bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An overlooked mimic? Autoimmune myelofibrosis—A scoping review of the literature
Authors: Amel Riazat‐Kesh Yosef Joseph Rene , Maraveyas Alexander , Martin Lily , Tremblay Douglas
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives

Autoimmune myelofibrosis (AIMF) is a rare cause of bone marrow fibrosis (BMF) occurring in the presence or absence of a defined autoimmune disease (secondary or primary AIMF, sAIMF/pAIMF, respectively). Unlike primary myelofibrosis (PMF), AIMF responds well to immunosuppressive therapy with a benign clinical course. Diagnostic criteria for AIMF in opposition to PMF have been lacking, though recent work has helped better characterise molecular and pathological features of AIMF, improving diagnostic precision.

Methods

Using a modern clinical and pathophysiological understanding of AIMF, we apply scoping review methodology and rigorous case‐criteria to retrospectively analyse the case literature. We examine its patient‐population, describing patient‐associated factors, presentation, bone marrow pathology, genetics, treatment and outcomes.

Results

Fifty‐five studies were identified, describing 139 AIMF patients. Patients were mostly young females (~4:1 ratio female:male, median age 40.8 years) and typically presented with cytopenias. Splenomegaly was rare. sAIMF was more common than pAIMF (~3:1 ratio), and most cases responded well to immunosuppressive therapy.

Conclusions

Our results strengthen the emerging picture of AIMF's patient population, natural history and response to treatment. Further work should continue to use reproducible diagnostic criteria, and explore AIMF's pathophysiology, response to different therapies, and sequelae over larger timescales, as well as differences between pAIMF, sAIMF and PMF.
Determinants and effects of trade credit financing: Evidence from the maritime shipping industry
Authors: Mantzari Elisavet , Merika Anna , Sigalas Christos
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates the factors and effects of trade credit, as an alternative source of capital, by employing a generalized method of moments instrumenting for endogeneity based on a panel data set of public maritime shipping companies and compatible companies in other industries. Our study shows that the magnitude of trade credit is affected by profitability, financial leverage, company size, cost of capital, financial distress, institutional ownership, corporate power, corporate liquidity, asset intensity, and corporate growth. It also suggests that trade credit affects financial performance, equity value, and risk. These empirical findings yield important implications for principal financial officers, as discussed herein.
Mimicking fat grafting of fibrotic scars using 3D‐organotypic skin cultures
Authors: Raktoe Rajiv , Kwee Anastasia K. A. L. , Rietveld Marion , Marsidi Nick , Genders Roel , Quint Koen , van Doorn Remco , van Zuijlen Paul , Ghalbzouri Abdoelwaheb E. L.
Published: July 2023

Wound healing of deep burn injuries is often accompanied by severe scarring, such as hypertrophic scar (HTS) formation. In severe burn wounds, where the subcutis is also damaged, the scars adhere to structures underneath, resulting in stiffness of the scar and impaired motion. Over the recent years, a promising solution has emerged: autologous fat grafting, also known as lipofilling. Previous clinical reports have shown that the anti‐fibrotic effect has been attributed to the presence of adipose‐derived stromal cells (ADSC). In the proposed study, we aim to investigate the effect of fat grafting in 3D organotypic skin cultures mimicking an HTS‐like environment. To this end, organotypic skin cultures were embedded with normal skin fibroblasts (NF) or HTS‐derived fibroblasts with or without incorporation of human adipose subcutaneous tissue (ADT) and one part was thermally wounded to examine their effect on epithelialization. The developed skin cultures were analysed on morphology and protein level. Analysis revealed that ADT‐containing organotypic skin cultures comprise an improved epidermal homeostasis, and a fully formed basement membrane, similar to native human skin (NHS). Furthermore, the addition of ADT significantly reduced myofibroblast presence, which indicates its anti‐fibrotic effect. Finally, re‐epithelialization measurements showed that ADT reduced re‐epithelialization in skin cultures embedded with NFs, whereas HTS‐fibroblast‐embedded skin cultures showed complete wound closure. In conclusion, we succeeded in developing a 3D organotypic HTS‐skin model incorporated with subcutaneous tissue that allows further investigation on the molecular mechanism of fat grafting.
Observing fish interactions with marine energy turbines using acoustic cameras
Authors: Cotter Emma , Staines Garrett
Published: July 2023

Marine current energy converters such as tidal and riverine turbines have the potential to provide reliable, clean power. The risk of collision of fishes with marine energy turbines is not yet well understood, in part due to the challenges associated with observing fish at turbine sites. Turbidity and light availability can limit the effectiveness of optical sensors like video cameras, motivating the use of acoustic cameras for this task. However, challenges persist in collecting and interpreting data acquired from acoustic cameras. Given the limited number of turbine deployments to date, it is prudent to draw on the application of acoustic cameras to monitor fish in other scenarios. This article synthesizes their use for other fisheries applications to inform best practices and set realistic expectations for the results of acoustic camera monitoring at turbine sites. We discuss six key tasks performed with acoustic cameras: detecting objects, identifying objects as fish, counting fish, measuring fish, classifying fish taxonomically and analysing fish behavior. Specific challenges to monitoring fish at turbine sites are discussed. This article is intended to serve as a reference for researchers, regulators and marine energy developers on effective use of acoustic cameras to monitor fish at turbine sites. The studies detailed in this article provide evidence that, in some scenarios, acoustic cameras can be used to inform the risk of fish collision with marine energy turbines but doing so requires careful study design and data processing.
Environmental DNA of aquatic macrophytes: The potential for reconstructing past and present vegetation and environments
Authors: Revéret Aloïs , Rijal Dilli P. , Heintzman Peter D. , Brown Antony G. , Stoof‐Leichsenring Kathleen R. , Alsos Inger G.
Published: July 2023

