bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social threat processing in adults and children: Faster orienting to, but shorter dwell time on, angry faces during visual search
Authors: Plate Rista C. , Powell Tralucia , Bedford Rachael , Smith Tim J. , Bamezai Ankur , Wedderburn Quentin , Broussard Alexis , Soesanto Natasha , Swetlitz Caroline , Waller Rebecca , Wagner Nicholas J.
Published: December 2023

Attention to emotional signals conveyed by others is critical for gleaning information about potential social partners and the larger social context. Children appear to detect social threats (e.g., angry faces) faster than non‐threatening social signals (e.g., neutral faces). However, methods that rely on behavioral responses alone are limited in identifying different attentional processes involved in threat detection or responding. To address this question, we used a visual search paradigm to assess behavioral (i.e., reaction time to select a target image) and attentional (i.e., eye‐tracking fixations, saccadic shifts, and dwell time) responses in children (ages 7–10 years old, N = 42) and adults (ages 18–23 years old, N = 46). In doing so, we compared behavioral responding and attentional detection and engagement with threatening (i.e., angry and fearful faces) and non‐threatening (i.e., happy faces) social signals. Overall, children and adults were faster to detect social threats (i.e., angry faces), but spent a smaller proportion of time dwelling on them and had slower behavioral responses. Findings underscore the importance of combining different measures to parse differences between processing versus responding to social signals across development.

Research Highlights

Children and adults are slower to select angry faces when measured by time to mouse‐click but faster to detect angry faces when measured by time to first eye fixation.

The use of eye‐tracking addresses some limitations of prior visual search tasks with children that rely on behavioral responses alone.

Results suggest shorter time to first fixation, but subsequently, shorter duration of dwell on social threat in children and adults.
How to define climate justice
Authors: Søvik Atle Ottesen
Published: December 2023

The article argues that we need a concrete, simple, well‐justified, and global concept for climate justice, and then suggests such a concept. It starts with the abstract idea that nobody should use more than what provides others, both those living now and in the future, with the same opportunity to live on a sustainable planet. This idea is then made concrete by the use of the concept of a global hectare, which is further transformed into the currency of climate dollars in order to establish a clear understanding of what constitutes fair and sustainable behavior. The suggestion is defended against a long list of objections.
Indecent eco‐theology: A case for practice‐oriented eco‐theology
Authors: Birkler Margrethe Kamille
Published: December 2023

In this article, I propose that eco‐theology should become indecent. Eco‐theology has a lot to learn from Marcella Althaus‐Reid's indecent theology and its orientation towards practice and warning against formalizing and intellectualizing theology within the universities’ walls. This focus on how we act in the world and then thereafter on how we understand the world, ourselves, and God can be advantageous for eco‐theology as it tackles the very concrete reality of the climate crisis. In indecent theology, practice guides and corrects perception. After an introduction to Althaus‐Reid's indecent theology and its relevance to the mobilization of religious communities in the climate crisis, I exemplify perception‐oriented eco‐theology with Sallie McFague's eco‐theology and ask where a practice‐oriented indecent eco‐theology can find inspiration. I then offer a look into what an indecent eco‐theology might look like and mention eco‐friendly practices found in various religious communities.
Transporters involved in adult rat cortical astrocyte dopamine uptake: Kinetics, expression and pharmacological modulation
Authors: Sočan Vesna , Dolinar Klemen , Kržan Mojca
Published: December 2023

Astrocytes, glial cells in the central nervous system, perform a multitude of homeostatic functions and are in constant bidirectional communication with neuronal cells, a concept named the tripartite synapse; however, their role in the dopamine homeostasis remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to clarify the pharmacological and molecular characteristics of dopamine transport in cultured cortical astrocytes of adult rats. In addition, we were interested in the expression of mRNA of dopamine transporters as well as dopamine receptors D1 and D2 and in the effect of dopaminergic drugs on the expression of these transporters and receptors. We have found that astrocytes possess both Na+‐dependent and Na+‐independent transporters. Uptake of radiolabelled dopamine was time‐, temperature‐ and concentration‐dependent and was inhibited by decynium‐22, a plasma membrane monoamine transporter inhibitor, tricyclic antidepressants desipramine and nortriptyline, both inhibitors of the norepinephrine transporter. Results of transporter mRNA expression indicate that the main transporters involved in cortical astrocyte dopamine uptake are the norepinephrine transporter and plasma membrane monoamine transporter. Both dopamine receptor subtypes were identified in cortical astrocyte cultures. Twenty‐four‐hour treatment of astrocyte cultures with apomorphine, a D1/D2 agonist, induced upregulation of D1 receptor, norepinephrine transporter and plasma membrane monoamine transporter, whereas the latter was downregulated by haloperidol and L‐DOPA. Astrocytes take up dopamine by multiple transporters and express dopamine receptors, which are sensitive to dopaminergic drugs. The findings of this study could open a promising area of research for the fine‐tuning of existing therapeutic strategies.
To pool or not to pool data? Applying a generalized depletion model to assess American eel elver Anguilla rostrata fisheries from multiple rivers in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Lin Yu‐Jia , Jessop Brian M.
Published: December 2023

