bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Reprogramming of the Neovascular Niche Promotes Regenerative Angiogenesis in Proliferative Retinopathy
Authors: Cagnone Gael , Pundir Sheetal , Sung-Kim Jin , Rivera José Carlos , Agnihotri Tapan , Harvey Noémie-Rose , Heckel Emilie , Betus Charlotte , Chen Mei Xi , Situ Anu , Gaub Perrine , Kim Nicholas , Das Ashim , Leclerc Severine , Wünnemann Florian , Andelfinger Gregor , Crespo-Garcia Sergio , Dubrac Alexandre , Rezende Flavio , Clish Clary B. , Maranda Bruno , Smith Lois E. H. , Sapieha Przemyslaw , Joyal Jean-Sébastien
Published: November 2023

Healthy blood vessels supply neurons to preserve metabolic function. In blinding ischemic proliferative retinopathies (PRs), pathological neovascular tufts often emerge in lieu of needed physiological neuroretina revascularization. We show that metabolic shifts in the neurovascular niche define this angiogenic dichotomy between healthy and diseased blood vessel growth. Fatty acid oxidation (FAO) metabolites accumulated in human and murine retinopathy samples. Neovascular tufts with a distinct single-cell transcriptional signature highly expressed FAO enzymes. The deletion ofSirt3, an FAO regulator, shifted the neurovascular niche metabolism from FAO to glycolysis and suppressed tuft formation. This metabolic transition increasedVegfexpression in astrocytes and reprogrammed pathological EC to a physiological phenotype, hastening vascular regeneration of the ischemic retina. Our findings identify SIRT3 as a metabolic switch in the neurovascular niche, offering a new therapeutic target for optimizing ischemic tissue revascularization.

Highlights

Pathological EC favor FAO over glycolysis.

Unique signature for pathological EC found in proliferative retinopathy model.

Sirt3deletion shifts astrocytes and EC metabolism from FAO to glycolysis.

Metabolic reprogramming of the vascular niche enhances physiological revascularization.

Graphical Abstract
Workplace tele pressure and innovative work performance. A moderation mediation study through work-family conflicts and job burnout
Authors: Aman-Ullah Attia , Aziz Azelin , Ariza-Montes Antonio , Han Heesup
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study explores the impact of workplace tele pressure on innovative work performance. The study also tests the mediating effect of the work-family conflict and the moderating influence of job burnout between the work-family conflict and innovative work performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the present study were collected through structured questionnaires from 285 employees working in the public and private sector universities. Data were analysed through SPSS and Smart-PLS.

Findings

Results confirmed the relationship between workplace tele pressure and innovative work performance, the mediating effect of work-family conflict between workplace tele pressure and innovative work performance and the moderating influence of job burnout between work-family conflicts and innovative work performance.

Originality/value

This study model is supported by the job demands-control model and effort-recovery theory, which is being tested for the first time to support the relationship between workplace tele pressure and innovative work performance. Further, the model “workplace tele pressure → work-family conflicts → job burnout → innovative work performance” was developed and tested for the first time to study the technology-based pressure in the education sector.
Client influence or the valuer's behavior? An empirical study of listed companies' valuation in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Fong-Yao , Mak Michael Y.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Valuers should independently assess market value. The purpose of this article is to analyze whether the valuation behavior remains independent when commissioned by publicly listed companies in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data analysis was used to examine the estimated premium ratio and estimated divergent ratio with the independent sample t test and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. To complement and validate the quantitative analysis, open-ended questionnaires were conducted, providing additional insights into the research findings.

Findings

The results showed that there is a significant difference in estimated valuations commissioned by representatives of buyers and sellers, and the estimated premium ratios commissioned by representatives of buyers were higher than those of sellers. Furthermore, the open-ended questionnaires results indicate that these findings may be influenced by clients for less experienced appraisers. However, for senior appraisers, this is seen as an action to gain a better understanding of the valuation purpose and always within a reasonable price range. In addition, client influence is not a static factor; it may transform into the valuer's behavior as the appraiser's experience grows and deepens.

Practical implications

It is difficult to obtain valuation reports commissioned by representatives of both buyers and sellers for the same property transactions. In this study, data were obtained from the Market Observation Post-System (MOPS) in Taiwan. As valuation reports could not be obtained, estimated valuations and transaction prices are used to calculate estimated premium ratio and estimated divergent ratios.

Originality/value

Previous investigations of the client effect have been conducted using qualitative methods including questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews and experimental design. However, these studies are subject to moral hazard. This study may be the first study that has access to data on valuations for both buyers and sellers in such a formal setting.
Passion and intention among aspiring entrepreneurs with disabilities: the role of entrepreneurial support programs
Authors: Dakung Reuel Johnmark , Bell Robin , Orobia Laura Aseru , Dakung Kasmwakat Reuel , Yatu Lemun Nuhu
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between entrepreneurial passion, entrepreneurial support programs and entrepreneurial intention, and the moderating role of entrepreneurial support programs in the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and entrepreneurial intention, among students with physical disabilities in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a closed-ended questionnaire survey, composed of previously validated scales, to sample 209 students with physical disabilities at tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Hierarchal regression was performed to assess the relationships between the variables and test the hypotheses.

