bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Limits of Touch: Spatial acuity for frequency-resolved air-borne ultrasound vibrotactile stimuli
Authors: Cataldo Antonio , Frier William , Haggard Patrick
Published: February 2023

Spatial acuity is a fundamental property of any sensory system. In the case of the somatosensory system, the two-point discrimination (2PD) test has long been used to investigate the spatial resolution of tactile perception. The somatosensory system comprises multiple mechanoreceptive channels, each tuned to specific vibrotactile frequencies. In particular, the rapidly adapting channel (RA) responds to low-frequency vibration and is thought to have high spatial acuity. The Pacinian channel (PC) responds to high-frequency vibration and is thought to convey little or no spatial information. However, the mechanical stimulations used in most 2PD tests make it difficult to disentangle the contribution of each mechanoreceptive channel to spatial tactile perception. Here we developed a novel 2PD test based on ultrasound stimulation to deliver frequency-resolved vibrotactile stimuli designed to preferentially activate specific tactile channels. Across four experiments, we systematically investigated the spatial resolution of the two main vibrotactile channels. Contrary to the textbook view of poor spatial resolution for PC-like stimuli, we found that high-frequency vibration produced surprisingly good spatial acuity. This effect remained after controlling for differences between the channels in stimulus detectability and perceived intensity. Laser doppler vibrometry experiments confirmed that the acuity of the PC channel was not simply an artifact of the skin’s resonance to high-frequency mechanical stimulation. Thus, PC receptors may transmit substantial spatial information, despite their sparse distribution, deep location, and large receptive fields.
Mass spectrometric analysis and biostimulatory effects of boar seminal gel, saliva and semen in pigs
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Islam Rafiqul , Chanda Anesha , Das Pranab Jyoti , Banik Santanu , Barman Keshab , Pegu Seema Rani , Rajkhowa Swaraj , Gupta Vivek Kumar
Published: February 2023

The present study aimed to identify novel biostimulatory compounds in boar seminal gel (SG), saliva and semen using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). SG alone and its combined application with saliva (SG+saliva) and semen (SG+semen) also studied to train young boars. SG alone and SG+Saliva investigated for estrus induction in gilts and sows. Distilled water (DW) exposure was kept as control. SG, saliva and semen screened for total 105, 96 and 89 compounds. The highest concentration was of alkanes followed by sugar alcohols, then hydrocarbons, amino acids and fatty acids. Elaidic acid is the novel compound identified in pigs. Other compounds were tridecenol, undecane, hexadecone, eicosane, tetracosane etc. Further, young males (64.86%) were able to get trained. Significant higher (p<0.05) number of males got trained in exposure to SG (80%), SG+saliva (75%) and SG+semen (75%) than control. The time (hrs) taken by young boars to get trained on exposure to combination of SG+saliva (244±22.19) and SG+semen (216±13.14) was lesser (p<0.05) than SG (356±61.85) alone. Interval (hrs) for exhibition of different sexual behaviour by males on exposure to SG, saliva and semen was lesser (p<0.05) than control. Estrus was induced in 61.25% of females. Significant (p<0.05) higher number of females showed estrus response to exposure of SG (72.72%) and SG+saliva (69.23%) than control. Interval taken to exhibit estrus was lesser (p<0.05) in females exposed to SG+saliva (201.88±12.66) than SG (262.14±20.06) alone. Interval (hrs) for exhibition of different sexual behaviour by females on exposure to SG+saliva was lesser (p<0.05) than control. In conclusion, novel compounds with biostimulatory properties have been identified in boar SG, saliva and semen. The combined exposure of SG with saliva and semen have more intense biostimulation effect than SG alone. Such compounds and biostimulatory effects can be exploited for augmenting reproductive efficiency in pigs.
RNA G-quadruplex folding is a multi-pathway process driven by conformational entropy
Authors: Ugrina Marijana , Burkhart Ines , Müller Diana , Schwalbe Harald , Schwierz Nadine
Published: February 2023

The kinetics of folding is crucial for the function of many regulatory RNAs including RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s). Here, we characterize the folding pathways of a G-quadruplex from the telomeric repeat-containing RNA by combining all-atom molecular dynamics and coarse-grained simulations with circular dichroism experiments. The quadruplex fold is stabilized by cations and thus, the ion atmosphere forming a double layer surrounding the highly charged quadruplex guides the folding process. To capture the ionic double layer in implicit solvent coarse-grained simulations correctly, we develop a matching procedure based on all-atom simulations in explicit water. The procedure yields quantitative agreement between simulations and experiments as judged by the populations of folded and unfolded states at different salt concentrations and temperatures. Subsequently, we show that coarse-grained simulations with a resolution of three interaction sites per nucleotide are well suited to resolve the folding pathways and their intermediate states. The results reveal that the folding progresses from unpaired chain via hairpin, triplex and double-hairpin constellations to the final folded structure. The two- and three-strand intermediates are stabilized by transient Hoogsteen interactions. Each pathway passes through two on-pathway intermediates.

