bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing Inferences about Language Contact on Morphosyntax: A Typological Case Study on Alorese–Adang Contact
Authors: Sinnemäki Kaius , Ahola Noora
Published: November 2023

When linguists make inferences about language contact, control data is required for reliable analysis. Historical data or reconstructions are typically used for that purpose. However, historical data is globally mostly unavailable, and reconstructions are laborious if comparing outcomes of language contact in a typological way. We assess a recent typological proposal (Di Garbo & Napoleão de Souza 2023) that argues that using a single language, called Benchmark language, can serve as a viable control for making inferences about contact. To evaluate this approach, we use as a case study a documented contact situation in Eastern Indonesia between the Austronesian language Alorese and the Papuan language Adang. We sample languages related to Alorese and use computational phylogenetic methods for ancestral reconstruction to analyse if using a single Benchmark produces deviating inferences about contact compared to using Bayesian ancestral reconstructions. Additionally, we test for isolation by distance effects by analysing if the probability of contact effects correlates with increasing geographic distance from the contact region. The results suggest that no isolation by distance effects exist in the data and that none of the single Benchmarks significantly deviate from the ancestral reconstructions.
Ultrasound and salt reduction effect on physicochemical and rheological properties of meat emulsions
Authors: Galván‐Navarro Andrea , Sosa‐Morales María Elena , Delgado‐García Jorge , Lorenzo José M , Campagnol Paulo C. B. , Gómez‐Salazar Julián Andrés
Published: November 2023

Power ultrasound and salt reduction effects on meat emulsions' physicochemical and rheological properties were determined. Therefore, meat emulsions with different NaCl concentrations (1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5%) were treated in an ultrasonic bath (40 kHz, 200 W, & 9.34 W/cm2) at different times (0, 15, and 45 min). Results showed that salt reduction and ultrasound time significantly (p < 0.05) affected the cooking loss, water holding capacity, water activity, pH, color, hardness, viscosity, storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″), and phase angle δ. Meat emulsions with low salt content (1 and 1.5% NaCl) showed significantly higher values of cooking loss than standard emulsions (2.5% NaCl), while ultrasound duration of 15 min reduced the cooking loss (12 to 27%). Hardness, color, pH, and water activity (aw) decreased with salt reduction. Ultrasounds increased the hardness, viscosity, G′, and G′′ values in reduced‐salt meat. The experimental data of apparent viscosity were properly fitted to the mathematical model of Ostwald‐de‐Waele. Ultrasound increased consistency (k) and decreased flow behavior index (n) in emulsions with 1.5 to 2.5% NaCl. Ultrasound at 15 min induced gelation in emulsions with 1.5 and 2.0% NaCl (40 and 20% NaCl reduction). The formulation with 2.0% NaCl was found to be the maximum concentration that did not sacrifice meat emulsion quality. When combined with 15 min of ultrasound, this formulation yielded results comparable to the standard formulation.

Practical Application

Results contribute to developing reduced‐salt meat emulsions using power ultrasounds. Therefore, using ultrasounds allows for a 20% reduction in salt content while maintaining the quality of the meat emulsion.
A new strategy to calculate the intraocular lens power in congenital cataracts according to age and axial length at implantation
Authors: Dupessey Florence , Dalmas Florian , Aziz Aurore , Denis Danièle , Beylerian Marie
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to suggest a new method to calculate the intraocular lens (IOL) power in paediatric cataracts targeting emmetropia at the age of 15 years.

Methods

Data of children younger than 15 years who underwent cataract surgery with IOL implantation between 2005 and 2020 in the ophthalmological department of Marseille (South of France) was collected retrospectively. A logarithmic regression model was used to predict the axial length growth of the included eyes between implantation and 15 years. The predicted myopic shift served as target refraction to calculate a theoretical IOL power aiming for emmetropia at 15 years. Refractive error with the theoretical lens power was estimated as the spherical equivalent at the last follow‐up minus the difference of target refractions between the implanted IOL and the theoretical one. Refractive errors using Dahan, Enyedi and Trivedi guidelines were also estimated and compared to the logarithmic model.

Results

Thirty‐five eyes of 26 children were analysed. At the last follow‐up, the median age of children was 10 years old and the median spherical equivalent was −1.88 dioptres (D) (IQR −3.81, −0.75). The estimated median refractive errors were 0.18 D (IQR −1.11, 1.42) with the logarithmic formula, −1.47 D (IQR −3.84, −0.65) with Dahan formula, −0.63 D (IQR −2.15, 0.32) with Enyedi formula and 0.38 D (IQR −1.58, 1.07) with Trivedi formula.

