bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parole decisions about perpetrators of domestic violence in England and Wales
Authors: Dyke Chris , Rivas Carol , Schucan Bird Karen
Published: January 2024

This study, the first to examine parole decisions for perpetrators of domestic violence in England and Wales, examines how parole boards reach decisions through a thematic analysis of interviews with 20 Parole Board members, alongside logistic regressions of all 137 parole decisions about perpetrators in an 18‐month period. In this sample, recommendations of professionals, especially psychologists, were by far the strongest predictor of a release decision. The nature of offending was also significant in predicting release. Size and composition of the panel may also affect decisions. More panel members, and longitudinal feedback, may encourage more reflective, considered decision making.
A video‐based decision aid improved knowledge and decreased decisional conflict for asymptomatic persistent endodontic lesions
Authors: Wei Mingrun , Tan Shaoyong , Yu Peter Tsao Pan , Kvist Thomas , Yu Victoria Soo Hoon
Published: January 2024

Aim

This prospective cohort study aimed to (i) evaluate patients' treatment decisions, decisional conflict and knowledge levels before and after use of a video‐based decision aid (DA) on asymptomatic persistent endodontic lesions (APEL) and to (ii) elicit important decision factors for patients in the decision‐making process.

Methodology

A video DA modelled after the International Patient Decision Aids Standards (IPDAS) was designed. The video was pilot‐tested, revised and used on 50 patients referred to the graduate endodontic clinic and presenting with an incidental finding of APEL detected on radiographs, with informed consent (DSRB 2020/00133). Recruitment was conducted from June 2020 to November 2021. Patients' treatment decisions and decision‐making process were studied. Patients also completed a questionnaire on knowledge gain, decisional conflict and confidence levels.

Results

Forty‐three patients (48 teeth) out of 50 patients chose long‐term monitoring of APEL while 7 patients (7 teeth) decided on endodontic intervention. Median knowledge scores increased from 58.3 (IQR: 41.7, 75.0) to 87.5 (IQR: 75.0, 100.0) (p < .001); median decisional conflict scale (DCS) scores decreased from 25.0 (IQR: 12.5, 34.4) to 3.1 (IQR: 0, 23.8) (p < .001), and 44 (88%) patients were confident or very confident with their treatment decisions. Statistical analyses showed that asymptomatic condition of tooth was the sole decision factor with statistical significance while socioeconomic factors (age, gender, race, education and income levels) showed no significant trend.

Conclusions

The majority of patients presenting with APEL in this study chose long‐term monitoring over immediate intervention. Using the video‐based DA in the decision‐making process significantly improved patients' knowledge and decreased their decisional conflict levels.
Efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin for rosacea with positive impact on quality of life and self‐esteem
Authors: Takahashi Katia H. , Utiyama Thais O. , Bagatin Edileia , Picosse Fabíola R. , Almeida Fernando A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Rosacea is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disease with a multifactorial pathophysiology. It compromises several skin structures, including the proliferation and dilation of dermal blood vessels, primarily in the central areas of the face, accompanied by significant psychosocial impairment, leading to reduced quality of life (QoL) and self‐esteem. There are consensus guidelines for its treatment, but few options for the erythema. This study hypothesizes that treating rosacea skin lesions with botulinum toxin (BTX) could improve signs and symptoms, resulting in enhanced QoL and self‐esteem.

Methods

This interventional, open, uncontrolled, and prospective study, conducted at a single center, included 33 individuals diagnosed with rosacea, treated with standard therapeutic options according to the rosacea subtype plus superficial injections of BTX, and followed up for 90 days. Botulinum toxin injections were applied on Days 1 and 14. Clinical features and side effects were assessed at each visit; QoL, self‐esteem, and medication adherence questionnaires were administered on Days 1 and 90.

Results

Treatment with BTX yielded improvement in the clinical signs of rosacea, registered by the investigators, and reported by 94% of the participants. Improved QoL scores (P < 0.05) and a notable increase in self‐esteem scores (P < 0.001) were demonstrated. Rare adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

The utilization of BTX superficial injections in patients with rosacea was safe and effective, improving the clinical appearance of the lesions. Despite some limitations, to our knowledge, this is the first study that showed the positive impact of this treatment modality on both QoL and self‐esteem.
A system for developing reasonable adjustments to the application of the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards for adult patients with intellectual disability in Australian hospital settings
Authors: Wallace Robyn A.
Published: January 2024

The Australian Commission of Safety and Quality in Health Care mandates the application of the eight National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards to minimise high‐risk adverse events in hospital settings for all Australian patients. It acknowledges that adults with intellectual disability require reasonable adjustments to the application of the standards to optimise the impact of the quality and safety measures for this group. The paper proposes a system whereby reasonable adjustments can be developed for this population. First, particular criteria, items or actions of a standard are selected for the formulation of reasonable adjustments. Second, the adjustments are broken down into categories of alterations to usual knowledge, process, content and organisation involved in compliance with the chosen aspect of the standard. Third, the categories of reasonable adjustments are simultaneously influenced and shaped by aspects of living with intellectual disability, disability supports and a health‐disability sectoral interface.
Chimerism of avian IgY‐scFv and truncated IgG‐Fc: A novel strategy in cross‐species antibody generation and enhancement
Authors: Ge Shikun , Dias Alberto Carlos Pires , Zhang Xiaoying
Published: January 2024

