bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing placement of bioretention systems in the US Puget Sound region
Authors: Mahat Anish , Wu Joan Q. , Jayakaran Anand D. , Dahal M. Samrat , Ewing Robert P.
Published: June 2024

The Puget Sound Basin, US Pacific Northwest, is experiencing rapid population and urban growth. This growth adversely impacts local ecosystems, especially the spawning and rearing habitat for several salmonid species. Sustainable urban design strategies such as green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) are required in the region to manage stormwater onsite when new development occurs. However, the effectiveness of any GSI depends on its location relative to where stormwater is produced. This study aimed to develop a Geographic Information System (GIS)‐based framework for the optimal placement of GSI, specifically bioretention systems. We computed the Hydrologic Sensitivity Index (λHSI, indicating runoff generation potential at a landscape location) for the lower Puyallup River Watershed study area. The index and federal and state feasibility criteria were used to identify suitable sites for bioretention systems. The suitability of identified sites was verified through ground‐truthing, including soil sampling and infiltration testing. We found that 2.5% of the watershed area was suitable for bioretention, concentrated in the center and north of the study watershed. The method described in this study can be readily applied to watersheds for which spatial data (topography, soil, and land use) are available. We recommend choosing locations with high λHSI when resources are limited since these locations contribute most to runoff generation and urban flooding.
Social setting interacts with hyper dopamine to boost the stimulant effect of ethanol
Authors: Murillo Gonzalez Dilean J. , Hernandez Granados Bryan A. , Sabandal Paul Rafael , Han Kyung‐An
Published: June 2024

Alcohol consumption occurring in a social or solitary setting often yields different behavioural responses in human subjects. For example, social drinking is associated with positive effects while solitary drinking is linked to negative effects. However, the neurobiological mechanism by which the social environment during alcohol intake impacts on behavioural responses remains poorly understood. We investigated whether distinct social environments affect behavioural responses to ethanol and the role of the dopamine system in this phenomenon in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The wild‐type Canton‐S (CS) flies showed higher locomotor response when exposed to ethanol in a group setting than a solitary setting, and there was no difference in females and males. Dopamine signalling is crucial for the locomotor stimulating effect of ethanol. When subjected to ethanol exposure alone, the dopamine transport mutant flies fumin (fmn) with hyper dopamine displayed the locomotor response similar to CS. When subjected to ethanol in a group setting, however, the fmn's response to the locomotor stimulating effect was substantially augmented compared with CS, indicating synergistic interaction of dopamine signalling and social setting. To identify the dopamine signalling pathway important for the social effect, we examined the flies defective in individual dopamine receptors and found that the D1 receptor dDA1/Dop1R1 is the major receptor mediating the social effect. Taken together, this study underscores the influence of social context on the neural and behavioural responses to ethanol.
Prevalence and risk factors for milk allergy overdiagnosis in the BEEP trial cohort
Authors: Allen Hilary I. , Wing Olivia , Milkova Dara , Jackson Emilia , Li Karen , Bradshaw Lucy E. , Wyatt Laura , Haines Rachel , Santer Miriam , Murphy Andrew W. , Brown Sara J. , Kelleher Maeve , Perkin Michael R. , Jay Nicola , Smith Timothy D. H. , Moriarty Frank , Montgomery Alan A. , Williams Hywel C. , Boyle Robert J.
Published: June 2024

Background

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) overdiagnosis in young children appears to be increasing and has not been well characterised. We used a clinical trial population to characterise CMA overdiagnosis and identify individual‐level and primary care practice‐level risk factors.

Methods

We analysed data from 1394 children born in England in 2014–2016 (BEEP trial, ISRCTN21528841). Participants underwent formal CMA diagnosis at ≤2 years. CMA overdiagnosis was defined in three separate ways: parent‐reported milk reaction; primary care record of milk hypersensitivity symptoms; and primary care record of low‐allergy formula prescription.

Results

CMA was formally diagnosed in 19 (1.4%) participants. CMA overdiagnosis was common: 16.1% had parent‐reported cow's milk hypersensitivity, 11.3% primary care recorded milk hypersensitivity and 8.7% had low‐allergy formula prescription. Symptoms attributed to cow's milk hypersensitivity in participants without CMA were commonly gastrointestinal and reported from a median age of 49 days. Low‐allergy formula prescriptions in participants without CMA lasted a median of 10 months (interquartile range 1, 16); the estimated volume consumed was a median of 272 litres (26, 448). Risk factors for CMA overdiagnosis were high practice‐based low‐allergy formula prescribing in the previous year and maternal report of antibiotic prescription during pregnancy. Exclusive formula feeding from birth was associated with increased low‐allergy formula prescription. There was no evidence that practice prescribing of paediatric adrenaline auto‐injectors or anti‐reflux medications, or maternal features such as anxiety, age, parity and socioeconomic status were associated with CMA overdiagnosis.

