bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does innovation matter for asymmetric cost behaviour? Evidence from forward citations to the patents
Authors: Oh Seul Gi , Ra Kyeongheum
Published: April 2024

This study investigates how innovation affects cost stickiness. Utilising data on patents of US firms between 1991 and 2022, we find that the extent of cost stickiness is greater with a greater number of forward citations for patents. We also find that the main relationship is more pronounced in high‐tech industries, high labour cost intensity, and market competition. In addition, we find that firms with a higher number of patents and forward citation experience a subsequent increase in sales. Overall, this makes a valuable addition to the extant literature, proposing that patents serve as an alternative driver of cost stickiness.
Why does hormonal contraception and menopausal hormonal treatment have such a small effect on breast cancer risk?
Authors: Eden John A.
Published: April 2024

Oestrogen is considered by many to be a major cause of breast cancer, and yet hormonal contraception and menopausal hormonal therapy have a paradoxically small effect on breast cancer risk. Also, in the oestrogen‐only arm of the Women's Health Initiative, subjects given oestrogen had a reduced risk of breast cancer compared to controls. Initiation of breast cancer likely begins early in life, in the long‐lived ER−PR− breast stem cell. The main mitogen of ER+PR+ breast cancers is oestrogen derived from local breast fat and the tumour itself, rather than circulating oestrogens. Progesterone is relatively breast neutral, but progestins in the laboratory have been shown to expand malignant breast stem cell number.
Landscape of transcriptome‐wide m6A modification in diabetic liver reveals rewiring of PI3K‐Akt signaling after physical exercise
Authors: Chen Cong , Jiang Cai , Lin Ting , Hu Yue , Wu Huijuan , Xiang Qing , Yang Minguang , Wang Sinuo , Han Xiao , Tao Jing
Published: April 2024

Aim

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common diseases, and epigenetic modification N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is essential for transcriptional modulation involved in its development. However, the precise role and landscape of transcriptome‐wide m6A alterations in molecular adaptations after physical exercise have yet to be fully elucidated.

Methods

Four‐week‐old male C57BL/6J mice received a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks to establish a diabetic state, and HFD mice were simultaneously subjected to physical exercise (HFD + EX). The hepatic RNA m6A methylome was examined, the conjoint MeRIP‐seq and RNA‐seq was performed, and the exercise‐modulated genes were confirmed.

Results

Physical exercise significantly ameliorates liver metabolic disorder and triggers a dynamic change in hepatic RNA m6A. By analyzing the distribution of m6A in transcriptomes, an abundance of m6A throughout mRNA transcripts and a pattern of conserved m6A after physical exercise was identified. It is noteworthy that conjoint MeRIP‐seq and RNA‐seq data revealed that both differentially methylated genes and differentially expressed genes were enriched in all stages of the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, in particular the upstream nodes of this pathway, which are considered a valuable therapeutic target for T2DM. Moreover, in vivo and in vitro analyses showed that exercise‐mediated methyltransferase Rbm15 positively regulated the expression of two upstream genes (Itga3 and Fgf21) in an m6A‐dependent manner.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the pivotal role of the exercise‐induced m6A epigenetic network and contribute insights into the intricate epigenetic mechanism underlying insulin signaling.
Validity of the DSM‐5 Mixed Features Specifier Interview
Authors: Zimmerman Mark , Mackin Daniel
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To examine the reliability and validity of a semi‐structured interview assessing the features of the DSM‐5 mixed features specifier. Our goal was to develop an instrument that could be used for both diagnostic and severity measurement purposes.

Methods

Four hundred fifty‐nine psychiatric patients in a depressive episode were interviewed by a trained diagnostic rater who administered semi‐structured interviews including the DSM‐5 Mixed Features Specifier Interview (DMSI). We examined the inter‐rater reliability and psychometric properties of the DMSI. The patients were rated on clinician rating scales of depression, anxiety, and irritability, and measures of psychosocial functioning, suicidality, and family history of bipolar disorder.

Results

The DMSI had excellent joint‐interview interrater reliability. More than twice as many patients met the DSM‐5 mixed features specifier criteria during the week before the assessment than for the majority of the episode (9.4% vs. 3.9%). DMSI total scores were more highly correlated with a clinician‐rated measure of manic symptoms than with measures of depression and anxiety. More patients with bipolar depression met the mixed features specifier than patients with MDD. Amongst patients with MDD, those with mixed features more frequently had a family history of bipolar disorder, were more frequently diagnosed with anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder, and borderline personality disorder, more frequently had attempted suicide, and were more severely depressed, anxious, and irritable.

