bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antecedents and consequences of corporate social responsibility: a test of multilevel mediating processes
Authors: Peng Jui-Chen , Zhang Kun-shan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Drawing on social exchange theory and traditional Chinese leadership theory, this research examines employees' perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) using a multilevel mediation model. It also examines the possibility that meaningful work mediates the relationship between perceived CSR and work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 605 employees of 103 departments across 35 companies in Taiwan. Multilevel path models and hypotheses were tested using Mplus structural-equation modeling software.

Findings

The results show that department-level CSR perceptions were positively related to employee-level work engagement and that CSR was a mediating factor between department managers' moral leadership and employee-level work engagement. Additionally, meaningful work played a cross-level mediating role between CSR perceptions and work engagement.

Practical implications

For organizational managers, these findings imply that enterprises should practice CSR and guide their employees in its correct interpretation. They also reinforce the idea that department leaders should behave ethically, because this will encourage their employees to develop positive perceptions of the company's CSR implementation and thus to be more engaged in their work. Lastly, incorporating CSR programs into training materials and encouraging employees to actively participate in such programs' development, deployment and evaluation should help make work meaningful for employees and further enhance their engagement with it.

Originality/value

This study explains how a cross-level mechanism connects department-level moral leadership to employee-level work engagement in a Chinese cultural context.
A case of anti‐SAE1/2 antibody–positive dermatomyositis with extensive panniculitis: A possible cutaneous manifestation of treatment resistance
Authors: Fujisaki Misako , Kasamatsu Hiroshi , Nishimura Kentarou , Yoshida Yasuyuki , Muneishi Yoriko , Yamaguchi Tomohisa , Nishino Ichizo , Konishi Risa , Ichimura Yuki , Okiyama Naoko , Oyama Noritaka , Hasegawa Minoru
Published: October 2023

Dermatomyositis constitutes a heterogeneous group of autoimmune inflammatory conditions with a wide variety of clinical outcomes. The symptomatic heterogeneity carries skin, muscle, and joint manifestations; pulmonary and cardiac involvements; and concomitant malignancy. Any of these symptoms often appear at different combinations and time courses, thus posing difficulty in early diagnosis and appropriate treatment choice. Recent progress in laboratory investigations explored the identification of several myositis‐specific autoantibodies (MSAs) and myositis‐associated autoantibodies, allowing precise characterization for a clinical perspective of the disease. MSAs can be detectable in approximately 80% of patients with whole dermatomyositis, some of which closely reflect unique clinical features in the particular disease subset(s), including the distribution and severity of organ involvement, treatment response, and prognosis. However, only limited evidence has been available in dermatomyositis‐associated panniculitis, mostly that in anti‐ melanoma differentiation‐associated protein 5 antibody–positive disease. We present a rare case of a patients with dermatomyositis with extensive panniculitis on the trunk whose serum IgG autoantibodies reacted with both subunits of small ubiquitin‐like modifier activating enzymes (SAEs), SAE1 and SAE2. The onset of panniculitis coincided with increased disease activity, including disease‐related skin manifestations, fever, dysphagia, and muscle weakness in the extremities. These symptoms responded well to a high dose of systemic steroid, but even upon receiving a high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin, the panniculitic lesions and pruritic erythema flared with tapering of steroid dose, further requiring tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil to achieve disease remission. To our knowledge, this is the third reported case of anti‐SAE autoantibody–positive dermatomyositis with panniculitis. We aim to extend the understanding of the current limitation and further perspective in the clinical management of the extremely rare skin manifestation associated with dermatomyositis.
Population‐based patient‐reported quality of life outcomes following low‐dose‐rate versus high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy monotherapy for low‐intermediate risk prostate cancer
Authors: Ong Wee Loon , Evans Melanie , Papa Nathan , Williams Scott , Millar Jeremy
Published: October 2023

Introduction

To evaluate patient reported quality of life outcomes (QoL) following low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (LDR‐BT) and high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (HDR‐BT) monotherapy for prostate cancer at a population‐based setting.

Methods

The study comprised men with low‐intermediate risk prostate cancer in the Prostate Cancer Outcomes Registry Victoria (PCOR‐Vic), who were treated with LDR‐BT or HDR‐BT monotherapy between 2015 and 2020 and completed the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC‐26) questionnaire 12‐month post‐treatment. Men who had ADT were excluded (n = 12). Differences in substantial symptoms (i.e. ‘moderate’ or ‘big’ problem on a 5‐point Likert scale) between LDR‐BT and HDR‐BT arms were evaluated using Pearson's chi‐squared test. Multivariable linear regressions were used to estimate differences in EPIC‐26 urinary, bowel and sexual functional domain scores between LDR‐BT and HDR‐BT arms.

Results

Overall, 198 men were included in this study, of which 167 (84%) had LDR‐BT and 31 (16%) had HDR‐BT. 9 (4.6%), 10 (5.1%) and 56 (28%) reported substantial symptoms for overall urinary, bowel and sexual function at 12‐month post‐treatment, with no significant difference between LDR‐BT and HDR‐BT arms. The adjusted mean differences in urinary incontinence, urinary obstructive, bowel and sexual function domain scores between LDR‐BT and HDT‐BT were: −3.53 (−8.21 to 1.14), −1.27 (−6.88 to 4.35), −0.01 (−5.63 to 5.63) and −8.68 (−21.44 to 4.07) respectively – these were not statistically significant and did not meet the minimal clinically important difference.

