bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A literature review on transnational diaspora entrepreneurship: utilizing a combined approach of traditional and topic modeling
Authors: Chen Ximeng , Bandara Danushka , Sanford Bruce
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Thousands of people emigrate from their homeland and start new businesses in other countries. Researchers are increasingly interested in this phenomenon, commonly known as transnational diaspora entrepreneurship. Our paper aims to review this topic by identifying the gaps in existing research and emphasizing the need for further investigation into this growing phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies both a traditional approach and a more innovative approach using topic modeling in conducting the literature review. While the manual literature review inductively identifies important themes, through topic modeling, the prevailing topics in the research are uncovered.

Findings

The analysis reveals several main findings. Firstly, diaspora entrepreneurs are categorized based on identifiable differences in their entrepreneurial activities. Secondly, most literature in the area is based on case studies, and there is a need for more quantitative research into this area. Thirdly, although there is no widely agreed-upon definition of transnational diaspora entrepreneurship, some distinct characteristics set it apart from other entrepreneurial activities. Lastly, a few different approaches to transnational diaspora entrepreneurship have been identified and summarized based on the experiences, identities and locations of diaspora entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by employing natural language processing to analyze a corpus of paper abstracts, offering a comprehensive overview of the prevailing themes in the research on diaspora entrepreneurial activity. It also highlights the need for more quantitative research to understand the broader patterns and impacts of this phenomenon. This paper sheds light on the complexities and potential rewards of diaspora entrepreneurial activity, paving the way for further research and understanding in this field.
Targeting the IL‐5 pathway in eosinophilic asthma: A comparison of anti‐IL‐5 versus anti‐IL‐5 receptor agents
Authors: Jackson David J. , Wechsler Michael E. , Brusselle Guy , Buhl Roland
Published: October 2024

Eosinophilic asthma is characterized by frequent exacerbations, poor symptom control and accelerated lung function decline. It is now recognized that the immune response underlying eosinophilic asthma involves a complex network of interconnected pathways from both the adaptive and innate immune systems. Within this response, interleukin‐5 (IL‐5) plays a central role in eosinophil differentiation, activation and survival and has emerged as a key target for therapies treating severe asthma. The monoclonal antibodies mepolizumab and reslizumab target the ligand IL‐5, preventing its interaction with eosinophils; in contrast, benralizumab binds to the IL‐5 receptor (IL‐5R), preventing IL‐5 from binding and leading to substantially greater eosinophil reduction by enhanced antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity. Although no direct head‐to‐head clinical trials of asthma have been published to formally evaluate the clinical significance of these different therapeutic approaches, the potential benefits of partial versus complete eosinophil depletion continue to remain an important area of study and debate. Here, we review the existing real‐world and clinical study data of anti‐IL‐5/anti‐IL‐5R therapies in severe eosinophilic asthma.
Evaluating the benefit of contact‐force feedback in robotic surgery using the Saroa surgical system: A preclinical study
Authors: Sakai Yoshihiro , Tokunaga Masanori , Yamasaki Yoshimi , Kayasuga Hiroki , Nishihara Teruyuki , Tadano Kotaro , Kawashima Kenji , Haruki Shigeo , Kinugasa Yusuke
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Robotic surgery without contact‐force feedback could be less safe, as forces exerted by the robot system may exceed tissue tolerance. This study aimed to evaluate the benefit of contact‐force feedback.

Methods

Nine junior and 11 senior surgeons performed two tasks using Saroa, a robotic surgical system with a force feedback function. In Task A, the participants estimated the order of stiffness of substances when feedback was on and off. In Task B, the effect of feedback on compression with a designated force (3 N) was assessed.

Results

In Task A, the proportion of participants who correctly estimated the order of stiffness of the substances was similar when feedback was on and off. However, the median maximum force applied to the substances was significantly smaller when feedback was on than when it was off (5.0 vs. 6.9 N, p = .011), which was more obvious among the junior surgeons (5.0 vs. 7.7 N, p = .015) than among the senior surgeons (4.7 vs. 5.9 N, p = .288). In Task B, deviations from the designated force (3 N) for three substances were smaller when feedback was on (0, −0.1, and 0.7, respectively) than when it was off (−0.3, −0.5, and 1.3, respectively). Regarding the dispersion of the force to the substances, the interquartile range tended to be smaller with feedback; this trend was more obvious in the junior surgeons.

Conclusion

With contact‐force feedback, tissue stiffness could be estimated with a small force, particularly by the junior surgeons; specified force could be accurately applied to the tissue.
A pH‐sensitive opioid does not exhibit analgesic tolerance in a mouse model of colonic inflammation
Authors: Degro Claudius E. , Jiménez‐Vargas Nestor Nivardo , Guzman‐Rodriguez Mabel , Schincariol Hailey , Tsang Quentin , Reed David E. , Lomax Alan E. , Bunnett Nigel W. , Stein Christoph , Vanner Stephen J.
Published: October 2024

Background and Purpose

Tolerance to the analgesic effects of opioids and resultant dose escalation is associated with worsening of side effects and greater addiction risk. Here, we compare the development of tolerance to the conventional opioid fentanyl with a novel pH‐sensitive μ‐opioid receptor (MOR) agonist, (±)‐N‐(3‐fluoro‐1‐phenethylpiperidine‐4‐yl)‐N‐phenyl propionamide (NFEPP) that is active only in acidic inflammatory microenvironments.