Environmental DNA is increasingly being used to reconstruct past and present biodiversity including from freshwater ecosystems. Macrophytes are especially good environmental indicators, thus their environmental DNA palaeorecord might shed light on past postglacial environments.

Here, we first review and compare studies that use metagenomics, targeted capture, and various barcoding and metabarcoding markers, in order to explore how each of these methods can be used to capture aquatic vegetation diversity and change. We then investigate the extent to which such a record can be leveraged for reconstructing local environmental conditions, using a case study based on macrophyte ecological niches.

We find that, with state‐of‐the‐art DNA barcode reference libraries, using metabarcoding to target the P6 loop region of the chloroplast trnL (UAA) intron is optimal to maximise taxonomic resolution and the diversity of past macrophyte communities. Shotgun sequencing also retrieves a high proportion of aquatic macrophyte diversity, but has the lowest taxonomic resolution, and targeted capture needs to be more widely applied before comparisons can be made.

From our case study, we infer past aquatic habitats from sedimentary ancient DNA records of macrophyte taxa. We reconstructed Holocene thermal range, continentality, water pH, trophic status, and light conditions in northern Fennoscandia. We show an overall stability since 9,000 years ago, even though individual lakes display different trends and variation in local climatic and physico‐chemical conditions.

Combined with the availability of near‐exhaustive barcode and traits databases, metabarcoding data can support wider ecological reconstructions that are not limited to aquatic plant taxonomic inventories but can also be used to infer past changes in water conditions and their environmental drivers. Sedimentary DNA is also a powerful tool to measure present diversity, as well as to reconstruct past lacustrine and fluvial communities of aquatic macrophytes.
SAviTraits 1.0: Seasonally varying dietary attributes for birds
Authors: Murphy Stephen J. , Bellvé André M. , Miyajima Reymond J. , Sebunia Natalie A. , Lynch Molly M. , Jetz Walter , Jarzyna Marta A.
Published: July 2023

Motivation

Trait‐based studies remain limited by the quality and scope of the underlying trait data available. Most of the existing trait databases treat species traits as fixed across time, with any potential temporal variation in the measured traits being unavailable. This is despite the fact that many species are well known to show plasticity in their trait characteristics over the course of the year. This data paper describes a compilation of species‐specific dietary preferences and their known intra‐annual variation for over 10,000 of the world's extant bird species (SAviTraits 1.0). Information on dietary preferences was obtained from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Birds of the World (BOW) online database. Textual descriptions of species' dietary preferences were translated into semi‐quantitative information denoting the proportion of dietary categories utilized by each species. Temporal variation in dietary attributes was captured at a monthly temporal resolution. We describe the methods for data discovery and translation and present tools for summarizing the annual variability of avian dietary preferences. Altogether, we were able to document a seasonal variability in dietary attributes for a total of 1031 species (ca. 10%). For the remaining species, the dietary attributes were either temporally stationary or the information on temporal variability of the diet was not available.

Main Types of Variable Contained

Temporally‐varying dietary traits for birds.

Spatial Location and Grain

N/A.

Time Period and Grain

Variation in diet was captured at a monthly temporal resolution.

Major Taxa and Level of Measurement

Birds, species level.

Software Format

.csv/.rds
Impacts of Groundwater Pumping for Hydraulic Fracturing on Aquifers Overlying the Eagle Ford Shale
Authors: Brien John A. , Obkirchner Gabrielle E. , Knappett Peter S. K. , Miller Gretchen R. , Burnett David , Bhatia Mukul
Published: July 2023

Hydraulic fracturing (HF) events consume high volumes of water over a short time. When groundwater is the source, the additional pumping by rig/frack supply wells (RFSWs) may impose costs on owners of other sector wells (OSWs) by lowering the hydraulic head. The Carrizo–Wilcox aquifer in south Texas is the main source of water for HF of the Eagle Ford Shale (EFS) Play. The objectives are to assess the impacts of groundwater pumping for HF supply on: (1) hydraulic heads in OSWs located nearby an RFSW and (2) volumetric fluxes between layers of the regional aquifer system compared to a baseline model without the effect of RFSW pumping. The study area spans the footprint of the EFS Play in Texas and extends from 2011 to 2020. The pumping schedules of 2500 RFSWs were estimated from reported pumped water volumes to supply 22,500 HF events. Median annual drawdowns in OSWs ranged from 0.2 to 6.6 m, whereas 95th percentile annual drawdowns exceeded 20 m. The magnitudes of drawdown increased from 2011 to 2020. Of the four layers that comprise the Carrizo–Wilcox aquifer, the upper Wilcox was the most intensively pumped for HF supply. During the peak HF year of 2014, the net flux to the upper Wilcox was 292 Mm3 compared to the baseline net flux for the same year of 278 Mm3—a relative gain of 14 Mm3. Pumping for HF supply has the potential to negatively impact nearby OSWs by capturing water from adjacent aquifer layers.
Research trends on vonoprazan‐based therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: A bibliometric analysis from 2015 to 2023
Authors: Du Ren‐Chun , Ouyang Yao‐Bin , Lu Nong‐Hua , Hu Yi
Published: July 2023

Background

Vonoprazan is an emerging option for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. We aimed to assess the research trends and hotspots of vonoprazan‐based therapy for H. pylori eradication through bibliometric analysis.

