bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Capital and Cultural Health Capital in Primary Care: The Case of Group Medical Visits
Authors: Thompson‐Lastad Ariana , Harrison Jessica M. , Shim Janet K.
Published: December 2024

This article focuses on an empirical setting that upends the clinician–patient dyadic norm: group medical visits (GMVs), in which multiple patients gather in the same space for medical care, health education and peer support. Our grounded theory analysis draws on participant observation and interviews (N = 53) with patients and staff of GMVs at four safety‐net healthcare organisations in the United States. We delineate (1) how group medical visits provide health‐focused social networks that facilitate the mobilisation of social capital, (2) how the organisationally embedded relationships that comprise group visits are made possible through extended time that is part of the GMV field and (3) how clinicians have opportunities rarely found in other settings to learn from patients, using knowledge accrued from GMV networks to advance their own skills, thereby converting social capital into provider cultural health capital. GMVs provide a rich empirical site for understanding the ways in which organisational arrangements can shape opportunities for patients and clinicians to cultivate and mobilise social capital and cultural health capital, and in doing so, materially shift experiences of receiving and providing healthcare.
The Value of Centre for Employee Relations and Communication (CERC) for Research and Professional Advancement: Insights From the Pandemic Crisis and Beyond
Authors: Mazzei Alessandra , Butera Alfonsa
Published: December 2024

The Centre for Employee Relations and Communication (CERC) operating at Università IULM in Italy represents an experience of academia‐industry collaboration through a multi‐company research group: the Working Group Employee Communication (WG_EC). The article depicts the efforts that the WG_EC has been putting into the specific research area of internal crisis communication over its 15 years of activity. Through a qualitative study involving 13 professionals that were partners of the WG_EC, it also sheds light on the value generated for company partners from the collaboration with the academic experts of CERC during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The study also reflects upon the professional and research advancement boosted by the CERC and its WG_EC beyond that specific critical event, and to focus on issues that WG_EC professionals consider particularly relevant for the future.
Food packaging solutions in the post‐per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics era: A review of functions, materials, and bio‐based alternatives
Authors: Yashwanth Arcot , Huang Rundong , Iepure Monica , Mu Minchen , Zhou Wentao , Kunadu Angela , Carignan Courtney , Yegin Yagmur , Cho Dongik , Oh Jun Kyun , Taylor Matthew T. , Akbulut Mustafa E. S. , Min Younjin
Published: December 2024

Food packaging (FP) is essential for preserving food quality, safety, and extending shelf‐life. However, growing concerns about the environmental and health impacts of conventional packaging materials, particularly per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics, are driving a major transformation in FP design. PFAS, synthetic compounds with dual hydro‐ and lipophobicity, have been widely employed in food packaging materials (FPMs) to impart desirable water and grease repellency. However, PFAS bioaccumulate in the human body and have been linked to multiple health effects, including immune system dysfunction, cancer, and developmental problems. The detection of microplastics in various FPMs has raised significant concerns regarding their potential migration into food and subsequent ingestion. This comprehensive review examines the current landscape of FPMs, their functions, and physicochemical properties to put into perspective why there is widespread use of PFAS and microplastics in FPMs. The review then addresses the challenges posed by PFAS and microplastics, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable and bio‐based alternatives. We highlight promising advancements in sustainable and renewable materials, including plant‐derived polysaccharides, proteins, and waxes, as well as recycled and upcycled materials. The integration of these sustainable materials into active packaging systems is also examined, indicating innovations in oxygen scavengers, moisture absorbers, and antimicrobial packaging. The review concludes by identifying key research gaps and future directions, including the need for comprehensive life cycle assessments and strategies to improve scalability and cost‐effectiveness. As the FP industry evolves, a holistic approach considering environmental impact, functionality, and consumer acceptance will be crucial in developing truly sustainable packaging solutions.
Fermented soy products: A review of bioactives for health from fermentation to functionality
Authors: Harahap Iskandar Azmy , Suliburska Joanna , Karaca Asli Can , Capanoglu Esra , Esatbeyoglu Tuba
Published: December 2024

The increasing prevalence of metabolic diseases and the global drive toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscore the need for sustainable, nutrient‐dense foods. Soybeans (Glycine max), a critical global crop, offer promising solutions; however, their predominant use as animal feed raises concerns regarding food security and environmental sustainability. Fermented soy products—including tempeh, natto, and miso—are rich in bioactive compounds such as peptides and isoflavones, which offer potential therapeutic effects and hold cultural and nutritional significance. These fermented products provide bioactive profiles with unique health‐promoting properties. This review critically examines the bioactive compounds generated through fermentation, focusing on their bioconversion pathways in the gastrointestinal tract and their metabolic implications for human health. Recent consumer demand for novel food ingredients with additional biological benefits has fueled research into advanced extraction techniques, enhancing the functional applications of bioactive compounds from these soy‐based products. This review further explores innovations in extraction methods that improve bioactive yield and sustainability, reinforcing the applicability of these compounds in health‐promoting food interventions. The originality of this review lies in its in‐depth exploration of the gastrointestinal bioconversion of fermented soy bioactive compounds alongside the latest sustainable extraction methods designed to optimize their use. Future research should aim to refine fermentation and extraction processes, investigate synergistic microbial interactions, and develop environmentally sustainable production methods. These efforts have the potential to position fermented soy products as essential contributors to global nutritional security and sustainable food systems, addressing both public health and environmental needs.
Recent advances of machine learning in the geographical origin traceability of food and agro‐products: A review
Authors: Li Jiali , Qian Jianping , Chen Jinyong , Ruiz‐Garcia Luis , Dong Chen , Chen Qian , Liu Zihan , Xiao Pengnan , Zhao Zhiyao
Published: December 2024

