bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do work-family practices influence employee work-family conflict? Moderations of commitment-based HRM and human capital
Authors: Wang Chenxi , Chang Xiaoxi , Zhou Yu , Zhu Huaiqian
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to clarify the relationship between organizational work-family practices and employee work-family conflict in light of the boundary conditions of commitment-based human resource management (HRM) and employee human capital.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for a multi-source, multi-level design and surveyed 1,717 individuals (including CEOs, HR managers and employees) from 159 firms in China. The model was tested using hierarchical linear modeling.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights that the effect of work-family practices on work-family conflict is indispensably dependent on the adoption of commitment-based HRM. In addition, employee human capital further moderated this interaction in that the effect of work-family practices on reducing work-family conflict was most salient with high-education employees who were embedded in a high-commitment HRM system.

Research limitations/implications

Testing the hypotheses in the Chinese context has both its merits and drawbacks. Specific results are pursuant to the Chinese context. Therefore, a cross-cultural comparative study is called upon.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for organizations striving to minimize employee work-family conflict.

Originality/value

This paper primarily applies the resource-building perspective to examine the synergistic effects of organizational resources (targeting work-family practices together with general commitment-based HRM) and individual intellectual resources (human capital) on employee work family conflict.
Hierarchical complexity and seasoned equity offerings
Authors: Hoang Viet Anh , Nguyen Huu Cuong , Truong Ba Thanh , Le Phuong Uyen , Phan Hoang Long , Thai Thi Hong An
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Using a substantial sample of U.S.-listed firms’ Seasoned Equity Offerings (SEOs) spanning the period from 2012 to 2017, we examine the relationship between hierarchical complexity and the selection of SEO methods.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ multinomial logistic regression to examine the influence of hierarchical complexity on the choice among various SEO techniques. To strengthen the robustness of our results, we employ a two-stage-least-squares (2SLS) analysis and utilize propensity score matching to address potential endogeneity issues and mitigate self-selection bias, respectively.

Findings

The research indicates that companies characterized by high levels of hierarchical complexity tend to steer clear of accelerated offerings but exhibit a preference for rights offerings over firm commitment offerings. This tendency is plausibly attributed to the impact of hierarchical complexity, which diminishes information transparency and heightens information asymmetry. Furthermore, the study highlights a negative association between hierarchical complexity and firm value following SEOs.

Originality/value

While an expanding body of evidence establishes a connection between hierarchical complexity and various firm- or market-specific activities, to the best of our knowledge, there are no specific empirical studies that have investigated how hierarchical complexity impacts equity offering strategies. Building on the established correlation in previous research between hierarchical complexity, information transparency, and asymmetric information, and recognizing the critical role of information in the selection of SEO methods, our study reveals that hierarchical complexity may diminish information transparency, heighten information asymmetry, and hinder outside investors from fully grasping a firm’s actions and outcomes. Consequently, this influence extends to the methods of offerings chosen by listed companies.
Virility, fascism and regeneration in post‐Civil War Spain: On interpretations of literary Romanticism under the Franco regime
Authors: Box Zira
Published: June 2024

In the years immediately following the Spanish Civil War, the political culture of Falangism developed a deeply gendered regenerationist discourse, which proposed that regeneration would only be possible if the nation recovered its virile attributes. This article focuses on a case study that allows us to better understand this gendered conception of the nation in terms of virility: the discourse developed around the Spanish Romantic writers of the 1830s, a literary movement difficult to incorporate within conceptions of the virile nation. This gained prominence particularly because several centenaries associated with these writers occurred during the war and post‐war period.
Sexing the history of Indian anti‐colonial internationalism: White women, Indian men and the politics of the personal
Authors: Simonow Joanna
Published: June 2024

In contrast to the wealth of literature on the gendered and sexual politics of Indian nationalism, studies on the internationalisation of Indian anti‐colonial nationalism are rarely informed by the twin themes of gender and sexuality. As Indian activists traversed international political spaces in the early twentieth century, they frequently entered into sexual relations with white women. This article explores the possible political consequences of such sexual contact through a study of the personal lives of Arathil Candeth Narayanan Nambiar and Manabendra Nath Roy and their relationships with the largely unknown German‐born sisters, Eva and Lu Geissler.
Recent advances and trends in innovative biosensor‐based devices for heavy metal ion detection in food
Authors: Aihaiti Aihemaitijiang , Wang Jingkang , Zhang Wenrui , Shen Mingping , Meng Fanxing , Li Zongda , Zhang Yukun , Ren Mengyao , Zhang Minwei
Published: June 2024

