bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of drought, precipitation and fossorial mammal reintroduction on the density of fossorial arthropods and their burrows in arid Australia
Authors: Coulter Brianna , West Rebecca S. , Kingsford Richard T. , Moseby Katherine E.
Published: May 2023

The density and abundance of arid‐dwelling taxa often change significantly in response to precipitation fluctuations and the abundance of their predators. The survival and density of burrowing arthropods and their burrows in arid environments following prolonged dry periods and subsequent rains is poorly understood, as is the potential influence of reintroductions of their predators, such as fossorial mammals. The persistence of these arthropods and their burrows may be important for other species that rely on them for food or use their burrows for shelter. In this study, we examined the density of burrowing and ground‐nesting arthropods and their burrows in Australia's Strzelecki Desert over two years between 2019 and 2021. This period spanned the tail‐end of the worst drought on record and subsequent drought‐breaking rains. We employed a Before‐After Control‐Impact (BACI) study design to examine the short‐term effects of a fossorial mammal reintroduction of the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) into predator‐free fenced exclosures and used an inspection camera to detect the presence of spiders and other taxa within individually marked burrows. We observed the largest changes in arthropod abundance and burrow density between a period that encompassed a third consecutive summer in drought and the commencement of drought‐breaking rains, with some taxa declining by as much as 77% (p < 0.001). While the density of harvester ant middens erupted over this time, the density of tarantulas, trapdoor spiders and scorpions declined significantly. The greater bilby reintroduction had no short‐term effect on the densities of the arthropods or their burrows, but their arrival may have implications on their post‐drought recovery. Further studies are needed to determine if the significant declines in arthropod populations and burrows are reflective of normal boom‐bust population dynamics due to the poor natural history knowledge of the arthropods we examined.
Efficacy and adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors in esophageal cancer patients: Challenges and perspectives for immunotherapy
Authors: Ma Yingjie , Yu Junxian , Ma Xiaoting , Li Qin , Su Qiang , Cao Bangwei
Published: May 2023

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the seventh most common cancer worldwide. Patients with EC have a generally poor prognosis mainly due to the lack of effective treatments. Cancer immunotherapy is a promising novel treatment option for EC. This literature review investigated the clinical efficacy of immunotherapy either alone or in combination with chemotherapy or targeted therapy. In addition, we analyzed the adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In conclusion, ICIs increase the efficacy of EC treatments, thereby improving the outcomes of EC patients. The findings of this study may help enhance the response to immunotherapy, diminish toxicity, and thus eventually improve medical care for patients with EC.
Implementation of the combined use of non‐invasive fetal electrocardiography and electrohysterography during labor: A prospective clinical study
Authors: Frenken Maria W. E. , Van Der Woude Daisy A. A. , Vullings Rik , Oei Swan G. , Van Laar Judith O. E. H.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Fetal electrocardiography (NI‐fECG) and electrohysterography (EHG) have been proven more accurate and reliable than conventional non‐invasive methods (doppler ultrasound and tocodynamometry) and are less affected by maternal obesity. It is still unknown whether NI‐fECG and EHG will eliminate the need for invasive methods, such as the intrauterine pressure catheter and fetal scalp electrode. We studied whether NI‐fECG and EHG can be successfully used during labor.

Material and Methods

A prospective clinical pilot study was performed in a tertiary care teaching hospital. A total of 50 women were included with a singleton pregnancy with a gestational age between 36+0 and 42+0 weeks and had an indication for continuous intrapartum monitoring. The primary study outcome was the percentage of women with NI‐fECG and EHG monitoring throughout the whole delivery. Secondary study outcomes were reason and timing of a switch to conventional monitoring methods (i.e., tocodynamometry and fetal scalp electrode or doppler ultrasound), repositioning of the abdominal electrode patch, success rates (i.e., the percentage of time with signal output), and obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Clinical trial registration: Dutch trial register (NL8024).

Results

In 45 women (90%), NI‐fECG and EHG monitoring was used throughout the whole delivery. In the other five women (10%), there was a switch to conventional methods: in two women because of insufficient registration quality of uterine contractions and in three women because of insufficient registration quality of the fetal heart rate. In three out of five cases, the switch was after full dilation was reached. Repositioning of the abdominal electrode patch occurred in two women. The overall success rate was 94.5%. In 16% (n = 8) of women, a cesarean delivery was performed due to non‐progressing dilation (n = 7) and due to suspicion of fetal distress (n = 1). Neonatal metabolic acidosis did not occur. Two neonates (4%) were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit for complications not related to intrapartum monitoring.

Conclusions

NI‐fECG and EHG can be successfully used during labor in 90% of women. Future research is needed to conclude whether implementation of electrophysiological monitoring can improve obstetric and neonatal outcomes.
Visual function in adults born preterm with very low birth weight—A two‐country birth cohort study
Authors: Kulmala Maarit , Jørgensen Anna Perregaard Munch , Aakvik Kristina Anna Djupvik , Jussinniemi Laura , Benum Silje Dahl , Ingvaldsen Sigrid Hegna , Austeng Dordi , Kajantie Eero , Evensen Kari Anne I. , Majander Anna , Morken Tora Sund
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to investigate visual function and vision‐related general health in adults that were born preterm with very low birth weight (VLBW: birth weight < 1500 g) in their 30s–40s.

