experience nutritional stress in urban areas and provides mitigation strategies.
Attention Control Measures Improve the Prediction of Performance in Navy Trainees
Authors: Burgoyne Alexander P. , Mashburn Cody A. , Tsukahara Jason S. , Pak Richard , Coyne Joseph T. , Foroughi Cyrus , Sibley Ciara , Drollinger Sabrina M. , Engle Randall W.
Published: November 2024

Military selection tests leave room for improvement when predicting work‐relevant outcomes. We tested whether measures of attention control, working memory capacity, and fluid intelligence improved the prediction of training success above and beyond composite scores used by the U.S. Military. For student air traffic controllers, commonality analyses revealed that attention control explained 9.1% (R = .30) of the unique variance in academic performance, whereas the Armed Forces Qualification Test explained 5.2% (r = .23) of the unique variance. For student naval aviators, incremental validity estimates were small and nonsignificant. For student naval flight officers, commonality analyses revealed that attention control measures explained 11.8% (R = .34) of the unique variance in aviation preflight indoctrination training performance and 4.3% (R = .21) of the unique variance in flight performance. Although these point estimates are based on relatively small samples, they provide preliminary evidence that attention control measures might improve training outcome classification accuracy in real‐world samples of military personnel.
Cultural Influences, Experiences and Interventions Targeting Self‐Management Behaviours for Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes in First‐Generation Immigrants: A Scoping Review
Authors: Zhang Min , Coppell Kirsten , Lo Johnny , Whitehead Lisa
Published: November 2024

Aim

To map the existing evidence and identify research gaps regarding the self‐management of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes among first‐generation immigrants ≥ 18 years.

Design

A scoping review followed the JBI guidelines and was in accordance with the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews.

Methods

A systematic search of CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ProQuest, SCOPUS and the Web of Science was conducted. Grey literature and reference lists of included studies were searched for additional citations. Articles published in English from the database inception to February 2023 were included.

Results

We included 96 studies, of which 28.1% were published within the last 5 years. Most studies (71.9%) were conducted in the United States. Study participants were recruited mainly from community settings and English was their second language. The most common study methodologies used were cross‐sectional surveys and phenomenological interviews. Only two studies specifically focussed on individuals with prediabetes. Multiple factors, such as age, gender, country of origin and other societal, linguistic, cultural and resource barriers or facilitators, as well as patient's cultural unique experiences, were of particular significance for self‐management behaviours. Although several studies reported that culturally tailored interventions were feasible and acceptable among first‐generation immigrants living with type 2 diabetes but not prediabetes, the duration and intensity of these interventions varied.

Conclusion

Health professionals should consider various demographic, societal, linguistic and cultural factors, such as participants' low English language proficiency, and provide appropriate support for this group to ensure better self‐management behaviours. Tailoring interventions to individual and cultural preferences in collaboration with key stakeholders is crucial for adult immigrants with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes across diverse cultural and ethnic groups.

Impact

Developing and applying culturally tailored self‐management interventions for the targeted population, particularly those with prediabetes, should be an important direction for future research.

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Leveraging Observation Research to Improve Instruction for Students With Intellectual Disability: Guidance for Adapting Tools
Authors: Lindström Esther R. , McFadden Kimberly A.
Published: November 2024

Background and Aims

Students with intellectual disability benefit from high‐quality instruction in reading and mathematics.

Methods

This Theoretical Paper outlines the need for effective, evidence‐based instructional practices for this population and the potential for observation research to inform such advancements. We report our systematic process of adapting two widely used observation tools initially developed for students with learning disabilities, to address content and instructional practices relevant to classrooms serving elementary students with intellectual disability.

Results

Our revised observation tools facilitated more inclusive data collection, taking into account the needs and goals of students with intellectual disability, in addition to their peers for whom the original tool was designed.

Conclusions

We offer guidance for researchers and practitioners to make similar adaptations when using research tools intended for other populations or instructional settings.
Relationship between nerve ultrasonography image and electrophysiology in diabetic polyneuropathy
Authors: Hsieh Pei‐Chen , Ro Long‐Sun , Chu Chun‐Che , Liao Ming‐Feng , Chang Hong‐Shiu , Kuo Hung‐Chou
Published: November 2024

Aims/Introduction

This study aims to investigate the association between cross‐sectional area (CSA) imaging findings of nerve ultrasound and conventional nerve conduction studies (NCS) for patients with distal symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) due to type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

We enrolled 103 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and collected their demographic data, modified Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (mMNSI) score, NCS, and ultrasonography images of peripheral nerves. The relationship of ultrasound variables for individual nerves and the ultrasound pattern sum score (UPSS) to conventional NCS findings was investigated.

