bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An overview of hydrogen peroxide sensors and their applications in food quality control
Authors: Pirsa Sajad , Purghorbani Fahime
Published: March 2024

Purpose

In this study, an attempt has been made to collect the research that has been done on the construction and design of the H2O2 sensor. So far, many efforts have been made to quickly and sensitively determine H2O2 concentration based on different analytical principles. In this study, the importance of H2O2, its applications in various industries, especially the food industry, and the importance of measuring it with different techniques, especially portable sensors and on-site analysis, have been investigated and studied.

Design/methodology/approach

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a very simple molecule in nature, but due to its strong oxidizing and reducing properties, it has been widely used in the pharmaceutical, medical, environmental, mining, textile, paper, food production and chemical industries. Sensitive, rapid and continuous detection of H2O2 is of great importance in many systems for product quality control, health care, medical diagnostics, food safety and environmental protection.

Findings

Various methods have been developed and applied for the analysis of H2O2, such as fluorescence, colorimetry and electrochemistry, among them, the electrochemical technique due to its advantages in simple instrumentation, easy miniaturization, sensitivity and selectivity.

Originality/value

Monitoring the H2O2 concentration level is of practical importance for academic and industrial purposes. Edible oils are prone to oxidation during processing and storage, which may adversely affect oil quality and human health. Determination of peroxide value (PV) of edible oils is essential because PV is one of the most common quality parameters for monitoring lipid oxidation and oil quality control. The development of cheap, simple, fast, sensitive and selective H2O2 sensors is essential.
Is tourism development associated with employment of low quality?
Authors: Melián-González Santiago , Bulchand Gidumal Jacques
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze whether higher tourism development in a region is associated with lower-quality employment in that region.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on the last two editions of the European Working Conditions Survey and on the tourism development of European regions. Two samples were studied (2015 and 2021).

Findings

Tourism development does not affect the quality of employment in regions. The institutional regime of the country to which the region belongs is associated with the job quality (JQ) in the region.

Research limitations/implications

Only subjective indicators of employment quality are considered in the analysis.

Practical implications

The quality of employment is related to the institutional regime. Policymakers should consider the institutional factors of social democratic countries to improve the low quality of tourism occupations.

Originality/value

Research on the quality of employment in tourism has mostly focused on tourism occupations without considering determinants other than industry characteristics. This research is unique because it includes both the institutional view of JQ and the overall regional employment.
Species richness: A pivotal factor mediating the effects of land use intensification and climate on grassland multifunctionality
Authors: Allart L. , Dumont B. , Joly F. , Mosnier C. , Alvarez G. , Galliot J.‐N. , Luna D. , Pottier J. , Gross N.
Published: March 2024

Temperate seminatural grasslands harbour unique biodiversity, support livestock farming through forage production, and deliver many essential ecosystem services (ESs) to human society; they are highly multifunctional. However, temperate grassland ecosystems are also among the most threatened ecosystems on earth due to land use and climate changes. Understanding how biodiversity, climate and land use intensification impact grassland multifunctionality through complex direct and indirect pathways is critical to better anticipate the future of these fragile ecosystems.

Here, we evaluate how local plant species richness (SR) modulates the effect of land use intensification and climate on grassland multifunctionality (using six key ESs: biomass productivity and stability, forage quality, carbon storage, pollination and local plant rarity) in the French Massif Central, the largest grassland in Western Europe. We sampled 100 grasslands with contrasted fertilization rates and SR, over large elevational and latitudinal gradients related to variation in mean annual temperature (MAT), and drought severity (DS), two key climate change drivers predicted to increase in the future.

Using a confirmatory path analysis, we found that SR was the main driver of multifunctionality. We also found significant SR × MAT and SR × fertilization interactions suggesting that warm climate and high fertilization rates alter the biodiversity–ecosystem multifunctionality relationships. Furthermore, increasing temperature and fertilization indirectly influenced multifunctionality by decreasing SR and consequent multifunctionality in warm lowland and highly fertilized grasslands compared to colder montane grasslands or less fertilized ones. DS only impacted some ES individually (e.g. forage quality).

Synthesis and applications: We identified species richness (SR) as a pivotal factor mediating the effects of land use intensification and climate on multifunctionality through both direct and indirect pathways. Failing to account for changes in SR could thus bias any prediction of, or aggravate, the effects of land use intensification and climate change on ecosystem services delivery in temperate grassland ecosystems. Considering that SR, mean annual temperature and fertilization are major proxies of three main global change drivers (biodiversity loss, climate change and land use intensification) our study may help to better anticipate the effect of multiple interacting global change drivers on grassland ecosystems.
Higher avian biodiversity, increased shrub cover and proximity to continuous forest may reduce pest insect crop loss in small‐scale oil palm farming
Authors: Yahya Muhammad Syafiq , Ibrahim Nor Laili , Kamarudin Norman , Ahmad Siti Nurulhidayah , Atikah Sharifah Nur , Sanusi Ruzana , Norhisham Ahmad Razi , Masri Mohamed Mazmira Mohd , Azhar Badrul
Published: March 2024

One of the key ecosystem services offered by avian biodiversity within agricultural landscapes is natural predation. Nonetheless, the current use of biological control agents such as farmland birds in oil palm plantations is relatively limited.

