bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐linear blood–brain barrier transport and dosing strategies influence receptor occupancy ratios of morphine and its metabolites in pain matrix
Authors: Budda Divakar , Gülave Berfin , van Hasselt J. G. Coen , de Lange Elizabeth C. M.
Published: April 2024

Background and Purpose

Morphine is important for treatment of acute and chronic pain. However, there is high interpatient variability and often inadequate pain relief and adverse effects. To better understand variability in the dose‐effect relationships of morphine, we investigated the effects of its non‐linear blood–brain barrier (BBB) transport on μ‐receptor occupancy in different CNS locations, in conjunction with its main metabolites that bind to the same receptor.

Experimental Approach

CNS exposure profiles for morphine, M3G and M6G for clinically relevant dosing regimens based on intravenous, oral immediate‐ and extended‐release formulations were generated using a physiology‐based pharmacokinetic model of the CNS, with non‐linear BBB transport of morphine. The simulated CNS exposure profiles were then used to derive corresponding μ‐receptor occupancies at multiple CNS pain matrix locations.

Key Results

Simulated CNS exposure profiles for morphine, M3G and M6G, associated with non‐linear BBB transport of morphine resulted in varying μ‐receptor occupancies between different dose regimens, formulations and CNS locations. At lower doses, the μ‐receptor occupancy of morphine was relatively higher than at higher doses of morphine, due to the relative contribution of M3G and M6G. At such higher doses, M6G showed higher occupancy than morphine, whereas M3G occupancy was low throughout the dose ranges.

Conclusion and Implications

Non‐linear BBB transport of morphine affects the μ‐receptor occupancy ratios of morphine with its metabolites, depending on dose and route of administration, and CNS location. These predictions need validation in animal or clinical experiments, to understand the clinical implications.
High N6‐methyladenosine‐activated TCEAL8 mRNA is a novel pancreatic cancer marker
Authors: Hara Tomoaki , Meng Sikun , Sato Hiromichi , Tatekawa Shotaro , Sasaki Kazuki , Takeda Yu , Tsuji Yoshiko , Arao Yasuko , Ofusa Ken , Kitagawa Toru , Yamada Daisaku , Takahashi Hidenori , Kobayashi Shogo , Motooka Daisuke , Suzuki Yutaka , Rennie Sarah , Uchida Shizuka , Mori Masaki , Ogawa Kazuhiko , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Ishii Hideshi
Published: April 2024

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is an RNA modification involved in RNA processing and widely found in transcripts. In cancer cells, m6A is upregulated, contributing to their malignant transformation. In this study, we analyzed gene expression and m6A modification in cancer tissues, ducts, and acinar cells derived from pancreatic cancer patients using MeRIP‐seq. We found that dozens of RNAs highly modified by m6A were detected in cancer tissues compared with ducts and acinar cells. Among them, the m6A‐activated mRNA TCEAL8 was observed, for the first time, as a potential marker gene in pancreatic cancer. Spatially resolved transcriptomic analysis showed that TCEAL8 was highly expressed in specific cells, and activation of cancer‐related signaling pathways was observed relative to TCEAL8‐negative cells. Furthermore, among TCEAL8‐positive cells, the cells expressing the m6A‐modifying enzyme gene METTL3 showed co‐activation of Notch and mTOR signaling, also known to be involved in cancer metastasis. Overall, these results suggest that m6A‐activated TCEAL8 is a novel marker gene involved in the malignant transformation of pancreatic cancer.
Rhinoconjunctivitis severity induced by cat exposure influences early and late asthmatic responses: Evidence from an environmental exposure chamber
Authors: Piotin Anays , Godet Julien , Domis Nathalie , de Blay Frédéric
Published: April 2024

Background

The impact of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis on the early (EAR) and late asthmatic response (LAR) has yet to be assessed during optimal allergen exposure conditions.

Objective

We aimed to assess predictive factors of the EAR and LAR and to evaluate the relation between rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma induced by cat allergen exposure in an environmental exposure chamber (EEC).

Methods

Data from two cohort studies involving asthmatic patients with cat allergy who performed a cat allergen exposure challenge in ALYATEC EEC were analysed. Spirometry, visual analogue scale (VAS) for asthma, VAS for rhinitis, Total Nasal Symptoms Score, Total Ocular Symptoms Score (TOSS), Rhinoconjunctivitis Total Symptoms Score and Abelson score were used to assess asthma, rhinitis and conjunctivitis during and after exposure.

Results

An EAR occurred in 65.1% of patients, 32.1% of whom had a LAR. The diameter of the prick test to cat allergens and non‐specific bronchial hypersensitivity level were independent risk factors for EAR (p < .05). No independent risk factors for LAR were identified. Rhinoconjunctivitis severity during exposure correlated with the asthma VAS during EAR and LAR (p < .05). Allergen exposure time needed to trigger an EAR correlated with the Abelson score during exposure (p < .05). The asthma VAS and TOSS during exposure correlated with faster LAR occurrence (p < .05).

