bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of diagnostic tests for foot and mouth disease: are novel diagnostic tests for FMD more feasible than conventional tests in Southeast Asia?
Authors: Tan WY , Ward MP
Published: October 2024

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) remains endemic in many areas of continental Southeast Asia (SEA). It is responsible for substantial economic losses in the smallholder sector and threatens livelihoods. In recent years, novel diagnostic tests have been developed which reportedly detect FMD virus more effectively and efficiently. This critically appraised topic (CAT) aimed to evaluate the feasibility of these diagnostic tests for FMD in SEA compared to conventional tests. Relevant studies that evaluate diagnostic tests are identified and critically assessed, and recommendations are made on suitable potential diagnostic tests for use in the smallholder sector in SEA. A systematic search of electronic databases (CABI: CAB Abstracts, Web of Science Core Collections) was carried out to identify relevant studies that compared novel and conventional diagnostic tests. The search strategy initially identified 12 papers, of which six fulfilled all the inclusion criteria and were selected for this review. Most of the selected studies had limitations in design and comparability, making it difficult to validly compare the effectiveness and efficiency of the relevant diagnostic tests. These limitations include variation in sample characteristics, methodology, measurable outcomes and the different aspects of the diagnostic tests that each study focused on. Most studies concluded that novel diagnostic tests were more effective and efficient than conventional tests: had greater analytical sensitivity and specificity, were more robust, had a wider range of processable sample types and serotypes, could detect various diseases, had faster testing speeds and provided greater value for money. However, strong recommendations on which specific diagnostic test to rely on could not be made, since there was conflicting evidence and multiple confounding factors. Overall, the evidence found did not entirely apply to the target scenario, being SEA smallholder farms. Recommendations for the target scenario were also made based on the study findings.
Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibition suppresses pathological retinal angiogenesis
Authors: Chen Siyue , Liu Yuming , Zhang Yutian , Guo Xu , Bai Tinghui , He Kai , Zhu Yanfang , Lei Yi , Du Mei , Wang Xiaohong , Liu Qiang , Yan Hua
Published: October 2024

Background and Purpose

Pathological retinal angiogenesis is a typical manifestation of vision‐threatening ocular diseases. Many patients exhibit poor response or resistance to anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) controls the proliferation and function of immune cells. Therefore, we examined the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐angiogenic effects of BTK inhibition on retinal angiogenesis.

Experimental Approach

Retinal neovascularisation and vascular leakage in oxygen‐induced retinopathy in C57/BL6J mice were assessed by whole‐mount retinal immunofluorescence. PLX5622 was used to deplete microglia and Rag1‐knockout mice were used to test the contribution of lymphocytes to the effects of BTK inhibition. The cytokines, activation markers, inflammatory and immune‐regulatory activities of retinal microglia/macrophages were detected using qRT‐PCR and immunofluorescence. NLRP3 was detected by western blotting, and the effects of BTK inhibition on the co‐culture of microglia and human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were examined.

Key Results

BTK inhibition suppressed pathological angiogenesis and vascular leakage, and significantly reduced retinal inflammation, which involved microglia/macrophages but not lymphocytes. BTK inhibition increased anti‐inflammatory factors and reduced pro‐inflammatory cytokines that resulted from NLRP3 inflammasome activation. BTK inhibition suppressed the inflammatory activity of microglia/macrophages, and acted synergistically with anti‐VEGF without retinal toxicity. Moreover, the supernatant of microglia incubated with BTK‐inhibitor reduced the proliferation, tube formation and sprouting of HRMECs.

Conclusion and Implications

BTK inhibition suppressed retinal neovascularisation and vascular leakage by modulating the inflammatory activity of microglia and macrophages. Our study suggests BTK inhibition as a novel and promising approach for alleviating pathological retinal angiogenesis.
Self‐harm, suicidal ideation, depression and peer relationships in transgender and gender diverse adolescents accessing specialist mental health services
Authors: Whittle Kathryn , Moore Emma , Stallard Paul
Published: October 2024

Background

There are an estimated 25 million transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals worldwide, with 1.2%–2.7% of this population being under the age of 18. Community studies describe increased rates of mental health difficulties such as depression, self‐harm, suicidal ideation and difficulties with peer relationships for TGD youth over cisgender peers. However, comparatively little is known about the mental health symptomatology of TGD youth attending specialist mental health services (CAMHS) in the UK.

Method

This cross‐sectional study explored data from 170 young people participating in the Beating Adolescent Self‐Harm (BASH) trial. Baseline data about self‐harm, depression, and impact on daily life was compared for those who identified as TGD (n = 18) with those who identified as cisgender (n = 152).

Results

In the transgender group, 18 (100%) scored ≥27 on the MFQ suggesting severe depression and had total scores on the SDQ impact scale of ≥3, in the very high range. In comparison in the cisgender group, 140 (92.1%) scored ≥27 on the MFQ and 103 (67.8%) had total scores on the SDQ impact scale of ≥3. The TGD group reported higher rates of self‐harm, poorer peer relationships, less prosocial behaviour and greater interference with friendships and leisure activities and impact in the classroom. Both groups reported similar symptoms of depression.

