bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A zinc finger transcription factor tunes social behaviors by controlling transposable elements and immune response in prefrontal cortex
Authors: Truby Natalie L. , Kim R. Kijoon , Silva Gabriella M. , Qu Xufeng , Picone Joseph A. , Alemu Rebecca , Neve Rachael L. , Cui Xiaohong , Liu Jinze , Hamilton Peter J.
Published: April 2023

The neurobiological origins of social behaviors are incompletely understood. Here we utilized synthetic biology approaches to reprogram the function of ZFP189, a transcription factor whose expression and function in the rodent prefrontal cortex was previously determined to be protective against stress-induced social deficits. We created novel synthetic ZFP189 transcription factors including ZFP189VPR, which activates the transcription of target genes and therefore exerts opposite functional control from the endogenous, transcriptionally repressive ZFP189WT. Upon viral delivery of these synthetic ZFP189 transcription factors to mouse prefrontal cortex, we observe that ZFP189-mediated transcriptional control promotes mature dendritic spine morphology on transduced pyramidal neurons. Interestingly, dysregulation of ZFP189-mediated transcription in this brain area, achieved by delivery of synthetic ZFP189VPR, precipitates social behavioral deficits in terms of social interaction, motivation, and the cognition necessary for the maintenance of social hierarchy, without other observable behavioral deficits. By performing RNA sequencing in virally manipulated prefrontal cortex tissues, we discover that ZFP189 transcription factors of opposing regulatory function have opposite influence on the expression of genetic transposable elements as well as genes that participate in immune functions. Collectively, this work reveals that ZFP189 function in the prefrontal cortex coordinates structural and transcriptional neuroadaptations necessary for social behaviors by binding transposable element-rich regions of DNA to regulate immune-related genes. Given the evidence for a co-evolution of social behavior and the brain immune response, we posit that ZFP189 may have evolved to augment brain transposon-associated immune function as a way of enhancing an animal’s capacity for functioning in social groups.
Cell type-specific responses to fungal infection in plants revealed by single-cell transcriptomics
Authors: Tang Bozeng , Feng Li , Ding Pingtao , Ma Wenbo
Published: April 2023

Plant infection by microbial pathogens is a dynamic process. Here, we investigated the heterogeneity of plant responses in the context of pathogen location. A single-cell atlas ofArabidopsis thalianaleaves challenged by the fungusColletotrichumhigginsianum revealed cell type-specific gene expression that highlights an enrichment of intracellular immune receptors in vasculature cells. Using trajectory inference, we assigned cells that directly interacted with the invasive hyphae. Further analysis of cells at these infection sites revealed transcriptional plasticity based on cell type. A reprogramming of abscisic acid signalling was specifically activated in guard cells. Consistently, a contact-dependent stomatal closure was observed, possibly representing a defense response that anticipates pathogen invasive growth. We defined cell type-specific deployments of genes activating indole glucosinolate biosynthesis at the infection sites, and determined their contribution to resistance. This research highlights the spatial dynamics of plant response during infection and reveals cell type-specific processes and gene functions.
Behavior-relevant top-down cross-modal predictions in mouse neocortex
Authors: Han Shuting , Helmchen Fritjof
Published: April 2023

Animals rely on predicting their environment and the consequences of their actions to adapt to a constantly changing world. The predictive coding hypothesis proposes that the brain generates predictions and continuously compares them with bottom-up sensory inputs to guide behavior. However, how the brain reconciles conflicting top-down predictions and bottom-up sensory information during behavior remains unclear. To address this question, we simultaneously imaged neuronal populations in the mouse somatosensory cortex and the posterior parietal cortex during an auditory-cued texture discrimination task. After mice learnt the task with fixed tone-texture matching, mismatched pairing caused conflicting tone-based texture predictions and actual texture inputs. When top-down interaction was dominant, texture representations in both areas were modified and mice decided based on the predicted rather than actual texture, whereas dominant bottom-up interaction corrected the representations as well as behavioral choice. Our findings provide evidence for hierarchical predictive coding in the mouse neocortex and open new avenues for understanding higher cognitive functions.
Interrogation of dynamic glucose-enhanced MRI and fluorescence-based imaging reveals a perturbed glymphatic network in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Liu Hongshuai , Chen Lin , Zhang Chuangchuang , Liu Chang , Li Yuguo , Cheng Liam , Wei Zhiliang , Zhang Ziqin , Lu Hanzhang , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Iliff Jeffrey J. , Xu Jiadi , Duan Wenzhen
Published: April 2023