Results

A higher grade of DSPN was associated with a notably higher CSA. Multivariate step‐wise regression analysis revealed that the number of abnormal nerves was a positive independent variable for UPSS (β coefficient = 0.4205; P < 0.0001). Of the five nerves studied, abnormalities of the tibial nerve (P ≤ 0.0100) and ulnar nerve (P = 0.052) were the most significant variables.

Conclusions

The tibial nerve exhibited the most substantial association with elevated UPSS. In addition, a strong correlation was observed between abnormal NCS findings and UPSS in patients with DSPN.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor‐related type 1 diabetes incidence, risk, and survival association
Authors: Kamitani Fumika , Nishioka Yuichi , Koizumi Miyuki , Nakajima Hiroki , Kurematsu Yukako , Okada Sadanori , Kubo Shinichiro , Myojin Tomoya , Noda Tatsuya , Imamura Tomoaki , Takahashi Yutaka
Published: November 2024

Aim/Introduction

Although immune checkpoint inhibitor‐related type 1 diabetes mellitus (ICI‐T1DM) is a rare condition, it is of significant concern globally. We aimed to elucidate the precise incidence, risk factors, and impact of ICI‐T1DM on survival outcomes.

Materials and Methods

The study is a large retrospective cohort study, performed using the DeSC Japanese administrative claims database comprising 11 million patients. The database population is reportedly similar to the entire population of Japan. Patients administered ICI between 2014 and 2022 were enrolled in the study, including 21,121 patients. The risk factors for ICI‐T1DM development and their characteristics were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Development of a new irAE after the day following the first administration of ICI was set as the study outcome.

Results

ICI‐T1DM was observed in 102 (0.48%) of the 21,121 patients after ICI initiation. PD‐(L)1 and CTLA‐4 combination therapy was associated with an increased risk of ICI‐T1DM compared with PD‐1 monotherapy (odds ratio [OR], 2.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–4.58; P = 0.01). Patients with a prior diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.03–2.46; P = 0.04) or hypothyroidism (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.39–4.43; P < 0.01) also exhibited an increased risk of ICI‐T1DM. The Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that patients with ICI‐T1DM showed higher survival rates than those without (log‐lank test, P < 0.01). Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that ICI‐T1DM development was associated with lower mortality (hazard ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37–0.99; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Collectively, the results of this study demonstrate the precise incidence and risk factors of ICI‐T1DM. The development of ICI‐T1DM, like other irAEs, is associated with higher survival rates.
Comparative Success Rate and Adverse Effects of Endoscopic Sphincterotomy Versus Endoscopic Papillary Large Balloon Dilation in Large Common Bile Duct Stones Removal. A Propensity Scores Inverse Weighting Analysis
Authors: Wongkanong Chote , Ratanachu‐ek Thawee , Patumanond Jayanton
Published: November 2024

Background/Aims

Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is a standard treatment for common bile duct (CBD) stones. Endoscopic sphincterotomy combined with endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EST‐EPLBD) is an effective treatment for difficult CBD stones. This study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness and adverse effects of EST‐EPLBD and EST in treating large CBD stones.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 85 patients with large CBD stones who underwent either EST or EST‐EPLBD, resulting in successful CBD stone extraction from January 2018 to June 2022. Propensity score inverse weighting was performed to reduce the possible bias in baseline characteristics between the two treatment groups. The success rate of complete stone removal in the first session, mechanical lithotripsy use, and adverse events were analyzed by multivariable risk regression analysis.

Results

The rate of complete stone removal in one session of the EST‐EPLBD group was higher than that of the EST group at 28.78% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.43, 50.1; p = 0.003). Mechanical lithotripsy use was decreased in the EST‐EPLBD group by 25.81% (95% CI 42.33,9.28; p = 0.002). However, the incidence of adverse events is comparable.

