bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the effect of sharing environmental information on consumer responses to conventional and hypothetical ‘precision fermented’ yoghurt
Authors: Ford Hannah , Thibodeau Margaret , Newton Lydia , Child Catherine , Yang Qian
Published: May 2024

Precision fermented dairy (PFD) is a novel technology used to produce milk proteins that can be used to replicate conventional dairy (CD) products. With PFD products likely to be available soon in the United Kingdom, this study aimed to explore consumer acceptance of these products. Specifically, the effect of sharing information related to the process and environmental impact of PFD on overall liking and emotional response for yoghurts labelled as CD and PFD. Overall, all participants (n = 62) were willing to try the yoghurts labelled as PFD, and no significant difference in liking between yoghurts labelled as CD and PFD was found, indicating acceptance and trust. However, sharing information slightly increased liking for PFD yoghurt and evoked more positive emotions (‘understanding’, ‘adventurous’ and ‘enthusiastic’). In contrast, information decreased liking for CD yoghurt and had minimal impact on the emotional response, but made participants feel slightly ‘guilty’. In particular, sharing information led high food‐neophobic and food technology‐neophobic individuals to be more ‘understanding’ towards PFD in comparison to the low‐neophobic groups. Findings suggest emotional responses can provide deeper insights beyond liking, which will benefit the food industry when reviewing consumer attitudes. The results show promise that consumers will accept PFD products when available, provided the novel technology can mimic the sensory properties of CD. Furthermore, when marketing products, sharing information may increase liking for sustainable products, but future studies would benefit from exploring the effect of different types of information on consumer acceptance.
Interaction of polysaccharides on gel characteristics and protein microstructure of threadfin bream surimi gel
Authors: Sompongse Warangkana , Hongviangjan Worawan , Sakamut Phatthira
Published: May 2024

Polysaccharide is widely used to improve gel characteristics of surimi gel. The impacts of the polysaccharides tamarind kernel powder (TKP) and tapioca starch (TS) at concentrations of 0%, 2.5% and 5% by weight were investigated on protein conformation [Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM)] and textural characteristics (rheological property, gel strength, solubility, SH contents) of threadfin bream surimi gel. Higher G′ and G″ values were observed in surimi paste added with TKP. Hydrogen bonding increased at higher concentrations of polysaccharides. Addition of TS increased hydrophobic interaction and promoted alteration of the α‐helix to the β‐sheet in the gel structure, while adding TKP to surimi gel had the opposite effect. FTIR images indicated that higher concentrations of polysaccharides resulted in abundant specific polysaccharide functional groups. Microstructures of surimi gel with TKP exhibited an irregular network, with large voids leading to decreased gel strength, while addition of TS increased network density, promoting higher gel strength.
How different backgrounds in video interviews can bias evaluations of applicants
Authors: Basch Johannes M. , Roulin Nicolas , Gläsner Josua , Spengler Raphael , Wilhelm Julia
Published: May 2024

Organizations are increasingly using technology‐enabled formats such as asynchronous video interviews (AVIs) to evaluate candidates. However, the personal environment of applicants visible in AVI recordings may introduce additional bias in the evaluation of interview performance. This study extends existing research by examining the influence of cues signaling affiliation with Islam or homosexuality in the background and comparing them with a neutral background using an experimental design and a German sample (N = 222). Results showed that visible signs of religious affiliation with Islam led to lower perceived competence, while perceived warmth and interview performance were unaffected. Visual cues of homosexuality had no effect on perceptions of the applicant. In addition, personal characteristics of the raters, such as their intrinsic religious orientation or their attitudes towards homosexuality influenced applicants’ ratings, so that a non‐Muslim religious orientation was negatively associated with evaluations of the Muslim candidate and a negative attitude towards homosexuality was negatively associated with evaluations of the homosexual candidate. This study thus contributes to the literature on AVIs and discrimination against Muslims and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community in personnel selection contexts.
Effects of single unilaterally impacted mesiodens on maxillary central incisors: A 3D quantitative assessment based on cone‐beam computed tomography
Authors: Yang Shengjun , Zhang Chi , Shi Yijin , Yang Haochuan , Wang Dongmiao
Published: May 2024

Background

Mesiodens usually lead to the malposition and abnormal morphology of maxillary central incisors.

Aim

To evaluate the detrimental effects of single unilaterally impacted mesiodens on the three‐dimensional positions and morphology of the maxillary central incisor using cone‐beam computed tomographic (CBCT) examinations.

Design

A total of 321 patients aged 5–17 years with single unilaterally impacted mesiodens were included and divided into two groups: mixed dentition group (5–10 years) and early permanent dentition group (11–17 years). CBCT data for these patients were retrospectively analyzed to compare the inclination, rotation, angulation, and morphology of maxillary central incisors between the affected and contralateral control sides. The morphology, orientation, and spatial location of mesiodens were also assessed.

Results

Central incisors on the affected side showed significant palatal crown inclination, shorter root, shorter tooth, and greater crown‐to‐root ratio in both groups, whereas significant mesial crown angulation was only observed in the mixed dentition group.