Low‐cost, reliable, and efficient biosensors are crucial in detecting residual heavy metal ions (HMIs) in food products. At present, based on distance‐induced localized surface plasmon resonance of noble metal nanoparticles, enzyme‐mimetic reaction of nanozymes, and chelation reaction of metal chelators, the constructed optical sensors have attracted wide attention in HMIs detection. Besides, based on the enrichment and signal amplification strategy of nanomaterials on HMIs and the construction of electrochemical aptamer sensing platforms, the developed electrochemical biosensors have overcome the plague of low sensitivity, poor selectivity, and the inability of multiplexed detection in the optical strategy. Moreover, along with an in‐depth discussion of these different types of biosensors, a detailed overview of the design and application of innovative devices based on these sensing principles was provided, including microfluidic systems, hydrogel‐based platforms, and test strip technologies. Finally, the challenges that hinder commercial application have also been mentioned. Overall, this review aims to establish a theoretical foundation for developing accurate and reliable sensing technologies and devices for HMIs, thereby promoting the widespread application of biosensors in the detection of HMIs in food.
Production, characterization, and potential applications of lipopeptides in food systems: A comprehensive review
Authors: Dini Salome , Oz Fatih , Bekhit Alaa El‐Din A. , Carne Alan , Agyei Dominic
Published: June 2024

Lipopeptides are a class of lipid–peptide‐conjugated compounds with differing structural features. This structural diversity is responsible for their diverse range of biological properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities. Lipopeptides have been attracting the attention of food scientists due to their potential as food additives and preservatives. This review provides a comprehensive overview of lipopeptides, their production, structural characteristics, and functional properties. First, the classes, chemical features, structure–activity relationships, and sources of lipopeptides are summarized. Then, the gene expression and biosynthesis of lipopeptides in microbial cell factories and strategies to optimize lipopeptide production are discussed. In addition, the main methods of purification and characterization of lipopeptides have been described. Finally, some biological activities of the lipopeptides, especially those relevant to food systems along with their mechanism of action, are critically examined.
Revolutionizing food science with mass spectrometry imaging: A comprehensive review of applications and challenges
Authors: Shen Qing , Wang Shitong , Wang Honghai , Liang Jingjing , Zhao Qiaoling , Cheng Keyun , Imran Muhammad , Xue Jing , Mao Zhujun
Published: June 2024

Food science encounters increasing complexity and challenges, necessitating more efficient, accurate, and sensitive analytical techniques. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) emerges as a revolutionary tool, offering more molecular‐level insights. This review delves into MSI's applications and challenges in food science. It introduces MSI principles and instruments such as matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization, desorption electrospray ionization, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, highlighting their application in chemical composition analysis, variety identification, authenticity assessment, endogenous substance, exogenous contaminant and residue analysis, quality control, and process monitoring in food processing and food storage. Despite its potential, MSI faces hurdles such as the complexity and cost of instrumentation, complexity in sample preparation, limited analytical capabilities, and lack of standardization of MSI for food samples. While MSI has a wide range of applications in food analysis and can provide more comprehensive and accurate analytical results, challenges persist, demanding further research and solutions. The future development directions include miniaturization of imaging devices, high‐resolution and high‐speed MSI, multiomics and multimodal data fusion, as well as the application of data analysis and artificial intelligence. These findings and conclusions provide valuable references and insights for the field of food science and offer theoretical and methodological support for further research and practice in food science.
Complications of therapeutic plasma exchange: A retrospective, single‐center study of 2505 procedures performed in 338 patients over 15 years
Authors: Vural Ece , Elverdi Tuğrul , Salihoğlu Ayşe , Ar Muhlis Cem , Öngören Şeniz , Başlar Zafer , Soysal Teoman , Eşkazan Ahmet Emre
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) may involve complications. We aimed to review the demographic data, indications, technical information, and complications.

Methods

Data for TPE procedures (TPEPs) performed between 2004 and 2018 were retrospectively.

Results

This study covered 2505 TPEPs performed on 338 patients; 55% of them were female (n = 186), and the median age was 36 years (range, 11–93 years). Most TPEPs were administered for hematological (40.6%) indications. The incidence of complications on the first procedure was 3.2% (n = 80); only 16 procedures (0.6%) were failed. The complication incidence was 19.8% (n = 497), with 789 total complications. Most of the complications were patient‐related (90.4%), and the most of them were urticaria (29.1%), occlusion (3.2%), and faulty systems (1.01%), respectively. The use of only fresh frozen plasma as replacement fluid caused a higher complication rate (22.1%, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The number of TPEPs is increasing every day. Hematologic indications for TPE and the use of fresh frozen plasma may increase the risk of complications.
Garnet and Zircon U‐Pb Geochronology and Geochemistry Reveal Genesis of the Dafang Au‐Pb‐Zn‐Ag Deposit, Southern Hunan
Authors: JIANG Hua , KONG Hua , LIU Biao , TAN Fucheng , QIN Yixue , HUANG Jingang , ZHU Yu
Published: June 2024

