bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigating the hackathon: Exploring participant experience, confidence and anxiety
Authors: Rys Maciej , Górska Anna Maria , Korzynski hab. Pawel
Published: April 2024

Hackathons are characterized by their dynamic and collaborative nature, acting as incubators for innovation in diverse contexts. They are celebrated for nurturing creativity and tackling current challenges while offering distinctive educational opportunities. However, participants' lack of confidence and increased anxiety can diminish the utility of a hackathon's outcomes, adversely affecting both the resolution of the challenges at hand and the educational value of the experience. Drawing on 398 responses from verified hackathon participants, we examined associations among experience, intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, confidence and anxiety. The findings confirm that experience at hackathons has a beneficial effect on individuals' confidence levels and concurrently diminishes anxiety. Additionally, intrinsic motivations show negative associations with anxiety and positive associations with confidence, while extrinsic motivations have unequivocal effects. These insights deepen our comprehension of the hackathon ecosystem, underscoring the criticality of participant's well‐being and motivation. The ramifications of these findings are multifaceted: they not only inform the enhancement of hackathon frameworks, emphasizing a participant‐focused approach, but also facilitate the strategic incorporation of hackathons within educational and organizational contexts.
The impact of urbanization on painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) behaviour
Authors: Blanchett Sebastian , Turcotte Audrey , Blouin‐Demers Gabriel
Published: April 2024

Urbanization is a significant driver of the global biodiversity crisis. Turtles are particularly impacted by urbanization because of the vulnerability of riparian habitats to habitat loss and road mortality. Behaviour plays a crucial role in determining the success of urban animals. Behavioural responses to urbanization, however, are rarely studied in turtles even though many turtles are at‐risk and sometimes live in urban areas. Therefore, we evaluated behavioural changes in painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) living in wetlands surrounded by a gradient of urbanization. We tested the consistency of painted turtle behaviour in the laboratory and examined the behaviour of painted turtles from 24 wetland sites across an urbanization gradient in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. We assessed: (i) aggression by measuring the number of active defensive behaviours the turtles performed in response to handling, (ii) boldness by measuring the amount of time the turtles took to emerge from their shells and move from their initial locations in a circular arena and (iii) activity by measuring the amount of time the turtles spent moving in the same circular arena. We found that all behaviours were consistent in the laboratory. We also found that as the level of urbanization increased, turtles were more aggressive and bolder. Urbanization affects painted turtle behaviour, but further research is required to understand the mechanisms responsible and the conservation implications.
Declined terrestrial ecosystem resilience
Authors: Yao Ying , Liu Yanxu , Fu Fengyu , Song Jiaxi , Wang Yijia , Han Yu , Wu Tianjing , Fu Bojie
Published: April 2024

Terrestrial ecosystem resilience is crucial for maintaining the structural and functional stability of ecosystems following disturbances. However, changes in resilience over the past few decades and the risk of future resilience loss under ongoing climate change are unclear. Here, we identified resilience trends using two remotely sensed vegetation indices, analyzed the relative importance of potential driving factors to resilience changes, and finally assessed the risk of future resilience loss based on the output data of eight models from CMIP6. The results revealed that more than 60% of the ecosystems experienced a conversion from an increased trend to a declined trend in resilience. Attribution analysis showed that the most important driving factors of declined resilience varied regionally. The declined trends in resilience were associated with increased precipitation variability in the tropics, decreased vegetation cover in arid region, increased temperature variability in temperate regions, and increased average temperature in cold regions. CMIP6 reveals that terrestrial ecosystems under SPP585 are expected to experience more intense declines in resilience than those under SSP126 and SSP245, particularly in cold regions. These results highlight the risk of continued degradation of ecosystem resilience in the future and the urgency of climate mitigation actions.
Understanding prison living: Mitigating the problem of ‘incompatible’ incarcerated people through the perspectives of correctional officers
Authors: Ricciardelli Rosemary , Johnston Matthew S. , Foley Gillian , Sibley Marcus A. , Mario Brittany
Published: April 2024

Prisoner incompatibility is a challenge for correctional officers (COs), as incompatible people in prison are more likely to engage in negative interactions, participate in altercations, cause harm to each other and create tension on a unit. Through in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 28 COs employed in Atlantic Canada, we explore how incompatibility among incarcerated people shapes how incarcerated people are managed and perceived by COs. Engaging the prison design literature, we further examine the kinds of spatial designs and protocols that contribute to, or mitigate, incompatibility. We find that COs describe a complex prison hierarchy that, while being laced with challenges beyond the control of COs, could nevertheless be effectively mitigated through architectural transformation or policy reforms. We highlight the need to consider how prison culture informs and is interpolated through spatial configurations of correctional institutions and how these social and spatial dynamics shape interactions between prisoners.
Li+ doped SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ long‐persistent luminescence aluminoborosilicate glass‐ceramics: Preparation and properties
Authors: Pan Xueyi , Song Tuo , Yang Xinyu , Xia Wei
Published: April 2024

