bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abnormal gray matter volume and functional connectivity patterns in social cognition‐related brain regions of young children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Bai Chen , Wang Yunlei , Zhang Yan , Wang Xianna , Chen Zhenbo , Yu Weiyong , Zhang Haojie , Li Xingzhu , Zhu Kaixuan , Wang Yuxiang , Zhang Tong
Published: May 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with abnormal brain imaging findings, but descriptions thereof are inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to investigate brain abnormalities in young children with ASD using a combination of structural and functional brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Structural and resting‐state functional MRI was performed in 67 children with ASD (aged 2–7 years) and 39 age‐matched typically developing (TD) controls. Voxel‐based morphometry was used to evaluate differences in brain structure between groups. Topologic parameters of the functional brain network were compared by graph theoretic analysis and network connectomes were compared with network‐based statistics. A support vector machine (SVM) was used to discriminate between ASD and TD groups. Results demonstrated young children with ASD had increased gray matter volumes (GMVs) in the right medial superior frontal gyrus and left fusiform gyrus compared with the TD group. The ASD group had altered subnetwork connectivity in frontal and temporal lobes and other social cognition‐related brain regions. Functional connectivity in the left superior temporal gyrus and left temporal pole of the middle temporal gyrus was positively correlated with adaptability and language developmental quotient (DQ) in children with ASD. The combination of the brain structural and functional features had 86.2% accuracy in discriminating between ASD and TD. The present study shows that young children with ASD have altered GMVs and functional networks in social cognition‐related brain regions, which are potential neuroimaging biomarkers for ASD.
Modulation of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system by phytochemicals: Therapeutic implications in malignancies with an emphasis on brain tumors
Authors: Sanati Mehdi , Afshari Amir R. , Ahmadi Seyed Sajad , Moallem Seyed Adel , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: May 2023

Regarding the multimechanistic nature of cancers, current chemo‐ or radiotherapies often fail to eradicate disease pathology, and frequent relapses or resistance to therapies occur. Brain malignancies, particularly glioblastomas, are difficult‐to‐treat cancers due to their highly malignant and multidimensional biology. Unfortunately, patients suffering from malignant tumors often experience poor prognoses and short survival periods. Thus far, significant efforts have been conducted to discover novel and more effective modalities. To that end, modulation of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS) has attracted tremendous interest since it affects the homeostasis of proteins critically engaged in various cell functions, for example, cell metabolism, survival, proliferation, and differentiation. With their safe and multimodal actions, phytochemicals are among the promising therapeutic tools capable of turning the operation of various UPS elements. The present review, along with an updated outline of the role of UPS dysregulation in multiple cancers, provided a detailed discussion on the impact of phytochemicals on the UPS function in malignancies, especially brain tumors.
Conflict in a word‐based approach‐avoidance task is stronger with positive words
Authors: Klackl Johannes , Blechert Jens , Jonas Eva
Published: May 2023

Background

Valence and motivational direction are linked. We approach good things and avoid bad things, and experience overriding these links as conflicting. Positive valence is more consistently linked with approach than negative valence is linked with avoidance. Therefore, avoiding positive stimuli should produce greater behavioral and neural signs of conflict than approaching negative stimuli.

Methods

In the present event‐related potential study, we tested this assumption by contrasting positive and negative conflict. We used the manikin task, in which we read positive and negative words that they needed to approach and avoid.

Results

Consistent with our prediction, positive conflict prolonged reaction times more than negative conflict did. A late (500–1000 ms following word onset) event‐related potential that we identified as the Conflict slow potential, was only sensitive to positive conflict.

Conclusion

The results of this study support the notion that avoiding positive stimuli is more conflicting than approaching negative stimuli. The fact that the conflict slow potential is typically sensitive to response conflict rather than stimulus conflict suggests that the manikin task primarily requires people to override prepotent responses rather than to identify conflicting stimuli. Thus, the present findings also shed light on the psychological processes subserving conflict resolution in the manikin task.
Impact of sex and serum lipids interaction on working memory: A large‐scale brain networks study
Authors: Zhang Shujun , Li Xuezhen , Sun Zhanguo , Chen Yueqin , Yu Yongqiang
Published: May 2023

Backgrounds

Previous studies have demonstrated that both serum lipid levels and sex are crucial factors associated with individual cognition. However, the impact of sex and serum lipid interaction effects on the brain and cognition remains largely unknown. This study aimed to explore the underlying neural mechanisms among sex, serum lipids, and cognition using large‐scale brain networks.

Methods

Resting‐state functional MRI data were collected from 157 young healthy adults. Independent component analysis was used to examine large‐scale inter‐ and intra‐network functional connectivity (FCs). Peripheral venous blood samples were collected to measure serum lipid levels. The three‐back task was employed to assess cognition (i.e., working memory). General linear model, correlation, and mediation analyses were conducted to examine the interaction effects of sex and serum lipids on large‐scale brain networks and their relationship with working memory.