Conclusion

Impacted mesiodentes result in the displacement and impaired root development of central incisors, strongly suggesting timely clinical management of these abnormal teeth, such as the early removal of mesiodens and orthodontic treatments.
The impact of work–life balance and flexible work arrangements on non‐financial organisational performance
Authors: William Asamoah‐Appiah , Singh Kesari
Published: May 2024

The study's goal was to determine the effect of work–life balance (WLB) and flexible work arrangements (FWAs) on non‐financial organisational performance. The study was motivated by a lack of empirical research on the impact of WLB and FWA on organisational non‐financial performance in developing countries. The evaluation of organisational performance is skewed towards financial indicators at the expense of non‐financial metrics. The study's population consisted of management and non‐management employees from seven multinational and national manufacturing and service firms. Based on a population of 1068 people, the sample size was 678. The return rate was 86.72%. The respondents were chosen using a simple random sampling technique with the aid of a table of random numbers. The research design was a survey, with a validated structured questionnaire used. The data was quantitative, and it was analysed using SPSS (IBM, vr. 26) and SEM‐PLS (3.0). The main findings were that there was a statistically significant relationship among WLB, FWAs and non‐financial organisational performance. It was suggested that management include non‐financial performance indicators in performance evaluations and implement WLB and FWA policies to reduce paid work inferences with personal life.
Comparison of anterior mitral line and mitral isthmus line for ablation of mitral annular flutter
Authors: Neira Victor , Hanson Matthew , Tso Melissa , Khakh Parm , Burak Cengiz , Alam Maqsood , Sanhueza Eduardo , Bakker David , Pardy Jacob , Redfearn Damian , Chacko Sanoj , Simpson Christopher , Abdollah Hoshiar , Baranchuk Adrian , Enriquez Andres
Published: May 2024

Background

Mitral annular flutter (MAF) is the most common left atrial macro‐reentrant arrhythmia following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). The best ablation approach for this arrhythmia remains unclear.

Methods

This single‐center, retrospective study sought to compare the acute and long‐term outcomes of patients with MAF treated with an anterior mitral line (AML) versus a mitral isthmus line (MIL). Acute ablation success, complication rates, and long‐term arrhythmia recurrence were compared between the two groups.

Results

Between 2015 and 2021, a total of 81 patients underwent ablation of MAF (58 with an AML and 23 with a MIL). Acute procedural success defined as bidirectional block was achieved in 88% of the AML and 91% of the MIL patients respectively (p = 1.0). One year freedom from atrial arrhythmias was 49.5% versus 77.5% and at 4 years was 24% versus 59.6% for AML versus MIL, respectively (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.38, confidence interval [CI]: 0.17–0.82, p = .009). Fewer patients in the MIL group had recurrent atrial flutter when compared to the AML group (HR: 0.32, CI: 0.12–0.83, p = .009). The incidence of recurrent AF, on the other side, was not different between both groups (21.7% vs. 18.9%; p = .76). There were no serious adverse events in either group.

Conclusion

In this retrospective study of patients with MAF, a MIL compared to AML was associated with a long‐term reduction in recurrent atrial arrhythmias driven by a reduction in macroreentrant atrial flutters.
Molecular detection of Sarcocystis sp. in a kept under human care black capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus., Goldfuss 1809) with necrotizing encephalitis
Authors: Teng Fwu Shing , Ferreira‐Machado Eduardo , Guerra Juliana Mariotti , Ressio Rodrigo Albergaria , dos Santos Cirqueira Cinthya , Figueiredo Ketlyn Bolsachini , de Carvalho Ana Carolina Souza Ramos , de Camargo Gabriel Corrêa , dos Santos Daniel Oliveira , Rahal Sheila Canevese , Rocha Noeme Sousa , Oliveira Ayisa Rodrigues , Santos Renato Lima , Fernandes Natalia Coelho Couto de Azevedo
Published: May 2024

A senile male black capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus) kept under human care in a Zoo was found dead after 2 weeks presenting signals of weight loss and hyporexia. Histopathological revealed a necrotizing encephalitis. Although it was not observed microscopically, Sarcocystis sp infection was detected in brain tissue from molecular assays. These infections have been rarely described in neotropical primates, particularly associated with tissue lesions.
The social reproduction of (and through) food: Agrarian change in Uzbekistan
Authors: Lombardozzi Lorena
Published: May 2024

Food systems—and the interplay between food production, marketisation and access—are constituent elements of the social reproduction of life. Using a social reproduction framework, this paper problematises the ontological, epistemological and methodological premises of food system studies in agrarian change. Based on primary data collected during multiple rounds of fieldwork in rural Uzbekistan and adopting mixed methods, it offers a triple contribution. First, it assesses the inequalities of food security and dietary diversity among different classes of farmers and agrarian wage workers. Along these lines, it argues that individualised food security indicators do not unveil the systemic determinants that explain unequal patterns of social reproduction through nutrition during processes of agrarian marketisation. To move beyond individual‐based theorisations, it extends the investigation to state policies, market drivers and gender norms in relation to food knowledge, provision, affordability and availability. In so doing, it unpacks the contradictions that explain the uneven conditions of social reproduction of (and through) food. Finally, by investigating the modalities of access and availability of ultra‐processed food in rural areas, it reflects on the tensions between the capitalist global food system and its interaction with the logics of state‐led development to maintain the social reproduction of rural life.
Gender differences in the economic consequences of life‐long singlehood among older white U.S. adults
Authors: Carr Deborah , Wang Leping , Smock Pamela J.
Published: May 2024

Objective

Drawing on life course frameworks, this study examines how never married older adults differ from their married, cohabiting, divorced, and widowed peers with respect to three dimensions of late‐life economic security, and gender differences in these associations.