In the SrO‐Al2O3‐B2O3‐SiO2 glass system, a SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ long‐persistent luminescence glass‐ceramic (SAGC) with Li2O was successfully synthesized for the first time using the recrystallization‐melting method. The composition, micromorphology, long‐persistent luminescence (LPL) properties, photoluminescence (PL) properties, and water resistance were measured by X‐ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, brightness meter, fluorescence spectrophotometer, and pH meter, respectively. The method involves the formation of grains below the glass transition temperature, followed by the formation of the glass phase at a higher temperature, and finally the formation of products through cooling. The samples exhibited green PL and LPL emissions and demonstrated excellent color purity, homogeneity, and LPL luminescence. After doping Li2O, the purity and crystallinity of the SrAl2O4 were improved, and scalene hexagonal or monoclinic prismatic SrAl2O4 crystals with high regularity were synthesized in the glass matrix. This research indicates that excellent LPL benefits from the complete crystal structure, abundant crystals, and large crystal size. When the Li2O content reached 5 mol%, the crystal size was ∼30 µm, the PL and LPL properties performed best, and greater water resistance was exhibited. The SAGC in this new glass system has potential in optical storage.
Establishment of a diagnostic model of endometriosis based on disulfidptosis‐related genes
Authors: Shi Hongyan , Zhou Caixia , Zhao Yaoyao
Published: April 2024

Objectives

We aimed to establish a diagnostic model of endometriosis (EM) based on disulfidptosis‐related genes (DRGs).

Materials and Methods

The mRNA expression data of EM were downloaded from the gene expression omnibus database and subjected to differential analysis, and co‐expression analysis was performed based on 10 disulfidptosis genes to acquire DRGs. The differentially expressed DRGs were subjected to biofunctional analysis. Lasso analysis and support vector machine‐recursive feature elimination (SVM‐RFE) analysis were employed to extract the intersection of feature genes as biomarkers, and the diagnostic values of biomarkers for EM were evaluated based on receiver operating characteristic curves. The correlations between biomarkers and the immune microenvironment were assessed by Pearson analysis of biomarkers and immune cell infiltration levels.

Results

Transforming growth factor β stimulated protein clone 22 domain family member 4 (TSC22D4), and F‐box/SPRY domain‐containing protein 1 (FBXO45) worked as the diagnostic classifiers in EM, with an obvious decrease in FBXO45 expression and an evident increase in TSC22D4 expression. The areas under the curves of FBXO45 and TSC22D4 were 0.752 and 0.706, respectively, and the area of FBXO45 combined with TSC22D4 reached 0.865, suggesting that TSC22D4 and FBXO45 had high predictive values. The diagnostic markers were closely correlated with immune cell infiltration.

Conclusion

The diagnostic markers constructed based on disulfidptosis are good predictors for EM, which have close correlations with EM.
Hand to Face: A Phenomenological View of Body Image Development in Infants
Authors: Tanaka Shogo
Published: April 2024

This paper attempts to theoretically reconsider body image development in infants from a phenomenological viewpoint of the body. Because body image is defined as the mental picture of one's whole body, our main question is how we obtain the perspective to view our own body as a whole in constituting body image. First, focusing on the development of mirror self‐cognition in the first 2 years of life, we find that this perspective derives from that of others in embodied interactions with infants. We then trace the process whereby others' perspectives appear in dyadic interactions between infants and caregivers. Since joint attention is established around 9 months, this dyadic interaction is transformed into a triadic relationship between the infant, caregiver, and object, which is experienced as “secondary intersubjectivity.” Infant body image is constituted gradually within this intersubjective context. Based on phenomenological descriptions, we propose that the hands are the first organ and the face the last organ to be incorporated into one's body image. We conclude that the constitution of body image is not merely a sensory task of integrating proprioceptive and visual images of the body, but a social task of internalizing others' perspectives regarding one's own body.
A new giant Jurassic lacewing larva reveals a particular aquatic habit and its significance to the palaeoecology
Authors: Kong Bowen , Shih Chungkun , Ren Dong , Wang Yongjie
Published: April 2024

Neuroptera, as a small relic group of Insecta undergoing a rapid species diversification during the Mesozoic Era, is known by diverse extinct endemic lineages preserved as impression fossils and in amber. The current understanding of Mesozoic neuropterans′ diversity has mainly focused on the adults, because the contemporaneous larvae have been fairly rare especially for the Jurassic lacewings. Herein, a new giant lacewing larva, Natator giganteus gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Middle Jurassic Daohugou Beds of China. The remarkable larva is characterized by its impressively large body size, distinctively elongated cervix, and presence of swimming hairs on legs, which provide direct evidence to reveal an aquatic habit for the Jurassic lacewing larva. The morphological analysis indicates this giant larva would have probably inhabited the benthic environments of Jurassic montane rivers and streams. In addition, its morphological specialization suggests that it might have adopted an ambush predation strategy to catch its prey. The finding enhances our knowledge of the species diversity and morphological plasticity for the Jurassic lacewing larvae, and reveals that the aquatic lineages of Neuroptera exhibited dramatically structural and ecological convergence across the evolutionary process.
Cytosolic ABA Receptor Kinases phosphorylate the D6 PROTEIN KINASE leading to its stabilization which promotes Arabidopsis growth
Authors: He Juan , Li Xiaoyi , Yu Qin , Peng Lu , Chen Li , Liu Jiajia , Wang Jianmei , Li Xufeng , Yang Yi
Published: April 2024