Chicken single‐chain fragment variable (IgY‐scFv) is a functional fragment and an emerging development in genetically engineered antibodies with a wide range of biomedical applications. However, scFvs have considerably shorter serum half‐life due to the absence of antibody Fc region compared with the full‐length antibody, and usually requires continuous intravenous administration for efficacy. A promising approach to overcome this limitation is to fuse scFv with immunoglobulin G (IgG) Fc region, for better recognition and mediation by the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) in the host. In this study, engineered mammalian ΔFc domains (CH2, CH3, and intact Fc region) were fused with anti‐canine parvovirus‐like particles avian IgY‐scFv to produce chimeric antibodies and expressed in the HEK293 cell expression system. The obtained scFv‐CH2, scFv‐CH3, and scFv‐Fc can bind with antigen specifically and dose‐dependently. Surface plasmon resonance investigation confirmed that scFv‐CH2, scFv‐CH3, and scFv‐Fc had different degrees of binding to FcRn, with scFv‐Fc showing the highest affinity. scFv‐Fc had a significantly longer half‐life in mice compared with the unfused scFv. The identified ΔFcs are promising for the development of engineered Fc‐based therapeutic antibodies and proteins with longer half‐lives. The avian IgY‐scFv‐mammalian IgG Fc region opens up new avenues for antibody engineering, and it is a novel strategy to enhance the rapid development and screening of functional antibodies in veterinary and human medicine.
Interdiffusion suppression at the cathode‐electrolyte interface of all‐solid‐state‐batteries by Li3PO4 conformal coating
Authors: Kim Jongheon , Ku Miju , Kim Sunmin , Yang Hwichul , Lee Daye , Lee Hansam , Kim Young‐Beom
Published: January 2024

All‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) are promising energy‐storage devices with high energy density and safety. However, the discharge capacity of ASSLBs that use sulfide solid electrolytes (SEs) and Ni‐rich cathode active materials (CAMs) deteriorates significantly during electrochemical cycling. Interfacial coatings between CAM and sulfide SEs are known to effectively alleviate capacity deterioration. Among the various coating materials, lithium phosphate (LPO) was selected and synthesized via atomic layer deposition (ALD). The crystal phase of the LPO thin film irreversibly changed, and the Li‐ion conductivity deteriorated after heat treatment. Additionally, particle ALD (P‐ALD) of LPO was successfully performed to completely passivate the CAM particles. Torque cells with the LPO‐coated CAMs showed excellent capacity retention, whereas the cells without the LPO coating showed a significantly deteriorated discharge capacity with increased internal resistances. The passivation effect of the LPO coating was confirmed by the cross‐sectional images from a FIB and scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) dual system. We believe that the study will help us investigate the effects of side reactions between sulfide SEs and CAMs on the performance and stability of P‐ALD.
The EU's Autonomous Sanctions Against Russia in 2014 Versus 2022: How Does the Bureaucratic Politics Model Bring in the Institutional ‘Balance of Power’ Within the EU?
Authors: Sanus Ekin , Akgül‐Açıkmeşe Sinem , Karaoguz H. Emrah
Published: January 2024

The European Union (EU) has been more incensed over Russian aggression towards Ukraine in 2022, when compared to Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2014. This article questions this shift by looking at the EU's sanctions towards Russia. It argues that the relative unwillingness of the European Commission, and accordingly the imbalance or lopsided distribution of power within and amongst the relevant EU institutions, was one of the factors internal to the EU that prevented an effective response in 2014. Although external and contextual factors have been crucial, the EU has adopted harsher sanctions against Russia since 2022 because the Commission is not unwilling to act as it was in 2014, and dissenting members have found it difficult to obstruct the process in the Council of the EU. This article also extends the analytical repertoire of the bureaucratic politics model by demonstrating that it retains explanatory power even when the traditional parameters remain constant over time.
Between‐ and within‐child level associations between externalizing and internalizing behavior problems in a nationally representative sample of US elementary school children
Authors: Oh Yoonkyung , Morgan Paul L. , Greenberg Mark T. , Zucker Tricia A. , Landry Susan H.
Published: January 2024

Background

Both transactional and common etiological models have been proposed as explanations of why externalizing behavior problems (EBP) and internalizing behavior problems (IBP) co‐occur in children. Yet little research has empirically evaluated these competing theoretical explanations. We examined whether EBP and IBP are transactionally related at the within‐child level while also identifying antecedents commonly associated with between‐child differences in underlying stability of both EBP and IBP across elementary school.

Methods

We analyzed a nationally representative and longitudinal sample of US schoolchildren (N = 7,326; 51% male) using random‐intercept cross‐lagged panel modeling (RI‐CLPM). We used teacher ratings of EBP and IBP as annually assessed from the spring of kindergarten (Mage = 6.12 years) through the spring of 5th grade (Mage = 11.09 years). Early childhood antecedents included child internal (i.e. inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and language/literacy) and external factors (i.e. parental warmth, harsh parenting, parenting stress, and maternal depressive symptoms).