Conclusions

Whilst this exploratory study has limitations, these results suggest that TGD youth attending CAMHS may experience greater mental health problems than their cisgender peers.
Functional heterogeneity of meniscal fibrochondrocytes and microtissue models is dependent on modality of fibrochondrocyte isolation
Authors: Ma Zhiyao , Chawla Shikha , Lan Xiaoyi , Zhou Eva , Mulet‐Sierra Aillette , Kunze Melanie , Sommerfeldt Mark , Adesida Adetola B.
Published: October 2024

Collagenase digestion (d) and cellular outgrowth (og) are the current modalities of meniscus fibrochondrocytes (MFC) isolation for bioengineering and mechanobiology‐related studies. However, the impact of these modalities on study outcomes is unknown. Here, we show that og‐ and d‐isolated MFC have distinct proliferative capacities, transcriptomic profiles via RNA sequencing (RNAseq), extracellular matrix (ECM)‐forming, and migratory capacities. Our data indicate that microtissue pellet models developed from og‐isolated MFC display a contractile phenotype with higher expressions of alpha‐smooth muscle actin (ACTA2) and transgelin (TAGLN) and are mechanically stiffer than their counterparts from d‐MFC. Moreover, we introduce a novel method of MFC isolation designated digestion‐after‐outgrowth (dog). The transcriptomic profile of dog‐MFC is distinct from d‐ and og‐MFC, including a higher expression of mechanosensing caveolae‐associated caveolin‐1 (CAV1). Additionally, dog‐MFC were superior chondrogenically and generated larger‐size microtissue pellet models containing a higher frequency of smaller collagen fibre diameters. Thus, we demonstrate that the modalities of MFC isolation influence the downstream outcomes of bioengineering and mechanobiology‐related studies.
Which Aspects of Parenting Predict the Development of Empathic Concern During Infancy?
Authors: Orlitsky Tal , Davidov Maayan , Paz Yael , Roth‐Hanania Ronit , Berger Maia Ram , Yizhar Lital , Shiller Liad , Zahn‐Waxler Carolyn
Published: October 2024

This study examined which parenting behaviors predict the development of infants’ empathic concern for others in distress. We distinguished between three forms of sensitive/responsive parenting: mothers' responsiveness to infant distress, their responsiveness to the infant's nondistress cues, and maternal expression of positive affect and affection in nondistress. Although in prior work these parenting behaviors were frequently combined, or subsumed under a single global construct, such as “sensitive responsiveness”, the three forms of parenting are theoretically distinct. We hypothesized that once all three were examined simultaneously, only responsiveness to distress would emerge as a unique predictor of empathy. A sample of 165 Israeli infants (50% girls) was assessed from 3 to 18 months. Parenting measures were coded from mother–infant interactions at 3 and 6 months, and infants’ empathic concern was assessed using three distressed stimuli at ages 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Path analysis models revealed that, consistent with the hypothesis, only responsiveness to distress uniquely predicted infants' subsequent empathic concern, over and above the other forms of parenting and preexisting empathy levels; conversely, being responsive or affectionate when infants were not distressed did not predict their empathic abilities. The findings underscore the importance of differentiating between theoretically distinct forms of parenting, even when they are correlated. The discussion addresses the role of responsiveness to infants’ distress in the early development of empathic capacity, and highlights avenues for future research.
Somatic and mental symptoms associated with dysglycaemia, diabetes‐related complications and mental conditions in people with diabetes: Assessments in daily life using continuous glucose monitoring and ecological momentary assessment
Authors: Hermanns Norbert , Ehrmann Dominic , Kulzer Bernhard , Klinker Laura , Haak Thomas , Schmitt Andreas
Published: October 2024

Aim

To analyse the potential drivers (glucose level, complications, diabetes type, gender, age and mental health) of diabetes symptoms using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and ecological momentary assessment.

Materials and Methods

Participants used a smartphone application to rate 25 diabetes symptoms in their daily lives over 8 days. These symptoms were grouped into four blocks so that each symptom was rated six times on 2 days (noon, afternoon and evening). The symptom ratings were associated with the glucose levels for the previous 2 hours, measured with CGM. Linear mixed‐effects models were used, allowing for nested random effects and the conduct of N = 1 analysis of individual associations.

Results

In total, 192 individuals with type 1 diabetes and 179 with type 2 diabetes completed 6380 app check‐ins. Four symptoms showed a significant negative association with glucose values, indicating higher ratings at lower glucose (speech difficulties, P = .003; coordination problems, P = .00005; confusion, P = .049; and food cravings, P = .0003). Four symptoms showed a significant positive association with glucose values, indicating higher scores at higher glucose (thirst, P = .0001; urination, P = .0003; taste disturbances, P = .021; and itching, P = .0120). There were also significant positive associations between microangiopathy and eight symptoms. Elevated depression and diabetes distress were associated with higher symptom scores. N = 1 analysis showed highly idiosyncratic associations between symptom reports and glucose levels.