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that presents with progressive motor, mental, and cognitive impairment leading to early disability and mortality. The accumulation of mutant huntingtin protein aggregates in neurons is a pathological hallmark of HD. The glymphatic system, a brain-wide perivascular network, facilitates the exchange of interstitial fluid (ISF) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), supporting interstitial solute clearance including abnormal proteins from mammalian brains. In this study, we employed dynamic glucose-enhanced (DGE) MRI to measure D-glucose clearance from CSF as a tool to assess CSF clearance capacity to predict glymphatic function in a mouse model of HD. Our results demonstrate significantly diminished CSF clearance efficiency in premanifest zQ175 HD mice. The impairment of CSF clearance of D-glucose, measured by DGE MRI, worsened with disease progression. These DGE MRI findings in compromised glymphatic function in HD mice were further confirmed with fluorescence-based imaging of glymphatic CSF tracer influx, suggesting an impaired glymphatic function in premanifest stage of HD. Moreover, expression of the astroglial water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in the perivascular compartment, a key mediator of glymphatic function, was significantly diminished in both HD mouse brain as well as postmortem human HD brain. Our data, acquired using a clinically translatable MRI approach, indicate a perturbed glymphatic network in the HD brain as early as in the premanifest stage. Further validation of these findings in clinical studies should provide insights into potential of glymphatic clearance as a HD biomarker and for glymphatic functioning as a disease-modifying therapeutic target for HD.
Systemic Proteome Phenotypes Reveal Defective Metabolic Flexibility in Mecp2 Mutants
Authors: Zlatic Stephanie A. , Werner Erica , Surapaneni Veda , Lee Chelsea E. , Gokhale Avanti , Singleton Kaela , Duong Duc , Crocker Amanda , Gentile Karen , Middleton Frank , Dalloul Joseph Martin , Liu William Li-Yun , Patgiri Anupam , Tarquinio Daniel , Carpenter Randall , Faundez Victor
Published: April 2023

Genes mutated in monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders are broadly expressed. This observation supports the concept that monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders are systemic diseases that profoundly impact neurodevelopment. We tested the systemic disease model focusing on Rett syndrome, which is caused by mutations inMECP2. Transcriptomes and proteomes of organs and brain regions fromMecp2-null mice as well as diverseMECP2-null male and female human cells were assessed. Widespread changes in the steady-state transcriptome and proteome were identified in brain regions and organs of presymptomaticMecp2-null male mice as well as mutant human cell lines. The extent of these transcriptome and proteome modifications was similar in cortex, liver, kidney, and skeletal muscle and more pronounced than in the hippocampus and striatum. In particular,Mecp2- andMECP2-sensitive proteomes were enriched in synaptic and metabolic annotated gene products, the latter encompassing lipid metabolism and mitochondrial pathways.MECP2mutations altered pyruvate-dependent mitochondrial respiration while maintaining the capacity to use glutamine as a mitochondrial carbon source. We conclude that mutations inMecp2/MECP2perturb lipid and mitochondrial metabolism systemically limiting cellular flexibility to utilize mitochondrial fuels.
High-resolution structure of mammalian PI31–20S proteasome complex reveals mechanism of proteasome inhibition
Authors: Hsu Hao-Chi , Wang Jason , Kjellgren Abbey , Li Huilin , DeMartino George N.
Published: April 2023

Proteasome-catalyzed protein degradation mediates and regulates critical aspects of many cellular functions and is an important element of proteostasis in health and disease. Proteasome function is determined in part by the types of proteasome holoenzymes formed between the 20S core particle that catalyzes peptide bond hydrolysis and any of multiple regulatory proteins to which it binds. One of these regulators, PI31, was previously identified as anin vitro20S proteasome inhibitor, but neither the molecular mechanism nor the possible physiologic significance of PI31-mediated proteasome inhibition has been clear. Here we report a high- resolution cryo-EM structure of the mammalian 20S proteasome in complex with PI31. The structure shows that two copies of the intrinsically-disordered carboxyl-terminus of PI31 are present in the central cavity of the closed-gate conformation of the proteasome and interact with proteasome catalytic sites in a manner that blocks proteolysis of substrates but resists their own degradation. The two inhibitory polypeptide chains appear to originate from PI31 monomers that enter the catalytic chamber from opposite ends of the 20S cylinder. We present evidence that PI31 can inhibit proteasome activity in mammalian cells and may serve regulatory functions for the control of cellular proteostasis.
Identification of overlapping and distinct mural cell populations during early embryonic development
Authors: Colijn Sarah , Nambara Miku , Stratman Amber N.
Published: April 2023

Mural cells are an essential perivascular cell population that associate with blood vessels and contribute to vascular stabilization and tone. In the embryonic zebrafish vasculature,pdgfrbandtaglnare commonly used as markers for identifying pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs). However, the expression patterns of these markers used in tandem have not been fully described. Here, we used theTg(pdgfrb:Gal4FF; UAS:RFP)andTg(tagln:NLS-EGFP)transgenic lines to identify single- and double-positive perivascular populations in the cranial, axial, and intersegmental vessels between 1 and 5 days post-fertilization. From this comparative analysis, we discovered two novel regions oftagln-positive cell populations that have the potential to function as mural cell precursors. Specifically, we found that the hypochord— a reportedly transient structure—contributes totagln-positive cells along the dorsal aorta. We also identified a unique sclerotome-derived mural cell progenitor population that resides along the midline between the neural tube and notochord and contributes to intersegmental vessel mural cell coverage. Together, our findings highlight the variability and versatility of trackingpdgfrbandtaglnexpression in mural cells of the developing zebrafish embryo.

