bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TEAD1, MYO7A and NDUFC2 are novel functional genes associated with glucose metabolism in BXD recombinant inbred population
Authors: Wu Yingying , Zhang Chao , Duan Shaofei , Li Yushan , Lu Lu , Bajpai Akhilesh , Yang Chunhua , Mi Jia , Tian Geng , Xu Fuyi , Qi Donglai , Xu Zhaowei , Chi Xiao Dong
Published: February 2024

Aim

The liver is an important metabolic organ that governs glucolipid metabolism, and its dysfunction may cause non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, etc. We aimed to systematic investigate the key factors related to hepatic glucose metabolism, which may be beneficial for understanding the underlying pathogenic mechanisms for obesity and diabetes mellitus.

Materials and methods

Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) phenotypes and liver transcriptomes of BXD mice under chow and high‐fat diet conditions were collected from GeneNetwork. QTL mapping was conducted to pinpoint genomic regions associated with glucose homeostasis. Candidate genes were further nominated using a multi‐criteria approach and validated to confirm their functional relevance in vitro.

Results

Our results demonstrated that plasma glucose levels in OGTT were significantly affected by both diet and genetic background, with six genetic regulating loci were mapped on chromosomes 1, 4, and 7. Moreover, TEAD1, MYO7A and NDUFC2 were identified as the candidate genes. Functionally, siRNA‐mediated TEAD1, MYO7A and NDUFC2 knockdown significantly decreased the glucose uptake and inhibited the transcription of genes related to insulin and glucose metabolism pathways.

Conclusions

Our study contributes novel insights to the understanding of hepatic glucose metabolism, demonstrating the impact of TEAD1, MYO7A and NDUFC2 on mitochondrial function in the liver and their regulatory role in maintaining in glucose homeostasis.
Adapting the early recognition inventory ERIraos to Estonian: A validation study
Authors: Sirts Kairit , Anni Kätlin , Balõtšev Roman , Jakobsoo Siim , Jaanson Kirti‐Ly , Haring Liina
Published: February 2024

Aim

Validated assessment tools are needed to identify clinically high risk for psychosis. This study aimed to validate the early recognition inventory ERIraos, which consists of the ERIraos Checklist for risk screening and the ERIraos Symptom List for a more thorough risk assessment in the Estonian language to detect psychotic prodromal symptoms.

Methods

A prospective cohort study provided an opportunity to evaluate the characteristics of the ERIraos instrument in predicting the increased risk of a psychotic disorder in the future. The 177 study participants, aged 13–42 years old, were divided into groups without an increased risk and three risk groups with different risk severity levels based on the ERIraos Symptom List assessment.

Results

The results indicated excellent inter‐rater reliability for the ERIraos Symptom List total score. The ability of the ERIraos checklist to screen persons with an elevated psychosis risk was very good (ROC‐AUC = 0.86). The capability of the ERIraos Symptom List scores to predict the probability of transitioning to psychosis within 2 years was very good (ROC‐AUC = 0.83). Brief limited intermittent psychotic symptoms and observable behavioural and affective symptoms were statistically significant predictors of transition to psychosis. There were strong and statistically significant correlations between the ERIraos Symptom List scores and other clinical measures assessing functioning and psychopathology.

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrate the reliability and validity of the Estonian version of the ERIraos instrument and support the usability of ERIraos as a two‐step tool for the early recognition of psychosis risk.
Microglia cells treated with synthetic vasoactive intestinal peptide or transduced with LentiVIP protect neuronal cells against degeneration
Authors: Goksu Azize Yasemin , Kocanci Fatma Gonca , Akinci Ersin , Demir‐Dora Devrim , Erendor Fulya , Sanlioglu Salih , Uysal Hilmi
Published: February 2024

A common pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders is neuronal cell death, accompanied by neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. The vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a pleiotropic peptide that combines neuroprotective and immunomodulatory actions. The gene therapy field shows long‐term promise for treating a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases (ND). In this study, we aimed to investigate the in vitro efficacy of transduction of microglia using lentiviral gene therapy vectors encoding VIP (LentiVIP). Additionally, we tested the protective effects of the secretome derived from LentiVIP‐infected “immortalized human” microglia HMC3 cells, and cells treated with Synthetic VIP (SynVIP), against toxin‐induced neurodegeneration. First, LentiVIP, which stably expresses VIP, was generated and purified. VIP secretion in microglial conditioned media (MG CM) for LentiVIP‐infected HMC3 microglia cells was confirmed. Microglia cells were activated with lipopolysaccharide, and groups were formed as follows: 1) Control, 2) SynVIP‐treated, or 3) LentiVIP‐transduced. These MG CM were applied on an in vitro neurodegenerative model formed by differentiated (d)‐SH‐SY5Y cells. Then, cell survival analysis and apoptotic nuclear staining, besides measurement of oxidative/inflammatory parameters in CM of cells were performed. Activated MG CM reduced survival rates of both control and toxin‐applied (d)‐SH‐SY5Y cells, whereas LentiVIP‐infected MG CM and SynVIP‐treated ones exhibited better survival rates. These findings were supported by apoptotic nuclear evaluations of (d)‐SH‐SY5Y cells, alongside oxidative/inflammatory parameters in their CM. LentiVIP seems worthy of further studies for the treatment of ND because of the potential of gene therapy to treat diseases effectively with a single injection.
The role of the genetic influence of DRD4 in Chinese adults in the context of the choice of tourist attractions
Authors: Chen Ze Geng , Fu Shi Min
Published: February 2024