Background

Lifelong singlehood has become increasingly common over the past five decades, although little is known about the economic security of never married older adults relative to their currently and formerly married peers.

Method

Data are from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS), which tracked Wisconsin high school graduates from ages 18 (1957) to 72 (2011). The 2011 analytic sample includes 5269 persons (2498 men and 2711 women). OLS and logistic regressions are used to predict total household income, wealth, and poverty status at age 72, adjusted for covariates.

Results

Lifelong single men have higher poverty rates and lower income than men in all other marital categories, although divorced men evidence the lowest levels of wealth. Lifelong single women fare worse than married and cohabiting women but better than divorced women. Older men are more financially secure than women in every marital status category except lifelong singles.

Conclusion

By centering the experiences of never married older adults, results reveal the economic precarity of lifelong single men and distinctions among subgroups of unmarried women. We document the persistence of gender inequality, where men consistently fare better than women across marital statuses.

Implications

Public policies should recognize growing heterogeneity in older adults' marital statuses and the implications thereof for their late‐life economic security.
Facial recognition, laterality judgement, alexithymia and resulting central nervous system adaptations in chronic primary headache and facial pain—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Taxer Bernhard , de Castro‐Carletti Ester Moreira , von Piekartz Harry , Leis Stefan , Christova Monica , Armijo‐Olivo Susan
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Patients with chronic headaches and chronic oro‐facial pain commonly present psychosocial issues that can affect social interactions. A possible reason could be that patients with these disorders might present impairments in facial recognition, laterality judgement and also alexithymia. However, a systematic review summarizing the effects of facial emotion recognition, laterality judgement and alexithymia in individuals with headaches and oro‐facial pain is still not available.

Aim

The main objective of this systematic review (SR) and meta‐analysis (MA) was to compile and synthesize the evidence on the occurrence of alexithymia, deficits in laterality or left–right (LR) recognition and/or facial emotion recognition (FER) in patients with chronic headache and facial pain.

Methods

Electronic searches were conducted in five databases (up to September 2023) and a manual search to identify relevant studies. The outcomes of interest were alexithymia scores, speed and accuracy in LR and/or FER, or any other quantitative data assessing body image distortions. The screening process, data extraction, risk of bias and data analysis were performed by two independent assessors following standards for systematic reviews.

Results

From 1395 manuscripts found, only 34 studies met the criteria. The overall quality/certainty of the evidence was very low. Although the results should be interpreted carefully, individuals with chronic headaches showed significantly higher levels of alexithymia when compared to healthy individuals. No conclusive results were found for the other variables of interest.

Conclusion

Although the overall evidence from this review is very low, people with chronic primary headaches and oro‐facial pain could be regularly screened for alexithymia to guarantee appropriate management.
Radiation‐induced exosomes promote oral squamous cell carcinoma progression via enhancing SLC1A5‐glutamine metabolism
Authors: Yang Rongchun , Zhang Siyuan , Wang Lixuan , Chen Yingyao , Chen Xiaobing , Xia Juan , Ren Xianyue , Cheng Bin , Chen Xijuan
Published: May 2024

Background

Radiotherapy (RT) can drive cancer cells to enter a state of cellular senescence in which cells can secrete senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and produce small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) to interact with cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor‐derived sEVs that are taken up by recipient cells contribute to cancer cell metabolic plasticity, resistance to anticancer therapy, and adaptation to the TME. However, how radiation‐induced sEVs support oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression remains unclear.

Methods

Beta‐galactosidase staining and SASP mRNA expression analysis were used to evaluate the senescence‐associated activity of OSCC cells after irradiation. Nanoparticle tracking analysis was performed to identify radiation‐induced sEVs. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was used to explore changes in the levels of proteins in radiation‐induced sEVs. Cell Counting Kit‐8 and colony formation assays were performed to investigate the function of radiation‐induced SASP and sEVs in vitro. A xenograft tumor model was established to investigate the functions of radiation‐induced sEVs and V‐9302 in vivo as well as the underlying mechanisms. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to determine the relationship between glutamine metabolism and OSCC recurrence.

Results

We determined that the radiation‐induced SASP triggered OSCC cell proliferation. Additionally, radiation‐induced sEVs exacerbated OSCC cell malignancy. LC–MS/MS and bioinformatics analyses revealed that SLC1A5, which is a cellular receptor that participates in glutamine uptake, was significantly enriched in radiation‐induced sEVs. In vitro and in vivo, inhibiting SLC1A5 could block the oncogenic effects of radiation‐induced sEVs in OSCC.

