bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear readout of spatial cues underlies robustness of asymmetric cell division
Authors: Rodrigues Nelio T.L. , Bland Tom , Ng KangBo , Hirani Nisha , Goehring Nathan W.
Published: November 2023

A key challenge in the development of an organism is to maintain robust phenotypic outcomes in the face of perturbation. Yet, how such robust outcomes are encoded by developmental networks remains poorly explored. Here we use theC. eleganszygote as a model to understand sources of developmental robustness during PAR polarity-dependent asymmetric cell division. By quantitatively linking alterations in protein dosage to phenotype in individual embryos, we show that spatial information in the zygote is read out in a highly nonlinear fashion and, as a result, phenotypes are highly canalized against substantial variation in input signals. Specifically, our data point towards an intrinsic robustness of the conserved PAR polarity network that renders polarity axis specification resistant to variations in both the strength of upstream symmetry-breaking cues and PAR protein dosage. At the same time, we find that downstream pathways involved in cell size and fate asymmetry are similarly robust to dosage-dependent changes in the local concentrations of PAR proteins, implying non-trivial complexity in translating PAR signals into pathway outputs. We propose that “quantitative decoupling” of symmetry-breaking, polarity, and asymmetric division modules acts to suppress the accumulation of error as embryos move along this developmental trajectory, thereby ensuring that asymmetric division is robust to perturbation. Such modular organization of developmental networks is likely to be a general mechanism to achieve robust developmental outcomes.
Theoretical exploration of executive compensation in state-owned enterprises
Authors: Zhang Chi
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to establish a theoretical framework that can comprehensively explain the executive compensation in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) within the context of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The author develops a theoretical framework for executive compensation in SOEs from the perspective of Marxist economics and points out that the executives in SOEs are engaged in management labor, and their compensation should adhere to the principle of distribution according to labor contribution.

Findings

Based on this theory, the author posits that the continuous upward trend of executive compensation in SOEs, is consistent with the trend of SOEs' ongoing expansion, which reflects a continuous improvement of SOE executives' management labor in both quality and quantity.

Originality/value

It is necessary to start with Marxist economic theory and scientifically study the issue of SOE executive compensation, adhere to the principle of distribution according to work in the context of a socialist market economy and implement the specific guideline of the Party Central Committee; only in this way can the long-term healthy development of SOEs be promoted continuously.
Using mixed methods in logistics and supply chain management research: current state and future directions
Authors: Grant David B. , Shaw Sarah , Sweeney Edward , Bahr Witold , Chaisurayakarn Siriwan , Evangelista Pietro
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Mixed methods research is useful to enhance theoretical and practical research contributions. However, single methods have predominated much logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) research. This paper presents a review of mixed methods research across ten years in LSCM to determine their usage, identify benefits and inhibitors, and provide suggestions for LSCM researchers to realise the benefits from using mixed methods.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a mixed methods approach through a quantitative analysis of methods used in six leading LSCM journals, an e-mail survey of mixed methods article authors during the review period, and four published case studies that used mixed methods.

Findings

Only 144 (ten percent) of all empirical articles were published using mixed methods during the review period. A range of benefits and inhibitors regarding mixed methods adoption were found. Suggestions for LSCM authors include research training in mixed methods use and developing a project-specific research design due to the specificity and complexity associated with mixed methods research.

Originality/value

LSCM is at a critical juncture, shaped by new contexts, themes and challenges, and would benefit from different research approaches and methods. This paper contributes to the LSCM domain through analysing the current state, benefits and inhibitors of mixed methods research in LSCM journals to provide a renewed call to action and guidelines for mixed methods LSCM research, and suggesting research design adaptation to enable agile and resilient research when investigating rapidly changing and complex phenomena.
Increasing plant species diversity suppresses free‐living N2 fixation in litter and soil of a subtropical karst forest
Authors: Fang Yuantian , He Xunyang , Gao Kun , Zhu Zihong , Wang Kelin , Li Dejun
Published: November 2023

Free‐living N2 fixation (FNF) is an important source of bioavailable nitrogen for forests. Though increasing plant species diversity (PSD) benefits soil nitrogen accumulation, how it impacts FNF rate has not been explored.

Forty‐five plots covering a PSD gradient were selected in a subtropical karst forest, southwest China. FNF rates in leaf litter and soil were measured using acetylene reduction assay calibrated with a 15N2 fixation method. Diazotrophic community, litter and soil properties were determined as well.

The nifH gene abundance was not significantly altered in litter but was significantly decreased in soil by higher PSD. Diazotrophic community's Shannon diversity was significantly increased by higher PSD in both litter and soil. Increasing PSD inhibited litter FNF rate via aggravating phosphorus limitation and decreasing the relative abundance of Betaproteobacteria and Deltaproteobacteria. For the mineral soil horizon, increasing PSD suppressed FNF rate via decreasing nifH gene abundance caused by elevated N availability and lowered phosphorus and iron availability or through decreasing the relative abundance of Deltaproteobacteria but increasing that of Betaproteobacteria.