Conclusion

The DMSI is a reliable and valid measure of the presence of the DSM‐5 mixed features specifier in depressed patients as well as the severity of the features of the specifier.
Integrating Family Strengths in Child Protection Goals
Authors: Rijbroek Brigit , Strating Mathilde M. H. , Huijsman Robbert
Published: April 2024

Over the last decades, child protection workers (CPWs) have largely focused on improving their work with a strength‐based approach in order to empower families. This study investigates to what extent CPWs draw on families' strengths, that is, by promoting autonomy and competencies and by involving their informal networks in goal formulation. This quantitative study analysed the goals, as stated in case files, formulated by CPWs for 177 families within a single Dutch child protection service. 48.6% of CPWs prioritise promoting families' autonomy in goal formulation. With regard to competencies, only 40.1% of the goals refer to the families' competencies. In addition, the support system that the goals call upon tends to be dominated by formal rather than informal networks (in 71.2% of cases). While it is true that child protection cases can benefit from the support of a formal networks, CPWs overwhelmingly failed to encourage support from existing informal networks (in 95.5% of cases). There were no relationships between these percentages and the nature of the family problems or the question of whether or to what extent the CPWs identified the specific strengths of families. These findings show that half of the CPWs had integrated a strength‐based approach in their daily practice to some extent, and therefore improvements are needed in order to more successfully encourage families to change.
The Benefits and Costs of Employee Stock Ownership Plans in China
Authors: He Qing , Jiang Dongming , Liu Erzhuo
Published: April 2024

Research Issue

We investigate the deliberations of controlling shareholders in assessing the trade‐offs between costs and benefits preceding the adoption of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Furthermore, we explore the market responses to ESOP announcements and their associations with the private benefits of control. Moreover, our study delves into the modifications in private benefits of control, changes in employment dynamics, and subsequent operating performance subsequent to the implementation of ESOPs.

Research Insights

We conduct our research employing a comprehensive dataset encompassing the adoptions of ESOPs within publicly listed Chinese companies during the period spanning from 2014 to 2020. Our empirical findings reveal that firms characterized by diminished private benefits of control, as indicated by a reduced wedge between control rights and cash flow rights, as well as a lower frequency of related party transactions, are more inclined to consider the adoption of ESOPs, especially when the potential for productivity gains is substantial. These firms also elicit more positive market reactions upon the announcement of their ESOP initiatives. While ESOPs do lead to heightened productivity, the overall enhancement in operating performance remains relatively modest due to the significant cost burden imposed on shareholders by the large unearned employee compensation. Our results suggest that controlling shareholders who partake in fewer private benefits of control are more inclined to forego these entitlements in favor of embracing ESOPs as a strategic mechanism for realizing productivity gains. However, it is imperative to acknowledge that such gains may be considerably offset by substantial increases in employee compensation expenses. Despite the prevalence of short‐lived features in Chinese practice, we lack substantial evidence supporting their inhibitory effects on the increased monitoring and productivity following ESOP adoption.

Academic Implications

This study provides a comprehensive examination of recent ESOPs in the Chinese context, offering insights into the regulatory complexities within the largest emerging market. The research contributes to the existing literature by unveiling the intricate relationship between private benefits of control and the decision to adopt ESOPs, as well as their subsequent implications. Notably, our findings, particularly the observed neutral impact on operating performance, augment the ongoing discourse surrounding the efficacy of ESOPs in augmenting shareholder value.

Policy Implications

This research introduces ESOPs as an innovative mechanism for mitigating private benefits of control, particularly in the context of emerging markets where controlling shareholders tend to accrue significant private benefits of control. The incorporation of performance‐related criteria within the ESOP framework serves as a means to effectively manage the additional compensation associated with these plans, thereby enhancing their overall efficacy.
A commentary review on endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: Indications, outcomes and future implications
Authors: Abuawwad Mahmoud , Tibude Ameya , Bansi Devinder , Idris Iskandar , Madhok Brijesh
Published: April 2024

Metabolic and bariatric surgeries have been shown to be the most effective strategy to induce and maintain significant weight loss for people living with severe obesity. However, ongoing concerns regarding operative risks, irreversibility and excess costs limit their broader clinical use. Endoscopic bariatric therapies are pragmatic alternatives for patients who are not suitable for metabolic and bariatric surgeries or who are concerned regarding their long‐term safety. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty has emerged as a novel technique of endoscopic bariatric therapies, which have garnered significant interest and evidence in the past few years. Its safety, efficacy and cost‐effectiveness have been shown in various studies, while comparisons with sleeve gastrectomy have been widely made. This review brings together current evidence pertaining to the technicality of the procedure itself, current indications, safety and efficacy, cost‐effectiveness, as well as its future role and development.
Free ride without raising a thumb: A citizen science project reveals the pattern of active ant hitchhiking on vehicles and its ecological implications
Authors: Hsu Feng‐Chuan , Hsu Gen‐Chang , Lee Ching‐Chen , Lin Chung‐Chi , Ho Chuan‐Kai , Yang Chin‐Cheng Scotty
Published: April 2024

Species hitchhiking on human transportation objects such as vehicles can facilitate long‐distance dispersal of organisms, allowing increased probabilities of successful biological invasions. In Taiwan, there have been observations of ants actively moving onto motor vehicles (defined as ‘ant hitchhiking’ hereafter), yet no study has explored this phenomenon.

