bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of metaverse in higher education: a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Panda Gayatri , Arora Monika , Ghoshal Indrajit , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Kaswan Mahender Singh
Published: November 2024

Purpose

With the evolving landscape of technology and innovations, metaverse has revealed a huge potential for changing the world. Gradually, it has expanded its wings to different sectors, including higher education. The key purpose of this research work is to synthesize the existing literature on metaverse in higher education and develop future research directions for researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study uses the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)” technique to recognize relevant articles from the database, i.e. SCOPUS. Furthermore, it conducts a “bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review” to explore the research area of metaverse in higher education.

Findings

The findings reveal that the synthesis and analysis of existing literature led to the identification of an intellectual structure, which resulted in the formation of four clusters. These clusters are defined as attributes related to metaverse applications in higher education, sustainable management of complex learning practices, customization of the teaching–learning process through the metaverse and model development. The theoretical structure informs the co-word analysis and thematic map, identifying four themes: the basic theme, motor theme, niche theme and decline theme. Finally, the social structure is assessed in terms of the author’s network and collaboration across countries.

Research limitations/implications

The study investigated the conceptual structure by developing a thematic map and social structure by measuring the relationship between country–author collaboration through bibliographic coupling (BC). The study also identified future research avenues based on the “TCCM (theory, context, characteristics, and methodology)” framework for future researchers and practitioners.

Originality/value

The research study thrives on enlarging the review scope to measure the metaverse’s role in higher education. Though bibliometric studies have been developed in the metaverse, no study has attempted to measure the relationship between metaverse in higher education using bibliometric and TCCM framework. Thus, developing a synthesized work provides a comprehensive picture of the research domain.
The 2024 General Election and the Rise of Reform UK
Authors: Heath Oliver , Prosser Christopher , Southall Humphrey , Aucott Paula
Published: November 2024

This article examines the social base of support for Reform UK. Did Nigel Farage's new party depend on the same types of ‘left behind’ voters who had previously backed UKIP? Do the results of the 2024 election suggest a hardening of the social divides that underpinned the rise of UKIP? Or has Britain's Eurosceptic and anti‐immigration movement broadened its social appeal, making these lines of conflict between different social groups less distinctive? Using a newly created dataset mapping election results from 1997–2019 onto the constituency boundaries which came into force for the 2024 election, and individual level data from the British Election Study Internet Panel, the findings presented here reveal remarkable continuity between the places that previously backed UKIP and those which now back Reform. Even though the salience of Brexit as an electoral issue has faded, there is little to indicate that the divides that underpinned support for leaving the EU have dissipated.
INTEGRATING CLIMATE POLICY OBJECTIVES INTO MUNICIPAL LAND POLICIES: From conceptualization to empirical evidence from Finland
Authors: Puustinen Tuulia , Falkenbach Heidi , Ekroos Ari , Junnila Seppo
Published: November 2024

Urban development ties in closely with climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, little is known about how climate policy objectives are incorporated into municipal land policies. Addressing this knowledge gap, we draw from the literature on policy integration and policy design to propose a framework for conceptualizing the ways in which policy objectives driven by climate concerns are incorporated into land policy. This framework incorporates three dimensions: (1) the alignment and prioritization of climate policy objectives in land policy; (2) the concreteness of the final integrated policy design; and (3) the commitment to promoting the objectives set through choices of policy instruments. We apply this framework to explore the level of integration in 30 highly populated municipalities in Finland. We identify three levels of climate policy objective integration within this sample, with only three municipalities demonstrating high integration. Our findings suggest that raising the level of climate policy integration into land policy may require institutional support.
Microinjection‐enabled gene silencing in first instar larvae of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, reveals vital genes for larval survival
Authors: Han Jinlong , Rotenberg Dorith
Published: November 2024

The western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) is a significant agricultural pest, causing severe global yield losses due to extensive feeding damage and the transmission of plant pathogenic viruses. Despite recent advancements in RNA interference (RNAi) in thrips species, its application has been mostly limited to the adult stage. Given the crucial role of first instar larval thrips in acquiring and transmitting orthotospoviruses, achieving gene silencing in these larvae is critical for studying virus entry and acquisition. While thoracic and abdominal injections have proven effective in adult thrips, the low post‐injection survival rate hinders their use in larval thrips. This study addresses this challenge by presenting a microinjection methodology to deliver dsRNA into the hemolymph of first instar larval thrips through the coxa, the first proximal segment of the foreleg. This method significantly improved larval survival rate by preventing detrimental damage to the internal tissues. Significant knockdown of V‐ATPase‐B, cytochrome P450 (CYP3653A2), and apolipophorin‐II/I (ApoLp‐II/I) transcripts was confirmed after 48 and/or 72 h post injection (hpi), corresponding to the first and second instar larval stages, respectively. Silencing CYP3653A2 or ApoLp‐II/I significantly increased larval mortality. These findings demonstrate proof‐of‐principle of gene silencing and associated silencing phenotype (mortality) for first instar larval thrips and highlight the essential role of CYP3653A2 and ApoLp‐II/I in larval vitality. Our RNAi‐based tool offers an opportunity to investigate the molecular mechanisms of thrips‐orthotospovirus interactions, as the virus must be acquired by young larval thrips for successful transmission to plants, thus presenting potential targets for thrips pest management.
The EU's efforts to uphold the international rules‐based order: Mission impossible?
Authors: Wouters Jan
Published: November 2024

