bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of low‐protein diet and feed restriction on mRNA expression of cationic amino acid transporters in porcine skeletal muscles
Authors: Ishida Aiko , Ashihara Akane , Nakashima Kazuki , Katsumata Masaya
Published: August 2023

We investigated the effects of a low‐protein diet and feed restriction on the mRNA expression of cationic amino acid transporters (CATs) in the longissimus dorsi (LD), rhomboideus (RH), and biceps femoris (BF) muscles of pigs. Eighteen piglets were divided into three groups: a control (CP21%), low‐protein diet (LP, CP16%), and feed‐restricted diet (FR, CP21%, 76% feed intake of control pigs) groups. The expression levels of CAT‐1 in the LD and BF muscles of LP pigs were higher than that of control pigs, whereas that of FR pigs showed no difference. The CAT‐2A expression levels in the RH muscle of FR pigs were higher than that of control pigs. The free lysine concentrations in all muscles of LP and FR pigs were lower than that of control pigs. To examine the factors that affect CATs mRNA expression, we evaluated the effects of lysine, arginine, insulin‐like growth factor‐I, and dexamethasone on the expression of CATs in C2C12 myotubes. CAT‐1 expression levels increased in lysine and/or arginine deprivation. We show that CAT‐1 and CAT‐2A expression levels in skeletal muscles differ in response to dietary treatments and CAT‐1 expression in skeletal muscles appears to increase in response to low free lysine concentrations.
Outstanding Gir oocyte donors: How does individual factor affect in vitro embryo production efficiency?
Authors: Oliveira Clara Slade , Rosa Paola Maria da Silva , Camargo Agostinho Jorge dos Reis , Feres Luiz Fernando , Saraiva Naiara Zoccal , Oliveira Leticia Zoccolaro , Camargo Luiz Sergio de Almeida
Published: August 2023

The oocyte donor plays a pivotal role in bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP) success. The individual factor affects blastocyst/oocyte ratio and determine the existence of outstanding performing animals. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of individual factor effect to IVP efficiency, in a population of Gir oocyte donors. Extreme (high or low IVP efficiency based on blastocyst/oocyte ratio) animals were selected out of a population of 250 oocyte donors (1,734 observations) to form high (>0.48, n = 40), average (0.17–0.48, n = 168), and low (<0.17, n = 42) efficiency donor groups. Cumulus‐oocyte complex indicators (total number, IVF‐grade number, and IVF‐grade/total ratio) were lower (p < 0.05) in high efficiency donors. The number of blastocysts per OPU was analyzed for highest performing bull, and an increase (p < 0.05) in high efficiency donors and a decrease (p < 0.05) in low efficiency donors were noticed, compared to average efficiency donors. The number of pregnancies obtained per OPU was affected (p = 0.017) by donor's efficiency (low: , average: , high: ), being 4.3‐fold higher in high than in low efficiency donors. We conclude that producing embryos from high efficiency blastocyst/oocyte ratio donors increases blastocyst and pregnancy numbers by OPU, being an important indicator for donor selection in IVP programs.
Age‐related hearing loss and dementia‐related neuropathology: An analysis of the United Kingdom brains for dementia research cohort
Authors: Katanga Jessica A. , Hamilton Calum A. , Walker Lauren , Attems Johannes , Thomas Alan J.
Published: August 2023

Age‐related hearing loss frequently precedes or coexists with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. The role specific neuropathologies play in this association, as either a cause or a consequence, is unclear. We therefore aimed to investigate whether specific dementia related neuropathologies were associated with hearing impairment in later life. We analysed data on ante‐mortem hearing impairment with post‐mortem neuropathological data for 442 participants from the Brains for Dementia Research Cohort. Binary logistic regression models were used to estimate the association of hearing impairment with the presence of each dementia‐related neuropathology overall, and with specific staged changes. All analyses adjusted for age and sex, and several sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of findings. Presence and density of neuritic plaques were associated with higher odds of hearing impairment ante‐mortem (OR = 3.65, 95% CI 1.78–7.46 for frequent density of plaques). Presence of any LB disease was likewise associated with hearing impairment (OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.27–3.48), but this did not increase with higher cortical pathology (OR = 1.53, 95% CI 0.75–3.11). Nonspecific amyloid deposition, neurofibrillary tangle staging, overall AD neuropathology level, and cerebrovascular disease were not clearly associated with increased risks of hearing impairment. Our results provide some support for an association between dementia‐related neuropathology and hearing loss and suggest that hearing loss may be associated with a high neuritic plaque burden and more common in Lewy body disease.
Un classement multicritère des villes du québec pour favoriser la prise en compte de leurs différences
Authors: Rochefort Michel , Pham Thi‐Thanh‐Hiên , Tchinda Paul‐Émile , Penvern Logan
Published: August 2023

When it comes to making planning and development decisions, the concepts of small, medium‐sized, or large cities are sometimes used to adapt public policies and instruments, or even to highlight challenges that are specific to certain categories of city. In this article, we take a look at the various dimensions that can be used to characterize cities, so as to empirically test a multi‐criteria approach and build a typology of Quebec cities. Using an ascending hierarchical classification, we derive 11 classes of cities, whose conceptualization and graphic representation enable us to highlight their role and, in part, to localize their polarized area. This article complements and adds to works undertaken by other researchers over the last 20 years. Although it does not aim to propose specific changes to public policies and instruments, this article may serve to inform public decision makers in the development of such policies and instruments, and to enrich academic debates on the nature of small and medium‐sized towns in particular.
Age‐ and health‐related non‐linear inheritance taxation
Authors: Leroux Marie‐Louise , Pestieau Pierre
Published: August 2023