Conclusion

CMA overdiagnosis is common in early infancy. Risk factors include high primary care practice‐based low‐allergy formula prescribing and maternal report of antibiotic prescription during pregnancy.
Exposure to lidocaine in early life does not cause negative long‐term behavioural changes in mice
Authors: Buratovic Sonja , Philippot Gaetan , Stenerlöw Bo , Lönnqvist Per‐Arne
Published: June 2024

Background

The local anaesthetic lidocaine is widely used in the neonatal intensive unit to treat seizures in premature babies. However, other antiepileptics administered during early development in various animal models have shown negative long‐term behavioural effects. Since no long‐term behavioural data so far exist regarding lidocaine exposure at an early age, we decided to perform this extended follow‐up study using a sensitive behavioural test.

Methods

Neonatal mice received a subcutaneous administration of saline or one dose of lidocaine (0.5, 4, or 12 mg kg−1) on postnatal day 10 (P10; peak of the Brain Growth Spurt). A well‐established test to detect long‐term behavioural alterations was conducted at 2 and 6 months of age, corresponding to early and late adulthood in humans.

Results

All animal survived to later testing. No signs of acute toxicity were observed. Lidocaine exposure did not result in any negative behavioural effects during habituation to a new home environment at any of the two studied time points, compared to saline placebo.

Conclusions

Lidocaine does not by itself produce any negative long‐term behavioural effects in mice exposed in early life (P10) despite long‐term follow‐up. This is reassuring regarding the current practice of treating seizures in premature babies with intravenous lidocaine.
Targeting PAK1 is effective against cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in a syngenic mouse model
Authors: Okumura Kazuhiro , Morinaga Takao , Saito Megumi , Tokunaga Yurika , Otoyama Keisuke , Tanaka Sora , Isogai Eriko , Kawazu Masahito , Togashi Yosuke , Hasegawa Yoshinori , Wakabayashi Yuichi
Published: June 2024

By taking advantage of forward genetic analysis in mice, we have demonstrated that Pak1 plays a crucial role during DMBA/TPA skin carcinogenesis. Although Pak1 has been considered to promote cancer development, its overall function remains poorly understood. To clarify the functional significance of Pak1 in detail, we sought to evaluate the possible effect of an allosteric inhibitor against PAK1 (NVS‐PAK1‐1) on a syngeneic mouse model. To this end, we established two cell lines, 9AS1 and 19AS1, derived from DMBA/TPA‐induced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that engrafted in FVB mice. Based on our present results, NVS‐PAK1‐1 treatment significantly inhibited the growth of tumors derived from 9AS1 and 19AS1 cells in vitro and in vivo. RNA‐sequencing analysis on the engrafted tumors indicates that NVS‐PAK1‐1 markedly potentiates the epidermal cell differentiation and enhances the immune response in the engrafted tumors. Consistent with these observations, we found an expansion of Pan‐keratin‐positive regions and potentially elevated infiltration of CD8‐positive immune cells in NVS‐PAK1‐1‐treated tumors as examined by immunohistochemical analyses. Together, our present findings strongly suggest that PAK1 is tightly linked to the development of SCC, and that its inhibition is a promising therapeutic strategy against SCC.
Pharmacogenetic testing in primary care could bolster depression treatment: A value proposition
Authors: Sperber Nina R. , Roberts Megan C. , Gonzales Sarah , Bendz Lisa M. , Cragun Deborah , Haga Susanne B. , Wu R. Ryanne , Omeogu Chioma , Kaufman Brystana , Petry Natasha J. , Ramsey Laura B. , Uber Ryley
Published: June 2024

Pharmacogenetic testing could reduce the time to identify a safe and effective medication for depression; however, it is underutilized in practice. Major depression constitutes the most common mental disorder in the US, and while antidepressant therapy can help, the current trial –and error approach can require patients to endure multiple medication trials before finding one that is effective. Tailoring the fit of pharmacogenetic testing with prescribers' needs across a variety of settings could help to establish a generalizable value proposition to improve likelihood of adoption. We conducted a study to explore the value proposition for health systems using pharmacogenetic testing for mental health medications through prescribers' real‐world experiences using implementation science concepts and systematic interviews with prescribers and administrators from four health care systems. To identify a value proposition, we organized the themes according to the Triple Aim framework, a leading framework for health care policy which asserts that high‐value care should focus on three key metrics: (1) better health care quality and (2) population‐level outcomes with (3) reduced per capita costs. Primary care providers whom we interviewed said that they value pharmacogenetic testing because it would provide more information about medications that they can prescribe, expanding their ability to identify medications that best‐fit patients and reducing their reliance on referrals to specialists; they said that this capacity would help meet patients' needs for access to mental health care through primary care. At the same time, prescribers expressed differing views about how pharmacogenetic testing can help with quality of care and whether their views about out‐of‐pocket cost would prevent them from offering it. Thus, implementation should focus on integrating pharmacogenetic testing into primary care and using strategies to support prescribers' interactions with patients.
Successful Foreign Direct Investment Through the Development of Parts Supply Industries in the Host Country: A Study of India's Automobile Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Furuta Manabu , Sato Takahiro , Otsuka Keijiro
Published: June 2024