It is commonplace today to state that the international rules‐based order is in decline, or at least severely under threat. The European Union has been a steadfast self‐proclaimed defender of such order, with a strong commitment to multilateralism, the United Nations, and international law based on its founding treaties. This contribution asks how deep and consistent the EU's choice for multilateralism is and how the Union is coping with the challenges to the international rules‐based order. It briefly inquires through what instruments, mechanisms, and tools the EU aims to live up to its commitment to multilateralism and to what extent the Union itself consistently respects international law. It ends with the question of how the EU can reinforce its multilateral commitment to the international rules‐based order, in particular through the UN.
Restoration of hair follicle inductive properties by depletion of senescent cells
Authors: Pappalardo Alberto , Kim Jin Yong , Abaci Hasan Erbil , Christiano Angela M.
Published: November 2024

Senescent cells secrete a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which can induce senescence in neighboring cells. Human dermal papilla (DP) cells lose their original hair inductive properties when expanded in vitro, and rapidly accumulate senescent cells in culture. Protein and RNA‐seq analysis revealed an accumulation of DP‐specific SASP factors including IL‐6, IL‐8, MCP‐1, and TIMP‐2. We found that combined senolytic treatment of dasatinib and quercetin depleted senescent cells, and reversed SASP accumulation and SASP‐mediated repressive interactions in human DP culture, resulting in an increased Wnt‐active cell population. In hair reconstitution assays, senolytic‐depleted DP cells exhibited restored hair inductive properties by regenerating de novo hair follicles (HFs) compared to untreated DP cells. In 3D skin constructs, senolytic‐depleted DP cells enhanced inductive potential and hair lineage specific differentiation of keratinocytes. These data revealed that senolytic treatment of cultured human DP cells markedly increased their inductive potency in HF regeneration, providing a new rationale for clinical applications of senolytic treatment in combination with cell‐based therapies.
Impacts of an increase in federal assistance for cover cropping: Evidence from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Authors: Rosenberg Andrew B. , Pratt Bryan , Szmurlo Daniel
Published: November 2024

Financial assistance for cover cropping through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) has increased more than twentyfold in the past decade and a half. Available support for cover cropping increased further due to the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides significant funding for climate smart practices. In this study, we examine whether increases in available financial assistance lead to significant increases in producer participation in EQIP for cover cropping and whether these increases are additional on the landscape. We focus on the impacts of the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI), which provides funding for cover crops and several other practices to producers in targeted watersheds on top of normal EQIP levels. We first estimate the impacts of NWQI on enrollment in EQIP using a watershed‐level panel of acres enrolled in EQIP for cover crops. We find that NWQI more than triples EQIP cover crop acreage compared to similar control watersheds. Driving the increase in enrolled acreage is a small increase in the share of applications receiving a contract, as well as a significant increase in the total number of applications received. We then utilize field‐level administrative data on cover cropping to estimate the impact of NWQI on cover crop adoption overall. We find evidence that the impacts of NWQI on cover cropping are largely additional.
The asymmetry in the sagitta of the European eel Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus, 1758) collected from the Söke District of Aydın Province in Western Anatolia, Türkiye
Authors: Koca Habil Uğur , Cilbiz Mehmet , Güçlü Salim Serkan , Jawad Laith A.
Published: November 2024

Otolith features (length, width and weight) of 74 individuals of Anguilla anguilla collected from the Söke District of Aydın Province in Western Anatolia, Türkiye were studied for the first time to evaluate the level of asymmetry in the otolith features selected for this study. The asymmetry value of the otolith length was greater than that of otolith width and otolith weight. The asymmetry value of the three otolith features increased with an increase in the fish's length. The likely cause of asymmetry in the otolith parameters examined has been discussed in relation with the variability in growth provoked by ecological influence associated with the discrepancy in habitat setting and contaminants present in the Söke District of Aydın Province in Western Anatolia, Türkiye.
Elucidating loss‐of‐function mechanisms of monoallelic EPAS1 mutations underlying congenital hypoplastic anaemia in a paediatric anaemia cohort
Authors: Zhang Jiasheng , Sun Jin , Huai Wan , Tang Jie , Chen Jing , Yao Ruen , Yu Tingting
Published: November 2024

HIF‐2α, encoded by EPAS1, plays a dominant role in regulating erythropoietin (EPO) production, maintaining the dynamic balance of erythropoiesis. Gain‐of‐function mutations in EPAS1 cause erythrocytosis. However, anaemia caused by EPAS1 loss‐of‐function mutations has been confined to only one case report, and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Herein, the reanalysis of high‐throughput sequencing data from 311 patients with anaemia identified three monoallelic EPAS1 variants from three unrelated families in a paediatric anaemia cohort. The probands showed highly consistent clinical phenotypes with normocytic and normochromic anaemia, reticulocytopenia and relative deficiency of serum EPO, characterised as congenital hypoplastic anaemia. In vitro studies suggested that defects in steady‐state protein abundance, nuclear localisation and binding with co‐activator in EPAS1 variants lead to impaired EPO transcriptional activation. Therefore, loss‐of‐function mutations in EPAS1 can cause erythroid hypoplasia in an EPO‐dependent manner. This study identified a new causative gene for congenital hypoplastic anaemia and clarified the molecular aetiology of loss‐of‐function EPAS1 mutations.
Autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma patients whose myeloma‐defining event was SLiM
Authors: Vaxman Iuliana , Kumar Shaji , Cohen Inbar , Shimony Shai , Dispenzieri Angela , Buadi Francis , Dingli David , Muchtar Eli , Kapoor Prashant , Hogan William , Hayman Suzanne , Leung Nelson , Gonsalves Wilson , Kourelis Taxiarchis , Warsame Rahma , Gertz Morie
Published: November 2024