The polar auxin transport is required for proper plant growth and development. D6 PROTEIN KINASE (D6PK) is required for the phosphorylation of PIN‐FORMED (PIN) auxin efflux carriers to regulate auxin transport, while the regulation of D6PK stabilization is still poorly understood. Here, we found that Cytosolic ABA Receptor Kinases (CARKs) redundantly interact with D6PK, and the interactions are dependent on CARKs' kinase activities. Similarly, CARK3 also could interact with paralogs of D6PK, including D6PKL1, D6PKL2, and D6PKL3. The genetic analysis shows that D6PK acts the downstream of CARKs to regulate Arabidopsis growth, including hypocotyl, leaf area, vein formation, and the length of silique. Loss‐of‐function of CARK3 in overexpressing GFP‐D6PK plants leads to reduce the level of D6PK protein, thereby rescues plant growth. In addition, the cell‐free degradation assays indicate that D6PK is degraded through 26 S proteasome pathway, while the phosphorylation by CARK3 represses this process in cells. In summary, D6PK stabilization by the CARK family is required for auxin‐mediated plant growth and development.
Mechanistic studies on protective effects of total flavonoids from Ilex latifolia Thunb. on UVB‐radiated human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT cells) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technique
Authors: Ma Yunge , Li Yingyan , Yao Yike , Huang Tao , Lan Chong , Li Liyan
Published: April 2024

The aim of the present research is to investigate anti‐UVB radiation activity of total flavonoids from Ilex latifolia Thunb. (namely large‐leaved Kuding tea) on human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT cells) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technique. Network pharmacology was used to screen target genes of active ingredients from Ilex latifolia Thunb. associated with UVB irradiation. The possible signaling pathways were analyzed by KEGG enrichment and verified by cellular experiments. Molecular docking was used to assess the affinity between the active ingredients and the core targets. The prediction of network pharmacology and molecular docking was identified by series experiment in UVB‐irradiated HaCaT cells. Network pharmacology results showed that the active ingredients of Ilex latifolia Thunb. for anti‐UVB irradiation were mainly flavonoids, and the possible signaling pathways were involved in PI3K‐AKT, apoptosis, MAPKs, NF‐κB, and JAK‐STAT3. Molecular docking indicated key binding activity between AKT1‐Glycitein, STAT3‐Formononetin, CASP3‐Formononetin, TNF‐Kaempferol, CASP3‐Luteolin, and AKT1‐Quercetin. The total flavonoid pretreatment (0.25–1.0 mg/mL) down‐regulated the expression of IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α in the cells determined by ELISA. The expression of phosphor PI3K, phosphor AKT, phosphor JAK, phosphor STAT3, phosphor JNK, and phosphor p38 MAPKs and COX‐2 proteins in cytosolic and NF‐κB p65 protein in nucleus were down‐regulated and determined by western blot. It also protected UVB‐irradiated cells from apoptosis by reducing apoptosis rate and down‐regulating active‐caspase 3. In a word, the total flavonoid treatment protected HaCaT cells from UVB injuries effectively, and the potential mechanism involves PI3K‐AKT, JAK‐STAT3, MAPK, and NF‐κB pathway by anti‐inflammatory and apoptosis action in cells. The mechanism in vivo experiment needs to be further confirmed in future.
Effects of gait retraining using minimalist shoes on the medial gastrocnemius muscle‐tendon unit behavior and dynamics during running
Authors: Deng Liqin , Dai Boyi , Zhang Xini , Xiao Songlin , Fu Weijie
Published: April 2024

The effects of a 12‐week gait retraining program on the adaptation of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and muscle‐tendon unit (MTU) were investigated. 26 runners with a rearfoot strike pattern (RFS) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: gait retraining (GR) or control group (CON). MG ultrasound images, marker positions, and ground reaction forces (GRF) were collected twice during 9 km/h of treadmill running before and after the intervention. Ankle kinetics and the MG and MTU behavior and dynamics were quantified. Runners in the GR performed gradual 12‐week gait retraining transitioning to a forefoot strike pattern. After 12‐week, (1) ten participants in each group completed the training; eight participants in GR transitioned to non‐RFS with reduced foot strike angles; (2) MG fascicle contraction length and velocity significantly decreased after the intervention for both groups, whereas MG forces increased after intervention for both groups; (3) significant increases in MTU stretching length for GR and peak MTU recoiling velocity for both groups were observed after the intervention, respectively; (4) no significant difference was found for all parameters of the series elastic element. Gait retraining might potentially influence the MG to operate at lower fascicle contraction lengths and velocities and produce greater peak forces. The gait retraining had no effect on SEE behavior and dynamics but did impact MTU, suggesting that the training was insufficient to induce mechanical loading changes on SEE behavior and dynamics.
“I never planned for it”—Exploration of expectations about caring for older parents
Authors: De Poli Chiara , Wittenberg Raphael , Rehill Amritpal , Stevens Madeleine , Brimblecombe Nicola
Published: April 2024

