bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual function in children with Joubert syndrome
Authors: Morelli Federica , Toni Federico , Saligari Elena , D'Abrusco Fulvio , Serpieri Valentina , Ballante Elena , Ruberto Giulio , Borgatti Renato , Valente Enza Maria , Signorini Sabrina ,   Developmental Neuro‐ophthalmology Study Group
Published: August 2023

Aim

To describe visual function in children with Joubert syndrome and to investigate its possible association with diagnostic and developmental aspects.

Method

This retrospective cross‐sectional work included 59 patients (33 male; mean age 9 years 2 months, standard deviation 6 years 3 months, range 4 months to 23 years) diagnosed with Joubert syndrome from January 2002 to December 2020. Data about clinical (neurological, neuro‐ophthalmological, developmental/cognitive) and diagnostic (e.g. genetic testing, neuroimaging, systemic involvement) evaluations were collected in a data set during a review of medical records. Clinical and diagnostic variables were described in terms of raw counts and percentages. A χ2 test was conducted to investigate their association with neuropsychological skills.

Results

Ocular motor apraxia was highly represented in our cohort (75%), with a high prevalence of refractive defects and retinal abnormalities. Developmental delay/intellectual disability was frequent (in 69.5% of the sample), associated with retinal dystrophy (p = 0.047) and reduced visual acuity both for near (p = 0.014) and for far distances (p = 0.017).

Interpretation

On the basis of the relevance of oculomotor and perceptual alterations and their impact on overall and cognitive impairment, we encourage early and multidisciplinary assessment and follow‐up of visual function in children with Joubert syndrome. This would help in planning a personalized rehabilitation to sustain functional vision. Further studies will be important to explore the link between biological aspects and global functioning in children with Joubert syndrome.

What this paper adds

Perceptual deficits and oculomotor impairments frequently coexist in Joubert syndrome.

Retinal dysfunction may be present despite the absence of funduscopic abnormalities.

Both perceptual and oculomotor impairments negatively affect cognitive development in Joubert syndrome.
Artificial inoculation and susceptibility of Pinus armandii to Dothistroma septosporum
Authors: Jánošíková Zuzana , Ondrušková Emília , Adamčíková Katarína
Published: August 2023

Dothistroma needle blight (DNB) is a serious needle disease of conifers that primarily affects pine species (Pinus spp.). Dothistroma septosporum is one of the DNB pathogens that has a diverse range of host species excluding Pinus armandii. In 15 inoculated P. armandii seedlings, D. septosporum acervuli were observed in 43 infected needles of ten seedlings with a mean disease severity of 1.11% at 25 weeks after inoculations, demonstrating the potential of D. septosporum to cause symptoms on the needles of P. armandii via artificial inoculation. The disease severity of P. armandii was similar to the positive control, Pinus nigra (median 0.75 for P. armandii to 0.70 for P. nigra), thus, P. armandii acts under artificial conditions as a susceptible host species.
International entrepreneurship without investor protection: Evidence from initial public offerings in Belgium before the First World War
Authors: Deloof Marc , Paeleman Ine
Published: August 2023

We investigate the financing and performance of international entrepreneurship in an environment that was characterized by severe information problems and very weak investor protection. Despite these problems, new ventures could raise large amounts of equity and debt on the Belgian capital market between 1890 and 1914. Many of these firms were international new ventures (INVs) with their main operations abroad, often far away from Belgium. We find that INVs raised much more capital but were less likely to pay a dividend than domestic new ventures (DNVs). They were less likely to issue a bond and had a higher cost of debt when operating further away from Belgium. Performance after listing was generally bad for new ventures throughout the period, but it was much worse for INVs than for DNVs. Our findings confirm contemporary arguments that unprotected, financially illiterate investors were expropriated by INV founders.
Can ESG activities stabilise IPO prices? Evidence from the Hong Kong stock market
Authors: Wang Yaopeng , Xu Morong
Published: August 2023

This study explores the relationship between economic, social, and governance (ESG) activities and initial public offering (IPO) price stabilisation actions using IPOs listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange between 2004 and 2021 as samples. We find that IPO issuers that actively conduct ESG activities have higher ESG scores, which enhances price stabilisation. Furthermore, ex‐ante volatility serves as a potential channel through which ESG activities affect price stabilisation. Providing ethical and economic implications for companies, policymakers, and investors, our findings suggest that ESG activities are vital drivers of price stabilisation.
The influence of different horseshoes and ground substrates on mid‐stance hoof orientation at the walk
Authors: Reilly Patrick T. , van Eps Andrew , Stefanovski Darko , Pfau Thilo
Published: August 2023

Background

Horseshoes with modified contact surfaces combined with deformable ground substrates are used to change hoof orientation during mid‐stance, for example, for therapeutic reasons.

Objectives

To measure the effect of horseshoes and ground substrates on sagittal and transverse plane hoof orientation at mid‐stance using a dorsal hoof wall mounted triaxial accelerometer.

Study design

In vivo experiment, randomised crossover design.

