bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Julie von Bechtolsheim, a Political Life: Women's Work and Governance in the Age of Revolution
Authors: Anthony Patrick
Published: January 2024

This article understands how women and girls in the Grand Duchy of Saxe‐Weimar‐Eisenach negotiated core issues in the Age of Revolutions: early industrialization and political representation. The baroness Julie von Bechtolsheim (1751–1847) leveraged war, widowhood, courtly connections, and poetry to pursue a public ‘career’ as First Principal of Eisenach's Women's Association (Frauenverein) from 1814 to 1831, establishing a material link between her private estate and the political estate. The Association itself was contrived as a polity in microcosm. Accusations of Bechtolsheim's ‘despotic’ governance prompted a majority bourgeois managerial staff to establish electoral conventions. Not all women had equal claim to citizenship, however. The Association's records reveal a Romantic theory of labour that reinforced a social order built on women's work, and its ‘Industry School’ sustained a supply of female labour into the state's predominant industry, linen manufacture, as into the servant's quarters of its affluent homes.
Population genetic simulation: Benchmarking frameworks for non‐standard models of natural selection
Authors: Johnson Olivia L. , Tobler Raymond , Schmidt Joshua M. , Huber Christian D.
Published: January 2024

Population genetic simulation has emerged as a common tool for investigating increasingly complex evolutionary and demographic models. Software capable of handling high‐level model complexity has recently been developed, and the advancement of tree sequence recording now allows simulations to merge the efficiency and genealogical insight of coalescent simulations with the flexibility of forward simulations. However, frameworks utilizing these features have not yet been compared and benchmarked. Here, we evaluate various simulation workflows using the coalescent simulator msprime and the forward simulator SLiM, to assess resource efficiency and determine an optimal simulation framework. Three aspects were evaluated: (1) the burn‐in, to establish an equilibrium level of neutral diversity in the population; (2) the forward simulation, in which temporally fluctuating selection is acting; and (3) the final computation of summary statistics. We provide typical memory and computation time requirements for each step. We find that the fastest framework, a combination of coalescent and forward simulation with tree sequence recording, increases simulation speed by over twenty times compared to classical forward simulations without tree sequence recording, although it does require six times more memory. Overall, using efficient simulation workflows can lead to a substantial improvement when modelling complex evolutionary scenarios—although the optimal framework ultimately depends on the available computational resources.
The effect of corporate Twitter, Instagram and YouTube activity on investor attention and market liquidity
Authors: Crawford Steven , Kim Bumjoon , Koo Minjae , Le Thien
Published: January 2024

Using daily‐level data on corporate social media activity, we show that investor attention generally increases when firms post on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube and that the effect is stronger during earnings announcement periods. We find that stock market liquidity improves when firms post on social media, but the effects are the most consistent for Twitter. Finally, we document that when firms miss earnings, they post more on social media if the magnitude of the bad news is small but remain silent when the magnitude is large. This strategic behaviour is prevalent across all three social media platforms.
Combined use of frontal plane QRS‐T angle and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in the risk prediction of ischemic cardiomyopathy in STEMI
Authors: Colluoglu Tugce , Aksu Melahat Hicran , Akın Yesim , Onalan Orhan
Published: January 2024

Background

Frontal plane QRS‐T angle (fQRS‐T) and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are highly important parameters that well‐predict unfavorable outcomes in patients with ST‐elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI).There are limited data on the predictive significance of ischemic cardiomyopathy (I‐CMP) from the combination of fQRS‐T and PLR in STEMI, compared to using fQRS‐T and PLR alone.

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the ability of the combination of fQRS‐T and PLR routinely obtained on admission to identify STEMI patients at risk of I‐CMP.

Method

Six hundred and thirty‐eight consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention between 2018 and 2021 were included. The assessment of I‐CMP was conducted through two‐dimentional (2D)‐echocardiography 6 weeks post‐STEMI and I‐CMP was defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 50% or less. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis were performed to predict the development of I‐CMP.

Results

In ROC analysis, the cut‐off values of fQRS‐T and PLR for best predicting I‐CMP were 66.72° and 101.23, respectively. The model using the combination of two markers was the most powerful predictor of I‐CMP risk (OR: 3.183, 95% CI: 1.971–5.139, p = .001) when included in a single variable such as high fQRS‐T or high PLR (OR: 1.422, 95% CI: 0.870–0.232, p = .160). Additionally, the concomitant presence of high fQRS‐T and high PLR exhibited the highest specificity (77%) for I‐CMP relative to the individual presence of high fQRS‐T (66%) or PLR (49%).

