bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sociodemographic Factors and Presentation Features of Individuals Seeking Mental Health Care in Emergency Departments: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Higgins Oliver , Sheather‐Reid Rachel B. , Chalup Stephan K. , Wilson Rhonda L.
Published: September 2024

Emergency Department (ED) presentations for Mental Health (MH) help‐seeking have been rising rapidly, with EDs as the main entry point for most individuals in Australia. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to analyse the sociodemographic and presentation features of people who sought mental healthcare in two EDs located in a regional coastal setting in New South Wales (NSW), Australia from 2016 to 2021. This article is a part of a broader research study on the utilisation of machine learning in MH. The objective of this study is to identify the factors that lead to the admission of individuals to an MH inpatient facility when they seek MH care in an ED. Data were collected using existing records and analysed using descriptive univariate analysis with statistical significance between the two sites was determined using Chi squared test, p < 0.05. Two main themes characterise dominant help‐seeking dynamics for MH conditions in ED, suicidal ideation, and access and egress pathways. The main findings indicate that suicidal ideation was the most common presenting problem (38.19%). People presenting to ED who ‘Did not wait’ or ‘Left at own risk’ accounted for 10.20% of departures from ED. A large number of presentations arrived via the ambulance, accounting for 45.91%. A large proportion of presentations are related to a potentially life‐threatening condition (suicidal ideation). The largest proportion of triage code 1 ‘Resuscitation’ was for people with presenting problem of ‘Behavioural Disturbance’. Departure and arrival dynamics need to be better understood in consultation with community and lived experience groups to improve future service alignment with the access and egress pathways for emergency MH care.
Variance Matrix Priors for Dirichlet Process Mixture Models With Gaussian Kernels
Authors: Jing Wei , Papathomas Michail , Liverani Silvia
Published: September 2024

Bayesian mixture modelling is widely used for density estimation and clustering. The Dirichlet process mixture model (DPMM) is the most popular Bayesian non‐parametric mixture modelling approach. In this manuscript, we study the choice of prior for the variance or precision matrix when Gaussian kernels are adopted. Typically, in the relevant literature, the assessment of mixture models is done by considering observations in a space of only a handful of dimensions. Instead, we are concerned with more realistic problems of higher dimensionality, in a space of up to 20 dimensions. We observe that the choice of prior is increasingly important as the dimensionality of the problem increases. After identifying certain undesirable properties of standard priors in problems of higher dimensionality, we review and implement possible alternative priors. The most promising priors are identified, as well as other factors that affect the convergence of MCMC samplers. Our results show that the choice of prior is critical for deriving reliable posterior inferences. This manuscript offers a thorough overview and comparative investigation into possible priors, with detailed guidelines for their implementation. Although our work focuses on the use of the DPMM in clustering, it is also applicable to density estimation.
Gingival Crevicular Fluid Biomarkers During Periodontitis Progression and After Periodontal Treatment
Authors: Teles Flavia , Martin Lynn , Patel Michele , Hu Weiming , Bittinger Kyle , Kallan Michael J. , Chandrasekaran Ganesh , Cucchiara Andrew J. , Giannobile William V. , Stephens Danielle , Kantarci Alpdogan
Published: September 2024

Objective

To identify gingival crevicular fluid (GCF)‐derived inflammatory markers of periodontitis progression and periodontal treatment impact.

Methods

Periodontally healthy (H; n = 112) and periodontitis (P; n = 302) patients were monitored bi‐monthly for 1 year without therapy. Periodontitis patients were re‐examined 6 months after non‐surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). Levels of 64 biomarkers were measured in the GCF samples collected at each visit from progressing (n = 12 sites in H; n = 76 in P) and stable (n = 100 in H, n = 225 in P) sites. Clinical parameters and log‐transformed analyte levels were averaged within clinical groups at each time point and analysed using linear mixed models.

Results

During monitoring, progressing sites had significantly higher levels of IL‐1β, MMP‐8, IL‐12p40, EGF and VEGF. MMP‐9 and Periostin were significantly more elevated in stable sites. Distinct cytokine profiles were observed based on baseline PD. Treatment led to significant reductions in Eotaxin, Flt‐3L, GDF‐15, GM‐CSF, IL‐1β, IL‐17, MIP‐1d, RANTES and sCD40L, and increases in IP‐10 and MMP‐9.

Conclusion

Distinct cytokine signatures observed in stable and progressing sites were maintained over time in the absence of treatment and significantly affected by NSPT.
Efficiency of natural and forced convection systems in cooking ham: Industrial scale validation
Authors: Verlindo Roberto , Schwert Rodrigo , Peruzzolo Marcieli , Fischer Bruno , Dornelles Rosa Cristina Prestes , Mello Renius De Oliveira , Junges Alexander , Backes Geciane Toniazzo , Cansian Rogério Luis
Published: September 2024

