bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of testicular degeneration on expression of sperm protein at 22 kDa in stallions
Authors: Miller Lynda M. J. , Woodward Elizabeth M. , Campos Juliana R. , Squires Edward L. , Troedsson Mats H. T.
Published: May 2023

Background

Sperm protein at 22 kDa has been associated with fertility.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to determine (1) the localization pattern of SP22 on ejaculated and caudal epididymal equine spermatozoa and in epididymal fluid, and to (2) characterize SP22 protein and mRNA expression in testicular and epididymal tissues in response to heat‐induced testicular degeneration.

Materials and methods

Semen was collected before and after hemi‐castration, as well as prior to and following insulation of the remaining testes, and tissue specimens were collected for analysis.

Results

Histopathology confirmed degeneration in insulated testes. Ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa from samples collected prior to insulation of the testicles had a predominant staining pattern of SP22 over the equatorial region. However, the equatorial pattern in the pre‐insulation epididymal semen samples was significantly lower than in the pre‐insulation ejaculated semen samples (68 ± 3, 81 ± 2.6, respectively). Ejaculated and epididymal samples collected after insulation of the testicles showed a complete loss of staining as the predominant pattern. Western blot analysis verified the presence of SP22 on fresh ejaculated spermatozoa prior to and following heat‐induced degeneration, on epididymal spermatozoa after testicular insulation, and in testicular and epididymal tissues. Heat insulation significantly reduced messenger RNA expression in the head of the epididymis and testicular tissues. Immunohistochemistry of the testicular and epididymal tissues pre‐heating showed considerably weaker staining than the same tissues post‐heating.

Discussion and conclusion

It was concluded that heat‐induced testicular damage causes both loss and relocation of SP22 on the sperm membrane. Future studies are warranted to determine the diagnostic value of these findings.
Using population pharmacokinetic analyses of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 to study the genotype–phenotype translation
Authors: Frederiksen Trine
Published: May 2023

Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) is an important drug‐metabolizing enzyme exhibiting extensive interindividual variability predominantly caused by genetic polymorphism. Predicting CYP2D6 function based on genotype may be used to personalize pharmacotherapy, but the process of translating CYP2D6 genotype into predicted phenotype is complex and has suffered from a lack of consensus. The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium and Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group have proposed a standardized translation scheme based on the activity score system aiming to facilitate more consistent CYP2D6 genotype–phenotype translation. However, this system remains suboptimal particularly with regards to decreased function alleles and substrate‐specific behaviour. This review summarizes the process and challenges for functional assignment of CYP2D6 alleles. We discuss population pharmacokinetics (popPK) as a tool for estimating CYP2D6 function and present findings from three popPK meta‐analyses quantifying the impact of individual CYP2D6 alleles in the metabolism of vortioxetine, tedatioxetine and brexpiprazole. Findings from these analyses indicate that the activity values currently assigned to decreased function alleles CYP2D6*9, *17 and *41 overestimate their function. Moreover, the CYP2D6*2 allele exhibited reduced activity in the metabolism of brexpiprazole, indicating substrate‐specific behaviour. Considering the totality of the evidence, the activity score system may be further refined to better reflect the enzyme function associated with these alleles.
Sildenafil attenuates oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in lead‐induced hypertension
Authors: Caetano Ediléia Souza Paula , Mattioli Sarah Viana , da Silva Maria Luiza Santos , Martins Laisla Zanetoni , Almeida Alaor Aparecido , da Rocha Ananda Lini Vieira , Nunes Priscila Rezeck , Grandini Núbia Alves , Correa Camila Renata , Zochio Gabriela Palma , Dias‐Junior Carlos Alan
Published: May 2023

Lead (Pb) reduces NO bioavailability, impairs the antioxidant system, and increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pb‐induced oxidative stress may be responsible for the associated endothelial dysfunction. Sildenafil has shown nitric oxide (NO)‐independent action, including antioxidant effects. Therefore, we examined the effects of sildenafil on oxidative stress, reductions of NO and endothelial dysfunction in Pb‐induced hypertension. Wistar rats were distributed into three groups: Pb, Pb + sildenafil and Sham. Blood pressure and endothelium‐dependent vascular function were recorded. We also examined biochemical determinants of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant function. ROS levels, NO metabolites and NO levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were also evaluated. Sildenafil prevents impairment of endothelium‐dependent NO‐mediated vasodilation and attenuates Pb‐induced hypertension, reduces ROS formation, enhances superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and antioxidant capacity in plasma and increases NO metabolites in plasma and HUVECs culture supernatants, while no changes were found on measurement of NO released from HUVECs incubated with plasma of the Pb and Pb + sildenafil groups compared with the sham group. In conclusion, sildenafil protects against ROS‐mediated inactivation of NO, thus preventing endothelial dysfunction and attenuating Pb‐induced hypertension, possibly through antioxidant effects.
Regulating liminality: Making sense of the vegetative state and defining the limits of end‐of‐life action
Authors: Zulato Edoardo , Montali Lorenzo , Castro Paula
Published: May 2023