We hypothesize that conformational entropy is a hallmark of rG4 folding. Conformational entropy leads to the observed branched multi-pathway folding process for TERRA25. We corroborate this hypothesis by presenting the free energy landscapes and folding pathways of four rG4 systems with varying loop length.
Probabilistic cell/domain-type assignment of spatial transcriptomics data with SpatialAnno
Authors: Shi Xingjie , Yang Yi , Ma Xiaohui , Zhou Yong , Guo Zhenxing , Wang Chaolong , Liu Jin
Published: February 2023

In the analysis of both single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) data, classifying cells/spots into cell/domain types is an essential analytic step for many secondary analyses. Most of the existing annotation methods have been developed for scRNA-seq datasets without any consideration of spatial information. Here, we present SpatialAnno, an efficient and accurate annotation method for spatial transcriptomics datasets, with the capability to effectively leverage a large number of non-marker genes as well as “qualitative” information about marker genes without using a reference dataset. Uniquely, SpatialAnno estimates low-dimensional embeddings for a large number of non-marker genes via a factor model while promoting spatial smoothness among neighboring spots via a Potts model. Using both simulated and four real spatial transcriptomics datasets from the 10x Visium, ST, Slide-seqV1/2, and seqFISH platforms, we showcase the method’s improved spatial annotation accuracy, including its robustness to the inclusion of marker genes for irrelevant cell/domain types and to various degrees of marker gene misspecification. SpatialAnno is computationally scalable and applicable to SRT datasets from different platforms. Furthermore, the estimated embeddings for cellular biological effects facilitate many downstream analyses.
Metabolization of α-D-carba-glucosamine in vivo generates antimetabolites of cell wall precursors
Authors: Mund Milena , Friz Simon , Esser Anna , Matzner Daniel , Babczyk Alexander , Menche Dirk , Brötz-Oesterhelt Heike , Mayer Christoph , Mayer Günter
Published: February 2023

α-D-Carba-glucosamine (CGlcN) is a carbocyclic analog of α-D-glucosamine that inhibits growth ofBacillus subtilisandStaphylococcus aureus. CGlcN is internalized and concomitantly phosphorylated via the phosphotransferase system yielding α-D-carba-glucosamine-6-phosphate (CGlcN6P), which interferes with expression of the glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GlmS; glucosamine synthase) by activating theglmSriboswitch. Herein, we report that CGlcN6P is efficiently metabolized to carbasugar nucleotides along the peptidoglycan biosynthetic route. Mass spectrometric analysis confirmed the occurrence of carbocyclic peptidoglycan nucleotides UDP-carba-D-N-acetyl-glucosamine (UDP-CGlcNAc) and UDP-carba-D-N-acetylmuramic acid-pentapeptide (UDP-CMurNAc-5P) in the presence of CGlcN and revealed accumulation of these carba-metabolites upon antibiotic treatment interfering with biosynthetic enzyme functions. Thus, carbocyclic carbohydrates and nucleotide analogs are generated by the promiscuous bacterial cell wall biosynthetic enzymes and act as antimetabolites, causing bacterial growth inhibition by interference with cell wall synthesis. Our findings reveal CGlcN not only as putative antibiotic molecule with previously unknown antimetabolite mode of action, but also as tool to study the bacterial cell wall metabolism, e.g., in synergy with other antibiotics.
Symbioses of alvinocaridid shrimps from the South West Pacific: No chemosymbiotic diets but partially conserved gut microbiomes
Authors: Methou Pierre , Cueff-Gauchard Valérie , Michel Loïc N. , Gayet Nicolas , Pradillon Florence , Cambon-Bonavita Marie-Anne
Published: February 2023

Rimicaris exoculatashrimps from hydrothermal vent ecosystems are known to host dense epibiotic communities inside their enlarged heads and digestive systems. Conversely, other shrimps from the family, described as opportunistic feeders have received less attention. We examined the nutrition and bacterial communities colonizing “head” chambers and digestive systems of three other alvinocaridids –Rimicaris variabilis,Nautilocaris saintlaurentaeandManuscarissp. – using a combination of electron microscopy, stable isotopes and sequencing approaches. Our observations inside “head” cavities and on mouthparts showed only a really low coverage of bacterial epibionts. In addition, no clear correlation between isotopic ratios and relative abundance of epibionts on mouthparts could be established among shrimp individuals. Altogether, these results suggest that none of these alvinocaridids rely on chemosynthetic epibionts as their main source of nutrition. Our analyses also revealed a substantial presence of several Firmicutes within the foreguts and midguts of these shrimps, which closest known lineages were systematically digestive epibionts associated with alvinocaridids, and more broadly from digestive systems of other crustaceans from marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Overall, our study opens new perspectives not only about chemosynthetic symbioses of vent shrimps, but more largely about digestive microbiomes with potential ancient and evolutionarily conserved bacterial partnerships among crustaceans.
Increased endothelium activation and leakage do not promote diastolic dysfunction in mice fed with a high fat diet and treated with L-NAME
Authors: Cornuault Lauriane , Mora Pierre , Rouault Paul , Foussard Ninon , Chapouly Candice , Alzieu Pilippe , Gadeau Alain-Pierre , Couffinhal Thierry , Renault Marie-Ange
Published: February 2023

Coronary microvascular disease has been proposed to be responsible for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) about 10 years ago. However, to date the role and phenotype of the coronary microvasculature has still been poorly considered and investigated in animal models of HFpEF.

