bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Psychological Distress in Patients With Early‐Stage Lung Cancer During Preoperative Period: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Lu Lijun , Zhang Bo , Li Wei , Li Jina , Li Lezhi
Published: October 2024

Aim

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of significant psychological distress and identify risk factors associated with it among early‐stage lung cancer patients in the preoperative period.

Background

Lung cancer is a major cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with low survival rates and significant psychological distress. While much research has focused on distress in advanced‐stage patients, less is known about the prevalence and risk factors of psychological distress in early‐stage lung cancer patients before surgery.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The study included 427 early‐stage lung cancer patients preparing for surgery. Researchers used a study‐specific questionnaire to gather general information and employed the Distress Management Screening Measurement, Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 and Generalised Anxiety Disorder‐7 to assess personal situations and psychological distress levels. Statistical analyses investigated distress across various patient characteristics and examined correlations with anxiety and depression. Binary logistic regression identified significant predictors of psychological distress.

Results

The study found that 41.9% of early‐stage lung cancer patients experienced significant psychological distress preoperatively, with an average score of 3.31 ± 2.18. Psychological distress was significantly positively correlated with depression (r = 0.474, p < 0.001) and anxiety (r = 0.591, p < 0.001). Significant risk factors for psychological distress included pulmonary nodules (OR = 2.884, 95% CI: 1.496–5.559), smoking history (OR = 2.092, 95% CI: 1.016–4.306) and chronic diseases (OR = 2.013, 95% CI: 1.073–3.776).

Conclusion

Early‐stage lung cancer patients often experience a high incidence of clinically significant psychological distress during the preoperative period, strongly associated with depression and anxiety. Adverse factors contributing to psychological distress include multiple indeterminate pulmonary nodules, smoking history and concurrent chronic diseases. Routine screening for psychological distress in these patients is recommended, along with personalised interventions and self‐management strategies to help alleviate their distress during the perioperative period.
Delirium and Weakness Acquired in the Intensive Care Unit: Individual and Combined Effects on 90‐Day Mortality in Survivors of Critical Illness
Authors: Siao Shu‐Fen , Zheng Ya‐Yun , Wei Yu‐Chung , Boehm Leanne M. , Chen Cheryl Chia‐Hui
Published: October 2024

Aims

To compare the individual and combined effects on 90‐day mortality among four critically ill survivor groups: normal (without ICU‐acquired delirium or ICU‐acquired weakness), delirium‐only (with ICU‐acquired delirium only), weakness‐only (with ICU‐acquired weakness only) and delirium–weakness (combined ICU‐acquired delirium and weakness).

Methods

A prospective cohort study consecutively recruited delirium‐free critically ill patients admitted to six medical ICUs at a university hospital. Delirium was assessed once daily for 14 days (or until death or ICU discharge) using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU. Participants who were discharged from the ICUs were assessed for weakness using the Medical Research Council scale. A summed score below 48 defines ICU‐acquired weakness. These survivors were evaluated again for 90‐day mortality. The study is reported using the STROBE checklist.

Results

Delirium developed in 107 (43.2%) participants during their first 14 days of ICU stay; 55 (22.2%) met criteria for weakness by ICU discharge. Participants with delirium were at increased risk for also developing ICU‐acquired weakness, and the 90‐day mortality was 18.2%. Independent of age and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score at ICU admission, delirium‐only and weakness‐only were not associated with higher 90‐day mortality, while participants in the delirium–weakness group had a 3.69‐fold higher risk of death, compared to those who were normal during the ICU stay. A non‐significant interaction was found, suggesting the joint effect of delirium and weakness on mortality is not higher than the sum of both effects individually.

Conclusions

Mortality is substantially high among critically ill survivors who experience both delirium and weakness, although no additive effect on mortality was observed when these conditions occur together. Our findings highlight the urgent need to optimise ICU care by prioritising the prevention, early identification and management of these two common ICU‐acquired conditions.

Patient Contribution

Study participation and completion of all assessments.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04206306
Self‐Care of Older Patients Affected by at Least Two Chronic Conditions Between Heart Failure, Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Comparative Study
Authors: Baldan Giulia Andrea , De Maria Maddalena , Luciani Michela , Matarese Maria , Vellone Ercole , Ausili Davide
Published: October 2024

Aims

This study aims to describe disease‐specific self‐care behaviours in patients with heart failure (HF), diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in various combinations; to compare these self‐care behaviours within patient groups; and to evaluate differences across these groups.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A total sample of 1079 older patients was recruited from outpatient clinics and home settings. Eligible patients were aged ≥ 65 years and had a diagnosis of HF and/or DM, and/or COPD, along with at least one additional chronic condition. Data were collected using validated tools: the Self‐Care of Heart Failure Index, Self‐Care of Diabetes Inventory and Self‐Care of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Inventory. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse disease‐specific self‐care behaviours. Group comparisons were performed using Student's t‐test and univariate, followed by multivariate analyses of variance.

