bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncovering protein-protein interactions of the human sodium channel Nav1.7
Authors: Zhou Xuelong , Zhao Jing
Published: April 2023

The voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7 plays a crucial role in the initiation and propagation of pain signals. Our previous study has successfully identified the interacting proteins of mouse Nav1.7 (mNav1.7). In this study, we aimed to further elucidate the protein-protein interactions associated with human Nav1.7 (hNav1.7). Stable epitope (TAP)-tagged HEK293 cells expressing hNaV1.7 were utilized for the identification of hNav1.7-interacting proteins. The hNaV1.7-associated complexes were isolated through tandem affinity purification and further characterized by mass spectrometry.

Bioinformatics analysis was carried out using the PANTHER classification system. Electrophysiological recording was performed to assess Nav1.7 current. Tap-tagged hNav1.7 was expressed effectively in HEK293 cells, exhibiting normal functional Nav1.7 currents. A total of 261 proteins were identified as interactors of hNav1.7, mainly located across the cell membrane and cytoplasm, and primarily involved in biological processes related to protein translation and expression. Comparison between human and mouse Nav1.7-interacting proteins revealed shared proteins (such as Eef1a1, Eef2, Tcp1, Cct2, Cct3, Cct5, Cct6a, and Cct7) as well as protein families (such as kinesin and Rab GTPases family). Knockdown of two of the shared interacting proteins, CCT5 and TMED10, resulted in reduced Nav1.7 current density. In conclusion, the protein interactions of hNaV1.7 were successfully mapped in the current work. These novel findings offer essential insights into the regulatory mechanisms that govern Nav1.7 function.

Significance statement

Chronic pain affects approximately 20% of the world’s population and is a global major public health problem. Nav1.7 has been recognized as a promising target for novel analgesics. However, the drug development process for Nav1.7 is challenging. A thorough understanding of the regulatory mechanism of Nav1.7 would greatly assist in the development of its analgesic drugs. Our previous work successfully mapped the mNav1.7 protein interactions. In the current study, the interacting proteins of hNav1.7 were further defined. Our findings provide important implications for the development of Nav1.7-based analgesics for human use.
Deep imaging revealed dynamics and signaling in one-to-one pollen tube guidance
Authors: Mizuta Yoko , Sakakibara Daigo , Nagahara Shiori , Kaneshiro Ikuma , Nagae Takuya T. , Kurihara Daisuke , Higashiyama Tetsuya
Published: April 2023

In angiosperms, pollen tube guidance allows sperm cell delivery to the female gametes within the ovule, which are deeply embedded in a flower. However, when an ovary includes multiple pollen tubes and ovules, it is unclear how each ovule is fertilized one-to-one by a pollen tube. Here, our two-photon imaging revealed the pollen tube dynamics in living ovaries. The number of pollen tubes and ovule maturity affected the target selection among multiple ovules. On the inner surface of the septum epidermis within the transmitting tract, pollen tube behavior and emergence were regulated by the ovular sporophytic signals. In funicular guidance, the second pollen tube was strictly repelled by the FERONIA and LORELEI-dependent gametophytic signal, especially more than 45 minutes after the first pollen tube had passed. Such highly spatiotemporal regulation mechanisms in the one-to-one pollen tube guidance may allow angiosperms to produce more offspring in nature.
AtMYB50 regulates root cell elongation by upregulatingPECTIN METHYLESTERASE INHIBITOR 8inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Mase Kosuke , Mizuno Honomi , Nakamichi Norihito , Suzuki Takamasa , Kojima Takaaki , Kamiya Sho , Takeuchi Taiga , Kondo Chiko , Yamashita Harumi , Sakaoka Satomi , Morikami Atsushi , Tsukagoshi Hironaka
Published: April 2023

Plant root development is regulated by several signal transduction pathways. Among them, plant phytohormones, like auxin and cytokinin, are well characterized for their molecular mechanisms of action. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles as signaling molecules in controlling root development. Under these signal transduction pathways, the gene regulatory network, which is controlled by transcription factors, is the key to regulating root growth. We have previously reported an important transcription factor,UP BEAT1(UPB1), that regulates ROS homeostasis at the root tip, further controlling the transition from cell proliferation to differentiation. Although UPB1 directly regulates the expression of several peroxidases that control ROS homeostasis, UPB1 still targets genes other than peroxidases. This indicates that UPB1 may regulate root growth through different ROS signals. Here, we investigated the function of the transcription factorMYB50, a direct target of UPB1, inArabidopsis thaliana. We then examined whether UPB1 regulatesMYB50expression in the roots using an induction expression system and imaging of multiple fluorescent proteins. We also performed RNA-Seq analysis usingMYB50estradiol induction lines and ChIP-seq analysis to identify theMYB50regulatory gene network. Integrating these analyses withUPB1regulatory network revealed that MYB50 regulates the expression ofPECTIN METHYLESTERASE INHIBITOR 8(PMEI8). These data suggest thatMYB50is a new root growth regulator under theUPB1gene regulatory network, which differs from the control of ROS homeostasis. Our study presents a model including a new transcriptional network under MYB50 into UPB1 regulatory root growth system and will provide novel insights into the cell elongation controlled by pectin modification.
Big data analytics and auditor judgment: an experimental study
Authors: Sihombing Ranto Partomuan , Narsa I Made , Harymawan Iman
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Auditors’ skills and knowledge of data analytics and big data can influence their judgment at the audit planning stage. At this stage, the auditor will determine the level of audit risk and estimate how long the audit will take. This study aims to test whether big data and data analytics affect auditors’ judgment by adopting the cognitive fit theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This was an experimental study involving 109 accounting students as participants. The 2 × 2 factorial design between subjects in a laboratory setting was applied to test the hypothesis.