Conclusion

This is the first Australian population‐based study comparing QoL in men who had LDR‐BT and HDR‐BT, with no statistically or clinically significant differences in QoL observed at 12‐month post‐treatment.
Editorial: Unravelling the fibres—low dietary fibre may lower risk of developing IBD
Authors: Lopes Emily Walsh , Khalili Hamed
Published: October 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Deng et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17649 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17730
Letter: Rethinking the lower incidence of HCC in HIV‐infected patients— A closer look at confounding factors
Authors: Shao Guang‐Zhao , Zhang Wei , Wu Yi‐Fan , Fan Zhong‐Qi , Yang Tian , Lv Guo‐Yue
Published: October 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Lui et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17654 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17713
Tail regeneration at different ontogenetic stages of the tiger salamander Ambystoma tigrinum suggests possible changes in regeneration between larval and metamorphic individuals
Authors: Bothe Vivien , Fröbisch Nadia B.
Published: October 2023

Urodele amphibians possess remarkable regenerative abilities, allowing them to rebuild lost body parts. Contrary to lizards, salamanders can fully restore their tails, including the neural spine and components of the vertebral column. The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is the vertebrate model organism for regeneration research due to its ease of breeding in captivity. However, axolotls are paedomorphic, retaining larval somatic features throughout adulthood and do not naturally undergo metamorphosis, a transition phase from aquatic larvae to terrestrial adults with profound morphological and physiological changes. We investigate the influence of metamorphosis on salamander tail regeneration after conspecific biting in the metamorphosing sister taxon Ambystoma tigrinum using histological analysis to answer two key questions: (1) Does regeneration continue during metamorphosis, or is it halted? (2) How does regeneration differ histologically among larval, metamorphosing and postmetamorphic individuals? Our findings demonstrate that regeneration continues even during metamorphic climax, indicating the simultaneous coordination of metamorphosis and regeneration. Additionally, notable distinctions were observed between developmental stages concerning the speed of regeneration and structural differences in the formation of an apical epithelial cap (AEC). While the approach taken in this study necessarily restricts sample size, it offers valuable insights into regeneration in a metamorphosing species under natural conditions.
Perforating lichen nitidus in the setting of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Gustafson David , Wolf John E. , Lester Laura , Sander Hans
Published: October 2023

Perforating lichen nitidus is a rare subtype of lichen nitidus, with approximately 11 cases reported worldwide. Lesions typically present in young male patients at sites prone to mechanical irritation, including the hands, feet, forearms, elbows, and knees. Classic histopathologic features of perforating lichen nitidus show a lymphohistiocytic infiltrate within the papillary dermis between hyperplastic rete ridges with transepidermal elimination of dermal contents. Very few cases are reported in the literature of lichen nitidus and its association with atopic dermatitis. This is the first case describing perforating lichen nitidus in a patient with a history of atopic dermatitis being treated with dupilumab injections. Lesions of perforating lichen nitidus worsened with successful treatment of atopic dermatitis. These findings suggest a unique pathophysiology of perforating lichen nitidus lesions.
Beyond Personalization: Embracing Democratic Learning Within Artificially Intelligent Systems
Authors: Kucirkova Natalia , Leaton Gray Sandra
Published: October 2023

This essay explains how, from the theoretical perspective of Basil Bernstein's three “conditions for democracy,” the current pedagogy of artificially intelligent personalized learning seems inadequate. Building on Bernstein's comprehensive work and more recent research concerned with personalized education, Natalia Kucirkova and Sandra Leaton Gray suggest three principles for advancing personalized education and artificial intelligence (AI). They argue that if AI is to reach its full potential in terms of promoting children's identity as democratic citizens, its pedagogy must go beyond monitoring the technological progression of personalized provision of knowledge. It needs to pay more careful attention to the democratic impact of data‐driven systems. Kucirkova and Leaton Gray propose a framework to distinguish the value of personalized learning in relation to pluralization and to guide educational researchers and practitioners in its application to socially just classrooms.
Viruliferous and non‐viruliferous aphids behave differently to enhance the spread of the virus
Authors: Warnasooriya P. G. A. S. , Balagalla Dineesha N. , Jayasinghe Wikum H.
Published: October 2023

Plant viruses can modulate insect vector behaviour directly and/or indirectly by altering plant biochemistry. In many instances, such behavioural alterations increase the frequency of encounters between host and vector, leading to enhanced virus dispersal in ecosystems. In the current study using Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Capsicum annuum L. (Solanaceae), and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) as a pathosystem, we evaluated the direct and indirect effects of CMV on M. persicae biology and behavioural responses. Data showed that CMV indirectly modulates the aphid vector by providing fitness benefits to aphids, leading to enhanced aphid reproduction on CMV‐infected pepper plants in comparison with non‐infected C. annuum plants. Furthermore, CMV can also alter aphid behaviour directly by modulating the behavioural response of viruliferous aphids towards non‐infected plants. We demonstrate that CMV directly and indirectly modulates the insect vector thereby enhancing its transmission in agroecosystems.
The spatial patterns of community composition, their environmental drivers and their spatial scale dependence vary markedly between fungal ecological guilds
Authors: Odriozola Iñaki , Martinović Tijana , Mašínová Tereza , Bahnmann Barbara Doreen , Machac Antonín , Sedlák Petr , Tomšovský Michal , Baldrian Petr
Published: October 2023

Aim

How community composition varies in space and what governs the variation has been extensively investigated in macroorganisms. However, we have only limited knowledge of microorganisms, especially fungi, despite their ecological and economic significance. Based on previous research, we define and test a series of hypotheses regarding the composition of fungal communities, their most influential drivers and their spatial scale dependence.