Results

We found that inter‐network connectivity with the executive control network at its core was more susceptible to sex and triglyceride interaction effects. The intra‐network connectivity in the dorsal attention networks (DANs), lateral visual networks, and anterior default mode networks was influenced by the interaction effects of sex and total cholesterol (TC)/low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Specifically, correlations between serum lipids and affected brain networks were found to be sex‐specific. In addition, higher intra‐network FC in the right inferior parietal (R‐IPL) of the DAN correlated with a longer three‐back reaction time in females. More importantly, the relationship between serum TC levels and three‐back reaction time was mediated by intra‐network connectivity in the R‐IPL of the DAN.

Conclusions

Our findings describe the impact of sex and serum lipid interaction effects on large‐scale brain networks, as well as on cognitive function. Our data suggest that sex‐specific usage of serum lipids or brain networks would be beneficial for monitoring and therapy in dyslipidemia‐related cognition decline.
Variables related to health‐related quality of life among breast cancer survivors after participation in an interdisciplinary treatment combining mindfulness and physiotherapy
Authors: Martín Josune , García Susana , Anton‐Ladislao Ane , Ferreiro Josefa , Martín Maximina , Padierna Angel , Quintana José M. ,   the CAMISS‐prospective group
Published: May 2023

Background

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment increase the potential psychological impact on breast cancer survivors (BCS). The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an interdisciplinary intervention during follow‐up in BCS and identify variables related to improvements in HRQoL.

Materials and Methods

In a non‐randomised quasi‐experimental design performed on an outpatient basis in a hospital gynaecology and oncology unit, 60 BCS were assigned to an interdisciplinary experimental group (EG) or a usual care group (CG). The EG underwent 12 sessions of an interdisciplinary program which included Mindfulness and physiotherapy, for 120 min per day, once a week for 6 weeks. At baseline, at 6 weeks and at 3 months after the intervention, participants of EG and CG completed an assessment of HRQoL (EuroQol and EORTC‐QLQ‐C30) and symptomatology of anxiety and depression. Additionally, EG completed an assessment of satisfaction with the treatment. For data analysis, we used descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Chi‐square and Fisher tests and generalised linear models.

Results

After 6 weeks, statistically significant differences were apparent in global and cancer‐related health symptoms such as fatigue and pain in the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and in anxiety and depression, among the EG (n = 30) compared with the CG (n = 30). Patients receiving the intervention reported a high degree of satisfaction with the treatment. Three months after the intervention, patients in the EG continued to show statistically significant improvements compared with the CG. In addition, allocation to the EG was identified as a variable related to improvement of HRQoL (EORTC QLQ‐C30) in the multivariable model.

Conclusions

The results of our study suggest that a 6‐week interdisciplinary intervention may improve HRQoL and symptomatology of anxiety and depression in BCS patients at 3 months. The study presents data that the intervention for BCS appears promising and warrants further study in a randomised controlled trial.
The effect of propofol on chemosensitivity of paclitaxel in cervical cancer cells
Authors: Jin Yanshan , Xie Shangdan , Sheng Bo , Chen Mei , Zhu Xueqiong
Published: May 2023

Background

Propofol is a drug with potential anticancer effect. This study aimed to explore the effect of propofol on chemosensitivity of cervical cancer cells to paclitaxel.

Methods

HeLa and CaSki cells were selected for drug experiments. Cell viability was evaluated via CCK‐8 assay, and the combination index (CI) was calculated by CompuSyn software. A clinically relevant concentration and IC30 of propofol were selected in combination with 5 nM paclitaxel. BrdU incorporation, transwell, and flow cytometry assays were utilized to evaluate cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. The expression of β‐tubulin, stathmin 1, and GAPDH proteins was evaluated by Western blot. The stathmin 1 cDNA plasmid was used to establish stathmin 1‐overexpressing CaSki cells.

Results

At clinically relevant concentrations (0–80 μM), propofol did not affect cancer cell viability, but high concentrations (100–800 μM) reduced cell viability. The CI values of propofol with IC30 (200 μM in HeLa; 400 μM in CaSki) combined with 5 nM paclitaxel were <1. The effect of propofol with IC30 combined with paclitaxel on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were stronger than individual effect, while 30 μM propofol had no effect. The Western blot results showed 30 μM propofol did not affect β‐tubulin and stathmin 1 expression in cells, although paclitaxel upregulated β‐tubulin expression while downregulating stathmin 1 expression. Compared with paclitaxel alone, cotreatment with propofol at its IC30 and paclitaxel decreased stathmin 1 expression but had no effect on β‐tubulin expression. High stathmin 1 expression weakened the effect of paclitaxel on cell viability and apoptosis, while propofol partially reversed these effect.