Conclusion

The estimated refractive error with the new logarithmic formula is the closest to emmetropia at the last follow‐up.
Prestimulus alpha power signals attention to retrieval
Authors: Pastötter Bernhard , Frings Christian
Published: November 2023

The human brain is in distinct processing modes at different times. Specifically, a distinction can be made between encoding and retrieval modes, which refer to the brain's state when it is storing new information or searching for old information, respectively. Recent research proposed the idea of a “ready‐to‐encode” mode, which describes a prestimulus effect in brain activity that signals (external) attention to encoding and predicts subsequent memory performance. Whether there is also a corresponding “ready‐to‐retrieve” mode in human brain activity is currently unclear. In this study, we examined whether prestimulus oscillations can be linked to (internal) attention to retrieval. We show that task cues to prepare for retrieval (or testing) in comparison with restudy of previously studied vocabulary word pairs led to a significant decrease of prestimulus alpha power just before the onset of word stimuli. Beamformer analysis localized this effect in the right secondary visual cortex (Brodmann area 18). Correlation analysis showed that the task cue‐induced, prestimulus alpha power effect is positively related to stimulus‐induced alpha/beta power, which in turn predicted participants' memory performance. The results are consistent with the idea that prestimulus alpha power signals internal attention to retrieval, which promotes the elaborative processing of episodic memories. Future research on brain‐computer interfaces may find the findings interesting regarding the potential of using online measures of fluctuating alpha oscillations to trigger the presentation and sequencing of restudy and testing trials, ultimately enhancing instructional learning strategies.
Buy the dip?
Authors: Bonini Stefano , Shohfi Thomas , Simaan Majeed
Published: November 2023

We study the fundamental properties of the “Buy the dip” (BTD) investment heuristic. Looking into cash holdings versus a stock market exchange‐traded fund, we find that BTD does not necessarily maximize investors' real terminal wealth and is sensitive to market conditions at the beginning year of investment. While under certain conditions, BTD may improve risk‐adjusted performance over a passive investment policy or a classical dollar‐cost averaging approach, its optimality is subject to estimation risk. Given the vast popularity of BTD, our results have important implications for asset managers and retail investors alike.
Food security and multicommodity agricultural international trade: Quantifying optimal consumer subsidies for nutritional needs
Authors: Nagurney Anna
Published: November 2023

Hundreds of millions of people are now facing food insecurity as challenges from climate change, the aftereffects of the COVID‐19 pandemic, and strife and conflicts make availability of food at reasonable prices challenging. International trade has enabled the reallocation of agricultural products, essential for nutrition, from countries with supply markets to other points of demand and has been the subject of an increasing number of policy interventions by governments. In this paper, a multicommodity international trade network equilibrium model is constructed with the inclusion of nutritional minimal standards to support food security, accompanied by consumer subsidies, for which explicit formulae are provided. The theoretical and computational framework is based on variational inequalities. Numerical examples focusing on Ukraine and MENA (Middle Eastern and North African) countries and a staple commodity of wheat demonstrate the modeling and policy framework.
Alerting providers to hospitalized persons with dementia using the electronic health record
Authors: Tan Zaldy S. , Qureshi Nabeel , Roberts Pamela , Guinto Augustine , Escovedo Cameron , Chung Phong , Spivack Erica , Nasmyth Mary , Kremen Sarah , Sicotte Nancy L.
Published: November 2023

Background

While patients with dementia entering the hospital have worse outcomes than those without dementia, early detection of dementia in the inpatient setting is less than 50%. We developed and assessed the positive predictive value (PPV) and feasibility of a novel electronic health record (EHR) banner to identify patients with dementia who present to the inpatient setting using data from the medical record.

Methods

We developed and implemented an EHR algorithm to flag hospitalized patients age ≥65 years with potential cognitive impairment in the Epic EHR system using dementia ICD‐10 codes, FDA‐approved medications, and the use of the term “dementia” in the emergency department physician note. Medical records were reviewed for all patients who were flagged with an EHR banner from October 2022 to May 2023.

Results

A total of 344 individuals were identified who had a banner on their chart of which 280 (81.4%) were either diagnosed with dementia or were on an FDA‐approved dementia medication. Forty‐three individuals who had confirmed dementia were identified by a medication only (15.4%). Of the patients without confirmed dementia, the majority (N = 33, 9.6%) had a diagnosis of altered mental status, cognitive dysfunction, or mild cognitive impairment. Only 31 individuals (9.0%) had no indication of dementia or cognitive decline in their problem list, past medical history, or medication list.

Conclusions

We found that it was feasible to implement an EHR algorithm for prospective dementia identification with a high PPV. These types of algorithms provide an opportunity to accurately identify hospitalized older individuals for inclusion in quality improvement projects, clinical trials, pay‐for‐performance programs, and other initiatives.
Effect of radical trachelectomy on ovarian reserve: A single‐institute prospective study
Authors: Nakagawa Atsushi , Tamauchi Satoshi , Sato Mamiko , Yoshihara Masato , Yokoi Akira , Shimizu Yusuke , Ikeda Yoshiki , Yoshikawa Nobuhisa , Niimi Kaoru , Osuka Satoko , Kajiyama Hiroaki
Published: November 2023

Aim

Reduced responses to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) after radical trachelectomy (RT) have been previously reported. We aimed to assess the effect of RT on ovarian reserve by measuring anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels before and after the procedure in this prospective study.