Objective

To determine whether endothelial dysfunction participates in the development of diastolic dysfunction in mice fed with a high fat diet (HDF) and treated with L-NAME.

Approach and Results

At first, we thoroughly phenotyped the coronary microvasculature in this model in male, female and ovariectomized (OVX) female considering the sexual dimorphism associated with this disease. We found that both OVX and non OVX females but not males display increased endothelial activation, leakage, and arteriole constriction upon the HFD + L-NAME regimen while both male and OVX females but not non OVX females develop diastolic dysfunction. With the aim to investigate the role of endothelial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of diastolic dysfunction in OVX female mice, we used Cdon deficient mice. Indeed, we previously demonstrated that endothelium integrity, upon inflammatory conditions, is preserved in these mice. Both OVX Cdh5-Cre/ERT2-CdonFlox/Flox(CdonECKO) and CdonFlox/Flox(Ctrl) female mice were fed with the HFD + L-NAME regimen to induced diastolic dysfunction. As expected, CdonECKOmice displayed improved endothelium integrity i.e. decreased endothelium permeability, decreased ICAM-1 expression and decreased infiltration of CD45+ leukocytes in comparison to control mice. However, CdonECKOmice displayed cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis and increased end diastolic pressure just like control mice. Moreover, we found that cardiac inflammation does not participate in the pathophysiology of HFpEF either by treating OVX female mice with colchicine.

Conclusion

Altogether, the data presented in this paper demonstrate that neither endothelium permeability nor endothelial activation or inflammation do participate in the pathophysiology of diastolic dysfunction in mice exposed to HFD+L-NAME.
MicroRNA-423-5p Mediates Cocaine-Induced Smooth Muscle Cell Contraction by Targeting Cacna2d2
Authors: Dykxhoorn Derek M , Wang Huilan , Da Fonseca Ferreira Andrea , Wei Jianqin , Dong Chunming
Published: February 2023

Background

Cocaine abuse increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) and causes acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and hypertension (HTN). Significant research has explored the role of the sympathetic nervous system mediating the cocaine effects on the cardiovascular (CV) system. However, the response of the sympathetic nervous system alone is insufficient to completely account for the CV consequences seen in cocaine users. Here, we examined the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in mediating the effect of cocaine on the CV system. MiRNAs regulate many important biological processes and have been associated with both response to cocaine and CV disease development. Multiple miRNAs have altered expression in the CV system (CVS) upon cocaine exposure. Herein, we examined the role of microRNA-423-5p and the downstream signaling events in regulating cocaine-induced mouse aortic smooth muscle cell (SMC) contraction.

Methods

To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the cocaine response in the CV system, we studied the role of miRNA-423-5p and its target Cacna2d2 in the regulation of intracellular calcium concentration and SMC contractility, a critical factor in the modulation of blood pressure (BP). We used in vivo models to evaluate BP and aortic stiffness.

Results

In vitro, Cocaine treatment decreased miR-423-5p expression and increased Cacna2d2 expression, which led to elevated intracellular calcium concentrations and increased SMC contractility. Overexpression of miR-423-5p, silencing of its target Cacna2d2, and treatment with a calcium channel blocker reversed the elevated SMC contractility caused by cocaine. In contrast, suppression of miR-423-5p increased the intracellular calcium concentration and SMC contractibility.In vivo, overexpression of miR-423-5p ameliorated the increase in BP and aortic stiffness associated with cocaine use.

Conclusions

MiR-423-5p regulates SMC contraction by modulating Cacna2d2 expression increasing intracellular calcium concentrations. Modulation of miR-423-5p—Cacna2d2—Calcium transport pathway may represent a novel therapeutic strategy to improve cocaine-induced hypertension and aortic stiffness.
Broken up but still living together: how ARGONAUTE's retention of cleaved fragments explains its role during chromatin modification
Authors: Edwards Seth A. , Slotkin R. Keith
Published: February 2023

Throughout the eukaryotic kingdoms, small RNAs direct chromatin modification. ARGONAUTE proteins sit at the nexus of this process, linking the small RNA information to the programming of chromatin. ARGONAUTE proteins physically incorporate the small RNAs as guides to target specific regions of the genome. In this issue ofGenes & Development, Wang and colleagues (pp. 103–118) add substantial new detail to the processes of ARGONAUTE RNA loading, preference, cleavage, and retention, which together accomplish RNA-directed chromatin modification. They show that after catalytic cleavage by the plant ARGONAUTE protein AGO4, the cleaved fragment remains bound. This happens during two distinct RNA cleavage reactions performed by AGO4: first for a passenger RNA strand of the siRNA duplex, and second for a nascent transcript at the target DNA locus. Cleaved fragment retention of the nascent transcript explains how the protein complex accumulates to high levels at the target locus, amplifying chromatin modification.
The values in action character strengths model: a resource for people in addiction recovery
Authors: Ogilvie Lisa , Carson Jerome
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the Values in Action (VIA) character strengths profile of people in addiction recovery, to identify which strengths are meaningfully represented in this population. This was compared with the generalised profile of a normative population to identify the differentiating features. Reasons for the profile variance and the significance this has for addiction recovery have also been explored.