Experimental Approach

An opioid tolerance model was developed in male C57BL/6 mice, with and without dextran sulphate sodium colitis, using increasing doses of either fentanyl or NFEPP over 5 days. Visceral nociception was assessed in vivo by measuring visceromotor responses (VMRs) to noxious colorectal distensions and in vitro measuring colonic afferent nerve activity of mesenteric nerves and performing patch‐clamp recordings from isolated dorsal root ganglia neurons. Somatic thermal nociception was tested using a tail immersion assay. Cardiorespiratory effects were analysed by pulse oximeter experiments.

Key Results

VMRs and tail immersion tests demonstrated tolerance to fentanyl, but not to NFEPP in colitis mice. Cross‐tolerance also occurred to fentanyl, but not to NFEPP. The MOR agonist DAMGO inhibited colonic afferent nerve activity in colitis mice exposed to chronic NFEPP, but not those from fentanyl‐treated mice. Similarly, in patch‐clamp recordings from isolated dorsal root ganglia neurons, DAMGO inhibited neurons from NFEPP‐, but not fentanyl‐treated mice.

Conclusion and Implications

NFEPP did not exhibit tolerance in an inflammatory pain model, unlike fentanyl. Consequently, dose escalation to maintain analgesia during an evolving inflammation could be avoided, mitigating the potential risk of side effects.
Species barrier as molecular basis for adaptation of synthetic prions with N‐terminally truncated PrP
Authors: Rezaei Human , Martin Davy , Herzog Laetitia , Reine Fabienne , Marín Moreno Alba , Moudjou Mohammed , Aron Naima , Igel Angélique , Klute Hannah , Youssafi Stella , Moog Jean‐Baptiste , Sibille Pierre , Andréoletti Olivier , Torrent Joan , Béringue Vincent
Published: October 2024

Mammalian prions are neurotropic pathogens formed from PrPSc assemblies, a misfolded variant of the host‐encoded prion protein PrPC. Multiple PrPSc conformations or strains self‐propagate in host populations or mouse models of prion diseases, exhibiting distinct biological and biochemical phenotypes. Constrained interactions between PrPSc and PrPC conformations confer species specificity and regulate cross‐species transmission. The pathogenicity of fibrillar assemblies derived from bacterially expressed recombinant PrP (rPrP) has been instrumental in demonstrating the protein‐only nature of prions. Yet, their ability to encode different strains and transmit between species remains poorly studied, hampering their use in exploring structure‐to‐strain relationships. Fibrillar assemblies from rPrP with hamster, mouse, human, and bovine primary structures were generated and tested for transmission and adaptation in tg7 transgenic mice expressing hamster PrPC. All assemblies, except the bovine ones, were fully pathogenic on the primary passage, causing clinical disease, PrPSc brain deposition, and spongiform degeneration. They exhibited divergent adaptation processes and strain properties upon subsequent passage. Assemblies of hamster origin propagated without apparent need for adaptation, those of mouse origin adapted abruptly, and those of human origin required serial passages for optimal fitness. Molecular analyses revealed the presence of endogenously truncated PrPSc species in the resulting synthetic strains that lack the 90–140 amino acid region considered crucial for infectivity. In conclusion, rPrP assemblies provide a facile means of generating novel prion strains with adaptative/evolutive properties mimicking genuine prions. The PrP amino acid backbone is sufficient to encode different strains with specific adaptative properties, offering insights into prion transmission and strain diversity.
Microstructure, thermal, and mechanical properties of hierarchical porous silicon carbide made by direct ink writing
Authors: Chung Ying , Chan Shareen S. L. , Yoshida Katsumi , Franks George V.
Published: October 2024

Hierarchical porous silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics were fabricated by combining particle‐stabilized emulsions and three‐dimensional (3D) printing. Direct ink writing (DIW) was used as the 3D printing technique. The formulation for successful printing is discussed in relation to the rheology of the emulsions. The SiC emulsions were able to be printed with a lower storage modulus (G′) and apparent yield shear stress (τy) than previously reported SiC ink pastes. The printed and sintered porous SiC ceramics possess a total porosity of 73.7% with an average pore size within the filaments of 2.2 µm in diameter. A hierarchical pore structure that contains pore sizes of about 250 µm, around 1–10 µm and smaller than 0.5 µm can be observed in the microstructure and pore size distribution. The mechanical properties showed a good strength‐to‐density ratio, and the thermal conductivity was reduced to 4.9 W/m·K. This study provides a new reliable approach for fabricating hierarchical porous SiC ceramics with low thermal conductivity.
Tensile properties of SiC/SiC obtained from epoxy‐encapsulated minicomposites
Authors: Han Nicholas , Christensen Victoria L. , McAllister Madeleine , Zok Frank W.
Published: October 2024