Spatial scales are important for examining health of exploited fishery stocks and guiding management actions. However, information about the optimal spatial scale is still unclear for assessment of transit fisheries, such as elver fisheries of the American eel Anguilla rostrata. We applied a generalized depletion model to assess catch and effort data from three nearby rivers (within 50 km) to test the hypothesis that modeling on pooled and separate data from nearby rivers would give similar estimates of abundance and exploitation rate. Overall, pooling data from rivers within 50 km did not result in large differences (<20% in relative difference) in estimates of abundance and exploitation rate with close mean abundance estimates and similar temporal trends in abundance, exploitation rate, and relative escapement. Pooling nearby river systems can greatly reduce modeling effort, at the cost of ignoring fine‐scale variability in elver recruitment and having coarser spatial scale for the management. When only an index of annual recruitment and exploitation rate are of interest, pooling data may be practical from different locations up to 50 km.
Human modification of land cover alters net primary productivity, species richness and their relationship
Authors: Deng Shuyu , Beale Colin M. , Platts Philip J. , Thomas Chris D.
Published: December 2023

Aim

Humans have altered ecosystem productivity and biodiversity worldwide by changing land‐cover types and management. High local species richness is commonly found in geographic areas and ecosystems with high net primary productivity (NPP), but the long‐term effects of modification on productivity and biodiversity change, and particularly on the relationship between the two, are poorly understood. Here we evaluate whether human modification tends to increase biodiversity in low‐productivity ecosystems (where human management is likely to increase productivity) and decrease biodiversity in ecosystems that were originally high‐productive.

Location

Global.

Time Period

2001–2013.

Major Taxa Studied

Plants, mammals, birds, hexapods, arachnids, other terrestrial invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles and fungi.

Methods

We assembled a large worldwide dataset of NPP and associated species richness from MODIS land cover and NPP products and the PREDICTS biodiversity database, involving 11,849 sites. This enabled comparisons of species richness and NPP differences between samples of relatively natural and human‐modified vegetation within the same geographic regions, considering 102 types of land‐cover transitions.

Results

(1) Modification from non‐forest vegetation to forests on average increased NPP by 7.76%, and vice versa. (2) Human modification of less productive areas tended to increase NPP and vice versa, with stronger effects of major modification. (3) However, site‐level species richness decreases were associated with nearly all land‐cover transitions from relatively natural to modified vegetation. (4) Despite expectations, we found no significant relationship between species richness differences (between relatively natural and modified vegetation) and productivity differences, when considering conversions across land‐cover types and excluding human‐appropriated productivity in croplands.

Main Conclusions

Human modification tends to increase NPP in low‐productivity ecosystems, but species richness declines are associated with most major human‐induced land‐cover changes. Therefore, increasing or decreasing NPP did not generate corresponding increases or decreases in species richness, contrary to expectations of the general species richness‐productivity relationship.
Regional diversification in Brazil: The role of relatedness and complexity
Authors: Françoso Mariane Santos , Boschma Ron , Vonortas Nicholas
Published: December 2023

The paper contributes to the growing literature on the relationship between relatedness, complexity and regional diversification. It explores regional diversification in an emerging economy, focusing on diversification opportunities of regions with distinct levels of local capabilities. We investigate the importance of relatedness and economic complexity for sectoral and technological diversification in all regions of Brazil during the period 2006–2019. Regions tend to diversify in sectors/technologies requiring similar capabilities to those already available locally. In general, the higher the sector/technology complexity, the lower the probability of diversification. However, in high‐complex regions, complexity reverses into a positive force for diversification. Our analysis shows diversification prospects vary widely across different types of regions in Brazil.
Synthetic strigolactone (rac‐GR24) alleviates the photosynthetic inhibition and oxidative damage in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) under salt stress
Authors: Lu Junfeng , Shen Yingying , Yang Yuwei , Li Xiaotong , Li Xin'e , Liu Dalin , Wang Lin
Published: December 2023

Salt stress is one of the main environmental factors affecting plant growth. Photosynthesis, which provides the energy needed for plant growth and development, will be severely restricted under salt stress. Strigolactones (SLs), a class of carotenoid‐derived phytohormone, play an important role in regulating plant growth and responding to multiple biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, we investigated the role of rac‐GR24 (a synthetic SLs analog) in the amelioration of salt stress in the photosynthesis of alfalfa. These results showed that rac‐GR24 treatment could increase the content of soluble sugar and soluble protein, increase superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase activity and reduce the content of malondialdehyde in alfalfa leaves, thus relieving the damage caused by salt stress in alfalfa leaves. Moreover, rac‐GR24 treatment could also regulate the K+/Na+ homeostasis, improved stomatal conductance and increased chlorophyll content, which improved the photosynthesis limited by salt stress. The expression levels of selected gene for photosynthesis and antioxidants were consistent with the physiological performance. Our study indicated that rac‐GR24 could alleviate the negative effects on photosynthesis of alfalfa under salt stress.
Pregnant women with diabetes and their clinician's experience of participating in a pilot randomised controlled trial of corticosteroid administration in late pregnancy: A qualitative study
Authors: Sweet Linda , Vasilevski Vidanka , Lynch Lee‐Anne , Said Joanne M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Little research exists to support the administration of corticosteroids to pregnant women with diabetes. Pregnant women are often excluded from clinical trials due to concerns of harm to the foetus.