Conclusion

Prick test size and non‐specific bronchial hypersensitivity level were confirmed as independent predictive factors of EAR during allergen exposure in an EEC. This study demonstrated the relation between the severity of rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma induced by allergen exposure for both EAR and LAR.
Multimodal approach utilising a weight management programme prior to bariatric surgery in patients with BMI ≥50 kg/m2: A propensity score matching retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sari Cetin , Santana Connie , Seip Richard L. , Bond Dale , Benbrahim Aziz , Hannoush Edward , McLaughlin Tara , Li Ya‐Huei , Staff Ilene , Wu Yin , Papasavas Pavlos , Tishler Darren , Umashanker Devika
Published: April 2024

We evaluated preoperative weight loss and days from initial consult to surgery in patients with BMI ≥50 kg/m2 who were and were not enrolled in medical weight management (MWM) prior to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. We retrospectively identified patients with BMI ≥50 kg/m2 who had primary sleeve gastrectomy between 2014 and 2019 at two bariatric surgery centres in our healthcare system. Patients presenting after 2017 that received preoperative MWM (n = 28) were compared to a historical cohort of non‐MWM patients (n = 118) presenting prior to programme initiation in 2017 on preoperative percent total body weight loss (%TBWL) and days from initial consult to surgery. A total of 151 patients (MWM, 33; non‐MWM, 118) met inclusion criteria. BMI was significantly greater in MWM versus non‐MWM (p = .018). After propensity score matching, median BMI at initial consult in non‐MWM versus MWM no longer differed (p = .922) neither were differences observed on the basis of weight, age, sex, race or ethnicity. After PSM, MWM had significantly lower BMI at surgery (p = .018), lost significantly more weight from consult to surgery (p < .001) and achieved significantly greater median %TBWL from consult to surgery (p < .001). We noted no difference between groups on 6‐month weight loss (p = .533). Days from initial consult to surgery did not differ between groups (p < .863). A preoperative MWM programme integrated into multimodal treatment for obesity in patients with a BMI ≥50 kg/m2 resulted in clinically significant weight loss without prolonging time to surgery.
Baseline assessment and early effects of a network of marine protected areas
Authors: Brun Victor , de Ville d'Avray Laure Thierry , Saludsod Ma. May , Dolorosa Roger G. , Mecha Niño Jess Mar F. , Sorgon Kent Elson S. , Claudet Joachim
Published: April 2024

Marine protected areas (MPAs) can be a useful tool to manage coastal ecosystems, delivering both social and ecological outcomes. However, in many instances, relevant data is missing to conduct proper impact assessments, which is key to identifying ecological and social synergies and potential trade‐offs, and to adapting management according to local objectives. The ecological effects of an MPA established in Palawan, Philippines, in 2016, were assessed. The most common species targeted by fisheries were identified by local fishers. Species size and number were collected through underwater visual census with n = 288 belt transects assigned in different sites and locations to ensure to provide both protected and control (fished) sites for the MPA assessment, and baseline data for three new MPAs that were created in 2022. 91 coral‐reef fish species belonging to 12 families were recorded. Mixed effect linear regression was used to compare target fish populations in protected and control sites. Compared to control locations, 5 years after its implementation, the MPA showed significantly higher species richness, abundance, mean size, and biomass while no significant difference was found on the average trophic level between MPA and control sites. Monitoring the early effects of an MPA and collecting baseline data prior the implementation of an MPA network is key for adaptive management.
The Jordan Compact, Refugee Labour and the Limits of Indicator‐oriented Formalization
Authors: Lenner Katharina , Turner Lewis
Published: April 2024

This article explores the significance of initiatives to formalize the labour market participation of refugees. Many practitioners believe that formalization is a panacea for improving the lives of marginalized workers, including refugees. This article argues, however, that in practice it easily becomes an indicator‐oriented exercise, where readily quantifiable targets are prioritized over substantive improvements. To this end, the article analyses the trajectory of the Jordan Compact, a flagship initiative that brought together humanitarian, development and labour actors to create ‘win‐win’ solutions for Syrians and Jordanians. Drawing on years of qualitative fieldwork in Jordan, the article traces how the Jordan Compact has made formalization an end in itself, with little regard for how much it actually benefits workers. It examines three central areas of programming: work permits, home‐based businesses and working conditions. In each area, the article demonstrates how the chosen indicators have shaped initiatives while undermining meaningful reform. Bringing together insights from humanitarianism, development and critical labour studies, the analysis shows that indicator‐oriented formalization, a form of measurement‐driven governance, ostensibly produces impressive results, yet it can simultaneously undermine longer‐term, multidimensional processes that would benefit workers more. The article advocates shifting the focus onto the individual and collective power of workers so that they can better realize the potential benefits of formalization.
Gamma‐aminobutyric acid supplementation improves olanzapine‐induced insulin resistance by inhibiting macrophage infiltration in mice subcutaneous adipose tissue
Authors: Ren Lulu , Xuan Lingling , Li Anning , Yang Yaqi , Zhang Wen , Zhang Jie , Zhang Yi , An Zhuoling
Published: April 2024

Aims

To investigate whether gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) supplementation improves insulin resistance during olanzapine treatment in mice and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

Insulin resistance and body weight gain were induced in mice by 10 weeks of olanzapine treatment. Simultaneously, the mice were administered GABA after 4 weeks of olanzapine administration.

