bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of a German version of the dementia screening questionnaire for individuals with intellectual disabilities (DSQIID‐G) in Down's syndrome
Authors: Nuebling G. , Wagemann O. , Deb S. , Wlasich E. , Loosli S. V. , Sandkühler K. , Stockbauer A. , Prix C. , Levin J.
Published: May 2024

Background

People with Down's syndrome (DS) are at high risk of developing Alzheimer dementia (DS‐AD) due to a triplication of the amyloid precursor protein gene. While several tools to diagnose and screen for DS‐AD, such as the dementia screening questionnaire for individuals with intellectual disabilities (DSQIID), are available in English, validated German versions of such instruments are scarce.

Methods

A German version of the DSQIID questionnaire (DSQIID‐G) was completed by caregivers before attending our specialist outpatient department for DS‐AD. All participants were assessed blind to DSQIID‐G scoring using clinical and neuropsychological examinations, including the Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders of Older People with Down's Syndrome and Others with Intellectual Disabilities (CAMDEX‐DS). ICD‐10 and amyloid/tau/neurodegeneration (A/T/N) criteria were applied to detect and categorise cognitive decline.

Results

Of 86 participants, 43 (50%) showed evidence of cognitive decline. A definite diagnosis of DS‐AD was reached in 17 (19.8%) and mild cognitive impairment in seven (8.3%) participants. Secondary causes of cognitive decline were determined among 13 (15.1%) participants, and in six (7%) cases, the diagnosis remained unclassifiable due to co‐morbidities. Compared with cognitively stable individuals, participants with cognitive decline (n = 43) displayed higher DSQIID‐G total scores [median (range): 3 (0–21) vs. 19 (0–48), P < 0.001]. A total score of >7 provided a sensitivity of 0.94 against a specificity of 0.76, to discriminate DS‐AD and participants without cognitive decline according to ROC analysis. The convergent validity against the CAMDEX‐DS interview score was good (r = 0.74), and split‐half reliability (r = 0.96), internal consistency (Cronbach's α r = 0.96), test–retest reliability (r = 0.88) (n = 25) and interrater reliability (r = 0.81) (n = 31) were excellent.

Conclusions

The DSQIID‐G showed excellent psychometric properties, including concurrent and internal validity and reliability. The cut‐off value for screening was lower than in the original English validation study. For a screening instrument like DSQIID‐G, a lower cut‐off is preferable to increase case detection.
Clinical management of typical and atypical carcinoids/neuroendocrine tumors in ENETS centres of excellence (CoE): Survey from the ENETS lung NET task force
Authors: Koumarianou Anna , Filosso Pier Luigi , Bodei Lisa , Castano Justo P. , Fernandez‐Cuesta Lynnette , Deroose Christophe M. , Foll Matthieu , Dromain Clarisse , Reed Nicholas Simon , Caplin Martyn , Capdevila Jaume , Falkerby Jenny , Faggiano Antongiulio , Frilling Andrea , Grande Enrique , Hicks Rodney J. , Kasajima Atsuko , Kos‐Kudla Beata , Krishna B. A. , Lim Eric , Rinke Anja , Singh Simron , Thirlwell Chrissie , Volante Marco , Walter Thomas
Published: May 2024

Lung carcinoid tumours are neuroendocrine neoplasms originating from the bronchopulmonary tract's neuroendocrine cells, accounting for only 1%–3% of all lung cancers but 30% of all neuroendocrine tumours. The incidence of lung carcinoids, both typical and atypical, has been increasing over the years due to improved diagnostic methods and increased awareness among clinicians and pathologists. The most recent WHO classification includes a subgroup of lung carcinoids with atypical morphology and higher mitotic count and/or Ki67 labelling index. Despite appropriate surgery, the 5‐year survival rate for atypical carcinoids barely exceeds 50%–70%. The role of adjuvant therapy in lung carcinoids is not well‐defined, and clinical decisions are generally based on the presence of high‐risk features. Long‐term follow‐up is essential to monitor for recurrence, although the optimal follow‐up protocol remains unclear. To address the lack of consensus in clinical management decisions, the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) initiated a survey among 20 expert centres. The survey identified varied opinions on approaches to imaging, surgery, use of adjuvant therapy, and follow‐up protocols. Notably, the absence of dedicated multidisciplinary lung neuroendocrine tumour boards in some centres was evident. Experts agreed on the need for a prospective adjuvant trial in high‐risk patients, emphasizing the feasibility of such a study. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for a more uniform adoption of existing guidelines in the management of lung carcinoid tumours and emphasizes the importance of international collaboration to advance research and patient care. Close collaboration between healthcare providers and patients is vital for effective long‐term surveillance and management of these rare tumours.
Evaluation of the protective effect of coenzyme Q10 against x‐ray irradiation‐induced ovarian injury
Authors: Tekin Yesim Bayoglu , Tumkaya Levent , Mercantepe Tolga , Topal Zehra Suzan , Samanci Tuğba Celik , Yilmaz Hulya Kilic , Rakici Sema , Topcu Atilla
Published: May 2024

Aim

This study focused on the anti‐oxidant and anti‐apoptotic effects of CoQ10 in ovaries exposed to pelvic radiation.