Conclusions

The N = 1 analysis facilitated the creation of personalized symptom profiles related to glucose levels with consideration of factors such as complications, gender, body mass index, depression and diabetes distress. This approach can enhance precision monitoring for diabetes symptoms in precision medicine.
Efficacy and safety of a fixed‐dose combination of dapagliflozin and linagliptin (AJU‐A51) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled phase III study
Authors: Hong Jun Hwa , Kim Myung Jin , Min Kyung Wan , Won Jong Chul , Kim Tae Nyun , Lee Byung‐Wan , Kang Jun Goo , Kim Jae Hyeon , Park Jung Hwan , Ku Bon Jeong , Lee Chang Beom , Kim Sang Yong , Shon Ho Sang , Lee Woo Je , Park Joong‐Yeol
Published: October 2024

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of add‐on dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) who had inadequate glycaemic control with metformin and linagliptin.

Materials and Methods

A total of 235 patients with inadequate response to metformin (≥1000 mg/day) plus linagliptin (5 mg/day) were randomized to receive either dapagliflozin/linagliptin fixed‐dose combination (FDC [AJU‐A51]) 10/5 mg/day (n = 117) or linagliptin 5 mg plus placebo (n = 118) for 24 weeks. After the main treatment period, patients who received linagliptin plus placebo were treated with AJU‐A51 for an additional 28 weeks. Change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to Week 24 was the primary endpoint.

Results

AJU‐A51 significantly reduced HbA1c levels (from 7.93% ± 0.82% to 7.11% ± 0.61%) compared with linagliptin plus placebo (from 7.80% ± 0.71% to 7.87% ± 0.94%), with a least squares mean difference of −0.88% (95% confidence interval −1.07 to −0.68; p < 0.0001) at 24 weeks. The AJU‐A51 group had a significantly higher proportion of patients who achieved HbA1c <7.0% at Week 24 than the control group (44.8% vs. 18.6%; p < 0.001). The AJU‐A51 group maintained glycaemic efficacy up to 52 weeks, whereas the control group showed a substantial reduction in HbA1c after switching to AJU‐A51 in the extension study period. Both groups had similar incidence of treatment‐emergent and serious adverse events, and no cases of symptomatic hypoglycaemia were reported.

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin and linagliptin FDC (AJU‐A51) showed potent glucose‐lowering effects, with good tolerability, in patients with T2D who had poor glycaemic control on metformin and linagliptin (ClinicalTrials.gov [NCT06329674]).
Cost‐effectiveness of finerenone added to standard of care for patients with type 2 diabetes‐related chronic kidney disease in the United States
Authors: Zheng Cailin , Wu Jinneng , Li Na , Wei Xiaoxia , Huang Zhixiong , Chen Lingbin , Chen Zhou
Published: October 2024

Aim

To examine the cost‐effectiveness of adding finerenone to standard of care (SoC) for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)‐related chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the United States.

Materials and Methods

Based on the clinical data analysed by FIDELITY, we referenced the validated FINE‐CKD model (Markov model) to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of SoC versus SoC + finerenone from the perspective of US payers. The model was cycled for 35 years in 4‐month cycles, with cost and utility values derived from the published literature. The primary outcomes were incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the base‐case results.

Results

The treatment strategy of finerenone plus SoC led to gains of 6.95 QALYs and had a lifetime cost of $491 745.31. Compared to SoC, that strategy yielded 0.48 more QALYs at an added cost of $65 305.72. The ICER for finerenone was $135 257.06 per QALY, which is below the willingness‐to‐pay threshold of United States ($150 000/QALY). The results were sensitive to the hazard ratios associated with the efficacy of finerenone and its cost. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses showed that the probability that finerenone plus SoC would be cost‐effective was 57.6%.

Conclusions

For patients with T2DM‐related CKD, adding finerenone to SoC may be a cost‐effective option in the United States. Reasonable price reductions for finerenone could potentially benefit more patients.
Sugarcane harvesting systems in Brazil: Effects on soil carbon stocks and ethanol payback time
Authors: Maia Stoécio Malta Ferreira , Borges Sávio Tavares Ferreira , Medeiros Aldair de Souza
Published: October 2024

