bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prognostic model based on regulatory T‐cell‐related genes in gastric cancer: Systematic construction and validation
Authors: Tong Qin , Ling Yingjie
Published: June 2023

Human gastrointestinal tumours have been shown to contain massive numbers of tumour infiltrating regulatory T cells (Tregs), the presence of which are closely related to tumour immunity. This study was designed to develop new Treg‐related prognostic biomarkers to monitor the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer (GC). Treg‐related prognostic genes were screened from Treg‐related differentially expressed genes in GC patients by using Cox regression analysis, based on which a prognostic model was constructed. Then, combined with RiskScore, survival curve, survival status assessment and ROC analysis, these genes were used to verify the accuracy of the model, whose independent prognostic ability was also evaluated. Six Treg‐related prognostic genes (CHRDL1, APOC3, NPTX1, TREML4, MCEMP1, GH2) in GC were identified, and a 6‐gene Treg‐related prognostic model was constructed. Survival analysis revealed that patients had a higher survival rate in the low‐risk group. Combining clinicopathological features, we performed univariate and multivariate regression analyses, with results establishing that the RiskScore was an independent prognostic factor. Predicted 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates of GC patients had a good fit with the actual survival rates according to nomogram results. In addition patients in the low‐risk group had higher tumour mutational burden (TMB) values. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) demonstrated that genes in the high‐risk group were significantly enriched in pathways related to immune inflammation, tumour proliferation and migration. In general, we constructed a 6‐gene Treg‐associated GC prognostic model with good prediction accuracy, where RiskScore could act as an independent prognostic factor. This model is expected to provide a reference for clinicians to estimate the prognosis of GC patients.
Teacher questions: A comparative analysis between English‐medium and Basque‐medium lessons at university
Authors: Serna‐Bermejo Iratxe , Lasagabaster David
Published: June 2023

In this article we present a comparative study in which we analyzed teacher questions in two different languages of instruction, namely, English‐medium instruction (EMI) and Basque‐medium instruction (BMI) classes at university. For this purpose, we videotaped and analyzed two teachers who delivered 29 lessons forming a corpus of 39 h of recording. The tool used for classroom observations and for the analysis was the Communicative Orientation of Language Teaching observation scheme, which was then followed by statistical analyses. Results revealed that the language of instruction did not exert an influence on questioning practices, since there were no significant differences between EMI and BMI lessons. However, results revealed teachers and their teaching style as an influential variable when it came to questioning. In both languages the most utilized types of questions were Display Questions, followed by Convergent Referential Questions, which indicated that lower‐order questions predominated over higher‐order questions. As for pedagogical implications, we highlight the need for teacher training so that lecturers become aware of the importance of promoting interaction in the classroom through questions, as well as the positive impact of asking higher‐order questions that entail a cognitive challenge for the students.
Neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis: a retrospective study
Authors: Isaq Nasro A. , Anand Nimay , Camilleri Michael J. , Mohandesi Nessa A. , Alavi Afsaneh
Published: June 2023

Background

Neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis (NEH) is a benign neutrophilic dermatosis not well recognized beyond an association with malignancy. Although the disease is commonly reported in adults with malignancy, this association is uncommon in children. The diagnosis of NEH is predominantly based on histologic findings to exclude alternative diagnoses for adults, but biopsy is not usually required for children.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed of adult and pediatric patients diagnosed with NEH at three Mayo Clinic sites from January 1, 1992, to January 1, 2022. The aim of this study was to elucidate risk factors for NEH and its clinical characteristics, treatment options, and natural course. Clinical information and pathologic results were collected from health records. Available pathologic slides were reviewed with a dermatopathologist.

Results

Of 47 patients identified, 33 had either histologic or clinical confirmation of the diagnosis; 21 were adults (64%), and 12 were children (36%). Most adults (16/21; 76%) had underlying malignancy and received chemotherapy. Five adults (24%) were classified as having idiopathic NEH, and they were younger and had higher NEH recurrence rates than the other adults. Only one pediatric patient (8%) had underlying malignancy. For 10 children (83%), NEH was preceded by strenuous activity. Initial findings of idiopathic NEH were palmoplantar eruptions for both adult and pediatric patients, whereas malignancy‐associated NEH commonly involved the face and axillae.

Conclusions

Among adults, NEH is commonly associated with malignancy and chemotherapy. Among children, idiopathic NEH occurs primarily after overexertion, and malignancy is highly unlikely to be the cause of NEH.
Optimisation of fish gelatin and red pitaya peel powder edible film production
Authors: Rahma Rizka Aulia , Putri Widya Dwi Rukmi , Megatri Atanasia Adventina , Nur Mokhamad , Mubarok Ahmad Zaki , Wardana Ata Aditya
Published: June 2023