Summary Statement

Detailed analysis ofpdgfrb/taglnvascular expression patterns in embryonic zebrafish reveals novel regions oftagln-positive populations such as the hypochord and a mural cell progenitor population adjacent to the midline.
Structural, elastic, electronic, optical and vibrational properties of single-layered, bilayered and bulk molybdenite MoS2-2H
Authors: Ulian Gianfranco , Valdrè Giovanni
Published: April 2023

In recent years, transition metal dichalcogenides have received great attention since they can be prepared as two-dimensional semiconductors, presenting heterodesmic structures incorporating strong in-plane covalent bonds and weak out-of-plane interactions, with an easy cleavage/exfoliation in single or multiple layers. In this context, molybdenite, the mineralogical name of molybdenum disulfide, MoS2, has drawn much attention because of its very promising physical properties for optoelectronic applications, in particular a band gap that can be tailored with the material's thickness, optical absorption in the visible region and strong light–matter interactions due to the planar exciton confinement effect. Despite this wide interest and the numerous experimental and theoretical articles in the literature, these report on just one or two specific features of bulk and layered MoS2 and sometimes provide conflicting results. For these reasons, presented here is a thorough theoretical analysis of the different aspects of bulk, monolayer and bilayer MoS2 within the density functional theory (DFT) framework and with the DFT-D3 correction to account for long-range interactions. The crystal chemistry, stiffness, and electronic, dielectric/optical and phonon properties of single-layered, bilayered and bulk molybdenite have been investigated, to obtain a consistent and detailed set of data and to assess the variations and cross correlation from the bulk to single- and double-layer units. The simulations show the indirect–direct transition of the band gap (K–K′ in the first Brillouin zone) from the bulk to the single-layer structure, which however reverts to an indirect transition when a bilayer is considered. In general, the optical properties are in good agreement with previous experimental measurements using spectroscopic ellipsometry and reflectivity, and with preliminary theoretical simulations.
101 contact twins in gypsum experimentally obtained from calcium carbonate enriched solutions: mineralogical implications for natural gypsum deposits
Authors: Cotellucci Andrea , Otálora Fermín , Canals Àngels , Criado-Reyes Joaquin , Pellegrino Luca , Bruno Marco , Aquilano Dino , Garcia-Ruiz Juan Manuel , Dela Pierre Francesco , Pastero Linda
Published: April 2023

Gypsum twins are frequently observed in nature, triggered by a wide array of impurities that are present in their depositional environments and that may exert a critical role in the selection of different twin laws. Identifying the impurities able to promote the selection of specific twin laws has relevance for geological studies aimed at interpreting the gypsum depositional environments in ancient and modern deposits. Here, the effect of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) on gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) growth morphology has been investigated by performing temperature-controlled laboratory experiments with and without the addition of carbonate ions. The precipitation of twinned gypsum crystals has been achieved experimentally (101 contact twin law) by adding carbonate to the solution, and the involvement of rapidcreekite (Ca2SO4CO3·4H2O) in selecting the 101 gypsum contact twin law was supported, suggesting an epitaxial mechanism. Moreover, the occurrence of 101 gypsum contact twins in nature has been suggested by comparing the natural gypsum twin morphologies observed in evaporitic environments with those obtained in experiments. Finally, both orientations of the primary fluid inclusions (of the negative crystal shape) with respect to the twin plane and the main elongation of sub-crystals that form the twin are proposed as a fast and useful method (especially in geological samples) to distinguish between the 100 and 101 twin laws. The results of this study provide new insights into the mineralogical implications of twinned gypsum crystals and their potential as a tool to better understand natural gypsum deposits.
Manufacturers' emission reduction investment strategy under carbon cap-and-trade policy and uncertain low-carbon preferences
Authors: Xu Chunqiu , Liu Fengzhi , Zhou Yanjie , Dou Runliang , Feng Xuehao , Shen Bo
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to find optimal emission reduction investment strategies for the manufacturer and examine the effects of carbon cap-and-trade policy and uncertain low-carbon preferences on emission reduction investment strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper studied a supply chain consisting of one manufacturer and one retailer, in which the manufacturer is responsible for emission reduction investment. The manufacturer has two emission reduction investment strategies: (1) invest in traditional emission reduction technologies only in the production process and (2) increase investment in smart supply chain technologies in the use process. Then, three different Stackelberg game models are developed to explore the benefits of the manufacturer in different cases. Finally, this paper coordinates between the manufacturer and the retailer by developing a revenue-sharing contract.

Findings

The manufacturer's optimal emission reduction strategy is dynamic. When consumers' low-carbon preferences are low and the government implements a carbon cap-and-trade policy, the manufacturer can obtain the highest profit by increasing the emission reduction investment in the use process. The carbon cap-and-trade policy can encourage the manufacturer to reduce emissions only when the initial carbon emission is low. The emission reduction, order quantity and the manufacturer's profit increase with the consumers' low-carbon preferences. And the manufacturer can adjust the emission reduction investment according to the emission reduction cost coefficient in two processes.