Findings

Both entrepreneurial passion and entrepreneurial support programs were found to be significantly positively related to entrepreneurial intention, and entrepreneurial support programs also moderated the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and entrepreneurial intention.

Research limitations/implications

This research paper identifies that developing entrepreneurial passion and providing accessible and inclusive entrepreneurial support programs are valuable in supporting and facilitating a passage into entrepreneurship for those with disabilities.

Originality/value

This research paper addresses calls for further understanding of how those with disabilities can be supported into entrepreneurship, by identifying supporting factors. The research paper provides further understanding of the entrepreneurial passion and intention nexus by exploring the relationship within those with a physical disability, where significant barriers exist and within a developing country context where entrepreneurship might be a necessity rather than driven by passion.
Favouritism: a recipe for ostracism? How jealousy and self-esteem intervene
Authors: Mohd Shamsudin Faridahwati , Bani-Melhem Shaker , Abukhait Rawan , Aboelmaged Mohamed , Pillai Rekha
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Ostracism is a common challenge in the workplace, but little is known about the behaviours of those who trigger it. The authors examined how leader favouritism can drive coworkers to ostracise one another, given that leadership is a key factor in shaping employee attitudes and behaviour. Invoking social comparison theory, the authors assessed a model of how perceived favouritism affects ostracism through jealousy, moderated by organisation-based self-esteem (OBSE).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed 294 non-managerial employees from several service organisations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and analysed the data with partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS 3 software.

Findings

Unexpectedly, leader favouritism did not directly affect ostracism but only indirectly through the mediation of jealousy. OBSE was found to moderate this relationship, suggesting that higher levels of OBSE can weaken the impact of leader favouritism on employee jealousy.

Originality/value

These findings explain the intricate dynamics and underlying reasons as to how leader favouritism can instigate employee-to-employee ostracism.
Microbial iron acquisition is influenced by spatial and temporal conditions in a glacial influenced river and estuary system
Authors: Brauner Megan , Briggs Brandon R.
Published: November 2023

In Arctic regions, glaciers are major sources of iron to rivers and streams; however, estuaries are considered iron sinks due to the coagulation and flocculation processes that occur at higher salinities. It is unknown how iron dynamics in a glacial influenced river and estuary environment affect microbial mechanisms for iron acquisition. Microbial taxonomic and functional sequencing was performed on samples taken throughout the year from the Kenai River and the estuary, Alaska. Despite distinct iron, sodium, and other nutrient concentrations, the river and estuary did not have statistically different microbial communities nor was time of sampling significant. However, ferrous iron transport (Feo) system genes were more abundant in river environments, while siderophore genes were more abundant and diverse in estuary environments. Siderophore transport and iron storage genes were found in all samples, but gene abundance and distribution were potentially influenced by physical drivers such as discharge rates and nutrient distributions. Differences in iron metabolism between river and estuary ecosystems indicate environmental conditions drive microbial mechanisms to sequester iron. This could have implications for iron transport as the Arctic continues to warm.
Large carnivore distribution, conflicts and threats in the east of the Somali region, Ethiopia
Authors: Abdella Fedlu , Hailu Abiot , Tilahun Shibru , Johnson Paul J. , Bauer Hans
Published: November 2023

Large carnivore distribution in Ethiopia is not well documented; we did 108 interviews and 12 focus group discussions in six districts of the Somali Region to gather basic information. The Region is not listed as resident range for big cats, but our results indicate widespread presence of cheetah, and possible remnants of lion and leopard occurrence. Spotted and striped hyaena, plus many smaller species, are frequently encountered. In contrast to positive attitudes towards wild grazers, all carnivores are persecuted in response to frequent conflict leading to injuries and deaths among people and livestock. Lion and cheetah cubs were regularly captured and trafficked, and this may have contributed to lion declines especially. Cheetah cubs are still regularly caught and we mapped how they are smuggled to Somalia/Somaliland from where they enter the pet trade.
Economic equity and people with disabilities: Development and characterization of a novel index
Authors: Walia Bhavneet , McDonald Katherine , Hammel Joy , Frieden Lex , Morris Michael , Whaley Barry , Nguyen Vinh
Published: November 2023

Here, we develop two new social indices: the ADA PARC Absolute Economic Opportunity Index and the ADA PARC Relative Economic Opportunity Index. These indices allow us novel examinations of economic equity between people with and without disabilities within a U.S. state and between people with disabilities in different states using aggregations of multiple component economic indicators. These represent the first efforts to offer U.S. indices of this focus, an important development given the distinct economic needs of people with disabilities and the value in accounting for distinct national policies. The indices rely on U.S. Census and other data on economic opportunity by population. These indices provide comprehensive insight into economic disparities between people with and without disabilities and among people with disabilities in the United States. We find that state/territory values for the two indices are moderately positively correlated, suggesting that relative and absolute economic opportunity for people with disabilities arise from both common and distinct processes. Policy implications for low economic opportunity states are discussed.
Parental views on universal asset‐building policy for all children
Authors: Huang Jin , Beverly Sondra G. , Clancy Margaret M. , Sherraden Michael
Published: November 2023