The geographical origin traceability of food and agro‐products has been attracted worldwide. Especially with the rise of machine learning (ML) technology, it provides cutting‐edge solutions to erstwhile intractable issues to identify the origin of food and agro‐products. By utilizing advanced algorithms, ML can extract feature information of food and agro‐products that is closely related to origin and, more accurately, identify and trace their origins, which is of great significance to the entire food and agriculture industry. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the state‐of‐the‐art applications of ML in the geographical origin traceability of food and agro‐products. First, commonly used ML methods are summarized. The paper then outlines the whole process of preparation for modeling, model training as well as model evaluation for building traceability models–based ML. Finally, recent applications of ML combined with different traceability techniques in the field of food and agro‐products are revisited. Although ML has made many achievements in solving the geographical origin traceability problem of food and agro‐products, it still has great development potential. For example, the application of ML is yet insufficient in the geographical origin traceability using DNA or computer vision techniques. The ability of ML to predict the geographical origin of food and agro‐products can be further improved, for example, by increasing model interpretability, incorporating data fusion strategies, and others.
Learning from the lived experiences of medical women working and studying at the national hospital in Fiji: A mixed methods study
Authors: Shankar Manisha L , Shailin Shivani , Phillips Georgina
Published: December 2024

Objective

Our study aimed to explore the experience of attaining higher education among women in medicine at the largest national hospital in Fiji, focusing on barriers and enablers to completing training, and to explore women's perception of gender‐based discrimination in the world of medicine. Findings subsequently informed evidence‐based recommendations on enablers and barriers at the hospital and medical university to improve experiences of women in medicine.

Methods

We conducted a mixed‐method study, emphasising the phenomenological qualitative component. All women doctors working at the national hospital were invited to complete a survey, and those with past or present engagement in postgraduate specialty medical training participated in semi‐structured interviews. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Interviews were transcribed, coded then organised using thematic analysis. Reflexivity and triangulation were employed at all levels of the research to ensure rigour.

Results

Four distinct themes were found to illuminate women's enablers and barriers. Participants described work‐life stress, absence of advocacy, coercion‐control‐power and inflexible systems as barriers. For enablers, they described inner strength, social circles, work culture and mentors/role models/advocates. Participants had mixed perspectives on gender‐based discrimination in the workplace, with unanimity in calling for protected maternity leave entitlements.

Conclusions

Challenges only become true barriers when enablers are eclipsed by them. Institutional support helps mitigate these barriers especially for those women who lack social support. Gender based discrimination continues in the Pacific, commonly covertly, especially in terms of policy gaps regarding maternity leave during training.
Tepotinib for the Treatment of Lung Adenocarcinoma Harboring MET Y1003N Point Mutation: A Case Report
Authors: Umeda Yukihiro , Kimura Satomi , Kimura Junya , Imamura Yoshiaki , Ishizuka Tamotsu
Published: December 2024

The mesenchymal‐epithelial transition factor (MET) Y1003 mutation, like MET ex14 skipping, is an oncogenic driver mutation that suppresses MET degradation. Herein, we report the case of a 63‐year‐old female patient with lung adenocarcinoma harboring the MET Y1003N mutation, who was treated with tepotinib, a selective type 1b MET tyrosine kinase inhibitor. To the best of our knowledge, no such cases have been reported. The woman was referred to our hospital with the chief complaint of chest pain. After a detailed examination, she was diagnosed with stage IVB lung adenocarcinoma. Next‐generation sequencing revealed an MET Y1003N mutation in the tumor. Tepotinib was administered as the eighth‐line treatment, and the best overall response was a partial response that lasted for 8 months. In lung adenocarcinomas harboring the MET Y1003 mutation, selective type 1b MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors may be an important treatment option, even in heavily pretreated settings.
Cordycepin ameliorates autoimmunity by promoting STING degradation via autophagy pathway
Authors: Yang Daidi , Peng Niannian , Zhang Hongqian , Qiu Zuocheng , Xu Lingxiao , Pan Mingyu
Published: December 2024

Background and Purpose

Stimulator of interferon response cGAMP interactor 1 (STING), a central hub protein of cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS)–STING signalling pathway, has a crucial role in regulating type I interferons (IFNs) production and response. Recent studies indicate that excessive activation of STING is strongly associated with autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Searching immunomodulators that negatively regulate STING might greatly contribute to the suppression of autoimmunity.

