bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 12‐year retrospective analysis of non‐operative management for paediatric duodenal hematomas caused by trauma at a single center
Authors: Shen Qiulong , Li Yi , Wang Dayong , Wang Li , Li Shuanling , Chen Long , Liu Tingting
Published: September 2024

Background

Paediatric traumatic duodenal hematoma is a rare type of blunt abdominal injury for which treatment strategies are controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the application value of nonoperative management of paediatric duodenal hematoma caused by trauma.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with duodenal hematoma with a confirmed history of abdominal trauma admitted to our hospital between January 2010 and December 2022. General patient information, including age, sex, cause of injury, clinical manifestations, and treatment outcomes, was recorded.

Results

A total of 11 cases were included in this study, with 6 males and 5 females. School‐age children (≥6 years) accounted for 72.7% (8/11) of the cases. Bicycle handlebar injuries accounted for 63.6% (7/11) of cases. Among these cases, 5 (45.5%) were classified as American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grade I, while the remaining were classified as grade II. The median history time was 1 day (range: 2 h–12 days). All patients were successfully treated using non‐operative methods. The median time to oral feeding after injury was 17 days (range: 9–32 days). Oral feeding was initiated within 2 weeks in 2 patients (18.2%), within 3 weeks in 6 patients (54.5%), and within 4 weeks in 10 patients (90.9%).

Conclusion

Paediatric traumatic duodenal hematoma is more common in school‐aged children, mainly due to bicycle handlebar injuries. Nonoperative treatment is proven to be safe and effective, with duodenal obstruction symptoms typically resolving within 4 weeks.
Editorial: Advancing care in Crohn's disease—Time to standardise bowel preparation scales
Authors: Shehab Mohammad , Bessissow Talat
Published: September 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Solitano et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18210 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18288
Comparing regulatory guidance on risk minimization/mitigation and the Reporting recommendation Intended for pharmaceutical Risk Minimization Evaluation Studies checklist
Authors: Guleria Sonia , Brouwer Emily , Brown David A. , Hakkarainen Katja M.
Published: September 2024

The latest country‐specific regulatory guidance for assessing effectiveness of risk minimization measures (RMM) strategies was identified across five continents—Africa (Egypt, South Africa), Asia (Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore), Europe (EU‐27, United Kingdom), North America (Unites States, Canada) and South America (Brazil)—and compared to the Reporting recommendation Intended for pharmaceutical Risk Minimization Evaluation Studies (RIMES) checklist, developed to assess the quality of effectiveness evaluations and endorsed by the European Network of Centres for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance (ENCePP). RIMES checklist items address study hypothesis, participants, measures, statistical analysis and results. European Medical Agency (EMA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance only partially aligned with RIMES, primarily for measures and results. In the absence of country‐specific guidance, most countries recommended following EMA or FDA guidelines; Japan and South Africa mentioned the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH E2E) guideline; Brazil and China had no guidance/recommendations. Worldwide, there was a lack of RMM‐specific guidance and, when guidance existed, they were not harmonized, and alignment with the RIMES checklist was limited.
Pathogenic G6PD variants: Different clinical pictures arise from different missense mutations in the same codon
Authors: Costa Simonetta , Minucci Angelo , Kumawat Amit , De Bonis Maria , Prontera Giorgia , Gelsomino Mariannita , Tana Milena , Tiberi Eloisa , Romano Alberto , Ruggiero Antonio , Mastrangelo Stefano , Palumbo Giuseppe , Giorgio Valentina , Onori Maria Elisabetta , Bolognesi Martino , Camilloni Carlo , Luzzatto Lucio , Vento Giovanni
Published: September 2024

G6PD deficiency results from mutations in the X‐linked G6PD gene. More than 200 variants are associated with enzyme deficiency: each one of them may either cause predisposition to haemolytic anaemia triggered by exogenous agents (class B variants), or may cause a chronic haemolytic disorder (class A variants). Genotype–phenotype correlations are subtle. We report a rare G6PD variant, discovered in a baby presenting with severe jaundice and haemolytic anaemia since birth: the mutation of this class A variant was found to be p.(Arg454Pro). Two variants affecting the same codon were already known: G6PD Union, p.(Arg454Cys), and G6PD Andalus, p.(Arg454His). Both these class B variants and our class A variant exhibit severe G6PD deficiency. By molecular dynamics simulations, we performed a comparative analysis of the three mutants and of the wild‐type G6PD. We found that the tetrameric structure of the enzyme is not perturbed in any of the variants; instead, loss of the positively charged Arg residue causes marked variant‐specific rearrangement of hydrogen bonds, and it influences interactions with the substrates G6P and NADP. These findings explain severe deficiency of enzyme activity and may account for p.(Arg454Pro) expressing a more severe clinical phenotype.
Exploring the coevolution of entrepreneurial ecosystems and institutional entrepreneurship: The case of sustainable entrepreneurship
Authors: Carle Alice , Rayna Thierry
Published: September 2024