Originality/value

This paper considers the investment of emission reduction technologies in different processes and provides theoretical guidance for manufacturers to make a low-carbon transformation. Furthermore, the paper provides suggestions for governments to effectively implement carbon cap-and-trade policy.
Preparedness and crisis‐driven policy change: COVID‐19, digital readiness, and information technology professionals in Canadian local government
Authors: Spicer Zachary , Lyons Joseph , Calvert Morgan
Published: April 2023

This article explores the pandemic‐induced transition to electronic municipal council meetings in Ontario, Canada as an instance of crisis‐driven policy change. Employing survey data of information technology (IT) professionals and a critical case study, this research probes the notion that crises, like pandemics, can not only create windows for policy change, but also draw attention to the many often overlooked operational elements of government, including the increasingly important policy role played by IT professionals.
The Multifaceted Role of Self‐Generated Question Asking in Curiosity‐Driven Learning
Authors: Kedrick Kara , Schrater Paul , Koutstaal Wilma
Published: April 2023

Curiosity motivates the search for missing information, driving learning, scientific discovery, and innovation. Yet, identifying that there is a gap in one's knowledge is itself a critical step, and may demand that one formulate a question to precisely express what is missing. Our work captures the integral role of self‐generated questions during the acquisition of new information, which we refer to as active‐curiosity‐driven learning. We tested active‐curiosity‐driven learning using our “Curiosity Question & Answer Task” paradigm, where participants (N=135) were asked to generate questions in response to novel, incomplete factual statements and provided the opportunity to forage for answers. We also introduce new measures of question quality that express how well questions capture stimulus and foraging information. We hypothesized that active question asking should influence behavior across the stages of our task by increasing the probability that participants express curiosity, forage for answers, and remember what they had thereby discovered. We found that individuals who asked a high number of quality questions experienced elevated curiosity, were more likely to pursue missing information that was semantically related to their questions, and more likely to retain the information on a later cued recall test. Additional analyses revealed that curiosity played a predominant role in motivating participants to forage for missing information, and that both curiosity and satisfaction with the acquired information boosted memory recall. Overall, our results suggest that asking questions enhances the value of missing information, with important implications for learning and discovery of all forms.
Clinical development time is shorter for new anticancer drugs approved via accelerated approval in the US or via conditional approval in the EU
Authors: Demirci Ebru , Omes‐Smit Grace , Zwiers Alex
Published: April 2023

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) offer expedited regulatory approval programs for drugs with high potential patient value applicable at different stages leading to marketing authorization: (i) drug development (fast track designation (FTD), breakthrough therapy designation (BTD), regenerative medicine advanced therapy designation in the United States, and priority medicines scheme in the European Union), (ii) review of marketing authorization application (priority review in the United States and accelerated assessment in the European Union), (iii) approval of drug (accelerated approval in the United States and conditional approval in the European Union). Typical clinical development time of 76 new anticancer drugs, for which the EMA gave a positive opinion between January 2010 and December 2019, was 6.7 years: 5.8 years for small molecules and 7.7 years for biotechnology‐derived products. Drugs following only BTD (5.6 years) typically had a shorter clinical development time than drugs following only FTD (6.4 years) or both FTD and BTD (6.4 years), compared to drugs not following any expedited regulatory approval program at the drug development stage (7.7 years). Drugs following an expedited regulatory approval program at the stage of drug development and accelerated approval in the United States (FDA1 [4.5 years] and FDA3 [5.6 years]), and drugs following the standard procedure at the stage of drug development and conditional approval in the European Union (EMA5 [5.5 years] and EMA7 [4.5 years]) typically had a reduced clinical development time. These findings provide insight for the industry into combinations of expedited regulatory approval programs correlated with shorter clinical development time of new anticancer drugs.
Culinary art, political theater, and COVID‐19 policy: An ethnographic study of a live poultry stall in Wuxi
Authors: Gu Yue , Rodd Robin
Published: April 2023

Emblematic of the ubiquitous wet markets in China, the live‐poultry trade has far‐reaching influences on Chinese people's diet, culinary art, social interactions, and cultural identities. Since the COVID‐19 pandemic began, the live‐poultry trade has also borne the brunt of this public health crisis due to its notorious history of spreading avian flu and its association with the spread of coronavirus. There have been serious consequences—successive open‐ended bans on live poultry trade at urban markets have been announced by several cities, Wuxi, China, included. Based on seven‐week field research on a conventional live‐poultry stall at a major wet market in Wuxi, this article examines the live‐poultry stall's work setting, interactions between live‐poultry vendors and consumers in building and practicing culinary values (including food qualities and cooking mastery), ethical issues around live‐poultry slaughtering, and how the local Wuxi government contrives to rehabilitate the city from an “endemic” business via an epidemic. We argue that there are underlying political agendas relating to cravings for modernity and urbanization behind a seemingly radical hygienic discourse, which tends to proselytize cultural customs and suppress the social functions of public space. The live‐poultry stall thus undergoes intersectional framing as a “culinary oasis” versus a “petri dish,” and a “social courtyard” versus a “political theater,” in this national anti‐epidemic movement.
NAPB and developmental and epileptic encephalopathy: Description of the electroclinical profile associated with a novel pathogenic variant
Authors: Mignon‐Ravix Cécile , Riccardi Florence , Daquin Géraldine , Cacciagli Pierre , Lamoureux‐Toth Sylvie , Villard Laurent , Villeneuve Nathalie , Molinari Florence
Published: April 2023

