bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking shape conspicuous asymmetry with shape covariation patterns and performance in the insect head and mandibles
Authors: Ginot Samuel , Sommerfeld Simon , Blanke Alexander
Published: March 2024

Bilateral symmetry is widespread across animals, yet, among bilaterians, many cases of conspicuous asymmetries evolved. This means that bilaterally homologous structures on the left and right sides display divergent phenotypes. The evolution of such divergent phenotypes between otherwise similarly shaped structures can be thought to be favored by modularity, but this has rarely been studied in the context of left-right differences. Here, we provide an empirical example, using geometric morphometrics to assess patterns of asymmetry and covariation between landmark partitions in a grasshopper with conspicuously asymmetric mandibles. Our morphometric data confirm the presence of strictly directional conspicuous asymmetry in the mandibles and surrounding structures. Covariance patterns and tests hint at a strong integration between mandibles despite their divergent morphologies, and variational modularity with the head capsule. While mandibles have been selected to achieve a key-and-lock morphology by having interlocking shapes, the developmental modularity required to achieve this seems to be overwritten by developmental and/or functional integration, allowing the precise matching required for feeding. The consequent conflicting covariation patterns are reminiscent of the palimpsest model. Finally, the degree of directional asymmetry appears to be under selection, although we find no relationship between bite force and mandible shape or asymmetry.
Research on pH-responsive antibacterial materials using citral-modified zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Fan Yanan , Xu Qixiang , Ren Keyu , Zhai Mengge , Xing Guozheng , Song Yishan , Zhu Yongheng
Published: March 2024

Objectives

With the increasing damage caused by foodborne pathogens to human health and the increasing attention given to healthy diets, novel food antimicrobial agents have been widely studied.

Materials and Methods

In this study, three different morphologies of citral-modified ZnO nanoparticle antimicrobial materials were prepared, and the citral-modified porous ZnO nanorod antimicrobial materials with the highest loading (60.35%) and the strongest inhibitory effect (MIC=0.2–0.1 mg/mL) were screened through a series of characterization and bacterial inhibition experiments. This novel antimicrobial material has excellent and long-lasting antimicrobial properties. It inhibited Escherichia coli by 100% when stowed at 25 °C and protected from light for 10 d and inhibited the growth of E. coli by 58.17% after being stowed under the same conditions for 60 d. Furthermore, we tested the pH change during 24 h of E. coli growth and the pH responsiveness of the materials.

Results

The results demonstrated that under the acid-producing condition of E. coli growth, the pH-sensitive imine bond (–CH=N–) formed by the condensation of the amino of functionalized ZnO nanoparticles and citral was hydrolyzed to release the citral, which indicated that the release mechanism of citral in the antibacterial material was pH-sensitive.

Conclusions

The antibacterial materials in this study have broad application prospects in the field of food production and packaging in the future. Moreover, this study provides a theoretical basis for guaranteeing food quality and safety.
Spatio-temporal modeling of high-throughput multispectral aerial images improves agronomic trait genomic prediction in hybrid maize
Authors: Morales Nicolas , Anche Mahlet T , Kaczmar Nicholas S , Lepak Nicholas , Ni Pengzun , Romay Maria Cinta , Santantonio Nicholas , Buckler Edward S , Gore Michael A , Mueller Lukas A , Robbins Kelly R
Published: March 2024

Design randomizations and spatial corrections have increased understanding of genotypic, spatial, and residual effects in field experiments, but precisely measuring spatial heterogeneity in the field remains a challenge. To this end, our study evaluated approaches to improve spatial modeling using high-throughput phenotypes (HTP) via unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery. The normalized difference vegetation index was measured by a multispectral MicaSense camera and processed using ImageBreed. Contrasting to baseline agronomic trait spatial correction and a baseline multitrait model, a two-stage approach was proposed. Using longitudinal normalized difference vegetation index data, plot level permanent environment effects estimated spatial patterns in the field throughout the growing season. Normalized difference vegetation index permanent environment were separated from additive genetic effects using 2D spline, separable autoregressive models, or random regression models. The Permanent environment were leveraged within agronomic trait genomic best linear unbiased prediction either modeling an empirical covariance for random effects, or by modeling fixed effects as an average of permanent environment across time or split among three growth phases. Modeling approaches were tested using simulation data and Genomes-to-Fields hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) field experiments in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020 for grain yield, grain moisture, and ear height. The two-stage approach improved heritability, model fit, and genotypic effect estimation compared to baseline models. Electrical conductance and elevation from a 2019 soil survey significantly improved model fit, while 2D spline permanent environment were most strongly correlated with the soil parameters. Simulation of field effects demonstrated improved specificity for random regression models. In summary, the use of longitudinal normalized difference vegetation index measurements increased experimental accuracy and understanding of field spatio-temporal heterogeneity.
Timescales of glacial isostatic adjustment in Greenland: is transient rheology required?
Authors: Pan Linda , Mitrovica Jerry X , Milne Glenn A , Hoggard Mark J , Woodroffe Sarah A
Published: March 2024

