bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Country need in the allocation of foreign assistance
Authors: Grover Jake
Published: June 2024

Motivation

Donors allocate huge sums for assistance intended for poverty reduction to countries that arguably do not need it. For example, the United States spends more in Jordan—with no extreme poverty—than it does in the six countries with the highest poverty rates in the world combined, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia. Prior studies have suggested that if global aid were allocated according to need, it could roughly double its impact on poverty reduction.

Purpose

Country need can be broken down into the magnitude of the development challenge and the domestic resources available. This study examines these two components of development need to determine which countries have the greatest need for foreign assistance.

Approach and methods

I produce a set of data‐driven observations documenting the magnitude of the challenge and the resources available. I first explore which countries have the highest rates of absolute and multidimensional poverty. I then examine which countries have the ability to redistribute by comparing their poverty gaps with the potential domestic resources available. This produces the marginal tax rate (MTR) required for a country to finance its own poverty eradication.

Findings

There is a clear trend in the magnitude of the challenge: low‐income countries (LICs) have the highest poverty rates by far; lower middle‐income countries (LMICs) are more mixed; and upper middle‐income countries (UMICs) have comparatively little extreme poverty, except in a small handful of countries. The implied MTRs required to close a country's extreme poverty gap are excessively high for LICs and most LMICs but easily manageable for most UMICs. This strongly suggests that both the magnitude of the challenge is much greater and the resources available much lower in LICs and LMICs.

Policy implications

The policy implication is that LICs and LMICs should be strongly favoured in terms of aid allocation. The two different components of country need point in the same direction and both suggest a strong focus on allocating assistance towards the poorest countries.
The effect of economic uncertainty on remittance flows from developed countries
Authors: Gnangnon Sèna Kimm
Published: June 2024

This article investigates the effect of economic uncertainty on remittances sent by migrants residing in developed countries to their home countries. The analysis builds on the economic uncertainty index developed by Ahir et al. that reflects the uncertainty related to economic and political events, regarding both near‐term and long‐term concerns. Economic uncertainty has deleterious effects on remittance outflows from developed countries, especially when uncertainty reaches high levels. Developing countries would therefore suffer from reduced remittance inflows if the current fragmentation of the world were to become protracted, resulting in higher barriers to the movement of capital and people.
Ralph Hawtrey: A forgotten pioneer of macroeconomics
Authors: Glasner David
Published: June 2024

This article considers the contributions of Ralph Hawtrey to monetary theory and macroeconomics, focusing on his monetary business cycle theory and his monetary explanation of the Great Depression. Unlike Milton Friedman's US‐centred explanation of the Great Depression, Hawtrey's was focused on the international gold standard that collapsed with the outset of World War I and the attempt to restore it. Hawtrey urged that, after restoration of the gold standard, increased monetary demand for gold be restrained to prevent gold appreciation and deflation. But deliberate French gold accumulation in 1928 and interest‐rate increases by the Federal Reserve, led to the ruinous deflation foreseen by Hawtrey. The article then critically evaluates recent discussions of Hawtrey's contributions in books by Hetzel (2023) and Mattei (2022).
D‐Limonene reduces depression‐like behaviour and enhances learning and memory through an anti‐neuroinflammatory mechanism in male rats subjected to chronic restraint stress
Authors: Alkanat Mehmet , Alkanat Hafize Özdemir
Published: June 2024

D‐limonene is a widely used flavouring additive in foods, beverages and fragrances due to its pleasant lemon‐like odour. This study aimed to investigate the effects of D‐limonene on the central nervous system when subjected to chronic restraint stress in rats for 21 days. Forty rats were randomly divided into five groups: i) control, ii) D‐limonene, iii) restraint stress, iv) restraint stress+D‐limonene and v) restraint stress+fluoxetine. Following the induction of restraint stress, the sucrose preference test, the open field test, the novel object recognition test and the forced swimming test were performed. The levels of BDNF, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and caspase‐1 were measured from hippocampal tissue using the ELISA method. Sucrose preference test results showed an increase in consumption rate in the stress+D‐limonene and a decrease in the stress group. The stress+D‐limonene group reversed the increased defensive behaviour observed in the open‐field test compared to the stress group. In the novel object recognition test, the discrimination index of the stress+D‐limonene group increased compared to the stress group. BDNF levels increased in the stress+limonene group compared to the stress group. In contrast, IL‐1β and caspase‐1 levels increased in the stress group compared to the control and decreased in the stress+limonene group compared to the stress group. In this study, D‐limonene has been found to have antidepressant‐like properties, reducing anhedonic and defensive behaviours and the impairing effects of stress on learning and memory tests. It was observed that D‐limonene showed these effects by alleviating neuroinflammation induced by chronic restraint stress in rats.
Extreme wildfires in Canada and their contribution to global loss in tree cover and carbon emissions in 2023
Authors: MacCarthy James , Tyukavina Alexandra , Weisse Mikaela J , Harris Nancy , Glen Erin
Published: June 2024