Findings

First, this study supports the proposed hypothesis that participants who are provided with visual analytics information will rate audit risk lower than text analytics. Second, participants who receive information on unstructured data types will assess audit risk (audit hours) higher (longer) than those receiving structured data types. In addition, those who receive information from visual analytics results have a higher level of reliance than those receiving text analytics.

Practical implications

This research has implications for external and internal auditors to improve their skills and knowledge of data analytics and big data to make better judgments, especially when the auditor is planning the audit.

Originality/value

Previous studies have examined the effect of data analytics (predictive vs anomaly) and big data (financial vs non-financial) on auditor judgment, whereas this study examined data analytics (visual vs text analytics) and big data (structured and unstructured), which were not tested in previous studies.
Facilitating professional learning for technology coaches through cross-district collaboration
Authors: Gallagher Tiffany L. , Grierson Arlene , Susin Catherine A.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This two-year study illuminates the experiences of technology coaches (digital learning coaches [DL] and science technology engineering and mathematics/literacy coaches [STEM/L]) as they engaged in their own professional learning (PL) facilitated by a faculty researcher.

Design/methodology/approach

Technology coaches from different school districts and their respective colleagues participated in book studies as part of their PL. They reflected and debriefed individually and collaboratively with a researcher facilitator. Data were collected through interviews, field notes at meetings, observations, researchers’ reflections and artefacts. Qualitative data analysis methods were employed.

Findings

The findings offer a glimpse into (1) benefits of cross-district collaboration, (2) challenges finding resources for coaching, (3) career-long desire to learn and (4) time to build and sustain cross-collaborations.

Practical implications

Conclusions suggest that DL and STEM/L coaches benefit from their own dedicated, differentiated programme of PL supported by each other (as from other districts) and a researcher facilitator. Educational implications are offered for researchers and other school district stakeholders for consideration for them to foster coaches’ collaborative PL.

Originality/value

Importantly, this project is an exemplar of how to support coaches’ PL and growth through researcher facilitation of cross-district collaborative learning.
IFRS and the evolution of value relevance: evidence from an African developing country
Authors: Gowry Yuveshna , Subadar Agathee Ushad , Soobaroyen Teerooven
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to assess the evolution of the value relevance of book value, earnings and its components in Mauritius, an African developing country, focusing on value relevance changes after International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption and subsequent local reforms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study relies on a data set of 567 firm-year observations (2001–2018) and the Ohlson valuation model to investigate value relevance after IFRS adoption, the implementation of institutional reforms and enforcement reforms.

Findings

Firstly, the authors find support for a rise in the combined value relevance of earnings and book value, albeit that book value significantly contributes to changes over time. The findings highlight the combined importance of IFRS adoption with institutional and enforcement reforms to improve value relevance. Secondly, the authors do not find evidence of a shift in value relevance between earnings and book value. Third, the cash flow model reveals a higher level of significance relative to the earnings model.

Originality/value

The authors extend the value relevance literature in the context of African developing countries. The present findings underpin the need for a reinforcing of relevant institutional and enforcement frameworks to ensure the benefits of IFRS adoption materialise. The findings also offer a contribution of how developing countries’ experience IFRS post-adoption while adding to the dearth of studies analysing IFRS enforcement practices.
Dynamic capabilities in new product development – the role of operational capabilities
Authors: Kunanoppadol Jarut , Igel Barbara
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This research investigated the individual and combined effects of dynamic and operational capabilities on new product success using an improved measurement instrument.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data were collected from 872 manufacturing firms in Thailand via a questionnaire survey. Then data were analyzed by covariance-based structural equation modeling.

Findings

The improved measurement instrument provided good reliability and validity. Dynamic capabilities improved new product success through operational capabilities, which fully mediated this relationship. Dynamic capabilities negatively moderated the effect of operational capabilities on new product success.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical model derived from private manufacturing company data should be further tested in service industries, public firms and nonprofit organizations.

Practical implications

The research provided two implications: the complementarity between dynamic capabilities and operational capabilities and the measurement instruments and the industrial benchmarks.