Growing awareness of the environmental devastation caused by plastic packaging, particularly in the food industry, has led to the emergence of the concept of a renewable and environmentally safe consumable film as an alternative to plastic. Red pitaya (dragon fruit) peel (RPP), which has a high pectin content, can be used as an additional ingredient or co‐biopolymer to enhance the functional properties of fish gelatin (FG) edible film. Edible films were produced using casting techniques and varying concentrations of FG (3.2%–8.8% w/v) and RPP (0.2%–1.0%) with the aid of Central Composite Design (CCD) of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) by Design Expert 13's software. The optimal formulation consisted of 5.97% (w/v) FG and 0.45% (w/v) RPP. Increasing the concentrations of RPP and FG affected the thickness (0.18–0.36 mm), water solubility (46.72%–66.78%), brightness (60.04–79.02), redness (7.08–28.36), yellowness (2.48–8.44), and opacity (0.85–2.58) of the physical properties. Mechanical testing revealed a tensile strength between 2.76 and 9.34 MPa and a break elongation between 82.78% and 153.89%. The results suggested the physical and mechanical properties of RPP‐based films were greatly affected by concentration of gelatin.
Effects of nasoalveolar molding on maxillary arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics in primary dentition patients with cleft lip and palate
Authors: Ocak Irmak , Akarsu‐Guven Bengisu , Karakaya Jale , Ozgur Figen , Aksu Muge
Published: June 2023

Background

Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is a presurgical orthopedic technique used in the management of cleft lip and palate deformities. Despite the widespread use of NAM therapy, there is a need for further investigation to assess its specific effects on arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics.

Aim

To evaluate the effects of NAM therapy on maxillary arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP).

Design

Patients in primary dentition were referred to the Institutional Department of Orthodontics. The NAM group consisted of 21 patients with UCLP (mean age 4.7 ± 0.7 years) and 12 patients with BCLP (mean age 4.8 ± 0.7 years). Sixteen patients with UCLP (mean age 4.9 ± 0.9 years) and five patients with BCLP (mean age 5.4 ± 1.1 years) were included in the non‐NAM group. The plaster models of all patients were digitized. Dental arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics were analyzed via digital software. One‐way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Intercanine and intermolar widths showed statistically significant differences according to the cleft type (p < .01). There was no statistically significant effect of NAM therapy on maxillary arch parameters and malocclusion characteristics (p > .05). The prevalence of anterior crossbite was 12.1% in the NAM group and 23.8% in the non‐NAM group.

Conclusion

NAM therapy did not affect the maxillary arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics in patients with UCLP and BCLP. The cleft type was the main factor, leading to a significant difference in maxillary widths.
Local prior information and mainland overflow explain avian colonisation in a major land‐bridge island
Authors: Martínez‐Abraín Alejandro , Crespo Jorge , Rebassa Maties
Published: June 2023

Aim

The relative roles of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and those of local and regional variables, in island colonisation, remain major biogeographical questions. Thus, we analysed avian colonisation records of a large land‐bridge island, defining successful colonisation as the occurrence of breeding during at least 3 consecutive years, at species level with the aim of identifying the main determinants of island colonisation by birds.

Location

Mallorca (Balearic Islands, western Mediterranean).

Major Taxa

All avian species recorded in Mallorca Island.

Methods

We performed logistic regression by fitting generalised linear mixed models to data. We explored seven explanatory variables and performed model selection based on Akaike's information criterion.

Results

A total of 26 bird species colonised the island during the study period, a rate of ca. 0.7 colonising species/year. Only seven species were found to attempt colonisation unsuccessfully. Bird species with the highest colonisation probabilities were those with growing population trends on the mainland and a previous status as wintering species on the island (0.58), followed by wintering species with a stable population trend on the mainland (0.37).

Main Conclusions

The high rate of colonisation indicates that the process of incorporation of new species has been very dynamic. Colonisation was dependent on a local factor (having prior information about the island) and a regional factor (density dependence on the nearby continent). However, it was not influenced by body size, diet, habitat or IUCN level of threat. Based on the results of our modelling, we present a predictive list of likely future colonisers.
Comparison of first‐ and second‐generation leadless pacemakers in patients with sinus rhythm and complete atrioventricular block
Authors: Lenormand Thibault , Abou Khalil Kassem , Bodin Alexandre , Babuty Dominique , Bisson Arnaud , Clementy Nicolas
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The efficacy and safety of leadless cardiac pacemakers (LPMs) as an alternative to conventional transvenous cardiac pacing have been largely reported. The first generation of the MicraTM transcatheter pacing system (VR; Medtronic) was able to provide single‐chamber VVI(R) pacing mode only, with a potential risk of pacemaker syndrome in sinus rhythm patients. A second‐generation system (AV) now provides atrioventricular synchrony through atrial mechanical (Am) sensing capability (VDD mode).

Objective

We sought to compare VR and AV systems in sinus rhythm patients with chronic ventricular pacing (Vp) for complete atrioventricular block.

Methods

All consecutive patients implanted with an LPM in our department for complete atrioventricular block were retrospectively screened. Patients with atrial fibrillation, sinus dysfunction, or Vp burden <20% at 1 month postimplantation were excluded. Patients were systematically followed with a visit at 1 month, and then at least once a year.