This study evaluated the efficacy of cooking processes in natural and forced convection systems, for ensuring microbiological safety in industrial‐scale ham production. The cold point of the tanks was determined by measuring the water temperature every 2 min, with a maximum variation of 1.4°C between different regions of the tanks. The calculation of the lethal value (Fcal) was carried out using Enterococcus faecalis as the target microorganism due to its high resistance to heat treatment. The cooking temperature was measured at the geometric center of the ham and, in both convection systems, it reached the Fref value (23.6 min), necessary to achieve a reduction of 8 log (8 D), with Fcal of 45.7 and 45 min of cooking in the natural and forced convection systems. Both convection systems achieved microbial reductions exceeding 15‐log cycles (15 D), surpassing regulatory requirements despite occasional core temperatures below standard thresholds. In both systems (natural and forced), the cold spot was found on the left side, at a lower height, and toward the front of the tank. After heat treatment, no microorganisms were detected in the ham cooked in natural or forced convection systems. Both systems (natural and forced convection) proved viable at an industrial scale, provided that appropriate cooking protocols are followed.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this study are significant for the food industry and regulatory bodies involved in food safety. These include quality assurance in ham production, food safety compliance, process optimization, risk mitigation, and guidance for industrial practices. Overall, this study has practical implications for improving food safety, quality control, and production efficiency in the ham industry. It fills a gap in validation studies on industrial‐scale ham cooking, providing valuable information for industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies alike.
Effects of Supplementing Different Quantities of Moringa stenopetala Leaves on Plasma Metabolite and Acylcarnitine Profile, Body Condition Score and Milk Yield Performance in Zebu (Bos indicus) Cattle
Authors: Worku Ketema , Kechero Yisehak , Janssens Geert P. J.
Published: September 2024

The formulation of multi‐nutrient blocks based on low‐cost and locally available browse feed resources can be a valid feeding strategy in Sub‐Saharan Africa, where inadequate feed supply, both in quality and quantity, is a major constraint. We evaluated the four different inclusion percentages (M‐0%, M‐25%, M‐35% and M‐45%) of Moringa stenopetala leaf powder to multi‐nutrient blocks on their change on blood metabolite of dairy cows under practical, ranging conditions. Multi‐nutrient blocks with four inclusion rates of M. stenopetala leaves were applied as complementary feed for free ranging dairy cows. The study was performed on 24 free ranging dairy cows reared around Arba Minch town in the Southern Ethiopian Rift Valley. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of dairy cows both before and after supplementation. Plasma glucose, beta hydroxy butyrate (BHB), urea, creatinine, triglycerides and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration was quantified spectrophotometrically. Dried serum spots were subject to quantitative electrospray tandem mass spectrometry to estimate changes in nutrient metabolism based on selected carnitines. Based on these measurements, the milk yield and body condition score were increased during the period of multi‐nutrient block supplementation. During the supplementation period, the cows got higher plasma glucose, triglyceride and urea concentrations and lower concentrations of BHB, NEFA and creatinine. From the metabolite profiles, a more efficient nutrient use could be concluded. Although no clear dose−response relationship was observed, the highest inclusion of the M. stenopetala leaves in the multi‐nutrient blocks gave the best performance. This outcome supports the idea of implementing M. stenopetala based multi‐nutrient blocks on tropical smallholder farms that are not easily accessible to conventional extension services.
Meta‐Analysis of Positive Effects of Dietary Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on Performance of Commercial Laying Hens
Authors: Ogbuewu Ifeanyichukwu Princewill , Mabelebele Monnye , Mbajiorgu Christian Anayo
Published: September 2024

Turmeric improves performance in nonruminants, but results in laying hens are not consistent. This meta‐analysis assessed the performance of laying hens fed turmeric powder (TP)–based diets. Nineteen studies retrieved from Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were used for the meta‐analysis. The outcome variables analysed were productive indices (feed intake [FI], feed conversion ratio [FCR], hen day production [HDP], egg weight [EW], egg mass [EM]), egg quality (Haugh unit [HU], shell thickness [SHT], shell strength [SHS], yolk cholesterol [YC]), serum biochemical parameters (serum cholesterol [SC], alanine transferase [ALT], and aspartate transferase [AST]), and moderator variables (layer strains, inclusion level, feeding duration, and hen's age). All analyses were performed on OpenMEE software and the R package. A random‐effects model (REM) was used and results were presented as standardised mean difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval (CI). The results showed that dietary TP improved FCR (SMD = −0.31; 95% CI: −0.61, −0.01; p = 0.046) and HDP (SMD = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.69; p < 0.001), but not EW, EM, HU, SHT, SHS, YC, and serum AST in layers. On the other hand, dietary TP decreased FI (SMD = −0.15; 95% CI: −0.26, −0.05; p = 0.004), SC (SMD = −75.18; 95% CI: −102.55, −47.80; p < 0.001), and ALT (SMD = −3.55; 95% CI: −4.71, −2.40; p < 0.001) in laying hens with proof of significant heterogeneity. However, meta‐regression showed that layer strains and feeding duration accounted for most of the sources of heterogeneity. In conclusion, results suggest that dietary TP increased HDP and reduced FI, FCR, SC, and ALT in laying hens.
Rutting calls of harem‐holders, harem‐candidates and peripheral male Siberian wapiti Cervus canadensis sibiricus: Acoustic correlates of stag quality and individual identity
Authors: Sibiryakova O. V. , Volodin I. A. , Volodina E. V.
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the effects of individuality and harem‐holding status on the acoustic parameters of rutting calls (bugles) of 14 stags of Siberian wapiti Cervus canadensis sibiricus. The stags competed for mating with hinds in a large herd, free ranging inside a fenced area with complex landscape. We considered as harem‐holders the stags, which kept a harem of 5 or more hinds for at least 2 days. Of the 15 days of observations enveloping the most active rutting period, during 3 days there was only one harem in the enclosure, during 9 days two harems, during 2 days three harems and during 1 day four harems. Stag bugles displayed both individual and status‐related variation. Harem‐holders compared with peripheral stags had shorter bugles with higher minimum fundamental frequency. After winning a harem and changing status from harem‐candidate to harem‐holder, stags shortened the duration of their bugles, lowered the beginning and maximum fundamental frequency and increased the minimum fundamental frequency. Significantly higher than the levels expected by chance, discriminant analysis classified 78.9% of bugles by the correct stag status and 53.2% of bugles by the correct individual callers. Different acoustic parameters encoded the status and individuality of the bugles. Status was encoded by the duration of the start and end parts and by the beginning and end fundamental frequencies. Individuality was encoded by the maximum fundamental frequency. We discuss that rutting calls of Siberian wapiti, although individualized, do not represent vocal signatures. However, these calls reliably mark stag harem‐holding status.
Signatures of convergence in Neotropical cichlid fish
Authors: Leal‐Cardín Mariana , Bracamonte Seraina E. , Aldegunde Javier , Magalhaes Isabel S. , Ornelas‐García Claudia Patricia , Barluenga Marta
Published: September 2024

