bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insect seed‐predator networks respond positively to restoration on a tropical island
Authors: Costa Alba , Heleno Ruben , Dufrene Yanick , Huckle Eleanor , Mendes Sara Beatriz , Whittington Andrew E. , van Veen Frank J. F. , Kaiser‐Bunbury Christopher N.
Published: September 2024

When non‐native species invade ecosystems, coevolved plant–animal interactions and associated ecological functions are altered, often to the detriment of local biodiversity. While mutualistic interactions can benefit from—and assist with—ecological restoration through the removal of non‐native species, community‐level changes in antagonistic interactions due to restoration are less well understood. Insect seed predators provide important ecosystem functions, but can also have antagonistic effects through pre‐dispersal seed predation which can cause fruit abortion or premature fruit drop, potentially affecting plant community composition.

Here, we used a network approach and data on trophic interactions from a large‐scale field experiment to investigate the differences in insect seed predator communities between native restored sites (where non‐native plants were removed) and unrestored sites dominated by non‐native plants on the island of Mahé, Seychelles.

Restored sites contained more individuals and species of seed predators (up by 81% and 50% respectively), and experienced a greater predation intensity (1.06 ± 0.53 vs. 0.27 ± 0.09), and predator specialisation compared to unrestored sites. The proportion of predated samples was similar between treatments (~14%). Beta diversity, measured as species and interaction turnover, increased at restored sites.

Synthesis and applications: Our findings imply that vegetation restoration generates marked biodiversity benefits on native seed predator communities and their interactions. However, removing non‐native plants did not result in the elimination of non‐native seed predators, which might require targeted control measures. Our results highlight the importance of considering the effects of restoration on antagonistic interactions, in addition to those reported for pollination and seed dispersal services. Management practices should aim to control plant invasions for the conservation of native plant communities that serve as resources and refugia both for mutualists (e.g., seed dispersers and pollinators) and native insect seed‐predator antagonists, both of which benefit native ecosystem function.
Variability of the sexual reproductive part in stinging nettle Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae): From flower to genet
Authors: Popova Ksenia B. , Ustinova Elena N. , Lysenkov Sergey N. , Bogdanova Aleksandra S. , Kuznetsov Dmitriy V. , Larina Valeriya V. , Oleynik Gleb S.
Published: September 2024

Stinging nettle, Urtica dioica L., is a widely distributed subdioecious long‐rhizomatous plant. Within a single population growing in the territory of the Zvenigorod Biological Station of Lomonosov Moscow State University, eight plots were selected in stinging nettle thickets to study the variability of the sexual reproductive part in U. dioica depending on internal and external factors. As monoecious ramets are relatively common in the studied population, four gender forms were distinguished based on the ratio of male and female flowers. On 156 ramets of different gender forms and 36 genets, it was shown that predominantly male plants are shorter, while predominantly female plants have larger and more widely spread inflorescences compared to other gender forms. The pubescence type (spreading or appressed unicellular hairs) shows the greatest repeatability within the merigenet. True monoecy in stinging nettle is widespread: male and female flowers of different gender forms were found in 10 out of 36 genets. The most common inflorescence architecture types in the studied population were proxigynous and basigynous. Both normal pistillate and normal staminate flowers, as well as flowers with morphological abnormalities formed based on flowers of different sexes can be found on the same ramet, which suggests the presence of paradioecious lability.
Nocturnal moth pollination in an alpine orchid, Platanthera tipuloides
Authors: Shibata Akari , Kudo Gaku
Published: September 2024

Pollination success of alpine plants is often restricted by low and unpredictable pollinator activity because of harsh and unstable weather conditions, where nocturnal pollination is rare. The alpine orchid, Platanthera tipuloides (Orchidaceae), has inconspicuous greenish yellow flowers with a sweet scent and a long spur that contains nectar. These floral traits are expected to be related to nocturnal moth pollination. To elucidate the pollination mode and reproductive characteristics of this species, we measured floral traits (spur length, nectar content in the spur, floral scent), documented flower visitors using camera traps, and quantified self‐compatibility and the degree of pollen limitation through controlled pollinations at two study plots in the Taisetsu Mountains, northern Japan. It was revealed that P. tipuloides is self‐incompatible and pollen limitation was absent at one of the study plots. The flowers emitted more volatile substances during the night, including lilac aldehyde isomers, which are known to attract moths. A nocturnal moth, Entephria amplicosta, was observed foraging nectar from the flowers, while no diurnal visitors were observed. The proboscis of E. amplicosta was shorter than the spur length, but it was long enough to access the accumulated nectar in the spurs. These results suggest that nocturnal pollination by moths is possible and can be efficient even in an alpine ecosystem with harsh environmental conditions.
What does it mean to ‘live well’? The contentious politics of vivir bien as alternative development
Authors: Doyle Matthew
Published: September 2024