Results

A total of 93 patients—45 VR (2015–2020) and 48 AV (2020–2021)—were included. VR and AV patients had similar baseline characteristics, except for VR patients being older (80 ± 8 vs. 77 ± 9 years, p = 0.049). The mean Vp burden was 77% in the VR and 82% in the AV group (p = 0.38). In AV patients, the median AV synchronous beats rate was 78%, with 65% having a >66% rate. An E/A ratio <1.2 as measured on echocardiography was the only independent predictor of accurate atrial mechanical tracking (p = 0.01). One‐year survival rate was similar in both groups. Five patients in the VR and 0 in the AV group eventually developed pacemaker syndrome within 1 year post‐implantation (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

In sinus rhythm patients with chronic Vp for complete atrioventricular block implanted with an LPM, the atrial mechanical sensing algorithm allowed significant atrioventricular synchrony in most patients and was associated with no occurrence of—otherwise rare—pacemaker syndrome.
Detection of a knockdown mutation in the voltage‐sensitive sodium channel associated with permethrin tolerance in Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis mites
Authors: Riebenbauer K. , Purkhauser K. , Walochnik J. , Urban N. , Weber P. B. , Stamm T. , Handisurya A.
Published: June 2023

Background

Increasing evidence has sparked a debate on the loss of sensitivity of scabies mites to conventional permethrin therapy. Mutations in the voltage‐sensitive sodium channels (VSSC) were associated with knockdown resistance (kdr) in many arthropods, but have never been identified in Sarcoptes scabiei variatio (var.) hominis mites.

Objectives

To identify factors contributing to therapy failure.

Methods

Sixty‐seven mites were collected from 64 scabies‐infested patients in Vienna, Austria, of whom 85.9% were refractory to prior permethrin‐based treatments, and genotyped for the presence of nucleotide polymorphisms in Domain II of the VSSC, known to be associated with kdr. Information regarding previous antiscabietic therapies, decontamination procedures and possible re‐infestations by contacts as well as the response to re‐imposed therapies were obtained.

Results

Sequence alignment comparisons revealed previously unidentified mutations in the coding region of Domain II of the VSSC. A novel A1663T transversion was detected in 97.0% of the mites, resulting in a non‐synonymous substitution from methionine to leucine, M918L, a mutation known to confer kdr in other arthropods. In addition, a synonymous G1659A transition was identified in one mite, which otherwise showed a nucleotide sequence identical to the wild‐type reference. No major inconsistencies were observed within the previous therapeutic and decontamination procedures, which could have accounted for the observed non‐responsiveness to permethrin‐based therapies. Subsequent cure of infestation was achieved in 65.6% of the participants, predominantly by combination therapies with topical permethrin and systemic ivermectin. However, in 14.6% of the cured cases, permethrin monotherapy sufficed for eradication of scabies, albeit in some cases prolonged exposure was necessary.

Conclusions

The kdr‐associated M918L mutation in the VSSC gene has now emerged in S. scabiei var. hominis mites. Hence, loss of sensitivity to permethrin due to kdr‐type resistance may be more prevalent than anticipated and may be decisive for the therapy responsiveness of scabies‐infested patients.
Review of housing and husbandry of anemonefishes for use in research
Authors: Gendron Matthew E. , Buston Peter M.
Published: June 2023

Anemonefishes of the genus Amphiprion are emerging as a model organism for marine science, so there is potentially a lot for the research community to gain by optimizing and standardizing housing and husbandry protocols. Here, we conducted a literature review and a questionnaire survey regarding the housing and husbandry of anemonefishes for use in research. The questionnaire survey was completed by 27 laboratories, with a 45% response rate, across 11 different countries in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. Results from the literature review identified that housing and husbandry protocols varied widely in terms of tank volume, diet composition and lighting type for the housing of broodstock pairs. These results also emphasize the significant impacts that variation in housing and husbandry protocols have on fish. Results from the questionnaire survey confirmed this. We identified multiple opportunities for improvement of protocols, including the potential for exchange of larvae between laboratories to create strains and reduce pressure on natural populations. In conclusion, our research suggests that the anemonefish research community should be discussing the optimization and standardization of housing and husbandry or, minimally, recognizing that housing and husbandry influence a wide range of traits and will influence the results and conclusions drawn from experiments.
Effect of static magnetic field assisted freezing on the product quality of Korla fragrant pear
Authors: Qiao Jiangshan , Zhang Min , Fang Zhongxiang , Fu Jian
Published: June 2023

Freezing is a good method of preserving the sensory and nutritional quality of fresh fruits and vegetables. However, big ice crystals always form in a common freezing process which causes mechanical damage to the fruit and vegetable cells and results in low‐quality products. The external magnetic field can interfere with the state of the internal water, thus changing the ice crystal formation process accordingly. It was suggested that suitable magnetic field treatments can affect the biological characteristics of fruits and vegetables and improve the quality of the frozen products. In this experiment, Korla fragrant pear was freezing processed at the different static magnetic field (SMF) strengths (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mT), and the pear quality was evaluated by juice loss, color, texture, total soluble solid content and total acid content, water state, and distribution. The results showed that the utilization of SMF in freezing reduced the loss of juice and soluble solids, and maintained the titratable acidity. However, SMFs performed poorly in color and texture protection. This research suggested that magnetic field‐assisted freezing had some positive effects on the quality of frozen Korla fragrant pear, but more works need to be done to further improve the product quality.

