bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mouse nuclear RNAi-defective 2 promotes splicing of weak 5′ splice sites
Authors: Flemr Matyas , Schwaiger Michaela , Hess Daniel , Iesmantavicius Vytautas , Ahel Josip , Tuck Alex Charles , Mohn Fabio , Bühler Marc
Published: May 2023

Removal of introns during pre-mRNA splicing, which is central to gene expression, initiates by base pairing of U1 snRNA with a 5′ splice site (5′SS). In mammals, many introns contain weak 5′SSs that are not efficiently recognized by the canonical U1 snRNP, suggesting alternative mechanisms exist. Here, we develop a cross-linking immunoprecipitation coupled to a high-throughput sequencing method, BCLIP-seq, to identify NRDE2 (nuclear RNAi-defective 2), and CCDC174 (coiled-coil domain-containing 174) as novel RNA-binding proteins in mouse ES cells that associate with U1 snRNA and 5′SSs. Both proteins bind directly to U1 snRNA independently of canonical U1 snRNP-specific proteins, and they are required for the selection and effective processing of weak 5′SSs. Our results reveal that mammalian cells use noncanonical splicing factors bound directly to U1 snRNA to effectively select suboptimal 5′SS sequences in hundreds of genes, promoting proper splice site choice, and accurate pre-mRNA splicing.
Nanoblot: an R-package for visualization of RNA isoforms from long-read RNA-sequencing data
Authors: DeMario Samuel , Xu Kevin , He Kevin , Chanfreau Guillaume F.
Published: May 2023

RT-PCR and northern blots have long been used to study RNA isoforms usage for single genes. Recent advancements in long-read sequencing have yielded unprecedented information about the usage and abundance of these RNA isoforms. However, visualization of long-read sequencing data remains challenging due to the high information density. To alleviate these issues, we have developed NanoBlot, an open-source R-package that generates northern blot and RT-PCR-like images from long-read sequencing data. NanoBlot requires aligned, positionally sorted and indexed BAM files. Plotting is based around ggplot2 and is easily customizable. Advantages of NanoBlot include a robust system for designing probes to visualize isoforms including excluding reads based on the presence or absence of a specified region, an elegant solution to representing isoforms with continuous variations in length, and the ability to overlay multiple genes in the same plot using different colors. We present examples of nanoblots compared to actual northern blot data. In addition to traditional gel-like images, the NanoBlot package can also output other visualizations such as violin plots and 3′-RACE-like plots focused on 3′-end isoforms visualization. The use of the NanoBlot package should provide a simple answer to some of the challenges of visualizing long-read RNA-sequencing data.
The welfare of brain organoids
Authors: Browning Heather , Veit Walter
Published: May 2023

One of the most urgent challenges arising in bioethics has been the ethical assessment of the use of brain organoids, largely because of the possibility of sentience and the potential that if they can feel, then they might suffer. But while there is a growing literature on the possibility of sentience in brain organoids and why we should take a precautionary approach towards them, there is very little guidance on what it would mean to protect their welfare. In this paper, we address this omission by exploring the question of what the welfare of an organoid might be like, and how we could scientifically assess this question. As we will show, these are difficult questions to answer, given the current lack of empirical data on many of the important features of brain organoids, but we will provide some principled empirically-informed speculation on possible answers, as well as suggestions for future research directions.
Aulas del Futuro en España: un análisis desde la perspectiva docente: [Future Classrooms in Spain
Authors: García-Tudela Pedro Antonio , Prendes-Espinosa María Paz , Solano-Fernández Isabel María
Published: May 2023

La progresiva integración de las tecnologías digitales en el contexto educativo ha propiciado el desarrollo de iniciativas en las que se reestructura el espacio escolar y se plantean modelos de enseñanza innovadores. Un caso concreto a nivel europeo son las Aulas del Futuro, las cuales se han extendido por diversos países y entre ellos España, que es nuestro contexto de investigación. Dada la novedad de esta experiencia se ha planteado un estudio cuantitativo exploratorio y diseño de encuesta. Se ha diseñado un cuestionario ad hoc que ha sido respondido por una muestra participante de 66 docentes que enseñan en Aulas del Futuro españolas. El análisis de datos es descriptivo y correlacional. Los resultados apuntan a que en estas aulas se utilizan principalmente metodologías activas, las evaluaciones que se realizan son mayoritariamente formativas y se emplean diversas tecnologías digitales como recursos de enseñanza (diferentes en Primaria y Secundaria). Se detecta una satisfacción generalizada del profesorado en torno a todas las dimensiones analizadas. Se concluye que existen numerosos resultados positivos, a pesar del carácter emergente de la propuesta y del consiguiente esfuerzo técnico y pedagógico que conlleva implementar este tipo de iniciativas.
InContext: Comparativa del aprendizaje con el uso de una aplicación móvil entre estudiantes mexicanos y colombianos
Authors: Lerma-Noriega Claudia-Alicia
Published: May 2023