This study aimed to assess the potential roles of avian biodiversity, particularly insectivores that provide natural predation against oil palm herbivorous insects. We also investigated the influence of local‐ and landscape‐scale variables on foliage damage (crown or frond).

Our data showed that crown damage decreased with increasing farmland bird richness (overall and insectivore), shrub cover, dried biomass and elevation, but increased with epiphyte cover, oil palm height and distance to continuous forest. Frond damage was negatively related to bird richness (overall, insectivore and non‐insectivore) and non‐insectivore abundance, elevation and shrub cover, while increased with insectivorous abundance, epiphyte cover, oil palm height and distance to continuous forest. We also found that plantations (≥50 ha) were more susceptible to foliage damage from pest insects than smallholdings (<50 ha).

There was no evidence that indicate the influence of forest patches on foliage damage.

Synthesis and applications. Our study highlights the economic value of conserving biodiversity, most notably, farmland birds and continuous forests with respect to biological control of defoliating pests and maintaining yield productivity in oil palm cultivation. Growers, particularly major plantation companies should make oil palm farming more biodiversity‐friendly in order to increase the number of biological control agents such as birds.
A temporal and spatial assessment of water stress with water poverty index: A case study of Rajasthan
Authors: Pandey Suchitra , Mohapatra Geetilaxmi , Arora Rahul
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the evolution of Rajasthan's water poverty status and identifies key areas where intervention is needed to address the state's water woes. For this, a modified water poverty index (MWPI) has been constructed using data from the National Sample Survey (NSS). To understand the spatial and temporal change, MWPI has been computed for all 33 districts for 2012 and 2018. Although the state's overall water poverty status has improved over the given period, descriptive data analysis reveals a decline in the resource component of the index. A deterioration in the index value of some of the districts' access, capacity, and secondary sources is also a concern. Given the dwindling access to safe, sufficient, and reliable water sources and an increase in the burden of water‐related disease, the study recommends policy initiatives that urgently and explicitly address these issues.
A pan‐cetacean MHC amplicon sequencing panel developed and evaluated in combination with genome assemblies
Authors: Heimeier Dorothea , Garland Ellen C. , Eichenberger Franca , Garrigue Claire , Vella Adriana , Baker C. Scott , Carroll Emma L.
Published: March 2024

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a highly polymorphic gene family that is crucial in immunity, and its diversity can be effectively used as a fitness marker for populations. Despite this, MHC remains poorly characterised in non‐model species (e.g., cetaceans: whales, dolphins and porpoises) as high gene copy number variation, especially in the fast‐evolving class I region, makes analyses of genomic sequences difficult. To date, only small sections of class I and IIa genes have been used to assess functional diversity in cetacean populations. Here, we undertook a systematic characterisation of the MHC class I and IIa regions in available cetacean genomes. We extracted full‐length gene sequences to design pan‐cetacean primers that amplified the complete exon 2 from MHC class I and IIa genes in one combined sequencing panel. We validated this panel in 19 cetacean species and described 354 alleles for both classes. Furthermore, we identified likely assembly artefacts for many MHC class I assemblies based on the presence of class I genes in the amplicon data compared to missing genes from genomes. Finally, we investigated MHC diversity using the panel in 25 humpback and 30 southern right whales, including four paternity trios for humpback whales. This revealed copy‐number variable class I haplotypes in humpback whales, which is likely a common phenomenon across cetaceans. These MHC alleles will form the basis for a cetacean branch of the Immuno‐Polymorphism Database (IPD‐MHC), a curated resource intended to aid in the systematic compilation of MHC alleles across several species, to support conservation initiatives.
Humanin variant P3S is associated with longevity in APOE4 carriers and resists APOE4‐induced brain pathology
Authors: Miller Brendan , Kim Su‐Jeong , Cao Kevin , Mehta Hemal H. , Thumaty Neehar , Kumagai Hiroshi , Iida Tomomitsu , McGill Cassandra , Pike Christian J. , Nurmakova Kamila , Levine Zachary A. , Sullivan Patrick M. , Yen Kelvin , Ertekin‐Taner Nilüfer , Atzmon Gil , Barzilai Nir , Cohen Pinchas
Published: March 2024