Garnet is a primary mineral in skarn deposits and plays a significant role in recording copious mineralization and metallogenic information. This study systematically investigates the geochemistry and geochronology of garnet and zircon in the Dafang Au‐Pb‐Zn‐Ag deposit, which represents prominent gold mineralization in southern Hunan, China. Garnet samples with distinct zoning patterns and compositional variations were identified using various analytical techniques, including Backscattered Electron (BSE) imaging, Cathodoluminescence (CL) response, textural characterization, and analysis of rare‐earth elements (REE), major contents, and trace element compositions. The garnet was dated U‐Pb dating, which yielded a lower intercept age of 161.06 ± 1.93 Ma. This age is older than the underlying granodiorite porphyry, which has a concordia age of 155.13 ± 0.95 Ma determined by zircon U‐Pb dating. These results suggest that the gold mineralization may be related to the concealed granite. Two groups of garnet changed from depleted Al garnet to enriched Al garnet, and the rare earth element (REE) patterns of these groups were converted from light REE (LREE)‐enriched and heavy REE (HREE)‐depleted with positive europium (Eu) anomalies to medium REE (MREE)‐enriched from core to rim zoning. The different REE patterns of garnet in various zones may be attributed to changes in the fluid environment and late superposition alteration. The development of distal skarn in the southern Hunan could be a significant indicator for identifying gold mineralization.
Apatite Fission‐Track Thermochronology in the Tamusu Area, Bayingobi Basin, NW China, and its Geological Significance
Authors: TONG Qinlong , QIN Mingkuan , YE Fawang
Published: June 2024

The Bayingobi basin is located in the middle of Central Asia Orogenic Belt, at the intersection of Paleo‐Asian Ocean and Tethys Ocean, as well as the junction of multiple tectonic plates. This unique tectonic setting underpins the basin's intricate history of tectonic activity. To unravel the multifaceted tectono‐thermal evolution within the southwestern region of the basin and to elucidate the implications of sandstone‐hosted uranium mineralization, granitic and clastic rock samples were collected from the Zongnai Mts. uplift and Yingejing depression, and apatite fission track (AFT) dating and thermal history simulation analysis were performed. AFT dating findings reveal that the apparent ages of all samples fall within the range of 244 Ma to 112 Ma. In particular, the bedrock of the Zongnai Mts. and Jurassic detrital apatite fission tracks have undergone complete annealing, capturing the uplift‐cooling age. Meanwhile, the AFT ages of Cretaceous detrital rocks are either equivalent to or notably exceed the age of sedimentary strata, signifying the cooling age of the provenance. A comprehensive examination of AFT ages and palaeocurrent direction analyses suggests that the Cretaceous source in the Tamusu area predominantly originated from the central and southern sectors of the Zongnai Mts. uplift. However, at a certain juncture during the Late Early Cretaceous, the Cretaceous provenance expanded to include the northern part of the Zongnai Mts. uplift. Based on the results of thermal history simulations and previous studies, it is considered that the Tamusu area has undergone four distinct tectonic uplift events since the Late Paleozoic. The first is the Late Permian to Early Triassic (260–240 Ma), which is associated with the closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean and the accretionary orogeny within the Alxa region. The second uplift event took place in the Early Jurassic (190–175 Ma) and corresponded to intraplate orogeny following the closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean. The third uplift event is the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous (160–120 Ma), which is linked to the East Asia's position as the convergence center of multiple tectonic plates during this period. The fourth uplift event is linked to the Late Early Cretaceous (112–100 Ma), driven either by the westward subduction of the eastern Pacific plate or the mantle upwelling resulting from the Bangong–Nujiang oceanic lithosphere subduction and slab break‐off. The primary stress orientation for the first three tectonic uplift phases approximated a nearly SN direction, while the fourth stage featured a principal stress direction of NW. The fourth tectonic uplift event of the Late Early Cretaceous and basaltic eruption thermal event during this period likely exerted a significant influence on the formation of the Tamusu sandstone‐hosted uranium deposit.
Fast, accurate and accessible calculations of leaf temperature and its physiological consequences with NicheMapR
Authors: Kearney Michael R. , Leigh Andrea
Published: June 2024

Mechanistic predictions of ecological niches are fundamentally based on energy and mass exchange processes that, to be realistic, must be linked to microclimate and incorporate behaviour and physiology. Estimates of leaf temperature and associated transpiration and net photosynthesis rates are fundamental in ecology, agriculture and global change biology. Equations for calculating leaf energy budgets have been available for over 60 years and complex models of stomatal behaviour have been developed. However, user‐friendly ways of estimating leaf temperature under realistic microclimatic regimes, including soil moisture effects, remain limited.

Here we show that the integrated microclimate and ectotherm functions of the NicheMapR package for the R programming environment can be used to make fast and effective estimates of leaf temperature and associated rates of water loss and photosynthesis for a wide range of leaf functional types, root depths and microhabitats. Stomatal conductance may be constant or simulated to change dynamically (a) as a function of vapour pressure deficit and CO2 concentration, (b) as a function of soil water potential and (c) as a thermoregulatory mechanism to avoid heat stress.

We tested the approach against hourly leaf temperature observations in summer from an arid shrubland in Australia, a temperate woodland in Montana USA, along an elevational gradient in Colorado USA, and at a botanical garden in Florida, USA.