La aplicación móvil InContext (Lerma-Noriega, 2020) es una herramienta que apoya la creación de textos entre estudiantes universitarios. Su objetivo principal es proporcionar apoyos que les permitan a los estudiantes emplear diferentes técnicas durante la elaboración de textos académicos. Los resultados de una evaluación inicial indican que los estudiantes mejoran dos habilidades importantes: elaboración de textos y autorregulación cognitiva (metacognición). Sin embargo, es necesario validar estos resultados en una población similar pero tomada de otro contexto cultural. La hipótesis es que InContext apoya el desarrollo de las mismas variables en otras poblaciones. Para probar la hipótesis, se llevó a cabo un estudio que evaluó las variables de interés entre dos poblaciones universitarias en México y Colombia. Los resultados son positivos e indican que los grupos son homogéneos y que obtienen el mismo resultado que la evaluación anterior. Trabajos posteriores buscarán incorporar elementos nuevos que permitan mejorar algunas otras variables asociadas a la escritura de textos académicos.
A Decision Theoretic Foundation for Noise Traders and Correlated Speculation
Authors: Schneider Mark , Nunez Manuel
Published: May 2023

Noise traders are a central idea in the modern theory of asset markets, yet there is not a standard model of such agents in contrast to the well-established representation of rational agents as expected utility maximizers. We propose the Hurwicz criterion, a classical criterion in decision analysis for choice under uncertainty, as a foundation for noise traders in asset markets. Hurwicz agents trade on optimism and pessimism and do not trade on information. A binary asset market is introduced with asymmetric information and heterogeneity both in rationality and in ambiguity attitudes. In this environment, noise trader behavior is endogenously positively correlated, the market is more efficient in low sentiment periods, and the favorite-longshot bias holds in equilibrium. The analysis demonstrates that aggregate market properties such as positive trading volume and the favorite longshot bias can be derived from the micro behavior of individual agents that have an axiomatic foundation.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Algorithmic Assessments, Transparency, and Self-Fulfilling Prophecies
Authors: Bauer Kevin , Gill Andrej
Published: May 2023

Predictive algorithmic scores can significantly impact the lives of assessed individuals by shaping decisions of organizations and institutions that affect them, for example, influencing the hiring prospects of job applicants or the release of defendants on bail. To better protect people and provide them the opportunity to appeal their algorithmic assessments, data privacy advocates and regulators increasingly push for disclosing the scores and their use in decision-making processes to scored individuals. Although inherently important, the response of scored individuals to such algorithmic transparency is understudied. Inspired by psychological and economic theories of information processing, we aim to fill this gap. We conducted a comprehensive empirical study to explore how and why disclosing the use of algorithmic scoring processes to (involuntarily) scored individuals affects their behaviors. Our results provide strong evidence that the disclosure of fundamentally erroneous algorithmic scores evokes self-fulfilling prophecies that endogenously steer the behavior of scored individuals toward their assessment, enabling algorithms to help produce the world they predict. Our results emphasize that isolated transparency measures can have considerable side effects with noticeable implications for the development of automation bias, the occurrence of feedback loops, and the design of transparency regulations.
The Strain of Spanning Structural Holes: How Brokering Leads to Burnout and Abusive Behavior
Authors: Lee Jung Won , Quintane Eric , Lee Sun Young , Ruiz Camila Umaña , Kilduff Martin
Published: May 2023

Connecting otherwise disconnected individuals and groups—spanning structural holes—can earn social network brokers faster promotions, higher remuneration, and enhanced creativity. Organizations also benefit through improved communication and coordination from these connections between knowledge silos. Neglected in prior research, however, has been theory and evidence concerning the psychological costs to individuals of engaging in brokering activities. We build new theory concerning the extent to which keeping people separated (i.e., tertius separans brokering) relative to bringing people together (i.e., tertius iungens brokering) results in burnout and in abusive behavior toward coworkers. Engagement in tertius separans brokering, relative to tertius iungens brokering, we suggest, burdens people with onerous demands while limiting access to resources necessary to recover. Across three studies, we find that tertius separans leads to abusive behavior of others, mediated by an increased experience of burnout on the part of the broker. First, we conducted a five-month field study of burnout and abusive behavior, with brokering assessed via email exchanges among 1,536 university employees in South America. Second, we examined time-separated data on self-reported brokering behaviors, burnout, and coworker abuse among 242 employees of U.S. organizations. Third, we experimentally investigated the effects of the two types of brokering behaviors on burnout and abusive behavior for 273 employed adults. The results across three studies showed that tertius separans brokering puts the broker at an increased risk of burnout and subsequent abusive behavior toward others in the workplace.