Results

We found little evidence for within‐child, transactional relations between EBP and IBP. Both types of behavior problems instead were substantially associated at the between‐child level. Inhibitory control was the strongest common antecedent that explained this longitudinal overlap. Cognitive flexibility, working memory, language/literacy skills, and maternal depression contributed specifically to the stability of IBP. Measures of parenting were specific to the stability of EBP.

Conclusions

Common etiological factors rather than transactional relations better explain the co‐occurrence of EBP and IBP during elementary school. Inhibitory control is a promising target of early intervention efforts for schoolchildren at risk of displaying both EBP and IBP.
The prevalence of prescription opioid use and misuse among emergency department patients in The Netherlands
Authors: Holkenborg Joris , Frenken Bernice A. , Bon Brigitte van de Kerkhof‐Van , Vroegop Maurice P. , Van Meggelen Mariska G. M. , Kramers Cees , Schellekens Arnt F. A. , Kraaijvanger Nicole
Published: January 2024

Rationale

Prescription opioid use and misuse have increased rapidly in many Western countries in the past decade. Patients (mis)using opioids are at risk of presenting to the emergency department (ED) with opioid‐related problems. European data concerning prescription opioid (mis)use among the ED population is lacking.

Aims and Objectives

This study aims to determine prevalence of prescription opioid use, misuse, and opioid use disorder (OUD) among Dutch ED patients. Secondary objectives were to explore factors associated with prescription opioid misuse and the number of patients discharged with a new opioid prescription.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional multicenter study at three hospitals in the Netherlands, adult ED patients were screened for current prescription opioid use. Opioid users filled out questionnaires regarding opioid (mis)use, and underwent a structured interview to assess OUD criteria. The primary outcomes were prevalence rates of (1) current prescription opioid use, (2) prescription opioid misuse (based on a Current Opioid Misuse Measure [COMM] score > 8), (3) OUD, based on DSM‐5 criteria. Independent T‐tests, Pearson χ2 and Fisher's Exact tests were used to analyse differences in characteristics between groups.

Results

A total of 997 patients were screened, of which 15% (n = 150) used prescription opioids. Out of 93 patients assessed, 22.6% (n = 21) showed signs of prescription opioid misuse, and 9.8% (n = 9, 95% CI: 4.5–17.8) fulfilled criteria for OUD. A medical history of psychiatric disorder was significantly more common in patients with prescription opioid misuse and OUD.

Conclusion

This study shows that prescription opioid use is relatively common in ED patients in the Netherlands, compared to the overall population. Over one fifth of these patients shows signs of opioid misuse or OUD. Awareness among ED personnel about the high prevalence of prescription opioid (mis)use in their population is critical for signalling opioid‐related problems.
One‐day versus three‐day low‐residue diet bowel preparation regimens before colonoscopy: a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Fan , Huang Xinxin , Wang Zhijie , Yan Ziwei , Wang Shuling , Pan Peng , Li Zhaoshen , Bai Yu
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim

Although studies have shown that the quality of bowel preparation with low‐residue diet (LRD) is as effective as that of clear fluid diet (CLD), there is currently no consensus on how long an LRD should last. The aim of this study was to compare a 1‐day versus 3‐day LRD on bowel preparation before colonoscopy.

Methods

A systematic review search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane database from inception to April 2023. We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared 1‐day with 3‐day LRD bowel cleansing regiments for patients undergoing colonoscopy. The rate of adequate bowel preparation, polyp detection rate, adenoma detection rate, tolerability, willingness to repeat preparation, and adverse events were estimated using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). We also performed meta‐analysis to identify risk factors and predictors of inadequate preparation.

Results

Four studies published between 2019 and 2023 with 1927 participants were included. The present meta‐analysis suggested that 1‐day LRD was comparable with 3‐day LRD for adequate bowel preparation (OR 0.89; 95% CI, 0.65–1.21; P = 0.45; I2 = 0%; P = 0.52). The polyp detection rate (OR 0.94; 95% CI, 0.77–1.14; P = 0.52; I2 = 23%; P = 0.27) and adenoma detection rate (OR 0.87; 95% CI, 0.71–1.08; P = 0.21; I2 = 0%; P = 0.52) were similar between the groups. There were significantly higher odds of tolerability in patients consuming 1‐day LRD compared with 3‐day LRD (OR 1.64; 95% CI, 1.13–2.39; P < 0.01; I2 = 47%; P = 0.15). In addition, constipation was identified as the independent predictor of inadequate preparation (OR 1.98; 95% CI, 1.27–3.11; P < 0.01; I2 = 0%; P = 0.46).