Conclusion

Radiation‐induced sEVs might promote the proliferation of unirradiated cancer cells by enhancing glutamine metabolism; this might be a novel molecular mechanism underlying radiation resistance in OSCC patients.
We /r/ Tongan, not American: Variation and the social meaning of rhoticity in Tongan English
Authors: Tod Danielle
Published: May 2024

The current paper argues that speakers of Tongan English, an emergent variety spoken in the Kingdom of Tonga, may use rhoticity to construct a cosmopolitan and globally oriented local social identity. A variationist analysis of non‐prevocalic /r/ in a corpus of 56 speakers reveals a change in progress towards rhoticity led by young females, whereas an affiliation with Liahona High School, a Mormon secondary school, predicts advanced adoption of the feature. I argue that rhoticity carries a positive ideological load for younger speakers as an index of globalness, modernity and Western cultural values, whereas for Liahona‐affiliated speakers, an additional indexicality of rhoticity is Mormonism. Linguistic constraints on variation mirror patterns found in previous studies on L1/L2 varieties and are thus more universal, whereas social constraints on variation are best examined through a local lens.
Novel melatonin‐producing Bacillus safensis EH143 mitigates salt and cadmium stress in soybean
Authors: Kwon Eun‐Hae , Adhikari Arjun , Imran Muhammad , Hussain Adil , Gam Ho‐Jun , Woo Ji‐In , Jeon Jin Ryeol , Lee Da‐Sol , Lee Chung‐Yeol , Lay Liny , Kang Sang‐Mo , Kim Won‐Chan , Yun Byung‐Wook , Lee In‐Jung
Published: May 2024

Recently, microorganism and exogenous melatonin application has been recognized as an efficient biological tool for enhancing salt tolerance and heavy metal detoxification in agriculture crops. Thus, the goal of this study was to isolate and evaluate a novel melatonin‐producing plant growth promoting bacterium. With high‐throughput whole genome sequencing, phytohormone measurements, expression profiling, and biochemical analysis, we can identify a novel PGPB that produces melatonin and unravel how it promotes soybean growth and development and protects against salt and Cd stress. We identify the melatonin synthesis pathway (tryptophan→tryptamine→serotonin melatonin) of the halotolerant (NaCl > 800 mM) and heavy metal‐resistant (Cd >3 mM) rhizobacterium Bacillus safensis EH143 and use it to treat soybean plants subjected to Cd and NaCl stresses. Results show that EH143 will highly bioaccumulate heavy metals and significantly improve P and Ca2+ uptake and the K+/Na+ (93%↑under salt stress) ratio while reducing Cd uptake (49% under Cd stress) in shoots. This activity was supported by the expression of the ion regulator HKT1, MYPB67, and the calcium sensors CDPK5 and CaMK1 which ultimately led to increased plant growth. EH143 significantly decreased ABA content in shoots by 13%, 20%, and 34% and increased SA biosynthesis in shoots by 14.8%, 31%, and 48.2% in control, salt, and Cd‐treated plants, upregulating CYP707A1 and CYP707A2 and PAL1 and ICS, respectively. The melatonin content significantly decreased along with a reduced expression of ASMT3 following treatment with EH143; moreover, reduced expression of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 134.5% and 39% under salt+Cd stress, respectively and increased level of total amino acids were observed. Whole‐genome sequencing and annotation of EH143 revealed the presence of the melatonin precursor tryptophan synthase (trpA, trpB, trpS), metal and other ion regulators (Cd: cadA, potassium: KtrA and KtrB, phosphate: glpT, calcium: yloB, the sodium/glucose cotransporter: sgIT, and the magnesium transporter: mgtE), and enzyme activators (including the siderophore transport proteins yfiZ and yfhA, the SOD sodA, the catalase katA1, and the glutathione regulator KefG) that may be involved in programming the plant metabolic system. As a consequence, EH143 treatment significantly reduced the contents of lipid peroxidation (O2‐, MDA, and H2O2) up to 69%, 46%, and 29% in plants under salt+Cd stress, respectively. These findings suggest that EH143 could be a potent biofertilizer to alleviate NaCl and Cd toxicity in crops and serve as an alternative substitute for exogenous melatonin application.
Survival in dogs with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology with and without lesions detected by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Ostrager Arielle , Bentley R. Timothy , Lewis Melissa J. , Moore George E.
Published: May 2024

Background

The prognosis of individual dogs with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology (MUE) remains difficult to predict. MUE cases with no lesions detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) occur, but it is unknown whether this finding is associated with prognosis.

Hypothesis

MUE cases without detectable lesions on MRI have a better outcome than cases with detectable lesions.

Animals

Study included 73 client‐owned dogs with MUE presenting to Purdue University Veterinary Hospital from 2010 to 2020.

Methods

Retrospective study. Dogs with a clinical diagnosis of MUE were identified by medical record search. MRI reports were reviewed for presence or absence of lesions consistent with MUE. Clinical findings at presentation, treatment, disease‐specific survival, and outcomes including rates of remission and relapse were compared between cases with normal MRI or abnormal MRI.

Results

Overall, 54 dogs (74%) were classified as abnormal MRI, and 19 dogs (26%) were classified as normal MRI cases. Death caused by MUE occurred in 1/19 (5%) normal MRI dogs and 18/54 (33%) abnormal MRI dogs (P = .016). Median survival was >107 months in both groups, but survival was significantly longer in the normal MRI group (P = .019). On multivariate analysis, abnormal MRI was significantly related to death (hazard ratio, 7.71; 95% confidence interval 1.03‐58.00, P = .0470), whereas significant relationships with death were not identified for either the use of secondary immunosuppressive medications or cerebrospinal fluid nucleated cell count.