Persistently alive but unaware, vegetative state patients are stuck in the transition between life and death – that is, in a liminal hotspot. This condition raises complex ethical and legal dilemmas concerning end‐of‐life action. Drawing on social representations (SRs) and the liminality framework, our research investigated how the vegetative state was constructed within the Italian parliamentary debates discussing end‐of‐life bills (2009–2017). We aimed to understand (1) how political groups represented the vegetative state, (2) how they legitimised different end‐of‐life bills and (3) came to terms with the issue of liminal hotspots. By dialogically analysing three debates (No. of interventions = 98), we identified six themes and discursive aims allowing parliamentarians to differently represent the vegetative state and support different courses of action. In turn, we identified new features of the psycho‐social processes generating SRs: the dialogical tensions between anchoring and de‐anchoring. Results corroborated the idea that de‐paradoxifying liminality relies on group sense‐making and, thus, different political leanings differently addressed the liminality of the vegetative state. We also reveal a novel feature of dealing with liminal hotspots informing the psycho‐social literature that applies when a decision needs to be taken, such as in the case of crafting a law: moving from the paradox.
Forces exerted and transduced by cancer‐associated fibroblasts during cancer progression
Authors: Bates Madison E. , Libring Sarah , Reinhart‐King Cynthia A.
Published: May 2023

Although it is well‐known that cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a key role in regulating tumor progression, the effects of mechanical tissue changes on CAFs are understudied. Myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs), in particular, are known to alter tumor matrix architecture and composition, heavily influencing the mechanical forces in the tumor microenvironment (TME), but much less is known about how these mechanical changes initiate and maintain the myCAF phenotype. Additionally, recent studies have pointed to the existence of CAFs in circulating tumor cell clusters, indicating that CAFs may be subject to mechanical forces beyond the primary TME. Due to their pivotal role in cancer progression, targeting CAF mechanical regulation may provide therapeutic benefit. Here, we will discuss current knowledge and summarize existing gaps in how CAFs regulate and are regulated by matrix mechanics, including through stiffness, solid and fluid stresses, and fluid shear stress.
PAX5 and circ1857 affected DLBCL progression and B‐cell proliferation through regulating GINS1
Authors: Wang Ting , Chen Zhenfa , Li Cui , Zhang Wei , Huang Wenbin , Xue Jun , Wang Jundong , Li Shufeng
Published: May 2023

PAX5, a member of the paired box gene family of transcription factors, is a B‐cell‐specific activator protein that plays important roles during B lymphopoiesis. Two putative PAX5 binding sites in the human GINS1 promoter region were identified. EMSA, ChIP and luciferase assay showed that PAX5 functions as a positive transcription factor for GINS1 expression. Furthermore, coordinated expression of PAX5 and GINS1 was observed in mice B cells under physiological conditions and LPS stimulation situations. A similar pattern was also observed in human DLBCL cell lines under differentiation‐inducing conditions. In addition, both PAX5 and GINS1 were highly expressed and significantly correlated in DLBCL specimens and cell lines. These findings suggested that dysregulation of PAX5 played an extremely important role in controlling the universal phenomenon of tumor progression through increased expression of GINS1 in DLBCL. In addition, circ1857 that was generated using back splicing of PAX5 pre‐mRNA could further stabilize GINS1 mRNA, modulate GINS1 expression and promote lymphoma progression. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first to demonstrate the role of GINS1 in DLBCL progression, and the mechanism of GINS1 upregulation using both circ1857 and PAX5 in DLBCL was revealed. Our results suggested that GINS1 may be a possible therapeutic target for DLBCL.
White children's prosocial behavior toward White versus Black peers: The role of children's effortful control and parents' implicit racial attitudes
Authors: Xu Xiaoye , Spinrad Tracy L. , Xiao Sonya Xinyue , Xu Jingyi , Eisenberg Nancy , Laible Deborah J. , Berger Rebecca H. , Carlo Gustavo
Published: May 2023

White children's effortful control (EC), parents' implicit racial attitudes, and their interaction were examined as predictors of children's prosocial behavior toward White versus Black recipients. Data were collected from 171 White children (55% male, Mage = 7.13 years, SD = 0.92) and their parent in 2017. Prosocial behavior toward White peers was predicted by children's higher EC. When predicting prosocial behavior toward Black peers and prosocial disparity (the difference between White and Black recipients), parents' implicit racial attitudes moderated the relation between children's EC and children's prosocial behavior. Specifically, children's EC was positively associated with prosocial behavior toward Black peers (and negatively related to inequity in prosocial behavior) only when parents exhibited less implicit racial bias.
Optimising vitrectomy operation note coding with machine learning
Authors: Lee Yong Min , Bacchi Stephen , Sia David , Casson Robert J. , Chan WengOnn
Published: May 2023

Background

The accurate encoding of operation notes is essential for activity‐based funding and workforce planning. The aim of this project was to evaluate the procedural coding accuracy of vitrectomy and to develop machine learning, natural language processing (NLP) models that may assist with this task.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study involved vitrectomy operation notes between a 21‐month period at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Coding of procedures were based on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS)—the Australian equivalent to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes used in the United States. Manual encoding was conducted for all procedures and reviewed by two vitreoretinal consultants. XGBoost, random forest and logistic regression models were developed for classification experiments. A cost‐based analysis was subsequently conducted.