National or global gridded data sets can provide the required forcing data but local observational data or some combination of local and gridded data can be used. The global ERA5 and NCEP datasets allow historical leaf energy budget calculations to be made anywhere in the world and a Shiny app has been developed to facilitate use of the model with these datasets.

Situated leaf energy budget calculations can be used to design informative field programs to collect much needed detailed temporal data on leaf temperature under natural settings, enabling better predictions and interpretations of how plants respond to environmental change.
Training and assessment of skills in neuraxial access—Protocol of a scoping review
Authors: Nielsen Martine S. , Ilkjær Frederik V. , Grejs Anders M. , Nielsen Anders B. , Konge Lars , Brøchner Anne C.
Published: June 2024

Background

Access to the neuraxial space, including lumbar punctures and neuraxial anaesthesia, is an everyday procedure in clinical practice. Traditionally these procedures rely on manual palpation technique, but ultrasound is a useful tool when patients prove challenging. Presently, there is a lack of evidence‐based guidelines for technical skills acquisition, both with and without ultrasound, and likewise, competency assessment approaches vary globally. Accordingly, we aim to assess the current evidence regarding learning and assessment in neuraxial access ultrasound, for future educational recommendations.

Methods

This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) statement, together with the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. A systematic search strategy will be based on a PICO approach, focusing on physicians, medical students, or nurses being exposed to education, training, or assessment in procedural neuraxial access ultrasound. No comparators are obligated, but outcomes should be assessable using the Kirkpatrick four levels of training evaluation. The search will be performed in Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, Scopus, PubMed, and CINAHL. Independently, two authors will screen the studies and conflicts will be resolved by a third author. Relevant predefined data will be extracted and analysed using a descriptive approach. The quality of the studies will be assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument.

Discussion

This scoping review will contribute by presenting gathered evidence of an overview of the different approaches to achieving education and training of technical skills in neuraxial access, and how skills are tested, which could guide research and future recommendations for skills development and assessment.
Cocaine versus xylometazoline to prevent epistaxis after nasotracheal intubation: A randomized trial
Authors: Larsen Mo H. , Rosenkrantz Oscar , Creuzburg Andreas , Kristensen Michael S. , Rasmussen Lars S. , Isbye Dan
Published: June 2024

Background

Nasotracheal intubation is associated with a risk of epistaxis. Several drugs, including cocaine and xylometazoline may be used as decongestants prior to nasotracheal intubation to prevent this. We hypothesized that xylometazoline would prevent epistaxis more effectively than cocaine, demonstrated by a lower proportion of patients with bleeding after nasotracheal intubation.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center, outcome assessor and analyst‐blinded, clinical randomized controlled trial following approval from the local research ethics committee and the national medicine agency. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Patients scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia with nasotracheal intubation were randomized to receive either 2 mL 4% cocaine or 2 mL 0.05% xylometazoline prior to nasotracheal intubation. Immediately following intubation, epistaxis was evaluated by the blinded intubating anesthetist on a four‐point scale. We measured heart rate and blood pressure the first 5 min after drug administration. Adverse events were followed up after 24 h.

Results

A total of 53 patients received cocaine and 49 patients received xylometazoline. Bleeding occurred in 32 patients receiving cocaine (60.4%) and in 34 patients receiving xylometazoline (69.4%) (p = .41, Fisher's exact test) with a difference of 9.0% (95% CI: −9.4% to 27%). There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding the heart rate or blood pressure. No adverse cardiac events were recorded in either group.

Conclusion

We found no statistically significant difference between cocaine and xylometazoline in preventing epistaxis after nasotracheal intubation, and the choice of vasoconstrictor should be based on other considerations, such as pricing, availability and medicolegal issues.
Metformin treatment results in distinctive skeletal muscle mitochondrial remodeling in rats with different intrinsic aerobic capacities
Authors: Bubak Matthew P. , Davidyan Arik , O'Reilly Colleen L. , Mondal Samim A. , Keast Jordan , Doidge Stephen M. , Borowik Agnieszka K. , Taylor Michael E. , Volovičeva Evelina , Kinter Michael T. , Britton Steven L. , Koch Lauren G. , Stout Michael B. , Lewis Tommy L. , Miller Benjamin F.
Published: June 2024

The rationale for the use of metformin as a treatment to slow aging was largely based on data collected from metabolically unhealthy individuals. For healthspan extension metformin will also be used in periods of good health. To understand the potential context specificity of metformin treatment on skeletal muscle, we used a rat model (high‐capacity runner/low‐capacity runner [HCR/LCR]) with a divide in intrinsic aerobic capacity. Outcomes of metformin treatment differed based on baseline intrinsic mitochondrial function, oxidative capacity of the muscle (gastroc vs soleus), and the mitochondrial population (intermyofibrillar vs. subsarcolemmal). Metformin caused lower ADP‐stimulated respiration in LCRs, with less of a change in HCRs. However, a washout of metformin resulted in an unexpected doubling of respiratory capacity in HCRs. These improvements in respiratory capacity were accompanied by mitochondrial remodeling that included increases in protein synthesis and changes in morphology. Our findings raise questions about whether the positive findings of metformin treatment are broadly applicable.
Classifying national drinking patterns in Europe between 2000 and 2019: A clustering approach using comparable exposure data
Authors: Correia Daniela , Manthey Jakob , Neufeld Maria , Ferreira‐Borges Carina , Olsen Aleksandra , Shield Kevin , Rehm Jürgen
Published: June 2024