Location

Czech Republic.

Time period

Present.

Taxa studied

Fungi.

Methods

We analysed the distance decay relationships, community composition and its drivers (physical distance, litter and soil chemistry, tree composition and climate) in fungi using multivariate analyses. We compared the results across three fungal ecological guilds (ectomycorrhizal fungi, saprotrophs and yeasts), two forest microhabitats (litter and bulk soil) and six spatial scales (from 5 m to 80 km) that comprehensively cover the Czech Republic.

Results

We found that, similar to macroorganisms, the ectomycorrhizal fungi and saprotrophs showed marked distance–decay relationships, and their community composition was driven mainly by vegetation and dispersal at local scales but, at regional scales, by environmental effects. In contrast, the third fungal guild, the unicellular yeasts, showed little distance decay, suggesting extraordinary spatial homogeneity, as often seen in microorganisms, such as bacteria.

Main conclusions

Our results underscore the remarkable variation in the community ecology of fungi, which seems to range well‐known patterns both from the macro‐ and the microworld. Knowledge of these patterns advances our understanding of the ecology of fungi, rather understudied organisms of significant ecological and economic importance, which our findings identify as a potentially suitable model for bridging the gaps between the biogeography of micro‐ and macroorganisms.
Effect of driving training on car crashes and driving skills in older people: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ishii Hideaki , Okubo Yoshiro , Doi Takehiko , Tsutsumimoto Kota , Nakakubo Sho , Kurita Satoshi , Uemura Kazuki , Misu Shogo , Sawa Ryuichi , Hashiguchi Yu , Shimada Hiroyuki , Arai Hidenori
Published: October 2023

The primary aim of this systematic review was to examine the efficacy of driving interventions with regard to a reduction in motor vehicle crashes and improvements in driving skills among older people. The secondary aim was to identify the optimal type (on‐road or off‐road) and dosage (period, sessions, and duration) of driving interventions for improving driving skills in older people. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Scopus of Systematic Reviews for papers published from their inception to December 1, 2020, as well as the reference lists of the included papers. The selected studies were randomized controlled trials examining the effects of driving interventions among community‐dwelling older drivers aged 65 years and over. A meta‐analysis of two studies (n = 960) showed that driving interventions significantly reduced the number of motor vehicle crashes per person‐years. Ten studies (n = 575) were included in the meta‐analysis showing that the interventions significantly improved the driving skill scores. Driving skill scores significantly improved after on‐road training, and in interventions of at least 3 h, 3 sessions, and 3 weeks. Driving interventions significantly improve driving skills and reduce motor vehicle crashes among older drivers aged 65 years and over. On‐road training is more efficacious than off‐road training and driving interventions of at least 3 h taking place in 3 sessions over a period of 3 weeks may be required to improve driving skills in older drivers. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 771–778.
Organizational response to the COVID‐19 pandemic and its association with moral distress in community mental health teams in the UK: A qualitative study
Authors: Wall Abbie , Burton Leanne , Perkins Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

In March 2020, Coronavirus‐19 (COVID‐19) rapidly spread across the globe impacting the mental health of the population and putting an overwhelming pressure on health services. Much has been written about the impact of the pandemic on health‐care workers working in hospital settings but less attention has been paid to its effect on community mental health teams (CMHTs). This study is based on 21 remote interviews with community mental health professionals during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using a thematic analysis whereby codes of similar meaning were grouped into main themes. Analysis identified three major contributors to moral distress; changes in the nature of contact with service users, changes to the place of work, and difficulties of balancing risks to the families of CMHT staff and service users. This study demonstrates that necessary organizational changes instituted to minimize the spread of COVID‐19, required different ways of working which were not perceived to be in the best interests of service users or the families of CMHT staff. In order to comply with Government directives, CMHT staff were forced to behave in a way which did not match their moral values causing them to experience moral distress.
Toward COVID‐19 recovery: Advanced practice nurse leadership in rural Vermont
Authors: Whitfield Martha M. , Wohlberg Jeri , Costa Michael
Published: October 2023

Aim

To reflect on the inclusion of an advanced practice nurse (APN) on a clinical leadership team in rural Vermont during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Background

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, APNs contributed to the reimagining of healthcare delivery. In response to pandemic‐related organizational needs, one rural health center in Vermont promoted an APN to a leadership position.

Sources of evidence

This critical reflection describes the experience of one APN promoted to a clinical leadership role during the COVID‐19 pandemic in rural Vermont in the United States. We use the four stages of crisis (escalation, emergency, recovery, and resolution) and the healthcare leadership framework proposed by Geerts et al. (2021) to consider how APN leaders can contribute in the “recovery stage” of the pandemic.