Aim

This study aimed to understand the experiences of women and clinicians of participating in the Prevention of neonatal Respiratory distress with antenatal corticosteroids before Elective Caesarean section in women with Diabetes pilot randomised controlled trial to determine the acceptability of the study protocol.

Methods

Women and clinicians participating in the pilot trial were invited to complete a telephone interview regarding their experiences of participating. Qualitative data were collected and subsequently analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 13 women and nine clinicians were recruited between June 2020 and May 2022 for a telephone interview. Participating in the study was deemed acceptable by women and clinicians. Women chose to participate in the study due to the perceived low risk of harm associated with the intervention and for altruistic reasons. The high level of clinical support and information provided for the duration of the pilot trial was valued by women and clinicians. All clinicians highlighted the importance of conducting the trial to inform evidence‐based practice.

Conclusions

Pregnant women are more likely to participate in clinical trials when perceived risks are low and they are well‐informed during decision‐making. Clinicians will support clinical trials when they perceive a benefit to practice and feel assured that women receive extensive monitoring and support. Incorporating these factors into study protocols is more likely to be successful in recruiting pregnant women and maintaining the engagement of clinical staff for the duration of clinical trials.

Patient or Public Contributions

Patients were invited to be participants in this study. A consumer has been included in the planning and oversite of the large multicentre trial.
Report of the International Council for Standardization in Haematology working group for standardization of reticulocyte parameters
Authors: Obstfeld Amrom E. , Davis Bruce H. , Han Jin‐Yeong , Urrechaga Eloisa
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The International Council for Standardization in Haematology convened a working group to assess and propose improvements upon the state of standardization and harmonization of reticulocyte parameters among commercial hematology analyzers.

Methods

An international group of laboratory hematologists prospectively collected and analyzed clinical samples using locally available IVD commercial hematology analyzers. Eight hundred and fifty‐five total samples were collected at 6 sites using 9 distinct analyzer types. Samples were assessed for reticulocyte percent (RET%), immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF), and reticulocyte hemoglobin content (RHC). Method comparison and regression statistics were calculated. These analyses were used to determine whether statistical recalibration offered a potential avenue for increasing comparability between these methods.

Results

While methods producing reticulocyte percent were the most comparable in this study, the state of harmonization for the IRF and RHC was reduced with pearson correlation coefficients ranging from 0.955 to 0.77 and 0.927 and 0.680, respectively. Nevertheless, use of parameters from the Passing Bablok regression substantially improved the comparability of the results. In addition, precision data was derived which also demonstrated substantial differences between analyzer systems.

Conclusion

While reticulocyte counting is correlated between the automated methods evaluated in this study, the current state of harmonization of other reticulocyte parameters is not as strong. A major challenge in moving this field forward is the need for commutable materials to facilitate comparisons between analyzers not co‐located. A potential alternate approach to improve the current state would be instrument re‐calibration. However, this is challenging both technically and due to national regulatory frameworks.
Advanced‐scope pharmacist roles in medical outpatient clinics: a cost‐consequence analysis
Authors: Snoswell Centaine L. , De Guzman Keshia R. , Barras Michael
Published: December 2023

Background

There is a growing body of evidence that supports the clinical effectiveness of pharmacist roles in outpatient settings. However, limited studies have investigated the economic efficiency of advanced‐scope outpatient pharmacist roles, particularly in the Australian setting. Assessing the overall costs and benefits of these outpatient pharmacist roles is needed to ensure service sustainability.

Aims

To use a cost‐consequence approach to evaluate the advanced‐scope outpatient pharmacist roles across multiple clinic disciplines from the hospital perspective.

Methods

A cost‐consequence analysis was undertaken using data from a previous clinical‐effectiveness study. All outpatient pharmacist consults conducted from 1 June 2019 to 31 May 2020 across 18 clinic disciplines were evaluated. Consequences from the pharmacist services included number of consults conducted, number of medication‐related activities and number of resolved recommendations.

Results

The overall cost to the hospital for the outpatient pharmacist service across all clinics was AU$1 991 122, with a potential remuneration of AU$3 895 247. There were 10 059 pharmacist consults undertaken for the 12‐month period. Medication‐related activities performed by pharmacists primarily included 6438 counselling and education activities and 4307 medication list activities. When the specialist pharmacist roles were added to the outpatient clinics, several health service benefits were also realised.