Convergent evolution of similar phenotypes suggests some predictability in the evolutionary trajectories of organisms, due to strong and repeated selective pressures, and/or developmental constraints. In adaptive radiations, particularly in cichlid fish radiations, convergent phenotypes are commonly found within and across geographical settings. Cichlids show major repeated axes of morphological diversification. Recurrent changes in body patterns reveal adaption to alternative habitats, and modifications of the trophic apparatus respond to the exploitation of different food resources. Here we compare morphologically and genetically two Neotropical cichlid assemblages, the Mexican desert cichlid and the Nicaraguan Midas cichlid, with similar polymorphic body and trophic adaptations despite their independent evolution. We found a common morphological axis of differentiation in trophic structures in both cichlid radiations, but two different axes of differentiation in body shape, defining two alternative limnetic body patterns. Adaptation to limnetic habitats implied regulation of immune functions in the Midas cichlid, while morphogenesis and metabolic functions in the desert cichlid. Convergent phenotypic adaptions could be associated to divergent gene regulation.
The effect of music therapy and breathing exercise on anxiety and pain in patients undergoing coronary angiography: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Gauthier Feryal , Güneş Ülkü
Published: September 2024

Background

For over 50 years, music therapy and breathing exercises have been widely utilized as interventions to help individuals cope with fatigue, stress and pain globally.

Aim

To analyse the effects of music and breathing exercises on anxiety and pain in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Study Design

This is a single‐blind, randomized controlled trial. The sample comprised 165 patients: 55 in the control group, 55 in the breathing exercise group and 55 in the music therapy group. Patients in the music group listened to music during angiography, those in the breathing exercise group practised exercises 30 min before the procedure and the control group received standard treatment. Anxiety levels were assessed before and after the procedure, and pain levels were measured post‐procedure. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist for reporting randomized trials was used to guide reporting.

Results

Anxiety scores rose significantly in the control group from 33.9 ± 4.2 pre‐angiography to 37.7 ± 4.9 post‐angiography. Conversely, the breathing group's anxiety scores decreased from 34.3 ± 3.5 before angiography to 31.7 ± 1.5 after angiography, and the music group exhibited a reduction from 32.3 ± 3.6 to 30.8 ± 1.6. Post‐angiography, the control group reported a mean pain score of 64 ± 0.8 mm, while the breathing and music groups had significantly lower scores of 35 ± 0.6 and 29 ± 0.8 mm, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a highly significant difference in pain scores between the intervention and control groups.

Conclusions

This study provides support for the beneficial effects of employing breathing exercises and music in alleviating pain and anxiety during coronary angiography procedures.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Integrating these findings into clinical practice could be significant for improving patients' pain experiences and anxiety, enhancing the tolerance of invasive medical procedures.
Adult intensive care unit nurses' knowledge of and compliance barriers to evidence‐based guidelines for prevention of ventilator‐associated pneumonia: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Yao Nian , Xu Binbin , Xu Ran , Gong Zhihong , Ma Guiyuan , Peng Sha , Zhang Jinghui
Published: September 2024

Background

Ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection in intensive care units (ICUs) and is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care patients. Previous studies show that insufficient knowledge and compliance barriers among nurses affect pneumonia. There have been no investigations into intensive care nurses' knowledge and compliance barriers to evidence‐based guidelines (EBGs) for VAP prevention in county‐level hospitals in China.

Aim

To explore adult ICU nurses' knowledge and compliance barriers to EBGs for preventing VAP in county‐level hospitals in Hunan Province, China, examine the correlation between knowledge and compliance barriers, and analyse associated factors.