The possibility of a transient rheological response to ice age loading, first discussed in the literature of the 1980s, has received renewed attention. Transient behaviour across centennial to millennial timescales has been invoked to reconcile apparently contradictory inferences of steady-state (Maxwell) viscosity based on two distinct data sets from Greenland: Holocene sea-level curves and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) derived modern crustal uplift data. To revisit this issue, we first compute depth-dependent Fréchet kernels using 1-D Maxwell viscoelastic Earth models and demonstrate that the mantle resolving power of the two Greenland data sets is highly distinct, reflecting the differing spatial scale of the associated surface loading: the sea-level records are sensitive to viscosity structure across the entire upper mantle while uplift rates associated with post-1000 CE fluctuations of the Greenland Ice Sheet have a dominant sensitivity to shallow asthenosphere viscosity. Guided by these results, we present forward models which demonstrate that a moderate low viscosity zone beneath the lithosphere in Maxwell Earth models provides a simple route to simultaneously reconciling both data sets by significantly increasing predictions of present-day uplift rates in Greenland whilst having negligible impact on predictions of Holocene relative sea-level curves from the region. Our analysis does not rule out the possibility of transient deformation, but it suggests that it is not required to simultaneously explain these two data sets. A definitive demonstration of transient behaviour requires that one account for the resolving power of the data sets in modelling the glacial isostatic adjustment process.
Can a feminist foreign policy be undone? Reflections from Sweden
Authors: Towns Ann , Jezierska Katarzyna , Bjarnegård Elin
Published: March 2024

In 2022, Sweden retracted its feminist foreign policy (FFP). What are the consequences for Swedish foreign policy and for FFPs elsewhere? We published an extensive report on the Swedish FFP in 2023, based on a survey that went out to all Swedish diplomats, interviews with more than 30 key foreign policy officials, and hundreds of steering documents from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The article draws out new insights from the report. The retraction is likely to result in a deprioritization of gender equality in Swedish foreign policy. Sweden will likely lose its international leadership role on gender issues. However, FFPs may be more resilient than anticipated because of how foreign policy is governed. Governments that wish to retract FFPs are constrained by three key governance features: First, international agreements and soft law on women's rights place demands on policy content. Second, the decentralized nature of foreign policy implementation allows considerable autonomy on the ground, so that implementors may continue to work with gender equality. Third, longstanding international expectations for Sweden as a gender equality champion create a role-based constraint. These factors contribute to the ‘stickiness’ of FFPs, suggesting that a retraction is unlikely to result in a wholesale abandonment of gender equality activities. The article also examines the enduring legacy of the Swedish FFP beyond its formal retraction, highlighting adoption of FFPs by a growing number of states in different parts of the world.
Increasing venous thromboembolism risk assessment through a whole hospital-based intervention: a pre-post service evaluation to demonstrate quality improvement
Authors: Abboud Juliana , Shaikh Niaz , Moosa Musthafa , Dempster Martin , Adair Pauline
Published: March 2024

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. VTE risk assessment is a crucial part of the VTE prevention guideline. However, VTE risk assessment was not consistently undertaken for admitted patients. The aim of this study was to identify whether a quality improvement project implemented to change documentation of VTE risk assessment for hospitalized patients impacted patient safety by decreasing the rate of VTE incidences. The study was set in a 600+ bed acute hospital that provides medical and surgical services for adult patients during the period October 2018–September 2020. The hospital adopted the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) 9th edition VTE prevention guidelines and followed the Modified Caprini risk assessment tool. Following the FOCUS-Plan-Do-Check-Act (FOCUS PDCA) improvement methodology, the improvement team implemented multicomponent interventions over a 3-month period, including conducting educational sessions, sharing VTE documentation compliance results, giving reminders during rounds, assigning a VTE liaison physician within each clinical specialty, and updating and communicating the hospital adopted VTE guidelines. A total of 17 612 patients were included, respectively, 8971 in pre-intervention and 8641 post-intervention period. Documentation of VTE risk assessment upon admission increased significantly in the post quality improvement intervention period (60% vs. 42%, relative increase of 30%, χ2 = 1.43, P < 0.001). The run chart trend analysis demonstrated significant improvement shift and improvement trend after quality improvement project implementation, and it was sustained for 15 months. There was no impact on patient safety with a slight not statistically significant decrease in the VTE incidences rate post intervention period (0.4% vs. 0.5%, relative decrease of 1%, χ2 = 0.82, P < 0.397). The quality improvement project intervention significantly increased the percentage of patients assessed for VTE risk in a hospital setting.
Evaluating and improving the usability of a mHealth platform to assess postoperative dental pain
Authors: Ibarra-Noriega Ana M , Yansane Alfa , Mullins Joanna , Simmons Kristen , Skourtes Nicholas , Holmes David , White Joel , Kalenderian Elsbeth , Walji Muhammad F
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The use of interactive mobile health (mHealth) applications to monitor patient-reported postoperative pain outcomes is an emerging area in dentistry that requires further exploration. This study aimed to evaluate and improve the usability of an existing mHealth application.

Materials and methods

The usability of the application was assessed iteratively using a 3-phase approach, including a rapid cognitive walkthrough (Phase I), lab-based usability testing (Phase II), and in situ pilot testing (Phase III). The study team conducted Phase I, while providers and patients participated in Phase II and III.