Our findings, for the first time, reveal the microbial and abiotic controls on FNF in litter and soil in response to PSD, and hence benefit the prediction of nitrogen input via biological N2 fixation under changes in PSD.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Gravity and magnetic exploration applied to iron ore deposits in the Sierra Grande area, Río Negro Province, Argentina
Authors: Bahía Marcos E. , Strazzere Leonardo , Benedini Leonardo , Gregori Daniel A. , Kostadinoff José
Published: November 2023

The Ordovician–Devonian Sierra Grande Formation, Río Negro Province, Argentina contains three quarzitic members with two iron horizons. Its South Deposit includes both iron horizons. However, the East Deposit is relatively unknown, lacking information about geometry, depth and reserves. To answer these questions, we apply geophysical methods for the rapid evaluation of the East Deposit, using gravity and magnetic measures. The processing of these data allows the suggestion of two 2D models for calculating thicknesses, angles and depth of the iron horizons. The adjustments between the calculated and the observed curve are less than 6%. One model proposes the existence of the Alfaro iron horizon, and the other one proposes the presence of the Rosales iron horizon at depth. The Bouguer anomaly gravimetric maps allow us to calculate the mineral mass, resulting in 125 million iron tons. Thus, this study allowed us to calculate the thicknesses, angles and depth of both iron horizons, and to adjust and evaluate the mineral reserves with the maximum reliability that potential methods allow when applied to mineral prospecting. These results provide new and valuable information for future mining prospects.
Transcriptomic analysis of the effect of shaking and tumbling degree on quality formation of Wuyi rock tea
Authors: Chen Meihui , Zhang Ying , Wang Yuhua , Cheng Pengyuan , Zhang Qi , Li Mingzhe , Jia Xiaoli , Pan Yibin , Lin Shaoxiong , Luo Zhengwei , Wang Haibin , Ye Jianghua
Published: November 2023

Shaking and tumbling are extremely important for the formation of the special flavor of Wuyi rock tea. In this study, we analyzed the effects of different shaking and tumbling degrees on the quality index content of tea leaves and determined changes in gene expression in tea leaves using RNA sequencing technology. On this basis, the correlation between gene expression intensities in tea leaves and tea quality index content was analyzed. The results showed that heavy shaking and tumbling (MW3) increased gene expression of metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, starch and sucrose metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acids, glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, alpha‐linolenic acid metabolism pathways and decreased gene expression of flavonoid biosynthesis, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways in tea leaves, which in turn increased the content of caffeine, soluble sugar, amino acid and decreased the content of flavone, tea polyphenol, catechin component in tea leaves; the opposite was true for light shaking and tumbling. Second, this study found that MW3 was more beneficial in improving the mellowness, sweetness, and fresh and brisk taste of tea leaves and reducing the bitterness of tea leaves. This study provides some references to guide the processing of Wuyi rock tea with different flavors.

Practical Application

Heavy shaking and tumbling was more beneficial in improving the mellowness, sweetness, and fresh and brisk taste of tea leaves and reducing the bitterness of tea leaves. Therefore, the degree of shaking and tumbling in Wuyi production can be appropriately improved to produce high‐quality tea and improve the economic benefits of tea.
Temporal associations of diabetes‐related complications with health‐related quality of life decrements in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: A prospective study among 19 322 adults—Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation (JADE) register (2007–2018)
Authors: Lui Juliana N. M. , Lau Eric S. H. , Yang Aimin , Wu Hongjiang , Fu Amy , Lau Vanessa , Loo Kitman , Yeung Theresa , Yue Rebecca , Ma Ronald C. W. , Kong Alice P. S. , Ozaki Risa , Luk Andrea O. Y. , Chow Elaine Y. K. , Chan Juliana C. N.
Published: November 2023

Background

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at high risk of developing multiple complications, affecting their health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Existing studies only considered impact of complication on HRQoL in the year of occurrence but not its residual impacts in subsequent years. We investigated temporal impacts of diabetes‐related complications on HRQoL in a 12‐year prospective cohort of ambulatory Chinese patients with T2D enrolled in the clinic‐based Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation (JADE) Register.

Methods

HRQoL utility measures were derived from EuroQol five‐dimensional three‐level questionnaire (EQ‐5D‐3L) questionnaires completed by 19 322 patients with T2D in Hong Kong (2007–2018). Temporal EQ‐5D utility decrements associated with subtypes of cardiovascular‐renal events were estimated using generalized linear regression model after stepwise selection of covariates with p < .01 as cutoff.

Results

In this cohort (mean ± SD age:61.2 ± 11.5 years, 55.3% men, median [interquartile range] duration of diabetes:10.1 [3.0–15.0] years, glycated hemoglobin [HbA1C] 7.5 ± 1.5%), EQ‐5D utility was 0.860 ± 0.163. The largest HRQoL decrements were observed in year of occurrence of hemorrhagic stroke (−0.230), followed by ischemic stroke (−0.165), peripheral vascular disease (−0.117), lower extremity amputation (−0.093), chronic kidney disease (CKD) G5 without renal replacement therapy (RRT) (−0.079), congestive heart failure (CHF) (−0.061), and CKD G3–G4 without RRT (−0.042). Residual impacts on HRQoL persisted for 2 years after occurrence of CHF or ischemic stroke and 1 year after hemorrhagic stroke or CKD G3–G4 without RRT.