Methods

We included 12 patients who underwent RT between September 2019 and December 2021 in this study. Serum AMH levels were measured preoperatively, 1 month postoperatively, and 6 months postoperatively. Differences in the AMH levels were assessed using a paired t‐test.

Results

The median age of the patients was 30.6 years, and the median follow‐up time was 30.1 months. AMH levels at 1 and 6 months postoperatively did not show a consistent trend. At 1 month postoperatively, the average AMH level decreased insignificantly but returned to preoperative levels at 6 months. The differences in AMH levels before and after RT were insignificant.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that RT did not affect ovarian reserve as measured by AMH levels. However, the relationship between unchanged ovarian reserve and reduced response to COS remains unclear. Further research with larger sample sizes and additional measures of ovarian function is needed to corroborate these results and investigate the long‐term effects of RT on ovarian reserve. Understanding these mechanisms will help guide surgical practices and provide patients with valuable information about their reproductive outcomes after RT.
Genetic polymorphisms in vitamin E transport genes as determinants for risk of equine neuroaxonal dystrophy
Authors: Ma Yunzhuo , Peng Sichong , Donnelly Callum G. , Ghosh Sharmila , Miller Andrew D. , Woolard Kevin , Finno Carrie J.
Published: November 2023

Background

Equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder associated with vitamin E deficiency. In humans, polymorphisms in genes involved in vitamin E uptake and distribution determines individual vitamin E requirements.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Genetic polymorphisms in genes involved in vitamin E metabolism would be associated with an increased risk of eNAD/EDM in Quarter Horses (QHs).

Animals

Whole‐genome sequencing: eNAD/EDM affected (n = 9, postmortem [PM]‐confirmed) and control (n = 32) QHs. Validation: eNAD/EDM affected (n = 39, 23‐PM confirmed) and control (n = 68, 7‐PM confirmed) QHs. Allele frequency (AF): Publicly available data from 504 horses across 47 breeds.

Methods

Retrospective, case control study. Whole‐genome sequencing was performed and genetic variants identified within 28 vitamin E candidate genes. These variants were subsequently genotyped in the validation cohort.

Results

Thirty‐nine confirmed variants in 15 vitamin E candidate genes were significantly associated with eNAD/EDM (P < .01). In the validation cohort, 2 intronic CD36 variants (chr4:726485 and chr4:731082) were significantly associated with eNAD/EDM in clinical (P = 2.78 × 10−4 and P = 4 × 10−4, respectively) and PM‐confirmed cases (P = 6.32 × 10−6 and 1.04 × 10−5, respectively). Despite the significant association, variant AFs were low in the postmortem‐confirmed eNAD/EDM cases (0.22‐0.26). In publicly available equine genomes, AFs ranged from 0.06 to 0.1.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Many PM‐confirmed cases of eNAD/EDM were wild‐type for the 2 intronic CD36 SNPs, suggesting either a false positive association or genetic heterogeneity of eNAD/EDM within the QH breed.
Prenatal vitamin B12 status and cognitive functioning in children at 4 years of age: The ECLIPSES Study
Authors: Cruz‐Rodríguez Josué , Canals‐Sans Josefa , Hernández‐Martínez Carmen , Voltas‐Moreso Núria , Arija Victoria
Published: November 2023

Maternal vitamin B12 deficiency has been associated with disturbed cognitive functioning in offspring at different ages during childhood. However, this association has not been explored in pre‐school‐age children. The objective of this study was to examine the association between maternal vitamin B12 levels at the beginning and end of pregnancy and cognitive functioning in their children at 4 years of age. This longitudinal prospective study included a subsample of pregnant women and their children aged 4 years (n = 249) who participated in the ECLIPSES Study conducted in the province of Tarragona, Spain, from 2013 to 2017. Maternal vitamin B12 concentrations were determined in the first and third trimesters, and sociodemographic, nutritional and psychological data were collected. The children's cognitive functioning was assessed using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI‐IV) and subtests of the Neuropsychological Assessment of Development (NEPSY‐II). The multivariable models showed a significant relationship between vitamin B12 and the working memory index in the first trimester of the pregnancy but not in the third trimester. Children of mothers in the second vitamin B12 level tertile (314–413 pg/mL) (β = 6.468, 95% confidence interval [CI]: = 2.054, 10.882, p = 0.004) and third vitamin B12 level tertile (≥414 pg/mL) (β = 4.703, 95% CI: = 0.292, 9.114, p = 0.037) scored higher in the working memory index of the WPPSI‐IV than the children of mothers with vitamin B12 levels in the first tertile (<314 pg/mL). Maintaining an adequate level of maternal vitamin B12 during early pregnancy contributes to improved performance in childhood working memory at 4 years of age.
An autopsy case of diffuse atypical argyrophilic grain disease (AGD) with presenile onset and three‐year course of motor and cognitive impairment
Authors: Inoue Kimiko , Sugase Satoko , Naka Takashi , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Murayama Shigeo , Fujimura Harutoshi
Published: November 2023