Results

We found that mice treated with olanzapine had lower GABA levels in serum and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT). GABA supplementation restored GABA levels and improved olanzapine‐induced lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance. Chronic inflammation in adipose tissue is one of the main contributors to insulin resistance. We found that GABA supplementation inhibited olanzapine‐induced adipose tissue macrophage infiltration and M1‐like polarization, especially in sWAT. In vitro studies showed that stromal vascular cells, rather than adipocytes, were sensitive to GABA. Furthermore, the results suggested that GABA improves olanzapine‐induced insulin resistance at least in part through a GABAB receptor‐dependent pathway.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that targeting GABA may be a potential therapeutic approach for olanzapine‐induced metabolic disorders.
Towards complete development finance data: Quantifying China's international education co‐operation and presence in the Global South
Authors: Doi Kenichi , Ikeda Ami , Murakami Yuki , Kuroda Kazuo
Published: April 2024

Motivation

China does not participate in the development co‐operation reporting mechanism of the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development's (OECD) development co‐operation reporting mechanism, nor does it voluntarily publish overseas development finance data. Despite recent quantitative research on China's foreign aid to other sectors, such as health, no precedent exists for quantifying China's international education co‐operation (IEC).

Purpose

This article will use AidData's Chinese Official Finance Dataset (AidData 2.0) to estimate the IEC using the OECD's internationally standardized definitions of development finance and frameworks for classifying IEC projects.

Approach and methods

We thoroughly examined all types of IEC projects, including official finance projects other than those that meet the definition of official development assistance (ODA). In our comparative analysis of educational aid between China and traditional donors, we focused on ODA‐like projects and examined the number of projects and funding amounts to determine China's IEC priorities.

Findings

The result shows that, between 2000 and 2017, China's IEC commitments totalled 1,524 education‐related international projects, representing 12% of the total international finance project portfolio, most of which are in Africa. Compared to the OECD framework, China prioritized higher education (n = 784, 51%) and education facilities and training (n = 244, 16%). An estimate of cumulative funding between 2000 to 2017 showed that China was the 10th largest donor of education aid to African countries, behind France, the World Bank, Germany, the United States, the EU, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands.

Policy implications

The findings of this study help our understanding of China's IEC finance. With China's involvement in education development aid growing in recent years and donors looking for solutions to developing countries' debt crises, this will allow for more effective collaboration, co‐ordination, and resource mobilization for both donor and recipient countries.
Uncovering spatiotemporal dynamics of the corticothalamic network at ictal onset
Authors: Panchavati Saarang , Daida Atsuro , Edmonds Benjamin , Miyakoshi Makoto , Oana Shingo , Ahn Samuel S. , Arnold Corey , Salamon Noriko , Sankar Raman , Fallah Aria , Speier William , Nariai Hiroki
Published: April 2024

Objective

Although the clinical efficacy of deep brain stimulation targeting the anterior nucleus (AN) and centromedian nucleus (CM) of the thalamus has been actively investigated for the treatment of medication‐resistant epilepsy, few studies have investigated dynamic ictal changes in corticothalamic connectivity in human electroencephalographic (EEG) recording. This study aims to establish the complex spatiotemporal dynamics of the ictal corticothalamic network associated with various seizure foci.

Methods

We analyzed 10 patients (aged 2.7–28.1 years) with medication‐resistant focal epilepsy who underwent stereotactic EEG evaluation with thalamic sampling. We examined both undirected and directed connectivity, incorporating coherence and spectral Granger causality analysis (GCA) between the diverse seizure foci and thalamic nuclei (AN and CM) at ictal onset.

Results

In our analysis of 36 seizures, coherence between seizure onset and thalamic nuclei increased across all frequencies, especially in slower bands (delta, theta, alpha). GCA showed increased information flow from seizure onset to the thalamus across all frequency bands, but outflows from the thalamus were mainly in slower frequencies, particularly delta. In the subgroup analysis based on various seizure foci, the delta coherence showed a more pronounced increase at CM than at AN during frontal lobe seizures. Conversely, in limbic seizures, the delta coherence increase was greater at AN compared to CM.

Significance

It appears that the delta frequency plays a pivotal role in modulating the corticothalamic network during seizures. Our results underscore the significance of comprehending the spatiotemporal dynamics of the corticothalamic network at ictal onset, and this knowledge could guide personalized responsive neuromodulation treatment strategies.
Blood flow restriction training does not negatively alter the mechanical strength or histomorphology of uninjured equine superficial digital flexor tendons
Authors: Johnson Sherry A. , Sikes Katie J. , Johnson James W. , Van Zeeland Emily , Wist Sara , Santangelo Kelly S. , King Melissa R. , Frisbie David D.
Published: April 2024

Background

Low load exercise training with blood flow restriction (BFR) has become increasingly used by human physical therapists to prescribe controlled exercise following orthopaedic injury; its effects on the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), however, are unknown.

Objective

To investigate outcomes of pressure specific BFR walking exercise on uninjured equine SDFT biomechanics and histomorphology.

Study design

Controlled in vivo experiment.

Methods

Four forelimbs of four horses were exposed to 40 BFR‐walk sessions (10‐min interval walking) on a treadmill over a 56‐day study period with their contralateral forelimbs serving as untreated controls. Similarly, four forelimbs of four control horses were exposed to 40 sham cuff walk sessions. On study Day 56, all horses (n = 8) were humanely euthanised and forelimb SDFTs underwent non‐destructive biomechanical testing and corresponding histomorphological analysis. Significance in biomechanical parameters between treatment groups was analysed using a mixed‐effects ANOVA with Tukey's post‐hoc tests.