Discussion

APNs who took on leadership roles during the pandemic may have had fewer opportunities to participate in formal leadership development. However, in the case of our rural health center, an APN was able to seek out mentorship, address operational challenges, and provide representation for advanced practice providers.

Conclusion

This article contributes to the literature on APN leadership during the COVID‐19 pandemic, by describing a leadership opportunity that helped build APN leadership capability and capacity in our organization.

Implications for nursing practice

APNs offer a valuable perspective on health leadership teams. As organizations move toward the recovery stage of the pandemic, different leadership styles and skills may be required.

Implications for health policy

The COVID‐19 pandemic provided unexpected leadership opportunities for APNs. Healthcare organizations now have opportunities to reimagine clinical leadership in ways that include APNs.
Effect of two different laparoscopic techniques on post‐operative wound complications in patients with benign gynaecological diseases: A meta‐analysis
Authors: He Haining , Li Tinglan , Cui Manman , Jiang Qin , Jiang Fuchuan , Li Min , Liu Yi
Published: October 2023

Single‐port laparoscopy (SPL) has existed for several years. This meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of SPL compared with conventional laparoscopy (CL) in the treatment of benign gynecologic adnexal lesions. The purpose of this meta‐analysis is to evaluate the superiority of SPL versus CL in the treatment of post‐operative wound pain. The study looked for English‐language publications from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and the Web of Science until June 2023. The main result was the visual analogue scale (VAS) after 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h after operation. The paper contains 10 related papers by means of e‐search. Of these, 4 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), while 6 were non‐RCTs. The results indicated that SPL and CL were significantly different after 2, 24 and 48 h after operation. SPL had lower post‐operative pain after 2 h compared with CL (MD, −0.6; 95% CI, −0.98, −0.21; p = 0.002). After the operation, SPL also had a lower incidence of post‐operative pain after 24 h compared with CL (MD, −0.59; 95% CI, −1.12, −0.06; p = 0.03). And the difference in pain was at 48 h after the most significant (MD, −0.49; 95% CI, −0.75, −0.23; p = 0.0002). But after 6, 8 and 12 h after operation, there was no significant difference in the degree of pain. Thus, SPL operations may result in a lower degree of pain than CL in both the post‐operative and far post‐operative phase.
ELP2‐NLRP3‐GSDMD/GSDME‐mediated pyroptosis is induced by TNF‐α in MC3T3‐E1 cells during osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Xia Changliang , Ou Shuanji , Yang Yang , Zhang Wei , Wu Wenjiao , Chen Qi , Li Wenjun , Lu Hanyu , Wang Yeyang , Qi Yong , Xu Changpeng
Published: October 2023

Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) is a cytokine involved in systemic inflammation. TNF‐α slows down osteogenic differentiation, which may contribute to poor bone development in the inflammatory microenvironment. TNF‐α inhibits osteogenic differentiation by activating the JAK‐STAT3 pathway, of which Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)‐interacting protein 1 (StIP1, also known as elongator complex protein 2, ELP2) is a key protein in the JAK‐STAT3 pathway. We investigated whether and how ELP2 activation mediates the TNF‐α‐induced pyroptosis during osteoblastic differentiation. Using in vitro cell cultures of preosteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells, we found that TNF‐α exposure causes cell pyroptosis in an inflammatory microenvironment during osteoblastic differentiation. Bioinformatics, protein docking model and co‐immunoprecipitation analysis revealed an association between ELP2, STAT3 and NLRP3. Forced ELP2 expression promoted MC3T3‐E1 cells pyroptosis, with an increase in the expression of STAT3, NLRP3 inflammasome, GSDMD/GSDME, osteoblast marker genes, and the activity of alkaline phosphatase. In contrast, ELP2 silencing ameliorated MC3T3‐E1 cells pyroptosis, and osteogenic differentiation, especially after TNF‐α stimulation. The TNF‐α‐induced cells pyroptosis during osteoblastic differentiation was therefore mediated by ELP2. These results suggest that ELP2 is upregulated at the pyroptosis of MC3T3‐E1 cells and inhibits osteogenic differentiation in response to TNF‐α through NLRP3‐GSDMD/GSDME activation.
KIAA1429 protects hepatocellular carcinoma cells from ferroptotic cell death with a m6A‐dependent posttranscriptional modification of SLC7A11
Authors: Wang Houhong , Chen Wenli , Cui Yayun , Gong Huihui , Li Heng
Published: October 2023

