bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival and alterations in reproductive organs of the cotton boll weevil,Anthonomus grandis grandis, fed alternative food
Authors: da Costa Moura Matheus , Tripode Bruna Mendes Diniz , de Azevedo Brito Pedro Vale , Arruda e Silva José Francisco , da Silva Filho João Luis , Barrigossi José Alexandre Freitas , Miranda José Ednilson , Pinheiro Patrícia Valle
Published: March 2024

The cotton boll weevil,Anthonomus grandis grandisBoheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is one of the most important insect pests of cotton, causing significant yield losses. This insect completes its life cycle only on the flower structures of some Malvaceae species, with cotton being its preferred host. However, during the cotton off‐season, the boll weevil enters a reproductive dormancy state, in tropical regions, with important alterations in their reproduction organs. During this period, a remaining insect population survives feeding on a variety of other food sources, but the insects do not reproduce. We hypothesized that these alterations in the insect's reproductive organs are associated with the nutritional levels provided by alternative food sources during the cotton off‐season. To test our hypothesis, we first investigated food sources that sustain insect survival for long periods, such as weed species and fruits of cultivated crops. Then, we evaluated how various food sources affect the reproductive organs and reproductive capacity of the boll weevil. Among the alternative food sources tested, insect longevity was highest on banana (Musa paradisiacaL.), mango (Mangifera indicaL.), papaya (Carica papayaL.), milkweed (Euphorbia heterophyllaL.), and lilac tasselflower (Emilia sonchifoliaL.). However, only banana and mango resulted in greater longevity than cotton squares. Banana was the preferred food and resulted in the highest levels of nutrients in the insects. Additionally, insects previously fed on banana made more oviposition punctures on cotton squares than those fed only on cotton squares, which resulted in a significantly higher number of emerged adults. Histological analysis of the insects' reproductive organs showed that feeding on papaya resulted in morphological changes and testicle degradation. In conclusion, we present evidence that boll weevils fed on alternative food sources (other than cotton squares or similar‐quality food) display a nutritional imbalance, associated with substantial alterations in the reproductive tissues of this insect, which may trigger the reproductive dormancy state.
The importance of worldwide linguistic and cultural diversity for climate change resilience
Authors: Couée Ivan
Published: March 2024

Local minority languages and dialects, through the local knowledge and expertise associated with them, can play major roles in analysing climate change and biodiversity loss, in facilitating community awareness of environmental crises and in setting up locally‐adapted resilience and sustainability strategies. While the situation and contribution of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples are of emblematic importance, the issue of the relationships between cultural and linguistic diversity and environmental awareness and protection does not solely concern peripheral highly‐specialized communities in specific ecosystems of the Global South, but constitutes a worldwide challenge, throughout all of the countries, whatever their geographical location, their economical development, or their political status. Environmental emergency and climate change resilience should therefore raise international awareness on the need to promote the survival and development of minority languages and dialects and to take into account their creativity and expertise in relation to the dynamics of their local environments.
Compassionate mind training for people with Parkinson's disease: A pilot study and predictors of response
Authors: Della Morte Silvia , Berti Elena , Lalli Carolina , Modugno Nicola , Morgante Francesca , Schrag Anette , Makovac Elena , Ricciardi Lucia
Published: March 2024

Introduction

People with Parkinson's disease (PD) often present with disabling neuropsychiatric symptoms. Compassionate mind training (CMT) is a psychological approach effective in reducing stress and promoting psychological well‐being. Heart rate variability (HRV), a measure reflecting sympathovagal balance, has been associated with psychological well‐being and a compassionate attitude.

Aim

To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of CMT in enhancing the quality of life and psychological well‐being in PD patients. Additionally, we evaluated HRV as a physiomarker for assessing the CMT outcomes.

Methods

Twenty‐four PD patients participated in the study. A 6‐week online CMT intervention was delivered on a weekly basis. At baseline and post‐intervention patients completed questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety and quality of life. In a subsample of 11 patients, HRV was measured at baseline and post‐intervention in three conditions: at rest, during stress and after 3 min of deep breathing.

Results

The attendance rate was 94.3%. Quality of life and perceived stigma improved post‐intervention as compared with baseline (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03 for PD Questionnaire‐39 total score and Stigma subscore, respectively). After CMT, patients presented better physiological regulation to stress, as measured by higher HRV as compared with baseline (p = 0.005). Notably, patients who were more resilient to stress at baseline (less decrease in HRV during stress) experienced a more substantial reduction in anxiety and depression following CMT.

