bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foraging strategies by a frugivorous primate (Eulemur rubriventer) shape spatial patterns of seed dispersal
Authors: Tonos Jadelys , Jones Landon R. , Razafindratsima Onja , Dunham Amy E.
Published: December 2024

The movement decisions of frugivores shape spatial patterns of seed deposition, with considerable impacts for plant individuals, populations and communities.

However, we have limited understanding of the mechanisms determining the foraging strategies behind the movements of frugivorous animals and their interaction with the landscape.

Using spatially explicit simulations we examined the movements and seed dispersal of red‐bellied lemur (Eulemur rubriventer) groups dispersing seeds of the tropical tree Harungana madagascariensis under four theorized foraging strategies.

These included scenarios in which frugivores move directly to the (1) most rewarding plant in the landscape, (2) nearest fruiting plant, or towards the most rewarding plant in the landscape, with stops at any fruiting plants encountered along the way according to a local attraction distance of (3) 10 m and (4) 20 m.

We then compared 12 metrics and data distributions for seed dispersal and movement patterns from these models to empirical observations.

Simulations of foraging strategies with directed movement towards highly rewarding resources (strategy 1) produced the longest seed dispersal distances and best matched observed patterns.

Observed data of lemur movements and directionality best matched results from three strategies, simulations towards highly rewarding resources without stops (strategy 1) and with either stops along the way with a 10 m (strategy 3) or 20 m (strategy 4) attraction distance.

Collectively, our results supported the strategies in which lemurs moved consistently towards the small number of trees that produced the most fruit in the landscape.

Our work supports incorporating a mechanistic understanding of animal foraging, movement behaviour and landscape patterns in fruit production for the prediction of seed movement. Explicit considerations of these mechanisms can improve our understanding of the maintenance and structure of diversity in plant communities, with implications for the conservation of forest ecosystems relying on animals for seed dispersal.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Antibacterial and antioxidant plant‐derived aldehydes: A new role as cross‐linking agents in biopolymer‐based food packaging films
Authors: Deng Hao , Zhang Wanli , Ramezan Yousef , Riahi Zohreh , Khan Ajahar , Huang Zhaoxian
Published: December 2024

In recent years, biopolymer‐based food packaging films have emerged as promising alternatives to petroleum‐based plastic food packaging films. Various additives have been explored to enhance their properties, and one such group of additives is natural plant aldehydes. These aldehydes are commonly employed to improve the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of biopolymer‐based food packaging films. However, their potential role as cross‐linking agents is often overlooked in these applications. This work introduces the properties of commonly used natural plant aldehydes in biopolymer‐based food packaging films. Specifically, it summarizes the effects of natural plant aldehydes such as cinnamaldehyde, vanillin, and others on the properties of biopolymer‐based food packaging films. Furthermore, the application of biopolymer‐based food packaging films functionalized with natural plant aldehydes in food preservation is discussed. This work concludes that various natural plant aldehydes serve as effective antimicrobial agents and antioxidants. They can not only physically interact with biopolymers but also undergo chemical cross‐linking reactions with some polymers through Schiff base reactions and Michael addition reactions, thereby further improving the comprehensive properties of the film.
Whipped chickpea aquafaba as a fat replacer in ice cream: Effect on sensory and physicochemical properties
Authors: Balivo Andrea , d'Errico Giulia , Genovese Alessandro
Published: December 2024

Whipped chickpea aquafaba (WAF) exhibits foaming, emulsifying, and gelling properties, making it a potential ingredient for replacing cream in ice cream formulations. The aim of this study was to use WAF in combination with whey protein isolate (WPI) to produce low‐fat coffee ice cream with 50% (L50) and 80% (L80) milk cream replacement. The melting rate, color, texture, volatile compounds, and sensory attributes were analyzed to explore the physical, chemical, and sensory properties of the low‐fat ice creams compared to their full‐fat counterparts. Fat substitute performance varied based on cream replacement levels, with L50 1:0 (WAF:WPI) and L80 1:0 achieving 25% and 40% reductions in calorie content, respectively. The foaming properties of aquafaba resulted in an increased overrun, particularly in formulations where the cream reduction was 50%. While the 80% replacement showed higher intensity of “hardness,” “brown color,” and “melting” sensory descriptors, the 50% cream‐replaced ice cream showed only slight differences compared to the full‐fat version, like a higher perception of ice crystals. The combination of WAF and WPI in ice cream provides sensory properties and releases pyrazines, responsible for the coffee aroma, similar to full‐fat ice cream. The 1:1 WAF:WPI mixture for 50% cream reduction provided a suitable cream replacement, as this formulation resulted in ice cream that was not identified as different from the full‐fat control ice cream in the triangle test.