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by epileptic seizures associated with developmental delay or regression. DEE are genetically heterogeneous, and the proteins involved play roles in multiple pathways such as synaptic transmission, metabolism, neuronal development or maturation, transcriptional regulation, and intracellular trafficking. We performed whole exome sequencing on a consanguineous family with three children presenting an early onset (<6 months) with clusters of seizures characterized by oculomotor and vegetative manifestations, with an occipital origin. Before 1 year of age, interictal electroencephalographic recordings were well organized and neurodevelopment was unremarkable. Then, a severe regression occurred. We identified a novel homozygous protein‐truncating variant in the NAPB (N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive fusion [NSF] attachment protein beta) gene that encodes the βSNAP protein, a key regulator of NSF–adenosine triphosphatase. This enzyme is essential for synaptic transmission by disassembling and recycling proteins of the SNARE complex. Here, we describe the electroclinical profile of each patient during the disease course. Our findings strengthen the association between biallelic variants in NAPB and DEE and refine the associated phenotype. We suggest including this gene in the targeted epilepsy gene panels used for routine diagnosis of unexplained epilepsy.
Uncertainty and corporate investments in response to the Fed's dual shocks
Authors: Adra Samer , Menassa Elie
Published: April 2023

The Federal Reserve's impact on corporate investments varies with the type of monetary shock. From a conventional standpoint, contractionary monetary shocks trigger a rise in financing costs that significantly reduce investment. Such effects are predicted by the widely investigated monetary policy channels. However, we highlight informational circumstances under which monetary contraction reduces uncertainty and incentivizes a rise in investment. These effects arise when monetary tightening conveys a positive assessment of the macroeconomic outlook by the Fed. We further show that the positive effect of contractionary Fed information shocks on investment is largely driven by these shocks’ ability to reduce uncertainty.
Realizing the invariant electrostrain response and low hysteresis via multicomponent coordination in Pb‐based ceramics
Authors: Li Zhen , Jia Hongrui , Lu Jintao , Li Yinfei , Liang Zhigang , Wei Jing , Wang Linghang
Published: April 2023

High‐performance piezoelectric materials are essential in many piezoelectric devices. However, the composition of piezoelectric materials usually has a great influence on their performance. In this work, xBi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3–yPbZrO3–zPbTiO3 (xBMT–yPZ–zPT; 0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.4, 0.25 ≤ y ≤ 0.4, and 0.35 ≤ z ≤ 0.4) ternary ceramics with different compositions were synthesized and it was found that the strain response was not sensitive to the composition. The crystal structure, strain response, ferroelectric properties, and temperature stability of xBMT–yPZ–zPT ceramics were investigated in detail. X‐ray diffraction patterns show that all the as‐prepared xBMT–yPZ–zPT ceramics with x = 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 possess a perovskite structure. Under an external electric field of 6 kV mm−1, the strain values of xBMT–yPZ–zPT ternary ceramics with x = 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 were 0.30%, 0.31%, 0.30%, and 0.27%, respectively. In addition, the strain hysteresis of these ternary ceramics is also almost the same and low. These merits make xBMT–yPZ–zPT piezoelectric ceramics have broad application prospects in the field of commercial actuators.
Shifting age of child eating disorder hospitalizations during the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Auger Nathalie , Steiger Howard , Luu Thuy Mai , Chadi Nicholas , Low Nancy , Bilodeau‐Bertrand Marianne , Healy‐Profitós Jessica , Ayoub Aimina , Brousseau Émilie , Israël Mimi
Published: April 2023

Background

We studied the effect of the Covid‐19 pandemic on child eating disorder hospitalizations in Quebec, Canada. Quebec had one of the strictest lockdown measures targeting young people in North America.

Methods

We analyzed eating disorder hospitalizations in children aged 10–19 years before and during the pandemic. We used interrupted time series regression to assess trends in the monthly number of hospitalizations for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other eating disorders before the pandemic (April 2006 to February 2020), and during the first (March to August 2020) and second waves (September 2020 to March 2021). We determined the types of eating disorders requiring hospital treatment and identified the age, sex and socioeconomic subgroups that were most affected.

Results

Hospitalization rates for eating disorders increased during the first (6.5 per 10,000) and second waves (12.8 per 10,000) compared with the period before the pandemic (5.8 per 10,000). The increase occurred for anorexia nervosa as well as other types of eating disorders. The number of girls and boys aged 10–14 years admitted for eating disorders increased during wave 1. Wave 2 triggered an increase in eating disorder admissions among girls aged 15–19 years. Hospitalization rates increased earlier for advantaged than disadvantaged youth.