Results

There were a total of 1724 procedures with individual codes performed within 617 vitrectomy operation notes totalling $1 528 086.60 after manual review. A total of 1147 (66.5%) codes were missed in the original coding that amounted to $736 539.20 (48.2%). Our XGBoost model had the highest classification accuracy (94.6%) in the multi‐label classification for the five most common procedures. The XGBoost model was the most successful model in identifying operation notes with two or more missing codes with an AUC of 0.87 (95% CI 0.80–0.92).

Conclusions

Machine learning has been successful in the classification of vitrectomy operation note encoding. We recommend a combined human and machine learning approach to clinical coding as automation may facilitate more accurate reimbursement and enable surgeons to prioritise higher quality clinical care.
Growing up with disabled parents who use personal assistance (PA support): children's views and experiences
Authors: Jones Nicola
Published: May 2023

This paper focuses on the experiences of children and young people whose parents employ personal assistant(s) (PAs). It describes findings from a UK‐based qualitative doctoral research study which explored the significance, influence and meaning of the PA role in supporting family life. Ten children and young adults aged 8–28 years with lived experience were interviewed face to face as part of this study, which also explored the perspectives of disabled parents and PAs. Findings reveal that PA support can alter both the quality and nature of the parent/child relationship. The provision of personal assistance can support family life and prevent children from becoming ‘young carers’; however, it can also create tension, anxiety and even destabilise family life.
Insights into the dyeing using natural indigo (Indigofera tinctoria): Toward an environmentally friendly garment
Authors: Silva Luciana M. C. , Silva Patrícia M. dos S. , Pagnan Caroline S. , Ayres Eliane
Published: May 2023

Currently, the use of natural indigo dye has been treated as an alternative to overcome the environmental pollution caused by synthetic indigo. Irrespective of the indigo dye source, it must be reduced to its soluble form by using reducing agents in a suitable alkaline environment. Herein, bio‐sugars such as glucose or fructose were used for this purpose. The results revealed that when fructose was used instead of glucose, colour strength (K/S) values increased. In this work, cotton was cationised with water‐soluble chitosan. Water‐soluble chitosan in a wide pH range extends the use of chitosan in textiles, which otherwise is limited due to its poor water solubility at pH above 6.0. Colour fastness washing test was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of cotton cationisation. The performance of cationised samples was around 30% higher in comparison to non‐cationised samples. Moreover, in this article we have focused on integrating materials and design. We propose a garment, using natural indigo‐dyed cotton and a zero‐waste modelling approach, as a sustainable fashion product.
Use of orcein as an adjunct stain in the evaluation of advanced liver fibrosis
Authors: Nguyen Eric D , Ding Chien‐Kuang Cornelia , Umetsu Sarah E , Choi Won‐Tak , Ferrell Linda D , Wen Kwun Wah
Published: May 2023

Aims

Advanced liver fibrosis can regress following the elimination of causative injuries. Trichrome (TC) stain has traditionally been used to evaluate the degree of fibrosis in liver, although it is rarely helpful in assessing quality of fibrosis (i.e. progression and regression). Orcein (OR) stain highlights established elastic fibres, but its use in examining fibrosis is not well recognised. This study assessed the potential utility of comparing OR and TC staining patterns to evaluate the quality of fibrosis in various settings of advanced fibrosis.

Methods and results

The haematoxylin and eosin and TC stains of 65 liver resection/explant specimens with advanced fibrosis caused by different elements were reviewed. Twenty‐two cases were scored as progressive (P), 16 as indeterminate (I) and 27 as regressive (R) using TC stain based on the Beijing criteria. The OR stains confirmed 18 of 22 P cases. The remaining P cases showed either stable fibrosis or mixed P and R. Of the 27 R cases, 26 were supported by OR stain, with many showing thin perforated septa typically seen in adequately treated viral hepatitis cases. The 16 I cases showed a variety of OR staining patterns, which allowed for further subclassification than using TC stain alone. Viral hepatitis cases were enriched for regressive features (17 of 27).

Conclusions

Our data demonstrated the utility of OR as an adjunctive stain to evaluate the changes in fibrosis in cases of cirrhosis.
Eosinophil‐rich variant of nodal marginal zone lymphoma: a clinicopathological study of 11 cases
Authors: Miyake Misayo , Sakata Seiji , Tsuyama Naoko , Togashi Yuki , Noguchi Masaaki , Tsukada Nobuhiro , Kumagai Takashi , Mishima Yuko , Takeuchi Kengo
Published: May 2023

Aims

Tissue eosinophilia is commonly observed in T‐cell and classic Hodgkin lymphomas, but rarely in B‐cell lymphomas. Herein, we present the first report of a case series on nodal marginal zone lymphoma (NMZL) with tissue eosinophilia.