Conclusion

Propofol at clinically relevant concentrations had no effect on the malignant biological behaviors of cervical cancer cells, while propofol at high concentrations decreased.Propofol with IC30 and paclitaxel had synergetic effect on cancer cells through a reduction in stathmin 1 expression.
Understand how proposed Title IX rule could impact transgender participation in athletics
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: May 2023

Against the backdrop of an increasing number of states enacting laws that prohibit or limit the participation of transgender students in athletics other than on teams of their biological sex at birth, the U.S. Department of Education issued a proposed change to Title IX's regulations that would directly address such participation at a national level.
Did court dismiss cheerleader's Title IX claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: May 2023

A cheerleader at Georgia College and State University went on a spring break trip with a few classmates. On this trip, a male student sexually assaulted the cheerleader while she was intoxicated. The cheerleader didn't remember the assault but woke up the next morning with her shirt off and soreness in her vaginal area.
Retrograde percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusion via discontinuous septal channels
Authors: Zhang Yao‐Jun , Ma Wen‐Rui , Xu Bo , Huang Ze‐Han , Zhang Xiao‐Yong , Iqbal Javaid , Dou Ke‐Fei , Bourantas Christos V. , Werner Gerald S. , Zhang Bin
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The study aims to investigate the safety and feasibility of retrograde CTO intervention via collateral connection grade 0 (CC‐0) septal channel and to identify predictors of collateral tracking failure.

Background

Guidewire crossing a collateral channel is a critical step for successful retrograde percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusion (CTO).

Methods

Retrograde PCI was attempted in 122 cases of CTO with CC‐0 septal collaterals from December 2018 to May 2021. A hydrophilic polymer coating guidewire was used for crossing all intended CC‐0 collaterals. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of guidewire tracking failure via the CC‐0 collaterals.

Results

Successful guidewire tracking via CC‐0 septal channel was achieved in 98 (80.3%) of 122 cases. The independent predictors of CC‐0 septal channel guidewire tracking failure included well‐developed non‐septal collateral (OR: 5.297, 95% CI: 1.107–25.353,p = 0.037) and the ratio length of posterior descending artery (PDA) versus the distance of PDA ostium to cardiac apex ≤2/3 (OR: 3.970, 95% CI: 1.454–10.835,p = 0.007). Collateral perforation, target vessel perforation, and cardiac tamponade occurred in 5 (4.1%), 3 (2.5%), and 6 (4.9%) cases, respectively. There were no complications requiring emergency cardiac surgery or revascularization of nontarget vessel.

Conclusions

Retrograde PCI via CC‐0 septal channels with a hydrophilic polymer‐coated guidewire is feasible and safe in patients with CTO. Well‐developed nonseptal collaterals and short PDA length influence the procedure success and the risk of guidewire tracking failure via CC‐0 septal channels.
Transcatheter edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair for post‐myocardial infarction papillary muscle rupture and acute heart failure: A systematic review
Authors: Calì Filippo , Pagnesi Matteo , Pezzola Elisa , Montisci Andrea , Metra Marco , Adamo Marianna
Published: May 2023

Papillary muscle rupture (PMR) is a rare complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) associated with high mortality and morbidity. Surgery is the gold‐standard treatment for these patients, but it is burdened by a high perioperative risk due to hemodynamic instability. Mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (M‐TEER) was reported to be safe and effective in unstable patients with significant mitral regurgitation. However, data in patients with post‐AMI PMR are limited to a few case reports. In this review, we summarized all data available regarding percutaneous treatment of post‐AMI PMR. These results show that M‐TEER is safe and effective in this setting with low in‐hospital mortality and complications and high rate of significant mitral regurgitation reduction.
Improving accuracy of summation using parallel vectorized Kahan's and Gill‐Møller algorithms
Authors: Dmitruk Beata , Stpiczyński Przemysław
Published: May 2023

The aim of this paper is to show that Kahan's and Gill‐Møller compensated summation algorithms that allow to achieve high accuracy of summing long sequences of floating‐point numbers can be efficiently vectorized and parallelized using Intel AVX‐512 intrinsics together with OpenMP constructs in order to utilize SIMD extension of modern multicore processors. Numerical experiments show that the new implementations of the algorithms achieve much better accuracy than ordinary summation in both double and single precision and their performance is comparable with the performance of the ordinary summation algorithm optimized automatically. The vectorized Gill‐Møller algorithm is faster than the vectorized Kahan's algorithm. However, in case of single precision, the accuracy of the Gill‐Møller algorithm is worse than Kahan's but it can be fixed by the use of mixed‐precision. Then the accuracy of both compensated summation algorithms is the same and the Gill‐Møller algorithm is still faster than Kahan's.
Rough DT2R2ML for renewable energy supplier selection in the presence of big data
Authors: Fazlollahtabar Hamed
Published: May 2023

Supplier selection is a substantial problem in supply chain management due to concurrent decision on key performance indicators on multi‐dimension data. Recently, more studies investigated the supplier section problem with respect to variety of criteria within the contexts of applied cases. The problem is more significant when industries with high amount of investment explore appropriate suppliers such as renewable energy. This article concerns with developing a new method encompass all indices effective on supplier selection. The proposed algorithm first group by decision tree (DT) indices to criteria and sub‐criteria; then, to include large amount of uncertain data, rough comparisons and weighing are fulfilled using a machine learning (RML). Further, transformation (T) to crisp value and ranking (R) of suppliers are delivered. The new method is implemented for a renewable energy supplier selection problem as a case study. The outputs show the effectiveness of the proposed method in practice since it can handle big data through a machine learning technique. Managerial implications as decision supports are discussed.
Optimized Workflow for Whole Genome and Transcriptome Next‐Generation Sequencing of Single Cells or Limited Nucleic Acid Samples
Authors: Andreou Ioanna , Storbeck Markus , Hahn Peter , Rulli Samuel , Lader Eric
Published: May 2023