Conclusion

The combination of fQRS‐T and PLR, which is a simple and cost‐effective risk assessment, may serve as a more reliable prognosticator for I‐CMP as opposed to the use of fQRS‐T and PLR alone for STEMI.
Clinical implication of the geometric location (fundal end versus cystic ductal end) of gallbladder cancer
Authors: Yoo Daegwang , Kim Seong‐Ryong , Jun Eunsung , Park Yejong , Kwak Bong Jun , Lee Woohyung , Lee Jae Hoon , Hwang Dae Wook , Kim Song Cheol , Song Ki Byung
Published: January 2024

Background

Management of early‐stage gallbladder cancer is becoming more important as the rate of early detection is increasing. Although there have been many studies about the clinical implication of the invasion depth or peritoneal/hepatic location of gallbladder cancers, there is no study on the clinical implication of the geometric location of cancer along the longitudinal length of the gallbladder.

Methods

The location of gallbladder cancer was defined as the geometric center of the primary site of a tumour, which lies on the longitudinal diameter of the surgical specimens. We compared the oncologic outcomes following surgery between gallbladder cancers located on the fundal end and those located on the cystic ductal end. We also analysed patients with stage 1 gallbladder cancer who recurred after surgery.

Results

A total of 575 patients with gallbladder cancer were included in this study. Patients with gallbladder cancer on the cystic ductal end had significantly lower rates of recurrence‐free survival (P = 0.016) and overall survival (P = 0.023) compared to those with gallbladder cancer on the fundal end. Among 90 patients with stage 1 gallbladder cancer, three patients had a recurrence, all of whom had cystic ductal end gallbladder cancer and showed cystic duct invasion or concomitant xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis in permanent pathology.

Conclusions

Gallbladder cancers on the cystic ductal end had worse postoperative oncologic outcomes compared with those on the fundal end.
The presence and the anatomical variations of the accessory appendicular artery: A systematic review of 604 cases
Authors: Savvakis Stavros , Karamitsou Paraskevi , Vardaxi Chrysoula , Forozidou Evropi , Emfietzis Panagiotis‐Konstantinos , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Anastasopoulos Athanasios , Poutoglidis Alexandros
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The accessory appendicular artery (AAA) is an accessory source of blood supply to the appendix. Its existence and potential point of origin are seldom addressed in the literature.

Methods

To fill this knowledge gap, we performed a systematic review of all available studies involving both cadaveric and surgical specimens and documented the presence and the origin of the AAA, following the guidelines outlined in the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analysis (PRISMA) statement.

Results

Eleven studies, with an overall of 604 specimens were included. Our research revealed that the AAA is notably absent in most cases (83.6%). When present, it most commonly originates from the posterior cecal artery (12.4%), followed by the descending branch of the ileocolic artery (2%), and the ileal branch of the ileocolic artery (0.7%). Instances of origin from the anterior cecal, common cecal, or the ileocolic trunk were even more infrequent. Based on our observations, we introduced a new simplified classification system.

Discussion

The effect of an accessory artery on the process of appendicitis remains to be clarified. We firmly recommend that surgeons should consider the possible presence and various origins of the AAA during appendectomy procedures to avoid serious complications.
Editorial: The microbiome and gastric mucosal protection in aspirin users
Authors: Taha Ali S.
Published: January 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Løn et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17817 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17826
Editorial: The microbiome and gastric mucosal protection in aspirin users—Authors' reply
Authors: Løn Nina , Engel Sara , Damholt Anders , Wellejus Anja , Knop Filip K.
Published: January 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Løn et al papers. To view these articles, visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17817andhttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17821
How does external environment impact emerging industrial development: An evolutionary development approach of the e‐sports industry in China
Authors: Zhu Yixin , Zhao Yuntong , Yang Zhenshan , Cheng Zhe
Published: January 2024

To increase the understanding of how the external environment impact the local industrial development, this study builds a conceptual framework of industrial evolutionary development by integrating evolutionary and developmental theories from the perspective of evolutionary economic geography. This study emphasised the combination of two mechanisms. The first evolutionary mechanism consisting of variation, selection and retention, and the diversity within and between enterprise clusters serves as the starting point for evolution. The external environment selects and retains the most competitive enterprises under the mechanism of selection. The second developmental mechanism is the influence of the external environment on enterprises. The external environment screens and affects the development of firms at and across multiple levels, same level and across levels. Based on the case studies of the e‐sports industry in China, this study finds that technological development has driven the transformation of the e‐sports industry. Additionally, location cost, spatial proximity, local policy, urban strategy and national planning have been identified as crucial factors that influence the location choice of the e‐sports industry. This study highlights the importance of paying more attention to environmental dynamics in the research and practice of industrial evolution.
Archaeometric study of the iron objects from the Xuechi sacrificial site and its implication for bloomery iron smelting during early Western Han period in China
Authors: Liu Yaxiong , Tian Yaqi , Chen Kunlong
Published: January 2024