While the literature has emphasized that sustainable entrepreneurs have to carry out institutional entrepreneurship against their own adverse environment, we still know little about entrepreneurs' perception of their entrepreneurial ecosystem and how its evolution might influence the need for institutional entrepreneurship. We address this gap by combining multiple data sources, used through an in‐depth case study of four Parisian sustainable startups, two founded in the 2010s and two founded in the 2020s. Results indicate that the entrepreneurial ecosystem was considered hostile for sustainable startups in the 2010s, which led entrepreneurs to conduct rather isolated institutional entrepreneurship. While influencing their entrepreneurial ecosystem towards sustainability, they opened opportunities for similar new entrants, who now face fewer difficulties. However, sustainable entrepreneurs still act as institutional entrepreneurs in a favourable environment, beyond the sole interest of their startup. This qualitative study emphasizes sustainable entrepreneurship's challenges with respect to each component of their entrepreneurial ecosystem according to their context.
A prediction model of dementia conversion for mild cognitive impairment by combining plasma pTau181 and structural imaging features
Authors: Li Tao‐Ran , Li Bai‐Le , Zhong Jin , Xu Xin‐Ran , Wang Tai‐Shan , Liu Feng‐Qi ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: September 2024

Aims

The early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are no longer insurmountable. Therefore, identifying at‐risk individuals is of great importance for precise treatment. We developed a model to predict cognitive deterioration in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

Based on the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database, we constructed models in a derivation cohort of 761 participants with MCI (138 of whom developed dementia at the 36th month) and verified them in a validation cohort of 353 cognitively normal controls (54 developed MCI and 19 developed dementia at the 36th month). In addition, 1303 participants with available AD cerebrospinal fluid core biomarkers were selected to clarify the ability of the model to predict AD core features. We assessed 32 parameters as candidate predictors, including clinical information, blood biomarkers, and structural imaging features, and used multivariable logistic regression analysis to develop our prediction model.

Results

Six independent variables of MCI deterioration were identified: apolipoprotein E ε4 allele status, lower Mini‐Mental State Examination scores, higher levels of plasma pTau181, smaller volumes of the left hippocampus and right amygdala, and a thinner right inferior temporal cortex. We established an easy‐to‐use risk heat map and risk score based on these risk factors. The area under the curve (AUC) for both internal and external validations was close to 0.850. Furthermore, the AUC was above 0.800 in identifying participants with high brain amyloid‐β loads. Calibration plots demonstrated good agreement between the predicted probability and actual observations in the internal and external validations.

Conclusion

We developed and validated an accurate prediction model for dementia conversion in patients with MCI. Simultaneously, the model predicts AD‐specific pathological changes. We hope that this model will contribute to more precise clinical treatment and better healthcare resource allocation.
Understanding the diversity of private conservation in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Lagneaux Elisabeth G. , Quaedvlieg Julia , Sabogal David , Jansen Merel
Published: September 2024

Global awareness about the threats of ecosystem degradation in the Amazon is growing. While state‐managed protected areas remain key instruments for forest conservation, private actors are increasingly funding and implementing a broad range of conservation initiatives. Private actors are transforming the Amazonian conservation landscape and its governance, however, many aspects of private conservation, especially the diversity of local practitioners and the challenges they face, remain understudied. Drawing on a case study of Madre de Dios in the Peruvian Amazon, we aim to generate a better understanding of private conservation practitioners and their various approaches to conservation on private and public land. We used an extensive review of literature and databases, in addition to 13 semi‐structured interviews with various private conservation practitioners, to map privately conserved areas, and to gather perceptions about challenges, opportunities, and future pathways for private conservation. A total of 590 privately conserved areas, covering over one million hectares, were identified and mapped in Madre de Dios. We find that, while most initiatives are managed by individuals and families, for‐profit companies manage half of the total area privately protected. Furthermore, we find that private conservation initiatives face significant barriers and pressures. These barriers include complex bureaucratic processes, legal contradictions and incoherencies, corruption, weak law enforcement, and financial insecurity. Conservation policies largely favor national and international actors and less so local, grassroots initiatives run by individuals and communities. Finally, we highlight the need for more accessible and inclusive policies that recognize the contribution of less powerful actors, to foster more effective conservation efforts for the future of the Amazon.
Challenges to Empowerment of Women through Value Chains: The Need to Move from Individual to Relational Empowerment
Authors: Nguyen Phuong , Scheyvens Regina , Beban Alice , Gardyne Samantha
Published: September 2024

This article examines the prevailing assumption by donors that connecting smallholder women to value chains will close the gender gap and empower women. Based on a case study of a programme that seeks to empower women through their integration into value chains in Vietnam, the article assesses women's empowerment across four dimensions: economic, psychological, social and political. The authors argue that women's engagement in value chains does not always financially benefit and empower women because patriarchal power structures within families, communities and businesses make it challenging for women to gain authority over production decisions in higher‐value crops. Women in the study gained more autonomy over ‘women's crops’ which yielded small incomes, while men had control over production that was seen as ‘men's work’, and in large‐scale and more lucrative production. Gendered power relations affect women's access to economic opportunities: in this context, development agencies should reconsider their approaches to women's economic empowerment by focusing on relational rather than individual empowerment. This means that women's economic empowerment programmes should involve both men and women, with targeted interventions ensuring women are empowered within the household and in their connections with the community, local authorities and businesses.
Clinical and laboratory characteristics during a 1‐year follow‐up in European Lyme neuroborreliosis: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Solheim Anne Marit , Skarstein Ingerid , Quarsten Hanne , Lorentzen Åslaug Rudjord , Berg‐Hansen Pål , Eikeland Randi , Reiso Harald , Mygland Åse , Ljøstad Unn
Published: September 2024

Background and Purpose

We need more knowledge on clinical presentations, time course, biomarkers, and prognosis in European Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB).