Canadian wildfires in 2023 were record breaking with wide‐reaching impacts on people, nature, and climate. Extreme heat and low rainfall associated with climate change led to unprecedented forest fires that released enormous amounts of carbon as they burned. This study used data on fire‐driven tree cover loss and forest carbon fluxes to estimate the total extent of stand‐replacing forest fires and their associated carbon emissions. We found that the 2023 Canadian wildfires burned nearly 7.8 million hectares of forest and accounted for more than a quarter of all tree cover loss globally. Furthermore, forests impacted by wildfires emitted nearly 3 billion tons of CO2 or about 25% more carbon than all primary tropical tree cover loss that year. These results have important implications for global carbon budgets because emissions from these wildfires will largely be excluded from official greenhouse gas reporting.
Proximal microclimate: Moving beyond spatiotemporal resolution improves ecological predictions
Authors: Klinges David H. , Baecher J. Alex , Lembrechts Jonas J. , Maclean Ilya M. D. , Lenoir Jonathan , Greiser Caroline , Ashcroft Michael , Evans Luke J. , Kearney Michael R. , Aalto Juha , Barrio Isabel C. , De Frenne Pieter , Guillemot Joannès , Hylander Kristoffer , Jucker Tommaso , Kopecký Martin , Luoto Miska , Macek Martin , Nijs Ivan , Urban Josef , van den Brink Liesbeth , Vangansbeke Pieter , Von Oppen Jonathan , Wild Jan , Boike Julia , Canessa Rafaella , Nosetto Marcelo , Rubtsov Alexey , Sallo‐Bravo Jhonatan , Scheffers Brett R.
Published: June 2024

Aim

The scale of environmental data is often defined by their extent (spatial area, temporal duration) and resolution (grain size, temporal interval). Although describing climate data scale via these terms is appropriate for most meteorological applications, for ecology and biogeography, climate data of the same spatiotemporal resolution and extent may differ in their relevance to an organism. Here, we propose that climate proximity, or how well climate data represent the actual conditions that an organism is exposed to, is more important for ecological realism than the spatiotemporal resolution of the climate data.

Location

Temperature comparison in nine countries across four continents; ecological case studies in Alberta (Canada), Sabah (Malaysia) and North Carolina/Tennessee (USA).

Time Period

1960–2018.

Major Taxa Studied

Case studies with flies, mosquitoes and salamanders, but concepts relevant to all life on earth.

Methods

We compare the accuracy of two macroclimate data sources (ERA5 and WorldClim) and a novel microclimate model (microclimf) in predicting soil temperatures. We then use ERA5, WorldClim and microclimf to drive ecological models in three case studies: temporal (fly phenology), spatial (mosquito thermal suitability) and spatiotemporal (salamander range shifts) ecological responses.

Results

For predicting soil temperatures, microclimf had 24.9% and 16.4% lower absolute bias than ERA5 and WorldClim respectively. Across the case studies, we find that increasing proximity (from macroclimate to microclimate) yields a 247% improvement in performance of ecological models on average, compared to 18% and 9% improvements from increasing spatial resolution 20‐fold, and temporal resolution 30‐fold respectively.

Main Conclusions

We propose that increasing climate proximity, even if at the sacrifice of finer climate spatiotemporal resolution, may improve ecological predictions. We emphasize biophysically informed approaches, rather than generic formulations, when quantifying ecoclimatic relationships. Redefining the scale of climate through the lens of the organism itself helps reveal mechanisms underlying how climate shapes ecological systems.
An Imputation Method for Simulating 3D Well Screen Locations from Limited Regional Well Log Data
Authors: Kourakos Georgios , Pauloo Rich , Harter Thomas
Published: June 2024

In groundwater modeling studies, accurate spatial and intensity identification of water sources and sinks is of critical importance. Precise construction data about wells (water sinks) are particularly difficult to obtain. The collection of well log data is expensive and laborious, and government records of historic well log data are often imprecise and incomplete with respect to the precise location or pumping rate. In many groundwater modeling studies, such as groundwater quality assessments, a precise representation of the horizontal and vertical distribution of well screens is required to accurately estimate contaminant breakthrough curves. The number of wells under consideration may be very large, for example, in the assessment of nonpoint source pollution. In this paper, we propose an imputation framework that allows for proper reconstruction of missing well data. Our approach exploits available information and tolerates data gaps and imprecisions. We demonstrate the value of this method for a subregion of the Central Valley aquifer (California, USA). We show that our framework imputes missing values that preserve statistical properties of available data and that remain consistent with the known spatial distribution of well screens and pumping rates in the three‐dimensional aquifer system.
Heavy metal and trace element alterations in patients during a migraine attack
Authors: Vural Sevilay , Türksoy Vugar Ali , Uzun Akgeyik Aytül , Kuşdoğan Mikail
Published: June 2024

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the heavy metal and trace element (HMTE) profile in patients with migraine (PwM) and to compare it to that of healthy individuals without migraine.

Background

Migraine is a universal disease that affects more than 10% of the world's population; however, its pathophysiology is still obscure.

Methods

A total of 100 participants were included in this prospective matched case–control study (50 PwM during acute attack and 50 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls). The study was conducted in the university hospital in Yozgat, Turkey, where the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry system was used to measure the HMTE profile. The calibration curve was created with 11 points for heavy metals (arsenic [As], cadmium [Cd], cobalt [Co], lead [Pb], mercury [Hg], nickel [Ni], and tin [Sn]) and trace elements (antimony [Sb], chromium [Cr], copper [Cu], iron [Fe], magnesium [Mg], manganese [Mn], molybdenum [Mo], and zinc [Zn]).