Originality/value

This study contributes three new insights: firstly, the complementary role of dynamic capabilities and operational capabilities supporting new product success; secondly, the mediating role of operational capabilities and thirdly, the moderating role of dynamic capabilities in this relationship.
Retrieval‐based learning in special education
Authors: Tempel Tobias , Sollich Sebastian
Published: April 2023

Retrieval‐based learning has been investigated in various populations. The present study examined retrieval‐based learning in a sample of students at a special‐needs school with educational tracks for learning and mental development. In addition, a comparison group of students at a regular school was examined. Learning conditions were manipulated within participants. In a first session, participants either received restudy cycles only, or they received alternating test and restudy cycles. A second session then comprised the opposite form of practice. In both sessions, a final test assessed memory after a short distractor phase. This procedure was the same in two experiments but with different kinds of item material. For both kinds (images and image‐word pairs), a testing effect occurred, that is higher recall of tested items. These results show that lower cognitive ability or lack of experience with regularly being tested in school do not prevent students from benefiting from retrieval‐based learning.
Evaluating digital video transcoding for forensic derivative results
Authors: Bruehs Walter E. , Stout Dorothy
Published: April 2023

Video data received for analysis often come in a variety of file formats and compression schemes. These data are often transcoded to a consistent file format for forensic examination and/or ingesting into a video analytic system. The file format often requested is an MP4 file format. The MP4 file format is a very common and a universally accepted file format. The practical application of this transcoding process, across the analytical community, has generated differences in video quality. This study sought to explore possible origins of the differences and assist the practitioner by defining minimum recommendations to ensure that quality of the video data is maintained through the transcoding process. This study sought to generate real world data by asking participants to transcode provided video files to an MP4 file format using programs they would typically utilize to perform this task. The transcoded results were evaluated based on measurable metrics of quality. As the results were analyzed, determining why these differences might have occurred became less about a particular software application and more about the settings employed by the practitioner or of the capabilities of the program. This study supports the need for any video examiner who is transcoding video data to be cognizant of the settings utilized by the programs employed for transcoding video data, as loss of video quality can affect analytics as well as further analysis.
Effect of chemical pretreatment on quality attributes of the cashew apple
Authors: Ghag Saurabhi S. , Gokhale Jyoti S. , Lele S. S.
Published: April 2023

Cashew apples, tropical pseudo fruit, are rich in bioactive compounds. It is still underutilized due to its high perishability and its astringent flavor. This study aims to extend its shelf life by chemical dip and dry method at the rural level. Inhibition of fruit‐spoiling enzymes, such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), amylase, and cellulase, was a significant response in this method. Enzyme inhibition was carried out using chemicals: NaCl (1–10 mM), CaCl2 (1–10 mM), and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (0.1–1 mM). The effect of chemical concentration and dipping time was studied using a full factorial method at three levels (−1, 0, and 1). The dipping time ranged from 60 to 180 min, and chemical concentrations from 1 to 10 mM were studied. Optimal treatment conditions were obtained as follows: NaCl concentration of 9.45 mM, dipping time of 160 min, and CaCl2 concentration of 7.8 mM, dipping time of 160 min. NaCl pretreatment showed maximum inhibition of PPO (>80%) and POD (>80%), whereas CaCl2 pretreatment showed maximum inhibition of amylase (60.58%) and cellulase (80.23%). Hence, to avoid postharvest losses, pretreatment with NaCl and CaCl2 was adequate to preserve the texture and color of cashew apples.

Practical Application

Chemical pretreatment can prevent the postharvest losses of cashew apples.

Inhibition of PPO, POD, amylase, and cellulase is vital in the shelf‐life extension of cashew apples.

Sodium chloride dip is a cost‐effective method for increasing the storability of cashew apples.
Manipulating spectra of artificial light affects movement patterns of bats along ecological corridors
Authors: Barré K. , Thomas I. , Le Viol I. , Spoelstra K. , Kerbiriou C.
Published: April 2023

Animal movement throughout the landscape is a key concept for population viability. Human footprint can reduce animal movement through barrier effects such as habitat change and fragmentation, or through enhanced resources. Artificial light at night (ALAN) can affect the movement of nocturnal animals such as bats that are highly mobile in the landscape. Very few studies have explicitly quantified the choices that moving bats make when they encounter a light source on their flight routes. We assessed whether ALAN of different colours (green, red and white) compared to control conditions affected the use of ecological corridors, considering (i) activity and (ii) movement along the corridor, for open, edge (i.e. light‐opportunistic) and narrow‐space (i.e. light‐averse) foraging bats. We modelled the effects of 28 independent lampposts at four experimental sites on bat activity and movement (i.e. the number of trajectories towards the lamppost and the probability of lamppost crossing). Each lamppost was sampled two to three times over eight complete nights using paired passive acoustic stereo recorders to record bat activity and reconstruct bat trajectories. Narrow‐space foragers were much less active in presence of any light source, and fewer flew towards any lit lampposts. Open and edge‐space foragers were more active close to white and green lights, and to a lesser extent red light, compared to unlit control sites. Edge‐space foragers overall flew more towards white and green lampposts, but had a lower probability of fully crossing a white and red‐lighted site. The study shows that ALAN can strongly alter bat movements along landscape structures, for light‐averse but also light‐opportunistic species. Such changes in flight behaviour may involve bypasses or detours, which may force bats to fly longer distances at night which could ultimately affect fitness. Our findings suggest that avoiding artificial lighting close to flight routes will benefit bats.
International trade of lead for glazed tile production in ancient East Asia
Authors: Chang Dongxue , Cui Jianfeng , Song Yubin , Zhao Zhefu , Quan Renxue , Zhang Liangren
Published: April 2023