Results

Statistically significant differences in SDFT stiffness for both first (p = 0.02) and last cycles (p = 0.03) were appreciated within the BFR treated group only, with BFR exposed forelimbs being significantly stiffer than the contralateral unexposed forelimbs. When normalised to cross‐sectional area, no significant differences were appreciated among treatment groups in elastic modulus for the first (p = 0.5) or last cycles (p = 0.4). No histological differences were appreciated among treatment groups according to Bonar, Movin, or musculotendinous junction evaluation criteria.

Main limitations

Short‐term comparisons were performed in a small sample population without correlation to performance outcome measures. Optimal occlusion percentages and walk protocols remain unknown.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated no negative impact of BFR on mechanical strength of the equine SDFT; however, evidence suggests that BFR results in increased tendon stiffness based on biomechanical testing and subsequent calculations. No consistent detrimental histomorphological changes were seen.
An automated learning model for twitter sentiment analysis using Ranger AdaBelief optimizer based Bidirectional Long Short Term Memory
Authors: Natarajan Sasirekha , Kurian Smitha , Bidare Divakarachari Parameshachari , Falkowski‐Gilski Przemysław
Published: April 2024

Sentiment analysis is an automated approach which is utilized in process of analysing textual data to describe public opinion. The sentiment analysis has major role in creating impact in the day‐to‐day life of individuals. However, a precise interpretation of text still relies as a major concern in classifying sentiment. So, this research introduced Bidirectional Long Short Term Memory with Ranger AdaBelief Optimizer (Bi‐LSTM RAO) to classify sentiment of tweets. Initially, data is obtained from Twitter API, Sentiment 140 and Stanford Sentiment Treebank‐2 (SST‐2). The raw data is pre‐processed and it is subjected to feature extraction which is performed using Bag of Words (BoW) and Term Frequency‐Inverse Document Frequency (TF‐IDF). The feature selection is performed using Gazelle Optimization Algorithm (GOA) which removes the irrelevant or redundant features that maximized model performance and classification is performed using Bi LSTM–RAO. The RAO optimizes the loss function of Bi‐LSTM model that maximized accuracy. The classification accuracy of proposed method for Twitter API, Sentiment 140 and SST 2 dataset is obtained as 909.44%, 99.71% and 99.86%, respectively. These obtained results are comparably higher than ensemble framework, Robustly Optimized BERT and Gated Recurrent Unit (RoBERTa‐GRU), Logistic Regression‐Long Short Term Memory (LR‐LSTM), Convolutional Bi‐LSTM, Sentiment and Context Aware Attention‐based Hybrid Deep Neural Network (SCA‐HDNN) and Stochastic Gradient Descent optimization based Stochastic Gate Neural Network (SGD‐SGNN).
A combined model of serum neutrophil extracellular traps, CD8+ T cells, and tumor proportion score provides better prediction of PD‐1 inhibitor efficacy in patients with NSCLC
Authors: Guo Jian , Shu Tingting , Zhang Hao , Huang Nan , Ren Junxi , Lin Li , Wu Jianhua , Wang Yuanyuan , Huang Zhenhua , Bin Jianping , Liao Yulin , Shi Min , Liao Wangjun , Huang Na
Published: April 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors provide a definite survival benefit for patients with driver‐negative advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but predictors of efficacy are still lacking. There may be a relationship between immune inflammatory state and tumor immune response. We explored the relationship of serum neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) with infiltrating cells in the tumor tissues of patients with NSCLC as well as their relationship with the therapeutic efficacy of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) inhibitors. Serum myeloperoxidase (MPO)‐double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) was detected as a marker of NET serum concentration. T cells were detected by immunohistochemical staining, and neutrophils were counted by MPO immunofluorescence staining. Of the 31 patients with NSCLC, a longer progression‐free survival after PD‐1 inhibitor treatment was associated with higher levels of CD3+ T cells, a lower neutrophil : CD3+‐T‐cell ratio (NEU/CD3+) and lower neutrophil : CD8+‐T‐cell ratio (NEU/CD8+) in tumor tissues. Patients with higher serum NETs were more likely to develop progressive disease after treatment (P = 0.003) and to have immune‐related adverse events (IrAEs) as well as higher NEU/CD3+ and NEU/CD8+. The combined model of serum NETs, CD8+ T cells, and tumor proportion score (TPS) significantly improved the prediction of PD‐1 inhibitor efficacy [P = 0.033; area under the curve (AUC) = 0.881]. Our results indicate that serum NETs are effective predictors of PD‐1 inhibitor response and reflect the tissue neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and IrAE levels. The combined model of serum NETs, CD8+ T cells, and TPS is a powerful tool for predicting the efficacy of PD‐1 inhibitor treatment in patients with NSCLC.
A study of shot peening and spinning rolling on fatigue of Al 7075 alloy samples
Authors: Guan Y. , Zhang Z. J. , Gong B. S. , Wang H. W. , Shao C. W. , Liu R. , Hou J. P. , Li X. T. , Zhao Z. K. , Sheinerman A. G. , Zhang Z. F.
Published: April 2024