Results

The median age was 27 (23–37) years, and the female/male ratio was 37/13 for both groups. The PwM group had significantly higher As, Co, Pb, and Ni levels among the heavy metals (p = 0.033, 0.017, 0.022, and 0.021, respectively). Also, PwM had significantly lower Cr, Mg, and Zn levels among the trace elements (p = 0.007, 0.024, and < 0.001, respectively). The only trace element that was elevated in the PwM group was Mn (p = 0.001). The PwM and control groups did not differ in terms of Cd, Sn, Sb, Cu, Fe, and Mo (p = 0.165, 0.997, 0.195, 0.408, 0.440, and 0.252, respectively).

Conclusion

Some HMTE parameters are altered in PwM, which may provide additional insight into understanding migraine etiology.
Chronic inflammation in benign prostatic hyperplasia: Pathophysiology and treatment options
Authors: Inamura So , Terada Naoki
Published: June 2024

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, a prevalent condition in aging men, is characterized by the proliferation of prostatic epithelial and stromal cells, which leads to bladder outlet obstruction and the exacerbation of lower urinary tract symptoms. There is increasing evidence that chronic prostatic inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia. This review explores the complex relationship between chronic inflammation and benign prostatic hyperplasia, focusing on the underlying mechanisms, clinical implications, and current therapeutic approaches. The pathophysiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia is multifaceted, involving factors such as hormonal changes, hypoxia, urine reflux into prostatic ducts and stroma, autoimmune responses, and infection‐induced inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines, particularly interleukin‐17 and interleukin‐8, may play key roles in tissue remodeling and smooth muscle contraction within the prostate, thereby influencing benign prostatic hyperplasia progression. Current therapies for benign prostatic hyperplasia include α1‐blockers, phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, 5α‐reductase inhibitors, and plant‐based treatments (e.g., pollen extract). These therapies aim to alleviate symptoms by reducing prostatic inflammation, improving blood flow, and inhibiting hormonal pathways involved in prostatic enlargement. However, patients with chronic prostatic inflammation often experience more severe lower urinary tract symptoms and may be resistant to conventional treatments. This resistance has prompted the exploration of alternative therapies targeting inflammation. Chronic prostatic inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis and severity of benign prostatic hyperplasia. An understanding of its mechanisms will enable the development of more effective treatments to improve the quality of life among patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
The permanent flood risk of culverts and the impact of increasing debris blockage
Authors: Fallowfield Luke , Motta Davide
Published: June 2024

Hydraulic modelling of culverts relating to the flood risk posed by debris in watercourses has previously only assessed the impact of fixed culvert blockage levels, without analysing the change in flooding as blockage levels increase. With increasing flow rates in rivers during flood events, there is concern that existing culverts may be undersized and therefore already posing a substantial flood risk regardless of them becoming blocked by debris. In this article, two‐dimensional (2D) flood modelling is used to produce flood maps detailing the change in flood area and property flooding as culverts become increasingly blocked at several sites in the Northwest of England. The results show a clear distinction between sites where the accumulation of blockage is the key contributing factor towards local flood risk, and sites where the presence of the culvert itself is the predominant flood risk factor. The blockage induced flood risk metric is introduced to characterise the contribution of culvert blockage to the overall flood risk.
Prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in intestinal failure syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shah Ayesha , Fairlie Thomas , Morrison Mark , Martin Neal , Hammer Karin , Hammer Johann , Koloski Natasha , Rezaie Ali , Pimentel Mark , Kashyap Purna , Jones Michael P , Holtmann Gerald
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim

Patients with intestinal failure (IF) have abnormal intestinal anatomy, secretion, and dysmotility, which impairs intestinal homeostatic mechanisms and may lead to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the prevalence of SIBO in patients with IF and to identify risk factors for SIBO.

Methods

MEDLINE (PubMed) and Embase electronic databases were searched from inception to December 2023 for studies that reported the prevalence of SIBO in IF. The prevalence rates, odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence intervals of SIBO in IF and the risk factors for SIBO in IF were calculated using random effects model.

Results

Final dataset included nine studies reporting on 407 patients with IF. The prevalence of SIBO in IF was 57.5% (95% CI 44.6–69.4), with substantial heterogeneity in this analysis (I2 = 80.9, P = 0.0001). SIBO prevalence was sixfold higher in patients with IF who received parenteral nutrition (PN) compared with IF patients not on PN (OR = 6.0, 95% CI 3.0–11.9, P = 0.0001). Overall, the prevalence of SIBO in patients with IF using PPI/acid‐suppressing agents (72.0%, 95% CI 57.5–83.8) was numerically higher compared with IF patients not using these agents (47.6%, 95% CI 25.7–70.2).