Metallographic examination and compositional study of slag inclusions on iron objects unearthed from Xuechi in Shaanxi, China, have revealed the smelting and manufacturing techniques employed at this Western Han dynasty sacrificial site. The results suggest two production systems among the samples: all knives, nails, and farming implements were made from cast iron that had been decarburised/malleablised through annealing or fining process. It is proposed that these samples were produced in designated state‐owned workshop. Two horse‐bit sets, on the other hand, were forged into shape using both bloomery iron and fined iron from various sources, with possible repairing and recycling involved in the manufacturing process. It is therefore argued that the horse bits found in the site came with the horse and had been produced separately from the other iron objects. Furthermore, this paper argues that although cast iron‐based production was the main method for large‐scale iron production, small‐scale bloomery iron smelting may have been practiced during the Western Han dynasty in certain regions as an alternate but economically viable method.
Older adults' name–face association learning is facilitated for names with high‐frequency first syllables
Authors: Headen Bianca A. , James Lori E.
Published: January 2024

Older adults have even greater difficulty learning name–face associations than young adults, although many variables reflecting properties of the names have been shown to affect young and older adults' name learning similarly. Older adults' name–face association learning was compared for names with high‐frequency (HF) first syllables versus names with low‐frequency (LF) first syllables. Twenty‐eight adults ages 65 to 80 learned five names with HF first syllables and five names with LF first syllables in association with 10 new faces over repeated testing rounds with feedback. Participants learned more name–face associations when the names had HF first syllables than LF first syllables. Findings indicate that older adults benefit from increased frequency of phonological segments within a word on a task other than word retrieval and are consistent with a theoretical framework that accounts for learning new name–face associations, the effects of linguistic properties of the names, and ageing.
How victim sensitivity affects our attitudes and behaviour towards immigrants
Authors: Köhler Lucas John Emmanuel , Gollwitzer Mario
Published: January 2024

Three studies explore the relation between victim sensitivity—the sensitivity to being a victim of injustice – and anti‐immigration attitudes and behaviour. Based on theoretical considerations and prior research, we hypothesized that victim sensitivity positively predicts anti‐immigration attitudes and behaviour over and above political orientation and ideology. Results from a longitudinal study (Study 1; N = 1038), a computerized online experiment (Study 2; N = 299), and a laboratory experiment (Study 3; N = 178) provide support for this hypothesis. Studies 2 and 3 indicate that a heightened fear of exploitation mediates the effect of victim sensitivity on anti‐immigration attitudes and behaviour even though attempts to scrutinize this mechanism by ‘switching off’ the psychological process were unsuccessful. We discuss methodological and theoretical implications and possible avenues for future research.
Proteomic analysis identifies HSP90AA1, PTK2B, and ANXA2 in the human entorhinal cortex in Alzheimer's disease: Potential role in synaptic homeostasis and Aβ pathology through microglial and astroglial cells
Authors: Astillero‐Lopez Veronica , Villar‐Conde Sandra , Gonzalez‐Rodriguez Melania , Flores‐Cuadrado Alicia , Ubeda‐Banon Isabel , Saiz‐Sanchez Daniel , Martinez‐Marcos Alino
Published: January 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, is clinically characterized by cognitive deficits. Neuropathologically, AD brains accumulate deposits of amyloid‐β (Aβ) and tau proteins. Furthermore, these misfolded proteins can propagate from cell to cell in a prion‐like manner and induce native proteins to become pathological. The entorhinal cortex (EC) is among the earliest areas affected by tau accumulation along with volume reduction and neurodegeneration. Neuron–glia interactions have recently come into focus; however, the role of microglia and astroglia in the pathogenesis of AD remains unclear. Proteomic approaches allow the determination of changes in the proteome to better understand the pathology underlying AD. Bioinformatic analysis of proteomic data was performed to compare ECs from AD and non‐AD human brain tissue. To validate the proteomic results, western blot, immunofluorescence, and confocal studies were carried out. The findings revealed that the most disturbed signaling pathway was synaptogenesis. Because of their involvement in synapse function, relationship with Aβ and tau proteins and interactions in the pathway analysis, three proteins were selected for in‐depth study: HSP90AA1, PTK2B, and ANXA2. All these proteins showed colocalization with neurons and/or astroglia and microglia and with pathological Aβ and tau proteins. In particular, ANXA2, which is overexpressed in AD, colocalized with amoeboid microglial cells and Aβ plaques surrounded by astrocytes. Taken together, the evidence suggests that unbalanced expression of HSP90AA1, PTK2B, and ANXA2 may play a significant role in synaptic homeostasis and Aβ pathology through microglial and astroglial cells in the human EC in AD.
Recreational screen time behaviour among ambulatory children and adolescents diagnosed with cerebral palsy: A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Fonvig Christina Esmann , Troelsen Jens , Holsgaard‐Larsen Anders
Published: January 2024

Aim

To describe the recreational screen time behaviour of 8–16‐year‐olds diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) and explore associations between health‐related quality of life, sleep duration and physical activity behaviour versus screen time.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used proxy‐reported questionnaire data of 381 ambulatory (with or without assistance) 8–16‐year‐olds diagnosed with CP corresponding to Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I–III. Descriptive statistics were used to report age, sex and the GMFCS level. The potential associations of health‐related quality of life, physical activity behaviour and sleep duration (dependent variables) versus screen time (independent variable) were determined using multiple linear regression. Health‐related quality of life was evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, including seven dimensions: Daily Activities; School Activities; Movement and Balance; Pain and Hurt; Fatigue; Eating Activities; and Speech and Communication.