Results

The analysis focused on a subset of 223 patients who had a combination of at least two chronic conditions between HF, DM and/or COPD. The mean age of participants was 77.3 (SD 7.5) years, with a majority being female (53.4%). Self‐care maintenance, monitoring and management for HF and COPD were found to be inadequate across all patient groups. Adequate self‐care was only observed in DM management among those with HF and DM and in DM maintenance for those with DM and COPD treated with insulin. Significant differences in all self‐care dimensions were observed across groups, particularly in patients managing all three conditions (HF, DM and COPD).

Conclusions

The findings provide valuable insights into the complexities of self‐care in patients with multiple chronic conditions, underscoring the need for tailored, integrated and patient‐centred interventions. Healthcare strategies should focus on enhancing patient education and developing personalised approaches to improve health outcomes and quality of life in this population.

Reporting Method

All the authors have adhered to the EQUATOR guidelines STROBE Statement.

Patient or Public Contribution

A convenience sample of patients was recruited in outpatient clinics and their homes. Data were collected between March 2017 and August 2022, by face‐to‐face during routine outpatient visits or directly at the patient's home.
Comparison of trueness, time, and number of images among different denture digitization protocols
Authors: Sawangsri Kedith , Leelaluk Satita , Hsieh Yuan‐lynn , Lee Damian J.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To compare trueness, time, and number of images of different denture digitization protocols.

Materials and Methods

Maxillary and mandibular complete prostheses (n = 10) were fabricated and attached with four fiducial markers. Reference scans were obtained using a laboratory scanner. Test scans were obtained using three different protocols: intraoral scanner (IOS) with manufacturer's scanning pattern (MA), IOS with rolling scanning pattern (RO), and IOS‐ polyvinylsiloxane technique (IOS‐PVS). The scan time and number of images taken were recorded for analysis. Using 3‐dimensional (3D) inspection software (Geomagic control X), corresponding test scans were superimposed to the reference scan using overall best fit. For trueness analysis, the root mean square (RMS) value of the overall best‐fit superimposition was calculated. One‐way ANOVA followed by Games‐Howell and Tukey post‐hoc tests were applied to analyze trueness, scan time, and number of images. Qualitative analysis of trueness was performed using 3D color mapping.

Results

The lowest RMS value was in the mandibular RO protocol (0.10 ±0.01 mm). The highest RMS value was mandibular scans of the IOS‐PVS protocol (1.46 ± 0.09 mm). The longest digitization time was recorded in the maxillary MA group (3.34 ± 0.70 min), while the shortest was in the mandibular RO protocol (2.48 ± 0.56 min). Qualitative analysis revealed that deviation in IOS‐PVS protocol occurred around the border area of the prosthesis.

Conclusion

The denture digitization protocols tested significantly affected trueness, total scanning time, and number of images. Digitizing dentures using the RO protocol improved trueness and reduced scanning time and the number of images.
Can ChatGPT provide quality information about fever in children?
Authors: Kacer Emine Ozdemir , Ipekten Funda
Published: October 2024

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems hold great promise in improving medical care and health problems.

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the answers by asking the most frequently asked questions to ChatGPT for the prediction and treatment of fever, which is a major problem in children.

Methods

The 50 questions most frequently asked about fever in children were determined, and we asked them to ChatGPT. We evaluated the responses using the quality and readability scales.

Results

While ChatGPT demonstrated good quality in its responses, the readability scale and the Patient Education Material Evaluation Tool (PEMAT) scale used with materials appearing on the site were also found to be successful. Among the scales in which we evaluated ChatGPT responses, a weak positive relationship was found between Gunning Fog (GFOG) and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) scores (r = 0.379) and a significant and positive relationship was found between FGL and SMOG scores (r = 0.899).

Conclusion

This study sheds light on the quality and readability of information regarding the presentation of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, regarding fever, a common complaint in children. We determined that the answers to the most frequently asked questions about fire were high‐quality, reliable, easy to read and understandable.
The need for a strict delimitation of early tree life stages in vegetation ecology
Authors: Arasa‐Gisbert Ricard , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , Cervantes‐López Martín de Jesús , Meave Jorge A.
Published: October 2024

Aim

For practical and theoretical purposes, ecological studies commonly classify trees into five major life‐cycle stages: seed, seedling, sapling, juvenile and adult. Whereas the seed and adult stages are usually accurately delimited across studies, there are discrepancies and ambiguity in the categorization of seedlings, saplings and juveniles, which can significantly affect the conclusions of community ecology studies. Here we propose a standardized set of criteria intended for community‐level research for delimiting these three stages based on biological and ecological rationales.

Methods

We assessed the relevance of such standardization by conducting a meta‐analysis of the effects of two human‐caused disturbances (defaunation and logging) on each early tree life stage and examining differences in effect sizes and confidence intervals among: (1) studies that match our delimitation criteria, (2) studies that do not match these criteria, and (3) all studies grouped together regardless of the criteria they used.

Results

We found stronger effects with narrower confidence intervals when considering only the studies that matched our standardized delimitation criteria. In fact, the proportion of significant effects was between 1.7 (defaunation) and 5.4 (logging) times higher in studies matching our delimitation criteria than in studies that do not match them, probably because confidence intervals were 2.3–3.1 times smaller in the former group than in the latter. For logging studies, the direction of the effects changed in 30%–50% of the cases when comparing the results from all data and studies not matching our criteria with the results of the studies matching our criteria, always from non‐significant to significant effects.