Financial incentives and support have positive impacts on child development and health. The brief uses data collected from a randomized experiment to examine parents' views of child development accounts (CDAs), a universal asset‐building policy to deliver financial subsidies for adolescent development, education, health and other developmental outcomes. Parents in the treatment and control groups have similar views on the universal CDA policy model, and more than 80% of them supported nine tested policy features of CDAs. Public opinion reflected in parents' views is critical for successful policymaking of such policies for children and families in the future.
Association between nutritional status and gait performance in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: He Mingyue , Lian Tenghong , Guo Peng , Zhang Yanan , Huang Yue , Qi Jing , Li Jinghui , Guan Huiying , Luo Dongmei , Liu Zhan , Zhang Weijia , Zheng Zijing , Yue Hao , Li Jing , Zhang Wenjing , Wang Ruidan , Zhang Fan , Wang Xiaomin , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2023

Aims

This study aimed to comprehensively explore the nutrition and gait of AD patients at different stages and the relationship between them.

Methods

A total of 85 AD patients were consecutively enrolled in this cross‐sectional study and divided into the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD (AD‐MCI) and the dementia due to AD (AD‐D) groups. Demographic information, nutritional status, and gait performance were compared between the two groups, and the correlation between nutritional status and gait performance was subsequently analyzed by Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses.

Results

The AD‐D group had lower scores on Mini‐Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and MNAm scales, lower levels of urea nitrogen, folic acid, and vitamin B12 in blood, and higher homocysteine level than those in the AD‐MCI group (all p < 0.05). The AD‐D group had slower step speed, shorter step length, and shorter stride length than those in the AD‐MCI group (all p < 0.05). AD patients with decreased scores of MNA and MNAm scales, and declined levels of urea nitrogen and vitamin B12 in blood had reduced gait speed and gait cadence, and prolonged step length time and stride length time, whereas homocysteine showed the almost opposite results (all p < 0.05). In the AD‐MCI group, the score of scale was negatively correlated with the coefficient of variation (CV) of stride length, and the folic acid level was negatively correlated with the CV of stride length and cadence (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

AD patients at the dementia stage had worse nutritional status and gait performance than those at the MCI stage, which was associated with worse global cognition and activities of daily living. Poorer nutritional status was associated with higher gait variability in patients at the MCI stage and with poorer gait performance in patients at the dementia stage. Early identification and intervention of patients with nutritional risk or malnutrition may improve gait performance, thus reducing the risk of falling and cognitive decline, as well as the mortality.
Asymmetric deep cerebral venous filling predicts poor outcome of acute basilar artery occlusion after endovascular treatment
Authors: Wang Huiyuan , Shen Panpan , Yu Xinyue , Shang Yafei , Xu Jie , Chen Xinyi , Tan Mingming , Lin Longting , Parsons Mark , Zhang Sheng , Geng Yu
Published: November 2023

Objective

To explore the relationship between asymmetric deep cerebral venous (ADCV) filling and poor outcomes after endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (ABAO).

Methods

ABAO patients were selected from a prospectively collected data at our center. The DCV filling was evaluated using computed tomography perfusion (CTP)‐derived reconstructed 4D‐DSA or mean venous map. ADCV filling was defined as the internal cerebral vein (ICV), thalamostriate vein (TSV), or basal vein of Rosenthal (BVR) presence of ipsilateral filling defects or delayed opacification compared to the contralateral side. Poor prognosis was defined as a modified Rankin scale score >3 at the 90‐day follow‐up.

Results

A total of 90 patients were enrolled in the study, with a median Glasgow Coma Scale of 6, 46 (51.1%) showed ADCV filling, 59 (65.6%) had a poor prognosis, and 27 (30.7%) had malignant cerebellar edema (MCE). Multivariate adjusted analysis revealed significant associations between asymmetric TSV and poor prognosis (odds ratio, 9.091, p = 0.006); asymmetric BVR (OR, 9.232, p = 0.001) and asymmetric ICV (OR, 4.028, p = 0.041) were significantly associated with MCE.

Conclusion

Preoperative ADCV filling is an independent influencing factor for the poor outcome after EVT in ABAO patients.
Face Age is Mapped Into Three‐Dimensional Space
Authors: Dalmaso Mario , Pileggi Stefano , Vicovaro Michele
Published: November 2023