Experimental Approach

The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of SLE patients, Hela cells, L929 cells and bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) from mice were used as in vitro models. While, Trex1 KO mouse autoimmune disease model was used as in vivo model. After treatment with cordycepin, a nucleoside from Cordyceps mushrooms, type I IFNs production and response were determined by western blotting, real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), dual‐luciferase assay, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), haematoxylin–eosin staining and RNA‐seq.

Key Results

Cordycepin inhibited type I IFNs production and response in human and murine systems following cGAS–STING signalling activation. Importantly, cordycepin markedly attenuates the autoinflammatory and autoimmune responses in Trex1 KO BMDMs and Trex1 KO mice. Furthermore, cordycepin effectively suppressed the production of type I IFNs and interferon‐stimulated genes (ISGs) in the PBMCs of SLE patients. Mechanistically, cordycepin promoted STING degradation via autophagy pathway upon DNA stimulation.

Conclusion and Implications

This study shows that cordycepin promotes STING autophagic degradation to alleviate autoimmunity upon DNA stimulation. Cordycepin might be a potential therapeutic candidate for alleviating aberrant type I IFNs in autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases.
‘Can You Please Sit Still?!’: Exploring the Dynamics of Children's Sedentary Behaviours at Home
Authors: Rathod Apoorva , Olsson Jerry , Schwanen Tim
Published: December 2024

Sedentary behaviour among children has become an area of interest in health research due to its associations with unfavourable health outcomes. Concerns about certain activities being sedentary guides much work in this field, with study outcomes often directed towards determining the amount of time spent in these activities. In this paper, we explore the idea of thinking about sedentary moments within children's everyday practices instead of total time spent in sedentary behaviours. Through this approach we examine children's everyday practices to show how activities by themselves should not necessarily be considered sedentary, but as composed of sedentary moments that are performed. We also look at how such sedentary moments are created, and the ways in which they are linked to material arrangements and pervasive understandings about how certain practices should be conducted. These could be seen as instruments of power acting upon the body, shaped by discourses about childhood and family life.
Evolution and Viability of Asian Horseshoe Crabs Appear Tightly Linked to Geo‐Climatic Dynamics in the Sunda Shelf
Authors: Tang Qian , John Akbar , Wardiatno Yusli , Nishida Shin , Van Tu Do  , Xie Xiaoyong , Pati Siddhartha , Susanto Handoko Adi , Hajisamae Sukree , Nelson Bryan Raveen , Min Wah Wah , Hasan Mohammad Eusuf , Salles Tristan , Chen Yilin , Qu Yanhua , Lei Fumin , Venkatesh Byrappa , Rheindt Frank E.
Published: December 2024

Horseshoe crabs are unique living fossils that have remained almost unaltered through 400 million years of global change. They face rapid worldwide declines under increasing anthropogenic pressure. Using comprehensive geographic and genomic sampling combined with approaches that integrate DNA with environmental and climatic datasets, we assessed the population genetic structure, demographic histories, and vulnerability to future climate change in three out of four extant horseshoe crab species, all centered in Asia. Our study highlights that the Sunda Shelf, a complex and dynamic shallow‐marine landscape, has been the sole repository of most genetic diversity among all three Asian species, and therefore crucial to the long‐term survival of horseshoe crabs. Our study not only provides the first genomic baseline data for the evaluation of Asian horseshoe crabs’ conservation status but also identifies core habitats that potentially act as refugia and corridors for Asian horseshoe crab populations with impending anthropogenic global warming.
Joint spatial modeling of cluster size and density for a heavily hunted primate persisting in a heterogeneous landscape
Authors: Houldcroft Andrew , Lindgren Finn , Sanhá Américo , Jaló Maimuna , Regalla de Barros Aissa , Hockings Kimberley J. , Bersacola Elena
Published: December 2024

Shared landscapes in which humans and wildlife coexist, are increasingly recognized as integral to conservation. Fine‐scale data on the distribution and density of threatened wildlife are therefore critical to promote long‐term coexistence. Yet, the spatial complexity of habitat, anthropic threats and animal behaviour in shared landscapes challenges conventional survey techniques. For social wildlife in particular, the size of sub‐groups or clusters is likely to both vary in space and influence detectability, biasing density estimation and spatial prediction. Using the R package ‘inlabru', we develop a full‐likelihood joint log‐Gaussian Cox process to simultaneously perform spatial distance sampling and model a spatially varying cluster size distribution, which we condition upon detection probability to mitigate cluster‐size detection bias. We accommodate spatial dependencies by incorporating a non‐stationary Gaussian Markov random field, enabling the explicit inclusion of geographical barriers to wildlife dispersal. We demonstrate this model using 136 georeferenced detections of Campbell's monkey Cercopithecus campbelli clusters, collected with 398.56 km of line transects across a shared agroforest landscape mosaic (1067 km2) in Guinea‐Bissau. We assess a suite of anthropogenic and environmental spatial covariates, finding that normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and proximity to mangroves are both powerful spatial predictors of density. We captured strong spatial variation in cluster size, likely driven by fission–fusion in response to the complex distribution of resources and risk in the landscape. If left unaccounted for under existing approaches, such variation may bias density surface estimation. We estimate a population of 10 301 (95% CI [7606–14 104]) individuals and produce a fine‐scale predictive density map, revealing the importance of mangrove‐habitat interfaces for the conservation of this heavily hunted primate. This work demonstrates a powerful, widely applicable approach for monitoring socially flexible wildlife and informing evidence‐based conservation in complex, heterogeneous landscapes moving forward.
The role of brain oscillatory activity in processing the informative value of feedback during rule acquisition
Authors: Liu Fangfang , Li Fuhong , Du Bin
Published: December 2024