Conclusions

CMT is feasible and can improve quality of life and stigma in PD patients. HRV emerges as a promising physiomarker for predicting and measuring the outcomes of psychological interventions in PD.
Lake water chemistry and local adaptation shape NaCl toxicity in Daphnia ambigua
Authors: Rogalski Mary A. , Baker Elizabeth S. , Benadon Clara M. , Tatgenhorst Christoph , Nichols Brady R.
Published: March 2024

The increasing application of road deicing agents (e.g., NaCl) has caused widespread salinization of freshwater environments. Chronic exposure to toxic NaCl levels can impact freshwater biota at genome to ecosystem scales, yet the degree of harm caused by road salt pollution is likely to vary among habitats and populations. The background ion chemistry of freshwater environments may strongly impact NaCl toxicity, with greater harm occurring in ion‐poor, soft water conditions. In addition, populations exposed to salinization may evolve increased NaCl tolerance. Notably, if organisms are adapted to the water chemistry of their natal environment, toxicity responses may also vary among populations in a given test medium. We examined the potential for this evolutionary and environmental context to interact in shaping NaCl toxicity with a pair of laboratory reciprocal transplant toxicity experiments, using natural populations of the water flea Daphnia ambigua collected from three lakes that vary in ion availability and composition. We observed a strong effect of the lake water environment on NaCl toxicity in both trials. NaCl caused a much greater decline in reproduction and r in lake water from a low‐ion/calcium‐poor environment (20 μS/cm specific conductance; 1.7 mg/L Ca2+) compared with water from both a Ca2+‐rich lake (55 μS/cm; 7.2 mg/L Ca2+) and an ion‐rich coastal lake (420 μS/cm; 3.4 mg/L Ca2+). Daphnia from this coastal lake were most robust to the effects of NaCl on reproduction and r. A significant interaction between the population and lake water environment shaped survival in both trials, suggesting that local adaptation to the test waters used may have contributed to toxicity responses. Our findings that the lake water environment, adaptation to that environment, and adaptation to a contaminant of interest may shape toxicity demonstrate the importance of considering environmental and biological complexity in mitigating pollution impacts.
An analysis to investigate plant disease identification based on machine learning techniques
Authors: Duhan Sangeeta , Gulia Preeti , Gill Nasib Singh , Yahya Mohammad , Yadav Sangeeta , Hassan Mohamed M. , Alsberi Hassan , Shukla Piyush Kumar
Published: March 2024

In agriculture, crops are severely affected by illnesses, which reduce their production every year. The detection of plant diseases during their initial stages is critical and thus needs to be addressed. Researchers have been making significant progress in the development of automatic plant disease recognition techniques through the utilization of machine learning (ML), image processing, and deep learning (DL). This study analyses the recent advancements made by researchers in the field of ML techniques for identifying plant diseases. This study also examines various methods used by researchers to produce ML solutions, such as image preprocessing, segmentation, and feature extraction. This study highlights the challenges encountered while creating plant disease identification systems, such as small datasets, image capture conditions, and the generalizability of the models, and discusses possible solutions to cater to these problems. Still, the development of a solution that automatically detects various plant diseases for various plant species remains a big challenge. To address these challenges, there is a need to create a system that is trained on an extensive dataset that contains images of various types of diseases a plant can suffer from, and plant images should be taken at various stages of the disease's development. This study further presents an analysis of various methods used at different stages of plant disease identification.
The imbalance problem: A comparison of sampling approaches using different parameters and feature selection methods in the context of classification
Authors: Morillo‐Salas Jose L. , Bolón‐Canedo Verónica , Alonso‐Betanzos Amparo
Published: March 2024

A common situation in classification tasks is to deal with unbalanced datasets, an issue that appears when the majority class(es) has a large number of samples compared to the minority class(es). This problem is even more significant when the datasets have a large number of features but only a few samples, as is the case with microarray datasets. Traditionally, an approach to alleviate this problem has been the application of sampling methods to obtain more balanced classes, increasing the number of samples in the minority class (replicating samples or generating new synthetic samples), or decreasing the number of samples in the majority class. In this study, we have compared different balancing methods, including a novel method that applies sampling in both the minority and majority classes. The interest in applying feature selection in combination with balancing methods has also been explored. In view of the results, a recommendation of sampling method, feature selection, and classifier is proposed to improve the classification results according to the type of dataset.
Wide climatic niche breadth and traits associated with climatic tolerance facilitate eucalypt occurrence in cities worldwide
Authors: Esperon‐Rodriguez Manuel , Tjoelker Mark G. , Lenoir Jonathan , Laugier Bree , Gallagher Rachael V.
Published: March 2024

Aim

Eucalypts are important and popular urban tree species across cities worldwide. However, little is known about how their climatic niche breadth (CNB) and functional traits predict their success, and vulnerability, to current climate change in cities. We assessed the relationship between the CNB of eucalypts and key traits to understand their tolerance to climate change.

Location

Global urban areas, 66 cities in 21 countries.

Time period

1981 to 2022.

Major species studied

Fifty ‘eucalypt’ species belonging to the genera Eucalyptus, Angophora and Corymbia.