We report a case of argyrophilic grain disease (AGD) with unique clinical and pathological presentations. A 52‐year‐old man presented with spastic quadriparesis, bulbar palsy, and mild cognitive decline. His condition deteriorated rapidly and he died of pneumonia three years from onset. Pathologically, neuronal degeneration was involved severely in the amygdala, ambient gyrus, midbrain tegmentum, and reticular formation. The neurons of the temporal lobe, cingulate gyrus, brainstem, and spinal gray matter were also lost moderately. There was diffuse 4‐repeat tau‐pathology with argyrophilic grains. There were pretangles, globose‐type neurofibrillary tangles, and coiled bodies in the cerebral cortices, basal ganglia, thalami, brainstem, and the spinal cord except for the cerebellar cortices. There was no pathologic mutation in MAPT.
Nocebo effects and influencing factors in the randomized clinical trials of chronic constipation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Jingze , Guo Jinlu , Yang Xin , Chen Jie , Bai Tao , Liu Shi
Published: November 2023

Background

Nocebo effects are unavoidable in randomized clinical trials. We aimed to assess the magnitude of nocebo effects and explore the influencing factors in chronic constipation.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to July 2022.

Randomized, placebo‐controlled trials investigating interventions in chronic constipation were included. We conducted a random effects meta‐analysis of the proportion of adverse events (AEs) in placebo‐treated participants and evaluated the effect of trial characteristics on nocebo effects.

Key Results

We identified 20,204 studies from the databases, of which 61 were included in the final analysis. The pooled placebo AE rate was 30.41%, and AE‐related withdrawal rate was 1.53%. The most commonly reported AEs were headache (5.67%), diarrhea (4.45%), abdominal pain (3.98%), nasopharyngitis (3.39%), nausea (3.36%), and flatulence (2.95%). The placebo AE rate was lower in trials conducted in Asia compared to those in Europe, North America, and international trials. It was also lower in trials diagnosed by Rome III compared to clinician's opinion and Rome II. Additionally, the placebo AE rate was lower in single‐center trials compared to multicenter trials, lower in 5–8 weeks therapy compared to 9–12 weeks therapy, lower in participants with FC compared to those with IBS‐C and CC, lower in trials with 2 arms compared to 3 arms, and higher in trials with prokinetic drugs compared to secretagogues and laxatives.

Conclusions & Inferences

The placebo AE rate was 30.41% in patients with chronic constipation. Based on our findings, we recommend that researchers take the nocebo effects into consideration when designing and conducting clinical trials and adopt specific measures to mitigate the negative influence of nocebo effects.
Natural variation in Fatty Acid 9 is a determinant of fatty acid and protein content
Authors: Qi Zhaoming , Guo Chaocheng , Li Haiyang , Qiu Hongmei , Li Hui , Jong CholNam , Yu Guolong , Zhang Yu , Hu Limin , Wu Xiaoxia , Xin Dawei , Yang Mingliang , Liu Chunyan , Lv Jian , Wang Xu , Kong Fanjiang , Chen Qingshan
Published: November 2023

Soybean is one of the most economically important crops worldwide and an important source of unsaturated fatty acids and protein for the human diet. Consumer demand for healthy fats and oils is increasing, and the global demand for vegetable oil is expected to double by 2050. Identification of key genes that regulate seed fatty acid content can facilitate molecular breeding of high‐quality soybean varieties with enhanced fatty acid profiles. Here, we analysed the genetic architecture underlying variations in soybean seed fatty acid content using 547 accessions, including mainly landraces and cultivars from northeastern China. Through fatty acid profiling, genome re‐sequencing, population genomics analyses, and GWAS, we identified a SEIPIN homologue at the FA9 locus as an important contributor to seed fatty acid content. Transgenic and multiomics analyses confirmed that FA9 was a key regulator of seed fatty acid content with pleiotropic effects on seed protein and seed size. We identified two major FA9 haplotypes in 1295 resequenced soybean accessions and assessed their phenotypic effects in a field planting of 424 accessions. Soybean accessions carrying FA9H2 had significantly higher total fatty acid contents and lower protein contents than those carrying FA9H1. FA9H2 was absent in wild soybeans but present in 13% of landraces and 26% of cultivars, suggesting that it may have been selected during soybean post‐domestication improvement. FA9 therefore represents a useful genetic resource for molecular breeding of high‐quality soybean varieties with specific seed storage profiles.
Cutaneous ulceration in juvenile dermatomyositis with anti‐melanoma differentiation‐associated gene 5
Authors: Huang Bingxue , Huang Wenyan , Hao Sheng
Published: November 2023

