bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The feasibility and acceptability of an inoculative intervention video for gambling advertising: a focus group study of academics and experts-by-experience
Authors: Torrance Jamie , Heath Conor , O’Hanrahan Marie , Newall Philip
Published: August 2024

Background

Gambling advertising employs a range of persuasive strategies. We therefore aimed to evaluate a counter-advertising intervention video to increase resilience to gambling advertising persuasion.

Methods

Three in-depth focus groups were conducted, and each group contained a mixture of gambling-related academics (N = 12) and experts with lived experience of gambling-related harm (N = 10). Participants were given access to the intervention video and provided feedback during the focus groups. Qualitative data were audio recorded and thematically analysed by the research team.

Results

Three main themes were identified. First, participants recommended a shorter video that had a simplified and digestible structure. Second, frequent real-world examples of gambling advertisements within the video were discouraged, and the inclusion of a relatable human voiceover was considered imperative to the receptiveness of the video. Finally, participants deemed it important to deliver psychologically grounded yet jargon-free content via a conversational style. An overall narrative framed by consumer-protection was also preferred in order to increase acceptance of the video content, rather than a more didactic framing.

Conclusions

Evaluating the acceptability of a counter advertising intervention video provided valuable insight from both an academic and lived-experience perspective. Such insight is instrumental to the meaningful co-design of counter-advertising interventions.
Interferometric image reconstruction using closure invariants and machine learning
Authors: Thyagarajan Nithyanandan , Hoefs Lucas , Wong O Ivy
Published: August 2024

Interferometric closure invariants encode calibration-independent details of an object’s morphology. Excepting simple cases, a direct backward transformation from closure invariants to morphologies is not well established. We demonstrate using simple Machine Learning models that closure invariants can aid in morphological classification and parameter estimation. We consider six phenomenologically parametrized morphologies: point-like, uniform circular disc, crescent, dual disc, crescent with elliptical accretion disc, and crescent with double jet lobes. Using logistic regression (LR), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and random forest models on closure invariants obtained from a sparsely covered aperture, we find that all methods except LR can classify morphologies with $\gtrsim$80 per cent accuracy, which improves with greater aperture coverage. Separately from the classification problem, given an independently confirmed class, we estimate parameters of uniform circular disc, crescent, and dual disc morphologies using simple MLP models, and parametrically reconstruct images. The estimated parameters and images correspond well with inputs, but the accuracy worsens when degeneracies between parameters are present. This independent approach to interferometric imaging under challenging observing conditions such as that faced by the Event Horizon Telescope and Very Long Baseline Interferometry, in general, can complement other methods in robustly constraining an object’s morphology.
Age‐related mitophagy regulates orthodontic tooth movement by affecting PDLSCs mitochondrial function and RANKL/OPG
Authors: Yan Tong , Li Huilin , Yan Jiayin , Ma Siyuan , Tan Jiali
Published: August 2024

A thorough comprehension of age‐related variances in orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and bone remodeling response to mechanical force holds significant implications for enhancing orthodontic treatment. Mitophagy plays a crucial role in bone metabolism and various age‐related diseases. However, the impact of mitophagy on the bone remodeling process during OTM remains elusive. Using adolescent (6 weeks old) and adult (12 months old) rats, we established OTM models and observed that orthodontic force increased the expression of the mitophagy proteins PTEN‐induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) and Parkin, as well as the number of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase‐positive osteoclasts and osteocalcin‐positive osteoblasts. These biological changes were found to be age‐related. In vitro, compression force loading promoted PINK1/Parkin‐dependent mitophagy in periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) derived from adolescents (12–16 years old) and adults (25–35 years old). Furthermore, adult PDLSCs exhibited lower levels of mitophagy, impaired mitochondrial function, and a decreased ratio of RANKL/OPG compared to young PDLSCs after compression. Transfection of siRNA confirmed that inhibition of mitophagy in PDLSC resulted in decreased mitochondrial function and reduced RANKL/OPG ratio. Application of mitophagy inducer Urolithin A enhanced bone remodeling and accelerated OTM in rats, while the mitophagy inhibitor Mdivi‐1 had the opposite effect. These findings indicate that force‐stimulated PDLSC mitophagy contributes to alveolar bone remodeling during OTM, and age‐related impairment of mitophagy negatively impacts the PDLSC response to mechanical stimulus. Our findings enhance the understanding of mitochondrial mechanotransduction and offer new targets to tackle current clinical challenges in orthodontic therapy.
Real-World Validation of Coregistration and Structured Reporting for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Monitoring in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Rose Kevin , Mohtarif Ichem , Kerdraon Sébastien , Deverdun Jeremy , Leprêtre Pierre , Ognard Julien
Published: August 2024

Objective

The objectives of this research were to assess the effectiveness of computer-assisted detection reading (CADR) and structured reports in monitoring patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to evaluate the role of radiology technicians in this context.