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta‐analysis suggests that there is an increased risk of SIBO in patients with IF and that PN, and potentially, the use of PPI/acid‐suppressing agents is risk factors for SIBO development in patients with IF. However, the quality of evidence is low and can be attributed to lack of case–control studies and clinical heterogeneity seen in the studies.
Homocysteine in androgenetic alopecia: A case control study and observational experiments on mice
Authors: Zhang Yao , Sheng Youyu , Yang Qinping , Zeng Yibin
Published: June 2024

Objective

To investigate the relationship between homocysteine (HCY) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

Methods

A case control study and two observational experiments on mice were conducted. In the first part, a total of 528 Chinese AGA patients and 500 age‐matched healthy controls were included. Serum HCY levels of AGA and controls were compared. In the second part, eight mice were divided into two groups. Both groups of mice had their hair removed. AGA group received a DHT injection, and the other as control group. HCY levels in hair follicles (HFs) were detected by ELISA and compared. In the third part, twelve mice were divided into three groups and fed with different concentrations of methionine. After 4 weeks, serum HCY levels, parameters related to hair growth through observation and HE staining, and expression of immunohistochemistry (IHC) hair‐growth‐related markers Ki67, VEGF, IGF‐1, Krt27, FGF9, and TGF‐β1 were compared among the three groups.

Results

In the first part, HCY levels were higher in AGA than the controls of both genders. However, there was no difference in HCY levels between groups with varying severity. Rates of hyperhomocysteinemia was higher in AGA patients than the controls. Logistic regression analysis showed serum HCY levels was positively correlated with the incidence of AGA. In the second part, HCY of the HFs in the AGA group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The third part showed that the increase in serum HCY levels inhibited the growth of mice hair, with the less expressed stimulative markers Ki67, VEGF, IGF‐1, Krt27, and FGF9, while there was no difference in the expression of inhibitory markers TGF‐β1.

Conclusion

There is a potential relationship between HCY and AGA. HCY had an inhibitory effect on hair growth. Further studies are necessary to explore the specific mechanism.
In vivo evaluation of T‐Scan in quantifying occlusal contact
Authors: Wang Qing , Zhao Zhe , Li Jiale , Zhao Ruifeng , Zhou Ming , Tang Kai , Bai Shizhu , Ma Chufan , Wang Fu
Published: June 2024

Background

The T‐scan system has been used previously to analyse occlusion, but the quantitative analysis of occlusal contact by T‐Scan system has yet to be reported.

Objectives

To evaluate the reliability and validity of T‐Scan system for quantitatively measuring occlusal contact area and occlusal contact number.

Methods

Twenty‐two individuals with normal occlusion, 11 men and 11 women, were recruited for the study. Two occlusal analysis methods, including silicone transmission analysis method (STA) and T‐Scan occlusion analysis method (TSO), were used to make quantitative analysis to measure occlusal contact area (OCA) and occlusal contact number (OCN). A test–retest check was performed with an interval of 2 weeks. The values of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) between test‐retest of each method were calculated for reliability evaluation. Pearson correlations analysis, paired t‐tests, regression analysis and Bland–Altman analysis were performed for validity evaluation.

Results

The ICC values of STA were greater than those of TSO for OCA while for OCN, ICC values of TSO were greater than STA. The higher OCA and OCN values were found in TSO compared with STA. Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated strong relations between TSO and STA (0.730–0.812) for OCA, while good relations between then (0.569–0.583) for OCN. Paired t‐test showed a significant difference between the OCA and OCN values between TSO and STA. Bland–Altman analysis showed good agreement between OCA and OCN values of TSO and STA both in men and women. Regression analysis identified a linear correlation between OCA values obtained from these two methods.

Conclusions

T‐Scan method showed strong reliability for measuring OCA and OCN quantitatively. Strong correlations were found between OCA values from TSO and STA method, but the validity of TSO for measuring OCN needs to be promoted.

Clinical Significance

T‐Scan system demonstrates good potential in quantitative analysis of occlusion, which will expand its clinical application.
Clinical features, treatment, and outcome of juvenile dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology
Authors: Galer Jack , Forward Alexander K. , Hughes Jonathan , Crawford Abbe Harper , Behr Sebastien , Cherubini Giunio Bruto , Cornelis Ine , Royaux Emilie
Published: June 2024

Background

The information relating to the outcome specifically for juvenile dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology (MUE) is lacking.

Objectives

To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment, and outcome in a cohort of dogs with MUE <52 weeks old.

Animals

Thirty‐four client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective case series. Records from 5 referral centers were searched. Data was extracted from the medical records and referring veterinarians were contacted for survival data if this was not available from the record.

Results

The mean age was 31 weeks; the youngest dog was 11 weeks and 3 dogs were <16 weeks old. Altered mentation (71%), ataxia (44%), seizures (29%), and circling (26%) were the most common presenting complaints. Neuroanatomical localization was to the forebrain (38%), multifocal (35%), brainstem (18%), and cerebellum (12%). Corticosteroid monotherapy (n = 15) and corticosteroid plus cytosine arabinoside (n = 15) were used in equal proportions. Outcome data was available for 26 dogs, 8 (31%) were alive at the time of data collection with a follow‐up range of 135 to 2944 days. Death or euthanasia was related to MUE in 17/18 dogs that died during the study period. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis demonstrated a median survival time for all‐cause death of 84 days.

