bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Niche position accounts for the positive occupancy–abundance relationship of lake fishes
Authors: Xia Zhijun , Heino Jani , Wang Jianwei , Chang Tao , Li Mingzheng
Published: March 2024

Aim

If the positive occupancy–abundance relationship prevails, locally abundant species are widely distributed. Although broadly supported, studies on lake fishes have thus far contributed little to this topic, especially at intermediate and small spatial scales. Here, the main objective was to investigate the relationship between occupancy and abundance of lake fish species within a large lake, as well as examine the relative importance of ecological niches, functional traits and phylogenetic relatedness in forming the relationship.

Location

Poyang Lake, China.

Taxon

Fishes.

Methods

We calculated occupancy and mean abundance for 78 fish species and estimated niche position and niche breadth for each species based on a set of environmental variables. Additionally, we generated four functional trait vectors and one phylogenetic vector, describing trait similarity and phylogenetic relatedness, respectively. Linear models, hierarchical partitioning analyses and boosted regression trees were used in combination to explore the relative role of niche position, niche breadth, trait vectors and phylogenetic relatedness in determining fish occupancy, abundance and their relationship.

Results

Occupancy and mean abundance of fish species in Poyang Lake showed a significantly positive and rather strong interspecific relationship. Interspecific variations in fish occupancy and abundance were well accounted for by niche position, followed by niche breadth. Nonetheless, trait vectors and phylogenetic relatedness were of minor importance in affecting fish occupancy and abundance. Additionally, occupancy was better explained than abundance by the predictor variables used, which was shown by both linear models and boosted regression trees.

Main Conclusions

This study suggests that the positive correlation between occupancy and abundance also occurs in lake fish species. Furthermore, ecological niche features, especially niche position, were more important than functional traits and phylogenetic relatedness in accounting for occupancy and abundance of fish species in Poyang Lake.
Eco‐evolutionary evidence for the global diversity pattern of Cycas (Cycadaceae)
Authors: Liu Jian , Lindstrom Anders J. , Gong Yiqing , Dong Shanshan , Liu Yusheng (Chris) , Zhang Shouzhou , Gong Xun
Published: March 2024

The evolution of the latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG), characterized by a peak in diversity toward the tropics, has captured significant attention in evolutionary biology and ecology. However, the inverse LDG (i‐LDG) mechanism, wherein species richness increases toward the poles, remains inadequately explored. Cycads are among one of the oldest lineages of extant seed plants and have undergone extensive diversification in the tropics. Intriguingly, the extant cycad abundance exhibits an i‐LDG pattern, and the underlying causes for this phenomenon remain largely elusive. Here, using 1,843 nuclear genes from a nearly complete sampling, we conducted comprehensive phylogenomic analyses to establish a robust species‐level phylogeny for Cycas, the largest genus within cycads. We then reconstructed the spatial‐temporal dynamics and integrated global environmental data to evaluate the roles of species ages, diversification rates, contemporary environment, and conservatism to ancestral niches in shaping the i‐LDG pattern. We found Cycas experienced decreased diversification rates, coupled with the cooling temperature since its origin in the Eocene from continental Asia. Different regions have distinctively contributed to the formation of i‐LDG for Cycas, with the northern hemisphere acting as evolutionary museums and the southern hemisphere serving as cradles. Moreover, water‐related climate variables, specifically precipitation seasonality and potential evapotranspiration, were identified as paramount factors constraining Cycas species richness in the rainforest biome near the equator. Notably, the adherence to ancestral monsoonal climates emerges as a critical factor in sustaining the diversity pattern. This study underscores the imperative of integrating both evolutionary and ecological approaches to comprehensively unravel the mechanisms underpinning global biodiversity patterns.
Macroeconomic effects of a declining wage share: A meta‐analysis of the functional income distribution and aggregate demand
Authors: Dammerer Quirin , List Ludwig , Rehm Miriam , Schnetzer Matthias
Published: March 2024

This paper reviews the theoretical and empirical literature on the relationship between the functional distribution of income and aggregate demand, which investigates whether declining wage shares increase (“profit‐led”) or decrease (“wage‐led”) demand. It conducts a meta‐regression analysis of 33 studies with 578 estimates for total and domestic demand, covering up to 163 years and 59 countries and regions. Our results suggest that, on average and across all countries, total demand is predominantly profit‐led and domestic demand mainly wage‐led. The effects in the literature range between 0.8 and −0.3 within one standard deviation for domestic demand and between 0.4 and −0.7 for total demand, which are economically significant at the outer bounds. We find mixed evidence for publication selectivity, which may affect the size but not the direction of the results in the literature. If one was to nonetheless correct for this, then total demand would be less profit‐led or statistically insignificant. A set of moderator variables, including publication characteristics, estimation strategies, the covariates included in the studies’ estimation functions, and, in particular, controls for time and space, help explain the variation in the empirical estimates.
Sustainable innovations, knowledge and the role of proximity: A systematic literature review
Authors: Wilke Ulrich , Pyka Andreas
Published: March 2024