Design/methodology/approach

An independent group design was adopted using purposive sampling. This saw participants (n = 100) complete the VIA Inventory of Strengths-P assessment to establish a character strengths profile for people in addiction recovery. To identify the differences in this profile, a mean score and rank order comparison was conducted, using data taken from a normative population. Additional exploratory analysis was conducted to establish if there were any significant differences in the character strength profile of males and females.

Findings

In descending order, the top five ranked strengths were kindness, humour, honesty, fairness and teamwork. The lesser five strengths in the profile were spirituality, zest, perseverance, prudence and self-regulation. A distinguishing feature was the presence of humour as a top five strength for people in addiction recovery. The existence of teamwork also deviated from the generalised normative population. There were two strengths shown to have a meaningfully higher score for females, teamwork and love. This did not change the strengths present in the overall top five for males or females, however.

Originality/value

This study contributes useful knowledge to the understanding of character strengths in addiction recovery. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time character strengths have been examined in a sample of people in addiction recovery.
The importance of service design and information and analysis in enhancing organizational performance through a mechanism of organizational excellence in public sector organizations
Authors: Al-Dhaafri Hassan Saleh , Alosani Mohammed Saleh
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The study aims to examine the joint effect of service design (SD), information and analysis (IA) and organizational performance through the mechanism of organizational excellence.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the goal of this study through the hypothesized model, a survey questionnaire research design was employed. The data were collected from Dubai Police organization. Out of 550 questionnaires, 320 questionnaires were returned. The partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach was used to analyze the data for measurement and structural models.

Findings

The statistical results confirmed the positive and significant effects of IA on organizational excellence and excellence on organizational performance. The mediation role of organizational excellence between IA and organizational performance was also confirmed.

Research limitations/implications

Throughout this study, further details and valuable implications have been discussed. Findings provide several practical implications. Findings also help practitioners and managers make proper decisions when implementing SD, IA and excellence practices in their organizations. With the joint effect of SD, IA and organizational excellence, organizations can achieve maximum strong performance and remain in a competitive market.

Originality/value

This study is a unique empirical research study that examines the joint effect of SD, IA and excellence on performance relationships within the public sector in general and police organization in particular, which is limited especially in research of Middle East countries.
Effects of anticipatory socialization, professional commitment, and moral intensity on whistleblowing intentions by accounting students: a moderated mediation analysis
Authors: Namazi Mohammad , Ebrahimi Fahime , Sarikhani Mehdi
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive conceptual internal whistleblowing model for accounting students and then test it empirically. To this end, by considering the mediating role of professional commitment (PC) and the moderating effect of the perceived moral intensity (PMI), the anticipatory socialization's impact on whistleblowing intentions has been investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

An ex-post quantitative research design has been adopted for this survey study. The statistical population of the study consisted of Iranian undergraduate accounting students close to graduation in 2020. The study utilized a self-administered survey of 211 accounting students from 8 public universities; besides, to examine the proposed hypotheses, it utilized the partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis.

Findings

The results of testing the hypotheses indicate that the constructs of anticipatory socialization (AS), PC and PMI have positive effects on whistleblowing intentions; besides, PC in the relationship between AS and whistleblowing intentions plays a complementary partial mediating role. In addition, PMI moderates the effect of PC on whistleblowing intentions, as well as the mediated effect of AS on whistleblowing intentions via PC.

Social implications

The results of this study indicate the importance of considering trait syntheses of ethics education for undergraduate students, and the need to address and familiarize students with ethical principles, goals and missions of the accounting profession in society.

Originality/value

This study, by providing a moderated mediation conceptual model, examines the important functions that AS, PC and PMI might have created in the whistleblowing process, and also provides some empirical evidence in this area; As a result, it leads to the expansion of theoretical and empirical knowledge in this field.
Does students' commuting influence their academic performance?
Authors: Alanzi Khalid A. , Alfraih Mishari M.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to empirically assess the influence of commuting distance (duration) on accounting students' academic performance at one of the business colleges in Kuwait.

Design/methodology/approach

A linear regression model (OLS), correlation and t-test analysis using a sample of 237 accounting students enrolled before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were used to test the study's hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that there was a statistically significant association between accounting students' commuting distance and their academic performance before the pandemic, but not during the pandemic, which explains the significant influence of commuting distance on traditional classroom learning but not on remote learning. The study concludes by considering the implications of these findings and suggesting avenues for future academic research.