Funding: E. Quintane received funding from Ernst & Young GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft.
Effect of progressive resistance exercise using Thera-band on edema volume, upper limb function, and quality of life in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema
Authors: Park Yun-Jin , Na Song-Ju , Kim Myung-Ki
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to determine the effects of progressive resistive exercise (PRE), including complex decongestive physical therapy (CDPT), on edema volume, hand-grip strength, upper extremity function, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Twenty patients were randomized between the progressive resistance exercise group (PREG) and the self-home resistance exercise group (SREG). Two patients in each group dropped out of the study, leaving 16 patients: n= 8 in the exercise group and n= 8 in the SREG. First, the PREG and the SREG received CDPT. Subsequently, the patients in the PREG performed PRE, whereas the patients in the SREG performed selfhome resistance exercises. Interventions were performed for 50 min, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. The results showed that, for the edema volume, a significant intergroup variation was absent, whereas the intragroup variation was significant. The inter- and intragroup variations were significant for both hand-grip strength and upper extremity function. Regarding QoL, a significant difference was observed in global health status/QoL and role function between the groups. Furthermore, significant differences were observed within the PREG in global health status/QoL; physical, role, and cognitive function; and dyspnea. No significant differences were observed within the SREG. The results collectively suggest that the exercise program was an intervention with a greater potential contribution to reducing edema and enhancing physical function in patients with BCRL.
Cataracts: the essentials for patient care
Authors: Stanford Penelope
Published: May 2023

It is estimated that over 2.2 billion people globally have a visual impairment. Cataract is one such form of impairment, which can be surgically corrected. However, disruptions in ophthalmic services due to the pandemic have resulted in long wait times—estimated to take up to 5 years to clear. Considering these issues, there is no doubt that individuals affected by the condition will be negatively impacted.

In this article, Penelope Stanford provides information on the anatomy and altered physiology of the crystalline lens, and informs on the essentials of patient care.
Developing an understanding of the risk factors for falls among adults with intellectual disabilities: a commentary
Authors: Doherty Alison J , O'Donoghue Annette , Harrison Joanna
Published: May 2023

Commentary on: Pope J, Truesdale M, Brown M. Risk factors for falls among adults with intellectual disabilities: A narrative review. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2021; 34: 274–285. 10.1111/jar.12805

Falls are a serious and common problem for people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Whilst there is available evidence on falls risk factors for the general population, there is a lack of awareness and understanding of the contributing risk factors for this population. This commentary critically appraises a recent narrative review which sought to identify the risk factors for falls among people with ID. Clinical practice implications: Community nurses may identify people with ID at risk of falls, and work alongside other healthcare professionals and carers to provide tailored multidisciplinary falls-prevention interventions for individuals with ID living in the community.
Annual Retention Survey Results
Authors: Ellwood Fiona
Published: May 2023

Fiona Ellwood looks at the current recruitment landscape.
Primary Synovial Chondromatosis of the Ankle in a Child: A Rare Case Presentation and Review of Literature
Authors: Yadav Sandeep K , Rajnish Rajesh K , Kumar Dhirendra , Khera Sudeep , Elhence Abhay , Choudhary Aakash
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Synovial chondromatosis is not a common condition and involvement of the ankle joint is quite rare. We found only one case of synovial chondromatosis of the ankle joint among the pediatric population. We present a case of a 9-year-old boy with synovial chondromatosis of the left ankle. Case Report: A 9-year-old boy had synovial osteochondromatosis in the left ankle joint, which caused pain, swelling, and restriction of movement of the left ankle. Radiological examinations showed variable size calcific foci adjacent to the medial malleolus and medial ankle joint space with mild soft-tissue swelling. The ankle mortise space was well-maintained. The magnetic resonance imaging of the ankle joint revealed a benign synovial neoplastic process and a few focal marrows containing loose bodies. The synovium was thick, and there was no articular erosion. The patient was planned and underwent an en bloc resection. A lobulated pearly white mass arising from the ankle joint was observed intraoperatively. Histological examination also showed attenuated synovium with osteocartilaginous nodule with binucleated and multinucleated forms of chondrocyte typical of osteochondroma were appreciated. Endochondral ossification, mature bony trabeculae with intervening fibro adipose tissue, was noted. The patient had remarkable relief of clinical complaints and was almost asymptomatic at the time of the first follow-up. Conclusion: Synovial chondromatosis may present with diverse clinical manifestations according to the different stages of the disease as described by Milgram; like joint pain, limitation of movements, swelling due to the close proximity of important structures including joints, tendons, and neurovascular bundles. A simple radiograph with a characteristic appearance is usually sufficient in confirming the diagnosis. In pediatric patients, overlooking these conditions may result in growth abnormality, skeletal deformities, and several mechanical problems. We suggest that when dealing with the case of swelling in or around the ankle, the differential diagnosis should include synovial chondromatosis. Keywords: Synovial chondromatosis, osteocartilaginous nodule, case report, pediatric population, endochondral ossification, en bloc resection.
Secondary Chondrosarcoma Arising in Synovial Chondromatosis of Wrist Joint
Authors: Furtado Cleofina , Zeitoun Rania , Remedios Ian Dos , Wilkes Jonathan , Sumathi Vaiyapuri , Tony George
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Chondrosarcoma of the synovium is a rare and malignant form of cartilaginous tumor that originates in synovial tissue. There have only been a limited number of reported cases of malignant transformation of synovial chondromatosis (SC) into secondary chondrosarcoma (SCH), primarily in the hip and knee, in patients with resistant illness. The occurrence of chondrosarcoma in SC of the wrist is highly uncommon, as evidenced by only a single previous case study that has been documented in the literature. Case Report: This study presents a case series of two patients with primary SC who developed SCH at the wrist joint. Conclusion: Clinicians treating localized swellings of the hand and wrist should be alert to the likelihood of a sarcoma diagnosis to minimize delays to definitive therapy. Keywords: Secondary chondrosarcoma, synovitis, primary synovial chrondromatosis, secondary synovial chondromatosis, malignant transformation.
Starting a conversation about racism with teenagers: using the social work research Dialogue Approach
Authors: Wilson Elaine , Flanagan Niamh , Benson-Olatunde Tonye , Spillane Helen , Buckley Polly , Squires Annabel , Wilson Anna , Woods Christopher , Delaney Conor , Jones Daniel , Johnston Harry , Stapleton Isabel , Chapman Jake , Zheng jun Wang , O’Brien Killian , Heaney Laura , Wu Allen Lucy , Byrne Natalia , Tweed Oliver , Cockerill Ross , Burnham Sam , Pagano Mariano Sophia , Reinecke Tadhg , Sharkey Tara , Browner Tim , Bond Toby , Bulynionak Xenia
Published: May 2023