Background and aims

Previously identified national drinking patterns in Europe lack comparability and might be no longer be valid due to changes in economic conditions and policy frameworks. We aimed to identify the most recent alcohol drinking patterns in Europe based on comparable alcohol exposure indicators using a data‐driven approach, as well as identifying temporal changes and establishing empirical links between these patterns and indicators of alcohol‐related harm.

Design

Data from the World Health Organization's monitoring system on alcohol exposure indicators were used. Repeated cross‐sectional hierarchical cluster analyses were applied. Differences in alcohol‐attributable harm between clusters of countries were analyzed via linear regression.

Setting

European Union countries, plus Iceland, Norway and Ukraine, for 2000, 2010, 2015 and 2019.

Participants/Cases

Observations consisted of annual country data, at four different time points for alcohol exposure. Harm indicators were only included for 2019.

Measurements

Alcohol exposure indicators included alcohol per capita consumption (APC), beverage‐specific consumption and prevalence of drinking status indicators (lifetime abstainers, current drinkers, former drinkers and heavy episodic drinking). Alcohol‐attributable harm was measured using age‐standardized alcohol‐attributable Disability‐Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) lost and deaths per 100 000 people.

Findings

The same six clusters were identified in 2019, 2015 and 2010, mainly characterized by type of alcoholic beverage and prevalence drinking status indicators, with geographical interpretation. Two‐thirds of the countries remained in the same cluster over time, with one additional cluster identified in 2000, characterized by low APC. The most recent drinking patterns were shown to be significantly associated with alcohol‐attributable deaths and DALY rates. Compared with wine‐drinking countries, the mortality rate per 100 000 people was significantly higher in Eastern Europe with high spirits and ‘other’ beverage consumption [
 = 90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 55–126], and in Eastern Europe with high lifetime abstainers and high spirits consumption (
 = 42, 95% CI = 4–78).

Conclusions

European drinking patterns appear to be clustered by level of beverage‐specific consumption, with heavy episodic drinkers, current drinkers and lifetime abstainers being distinguishing factors between clusters. Despite the overall stability of the clusters over time, some countries shifted between drinking patterns from 2000 to 2019. Overall, patterns of drinking in the European Union seem to be stable and partly determined by geographical proximity.
Unburnt areas in subtropical woodlands contain distinct reptile communities after extensive wildfire
Authors: Emery Jon‐Paul , Doherty Tim S. , Bruton Melissa J. , Peck Stephen , Maron Martine
Published: June 2024

Extensive wildfires can have profound impacts on fauna communities by altering the vegetation structure and resource availability. However, unburnt areas within a fire mosaic may be important habitat for wildlife while the surrounding area recovers after fire. To understand the importance of unburnt vegetation for reptiles, we studied community assemblages at 15 burnt and 15 unburnt sites in a subtropical woodland 12 months after a 25 000 ha wildfire. We tested the relative importance of unburnt areas and structural attributes on reptile abundance, richness, and community composition across this landscape. Unburnt areas had higher species richness and diversity, but not overall abundance. Reptile community composition differed significantly between burnt and unburnt areas. Woody debris, which was retained in unburnt areas but depleted in burnt areas, was positively associated with increased reptile diversity and richness. Our results suggest that unburnt areas are vital for maintaining reptile diversity and richness within a woodland landscape after wildfire. These findings demonstrate the importance of ensuring fire management programs retain unburnt patches of vegetation in fire‐prone landscapes to sustain reptile communities.
MicroRNA‐29b attenuates fibrosis in a rat model of Peyronie's disease
Authors: Candido Patrícia , Pimenta Ruan , Maluf Feres Camargo , Chiovatto Caroline , Romão Poliana , Baldavira Camila Machado , Ghazarian Vitória , Camargo Juliana A. , Guimarães Vanessa R. , Santos Gabriel A. dos , Silva Iran A. , Nascimento Bruno , Hallak Jorge , Capelozzi Vera Luiza , Srougi Miguel , Nahas William C. , Viana Nayara I. , Leite Katia R. , Reis Sabrina T.
Published: June 2024

Background

Peyronie's disease is characterized by the formation of fibrotic plaques in the penile tunica albuginea. Effective treatments are limited, warranting the investigation of new promising therapies, such as the application of microRNAs that regulate fibrosis‐related genes.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of mimicking microRNA‐29b in a fibrin‐induced rat model of Peyronie's disease.