Conclusion

This is the first comprehensive report on temporal associations of HRQoL decrements with subtypes of diabetes‐related complications in ambulatory Asian patients with T2D. These data will improve the accuracy of cost‐effectiveness analysis of diabetes interventions at an individual level in an Asian setting.

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Parkinson's disease physical therapy services during COVID‐19: A phenomenological study
Authors: Tham Alexa Y. Z. , Harrison Eloise , Farlie Melanie K.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most rapidly increasing movement disorder globally. Physical therapies improve the motor and non‐motor symptoms of PD. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, telehealth was the primary method of physical therapy service adaptation in response to restrictions preventing in‐person therapy attendance. This study explores the perspectives of people with PD and their therapists who experienced physical therapy service delivery before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Melbourne, Australia.

Methods

A phenomenological study that purposively recruited patients and therapists from a movement disorders service at an outer metropolitan rehabilitation hospital. Participants completed in‐depth interviews, and data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Ten people with PD and five therapists completed interviews. Six themes were identified: patients value access to therapy, a key mechanism is trust, an opportunity to empower patients, ticking boxes for telehealth, contrasting experiences of telehealth and something is better than nothing.

Conclusions

This study explored the experiences of people with PD and their therapists by contrasting their prepandemic and in‐pandemic experiences. People with PD valued telehealth access during the pandemic, but extra support was initially required to use telehealth successfully. Empowering aspects of telehealth included patients learning new skills and self‐management strategies from telehealth interactions with therapists. Therapists at this health service were motivated to continue with telehealth beyond the pandemic. Despite finding it challenging initially, they were surprised by how well people with PD managed telehealth using locally developed procedures based on clinical judgement and staff training that addressed patient safety while supporting people with PD to utilise telehealth.
Oral health promotion for rural adolescents: A process evaluation of a co‐designed pilot program
Authors: Tchaba Elsin , Satur Julie , Reid Carol , Burrows Jenny
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Adolescents living in rural areas are more likely to have poorer oral health compared with their metropolitan counterparts. Co‐design is emerging as an effective method for developing health promotion programs that meets the needs of stakeholders; however, little evidence exists to inform successful co‐designed oral health promotion programs for rural adolescents.

Objective

The aim of this study is to understand the value of a co‐designed oral health promotion program undertaken with rural adolescents in northeast Victoria with objectives to:

Co‐design an oral health promotion program with rural adolescents.

Evaluate the program for appropriateness, acceptability, and feasibility.

Make recommendations for program refinement and scalability.

Design

Study participants included year 11 and 12 students in a rural secondary school in Northern Victoria (n=2), who collaboratively along with schoolteachers, and the local health service staff led by an oral health therapist, co‐designed, and delivered an oral gealth promotion program in their schools. This qualitative study used semi‐structured group interviews (n = 8) to evaluate the co‐design process and impact. Audio‐recorded interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed using a co‐design evaluation toolkit as a framework for analysis.

Findings

Qualitative inductive analysis revealed three main thematic categories around participant benefits (intended and unintended learning outcomes; interpersonal skills), the quality of the process (value of co‐design, qualities of facilitators, and engagement); and scalability and replicability.

Conclusion

The study indicates that co‐design was both acceptable and appropriate for designing an oral health promotion program for rural adolescents delivering unexpected benefits. Building the capacity of schoolteachers could offer sustainable and cost‐effective solutions for scalability.
The experiences of a regional Aboriginal community accessing primary health care during times of crisis
Authors: Woodland Rebecca , Morgan Paula , MacLean Sarah , Downey Heather
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The importance of primary health care (PHC) to Aboriginal Australians is widely acknowledged, as is the underservicing of the Aboriginal Australian population. Aboriginal People continue to face significant obstacles when accessing and using health care services.

Objective

This study identifies environmental factors (beyond personal and service delivery) that functioned as barriers and enablers to Aboriginal Australians' experiences accessing PHC during crises and recommends approaches during future events.

Design

This research utilised a case study approach. Data were collected through in‐depth interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The study was set in Lakes Entrance, a regional Victorian locality with a sizable Aboriginal community, which was affected by bushfires during 2019/2020 and COVID‐19 restrictions during 2020‐2021. Participants were 18 Aboriginal People over the age of 18 living in the locality during either bushfires or COVID‐19.

Findings

The barriers identified included the impact on PHC access of priorities other than health, including housing; financial constraints; difficulties with transport; medical bureaucracy and the physical environment of the health care setting, including appointment‐making processes; interactions with medical reception staff; and waiting room environments. Enablers identified included the supportive role of the local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHO) and their staff, which was highlighted in participant responses.

Discussion

The preference of many Aboriginal people to access PHC via their local ACCHO, rather than mainstream health care services, appears even more salient during crises than in normal times. This research identified that ACCHOs are ideally placed to promote and protect the health of Aboriginal communities during crises.