Methods

Thirty‐two female rats were randomly assigned into four groups. Group I (control group), Group II: Only 2 Gy pelvic x‐ray irradiation (IR) was administered as a single fractioned dose. Group III: 30 mg/kg CoQ10 was administered by oral gavage +2 Gy pelvic IR. Group IV: 150 mg/kg CoQ10 was administered by oral gavage +2 Gy pelvic IR. CoQ10 treatment was started 7 days before pelvic IR and completed 7 days later. The rats in Group III and IV were treated with CoQ10 for a total of 14 days.

Results

Histopathological analysis showed severe damage to the ovarian tissue in the radiation group, while both doses of CoQ10 showed normal histological structure. Likewise, while there was a high level of staining in the IR group for necrosis and apoptosis, the CoQ10 treated ones were like the control group. Tissue Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were like the control group in the low‐dose CoQ10 group, while the MDA levels of the high dose CoQ10 group were similar to the radiation group.

Conclusion

Usage of low‐dose CoQ10 has a radioprotective effect on radiation‐induced ovarian damage. Although the use of high doses is morphologically radioprotective, no antioxidative effect was observed in the biochemical evaluation.
Strategy Can No Longer Ignore Planetary Boundaries: A Call for Tackling Strategy's Ecological Fallacy
Authors: Bansal Pratima (Tima) , Durand Rodolphe , Kreutzer Markus , Kunisch Sven , McGahan Anita M.
Published: May 2024

The field of Strategy has its origins in Business Policy, which emphasized how firms could pursue important social aims that individuals and governments could not pursue otherwise. This emphasis shifted in the 1970s as the field turned towards economics for insights. Strategy scholars began to address how market‐ and industry‐level considerations, such as performance, price, and competition, were pursued by firms. By applying macro‐level principles and assumptions analogically to a more micro‐level of analysis, strategy scholars inadvertently committed what statisticians call an ecological fallacy. Educators and scholars in the field of Strategy started to accept the constructive consequences of growth, not only for the economy, but for every firm, without considering the implications for society and the natural environment. In so doing, Strategy scholarship inadvertently undermined its very ambition to advance social aims. Our Point advocates for reconsideration of the field's foundations so as to remediate the ecological fallacy and to address the climate and biodiversity crises. The goal is to offer a brighter and more relevant future for our discipline.
Deep learning for temporomandibular joint arthropathies: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rokhshad Rata , Mohammad‐Rahimi Hossein , Sohrabniya Fatemeh , Jafari Bahare , Shobeiri Parnian , Tsolakis Ioannis A. , Ourang Seyed AmirHossein , Sultan Ahmed S. , Khawaja Shehryar Nasir , Bavarian Roxanne , Palomo Juan Martin
Published: May 2024

Background and Objective

The accurate diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders continues to be a challenge, despite the existence of internationally agreed‐upon diagnostic criteria. The purpose of this study is to review applications of deep learning models in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint arthropathies.

Materials and Methods

An electronic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, IEEE, arXiv, and medRxiv up to June 2023. Studies that reported the efficacy (outcome) of prediction, object detection or classification of TMJ arthropathies by deep learning models (intervention) of human joint‐based or arthrogenous TMDs (population) in comparison to reference standard (comparison) were included. To evaluate the risk of bias, included studies were critically analysed using the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS‐2). Diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) were calculated. Forrest plot and funnel plot were created using STATA 17 and MetaDiSc.

Results

Full text review was performed on 46 out of the 1056 identified studies and 21 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. Four studies were graded as having a low risk of bias for all domains of QUADAS‐2. The accuracy of all included studies ranged from 74% to 100%. Sensitivity ranged from 54% to 100%, specificity: 85%–100%, Dice coefficient: 85%–98%, and AUC: 77%–99%. The datasets were then pooled based on the sensitivity, specificity, and dataset size of seven studies that qualified for meta‐analysis. The pooled sensitivity was 95% (85%–99%), specificity: 92% (86%–96%), and AUC: 97% (96%–98%). DORs were 232 (74–729). According to Deek's funnel plot and statistical evaluation (p =.49), publication bias was not present.

Conclusion

Deep learning models can detect TMJ arthropathies high sensitivity and specificity. Clinicians, and especially those not specialized in orofacial pain, may benefit from this methodology for assessing TMD as it facilitates a rigorous and evidence‐based framework, objective measurements, and advanced analysis techniques, ultimately enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Nutrition and chronic musculoskeletal pain: A narrative review and directions for temporomandibular disorder research and management
Authors: Mesquita Maria Laura Marreiro , Magalhães Aghata Kelma Palacio Gomes , Nascimento Matheus Vieira , Pascoal Samuel Chillavert Dias , Pontes Karina Matthes de Freitas , Bonjardim Leonardo Rigoldi , Conti Paulo César Rodrigues , Pinto Fiamengui Lívia Maria Sales
Published: May 2024

Background

Recent evidence suggests neuro‐immune mechanisms may link dietary patterns to chronic painful conditions (CPC). In the research field of oro‐facial pain (OFP), studies focuses primarily on dietary mechanical limitations due to pain and dysfunction.

Objective

This narrative review aimed to overview the role of nutrition on CPC, with emphasis on temporomandibular disorder (TMD), enlightening OFP researcher on dietary assessment possibilities and providing directions for studies in the field of OFP and nutrition.

Methods

A PubMed database search was performed using the MeSH and non‐MeSH descriptors: “temporomandibular joint disorder”; “orofacial pain”; “musculoskeletal pain”; “chronic pain disorders”; “nutrition”; “diet”; “dietary therapy”; “dietary intake” and “inflammation”. No time restrictions were applied. Literature reviews, systematic reviews, meta‐analyses and clinical and pre‐clinical trials were included.