Whole genome and whole transcriptome sequencing require orders of magnitude more of starting nucleic acid than what is found in single cells or other extremely limited samples. High fidelity amplification of this minute amount of nucleic acids is essential to overcome the limitations caused by the low input, degradation and contamination, and to ensure a sufficient amount of DNA for preparation of high complex and high quality next‐generation sequencing (NGS) libraries. Recent technical advances in multiple displacement amplification (MDA) enable studies of rare cell types, heterogeneity of body fluids, tissues, environmental samples, and organisms that cannot be cultured. Several strategies for amplification of limiting amounts of nucleic acid have been described, with PCR being popular. However, PCR‐based methods result in high error rates, lower library complexity, and lower coverage uniformity. In this article, a HiFi MDA is used to accurately amplify the limited material and to allow library preparation starting from high input, while reducing PCR cycling to achieve sufficient library yields. This article describes a complete workflow from cells and small quantities of DNA or RNA to NGS libraries for Illumina sequencing instruments. © 2023 QIAGEN GmbH. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Whole genome amplification from single cells

Support Protocol 1: PicoGreen™ quantification of MDA amplified DNA

Support Protocol 2: Purification of amplified DNA after MDA

Basic Protocol 2: Whole transcriptome amplification from single cells

Alternate Protocol: Whole transcriptome amplification from purified RNA

Basic Protocol 3: Enrichment of complete small genomes using target‐specific primers in MDA

Basic Protocol 4: Complete viral RNA amplification using target‐specific primers in MDA

Basic Protocol 5: Enzymatic fragmentation and adapter ligation of MDA amplified material

Basic Protocol 6: Normalization of library concentration using magnetic beads
A Rapid Method to Determine Growth‐Limiting Nutrient Concentrations for Yeast in a Microplate Spectrophotometer
Authors: Lewis Alisha G. , Gibney Patrick A.
Published: May 2023

Determining the minimal concentration of a substance—whether a compound used to inhibit cell growth or a growth‐limiting nutrient—can be an arduous process. Carrying out the experiment in flasks or tubes and estimating cell density in a single‐sample spectrophotometer has been a routine method of choice due to the ease of measurement and standardized conversions from optical density measurements to cell concentrations. However, when dealing with dozens or more samples, several challenges arise, including increased processing time, increased risk of contamination through repeated sampling, and an increased risk of confounding one sample for another. The protocol described here details a rapid method to estimate cell concentrations for such experiments using a microplate spectrophotometer. Using a microplate spectrophotometer to measure optical density of many cultures can be automated for high throughput and benefits from a reduced risk of contamination. Since one of the caveats of a microplate spectrophotometer is its low saturation limit, we further describe how to convert optical density readings of the microplate spectrophotometer into its single‐sample spectrophotometric equivalent. To further illustrate the applicability of this protocol, we compare OD600 readings generated using a microplate spectrophotometer and a single‐sample spectrophotometer for different nutrient starvations and show that the results are comparable. Overall, this method reduces the required resources, reduces the risk of contamination, and allows for faster processing of samples. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Generating an equation to convert microplate spectrophotometer readings to single‐sample spectrophotometric values

Basic Protocol 2: Evaluating growth‐limiting nutrient concentrations using a microplate spectrophotometer
Environmental, social, and governance activities and firm performance: Global evidence and the moderating effect of market competition
Authors: Jung Ye Lim , Yoo Hyoung Sun
Published: May 2023

Despite the growing demand for corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) engagement in response to the global complex crisis, the impacts of ESG activities and market environment on firm performance have not been sufficiently investigated. This study aims to explore how ESG activities affect firm performance and how the competitive market environment moderates this relationship. The panel data regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the ESG performance and firm performance (specifically, market capitalization as a measure of market‐based firm performance and profit margin and return on assets as measures of account‐based firm performance) with the data of 2115 listed companies from 53 countries over the past 5 years (2017–2021). The analysis results showed a U‐shaped relation between ESG performance and market capitalization, and a positive linear relationship was observed between ESG performance and profit margin or return on assets. Importantly, it was found that these relationships are negatively moderated by the competition (number of competitors) in the market. It can be interpreted that the greater the number of competitors in the market, the weaker the effect of ESG performance on firm performance. This study discusses plausible reasons for these observations and managerial and policy implications drawn from the results. This study not only analyzes the relationship between ESG performance and various aspects of firm performance at the global level, but also accumulates new evidence for the moderating effect of market competition.
Perceptions of corporate social responsibilities and stakeholder engagement in the context of a disaster: A moderated mediation analysis from the perspective of consumer responses
Authors: Lu Haiyang , Zeng Keya , Mao Zhonggen
Published: May 2023