This report presents the case of an 11‐year‐old girl with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), anti‐MDA5 antibodies and multiple skin ulcers. Treatment with traditional immunomodulators and tofacitinib resulted in healing of the skin ulcers and normalization of muscle enzyme markers. This case highlights the significance of recognizing the association between anti‐MDA5 antibodies and cutaneous ulceration in JDM and supports the use of Janus kinase inhibitors as a management option.
The association between couples' education and gender gap in unpaid care work in India
Authors: Tripathi Saumya , Zhai Fuhua
Published: November 2023

This cross‐sectional study utilizes data from the 2019 India Time‐Use Survey to examine the relationship between education and the gender gap in unpaid care work among married couples in India. Results from the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression demonstrate a paradox where more educated or equally educated wives tend to spend more time on unpaid care work compared to their husbands. Women from marginalized backgrounds face a heightened burden of unpaid uare work, while employment status emerges as an important factor that reduces the gender divide in unpaid care work. The Karlson, Holm, and Breen (KHB) decomposition analysis reveals that employment and other personal and household factors account for 22.86% and 43.15% of the total effect on time spent on unpaid care work for wives who have the same as or higher level of education than their husbands, respectively. These findings bring to light the continued issue of gender inequality in India and emphasize the need for reforms in care work and the labor market.
Interpreting prospective teachers' responses to inequities in a written vignette: A plan for action
Authors: Jackson Christa , Buchheister Kelley Woolford , Taylor Cynthia E.
Published: November 2023

To develop an equity‐centered orientation in teacher education programs, it is essential teacher educators recognize what prospective teachers attend to in classroom events and how they relate these events to mathematics instruction. In this study, we conceptualize the Equity Noticing Framework and use it as an analytic tool to examine what prospective teachers notice in a classroom vignette focused on cultural and racial biases. The Equity Noticing Framework focuses on understanding what prospective teachers recognize—or overlook—as bias, oppression, and privilege that permeate educational systems, analyze those events that contribute to inequities, and support prospective teachers in becoming change agents who implement strategies that can eradicate systemic barriers. The results from this study reinforce the importance of devoting time to supporting prospective teachers to become more cognizant of their own beliefs about equity and equitable mathematical practices and providing opportunities to analyze these beliefs through research‐proven attitudes and practices.
Links all of whose cyclic‐branched covers are L‐spaces
Authors: Issa Ahmad , Turner Hannah
Published: November 2023

We show that for the pretzel knots , the ‐fold cyclic‐branched covers are L‐spaces for all . In addition, we show that the knots with are quasi‐positive and slice, answering a question of Boileau–Boyer–Gordon. We also extend results of Teragaito giving examples of two‐bridge knots with all L‐space cyclic‐branched covers to a family of two‐bridge links.
A Functional Perspective on the Emergence of Dominant Designs
Authors: Robinson Myles , Taube-Adams Bailey , Kang Samantha , Dong Andy
Published: November 2023

Models of long-term product innovation depict the trajectory of products through an evolutionary selection metaphor in which product designs converge toward a dominant design. The product innovation literature favors trajectory descriptions based on the physical architecture of products while neglecting to account for the functional architecture. This paper offers a new way to explain the life cycle of product innovation by identifying motifs that describe a product’s functions. Functional motifs are recurrent function blocks across multiple generations of designs for a product. A collection of functional motifs defines the functional architecture of the product. Using some key examples from innovations in sewing machines, the paper illustrates the occurrence of motifs as the basis for detecting the emergence of a dominant design. Patents related to the sewing machine over 177 years are analyzed to identify functional motifs characterizing the evolution and convergence toward a dominant design. Results show that motifs do not change over long periods once a dominant design emerges, even though components continue to change. This observation confirms a view of dominant designs as a technological frame but refutes the notion that design no longer matters in the era of incremental change. These motifs refine our understanding of how designs evolve along a particular path over the course of product innovation.
Angle-dependent phononic dynamics for data-driven source localization
Authors: Wang Weidi , Mokhtari Amir Ashkan , Srivastava Ankit , Amirkhizi Alireza V.
Published: November 2023

The source angle localization problem is studied based on scattering of elastic waves in two dimensions by a phononic array and the exceptional points of its band structure. Exceptional points are complex singularities of a parameterized eigen-spectrum, where two modes coalesce with identical mode shapes. These special points mark the qualitative transitions in the system behavior and have been proposed for sensing applications. The equi-frequency band structures are analyzed with focus on the angle-dependent modal behaviors. At the exceptional points and critical angles, the eigen-modes switch their energy characteristics and symmetry, leading to enhanced sensitivity as the scattering response of the medium is inherently angle-dependent. An artificial neural network is trained with randomly weighted and superposed eigen-modes to achieve deep learning of the angle-dependent dynamics. The trained algorithm can accurately classify the incident angle of an unknown scattering signal, with minimal sidelobe levels and suppressed main lobewidth. The neural network approach shows superior localization performance compared with standard delay-and-sum technique. The proposed application of the phononic array highlights the physical relevance of band topology and eigen-modes to a technological application, adds extra strength to the existing localization methods, and can be easily enhanced with the fast-growing data-driven techniques.
Improved Physical Health in Middle-Older Aged Golf Caddies Following 24 Weeks of High-Volume Physical Activity
Authors: Sorbie Graeme G. , Williams Ashley K. , Carter Sophie E. , Campbell Amy K. , Glen Jonathan , Lavallee David , Sculthorpe Nicholas , Murray Andrew , Beaumont Alexander J.
Published: November 2023