Replacing the burnt sugarcane harvesting system with unburnt sugarcane is important for the sustainability of the sugarcane sector in Brazil. Thus, quantifying the impact of the change in the sugarcane harvesting system on soil organic carbon (SOC) stock in Brazil is necessary, as it will allow the refinement of data on SOC, which is essential for the preparation of the national inventory of emissions and removal of greenhouse gases (GHGs), in addition to contributing to national public policies. We used data from both soil sampling and literature review in this study, resulting in 210 pairs of comparisons: 84 for the conversion from burnt sugarcane to unburnt sugarcane; 95 for the conversion from native vegetation to unburnt sugarcane; and 31 for the conversion from native vegetation to burnt sugarcane (NV–burnt), which we analysed using a mixed linear model. In Brazil and the South‐Centre region, burnt–unburnt conversion results in a progressive increase in SOC stocks over time, in surface and subsurface layers. Over 20 years, the NV–burnt conversion showed SOC losses between 15% and 32%, and the NV–unburnt conversion showed losses between 27% and 35%. SOC change rates showed gains of 0.32 and 0.59 Mg C ha−1 year−1 for burnt–unburnt, and losses ranging from 0.82 to 1.06 Mg C ha−1 year−1 for conversions from native vegetation. The time required to offset the negative carbon balance of the NV–unburnt conversion is 6.4 and 8.2 years, being shorter than the payback time of the NV–burnt conversion, which is 9.9 and 9.2 years, in the 0–30 and 0–50 cm layers, respectively.
Distinct features of topsoil carbon fractions across urban forests in eastern China
Authors: Guo Hongbo , He Tao , Gao Xiaofei , Xia Nan , Tang Yang , Tian Yuehan , Du Enzai
Published: October 2024

Rapid urbanization has increased the areas of urban forests that store considerable soil carbon (C). Different soil C fractions may show distinctive contents and spatial patterns in view of their contrasting sensitivities to various drivers. However, current studies on soil C fractions are mostly limited to natural ecosystems and little is known about the large‐scale patterns and drivers of soil C fractions in urban forests. Based on a field survey of urban forests across a north–south transect in eastern China, we analysed the spatial variations and main drivers of topsoil (surface layer, 0–10 cm; subsurface layer, 10–20 cm) C fractions (i.e., soil organic C, SOC; soil inorganic C, SIC; particulate organic C, POC; mineral‐associated organic C, MAOC). Our results showed that topsoil contents of POC, MAOC and SOC changed non‐linearly with latitude, with lowest values occurring in the cities in the warm temperate region. In contrast, SIC content showed the highest values in the warm temperate region. POC instead of MAOC was found to be a major fraction of SOC in urban forests. The spatial variation in topsoil POC content was mainly explained by mean annual temperature, soil clay and silt content, and park age. The spatial variation in MAOC content was mainly explained by soil clay and silt content, mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature and park age. In contrast, the spatial variation in SIC content was mainly explained by mean annual precipitation and soil pH. These findings demonstrate distinct features of different soil C fractions in urban forests and provide useful implications for urban soil carbon management.
How do firms use their dynamic capabilities in strategic factor markets? The role of resource rarity
Authors: Koparan Ipek , Aksaray Gorkem
Published: October 2024

This paper explores the use of dynamic capabilities in evolving strategic factor markets (SFMs), with an emphasis on the role of resource rarity. We investigate how the three dimensions of dynamic capabilities—sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring—interact with resource rarity to influence the economic value of resource acquisition. Our framework introduces the concept of a “resource rarity lifecycle,” which tracks the trajectory of resources within SFMs, shaped by the pace of change in market conditions. In slow‐paced SFMs, rare resources remain rare for longer, justifying investments in sensing and seizing capabilities. In contrast, in fast‐paced SFMs, rare resources quickly become common, making investments in reconfiguring capabilities more economically viable. We conclude with a discussion of theoretical implications and suggest potential avenues for future research.
A closer look at the demographics of same‐sex marriage in the United States: Implications for research, practice, and policy
Authors: Perry Nicholas S. , Lee Jenny , Rhoades Galena K.
Published: October 2024

In 2015, the United States Supreme Court legalized same‐sex marriage nationwide, setting in motion a sweeping social change for sexual minority people and their romantic relationships. The United States Census Bureau collects demographic data on same‐sex couple households, offering an opportunity to better understand the demographic makeup of same‐sex marriage today. This knowledge is essential for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers who aim to understand and support same‐sex couples' relationships. We used national probability data from the American Community Survey collected in 2021 (the most recent year these data are available) on married and unmarried, cohabiting same‐sex and opposite‐sex households. Respondents reported their own age, race, ethnicity, education, employment, income, home ownership, and whether they had children living with them in their household. Differences between married and unmarried opposite‐sex couples were observed in race, ethnicity, age, and socioeconomic status, consistent with prior research. Many of these demographic gaps also existed for same‐sex couples, although these were often smaller. Several of these differences further varied between male and female same‐sex couples. Same‐sex married couples appear to be more demographically diverse than opposite‐sex married couples. However, like opposite‐sex couples, same‐sex couples from multiple minoritized groups were less likely to be married. Future research is needed to understand drivers of these differences (e.g., different attitudes about marriage or lack of access to marriage) and their impact. Policymakers and clinicians will need to bear these group differences in mind when designing policy and delivering services to support the well‐being of sexual minority couples.
USP15 inhibits hypoxia‐induced IL‐6 signaling by deubiquitinating and stabilizing MeCP2
Authors: Zhang Zi‐Tong , Niu Shu‐Xuan , Yu Chen‐Hao , Wan Shi‐Yuan , Wang Jiao , Liu Cheng‐Yu , Zheng Ling , Huang Kun , Zhang Yu
Published: October 2024