Methods

Differences in sagittal and transverse plane angles between standing and mid‐stance of the left front hoof of six horses walking with regular horseshoes, egg bar, toe‐wide, medial‐wide, lateral‐wide and three‐degree egg bar shoes on turf, sand and hard ground substrates were assessed with linear mixed models with horseshoe and substrate type as fixed factors (p < 0.05) for each animal.

Results

Hoof angles were significantly affected by horseshoe (p < 0.001), surface (p < 0.001) and the combination (p < 0.001). The sagittal plane angle increased in deformable ground substrates at walk‐in mid‐stance on turf [mean (±standard deviation): 2.6° (±3.8°)] and on sand [2.6° (±4.1°)] across all shoes. The greatest increase was observed with egg bar shoes [turf: 4.37° (±3.82°); sand 4.69° (±3.83°)]. There was a tendency for the hoof to sink laterally into deformable ground substrates among all shoes [turf: 1.11° (±1.49°); sand: 0.93° (±1.93°)]. Medial‐wide shoes increased the lateral sinking [turf: 2.00° (±1.63°); sand: 1.79° (±1.58°)]. Lateral‐wide shoes reduced the lateral sinking on turf [0.62° (±1.26°)] and induced a marginal medial sinking on sand [−0.007° (±2.03°)].

Main limitations

The substrate properties were not quantitatively assessed, and observations were limited to front hooves at the walk. A larger sample size would be preferable.

Conclusions

Mid‐stance hoof orientation changes with specific combinations of shoes and ground substrates in the walking horse.
Mothers' work‐to‐family conflict, depressive symptoms, and parental role functioning: A five‐wave, cross‐lagged panel model from infancy through middle childhood
Authors: Cao Hongjian , Zhou Nan , Buehler Cheryl , Li Xiaomin , Liang Yue , Chen Yu
Published: August 2023

Objective

The goal of this work was to examine the potential implications of mothers' work‐to‐family conflict (WFC) for their sensitivity and provision of learning opportunities in parenting from infancy through middle childhood, with maternal depressive symptoms tested as a possible mediator.

Background

To inform practice more effectively, researchers need to delineate the temporal dynamics for maternal experiences of work–family interface and also elucidate their dynamic implications for parenting over the family life course.

Method

Five‐wave, cross‐lagged panel models with mediators were tested using data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (NICHD SECCYD).

Results

Although little evidence was obtained with respect to the direct links, several indirect effect cascades were identified, such that WFC at an earlier wave was associated with compromised parental functioning at a later wave via increases in depressive symptoms at a middle wave, regardless of child development periods and parenting domains and being net of extensive covariates. In addition, a transactional pattern emerged for the positive link between maternal WFC and mental distress over time. A large set of supplementary analyses were also conducted to test the robustness of the identified effects and to address potential moderating roles of some key covariates (e.g., child temperament difficulty).

Conclusion

Such findings highlight the importance of illuminating the temporal dynamics for the link between maternal experiences of work–family interface and parenting from a life course perspective.

Implications

Irrespective of child development periods and parenting domains, interventions targeted at facilitating mothers' navigation of work–family challenges as well as improving their psychological well‐being appear to be ultimately beneficial for their parental role functioning.
Psychological insulin resistance and its impact on self‐management in type II diabetes mellitus patients treated with insulin therapy
Authors: Fu Chiung‐Hui , Lee Li‐Yun , Huang Li‐Chuan , Tsay Shiow‐Luan , Chen Shu‐Ching
Published: August 2023

Aims

Psychological insulin resistance is a common barrier to initiation and persistence with insulin therapy that affects approximately 42.7% of people living with type II diabetes mellitus, which may negatively impact self‐management. This study aimed to assess patients' levels of psychological insulin resistance and to identify factors associated with self‐management in patients with type II diabetes mellitus treated with insulin therapy.

Methods

We adopted a cross‐sectional design. Subjects from the metabolism and endocrinology outpatient departments of a regional teaching hospital in central Taiwan were recruited by consecutive sampling. Patients were assessed for psychological insulin resistance and self‐management using the barriers to insulin treatment questionnaire and the partners in health scale.

Results

A total of 222 patients with type II diabetes mellitus were recruited. Patients had an average psychological insulin resistance score of 3.14 (maximum of 8). Positive self‐management was associated with insulin therapy injection by patient, fewer expectations regarding positive insulin‐related outcomes, no diabetes‐related complications, less fear of injection and self‐testing, no hypoglycaemia within the previous year, and younger age.