Background: The physical demands of golf caddying, including walking while carrying a golf bag, may potentially affect body composition, and markers of metabolic, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal health. Therefore, this study examined the impact of 24 weeks of caddying on physical health in middle-older aged males. Methods: Eleven full-time experienced male caddies (age: 59 [8] y; caddying experience: 14 [12] y) were recruited from a local golf course. The following were assessed at preseason and after 24 weeks of caddying (March–September 2022): body composition, heart rate, blood pressure, blood lipids, and performance tests (static and dynamic balance, strength, and submaximal fitness). Physical activity (PA) levels were assessed at preseason and at the mid-point of the caddying season. Across the caddying season, participants completed a monthly average of 24.0 (3.8) rounds. Results: Following the caddying season, improvements in static balance (Δ = 13.5 s), dynamic balance (Δ = −1.8 s), and lower back absolute strength (Δ = 112.8 N), and muscle quality (Δ = 2.0 N·kg−1) were observed (all P < .05). Additionally, blood lipids, including total cholesterol (Δ = −0.6 mmol·L−1), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Δ = 0.1 mmol·L−1), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Δ = −0.6 mmol·L−1) (all P < .05), and body composition, including body mass (Δ = −2.7 kg), fat mass (Δ = −1.9 kg), fat percentage (Δ = −1.4%), fat-to-muscle ratio (Δ = −0.03), and body mass index (Δ = −0.9 kg·m−2) (all P < .05) improved. Caddying did not offer beneficial changes to cardiovascular variables or cardiorespiratory fitness (P > .05), while coronary heart disease risk score decreased (Δ = −3.3%) (P < .05). In relation to PA, light- (Δ = 145 min) and moderate-intensity (Δ = 71 min) PA, moderate to vigorous PA (Δ = 73 min), and total PA (Δ = 218 min) between preseason and the mid-point of the caddying season increased, while sedentary time (Δ = −172 min) decreased (all P < .05). Conclusion: Golf caddying can provide several physical health benefits such as improvements in various markers of cardiometabolic health, lower back absolute strength, and static and dynamic balance. The physical health improvements that caddying offers is likely contributed to by increased PA volume and intensity through walking on the golf course. Therefore, caddying may represent a feasible model for increasing PA volume and intensity and achieve physical health–related benefits.
Missing Out, as Well: The Absence of Youth Sports and Its Effect on Parents During the COVID-19 Global Pandemic
Authors: Strydom Niel , Murata Alex , Côté Jean
Published: November 2023

In December of 2019, COVID-19 began spreading globally. As a result, many youth sport organizations were forced to halt programming. While unfortunate, this imposed disengagement from youth sport provided an opportunity to explore what youth sport means to parents, being that this was the first time many were without it. As such, researchers aimed to explore the attitudes and perceptions of youth sport parents regarding their child’s sport participation in its absence. Semistructured interviews were conducted to explore these perceptions, and three themes were constructed through thematic analysis. Findings suggest that sport parents miss their experiences as “live-in” sports fans of their child’s sport participation due to the absence of their spectator experiences, social opportunities, and feelings of success, which drive their motivation for continued involvement. Understanding parental motivations to support youth sport participation may lead future researchers to uncovering the influences of parental behavior in the youth sport context.
Single-cell genomics reveals region-specific developmental trajectories underlying neuronal diversity in the human hypothalamus
Authors: Herb Brian R. , Glover Hannah J. , Bhaduri Aparna , Colantuoni Carlo , Bale Tracy L. , Siletti Kimberly , Hodge Rebecca , Lein Ed , Kriegstein Arnold R. , Doege Claudia A. , Ament Seth A.
Published: November 2023

The development and diversity of neuronal subtypes in the human hypothalamus has been insufficiently characterized. To address this, we integrated transcriptomic data from 241,096 cells (126,840 newly generated) in the prenatal and adult human hypothalamus to reveal a temporal trajectory from proliferative stem cell populations to mature hypothalamic cell types. Iterative clustering of the adult neurons identified 108 robust transcriptionally distinct neuronal subtypes representing 10 hypothalamic nuclei. Pseudotime trajectories provided insights into the genes driving formation of these nuclei. Comparisons to single-cell transcriptomic data from the mouse hypothalamus suggested extensive conservation of neuronal subtypes despite certain differences in species-enriched gene expression. The uniqueness of hypothalamic neuronal lineages was examined developmentally by comparing excitatory lineages present in cortex and inhibitory lineages in ganglionic eminence, revealing both distinct and shared drivers of neuronal maturation across the human forebrain. These results provide a comprehensive transcriptomic view of human hypothalamus development through gestation and adulthood at cellular resolution.
Deep-learning–assisted Sort-Seq enables high-throughput profiling of gene expression characteristics with high precision
Authors: Feng Huibao , Li Fan , Wang Tianmin , Xing Xin-hui , Zeng An-ping , Zhang Chong
Published: November 2023