Results

The participants spent a median screen time of 3.9 h daily. The boys spent a longer screen time during weekends than the girls (p = 0.003). Boys spent more time on games (p < 0.001), whereas girls spent more time on social media and video calls (p < 0.001). Increasing age (p < 0.001) was associated with increased screen time but did not differ between the GMFCS levels. Sleep duration, perceived fatigue and perceived movement and balance correlated negatively with screen time.

Conclusion

This study sheds light on the recreational screen time habits of ambulatory children and adolescents diagnosed with CP. Further investigation into the observed associations is warranted to investigate potential causation and relationships between sleep behaviour, quality of life and screen time behaviour.
The stark implications of abolishing child welfare: An alternative path towards support and safety
Authors: Garcia Antonio R. , Berrick Jill Duerr , Jonson‐Reid Melissa , Barth Richard P. , Gyourko John R. , Kohl Patricia , Greeson Johanna K. P. , Drake Brett , Cook Victoria
Published: January 2024

Scholars and advocates are at odds about how to achieve higher levels of child safety and permanency. Calls for change include the recent upEND focus on eradication of child welfare services to a radical refocusing of the present system towards prevention/early intervention. To clarify the implications of reform over abolition, we seek to portray a future in which the abolition of child welfare has occurred, in juxtaposition to maintaining four core elements of established child maltreatment programmes around the world: (1) receiving and responding to community signals about the risk to children; (2) assessment of need coupled with a proportionate response; (3) rights protections to ensure fairness when placement outside the family is required; and (4) procedures for accountability and quality improvement. For each of these functions, we outline abolitionist advocates' positions and implications for children and parents. Across these elements, we delineate how assigning these responsibilities to communities, as suggested by upEND, would likely (1) exaggerate racial and economic inequities and (2) create structural barriers that would increase harm to children. We suggest several evidence‐informed enhancements to practice, research and policy that would mitigate these inequities while also increasing safety and permanency.
Do consumers care about clean labels? Willingness to pay for simple ingredient lists and front‐of‐package labels on beef and plant‐based burgers
Authors: Holt Darnell , Slade Peter , Hobbs Jill
Published: January 2024

We use an online hypothetical discrete choice experiment to examine willingness to pay for two dimensions of a clean label: simple ingredient lists and front‐of‐package labels. Experimental subjects were asked to choose between beef burgers, plant‐based burgers, and hybrid burgers made with beef and plant protein. The burgers had either a simple or complex ingredient list and could also be labeled as organic or an excellent source of protein. Subjects were divided into two treatments: a treatment in which ingredient lists were always visible, and a treatment in which the ingredient lists were only visible if subjects clicked on the product image (click treatment). Subjects were willing to pay a premium of $4.55–$5.58 for products with simple ingredient lists in the visible ingredient treatment (relative to base prices of $5.00 to $12.50). This premium was reduced to $1.82–$2.29 in the click treatment. Willingness to pay for the organic and excellent source of protein labels was considerably lower and was generally insignificant, ranging from ‐$0.17 (and statistically insignificant) to $0.73. Willingness to pay for simple ingredient lists and front‐of‐package labels were not correlated, suggesting that demand for these attributes does not stem from an underlying preference for clean labels.
Effectiveness, safety and cost‐effectiveness of sacral neuromodulation for idiopathic slow‐transit constipation: a systematic review
Authors: Heemskerk Stella C. M. , van der Wilt Aart A. , Penninx Bart M. F. , Kleijnen Jos , Melenhorst Jarno , Dirksen Carmen D. , Breukink Stéphanie O.
Published: January 2024

Aim

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a minimally invasive treatment option for functional constipation. Evidence regarding its effectiveness is contradictory, driven by heterogeneous study populations and designs. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness, safety and cost‐effectiveness of SNM in children and adults with refractory idiopathic slow‐transit constipation (STC).

Method

OVID Medline, OVID Embase, Cochrane Library, the KSR Evidence Database, the NHS Economic Evaluation Database and the International HTA Database were searched up to 25 May 2023. For effectiveness outcomes, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. For safety outcomes, all study designs were selected. For cost‐effectiveness outcomes, trial‐ and model‐based economic evaluations were selected for review. Study selection, risk of bias and quality assessment, and data extraction were independently performed by two reviewers. For the intervention ‘sacral neuromodulation’ effectiveness outcomes included defaecation frequency and constipation severity. Safety and cost‐effectiveness outcomes were, respectively, adverse events and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios.