Materials and Methods

Vonoprazan‐based studies for eradicating H. pylori published from 2015 to 2023 were extracted from the Web of Science using a combination of the search terms “H. pylori” and “vonoprazan.” Each study was weighted according to the number of included patients.

Results

A total of 65 studies were included. Japan was the most productive and cooperative country, accounting for 69.2% of publications. Vonoprazan in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin (41.8%) was most used for eradicating H. pylori, followed by vonoprazan in combination with amoxicillin (20.4%) and vonoprazan in combination with amoxicillin and metronidazole (19.4%). The eradication rates for first‐line vonoprazan‐based therapies by intention to treat were: dual therapy (82.9%, 95% CI: 77.7%–88.0%), triple (83.3%, 95% CI: 79.7%–86.8%) and quadruple therapy (91.5%, 95% CI: 85.5%–97.4%), and per protocol: dual therapy (86.1%, 95% CI: 81.5%–90.7%), triple (89.3%, 95% CI: 87.9%–90.6%) and quadruple therapy (94.0%, 95% CI: 88.6%–99.4%). Vonoprazan was superior to proton pump inhibitors in triple therapy regarding empirical therapy (RR = 1.18, 95% CI, 1.14–1.22, p < 0.01) and clarithromycin‐resistant group (RR = 1.71, 95% CI, 1.33–2.20, p < 0.01), but there is no significant difference between triple therapy and dual therapy (RR = 1.02, 95% CI, 0.98–1.07, p = 0.33).

Conclusions

Vonoprazan has been widely used for H. pylori eradication. Further studies are needed to optimize the best duration and dosage of vonoprazan‐based regimens in different regions.
The relationship between host plant traits and biodiversity across three sympatric seed‐feeding tri‐trophic systems in a tropical region of Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Tamires Camila Talamonte , Morales‐Silva Tiago , Brandão‐Dias Pedro Ferreira Pinto , Egan Scott Patrick , Zaldívar‐Riverón Alejandro , Oliveira Gabriella Melo , da Silva Victor Hugo Duarte , Faria Lucas Del Bianco
Published: July 2023

We describe the diverse community of insect herbivores and parasitoids associated with the seeds and fruits of three sympatric Fabaceae species in Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil: Inga vera, Senna multijuga and Leucaena leucocephala.

A total of 5353 individual insects, representing 77 different species, were identified via morphology and DNA barcoding. The non‐native L. leucocephala had the least diverse natural enemy community (N = 17 species), while two native species, I. vera and S. multijuga, were more diverse (N = 40 and N = 24 species, respectively).

Individuals from the insect order Hymenoptera, a group dominated by parasitoid wasps, were the most diverse recovered from our samples in all hosts. Additionally, individual herbivore and parasitoid species were more likely to be found on a single host, with only four out of the 77 species found in more than one plant species.

This includes the generalist agricultural pest herbivore, Lasioderma serricorne, found in two species, and three parasitoids connecting native S. multijuga and non‐native L. leucocephala communities, hinting at recent host shifts.

Furthermore, different host plant traits had complex effects on the herbivore and parasitoid communities, where seed number per fruit promoted a propagating effect on the abundance and richness at both higher trophic levels, whereas seed and fruit weight did not.

We highlight the importance of including parasitoids in insect community studies because they are highly diverse and provide important ecosystem services. Additional study of the biology, behaviour and distributions of parasitoids would be advantageous to inform conservation and biological control.
Non‐native ants drive dramatic declines in animal community diversity: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Tercel Maximillian P. T. G. , Cuff Jordan P. , Symondson William O. C. , Vaughan Ian P.
Published: July 2023

Non‐native ants can cause ecosystem‐wide ecological change, and these changes are generally assumed to be negative. Despite this, the evidence base has never been holistically synthesised to quantify whether and to what degree non‐native ants impact native species diversity.

In this study, we performed a meta‐analysis of the effects of ant invasion on animal communities. We extracted data from 46 published articles investigating abundance (156 effect sizes) and richness (53 effect sizes) responses of animal taxa to ant invasion in locations relatively unimpacted by other stressors (e.g. human disturbance, other non‐native species) to help isolate the effects of invasion.

Overall, local animal diversity declined severely, with species abundance and richness lower by 42.79% and 53.56%, respectively, in areas with non‐native ants compared with intact uninvaded sites. We then combined responses of individual animal taxa extracted from an article into a single response to represent the ‘community’ abundance (40 effect sizes) or richness (28 effect sizes) response to non‐native ants represented in each article. Local communities decreased substantially in total abundance (52.67%) and species richness (53.47%) in invaded sites.