The projected increase in older dependent adults will continue straining formal care services whilst increasing the reliance on unpaid carers, in England and internationally. While motivations and willingness to care among unpaid carers have been explored, expectations around the caregiving role remain under‐researched. This article delves into expectations of middle‐aged individuals around providing care to an older parent in the future. Data collected through six focus groups with 35 mid‐life individuals, a mix of individuals with and without caring experience, were analysed thematically, cross‐sectionally, and with reference to different phases in the caregiving trajectory. Participants showed predicted, in some cases normative, expectations about taking on the role of carer for an older parent. Such expectations were rooted in emotional and socio‐cultural factors and influenced how people self‐identified as a carer. Expectations about what the role would entail were unformed: they were described as conditional on the uncertain and changing care needs of the older parents (‘caregiving creep’). Those with caring experience highlighted that, in hindsight, their prior expectations did not match their actual experience of the role, requiring greater time commitment and impacting their life in ways they had not anticipated. When thinking about the future, participants envisaged stepped changes in care arrangements to meet increasing, albeit uncertain, care needs, but acknowledged their lack of awareness around the care options available to them. Policies aiming to improve general awareness about caregiving, support early identification of carers, and address their information need throughout their caregiving journey should be a priority.
Efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis to preventing brucellosis in accidental exposure: A systematic review
Authors: Nascimento Silva Sarah , Cota Glaucia , Souza Kathiaja Miranda , de Freitas Marina Gonçalves , Carvalho Janaína de Pina , Galvão Endi Lanza
Published: April 2024

Background

Antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent brucellosis after accidental exposure to Brucella is an important topic in public health. This study aimed to systematically review the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis following accidental exposure to Brucella in preventing human brucellosis disease.

Methods

The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023456812). The outcomes included the incidence of brucellosis disease, adverse events rate, and antibiotic prophylaxis adherence. A comprehensive literature search, conducted until 20 November, 2023, involved Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and LILACS databases. Descriptive analysis and meta‐analysis using R software were performed, risk of bias was assessed using JBI Critical appraisal tools, and certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE tool.

Results

Among 3102 initially identified records, eight studies involving 97 individuals accidentally exposed, all focused on high‐risk accidental exposure to Brucella in laboratory settings, were included in the review. All studies reported the prophylactic treatment comprising doxycycline at a dosage of 100 mg twice daily, combined with rifampicin at 600 mg, both administered over 21 days. Prophylaxis adherence was reported in 86% of cases, and incidence of brucellosis post‐treatment was 0.01. Adverse events, mainly gastrointestinal, occurred in 26% of cases. Critical appraisal revealed limitations in reporting demographics and clinical information. The certainty of evidence was rated as ‘very low,’ emphasising the need for caution in interpreting the observed outcomes due to study design constraints and the absence of comparative groups.

Conclusions

PEP is an alternative practice reported in the literature, used in accidents with high‐risk exposure to Brucella. The currently available evidence of the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis is insufficient to support a recommendation for or against the widespread use of antibiotic prophylaxis, so caution is needed in interpreting results due to the very low certainty of evidence, primarily stemming from case series and lack of comparative groups.
Chlorine Solubility in Silicate Melts: New Experiments and Thermodynamic Mixing Model
Authors: Aranovich L. Y. , Golunova M. A. , Connolly J. A. D. , Ivanov M. V.
Published: April 2024

We present new experimental data on Cl solubility in model basalt melts of eutectic compositions diopside (Di)–albite (Ab) and Di–anorthite ± quartz (Qtz). The starting glasses were equilibrated with aqueous NaCl–CaCl2 fluid at 4 kbar in the temperature range of 900–1200°C. The experiments show that Cl solubility decreases with increasing NaCl in the fluid. Ca–Na partitioning between melts and fluid is weekly temperature dependent and resembles that of the plagioclase–fluid system. The newly obtained experimental data, along with previously published results on the model granite melting in the presence of (Na,K)Cl brines (Aranovich et al., 2013), are used to calibrate an empirical thermodynamic model for salt species (NaCl, KCl, and CaCl2) in silicate melt. Calculations show that Cl solubility in haplogranite melt decreases with increasing K/Na ratio in the fluid (and correspondingly, melt). The data acquired on Ca and Na partitioning between melt and fluid make it possible to model the evolution of the Ca/Na ratio in the crystallization course of basalt melts. At a high pressure (10 kbar), Cl solubility in model granite increases with increasing Н2О content. The calculated phase diagram for a simple pseudo-ternary system Ab–H2O–NaCl demonstrates complex phase relations and, correspondingly, evolution of the Н2О and NaCl concentrations in the melt. This complex evolution is illustrated by data on the composition of quartz-hosted melt and fluid inclusions from granites in the Verkhneurmisskii massif in the Badzhal volcano-plutonic zone.
Paleoproterozoic Dacite Dikes of the Vorontsovka Terrane, Volga–Don Orogen: Geochemistry, Age, and Petrogenesis
Authors: Savko K. A. , Samsonov A. V. , Korish E. Kh. , Bazikov N. S. , Larionov A. N.
Published: April 2024