Conclusions

The Covid‐19 pandemic affected hospitalizations for anorexia nervosa as well as other eating disorders, beginning with girls aged 10–14 years during wave 1, followed by girls aged 15–19 years during wave 2. Boys aged 10–14 years were also affected, as well as both advantaged and disadvantaged youth.
No detection of Xylella fastidiosa in cicadas (Hemiptera, Cicadidae) sampled in infected areas of Corsica (France)
Authors: Mesmin Xavier , Lambert Maxime , Chartois Marguerite , Farigoule Pauline , Cesari Louis , Quiquerez Ileana , Borgomano Sabrina , Rossi Jean‐Pierre , Rasplus Jean‐Yves , Cruaud Astrid
Published: April 2023

Studies investigating X. fastidiosa (Xf) acquisition by cicadas are scarce. We collected 169 cicadas in infected areas throughout Corsica (France), belonging to the four species known from the island (Cicada orni; Cicadetta fangoana; Tibicina corsica corsica and Tibicina nigronervosa). All specimens were tested for the presence of Xf using a two‐step PCR approach followed by Illumina sequencing. All specimens tested negative. So far, there is no indication that European cicadas are playing a significant role in the spread of Xf.
Embryonic development of the skull in a parthenogenetic lizard, the mourning gecko (Lepidodactylus lugubris)
Authors: Skawiński Tomasz , Kaczmarek Paweł , Borczyk Bartosz
Published: April 2023

Gekkotans are one of the major clades of squamate reptiles. As one of the earliest‐diverging lineages, they are crucial in studying deep‐level squamate phylogeny and evolution. Developmental studies can shed light on the origin of many important morphological characters, yet our knowledge of cranial development in gekkotans is very incomplete. Here, we describe the embryonic development of the skull in a parthenogenetic gekkonid, the mourning gecko (Lepidodactylus lugubris), studied using non‐acidic double staining and histological sectioning. Our analysis indicates that the pterygoid is the first ossifying bone in the skull, as in almost all other studied squamates, followed closely by the surangular and prearticular. The next to appear are the dentary, frontal, parietal and squamosal. The tooth‐bearing upper jaw bones, the premaxilla and maxilla, develop relatively late. In contrast to previous reports, the premaxilla starts ossifying from two distinct centres, reminiscent of the condition observed in diplodactylids and eublepharids. Only a single ossification centre of the postorbitofrontal is observed. Some of the endochondral bones of the braincase (prootic, opisthotic, supraoccipital) and the dermal parasphenoid are the last bones to appear. The skull roof is relatively poorly ossified near the time of hatching, with a large frontoparietal fontanelle still present. Many bones begin ossifying relatively later in L. lugubris than in the phyllodactylid Tarentola annularis, which suggests that its ossification sequence is heterochronic with respect to T. annularis.
Uniform Pricing as a Barrier to Entry
Authors: Feng Hong , Li Youping , Shuai Jie
Published: April 2023

This paper considers an entry game in which an incumbent firm operates in a number of markets and a potential entrant can enter multiple or all of the markets. While price discrimination has usually been thought of as a barrier to entry, in our model it is not and instead, charging a uniform price across the markets can discourage entry. Partial entry occurs when the two firms' products are highly substitutable. In this case, uniform pricing raises the profits of both the incumbent and the entrant but reduces consumer and total welfare relative to price discrimination.
Access to digital media and devices among adolescents in sub‐Saharan Africa: A multicountry, school‐based survey
Authors: Wang Dongqing , Shinde Sachin , Drysdale Roisin , Vandormael Alain , Tadesse Amare W. , Sherfi Huda , Tinkasimile Amani , Mwanyika‐Sando Mary , Moshabela Mosa , Bärnighausen Till , Sharma Deepika , Fawzi Wafaie W.
Published: April 2023

Digital technologies provide unprecedented opportunities for health and nutrition interventions among adolescents. The use of digital media and devices among young adolescents across diverse settings in sub‐Saharan Africa is unclear. This cross‐sectional study aimed to assess the use of digital media and devices and the socioeconomic determinants of use among young adolescents in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, South Africa, Sudan and Tanzania. The study included 4981 adolescents aged 10–15 from public schools selected by multistage sampling. Access to various digital media and devices was self‐reported by adolescents. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between sociodemographic characteristics and access to digital media and devices. Approximately 40% of the adolescents in Burkina Faso and South Africa, 36% in Sudan, 13% in Ethiopia and 3% in Tanzania owned mobile phones. Compared with boys, girls had a lower ownership of mobile phones (odds ratio [OR] = 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68, 0.92; p = 0.002), computers (OR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.99; p = 0.04) and social media accounts (OR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.83; p < 0.001). Higher maternal education and greater household wealth were positively associated with access to digital media and devices. While digital media and devices are promising platforms for interventions in some settings due to relatively high levels of access, their utility in delivering health and nutrition interventions to adolescents in these contexts should be further examined.
Fast thinking: How unconscious bias and binary language contribute to rationing of care to older persons
Authors: Hunter Kathleen F. , Dahlke Sherry Ann
Published: April 2023

Background

Binary or categorical thinking is a way of thinking in which the brain unconsciously sorts the masses of information it receives into categories. This helps us to quickly process information and keeps us safe through pattern recognition of possible threats. However, it can also be influenced by unconscious and conscious biases that inform our judgements of other people and situations.

Objectives

To examine nursing practice with older people through the lens of unconscious bias.

Methods

In this critical analysis, using Kahneman's fast and slow thinking, we argue that nurses working with hospitalised older people often rely on thinking quickly in hectic work environments, which can contribute to unconscious and conscious bias, use of binary language to describe older persons and nursing tasks, and ultimately rationing of care.