In 2014, the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) updated the criteria for diagnosing myeloma and added three additional criteria to the traditional Calcium elevation, Renal impairment, Anemia, Bone disease (CRAB) criteria, called the Sixty % marrow plama cells, Light chain ratio >60, Mri demonstates lytic lesions (SLiM) criteria (clonal bone marrow plasma cells ≥60%, involved to uninvolved free light chain ratio (FLCr) ≥100 and >1 focal lesion on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)). We report on the outcomes of 30 patients who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) where therapy was initiated solely based on SLiM criteria and compared them to a matched cohort of 60 patients whose myeloma‐defining event was CRAB. The SLiM cohort had a shorter median time to neutrophil (15 vs. 16 days, p = 0.049) and platelet (15 vs. 17 days, p = 0.0004) engraftment. The 36‐month overall survival (OS) was 100% in the SLiM group and 93.27% in the control group (95% CI 83.06%–97.42%), with a trend towards longer OS in the SLiM cohort (p = 0.065). The 36‐month progression‐free survival (PFS) was 91.61% in the SLiM (95% CI 69.93%–97.87%) and 65.95% in the control group (95% CI 52.31%–76.53%). There was no difference in the PFS between the cohorts (p = 0.414). ASCT is efficacious and safe in MM patients transplanted only due to SLIM criteria. Early intervention in this asymptomatic cohort did not appear to result in deeper responses or better PFS compared to outcomes in symptomatic patients.
Perceiving visual events uses optical information that reflects dynamics rather than resembles appearance
Authors: Zhang Huiyuan , Bingham Geoffrey P. , Pan Jing Samantha
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the optical information for visual event perception. Events are objects in motion, with properties like shape, weight and surface material influencing the dynamics that shape movements and optics. The progressive transformation of visible textures, known as visual kinaesthetic information, specifies movements and objects. Four experiments tested whether events could be perceived using only visual kinaesthetic information. Participants identified their own walking from point‐light displays (Experiment 1), from simulated environmental texture transformations as a result of their walking (Experiment 2), and from videos shot by a head‐mounted camera during outdoor walking (Experiment 3); and distinguishing strangers from footages captured by their head‐mounted cameras (Experiment 4). In Experiments 2–4, the displays did not resemble the outline of a person or look like walking but revealed the physical relations between the walker and the environment as a result of their movement. Regardless, participants were able to recognize themselves and distinguish strangers. Thus, observers are able to perceive events using visual kinaesthetic information that stems from dynamics. The one‐to‐one correspondences between object property, dynamics, kinematics and optical information are governed by the laws of physics, and unaffected by the event's appearance or viewing perspectives.
Increased aeolian activity linked to Neoglacial cooling and glacier advance in southern Greenland
Authors: Larsen Nicolaj K. , Siggaard‐Andersen Marie‐Louise , Buylaert Jan‐Pieter , Murray Andrew S. , Olsen Jesper , Ruter Anthony , Kjeldsen Kristian K. , Bjørk Anders A. , Mikkelsen Naja , Kjær Kurt H.
Published: November 2024

Wind activity is a powerful force that shapes the landscapes of deserts, coastal areas, and regions adjacent to ice sheets, and it has significant implications for human settlement. In southern Greenland, it has been proposed that the increased wind and soil erosion observed around Norse settlements (~985–1450 CE) were caused by overgrazing by animals, which ultimately contributed to the decline of the Norse culture. Alternatively, some studies have linked the observed intensification of aeolian activity to changes in large‐scale atmospheric circulation patterns in the North Atlantic. However, the timing and impact of this increased aeolian activity in southern Greenland remain uncertain due to a lack of well‐dated records. In this study, we use a lake record and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of adjacent dunes to reconstruct the Holocene history of aeolian activity at Igaliku Kujalleq (Søndre Igaliku) in southern Greenland. Our findings indicate two periods of intensified aeolian activity over the past 10 000 years: from ~500 to 1200 CE and ~1450 CE. Importantly, the peak aeolian activity observed in the Igaliku Kujalleq records was unrelated to Norse activities and their decline. Instead, we suggest that changes in the North Atlantic atmospheric circulation pattern combined with Neoglacial glacier advances led to increased katabatic wind activity and triggered increased aeolian activity from large outwash plains.
Anti‐b diminishes hyperlipidaemia and hepatic steatosis in hamsters and mice by suppressing the mTOR/PPARγ and mTOR/SREBP1 signalling pathways
Authors: Bian Yu , Wu Han , Jiang Weitao , Kong Xue , Xiong Yuting , Zeng Linghua , Zhang Feng , Song Jinglun , Wang Chunlei , Yang Yang , Zhang Xinyue , Zhang Yuning , Pang Ping , Duo Tianqi , Wang Zhuo , Pan Tengfei , Yang Baofeng
Published: November 2024

Background and Purpose

As a chronic metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidaemia is manifested as aberrantly elevated cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels, primarily attributed to disorders in lipid metabolism. Despite the promising outlook for hyperlipidaemia treatment, the need persists for the development of lipid‐lowering agents with heightened efficiency and minimal toxicity. This investigation aims to elucidate the lipid‐lowering effects and potential pharmacodynamic mechanisms of Anti‐b, a novel low MW compound.