Methods

We used the species' safety margin concept to determine cities where eucalypts were planted outside the limits of their CNB, as defined from the native range, considering two extreme variables, maximum temperature of the warmest month (MTWM) and precipitation of the driest month (PDM). We assessed correlations between functional traits (leaf δ13C, leaf dry mass, leaf length, leaf N per dry mass, wood density) and negative safety margins, indicative of tolerance to non‐native conditions.

Results

In total, 42 species planted in 40 cities exceeded their safety margins for MTWM, while 43 species in 38 cities exceeded their safety margins for PDM. Within 24 cities, all species exceeded their native CNB for both MTWM and PDM. The cities of Atakpame (Togo), Chennai (India), Chongqing (China) and the US cities of Phoenix and Riverside had the highest richness of eucalypt species growing outside their native CNB. Broadly, species with wide CNB, small leaves, high δ13C, high leaf N per dry mass and high wood density were more likely to persist in cities where climatic conditions exceeded their native CNB.

Main conclusions

Eucalypts occupy many cities experiencing climatic conditions outside their native CNB. Species with traits characteristic of heat and drought tolerance are more often planted in cities where climatic conditions may exceed their CNB native limits.
Signals that control MAIT cell function in healthy and inflamed human tissues
Authors: Konecny Andrew J. , Huang Yin , Setty Manu , Prlic Martin
Published: March 2024

Mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells have a semi‐invariant T‐cell receptor that allows recognition of antigen in the context of the MHC class I‐related (MR1) protein. Metabolic intermediates of the riboflavin synthesis pathway have been identified as MR1‐restricted antigens with agonist properties. As riboflavin synthesis occurs in many bacterial species, but not human cells, it has been proposed that the main purpose of MAIT cells is antibacterial surveillance and protection. The majority of human MAIT cells secrete interferon‐gamma (IFNg) upon activation, while some MAIT cells in tissues can also express IL‐17. Given that MAIT cells are present in human barrier tissues colonized by a microbiome, MAIT cells must somehow be able to distinguish colonization from infection to ensure effector functions are only elicited when necessary. Importantly, MAIT cells have additional functional properties, including the potential to contribute to restoring tissue homeostasis by expression of CTLA‐4 and secretion of the cytokine IL‐22. A recent study provided compelling data indicating that the range of human MAIT cell functional properties is explained by plasticity rather than distinct lineages. This further underscores the necessity to better understand how different signals regulate MAIT cell function. In this review, we highlight what is known in regards to activating and inhibitory signals for MAIT cells with a specific focus on signals relevant to healthy and inflamed tissues. We consider the quantity, quality, and the temporal order of these signals on MAIT cell function and discuss the current limitations of computational tools to extrapolate which signals are received by MAIT cells in human tissues. Using lessons learned from conventional CD8 T cells, we also discuss how TCR signals may integrate with cytokine signals in MAIT cells to elicit distinct functional states.
Nurses' experiences of racism in mental health settings through patient and family interactions: A systematic review
Authors: Wijayaratnam Anuson , Kozlowska Olga , Krayem Amani , Kaur Satinder , Ayres Helen , Smith Rebecca , Paterson Jane , Moghabghab Rola , Henshall Cathy
Published: March 2024

Nursing staff engage readily with patients and associates in mental health/forensic inpatient settings. These settings are known to have instances of workplace violence directed towards staff and such violence includes racism. Racism is a form of workplace violence that must be better understood and supported within this complex setting. Completing a systematic review to coalesce preexisting research and suggested interventions can be beneficial to supporting nurses. Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. CINAHL, PsycInfo, Medline, British Nursing Database and Web of Science databases were searched. Reviewers screened the papers for inclusion (29 articles out of 7146 were selected for inclusion) and completed the quality appraisal using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Subsequently, data extraction was completed, and findings were summarised through narrative synthesis. The way racism was conceptualised impacted how data was collected, reported and interpreted; racism was silenced or exposed depending on how studies were undertaken. If exposed, evidence indicates racism is a problem but is not always acknowledged or acted upon. Some evidence determined racism led to negative work‐related outcomes. The literature provided limited examples of interventions. These included changing education/orientation for staff, openly discussing racist events and better planning for patients among colleagues and management. Increasing diversity within the workforce requires more research exploring and addressing issues related to racism towards nurses. Narratives of racism being normalised and embedded in mental health/forensic settings need to be challenged.
A super‐hard high entropy boride containing Hf, Mo, Ti, V, and W
Authors: Filipovic Suzana , Obradovic Nina , Hilmas Greg E. , Fahrenholtz William G. , Brenner Donald W. , Maria Jon‐Paul , Wolfe Douglas E. , Zurek Eva , Campilongo Xiomara , Curtarolo Stefano
Published: March 2024

Super‐hard (Hf,Mo,Ti,V,W)B2 was synthesized by boro‐carbothermal reduction and densified by spark plasma sintering. This composition was produced for the first time as a single‐phase ceramic in the present research. The optimized ceramic had a single hexagonal AlB2‐type crystalline phase with a grain size of 3.8 µm and homogeneous distribution of the constituent metals. The Vickers hardness exhibited the indentation size effect, increasing from 27 GPa at a load of 9.8 N to as high as 66 GPa at a load of 0.49 N. This is the highest hardness reported to date for high entropy boride ceramics.
The Emotion of Gratitude and Communal Relationships
Authors: Macnamara Coleen
Published: March 2024