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been identified as a critical factor influencing consumer decision‐making. However, there has been little empirical research on whether and how CSR affects consumer outcomes in the context of natural disasters. Against the backdrop of the Erke donation event that occurred during the flood in Henan Province, China, the present study examined the relationship between perceived corporate social responsibility (PCSR) and consumer purchase intention/behavior during a special period. We found that PCSR was positively related to consumers' purchase intention and purchase behavior. We also found that while national identity partially mediated the association between PCSR and purchase intentions, this mediating effect was not found in the path from PCSR to purchase behavior. Additionally, we found that herd mentality moderated the direct relationship between PCSR and purchase intention, but not the mediated path.
Uncertainty quantification in three‐dimensional magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium reconstruction via surrogate‐assisted Bayesian inference
Authors: Köberl Robert , von Toussaint Udo , Bungartz Hans‐Joachim , Schilling Jonathan , Albert Christopher G. ,   W7‐X Team
Published: May 2023

In three‐dimensional (3D) equilibrium, reconstruction defining parameters of an ideal magneto‐hydrodynamic equilibrium are inferred from a set of plasma diagnostic measurements. For the reconstructed parameters, various forms of uncertainty estimates exist within common 3D reconstruction frameworks. These estimates often assume a Gaussian posterior distribution. The validity of this assumption is not obvious in such highly nonlinear inverse problems, and therefore the accuracy of the estimates cannot be guaranteed. In this work, we formulate the problem of 3D equilibrium reconstruction in a Bayesian sense and explore the posterior distribution of reconstruction parameters via Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling. The target reconstruction parameters, that is, shape and scaling factors of the pressure and toroidal current‐density profiles as well as the total toroidal flux, are taken from a reduced subspace of Wendelstein 7‐X equilibrium configurations. Since the corresponding forward model evaluations are computationally demanding, we replace the forward model via a polynomial chaos expansion surrogate. We compare the posterior distribution obtained via MCMC sampling to Laplace's approximation, which assumes a Gaussian posterior. We find that the two approaches provide similar results in regimes where the uncertainty on the plasma diagnostic signals is low. However, discrepancies between the posteriors are observed in cases of higher diagnostic signal uncertainty. Therefore, we provide further validation of the commonly used Laplace's approximation as a method of uncertainty quantification in 3D equilibrium reconstruction and showcase some of its limitations.
Does reading anxiety impact on academic achievement in higher education students?
Authors: Soares Sophia , Boyes Mark E. , Parrila Rauno , Badcock Nicholas A.
Published: May 2023

Poor readers have lower academic achievement and increased anxiety, including reading anxiety, which may perpetuate lower academic achievement. We explored reading anxiety in university students, investigating whether the association between reading ability and academic achievement is mediated by reading anxiety (independent of general anxiety). Participants were students (n = 169, 69% female, age = 20.70) at an Australian university who completed an online reading assessment (decoding skills, phonological awareness, orthographical knowledge and comprehension), and a survey examining reading anxiety, trait anxiety and self‐reported reading history. Academic achievement was based on university grades. Two reading anxiety factors (social and non‐social) were identified; both factors were distinct from trait anxiety. Reading ability was negatively correlated with reading anxiety and positively correlated with academic achievement. Reading anxiety was not correlated with academic achievement and it did not mediate the relationship between reading ability and academic achievement as expected. As this was the first study to explore reading anxiety in adults, further research is required to determine the impact reading anxiety may have on university students beyond academic achievement.
Birds and bats enhance cacao yield despite suppressing arthropod mesopredation
Authors: Ocampo‐Ariza Carolina , Vansynghel Justine , Bertleff Denise , Maas Bea , Schumacher Nils , Ulloque‐Samatelo Carlos , Yovera Fredy F. , Thomas Evert , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf , Tscharntke Teja
Published: May 2023

Bird‐ and bat‐mediated biocontrol benefits the productivity of tropical commodity crops such as cacao, but the ecological interactions driving these ecosystem services remain poorly understood. Whereas birds and bats prey on herbivorous arthropods, they may also prey on arthropod mesopredators such as ants, with poorly understood consequences for pest biocontrol. We used a full‐factorial experiment excluding birds, bats, and ants to assess their effects on (a) the abundance of multiple arthropod groups; (b) predation pressure on arthropods evaluated through artificial sentinel caterpillars; and (c) cacao yield over 1 year in shaded agroforestry systems of native cacao varieties in Peru. Birds and bats increased cacao yield by 118%, which translates in smallholder benefits of ca. US $959 ha−1 year−1. Birds and bats decreased predation by ants and other arthropods, but contributed to the control of phytophagous taxa such as aphids and mealybugs. By contrast, ant presence increased the abundance of these sap‐sucking insects, with negative impacts for cacao yield. Notably, high abundances of the dominant ant Nylanderia sp., known to attend sap‐sucking insects, were associated with lower cacao yield along a distance gradient from the closest forest edge. According to these results, arthropod predation by birds and bats, rather than mesopredation by arthropods, was most responsible for increases in cacao yield. Moving forward, detailed research about their trophic interactions will be necessary to identify the cause of such benefits. Retaining and restoring the large benefits of birds and bats as well as minimizing disservices by other taxa in cacao agroforests can benefit from management schemes that prioritize preservation of shade trees and adjacent forests within agroforestry landscapes.
Health service utilization among women veterans who report eating disorder symptoms
Authors: Krupp Meghan B. , King Paul R. , Wade Michael , Buchholz Laura J.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Describe health service utilization in women veterans with eating disorder symptoms and characterize the nature of mental health services received.