Conclusions

These findings underscore the need for an ecologically meaningful categorization of early tree life stages based on standardized measures to increase the confidence, accuracy, reproducibility and generalization in plant biology and community ecological research. Synthesis efforts will particularly benefit from this standardized protocol.
Sheikh Abdullah Al‐Salem's use of soft power and public relations: Transformation from emirate to state
Authors: Johar Hasan A , Dashti Ali A , Malallah Hashim , Al‐Kandari Ali A , AlAbdullah Hamed
Published: October 2024

This paper describes the main factors that helped facilitate the transformation of Kuwait from an Emirate ‘Emarah’ (a non‐state) to an internationally recognised state during the rule of Sheikh Abdullah Al‐Salem from 1950 to 1965. It identifies the soft power actions and public relations communication strategies that facilitated the transformation of Kuwait from Sheikhdom to statehood. Sheikh Al‐Salem's strategies set the foundations for Kuwait to become recognised and respected in international affairs, not only in the Middle East but also globally. Data were collected and reviewed from the academic literature, from public records, legal documents, letters, press releases and newspaper and magazine articles as well as songs and TV interviews. The evidence shows that Sheikh Al‐Salem's use of soft power actions and public relations techniques were influential in facilitating the formation of the new state and made Kuwait an important player in the international arena while maintaining Arab nationalism and Islamic values.
Tubaria asiatica (Tubariaceae), a new species from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Maula Fazli , Saba Malka , Asif Muhammad , Akram Wajahat
Published: October 2024

A new Tubaria (Tubariaceae) species, Tubaria asiatica is described and illustrated from district Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan, based on morphological and phylogenetic analysis of ITS and 28S sequences. The most closely related species is Tubaria conspersa, but it differs from it due to its pale orange to orange‐tinged dark brown pileus adnate lamellae, dark brown–orange, cylindrical to subcylindrical stipe, oblong, ellipsoid, lacrymoid, rhomboid basidiospores, clavate cheilocystidia and basidia with long sterigmata. Morphological descriptions, colored photographs, microscopic structures and a comparative combined ITS‐28S‐based phylogenetic analysis is presented with reference to the newly described species.
Cover crop rotation suppresses root‐knot nematode infection by shaping soil microbiota
Authors: Zhang Hualiang , Guo Dongsheng , Lei Yuting , Lozano‐Torres Jose L. , Deng Ye , Xu Jianming , Hu Lingfei
Published: October 2024

Cover crop integration into grain crop rotations is a promising strategy for mitigating nematode‐induced diseases in agriculture. However, the precise mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain elusive.

Here, we first assessed the impact of five commonly used cover crops on the suppression of rice root‐knot nematodes (RKNs). We then chose ryegrass as a model to explore the mechanistic basis of the suppression effect.

Contrary to expectations, while ryegrass rotation significantly enhances soil fertility, this increased fertility has minimal impact on RKN suppression. Furthermore, neither integrated ryegrass residues nor root exudates exhibit direct toxicity towards RKNs. We demonstrated that ryegrass rotation primarily suppresses RKNs by enriching beneficial soil microbiota. By complementing with isolated bacteria strains, we further demonstrated that ryegrass‐enriched bacteria not only directly reduce RKN infectivity and preference, but also activate plant immunity via the OsLRR‐RLK‐MAPK‐WRKY‐JA cascade, thereby diminishing RKN infection.

Our study highlights the crucial role of soil microbiota in plant–nematode interactions, challenging conventional views on the direct effects of cover crops in nematode suppression. It offers a mechanistic understanding of the regulation potential and action modes of cover crops in mitigating nematode diseases, providing valuable insights for sustainable agriculture.
Phosphorylation of phyB by GSK3s, a key mechanism that brings temperature sensors together
Authors: Zubieta Chloe , Hutin Stephanie , Jung Jae‐hoon , Lai Xuelei
Published: October 2024

This article is a Commentary on Yang et al. (2025), 245: 1577–1588.
Negotiating social licence to farm at agricultural and pastoral shows in Canterbury, New Zealand
Authors: Edwards Sarah , Patterson Donna , Espig Martin , Vallance Suzanne
Published: October 2024

Agricultural and pastoral (A&P) shows have a long history in New Zealand, dating back to the early settler‐colonial period. We approach A&P shows as places where non‐farming publics can experience agricultural activities, which can help to build the trusted relationships needed for a social licence to farm. Drawing on participant observation at five A&P shows across the Canterbury region, we highlight what is visible and invisible in the image of farming life performed through A&P show activities. In doing so, we identify tensions that threaten their future, and opportunities for dialogue that could enhance social licence to farm.
Organisational and Ethical Challenges While Caring for Older People During the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Sweden: A Focus Group Study
Authors: Lövenmark Annica , Hammar Lena Marmstål
Published: October 2024

Introduction

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, older people in Sweden's residential care facilities and home care services experienced high mortality rates. Prior to the pandemic, the care of older people in Sweden was challenged by organisational and regulatory changes, an ageing population and insufficient increases in staff numbers. These issues led to high staff turnover, increased workloads, stress, burnout and a perceived inability to provide satisfactory care. The pandemic brought about increased job strain, stress, anxiety, depression and post‐traumatic stress disorder among the staff who cared for older people. The aim of this study was therefore to focus on assistant nurses and care aides' experiences of their work environments when caring for older people during the pandemic in Sweden.