Practical implications

This study makes a significant contribution to the existing knowledge in the area of students' performance by providing empirical evidence to the theoretical expectation of the influence of students' commuting distance on the academic performance of accounting students.

Originality/value

The value of this study is that it significantly contributes to the existing accounting education literature by empirically supporting the theoretical expectation of the influence of commuting distance on accounting students' academic performance.
Antecedents and outcomes of memorable volunteer tourism experiences
Authors: Sthapit Erose , Bjork Peter , Coudounaris Dafnis N. , Jiménez-Barreto Jano , Vo-Thanh Tan
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study proposed and tested a new conceptual model of memorable volunteer tourism experiences (MVTEs) by examining the effects of novelty, meaningfulness, experience co-creation and experience intensification on MVTEs. It also examined the relationships among MVTEs, psychological resilience (PR) and behavioural intention (BI), including that between novelty and BI.

Design/methodology/approach

The study modelled the proposed relationships by analysing data from an online survey using Amazon Mechanical Turk. In total, 241 responses were used in the data analysis.

Findings

This study extended the MVTE construct and included four key antecedents that influence tourists' MVTEs. The study also documented the predictive capability of MVTEs for PR and BI.

Practical implications

Volunteer tourism organisations should offer new and diverse activities for volunteer tourists, such as nature conservation, wildlife protection and construction.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the antecedents and outcomes of MVTEs using the stimuli–organism–response theory.
Determinants of satisfaction with global virtual teamwork
Authors: Stoica Michael , Florea Liviu , Harnowo Akhadian S.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Data was obtained from students from 39 universities in 24 countries, part of a large experiential exercise, X-Culture, who worked remotely in cross-cultural teams to solve business problems. The purpose of this study is to develop and test, using structural equation modeling, a conceptual model that identifies the determinants of satisfaction with teamwork.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was obtained from participants, students from universities from 39 universities in 24 countries, in a large experiential exercise, X-Culture, who worked remotely in cross-cultural teams to solve business problems. A conceptual model that identifies determinants of satisfaction with teamwork was developed and tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Satisfaction with teamwork is related to cultural intelligence (CQ), team identity and team climate. Interestingly, CQ of individual team members does not directly impact satisfaction with teamwork. Team identification and team climate, variables that require personal engagement and goodwill, mediate the effects of CQ on satisfaction.

Originality/value

Results suggest that team identification and team climate are important antecedents and explanatory mechanisms for developing satisfaction with teamwork. Having culturally intelligent team members is a necessary, but insufficient condition for satisfying teamwork. Therefore, to increase satisfaction with global virtual teamwork, teams need more than simply culturally intelligent team members. Increased satisfaction requires that team members identify with their team and develop a favorable team climate. The authors suggest education recommendations for global virtual teams.
Older workers’ retirement preparation and roles of corporation top leaders in South Korean workplace
Authors: Kim Eunkyung
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how heads in South Korean workplace perceive the retirement preparation of older Korean workers and their roles in accordance with life design perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative in-person interviews were conducted with top leaders of 15 corporations in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and analyzed by using a conventional content analysis.

Findings

Top leaders in corporations consider that older Korean workers whose retirement preparation is their own responsibility have not been actively preparing for their postretirement life. Nevertheless, some of these heads are attempting to assist with career development or career transition. Some believe that older workers should work as long as they are capable and should be retained after the official retirement age.

Research limitations/implications

These exploratory findings are preliminary, and the top-down mechanism might work differently in a specific sector. Future research merits a large-scale investigation of each specific business.

Practical implications

It is implied that policy initiatives should support SMEs with subsidy programs for older workers’ employment, empowering longer working as healthy pathways to postretirement.

Originality/value

This pilot study indicates some degree of possible roles of top corporate leaders for workers’ retirement preparation in terms of career development and career transition and retainment of older workers.
A profile of practice: The occupational therapy process in community aged care in Australia
Authors: Hughes Shannon , Murray Carolyn M. , McMullen‐Roach Sarah , Berndt Angela
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Occupational therapists working in community aged care play a key role in service provision because of their expertise in considering the person, their occupations, and environmental context. To further understand occupational therapy practice in community aged care, this study aimed to explore the approaches, models, frames of reference, assessments, interventions, and outcome evaluation methods being used by Australian occupational therapists in aged care.

Methods

An online questionnaire was developed, piloted, and delivered to occupational therapists working in community aged care in Australia. Responses to closed‐ended questions were analysed using descriptive statistics, and a summative approach to content analysis was applied to open‐ended questions.

Results

Seventy‐one occupational therapists employed in community aged care across Australia participated in the questionnaire. Almost half of the respondents were employed in private practice. All respondents used a compensatory approach to practice, whereas just over three‐quarters used a restorative approach. The Person‐Environment‐Occupation (PEO) model was the most frequently used occupation‐focused model (n = 45). The biomechanical and rehabilitative frames of reference were each used by over two thirds of respondents. Cognitive assessments were most common, followed by functional and environmental assessments. The interventions of equipment and home modifications were very common followed by remedial therapy.