Metamorphosed dacitic porphyry dikes were first found in the western part of the Vorontsovka terrane, which is located in the Paleoproterozoic Volga–Don orogen at the margin of Archean Sarmatia and Volga–Ural cratons. The magmatic protolith age for the metadacites is ca. 2.07 Ga. These are ferrous, metaluminous calc-alkali I-type granitoids. The sodium specialization of the rocks and their low concentrations of Mg, Cr, Ni, and incompatible elements, with significant REE fractionation, the absence of Eu* anomalies, high Sr/Y ratio, remarkably high (Gd/Yb)n values (>10), and the radiogenic Nd isotopic composition indicate that the dacitic melts were derived from a juvenile mafic source. According to petrogenetic estimations, such conditions could be caused by the partial melting of depleted N-MORB basites in equilibrium with an eclogitic residue. The dacitic magmas were likely generated by the partial melting of mafic rocks at lower levels of the significantly thickened crust (>60 km) in relation to collision processes.
Malignant tumour in pregnancy: Ewing-like sarcoma of the gluteal region
Authors: Gouveia Inês , Xavier Marta , Silva Joana , Martins Pedro
Published: April 2024

We report a case of an Ewing-like sarcoma of the gluteal region with ongoing growth during the second trimester of pregnancy and noted during the third trimester. This lesion was consequently studied to infer its malignant potential. Several examinations were conducted to characterise this lesion, such as ultrasound and MR, which showed signs of tumourous invasion of the deep tissues of the gluteal region.

Given that the pregnancy was at the end of the third trimester, the decision was made to schedule the delivery at 37 weeks of gestation and treat the tumour afterwards to balance maternal and fetal health.

This case illustrates the need for a detailed investigation and guidance by a multidisciplinary team to provide prenatal counselling regarding a malignant tumour during pregnancy.
National capacity strengthening within the context of an international vector control partnership: findings from a qualitative study conducted within the Ugandan ‘Tiny Targets’ programme
Authors: Aggrey Siya , Pulford Justin , Bahungirehe John Bosco , Wamboga Charles , Hope Andrew
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The Ugandan Tiny Target programme is an example of an international vector control partnership that held specific capacity strengthening objectives in support of a disease elimination goal. Drawing on this experience, we sought to derive transferable lessons that may inform capacity strengthening approaches within other partnership-based vector control programmes.

Methods

A longitudinal qualitative study encompassing semistructured interviews conducted with Ugandan partners working on the Tiny Target programme. Data analysis was informed by a general inductive approach.

Results

Capacity strengthening priorities evolved over time initially focusing on the immediate capacities needed to perform roles and responsibilities assigned within the partnership and then shifting towards more advanced, transferable knowledge and skills. A distinction between operational and systemic priorities was observed: the former was necessary to support successful programme implementation whereas the latter reflected fundamental limitations or complexities within the Ugandan context that were bypassed by including an international partner. Systemic priorities were fewer in number than their operational counterparts, although substantially harder to resolve. The largest apparent threat to the long-term sustainability of reported capacity gains was their concentration within a small number of individuals.

Conclusion

Our study highlights three key lessons that may inform the design of national capacity strengthening activities conducted within the context of international vector control partnerships, including (1) Multiple approaches to strengthen capacity are needed and that can adapt to changing capacity strengthening priorities over time; (2) Balancing operational and systemic capacity strengthening priorities, the latter becoming increasingly important within longer-term partnerships and (3) Partnership members in focal country/ies should be supported to actively facilitate the transfer of newly acquired knowledge and skills to relevant colleagues/communities outside of the partnership. The generic nature of these recommendations suggests they are likely to be of benefit to many and diverse international partnerships within the wider global health space.
Trends in motives for trying to stop smoking: a population study in England, 2018–2023
Authors: Jackson Sarah E , Cox Sharon , Buss Vera , Brown Jamie
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Since 2020, people in England have lived through a global pandemic and national cost-of-living and healthcare crises, each of which might have affected motivations to stop smoking.

Objective

To examine changes in the factors motivating people to stop smoking over this period.

Methods

Data were drawn from a nationally representative monthly cross-sectional survey in England, 2018–2023. Participants were 5777 past-year smokers who made one or more serious attempt to quit in the past year. Participants reported factors contributing to their most recent attempt to quit. We estimated time trends in the proportion of attempts to quit that were motivated by (i) health concerns, (ii) cost, (iii) social factors and (iv) health professional advice, and calculated prevalence ratios (PRs) for the change in prevalence across the whole time series (May 2023 vs March 2018).

Results

Up to 2020, one in two attempts to quit were motivated by health concerns (mean monthly proportion 51.0%), one in five by social factors (20.2%) and cost (19.9%) and one in six by health professional advice (16.5%). In 2020, the proportion of attempts to quit motivated by health concerns, social factors and cost increased—to high levels of 56.2%, 23.9% and 25.8%, respectively—and those motivated by health professional advice fell to 8.0%. Rises in health-related and social motives soon returned to baseline levels (52.0% in May 2023 vs 52.5% in March 2018; PR=0.99, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.14) or below baseline (16.0% vs 21.6%; PR=0.74, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.01), respectively. However, attempts to quit motivated by cost increased further during 2022–2023 (reaching 25.4% in May 2023 vs 19.1% in March 2019; PR=1.33, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.76) and those motivated by health professional advice remained suppressed (8.5% vs 14.2%; PR=0.60, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.89).