Here, we provide the first qualitative and quantitative report on ant hitchhiking behaviour using citizen science data. From 2017 to 2023, 52 cases of ant hitchhiking on vehicles were reported (at least three cases with queen[s] and another eight cases with brood), attributed to nine species. Seven of the nine species were exotic/invasive. Arboreal or semi‐arboreal ant species, particularly the exotic black cocoa ant (Dolichoderus thoracicus), accounted for over half of the reported cases. The parking duration of the vehicles on which the ants hitchhiked ranged from several hours to over a month (30 cases occurred within a day). Moreover, more cases were reported in the warmer seasons (spring and summer) than in the colder seasons (fall and winter).

To our knowledge, this study represents the first effort to profile active ant hitchhiking on vehicles. We encourage future studies to examine the abiotic and biotic factors that determine the success of hitchhiking events to better predict the spread of exotic/invasive ants and to develop effective management strategies for preventing their biological invasions.
The effect of texture on the very high cycle fatigue performance and deformation mechanism of rolled AZ31B magnesium alloys
Authors: Zhan Min , Wang Xiangyu , Dai Yajun , Liu Chang , Chen Yao , Liu Yongjie , Wang Chong , Li Lang , Wang Qingyuan , He Chao
Published: April 2024

Rolling can result in anisotropy in the microstructure and mechanical properties of the sheet material. This study focuses on the very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) performance of magnesium alloys in the rolling direction (RD), normal direction (ND), and the bisecting angle between the ND and RD (ND–RD). The findings reveal that RD specimens demonstrate superior fatigue performance, while the ND specimens exhibit the lowest fatigue resistance. During the crack initiation stage, the primary influential factor is the maximum shear stress. Due to c‐axis alignment with ND direction in grains, the deformation mode for ND and RD specimens primarily involves first‐order pyramidal slip, while ND–RD specimens primarily undergo basal slip and prismatic slip. In early stable crack propagation, grain size and texture cause variations in the morphology of the rough area among the three directional specimens. Notably, the RD specimens show faster crack propagation during crack initiation than early stable propagation stage.
Transitioning from emicizumab prophylaxis to valoctocogene roxaparvovec gene therapy: A simulation study for individuals with severe haemophilia A
Authors: Agarwal Suresh , Hermans Cedric , Miesbach Wolfgang , Peyvandi Flora , Sidonio Robert , Osmond Dane , Newman Vanessa , Henshaw Josh , Pipe Steven
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Valoctocogene roxaparvovec, a gene therapy evaluated in the phase 3 GENEr8‐1 trial, supports endogenous factor VIII (FVIII) production to prevent bleeding in people with severe haemophilia A. Individuals receiving emicizumab, an antibody mimicking the function of activated FVIII, were excluded from GENEr8‐1 enrolment since emicizumab was an investigational therapy at the time of trial initiation.

Aim

Utilize pharmacokinetic simulations to provide guidance on best practices for maintaining haemostatic control while transitioning from emicizumab prophylaxis to valoctocogene roxaparvovec.

Methods

To estimate bleeding risk at weekly intervals following valoctocogene roxaparvovec infusion, a published emicizumab pharmacokinetic model was used to simulate emicizumab concentrations and merged with FVIII activity time‐course data for participants in GENEr8‐1. The analysis investigated three approved emicizumab dosing regimens for two transition scenarios that varied whether the last dose of emicizumab was administered on the same day or 4 weeks after valoctocogene roxaparvovec infusion.

Results

Simulations demonstrated administering the last emicizumab dose the day of valoctocogene roxaparvovec infusion and 4 weeks after offered similar levels of haemostatic control, and bleeding risk was similar for all emicizumab dosing regimens. An algorithm was developed to provide guidance for discontinuation of emicizumab. Theoretical cases based on GENEr8‐1 participants are presented to illustrate how decisions may vary among individuals.

Conclusion

Pharmacokinetic simulations demonstrated no clinically meaningful difference in bleeding risk caused by decaying emicizumab levels and rising gene therapy‐derived endogenous FVIII for all examined emicizumab doses and dosing regimens. Therefore, multiple approaches can safely transition individuals from emicizumab prophylaxis to valoctocogene roxaparvovec.
Helicobacter pylori with trx1 high expression promotes gastric diseases via upregulating the IL23A/NF‐κB/IL8 pathway
Authors: Guan Xin , Ning Jing , Fu Weiwei , Wang Ye , Zhang Jing , Ding Shigang
Published: April 2024

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the main causes of gastric cancer. thioredoxin‐1 (Trx1) and arginase (RocF) expressed by H. pylori were found to be closely related to its pathogenicity. However, whether Trx1 and RocF can be used in clinical screening of highly pathogenic H. pylori and the pathogenesis of trx1 high expressing H. pylori remain still unknown.

Materials and Methods

We investigated the expression level of H. pylori trx1 and H. pylori rocF in human gastric antrum tissues using reverse transcription and quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR) and clarified the clinical application value of trx1 and rocF for screening highly pathogenic H. pylori. The pathogenic mechanism of Trx1 were further explored by RNA‐seq of GES‐1 cells co‐cultured with trx1 high or low expressing H. pylori. Differentially expressed genes and signaling pathways were validated by RT‐qPCR, Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. We also assessed the adherence of trx1 high and low expressing H. pylori to GES‐1 cells.