Conclusions

The addition of pharmacist roles to outpatient clinics can increase the cost of services; however, they also can increase medication optimisation activities. Future research should examine a societal perspective that includes broader cost and effectiveness outcomes. This study could justify the implementation of advanced‐scope outpatient pharmacist roles in other Australian hospitals.
Depression, anxiety, stress, and job performance among Turkish nurses in the early post‐earthquake period
Authors: Sert Havva , Gulbahar Eren Merve , Koc Ferhat , Yurumez Yusuf
Published: December 2023

Background

Individual and social concerns can negatively affect nurses’ mental health during a large‐scale earthquake's early stages, making it challenging to perform their professional responsibilities.

Aim

This cross‐sectional correlational study aimed to examine the relationship between depression, anxiety, and stress levels Turkish nurses experienced during an earthquake's early period. The nurses participating in this study were not directly present in the earthquake‐affected area.

Methods

The study was conducted on 232 nurses between February 10 and 25, 2023. The data were collected using the Depression, Anxiety, Stress‐21 Scale and the Job Performance Evaluation Form developed by the researchers through a literature review. These were used to investigate nurses’ work motivation changes due to the earthquake. The study followed the STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies.

Results

The participants’ depression levels were severe, anxiety levels were extremely severe, and stress levels were moderate following the earthquake. Nurses who felt exhausted experienced reduced energy levels toward their work and reported a decrease in their desire, effort, and work motivation to perform well. In addition, they had higher depression, anxiety, and stress scores (p < 0.005).

Conclusion

Psychological difficulties, including depression, anxiety, and stress experienced by nurses not directly present in an earthquake‐affected area, reduced their professional efforts and motivation and negatively affected the patient care process. Further studies should focus on conducting comparative studies in different cultures affected by natural disasters on the longitudinal analysis of the impacts of nurses' psychological distress on their job performance.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Nursing policymakers should be aware of the negative psychological effects experienced by nurses during the early post‐earthquake period, even if they are not directly present in the earthquake‐affected area. The study recommended that nurses should be provided with psychological support to deal with the negative effects of natural disasters and maintain job performance, including the nursing care process.
Complete control and strengthening over iron oxide porous structures freeze cast under oscillating magnetic fields
Authors: Fernquist Josh R. , Naleway Steven E.
Published: December 2023

Porous scaffolds can be utilized in a variety of biomedical as well as mechanical applications. The process of freeze casting is a successful method to fabricate these porous structures but with ideal characteristics in only one direction (the ice‐growth direction). The application of magnetic fields led to an increase in both the microstructural control and mechanical strength in an additional orthogonal direction. The application of these weak, uniform fields (≤20 mT), in particular oscillating fields from a Helmholtz coils setup, has led to increases in mechanical strength through microstructural alignment in multiple material types. However, structures fabricated from these uniform fields have primarily been compared to each other, with little research comparing them to structures fabricated under strong, non‐uniform fields from permanent magnet setups. Therefore, iron‐oxide scaffolds were fabricated under weak, uniform fields (≤20 mT) as well as strong, non‐uniform fields (≥20 mT), and their mechanical and microstructural properties were compared to one another. The application of weak, uniform fields led to superior mechanical properties compared to those produced from the application of strong, non‐uniform fields, no distortions in the physical structure of the freeze‐cast scaffold, and the best microstructural alignment ever seen in freeze‐cast structures.
Parameterizing Debt Maturity
Authors: BARRETT PHILIP , JOHNS CHRISTOPHER
Published: December 2023

We examine ways to describe the maturity structure of public debts using few parameters. We compile a novel data set of all promised future payments for U.S. and UK government debt from every month since 1869, and more recently for Peru, Poland, Egypt, and Nigeria. We show there is a unique parametric form which does not arbitrarily restrict debt issuance. We use this model to parsimoniously describe the evolution of public debt maturities and to characterize the relationship between maturity and the term structure of interest rates in the United States since 1940.
Fabrication, organoleptic evaluation and in vitro characterization of cream loaded with Carica papaya seed extract
Authors: Sarfraz Muhammad , Shabbir Kanwal , Adnan Qazi , Khan Haji Muhammad Shoaib , Shirazi Jafir Hussain , Sabir Hamna , Mehmood Nimrah , Bin Jardan Yousef A. , Khan Kifayat Ullah , Basit Abdul
Published: December 2023

Objective

The current study aimed to provide preliminary insights into potential biopharmaceutical applications of Carica papaya seed extract by evaluating its phytochemical and biological profiles. Furthermore, the study aimed to develop a stable oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsion for the effective delivery of antioxidant‐rich biologicals for cosmetic purposes.

Methods

The hydroethanolic (ethanol 80%: 20% water) extract of C. papaya seeds was prepared via maceration technique. The chemical composition was carried out through preliminary phytochemical screening and estimation of total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC). The biological profile of the extract was explored using various in‐vitro antioxidant methods. The homogenization procedure was used to create a cream of O/W and various tests were applied to assess the stability of the emulsion. By keeping the emulsion at different storage conditions (8 ± 0.5°C, 25 ± 0.5°C, 40 ± 0.5°C, and 40 ± 0.5°C ± 75% relative humidity [RH]) for a period of 28 days), the physical stability parameters of the emulsion, including pH, viscosity, centrifugation, phase separation, and conductivity, as well as rheological parameters and organoleptic parameters (odor, color, liquefaction, and creaming), were assessed.