Vivir bien is widely used by academics, activists, and governments of the Latin American ‘Pink Tide’ to refer to alternatives to conventional economic development based on indigenous worldviews claimed to oppose capitalist modernity. Through ethnography of local politics within a Bolivian Quechua community, this article explores how the term has been vernacularized and contested among local leaders, illustrating that their understandings of development and ‘living well’ do not reflect a binary opposition between ‘Western’ and ‘indigenous’ ways of being. Debates concerning vivir bien instead express varied notions of self‐government and aspirations for autonomy informed by centuries of struggle as colonized peoples.
Emergency Maternal Hospital Readmissions in the Postnatal Period: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Pritchett Ruth V. , Rudge Gavin , Taylor Beck , Cummins Carole , Kenyon Sara , Jones Ellie , Morad Sharon , MacArthur Christine , Jolly Kate
Published: September 2024

Objective

To determine the change in English emergency postnatal maternal readmissions 2007–2017 (pre‐COVID‐19) and the association with maternal demographics, obstetric risk factors and postnatal length of stay (LOS).

Design

National cohort study.

Setting

All English National Health Service hospitals.

Population

A total of 6 192 140 women who gave birth in English NHS hospitals from April 2007 to March 2017.

Methods

Statistical analysis using birth and readmission data from routinely collected National Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database.

Main Outcome Measures

Rate of emergency postnatal maternal hospital readmissions related to pregnancy or giving birth within 42 days postpartum, readmission diagnoses and association with maternal demographic factors, obstetric risk factors and postnatal LOS.

Results

A significant increase in the rate of emergency postnatal maternal readmissions from 15 128 (2.5%) in 2008 to 20 734 (3.4%) in 2016 (aOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.28–1.37) was found. Risk factors for readmission included minoritised ethnicity (particularly Black or Black British ethnicity: aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.31–1.39); age < 20 years (aOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05–1.12); 40+ years (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.10); primiparity (multiparity: aOR 0.92, 95% CI 0.91–0.93); nonspontaneous vaginal birth modes (emergency caesarean: aOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.82–1.90); longer LOS (4+ vs. 0 days: aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.53–1.64); and obstetric risk factors including urinary retention (aOR 2.34, 95% CI 2.06–2.53) and postnatal wound breakdown (aOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.83–2.21).

Conclusions

The concerning rise in emergency maternal readmissions should be addressed from a health inequalities perspective focusing on women from minoritised ethnic groups; those < 20 and ≥ 40 years old; primiparous women; and those with specified obstetric risk factors.
Counter‐hegemonic ethics for sustainable business
Authors: Hurtado Hurtado Joshua , Heikkurinen Pasi , Ruuska Toni , Hagolani‐Albov Sophia E. , Koppelmäki Kari
Published: September 2024

Business ethics scholarship proposes alternatives for making companies sustainable. While these models may have advanced business practice, the alternatives rarely challenge the hegemony of the economic system. This article develops a new normative frame for sustainable business by investigating articulations of counter‐hegemony and their ethical implications. Employing political discourse theory and drawing insights from a case in food production, the article finds three articulations of counter‐hegemonic ethics: (1) the virtue of socio‐ecological embeddedness, (2) the duty of local provisioning, and (3) the utility of regeneration. These findings reflect the three generic normative ethical theories and are proposed to support advancing sustainability. As its main contribution, the study contributes to the field of business ethics by offering a novel normative foundation that challenges power relations in the society, especially those concerning the hegemonic articulations of industrial economy.
Multi‐scale learning for fine‐grained traffic flow‐based travel time estimation prediction
Authors: Abideen Zain Ul , Sun Xiaodong , Sun Chao
Published: September 2024

In intelligent transportation systems (ITS), achieving accurate travel time estimation (TTE) is paramount, much like route planning. Precisely predicting travel time across different urban areas is vital, and an essential requirement for these privileges is having fine‐grained knowledge of the city. In contrast to prior studies that are restricted to coarse‐grained data, we broaden the scope of traffic flow forecasting to fine granularity, which provokes explicit challenges: (1) the prevalence of inter‐grid transitions within fine‐grained data introduces complexity in capturing spatial dependencies among grid cells on a global scale. (2) stemming from dynamic temporal dependencies. To address these challenges, we propose the multi‐scaling hybrid model (MSHM) as a novel approach. Initially, a multi‐directional convolutional layer is first used to acquire high‐level depictions for each cell to retrieve the semantic attributes of the road network from local and global aspects. Next, we incorporate the characteristics of the road network and coarse‐grained flow features to regularize the local and global spatial distribution modeling of road‐relative traffic flow using an enhanced deep super‐resolution (EDSR) technique. Benefiting from the EDSR method, our approach can generate high‐quality fine‐grained traffic flow maps. Furthermore, to continuously provide accurate TTE over time by leveraging well‐designed multi‐scale feature modeling, we incorporate a multi‐scale feature expression of each road segment, capturing intricate details and important features at different scales to optimize the TTE. We conducted comprehensive trials on two real‐world datasets, BJTaxi and NYCTaxi, aiming to achieve superior results compared to baseline methods.
Role of Wnt5a in modulation of osteoporotic adipose‐derived stem cells and osteogenesis
Authors: Liu Lin , Luo Shihong , Li Qiumei , Huang Kui , Jiang Yuan , Zeng Lu , Lan Xiaorong , Li Qing , Xiao Jingang
Published: September 2024