Results

Exogenous oxidants from unhealthy dietary patterns may contribute to peripheral and central pro‐inflammatory immune signalling leading to peripheral and central sensitization. Furthermore, diets rich in bioactive compounds are suggested to contribute to pain management of CPC. High dietary intake of ultra‐processed foods impacts the quality of the diet and shows adverse health outcomes. In this context, the role of nutrition on TMD remains overlooked.

Conclusion

Considering diet may influence CPC, allied with the scarcity of studies evaluating the role of nutrition on TMD, well‐designed clinical trials based on dietary assessments and measurements capable of evaluating food quality, UPF consumption and nutrient adequacy—added to serum nutrient levels evaluation—are suggested.
The influence of context on the conceptualization, measurement, and application of the concept of quality of life
Authors: Lombardi Marco , Claes Claudia , Bradley Valerie J. , Schalock Robert L.
Published: May 2024

The influence of context on the conceptualization, measurement, and application of the quality of life concept was acknowledged in the principles contained within the originalQuality of Life Consensus Documentpublished in 2002 and validated in 2004. Since that time, there has been a substantial increase in our understanding of both the QOL construct and the multidimensional properties of context. The purpose of this article is to report on a multi‐step process conducted in 2019 by a group of international quality of life experts to review, critique, and update where necessary the QOL principles that were originally developed in 2002. Updated principles for conceptualization, measurement, and application are provided. An understanding of the role of context on the QOL concept allows for measurement guidelines to accompany the measurement principles, an understanding of the application conditions associated with a person‐ or family‐centered approach to QOL, and implementing guidelines regarding both the development of QOL‐related policies and practices and their monitoring and evaluation.
Smokeless tobacco and periodontitis: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Quadri Mir Faeq Ali , Kamel Ahmed M. , Nayeem Maryam , John Tenny , Thacheril Anugeetha , Tartaglia Gianluca , Tadakamadla Santosh
Published: May 2024

Aim

The present systematic review with meta‐analysis aimed to investigate the global association between smokeless tobacco (SLT) use and periodontitis, considering significant effect size variation based on the income levels of countries.

Methods

We searched seven databases to identify studies that assessed the prevalence of periodontitis in adult SLT users compared to non‐users. The quality of studies was evaluated using the 10‐item risk‐of‐bias tool, and publication bias was addressed through the trim‐and‐fill method. Sensitivity analysis utilized the leave‐one‐out approach. Meta‐analysis and meta‐regression, stratified by country income, SLT type, and smoking status, employed robust variance estimation.

Results

From an initial pool of 484 studies, 29 studies met the selection criteria and were subjected to qualitative synthesis. Subsequently, data from 19 studies were included in the meta‐analysis. SLT users exhibited a nearly threefold greater likelihood of periodontitis compared to non‐users (OR = 2.99; 95% CI: 2.10, 4.27; p < .01). The pooled estimate did not vary significantly based on the type of SLT used or concurrent smoking. However, the odds of periodontitis varied according to the economic level of the country; the pooled estimate was higher in high‐income countries (OR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.20, 2.37; p < .01) and even higher in lower‐middle‐income and lower‐income countries (OR = 3.91; 95% CI: 2.66, 5.77; p < .01).

Conclusions

Smokeless tobacco users have a higher likelihood of developing periodontitis. This study underscores global disparities in the SLT–periodontitis relationship, highlighting the need for targeted interventions, particularly in economically challenged areas where SLT use is largely unregulated.
Fractional stochastic volatility model
Authors: Shi Shuping , Liu Xiaobin , Yu Jun
Published: May 2024

This article introduces a discrete‐time fractional stochastic volatility model (FSV) based on fractional Gaussian noise. The new model includes the standard stochastic volatility model as a special case and has the same limit as the fractional integrated stochastic volatility (FISV) model, which is the continuous‐time fractional Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. A simulated maximum likelihood method, which maximizes the time‐domain log‐likelihood function calculated by the importance sampling technique, and a frequency‐domain quasi maximum likelihood method (or quasi Whittle) are employed to estimate the model parameters. Simulation studies suggest that, while both estimation methods can accurately estimate the model, the simulated maximum likelihood method outperforms the quasi Whittle method. As an illustration, we fit the FSV and FISV models with the proposed estimation techniques to the S&P 500 composite index over a sample period spanning 45 years.
High prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among incarcerated persons: Results from the Louisiana Hepatitis C Elimination Plan's opt‐out testing program in prisons
Authors: Irvin Risha , Landry Gia , Jones Miranda R. , James Anthony , Schexnayder Jean , Rodriguez Stacye , Wendell Deborah , Barthe Kathryn , Britton Elizabeth , LeSar Kendra , Manogue Sean , Sugarman Olivia K. , Brown Cynthia , Burgess Samuel , Mehta Shruti H. , Thomas David L. , Robinson William ,   the Louisiana Hepatitis C Elimination Plan Team
Published: May 2024

