bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fluoroquinolones and the risk of severe hypoglycaemia among sulphonylurea users: Population‐based cohort study
Authors: Dimakos Jenny , Cui Ying , Platt Robert W. , Renoux Christel , Filion Kristian B. , Douros Antonios 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimFluoroquinolone‐related hypoglycaemia is rare but may become clinically relevant in individuals at high baseline hypoglycaemic risk, such as patients with diabetes using sulphonylureas. Our population‐based cohort study assessed whether fluoroquinolones are associated with an increased risk of severe hypoglycaemia compared with amoxicillin among patients treated with sulphonylureas.Materials and MethodsUsing the UK's Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum linked to hospitalization and vital statistics data, we assembled a base cohort of patients who initiated second‐generation sulphonylureas (1998‐2020). The study cohort included patients initiating either fluoroquinolones or amoxicillin while on sulphonylureas. Using an intent‐to‐treat exposure definition, we assessed the 30‐day risk of severe hypoglycaemia (hospitalization with or death because of hypoglycaemia) associated with fluoroquinolones compared with amoxicillin. Cox models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of severe hypoglycaemia after 1:5 matching on previous sulphonylurea use and propensity scores. Secondary analyses were stratified by demographics and glycated haemoglobin.ResultsOverall, 143 417 patients initiated fluoroquinolones (n = 13 123) or amoxicillin (n = 130 294) while on sulphonylureas. Compared with amoxicillin, fluoroquinolones were not associated with the risk of severe hypoglycaemia (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.91‐1.50). Fluoroquinolones were associated with an increased risk in patients <65 years (HR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.41‐5.97) but not in those ≥65 years (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.79‐1.35) in stratified analyses. There was no evidence of effect modification by sex or glycated haemoglobin.ConclusionsIn patients using second‐generation sulphonylureas, fluoroquinolones were not associated with an increased risk of severe hypoglycaemia compared with amoxicillin. An increased risk among younger adults is possible.
Localization of the counterinsurgency in Sinai: A case study on integrating local population into counterinsurgency combat operations in Sinai
Authors: Saad Mohamed 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntegrating local militias in the counterinsurgency (COIN) operations in Sinai has achieved tangible successes. The presence of local fighters contributed to the penetration of the Islamic State—Sinai Province network. The integration of locals into the ongoing COIN process has imposed a degree of local participation in local governance and decision‐making. Nevertheless, this article argues that there are two approaches to local integration into the COIN operation; the first is institutional integration, in which the state integrates local fighters at an institutional level in the ranks of the security apparatus. The second is the collaborating militia approach. In this pattern, the state resorts to warlords and tribal chiefs to mobilize irregular militias, coordinating with the regular forces in the COIN process without formally merging them into security institutions’ ranks. The Egyptian model in the Sinai is one of the latter type. The collaborating militia integration approach into COIN operations contributes to wooing elites to create narrow patronage networks of cronies, preventing systematized community participation in the decision‐making process, which leads to keeping the factors of rebellion alive below the surface even if the rebels are defeated militarily.