Study Design

A cross‐sectional electronic survey was conducted to focus on nurses' knowledge of and compliance barriers to EBGs for preventing VAP.

Results

A total of 386 valid questionnaires were collected, with a response rate of 97.47% (386/396 = 97.47%). The median scores for nurses' knowledge (out of 9) and compliance barriers (out of 8) to EBGs for preventing VAP were 7 (interquartile range: 5–8) and 3 (interquartile range: 2–4), respectively. Knowledge was negatively associated with compliance barriers (r = −0.437, p < .01). The results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed that hospital level, age, nurses' attendance at VAP training and years of experience in ICUs were related to the level of knowledge. Nurses' attendance at VAP training, age and years of experience in ICUs were associated with the level of compliance barriers.

Conclusions

Intensive care nurses have satisfactory knowledge of EBGs for preventing VAP, but compliance barriers can be reduced. Better knowledge helps reduce the barriers to compliance among nurses.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Nurse managers and nurse educators are suggested to examine nurses' knowledge and compliance barriers to EBGs for preventing VAP, develop personalized training plans, promote continuous education based on the latest EBGs and raise the nurse–patient ratio reasonably.
Global patterns and controlling factors of tree bark C : N : P stoichiometry in forest ecosystems consistent with biogeochemical niche hypothesis
Authors: Gong Haiyang , Sardans Jordi , Huang Heng , Yan Zhengbing , Wang Zhiqiang , Peñuelas Josep
Published: September 2024

Bark serves crucial roles in safeguarding trees physically and chemically, while also contributing to nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration. Despite its importance, the broader biogeographical patterns and the potential factors influencing bark C : N : P stoichiometry in forest ecosystems remain largely unknown.

In this study, we compiled a comprehensive dataset comprising carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) concentrations in bark with 1240 records from 550 diverse forest sites to systematically analyze the large‐scale patterns and the factors controlling bark C : N : P stoichiometry.

The geometric means of bark C, N, and P concentrations were found to be 493.17 ± 1.75, 3.91 ± 0.09, and 0.2 ± 0.01 mg g−1, respectively. Correspondingly, the C : N, C : P, and N : P mass ratios were 135.51 ± 8.11, 3313.19 ± 210.16, and 19.16 ± 0.6, respectively. Bark C : N : P stoichiometry exhibited conspicuous latitudinal trends, with the exception of N : P ratios. These patterns were primarily shaped by the significant impacts of climate, soil conditions, and plant functional groups. However, the impact of evolutionary history in shaping bark C : N : P stoichiometry outweigh climate, soil, and plant functional group, aligning with the biogeochemical niche (BN) hypothesis.

These finding enhance our understanding of the spatial distribution of bark nutrient stoichiometry and have important implications for modeling of global forest ecosystem nutrient cycles in a changing environment.
An auxin homeostat allows plant cells to establish and control defined transmembrane auxin gradients
Authors: Geisler Markus , Dreyer Ingo
Published: September 2024

Extracellular auxin maxima and minima are important to control plant developmental programs. Auxin gradients are provided by the concerted action of proteins from the three major plasma membrane (PM) auxin transporter classes AUX1/LAX, PIN and ATP‐BINDING CASSETTE subfamily B (ABCB) transporters. But neither genetic nor biochemical nor modeling approaches have been able to reliably assign the individual roles and interplay of these transporter types.

Based on the thermodynamic properties of the transporters, we show here by mathematical modeling and computational simulations that the concerted action of different auxin transporter types allows the adjustment of specific transmembrane auxin gradients. The dynamic flexibility of the ‘auxin homeostat’ comes at the cost of an energy‐consuming ‘auxin cycling’ across the membrane.

An unexpected finding was that potential functional ABCB‐PIN synchronization appears to allow an optimization of the trade‐off between the speed of PM auxin gradient adjustment on the one hand and ATP consumption and disturbance of general anion homeostasis on the other.

In conclusion, our analyses provide fundamental insights into the thermodynamic constraints and flexibility of transmembrane auxin transport in plants.
A simple, robust, cost‐effective, and low‐input ChIP‐seq method for profiling histone modifications and Pol II in plants
Authors: Zhu Danling , Wen Yi , Tan Yifang , Chen Xi , Wu Zhe
Published: September 2024

Chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing (vs ChIP‐seq) is an essential tool for epigenetic and molecular genetic studies. Although being routinely used, ChIP‐seq is expensive, requires grams of plant materials, and is challenging for samples that enrich fatty acids such as seeds.

Here, we developed an Ultrasensitive Plant ChIP‐seq (UP‐ChIP) method based on native ChIP‐seq combined with Tn5 tagmentation‐based library construction strategy. UP‐ChIP is generally applicable for profiling both histone modification and Pol II in a wide range of plant samples, such as a single Arabidopsis seedling, a few Arabidopsis seeds, and sorted nuclei.

Compared with conventional ChIP‐seq, UP‐ChIP is much less labor intensive and only consumes 1 μg of antibody and 10 μl of Protein‐A/G conjugated beads for each IP and can work effectively with the amount of starting material down to a few milligrams. By performing UP‐ChIP in various conditions and genotypes, we showed that UP‐ChIP is highly reliable, sensitive, and quantitative for studying histone modifications. Detailed UP‐ChIP protocol is provided.