In the United States, modelling studies suggest a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in incarcerated populations. However, limited HCV testing has been conducted in prisons. Through the Louisiana Hepatitis C Elimination Plan, persons incarcerated in the eight state prisons were offered HCV testing from 20 September 2019 to 14 July 2022, and facility entry/exit HCV testing was introduced. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations with HCV antibody (anti‐HCV) positivity and viremia. Of 17,231 persons in the eight state prisons screened for anti‐HCV, 95.1% were male, 66.7% were 30–57 years old, 3% were living with HIV, 68.2% were Black and 2904 (16.9%) were anti‐HCV positive. HCV RNA was detected in 69.3% of anti‐HCV positive individuals tested. In the multivariable model, anti‐HCV positivity was associated with older age including those 30–57 (odds ratio [OR] 3.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.96–4.20) and those ≥58 (OR 10.43, 95% CI 8.66–12.55) as compared to those ≤29 years of age, living with HIV (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.36–2.07), hepatitis B (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.25–2.69) and syphilis (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.23–1.86). HCV viremia was associated with male sex (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.36–2.63) and Black race (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.20–1.68). HCV prevalence was high in the state prisons in Louisiana compared to community estimates. To the extent that Louisiana is representative, to eliminate HCV in the United States, it will be important for incarcerated persons to have access to HCV testing and treatment.
Effects of neighbor shrub propagules and soils from shrubby patches on perennial grass germination in arid rangelands of the Patagonia Monte, Argentina
Authors: Muñoz Giovana Magali , Carrera Analía Lorena , Bertiller Mónica Beatriz , Saraví Cisneros Hebe
Published: May 2024

Question

Do shrubs negatively affect the germination of perennial grass species in regeneration microsites? We experimentally analyzed the effect of soils from plant patches dominated by two shrub species (Larrea divaricata and Schinus johnstonii) and their propagules on the germination of three co‐dominant herbivore‐preferred perennial grass species (Poa ligularis, Nassella tenuis and Pappostipa speciosa).

Location

Patagonian Monte, Chubut Province, Argentina (42°07′ S, 64°59′ W; 43°06′ S, 65°43′ W; 42°29′ S, 66°34′ W).

Methods

We conducted two simultaneous microcosm experiments. In the first experiment, we sowed perennial grass propagules of the three species alone and combined with non‐scarified shrub propagules in Petri dishes with three substrate types (filter paper, inert soil and soil from shrub patches). In the second experiment, we sowed perennial grass propagules of each species combined with scarified and non‐scarified propagules of both shrub species in Petri dishes with soil taken from plant patches dominated by L. divaricata and by S. johnstonii. Both experiments lasted 3 months. We calculated the germination proportion and mean germination time (MGT) of propagules for each perennial grass species in each treatment.

Results

Propagules from neighboring shrubs had a clearer negative effect on grass germination compared with shrub soils. Shrub propagules negatively affected the germination proportion of P. ligularis and N. tenuis, and induced longer MGT in the three perennial grass species. The combination of S. johnstonii soil and propagules negatively affected P. ligularis and P. speciosa germination. The combination of L. divaricata soil and scarified propagules completely inhibited P. speciosa germination.

Conclusions

Our results highlighted the complexity of interactions between shrubs with high phenolic contents (soils and propagules) and the germination of perennial grass species in arid environments. Schinus johnstonii soil and propagules had stronger effects on perennial grass germination than L. divaricata soil and propagules. The negative effects of shrubs on microsite quality and germination processes depended on the specific shrub/grass interaction.
French guidelines on TIPS: Indications and modalities
Authors: Larrue Hélène , Allaire Manon , Weil‐Verhoeven Delphine , Barge Sandrine , Thabut Dominique , Payance Audrey , Moga Lucile , Jézéquel Caroline , Artru Florent , Archambeaud Isabelle , Elkrief Laure , Oberti Frédéric , Roux Charles , Laleman Wim , Rudler Marika , Dharancy Sébastien , Laborde Nolwenn , Minello Anne , Mouillot Thomas , Desjonquères Elvire , Wandji Line Caroll Ntandja , Bourlière Marc , Ganne‐Carrié Nathalie , Bureau Christophe ,   for the Groupe collaboratif AFEF
Published: May 2024

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has become essential in the treatment or prevention of portal hypertension‐related complications. In the early 1990s, the primary indication was refractory bleeding. It is now proposed for the treatment of ascites for the prevention of bleeding and in patients with vascular diseases of the liver. Thus, there are a growing number of patients being treated with TIPS all over the world. The broadening of indications, the involvement of multiple stakeholders, the need for an accurate selection, the positioning in relation to transplantation and the lack of standardization in pre‐therapeutic assessment, in the procedure itself and in the follow‐up have led the board of the French Association for the Study of the Liver to establish recommendations.
Childcare, work from home and the evolution of mental health in times of COVID‐19: Evidence from the Netherlands
Authors: Siflinger Bettina , Paffenholz Michaela , Seitz Sebastian , Mendel Moritz , von Gaudecker Hans‐Martin
Published: May 2024

We study the co‐evolution of mental health with the most prominent risk factors associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic for the Dutch working population. We exploit data from the Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences panel from before the pandemic and five questionnaires in its first year. We find mental health decreased sharply with the onset of the first lockdown but recovered quickly, reaching levels comparable to those a year earlier. Labor market uncertainty, perceived infection risk, and loneliness are all associated with worsening mental health. Moreover, parents of children younger than 12 experience a significant drop in mental health.
From molecules to morphology: How food supply influences the larvae of sea urchins across all levels of biological organization
Authors: Somero George N.
Published: May 2024