This paper studies the design of optimal non linear bequest taxation when individuals differ in wage, survival and probability to become dependent at the old age. Following the recent health and economic literature, we assume that agents with higher wage have higher survival chances and lower risks to become dependent. Agents make precautionary savings for their old age taking into account the uncertainty on their health. They exhibit joy of giving utility, so that they also set aside money for their heirs. In the absence of annuity and long‐term care (LTC) insurance markets, heirs obtain different levels of bequests, depending on whether the donor died early or late in life and whether he was healthy at time of death. We assume that the government does not observe the decomposition of bequests between voluntary and involuntary ones. Instead, it observes the timing of death and the health condition at death of the donor. We show that, under asymmetric information, on top of marginal income taxation, the bequests left by low‐income individuals in case of early death should be taxed at the margin. To the opposite, bequests obtained later in life need not be taxed or subsidized at the margin.
Protective effect of phosphorylated Athyrium multidentatum (Doll.) Ching polysaccharide on vascular endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Yin Kaiyue , Sheng Jiwen , Chen Jiyu , Gao Feng , Miao Changqing , Liu Dongmei
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study was to prepare phosphorylated Athyrium multidentatum (Doll.) Ching polysaccharide (PPS) and investigate its protective effect on vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in vitro and in vivo and the underlying mechanisms. Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) were used as phosphorylation reagents and PPS was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (31P NMR) spectra. Chemical analysis demonstrated that PPS was composed of mannose, glucosamine, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, galactosamine, glucose, galactose, xylose, arabinose, and fucose with a molar ratio of 11.36:0.42:4.03:1.12:1.81:0.26:33.25:24.12:6.85:14.46:2.32 and a molecular weight of 28,837 Da. Results from in vitro and in vivo assays revealed that PPS protected human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) against H2O2‐induced oxidative injury and attenuated D‐galactose‐induced VECs damage in mice. RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) analysis identified 18 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between D‐galactose‐treated and PPS‐pretreated mice abdominal aorta. A deep analysis of these DEGs disclosed that PPS regulated the expression of genes involved in the functions of vascular endothelium repairment, cell growth and proliferation, cell survival and apoptosis, inflammation, angiogenesis and antioxidant, indicating that these biological processes might play crucial roles in the protective actions of PPS on VECs.
Can resilience change over time? Patterns and transitions in resilience among young children involved with the child welfare system
Authors: Yoon Susan , Yang Junyeong , Pei Fei , Benavides Juan Lorenzo , Bayar Öznur , Logan Jessica A. , Hamby Sherry
Published: August 2023

This study examined transitions in resilience profiles and the role of caregiver risk and protective factors in resilience transition probabilities over 18 months among children involved with the child welfare system, using latent profile analysis and latent transition analysis. The sample included 486 children (48% female, baseline Mage = 3.49). There were three resilience profiles at Time 1 (19.9% low emotional behavioral, 26.1% low cognitive, 54.0% multidomain) and two profiles at Time 2 (18.9% low emotional behavioral, 81.1% multidomain). Caregiver mental health problems were negatively associated with membership in the multidomain resilience group at Time 1. Higher levels of cognitive stimulation were associated with initial and continued membership in the multidomain resilience group. Implications for resilient child development are discussed.
Impacts of existing and planned roads on terrestrial mammal habitat in New Guinea
Authors: Broekman Maarten J. E. , Hilbers Jelle P. , Tucker Marlee A. , Huijbregts Mark A. J. , Schipper Aafke M.
Published: August 2023

New Guinea is one of the last regions in the world with vast pristine areas and is home to many endemic species. However, extensive road development plans threaten the island's biodiversity. We quantified habitat fragmentation due to existing and planned roads for 139 terrestrial mammal species in New Guinea. For each species, we calculated the equivalent connected area (ECA) of habitat, a metric that takes into account the area and connectivity of habitat patches in 3 situations: no roads (baseline situation), existing roads (current), and existing and planned roads combined (future). We assessed the effect of roads as the proportion of the ECA remaining in the current and future situations relative to the baseline. To examine whether there were patterns in these relative ECA values, we fitted beta‐regression models relating these values to 4 species characteristics: taxonomic order, body mass, diet, and International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List status. On average across species, current ECA was 89% (SD 12) of baseline ECA. Shawmayer's coccymys (Coccymys shawmayeri) had the lowest amount of current ECA relative to the baseline (53%). In the future situation, the average remaining ECA was 71% (SD 20) of baseline ECA. Future remaining ECA was below 50% of the baseline for 28 species. The montane soft‐furred paramelomys (Paramelomys mollis) had the lowest future ECA relative to the baseline (36%). In general, currently nonthreatened carnivorous species with a large body mass had the greatest reductions of ECA in the future situation. In conclusion, future road development plans imply extensive additional habitat fragmentation for a large number of terrestrial mammal species in New Guinea. It is therefore important to limit the impact of planned roads, for example, by reconsidering the location of planned roads that intersect habitat of the most threatened species, or by the implementation of mitigation measures such as underpasses.
Importance of habitat heterogeneity in tidal flats to the conservation of migratory shorebirds
Authors: Cai Shangxiao , Mu Tong , Peng He‐Bo , Ma Zhijun , Wilcove David S.
Published: August 2023