Material/methods

The study was designed in two phases. To establish an optimal Peyronie's disease model, rats received either human fibrin and thrombin or saline solutions into the tunica albuginea on days 0 and 5. The animal model validation was done through expression and histopathological analyses, the latest by an experienced uropathologist. After validation, we performed microRNA‐29b treatment on days 14, 21, and 28 of the study. This phase had control (normal saline) and scramble (microRNA scramble) groups. The mid‐penile shaft was removed on day 30 for histological examination and molecular analyses in both study stages.

Results

The control group displayed typical tunica albuginea histologic architecture in the animal model validation. In Peyronie's disease group, the Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson Trichrome staining methods demonstrated an interstitial inflammatory process with concomitant dense fibrotic plaques as well as disarrangement of collagen fibers. Additionally, we found out that reduced microRNA‐29b (p = 0.05) was associated with significantly increased COL1A1 and transforming growth factor β1 genes and proteins (p > 0.05) in the Peyronie's disease group. After treatment with mimic microRNA‐29b stimulation, the Hematoxylin & eosin and Masson Trichrome staining revealed a discrete and less dense fibrotic plaque. This result was associated with significantly decreasing expression of COL1A1, COL3A1, and transforming growth factor β1 genes and proteins (p < 0.05).

Discussion

The fibrin‐induced animal model showed significant histopathological and molecular changes compared to the Control group, suggesting that our model was appropriate. Previous findings have shown that increased expression of microRNA‐29b was associated with decreased pathological fibrosis. In the present study, treatment with microRNA‐29b decreased the gene and protein expression of collagens and transforming growth factor β1. This study reveals the therapeutic potential for Peyronie's disease involving molecular targets.

Conclusion

MicroRNA‐29b application on the rat's tunica albuginea attenuated fibrosis, arising as a novel potential strategy for Peyronie's disease management.
Evaluation of structural problems in the application of strict criteria for sperm morphology assessment
Authors: van den Hoven Leonie , van Vrouwerff Netty J. , Dijkstra Ineke M. , Weeteling Jasper , Brinkman Jacoline W. , Eliveld Jitske , Wetzels Alex M. M.
Published: June 2024

Background

The WHO manual for basic semen analysis and ISO 23162 describe sperm morphology assessment as a standard part of semen analysis. Older studies showed a correlation between morphology results and (artificial) conception. In more recent studies this relationship was less apparent and there is more emphasis on sperm morphology as a marker for healthy spermatogenesis (and general male health). Meantime, many laboratories ceased morphology assessment, probably due to unfamiliarity with this paradigmatic shift and to technical difficulties in the assessment, like the interpretation of morphological criteria.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify morphological criteria with high variability in results in the Dutch External Quality Control (EQC) program.

Material and methods

Over the period 2015–2020, a total of 72 photos of sperm cells along with dichotomous propositions based on 14 criteria as defined in WHO5 (2010) were distributed in the Dutch EQC program for semen analysis. The EQC results were evaluated for variability per criterion and for trends in time.

Results

Between 2015 and 2020, 40 to 60 laboratories assessed the photos. Criteria with low variability between participants were related to acrosomal vacuoles, excessive residual cytoplasm, and tail metrics. In contrast, head ovality, regularity of head and midpiece contours, and alignment of the major axis of the midpiece and head led to the highest variability in outcomes. In general, there was a slightly positive trend (lower variability) in time, except for the criteria with the highest variability (stable or declining trend).

Discussion and conclusion

This study indicates that there are (high) variabilities in the interpretation of the morphological criteria, leading to inconsistent outcomes of morphology assessment. The results are discussed from the perspective of imperfections in definitions and examples of the criteria as given in the WHO manuals.
Cell‐free DNA test for fetal chromosomal abnormalities in multiple pregnancies
Authors: Kwan Angel H. W. , Gil Maria Mar , Xue Shuwen , Kwok Yvonne K. Y. , Lau Doris , Fung Joanna , Chan Andrea , Choy Kwong Wai , Leung Tak Yeung , Poon Liona C.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to report the screening performance of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) testing for chromosomal abnormalities in twins, triplets, and vanishing twin pregnancies.

Material and Methods

Data were obtained from pregnant women with a multiple pregnancy or a vanishing twin pregnancy at ≥10 weeks’ gestation who requested self‐financed cfDNA testing between May 2015 and December 2021. Those that had positive screening results had diagnostic confirmatory procedures after counseling and consent. The performance of screening of the cfDNA test was determined by calculating confirmation rate and combined false‐positive rate (cFPR).