Methods

We recruited 137 adults born preterm with VLBW and 158 term‐born controls aged 31–43 years from two birth cohorts: the Helsinki Study of Very Low Birth Weight Adults (Finland) and the NTNU Low Birth Weight in a Lifetime Perspective study (Norway). We used neonatal data and measured refraction, best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart, contrast sensitivity, visual fields, intraocular pressure (IOP), self‐reported vision‐targeted health status with the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire‐25.

Results

VLBW adults had a lower BCVA ETDRS score than controls: mean (SD) better eye 86.7 (13.4) versus 90.2 (4.4), p = 0.02; mean (SD) worse eye 82.3 (14.9) versus 87.6 (4.6), p = 0.003. VLBW adults also had lower contrast sensitivity thresholds in several spatial frequencies and scored lower than controls in eight out of the 12 subscales of self‐reported vision‐targeted health status. Refraction, visual fields and IOP were similar between groups. Two VLBW participants were blind. None had been treated for retinopathy of prematurity.

Conclusion

We suggest that lower visual function and vision‐related health represent life‐long consequences of prematurity and VLBW in the studied 31‐ to 43‐year‐old cohort. The underlying mechanisms remain to be determined.
Post‐marketing safety concerns with nirmatrelvir: A disproportionality analysis of spontaneous reports submitted to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Zhuang Wei , Xu Jiabing , Wu Ye , Yang Jianhui , Lin Xiuxian , Liao Yufang , Wan Jun , Weng Lizhu , Lin Wanlong
Published: May 2023

Aims

Nirmatrelvir is an antiviral drug with a novel mechanism of action, targeting the 3‐CL protease, and is used in the treatment of COVID‐19. However, the potential side effects have not yet been fully studied. The aim of this study was to identify potential safety signals of nirmatrelvir by analysing post‐marketing safety data based on the largest publicly available worldwide pharmacovigilance database.

Methods

We analysed nirmatrelvir adverse events to identify and characterize relevant safety signals based on the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database in 2022. The case/non‐case approach was used to estimate the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and information component (IC) with relevant confidence intervals (95% CI) for adverse events (AEs) that numbered 4 or more.

Results

A total of 26 846 cases were included. Disease recurrence (ROR [95% CI] = 413.2 [395.6–431.59]), dysgeusia (ROR [95% CI] = 110.84 [106.04–115.85]), anosmia (ROR [95% CI] = 15.21 [12.76–18.11]), ageusia (ROR [95% CI] = 9.80 [8.50–11.3]) and urticaria (ROR [95% CI] = 1.91 [1.69–2.17]) were the main safety signals. In addition, abdominal pain upper and skin toxicity were two specific safety signals of nirmatrelvir. In the pregnant population, there was a significant increased ROR for life‐threatening conditions (ROR [95% CI] = 8.00 [1.77–36.20]).

Conclusions

Our study identified that the main and specific safety signals of nirmatrelvir were disease recurrence, dysgeusia, abdominal pain upper and skin toxicity. Clinicians and pharmacists should be vigilant of these AEs, although differentiating between COVID‐19 symptoms and AEs can be challenging. Notably, a potential safety concern of nirmatrelvir should be a warning based on a small number of events in the pregnant population. However, the available data are insufficient, and further continued pharmacovigilance and surveillance is needed to fully understand this issue.
Dissecting calvarial bones and sutures at single‐cell resolution
Authors: Li Bo , Li Jingya , Fan Yi , Zhao Zhihe , Li Longjiang , Okano Hideyuki , Ouchi Takehito
Published: May 2023

Cranial bones constitute a protective shield for the vulnerable brain tissue, bound together as a rigid entity by unique immovable joints known as sutures. Cranial sutures serve as major growth centres for calvarial morphogenesis and have been identified as a niche for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and/or skeletal stem cells (SSCs) in the craniofacial skeleton. Despite the established dogma of cranial bone and suture biology, technological advancements now allow us to investigate these tissues and structures at unprecedented resolution and embrace multiple novel biological insights. For instance, a decrease or imbalance of representation of SSCs within sutures might underlie craniosynostosis; dural sinuses enable neuroimmune crosstalk and are newly defined as immune hubs; skull bone marrow acts as a myeloid cell reservoir for the meninges and central nervous system (CNS) parenchyma in mediating immune surveillance, etc. In this review, we revisit a growing body of recent studies that explored cranial bone and suture biology using cutting‐edge techniques and have expanded our current understanding of this research field, especially from the perspective of development, homeostasis, injury repair, resident MSCs/SSCs, immunosurveillance at the brain's border, and beyond.
Discovery of [5,5′‐bibenzo[d][1,3]dioxol]‐6‐substituted amine derivatives as potent proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors
Authors: Zhu Dongqi , Qin Hongyu , Wang Xiaojing , Jia Yuping , Wang Xuejian , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2023