The current study investigates the tensile behavior of SiC/SiC minicomposites, focusing on the efficacy of epoxy encapsulation in extracting the intrinsic fiber bundle response. Three minicomposite types were examined: two with Hi‐Nicalon Type‐S fibers and one with Tyranno ZMI fibers. Tensile tests were performed on minicomposites and fiber tows, both bare and epoxy‐encapsulated, whereas interface properties were measured via fiber push‐in tests. The results demonstrate that epoxy encapsulation partially mitigates non‐uniform loading in minicomposites with discontinuous matrices. Theoretical limits on fiber bundle strength, estimated using micromechanical models based on weakest‐link statistics and shear lag theory, are similar to measured encapsulated tow strengths when failure occurs within the elastic regime of the epoxy. In some cases, microstructural defects such as fiber–fiber contacts and debonded coatings play important roles in limiting composite strengths relative to theoretical values. Although encapsulation does not always directly improve properties, it provides useful context for evaluating composite performance and exposing microstructural limitations unaccounted for in idealized models.
Virtual reality as a promising method of pain relief in patients with venous leg ulcers
Authors: Spyrka Kinga , Rojczyk Ewa , Brela Jakub , Sieroń Aleksander , Kucharzewski Marek
Published: October 2024

Pain in patients suffering from hard‐to‐heal wounds is a serious problem that hinders the healing process and affects their quality of life. Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being used for pain relief. The aim of the study was to assess whether the use of VR during mechanical cleansing of venous leg ulcers would result in a reduction in patients' pain. Sixty patients were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group included patients who used VR goggles during wound cleansing, and the control group included patients who did not use such equipment during wound cleansing. The Oculus Quest 2 VR Goggles were used in the experiment. After wound cleaning, the patient assessed the intensity of his pain on a numerical pain rating scale from 0 to 10 points. The difference between the intensity of pain during wound cleansing in patients from the experimental and control group turned out to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). It was on average 1.13 ± 0.68 points in the experimental group, and in the case of people from the control group, it was 4.73 ± 1.2 points. To conclude, the use of VR in patients with venous leg ulcers reduces pain during wound cleansing.
High‐entropy (Ho1/4Er1/4Dy1/4Gd1/4)2Si2O7: A promising thermal environmental barrier coating material
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhao Shixin , Zhuang Lei , Yu Hulei , Chu Yanhui
Published: October 2024

This work presents the exploration of a promising thermal environmental barrier coating material by engineering the compositions of (Ho1/4Er1/4Dy1/4X1/4)2Si2O7 high‐entropy rare‐earth disilicates (HERED‐X, X = Gd, Tm, Yb, Lu, Sc, Y). Among all the samples, the as‐fabricated HERED‐Gd samples possess the best CMAS corrosion resistance with a corrosion rate of 8.2 ± 0.14 µm h−1 at 1673 K, which is attributed to the synergistic effects of high chemical reactivity of HERED‐Gd and good stability of the formed apatite in CMAS melt. Moreover, they demonstrate a matched coefficient of thermal expansion (4.6 × 10−6 K−1) with SiCf/SiC composites (4.5–5.5 × 10−6 K−1) and a low thermal conductivity (1.89 W m−1 K−1 at room temperature).
A Stroll Along Australian Ecosystems: Using Bioclimatic Transects to Examine Environmental Drivers of Community Assembly in Birds
Authors: García‐Navas Vicente , Martínez‐Núñez Carlos , Christidis Les , Ozgul Arpat
Published: October 2024

Aim

Variation in community composition along environmental gradients provides crucial information for identifying zones where species turnover is rapid and to ascertain whether compositional changes occur gradually or rather abruptly. We examined changes in bird community composition along three bioclimatic transects in Australia to test whether drivers of species turnover are consistent, rather than spatially contingent, across biologically contrasting ecosystems. We also detected potential transition zones associated with environmental thresholds and determined whether certain abiotic conditions promote a higher rate of community compositional turnover.

Location

Mainland Australia.

Taxon

Terrestrial birds.

Methods

We applied multivariate community analysis, generalised dissimilarity modelling (GDM) and threshold indicator taxa analysis (TITAN).

Results

We observed that environmental variables are better predictors of community composition than spatial distance, which indicates that species sorting, rather than dispersal, plays a key role in structuring Australian avian communities. Annual precipitation constitutes a key driver of species turnover regardless of the analysed transect. The most humid landscapes and those with a higher tree canopy show lower spatial heterogeneity in community composition compared to those with less benign environmental conditions (e.g., dryer environments). TITAN detected significant transition points and supported the results obtained using GDM, which suggests that bird composition change along the gradients is not monotonic.