Practical applications

This research emphasizes the positive effect of static magnetic field treatment on improving the freezing rate and optimizing the freezing process of Korla fragrant pear, which also provides a new idea and practical reference for the potential application of static magnetic field in freezing preservation of fruits and vegetables.
Nutritional therapy for persistent cognitive impairment after resolution of overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis: A double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sharma Barjesh Chander , Maharshi Sudhir , Sachdeva Sanjeev , Mahajan Bhawna , Sharma Ashok , Bara Sushma , Srivastava Siddharth , Kumar Ajay , Dalal Ashok , Sonika Ujjwal
Published: June 2023

Background and Aim

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) reflects cognitive impairment in patients with liver cirrhosis and is associated with poor prognosis. We assessed the effects of nutritional therapy on cognitive functions, health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), anthropometry, endotoxins, and inflammatory markers in cirrhotic patients with MHE.

Methods

In a double‐blind randomized controlled trial, cirrhotic patients with MHE were randomized to nutritional therapy (group I: 30–35 kcal/kg/day and 1.0–1.5 g of protein/kg/day) and no nutritional therapy (group II: diet as patients were taking before) for 6 months. MHE was diagnosed based on psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES). Anthropometry, ammonia, endotoxins, inflammatory markers, myostatin, and HRQOL were assessed at baseline and after 6 months. Primary endpoints were improvement or worsening in MHE and HRQOL.

Results

A total of 150 patients were randomized to group I (n = 75, age 46.3 ± 12.5 years, 58 men) and group II (n = 75, age 45.2 ± 9.3 years, 56 men). Baseline PHES (−8.16 ± 1.42 vs −8.24 ± 1.43; P = 0.54) was comparable in both groups. Reversal of MHE was higher in group I (73.2% vs 21.4%; P = 0.001) than group II. Improvement in PHES (Δ PHES 4.0 ± 0.60 vs −4.18 ± 0.40; P = 0.001), HRQOL (Δ Sickness Impact Profile 3.24 ± 3.63 vs 0.54 ± 3.58; P = 0.001), anthropometry, ammonia, endotoxins, cytokines, and myostatin levels was also significantly higher in group I than group II. Overt hepatic encephalopathy developed in 6 patients in group I and 13 in group II (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Nutritional therapy is effective in treatment of MHE and associated with improvement in nutritional status, HRQOL, ammonia, endotoxins, inflammatory markers, and myostatin levels.
The impact of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus on facial emotion recognition in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Duits Annelien A. , de Ronde Eva M. , Vinke R. Saman , Vos Sandra H. , Esselink Rianne A. J. , Kessels Roy P. C.
Published: June 2023

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is successful in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) but may worsen cognitive outcome, including facial emotion recognition (FER). Data‐analyses on 59 consecutive PD patients with complete pre‐ and postoperative assessments, using a sensitive FER test, showed no changes in FER 1 year after STN‐DBS surgery, both after group and individual analyses. These findings do however not exclude the impact of FER in and on itself on the outcome after STN‐DBS.
The many faces of social media in business and economics research: Taking stock of the literature and looking into the future
Authors: Tumasjan Andranik
Published: June 2023

Since their inception more than 15 years ago, social media have become a vibrant research topic in business and economics research. This article presents an integrative literature review taking stock of and showing the many faces of social media in extant research. Based onN= 1419 articles published in the leading peer‐reviewed business and economics journals in the years 2008–2022, we identify and describe seven overarching research themes, namely, social media as a: (1) market‐oriented interaction hub, (2) resource‐oriented interaction hub, (3) information market, (4) innovation and business venturing hub, (5) societal challenge, (6) political hub, and (7) data source. Finally, we derive a research agenda to stimulate future research on this increasingly important topic.
The prenatal diagnosis and prognosis of fetal right aortic arch and double aortic arch malformation: A single‐center study
Authors: Yan Yani , Yang Zhenjuan , Li Yuntao , Pei Qiuyan , Zhang Xiaohong , Wang Yan , Yin Xiuju , Zhang Lin , Ren Meihong , Liu Guoli
Published: June 2023

Aim

This study aimed to characterize the pathological types, diagnosis, chromosomal abnormalities, and postnatal clinical manifestations of right and double aortic arch malformations in fetuses.

Methods

In this retrospective study, all fetuses diagnosed with right or double aortic arch anomalies for whom conventional two‐dimensional echocardiography combined with spatio‐temporal image correlation was performed at our tertiary referral center between December 2012 and December 2021 were included.

Results

In total, 234 fetuses with aortic arch abnormalities were identified. Forty‐one cases lost to follow‐up. One hundred ninety‐three cases were included in this study. One hundred eighty‐seven cases with right aortic arch. Six cases with double aortic arch. Most cases of right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery (77/101, 76.2%) were isolated lesions, whereas most of those with mirror‐image branching (45/75, 60%) were associated with intracardiac or extracardiac anomalies. Chromosomal abnormalities were screened prenatally in 113 fetuses with right aortic arch, among whom three with aberrant left subclavian artery (3/63, 4.8%) and eight with mirror‐image branching (8/50, 16%) had chromosome anomalies (p < 0.05). Furthermore, three cases had microdeletion 22q11.2 and these were significantly associated with intracardiac malformations.