Innovations can substantially contribute to the transformation toward sustainability if they induce a positive social and/or environmental impact. Such sustainable innovations differ considerably from conventional, purely economic innovations. The main difference stems from the different knowledge bases necessary for the development of these innovations. These knowledge bases are widely dispersed across different actors from business, academia, government, and civil society. Following the innovation system approach, we look at actor constellations, linkages between actors, and knowledge flows within networks that generate sustainable innovations. For this purpose, we conduct a systematic literature review, focusing on the concept of proximity and its five dimensions (geographical, cognitive, institutional, organizational, and social proximity). The results show that all proximity dimensions, as well as the interdependencies between them, are relevant for analyzing knowledge flows leading to sustainable innovations. The interplay of the different proximity dimensions can be described via two mechanisms, one being reinforcement and the other one being either substitution or overlap. We conclude that for the occurrence of radical, systemic innovations, which have the potential of altering the prevailing socio‐economic paradigm toward greater sustainability, a combination of low cognitive and low (micro‐) institutional proximity combined with high organizational, social, or geographical proximity, appears particularly conducive.
Masticatory function in edentulous patients wearing implant overdentures after graftless maxillary sinus membrane elevation
Authors: Lie Suen A. N. , Speksnijder Caroline M. , Kalic Haris , Kessler Peter A. W. H.
Published: March 2024

Background

Graftless sinus floor augmentation shows good results in bone gain, radiology and implant survival. Clinically, this technique can be recommended as an alternative to conventional procedures using augmentation materials.

Objectives

This study aims to assess masticatory performance, masticatory ability and patient satisfaction after graftless sinus floor augmentation.

Methods

The study group consisted of patients who had received a graftless sinus lift procedure in a split‐mouth design and was compared to patients with maxillary implant‐supported overdentures without augmentation and a natural dentition group. To assess objective masticatory performance, the mixing ability test was performed. Three questionnaires were used to assess patient reported outcomes related to mastication and patient satisfaction.

Results

Each group included ten patients. Both the graftless sinus lift group and the edentulous control group had a worse masticatory performance compared to the natural dentition group. Masticatory ability, measured by patient reported outcomes, was not different between the graftless sinus floor augmentation group and implant‐retained overdentures group without augmentation, but the natural dentition group showed better results. Thereby, the better the masticatory performance in patients with a graftless sinus membrane elevation the better the patient satisfaction for ‘prosthesis’, ‘appearance of prostheses’, ‘speech’ and ‘mastication and eating’.

Conclusions

Patients with implant‐supported overdentures show inferior masticatory function compared to those with natural dentition. There were no significant differences in masticatory performance between patients with implant‐retained overdentures, with or without graftless augmentation. The decision on the preferred procedure should consider additional factors such as anatomical, surgical‐technical aspects and patient's preferences.
The futility of post‐haemodialysis blood glucose levels: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Jing , Le Leu Richard K. , Xu Qunyan , Bennett Paul
Published: March 2024

Background

Frequent blood glucose tests are performed for people with diabetes receiving haemodialysis.

Objectives

To determine the rate of out‐of‐range post‐haemodialysis blood glucose levels that are clinically acted upon, the intervention and outcome of each intervention, and the associations between post‐haemodialysis blood glucose levels and relevant clinical predictors.

Design

12‐month retrospective cohort medical record review in one Australian haemodialysis centre. Post‐haemodialysis blood glucose levels, prehaemodialysis blood glucose levels, time of treatment, diabetes medications, intradialytic fluid removal, dialysate dextrose concentration, clinical actions, interventions, and outcomes on out‐of‐range blood glucose levels were retrieved.

Participants

22 participants with a median time receiving dialysis 3.1 years (interquartile range 2.3−4.7).

Measurements and Results

The proportion of out‐of‐range post‐haemodialysis blood glucose levels was 87.3% (95% confidence interval, 86.1%−88.5%). No out‐of‐range post‐haemodialysis blood glucose levels were clinically acted upon. Out‐of‐range post‐haemodialysis blood glucose levels were 4.6 times more likely if a higher dextrose bath was used (95% confidence interval: 3.3; 6.3. p < 0.001). The odds of the post‐haemodialysis blood glucose levels increased by each 1 mmol/L. Intradialytic fluid removal, dialysate dextrose concentration, sex, dialysis time, anti‐hyperglycaemic agents were also associated with out‐of‐range post‐haemodialysis blood glucose levels.

Conclusion

Routine post‐haemodialysis blood glucose levels testing has limited clinical utility in care for people with diabetes receiving maintenance haemodialysis. Higher dextrose dialysate may require individual titration depending on prehaemodialysis blood glucose levels.
The Bryophyte Phylogeny Group: A revised familial classification system based on plastid phylogenomic data
Authors: Li Yun‐Feng , Luo Lian , Liu Yang , He Qiang , Yu Ning‐Ning , Gaowa Naren , Yi Zhao‐Qin , Wang Jun‐Jie , Han Wei , Peng Tao , Ho Boon‐Chuan , He Xiaolan , Zhang Li , Chen Zhi‐Duan , Jia Yu , Wang Qing‐Hua
Published: March 2024