Main Conclusions

Our results suggest that avian beta diversity increases with increasing environmental harshness, presumably through changes in the relative importance of stochastic versus deterministic processes. The obtained findings show that open forests and woodlands are extremely important ecosystems on this continent and deserve special attention in terms of conservation due to their vulnerability to global change. Lastly, this study exemplifies the value of combining community‐ and taxon‐based analyses to identify and interpret community thresholds, which can serve to pinpoint targets for preserving biodiversity.
Identifying Factors Mediating the Carnivore Richness–Productivity Relationship Across a Precipitation‐Driven Ecotone
Authors: Sultaire Sean M. , Millspaugh Joshua J. , Jackson Pat J. , Montgomery Robert A.
Published: October 2024

Aim

Primary productivity is an important mechanism influencing the species richness of animal taxa such as mammals. However, the factors that mediate the relationship between carnivore species richness, for example, and productivity are not well understood. We examined whether the relationship between carnivore species richness and primary productivity followed a hump‐shaped relationship and explored potential pathways by which productivity influences carnivore communities.

Location

Western Great Basin, USA.

Methods

We deployed a camera‐trap grid across a strong precipitation—and the corresponding productivity—gradient and estimated carnivore species richness using a novel application of a multisession community occupancy model. To quantify the relationship between carnivore species richness and productivity, we included the linear and quadratic effects of average annual precipitation as covariates on carnivore species richness. We fit additional community models linking carnivore species richness to vegetation and land cover variables to identify factors that mediate the relationship between carnivore richness and productivity.

Results

The linear effect of precipitation on carnivore richness was positive and the quadratic effect was negative, supporting the hump‐shaped relationship where richness declines at the highest levels of productivity. Similarly, carnivore species richness followed a quadratic relationship with vegetation height along the productivity gradient. The relationship between carnivore species richness and proportion tree cover was positive, with limited evidence that open vegetation types in the surrounding landscape increased site‐level richness.

Main Conclusions

In addition to supporting the notion that primary productivity has a strong and nonlinear influence on local‐scale carnivore species richness, our results suggest that vegetation structure may be an important mediator of this relationship. Although future changes in precipitation and productivity due to climate change are uncertain, our results indicate that targeting areas of intermediate productivity and vegetation height, such as woodlands, may be key for conserving species‐rich carnivore communities along productivity gradients.
Behavioural Response of Aromia bungii Adults to Volatile Compounds Emitted by Prunus persica at Different Physiological Statuses
Authors: Peng Xin‐yi , Li Shuang , Yang Xue‐jin , Zhou Yuan‐yuan , Kong Yujun , Wei Jian‐rong , Cao Dan‐dan
Published: October 2024

Aromia bungii is a serious wood borer damaging Prunus persica and other numerous economic tree species. Host plant volatiles play a key role in pest population monitoring and trapping. To ascertain the influence of volatile organic compounds emitted by P. persica at varying physiological statuses on the host‐searching behaviour of A. bungii adults, we initially collected and identified the volatiles emitted by P. persica leaves infested with A. bungii using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Subsequently, we evaluated the behavioural response of A. bungii adults to the crude extracts, single compounds and blends of these compounds by Y‐tube olfactometer bioassay. Results showed that volatiles emitted from P. persica infested with A. bungii larvae at Grade I were more attractive to females, but males were more attracted to volatiles from P. persica infested with A. bungii larvae at Grade IV. Five compounds were identified and showed relatively high levels from both infested plants at Grade I and Grade IV. Among them, 3‐carene, cis‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol and cis‐3‐hexenyl acetate were attractive to females, and a blend of the three volatiles in a ratio of 3:91:6 for Grade I infestation was more attractive to females than a ratio of 3:83:14 from Grade IV infestation. The compounds, 3‐carene, cis‐3‐hexenyl acetate, cis‐3‐hexene‐1‐ol and benzaldehyde, were attractive to males and a blend in a ratio of 3:81:13:3 from Grade IV infestation was more attractive to males than a ratio of 3:89:6:2 from Grade I infestation. The results show that the kinds and ratios of volatiles emitted from P. persica infested with A. bungii larvae play important roles in host‐searching behaviour of A. bungii adults.
Overall survival and disease‐free survival prediction in Chinese women with breast cancer aged 70 years or older by using nomograms
Authors: Feng Ruigang , Huang Wenwen , Min Jie , Shu Wenjun , Zhang Yanshou , Yu Yue , Cao Xuchen , Wang Xin
Published: October 2024

Purpose

By analyzing the existing data of this study, a prediction tool for the overall breast cancer survival and disease‐free survival (DFS) of elderly women was established.

Patients and Methods

Clinicopathologic data were collected from elderly women with BC who were admitted to the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from August 2014 to December 2017. Independent prognostic factors for BC in elderly patients were confirmed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Nomograms were developed with these factors for predicting the 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival (OS) as well as DFS. The nomograms' discrimination ability and calibration were assessed through the area under the curve (AUC), concordance index (C‐index), decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration plots.