An important goal of many studies in molecular ecology is to utilize molecular tools to elucidate how critical traits like metabolism and growth are affected by environmental stressors and how organisms offset these stresses by adaptive molecular‐level responses. Stress from food deprivation may be critical for early developmental stages that require a continued supply of substrates for energy metabolism and growth if development is to be completed. In a ‘From the Cover’ article in this issue of Molecular Ecology, Li et al. (2023) examined the effects of withholding food (unicellular algae) on 10 traits of larvae of the purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus), ranging from the molecular level (gene expression) to morphology. Overall, this study sheds new light on the plasticity of larval development and the tight linkages that exist among traits as they respond to changes in food availability. Importantly, shifts in the sources of food utilized under different dietary treatments show the plasticity of these larvae to alter reliance on endogenous energy stores and dissolved organic matter (DOM) as algae deprivation continues. The effects of global change on the amounts and phenology of productivity in the seas make this type of integrated, multi‐level analysis an important tool for predicting the future states of marine ecosystems.
Is the supermultiplier stable?
Authors: Thompson Stephen
Published: May 2024

Supermultiplier models, which show how autonomous demand can drive both business cycles and long‐run GDP growth, are based on a stability assumption. In this paper I look at recent efforts to justify this assumption, and argue that they are not convincing. The supermultiplier literature generally assumes that business investment reacts very slowly to changes in the state of the economy, but faster adjustment speeds are consistent with US data and can generate instability.
Obsessive‐compulsive disorder as an initial manifestation of anti‐glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody‐associated encephalitis
Authors: Yamahara Naoki , Yoshikura Nobuaki , Kimura Akio , Sakai Mayu , Yabe Daisuke , Shimohata Takayoshi
Published: May 2024

We present the case of a 44‐year‐old woman with type 1 diabetes and anti‐glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GAD‐Ab) (6100 U/mL in serum), manifesting as a one‐month history of compulsive writing in her self‐monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) diary and a one‐week history of seizures before admission. On admission, she was diagnosed with GAD‐Ab‐associated encephalitis (GAD‐AE), and compulsive writing consistent with obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) caused by a repetitive and persistent urge to neutralize anxiety manifesting as clearly excessive writing. Immunotherapy, including corticosteroids, azathioprine, and intravenous immunoglobulin, improved her compulsive writing, and seizures disappeared following lacosamide treatment. Two months after discharge, compulsive writing reappeared and the patient was successfully treated with temporary immunotherapy intensification. After a stable period of 2 years, the patient died due to hypoglycemic encephalopathy. Overall, we showed that GAD‐AE may cause OCD.
Exploring the association between the female gender, education expenditure, renewable energy consumption and CO2 emissions: Empirical evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Somoye Oluwatoyin Abidemi , Akinwande Toluwalope Seyi
Published: May 2024

The significance of women's contribution to attaining the Sustainable Development Goal of net zero emissions cannot be underestimated. Therefore, employing the ecofeminism theory, this research explores the effect of female gender, education expenditure and renewable energy consumption on carbon dioxide emissions in Nigeria between 1990 and 2019. The utilised methodologies include autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS), dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS) and canonical cointegrating regression (CCR). The cointegration tests showed evidence of long‐run association. The ARDL result revealed that female gender, education expenditure, and renewable energy consumption have a negative relationship with carbon dioxide emissions in the long run. This indicates that a rise in these variables is beneficial to the environment. In the short run, female gender and renewable energy consumption have a negative link with carbon dioxide emissions. For robustness check, the results obtained from the FMOLS, DOLS and CCR methods validate the ARDL findings. Furthermore, the frequency domain causality test established that the female gender has a one‐way causal influence on carbon dioxide emissions in the long, medium, and short term. Based on these outcomes, policy recommendations are further discussed.
Factors Influencing Willingness to Participate in Clinical Studies in Pediatric Anesthesia (FILIPPA): A vignette‐based, structured interview study
Authors: Miller Clemens , Scholand Jan , Wieditz Johannes , Pancaro Carlo , Rosewich Hendrik , Nemeth Marcus
Published: May 2024

Background

Informed consent is a relevant backdrop for conducting clinical trials, particularly those involving children. While several factors are known to influence the willingness to consent to pediatric anesthesia studies, the influence of study design on consenting behavior is unknown.

Aims

To quantify the impact of study complexity on willingness to consent to pediatric anesthesia studies.

Methods

We conducted a vignette‐based interview study by presenting three hypothetical studies to 106 parents or legal guardians whose children were scheduled to undergo anesthesia. These studies differed in level of complexity and included an example of a prospective observational study, a randomized controlled trial, and a phase‐II‐pharmacological study. Primary outcome was the willingness to consent, using a 5‐point Likert scale ranging from “absolutely consent” to “absolutely decline”. Secondary outcomes were the effects of child‐related (such as sex, age, previous anesthesia, research exposure) and proxy‐related factors.

Results

Response probabilities for “absolute consent” were 90.9% [95% CI 85.3–96.5] for the observational study, 48.6% [95% CI 38.3–58.9] for the randomized controlled trial, and 32.7% [95% CI 23.9–41.6] for the phase‐II‐pharmacological study. Response probabilities for “absolutely decline” were 1.6% [95% CI 0.3–2.8], 14.4% [95% CI 8.3–20.5], and 24.7% [95% CI 16.6–32.7], respectively. Significant effects were found for previous research exposure (OR = 0.486 [95% CI 0.256–0.923], p = .027), older age (OR = 0.963 [95% CI 0.927–0.999], p = .045) and the gender of the parent or legal guardian, as mothers were less willing to consent (OR = 0.234 [95% CI 0.107–0.512], p < .001).