Conclusion

EST‐EPLBD may be utilized in the treatment of CBD stones that exceed a diameter of 10 mm. The EST‐EPLBD increased the rate of complete stone removal in a single session and reduced the need for mechanical lithotripsy. Conversely, the incidence rate of adverse events is similar.
Effects of Essential Oil Blends Supplementation on Growth Performance, Meat Physiochemical Parameters, Intestinal Health and Lipid Metabolism of Weaned Bamei Piglets
Authors: Du Jian , Dai Zhiqi , Li Cuiguang , Adugna Chala , Wang Yufeng , Li Chunmei
Published: November 2024

The benefits of plant essential oils (EO) on the health of animals have been frequently reported, but their alteration of lipid metabolism in obese pigs has yet to be explored. This study aimed to assess the impact of EO blends (oregano, cinnamon and lemon oils) on growth performance, meat physicochemical parameters, intestinal health and lipid metabolism in the small intestine of weaned Bamei (a kind of obese‐type pig) piglets. One hundred and forty‐four male 60‐day‐old weaned Bamei piglets were randomly assigned to three groups of six replicates each: CON (basal diet), T1 (basal diet + 250 mg/kg EO), and T2 (basal diet + 500 mg/kg EO) over 28 days. The results showed that T1 trended to improve the average daily gain and feed intake to body gain ratio (p < 0.1), reduced water loss (p < 0.05), and increased the redness of meat (p < 0.05) compared to the CON. In addition, a significant change in the proportion of C17:0 and C20:1 was observed in the meat of T1 (p < 0.05). Improved intestinal health was evidenced by the reduced crypt depth, improved villi‐to‐crypt length ratio, and better superoxide dismutase activity in T1 (p < 0.05). Further study on intestinal lipid metabolism showed that duodenal lipase activity and the mRNA expression levels of lipid transport‐related genes in the jejunum (FABPs, APOA1, APOB and ACSL3) were significantly reduced, alongside diminished serum lipid metabolites (Total protein and triglyceride) in the groups fed with EO (p < 0.05). In short, EO supplementation especially at 250 mg/kg improved intestinal health and inhibited lipid metabolism, which had a positive effect on the overall performance of Bamei piglets. This new evidence contributes to understanding the early regulatory role of EO in obese pigs and their potential to alleviate adolescent obesity.
The interplay between flight feather moult and fuelling in Eastern European great snipes Gallinago media
Authors: Witkowska M. , Korniluk M. , Pinchuk P. , Tumiel T. , Karlionova N. , Meissner W.
Published: November 2024

The great snipe Gallinago media, as a long‐distant migrant wintering in Africa, faces the challenge of accumulating sufficient energy reserves before departing from European breeding grounds. Despite possible trade‐offs in resource allocation, this species additionally initiates moult of flight feathers before southward migration. Here, we discuss the strategy of flight feather moult and fuelling for female and male great snipes from the Eastern European lowland population, exploring their scheduling constrained by the timing of breeding and departure. We found significant intersexual differences in both moult initiation date and the speed of moult. Males start flight feather replacement more than 2 weeks earlier and moult at a faster rate compared to females. However, neither sex completed this process on breeding grounds before the migration, as late in the season all males and half of the females had suspended their primary moult, with the remaining females not moulted at all. Moult of secondaries rarely occurred in the studied population. We observed non‐linear energetic stores gain in the studied period, where both sexes maintained stable and low energy stores until the end of July, coinciding with the primary moulting period. Subsequently, there was an increase in energy stores of approximately 1% of the lean body mass per day, indicating a shift towards fuelling for migratory flight. The overlap between stages of stable and low energy stores and moulting suggests a resource allocation towards feather growth before initiating fuelling. Besides limiting a trade‐off in resource allocation, this strategy may also contribute to minimizing predation risk, as both increased body mass and missing flight feathers may impair flight. Our study describes moult strategy in great snipe conducted on their breeding grounds, highlighting intersexual differences likely resulting from different parental duties of males and females of this lekking species.
Perceptions and Practices of Primary Care Providers in Europe and the US in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Multinational Survey
Authors: Heidelbaugh Joel J. , Hungin A. Pali , Palsson Olafur S. , Anastasiou Foteini , Agreus Lars , Fracasso Pierluigi , Maaroos Heidi‐Ingrid , Matic Jalena Rakik , Mendive Juan M. , Seifert Bohumil , Drossman Douglas A.
Published: November 2024

Background

The knowledge and proficiency of primary care practitioners (PCPs) in diagnosing and managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remain generally low and variable internationally. This variability is partly due to a lack of familiarity with the Rome Foundation diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines for this condition.