Results

The preliminary phytochemical screening assay revealed the presence of various plant secondary metabolites including alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and quinones. The extract was found to be rich in TPC and TFC. The in vitro antioxidant study gave maximum activity in the DPPH method. The plant extract containing cosmetic cream exhibited remarkable stability during the entire research. Data gathered indicated that no phase separation or liquefaction was seen after the experimental period. Throughout the experimental period, a small variation in the pH and conductivity values of the base and formulation was seen.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the seed extract of C. papaya is a rich source of polyphenols with antioxidant potential and can be a promising alternative for the treatment of various ailments. The stability of emulsion paves the way for its utilization as a carrier for the delivery of 3% C. papaya seed extract and applications in cosmetics products.
A meta‐synthesis exploring nurses' experiences of assisted dying and participation decision‐making
Authors: Bustin Heather , Jamieson Isabel , Seay Christopher , Reid Kate
Published: December 2023

Aims and Objectives

To explore nurses' experiences of assisted dying and understand how their perspectives inform their participation decision‐making.

Background

Assisted dying is a complex and contentious issue with the potential to create moral unrest for nurses. The nursing role in assisted dying varies between jurisdictions.

Design

Systematic review. A meta‐synthesis using thematic analysis.

Methods

Three electronic databases were searched for primary qualitative studies published in English, from New Zealand, Australia or Canada, up to October 2022. Seven articles were included; themes were analysed and key themes were established. Reporting adhered to PRISMA.

Results

The findings highlight the complexity of nurses' decision‐making about participation or non‐participation in assisted dying and the moral, philosophical and social influences that impact on their decision‐making. This is presented as a spectrum of influence which persuades or dissuades nurses to participate in assisted dying. The 12 themes have been categorised into four key themes: personal persuaders, personal dissuaders, professional persuaders and professional dissuaders.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that nurses should be involved in policy and procedure guideline development and be offered education and training programmes to ensure safe, confident and informed practice. The need for mentorship programmes was also prevalent in the research.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

It is crucial that nurses be offered education and training in assisted dying. Clear policy and procedure guidelines are essential, and nurses should be involved in the development of these.
Identification of resistant cowpea genotypes and aggressiveness of Macrophomina phaseolina isolates by diallel analysis
Authors: Silva Pedro Ivo Silvestre Siqueira e , Pinto Francisco Álef Carlos , Costa Antonio Elton da Silva , Santos Jane Clésia Silva dos , Valdevino Ana Beatriz Joy Maciel , Borel Jeronimo Constantino , Ishikawa Francine Hiromi
Published: December 2023

Cowpea is grown in semiarid regions of Brazil. However, the occurrence of diseases, such as charcoal rot, is one of the main limiting factors to production. Disease is caused by the fungus Macrophomina spp., one of the most important plant pathogens in semiarid conditions. The use of resistant cultivars is the most effective method to control this disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate cowpea lines inoculated with different Macrophomina phaseolina isolates to determine the aggressiveness of the pathogen isolates and the predominant type of resistance in the host. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, using a 5 × 10 factorial scheme with five replications (two plants per pot) in two independent crops. Partial diallel analysis was used to assess the reaction of host genotypes (horizontal and vertical resistance) and the aggressiveness of the isolates. Host reaction and pathogen aggressiveness were analysed by lesion length. Horizontal resistance was observed, corresponding to 56.69% of the variation. The lines L19, L29, L48, and L95 were the most resistant based on estimates of general responsiveness. Among the M. phaseolina isolates evaluated, N105 and ISO16 were the most aggressive based on general aggressiveness ability. By diallel analysis, we identified the most promising genotypes, as well as the most aggressive isolates.
How to Apply Intraoperative Ultrasound when Spinal Trauma Surgery Is Performed in the Lateral Decubitus Position?
Authors: Li Bohan , Liu Fayin , Gao Chunzheng , Qiao Yong , Zhao Jie , Song Yang , Xu Wen , Zhao Kun , Dou Chuanhong , Du Hang , Kong Xiaoqian , Wu Dongjin
Published: December 2023

Objective

At present, intraoperative ultrasound was widely used in spinal surgery. But there have been no reports on the use of intraoperative ultrasound in lateral decubitus position spinal surgery. The authors’ research objective was to describe the applications of intraoperative ultrasound in spinal trauma surgery when performed in the lateral decubitus position.

Methods

Six patients with polytrauma who underwent surgery for spinal trauma between June 2020 and March 2022 and could not be operated on using a posterior approach in the prone position. All six patients underwent surgery in the lateral decubitus position. During surgery, a capsular bag had been designed and surgical field can be filled with normal saline for acoustic coupling, and then ultrasound was used to observe and guide decompression, and assess injuries of the neural elements such as the spinal cord. The data of preoperative and postoperative (12 months) American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale (AIS), follow‐up time, operation time, blood loss, ultrasound signal change of spinal cord, ultrasound guide decompression, internal fixation (12 months), and fracture healing(12 months) were collected.