We recommend UP‐ChIP as an alternative to traditional ChIP‐seq for profiling histone modifications and Pol II, offering the advantages of reduced labor intensity, decreased costs, and low‐sample input.
Substrate Modification for Atrial Fibrillation Induced by Mechanical Irritation That May Be Associated With Non‐Pulmonary Vein Foci
Authors: Sonoda Koichiro , Hyakutake Shunpei , Furukawa Kentaro , Otsuka Kaishi , Takei Asumi , Maemura Koji
Published: September 2024

The importance of treating non‐pulmonary vein (PV) foci is increasing with improvements in the durability of PV isolation. We describe two cases wherein non‐PV foci were induced by mechanical irritation and conventional induction in the same area, which was impossible to induce after ablation, suggesting a relationship between mechanical irritation and induction of non‐PV foci. In a recurrent case of non‐PV foci, atrial fibrillation (AF) was induced only by mechanical irritation. No recurrence has been observed since the ablation of the area. Thus, treatment of the AF induction site with mechanical irritation could be considered an effective therapy for non‐PV foci.
Government emergency budgeting and disaster impact: Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Gang , Li Ruiying , Wang Qiushi
Published: September 2024

Emergency budgets have become indispensable fiscal tools for governments around the world to cope with disasters, but how governments determine the size of emergency budgets and to what extent such budgets are effective remain unclear. Drawing on organizational learning theory and using data collected from 30 provinces in China, we conduct a series of panel regression analysis and robustness checks to investigate the determinants and impact of emergency budgets. We find that both prior disaster experience and government fiscal ability as measured by budget surplus are positively related to the size of subnational governments' emergency budgets, but the interaction effect between the two is negative. Moreover, while emergency budgets can help maintain the level of government budget surplus, they only play a limited role in moderating the negative impact of disaster damage on governments' fiscal ability. In particular, this study reveals the importance of socioeconomic environment and organizational capacity for the decision‐making process and outcomes of emergency budgets, suggesting that subnational governments should always adopt a holistic approach and improve their financial preparedness for future emergencies by incorporating more information from past disasters and considering diverse drivers of the complex dynamics among emergency budgets, disaster experience, and government fiscal ability.
Dopamine Regulates Its Own Synthesis via MdORG2 to Improve Low‐Nitrogen Tolerance in Apple Plants
Authors: Liu Xiaomin , Li Jiang , Cao Huifang , Tian Xudong , Li Sujuan , Liu Chengyang , Zhang Zhijun , Mao Ke , Ma Fengwang , Li Chao
Published: September 2024

Nitrogen (N) is crucial for plant growth and development. Exogenous dopamine has been shown to improve the N‐deficiency tolerance of apple. However, the potential regulatory mechanisms by which dopamine mitigates low‐N stress remain unclear. Our data indicated that the dopamine levels in apple (Malus domestica) were elevated by the overexpression (OE) of MdTYDC, which encodes tyrosine decarboxylase, a key enzyme in dopamine biosynthesis. The photosynthetic capacity of the OE lines was enhanced, and the root system was more extensive under low‐N stress compared with the wild‐type (WT) plants. This enhancement contributed to a greater net nitrate influx at the root surface in the OE lines compared with the WT. Transcriptomic and carbohydrate analyses suggested that the OE of MdTYDC in apple enhanced N‐deficiency tolerance by promoting the expression of carbohydrate‐related genes, which increased the content of soluble sugars and sorbitol. Both exogenous dopamine and MdTYDC OE activated the expression of MdORG2 (a bHLH transcription factor), which, in turn, directly binds to the promoter of MdTYDC, activating its expression, increasing dopamine levels, and consequently conferring strong low‐N tolerance in apple. Thus, this reveals the molecular pathways by which dopamine regulates low‐N tolerance in apple through pathways involving MdTYDC and MdORG2.
Transcriptional Changes Underlying the Degradation of Plant Community in Alpine Meadow Under Seasonal Warming Impact
Authors: Niu Qichen , Jin Guanfang , Yin Shuxia , Gan Lu , Yang Zhiyong , Dorji Tsechoe , Shen Miaogen
Published: September 2024

Global warming is exhibiting a seasonal trend, while different seasons have different warming variations. However, the impact of seasonal warming on plants remains unclear. This study employed Open Top Chambers (OTCs) to simulate future seasonal warming scenarios in alpine meadow. The study examined plant community dynamics following long‐term seasonal warming. The transcriptional and physiological responses of two dominant species (Kobresia pygmaea and Stipa purpurea) were examined. Results suggest that seasonal warming effects are correlated with both the duration of warming and the season which warming occurs. A long annual warming duration, especially growing season warming, made plants confront various stresses. K. pygmaea adopted a stress‐avoidance strategy, showing a negative response, and leading to population decline or disappearance. This kind of dieback had also been observed in other Cyperaceae species. Meanwhile, due to positive responses, S. purpurea adopted a stress‐tolerance strategy and overcame the impact of warming, partially gained the dominance over Cyperaceae species. Overall vegetation coverage and plant community diversity decreased over the years. These results reveal the impact of seasonal warming to plants, explaining the reasons for changes in plant communities under seasonal warming and providing new insights for future plant conservation under seasonal warming.
Radiographic scores as a predictor of oxygenation index in very low‐birthweight infants
Authors: Zuiki Masashi , Asuka Kisho , Hasegawa Tomohiro , Uesugi Madoka , Takada Rei , Yamano Akio , Morimoto Hidechika , Hashiguchi Kanae , Hasegawa Tatsuji , Iehara Tomoko
Published: September 2024