Methods

Eighty-seven patients with MS who underwent at least 2 sequential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-ups analyzed by 2 radiologists and a technician. Progression of disease (POD) was identified through the emergence of T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery white matter hyperintensities or contrast enhancements and evaluated both qualitatively (progression vs stability) and quantitatively (count of new white matter hyperintensities).

Results

CADR increased the accuracy by 11%, enhancing interobserver consensus on qualitative progression and saving approximately 2 minutes per examination. Although structured reports did not improve these metrics, it may improve clinical communication and permit technicians to achieve approximately 80% accuracy in MRI readings.

Conclusions

The use of CADR improves the accuracy, agreement, and interpretation time in MRI follow-ups of MS. With the help of computer tools, radiology technicians could represent a significant aid in the follow-up of these patients.
Distinct lateral prefrontal regions are organized in an anterior-posterior functional gradient
Authors: Tan Pin Kwang , Tang Cheng , Herikstad Roger , Pillay Arunika , Libedinsky Camilo
Published: August 2024

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is composed of multiple anatomically-defined regions involved in higher-order cognitive processes, including working memory and selective attention. It is organized in an anterior-posterior global gradient, where posterior regions track changes in the environment, while anterior regions support abstract neural representations. However, whether the global gradient results from a smooth gradient that spans regions, or an overall trend emerging from the organized arrangement of functionally distinct regions is unknown. Here, we provide evidence to support the latter, by analyzing single-neuron activity along the DLPFC of non-human primates trained to perform a memory-guided saccade task with an interfering distractor. Additionally, we show that the posterior DLPFC plays a particularly important role in working memory, in sharp contrast with the lack of task-related responses in the anterior DLPFC. Our results validate the functional boundaries between anatomically-defined DLPFC regions and highlight the heterogeneity of functional properties across regions.
Global gene-expression analysis reveals the molecular processes underlying ClC-5 loss-of-function in novel Dent Disease 1 cellular models
Authors: Durán Mónica , Burballa Carla , Cantero-Recasens Gerard , Butnaru Cristian , Malhotra Vivek , Ariceta Gema , Sarró Eduard , Meseguer Anna
Published: August 2024

Dent disease 1 (DD1) is a rare X-linked renal proximal tubulopathy characterized by low molecular weight proteinuria (LMWP) and variable degree of hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis and/or nephrolithiasis with progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although loss-of-function mutations in the geneCLCN5encoding the electrogenic Cl−/H+antiporter ClC-5, which impair endocytic uptake in proximal tubule cells, cause the disease, there is poor genotype-phenotype correlation and their contribution to proximal tubule dysfunction remains unclear. Here, in order to discover the mechanisms leading to proximal tubule dysfunction due to ClC-5 loss-of-function, we have generated and characterized new human cellular models of DD1 by silencingCLCN5and introducing the ClC-5 pathogenic mutants V523del, E527D and I524K into the human proximal tubule-derived cell line RPTEC/TERT1. Depletion ofCLCN5or expression of mutant ClC-5 impairs albumin endocytosis, increases substrate adhesion and decreases collective migration, which correlates with a less differentiated epithelial phenotype. Interestingly, although all conditions compromised the endocytic capacity in a similar way, their impact on gene expression profiles was different. Our DNA microarray studies show that ClC-5 silencing or mutant re-introduction alter pathways related to nephron development, anion homeostasis, organic acid transport, extracellular matrix organization and cell migration, compared to control cells. Cells carrying the V523del ClC-5 mutation show the largest differences in gene expression vs WT cells, which is in agreement with the more aggressive clinical phenotype observed in some DD1 patients. Overall, this work emphasizes the use of human proximal tubule derived cell models to identify the molecular processes underlying ClC-5 deficiency.
The increasing trend of Non-Communicable Diseases among young adults may invite multiple public health challenges in the future
Authors: Biswas Ashis , Roy Sharmistha
Published: August 2024

Objective

To compare the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the USA and globally, particularly among 15-45 years old.

Methods

The imported data from the WHO Mortality Database portal was analyzed by SPSS.

Results

The study shows the percentage of death from NCDs out of total death in the USA in 2010 and 2019 were 86.7% and 86.8% which are higher than global rates of 78.1% and 80.2%. Despite a similar death percentage out of total death, the death rate due to NCDs increased from 601.04/100,000 (2010) to 687.99/100,000 (2019) and 790.29/100,000 (2020) globally; and from 693.60/100,000 (2010) to 753.35/100000 (2019) and 795.78/100000 (2020) in the USA. On the other hand, the death rate from communicable diseases were 56.57/100000, 55.52/100000, and 129.47/100000 globally; and 44.63/100000, 43.20/100000, and 151.99/100000 in the USA in the respective years. Young adults of 15-45 years show a higher NCD death rate in the USA with an increasing trend.