Methyl‐CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is an important X‐linked DNA methylation reader and a key heterochromatin organizer. The expression level of MeCP2 is crucial, as indicated by the observation that loss‐of‐function mutations of MECP2 cause Rett syndrome, whereas an extra copy spanning the MECP2 locus results in MECP2 duplication syndrome, both being progressive neurodevelopmental disorders. Our previous study demonstrated that MeCP2 protein expression is rapidly induced by renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) and protects the kidney from IRI through transcriptionally repressing the interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway. However, the mechanisms underlying the upregulation of MeCP2 have remained elusive. Here, by using two hypoxia cell models, hypoxia and reoxygenation and cobalt chloride stimulation, we confirmed that the removal of lysine 48‐linked ubiquitination from MeCP2 prevented its proteasome‐dependent degradation under hypoxic conditions. Through unbiased screening based on a deubiquitinating enzymes library, we identified ubiquitin‐specific protease 15 (USP15) as a stabilizer of MeCP2. Further studies revealed that USP15 could attenuate hypoxia‐induced MeCP2 degradation by cleaving lysine 48‐linked ubiquitin chains from MeCP2, primarily targeting its C‐terminal domain. Consistently, USP15 inhibited hypoxia‐induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation, resulting in reduced transcription of IL‐6 downstream genes. In summary, our study reveals an important role for USP15 in the maintenance of MeCP2 stability and the regulation of IL‐6 signaling.
From anecdotes to insights: Streamlining the research idea generation process
Authors: Ben‐David Itzhak
Published: October 2024

This paper explores strategies for generating and evaluating novel research ideas. Researchers can identify promising ideas by systematically exposing themselves to new, practitioner‐relevant information and by contrasting emerging facts with existing theories. Additionally, by identifying the necessary conditions that are required for an idea to become a viable research project, researchers can quickly discard low‐prospect ideas, freeing up mental space and time to evaluate new research opportunities.
Direct Evidence for Microbial Regulation of the Temperature Sensitivity of Soil Carbon Decomposition
Authors: Pei Junmin , Fang Changming , Li Bo , Nie Ming , Li Jinquan
Published: October 2024

Soil physicochemical protection, substrates, and microorganisms are thought to modulate the temperature sensitivity of soil carbon decomposition (Q10), but their regulatory roles have yet to be distinguished because of the confounding effects of concurrent changes of them. Here, we sought to differentiate these effects through microorganism reciprocal transplant and aggregate disruption experiments using soils collected from seven sites along a 5000‐km latitudinal transect encompassing a wide range of climatic conditions and from a 4‐year laboratory incubation experiment. We found direct microbial regulation of Q10, with a higher Q10 being associated with greater fungal:bacterial ratios. However, no significant direct effects of physicochemical protection and substrate were observed on the variation in Q10 along the latitudinal transect or among different incubation time points. These findings highlight that we should move forward from physicochemical protection and substrate to microbial mechanisms regulating soil carbon decomposition temperature sensitivity to understand and better predict soil carbon–climate feedback.
Green Skills for Sustainability Transitions
Authors: Fuchs Martina
Published: October 2024

Green Skills are considered a prerequisite for sustainability transitions. However, existing literature shows heterogenous meanings of Green Skills, which are based on normative assumptions about what is understood as ‘green’ and ‘skill’. Despite the high expectations of Green Skills as a driving force for increasing sustainability of companies and regions, there is a research gap about implementation of Green Skills in vocational education and further training, and their impact on sustainability transitions. This paper is based on a literature review and reveals a fertile field for investigation, creating clarity by systematically analysing the fragmented literature and suggesting a research agenda for economic geography and labour geography.
Individualized treatment of diabetes mellitus in older adults
Authors: Araki Atsushi
Published: October 2024

The population of older adults with diabetes mellitus is growing but heterogeneous. Because geriatric syndromes, comorbidity or multimorbidity, the complexity of glucose dynamics, and socioeconomic conditions are associated with the risk of severe hypoglycemia and mortality, these factors should be considered in individualized diabetes treatment. Because cognitive impairment and frailty have similar etiologies and risk factors, a common strategy can be implemented to address them through optimal glycemic control, management of vascular risk factors, diet, exercise, social participation, and support. To prevent frailty or sarcopenia, optimal energy intake, adequate protein and vitamin intake, and resistance or multi‐component exercise are recommended. For hypoglycemic drug therapy, it is important to reduce hypoglycemia, to use sodium glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists, taking into account the benefits for cardiovascular disease and the risk of adverse effects, and to simplify treatment to address poor adherence. Glycemic control goals for older adults with diabetes should be set according to three categories, based on cognitive function and activities of daily living, using the Dementia Assessment Sheet for Community‐based Integrated Care System 8‐items. This categorization can be used to determine treatment strategies for diabetes when combined with the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). Based on the CGA, frailty prevention, treatment simplification, and social participation or services should be implemented for patients in Category II and above. Measures against hypoglycemia and for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease should also be promoted. Treatment based on categorization and CGA by multidisciplinary professionals would be an individualized treatment for older adults with diabetes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 1257–1268.
The scaffold protein IQGAP1 promotes reorientation of epithelial cell polarity at the two‐cell stage for cystogenesis
Authors: Horikawa Michihiro , Hayase Junya , Kamakura Sachiko , Kohda Akira , Nakamura Masafumi , Sumimoto Hideki
Published: October 2024