Information conveyed through feedback enables individuals to learn new routines and better adapt to their environment. However, the neural mechanisms of rule‐related information of feedback have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we quantified the effect of informative value on feedback via a rule induction task (RIT), in which participants were required to find the correct sorting rule based on feedback. To disengage the effects of informative value and valence on feedback in the RIT, a control task was developed in which feedback only involved the valence aspect and no reference for subsequent selections. We measured power and intertrial phase clustering (ITPC) values via EEG to determine the neural mechanisms of rule‐related feedback. The results revealed that (1) differences in oscillatory activities between positive and negative feedback were only observed during the control task, and no such effect was found in the RIT task. This finding suggests that the participants paid more attention to rule‐related information than to the correctness of feedback during rule learning. (2) The task differences under positive or negative feedback were associated with the delta‐theta and alpha‐beta bands, and this pattern was similar within the frontal and parietal regions. These findings suggest that the processing of rule‐related information of feedback relies on broad frequency bands within the frontoparietal cortex to facilitate rule information integration. In summary, these findings indicate that multiple frequency bands are involved in encoding the informative value aspect of feedback, and individuals rely on this aspect of feedback rather than valence during rule learning.
TSPO‐PET in pre‐surgical evaluations: Correlation of neuroinflammation and SEEG epileptogenicity mapping in drug‐resistant focal epilepsy
Authors: Kilmer Jennifer , Rodrigo Sebatian , Petrescu Ana‐maria , Aghakhani Nozar , Herbrecht Anne , Leroy Claire , Tournier Nicolas , Bottlaender Michel , Taussig Delphine , Bouilleret Viviane
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Resective surgery in drug‐resistant focal epilepsy (DRFE) requires extensive evaluation to localize the epileptogenic zone (EZ). When non‐invasive phase 1 assessments (electroencephalography, EEG; magnetic resonance imaging, MRI; and 18F‐Fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography, [18F]FDG‐PET) are inconclusive for EZ localization, invasive investigations such as stereo‐EEG (SEEG) are necessary. Epileptogenicity maps (Ems) visualize the EZ using SEEG‐identified ictal high‐frequency oscillations (iHFOs). PET imaging with radioligands targeting the18‐kDa translocator protein (TSPO), a marker of glial activation, may aid EZ localization. This study investigates the correlation between TSPO‐PET imaging and SEEG iHFOs in DRFE to determine the utility of TSPO‐PET in pre‐surgical assessments, especially in complex or non‐lesional cases.

Methods

Patients with DRFE and inconclusive phase 1 assessments were recruited from Bicêtre Hospital (AP‐HP) for a prospective study (Eudract 2017–003381‐27). They underwent SEEG and [18F]DPA‐714 (N,N‐diethyl‐2‐(2‐(4‐(2‐(fluoro‐18F)ethoxy)phenyl)‐5,7‐dimethylpyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidin‐3‐yl)acetamide) (TSPO radioligand) PET imaging. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) techniques analyzed significant [18F]DPA‐714‐PET uptake (TSPO‐map) and generated epileptogenicity maps (EM‐map). Correlation analyses at regional and voxel‐of‐interest (VOI) levels assessed the relationship between TSPO‐map and EM‐map.

Results

We were able to obtain and analyze both maps in 12 of 17 patients recruited. A significant positive correlation between EM‐map and TSPO‐map in focal epilepsies was found regionally (r = .81, p < .00004) and at the VOI level (r = .79, p < .00003). Temporal, insular, parietal, and occipital regions showed particularly strong correspondence. In frontal epilepsies, TSPO‐map was more focal than EM‐map, suggesting increased specificity for SEEG planning. This study also demonstrated the benefit of the TSPO‐map in identifying multiple foci in multifocal epilepsies, with or without lesions.