Owing to the nondeterministic and nonlinear nature of gene expression, the steady-state intracellular protein abundance of a clonal population forms a distribution. The characteristics of this distribution, including expression strength and noise, are closely related to cellular behavior. However, quantitative description of these characteristics has so far relied on arrayed methods, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive. To address this issue, we propose a deep-learning–assisted Sort-Seq approach (dSort-Seq) in this work, enabling high-throughput profiling of expression properties with high precision. We demonstrated the validity of dSort-Seq for large-scale assaying of the dose-response relationships of biosensors. In addition, we comprehensively investigated the contribution of transcription and translation to noise production in
Escherichia coli
, from which we found that the expression noise is strongly coupled with the mean expression level. We also found that the transcriptional interference caused by overlapping RpoD-binding sites contributes to noise production, which suggested the existence of a simple and feasible noise control strategy in
E. coli
.
Meniscal fibrocartilage regeneration inspired by meniscal maturational and regenerative process
Authors: Yan Wenqiang , Maimaitimin Maihemuti , Wu Yue , Fan Yifei , Ren Shuang , Zhao Fengyuan , Cao Chenxi , Hu Xiaoqing , Cheng Jin , Ao Yingfang
Published: November 2023

Meniscus is a complex and crucial fibrocartilaginous tissue within the knee joint. Meniscal regeneration remains to be a scientific and translational challenge. We clarified that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) participated in meniscal maturation and regeneration using MSC-tracing transgenic mice model. Here, inspired by meniscal natural maturational and regenerative process, we developed an effective and translational strategy to facilitate meniscal regeneration by three-dimensionally printing biomimetic meniscal scaffold combining autologous synovium transplant, which contained abundant intrinsic MSCs. We verified that this facilitated anisotropic meniscus–like tissue regeneration and protected cartilage from degeneration in large animal model. Mechanistically, the biomechanics and matrix stiffness up-regulated Piezo1 expression, facilitating concerted activation of calcineurin and NFATc1, further activated YAP-pSmad2/3-SOX9 axis, and consequently facilitated fibrochondrogenesis of MSCs during meniscal regeneration. In addition, Piezo1 induced by biomechanics and matrix stiffness up-regulated collagen cross-link enzyme expression, which catalyzed collagen cross-link and thereby enhanced mechanical properties of regenerated tissue.
Covalent organic frameworks bearing Ni active sites for free radical-mediated photoelectrochemical organic transformations
Authors: Lin Cheng , Shan Zhen , Dong Chaoran , Lu Yuan , Meng Weikun , Zhang Gen , Cai Bo , Su Guanyong , Park Jong Hyeok , Zhang Kan
Published: November 2023

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) organic transformations occurring at anodes are a promising strategy for circumventing the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction. Here, we report a free radical-mediated reaction instead of direct hole transfer occurring at the solid/liquid interface for PEC oxidation of benzyl alcohol (BA) to benzaldehyde (BAD) with high selectivity. A bismuth vanadate (BiVO
4
) photoanode coated with a 2,2′-bipyridine–based covalent organic framework bearing single Ni sites (Ni-TpBpy) was developed to drive the transformation. Experimental studies reveal that the reaction at the Ni-TpBpy/BiVO
4
photoanode followed first-order reaction kinetics, boosting the formation of surface-bound ·OH radicals, which suppressed further BAD oxidation and provided a nearly 100% selectivity and a rate of 80.63 μmol hour
−1
for the BA-to-BAD conversion. Because alcohol-to-aldehyde conversions are involved in the valorizations of biomass and plastics, this work is expected to open distinct avenues for producing key intermediates of great value.
Hepatitis C virus infects and perturbs liver stem cells
Authors: Meyers Nathan L. , Ashuach Tal , Lyons Danielle E. , Khalid Mir M. , Simoneau Camille R. , Erickson Ann L. , Bouhaddou Mehdi , Nguyen Thong T. , Kumar G. Renuka , Taha Taha Y. , Natarajan Vaishaali , Baron Jody L. , Neff Norma , Zanini Fabio , Mahmoudi Tokameh , Quake Stephen R. , Krogan Nevan J. , Cooper Stewart , McDevitt Todd C. , Yosef Nir , Ott Melanie
Published: November 2023

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the leading cause of death from liver disease. How HCV infection causes lasting liver damage and increases cancer risk remains unclear. Here, we identify bipotent liver stem cells as novel targets for HCV infection, and their erroneous differentiation as the potential cause of impaired liver regeneration and cancer development. We show 3D organoids generated from liver stem cells from actively HCV-infected individuals carry replicating virus and maintain low-grade infection over months. Organoids can be infected with a primary HCV isolate. Virus-inclusive single-cell RNA sequencing uncovered transcriptional reprogramming in HCV
+
cells supporting hepatocytic differentiation, cancer stem cell development, and viral replication while stem cell proliferation and interferon signaling are disrupted. Our data add a new pathogenesis mechanism—infection of liver stem cells—to the biology of HCV infection that may explain progressive liver damage and enhanced cancer risk through an altered stem cell state.