Surface mechanical strengthening is an effective way to improve the fatigue performance, among which surface rolling has been vastly utilized for its significant enhancement in fatigue strength. However, traditional rolling process is only suitable for components with rotational symmetry, limiting its application. Herein, a newly developed technology named “spinning rolling (SR)” was developed to strengthen the surfaces of platy components. A common Al alloy, 7075, was selected for verifying the effect. It is found that compared with the most popular technology, shot peening (SP), SR can provide deeper and higher residual stress, lower surface roughness, and comparable hardening layer, and consequently, significantly higher fatigue lives. Accordingly, there is a transition in the fatigue crack source from point‐like to line‐like, confirming a strong crack propagation resistance along depth direction. This study indicates the advantages of the SR technology, providing a greater resistance against fatigue damage of platy components.
Green synthesis of highly active and recyclable chromium oxide nanocatalyst for biodiesel production from novel nonedible oil seeds
Authors: Bibi Hadiqa , Ahmad Mushtaq , Osman Ahmed I. , Alsahli Abdulaziz Abdullah , Munir Mamoona , Al‐Muhtaseb Ala’a H. , Rooney David W. , Sultana Shazia
Published: April 2024

This study explores the sustainable production of biodiesel from nonedible Phyllanthus maderaspatensis seed oil (highest oil content of 35%, FFA 0.87 mg/KOH), utilizing an innovative green synthesis approach for chromium oxide nanoparticles derived from the waste fruit parts of Aubergine for the very first time in the current work. In pursuit of alternatives to fossil fuels, our research underscores the environmental and socio‐economic benefits of biofuels, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The optimized process yielded a 92% biodiesel conversion under conditions of a 9:1 methanol‐to‐oil ratio, 0.135 wt.% catalyst concentration, and a reaction duration of 150 min at 80°C. Comprehensive analysis techniques, including XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, Zeta analysis, differential reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), GC–MS, and NMR (1H, 13C), were employed to characterize the synthesized nanocatalyst and biodiesel product. The biodiesel's fuel properties, such as acid value, fire point, pour point, viscosity, kinematic density, sulfur content, and cloud point, were rigorously tested, demonstrating compliance with international standards (ASTM D‐6571, EN 14214, and GB/T 20828‐2007). The use of P. maderaspatensis seed oil, an economical and environmentally friendly feedstock, in conjunction with a cost‐effective nanocatalyst, presents a viable pathway for the sustainable and scalable production of biodiesel. This study contributes to the advancement of bioproducts for a sustainable bioeconomy by demonstrating an integrated approach to bioenergy production that leverages biotechnological innovations and addresses both environmental and socio‐economic dimensions.
Scouts vs. usurpers: alternative foraging strategies facilitate coexistence between neotropical Cathartid vultures
Authors: Beirne Christopher , Thomas Mark , Basto Arianna , Flatt Eleanor , Diaz Giancarlo Inga , Chulla Diego Rolim , Mullisaca Flor Perez , Quispe Rosio Vega , Quispe Caleb Jonatan Quispe , Forsyth Adrian , Whitworth Andrew
Published: April 2024

Understanding how diverse assemblages of scavengers can coexist on shared ecological resources is a fundamental challenge in community ecology. However, current approaches typically focus on behaviour at carcass provisioning sites, missing how important differences in movement behaviour and foraging strategies can facilitate sympatric species coexistence. Such information is particularly important for vultures – obligate scavengers representing the most endangered avian foraging guild. Their loss from ecosystems can trigger trophic cascades, mesopredator release and disease outbreaks. We provide the first‐ever analyses of GPS location data from wild King Vultures Sarcoramphus papa and Greater Yellow‐headed Vultures Cathartes melambrotus, coupled with trait data (from both wild‐living and museum specimens) and visitation data from camera traps deployed at provisioned carcasses, to characterize vulture flight behaviour and strategies in the Peruvian Amazon. We found marked species differences in several key movement characteristics, including: King Vultures having home‐ranges five times larger, average flight heights four times greater and ground speeds 40% faster than those of Greater Yellow‐headed Vultures. Despite these differences, both species flew similar distances each day (on average), probably due to King Vultures taking 50% fewer flights and spending 40% less time in the air per day. Consistent with these patterns, King Vulture body mass was more than double that of the Greater Yellow‐headed Vulture, with a substantially larger hang wing index (a measure of long‐distance flight efficiency). At carcasses, Greater Yellow‐headed Vultures typically arrived first but were rapidly outnumbered by both King and Black Vultures Coragyps atratus. We find that the movement behaviour of obligate apex scavengers in the western Amazon is linked to their ability to coexist – Greater Yellow‐headed Vultures, a smaller stature ‘scouting’ species adapted to fly low, forage early and arrive first at carcasses, are ultimately displaced by larger‐bodied, wider ranging King Vultures at large ephemeral carrion resources. Expansion of future GPS tracking initiatives could facilitate the exploration of direct facultative interactions from animal movement data and give further insight into how diverse communities assemble and interact.
Influence of polycarbosilane composition on the properties of SiC/SiC composite fabricated by precursor infiltration and pyrolysis process
Authors: Chen Yi , Chen Mingwei , Xie Weijie , Luo Wendong , Zhang Qiyue , Qiu Haipeng
Published: April 2024