Osteoporosis, a condition marked by the deterioration of bone microarchitecture and increased facture risk, arises from a disruption in bone metabolism, with osteoclasts surpassing osteoblasts in bone resorption versus formation. The Wnt signalling pathway, a key regulator of bone maintenance, remains partially understood in osteoporosis. Our research delves into the role of Wnt‐related molecules in this disease. In osteoporotic adipose‐derived stem cells (OP‐ASCs), we detected a significant decrease in Ctnnb1 and Frizzled‐6 (Fzd6), contrasted by an increase in Gsk‐3β and Wnt5a. Activation of the Wnt pathway by LiCl resulted in elevated Ctnnb1 and Fzd6, but decreased Gsk‐3β and Wnt5a levels, promoting OP‐ASCs' bone‐formation capacity. In contrast, inhibition of this pathway by DKK‐1 led to diminished Ctnnb1 and Fzd6, and increased Gsk‐3β and Wnt5a, adversely affecting osteogenesis. Furthermore, our findings show that overexpressing Wnt5a impedes, while silencing it enhances the bone‐forming capability of OP‐ASCs. In a cranial bone defect model, the implantation of Wnt5a‐silenced OP‐ASCs with biphasic calcium phosphate scaffolds significantly promoted new bone formation. These observations indicated a repression of the canonical Wnt pathway and a stimulation of the non‐canonical pathway in OP‐ASCs. Silencing Wnt5a increased the osteogenic and regenerative abilities of OP‐ASCs. Our study suggests targeting Wnt5a could be a promising strategy for enhancing bone regeneration in post‐menopausal osteoporosis.
Evaluating key evidence and formulating regulatory alternatives regarding the UK's Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill
Authors: Challender Daniel W. S. , 't Sas‐Rolfes Michael , Dickman Amy , Hare Darragh , Hart Adam G. , Hoffmann Michael , Mallon David , Mandisodza‐Chikerema Roseline L. , Roe Dilys
Published: September 2024

Public policy addressing biodiversity loss is most likely to be effective when it is informed by appropriate evidence and considers potential unintended consequences. We evaluate key evidence relating to the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill that was discussed in the UK Parliament between 2022 and 2024. We characterize the UK's role in international hunting trophy trade by analyzing CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) trade data for 2000–2021 and 2015–2021. For CITES‐listed species imported to/exported from the UK as hunting trophies in these periods we use data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species to determine whether hunting designated as “trophy hunting” is (i) likely a major threat contributing to species being of elevated conservation concern, (ii) likely or possibly causing localized declines, or (iii) not a threat. We then use the Red List to determine whether such hunting provides, or potentially provides, benefits for species and/or people. Finally, we evaluate the UK Government's impact assessment of the bill. In 2000–2021 an estimated 3494 hunting trophies from 73 CITES‐listed species and subspecies were exported to the UK involving an estimated 2549 whole organism equivalents (WOEs), that is, individual animals. Imports involved 158.86 ± 66.53 (mean ± SD) trophies/year (115.83 ± 32.27 WOEs/year). In 2015–2021, 79% of imports were from countries where populations of the hunted species are stable, increasing, or abundant. Legal hunting for trophies is not a major threat to any of the species or subspecies imported to the UK, but likely or possibly represents a local threat to some populations of eight species. This hunting does, or could potentially, benefit 20 species and subspecies, and people. Among other concerns, the impact assessment failed to adequately consider the costs and benefits to local communities in countries where such hunting occurs. Informed by these analyses we discuss alternative regulatory options.
Neurophysiological response to social feedback in stressful situations
Authors: Balconi Michela , Angioletti Laura , Rovelli Katia
Published: September 2024

The relationship between external feedback and cognitive and neurophysiological performance has been extensively investigated in social neuroscience. However, few studies have considered the role of positive and negative external social feedback on electroencephalographic (EEG) and moderate stress response. Twenty‐six healthy adults underwent a moderately stressful job interview consisting of a modified version of the Trier Social Stress Test. After each preparation, feedback was provided by an external committee, ranging from positive to negative with increasing impact on subjects. Stress response was measured by analysing response times (RTs) during the speech phase, while cognitive performance was assessed using a Stroop‐like task before and after the test. Results indicate that RTs used to deliver the final speeches with negative feedback were significantly lower compared with those used for the initial speech with positive feedback. Moreover, a generalized improvement in Stroop‐like task performance was observed in the post‐SST compared with the pre‐SST. Consistent with behavioural results, EEG data indicated greater delta, theta, and alpha band responses in right prefrontal and left central areas, and for delta and theta bands, also in parietal areas in response to positive feedback compared with aversive‐neutral feedback, highlighting greater cognitive effort required by the former. Conversely, an increase in these bands in right and left temporal and left occipital areas was observed following negative and aversive feedback, indicative of an adaptive response to stress and emotion‐regulatory processes. These findings suggest that negative social feedback in moderately stressful and noncritical conditions could contribute to improving individual cognitive performance.
Global, regional, and national epidemiology of ischemic stroke from 1990 to 2021
Authors: Hou Shuai , Zhang Yifeng , Xia Yulei , Liu Yong , Deng Xia , Wang Weihua , Wang Yanqiang , Wang Chunping , Wang Gang
Published: September 2024

Background and purpose

This study aims to examine the global, regional, and national burden of ischemic stroke from 1990 to 2021.