Several large multinationals and a few local assemblers dominate the Indian automobile industry. The largest multinational, Maruti Suzuki, entered the Indian automobile industry with a policy of developing local automotive parts manufacturers to achieve high local content ratio. This study seeks to determine the extent to which foreign direct investment (FDI) in host countries contributes to the growth of automobile parts manufacturers. We use district‐level panel data from 2000 to 2008 to assess the linkage between the production of major automobile assemblers and the development of automotive parts suppliers located in the same and adjacent districts to those assemblers. Our regression results show the heterogeneity of the linkages, suggesting that the formation of industrial clusters by local parts suppliers and the expansion of their production capacity are likely to be key determinants of the success of FDI in the Indian automobile industry, rather than relying on in‐house parts production or imports.
Association between low cognitive performance and diabetes‐related health indicators across racial and ethnic groups in adults with diabetes
Authors: Li Piaopiao , Alkhuzam Khalid , Brown Joshua , Zhang Yichen , Jiao Tianze , Guo Jingchuan , Umpierrez Guillermo E. , Narayan K. M. Venkat , Kulshreshtha Ambar , Pasquel Francisco J. , Ali Mohammed K. , Shao Hui
Published: June 2024

Aim

To examine the associations between low cognitive performance (LCP) and diabetes‐related health indicators (including body mass index [BMI], HbA1c, systolic blood pressure [SBP], low‐density lipoprotein [LDL] and self‐reported poor physical health) and whether these associations vary across racial/ethnic subgroups.

Methods

We identified adults aged 60 years or older with self‐reported diabetes from the 2011‐2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Individuals with cognitive test scores in the lowest quartile were defined as having LCP. We used regression models to measure the associations of LCP with diabetes‐related biometrics (BMI, HbA1c, SBP and LDL); and self‐reported poor physical health. Moreover, we explored potential variations in these associations across racial/ethnic subgroups.

Results

Of 873 (261 with LCP) adults with diabetes, LCP was associated with higher HbA1c, SBP and LDL (adjusted difference: 0.41%, 5.01 mmHg and 5.08 mg/dL, respectively; P < .05), and greater odds of reporting poor physical health (adjusted odds ratio: 1.59, P < .05). The association between LCP and HbA1c was consistent across racial/ethnic groups, and notably pronounced in Hispanic and Other. BMI worsened with LCP, except for non‐Hispanic Black. Excluding the Other group, elevated SBP was observed in people with LCP, with Hispanic showing the most significant association. LDL levels were elevated with LCP for Hispanic and Other. Physical health worsened with LCP for both non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic.

Conclusions

We quantified the association between LCP and diabetes‐related health indicators. These associations were more pronounced in Hispanic and Other racial/ethnic groups.
Global pattern of organic carbon pools in forest soils
Authors: Zhang Yuxue , Guo Xiaowei , Chen Longxue , Kuzyakov Yakov , Wang Ruzhen , Zhang Haiyang , Han Xingguo , Jiang Yong , Sun Osbert Jianxin
Published: June 2024

Understanding the mechanisms of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in forests is vital to ecosystem carbon budgeting and helps gain insight in the functioning and sustainable management of world forests. An explicit knowledge of the mechanisms driving global SOC sequestration in forests is still lacking because of the complex interplays between climate, soil, and forest type in influencing SOC pool size and stability. Based on a synthesis of 1179 observations from 292 studies across global forests, we quantified the relative importance of climate, soil property, and forest type on total SOC content and the specific contents of physical (particulate vs. mineral‐associated SOC) and chemical (labile vs. recalcitrant SOC) pools in upper 10 cm mineral soils, as well as SOC stock in the O horizons. The variability in the total SOC content of the mineral soils was better explained by climate (47%–60%) and soil factors (26%–50%) than by NPP (10%–20%). The total SOC content and contents of particulate (POC) and recalcitrant SOC (ROC) of the mineral soils all decreased with increasing mean annual temperature because SOC decomposition overrides the C replenishment under warmer climate. The content of mineral‐associated organic carbon (MAOC) was influenced by temperature, which directly affected microbial activity. Additionally, the presence of clay and iron oxides physically protected SOC by forming MAOC. The SOC stock in the O horizons was larger in the temperate zone and Mediterranean regions than in the boreal and sub/tropical zones. Mixed forests had 64% larger SOC pools than either broadleaf or coniferous forests, because of (i) higher productivity and (ii) litter input from different tree species resulting in diversification of molecular composition of SOC and microbial community. While climate, soil, and forest type jointly determine the formation and stability of SOC, climate predominantly controls the global patterns of SOC pools in forest ecosystems.
Working with ideas: Collective bricolage, political tests and the emergence of policy paradigms
Authors: Carstensen Martin B. , Röper Nils
Published: June 2024

Literatures on institutional, ideational and policy change have made great strides in dynamically conceptualizing agency within structure. What continues to be insufficiently understood, however, is how actors actually work with ideas, that is, how broad policy ideas become concrete and implementable. One concept that has gained some traction in understanding actors' application of ideas is bricolage, understood as the stabilization or changing of institutions through a creative recombination of existing ideational and institutional resources. We theorize bricolage as a process of working with ideas by testing their cognitive, normative and strategic capacity. In contrast to much of the existing literature, we theorize this ideational policy entrepreneurship as collective agency. This gives greater analytical weight to how different bricoleurs work together—simultaneously and across time—to develop the ideas that come to shape policy. The empirical relevance of the theoretical argument is corroborated with an analysis of the work of bricoleurs in the paradigm shift of German pension policy.
Glial activation in pain and emotional processing regions in the nitroglycerin mouse model of chronic migraine
Authors: Cropper Haley C. , Conway Catherine M. , Wyche Whitney , Pradhan Amynah A.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Our aim was to survey astrocyte and microglial activation across four brain regions in a mouse model of chronic migraine.