People can represent temporal stimuli (e.g., pictures depicting past and future events) as spatially connoted dimensions arranged along the three main axes (horizontal, sagittal, and vertical). For example, past and future events are generally represented, from the perspective of the individuals, as being placed behind and in front of them, respectively. Here, we report that such a 3D representation can also emerge for facial stimuli of different ages. In three experiments, participants classified a central target face, representing an individual at different age stages, as younger or older than the reference face of 40 years. Manual responses were provided with two keys placed along the horizontal axis (Experiment 1), the sagittal axis (Experiment 2), and the vertical axis (Experiment 3). The results indicated that the younger faces were represented on the left/back/top side of the space, whereas the older faces were represented on the right/forward/bottom side of the space. Furthermore, in all experiments, the latencies decreased with the absolute difference between the age of the target face and that of the reference face (i.e., a distance effect). Overall, this work suggests that the spatial representation of time includes social features of the human face.
VEXAS‐Syndrome, a newly described autoinflammatory systemic disease with dermatologic manifestations
Authors: Baur Vera , Stoevesandt Johanna , Hueber Axel , Hüffmeier Ulrike , Kneitz Hermann , Morbach Henner , Schultz Erwin , Goebeler Matthias
Published: November 2023

VEXAS syndrome is a recently identified autoinflammatory systemic disease caused by an acquired somatic mutation of the X‐linked UBA1 gene, the key enzyme of the first step of ubiquitylation. The acronym VEXAS stands for the characteristics Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X‐linked, autoinflammatory and somatic. The disease occurs in advanced adulthood preferentially in men and is characterized by hematological, rheumatological and dermatological symptoms. The latter include neutrophil‐rich lesions reminiscent of Sweet's syndrome, erythema nodosum‐ and panniculitis‐like skin manifestations and recurrent polychondritis of the nose and auricles. The presence of cytoplasmic vacuoles in myeloid and erythroid precursors in the bone marrow is characteristic. In up to half of the cases, VEXAS syndrome is associated with myelodysplastic syndrome. Dermatologists should be familiar with the clinical picture, as skin symptoms are often the first indicator of the disease. Molecular diagnostics are essential for confirming the diagnosis and risk stratification of affected patients. In this minireview we provide an overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy of VEXAS syndrome and illustrate its clinical picture with two own cases.
Effect of artificial pancreas system use on glycaemic control among pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lei Mengyun , Chen Danrui , Ling Ping , Wang Chaofan , Yang Daizhi , Deng Hongrong , Yang Xubin , Xu Wen , Yan Jinhua
Published: November 2023

Aim

To assess the efficacy of artificial pancreas systems (APS) use among pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) by conducting a meta‐analysis.

Methods

We searched five databases, including EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library and SCOPUS, for literature on APS use among pregnant women with T1DM before October 9, 2023. The primary endpoint was 24‐hour time in range (TIR; 3.5‐7.8 mmol/L). Secondary endpoints included glycaemic metrics for 24‐hour (mean blood glucose [MBG], time above range [TAR], time below range [TBR]), and overnight TIR and TBR.

Results

We identified four randomized controlled trials involving 164 participants; one study with 16 participants focused on overnight APS use, and the other three focused on 24‐hour APS use. Compared with standard care, APS exhibited a favourable effect on 24‐hour TIR (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25, 0.80, P < 0.001), overnight TIR (SMD = 0.67, 95% CI 0.39, 0.95, P < 0.001), and overnight TBR (<3.5 mmol/L; SMD = −0.49, 95% CI −0.77, −0.21 P < 0.001), while there was no significant difference in 24‐hour TAR, 24‐hour TBR, or MBG between the two groups. We further conducted subgroup analyses after removing the trial focused on overnight APS use and showed that 24‐hour APS use reduced not only the 24‐hour TIR (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI 0.12, 0.71; P = 0.007) but also the 24‐hour TBR (<2.8 mmol/L; SMD = −0.77, 95% CI −1.32, −0.23, P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that APS might improve 24‐hour TIR and overnight glycaemic control, and 24‐hour APS use also significantly reduced 24‐hour TBR (2.8 mmol/L) among pregnant women with T1DM.
Oral manifestations of syphilis: Knowledge and skills of senior dental students and newly graduated dentists
Authors: de Lima Medeiros Yuri , Guimarães Igor Campos , de Melo Fábio Augusto , de Souza Chandretti Paula Carolina , Leite Isabel Cristina Gonçalves , Vilela Eduardo Machado
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the knowledge of senior dental students and newly graduated dentists about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral manifestations of syphilis.

Materials and Methods

A 32‐question questionnaire was designed with three domains: (I) demographic, academic and professional data of the participants, (II) attitudes, practices and self‐perception regarding training about syphilis and (III) knowledge about syphilis. All knowledge responses were classified as correct or incorrect. Scores ranging from 1 to 14 were calculated, and grades were assigned to each participant according to their level of knowledge.

Results

The sample comprised 408 dental students and 339 newly graduated dentists. The mean score was 7.70 ± 3.35 for undergraduates and 9.09 ± 3265 for dentists. The highest frequency of correct answers (>70%) was attributed to questions about the aetiology, transmission and treatment of syphilis. The questions with the lowest frequency of correct answers (<50%) were about the identification of oral manifestations and stages of syphilis.

Conclusions

The knowledge of dental practitioners and academics about the oral manifestations of syphilis was unsatisfactory. The lack of understanding of these aspects can delay the diagnosis and treatment of patients with this disease, which is concerning given the steady increase in cases in recent years.
From fragmentation to collaboration in European brain research
Authors: Olesen Jes
Published: November 2023

Background

The European Academy of Neurology (EAN) is a member of the European Brain Council (EBC), a coalition of neurologists, psychiatrists, neurosurgeons, neuroscientists, patient organizations and industry with an interest in the brain and its diseases. It was founded by the present author. Here, its formation, early history and the results of its advocacy are described.