Results

Binary language describes older persons and their care simplistically as nursing tasks. A person is either heavy or light, continent or incontinent, confused or orientated. Although these descriptions are informed in part by nurses' experiences, they also reflect conscious and unconscious biases that nurses hold towards older patients or nursing tasks. We draw on explanations of fast (intuitive) and slow (analytical) to explain how nurses gravitate to thinking fast as a survival mechanism in environments where they are not supported or encouraged to think slow.

Conclusions

Nurses survival efforts in getting through the shift using fast thinking, which can be influenced by unconscious and conscious biases, can lead to use of shortcuts and the rationing of care. We believe that it is of paramount importance that nurses be encouraged and supported to think slowly and analytically in their clinical practice.

Implications for practice

Implications Nurses can engage in journaling and reflecting on their practice with older people to examine possible unconscious bias. Managers can support reflective thinking by supporting nurses through staffing models and encouraging conversations about person‐centered care in unit practices.
Copper Efflux System Required in Murine Lung Infection by Haemophilus influenzae Composed of a Canonical ATPase Gene and Tandem Chaperone Gene Copies
Authors: Wong Sandy M. , Gawronski Jeffrey , Akerley Brian J.
Published: April 2023

Copper is an essential micronutrient but is toxic at high concentrations. In
Haemophilus influenzae
mechanisms of copper resistance and its role in pathogenesis are unknown; however, our previous genetic screen by transposon insertion-site sequencing implicated a putative cation transporting ATPase (
copA
) in survival in a mouse lung infection model.
Automatic Discrimination of Species within the Enterobacter cloacae Complex Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry and Supervised Algorithms
Authors: Candela Ana , Guerrero-López Alejandro , Mateos Miriam , Gómez-Asenjo Alicia , Arroyo Manuel J. , Hernandez-García Marta , del Campo Rosa , Cercenado Emilia , Cuénod Aline , Méndez Gema , Mancera Luis , Caballero Juan de Dios , Martínez-García Laura , Gijón Desirée , Morosini María Isabel , Ruiz-Garbajosa Patricia , Egli Adrian , Cantón Rafael , Muñoz Patricia , Rodríguez-Temporal David , Rodríguez-Sánchez Belén
Published: April 2023

The
Enterobacter cloacae
complex (ECC) encompasses heterogeneous clusters of species that have been associated with nosocomial outbreaks. These species may have different acquired antimicrobial resistance and virulence mechanisms, and their identification is challenging.
Inequalities in SARS-CoV-2 case rates by ethnicity, religion, measures of socioeconomic position, English proficiency, and self-reported disability: cohort study of 39 million people in England during the alpha and delta waves
Authors: Larsen Tim , Bosworth Matthew L , Ayoubkhani Daniel , Schofield Ryan , Ali Raghib , Khunti Kamlesh , Walker Ann Sarah , Glickman Myer , Harrison Camille , Nafilyan Vahé
Published: April 2023

Objective

To examine sociodemographic inequalities in people with SARS-CoV-2 during the second (alpha) and third (delta) waves of the covid-19 pandemic.

Design

Retrospective, population based cohort study.

Setting

Resident population of England.

Participants

39 006 194 people aged 10 years and older who were enumerated in the 2011 census, registered with the NHS, and alive on 1 September 2020.

Main outcome measures

Age standardised SARS-CoV-2 case rates (ie, the number of people who received a positive test result per 100 000 person weeks at risk) during the second wave (1 September 2020 to 22 May 2021) or third wave (23 May to 10 December 2021) of the pandemic. Age standardised rates were calculated by sociodemographic characteristics and adjusted rate ratios were estimated using generalised linear regression models with a Poisson distribution (models were adjusted for covariates including sex, age, geographical variables, and sociodemographic characteristics).

Results

During the study period, 5 767 584 people (14.8% of the study population) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. In the second wave, the fully adjusted relative risks of having a positive test were highest for the Bangladeshi and Pakistani ethnic groups compared with the white British group, with rate ratios of 1.75 (95% confidence interval 1.73 to 1.77) and 1.69 (1.68 to 1.70), respectively. Muslim and Sikh religious groups had fully adjusted rate ratios of 1.51 (1.50 to 1.51) and 1.64 (1.63 to 1.66), respectively, compared with the Christian group. Greater area deprivation, disadvantaged socioeconomic position, living in a care home, and low English language proficiency were also associated with higher relative risk of having a positive test. However, the inequalities among groups varied over time. Being Christian, white British, without a disability, and from a more advantaged socioeconomic position were associated with increased relative risk of testing positive during the third wave.