Background

Chronic migraine is a leading cause of disability, with higher rates in females. The role of central nervous system neurons and glia in migraine pathophysiology is not fully elucidated. Preclinical studies have shown abnormal glial activation in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis of male rodents. No current reports have investigated glial activation in both sexes in other important brain regions involved with the nociceptive and emotional processing of pain.

Methods

The mouse nitroglycerin model of migraine was used, and nitroglycerin (10 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered every other day for 9 days. Prior to injections on days 1, 5, and 9, cephalic allodynia was determined by periorbital von Frey hair testing. Immunofluorescent staining of astrocyte marker, glial fibrillary protein (GFAP), and microglial marker, ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), in male and female trigeminal nucleus caudalis, periaqueductal gray, somatosensory cortex, and nucleus accumbens was completed.

Results

Behavioral testing demonstrated increased cephalic allodynia in nitroglycerin‐ versus vehicle‐treated mice. An increase in the percent area covered by GFAP+ cells in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis and nucleus accumbens, but not the periaqueductal gray or somatosensory cortex, was observed in response to nitroglycerin. No significant differences were observed for Iba1 staining across brain regions. We did not detect significant sex differences in GFAP or Iba1 quantification.

Conclusions

Immunohistochemical analysis suggests that, at the time point tested, immunoreactivity of GFAP+ astrocytes, but not Iba1+ microglia, changes in response to chronic migraine‐associated pain. Additionally, there do not appear to be significant differences between males and females in GFAP+ or Iba1+ cells across the four brain regions analyzed.
Structural and functional properties of fava bean legumin and vicilin protein fractions
Authors: Oluwajuyitan Timilehin D. , Aluko Rotimi E.
Published: June 2024

In this study, we examined the physicochemical and functional properties of fava bean globulin fractions that are rich in legumin or vicilin proteins. The sulphur containing amino acids, branched chain amino acids, and arginine/lysine ratio obtained for legumin (1.89%, 18.32%, and 1.43%) are significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the 1.24%, 17.94%, and 1.05%, respectively, for the vicilin fraction. SDS‐PAGE results show that the legumin fraction had a wider range of polypeptide sizes (approximately 14–140 kDa) when compared to the approximately 12–68 kDa for vicilin. The surface hydrophobicity (So) of legumin (86.07) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared with vicilin (118.19). The legumin had higher protein solubility (approximately 40–50%) than the vicilin (0%) at pH 3 and 4, but vicilin solubility was higher at pH 6–8. The vicilin had higher (83.58%) in vitro protein digestibility than the legumin (78.24%). However, the legumin had higher oil‐holding capacity, lower least gelation concentration, and formed emulsions at pH 3, 7, and 9 with smaller mean oil droplet sizes than the vicilin. Foam formation was better with increased levels of α‐helix secondary structure. We conclude that pH of the environment was a stronger determinant of protein functionality than the sample protein concentration.
Textural characterisation of wheat–oat breads using a combination of quantitative descriptive analysis and partial napping profiling techniques
Authors: Rashed Mahmoud Said , Pathania Shivani , Gallagher Eimear , Frias Jesus M , McDonagh Ciara , Crofton Emily
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study was to determine the textural sensory profile of wheat breads developed using oat flour at different substitution levels (10%, 30%, and 50%) and particle sizes (<224, 250–280, 280–500, 500–600 μm). A trained descriptive panel evaluated the wheat–oat breads using quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) (n = 8) and partial napping (PN) (n = 12) sensory techniques. The QDA results showed that the textural properties of the breads were significantly affected by oat flour at different substitution and particle size levels (P < 0.001). The attributes crumb ‘denseness’ and ‘stickiness’ discriminated most frequently across samples, while crumb ‘chewiness’ and ‘dryness’ discriminated the least. Principal component analysis (PCA) illustrated that in PC1 (59%) crumb ‘denseness’ was positively correlated with crumb ‘hardness’ and ‘graininess’, while ‘stickiness’ was negatively correlated with crumb ‘graininess’. The application of clustering techniques on QDA data showed that breads with 10% oat flour were differentiated based on particle size; however, as the substitution level of oat flour increased, the substitution level of oat flour used in formulations exceeded the effect of particle size. In terms of PN, panellists identified four distinct groups of wheat–oat breads, indicating that wheat breads with 10% oat flour and <224 μm, 280–500 μm and whole oat flour had similar textural properties to the control wheat bread sample. The texture of wheat breads substituted with 50% oat flour were very different to the control. The results of this study suggest that in addition to the effect of substitution level, fractionation of oat flour may have application in the production of wheat bread formulations with different textural profiles. The findings also emphasise the importance of considering clustering techniques when evaluating complex samples for new product development applications.
Preparation, pungency, and bioactivity of capsaicin: a review
Authors: Zhang Qiuyan , Huang Sirong , Soladoye Olugbenga P. , Zhang Yuhao , Fu Yu
Published: June 2024