Conclusions

Most cases of isolated right aortic arch do not present with clinical symptoms except isolated left subclavian artery and isolated left brachiocephalic trunk. In addition, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in patients with isolated right aortic arch is very low. We recommend that pregnant women should be informed of the risks and benefits of undergoing invasive prenatal chromosomal detection.
Imaging signs of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis in an urban population of 65‐year‐olds: A cone beam computed tomography study
Authors: Ottersen Margareth Kristensen , Larheim Tore A. , Hove Lene Hystad , Arvidsson Linda Z.
Published: June 2023

Background

Symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may vary and possible causes should be further explored, such as prevalence and characteristics of imaging features.

Objectives

Investigate prevalence, gender differences and characteristics of imaging signs of TMJ‐OA by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a population‐based sample of 65‐year‐old Oslo citizens.

Materials and Methods

159 (86 women, 73 men) individuals randomly recruited from a cohort of 460 Oslo citizens were examined with CBCT. The TMJs were categorised as with imaging signs of OA, no OA or indeterminate for OA.

Results

CBCT signs of TMJ‐OA were found in 35% of the 159 participants: 47% of the women and 22% of the men. CBCT signs of TMJ‐OA were unilateral in two‐thirds of the TMJs and characterised by articular surface flattening and condylar osteophytes. In almost all joints with bone erosive findings, bone productive findings were also found. Participants with and without CBCT signs of TMJ‐OA showed no significant difference in TMD pain screener. Fourteen of the 159 participants (9%) had pain‐related TMD and 12 (8%) had been in contact with health care services due to TMD.

Conclusions

CBCT signs of TMJ‐OA was common in this study group of 65‐year‐old Oslo citizens, found in every second woman and every fifth man. Articular surface flattening and bone productive changes, in particular condylar osteophytes, were the most frequent imaging features. Despite the high frequency of CBCT signs of TMJ‐OA, few of the participants had pain‐related TMD.
Neural speech tracking shifts from the syllabic to the modulation rate of speech as intelligibility decreases
Authors: Schmidt Fabian , Chen Ya‐Ping , Keitel Anne , Rösch Sebastian , Hannemann Ronny , Serman Maja , Hauswald Anne , Weisz Nathan
Published: June 2023

The most prominent acoustic features in speech are intensity modulations, represented by the amplitude envelope of speech. Synchronization of neural activity with these modulations supports speech comprehension. As the acoustic modulation of speech is related to the production of syllables, investigations of neural speech tracking commonly do not distinguish between lower‐level acoustic (envelope modulation) and higher‐level linguistic (syllable rate) information. Here we manipulated speech intelligibility using noise‐vocoded speech and investigated the spectral dynamics of neural speech processing, across two studies at cortical and subcortical levels of the auditory hierarchy, using magnetoencephalography. Overall, cortical regions mostly track the syllable rate, whereas subcortical regions track the acoustic envelope. Furthermore, with less intelligible speech, tracking of the modulation rate becomes more dominant. Our study highlights the importance of distinguishing between envelope modulation and syllable rate and provides novel possibilities to better understand differences between auditory processing and speech/language processing disorders.
Psychophysiological models of hypovigilance detection: A scoping review
Authors: Marois Alexandre , Kopf Maëlle , Fortin Michelle , Huot‐Lavoie Maxime , Martel Alexandre , Boyd J. Gordon , Gagnon Jean‐François , Archambault Patrick M.
Published: June 2023

Hypovigilance represents a major contributor to accidents. In operational contexts, the burden of monitoring/managing vigilance often rests on operators. Recent advances in sensing technologies allow for the development of psychophysiology‐based (hypo)vigilance prediction models. Still, these models remain scarcely applied to operational situations and need better understanding. The current scoping review provides a state of knowledge regarding psychophysiological models of hypovigilance detection. Records evaluating vigilance measuring tools with gold standard comparisons and hypovigilance prediction performances were extracted from MEDLINE, PsychInfo, and Inspec. Exclusion criteria comprised aspects related to language, non‐empirical papers, and sleep studies. The Quality Assessment tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) and the Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST) were used for bias evaluation. Twenty‐one records were reviewed. They were mainly characterized by participant selection and analysis biases. Papers predominantly focused on driving and employed several common psychophysiological techniques. Yet, prediction methods and gold standards varied widely. Overall, we outline the main strategies used to assess hypovigilance, their principal limitations, and we discuss applications of these models.
Organizational resilience as a key property of enterprise risk management in response to novel and severe crisis events
Authors: Dahmen Patrick
Published: June 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic represented a novel risk event. Research on similar past crises identified risk culture and leadership as properties of effective enterprise risk management to enable companies to respond “like a rubber ball” to such events. The focus of this paper is on the question of how enterprise risk management (ERM) can develop such resilience. A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to enrich the ERM framework with insights from organizational resilience theory, resource and dynamic capability theory and system psychodynamic thinking, addressing the human dynamics at play when coping with such a crisis. It was complemented by a global empirical study among C‐level executives in insurance on the management of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Some key insights were identified: a learning culture, a strong system permeability, a clear purpose, strong leadership to ensure alignment and autonomy of teams and a culture of trust, where employees feel safe, but also dare to take courageous steps to benefit from the crisis. While the newly developed organizational resilience framework identifies the key themes, the organizational resilience map provides guidance on how to develop organizational resilience. This paper enables researchers and practitioners to identify key themes to render a company more resilient to unforeseen risk events.
New asymptotic representations of the noncentral t‐distribution
Authors: Gil Amparo , Segura Javier , Temme Nico M.
Published: June 2023