Conclusions

Willingness to consent decreased with increasing level of study complexity. When conducting more complex studies, greater efforts need to be made to increase the enrollment of pediatric patients.
Bacterial biofilm formation in seafood: Mechanisms and inhibition through novel non‐thermal techniques
Authors: Gautam Sagar , Subedi Nirmala , Dhakal Kabita , Koirala Pankaj , Acharya Dev Raj , Malav Om Prakash , Al‐Asmari Fahad , Benjakul Soottawat , Nirmal Nilesh
Published: May 2024

Seafoods are susceptible to microbial contamination due to their high moisture, nutrient contents and neutral pH. Among various microorganisms, biofilm‐forming bacteria pose a severe threat to the seafood supply chain as well as consumer health. Bacterial biofilm formation in seafood is primarily caused by Aeromonas hydrophila, Vibrio cholerae, V. vulnificus, V. parahaemolyticus, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes. Biofilm formation is an important protective mechanism of microorganisms causing spoilage of seafood and disease threats to consumers. The attachment of microbes on the surface of seafood followed by the growth and proliferation of bacterial cells leads to the production of exopolymer compounds and the formation of biofilm. This biofilm is difficult to destroy or inhibit through conventional prevention/destruction techniques. The occurrence of bacterial strains/biofilms with more resistance to different preventive strategies is a big challenge for the seafood processing industry. This review covers the mechanisms of biofilm formation by bacteria and various non‐thermal processing approaches to prevent microbial contamination and biofilm formation in seafood products. The aforementioned non‐thermal processing techniques for the destruction of biofilm and quality control of seafood products include cold plasma treatment, irradiation, pulsed electric field technology, hydrostatic pressure processing, photosensitisation, natural bioactive compounds and so on. All these techniques effectively inhibit the bacterial biofilm and microbial growth without altering sensorial properties. However, further research validation and applications at the industry level are still required.
Cholecystokinin‐mediated effect of insulin pathway on the steroidogenic activity of follicular granulosa cells in Camelus bactrianus: In vitro study
Authors: Guo Lusha , Zhang Yong
Published: May 2024

The current study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism by which the cholecystokinin (CCK)‐mediated CCKAR and CCKBR, as well as the molecular mechanisms of CCK‐mediated insulin signalling pathway, regulate oestrogen in the granulosa cells. Also, the expression of CCK in ovaries, uterus, hypothalamus and pituitary gland was investigated in Camelus bactrianus. Ovaries, uterus, hypothalamus and pituitary gland were collected from six, three before ovulation (control) and three after ovulation, slaughtered Camelus bactrianus. Ovulation was induced by IM injection of seminal plasma before slaughtering in the ovulated group. The results showed that there were differences in the transcription and protein levels of CCK in various tissues before and after ovulation (p < .05, p < .01). After transfection with p‐IRES2‐EGFP‐CCK, the mRNA and protein levels of CCK, CCKAR, CCKBR and ER in follicular granulosa cells were significantly upregulated (p < .05, p < .01), and the content of E2 was significantly upregulated (p < .01); On the contrary, after transfection with si‐CCK, the mRNA and protein levels of CCK, CCKAR, CCKBR and ER in follicular granulosa cells were significantly downregulated (p < .05, p < .01), and the content of E2 was significantly downregulated (p < .01). Regulating CCK can affect the mRNA levels of INS, INSR, IGF and IGF‐R. In summary, regulating the expression level of CCK can activate insulin‐related signalling pathways by CCKR, thereby regulating the steroidogenic activity of granulosa cells.
Chlorogenic acid improves the development of porcine parthenogenetic embryos by regulating oxidative stress and ameliorating mitochondrial function
Authors: Qu He‐Xuan , Wang Yan‐Qiu , Dong Yan‐Wei , Qi Jia‐Jia , Wei Hua‐Kai , Zhang Yan , Sun Hao , Sun Bo‐Xing , Liang Shuang
Published: May 2024

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is an effective phenolic antioxidant that can scavenge hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions. Herein, the protective effects and mechanisms leading to CGA‐induced porcine parthenogenetic activation (PA) in early‐stage embryos were investigated. Our results showed that 50 μM CGA treatment during the in vitro culture (IVC) period significantly increased the cleavage and blastocyst formation rates and improved the blastocyst quality of porcine early‐stage embryos derived from PAs. Then, genes related to zygotic genome activation (ZGA) were identified and investigated, revealing that CGA can promote ZGA in porcine PA early‐stage embryos. Further analysis revealed that CGA treatment during the IVC period decreased the abundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased the abundance of glutathione and enhanced the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase in porcine PA early‐stage embryos. Mitochondrial function analysis revealed that CGA increased mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels and upregulated the mitochondrial homeostasis‐related gene NRF‐1 in porcine PA early‐stage embryos. In summary, our results suggest that CGA treatment during the IVC period helps porcine PA early‐stage embryos by regulating oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function.
The diverse effects of non‐tariff measures on free trade agreements: Global empirical evidence from binary response models
Authors: Li Xiao‐Ming
Published: May 2024