Conclusion

Insulin therapy injection by patient and no diabetes‐related complications were the most common factors associated with overall self‐management and with each domain of self‐management in patients with type II diabetes mellitus treated with insulin therapy. Insulin therapy education should be offered to improve patients' beliefs about insulin therapy and enhance patients' ability to perform self‐management.
Extracellular vesicles‐transmitted long non‐coding RNA MTUS2‐5 promotes proliferation and vascularization of human vascular endothelial cells in patients with Budd–Chiari syndrome
Authors: Zhang Longfei , Feng Benchi , Zhou Zhuxin , Huang Hanlin , Yu Chaowen , Wang Xiaogao , Xu Chao , Gao Yong , Chen Shiyuan
Published: August 2023

The high rates of misdiagnosis and untreated mortality with regard to Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) indicated the need to screen effective biomarkers. The aim of this study was to explore the function of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in patients with BCS as well as associated mechanisms. First, differentially expressed long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) from EVs separated from serum between BCS and healthy controls were screened using microarray analysis. Second, the proliferation, migration and tube formation of human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) were detected after EVs treatment, along with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and inflammatory factors from the cell supernatant. Last, the overexpressed lncRNA was transfected into the cells to further explore the mechanisms involved. Extracellular vesicles of BCS patients have significantly higher levels of lncRNA MTUS2‐5 than healthy controls. Apparently, treatment with EVs from BCS or the ones transfected with plasmids that overexpress lncRNA MTUS2‐5 enhances proliferation, migration and angiogenesis capacity. The results were considerably better than those obtained from treatment with EVs from healthy controls or transfection with the normal control plasmid, which also elevated the level of VEGF and inflammatory factors. Furthermore, FOS and PTGS2 were potentially regulated by the lncRNA MTUS2‐5 transmitted by EVs. The lncRNA MTUS2‐5 in EVs plays an important role in angiogenesis in the Budd–Chiari syndrome.
Effects of different hormones as dietary supplements on biological characteristics of Coccinella septempunctata L.
Authors: Cheng Ying , Zhou Yuhang , Ran Haiyan , Li Fengliang
Published: August 2023

When Coccinella septempunctata L. was fed on an artificial diet, development was prolonged and survival and reproduction were decreased, thus negatively affecting population growth. Juvenile hormone and moulting hormones are important factors in insect reproduction and development. This study aims to screen out the optimal hormones that can solve the problems such as slow population growth of the C. septempunctata during mass rearing, thus improving their effectiveness as a biological control agent. The effects of juvenile hormone analogues and moulting hormones on C. septempunctata larval growth and adult reproduction were investigated by supplementing an artificial diet with different doses of methoprene, kinoprene, juvenile hormone Ш, fenoxycarb and 20‐hydroxyecdysone. Multiple parameters were measured for C. septempunctata including development, survival, pupation, emergence, pre‐oviposition, fecundity and hatching rates. The addition of juvenile hormone analogues to the diet significantly lengthened larval development times and reduced pupation and emergence. Conversely, juvenile hormone analogues significantly shortened pre‐oviposition period, reduced survival and increased fecundity. The shortest pre‐oviposition period was 9.6 days, and the highest oviposition number was 578 eggs in response to 5 μL kinoprene. The highest hatching rate was 66% in 1.7 mg 20‐hydroxyecdysone treatment. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for hormone selection and dosage in C. septempunctata artificial diets, thus enhancing the survival, pupation and emergence of larvae and improving the fecundity and hatching rate of ladybird adults.
Northerly range expansion and first confirmed records of the smalltooth sand tiger shark, Odontaspis ferox, in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Authors: Curnick David J. , Deaville Rob , Bortoluzzi Jenny R. , Cameron Luke , Carlsson Jeanette E. L. , Carlsson Jens , Dolton Haley R. , Gordon Cat A. , Hosegood Phil , Nilsson Alicia , Perkins Matthew W. , Purves Kevin J. , Spiro Simon , Vecchiato Marco , Williams Rosie S. , Payne Nicholas L.
Published: August 2023

Three Odontaspis ferox (confirmed by mtDNA barcoding) were found in the English Channel and Celtic Sea in 2023 at Lepe, UK (50.7846, −1.3508), Kilmore Quay, Ireland (52.1714, −6.5937), and Lyme Bay, UK (50.6448, −2.9302). These are the first records of O. ferox in either country, and extend the species' range by over three degrees of latitude, to >52° N. They were ~275 (female), 433 (female), and 293 cm (male) total length, respectively. These continue a series of new records, possibly indicative of a climate change−induced shift in the species' range.
Bronchial tree of the human embryo: Examination based on a mammalian model
Authors: Fujii Sena , Muranaka Taiga , Matsubayashi Jun , Yamada Shigehito , Yoneyama Akio , Takakuwa Tetsuya
Published: August 2023

The symmetry of the right and left bronchi, proposed in a previous comparative anatomical study as the basic model of the mammalian bronchial tree, was examined to determine if it applied to the embryonic human bronchial tree. Imaging data of 41 human embryo specimens at Carnegie stages (CS) 16–23 (equivalent to 6–8 weeks after fertilization) belonging to the Kyoto collection were obtained using phase‐contrast X‐ray computed tomography. Three‐dimensional bronchial trees were then reconstructed from these images. Bronchi branching from both main bronchi were labeled as dorsal, ventral, medial, or lateral systems based on the branching position with numbering starting cranially. The length from the tracheal bifurcation to the branching point of the labeled bronchus was measured, and the right‐to‐left ratio of the same labeled bronchus in both lungs was calculated. In both lungs, the human embryonic bronchial tree showed symmetry with an alternating pattern of dorsal and lateral systems up to segmental bronchus B9 as the basic shape, with a more peripheral variation. This pattern is similar to that described in adult human lungs. Bronchial length increased with the CS in all labeled bronchi, whereas the right‐to‐left ratio was constant at approximately 1.0. The data demonstrated that the prototype of the human adult bronchial branching structure is formed and maintained in the embryonic stage. The morphology and branching position of all lobar bronchi and B6, B8, B9, and the subsegmental bronchus of B10 may be genetically determined. On the other hand, no common structures between individual embryos were found in the peripheral branches after the subsegmental bronchus of B10, suggesting that branch formation in this region is influenced more by environmental factors than by genetic factors.
Implementation strategies to improve posttraumatic stress disorder care in rural veterans
Authors: Bernardy Nancy C. , Cuccurullo Lisa‐Ann J. , Montano Macgregor , Bowen Michelle , Breen Kristen , Matteo Rebecca , Cole Bernard
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Prior research has noted treatment inequalities in the care of rural veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This project sought to increase the delivery, or reach, of recommended PTSD treatments in 2 rural health care systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) using implementation facilitation.