Method

We used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database to comprehensively assess ischemic stroke indicators globally, regionally, and in 204 countries, including incidence, deaths, disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs), estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), and Joinpoint regression analysis.

Results

In 2021, there were a total of 7,804,449 cases of ischemic stroke globally (95% uncertainty interval = 6,719,760–8,943,692), with an age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 92.39. This represents a declining trend compared to 1990, with an EAPC of −0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.76 to −0.58). Mortality and DALY rates also showed a downward trend (EAPC in age‐standardized mortality rate: −1.83, 95% CI = −1.92 to −1.74; EAPC in age‐standardized DALY rate = −1.59, 95% CI = −1.68 to −1.50). The burden of ischemic stroke was inversely correlated with gross domestic product. Regionally, from 2014 to 2021, the Caribbean experienced the fastest increase in ASIR (annual percent change = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.13 to 0.18). Among 204 countries, North Macedonia had the highest incidence, mortality, and DALY rates. In addition to metabolic risks, particulate matter pollution and low temperatures were significant environmental and occupational risk factors for ischemic stroke. Smoking and a diet high in sodium were identified as key behavioral risk factors.

Conclusions

Ischemic stroke remains a serious global health challenge, and our results from this cross‐sectional study suggest that the burden of disease remains high in Eastern Europe, East Asia, Central Asia, and Sub‐Saharan Africa.
SzCORE: Seizure Community Open‐Source Research Evaluation framework for the validation of electroencephalography‐based automated seizure detection algorithms
Authors: Dan Jonathan , Pale Una , Amirshahi Alireza , Cappelletti William , Ingolfsson Thorir Mar , Wang Xiaying , Cossettini Andrea , Bernini Adriano , Benini Luca , Beniczky Sándor , Atienza David , Ryvlin Philippe
Published: September 2024

The need for high‐quality automated seizure detection algorithms based on electroencephalography (EEG) becomes ever more pressing with the increasing use of ambulatory and long‐term EEG monitoring. Heterogeneity in validation methods of these algorithms influences the reported results and makes comprehensive evaluation and comparison challenging. This heterogeneity concerns in particular the choice of datasets, evaluation methodologies, and performance metrics. In this paper, we propose a unified framework designed to establish standardization in the validation of EEG‐based seizure detection algorithms. Based on existing guidelines and recommendations, the framework introduces a set of recommendations and standards related to datasets, file formats, EEG data input content, seizure annotation input and output, cross‐validation strategies, and performance metrics. We also propose the EEG 10–20 seizure detection benchmark, a machine‐learning benchmark based on public datasets converted to a standardized format. This benchmark defines the machine‐learning task as well as reporting metrics. We illustrate the use of the benchmark by evaluating a set of existing seizure detection algorithms. The SzCORE (Seizure Community Open‐Source Research Evaluation) framework and benchmark are made publicly available along with an open‐source software library to facilitate research use, while enabling rigorous evaluation of the clinical significance of the algorithms, fostering a collective effort to more optimally detect seizures to improve the lives of people with epilepsy.
Outcomes of a patient support programme for subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy in patients with primary or secondary immunodeficiencies or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Crispin Philip , Henderson Robert , Yun James , Crosbie Christina , Tognarini David , Youssef Sherif , Barrese Giulio , Fleischmann Simone
Published: September 2024

Background

Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) therapy is important in the treatment of primary (PID) and secondary immunodeficiencies (SID) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Patient support programmes (PSPs) help patients self‐administer medication regimens and play a more active role in the self‐management of their medical conditions.

Aim

To describe the effectiveness of the CSL Behring CARES PSP in optimising the quality use of SCIg in a hospital‐free environment.

Design

This retrospective, observational study analysed records of patients enroled in the CSL Behring CARES PSP. Key outcomes were accessibility and effectiveness. Data were extracted from the patient database and analysed using descriptive methods.

Results

Seven hundred eighty‐nine patients with PID (30.8%), SID (53.4%) and CIDP (15.8%) were enroled in the CARES PSP, 92.8% of whom were referred from public hospitals and the remaining from private hospitals. Of the total patient population, 697 (88.3%) received the nurse‐led SCIg self‐administration training and education (COACH), out of which 656 (94.1%) completed training and achieved competency after an average of 2.3 training sessions. The proportions of patients who achieved competency were similar across age groups and prior SCIg hospital education status.