Results

We enroled 889 elderly patients with BC, and the results showed that the 3‐year OS rate was 93.4% (95%CI = 91.8%–95.1%), the 3‐year DFS rate was 87.8% (95%CI = 85.7%–90.0%), the 5‐year OS rate was 85.6% (95%CI = 83.3%–87.9%), and the 5‐year DFS rate was 80.1%(95%CI = 77.5%–82.8%). The corrected C‐indices of the OS and DFS nomograms were 0.799 and 0.667, respectively (95%CI = 0.767–0.830 and 0.632–0.702, respectively). Relatively high AUC values were shown by the nomograms for estimating OS and DFS. The DCA revealed that the constructed nomograms had net benefits for clinical application. The calibration curves demonstrated an excellent correspondence between the data predicted by the nomograms and the actual survival data. Survival curves indicated that risk stratification could differentiate OS and DFS.

Conclusions

This study developed novel and practical nomograms for individual prediction of DFS and OS in elderly BC patients. These nomograms can predict 3‐ and 5‐year OS as well as DFS in the elderly BC patient population, thereby enabling personalized risk assessment and risk‐based therapy.
Impact of childhood trauma history on premenstrual syndrome in women of reproductive age: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yesildere Saglam Havva , Gürsoy Elif , Karakuş Ayşenur
Published: October 2024

Aim

Premenstrual syndrome is a women's health problem affecting women of reproductive age. Early traumas may have negative effects on women's health. Childhood traumas are thought to be an important risk factor for the emergence of premenstrual syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between premenstrual syndrome and childhood traumas in women.

Method

This is a cross‐sectional study. This study was conducted online between September 2023 and January 2024. The sample of the study consisted of 437 women of reproductive age, between the ages of 18–49, who did not have any obstacles to participating in the study. Personal Information Form, Premenstrual Syndrome Scale and Childhood Trauma Scale were used to collect the data. SPSS statistical program was used to analyze the data. [Correction added on 28 December 2024, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, ‘SPPS’ has been corrected to SPSS.]

Results

The prevalence of premenstrual syndrome was 55.6%. Emotional neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse and sexual abuse levels were found to be higher in women with premenstrual syndrome (p < 0.05). It was determined that childhood traumas increased the level of premenstrual syndrome in women (ß = 0.266). Childhood trauma explained 6.8% of the total change in premenstrual syndrome level (R2 = 0.068). Emotional neglect (ß = 0.163) and physical abuse (ß = 0.121) increased the level of premenstrual syndrome.

Conclusion

Childhood traumas were found to be an important factor affecting the occurrence of premenstrual syndrome and exacerbating its symptoms. Early detection of childhood traumas may prevent long‐term problems that may occur in individuals.
The effect of digital storytelling on women's human papilloma virus awareness: Randomized controlled experimental study
Authors: Dağlı Elif , Aktaş Reyhan Feyza , Arık Ahmet
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the digital storytelling (DS) method in increasing human papilloma virus (HPV) awareness.

Study Design

The study was conducted in the gynecology and obstetrics outpatient clinic of a state hospital between April and December 2023. The universe of the study consisted of women who applied to the outpatient clinic between these dates and volunteered. A total of 80 women who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study (n = 40 for each group). Data for the study were gathered using Personal Introduction Form and Human Papilloma Virus Knowledge Scale. Repeated measures ANOVA method was used to determine the difference between the pre‐training, post‐first training and post‐second training measurement scores according to the intervention and control groups. For significant ANOVA results, measurements with differences were compared pairwise using Bonferroni correction. All statistical analyses were examined at the p < 0.05 significance level.

Results

Socio‐demographic characteristics and HPV awareness levels of women in the intervention and control groups were similar before training (p > 0.05). After the activity conducted with the digital story method in the intervention group, the HPV awareness levels of women in this group increased significantly (p < 0.05). Considering the development in each group, an increase in posttest scores is observed in both groups. However, when the increase amounts in each group in the intervention and control groups were examined, it was determined that all awareness levels increased more in the intervention group. In the intergroup comparison, it was determined that the mean measurements of general HPV knowledge, general HPV vaccine knowledge, and knowledge of the current HPV vaccination program of women in the intervention group at the first and second follow‐ups after the training were higher than those in the control group.

Conclusion

The DS method was effective in raising HPV awareness given to the intervention group. Health professionals and researchers can benefit from DS in providing health education and consultancy services such as HPV awareness.
Older hospitalised patients with a chief complaint of weakness and nonspecific presentations are not at risk of adverse health outcomes
Authors: Shimoni Zvi , Firas Abu D. , Hermush Vered , Froom Paul
Published: October 2024

Rationale and Objective

Older adults in the Emergency Department (ED) often present with nonspecific complaints (NSC) that might be associated with adverse health outcomes due to underestimating the seriousness of the illness by health care workers.

Methods

We selected a random sample of patients aged 65 or older who complained of weakness and were hospitalised in internal medicine departments in 2019‐2021. We divided the patients into those with and without specific reasons for hospitalisation after the ED evaluation. Outcome variables included changes in medical care based on CT head scans and blood tests, and whether a delay in diagnosis led to a longer stay, in‐hospital mortality, or readmission within 30 days.