Methods

The quality improvement project involved 6 months of facilitation to 2 low‐reach PTSD clinics within 2 VA health care systems. The clinics were matched to a control clinic at another regional system similar in reach, rurality, and patient volume. We compared the delivery of evidence‐based psychotherapies (EBPs) for PTSD at 3 timepoints: baseline, 6 months, and 1 year using difference‐in‐difference effect estimation. Facilitators and barriers of EBP reach were identified through interviews with clinic staff and informed specific implementation plans. We also measured reductions in benzodiazepine prescriptions and polypharmacy to determine the impact of an academic detailing intervention aimed at improving PTSD prescribing practices at the 2 sites.

Findings

EBP reach at 6 months more than doubled in the 2 PTSD clinics that received facilitation, while our control clinic experienced a decrease in EBP reach (DID = 24.6; SE = 6.71%). Both intervention clinics identified similar administrative barriers to the delivery of EBPs, offering useful information for improvement at other rural clinics. The use of academic detailing as part of our facilitation intervention further appears to have positively impacted care.

Conclusions

In this preliminary work, facilitation is a promising strategy for increasing the delivery of PTSD EBPs to veterans seen in under‐resourced rural VA clinics.
Teaching Chaucer in Tunisia: An interdisciplinary approach
Authors: Ayed Wajih
Published: August 2023

Pedagogies of the premodern in anglophone contexts face many obstacles, like cultural differences, linguistic remoteness, and stereotypical representations. In EFL learning and teaching settings, student motivation, cultural adequation, and historical imagination are also needed. In Tunisia, this was further complicated after the Jasmine Revolution when newly radicalised students of English resented aspects of premodern literature which they considered inaccurate, uninteresting, or inappropriate. In this paper, the author presents a learning and teaching model developed to help post‐revolutionary Tunisian learners with diverse backgrounds and orientations better understand and appreciate the works of Geoffrey Chaucer. Combining elements of cognitive studies, comparative literature, and digital codicology, this bricolage was used in graduate seminars at the University of Sousse to study digitised manuscripts and texts in Arabic, Latin, and (Middle) English. Informed by active pedagogy and enhanced by audio‐visual aids, activities based on this model effectively addressed challenges, helped achieve learning outcomes, and made Tunisians more at home with Chaucer.
The correlates of flow in the L2 classroom: Linking basic L2 task features to learner flow experiences
Authors: Zuniga Michael
Published: August 2023

Flow is an intrinsic motivational state associated with full task engagement, positive affect, and enhanced performance. While research has examined how different language tasks interact with flow experiences, no study has examined learner flow experiences in a wide range of tasks using an experience sampling method to determine how universal basic task features (e.g., modality, participant structure, information distribution, and targeted skills) interact with flow. The present study aims to respond to this gap in the research. Participants were 13 teachers and 327 students from 18 intact French L2 classes in a Canadian postsecondary school. Teachers selected and implemented an average of six tasks from their personal repertoires at random moments throughout the semester. Immediately following each task, learners anonymously completed a flow experience questionnaire (N = 1408;α = 0.91), and teachers a task description questionnaire containing 17 basic task features (N = 81). Statistical analyses show that 10 of the 17 variables significantly interacted with learners’ flow experiences. The results not only validate a frequently used flow measurement and establish norms for future research but also outline a framework language teachers can use to evaluate and modify practices to improve learners’ subjective classroom experience.
Use of word lists in a high‐stakes, low‐exposure context: Topic‐driven or frequency‐informed
Authors: Marsden Emma , Dudley Amber , Hawkes Rachel
Published: August 2023

The awarding organizations that create and administer high‐stakes assessments for beginner‐to‐low‐intermediate 16‐year‐old learners of French, German, and Spanish in England provide optional topic‐driven word lists as guides for teachers and textbook writers. Given that these lists are developed by the awarding organizations, they exert a powerful washback effect on teaching and learning. However, we do not know how much of these lists have actually been used in exams. We therefore analyzed the extent to which these lists have been used when developing the General Certificate of Secondary Education listening and reading exams, a corpus totaling 116,647 words. One key finding showed that approximately half of the awarding organizations’ lists had never been used in any of the exams to date. Given recent changes to curriculum policy, we also investigated how word list type—frequency‐informed versus the awarding organizations’ topic‐driven lists—affected lexical coverage of the exams. Overall, our findings suggested that using the topic‐driven lists was likely to be a suboptimal use of lesson time, as they did not provide learners with enough words to understand any given text with ease. Frequency‐informed word lists, however, seemed to better prepare learners for the exams.
Translingual caring and translingual aggression: (Re)centering criticality in the research and practice of translanguaging pedagogy
Authors: Qin Kongji , Llosa Lorena
Published: August 2023