Conclusions

Health concerns are the most common motive for trying to stop smoking. The relative importance of other motives has shifted since 2020, with cost motivating a greater proportion of attempts to quit, and social factors and health professional advice motivating a smaller proportion.
Abstracts from international Emergency Medicine journals
Authors: Production EMJ
Published: April 2024

Editor’s note: EMJ has partnered with the journals of multiple international emergency medicine societies to share from each a highlighted research study, as selected by their editors. This edition will feature an abstract from each publication.
Meningeal Lymphatics in Central Nervous System Diseases
Authors: Salvador Andrea Francesca M. , Abduljawad Nora , Kipnis Jonathan
Published: April 2024

Since its recent discovery, the meningeal lymphatic system has reshaped our understanding of central nervous system (CNS) fluid exchange, waste clearance, immune cell trafficking, and immune privilege. Meningeal lymphatics have also been demonstrated to functionally modify the outcome of neurological disorders and their responses to treatment, including brain tumors, inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, CNS injuries, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In this review, we discuss recent evidence of the contribution of meningeal lymphatics to neurological diseases, as well as the available experimental methods for manipulating meningeal lymphatics in these conditions. Finally, we also provide a discussion of the pressing questions and challenges in utilizing meningeal lymphatics as a prime target for CNS therapeutic intervention and possibly drug delivery for brain disorders.
All-Dry Synthesis of NMC from [Ni,Mn,Co]3O4 Spinel Precursors
Authors: Ben-Barak Ido , Obrovac M. N.
Published: April 2024

Oxides in the Ni
x
Mn0.5-x/2Co0.5-x/2-O system were investigated as precursors in the all-dry synthesis of NMC622 (LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2). Single-phase spinel precursors in this system were found to have the highest compositional homogeneity. To synthesize NMC, Ni
x
Mn0.5-x/2Co0.5-x/2-O precursors were heated with Li2CO3 and NiO (to attain the correct NMC stoichiometry) in air or oxygen. This represents a different strategy in NMC synthesis compared to conventional hydroxide precursors that have the same composition as the final NMC. The most homogeneous and best performing NMC (171.9 mAh g−1 with 90% after 183 cycles) were obtained by using precursors that were essentially single-phase cubic spinel (0.070 ≤ x ≤ 0.091 in Ni
x
Mn0.5-x/2Co0.5-x/2-O) even though such precursors had compositions that had significantly less Ni content than the target NMC622 composition. These findings demonstrate an alternate route for obtaining compositional homogeneity in NMC all-dry synthesis.
The effect of baseline O2 conditions on the response of prostate cancer cells to hypoxia
Authors: Alva Ricardo , Wiebe Jacob E. , Stuart Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2024

Although human cell culture models have been instrumental to our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the cellular response to hypoxia, in virtually all experiments, cells are routinely cultured in near-atmospheric (∼18% O2) oxygen levels, which are hyperoxic relative to physiological conditions in vivo. Here, we show for the first time that cells cultured in physiological O2 levels (5% O2) respond differently to subsequent hypoxia than cells grown at 18%.
NEAT1 regulates VSMC differentiation and calcification in as long noncoding RNA NEAT1 enhances phenotypic and osteogenic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis via scaffolding EZH2
Authors: Yin Chengye , Ge Zhuowang , Yuan Jiali , Chen Yuhan , Tang Yong , Xiang Yin , Zhang Yachen
Published: April 2024

Our study demonstrates that the upregulation of long noncoding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) promotes proliferation and migration during phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis. We also provide in vivo and in vitro evidence that NEAT1 accelerates vascular calcification. Our findings identified the direct interaction between enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and NEAT1 during atherosclerosis. NEAT1 is necessary for EZH2 to translocate from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, where EZH2 epigenetically inhibits the expression of genes related to senescence and antimigration.
Involvement of kinesins in skeletal dysplasia: a review
Authors: Bouchenafa Roufaida , Johnson de Sousa Brito Francesca Manuela , Piróg Katarzyna Anna
Published: April 2024

Skeletal dysplasias are group of rare genetic diseases resulting from mutations in genes encoding structural proteins of the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM), signaling molecules, transcription factors, epigenetic modifiers, and several intracellular proteins. Cell division, organelle maintenance, and intracellular transport are all orchestrated by the cytoskeleton-associated proteins, and intracellular processes affected through microtubule-associated movement are important for the function of skeletal cells. Among microtubule-associated motor proteins, kinesins in particular have been shown to play a key role in cell cycle dynamics, including chromosome segregation, mitotic spindle formation, and ciliogenesis, in addition to cargo trafficking, receptor recycling, and endocytosis. Recent studies highlight the fundamental role of kinesins in embryonic development and morphogenesis and have shown that mutations in kinesin genes lead to several skeletal dysplasias. However, many questions concerning the specific functions of kinesins and their adaptor molecules as well as specific molecular mechanisms in which the kinesin proteins are involved during skeletal development remain unanswered. Here we present a review of the skeletal dysplasias resulting from defects in kinesins and discuss the involvement of kinesin proteins in the molecular mechanisms that are active during skeletal development.
Effect of inside Surface Baffle Conditions on Just Drawdown Impeller Rotational Speed
Authors: Furukawa Haruki , Ota Tomoki , Kato Yoshihito
Published: April 2024