The aim of this work was to analyse the effect of tandem repetitions in exon III of the DRD4 gene on the features of human decision‐making in a model of choosing tourist attractions by adult residents of China. The study included 380 subjects: 162 (42.6%) men and 218 (57.4%) women. The mean age of the subjects was 31.7 ± 3.32 years. As a result of the survey of subjects, 5 groups of motivations for choosing tourist attractions were identified, and the frequency of their use, including the identified combinations, was determined. Using the genotyping method, the frequency of DRD4 subtypes among the subjects was determined, and their relationship with the indicated attraction selection groups was studied. It has been established that there is a significant dependence of the frequency of choosing the attractors ‘relaxation’, ‘desire for novelty’ and ‘self‐realization’ and their combinations on the frequency of occurrence of the DRD4 2R, 4R and 5R+ subtypes in the study groups. A conclusion was made about the possible mechanism of the influence of manifestations of DRD4 subtypes on the choice of tourist attractors by implementing the neurophysiological influence of the genome on reducing the sensitivity of brain receptors to dopamine, which stimulates behaviours that compensate for the need for additional emotional influences. This work complements the existing knowledge about the impact of human innate properties on the characteristics of his behaviour and possible patterns of influence of human genotype variability on decision‐making and suggests further possible directions of research in this area.
City on fire: The role of extortion in urban fires
Authors: García‐Tejeda Enrique , Fondevila Gustavo
Published: February 2024

Most of the literature on fires focuses on the wild or rural environment. Nevertheless, urban fires, and in particular those related to criminal activity, have recently begun to receive greater attention. This study focuses on the analysis of fires in shopping malls, public markets and businesses in Mexico City to study the criminal intention of arson in cities. Using spatial analysis and count models, we study emergency calls (911) from January 2019 to February 2021 to explore the occurrence of fires and extortion in order to predict these events. Our main finding indicates a spatial concentration of fires in the city, with extortion as a significant predictor that increases the occurrence of fires by an average of 16.63%, controlling for non‐intentional factors. In commercial nodes, extortionists may burn down premises that resist extortion in reprisal and as an indirect threat to future victims. The results contribute to the understanding of a new line of research on arson, real estate fraud and financially profitable activities for organised crime. It is possible that ‘professional torches’ are also linked to another, previously unconsidered crime: that of extortion.
A meta‐analysis of the global growth and thermal inactivation parameters of Staphylococcus aureus for dairy products
Authors: Jia Kai , Liu Yangtai , Yang Shuo , Liu Yang , Zhu Huajian , Wang Xiang , Zhao Qi , Dong Qingli
Published: February 2024

Staphylococcus aureus is a prominent foodborne pathogen causing Staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP) in dairy products. This study estimated S. aureus growth and thermal inactivation kinetic parameters and variability in various dairy products by conducting a meta‐analysis. Cheese exhibited a lower theoretical minimum temperature (Tmin), indicating favourable conditions for S. aureus growth even at lower temperatures. Tmin values for other matrices ranged from 5.0 to 7.2 °C, providing insights for production parameter formulation. Meanwhile, significant variations in the maximum population density (Ymax) are among dairy products at the same temperature. Keeping temperatures below 0 °C in pasteurised milk, raw milk and cheese limited Ymax to approximately 102–4 CFU mL−1, below the international toxicity threshold. Factors influencing D values were smaller than strain variability, and NaCl concentration emerged as a significant factor affecting S. aureus growth. These parameters can serve as references for quality control, safety and production optimisation in dairy product processes.
Periodontal pockets: Predictors for site‐related worsening after non‐surgical therapy—A long‐term retrospective cohort study
Authors: Herz Marco M. , Hoffmann Nina , Braun Sandra , Lachmann Stefan , Bartha Valentin , Petsos Hari
Published: February 2024

Aim

To evaluate site‐related changes in periodontal pocket depth (PPD) after non‐surgical periodontal therapy and to identify predictors for PPD changes in a retrospective patient data analysis.

Materials and Methods

PPD, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, tooth mobility (TM), furcation involvement (FI), abutment status, adherence to supportive periodontal care (SPC) and SPC follow‐ups were obtained from fully documented patient data before periodontal therapy (baseline, T0), after active periodontal therapy (APT, T1) and during SPC (T2). PPD changes were classified into deteriorated or unchanged/improved at the site level. Multi‐level logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing PPD changes during SPC.