Over the last decade, translanguaging pedagogy has gained much traction in language education and has been taken up in a wide range of educational settings. Studies on translanguaging pedagogy, however, have largely focused on its affordances; research on its challenges remains limited. This classroom discourse study examines both the affordances and challenges of translanguaging pedagogy by analyzing the functions of translanguaging practices in one US superdiverse, multilingual secondary science classroom. Taking up the lens of criticality and superdiversity, we view classrooms as power‐laden spaces and translanguaging as a social practice shaped by and shaping social norms and ideologies. Through discourse analyses of classroom interactions and interview data, we identified seven functions of classroom translanguaging practices. Our analysis shows that translanguaging offered students translingual support for accessing meaning and instruction and allowed the teacher to build relationships with students through translingual caring and translingual critical love. Students also engaged in translanguaging for translingual bonding and creating translingual safe houses. However, translanguaging was also used for translingual exclusion and translingual aggression. Our analysis sheds light on the complexity of translanguaging pedagogy. We call for (re)centering criticality in the research and practice of translanguaging pedagogy and developing students’ critical language awareness in translanguaging classrooms.
The Austrian landscape of diagnostic capacity and access to treatment for invasive fungal infections
Authors: Salmanton‐García Jon , Hoenigl Martin , Salzer Helmut J. F. , Lackner Michaela , Prattes Juergen , Dichtl Karl , Winkler‐Zamani Markus , Krause Robert , Stemler Jannik , Lass‐Flörl Cornelia , Cornely Oliver A. , Willinger Birgit
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Immunosuppression after chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation or solid organ transplantation are the main risk factors for invasive fungal infections in Austria. Here, we aim to describe the status of laboratory mycology and the access to antifungal treatment in Austria.

Methods

Between October and November 2021, hospitals were contacted to participate in our online survey: www.clinicalsurveys.net/uc/IFI_management_capacity/. Centres were required to provide information on their institutional profile; self‐assessment of burden of invasive fungal infections; access to microscopy, culture, serology, antigen detection and molecular testing; and availability of antifungal agents and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Results

Responses were collected from university hospitals and laboratories in Graz, Innsbruck, Linz and Vienna. The four hospitals can provide tertiary care and were highly specialised, including management of patients with severe immunosuppression. All sites consider the incidence of invasive fungal infections to be moderate. Access to microscopy, culture, serology, antigen detection and molecular testing is provided regardless of laboratory. The maximum capacity to identify fungi varies from institution to institution. All currently marketed antifungal agents are available at the four sites.

Conclusion

Austria is currently well equipped to deal with the emerging threat of invasive fungal infections. However, hospitals may consider preparing for the potential endemicity of certain infections in the near future.
Evaluating the understandability and actionability of online educational videos on pre‐dialysis chronic kidney disease
Authors: Furukawa Emi , Okuhara Tsuyoshi , Okada Hiroko , Fujitomo Yumiko , Osa Mari , Hashiba Toyohiro , Kiuchi Takahiro
Published: August 2023

Aim

It remains undetermined whether online education videos for Japanese patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are easy to understand and allow adoption of behavioural changes. This study quantitatively assessed the understandability and applicability of online education videos for patients with CKD.

Methods

In September 2021, we identified 200 videos on YouTube using the Japanese translations of the keywords ‘kidney,’ ‘kidney disease,’ ‘CKD,’ and ‘chronic kidney disease.’ We used the Japanese version of the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool to evaluate the understandability and usability of webpages on a scale of 0% to 100%. The cut‐off was set at 70%.

Results

A total of 54 videos were evaluated. The overall understandability and actionability of the materials were 57.6 (SD = 22.6) and 53.7 (SD = 33.4), respectively. Approximately 70% and 60% of the materials were considered insufficiently understandable and actionable, respectively. Most videos lacked a summary and had difficulty in using only everyday language. Most videos included at least one action for the audience to take. However, many failed to break down the action into sequential steps. They also lack visual aids to encourage the audience to take action.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that current information on pre‐dialysis chronic kidney disease was not presented in a manner that can be applied by laypeople.
A receptor‐like kinase SlFERL mediates immune responses of tomato to Botrytis cinerea by recognizing BcPG1 and fine‐tuning MAPK signaling
Authors: Ji Dongchao , Liu Wei , Cui Xiaomin , Liu Kui , Liu Yuhan , Huang Xinhua , Li Boqiang , Qin Guozheng , Chen Tong , Tian Shiping
Published: August 2023

FERONIA (FER) is a receptor‐like kinase showing versatile functions during plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stimuli. However, its functions during the interaction between fruit and necrotrophic fungal pathogens are still unclear.