Conclusion

The USA has a higher NCDs dependent mortality rate relative to the global mortality rate, particularly among the 15-45 years age group. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the relative raising in the communicable disease death rate indicates an interplay between communicable and NCDs.
An EYA3/NF-κB/CCL2 signaling axis suppresses cytotoxic NK cells in the pre-metastatic niche to promote triple negative breast cancer metastasis
Authors: Rosenbaum Sheera R. , Hughes Connor J. , Fields Kaiah M. , Purdy Stephen Connor , Gustafson Annika , Wolin Arthur , Hampton Drake , Turner Nicholas , Ebmeier Christopher , Costello James C. , Ford Heide L.
Published: August 2024

Patients with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) exhibit high rates of metastases and poor prognoses. The Eyes absent (EYA) family of proteins are developmental transcriptional cofactors/phosphatases that are re-expressed and/or upregulated in numerous cancers. Herein, we demonstrate that EYA3 correlates with decreased survival in breast cancer, and that it strongly, and specifically, regulates metastasis via a novel mechanism that involves NF-kB signaling and an altered innate immune profile at the pre-metastatic niche (PMN).

Remarkably, restoration of NF-kB signaling downstream ofEya3knockdown (KD) restores metastasiswithoutrestoring primary tumor growth, isolating EYA3/NF-kB effects to the metastatic site. We show that secreted CCL2, regulated downstream of EYA3/NF-kB, specifically decreases cytotoxic NK cells in the PMN and that re-expression ofCcl2inEya3-KD cells is sufficient to rescue activation/levels of cytotoxic NK cellsin vitro andat the PMN, where EYA3-mediated decreases in cytotoxic NK cells are required for metastatic outgrowth.

Importantly, analysis of public breast cancer datasets uncovers a significant correlation of EYA3 with NF-kB/CCL2, underscoring the relevance of EYA3/NF-kB/CCL2 to human disease. Our findings suggest that inhibition of EYA3 could be a powerful means to re-activate the innate immune response at the PMN, inhibiting TNBC metastasis.

Significance

EYA3 promotes metastasis of TNBC cells by promoting NF-kB-mediated CCL2 expression and inhibiting cytotoxic NK cells at the pre-metastatic niche, highlighting a potential therapeutic target in this subset of breast cancer.
Dysregulation of cholesterol and bile acid homeostasis across the gut-liver axis followingCryptosporidiumintestinal infection
Authors: Wang Shuhong , Gong Ai-Yu , Barker Edward , Williams David L. , Forsyth Christopher , Yu Liqing , Chen Xian-Ming
Published: August 2024

Cryptosporidiumspp., an apicomplexan protozoan, is one of the most common pathogens responsible for moderate-to-severe diarrhea in children under 2-year-old and an important opportunistic pathogen for patients with AIDS. There are no effective vaccines and therapy available. Infection in children is associated with malnutrition, growth defect and even impaired cognitive development but underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We report here thatC. parvuminfection in neonatal mice impairs bile acid reabsorption in the ileum and disturbs lipid metabolism in the liver and bile acid homeostasis in the enterohepatic circulation. Reduction of bile acid pool further impairs lipid absorption in the small intestine. Moreover, replenishing bile prevents decrease of lipid absorption in the infected neonatal mice. Strikingly, bile gavage significantly reduces the infection burden and ameliorates the dysregulated homeostasis of cell proliferation and migration in intestinal epithelium following infection. These findings may guide novel therapeutic approaches for cryptosporidiosis.
Targeting of retrovirus-derivedRtl8a/8breduces social response and increases apathy-like behavior associated with GABRB2 reduction
Authors: Fujioka Yoshifumi , Shiura Hirosuke , Ishii Masayuki , Ono Ryuichi , Endo Tsutomu , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Hirate Yoshikazu , Ito Hikaru , Kanai-Azuma Masami , Kohda Takashi , Kaneko-Ishino Tomoko , Ishino Fumitoshi
Published: August 2024

Retrotransposon Gag-like (RTL) 8A, 8B and 8C are eutherian-specific genes derived from a certain retrovirus. They clustered as a triplet of genes on the X chromosome, but their function remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Rtl8a and Rtl8b play important roles in the brain: their double knockout (DKO) mice not only exhibit reduced social responses and increased apathy-like behavior, but also become obese from young adulthood. Mouse RTL8A/8B proteins are expressed in the prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus and localize to both the nucleus and cytoplasm of neurons, presumably due to the N-terminal nuclear localization signal-like sequence at the N-terminus. An RNAseq study in the cerebral cortex revealed reduced expression of several GABA type A receptor subunits, in particular the β2 subunit of Gabrb2, in DKO. We confirmed the reduction of GABRB2 protein in the DKO cerebral cortex by Western blotting. As GABRB2 has been implicated in the etiology of several neurodevelopmental disorders, it is likely that the reduction of GABRB2 is one of the major causes of the neuropsychiatric defects in the DKO mice.
Roles of PknB and CslA in cell wall morphogenesis ofStreptomyces
Authors: Derkacz Marta , Watson Andrew , Gajbhiye Akshada , Jakimowicz Dagmara , Trost Matthias , Errington Jeff , Kepplinger Bernhard
Published: August 2024

Streptomycesare filamentous bacteria living mostly in the soil and best known for their ability to produce specialised metabolites, including antibiotics. They grow as tip-extending, branching hyphal filaments to form a multicellular mycelium. New branches are established by the formation of a new growth zone on the lateral cell wall. Proteins responsible for this process are organised in complexes called polarisomes, with DivIVA being the best described component. We have developed a genetic screen based on DivIVA overexpression to identify proteins potentially interacting with DivIVA inStreptomyces albus. Among the hits was the morphology controlling proteinrodAand the kinasepknB.