Capsaicin is the main pungent compound in red pepper responsible for its dual attributes of culinary utility and bioactive efficacy. This review aims to systematically review the preparation methods, pungency, and bioactivities of capsaicin. Capsaicin can be extracted by maceration, microwave, near‐infrared extraction, supercritical fluid, and ultrasound‐assisted extraction methods. Also, it can be synthesised through chemical, biosynthetic, and in vitro cell methods. Capsaicin can elicit a pungent sensation via activation of TRPV1 receptor. Furthermore, it has been reported to display various bioactivities, such as hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, analgesic, anti‐cancer, anti‐inflammatory, and intestinal health‐protecting activities via several signalling pathways. Overall, this review can provide a theoretical reference for understanding the preparation, pungent sensation, and bioactivities of capsaicin.
Advantages and disadvantages of autochthonous enterococci strains for their potential use in cheese ripening: a preliminary study
Authors: Abarquero Daniel , Flórez Ana Belén , Tornadijo María Eugenia , Fresno José María
Published: June 2024

The enzymatic activity exhibited by native enterococci could, in turn, result in a reduction in the cheese ripening time. However, they may also carry virulence factors or resistance to antibiotics that prevent their use in food. A total of 69 enterococci isolates were obtained from a Spanish traditional raw goat's milk cheese and identified by Maldi‐Tof/MS. Different enzymatic activities of technological interest were evaluated and the safety of those with greater technological suitability was studied. The strains were identified as E. malodoratus, E. italicus, E. gilvus, E. faecium, E. durans, E. casseliflavus and E. faecalis. Some strains had very high acidifying and proteolytic activities. Most strains had medium or low amino and carboxypeptidase activities and high dipeptidase activities, while esterase activities were medium. A total of 10 strains were selected based on their enzymatic activities. Of these, five showed β‐haemolysin activity, eight showed gelatinase activity and eight produced tyramine. These activities represent virulence factors that could potentially affect food safety. Finally, all selected strains were susceptible to the antibiotics tested.
Influence of thermophilic and mesophilic cultures blended with buffalo milk on camel milk cheese quality and proteolysis
Authors: Qadeer Zahida , Huma Nuzhat , Rehman Muhammad Adil , Ahmad Baila , Hafeez Hammad , Ali Umair , Shah Faiz‐ul‐Hassan , Tariq Muhammad Rizwan , Nayik Gulzar Ahmad , Ramniwas Seema , Salmen Saleh H. , Ansari Mohammad Javed
Published: June 2024

Camel milk and its products are gaining higher demand due to their attractive nutritional and therapeutic profile. However, manufacturing of camel milk cheese (CMC) is a challenging task. This study aimed to compare the quality of camel milk cheese made using different starter cultures. Four groups CM (camel milk + mesophilic cultures), CT (camel milk + thermophilic cultures), CBM (camel milk + 10% buffalo milk using mesophilic cultures), and CBT (camel milk + 10% buffalo milk using thermophilic cultures) were created. The cheeses were stored for 60 days at 4 °C to assess their physicochemical, sensory, and proteolytic properties. Results indicated highest moisture content in CM (70.19%) as opposed to the lowest moisture in CBT (55.19%). In addition, CM and CBM revealed lower acidity (0.63% and 0.66%) in contrast with CT and CBT (0.78% and 0.83%, respectively). On the other hand, CBM and CBT exhibited higher contents of protein (21.04, 21.57%) and fat (17.65, 17.70%) during storage. All quality indices of cheese samples significantly declined (P < 0.01) during storage excluding acidity. Sensory analyses revealed that panellists highly preferred CBT treatment followed by CBM and CT. Furthermore, urea‐PAGE and RP‐HPLC were performed for the proteolytic study of cheese samples. The study revealed that the presence of buffalo milk and thermophilic cultures in cheese resulted in a decrease concentration of intact caseins (αs1, β‐, and κ‐caseins) as storage days passed. The degree of proteolysis was found to be higher in CBT compared to CBM, CT, and CM. Based on the results, it was concluded that the use of pasteurisation at 65 °C for 30 min, pH of 5.5, 0.06% CaCl2, and the incorporation of 10% buffalo milk using thermophilic cultures (Lactobaccilus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) resulted in desirable quality characteristics.
The mediating effect of coping styles between emergency capacity and mental workload among clinical nurses: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Jin Man , Qian Rong , Wang Jialin , Yuan Zhongqing , Long Juan , Zeng Li , Yang Huawu , Liao Dan , Xie Yunhui , Liu Xu
Published: June 2024

Aims

This study aimed to examine the relationship between emergency capacity, coping styles, and mental workload among nurses.

Background

Emergency capacity, coping styles, and mental workload are all variables associated with work. Identifying the relationship between these variables can facilitate administrators to implement tailored and effective intervention strategies to improve individual performance, quality of care, and medical safety.

Methods

A quantitative cross‐sectional study was carried out to investigate 605 Chinese clinical nurses in seven tertiary hospitals by using personal information form, emergency capacity scale for nurses, simplified coping skill questionnaire, and the NASA‐Task Load Index.

Results

Emergency capacity and mental workload were found at moderate levels. The multiple linear regression model suggested that spinsterhood, no children, high workload, always anxiety or nervousness, and lower monthly income were the influencing factors of mental workload. Positive coping style was positively correlated with emergency capacity and negatively correlated with mental workload. Negative coping style was negatively related to emergency capacity and positively related to mental workload. Additionally, coping styles played a partial mediating role in the relationship between emergency capacity and mental workload through constructing a structural equation model, but the effects of positive coping style and negative coping style are opposite.