Perspectives on the diagnosis and management of functional cognitive disorder: An international Delphi study
Authors: Cabreira Verónica , Alty Jane , Antic Sonja , Araújo Rui , Aybek Selma , Ball Harriet A. , Baslet Gaston , Bhome Rohan , Coebergh Jan , Dubois Bruno , Edwards Mark , Filipović Saša R. , Frederiksen Kristian Steen , Harbo Thomas , Hayhow Bradleigh , Howard Robert , Huntley Jonathan , Isaacs Jeremy , LaFrance William Curt , Larner Andrew J. , Di Lorenzo Francesco , Main James , Mallam Elizabeth , Marra Camillo , Massano João , McGrath Emer R. , McWhirter Laura , Moreira Isabel Portela , Nobili Flavio , Pennington Catherine , Tábuas‐Pereira Miguel , Perez David L. , Popkirov Stoyan , Rayment Dane , Rossor Martin , Russo Mirella , Santana Isabel , Schott Jonathan , Scott Emmi P. , Taipa Ricardo , Tinazzi Michele , Tomic Svetlana , Toniolo Sofia , Tørring Caroline Winther , Wilkinson Tim , Frostholm Lisbeth , Stone Jon , Carson Alan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundCurrent proposed criteria for functional cognitive disorder (FCD) have not been externally validated. We sought to analyse the current perspectives of cognitive specialists in the diagnosis and management of FCD in comparison with neurodegenerative conditions.MethodsInternational experts in cognitive disorders were invited to assess seven illustrative clinical vignettes containing history and bedside characteristics alone. Participants assigned a probable diagnosis and selected the appropriate investigation and treatment. Qualitative, quantitative and inter‐rater agreement analyses were undertaken.ResultsEighteen diagnostic terminologies were assigned by 45 cognitive experts from 12 countries with a median of 13 years of experience, across the seven scenarios. Accurate discrimination between FCD and neurodegeneration was observed, independently of background and years of experience: 100% of the neurodegenerative vignettes were correctly classified and 75%–88% of the FCD diagnoses were attributed to non‐neurodegenerative causes. There was <50% agreement in the terminology used for FCD, in comparison with 87%–92% agreement for neurodegenerative syndromes. Blood tests and neuropsychological evaluation were the leading diagnostic modalities for FCD. Diagnostic communication, psychotherapy and psychiatry referral were the main suggested management strategies in FCD.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates the feasibility of distinguishing between FCD and neurodegeneration based on relevant patient characteristics and history details. These characteristics need further validation and operationalisation. Heterogeneous labelling and framing pose clinical and research challenges reflecting a lack of agreement in the field. Careful consideration of FCD diagnosis is advised, particularly in the presence of comorbidities. This study informs future research on diagnostic tools and evidence‐based interventions.
What accounts for the difference in the emergence times of Drosophila melanogaster between the first and second eclosion days?
Authors: Watari Yasuhiko , Goto Shin G. , Miyazaki Yosuke , Kuroki Izuru , Tanaka Kazuhiro 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOne of the characteristics of the adult eclosion rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster is that adult emergence time differs greatly between the first and second eclosion days. The emergence time is in the middle of the light period on the first eclosion day, but immediately after light‐on on the second day. We hypothesized that incomplete entrainment of the endogenous pacemaker to the light–dark (LD) cycle is responsible for the daily variation. Due to the very short pupal period of this species, adult emergence may occur before complete synchronization of the pacemaker with the external cycle on the first eclosion day. Therefore, the peak time on the first eclosion day may differ significantly from that on the second day. To verify this hypothesis, using pupae that had pupariated within 24 h, the time difference between the first and second peaks was compared in LD 12:12 or constant darkness at five different temperatures from 30 to 15°C. In both light regimes, the time difference decreased with decreasing temperature and extended pupal duration. The interval between the eclosion peaks approached 24 h, supporting this hypothesis. These results can be interpreted by using a two‐oscillator model.
Moving toward the “Other” on the Margins
Authors: Nyamadzawo Evans 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAs the world grows into a global village through modernity and migration, one would think that boundaries and differences would be less; however, the closer we get to each other in the world, the more social, ethnic, economic, religious, and political boundaries we encounter. This phenomenon has led to the concepts of the “other” and those on the margins. Trying to define the term “margins” can be problematic. This article begins by reviewing the “incarnational model,” where the mighty and powerful are supposed to move toward the less powerful and bridge the gap between those in the centre and those on the margins. It goes on to propose the “eucharist model” and the “table model” for encounters, in this way removing barriers between people in a quest for a classless world.