Conclusion

Results may help direct interventions to improve PHC access and experiences for regional Aboriginal communities both during and outside periods of crisis.
Addendum to: The relationship between sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial DNA fragmentation and copy number in normal and abnormal human ejaculates
Authors: Tímermans Ana , Otero Fátima , Garrido Manuel , Gosálvez Jaime , Johnston Stephen , Fernández José Luis
Published: November 2023

Background

While the kinetics of human sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation (SDF‐nDNA) following ejaculation have been described, the dynamics and relationships of mitochondrial DNA copy number per spermatozoon (mtDNAcn) and fragmentation (SDF‐mtDNA) remain unexplored.

Objectives

To compare post‐ejaculatory kinetics of mtDNAcn, SDF‐mtDNA and SDF‐nDNA, global, single‐strand DNA breaks (SDF‐SSBs) and double‐strand DNA breaks (SDF‐DSBs) in normozoospermic and non‐normozoospermic samples.

Materials and methods

28 normozoospermic and 43 non‐normozoospermic ejaculates were evaluated at 0, 6, 24 and 48 h of incubation in vitro. SDF‐nDNA was determined by sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) assays. mtDNAcn and SDF‐mtDNA were analysed by dPCR.

Results

SDF‐nDNA‐global values increased as a consequence of quadratic SDF‐SSBs and linear SDF‐DSBs kinetics. Non‐normozoospermic samples showed a slower SDF‐global rate between 6–24 h, due to lesser SSBs production. Regarding SDF‐DSBs, non‐normozoospermic samples exhibited a faster initial increase rate, followed by a slower final increment. The mtDNAcn median value decreased linearly, being 3.2× higher in non‐normozoospermics at all time points; mtDNAcn in both cohorts reduced to half of the baseline by 48 h. mtDNAcn was identified as a risk factor for discriminating non‐normozoospermia, a finding that was further strengthen when combined with SDF‐Global or SDF‐DSBs values. SDF‐mtDNA frequencies were identical, increasing over time correspondingly in both cohorts. The mtDNA fragmentation rate was initially fast, decreasing progressively with time for both cohorts; half of the initially unfragmented copies were fragmented after 48 h. Rates of mtDNAcn loss and SDF‐mtDNA increase were only marginally correlated with the rates of nuclear fragmentation.

Conclusion

mtDNA fragmentation and loss occur post ejaculation. Their dynamics are likely to be associated with different and/or uncoupled mechanisms to that which cause nuclear DNA fragmentation. Our results indicate that while mtDNA fragmentation is not influenced by the sperm quality, the number of copies of sperm mtDNAcn can potentially serve as a risk factor for predicting non‐normozoospermia.
Sleep duration and biomarkers of fecundity in young men: a cross‐sectional study from a population‐based cohort
Authors: Gaml‐Sørensen Anne , Frølich Maria Kongerslev , Brix Nis , Ernst Andreas , Bonde Jens Peter Ellekilde , Hougaard Karin Sørig , Tøttenborg Sandra Søgaard , Clemmensen Pernille Jul , Toft Gunnar , Ramlau‐Hansen Cecilia Høst
Published: November 2023

Background

Poor male fecundity is of concern and warrants the identification of potential modifiable risk factors. Short and long sleep duration might be risk factors for poor male fecundity although evidence in this research field is inconsistent.

Objectives

To investigate the association between sleep duration and biomarkers of male fecundity in young men.

Materials and methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 1,055 young men from the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality (FEPOS) cohort, Denmark, 2017–2019. Sleep duration was obtained from an online survey answered by the participants prior to the clinical visit, where semen and blood samples were obtained, and testis volume was self‐assessed using an Orchidometer. Percentage differences in semen characteristics, testes volume, and reproductive hormone levels were analysed according to sleep duration using multivariable negative binomial regression models. Sleep duration was dichotomised (recommended (6–9 h/night) versus deviant sleep) and visualised continuously as restricted cubic spline plots.

Results

Deviation from recommended sleep duration was associated with higher high DNA stainability (HDS) of 5% (95% CI: −1%; 13%), higher testosterone of 3% (95% CI: 0%; 7%) and higher free androgen index (FAI) of 6% (95% CI: 0%; 13%). The spline plots overall supported these results, suggesting u‐shaped associations between sleep duration and HDS, testosterone and FAI, a linear association between sleep duration and semen volume and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and an inverse u‐shaped association with normal morphology.

Discussion

Information on sleep duration was obtained by self‐report in broad categories with at least 3 h intervals. We were not able to investigate short or long sleep duration separately, since only few participants reported this.