Conclusions

MUE dogs with no detectable lesions on MRI have reduced disease‐related death compared with dogs with abnormal MRI. The presence or absence of MRI lesions in MUE dogs is prognostically relevant.
Prevalence of Hemoplasma spp. positivity in potential feline blood donors and study of the association with selected clinical variables
Authors: Roels Elodie , Debie Chiara , Giraud Sophie , Ferreira Rui , Gommeren Kris
Published: May 2024

Background

Hemotropic mycoplasmas, hemoplasmas, are epi‐erythrocytic parasitic bacteria that can be transmitted through blood transfusion.

Objectives

To study the prevalence of hemoplasma infection of potential feline blood donors and investigate the association between Hemoplasma spp. quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) positivity in blood units and selected variables.

Animals

Seven thousand five hundred seventy‐three blood units from 4121 privately‐owned potential donor cats.

Methods

Retrospective observational cross‐sectional study. The Banco Sangue Animal (BSA)—Animal Blood Bank medical database was reviewed for all feline donations performed in 2022 in Portugal, Spain, and Belgium. Baseline characteristics and results of blood‐borne pathogens screening tests were extracted from the medical records.

Results

Two hundred twelve of 4034 Portuguese donor cats and 2 of 70 Spanish donor cats tested positive for Hemoplasma spp. qPCR in 2022 leading to an overall estimated prevalence of 5.2% (95% CI: 4.5%‐5.9%) in potential blood donors. Using multivariable generalized estimation equation models, Hemoplasma spp. qPCR was more often positive among blood units issued from male cats (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.4‐2.6, P < .0001), units positive for FeLV (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.4‐5.6, P = .0023), and units collected in winter months (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.7‐3.6, P < .0001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study underscores the importance of Hemoplasma spp. and other relevant blood‐borne pathogens screening at every donation. Implementing stringent screening protocols is crucial to mitigate the risk of hemoplasma transmission via blood transfusions, thereby safeguarding the health and welfare of cats receiving transfusions.
Detection and quantification of organosulfur species in the Tagish Lake Meteorite by highly sensitive LC‐MS
Authors: Randazzo N. , Hilts R. W. , Holt M. C. , Herd C. D. K. , Reiz B. , Whittal R. M.
Published: May 2024

We analyzed the methanol extracts of six pristine specimens of the Tagish Lake meteorite (TL1, TL4, TL5A, TL6, TL7, and TL10a) and heated and unheated samples of Allende using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution, accurate mass–mass spectrometry (HPLC‐HRAM‐MS). All samples contained ppm levels of sulfate and methyl sulfate. The most abundant organosulfur compound in the methanol extracts of the Tagish Lake and Allende samples was methyl sulfate, which was likely formed primarily via an esterification reaction between intrinsic sources of methanol and sulfate. A homologous series of polythionic acids was also observed in the extracts of the Tagish Lake specimens and Allende. The polythionic acids were the most abundant soluble inorganic sulfur species found in the meteorites. Our results were confirmed using retention time, accurate mass, isotope matching, and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Hydroxymethanesulfonic acid, previously reported in Tagish Lake, was found only in an unheated Allende sample and in low abundance. Here, we propose possible sulfate formation pathways that begin with interstellar dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, methyl sulfide, or methanethiol via cold, nebular processes within the interstellar medium and continue via MSA as an intermediary compound ending within planetary bodies with sulfate and methyl sulfate as the final products.
The impacts of an mHealth intervention targeting parents on health service usage and out‐of‐pocket costs in the first 9 months of life: The Growing healthy app
Authors: Laws Rachel A. , Zheng Miaobing , Brown Vicki , Lymer Sharyn , Campbell Karen J. , Russell Catherine G. , Taki Sarah , Litterbach Eloise , Ong Kok‐Leong , Denney‐Wilson Elizabeth
Published: May 2024

Mobile health (mHealth) interventions provide a low‐cost, scalable approach to supporting parents with infant feeding advice with the potential to reduce health care visits and associated costs for infant feeding support. This Australian study examined the impact of the Growing healthy (GH) app on health service utilisation and out‐of‐pocket costs for families in the first 9 months of their infants life. A quasi‐experimental study with a comparison group was conducted in 2015–2016 with an mHealth intervention group (GH app, n = 301) and a nonrandomized usual care group (n = 344). The GH app aimed to support parents of young infants with healthy infant feeding behaviours from birth to 9 months of age. App‐generated notifications directed parents to age‐and feeding‐specific content within the app. Both groups completed surveys at baseline when infants were less than 3 months old (T1), at 6 months (T2) and 9 months (T3) of age. At T3, participants reported health services used and any out‐of‐pocket costs for advice on infant feeding, growth or activity. App users had lower odds (odds ratio: 0.38 95% confidence interval: 0.25, 0.59) of using one or more services and had lower number of visits to a general practitioner (1.0 vs. 1.5 visits, p = 0.003) and paediatrician (0.3 vs. 0.4 visits, p = 0.049) compared to the usual care group. There was no difference in out‐of‐pocket costs between groups. Provision of an evidenced‐based infant feeding app may provide substantial savings to the health system and potentially to parents through fewer primary health care and paediatrician visits.
Establishing new medical schools in diverse contexts: A novel conceptual framework for success
Authors: Kirubakaran Sneha , Kumar Koshila , Worley Paul , Pimlott Joanne , Greenhill Jennene
Published: May 2024

Background

Establishing a new medical school is a significant venture involving many complex political, social, economic, educational, and organisational considerations. The published literature on the process of establishing a new medical school is, however, under‐developed with minimal empirical research and no explicit reference to theory. This research sought to address these gaps and establish an empirical and theoretical evidence‐base for the process of new medical school establishment in diverse contexts, particularly medically under‐served areas.