Method

Women veterans (N = 191) in a northeastern Veterans Health Administration region completed the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire. Health service utilization was then observed for 5 years across multiple domains (i.e., mental health, primary care, telephone consultations, emergency services); negative binomial or zero‐inflated negative binomial regression models (mental health) estimated the relative impact of reported eating disorder symptoms on health service utilization.

Results

After adjusting for the effects of age and body mass index, higher eating disorder symptoms were associated with higher primary care, mental health services, and telephone consultations. Eating disorder diagnoses were infrequent across the sample.

Discussion

Women veterans with higher self‐reported eating disorder symptoms evidence higher health service utilization across common healthcare domains. Encounter data suggest that eating disorder symptoms are rarely identified or clinically addressed by providers. Existing mental health visits may represent an opportunity for selective screening for eating disorder symptoms, particularly among women who evidence known risk factors.

Public Significance

This study reveals that women veterans with higher levels of eating disorder symptoms (e.g., dietary restriction, poor body image) use more primary care, mental health, and telephone consultations than others, but may not receive services that target disordered eating. Opportunities may exist to better identify eating disorder symptoms in the context of existing mental health visits, or potentially to combine treatment for eating disorder symptoms into their mental health care.
Hummingbird foraging preferences during extreme heat events
Authors: Lawrence Sabina Lucke , Hazlehurst Jenny
Published: May 2023

Climate change is projected to increase global mean annual temperatures as well as the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events. These changes are anticipated to alter the behavior of animals as they seek to thermoregulate in extreme heat. An important area of research is understanding how mutualistic interactions between animals and plants, such as pollination, will be affected by the cascading effects of extreme heat on animal foraging behavior. In this study, we used an experimental and observational approach to quantify the effects of extreme heat on hummingbird foraging preferences for nectar sources in shady versus sunny microsites. We also quantified pollen deposition using artificial stigmas at these sites to quantify potential cascading effects on plant reproduction. We hypothesized that hummingbirds would respond to extreme heat by preferentially foraging in shady microsites, and that this would reduce pollen deposition in sunny microsites on hot days. We found little support for this hypothesis, instead hummingbirds preferred to forage in sunny microsites regardless of ambient temperature. We also found weak evidence for higher pollen deposition in sunny microsites on hot days.
Climate and non‐native herbivores influence reproductive investment by Greater Sage‐grouse
Authors: Behnke Tessa L. , Street Phillip A. , Sedinger James S.
Published: May 2023

Highly seasonal environments can increase competition among herbivores for nutrients, affecting rates of reproduction and survival. There is concern about the impacts of non‐native ungulates on Greater Sage‐grouse in the Great Basin of North America. We estimated nesting propensity, the annual proportion of females attempting a nest, for Greater Sage‐grouse in relation to the abundance of ungulates using 7 years of data from the northwestern Great Basin, USA. We focused on nesting because it is the necessary first major investment required for the production of new recruits. We used a Bayesian multistratum model to investigate the effects of weather and sympatric non‐native herbivores, free‐roaming horses and domestic cattle, on reproductive rates and female survival of adult and yearling sage‐grouse. Adults nested at a higher rate (0.931, 95% CI, 0.904–0.953) than yearlings (0.867, 95% CI, 0.802–0.922) under average conditions of covariates other than age. If the first nest failed, renesting rates were similar between adults (0.349, 95% CI, 0.292–0.410) and yearlings (0.353, 95% CI, 0.217–0.507). Females in better body condition at the start of the season nested at higher rates, and moderately snowy winters led to the highest nesting propensity during the following spring. Drier conditions led to low rates of nesting, particularly in areas with dense cattle grazing. Female survival was lower for nesting females, indicating a survival cost of reproduction. Areas with abundant free‐roaming horses had slightly higher nesting propensity, though other research suggests negative impacts later in the breeding cycle. Sage‐grouse face life history trade‐offs that may be shifting due to changing climatic conditions. Our work suggests that the effects of competition with non‐native ungulates on sage‐grouse life histories may be exacerbated by adverse weather.
Mesopredator predation risk limits northern bobwhite nesting habitat
Authors: Harris Jonathan P. , O'Connell Timothy J.
Published: May 2023