Glazed tiles were prestigious building materials reserved for embellishing the roofs of royal architectures of ancient states in East Asia. This paper, by studying glazed tiles from the palace precincts of Shangjingcheng, Xigucheng, and Baliancheng, three capital cities of the Bohai state (698–926 ad), aims to expose the vibrant technological and economic interactions among ancient states of East Asia untold in historical chronicles. Although it is well recorded that Bohai maintained intimate political, cultural, and commercial engagements with the Tang empire and the Yamato state, it is obscure what kinds of technology and commodities were involved in these activities. It appears that the bodies of these tiles were produced of local iron‐rich clays, and the glazes were made of compounds of the same clays and lead materials. The glazing technique may have been transmitted from the Tang empire yet modified in response to local circumstances. Lead materials were acquired from various sources, partly from the one for the Huangye sancai wares in the Tang empire, and partly from the one for Nara sancai wares of the Yamato state in Japan. Archaeology is therefore capable of enriching our knowledge of the human past, even in the historical period.
Safety of topical medications in the management of paediatric atopic dermatitis: An updated systematic review
Authors: Zhao Sharon , Hwang Austin , Miller Corinne , Lio Peter
Published: April 2023

Aim

New topical agents have been developed for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in recent years. This systematic review is intended to synthesize the clinical trial literature and concisely report the updated safety and adverse effects of topical medications used to treat atopic dermatitis in children.

Methods

A systematic search of Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to March 2022 was conducted for trials of topical medications used to treat AD in patients <18 years (PROSPERO #CRD42022315355). Included records were limited to English‐language publications and studies of ≥3 weeks duration. Phase 1 studies and those that lacked separate paediatric safety reporting were excluded.

Results

A total of 5005 records were screened; 75 records met inclusion criteria with 15 845 paediatric patients treated with tacrolimus, 12 851 treated with pimecrolimus, 3539 with topical corticosteroid (TCS), 700 with crisaborole and 202 with delgocitinib. Safety data was well reported in tacrolimus trials with the most frequently reported adverse events being burning sensation, pruritus and cutaneous infections. Two longitudinal cohort studies were included, one for tacrolimus and one for pimecrolimus, which found no significant increased risk of malignancy with topical calcineurin inhibitor (TCI) use in children. Skin atrophy was identified as an adverse event in TCS trials, which other medications did not. Systemic adverse events for the medications were largely common childhood ailments.

Conclusion

Data discussed here support the use of steroid‐sparing medications (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, crisaborole, delgocitinib) as safe options with minimal adverse events for managing paediatric AD, although a larger number of TCI studies reported burning and pruritus compared to TCS studies. TCS was the only medication class associated with reports of skin atrophy in this review. The tolerability of these adverse events should be considered when treating young children. This review was limited to English‐language publications and the variable safety reporting of trial investigators. Many newer medications were not included due to pooled adult and paediatric safety data that did not meet inclusion criteria.
Significant haemoglobinopathies: A guideline for screening and diagnosis
Authors: Bain Barbara J. , Daniel Yvonne , Henthorn Joan , de la Salle Barbara , Hogan Amanda , Roy Noémi B. A. , Mooney Ciaran , Langabeer Lisa , Rees David C. ,   the BSH Committee
Published: April 2023

Antenatal screening/testing of pregnant women should be carried out according to the guidelines of the National Health Service (NHS) Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme. Newborn screening and, when necessary, follow‐up testing and referral, should be carried out according to the guidelines of the NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme. All babies under 1 year of age arriving in the United Kingdom should be offered screening for sickle cell disease (SCD). Preoperative screening for SCD should be carried out in patients from ethnic groups in which there is a significant prevalence of the condition. Emergency screening with a sickle solubility test must always be followed by definitive analysis. Laboratories performing antenatal screening should utilise methods that are capable of detecting significant variants and are capable of quantitating haemoglobins A2 and F at the cut‐off points required by the national antenatal screening programme. The laboratory must ensure a provisional report is available for antenatal patients within three working days from sample receipt.
Real‐world systemic treatment of patients with psoriasis: A retrospective study based on German claims data
Authors: Heidbrede Tanja , Mevius Antje , Kessel Sebastian , Wilke Thomas , Maywald Ulf , Thiem Alexander
Published: April 2023

Background and objectives

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder with a high physical and psychological burden for patients. Up to 30% of the patients are candidates for a systemic treatment. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and the real‐world systemic treatment of psoriasis patients.