Results

This retrospective study included 51 females and 65 males (mean T0 age: 54.8 ± 10.1 years, 25 smokers, 12 diabetics) suffering from Stage III/IV periodontitis. Evaluation outcome: T0/16,044 sampling sites/2674 teeth; T1/15,636/2606; T2/14,754/2459. During 9.0 ± 2.3 years SPC, PPD decreased (−1.33 ± 0.70 mm) by 21.8% of the sites, remained unchanged by 41.4% and increased (1.40 ± 0.78 mm) by 36.8%. Distopalatal FI (p < .001, odds ratio [OR]: 0.252, 95% confidence interval [CI] for OR: 0.118–0.540), residual pockets (p < .001, OR: 0.503, 95% CI: 0.429–0.590) and TM Degrees I–III (Degree I: p = .002, OR: 0.765, 95% CI: 0.646–0.905; Degree II: p = .006, OR: 0.658, 95% CI: 0.489–0.886; Degree III: p = .023, OR: 0.398, 95% CI: 0.180–0.879) correlated significantly with increasing PPD.

Conclusions

Over 75% of PPD remained unchanged or increased during SPC. Distopalatal FI, TM Degrees I–III and residual pockets after APT lead to worsening of periodontal pockets.
Early diversification dynamics in a highly successful insular plant taxon are consistent with the general dynamic model of oceanic island biogeography
Authors: Olivar Jay Edneil C. , Hauenschild Frank , Atkins Hannah J. , Bramley Gemma L.C. , Muellner‐Riehl Alexandra N.
Published: February 2024

The general dynamic model (GDM) of oceanic island biogeography views oceanic islands predominantly as sinks rather than sources of dispersing lineages. To test this, we conducted a biogeographic analysis of a highly successful insular plant taxon, Cyrtandra, and inferred the directionality of dispersal and founder events throughout the four biogeographical units of the Indo‐Australian Archipelago (IAA), namely Sunda, Wallacea,  Philippines, and Sahul. Sunda was recovered as the major source area, followed by Wallacea, a system of oceanic islands. The relatively high number of events originating from Wallacea is attributed to its central location in the IAA and its complex geological history selecting for increased dispersibility. We also tested if diversification dynamics in Cyrtandra follow predictions of adaptive radiation, which is the dominant process as per the GDM. Diversification dynamics of dispersing lineages of Cyrtandra in the Southeast Asian grade showed early bursts followed by a plateau, which is consistent with adaptive radiation. We did not detect signals of diversity‐dependent diversification, and this is attributed to Southeast Asian cyrtandras occupying various niche spaces, evident by their wide morphological range in habit and floral characters. The Pacific clade, which arrived at the immaturity phase of the Pacific Islands, showed diversification dynamics predicted by the island immaturity speciation pulse model (IISP), wherein rates increase exponentially, and their morphological range is controlled by the least action effect favoring woodiness and fleshy fruits. Our study provides a first step toward a framework for investigating diversification dynamics as predicted by the GDM in highly successful insular taxa.
Biogeographic history of Pterocarya (Juglandaceae) inferred from phylogenomic and fossil data
Authors: Yan Hua , Zhou Peng , Wang Wei , Ye Jian‐Fei , Tan Shao‐Lin , Guo Chun‐Ce , Zhang Wen‐Gen , Zhu Zi‐Wei , Liu Yi‐Zhen , Xiang Xiao‐Guo
Published: February 2024

Pterocarya (Juglandaceae) is disjunctly distributed in East Asia and the Caucasus region today, but its fossils are widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. We first inferred phylogeny with time estimation of Pterocarya under node‐dating (ND) based on plastomes of all eight extant species and tip‐dating (TD) based on plastomes and 69 morphological characters of 19 extant and extinct species, respectively. We compared the biogeographical reconstructions on the timetrees from ND and TD, respectively, and then compiled 83 fossil records and 599 current occurrences for predicting the potential distributions for the past and the future. The most recent comment ancestor of Pterocarya is inferred in East Asia at 40.46 Ma (95% highest posterior density [HPD]: 28.04–54.86) under TD and 26.81 Ma (95% HPD: 23.03–33.12) under ND. The current distribution was attributed to one dispersal and one vicariant event without fossils, but as many as six dispersal, six vicariant, and 11 local extinction events when considering fossils. Pterocarya migrated between East Asia and North America via the Bering Land Bridge during the early Oligocene and the early Miocene periods. With the closure of Turgai Strait, Pterocarya dispersed between East Asia and Europe through the Miocene. The potential distribution analyses indicated that Pterocarya preferred warm temperate regions across the Northern Hemisphere since the Oligocene, but the drastic temperature decline caused its extinction in high latitudes. Except for Pterocarya fraxinifolia and Pterocarya stenoptera, suitable habitats for this genus are predicted to contract by 2070 due to climate change.
Improved levels of checkpoint molecule PD‐L1 on peripheral blood monocyte subsets in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients upon hypoglossal nerve stimulation
Authors: Pries Ralph , Plötze‐Martin Kirstin , Lange Christian , Behn Nicole , Werner Lotte , Bruchhage Karl‐Ludwig , Steffen Armin
Published: February 2024