Bryophytes, a monophyletic group comprising three major lineages, diversified soon after the terrestrialization of land plants. However, their internal phylogenetic relationships remain controversial. In this study, we reconstructed the ordinal and familial phylogeny of bryophytes using the largest plastid data set to date, including 549 taxa that represent almost all known orders and two‐thirds of families. The strongly supported phylogenetic inference enabled us to propose in mosses seven newly segregated families, that is, Baldwiniellaceae, Calyptrochaetaceae, Ctenidiaceae, Herpetineuraceae, Isodrepaniaceae, Pseudotaxiphyllaceae, and Rozeaceae, and one reduced family, that is, Climaciaceae. We also transferred the liverwort family Calyculariaceae from Fossombroniales to Pelliales. Recent advancements in molecular phylogeny have revolutionized bryophyte classification, tending to be more fragmental. Hence, we further propose a revised familial classification system for bryophytes that includes 45 orders and 142 families in mosses, 23 orders and 85 families in liverworts, and five orders and five families in hornworts.
Productivity versus environmental sustainability: A broadscale assessment of freshwater aquaculture's technical efficiency and ecological efficiency in China's inland provinces
Authors: Wang Zhina , Chen Xuan , Shi Longzhong , Zhang Xiaoheng , Hu Yijuan
Published: March 2024

Promoting the productivity and environmental sustainability of aquaculture is critical in ensuring its healthy development. This study assesses freshwater aquaculture's technical efficiency and ecological efficiency in China's 19 inland provinces from 2008 to 2019, aiming to reveal its productivity and environmental sustainability status. We employ the three‐stage Data Envelopment Analysis‐CCR (T‐DEA‐CCR) and three‐stage Slack‐Based Measure‐DEA (T‐SBM‐DEA) methods to explore the technical efficiency and the ecological efficiency while accounting for environmental conditions and random errors. The average technical efficiency and ecological efficiency during 2008–2019 are 0.857 and 0.702, respectively, indicating substantial scope for enhancing the productivity and environmental sustainability of China's inland aquaculture. We further investigate the regional development using the club convergence, finding that the provincial‐level technical efficiencies have already achieved population convergence while the ecological efficiencies diverge into two clubs, suggesting that Chinese freshwater aquaculture's productivity and environmental sustainability have different development pathways. Acknowledging the pivotal roles of environmental protection and growers' training in aquaculture's productivity and environmental sustainability, policymakers may institute funding and recognition to foster the adoption of innovative, environmentally responsible practices by operators.
Genome‐wide association analysis reveals genes controlling an antagonistic effect of biotic and osmotic stress on Arabidopsis thaliana growth
Authors: Huang Pingping , El‐Soda Mohamed , Wolinska Katarzyna W. , Zhao Kaige , Davila Olivas Nelson H. , van Loon Joop J. A. , Dicke Marcel , Aarts Mark G. M.
Published: March 2024

While the response of Arabidopsis thaliana to drought, herbivory or fungal infection has been well‐examined, the consequences of exposure to a series of such (a)biotic stresses are not well studied. This work reports on the genetic mechanisms underlying the Arabidopsis response to single osmotic stress, and to combinatorial stress, either fungal infection using Botrytis cinerea or herbivory using Pieris rapae caterpillars followed by an osmotic stress treatment. Several small‐effect genetic loci associated with rosette dry weight (DW), rosette water content (WC), and the projected rosette leaf area in response to combinatorial stress were mapped using univariate and multi‐environment genome‐wide association approaches. A single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associated with DROUGHT‐INDUCED 19 (DI19) was identified by both approaches, supporting its potential involvement in the response to combinatorial stress. Several SNPs were found to be in linkage disequilibrium with known stress‐responsive genes such as PEROXIDASE 34 (PRX34), BASIC LEUCINE ZIPPER 25 (bZIP25), RESISTANCE METHYLATED GENE 1 (RMG1) and WHITE RUST RESISTANCE 4 (WRR4). An antagonistic effect between biotic and osmotic stress was found for prx34 and arf4 mutants, which suggests PRX34 and ARF4 play an important role in the response to the combinatorial stress.
Possible association between oral health status and appetite loss in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Inoue Subaru , Suma Shino , Furuta Michiko , Wada Naohisa , Yamashita Yoshihisa
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the association between the oral health status and appetite in community‐dwelling older adults. We enrolled 100 people aged ≥65 years who had participated in long‐term care prevention projects between December 2018 and January 2019. Appetite was assessed using the Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire score. The oral health status was assessed based on the number of teeth, occlusal condition, swallowing function, tongue coating, and the Oral Health Assessment Tool. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed with appetite as the dependent variable and each variable related to oral health status as an independent variable. The analysis was adjusted for sex, age, activities of daily living, cognitive function, smoking habit, and alcohol consumption. Dental pain was associated with poor appetite in community‐dwelling older adults. No other oral health status parameter was associated with appetite. Thus, controlling dental pain is critical to prevent appetite loss while considering other factors.
Experiences of family members when accompanying patients in intensive care units: A qualitative study
Authors: Abdollahimohammad Abdolghani , Rahnama Mozhgan , Firouzkouhi Mohammadreza
Published: March 2024

Background

Family members of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients encounter numerous challenges while providing companionship to their hospitalized loved ones.