Results

The study included four males and two females whose ages ranged from 19 to 56 years old (41.5 ± 13.06 years old). Follow‐up times ranged from 12 to 20 months (14.33 ± 2.75 months). The operation times ranged from 195 to 248 mins (222.16 ± 16.86 mins). The estimated volume of blood loss ranged from 280 to 450 mL (383.33 ± 55.58 mL). The six cases’ AIS (preoperative vs. postoperative) were A versus A, C versus D, A versus B, B versus B, B versus C, and B versus C. Intraoperative ultrasound was performed successfully in all patients using our designed method. Intraoperative ultrasound observation revealed varying degrees of changes in spinal cord echo in all patients. Intraoperative ultrasound provided excellent assistance in spinal cord decompression during surgery. The surgery was completed successfully with no surgery‐related complications till the last follow‐up. At the time of last follow‐up (median time of 12 months) satisfactory fracture reduction and good internal fixation was confirmed on postoperative computed tomography scans and radiographs.

Conclusions

The authors represented the technology of intraoperative ultrasound in spinal trauma surgery when performed in the lateral decubitus position. This technology solves how to apply intraoperative ultrasound in lateral decubitus position.
Challenges associated with access to plasma‐derived medicinal products in low middle‐income and low‐income countries
Authors: El Ekiaby Magdy , Diop Saliou , Gouider Emna , Moftah Faten
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives

Plasma‐derived medicinal products (PDMPs) are essential to treat many chronic conditions such as haemophilia and primary immunodeficiency. Patients living in low middle‐income and low‐income countries (LMICs and LICs, respectively) have limited access to PDMPs. The aim of this article is to explore the challenges of accessing PDMPs in LMICs and LICs.

Materials and Methods

A review of the literature and reports on blood safety, plasma production and its utilization to produce PDMPs in LMICs and LICs was carried out.

Results

There is huge wastage of recovered plasma in LMICs and LICs as a result of a lack of good manufacturing practice (GMP) in the production of plasma for fractionation. Together with the high cost of imported PDMP procurement, patients have limited access to such products.

Conclusion

There is a need to improve the situation by using domestically sourced plasma through the initiation of local plasma programmes through a stepwise approach to improve access to PDMPs in LMICs and LICs.
New insight into genetic diversity of zoonotic‐potential Ancylostoma ceylanicum in stray cats living in Bangkok, Thailand, based on deep amplicon sequencing
Authors: Jitsamai Wanarit , Kamkong Patchana , Traub Rebecca J. , Taweethavonsawat Piyanan
Published: December 2023

Aims

This study aimed to characterize feline hookworms from stray cats living in Bangkok.

Methods and Results

A total of 56 hookworm‐positive faecal samples were identified for hookworm species by using PCR targeting the ITS1, 5.8S, and ITS2 fragment and qPCR targeting ITS2. Of 56 samples, 96.4% (54/56) were identified as Ancylostoma ceylanicum and 1.8% (1/56) as Ancylostoma caninum. With qPCR, 89.3% (50/56) were identified as single A. ceylanicum infection and 5.4% (3/56) as coinfection of A. ceylanicum and A. caninum. For genetic characterization of A. ceylanicum, 10 samples were pooled, and the partial COI gene was amplified, followed by deep amplicon sequencing. Five pooled samples were analysed, and 99.73% were identified with A. ceylanicum sequences, which were allocated into 19 haplotypes (AC01‐AC19). Genetic diversity findings for A. ceylanicum in Asia revealed that three of eight haplotypes considered of zoonotic significance occurred in humans, dogs, and cats, including haplotypes H01, H20, and H21. The predominant haplotype in this study, AC01, was clustered with H01‐a zoonotic haplotype.

Conclusions

The diversity obtained by deep amplicon sequencing supported that the A. ceylanicum community had high genetic variation. Deep amplicon sequencing was a useful method to determine source, zoonotic potential, and host–parasite relationship.
Electrostatic Charge on Smartphone Surfaces
Authors: Voccio John , Merino Valeria Vivas , Zenouzi Mansour , Seredinski Andrew , Burgess William , Daly Nicholas
Published: December 2023

Mobile phones, tablets, and capacitive touchscreens, in general, are ubiquitous in modern society. In this study, the electrostatic charge present near the capacitive touchscreen surfaces was investigated. Results from a Faraday pail experiment indicate that smartphones present an electrostatic charge due to charging and that the magnitude of this charge can vary due to adding additional materials, such as those used as common screen protectors, or by triboelectric events, such as rubbing against another material, as is the case when removing a phone from a pants pocket, for example. Furthermore, this charge increases with lower ambient relative humidity. Understanding these electrostatic charge behaviors may prove useful in minimizing the possibility of either attracting or dispersing unwanted electrically charged particles, such as dust, viruses, or contaminated aerosols, especially in indoor environments with low relative humidity (RH < 40%).
Fuel Cladding Material and Basic Properties
Authors: Onder E. Nihan
Published: December 2023