Results

The rapid cognitive walkthrough identified 23 potential issues that could negatively impact user experience, with the majority classified as system issues. The lab-based usability testing yielded 141 usability issues.; 43% encountered by patients and 57% by dentists. Usability problems encountered during pilot testing included undelivered messages due to mobile phone carrier and service-related issues, errors in patients’ phone number data entry, and problems in provider training.

Discussion

Through collaborative and iterative work with the vendor, usability issues were addressed before launching a trial to assess its efficacy.

Conclusion

The usability of the mHealth application for postoperative dental pain was remarkably improved by the iterative analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration.
G protein-coupled receptor 84 gene expression is regulated by the ER stress response in the liver.
Authors: Kanemoto Soshi
Published: March 2024

G protein-coupled receptor 84 (Gpr84) is reportedly activated by medium-chain fatty acids and is involved in the pathology of liver fibrosis. Inflammatory stimulants, such as lipopolysaccharide and tumor necrosis factor-α, upregulate Gpr84 expression. However, the detailed molecular mechanism by which Gpr84 is induced remains unknown. Inflammatory stimulation also evokes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, but there has been no direct evidence to link Gpr84 expression and the ER stress response. Administration of tunicamycin (Tm) provokes ER stress and acute steatosis in the liver tissue of mice. Here, in situ hybridization analysis revealed that induction of Gpr84 expression occurred in parenchymal cells in the liver tissue following Tm administration. Gene expression analysis using a reporter assay showed that the intron 1 region of Gpr84 was involved in induction of the gene under ER stress conditions. Furthermore, Tm-dependent upregulation of Gpr84 was blocked by the small chemical compound AEBSF, an inhibitor of ER stress transducers, in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the current study marks the discovery that the ER stress agent Tm induces the expression of Gpr84.
Punitive damages under the Chinese Civil Code in the context of damages for trade mark infringement: the award that dares to speak its name
Authors: Ferrante Michele
Published: March 2024

This article discusses the availability of punitive damages in China for trade mark infringement. While the UK has been reluctant to emphasize the ‘punitive’ nature of such damages, China has legitimized punitive damages by codifying them in 2021. The Supreme People’s Court Interpretation on the Application of Punitive Damages in the Trial of Civil Infringement Cases of Intellectual Property Rights (2021) has sought to clarify the requirements that are applicable to punitive damages, in particular with regard to the required ‘intention’ and the ‘serious circumstances’ in which such damages may be awarded. Although punitive damages still appear to be awarded rarely by Chinese courts, their availability and the increasing clarity around the requirements for their award should lead to the progressive strengthening of the trade mark owners’ right in China.
IL-4 within the bone marrow: a key driver of lung tumorigenesis
Authors: Tanaka Yoshimasa
Published: March 2024

Interleukin-4 in bone marrow serves as a driver of lung cancer. Combining interleukin-4 receptor α chain blockade with immune checkpoint inhibitors has the potential for a novel superior cancer immunotherapy targeting the tumor microenvironment.
Optimization of a lipid nanoparticle–based protocol for RNA transfection into primary mononuclear phagocytes
Authors: Zhang Yu , Béland Louis-Charles , Roussel Sabrina , Bertrand Nicolas , Hébert Sébastien S , Vallières Luc
Published: March 2024

The effective delivery of synthetic RNA into mononuclear phagocytes is a prerequisite for experimental research and therapeutic development. However, traditional methods are highly ineffective and toxic for these cells. Here, we aimed to optimize a transfection protocol for primary bone marrow–derived phagocytes, specifically dendritic cells and macrophages, using lipid nanoparticles generated by microfluidics. Our results show that a lipid mixture similar to that used in Moderna's COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccine outperforms the others tested. Improved messenger RNA transfection can be achieved by replacing uridine with methylpseudouridine but not methoxyuridine, which interferes with transfection. The addition of diphenyleneiodonium or apocynin can enhance transfection in a cell type–dependent manner without adverse effects, while apolipoprotein E provides no added value. These optimized transfection conditions can also be used for microRNA agonists and antagonists. In sum, this study offers a straightforward, highly efficient, reproducible, and nontoxic protocol to deliver RNA into different primary mononuclear phagocytes in culture.
Frameshift mutations in peripheral blood as a biomarker for surveillance of Lynch syndrome
Authors: Song Yurong , Loomans-Kropp Holli , Baugher Ryan N , Somerville Brandon , Baxter Shaneen S , Kerr Travis D , Plona Teri M , Mellott Stephanie D , Young Todd B , Lawhorn Heidi E , Wei Lei , Hu Qiang , Liu Song , Hutson Alan , Pinto Ligia , Potter John D , Sei Shizuko , Gelincik Ozkan , Lipkin Steven M , Gebert Johannes , Kloor Matthias , Shoemaker Robert H
Published: March 2024

Background

Lynch syndrome is a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome caused by germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes, which lead to high microsatellite instability and frameshift mutations at coding mononucleotide repeats in the genome. Recurrent frameshift mutations in these regions are thought to play a central role in the increased risk of various cancers, but no biomarkers are currently available for the surveillance of high microsatellite instability-associated cancers.