Aim

This study aims to explore the experiences of family members with loved ones hospitalized in ICUs.

Study design

Qualitative research was conducted using a content analysis approach. Ten family members of ICU patients were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews and analysed following Graneheim and Lundman's suggested steps.

Findings

Analysis of interviews with ten family members of ICU patients revealed a theme of “challenging companionship on an obscure path,” encompassing four categories (1–4) and nine subcategories (a, b and c). These included (1) the interplay between the patient and the family: a. family affected by the patient's condition; b. patient affected by the family's condition; (2) mixed emotions of apprehension and anticipation regarding ICU admission: a. fear of ICU hospitalization; b. hope for ICU hospitalization; (3) unaddressed needs and concerns: a. pressure from the ICU's visiting limitations; b. lack of a resting room to settle; c. vague information about the patient's condition; (4) two‐way care suffering for families a. direct suffering associated with companionship; b. indirect suffering while observing the patients' suffering.

Conclusions

Families of ICU patients encounter various challenges, revealing the complex interplay of emotions, needs and challenges within the ICU. This highlights the intricate dynamics in this critical health care environment.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

A holistic and empathetic approach in clinical practice is crucial in ICU care, particularly during the challenging journey patients and their families undergo in this critical setting. Health care systems and providers should adapt ICU rules to address evolving needs, alleviate concerns and enhance the overall family experience during their loved one's hospitalization in the ICU.
Clinical outcomes of spinal cord stimulation in patients with intractable leg pain in Japan
Authors: Ueno Keisuke , Tachibana Koichi , Masunaga Nobutaka , Shinoda Yukinori , Minamisaka Tomoko , Inui Hirooki , Amiya Ryohei , Inoue Soki , Murakami Arisa , Hoshida Shiro
Published: March 2024

Background

Neuromodulation through spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a therapeutic option for relieving leg pain and improving the chances of limb salvage in patients with intractable chronic limb‐threatening ischemia (CLTI); however, there is no consensus on its indications.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes of SCS in patients with intractable leg pain caused by various diseases treated in the department of cardiovascular medicine in Japan.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent SCS for pain management. Patients were considered eligible for the therapy if they met the following criteria: (1) intractable leg pain (numerical rating scale [NRS] score of 10), (2) no revascularization option, and (3) no septicemia.

Results

Twenty patients (mean age: 77 years; men/women: 11/9) were included in this study. The NRS score of the patients significantly reduced from 10 ± 0 before procedure to 4 ± 3 at discharge (p < 0.001). The clinical response rate of the entire cohort was 65% (13/20) at 17 ± 14 months after implantation; however, patients with intractable CLTI showed a low response rate (45%), whereas those with subacute limb ischemia showed a high response rate (100%). A multivariable regression analysis showed that hemoglobin level was significantly associated with treatment response, even after adjusting for age and sex (p = 0.026). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the correlation between hemoglobin level (cutoff, 11.4 g/dL) and clinical response to SCS was 0.824 (0.619–1).

Conclusions

SCS can reduce clinical symptoms in majority of patients with intractable leg pain. Although implantation of an SCS device has been shown to improve microvascular perfusion insufficiency, the correlation between hemoglobin level and the clinical effect of SCS indicates that a preserved microcirculatory vascular bed is essential for the therapy to be effective.
“Our Hair, Our Strength, Our Identity”: Native American reflections and what dermatologists can learn
Authors: Rangel Dante , Choate Evan , Toya Yolandra , Fleg Anthony , Smidt Aimee C.
Published: March 2024

Issues of health equity are rightfully in the national spotlight. Here we present a narrative piece on the sacred importance of hair and its ties to cultural identity among many Native communities in the United States. We introduce unique values ascribed to hair in some Native cultures, and include examples of how hair has played an important role in both abuse and generational trauma for many individuals and families. By sharing experiences, we hope to illuminate perspectives often underrepresented, and to enable more culturally humble, responsive, and informed dermatologic care.
Molecular rotors of naphthalimide and benzodithiophene as effective solvent polarity probes, temperature sensors, and for g‐C3N4 sensitization
Authors: Kumari Anita , Sharma Sushil , Sengupta Sanchita
Published: March 2024

Acceptor–donor–acceptor (A–D–A) molecular rotors have drawn substantial attention for their applications in monitoring temperature variations within cellular microenvironments, biomimetic photocatalysis, and bioimaging. In this study, we have synthesized two novel rotor molecules, NBN1 and NBN2, by incorporating benzodithiophene (BDT) as the donor core and naphthalic anhydride/naphthalimide (NA/NI) moieties as acceptors using Pd‐catalyzed Stille coupling reactions. These molecules exhibited distinct charge transfer (CT) behavior in both their absorption and emission spectra and displayed prominent emission solvatochromism. Notably, NBN1 exhibited better CT properties among the two molecules. Moreover, these A–D–A molecular rotors demonstrated remarkable sensitivities of their emission spectra toward solvent polarities and temperatures. Rotors NBN1 and NBN2 showed positive temperature coefficients with internal temperature sensitivities of 0.34% °C−1 and 0.13% °C−1 in chloroform, respectively, and thus hold significant promise for detecting temperature variations in cellular microenvironment. Furthermore, we have modeled these molecules with graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) to form composite systems and performed theoretical calculations to obtain valuable insights into their charge transfer behavior. Theoretical results suggested that these molecules have the potential to efficiently sensitize and modulate the band gap of g‐C3N4 and show potential for diverse photocatalytic applications.
Evaluation of pancreatic cancer specimens for comprehensive genomic profiling
Authors: Washimi Kota , Hiroshima Yukihiko , Sato Shinya , Ueno Makoto , Kobayashi Satoshi , Yamamoto Naoto , Hasegawa Chie , Yoshioka Emi , Ono Kyoko , Okubo Yoichiro , Yokose Tomoyuki , Miyagi Yohei
Published: March 2024