Background

Very low birthweight infants (VLBWIs) often undergo chest radiographic examinations without standardization or objectivity. This study aimed to assess the association of two radiographic scores, the Brixia and radiographic assessment of lung edema (RALE), with oxygenation index (OI) in ventilated VLBWIs and to determine the optimal cutoff values to predict hypoxic respiratory severity.

Methods

VLBWIs who received invasive respiratory support with arterial lines between January 2010 and October 2023 were enrolled in this study (n = 144). The correlation between the Brixia or RALE scores and OI was investigated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cutoff points of the two radiographic scores for predicting OI values (OI ≥5, ≥10, and ≥15).

Results

The enrolled infants had a median gestational age of 27 weeks (interquartile range [IQR], 25–28 weeks) and a median birthweight of 855 g (IQR, 684–1003 g). Radiographic scoring methods correlated with the OI (Brixia score: r = 0.79, p < 0.001; RALE score: r = 0.72, p < 0.001). The optimal cutoff points for predicting OI values were as follows: Brixia score: OI ≥5, 10; OI ≥10, 13; OI ≥15, 15; RALE score: OI ≥5, 22; OI ≥10, 31; and OI ≥15, 40.

Conclusions

Brixia and RALE scores are useful predictive markers of the oxygenation status in intubated VLBWIs with stable hemodynamics. These scores are easy to use and promising tools for clinicians to identify patients with a higher risk of hypoxic respiratory failure.
Is Liver Transplantation Alone an Effective Treatment for Homozygotic Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Children?
Authors: Yılmaz Dağlı Hatice , Artan Reha , Civan Dudu Duygu , İnan Aydemir Nurel , Yılmaz Aygen
Published: September 2024

Aim

To examine the long‐term results and treatment effectiveness of liver transplantation (LT) in the treatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) in children and adolescents.

Method

Patients who underwent LT due to HoFH between 2007 and 2023 were included in the study. The patients' demographic data, clinical findings, preoperative and postoperative laboratory examinations, transplantation complications, and postoperative disease courses were evaluated.

Results

There were five boys with an average age of 6.2 (median: 6, range 4–10) years in the study. The average total cholesterol level of the patients before transplantation was 923 (median: 950, range: 780–1002) mg/dL and the average LDL‐cholesterol level was 864 (median: 852, range: 770–957) mg/dL. No patients died of transplant‐related complications. After an average follow‐up of 9.2 (median: 9, range: 1.5–16) years, the average total cholesterol level of the patients was 197 (median: 164, range: 137–359) mg/dL, and the average LDL‐cholesterol level was 138 (median: 92, range: 85–313) mg/dL. Four (80%) patients developed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease during follow‐up, and two (40%) died of this cause.

Conclusion

LT in the treatment of HoFH did not help our patients reach the target LDL‐cholesterol level after transplantation and did not prevent the development of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, LT alone is not curative in the treatment of HoFH.
Risk Factors of Post‐Traumatic Stress in Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Hind Tatsuma , Robillard Julie , Armstrong Kathryn , Guttman Orlee , Blydt‐Hansen Tom D.
Published: September 2024

Background

Life with end‐stage organ failure is accompanied by an accumulation of traumatic medical or surgical experiences. Despite recovery after solid organ transplantation (SOT), many children and adolescents develop post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). PTSS remain underappreciated as a major comorbidity in SOT programs, despite their association with decreased quality of life.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, cross‐sectional study of 86 pediatric SOT recipients (17 heart, 44 kidney, and 25 liver) to evaluate potential determinants of PTSS. Trauma symptoms were measured by the Child Trauma Screening Questionnaire (CTSQ). Demographic, baseline, and contemporaneous factors were tested for independent association with CTSQ scores.

Results

The median post‐transplant CTSQ score was 2 (IQR 1–4), and 22% were identified as high risk (score ≥5) for PTSD. Higher CTSQ scores were independently associated with the number of ICU days within the previous 12 months, the number of medications (complexity), and involvement with foster care in the primary model (R2 [adj.] = 0.26). The addition of the Family Impact Module improved the overall model (R2 [adj.] = 0.33), wherein higher family functioning was independently associated with lower CTSQ scores. An exploratory analysis of pre‐transplant patients (n = 34) found a median pre‐transplant CTSQ of 2 (IQR 1–6), suggesting that PTSS are onset before transplant and persist afterward.