Conserved cysteines prevent C‐mannosylation of mucin Cys domains
Authors: Albers Marco Darius , Tiemann Birgit , Kaynert Jonas Till , Pich Andreas , Bakker Hans 
Published: May 2024

Mucins are major components of the mucus. Besides the highly O‐glycosylated tandem repeat domains, mucins contain Cys domains (CysDs). CysDs contain conserved disulfide‐forming cysteine residues as well as a WxxW motif. Since this is the consensus sequence for tryptophan C‐mannosylation, mucin CysDs have been suggested to be targets for C‐mannosyltransferases, but this has never been directly shown. Here, we recombinantly expressed human mucin CysDs in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and analyzed the C‐mannosylation status. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed that the putative C‐mannose site is not or only barely C‐mannosylated. However, mutation of the adjacent cysteine residues enabled C‐mannosylation to occur. In contrast to mucin CysDs, the homologous CysD of human cartilage intermediate layer protein 1 (CILP1) lacks these cysteine residues preceding the WxxW motif. We show that CILP1 CysD is C‐mannosylated, but introducing a cysteine at the −2 position causes this modification to be lost. We thus conclude that the presence of cysteine residues prevents the modification of the WxxW motif in CysDs.
Origin and modern microbial ecology of secondary mineral deposits in Lehman Caves, Great Basin National Park, NV, USA
Authors: Havlena Zoë E. , Hose Louise D. , DuChene Harvey R. , Baker Gretchen M. , Powell J. Douglas , Labrado Amanda L. , Brunner Benjamin , Jones Daniel S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLehman Caves is an extensively decorated high desert cave that represents one of the main tourist attractions in Great Basin National Park, Nevada. Although traditionally considered a water table cave, recent studies identified abundant speleogenetic features consistent with a hypogenic and, potentially, sulfuric acid origin. Here, we characterized white mineral deposits in the Gypsum Annex (GA) passage to determine whether these secondary deposits represent biogenic minerals formed during sulfuric acid corrosion and explored microbial communities associated with these and other mineral deposits throughout the cave. Powder X‐ray diffraction (pXRD), scanning electron microscopy with electron dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), and electron microprobe analyses (EPMA) showed that, while most white mineral deposits from the GA contain gypsum, they also contain abundant calcite, silica, and other phases. Gypsum and carbonate‐associated sulfate isotopic values of these deposits are variable, with δ34SV‐CDT between +9.7‰ and +26.1‰, and do not reflect depleted values typically associated with replacement gypsum formed during sulfuric acid speleogenesis. Petrographic observations show that the sulfates likely co‐precipitated with carbonate and SiO2 phases. Taken together, these data suggest that the deposits resulted from later‐stage meteoric events and not during an initial episode of sulfuric acid speleogenesis. Most sedimentary and mineral deposits in Lehman Caves have very low microbial biomass, with the exception of select areas along the main tour route that have been impacted by tourist traffic. High‐throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing showed that microbial communities in GA sediments are distinct from those in other parts of the cave. The microbial communities that inhabit these oligotrophic secondary mineral deposits include OTUs related to known ammonia‐oxidizing Nitrosococcales and Thaumarchaeota, as well as common soil taxa such as Acidobacteriota and Proteobacteria. This study reveals microbial and mineralogical diversity in a previously understudied cave and expands our understanding of the geomicrobiology of desert hypogene cave systems.