Experimental Approach

We employed high‐fat diet (HFD) in hamsters and mice or oleic acid (OA) in cultures of HepG2 cells and LO2 cells to induce hyperlipidaemia models. We administered Anti‐b to assess its therapeutic effects on dyslipidaemia and hepatic steatosis. We used western blotting, RNA sequencing, GO and KEGG analysis, oil red O staining, along with molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of Anti‐b.

Key Results

Anti‐b exhibited a substantial reduction in HFD‐induced elevation of blood lipids, liver weight to body weight ratio, liver diameter and hepatic fat accumulation. Moreover, Anti‐b demonstrated therapeutic effects in alleviating total cholesterol (TC), TG levels, and lipid accumulation derived from OA in HepG2 cells and LO2 cells. Mechanistically, Anti‐b selectively bound to the mTOR kinase protein and increased mTOR thermal stability, resulting in downregulation of phosphorylation level. Notably, Anti‐b exerted anti‐hyperlipidaemia effects by modulating PPARγ and SREBP1 signalling pathways and reducing the expression level of mSREBP1 and PPARγ proteins.

Conclusion and Implications

In conclusion, our study has provided initial data of a novel low MW compound, Anti‐b, designed and synthesised to target mTOR protein directly. Our results indicate that Anti‐b may represent a novel class of drugs for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis.
Psilocybin as a novel treatment for chronic pain
Authors: Askey Tate , Lasrado Reena , Maiarú Maria , Stephens Gary J.
Published: November 2024

Psychedelic drugs are under active consideration for clinical use and have generated significant interest for their potential as anti‐nociceptive treatments for chronic pain, and for addressing conditions like depression, frequently co‐morbid with pain. This review primarily explores the utility of preclinical animal models in investigating the potential of psilocybin as an anti‐nociceptive agent. Initial studies involving psilocybin in animal models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain are summarised, alongside areas where further research is needed. The potential mechanisms of action, including targeting serotonergic pathways through the activation of 5‐HT2A receptors at both spinal and central levels, as well as neuroplastic actions that improve functional connectivity in brain regions involved in chronic pain, are considered. Current clinical aspects and the translational potential of psilocybin from animal models to chronic pain patients are reviewed. Also discussed is psilocybin's profile as an ideal anti‐nociceptive agent, with a wide range of effects against chronic pain and its associated inflammatory or emotional components.
E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Ring Finger Protein 2 Alleviates Cerebral Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury by Stabilizing Mesencephalic Astrocyte‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor Through Monoubiquitination
Authors: Shen Yujun , Wang Jinfeng , Liang Junxing , Chen Ying , Wu Xueyan , Ren Zhenhua , Zhou Jiangning , Feng Lijie , Shen Yuxian
Published: November 2024

Aim

Cerebral ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. However, the mechanisms underlying IS injury remain poorly understood. Ring finger protein 2 (RNF2), the member of the polycomb family (PcG), has been implicated in diverse biological and pathological conditions. However, whether RNF2 plays a role in IS progression is not clarified. This study aims to investigate the potential effects of RNF2 on IS.

Methods

The effects of RNF2 were studied in human postmortem IS brains, a rat model of IS, tunicamycin (TM)‐induced mouse neuroblastoma neuro2a (N2a) cells, and oxygen–glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)‐induced SH‐SY5Y cells.

Results

Here, we demonstrated that RNF2 was markedly upregulated both in human postmortem IS brains and ischemic rat brains and RNF2 overexpression alleviated brain injury induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion by reducing neuron apoptosis. Mechanistically, we found that RNF2 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase for the mesencephalic astrocyte‐derived neurotrophic factor (MANF), which confers protection against brain ischemia. RNF2 interacted with MANF and promoted the monoubiquitination of MANF, consequently facilitating its stability and nuclear localization.