Conclusions

PTSS are highly prevalent in the SOT population. Risk factors include recent adverse medical experiences and complexity, whereas family stability may be protective. Additional research is needed to improve early ascertainment and support for patients at high risk of developing PTSS throughout their transplant journey.
Delay impacts of ant nests on plant reproductive phenology in a temperate steppe
Authors: Zhou Z. , Hu M. , Ru J. , Yang S. , Zhang Y. , Wang X. , Chen J. , Cui Y.
Published: September 2024

Increasing ant abundance associated with climate warming has been observed in temperate ecosystems. However, how enhanced ant activity affects plant development and phenology remains unclear.

In this study, individuals of a perennial forb (Potentilla tanacetifolia) during flowering with and without an ant (Proformica) nest were marked to explore the impacts of ant nests on plant growth and phenology in a temperate steppe on the Mongolian Plateau.

Ant nests delayed the start and end flowering dates simultaneously and, consequently, had no effect on flowering duration. However, presence of an ant nest postponed the fruiting date of individuals. Nests further increased numbers of aborted flowers and thus decreased fruit set. These observations suggest that the delayed flowering phenology disrupted synchrony between plant reproduction and pollinators and thus reduced pollination efficiency under ant nests.

Given the increasing abundance of ants with rising temperatures under climate warming, plant delayed reproductive phenology and reduced reproductive output will potentially have negative consequences for plant fitness and plant–arthropod interactions, with consequent impacts on resistance and resilience of perennial species in temperate steppes under climate change.
Perturbed conformal invariance and Mei adiabatic invariants of the generalized perturbed Hamiltonian systems with additional terms
Authors: Rehman Haseeb Ur , Feroze Tooba
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the relationship between perturbed conformal invariance and Mei symmetry in the generalized perturbed Hamiltonian systems with additional terms. A necessary and sufficient condition is derived to determine whether perturbed conformal invariance can be considered an approximate Mei symmetry. Furthermore, the Mei adiabatic invariants are also obtained. Lastly, an example is presented to demonstrate the key findings.
Understanding the Interactions Between Loading, Pain Dynamics, and Imaging Characteristics for Osgood Schlatter: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Holden S. , Lyng K. , Olesen J. L. , Sørensen L. B. , Rathleff M. S.
Published: September 2024

Osgood Schlatter's disease (OSD) is characterized by pain at the tibial tuberosity provoked during knee‐loading activities, and is common in adolescent athletes. The aim of this study was to characterize clinical, pain and ultrasound imaging characteristics in participants with OSD compared to controls. This cross‐sectional study included adolescents diagnosed with OSD and matched controls. Following baseline evaluation including ultrasound, participants completed the following aggravating activities in a randomized order: single‐leg isometric knee hold, single‐leg squat, single‐leg vertical jump, hopping, running, cutting, lunges, and walking. Participants rated pain intensity on a numeric rating scale (0–10; no pain to worst pain imaginable) and localization during activities. We included 35 participants with OSD (48.5% females, age 13.0 [SD 1.5]) and 21 controls (47.6% females, age 13.4 [SD1.4]). Doppler signal was more prevalent in OSD participants at the tendon (77% vs. 30%) and tuberosity (29% vs. 10%). Tendon thickness was greater in OSD at distal (mean difference = 4.5 mm 95% CI 1.5–7.5) and proximal sites (mean difference = 4.2 95% CI 0.1–8.3). Aggravating activities induced higher pain in OSD. The greatest differences between OSD and control were the dynamic single‐leg squat (mean difference = 4.2 (95% CI 3.22–5.1)). Pain was localized at the tibial tuberosity and patellar tendon during activities. Sex, sports participation, bilateral pain, and Doppler were associated with greater pain during aggravating activities. Single‐leg activities loading the tibial tuberosity through the tendon appear to provoke OSD‐related pain more than other sports specific movements. This may be useful to guide adolescents on which activities are likely to aggravate pain.
Advocates forSTEMeducation: Developing advocacy identity inSTEMteacher leadership
Authors: Velasco Richard Carlos L. , Pullen Kendra Renae , Remington Jeff D.
Published: September 2024

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teacher advocacy is a particular skillset within STEM teacher leadership, but little is known about how STEM teacher leaders develop their identity as advocates for STEM education. To glean a more nuanced and deeper understanding of developing advocate identity among STEM teacher leaders, we conducted a duoethnographic study to critically reflect on our lived experiences as STEM teacher leaders engaged in advocacy. Drawing upon identity theory to frame our study, we co‐developed and individually responded to a set of questions and prompts that critically interrogated our experiences, leading toward identifying as advocates for STEM education. Multiple subsequent critical discussions about our responses led to a recorded dialogic conversation, which acted as our site of research. Emergent themes from duoethnographic analysis revealed having increased awareness of STEM education policies and their impacts, recognizing injustices affecting marginalized communities, and acknowledging systemic barriers preventing community voices in policymaking helped to strengthen our advocacy identities. The dialogue also emphasized the importance of reaching out to communities to understand needs when developing policy recommendations. We conclude the study by making recommendations to support STEM teacher leaders interested in engaging in advocacy at the individual classroom, school, and district levels.
Teaching the Religions of the World in an Age of Polarization
Authors: Smith Leslie Dorrough , Ramey Steven
Published: September 2024