Methods

A prospective 12‐month follow‐up of predetermined clinical and laboratory parameters was undertaken in 105 patients with LNB.

Results

At presentation, 79% had radiculopathy, 49% had facial palsy, and 13% had solely subjective symptoms (predominately pain). Intrathecally produced Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) antibodies were demonstrated and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CXCL13 was positive in 85% and 82% pretreatment, in 73% and 10% at 6 months, and in 58% and 14% at 12 months, respectively. CSF Bb polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive in 40% pretreatment. In four patients who tested negative for Bb antibodies in both serum and CSF, the diagnosis was supported by typical clinical features, pleocytosis, CSF Bb‐PCR (n = 1), or CSF CXCL13 (n = 2). The proportion with symptoms influencing daily life was 91% pretreatment, 25% at 10 weeks, 20% at 6 months, and 15% at 12 months. Fatigue was the most common complaint at 12 months. A high burden of symptoms before and after treatment was associated with residual complaints at 12 months, whereas background data, other clinical features, and laboratory features were not.

Conclusions

LNB can present with solely subjective symptoms, especially pain. Many LNB patients have persistent Bb antibodies in serum and CSF. In seronegative LNB, CSF Bb‐PCR and CXCL13 may give diagnostic support. CXCL13 may be persistently positive after treatment in some patients. Most of the clinical improvement occurs during the first 10 weeks. High initial clinical score is associated with poorer outcome.
Long‐term effects of tagging fishes with electronic tracking devices
Authors: Matley Jordan K. , Klinard Natalie V. , Jaine Fabrice R. A. , Lennox Robert J. , Koopman Natalie , Reubens Jan T. , Harcourt Robert G. , Cooke Steven J. , Huveneers Charlie
Published: September 2024

Tagging fishes with internal or external electronic tracking devices (acoustic, radio, satellite, or archival tags) is invaluable to behavioural, ecological, and welfare research, but may have adverse effects on the animals studied. While short‐term responses to tagging (e.g., days to weeks) have often been investigated, less information is available on longer‐term impacts (e.g., months to years) and the potential chronic effects of tagging on basic biological needs such as foraging and reproduction. Here, we synthesize existing knowledge from peer‐reviewed acoustic, radio, satellite, and archival tagging articles (n = 149) and anecdotal accounts (n = 72) from 36 researchers to assess the effects of tagging over prolonged periods. We identified a dearth of research that has specifically measured or quantified the impacts of tagging over a period longer than a few weeks or months (e.g., median experimental study duration = 33 days; n = 120 articles). Nevertheless, there was limited evidence to support a net negative long‐term impact from the implantation or attachment of electronic devices. Considerations and future research directions are discussed with the goal of generating guidance to the research community and minimizing potentially detrimental impacts to study animals. Given the global application and relevance of electronic tagging research to inform conservation and management of fishes, it is imperative for scientists to continue evaluating how tagging procedures affect animal welfare, fate, and the interpretation of tracking data.
Commentary: East Asian Educational Migration as Narrative Quests
Authors: Xu Jing
Published: September 2024

I interpret the rich conceptual insights and empirical findings of the special issueChildhood, Migration and the Pursuit of Happiness in Middle‐Class East Asiathrough the lens of understanding migration as a journey of narrative quests. Drawing from moral philosopher McIntyre's theory of narrative self and the pursuit of a good life, I highlight the dialectic and dialogic aspects of ‘narrative quests’ across multiple cases of East Asian educational migration (educational migration broadly construed). I highlight key features, central themes and tensions of narrative quests among these migrant families. I also pose questions for expanding further inquiry under this theoretical framework.
Consumer's Cultured Meat Perception and Acceptance Determinants: A Systematic Review and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Hanan Firdaus Abd , Karim Shahrim Ab , Aziz Yuhanis Ab , Ishak Farah Adibah Che , Sumarjan Norzuwana
Published: September 2024

The reliance on animal husbandry for protein has caused environmental, social and ethical challenges worldwide, yet the demand for animal‐based food continues to rise. Despite the increasing attention from scholars and professionals on the potential of cultured meat (CM) as a viable alternative protein source, the ensuing scholarly work still lacks coherence and is incomplete and fragmented. Its success also depends heavily on customer acceptance. This study therefore examined peer‐reviewed literature on consumers' perceptions and acceptance of CM. A comprehensive search was conducted on ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Scopus databases between 2017 and 2022, yielding 54 papers that met the selection criteria. The qualitative synthesis conducted revealed seven themes that had the highest influence on consumers' acceptance of CM. The themes identified were (i) attitudes and traits, (ii) situational impact, (iii) information and nomenclature, (iv) CM properties, (v) risk–benefit perception, (vi) familiarity and awareness and (vii) competition with other alternative proteins. This review also identified demographic predictors of consumers who are most likely to accept CM. The review found that although consumers are curious and willing to try CM, failure to address personal attitudes and traits may lead to failure in adoption. It was also found that strategies that include emotional responses are more effective in the long run.
Loss of tolerance to dietary proteins: From mouse models to human model diseases
Authors: Levescot Anais , Cerf‐Bensussan Nadine
Published: September 2024