Understanding species distribution patterns and what determines them is critical for effective conservation planning and management. In the case of shorebirds migrating along the East Asian‐Australasian Flyway (EAAF), the loss of stopover habitat in the Yellow Sea region is thought to be the primary reason for the precipitous population declines. However, the rates of decline vary considerably among species, and it remains unclear how such differences could arise within a group of closely related species using apparently similar habitats at the same locales. We mapped the spatial distributions of foraging shorebirds, as well as biotic (benthic invertebrates consumed by migrating shorebirds) and abiotic (sediment characteristics) environmental factors, at a key stopover site in eastern China. Five of the six sediment characteristics showed significant spatial variation with respect to distance along the shoreline or distance from the seawall in the same tidal flat. The biomasses of four of the six most abundant benthic invertebrates were concentrated in the upper or middle zones of the tidal flat. The distribution patterns of all three focal shorebird species on the tidal flat were best explained jointly by this heterogeneity of sediment characteristics and invertebrate prey. These results suggest that the loss of tidal flats along the Yellow Sea, which is typically concentrated at the upper and middle zones, may not only reduce the overall amount of staging habitat, but also disproportionately affect the most resource‐rich portions for the birds. Effective conservation of shorebird staging areas along the EAAF and likely elsewhere must consider the subtle habitat heterogeneity that characterizes these tidal flats, prioritizing the protection of those portions richest in food resources, most frequently used by focal bird species, and most vulnerable to anthropogenic threats.

Article impact statement: Heterogeneity of tidal flats with respect to biotic and abiotic factors must be considered in shorebird conservation planning.
Review of terrestrial temporarily conserved areas in Canada, the United States, and Mexico
Authors: Wen Xin , Bennett Joseph R. , Rytwinski Trina , Karimi Sahebeh , Spetka Matthew , Taylor Jessica J. , Smith Paul A.
Published: August 2023

The establishment of protected areas is a cornerstone of conservation, but permanent protection could be inefficient or even impossible in some situations. We synthesized the literature on temporarily conserved areas (TCAs) across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. We used a comprehensive search string to retrieve peer‐reviewed articles published from 2000 to 2021 from the Web of Science. We identified 27 relevant peer‐reviewed articles that examined the potential benefits of TCAs in the study area, indicating TCA is a relatively understudied area of research in the peer‐reviewed literature. The TCA studies were highly clustered; 77% of studies focused on protecting a single life stage of migratory species and 61% of studies related to temporary conservation of breeding or staging habitats for migratory birds. Ninety‐three percent of studies focused on preventing human‐driven threats, mainly on public lands of coastal areas, the Great Plains, and the Mississippi Valley in the central United States. Short‐term and experimental studies were the dominant study types. TCAs have the potential to complement permanently protected areas and provide protection when permanent protection is difficult. Some included studies examined their conservation value, but the ecological, social, and economic outcomes of TCAs are unclear. More TCA research is needed to determine the role they could play in conservation worldwide. Embracing the concept of TCAs as conservation tool could lead to more comprehensive and consistent reporting of the outcomes of temporary area‐based conservation measures. However, a global review and analysis of effectiveness of TCAs will be required if they are to play a formal role in meeting international targets for biodiversity conservation.
Uncovering the magnitude of African pangolin poaching with extensive nanopore DNA genotyping of seized scales
Authors: Yeo Darren , Chan Amy H. J. , Hiong Kum Chew , Ong Jasmine , Ng Jun Yuan , Lim Jie Min , Zhang Wendy , Lim Sara R. , Fernandez Charlene J. , Wong Anna M‐S. , Lee Benjamin P. Y‐H. , Khoo Max D. Y. , Cheng Thaddaeus X. W. , Lim Bryan T. M. , Yeo Hazelina H. T. , Tan Maxine M. Q. , Sng Wendy B. G. , Adam Shaun S. , Ang Wee Foong , How Choon Beng , Xie Renhui , Wasser Samuel K. , Finch Kristen N. , Loo Adrian H. B. , Yap Him Hoo , Leong Chee Chiew , Er Kenneth B. H.
Published: August 2023

Trade in pangolins is illegal, and yet tons of their scales and products are seized at various ports. These large seizures are challenging to process and comprehensively genotype for upstream provenance tracing and species identification for prosecution. We implemented a scalable DNA barcoding pipeline in which rapid DNA extraction and MinION sequencing were used to genotype a substantial proportion of pangolin scales subsampled from 2 record shipments seized in Singapore in 2019 (37.5 t). We used reference sequences to match the scales to phylogeographical regions of origin. In total, we identified 2346 cytochrome b (cytb) barcodes of white‐bellied (Phataginus tricuspis) (from 1091 scales), black‐bellied (Phataginus tetradactyla) (227 scales), and giant (Smutsia gigantea) (1028 scales) pangolins. Haplotype diversity was higher for P. tricuspis scales (121 haplotypes, 66 novel) than that for P. tetradactyla (22 haplotypes, 15 novel) and S. gigantea (25 haplotypes, 21 novel) scales. Of the novel haplotypes, 74.2% were likely from western and west‐central Africa, suggesting potential resurgence of poaching and newly exploited populations in these regions. Our results illustrate the utility of extensively subsampling large seizures and outline an efficient molecular approach for rapid genetic screening that should be accessible to most forensic laboratories and enforcement agencies.
Managing uncertainty in decision‐making for conservation science
Authors: Ben‐Haim Yakov
Published: August 2023