Oxidative stress in patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with a low‐grade systemic inflammation, immune disturbance, and increased invasion of monocytes into the endothelium. Besides continuous positive airway pressure (PAP), hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) has become a promising treatment option for patients with OSAS. We aimed to analyse the influence of HNS therapy on the cellular characteristics relevant for adhesion and immune regulation of circulating CD14/CD16 monocyte subsets. Whole blood flow cytometric measurements were performed to analyse the expression levels of different adhesion molecules and checkpoint molecule PD‐L1 (programmed death‐ligand 1) in connection with pro‐inflammatory plasma cytokine IL‐8 and the clinical values of BMI (body mass index), AHI (apnea–hypopnea index), ODI (oxygen desaturation index), and ESS (Epworth sleepiness scale) upon HNS treatment. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation treatment significantly improved the expression of adhesion molecule CD162 (P‐selectin receptor) on non‐classical monocytes and significantly downregulated the expression of PD‐L1 on all three monocyte subsets. We conclude that the holistic improvement of different parameters such as the oxygenation of the peripheral blood, a reduced systemic inflammation, and the individual sleeping situation upon HNS respiratory support, leads to an improved immunologic situation.
Citizen security in Mexico: Legacies of distrust
Authors: Emerson R. Guy
Published: February 2024

The article provides a backdrop to citizen security in Mexico, presenting a critique that challenges the democratic bases of citizen security and offering an alternate genealogy of its analytical and practical implementations. On the one hand, citizen security emerges not only from a violent legacy of national security but also amid larger international and domestic trends. Internationally, citizen security is consistent with shifts toward human security that prioritize individual existence over territorial integrity. Locating the citizen as its referent object, citizen security forwards a universal citizen situated against an ever‐expanding list of threats. Domestically, citizen security coincides with wider neoliberal reforms premised on public–private partnerships and a reliance on individual responsibility. On the other hand, a separate genealogy of citizen security in present‐day Mexico is offered, wherein its application is drawn from three interconnected themes—how citizen security emerges amid a political legacy of national security, how it develops from analytical limitations in human security, and how it operates in a context of neoliberal governance.
National survey of infant feeding bottles in Germany: Their characteristics and marketing claims
Authors: Theurich Melissa A. , Ziebart Monika , Strobl Frances
Published: February 2024

Bottles and teats are ubiquitously used for feeding infants and young children. Yet there are limited empirical studies on the scope of infant feeding bottles, their attributes, or their marketing claims. We report the first comprehensive survey on infant feeding bottles and teats in Germany. We aimed to explore the extent of bottles and teats available in Germany, describe their physical attributes and analyze their marketing claims. A cross‐sectional survey of German bottle and teat manufacturer websites was conducted between June and November 2022. Product attributes are presented with descriptive statistics and photographs. Marketing claims are summarized in a descriptive content analysis. We identified 41 brands encompassing 447 unique products (226 bottles, 221 teats). The majority of bottles were plastic (147, 65%) or glass (64, 28%), and the majority of teats were silicone (188, 85%). Most brands (38, 93%) promoted products using one or more inappropriate marketing claims, including equivalency to breastfeeding (29, 73%), idealization through technical or medical descriptions (23, 58%), claims on disease prevention (31, 78%), references to naturalness (29, 73%), infant autonomy (10, 25%), and endorsements from parents (10, 25%) or health professionals (11, 28%). The majority of bottles and teats available in Germany appear to be marketed inappropriately and hold the potential to undermine public health recommendations on infant and young child feeding. Therefore, we recommend Germany strengthens legislation on the marketing of bottles and teats in accordance with the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.
Mentorship for all in academic medicine
Authors: Gheihman Galina
Published: February 2024

To enable success, Gheihman reflects on the importance of Winderbaum and Coventry's exploration of how to support new doctors in an evidence‐based manner.
Correlation between Disc Imaging Observations and Clinical Efficacy after Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: A 1‐Year Follow‐up Study
Authors: Li Bing , Wang Tian‐hao , Huang Yi , Fan Yi‐ming , Yu Han , Li Ao‐qiong , Qi Deng‐bin , Wang Qi , Xue Chao , Wang Ze , Zheng Guo‐quan , Wang Yan
Published: February 2024

Objective

The connection between alterations in the disc structure following percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) and symptoms in patients postsurgery has not been reported yet. The purpose of the present study was to discuss the potential correlation between the changes in the morphological characteristics of various reference surfaces of the intervertebral disc after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) and clinical outcomes, to identify the morphological parameters that affect efficacy and provide an evidence‐based foundation for assessing postoperative efficacy.

Methods

From October 2019 to October 2021, after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD), 98 individuals were enrolled. MRI DICOM data of the lumbar spine were obtained before and after surgery, specifically around 3 months. The morphological parameters of the operated and adjacent segments of the discs were measured using T2‐weighted images from three reference planes. Outcomes were assessed using the Oswestry disability index (ODI), visual analogue pain scores for the back and leg (VAS‐back/VAS‐leg), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, and recovery rates. Postoperative changes in disc parameters and outcomes were compared between patients with different severity and types of LDH based on the MSU staging. Patients completed the questionnaire during outpatient follow‐up appointments 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgery. The follow‐up period was 14.69 ± 4.21 months, ranging from 12 to 24 months.