Inadequate specimen quality or quantity hinders comprehensive genomic profiling in identifying actionable mutations and guiding treatment strategies. We investigated the optimal conditions for pancreatic cancer specimen selection for comprehensive genomic profiling. We retrospectively analyzed 213 pancreatic cancer cases ordered for comprehensive genomic profiling and compared results from pancreatic biopsy, liver biopsy of pancreatic cancer metastases, pancreatectomy, liquid, and nonliver metastatic organ specimens. We examined preanalytical conditions, including cellularity (tumor cell count/size). The successfully tested cases were those that underwent comprehensive genomic profiling tests without any issues. The successfully tested case ratio was 72.8%. Pancreatic biopsy had the highest successfully tested case ratio (87%), with a high tumor cell percentage, despite the small number of cells (median, 3425). Pancreatic biopsy, liver biopsy of pancreatic cancer metastases, and non‐liver metastatic organ had higher successfully tested case ratios than that for pancreatectomy. Liver biopsy of pancreatic cancer metastases and pancreatectomy cases with tumor size (mm2) × tumor ratio (%) > 150 and >3000, respectively, had high successfully tested case ratios. The success of comprehensive genomic profiling is significantly influenced by the tumor cell ratio, and pancreatic biopsy is a potentially suitable specimen for comprehensive genomic profiling.
Dose‐dependent response of prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation on the heart rate variability: An electric field modeling study
Authors: Razza Laís B. , De Smet Stefanie , Cornelis Xander , Nikolin Stevan , Pulopulos Matias M. , De Raedt Rudi , Brunoni Andre R. , Vanderhasselt Marie‐Anne
Published: March 2024

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) modulates the autonomic nervous system by activating deeper brain areas via top‐down pathway. However, effects on the nervous system are heterogeneous and may depend on the amount of current that penetrates. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the variable effects of tDCS on heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of the functional state of the autonomic nervous system. Using three prefrontal tDCS protocols (1.5, 3 mA and sham), we associated the simulated individual electric field (E‐field) magnitude in brain regions of interest with the HRV effects. This was a randomized, double‐blinded, sham‐controlled and within‐subject trial, in which healthy young‐adult participants received tDCS sessions separated by 2 weeks. The brain regions of interest were the dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC), anterior cingulate cortex, insula and amygdala. Overall, 37 participants were investigated, corresponding to a total of 111 tDCS sessions. The findings suggested that HRV, measured by root mean squared of successive differences (RMSSD) and high‐frequency HRV (HF‐HRV), were significantly increased by the 3.0 mA tDCS when compared to sham and 1.5 mA. No difference was found between sham and 1.5 mA. E‐field analysis showed that all brain regions of interest were associated with the HRV outcomes. However, this significance was associated with the protocol intensity, rather than inter‐individual brain structural variability. To conclude, our results suggest a dose‐dependent effect of tDCS for HRV. Therefore, further research is warranted to investigate the optimal current dose to modulate HRV.
The interactive roles of narrative processing and emotion negativity/lability in relation to autonomic coordination
Authors: Song Qingfang , Kamliot Deborah Z. , Slonecker Emily , Musser Erica D. , Klemfuss J. Zoe
Published: March 2024

Emotion regulation (ER) is a multifaceted construct, involving behavioral, cognitive, and physiological processes. Although autonomic coordination is theorized to play a crucial role in adaptive functioning, few studies have examined how different individual and contextual factors together may contribute to such coordination. This study examined the joint influences of narrative processing and emotional negativity/lability (N/L) traits on the coordination of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in a sample of 112 children, ages 8–12 years (Mage = 10.15 years, SD = 1.33). Children completed a stress‐induction task followed by an interview about the task. Children's trait‐level N/L was assessed via parent‐report on the Emotion Regulation Checklist. Narrative processing was assessed and coded based on children's narrative accounts of the event (i.e., causal coherence, overall emotional tone). Indexes of sympathetic (skin conductance response, SCR) and parasympathetic (respiratory sinus arrhythmia, RSA) functioning were derived from physiological data obtained during the interview. Results revealed that children's trait‐level N/L and narrative processing of the stressful event interacted to predict the RSA–SCR correlation. Specifically, children who were high on either N/L or narrative causal coherence, but not both, demonstrated significant RSA–SCR correlation. Similarly, children with high N/L and negative‐to‐neutral narratives, as well as those with low N/L and neutral‐to‐positive narratives, exhibited significant RSA–SCR correlation. This work provides empirical evidence that narrative processing and trait N/L, together with RSA–SCR correlation, work in tandem to regulate emotional arousal.
The truth is in there: Belief processes in the human brain
Authors: Gerchen Martin Fungisai , Glock Carina , Weiss Franziska , Kirsch Peter
Published: March 2024