Patients and methods

This study was based on German medical claims data. A cross‐sectional analysis observed all psoriasis patients in 2020. A longitudinal analysis was conducted, addressing psoriasis patients who newly started a systemic treatment.

Results

In total, 116,507 prevalent psoriasis patients and 13,449 newly treated patients were followed. Of all prevalent patients, 15.2% received systemic treatment in 2020 (8.7% systemic corticosteroids). Of the newly treated patients, 95.2% started with conventional treatment (79.2% systemic corticosteroids), 4.0% with biologics and 0.9% with apremilast. The rate of treatment discontinuation/switch after one year was highest for corticosteroids (91.3%) and lowest for biologics (23.1%).

Conclusions

Around 15% of psoriasis patients in Germany received a systemic treatment, with > 50% of these prescribed systemic corticosteroids. Therefore, we conclude that systemic treatment is not in line with guideline recommendations in a substantial number of observed patients. The lowest discontinuation/switch rates for biologics support their wider use.
The spatial and economic relationship between labour informality and homicides in Cali, Colombia
Authors: Herrera Giraldo Magaly Faride , González Espitia Carlos Giovanni , Ochoa Díaz Héctor
Published: April 2023

Motivation

In the analysis of the relationship between the labour market and crime, the variable that comes from the labour market is generally the unemployment rate. However, there are labour market characteristics that are more significant than unemployment, such as labour informality, in the context of violent crime in low‐income and middle‐income countries.

Purpose

This article aims to estimate the spatial and economic relationship between homicides and labour informality by neighbourhood in Cali, the city with the highest homicide rate currently and historically in Colombia.

Methods and approach

Using administrative data and a unique survey of formal and informal labour market conditions, we estimate a Spatial Durbin Model to capture the spatial endogeneity of the relationship between homicides and the labour market in the city's neighbourhoods.

Findings

The main results show evidence of the positive spatial and economic relationship between labour informality and homicides in the city's neighbourhoods. In addition, the bulk of this effect occurs in some hillside settlement neighbourhoods with characteristics associated with acute labour informality.

Policy implications

We propose a social and economic development programme to improve the conditions of the informal labour market and therefore achieve a reduction in homicides in specific areas, such as city hot spots found in our spatial results.
Towards resolvingNothophaeocryptopusandRhizosphaerainhabitants of spruce needles
Authors: Taylor Joanne E. , Koukol Ondřej
Published: April 2023

Our knowledge of the endophytic fungal community associated with needles of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) is rather limited, which contrasts with the importance of this tree species for forestry in the UK. In our study, we focused on the detailed characterization of multiple isolates tentatively placed into the generaNothophaeocryptopusandRhizosphaerathat were obtained from needles of Sitka spruce and co‐occurring Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)at four sites in Scotland and Wales. After a thorough analysis of their phenotype and analysis of two nuclear regions (ITS rDNA and gene for β‐tubulin), we propose two species new to science and one new combination.Nothophaeocryptopus piceaewas isolated from healthy green or brown needles from spruces and is currently known only as a sterile culture, but the taxonomic novelty is well supported by host affinity and results of molecular data analysis.Rhizosphaera minterimay also be distinguished based on the combination of host and molecular data, but morphologically, it is similar toR. pini. Finally,Hormonema merioidesandR. pseudotsugaeare found to be conspecific and a new combinationR. merioidesis proposed following the phylogenetic placement of this species. Our study highlights the importance of multiple approaches used in the identification of microfungi associated with coniferous needles. It is evident that morphologically identical fungi may represent distinct species differing in their host range and severity on the host. This study also provides a basis for future monitoring of these fungi associated with important coniferous forestry trees in the UK.
Emotion estimation model for cognitive state analysis of learners in online education using deep learning
Authors: Mahendar Maragoni , Malik Arun , Batra Isha
Published: April 2023

For Facial Expression Recognition, occlusion and position change that may drastically alter facial expressions are two important challenges (FER). Due to advances in automated FER over the last several decades, it has received less attention in the real world, where occlusion‐ and pose‐invariant aspects of FER are critical. Online education learners' cognitive states may be assessed using this paper's focus on real‐world stance and occlusion robust FER. The human visual system's attention mechanism inspired us to develop a new kind of spatial attention network (SAN‐CNN). Saliency characteristics and spatial importance between adjacent pixels are emphasized in the SAN‐CNN model. Preprocessing an input picture using a median contour filter is used here initially, followed by mask‐based ROI for segmentation. Using CNNs for facial recognition, landmark localization, and head position estimation based on spatial attention networks, it is possible to do emotional categorization. Using the Kaggle public video‐based facial expression datasets, we were able to demonstrate that our proposed approach is more accurate and faster than the usual techniques. In addition, we evaluated the suggested method's performance metrics with those of the already used approaches. FER with occlusion and variant posture performs better than standard approaches using our suggested method, as shown by the results of the experiments.
Paris Agreement could prevent regional mass extinctions of coral species
Authors: Couce Elena , Cowburn Benjamin , Clare David , Bluemel Joanna K.
Published: April 2023