Conclusion

This is the largest real‐world evidence study that describes the effectiveness of SCIg PSPs across three therapeutic disease states. These PSPs can optimise hospital resources such as infusion nurse time and allocation of infusion chairs that were once used for intravenous immunoglobulin infusions, improve patient access to SCIg therapy and enable patients self‐administer SCIg outside a hospital environment.
Utilization of publicly available data to summarize spatio‐temporal patterns of fish health events of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) reported by marine finfish industries in British Columbia (BC), Canada
Authors: Jyoti Sumit , Jia Beibei , Saksida Sonja , Stryhn Henrik , Price Derek , Thakur Krishna Kumar
Published: September 2024

Atlantic salmon aquaculture companies in British Columbia (BC) must report fish health events to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) as part of their licensing conditions. Our study aimed to summarize these fish health events reported by Atlantic salmon sites in BC to identify spatial and spatio‐temporal clusters. We conducted descriptive, retrospective global, and local cluster analyses using Moran's I and scan statistics. Between 2016 and 2022, 265 fish health events were reported. The annual incidence ranged from 5.60 (95% CI: 3.90–7.80) to 6.86 (95% CI: 4.70–9.60) health events per 100 active site‐months. The most common events were yellow mouth (60.75%; 161/265) and salmonid rickettsial septicaemia (SRS) (15.47%; 41/265). The Moran's I index was positive and significant for yellow mouth, SRS, and overall fish health events at different distance bands. Most of the spatial and spatio‐temporal clusters were identified in the west‐central and southwestern parts of Vancouver Island. Our study hypothesizes that management practices, environmental conditions, and water quality parameters may have influenced the increased reporting of fish health events in these regions. Overall, the study highlights the potential of publicly available data for practical risk mapping in understanding the patterns of farmed Atlantic salmon diseases in BC.
The quality of home‐based primary care delivered by nurse practitioners: A national Medicare claims analysis
Authors: Perloff Jennifer , Hoyt Alex , Srinivasan Meera , Alvarez Michelle , Sobul Sam , O'Reilly‐Jacob Monica
Published: September 2024

Background

As the US population ages, there is an increasing demand for home‐based primary care (HBPC) by those with Alzheimer's/dementia, multiple chronic conditions, severe physical limitations, or those facing end‐of life. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are increasingly providing HBPC, yet little is known about their quality of care in this unique setting.

Methods

This observational study uses Medicare claims data from 2018 to assess the quality of care for high‐intensity HBPC users (5 or more visits/year) based on provider type (NP‐only, physician (MD)‐only, or both NP and MDs). We employ 12 quality measures from 3 care domains: access and prevention, acute care utilization, and end‐of‐life. Analysis includes bivariate comparisons and logistic regression models that adjust for demographic, clinical, and geographic characteristics.

Results

Among the 574,567 beneficiaries with 5 or more HBPC visits, 37% saw an NP, 37% saw a MD, and 27% saw both NPs and MDs. In multivariate models, those receiving HBPC from an NP or both NP‐MD are significantly more likely to receive a flu shot than the MD‐only group, but less likely to access preventive care. NP‐only care is associated with more acute care hospitalizations, avoidable ED visits, and fall‐related injuries, but significantly fewer avoidable admissions. For end‐of‐life care, those with NP‐only or both NP‐MD care are significantly more likely to have an advanced directive, be in hospice in the last 3 days of life, and more likely to die in hospice. The NP group is also more likely to die in the next year.

Conclusions

HBPC patients are complex, with both palliative and curative needs. NPs provide almost half of HBPC in the Medicare program, to patients who are possibly sicker than those treated by physicians, with similar quality to MDs.
Exosomal miR‐142‐3p from M1‐polarized macrophages suppresses cell growth and immune escape in glioblastoma through regulating HMGB1‐mediated PD‐1/PD‐L1 checkpoint
Authors: Wei Yigong , Zhou Kun , Wang Cheng , Du Xiaolin , Wang Zhengdi , Chen Guangtang , Zhang Huan , Hui Xuhui
Published: September 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most prevalent cancerous brain tumors. Former studies have reported that exosomes derived from M1‐polarized macrophages (M1 exosomes) inhibit tumor occurrence and development through delivery of tumor suppressor genes. Also, microRNA‐142‐3p (miR‐142‐3p) has been verified to function as a tumor suppressor. GBM cell proliferation was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8), colony formation assay and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) assay; cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry analysis and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Mechanism investigations were conducted for analyzing the molecular mechanism by which miR‐142‐3p and M1 exosomes affect GBM progression. Upregulation of miR‐142‐3p expression was detected in M1‐polarized macrophages and M1 exosomes. M1 exosomes inhibit GBM cell proliferation and trigger cell apoptosis. Functionally, miR‐142‐3p silencing promotes the proliferation and inhibits the apoptosis of GBM cells treated with M1 exosomes. As for molecular mechanism, miR‐142‐3p inhibits GBM cell growth via targeting high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). In addition, miR‐142‐3p/HMGB1 axis affects GBM cell immune escape through modulation of programmed death‐1/programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐1/PD‐L1) checkpoint. Our study demonstrated that exosomal miR‐142‐3p from M1‐polarized macrophages suppresses cell growth and immune escape in GBM through regulating HMGB1‐mediated PD‐1/PD‐L1 checkpoint.