Results

Patients were aged 82 ± 8 years and 43.6% (233/536)were female. 46.8% (260/556) of the patients had a specific reason for hospitalisation after the ED evaluation including four patients presenting with confusion, without neurological findings but with acute ischaemia found on the brain CT. Patients without a specific presentation had fewer blood tests done due to a significantly shorter hospital stay (median (1st–3rd quartiles: 3 (2–4) vs. 4 (3–6) days, p < 0.001), a lower mortality rate, 0.3% (n = 1) compared to 4.2% (n = 11), p = 0.002), and fewer readmissions 13.5%(n = 40) compared to 20.4% (n = 53). The deaths and readmissions in both groups were not due to a delay in diagnosis.

Conclusions

Elderly patients with a chief complaint of weakness with and without a specific reason for hospitalisation were not at an increased risk for inappropriate treatment or a missed diagnosis.
Seasonal patterns of neurogenesis in European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) are region‐ and sex‐specific
Authors: Aitken Sean D. T. , Parks Broderick. M. B. , Sollows Marjorie , Barber Colleen A. , Phillmore Leslie S.
Published: October 2024

Songbird vocal behavior, physiology, and brains—including neurogenesis—change between seasons. We examined seasonal differences in neurogenesis in three brain regions associated with vocal production and learning, HVC (letter‐based proper name), robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA), and Area X, and two brain regions associated with auditory perception, caudomedial nidopallium (NCM) and caudomedial mesopallium (CMM). To do this, we captured wild male and female European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) in spring and fall, collected a blood sample, and minimized time from capture to tissue collection to limit suppressive effects of captivity on neurogenesis. We quantified neurogenesis using doublecortin (DCX) immunohistochemistry, counting new neurons of three DCX cell morphologies (multipolar, fusiform, and round). We found regional differences in types of morphologies expressed, and amount of neurogenesis across regions: NCM had more fusiform cells than all other regions, and RA had more round cells than other regions. Males had more neurogenesis in HVC in fall than in spring, but there was no seasonal difference in neurogenesis in HVC of females, perhaps reflecting sexually dimorphic vocal learning demands related to repertoire size and complexity. Plasma corticosterone was higher in spring than fall and was correlated with testis volume in males, but it was not correlated with another purported measure of stress, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (HLR), nor with neurogenesis. Our results suggest that the addition of new neurons to specific regions and circuits may serve different functions for males and females, particularly in the context of vocal production, learning, and perceptual demands across seasons.
Intense light and conspecific density increase seedling mortality across age groups in a typhoon‐disturbed tropical forest
Authors: Lin Yung‐Chiau , Chao Kuo‐Jung , Song Guo‐Zhang M. , Chao Wei‐Chun , Chang‐Yang Chia‐Hao , Hsieh Chang‐Fu
Published: October 2024

Questions

Maintaining forest species diversity, regenerative function and ecosystem resilience begins with successful seedling establishment. Despite their critical role, seedlings face the highest mortality risks among plant life‐history stages. Our research aims to answer the following questions: In a tropical forest disturbed by typhoons, what is the median survival time for seedlings, to what extent do light levels contribute to mortality risks and what are the crucial mortality risks across seedling age groups?

Location

A tropical mountain zonal foothill evergreen broad‐leaved forest in Nanjenshan Nature Reserve, Taiwan, frequently visited by typhoons.

Methods

We investigated woody seedlings in 75 quadrats (each 1 m × 1 m) every 3 months from October 2009 to January 2018, spanning 8.3 years with 34 censuses. We used the Kaplan–Meier method to estimate seedlings’ median survival time and Generalized Linear Models to identify mortality risk factors for all seedlings and those that persisted beyond the median survival time.

Results

The median survival time for all seedlings was 0.5 years, ranging from 0.25 years for shade‐intolerant species to 1.25 years for shade‐tolerant species. Seedlings germinated in high‐light microhabitats and high conspecific seedling density exhibited higher mortality probabilities, regardless of age.

Conclusions

This study reveals the short survival time and key mortality risks of seedlings in a typhoon‐disturbed forest. The negative impact of light levels on seedling survival highlights the potential consequences of increased light levels resulting from typhoon disturbances in the study region.
Glacier extinction homogenizes functional diversity via ecological succession
Authors: Khelidj Nora , Caccianiga Marco , Cerabolini Bruno E. L. , Tampucci Duccio , Losapio Gianalberto
Published: October 2024

Questions

The disappearance of glaciers threatens biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems. Yet, questions remain about the response of functional diversity to glacier retreat. How does glacier retreat influence functional diversity? How does glacier retreat influence the relationship between taxonomic diversity and functional diversity? How does glacier retreat impact community mean and intraspecific trait variability (ITV) of key functional traits?

Location

Four retreating glacier ecosystems in the Italian Alps. Plant communities spanning 0 to ca 5000 years on average after glacier retreat, including a scenario of glacier extinction.

Methods

We quantified functional diversity analyzing twelve plant traits associated to carbon and nitrogen cycling, resource allocation, and reproduction of 117 plant species. We addressed how functional diversity changes with glacier retreat and taxonomic diversity (i.e., plant species richness).