Coral reef ecosystems are expected to undergo significant declines over the coming decades as oceans become warmer and more acidic. We investigate the environmental tolerances of over 650 Scleractinian coral species based on the conditions found within their present‐day ranges and in areas where they are currently absent but could potentially reach via larval dispersal. These “environmental envelopes” and connectivity constraints are then used to develop global forecasts for potential coral species richness under two emission scenarios, representing the Paris Agreement target (“SSP1‐2.6”) and high levels of emissions (“SSP5‐8.5”). Although we do not directly predict coral mortality or adaptation, the projected changes to environmental suitability suggest considerable declines in coral species richness for the majority of the world's tropical coral reefs, with a net loss in average local richness of 73% (Paris Agreement) to 91% (High Emissions) by 2080–2090 and particularly large declines across sites in the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Western Indian Ocean, and Caribbean. However, at the regional scale, we find that environmental suitability for the majority of coral species can be largely maintained under the Paris Agreement target, with 0%–30% potential net species lost in most regions (increasing to 50% for the Great Barrier Reef) as opposed to 80%–90% losses under High Emissions. Projections for subtropical areas suggest that range expansion will give rise to coral reefs with low species richness (typically 10–20 coral species per region) and will not meaningfully offset declines in the tropics. This work represents the first global projection of coral species richness under oceanic warming and acidification. Our results highlight the critical importance of mitigating climate change to avoid potentially massive extinctions of coral species.
Antibody and memory B cell responses to the dengue virus NS1 antigen in individuals with varying severity of past infection
Authors: Ramu Shyrar Tanussiya , Dissanayake Madushika , Jeewandara Chandima , Bary Farha , Harvie Michael , Gomes Laksiri , Wijesinghe Ayesha , Ariyaratne Dinuka , Ogg Graham S. , Malavige Gathsaurie Neelika
Published: April 2023

To further understand the role of NS1‐specific antibodies (Abs) in disease pathogenesis, we compared neutralizing antibody levels (Nabs), NS1‐Ab levels, IgG antibody subclass profiles and NS1‐specific memory B‐cell responses (Bmems) in individuals, with varying severity of past dengue. Nabs (Neut50 titres) were assessed using the Foci Reduction Neutralization Test (FRNT) and in‐house ELISAs were used to assess NS1‐Abs and NS1‐Ab subclasses for all four DENV serotypes in individuals with past DF (n = 22), those with past DHF (n = 14) and seronegative (SN) individuals (n = 7). B‐cell ELISpot assays were used to assess NS1‐specific Bmem responses. 15/22 (68.18%) individuals with past DF and 9/14 (64.29%) individuals with past DHF had heterotypic infections. Neut50 titres were found to be significantly higher for DENV1 than DENV2 (p = 0.0006) and DENV4 (p = 0.0127), in those with past DHF, whereas there was no significant difference seen in titres for different DENV serotypes in those with past DF. Overall NS1‐Ab to all serotypes and NS1‐specific IgG1 responses for DENV1, 2 and 4 serotypes were significantly higher in those with past DHF than individuals with past DF. Those with past DHF also had higher IgG1 than IgG3 for DENV1 and DENV3, whereas no differences were seen in those with past DF. Over 50% of those with past DF or DHF had NS1‐specific Bmem responses to >2 DENV serotypes. There was no difference in the frequency of Bmem responses to any of the DENV serotypes between individuals with past DF and DHF. Although the frequency of Bmem responses to DENV1 correlated with DENV1‐specific NS1‐Abs levels (Spearman r = 0.35, p = 0.02), there was no correlation with other DENV serotypes. We found that those with past DF had broadly cross‐reactive Nabs, while those with past DHF had higher NS1‐Ab responses possibly with a different functionality profile than those with past DF. Therefore, it would be important to further evaluate the functionality of NS1‐specific antibody and Bmem responses to find out the type of antibody repertoire that is associated with protection against severe disease.
Researching the level of agreement among experts on terms used to describe wounds: An international study
Authors: Greco Alessandro , Mastronicola Diego , Pacini Francesco , Giacomelli Luca , Papa Simonetta , Fiorentini Chiara , David Valentina , Rowan Sara , Mennini Natascia , Magnoni Cristina ,   the Wound Description Working Group
Published: April 2023