Practical Application

This study demonstrates that whipped aquafaba, a by‐product of chickpea processing, can be effectively used to reduce the fat content in ice cream without compromising sensory quality. In addition to promoting the development of healthier low‐fat ice creams, this approach also contributes to food industry sustainability by reusing a commonly discarded by‐product.
Increased mitochondrial mutation heteroplasmy induces aging phenotypes in pluripotent stem cells and their differentiated progeny
Authors: Vandiver Amy R. , Torres Alejandro , Sanden Amberly , Nguyen Thang L. , Gasilla Jasmine , Doan Mary T. , Martirosian Vahan , Hoang Austin , Wanagat Jonathan , Teitell Michael A.
Published: December 2024

The mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) is an important source of inherited extranuclear variation. Clonal increases in mtDNA mutation heteroplasmy have been implicated in aging and disease, although the impact of this shift on cell function is challenging to assess. Reprogramming to pluripotency affects mtDNA mutation heteroplasmy. We reprogrammed three human fibroblast lines with known heteroplasmy for deleterious mtDNA point or deletion mutations. Quantification of mutation heteroplasmy in the resulting 76 induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) clones yielded a bimodal distribution, creating three sets of clones with high levels or absent mutation heteroplasmy with matched nuclear genomes. iPSC clones with elevated deletion mutation heteroplasmy show altered growth dynamics, which persist in iPSC‐derived progenitor cells. We identify transcriptomic and metabolic shifts consistent with increased investment in neutral lipid synthesis as well as increased epigenetic age in high mtDNA deletion mutation iPSC, consistent with changes occurring in cellular aging. Together, these data demonstrate that high mtDNA mutation heteroplasmy induces changes occurring in cellular aging.
The Bronchodilator and Anti‐Inflammatory Effect of Long‐Acting Muscarinic Antagonists in Asthma: An EAACI Position Paper
Authors: Agache I. , Adcock I. M. , Akdis C. A. , Akdis M. , Bentabol‐Ramos G. , van den Berge M. , Boccabella C. , Canonica W. G. , Caruso C. , Couto M. , Davila I. , Drummond D. , Fonseca J. , Gherasim A. , del Giacco S. , Jackson D. J. , Jutel M. , Licari A. , Loukides S. , Moreira A. , Mukherjee M. , Ojanguren I. , Palomares O. , Papi A. , Perez de Llano L. , Price O. J. , Rukhazde M. , Shamji M. H. , Shaw D. , Sanchez‐Garcia S. , Testera‐Montes A. , Torres M. J. , Eguiluz‐Gracia I.
Published: December 2024

As cholinergic innervation is a major contributor to increased vagal tone and mucus secretion, inhaled long‐acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) are a pillar for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. By blocking the muscarinic receptors expressed in the lung, LAMA improve lung function and reduce exacerbations in asthma patients who remained poorly controlled despite treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and long‐acting β2 agonists. Asthma guidelines recommend LAMA as a third controller to be added on before the initiation of biologicals. In addition to bronchodilation, LAMA also exert anti‐inflammatory and anti‐fibrotic effects by inhibiting muscarinic receptors present in neutrophils, macrophages, fibroblasts and airway smooth muscle cells. Thus, besides bronchodilation, LAMA might provide additional therapeutic effects, thereby supporting an endotype‐driven approach to asthma management. The Position Paper, developed by the Asthma Section of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, discusses the main cholinergic pathways in the lung, reviews the findings of significant clinical trials and real‐life studies on LAMA use in asthma, examines the placement of these drugs in asthma clinical guidelines, and considers the potential for personalised medicine with LAMA in both adult and paediatric asthma patients.
Psychosocial Determinants of Poor Dental Attendance Among Young Mexican‐Identifying Adults in California
Authors: Devi Aachal , Martinez Lourdes S. , Kritz‐Silverstein Donna , Calzo Jerel P. , Strong David R. , Hoeft Kristin S. , Finlayson Tracy L.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Engagement in preventive dental care is a complex health behaviour and is determined by multiple factors. The study aimed to understand the association of psychosocial determinants with poor dental attendance.

Methods

Survey data from 333 Mexican‐identifying adults in California aged 21–40‐year were analysed. Poor dental attendance was a composite of time since last dental visit and reason for visit. Responses of ‘more than 1 year ago’ for last dental visit, or ‘something was wrong, bothering or hurting/emergency dental problem’ as the reason for last dental visit were categorised as poor dental attendance. Psychosocial determinants including dental anxiety assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, participant reported quality of provider interactions, and perceived social support were assessed. Logistic regression analyses examined associations after accounting for covariates.

Results

Over half (58%) had poor dental attendance. Among those with poor dental attendance, 22% had high dental anxiety, 41% perceived low quality of dental explanation, and 48% reported provider occasionally/never checked patient understanding. Participants with high anxiety had twice the odds of poor dental attendance (OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.01–4.22) than those with low dental anxiety. Additionally, those reporting that providers did not explain oral health status or treatments well had two times higher odds of poor dental attendance than those reporting adequate explanation (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.11–3.83). Checking patient understanding or perceived social support was not significantly associated with dental attendance.

Conclusion

Dental anxiety and poor provider interactions affect use of dental services. Interventions targeting dental staff should prioritise enhancing communication skills and checking patient understanding to improve their dental attendance.
Growth Prediction Model for Prepubertal Children With Idiopathic Growth Hormone Deficiency: An Analysis of LG Growth Study Data
Authors: Jeong Hwal Rim , Lee Hae Sang , Hwang Jin Soon
Published: December 2024

Background

Growth hormone (GH) treatment is effective in restoring normal growth in children with GH deficiency (GHD). However, individual responses to GH treatment vary, necessitating predictive models to estimate growth outcomes. This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive model for GH treatment response during the first 2 years in patients with idiopathic GHD using the LG growth study (LGS) database.