Science‐based decision‐making is the ideal. However, scientific knowledge is incomplete, and sometimes wrong. Responsible science‐based policy, planning, and action must exploit knowledge while managing uncertainty. I considered the info‐gap method to manage deep uncertainty surrounding knowledge that is used for decision‐making in conservation. A central concept is satisficing, which means satisfying a critical requirement. Alternative decisions are prioritized based on their robustness to uncertainty, and critical outcome requirements are satisficed. Robustness is optimized; outcome is satisficed. This is called robust satisficing. A decision with a suboptimal outcome may be preferred over a decision with a putatively optimal outcome if the former can more robustly achieve an acceptable outcome. Many biodiversity conservation applications employ info‐gap theory, under which parameter uncertainty but not uncertainty in functional relations is considered. I considered info‐gap models of functional uncertainty, widely used outside of conservation science, as applied to conservation of a generic endangered species by translocation to a new region. I focused on 2 uncertainties: the future temperature is uncertain due to climate change, and the shape of the reproductive output function is uncertain due to translocation to an unfamiliar region. The value of new information is demonstrated based on the robustness function, and the info‐gap opportuneness function demonstrates the potential for better‐than‐anticipated outcomes.
The challenge of managing threatened invasive species at a continental scale
Authors: Baquero Rocío A. , Oficialdegui Francisco J. , Ayllón Daniel , Nicola Graciela G.
Published: August 2023

The European Union's (EU) environmental legislation establishes common measures to prevent the entry and spread of invasive non‐native species and to minimize their impacts. However, species that are native to at least one member state but non‐native and potentially invasive in others (NPIS) are in limbo because they are neither legally regulated at the EU level nor in most member states. We used the Communication and Information Resource Centre for Administrations, Businesses and Citizens (CIRCABC) raw data on NPIS (317 taxa) to analyze their distribution across the EU and identify which biogeographical regions are the main sources of invasions. We additionally evaluated the conservation challenge posed by NPIS that are threatened within their native ranges. We performed a pairwise analysis summarizing the number of species that are native to a given member state but non‐native to another and vice versa. Although distribution patterns of NPIS varied across taxa groups, overall, southern and central EU countries were both donors and recipients of NPIS. Eastern countries were mainly a source, and western and northern countries mostly received NPIS. Around 27% of NPIS were threatened in some of their EU native ranges, which is a challenge for conservation and management because some of them have serious negative effects on European biodiversity, but hitherto remain outside the scope of the EU regulation of invasive non‐native species. This highlights an unresolved paradox because efforts to manage species as invasive conflict with efforts to protect them as threatened within the same territory.
Analysis of patch testing with cocamidopropyl betaine and its impurities in patients with intractable scalp dermatitis in a single clinic in Japan
Authors: Iijima Shigeruko , Murayama Kayo , Takayama Noriko , Akiyama Takumi , Ikarashi Yoshiaki , Sugiyama Mariko , Matsunaga Kayoko
Published: August 2023

Background

The allergen responsible for cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) allergies has been debated.

Objectives

To investigate the sensitizing agents of CAPB, the patch test positivity rates of impurities were examined in Japanese patients with CAPB‐related allergic contact dermatitis.

Materials and Methods

Thirty patients with scalp dermatitis and positive patch tests for CAPB and/or lauramidopropyl betaine (LAPB) were enrolled in this study. They were patch tested with the detergents that they had been using at the time of their first visit and with the impurities dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) and lauramidopropyl dimethylamine (LAPDMA).

Results

The positivity rate in patch tests of the 37 detergents that the patients had been using was 78.4% (29/37). The positivity rates of DMAPA 1% pet., 1% aq. and 0.2% aq. were 32.1% (9/28), 14.3% (4/28) and 13.3% (4/30), respectively, whereas those of LAPDMA 0.1% and 0.05% were 30.0% (9/30) and 16.7% (5/30), respectively. Among the 30 patients, 6 exhibited positive results for both DMAPA and LAPDMA, 3 showed positive results for DMAPA alone and 6 produced positive results for LAPDMA alone.