Emotions are typically dual‐faced: they involve both an evaluative and a practical aspect. What is more, an emotion's evaluative and practical aspects tend to exhibit a kind of fit. For example, Sakshi's fear of the bear involves apprehending the bear as a threat to something she cares about, i.e., her wellbeing. And it motivates her to act on behalf of this care: it motivates her to act in ways that protect her wellbeing. Both dimensions of Sakshi's fear are about her wellbeing. Typically, characterizations of gratitude speak to both its evaluative and practical dimensions. Gratitude is described as a way of apprehending the significance of one's benefactor's kindness, and it is said to involve a disposition to thank one's benefactor and to return the kindness. In this article I show that this characterization is incomplete insofar as it leaves us without the resources needed to discern the link between gratitude's two dimensions. I argue that discerning the fit requires an account of gratitude's focus and goal. I urge that the beneficiary's communal relationship with her benefactor is gratitude's focus and that promoting this relationship is gratitude's goal. Both dimensions of a beneficiary's gratitude are about her communal relationship with her benefactor.
Supported employment, quality of jobs and employment typicalness: The experience of the Engage to Change project
Authors: Vigna Elisa , Meek Andrea , Beyer Stephen
Published: March 2024

Background

Paid employment represents a challenge for people with an intellectual disability and/or autism. This paper analyses the quality of jobs offered by the Engage to Change project and their relationship to the ‘typicalness’ of the employment offered.

Method

Data on the quality of 384 paid jobs were collected, including hours worked and wages earned, and reported social integration at work. The typicalness of the employment experience was assessed for 141 young people, using the Index of Typicalness of Placement Questionnaire.

Results

The Engage to Change project offered a wide range of jobs. There is no difference in the typicalness of the employment experience in relation to the interactions in the workplace, but there are some differences in the recruitment process for men and women.

Conclusion

Job coaches should make sure that, despite the procedures being ‘atypical’ for the workplace, the outcome is ‘a typical employment experience’ for each employee.
A remotely‐delivered pilot and feasibility program to promote physical and food literacy in adolescents with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Curtin C. , Bandini L. G. , Forquer M. , Cullen P. , Rancaño K. M. , Must A. , Schreck K. , Bowling A. B. , Askenazy N. , Wei X. , Irish C. , Stanish H. I.
Published: March 2024

Background

Youth with intellectual disabilities experience disparities in physical activity and diet quality. Physical and food literacy are hypothesised to support adoption of healthy lifestyles; however, few such interventions have been developed for this population.

Method

Participants with intellectual disabilities ages 12–16 years were recruited for a 12‐week online sports skills and nutrition education intervention. Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy were assessed by attendance, satisfaction, and pre‐post measures of motor skills, perceived competence and motivation for physical activity, classifying foods, making healthy choices, and food consumption.

Results

Six teens participated in the program and attended 87.5% of the sessions. Satisfaction data suggested that the program was well‐received by both teens and parents. Trends toward improvements on physical activity and nutrition outcome measures were observed.

Conclusions

Preliminary data from this pilot study suggest that physical and food literacy in youth with intellectual disabilities can be improved, which in turn may contribute to the adoption of healthy lifestyles.
Geniposidic acid alleviates osteoarthritis progression through inhibiting inflammation and chondrocytes ferroptosis
Authors: Sun Jiayang , Song Xianji , Wang Cuijie , Ruan Qing
Published: March 2024

Osteoarthritis is one of the common diseases that seriously affects the quality of life of middle‐aged and elderly people worldwide. Geniposidic acid (GPA) is extracted from Eucommia ulmoides that exhibits various pharmacological effects. This study investigated the function of GPA on osteoarthritis (OA) in IL‐1β‐stimulated mouse chondrocytes and mouse OA model. Mouse OA model was established by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) and GPA was given intraperitoneal injection. The results demonstrated that GPA could alleviate DMM‐induced OA in mice. In vitro, IL‐1β‐induced PGE2, NO, MMP1 and MMP3 were suppressed by GPA. Furthermore, IL‐1β‐induced ferroptosis was inhibited by GPA, as confirmed by the inhibition of MDA, iron, and ROS, as well as the upregulation of GSH, GPX4, and Ferritin. In addition, GPA was found to increase the expression of Nrf2 and HO‐1. And the inhibition of GPA on IL‐1β‐induced inflammation and ferroptosis were prevented by Nrf2 inhibitor. In conclusion, GPA alleviates OA progression through inhibiting inflammation and chondrocytes ferroptosis via Nrf2 signalling pathway.
Intracerebroventricular BDNF infusion may reduce cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by promoting autophagy and suppressing apoptosis
Authors: Yilmaz Umit , Tanbek Kevser , Gul Semir , Koc Ahmet , Gul Mehmet , Sandal Suleyman
Published: March 2024