Results

We found that H. pylori trx1 and H. pylori rocF were more significantly expressed in the gastric cancer and peptic ulcer group than that in the gastritis group and the parallel diagnosis of H. pylori trx1 and H. pylori rocF had high sensitivity. The trx1 high expressing H. pylori had stronger adhesion ability to GES‐1 cells and upregulated the interleukin (IL) 23A/nuclear factor κappaB (NF‐κB)/IL17A, IL6, IL8 pathway.

Conclusions

H. pylori trx1 and H. pylori rocF can be used in clinical screening of highly pathogenic H. pylori and predicting the outcome of H. pylori infection. The trx1 high expressing H. pylori has stronger adhesion capacity and promotes the development of gastric diseases by upregulating the activation of NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Foreign institutional ownership and corporate labor investment
Authors: Do Trung K. , Le Anh‐Tuan
Published: April 2024

We examine the impact of foreign institutional ownership on firms' labor investment efficiency. Using a comprehensive global sample of firms across 37 non‐U.S. countries, we find that greater ownership by foreign institutional investors is significantly associated with lower deviations of labor investment from the level justified by economic fundamentals, that is, higher labor investment efficiency. Independent, U.S.‐based and common‐law foreign institutional investors increase labor investment efficiency to a greater extent than their gray, non‐U.S.‐based and civil‐law peers. We further find evidence supporting the value creation of foreign institutions through the improvement in labor investment efficiency. Overall, our results suggest that foreign institutional investors promote good corporate governance practices around the world.
Improving household well‐being through entrepreneurship and inclusive finance in the context of the Next‐11 countries
Authors: Uche Emmanuel , Ngepah Nicholas
Published: April 2024

Scholarship brainstorming on household welfare enablers abounds in academic literature. Nonetheless, the perspective of entrepreneurship, particularly for the Next‐11 countries, is underreported. Likewise, prior literature failed to investigate the influence of categorical (gender‐specific) entrepreneurship on household welfare. Thus, this investigation covers this lacuna by examining the predictive effects of aggregate, male and female entrepreneurship and financial inclusiveness on household welfare. With panel series spanning 2004–2021, both the Westerlund and Banerjee & Carrion‐i‐Silvestre cointegration procedures confirmed long‐term convergence among the series. The estimates of the augmented mean group (AMG) and the cross‐sectional autoregressive distributed lag (CSARDL) techniques revealed that entrepreneurship enhances household well‐being. This outcome validates the self‐determination theory since entrepreneurial engagements enhance household welfare. By extension, policies targeting entrepreneurship empowerment are critical for economic prosperity in these countries. In terms of gender variations, it is established that female entrepreneurship, much more than male, enhances household well‐being significantly. Furthermore, although automated teller machine availability promotes subjective well‐being, the number of commercial bank branches enhances only objective well‐being. Meanwhile, commercial bank loans failed to enhance both aspects of welfare at all times. Hence, we have provided relevant policy options that would ensure the maximization of households’ well‐being in these countries and other emerging economies.
Adjustments of flower opening time and duration in tropical rice (Oryza sativa ssp. indica) landraces in response to heat stress
Authors: Deb Debal , Paul Ayan , Bhattacharya Sabyasachi
Published: April 2024

Based on our primary database of the flower opening time (FOT) and flower exposure duration (FED) of 1114 rice (Oryza sativa ssp. indica) landraces, we examined the influences of growing season, sunrise time as well as day maximum and minimum temperatures on the anthesis behaviour of indica rice landraces of South and Southeast Asia, flowering in summer and winter in 3 consecutive years (2020–2022). We also compared the FOT and FED on sunny and cloudy days of a small set of landraces, and also during summer and winter. Our data show that rice florets tend to open later in the morning and lengthen the sunrise‐to‐anthesis duration (SAD) on hotter sunny days during tropical summer than during winter and on cloudy days. These findings contradict the widely held conjecture, based on studies conducted at colder latitudes, that rice flowers open earlier in the morning to avoid heat stress. We propose that indica rice landraces are sufficiently adapted to tropical summer because they were selected and bred over millennia to withstand heat stress during tropical summer, so their FOT and SAD are weakly influenced by high day temperatures. However, the significant reduction in FED of these landraces, whose flowers open later in mid‐day, seems to be an adaptive mechanism to avoid longer exposure to rising air temperature approaching day maximum temperature.
Using fossil records to predict short‐term changes in niche and spatial dynamics in a broadly distributed coral reef: Niche conservatism and adaptation
Authors: de Oliveira Umberto Diego Rodrigues , Dobrovolski Ricardo , Barros Francisco , Pérez Carlos Daniel , Vilela Bruno
Published: April 2024

Aim

Given the rapid pace of climate change and its significant impact on species distribution and survival, understanding the dynamics of ecological niches over time becomes imperative. By employing ecological niche models and species distribution models, alongside analyses of historical occurrence records and palaeoclimatic data, we aimed to assess the extent of changes in the niche of Porites astreoides from the Holocene to the present. Specifically, we quantified the amount of: (1) niche stability, (2) niche expansion, (3) niche decline and (4) niche overlap in both the environmental and geographical space.