Methods

A Critical Realist Multiple Case Study was undertaken to examine the establishment of new medical schools across three continents. Data were collected between 2016 and 2018 through observational data gathered on site visits to three medical schools in medically under‐served areas, relevant documents/audio‐visual materials, and semi‐structured interviews with key founding personnel. Data were analysed using the Critical Realist approach. Institutional Entrepreneurship theory was applied, adapted, and extended to explore and explain the phenomenon of new medical school establishment in diverse contexts.

Results

This study identifies eight critical success factors underpinning new medical school establishment. Framed as the Eight C's Framework (8CF), these factors include Context (field conditions), Catalysts (institutional entrepreneurs), Conducing (helping to bring about a particular situation or outcome), Collecting (resources), Connecting (relationships), Convincing (rationales), Challenges, and Consequences (outcomes). 8CF highlights that new medical schools are successfully established when Catalysts act within their Contexts to undertake the tasks of Conducing, Convincing, Collecting, and Connecting in order to produce desired Consequences and overcome Challenges.

Conclusions

The Eight C's Framework is a theory‐based, empirically supported framework that can be applied across different contexts to strategically guide the successful establishment of new medical schools. Founding leaders and stakeholders could use 8CF to ensure their establishment efforts are underpinned by theory and scholarship.
Transcapillary PO2 Gradients in Contracting Muscles of Type I Diabetic Rats
Authors: Takamizawa Ren , Hotta Kazuki , Fujii Yutaka , Ikegami Ryo , Hitosugi Naoki , Inoue Tatsuro , Tamiya Hajime , Tsubaki Atsuhiro
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aimed to clarify the effect of Type I diabetes (DIA) on transcapillary PO2 gradients, which are oxygen‐driving factors between the blood and the interstitium, in the contracting muscle of rats.

Methods

Wistar male rats were divided into the diabetic (streptozocin i.p.) and sham groups. Microvascular and interstitial PO2 were measured in the extensor digitorum longus muscle during electrical stimulation‐induced muscle contraction, using the phosphorescence quenching method. Transcapillary PO2 gradient, ΔPO2, was calculated as microvascular minus interstitial PO2.

Results

Resting microvascular PO2 was higher in the diabetic group than in the sham group (6.3 ± 1.7 vs. 4.7 ± 0.9 mmHg, p < 0.05) and remained for 180 s. Interstitial PO2 from rest to muscle contraction did not differ between the groups. The ΔPO2 was higher in the diabetic group than in the sham group at rest and during muscle contraction (4.03 ± 1.42 vs. 2.46 ± 0.90 mmHg at rest; 3.67 ± 1.51 vs. 2.22 ± 0.65 mmHg during muscle contraction, p < 0.05). Marked muscle atrophy was observed in the diabetic group.

Conclusion

DIA increased microvascular and transcapillary PO2 gradients in the skeletal muscle. The enhanced PO2 gradients were maintained from rest to muscle contraction in diabetic muscle.
Nicotine Impairs Smooth Muscle cAMP Signaling and Vascular Reactivity
Authors: Singhrao Navid , Flores‐Tamez Victor A. , Moustafa Yumna A. , Reddy Gopireddy R. , Burns Abby E. , Pinkerton Kent E. , Chen Chao‐Yin , Navedo Manuel F. , Nieves‐Cintrón Madeline
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aimed to determine nicotine's impact on receptor‐mediated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) synthesis in vascular smooth muscle (VSM). We hypothesize that nicotine impairs β adrenergic–mediated cAMP signaling in VSM, leading to altered vascular reactivity.

Methods

The effects of nicotine on cAMP signaling and vascular function were systematically tested in aortic VSM cells and acutely isolated aortas from mice expressing the cAMP sensor TEpacVV (Camper), specifically in VSM (e.g., CamperSM).

Results

Isoproterenol (ISO)‐induced β‐adrenergic production of cAMP in VSM was significantly reduced in cells from second‐hand smoke (SHS)–exposed mice and cultured wild‐type VSM treated with nicotine. The decrease in cAMP synthesis caused by nicotine was verified in freshly isolated arteries from a mouse that had cAMP sensor expression in VSM (e.g., CamperSM mouse). Functionally, the changes in cAMP signaling in response to nicotine hindered ISO‐induced vasodilation, but this was reversed by immediate PDE3 inhibition.