Methods

The data were collected through four focus groups interviews and analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The results showed that the care staff had to navigate organisational and ethical challenges in poor and unsafe work environments. They lacked supportive leadership in their respective organisations, were neither valued, seen nor heard and were treated as ‘plain doers’. During the pandemic, they were unable to protect or communicate easily with the older people in their care, which had harsh consequences.

Conclusion

According to the participants, the pandemic left them, their working conditions and this part of the care system in a worse situation than before the pandemic. The pandemic thus revealed more unsustainable and unethical working conditions for the staff than before it, including the vulnerability of the older people in their care.

Implications for Practice

The findings highlights the need of policies that ensure adequate training and instruction on medical issues, for managers responsible for overseeing the care of older people. There are also a need of provision of sufficient support for care staff and health care professionals during crises. The findings also underscore the need of feasible and efficient strategies do disseminate care information and address the psychosocial needs of older people.
DNA Hypomethylation Activates the RpMYB2‐Centred Gene Network to Enhance Regeneration of Adventitious Roots
Authors: Hussain Syed Sarfaraz , Li Yapeng , Liu Jie , Abbas Manzar , Li Quanzi , Deng Houyin , Abbas Sammar , Han Kunjin , Han Juan , Sun Yuhan , Li Yun
Published: October 2024

Plants, being immobile, are exposed to environmental adversities such as wind, snow and animals that damage their structure, making regeneration essential for their survival. The adventitious roots (ARs) primarily emerge from a detached explant to uptake nutrients; therefore, the molecular network involved in their regeneration needs to be explored. DNA methylation, a key epigenetic mark, influences molecular pathways, and recent studies suggested its role in regeneration. In our research, the application of 5‐azacytidine (5‐azaC), an inhibitor of DNA methylation, caused the earlier initiation and development of root primordia and consequently enhanced the AR regeneration rate in Robinia psuedoacacia L (black locust). The whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) revealed a decrease in global methylation and an increase in hypomethylated cytosine sites and regions across all contexts including CHH, CHG and mergedCG caused transcriptional variations in 5‐azaC‐treated sample. The yeast two‐hybrid (Y2H) assay revealed a RpMYB2‐centred network of transcriptionally activated transcription factors (TFs) including RpWRKY23, RpGATA23, RpSPL16 and other genes like RpSDP, RpSS1, RpBEN1, RpGULL05 and RpCUV with nuclear localization suggesting their potential co‐localization. Additionally, yeast one‐hybrid (Y1H) assay showed the interaction of RpMYB2 interactors, RpGATA23 and RpWRKY23, with promoters of RpSK6 and RpCDC48, and luciferase reporting assay (LRA) validated their binding with RpSK6. Our results revealed that hypomethylation‐mediated transcriptomic modifications activated the RpMYB2‐centred gene network to enhance AR regeneration in black locust hypocotyl cuttings. These findings pave the way for genetic modification to improve plant regeneration ability and increase wood production while withstanding environmental damage.
A Mycorrhiza‐Induced UDP‐Glucosyl Transferase Negatively Regulates the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis
Authors: Chen Jiadong , Zhao QingChun , Xie Kun , Wang Mengna , Li Lechuan , Zeng Dechao , Wang Qiuli , Wang Shuangshuang , Chen Aiqun , Xu Guohua
Published: October 2024

Most terrestrial plants can establish a reciprocal symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi to cope with adverse environmental stresses. The development of AM symbiosis is energetically costly and needs to be dynamically controlled by plants to maintain the association at mutual beneficial levels. Multiple components involved in the autoregulation of mycorrhiza (AOM) have been recently identified from several plant species; however, the mechanisms underlying the feedback regulation of AM symbiosis remain largely unknown. Here, we report that AM colonization promotes the flavonol biosynthesis pathway in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and an AM‐specific UDP‐glucosyltransferase SlUGT132, which probably has the flavonol glycosylation activity, negatively regulates AM development. SlUGT132 was predominantly expressed in the arbuscule‐containing cells, and its knockout or knockdown mutants showed increased soluble sugar content, root colonization level and arbuscule formation. Conversely, overexpression of SlUGT132 resulted in declined soluble sugar content and mycorrhization degree. Metabolomic assay revealed decreased contents of astragalin, tiliroside and cynaroside in slugt132 mycorrhizal roots, but increased accumulation of these flavonoid glycosides in SlUGT132‐overexpressing plant roots. Our results highlight the presence of a novel, SlUGT132‐mediated AOM mechanism, which enable plants to flexibly control the accumulation of soluble sugars and flavonoid glycosides in mycorrhizal roots and modulate colonization levels.
Effectiveness of Mindfulness Therapy as a Complement to Pharmacological Treatment in the Control of Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Adults: A Quasi‐Experimental Study in Lima, Peru
Authors: Chonta‐Jaime Edith , Cortez‐Portas Neydi , Luján López Jorge Eduardo , Villena Zapata Luigi Italo , Acosta‐Enriquez Benicio Gonzalo , Gonzales‐Carhuajulca Doris
Published: October 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness therapy as an adjunct to pharmacological treatment for improving blood pressure (BP) control in hypertensive adult patients at a health center in Lima, Peru.