Results

Parameters such as area and circumference of intervertebral discs in the cross‐section were not associated with the change in the efficacy index. Postoperatively, a negative correlation between the variation of the disc height, disc height index, and protrusion distance and the difference in VAS scores for low back pain at 3 and 6 months was observed among the two sagittal change parameters. Differences between changes in disc imaging parameters and postoperative efficacy were not statistically significant between various types of lumbar disc herniation.

Conclusion

For the patients after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy, the changes in parameters such as disc area and circumference in the cross‐sectional plane are not associated with efficacy, and the changes in disc height and herniation distance in the sagittal plane provide a morphologic basis for the assessment of short‐term postoperative efficacy. In addition, the changes in disc morphologic parameters and postoperative efficacy do not differ between various types of lumbar disc herniation.
Sexual behaviour of Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) (Diptera: Tephritidae): Do laboratory domestication conditions influence male courtship behaviour?
Authors: Gomes Inajara Viana , Roriz Alzira Kelly Passos , Araújo Alexandre Santos , Dias Vanessa Simões , Nascimento Antonio , Joachim‐Bravo Iara Sordi
Published: February 2024

We analysed the influence of laboratory domestication, under relaxed conditions, on the courtship behaviour of the fruit fly species Anastrepha obliqua, an important agricultural pest. We compared the temporal patterns of pheromone emission (Calling behaviour) and the frequencies and sequences of the courtship behavioural units of males of a laboratory lineage and a wild lineage. Our results indicated similarities in the temporal behavioural patterns of calling, the durations of their behavioural sequences, the final sequences of courtships resulting in copulation, of wild and laboratory males. Differences, however, were observed between the two populations in terms of the frequencies of the behavioural units executed and the initial sequence of courtship. Differences were noted in the presence or absence of some behavioural units within the courtship behavioural repertoires of the laboratory‐reared and wild. The wild males did not show units such as Alignment, Contact, Fighting and Marking Leaf that were observed in the laboratory males' courtship behaviour under laboratory conditions; on the other hand, laboratory males did not show the Abdominal movements and Oscillation observed in the courtship behaviour of wild males. The rearing of A. obliqua males under relaxed conditions in the laboratory provides an environment adequate for the preservation of behavioural characteristics relevant to the successful mating, such as Movement, Arrowhead 1, and Attempt, and in temporal patterns of pheromone emission.
R&D investments in emerging market firms: the role of institutional investors and board interlocks
Authors: Edacherian Saneesh , Panicker Vidya Sukumara , Chizema Amon
Published: February 2024

Despite the increase in institutional investor shareholdings in emerging market firms, their impact on R&D investments has received scant attention in the literature. By integrating agency and resource dependence perspectives, we examine the role of different types of institutional investors and their interactions with board interlocks in shaping their preference for R&D investment in their portfolio firms. We test our hypotheses on a sample of 2,478 Indian firm‐year observations from 2005 to 2019, using various estimation techniques. Our results indicate that different categories of institutional investors have distinct preferences for R&D investment. Specifically, we find that ownership by both foreign institutional investors and mutual fund investors negatively impacts R&D investments in firms. While board interlocks positively moderate the impact of institutional investors such as banks and financial institutions and foreign institutional investors on R&D investments in firms, this moderation is negative in the case of mutual fund investors and R&D investments in firms. We contribute to the understanding of the determinants of R&D investments in emerging market firms, with a specific focus on institutional investor ownership and add to the nascent literature on the interaction between two forms of governance, i.e., ownership and board characteristics, in shaping this firm strategy.
A qualitative analysis of Swedish sport psychology practitioners' experience of a continued professional development program
Authors: Belz Johanna , Kenttä Göran , McEwan Hayley E. , Muetstege Jelena , Tod David
Published: February 2024

Although sport psychology practitioners and researchers acknowledge the importance of continued professional development (CPD) for professional effectiveness and excellence, few studies have explored the influence of CPD activities on the practitioners' practice and thinking. This study examined qualified Swedish sport psychology practitioners' experiences of engaging in a CPD program and how it impacted their professional development. The Swedish Sports Confederation offers a CPD program that targets performance enhancement services and psychotherapy for sport psychology practitioners. We explored the influence of this CPD program on the professional development of 13 graduates (five females; age in years: M = 41.2, SD = 8.3) via semi‐structured interviews. Our stance involved a realist ontology and constructionist epistemology. We followed the six‐step Reflexive Thematic Analysis procedures to analyze data. We identified four themes of CPD: (1) Critique (participants decided to do the CPD program because of perceived gaps in their knowledge and skills), (2) Change (participants discussed several changes as a result of the CPD program), (3) Context (participants discussed the aspects of the CPD program that promoted change), and (4) Challenge (participants mentioned issues related to having completed the program). The study provides insights into the value of CPD activities for sport psychology practitioners, advances current knowledge on practitioner maturation, and illustrates how CPD fits within a practitioner's lifelong learning. Future research could investigate the professional development of mid‐career sport psychology practitioners engaging in other CPD programs to confirm or extend this work.
Engagement of new entrants in mountain farming through the lens of generativity: Lack of family farming background and its implications in Alpine Austria and Italy
Authors: Grüner Bernhard , Konzett Savina
Published: February 2024