These results highlight non‐native ants as the drivers, rather than passengers, of large net‐negative reductions to animal community diversity in relatively undisturbed systems around the world, approximately halving local species abundance and richness in invaded areas. Improved international prevention processes, early detection systems harnessing emerging technologies, and well‐designed control measures deployable by conservation practitioners are urgently needed if these effects are to be mitigated, prevented or reversed.
In vitro and in silico studies of antioxidant peptides from tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis) as inhibitors of angiotensin‐converting enzyme and dipeptidyl peptidase IV enzyme
Authors: Chirinos Rosana , de Oliveira Thomás Valente , Guzmán Fanny , Aguilar‐Galvez Ana , Figueroa‐Merma Andrés , Pedreschi Romina , Campos David
Published: July 2023

The present research aimed to evaluate three peptides synthesised from tarwi: AVPFWM, YSGWLGL and AHAGFGMLY in their antioxidant, antihypertensive and hypoglycemic properties, using in vitro and in silico studies, this last one considering the molecular docking evaluation and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) properties. The in vitro results found ABTS and ORAC antioxidant capacity values between 2.12 and 3.94 and 1.64 and 3.10 μmol TE/μmol of peptide, respectively, while the IC50 values for angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐IV) inhibition ranged between 0.14 and 6.38 μM and 16.4 and 1140.0 μM, respectively. The molecular docking study performed between peptides and ACE and DPP‐IV enzymes, showed affinity towards both enzymes establishing molecular interactions at the level of the active site of both enzymes through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. This study together with the in vitro study highlight the YSGWLGL peptide for the favourable results found. Finally, the predicted ADMET properties of the three peptides suggest that they have the potential for absorption, appropriate distribution, no participation in the metabolism of P450 enzymes and no toxicity concerns. It is concluded that tarwi peptides may be a valuable source for developing nutraceuticals, functional ingredients or supplements.
The effectiveness of an unsupervised home‐based pulmonary rehabilitation with self‐management program in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Liou Huey L. , Lai Zi Y. , Huang Yu T. , Chu Wan T. , Tsai Ya C. , Chen Mei S. , Tsai Pei C.
Published: July 2023

Aims

To assess the effectiveness of an unsupervised home‐based pulmonary rehabilitation with self‐management program in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Background

A few recent studies have shown that unsupervised home‐based pulmonary rehabilitation can improve the clinical outcome of patients with COPD. More studies are needed to prove its benefits.

Design

This study used a quasi‐experimental design.

Methods

Seventy‐two admitted COPD patients were assigned to experimental group or control group through purposeful sampling. Data were collected from March 2016 to November 2017 in the Thoracic Intensive Care Unit of a Medical Center in Taiwan. The Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, the COPD Self‐Efficacy Scale and the Clinical COPD Questionnaire were measured before education and at the first, second and third months after discharge.

Results

The Medical Research Council dyspnea scale and COPD Self‐Efficacy Scale results in the experimental group were significantly improved compared with the control group in the third month after discharge. The Clinical COPD Questionnaire score continued to improve in both groups in the third month after discharge, and there was no difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

A short‐term unsupervised home‐based pulmonary rehabilitation with self‐ management program had significant benefits for patients with COPD. The long‐term effects need to be confirmed.
The enrichment process for family caregivers of persons living with dementia: A grounded theory approach
Authors: Bai Yu‐Lin , Shyu Yea‐Ing L. , Huang Huei‐Ling , Chiu Yi‐Chen , Hsu Wen‐Chuin
Published: July 2023

Aim

Many persons living with dementia (PLWD) reside in the community and are cared for by family members. The aim of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding the enrichment process for family caregivers of PLWD in Taiwan.

Design

A grounded theory approach with face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews was conducted with family caregivers of PLWD in Taiwan.

Methods

Interview data from 30 family caregivers of PLWD recruited from dementia clinics or support groups in Taiwan were obtained from the first wave of a larger study conducted from January 2018 to September 2021. Glaser's grounded theory approach with theoretical sampling was used to understand the enrichment process of family caregivers of PLWD.

Results

Analysis indicated the core category that characterized the process of enrichment was ‘holding together’. Caregivers were able to maintain their connection to the person with dementia through activities that deepened their relationship and strengthened their bond. ‘Holding together’ included four components: maintaining continuity, creative interactions, interacting with humour and sharing pleasurable activities. Through these components, family caregivers generated positive interactions and relationships with the person living with dementia and sustained their motivation for caregiving. Three modifying elements facilitated or impeded the process of holding together: ‘previous daily interactions’, ‘caregiving beliefs’ and ‘filial piety’.

Conclusion

Through the enrichment process of ‘holding together’, family caregivers used different strategies to conduct pleasurable and meaningful activities with the person living with dementia to maintain and improve their relationship and enhance their happiness in life.

Impact

To facilitate the enrichment process, health care providers should encourage activities between family caregivers and PLWD that promote continuity, increase interactions, provide humour and foster pleasurable activities.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to the COREQ guideline checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
‘It's a 24/7 Deal’: Parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities discuss natural supports
Authors: Sanderson Kelli A. , Aquino Michael D.
Published: July 2023

Background

Natural supports are widely used by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, little research has been conducted on this topic. This study adds to the literature by examining the role of parents as natural supporters, other members of the natural support network, challenges families face as they secure natural supports, and advice parents have for other families.