Method

This study employed a quasi‐experimental design with a quantitative and longitudinal cohort approach. The participants included 50 adults who were diagnosed with hypertension and who regularly attended the health center in the Villa El Salvador district of Lima, Peru. The data were collected using three instruments: the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21), validated in Peru; a sociodemographic questionnaire; and a BP recording sheet. The Wilcoxon test was utilized to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness therapy on BP control, while the nonparametric Friedman test was used to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness therapy considering confounding factors.

Results

Therapy resulted in favorable outcomes for BP control. After eight sessions, the average systolic BP decreased from 122.8 to 115.0 mm Hg (a reduction of 7%), and the average diastolic BP decreased from 78.1 to 69.9 mm Hg (a reduction of 11%).

Conclusions

Mindfulness is an effective complementary therapy for controlling BP in hypertensive adults. It also helps reduce confounding factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
Witchcraft beliefs and conspiracy theorizing: Evidence from Tanzania and cross‐national datasets
Authors: Kinyondo Abel , Kuzenbayev Nygmetzhan , Pelizzo Riccardo
Published: October 2024

This article suggests that since people who believe in magic and those who believe in conspiracy theories produce meaning and make sense of the world by engaging in the same process of signification, they should be more likely to have one such belief if they hold the other. To test this proposition, we perform both macro‐ and micro‐level analyses using, respectively, cross‐national datasets and an original set of Tanzanian data. Our findings from both sets of analyses reveal a strong association between witchcraft beliefs and the belief in conspiracy theories.

Related Articles

Gainous, Jason, and Bill Radunovich. 2008. “Religion and Core Values: A Reformulation of the Funnel of Causality.” Politics & Policy 33(1): 154–80. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2005.tb00213.x.

Richey, Sean. 2017. “A Birther and a Truther: The Influence of the Authoritarian Personality on Conspiracy Beliefs.” Politics & Policy 45(3): 465–85. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12206.

Tubadji, Annie. 2023. “You'll Never Walk Alone: Loneliness, Religion, and Politico‐economic Transformation.” Politics & Policy 51(4): 661–95. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12538.
Public perceptions of feminicide and the feminist movement in Mexico
Authors: Chaparro Rucobo Sara J. , Alexander Apryl A.
Published: October 2024

The misclassification of murders results in the invisibilization and impunity of gender‐based violence. According to Observatorio Cuidadano Nacional del Feminicidio figures in 2024, of the 3408 cases of murdered women in Mexico in 2023, only 827 were classified as feminicides. Since few cases result in punishment, women have protested for justice nationwide. The current study examines the effects of media representation of feminicide cases. Participants were randomly assigned two of four fake newspaper articles about a feminicide case, which varied based on the description of the murdered woman and the intention of the crime. Participants who received the victim‐blaming article endorsed significantly more victim‐blaming attitudes compared to participants who received the non‐victim‐blaming article. Additionally, participants who received the article where the male assailant exhibited a will to harm the victim exhibited significantly more victim‐blaming attitudes. The results highlight the need for journalists to be mindful of the narratives they construct regarding feminicide cases.

Related Articles

Asal, Victor, and Mitchell Brown. 2010. “A Cross‐National Exploration of the Conditions that Produce Interpersonal Violence.” Politics & Policy 38(2): 175–92. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00234.x.

Bingham, Natasha. 2016. “Fighting for Our Cause: The Impact of Women's NGOs on Gender Policy Adoption in Four Former Soviet Republics.” Politics & Policy 44(2): 294–318. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12155.

Denis, Claude. 2007. “Canadians in Trouble Abroad: Citizenship, Personal Security, and North American Regionalization.” Politics & Policy 35(4): 648–63. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00078.x.
Daniel Bar‐Tal, on the Israeli‐Palestinian conflict, before and after October 7, 2023: In conversation with James Liu and Veronica Hopner
Authors: Bar‐Tal Daniel
Published: October 2024

The Israel‐Palestinian conflict is one of the most well‐known and polarizing issues that has impacts on societies, and institutions beyond Israel, and Palestine. This interview with prominent social scientist Daniel Bar‐Tal, Professor Emeritus, School of Education, Tel Aviv University, focused on the situation in Israel and Palestine following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza. Interviews such as this are an academic inquiry drawing on the expert analysis of a scholar‐activist, grounded in research and theory. As such an analysis, Bar‐Tal explains the causes of this war, its context, its process, the contribution of each side to its escalation, and its effects on the possibilities of peaceful conflict resolution between Israeli Jews and Palestinians. He describes the current situation as governed by considerations of realpolitik, contestations over what defines antisemitism, and whether Israeli conduct in Gaza constitutes genocide or ethnic cleansing. This interview enables the application of Bar‐Tal's systematic and holistic Theory of Intractable Conflict to the current crisis to interrogate how ethos of conflict, collective memory, and collective emotional orientation dynamically interconnect to form a culture of conflict. But also, how these elements can also be addressed for solutions to enable peaceful resolutions.
Exploring the effectiveness of virtual reality in combating misinformation on climate change
Authors: Erisen Elif , Yildirim Funda , Duran Emirhan , Şar Batuhan , Kalkan Irmak
Published: October 2024