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification represents the most abundant internal methylation of eukaryotic RNAs. KIAA1429 acts as a key component of the m6A methyltransferase complex, but its function and mechanism in ferroptotic cell death of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are barely defined. We found that KIAA1429 suppression triggered ferroptosis in HCC cells according to increased cell death, iron and MDA levels, C11‐BODIPY‐positive cells, ROS production and decreased GSH level. Ferroptosis inhibitors ferrostatin‐1 (0.5 μM) and liproxstatin‐1 (10 μM) blocked KIAA1429 suppression‐induced ferroptosis of HCC cells. In addition, overexpressed KIAA1429 notably heightened the activity of cystine/glutamate antiporter (SLC7A11). SLC7A11 up‐regulation partially hindered KIAA1429 inhibition‐mediated ferroptosis of HCC cells. The regulation SLC7A11 by KIAA1429 was attenuated by global m6A inhibitor cycloleucine (40 μM). RNA immunoprecipitation confirmed the binding of KIAA1429 to m6A on SLC7A11 transcript. Additionally, it was proven that KIAA1429 inhibition mitigated HCC growth in subcutaneous xenograft mice through SLC7A11. Altogether, our findings first propose that KIAA1429 protects HCC cells from ferroptosis with a m6A‐dependent post‐transcriptional modification of SLC7A11 and offer a novel insight into the dysregulated epi‐transcriptomics in the context of HCC.
The role of supply chains for the sustainability transformation of global food systems: A large‐scale, systematic review of food cold chains
Authors: Trotter Philipp A. , Becker Tristan , Renaldi Renaldi , Wang Xinfang , Khosla Radhika , Walther Grit
Published: October 2023

Global food systems need an urgent transformation to be compatible with sustainable development. While much of the recent academic discussion has focused on food production and consumption, food supply chains have received considerably less attention. Here, we conduct a large‐scale, systematic literature review of 48,014 academic articles to assess the links between the food cold chain literature and sustainable development. We find a multitude of deep links between food cooling and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but also identify underexplored areas of sustainable food cooling research regarding its (1) goals, (2) analytical depth, and (3) context specificity: There is a limited understanding how several relevant synergies between SDGs can be captured, how to best design sustainable food cold chains across multiple value chain stages, and how to scale sustainable cold chains in low‐income and lower‐middle‐income country contexts. We recommend to explicitly consider the salient interconnections between SDGs, increase the analytical depth by deploying more system‐level approaches across entire value chains, and focus on localized solutions in contexts where food supply chains are most underdeveloped.
The cognitive appraisal path of stroke knowledge, coping traits, family functioning and stigma among stroke patients: A moderated parallel mediation model
Authors: Liu Heng‐Yu , Liu Qun‐Hong , Li Zhuo‐Ran , Deng Cheng‐Song , Zhang Xiao‐Pei , Wan Li‐Hong
Published: October 2023

Aims

To establish a cognitive appraisal path model that examines the impact of stroke knowledge on stigma with the parallel mediating effects of negative and positive coping traits, as well as the moderating effects of family functioning.

Background

Stroke‐related stigma, a ‘mixture’ of negative emotions involving internal criticism and external judgement, has been shown to impair patients' health outcomes. However, the specific factors underlying cognitive appraisals and their pathways remain unknown.

Design

A cross‐sectional design.

Methods

The cross‐sectional sample was from two stroke centres in China. Questionnaires were administered to collect sociodemographic data, stroke knowledge, coping traits, family functioning and stigma. Hierarchical regression models and the moderated parallel mediation model were constructed to analyse influencing pathways. The study adhered to the strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology guideline.

Results

All 144 samples reported stigma symptoms with a moderate‐to‐high standardising score. The best hierarchical regression model explains 55.5% of the variance in stigma. The parallel mediation model indicated that negative and positive coping traits co‐mediating the association of stroke knowledge and stigma. After adding the family functioning as a moderator, the moderated parallel mediation model was confirmed with adequate fit indices.

Conclusion

Among the cognitive appraisal factors affecting stroke‐related stigma, stroke knowledge reduces stigma by modifying coping traits, while poor family functioning may serve as an opposing moderator. Notably, when family support is insufficient, enhanced stroke knowledge might paradoxically exacerbate the stigma.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study contributes knowledge on transforming health education and emphasises the pivotal roles of clinical nursing practitioners. In similar global contexts, the study highlights integrating health education, psychological counselling and family support to advance systematic nursing practices.

Patient or Public Contribution

None.
Age‐ and caste‐independent piRNAs in the germline and miRNA profiles linked to caste and fecundity in the ant Temnothorax rugatulus
Authors: Seistrup Ann‐Sophie , Choppin Marina , Govind Shamitha , Feldmeyer Barbara , Kever Marion , Karaulanov Emil , Séguret Alice , Karunanithi Sivarajan , Almeida Miguel V. , Ketting René F. , Foitzik Susanne
Published: October 2023