Methods

A frameshift mutation-based biomarker panel was developed and validated by targeted next-generation sequencing of supernatant DNA from cultured high microsatellite instability colorectal cancer cells. This panel supported selection of 122 frameshift mutation targets as potential biomarkers. This biomarker panel was then tested using matched tumor, adjacent normal tissue, and buffy coat samples (53 samples) and blood-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) (38 samples) obtained from 45 high microsatellite instability and mismatch repair-deficient patients. We also sequenced cfDNA from 84 healthy participants to assess background noise.

Results

Recurrent frameshift mutations at coding mononucleotide repeats were detectable not only in tumors but also in cfDNA from high microsatellite instability and mismatch repair-deficient patients, including a Lynch syndrome carrier, with a varying range of target detection (up to 85.2%), whereas they were virtually undetectable in healthy participants. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed high sensitivity and specificity (area under the curve = 0.94) of the investigated panel.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that frameshift mutations can be detected in cfDNA from high microsatellite instability and mismatch repair-deficient patients and asymptomatic carriers. The 122-target frameshift mutation panel described here has promise as a tool for improved surveillance of high microsatellite instability and mismatch repair-deficient patients, with the potential to reduce the frequency of invasive screening methods for this high-cancer-risk cohort.
Predicting five-year interval second breast cancer risk in women with prior breast cancer
Authors: Hubbard Rebecca A , Su Yu-Ru , Bowles Erin J A , Ichikawa Laura , Kerlikowske Karla , Lowry Kathryn P , Miglioretti Diana L , Tosteson Anna N A , Wernli Karen J , Lee Janie M
Published: March 2024

Background

Annual surveillance mammography is recommended for women with a personal history of breast cancer. Risk prediction models that estimate mammography failures such as interval second breast cancers could help to tailor surveillance imaging regimens to women’s individual risk profiles.

Methods

In a cohort of women with a history of breast cancer receiving surveillance mammography in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium in 1996-2019, we used Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO)-penalized regression to estimate the probability of an interval second cancer (invasive cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ) in the 1 year after a negative surveillance mammogram. Based on predicted risks from this one-year risk model, we generated cumulative risks of an interval second cancer for the five-year period after each mammogram. Model performance was evaluated using cross-validation in the overall cohort and within race and ethnicity strata.

Results

In 173 290 surveillance mammograms, we observed 496 interval cancers. One-year risk models were well-calibrated (expected/observed ratio = 1.00) with good accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.64). Model performance was similar across race and ethnicity groups. The median five-year cumulative risk was 1.20% (interquartile range 0.93%-1.63%). Median five-year risks were highest in women who were under age 40 or pre- or perimenopausal at diagnosis and those with estrogen receptor-negative primary breast cancers.

Conclusions

Our risk model identified women at high risk of interval second breast cancers who may benefit from additional surveillance imaging modalities. Risk models should be evaluated to determine if risk-guided supplemental surveillance imaging improves early detection and decreases surveillance failures.
Characterization and antimicrobial activity of endophytic fungi from medicinal plant Agave americana
Authors: Khadka Ganesh , Shetty Kateel G , Annamalai Thirunavukkarasu , Tse-Dinh Yuk-Ching , Jayachandran Krish
Published: March 2024

Endophytic microorganisms associated with medicinal plants are of particular interest as they are a potential source of new bioactive chemicals effective against novel emerging and drug-resistant pathogens. Agave americana is a tropical medicinal plant with antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties. We studied the biodiversity of fungal endophytes of A. americana and their antimicrobial production potential. Isolated endophytic fungi were classified into 32 morphotypes (15 from stem and 17 from leaf) based on their cultural and morphological characteristics. Among the fungal crude extracts tested, 82% of isolates from the leaves and 80% of the isolates from the stem showed antibacterial activity against the bacterial strains (Escherichia coli ATTC 25902, Staphylococcus aureus ATTC 14775, and Bacillus subtilis NRRL 5109) tested. Extracts from four fungal isolates from leaves showed antifungal activity against at least one of the fungal strains (Candida albicans ATTC 10231 and Aspergillus fumigatus NRRL 5109) tested. Crude extracts of seven fungal isolates showed a zone of inhibition of more than 11 mm at 10 mgml-1 against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria tested. Penicillium, Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes, and Pleurotus are the main endophytes responsible for bioactive potential. These results indicate that A. americana harbors endophytes capable of producing antimicrobial metabolites.
A Dusty Locale: evolution of galactic dust populations from Milky Way to dwarf-mass galaxies
Authors: Choban Caleb R , Kereš Dušan , Sandstrom Karin M , Hopkins Philip F , Hayward Christopher C , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André
Published: March 2024