The APOE4 allele is recognized as a significant genetic risk factor to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and influences longevity. Nonetheless, some APOE4 carriers exhibit resistance to AD even in advanced age. Humanin, a mitochondrial‐derived peptide comprising 24 amino acids, has variants linked to cognitive resilience and longevity. Our research uncovered a unique humanin variant, P3S, specifically enriched in centenarians with the APOE4 allele. Through in silico analyses and subsequent experimental validation, we demonstrated a strong affinity between humanin P3S and APOE4. Utilizing an APOE4‐centric mouse model of amyloidosis (APP/PS1/APOE4), we observed that humanin P3S significantly attenuated brain amyloid‐beta accumulation compared to the wild‐type humanin. Transcriptomic assessments of mice treated with humanin P3S highlighted its potential mechanism involving the enhancement of amyloid beta phagocytosis. Additionally, in vitro studies corroborated humanin P3S's efficacy in promoting amyloid‐beta clearance. Notably, in the temporal cortex of APOE4 carriers, humanin expression is correlated with genes associated with phagocytosis. Our findings suggest a role of the rare humanin variant P3S, especially prevalent among individuals of Ashkenazi descent, in mitigating amyloid beta pathology and facilitating phagocytosis in APOE4‐linked amyloidosis, underscoring its significance in longevity and cognitive health among APOE4 carriers.
Regional differences in fatal drug overdose deaths among Black and White individuals in the United States, 2012–2021
Authors: Jones Abenaa A. , Waghmare Shashim A. , Segel Joel E. , Harrison Eric D. , Apsley Hannah B. , Santos‐Lozada Alexis R.
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives

The current study examines regional differences in Black/White fatal drug overdoses.

Methods

Black/White overdose mortality data (2012–2021; N = 537,085) were retrieved from CDC WONDER. We used death counts and corresponding Census Bureau population estimates by the decedent's age and race/ethnicity to calculate mortality rate ratios.

Results

From 2012 to 2021, there were 537,085 reported overdose deaths among White (85%) and Black (15%) individuals in the United States. In the South, Black individuals had lower fatal drug overdose deaths than their same‐aged White counterparts. In the Northeast, Midwest, and West regions, Black individuals had around 10%–60% lower likelihood of overdoses among younger ages (15–24, 25–34, 35–44) but about 60%–300% higher likelihood of overdoses among older adults (55–64). Increases in overdose deaths during the pandemic (2020–2021) led to changes in Black/White overdose death patterns, whereas Black individuals of all ages in the Midwest and West regions had approximately 15%–425% higher likelihood of fatal overdoses than their same‐aged White counterparts. Sex‐stratified analysis suggests that Black females in the South had overdose death rates around 50% lower than same‐aged White females, and overdose deaths were relatively equal for Black and White females in the Midwest—patterns not seen among males.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

The findings indicate that the Black/White overdose mortality gap changed after the COVID‐19 pandemic across all regions and age cohorts, with state and regional variations in magnitude. Behavioral interventions and policies to curb drug overdose deaths among populations most impacted should consider regional, sex, and age‐related differences.
The endometrial transcriptome of infertile women with and without implantation failure
Authors: Bui Bich Ngoc , Kukushkina Viktorija , Meltsov Alvin , Olsen Catharina , van Hoogenhuijze Nienke , Altmäe Signe , Mol Femke , Teklenburg Gijs , de Bruin Jan‐Peter , Besselink Dagmar , Stevens Brentjens Linda , Obukhova Darina , Zamani Esteki Masoud , van Golde Ron , Romano Andrea , Laisk Triin , Steba Gaby , Mackens Shari , Salumets Andres , Broekmans Frank
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Implantation failure after transferring morphologically “good‐quality” embryos in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) may be explained by impaired endometrial receptivity. Analyzing the endometrial transcriptome analysis may reveal the underlying processes and could help in guiding prognosis and using targeted interventions for infertility. This exploratory study investigated whether the endometrial transcriptome profile was associated with short‐term or long‐term implantation outcomes (ie success or failure).

Material and methods

Mid‐luteal phase endometrial biopsies of 107 infertile women with one full failed IVF/ICSI cycle, obtained within an endometrial scratching trial, were subjected to RNA‐sequencing and differentially expressed genes analysis with covariate adjustment (age, body mass index, luteinizing hormone [LH]‐day). Endometrial transcriptomes were compared between implantation failure and success groups in the short term (after the second fresh IVF/ICSI cycle) and long term (including all fresh and frozen cycles within 12 months). The short‐term analysis included 85/107 women (33 ongoing pregnancy vs 52 no pregnancy), excluding 22/107 women. The long‐term analysis included 46/107 women (23 ‘fertile’ group, ie infertile women with a live birth after ≤3 embryos transferred vs 23 recurrent implantation failure group, ie no live birth after ≥3 good quality embryos transferred), excluding 61/107 women not fitting these categories. As both analyses drew from the same pool of 107 samples, there was some sample overlap. Additionally, cell type enrichment scores and endometrial receptivity were analyzed, and an endometrial development pseudo‐timeline was constructed to estimate transcriptomic deviations from the optimum receptivity day (LH + 7), denoted as ΔWOI (window of implantation).

Results

There were no significantly differentially expressed genes between implantation failure and success groups in either the short‐term or long‐term analyses. Principal component analysis initially showed two clusters in the long‐term analysis, unrelated to clinical phenotype and no longer distinct following covariate adjustment. Cell type enrichment scores did not differ significantly between groups in both analyses. However, endometrial receptivity analysis demonstrated a potentially significant displacement of the WOI in the non‐pregnant group compared with the ongoing pregnant group in the short‐term analysis.