Location

Atlantic Ocean.

Taxon

Cnidarian, Scleractinia.

Materials and Methods

Through fossil and current records and environmental variables from the same periods, we use two ecological niche modelling approaches (overlap and maximum entropy) to analyse niche dynamics in environmental and geographical space, specifically the degree of expansion, stability and loss of niches over the last ~8000 years. We used a principal component analysis to build the models within two different calibration areas (minimum convex polygon and buffer).

Results

Our results were similar, except for the loss of habitat, across the calibration areas used to build the models. The PCA used to build the models accounts for more than 65% of the variation in the data. Most of the environmental niche remained stable with an increase of almost a third and a negligible loss. Models in geographical space showed that most of the suitable area remained stable, but the species expanded its range from the Caribbean to the coast of Brazil. The analysis also showed a high value of niche overlap in environmental and geographical spaces.

Main Conclusions

The species studied is one of the corals with the greatest capacity to adapt to new environments and locations, but it also has a high tendency to preserve niche traits. These characteristics helped the species to expand its environmental and geographical niche in a period of relative climatic stability. On the other hand, these same characteristics of niche conservatism can lead the species to population decline and habitat loss, if the speed of adaptation is lower than the rapid climate changes predicted for the middle and end of the 21st century.
MFNet: Meta‐learning based on frequency‐space mix for MRI segmentation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Li Yin , Chen Qi , Li Hao , Wang Song , Chen Nutan , Han Ting , Wang Kai , Yu Qingqing , Cao Zhantao , Tang Jun
Published: April 2024

Deep learning techniques have been applied to medical image segmentation and demonstrated expert‐level performance. Due to the poor generalization abilities of the models in the deployment in different centres, common solutions, such as transfer learning and domain adaptation techniques, have been proposed to mitigate this issue. However, these solutions necessitate retraining the models with target domain data and annotations, which limits their deployment in clinical settings in unseen domains. We evaluated the performance of domain generalization methods on the task of MRI segmentation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by collecting a new dataset of 321 patients with manually annotated MRIs from two hospitals. We transformed the modalities of MRI, including T1WI, T2WI and CE‐T1WI, from the spatial domain to the frequency domain using Fourier transform. To address the bottleneck of domain generalization in MRI segmentation of NPC, we propose a meta‐learning approach based on frequency domain feature mixing. We evaluated the performance of MFNet against existing techniques for generalizing NPC segmentation in terms of Dice and MIoU. Our method evidently outperforms the baseline in handling the generalization of NPC segmentation. The MF‐Net clearly demonstrates its effectiveness for generalizing NPC MRI segmentation to unseen domains (Dice = 67.59%, MIoU = 75.74% T1W1). MFNet enhances the model's generalization capabilities by incorporating mixed‐feature meta‐learning. Our approach offers a novel perspective to tackle the domain generalization problem in the field of medical imaging by effectively exploiting the unique characteristics of medical images.
Family dysfunction, stressful life events, and mental health problems across development in the offspring of parents with an affective disorder
Authors: Resendes Tiffany , Ellenbogen Mark A. , Oldehinkel Albertine J.
Published: April 2024

Background

Offspring of parents with affective disorders (OAD) are at risk of developing a wide range of mental disorders. Deficits in the rearing environment and high levels of stress are well‐known risk factors for negative outcomes in OAD. Building on prior research, we aim to examine the longitudinal relationships between family dysfunction, stressful life events, and mental health in OAD and control offspring of parents with no affective disorder. In the present study, we hypothesized that high levels of family dysfunction would be associated with more internalizing and externalizing problems across time in OAD than in controls, and that family dysfunction would mediate the relationship between stressful life events in adolescence and poor mental health in adulthood, particularly in OAD.

Methods

As part of the TRacking Adolescents' Lives Survey (TRAILS), 2230 participants (51% female, Mage = 11.1 years, SD = 0.6, at baseline) and their parents completed measures across six time points, spanning 15 years. Mental health, family dysfunction, and stressful life events were assessed with the Youth and Adult Self‐Report, Family Assessment Device, and an in‐house measure, respectively.

Results

Multi‐group structured equation modeling revealed that family dysfunction was linked to internalizing and externalizing problems in OAD, but not controls, across time. Risk status did not moderate family dysfunction's mediation of the relationship between stressful life events and negative outcomes in adulthood.

Conclusions

OAD show high sensitivity to dysfunction in the rearing environment across childhood and adolescence, which supports the use of family based interventions to prevent the development of mental disorders in high‐risk youth.
The effects of fatty acids on psoriasis: A two‐sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huang Yuanjie , Chen Zedong , Wu Xuerui , Chen Chen , Cai Limin
Published: April 2024

Background

Some studies indicated an association between fatty acids (FA) and psoriasis. While definitive correlation between FA and psoriasis is still unclear. Therefore, our objective is to ascertain whether fatty acid levels are causally related to psoriasis using a Mendelian randomization approach.