Results

Data from 292 women were included after exclusion of those lost to follow‐up, with no‐result on cfDNA testing, or had reductions. Of the 292 pregnancies, 10 (3.4%) were triplets, including no cases of trisomy 21 and trisomy 18; 249 (85.3%) were twins, including 3 cases of trisomy 21 and no cases of trisomy 18 and 13; and 33 (11.3%) were vanishing twins, including 3 cases of trisomy 21 and 1 case of trisomy 18. The median (IQR) maternal age was 34 years (31–37). For triplet pregnancies, the initial no‐result rate was 10.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.6–26.4), all with results after redraw. For twin pregnancies, the initial no‐result rate was 12.9% (95% CI 9.6–17.0), and the no‐result rate after redraw was 1.6% (95% CI 0.7–3.6). For vanishing twins, there were no cases with no‐result. All triplets had low‐risk cfDNA results. The confirmation rate for trisomy 21 was 100% with a FPR at 0% due to the small number of positive cases for twins. For vanishing twins, one high‐risk case for trisomy 21 and the only high‐risk case for trisomy 18 were confirmed with a cFPR of 8.3% (n = 2/24; 95% CI 2.3–25.9).

Conclusions

cfDNA testing in twin pregnancies has sufficient screening performance for trisomy 21 but the number of affected cases for other conditions is limited to draw any meaningful conclusion. The use of cfDNA testing in triplet pregnancies and vanishing twins remains an area for further research.
Functional Constipation: Pathophysiology, evaluation, and management
Authors: Kilgore Alexandra , Khlevner Julie
Published: June 2024

Background

Functional constipation (FC), a disorder of the gut–brain interaction of multifactorial pathophysiology that is prevalent in paediatrics. It is associated with bothersome symptoms, increased healthcare costs, disgruntled caregivers and impaired health‐related quality of life. Paediatric FC is a clinical diagnosis based on the Rome IV criteria and is characterised by decreased bowel movement frequency and/or hard, painful stools and can be complicated by retentive faecal incontinence. Stressful life events, difficult temperaments and emotional and behavioural challenges have been implicated in increasing risk of developing paediatric FC.

Aims

To provide current concepts in pathophysiology, evaluation and management of paediatric FC.

Methods

We reviewed pertinent literature after a comprehensive search utilising PubMed with keywords FC, chronic childhood constipation and paediatric FC.

Results

In the last decade, advances in our understanding of paediatric FC have changed the landscape of diagnosing and treating this disorder. Although polyethylene glycol is the first‐line treatment for maintenance of FC, the armamentarium of therapeutics has expanded including the first Food and Drug Administration‐ agent, linaclotide, for children 6–17 years of age in conjunction with more emphasis on behavioural and physical therapy interventions.

Conclusions

Treatment approach to paediatric FC should be individualised and integrated focusing on parental education, lifestyle and behavioural modifications, and pharmacological therapy to maximise therapeutic success. This review highlights advances in pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of FC in children.
Editorial: Reading the cholate – A new gateway to portal hypertension and oesophageal varices
Authors: Minciuna Iulia , Stefanescu Horia
Published: June 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Hassanein et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18054 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18128.
The overlap with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease negatively affects outcomes of primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Hernández‐Pérez María , Riado Daniel , Pena Eva , Méndez Carmen , Pinedo Fernando , Ramos Paloma , Castillo Pilar , Romero Miriam , Fernández‐Rodríguez Conrado , Olveira Antonio
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims

The relationship between primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease, and its impact on treatment response and prognosis, remains underexplored.

Methods

Patient cohort from two centres comprising long‐term follow‐up data. All patients had histologically confirmed PBC. Biopsies were classified according to Non‐Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network. Diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease was established when steatosis exceeded 5%, along with at least one metabolic risk factor. Patients with specific aetiologies of steatosis, other liver diseases, incomplete results and inadequate treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid were excluded. Data from patients initiating second‐line treatment were censored. Treatment response was assessed using the Toronto, Paris II and AST‐to‐platelet at 12‐month criteria. The UK PBC and Globe scores, and liver events were utilized as outcome measures.

Results

The study included 129 patients, 36 showing histologically confirmed overlap between PBC and steatosis. Patients with overlap showed worse prognosis according to Paris II (61.1% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.004), Toronto (52.5% vs. 24.7%, p = 0.002), AST‐to‐platelet 12‐month >0.54 (36.1% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.021), Globe >0.30 (49.2% vs. 29.2%, p = 0.033) and UK PBC at 5, 10 and 15 years (p ≤ 0.001). Liver‐related mortality and liver transplant were more prevalent in the overlap group (p = 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, steatosis, dyslipidaemia and advanced fibrosis were independently associated to worse outcomes.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease worsens the prognosis of PBC.
Letter: Addressing opioid exposure and associated harms in patients with IBD
Authors: Selinger Christian P. , Baillie Samantha , Pollok Richard
Published: June 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Nørgård et al papers. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18014.
A cross‐cultural study of children's graphic representations of men‐ and women‐dominated occupations
Authors: Vivaldi Romina A. , Rose Sarah E.
Published: June 2024