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. In discovery of novel small molecules that interfere PCSK9/LDLR protein–protein interaction (PPI), structural modification was performed based on our previously derived compounds. A series of [5,5′‐bibenzo[d][1,3]dioxol]‐6‐amine analogs were designed and synthesized for the activity evaluation. In the PCSK9/LDLR PPI impairing test, molecules D28 and D29, exhibited remarkable inhibitory potency with IC50 values of 8.30 and 6.70 μM compared with SBC‐115337 (17.89 μM), respectively. Molecular docking predicted the binding pattern of compounds D28 and D29 in the LDLR binding site of PCSK9. Hydrophobic interactions play an important role in the binding of aromatic molecular fragments to the pockets in the PCSK9/LDLR binding interface. Further LDLR expression and LDL uptake studies revealed that both D28 and D29 restored LDLR expression on the surface of hepatic HepG2 cells and improved extracellular LDL uptake in the presence of PCSK9. It is significant that molecules D28 and D29 exhibited potential for the treatment of hyperlipidemia in current in vitro investigations. Generally, lead compounds with novel structures were developed in the present study for further design of lipid‐lowering molecules by targeting PCSK9/LDLR PPI.
Arctigenin improves neuropathy via ameliorating apoptosis and modulating autophagy in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice
Authors: Medras Zekrayat J. H. , Mostafa Yasser M. , Ahmed Amal A. M. , El‐Sayed Norhan M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Oxidative stress mediates the pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy (DN) with activation of apoptotic pathway and reduction of autophagy. Arctigenin (ARC) is a natural lignan isolated from some plants of the Asteraceae family that shows antioxidant property. The present study aimed to explore the mechanistic neuroprotective effect of ARC on animal model for DN.

Methods

DN was induced using streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 45 mg/kg, i.p, for five consecutive days and ARC was administered orally (25 or 50 mg) for 3 weeks. The mechanical sensitivity and thermal latency were determined using von Frey and hotplate, respectively. Beclin, p62, and LC3 were detected as markers for autophagy by western blot. Levels of reduced glutathione, lipid peroxides, and activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were detected as readout for oxidative stress. Apoptotic parameters and histopathological changes were revealed in all experimental groups.

Results

The present study showed deterioration of the function and structure of neurons as a result of hyperglycemia. Oxidative stress and impaired autophagy were observed in diabetic neurons as well as the activation of apoptotic pathway. ARC improved the behavioral and histopathological changes of diabetic mice. ARC combated oxidative stress through diminishing lipid peroxidation and improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes. This was concomitant by reducing the biomarkers of apoptosis. ARC augmented the expression of Beclin and LC3 while it lessened the expression of p62 indicating the activation of autophagy. These findings suggest that ARC can ameliorate DN by combating apoptosis and oxidative stress and improving autophagy.
Endothelial TREM‐1 receptor regulates the blood–brain barrier integrity after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice via SYK/β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Xie Yonglin , He Wei , Ma Li , Ren Reng , Yang Shuxu , Lu Qin
Published: May 2023

Background

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a high mortality and disability stroke subtype. Destruction of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a crucial contributor to brain edema and neurological deficit after ICH. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM‐1) has been reported to be expressed in endothelial cells, but its role in ICH remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the role of TREM‐1 on BBB permeability after ICH in mice.

Methods

Two hundred and forty‐two CD1 mice were used in this study. The ICH model was established by collagenase injection. LP17 was administered intranasally at 2 or 8 h after ICH to inhibit TREM‐1. To explore the underlying mechanism, SYK activation CRISPR was administered intracerebroventricularly with LP17, and Anti‐mouse TREM‐1 rat IgG2a (a specific TREM‐1 agonist) was injected intracerebroventricularly with R406 (a specific SYK inhibitor) intraperitoneally. Neurobehavioral outcome, brain water content, BBB permeability, and protein expression were evaluated.

Results

The expression level of the TREM‐1 receptor increased rapidly as early as 6 h after ICH, and it was mainly expressed on the endotheliocytes in the neurovascular unit. Early and delayed administration of LP17 significantly decreased brain edema and improved neurobehavioral outcomes at 24 h after ICH. LP17 reduced the BBB permeability by increasing β‐catenin, claudin‐5 and ZO‐1 expression. Furthermore, SYK activation CRISPR abolished the beneficial effect of LP17 on the expression of the above junction molecules. Meanwhile, R406 reversed the impact of the TREM‐1 activator on the downregulation of β‐catenin, claudin‐5 and ZO‐1 expression.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that TREM‐1 deteriorated BBB permeability via modulating the expression of interendothelial junction molecules after ICH, and this regulation is partly mediated by the SYK/β‐catenin signaling pathway.
Brain functional connectivity‐based prediction of vagus nerve stimulation efficacy in pediatric pharmacoresistant epilepsy
Authors: Chen Hao , Wang Yi , Ji Taoyun , Jiang Yuwu , Zhou Xiao‐Hua
Published: May 2023

Objective

Although vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a common and widely used therapy for pharmacoresistant epilepsy, the reported efficacy of VNS in pediatric patients varies, so it is unclear which children will respond to VNS therapy. This study aimed to identify functional brain network features associated with VNS action to distinguish VNS responders from nonresponders using scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) data.