We examine how non‐tariff measures (NTMs) affect the formation of free trade agreements (FTAs), using data from 114 countries over the period 1986–2019 and applying binary response models. Splitting NTMs into eight categories, some tend to be restrictive, some promotive and some neutral, in terms of their effects on FTA formation. Technical measures tend to encourage, while non‐technical measures tend to discourage, country‐pairs to join FTAs. Aggregating all NTMs into one variable would give rise to weak conclusions. Our results for the 12 control variables are largely in line with those of previous studies on international trade flows or on FTAs but without considering NTMs.
Ethnic‐racial socialization in Chinese American immigrant families: Associations with middle childhood ethnic identity
Authors: Wong Sylvia H. M. , Zhang Emily , Liu Cindy H. , Chen Stephen
Published: May 2024

Compared to studies of ethnic identity development in adolescence, fewer investigations have examined the development of ethnic identity during middle childhood, a developmental period of dynamic social and cognitive changes that have direct implications for social identity and group membership. Moreover, research on the developmental processes of Asian American youth has also primarily utilized cross‐group comparisons, while neglecting consideration of variations in acculturation, socioeconomic status, and other sociodemographic characteristics within Asian American ethnic groups. Using a socioeconomically‐ and acculturatively‐diverse sample of Chinese immigrant families in the United States (N = 169; 49.1% girls; M = 9.16 years; SD = 1.05), the present study examined how parents’ ERS practices varied by parents’ socioeconomic status, education, and cultural orientations, then tested associations between parents’ ERS and children's self‐reported ethnic centrality and ethnic regard. More highly‐educated Chinese American immigrant parents reported more frequent cultural socialization and more acculturated parents reported more preparation of their children for racial and ethnic bias. Consistent with hypotheses, parents’ cultural socialization was positively associated with children's self‐reported ethnic centrality and positive regard. Results highlight the roles of social status and acculturation in Chinese immigrant parents’ ERS, and point to middle childhood as a key developmental window for ethnic identity socialization and development in immigrant families.
The history behind the Bolzano‐Gesamtbibliographie 1804–1999 and the guidelines for its use
Authors: Fuentes Guillén Elías
Published: May 2024

The dissemination and reception of Bernard Bolzano's ideas were not only mediated by his personal circumstances and context but also by the vicissitudes of his work. This paper traces the fate of his works from his death in 1848 to the publication of the first volume of his Gesamtausgabe in 1969, and it does so with the help of one of the last published volumes of this edition, namely the Bolzano‐Gesamtbibliographie 1804–1999. As the paper shows, this book is more than a mere list of publications and constitutes a highly valuable resource for anyone interested in Bolzano studies, the use of which is explained in detail.
The effect of near‐infrared low‐level light on the in vitro quality of platelets during storage
Authors: Bontekoe Ido J. , van der Meer Pieter F. , de Laleijne‐Liefting Lara A. E. , Klei Thomas R. L.
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives

Near‐infrared (NIR) light has been successfully applied to improve the quality of mouse platelets during storage. Because it is suspected that the mitochondria contain the primary photon acceptor, we hypothesized that human platelets for transfusion may be affected similarly and could benefit from NIR light treatment.

Materials and Methods

The optimal light dose was determined using portions of platelet concentrates (PCs) in PAS‐E. A pool‐and‐split design was used to prepare PCs in PAS‐E or plasma (n = 6). On day 1, one unit of both pairs was illuminated with 830 nm light (light‐emitting diodes, 15 J/cm2). PCs were stored at 22°C and sampled regularly for analysis. Data were compared with their corresponding controls with a paired two‐sided t‐test.

Results

Illuminated platelets in PAS‐E were less activated with significantly lower CD62P expression (day 8: 10.8 ± 1.8 vs. 12.2 ± 2.6, p < 0.05) and lower Annexin A5 binding (day 8: 11.8 ± 1.9 vs. 13.1 ± 2.4, ns). They produced significantly less lactate resulting in a higher pH (days 6–10). ATP content and mitochondrial membrane potential were not affected. Although these trends were also observed for PCs in plasma, the differences did not reach statistical significance as compared with the control group.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that the glycolysis rate of human platelets can be modulated through the use of NIR, possibly through mitochondrial aerobic metabolism, but this requires confirmation. If NIR illumination can be further optimized, it may potentially become a useful tool in situations in which glycolysis and platelet activation are exacerbated.
Probing the energy barriers and stages of membrane protein unfolding using solid-state NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Xiao Peng , Drewniak Philip , Dingwell Dylan Archer , Brown Leonid S. , Ladizhansky Vladimir
Published: May 2024

Understanding how the amino acid sequence dictates protein structure and defines its stability is a fundamental problem in molecular biology. It is especially challenging for membrane proteins that reside in the complex environment of a lipid bilayer. Here, we obtain an atomic-level picture of the thermally induced unfolding of a membrane-embedded α-helical protein, human aquaporin 1, using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Our data reveal the hierarchical two-step pathway that begins with unfolding of a structured extracellular loop and proceeds to an intermediate state with a native-like helical packing. In the second step, the transmembrane domain unravels as a single unit, resulting in a heterogeneous misfolded state with high helical content but with nonnative helical packing. Our results show the importance of loops for the kinetic stabilization of the whole membrane protein structure and support the three-stage membrane protein folding model.
Serine synthesis controls mitochondrial biogenesis in macrophages
Authors: Wang Chuanlong , Zhao Muyang , Bin Peng , Ye Yuyi , Chen Qingyi , Tang Zhiru , Ren Wenkai
Published: May 2024