Results

Of 1390 records reviewed, 67 studies were selected for full‐text screening. For effectiveness, one cross‐over and one parallel‐group RCT was included, showing contradictory results. Eleven studies on safety were included (four RCTs, three prospective cohort studies and four retrospective cohort studies). Overall infection rates varied between 0% and 22%, whereas reoperation rates varied between 0% and 29%. One trial‐based economic evaluation was included, which concluded that SNM was not cost‐effective compared with personalized conservative treatment at a time horizon of 6 months. The review findings are limited by the small number of available studies and the heterogeneity in terms of study populations, definitions of refractory idiopathic STC and study designs.

Conclusion

Evidence for the (cost‐)effectiveness of SNM in children and adults with refractory idiopathic STC is inconclusive. Reoperation rates of up to 29% were reported.
Advances and shortfalls in applying best practices to global tree‐growing efforts
Authors: Schubert Spencer C. , Battaglia Katherine E. , Blebea Christina N. , Seither Cole J. P. , Wehr Helena L. , Holl Karen D.
Published: January 2024

As global tree‐growing efforts have escalated in the past decade, copious failures and unintended consequences have prompted many reforestation best practices guidelines. The extent to which organizations have integrated these ecological and socioeconomic recommendations, however, remains uncertain. We reviewed websites of 99 intermediary organizations that promote and fund tree‐growing projects to determine how well they report following best practices. Nearly half the organizations stated tree or area planting targets, but only 25% had measurable, time‐bound objectives. Most organizations discussed the benefits local communities would receive from trees, but only 38% reported measures of these outcomes. Nonprofit organizations with greater prior experience converged more closely on best practices, and their level of scientific expertise was positively associated with clearer project selection standards. Although many tree‐growing organizations acknowledge the importance of clear goals, local community involvement, and monitoring, our results raise questions regarding whether long‐term benefits are being achieved and emphasize the need for stronger public accountability standards.
Modeling the response of an endangered rabbit population to RHDV2 and vaccination
Authors: Russell Robin E. , Dusek Robert J. , Prevost Stephanie , Clifford Deana L. , Moriarty Megan E. , Takahashi Fumika
Published: January 2024

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2), recently detected in the western United States, has the potential to cause mass mortality events in wild rabbit and hare populations. Currently, few management strategies exist other than vaccination. We developed a spatially explicit model of RHDV2 for a population of riparian brush rabbits (Sylvilagus bachmani riparius), a subspecies of brush rabbit classified as endangered in the United States, on a subsection of the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge. The goal of our model was to provide guidance regarding vaccination strategies for an endangered rabbit species. Our model predicts that increased interactions between rabbits (a proxy for landscape connectivity) and disease transmission rates among susceptible hosts (individual brush rabbits and conspecifics) have the greatest influence on the outcome of a potential vaccination campaign. Our model projects that across a range of parameter estimates (given an RHDV2 incursion), the median estimated population size with a 0%–10% vaccination rate after 1 year is 538 rabbits (95% Confidence Interval [C.I.] 69–1235), approximately 36% of the expected size of the study population of 1470 rabbits without an RHDV2 introduction. With a 10%–20%, 20%–30%, or 30%–40% vaccination rate, the median estimated population size increased to 628 rabbits (95% C.I. 130–1298), 723 rabbits (95% C.I. 198–1317), and 774 rabbits (95% C.I. 228–1410), respectively. These estimates represent 43%, 49%, and 53% of the expected population size without an RHDV2 introduction. Overall, a 1% increase in vaccination rate was associated with a six rabbit (95% C.I. 5–7) increase in total remaining population size. This result is dependent on assumptions regarding environmental transmission, home range size (and contact rates of rabbits). Given the relatively short lifespan of rabbits and the potential need for boosters, vaccination programs are most likely to be successful for small target populations where relatively high vaccination rates can be maintained.
Photoanthropocene: The decentered lens of colonial photography
Authors: Reisz Emma
Published: January 2024

Photography—what Barthes called “the living image of a dead thing”—is often overlooked in discussions of cultural heritage decolonization. This paper focuses on a historical photograph attributed to the Hong Kong commercial photographer Lai Fong 黎芳, also known as Afong, that documents the aftermath of the Tianjin massacre of 1870. A photographic print of the image is held in the Robert Hart collection, a little‐known collection of historical photographs accumulated by the Irishman Robert Hart during his half‐century as an administrator in China. Like many such collections—and like Tianjin itself in the late Qing period—the photography collection resists easy categorization, and sits uneasily between Europe and Asia, Chinese and foreign, imperial and anti‐imperial. This essay proposes a “photoanthropocene” perspective, drawing on theoretical writing by Mirzoeff, Zylinska, and others to locate colonial photography within the early anthropocene. The photoanthropocene offers new ways to understand, interpret, and decolonize colonial photography.
Hydrocephalus associated with a molar tooth sign: A distinct subtype of Joubert syndrome
Authors: Gafner Michal , Haddad Leila , Gupta Rachna , Leibovitz Zvi , Zilberman Ron Itamar , Ben‐Sira Liat , Libzon Stephanie , Gindes Liat , Boltshauser Eugen , Lerman‐Sagie Tally
Published: January 2024