We confirmed that deletion ofpknBrescuesS. albusfrom the effects of overexpressing DivIVA. Next, we studied the impact ofpknBdeletion inStreptomyces.A mass spectrometry phosphoproteome analysis indicated that absence of PknB alters the phosphorylation state of CslA, a cellulose synthase-like protein, containing a glycosyltransferase domain. We demonstrate that a phosphoablative mutant of CslA impacts its activity in β-glucan synthesis, as displayed by a hypersensitivity to lysozyme. Our findings highlight the role of PknB in maintaining the cellular structure and integrity of theStreptomycescell wall.

Importance

A thorough understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of cell wall biosynthesis and integrity inStreptomycesis fundamentally important, as these are linked to antibiotic production. This study investigates the role of the kinase PknB, which we identified via a genetic screen. Through a phosphoproteome analysis, we identified that PknB regulates the activity of CslA, a protein crucial for β-glucan synthesis. By demonstrating the impact of PknB, this research provides novel insights into the molecular pathways influencingStreptomycesresilience. This research not only enhances our understanding of cell morphogenesis but also has potential implications for developing new strategies to optimize antibiotic production.
Insertion and Anchoring of HIV-1 Fusion Peptide into Complex Membrane Mimicking Human T-cell
Authors: Zhao Mingfei , Lopes Laura Joana Silva , Sahni Harshita , Yadav Anju , Do Hung N , Reddy Tyler , López Cesar A. , Neale Chris , Gnanakaran S
Published: August 2024

A fundamental understanding of how HIV-1 envelope (Env) protein facilitates fusion is still lacking. The HIV-1 fusion peptide, consisting of 15 to 22 residues, is the N-terminus of the gp41 subunit of the Env protein. Further, this peptide, a promising vaccine candidate, initiates viral entry into target cells by inserting and anchoring into human immune cells. The influence of membrane lipid reorganization and the conformational changes of the fusion peptide during the membrane insertion and anchoring processes, which can significantly affect HIV-1 cell entry, remains largely unexplored due to the limitations of experimental measurements. In this work, we investigate the insertion of the fusion peptide into an immune cell membrane mimic through multiscale molecular dynamics simulations. We mimic the native T-cell by constructing a 9-lipid asymmetric membrane, along with geometrical restraints accounting for insertion in the context of gp41. To account for the slow timescale of lipid mixing while enabling conformational changes, we implement a protocol to go back and forth between atomistic and coarse-grained simulations. Our study provides a molecular understanding of the interactions between the HIV-1 fusion peptide and the T-cell membrane, highlighting the importance of conformational flexibility of fusion peptides and local lipid reorganization in stabilizing the anchoring of gp41 into the targeted host membrane during the early events of HIV-1 cell entry. Importantly, we identify a motif within the fusion peptide critical for fusion that can be further manipulated in future immunological studies.

Abstract Figure

Table of Content.
Observation of anisotropy-independent magnetization dynamics in spatially disordered Heisenberg spin systems
Authors: Franz T. , Geier S. , Hainaut C. , Braemer A. , Thaicharoen N. , Hornung M. , Braun E. , Gärttner M. , Zürn G. , Weidemüller M.
Published: August 2024

An important step towards a comprehensive understanding of far-from-equilibrium dynamics of quantum many-body systems is the identification of unifying features that are independent of microscopic details of the system. We experimentally observe such robust features in the magnetization relaxation dynamics of disordered Heisenberg XX, XXZ, and Ising Hamiltonians. We realize these Heisenberg spin models with tunable anisotropy parameter and power-law interactions in an ensemble of Rydberg atoms by encoding the spin in suitable Rydberg state combinations. We consistently observe stretched-exponential relaxation of magnetization for all considered spin models, collapsing onto a single curve after appropriate rescaling of time. This robust short-time relaxation behavior is explained by a perturbative treatment that exploits the strong disorder in pairwise couplings, which leads to a description in terms of approximately independent pairs of spins. In numerical simulations of small systems, we show that these pairs of spins constitute approximate local integrals of motion, which remain at least partially conserved on a timescale exceeding the duration of the relaxation dynamics of the magnetization.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Buffering effects of nonspecifically DNA-bound RNA polymerases in bacteria
Authors: Yan Yichen , Li Tairan , Lin Jie
Published: August 2024