Increased migration over the last two decades has resulted in greater diversity within Irish society. There is much debate around multiculturalism, diversity and integration, and how this is best achieved. As microcosms of society, schools have also experienced substantial growth in diversity. Over 90 per cent of second-level schools in Ireland record migrant students on their roll, with between 2 and 9 per cent of the school populations being migrant students. Moreover, research indicates that not only do teachers often struggle with increased diversity in the classroom but racism and inclusion are also not adequately addressed through the curriculum. Although Ireland sometimes prides itself on being a friendly and welcoming nation, racism is noted as a persistent issue. This article explores the topic of racism with teenagers in an Irish school, using the social work Dialogue Approach. This co-created study examines how students and teachers conceptualise racism and its impact. It is argued that exploring attitudes and encouraging dialogue among young people about the impact of racism and exclusion is fundamental to social work values.
Multi-nested antiresonant hollow-core fiber with ultralow loss and single-mode guidance
Authors: Wang Yuxi , Chang Wonkeun
Published: May 2023

We propose an antiresonant hollow-core fiber design that exhibits ultralow loss and exceptional single modedness at 1.55 µm. In this design, the confinement loss of less than 10−6 dB m−1 can be obtained with excellent bending performance even at a tight bending radius of 3 cm. At the same time, a record-high higher-order mode extinction ratio of 8 × 105 can be achieved in the geometry by inducing strong coupling between the higher-order core modes and cladding hole modes. These guiding properties make it an excellent candidate for applications in hollow-core fiber-enabled low-latency telecommunication systems.
Generating an M2 × N2 spot array with a dual-period hybrid Dammann grating fabricated using maskless projection lithography
Authors: Miao Duo , Zhao Yuan-Yuan , Cai Shun-Cheng , Li Zhi-Xiang , Chen Jing-Tao , An Jia-Ning , Duan Xuan-Ming
Published: May 2023

The Dammann grating (DG), which redistributes a collimated laser beam into a spot array with a uniform intensity, is a widely adopted approach for profile measurement. Conventional DGs for dense spot projection are binary phase gratings with precisely designed groove structures, which suffer from low efficiency, poor uniformity, and a hard-to-fabricate fine feature size when utilized for a large field of view (FOV). Here, we propose a new, to the best of our knowledge, hybrid DG architecture consisting of two different grating periods which effectively generates an engineering M2 × N2 spot array with a non-complex structural design. As a proof-of-concept, a dual-period hybrid DG with a two-scale grating period ratio of 11.88 μm/95.04 μm (∼1/8) is designed and fabricated as a means to generate a dense 72 × 72 diffraction spot array with a FOV of 17° × 17°. In addition, the DG exhibits superior performance, with a high efficiency (>60%) and a low non-uniformity (<18%) at a wavelength of 532 nm. This kind of hybrid DG constructed from photoresist patterns with a minimum feature size of ∼1.2 μm can be perfectly fabricated by maskless projection lithography for large-scale and low-cost production. The proposed dual-period hybrid DG can pave the way for depth-perception-related applications such as face unlocking and motion sensing.
Reconfigurable graphene elliptic patch antenna
Authors: Ameri Ali , Moradi Gholamreza , Sarraf Shirazi Reza
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a triple band graphene elliptic patch antenna is designed for operation in 4 THz, 4.95 THz and 7.75 THz. The main idea of this paper is to partition the graphene patch into pieces to have more degrees of freedom to reconfigure the polarization of the antenna. The antenna’s polarization is controlled by partitioning the patch into 9 elements, polar griding, resizing them, and changing their chemical potential. The main operation mode of the antenna has linear polarization in its boresight in 4 THz and 7.75 THz but circular polarization in 4.95 THz. Circular polarization in 4 THz and 7.75 THz is reached in four different modes; each mode has its own advantages. The main purpose is to achieve some modes that have minimum radiation efficiency loss. In these modes, LHCP and RHCP are reached in a single pattern.
Two-level atom dynamics induced by a spin-orbit coupled optical vortex: dressed states formulation
Authors: Lembessis V. E. , Lyras A. , Aldossary O. M.
Published: May 2023