Methods

Twenty‐three children were included in this study, 16 in the discovery cohort and 7 in the test cohort. Using partial correlation value as a measure of whole‐brain functional connectivity, we identified the differential edges between responders and nonresponders. Results derived from this were used as input to generate a support vector machine‐learning classifier to predict VNS outcomes.

Results

The postcentral gyrus in the left and right parietal lobe regions was identified as the most significant differential brain region between VNS responders and nonresponders (p < 0.001). The resultant classifier demonstrated a mean AUC value of 0.88, a mean sensitivity rate of 91.4%, and a mean specificity rate of 84.3% on fivefold cross‐validation in the discovery cohort. In the testing cohort, our study demonstrated an AUC value of 0.91, a sensitivity rate of 86.6%, and a specificity rate of 79.3%. Furthermore, for prediction accuracy, our model can achieve 81.4% accuracy at the epoch level and 100% accuracy at the patient level.

Significance

This study provides the first treatment response prediction model for VNS using scalp EEG data with ictal recordings and offers new insights into its mechanism of action. Our results suggest that brain functional connectivity features can help predict therapeutic response to VNS therapy. With further validation, our model could facilitate the selection of targeted pediatric patients and help avoid risky and costly procedures for patients who are unlikely to benefit from VNS therapy.
Neuropathic pain following spinal cord hemisection induced by the reorganization in primary somatosensory cortex and regulated by neuronal activity of lateral parabrachial nucleus
Authors: Li Jing , Tian Chao , Yuan Shiyang , Yin Zhenyu , Wei Liangpeng , Chen Feng , Dong Xi , Liu Aili , Wang Zhenhuan , Wu Tongrui , Tian Chunxiao , Niu Lin , Wang Lei , Wang Pu , Xie Wanyu , Cao Fujiang , Shen Hui
Published: May 2023

Aims

Neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a common and thorny problem, influencing the life quality severely. This study aimed to elucidate the reorganization of the primary sensory cortex (S1) and the regulatory mechanism of the lateral parabrachial nucleus (lPBN) in the presence of allodynia or hyperalgesia after left spinal cord hemisection injury (LHS).

Methods

Through behavioral tests, we first identified mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia following LHS. We then applied two‐photon microscopy to observe calcium activity in S1 during mechanical or thermal stimulation and long‐term spontaneous calcium activity after LHS. By slice patch clamp recording, the electrophysiological characteristics of neurons in lPBN were explored. Finally, exploiting chemogenetic activation or inhibition of the neurons in lPBN, allodynia or hyperalgesia was regulated.

Results

The calcium activity in left S1 was increased during mechanical stimulation of right hind limb and thermal stimulation of tail, whereas in right S1 it was increased only with thermal stimulation of tail. The spontaneous calcium activity in right S1 changed more dramatically than that in left S1 after LHS. The lPBN was also activated after LHS, and exploiting chemogenetic activation or inhibition of the neurons in lPBN could induce or alleviate allodynia and hyperalgesia in central neuropathic pain.

Conclusion

The neuronal activity changes in S1 are closely related to limb pain, which has accurate anatomical correspondence. After LHS, the spontaneously increased functional connectivity of calcium transient in left S1 is likely causing the mechanical allodynia in right hind limb and increased neuronal activity in bilateral S1 may induce thermal hyperalgesia in tail. This state of allodynia and hyperalgesia can be regulated by lPBN.
Novel endoscopic duodenal observation protocol based on Seven Pictures Rule for detecting duodenal neoplasms during esophagogastroduodenoscopy: Prospective observational study
Authors: Kozuka Kazuhiro , Kobara Hideki , Matsui Takanori , Fujisawa Akihiko , Tatsuta Miwa , Kobayashi Mitsuyoshi , Yasuda Mitsugu , Nakatani Kaho , Tada Naoya , Chiyo Taiga , Kobayashi Nobuya , Yachida Tatsuo , Nishiyama Noriko , Fujihara Shintaro , Kondo Akihiro , Okano Keiichi , Tsuji Akihito , Masaki Tsutomu
Published: May 2023

Objectives

No protocol for esophagogastroduodenoscopic examination of the duodenum has been established. We examined the feasibility and ability to detect neoplasms of a novel duodenal examination protocol.

Methods

This was a two‐facility, prospective, observational study. Our protocol, the Seven Pictures Rule (7PR), requires pictures of the following seven locations: anterior and posterior to the bulb, area of and contralateral to the superior duodenal angle, area of and contralateral to the ampulla, and the transverse duodenum. The primary outcome was rate of completion of 7PR. Secondary outcomes were overall rates of detecting neoplasms, rates of detecting neoplasms for each location, examination time, and completion rates for standard or ultrathin endoscopes.