Results

Plant functional diversity decreases with glacier extinction while increasing with species richness. The positive relationship between taxonomic and functional diversity becomes flatter, that is, less important, with glacier retreat. We document sharp changes in functional niche position and breadth with glacier retreat. Key functional traits associated with carbon cycling and resource allocation change substantially with ecological succession triggered by glacier retreat. Traits associated to nitrogen cycling show little change. We also found that flowering start shifted earlier in the season while flowering period increased with glacier retreat.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate the pervasive impact of glacier extinction on the functioning of plant communities. Changes in functional mean and functional variation indicate shifts in niche position and niche breadth which could have implications for species adaptation to changing environments.
Genetic Diversity Losses in Mantis Shrimp Oratosquilla oratoria Offspring Created for Supportive Releases Using an Ecological Breeding in Earthen Pond Method
Authors: Bo Qi‐Kang , Yu Yan‐Guang , Chen Chun‐Xiu , Zhang Ya‐Nan , Ma Chao , Wang Shuai , Yu Jie , Lu Yun‐Zhao , Hao Jun , Jiang Ju‐Feng
Published: October 2024

Artificial breeding of mantis shrimp Oratosquilla oratoria, using the ecological breeding in earthen pond (EBEP) method, has been carrying out from 2019, and the produced larvae have always been used for supportive breeding programs in Bohai Bay. To assess the degree of fidelity of enhancement programs used an EBEP method to native genetic pools, genetic diversity at 10 microsatellite loci was analyzed in three hatchery offspring populations, their wild parent stocks, and their wild contemporaneous offspring. Significant decrease in the almost genetic diversity parameters and highly significant differences in shannon's information index (decreasing by 22.54%–40.97%) and allelic richness (33.80%–46.87%) were observed between in hatchery populations. This further created relatively more genetic differentiation between the hatchery and wild population, as the pairwise Fst values and genetic distances showed. The mean pairwise relatedness coefficients showed higher values within hatchery populations and lower values within wild populations. Hatchery populations contained the fewest full‐sib families and offspring were extremely distributed in 10–11 full‐sib groups in each hatchery population. The relatively small number of actual spawning females and large variance in parental contribution to the next generation possibly causes allele reduction in the hatchery population, which in turn leads to a decrease in allelic diversity and an increase in genetic similarities among individuals. Promoting synchrony of ovarian development in females, providing good conditions for incubation and larvae culture and balancing the contributions of parents will be important in future breeding propagation.
Low‐dose oral food challenges
Authors: Takei Mari , Yanagida Noriyuki , Sato Sakura , Ebisawa Motohiro
Published: October 2024

Background

Infants aged <1 year with confirmed food allergies generally need to avoid causative foods completely for a certain period. Low‐dose oral food challenges (LD‐OFCs) may be an effective strategy for safely introducing small amounts of causative foods to individuals with food allergies. This study clarified the safety of LD‐OFCs in infants aged <1 year with food allergies.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical records of LD‐OFCs performed in infants aged <1 year allergic to hen's egg, cow's milk, or wheat between April 2014 and October 2017. Approximately 1/25th–1/20th of the egg white from a heated whole hen's egg, 3 mL heated cow's milk, and 2 g wheat noodles (udon) were used as challenge foods. We examined the LD‐OFC results, including the induced symptoms and treatment required for positive LD‐OFC results.

Results

The LD‐Egg, LD‐Milk, and LD‐Wheat OFC groups comprised 68, 42, and 13 participants, respectively. The positivity rates for the LD‐Egg, LD‐Milk, and LD‐Wheat OFC groups were 7%, 24%, and 0%, respectively. Patients predominantly exhibited skin symptoms, and most were treated with oral antihistamines alone. None of the patients experienced anaphylaxis or required adrenaline injections.

Conclusions

Infants aged <1 year with food allergies can safely undergo LD‐OFCs by consuming low doses of causative foods. Avoiding the complete elimination of causative foods is an important strategy for managing infants with food allergies when initially introducing causative foods.
PROSPECTS FOR THE USE OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS IN THE TREATMENT OF CONGENITAL EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA
Authors: Rysuly M.R. , Ogay V.B. , Ospanova S.A. , Nurkina A.K. , Taubaeva A.A. , Islamov E.N. , Idrisova A.S. , Pavlova V.V.
Published: October 2024

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a hereditary orphan pathology caused by mutations in genes encoding structural cellular proteins necessary for the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes. As a result of minor mechanical stress, blisters with serous and/or hemorrhagic contents, long-term non-healing wounds and scars form on the skin. Such injuries have a high risk of infectious complications and often lead to disability of the patient. Current treatment methods are primarily palliative in nature and aimed at preventing complications, which emphasizes the relevance in new therapeutic strategies.
            Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer a promising therapeutic approach. MSCs are known for their multipotency, immunomodulatory properties, and ability to promote tissue repair, a potential treatment for epidermolysis bullosa.  This literature review evaluates the therapeutic potential of MSCs in the treatment of VEB, highlighting key findings from recent studies.
Noble Gases, Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopes in Different Lithologies of Pesyanoe: Irradiation History and Impact Processes on the Aubrite Parent Body
Authors: Buikin A. I. , Verchovsky A. B. , Hopp J. , Lorenz C. A. , Korochantseva E. V. , Trieloff M. , Ott U.
Published: October 2024