We consider here the interaction of a two-level atom with a tightly focused paraxial optical vortex beam in the dressed states formalism. The interaction is characterized by a term that couples the photon spin angular momentum (SAM) with its orbital angular momentum (OAM). This term affects all the physical quantities related to the dressed states, like their energies, populations, and relaxation rates among them. We also show that the Mollow triplet associated with the resonance fluorescence spectrum of a two-level atom acquires a chiral character. We give numerical examples based on experimentally accessible values of the various parameters, and we show that the chirality can give rise to observable modifications of the various physical quantities under consideration.
Tumor-derived interleukin-1α and leukemia inhibitory factor promote extramedullary hematopoiesis
Authors: Barisas Derek A. G. , Kabir Ashraf Ul , Wu Jun , Krchma Karen , Kim Minseo , Subramanian Madhav , Zinselmeyer Bernd H. , Stewart Colin L. , Choi Kyunghee
Published: May 2023

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) expands hematopoietic capacity outside of the bone marrow in response to inflammatory conditions, including infections and cancer. Because of its inducible nature, EMH offers a unique opportunity to study the interaction between hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and their niche. In cancer patients, the spleen frequently serves as an EMH organ and provides myeloid cells that may worsen pathology. Here, we examined the relationship between HSPCs and their splenic niche in EMH in a mouse breast cancer model. We identify tumor produced IL-1α and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) acting on splenic HSPCs and splenic niche cells, respectively. IL-1α induced TNFα expression in splenic HSPCs, which then activated splenic niche activity, while LIF induced proliferation of splenic niche cells. IL-1α and LIF display cooperative effects in activating EMH and are both up-regulated in some human cancers. Together, these data expand avenues for developing niche-directed therapies and further exploring EMH accompanying inflammatory pathologies like cancer.
Predicting partner fitness based on spatial structuring in a light-driven microbial community
Authors: Sakkos Jonathan K. , Santos-Merino María , Kokarakis Emmanuel J. , Li Bowen , Fuentes-Cabrera Miguel , Zuliani Paolo , Ducat Daniel C.
Published: May 2023

Microbial communities have vital roles in systems essential to human health and agriculture, such as gut and soil microbiomes, and there is growing interest in engineering designer consortia for applications in biotechnology (e.g., personalized probiotics, bioproduction of high-value products, biosensing). The capacity to monitor and model metabolite exchange in dynamic microbial consortia can provide foundational information important to understand the community level behaviors that emerge, a requirement for building novel consortia. Where experimental approaches for monitoring metabolic exchange are technologically challenging, computational tools can enable greater access to the fate of both chemicals and microbes within a consortium. In this study, we developed an in-silico model of a synthetic microbial consortia of sucrose-secreting Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 and Escherichia coli W. Our model was built on the NUFEB framework for Individual-based Modeling (IbM) and optimized for biological accuracy using experimental data. We showed that the relative level of sucrose secretion regulates not only the steady-state support for heterotrophic biomass, but also the temporal dynamics of consortia growth. In order to determine the importance of spatial organization within the consortium, we fit a regression model to spatial data and used it to accurately predict colony fitness. We found that some of the critical parameters for fitness prediction were inter-colony distance, initial biomass, induction level, and distance from the center of the simulation volume. We anticipate that the synergy between experimental and computational approaches will improve our ability to design consortia with novel function.
Different outcomes of alternative approaches to forest carbon accounting at the local level
Authors: Sun Hongyu , Midkiff David , Liu Ping , Yin Runsheng , Yuan Xuepei
Published: May 2023