Criminal record and employability in Ghana: A vignette experimental study
Authors: Akoensi Thomas D. , Tankebe Justice 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUsing an experimental vignette design, the study investigates the effects of criminal records on the hiring decisions of a convenience sample of 221 human resource (HR) managers in Ghana. The HR managers were randomly assigned to read one of four vignettes depicting job seekers of different genders and criminal records: male with and without criminal record, female with and without criminal record. The evidence shows that a criminal record reduces employment opportunities for female offenders but not for their male counterparts. Additionally, HR managers are willing to offer interviews to job applicants, irrespective of their criminal records, if they expect other managers to hire ex‐convicts. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Enhancing the thermal shock and corrosion resistance of low‐carbon Al2O3–C refractories: The role of h‐BN composite powder
Authors: Zheng Xin , Xiao Guoqing , Li Yanjun , Shang Can , Ding Donghai , Jin Endong , Sun Luyan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDeveloping low‐carbon and high‐performance Al2O3–C refractories is vital for extending the service life of slide gate plate refractories and reducing carbon emissions. In this study, hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) composite powder was prepared using the magnesiothermic reduction combustion synthesis route and introduced into low‐carbon Al2O3–C refractories. The phases composition, microstructure, mechanical properties, thermal shock, and slag corrosion resistance of low‐carbon Al2O3–C refractories were investigated. The results show that the thermal shock and slag corrosion resistance of low‐carbon Al2O3–C refractories enhanced by adding h‐BN composite powder. Due to the introduced h‐BN, consequent in situ formed spinel and AlN whiskers, the crack propagation in the refractories was deflected, branched forming more fine cracks, then the thermal shock resistance was enhanced. In addition to the chemical inertness of h‐BN, in situ formed spinel and AlN whiskers, the consequent decrease in pore size plays an important role in enhancing the slag corrosion resistance of the refractories. The h‐BN composite powder synthesized via the combustion synthesis in this study demonstrated potential application in high‐performance Al2O3–C slide gate plates used in continuous casting technology.
Background TV and infant‐family interactions: Insights from home observations
Authors: Uzundağ Berna A. , Koşkulu‐Sancar Sümeyye , Küntay Aylin C. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground television has been found to negatively impact children's language development and self‐regulatory skills, possibly due to decreased parent‐child interactions. Most of the research on the relationship between background TV and caregiver‐child interactions has been conducted in laboratory settings. In the current study, we conducted home observations and investigated whether infants engage in fewer interactions with family members in homes where background TV is more prevalent. We observed 32 infants at the ages of 8, 10, and 18 months in their home environments, coding for dyadic interactions (e.g., parent talking to and/or engaging with the child), triadic interactions (e.g., parent and infant play with a toy together), and infants' individual activities. Our findings revealed that background TV was negatively associated with the time infants spent in triadic interactions, positively associated with time spent engaging in individual activities, and not significantly related to the time spent in dyadic interactions. Apart from the relationship between background TV and individual activity time at 8 months, these associations remained significant even after accounting for families' socioeconomic status. These findings imply a correlation between background TV exposure and caregiver‐infant‐object interactions, warranting a longitudinal analysis with larger sample sizes.
Cr3+‐doped far‐red phosphors with zero thermal quenching and excellent spectral matching for plant lighting application
Authors: Duan Daochuan , Yu Shijie , Wu Yubo , Dong Yan , Shao Qiyue , Jiang Jianqing 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFar‐red‐emitting (700−740 nm) phosphors are essential for the fabrication of plant lighting phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diodes (pc‐LEDs). However, the development of highly efficient, thermally stable, and spectrally matched far‐red phosphors still remains a challenge. Herein, far‐red GdAlO3:Cr3+ (GAO:Cr3+) phosphors were synthesized via solid‐state reaction and investigated for plant lighting pc‐LED applications. A low‐temperature flux‐assisted synthesis strategy was adopted to improve the crystalline quality, suppress the defect formation, and maintain the valence state of Cr3+ in the phosphors, finally leading to significant luminescent enhancement (∼10 times). The GAO:Cr3+ phosphors show the 2E sharp‐line emissions around 730 nm, which is highly matched with the far‐red absorption band of plants. The optimized GAO:0.01Cr3+ phosphor exhibits a high internal quantum efficiency of 98.3% and zero thermal quenching even up to 250°C. The fabricated pc‐LED can generate an overall output power of 78.1 mW at 100 mA drive current, with a high energy conversion efficiency of 25.3%. The findings demonstrate the great potential of GAO:Cr3+ as far‐red‐emitting phosphor materials for plant growth pc‐LED applications.