Combining reverse genetic approaches, physiological assays, co‐immunoprecipitation, protein phosphorylation identification, and site‐directed mutagenesis, we reported a tomato FER homolog SlFERL (Solanum lycopersicum FERONIA Like) involved in the immune responses to Botrytis cinerea invasion.

The results indicated that SlFERL extracellular domain recognized and interacted with the secreted virulence protein BcPG1 from B. cinerea, further revealed that SlFERL triggered downstream signaling by phosphorylating SlMAP3K18 at Thr45, Ser49, Ser76, and Ser135. Moreover, we verified that SlMAP2K2 and SlMAP2K4 synergistically contributed to immune response of tomato to B. cinerea, in which SlFERL‐SlMAP3K18 module substantially modulated protein level and/or kinase activity of SlMAP2K2/SlMAP2K4.

These findings reveal a new pattern‐triggered immune pathway, indicating that SlFERL participates in the immune responses to B. cinerea invasion via recognizing BcPG1 and fine‐tuning MAPK signaling.
Characterizing affiliative touch in humans and its role in advancing haptic design
Authors: Kryklywy James H. , Vyas Preeti , Maclean Karon E. , Todd Rebecca M.
Published: August 2023

An emerging view in cognitive neuroscience holds that the extraction of emotional relevance from sensory experience extends beyond the centralized appraisal of sensation in associative brain regions, including frontal and medial‐temporal cortices. This view holds that sensory information can be emotionally valenced from the point of contact with the world. This view is supported by recent research characterizing the human affiliative touch system, which carries signals of soft, stroking touch to the central nervous system and is mediated by dedicated C‐tactile afferent receptors. This basic scientific research on the human affiliative touch system is informed by, and informs, technology design for communicating and regulating emotion through touch. Here, we review recent research on the basic biology and cognitive neuroscience of affiliative touch, its regulatory effects across the lifespan, and the factors that modulate it. We further review recent work on the design of haptic technologies, devices that stimulate the affiliative touch system, such as wearable technologies that apply the sensation of soft stroking or other skin‐to‐skin contact, to promote physiological regulation. We then point to future directions in interdisciplinary research aimed at both furthering scientific understanding and application of haptic technology for health and wellbeing.
Diosgenin prevents periodontitis by inhibiting inflammation and promoting osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Cong Shaohua , Peng Qian , Cao Liou , Yi Qingqing , Liu Yi , Li Linhui , Tong Qingchun , Liang Dongyu
Published: August 2023

Diosgenin, an essential dietary steroidal sapogenin, possess multiple pharmacological activities. This study aimed to assess the effects of diosgenin on periodontitis and elucidate the mechanisms. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLCs) and a Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g) plus ligation‐induced animal model were used for in vitro and in vivo studies, respectively. Inflammatory responses, nuclear factor κ‐B (NF‐κB) signaling and osteogenesis‐related markers were measured both in LPS‐stimulated hPDLSCs and in gingival tissue of periodontitis rats. Treatment with diosgenin significantly inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1β, and interleukin (IL)‐6 and the activation of NF‐κB pathway in LPS‐stimulated hPDLSCs. Further, treatment with diosgenin enhanced the expression of osteoblast‐related genes and increased the osteogenic differentiation capacity. Further, activation NF‐κB pathway largely abolished the protective effects of diosgenin. Consistent with the in vitro studies, in vivo studies showed that administering diosgenin to periodontitis rats significantly lowered the levels of the TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 and the inflammatory transcription factor NF‐κB in gingival tissue. In addition, osteoblast‐related genes were promoted. Diosgenin attenuates periodontitis by adjusting NF‐κB signaling to inhibit inflammatory effects and promoting osteogenesis, suggesting diosgenin might be developed as a therapeutic strategy for treating periodontitis in the future.
Endotheliopathy of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in liver disease
Authors: Kondo Reiichiro , Iwakiri Yasuko , Kage Masayoshi , Yano Hirohisa
Published: August 2023

Liver is the largest solid organ in the abdominal cavity, with sinusoid occupying about half of its volume. Under liver disease, hemodynamics in the liver tissue dynamically change, resulting in injury to liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs). We discuss the injury of LSECs in liver diseases in this article. Generally, in noninflamed tissues, vascular endothelial cells maintain quiescence of circulating leukocytes, and unnecessary blood clotting is inhibited by multiple antithrombotic factors produced by the endothelial cells. In the setting of inflammation, injured endothelial cells lose these functions, defined as inflammatory endotheliopathy. In chronic hepatitis C, inflammatory endotheliopathy in LSECs contributes to platelet accumulation in the liver tissue, and the improvement of thrombocytopenia by splenectomy is attenuated in cases with severe hepatic inflammation. In COVID‐19, LSEC endotheliopathy induced by interleukin (IL)‐6 trans‐signaling promotes neutrophil accumulation and platelet microthrombosis in the liver sinusoids, resulting in liver injury. IL‐6 trans‐signaling promotes the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand (CXCL1), and CXCL2, which are the neutrophil chemotactic mediators, and P‐selectin, E‐selectin, and von Willebrand factor, which are involved in platelet adhesion to endothelial cells, in LSECs. Restoring LSECs function is important for ameliorating liver injury. Prevention of endotheliopathy is a potential therapeutic strategy in liver disease.
Clinicopathological significance of TUBB3 in upper tract urothelial carcinoma and possible application in urine cytology
Authors: Kobayashi Go , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Sentani Kazuhiro , Uraoka Naohiro , Fukui Takafumi , Kido Aya , Katsuya Narutaka , Ishikawa Akira , Babasaki Takashi , Sekino Yohei , Nose Hiroyuki , Hinata Nobuyuki , Oue Naohide
Published: August 2023