Conclusion

Collectively, RNF2 is identified as a critical inhibitor of IS injury by stabilizing MANF through monoubiquitination, suggesting that RNF2 is a potential therapeutic target for IS.
Pharmacogenetic‐guided dosing for fluoropyrimidine (DPYD) and irinotecan (UGT1A1*28) chemotherapies for patients with cancer (PACIFIC‐PGx): A multicenter clinical trial
Authors: Glewis Sarah , Lingaratnam Senthil , Lee Benjamin , Campbell Ian , IJzerman Maarten , Fagery Mussab , Harris Sam , Georgiou Chloe , Underhill Craig , Warren Mark , Campbell Robert , Jayawardana Madawa , Silva S. Sandun M. , Martin Jennifer H. , Tie Jeanne , Alexander Marliese , Michael Michael
Published: November 2024

PACIFIC‐PGx evaluated the feasibility of implementing pharmacogenetics (PGx) screening in Australia and the impact of DPYD/UGT1A1 genotype‐guided dosing on severe fluoropyrimidine (FP) and irinotecan‐related toxicities and hospitalizations, compared to historical controls. This prospective single arm trial enrolled patients starting FP/irinotecan for any cancer between 7 January 2021 and 25 February 2022 from four Australian hospitals (one metropolitan, three regional). During the accrual period, 462/487 (95%) consecutive patients screened for eligibility for DPYD and 50/109 (46%) for UGT1A1 were enrolled and genotyped (feasibility analysis), with 276/462 (60%) for DPYD and 30/50 (60%) for UGT1A1 received FP/irinotecan (safety analysis). DPYD genotyping identified 96% (n = 443/462) Wild‐Type, 4% (n = 19/462) Intermediate Metabolizers (50% dose reduction), and 0% Poor Metabolizers. UGT1A1 genotyping identified 52% (n = 26/50) Wild‐Type, 40% (n = 20/50) heterozygous, and 8% (n = 4/50) homozygous (30% dose reduction). Key demographics for the FP/irinotecan safety cohorts included: age range 23–89/34–74 years, male 56%/73%, Caucasian 83%/73%, lower gastrointestinal cancer 50%/57%. Genotype results were reported prior to cycle‐1 (96%), average 5–7 days from sample collection. PGx‐dosing for DPYD variant allele carriers reduced high‐grade toxicities compared to historic controls (7% vs. 39%; OR = 0.11, 95% CI 0.01–0.97, p = 0.024). High‐grade toxicities among Wild‐Type were similar (14% vs. 14%; OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.64–1.54, p = 0.490). PGx‐dosing reduced FP‐related hospitalizations (−22%) and deaths (−3.7%) compared to controls. There were no high‐grade toxicities or hospitalizations for UGT1A1*28 homozygotes. PGx screening and prescribing were feasible in routine oncology care and improved patient outcomes. Findings may inform expanded PGx programs within cancer and other disease settings.
Syndication in science: Curated collaboration
Authors: Hurry David B. , Izmailova Elena S. , Davies Simon , Harari Olivier , Stoch S. Aubrey , Wagner John A.
Published: November 2024

Development and validation of digital measures require dedicated clinical studies, which can be conducted by a single study sponsor or a precompetitive collaboration. In this perspective, we propose an alternative model, data syndication, a curated collaboration, which foresees a technology provider being a founding member with biopharmaceutical sponsors and other stakeholders joining. Its main advantages are the speed of the study startup and the opportunity for real‐time data streaming.
Parental childhood adversity and emotional functioning: Associations with child's emotion regulation
Authors: Zreik Ghadir , Haimov Iris , Szepsenwol Ohad
Published: November 2024

Objective

We examined the unique associations of different childhood stressors (economic hardship, unpredictability, low parental sensitivity, and adverse childhood experiences) with parents' emotion regulation and mentalizing, and whether parental difficulties in these domains translate into emotion regulation difficulties in their children.

Background

Maladjustment caused by early exposure to adversity may transfer to future generations by undermining the parenting quality of the exposed individuals.

Method

A sample of 562 parents to 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children completed an online questionnaire.

Results

Childhood experiences of early‐life unpredictability and insensitive parental care were uniquely associated with parental emotion regulation and mentalizing difficulties. Examining the mediated paths linking parents' exposure to specific childhood stressors with their children's emotion regulation difficulties indicated that parental experiences of early‐life unpredictability and insensitive parental care are indirectly associated with greater emotion regulation difficulties in their children, through greater parental emotion regulation difficulties and prementalizing modes.

Conclusions

This study points to the unique role of specific childhood stressors—namely, unpredictability and insensitive parenting—in the intergenerational transmission of emotion regulation problems.

Implications

The findings have important implications for intervention programs aimed at working with young children and their parents to mitigate the intergenerational transmission of adversity to the next generations.
Size Matters: The Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on Parasite Transmission in the Daphnia‐Metschnikowia Host–Parasite System
Authors: Webb Lukas , Manzi Florent , Wolinska Justyna
Published: November 2024

The accumulation of micro‐ and nanoplastics (MNPs) poses a significant threat to freshwater ecosystems. Nanoplastics (NPs; < 1000 nm) are particularly concerning due to their ability to penetrate cellular membranes and disturb intracellular functions. While current research has predominantly focused on the toxicological impacts of MNP on individual species, their broader ecological effects, particularly on species interactions, remain poorly understood.

Prior studies have indicated that smaller NPs within the nano‐size range generally cause more severe effects on individual organisms. However, the impact of varying NP sizes on species interactions has not been thoroughly explored. This study addresses this gap by examining the effects of polystyrene NP beads of two sizes (50 nm and 100 nm) and two concentrations (1 mg/L and 5 mg/L) on the infection dynamics of the fungal parasite Metschnikowia bicuspidata in two genotypes of the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna.