Conclusion

Our results showed that coping styles played a mediating role in the relationship between emergency capacity and mental workload. Managers can alleviate the mental workload of nurses by cultivating positive coping styles and improving emergency capacity.

Implications for nursing and nursing policy

Mental workload of nurses deserves more attention in medical institutions. The results of our study provide evidence for improving employee health, promoting positive behaviors, and optimizing organizational management. Nursing managers should take feasible measures to fulfill nurses’ needs for emergency capacity and coping strategies to alleviate nurses' mental workload, so as to stimulate their intrinsic motivation and positive organizational behavior.
Investigation of theoretical infrared spectra on microwave dielectric properties of Re2O3 (Re = Ho, Er, Tm) ceramics
Authors: Ma Shu‐Yang , Xia Wang‐Suo , Shi Ming‐An , Wang Ying , Chen Lei‐Ming , Wu Hai‐Tao
Published: June 2024

Based on the crystal structure data of Re2O3 (Re = Ho, Er, Tm) ceramics prepared by the solid‐phase reaction method, the theoretical infrared spectra were calculated via the first‐principles method and were first used to investigate the intrinsic influence of microwave dielectric properties. In addition, the phonon spectra, density of states, and electron localization function (ELF) were also calculated to analyze the dynamic stability and bonding properties. Based on the simple damped harmonic oscillator model, the resonant frequency of Re2O3 (Re = Ho, Er, Tm) ceramics in infrared spectrum varied in accordance with the ELF values because the restoring force constant of the elastic term was determined by the bonding properties. The intensity of the resonant peak was determined by the effective charge and decreased as the ELF increased. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) was dominated by the damping coefficient and had no obvious relationship with bond properties. For microwave dielectric properties, the dielectric constant of Re2O3 (Re = Ho, Er, Tm) ceramics was in accordance with the characteristic peak intensity of the theoretical infrared spectra, and the quality factor (Q × ƒ) was mainly determined by FWHM, corresponding to the damping in lattice vibration.
Proteomic analysis of exosomes derived from fatty hepatocytes of grass carp
Authors: Lu Ronghua , Yang Lulu , Jia Shenzong , Zhang Yuru , Xu Xinxin , Cao Xianglin , Sun Jian
Published: June 2024

Exosomes participate in intercellular communication by carrying proteins, messenger RNA, microRNAs, and non‐coding RNA. Fatty liver is a common phenomenon in farmed fish, but there has been little study of fatty hepatocytes‐derived exosomes. Here, we successfully isolated exosomes from hepatocytes of grass carp, named Exos (hepatocytes‐derived exosomes) and OA‐Exos (fatty hepatocytes‐derived exosomes), from which 617 differentially expressed proteins were identified using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Of these, 320 proteins were promoted and 297 proteins were restrained, which were gathered in biological processes and cellular components (cellular processes, cells, and intracellular structures). The results of kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that the differential expression proteins were gathered in “carbohydrate transport and metabolism”, “translation, ribosomal structure and biogenesis”, “posttranslational modification, protein turnover, chaperones”, and “intracellular trafficking, secretion, and vesicular transport”. In addition, five differentially expressed exosomal proteins were further confirmed by parallel reaction monitoring, including 2‐phospho‐D‐glycerate hydrolyase, cytochrome b5, fatty acid‐binding protein domain‐containing protein, metallothionein, and malate dehydrogenas, which were downregulated. These findings provided evidence that exosomes derived from fatty hepatocytes of grass carp may be biomarkers for the early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fatty liver in fishery development.
Bioisosteric analogs of MDMA: Improving the pharmacological profile?
Authors: Alberto‐Silva Ana Sofia , Hemmer Selina , Bock Hailey A. , da Silva Leticia Alves , Scott Kenneth R. , Kastner Nina , Bhatt Manan , Niello Marco , Jäntsch Kathrin , Kudlacek Oliver , Bossi Elena , Stockner Thomas , Meyer Markus R. , McCorvy John D. , Brandt Simon D. , Kavanagh Pierce , Sitte Harald H.
Published: June 2024

3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’) is re‐emerging in clinical settings as a candidate for the treatment of specific neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g. post‐traumatic stress disorder) in combination with psychotherapy. MDMA is a psychoactive drug, typically regarded as an empathogen or entactogen, which leads to transporter‐mediated monoamine release. Despite its therapeutic potential, MDMA can induce dose‐, individual‐, and context‐dependent untoward effects outside safe settings. In this study, we investigated whether three new methylenedioxy bioisosteres of MDMA improve its off‐target profile. In vitro methods included radiotracer assays, transporter electrophysiology, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer and fluorescence‐based assays, pooled human liver microsome/S9 fraction incubations, metabolic stability studies, isozyme mapping, and liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry. In silico methods included molecular docking. Compared with MDMA, all three MDMA bioisosteres (ODMA, TDMA, and SeDMA) showed similar pharmacological activity at human serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine transporters (hSERT, hDAT, and hNET, respectively) but decreased agonist activity at 5‐HT2A/2B/2C receptors. Regarding their hepatic metabolism, they differed from MDMA, with N‐demethylation being the only metabolic route shared, and without forming phase II metabolites. In addition, TDMA showed an enhanced intrinsic clearance in comparison to its congeners. Additional screening for their interaction with human organic cation transporters (hOCTs) and plasma membrane monoamine transporter (hPMAT) revealed a weaker interaction of the MDMA analogs with hOCT1, hOCT2, and hPMAT. Our findings suggest that these new MDMA bioisosteres might constitute appealing therapeutic alternatives to MDMA, sparing the primary pharmacological activity at hSERT, hDAT, and hNET, but displaying a reduced activity at 5‐HT2A/2B/2C receptors and alternative hepatic metabolism. Whether these MDMA bioisosteres may pose lower risk alternatives to the clinically re‐emerging MDMA warrants further studies.