Methods

This observational study included 669 prepubertal patients with idiopathic GHD from the LGS registry who received GH treatment for at least 2 years. Clinical and laboratory data were collected at baseline and every 6 months thereafter. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis was performed to develop prediction models for the treatment period.

Results

The mean age of patients with GDH was 6.0 ± 1.8 years. Height standard deviation score (SDS) significantly increased from −2.50 ± 0.71 to −1.66 ± 0.71 in the first year and −1.35 ± 0.71 in the second year. The first‐year growth velocity was 9.06 ± 1.51 cm, decreasing to 7.42 ± 1.37 cm in the second year. The prediction models incorporated variables such as age, birth weight, bone age, initial height SDS, body mass index SDS, mid‐parental height, GH dose and first year of height after GH treatment, explaining 76.9% and 84.1% of the variability in height SDS changes in the first and second years, respectively.

Conclusions

GH treatment significantly improves height outcomes in prepubertal children with GHD. The developed predictive models demonstrated accuracy, facilitating personalized GH therapy. Future research should focus on refining these models and exploring the long‐term effects of GH treatment in pubertal patients.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01604395.
Atopic dermatitis and the outcomes of pregnancy and offspring: A nationwide population‐based study in Taiwan
Authors: Weng Pei‐Chun , Zhang Jun‐Fu , Kuo Chang‐Fu , Huang Yu‐Huei
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives

Studies have identified increased risks of pregnancy complications in expectant mothers with atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the associations between maternal AD and adverse pregnancy or offspring outcomes in Asians remain unexplored. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between maternal AD and adverse pregnancy and offspring outcomes in Taiwan.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective cohort study collected data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database and the Taiwan Maternal and Child Health Database between 2003 and 2019. We recruited 15,495 AD mothers and 77,475 non‐AD mothers, as well as 19,173 children born to AD mothers and 95,865 children born to non‐AD mothers, using propensity score matching. Pregnancy and offspring outcomes were compared in the maternal and offspring cohorts, respectively.

Results

AD mothers had higher risks of threatened abortion, preeclampsia/eclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, threatened preterm labor, fetal growth restriction, antepartum hemorrhage, postpartum hemorrhage, anemia, surgical complications, infections, pulmonary events, and renal events, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.09–1.71. Children born to AD mothers had increased risks of AD, allergic rhinitis, asthma, alopecia areata, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.05–2.29.

Conclusions

There is a significant association between maternal AD and adverse pregnancy and offspring outcomes in Taiwan.
Natural history of SGCE‐associated myoclonus dystonia in children and adolescents
Authors: De Francesch Valeria , Cazurro‐Gutiérrez Ana , Timmers Elze R. , Español‐Martín Gemma , Ferrero‐Turrión Julia , Gómez‐Andrés David , Marcé‐Grau Anna , Dougherty‐de Miguel Lucía , González Victoria , Moreno‐Galdó Antonio , Tijssen Marina A. J. , Pérez‐Dueñas Belén
Published: December 2024

Aim

To investigate the natural progression of SGCE‐associated myoclonus dystonia from symptom onset in childhood to early adulthood.

Method

Myoclonus and dystonia were monitored using rating scales in two cohorts of participants from Spain and the Netherlands. Individual annualized rates of change were calculated and longitudinal trends were assessed using Bayesian mixed models. Psychiatric features were evaluated cross‐sectionally in the Spanish cohort.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients (21 males, 17 females) were evaluated at a mean age (SD) of 10 years (4 years 7 months; range 2–21 years) and 14 years 2 months (4 years 8 months; range 4–25 years). We observed a significant worsening of action myoclonus, global dystonia, and dystonia during writing (mean annual increases of 1.356, 0.226, and 0.518 in the Unified Myoclonus, Burke–Fahn–Marsden, and Writer's Cramp Rating Scales respectively). Accordingly, participants perceived a significant worsening in their speech, writing, and walking abilities. Twenty‐six of 32 participants suffered from anxiety (n = 13), obsessive‐compulsive disorder (n = 9), and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (n = 8).

Interpretation

This study demonstrates that, unlike in the adult population, myoclonus dystonia syndrome in childhood and adolescence follows a progressive course that can be debilitating in the early stages of life. These findings, along with a high prevalence of psychiatric symptoms, highlight the need for early therapeutic interventions to prevent long‐term motor and psychological sequelae.
A Review of Theory: Comparing Invasion Ecology and Climate Change‐Induced Range Shifting
Authors: Flickinger Haley D. , Dukes Jeffrey S.
Published: December 2024