Our research examines the potential of immersive virtual reality (VR) in countering climate change misinformation. By creating VR simulations of future climate scenarios, we visually depict the potential impacts of rising temperatures and sea level rise on communities and ecosystems. Our objective is to determine whether immersive VR can achieve more effective correction outcomes compared to social media. We employ a mixed experimental design, manipulating the provision of correction through either VR or social media. We measure the impact of these interventions on belief in and skepticism toward climate change, and on inferential reasoning at three different points over a month. Furthermore, we explore the effectiveness of human actors and the level of presence in the VR experience as strategies to combat climate change misinformation. We find that VR conditions might lead to increased certainty in the belief that climate change is really happening and lowered skepticism toward the clarity of the effects of climate change. Moreover, we find significant differences in the heart rate (HR) of the participants in the VR conditions. The use of avatars in VR environments may contribute to heightened HR variability during misinformation correction, potentially due to increased emotional engagement and cognitive load.
Meta‐analysis of SnRK2 gene overexpression in response to drought and salt stress
Authors: Liu Haixun , Wang Xian , Zhu Xiaolin , Zhang Dongfang , Wang Yizhen , Wang Tianjie , Chen Lifei , Wang Baoqiang , Wei Xiaohong
Published: October 2024

SNF1‐RELATED KINASE 2 (SnRK2) plays a crucial role in plants' stress response. Although studies have reported that the overexpression of several SnRK2 family members in different plants leads to improved stress tolerance, it is difficult to elucidate the mechanisms by which SnRK2s regulate stress tolerance due to the variability of experimental variables in these studies. Therefore, we used meta‐analysis to comprehensively analyze 22 parameters that can reflect drought tolerance and salinity tolerance in SnRK2s‐transformed plants and to explore the effects that different experimental variables between studies have on the relevant plant parameters. The results showed that the overexpression of SnRK2s mainly improved plants' drought and salinity tolerance by reducing their osmotic stress and oxidative damage, improving photosynthesis and other biochemical and physiological processes. Out of the 22 physiological parameters, 17 and 19 were significantly affected by drought and salt stress, respectively, and 10 indicators were also significantly changed under non‐stress conditions. Under salt stress, the cell membrane permeability among these parameters shows the most significant changes, increasing by 506.57% in SnRK2‐overexpressing plants compared to wild type (WT). Therefore, although plants overexpressing SnRK2s respond positively to both drought and salt stress, they demonstrated greater tolerance to salt stress. In addition, among the detected regulatory variables, donor‐acceptor type, promoter type, stress type, experimental medium, and duration all affected the extent of SnRK2s overexpression and affected the physiological characteristics of the transgenic plants. Also, different stress conditions (salt, drought stress) led to different degrees of transformation. These studies provide new research directions for studying crop stress tolerance and help to better explore the functions played by SnRK2s in external plant stresses.
The function of an apple ATP‐dependent Phosphofructokinase gene MdPFK5 in regulating salt stress
Authors: Zhang Li‐Li , Zhu Hao , Chen Chao‐Yan , Shang Na‐Na , Sheng Li‐Xia , Yu Jian‐Qiang
Published: October 2024

Salt stress severely affects the growth and yield of apples (Malus domestica Borkh). Although salt‐tolerant genes have been extensively studied, documentation on the role of the ATP‐dependent phosphofructokinase gene MdPFK5 in salt stress is limited. This study conducted an evolutionary tree and three‐dimensional structure analysis of the PFK gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana and MdPFK (MD01G1037400), revealing a close phylogenetic relationship between MdPFK (MD01G1037400) and AtPFK5. Given the similarity in their protein tertiary structures, MdPFK was designated as MdPFK5, suggesting functional similarities with AtPFK5. Further investigation revealed elevated expression levels of MdPFK5 in apple leaves and flowers, particularly showing significant upregulation 120 days after blooming and differential expression beginning at 3 hours of salt stress. Overexpression of MdPFPK5 conferred salt tolerance in both apple calli and transgenic lines of Arabidopsis thaliana. Moreover, NaCl treatment promoted soluble sugar accumulation in apple calli and transgenic lines of Arabidopsis thaliana overexpressing MdPFK5. This study provides new insights into the salt tolerance function of MdPFK5.
Evaporitic–lacustrine mudstone laminites and prodelta mudlobes – continuity and change in the Hartmann's Valley interval, Murray formation, Gale crater, Mars
Authors: Schieber Juergen , Bohacs Kevin M. , Bish David , Coleman Max , Thompson Lucy , Rapin William , Yawar Zalmai
Published: October 2024