Method

Eyewitness report and relevant literature were considered.

Results

After a long and difficult inception, the European Brain Council (EBC) brought all major players with an interest in the brain and its diseases to work closely together. Important data on the cost of brain diseases, lack of funding and fantastic research possibilities were generated and effectively used in advocacy. During the early years of the collaborative effort, the funding of brain research increased from €85 million in framework program (FP) 5 to €260 million in FP6 and to more than €2000 million in FP7.

Conclusion

The EBC has been extremely successful. It is essential that advocacy in the European Union continues to be united so that those involved in brain research are able to speak with one voice to policy makers. An even bigger task, still insufficiently pursued, is for national brain councils to achieve prioritization of brain research in their national political agenda to bring about improved provision of care to those living with a brain disease.
A vocalization in male Japanese bush warblers in response to both predators and conspecific females
Authors: Hamao Shoji
Published: November 2023

Male Japanese bush warblers (Cettia diphone) produce not only typical songs but also long, conspicuous vocalizations (continuous songs) during the breeding season. In my preliminary observations, male warblers produced continuous songs in response to both the appearance of a predator and the calls of conspecific females. Although predator‐elicited vocalizations by males have been studied in some species, there are no known cases in which an acoustically identical vocalization is also triggered in response to conspecific females. Here, I examined whether these continuous songs triggered in response to predators and females were acoustically similar. In field experiments, I presented dummies of a Eurasian sparrowhawk and a female warbler before (April) and after (June) female arrival at the breeding ground. Before female arrival, 11.1% of males responded with continuous songs to each of the hawk and female presentations; after female arrival, the respective values were 27.6% and 48.3%. Thus, more males responded to the model presentations with continuous songs after female arrival. There was no difference in the acoustic characteristics of the continuous songs between the two models. The males approached the female model more intensively than the hawk model. These findings do not support the hypothesis that the song functions as an alarm or predator deterrent. The function of these continuous songs remains unclear, but this study is the first to show an example where males produce the same vocalization in response to both predators and conspecific females. The continuous song contains a trill‐like structure, which can be considered a performance‐related song trait. Therefore, the continuous song may possibly be an honest signal of male quality for females. Further studies are required to understand the function of this novel vocalization, particularly the effects of female breeding stage on male singing activity and the female response to the songs.
Alterations in the gene expression of SARS‐COV‐2 entry receptors and enzymes in lungs and hearts of controlled and uncontrolled diabetic mice
Authors: Alkhawaldeh Ohood , Jarrar Yazun , Gharaibeh Munir , Abudahab Sara , Abulebdah Dina , Jarrar Bashir
Published: November 2023

Background

The entry of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) into the host cell is carried out by specific receptors and enzymes, including human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), and cathepsin‐L (CTSL). COVID‐19 patients with comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), are more prone to severe symptoms and have a higher risk of mortality.

Aims

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of controlled and uncontrolled type 1 DM (T1DM) on the gene expression of mouse Ace2, Tmprss2, and Ctsl and correlate it with the pathological alterations in the lungs and the heart of DM mice.

Methods

Balb/c mice were administered a single dose of 240 mg/kg streptozocin to induce T1DM. The blood glucose level was measured to confirm the induction of DM. Normalization of blood glucose levels in T1DM mice was achieved using 0.1 mL/kg Mixtard® insulin therapy. The mice's lungs and hearts were harvested, and the mRNA was extracted and converted to cDNA. The gene expression of Ace2, Tmprss2, Ctsl, Cyp4a11, and Adrb1 genes, which play a role in the homeostasis of lungs and hearts, were measured using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The pathological alterations in the hearts and lungs induced by T1DM were evaluated using the relative heart and lung weights, in addition to the pathohistological examination.

Results

After inducing T1DM for 14 days, we observed a significant reduction in the total weight of uncontrolled DM (UDM) mice (P < 0.05). Pathohistological examination of UDM lung tissues revealed thickening of the alveolar walls with narrowing of the surface of the alveolar sacs. Additionally, we found that UDM mice exhibited downregulation of Ace2 gene expression (P < 0.05) in their lungs, while both UDM and control DM (CDM) mice showed upregulation of Ctsl gene expression in their hearts (P < 0.05). Notably, Cyp4a12 gene expression was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05) in UDM mice but returned to normal levels in CDM mice.