Human actions have led to large‐scale shifts in the distributions of species, which have accelerated over recent decades. Two contributing factors include the introduction of non‐native species to new regions, and more recently, the shift of species into new ranges to track a human‐altered climate. While the context of these species redistributions is different, we argue here that scientists studying the effects of either invasion or range shifting are interested in the same underlying mechanistic questions: (1) What traits make a species likely to survive in a new location? and (2) Which recipient ecosystems are likely to support a newly arrived species? A survey of the theoretical literature surrounding these topics demonstrates the usefulness of this comparison and highlights key differences between range shifting and invasion in factors including genetic diversity, climatic tolerance, local adaptation, and coevolutionary history. This review does not support the blanket application of an invasion framework to climate change‐induced range shifts. However, we suggest the use of modified invasion theories, experimental designs, and risk assessments could aid in predicting outcomes and prioritizing management resources for climate‐threatened species.
The Contemporary Distribution of Scincine Lizards Does Not Reflect Their Biogeographic Origin
Authors: Datta‐Roy Aniruddha , Brandley Matthew C. , Austin Christopher C. , Bauer Aaron M. , Harris David James , Carranza Salvador , Ukuwela Kanishka D. B. , De Silva Anslem , Tolley Krystal A. , Karanth K. Praveen , Sil Maitreya
Published: December 2024

Aim

We assess the systematic relationships and historical biogeographic patterns in the subfamily Scincinae, a group of lizards that primarily inhabits the Afro‐Madagascan and Saharo‐Arabian regions with isolated lineages in Europe, North America, East Asia, India and Sri Lanka. The contemporary distribution of these lineages on the historical Laurasian and Gondwanan landmasses make scincines an ideal system to study the roles of vicariance and dispersal on a geologic scale of tens of millions of years.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Subfamily Scincinae (Family Scincidae).

Methods

We conducted biogeographic analyses on a reconstructed, time‐calibrated species tree of scincine genera, including members of the other Scincidae subfamilies, using seven nuclear loci (~6 k base pairs). We also constructed a lineage‐through‐time plot to assess the timing of diversification within scincines.

Results

Our analysis estimated strong support for the monophyly of Scincinae that is further comprised a strongly‐supported Gondwanan clade nested within a broader Laurasian group. While most of the extant, genus‐level diversity within the Gondwanan clade was accrued post‐Eocene, the majority of the Laurasian lineages diverged during the Palaeocene or earlier, suggesting large‐scale extinctions on continents of Laurasian origin. Counterintuitively, scincines from India and Sri Lanka have distinct biogeographical origins despite a long tectonic association between these landmasses, suggesting at least two independent, long‐distance, trans‐oceanic dispersal events into the subcontinent. Our biogeographic analyses suggest that scincines likely originated in East and Southeast Asia during the late Cretaceous (ca. 70 Ma), and eventually dispersed westwards to Africa and Madagascar, where their greatest current‐day species richness occurs.

Main Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the concomitant roles of dispersal and extinction in shaping modern‐day assemblages of ancient clades such as scincine lizards. Our range evolution analysis shows that despite the greater diversity observed in the Afro‐Madagascan region, the origin of scincines can be traced back to Southeast Asia and East Asia, followed by westward dispersals. These dispersals may have been followed by significant extinctions in tropical East Asia, resulting in relatively lower diversity of scincines in these regions. Notably, our analysis reveals that Sri Lankan and Peninsular Indian scincines have distinct evolutionary origins.
Foreclosure and Profit Shifting With Partial Vertical Ownership
Authors: Hunold Matthias , Werner Vasilisa
Published: December 2024

We demonstrate that the incentives of firms that partially own their suppliers or customers to foreclose rivals depend on how the partial owner can extract profit from the target. Compared to a fully vertically integrated firm, a partial owner may obtain only a share of the target's profit but may have significant influence over the target's strategy. We show that the incentives for customer and input foreclosure can be higher, equal, or even lower with partial ownership than with a vertical merger, depending on how the protection of minority shareholders and transfer price regulations affect the scope for profit extraction.
Actively soniferous tropical reef fishes are diverse, vulnerable, and valuable
Authors: Hodson Emma Jayne , Cox Kieran , Juanes Francis , Looby Audrey
Published: December 2024

Active (i.e., intentional) fish sound production provides informative cues for numerous ecological functions, including larval recruitment or reproduction, and can facilitate monitoring and restoration. It is therefore important to have a holistic picture of actively soniferous tropical reef fish diversity, particularly in the face of growing threats such as noise pollution and habitat degradation. This study integrates fish biodiversity and sonifery datasets to assess the prevalence and ecological characteristics of actively soniferous tropical reef fishes. There are 258 known sound‐producing species, which span 46 families, encompass a variety of life‐history (e.g., lifespan) and distribution (e.g., depth) attributes, and include many vulnerable and commercially valuable species. Furthermore, up to 75% of tropical reef fish species are considered likely to produce active sounds. This synthesis should encourage a greater appreciation for active fish sound production in tropical reef environments and advance efforts to incorporate soundscape ecology into management and restoration strategies.
Novel Application of Non‐Invasive Methodological Approaches in Biomedical Sciences Towards Better Understanding of Marine Teleost Ocular Health and Disease
Authors: Gendron Robert L. , Kwabiah Rebecca R. , Paradis Hélène , Tucker Denise , Boyce Danny , Santander Javier
Published: December 2024