Belief, defined by William James as the mental state or function of cognizing reality, is a core psychological function with strong influence on emotion and behavior. Furthermore, strong and aberrant beliefs about the world and oneself play important roles in mental disorders. The underlying processes of belief have been the matter of a long debate in philosophy and psychology, and modern neuroimaging techniques can provide insight into the underlying neural processes. Here, we conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging study with N = 30 healthy participants in which we presented statements about facts, politics, religion, conspiracy theories, and superstition. Participants judged whether they considered them as true (belief) or not (disbelief) and reported their certainty in the decision. We found belief‐associated activations in bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, left superior parietal cortex, and left lateral frontopolar cortex. Disbelief‐associated activations were found in an anterior temporal cluster extending into the amygdala. We found a larger deactivation for disbelief than belief in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex that was most pronounced during decisions, suggesting a role of the vmPFC in belief‐related decision‐making. As a category‐specific effect, we found disbelief‐associated activation in retrosplenial cortex and parahippocampal gyrus for conspiracy theory statements. Exploratory analyses identified networks centered at anterior cingulate cortex for certainty, and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex for uncertainty. The uncertainty effect identifies a neural substrate for Alexander Bain's notion from 1859 of uncertainty as the real opposite of belief. Taken together, our results suggest a two‐factor neural process model of belief with falsehood/veracity and uncertainty/certainty factors.
The role of innovative work behavior and organizational support for business model innovation
Authors: Hock‐Doepgen Marianne , Montasser Jana Sophia , Klein Sascha , Clauss Thomas , Maalaoui Adnan
Published: March 2024

While innovative work behavior sets the stage for organizational innovativeness, little is known about how innovative work behavior is related to business model innovation. This study analyzes how employees' innovative work behavior leads to business model innovation. Following the organizational support theory, we further examine that business model innovation is a function of individual innovative work behavior of the employee and the firm's ability to create an organizational environment in which these work behaviors can unfold and be translated into innovative output, such as business model innovation. Based on survey data from 154 firms, this study empirically finds that employee innovative work behavior is positively related to business model innovation. Further, we find that the effect of innovative work behavior on business model innovation is moderated through organizational support for innovation. However, the moderation reveals different results for low levels of innovative work behavior than for high values. For high values, we find that additional organizational support does not lead to more business model innovation.
Melatonin improves the viability and ultrastructure of bovine oocyte‐granulosa complexes of in vitro cultured early antral follicles
Authors: Silva Bianca R. , Nascimento Danisvânia R. , Costa Francisco C. , Azevedo Antônia V. , Paulino Laís R. F. M. , Aguiar Francisco L. N. , Batista Ana L. P. S. , Donato Mariana A. M. , Silva José R. V.
Published: March 2024

This study aims to investigate the effects of melatonin on follicular growth, viability and ultrastructure, as well as on the levels of mRNA for antioxidant enzymes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and meiotic progression in oocytes from in vitro cultured bovine early antral follicles. To this end, isolated early antral follicles (500–600 μm) were cultured in TCM‐199+ alone or supplemented with 10−6, 10−7 or 10−8 M melatonin at 38.5°C with 5% CO2 for 8 days. Follicle diameters were evaluated at days 0, 4 and 8 of culture. At the end of culture, ultrastructure, chromatin configuration, viability (calcein‐AM and ethidium homodimer‐1 staining), and the levels of ROS and mRNA for catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were investigated in oocyte‐granulosa cell complexes (OGCs). The results showed that early antral follicles cultured with 10−6 and 10−8 M melatonin had a progressive and significant increase in their diameters throughout the culture period (p < .05). Additionally, oocytes from follicles cultured with 10−7 or 10−8 M melatonin had increased fluorescence for calcein‐AM, while those cultured with 10−6 or 10−7 M had reduced fluorescence for ethidium homodimer‐1. Different from follicles cultured in other treatments, those cultured with 10−8 M melatonin had well‐preserved ultrastructure of oocyte and granulosa cells. Melatonin, however, did not influence the levels of ROS, the mitochondrial activity, oocyte meiotic resumption and expression mRNA for SOD, CAT, GPX1 and PRDX6. In conclusion, the presence of 10−8 M melatonin in culture medium improves viability and preserves the ultrastructure of oocyte and granulosa cells of early antral follicles cultured in vitro.
Fertilization with follicular fluid reduces HSP70 and BAX expression on bovine in vitro embryos
Authors: Homobono Bruno Porpino , das Mercês Marcela Oliveira , Nogueira Leonardo Henrique da Silva , de Souza Eduardo Baia , Cardoso Ana Paloma Lobo , Santos Ana Beatriz Sousa , Ramos Anelise de Sarges , Costa Matheus Hadigo Pires , Santana Priscila Di Paula Bessa , de Almeida Nathalia Nogueira da Costa , Cordeiro Marcela Silva , Santos Simone do Socorro Damasceno
Published: March 2024