Hydrocephalus is rarely described in Joubert‐Boltshauser syndrome (JBTS). The aim of this study was to investigate whether this association is a chance occurrence or potentially signifies a new phenotypic subtype. The databases of Wolfson Medical Center, Sourasky Medical Center, and EB's personal collection were reviewed. Records from an additional family were obtained from RG. The patients' medical records, prenatal ultrasounds, and magnetic resonance imaging were assessed. In addition, we reviewed the medical literature for the association of ventriculomegaly/hydrocephalus (VM/HC) in JBTS. Only seven cases (from five families) were found with prenatal onset of VM/HC, diagnosed during the second trimester; three pregnancies were terminated, one was stillborn and three were born, of which one died within a week, and another died at the age of 6 years. Additional central nervous system findings included dysgenesis of the corpus callosum, delayed sulcation, polymicrogyria, and pachygyria. We found 16 publications describing 54 patients with JBTS and VM/HC: only five were diagnosed at birth and three were diagnosed prenatally. Hydrocephalus is extremely rare in JBTS. The recurrence of this association, reported in several publications in multiple family members, suggests that it might represent a new phenotypic subtype of JBTS possibly associated with specific genes or variants. Further genetic studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

What this paper adds

The association of fetal hydrocephalus with Joubert‐Boltshauser syndrome (JBTS) is very rare but not a chance association.

This association represents a new phenotypic subtype of JBTS possibly linked to specific genes or variants.
Using individual‐based trait frequency distributions to forecast plant‐pollinator network responses to environmental change
Authors: Cantwell‐Jones Aoife , Tylianakis Jason M. , Larson Keith , Gill Richard J.
Published: January 2024

Determining how and why organisms interact is fundamental to understanding ecosystem responses to future environmental change. To assess the impact on plant‐pollinator interactions, recent studies have examined how the effects of environmental change on individual interactions accumulate to generate species‐level responses. Here, we review recent developments in using plant‐pollinator networks of interacting individuals along with their functional traits, where individuals are nested within species nodes. We highlight how these individual‐level, trait‐based networks connect intraspecific trait variation (as frequency distributions of multiple traits) with dynamic responses within plant‐pollinator communities. This approach can better explain interaction plasticity, and changes to interaction probabilities and network structure over spatiotemporal or other environmental gradients. We argue that only through appreciating such trait‐based interaction plasticity can we accurately forecast the potential vulnerability of interactions to future environmental change. We follow this with general guidance on how future studies can collect and analyse high‐resolution interaction and trait data, with the hope of improving predictions of future plant‐pollinator network responses for targeted and effective conservation.
A diagnostic framework to identify vestibular involvement in multi‐sensory neurological disease
Authors: Male Amanda J. , Holmes Sarah L. , Koohi Nehzat , Dudziec Magdalena , Hanna Michael G. , Ramdharry Gita M. , Pizzamiglio Chiara , Pitceathly Robert D. S. , Kaski Diego
Published: January 2024

Background and purpose

Identifying vestibular causes of dizziness and unsteadiness in multi‐sensory neurological disease can be challenging, with problems typically attributed to central or peripheral nerve involvement. Acknowledging vestibular dysfunction as part of the presentation provides an opportunity to access targeted vestibular rehabilitation, for which extensive evidence exists. A diagnostic framework was developed and validated to detect vestibular dysfunction, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or vestibular migraine. The specificity and sensitivity of the diagnostic framework was tested in patients with primary mitochondrial disease.

Methods

Adults with a confirmed diagnosis of primary mitochondrial disease were consented, between September 2020 and February 2022. Participants with and without dizziness or unsteadiness underwent remote physiotherapy assessment and had in‐person detailed neuro‐otological assessment. The six framework question responses were compared against objective neuro‐otological assessment or medical notes. The output was binary, with sensitivity and specificity calculated.

Results

Seventy‐four adults completed the study: age range 20–81 years (mean 48 years, ±SD 15.05 years); ratio 2:1 female to male. The framework identified a vestibular diagnosis in 35 participants, with seven having two diagnoses. The framework was able to identify vestibular diagnoses in adults with primary mitochondrial disease, with a moderate (40–59) to very high (90–100) sensitivity and positive predictive value, and moderate to high (60–74) to very high (90–100) specificity and negative predictive value.