Method

Twenty‐three parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities were interviewed. Data was analyzed using a constant comparative approach.

Results

Family members and friends were key natural supporters. However, parents provided the bulk of support. A hesitation with asking others for support was a common barrier to building natural support networks. Parents encouraged others to connect with families with similar circumstances.

Conclusions

To ensure proper care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we must develop supports that meet family members' needs and identify ways to strengthen natural support networks.
Stone diet and dietary change: understanding determinants for dietary change behaviour in patients following urinary stones
Authors: Muhamad Suhana , Sowtali Siti Noorkhairina , Arifin Siti Roshaidai Mohd , Islah Munjih Ab Rashid , Mohd Shukri Nor Azwani
Published: July 2023

Background

Dietary habit is one of the most important methods to prevent and treat urinary stones. However, only limited evidence of the experiences of dietary management among urinary stone patients in Malaysia is available. This study aimed to explore participants' current dietary practices after the diagnosis of urinary stones and to identify the factors that facilitate their dietary changes.

Methods

A qualitative study with purposive sampling was conducted using face‐to‐face semistructured interviews. A total of 20 participants from a tertiary general hospital in Kuantan, Malaysia, were recruited in this study. Data were analysed using framework analysis.

Results

Two themes emerged from the analysis. The first theme explained the changes in the dietary practice of the participants postdiagnosis. The second theme revealed that the participants' dietary changes were greatly influenced by personal factors and external support from professionals, family and peers.

Conclusions

Urinary stone patients highlighted the fear of complications, self‐determination and knowledge of nutrition as the main drivers of their dietary change postdiagnosis. Emphasising proper nutritional care by assessing and evaluating dietary self‐management among patients can facilitate effective self‐care in stone prevention management.
Upregulation of mesencephalic astrocyte‐derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) expression offers protection against alcohol neurotoxicity
Authors: Wen Wen , Wang Yongchao , Li Hui , Hu Di , Zhang Zuohui , Lin Hong , Luo Jia
Published: July 2023

Alcohol exposure has detrimental effects on both the developing and mature brain. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is one of the mechanisms that contributes to alcohol‐induced neuronal damages. Mesencephalic astrocyte‐derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) is an ER stress‐responsive protein and is neuroprotective in multiple neuronal injury and neurodegenerative disease models. MANF deficiency has been shown to exacerbate alcohol‐induced ER stress and neurodegeneration. However, it is unknown whether MANF supplement is sufficient to protect against alcohol neurotoxicity. Alcohol alters MANF expression in the brain, but the mechanisms underlying alcohol modulation of MANF expression remain unclear. This study was designed to determine how alcohol alters MANF expression in neuronal cells and whether exogeneous MANF can alleviate alcohol neurotoxicity. We showed that alcohol increased MANF transcription and secretion without affecting MANF mRNA stability and protein degradation. ER stress was necessary for alcohol‐induced MANF upregulation, as pharmacological inhibition of ER stress by 4‐PBA diminished alcohol‐induced MANF expression. In addition, the presence of ER stress response element II (ERSE‐II) was required for alcohol‐stimulated MANF transcription. Mutations or deletion of this sequence abolished alcohol‐regulated transcriptional activity. We generated MANF knockout (KO) neuronal cells using CRISPR/Cas9. MANF KO cells exhibited increased unfolded protein response (UPR) and were more susceptible to alcohol‐induced cell death. On the other hand, MANF upregulation by the addition of recombinant MANF protein or adenovirus gene transduction protected neuronal cells against alcohol‐induced cell death. Further studies using early postnatal mouse pups demonstrated that enhanced MANF expression in the brain by intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of MANF adeno‐associated viruses ameliorated alcohol‐induced cell death. Thus, alcohol increased MANF expression through inducing ER stress, which could be a protective response. Exogenous MANF was able to protect against alcohol‐induced neurodegeneration.

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Description of natal down of the ostrich (Struthio camelus) and comparison with common quail (Coturnix coturnix): Developmental and evolutionary implications
Authors: Urban Carmen A. , Legendre Lucas J. , Clarke Julia A.
Published: July 2023

Natal down is a feather stage that differs in both form and function from the definitive feathers of adult birds. It has a simpler structure that has been speculated to be similar to the body coverings of non‐avian dinosaurs. However, inference of the evolution of natal down has been limited by our understanding of its structural variation in extant birds. Most descriptive work has focused on neognathous birds, limiting our knowledge of the full diversity of feathers in extant taxa. Here, we describe the natal down of a post‐hatch ostrich (Struthio camelus) and compare it to that of a post‐hatch quail (Coturnix coturnix). We confirm the presence of featherless spaces (apteria) in S. camelus and the lack of barbules on the tips of natal down in both species. We also find differences between dorsal and ventral natal down structures, such as barbule density in S. camelus and the extent of the bare portion of the barb in both species. Surprisingly, we do not find that the neoptiles of either species follow the ideal morphologies for increasing insulation. Finally, we hypothesize that the different barb types present in S. camelus natal down result from a large addition of new barb ridges during development, which is not known except in feathers with a rachis. These results have implications for our understanding of how structure informs function and development in understudied feather types, such as those shared by non‐avian dinosaurs.
Are data breaches the new norm? Exploring data breach trends, consumer sentiment, and responses to security invasions
Authors: Markos Ereni , Peña Priscilla , Labrecque Lauren I. , Swani Kunal
Published: July 2023