Conclusions

No distinct endometrial transcriptome profile was associated with either implantation failure or success in infertile women. However, there may be differences in the extent to which the WOI is displaced.
Management and outcomes of women with low fibrinogen concentration during pregnancy or immediately postpartum: A UK national population‐based cohort study
Authors: Diguisto Caroline , Baker Elfreda , Stanworth Simon , Collins Peter W. , Collis Rachel E. , Knight Marian
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Pregnant women with a fibrinogen level <2 g/L represent a high‐risk group that is associated with severe postpartum hemorrhage and other complications. Women who would qualify for fibrinogen therapy are not yet identified.

Material and methods

A population‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted using the UK Obstetric Surveillance System between November 2017 and October 2018 in any UK hospital with a consultant‐led maternity unit. Any woman pregnant or immediately postpartum with a fibrinogen <2 g/L was included. Our aims were to determine the incidence of fibrinogen <2 g/L in pregnancy, and to describe its causes, management and outcomes.

Results

Over the study period 124 women with fibrinogen <2 g/L were identified (1.7 per 10 000 maternities; 95% confidence interval 1.4–2.0 per 10 000 maternities). Less than 5% of cases of low fibrinogen were due to preexisting inherited dysfibrinogenemia or hypofibrinogenemia. Sixty percent of cases were due to postpartum hemorrhage caused by placental abruption, atony, or trauma. Amniotic fluid embolism and placental causes other than abruption (previa, accreta, retention) were associated with the highest estimated blood loss (median 4400 mL) and lowest levels of fibrinogen. Mortality was high with two maternal deaths due to massive postpartum hemorrhage, 27 stillbirths, and two neonatal deaths.

Conclusions

Fibrinogen <2 g/L often, but not exclusively, affected women with postpartum hemorrhage due to placental abruption, atony, or trauma. Other more rare and catastrophic obstetrical events such as amniotic fluid embolism and placenta accreta also led to low levels of fibrinogen. Maternal and perinatal mortality was extremely high in our cohort.
Gender, caste, and street vending in India: Towards an intersectional geography
Authors: Saxena Saanchi
Published: March 2024

Through an analysis of the available literature on women street vendors in the Global South, and then specifically in India, this paper identifies several knowledge gaps and future directions for research. The paper makes three broad claims: (1) street vending spaces are fundamentally gendered spaces; (2) the intersectional identities and caste‐based locations of women street vendors shape their spatial experiences, material realities and access to power; and (3) gender and caste are co‐constituted categories that produce a spatiality unique to the Indian subcontinent. While the geographical approach towards street vending recognises the importance of space and considers vendors as spatial practitioners, vendors are often assumed to belong to a homogenous (male) category with differentials such as gender, race, age, ethnicity and caste invisibilised. This research gap is of even more critical importance in India where caste intersects with gender to produce space. Examining the literature on gender and street vending reveals three broad analytical themes—socio‐spatial disparities, politics of space, and strategies of control. What seems to be missing is a critical, qualitative focus on the experiences of women street vendors, the gendering of vending spaces, the recognition of caste as a dynamic factor, and a spatial analysis grounded in the Southern urban context. Ultimately, this paper makes the case for a situated and postcolonial feminist geography approach to street vending in India, and calls for an intersectional research agenda that is attentive to the co‐constitution of caste and gender in the production of urban space.
Dimetindene—Is the minimum toxic dose for children too strict?
Authors: Čečrle Michal , Pelclová Daniela , Tomáš Navrátil , Zacharov Sergej
Published: March 2024

Dimetindene is a sedating antihistamine indicated for the symptomatic treatment of allergic conditions. Dimetindene is marketed among others under the trade name Fenistil (oral solution). Toxicity data are limited, and there is no consensus on the dose at which children require hospitalization. Objective is to determine the potentially toxic dose in children. Data in children with age up to 15 years were obtained from hospital discharge reports. Of 139 paediatric hospital discharge reports, 23 cases (16.5%) were excluded because of uncertain ingestion. In 116 children (46 boys and 70 girls, mean age 2 years and 9 months ± 1 year and 1 month), the majority of children developed no symptoms (87 children, 75%, mean age 3 years±1 year) and the remaining 29 children (25%, mean age 2 years and 11 months ± 1 year and 3 months) developed only mild and spontaneously resolving symptoms of poisoning after a dose of 0.82 ± 0.32 mg/kg b.w. (range 0.26–1.82 mg/kg). In 98% of all cases, hospitalized children were observed for a maximum 24 h, and their condition did not require specific treatment. In conclusion, the prognosis for accidental dimetindene poisoning in children appears to be good and the minimum toxic dose has been determined to be 0.5 mg/kg b.w.
Artificial intelligence algorithm accurately assesses oestrogen receptor immunohistochemistry in metastatic breast cancer cytology specimens: A pilot study
Authors: Li Brenna C. , Hammond Scott , Parwani Anil V. , Shen Rulong
Published: March 2024

Objective

The Visiopharm artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm for oestrogen receptor (ER) immunohistochemistry (IHC) in whole slide images (WSIs) has been successfully validated in surgical pathology. This study aimed to assess its efficacy in cytology specimens.