IMPORTANCE

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes liver disease, affecting millions. Even though we have effective antivirals that cure HCV, they cannot stop terminal liver disease. We used an adult stem cell-derived liver organoid system to understand how HCV infection leads to the progression of terminal liver disease. Here, we show that HCV maintains low-grade infections in liver organoids for the first time. HCV infection in liver organoids leads to transcriptional reprogramming causing cancer cell development and altered immune response. Our finding shows how HCV infection in liver organoids mimics HCV infection and patient pathogenesis. These results reveal that HCV infection in liver organoids contributes to liver disease progression.
The value of observational registry studies for the next infectious disease emergency
Authors: Senefeld Jonathon W. , Marks Peter , Casadevall Arturo , Joyner Michael J.
Published: November 2023

During infectious disease emergencies, it may be necessary to deploy new therapies without conclusive evidence for their effectiveness. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, several countries used registries to track the use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP). Those registries provided evidence that CCP was effective when used early and with high titer.
Perceptions of conflicting information about long-term medications: a qualitative in-depth interview study of patients with chronic diseases in the Swiss ambulatory care system
Authors: Santos Beatriz , Blondon Katherine S , Sottas Marie , Carpenter Delesha , Backes Claudine , Van Gessel Elisabeth , Schneider Marie P
Published: November 2023

Objective

Patients with multiple long-term conditions visit various healthcare professionals and are exposed to medication information from various sources causing an increased risk of patients perceiving contradictory medication information. The aims of this study are to: (1) characterise conflicting medication information perceived by patients with long-term conditions, (2) better understand the related impact on patients’ medication self-management and healthcare system navigation and (3) explore ways in which such events could be prevented.

Design

This study was conducted through qualitative semistructured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting

Community pharmacies and medical centres in Geneva, Switzerland.

Participants

This study included outpatients from April 2019 to February 2020. Patients were included after participating in a quantitative survey of perceived conflicting information about medications for long-term diseases.

Methods

Semistructured audiotaped interviews of 20 to 60 min following a pre-established interview guide to explore participants’ perceptions of conflicting information. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and a thematic analysis was conducted with inductive and deductive coding using MAXQDA (2018, Release 18.2.3).

Results

Twenty-two patients were interviewed, until data saturation, mentioning indication or need for a medication as the main topic of conflicting information between two healthcare professionals. Perceived conflicting information often resulted from insufficient information provided and poor communication leading to confusion, doubts and medication non-adherence. Patients expected more information and more interprofessional communication on their medications. As a result of conflicting information, most participants learnt or were learning to take an active role and become partners of the healthcare providers.

Conclusion

The need to strengthen and improve communication and interprofessional collaborative practice among healthcare professionals and with the patient is emerging to increase the quality and consistency of information about medications, and consequently, to ensure better use and experience of medications.
Relationship between self-reported listening and communication difficulties and executive function: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Stacey Jemaine E , Danielsson Henrik , Heinrich Antje , Batinović Lucija , Holmer Emil , Ingo Elisabeth , Henshaw Helen
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Listening and communication difficulties can limit people’s participation in activity and adversely affect their quality of life. Hearing, as well as listening and communication difficulties, can be measured either by using behavioural tests or self-report measures, and the outcomes are not always closely linked. The association between behaviourally measured and self-reported hearing is strong, whereas the association between behavioural and self-reported measures of listening and communication difficulties is much weaker, suggesting they assess different aspects of listening. While behavioural measures of listening and communication difficulties have been associated with poorer cognitive performance including executive functions, the same association has not always been shown for self-report measures. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to understand the relationship between executive function and self-reported listening and communication difficulties in adults with hearing loss, and where possible, potential covariates of age and pure-tone audiometric thresholds.

Methods and analysis

Studies will be eligible for inclusion if they report data from both a self-report measure of listening difficulties and a behavioural measure of executive function. Eight databases are to be searched: MEDLINE (via Ovid SP), EMBASE (via Ovid SP), PsycINFO (via Ovid SP), ASSIA (via ProQuest), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature or CINAHL (via EBSCO Host), Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science (Science and Social Science Citation Index). The JBI critical appraisal tool will be used to assess risk of bias for included studies. Results will be synthesised primarily using a meta-analysis, and where sufficient quantitative data are not available, a narrative synthesis will be carried out to describe key results.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical issues are foreseen. Data will be disseminated via academic publication and conference presentations. Findings may also be published in scientific newsletters and magazines.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022293546.