Results

There were 1549 participants. The 7PR completion rate was 81.1% and the detection rates of overall neoplasms, adenomas, and carcinomas were 0.84%, 0.71%, and 0.06%, respectively. The area in which most neoplasms was detected was contralateral to the ampulla (69.2%), and the fewest the transverse duodenum (0%). Mean duration of duodenal examination was 53.1 s. Completion rates for standard vs. ultrathin were 84.4% (1077/1276) vs. 65.6% (179/273) (P < 0.01), respectively.

Conclusions

Seven Pictures Rule is acceptable for duodenal examination and a potential quality indicator.
Global banking, financial spillovers and macroprudential policy coordination
Authors: Agénor Pierre‐Richard , Jackson Timothy P. , Pereira da Silva Luiz A.
Published: May 2023

The transmission of financial shocks and the gains from international macroprudential policy coordination are studied in a two‐region, core–periphery model with a global bank, a two‐level financial structure and imperfect financial integration. The model replicates the stylized facts associated with global banking shocks, with respect to output, credit, house prices and real exchange rate fluctuations in recipient countries, as documented empirically. Numerical experiments, based on a parametrized version of the model, show that the gains from coordination increase with the degree of financial integration, which raises the scope for spillback effects from the periphery to the core, through trade and private capital flows. However, even when coordination is Pareto‐improving, the resulting gains may be highly asymmetric across regions.
A machine learning approach towards the differentiation between interoceptive and exteroceptive attention
Authors: Zuo Zoey X. , Price Cynthia J. , Farb Norman A. S.
Published: May 2023

Interoception, the representation of the body's internal state, plays a central role in emotion, motivation and wellbeing. Interoceptive sensibility, the ability to engage in sustained interoceptive awareness, is particularly relevant for mental health but is exclusively measured via self‐report, without methods for objective measurement. We used machine learning to classify interoceptive sensibility by contrasting using data from a randomized control trial of interoceptive training, with functional magnetic resonance imaging assessment before and after an 8‐week intervention (N = 44 scans). The neuroimaging paradigm manipulated attention targets (breath vs. visual stimuli) and reporting demands (active reporting vs. passive monitoring). Machine learning achieved high accuracy in distinguishing between interoceptive and exteroceptive attention, both for within‐session classification (~80% accuracy) and out‐of‐sample classification (~70% accuracy), revealing the reliability of the predictions. We then explored the classifier potential for ‘reading out’ mental states in a 3‐min sustained interoceptive attention task. Participants were classified as actively engaged about half of the time, during which interoceptive training enhanced their ability to sustain interoceptive attention. These findings demonstrate that interoceptive and exteroceptive attention is distinguishable at the neural level; these classifiers may help to demarcate periods of interoceptive focus, with implications for developing an objective marker for interoceptive sensibility in mental health research.
Disentangling spatiotemporal dynamics in metacommunities through a species‐patch network approach
Authors: Li Hai‐Dong , Holyoak Marcel , Xiao Zhishu
Published: May 2023

Colonization and extinction at local and regional scales, and gains and losses of patches are important processes in the spatiotemporal dynamics of metacommunities. However, analytical challenges remain in quantifying such spatiotemporal dynamics when species extinction‐colonization and patch gain and loss processes act simultaneously. Recent advances in network analysis show great potential in disentangling the roles of colonization, extinction, and patch dynamics in metacommunities. Here, we developed a species‐patch network approach to quantify metacommunity dynamics including (i) temporal changes in network structure, and (ii) temporal beta diversity of species‐patch links and its components that reflect species extinction‐colonization and patch gain and loss. Application of the methods to simulated datasets demonstrated that the approach was informative about metacommunity assembly processes. Based on three empirical datasets, our species‐patch network approach provided additional information about metacommunity dynamics through distinguishing the effects of species colonization and extinction at different scales from patch gains and losses and how specific environmental factors related to species‐patch network structure. In conclusion, our species‐patch network framework provides effective methods for monitoring and revealing long‐term metacommunity dynamics by quantifying gains and losses of both species and patches under local and global environmental change.
Genetic rescue from protected areas is modulated by migration, hunting rate, and timing of harvest
Authors: Lassis Roxane , Festa‐Bianchet Marco , Van de Walle Joanie , Pelletier Fanie
Published: May 2023