Methods and results

All 11 patients in this study had nodal disease at primary presentation. The mean age at diagnosis was 64 years. The mean follow‐up period was 39 months, and all patients were alive. Nine of the 11 patients (82%) showed no recurrence, but the other two patients experienced recurrence in the lymph nodes or skin. Marked eosinophilic infiltration was observed in all biopsied lymph nodes. Nine of the 11 patients had a preserved nodular architecture with expanded interfollicular areas. The other two patients showed diffuse lymphoma cell infiltration with effacement of nodal architecture. One of them was diagnosed as having diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma transformed from NMZL because large cells accounted for >50% of the lymphoma cells and formed sheet‐like patterns. Cells were positive for CD20 and BCL2 and negative for CD5, CD10, and BCL6. Some patients showed myeloid cell nuclear differentiation antigen (MNDA) positivity. All patients showed B‐cell monoclonality via flow cytometry, southern blotting, and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Conclusion

All patients showed distinctive morphological features and could be misdiagnosed with peripheral T‐cell lymphoma due to their eosinophil‐rich backgrounds. The predominance of B cells, absence of histiocytes, and high endothelial venules in the interfollicular areas are key factors for diagnosis. B‐cell monoclonality is the most reliable evidence of differentiation. We designated this type of lymphoma as an eosinophil‐rich variant of NMZL.
Effect of intracanal cryotherapy on the inflammatory cytokine, proteolytic enzyme levels and post‐operative pain in teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Keskin C. , Aksoy A. , Kalyoncuoğlu E. , Keleş A. , İlik A. Arkan , Kömeç O. , Yüzgüleç E. , Akgün H. , Alak S. G. , Tokur O.
Published: May 2023

Aim

To investigate the changes in the biomarker levels related to inflammation and tissue destruction in the periapical exudate of mandibular pre‐molar teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis after receiving intracanal cryotherapy, to compare cryotherapy and control groups in terms of analgesic intake, interappointment, and post‐operative pain and evaluate the correlation between biomarker levels and interappointment pain.

Methodology

Mandibular pre‐molar teeth of 44 patients aged 18–35 years, diagnosed with asymptomatic apical periodontitis, were root canal treated in two visits (registered as NCT04798144). Baseline periapical exudate samples were obtained, and the patients were assigned to either control or intracanal cryotherapy group according to the final irrigation with distilled water either at room temperature or 2.5°C. The canals were dressed with calcium hydroxide. In the second visit, the calcium hydroxide was removed with passive ultrasonic irrigation, and the periapical exudate was sampled again. IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, PGE2and MMP‐8 levels were determined with ELISA. Post‐operative pain levels were recorded for 6 days following both visits using a visual analogue scale. Data were analysed usingt‐test, the Mann–WhitneyUtest and correlation tests.

Results

There was a significant correlation between the pain scores reported after first visit and IL‐1β and PGE2levels (p < .05). IL‐1β, IL‐2 and IL‐6 levels showed no significant difference in the cryotherapy group (p > .05), while they significantly increased in the control group (p < .05). There was a decrease in IL‐8, TNF‐α, PGE2and MMP‐8 levels, however, the difference was not significant (p > .05). Pain scores were significantly lower in the cryotherapy group for the first 3 days (p < .05), except for 24th hours (p > .05).

Conclusions

The positive correlation between interappointment pain and IL‐1β and PGE2levels might indicate that these biomarker levels can be used to predict the severity of post‐operative pain. Intracanal cryotherapy was effective in reducing post‐operative pain in the short term in teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis. Cryotherapy prevented an increase in IL‐1β, IL‐2 and IL‐6 levels compared with the control group.
Matching audio/video app features with young user preferences: An integrated approach
Authors: Lin Chin‐Feng , Fu Chen‐Su , Wu Chi‐Yun
Published: May 2023

Audio/video mobile applications (apps) enable people to engage in leisure activities without time and space restrictions, which gradually changed human leisure behaviours. This study is one of the first to integrate means‐end chain theory, Kano and conjoint analyses to reveal young user preferences for entertainment audio/video mobile apps. A preliminary qualitative survey with 36 young interviewees established the questionnaire items in the subsequent survey of 389 young respondents. Results show that ‘subtitle choice’, ‘resolution selection’, ‘top ranking list’ and ‘advertising mode and format’ are key attributes that directly influence young user willingness to download apps. In particular, ‘flashing banner ads’, ‘resolution ≤ 480 ppi’, ‘5 seconds to skip ads’, providing ‘subtitle choice’ and without ‘top ranking list’ is the best combination of attribute levels of audio/video apps that meet young users' desires. That is, young users prefer mobile apps with ‘resolution ≤ 480 ppi’ and ‘subtitle’ choices and expect that they can skip flashing banner ads in 5 s. Providing a top audio/video ranking list, however, is unnecessary for young app users. The findings can help marketers and app designers develop effective app designs and advertising strategies for young users to expedite the adoption of entertainment audio/video apps.
Audit of clinical follow‐up and complications after acute pulmonary embolism in an Australian Metropolitan Health Service
Authors: Agwan Sushil , Mansour Ibrahim , Nedunchezhian Ishvar , Upasena Shane , Shinwarie Malwand , Sriram Krishna B.
Published: May 2023