Conclusion

Research is urgently needed to understand the large sociodemographic inequalities in SARS-CoV-2 case rates in order to inform policy interventions in future waves or pandemics.
Suggested improvements to the 11+ as identified by coaches, players, strength and conditioning staff and medical staff in New Zealand Football
Authors: Winstanley Colleen , Reid Duncan , Fulcher Mark L
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the experience with the 11+, attitudes towards injury prevention, and potential improvements to the 11+ and the delivery of injury prevention strategies within football. A qualitative study design was used to investigate the views of four stakeholder groups (players, coaches, strength and conditioning staff and clinicians). Twenty-two adults participated (nine women; median age 35.5 years). Participants were purposively recruited and were based in New Zealand. They represented various levels of football, including different genders, ages and levels of play. Focus group interviews were conducted, which were recorded, transcribed and subject to thematic analysis. Four key themes were identified: understanding of the 11+ injury prevention warm-up, content of an ideal injury prevention programme, structure of the programme and education, adherence and dissemination. The study found that while participants appeared to have good awareness of the existing 11+ programme and an interest in injury prevention, adherence and enthusiasm towards the programme was limited. Participants highlighted a number of elements that may help shape the development of a new injury prevention strategy, including a desire to retain many of the elements of the 11+ and to have a proven programme. Participants wanted greater variety, more football-specific elements and to implement a new strategy throughout a session, rather than being seen as a stand-alone warm-up. Whether the intervention should also include strength-based exercises, or whether this should be promoted outside of a football training session, was less certain.
Woman with acute onset involuntary limb movements
Authors: Ho Tsung-Han , Lee Jiunn-Tay , Hsu Yaw-Don
Published: April 2023

Clinical introduction

An 88-year-old woman presented with acute onset of involuntary limb movements for one day. Two days prior she had fallen a suffered a left hip contusion but no head trauma. There was no fever or difficulty breathing. Her heart rate was 72 bpm with blood pressure of 109/68 mm Hg. Physical examination revealed restricted left hip motion due to pain and a sustained twisted posture of the upper extremity without paresis. Glasgow Coma Scale was 15, and there was no evidence of Kernig’s or Brudzinski’s sign. She underwent a hip X-ray and non-contrast CT scan (figures 1 and 2).

Figure 1

Anteroposterior X-radiograph of the hip.

Figure 2

A non-contrast brain CT.

Question

What is the most likely cause of the clinical presentation?

Acute meningitis

Cerebral fat embolism

Haemorrhagic stroke

Hypertensive encephalopathy

For answer see page 2

For question see page 1
Recognising Bias in Studies of Diagnostic Tests Part 1: Patient Selection
Authors: Hall M Kennedy , Kea Bory , Wang Ralph
Published: April 2023

In this two-part series on sources of bias in studies of diagnostic test performance, we outline common errors and optimal conditions during three study phases: patient selection, interpretation of the index test and disease verification by a gold standard. Here in part 1, biases associated with suboptimal participant selection are discussed through the lens of partial verification bias and spectrum bias, both of which increase the proportion of participants who are the ‘sickest of the sick’ or the ‘wellest of the well.’ Especially through retrospective methodology, partial verification introduces bias by including patients who are test positive by a gold standard, since patients with a positive index test are more likely to go on to further gold standard testing. Spectrum bias is frequently introduced through case–control design, dropping of indeterminate results or convenience sampling. After reading part 1, the informed clinician should be better able to judge the quality of a diagnostic test study, its inherent limitations and whether its results could be generalisable to their practice. Part 2 will describe how interpretation of the index test and disease verification by a gold standard can contribute to diagnostic test bias.
012 Outcomes following confirmed myocardial injury in patients with atrial fibrillation: a post hoc subgroup analysis of the high-STEACS trial
Authors: McKay Tegan , Scally Benjamin , Lee Kuan Ken , Anand Atul , Mills Nicholas , Gray Alasdair
Published: April 2023

Troponin rise in patients with atrial fibrillation may be falsely attributed to oxygen demand-supply mismatch rather than acute atherothrombotic events requiring urgent percutaneous coronary intervention. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in clinical presentation, management and outcomes between patients in atrial fibrillation and sinus rhythm presenting to the Emergency Department with a suspected acute coronary syndrome. This is the first report to describe the atrial fibrillation patient population recruited to the High-STEACS trial.

Patients recruited to theHigh-Sensitivity Troponin in the Evaluation of patients with suspected Acute Coronary Syndromes(High-STEACS) trial from three sites across South East Scotland with confirmed myocardial injury diagnosed by high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I were included in apost hocsubgroup analysis (n=3597). Baseline patient characteristics, coronary revascularisation treatment and one-year mortality outcomes were compared between individuals in atrial fibrillation and sinus rhythm.

517 (14.4%) of patients presenting to Emergency Departments with confirmed myocardial injury were found to be in atrial fibrillation. One year all-cause mortality was higher in this population compared to patients presenting in sinus rhythm (24.8% vs 16.9%; p<0.001). Patients in atrial fibrillation were less likely to undergo invasive coronary angiography (21.5% vs. 59.8%; p<0.001) or urgent revascularisation with either percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting (13.2% vs. 45.2%; p<0.001). These patients were also more likely to receive an adjudicated diagnosis of myocardial injury or type 2 myocardial infarction (67.1% vs. 25.2%; p<0.001). However, there was no related increase in the incidence of unplanned coronary revascularisation in the year following index presentation (4.5% vs. 6.9%; p=0.05). Although patients in atrial fibrillation have poorer clinical outcomes, these results are likely to indicate an older population with higher multimorbidity rather than a missed opportunity for active treatment during initial presentation to the Emergency Department.