The critical importance of the immunoregulatory mechanisms, which prevent adverse responses to dietary proteins is demonstrated by the consequences of their failure in two common but distinct human pathological conditions, food allergy and celiac disease. The mechanisms of tolerance to dietary proteins have been extensively studied in mouse models but the extent to which the results in mice can be extrapolated to humans remains unclear. Here, after summarizing the mechanisms known to control oral tolerance in mouse models, we discuss how the monogenic immune disorders associated with food allergy on the one hand, and celiac disease, on the other hand, represent model diseases to gain insight into the key immunoregulatory pathways that control immune responses to food antigens in humans. The spectrum of monogenic disorders, in which the dysfunction of a single gene, is strongly associated with TH2‐mediated food allergy suggests an important overlap between the mechanisms that regulate TH2 and IgE responses to food antigens in humans and mice. In contrast, celiac disease provides a unique example of the link between autoimmunity and loss of tolerance to a food antigen.
Textured Sr2Nb2O7 ceramics: Microstructure design, high temperature ferroelectric and piezoelectric performance
Authors: Shao Fenghong , Chen Chen , He Xiang , Wang Lu , Boda Muzaffar Ahmad , Yi Zhiguo
Published: September 2024

Sr2Nb2O7 (SNO) ceramics are promising high‐temperature piezoelectric materials due to their high Curie temperature (TC), good thermal stability, and high electrical resistivity. However, SNO presents low piezoelectric activity (d33 < 1 pC/N). Here, we successfully obtain textured SNO ceramics with an orientation factor of 0.86 by microstructure regulation. Saturated polarization‐electric loop was obtained in textured ceramic with remanent polarization Pr∼3.56 µC/cm2 and coercive field EC∼53.4 kV/cm. The piezoelectric coefficient d33 of the textured SNO ceramics is increased to 3.2 pC/N, with a high TC of 1342°C, while the low‐textured SNO ceramics exhibit no effective d33. Meanwhile, the piezoelectric coefficient d33 of textured SNO ceramics maintains consistency even at 1300°C, showing excellent thermal stability. The underlying mechanism driving this improvement is elucidated, emphasizing the facilitated domain‐wall motion enabled by the engineered microstructure. Furthermore, textured SNO ceramics exhibit high resistivity of 1.33 × 106 Ω⋅cm at 800°C. This study presents a simple and feasible microstructure engineering approach to enhance the piezoelectric properties of layer‐structured materials, offering valuable insights into the design and development of ceramics for diverse applications.
Multiple positive points during the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test are good predictors for early insulin therapy in gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosed before 24 gestational weeks
Authors: Kasuga Yoshifumi , Takahashi Marina , Kajikawa Kaoru , Akita Keisuke , Tamai Junko , Fukuma Yuka , Tanaka Yuya , Hasegawa Keita , Otani Toshimitsu , Ikenoue Satoru , Tanaka Mamoru
Published: September 2024

Aims/Introduction

This study evaluated the risk factors for insulin therapy before 24 gestational weeks (early insulin therapy) in pregnant women with gestational diabetes diagnosed before 24 gestational weeks (E‐GDM).

Materials and Methods

This study included 530 singleton mothers with E‐GDM who underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in the first trimester at Keio University Hospital between January 2013 and December 2021. E‐GDM can be classified according to its management into only diet therapy until delivery (Diet E‐GDM), insulin therapy started before 24 gestational weeks (EarlyIns E‐GDM), and insulin therapy started after 24 gestational weeks (LateIns E‐GDM). We analyzed the risk factors for EarlyIns E‐GDM.

Results

Patients with EarlyIns E‐GDM had a significantly higher maternal age at delivery, pre‐pregnancy BMI, first trimester hemoglobin A1c, 1 h plasma glucose levels (1 h‐PG), and 2 h‐PG, as well as a more pronounced initial increase and subsequent decrease, compared with those in the Diet E‐GDM group. However, the Apgar scores at both 1 and 5 min were significantly lower in patients with EarlyIns E‐GDM than in those with Diet E‐GDM. The number of abnormal values in the OGTT showed the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for predicting EarlyIns E‐GDM (0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79–0.86), followed by the 1 h‐PG value (AUC: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.77–0.85). The initial increase showed the third largest AUC (0.78, 95% CI: 0.74–0.82).

Conclusions

Although further research is needed, our data suggest the importance of early insulin therapy in cases of E‐GDM with multiple abnormal OGTT values, especially with high 1 h‐PG levels and initial increase.
Evaluation of Enamel Surface Properties Submitted to Bleaching With 35% Hydrogen Peroxide Associated With Titanium Tetrafluoride (TiF4)
Authors: Nascimento Caique Gosser , Carneiro Reginna Vyctória da Trindade Souza de Melo , Kury Matheus , de Moraes Juliana Pucci , Lins Rodrigo Barros Esteves , Cavalli Vanessa
Published: September 2024

Objective: This study evaluated the color change, surface roughness, mineral content and morphology of enamel bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) combined with an experimental gel containing 1% titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4).