RNA polymerase (RNAP) is the workhorse of bacterial gene expression, transcribing rRNA and mRNA. Experiments found that a significant fraction of RNAPs in bacteria are nonspecifically bound to DNA, which is puzzling as these idle RNAPs could have produced more RNAs. Whether nonspecifically DNA-bound RNAPs have any function or are merely a consequence of passive interaction between RNAP and DNA is unclear. In this work, we propose that nonspecifically DNA-bound RNAPs buffer the free RNAP concentration and mitigate the crosstalk between rRNA and mRNA transcription. We verify our theory using mean-field models and an agent-based model of transcription, showing that the buffering effects are robust against the interaction between RNAPs and sigma factors and the spatial fluctuation and temporal noise of RNAP concentration. We analyze the relevant parameters of and find that the buffering effects are significant across different growth rates at a low cost, suggesting that nonspecifically DNA-bound RNAPs are evolutionarily advantageous.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Magnetoelectric domain engineering from micrometer to Ångstrøm scales
Authors: Giraldo Marcela , Simonov Arkadiy , Sim Hasung , Lotfy Ahmed Samir , Lilienblum Martin , Forster Lea , Gradauskaite Elzbieta , Trassin Morgan , Park Je-Geun , Lottermoser Thomas , Fiebig Manfred
Published: August 2024

The functionality of magnetoelectric multiferroics depends on the formation, size, and coupling of their magnetic and electric domains. Knowing the parameters guiding these criteria is a key effort in the emerging field of magnetoelectric domain engineering. Here we show, using a combination of piezoresponse-force microscopy, nonlinear optics, and x-ray scattering, that the correlation length setting the size of the ferroelectric domains in the multiferroic hexagonal manganites can be engineered from the micron range down to a few unit cells under the substitution of Mn3+ ions with Al3+ ions. The magnetoelectric coupling mechanism between the antiferromagnetic Mn3+ order and the distortive-ferroelectric order remains intact even at substantial replacement of Mn3+ by Al3+. Hence, chemical substitution proves to be an effective tool for domain-size engineering in one of the most studied classes of multiferroics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Unpacking the relationship between cultural diversity and workgroup creativity
Authors: Onyeneke Gechinti Bede , Abe Tomokazu
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to illustrate the conditions under which cultural diversity enhances workgroup creativity. It does so by investigating the impact of ethnic diversity on workgroup creativity through the mediating mechanisms of cognitive diversity and information elaboration, while also exploring the role of inclusive leadership in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

Multi-source data was collected from a sample of 338 employees nested within 56 workgroups across three distinct organizations. Conditional process analysis was used to empirically test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that ethnic diversity, a surface-level cultural attribute, contributed to diversity in deep-level cognitive resources, and that workgroups were able to capitalize on these variations in deep-level cognitive resources to enhance their creativity when they engaged in the elaboration of task-relevant information. Results also demonstrated that the effective management of workgroup processes through inclusive leadership helped materialize the performance-promoting effects of cultural diversity. Overall, the findings support the notion that cultural diversity is indeed beneficial to workgroups.

Originality/value

Prior research has typically examined cultural diversity in workgroups from the perspective of either surface-level or deep-level cultural attributes, leading to conflicting findings. Our study takes a multifaceted approach to cultural diversity and its influence on workgroup creativity, offering a more nuanced understanding. Additionally, by integrating the concept of inclusive leadership, a relatively new conceptualization of leadership specifically relevant to diverse workgroups, we clarified strategies for fostering positive workgroup performance.
A novel smart textiles to reflect emotion
Authors: Ye Fangyu , Dai Jingyu , Duan Ling
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The device, amplifies and sub-regionally transmits the current generated by the body temperature thermoelectric generator through a smart body temperature sensor.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study designs a wearable smart device regarding the relationship between temperature and emotion.

Findings

Experimental results show that the device can accurately detect changes in human body temperature under hilarious, fearful, soothing and angry emotions, so as to achieve changes in clothing colors, namely blue, red, green and brown.

Originality/value

Different areas of clothing produce controllable and intelligent color, so that adult emotions can be understood through changes in clothing colors, which is conducive to judging their moods and promoting social interaction.
The high costs of freedom: subjective well-being and mental health in prisoners in Chile
Authors: Valdebenito Victoria , Benjumeda Isabel , Hadler Valentina , Guzmán Sofía
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Although our understanding of mental health and well-being is continually evolving, certain populations such as individuals deprived of liberty remain understudied and stigmatized. Despite ongoing research in various countries, mental health exploration in Chile lags behind nations like the USA. Recognizing this gap, this study aims to address this disparity by analyzing subjective well-being and mental health levels within a Chilean prison setting in the postpandemic context.

Design/methodology/approach

Design was nonexperimental, cross-sectional, descriptive and relational using quantitative techniques. Data was collected using Ryff and brief DASS-21 scales into three different sections of the studied prison. In total, 97 people participated. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis.

Findings

Levels of subjective well-being range from mild to low, with best scores in environmental mastery and worst in autonomy. Women obtained best scores on purpose in life and positive relations with others. Mental health levels measured in terms of anxiety, depression and stress showed worst levels in males. A positive correlation was observed between mental health and substance use and between mental health and violence.

Research limitations/implications

Answers depend on the victim's report, which is biased by its interpretation, along with fearing consequences from the answers and distrust in authorities. This can lead to altered (unrealistic) values in relation to substance use, violence suffered and levels of subjective well-being, among others. Another limitation is the number of participants of this study, along with the fact that it was carried out in only one penitentiary center in Chile.