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Specialized medical care for people with intellectual disabilities: A retrospective cohort study in an outpatient ID practice
Authors: Breuer Marian E. J. , Naaldenberg Jenneken , Schalk Bianca W. M. , Heutmekers Marloes , Pelle Tim , Bakker‐van Gijssel Esther J. , Leusink Geraline L.
Published: June 2024

People with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience complex medical care needs and high levels of multimorbidity. In mainstream healthcare, these needs might remain undetected leading to unmanaged health problems and avoidable deaths. In the Netherlands, general practitioners (GPs) can refer to specialized ID physicians when ID‐specific expertise is required. Little is known about the characteristics of specialized medical care for people with ID. This study explores the characteristics of specialized medical care for people with ID, including the interplay between medical‐, psychological‐, and context‐related problems. A retrospective cohort study using medical records of patients with ID who had visited the outpatient ID practice in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Medical records (n = 128) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, focusing on (1) reasons for initial consultation, (2) health‐related problems identified during initial consultation, and (3) disciplines involved following initial consultation. Analyses were performed separately for patients who were referred by a medical professional and patients who visited the practice for proactive health checks related to the etiological diagnosis. Patients often initially visit the outpatient ID practice for one type of complaint, most often psychological. Diverse, multiple, and interconnected problems were identified during specialized medical ID consultation. A range of specialist professionals (n = 25) were involved by the ID physician. The health‐related problems of people with ID seen at the outpatient ID practice are diverse and interconnected, and originate from an interplay between medical‐, psychological‐, and context‐related problems. This complexity is not mirrored in the reasons for referring to the outpatient ID practice. It is essential to go beyond medical views and assess health complaints in an integrated way, including the way ID can influence all levels (physical, mental, contextual) of the experienced health issue within the context of everyday life.
Contents and effectiveness of patient‐ and family‐centred care interventions in adult intensive care units: A systematic review
Authors: Joo Youngshin , Jang Yeonsoo , Kwon Oh Young
Published: June 2024

Background

The need and values of patient‐ and family‐centred care (PFCC) have been globally increasing in the health care landscape. However, the concept of PFCC and the components in adult intensive care units (ICUs) remain wide‐ranging.

Aim

To elucidate the core concepts of PFCC interventions and evaluate the effects of the interventions in adult ICUs.

Study Design

We searched electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Central, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, RISS, KMbase and KoreaMed) from inception to 20 June 2022, for all studies on PFCC interventions. Three authors independently conducted data screening and extraction. The core concepts and the effects of PFCC interventions in adult ICUs were examined. The effects of patient‐ and family‐centred care interventions in adult ICUs were examined. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results

Overall, 3507 records were identified, and 14 full‐text articles were assessed. Participants in the included studies were patients and/or their family members in adult ICUs. The main concepts of the studies were participation and information‐sharing. Only two studies used collaboration as the main concept of intervention. PFCC interventions have shown positive outcomes for patients, including increased satisfaction, improvement of patient health status and reduced incidence of complications. They have also been beneficial for families, leading to higher satisfaction levels and decreased anxiety. Additionally, these interventions have positively impacted health care providers by enhancing satisfaction and improving rounding efficiency. Moreover, they have influenced health care utilization by decreasing hospital costs and length of stay.

Conclusions

This review highlights the advantages of PFCC interventions for patients, families and health care providers in adult ICUs. Future research should focus on developing strategies to incorporate collaboration more comprehensively as a core concept in the implementation of PFCC interventions.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Future research endeavours must prioritize collaborative efforts involving health care providers, patients and their families by deploying an array of strategies within the intensive care unit setting.
Didymocarpus janakiae (Gesneriaceae), a new species from the eastern Himalayas, India
Authors: Rhuthuparna S. B. , Gowda Vinita
Published: June 2024