Here, it was aimed to investigate the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) infusion for 7 days following cerebral ischemia (CI) on autophagy in neurons in the penumbra. Focal CI was created by the occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. A total of 60 rats were used and divided into 4 groups as Control, Sham CI, CI and CI + BDNF. During the 7‐day reperfusion period, aCSF (vehicle) was infused to Sham CI and CI groups, and BDNF infusion was administered to the CI + BDNF group via an osmotic minipump. By the end of the 7th day of reperfusion, Beclin‐1, LC3, p62 and cleaved caspase‐3 protein levels in the penumbra area were evaluated using Western blot and immunofluorescence. BDNF treatment for 7 days reduced the infarct area after CI, induced the autophagic proteins Beclin‐1, LC3 and p62 and suppressed the apoptotic protein cleaved caspase‐3. Furthermore, rotarod and adhesive removal test times of BDNF treatment started to improve from the 4th day, and the neurological deficit score from the 5th day. ICV BDNF treatment following CI reduced the infarct area by inducing autophagic proteins Beclin‐1, LC3 and p62 and inhibiting the apoptotic caspase‐3 protein while its beneficial effects were apparent in neurological tests from the 4th day.
Pharmacokinetic characteristics of florfenicol in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) after intramuscular administration
Authors: Sitthiangkool Pandaree , Poapolathep Amnart , Chomcheun Thanaphan , Jongkolpath Oranee , Khidkhan Kraisiri , Klangkaew Narumol , Phaochoosak Napasorn , Giorgi Mario , Poapolathep Saranya
Published: March 2024

The pharmacokinetics of florfenicol (FFC) in green sea and hawksbill sea turtles were evaluated following intramuscular (i.m.) administration at two different dosages of 20 or 30 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). This study (longitudinal design) used 5 green sea and 5 hawksbill sea turtles for the two dosages. Blood samples were collected at assigned times up to 168 h. FFC plasma samples were analyzed using validated high‐performance liquid chromatography equipped with diode array detection. The pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a non‐compartment approach. The FFC plasma concentrations increased with the dosage. The elimination half‐life was similar between the treatment groups (range 19–25 h), as well as the plasma protein binding (range 18.59%–20.65%). According to the surrogate PK/PD parameter (T > MIC, 2 μg/mL), the 20 and 30 mg/kg dosing rates should be effective doses for susceptible bacterial infections in green sea and hawksbill sea turtles.
Matching maternal and paternal experiences underpin molecular thermal acclimation
Authors: Bonzi L. C. , Donelson J. M. , Spinks R. K. , Munday P. L. , Ravasi T. , Schunter C.
Published: March 2024

The environment experienced by one generation has the potential to affect the subsequent one through non‐genetic inheritance of parental effects. Since both mothers and fathers can influence their offspring, questions arise regarding how the maternal, paternal and offspring experiences integrate into the resulting phenotype. We aimed to disentangle the maternal and paternal contributions to transgenerational thermal acclimation in a reef fish, Acanthochromis polyacanthus, by exposing two generations to elevated temperature (+1.5°C) in a fully factorial design and analysing the F2 hepatic gene expression. Paternal and maternal effects showed not only common but also parent‐specific components, with the father having the largest influence in shaping the offspring's transcriptomic profile. Fathers contributed to transcriptional transgenerational response to warming through transfer of epigenetically controlled stress–response mechanisms while mothers influenced increased gene expression associated with lipid metabolism regulation. However, the key to acclimation potential was matching thermal experiences of the parents. When both parents were exposed to the same condition, offspring showed increased expression of genes related to structural RNA production and transcriptional regulation, whereas environmental mismatch in parents resulted in maladaptive parental condition transfer, revealed by translation suppression and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Interestingly, the offspring's own environmental experience had the smallest influence on their hepatic transcription profiles. Taken together, our results show the complex nature of the interplay among paternal, maternal and offspring cue integration, and reveal that acclimation potential to ocean warming might depend not only on maternal and paternal contributions but importantly on congruent parental thermal experiences.
Inherited physical capacity: Widening divergence from young to adult to old
Authors: Kemi Ole J. , Hoydal Morten A. , Haram Per M. , Smith Godfrey L. , Ellingsen Oyvind , Koch Lauren G. , Britton Steven L. , Wisloff Ulrik
Published: March 2024