Conclusion

Patch tests produced an overall positivity rate for DMAPA, LAPDMA or both of 50.0% (15/30) in patients with scalp dermatitis and positive patch test results for CAPB and/or LAPB.
IKK/NF‐κB and ROS signal axes are involved in Tenacissoside H mediated inhibitory effects on LPS‐induced inflammatory osteolysis
Authors: Xie Xiaoxiao , Chen Weiwei , Xu Minglian , Chen Junchun , Yang Tao , Wang Chaofeng , Su Yuangang , Zhao Jinmin , Xu Jiake , Liu Qian
Published: August 2023

Periodontal disease and arthroplasty prosthesis loosening and destabilization are both associated with osteolysis, which is predominantly caused by abnormal bone resorption triggered by pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Osteoclasts (OCs) are critical players in the process. Concerns regarding the long‐term efficacy and side effects of current frontline therapies, however, remain. Alternative therapies are still required. The aim of this work was to investigate the involvement of Tenacissoside H (TDH) in RANKL‐mediated OC differentiation, as well as inflammatory osteolysis and associated processes. In vitro, bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMMs) cultured with RANKL and M‐CSF were used to detect TDH in the differentiation and function of OCs. Real‐time quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression of specific genes and inflammatory factors in OCs. Western blot was used to identify NFATc1, IKK, NF‐κB, MAPK pathway, and oxidative stress‐related components. Finally, an LPS‐mediated calvarial osteolysis mouse model was employed to explore TDH's role in inflammatory osteolysis. The results showed that in vivo TDH inhibited the differentiation and resorption functions of OCs and down‐regulated the transcription of osteoclast‐specific genes, as well as Il‐1β, Il‐6 and Tnf‐α. In addition, TDH inhibited the IKK and NF‐κB signalling pathways and down‐regulated the level of ROS. In vivo studies revealed that TDH improves the bone loss caused by LPS. TDH may be a new candidate or treatment for osteoclast‐associated inflammatory osteolytic disease.
Potential roles of enteric glial cells in Crohn's disease: A critical review
Authors: Mao Xinyi , Shen Jun
Published: August 2023

Enteric glial cells in the enteric nervous system are critical for the regulation of gastrointestinal homeostasis. Increasing evidence suggests two‐way communication between enteric glial cells and both enteric neurons and immune cells. These interactions may be important in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD), a chronic relapsing disease characterized by a dysregulated immune response. Structural abnormalities in glial cells have been identified in CD. Furthermore, classical inflammatory pathways associated with CD (e.g., the nuclear factor kappa‐B pathway) function in enteric glial cells. However, the specific mechanisms by which enteric glial cells contribute to CD have not been summarized in detail. In this review, we describe the possible roles of enteric glial cells in the pathogenesis of CD, including the roles of glia–immune interactions, neuronal modulation, neural plasticity, and barrier integrity. Additionally, the implications for the development of therapeutic strategies for CD based on enteric glial cell‐mediated pathogenic processes are discussed.
Association of postoperative length of stay with outcomes following orthotopic heart transplantation—A national analysis
Authors: Curry Joanna , Bakhtiyar Syed Shahyan , Kim Shineui , Sakowitz Sara , Verma Arjun , Ali Konmal , Chervu Nikhil L , Benharash Peyman
Published: August 2023

Background: In the absence of standardized recovery protocols, there is little evidence to guide postoperative care to ensure optimal in‐hospital and long‐term outcomes following heart transplantation (HT). Using two national databases, we examined the association between postoperative length of stay (LOS) with patient/graft survival, index hospitalization costs, and non‐elective readmissions.

Methods: Adult HT recipients from 2010 to 2019 were identified and analyzed within the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) Database and Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD). The risk‐adjusted relationship between 1‐year mortality and LOS was assessed with restricted cubic splines and subsequently used to stratify patients into Expedited (7–11 days), Routine (12–16 days), and Delayed (>16) discharge groups. Survival outcomes were analyzed using Restricted Means Survival Time analysis (RMST) and multivariable Cox models.

Results: Of 9995 HT recipients within the OPTN, 3777 (38%) were categorized as Expedited, and 3040 (30%) as Routine. After adjustment, expedited discharge was not associated with inferior 90‐day (ΔRMST ‐.01, p = .91) and 1‐year patient survival (ΔRMST ‐.02, p = .53). Additionally, expedited was not associated with increased odds of non‐elective readmission at 90‐days (HR 1.04, CI .77–1.43) relative to Routine discharge. Counterfactual analysis revealed an estimated cost saving of $50 million if all Routine patients received an expedited discharge.

Conclusion: Expedited discharge after HT seems to be cost‐effective and is not associated with inferior outcomes. Institutional‐level outcome analyses should be performed to identify patients that would benefit from expedited discharge, and future studies should analyze the feasibility of implementing standardized discharge protocols following HT.
Clinical characteristics in early Parkinson's disease with excessive daytime sleepiness: A cross‐sectional and longitudinal study
Authors: Liu Yumei , Xue Ling , Zhao Jun , Dou Kaixin , Wang Guojun , Xie Anmu
Published: August 2023