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that a 1‐day LRD was as effective as a 3‐day CLD in the quality of bowel preparation before colonoscopy and significantly improved tolerability of patients. In addition, constipation is an independent risk factor of poor bowel preparation, and the duration of LRD in patients with constipation still needs further clinical trials.
A systematic critical appraisal of clinical practice guidelines of antithrombotic agents in gastrointestinal endoscopy using the AGREE II tool
Authors: Dayto Denisse Camille , Blonski Wojciech , Reljic Tea , Klocksieben Farina , Gill Jeffrey , Gomez‐Esquivel Rene D. , Patel Brijesh , Taunk Pushpak , Sephien Andrew , Thelin Camille , Kumar Ambuj
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim

The quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the management of antithrombotic agents in patients undergoing gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy has not been systematically appraised. The goal of this study was to evaluate the methodological quality of CPGs for the management of antithrombotic agents in periendoscopic period published within last 6 years.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed and Embase databases was performed to identify eligible CPGs published between January 1, 2016, and April 14, 2022, addressing the management of antithrombotic agents in the periendoscopic period. The quality of the CPG was independently assessed by six reviewers using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument. Domain scores were considered of sufficient quality when > 60% and of good quality when > 80%.

Results

The search yielded 343 citations, of which seven CPGs published by the gastroenterology associations in Asia (n = 3), Europe (n = 2), and North America (n = 2) were included for the critical appraisal. The overall median score for the AGREE II domains was 93% (interquartile range [IQR] 11%) for scope and purpose, 79% (IQR 61%) for stakeholder involvement, 79% (IQR 36%) for rigor of development, 100% (IQR 14%) for clarity of presentation, 32% (IQR 36%) for applicability, 93% (IQR 29%) for editorial independence, and 86% (IQR 29%) for overall assessment.

Conclusions

The findings show that the overall methodological quality of the CPGs for the management of antithrombotic agents in the periendoscopic period varies across the domains. There is significant scope for improvement in the methodological rigor and applicability of CPGs.
Spatial patterns of built structures co‐determine nations’ level of resource demand
Authors: Duro Juan Antonio , Perez‐Laborda Alejandro , Löw Markus , Matej Sarah , Plank Barbara , Krausmann Fridolin , Wiedenhofer Dominik , Haberl Helmut
Published: January 2024

Societies’ use of material resources is increasingly recognized as a key factor behind sustainability problems. The mass of materials used per capita and year differs substantially between countries. However, a limited range of variables (mostly per‐capita gross domestic product [GDP]) were analyzed to explain this variation. Spatial patterns of cities influence their resource use, but the role of patterns of settlements and infrastructures as co‐determinants of national‐level material use is unknown, mainly due to lacking data to investigate their effects at that scale. Here we start closing this gap by systematically analyzing a broad set of potential determinants of national per‐capita material demand, including built structures. Material demand is represented by both production‐ and consumption‐based indicators. Among its potential determinants, we analyze eight novel indicators representing extent and spatial patterns of settlements and transport infrastructures in each country, along with GDP and other indicators considered so far. Analyzing 123 countries inhabited by 91% of the world population and accounting for 92% of world GDP, we show that built structures strongly co‐determine resource use. Indicators of extent and spatial patterns of built structures have substantial additional explanatory power beyond GDP and other conventional indicators for both production‐ and consumption‐based material flow indicators. The area of built‐up land per capita emerges as the strongest predictor, but several other indicators representing built structures are also highly relevant. Limiting built‐up land and designing spatial patterns of built structures hence deserve attention in attempts to reduce societies’ resource throughput.
Eclogite with biotite porphyroblasts—Which conditions are responsible for their formation? An example from the northern Fleur‐de‐Lys Supergroup, Newfoundland, Canada
Authors: Massonne Hans‐Joachim
Published: January 2024

An eclogite from the Early Palaeozoic Fleur‐de‐Lys Supergroup in Newfoundland was studied because of its biotite porphyroblasts, which very rarely occur in this rock type. Thermodynamic modelling suggests that eclogitic biotite in common metabasite (former basalt–gabbro) is limited to (1) bulk‐rock compositions, which are relatively rich in Fe2+ and K and poor in Fe3+, and (2) the low‐pressure range of the eclogite facies. The latter reason is supported by the determination of the pressure–temperature (P–T) path of the Newfoundland eclogite. Chemical zonation of garnet, presence of phengite with Si contents of ~3.4 per formula unit, Zr contents in rutile and petrographic observations resulted in a P–T trajectory starting at medium‐pressure conditions. Nearly isothermal burial led to a peak pressure of 18–19 kbar at ~575°C, followed by exhumation and slight heating. Deformation occurred at or close to the peak pressure. Subsequent introduction of hydrous fluids caused the formation of porphyroblasts of biotite and Ca–amphibole in the pressure range of 12–17 kbar at peak temperatures of 625–640°C. Retrogression led to very fine‐grained symplectites around omphacite and phengite and marginal replacement of biotite porphyroblasts by plagioclase and titanite. Geodynamic scenarios invoking either a flat subduction of oceanic crust followed by continent–continent collision or intracontinental subduction along a transpressional fault system might best explain the formation of eclogite with biotite porphyroblasts in general. For the Newfoundland eclogite, the latter scenario is preferred.
Unraveling the mirage of fairness cream commercials: A cross‐sectional analysis of commercials from South Asia
Authors: Razi Shazli , Tan Isabella J. , Pathak Gaurav Nitin , Rao Babar
Published: January 2024

Background

Fairness products are an essential component of daily beauty routines for many individuals in subcontinental Asia. However, it is important to be aware that these products often contain ingredients that can be detrimental to the skin and are banned in several developed countries.