In forest carbon accounting and policy assessment at the micro level, inconsistencies, and even confusion, abound regarding how timber and carbon are treated as joint products, whether the Paris Agreement principles of additionality and permanence are followed, and if the differentiated composition and duration of harvested wood products (HWPs) are captured. Here, we tackle these issues with two widely used alternative analytic frameworks. The first features a Hartman modification of the Faustmann model for forest growth and harvest without incorporating accounting principles and HWPs, whereas the second builds from a profit function of forest production incorporating accounting principles and measures of HWPs. Using the intensively managed pine plantations of the U.S. South as an empirical case, we show that the carbon outcomes of the two approaches vary greatly. The Hartman-Faustmann approach exaggerates carbon credits for a landowner by a factor of at least 2.76. Furthermore, while adding carbon to the valuation has limited impact on the optimal harvest age, it increases net revenue under the profit function approach by 45% at a price of $20 per ton of CO2. These distinctions are of broad importance as policymakers and forest economists in all regions of the world look for appropriately integrated assessments of forest sector solutions to climate change.
Changes in locus wide repression underlie the evolution of Drosophila abdominal pigmentation
Authors: Méndez-González Iván D. , Williams Thomas M. , Rebeiz Mark
Published: May 2023

Changes in gene regulation represent an important path to generate developmental differences affecting anatomical traits. Interspecific divergence in gene expression often results from changes in transcription-stimulating enhancer elements. While gene repression is crucial for precise spatiotemporal expression patterns, the relative contribution of repressive transcriptional silencers to regulatory evolution remains to be addressed. Here, we show that the Drosophila pigmentation gene ebony has mainly evolved through changes in the spatial domains of silencers patterning its abdominal expression. By precisely editing the endogenous ebony locus of D. melanogaster, we demonstrate the requirement of two redundant abdominal enhancers and three silencers that repress the redundant enhancers in a patterned manner. We observe a role for changes in these silencers in every case of ebony evolution observed to date. Our findings suggest that negative regulation by silencers likely has an under-appreciated role in gene regulatory evolution.
The three waves: Rethinking the structure of the first Upper Paleolithic in Western Eurasia
Authors: Slimak Ludovic
Published: May 2023

The Neronian is a lithic tradition recognized in the Middle Rhône Valley of Mediterranean France now directly linked to Homo sapiens and securely dated to 54,000 years ago (ka), pushing back the arrival of modern humans in Europe by 10 ka. This incursion of modern humans into Neandertal territory and the relationships evoked between the Neronian and the Levantine Initial Upper Paleolithic (IUP) question the validity of concepts that define the first H. sapiens migrations and the very nature of the first Upper Paleolithic in western Eurasia. Direct comparative analyses between lithic technology from Grotte Mandrin and East Mediterranean archeological sequences, especially Ksar Akil, suggest that the three key phases of the earliest Levantine Upper Paleolithic have very precise technical and chronological counterparts in Western Europe, recognized from the Rhône Valley to Franco-Cantabria. These trans-Mediterranean technical connections suggest three distinct waves of H. sapiens expansion into Europe between 55–42 ka. These elements support an original thesis on the origin, structure, and evolution of the first moments of the Upper Paleolithic in Europe tracing parallel archaeological changes in the East Mediterranean region and Europe.
Body shape and performance on the US Army Combat Fitness Test: Insights from a 3D body image scanner
Authors: Smith Maria , Turner Dusty , Spencer Charlotte , Gist Nicholas , Ferreira Sarah , Quigley Kevin , Walsh Tyson , Clark Nicholas , Boldt William , Espe Justin , Thomas Diana M.
Published: May 2023

Objective

To identify relationships between body shape, body composition, sex and performance on the new US Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).

Methods

Two hundred and thirty-nine United States Military Academy cadets took the ACFT between February and April of 2021. The cadets were imaged with a Styku 3D scanner that measured circumferences at 20 locations on the body. A correlation analysis was conducted between body site measurements and ACFT event performance and evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients and p-values. A k-means cluster analysis was performed over the circumference data and ACFT performance were evaluated between clusters using t-tests with a Holm-Bonferroni correction.

Results

The cluster analysis resulted in 5 groups: 1. “V” shaped males, 2. larger males, 3. inverted “V” shaped males and females, 4. “V” shaped smaller males and females, and 5. smallest males and females. ACFT performance was the highest in Clusters 1 and 2 on all events except the 2-mile run. Clusters 3 and 4 had no statistically significant differences in performance but both clusters performed better than Cluster 5.

Conclusions

The association between ACFT performance and body shape is more detailed and informative than considering performance solely by sex (males and females). These associations may provide novel ways to design training programs from baseline shape measurements.
Improving primary care based post-diagnostic support for people living with dementia and carers: Developing a complex intervention using the Theory of Change
Authors: Bamford Claire , Wilcock Jane , Brunskill Greta , Wheatley Alison , Harrison Dening Karen , Manthorpe Jill , Allan Louise , Banerjee Sube , Booi Laura , Griffiths Sarah , Rait Greta , Walters Kate , Robinson Louise ,   on behalf of the PriDem study team
Published: May 2023

Background

The need to improve support following a diagnosis of dementia is widely recognised, but it is unclear how this can best be achieved within UK health and social care systems. A task-shared and task-shifted approach has been recommended, but there is limited guidance on how to achieve this in practice. As part of a programme of research, we developed an intervention to enhance the role of primary care in post-diagnostic care and support for people living with dementia and carers.