Social insects are models for studies of phenotypic plasticity. Ant queens and workers vary in fecundity and lifespan, which are enhanced and extended in queens. Yet, the regulatory mechanisms underlying this variation are not well understood. Ant queens live and reproduce for years, so that they need to protect their germline from transposable element (TE) activity, which may be redundant in short‐lived, often sterile workers. We analysed the expression of two protective classes of small RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) and Piwi‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs), in various tissues, castes and age classes of the ant Temnothorax rugatulus. In queens, piRNAs were highly abundant in ovaries with TEs being their clear targets, with reduced but still detectable piRNA‐specific ping‐pong signatures in thorax and brains. piRNA pathway activity varied little with age in queens. Moreover, the reduced ovaries of workers also exhibited similar piRNA activity and this not only in young, fertile workers, but also in older foragers with regressed ovaries. Therefore, these ants protect their germline through piRNA activity, regardless of ovarian development, age or caste, even in sterile workers often considered the soma of the superorganism. Our tissue‐specific miRNA analysis detected the expression of 304 miRNAs, of which 105 were expressed in all tissues, 10 enriched in the brain, three in the thorax, whereas 83 were ovarian‐specific. We identified ovarian miRNAs whose expression was related to caste, fecundity and age, and which likely regulate group‐specific gene expression. sRNA shifts in young‐ to middle‐aged queens were minor, suggesting delayed senescence in this reproductive caste.
The QRS frontal plane axis changes during left bundle branch block after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Yagel Oren , Belhassen Bernard , Planer David , Amir Offer , Elbaz‐Greener Gabby
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is common after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and associated with a left or normal QRS axis. We aim to assess the QRS frontal plane axis shift changes during LBBB after TAVR and determine if the risk of procedure‐related high degree atrioventricular block (AVB) is affected by QRS axis shift changes.

Methods and Results

In a retrospective single‐center study of 720 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR, 141 (19.6%) with normal baseline QRS duration developed a new LBBB after TAVR and constituted the study group. Most patients (59.6%) were females and the mean age of the cohort was 81.2 ± 6 years.

Results

As compared with the baseline QRS axis before TAVR, the occurrence of LBBB was associated with a leftward QRS axis shift (by 40 ± 28.3°) in 73% of the study patients and a rightward (by 18.6 ± 19.4°) or no change in QRS axis in 25.6% and 1.4% of the study patients, respectively. A left QRS axis (−30°) was observed in 14.9% and 38.3% of the study patients before and after TAVR, respectively. The group of patients exhibiting a rightward or no QRS axis shift had a greater incidence of high degree AVB than the group of patients exhibiting a leftward QRS axis shift (18.4% vs. 6.8%, p = .056).

Conclusion

Although post TAVR‐LBBB is associated with a leftward QRS axis shift in most patients, a non‐negligible proportion of patients (27%) exhibited a rightward or no QRS axis shift. The latter group tend to have a higher risk of developing high degree AVB.
Fatty infiltration of the erector spinae at the upper lumbar spine could be a landmark for low back pain
Authors: Ekşi Murat Şakir , Özcan‐Ekşi Emel Ece
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), Modic changes, and fatty infiltration in the paraspinal muscles are possible causes of low back pain (LBP). Multifidus has been the most commonly blamed paraspinal muscle in the etiology of LBP. However, it contributes to 20% of the extensor moment on the lumbar spine. In the present study, we aimed to identify whether patients with LBP and asymptomatic subjects differed in terms of intervertebral discs, end‐plates, and fatty infiltration in their paraspinal muscles.

Methods

Consecutive women and men, who visited the spine outpatient clinics with chronic LBP and had lumbar spine MRI for their LBP without leg pain were included. Asymptomatic subjects without LBP/leg pain for the last year were recruited. Modic changes, IVDD, and fatty infiltration in the paraspinal muscles were evaluated on lumbar spine magnetic resonance imagings of the patients with LBP and age‐, gender‐ and BMI‐matched asymptomatic controls.

Results

Low back pain was closely associated with fatty infiltration in the paraspinal muscles at all lumbar levels whereas it had association with severe IVDD and Modic changes at lower lumbar levels. Multifidus at the lower lumbar levels was the fattiest paraspinal muscle in both asymptomatic subjects and patients with LBP. Patients with LBP had severe fatty infiltration in the erector spinae at the upper lumbar levels.

Conclusion

Severe IVDD and Modic changes were more common at lower lumbar levels in patients with LBP. Both asymptomatic subjects and those with LBP had fatty multifidus at lower lumbar levels, whereas those with LBP had fatty infiltration in the erector spinae at upper lumbar levels. We suggest that fatty infiltration could have started in the multifidus. The erector spinae had greater contribution to the lumbar extension compared to the multifidus. Thus, LBP could develop when the quality of the erector spinae at the upper lumbar levels impairs due to fatty infiltration.
Stomatal closure prevents xylem transport of green leaf volatiles and impairs their systemic function in plants
Authors: Maleki Feizollah A. , Seidl‐Adams Irmgard , Fahimi Azadeh , Peiffer Michelle L. , Kersch‐Becker Monica F. , Felton Gary W. , Tumlinson James H.
Published: October 2023

Plants perceive environmental stresses as whole organisms via distant signals conveying danger messages through their vasculature. In parallel to vascular transport, airborne plant volatile compounds, including green leaf volatiles (GLVs), can bypass the lack of vascular connection. However, some small volatile compounds move through the vasculature; such vascular transport is little known about GLVs. Here we illustrate GLV alcohols as solutes move within xylem vessels in Zea mays. We describe GLV alcohols, including Z‐3‐hexen‐ol and its isomer E‐3‐hexen‐ol, which is not synthesized in maize, moving through the transpiration stream via xylem vessels. Since transpiration is mediated by the stomatal aperture, closing stomata by two independent methods diminishes the transport of GLV alcohol and its isomer. In addition, the lower transport of GLV alcohols impairs their function in inducing terpenoid biosynthesis, suggesting that xylem transport of GLV alcohols plays a significant role in their systemic function. Our study suggests that GLV alcohols, in addition to airborne signals, are transported through xylem vessels. Our findings can be critical in future studies about the perception and function of these compounds in plants.
Idiopathic calcinosis cutis in an infant: The importance of a wait‐and‐see approach
Authors: Stathopoulou Anna , Noguera‐Morel Lucero , Colmenero Isabel , Sirvent‐Cerdá Sara , Torrelo Antonio , Hernández‐Martín Ángela
Published: October 2023