Objective

Our study aims to analyze the content of fairness cream commercials in order to gain a deeper understanding of the information used to persuade and influence consumers to use these products.

Methods

Fairness cream commercials originating from countries in subcontinental Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, were specifically searched and analyzed on the YouTube platform.

Results

An analysis of 152 fairness cream commercials on YouTube identified 84.21% of commercials targeted female consumers, while only 15.79% targeted male consumers. 77.63% of commercials used celebrities in their commercials and 47.37% of commercials mentioned specific ingredients.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, it is crucial for dermatologists to take an active role in educating patients and consumers about the potential risks associated with certain ingredients found in fairness creams. Dermatologists should emphasize the importance of prioritizing overall skin health rather than solely focusing on skin lightening.
“We'll make it work”: Navigating surveilled living arrangements after romantic partner incarceration
Authors: Schmidt Steven , Turney Kristin , Monreal Angie Belén
Published: January 2024

Objective

We use the case of housing insecurity to examine how romantic partner incarceration results in increased and prolonged surveillance of women at home.

Background

Romantic partner incarceration prompts surveillance from the criminal legal system while simultaneously eroding women's finances, health, and family relationships. Less is known about how these symbiotic harms of romantic partner incarceration enable surveillance beyond the criminal legal system.

Method

We use longitudinal interviews with 35 (previously coresident) romantic partners of incarcerated men, showing how incarceration prompts unwanted moves for partners, how women manage housing insecurity following partner incarceration, and how they become embedded into living arrangements where they are monitored, evaluated, and controlled.

Results

We identify three primary findings. First, women experiencing housing insecurity after romantic partner incarceration relied heavily on their social ties (and, to a lesser extent, institutional housing providers) while enduring stressful and prolonged housing searches. Second, the homes that women move into expose them to increased surveillance. Women encounter domestic, caregiving, romantic, and financial surveillance. Romantic partner incarceration prompts large changes in surveillance among women who left independent homes, moderate changes in surveillance among women who left comparatively desirable doubled‐up homes, and prolonged surveillance among nonmovers. Finally, women respond to surveillance by monitoring burdens on hosts and reframing stays in shared homes as temporary.

Conclusion

Taken together, these findings extend prior research on the symbiotic harms of romantic partner incarceration, how women attached to incarcerated men experience surveillance, and how doubled‐up families sustain shared homes.
How marketers influence product platform decisions: A configurational approach
Authors: Nijssen Edwin J. , van Bommel Ties
Published: January 2024

This study identifies the political behavior marketers use to ensure the market fit of a new product platform. Drawing on two political NPD literature streams and configuration theory, the authors explain how (i) soft and hard influence tactics, (ii) reason, (iii) marketers' experience (with product and portfolio decisions), and (iv) the type of product platform (smart vs. conventional), together determine marketers' political effectiveness in gaining support for design modifications from the development team. The framework and hypotheses are tested using data from a sample of 100 influence attempts by marketers. A fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis reveals no single, optimal solution but three “influence recipes.” First, we find a generic solution for both smart and conventional product platforms that combines marketer experience with reason and coalition building. Second, we note two additional solutions for smart product platforms: one consisting of marketer experience with coalition building and another one combining marketer experience with reason and assertiveness. Regression results reveal a positive relationship between marketers' influence behavior and platform performance in the marketplace, in support of a complementary and functional role of marketers' political behaviors in innovation management.
What, where, and how: a spatiotemporally explicit analysis of the drivers of habitat loss within the range of maned three‐toed sloths (Bradypus torquatus and Bradypus crinitus)
Authors: Santos Paloma M. , Bogoni Juliano A. , Chiarello Adriano G.
Published: January 2024

The first step towards understanding the conservation situation and informing conservation decision‐making is to identify the habitat loss drivers. However, for nearly all tropical biota, there is a glaring lack of information on the spatiotemporal patterns of anthropogenic drivers.

Our objective was to analyse the spatial and temporal distribution of the main anthropogenic drivers of habitat loss for Bradypus torquatus and Bradypus crinitus, two endangered and endemic species to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

We used land‐use information associated with seven major IUCN‐based threats to sloths, covering a three‐generation time window (1988–2020), to quantify the current area occupied, temporal changes, heterogeneity, and intensity of drivers across species distributions.

We found that cattle farming and ranching dominate the range of both species (from 49% to 56%) and cover an area larger than the remaining native forest. Other drivers also represent important spatial and temporal features of land conversion across species distributions.

Driven mainly by livestock expansion, both sloth species have experienced a significant loss of forest cover (Bradypus torquatus – 659098.70 ha; Bradypus crinitus – 139013.20 ha) in the Brazilian Atlantic forest. Overall, Bradypus torquatus showed a higher rate of deforestation than forest regeneration, whereas forest gains outweighed habitat loss for Bradypus crinitus.