The effect of inside surface baffle installation conditions on the minimum impeller rotational speed for just the drawdown of floating solid NJD was investigated. The inside surface baffle condition is the condition in which a partial baffle is placed with a clearance between the baffle and the vessel wall. In this study, a baffle with an insertion length of 0.2 times the liquid height was used. Moreover, the effect of baffle angle on NJD was investigated. The NJD was measured visually at least three times. The results showed that the effect of the radial installation position of the inside surface baffle on NJD depended on the impeller position. In addition, even baffles placed parallel to the tangential flow were found to decrease NJD.
TABLE 4 from Disparities in Access to Liver Transplant Referral and Evaluation among Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Georgia
Authors: Ross-Driscoll Katherine , Ayuk-Arrey Arrey-Takor , Lynch Raymond , McCullough Lauren E. , Roccaro Giorgio , Nephew Lauren , Hundley Jonathan , Rubin Raymond A. , Patzer Rachel
Published: April 2024

Multivariable adjusted probability of transplant referral, evaluation initiation, and evaluation completion among patients with early-stage HCC in Georgia, accounting for death as a competing risk
TFAP2A Upregulates SKA3 to Promote Glycolysis and Reduce the Sensitivity of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells to Cisplatin
Authors: Liu Guijun , Liu Xiang , Zeng Wei , Zhou Wangyan
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Studies have shown that glycolysis metabolism affects the resistance or sensitivity of tumors to chemotherapy drugs. Emerging from recent research, a paradigm-shifting revelation has unfolded, elucidating the oncogenic nature of SKA3 within the context of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Consequently, this work was designed to delve into the effects of SKA3 on glycolysis and cisplatin (CDDP) resistance in LUAD cells and to find new possibilities for individualized treatment of LUAD. Methods: LUAD mRNA expression data from the TCGA database were procured to scrutinize the differential expression patterns of SKA3 in both tumor and normal tissues. GSEA and Pearson correlation analyses were employed to elucidate the impact of SKA3 on signaling pathways within the context of LUAD. In order to discern the upstream regulatory mechanisms, the ChEA and JASPAR databases were utilized to predict the transcription factors and binding sites associated with SKA3. qRT-PCR and Western blot were implemented to assay the mRNA and protein expression levels of SKA3 and TFAP2A. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase assays were performed to solidify the binding relationship between the two. Extracellular acidification rate, glucose consumption, lactate production, and glycolysis-related proteins (HK2, GLUT1, and LDHA) were used to evaluate the level of glycolysis. Cell viability under CDDP treatment was determined utilizing the CCK-8, allowing for the calculation of IC50. The expression levels of SKA3 and TFAP2A proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: SKA3 exhibited upregulation in LUAD tissues and cell lines, establishing a direct linkage with glycolysis pathway. Overexpression of SKA3 fostered glycolysis in LUAD, resulting in reduced sensitivity toward CDDP treatment. The upstream transcription factor of SKA3, TFAP2A, was also upregulated in LUAD and could promote SKA3 transcription. Overexpression of TFAP2A also fostered the glycolysis of LUAD. Rescue assays showed that TFAP2A promoted glycolysis in LUAD cells by activating SKA3, reducing the sensitivity of LUAD cells to CDDP. The IHC analysis revealed a positive correlation between high expression of SKA3 and TFAP2A and CDDP resistance. Conclusion: In summary, TFAP2A can transcriptionally activate SKA3, promote glycolysis in LUAD, and protect LUAD cells from CDDP treatment, indicating that targeting the TFAP2A/SKA3 axis may become a plausible and pragmatic therapeutic strategy for the clinical governance of LUAD.
Predicting Exacerbations in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Using Clinical and Pulmonary Function Tests: Portuguese EARCO Registry
Authors: Faria Nuno , Gomes Joana , Guimarães Catarina , Marçôa Raquel , Ferraz Beatriz , Sucena Maria
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Exacerbations are common in individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD)-related lung disease. This study intended to identify independent predictive factors for exacerbations in AATD using the Portuguese European Alpha-1 Research Collaboration (EARCO) registry. Methods: This study includes patients from the Portuguese EARCO registry, a prospective multicenter cohort (NCT04180319). From October 2020 to April 2023, this registry enrolled 137 patients, 14 of whom were excluded for analysis for either missing 12 months of follow-up or baseline pulmonary function. Results: Among the 123 AATD patients, 27 (22.0%) had at least one exacerbation in the last 12 months of follow-up. Patients with Pi*ZZ phenotype were three times more likely than the rest of the population to experience any exacerbation (32.7 vs. 14.1%, p = 0.014; OR 3.0). BODE index was significantly higher in exacerbators than in non-exacerbators (3.9 ± 2.4 vs. 1.3 ± 1.2; p < 0.001), including on multivariate analysis (p = 0.002). Similar results were found for BODEx (multivariate p < 0.001). DLCO was the only functional parameter independently associated with exacerbations (p = 0.024). Conclusions: DLCO, BODE, and BODEx were independent predictors of exacerbations at 12 months in AATD patients. Understanding these risk factors can aid decision-making on AATD-related lung disease management and improve patient outcomes.
Endoscopic Assessment of Local Resectability of Colorectal Malignancies
Authors: Ebigbo Alanna , Nagl Sandra
Published: April 2024