Methods

We conducted an electronic survey of PCPs in the United States and nine European countries to assess their understanding of IBS pathophysiology; the use of Rome IV criteria in diagnosis, knowledge of and frequency in prescribing various recommended treatments; and the likelihood of referring patients with suspected IBS to subspecialists.

Results

Most PCPs in the United States and Europe perceive IBS as a diagnosis of exclusion rather than a definitive diagnosis. They also believe IBS is underdiagnosed in primary care and challenging to diagnose confidently. The majority of PCPs consider diet as a crucial component of IBS management. Notably, US PCPs reported greater confidence than their European counterparts in recommending dietary interventions such as increased dietary fiber, a low FODMAP diet, and gluten restriction. Conversely, both groups exhibited moderate to high confidence in recommending over‐the‐counter treatments. European PCPs showed greater confidence in treating IBS with antispasmodics and secretagogues, while US PCPs expressed greater confidence in prescribing neuromodulators. Additionally, US PCPs were more likely to refer patients with suspected IBS to a gastroenterologist, whereas both US and European PCPs showed similar referral patterns to dietitians and referred very few patients to mental health providers. Both US and European PCPs reported that IBS is moderately to extremely difficult to treat effectively and emphasized the importance of a strong and longitudinal doctor‐patient relationship in managing the condition.

Conclusion

Despite the Rome Foundation recommendations and criteria to support a positive diagnosis of IBS, most PCPs still rely on exclusionary investigations such as endoscopy and a serologic workup, while a significant percentage suggest referring patients to gastroenterologists.
Testing for Threshold Effects in the Presence of Heteroskedasticity and Measurement Error With an Application to Italian Strikes
Authors: Angelini Francesco , Castellani Massimiliano , Giannerini Simone , Goracci Greta
Published: November 2024

We address the issue of testing for threshold nonlinearity in the conditional mean in the presence of conditional heteroskedasticity. We propose a supremum Lagrange multiplier approach to test a linear ARMA‐GARCH model versus a TARMA‐GARCH model. We derive the asymptotic null distribution of the test statistic, and this requires novel results due to nuisance parameters, absent under the null hypothesis, combined with the nonlinear moving average and GARCH‐type innovations. We show that tests that do not account for heteroskedasticity fail to achieve the correct size even for large sample sizes. Moreover, the TARMA specification naturally accounts for the ubiquitous presence of measurement error that affects macroeconomic data. We apply the results to analyse the time series of Italian strikes, and we show that the TARMA‐GARCH specification is consistent with the relevant macroeconomic theory while capturing the main features of the Italian strikes dynamics, such as asymmetric cycles and regime‐switching.
What is reflectance confocal microscopy and what are the barriers to adoption in pediatric dermatology
Authors: Grant‐Kels Jane M.
Published: November 2024

Herein we review the applicability of reflectance confocal microscopy to pediatric dermatologists as well as the barriers that must be overcome to adopt this technology.
Multifocal meningoencephalitis after vaccination against COVID‐19
Authors: Mikami Shuji , Ishii Mitsuru , Yano Tetsuhiro , Hirayama Ichiro , Hayashi Yuichiro , Shiomi Takayuki , Tominaga Yoshiteru , Ishida Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2024