Observations indicate dust populations vary between galaxies and within them, suggesting a complex life cycle and evolutionary history. Here we investigate the evolution of galactic dust populations across cosmic time using a suite of cosmological zoom-in simulations from the Feedback in Realistic Environments project, spanning $M_{\rm vir}=10^{9-12}{M}_{\odot };\, M_{*}=10^{6-11}\, {M}_{\odot }$. Our simulations incorporate a dust evolution model that accounts for the dominant sources of dust production, growth, and destruction and follows the evolution of specific dust species. All galactic dust populations in our suite exhibit similar evolutionary histories, with gas–dust accretion being the dominant producer of dust mass for all but the most metal-poor galaxies. Similar to previous works, we find the onset of efficient gas–dust accretion occurs above a ‘critical’ metallicity threshold (Zcrit). Due to this threshold, our simulations reproduce observed trends between galactic D/Z and metallicity and element depletion trends in the interstellar medium. However, we find Zcrit varies between dust species due to differences in key element abundances, dust physical properties, and life cycle processes resulting in $Z_{\rm crit}\sim 0.05{\rm Z}_{\odot },\, 0.2{\rm Z}_{\odot },\, 0.5{\rm Z}_{\odot }$ for metallic iron, silicates, and carbonaceous dust, respectively. These variations could explain the lack of small carbonaceous grains observed in the Magellanic Clouds. We also find a delay between the onset of gas–dust accretion and when a dust population reaches equilibrium, which we call the equilibrium time-scale (τequil). The relation between τequil and the metal enrichment time-scale of a galaxy, determined by its recent evolutionary history, can contribute to the scatter in the observed relation between galactic D/Z and metallicity.
Improving Enforcement Measures and Establishing Clear Criteria: A Content Analysis of Tobacco-Brand-Owned Instagram Accounts
Authors: Silver Nathan A , Kucherlapaty Padmini , Bertrand Adrian , Falk Robert N , Rath Jessica Miler
Published: March 2024

Introduction

This study examines limitations of the current regulatory framework for tobacco advertising on Instagram. We first investigate compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning label requirements for posts by tobacco-owned accounts. Next, we examine the prevalence of content that has been restricted in broadcast or print for its youth appeal, followed by content meeting more expansive criteria for youth appeal set forth in the FDA’s guidance document.

Aims and Methods

Posts by tobacco-brand-owned accounts between January 1, 2021, and February 14, 2022, were sampled from Mintel’s Comperemedia Omni database. Instagram posts from 15 accounts were examined for violations of FDA warning label requirements and content that has been restricted on other mediums, including cartoons, sports branding, unauthorized claims, and young models (N = 1243). Finally, a subsample of n = 453 unambiguously branded posts was coded for themes that met the FDA’s criteria of resonating with younger audiences, particularly that “adolescents rely on external information as they seek to shape their own identities.”

Results

Only 12.8% of posts had fully compliant warning labels. Content that has been in some way regulated on other mediums, such as cartoons (1.6%), unauthorized health claims (<1%), sports branding (<1%), and young models (4.4%) were infrequent. However, a conservative analysis focusing only on branded posts found that posts frequently highlighted tech elements (45%), device customizability (24.5%), vaper identity (17.7%), stylized product photography (33.6%), social media engagement (32.2%), and memes (5.7%).

Conclusions

Enforcement of existing regulations on Instagram is minimal. Explicit content restrictions applying evidence-based guidance on youth-appealing advertising are needed.

Implications

This research has important implications for enforcing and expanding advertising regulations on social media. First, Instagram’s self-imposed regulations are ineffective, permitting tobacco companies to post ads from brand-owned accounts despite claiming to restrict tobacco promotion on the platform. Second, policymakers should seek to apply FDA guidance on youth-appealing advertising informed by decades of research to create explicit enforceable content restrictions that extend beyond cartoons, sports figures, and young models to include content likely to situate tobacco use within the developing self-concept of vulnerable youth such as presenting e-cigarettes as hi-tech devices, highlighting vaper identity, or infiltrating online social media culture. Finally, greater resources for enforcement are needed given the only applicable regulation, warning labels, remains largely ignored.
Do Flavor Descriptions Influence Subjective Ratings of Flavored and Unflavored E-liquids Among Nonsmoking and Non-vaping UK Adolescents?
Authors: Dyer Maddy L , Suddell Steph F , Khouja Jasmine N , Havill Michelle A , Blackwell Anna K M , Maynard Olivia M , Munafò Marcus R , Attwood Angela S
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Youth use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is rising globally and is associated with health harms. Flavor descriptions on e-liquid packaging may contribute to the appeal of e-cigarettes among youth. This study compared subjective ratings of e-liquid packaging flavor descriptions among nonsmoking and non-vaping UK adolescents.

Aims and Methods

This was an online observational study in a UK sample of nonsmoking and non-vaping adolescents aged 11–17 years. The primary analyses compared flavored versus unflavored descriptions and the secondary analyses compared sweet flavor versus fruit flavor descriptions. Outcomes were packaging appraisal, packaging receptivity, perceived harm, and perceived audience.

Results

The survey was completed by 120 participants (74% female). Packaging appraisal ratings were higher for e-liquids with flavored descriptions than unflavored descriptions (mean difference 5.9, 95% CI: 4.2 to 7.6, p < .001). Similarly, packaging receptivity ratings were higher for e-liquids with flavored descriptions than unflavored descriptions (mean difference 4.2, 95% CI: 2.8 to 5.6, p < .001). Participants also perceived e-liquids with flavored (vs. unflavored) descriptions as less “grown-up” (mean difference −5.2, 95% CI: −7.3 to −3.1, p < .001). However, ratings of perceived harm were similar for flavored and unflavored descriptions (mean difference −1.0, 95% CI: −2.6 to .5, p = .189).