Conclusion

Sleep duration was associated with some biomarkers of fecundity in young men. Maintaining a recommended sleep duration may thus be beneficial for young men with regard to reproductive health.
Trash Transformations: Litter, Volunteer Labour, and Care in Philadelphia
Authors: Hankins Kristin
Published: November 2023

This article examines anti‐litter labour in Philadelphia as a site of political possibility. Drawing on four years of ethnographic fieldwork conducted with a grassroots anti‐litter group, I argue that embodied spatial practices at the organisation's clean‐ups produce lived and imagined images of a more just urban landscape. These imperfect and impermanent images illuminate the possibilities and challenges of transforming landscapes of uneven disinvestment through acts of radical care.
Strabismus is more than a misalignment; a cross‐sectional pilot study of HRQOL in Finnish strabismic adults referred to a university hospital
Authors: Mason Anna , Lindberg Laura , Joronen Katja , Koivisto Anna‐Maija , Rantanen Anja
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To evaluate associations between the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and demographic, self‐reported strabismus‐related and orthoptic status variables in Finnish strabismic adults.

Methods

Participants (n = 137) of this study were adult patients who previously participated in the pilot study to translate and validate Adult Strabismus Questionnaire (AS‐20) into Finnish. For this study, the participants' orthoptic status were collected among the previously obtained self‐reported demographic and strabismus‐related data. The refined AS‐20 structure of 18 items and four subscales of self‐perception, interaction, reading function and general function was used. Low scores on AS‐20 indicate low HRQOL. The associations were evaluated with cross‐tabulation and nonparametric methods of Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Interaction subscale scores were the highest of all subscale scores among the participants. Age had an association with HRQOL in self‐perception and the youngest participants had the lowest scores. Importantly, participants who did not experience diplopia suffered from lower self‐perception and interaction but reported higher scores on reading function and general function subscales compared to the participants who experienced diplopia. Exotropia with or without vertical strabismus were most common types among the participants. The education background was not associated with HRQOL.

Conclusion

Impacts of strabismus are similar in Finnish strabismic adults compared to international studies. Healthcare professionals and decision‐makers should always consider the psychosocial impact of strabismus on patients without diplopia when making decisions on strabismus treatment and care processes.
Leaky lessons learned: Efflux prone dopamine transporter variant reveals sex and circuit specific contributions of D2 receptor signalling to neuropsychiatric disease
Authors: Mayer Felix P. , Stewart Adele , Blakely Randy D.
Published: November 2023

Aberrant dopamine (DA) signalling has been implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders, including attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (BPD) and addiction. The availability of extracellular DA is sculpted by the exocytotic release of vesicular DA and subsequent transporter‐mediated clearance, rendering the presynaptic DA transporter (DAT) a crucial regulator of DA neurotransmission. D2‐type DA autoreceptors (D2ARs) regulate multiple aspects of DA homeostasis, including (i) DA synthesis, (ii) vesicular release, (iii) DA neuron firing and (iv) the surface expression of DAT and DAT‐mediated DA clearance. The DAT Val559 variant, identified in boys with ADHD or ASD, as well as in a girl with BPD, supports anomalous DA efflux (ADE), which we have shown drives tonic activation of D2ARs. Through ex vivo and in vivo studies of the DAT Val559 variant using transgenic knock‐in mice, we have uncovered a circuit and sex‐specific capacity of D2ARs to regulate DAT, which consequently disrupts DA signalling and behaviour differently in males and females. Our studies reveal the ability of the construct‐valid DAT Val559 model to elucidate endogenous mechanisms that support DA signalling, findings that may be of translational and/or therapeutic importance.
Increasing insight in the value of repetitive COVID‐19 vaccination in patients with haematological malignancies in the Omicron era
Authors: Bacher Ulrike , Shumilov Evgenii , Pabst Thomas
Published: November 2023

The study by Kevlicius et al. from Lithuania gives further confirmation of the efficacy of booster mRNA COVID‐19 vaccination for patients with haemato‐oncological malignancies in the Omicron era. The risk of COVID‐19 and mortality was considerably reduced when patients received the booster vaccination. The threshold of the humoral response to vaccination that was protective for haemato‐oncological patients was defined. In particular, ruxolitinib and anti‐CD20 treatments limited the humoral response to the third booster vaccination. These data may influence the clinical management of haemato‐oncological patients in future waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic, regarding for example the selection of patients for passive immunization against SARS‐CoV‐2.

Commentary on: Kevličius et al. Immunogenicity and clinical effectiveness of mRNA vaccine booster against SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron in patients with haematological malignancies: A national prospective cohort study. Br J Haematol 2024;204:497‐506.
Revisiting the influence of community social capital indices on child maltreatment rates: The moderating effects of place
Authors: Kim Intae , Kim Ran
Published: November 2023

The study of the antecedents of child maltreatment has advanced through ecological research, but there has been a limited focus on the role of community social capital. This study investigates the effects of community social capital on child maltreatment and how these associations differ by regional type, using data on child maltreatment rates in 226 localities in South Korea from 2014 to 2019. Surprisingly, our results show that social trust, networks, and engagement in community affairs are positively associated with child maltreatment rates. Additionally, the mechanisms of social capital effects on child maltreatment vary by place, being more pronounced in small‐ and medium‐sized cities and rural areas. Our findings suggest that a more nuanced understanding of social capital mechanisms across dimensions and locations is required to effectively address child maltreatment. This study contributes to both theory and practice by highlighting the importance of community social capital in preventing child maltreatment and demonstrating the contextual nature of these associations.
Immunocytochemical markers, molecular testing and digital cytopathology for aspiration cytology of metastatic breast carcinoma
Authors: Li Joshua J. X. , Tse Gary M.
Published: November 2023

Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a versatile diagnostic procedure uniquely suited for tissue biopsy of breast carcinomas and axillary metastases and/or recurrences. With the expanding treatment options and accompanying theragnostic tests, it is crucial to recognize the developments on ancillary testing and digital cytopathology techniques related to aspiration cytology of metastatic breast carcinoma. In this review, we aim to summarize and update the evidence of immunocytochemistry, for the detection of carcinoma cells (epithelial markers), confirmation of breast primary (breast‐specific markers), assessment of surrogate immunostains (hormone receptors, ki‐67 proliferative index and HER2) and theragnostic biomarkers, with discussion on potential diagnostic pitfalls, followed by the application of molecular tests, and digital cytopathologic techniques for assessing metastatic breast carcinoma in cytology.
Validity and reliability of self‐reported and neural measures of listening effort
Authors: Mohammadi Yousef , Østergaard Jan , Graversen Carina , Andersen Ole Kæseler , Biurrun Manresa José
Published: November 2023

Listening effort can be defined as a measure of cognitive resources used by listeners to perform a listening task. Various methods have been proposed to measure this effort, yet their reliability remains unestablished, a crucial step before their application in research or clinical settings. This study encompassed 32 participants undertaking speech‐in‐noise tasks across two sessions, approximately a week apart. They listened to sentences and word lists at varying signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs) (−9, −6, −3 and 0 dB), then retaining them for roughly 3 s. We evaluated the test–retest reliability of self‐reported effort ratings, theta (4–7 Hz) and alpha (8–13 Hz) oscillatory power, suggested previously as neural markers of listening effort. Additionally, we examined the reliability of correct word percentages. Both relative and absolute reliability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland–Altman analysis. We also computed the standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC). Our findings indicated heightened frontal midline theta power for word lists compared to sentences during the retention phase under high SNRs (0 dB, −3 dB), likely indicating a greater memory load for word lists. We observed SNR's impact on alpha power in the right central region during the listening phase and frontal theta power during the retention phase in sentences. Overall, the reliability analysis demonstrated satisfactory between‐session variability for correct words and effort ratings. However, neural measures (frontal midline theta power and right central alpha power) displayed substantial variability, even though group‐level outcomes appeared consistent across sessions.
Kinetic and structural assessment of the reduction of human 2‐Cys peroxiredoxins by thioredoxins
Authors: Villar Sebastián F. , Corrales‐González Laura , Márquez de los Santos Belén , Dalla Rizza Joaquín , Zeida Ari , Denicola Ana , Ferrer‐Sueta Gerardo
Published: November 2023

We have studied the reduction reactions of two cytosolic human peroxiredoxins (Prx) in their disulfide form by three thioredoxins (Trx; two human and one bacterial), with the aim of better understanding the rate and mechanism of those reactions, and their relevance in the context of the catalytic cycle of Prx. We have developed a new methodology based on stopped‐flow and intrinsic fluorescence to study the bimolecular reactions, and found rate constants in the range of 105–106 m−1 s−1 in all cases, showing that there is no marked kinetic preference for the expected Trx partner. By combining experimental findings and molecular dynamics studies, we found that the reactivity of the nucleophilic cysteine (CN) in the Trx is greatly affected by the formation of the Prx–Trx complex. The protein–protein interaction forces the CN thiolate into an unfavorable hydrophobic microenvironment that reduces its hydration and results in a remarkable acceleration of the thiol‐disulfide exchange reactions by more than three orders of magnitude and also produces a measurable shift in the pKa of the CN. This mechanism of activation of the thiol disulfide exchange may help understand the reduction of Prx by alternative reductants involved in redox signaling.
Stable mean trophic level and decreasing fish size in Central Amazonian fishery landings
Authors: Matos Octavio Ferreira de , Pereira Diego Valente , Lopes Giulia Cristina dos Santos , Mereles Marcos de Almeida , Batista Vandick da Silva , Freitas Carlos Edwar de Carvalho , Siqueira‐Souza Flávia Kelly
Published: November 2023

Evaluating trends in fisheries, especially data‐limited small‐scale fisheries, is challenging. We used fish landings to evaluate changes in composition of fish landings in rivers of the Central Amazon, from a discontinuous historical 28‐year series of landings from different data collection systems in main ports of the city of Manaus, the largest consumer market in the region. Annual mean trophic level (MTL), fishing‐in‐balance index (FiB), and mean landed size (MSL) were estimated. MTL did not decline, FiB was positive in most years, and MSL declined. Relative catches of certain fish species were replaced by others at a similar trophic level, but mean body size declined over time. We conclude that fishing in the Central Amazon is not sustainable and would benefit from better management strategies.
‘Theory is beautiful’: Resistance and counter‐resistance to gender equality in teacher training
Authors: Ocio Ainhoa Resa
Published: November 2023