Our results indicated that lower NP concentrations (1 mg/L) had no significant effects on either host or parasite fitness. Exposure to 50 nm NPs at 5 mg/L significantly diminished both the parasite's transmission success and the host's lifespan. Conversely, 100 nm NPs at the same concentration enhanced parasite fitness. Given that M. bicuspidata is a widespread and virulent parasite affecting various Daphnia species globally, alterations in infection dynamics due to NP pollution could have broader implications for Daphnia populations and freshwater food webs.

These findings highlight the critical need to incorporate species interactions into plastic pollution research and emphasise the importance of evaluating the effects of different NP sizes on ecological relationships to fully comprehend the ecological impact of MNP pollution.
Contextual Admissions: Normative Considerations
Authors: Moore Joanne , Mountford‐Zimdars Anna
Published: November 2024

Access to higher education is often competitive, and much attention has been placed on the question of admission decision‐making in such high stakes situations. We identify various approaches to distributive justice and consider these under the framework developed by Pike distinguishes between ‘egalitaria’ (everyone gets the same); ‘necessitia’ (people get what they need); ‘desertia’ (people get what they deserve); and ‘marketia’ (the market decides what people get). Considering applicants in context is one approach to deciding admissions designed to enhance fairness and support social justice. This approach is practiced in a range of countries including the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan and operates under names such as Contextual Admissions (CA), Holistic Assessment (HA) or Holistic Review (HR). This thought piece considers the philosophical/normative and practical reasoning approaches that underpin CA. We use the case of English higher education to illustrate the political and philosophical debates, to highlight practical challenges and potential limitations and to identify further considerations for realising the benefits of contextualising university applicants.
Densification of ceramics and ceramic‐based composites using ultralow temperature sintering (cold sintering): A comprehensive review
Authors: Evangeline T Gecil , Annamalai A Raja
Published: November 2024

This article provides a concise overview of cold sintering, a technique for densification of ceramics and ceramic‐based composites at ultralow temperatures. It emphasizes the incorporation of various materials including oxides, fluorides, bromides, carbonates, chlorides, and phosphates during the cold sintering process. Cold sintering achieves densification through high‐pressure dissolution and precipitation using liquids like water as a medium. For multi‐material devices, this ultralow temperature method offers a promising solution for combining materials with diverse thermal properties leading to novel integrated materials. Numerous materials have been effectively integrated at extremely low temperatures achieving properties comparable to those of traditional methods; this review comprehends their perspective on the wet consolidation mechanism.
Defect center–tailored calcium aluminate glasses for photonic applications: Unveiling structure–diffusivity correlation
Authors: Chakraborty Saswata , Tah Indrajit , Chakraborty Anustup , Mohapatra Sushanta K. , Maharana Himanshu S. , Kancharla Harikrishna , Dey Krishna K. , Sen Prince , Balaji Sathravada , Biswas Kaushik , Annapurna K.
Published: November 2024

Calcium aluminate (CA)‐based glasses have drawn significant attention owing to their pronounced optical, mechanical, and chemical properties for potential applications in IR photonics. Nonetheless, limitations related to their poor glass‐forming ability was addressed by incorporating ZnO that has formed negatively charged [ZnO4]2− and [AlO4]− units, thereby generating the oxygen‐excess defects. These defects impart a detrimental effect on the optical properties. Thus, the present study explores the impact of Li2O, Na2O, K2O, and GeO2 inclusion in the barium–zinc–calcium–aluminate (BZCA) glass to eliminate the oxygen‐excess defects. The molecular structure of the glass matrix was examined by Raman, NMR, and XPS along with the bulk diffusivity of the glasses through MD simulation and are correlated to elucidate the origin of the defect centers. Due to higher diffusivity, Li+ and Na+ cations decrease Al–O hole centers (Al–OHC) and defects but promote F+ (Farbe) centers while K+ ions having lower diffusivity and enhance the defects. Interestingly, all the defect centers are substantially reduced in GeO2‐containing glasses. Further, multivalent Cr ions are doped to optically probe the defect centers through UV–Vis–NIR absorption and photoluminescence spectra. Cr3+ and Cr4+ are found dominant in Li+‐and Na+‐containing glasses due to the presence of less defect, whereas excess converts all Cr3+ into Cr6+ for K+‐containing glasses. Additionally, broadband NIR emission from Cr4+ can functionalize selective glasses for laser and telecommunication applications.
Forest Microclimate as a Driver of Epiphytic Bryophyte Diversity Along a Subtropical Elevational Gradient
Authors: Dai Zun , Xing Shi‐chen , Gradstein S. Robbert , Li Min , Tu Shu‐wen , Chen Xing , Yao Xue , Gao Shuang , Shi Rui‐ping , Tang Lu‐yan , Zhang Ran , Zhang Zhao‐chen , Zhao Ming‐shui , Wang You‐fang , Zhang Jian , Wang Jian
Published: November 2024

Aim

Considering the importance of microclimate in maintaining the diversity of epiphytic bryophytes, we investigated epiphytic bryophytes along an elevational gradient in the subtropical forest of eastern China to unravel the diversity patterns of epiphytic liverworts and mosses along the elevational gradients and the roles of forest microclimates, topographic variables and host plant composition attributes in shaping these elevational diversity patterns.