We explored post–pulmonary embolism (post‐PE) follow‐up at a large Australian regional city hospital health service. Over a 12‐month period, we identified 195 (49% male) patients with a median age of 62 years. Post‐PE follow‐up was not organised for 23 patients and delayed for seven patients. Post‐PE complication occurred in 21% of all patients reviewed in the clinic after discharge. Follow‐up imaging was arranged in 28% of patients. To deliver high‐quality care, we recommend implementing a local post‐PE follow‐up pathway, which balances individual physician preference with available resources and expert recommendations.
The spillover effects of online tourism platforms on sustainable development
Authors: Chen Yuting , Zhang Nan , Cheng Xiaokang
Published: May 2023

In recent years, the proliferation of self‐established and third‐party online tourism platforms has impacted the visitor economy and social welfare sustainably. Tourism enterprises face the key decision of whether to join third‐party platforms or sell tourism services/products directly to consumers. Some researchers have addressed issues about online tourism platforms, but none analyse the internal mechanism and operational management, or the impact of the online tourism platform on sustainable economic growth and social welfare. To fill this gap, we establish an analytical model to explore the optimal tourism marketing and operational management of online tourism platforms for non‐profit tourist attractions and for‐profit tourism enterprises, which can help guide the decisions of managers. We construct a game‐theoretical model in which competing tourism attractions can choose only solo or dual online tourism platform promotion. When competition on a third‐party platform is intense, for‐profit tourism enterprises benefit from dual platforms. We further illustrate that with high competition, non‐profit tourist attractions provide higher social welfare when offering tourism products/services on both self‐established and third‐party tourism channels. However, with lower competition, third‐party tourism platforms harm social welfare if the tourism service/product quality is extremely high or low. Under a decentralised structure, we find that related tourism enterprises prefer to follow and collaborate with their tourist attractions' channel selection when competition in the third‐party platform is not fierce. This result indicates that a third‐party tourism platform improves the visitor economy and social welfare if the tourist attraction collaborates with its tourism‐related enterprises through the online tourism platform.
Destroy All Humans: The Dematerialisation of the Designer in an Age of Automation and its Impact on Graphic Design—A Literature Review
Authors: Matthews Benjamin , Shannon Barrie , Roxburgh Mark
Published: May 2023

Digital automation is on the rise in a diverse range of industries. The technologies employed here often make use of artificial intelligence (AI) and its common form, machine learning (ML) to augment or replace the work completed by human agents. The recent emergence of a variety of design automation platforms inspired the authors to undertake a review of the research literature on the impact of Automation, AI and ML on visual communication, and its subset practice of graphic design, with a view to understanding the implications for the education of practitioners entering that specific field. This review discovered that there was relatively little research published on the topic but what did exist noted that graphic design as we have known it has an uncertain future. Furthermore, the scant literature argued for a shift in educational and professional focus away from the aesthetic and technical skills required to design visual modes of communication and towards a deeper engagement with the softer, more human skills associated with negotiation, facilitation and judgement. The paucity of literature on this topic suggests to the authors that visual communication design education and the industry are poorly prepared for the impact of automation, AI and ML on them.
Artificial intelligence on the advance to enhance educational assessment: Scientific clickbait or genuine gamechanger?
Authors: Zehner Fabian , Hahnel Carolin
Published: May 2023

Contributions in the Special Issue

The special issue assembles papers centring around log data analysis, natural language processing, and machine learning used to advance educational assessment. They demonstrate how semi‐ and unstructured data such as log and text data can, despite their challenging nature, be handled appropriately to benefit educational assessment. In this editorial, we contextualize the special issue's contributions within the diverse field of modern technology‐based assessments.

Reflection on Terminology

Moreover, we raise concerns about nowadays' use of the term artificial intelligence (AI) in scientific communication. While the contribution of AI to scientific progress is indisputable, the mere use of methods that have evolved within AI research does not necessarily render tools or studies AI‐related. We argue that academics have the social responsibility to adopt accurate terminology, given it is integral to scientific rigour and proper scientific communication.

Implications

In view of the inflationary use of the term AI in science, we propose a scheme to locate one's research in the field by focusing on (1) the type of data, (2) the processing involved, and (3) the output of a study and the actions derived from it, which are situated within the (4) scope of a study.
Using online learner trace data to understand the cohesion of teams in higher education
Authors: Zamecnik Andrew , Kovanovíc Vitomir , Joksimovíc Srécko , Grossmann Georg , Ladjal Djazia , Marshall Ruth , Pardo Abelardo
Published: May 2023

Background

Maintaining cohesion is critical for teams to achieve shared goals and performance outcomes within a work‐integrated learning (WIL) environment. Cohesion is an emergent state that develops over time, representing the synchrony of different behavioural interactions. Cohesive teams will exhibit such phenomena by their temporal coordination of micro‐level relations.

Objectives

The primary aim of this study is to examine the cohesion of teams in learning environments using a learning analytics approach.

Method

This study examines teams from higher education who participate in a WIL environment platform working in teams to develop their collaborative problem‐solving skills. Here we show that temporal network motifs can be used as a proxy to measure cohesion.

Results and Conclusions

We illustrate three clusters represented by team learning behaviours and found that each cluster has distinctive interactions with learning resources, performance outcomes, temporal network motif group characteristics and emergence over time using learning analytics.