The sedimentary fill of Gale crater on Mars is dominated by lacustrine strata that are the focus of investigations into surface processes, climate change and habitability early in the planet's history. This study focuses on the lower part of the explored portion of the Murray formation on Aeolis Mons (Mount Sharp) in the Pahrump Hills and Hartmann's Valley field areas. At Pahrump Hills, sedimentary features and geochemical attributes of exposed mudstones suggest accumulation in an underfilled lake basin in which lake levels, shorelines and salinities fluctuated greatly at various temporal scales. The immediately superjacent stratigraphic interval, designated by the rover team as the Hartmann's Valley member, has previously been interpreted as an aeolian‐deposited sandstone interval. This fresh examination of all available data, however, suggests that the Hartmann's Valley member is strongly dominated by the same mudstone facies that compose most of the underlying Pahrump Hills member. The one novel facies element encountered in the Hartmann's Valley member are undulose bedded to convex bodies of mudstone that are oriented roughly north–south, suggestive of sediment supply from a northern fluvial source. Mudstones analogous in scale and character to these undulose mudstones occur on Earth in multiple modern and ancient lacustrine successions, and are related to deposition of prodelta mud lobes. The mudstones of the Hartmann's Valley member record a continuation of the underfilled evaporitive lake system proposed previously for the underlying Pahrump Hills member but with somewhat more variable environmental conditions. Hartmann's Valley mudstones contain more abundant matrix CaSO4, suggesting more severe evaporitic conditions, whereas the interbedded undulose bedded mudstones signify intermittent freshening and buildout of mud‐dominated deltas into the lake. The textural similarities between Pahrump Hills and Hartmann's Valley strata suggest that the Gale lacustrine system operated at a stable depositional mode with similar environmental parameters during both stratigraphic intervals.
High Incidence of Injuries Among Adolescent Elite Skiers—A 5‐Year Cohort Study
Authors: Lindman Ida , Baranto Adad , Agnvall Cecilia , Abrahamson Josefin
Published: October 2024

Competitive skiing has gained increasing popularity among adolescent, yet it comes with injury risks. The aim was to determine injury incidence, type and time of injury, localization, and diagnosis, among adolescent competitive skiers (alpine, cross‐country, ski‐cross, mogul), and to compare between skiing discipline, sex, and high school year. All students (n = 190) enrolled in a ski high school from August 2013 to June 2018 were included. All injuries during the study period were prospectively registered by the physiotherapist at the high school. Demographic and injury data were registered. Absolute injury incidence (injuries/100 skiers) was calculated. In total, 166 (87%) skiers reported 502 injuries, which corresponds to an absolute injury incidence of 264.2 injuries/100 skiers during the 5‐year follow‐up. A higher injury incidence was shown in school year 1 compared with year 2–4 (131.3 vs. 79.5–98.4; p < 0.05). No differences in injury incidence were found between sex or skiing discipline. Females were more prone of having a gradual‐onset injury compared with males (179.3 vs. 96.3; p < 0.001). Mogul skiers had higher incidence of acute injuries compared with the other disciplines (220.0 vs. 71.4–160.0; p < 0.001). The knee was the most common localization across all skiing disciplines, except for cross‐country (lower leg). Low back pain was the predominant diagnosis, except in ski‐cross (concussion). Skiers attending specialized ski high schools exhibited a significantly high injury incidence, with first‐year students being the most susceptible to injuries, across all skiing disciplines and both sexes. While the knee was the most common injury location, concussion was remarkably frequent, particularly among ski‐cross skiers.
Efficacy of a chewable tablet containing sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel for the treatment of generalised demodicosis in dogs
Authors: Becskei Csilla , Liebenberg Julian , Fernandes Tiago , Borowski Stasia , D'Hanis Lina , Mahabir Sean P.
Published: October 2024

Background

Demodicosis is common in dogs and is caused by proliferation of commensal Demodex canis mites.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of sarolaner in combination with moxidectin and pyrantel (SMP) for the treatment of generalised demodicosis in dogs.

Animals

One hundred and thirty dogs with generalised demodicosis.

Materials and Methods

In two separate randomised masked studies (laboratory and field studies), dogs received monthly oral SMP or afoxolaner + milbemycin oxime (AM). In the laboratory study, dogs received three monthly treatments with biweekly mite counts and clinical evaluations. In the field study, mite counts and clinical evaluations were performed monthly and treatments were administered until two consecutive skin scrapings were negative.

Results

Both products were tolerated well. In the laboratory study, mite counts for SMP were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced by 88.8% on Day (D)14, by 99.2% on D29, and no live mites were detected thereafter with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.96) between the two treatment groups. In the field study, SMP provided 92.4%, 98.1%, 100% and 100% reduction in arithmetic mean live mite counts on D30, D60, D90 and D120, and was non‐inferior to the control product on D30 and D60. Clinical signs of demodicosis improved in all dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Monthly administration of SMP was effective for the treatment of generalised demodicosis in dogs as it eliminated Demodex mites after two monthly treatments in the laboratory study, and at most after three monthly treatments in the field study.
Prevalence of immunoglobulin E sensitisation to mites and pollens in 25,451 French dogs from 2016 to 2022
Authors: Drouet Laurent , Bonati Silvia , Cozar Alicia , Petit Nathalie , Prélaud Pascal
Published: October 2024

Background

Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a common skin disorder in dogs, wherein allergens are presumed to exert a significant influence. The prevalence of allergen sensitisation in dogs with suspected cAD remains inadequately investigated in France.