We aimed to explore excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and correlates of clinical characteristics by using cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative database. Four hundred twenty‐three patients with Parkinson's disease (PD; EDS: non‐EDS = 357:66) and 195 healthy controls (HCs; EDS: nEDS = 171:24) were enrolled in our study at baseline. Multiple linear and linear mixed‐effects models were used to research the relationships between EDS/daytime sleepiness severity and clinical characteristics. Relationships between the change rates of clinical characteristics and daytime sleepiness severity were further investigated through multiple linear regression models. Mediating effect analysis was used to determine whether autonomic dysfunction was the mediator between cognition assessments and daytime sleepiness severity. Patients with PD with EDS and greater daytime sleepiness severity presented faster cognitive decline, high possibility for rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, autonomic dysfunction, depression, and anxiety from cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses. Furthermore, HC individuals with EDS showed a higher striatal binding ratio of the right putamen, right striatum, and mean striatum. Autonomic dysfunction may act as a mediator between PD and cognitive decline. In early PD, EDS and daytime sleepiness severity were related to several clinical variables, suggesting that EDS might play an essential role in regulating PD progression.
Pediatric dosing for locally acting drugs in submissions to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration between 2002 and 2020
Authors: Abulwerdi Gelareh A. , Ramamoorthy Anuradha , Bashaw Edward , Burckart Gilbert J. , Madabushi Rajanikanth , Fletcher Elimika Pfuma
Published: August 2023

Deriving pediatric doses for locally acting drugs (LADs) presents a unique challenge because limited systemic exposure hinders commonly used approaches such as pharmacokinetic matching to adults. This study systematically evaluated drug development practices used for pediatric dose selection of LADs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from 2002 to 2020. The three study objectives were: (1) to determine the dose selection approach for the labeled pediatric dose, (2) to examine the studied pediatric dose(s), and (3) to evaluate the characteristics of the pediatric clinical programs used to support the labeled pediatric dose. A total of 187 pediatric submissions were characterized for the labeled and studied pediatric doses of LADs. The pediatric dose was predominantly labeled as a flat dose (91%) and at a single‐dose level (67%) similar to adults. The majority (68.4%) of the submissions had the same labeled dose for pediatrics and adults. Independent pharmacodynamic/efficacy studies in pediatric patients commonly (64.2%) provided supportive evidence for the labeled pediatric dose. Inhalation, nasal, and injectable submissions had the highest number of clinical trials, lowest usage of an extrapolation of efficacy approach, and utilized diverse approaches in selecting the studied pediatric doses. This article highlights approaches for LAD dosing in pediatric patients and can be used to inform drug development of these products in the pediatric population.
Museums, COVID‐19 and the pivot to social media
Authors: Larkin Jamie , Ballatore Andrea , Mityurova Ekaterina
Published: August 2023

This paper examines social media activity by UK museums during the COVID‐19 pandemic. There is a general perception that as museums closed their doors for extended periods, their digital presence increased to maintain connections with their audiences. However, much of the research conducted in this area is based on small‐scale studies and examples of best practice from large, well‐resourced museums. By contrast, this study utilizes a comprehensive database of over 3300 active UK museums to understand the use of Facebook and Twitter across the sector. Specifically, the paper examines the frequency with which museums posted to these digital platforms as they attempted to engage with their audiences. Our findings indicate that there was no substantial increase in social media use and activity across the UK museum sector during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This research has implications for museologists studying the impact of the pandemic on museums' digital activity, for museum social media professionals, and policymakers responsible for museum digital transformation strategies.
Does the speaker's eye gaze facilitate infants’ word segmentation from continuous speech? An ERP study
Authors: Çetinçelik Melis , Rowland Caroline F. , Snijders Tineke M.
Published: August 2023

The environment in which infants learn language is multimodal and rich with social cues. Yet, the effects of such cues, such as eye contact, on early speech perception have not been closely examined. This study assessed the role of ostensive speech, signalled through the speaker's eye gaze direction, on infants’ word segmentation abilities. A familiarisation‐then‐test paradigm was used while electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. Ten‐month‐old Dutch‐learning infants were familiarised with audio‐visual stories in which a speaker recited four sentences with one repeated target word. The speaker addressed them either with direct or with averted gaze while speaking. In the test phase following each story, infants heard familiar and novel words presented via audio‐only. Infants’ familiarity with the words was assessed using event‐related potentials (ERPs). As predicted, infants showed a negative‐going ERP familiarity effect to the isolated familiarised words relative to the novel words over the left‐frontal region of interest during the test phase. While the word familiarity effect did not differ as a function of the speaker's gaze over the left‐frontal region of interest, there was also a (not predicted) positive‐going early ERP familiarity effect over right fronto‐central and central electrodes in the direct gaze condition only. This study provides electrophysiological evidence that infants can segment words from audio‐visual speech, regardless of the ostensiveness of the speaker's communication. However, the speaker's gaze direction seems to influence the processing of familiar words.

Research Highlights

We examined 10‐month‐old infants’ ERP word familiarity response using audio‐visual stories, in which a speaker addressed infants with direct or averted gaze while speaking.

Ten‐month‐old infants can segment and recognise familiar words from audio‐visual speech, indicated by their negative‐going ERP response to familiar, relative to novel, words.

This negative‐going ERP word familiarity effect was present for isolated words over left‐frontal electrodes regardless of whether the speaker offered eye contact while speaking.