Implications

Applying temporal motifs as an analytics‐based measure of cohesion is a starting point for understanding how cohesion develops over time without relying on surveys. We anticipate that the same approaches can be applied in most learning management systems containing trace data of teams and their interactions with learning resources to understand cohesion.
Hatch date and early growth of juvenile Japanese jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus caught in the Uwa Sea
Authors: Hashida Daisuke , Tomiyama Takeshi
Published: May 2023

Development and growth rate variations during early life are important for understanding the mechanisms of recruitment dynamics. We examined the larval growth rate and age at the onset of metamorphosis (dm) of juvenile Japanese jack mackerel recruited to a population in the Uwa Sea, Japan. Otolith microstructure analyses revealed that the hatch date of juveniles ranged from February to April in 2011–2015, and that their dm were 25.5–30.5 days and mean growth rates at the larval stage (GL) were 0.30–0.34 mm day−1. Among dm and GL, dm showed significant negative correlations with juvenile abundance. Moreover, the hatch date did not coincide with the spawning period of this species in the Uwa Sea, and the hatch date and mean growth rate at the larval stage were comparable to those of Japanese jack mackerel juveniles sampled in the East China Sea (ECS). These findings suggest that most juvenile Japanese jack mackerel originated in other waters, including the ECS, and that larval stage duration influenced their recruitment abundance in the Uwa Sea.
Identification and genetic characterization of Saprolegnia parasitica, isolated from farmed and wild fish in Finland
Authors: Engblom Christine , Landor Lotta , Sjöqvist Conny , Korkea‐aho Tiina , Viljamaa‐Dirks Satu , Paulin Lars , Wiklund Tom
Published: May 2023

Oomycete infections in farmed fish are one of the most significant disease issues in salmonid aquaculture worldwide. In the present study, Saprolegnia spp. in different farmed fish species in Finland were identified, and the molecular epidemiology of especially Saprolegnia parasitica was examined. We analysed tissue samples from suspected oomycete‐infected salmonids of different life stages from a number of fish farms, as well as three wild salmonids. From collected oomycete isolates, the ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2 genomic regions were amplified, analysed phylogenetically and compared with corresponding sequences deposited in GenBank. Of the sequenced isolates, 91% were identified as S. parasitica. Isolates of yolk sac fry were identified as different Saprolegnia spp. Among the isolates from rainbow trout eggs Saprolegnia diclina dominated. In order to determine potential dominating clones among the S. parasitica, isolates were analysed using Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST). The results showed that one main clone contained the majority of the isolates. The MLST analysis showed four main sequence types (ST1–ST4) and 13 unique STs. This suggests that the Saprolegnia infections in farmed fish in Finland are not caused by different strains originating in the farm environment. Instead, one main clone of S. parasitica is present in Finnish fish farms.
The role of loneliness on hearing ability and dementia: A novel mediation approach
Authors: Hackett Ruth A. , Vo Tat Thang , Vansteelandt Stijn , Davies‐Kershaw Hilary
Published: May 2023

Background

To determine the potential mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between hearing ability and dementia.

Methods

Design: Longitudinal observational study. Setting: English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Participants: Individuals aged 50 and older (N = 4232). Measurements: Self‐reported hearing ability and loneliness were assessed from Wave 2 (2004–2005) to Wave 7 (2014–2015) of ELSA. Dementia cases were ascertained via self‐ or carer‐report or dementia medication at these waves. The medeff command in Stata version 17 was used to do cross‐section mediation analysis between hearing ability, loneliness, and dementia (Waves 3–7). Path‐specific effects proportional (cause‐specific) hazard models were then used to investigate longitudinal mediation (Waves 2–7).

Results

In cross‐sectional analyses in Wave 7 alone, loneliness only mediated 5.4% of the total effects of limited hearing on dementia (indirect effects = increased risk of 0.06%; 95% CI: 0.002%–0.15%) under limited hearing and 0.04% (95% CI: 0.001%–0.11%) under normal hearing). In longitudinal analyses, there was no statistical evidence of a mediating role for loneliness in explaining the relationship between hearing ability and time‐to‐dementia (indirect effect estimate hazard ratio = 1.01 (95% CI: 0.99–1.05).

Conclusion

In this community‐dwelling sample of English adults, there is a lack of evidence that loneliness mediates the relationship between hearing ability and dementia in both cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses. However, as the number of dementia cases in this cohort was low, replication in other cohorts with larger sample sizes is required to confirm the absence of a mediated effect via loneliness.
When should electronic medical records reminders for cancer screening stop?—Results from a national physician survey
Authors: Schoenborn Nancy L. , Pollack Craig E. , Boyd Cynthia M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Many older adults are screened for breast and colorectal cancers beyond guideline recommended thresholds. Electronic medical record (EMR) reminders are commonly used to prompt cancer screening. Behavioral economics theory suggests that changing the default settings for these reminders can be effective to reduce over‐screening. We examined physician perspectives about acceptable thresholds for stopping EMR cancer screening reminders.