Establishing a common language that allows univocal and objective communication in describing wounds and their healing is of utmost importance in defining the diagnostic hypothesis and proper wound management. To measure the level of agreement on the description of wounds, an international study was performed among experts of different professional backgrounds on several common terms used to describe ulcerative lesions. A panel of 27 wound care experts anonymously completed a multiple‐choice questionnaire on 100 images of 50 ulcerative lesions. The participants were asked to describe each image using a set of pre‐defined terms. An expert data analyst interpreted the questionnaires to map the level of agreement on the used terminology. Our findings show a very low level of agreement among experts in using the proposed terminology to describe the wound bed, the wound edge, and the surrounding skin conditions. Efforts should be planned to find a consensus on the correct use of terminology for wound description. To this aim, partnership, consensus, and agreement with educators in medicine and nursing are necessary.
What We Owe Past Selves
Authors: Munch Lauritz Aastrup
Published: April 2023

Some say that we should respect the privacy of dead people. In this article, I take this idea for granted and use it to motivate the stronger claim that we sometimes ought to respect the privacy of our past selves.
Pubertal timing and adolescent outcomes: investigating explanations for associations with a genetically informed design
Authors: Padrutt Emily R. , Harper Jeremy , Schaefer Jonathan D. , Nelson Kayla M. , McGue Matt , Iacono William G. , Wilson Sylia
Published: April 2023

Background

Psychopathology and risky behaviors increase during adolescence, and understanding which adolescents are most at risk informs prevention and intervention efforts. Pubertal timing relative to same‐sex, same‐age peers is a known correlate of adolescent outcomes among both boys and girls. However, it remains unclear whether this relation is better explained by a plausible causal process or unobserved familial liability.

Methods

We extended previous research by examining associations between pubertal timing in early adolescence (age 14) and outcomes in later adolescence (age 17) in a community sample of 2,510 twins (49% boys, 51% girls).

Results

Earlier pubertal timing was associated with more substance use, risk behavior, internalizing and externalizing problems, and peer problems in later adolescence; these effects were small, consistent with previous literature. Follow‐up co‐twin control analyses indicated that within‐twin‐pair differences in pubertal timing were not associated with within‐twin‐pair differences in most adolescent outcomes after accounting for shared familial liability, suggesting that earlier pubertal timing and adolescent outcomes both reflect familial risk factors. Biometric models indicated that associations between earlier pubertal timing and negative adolescent outcomes were largely attributable to shared genetic liability.

Conclusions

Although earlier pubertal timing was associated with negative adolescent outcomes, our results suggests that these associations did not appear to be caused by earlier pubertal timing but were likely caused by shared genetic influences.
Investigation of the association of weight loss with radiographic hip osteoarthritis in older community‐dwellingfemale adults
Authors: Salis Zubeyir , Lui Li‐Yung , Lane Nancy E. , Ensrud Kristine , Sainsbury Amanda
Published: April 2023

Objective

Most guidelines recommending weight loss for hip osteoarthritis are based on research on knee osteoarthritis. Prior studies found no association between weight loss and hip osteoarthritis, but no previous studies have targeted older adults. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether there is any clear benefit of weight loss for radiographic hip osteoarthritis in older adults because weight loss is associated with health risks in older adults.

Methods

We used data from white female participants aged ≥65 years from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. Our exposure of interest was weight change from baseline to follow‐up at 8 years. Our outcomes were the development of radiographic hip osteoarthritis (RHOA) and the progression of RHOA over 8 years. Generalized estimating equations (clustering of 2 hips per participant) were used to investigate the association between exposure and outcomes adjusted for major covariates.

Results

There was a total of 11,018 hips from 5509 participants. There was no associated benefit of weight loss for either of our outcomes. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the development and progression of RHOA were 0.99 (0.92–1.07) and 0.97 (0.86–1.09) for each 5% weight loss, respectively. The results were consistent in sensitivity analyses where participants were limited to those who reported trying to lose weight and who also had a body mass index in the overweight or obese range.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest no associated benefit of weight loss in older female adults in the structure of the hip joint as assessed by radiography.
Look at the elephant! Commentary on ‘Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in adult obstructive sleep apnoea patients: A cross‐sectional controlled study’
Authors: Capriotti Vincenzo , Nardone Massimiliano , Bernkopf Edoardo
Published: April 2023

The relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is complex. Research has shown controversial evidence. The recent study by Bartolucci et al. titled ‘Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in adult obstructive sleep apnoea patients: A cross‐sectional controlled study’ reported no clear associations between the two conditions. However, it does not take into account the occlusal and mandibular features of the patients, which may justify the hypothetical coexistence of OSA and TMD in a subset of cases. In this letter, we discuss these aspects and possible biases that could have impaired the results.
Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns from urinary isolates obtained from cats (2013‐2020)
Authors: Koontz Caitlan W. , Epstein Steven E. , Westropp Jodi L.
Published: April 2023

Background

Bacterial urinary tract infections have been associated with comorbidities and increased antimicrobial resistance over time.

Objective

To identify bacterial species, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and risk factors associated with antimicrobial resistance.