Conclusions

Although this study found differences in subjective ratings of e-liquids with flavored and unflavored descriptions, nonsmoking and non-vaping UK adolescents generally had low appraisal and receptivity for e-liquids and they perceived them as being “grown-up” and harmful.

Implications

Youth use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is increasing globally, leading to concerns about health harms. This study compared adolescents’ ratings of e-liquids with flavored versus unflavored descriptions and e-liquids with sweet flavor versus fruit flavor descriptions. This study adds to previous studies that have compared adolescents’ ratings of e-liquids with tobacco flavor versus non-tobacco flavor descriptions. Although packaging appraisal and receptivity ratings were higher (more positive) for e-liquids with flavored versus unflavored descriptions, overall, adolescents who do not smoke or vape had low appraisal and receptivity for e-liquids, and they perceived them as being “grown-up” and harmful.
The 30 × 30 initiative: Seeking to improve public safety and transform departments by advancing women in policing
Authors: McGough Maureen Q , Roman Ivonne
Published: March 2024

Women make up only 12% of sworn officers and 3% of police leaders in the United States, and these numbers have remained stagnant for decades. While this is concerning from a gender equity perspective, it is also concerning from a public safety perspective, as a growing body of research demonstrates the unique value of women officers - from fewer uses of excessive force, to improved trust with diverse communities, to better outcomes for victims of crime. The 30x30 Initiative is a national grassroots effort to improve both the representation and experiences of women in policing, with the ultimate goal of improving public safety outcomes across communities. After nearly three years of implementation in over 300 law enforcement agencies, 30x30 has produced a robust body of promising practices, demographic data, and lessons learned about what works and what matters for advancing women in the profession. In the coming years, these efforts will expand through support for the US Department of Justice to analyze agency trends, understand promising practices to advance gender equity in other industries, and develop an evidence-informed implementation guide for all public agencies seeking to address gender equity and improve inclusivity in the workplace.
Gastric dysrhythmias in patients with early systemic sclerosis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Seelmann Daniela , Poblete María Paz , Saavedra Silvana , Madrid Ana María , von Muhlenbrock Christian , Estay Camila , Goecke Annelise
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Gastric involvement in patients with early systemic sclerosis (SSc) has not been previously investigated. We aim to evaluate the association of gastric dysrhythmias with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and nailfold video capillaroscopy (NVC).

Methods

Cross-sectional study. Patients with early SSc, completed the UCLA GIT 2.0 questionnaire, performed an NVC, and a surface Electrogastrography (EGG). Descriptive statistics was used for demographic and clinical characteristics and Fisher and Kendall Tau tests were used for association analysis.

Results

75 patients were screened, 30 patients were consecutively enrolled, 29 performed the EGG and 1 patient had a non-interpretable NVC. 29/30 were female with a mean age of 48.7 years (25–72). The mean disease duration from the first non-RP symptom was 22.6 +/-10.8 months and most of the patients had limited disease (76.6%). Total GIT 2.0 score symptoms were moderate-severe in 63% of the participants and 28/29 had an abnormal EGG. Bradygastria was the most common pattern present in 70% of the participants. NVC patterns: 17% early, 34% active, 28% scleroderma-like, 14% non-specific, and 2 patients had a normal NVC. There was no association between severe GI symptoms or NVC patterns and severely abnormal EGG, but the presence of bradygastria was associated with severe impairment in the social functioning area (p 0.018).

Conclusions

Gastric dysmotility is common in early SSc and there is a lack of correlation between GI symptoms and NVC scleroderma patterns. EGG is a sensitive, cheap, and non-invasive exam, that may be an alternative to early diagnosis of GI involvement.
Predictors and prognosis of pulmonary hypertension complicating interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Morrisroe Kathleen , Hansen Dylan , Stevens Wendy , Ross Laura , Sahhar Joanne , Ngian Gene-Siew , Hill Catherine , Host Lauren , Walker Jennifer , Proudman Susanna , Nikpour Mandana
Published: March 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify those SSc patients with concurrent pulmonary hypertension (PH) (SSc-PH patients) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) and determine their disease severity, therapeutic approach, and survival.

Methods

Consecutive SSc patients enrolled in the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study (ASCS) who were diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (via right-heart catherization) were included in the study. Logistic regression was used to determine the associations of ILD with PH hemodynamic parameters and therapeutic approach. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to estimate survival rates.

Results

Of 1883 SSc patients, 164 (8.7%) developed incident PH over a median follow-up of 4.3 (1.7–7.9) years. Of these, 43.9% had concurrent ILD at PH diagnosis (PH-ILD) and 56.1% had group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Extensive ILD was present at PH diagnosis in 40.3%. Despite these distinct PH cohorts, a similar frequency of each PH cohort was treated with vasodilatory therapy at PH diagnosis, regardless of the presence or severity of ILD. The majority (87.5%) of those patients with extensive ILD and PH received upfront vasodilatory therapy at PH diagnosis, with no difference in its tolerability or therapy cessation being observed compared with the patients with group 1 PAH. Although vasodilator therapy was not associated with a survival advantage in those with extensive ILD, its use was associated with an amelioration of symptoms, and an improvement in physical function, and quality of life (QoL).