A single epithelial cell embedded in extracellular matrix (ECM) can proliferate to form an apical lumen‐harboring cyst, whose formation is a fundamental step in epithelial organ development. At an early two‐cell stage after cell division, the cell doublet typically displays “inverted” polarity, with apical and basolateral proteins being located to the ECM‐facing and cell–cell‐contacting plasma membranes, respectively. Correct cystogenesis requires polarity reorientation, a process containing apical protein endocytosis from the ECM‐abutting periphery and subsequent apical vesicle delivery to a cell–cell contact site for lumen formation. Here, we show that downstream of the ECM‐signal‐transducer β1‐integrin, Rac1, and its effector IQGAP1 promote apical protein endocytosis, contributing to polarity reorientation of mammalian epithelial Madin‐Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells at a later two‐cell stage in three‐dimensional culture. Rac1–GTP facilitates IQGAP1 interaction with the Rac‐specific activator Tiam1, which also contributes to the endocytosis and enhances the effect of IQGAP1. These findings suggest that Tiam1 and IQGAP1 form a positive feedback loop to activate Rac1. With Rac1–GTP, IQGAP1 also binds to AP2α, an adaptor protein subunit for clathrin‐mediated endocytosis; depletion of the AP2 complex impairs apical protein endocytosis in MDCK doublets. Thus, Rac1 likely participates in polarity reorientation at the two‐cell stage via its interaction with IQGAP1.
Circular applied linguistics: A model for impactful, inclusive, and sustainable research
Authors: Jenks Christopher J.
Published: October 2024

Applied linguists are committed to the investigation of language and real‐world problems. While this commitment leads to greater awareness of societal issues within the discipline, there are increasing pressures from societies and academic institutions to ensure that scholarship is available to, or has direct value for, the individuals and communities that are the target of our investigations. It is indeed difficult to enact social change through research when scholarship is not tailored to, and carried out with, the very individuals and communities that are being investigated. This paper attends to this opportunity by asking the following question. How do we engage in more impactful, inclusive, and sustainable research that explicitly involves the individuals and communities that we investigate? I introduce circular applied linguistics to consider the ways in which the discipline can be more impactful, inclusive, and sustainable in its research. I show how circular applied linguistics is based on the mutual benefit and shared knowledge of the researcher and the researched, creating a culture of ethical, open science, and leading to reflexive scholarship, that has greater relevance to societies.
Application of antioxidant peptide‐based coating on fresh‐cut apple
Authors: Ma Xia , Feng Jiya , Zhou Yefeng , Wang Lingling , He Yan , Zhang Hua
Published: October 2024

Fresh‐cut apples are susceptible to enzymatic browning and spoilage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different coatings on fresh‐cut apples and develop a predictive model for their shelf life. The apples were treated with antioxidant peptide from Candida utilis (CUH), carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), and composite coatings, and their physicochemical properties were subsequently evaluated. Key factors identified through correlation analysis of shelf life were used as input parameters for a partial least squares regression (PLSR) model to predict the shelf life of fresh‐cut apples treated with different coatings. The results indicate that CUH, CMCS, and CUH‐CMCS coatings effectively delay the deterioration of fresh‐cut apples. Notably, the CUH‐CMCS composite coating demonstrated superior performance, showing only a slight 3.50% increase in the browning index (BI) during storage. Minimal changes were observed in weight loss and firmness, while overall total acidity (TA) and pH exhibited slight decreases. Moreover, the levels of ascorbic acid (Vc), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POD) were significantly lower compared to the control group, and the total bacterial count increased by no more than 0.7 log CFU g−1. The PLSR model accurately predicted the shelf life of fresh‐cut apples treated with different coatings, with and values both exceeding 0.90. The research results indicate that the coating and model developed in this study offer a novel approach for preserving and managing fresh‐cut apples.
Investigation of Hemorheological Parameters in Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Uygun Gursan Gunes , Caglar Sena Ebru , Tutkavul Kemal , Kosem Esra Gurdal , Karakoc Yunus
Published: October 2024

Background

The aim of this study is to determine whether there are any changes in hemorheological parameters, including whole blood viscosity (WBV), plasma viscosity, erythrocyte aggregation, and erythrocyte deformability, in acute ischemic stroke patients, and to establish their relationship with stroke etiology. The study also aims to observe the changes in these parameters, if any, over time and after treatment, and to assess the correlation between risk factors for ischemic stroke and neuroimaging findings.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study including 70 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke within the first 3 days of the onset of symptoms and 96 healthy controls. Stroke patients were categorized based on TOAST criteria, and hemorheological parameters were measured at admission and on the fifth day post‐treatment. Erythrocyte aggregation and deformability were measured using a laser ektacytometer, and viscosity assessment was conducted with a rotational viscometer.