Method

We investigated the causal relationship between psoriasis and multiple types of FA by mendelian randomization. All data were acquired from Genome‐Wide Association Study. We also performed additional analysis to assess the validity of the causal connection.

Results

Our mendelian analysis suggests that n‐3 fatty acid levels are associated with a lower risk of psoriasis. [IVW, OR/95% CI: 0.998/(0.997, 0.999), p (2.479 × 10−4)] Complementary analyses returned similar results, indicating consistency in our findings. No horizontal pleiotropy was found in our analysis. There was no indication of causal effects from other varieties of FA on psoriasis.

Conclusion

Our studies found that n‐3 FA may lower the likelihood of developing psoriasis. We also need well‐designed prospective studies and related large‐scale, multicenter RCTs to confirm our findings.
Revolutionizing thread lifting: Evolution and techniques in facial rejuvenation
Authors: Hong Gi‐Woong , Park Soo Yeon , Yi Kyu‐Ho
Published: April 2024

Objective

This review explores the utilization of thread lifting materials, distinct from traditional sutures, in aesthetic procedures. It aims to elucidate the varied composition, purpose, and performance of these slender materials.

Methods

The article contextualizes thread lifting materials by exploring their literal and material significance. The evolution of these materials is traced, emphasizing the preexistence of cog threads for tissue manipulation before their widespread adoption in plastic surgery.

Results

Observations regarding the efficacy and longevity of absorbable versus non‐absorbable threads are discussed, with a particular emphasis on the efficiency of high‐quality absorbable cog threads.

Conclusion

The proliferation of thread lifting materials extends beyond PDO, necessitating consideration of multiple factors beyond duration when selecting threads for lifting procedures. This underscores the importance of comprehensive evaluation in choosing appropriate thread lifting materials.
Development and validation of a scale to measure social isolation in adolescents
Authors: dos Santos Simone José , Soares Fernanda Cunha , Gaoua Nadia , Rangel Junior João F. L. B. , Lima Rodrigo Antunes , de Barros Mauro Virgilio Gomes
Published: April 2024

There is a lack of questionnaires specifically designed to assess social isolation in adolescents. We developed and validated a self‐report measure of social isolation in adolescents, the Social Isolation Questionnaire (QIS). A literature review on social isolation and mental health in adolescents indicated 20 questions to form QIS. Two cross‐sectional surveys with 48 and 1135 adolescents, respectively, evaluated the reproducibility and validity of QIS. The Bland–Altman plot did not indicate a systematic difference between measurements 15 days apart. Bartlett's sphericity test verified a correlation between the questions and the Kaiser‐Meyer‐Olkin test showed good adequacy (.896) to the factor analysis. Exploratory factor analysis suggested the exclusion of three questions (loading factors <0.3), and eigenvalues (4.9–0.8) indicated that the questionnaire should be composed of three factors (dimensions). The Cronbach's alpha indicated high internal consistency of the 17 questions (0.850 overall; Dimensions: 0.815 ‘feeling of loneliness’; 0.760 ‘friendship’; and, 0.680 ‘Family support’). The QIS score ranged from 0 to 131 (maximum social isolation score). The correlation between QIS and depressive symptoms (r = .543) indicated the construct validity of QIS. We evaluated QIS in the Portuguese version, thus translation and cultural adaptation are necessary to evaluate the questionnaire in other settings. We constructed and validated the QIS questionnaire, a self‐administered questionnaire to assess social isolation in adolescents, composed of three dimensions; feelings of loneliness, friendship and family support. The QIS questionnaire seems a very promising tool to support practitioners and researchers in assessing social isolation among adolescents.
Effects of yak rumen anaerobic fungus Orpinomyces sp. YF3 fermented on in vitro wheat straw fermentation and microbial communities in dairy goat rumen fluid, with and without fungal flora
Authors: Du Xueer , Zhou Linlin , Li Yong , Zhang Fan , Wang Lamei , Yao Junhu , Chen Xinghua , Liu Shimin , Cao Yangchun
Published: April 2024