Conclusion

Despite vasodilator therapy, survival in SSc-PH was found to be poor, with the presence of concurrent ILD being associated with worse survival. Although vasodilator therapy commenced at PH diagnosis was not shown to be associated with an improved survival in PH with extensive ILD, it appeared to be well tolerated and may improve symptoms, physical function, and QoL.
Are High-Immigrant Neighborhoods Disadvantaged in Seeking Local Government Services? Evidence from Baltimore City, Maryland
Authors: Xie Min , McDowall David , Houlihan Sean
Published: March 2024

To modernize public service delivery, U.S. communities increasingly rely on 311 systems for residents to request government services. Research on 311 systems is relatively new, and there is mixed evidence on whether 311 can help bridge the gap between disadvantaged communities and governments. This study draws from research on immigration, race/ethnicity, and differential engagement to explore the link between immigrant concentration and 311 usage. We use longitudinal data on 311 requests in Baltimore City, Maryland (2014–2019) and spatial panel regression analysis to show that neighborhood racial/ethnic structure and the national policy environment can significantly influence whether immigrant concentration is a barrier for 311 service-seeking. Specifically, we find that immigrant concentration reduces 311 requests in high-immigrant neighborhoods with Latino or Black concentration, but not in high-immigrant neighborhoods with White/Asian concentration. We also find that in Latino high-immigrant neighborhoods, the relationship between immigrant concentration and 311 requests appears mainly after 2017, when the federal government adopted hostile immigration policies. By establishing and contextualizing the relationship between immigrant concentration and 311 usage, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of civic participation and the connection between immigrant communities and government.
Decolonising the Present by Colonising the Past? A Case From the History of Physical Anthropology
Authors: Askheim Clemet , Engebretsen Eivind , Gladhaug Ivar Prydz
Published: March 2024

Inspired by the current transdisciplinary debate about decolonisation, this article raises the fundamental question of how medicine can manage its own history in a way that safeguards the drive for decolonisation, but without eradicating the traces of previous misconceptions. We will do so by reconsidering a case from the complex records of physical anthropology, more specifically, a selected corpus of texts written by the two Norwegian physicians Kristian Emil Schreiner and Alette Schreiner in the early twentieth century, and their relation to race and racism. By teasing out the conceptual nuances and specificities in these texts, we do not attempt to exonerate the Schreiner couple of accusations of racism. Rather, we argue that it is essential to approach the past with caution, avoiding oversimplification when striving to distance ourselves from past thinking
National Beef Quality Audit—2022: Transportation, mobility, live cattle, and hide assessments to determine producer-related defects that affect animal welfare and the value of market cows and bulls at processing facilities
Authors: Borders Sydni E , Schwartz Trent E , Mayer Thachary R , Gehring Kerri B , Griffin Davey B , Kerth Christopher R , Belk Keith E , Edwards-Callaway Lily , Scanga John A , Nair Mahesh N , Morgan J Brad , Douglas Jarrett B , Pfeiffer Morgan M , Mafi Gretchen G , Harr Keayla M , Lawrence Ty E , Tennant Travis C , Lucherk Loni W , O’Quinn Travis G , Beyer Erin S , Bass Phil D , Garcia Lyda G , Bohrer Benjamin M , Pempek Jessica A , Garmyn Andrea J , Maddock Robert J , Carr C Chad , Pringle T Dean , Scheffler Tracy L , Scheffler Jason M , Stelzleni Alexander M , Gonzalez John M , Underwood Keith R , Harsh Bailey N , Waters Crystal M , Savell Jeffrey W
Published: March 2024

The National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA)-2022 serves as a benchmark of the current market cow and bull sectors of the U.S. beef industry and allows comparison to previous audits as a method of monitoring industry progress. From September 2021 through May 2022, livestock trailers (n = 125), live animals (n = 5,430), and post-slaughter hide-on animals (n = 6,674) were surveyed at 20 commercial beef processing facilities across the U.S. Cattle were transported in a variety of trailer types for an average distance of 490.6 km and a mean transport time of 6.3 h. During transit, cattle averaged 2.3 m2 of trailer space per animal indicating sufficient space was provided according to industry guidelines. Of all trailers surveyed, 55.3% transported cattle from an auction barn to a processing facility. When surveyed, 63.6% of all truck drivers reported to be Beef Quality Assurance certified. The majority (77.0%) of cattle were sound when evaluated for mobility. Mean body condition scores (9-point scale) for beef cows and bulls were 3.8 and 4.4, respectively, whereas mean body condition scores (5-point scale) for dairy cows and bulls were 2.3 and 2.6, respectively. Of the cattle surveyed, 45.1% had no visible live animal defects, and 37.9% had only a single defect. Of defects present in cows, 64.6% were attributed to an udder problem. Full udders were observed in 47.5% of all cows. Nearly all cattle were free of visible abscesses and knots (97.9% and 98.2%, respectively). No horns were observed in 89.4% of all cattle surveyed. Beef cattle were predominantly black-hided (68.9% and 67.4% of cows and bulls, respectively). Holstein was the predominant dairy animal observed and accounted for 85.7% of the cows and 98.0% of the bulls. Only 3.1% of all animals had no form of identification. Findings from the NBQA-2022 show improvements within the industry and identify areas that require continued education and research to improve market cow and bull welfare and beef quality.
Fungicide Sensitivity of Phytophthora Isolates from the Washington Red Raspberry Industry
Authors: Weiland Jerry E. , Scagel Carolyn F. , Benedict Chris , DeVetter Lisa Wasko , Beck Bryan R.
Published: March 2024