Conclusion

The prognosis for MUE in this subset of dogs was considered poor.
Income distribution, normal utilisation, and (re)switching of growth regimes
Authors: Huang Biao , Zhao Xiaokai
Published: June 2024

An important feature of the neo‐Kaleckian growth theory is that it distinguishes different growth (and demand) regimes: a profit‐led regime and a wage‐led regime. Both empirical and theoretical research have shown that growth (demand) regimes are not stable. In this study, we show that a change in income distribution can affect the normal capital capacity ratio, which can further cause a (re)switching in growth (and demand) regimes.
Factors influencing outcomes in candidemia: A retrospective study of patients in a Swedish county
Authors: Klingspor Hanna Thorold , Hällgren Anita
Published: June 2024

Background

Candidemia is a diverse condition and associated with a broad spectrum of clinical presentation. As mortality is high, timely diagnosis of candidemia and start of correct therapeutic treatment are essential.

Objectives

To investigate characteristics and factors influencing outcomes for patients with candidemia in a Swedish setting.

Method

All positive blood cultures for any Candida species in Östergötland County from 2012 to 2016 were screened. Medical records of patients fulfilling all inclusion criteria and no exclusion criteria were retrospectively reviewed to obtain data on risk factors, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and at what wards candidemia was diagnosed. Univariate logistic regression and multivariable regression analysis were used to obtain odds ratio to determine risk factors for 30‐day all‐cause mortality associated with candidemia. A p‐value <.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Of all analysed risk factors, increasing age, renal failure with haemodialysis, immunosuppressant treatment, and severity of the infection (i.e. if septic shock was present) were significantly associated with 30‐day mortality in univariate analysis (p < .05). Removal of a central venous catheter or an infectious diseases consultant was associated with a significantly lower odds ratio for death at 30 days (p < .05). With multivariable analysis, age, time to start of treatment and infectious disease consultant remained significant (p < .05).

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides an update of the epidemiology and outcomes of candidemia in a Swedish setting, highlighting that patients with candidemia are present at various departments and indicates the importance of an infectious disease consultant when candidemia is present.
Yemen can't wait: A case study and insider's account of a unique success by the US peace movement to help end a calamitous war
Authors: Martin Kevin
Published: June 2024

Peace, disarmament, and anti‐war advocacy in the United States has a long and proud history, while facing longstanding challenges to its effectiveness given the overwhelming militaristic and undemocratic issues facing the country. A growing trend toward intersectionality is necessary and welcome, but not yet bearing much fruit in terms of progress toward de‐militarizing US foreign (and domestic) policy. However, peace forces within the United States are continuously at work despite the national government's foreign policy priorities. This article will provide a snapshot of the peace movement, its priorities, actions, and prospects for the future in addressing the perplexing and difficult path to peace in the war in Yemen.
Artificial intelligence and personalized diagnostics in periodontology: A narrative review
Authors: Pitchika Vinay , Büttner Martha , Schwendicke Falk
Published: June 2024

Periodontal diseases pose a significant global health burden, requiring early detection and personalized treatment approaches. Traditional diagnostic approaches in periodontology often rely on a “one size fits all” approach, which may overlook the unique variations in disease progression and response to treatment among individuals. This narrative review explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and personalized diagnostics in periodontology, emphasizing the potential for tailored diagnostic strategies to enhance precision medicine in periodontal care. The review begins by elucidating the limitations of conventional diagnostic techniques. Subsequently, it delves into the application of AI models in analyzing diverse data sets, such as clinical records, imaging, and molecular information, and its role in periodontal training. Furthermore, the review also discusses the role of research community and policymakers in integrating personalized diagnostics in periodontal care. Challenges and ethical considerations associated with adopting AI‐based personalized diagnostic tools are also explored, emphasizing the need for transparent algorithms, data safety and privacy, ongoing multidisciplinary collaboration, and patient involvement. In conclusion, this narrative review underscores the transformative potential of AI in advancing periodontal diagnostics toward a personalized paradigm, and their integration into clinical practice holds the promise of ushering in a new era of precision medicine for periodontal care.
Deer exclusion is necessary to promote post‐fire herbaceous regeneration in the understorey of a Mediterranean forest
Authors: Cera Andreu , Bugalho Miguel N. , Catry Filipe X.
Published: June 2024

The frequency of severe wildfires is on the rise in the Mediterranean Basin as a result of climate change and land abandonment. Recurrent wildfires may retard or impede ecosystem recovery, frequently requiring the implementation of restoration practices. In that context, a post‐fire deer exclusion experiment was conducted in a Mediterranean mixed forest ecosystem with high population densities of deer species (Fallow deer and Red deer). A deer exclusion area was established as a form of restoration intervention to promote post‐fire vegetation recovery. We surveyed plant species during the second and third springs after fire in both deer‐excluded and deer‐allowed areas in order to detect changes in the community. We analyzed the plant species composition, species diversity, and structure of herbaceous and woody plant communities. We also compared the frequency of annual and perennial herb species, functional groups, and post‐fire plant regeneration strategies. The main differences were due to differences between springs rather than of deer‐excluded and deer‐allowed plots. Deer consumed both woody and herbaceous species, favoring the assemblage of herbaceous over woody species. Deer favored the establishment of annual forbs, including unpalatable and/or exotic species, while limiting the abundance of graminoids. Observed deer impacts could have been magnified during the second spring by a drought. Our study demonstrates that deer exclusion can be an effective restoration practice for promoting post‐fire herbaceous regeneration in forests with significant densities of wild ungulates, although seasonal effects may override restoration practice effects.
The Effect of Using Anchored Wake Time to Derive 24‐h Device Measured Circadian Physical Behavior Patterns
Authors: Granat Malcolm H. , Ahmadi Matthew N. , Stamatakis Emmanuel , Hamer Mark
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Tailoring physical activity interventions to individual chronotypes and preferences by time of day could promote more effective and sustainable behavior change; however, our understanding of circadian physical behavior patterns is very limited.