Although data breaches are common, limited knowledge exists regarding consumer sentiments towards them and the personal actions taken following a breach. First, we explore trends using a database chronicling 14 years of breaches. Then, guided by Social Contract Theory, our study analyzes a secondary dataset of survey responses from 890 affected consumers to understand perceptions of breaches, including attitudes towards businesses, expected actions businesses take following a breach, and protective actions. The integration of Social Contract Theory with Privacy Calculus Theory and Protection Motivation Theory in the study of data breaches provides a lens to examine how context‐specific attributes impact consumer actions following a breach. Our findings show that data breaches are frequent, vary across industries, and consumer attitudes and actions vary by data type compromised.
Transfer of naturally acquired specific passive immunity againstAnaplasma phagocytophilumin foals in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland
Authors: Rule Emily K. , Boyle Ashley G. , Stefanovski Darko , Anis Eman , Linton Jennifer , Lorello Olivia
Published: July 2023

Background

Equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA) is a common disease in adult horses, but clinical disease in foals is rarely reported. The relationship between equine maternal and neonatal antibodies toAnaplasma phagocytophilumis unclear.

Hypothesis/Objectives

That mares in an endemic region would be seropositive forA. phagocytophilumand that mare and foal serum IgG concentrations forA. phagocytophilumwould correlate. Additionally, we hypothesized that foal IgG concentrations forA. phagocytophilumacquired by passive immunity would decline by 6 months of age.

Animals

Twenty‐two healthy mare‐foal pairs.

Methods

This prospective observational study investigated serum IgG concentrations specific forA. phagocytophilumin mares and foals using an immunofluorescent antibody test (IFA). The association between foal titer (as a binary variable) and age in months was assessed using a mixed‐effects logistic regression.

Results

A positive correlation between newborn foal antibody titers and mare titers was identified at both the pre‐foaling (τa = 0.38, τb = 0.50,P = .009) and foaling timepoints (τa = 0.36, τb = 0.47,P = .01). InA. phagocytophilumseropositive neonates, it was unlikely that a positive titer would be detected by 3 months of age (OR = 0.002,P = .02, 95% CI: 0.00001‐0.38). Three out of 20 foals seroconverted between 3 and 6 months of age.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Transfer of specific passive immunity toA. phagocytophilumoccurred in 80% of foals born to seropositive mares and declined by 3 months of age.A. phagocytophiluminfection should be considered in foals displaying clinical signs consistent with EGA.
Killer whales at northern Patagonia, Argentina: Evidence of different foraging groups from stable isotopes
Authors: Loizaga Rocio , García Nestor A. , Durante Cristian A. , Vales Damián G. , Crespo Enrique A.
Published: July 2023

Killer whales (Orcinus orca) are highly mobile, large marine apex predators that inhabit all oceans. Despite being the most conspicuous top predator, little is known about their ecology along Patagonia, Argentina. Here, we used carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope analysis of bone and dentine collagen from killer whales (n = 13) stranded in northern Patagonia during the period 1970–2014 to assess their trophic ecology. A model‐based clustering analysis identified three distinct groups related with three large marine ecosystems: the Patagonia (P), Subtropical (ST), and Antarctica (A) groups. Group P (n = 8) is characterized by individuals with high δ13C and δ15N values fitting within the isotopic ratios observed over the Patagonian shelf. Group ST (n = 3) is composed of individuals with high δ13C and low δ15N values, similar to those reported for conspecifics in southern Brazil. Group A (n = 2) is composed of individuals with low δ13C and δ15N values, typical from high latitude areas like sub‐Antarctic/Antarctic waters. The finding of different killer whales' isotopic groups over the Patagonian shelf suggests the existence of individuals or groups exploiting different habitats. Our results expand the limited ecological knowledge for the species while presenting the basis to infer more complex ecological hypotheses.
Short‐finned pilot whales in the South China Sea: Insights into regional distribution, movement pattern, and habitat characteristics
Authors: Liu Mingming , Lin Wenzhi , Lin Mingli , Dong Lijun , Li Songhai
Published: July 2023