Hypothesis/Objectives

This study aimed to analyse allergen‐specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E test results from French dogs with suspected cAD, exploring potential risk factors influencing sensitisation.

Animals

The study included 25,451 client‐owned dogs presented with clinical signs of cAD between January 2016 and December 2022. The study population consisted of 226 pure breeds and 915 cross‐bred dogs of both sexes, with a mean age of 4.4 (±2.8) years.

Materials and Methods

Data collection involved the compilation of results from canine serological allergen‐specific IgE ELISA tests, using a 23 allergen composite panel. The influence of breed, sex, age, geographical area and sampling season on IgE test outcomes subsequently was analysed.

Results

Of the 25,451 analysed samples, 75.6% exhibited significant serum IgE concentrations in response to at least one of the tested allergens, with 67.9% testing positive for mites and 39.8% for pollens. Breed, sex, age, geographical area and sampling season were identified as significant risk factors influencing sensitisation patterns.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

This study provides insights into the prevalence and risk factors associated with allergen sensitisation in dogs with suspected cAD. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective diagnosis and tailored management strategies in veterinary practice. The findings underscore the need for personalised approaches in addressing cAD, considering individual patient characteristics.
Total protein concentration and stability of Amb a 1 in glycerinated ragweed sublingual immunotherapy stored at room temperature and refrigerated cold temperature
Authors: Charbonneau Tyler , Lowder Levi , Mauldin Glenna , McKinney Brennan , Mount Rebecca , Schick Anthea
Published: October 2024

Background

Few studies have investigated optimal storage conditions or expiration dates for sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) formulations prepared from glycerinated allergen extracts.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The objective of this study was to compare concentrations of short ragweed major allergen (Amb a 1) and total protein in SLIT formulations stored at two different temperatures. It was hypothesised that protein concentrations would show greater decline over time in a formulation stored at room temperature (RT) than in one stored under refrigeration.

Materials and Methods

Two SLIT samples containing equal volumes of 20,000 PNU Amb a 1 extract were prepared and stored at refrigerated cold (CT) (2–8°C) or RT (20–24°C) for 140 days. Changes in total protein and major allergen concentration and composition were measured by Bradford assay, two‐site enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and SDS–PAGE. Presence of Amb a 1 was confirmed with Western immunoblot. Data were analysed using an analysis of covariance, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results

SDS–PAGE showed compositional changes in a ~26–30 kDa protein band under RT and not CT storage. The Amb a 1 concentration of the RT SLIT sample declined significantly over time, compared to that of the CT SLIT sample (F(1,8) = 47.69, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in total protein concentration over time between groups (F(1,8) = 1.79, p = 0.22).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

These results demonstrate that storage of glycerinated SLIT formulations in refrigerated CT preserved the highest concentration of the specific allergen Amb a 1, suggesting that SLIT formulations containing short ragweed should be stored under refrigeration.
Comparing the effectiveness of peer‐led healthy aging interventions on depression and quality of life in community‐dwelling older adults: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Jieun , Kim Sarang , Kim Urim , Yim Eunshil , Lee Insook , Hong Hyejung , Lee Dongok , Lee Kyounga
Published: October 2024

Background

Healthy aging has become increasingly important owing to the rapidly growing population of older adults globally, and results from the complex interplay of multiple characteristics such as depression and quality of life. Several countries have included peer‐led interventions in their health policies to promote healthy aging. Given the growing evidence for these interventions, determining their comparative effectiveness is vital and warranted.

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the relative effectiveness of peer‐led interventions on the depression and quality of life of community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

A systematic review and network meta‐analyses were performed. The meta‐analysis was performed using random‐effects models. Additionally, subgroup, meta‐regression, and frequentist network meta‐analyses were conducted. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD 42023492659).

Results

Twelve studies with depression outcomes and 11 studies with quality‐of‐life outcomes were included. The effect sizes for depression and quality of life were moderate and small, respectively. For depression, face‐to‐face interactions and intervention duration were moderating factors. For quality of life, intervention provider was a moderating factor. The combined peer–nurse intervention was shown to have a large effect on quality of life, whereas interventions provided by professionals other than nurses or provided only by peers had a small effect. A ranking analysis found that the most effective intervention for increasing quality of life was the simultaneous involvement of both healthcare professionals and peers. The provision of education and exercise interventions showed a higher ranking than goal setting in the leading group.

Linking Evidence to Action

The peer‐led interventions were sufficient for depression. The effectiveness for improving quality of life may increase when involving both peers and healthcare professionals, particularly nurses. Nursing and health policymakers could establish distinct strategies depending on whether the goal of peer‐led interventions is to improve quality of life or alleviate depression for older adults.