Methods

We used the Theory of Change to develop a complex intervention informed by initial literature reviews and qualitative work. The intervention was developed through an iterative series of workshops, meetings and task groups with a range of stakeholders, including the multidisciplinary project team, people living with dementia and carers, service managers, frontline practitioners, and commissioners.

Results

142 participants contributed to intervention development through face-to-face or virtual meetings. The intervention comprises three complementary strands of work focusing on: developing systems, delivering tailored care and support, and building capacity and capability. Clinical dementia leads, based in primary care networks, will facilitate the intervention providing tailored expertise and support.

Conclusion

The Theory of Change proved useful in providing structure and engaging stakeholders. The process was challenging, took longer and was less participative than intended due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We will next conduct a feasibility and implementation study to explore whether the intervention can be successfully delivered within primary care. If successful, the intervention offers practical strategies for delivering a task-shared and task-shifted approach to post-diagnostic support that could be adapted for similar health and social care contexts internationally.
Premature mortality and years of potential life lost from cardiovascular diseases: Protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rodzlan Hasani Wan Shakira , Muhamad Nor Asiah , Maamor Nur Hasnah , Hanis Tengku Muhammad , Xin Wee Chen , Abu Hassan Muhammad Radzi , Abdul Karim Zulkarnain , Musa Kamarul Imran
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Despite the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) continuing to increase globally, no comprehensive meta-analyses have been conducted quantifying premature CVD mortality. This paper reports the protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis to derive updated estimates of premature CVD mortality.

Methods and expected outputs

This review will include the studies that reported premature CVD mortality based on standard premature mortality indicators, including years of life lost (YLL), age standardized mortality rate (ASMR) or standardised mortality ratio (SMR). PUBMED, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) will be used as the literature databases. The study selection as well as the evaluation of the quality of the included articles will be done independently by two reviewers. Pooled estimates of YLL, ASMR, and SMR will be computed by applying random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity among selected studies will be assessed using the I2 statistic and Q statistic with associated p-values. A funnel plot analysis and Egger’s test will be conducted to assess the potential impact of publication bias. Depending on data availability, we propose to conduct subgroup analyses by sex, geographic location, main CVD types, and study time. Reporting of our findings will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis will provide a comprehensive synthesis of the available evidence on premature CVD mortality, which is a major public health concern worldwide. The results of this meta-analysis will have important implications for clinical practice and public health policy, providing insights into strategies to prevent and manage premature CVD mortality.

Trial registration

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42021288415. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021288415.
Psychophysiological and behavioral responses to descriptive labels in modern art museums
Authors: Castellotti Serena , D’Agostino Ottavia , Mencarini Angelica , Fabozzi Martina , Varano Raimondo , Mastandrea Stefano , Baldriga Irene , Del Viva Maria Michela
Published: May 2023

Educational tools in art exhibitions seem crucial to improve the cultural and aesthetic experience, particularly of non-expert visitors, thus becoming a strategic goal for museums. However, there has not been much research regarding the impact of labels on the quality of visitors’ aesthetic experience. Therefore, here we compared the impact on the cognitive and emotional experience of naïve visitors between essential and descriptive labels, through multiple objective and subjective measurements, focusing on the controversial modern art museum context. We found that, after detailed descriptions, observers spend more time inspecting artworks, their eyes wander more looking for the described elements, their skin conductance and pupil size increase, and overall, they find the content less complex and more arousing. Our findings show that people do receive important benefits from reading detailed information about artworks. This suggests that elaborating effective labels should be a primary goal for museums interested in attracting a non-expert public.
Women’s representation as authors of retracted papers in the biomedical sciences
Authors: Pinho-Gomes Ana-Catarina , Hockham Carinna , Woodward Mark
Published: May 2023

Women are under-represented among authors of scientific papers. Although the number of retractions has been rising over the past few decades, gender differences among authors of retracted papers remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study investigated gender differences in authorship of retracted papers in biomedical sciences available on RetractionWatch. Among 35,635 biomedical articles retracted between 1970 and 2022, including 20,849 first authors and 20,413 last authors, women accounted for 27.4% [26.8 to 28.0] of first authors and 23.5% [22.9 to 24.1] of last authors. The lowest representation of women was found for fraud (18.9% [17.1 to 20.9] for first authors and 13.5% [11.9 to 15.1] for last authors) and misconduct (19.5% [17.3 to 21.9] for first authors and 17.8% [15.7 to 20.3] for last authors). Women’s representation was the highest for issues related to editors and publishers (35.1% [32.2 to 38.0] for first authors and 24.8% [22.9 to 26.8] for last authors) and errors (29.5% [28.0 to 31.0] for first authors and 22.1% [20.7 to 23.4] for last authors). Most retractions (60.9%) had men as first and last authors. Gender equality could improve research integrity in biomedical sciences.
Western visitors at the Blätterhöhle (city of Hagen, southern Westphalia) during the Younger Dryas? A new final palaeolithic assemblage type in western Germany
Authors: Baales Michael , Heuschen Wolfgang , Kehl Martin , Manz Annika , Nolde Nadine , Riemenschneider Daniel , Rittweger Holger , Orschiedt Jörg
Published: May 2023