New asymptotic approximations of the noncentral t distribution are given a generalization of the Student's t distribution. Using new integral representations, we give new asymptotic expansions not only for large values of the noncentrality parameter but also for large values of the degrees of freedom parameter. In some cases, we accept more than one large parameter. These results are not only in terms of elementary functions, but also in terms of the complementary error function and the incomplete gamma function. A number of numerical tests demonstrate the performance of the asymptotic approximations.
Macroscopic wave propagation for 2D lattice with random masses
Authors: McGinnis Joshua A.
Published: June 2023

We consider a simple two‐dimensional harmonic lattice with random, independent, and identically distributed masses. Using the methods of stochastic homogenization, we prove that solutions with initial data, which varies slowly relative to the lattice spacing, converge in an appropriate sense to solutions of an effective wave equation. The convergence is strong and almost sure. In addition, the role of the lattice's dimension in the rate of convergence is discussed. The technique combines energy estimates with powerful classical results about sub‐Gaussian random variables.
The effects of social vigilantism and masculine honor beliefs on perceptions of confrontation during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Schiffer Ashley A. , Wilcox Brooke E. , Jones Tucker L. , Saucier Donald A.
Published: June 2023

Varying opinions about the COVID‐19 pandemic inspire different behaviors (e.g., mask‐wearing), and confrontation may result between people with differing viewpoints. Individual differences associated with belief superiority (e.g., Social Vigilantism; SV) and/or pride (e.g., Masculine Honor Beliefs; MHB) likely related to third‐person perceptions of pandemic confrontations. In this study (N = 237; US sample), we used vignettes in a 2 (Mask: Yes/No) ×  2(Confrontation Response: Vocal Defense/Walked Away) between‐groups design to examine how SV and MHB predict perceptions of (1) responses to public confrontation about (not) wearing a mask and (2) the person being confronted. In general, mask‐wearing and walking away from confrontation were perceived more positively. Higher SV was associated with more positive perceptions of seemingly morally‐justified responses to confrontation (e.g., walking away when confronted for not wearing a mask, vocally defending oneself when confronted for wearing a mask). Contrarily, higher MHB were associated with more positive perceptions of non‐mask‐wearing. This research provides insight about how individual differences in SV and MHB relate to nuances in pandemic confrontations, and responses to confrontations, about (non)mask‐wearing.
COVID‐19 pandemic's impact on the public's confidence in scientific community: The role of personal contact
Authors: Scheitle Christopher P. , DiGregorio Bernard D. , Corcoran Katie E. , Guthrie Sara K.
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study considers how having personally tested positive for COVID‐19 or knowing someone who has tested positive for COVID‐19 is associated with an individual's reported change in confidence in the scientific community due to the pandemic.

Methods

Using data generated from a probability sample of U.S. adults, we estimate regression models predicting individuals’ reported change in confidence in the scientific community due to the pandemic.

Results

Political affiliation, age, having tested positive for COVID‐19, and knowing someone who tested positive for COVID‐19 are associated with reporting changes in confidence in the scientific community due to the pandemic.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the public's perception of the scientific community's response to the COVID‐19 pandemic is in part shaped by individuals’ personal contact with the virus.
Phylomitogenomics reveals mito‐nuclear concordance in social wasps: The performance of mitochondrial markers and gene order for hymenopteran systematics
Authors: Menezes Rodolpho S. T. , Noll Fernando B. , Aragão Marcos , Hermes Marcel G. , Brady Seán G.
Published: June 2023

Mitochondrial (mtDNA) genes have served as widely utilised genetic loci for phylogenetic and phylogeographic studies of animals. However, the phylogenetic performance of many mtDNA genes has not been empirically evaluated across lineages within hymenopteran wasps. To address this question, we assembled and analysed mitogenomic data from social wasps, representing the four recognised tribes of Polistinae and all Epiponini genera. Additionally, we evaluated whether mtDNA gene order in Polistinae is congruent with its tribal classification. Using concatenation phylogenetic methods, we show phylogenetic congruence between mitogenomic and nuclear data. Statistically comparing the phylogenetic performance of individual mtDNA genes, we demonstrate that for social wasps the molecular markers COI, 16S, NAD5, and NAD2 perform best, while ATP6, COII, and 12S show the worst results. Finally, we verified that the tRNA cluster close to the noncoding region is a hotspot of genetic rearrangements in Vespidae and can be used as additional information for the systematics of this group. Together, these results indicate that mitogenomes contain robust phylogenetic signal to elucidate the evolutionary history of Vespidae. Moreover, our study identifies the best choice of mtDNA markers for systematic investigations of social wasps.
Virtual medical research mentoring
Authors: Chan Jeffrey Shi Kai , Lau Dawnie Ho Hei , King Emma , Roever Leonardo , Liu Tong , Shum Yuki Ka Ling , Ng Kenrick , Dee Edward Christopher , Ciobanu Ana , Bazoukis George , Mahmoudi Elham , Satti Danish Iltaf , Jeevaratnam Kamalan , Baranchuk Adrian , Tse Gary ,   Cardiovascular Analytics Group
Published: June 2023