Cardiorespiratory performance segregates into rat strains of inherited low‐ and high‐capacity runners (LCRs and HCRs); during adulthood, this segregation remains stable, but widens in senescence and is followed by segregated function, health, and mortality. However, this segregation has not been investigated prior to adulthood. We, therefore, assessed cardiorespiratory performance and cardiac cell (cardiomyocyte) structure–function in 1‐ and 4‐month‐old LCRs and HCRs. Maximal oxygen uptake was 23% less in LCRs at 1‐month compared to HCRs at 1‐month, and 72% less at 4 months. Cardiomyocyte contractility was 37−56% decreased, and Ca2+ release was 34−62% decreased, in 1‐ and 4‐month LCRs versus HCRs. This occurred because HCRs had improved contractility and Ca2+ release during maturation, whereas LCRs did not. In quiescent cardiomyocytes, LCRs displayed 180% and 297% more Ca2+ sparks and 91% and 38% more Ca2+ waves at 1 and 4 months versus HCRs. Cell sizes were not different between LCRs and HCRs, but LCRs showed reduced transverse‐tubules versus HCRs, though no discrepant transverse‐tubule generation occurred during maturation. In conclusion, LCRs show reduced scores for aerobic capacity and cardiomyocyte structure–function compared to HCRs and there is a widening divergence between LCRs and HCRs during juvenile to near‐adult maturation.
Botryosphaeria dothideacauses stem canker ofIdesia polycarpain China
Authors: Fang Lisha , Zheng Tianjiao , Feng Jian , Zhi Wenyan , Wang Yanmei , Li Zhi , Cai Qifei , Geng Xiaodong , Liu Zhen
Published: March 2024

Idesia polycarpais a woody oil plant with great development and application prospects. However, stem canker disease ofI. polycarpawas frequently observed in Henan and Hubei provinces of China in 2020–2022. The seriousness of the disease caused a large number of trees deaths, which affected seedling production and fruit yield, restricting the development of theI.polycarpaindustry. We performed isolation, purification and pathogenicity analysis of canker samples. Pathogenicity tests reproduced typical canker disease symptoms on detached branches ofI.polycarpa. Based on morphological observations, conidial morphology and phylogenetic analysis of isolates with high similarity to the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS),EF‐1αandTUB2sequences screened in GenBank by BLAST, the pathogen of canker disease onI.polycarpawas identified asBotryosphaeria dothidea. This is the first report ofB.dothideaas the pathogen of stem canker ofI.polycarpa.
“Countries you go, asylum adjudication you find.” Asylum appeals implementation arrangements, actors' discretion, and organizational practices
Authors: Dallara Cristina , Lacchei Alice
Published: March 2024

The article investigates the implementation of a crucial area of the EU asylum policy, which is asylum adjudication at the appeal stage. According to the Common European Asylum System, Member States must guarantee asylum seekers an effective remedy against first‐instance decisions. However, the EU policy framework leaves space for each country to choose its implementation model. Filling a gap in the literature on asylum policy implementation, the article explores the implementation arrangements (IAs) for asylum appeals in three countries, Italy, France, and Greece, which adopt different models. More precisely, relying on Strategic Analysis of Organizations and the Street‐Level Bureaucracy approach, the article addresses how specific elements of the IA influence organizational autonomy, implementing actors' routines and perceptions, as well as the degree of discretion. Moreover, it investigates the influence of de facto organizational practices on policy performance. The analysis of qualitative data suggests that different IAs, such as the nature of the body, the appointment system, and mechanisms of vertical accountability, shape de facto individual and organizational practices and actors' spaces for discretion. This process seems to impact policy performance, particularly in terms of uniformity, which is a core objective within the broader European policy framework for asylum adjudication.
Content quality and reliability of YouTube videos on oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic analysis
Authors: Selvaraj Madhanraj , Sennimalai Karthik , Parija Pragyan Paramita , Siddiqui Hamza Parvez , Singh Amardeep , Mohaideen Kaja
Published: March 2024

Introduction

YouTube's popularity as a health information source raises concerns about credibility due to the absence of peer review. Therefore, this study assessed the content quality and reliability of YouTube videos related to oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

Videos were systematically searched on August 20, 2023, using terms determined through Google Trends. Videos were included based on predefined criteria and independently assessed by two researchers. Video demographics were extracted. Video quality was evaluated using audio‐visual (AV) quality, video information and quality index (VIQI), global quality score (GQS), and reliability using a modified DISCERN tool (mDISCERN). High and low‐content videos were defined based on the customized 10‐point scoring system. Inter‐ and intra‐examiner reliability of scoring system were calculated.

Results

Most videos were educational (46.3%), presented by dental sleep medicine specialists (42.6%), and aimed at laypersons (63%), with the majority originating from the United States (79.6%). The final 54 videos were categorized as high‐content (n = 29, 54%) and low‐content (n = 25, 46%). High‐content videos had more views, comments, and longer video durations (7.07 ± 6.04 min). Significant differences (p < .05) were observed among high and low‐content videos in total VIQI, mDISCERN, GQS, and TCS. Moderate correlations were found between GQS and TCS (r = 0.721), mDISCERN and VIQI (r = 0.649), GQS and VIQI (r = 0.601), and AV quality and VIQI (r = 0.531).