While mountain family farmers rely on cultural, financial and material resources passed on from previous generations, new entrants typically lack such intergenerational amenities. Applying the concept of ‘generativity’ to agriculture prove valuable in examining start‐up motives, obstacles, opportunities and impacts regarding generational renewal via newcomers without a family farming background. Following a multilevel approach, we interviewed new entrants, long‐established family farmers and members of agricultural organisations in three Alpine regions of Austria and Italy. We illustrate that family farmers primarily care for their farm's continued existence, while new entrants seek autonomy from the agricultural industry, thus transmitting the relevance of agriculture beyond their offspring. At first sight, land access is a major hurdle for new entrants, as agricultural land is reserved for family farmers. By taking over abandoned farms, new entrants escape constraints imposed by previous farming generations, thus facilitating the introduction of novel operating concepts and the regeneration of traditional practices. Consequently, newcomer farms are transforming from previously exclusive production sites into open spaces of exchange that include non‐agricultural communities, reconnecting land, production and consumption. We conclude that a lack of family farming ties may foster extra‐familial renewal and sustainability in mountain agriculture.
Skin dark spot mapping and evaluation of brightening product efficacy using Line‐field Confocal Optical Coherence Tomography (LC‐OCT)
Authors: Jdid Randa , Pedrazzani Mélanie , Lejeune François , Fischman Sébastien , Cazorla Gabriel , Forestier Sandra , Khalifa Youcef Ben
Published: February 2024

Background

Facial dark spots remain a significant challenge for the cosmetic industry, in terms of providing effective treatment. Using Line‐field Confocal Optical Coherence Tomography (LC‐OCT), we investigated the internal structural features of photo‐aging spot areas and evaluated the efficacy of a skin‐brightening cosmetic product.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐six Asian female volunteers, aged between 29 and 65 years, applied a cosmetic product on their entire face twice a day for 2 months. LC‐OCT was used to evaluate the dermal‐epidermal junction (DEJ) undulation and the volume density of melanin in the epidermis at D0 and D56. Skin brightening and redness were also assessed by photography (SkinCam).

Results

Using LC‐OCT technology, various microscopic dark spot morphologies, spanning from minimally deformed DEJ to complex DEJ patterns, were identified. Dark spots characterized by slight deformities in the DEJ were predominantly observed in the youngest age group, while older volunteers displayed a wavier pattern. Furthermore, a total of 44 spots were monitored to evaluate the brightening product efficacy. A statistically significant reduction in melanin volumetric density of 7.3% in the spots and 12.3% in their surrounding area was observed after 56 days of product application. In line with these results, an analysis of color parameters using SkinCam reveals a significant increase in brightening and decrease in redness in both pigmented spots and the surrounding skin following application.

Conclusions

LC‐OCT proves to be a valuable tool for in‐depth dark spots characterization and assessment of skin brightening products, enabling various applications in the field of dermatological sciences.
The effect of epistemic beliefs and emotions on students' attitudes toward genetically modified foods
Authors: Lee David A. , Wendt Jillian , Barthlow Michelle
Published: February 2024

A large body of research literature has explored socio‐scientific issues (SSIs) in science teaching and learning, documenting the impact of epistemic beliefs on epistemic emotion, which influences student's reactions to complex scientific topics. Often, students' reactions reflect scientific misconceptions, the correction of which may result in emotional and attitudinal changes. However, research has not fully explored the impact of students' epistemic beliefs on emotions and attitudes toward genetically modified foods (GMFs). The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of students' epistemic beliefs on epistemic emotions and attitudes toward GMFs. A quantitative correlational research design was utilized with 78 students at a large private university in the Mid‐Atlantic United States. Participants' epistemic beliefs were assessed prior to reading a refutation text and a persuasive text about GMFs. Afterward, they completed questionnaires about epistemic emotions and attitudes toward GMFs. Results indicated that no statistically significant predictive relationship exists between the participants' epistemic beliefs and emotions or between epistemic beliefs and attitudes toward GMFs. However, a statistically significant predictive relationship was demonstrated between negative epistemic emotions and negative attitudes toward GMFs. The scholarly contributions and practical implications of these findings are discussed along with recommendations for future research.
Understanding family-centered care in the NICU: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Franco Fuenmayor Maria E. , Fawcett Andrea , Schwartz Katherine E. , Horner Susan , Balasundaram Malathi , Burke Barbara Lawlor , Bean Katherine A. , Russell Laura N. , Simonton Elizabeth , Machut Kerri Z. , Fry Jessica T.
Published: February 2024

Objective:

This scoping review will aim to identify and categorize the definitions of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) family-centered care (FCC) and its associated concepts. It also aims to identify and categorize the practices and interventions that comprise NICU FCC, and catalog the metrics used to evaluate NICU FCC.