βIII‐Tubulin, encoded by the TUBB3 gene, is a microtubule protein. We previously reported that TUBB3 is overexpressed in renal cell carcinoma. We investigated the clinicopathological significance of TUBB3 in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) by immunohistochemistry. In normal tissue, TUBB3 expression was weak or absent. In contrast, TUBB3 overexpression was observed in urothelial carcinoma (UC) tissues in 51 (49%) of 103 UTUC cases. TUBB3 overexpression was associated with nodular/flat morphology, high‐grade disease, high T stage, and a poor prognosis. Similar results were obtained in The Cancer Genome Atlas bladder cancer cohort. TUBB3 expression was also associated with high Ki‐67 labeling index, CD44v9, HER2, EGFR, and p53 expression in UTUC. Among representative cancer‐related molecules, TUBB3 was an independent predictor of progression‐free survival and high‐grade UC. Finally, using urine cytology samples, we analyzed TUBB3 expression by immunocytochemistry. TUBB3 expression was more frequently found in UC cells than in nonneoplastic cells. The diagnostic accuracy of urine cytology was improved when combined with TUBB3 immunostaining. The findings suggest the importance of TUBB3 in tumor progression and its potential application as a biomarker for high‐grade disease and the prognosis of UC. Moreover, combination with TUBB3 immunostaining might improve the diagnostic accuracy of urine cytology.
Identifying different ‘types’ of participants in the Chilean student movement: A latent transition analysis of collective action intentions, social class and movement identification
Authors: Álvarez Belén , Jetten Jolanda , Selvanathan Hema Preya , González Roberto , Carvacho Héctor
Published: August 2023

Around the world, we witness not only growing levels of economic inequality but also the rise of protests whereby people from different social classes are demanding a more equal society. Our research uses a person‐centered approach to examine subgroups of participants in a social movement against inequality on the basis of their social class, intention to participate in conventional and/or radical collective actions, and social identification with the movement. We used longitudinal data from the Chilean student movement (two time points; total N = 1226) to conduct latent profile and latent transition analysis. We identified four profiles of participants: (1) inactive supporters (mostly from the upper class), (2) low radicals (mostly from the middle class), (3) moderate radicals (mostly from the middle class), and (4) high radicals (mostly from the middle class). The four profiles were generally stable over the one‐year period. We further found that group efficacy and a “nothing to lose” mindset predicted the profile membership of participants. Group efficacy also predicted transitions of participants between different profiles. Our findings highlight the key role that the middle class plays in diverse forms of collective action.
Entheogens: Psychedelic religion in the United States, part one
Authors: Stoddard Brad
Published: August 2023

Scholars across the academic spectrum have written about the renewed interest in psychedelics that is commonly called the Psychedelic Renaissance (PR). Psychedelic religion is a major component of the PR, as psychedelic churches are growing exponentially and as people who consume and who research psychedelics routinely contend that these substances induce or occasion religious, spiritual, or mystical experiences. Scholars have noticed the growing association of psychoactive substances and religiosity, and they have addressed this association from a variety of academic fields, methods, and methodologies. This article explores the historiography of associations of psychoactive substances and religiosity in the United States from the 1800s to the 1980s.
Toward an integrated analysis of social movements and new religious movements research
Authors: Moon Minyoung
Published: August 2023

Despite calls from researchers for intersectional studies between religion and social movements over the past few decades, scholars have not engaged in fruitful conversation about integrating the two disciplines. This article aims to facilitate such discussion by examining the topic of new religious movements (NRMs). I first review the existing literature on NRMs and discuss why NRM research has been neglected in social movement studies. Then, I explore a few research areas where both NRM studies and social movement research could intersect and benefit from a synthetic approach. Specifically, I suggest that social movement studies could advance through the examination of some relatively ignored subjects of research, such as persistent participation and disengagement, by drawing on empirical cases of NRMs. I also propose ways in which the application of social movement theories would enhance our understanding of different aspects of NRMs, such as their leadership and coalition practices. In making these arguments, I refer to one of the prominent, long‐term NRMs, the Unification Church or Movement, to help illustrate my ideas.
Specificity of HLA monoclonal antibodies and their use to determine HLA expression on lymphocytes and peripheral blood stem cells
Authors: Peton Benjamin , Taniguchi Michiko , Mangiola Massimo , Al Malki Monzr M. , Gendzekhadze Ketevan
Published: August 2023