Occupational gender stereotypes develop from early age and contribute to occupational gender imbalance. Previous research used questionnaires or interviews to investigate children's explicit stereotypes and where drawings have been used, mostly men‐dominated occupations have been considered. This study used drawings and interviews to assess implicit stereotypes of both men and women‐dominated occupations and whether children's sex, age and cultural background predicted these stereotypes. Two hundred and forty‐three 6‐to‐7‐year‐olds and 10‐to‐11‐year‐olds in Britain and Argentina‐encompassing both Global South and Global North perspectives‐ drew five human figures: (i) person of their choice, (ii) dancer, (iii) nanny (iv) firefighter and (v) pilot. In interviews, children confirmed and justified their gender choices for each drawing. Results indicate gender stereotypes in children from both countries, especially towards women‐dominated occupations. Girls exhibited more rigid gender views than boys. These findings suggest widespread and culturally consistent occupational gender stereotypes, potentially limiting children's future job choices.
Connected lives: Care, money management, and gender inequality in low‐income households in times of crisis in Argentina
Authors: Wilkis Ariel , Partenio Florencia
Published: June 2024

Inspired by the sociology of Zelizer, this article lays out a framework of analysis that sheds light on money management as a cornerstone of the social organization of care. First, it lays out the features of the money management of care and caretaking practices to reveal a cyclical process in which the money side of care is rendered invisible and naturalized. It then turns to the question of debt, a key aspect of money management, and its reinforcement of gender inequalities during the care crisis associated with COVID‐19. The findings are drawn from a qualitative survey of low‐income households conducted in Argentina in 2021
‘Protect Our Children’ System‐Level Impacts: Preventing Child Sexual Abuse in Rural Populations
Authors: Piper Simone , Zarate Jose , Luther Stephanie , Metcalfe Robyn E. , Bogner Jaclyn , Todahl Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2024

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a public health issue that may have a disproportionate impact on children in rural areas due to lack of resources, lack of knowledge in the community and community norms that discourage reporting. In order to effectively prevent CSA in rural communities, there is a need to better understand the impact of prevention programming outside of the impacts on individual participants. The present study used a mixed‐methods approach to evaluate the unintended impacts of a CSA prevention program in rural communities throughout Oregon and Northern California from the perspective of the implementing staff. Participants (n = 38) indicated changes in their organisational identity, changes in community norms and the impact of having a network of other organisations across the state who were implementing the same program. Implications for research and potential for statewide prevention systems are discussed.
Featuring BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutational landscape from Asturias (North Spain)
Authors: Pitiot Ana S. , Blay Pilar , Díaz‐Navarro Ander , Fernández‐Arrojo Sara , Romero Rosa , Álvarez‐Eguiluz Ángel , Alvarado Marta G. , Álvarez Nieves , García‐Teijido Paula , Fernández Yolanda , Palacio Isabel , Puente Xose S. , Balbín Milagros
Published: June 2024

The singular BRCA1/2 mutational landscape of Asturias is updated 10 years after the first study. We analyzed BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variants in 1653 index cases. In total, 238 families were identified to carry a pathogenic variant, 163 families in BRCA1 and 75 families in BRCA2. This yielded a prevalence rate of 14.4%. Seven recurrent variants were found accounting for 55% of the cases. Among them, three are widely distributed (BRCA1 c.211A>G, c.470_471del and c.3331_3334del) and four had been reported as novel in Asturias: two in BRCA1 (c.1674del and c.2901_2902dup) and two in BRCA2 (c.2095C>T and c.4040_4035delinsC). A common haplotype was established for all recurrent variants indicating a shared ancestral origin. Three splicing analyses are shown: BRCA1:c.5152+3A>C and BRCA1:c.5333‐3T>G that lead to skipping of exon 18, and 22 respectively, and BRCA1:c.5278‐1G>T giving rise to two transcripts, one lacking exon 21 (p.Ille1760Glyfs*60) and one lacking the first 8 nucleotides of exon 21 (p.Phe1761Asnfs*14), supporting pathogenicity for these variants.
Analyzing the relative importance of habitat quantity and quality for boosting pollinator populations in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Fijen Thijs P. M. , Bishop Gabriella A. , Ganuza Cristina , Scheper Jeroen , Kleijn David
Published: June 2024

To increase pollinator populations, international policy targets minimum levels of seminatural habitat cover, but it is unknown whether improving the quality of existing habitats could bring similar benefits without the need of reducing cropland area. Using data we collected in 26 Italian agricultural landscapes during the entire flying season, we explored the relative importance of habitat quantity (seminatural habitat cover) and quality (flower availability) on pollinator densities in seminatural habitats. We obtained transect‐based counts and estimated the effect of habitat quantity (proportion of seminatural habitat) and quality (flower cover and richness) on wild bee and hoverfly densities. We used the relationships revealed in the data to simulate pollinator population sizes in landscapes with varying habitat quantity and quality. Wild bee densities were only related to flower availability, whereas hoverfly densities were additionally related to seminatural habitat cover. We found that in complex agricultural landscapes (above 15% seminatural habitat cover), improving habitat quality increased pollinator populations more effectively than increasing habitat quantity. However, increasing habitat quantity was by far the most effective approach for boosting pollinator populations in simple landscapes.