Materials and Methods: Bovine enamel blocks were treated with (n = 12): (TiF) experimental gel containing 1% TiF4, (HP) 35% HP, (HPT) 35% HP + 1% TiF4 and (CT) control. Bleaching with HP was performed in 3 sessions (3 × 15 min/applications). pH, colorimetric parameters, surface roughness, mineral content and enamel morphology were determined. The pH was evaluated for 45 min. The color parameters were determined before bleaching (T0), and 14 days elapsed from the last bleaching session (T4). Surface roughness was analyzed at T0 and immediately after last bleaching session (T3). Enamel mineral content and morphology were verified at T4. Data were statistically analyzed by one‐way, two‐way ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis (α = 0.05).

Results: TiF increased surface roughness, and no differences between HP and HPT in terms of color and – mineral content. Ti was detected only on TiF, and slight surface morphology changes were observed in bleached enamel.

Conclusions: The combination of TiF4 and 35% HP did not interfere with the enamel bleaching effect, controlled surface roughness, and kept mineral content but promoted a minor surface morphology alteration.

Clinical Significance

Due to the adverse effects of bleaching, titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) has gained attention for its therapeutic properties, including the ability to reverse mineral loss and neutralize remineralization of mineral structures. Therefore, TiF4's remineralizing capacity may be a good alternative for incorporation into hydrogen peroxide bleaching agents.
The Impact of Modeling Liquids on Surface Roughness and Color Properties of Bulkfill Resin Composites After Simulated Tooth Brushing: An in Vitro Study. Part I
Authors: Falconí‐Páez Camila , González‐Vaca Claudia , Guarneri Juliana , Fahl Newton , Aliaga‐Sancho Paulina , Mendez‐Bauer Maria Lujan , Galvão Arrais Cesar Augusto , Dávila‐Sánchez Andrés
Published: September 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effect of different modeling agents on color changes, surface roughness, and translucency parameters over time in Bulkfill resin composites.

Material and Methods

Sixty specimens were prepared using three Bulkfill resin composites (Tetric N‐Ceram Bulkfill, Filtek One Bulkfill and Opus Bulkfill) and three modeling agents (Wetting Resin, Optibond FL and Ambar APS). All specimens were subjected to a simulated tooth‐brushing (Baseline, 50.000 cycles, 100.000 cycles), and surface roughness was measured at each interval. Surface topography was evaluated. The translucency parameter and color changes were assessed after 24‐h, 7‐, 14‐ and 30‐day immersion in water, wine, and coffee. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and Bonferroni test.

Results

All specimens increased roughness after simulated tooth‐brushing (p < 0.05). Wetting Resin decreased roughness on Tetric N‐Ceram Bulkfill (p < 0.05). The translucency parameter remained unaltered for all groups. All groups changed color after 30‐days of immersion in wine and coffee (p < 0.05). Ambar APS and Wetting Resin on Tetric N‐Ceram Bulkfill showed higher color changes when immersed in coffee (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The use of modeling agents does not jeopardize translucency properties but may affect surface roughness and color properties of Bulkfill resin composites depending on their composition.

Clinical Significance

The findings of this study suggest that surface roughness and color properties are affected by the differences in the composition between modeling agents and Bulkfill resins composites.
Succession in abandoned fields: Chronosequence data verified by monitoring of semi‐permanent plots
Authors: Řehounková Klára , Tichý Lubomír , Prach Karel
Published: September 2024

Questions

Is there a similarity between successional patterns in abandoned fields identified (a) through analysis of differently aged sites examined at one point in time (chronosequence) and (b) those derived from a limited set of semi‐permanent plots? What is the rate of succession on dry and mesic abandoned fields and how is the participation of different functional groups changing during succession?

Location

Bohemian Karst, the Czech Republic, Europe.

Methods

This study utilises data collected from dry and mesic abandoned fields between 1975 and 2019. A data set of 129 chronosequence vegetation samples (54 dry and 75 mesic plots) and 26 samples from six semi‐permanent plots (11 dry and 15 mesic) with different repetitions were analysed. Plot age (since abandonment) varied from 1 to 91 years for chronosequences and up to 99 years for semi‐permanent data. Moreover, we compared the rate of succession between dry and mesic series using Bray–Curtis dissimilarity. We used a generalised linear mixed model to study the relationship between the cover of different functional groups and the age of abandoned fields.

Results

The successional patterns observed on abandoned fields were consistent between the chronosequence and semi‐permanent plots. Both on dry and mesic fields, the early stages of succession transitioned from open annual to perennial herbal vegetation. In mesic fields, the succession led to woodland stands within approximately 25–30 years. Conversely, succession slowed down in dry fields and has persisted for several decades in a stage dominated mostly by perennial graminoids accompanied by scattered shrubs and trees. The trends detected with the chronosequence approach for the different functional groups corresponded to those found in semi‐permanent dry and mesic series plots.