Practical implications

A challenge and a practical implication of this study is the need to do more work to promote mental health and well-being. Specifically, within this limited context where survey can send bias responses, a challenge is to work and promote mental health from a gender a perspective.

Social implications

Results presented here also highlight the relevance of studying in depth prisoners’ mental health, considering gender differences across well-being and mental health variables. Moreover, it shows the importance and urgence to advance in respecting human rights, as democratic and diverse societies, and in terms of ethical aspects linked to research of this type in vulnerable populations like prisoners.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding on the intricated interplay between subjective well-being, mental health and various factors within prison environments, offering valuable insights for targeted interventions and policy considerations.
Does macroprudential policy have any side effects on the shadow economy?
Authors: Nguyen Dinh Trung , Luu Nguyen Hanh
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impacts of macroprudential policy on the shadow economy worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach

We compile a panel dataset covering 125 countries from 1990 to 2018. This paper mitigates potential endogeneity issues via two-stage least squares and the two-step generalized method of moments (GMM).

Findings

The robust results show that the overall tightening of macroprudential policies exerts an expansion impact on the shadow economy. Further examination of the 16 individual macroprudential policy instruments finds that loan restrictions, countercyclical buffers, surcharges for systemically important financial institutions and capital conservation buffers have positive and statistically significant effect on the shadow economy. This relationship is only present during tightening episodes of macroprudential policy as loosening episodes do not exhibit any significant impact. Finally, this paper documents the nonlinear effects of macroprudential policy.

Practical implications

The results suggest that the supervisory authorities may need to consider another parameter, which is the development of the shadow economy, when devising the optimal macroprudential policy responses.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is likely the first to empirically document the impact of macroprudential policy on the shadow economy. It contributes to the growing literature on the potential side effects of macroprudential policy on the macro-economy.
Does the chairman’s political and royal authority matter? Evidence from ESG disclosure in Gulf Cooperation Council
Authors: Abdelgawad Hesham Nagdy Mohammed , Liu Guangqiang
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the influence of the chairman’s political and royal authority on environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure within the context of nonfinancial companies listed in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt a mixed-methods approach, analyzing a data set of 262 nonfinancial GCC companies from 2016 to 2021. The authors use content analysis to collect the ESG disclosure data based on the ESG Disclosure Guidance provided by the GCC Financial Markets Committee. Quantitative methods are applied to investigate the effect of the chairman’s political and royal authority on ESG disclosure. The credibility of the findings is fortified through rigorous robustness and endogeneity tests.

Findings

Consistent with the resource-based view and servant leadership theory, the authors found a positive impact of the chairman’s political and royal authority on ESG disclosure.

Practical implications

The findings of this study insight investors to consider the complex relationship between political affiliations and governance practices to align investments with sustainability and ethical criteria, thereby improving investment strategies in these contexts. This research offers a solid foundation for regulatory craft governance frameworks that acknowledge and incorporate the unique influence of royal family members and politically connected individuals within corporate boards.

Originality/value

This study enhances the discourse on ESG disclosure by focusing on the underrepresented GCC region. This research breaks new ground by focusing on the impact of the chairman’s political and royal authority on ESG disclosure. In addition, it addresses previous methodological limitations by incorporating more comprehensive ESG data for the GCC market.
Chinese consumers’ valuation for prepared plant‐based meat products: Does environmental information matter?
Authors: Jiang Xue , Chen Xiujuan , Wu Linhai
Published: August 2024

Despite the growing interest in innovative nonanimal protein‐prepared foods, knowledge about consumer demand for these newly prepared foods and their potential scope in the market could be improved. This study reports the results of a discrete choice experiment on consumers’ (n = 1245) willingness to pay (WTP) for prepared plant‐based meat (PPBM) in the context of Chinese food culture. Consumers were randomly assigned to a treated group with additional environmental information about PPBM. The estimation results of the random parameter logit model showed that when environmental information was provided, consumer preferences and WTP for frozen meatballs with mixed meat (beef‐based and soy protein–based meat) and PBM (pure soy protein–based meat) significantly increased. However, their preference and WTP for food quality and safety attributes of meatballs decreased. Simultaneously, the availability of information reveals the heterogeneity of preferences. This study found that positive WTP for PPBM was limited to consumers with a low degree of food technology neophobia (FTN) and that consumers with a high degree of FTN may avoid purchasing meatballs made from PBM. In contrast, consumers with a higher time preference (i.e., impatient consumers) were likelier to pay for PPBM meatballs.