Seafood is an important resource for global nutrition and food security, with both land and marine aquaculture playing pivotal roles. High visual acuity is key for health and survival of farmed, cultured, and wild fish. Cleaner fish technology to control parasite infestation has become important in marine aquaculture and highlights the importance of visual acuity in the efficacy of cleaner fish species. New clinical diagnostic approaches towards understanding and optimising fish visual health could benefit both aquacultured and wild fish populations. Opportunities for developing and using advanced non‐invasive clinical assessment and diagnosis of ocular health in wild, cultured, and experimental fish are key to more rapidly realising how threats to eye health in these animals might be better understood and mitigated. Ophthalmoscopy can rapidly and non‐invasively image anatomical aspects of retinal and anterior ocular tissues and has been used in mammalian biomedicine since the turn of the 20th century. More now than ever, labour‐intensive post‐mortem approaches for ocular analysis such as histology are increasingly being replaced or supplemented by application of various forms of optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of ocular tissues in mammalian biomedicine. Advances and availability of other methodological approaches such as three‐dimensional printing and computer science make instrument customisation affordable and adaptable. This review article will outline how ophthalmoscopy, OCT, and other methodologies are being applied towards understanding ocular health in teleost fish species and will describe some of the future opportunities that technological advances might afford in advancing ocular imaging in fish health and disease in general.
Understanding the cross‐section of CDS returns using equity options
Authors: Duong Diep , Park Sunjin
Published: December 2024

We examine the cross‐section of credit default swap (CDS) returns by forming CDS portfolios based on the implied volatility curves of equity options. We document that CDS protection sellers earn higher average returns for: (1) firms with higher at‐the‐money implied volatility and (2) firms with steeper volatility skew when conditioning on high implied volatility. We find that, relative to bond returns, CDS returns are better explained by our proposed measures interacted with standard credit determinants. Our reasoning is that the large degree of informed trading in the CDS market makes it more in sync with the equity options market, which is also known to attract informed traders.
Role of sleep and neurochemical biomarkers in synaptic plasticity related to neurological and psychiatric disorders: A scoping review
Authors: Embang Johann Emilio Gonzales , Tan Ying Hui Valerie , Ng Yu Xuan , Loyola Gerard Jude Ponce , Wong Lik‐Wei , Guo Yuqing , Dong Yanhong
Published: December 2024

Sleep is vital for maintaining physical and mental well‐being, impacting cognitive functions like memory and learning through neuroplasticity. Sleep disturbances prevalent in neurological and psychiatric disorders exacerbate cognitive decline, imposing societal burdens. Exploring the relationship between sleep and neuroplasticity elucidates the mechanisms influencing cognition, particularly amidst the prevalent sleep disturbances in these clinical populations. While existing reviews provide valuable insights, gaps remain in understanding the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying sleep and cognitive function. This scoping review aims to investigate the characteristic patterns of sleep parameters and neurochemical biomarkers in reflecting neuroplasticity changes related to neurological and psychiatric disorders and to explore how these markers interact and influence cognition at the molecular level. Studies involving adults and older adults were included, excluding animal models and the paediatric population. Selected studies explored the relationship between sleep parameter or neurochemical biomarker changes and cognitive impairment, reflecting underlying neuroplasticity changes. Peer‐reviewed articles, clinical trials, theses, and dissertations in English were included while excluding secondary research and non‐peer‐reviewed sources. A three‐step search strategy was executed following the updated Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. Published studies were retrieved from nine databases, grey literature, expert recommendations, and hand‐searching of the included studies' bibliography. A basic qualitative content synthesis of 34 studies was conducted per JBI's scoping review guidance. Slow‐wave and Rapid‐Eye Movement sleep, sleep spindles, sleep cycle disruption, K‐Complex(KC) density, Hippocampal sEEG, BDNF, IL‐6, iNOS mRNA expression, plasma serotonin, CSF Aβ‐42, t‐tau and p‐tau proteins, and serum cortisol revealed associations with cognitive dysfunction. Examining the relationship between sleep parameters, neurochemical biomarkers, and cognitive function reveals neuronal mechanisms that guide potential therapeutic interventions and enhance quality patient care.

image
Sugar coating cartoons for girls: Gender stereotypical themes and the use of food in toy‐tied media
Authors: Setten Eric , Cornwell T. Bettina
Published: December 2024

Toy‐tied media (TTM) are promotional vehicles for toys and other merchandise depicting featured characters. Across two studies, this research finds significant differences in plot themes and the frequency and types of foods present in TTM based on target gender. Study 1 uses content analysis to understand how foods (especially sweets) are utilized to show nurturance and domesticity in girls' TTM while a focus on violence in boys' TTM minimizes the plot relevance of food. Study 2 uses automated text analysis on 1041 h of TTM transcripts to quantify the occurrence of select food categories and themes. Study 2 finds that sweets occur eight times more frequently in girls' TTM than in boys' TTM and that sweets occur five times more frequently in TTM rated appropriate for viewers six and under compared to TTM rated for older viewers. The findings suggest the need for intervention and potential interventions are discussed.
The Efficacy of Non‐Cultured Epidermal Cell Suspension and Excimer Lamps Combination Therapy in Vitiligo: Results of 18 Months Follow‐Up
Authors: Hoang Van Tam , Parsad Davinder , Van Thuong Nguyen , Thi Phuong Hoang , Hong Son Nguyen , Thu Hien Do Thi , Manh Tan Nguyen , Thanh Hien Le , Thu Hien Tran Thi , Huu Doanh Le
Published: December 2024

Background

Research on evaluating the efficacy of non‐cultured epidermal cell suspension (NCECS) combined with excimer lamps for the treatment of vitiligo is currently unavailable. This research aims to evaluate the efficacy of this combination in treating vitiligo.