Conclusion

The study highlights variable content quality and reliability of YouTube videos on oral appliance therapy for OSA, emphasizing the need for guidelines to enhance their educational value and deliver reliable, evidence‐based information to patients.
Transcerebellar ventriculoperitoneal shunt for management of presumed arachnoid diverticulum in the fourth ventricle of a dog
Authors: Wyatt Sophie , Fenn Joe , Beltran Elsa
Published: March 2024

Objective

To describe the approach for placement of a transcerebellar fourth ventriculoperitoneal shunt for management of presumed fourth ventricle arachnoid diverticulum and secondary obstructive hydrocephalus of a dog. To describe the outcome of this procedure.

Study design

Case report.

Animals

Male entire English springer spaniel, 3 years 9 months of age.

Methods

The dog was initially presented for management of acute, progressive, and multifocal brainstem and forebrain dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed internal obstructive hypertensive hydrocephalus. The dog was managed via ventriculoperitoneal shunting from the left lateral ventricle and made an excellent recovery. The dog acutely deteriorated 18 months after initial discharge and follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the ventricular shunt remained in situ with normal‐sized lateral ventricles but revealed a cystlike lesion within the fourth ventricle, presumed to be a fourth ventricle arachnoid diverticulum. The diverticulum was causing mass effect and resultant compression of adjacent neuroparenchyma. A second ventriculoperitoneal shunt was subsequently placed into the fourth ventricle via the caudal cranial fossa and cerebellum. This was attached to a three‐way connector, to which the existing shunt (within the left lateral ventricle) was also attached, and then secured to the existing medium‐pressure valve.

Results

Postoperatively, the dog immediately developed mild vestibular‐cerebellar ataxia, with a marked improvement after 3 months. There were no shunt‐associated complications. Long‐term follow up at 40 months after the second surgical procedure revealed a normal neurological examination.

Conclusion

Transcerebellar ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for treatment of a presumed fourth ventricle arachnoid diverticulum was performed and was associated with a favorable long‐term outcome.
A Mathematics Intervention in Kindergarten Using Shel Silverstein’s “The Missing Piece Meets the Big O”: Early Childhood Educators’ Perceptions on a Teaching Framework Integrating Literature in Mathematics-Related Concepts
Authors: Kalaitzi Christina
Published: March 2024

Teaching mathematics in kindergarten necessitates interdisciplinary methods. By merging different disciplines, educators should create an environment conducive to learning, equipped with diverse materials, which allows children to engage with mathematical concepts through play, observation, and read-aloud stories. The aim of the present study is to explore early childhood educators’ perceptions of a teaching framework integrating literature in mathematics-related concepts. The hypothesis is that a mathematics intervention using Shel Silverstein’s “The missing piece meets the big O” could affect the teaching of mathematics in kindergarten. In this action research, twenty-four (n=24) early childhood educators participated by implementing the intervention and completing a semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistical analysis that was used to compare the mean scores of the two parts of the questionnaire before and after the intervention. Results show that educators were more positively inclined to use picturebooks as a stimulus for approaching mathematics-related concepts and creating a demarcated and inviting space for learning mathematics. Their answers lead to the assumption that a clear and concise framework, which integrates literature in mathematics and offers specific phases with activities would facilitate their teaching process. The notable deviation in their answers before and after the intervention demonstrates the extent to which the intervention affected their perceptions. Discussion of findings highlights the need for the Greek curriculum for preschool education to offer methodological recommendations for the integration of picturebooks in the teaching of mathematics.
Appropriateness Applied: A Renewed Coaching Perspective to Reach Out to Every Athlete
Authors: Ramos Ana , Ribeiro João , Afonso José , Mesquita Isabel
Published: March 2024

Beyond teaching models/approaches, currently sports coaching literature is lacking on conceptual frameworks that offer a pedagogical structure capable of being adjusted and applied (i.e., appropriated) to athletes’ needs and diverse sport contexts. The Appropriateness Framework (AF) is a pedagogical structure to help sport practitioners in building meaningful learning environments while respecting inter- and intraindividual variations throughout the learning process. The innovative character of the AF relies on integrating simultaneously well-known and widespread concepts and principles from sports pedagogy and coaching, as well as extending the concept of representativeness to athletes’ features and motivations. This practical advance article aims to present the AF, namely their conceptual pillars (i.e., premises) and sequential procedures of operationalization (i.e., steps), as well as to exemplify how it can be used through practical cases. From a theoretical viewpoint, the application of AF is independent of any teaching model and/or specific athlete-centered approach. Thus, from a practical standpoint, this paper represents a guideline for coaches adopting process-oriented learning perspective that might be applied in several sport contexts and potentiates the “reaching out” of every athlete.
Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Executive and Memory Functions in Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Luo Qiaoyou , Tian Zuguo , Hu Yuting , Wang Chaochao
Published: March 2024