Introduction:

FCC has been identified as an important element of care for neonates and infants admitted to the NICU, and there is clear evidence that the incorporation of families in care improves clinical outcomes. However, FCC has been linked to numerous associated terms and concepts and lacks a unifying definition or framework, thus limiting the ability to categorize, prioritize, and identify practices and interventions to optimize both institutional approaches for individual centers and for the field at large.

Inclusion criteria:

Studies that include or apply at least one FCC concept or its associated terms will be considered eligible for inclusion. Studies not related exclusively to the NICU will be excluded.

Methods:

The review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Several electronic databases and sources of gray literature will be searched from 1992 to the present day. The review will include only full-text studies in English and will be independently screened by a minimum of 2 authors. Data will be extracted using a modified JBI data extraction tool and presented using narrative summaries; concept mapping; and categorization of practices, interventions, and metrics.
Common tool structures and approaches to risk of bias assessment: implications for systematic reviewers
Authors: Stone Jennifer C. , Leonardi-Bee Jo , Barker Timothy H. , Sears Kim , Klugar Miloslav , Munn Zachary , Aromataris Edoardo
Published: February 2024

There are numerous tools available to assess the risk of bias in individual studies in a systematic review. These tools have different structures, including scales and checklists, which may or may not separate their items by domains. There are also various approaches and guides for the process, scoring, and interpretation of risk of bias assessments, such as value judgments, quality scores, and relative ranks. The objective of this commentary, which is part of the JBI Series on Risk of Bias, is to discuss some of the distinctions among different tool structures and approaches to risk of bias assessment and the implications of these approaches for systematic reviewers.
Implementing GRADE in systematic reviews that adhere to JBI methodological conduct
Authors: Stern Cindy , Munn Zachary , Barker Timothy H. , Porritt Kylie , Stone Jennifer C. , Pap Robin , Khalil Hanan , Aromataris Edoardo
Published: February 2024

GRADE is a methodological approach used to establish certainty in a body of evidence and is now widely adopted among the evidence synthesis and guideline development community. JBI is an international evidence-based health care organization that provides guidance for a range of evidence synthesis approaches. The GRADE approach is currently endorsed for use in a subset of JBI systematic reviews; however, there is some uncertainty regarding when (and how) GRADE may be implemented in reviews that follow JBI methodology.
Description of acoustical Gaussian beams from the electromagnetic Davis scheme of approximations and the on-axis localized approximation
Authors: Gouesbet Gérard , Ambrosio Leonardo André
Published: February 2024

Electromagnetic Gaussian beams may be described by using a Davis scheme of approximations. It is demonstrated that this scheme also may be used, with minor changes, to manage the description of acoustical waves. The acoustical version of the Davis scheme afterward allows one to establish an efficient and accurate localized approximation to evaluate beam shape coefficients, which encode the structures of acoustical waves, similar to the localized approximation, which has been made famous when dealing with electromagnetic waves. The present paper is restricted to the case of on-axis beams.
SOX9 switch links regeneration to fibrosis at the single-cell level in mammalian kidneys
Authors: Aggarwal Shikhar , Wang Zhanxiang , Rincon Fernandez Pacheco David , Rinaldi Anna , Rajewski Alex , Callemeyn Jasper , Van Loon Elisabet , Lamarthée Baptiste , Covarrubias Ambart Ester , Hou Jean , Yamashita Michifumi , Akiyama Haruhiko , Karumanchi S. Ananth , Svendsen Clive N. , Noble Paul W. , Jordan Stanley C. , Breunig Joshua J. , Naesens Maarten , Cippà Pietro E. , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: February 2024

The steps governing healing with or without fibrosis within the same microenvironment are unclear. After acute kidney injury (AKI), injured proximal tubular epithelial cells activate SOX9 for self-restoration. Using a multimodal approach for a head-to-head comparison of injury-induced SOX9 lineages, we identified a dynamic SOX9 switch in repairing epithelia. Lineages that regenerated epithelia silenced SOX9 and healed without fibrosis (SOX9
on-off
). By contrast, lineages with unrestored apicobasal polarity maintained SOX9 activity in sustained efforts to regenerate, which were identified as a SOX9
on-on
Cadherin6
pos
cell state. These reprogrammed cells generated substantial single-cell WNT activity to provoke a fibroproliferative response in adjacent fibroblasts, driving AKI to chronic kidney disease. Transplanted human kidneys displayed similar SOX9/CDH6/WNT2B responses. Thus, we have uncovered a sensor of epithelial repair status, the activity of which determines regeneration with or without fibrosis.
Sex and gender essentialism in textbooks
Authors: Donovan Brian M. , Syed Awais , Arnold Sophie H. , Lee Dennis , Weindling Monica , Stuhlsatz Molly A. M. , Riegle-Crumb Catherine , Cimpian Andrei
Published: February 2024

Several widely used high school biology texts depart from established science
Humane genomics education can reduce racism
Authors: Donovan Brian M. , Weindling Monica , Amemiya Jamie , Salazar Brae , Lee Dennis , Syed Awais , Stuhlsatz Molly , Snowden Jeffrey
Published: February 2024