Conclusions

These results imply that nicotine alters VSM β adrenergic–mediated cAMP signaling and vasodilation, which may contribute to the dysregulation of vascular reactivity and the development of vascular complications for nicotine‐containing product users.
A simulation‐based approach for optimizing the placement of dedicated lanes for autonomous vehicles in large‐scale networks
Authors: Kamjoo Ehsan , Rostami Alireza , Fakhrmoosavi Fatemeh , Zockaie Ali
Published: May 2024

This study introduces a framework to maximize societal benefits associated with the autonomous vehicle (AV)‐dedicated lane implementation at large‐scale transportation networks, considering the travel time savings and the required investments to prepare the infrastructure for their deployment. To this end, a bi‐level optimization problem is formulated. The upper level determines the links for dedicated lane deployment, while at the lower level, a mesoscopic traffic simulation tool is employed to enable a realistic representation of these vehicles in a mixed traffic. The problem is solved using the genetic algorithm. To further reduce the computational burden, this study adopts a clustering method based on the snake algorithm to group the candidate links and reduce the size of the solution space. The proposed framework is successfully applied to the case study of Chicago downtown network, considering various demand levels, AV market penetration rates, and implementation approaches. The results highlight the need for optimizing the placement of AV‐dedicated lanes (AVDLs) to ensure the economically beneficial adoption of this strategy across different scenarios. This study provides transportation planners with key operational insights to facilitate the effective adoption of AVDLs during the transitional phase from human‐driven vehicles to a fully AV environment.
Homo Poeta: Rowan Williams and Poetic Anthropology
Authors: McGlinchey Patrick John
Published: May 2024

Rowan Williams's trinitarian ontology rests on the affirmation of eros within God and the ‘irreducible otherness’ of the divine persons to one another. The divine persons are accordingly conceived in ek‐static terms as ‘giving more than they are’. In the generation of the Son and the spiration of the Spirit we discern the ‘timeless making other that is intrinsic to God's being’. It is this poetics from above that is the ‘fountainhead’ of finite human creativity on Williams's view, and more specifically, the eternal filial reality of the Son as the Art, Image or Sign of the Father. Conversely, his poetics from below begins with a phenomenology of artistic labour and linguistic practice that is acutely alert to the material and temporalized conditions of human making. In this article, I elaborate and defend the coordination and mutual illumination provided by his poetics from above and from below which affects a significant reworking of how we imagine the relation between the finite and the infinite. What emerges from this re‐working, I will argue, is a profound, ecstatic and ‘personalist’ view of the material and temporal human creature becoming ‘hypostatic’ via a filial mode of creativity.
Genetic architecture of disease resistance and tolerance in Douglas‐fir trees
Authors: Singh Pooja , St Clair J. Bradley , Lind Brandon M. , Cronn Richard , Wilhelmi Nicholas P. , Feau Nicolas , Lu Mengmeng , Vidakovic Dragana Obreht , Hamelin Richard C. , Shaw David C. , Aitken Sally N. , Yeaman Sam
Published: May 2024

Understanding the genetic basis of how plants defend against pathogens is important to monitor and maintain resilient tree populations. Swiss needle cast (SNC) and Rhabdocline needle cast (RNC) epidemics are responsible for major damage of forest ecosystems in North America.

Here we investigate the genetic architecture of tolerance and resistance to needle cast diseases in Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) caused by two fungal pathogens: SNC caused by Nothophaeocryptopus gaeumannii, and RNC caused by Rhabdocline pseudotsugae.

We performed case–control genome‐wide association analyses and found disease resistance and tolerance in Douglas‐fir to be polygenic and under strong selection. We show that stomatal regulation as well as ethylene and jasmonic acid pathways are important for resisting SNC infection, and secondary metabolite pathways play a role in tolerating SNC once the plant is infected. We identify a major transcriptional regulator of plant defense, ERF1, as the top candidate for RNC resistance.

Our findings shed light on the highly polygenic architectures underlying fungal disease resistance and tolerance and have important implications for forestry and conservation as the climate changes.
The use of honey in the perioperative care of tonsillectomy patients—A narrative review
Authors: Yeoh Mei F. , Sommerfield Aine , Sommerfield David , von Ungern‐Sternberg Britta S.
Published: May 2024

Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in childhood. While generally safe, it often is associated with a difficult early recovery phase with poor oral intake, dehydration, difficult or painful swallowing, postoperative bleeding, infection and/or otalgia. Better pain management and the availability of more child friendly medications are within the top consumer priorities in perioperative medicine, highlighting the importance of alternative pain treatments. This review focuses on the potential role of honey in the postoperative setting, its effects, and mechanisms of action. While the application of honey post‐tonsillectomy may offer analgesic and healing benefits, it may also reduce postoperative bleeding. A systematic search was carried out using the search terms honey, tonsillectomy. Filters were applied to human studies and English. No other search terms were used or age filters applied to yield a broader range of results. Seven pediatric, four adult, and two studies of mixed pediatric and adult patients with sample sizes ranging from 8 to 52 patients were included in this review. Effect sizes ranged from small to huge across the studies. While the application of honey post‐tonsillectomy may offer analgesic and healing benefits, it may also reduce postoperative bleeding. However, while there are potential benefits based on the chemical composition of honey, the current literature is of variable quality and there is need for high quality clinical trials.
Association of synaptic density and cognitive performance in temporal lobe epilepsy: Humans and animals PET imaging study with [18F]SynVesT‐1
Authors: Xiao Ling , Xiang Shijun , Chen Chen , Zhu Haoyue , Zhou Ming , Tang Yongxiang , Feng Li , Hu Shuo
Published: May 2024

Aim

Cognitive impairment is a common comorbidity in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), yet the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study explored the putative association between in vivo synaptic loss and cognitive outcomes in TLE patients by PET imaging of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A).