Methods

The study cohort comprised 105 consecutive cytology specimens with metastatic breast carcinoma. ER IHC WSIs were seamlessly integrated into the Visiopharm platform from the Image Management System (IMS) during our routine digital workflow, and an AI algorithm was employed for analysis. ER AI scores were compared with pathologists' manual consensus scores. Optimization steps were implemented and evaluated to reduce discordance.

Results

The overall concordance between pathologists' scores and AI scores was excellent (99/105, 94.3%). Six cases exhibited discordant results, including two false‐negative (FN) cases due to abundant histiocytes incorrectly counted as negatively stained tumour cells by AI, two FN cases owing to weak staining, and two false‐positive (FP) cases where pigmented macrophages were erroneously counted as positively stained tumour cells by AI. The Pearson correlation coefficient of ER‐positive percentages between pathologists' and AI scores was 0.8483. Optimization steps, such as lowering the cut‐off threshold and additional training using higher input magnification, significantly improved accuracy.

Conclusions

The automated ER AI algorithm demonstrated excellent concordance with pathologists' assessments and accurately differentiated ER‐positive from ER‐negative metastatic breast carcinoma cytology cases. However, precision in identifying tumour cells in cytology specimens requires further enhancement.
Enhancing patient outcomes: Integrating electronic cardiology consultation in primary care for cancer patients
Authors: Cinza‐Sanjurjo Sergio , Mazón‐Ramos Pilar , Rey‐Aldana Daniel , Garcia‐Vega David , Portela‐Romero Manuel , Rodríguez‐Mañero Moisés , Sestayo‐Fernández Manuela , Lage‐Fernández Ricardo , López‐López Rafael , González‐Juanatey José R.
Published: March 2024

Background

The prevalence of cancer patients with concomitant cardiovascular (CV) disease is on the rise due to improved cancer prognoses. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long‐term outcomes of cancer patients referred to a cardiology department (CD) via primary care using e‐consultation.

Methods

We analysed data from cancer patients with prior referrals to a CD between 2010 and 2021 (n = 6889) and compared two care models: traditional in‐person consultations and e‐consultations. In e‐consultation model, cardiologists reviewed electronic health records (e‐consultation) to determine whether the demand could be addressed remotely or necessitated an in‐person consultation. We used an interrupted time series regression model to assess outcomes during the two periods: (1) time to cardiology consultation, (2) rates of all‐cause and CV related hospital admissions and (3) rates of all‐cause and CV‐related mortality within the first year after the initial consultation or e‐consultation at the CD.

Results

Introduction of e‐consultation for cancer patients referred to cardiology care led to a 51.8% reduction (95%CI: 51.7%–51.9%) in waiting times. Furthermore, we observed decreased 1‐year incidence rates, with incidence rate ratios (iRRs) [IC95%] of .75 [.73–.77] for CV‐related hospitalizations, .43 [.42–.44] for all‐cause hospitalizations, and .87 [.86–.88] for all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

Compared to traditional in‐person consultations, an outpatient care program incorporating e‐consultation for cancer patients significantly reduced waiting times for cardiology care and demonstrated safety, associated with lower rates of hospital admissions.
Ex situ conservation of two rare oak species using microsatellite and SNP markers
Authors: Koontz Austin C. , Schumacher Emily K. , Spence Emma S. , Hoban Sean M.
Published: March 2024

Plant collections held by botanic gardens and arboreta are key components of ex situ conservation. Maintaining genetic diversity in such collections allows them to be used as resources for supplementing wild populations. However, most recommended minimum sample sizes for sufficient ex situ genetic diversity are based on microsatellite markers, and it remains unknown whether these sample sizes remain valid in light of more recently developed next‐generation sequencing (NGS) approaches. To address this knowledge gap, we examine how ex situ conservation status and sampling recommendations differ when derived from microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in garden and wild samples of two threatened oak species. For Quercus acerifolia, SNPs show lower ex situ representation of wild allelic diversity and slightly lower minimum sample size estimates than microsatellites, while results for each marker are largely similar for Q. boyntonii. The application of missing data filters tends to lead to higher ex situ representation, while the impact of different SNP calling approaches is dependent on the species being analyzed. Measures of population differentiation within species are broadly similar between markers, but larger numbers of SNP loci allow for greater resolution of population structure and clearer assignment of ex situ individuals to wild source populations. Our results offer guidance for future ex situ conservation assessments utilizing SNP data, such as the application of missing data filters and the usage of a reference genome, and illustrate that both microsatellites and SNPs remain viable options for botanic gardens and arboreta seeking to ensure the genetic diversity of their collections.
A retrospective analysis of 65 patients with acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau
Authors: Chularojanamontri Leena , Silpa‐Archa Narumol , Pattamadilok Bensachee , Julanon Narachai , Chuamanochan Mati , Pongcharoen Padcha , Lertphanichkul Chotinij , Asawanonda Pravit
Published: March 2024