Little scientific knowledge is available for short‐finned pilot whales in the South China Sea (SCS). Here, we integrated historical records, ship‐based observation, and satellite‐tagging data to investigate ecological and behavioral characteristics of pilot whales in the SCS. Historical records since the 1990s showed the widespread spatial occurrence of pilot whales along the coastal SCS, suggesting that the species may inhabit this region. During our dedicated ship‐based surveys (2019–2022) in the SCS, 19 groups of pilot whales were encountered in Xisha‐Zhongsha waters, which supported the hypothesis inferred from historical data. We believe that Xisha‐Zhongsha waters are important habitats for pilot whales, demonstrated by the large group size (M = 44.7 ± 42.4 SD individuals), the high proportion of recorded maternal groups (17/19), mixed‐species associations, and deep‐water habitat characteristics. During field surveys, we conducted satellite‐tagging experiments on two adult pilot whales, with tracking periods of 35 and 13 days, respectively. Satellite‐tracking data provided evidence of possible residency of the tagged whales, as both displayed overlapping ranges and nondirectional movement. This research provides preliminary baseline data on occurrence, distribution, movement, habitat use, and likely residency of pilot whales in the SCS, which can facilitate future research and conservation effort.
Transformation and Annihilation: Emmanuel Falque and Søren Kierkegaard on the Dialectic of Philosophy and Theology
Authors: Cassidy‐Deketelaere Nikolaas , Li Elizabeth X.
Published: July 2023

In his recent work Hors phénomène, Emmanuel Falque identifies the Danish thinker Søren Kierkegaard as both a progenitor and exemplifier of his account of the way philosophy becomes more rigorously itself through an encounter with theology. However, this article challenges the affinity Falque claims to share with Kierkegaard. It argues instead that there is a fundamental philosophical discrepancy underlying their respective treatments of the encounter between philosophy and theology: the nature of the dialectic and their respective positions in it. By exploring Falque's and Kierkegaard's diverging uses of the metaphor of ‘crossing the Rubicon’, the article demonstrates that where Kierkegaard stresses the military sense of the metaphor, depicting the relationship between the two disciplines as that between two armies seeking the annihilation of the other, Falque precisely abstracts from this military sense, letting the expression instead become a metaphor for a mutually beneficial transformative encounter. However, when considered more profoundly, we argue that this annihilation is itself a Christian experience out of which Falque's transformation is born. Ultimately, we conclude that Falque and Kierkegaard are both trying to conceive of the relationship between philosophy and theology according to a somewhat similar structure, namely, the quantitative intensification of one discipline by way of its qualitative differentiation from the other.
Differences of clinical characteristics and outcome in proven invasive Trichosporon infections caused by asahii and non‐asahii species
Authors: Lee Eun Hwa , Choi Min Hyuk , Lee Kyoung Hwa , Song Young Goo , Han Sang Hoon
Published: July 2023

Background

Trichosporon is an emerging yeast that causes invasive infections in immunocompromised patients experiencing prolonged hospitalisation, indwelling venous catheters and neutropenia.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study analysed invasive Trichosporon infections (ITIs) occurring between January 2005 and December 2022 at three tertiary hospitals and compared the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of ITIs caused by Trichosporon asahii and non‐T. asahii spp. After evaluating 1067 clinical isolates, we identified 46 patients with proven ITIs, defined as cases in which Trichosporon was isolated from blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or sterile tissues.

Results

The patients were separated into T. asahii and non‐T. asahii groups containing 25 and 21 patients, respectively, all of which except one were immunocompromised. During this period, both the number of clinical isolates and patients with ITIs (mainly T. asahii) increased; whereas, cases involving non‐T. asahii spp. decreased. Compared with the non‐T. asahii group, the T. asahii group had more patients with multiple catheters (84% vs. 33%, p = .001) and those receiving renal replacement therapy (48% vs. 14%, p = .005). The all‐cause 28‐day mortality rate after ITI in the T. asahii group (44%) was significantly higher than in the non‐T. asahii group (10%, Log‐rank p = .014). The multivariate Cox regression model revealed that T. asahii (reference, non‐T. asahii spp.; aHR = 4.3; 95% CI = 1.2–15.2, p = .024) and neutropenia for 5 days or more (aHR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.5–3.6, p = .035) were independent factors in the 28‐day mortality after ITI.

Conclusion

The proven ITIs due to T. asahii produced more unfavourable outcomes compared with ITIs caused by non‐T. asahii spp.
Predicting plasticity of rosette growth and metabolic fluxes in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Tong Hao , Laitinen Roosa A. E. , Nikoloski Zoran
Published: July 2023

Plants can rapidly mitigate the effects of suboptimal growth environments by phenotypic plasticity of fitness‐traits. While genetic variation for phenotypic plasticity offers the means for breeding climate‐resilient crop lines, accurate genomic prediction models for plasticity of fitness‐related traits are still lacking.

Here, we employed condition‐ and accession‐specific metabolic models for 67 Arabidopsis thaliana accessions to dissect and predict plasticity of rosette growth to changes in nitrogen availability.

We showed that specific reactions in photorespiration, linking carbon and nitrogen metabolism, as well as key pathways of central carbon metabolism exhibited substantial genetic variation for flux plasticity. We also demonstrated that, in comparison with a genomic prediction model for fresh weight (FW), genomic prediction of growth plasticity improves the predictability of FW under low nitrogen by 58.9% and by additional 15.4% when further integrating data on plasticity of metabolic fluxes.