We describe a new species, Didymocarpus janakiae Rhuthuparna & V.Gowda from the eastern Himalayas of India. We provide a detailed description of the species' morphology, diagnostic characters, and colour photographs to support its classification as a new taxon. The new species shows morphological affinities with D. middletonii Souvann., Soulad. & Tagane, D.cinereus D.Don, and D. punduanus var. pulchrus (C. B. Clarke) Su.Datta & B.K.Sinha. It is similar to D. middletonii in its calyx shape but can be distinguished by its glabrous calyx and glandular hairy corolla (versus calyx sparsely covered with multi‐cellular hairs and glabrous corolla). Similarly, it resembles D. punduanus var. pulchrus and D. cinereus D.Don in the shape and purplish colour of the corolla, but D. janakiae can be distinguished from these two species by its urceolate calyx (versus campanulate), and longer calyx tube (6.7–10.4 mm versus ca 6 mm in D. cinereus and 3–6 mm in D. punduanus var. pulchrus). Currently D. janakiae is only known from its type locality, therefore we assess it as Critically Endangered as per the IUCN guidelines.
Production of grains with ultra‐low heavy metal accumulation by pyramiding novel Alleles of OsNramp5 and OsLsi2 in two‐line hybrid rice
Authors: Hu Shikai , Zhou Liang , Wang Jingxin , Mawia Amos Musyoki , Hui Suozhen , Xu Bo , Jiao Guiai , Sheng Zhonghua , Shao Gaoneng , Wei Xiangjin , Wang Ling , Xie Lihong , Zhao Fengli , Tang Shaoqing , Hu Peisong
Published: June 2024

Ensuring rice yield and grain safety quality are vital for human health. In this study, we developed two‐line hybrid rice (TLHR) with ultra‐low grain cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) accumulation by pyramiding novel alleles of OsNramp5 and OsLsi2. We first generated low Cd accumulation restorer (R) lines by editing OsNramp5, OsLCD, and OsLCT1 in japonica and indica. After confirming that OsNramp5 was most efficient in reducing Cd, we edited this gene in C815S, a genic male sterile line (GMSL), and screened it for alleles with low Cd accumulation. Next, we generated R and GMSL lines with low As accumulation by editing OsLsi2 in a series of YK17 and C815S lines. When cultivated in soils that were heavily polluted with Cd and As, the edited R, GMSL, and TLHR plants showed significantly reduced heavy metal accumulation, while maintaining a relatively stable yield potential. This study provides an effective scheme for the safe production of grains in As‐ and/or Cd‐polluted paddy fields.
Harold Ickes: A New Dealer's opposition to the early Cold War
Authors: Shaffer Robert
Published: June 2024

Harold Ickes, an important New Deal policy‐maker, was also, after he left his post as Interior Secretary, a vocal critic of President Harry Truman's Cold War policy. His criticisms – distributed first through a thrice‐weekly syndicated column and then in a weekly magazine column – most significantly identified United States naval and military policies in its Pacific territories as both unjust to their Indigenous inhabitants and as sources of global tensions. In particular, Ickes in the late 1940s challenged Americans to see their nation's dealings abroad as the rest of the world did: as too often militaristic, undemocratic, and hypocritical. While no apologist for Soviet policy, Ickes primarily framed postwar international relations through his opposition to militarism and fascism rather than through a Communist/non‐Communist dichotomy. As it broadens the pantheon of American Cold War critics, this study also contributes to recent scholarship emphasizing interconnections between US colonial control over its offshore territories and US foreign relations.
Relational properties: Definition, reduction, and states of affairs
Authors: Meinertsen Bo R.
Published: June 2024

This paper defines relational properties and argues for their reducibility in a, broadly speaking, Armstrongian framework of state of affairs ontology and truthmaking. While Armstrong's own characterisation and reduction of them arguably is the best one available in the literature of this framework, it suffers from two main problems. As will be shown, it neither defines relational properties very clearly (if at all), nor provides an adequate conception of their reduction. This paper attempts to remedy this situation in four steps. First, it introduces relational properties and why they matter in metaphysics in general. Second, by briefly comparing and contrasting them with extrinsic properties, and by briefly mapping them onto a tripartite division of relations, the particular kinds of relevant relational properties are identified. Third, it classifies relational properties and thereby makes possible an apt definition of them. Finally, using the notion of truthmaking, it outlines a more satisfactory case for their reduction.
Transient receptor potential mucolipin 1 circumvents oxidative stress in primary human melanocytes
Authors: Chen Yi , Xie Bo , Hu Yebei , Sun Jiayi , Xu Jinhui , Shen Yuqing , Zhu Yuqi , Song Xiuzu
Published: June 2024

Background

Transient Receptor Potential Mucolipin 1 (TRPML1) serves as a pivotal reactive oxygen species (ROS) sensor in cells, which is implicated in the regulation of autophagy. However, its function in melanocyte autophagy under oxidative stress remains elusive.

Methods

The expression and ion channel function of TRPML1 were investigated using immunofluorescence and calcium imaging in primary human melanocytes (MCs). After activating TRPML1 with MLSA1 (TRPML1 agonist), autophagy‐related molecules were investigated via western blot. ROS level, apoptosis‐ and autophagy‐related molecules were investigated after pretreatment with MLSA1. After interference with TRPML1 expression, mitochondrial structures were visualized by electron microscopy with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2）treatment.

Results

TRPML1 was expressed and functionally active in primary human MCs, and its activation promotes elevated expression of LC3‐II and reduced apoptosis and ROS levels under oxidative stress. TRPML1 downregulation caused mitochondrial swelling and disruption of cristae structures under oxidative stress in primary human MCs.

Conclusions

TRPML1 might mediate lysosomal autophagy in primary human MCs under oxidative stress, participating in mechanisms that maintain the oxidative and antioxidant systems in balance.