Results

Stroke patients exhibited significant differences from the control group in aggregation amplitude, aggregation index, and aggregation half‐time (p = 0.001, p = 0.013, p = 0.009, respectively) and showed elevated maximum value of elongation index (p = 0.000). No significant differences in WBV and plasma viscosity were observed between the groups. Post‐treatment, the small vessel occlusion subgroup demonstrated a notable reduction in WBV. Additionally, homocysteine levels showed a positive correlation with scattered white matter lesions in basal ganglia and infratentorial regions (p = 0.002, p = 0.039, respectively).

Conclusions

Increased predisposition to erythrocyte aggregation may contribute to the occurrence of acute ischemic stroke. Moreover, gaining the ability of erythrocytes to deform and increase blood flow may serve as a compensatory mechanism in the chronic vascular disease process. The risk factors for ischemic stroke may exhibit connections to specific areas within the brain.
Tissue adhesives for closure of intraoral surgical incisions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Medeiros Inês , Pascoal Selma , Castro Filipe , Macedo José Paulo , Lopes Otília , Pereira Jorge
Published: October 2024

Surgical success includes a planned incision, achieving haemostasis, good mechanical closure and optimal maintenance of the surgical wound. New materials, as tissue adhesives, have been suggested as substitutes for sutures, to overcome their disadvantages. This study aimed at gathering the differences of using surgical adhesives in oral surgery compared with the conventional method of using sutures as a wound closure technique. PRISMA analyses, PICO criteria and PubMed/Medline database, EBSCO and Cochrane Library were used for research. Inclusion criteria included prospective, randomized controlled trials and case–control studies published in English with full access, where clinical advantages and demerits/limitations were reported in patients who underwent oral surgical incisions, without time restrictions. Exclusion criteria comprised literature with lower level of evidence. A total of 15 studies were assessed and analysed 15 parameters as alternatives to sutures (100%), cost‐effectiveness (6,6%), postoperative pain (53,3%), time consumption (73,3%), haemostasis (46,6%), homeostasis (13,3%), aids healing (26,6%), tissue inflammation (26,6%), safety (6,6%), graft dimension (3,13), biocompatibility (13,3%), adhesion to tissue (6,6%), bacteriostatic effect (20%), oedema (13,3%) and ease of application (26,6). Selected articles' results indicate that surgical glues can be a suitable alternative and/or adjuvant to oral sutures, presenting numerous advantages.
Microstructural basis of AI predictions for material properties: A case study of silicon nitride ceramics using t‐SNE
Authors: Furushima Ryoichi , Nakashima Yuki , Maruyama Yutaka , Zhou You , Hirao Kiyoshi , Ohji Tatsuki , Fukushima Manabu
Published: October 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) models such as a convolutional neural network (CNN) are powerful tools for predicting the properties of materials from their microstructural images, etc. It is, however, critically essential to understand how the AI models use images and information to predict the target properties. In this study, we tried to gain insight into the inner workings of two AI models trained to predict bending strength (BS) and thermal conductivity (TC) of silicon nitride ceramics. Focusing on the intermediate feature representation of the microstructural images in the networks, the high‐dimensional data points corresponding to sample images were mapped onto a two‐dimensional plane using t‐distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t‐SNE). The maps demonstrated that the AI models predicted BS and TC primarily based on the porosity and grain sizes of the samples. The result indicates that t‐SNE is a useful technique for making the basis of models' predictions more understandable and well founded.
Reptile Diversity Patterns Under Climate and Land Use Change Scenarios in a Subtropical Montane Landscape in Mexico
Authors: Ramírez‐Arce Daniel G. , Ochoa‐Ochoa Leticia M. , Lira‐Noriega Andrés , Martorell Carlos
Published: October 2024

Aim

Mountainous regions are rich in reptile biodiversity but face threats from climate and land use changes. Understanding how these factors affect reptile diversity in these regions can highlight key conservation hotspots that require effective conservation actions. Here, we explored reptile taxonomic and functional diversity patterns along the Sierra Madre del Sur region in southeast Mexico, and potential changes in future years caused by different climate and land use change scenarios.

Location

Sierra Madre del Sur, México.

Taxon

Reptiles.

Methods

We used species distribution models and information on species traits to estimate taxonomic and functional diversity throughout the Sierra Madre del Sur (SMS) region under current and future climate and land use change scenarios.