An additional positivity in response to familiar words was observed for direct gaze only, over right fronto‐central and central electrodes.
Repeated immunosuppressive rabbit antithymocyte globulin therapy for adult patients with relapsed or refractory aplastic anemia
Authors: Sakamoto Tatsuhiro , Obara Naoshi , Maruyama Yumiko , Kato Takayasu , Kurita Naoki , Hattori Keiichiro , Suehara Yasuhito , Nishikii Hidekazu , Yokoyama Yasuhisa , Sakata‐Yanagimoto Mamiko , Usuki Kensuke , Chiba Shigeru
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Immunosuppressive therapy (IST) with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and cyclosporin A is the standard treatment for aplastic anemia (AA). However, the efficacy of repeated IST with rabbit ATG (rATG) as salvage therapy remains unclear in patients with relapsed or refractory AA.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of IST2 with rATG (IST2‐rATG) in 19 consecutive patients with relapsed or refractory AA who received first‐line IST with rATG in two centers between 2009 and 2020.

Results

The overall 6‐month response rate of the patients was 58%. The response rates were similar between patients with relapsed and refractory AA. The presence of glycophosphatidylinositol‐deficient blood cells was associated with a better response to IST2‐rATG. Despite retreatment with the same rATG, serum disease and severe allergic reactions were not observed.

Conclusion

IST2‐rATG is effective and safe for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and refractory AA after receiving first‐line IST with rATG.
Association between COVID‐19 vaccination and myasthenia gravis: A population‐based, nested case–control study
Authors: Arbel Anat , Bishara Haya , Barnett‐Griness Ofra , Cohen Shai , Najjar‐Debbiny Ronza , Gronich Naomi , Auriel Eitan , Saliba Walid
Published: August 2023

Background

Existing data regarding the link between COVID‐19 vaccine and myasthenia gravis (MG) are scarce. We aimed to assess the association between Pfizer‐BioNTech vaccine with both new‐onset MG and MG exacerbation.

Methods

For the first aim, we conducted a nested case–control study in a cohort of 3,052,467 adults, without a diagnosis of MG, from the largest healthcare provider in Israel. Subjects were followed from January 1, 2021 until June 30, 2022 for the occurrence of MG. Ten randomly selected controls were matched to each case of new‐onset MG on age and sex. For the second aim, a nested case–control study was conducted in a cohort of 1446 MG patients. Four randomly selected MG patients (controls) were matched to each case of MG exacerbation. Exposure to COVID‐19 vaccine in the prior 4 weeks was assessed in cases and controls.

Results

Overall, 332 patients had new‐onset MG and were matched with 3320 controls. Multivariable conditional logistic regression models showed that the odds ratio (OR) for new‐onset MG, associated with COVID‐19 vaccine, was 1.14 (95% CI 0.73–1.78). The results were consistent in sensitivity analysis that used more stringent criteria to define MG. Overall, 62 patients with MG exacerbation were matched to 248 MG controls. The multivariable OR for MG exacerbation, associated with COVID‐19 vaccine, was 1.35 (95% CI 0.37–4.89). All results were similar when the prior exposure to COVID‐19 vaccine was extended to 8 weeks.

Conclusion

This study suggests that Pfizer‐BioNTech vaccine is not associated with increased risk of new‐onset nor exacerbation of MG.
Hybridizing arts with efficiency in an Italian government agency
Authors: Carloni Eleonora , Arnaboldi Michela
Published: August 2023

This paper explores how arts and arts‐based initiatives (ABIs) are embedded in a non‐arts organization with a pronounced imprint on efficiency.

When two unconnected and distant fields of activity coexist and collaborate, this is known in academia as hybridity. Scholars in hybridity are interested in studying the tension that emerges from the blending of otherwise distant fields and the coping actions that give stability over time. Conversely, studies on ABIs have mostly overlooked the tension arising from the coupling of arts practices and efficiency practices viewed in a long‐term perspective.

To address this issue, we conducted a process research study on a government agency with a strong efficiency mindset and a focus on standardized procedures which had decided to promote its arts collection. The analysis was based on semi‐structured interviews, participant observations, and archive data and focused on the tension and actions taken by the unit running the arts collection and the rest of the government agency. Our findings identified two types of actions, instant and enduring actions, which can be deployed with diverse temporality and by people with different hierarchical positions to navigate the tensions arising from art being incorporated within a non‐arts organization over time.
A conditional process analysis of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in outpatient parents: Examining the Narrative Crisis Model by parenthood status
Authors: Lloveras Lauren B. , Lawrence Olivia C. , Galynker Igor
Published: August 2023

No study to date has examined the moderating effect of parenthood on suicidal states and outcomes using a conditional process model. The Narrative Crisis Model, a multi‐stage model from interpersonal distress to suicidal outcomes mediated by Suicide Crisis Syndrome severity, was assessed (H1). The present study tested whether (H2) parenthood moderates the indirect association between interpersonal distress and suicidality to reduce suicide risk. Psychiatric outpatients (N = 466) completed measures assessing the severity of interpersonal distress and Suicide Crisis Syndrome, as well as a clinical interview of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The sample was predominantly female (65.7%), with ages ranging from 18 to 84 years. Mediation was conducted on the total sample (H1) and a conditional process analysis compared parents (n = 170) and non‐parents (H2). Suicide Crisis Syndrome severity mediated the relationship between interpersonal distress and suicidal outcomes. Parenthood moderated the indirect relationship between interpersonal distress and suicidal outcomes through Suicide Crisis Syndrome such that parents had a significantly higher suicide risk than non‐parents (index = 0.058; 95% CI [0.005, 0.139]). In the context of an outpatient population, parents appear to be more at risk for developing a suicidal crisis and engaging in suicidal thoughts and behaviors than non‐parents. Parenthood may act as a pile‐up stressor for this population, outweighing the protective effects of having children. In this way, the Narrative Crisis Model is a theoretical model suitable for the examination of complex factors impacting risk for near‐term suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Biogenesis of fibrils requires C‐mannosylation of PMEL
Authors: Kawahara Ryota , Usami Tomoko , Arakawa Satoko , Kamo Hiroki , Suzuki Takehiro , Komatsu Ryosuke , Hara Hiroyuki , Niwa Yuki , Shimizu Erina , Dohmae Naoshi , Shimizu Shigeomi , Simizu Siro
Published: August 2023