Conclusion

Community aged care occupational therapists show coherence in theory‐to‐practice application, but there is wide diversity in practice decisions and possibly gaps in practice. Occupational therapists remain firmly client centred but apply compensatory approaches more than reablement approaches. This trend may be due to the influence of aged care funding models and limits on time. In addition to reacting to crisis, there is scope for occupational therapists to have a greater focus on early intervention to support dementia care and prevent falls.
Exploring differences in affective polarization between the Nordic countries
Authors: Ryan Alexander
Published: February 2023

After a period in which affective polarization—defined here as the difference between positive feelings toward in‐parties and negative out‐party animus—has mostly focused on the single US case, there has recently been an increase in large‐N comparative analyses and single case studies in other countries, including in the Nordic region. This study adds to this by studying and comparing affective polarization in the Nordic countries. In line with what previous comparative and single case studies have already indicated, the results show that affective polarization has tended to be higher in Sweden and Denmark than in Norway, Iceland, and Finland. The article also tracks time trends for the association between ideological distance from parties and affective party evaluations. As expected, placing parties further from oneself on the left‐right scale has been more strongly associated with party affect in Denmark and Sweden. Furthermore, the results show that there are some variations between the countries in terms of how distance from parties on other ideological dimensions than left‐right placement is associated with out‐party affect.
Modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score for predicting mortality in emergency department patients with sepsis
Authors: Vosseteig Anna , Huang Tiffany , Jones Peter
Published: February 2023

Objective

Several scoring systems have been proposed for EDs to identify patients at increased risk of mortality from sepsis. The modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (mSOFA) score, proposed in 2019, demonstrated a high negative predictive value. We aimed to validate mSOFA and compare its accuracy for predicting 30‐day mortality to the simple bedside score, quick SOFA (qSOFA).

Methods

Over 1 month in 2018, consecutive patients with suspected sepsis were prospectively identified. A retrospective chart review was conducted to calculate both the mSOFA and qSOFA scores for these patients. The primary outcome was 30‐day mortality.

Results

There were 252 patients with suspected sepsis identified over the study period. Thirty‐day mortality was 13/39 (33.3%) for those with a positive mSOFA and 15/211 (7.1%) for those with a negative mSOFA score. Sensitivity was 46.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 27.5–66.1%), specificity 88.3% (95% CI 83.3–92.2%), positive likelihood ratio 3.96 (95% CI 2.32–6.78), negative likelihood ratio 0.61 (95% CI 0.43–0.86). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.74 (95% CI 0.64–0.85). qSOFA sensitivity was 39.3% (95% CI 21.5–59.4%), specificity 91.9% (95% CI 87.5–95.1%), positive likelihood ratio 4.85 (95% CI 2.56–9.18) and negative likelihood ratio 0.66 (95% CI 0.49–0.89). The AUC for qSOFA was 0.81 (95% CI 0.73–0.88). The difference in the AUC was −0.07 (95% CI −0.18 to 0.05), P = 0.25.

Conclusions

In the present study, neither mSOFA nor qSOFA was adequately sensitive for predicting 30‐day mortality, although both scores were highly specific and their overall accuracy was similar. The added complexity of the mSOFA without a significant increase in discriminative ability makes it unlikely to replace qSOFA in the ED setting.
Exacerbation of financial burden of insulin and overall glucose‐lowing medications among uninsured population with diabetes
Authors: Lin Yilu , Shao Hui , Fonseca Vivian , Shi Lizheng
Published: February 2023

Background

Approximately 7.4 million Americans with diabetes used insulin. This study aimed to document the 10‐year trend of insulin and other glucose‐lowering medications expenditure among insured and uninsured populations and to examine the impact of insulin out‐of‐pocket (OOP) payment and insurance status on glucose‐lowering medication OOP expenditure.

Methods

We extracted data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2009–2018) to document trends in the expenditure of insulin among people with diabetes. Total expenditures and OOP spending per person were documented on insulin and noninsulin glucose‐lowering medications among insured and uninsured populations. Multivariable regression was applied to assess the association of insulin OOP payment and insurance status on glucose‐lowering medication OOP expenditure.

Results

Although insulin usage was stable over the decades, total insulin expenditure almost doubled per person per year after the Affordable Care Act (ACA) regardless of the insurance status. The OOP cost of insulin by the uninsured population increased from $1678 per person per year in the pre‐ACA period to $2800 per person per year in the post‐ACA period. After the ACA was enacted, the uninsured population had $403.96 and $143.64 more on OOP costs than the people with public and private insurance, respectively.