Methods

We enrolled 16 TLE patients and 10 cognitively normal controls. All participants underwent SV2A PET imaging using [18F]SynVesT‐1 and cognitive assessment. Lithium chloride‐pilocarpine‐induced rats with status epilepticus (n = 20) and controls (n = 6) rats received levetiracetam (LEV, specifically binds to SV2A), valproic acid (VPA), or saline for 14 days. Then, synaptic density was quantified by [18F]SynVesT‐1 micro‐PET/CT. The novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests evaluated TLE‐related cognitive function. SV2A expression was examined and confirmed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Temporal lobe epilepsy patients showed significantly reduced synaptic density in hippocampus, which was associated with cognitive performance. In the rat model of TLE, the expression of SV2A and synaptic density decreased consistently in a wider range of brain regions, including the entorhinal cortex, insula, hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, and cortex. We treated TLE animal models with LEV or VPA to explore whether synaptic loss contributes to cognitive deficits. It was found that LEV significantly exerted protective effects against brain synaptic deficits and cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

This is the first study to link synaptic loss to cognitive deficits in TLE, suggesting [18F]SynVesT‐1 PET could be a promising biomarker for monitoring synaptic loss and cognitive dysfunction. LEV might help reverse synaptic deficits and ameliorate learning and memory impairments in TLE patients.
Societal perceptions of aquaculture: Combining scoping review and media analysis
Authors: Budhathoki Mausam , Tunca Sezgin , Martinez Raquel Lopez , Zhang Wenbo , Li Saihong , Le Gallic Bertrand , Brunsø Karen , Sharma Priya , Eljasik Piotr , Gyalog Gergo , Panicz Remigiusz , Little David
Published: May 2024

Aquaculture has been recognised for achieving multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; its further growth depends on understanding, and responding to, societal perceptions in a broader context. Thus, this study aims to understand societal perceptions of aquaculture through a scoping review and media analysis. A scoping review identified 151 academic studies for inclusion in our five identified research clusters: (1) social acceptability, (2) growth and development, (3) media coverage, (4) sustainable aquaculture, and (5) consumer perceptions. Further, newspaper articles (n = 100) were sampled from the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Spain, Turkey, and China; elsewhere all articles identified were included (Poland, 79; Hungary, 29; India, 70). The findings suggest that scientific and newspaper articles tend to present sustainability aspects in a simplified form. Key stakeholder groups include fish farming enterprises, civil society, governmental officials, scientists, and business leaders both within aquaculture value chains (retailers/wholesalers, technology industry) and outside of them (fisheries, tourism). Also, other stakeholders included the public (indigenous groups, residents, consumers). The stakeholder groups perceived aquaculture differently and depending on the circumstances and context, their perceptions ranged from positive to negative. Many factors influenced their perceptions, including aquaculture's impact on multiple sustainability dimensions, knowledge, transparency, personal interests, types, and location of aquaculture practises, regulations, experience, and sociodemographic characteristics such as age, gender, education, and income. We recommend that aquaculture practitioners focus on context‐specific multifaceted strategies—prioritising transparency, communication, and accountability—and provide essential knowledge to ensure that societal perceptions of aquaculture are based on accurate, empirical information.
Disentangling difficult‐to‐treat from severe asthma: What is the true prevalence?
Authors: Quint Jennifer K.
Published: May 2024

See related article
An exploratory study of stressors, mental health, insomnia, and pain in cisgender girls, cisgender boys, and transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth
Authors: Wurm Matilda , Högström Jens , Tillfors Maria , Lindståhl Miriam , Norell Annika
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Transgender and gender‐diverse (TGD) youth experience more stressors and are therefore at a higher risk of health problems compared with their cisgender peers. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of TGD youth in a general population sample and to explore a wide variety of health‐related factors. We investigate differences in stressors and health outcomes between TGD youth and cisgender girls and boys and the influence of stressors and demographic factors on health outcome in the whole group.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey data from a Swedish school‐based study were used (N = 3,067, M = 17.8 years). Those who had reported their gender identity as “other” or other than their assigned gender (N = 41) were compared with cisgendered girls (n = 1,544) and boys (n = 1,482). Regression models in the whole group explored if demographics and stressors statistically predicted health outcomes.

Results

In comparison with cisgender girls and boys, TGD youth (1.3% of the whole sample) reported a higher prevalence of self‐harm and pain problems. Both TGD youth and cisgender girls more frequently reported insomnia, social anxiety, depressive symptoms, pain, and stressors compared with cisgender boys. When only demographic variables were entered, but not when stressors were added to the model, being TGD magnified the odds of depressive symptoms, sub‐diagnostic social anxiety, and pain problems. Stressors magnified the odds of reporting health problems for the whole group.

Conclusion

TGD youth generally reported more stressors, which negatively influence health outcomes. Results are important for professionals who meet TGD youth.