In terrestrial and marine ecosystems, migrants from protected areas may buffer the risk of harvest‐induced evolutionary changes in exploited populations that face strong selective harvest pressures. Understanding the mechanisms favoring genetic rescue through migration could help ensure evolutionarily sustainable harvest outside protected areas and conserve genetic diversity inside those areas. We developed a stochastic individual‐based metapopulation model to evaluate the potential for migration from protected areas to mitigate the evolutionary consequences of selective harvest. We parameterized the model with detailed data from individual monitoring of two populations of bighorn sheep subjected to trophy hunting. We tracked horn length through time in a large protected and a trophy‐hunted populations connected through male breeding migrations. We quantified and compared declines in horn length and rescue potential under various combinations of migration rate, hunting rate in hunted areas and temporal overlap in timing of harvest and migrations, which affects the migrants' survival and chances to breed within exploited areas. Our simulations suggest that the effects of size‐selective harvest on male horn length in hunted populations can be dampened or avoided if harvest pressure is low, migration rate is substantial, and migrants leaving protected areas have a low risk of being shot. Intense size‐selective harvest impacts the phenotypic and genetic diversity in horn length, and population structure through changes in proportions of large‐horned males, sex ratio and age structure. When hunting pressure is high and overlaps with male migrations, effects of selective removal also emerge in the protected population, so that instead of a genetic rescue of hunted populations, our model predicts undesirable effects inside protected areas. Our results stress the importance of a landscape approach to management, to promote genetic rescue from protected areas and limit ecological and evolutionary impacts of harvest on both harvested and protected populations.
LGBTQ parent concerns and parent–child communication about the Parental Rights in Education Bill (“Don't Say Gay”) in Florida
Authors: Goldberg Abbie E. , Abreu Roberto
Published: May 2023

Objective

The current study sought to understand LGBTQ parents' concerns about how Florida's Parental Rights in Education Act (commonly referred to as the “Don't Say Gay” bill) would impact their children and family unit and whether and how they communicated with children about it.

Background

Florida's Parental Rights in Education bill, which was signed into law in 2022, has implications for educators, youth, and families, including LGBTQ parent families. Indeed, children in LGBTQ parent families already face marginalization and erasure in school settings, where curricula and policies often primarily center and reflect heterosexual parent families.

Method

We surveyed LGBTQ parents (N = 90) in Florida in 2022. The sample was primarily cisgender women (62%) and cisgender men (26%), with most participants identifying as lesbian (52%) or gay (23%). Almost two thirds of participants (63%) were White, and almost one third (32%) were Latinx.

Findings

More than three quarters of participants were worried about the bill. Primary concerns centered on how it would restrict their children's ability to speak freely about their families in the classroom and impact their sense of self by cultivating a climate where their families were marginalized. Parents also highlighted broader concerns about how the legislation would fuel further anti‐LGBTQ sentiment. Parents with few concerns typically had very young or high‐school–age children or had children in private school. Parents who talked about the bill with their children tended to be parents of older children, with parents of younger children often emphasizing family diversity to foster a sense of pride.

Conclusion

The Parental Rights in Education Act and other anti‐LGBTQ legislation have the potential to impact a range of vulnerable children and families, including LGBTQ parent families.

Implications

Youth and family advocates and practitioners should work to educate others about the effects of this legislation and support LGBTQ parent families in collective action and resiliency efforts.
Siblings' and parents' outlook for the prospective care for a family member with PIMD
Authors: Niedbalski Jakub
Published: May 2023

Objective

This study aimed to explore the approaches adopted by the parents and typically developing siblings as to the prospective care and support for a family member with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD).

Background

With an ever‐extending life span of persons with PIMD, it has become necessary for their parents to make arrangements for prospective care in which siblings may play an important role.

Method

The study was carried out by means of semistructured interviews held with parents and siblings of individuals with PIMD. The method used for analysis consisted in open and axial coding. Grounded theory methodology procedures served as the theoretical framework.

Results

Parents commonly thought a future caregiving role would be an unfair burden to the typically developing siblings, who, in contrast, welcomed such a commitment.

Conclusions

Parents should not worry about the prospective care for their offspring with a disability given by their typically developing siblings. However, they should attend to the quality of communication, resolving discrepancies in the family members' perspectives on caregiving in the future.

Implications

These findings might offer insight for the parents and siblings of persons with PIMD as well as for social welfare institutions, social workers, and other professionals who work with children and their parents.
Experimental and numerical life evaluation of TBCs with different BC and diffusion coating under cyclic thermal loading
Authors: Rahimi Javad , Poursaeidi Esmaeil , Montakhabi Farzam , Sigaroodi Mohammad Rasoul Javadi , Jamalabad Yousef Yousefi
Published: May 2023

This paper experimentally and numerically investigates the thermally grown oxide (TGO), lifetime, and stress values in thermal barrier coatings with different bond coat (BC), without top coat (TC), and diffusion coating under cyclic thermal loading. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis shows that the atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) and high‐velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) fabricated sample has the highest and lowest TGO thickness and growth rate, respectively. The new coating with two BCs has a maximum lifetime of 102 cycles. After that, the lifetime of the coatings with HVOF‐BC, diffusion coating, and APS‐BC reach 84, 56, and 44 cycles, respectively. The diffusion coating does not have much effect on the TGO thickness; however, it delays the Al interdiffusion to the substrate. In the sample without the TC layer, oxygen contact with the BC layer has increased, leading to a rise in the BC oxidation rate. The numerical analysis of the stress values based on SEM images shows that the more intense TGO layer growth in APS coating caused an increase in TC layer stress values. Furthermore, the results show that the new coating with two‐layer BC has the lowest stress values. The TC absence causes the loss of compressive stresses caused by TC on TGO and increases the tensile stress values in this layer.
Signing auditors' experience gap and the cost of capital: Evidence from China
Authors: Xu Huifeng , Yang Xin , Liu Jun
Published: May 2023