Since the cladding is the second physical barrier to the fission product release, it is important to avoid any cladding failure; some desired characteristics of cladding in order to avoid failures and to enhance the fuel element performance are discussed in section 5.2. For the selection of fuel cladding material, the primary requirements consist of withstanding corrosion at high temperatures for long periods of time, maintaining its integrity in an environment of intense radiation and absorbing less neutrons, and dimensional changes compatible with the fuel and its surrounding (i.e., creep and thermal expansion compatible with the fuel and swelling compatible with the coolant channel size). The strength is required for the cladding or fuel element to withstand an applied load without failure, especially during fuel handling. The minimum strength limits are to be as strong as possible without increasing the hardness. The availability of the metal/alloy of choice in sufficient quantities and at reasonable cost is the additional consideration.
Get moving to clear β-amyloid
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: December 2023

Physical exercise stimulates brain cells to secrete a β-amyloid–degrading enzyme.
Development of a fumonisin-sensitive
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
indicator strain and utilization for activity testing of candidate detoxification genes
Authors: Krska Tamara , Twaruschek Krisztian , Valente Nina , Mitterbauer Rudolf , Moll Dieter , Wiesenberger Gerlinde , Berthiller Franz , Adam Gerhard
Published: December 2023

Fumonisins, produced mainly by various
Fusarium
species, are sphinganine-analog mycotoxins and potent inhibitors of ceramide synthases in animals, plants, and other eukaryotes, leading to toxicity and programmed cell death. Wild-type baker’s yeast is naturally highly resistant to fumonisin B
1
(FB1); on rich medium, it tolerates more than 1,000 µM. We report the construction of a fumonisin-sensitive
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
strain with six disrupted genes:
SNQ2
,
PDR12
, and
YOR1
, coding for ATP-binding cassette transporters involved in active efflux;
CKA2
, encoding casein kinase II, regulating ceramide synthase activity by phosphorylation; and
LCB3
and
VPS51
, encoding proteins involved in the biosynthesis and recycling of sphingolipid precursors, respectively. The constructed FB1-sensitive strain YTKT33 was tested on complex yeast extract-peptone-dextrose (YPD) and synthetic complete medium alongside the wild-type strain and strains with only three (YRU74) or five (YRU94ML) disrupted genes. YTKT33, exhibiting full growth inhibition at a concentration below 5 µM FB1 on synthetic complete agar lacking uracil (SC-URA), was used as a host for heterologous expression of previously reported fumonisin detoxification genes. Transformants expressing either the
Sphingopyxis fumD
esterase, which removes removing tricarballylic acid side chains, or an
Aspergillus
amine oxidase, which converts the amino- to a keto-group, can grow at FB1 concentrations inhibitory for transformants containing the empty vector. YTKT33 was inhibited by other type B fumonisins (B
2
, B
3
, B
4
) at concentrations very similar to FB1, allowing rapid evaluation of total fumonisin toxicity in crude fungal extracts.

IMPORTANCE

Fumonisins can cause diseases in animals and humans consuming
Fusarium
-contaminated food or feed. The search for microbes capable of fumonisin degradation, or for enzymes that can detoxify fumonisins, currently relies primarily on chemical detection methods. Our constructed fumonisin B1-sensitive yeast strain can be used to phenotypically detect detoxification activity and should be useful in screening for novel fumonisin resistance genes and to elucidate fumonisin metabolism and resistance mechanisms in fungi and plants, and thereby, in the long term, help to mitigate the threat of fumonisins in feed and food.
Comparative analysis of functional diversity of rumen microbiome in bison and beef heifers
Authors: Nguyen Thi Truc Minh , Badhan Ajay Kumar , Reid Ian D. , Ribeiro Gabriel , Gruninger Robert , Tsang Adrian , Guan Le Luo , McAllister Tim
Published: December 2023

Enhancing crop residue digestibility can boost the available energy for growth and milk yield and improve the sustainability of ruminant production systems. As the natural diet of bison is high in lignocellulose, bison have developed a microbiome that efficiently digests cellulose and hemicellulose. This study compared the rumen metatranscriptomes of bison and beef heifers and investigated the effects of inoculating heifers with bison rumen contents. Gene Ontology, molecular function, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes orthology terms identified through gene set enrichment analysis successfully captured differences in gene expression of rumen microbiome between heifers and bison fed different diets. Specifically, differences in nitrogen metabolism was detected between heifers and bison rumen microbiomes. Heifer rumen microbiomes demonstrated a higher dissimilatory nitrate reduction, while bison microbiomes tended to suppress this pathway. In contrast, bison microbiomes expressed higher levels of glutamate dehydrogenase 2 (GDH2) genes. However, glutamate dehydrogenase gene expression was observed to be strictly regulated in heifers, as inoculation with bison rumen contents had no effect on expression. Moreover, the transfer of bison rumen contents led to a persistent downregulation of microbial nitrogen metabolism in heifers after 27 days of transfer. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis also identified the crucial regulatory role of serine/threonine kinase in heifer rumen microbial metabolism and differences in ion transport between heifers and bison. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between diet and the rumen microbiome.