We present the results of stepwise crushing and combustion analyses for noble gases, carbon and nitrogen in Pesyanoe aubrite pyroxene lithologies, composed of grey (Px-G) and light (Px-B) enstatites differing in the degree of impact processing and the number of inclusions. Our study identifies three main noble gas endmembers in Pesyanoe: a cosmogenic component, radiogenic 40Ar, and an endmember representing a mixture of solar wind and Q components in variable proportions. Based on petrographic and noble gas data we argue that these gases accumulated in the material during its regolith history and were later redistributed into gas inclusions/voids as the result of an impact event. During impact metamorphism, Px-G acquired its grey color and multiple gas inclusions were formed within it, more than in case of Px-B. Our study demonstrates for the first time: (1) The host phase of gases trapped during shock metamorphism are grains of rock-forming minerals, in particular Px-G, due to the formation of a large number of cracks in the direction of cleavage during brittle deformation, (2) The gas capture is associated not with the final stage of the formation of consolidated fragmental breccia, at which lithification of the fragments occurred, but with one of the intermediate impact events. High amounts of trapped and cosmogenic noble gases are released during the stepwise crushing—significantly higher than in case of any other studied aubrite. Some unusually high 36Ar/132Xe ratios (up to 54 780 versus 22 705 in the solar wind) were discovered during crushing of Px-G. Our preferable explanation of this phenomenon is a specific superposition of noble gas elemental fractionation processes related to the impact cratering of the Pesyanoe parent body. The carbon isotopic composition (δ13C = –21.2 ± 0.2‰, 1σ) is slightly heavier than that of the Bustee aubrite carbon. The combined use of different extraction methods made it possible to determine that the solar type and indigenous (δ15Nindig = –0.1 ± 3.2‰, 1σ) nitrogen components are located in the gas inclusions, whereas the extraneous nitrogen component (~+45‰) is chemically bound. The large cosmic ray exposure age variations (44 and 55 Ma in case of Px-G and Px-B, respectively) and the heterogeneous distribution of solar-type gases in Pesyanoe aubrite point to a diverse irradiation history of the material before breccia formation. Alternatively/additionally, cosmogenic gases (as well as solar and primordial) in Px-G may have became lost and/or partly redistributed into gas inclusions as a result of the impact event.
Studying the Effect of Composition on the Crystal Structure, Optical Properties, and Photogenerated Current Carriers Lifetimes in AgxCu1 – xGaSe2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) Solid Solutions
Authors: Rakitin V. V. , Gapanovich M. V. , Lutsenko D. S. , Nazarov V. B. , Stanchik A. V. , Gremenok V. F. , Kabyliatski A. V.
Published: October 2024

A set of AgxCu1 – xGaSe2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) solid solution powders has been prepared by solid-state synthesis. Using a combination of X-ray diffraction analysis and Raman spectroscopy, it has been found that the samples have a single-phase tetragonal structure (space group I-42d). It has been shown that their crystal lattice parameters do not follow Vegard’s law up to x ≈ 0.4. It has been revealed that the band gap of the samples also changes nonlinearly: initially it decreases and then increases. Studies of the low-temperature luminescence and microwave photoconductivity decay spectra have shown that a set of samples with x of 0 to ~0.4 and further in the region with x > 0.4 is characterized by an increase in the photogenerated current carrier lifetime in AgxCu1 – xGaSe2 powders. The observed effect is apparently attributed to the replacement of deep charge carrier traps, such as selenium vacancies, by shallower cation vacancies.
Novel search for light dark photon in the forward experiments at the LHC
Authors: Kim Yeong Gyun , Lee Kang Young , Nam Soo-hyeon
Published: October 2024

We propose a novel approach for discovering a light dark photon in the forward experiments at the LHC, including the SND@LHC and the FASER experiments. Assuming the dark photon is lighter than twice the electron mass and feebly interacts with ordinary matter, it is long-lived enough to pass through 100 m of rock in front of the forward experiments and also through the detector targets. However, some portion of them could be converted into an electron-positron pair inside the detector through their interaction with the detector target, leaving an isolated electromagnetic shower as a clear new physics signature of the dark photon. With copiously produced dark photons from neutral pion decays in the forward region of the LHC, we expect to observe sizable events inside the detector. Our estimation shows that more than 10 signal events of the dark photon could be observed in the range of kinetic mixing parameter, $$6.2\times 10^{-5} \lesssim \epsilon \lesssim 2\times 10^{-1}$$

6.2
×

10

-
5

≲
ϵ
≲
2
×

10

-
1

and $$3\times 10^{-5} \lesssim \epsilon \lesssim 2\times 10^{-1}$$

3
×

10

-
5

≲
ϵ
≲
2
×

10

-
1

for dark photon mass $$m_{A^\prime } \lesssim $$

m

A
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≲

1 MeV with integrated luminosities of 150 fb$$^{-1}$$

-
1

and 3 ab$$^{-1}$$

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1

, respectively.