Significance

These findings suggest that neuroinflammation may be a molecular substrate of the EZ in non‐lesional focal epilepsy. Identifying the EZ inpatients with complex DRFE and inconclusive MRI/[18F]FDG‐PET imaging is essential to improve resective surgery outcomes. Combining TSPO‐PET imaging with SEEG recordings may help bridge this gap.
Development of a model to predict electroencephalographic seizures in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy treated with therapeutic hypothermia
Authors: Massey Shavonne L. , Sandoval Karamian Amanda G. , Fitzgerald Mark P. , Fung France W. , Abramson Abigail , Salmon Mandy K. , Parikh Darshana , Abend Nicholas S.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Electroencephalographic seizures (ES) are common in neonates with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), but identification with continuous electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring (CEEG) is resource‐intensive. We aimed to develop an ES prediction model.

Methods

Using a prospective observational study of 260 neonates with HIE undergoing CEEG, we identified clinical and EEG risk factors for ES, evaluated model performance with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), and calculated test characteristics emphasizing high sensitivity. We assessed ES incidence and timing in neonates subdivided by ES risk group (low, moderate, high) as determined by EEG risk factors.

Results

ES occurred in 32% (83/260) of neonates. Performing CEEG for only 24 h would fail to identify the 7% (17/260) of neonates with later onset ES (20% of all neonates experiencing ES). Identifying 90% or 95% of neonates with ES would require CEEG for 63 or 74 h, respectively. The optimal model included continuity and epileptiform discharges, both assessed in the initial 1 h of CEEG. It yielded an AUROC of .80, and at a cutoff that emphasized sensitivity, had sensitivity of 94%, specificity of 45%, positive predictive value of 44%, and negative predictive value of 95%. The model would avoid CEEG beyond 1 h in 32% (84/260) of neonates, but 6% (5/83) of neonates with ES would not have ES identified. ES incidence was significantly different (p < .01) across ES risk groups (6% low, 40% moderate, and 83% high). Only ~6 h of CEEG would identify all neonates with ES in the low‐risk group, whereas 75 and 63 h of CEEG would be required to identify 95% of neonates with ES in the moderate‐risk and high‐risk groups, respectively.

Significance

Among neonates with HIE, a model employing two EEG variables from a 1‐h screening EEG and stratifying neonates into low‐, moderate‐, and high‐risk groups could enable evidence‐based strategies for targeted CEEG use.
Analysis of participant race and sex reporting and disparities in US epilepsy clinical trials
Authors: Butler Molly , Palacios Mario Espinosa , Carr Christopher , Moore‐Hill Debra , Vale Fernando L.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Studies have shown that a growing number of people with epilepsy belong to minority groups and experience health disparities. Inclusivity in clinical trial enrollment is essential for advancing health access but has not been well studied among epilepsy trials. The objective of this study was to analyze US epilepsy clinical trials to identify the prevalence and trends associated with race and sex enrollment disparities.

Methods

We queried the Clinicaltrials.gov registry to identify completed epilepsy clinical trials with results reported between 2006 and 2022. Studies were assessed for reporting of participant race and sex information, and measures of trial diversity including the participation to prevalence ratio (PPR), representation ratio (RR), and representation quotient (RQ) were calculated. Other data including funding source, intervention type, location, and trial dates were also extracted.

Results

Ninety trials met inclusion criteria, of which 89 (99%) and 53 (59%) reported participant sex and race, respectively. Three trials included only female participants and were excluded from further sex‐specific analyses. Females were underrepresented in 10 of the remaining 86 trials reporting sex information (PPR < .8, 12%). We found that industry‐funded trials were more likely to have equal female representation among participants (p = .0197). Of trials reporting participant race, 52 (98%) exhibited a lack of racial diversity (RQ < 1). Black participants were the most frequently underrepresented racial group (RR < 1, 42 of 53 trials, 79%).

Significance

Our findings highlight significant disparities in epilepsy clinical trial enrollment, particularly for Black participants. Lack of diversity and underrepresentation of historically marginalized populations may contribute to research biases and perpetuate health inequities. More inclusive research practices are needed to ensure all people with epilepsy have access to effective care.
Abdominal Spines on an Amazonian Spiny Spider (Micrathena schreibersi): A Defense Against Mud‐Dauber Wasps (Sceliphron spp.) Attack?
Authors: de Almeida João Gabriel Lacerda , Oliveira Larissa Lotti , Cola Carine Mariá
Published: December 2024

The conspicuous abdominal spines in females of Micrathena spiders have evolved independently in several species within the genus. Like other orb‐web spiders, Micrathena species can serve as prey to parasitoid mud‐dauber wasps, which paralyzes the spiders and inserts them into their nests to serve as food to their larvae. Based on this fact, some studies suggest that Micrathena spines evolved as an antipredator defense against the wasp. However, there is no direct evidence of how the spines could act to avoid the wasp behavior. Here, we present two distinct records involving an Amazonian species of spiny spider, Micrathena schreibersi, where the abdominal spines act as a mechanical barrier against mud‐dauber wasps (Sceliphron spp.). These spines prevented the wasps from completely inserting the paralyzed spiders into their tubular nests, forcing the wasps to alter the opening shape to close it. In our second record, the wasp was not able to completely close the nest, leading to predation of her offspring by ants. We discuss the ecological implications of this potential defense trait for both species and propose future hypotheses to further elucidate how these spines may have evolved based on the foraging behavior of mud‐dauber wasps.
Complications of Estimating Hatchery Introgression in the Face of Rapid Divergence: A Case Study in Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)
Authors: Erdman Bradley , Larson Wesley , Mitro Matthew G. , Griffin Joanna D. T. , Rowe David , Haglund Justin , Olson Kirk , Kinnison Michael T.
Published: December 2024