Conclusions

We conclude from this study that T1DM downregulates Ace2 receptor and Cyp4a12 gene expression, which is correlated with the thickening of alveolar walls and narrowing of the surface of alveolar sacs in the lungs. Insulin administration for controlling T1DM ameliorated these pathological alterations. These results can help increase our understanding of the impact of controlled and uncontrolled T1DM on the lungs and may explain, at least in part, why DM patients with COVID‐19 experience exacerbation of symptoms.
Presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 virus in wastewater in the Kingdom of Bahrain during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Mohamed Afaf Merza , Matar Ebrahim , Isa Hasan M. , Moosa Ahmed K. , Hasan Wafa Fawzi , Mohamed Amjad Ghanem , Al Sayyad Adel Salman , Sanad Maryam Y. , Alhajeri Maryam , Abu Alfatah Najat , Alaraibi Qasim M.
Published: November 2023

Background

Several countries, including Bahrain, used wastewater surveillance for disease activity monitoring. This study aimed to determine the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in untreated wastewater and to correlate it with the disease spread.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted for all wastewater samples tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 in public health laboratories from November 2020 to October 2022. Samples were collected weekly between February and October 2022 from different areas across Bahrain. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to test for the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in wastewater, and the results were correlated with the number of COVID‐19 cases in the same area.

Results

Of 387 wastewater samples, 103 (26.6%) samples tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. In late 2020, of 42 samples collected initially, four (9.5%) samples tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 in the four locations that hosted COVID‐19 isolation facilities. Between February and October 2022, 345 specimens of wastewater were tested, and 99 (28.7%) were positive. The highest detection rate was in February, June, and July (60%, 45%, and 43%, respectively), which corresponded to COVID‐19 peaks during 2022, and the lowest detection rate was in August and September (11% and 0%, respectively), corresponding to the low number of COVID‐19 cases.

Conclusion

The detection rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 in wastewater samples from Bahrain was high and was significantly correlated with the number of reported COVID‐19 cases. Wastewater surveillance can aid the existing surveillance system in monitoring SARS‐CoV‐2 spread.
Seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies and associated risk factors during the second wave of infection in a university community in Cameroon
Authors: Essomba René Ghislain , Bayibeki Albert Ngano , Lissom Abel , Ateba Pulchérie Thérèse , Seni Nassif , Fouda Claude Ariane Nlozoa , Mbitock Solange Berthe Diwandja , Ebonda Normand David , Afana Sylvie Delphine , Akame Siméon , Tembu Adelphe Anyang , Ngamaleu Modeste Romuald , Bimai Bernard Christel Bihonba , Kabo Ousmane , Nguwoh Philipe Salomon , Ngounouh Christian Taheu , Meka Moise Christian Junior , Kengne Michel , Likeng Julienne‐Louise Ngo , Kimessoukie Etienne Omolomo , Nkoum Benjamin Alexandre , Assoumou Marie Claire Okomo , Fokam Joseph , Yap Boum I. I. , Ambomo Myriam Sylvie , Chadou Michael Junior Piameu
Published: November 2023

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused a public health emergency in all sectors of society, including universities and other academic institutions in Cameroon. However, little is known concerning the real prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infections among student communities during the second wave of infection in Cameroon. This study aimed to estimate SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies seroprevalence among participants in a university community in Cameroon.

Methodology

A cross‐sectional study was conducted from March to April 2021 in 547 students aged ≥18 years during a mass diagnostic campaign at the School of Health Sciences of the Catholic University of Central Africa (ESS/UCAC). The anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody screening was done using the Panbio™ COVID‐19 IgG/IgM Rapid Diagnostic Test.

Results

The overall seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies was 27%, of which 89.9% (n = 133) was IgG, 6.7% (n = 10) IgM and 3.4% (n = 5) IgG/IgM positive. The undergraduate students represented 79% (432/547) of the total population and were highly positive with anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies 30% (130/432) as compared with postgraduate students 20% (23/115). The total antibody seropositivity was higher in males (34.4%) than females (24.9%). Several factors were associated with an increased risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence including the male gender (OR: 1.61 [95% confidence interval, CI 1.0–2.4]), specialization to medical laboratory (OR: 2.8 [95% CI 1.1–7.1]) and nursing sciences (OR: 2.6 [95% CI 1.1–6.2]).

Conclusion

Our findings point to extensive and underreported circulation of SARS‐CoV‐2 in a university community during the second wave of infection in Cameroon, which likely resulted in artificially low case counts.
Relative toxicity of amitriptyline, imipramine, maprotiline and mianserin after intravenous infusion in conscious rabbits.
Authors: Hughes IE , Radman S
Published: November 2023

1. Amitriptyline, imipramine, maprotiline and mianserin were administered intravenously to conscious rabbits. 2. Of the four compounds, mianserin was the least toxic, as assessed by the occurrence of convulsions, cardiotoxicity and eventual death. 3. The applicability of the results from this test system to man is debatable, but the indications are that the relative toxicity of mianserin may be low.
Adolescent psychotic experiences before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic: a prospective cohort study
Authors: DeVylder Jordan , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Hosozawa Mariko , Yamasaki Syudo , Ando Shuntaro , Miyashita Mitsuhiro , Endo Kaori , Stanyon Daniel , Usami Satoshi , Kanata Sho , Tanaka Riki , Minami Rin , Hiraiwa‐Hasegawa Mariko , Kasai Kiyoto , Nishida Atsushi
Published: November 2023

Background

Understanding the etiology of psychosis is essential to the development of preventive interventions. The COVID‐19 pandemic provides a rare natural experiment that can expand our understanding of the role of social factors in the trajectories and etiology of psychosis across adolescence, particularly in Tokyo where the prevalence of actual COVID‐19 infection remained low. We hypothesized that the likelihood of self‐reporting psychotic experiences (PEs) would increase following the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

The Tokyo Teen Cohort (TTC) is a prospective cohort study of adolescents in the general population of the Tokyo metropolitan area, followed from age 10 to 16 years. We used multi‐level linear regression models to test the associations between the phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic and self‐reported PEs.