Methods

A prospective, controlled study was conducted from November 2021 to January 2024. Patients with stable vitiligo were randomly assigned into groups 1 (NCECS combined with excimer lamps) or 2 (NCECS alone). All patients were followed up 18 months after the procedure. Treatment effectiveness and adverse events were recorded.

Results

Sixty patients were randomly assigned to groups 1 (30 patients) and 2 (30 patients). A total of 33.3% of patients in group 1 achieved 100% repigmentation, significantly higher than the 6.7% in group 2 (p‐value = 0.021). Meanwhile, 63.3% of patients in group 1 achieved ≥ 90% repigmentation, higher than the 50% in group 2 but not statistically significant (p‐value = 0.435). The mean time to initial repigmentation in group 1 (2.35 ± 0.575 weeks) was significantly shorter than in group 2 (2.72 ± 0.665 weeks) (p‐value = 0.003). Both groups demonstrated a similar rate of good color match, but group 1 exhibited a lower incidence of the halo phenomenon. A total of 23.3% of patients in group 1 experienced mild erythema, which spontaneously resolved in a few days.

Conclusions

The combination of NCECS and excimer lamps can substantially stimulate the onset of repigmentation and enhance 100% repigmentation compared to NCECS monotherapy. Excimer lamps may reduce the incidence of the halo phenomenon.
A rare case of numerous parasitic myomas after laparoscopic myomectomy
Authors: Fujita Kazuhisa , Tsukada Kazuhiko , Utsumi Fumi , Sugihara Kazuhiro , Urano Makoto , Shibata Kiyosumi
Published: December 2024

Parasitic myoma is a relatively rare disease in which one or more leiomyomas form outside the uterus; however, the detailed causes are unknown. Few sporadic reports are available, and per our research, the maximum number of parasitic myomas reported to date was 26, and almost all cases were treated by surgical resection. We report a rare case of numerous parasitic myomas in the abdominal cavity, possibly including an intrathoracic lesion, which could not be resected completely. The patient was a 42‐year‐old, gravid 2, para 0, artificially aborted 2, and not yet menopausal woman. She had undergone laparoscopic myomectomy at a different hospital 6 years prior. Laparoscopically, numerous hard white masses, ranging from 1 mm to approximately 55 mm in size, were found in the abdominal cavity. The masses were particularly numerous in the omentum and mesentery but were also found on the diaphragm, abdominal peritoneum, and intestinal surface. The patient was pathologically diagnosed with multiple benign leiomyomas. On computed tomography, a similar nodule was observed in the right lower lobe of the lung. Despite using in‐bag morcellation, as in this case, numerous parasitic myomas occurred, suggesting that greater caution should be exercised when explaining laparoscopic myomectomy to patients.
Germination and Viability of Albugo candida Oospores Infecting Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea)
Authors: Bhardwaj Nitish Rattan , Yadav Prashant , Meena Bheeru Lal , Sharma Hariom Kumar , Rai Pramod Kumar
Published: December 2024

Albugo candida causing white rust disease is a serious threat in cultivation of oilseed Brassicas particularly Brassica juncea when inflorescence infection (staghead) is high. Stagheads carry oospores which are the perpetuating structures and primary source of inoculum in white rust disease. However, two aspects that still needs to be addressed in A. candida‐B. juncea pathosystem are determination of optimum oospore germination conditions and oospore viability assessment. Thus, here we have described a protocol for optimum oospore germination in samples derived from naturally infected stagheads of B. juncea on β‐glucuronidase aryl sulfatase (a type of snail gut enzyme) treatment. The results indicates that 3% enzyme concentration induces ≥ 50% of oospores to germinate at 7°C, 10°C and 13°C after incubating for 24–48 hours. We also determined viability of staghead‐derived and seed lot derived oospores through plasmolysis (using 4 M sodium chloride) and trypan blue staining. The results indicate the significant superiority of plasmolysis method in detecting viable oospores of A. candida than trypan blue staining. The techniques described here can be utilised for carrying out studies on oospore mating behaviour, sexual recombination and assessment of oosporic inoculum viability in A. candida‐B. juncea pathosystem.
PNPLA3 in Alcohol‐Related Liver Disease
Authors: Galvanin Clélia , Buch Stephan , Nahon Pierre , Trépo Eric
Published: December 2024