A healthy 2‐year‐old girl presented with multiple asymptomatic subcutaneous nodules on both legs. Histologically demonstrated calcium deposition within the dermis and subcutaneous tissue consistent with calcinosis cutis. Laboratory abnormalities, underlying genetic conditions, and potential triggering factors were ruled out. The lesions resolved over an 18‐month period without treatment, emphasizing the importance of the wait‐and‐see approach in idiopathic cases of calcinosis cutis.
Development and empirical test of the research‐informed South African Relationship Functioning Assessment (SARFA)
Authors: Belus Jennifer M. , Hines Abigail C. , Magidson Jessica F. , Iwamoto Derek K. , Rose Alexandra L. , Li Alison , Barnabas Ruanne V. , van Heerden Alastair
Published: October 2023

Intimate partners play an important role in chronic diseases. Despite the chronic disease burden in sub‐Saharan Africa, very few culturally relevant quantitative measures of intimate relationship functioning are available. We conducted an empirical investigation evaluating the psychometric properties of the South African Relationship Functioning Assessment (SARFA) assessing healthy relationship functioning in N = 150 community members (50% women; M age = 27.2 years) living in the Vulindlela area of KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. Item development was based on prior qualitative research from two South African communities. All assessments were conducted in isiZulu, participants' primary language. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the initial 39‐item measure. The best‐fitting model consisted of one factor with 22 items. The SARFA's internal consistency was α = .94. Convergent validity was observed via significant positive associations (all rs ≥ .38, p < .001) between the SARFA's total score and measures of trust, emotional intimacy, constructive communication, sexual satisfaction, and relationship control (women only). Divergent validity was observed for women only. Encouraging initial psychometric properties of a culturally relevant measure of relationship functioning in KwaZulu‐Natal may have relevance to other communities and potential to be used in research involving couples and health in chronic disease‐burdened communities.
Prevalence and incidence of transfusion‐transmissible infections among blood donors in Malawi: A population‐level study
Authors: Singogo Emmanuel , Chagomerana Maganizo , Van Ryn Collin , M'bwana Robert , Likaka Andrew , M'baya Bridon , Puerto‐Meredith Sydney , Chipeta Effie , Mwapasa Victor , Muula Adamson , Reilly Cavan , Hosseinipour Mina C. ,   Malawi BLOODSAFE Program
Published: October 2023

Background

Voluntary non‐remunerated blood donors (VNRBDs) are essential to sustain national blood supplies. Expanding testing capacity for the major transfusion‐transmitted infections (TTI) is crucial to ensure safe blood products. Understanding trends in TTIs can inform prioritisation of resources.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort data analysis of routine blood donation data collected from VNRBDs by the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service from January 2015 to October 2021. Variables included age, occupation; and screening results of TTIs (HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis). We estimated both prevalence and incidence per person‐year for each TTI using longitudinal and spatial logistic regression models.

Results

Of the 213 626 donors, 204 920 (95.8%) donors were included in the final analysis. Most donors (77.4%) were males, baseline median age was 19.9 (IQR 18.0, 24.1), 70.9% were students, and over 80.0% were single at first donation. Overall TTI prevalence among donors was 10.7%, with HBV having the highest prevalence (3.4%), followed by syphilis (3.3%), then HIV (2.4%) and HCV (2.4%). Incidence per 1000 person‐years for syphilis was 20.1 (19.0, 21.3), HCV was 18.4 (17.3, 19.5), HBV was 13.7 (12.8, 14.7), and HIV was 11.4 (10.6, 12.3). We noted geographical variations with the northern region having lower rates of both prevalence and incidence compared to central and southern regions.

Conclusion

The individual TTI prevalence and incidence rates from this study are consistent with Southern African regional estimates. By identifying geographical variations of TTI prevalence and incidence, these findings could potentially inform prioritisation of blood collection efforts to optimise blood collection processes.
Tropical vertex and real enumerative geometry
Authors: Shustin Eugenii
Published: October 2023

We show that the commutator relations in the refined tropical vertex group can be expressed via the enumeration of suitable real rational curves in toric surfaces.
Application of a Multidisciplinary Design Process to Assess the Influence of Requirements and Constraints on the Design of Military Engines
Authors: Matuschek Tomasz , Otten Tom , Zenkner Sebastian , Becker Richard-G. , Zamboni Jacopo , Moerland Erwin
Published: October 2023