A series of SiC/SiC composites were fabricated through the precursor infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) process, using solid polycarbosilane (PCS) and liquid vinyl perhydrogen PCS (VHPCS) solutions as impregnating agents. The physicochemical characteristics of the SiC matrices derived from PCS and VHPCS were investigated and compared. The impact of the PCS composition on the microstructure, density, flexural strength, and modulus of the resulting SiC/SiC composites was also examined. As the VHPCS content increased to 60 wt%, the flexural strength of the composites gradually rose to a peak of 490.9 MPa before decreasing as the VHPCS proportion continued to increase. Meanwhile, the flexural modulus increased continually with the introduction of VHPCS. A possible mechanism is proposed to explain the different variations in flexural strength and modulus, taking into account the ceramic toughening principle and the distinct properties of PCS and VHPCS.
Exploring the perception of small and medium food enterprises in Lincolnshire, UK on the use of front‐of‐pack nutrition labels by consumers
Authors: Ogundijo Daniel A. , Tas Ayten A. , Onarinde Bukola A.
Published: April 2024

The food and drink industry is the UK's largest manufacturing sector, and small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) play a key role in the UK's food system. This study investigates food‐providing SMEs' knowledge of nutrition labels and perceptions of the use of front‐of‐pack nutrition labels in making informed and healthy food choices by consumers. The SMEs were based in Lincolnshire, UK, and comprised food manufacturers (75%), food retailers (14%) and food service providers (11%) (n = 35). A 25‐item questionnaire was developed and validated to collect responses. The questionnaire link was disseminated by email and completed online. Comparisons were made between competing answers using Cochran's Q tests, each with post‐hoc pairwise McNemar test comparisons. Confidence intervals were computed using ordinal regressions. More than half of the SMEs' products (58%) had UK traffic light (TL) colour‐coded schemes and % Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs). The SMEs stated that the TL label was the best format that provided ‘at‐a‐glance’ information, and this was significantly higher than %GDA and interpretative text (Ps < 0.003). Nearly 49% of the SMEs were unaware of the front‐of‐pack labels being not mandatory in the United Kingdom. Many (86%) acknowledged that the nutrition information on food products was helpful or very helpful for consumers in making purchasing decisions. The SMEs seemed to place the costs of implementing FOP labels on food products above their helpfulness in making healthier food decisions by consumers. This research is one of the first to investigate the perceptions of SMEs on how consumers utilise nutrition labels when making healthier food choices in the United Kingdom. Government subsidies on the costs incurred by incorporating TL labelling on the products are necessary in order to have front of pack (FOP) labels mandatory in the United Kingdom. Greater food industry involvement in academic and policy‐related research is essential to creating a healthier and more sustainable food environment.
Prediction of resting energy expenditure for adolescents with severe obesity: A multi‐centre analysis
Authors: Rydin Amy A. , Severn Cameron , Pyle Laura , Morelli Nazeen , Shoemaker Ashley H. , Chung Stephanie T. , Yanovski Jack A. , Han Joan C. , Higgins Janine A. , Nadeau Kristen J. , Fox Claudia , Kelly Aaron S. , Cree Melanie G.
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives

Resting energy expenditure (REE) assessments can help inform clinical treatment decisions in adolescents with elevated body mass index (BMI), but current equations are suboptimal for severe obesity. We developed a predictive REE equation for youth with severe obesity and obesity‐related comorbidities and compared results to previously published predictive equations.

Methods

Data from indirect calorimetry, clinical measures, and body composition per Dual x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) were collected from five sites. Data were randomly divided into development (N = 438) and validation (N = 118) cohorts. A predictive equation was developed using Elastic Net regression, using sex, race, ethnicity, weight, height, BMI percent of the 95th%ile (BMIp95), waist circumference, hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, age, Tanner stage, fat and fat‐free mass. This equation was verified in the validation cohort and compared with 11 prior equations.

Results

Data from the total cohort (n = 556, age 15 ± 1.7 years, 77% female, BMIp95 3.3 ± 0.94) were utilized. The best fit equation was REE = −2048 + 18.17 × (Height in cm) – 2.57 × (Weight in kg) + 7.88 × (BMIp95) + 189 × (1 = male, 0 = female), R2 = 0.466, and mean bias of 23 kcal/day.

Conclusion

This new equation provides an updated REE prediction that accounts for severe obesity and metabolic complications frequently observed in contemporary youth.
Treatment of periorbital veins with vascular laser: A systematic review and retrospective case series
Authors: Mandavia Rishi , Ahmed Muhammad , Parmar Dilen , Cariati Massimiliano , Shahidi Sepideh , Lapa Tatiana
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Vascular lasers may represent a promising treatment option for periorbital veins. This article aims to: (1) systematically review the literature on the safety and effectiveness of vascular laser treatment for periorbital veins and (2) assess safety and effectiveness through a retrospective case series.

Methods

Systematic review: Articles that assessed the safety and effectiveness of vascular laser treatment for periorbital veins were included and quality assessed using the Downs and Black checklist.

Case series: Patient records were retrospectively reviewed from January 2020 to November 2023 to identify all patients who underwent laser treatment for periorbital veins.

Outcomes assessment included percentage improvement, patient overall satisfaction and adverse effects.