Predators can significantly limit the amount of available habitat for vulnerable prey. Encouraging spatial segregation of predators and prey through habitat management prescriptions may be a useful tool to increase productivity and abundances of prey species of conservation concern. We estimated the total area of low‐risk nesting habitat by interacting predator habitat selection models with northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) nest‐site selection models. We used trail cameras, transect sampling, spotlighting transects, and incidental tracking to survey and map occurrences of mesopredators at a site in western Oklahoma, USA. We created broad‐scale resource selection function models for bobwhite nest‐site and mesopredator habitat selection using generalized linear models to create maps of occurrence probability in ArcGIS. Bobwhite nests were more likely to be depredated in areas of high selection by coyotes (Canis latrans) and striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) compared to areas with low mesopredator selection. Approximately 392 ha of bobwhite nesting habitat (17%) had low probabilities of selection by both coyotes and striped skunks. Our results demonstrate the need for incorporating species' interactions into estimations of available habitat. Based on the total area of highly selected cover by northern bobwhite, approximately 29% of the study area would have been deemed suitable for nesting. However, only 5% of that area is predicted to have a low predation risk.
Palladium‐Catalyzed C‐H Bond Functionalization of Benzo[1,2‐b : 4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione: A One Step Access to 2‐Arylbenzo[1,2‐b : 4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐4,8‐diones
Authors: Durai Manisha , Liu Linhao , Frère Pierre , Roisnel Thierry , Guerchais Véronique , Doucet Henri
Published: May 2023

The reactivity of benzo[1,2‐b : 4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione in Pd‐catalyzed C−H arylation was investigated. Using aryl bromides as aryl source in the presence of carbonate bases in 1,4‐dioxane, the mono‐C2‐arylated benzo[1,2‐b : 4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐4,8‐diones were regioselectively obtained. This procedure allowed to introduce both electron‐rich and electron‐poor aryl substituents on the benzo[1,2‐b : 4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione unit. These conditions were also effective for the coupling with 1‐bromonaphthalene, 9‐bromophenanthrene as well as aryl bromides bearing synthetically useful nitrile, chloro and methoxy substituents. The photophysical properties of representative arylated compounds have been performed by joint experimental and theoretical studies.
Assembling the Right Pieces: Developing an Interdisciplinary Team to Study Disease, Decline, and Recovery of a World-Class Smallmouth Bass Fishery
Authors: Schall Megan K , Smith Geoffrey D , Blazer Vicki S , Walsh Heather L , Wertz Timothy , Shull Dustin , Wagner Tyler
Published: May 2023

Managing and understanding fisheries dynamics are becoming more complex as new and seemingly more complicated environmental factors are identified. Often management requires resources beyond that of any one entity and calls for collaboration among partners with differing priorities and backgrounds to account for the complexity of factors influencing fisheries. We present a collaborative case study from the Susquehanna River basin, Pennsylvania, where Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu have faced population declines, mortality events, and notable signs of disease in recent years. Collaboration was required to study many facets of the fishery and the environment simultaneously to better understand risk factors and underlying relationships influencing Smallmouth Bass health. The outcomes from this interdisciplinary collaboration allowed for identification of contributing risk factors, led to the development of products and analytical techniques that were mutually beneficial to all partners involved, and provided knowledge that was integrated into fish health and fisheries management.
Elderberry extract improves molecular markers of endothelial dysfunction linked to atherosclerosis
Authors: Festa Joseph , Hussain Aamir , Hackney Amon , Desai Unmesh , Sahota Tarsem S. , Singh Harprit , Da Boit Mariasole
Published: May 2023

Endothelial dysfunction (ED), secondary to diminished nitric oxide (NO) production and oxidative stress, is an early subclinical marker of atherosclerosis. Reduced NO bioavailability enhances the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells and promotes atherosclerosis. Elderberry extract (EB) is known to contain high levels of anthocyanins which could exert vascular protective effects. Specifically, we investigated the functional capacity of EB on various markers of ED. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were pretreated with EB 50 μg/mL and stimulated with TNF‐α 10 ng/mL. Cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress; eNOS, Akt, Nrf2, NOX‐4, and NF‐κB at the protein level were measured. A co‐culture model was used to determine whether EB could prevent the adhesion of monocytes (THP‐1) to HUVECs. Moreover, the expression of adhesion molecules and pro‐inflammatory cytokines were also measured. It was demonstrated that EB prevented TNF‐α induced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production in HUVECs. Additionally, EB upregulated Akt and eNOS activity, and Nrf2 expression in response to TNF‐α, whereas it decreased NOX‐4 expression and NF‐κB activity. EB prevented the adhesion of monocytes to HUVECs, as well as reduced IL‐6 and MCP‐1 levels, which was associated with inhibition of VCAM‐1 expression. Our results demonstrate that EB upregulates key cellular markers of endothelial function and ameliorates markers of ED. EB could be used as a potential nutritional aid for preventing atherosclerosis progression.
Supplementation of microencapsulated probiotics modulates gut health and intestinal microbiota
Authors: Gyawali Ishwari , Zhou Guilian , Xu Guli , Li Genghui , Wang Yujun , Zeng Yuxian , Li Jincheng , Zhou Jingjing , Zhu Canjun , Shu Gang , Jiang Qingyan
Published: May 2023