We report the case of an 84‐year‐old male patient who was transferred to our hospital because of impaired consciousness and high fever, and died about 10 weeks after his fourth “coronavirus disease 2019” (COVID‐19) vaccination. Autopsy revealed acute ischemic change with microhemorrhage and perivascular T‐cell infiltration in the thalamus, pons, and cerebellum, which were considered to be related to neurological symptoms. There were dilatation of the right ventricle, accumulation of pleural effusion, and ascites, suggesting right heart failure. Although the patient had a negative COVID‐19 polymerase chain reaction test, immunohistochemical analysis for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) antigens (spike and nucleocapsid proteins) was performed to identify the cause of death. Surprisingly, only SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein was detected in the thalamus, pons, and pituitary and adrenal glands. The presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein might have been due to vaccination rather than viral infection, because no SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein was detected. The spike protein in the central nervous system might have been related to the acute ischemic change, and that in the pituitary and adrenal glands may have been associated with right heart failure, possibly through dysfunction of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system.
Film Cooling and Thermal Performances of a Blade Tip Winglet Operated in an Annular Test Rig and a Test Gas Turbine Power Plant
Authors: Naik Shailendra , Henze Marc , Wilhelm Manuel , Schiffer Heinz-Peter
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the film cooling performances and thermal behavior of a blade tip winglet, which was initially investigated in a 1.5-stage experimental axial turbine facility and subsequently also tested in a gas turbine power plant. The adiabatic film cooling effectiveness was measured in the rotating 1.5-stage axial turbine facility, whereas in the gas turbine power plant, the tip winglet had active internal cooling coupled to the airfoil and winglet film cooling system. For both test facilities, the tip winglet consisted of several fan-shaped diffuser cooling holes, which were distributed in various regions of the tip winglet and airfoil. The pressure-sensitive paint method was employed to measure the film cooling effectiveness in the 1.5-stage test rig, which was conducted for two tip clearances and a range of blowing ratios. The tip winglet in the gas turbine test power plant was operated for a long duration and under various gas turbine steady-state and transient operating conditions. The blade and tip metal temperatures were measured with embedded thermocrystal sensors and thermocouples for a wide range of operating conditions. Measured local film cooling distributions from the 1.5-stage experimental turbine indicated that it was strongly dependent on the coolant blowing ratios but relatively insensitive to the tip clearances and coolant-to-hot gas density ratio. The measurements also indicated that there was reasonably good coverage of film cooling in large areas of the winglet cavity floor and pressure and suction side tip rims. Metal temperature measurements at various locations of the tip winglet from the gas turbine power plant tests, also indicated that the measured values were within the expected ranges of the predicted metal temperatures.
Random Wave Energy Conversion of a Spar–Floater System via the Inerter Pendulum Vibration Absorber Integration
Authors: Li Guoxin , Tai Wei-Che
Published: November 2024

Incorporating wave energy converters (WECs) into existing oceanographic instrument systems and offshore floating platforms can not only enhance the performance of these applications but reduce operational expenses. This article studies a system integrating a floater WEC with a floating spar platform via the inerter pendulum vibration absorber with a power take-off (IPVA-PTO) mechanism, with a focus on random wave excitation. Experiments and simulations performed on a simplified system in which the WEC is held fixed and radiation damping is absent reveal that the power spectral density (PSD) of the system consists of odd-order superharmonics when the peak frequency of wave excitation is equal to the natural frequency of the system. It is found that the odd-order superharmonics are created by the IPVA and have a strong correlation with an enhancement in power output. Simulations without the aforementioned simplifications confirm the odd-order superharmonics and the correlation, and demonstrate an improvement in the capture width ratio (CWR) of 161.4% at resonance without compromising the response amplitude operator (RAO) of the spar, in comparison with a linear benchmark with optimal electrical damping.
Counterintuitive properties of relativistic relative motion for accelerated observers
Authors: Pössel M.
Published: November 2024

A challenge in teaching special relativity is that a number of the theory's effects are at odds with the intuition of classical physics as well as students' everyday experience. The relativity of simultaneity, time dilation, and length contraction are prominent examples. This article describes two other counterintuitive properties of relative motion with accelerated observers: (a) when two objects have a constant radar distance and are by that standard “at rest,” their relative speed is not necessarily zero, and (b) for two observers A and B, it is possible for A to observe the two to be approaching each other, while B considers them to be moving away from each other. The two effects provide insight into static gravitational fields and horizons in general relativity.
Non-iterative model-based inversion for low channel-count optical ultrasound imaging
Authors: Watt Fraser T. , Hauptmann Andreas , Mackle Eleanor C. , Zhang Edward Z. , Beard Paul C. , Alles Erwin J.
Published: November 2024

Ultrasound image reconstruction is typically performed using the computationally efficient delay-and-sum algorithm. However, this algorithm is suboptimal for systems of low channel counts, where it causes significant image artefacts. These artefacts can be suppressed through model-based inversion approaches; however, their computational costs typically prohibit real-time implementations. In this work, the emerging optical ultrasound (OpUS) modality is considered, where ultrasound waves are both generated and detected using light. With this modality, imaging probes comprise very low channel counts, resulting in significant image artefacts that limit the imaging dynamic range. However, this low channel counts offer an opportunity for non-iterative (“direct”) model-based inversion (DMI) on modest computational resources available in a typical workstation. When applied to both synthetic and experimental OpUS data, the presented DMI method achieved substantial reduction in image artefacts and noise, improved recovery of image amplitudes, and–after one-off pre-computation of the system matrices–significantly reduced reconstruction time, even in imaging scenarios exhibiting mild spatial inhomogeneity. Whilst here applied to an OpUS imaging system, DMI can be applied to other low channel-count imaging systems, and is therefore expected to achieve better image quality, reduce system complexity, or both, in a wide range of settings.
Ferroptosis—disease perils and therapeutic promise
Authors: Brown Ashley R. , Hirschhorn Tal , Stockwell Brent R.
Published: November 2024