Therefore, the combination of metabolic and statistical modeling provides a stepping stone in understanding the molecular mechanisms and improving the predictability of plasticity for fitness‐related traits.
Microvascular complications of obesity and diabetes—Role of bariatric surgery
Authors: Bashir Bilal , Iqbal Zohaib , Adam Safwaan , Ferdousi Maryam , Chick William , Hussein Heleen A. , Syed Akheel A. , Le Roux Carel W. , Cohen Ricardo V. , Malik Rayaz A. , Soran Handrean
Published: July 2023

Bariatric surgery in people with obesity can lead to long‐term remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and a reduction in the incidence of macrovascular complications. The impact of bariatric surgery on microvascular complications is less clear. In this narrative review, we sought to evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery on microvascular complications in patients with and without diabetes. The risk of developing microvascular complications is increased in people with obesity, and this is amplified in those with T2DM. The impact of metabolic surgery on microvascular complications is limited to a subgroup analysis of studies or statistical modeling to predict the glycemia‐independent effect of bariatric surgery. While bariatric surgery halts the progression of retinopathy in those with minimal retinopathy, it may worsen in those with advanced retinopathy. Bariatric surgery improves proteinuria and major renal outcomes, regardless of the severity of renal impairment. Bariatric surgery in patients with obesity with or without diabetes is associated with an improvement in neuropathic symptoms and regeneration of small nerve fibers. In conclusion, bariatric surgery is associated with an improvement in microvascular complications. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms for the favorable effect of bariatric surgery on microvascular outcomes.
State of the art in psychological therapies for psychosis: Family interventions for psychosis
Authors: Jolley Suzanne , Grice Sarah
Published: July 2023

Purpose

It is a half‐century since the coalescence of social psychiatry and systemic family therapy approaches started to inform condition‐specific therapeutic work with families to reduce relapse and hospital readmission for people with schizophrenia. Today, family interventions are a cornerstone of international guidelines for the treatment of psychosis, and of workforce development initiatives. Effect sizes for clinical and economic outcomes are large, and the evidence base is robust and reliable, not only for outcomes but also for the underpinning theoretical models, which are coherent and consistent. Few, if any, psychological therapies, have so powerful a framework to drive widespread implementation. Nevertheless, delivery in clinical services is variable, often lagging behind that of individual cognitive behavioural therapy, notwithstanding its considerably weaker implementation framework. Our aim in this article is to formulate this translation failure and offer potential solutions.

Method

We summarise the model/intervention and supporting evidence, then consider why delivery remains problematic.

Results

We highlight the inter‐linked issues of conceptual confusion between and conflation of, different approaches to working with families; of addressing diagnostic uncertainty, complex comorbidity and adapting interventions for specific populations; and of translation from gold‐standard research trial practice, through educational curricula and training programmes, to routine delivery in frontline services.

Conclusion

We present our view of clinical, research and workforce development priorities to address these issues and continue the collective effort, moving into the next half‐century, to work more effectively with people with psychosis and their families, to further improve outcomes.
Evidence of off‐label inhalation therapy on pediatric asthma practice in Japan
Authors: Oishi Kenji , Inage Eisuke , Kojima Mayuki , Yamada Hiromichi , Tanaka Yuko , Yoneyama Toshiyuki , Yamazaki Susumu , Honjo Asuka , Baba Yosuke , Kudo Takahiro , Ohtsuka Yoshikazu , Endo Akifumi , Nakabayashi Yosuke , Oyama Shoichi , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: July 2023

Background

In Japan, many asthma inhalers do not have formal approval for use in the pediatric population because of the lack of domestic data. In real‐world settings, however, numerous off‐label medications are prescribed. Currently, the nature of off‐label prescriptions of asthma inhalers on pediatric patients in Japan remains unclear.

Methods

Using public open‐source national medical claims data, we investigated the real‐world descriptive epidemiology of off‐label prescriptions for asthma inhalers for pediatric patients. We obtained the number of off‐label prescriptions of formulations for patients aged 0–14 years from anonymously summarized prescription data for a 7‐year period starting from April 2014. The actual prescription numbers and their chronology over time were then analyzed.

Results

In 2019, 143,439 asthma inhalers were used off label in children and adolescents. Overall, 96.1% were inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) or long‐acting beta stimulants (LABAs), and 3.9% were high‐dose ICS. Of ICSs and LABAs, 18.8% were off‐label prescriptions. The total number of off‐label ICS/LABA prescriptions and their percentage relative to the overall formulations gradually decreased but a notable disparity was observed among inhaler types.

Conclusions

There was a surprisingly large number of off‐label prescriptions of asthma inhalers in the pediatric population in Japan. The proper use of ICSs/LABAs and expansion of insurance coverage should be advocated to reduce off‐label use.
Aesthetic Snobbery
Authors: Patridge Stephanie
Published: July 2023

This essay briefly introduces and contextualizes the extant work on aesthetic snobbery, and identifies some areas for further inquiry. Currently four kinds of snobbery have been identified—social contagion snobbery, attitudinal snobbery, contextual snobbery, and straight‐up classist snobbery. Interestingly, each kind of snobbery is thought to manifest itself as a distinct epistemic failing, and for this reason they are advanced as distinct, non‐competing kinds of snobbery. Some snob’s aesthetic judgments will be false or unjustified (social‐contagion and straight‐up classist), some will be unfitting (contextual), and some will fail to have an apt attitude toward their aesthetic judgment (attitudinal). Because the debate has been framed so narrowly, on how the vice of aesthetic snobbery undermines aesthetic judgment, several fruitful areas of philosophical investigation remain unexplored.