Background: Alzheimer’s disease threatens the health of older adults, particularly by disrupting executive and memory functions, and many studies have shown that aerobic exercise prevents and improves the symptoms associated with the disease. Objective: The objective was to systematically review the effects of aerobic exercise on executive and memory functions in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and to determine the effect factors and mechanisms of the design of aerobic exercise intervention programs. Method: Relevant literature was searched in three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO) from January 1, 2014 to March 1, 2023, using a subject-word search method. Data on 10 items, including author and country, were extracted from the literature after screening. The quality of the literature was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, and a systematic review was performed. Results: Twelve papers from seven countries were ultimately included, embodying 11 randomized controlled trials and one study with a repeated-measures design. The overall quality of the studies was good as 657 study participants, aged 45 years and older who had varying degrees of Alzheimer’s disease and significant symptoms, were included. Aerobic exercise was found to have a significant positive impact on executive and memory functions in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Conclusion: The effects of aerobic exercise on aspects of executive function were mainly characterized by improvements in inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, whereas the effects on aspects of memory function were mainly characterized by improvements in logical memory, situational memory, and short-term memory.
Optimization of Scientific Equipment Pointing at Survey Targets in the Uragan Experiment On Board the ISS
Authors: Belyaev M. Yu. , Borovikhin P. A. , Esakov A. M. , Karavaev D. Yu. , Rasskazov I. V.
Published: March 2024

The aim of the Uragan space experiment on board the International Space Station (ISS) is to adjust the scientific equipment and improve the methods for monitoring various objects and phenomena on the Earth. Part of this scientific equipment is already operated on board the station, and the other part is planned to be delivered in the orbit soon. In contrast to the Russian orbital stations Salyut and Mir, the ISS was not designed for pointing the installed equipment at the survey targets, because the gyrodines used on the American segment for the ISS attitude control had a too small kinematic momentum. For this reason, special methods and devices had to be developed for pointing the Uragan scientific equipment at the survey targets. This paper considers the methods for pointing the scientific equipment, which would optimize the research program of the Uragan experiment on board the ISS.
Menace of hepatitis E in pregnancy: unleashing the threat of fulminant liver failure
Authors: Gupta Tanisha , Dhiman Soniya , Sharma Aparna
Published: March 2024

This case report presents a primigravida in her 20s with a history of seizure disorder and chronic cholecystitis, who presented at 30 weeks and 6 days of gestation with upper abdominal pain, fever and vomiting. Initially diagnosed with acute calculous cholecystitis, the patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated, resulting in fetal demise and the development of severe complications. Subsequent investigations revealed an enlarged fatty liver and signs of acute liver failure. The diagnosis of acute fatty liver of pregnancy was initially considered but later ruled out, and the patient was diagnosed with hepatitis E based on positive anti-hepatitis E virus IgM antibodies. Prompt termination of pregnancy was performed, followed by intensive care management. After a prolonged hospital stay, the patient recovered and was discharged in stable condition. This case emphasises the importance of considering hepatitis E as a potential cause of acute liver failure in pregnant women and the need for early recognition and multidisciplinary management to achieve favourable outcomes.
Motivation and associated factors of health development army in the implementation of health extension packages in Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tesfa Hiwot , Getahun Fentie Ambaw , Alemu Yihun Mulugeta
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Health development army is a network of women volunteers organised to promote health and prevent disease through community empowerment and participation.

Objective

To assess the level of motivation and associated factors of the health development army in the implementation of health extension packages in Northwest Ethiopia.

Design

Data were from a community-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

This study was conducted in Mecha district, Northwest Ethiopia. The district is located around 30 km from Bahir Dar, the capital city of Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia.

Participants

A total of 624 health development army members were interviewed using a structured questionnaire from 20 April 2020 to 20 May 2020.

Outcome measures

Motivation was assessed using a five-item Likert scale statement ranging from 1 to 5. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using a binary logistic regression model.

Results

The proportion of health development army members, who had motivation in the implementation of the health extension package, was 47.8% (95% CI (43.90 to 51.80)). The odds of having motivation were higher among health development army members who lived in urban areas ((adjusted OR, AOR 2.47; 95% CI (1.21 to 5.03)), were less than 30 years ((AOR 2.42; 95% CI (1.22 to 4.78)), had more than 4 years work experience ((AOR 4.72; 95% CI (2.54 to 8.76)), had high intrinsic job satisfaction ((AOR 2.31; 95% CI (1.51 to 3.55)), had good community support ((AOR 2.46; 95% CI (1.34 to 4.51)), received supportive supervision ((AOR 1.85; 95% CI (1.24 to 2.77)) and were recognised for their efforts ((AOR 1.52; 95% CI (1.01 to 2.30)).

Conclusion

The proportion of motivation among health development army members was low. To increase the motivation of health development army members in the implementation of the health extension package, measures or strategies may consider targeting members who live in rural areas, are older than 30 years, have less than 4 years of work experience, report low job satisfaction, have low community support, do not have supportive supervision and are not recognised.