The European Union has made a firm commitment to quality education for active citizenship taking up the demands of international movements and organisations, making gender equality a fundamental part of it. As previous research has shown a precarious implementation of these demands in Spain, in this study, we conduct 24 semi‐structured interviews with key informant university professors who provide clues about the existing resistance and counter‐resistance in the implementation of gender equality in initial teacher training. The results show how agents and their discourses impact on training, both positively and negatively, as well as the institutions in relation to their own organisational culture, resources and material elements, and influences. The information they supply provides insight into the limitations and possibilities for changing the culture and practice of higher education organisations at the international level in order to enhance gender mainstreaming in universiti.
Honokiol ameliorates angiotensin II‐induced cardiac hypertrophy by promoting dissociation of the Nur77–LKB1 complex and activating the AMPK pathway
Authors: Lin Xiaoyan , Zhang Hailin , Chu Yong , Zhang Yuze , Xu Changsheng , Xie Hong , Ruan Qinyun , Lin Jinxiu , Huang Chun‐Kai , Chai Dajun
Published: November 2023

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a key contributor to heart failure, and the molecular mechanisms underlying honokiol (HNK)‐mediated cardioprotection against this condition remain worth further exploring. This study aims to investigate the effect of HNK on angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced myocardial hypertrophy and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to Ang II infusion, followed by HNK or vehicle treatment for 4 weeks. Our results showed that HNK treatment protected against Ang II‐induced myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis and dysfunction in vivo and inhibited Ang II‐induced hypertrophy in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes in vitro. Mechanistically, HNK suppressed the Ang II‐induced Nur77 expression at the transcriptional level and promoted ubiquitination‐mediated degradation of Nur77, leading to dissociation of the Nur77–LKB1 complex. This facilitated the translocation of LKB1 into the cytoplasm and activated the LKB1‐AMPK pathway. Our findings suggest that HNK attenuates pathological remodelling and cardiac dysfunction induced by Ang II by promoting dissociation of the Nur77–LKB1 complex and subsequent activation of AMPK signalling. This study uncovers a novel role of HNK on the LKB1‐AMPK pathway to protect against cardiac hypertrophy.
N‐n‐butyl haloperidol iodide mediates cardioprotection via regulating AMPK/FoxO1 signalling
Authors: Lu Binger , Wu Zhuomin , He Weiliang , Feng Zikai , Liao Jilin , Wang Bin , Zhang Yanmei , Gao Fenfei , Shi Ganggang , Zheng Fuchun
Published: November 2023

Derangement of redox condition largely contributes to cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. FoxO1 is a transcription factor which transcripts a series of antioxidants to antagonize I/R‐induced oxidative myocardial damage. N‐n‐butyl haloperidol iodide (F2) is a derivative derived from haloperidol structural modification with potent capacity of inhibiting oxidative stress. This investigation intends to validate whether cardio‐protection of F2 is dependent on FoxO1 using an in vivo mouse I/R model and if so, to further elucidate the molecular regulating mechanism. This study initially revealed that F2 preconditioning led to a profound reduction in I/R injury, which was accompanied by attenuated oxidative stress and upregulation of antioxidants (SOD2 and catalase), nuclear FoxO1 and phosphorylation of AMPK. Furthermore, inactivation of FoxO1 with AS1842856 abolished the cardio‐protective effect of F2. Importantly, we identified F2‐mediated nuclear accumulation of FoxO1 is dependent on AMPK, as blockage of AMPK with compound C induced nuclear exit of FoxO1. Collectively, our data uncover that F2 pretreatment exerts significant protection against post ischemic myocardial injury by its regulation of AMPK/FoxO1 pathway, which may provide a new avenue for treating ischemic disease.
Active feeding of downstream migrating juvenile pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) revealed in a large Barents Sea river using diet and stable isotope analysis
Authors: Erkinaro Jaakko , Orell Panu , Kytökorpi Mikko , Pohjola Jan‐Peter , Power Michael
Published: November 2023

The recent, rapid spreading of non‐native pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha in the North Atlantic area has raised concerns about their possible negative impacts on native salmonid species. Potential interactions include competition for food resources during the short freshwater phase of juvenile O. gorbuscha, but little is known about their feeding behavior in the newly occupied North Atlantic rivers. Using stable isotope and stomach content analyses, patterns of freshwater feeding of non‐native O. gorbuscha fry were studied in a large Fennoscandian river, the Teno, that discharges to the Barents Sea. Changes in stable isotope values (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) and stomach contents from the period of emergence (April to mid‐May) to estuarine entry (late May/June) were examined and provided both temporally integrated and short‐term indicators of freshwater feeding dependency. In addition, the occurrence of juvenile O. gorbuscha and changes in their length and weight during their emergence/migration period were investigated. Juvenile O. gorbuscha were at the spawning grounds from April through to mid‐May with abundance peaking in mid‐May. Fish moved to the estuary by late May and their abundance decreased toward June, and their body size increased concurrently. Stomach analyses indicated no feeding activity in April–early May in the spawning areas, but the stomach fullness indices increased markedly in fish sampled in the estuary in May and June. The most important prey items in stomachs were Chironomidae and Ephemeroptera larvae. Significant changes in all analysed stable isotopes were detected among sample periods, with a peak in mid‐May and June showing significantly lower values than other sample periods. A change from the higher values reflective of parental marine feeding to the lower values reflective of freshwater feeding indicated active in‐river feeding by juveniles during the study period. The documented active freshwater feeding of non‐native juvenile O. gorbuscha suggests potential resource competition with native fluvial fishes, particularly salmonids.
Bexarotene drives the self‐renewing proliferation of adult neural stem cells, promotes neuron‐glial fate shift, and regulates late neuronal differentiation
Authors: Saibro‐Girardi Carolina , Scheibel Ingrid Matsubara , Santos Lucas , Bittencourt Reykla Ramon , Fröhlich Nicole Taís , dos Reis Possa Luana , Moreira José Claudio Fonseca , Gelain Daniel Pens
Published: November 2023