Our results show that a substantial area of native forest – essential for strictly arboreal species – is being continuously replaced by cattle ranching and agricultural activities, which may lead to population isolation and decline, threatening the long‐term population viability.
The fate of primary iron sulfides in the CM1 carbonaceous chondrites: Effects of advanced aqueous alteration on primary components
Authors: Singerling S. A. , Corrigan C. M. , Brearley A. J.
Published: January 2024

We have carried out a SEM‐EPMA‐TEM study to determine the textures and compositions of relict primary iron sulfides and their alteration products in a suite of moderately to heavily altered CM1 carbonaceous chondrites. We observed four textural groups of altered primary iron sulfides: (1) pentlandite+phyllosilicate (2P) grains, characterized by pentlandite with submicron lenses of phyllosilicates; (2) pyrrhotite+pentlandite+magnetite (PPM) grains, characterized by pyrrhotite–pentlandite exsolution textures with magnetite veining and secondary pentlandite; (3) pentlandite+serpentine (PS) grains, characterized by relict pentlandite exsolution, serpentine, and secondary pentlandite; and (4) pyrrhotite+pentlandite+magnetite+serpentine (PPMS) grains, characterized by features of both the PPM and PS grains. We have determined that all four groups were initially primary iron sulfides, which formed from crystallization of immiscible sulfide melts within silicate chondrules in the solar nebula. The fact that such different alteration products could result from the same precursor sulfides within even the same meteorite sample further underscores the complexity of the aqueous alteration environment for the CM chondrites. The different alteration reactions for each textural group place constraints on the mechanisms and conditions of alteration with evidence for acidic environments, oxidizing environments, and changing fluid compositions (Ni‐bearing and Si‐Mg‐bearing).
“They Told me I Should Feel Sad”: Narrative and Personal Story Telling as a Sensemaking and Ownership Tool for Young People Who Have Experienced Bereavement
Authors: Hamilton Sukhbinder
Published: January 2024

This research focused on listening to the voices of children who have experienced the death of someone important to them. Through a personalized narrative methodology working with practitioners, and with regard for cultural and religious beliefs, children were given safe space to tell their own truths to sense‐make rather than prescribing how they should be feeling or what they should be experiencing as part of their grief journey. Findings suggest this impacted positively on the children's wellbeing. The recommendations are to use this approach to open up dialogue instigated by the child, which is currently missing from contemporary policy and practice, as well as adding to the limited literature. Furthermore, the engagement with the topic of death is advocated for all children rather than simply retrospectively with those who have experienced it. As this was a small‐scale study, more research is needed.
Diving into the diversity of colour patterns in reef fishes
Authors: Frédérich Bruno
Published: January 2024

Colours and associated patterns are probably some of the most obvious phenotypic traits in animals and reef teleost fishes are often cited as a textbook example for illustrating this type of diversity. Even if it is well established that colour patterns play a central role in the ecology and evolution of reef fishes, we still lack the necessary toolkits to fully grasp the mechanisms driving the diversification of this obvious phenotypic trait. On the one hand, genotyping power seems now limitless thanks to current DNA sequencing technologies. Today, entire genomes of fishes can be easily produced for large sets of species. On the other hand, the description of colour patterns and the quantification of their variation across reef fishes might be highly challenging. In a cover manuscript in this issue of Molecular Ecology, Coulmance et al. (2023) introduced an innovative approach for extracting and quantifying the major colour pattern elements present in the hamlets (Hypoplectrus spp., Serranidae), a recent reef fish radiation from the Caribbean. Then, they intelligently used the quantified colour pattern variation as a phenotypic trait for a genome‐wide association study (GWAS). Interestingly, using a method that required no a priori knowledge, they were able to recover well‐established marks (e.g., vertical bars) and to highlight less expected colour pattern elements (e.g., dark to light gradient on ventral part as well as caudal and anal fins), which show strong association peaks on linkage group (LG) 12 and 04. Beyond the demonstration of the potential of their new quantitative analysis of colour pattern variation in reef fishes combined with GWAS, their findings offer new perspectives on our understanding of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors generating this outstanding diversity of the fish world.
Three‐dimensional evaluation of mandibular lingula: Comparisons of skeletal angle classifications and growth patterns
Authors: Sayahpour Babak , Nucci Ludovica , Eslami Sara , Talaeipour Ahmadreza , Ahmadi Ranani Sajedeh , Mafi Reza , Jamilian Abdolreza
Published: January 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the position of the mandibular lingula (ML) in adult patients (aged between 18 and 35 years old) with different skeletal and growth patterns using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Dentistry department of University.

Subjects

Subjects comprised CBCT images of 150 adult patients, including 300 rami.