Conclusion

For insured people, the rising financial burden of insulin was borne mainly by insurance. The uninsured population is bearing a heavy burden due to the high price of insulin. Policymakers should take action to reduce the insulin price and improve the transparency of the insulin pricing process.
Auditor‐client reciprocity: Evidence from forecast‐issuing brokerage houses and forecasted companies sharing the same auditor
Authors: Fung Simon Yu Kit , Jiang Like , Pittman Jeffrey , Wang Yu , Zhang Shafu
Published: February 2023

We examine whether auditors share private information about some clients in their portfolio to benefit other clients (i.e., brokerage houses). This is a salient issue in China, where there are concerns about auditors leaking information to related parties, and where we observe variation in connectedness between brokerage houses and companies through shared auditors. We document that brokerage houses that share an auditor with a company issue comparatively more accurate earnings forecasts for that company. Next, cross‐sectional variation in forecast accuracy is associated with several proxies for brokerage houses' and auditors' costs and incentives to share information (e.g., investor protection, media coverage, public listing status, and the client's economic importance). Finally, auditors are more likely to secure future audits from IPO deals sponsored by brokerage house clients with higher forecast accuracy. Collectively, our evidence is suggestive of auditors sharing private information with brokerage houses in anticipation of reciprocity in the form of lucrative future engagements.
Evaluating dermatology education in Australia: Medical students’ and junior doctors’ perceptions
Authors: Ireland Patrick , Rosen Richard , Spencer Sascha , Nielssen Amelia , Rosen Robert
Published: February 2023

Background

Despite a high frequency of dermatological general practice and emergency department presentations, including serious and potentially fatal skin conditions, evidence suggests that undergraduate dermatological education remains sparse. Given this, there exists a need to gauge dermatology‐relevant knowledge and skill in our new doctors.

Methods

An online survey was completed by final‐phase medical students and junior doctors from Australian medical schools. The survey appraised self‐perceived confidence of dermatology knowledge and skills, in addition to 5 knowledge‐based multiple‐choice questions.

Results

Nine hundred and forty‐two eligible responses were completed. Respondents reported low confidence in identifying dermatological conditions in people with skin of colour (μ = 1.69), handing over to dermatology colleagues (μ = 2.00) and in diagnosing and managing acute/emergency dermatology conditions (μ = 1.84). In contrast, participants felt most confident in counselling sun‐protective behaviours (μ = 3.95) and suturing small wounds (μ = 3.43). 76.4% of respondents had not undertaken any dermatology placement, and 70.9% had never been formally assessed in dermatology. Those who received dermatology placement had a significantly higher aggregated self‐reported confidence (p < 0.0001) and answered significantly more MCQs correctly (p = 0.0419). Those who had been formally assessed had a significantly higher self‐reported confidence (p < 0.001) and answered significantly more MCQs correctly (p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Final‐phase medical students and junior doctors exhibit low confidence across many dermatology competencies. Participants believed they need more dermatology education, and seldom feel prepared when exposed to dermatologic pathologies. Introduction of a standardised curriculum, formal assessments and increased clinical exposure are possible solutions.
Hydroxychloroquine protects against autoimmune premature ovarian insufficiency by modulating the Treg/Th17 cell ratio in BALB/c mice
Authors: Shuai Ling , She Jiajie , Diao Ruiying , Zhao Huihui , Liu Xuemin , Hu Qingyu , Li Dongdong , Su Danna , Ye Xiaofeng , Guo Yan , Zhong Mei , Wang Liping
Published: February 2023

Aims

The role of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of HCQ on ovarian function in mice with POI and to clarify its potential mechanisms.

Methods

POI was induced in mice by injection with zona pellucida 3 peptide (pZP3), and HCQ was administered intragastrically. Stages of the estrous cycle were determined using vaginal cytology. The ovarian structure was observed under a microscope after hematoxylin‐eosin staining. The levels of serum hormones and anti‐ZP antibody (aZPAb) were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression levels of CD4, CD45, and ZP2, ZP3 were determined using immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The T regulatory (Treg)/ T helper 17 (Th17) cell ratio was analyzed using flow cytometry analysis. Western blotting was performed to assess the expression levels of proteins, transcription factors and cytokines.

Results

Administration of HCQ to mice with POI greatly restored their estrus cycle. In the treatment group compared to the POI group, estradiol (E2) levels were higher, and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were lower. In addition, following pZP3, HCQ treatment increased ZP2 and ZP3 expression. Additionally, by inhibiting the activation of the TLR7 signaling pathway, HCQ attenuated the infiltration of inflammatory cells and prevented the activated naive CD4+ T cells from developing into Th17 cells.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that HCQ effectively restored ovarian function by altering the Treg/Th17 cell ratio in mice with POI, indicating that HCQ maybe a promising therapeutic method for patients with POI.
Azithromycin treatment for short cervix with or without amniotic fluid sludge: A matched cohort study
Authors: Giles Michelle L. , Krishnaswamy Sushena , Metlapalli Manogna , Roman Alina , Jin Wallace , Li Wentao , Mol Ben W. , Sheehan Penelope , Said Joanne
Published: February 2023

Background

Preterm birth (PTB) is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. A shortened cervix is a recognised risk factor for PTB, and amniotic fluid sludge (AFS) diagnosed on ultrasound may be suggestive of underlying inflammation or infection.