Results

Systematic review: Three articles were included, discussing treatment of blue, periorbital veins using a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. Patient Fitzpatrick skin Types I–IV were treated with high patient satisfaction rates and complete clearance of treated veins. Adverse effects included pain, erythema, mild oedema, urticaria and blister formation. Quality of included studies ranged from 7 to 14 out of 21 points.

Case series: Thirty‐four patients with skin Types I–V were included. Blue and red periorbital veins were treated using 1064 and 532 nm wavelengths respectively. Mean percentage improvement was 4.8 (complete resolution) and patients' overall satisfaction was ranked 3 (completely satisfied). Adverse effects included erythema, oedema, and bruising.

Conclusion

Treatment of red and blue periorbital veins using 532 and 1064 nm vascular lasers appears a safe treatment option. The procedure has a short recovery time, with patients able to resume normal activities within 1 day of treatment.
Risk predictors of glycaemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gangqiang Gao , Hua Chen , Hongyu Sun
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To conduct systematic evaluation of the risk predictors of glycaemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Cohort studies on risk predictors of glycaemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes were retrieved from CNKI, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase databases, etc. from the construction of the repository to 3 February 2023. Literature screening was conducted according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, then data extraction of region, sample size, age, follow‐up time, risk predictors, outcome indicators, etc., and quality evaluation of The Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale were conducted by two researchers while the third researcher makes decisions if there are disagreements. Finally, Revman5.4 and StataMP17 were used for meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 29 studies were included, and the results showed that insulin pump [Weighed mean difference (WMD) = −.48, 95% CI (−.73, −.24), p < .01], high‐frequency sensor monitoring, early use of insulin pumps, prospective follow‐up male, white race, large body mass index‐standardised scoring, conscientiousness, agreeableness of mothers, eicosapentaenoic acid, leucine and protein (p < .05) were beneficial for reducing HbA1c levels in children and adolescents with diabetes. Ketoacidosis [WMD = .39, 95% CI (.28, .50), p < .01], selective admission, higher HbA1c level at one time (p < .01), higher glutamate decarboxylase antibody at 1 month after diagnosis, lower socio‐economic status, non‐living with biological parents, non‐two‐parent family, family disorder, family history of diabetes and high carbohydrate intake (p < .05) increased HbA1c levels in children and adolescents with diabetes.

Conclusion

For children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the use of insulin pump, high‐frequency sensor monitoring, prospective follow‐up, good family support and reasonable diet are conducive to blood glucose control, while selective admission and DKA are not. Disease characteristics and demographic characteristics of children are closely related to subsequent blood glucose control, and the relationship between diagnosis age and blood glucose control needs to be further explored.
Relatives' needs in terms of bereavement care throughout euthanasia processes: A qualitative study
Authors: Boven Charlotte , Dillen Let , Van Humbeeck Liesbeth , Van Den Block Lieve , Piers Ruth , Van Den Noortgate Nele
Published: April 2024

Aim

To explore relatives' needs in terms of bereavement care during euthanasia processes, how healthcare providers respond to these needs, and the degree of commonality between relatives' and healthcare providers' reports.

Design

A phenomenological design was employed, utilising reflexive thematic analysis to examine interviews conducted with relatives (N = 19) and healthcare providers (N = 47).

Results

Relatives' needs throughout euthanasia processes are presented in five main themes and several subthemes, with similar findings between both sets of participants. Although relatives infrequently communicated their needs explicitly to healthcare providers, they appreciated it when staff proactively met their needs. Healthcare providers aimed to assist with the relatives' grief process by tending to their specific needs. However, aftercare was not consistently offered, but relatives did not have high expectations for professional follow‐up care.

Conclusion

Our research offers important directions for healthcare professionals, empowering them to provide needs‐based bereavement care during euthanasia processes. Moreover, it emphasises the importance of recognising the unique needs of relatives and proactively addressing them in the period before the loss to positively contribute to relatives' grief process.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

Insights into relatives' needs in the context of euthanasia. Good practices on how healthcare providers can attend to relatives' needs before, during and after the loss

Impact

Current literature and guidelines on needs‐based bereavement care in the context of euthanasia and, more generally, assisted dying, are limited. These findings provide concrete directions for practice in supporting (nearly) bereaved relatives in the context of euthanasia, potentially mitigating adverse health outcomes.

Reporting method

Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR checklist).

Patient or Public contribution

Relatives of deceased cancer patients were involved in the conduct of the study.
Writing like a Bourdieusian Scholar: From The Craft of Sociology to the Writing Patterns in Actes de la recherche en sciences sociales
Authors: Boucher Aurélien
Published: April 2024

This paper is a debate on why Bourdieusian scholars have never fully embraced the “Introduction/Literature review/Data & methods/Results/Discussion” (ILDRD) article format which is mainstream in North American Sociological publications. This paper attempts to argue that Pierre Bourdieu, Jean‐Claude Chamboredon, and Jean‐Claude Passeron developed a different writing format – inspired by Gaston Bachelard's “applied rationalism” ‐‐ and which became more influential among French scholars. The Bourdieu inspired different writing patterns and reasoning, I argue, can be traced in the flagship journal Actes de la Recherche en Sciences Sociales. This paper invites further debate on the differences in approaching article formats in the social sciences.
Invisible Iterations: How Formal and Informal Organization Shape Knowledge Networks for Coordination
Authors: Brennecke Julia , Coutinho James A. , Gilding Michael , Lusher Dean , Schaffer Graham
Published: April 2024