Animals

Three hundred sixty‐three positive urine cultures from 308 cats.

Methods

Bacterial species and antimicrobial susceptibility data from positive aerobic bacterial urine cultures from cats with growth of ≥103colony forming units per milliliter (cfu/ml) were included. Medical records were reviewed, and bacteriuria was classified as sporadic bacterial cystitis, recurrent bacterial cystitis or subclinical bacteriuria (SBU). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate antimicrobial resistance risk factors.

Results

A total of 444 bacterial isolates from 363 bacteriuric episodes were identified.Escherichia coli(52%) and SBU (59%) were the most common organism and classification, respectively. When compared to other classifications of bacteriuria,Enterococcusspp. were more likely to be isolated from SBU episodes (P < .001), whereasE. coliwas more likely to be isolated from sporadic bacterial cystitis episodes (P < .001). Recurrent bacterial cystitis was associated with an increased risk of antimicrobial resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (odds ratio [OR], 3.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3‐11.3). The percent susceptibilities of all bacterial isolates to commonly prescribed antimicrobials were amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (72%), cefazolin (49%), enrofloxacin (61%), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (75%). Multidrug resistance was highest forEnterococcus faeciumisolates (65%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

No antimicrobial achieved >90% susceptible designation to all bacteria isolated highlighting the importance of performing urine culture and susceptibility testing, particularly for cats with recurrent bacterial cystitis.
Long‐term hypercaloric diet exacerbates metabolic liver disease in PNPLA3 I148M animals
Authors: Su Huan , Haque Madhuri , Becker Svea , Edlund Karolina , Duda Julia , Wang Qingbi , Reißing Johanna , Marschall Hanns‐Ulrich , Candels Lena S. , Mohamed Mohamed , Sjöland Wilhelm , Liao Lijun , Drexler Stephan A. , Strowig Till , Rahnenführer Jörg , Hengstler Jan G. , Hatting Maximilian , Trautwein Christian
Published: April 2023

Background & Aims

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major health burden associated with the metabolic syndrome leading to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and ultimately liver cancer. In humans, the PNPLA3 I148M polymorphism of the phospholipase patatin‐like phospholipid domain containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) has a well‐documented impact on metabolic liver disease. In this study, we used a mouse model mimicking the human PNPLA3 I148M polymorphism in a long‐term high fat diet (HFD) experiment to better define its role for NAFLD progression.

Methods

Male mice bearing wild‐type Pnpla3 (Pnpla3WT), or the human polymorphism PNPLA3 I148M (Pnpla3148M/M) were subjected to HFD feeding for 24 and 52 weeks. Further analysis concerning basic phenotype, inflammation, proliferation and cell death, fibrosis and microbiota were performed in each time point.

Results

After 52 weeks HFD Pnpla3148M/M animals had more liver fibrosis, enhanced numbers of inflammatory cells as well as increased Kupffer cell activity. Increased hepatocyte cell turnover and ductular proliferation were evident in HFD Pnpla3148M/M livers. Microbiome diversity was decreased after HFD feeding, changes were influenced by HFD feeding (36%) and the PNPLA3 I148M genotype (12%). Pnpla3148M/M mice had more faecal bile acids. RNA‐sequencing of liver tissue defined an HFD‐associated signature, and a Pnpla3148M/M specific pattern, which suggests Kupffer cell and monocytes‐derived macrophages as significant drivers of liver disease progression in Pnpla3148M/M animals.

Conclusion

With long‐term HFD feeding, mice with the PNPLA3 I148M genotype show exacerbated NAFLD. This finding is linked to PNPLA3 I148M‐specific changes in microbiota composition and liver gene expression showing a stronger inflammatory response leading to enhanced liver fibrosis progression.
An appraisal‐based examination of language teacher emotions in anxiety‐provoking classroom situations using vignette methodology
Authors: Goetze Julia
Published: April 2023

Despite emerging evidence for the link between teacher emotions and student outcomes, research on language teachers’ classroom emotions is still scarce. This study adopts a framework rooted in appraisal‐based emotion theory to explore the complexity of teachers’ emotional lives and the nature of language teacher emotions in the classroom, using anxiety as a starting point and drawing on vignette methodology for emotion elicitation. A total of 272 foreign and second language teachers from North America, Asia, and Europe completed an online version of the Foreign Language Teacher Emotion Questionnaire. Each teacher evaluated two vignettes of anxiety‐provoking classroom scenarios along six appraisal dimensions and reported their emotions. Results indicate great levels of emotional complexity, revealing both the frequent presence of multiple positive emotions and the rare experience of anxiety as the sole emotion in anxiety‐provoking classroom scenarios. At the same time, regression analyses found that anxiety's appraisal pattern explains between 16% and 48% of the variance in anxiety across all vignettes. Implications for adopting appraisal‐based emotion theories and vignette methodology in language teachers’ classroom emotion research in second language acquisition are discussed.