Results

Among 1935 adolescents included in the analysis, a rapid increase in PEs occurred at the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, following approximately 6 years of steady decline across prior waves. This association was more pronounced for boys compared to girls. This increase became more pronounced as the pandemic moved into later phases, defined based on contemporaneous sociopolitical changes in Tokyo (i.e. changes to school closure, social distancing guidelines, and the state of emergency status).

Conclusions

The steady decline in PEs across adolescence was halted and reversed concurrent with the COVID‐19 pandemic onset, despite very low rates of COVID‐19 infection. This implicates COVID‐19 related socioenvironmental factors as contributory etiological factors in the development of PEs in this adolescent cohort.
Strain‐mode‐specific mechanical testing and the interpretation of bone adaptation in the deer calcaneus
Authors: Skedros John G. , Dayton Michael R. , Bloebaum Roy D. , Bachus Kent N. , Cronin John T.
Published: November 2023

The artiodactyl (deer and sheep) calcaneus is a model that helps in understanding how many bones achieve anatomical optimization and functional adaptation. We consider how the dorsal and plantar cortices of these bones are optimized in quasi‐isolation (the conventional view) versus in the context of load sharing along the calcaneal shaft by “tension members” (the plantar ligament and superficial digital flexor tendon). This load‐sharing concept replaces the conventional view, as we have argued in a recent publication that employs an advanced analytical model of habitual loading and fracture risk factors of the deer calcaneus. Like deer and sheep calcanei, many mammalian limb bones also experience prevalent bending, which seems problematic because the bone is weaker and less fatigue‐resistant in tension than compression. To understand how bones adapt to bending loads and counteract deleterious consequences of tension, it is important to examine both strain‐mode‐specific (S‐M‐S) testing (compression testing of bone habitually loaded in compression; tension testing of bone habitually loaded in tension) and non‐S‐M‐S testing. Mechanical testing was performed on individually machined specimens from the dorsal “compression cortex” and plantar “tension cortex” of adult deer calcanei and were independently tested to failure in one of these two strain modes. We hypothesized that the mechanical properties of each cortex region would be optimized for its habitual strain mode when these regions are considered independently. Consistent with this hypothesis, energy absorption parameters were approximately three times greater in S‐M‐S compression testing in the dorsal/compression cortex when compared to non‐S‐M‐S tension testing of the dorsal cortex. However, inconsistent with this hypothesis, S‐M‐S tension testing of the plantar/tension cortex did not show greater energy absorption compared to non‐S‐M‐S compression testing of the plantar cortex. When compared to the dorsal cortex, the plantar cortex only had a higher elastic modulus (in S‐M‐S testing of both regions). Therefore, the greater strength and capacity for energy absorption of the dorsal cortex might “protect” the weaker plantar cortex during functional loading. However, this conventional interpretation (i.e., considering adaptation of each cortex in isolation) is rejected when critically considering the load‐sharing influences of the ligament and tendon that course along the plantar cortex. This important finding/interpretation has general implications for a better understanding of how other similarly loaded bones achieve anatomical optimization and functional adaptation.
Identification and fungicide sensitivity of Alternaria tenuissima causing leaf spot of Tetrapanax papyrifer newly reported in China
Authors: Tang Xian‐Ying , Ban Rui , Wu Xue‐Ping , Li Hong‐Tao , Javed Khadija , Peng Li‐Juan , Ding Hai‐Xia
Published: November 2023

Tetrapanax papyrifer, the rice‐paper plant, is an evergreen shrub and is traditionally used as a herbal medicine in China. In October 2021, a serious leaf spot disease was extensively observed on T. papyrifer in Guizhou, China. Given the limited information available about the aetiology of this disease, isolations were performed, the morphological characteristics and multi‐locus phylogenetic analysis of the fungus associated with the disease were described, and the pathogenicity tests and Koch's postulates were completed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf spot on T. papyrifer caused by Alternaria tenuissima in China. Among 11 fungicides tested, 10% difenoconazole WDG had the best inhibition effect in vitro with EC50 values at 0.1 μg mL−1. This study provides new information for the identification and chemical control of Alternaria leaf spot of T. papyrifer.
The water content of CM carbonaceous chondrite falls and finds, and their susceptibility to terrestrial contamination
Authors: Lee Martin R. , Hallis Lydia J. , Daly Luke , Boyce Adrian J.
Published: November 2023