Until now, it was considered certain that the last reindeer hunters of the Ahrensburgian (tanged point groups) existed exclusively in northwestern Central Europe during the Younger Dryas Cold Period (~ Greenland Stadial 1). The excavations carried out since 2006 on the forecourt (Vorplatz) of the small Blätterhöhle in Hagen on the northern edge of the Sauerland uplands of southern Westphalia (North Rhine-Westphalia, western Germany) have now changed this view. Beneath a surprisingly extensive sequence of Mesolithic find horizons, Pleistocene sediments could be reached whose excavations yielded a Final Palaeolithic lithic ensemble of the Younger Dryas, unusual for the region and beyond. It is characterised by numerous backed lithic projectile points of high variability. Comparisons suggest a typological-technological connection with the Western European Laborian / Late Laborian. Neither in the nearer nor in the wider surroundings has a comparable lithic find ensemble been found so far. In addition, there is a lack of clear evidence for the reindeer in the fauna. Surprisingly, the vast majority of radiocarbon dates of bones and charcoals from the investigated archaeological horizon of the Final Pleistocene proved to be significantly older than expected from their stratigraphic position. This phenomenon has not yet been clarified.
Early detection and recovery of river herring spawning habitat use in response to a mainstem dam removal
Authors: Huang Claire S. , Legett Henry D. , Plough Louis V. , Aguilar Rob , Fitzgerald Catherine , Gregory Benjamin , Heggie Keira , Lee Benjamin , Richie Kimberly D. , Harbold William , Ogburn Matthew B.
Published: May 2023

Historical loss of river and stream habitats due to impassable dams has contributed to the severe decline of many fish species. Anadromous fishes that migrate from the sea to freshwater streams to spawn have been especially impacted as dams restrict these fish from accessing ancestral spawning grounds. In 2018, Bloede Dam was removed from the Patapsco River near Baltimore, Maryland, restoring approximately 100 km of potential habitat for migratory fish. We assessed the response of anadromous river herring, alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis), to this dam removal by monitoring environmental DNA (eDNA) and eggs from 2015 to 2021 at locations upstream and downstream of the dam site during their spawning migrations. We additionally assessed the presence of fish by collecting electrofishing samples and tracked the movements of individual adult fish within the river using passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags. No adult river herring, eDNA, or eggs were detected upstream of Bloede Dam in the four years prior to its removal despite the presence of a fish ladder. Our results suggest initial habitat use recovery by spawning river herring in the first year post-removal, although a relatively small proportion of the population in the river used the newly accessible habitat. In the three years post-removal, the likelihood of detecting river herring eDNA upstream of the former dam site increased to 5% for alewife and 13% for blueback herring. Two adult fish were also collected in electrofishing samples upstream of the dam site in 2021. We found no evidence of changes in egg abundance and no tagged fish were detected upstream of the dam site post-removal. While long term monitoring is needed to assess population changes, this study highlights the value of integrating methods for comprehensive understanding of habitat use following dam removal.
Creatinine clearance is key to solving the enigma of sex difference in in-hospital mortality after STEMI: Propensity score matching and mediation analysis
Authors: Janjani Parisa , Salehi Nahid , Rouzbahani Mohammad , Siabani Soraya , Olfatifar Meysam
Published: May 2023

Background

The precise impact of sex difference on in-hospital mortality in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients are unclear, and the studies are no longer consistent. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the impact of sex differences in a cohort of STEMI patients.

Methods

We analyzed the data of 2647 STEMI patients enrolled in the Kermanshah STEMI Cohort from July 2017 to May 2020. To accurately clarify the relationship between sex and hospital mortality, propensity score matching (PSM) and causal mediation analysis was applied to the selected confounder and identified intermediate variables, respectively.

Results

Before matching, the two groups differed on almost every baseline variable and in-hospital death. After matching with 30 selected variables, 574 male and female matched pairs were significantly different only for five baseline variables and women were no longer at greater risk of in-hospital mortality (10.63% vs. 9.76%, p = 0.626). Among the suspected mediating variables, creatinine clearance (CLCR) alone accounts for 74% (0.665/0.895) of the total effect equal to 0.895(95% CI: 0.464–1.332). In this milieu, the relationship between sex and in-hospital death was no longer significant and reversed -0.233(95% CI: -0.623–0.068), which shows the full mediating role of CLCR.

Conclusion

Our research could help address sex disparities in STEMI mortality and provide a consequence. Moreover, CLCR alone can fully explain this relationship, which can highlight the importance of CLCR in predicting the short-term outcomes of STEMI patients and provide a useful indicator for clinicians.