Treatment with bexarotene, a selective retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist, significantly improves behavioral dysfunctions in various neurodegenerative animal models. Additionally, it activates neurodevelopmental and plasticity pathways in the brains of adult mice. Our objective was to investigate the impact of RXR activation by bexarotene on adult neural stem cells (aNSC) and their cell lineages. To achieve this, we treated NSCs isolated from the subventricular zone (SVZ) of adult rat brains from the proliferative stage to the differentiated status. The results showed that bexarotene‐treated aNSC exhibited increased BrdU incorporation, SOX2+ dividing cell pairs, and cell migration from neurospheres, revealing that the treatment promotes self‐renewing proliferation and cell motility in SVZ‐aNCS. Furthermore, bexarotene induced a cell fate shift characterized by a significant increase in GFAP+/S100B+ differentiated astrocytes, which uncovers the participation of activated‐RXR in astrogenesis. In the neuronal lineage, the fate shift was counteracted by bexarotene‐induced enhancement of NeuN+ nuclei together with neurite network outgrowth, indicating that the RXR agonist stimulates SVZ‐aNCS neuronal differentiation at later stages. These findings establish new connections between RXR activation, astro‐ and neurogenesis in the adult brain, and contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies targeting nuclear receptors for neural repair.

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Astrocytes and microglia in the coordination of CNS development and homeostasis
Authors: Lopez‐Ortiz Aída Oryza , Eyo Ukpong B.
Published: November 2023

Glia have emerged as important architects of central nervous system (CNS) development and maintenance. While traditionally glial contributions to CNS development and maintenance have been studied independently, there is growing evidence that either suggests or documents that glia may act in coordinated manners to effect developmental patterning and homeostatic functions in the CNS. In this review, we focus on astrocytes, the most abundant glia in the CNS, and microglia, the earliest glia to colonize the CNS highlighting research that documents either suggestive or established coordinated actions by these glial cells in various CNS processes including cell and/or debris clearance, neuronal survival and morphogenesis, synaptic maturation, and circuit function, angio−/vasculogenesis, myelination, and neurotransmission. Some molecular mechanisms underlying these processes that have been identified are also described. Throughout, we categorize the available evidence as either suggestive or established interactions between microglia and astrocytes in the regulation of the respective process and raise possible avenues for further research. We conclude indicating that a better understanding of coordinated astrocyte‐microglial interactions in the developing and mature brain holds promise for developing effective therapies for brain pathologies where these processes are perturbed.
Pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma arising from a teratoma of a Carney complex patient
Authors: Ichiki Toshio , Ito Takamichi , Oishi Hiroko , Kato Kiyoko , Oda Yoshinao , Nakahara Takeshi
Published: November 2023

A 25‐year‐old female Carney complex patient with a PRKAR1A mutation who had undergone surgery to remove teratomas visited our dermatology department. She was suspected of having a malignant melanoma in a teratoma. On clinical examination, a black nodule was found within the cyst. On histopathological examination, the black lesion was composed of heavily pigmented round cells with vesicular nuclei and single prominent nucleoli. Additionally, there were large cells with irregularly shaped nuclei. Upon immunohistochemical examination, the large, irregularly shaped cells were positively stained with Melan A, HMB45, S‐100 protein, SOX10, CD10 (focally), and BRAFV600E, but negatively stained with PRAME. Based on the histopathological features, we diagnosed the patient with pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma (PEM) in a teratoma of a Carney complex patient. This is the first case of PEM developing from a teratoma. Since PEM lesions may spread to regional lymph nodes, careful follow‐up is necessary.
Resale Price Maintenance in a Successive Monopoly Model*
Authors: Dertwinkel‐Kalt Markus , Wey Christian
Published: November 2023

We explain why a manufacturer may impose a minimum resale price in a successive monopoly setting. Our argument relies on the retailer having noncontractible choice variables such as the price of a substitute good and/or the retailer's service effort. Our explanation for minimum resale prices is empirically distinguishable from alternative justifications that rely, for instance, on retailer competition and service free riding among retailers. Whether a min RPM benefits or harms consumers depends on its effects: if it softens competition with the substitute product, it tends to harm consumers, and if it secures service provision, it tends to benefit consumers.