Conclusions

Overall, the clinical framework identified common vestibular diagnoses with a moderate to very high specificity and sensitivity. This presents an opportunity for patients to access effective treatment in a timely manner, to reduce falls and improve quality of life.
A systematic literature review on the global epidemiology of Dravet syndrome and Lennox–Gastaut syndrome: Prevalence, incidence, diagnosis, and mortality
Authors: Sullivan Joseph , Benítez Arturo , Roth Jeannine , Andrews J. Scott , Shah Drishti , Butcher Emma , Jones Aimee , Cross J. Helen
Published: January 2024

Dravet syndrome (DS) and Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) are rare developmental and epileptic encephalopathies associated with seizure and nonseizure symptoms. A comprehensive understanding of how many individuals are affected globally, the diagnostic journey they face, and the extent of mortality associated with these conditions is lacking. Here, we summarize and evaluate published data on the epidemiology of DS and LGS in terms of prevalence, incidence, diagnosis, genetic mutations, and mortality and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) rates. The full study protocol is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022316930). After screening 2172 deduplicated records, 91 unique records were included; 67 provided data on DS only, 17 provided data on LGS only, and seven provided data on both. Case definitions varied considerably across studies, particularly for LGS. Incidence and prevalence estimates per 100 000 individuals were generally higher for LGS than for DS (LGS: incidence proportion = 14.5–28, prevalence = 5.8–60.8; DS: incidence proportion = 2.2–6.5, prevalence = 1.2–6.5). Diagnostic delay was frequently reported for LGS, with a wider age range at diagnosis reported than for DS (DS, 1.6–9.2 years; LGS, 2–15 years). Genetic screening data were reported by 63 studies; all screened for SCN1A variants, and only one study specifically focused on individuals with LGS. Individuals with DS had a higher mortality estimate per 1000 person‐years than individuals with LGS (DS, 15.84; LGS, 6.12) and a lower median age at death. SUDEP was the most frequently reported cause of death for individuals with DS. Only four studies reported mortality information for LGS, none of which included SUDEP. This systematic review highlights the paucity of epidemiological data available for DS and especially LGS, demonstrating the need for further research and adoption of standardized diagnostic criteria.
The impact of credit reforms on bank loans and firm leverage around the world
Authors: Gonenc Halit , Jansen Floris , Tinoco Mario Hernandez , Vulanovic Milos
Published: January 2024

This study examines how credit reforms impact commercial bank loans and nonfinancial firms' debt. Using two international samples for commercial banks and nonfinancial firms from 2004 to 2019, we find that global information‐sharing reforms encourage banks to increase corporate loans, thus improving firm debt financing, particularly in countries with weak creditor rights. Legal rights reforms significantly boost corporate bank loans in emerging countries and enhance firms' debt financing in developed countries. Our findings suggest credit reforms positively impact firms' financing; however, their effects on debt financing supply and demand vary by economic development level and the strength of creditor rights.
Staying connected after divorce: Adolescent child and nonresidential parent perspectives
Authors: Markham Melinda Stafford , DeGreeff Becky , Guyette Erin
Published: January 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate how nonresidential parents and adolescent children maintained their relationships and communicated with one another following parental divorce.

Background

A substantial proportion of children whose parents have divorced live with one parent and have less contact with the other parent. It is important to understand nonresidential parent–child relationships and the role communication technology plays in relationship maintenance.

Method

Qualitative interviews were conducted with a total of 34 adolescent and nonresidential parent participants (10 nonresidential parent–child dyads and 14 individual participants) to understand how nonresidential parents and children maintain their relationship following parental divorce and how they use communication technology to stay connected from a distance. Thematic analysis techniques (Braun & Clarke, 2006) were used to analyze the data.

Results

Three common positive factors or “benefits” relating to nonresidential parent–adolescent relationship closeness emerged: planned physical visits, frequent communication using multiple communication methods, and same sex of parent and child. Factors that served as barriers that interfered with nonresidential parent–adolescent relationship closeness were identified: residential parent interference, perceived child disengagement or lack of interest, and child blocking methods of communication.

Conclusion

The results of this study provide additional insight and understanding that will help positively influence nonresidential parent–child relationships.

Implications

Practitioners can help nonresidential parents identify communication technologies they can use with their adolescents and ways of reducing existing communication barriers.
Modelling the potential for local management practices to offset climate change impacts on freshwater macroinvertebrate communities
Authors: Orr James A. , Bussi Gianbattista , Hughes Jocelyne M. R. , Whitehead Paul G. , Jackson Michelle C.
Published: January 2024

A robust understanding of the interactions between global and local anthropogenic stressors is crucial for ecosystem management in the Anthropocene. Manipulative experiments in the laboratory or in the field can be used to build knowledge about the physiological and ecological effects of stressors, but predicting the combined landscape‐scale effects of global stressors such as climate change, and local stressors such as land‐use change requires a different approach.