Results

Greater taxonomic and functional diversity was observed in both temperate and tropical forests. Taxonomic diversity was higher in more drier areas at high elevations while higher functional diversity was observed in wetter areas at intermediate‐to‐high elevations. Lower diversity for both dimensions was associated with anthropic land uses. In future scenarios, both dimensions of diversity are expected to increase in temperate forest in highlands of central Oaxaca and decrease in the southcentral portion of the SMS, particularly for the worst scenarios due to increased deforestation rates.

Main Conclusions

Higher taxonomic diversity in more drier areas at high elevations could be due to historical and evolutionary factors, while higher functional diversity in wetter areas at intermediate‐to‐high elevations may be explained by a higher environmental heterogeneity in forests within these conditions. Larger diversity losses in the southcentral portion of the SMS are probably due to larger predicted deforestation rates in those areas. Our results are valuable not just for informing conservation actions, such as the creation of protected natural areas but also to understand the underlying processes behind the patterns of reptile diversity.
The impact of biodiversity information on willingness to pay
Authors: Hörisch Jacob , Petersen Lars , Jacobs Kathleen
Published: October 2024

Biodiversity loss is one of the planetary boundaries that is most urgently in need of action. However, very little is known about the consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for products with higher (or lower) levels of biodiversity performance. Therefore, this research was conducted to investigate how consumers’ WTP is influenced by a product's impact on biodiversity. To address this question, we collected representative data from 524 German consumers in a survey‐based experiment. Drawing on prospect theory, we identified the shape of the WTP reaction function for a given product in relation to its biodiversity performance. We demonstrate that consumers with sufficiently high levels of education and concern about biodiversity loss are willing to pay more for products with above‐average biodiversity performance and less for products with below‐average biodiversity performance. However, the extent to which a product outperforms the industry average does not influence consumers’ increased WTP. From a sustainable development perspective, these observed patterns highlight the problematic contrast between the pressing need for substantial improvements in product biodiversity performance and the limited incentives provided by consumers. Consequently, the findings suggest that the incentives that consumers currently provide for corporate biodiversity management are insufficient to assist in staying within the planetary boundaries.
Sustainability of bio‐based polyethylene: The influence of biomass sourcing and end‐of‐life
Authors: Ritzen Linda , Sprecher Benjamin , Bakker Conny , Balkenende Ruud
Published: October 2024

Bio‐based polymers may present a sustainable, circular way to reduce the environmental impact of plastics because they are produced from biomass that absorbs CO2 during its growth. However, sourcing (type of biomass used and cultivation location), production, and end‐of‐life affect the environmental impact of bio‐based plastics. We assessed the effect of sourcing and end‐of‐life options on the environmental impact of bio‐based high‐density polyethylene (bio‐HDPE) in 31 sourcing scenarios and five end‐of‐life options. Our study found that careful consideration of biomass sourcing (biomass type and production location) and end‐of‐life is needed to optimize the environmental impact of bio‐based plastics. If these aspects are not considered, the environmental impact of bio‐HDPE may exceed that of its petrochemical‐based counterpart. The direct availability of fermentable sugars indicated a lower environmental impact. The production location affected the resources needed for biomass cultivation and the environmental impact of processing due to the energy mix. Recently published guidelines do not allow biogenic carbon to be accounted for during the production stage, but only upon the incineration of the plastic. Our results show that this way of attributing biogenic carbon results in an apparent disadvantage for bio‐based plastics compared to petrochemical‐based plastics. Furthermore, it disadvantaged mechanical recycling of bio‐based plastics compared to incineration, a result out of line with circular economy principles.
Assessing the prospective environmental impacts and circularity potentials of building stocks: An open‐source model from Austria (PULSE‐AT)
Authors: Alaux Nicolas , Schwark Benedict , Hörmann Marius , Ruschi Mendes Saade Marcella , Passer Alexander
Published: October 2024

Building stock models can provide information on the current and future environmental impacts of buildings. Therefore, these models are useful tools for identifying trajectories that are compatible with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. However, the models often lack detail, which can lead to underestimations of the actual impacts of national building stocks, resulting in misinformed decision‐making. This study presents the steps needed to create an archetype‐based bottom‐up building stock model that uses Python and Brightway2. Prospective environmental assessments, including circularity assessments, can be performed by combining life cycle assessment (LCA) with material flow analysis (MFA). An important facet of this model is that it supports the development of a practical and easily reproducible method for the high‐precision modeling of a building stock. This model is open source, is readily adaptable to other countries, and does not require programming knowledge. This combined LCA‐MFA method can be used to assess the potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the Austrian building stock in five future scenarios involving sufficiency, energy, material, and design‐related measures. The results show different reduction potentials for embodied and operational GHG emissions depending on the set of measures taken. In all scenarios, mineral and synthetic materials contribute the most to embodied GHG emissions. Finally, the issue of validating building stock models is addressed, and numerous cross‐evaluations are proposed to ensure the reliability of results.