HLA Class I and II expression are known to differ locus‐to‐locus, however, HLA expression on the cell‐surface is frequently reported as the total amount of HLA Class I or II antigens. This is despite evidence that indicates the differential expression of HLA can influence patient outcomes post‐transplantation. Although numerous commercially available HLA monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) exist to characterize HLA expression, there is currently a lack of detailed information regarding their reactivities to HLA specificities. The specificities of locus‐specific HLA mAbs (nine Class I and four Class II mAbs) were evaluated by two solid‐phase Luminex single antigen bead assays. The reactivity patterns of these mAbs were then confirmed by flow cytometry using lymphocytes and PBSCs (peripheral blood stem cells). Out of the 13 HLA mAbs tested, only four (one Class I and three Class II mAbs) displayed intra‐locus reactivity without also reacting to inter‐locus specificities. Epitope analysis revealed the presence of shared epitopes across numerous HLA loci, explaining much of the observed inter‐locus reactivity. The specificity of the HLA mAbs seen in solid‐phase assays was confirmed against PBSCs and lymphocytes by flow cytometry. Using this method, we observed differences in the cell surface expression of HLA‐C, HLA‐DR, HLA‐DQ, and HLA‐DP between PBSCs and lymphocytes. Our results emphasize the need to characterize the reactivity patterns of HLA mAbs using solid‐phase assays before their use on cells. Through understanding the reactivity of these HLA mAbs, the cellular expression of HLA can be more accurately assessed in downstream assays.
ACID WASH INFLUENCES ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BAMBOO LEAVES ASH
Authors: Steven Soen , Ramli Yusrin , Pratama Davin , Hernowo Pandit , Pasymi Pasymi , Restiawaty Elvi , Bindar Yazid
Published: August 2023

Silica production from sandstone requires tremendous fossil resources that threaten our environment. Hence, greener resources from biomass should be utilized. One of them is from bamboo leaves which contain rich silica in ash. Even so, acid wash should be applied to achieve higher silica purity. This work aims to investigate the acid wash influences on the physicochemical characteristics of bamboo leaves ash (BLA). The treatment used 1 mol/L HCl under 1-h, 2-h, and no acid wash as a control. The BLA crystallography indicates a fully amorphous phase of silica. Interestingly, 1-h acid wash precisely reduces the silica purity from 95.35% to 94.74%, but it then increases to 96.06% under 2-h acid wash. It is also notified that the longer acid wash duration could alleviate leaves’ mechanical strength. After calcination, consequently, a smaller average particle size of BLA was nominated under 2-h acid wash (6.32 mm). It was then followed by 1-h acid wash (21.32 mm) and no acid wash (149.44 mm). The 2-h acid wash is concluded able to intensify silica purity as well as reduce the particle size of BLA. Finally, acid wash treatment becomes important to facilitate further BLA extraction in order to achieve high purity of silica.
SHEAR STRENGTH OF SOFT CLAY REINFORCED WITH SINGLE ENCASED STONE DUST COLUMNS
Authors: Hoque Md. Ikramul , Hasan Muzamir , Mim Nusrat Jahan
Published: August 2023

The application of stone columns, which can improve the overall carrying capacity of soft clay as well as lessen the settlement of buildings built on it, is among the most widespread ground improvement techniques throughout the globe. The performance of foundation beds is enhanced by their stiffness values and higher strength, which could withstand more of the load applied. Therefore, the cost of construction can be decreased by using recycled stone dust as granular material in vertical granular columns, which can then be strengthened with a singular stone dust column that is covered in geotextile for enhancing soft clay’s overall strength. A further unconfined compression test was performed on remolded specimens of soft kaolin clay measuring 50 mm in diameter and 100 mm in height and mounted with a single encapsulated stone dust column measuring 10 mm and 16 mm in diameter. Test results show that when kaolin is implanted with a single encased stone dust column that has an area replacement ratio of 10.24% and penetration ratios of 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0, the shear strength increases are 51.75%, 74.5%, and 49.20%, respectively. The equivalent shear strength increases are 48.50%, 68.50%, and 43.50% for soft soil treated with a 12.00% area replacement ratio and 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 penetration ratios, respectively. The diameter and height of the column had an impact on the shear strength parameters, which significantly improved for both encased and non-encased stone dust columns.
A REVIEW OF MICROWAVE CURING TECHNIQUE TO FABRICATE NATURAL FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER COMPOSITES
Authors: Lai Sie Ming Tasha , Jayamani Elammaran , Kok Heng Soon
Published: August 2023

Advanced sustainable materials with high performance are garnering a lot of attention nowadays due to rising environmental concerns. Natural fiber reinforced polymer (NFRP) composites are currently one of the huge demands to replace conventional materials as it inhibits great properties, low cost, abundantly available, and environmentally friendly. There are various ways to fabricate NFRP composites such as compression molding, resin transfer molding, etc. However, these methods have several disadvantages (e.g., non-uniform temperature distribution, longer processing time, and high cost). This paper reviews the current trend of utilizing microwave curing in fabricating NFRP as it provides volumetric heating, less power consumption, and is more efficient.