Methods and Materials

In total, 150 CBCT aged between 18 and 35 were selected and divided into three main groups of 50 samples based on their skeletal relationships (classes I, II and III). Patients were subdivided based on their growth pattern (vertical vs. horizontal), resulting in 25 samples per subgroup. Distances between the mandibular lingula and occlusal plane (ML‐OP), sigmoid notch (ML‐SN), external oblique ridge (ML‐EOR), internal oblique ridge (ML‐IOR), posterior border of the ramus (ML‐PBR), inferior border of the ramus (ML‐IBR), and horizontal and vertical distances to the mandibular foramen (ML‐hMF and ML‐vMF). One‐way ANOVA variance analysis was employed to compare different angle classifications, and Bonferroni analysis was used for multiple comparisons. The Student's t‐test was also used to compare growth patterns within each main group and genders within the subgroup.

Results

The study revealed statistically significant differences in the position of the mandibular lingula between different angle classifications, growth patterns, and genders. Class II samples showed a more anterior position of the ML, whereas Class III samples displayed a more posterior position of the ML. Patients with horizontal growth patterns and Angle Class III had a more posteriorly positioned ML. Gender differences were observed, particularly in Class I and Class III classifications, suggesting that gender may influence the variability of ML position in these specific classifications.

Conclusion

The position of the mandibular lingula showed high variability among individuals with different angle classifications, growth patterns and genders.
Parasites make hosts more profitable but less available to predators
Authors: Prosnier Loïc , Loeuille Nicolas , Hulot Florence D. , Renault David , Piscart Christophe , Bicocchi Baptiste , Deparis Muriel , Lam Matthieu , Médoc Vincent
Published: January 2024

Parasites are omnipresent, and their eco‐evolutionary significance has aroused much interest from scientists. Parasites may affect their hosts in many ways with changes in density, appearance, behaviour and energy content, likely to modify their value to predators (profitability) within the optimal foraging framework. Consequently, parasites could impact predators' diet and the trophic links through food webs. Here, we investigate the consequences of the infection by the iridovirus Daphnia iridescent virus 1 (DIV‐1) on the reproductive success, mortality, appearance, mobility, and biochemical composition of water fleas Daphnia magna, a widespread freshwater crustacean. We do predation tests and compare search time, handling time and feeding preference between infected and uninfected Daphnia when preyed upon by Notonecta sp., a common aquatic insect. Our findings show that infection does not change fecundity but reduces lifespan and thereby constrains fitness. Infected Daphnia show reduced mobility and increased color reflectance in the UV and visible domains, which potentially affects their appearance and thus vulnerability to predators. Infection increases body size and the amount of proteins but does not affect carbohydrate and lipid contents. Although infected Daphnia are longer to handle, they are preferred over uninfected individuals by aquatic insects. Taken together, our findings show that DIV‐1 infection could make Daphnia more profitable to predators (24% energy increase), a positive effect that should be balanced with a lower availability due to the higher mortality of infected specimens. We also highlight that exposure to infection in asymptomatic individuals leads to ecological characteristics that differ from both healthy and symptomatic infected individuals.
The prevalence of head and face pain decreased from 1997 to 2017 in Switzerland
Authors: Pohl Heiko , Neumeier Maria Susanne , Hänsel Martin , Wegener Susanne
Published: January 2024

Background

Pain in the head and the face is highly prevalent but may have changed during the past years. This study aimed to analyze changes in the prevalence of pain in the head and the face in Switzerland from 1997 to 2017.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of data collected in the Swiss Health Surveys of 1997–2017. Included persons were 15 years and older. Besides studying demographic data, we analyze the item assessing the presence of “headache, pressure in the head, or facial pain” during the past 4 weeks. Percentages with their Wilson confidence intervals are reported for each response option of categorical variables. Moreover, we calculate the age‐standardized number of persons affected by the pain.

Results

While 41% reported head and face pain in 1997, the proportion dropped to 31% in 2017. There was a decrease of 19.5% in women and 29.4% in men; after age standardization, the decrease was 16.5% in women and 25.4% in men. The most considerable numerical changes in the percentages of women with pain occurred in those aged 55–69 and 85 and above. In men, the changes were not limited to specific age groups.

Conclusions

The proportion of people reporting headaches, pressure in the head, or facial pain has dropped in Switzerland from 1997 to 2017. However, in women, the prevalence diminished more strongly and consistently in the middle‐aged and the elderly than in the young.
Voter support for bond referenda: Does it matter if costs are presented as aggregate vs. personal costs?
Authors: Lang Corey , Pearson‐Merkowitz Shanna , Scott Zachary
Published: January 2024

We explore whether voters' willingness to approve government spending in bond elections is affected by how costs are presented. Using an original survey experiment, we examine willingness to approve bonds, randomizing both the total cost of the bond and the framing of the cost as either a personal cost or an aggregate amount. We find that respondents are less supportive of bonds when the bond is framed as a personal expense and that respondents are more cost‐responsive when they see personal costs. There is also substantial heterogeneity based on the respondent's partisanship and the policy domain of the bond.
Cysteine thiol sulfinic acid in plant stress signaling
Authors: Huang Jingjing , De Veirman Lindsy , Van Breusegem Frank
Published: January 2024