Background

Medical research is important for professional advancement, and mentoring is a key means by which students and early‐career doctors can engage in research. Contrasting international research collaborations, research mentoring programmes are often geographically limited. As the COVID‐19 pandemic has led to increased use of online technology for classes and conferences, a virtual, international approach to medical research mentoring may be valuable.

Approach

We hereby describe our experience at the Cardiovascular Analytics Group, a virtual international medical research mentoring group established in 2015. We make use of virtual platforms in multi‐level mentoring with peer mentoring and emphasise active participation, early leadership, an open culture, accessible research support and a distributed research workflow.

Evaluation

With 63 active members from 14 different countries, the Group has been successful in training medical students and early‐career medical graduates in academic medicine. Our members have led over 100 peer‐reviewed publications of original research and reviews since 2015, winning 13 research prizes during this time.

Implications

Our accessible‐distributed model of virtual international medical research collaboration and multi‐level mentoring is viable and efficient and caters to the needs of contemporary healthcare. Others should consider building similar models to improve medical research mentoring globally.
sandwichr: Spatial prediction in R based on spatial stratified heterogeneity
Authors: Lin Yue , Xu Chengdong , Wang Jinfeng
Published: June 2023

Spatial prediction is commonly used in social and environmental research to estimate values at unobserved locations using sampling data. However, most existing spatial prediction methods and software packages are based on the assumption of spatial autocorrelation (SAC), which may not apply when spatial dependence is weak or non‐existent. In this article, we develop a modeling framework for spatial prediction based on spatial stratified heterogeneity (SSH), a common feature of geographical variables, as well as an R package called sandwichr that implements this framework. For populations that can be stratified into homogeneous strata, the proposed framework enables the estimation of values for user‐defined reporting units (e.g., administrative units or grid cells) based on the mean of each stratum, even if SAC is weak or absent. The estimated values can be used to create predicted surfaces and mapping. The framework also includes procedures for selecting appropriate stratifications of the populations and assessing prediction uncertainty and model accuracy. The sandwichr package includes functions to implement each step of the framework, allowing users to implement SSH‐based spatial prediction effectively and efficiently. Two case studies are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework and the sandwichr package.
Increased drug concentration and repeated eye drop administration as strategies to optimize topical drug delivery: A fluorophotometric study in healthy dogs
Authors: Page Lauren E. , Kubai Melissa A. , Allbaugh Rachel A. , Bedos Leila , Roy Mackenzie M. , Mochel Jonathan P. , Sebbag Lionel
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Determine tear film kinetics with different fluorescein concentrations and repeated eye drop administration at various time intervals.

Animals Studied

Six healthy Beagles.

Procedures

Six experiments were conducted on separate days: single eye drop administration (control) or two separate eye drops administered at 30 s, 1, 2, 5, and 10 min intervals. For each experiment, one eye received 0.3% fluorescein solution while the other eye received 1% fluorescein solution, and tear fluid was collected with capillary tubes at 0, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 120, and 180 min. Fluorescein concentrations were measured using automated fluorophotometry.

Results

Compared with 0.3% solution, eyes receiving 1% fluorescein solution had significantly higher tear film concentrations (p ≤ .046) and the area‐under‐the‐fluorescein‐time curve was twofold greater (p = .005). Compared with control: (i) Tear film concentrations were significantly higher for up to 20 min when repeating administration 30 s to 5 min after the first drop (p ≤ .006); (ii) The highest increase in area‐under‐the‐curve was obtained with 2 and 5 min intervals for 0.3% (+109%–130%) and 1% solutions (+153%–157%); (iii) The highest increase in median precorneal retention time (defined as tear film concentration < 5% from baseline values) was obtained with 5 min intervals for 0.3% (55 min vs. 15 min in control) and 2–5 min intervals for 1% solutions (50 min vs. 25 min in control).