Objective

To characterize and compare 24‐h physical behavior patterns expressed relative to clock time (the standard measurement of time‐based on a 24‐h day) versus wake‐up time in a large British cohort age 46.

Methods

Data were analyzed from 4979 participants in the age 46 sweep of the 1970 British Cohort Study who had valid activPAL accelerometer data across ≥4 days. Average steps and upright time (time standing plus time stepping) per 30‐min interval were determined for weekdays and weekends, both in clock time and synchronized to individual wake‐up times.

Results

The mean weekday steps were 9588, and the mean weekend steps were 9354. The mean weekday upright time was 6.6 h, and the mean weekend upright time was 6.4 h. When synchronized to wake‐up time, steps peaked 1 h after waking on weekdays and 2.5 h after waking on weekends. Upright time peaked immediately, in the first 30‐min window, after waking on both weekdays and weekends.

Conclusions

Aligning accelerometer data to wake‐up times revealed distinct peaks in stepping and upright times shortly after waking. Activity built up more gradually across clock time in the mornings, especially on weekends. Synchronizing against wake‐up times highlighted the importance of circadian rhythms and personal schedules in understanding population 24‐h physical behavior patterns, and this may have important implications for promoting more effective and sustainable behavior change.
Substitution of mineral N fertilizers with organic wastes in two long‐term field experiments: Dynamics and drivers of crop yields
Authors: Chen Haotian , Levavasseur Florent , Houot Sabine
Published: June 2024

Organic wastes (OW) are rich in nutrients, and their recycling into agriculture can substitute chemical fertilizers. The level of substitution (partial with mineral fertilizer or exclusive with only OW), along with the method, amount, and timing of OW application, as well as the crop type, can impact crop productivity. The temporal dynamics of crop productivity after repeated applications of OW remain uncertain. Thus, two French long‐term field experiments (QualiAgro and PROspective, started in 1998 and 2000, respectively) were used to evaluate the effect of repeated OW applications on crop yield dynamics and investigate the potential driving factors affecting crop yields. Six different OW were applied: urban sewage sludge (SLU), green waste and SLU compost (GWS), biowaste compost (BIO), municipal solid waste compost (MSW), farmyard manure (FYM), and composted FYM (FYMC). The OW were applied every 2 years in QualiAgro (~4 t C ha−1) and PROspective (~1.7 t C ha−1). QualiAgro was studied under high and low mineral N conditions, while PROspective was examined with and without mineral N fertilization. The results indicated that at the QualiAgro site, a combination of OW and high mineral N treatments resulted in higher maize and wheat yields compared to the mineral N control, while the combination of OW and low mineral N reached the same maize and wheat yield as the mineral N control after 3 and 6 applications of OW, respectively. At the PROspective site, partially substituting mineral fertilizer with OW maintained maize yields but decreased wheat yields, while full substitution led to a decrease in both maize and wheat yields compared to the mineral N control. Results from the gradient boosting model (GBM) showed that soil total N rather than mineral N input was the primary driver of the relative maize yield, while mineral N fertilizer input was more critical for wheat during the second year. We conclude that the joined use of OW and mineral fertilizers is superior to using OW or mineral fertilizer alone for maintaining high yields and soil fertility. We further suggest that OW full substitution of mineral fertilizer may need to apply OW more frequently to meet the crop demands, and/or to use OW with higher N availability like digestates.
Genomic full‐length sequence of the HLA‐B*40:86 allele identified in a Chinese individual
Authors: Gao Su‐Qing , Xia Wen‐Xia , Yang Fan , Zhang Hao , Xu Yun‐Ping
Published: June 2024

HLA‐B*40:86 differs from B*40:06:01:03 by a single nucleotide exchange in exon 3.
Government‐industrial‐research cooperation in virtual water strategy: A multi‐agent evolutionary game analysis
Authors: Zhi Yuan , Li Caiju , Liang Longyue , Hamilton Paul B. , Sun Yuanyuan , Xiong Debin
Published: June 2024

The virtual water strategy (VWS) is an effective tool to balance regional water resource endowments and guarantee water supply security. However, because of self‐interested games around VWS (human decision bias), there is a need for methods to maintain reliable cooperation between governments, virtual water (VW) enterprises and research institutions. This study builds a multi‐agent evolutionary game model to analyse the relationship of players and their impacts on VWS through changing decision mechanisms and the paths to enhance their confidence in cooperation. Considering differences in initial willingness to cooperate and changing factors affecting payoffs, an evolutionary game can produce changing stable equilibriums or stable cooperations, even if some players are reluctant to cooperate. Therefore, to promote the development of VWS, a multistep support mechanism can be built for the VW industry, which fosters model enterprises and optimizes the cooperation framework to stimulate research innovations at scientific institutions.
Pensar la historia: notas para un debate epistemológico
Authors: Moreno Trujillo Eduard Esteban
Published: June 2024