Practical Application

PPBM is especially valuable in developing innovative nonanimal protein‐prepared foods, and China has the potential to become the largest PPBM food market. Understanding consumers’ preference for PPBM products and the impact of information provision on their WTP will assist food companies in devising suitable strategies for the development of new PPBM products. The findings of this study provide targeted market insights for the food industry to help guide the development of plant‐based meat products more effectively.
Phages produce persisters
Authors: Fernández‐García Laura , Kirigo Joy , Huelgas‐Méndez Daniel , Benedik Michael J. , Tomás María , García‐Contreras Rodolfo , Wood Thomas K.
Published: August 2024

Arguably, the greatest threat to bacteria is phages. It is often assumed that those bacteria that escape phage infection have mutated or utilized phage‐defence systems; however, another possibility is that a subpopulation forms the dormant persister state in a manner similar to that demonstrated for bacterial cells undergoing nutritive, oxidative, and antibiotic stress. Persister cells do not undergo mutation and survive lethal conditions by ceasing growth transiently. Slower growth and dormancy play a key physiological role as they allow host phage defence systems more time to clear the phage infection. Here, we investigated how bacteria survive lytic phage infection by isolating surviving cells from the plaques of T2, T4, and lambda (cI mutant) virulent phages and sequencing their genomes. We found that bacteria in plaques can escape phage attack both by mutation (i.e. become resistant) and without mutation (i.e. become persistent). Specifically, whereas T4‐resistant and lambda‐resistant bacteria with over a 100,000‐fold less sensitivity were isolated from plaques with obvious genetic mutations (e.g. causing mucoidy), cells were also found after T2 infection that undergo no significant mutation, retain wild‐type phage sensitivity, and survive lethal doses of antibiotics. Corroborating this, adding T2 phage to persister cells resulted in 137,000‐fold more survival compared to that of addition to exponentially growing cells. Furthermore, our results seem general in that phage treatments with Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa also generated persister cells. Hence, along with resistant strains, bacteria also form persister cells during phage infection.
State inequities: Gaps in planned treatment for criminal legal referrals with opioid use disorder across two decades of US treatment admissions
Authors: Bormann Nicholas L. , Weber Andrea N. , Oesterle Tyler S. , Miskle Benjamin , Lynch Alison C. , Arndt Stephan
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives

Criminal‐legal (CL) referrals to addiction treatment have historically had low utilization of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). While state differences have been reported, an in‐depth longitudinal analysis of state‐by‐state differences is lacking.

Methods

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Treatment Episode Dataset‐Admissions 2000–2020 provided data for individuals entering their initial treatment with an opioid as their primary substance. Outcome was planned use of MOUD, assessing odds ratio (OR) of CL referrals relative to non‐CL referrals cumulatively over the 21‐year period and as incremental change (change in relative disparity) using effect sizes, stratified by each state.

Results

2,187,447 cases met the criteria. Planned MOUD occurred in 37.7% of non‐CL clients versus 6.5% of CL clients (OR = 0.11, 95% confidence interval = 0.11–0.12). For all clients, planned MOUD increased from 2000 (33.9%) to 2020 (44.8%). This increase was blunted within CL clients, increasing from 2000 (6.4%) to 2020 (13.3%). Rhode Island saw the greatest improvements in equity.

Discussion and Conclusions

While rates of planned MOUD increased over the 21 years, a significant disparity persisted among CL clients in most states. As opioid use disorders and opioid‐related overdoses are more prevalent among those involved with the CL system, improving this has high impact.

Scientific Significance

Provides the most comprehensive analysis of state‐by‐state inequities in MOUD access for CL relative to non‐CL referrals over a 21‐year period through use of a national data set. Positive outliers are used as case examples for others to follow in pursuit of more equitable care.
A Novel Liver Fibrosis Marker FIB‐5 Index Predicted Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy and Prognostic Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Iwawaki Tomoya , Inden Yasuya , Yanagisawa Satoshi , Goto Takayuki , Kondo Shun , Tachi Masaya , Hiramatsu Kei , Yamauchi Ryota , Shimojo Masafumi , Tsuji Yukiomi , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: August 2024

Background

The fibrosis‐5 (FIB‐5) index is a noninvasive marker for assessing the progression of liver fibrosis and predictor in patients with heart failure (HF). This study investigated the association between the FIB‐5 index and response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and evaluated its predictive value for prognosis.

Methods

In total, 203 patients who underwent CRT/CRT‐defibrillator (CRT‐D) implantation were retrospectively included. The FIB‐5 index was calculated using blood samples obtained before and after CRT/CRT‐D. Response to CRT was defined as a relative reduction in left ventricular end‐systolic volume of ≥15% 6 months after CRT/CRT‐D. We compared the prognosis after CRT/CRT‐D between the groups according to the FIB‐5 index.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐three patients (61%) responded to CRT. The responder group demonstrated a significantly higher FIB‐5 index than the nonresponder group (−2.76 ± 3.85 vs. −4.67 ± 3.29, p < 0.001). Receiver‐operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that the area under the curve of the FIB‐5 index was 0.660 with a cutoff value of −4.00 for responders. In multivariate analysis, FIB‐5 index ≥ −4.00 was an independent predictor for CRT response (odds ratio: 3.665, p = 0.003), in addition to QRS duration ≥ 150 ms and echocardiographic dysynchrony. The FIB‐5 index increased significantly after 6 months in the responder group but not in the nonresponder group. The FIB‐5 index ≥ −4.00 group showed a significantly better prognosis for cardiac death, HF hospitalization, and composite endpoint than the FIB‐5 index < −4.00 group.