Phytophthora rubi is an important pathogen causing Phytophthora root rot of red raspberries worldwide. Management of this disease is partially achieved with fungicides, but efficacy has been low, and growers are concerned about fungicide resistance. To determine whether fungicide resistance is developing, Phytophthora species were isolated from 26 raspberry fields with root rot, identified, and evaluated for sensitivity to four fungicides: mefenoxam, phosphorous acid, oxathiapiprolin, and dimethomorph. The majority of the recovered 152 Phytophthora isolates were P. rubi (143 isolates, 25 fields), with P. megasperma (8 isolates, 2 fields) and P. gonapodyides (1isolate, 1field) being found much less frequently. These results confirm P. rubi as the dominant species affecting the Washington red raspberry industry. Almost all tested isolates were sensitive to all four fungicide chemistries, although three isolates were less sensitive to mefenoxam, with effective concentration for 50% growth inhibition (EC50) values ranging from 3.53 to 100 μg active ingredient/ml. No resistance was detected against current fungicide label rates. However, other reasons were identified for why fungicides have been ineffective. Label rates vary widely by brand, and most fungicides are applied in the fall when P. rubi is inactive. In addition, some phosphorous acid products are only labeled for foliar applications, which have been shown to be less effective than soil applications in other agricultural systems. Efficacy trials are needed to compare foliar and soil fungicide applications at different times of the year for their ability to control Phytophthora root rot in red raspberry production fields.
CircFOXO3 mediates hypoxia‐induced autophagy of endometrial stromal cells in endometriosis
Authors: Zhang Ling , Liu Hengwei , Xiong Wenqian , He Haitang , Fu Tian , Long Xuefeng , Li Xiaoou , Liang Jiaxin , Ding Hui , Xu Ying , Liu Yi , Dai Xin
Published: March 2024

Endometriosis is a benign gynecological disease that shares some common features of malignancy. Autophagy plays vital roles in endometriosis and influences endometrial cell metastasis, and hypoxia was identified as the initiator of this pathological process through hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF‐1α). A newly discovered circular RNA FOXO3 (circFOXO3) is critical in cell autophagy, migration, and invasion of various diseases and is reported to be related to hypoxia, although its role in endometriosis remains to be elucidated up to now. In this study, a lower circFOXO3 expression in ectopic endometrium was investigated. Furthermore, we verified that circFOXO3 could regulate autophagy by downregulating the level of p53 protein to mediate the migration and invasion of human endometrial stromal cells (T HESCs). Additionally, the effects of HIF‐1α on circFOXO3 and autophagy were examined in T HESCs. Notably, overexpression of HIF‐1α could induce autophagy and inhibit circFOXO3 expression, whereas overexpressing of circFOXO3 under hypoxia significantly inhibited hypoxia‐induced autophagy. Mechanistically, the direct combination between HIF‐1α and HIF‐1α‐binding site on adenosine deaminase 1 acting on RNA (ADAR1) promoter increased the level of ADAR1 protein, which bind directly with circFOXO3 pre‐mRNA to block the cyclization of circFOXO3. All these results support that hypoxia‐mediated ADAR1 elevation inhibited the expression of circFOXO3, and then autophagy was induced upon loss of circFOXO3 via inhibition of p53 degradation, participating in the development of endometriosis.
Evaluation of probiotic properties of a Brevibacillus laterosporus strain
Authors: Cao Yuheng , Wang Zhenhua , Dai Xixi , Zhang Dongmei , Zeng Yan , Ni Xueqin , Pan Kangcheng
Published: March 2024

Brevibacillus laterosporus is a strain of probiotic bacteria that has been widely used in pest control, cash crop, and other production areas. However, few studies have been conducted on its use as a feed additive in animals. Therefore, the probiotic potential of B. laterosporus PBC01 was evaluated by characterizing hydrophobicity, auto‐aggregation activity, bile salt and simulated gastrointestinal fluid tolerance, bienzymatic, and antibacterial activity. Antibiotic susceptibility, hemolysis assays, and supplemental feeding of mice were also performed to evaluate safety features. Our results showed that B. laterosporus PBC01 had moderate hydrophobicity, high auto‐agglutination ability. Meanwhile, B. laterosporus PBC01 had good tolerance to bile salt and simulated gastrointestinal fluid. It had the ability to secrete protease, cellulase, and to inhibit various pathogens. In addition, B. laterosporus PBC01 was sensitive to many antibiotics, and did not produce hemolysin. In the safety assessment of mice, it did not cause any deaths, nor did it affect the cell components of blood, antioxidant capacity, and reproductive health. The study indicated the great probiotic characteristics and safety of B. laterosporus PBC01. This may provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application and development of probiotic‐based feed additives.