Fish stocking has been utilized for over a century to offset extirpations or declines in abundance of many native species. These historical declines and hatchery contributions have led to uncertainty surrounding whether many contemporary populations are native, introgressed with hatchery sources, or entirely of hatchery origin. Such uncertainty is problematic for the conservation of native biodiversity as it hampers management agencies' ability to prioritize the conservation of indigenous locally adapted populations. Fortunately, genetic and genomic tools have allowed researchers to investigate these questions, often through the use of clustering or assignment approaches that are predicated on identifiable and consistent divergence between native populations and hatchery sources. Here, we apply these methods to restriction‐site associated DNA (RAD) data from 643 brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) originating from 13 wild populations and an exogenous hatchery strain to investigate the extent of historical extirpations, hatchery contributions, and processes affecting population structure in a small area of the previously unglaciated Driftless Area of Wisconsin, USA. The results from these analyses suggest that wild populations in this region are genetically distinct even at small spatial scales, lack strong hydrologically associated population structure, rarely exchange gene flow, and have small effective population sizes. Furthermore, wild populations are substantially diverged from known hatchery strains and show minimal evidence of introgression in clustering analyses. However, we demonstrate through empirically informed simulations that distinct wild populations may potentially be hatchery‐founded and have since diverged through rapid genetic drift. Collectively, the apparent lack of hydrological population structure and potential for rapid drift in the Driftless Area suggest that many native populations may have been historically extirpated and refounded by stocking events. If this is the case, then commonly used genomic clustering methods and their associated model selection criteria may result in underestimation of hatchery introgression in the face of rapid drift.
Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of severe burns in adults: A retrospective study at a burn centre in Suzhou, China
Authors: Zhang Yong , Su Jiandong , Liu Yunfeng , Sun Ran , Sun Ruizhu
Published: December 2024

Severe burns lead to malformations and higher mortality and have long‐term social consequences. We aimed to analyse the epidemiologic characteristics and clinical outcomes of severe burn patients hospitalized in a major burn centre in Eastern China. This study included severe burns patients hospitalized in our hospital from 2017 to 2022. We extracted all data from electronic medical records for retrospective analysis. Burn scoring systems were calculated for all patients. The median age of the patients was 49.00 years, with 62.13% of them aged between 30 and 59 years. Of the 375 adult patients, 256 were male and 119 were female. The major cause of burns was flame (46.1%), followed by explosion (35.2%). The median total body surface area was 40%. Sixty‐three percent of patients suffered an inhalation injury and 125 patients (33.3%) developed complications during hospitalization. The average mortality was 5.3%. Higher mortality rates are associated with advanced age, flame burns, larger full‐thickness burns area and total body surface area, inhalation injuries and combined burn complications. Severe burns often occur in middle‐aged men. Governments and companies need to improve the safety of living and working environments. It is essential to develop treatment strategies based on risk factors for burn deaths and improve the quality of medical care.
Incorporating Climatic Extremes Using the GEV Distribution Improves SDM Range Edge Performance
Authors: Fonteyn Ward , Serra‐Diaz Josep M. , Muys Bart , Van Meerbeek Koenraad
Published: December 2024

Aim

The changing frequency and intensity of climatic extremes due to climate change can have sudden and adverse impacts on the distribution of species. While species distribution modelling is a vital tool in ecological applications, current approaches fail to fully capture the distribution of climatic extremes, particularly of rare events with the most disruptive potential. Especially at the edges of species' ranges, where conditions are already less favourable, predictions might be inaccurate when these extremes are not well represented.

Location

Europe.

Taxon

Tree species.

Methods

We present a novel approach to integrate extreme events into species distribution models based on the generalised extreme value (GEV) distribution. This distribution, following from the extreme value theory has been established as a valuable tool in analysing climatic extremes, both in an ecological context and beyond. The approach relying on the GEV distribution is broadly applicable, readily transferable across species and relies on widely available data. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach for 28 European tree species, illustrating its superior ability to fully capture the distribution of climatic extremes compared to state‐of‐the‐art methods.

Results

We found that incorporating parameters on climatic extremes derived from the GEV distribution increased model performance (AICmodel) and characterised range edges more accurately (AUCedge) compared to competing approaches. However, general AUC values were only marginally increased across the species and study period analysed. Overall, the GEV model predicted a narrower niche for the species included in this study.