Este libro es un ensayo expositivo y crítico que presenta las voces que han reflexionado sobre eso que llamamos historia. Está dirigido a aquellos que quieren estudiar la historia desde una epistemología crítica, que implica reconocer los límites que marcan al pasado como un objeto de saber. Como artefacto didáctico, el libro muestra un diálogo múltiple entre los autores, los estudiantes y las propias inquietudes de quien escribe: es una apuesta por reconocernos entre la multiplicidad de máscaras teóricas que nos preceden, para construir una cierta identidad epistémica en eso que es nuestro quehacer como historiadores. Al final, pensar la historia es un juego de reconocimientos y mascaradas. En términos teóricos, el libro aporta una mirada sintética sobre un conjunto de debates que difícilmente tendríamos en un mismo lugar, en ese mar epistémico en el que navegamos los historiadores y científicos sociales en general. En definitiva, puede que, como en La obra maestra desconocida de Balzac, estemos presentando al mundo un monstruo epistemológico que creemos bello.
La mujer y el arte en Colombia: su irrupción en los espacios de formación
Authors: García Galvis Carlos Alberto
Published: June 2024

La disciplina histórica y, en particular, la historia del arte colombiano, han prestado una escasa atención a la mujer y a su relación con el campo artístico. Este libro reinvindica a las artistas, entre 1841 y 1910, un actor social que ha sido invisibilizado por el relato canónico de la historiografía del arte en Colombia, el cual ha determinado la idea que tenemos sobre el arte, sus procesos, los artistas, los estilos y las corrientes, entre otros. Este texto explora la manera cómo la mujer accedió a los espacios de formación y exposición y el papel que la historiografía del arte le otorgó a este suceso. Desde un enfoque metodológico y teórico que entiende al género como una herramienta para el análisis histórico, se plantea que las mujeres en Colombia accedieron a un sinnúmero de técnicas y temáticas que fueron propias del ejercicio artístico, con lo que desafiaron las concepciones canónicas que las ponían en un segundo plano como entes pasivos, encasillados en ciertas temáticas, como la religiosa, o en las denominadas artes menores. La exposición de sus obras, en ocasiones diferenciada con respecto de sus “pares” masculinos, lejos de establecerlas como actores segregados, fortaleció la existencia de una pequeña comunidad de artistas que, con su accionar, demandó un equilibrio en términos formativos y de su reconocimiento artístico.
Neuronal senescence may drive brain aging
Authors: Herdy Joseph R. , Mertens Jerome , Gage Fred H.
Published: June 2024

Senescence of postmitotic neurons presents challenges and opportunities to modify brain aging
Unlock the potential of vaccines in food-producing animals
Authors: Laxminarayan Ramanan , Gleason Alec , Sheen Justin , Saad-Roy Chadi M. , Metcalf C. Jessica , Palmer Guy H. , Fèvre Eric M.
Published: June 2024

Broader coverage can have economic, climate-related, animal welfare, and human health benefits
Visible light–mediated aza Paternò–Büchi reaction of acyclic oximes and alkenes to azetidines
Authors: Wearing Emily R. , Yeh Yu-Cheng , Terrones Gianmarco G. , Parikh Seren G. , Kevlishvili Ilia , Kulik Heather J. , Schindler Corinna S.
Published: June 2024

The aza Paternò–Büchi reaction is a [2+2]-cycloaddition reaction between imines and alkenes that produces azetidines, four-membered nitrogen-containing heterocycles. Currently, successful examples rely primarily on either intramolecular variants or cyclic imine equivalents. To unlock the full synthetic potential of aza Paternò–Büchi reactions, it is essential to extend the reaction to acyclic imine equivalents. Here, we report that matching of the frontier molecular orbital energies of alkenes with those of acyclic oximes enables visible light–mediated aza Paternò–Büchi reactions through triplet energy transfer catalysis. The utility of this reaction is further showcased in the synthesis of
epi-
penaresidin B. Density functional theory computations reveal that a competition between the desired [2+2]-cycloaddition and alkene dimerization determines the success of the reaction. Frontier orbital energy matching between the reactive components lowers transition-state energy (Δ
G
ǂ
) values and ultimately promotes reactivity.
Mef2d potentiates type-2 immune responses and allergic lung inflammation
Authors: Szeto Aydan C. H. , Clark Paula A. , Ferreira Ana C. F. , Heycock Morgan , Griffiths Emma L. , Jou Eric , Mannion Jonathan , Luan Shi-Lu , Storrar Sophie , Knolle Martin D. , Kozik Patrycja , Jolin Helen E. , Fallon Padraic G. , McKenzie Andrew N. J.
Published: June 2024

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and adaptive T lymphocytes promote tissue homeostasis and protective immune responses. Their production depends on the transcription factor GATA3, which is further elevated specifically in ILC2s and T helper 2 cells to drive type-2 immunity during tissue repair, allergic disorders, and anti-helminth immunity. The control of this crucial up-regulation is poorly understood. Using CRISPR screens in ILCs we identified previously unappreciated myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2d (Mef2d)-mediated regulation of GATA3-dependent type-2 lymphocyte differentiation. Mef2d-deletion from ILC2s and/or T cells specifically protected against an allergen lung challenge. Mef2d repressed Regnase-1 endonuclease expression to enhance IL-33 receptor production and IL-33 signaling and acted downstream of calcium-mediated signaling to translocate NFAT1 to the nucleus to promote type-2 cytokine-mediated immunity.
The transitory origins of rivers
Authors: Harvey Judson W. , Kampf Stephanie K.
Published: June 2024