Here we used water quality and hydrology process‐based models of entire river catchments in combination with a large biomonitoring dataset to predict the responses of macroinvertebrate communities under different climate change and land‐use change scenarios. Using the River Thames in the U.K. as a model system, we predicted changes in water quality (temperature, flow, phosphorus [P], nitrogen, dissolved oxygen [DO]) and subsequent changes in macroinvertebrate communities for two climate change scenarios, individually and in combination with intensified agriculture and reduced P pollution (representing improved wastewater treatment).

Our models predicted that water‐quality changes associated with climate change may not influence total species richness, but that community composition will shift towards more pollution‐tolerant and common taxa based on responses of community indices and taxon‐specific responses. We also found that the negative impacts of climate change on water quality (e.g., increased P concentration, decreased DO concentration) accumulate through the catchment, but that local land‐use practices influencing P dynamics can modify this trend. Furthermore, although the intensified agriculture scenario was predicted to have minimal impacts on macroinvertebrate communities (a result potentially related to shifting baselines as the Thames is already heavily polluted), we found that reduced P pollution resulting from improved wastewater treatment was able to mostly offset the negative impacts of climate change on macroinvertebrate communities.

Our results demonstrate that using process‐based models to study networks of interacting stressors at a landscape scale can provide useful insights into the ecological impacts of anthropogenic global change, and adds support to the idea that management of local stressors has the potential to mitigate some of the impacts of climate change on ecosystems.
Exploring experiences of living with removable dentures—A scoping review of qualitative literature
Authors: Broomhead T , Baker SR , Martin N , McKenna G , El‐Dhuwaib B , Alavi A , Gibson B
Published: January 2024

Objective

Examine the literature on the experiences of living with removable dentures (complete or partial) to identify any gaps and provide a map for future research.

Background

Increasing proportions of society are living partially dentate with some form of restoration, including removable dentures. Previous studies have reported on the location, materials and usage of these prostheses, along with effects on oral‐health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL). However, less is known about experiences with removable dentures from a patient‐centred perspective.

Methods

A scoping review of the qualitative literature was undertaken using the framework of Arksey and O'Malley, updated by Levac et al. Literature searches were carried out using Medline and Web of Science. Papers were screened by title and abstract using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Remaining papers were read in full and excluded if they did not meet the required criteria. Nine papers were included in the final review.

Findings

Key themes from these papers were: impact of tooth loss and living without teeth, and its impacts in relation to social position, appearance, confidence and function (chewing and speaking); social norms and tooth loss, including attitudes to tooth retention and treatment costs, and changes in intergenerational norms towards dentures; expectations of treatment, including patients being more involved in decision making, viewing the denture as a “gift” and dentures helping to achieve “an ideal”; living with a removable denture (complete or partial), including patient preparedness for a denture, adaptation and impacts on activities and participation; and the dentist‐patient relationship, including issues with information and communication, and differing priorities between patients and dentists.

Conclusion

Little qualitative research exists on experiences of living with a removable denture. Existing literature demonstrates the importance of dispersed activities in differing social, spatial and temporal contexts when wearing removable dentures. Focusing on processes of positive adaptation to dentures and OHRQoL, rather than deficits, is also required to fully understand patients' experiences. Additionally, more complex technological advances may not always be in the best interest of every patient.
Mouse transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) isoform 7 attenuates full‐length mouse TRPM2 activity through reductions in its expression by targeting it to ER‐associated degradation
Authors: Yamamoto Shinichiro , Kiyatake Naoto , Kaneko Akihiro , Shimamura Masanao , Yoshida Takashi , Shimizu Shunichi
Published: January 2024

Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) assembles into tetramers to function as an oxidative stress‐sensitive Ca2+ channel at the surface membrane. Limited information is currently available on the 10 protein isoforms of mouse TRPM2 (mTRPM2) identified. This study investigated whether these isoforms function as Ca2+ channels and examined their effects on full‐length mTRPM2 activity using the HEK 293 cell exogenous expression system. Only full‐length mTRPM2, isoform 1 localized to the surface membrane and was activated by oxidative stress. Isoform 7 was clearly recognized by protein quality control systems and degraded by endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation after transmembrane proteolysis. In the co‐expression system, the activation and expression of full‐length mTRPM2 were attenuated by its co‐expression with isoform 7, but not with the other isoforms. This decrease in the expression of full‐length mTRPM2 was recovered by the proteasomal inhibitor. The present results suggest that isoforms other than isoform 1 did not function as oxidative stress‐sensitive channels and also that only isoform 7 attenuated the activation of full‐length mTRPM2 by targeting it to endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation. The present study will provide important information on the functional nature of mTRPM2 isoforms for the elucidation of their roles in physiological and patho‐physiological responses in vivo using mouse models.