The beneficial effect of probiotics on host health is impaired due to the substantial loss of survivability during gastric transit caused by small intestinal enzymes and bile acids. Encapsulation helps to preserve the probiotics species from severe environmental factors. Lactobacillus paracasei, highly sensitive probiotic species to gastric acid, was encapsulated with polyacrylate resin. C57BL/6 male mice were equally divided into three groups; control group was fed with basal diet without any additives, the un‐encapsulated group was fed with 0.1% of a mixture of encapsulating material and L. paracasei, and encapsulated group was fed with 0.1% encapsulated L. paracasei (microcapsule) for 4 weeks. The result showed elevated fecal moisture percentage in the encapsulated group, but not in the un‐encapsulated group. Further study showed that the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the small intestine was significantly higher compared to un‐encapsulated and the control group. Microencapsulated probiotics also remarkably increased intestinal mucin and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentration, intestinal MUC‐2, and tight junction protein mRNA expression levels improving the intestinal barrier function of mice. In addition, microcapsules also reduced proinflammatory factor mRNA expression, while considerably increasing anti‐inflammatory factor mRNA expression. Microbiota metabolites, fecal LPS (Lipopolysaccharide) were downregulated, and acetate and lactate were upraised compared to control. Furthermore, glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and TAOC levels were increased and Malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased improving antioxidant capacity. Microflora and bioinformatic predictive analysis of feces showed that encapsulated probiotics remarkably increased Lactobacillus proportions. Mice's intestinal health can thus be improved by using microencapsulated probiotics.
Effect of short‐term consumption of yellow peas as noodles on the intestinal environment: A single‐armed pre‐post comparative pilot study
Authors: Yamada Mei , Yoshimoto Joto , Maeda Tetsuya , Ishii Sho , Kishi Mikiya , Taguchi Takashi , Morita Hidetoshi
Published: May 2023

Legumes contain dietary fiber and resistant starch, which are beneficial to the intestinal environment. Here, we investigated the effects of yellow pea noodle consumption on the gut microbiota and fecal metabolome of healthy individuals. This single‐armed pre‐post comparative pilot study evaluated eight healthy female participants who consumed yellow pea noodles for 4 weeks. The gut microbiota composition and fecal metabolomic profile of each participant were evaluated before (2 weeks), during (4 weeks), and after (4 weeks) daily yellow pea noodle consumption. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed on stool samples, followed by clustering of operational taxonomic units using the Cluster Database at High Identity with Tolerance and integrated QIIME pipeline to elucidate the gut microbiota composition. The fecal metabolites were analyzed using capillary electrophoresis time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Compared to day 0, the relative abundances of five bacterial genera (Bacteroides, Bilophila, Hungatella, Parabacteroides, and Streptococcus) in the intestinal microbiota significantly decreased, wherein those of Bifidobacterium longum and Ruminococcus bromii were increased on day 29 and decreased to the basal level (day 0) on day 57. Fecal metabolomic analysis identified 11 compounds showing significant fluctuations in participants on day 29 compared to day 0. Although the average levels of short‐chain fatty acids in participants did not differ significantly on day 29 compared to those on day 0, the levels tended to increase in individual participants with >8% relative abundance of R. bromii in their gut microbiota. In conclusion, incorporating yellow peas as a daily staple may confer human health benefits by favorably altering the intestinal environment.
Locoregional strategies to decrease postoperative pain and neck discomfort after open thyroidectomy: A scoping review
Authors: Sanabria Alvaro , Betancourt Carlos , Chiesa‐Estomba Carlos , Coca‐Pelaz Andrés , Florek Ewa , Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando , Lopez Fernando , Mäkitie Antti A. , Nixon Iain J. , Randolph Gregory , Rinaldo Alessandra , Rodrigo Juan Pablo , Shaha Ashok R. , Tufano Ralph P. , Zafereo Mark , Ferlito Alfio
Published: May 2023

Adequate pain control enhances patients' quality of life and allows a quick return to normal activities. Current pain management practices may contribute to the crisis of opioid addiction. We summarize the evidence that evaluates locoregional interventions to decrease pain and neck discomfort after thyroidectomy. We designed a scoping review. The search strategy was made in the Pubmed/MEDLINE and EMBASE database. We included only systematic reviews and RCTs that compared two or more strategies. Forty‐nine publications including 5045 patients fulfilled criteria. Sore throat frequency is higher for endotracheal intubation and topical administration of anesthetic before intubation decreases this. Pre‐incisional infiltration of the surgical wound decreases postoperative pain. Bilateral superficial plexus nerve block decreases analgesic requirements during and after thyroidectomy. Wound massage and neck exercises decrease postoperative discomfort. Locoregional interventions significantly impact postoperative pain and may reduce opioid use and improve patient outcomes.