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Sex‐dependent differences in the ability of nicotine to modulate discrimination learning and cognitive flexibility in mice
Authors: Aomine Yoshiatsu , Shimo Yuto , Sakurai Koki , Abe Mayuka , Macpherson Tom , Ozawa Takaaki , Hikida Takatoshi
Published: September 2024

Nicotine, an addictive compound found in tobacco, functions as an agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain. Interestingly, nicotine has been reported to act as a cognitive enhancer in both human subjects and experimental animals. However, its effects in animal studies have not always been consistent, and sex differences have been identified in the effects of nicotine on several behaviors. Specifically, the role that sex plays in modulating the effects of nicotine on discrimination learning and cognitive flexibility in rodents is still unclear. Here, we evaluated sex‐dependent differences in the effect of daily nicotine intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration at various doses (0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/kg) on visual discrimination (VD) learning and reversal (VDR) learning in mice. In male mice, 0.5 mg/kg nicotine significantly improved performance in the VDR, but not the VD, task, while 0.5 mg/kg nicotine significantly worsened performance in the VD, but not VDR task in female mice. Furthermore, 0.25 mg/kg nicotine significantly worsened performance in the VD and VDR task only in female mice. Next, to investigate the cellular mechanisms that underlie the sex difference in the effects of nicotine on cognition, transcriptomic analyses were performed focusing on the medial prefrontal cortex tissue samples from male and female mice that had received continuous administration of nicotine for 3 or 18 days. As a result of pathway enrichment analysis and protein–protein interaction analysis using gene sets of differentially expressed genes, decreased expression of postsynaptic‐related genes in males and increased expression of innate immunity‐related genes in females were identified as possible molecular mechanisms related to sex differences in the effects of nicotine on cognition in discrimination learning and cognitive flexibility. Our result suggests that nicotine modulates cognitive function in a sex‐dependent manner by alternating the expression of specific gene sets in the medial prefrontal cortex.

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Non‐causal and non‐invertible ARMA models: Identification, estimation and application in equity portfolios
Authors: Hecq Alain , Velasquez‐Gaviria Daniel
Published: September 2024

The mixed causal‐non‐causal invertible‐non‐invertible autoregressive moving‐average (MARMA) models have the advantage of incorporating roots inside the unit circle, thus adjusting the dynamics of financial returns that depend on future expectations. This article introduces new techniques for estimating, identifying and simulating MARMA models. Although the estimation of the parameters is done using second‐order moments, the identification relies on the existence of high‐order dynamics, captured in the high‐order spectral densities and the correlation of the squared residuals. A comprehensive Monte Carlo study demonstrated the robust performance of our estimation and identification methods. We propose an empirical application to 24 portfolios from emerging markets based on the factors: size, book‐to‐market, profitability, investment and momentum. All portfolios exhibited forward‐looking behavior, showing significant non‐causal and non‐invertible dynamics. Moreover, we found the residuals to be uncorrelated and independent, with no trace of conditional volatility.
Increased food crop diversification and gathering of wild plants associated with women's dietary diversity in Chad
Authors: Mascareñas‐García Marta , Custodio Estefania , Issa Mahamat Garba , Bechir M. , Kayitakire Francois
Published: September 2024

Women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to low‐quality diets due to their higher micronutrients needs. The minimum dietary diversity for women (MDDW) is a proxy for micronutrient adequacy in this group of women. Its relationship with other aspects that lead to malnutrition is not fully elucidated and depends on the context. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of MDDW among women of a rural area in Chad and its association with socioeconomical, agricultural, dietary and food security data. A cross‐sectional study was conducted. Following a multistage cluster sampling, 984 women of reproductive age were randomly selected and interviewed in March 2019. We obtained food consumption data through unquantified 24 h recalls and computed MDDW as consuming at least five out of 10 predefined food groups. We constructed a Food Production Diversity Score (FPDS) with crop and livestock information. We obtained multivariable logistic regression models including different covariates. MDDW was achieved by only 33% of women in the sample. In our final model, we identified a significant association of MDDW with the FPDS and gathering of wild plants. Women in households with the highest FPDS had 70% more chances of achieving MDDW than those with the lowest FPDS. Gathering wild plants doubled these chances. Areas of cultivated land, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene resources, and a high level of food security, measured with the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, were also significantly related to the achievement of MDDW. This illustrates the importance of nutrition‐sensitive policies, also considering biodiversity and food production diversification.
Automated quantification of crack length and width in asphalt pavements
Authors: Li Zhe , Zhang Tuo , Miao Yi , Zhang Jiupeng , Torbaghan Mehran Eskandari , He Yinzhang , Dai Jiasheng
Published: September 2024