We investigate whether the experience gap between signing auditors affects investors' and creditors' perceptions of risk assessment, as measured by the cost of capital. Our argument is that the experience gap between signing auditors could lower the information risk and improve audit quality, leading to a decreased cost of capital. Using unique data from China, where the information of the signing auditors can be obtained from audit reports, we find that a higher experience gap between signing auditors is linked to a lower cost of capital. Further analysis reveals that the effect is stronger for firms with higher information asymmetry, lower audit quality and weaker financial environments. Our results suggest that the higher experience gap between signing auditors can reduce information asymmetry by enhancing audit quality, and external investors incorporate this factor into pricing strategy, thereby, resulting in a lower cost of capital.
When means‐testing meets work‐testing: A multi‐level institutional analysis of claiming in‐work benefits in Hong Kong
Authors: Au‐Yeung Tat Chor , Wong Hung , Tang Vera , Chan Siu Ming , Zhang Yin
Published: May 2023

While there is a growing body of literature on the lived experiences of people in poverty, their interaction with the welfare delivery system at different levels is still under‐theorised. This article presents a multi‐level institutional framework to qualitatively study the low‐income families' experiences in claiming in‐work benefits (IWBs). Considering the Low‐income Working Family Allowance (LIFA) in Hong Kong as an extreme case of IWB's residualism and productivism, the findings suggest that LIFA claimants faced cycles of counter‐productive re‐assessment in their everyday frontline practices, and underwent organisational barriers in workplaces and families in collecting the proofs required by the means‐testing and work‐testing procedures. These experiences were linked to Hong Kong's macro‐systemic contexts that prioritised long working hours and strict targeting of low‐wage breadwinners. This study contributes to the literature by linking social policy implementation and welfare delivery to claiming experiences, and empirically reveals the complexities of IWBs using means‐tests and work‐tests.
Lipid metabolism in dendritic cell biology
Authors: You Zhiyuan , Chi Hongbo
Published: May 2023

Dendritic cells (DCs) are innate immune cells that detect and process environmental signals and communicate them with T cells to bridge innate and adaptive immunity. Immune signals and microenvironmental cues shape the function of DC subsets in different contexts, which is associated with reprogramming of cellular metabolic pathways. In addition to integrating these extracellular cues to meet bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands, cellular metabolism interplays with immune signaling to shape DC‐dependent immune responses. Emerging evidence indicates that lipid metabolism serves as a key regulator of DC responses. Here, we summarize the roles of fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism, as well as selective metabolites, in orchestrating the functions of DCs. Specifically, we highlight how different lipid metabolic programs, including de novo fatty acid synthesis, fatty acid β oxidation, lipid storage, and cholesterol efflux, influence DC function in different contexts. Further, we discuss how dysregulation of lipid metabolism shapes DC intracellular signaling and contributes to the impaired DC function in the tumor microenvironment. Finally, we conclude with a discussion on key future directions for the regulation of DC biology by lipid metabolism. Insights into the connections between lipid metabolism and DC functional specialization may facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies for human diseases.
From southern Africa and beyond: Historical biogeography of a monocotyledonous bulbous geophyte
Authors: Howard Cody Coyotee , Nanyeni Leevi , Mollel Neduvoto , Chuba David , Zuntini Alexandre R. , Malakasi Panagiota , Harvey Timothy S. , Cellinese Nico
Published: May 2023

Aim

Low taxon sampling and taxonomic uncertainties still obscure our evolutionary knowledge of many taxa, especially widespread lineages across diverse landscapes. Of particular interest are those lineages inhabiting seasonal and arid landscapes, which showcase unique distributional patterns that hint at fascinating histories. Using the most comprehensive sampling to date of a widespread bulbous monocot, we hypothesize two independent dispersals to Madagascar, and that vicariance due to Miocene‐driven aridification contracted a once‐widespread distribution between Africa and Eurasia.

Location

Sub‐Saharan Africa, Madagascar, Eurasia.

Taxon

Ledebouriinae (Scilloideae, Asparagaceae).

Methods

Using the Angiosperms353 probe set for 195 taxa (86 ingroup taxa), we perform phylogenetic reconstruction using IQ‐Tree, and we infer age estimates using penalized likelihood as implemented in treePL. Capitalizing on our broad geographic sampling, which includes African, Malagasy and Eurasian taxa, we use ‘BioGeoBEARS’ to reconstruct ancestral ranges and investigate the role of vicariance and dispersal.

Results

The Ledebouriinae originated within the past c. 30 myr in south‐eastern sub‐Saharan Africa, with the major subclades arising soon thereafter. Although long‐distance dispersal cannot be fully ruled out, we argue that vicariance was the major process responsible for the current distribution of Ledebouria in Eurasia. We recover two distinct Ledebouria groups that overlap in eastern Africa but are divided into mostly northern and southern clades with divergent biogeographical histories, each showing an independent dispersal to Madagascar. A similar north–south split is seen in Drimiopsis. Additionally, we recover a complex biogeographic history in the predominantly sub‐Saharan African Ledebouria clade, with rapid radiation at c. 14 mya.