Premelanosome protein (PMEL), a melanocyte‐specific glycoprotein, has an essential role in melanosome maturation, assembling amyloid fibrils for melanin deposition. PMEL undergoes several post‐translational modifications, including N‐ and O‐glycosylations, which are associated with proper melanosome development. C‐mannosylation is a rare type of protein glycosylation at a tryptophan residue that might regulate the secretion and localization of proteins. PMEL has one putative C‐mannosylation site in its core amyloid fragment (CAF); however, there is no report focusing on C‐mannosylation of PMEL. To investigate this, we expressed recombinant PMEL in SK‐MEL‐28 human melanoma cells and purified the protein. Mass spectrometry analyses demonstrated that human PMEL is C‐mannosylated at multiple tryptophan residues in its CAF and N‐terminal fragment (NTF). In addition to the W153 or W156 residue (CAF), which lies in the consensus sequence for C‐mannosylation, the W104 residue (NTF) was C‐mannosylated without the consensus sequence. To determine the effects of the modifications, we deleted the PMEL gene by using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and re‐expressed wild‐type or C‐mannosylation‐defective mutants of PMEL, in which the C‐mannosylated tryptophan was replaced with a phenylalanine residue (WF mutation), in SK‐MEL‐28 cells. Importantly, fibril‐containing melanosomes were significantly decreased in W104F mutant PMEL‐re‐expressing cells compared with wild‐type PMEL, observed using transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, western blot and immunofluorescence analysis suggested that the W104F mutation may cause mild endoplasmic reticulumretention, possibly associated with early misfolding, and lysosomal misaggregation, thus reducing functional fibril formation. Our results demonstrate that C‐mannosylation of PMEL is required for proper melanosome development by regulating PMEL‐derived fibril formation.
Severe ethanol stress inhibits yeast proteasome activity at moderate temperatures but not at low temperatures
Authors: Nguyet Vo Thi Anh , Ando Ryoko , Furutani Noboru , Izawa Shingo
Published: August 2023

Since yeast research under laboratory conditions is usually conducted at 25–30°C (moderate temperature range), most of the findings on yeast physiology are based on analyses in this temperature range. Due to inefficiencies in cultivation and analysis, insufficient information is available on yeast physiology in the low‐temperature range, although alcoholic beverage production is often conducted at relatively low temperatures (around 15°C). Recently, we reported that severe ethanol stress (10% v/v) inhibits proteasomal proteolysis in yeast cells under laboratory conditions at 28°C. In this study, proteasomal proteolysis at a low temperature (15°C) was evaluated using cycloheximide chase analysis of a short‐lived protein (Gic2‐3HA), an auxin‐inducible degron system (Paf1‐AID*‐6FLAG), and Spe1‐3HA, which is degraded ubiquitin‐independently by the proteasome. At 15°C, proteasomal proteolysis was not inhibited under severe ethanol stress, and sufficient proteasomal activity was maintained. These results provide novel insights into the effects of low temperature and ethanol on yeast physiology.
Variation in flight characteristics associated with entry by eagles into rotor‐swept zones of wind turbines
Authors: Rolek Brian W. , Braham Melissa A. , Miller Tricia A. , Duerr Adam E. , Katzner Todd E. , McClure Christopher J. W.
Published: August 2023

Automated curtailment of wind turbines can reduce fatality rates of wildlife but the resulting increased number of curtailments can reduce power generation. Tailoring curtailment criteria for each individual turbine could reduce unnecessary curtailment, yet it is unknown whether the risk to wildlife varies among turbines. We demonstrate turbine‐specific variation in the speed, altitude, approach angle and distance metrics associated with entry by eagles into rotor‐swept zones. Our results thus illustrate the potential value of turbine‐specific curtailment criteria to reduce fatality rates of wildlife at wind energy facilities.
Generalised Income Inequality Index
Authors: Dong Ziqing , Tille Yves , Giorgi Giovanni Maria , Guandalini Alessio
Published: August 2023

This paper proposes a deep generalisation for income inequality indices. A generalised income inequality index that depends on two parameters and that involves a large set of income inequality indices in the same framework is proposed. The two parameters control the sensitivity of the generalised index to different levels of the income distribution. A thorough investigation of the generalised index paves the way for understanding the influence of the low, middle and high incomes on various income inequality indices and thereby facilitates the choice of multiple indices simultaneously for a better analysis of inequality as advocated by several recent studies. Moreover, two methods for estimating the generalised index in the case of finite populations are shown. A new method for estimating the inequality indices is proposed.