Main Conclusions

Incorporating climatic extremes can impact spatial predictions of species distribution models, especially at range margins. We found that using the GEV distribution to characterise extreme variables in SDMs yields the best performance at these distribution edges. Given the importance of range edges for species conservation, a detailed inclusion of extremes in SDMs employed for those applications will help ensure robust conclusions.
FGF20 promotes spinal cord injury repair by inhibiting the formation of necrotic corpuscle P‐MLKL/P‐RIP1/P‐RIP3 in neurons
Authors: Cai Xiong , Xie Zhenwen , Zhao Juan , Lu Wenjie , Zhu Zhongwei , Chen Min , Huang Zhiyang , Ying Yibo , Fu Yining , Xu Jiake , Zhu Sipin
Published: December 2024

The disruption of the local microenvironment subsequent to spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to a substantial loss of neurons in the affected region, which is a major contributing factor to impaired motor function recovery in patients. Fibroblast growth factor 20 (FGF20) is a neurotrophic factor that plays a crucial role in neuronal development and homeostasis. In this study, the recombinant human FGF20 (rhFGF20) was found to mitigate the process of necroptosis in a mouse model of SCI, thereby reducing neural functional deficits and promoting SCI repair. FGF20 protein was injected into the SCI mice via intraperitoneal injection. Using the BMS scale and inclined plane test, we found that FGF20 significantly promoted the recovery of motor function. The Nissl staining revealed the level of neuronal survival within the region of injury. The expression changes of NeuN, GAP43, NF200 and GFAP indicated that FGF20 has the nerve repair ability to delay the formation of glial scar. Through fluorescence detection of Ace‐Tubulin and Tyr‐Tubulin, FGF20 was revealed to promote the polymerization of axon‐regenerated microtubules. Furthermore, FGF20 was also found to reduce the expression levels of necroptosis induced by SCI. These data suggest that FGF20 may exert a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting injury‐induced necroptosis, thereby facilitating functional recovery following SCI. Moreover, systemic administration of FGF20 holds promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for repairing the damaged spinal cord. The discovery paves the way for a novel avenue of growth factor research in the field of SCI.
Insulin Resistance Predicts Prognosis in Patients With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Ding Pengfei , Zhang Dingding , Ling Haiping , Tao Tao , Gao Yongyue , Wang Yunfeng , Zhang Huasheng , Wu Lingyun , Hang Chunhua , Li Wei
Published: December 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine whether insulin resistance (IR) could be used as a predictor of poor prognosis at 3 months after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Methods

The study included patients aged 18 years or older with a confirmed diagnosis of SAH due to ruptured aneurysm from January 2021 to March 2024. Patients with confirmed diabetes mellitus and taking glucose‐lowering drugs, or taking lipid‐lowering drugs, or SAH not due to ruptured aneurysm, or comorbid systemic diseases were excluded. Patients were classified into good prognosis (modified Rankin scale [MRS] 0–2) and poor prognosis (MRS 3–6). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the potential of triglyceride‐glucose (TyG) index and the triglyceride to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL) ratio as predictors of poor prognosis. Finally, a prognostic prediction model based on IR was constructed.

Results

A total of 358 patients were included in this study. Poor prognosis patients had higher age, BMI, hypertension percentage, glucose, triglycerides, TyG index and TG/HDL ratio, and lower HDL. ROC, LASSO, and multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, glucose, TyG index, and TG/HDL ratio had significant potential to predict the prognosis of SAH patients. The prognostic prediction model constructed by combining age, glucose, TyG index, and TG/HDL ratio had high discriminatory power (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.80), satisfactory calibration curves, and good clinical utility.

Conclusion

IR is strongly associated with the prognosis of SAH patients, and the combination of age, glucose, TyG index, and TG/HDL ratio can provide a new direction for future treatment.
Practical Study on the Participation of Clinical Pharmacists in Multi‐Disciplinary Teams Dealing With Nutrition Intervention Management in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Yang Yanmo , Li Qinxuan , Zhou Mi
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aimed to explore the role of clinical pharmacists in guiding nutritional treatment in a multi‐disciplinary team for patients with ovarian cancer (OC) and the significance of pharmaceutical nutritional intervention in overall management and drug administration.

Methods

Fifty‐nine patients with OC in our gynaecological oncology ward were retrospectively investigated. The patients were divided into a conventional therapy (CT) group (n = 30) and a pharmaceutical management (PM) group (n = 29) according to different nutritional therapies received. Nutritional monitoring indicators and clinical response indicators were used to evaluate the intervention effect. Serum albumin (ALB), haemoglobin (HGB) and prealbumin (PAB) levels at admission and discharge, exhaust time, time to return to a normal diet, time to first postoperative chemotherapy and length of hospital stay were measured.

Results

The PAB and ALB indicators in the PM group returned to the admission levels; the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in HGB levels between the two groups (p > 0.05). The time to flatus, time to return to normal diet and time to first postoperative chemotherapy in the PM group were significantly shorter than those in the CT group, and the differences had statistical significance (p < 0.05). Patients in the PM group had a significantly shorter hospital stay than those in the CT group (12.5 ± 3.2 days vs 16.8 ± 4.1 days; p = 0.022).