The discovery of PNPLA3 as a genetic risk factor for liver disease has transformed our understanding of the pathogenesis of alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD). The recent reclassification of fatty liver disease as steatotic liver disease (SLD), introducing metabolic dysfunction and alcohol‐related liver disease (MetALD), has highlighted how genetic and environmental factors synergistically drive liver damage. The PNPLA3 rs738409 variant stands as a paradigmatic example of gene–environment interaction, where its effect on liver disease is dramatically amplified by alcohol consumption, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Understanding these interactions has revealed novel pathogenic mechanisms. The robust genetic evidence and a growing understanding of molecular mechanisms have made PNPLA3 an attractive therapeutic target. Several compounds targeting PNPLA3 are now in clinical development. While initial trials have focused on metabolic dysfunction‐associated SLD, the recognition that almost all individuals with excessive alcohol consumption have metabolic comorbidities provides an unprecedented opportunity to evaluate these genetically informed therapies in MetALD. In this review, we examine the role of PNPLA3 in ALD, focusing on gene–environment interactions and therapeutic implications in the context of the new disease classification framework.
Outcome of Liver Retransplantation in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Molinaro Antonio , Engesæter Lise Katrine , Jorns Carl , Nordin Arno , Rasmussen Allan , Line Pål‐Dag , Pall Virge , Ericzon Bo‐Göran , Bennet William , Hov Johannes R. , Melum Espen
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is among the most common indications for liver transplantation in the Nordic countries and with an increasing trend in Europe and North America. Due to post‐transplant complications and high prevalence of disease recurrence this group is at risk of requiring retransplantation (re‐LTX). Results from re‐LTX for PSC are not extensively studied and there is a lack of knowledge regarding prognosis after re‐LTX in this population.

Methods

Graft and patient survival after re‐LTX for patients with PSC and a comparable comparison group from the Nordic liver transplant registry were analysed. One‐hundred and eighty‐five patients with PSC and 208 patients in the comparison group were included.

Results

The graft and patient survival were better for patients with PSC compared to the comparison group (p < 0.001). Re‐LTX for recurrence of PSC (rPSC) compared to other aetiologies had similar and better outcomes for graft and patient survival (p = 0.093 and p = 0.023, respectively). Moreover, re‐LTX for rPSC compared to the comparison group had a lower 30‐day and 5‐year mortality (p < 0.001 and p = 0.041, respectively).

Conclusion

Outcomes after retransplantation for PSC were similar or better compared to the comparison group. Retransplantation represents a treatment option with the potential for excellent outcomes in patients with PSC and should be considered in transplanted PSC patients with graft failure.
Permissivism and the history of philosophy
Authors: Ooi Daryl
Published: December 2024

Permissivism is the view that for some body of evidence E there may be more than one rational doxastic attitude that inquirers may take towards some proposition. This paper examines the aims and processes involved in doing the history of philosophy. It argues that the complexities involved in the process of doing the history of philosophy motivates hermeneutical permissivism. Section 2 of the paper discusses and motivates complexity. Section 3 focuses on a particular kind of complexity that historians face, namely, the problem of theory choice. Section 4 argues that complexity motivates permissivism. Section 5 argues for the value of thinking about the task of the historian of philosophy as contributing to the landscape of plausible interpretations. The paper demonstrates how this way of thinking about our discipline may be productive and useful for historians of philosophy with differing aims.
Is Percutaneous Kyphoplasty the Better Choice for Treatment of Stage III Kümmell's Disease Without Neurological Symptoms? A Retrospective Study of Two Invasive Procedures
Authors: Liu Yijie , Chen Tangyiheng , Yu Haoyun , Zhou Xiaohui , Hua Runjia , Wang Yudong , Wei Qiang , Gu Yong , Chu Genglei
Published: December 2024

Study Design

Retrospective analysis.

Objective

Kümmell's disease is an uncommon and complicated spinal condition first described in 1891. Treatment of this disease must be individualized according to the stage of disease and the experience and preference of the surgeon. Nevertheless, the surgical option in Stage III Kümmell's disease without neurological deficits remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to determine whether PKP or pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) combined with long‐segment fixation (LSF) is more effective in treating Kümmell's disease at Stage III without neurological impairments.

Methods

Between January 2017 and June 2020, 89 patients were treated with PKP or PSO + LSF. The outcomes, including operative time, blood loss, Oswestry Disability Indexes (ODIs), heights of fractured vertebrae, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and kyphosis Cobb angles, were measured at the follow‐up time for the PKP group and PSO + LSF group. Fisher's exact test or chi‐square test for number and percentage data was employed to compare statistical analyses between two groups.

Results

Forty‐six patients underwent PKP and 43 patients who treated by PSO + LSF. Postoperative measurements showed substantial improvements in kyphosis Cobb angle and vertebral height in the PKP group compared to preoperative measurements. Operating time, estimated blood loss, and duration of stay were all reduced in the PKP group compared to the PSO + LSF group. The PSO + LSF group had better correction of a kyphotic Cobb angle than the PKP group. Short‐term monitoring showed that the PKP group had fewer ODI and VAS scores than the PSO + LSF group. In addition, no significant neurological symptoms were found after operation in both groups. The complication rates of PKP and PSO + LSF groups were 10.87% and 9.30%, respectively.

Conclusions

Kümmell's disease in Stage III without neurological symptoms responded to both PKP and PSO + LSF as safe and efficient treatments. Despite limited correction of kyphotic Cobb angle, PKP patients had better early clinical outcomes, increased fractured vertebral height, decreased blood loss, and less surgical trauma compared with the PSO + LSF group.
Influence of Policy Awareness and Satisfaction With Service on the Willingness to Engage in Rural Elderly Medical and Nursing Care Service Programs in Rural China
Authors: Wenyi Lin , Zhiyun Rong , Qin Li
Published: December 2024

Background

In rural China, the participation of residents in elderly medical and nursing care service programs is notably low. To understand the reasons behind this underutilization or reluctance to use such services, an empirical study is warranted.