Methods

In a national survey of 1200 primary care physicians (PCP) and 600 gynecologists randomly selected from the AMA Masterfile, we asked physicians to choose whether EMR reminders for cancer screening should stop based on a list of criteria that included age, life expectancy, specific serious illnesses, and functional limitations. Physicians could choose multiple responses. PCPs were randomized to questions about breast or colorectal cancer screening.

Results

A total of 592 physicians participated (adjusted response rate 54.1%). 54.6% chose age and 71.8% chose life expectancy as criteria for stopping EMR reminders; only 30.6% chose functional limitations. Regarding age thresholds, 52.4% chose ages ≤75, 42.0% chose a threshold between 75 and 85, 5.6% would not stop reminders even at age 85. Regarding life expectancy thresholds, 32.0% chose ≥10 years, 53.1% chose a threshold between 5 and 9 years, 14.9% would not stop reminders even when life expectancy is <5 years.

Conclusions

We found that many physicians would continue EMR reminders for cancer screening even in light of older age, limited life expectancy, and functional limitations. This may reflect reluctance to stop cancer screening and/or reluctance to stop EMR reminders so that physicians can retain control to decide for individual patients, for example, to assess patient preference and ability to tolerate treatment. There was consensus for stopping EMR reminders at ages 85+ and <5‐year life expectancy. Interventions that seek to reduce over‐screening by suppressing EMR reminders may be important for these groups but may have limited physician buy‐in outside these thresholds.
Caring for aging parents in the last years of life
Authors: Roberts Harley L. , Bollens‐Lund Evan , Ornstein Katherine A. , Kelley Amy S.
Published: May 2023

Background

Adult children provide a large portion of end‐of‐life caregiving for older adults and make up the majority of caregivers for adults with dementia. Yet research has been limited to the hours of care that primary caregivers provide, neglecting the other ways adult children provide caregiving support. This study aims to describe the caregiving support adult children provide to their parents at the end of life and characterize differences by race and ethnicity and dementia status.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study using survey responses from the Health and Retirement Study between 2002 and 2018. The sample population (n = 8040) included decedents aged 65 with at least one living adult child at their time of death. Caregiving support was defined as providing financial support, providing help with basic or instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs or IADLs), or coresiding with the care recipient. Respondents were stratified by self‐identified race and ethnicity as Hispanic, non‐Hispanic White, or non‐Hispanic Black. Respondents were further stratified by dementia and marital status.

Results

Black and Hispanic respondents without dementia were more likely to report receiving financial help from (28.0% and 25.9%) or coresiding with their adult children (38.9% and 49.7%) compared to White respondents (15.0% receiving financial help and 23.3% coresiding) (p < 0.05). Among respondents with dementia, 47.1% of both Black and Hispanic respondents reported coresiding with their adult children, compared to only 24.6% of White respondents (p < 0.05). Notably, married Black and Hispanic respondents reported significantly higher rates of all support types compared to married White respondents (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The majority of older adults at the end of life receive some form of care and support from their adult children, with Black and Hispanic older adults receiving particularly high rates of care and support from their adult children regardless of dementia or marital status.
Evaluating an adapted reverse categorisation task to assess cognitive flexibility in young children with Down syndrome
Authors: Van Deusen K. , Prince M. A. , Thurman A. J. , Esbensen A. J. , Patel L. R. , Abbeduto L. , Walsh M. M. , Daunhauer L. A. , Feigles R. T. , Fidler D. J.
Published: May 2023

Background

Accurate measurement of cognitive skills is necessary to advance both developmental and intervention science for individuals with Down syndrome (DS). This study evaluated the feasibility, developmental sensitivity and preliminary reliability of a reverse categorisation measure designed to assess cognitive flexibility in young children with DS.

Methods

Seventy‐two children with DS ages 2.5–8 years completed an adapted version of a reverse categorisation task. Twenty‐eight of the participants were assessed again 2 weeks later for retest reliability.

Results

This adapted measure demonstrated adequate feasibility and developmental sensitivity, and preliminary evidence for test–retest reliability when administered to children with DS in this age range.

Conclusions

This adapted reverse categorisation measure may be useful for future developmental and treatment studies that target early foundations of cognitive flexibility in young children with DS. Additional recommendations for use of this measure are discussed.
Topical growth factor preparations for facial skin rejuvenation: A systematic review
Authors: Quinlan Daniel J. , Ghanem Ali M. , Hassan Haidar
Published: May 2023

Background

Cosmeceutical preparations containing growth factors (GFs) are widely used for facial rejuvenation.

Objective

We performed a systematic review to assess the evidence regarding their safety and effectiveness for facial rejuvenation.

Methods

Electronic databases (Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Scopus) were searched from 2000 to October 2022 for prospective trials and case series assessing topical GF preparations for facial rejuvenation in 10 or more participants.

Results

Thirty‐three studies, including 9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 24 uncontrolled case series, representing 1180 participants receiving 23 different topical preparations containing GFs met the inclusion criteria and were included. Of the 33 studies, nine used a placebo or active control. The GF preparations were applied twice daily in all except two studies, with a mean treatment duration of 3 months. Based on the investigator's assessment, preparations containing GFs induce a modest improvement in skin texture (median < 50%), fine lines/wrinkles (median < 35%), and overall facial appearance (median < 20%) versus baseline. Participant‐assessed improvement was generally higher than investigator‐assessed response. Three comparative RCTs showed no statistically significant differences between treatments. Studies were limited by heterogeneity with regard to the source and number of GFs used in the preparations, information about additional ingredients, and lack of standardization in the outcome measures. The preparations were associated with a low risk of adverse events. The persistence of the clinical improvements beyond 6 months is not known.