IMPORTANCE

Ruminants play a key role in the conversion of cellulolytic plant material into high-quality meat and milk protein for humans. The rumen microbiome is the driver of this conversion, yet there is little information on how gene expression within the microbiome impacts the efficiency of this conversion process. The current study investigates gene expression in the rumen microbiome of beef heifers and bison and how transplantation of ruminal contents from bison to heifers alters gene expression. Understanding interactions between the host and the rumen microbiome is the key to developing informed approaches to rumen programming that will enhance production efficiency in ruminants.
Complete genome sequence for the thermoacidophilic archaeon
Sulfuracidifex
(f
. Sulfolobus
)
metallicus
DSM 6482
Authors: Willard Daniel J. , Manesh Mohamad J. H. , Bing Ryan G. , Kelly Robert M.
Published: December 2023

Reported here is the complete genome sequence (2,191,724 bp) for the thermoacidophilic archaeon
Sulfuracidifex
(f
. Sulfolobus
)
metallicus
DSM 6482 (T
opt
65°C, pH
opt
2.0). This obligately chemolithoautotrophic microorganism is a prolific metal and sulfur oxidizer and has application in metal bioleaching operations. A multi-assembly reconciliation approach enabled closure of the genome.
Long-term variability of retinal nerve fibre layer thickness measurement in patients with glaucoma of African and European descents
Authors: Wu Jo-Hsuan , Moghimi Sasan , Walker Evan , Nishida Takashi , Liebmann Jeffrey M , Fazio Massimo A , Girkin Christopher A , Zangwill Linda M , Weinreb Robert N
Published: December 2023

Background

To examine long-term retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFLT) variability and associated clinical factors in African (AD) and European descent (ED) individuals with glaucoma.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included glaucoma eyes of AD and ED from Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study/The African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study with ≥4 visits/2 years of follow-up. We calculated optic nerve head RNFLT variability per-examination/visit as the absolute error of its residuals across follow-up. Full, baseline and parsimonious linear-mixed models were fit to evaluate the effects of clinical factors (demographics and ocular characteristics, prior/intervening glaucoma surgeries and cataract extraction (CE), RNFLT thinning rate, scan quality, visit/testing frequency, etc) on RNFLT variability in both races.

Results

There were 376 and 625 eyes (226 and 349 participants) of AD and ED, and the mean (95% CI) RNFLT variability was 1.62 (1.52, 1.71) µm and 1.42 (1.34, 1.50) µm, respectively (p=0.002). AD and ED had some shared predictors of RNFLT variability, including intraocular pressure fluctuation and scan quality, although the effects varied (p<0.05). In both races, intervening CE was most strongly correlated with higher RNFLT variability (β: 0.24–0.92, p<0.05). After excluding eyes with intervening CE, RNFLT variability was reduced and the small racial difference was no longer significant (AD: 1.40 (1.31, 1.48) µm vs ED: 1.34 (1.27, 1.40) µm; p=0.280).

Conclusions

Although some predictors were identified, long-term RNFLT variability appeared small for both AD and ED eyes. Moreover, the racial difference did not remain once intervening CE, the strongest predictor of variability, was eliminated. Our findings inform on strategies to optimise structural assessment and suggest that, when accounting for relevant factors, RNFLT is reliable across races.
A review and analysis of accountability in global health funding, research collaborations and training: towards conceptual clarity and better practice
Authors: Liwanag Harvy Joy , James Oria , Frahsa Annika
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Accountability is a complex idea to unpack and involves different processes in global health practice. Calls for accountability in global health would be better translated to action through a better understanding of the concept and practice of accountability in global health. We sought to analyse accountability processes in practice in global health funding, research collaborations and training.

Methods

This study is a literature review that systematically searched PubMed and Scopus for articles on formal accountability processes in global health. We charted information on processes based on accountability lines (‘who is accountable to whom’) and the outcomes the processes were intended for (‘accountability for what’). We visualised the representation of accountability in the articles by mapping the processes according to their intended outcomes and the levels where processes were implemented.

Results

We included 53 articles representing a wide range of contexts and identified 19 specific accountability processes for various outcomes in global health funding, research collaborations and training. Target setting and monitoring were the most common accountability processes. Other processes included interinstitutional networks for peer checking, litigation strategies to enforce health-related rights, special bodies that bring actors to account for commitments, self-accountability through internal organisational processes and multipolar accountability involving different types of institutional actors. Our mapping identified gaps at the institutional, interinstitutional and broader system levels where accountability processes could be enhanced.

Conclusion

To rebalance power in global health, our review has shown that analysing information on existing accountability processes regarding ‘who is accountable to whom’ and ‘accountability for what’ would be useful to characterise existing lines of accountability and create lines where there are gaps. However, we also suggest that institutional and systems processes for accountability must be accompanied by political engagement to mobilise collective action and create conditions where a culture of accountability thrives in global health.