CM carbonaceous chondrites can be used to constrain the abundance and H isotopic composition of water and OH in C‐complex asteroids. Previous measurements of the water/OH content of the CMs are at the higher end of the compositional range of asteroids as determined by remote sensing. One possible explanation is that the indigenous water/OH content of meteorites has been overestimated due to contamination during their time on Earth. Here we have sought to better understand the magnitude and rate of terrestrial contamination through quantifying the concentration and H isotopic composition of telluric and indigenous water in CM falls by stepwise pyrolysis. These measurements have been integrated with published pyrolysis data from CM falls and finds. Once exposed to Earth's atmosphere CM falls are contaminated rapidly, with some acquiring weight percent concentrations of water within days. The amount of water added does not progressively increase with time because CM falls have a similar range of adsorbed water contents to finds. Instead, the petrologic types of CMs strongly influence the amount of terrestrial water that they can acquire. This relationship is probably controlled by mineralogical and/or petrophysical properties of the meteorites that affect their hygroscopicity. Irrespective of the quantity of water that a sample adsorbs or its terrestrial age, there is minimal exchange of H in indigenous phyllosilicates with the terrestrial environment. The falls and finds discussed here contain 1.9–10.5 wt% indigenous water (average 7.0 wt%) that is consistent with recent measurements of C‐complex asteroids including Bennu.
Response to Marabotto et al.
Authors: Kataria Jay , Rivera Daniel , Grin Andrea , Reed David Edward , Rodrigues David Mario
Published: November 2023

Biopsies have important value in assessing for nonerosive reflux disease.
The effect of smoking initiation in adolescence on the subsequent smoking trajectories of people who smoke, and the role of adverse childhood experiences: Results from the 1958 British cohort study
Authors: Joannès Camille , Kelly‐Irving Michelle , Couarraze Sébastien , Castagné Raphaële
Published: November 2023

Objective

To examine the association between smoking initiation in adolescence and subsequent different smoking trajectories of people who smoke, and to examine the combined effect of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and smoking initiation in adolescence on smoking trajectories of people who smoke.

Design and Sample

Data are from 8757 individuals in Great Britain from the birth cohort National Child Development Study and who reported being smokers or former smokers by age 23.

Measurements

Smoking initiation in adolescence was measured at 16 y and smoking trajectories were derived from smoking variables from ages 23 to 55. We modelled the relationship between smoking initiation in adolescence with or without ACEs and smoking trajectories.

Results

Individuals who initiated smoking in adolescence were more likely to quit later than quitting in twenties (RRR quitting in thirties = 3.43 [2.40; 4.89] p < .001; RRR quitting in forties = 5.25 [3.38; 8.14] p < .001; RRR quitting in fifties = 4.48 [2.95; 6.79] p < .001), to relapse (RRR Relapse = 3.66 [2.82; 4.76] p < .001) and to be persistent smokers (RRR persistent = 5.25 [3.81; 7.25] p < .001) compared to those who had initiated smoking in young adulthood. These effects were particularly pronounced in case of ACEs.

Conclusion

Smoking prevention programs aimed at reducing smoking initiation should be promoted to adolescents to limit the burden of smoking, especially for people who have suffered adversity during childhood.
Supplemental Material: Strongly peraluminous granites provide independent evidence for an increase in biomass burial across the Precambrian–Phanerozoic boundary
Authors: Mikhail Sami , al. et
Published: November 2023

Analytical methods, supplementary discussion points, and data tables. 
Conformal super Virasoro algebra: Matrix model and quantum deformed algebra
Authors: Melong Fridolin
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we construct the super Virasoro algebra with an arbitrary conformal dimension [Formula: see text] from the generalized [Formula: see text]-deformed quantum algebra and investigate the [Formula: see text]-deformed super Virasoro algebra with the particular conformal dimension [Formula: see text] Furthermore, we perform the [Formula: see text]-conformal Virasoro [Formula: see text]-algebra, the [Formula: see text]-conformal super Virasoro [Formula: see text]-algebra ([Formula: see text]-even) and discuss a toy model for the [Formula: see text]-conformal Virasoro constraints and [Formula: see text]-conformal super Virasoro constraints. Besides, we generalized the notion of the [Formula: see text]-elliptic Hermitian matrix model with an arbitrary conformal dimension [Formula: see text]. Finally, we deduce relevant particular cases generated by quantum algebras known in the literature.
A SaaS Concept-Based Shopping Center Fire Risk Assessment Model for the Safety Management Applications
Authors: Begun Sergiy , Begun Vasilij
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a solution to the problem of software absence for the quantitative fire safety analysis of complex objects, which is suitable not only for highly qualified scientists and experts but also for fire safety engineers and inspectors and is compatible with mobile devices. Existing software solutions for quantitative fire safety analysis are desktop-based, and all require a high level of competence of users. We propose a solution by combining the formalism of typical probabilistic structural–logical (TPSL) models, the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) concept, and end-to-end encryption. Using TPSL models allows the development of cloud-based applications with a simple request-based application programming interface and intuitively understandable user interface to assess the level of safety of complex objects. As a result, we could use such mobile device-ready applications both for developing mobile device applications and developing mobile-device-friendly website-based services to carry out safety control inspections or level of safety management.