Aims

The aim is to determine if azithromycin, administered in cases of a shortened cervix, results in prolongation of gestation with improvements in neonatal outcomes.

Materials and Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study at three tertiary maternity services in Melbourne, Australia, between 2015 and 2020. Women with a singleton pregnancy were included if they had a cervical length of 15 mm or less at 13–24 weeks' gestation, with or without AFS. Exclusion criteria comprised multiple pregnancy, major fetal congenital anomaly, placenta praevia, prelabour premature rupture of membranes, vaginal bleeding and/or clinical signs suggestive of chorioamnionitis at the time of diagnosis of the short cervix. The results of antibiotic treatment with azithromycin were compared to those of no antibiotic treatment. The outcomes of interest were PTB, prelabour premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), chorioamnionitis and neonatal morbidity.

Results

A total of 374 women were included in the study, of whom 129 received azithromycin and 245 received no antibiotics. When adjusting for potential confounders, the adjusted risk of PTB overall was higher in the treatment group (adjusted hazard ratio 1.36 (95% confidence interval 1.04–1.77) P = 0.023) with no differences found for PPROM, chorioamnionitis or neonatal morbidity.

Conclusion

These data do not support the routine use of azithromycin in women with a short cervix, including those with AFS detected on ultrasound.
Effects of different coating materials on the morphological characteristics of chicken adenohypophyseal folliculo‐stellate cells in vitro
Authors: Nishimura Shotaro , Yamahira Shungo , Chowdhury Vishwajit S. , Hosaka Yoshinao Z.
Published: February 2023

Chicken adenohypophyseal cells were cultured in plates coated with different materials, and their morphologies were examined to confirm the characteristics of chicken folliculo‐stellate (FS) cells in vitro. The adenohypophyseal cells were dispersed with a collagenase/trypsin mixture in media and seeded in plates coated in either poly L‐lysine (PLL), collagen, or laminin. After 7 days of culture, the cells were fixed and immunocytochemistry was performed. 5‐Bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine incorporation test indicated that the proliferation activity of the culture cells was different based on the coating materials, and it was higher in the collagen‐coated plate than two other coating materials. Fluorescence immunocytochemistry was also performed using mixed antibodies against growth hormone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone β‐subunit, basic cytokeratin (bCK), and S100B. The culture cells on the PLL‐ and laminin‐coated surfaces were round or oval in shape, and bCK‐immunopositive FS cells were morphologically indistinguishable from endocrine cells. In the collagen‐coated plate, many endocrine cells were round or oval in shape, but FS cells displayed a larger and flattened morphology. S100B‐immunoreactions were localized in the nuclei of bCK‐immunopositive FS cells. These results suggest that culturing the chicken adenohypophyseal cells in the collagen‐coated plate enables the distinction of FS cells from endocrine cells.
Effect of pseudopregnancy duration in nonpregnant sows on induced lactation
Authors: Kasazaki Takayuki , Tachino Hirokazu , Sakatsume Yoshihiro , Suzuki Takehito , Noguchi Michiko
Published: February 2023

This study was conducted to examine the effects of different pseudopregnancy periods in nonpregnant sows on artificial lactation induction efficiency and milk composition. Sixteen pseudopregnant sows (n = 4 per group) were treated with 5 mg of estradiol dipropionate at 28 (Group D38), 35 (Group D45), 42 (Group D52), and 49 (Group D59) days after the end of estrus, followed by prostaglandin F2α as 0.175‐mg cloprostenol twice at 12 h intervals 10 days later. The overall success rate of lactation induction was 81.3%. The lactation rates were significantly higher in Groups D38, D45, and D59 (100.0%) than in Group D52 (25.0%). The milk immunoglobulin (Ig) G concentration was significantly higher in Group D38 than in Group D59. However, IgA levels and milk compositions (protein, ash, and lactose) did not differ among the groups. Lactation induction was successful between 38 and 59 days of pseudopregnancy. Apart from IgG, pseudopregnancy length did not affect milk components from 38 to 59 days of pseudopregnancy.
The process of becoming ‘we’ in an intergroup conflict context: How enhancing intergroup moral similarities leads to common‐ingroup identity
Authors: Čehajić‐Clancy Sabina , Janković Ana , Opačin Nerkez , Bilewicz Michal
Published: February 2023

Research on common‐ingroup identity has mainly focused on consequences and potential benefits of inclusive social categorizations. However, very little is yet known about processes and conditions that could facilitate such inclusive social categorizations. In this paper, with four studies (N = 582) set in a post‐conflict context of Bosnia and Herzegovina and with members of two ethnic groups (Bosniaks and Serbs), we have demonstrated how perceptions of intergroup moral similarity can act as an important precursor of common‐ingroup identity at the national level. We report both cross‐sectional as well as experimental evidence demonstrating how perceptions of intergroup moral similarity boost common‐ingroup identifications in socially relevant context using members of real adversary social groups. Moreover, we show that learning about outgroups' morally admirable behaviours can facilitate inclusive social categorizations.