There are limited data on acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH), particularly among Asian populations. The primary aim was to evaluate the clinical features of ACH and treatment approaches in a sizeable multicentre Asian cohort. We analysed data from adult patients diagnosed with ACH. Of 65 patients with ACH, seven patients had ACH with GPP. Females were more frequently affected in both conditions. Five (71.4%) developed GPP 5–33 years after ACH onset, while two (28.6%) developed GPP concurrently with ACH. The onset age for ACH with GPP (27.9 ± 13.6 years) was earlier than that of isolated ACH (39.8 ± 17.3 years). Metabolic comorbidities were common. ACH exhibited a chronic persistent course. Among systemic non‐biologics, acitretin was the most frequently prescribed, followed by ciclosporin and methotrexate. Acitretin and ciclosporin demonstrated similar marked response rates, which surpassed that of methotrexate. Regarding biologics, a marked response was more commonly observed with interleukin‐17 inhibitors than with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors. Females are predominant in both conditions. The onset age for ACH among Asian patients is earlier (late 30s) than that for Caucasian patients (late 40s). Interleukin‐17 inhibitors may be more effective than tumour necrosis factor inhibitors in managing ACH.
A case–control study to differentiate parents' personality traits on anorexia nervosa and affective disorders
Authors: Rodríguez‐Mondragón L. , Moreno‐Encinas A. , Graell M. , Román F. J. , Sepúlveda A. R.
Published: March 2024

Eating disorders (ED) and affective disorders (AD) in adolescent population and several investigations have pointed out that specific family dynamics play a major role in the onset, course, and maintenance of both disorders. The aim of this study was to extend the literature of this topic by exploring differences between parents' personality traits, coping strategies, and expressed emotion comparing groups of adolescents with different mental conditions (anorexia nervosa vs. affective disorder vs. control group) with a case–control study design. A total of 50 mothers and 50 fathers of 50 girls with anorexia nervosa (AN), 40 mothers and 40 fathers of 40 girls with affective disorder (AD), and 50 mothers and 50 fathers of 50 girls with no pathology that conformed the control group (CG) were measured with the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), the COPE Inventory, the Family Questionnaire (FQ), and psychopathology variables, anxiety, and depression. Both parents of girls with AN showed a significant difference in personality, coping strategies, and expressed emotion compared to both parents in the CG, while they presented more similarities to parents of girls in the AD group. Identifying personality traits, expressed emotion, coping strategies, and psychopathology of parents and their daughters will allow improvements in the interventions with the adolescents, parents, and families.
Spatial factors overcome seasonality regulating the consumption of allochthonous food resources by fishes from tropical lotic ecosystems
Authors: Ferreira Vitor Manuel Barros , Soares Bruno Eleres , Leal Juliana S. , Albrecht Míriam Pilz
Published: March 2024

In lotic ecosystems, a higher availability of allochthonous food resources is expected during floods and rainfall events, which may yield a higher consumption of these resources by consumers. However, allochthonous input and seasonality in environmental conditions are locally dependent. Thus, dietary responses of freshwater consumers to seasonality should also be locally dependent. Herein, we applied a meta‐analytical approach to identify the spatial and seasonal environmental variables associated with the relative consumption of allochthonous food resources by fishes from tropical lotic ecosystems in different seasons.

We gathered 566 observations of the diet of fish populations (i.e., restricted to the same sampling event) from 38 studies conducted in 70 localities across the tropics during flood and drought periods (hereafter, high‐water and low‐water periods, respectively). We retrieved latitude, seasonal channel width, elevation and two proxies for allochthonous input for each locality: terrestrial biomass (without considering seasonality) and the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI; considering seasonality). Then, we applied meta‐regression models using these environmental variables as predictors and the proportion of allochthonous food resources in each consumer's diet (%Allo) as the response variable.

Our models revealed that the diet of fishes from tropical lotic ecosystems is mostly autochthonous‐based, independent of the hydrological period (high‐water or low‐water), and aquatic invertebrates were the most consumed food items. Terrestrial vegetation biomass and elevation predicted increasing allochthony in the diet of tropical fishes for high‐water, but only terrestrial biomass predicted allochthony at low‐water periods. We found no relationship between latitude, channel width or NDVI with allochthony.

Our study highlights the importance of considering the hierarchical level of biological organisation and fish trophic guilds for understanding seasonal patterns of relative consumption of allochthonous and autochthonous food resources by fishes. We also argue that variations in seasonality across the tropics are likely to have undermined its influence on allochthony in fish diets. The absence of a non‐relationship between channel width and allochthony provides evidence that the River Continuum Concept is better suited to temperate lotic ecosystems.