Conclusion

The FIB‐5 index in addition to classical predictors may be a useful marker for predicting response to CRT.
The genetic consequences of population marginality: A case study in maritime pine
Authors: Theraroz Adélaïde , Guadaño‐Peyrot Carlos , Archambeau Juliette , Pinosio Sara , Bagnoli Francesca , Piotti Andrea , Avanzi Camilla , Vendramin Giovanni G. , Alía Ricardo , Grivet Delphine , Westergren Marjana , González‐Martínez Santiago C.
Published: August 2024

Aim

Marginal tree populations, either those located at the edges of the species' range or in suboptimal environments, are often a valuable genetic resource for biological conservation. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the genetic consequences of population marginality, estimated across entire species' ranges. Our study addresses this gap by providing information about several genetic indicators and their variability in marginal and core populations identified using quantitative marginality indices.

Location

Southwestern Europe and North Africa.

Methods

Using 10,185 SNPs across 82 populations of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.), a widespread conifer characterised by a fragmented range, we modelled the relationship of seven genetic indicators potentially related to population evolutionary resilience, namely genetic diversity (based on both all SNPs and outlier SNPs), inbreeding, genetic differentiation, recessive genetic load and genomic offset, with population geographical, demo‐historical and ecological marginality (as estimated by nine quantitative indices). Models were constructed for both regional (introducing gene pool as a random factor) and range‐wide spatial scales.

Results

We showed a trend towards decreasing overall genetic diversity and increasing differentiation with geographic marginality, supporting the centre‐periphery hypothesis (CPH). However, we found no correlation between population inbreeding and marginality, while geographically marginal populations had a lower recessive genetic load (only models without the gene pool effect). Ecologically marginal populations had a higher genomic offset, suggesting higher maladaptation to future climate, albeit some of these populations also had high genetic diversity for climate outliers.

Main Conclusions

Overall genetic diversity (but not outlier‐based estimates) and differentiation patterns support the CPH. Ecologically marginal populations and those at the southern edge could be more vulnerable to climate change due to higher climate maladaptation, as predicted by genomic offsets, and/or lower potentially adaptive genetic diversity. This risk is exacerbated by typically small effective population sizes and increasing human impact in marginal populations.
Investigating current clinical opinions in stereoelectroencephalography‐informed epilepsy surgery
Authors: Thomas John , Abdallah Chifaou , Cai Zhengchen , Jaber Kassem , Gotman Jean , Beniczky Sandor , Frauscher Birgit
Published: August 2024

Objective

Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is increasingly utilized worldwide in epilepsy surgery planning. International guidelines for SEEG terminology and interpretation are yet to be proposed. There are worldwide differences in SEEG definitions, application of features in epilepsy surgery planning, and interpretation of surgical outcomes. This hinders the clinical interpretation of SEEG findings and collaborative research. We aimed to assess the global perspectives on SEEG terminology, differences in the application of presurgical features, and variability in the interpretation of surgery outcome scores, and analyze how clinical expert demographics influenced these opinions.

Methods

We assessed the practices and opinions of epileptologists with specialized training in SEEG using a survey. Data were qualitatively analyzed, and subgroups were examined based on geographical regions and years of experience. Primary outcomes included opinions on SEEG terminology, features used for epilepsy surgery, and interpretation of outcome scores. Additionally, we conducted a multilevel regression and poststratification analysis to characterize the nonresponders.

Results

A total of 321 expert responses from 39 countries were analyzed. We observed substantial differences in terminology, practices, and use of presurgical features across geographical regions and SEEG expertise levels. The majority of experts (220, 68.5%) favored the Lüders epileptogenic zone definition. Experts were divided regarding the seizure onset zone definition, with 179 (55.8%) favoring onset alone and 135 (42.1%) supporting onset and early propagation. In terms of presurgical SEEG features, a clear preference was found for ictal features over interictal features. Seizure onset patterns were identified as the most important features by 265 experts (82.5%). We found similar trends after correcting for nonresponders using regression analysis.

Significance

This study underscores the need for standardized terminology, interpretation, and outcome assessment in SEEG‐informed epilepsy surgery. By highlighting the diverse perspectives and practices in SEEG, this research lays a solid foundation for developing globally accepted terminology and guidelines, advancing the field toward improved communication and standardization in epilepsy surgery.
The impacts of anti‐genderism on education in Brazil: Fear and danger among professors of gender
Authors: Huerta Moreno Lydia , Blithe Sarah Jane , Balthazar Gregory da Silva
Published: August 2024

This paper examines the influence of right‐wing political ideologies on the lives and experiences of university professors who teach about women and gender in their respective disciplines throughout Brazil. Drawing from qualitative interviews with professors in different regions of Brazil we argue that the embrace of anti‐gender ideologies by the Bolsonaro administration has had a negative impact on university educators by restricting resources, increased surveillance, threats, and attacks.