The in vivo fertilization process occurs in the presence of follicular fluid (FF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of in vitro fertilization medium supplementation with 5% or 10% bovine follicular fluid (BFF) on the production of in vitro bovine embryos. FF was collected from ovarian follicles with a diameter of 8–10 mm, and cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were co‐incubated with sperm for 24 h in the commercial medium BotuFIV® (BotuPharma©), being distributed among the experimental groups: oocytes fertilized in a control medium; oocytes fertilized in a medium supplemented with 5% BFF; and oocytes fertilized in a medium supplemented with 10% BFF. After fertilization, the zygotes were cultured in vitro for 8 days. Embryo development was assessed through cleavage rates (day 2) and blastocyst formation rates (day 8). The relative expression of the genes OCT4, IFNT2, BAX, HSP70 and SOD2 was measured using the real‐time polymerase chain reaction method. There was no difference (p > .05) among the different experimental groups in terms of cleavage rates and blastocyst formation rates. Regarding the gene expression results, only the blastocysts from oocytes fertilized with 10% BFF showed significantly lower expression of IFNT2 (p = .003) and SOD2 (p = .01) genes compared to blastocysts from oocytes fertilized in control medium alone, while there was no difference between blastocyst from oocytes fertilized in control medium and the ones from oocytes fertilized with 5% BFF. In addition to this, the blastocysts from oocytes fertilized with 5% BFF showed significantly reduced levels of expression of the heat shock protein HSP70 (p < .001) and the pro‐apoptotic protein BAX (p = .015) compared to blastocysts from oocytes fertilized with control medium. This may indicate that lower supplementation of BFF to the IVF medium creates a more suitable environment for fertilization and is less stressful for the zygote.
Mutuality between nurses and patients with chronic illnesses: A cross‐sectional descriptive study
Authors: Cilluffo Silvia , Bassola Barbara , Pucciarelli Gianluca , Vellone Ercole , Clari Marco , Dimonte Valerio , Lusignani Maura
Published: March 2024

Background and Aim

Mutuality is a process in which the patient participates and is involved in decision‐making and care interventions. The aim of this study was to measure mutuality in the relationship between nurses and chronic illness patients.

Methods

This study had a cross‐sectional design; the sample included 249 patients and 249 nurses. Mutuality was measured with the Nurse–Patient Mutuality in Chronic Illness scale.

Results

Patients had higher scores in almost all items (p < 0.001). Patients demonstrate high reciprocity towards nurses and the ability to express and share their emotions. Patients consider nurses their point of reference and share with them their health goals. Nurses show more difficulty in being mutual with the patient, especially in the aspects related to the sharing of emotions, objectives, and planning. The egalitarian relationship score was low in both patients and nurses.

Conclusion

These findings are important to consider at clinical, educational, organisational, and policy levels. Nurse education and organisation must push towards respect for the wishes of patients, the possibility of expressing their choices, and their involvement in the care plan.

Practice Implications

In clinical practice, it is necessary to put the patients more at the centre, involving them in the identification of objectives and in making decisions.
Paradoxical Embolic Stroke Following Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty in a Hemodialysis Patient
Authors: Luo Xun , Yu Jie , Xiao Hailang , Dai Lang , Jiang Yang , Xia Xiaohui , Shi Wenjian , Zhang Fan
Published: March 2024

Paradoxical embolism is a medical condition characterized by the migration of an embolus from a venous source into the systemic circulation. This occurs through a specific cardiac abnormality known as a right‐to‐left shunt, ultimately resulting in the possibility of arterial embolism. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is the most common cause of intracardiac shunting. We reported a rare case of a 56‐year‐old man on hemodialysis with PFO and arteriovenous fistula dysfunction who suffered a paradoxical embolic ischemic stroke after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. This case emphasized the potential risk of paradoxical embolism in hemodialysis patients with vascular access problems. We aimed to highlight the importance of searching for PFO, as it may serve as a possible source of embolism in these patients.
Acute effects of caffeine supplementation on kinematics and kinetics of sprinting
Authors: Horiuchi Masahiro , Nagahara Ryu
Published: March 2024