Conclusions

The plots using a chronosequence approach can reliably reveal general successional patterns comparable to those obtained from semi‐permanent plots. Observing a higher number of plots at one time may better illustrate the variability of succession at the landscape scale than a detailed, long‐lasting study of a low number of semi‐permanent plots. In the studied area, the dry abandoned fields host a long‐persisting non‐forest state of succession under the current climatic conditions, while succession in mesic abandoned fields continues further towards woodland.
Lexico‐Semantic Attrition of Native Language: Evidence From Russian–Hebrew Bilinguals
Authors: Gallo Federico , Bermúdez‐Margaretto Beatriz , Malyshevskaya Anastasia , Shtyrov Yury , Kreiner Hamutal , Pokhoday Mikhail , Petrova Anna , Myachykov Andriy
Published: September 2024

Native language (L1) attrition is ubiquitous in modern globalized society, but its cognitive/psycholinguistic mechanisms are poorly understood. We investigated lexico‐semantic L1 attrition in L1 Russian immigrants in Israel, who predominantly use their second language (L2), Hebrew, in daily life. We included Russian monolinguals as a control group. We tested two potential causal mechanisms of attrition: L2 interference versus L1 disuse. Participants completed a fill‐the‐gap task in two conditions: accuracy (producing one exactly matching word) and scope (providing as many synonyms as possible). We expected L2 interference and L1 disuse to lead to the differential reduction of accuracy and scope features, respectively. Lower scores for attriters emerged in the accuracy but not in the scope condition. Moreover, attitude towards L1 influenced attriters’ accuracy—but not scope—performance, with higher L1 preference predicting higher accuracy. We provide evidence for lexico‐semantic attrition in adult immigrants, pointing to L2 interference as the primary cause of impaired lexical retrieval.
GFAP expression in the brain during human postnatal development
Authors: Luijerink Lauren , Waters Karen , Rodriguez Michael , Machaalani Rita
Published: September 2024

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemistry was investigated in the developing human brain using two measures; the number of GFAP‐positive cells (density, GFAP+/mm2), and a reactivity score (R‐score), which we recently introduced to indicate astrogliosis, with scores ≥120 indicative of pathological processes. The primary aim was to report on GFAP expression and cell soma size in 26 microscopically defined regions of the amygdala, basal ganglia, cerebellum, hippocampus and medulla, and to determine whether they are affected by postconceptional age (PCA) from 40 to 83 weeks. The secondary aim was to determine if GFAP expression differs according to the classification of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as opposed to infant deaths of known causes, or for the presence of major SIDS risk factors of male sex, cigarette smoke exposure, upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), bed‐sharing and prone sleeping. The cerebellar molecular layer was void of GFAP+ cells, while the internal granular layer (IGL) had the highest density, with >60% of infants having an R‐Score >120. GFAP expression decreased with increasing PCA in the entorhinal and temporal cortex, subiculum and regions of the cerebellum and medulla. GFAP cell soma size corresponded with astrogliosis score and no effect of PCA was evident. Various region‐dependent GFAP expressional differences were seen according to SIDS classification and the risk factors studied. The findings indicate that the density of GFAP decreases in specific regions of the brain within the first year of postnatal development, and that reactive astrocytes are common, particularly within the early postnatal months.
A rare multisystemic disorder with chronic kidney disease: Karyomegalic interstitial nephritis due to homozygous FAN1 c.2260C>T variant
Authors: Guzel Dirim Merve , Dirim Ahmet Burak , Kaya Berker , Senkal Naci , Kalayci Tugba , Aslanger Ayca , Berker Neslihan , Kose Murat , Kilicaslan Isin , Yazici Halil
Published: September 2024

Karyomegalic interstitial nephritis (KIN) is a rare entity associated with biallelic FAN1 (FANCD2/FANCI‐Associated Nuclease 1) gene variants. In FAN1‐related KIN, abnormal liver function tests and respiratory involvement are common, in addition to chronic kidney disease. Karyomegalic changes have also been reported in many other organs in patients with FAN1‐related KIN in various studies. We report the case of a 35‐year‐old male with chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology, concurrent recurrent upper and lower respiratory tract infections, and elevated liver function test results with unidentified aetiology. The patient's family history was remarkable for consanguineous parent marriage and history of kidney transplantation in his aunt. A kidney biopsy was performed, which was consistent with KIN. Clinical exome sequencing revealed a homozygous nonsense variant NM_014967.5 (FAN1): c. 2260C > T (p.Arg754Ter). According to the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) criteria, this variant is pathogenic and, to the best of our knowledge, has not been previously reported, homozygously. Therefore, the histopathological and clinical diagnoses of KIN were confirmed by genetic studies in our patient. This case report expands the genetic spectrum of FAN1‐related KIN, and briefly reviews the current literature data.
Learning, internalisation and integration of the COVID‐19 pandemic in healthcare workers: A qualitative document analysis
Authors: Abad‐Corpa Eva , Rich‐Ruiz Manuel , Sánchez‐López Dolores , Solano Ruiz Carmen , Casado‐Ramírez Elvira , Arregui‐Gallego Beatriz , Moreno‐Casbas María Teresa , Muñoz‐Jiménez Daniel , Vidal‐Thomàs M Clara , Company‐Sancho M.Consuelo , Orts‐Cortés María Isabel
Published: September 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic triggered an unprecedented health crisis that impacted healthcare systems worldwide. This study explores how Spanish healthcare workers learned, internalised and integrated values and work behaviours during the COVID‐19 pandemic and their impact on the personal sphere. This documentary research, using images, narratives and audiovisual content, was framed within the interpretative hermeneutic paradigm. Categories and subcategories emerged after a final theoretical sampling that focused on the analysis. Data triangulation between researchers favoured theoretical saturation. A total of 117 images and 27 texts were selected. The analysis identified three stages: bewilderment, seeking functionality in the chaos and integrating chaos into care. The data reflects how the need for security and knowledge, and the exhaustion and frustration caused by the initial working conditions, prompted adaptive responses. These responses involved focusing on problem‐solving and strengthening group sentiments and solidarity. Subsequently, the data indicates the acceptance of new structural, organisational and communication aspects. The findings of the analysis will contribute towards finding a framework that can help understand community health crisis events.
Higher fiber higher carbohydrate diets better than lower carbohydrate lower fiber diets for diabetes management: Rapid review with meta‐analyses
Authors: Reynolds Andrew N. , Lang Jessica , Brand Amanda , Mann Jim
Published: September 2024