Conclusions

Administration of topical preparations containing GFs appears to be effective for facial skin rejuvenation, as demonstrated by the investigator‐ and participant‐reported outcome measures.
Effect and safety of probiotics for treating urticaria: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fu Hong‐yu , Yu Hong‐da , Bai Yan‐ping , Yue Li‐feng , Wang Hong‐mei , Li Ling‐ling
Published: May 2023

Background

To assess the effect and safety of probiotics for treating urticaria.

Methods

Randomized controlled trial (RCT) papers on the probiotics treatment published before May 2019 were retrieved from various databases like PubMed, EMbase, MEDLINE (Ovid), SCI‐Hub, Springer, ClinicalKey, VIP, and CNKI. The treatment plan that we include are oral administration of single probiotic, multiple probiotics, and the combination of probiotics and antihistamines. Meta‐analysis of the data was performed by RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

A total of nine RCT papers were included: four papers for oral administration of single probiotic, three papers for oral administration of multiple probiotics, and two papers for oral administration of a probiotic combined with antihistamines. The results of meta‐analysis showed that the therapeutic effect of the probiotic group was significantly higher than the control group (placebo or antihistamines) (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03–1.16, p = 0.006). And compared with the placebo group, the therapeutic effect of single probiotic group was significantly improved (RR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01–1.21, p = 0.03). Regarding therapeutic effect, there was no statistically significant difference between the multiple probiotics group and placebo group (RR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.94 ~ 1.07, p = 0.91); the therapeutic effect of single probiotic combined antihistamine group was significantly higher than the antihistamine group (RR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.07–1.19, p < 0.0001). Regarding the incidence of adverse reactions, there was no significant difference between the probiotic group and the control group (p = 0.46).

Conclusion

The treatment plan of oral administration of probiotics has significant therapeutic effects on urticaria, but the therapeutic effects of the administration of multiple probiotics and the safety of probiotic therapy are still not yet obvious. Some large‐scale, multi‐centered RCT studies are needed in the future for clarification.
Liquidity, Volume, and Order Imbalance Volatility
Authors: BOGOUSSLAVSKY VINCENT , COLLIN‐DUFRESNE PIERRE
Published: May 2023

We examine the dynamics of liquidity using a comprehensive sample of U.S. stocks in the post‐decimalization period. Motivated by a continuous‐time inventory model, we compute a high‐frequency measure of order imbalance volatility to proxy for the inventory risk faced by liquidity providers. We show that high‐frequency order imbalance volatility is an important driver of liquidity and explains the often positive time‐series relation between spread and volume for large stocks, which seems to run counter to most theoretical models. Furthermore, order imbalance volatility is priced in the cross‐section of stock returns.
ScRNA‐seq links dental fibroblasts heterogeneity with mechanoresponsiveness
Authors: Xu Hongyuan , Dai Qinggang , Wang Xinyu , Jin Anting , Yang Yiling , Huang Xiangru , Wang Xijun , Gao Xin , Sun Siyuan , Liu Yuanqi , Zhu Yanfei , Shen Steve GF. , Bian Qian , Jiang Lingyong
Published: May 2023

Background and objective

Periodontal ligament (PDL) and dental pulp (DP) share a common origin but have distinct biological and mechanical functions. To what extent the mechanoresponsive property of PDL can be attributed to its unique transcriptional profiles of cellular heterogeneity is unclear. This study aims to decipher cellular heterogeneity and distinct mechanoresponsive characteristics of odontogenic soft tissues and their underlying molecular mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

A single‐cell comparison of digested human periodontal ligament (PDL) and dental pulp (DP) was performed using scRNA‐seq. An in vitro loading model was constructed to measure mechanoresponsive ability. Dual‐luciferase assay, overexpression, and shRNA knockdown were used to investigate the molecular mechanism.

Results

Our results demonstrate striking fibroblast heterogeneity across and within human PDL and DP. We demonstrated that a tissue‐specific subset of fibroblasts existed in PDL exhibiting high expression of mechanoresponsive extracellular matrix (ECM) genes, which was verified by an in vitro loading model. ScRNA‐seq analysis indicated a particularly enriched regulator in PDL‐specific fibroblast subtype, Jun Dimerization Protein 2 (JDP2). Overexpression and knockdown of JDP2 extensively regulated the downstream mechanoresponsive ECM genes in human PDL cells. The force loading model demonstrated that JDP2 responded to tension and that knockdown of JDP2 effectively inhibited the mechanical force–induced ECM remodeling.

Conclusions

Our study constructed the PDL and DP ScRNA‐seq atlas to demonstrate PDL and DP fibroblast cellular heterogeneity and identify a PDL‐specific mechanoresponsive fibroblast subtype and its underlying mechanism.