Location

Tianmushan National Nature Reserve, Zhejiang, China.

Taxon

Epiphytic bryophytes.

Methods

Species diversity patterns of liverworts and mosses were compared based on an inventory of 16 plots along an elevational gradient from 367 to 1470 m. In situ microclimatic data of air temperature and moisture were collected under constant monitoring for over 3 years. Spatial linear models and structural equation models were used to assess the relative roles of the environmental variables in shaping the patterns of species diversity along elevation.

Results

We found that epiphytic liverwort and moss richness showed different elevational patterns; overall richness patterns of epiphytic bryophytes were largely driven by mosses. Epiphytic mosses exhibited a decline, followed by a hump‐shaped pattern of species richness with increasing elevation, while epiphytic liverworts showed a mid‐elevation plateau with a richness maximum between 800 and 1300 m. Forest microclimate, topography and host plant composition attributes influence epiphytic moss and liverwort patterns differently and interact in a complex way. Overall, species richness of epiphytic liverworts was most strongly affected by microclimate (mean annual air temperature of growing season) and of epiphytic mosses richness by topography (slope). Further, epiphytic liverwort species richness was more influenced by temperature than moisture.

Main Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of collecting climatic factors at a fine scale (microhabitats) for understanding the patterns and drivers of bryophyte diversity. Further, our findings demonstrate the differences between liverworts and mosses in terms of their response to different environments in the forest ecosystem.
American Geriatrics Society position statement: Making medical treatment decisions for unrepresented older adults
Authors: Dixon Joseph D. , Josyula Aruna V. , Javier Noelle Marie , Zweig Yael , Singh Mriganka , Kim Luke , Thothala Niranjan , Farrell Timothy W.
Published: November 2024

This paper is an official position statement of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) and updates the 2017 AGS position statement, Making Medical Treatment Decisions for Unbefriended Older Adults. In this updated position statement, the term “unbefriended” is replaced by “unrepresented” as a term that is more value‐neutral, more accurately describes the circumstance in which a person without medical decision‐making capacity does not have recognized surrogate representation, and better aligns with increasingly preferred terminology as reflected in recent medical literature. We define unrepresented older adults as those who (1) lack decisional capacity to provide informed consent for a particular medical treatment, (2) have not executed an advance directive that addresses the medical treatment at hand and lack capacity to do so, and (3) lack representation from a surrogate decision‐maker (i.e., family, friend, or legally authorized surrogate). Making medical decisions on behalf of unrepresented older adults is exceptionally challenging and, given demographic trends, is likely to become increasingly common in the years ahead. The process of arriving at treatment decisions for this population should follow standards of procedural fairness and include capacity assessment, search for potential surrogates, team‐based efforts to determine the patient's values and preferences, and steps to guard against bias. Proactive measures are needed to identify older adults at risk for becoming unrepresented. This position statement also calls for national efforts to reduce state‐to‐state variability in legal approaches for unrepresented patients.
Real‐Life Functioning in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome in Relation to Neurocognitive Abilities and Psychotic Symptoms: A Comparison With Idiopathic Schizophrenia
Authors: Accinni Tommaso , Frascarelli Marianna , Cordellieri Pierluigi , Kotzalidis Georgios D. , Fanella Martina , Di Bonaventura Carlo , Putotto Carolina , Marino Bruno , Bucci Paola , Giuliani Luigi , Maraone Annalisa , Pasquini Massimo , Di Fabio Fabio , Buzzanca Antonino ,   the Italian Network for Research on Psychoses
Published: November 2024

Background

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) entails intellectual disabilities and higher risk of psychotic disorders. Neurocognitive deficits predict real‐life functioning of schizophrenic patients. We investigated real‐life functioning in 22q11.2DS, aiming at defining how neurocognitive profile and psychopathological variables impact on psychotic patients' social functioning.

Methods

We recruited 63 patients with schizophrenia (SCZ, N = 63), 44 with 22q11.2DS (DEL, N = 44) and 19 with 22q11.2DS and psychosis (DEL–SCZ, N = 19), all matched for age, sex and neurocognitive profile; we administered the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS), the Specific Levels of Functioning (SLoF) scale and the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). We implemented descriptive analyses, MANCOVA and linear regression statistics.

Results

The DEL–SCZ and the SCZ groups showed similar levels in Interpersonal Relationships (p = 0.093) and Social Acceptability subscales (p = 0.283). The DEL group scored higher on the Interpersonal Relationships subscale compared with the SCZ group (p = 0.001). The groups scored similarly on the other SLoF subscales. Both BNSS total score (beta = −0.343; p = 0.004) and BNSS asociality (beta = −0.487; p = 0.038) significantly predicted the Interpersonal Relationships variable in the groups with psychosis (SCZ and DEL–SCZ).