Rapid, accurate, and fully automated estimation of both length and width of asphalt pavement cracks, essential for achieving a proactive asset management, presents a significant challenge, primarily due to limitations in the effectiveness of automatic image segmentation and the accuracy of crack width and length estimation algorithms. To address this challenge, this paper introduces the Branch Growing (BG) algorithm, specifically designed for crack length estimation in asphalt pavements, along with an optimized OrthoBoundary algorithm tailored for crack width estimation. Leveraging four widely adopted deep learning models for asphalt pavement crack segmentation, four distinct sets of image segmentation results have been produced. Subsequently, a comprehensive evaluation has been conducted to assess the effectiveness of both crack dimensions estimation algorithms. The findings demonstrate that the integration of the BG algorithm, the optimized OrthoBoundary algorithm, and the fully convolutional network with the HRNet backbone achieve a prediction accuracy of 80.21% for crack length estimation and 84.32% for average width estimation. Moreover, the image processing speed, at a resolution of 3024 × 3024, can be maintained at approximately 5 s, with average width estimation observed to be up to 9.1‐fold faster than the unoptimized OrthoBoundary algorithm. These results signify advancements in automated crack quantification methodologies, with implications for enhancing civil infrastructure maintenance practices.
Specificity of Membrane‐Associated J‐Domain Protein, Caj1, in Amphotericin B Tolerance in Budding Yeast
Authors: Sagarika Preeti , Dobriyal Neha , Deepsika Pakirisamy , Vairagkar Avanti , Das Ankita , Sahi Chandan
Published: September 2024

Hsp70:J‐domain protein (JDP) machineries play pivotal roles in maintaining cellular proteostasis and governing various aspects of fungal physiology. While Hsp70 is known for its involvement in conferring tolerance to diverse antifungal drugs, the specific contribution of JDPs remains unclear. In this study, we examined the sensitivity of cytosolic JDP deletion strains of budding yeast to amphotericin B (AmB), a polyene antifungal agent widely utilized in fungal disease treatment due to its ability to disrupt the fungal plasma membrane (PM). Deleting Caj1, a PM‐associated class II JDP, heightened susceptibility to AmB, and the protection conferred by Caj1 against AmB necessitated both its N‐terminal J‐domain and C‐terminal lipid binding domain. Moreover, Caj1 deficiency compromised PM integrity as evidenced by increased phosphate efflux and exacerbated AmB sensitivity, particularly at elevated temperatures. Notably, phytosphingosine (PHS) addition as well as overexpression of PMP3, a positive PM integrity regulator, significantly rescued AmB sensitivity of caj1Δ cells. Our results align with the notion that Caj1 associates with the PM and cooperates with Hsp70 to regulate PM proteostasis, thereby influencing PM integrity in budding yeast. Loss of Caj1 function at the PM compromises PM protein quality control, thereby rendering yeast cells more susceptible to AmB.
Genome scan reveals several loci associated with torus palatinus
Authors: Lee Myoung Keun , El Sergani Ahmed M. , Herrick Noah , Green Rebecca M. , Padilla Carmencita , Buxó Carmen J. , Long Ross E. , Valencia‐Ramirez Consuelo , Muñeton Claudia P. Restrepo , Moreno Uribe Lina M. , Adeyemo Wasiu L. , Butali Azeez , Marazita Mary L. , Shaffer John R. , Weinberg Seth M.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Torus Palatinus (TP) is a common trait with an unclear aetiology. Although prior studies suggest a hereditary component, the genetic factors that influence TP risk remain unknown. The purpose of this study is to identify genetic variants associated with TP.

Materials and Methods

We assessed the TP status of 829 individuals from various ancestral backgrounds using 3D palate scans. We then carried out a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) to identify common variants associated with TP. We also performed gene‐based tests across the exome to investigate the role of low‐frequency coding variants.

Results

Our GWAS did not identify any genome‐wide significant signals but identified suggestive associations including hits on chromosomes 2, 5 and 17 with p‐values less than 5 × 10−6. Candidate genes at these suggestive loci have been implicated in normal‐range craniofacial features, syndromes with facial and oral malformations, and bone density. We did not find evidence that low‐frequency coding variants influence TP risk. In addition, we failed to replicate associations identified in prior genetic studies of TP.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that multiple genes likely influence the development of TP. Independent replication will be required to confirm our suggestive associations.
Linking fine‐root diameter across root orders with climatic, biological and edaphic factors in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Guo Wei , Wang Cunguo , Brunner Ivano , Tang Qinrong , Wang Junni , Zhou Yingtong , Li Mai‐He
Published: September 2024

The importance of fine‐root diameter for ecosystem functioning is increasingly recognized, yet much remains to be learned about the variation in fine‐root diameter at large scales. We conducted an analysis of fine‐root diameter for five root orders for 1163 plant species to detect patterns in relation to resource availability (e.g. carbon, nitrogen, water and net primary production (NPP)), stress intensity (e.g. plant/soil biodiversity and soil bulk density) and temperature. First‐ to fourth‐order root diameters showed non‐linear relationships with mean annual temperature (except for first‐order root diameter) and/or with latitude. The diameters of the five root orders decreased with increasing mean annual precipitation, but increased with greater NPP, which was the strongest determinant of fine‐root diameter. Increasing soil biodiversity was associated with decreasing diameters of fourth‐ and fifth‐order roots, while greater plant biodiversity was associated with decreasing diameters of first‐ to third‐order roots. Soil total nitrogen concentration had a positive effect on first‐order root diameter but a negative effect on fourth‐ and fifth‐order root diameters. The patterns reversed for soil total phosphorus concentration. First‐ to third‐order and fifth‐order root diameters increased with greater soil bulk density. Second‐ to fourth‐order root diameters increased with higher soil pH. Overall, the variables related to climatic, biological and edaphic factors explained 44–63% of the total variance in the diameters of the different root orders. The unique patterns of plasticity observed in fine‐root diameter across root orders in response to varying environmental conditions contributes to a diversification of plant strategies for nutrient/water acquisition and transport under climate change.
Prevalence Characteristics of Osteoporosis Fractures in the Elderly in Two Regions of China and Analysis of the Lag Effect of Air Pollutants on them
Authors: Ye Zhipeng , Xiao Qian , Liu Shihang , Zhou Shuai , Hou Guangzhao , Lv Hongzhi , Zhang Yingze
Published: September 2024