Rumen fungi play an essential role in the breakdown of dietary fibrous components, facilitating the provision of nutrients and energy to the host animals. This study investigated the fermentation characteristics and effects on rumen microbiota of yak rumen anaerobic fungus Orpinomyces sp. YF3 in goat rumen fluid, both with and without fungal flora, utilizing anaerobic fermentation bottles. Crushed and air‐dried wheat straw served as the fermentation substrate, and cycloheximide was used to eradicate microorganisms from the rumen fluid of dairy goats. The experiment compromised four treatment groups (2×2 factorial design): control (C); yak fungus group (CF, Orpinomyces sp. YF3); goat fungi eliminated group (CA, antibiotic: 0.25 mg/mL cycloheximide); goat fungi eliminated+yak fungus group (CAF). Each treatment had six replicates. Fermentation characteristics and microbial composition of the fermentation media were analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance and high‐throughput sequencing technology. The findings revealed that in the Orpinomyces sp. YF3 addition group (CF and CAF groups), there were significant increases in ammonia nitrogen concentration by 70%, total volatile fatty acids (VFA) by 53%, as well as acetate, isobutyrate, and valerate concentrations, and the ratio of acetate to propionate (p < 0.05), while the propionate proportion declined by 13%, alongside a reduction of butyrate concentration (p < 0.05). Similarly, in the CF and CAF groups, there were a notable increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Synergistota, Desulfobacterota, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteriota, alongside a decrease in the relative abundance of Fibrobacterota and Proteobacteria (p < 0.05). Bacteria exhibiting increased relative abundance were positively correlated with the activity of carboxymethyl cellulase and avicelase, total VFA concentration, and acetate proportion, while showing a negatively correlation with propionate proportion. In conclusion, supplementing rumen fermentation media with yak rumen anaerobic fungus Orpinomyces sp. YF3 led to an increase in bacteria associated with fibre degradation and acetic acid production, a decrease in propionate‐producing bacteria, enhanced the activity of plant cell wall degrading enzymes, and promoted cellulose degradation, ultimately elevating total VAF concentration and acetate proportion. This presents a novel approach to enhance roughage utilization in ruminants.
Crowdsourcing to increase hepatitis B and C testing and reduce hepatitis stigma among medical students in Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Tucker Joseph D. , Kpokiri Eneyi E. , Wu Dan , Rahman M. Anisur , Mia Titu , Chowdhury Md. Shafiqul Alam , Ahmed Faroque , Hakim H. A. Nazmul , Paiker Zunaid Murshed , Nuha Nabila Jashim
Published: April 2024

This study addresses the pervasive challenges of low hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) testing rates coupled with the stigma associated with these diseases in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) with a special focus on Bangladesh. This study aims to introduce an innovative crowdsourcing intervention that involves medical students, a crucial cohort with the potential to shape healthcare attitudes. Through a structured crowdsourcing approach, the study designs and implements a digital intervention to counter stigma and promote testing among medical students in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Participants submitted brief videos or texts aiming to encourage hepatitis testing and reduce stigma. The call, advertised through meetings, emails, and social media, welcomed entries in English or Bengali over 3 weeks. A panel of six judges evaluated each entry based on clarity, impact potential, innovation, feasibility, and sustainability, awarding prizes to students behind the highest‐rated submissions. Seventeen videos and four text messages received an average score of 5.5 among 440 surveyed medical students, predominantly 22 years old (16%) and in their fourth year (21%). After viewing, 360 students underwent screening, identifying two previously undiagnosed HBV cases referred for care; no HCV infections were found. Notably, 41% expressed concerns about individuals with HBV working in hospitals or having a doctor living with HBV. In conclusion, this pilot showcases the power of medical students in spearheading campaigns to counter hepatitis stigma and encourage testing. By utilizing crowdsourcing, the study introduces an innovative approach to a persistent issue in LMICs specially in Bangladesh, offering a model that could potentially be adapted by other regions grappling with similar challenges.
Social media effects on well‐being: The hypothesis of addiction of a new variety
Authors: Pugno Maurizio
Published: April 2024

Recent evidence shows that social media use has negative effects on well‐being of children and youths. However, the underlying reasons are unclear, as social media are means that can also serve beneficial purposes. We propose the hypothesis that social media induce users to harmful addiction of a new variety because such use is not toxic per se but becomes toxic by crowding out beneficial activities. We identify, in particular, the key mechanism in the change of time preference: While social media induce users to present‐biassed activities, thus encouraged by how platforms are designed, they crowd out activities that develop skills and are forward‐looking, such as education, volunteering and democratic participation. This triggers a vicious circle leading to a long run deterioration of well‐being and skills that would have acted as an antidote to addiction. As implication, policies should address adequate information and education in general, as well as increased competition in the digital platform market. While the available evidence supports our hypothesis in many respects, more empirical research is needed.
Indexicality, Bayesian background and self‐location in fine‐tuning arguments for the multiverse
Authors: Ruyant Quentin
Published: April 2024

Our universe seems to be miraculously fine‐tuned for life. Multiverse theories have been proposed as an explanation for this on the basis of probabilistic arguments, but various authors have objected that we should consider our total evidence that this universe in particular has life in our inference, which would block the argument. The debate thus crucially hinges on how Bayesian background and evidence are distinguished and on how indexical or demonstrative terms are analysed. The aim of this article is to take a step back and examine these various aspects of Bayesian reasoning and how they affect the arguments. The upshot is that there are reasons to resist the fine‐tuning argument for the multiverse, but the “this‐universe‐objection” is not one of them.
Beware of atrial pacing‐induced ventricular depolarization: A case of lead malfunction
Authors: Dai Bailing , Yin Wenqing , Ma Chengming , Ma Peipei , Wang Yingqi , Hong Li , Yu Xiaohong , Yin Xiaomeng , Dong Yingxue , Xia Yunlong , Yang Yanzong , Gao Lianjun
Published: April 2024