Main Conclusions

The expansion of seasonal rainfall and aridity in sub‐Saharan Africa, coupled with orogenic activity, may have fostered the diversification of the Ledebouriinae and many subclades. Miocene‐driven aridification may have caused fragmentation of a once widespread distribution that led to their occurrence in Eurasia.
The zoomorphic effect: A contribution to the study of images of pedagogical agents for children's learning in instructional videos
Authors: Wu Changcheng , Jing Bin , Gong Xue , Ma Xunzhou
Published: May 2023

Background

Zoomorphism, an obverse of conventional anthropomorphism, has been shown in many cases to be a powerful tool with respect to the metaphorical use of animals.

Objectives

This study introduced zoomorphism into the instructional video design of pedagogical agents (PAs).

Method

We first developed three image sets, each of which corresponded to a type of zoomorphic PA image construct (full panda, a human face with a panda body, and a human body with panda head imagery). Then, we conducted an image‐screening experiment in which 177 second‐grade students from a primary school were asked to select their favourite PA image for each image construct set. We used a realistic human PA as the baseline. Next, 114 second‐grade students from another school were randomly assigned to learn instructional videos on the topic of pandas using a PA with one of four imageries.

Results and Conclusions

ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests indicated that students presented with PAs with full‐panda imagery achieved significantly higher learning performance, learning experience, social presence, and learning interest than those presented with other imageries of PAs. The regression results showed that the effect of zoomorphic PAs with full‐panda imagery on learning performance was exerted in a direct way and that its effect on learning experience was mediated by social presence and learning interest.

Implications

Our findings suggest that zoomorphic appearance is an essential quality for video learning that merits further investigation for the efficient imagery construction of PAs.
Plaque accumulation on the fitting surface of full‐arch implant‐supported fixed prostheses with contact or noncontact pontics: A split mouth randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gong Zhenjiang , Lin Ye , Di Ping
Published: May 2023

Objective

To explore the differences in plaque accumulation on the fitting surface of full‐arch implant‐supported fixed prostheses with contact or noncontact pontics.

Materials and Methods

Nineteen patients (20 prostheses, 7 in the maxilla, and 13 in the mandible) intending to undergo full‐arch implant‐supported immediate function prostheses were recruited. During immediate restoration and using the midline as the boundary, one side was restored as a pontic and mucosa noncontact type (the test group), and the opposite side was restored as a pontic and mucosa contact type (the control group). In a follow‐up 6 months after the surgery, the cleanliness of the fitting surface of the immediate prosthesis was evaluated by plaque staining and debris index determination. Patient satisfaction was investigated by questionnaire.

Results

Twenty prostheses from 19 patients included in the randomized controlled trial were followed up. Among the 20 prostheses, the percentage of area covered with plaque was significantly lower in the test group compared with that in the control group (31.5 ± 15.8% vs. 43.7 ± 15.3%; p < 0.001). The debris index in the test group was lower than that in the control group, although the difference was not statistically significant (2.77 ± 0.73 vs. 3.15 ± 0.90; p > 0.05). In the patient satisfaction survey, most of the patients were satisfied with most aspects of the prostheses, however, nearly half of the patients were not satisfied with the cleaning.

Conclusions

The pontic and mucosa noncontact prosthetic design reduces plaque accumulation on the fitting surface, which is beneficial for maintaining oral cleanliness. However, the majority of study samples were mandible and conclusions may not be fully applicable to maxilla. Trial registration: www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1900028576).

Clinical Significance

The noncontact design in full‐arch implant‐supported fixed prostheses may be an effective measure of improving oral hygiene promotion. There is need for more research that can further improve oral hygiene of patients with full‐arch implant‐supported prostheses.
Er:YAG laser combined with botulinum toxin A for patients with local syringomas: A preliminary report
Authors: Yao Bin , Chen Wenjun , Wu Shilei , Gu Qinhao , Feng Wei
Published: May 2023

Syringoma is a common but refractory benign skin tumor. Conventional treatment, such as ultra‐pulsed carbon dioxide (CO2) laser or cryotherapy, often requires multiple treatment and can easily cause prolonged erythema, scarring, or depression, which are frustrating, so there is an urgent need to seek a safer and more effective method. In this article, we tried to demonstrate the Er:YAG laser combined with botulinum toxin A (BTXA) as a safer and more efficacious method for treating syringomas. Materials and methods: Twenty‐one patients with local syringomas were treated with erbium laser ablation. Immediately after laser treatment, approximately 10 units of BTXA were sprayed on the wound for 10 min. Result: In total, 21 patients underwent 1.62 ± 0.74 treatments; their Periorbital Syringoma Severity Index (PSSI) score declined from 4.19 (before treatment) to 1.10 (after treatment), and the number of treatments was significantly lower than those reported in previous literature using the erbium laser alone. Conclusion: The Er:YAG laser combined with botulinum toxin A for the treatment of syringoma is a safer and more effective treatment than traditional treatment methods.