Conclusion

Nutritional treatment management by clinical pharmacists plays a key role in the antitumour treatment of patients with OC, effectively improving their nutritional status and thus promoting rapid postoperative recovery.
Development and Content Analysis Protocol for Evaluating Artificial Intelligence in Drug‐Related Information
Authors: de Donato Dantony Castro Barros , Aguilar Guilherme José , Ribeiro Lucas Gaspar , dos Santos Luiz Ricardo Albano , dos Santos Luana Michelly Aparecida Costa , Costa Wilbert Dener Lemos , de Oliveira Alan Maicon
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) has significant transformative potential across various sectors, particularly in health care. This study aims to develop a protocol for the content analysis of a method designed to assess AI applications in drug‐related information, specifically focusing on contraindications, adverse reactions, and drug interactions. By addressing existing challenges, this preliminary research seeks to enhance the safe and reliable integration of AI into healthcare practices.

Methods

A study protocol was developed for the creation of the method, followed by an initial content analysis conducted by an expert panel. The method was established in phases: (1) Analysis of drug‐related databases and form development; (2) AI configuration; (3) Expert panel review and initial validation.

Results

In Phase 1, the Micromedex, UpToDate, and Medscape databases were reviewed to establish terminology and classifications related to contraindications, adverse reactions, and drug interactions, resulting in the development of a questionnaire for the AI. Phase 2 involved configuring the Gemini AI tool to enhance response specificity. In Phase 3, AI responses to 30 questions were validated by an expert panel, yielding a 76.7% agreement rate for appropriateness, while 23.3% were deemed inappropriate, particularly concerning contraindicated drug interactions.

Conclusion

This preliminary study demonstrates the potential for using an AI‐powered tool to standardize drug‐related information retrieval, particularly for contraindications and adverse reactions. While AI responses were generally appropriate, improvements are needed in identifying contraindicated drug interactions. Further research with larger datasets and broader evaluations is required to enhance AI's reliability in healthcare settings.
Supporting those experiencing food insecurity: A scoping review of the role of a dietitian
Authors: Kundra Aashna , Batool Hiba , Moore Sally G. , Aslett‐Bentley Avril , Noonan‐Gunning Sharon , Rice Isabel , Smith Jo , Marino Luise V.
Published: December 2024

Background

Increasing levels of food insecurity in the United Kingdom (UK) suggest an imperative to consider the role of dietitians in supporting people who may have insufficient access to safe and nutritious food.

Objective

To explore the available evidence on the (i) role of a dietitian, (ii) impact of support and (iii) training needs of dietitians to support those with inadequate access to food.

Methods and Design

Scoping review methodology was used to identify qualitative, quantitative and grey literature on the role of dietitians in supporting those with/or at risk of food insecurity. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) was used to report the evidence reviewed for this study. Methods included multiple literature searches, charting of data extracted, and content analysis. The data of interest included the country of study, study methodology, the population of interest, the role of a dietitian, the measures, tools or guidance used and a summary of key findings.

Results

In total, 466 studies were identified, following the removal of duplicate records, 243 records were screened for inclusion; the full text of 95 articles was reviewed for eligibility, and 19 were included in the review. Articles were summarised descriptively using tables and synthesised to identify emerging themes. Overarching themes of dietitians' role included, (i) identification and screening of food insecurity, (ii) facilitating community interventions and (iii) policy development.

Conclusions

Dietitians hold a range of roles to support people at risk of or experiencing food insecurity. However, there are considerable gaps in current training programmes, and a paucity of evidence describing the impact dietitians have on improving nutrition outcomes for those individuals at risk of or experiencing food insecurity.
Monitoring conformational changes in the human neurotransmitter transporter homologue LeuT with 19F‐NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Daminato Alberto , Loland Claus J. , Cabrita Eurico J.
Published: December 2024

Neurotransmitter:sodium symporters (NSS) reuptake neurotransmitter molecules from the synaptic space through Na+‐coupled transport. They are thought to work via the alternating access mechanism, exploring multiple configurations dictated by the binding of substrates and ions. Much of the current knowledge about these transporters has been derived from examining the structure of the Leucine Transporter (LeuT), a bacterial counterpart to human NSSs. Multiple crystal structures of LeuT provided valuable information regarding the steps involved in this mechanism. Dynamical data connecting the crystal structure to the transport cycle are critical to understanding how ligands are translated through the membrane. In the present study, we applied 19F‐based nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to 19F labelled LeuT to monitor how substrates and ions binding affect the conformations of the transporter. By selecting mutations and ligands known to affect the conformational equilibrium of LeuT, we identified and assigned four NMR resonances to specific conformational states of LeuT. We observe that Na+ ions produce closure of the extracellular vestibule to a state similarly induced by Na+ and substrates. Conversely, K+ ions seem to shift the conformational equilibrium toward inward‐facing intermediates, arguably by competing with Na+. The present study assembles a framework for NMR‐based dynamical studies of NSS transporters and demonstrates its feasibility for tackling large membrane LeuT‐fold transporters.

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