Cysteine thiols are susceptible to various oxidative posttranslational modifications (PTMs) due to their high chemical reactivity. Thiol‐based PTMs play a crucial role in regulating protein functions and are key contributors to cellular redox signaling. Although reversible thiol‐based PTMs, such as disulfide bond formation, S‐nitrosylation, and S‐glutathionylation, have been extensively studied for their roles in redox regulation, thiol sulfinic acid (–SO2H) modification is often perceived as irreversible and of marginal significance in redox signaling. Here, we revisit this narrow perspective and shed light on the redox regulatory roles of –SO2H in plant stress signaling. We provide an overview of protein sulfinylation in plants, delving into the roles of hydrogen peroxide‐mediated and plant cysteine oxidase‐catalyzed formation of –SO2H, highlighting the involvement of –SO2H in specific regulatory signaling pathways. Additionally, we compile the existing knowledge of the –SO2H reducing enzyme, sulfiredoxin, offering insights into its molecular mechanisms and biological relevance. We further summarize current proteomic techniques for detecting –SO2H and furnish a list of experimentally validated cysteine –SO2H sites across various species, discussing their functional consequences. This review aims to spark new insights and discussions that lead to further investigations into the functional significance of protein –SO2H‐based redox signaling in plants.
PHYTOCHROME A controls the DNA damage response and cell death tolerance within the Arabidopsis root meristem
Authors: Huerta‐Venegas Pedro Iván , Raya‐González Javier , Ruíz‐Herrera León Francisco , López‐Bucio José
Published: January 2024

The DNA damage response avoids mutations into dividing cells. Here, we analysed the role of photoreceptors on the restriction of root growth imposed by genotoxic agents and its relationship with cell viability and performance of meristems. Comparison of root growth of Arabidopsis WT, phyA‐211, phyB‐9, and phyA‐211phyB‐9 double mutants unveiled a critical role for phytochrome A (PhyA) in protecting roots from genotoxic stress, regeneration and cell replenishment in the meristematic zone. PhyA was located on primary root tips, where it influences genes related to the repair of DNA, including ERF115 and RAD51. Interestingly, phyA‐211 mutants treated with zeocin failed to induce the expression of the repressor of cell cycle MYB3R3, which correlated with expression of the mitotic cyclin CycB1, suggesting that PhyA is required for safeguarding the DNA integrity during cell division. Moreover, the growth of the primary roots of PhyA downstream component HY5 and root growth analyses in darkness suggest that cell viability and DNA damage responses within root meristems may act independently from light and photomorphogenesis. These data support novel roles for PhyA as a key player for stem cell niche maintenance and DNA damage responses, which are critical for proper root growth.
Diagnostics of Fusarium wilt in banana: Current status and challenges
Authors: Roberts Janet M. , Carvalhais Lilia C. , O'Dwyer Cecilia , Rincón‐Flórez Vivian A. , Drenth Andre
Published: January 2024

Global banana production is under threat from the rapidly spreading pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) tropical race 4 (TR4), which is pathogenic to Cavendish and many other varieties. Due to the absence of effective control methods and the lack of other market‐acceptable resistant cultivars, early diagnostics, containment and quarantine measures are important to limit further spread and impact of this pathogen. Early detection and identification of the pathogen require reliable diagnostic assays. The reliability of a molecular diagnostic assay is directly linked to the rigour applied at validating the assay according to predetermined standards. For specific detection of a target pathogen using molecular diagnostics, a well‐resolved taxonomy of the target and related species based on their evolutionary relationships is also required. The advent of sequence‐based phylogenetic analysis has given rise to new insights regarding the taxonomic classification of Foc and provided proof for the polyphyletic origin of Foc races, complicating early and reliable detection of the pathogen. Although numerous diagnostic methods for Foc have been developed, choosing a rigorously validated and fit‐for‐purpose method for adoption is currently challenging as advantages and drawbacks for each assay are not always obvious or put into context with prior methodologies. This review compiles and critically dissects published methods that are reported to detect Foc to date and highlights their benefits and constraints to provide a valuable reference for diagnosticians, researchers and policy makers worldwide.
The relationship between metacognitive processes and cognitive performances in older adults with no significant impairment: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kurnaz Samet , Durmaz Onur
Published: January 2024

Background

Metacognitive dysfunctions have been implicated in several neuropsychiatric conditions, while cognitive performances have been evaluated by measuring cognitive domains in older adults. This study investigated a relationship between metacognitive processes and cognitive performances in older adults.

Methods

A sociodemographic form, the Standardised Mini‐Mental State Examination (SMMSE) and the Metacognitions Questionnaire‐30 (MCQ‐30) were applied to participants aged >65 years who had no significant cognitive decline defined as normal or with mild cognitive impairment.

Results

‘Negative beliefs about worry’ and ‘need to control thoughts’ domains of MCQ‐30 were related to cognitive performance measured with SMMSE. Increased negative beliefs about worry were a predicting factor for total cognitive performance as a means of contributing to cognitive impairment, whereas an increased need to control thoughts was related to having a less likely cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

Metacognitive dysfunctional processes, in particular about worry, might contribute to determining more decent outcomes for cognitive conditions in older adults with no significant cognitive dysfunction.