Moving instruction “beyond Mendel” can counter inaccurate, essentialist views
Programming memristor arrays with arbitrarily high precision for analog computing
Authors: Song Wenhao , Rao Mingyi , Li Yunning , Li Can , Zhuo Ye , Cai Fuxi , Wu Mingche , Yin Wenbo , Li Zongze , Wei Qiang , Lee Sangsoo , Zhu Hengfang , Gong Lei , Barnell Mark , Wu Qing , Beerel Peter A. , Chen Mike Shuo-Wei , Ge Ning , Hu Miao , Xia Qiangfei , Yang J. Joshua
Published: February 2024

In-memory computing represents an effective method for modeling complex physical systems that are typically challenging for conventional computing architectures but has been hindered by issues such as reading noise and writing variability that restrict scalability, accuracy, and precision in high-performance computations. We propose and demonstrate a circuit architecture and programming protocol that converts the analog computing result to digital at the last step and enables low-precision analog devices to perform high-precision computing. We use a weighted sum of multiple devices to represent one number, in which subsequently programmed devices are used to compensate for preceding programming errors. With a memristor system-on-chip, we experimentally demonstrate high-precision solutions for multiple scientific computing tasks while maintaining a substantial power efficiency advantage over conventional digital approaches.
Emission lines due to ionizing radiation from a compact object in the remnant of Supernova 1987A
Authors: Fransson C. , Barlow M. J. , Kavanagh P. J. , Larsson J. , Jones O. C. , Sargent B. , Meixner M. , Bouchet P. , Temim T. , Wright G. S. , Blommaert J. A. D. L. , Habel N. , Hirschauer A. S. , Hjorth J. , Lenkić L. , Tikkanen T. , Wesson R. , Coulais A. , Fox O. D. , Gastaud R. , Glasse A. , Jaspers J. , Krause O. , Lau R. M. , Nayak O. , Rest A. , Colina L. , van Dishoeck E. F. , Güdel M. , Henning Th. , Lagage P.-O. , Östlin G. , Ray T. P. , Vandenbussche B.
Published: February 2024

The nearby Supernova 1987A was accompanied by a burst of neutrino emission, which indicates that a compact object (a neutron star or black hole) was formed in the explosion. There has been no direct observation of this compact object. In this work, we observe the supernova remnant with JWST spectroscopy, finding narrow infrared emission lines of argon and sulfur. The line emission is spatially unresolved and blueshifted in velocity relative to the supernova rest frame. We interpret the lines as gas illuminated by a source of ionizing photons located close to the center of the expanding ejecta. Photoionization models show that the line ratios are consistent with ionization by a cooling neutron star or a pulsar wind nebula. The velocity shift could be evidence for a neutron star natal kick.
NIH megastudy analyzes first 250,000 genomes
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: February 2024

All of Us finds new DNA variants and refines genetic risk scores in diverse groups
Antibiotic-induced ROS-mediated Fur allosterism contributes to
Helicobacter pylori
resistance by inhibiting
arsR
activation of
mutS
and
mutY
Authors: Xue Junyuan , Li Wen , Zhao Yican , Wang Liyuan , Cheng Peiyuan , Zhang Lu , Zheng Yantong , Zhang Wenxin , Bi Yakun , Chen Zhenghong , Jiang Ting , Sun Yundong
Published: February 2024

The increasing antibiotic resistance of
Helicobacter pylori
primarily driven by genetic mutations poses a significant clinical challenge. Although previous research has suggested that antibiotics could induce genetic mutations in
H. pylori
, the molecular mechanisms regulating the antibiotic induction remain unclear. In this study, we applied various techniques (e.g., fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and multifunctional microplate reader) to discover that three different types of antibiotics could induce the intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in
H. pylori
. It is well known that ROS, a critical factor contributing to bacterial drug resistance, not only induces damage to bacterial genomic DNA but also inhibits the expression of genes associated with DNA damage repair, thereby increasing the mutation rate of bacterial genes and leading to drug resistance. However, further research is needed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the ROS inhibition of the expression of DNA damage repair-related genes in
H. pylori
. In this work, we validated that ROS could trigger an allosteric change in the iron uptake regulatory protein Fur, causing its transition from apo-Fur to holo-Fur, repressing the expression of the regulatory protein ArsR, ultimately causing the down-regulation of key DNA damage repair genes (e.g.,
mutS
and
mutY
); this cascade increased the genomic DNA mutation rate in
H. pylori
. This study unveils a novel mechanism of antibiotic-induced resistance in
H. pylori
, providing crucial insights for the prevention and control of antibiotic resistance in
H. pylori
.
Genome annotations for the ascomycete fungi
Trichoderma harzianum
,
Trichoderma aggressivum
, and
Purpureocillium lilacinum
Authors: Beijen Erik P. W. , Ohm Robin A.
Published: February 2024

We sequenced and annotated the genomes of the ascomycete fungi
Trichoderma harzianum
,
Trichoderma aggressivum f. europaeum
, and
Purpureocillium lilacinum
. Moreover, we developed a website to allow users to interactively analyze the assemblies, gene predictions, and functional annotations of these species and 70+ previously sequenced fungi.