Conclusions

Drug delivery to the ocular surface can be enhanced by using more concentrated formulations and/or by repeating eye drop administration 2–5 min after the first dose.
Rapid topographic growth of the Taiwan orogen since ~1.3–1.5 Ma
Authors: Chang Queenie , Hren Michael T. , Lai Larry Syu-Heng , Dorsey Rebecca J. , Byrne Timothy B.
Published: June 2023

We present the first paleotopographic reconstruction of Taiwan by measuring the hydrogen isotope composition of leaf waxes (δ
2
H

n
C29

) preserved in 3-Ma and younger sediments of the southern Coastal Range. Plant leaf waxes record the δ
2
H of precipitation during formation, which is related to elevation. Leaf waxes produced across the orogen are transported and deposited in adjacent sedimentary basins, providing deep-time records of the source elevation of detrital organic matter. δ
2
H

n
C29

exported from the southern Taiwan orogen decreased by more than 40‰ since ~1.3–1.5 Ma, indicating an increase of >2 kilometers in the organic source elevation. The increase in organic source elevation is best explained by rapid surface uplift of the southern Central Range at around ~1.3–1.5 Ma and indicates that this part of the orogen was characterized by maximum elevations of at least 3 km at this time. Further increase in organic source elevation from ~0.85 to ~0.3 Ma indicates continued topographic growth to modern elevations.
Aldehyde accumulation in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
with defective proteasomal degradation results in copper sensitivity
Authors: Limón Gina , Samhadaneh Nora M. , Pironti Alejandro , Darwin K. Heran
Published: June 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is a major human pathogen and the causative agent of tuberculosis disease.
M. tuberculosis
is able to persist in the face of host-derived antimicrobial molecules nitric oxide (NO) and copper (Cu). However,
M. tuberculosis
with defective proteasome activity is highly sensitive to NO and Cu, making the proteasome an attractive target for drug development. Previous work linked NO susceptibility with the accumulation of
para
-hydroxybenzaldehyde (
p
HBA) in
M. tuberculosis
mutants with defective proteasomal degradation. In this study, we found that
p
HBA accumulation was also responsible for Cu sensitivity in these strains. We showed that exogenous addition of
p
HBA to wild-type
M. tuberculosis
cultures sensitized bacteria to Cu to a degree similar to that of a proteasomal degradation mutant. We determined that
p
HBA reduced the production and function of critical Cu resistance proteins of the
r
egulated
i
n
c
opper
r
epressor (RicR) regulon. Furthermore, we extended these Cu-sensitizing effects to an aldehyde that
M. tuberculosis
may face within the macrophage. Collectively, this study is the first to mechanistically propose how aldehydes can render
M. tuberculosis
susceptible to an existing host defense and could support a broader role for aldehydes in controlling
M. tuberculosis
infections.

IMPORTANCE

M. tuberculosis
is a leading cause of death by a single infectious agent, causing 1.5 million deaths annually. An effective vaccine for
M. tuberculosis
infections is currently lacking, and prior infection does not typically provide robust immunity to subsequent infections. Nonetheless, immunocompetent humans can control
M. tuberculosis
infections for decades. For these reasons, a clear understanding of how mammalian immunity inhibits mycobacterial growth is warranted. In this study, we show aldehydes can increase
M. tuberculosis
susceptibility to copper, an established antibacterial metal used by immune cells to control
M. tuberculosis
and other microbes. Given that activated macrophages produce increased amounts of aldehydes during infection, we propose host-derived aldehydes may help control bacterial infections, making aldehydes a previously unappreciated antimicrobial defense.
SARS-CoV-2 hijacks p38β/MAPK11 to promote virus replication
Authors: Higgins Christina A. , Nilsson-Payant Benjamin E. , Bonaventure Boris , Kurland Andrew P. , Ye Chengjin , Yaron Tomer M. , Johnson Jared L. , Adhikary Prithy , Golynker Ilona , Panis Maryline , Danziger Oded , Rosenberg Brad R. , Cantley Lewis C. , Martínez-Sobrido Luis , tenOever Benjamin , Johnson Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, drastically modifies infected cells to optimize virus replication. One such modification is the activation of the host p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which plays a major role in inflammatory cytokine production, a hallmark of severe COVID-19. We previously demonstrated that inhibition of p38/MAPK activity in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells reduced both cytokine production and viral replication. Here, we combined quantitative genetic screening, genomics, proteomics, and phosphoproteomics to better understand mechanisms underlying the dependence of SARS-CoV-2 on the p38 pathway. We found that p38β is a critical host factor for SARS-CoV-2 replication in multiple relevant cell lines and that it functions at a step after viral mRNA expression. We identified putative host and viral p38β substrates in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection and found that most host substrates have intrinsic antiviral activities. Taken together, this study reveals a unique proviral function for p38β and supports exploring p38β inhibitor development as a strategy toward creating a new class of COVID-19 therapies.

IMPORTANCE

SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed millions of lives since its emergence in 2019. SARS-CoV-2 infection of human cells requires the activity of several cellular pathways for successful replication. One such pathway, the p38 MAPK pathway, is required for virus replication and disease pathogenesis. Here, we applied systems biology approaches to understand how MAPK pathways benefit SARS-CoV-2 replication to inform the development of novel COVID-19 drug therapies.
Butyrate Protects against Clostridium difficile Infection by Regulating Bile Acid Metabolism
Authors: Wang Siqi , Xiang Leyang , li Fang , Deng Wenlin , lv Pinjing , Chen Ye
Published: June 2023

Here, we show that levels of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate, are reduced, and normal colon structure is damaged in patients with CDI compared with those in healthy individuals. Bile acid (BA) metabolic disorder in patients with CDI is characterized by increased primary BA levels and decreased secondary BAs.