Discussion and Conclusions

Individuals with 22q11.2DS display a similar real‐life functioning to patients with chronic schizophrenia. Social functioning impairments are typical of psychosis regardless of the genetic condition and highly predicted by negative symptoms like asociality. The 22q11.2DS represents a reliable biological model to study vulnerability to psychosis and its consequences on patients' real‐life and social functioning.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes of occiput posterior vaginal delivery
Authors: Sawai Mizuho , Shindo Ryosuke , Nakanishi Sayuri , Obata Soichiro , Miyagi Etsuko , Aoki Shigeru
Published: November 2024

ABSRACT

Aim

The occiput posterior (OP) position is the most common fetal malposition associated with poorer maternal outcomes compared to the occiput anterior (OA) position. However, there are no equivalent reports for women in Japan. This study aimed to investigate the maternal and neonatal outcomes of OP delivery in Japan.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Japan. Singleton pregnant women who delivered vaginally at and after 37 weeks of gestation between January 2000 and May 2023 were included. Participants were divided into OA and OP groups and pregnancy outcomes were compared. Multivariable analysis was performed to adjust for background.

Results

In total, 13 852 eligible participants were divided into OA (13 633, 98.4%) and OP (218, 1.6%) groups. Maternal weights were significantly higher in the OP group than in the OA group, but there were no significant differences in maternal age, height, BMI, and parity. The incidence of assisted vaginal delivery (6.0% vs. 25.2%, adjusted odds ratios [aOR] 6.97), third‐ or fourth‐degree perineal laceration (0.9% vs. 2.8%, aOR 3.52), postpartum hemorrhage (4.3% vs. 8.7%, aOR 2.17), and prolonged second stage of labor (11.3% vs. 29.4%, aOR 4.75) were significantly higher in the OP group. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion

The present study showed that OP vaginal deliveries require more time, and the increased number of assisted vaginal deliveries resulted in more maternal lacerations and hemorrhage. Maternal complications should be noted in the management of OP deliveries.
Accelerometry for sleep assessment in children: Criterium validity of different algorithms in wrist‐ and ankle‐worn devices
Authors: Burger Pia , Kruisinga Frea H. , Lettink Anneline , Chinapaw Mai J. M. , Gemke Reinoud J. B. J.
Published: November 2024

Polysomnography, the gold‐standard for measuring sleep, is costly, intrusive and usually limited to 1 night. Actigraphy offers a more affordable, less intrusive method over multiple nights. However, little research validates ActiGraph accelerometers against polysomnography, especially in children. This study evaluated the validity of different algorithms and compared wrist versus ankle accelerometer placements for estimating sleep in children aged 1–12 years. Twenty‐nine children undergoing overnight type 1 polysomnography wore ActiGraph accelerometers. Six algorithms were evaluated against polysomnography using Pearson correlations, intraclass correlation, paired t‐tests and Bland–Altman plots. Agreement was classified as poor (intraclass correlation coefficient < 0.4), fair (0.4 < intraclass correlation coefficient < 0.6), good (0.6 < intraclass correlation coefficient < 0.75) or excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.75). Total sleep time was the primary outcome. For wrist‐worn devices, the Sadeh (Actilife) and Cole–Kripke (Actilife and GGIR) algorithms showed excellent agreement with polysomnography (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.80–0.85), while vanHees showed good agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.67) and Galland showed fair agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.46). The Cole–Kripke algorithm did not significantly differ from polysomnography total sleep time, whereas others underestimated total sleep time. For ankle‐worn devices, Sadeh (Actilife), Cole–Kripke (Actilife) and vanHees algorithms demonstrated excellent agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.75–0.82). No significant differences were found between wrist and ankle placements for certain algorithms. The findings support accelerometry as a valid tool for sleep assessment in children, recommending that algorithm selection be tailored to specific study requirements.
Caudal vena cava isolation using ablation index‐guided radiofrequency catheter ablation (CARTO™ 3) to treat sustained atrial tachycardia in horses
Authors: Buschmann Eva , Van Steenkiste Glenn , Vernemmen Ingrid , Demeyere Marie , Schauvliege Stijn , Decloedt Annelies , van Loon Gunther
Published: November 2024

Background

Myocardial sleeves of the caudal vena cava are the predilection site for atrial tachycardia (AT) in horses. Caudal vena cava isolation guided by the ablation index, a lesion quality marker incorporating power, duration and contact force, might improve outcome.

Objectives

Describe the feasibility and outcome of caudal vena cava isolation using ablation index‐guided radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) to treat AT in horses.

Animals

Ten horses with sustained AT.

Methods

Records from 10 horses with sustained AT treated by three‐dimensional electro‐anatomical mapping and ablation index‐guided RFCA (CARTO™ 3) were reviewed.

Results

Three‐dimensional electro‐anatomical mapping of the right atrium identified a macro‐reentry circuit in the caudomedial right atrium (n = 10). Point‐by‐point RFCA was performed to isolate the myocardial sleeves of the caudal vena cava in power‐controlled mode with a mean of 17 ± 7 applications. The ablation index target was 400‐450. A median ablation index of 436 (range, 311‐763) was reached using a median maximum power of 35 (range, 24‐45) W for a median duration of 20 (range, 8‐45) seconds, with a median contact force of 10 (range, 3‐48) g. Sinus rhythm was restored in all 10 horses. To date, 9‐37 months post‐ablation, none of the horses have had recurrence.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Caudal vena cava isolation using ablation index‐guided RFCA was feasible and effective to permanently treat sustained AT in horses. Ablation index guidance ensured efficient lesion creation, and isolation of the caudal vena cava eliminated the arrhythmogenic substrate, thereby minimizing the risk of recurrence.