Mitochondrial dysfunction is the pivotal driving factor of multiple inflammatory diseases, and targeting mitochondrial biogenesis represents an efficacious approach to ameliorate such dysfunction in inflammatory diseases. Here, we demonstrated that phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) deficiency promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in inflammatory macrophages. Mechanistically, PHGDH deficiency boosts mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) by suppressing cytoplasmic glutathione synthesis. mtROS provokes hypoxia-inducible factor–1α signaling to direct nuclear specificity protein 1 and nuclear respiratory factor 1 transcription. Moreover, myeloid
Phgdh
deficiency reverses diet-induced obesity. Collectively, this study reveals that a mechanism involving de novo serine synthesis orchestrates mitochondrial biogenesis via mitochondrial-to-nuclear communication, and provides a potential therapeutic target for tackling inflammatory diseases and mitochondria-mediated diseases.
A Ni-O-Ag photothermal catalyst enables 103-m
2
artificial photosynthesis with >17% solar-to-chemical energy conversion efficiency
Authors: Li Yaguang , Meng Fanqi , Wu Qixuan , Yuan Dachao , Wang Haixiao , Liu Bang , Wang Junwei , San Xingyuan , Gu Lin , Meng Qingbo
Published: May 2024

The scalable artificial photosynthesis composed of photovoltaic electrolysis and photothermal catalysis is limited by inefficient photothermal CO
2
hydrogenation under weak sunlight irradiation. Herein, NiO nanosheets supported with Ag single atoms [two-dimensional (2D) Ni
1
Ag
0.02
O
1
] are synthesized for photothermal CO
2
hydrogenation to achieve 1065 mmol g
−1
hour
−1
of CO production rate under 1-sun irradiation. This performance is attributed to the coupling effect of Ag-O-Ni sites to enhance the hydrogenation of CO
2
and weaken the CO adsorption, resulting in 1434 mmol g
−1
hour
−1
of CO yield at 300°C. Furthermore, we integrate the 2D Ni
1
Ag
0.02
O
1
-supported photothermal reverse water-gas shift reaction with commercial photovoltaic electrolytic water splitting to construct a 103-m
2
scale artificial photosynthesis system (CO
2
+ H
2
O → CO + H
2
+ O
2
), which achieves more than 22 m
3
/day of green syngas with an adjustable H
2
/CO ratio (0.4-3) and a photochemical energy conversion efficiency of >17%. This research charts a promising course for designing practical, natural sunlight–driven artificial photosynthesis systems.
Efficient and durable seawater electrolysis with a V
2
O
3
-protected catalyst
Authors: Hu Huashuai , Zhang Zhaorui , Liu Lijia , Che Xiangli , Wang Jiacheng , Zhu Ye , Attfield J. Paul , Yang Minghui
Published: May 2024

The ocean, a vast hydrogen reservoir, holds potential for sustainable energy and water development. Developing high-performance electrocatalysts for hydrogen production under harsh seawater conditions is challenging. Here, we propose incorporating a protective V
2
O
3
layer to modulate the microcatalytic environment and create in situ dual-active sites consisting of low-loaded Pt and Ni
3
N. This catalyst demonstrates an ultralow overpotential of 80 mV at 500 mA cm
−2
, a mass activity 30.86 times higher than Pt-C and maintains at least 500 hours in seawater. Moreover, the assembled anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWE) demonstrate superior activity and durability even under demanding industrial conditions. In situ localized pH analysis elucidates the microcatalytic environmental regulation mechanism of the V
2
O
3
layer. Its role as a Lewis acid layer enables the sequestration of excess OH
−
ions, mitigate Cl
−
corrosion, and alkaline earth salt precipitation. Our catalyst protection strategy by using V
2
O
3
presents a promising and cost-effective approach for large-scale sustainable green hydrogen production.
TREM2 deficiency reprograms intestinal macrophages and microbiota to enhance anti–PD-1 tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Di Luccia Blanda , Molgora Martina , Khantakova Darya , Jaeger Natalia , Chang Hao-Wei , Czepielewski Rafael S. , Helmink Beth A. , Onufer Emily J. , Fachi José L. , Bhattarai Bishan , Trsan Tihana , Rodrigues Patrick F. , Hou JinChao , Bando Jennifer K. , da Silva Cristiane Sécca , Cella Marina , Gilfillan Susan , Schreiber Robert D. , Gordon Jeffrey I. , Colonna Marco
Published: May 2024

The gut microbiota and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) affect tumor responses to anti–programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint blockade. Reprogramming TAM by either blocking or deleting the macrophage receptor triggering receptor on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) attenuates tumor growth, and lack of functional TREM2 enhances tumor elimination by anti–PD-1. Here, we found that anti–PD-1 treatment combined with TREM2 deficiency in mice induces proinflammatory programs in intestinal macrophages and a concomitant expansion of
Ruminococcus gnavus
in the gut microbiota. Gavage of wild-type mice with
R. gnavus
enhanced anti–PD-1–mediated tumor elimination, recapitulating the effect occurring in the absence of TREM2. A proinflammatory intestinal environment coincided with expansion, increased circulation, and migration of TNF-producing CD4
+
T cells to the tumor bed. Thus, TREM2 remotely controls anti–PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade through modulation of the intestinal immune environment and microbiota, with
R. gnavus
emerging as a potential probiotic agent for increasing responsiveness to anti-PD-1.