Mechanisms of iron-dependent cell death reveal potential new targets for disease treatment
Specific tRNAs promote mRNA decay by recruiting the CCR4-NOT complex to translating ribosomes
Authors: Zhu Xiaoqiang , Cruz Victor Emmanuel , Zhang He , Erzberger Jan P. , Mendell Joshua T.
Published: November 2024

The CCR4-NOT complex is a major regulator of eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) stability. Slow decoding during translation promotes association of CCR4-NOT with ribosomes, accelerating mRNA degradation. We applied selective ribosome profiling to further investigate the determinants of CCR4-NOT recruitment to ribosomes in mammalian cells. This revealed that specific arginine codons in the P-site are strong signals for ribosomal recruitment of human CNOT3, a CCR4-NOT subunit. Cryo–electron microscopy and transfer RNA (tRNA) mutagenesis demonstrated that the D-arms of select arginine tRNAs interact with CNOT3 and promote its recruitment whereas other tRNA D-arms sterically clash with CNOT3. These effects link codon content to mRNA stability. Thus, in addition to their canonical decoding function, tRNAs directly engage regulatory complexes during translation, a mechanism we term P-site tRNA-mediated mRNA decay.
Scientists as political advocates
Authors: Fuentes Agustín
Published: November 2024

Science, both teaching and doing, is under attack. The recent US presidential election of a
person
and
platform
with anti-science bias exemplifies this. The study of climate processes and patterns and the role of human activities in these phenomena are at the heart of multiple global crises, and yet the
scientific results
, and the
scientists
presenting them, are
attacked
constantly
. The dissemination of knowledge on health involving reproduction and human sexuality is increasingly marked for attack (in
Russia
,
Uganda
, and the
USA
), and researchers in these areas are often the target of extensive
political pressure
. The massive attack on the science and the scientists behind vaccines, pathogen transmission, and public health during the COVID-19 pandemic and
beyond
is well
documented
, as are attacks on basic science education and the practice of science (for example, in
Hungary
and the
USA
). Even in the arena of biodiversity conservation, there is growing politicization of the
data
and political targeting of the
scientists
producing it. According to the US-based
National Association of Biology Teachers
(NABT), climate change, reproduction, vaccines, and other evidence-based scientific topics are being deemed “controversial” by school boards and state officials and are being removed from state-approved teaching resources across the country. Core research on health, climate, human biology, and biodiversity is being undermined by private foundations, governments, and anti-science ideologues.
Cybernetic avatars: Teleoperation technologies from in-body monitoring to social interaction
Authors: Hagita Norihiro , Kanai Ryota , Ishiguro Hiroshi , Minamizawa Kouta , Arai Fumihito , Shimpo Fumio , Matsumura Takeshi , Yamanishi Yoko
Published: November 2024

Cybernetic avatars integrate physical and virtual avatars to enhance human capabilities in diverse scales and contexts.
Bird-inspired reflexive morphing enables rudderless flight
Authors: Chang Eric , Chin Diana D. , Lentink David
Published: November 2024

Gliding birds lack a vertical tail, yet they fly stably rudderless in turbulence without needing discrete flaps to steer. In contrast, nearly all airplanes need vertical tails to damp Dutch roll oscillations and to control yaw. The few exceptions that lack a vertical tail either leverage differential drag-based yaw actuators or their fixed planforms are carefully tuned for passively stable Dutch roll and proverse yaw. Biologists hypothesize that birds stabilize and control gliding flight without rudders by using their wing and tail reflexes, but no rudderless airplane has a morphing wing or tail that can change shape like a bird. Our rudderless biohybrid robot, PigeonBot II, can damp its Dutch roll instability (caused by lacking a vertical tail) and control flight by morphing its biomimetic wing and tail reflexively like a bird. The bird-inspired adaptive reflexive controller was tuned in a wind tunnel to mitigate turbulent perturbations, which enabled PigeonBot II to fly autonomously in the atmosphere with pigeon-like poses. This work is a mechanistic confirmation of how birds accomplish rudderless flight via reflex functions, and it can inspire rudderless aircraft with reduced radar signature and increased efficacy.