The stress response of Listeria monocytogenes inoculated on fresh apples exposed to gaseous chlorine dioxide
Authors: Guan Jiewen , Lacombe Alison , Rane Bhargavi , Van Blair Jared , Zhang Yujie , Tang Juming , Sablani Shyam , Wu Vivian C. H. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFresh apples are vulnerable to Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) contamination during handling and storage causing subsequent foodborne outbreaks. Gaseous chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is an effective antimicrobial agent against L. monocytogenes and could augment food safety. This study investigates the stress and virulence response of L. monocytogenes on apples exposed to a sublethal concentration of ClO2. L. monocytogenes was inoculated on the surface of apples and exposed to gaseous ClO2 for 1 h. Gene expression analysis via Real‐Time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) revealed minimal changes in gene expression compared to control samples. However, a surface‐dependent response was observed, with slight upregulation of relevant virulence (hly) and stress (clpC) genes on more hydrophilic surfaces. These findings indicate that gaseous ClO2 treatment can provide a biostatic effect against L. monocytogenes on fresh produce, shedding light on its antimicrobial mechanism and potential for enhancing apple safety.
‘Women stay behind and grow the food’: Agricultural productivity and the interstices of petty commodity production and reproductive labour in Tanzania
Authors: Akram‐Lodhi A. Haroon 
Published: May 2024

AbstractInspired by the work of Carmen Diana Deere, this paper examines how an analysis of the work of rural production, even when gendered, is compromised if it does not incorporate reproductive labour. The paper presents estimates of the gender yield gap in agricultural crop productivity in Tanzania, along with the statistical causes of the gender yield gap, in order to demonstrate what is and why it matters. The paper then shows that the gender yield gap cannot be understood without interrogating how the reproductive labour of unpaid care and domestic work limits the time for productive activities available to women who have day‐to‐day decision‐making managerial control over plots of land. In this light, the paper suggests a way of rethinking the basic analytical frameworks of agrarian political economy in ways that are consistent with and incorporate the theoretical insights of Carmen Diana Deere. The implications of the analysis are stark: it should not be assumed that all members of an agrarian household share an identical class location, as remains far too often the default assumption in agrarian political economy.
Association between tooth loss‐related speech and psychosocial impairment with cognitive function: A pilot study in Hong Kong's older population
Authors: Lee Ka Yi , Chan Charlotte Cheuk Kwan , Yip Ching , Li Joyce Tin Wing , Hau Cheuk Fung , Poon Sarah Suen Yue , Chen Hui Min , Li Kar Yan , Burrow Michael Francis , Wong Gloria Hoi Yan , Kwong Elaine Yee Lan , Chen Hui 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundTooth loss has been associated with cognitive decline, but the underlying mechanisms involving speech and psychosocial impairment remain unclear.ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of tooth loss‐related speech and psychosocial impairment on cognitive function in Hong Kong's older population.MethodsSeventy‐six Cantonese‐speaking participants between the ages of 51–92 were classified into three groups: patients with complete dentures (CD), partially edentulous patients with less than 10 occluding tooth pairs (OU <10), and at least 10 occluding tooth pairs (OU ≥10). Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Hong Kong Version, One‐minute Verbal Fluency Task and Hayling Sentence Completion Test. Objective and subjective speech assessments were carried out using artificial intelligence speech recognition algorithm and a self‐designed speech questionnaire. The impact of tooth loss on psychosocial condition was evaluated by the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test and a self‐designed questionnaire. Statistical analyses (one‐way ANOVA, ANCOVA, Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman correlation test) were performed.ResultsTooth loss was significantly associated with lower cognitive function (p = .008), speech accuracy (p = .018) and verbal fluency (p = .001). Correlations were found between cognitive function and speech accuracy (p < .0001). No significant difference in tooth loss‐related psychosocial impact was found between the three groups.ConclusionWhile warranting larger sample sizes, this pilot study highlights the need for further research on the role of speech in the association between tooth loss and cognitive function. The potential cognitive impact of tooth retention, together with its known biological and proprioceptive benefits, supports the preservation of the natural dentition.