Background

Some dietary recommendations continue to recommend carbohydrate restriction as a cornerstone of dietary advice for people with diabetes.

Purpose

We compared the cardiometabolic effects of diets higher in both fiber and carbohydrate with lower carbohydrate lower fiber diets in type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews up to June 24, 2024, with additional hand searching.

Study selection

Randomized controlled trials in which both dietary fiber and carbohydrate amount had been modified were identified from source evidence syntheses on carbohydrate amount in people with diabetes.

Data extraction

Two reviewers independently.

Data synthesis

Ten eligible trials including 499 participants with diabetes (98% with T2) were identified from the potentially eligible 828 trials included in existing evidence syntheses. Pooled findings indicate that higher fiber higher carbohydrate diets reduced HbA1c (mean difference [MD] −0.50% [95% confidence interval −0.99 to −0.02]), fasting insulin (MD −0.99 μIU/mL [−1.83 to −0.15]), total cholesterol (MD −0.16 mmol/L [−0.27 to −0.05]) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD −0.16 mmol/L (−0.31 to −0.01) when compared with lower carbohydrate lower fiber diets. Trials with larger differences in fiber and carbohydrate intakes between interventions reported greater reductions. Certainty of evidence for these outcomes was moderate or high, with most outcomes downgraded due to heterogeneity unexplained by any single variable.

Limitations

Our predefined scope excluded trials with co‐interventions such as energy restriction, which may have provided addition information.

Conclusions

Findings indicate the greater importance of promoting dietary fiber intakes, and the relative unimportance of carbohydrate amount in recommendations for people with diabetes.
An Atypical Presentation of Dyskeratosis Congenita in a Child With a Familial RTEL1 Mutation
Authors: Ahmed Faiza , Blegen Kristina , Tarbox Michelle
Published: September 2024

Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a rare inherited bone marrow disease that classically presents with the triad of oral leukoplakia, nail dystrophy, and reticular hyperpigmentation. It is most commonly caused by a defect in the DKC1 gene involved in telomere stability. Malignant progression of oral leukoplakia to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is rare in DC, especially in younger patients, and cutaneous SCC is only reported in 1.5% of cases of DC. Here we report a case of a 12‐year‐old female with a familial heterozygous RTEL1 (regulator of telomere elongation helicase 1) gene mutation associated with a severe phenotype of DC characterized by multiple cutaneous SCCs.
Toward an assessment of the relevance of proposed public policy in contemporary African society: A retrospective review of Kenya's now‐defunct building bridges initiative, with special reference to post‐election violence
Authors: Omulo Albert Gordon
Published: September 2024

Whereas competing interests characterize the African public policy sphere today, the lens of mass‐elite differences has hardly been employed to study electoral violence. Accordingly, this article juxtaposes the lived experiences of ordinary Kenyan citizens, obtained through focus groups, with the content of the now‐defunct Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), a comprehensive set of public policy changes proposed by Kenya's political protagonists Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga in 2017. It poses the following broad question: did the BBI proposals truly intersect with the opinions and lived experiences of the masses? I find that various factors, including the lack of electoral and judicial integrity, and a winner‐takes‐all democratic system, are responsible for post‐election violence according to citizens. A comparative analysis of citizen perspectives and the BBI Report reveals considerable congruence in the understanding of the causes of post‐election violence. The study partly concludes that African leaders should continue to engage in policy entrepreneurship.

Related Articles

Hodzi, Obert. 2020. “African Political Elites and the Making(s) of the China Model in Africa.” Politics & Policy 48(5): 887–987. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12380.

Kouladoum, Jean‐Claude. 2023. “The Role of Freedom of Communication in Modulating the Effect of Political Participation on Electoral Outcome in Africa.” Politics & Policy 51(4): 588–613. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12539.