The design of supersonic military aircraft is a complex multidisciplinary optimization process in which the dependencies and strong interactions between engine and aircraft must be imperatively considered. Applying a fully coupled propulsion–airframe design system is a highly challenging task, since it requires a set of numerically stable analysis tools capable of optimizing multiple design variables simultaneously. To improve computational efficiency, the application of low-fidelity design of experiment (DOE) methods aids in narrowing down the selection of suitable combinations of design parameters. This approach allows the division of the multidisciplinary process into subsystems, each of which can be served by specialized engineers. Interactions between the disciplines are then considered by exchanging DOE-based sensitivities. This paper presents the multidisciplinary design process developed at the German Aerospace Center (DLR)—in which the airframe and propulsion system are designed simultaneously while effectively utilizing DOE-based sensitivities. Guiding the work is an application case on the preliminary design of military engine concepts considering its effects on overall integrated aircraft architecture. The design process is used to investigate the influence of important engine parameters such as overall pressure ratio (OPR), bypass ratio (BPR), and turbine entry temperature (T4) on the design of military aircraft. Furthermore, the impacts of thrust requirements and technological constraints of the engine are analyzed.
Colossal magnetoresistance in the multiple wave vector charge density wave regime of an antiferromagnetic Dirac semimetal
Authors: Singha Ratnadwip , Dalgaard Kirstine J. , Marchenko Dmitry , Krivenkov Maxim , Rienks Emile D. L. , Jovanovic Milena , Teicher Samuel M. L. , Hu Jiayi , Salters Tyger H. , Lin Jingjing , Varykhalov Andrei , Ong N. Phuan , Schoop Leslie M.
Published: October 2023

Colossal negative magnetoresistance is a well-known phenomenon, notably observed in hole-doped ferromagnetic manganites. It remains a major research topic due to its potential in technological applications. In contrast, topological semimetals show large but positive magnetoresistance, originated from the high-mobility charge carriers. Here, we show that in the highly electron-doped region, the Dirac semimetal CeSbTe demonstrates similar properties as the manganites. CeSb
0.11
Te
1.90
hosts multiple charge density wave modulation vectors and has a complex magnetic phase diagram. We confirm that this compound is an antiferromagnetic Dirac semimetal. Despite having a metallic Fermi surface, the electronic transport properties are semiconductor-like and deviate from known theoretical models. An external magnetic field induces a semiconductor metal–like transition, which results in a colossal negative magnetoresistance. Moreover, signatures of the coupling between the charge density wave and a spin modulation are observed in resistivity. This spin modulation also produces a giant anomalous Hall response.
A data-driven framework for structure-property correlation in ordered and disordered cellular metamaterials
Authors: Luan Shengzhi , Chen Enze , John Joel , Gaitanaros Stavros
Published: October 2023

Extracting the relation between microstructural features and resulting material properties is essential for advancing our fundamental knowledge on the mechanics of cellular metamaterials and to enable the design of novel material systems. Here, we present a unified framework that not only allows the prediction of macroscopic properties but, more importantly, also reveals their connection to key morphological characteristics, as identified by the integration of machine-learning models and interpretability algorithms. We establish the complex manner in which strut orientation can be critical in determining effective stiffness for certain microstructures and highlight cellular metamaterials with counterintuitive material behavior. We further provide a refined version of Maxwell’s criteria regarding the rigidity of frame structures and their connection to cellular metamaterials. By examining the shear moduli of these metamaterials, the mean cell compactness emerges as a key morphological feature. The generality of the proposed framework allows its extension to broader classes of architected materials as well as different properties of interest.
IL-31–dependent neurogenic inflammation restrains cutaneous type 2 immune response in allergic dermatitis
Authors: Fassett Marlys S. , Braz Joao M. , Castellanos Carlos A. , Salvatierra Juan J. , Sadeghi Mahsa , Yu Xiaobing , Schroeder Andrew W. , Caston Jaela , Munoz-Sandoval Priscila , Roy Suparna , Lazarevsky Steven , Mar Darryl J. , Zhou Connie J. , Shin Jeoung-Sook , Basbaum Allan I. , Ansel K. Mark
Published: October 2023

Despite robust literature associating IL-31 with pruritic inflammatory skin diseases, its influence on cutaneous inflammation and the interplay between inflammatory and neurosensory pathways remain unmapped. Here, we examined the consequences of disrupting
Il31
and its receptor
Il31ra
in a mouse model of house dust mite (HDM)–induced allergic dermatitis.
Il31
-deficient mice displayed a deficit in HDM dermatitis–associated scratching, consistent with its well-established role as a pruritogen. In contrast,
Il31
deficiency increased the number and proportion of cutaneous type 2 cytokine–producing CD4
+
T cells and serum IgE in response to HDM. Furthermore,
Il4ra
+
monocytes and macrophages capable of fueling a feedforward type 2 inflammatory loop were selectively enriched in
Il31ra
-deficient HDM dermatitis skin. Thus, IL-31 is not strictly a proinflammatory cytokine but rather an immunoregulatory factor that limits the magnitude of type 2 inflammatory responses in skin. Our data support a model wherein IL-31 activation of IL31RA
+
pruritoceptors triggers release of calcitonin gene-related protein (CGRP), which can mediate neurogenic inflammation, inhibit CD4
+
T cell proliferation, and reduce T cell production of the type 2 cytokine IL-13. Together, these results illustrate a previously unrecognized neuroimmune pathway that constrains type 2 tissue inflammation in the setting of chronic cutaneous allergen exposure and may explain paradoxical dermatitis flares in atopic patients treated with anti-IL31RA therapy.