Our results provide novel insights and the big‐picture of seasonal pattern in the diets of tropical fishes for use in future local empirical studies, improving forecasting of the relationship between the factors underpinning the availability of allochthonous and autochthonous food resources, and the diet of freshwater fishes.
Predicting the future of our oceans—Evaluating genomic forecasting approaches in marine species
Authors: Layton K. K. S. , Brieuc M. S. O. , Castilho R. , Diaz‐Arce N. , Estévez‐Barcia D. , Fonseca V. G. , Fuentes‐Pardo A. P. , Jeffery N. W. , Jiménez‐Mena B. , Junge C. , Kaufmann J. , Leinonen T. , Maes S. M. , McGinnity P. , Reed T. E. , Reisser C. M. O. , Silva G. , Vasemägi A. , Bradbury I. R.
Published: March 2024

Climate change is restructuring biodiversity on multiple scales and there is a pressing need to understand the downstream ecological and genomic consequences of this change. Recent advancements in the field of eco‐evolutionary genomics have sought to include evolutionary processes in forecasting species' responses to climate change (e.g., genomic offset), but to date, much of this work has focused on terrestrial species. Coastal and offshore species, and the fisheries they support, may be even more vulnerable to climate change than their terrestrial counterparts, warranting a critical appraisal of these approaches in marine systems. First, we synthesize knowledge about the genomic basis of adaptation in marine species, and then we discuss the few examples where genomic forecasting has been applied in marine systems. Next, we identify the key challenges in validating genomic offset estimates in marine species, and we advocate for the inclusion of historical sampling data and hindcasting in the validation phase. Lastly, we describe a workflow to guide marine managers in incorporating these predictions into the decision‐making process.
Vulnerability of terrestrial vertebrate food webs to anthropogenic threats in Europe
Authors: O'Connor Louise M. J. , Cosentino Francesca , Harfoot Michael B. J. , Maiorano Luigi , Mancino Chiara , Pollock Laura J. , Thuiller Wilfried
Published: March 2024

Vertebrate species worldwide are currently facing significant declines in many populations. Although we have gained substantial knowledge about the direct threats that affect individual species, these threats only represent a fraction of the broader vertebrate threat profile, which is also shaped by species interactions. For example, threats faced by prey species can jeopardize the survival of their predators due to food resource scarcity. Yet, indirect threats arising from species interactions have received limited investigation thus far. In this study, we investigate the indirect consequences of anthropogenic threats on biodiversity in the context of European vertebrate food webs. We integrated data on trophic interactions among over 800 terrestrial vertebrates, along with their associated human‐induced threats. We quantified and mapped the vulnerability of various components of the food web, including species, interactions, and trophic groups to six major threats: pollution, agricultural intensification, climate change, direct exploitation, urbanization, and invasive alien species and diseases. Direct exploitation and agricultural intensification were two major threats for terrestrial vertebrate food webs: affecting 34% and 31% of species, respectively, they threaten 85% and 69% of interactions in Europe. By integrating network ecology with threat impact assessments, our study contributes to a better understanding of the magnitude of anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity.
Synthesis of zeolite‐derived blue nanopigment and its modification for hydrophobic coating on ceramic tile
Authors: Fatah Salar K. , Aminian Mohsen Khajeh , Bahamirian Milad , Mohammad Ali M. , Karim Hoshyar B. , Amin Safin M.
Published: March 2024

This study presents the successful synthesis of a vibrant blue nanopigment derived from the metastable structure of Na‐heulandite zeolite. Employing ion exchange and coprecipitation methods with cobalt and zinc ions, followed by thermal treatment at 1100°C, resulted Co‐willemite and gahnite phases, confirmed by x‐ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement. Optical analyses verified the blue coloration, with cobalt ion transitions evident. CIE L* a* b* colorimetric analysis placed the pigment in the blue region (L* = 49.19, b* = −22, a* = −11). Application to ceramic tiles, followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) modification, produced a nearly superhydrophobic surface (contact angle 140°, sliding angle 8°), attributed to the nano–micro structure and SDS–silica interaction. Field emission‐scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the pattern‐like surface with small patterns. These findings indicate potential self‐cleaning capabilities when exposed to dirt or water, highlighting the research's promise in enhancing ceramic functionality.
Dermoscopic features of nail psoriasis: a systematic review
Authors: Rachadi Hanane , Chiheb Soumiya
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Nail psoriasis is common in psoriasis vulgaris and even more prevalent in psoriatic arthritis. Dermatoscopy of the nail proves helpful in enhancing the visualization of psoriatic nail lesions.

Objective

This systematic review aimed to summarize the existing studies published in the literature that reported the various dermoscopic features of nail psoriasis.

Materials and methods

A systematic search of two medical databases, PubMed and Scopus, was conducted in April 2023. In total, 11 records were included. The number of reported cases in the included studies was 723.

Results

The average age was 42.39 years. Sixty percent of patients were males, and 40% were females. Pitting constituted the most common onychoscopic feature indicating nail matrix involvement, followed by various other features such as leukonychia, nail plate thickening, transverse and longitudinal ridges, and different lunula abnormalities. The predominant onychoscopic feature indicating nail bed involvement was onycholysis, followed by splinter hemorrhages, oil drop sign, subungual hyperkeratosis, dilated capillaries, agminated capillary dots, erythematous border, and pustules. Vascular abnormalities observed in all locations were present in 52% of patients.