This study takes a network approach to investigate coordination among knowledge workers as grounded in both formal and informal organization. We first derive hypotheses regarding patterns of knowledge‐sharing relationships by which workers pass on and exchange tacit and codified knowledge within and across organizational hierarchies to address the challenges that underpin contemporary knowledge work. We use survey data and apply exponential random graph models to test our hypotheses. We then extend the quantitative network analysis with insights from qualitative interviews and demonstrate that the identified knowledge‐sharing patterns are the micro‐foundational traces of collective coordination resulting from two underlying coordination mechanisms which we label ‘invisible iterations’ and ‘bringing in the big guns’. These mechanisms and, by extension, the associated knowledge‐sharing patterns enable knowledge workers to perform in a setting that is characterized by complexity, uncertainty and ambiguity. Our research contributes to theory on the interplay between formal and informal organization for coordination by showing how self‐directed, informal action is supported by the formal organizational hierarchy. In doing so, it also extends understanding of the role that hierarchy plays for knowledge‐intensive work. Finally, it establishes the collective need to coordinate work as a previously overlooked driver of knowledge network relationships and network patterns.
Smile dynamics: A comparative study of Fijians and NZ Europeans
Authors: Kumar Reginald , Mohammed Hisham , Firth Fiona A. , Bennani Hamza , Halberstadt Jamin B. , Farella Mauro
Published: April 2024

Background

The Fijian ‘Bula Smile’ is often described as the world's friendliest; however, its description remains anecdotal.

Objective

This study aimed to describe and compare the dynamics of Fijians' smiles with those of New Zealand Europeans.

Methods

An observational study was conducted on two ethnic groups, Fijians (FJ; N = 23) and New Zealand Europeans (NZ; N = 23), age‐ and gender‐matched. All participants were asked to watch amusing videos, and their reactions were video recorded. The videos were analysed by software to assess the frequency, duration, intensity and genuineness of smiling episodes. Based on the Facial Action Coding System, Action Unit 6 (AU6—cheek raiser), Action Unit 12 (AU12—lip corner puller) and Action Unit 25 (AU25—lips apart) were assessed. Data were analysed by generalised linear models after adjusting for personality traits.

Results

Fijians smiled longer than New Zealand Europeans (+19.9%; p = .027). Mean intensity of AU6 (+1.0; 95%CIs = 0.6–1.5; p < .001), AU12 (+0.5; 95%CIs = 0.1–0.9; p = .008) and AU25 (+22.3%; 95%CIs = 7.3%–37.3%; p = .005) were significantly higher in FJ group than the NZ group.

Conclusion

Smiling features of Fijians and New Zealanders showed objective differences, the most distinctive being a higher activation of the Duchenne's marker (AU6) in the Fijian group, which is regarded as a sign of smile genuineness.
The effect of craniocervical flexors endurance training on suprahyoid muscle activation in healthy adults: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Toksal Uçar Arzucan , Yalçın Ali Imran , Cetin Hatice , Bostan Geylan , Bilgin Sevil
Published: April 2024

Background

Cervical posture affects swallowing function through contractile and non‐contractile structures. Craniocervical flexor endurance training (CCFET), which focuses on the activation of deep cervical muscles, is used to ensure cervical posture stability.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CCFET on the suprahyoid muscles (SH), which play an important role in swallowing function.

Methods

Eighty healthy individuals (52 female and 28 male, mean age 21.77 ± 1.81 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to groups that underwent either deep cervical flexor (DCF) training with a pressure biofeedback unit (CCFET group, n = 41) or no intervention (control group, n = 39). The intervention was applied for 4 weeks (five sessions per week). Static endurance and activation of DCF muscles (Craniocervical Flexion Test, CCFT), tragus–wall distance (TWD) for forward head posture and surface electromyographic (sEMG) activation of suprahyoid muscles were evaluated.

Results

The endurance and activation of the DCF muscles were significantly increased in the CCFET group (p = <.001). In the CCFET group, TWD significantly lower than the control group (p = <.001) Peak SH amplitude and mean SH amplitude were lower in the CCFET group compared to the control group (p = .013, p = .003).

Conclusion

The study shows that 4 weeks of CCFET reduced SH muscle activation, allowing the same work to be done with fewer motor units. CCFET can be included in rehabilitation programs as an additional method that has an effect on the muscles involved in swallowing by providing cervical motor control.
Accounts of perspective taking in narrative
Authors: Hinterwimmer Stefan
Published: April 2024

This paper gives an overview over two different kinds of protagonists' perspective taking in narrative texts, Free Indirect Discourse (FID) and Protagonist Projection (PP)/Viewpoint Shifting (VS), and the most important analyses of these phenomena that have been proposed within the framework of formal semantics and pragmatics. While FID is a special form of reporting self‐reflexively conscious thoughts and utterances which in contrast to indirect and direct discourse is not overtly marked as such, PP/VS renders the content of protagonists' perceptions and beliefs. The paper discusses empirical differences between these two kinds of protagonists' perspective taking with respect to syntactic embeddability and the licencing of deictic expressions and considers various analytical options to capture these differences.