Streams that only flow occasionally are major contributors to river flow
In Science Journals
Authors: Ray L. Bryan , Grocholski Brent , Funk Michael A. , Yeston Jake S. , Smith Keith T. , Aldenderfer Mark , Lavine Marc S. , Fogg Christiana , Lempriere Sarah A. , Kelly Priscilla N. , Jiang Di , Ross Sarah H. , Vignieri Sacha , Smith Jesse , Suleymanov Yury , Hallberg Dorothy , Foley John F. , Matsiko Amos , Yashinski Melisa
Published: June 2024

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
Type III interferon drives pathogenicity to
Staphylococcus aureus
via the airway epithelium
Authors: Pires Silvia , Kaiser Katherine , Parker Dane
Published: June 2024

Type III interferon signaling contributes to the pathogenesis of the important human pathogen
Staphylococcus aureus
in the airway. Little is known of the cellular factors important in this response. Using
Ifnl2
-green fluorescent protein reporter mice combined with flow cytometry and cellular depletion strategies, we demonstrate that the alveolar macrophage is the primary producer of interferon lambda (IFN-λ) in response to
S. aureus
in the airway. Bone marrow chimeras showed reduced bacterial burden in IFN-λ receptor (IFNLR1)-deficient recipient mice, indicative that non-hematopoietic cells were important for pathogenesis, in addition to significant reductions in pulmonary inflammation. These observations were confirmed through the use of an airway epithelial-specific IFNLR knockout mouse. Our data suggest that upon entry to the airway,
S. aureus
activates alveolar macrophages to produce type III IFN that is subsequently sensed by the airway epithelium. Future steps will determine how signaling from the epithelium then exerts its influence on bacterial clearance. These results highlight the important, yet sometimes detrimental, role of type III IFN signaling during infection and the impact the airway epithelium plays during host–pathogen interactions.

IMPORTANCE

The contribution of type III interferon signaling to the control of bacterial infections is largely unknown. We have previously demonstrated that it contributes to the pathogenesis of acute
Staphylococcus aureus
respiratory infection. In this report, we document the importance of two cell types that underpin this pathogenesis. We demonstrate that the alveolar macrophage is the cell that is responsible for the production of type III interferon and that this molecule is sensed by airway epithelial cells, which impacts both bacterial clearance and induction of inflammation. This work sheds light on the first two aspects of this important pathogenic cascade.
Unsaturated fatty acid perturbation combats emerging triazole antifungal resistance in the human fungal pathogen
Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Gutierrez-Perez Cecilia , Puerner Charles , Jones Jane T. , Vellanki Sandeep , Vesely Elisa M. , Xatse Mark A. , Viera Andre F. C. , Olsen Carissa P. , Attiku Keren O. , Cardinale Steven , Kwasny Steven M. , G-Dayanandan Narendran , Opperman Timothy J. , Cramer Robert A.
Published: June 2024

Contemporary antifungal therapies utilized to treat filamentous fungal infections are inhibited by intrinsic and emerging drug resistance. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop novel antifungal compounds that are effective against drug-resistant filamentous fungi. Here, we utilized an
Aspergillus fumigatus
cell-based high-throughput screen to identify small molecules with antifungal activity that also potentiated triazole activity. The screen identified 16 hits with promising activity against
A. fumigatus
. A nonspirocyclic piperidine, herein named MBX-7591, exhibited synergy with triazole antifungal drugs and activity against pan-azole-resistant
A. fumigatus
isolates. MBX-7591 has additional potent activity against
Rhizopus
species and CO
2
-dependent activity against
Cryptococcus neoformans
. Chemical, genetic, and biochemical mode of action analyses revealed that MBX-7591 increases cell membrane saturation by decreasing oleic acid content. MBX-7591 has low toxicity
in vivo
and shows good efficacy in decreasing fungal burden in a murine model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Taken together, our results suggest MBX-7591 is a promising hit with a novel mode of action for further antifungal drug development to combat the rising incidence of triazole-resistant filamentous fungal infections.

IMPORTANCE

The incidence of infections caused by fungi continues to increase with advances in medical therapies. Unfortunately, antifungal drug development has not kept pace with the incidence and importance of fungal infections, with only three major classes of antifungal drugs currently available for use in the clinic. Filamentous fungi, also called molds, are particularly recalcitrant to contemporary antifungal therapies. Here, a recently developed
Aspergillus fumigatus
cell reporter strain was utilized to conduct a high-throughput screen to identify small molecules with antifungal activity. An emphasis was placed on small molecules that potentiated the activity of contemporary triazole antifungals and led to the discovery of MBX-7591. MBX-7591 potentiates triazole activity against drug-resistant molds such as
A. fumigatus
and has activity against Mucorales fungi. MBX-7591’s mode of action involves inhibiting the conversion of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids, thereby impacting fungal membrane integrity. MBX-7591 is a novel small molecule with antifungal activity poised for lead development.