Although ventricular capture during the atrial threshold test is possible, there are rare reports on the insulation defect and inactive leads thereof. In this case, we present a pacemaker‐dependent patient with a history of pacemaker generator replacements. The patient experienced ventricular capture induced by atrial pacing due to adhesion of the atrial and ventricular leads with an insulation defect. The atrial lead was abandoned and a new lead was implanted. However, there was a significant decrease in ventricular impedance detected shortly after the new lead was implanted. When observing the phenomenon of atrial pacing‐induced ventricular depolarization, one uncommon reason to consider is lead adhesive wear. It is important to pay attention to the contact and bending sites of the leads.
A maize enzyme from the 2‐oxoglutarate‐dependent oxygenase family with unique kinetic properties, mediates resistance against pathogens and regulates senescence
Authors: Serra Paloma , Aramburu Silvana Righini , Petrich Julieta , Campos‐Bermudez Valeria Alina , Ferreyra María Lorena Falcone , Casati Paula
Published: April 2024

In plants, salicylic acid (SA) hydroxylation regulates SA homoeostasis, playing an essential role during plant development and response to pathogens. This reaction is catalysed by SA hydroxylase enzymes, which hydroxylate SA producing 2,3‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,3‐DHBA) and/or 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5‐DHBA). Several SA hydroxylases have recently been identified and characterised from different plant species, but no such activity has yet been reported in maize. In this work, we describe the identification and characterisation of a new SA hydroxylase in maize plants. This enzyme, with high sequence similarity to previously described SA hydroxylases from Arabidopsis and rice, converts SA into 2,5‐DHBA; however, it has different kinetic properties to those of previously characterised enzymes, and it also catalysers the conversion of the flavonoid dihydroquercetin into quercetin in in vitro activity assays, suggesting that the maize enzyme may have different roles in vivo to those previously reported from other species. Despite this, ZmS5H can complement the pathogen resistance and the early senescence phenotypes of Arabidopsis s3h mutant plants. Finally, we characterised a maize mutant in the S5H gene (s5hMu) that has altered growth, senescence and increased resistance against Colletotrichum graminicola infection, showing not only alterations in SA and 2,5‐DHBA but also in flavonol levels. Together, the results presented here provide evidence that SA hydroxylases in different plant species have evolved to show differences in catalytic properties that may be important to fine tune SA levels and other phenolic compounds such as flavonols, to regulate different aspects of plant development and pathogen defence.
STING‐associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI) presenting with skin lesions
Authors: Latour‐Álvarez I. , Murcia‐Clemente L. , Vázquez Pigueiras I. , Garramone‐Ramírez J. E. , Clemente D. , Sanz V. , Torrelo A.
Published: April 2024

STING‐associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI) is caused by pathogenic gain‐of‐function variants in the gene TMEM173 (also named stimulator of interferon genes, STING1). This report details the case of an 11‐year‐old girl with SAVI who presented with skin‐limited symptoms and discusses the phenotype–genotype correlations of the TMEM173 variant present in our patient. Treatment of SAVI focuses on preventing the development or progression of organ damage by reducing systemic inflammation. We summarize the available treatments for this syndrome.
Ignorance is not always bliss: A qualitative study of young adults' experiences with being ghosted
Authors: Wu Karen , Bamishigbin Olajide
Published: April 2024

Ghosting, or ignoring someone to end a relationship, is often considered a harmful aspect of growing digital connectivity. However, research on ghosting has focused on the experiences of European/European Americans in romantic contexts. Thus, we broadly explored experiences of being ghosted among 29 undergraduates primarily from underrepresented populations (75.9% Latinx, 6.9% Asian, 6.9% Black) in the United States. We conducted face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews regarding general experiences with being ghosted, a memorable experience of being ghosted, and attitudes toward ghosting. Inductive thematic analysis yielded eight themes surrounding the process of being ghosted (Sensing Shifts in Communication Patterns), ghosting attributions (Unreciprocated Feelings, Incompatibility), responses to ghosting (Stages of Grief, Various Coping Methods, Lost Respect for Ghoster, Insight from Experiencing Both Sides), and ghosting attitudes (Good Reasons). Future research might examine the role of both individual (e.g., cultural values) and situational (e.g., ghosting circumstance) factors in various trajectories of ghosting responses, as well as the psychological consequences of these trajectories.
Pregnancy after transplant in the older adolescent: Anticipatory guidance for the pediatric provider
Authors: Coscia Lisa A. , Kliniewski Dorothy , Constantinescu Serban , Moritz Michael J.
Published: April 2024

Background

Healthcare providers who care for adolescent and young adult transplant recipients should be aware of contraception counseling and potential for pregnancy in this at‐risk cohort.

Methods

This paper will review contraceptive options in general for transplant recipients. There will also be a review of common immunosuppressive medications and their risk profile regarding pregnancy after transplantation. Data from the Transplant Pregnancy Registry International were analyzed looking at recipients conceiving under the age of 21 and were compared to overall pregnancy outcomes.

Results

Overall pregnancy outcomes in recipients under the age of 21 are like the adult cohort.

Conclusion

It is imperative to provide contraception counseling to the adolescent and young adult and inform their caregiver that pregnancy can happen if the recipient is sexually active. Pregnant adolescent and young adult transplant recipients should be followed by a multidisciplinary team to assure a positive outcome for the recipient, transplant, and neonate.