Background: The endoscopic assessment of colorectal malignancies primarily aims at deciding on the local resectability. Local resectability is defined by the risk of lymphonodal metastasis. Summary: The gross morphology as well as the surface and vessel patterns provide valuable information prior to endoscopic resection. Various classifications have been standardized to assist endoscopists during endoscopic assessment. Key Message: The macroscopic assessment of colorectal malignancies should include the Paris and laterally spreading tumor (LST) classification as well as chromoendoscopic assessments such as Kudo’s pit pattern and the Japanese NBI Expert Team classifications to describe the vessel and surface patterns.
Emotion Regulation Strategies and Mental Health in Dementia Caregivers: The Moderating Role of Gender
Authors: Bullard Breanna M. , Brown Casey L. , Scheffer Julian A. , Toledo Anna B. , Levenson Robert W.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Providing care for a loved one with dementia can engender intense emotions that contribute to symptoms of anxiety and depression. Caregivers often attempt to regulate their emotions using strategies like cognitive reappraisal (CR; changing how they think about the situation) or expressive suppression (ES; hiding their emotions). However, men and women caregivers may differ in their use of these strategies. The current study examines gender differences in reported CR and ES usage and their associations with depression and anxiety in dementia caregivers. Methods: We combined data from three independent studies of informal dementia caregivers (total N = 460) who reported on their use of CR, ES, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Results: Women caregivers reported greater use of CR and less use of ES compared to men. Gender moderated the association between CR and depression, such that greater use of CR in women was associated with fewer depressive symptoms, but not for men. Gender did not significantly moderate the association between ES and depression, or between either emotion regulation strategy and anxiety. Conclusion: Findings of a unique relationship between greater CR use and less depression among women CGs, although correlational, suggest that utilizing CR may be particularly helpful for reducing depression in women caregivers. These results underscore the need for further research to determine how best to support the mental well-being of dementia caregivers.
Wheat-Triggered Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome in Celiac Children on Gluten-Free Diet: A New Clinical Association
Authors: Giraldo-Tugores Margarita , Camarero Cristina , Roy Garbiñe , De Andrés Ana , Espejo-Mambié Moisés David , Terrados-Cepeda Soledad , de la Hoz Belén
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The association between food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) and wheat ingestion in children with celiac disease is unknown at this time. Methods: We present seven cases of children with celiac disease who presented with symptoms of wheat-triggered acute FPIES (a-FPIES). An oral food challenge (OFC) with wheat allergen followed by 4 h of observation was performed. Activation of innate system cells was measured at baseline (T0), during symptoms (Ts), and 4 h after symptom onset (Ts + 4). A panel of human inflammatory cytokines was also performed. Results: All patients reacted to the first allergen dose. Three patients experienced a decrease of 30 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and tachycardia and required hemodynamic resuscitation. Neutrophilia and a decrease in eosinophil count were evident at 4 h after symptom onset. At 4 h after symptom onset, cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8, and to a lesser degree, IL-10) were elevated. Conclusion: In a small sample of celiac patients with wheat exposure in an OFC, symptoms and acute immunological changes in serum inflammatory cytokine profile were consistent with a-FPIES.
Identification of Plasma hsa_circ_0001230 and hsa_circ_0023879 as Potential Novel Biomarkers for Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis and circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Network Analysis
Authors: Ran Lingyu , Li Wei , Zhang Huhai , Lin Jie , Zhu Longyin , Long Huanping , Xiang Lunli , Chen Liping , Li Qixuan , Hu Yuhan , Gong Min , Xiao Bin , Zhao Hongwen
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common glomerulopathy with an unclear mechanism. The demand for FSGS clinical diagnostic biomarkers has not yet been met. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a novel non-coding RNA with multiple functions, but its diagnostic value for FSGS remains unexplored. This study aimed to identify circRNAs that could aid in early clinical diagnosis and to investigate their mechanisms in podocyte injury. Methods: The signature of plasma circRNAs for FSGS was identified by circRNA microarray. The existence of circRNAs was confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), RNase R assay, and DNA sequencing. Plasma levels of circRNAs were evaluated by qRT-PCR. The diagnostic value was appraised by the receiver operating characteristic curve. The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was built with Cytoscape 7.3.2. Statistically significant differences were calculated by the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: A total of 493 circRNAs (165 upregulated, 328 downregulated) were differentially expressed in the plasma of FSGS patients (n = 3) and normal controls (n = 3). Eight candidate circRNAs were demonstrated to be circular and stable transcripts. Among them, hsa_circ_0001230 and hsa_circ_0023879 were significantly upregulated in FSGS patients (n = 29) compared to normal controls (n = 51). The areas under the curve value of hsa_circ_0001230 and hsa_circ_0023879 were 0.668 and 0.753, respectively, while that of the two-circRNA panel was 0.763. The RNA pull-down analysis revealed that hsa_circ_0001230 and hsa_circ_0023879 could sponge hsa-miR-106a. Additionally, hsa_circ_0001230 and hsa_circ_0023879 positively regulated hsa-miR-106a target genes phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and Bcl-2-like protein 11 (BCL2L11) in podocytes. Conclusion: hsa_circ_0001230 and hsa_circ_0023879 are novel blood biomarkers for FSGS. They may regulate podocyte apoptosis by competitively binding to hsa-miR-106a.