Conclusions

The clinical signs of nail psoriasis are diverse, and for the majority, they are nonspecific. Nail dermoscopy is a noninvasive tool that enhances the visualization of the nail manifestations of psoriasis. It may facilitate the establishment of diagnostic criteria for this pathology without resorting to more invasive procedures, such as nail biopsy.
Identifying elevated child weight from 3 to 24 months: Early transitions into nonparental care and to solid foods
Authors: Barton Jennifer M. , Lundquist Alexandra , Fisher Meghan C. , Fiese Barbara H. , McBride Brent A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Early entry into nonparental care (NPC) and introduction to solid foods (ITS) have been linked to elevated weight, however, little research exists on the combined influence of these transitions on child weight over time.

Objectives

Identify groups of children based on early NPC and ITS timing and examine whether NPC‐ITS groups differentially affect child weight over time.

Method

Data were drawn from STRONG Kids2 (n = 468). Primary predictors include NPC (by 3M)‐ITS (< or ≥6M) groups; outcome variables include child weight‐for‐length/height z‐scores (WFL/WFHz) (3, 12, 18, and 24 months). Multilevel regression was used to examine the NPC‐ITS groups as predictors of child WFL/WFHz.

Results

Six groups were identified: 27% Parental Care‐ITS before 6M, 31% Parental Care‐ITS after 6M, 12% Daycare‐ITS before 6M, 14% Daycare‐ITS after 6M, 10% Kincare‐ITS before 6M, and 7% Kincare‐ITS after 6M. Children who were in daycare (regardless of ITS) or kincare‐ITS before 6M demonstrated the highest WFL/WFHz over time, compared to their parental care counterparts.

Conclusions

NPC‐ITS combinations on child WFL/WFHz across the first 2 years of life highlight the need for a partnership approach among parental and nonparental caregivers to support the feeding of infants throughout the transition to solid foods.
Better in sync: Temporal dynamics explain multisensory word‐action‐object learning in early development
Authors: Bothe Ricarda , Eiteljoerge Sarah , Trouillet Leonie , Elsner Birgit , Mani Nivedita
Published: March 2024

We investigated the temporal impact of multisensory settings on children's learning of word‐object and action‐object associations at 1‐ and 2‐years of age. Specifically, we examined whether the temporal alignment of words and actions influenced the acquisition of novel word‐action‐object associations. We used a preferential looking and violation of expectation task in which infants and young children were first presented with two distinct word‐object and action‐object pairings either in a synchronous (overlapping in time) or sequential manner (one after the other). Findings revealed that 2‐year‐olds recognized both, action‐object and word‐object associations when they first saw the word‐action‐object combinations synchronously, but not sequentially, as evidenced by looking behavior. 1‐year‐olds did not show evidence for recognition for either of the word‐object and action‐object pairs, regardless of the initial temporal alignment of these cues. To control for individual differences, we explored factors that might influence associative learning based on parental reports of 1‐ and 2‐year‐olds development, however, developmental measures did not explain word‐action‐object associative learning in either group. We discuss that while young children may benefit from the temporal alignment of multisensory cues as it enables them to actively engage with the multisensory content in real‐time, infants may have been overwhelmed by the complexity of this input.
Optimizing extracurricular activities assignment and related logistical deployment cost between collaborating schools
Authors: Mateo‐Doll Manuel , Aghezzaf El‐Houssaine
Published: March 2024

In contemporary urban societies, where both parents are working full‐time, a significant number of schoolchildren engage in extra‐curricular activities after school. These activities can be organized by the school itself and take place in the school. However, sometimes few schoolchildren are interested in an activity organized by the school, or the schoolchildren's preferences do not match the school's offering at all, while on other occasions the school has limited availability for a popular activity. To expand the number of activities offered to their schoolchildren, some schools form a collaborating network, sharing their extracurricular activities and making them accessible to all schoolchildren. Thus, schoolchildren from any school may attend activities organized by other schools in the network. In this case, however, transport of the children between schools must also be organized. This problem can be framed as a school bus routing problem with some special features. A mixed‐integer linear optimization model is proposed for the integrated assignment of extracurricular activities and cost‐effective vehicle routing. The objective of the model is to minimize unmet demand for extracurricular activities while taking into account the constraints related to the facilities and transport. This model has been tested on a set of instances to analyze its performance, with the goal of deploying it for the projected levels of demand in a city of about 100,000 inhabitants. The results are compared with the current situation and the clustering of the set of schools.
An integrated model of supply chain resilience considering supply and demand uncertainties
Authors: Lee Jongmin , Moon Ilkyeong
Published: March 2024

The complexity of the global supply chain has increased dramatically over the past few decades as a result of uncertainty caused by various factors. This paper studies the optimal strategy for supply chain resilience models considering supply disruptions and demand fluctuations. We present two‐stage stochastic programming models based on different scenarios, including a risk‐neutral model that considers the expected total cost, a risk‐averse model that considers the conditional value‐at‐risk measure, and a responsiveness model that considers the service level. We also propose multiobjective mathematical programming that considers all three models simultaneously and suggests the solution approach. Finally, we present the results of computational experiments and demonstrate how to cope with uncertainty through flexibility and redundancy. We offer a set of nondominated solutions from the multiobjective model and derive managerial insights, which suggest a decision‐making strategy between the disruption risk, expected total cost, and service level.