Onyango, Gedion. 2024. “DHR‐PA—Democracy and Human Rights in Public Administration in Africa.” Politics & Policy 52(2): 426–49. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12584.
Extending the post‐thaw shelf‐life of cryoprecipitate when stored at refrigerated temperatures
Authors: Winter Kelly M. , Webb Rachel G. , Mazur Eugenia , Dennington Peta M. , Marks Denese C.
Published: September 2024

Background and Objectives

The post‐thaw shelf‐life of cryoprecipitate is 6 h, leading to high wastage. Storage of thawed cryoprecipitate at refrigerated temperatures may be feasible to extend the shelf‐life. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of thawed cryoprecipitate stored at 1–6°C for up to 14 days.

Materials and Methods

Cryoprecipitate (mini‐ and full‐size packs derived from both apheresis and whole blood [WB] collections) was thawed, immediately sampled and then stored at 1–6°C for up to 14 days. Mini‐packs were sampled at 6, 24, 48 and 72 h, day 7 and 14; full‐size cryoprecipitate was sampled on day 3, 5 or 7. Coagulation factors (F) II, V, VIII, IX, X and XIII, von Willebrand factor (VWF) and fibrinogen were measured using a coagulation analyser. Thrombin generation was measured by calibrated automated thrombogram.

Results

FVIII decreased during post‐thaw storage; this was significant after 24 h for WB (p = 0.0002) and apheresis (p < 0.0001). All apheresis and eight of 20 WB cryoprecipitate met the FVIII specification (≥ 70 IU/unit) on day 14 post‐thaw. Fibrinogen remained stable for 48 h, and components met the specification on day 14 post‐thaw. There were no significant differences in VWF (WB p = 0.1292; apheresis p = 0.1507) throughout storage. There were small but significant decreases in thrombin generation lag time, endogenous thrombin potential and time to peak for both WB and apheresis cryoprecipitate.

Conclusion

Whilst coagulation factors in cryoprecipitate decreased after post‐thaw storage, the thawed cryoprecipitate met the Council of Europe specifications when stored at refrigerated temperatures for 7 days.
Reference values for respiratory muscle strength measured with the S‐Index Test in well‐trained athletes, e‐sports athletes and age‐matched controls
Authors: Kowalski Tomasz , Wilk Adrian , Klusiewicz Andrzej , Pawliczek Wojciech , Wiecha Szczepan , Szczepańska Beata , Malczewska‐Lenczowska Jadwiga
Published: September 2024

Respiratory function assessment is crucial in optimizing athletic performance, safeguarding respiratory health, and ensuring athletes can perform at their peak potential while minimizing the risk of respiratory‐related issues. The S‐Index Test is a dynamic evaluation of respiratory muscle strength. However, no comprehensive reference values regarding the S‐Index Test have been reported yet. A total of 597 participants performed the S‐Index Test. They were either well‐trained athletes (WTA), or e‐sports athletes (ESA), or age‐matched controls (AMC) groups. The differences in S‐Index Test results between sexes and for group–sex, and performance calibre tier–sex interactions were examined. The relationships between S‐Index Test results and age, anthropometric indices and training experience were assessed. Reference values for all the groups were provided. Amongst athletes, the highest values were observed in swimmers and rowers, and the lowest in figure skaters and runners. The S‐Index Test results were different for the group–sex interaction (P = 0.004, 151.6 ± 29.0 cmH2O for WTA males and 109.8 ± 21.6 cmH2O for WTA females, 136.7 ± 28.0 cmH2O for ESA males and 101.8 ± 22.0 cmH2O for ESA females, 128.7 ± 28.8 cmH2O for AMC males and 70.3 ± 24.7 cmH2O for AMC females) and higher in males than females (P < 0.001, 145.1 ± 30.5 cmH2O for males and 100.8 ± 27.6 cmH2O for females). The higher athletic level, presented as performance calibre tier, was not linked to higher respiratory muscle strength in the WTA group (P = 0.094). However, the Bonferroni correction revealed that except for the singular tier in females, there was a significant effect for all the other tiers and sexes (P < 0.001). The obtained results confirm that regardless of the level of physical activity, the anthropometric features are positively linked with respiratory muscle strength. Furthermore, age and training experience were positively correlated with the S‐Index Test results in the WTA group.
Validation of a Methodology to Assess the Flutter Limit Cycle Oscillation Amplitude of Low-Pressure Turbine Bladed Disks—Part II: Rotational Speed Effects
Authors: Escudero Alvaro , Rodríguez-Blanco Salvador , Corral Roque
Published: September 2024

The effect of the operating conditions on the vibration amplitude trends of an isolated low-pressure turbine rotor is described. The study utilizes an analytical model correlating the aerodynamic and dry-friction work introduced in Part I of the paper. In this Part II, the analysis has been extended to incorporate the influence of rotational speed. The force distribution and the penetration length of the fir-tree contact surfaces are key parameters within the heuristic microslip model used to characterize the friction forces. These parameters change with rotational speed, consequently influencing the dry-friction work involved in the process. The model is closed with numerical simulations to compute the aerodynamic damping, and it is compared against experimental data gathered from the experimental campaign detailed in Part I. The results demonstrate a significant impact of the shaft speed on flutter vibration amplitude. The vibration amplitude has been observed to reach a maximum near the on-design conditions. The analytical model can correctly capture this trend, indicating that the essential physics is retained in it. Nonlinear friction, mistuning, and three-dimensional unsteady aerodynamics have shown to play a predominant role to explain the change of vibration amplitude with the shaft speed.