We investigated the acute effects of caffeine supplementation (6 mg･kg−1) on 60‐m sprint performance and underlying components with a step‐to‐step ground reaction force measurement in 13 male sprinters. After the first round sprint as a control, caffeine supplementation‐induced improvement in 60‐m sprint times (7.811 s at the first versus 7.648 s at the second round, 2.05%) were greater compared with the placebo condition (7.769 s at the first versus 7.768 s at the second round, 0.02%). Using average values for every four steps, in the caffeine condition, higher running speed (all six step groups), higher step frequency (5th–16th and 21st–24th step groups), shorter support time (all the step groups except for 13th–16th step) and shorter braking time (9th–24th step groups) were found. Regarding ground reaction forces variables, greater braking mean force (13th–19th step group), propulsive mean force (1st–12th and 17th–20th step groups), and effective vertical mean force (9th–12th step group) were found in the caffeine condition. For the block clearance phase at the sprint start, push‐off and reaction times did not change, while higher total anteroposterior mean force, average horizontal external power, and ratio of force were found in the caffeine condition. These results indicate that, compared with placebo, acute caffeine supplementation improved sprint performance regardless of sprint sections during the entire acceleration phase from the start through increases in step frequency with decreases in support time. Moreover, acute caffeine supplementation promoted increases in the propulsive mean force, resulting in the improvement of sprint performance.
Early morning sport scheduling is associated with poorer subjective sleep characteristics in British student‐athletes
Authors: Wilson Sandy M. B. , Jones Martin I. , Draper Stephen B. , Parker John K.
Published: March 2024

This study presents the sleep characteristics of British student‐athletes and examines the relationships between sport scheduling and time demands on sleep outcomes. Student‐athletes (n = 157, 51% male) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI). Self‐reported sleep characteristics on weekdays and weekends, weekly frequencies of early morning and late evening sport sessions, and academic‐related and sport‐related time demands were also collected. Questionnaires revealed a high prevalence of undesired sleep characteristics including poor sleep quality (global PSQI >5 in 49.0%) and low sleep durations on weekdays (25% reporting <7 h). Paired t‐tests revealed significant differences in bedtime, waketime, sleep duration, and sleep onset latency between weekdays and weekends (all p < 0.01). Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that early morning sport frequency was a significant predictor of PSQI (β = 0.30) and SHI (β = 0.24) global scores, weekday waketimes (β = −0.17), and weekday sleep durations (β = −0.25; all p < 0.05) in models adjusted for participant characteristics. Late evening sport frequency, and academic‐related and sport‐related time demands, were not significant predictors of any sleep outcome. Adjusting sport scheduling to avoid early start times could provide a means to improve sleep outcomes and may improve sporting performance and academic attainment.
Degenerate oligonucleotide primer MIG‐seq: an effective PCR‐based method for high‐throughput genotyping
Authors: Nishimura Kazusa , Kokaji Hiroyuki , Motoki Ko , Yamazaki Akira , Nagasaka Kyoka , Mori Takashi , Takisawa Rihito , Yasui Yasuo , Kawai Takashi , Ushijima Koichiro , Yamasaki Masanori , Saito Hiroki , Nakano Ryohei , Nakazaki Tetsuya
Published: March 2024

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) library construction often involves using restriction enzymes to decrease genome complexity, enabling versatile polymorphism detection in plants. However, plant leaves frequently contain impurities, such as polyphenols, necessitating DNA purification before enzymatic reactions. To overcome this problem, we developed a PCR‐based method for expeditious NGS library preparation, offering flexibility in number of detected polymorphisms. By substituting a segment of the simple sequence repeat sequence in the MIG‐seq primer set (MIG‐seq being a PCR method enabling library construction with low‐quality DNA) with degenerate oligonucleotides, we introduced variability in detectable polymorphisms across various crops. This innovation, named degenerate oligonucleotide primer MIG‐seq (dpMIG‐seq), enabled a streamlined protocol for constructing dpMIG‐seq libraries from unpurified DNA, which was implemented stably in several crop species, including fruit trees. Furthermore, dpMIG‐seq facilitated efficient lineage selection in wheat and enabled linkage map construction and quantitative trait loci analysis in tomato, rice, and soybean without necessitating DNA concentration adjustments. These findings underscore the potential of the dpMIG‐seq protocol for advancing genetic analyses across diverse plant species.
Differences in Lower-Extremity Joint Coordination During Two Landing Phases of a Drop Jump Task
Authors: Wang JiaWei , Liu Ye
Published: March 2024

The aim of the present study was to compare the differences in joint coordination patterns and variability in the lower extremity between the first and second landing phases of the drop jump. Eighteen resistance-trained men (age: 22.8 ± 1.8 years) performed drop jumps from a height of 0.40 m. An eight-camera motion capture system was utilized to record kinematic trajectories. Modified vector coding technique and circular statistics were used to determine the coordination pattern and variability of the following joint couples during the first and second landings: hip frontal–knee frontal (HfKf), hip sagittal–knee frontal (HsKf), hip sagittal–knee sagittal (HsKs), knee frontal–ankle frontal (KfAf), knee sagittal–ankle frontal (KsAf), and knee sagittal–ankle sagittal (KsAs). Statistical differences in the distribution frequencies of coupling angles and variability between the dominant and nondominant limbs across the two landing phases were compared using two-way repeated analysis of variance and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. During the second landing phase, the proportion of HsKs, KfAf, and KsAs showing in-phase coordination was reduced but the proportion of KfAf and KsAs showing proximal joint (knee) coordination was increased (p < .05). Significant differences in bilateral asymmetry were observed only for the HfKf and KfAf patients (p < .05). HsKs, KfAf, and KsAf varied considerably during the second landing phase (p < .05). Joint coordination patterns during the second landing phase of the drop jump differed considerably from those during the first landing phase, thereby increasing the risk of knee and ankle injuries.