Teaching a course on religions of the world is challenging, especially considering the cogent critiques of that paradigm and the history of its construction. In our courses and text, we have employed a strategy comparing different representations of a single religion to help students develop analytical and critical thinking skills. Within this approach, we employ a functionalist methodology that addresses how each representation of a religion empowers particular groups as well as how the practices and ideas within each religion function. Organizing a course and textbook in this fashion coordinates with assignments that ask students to compare the construction and functions of different representations of the same religion, thus reinforcing to students that no single description of a religion is complete or free from individual and group interests.
MsMIOX2, encoding a MsbZIP53‐activated myo‐inositol oxygenase, enhances saline–alkali stress tolerance by regulating cell wall pectin and hemicellulose biosynthesis in alfalfa
Authors: Guo Weileng , Chen Jiaxin , Liu Lei , Ren Yuekun , Guo Rui , Ding Yang , Li Ying , Chai Juqi , Sun Yuanqing , Guo Changhong
Published: September 2024

Alfalfa is one of the most widely cultivated forage crops worldwide. However, soil salinization restricts alfalfa growth and development and affects global productivity. The plant cell wall is the first barrier against various stresses. Therefore, elucidating the alterations in cell wall architecture is crucial for stress adaptation. This study aimed to clarify the impact of myo‐inositol oxygenase 2 (MsMIOX2) on cell wall pectin and hemicellulose biosynthesis under saline–alkali stress and identify the upstream transcription factors that govern MsMIOX2. MsMIOX2 activation induced cell wall pectin and hemicellulose accumulation under saline–alkali stress. The effects of MsMIOX2 in saline–alkali tolerance were investigated by characterizing its overexpression and RNA interference lines. MsMIOX2 overexpression positively regulated the antioxidant system and photosynthesis in alfalfa under saline–alkali stress. MsMIOX2 exhibited myo‐inositol oxygenase activity, which increased polysaccharide contents, facilitated pectin and hemicellulose biosynthesis, and extended the cell wall thickness. However, MsMIOX2 RNA interference decreased cell wall thickness and alleviated alfalfa saline–alkali stress tolerance. In addition, MsbZIP53 was identified as an upstream transcriptional MsMIOX2 regulator by yeast one‐hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, dual‐luciferase, and beta‐glucuronidase assays. MsbZIP53 overexpression increased MsMIOX2 expression, elevated MIOX activity, reinforced the antioxidant system and photosynthesis, and increased saline–alkali stress tolerance in alfalfa. In conclusion, this study presents a novel perspective for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of saline–alkali stress tolerance in alfalfa and emphasizes the potential use of MsMIOX2 in alfalfa breeding.
Horseshoe effects on equine gait—A systematic scoping review
Authors: Aoun Rita , Takawira Catherine , Lopez Mandi J.
Published: September 2024

Objective

To provide an overview of available research about effects of horseshoes on equine kinetics and kinematics.

Methods

The terms, “horse/equine,” “hoof,” “shoes/horseshoes,” “kinetics,” and “kinematics” were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Center for Agriculture and Bioscience International, and United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library for manuscripts from first availability to 2024. Independent reviewers used preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses guidelines to map and extract evidence‐based data from sources. Metrics included participant demographics, research methods, major findings, and study limitations. Knowledge gaps were also identified.

Results

A total of 46 studies were included. Most utilized non‐lame horses to compare original shoe designs or modifications to unshod or a standard open‐heel shoe. Horse demographics and gait, study design and outcome measures varied widely. Prevalent data collection equipment included force platforms and pressure plates, wearable force measuring technology, and videography. Many studies reported shoeing effects on limb forces and motion, but there was little consensus among unrelated studies. Common limitations included insufficient data resolution, no randomization, small sample size, single breed, and outcome measures specific or unique to the study. Knowledge gaps included data collection from all limbs and the impact of conformation and limb and hoof morphology and health condition on outcomes.

Conclusion

Information from manuscripts that met inclusion criteria confirmed distinct, variable effects of shoe characteristics on equine gait parameters.

Clinical significance

Details from published work can serve as resource for clinical decisions and to guide standardization among investigations on shoe configuration effects on equine motion.
Mediating role of specific environmental beliefs in the relationship between general beliefs and water consumption
Authors: Shamim Muhammad Asif , Amlus Mohammad Harith , Jawaid Syed Tehseen
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the impact of general environmental beliefs (GEB) on water consumption behaviour (WCB) and the mediating role of specific environmental beliefs (SEB) in Kuala Lumpur. By administering 1584 surveys via a 5‐point Likert scale questionnaire, the study analyses the influence of utilitarian beliefs (UB) and ecological beliefs (EB) at both the Kuala Lumpur and district levels. The results demonstrate that EB significantly mediates the relationship between GEB and WCB, while UB also plays a significant mediating role. The study highlights practical measures for environmental preservation, such as prioritizing utilitarianism for environmentally beneficial choices, afforestation, waste reduction, reusability and recycling of production materials and ensuring ecological system compatibility for waste disposal.
A Selberg identity for the Shimura lift
Authors: Xue Hui
Published: September 2024

We first prove a Selberg‐type identity for the Shimura lift of the Rankin–Cohen bracket of a normalized Hecke eigenform and the theta function. We then discuss its relationship with the nonvanishing of central values of ‐functions associated to Hecke eigenforms.