Design

This study adopts a cross‐sectional research design, utilizing survey data collected between January and March 2023.

Sample

Retired elderly individuals aged 50 and above who were permanent residents of LS Town.

Measurements

The survey collects data concerning several key aspects of the older adult population, including their fundamental demographic information, awareness levels regarding integrated medical and nursing care services offered by local township health clinics, their current enrollment status in family doctor contract services, and their propensity to subscribe to such healthcare arrangements.

Results

The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between awareness of the integrated medical and elderly care nursing model and the willingness of rural older adults to adopt these services. Furthermore, satisfaction with the services also directly influences the willingness to engage with these services.

Conclusion

This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the significance of policy dissemination and enhancing service quality as pivotal strategies for governments and health service organizations to foster increased uptake of these services among the rural elderly population.
Resolution of the Kohayakawa–Kreuter conjecture
Authors: Christoph Micha , Martinsson Anders , Steiner Raphael , Wigderson Yuval
Published: December 2024

A graph is said to be Ramsey for a tuple of graphs if every ‐coloring of the edges of contains a monochromatic copy of in color , for some . A fundamental question at the intersection of Ramsey theory and the theory of random graphs is to determine the threshold at which the binomial random graph becomes asymptotically almost surely Ramsey for a fixed tuple , and a famous conjecture of Kohayakawa and Kreuter predicts this threshold. Earlier work of Mousset–Nenadov–Samotij, Bowtell–Hancock–Hyde, and Kuperwasser–Samotij–Wigderson has reduced this probabilistic problem to a deterministic graph decomposition conjecture. In this paper, we resolve this deterministic problem, thus proving the Kohayakawa–Kreuter conjecture. Along the way, we prove a number of novel graph decomposition results that may be of independent interest.
La Hipoteca Inversa vinculada a Seguros
Authors: Benito Osma Félix
Published: December 2024

El presente trabajo trata de poner de relieve la transparencia como principio general del derecho y del mercado de aplicación directa a las relaciones con o sin consumidores, especialmente en el caso de consumidores vulnerables tras la covid 19, así como su impacto en las hipotecas inversas vinculadas a seguros de previsión, junto con la incidencia de la Ley 8/2021, sobre discapacidad.
La nueva dimensión social del seguro
Authors: SIgnorino Barbat Andrea
Published: December 2024

La función esencial del seguro radica en el hecho de que el seguro es un mecanismo que busca eliminar los riesgos de la vida moderna o al menos disminuirlos. Esto a través del traslado de los riesgos de la esfera jurídica y patrimonial del asegurado a la esfera jurídica y patrimonial del asegurador.
Pero este traslado no puede hacerse sin ciertos resguardos propios de la técnica aseguradora, pues de lo contrario, el seguro, en vez de cumplir una función social, se convertiría en un juego o apuesta, y el asegurador, en un especulador, poniendo en riesgo a la mutualidad de asegurados, asumiendo riesgos más allá de sus parámetros técnicos. 
El asegurador asume los riesgos, pero dentro de los límites del contrato de seguros en el cual realiza una selección del riesgo dentro de parámetros preestablecidos, y una labor de individualización del riesgo y de delimitación del mismo mediante las cláusulas del contrato, que pueden, a su vez, responder a delimitaciones legales.
Debidamente delimitado el riesgo y cumpliendo sus bases técnicas, el seguro se torna en un instrumento básico para el proceso de producción y de distribución de bienes y ganancias. Asimismo, garantiza el equilibrio social eliminando o mitigando el temor a los infortunios, prometiendo su cobertura.
Con estos sustentos, el seguro cumple diversas funciones económicas y sociales, pero es dable pensar si el alcance de dichas funciones es suficiente en la época postmoderna e incluso más en la época actual donde la humanidad se ha visto azotada por una pandemia de ribetes únicos y alcance desconocido para nuestras generaciones.
En este sentido cabe preguntarse, ¿tiene hoy el seguro una nueva dimensión social? ¿cumple -o debe cumplir- una mayor función social?
A comenzar a debatir en torno a ello, nos dedicaremos en este artículo.
El seguro paramétrico desde la perspectiva económica y empresarial. Un complemento eficiente de la cobertura aseguradora tradicional
Authors: Pérez-Fructuoso María José
Published: December 2024

Desde finales del siglo pasado, el aumento de las catástrofes naturales, tanto en número como en pérdidas aseguradas, ha provocado que se desarrollen formas alternativas de transferencia y financiación de los riesgos tradicionales, pero también emergentes no sujetos a cobertura hasta el momento. Una de estas soluciones son los seguros paramétricos que permiten agilizar los procesos de indemnización, beneficiando de esta forma a asegurados y aseguradoras. En este artículo se desarrolla el concepto de seguro paramétrico prestando especial atención a como mecanismo de protección financiera contra catástrofes.