Objective

Air pollution is increasing and threatening human health. The objective of this study is to investigate the population distribution characteristics of elderly osteoporosis fractures in Hebei Province and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and to analyze the effects of air pollutants on the number of elderly osteoporosis fracture inpatients in the two regions.

Method

A retrospective collection of elderly osteoporosis fracture cases was conducted in selected hospitals in Hebei Province and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022. The chi‐square test was used to compare the distributional characteristics of the population in the two regions. Additionally, we used a distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) in order to assess the effect of air pollutants on the number of daily hospital admissions of elderly osteoporosis fracture patients in different regions.

Result

A total of 19,203 elderly osteoporosis fracture patients were included in the study. The average age of these patients was 76.66 ± 7.55 years, and the majority of them were female (13,514 instances, 70.37%). The disparities in age distribution (χ2 = 133.9 p < 0.001), fracture site (χ2 = 62.0 p < 0.001), and hospitalization cost (Z = −15.635 p < 0.001) between the two regions were statistically significant. The lag effect curves of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 on the number of elderly osteoporosis fracture hospitalizations in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region exhibited a similar pattern resembling a “W”‐shaped curve. All three pollutants reached their highest values after a lag time of 14 days (PM2.5: RR = 1.053, 95% CI: 1.031, 1.074; PM10: RR = 1.031, 95% CI: 1.018, 1.043; NO2: RR = 1.125, 95% CI: 1.070, 1.182). In Hebei Province, the largest impacts of PM2.5 and PM10 were observed after a lag of 14 days (PM2.5: RR = 1.022, 95% CI: 1.013, 1.028; PM10: RR = 1.013, 95% CI: 1.008, 1.018). Similarly, the maximum effect of NO2 was observed after a lag of 11 days (RR = 1.020, 95% CI: 1.010, 1.028).

Conclusion

There were differences in the epidemiological characteristics of hospitalized patients with osteoporosis fractures between the two regions, PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 increased the number of hospitalizations for osteoporosis fractures. Exposure to air pollutants such as PM2.5 increases the risk of osteoporosis fractures in the elderly population.
Auricular laser acupuncture as an adjunct for parental anxiety management during children's surgery: A randomized‐controlled study
Authors: Lin Wenrui , Fortier Michelle A. , Cortes Haydee , Kain Zeev N. , Wang Shu‐Ming , Li Guann‐Pyng
Published: September 2024

Background

Pediatric surgery is associated with high levels of anxiety for both children and parents/caregivers. To mitigate anxiety, auricular acupuncture has shown its potential in the perioperative setting. Accordingly, our team developed a wearable prototype auricular laser acupuncture system, AcuHealth V1.0, as a portable acupuncture device and conducted a proof‐of‐concept evaluation with parents of children undergoing surgery.

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to conduct feasibility testing of the AcuHealth V1.0 system in delivering auricular laser acupuncture.

Methods

Parents of children who were scheduled to undergo outpatient surgery were randomly assigned to one of three groups: authentic acupuncture (laser beams at known anxiolytic acupoints, n = 13), sham acupuncture (non‐anxiolytic acupoints, n = 14), or a placebo control group (inactive laser, n = 14). Parent self‐reported anxiety (0–10 numerical rating scale) was assessed at baseline, pre‐intervention (once child was taken to the OR), post‐intervention, and at 30 min after the intervention. Usability and acceptability data regarding the device were assessed after the intervention.

Results

Baseline data revealed no significant difference in anxiety between the three groups. Parent‐reported anxiety level at 30‐min post‐intervention as compared to baseline in the authentic group was significantly decreased (delta mean ± std = −3.58 ± 2.07) compared to both the sham acupuncture (−1.35 ± 2.65) and placebo control group (0.54 ± 1.13). Evaluation of changes in parent‐reported anxiety between groups over time using two‐way repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant difference between the three groups (p = 0.001). Post hoc analysis with Scheffe test pairwise comparisons showed that at 30‐min post‐intervention compared to baseline, the authentic intervention group was significantly less anxious compared with both the sham group (p = 0.033) and the placebo control group (p = 0.001). Additionally, feedback regarding the usage of the device supported the acceptability and usability of the device with no adverse events.

Conclusions

This pilot study administering laser auricular acupuncture via the AcuHealth V1.0 system decreased parental anxiety after 30 min in parents who received treatment immediately after their children were taken to the operating room with no adverse effect.