bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The auditory midbrain mediates tactile vibration sensing
Authors: Huey Erica L. , Turecek Josef , Delisle Michelle M. , Mazor Ofer , Romero Gabriel E. , Dua Malvika , Sarafis Zoe K. , Hobble Alexis , Booth Kevin T. , Goodrich Lisa V. , Corey David P. , Ginty David D.
Published: March 2024

Vibrations are ubiquitous in nature, shaping behavior across the animal kingdom. For mammals, mechanical vibrations acting on the body are detected by mechanoreceptors of the skin and deep tissues and processed by the somatosensory system, while sound waves traveling through air are captured by the cochlea and encoded in the auditory system. Here, we report that mechanical vibrations detected by the body’s Pacinian corpuscle neurons, which are unique in their ability to entrain to high frequency (40-1000 Hz) environmental vibrations, are prominently encoded by neurons in the lateral cortex of the inferior colliculus (LCIC) of the midbrain. Remarkably, most LCIC neurons receive convergent Pacinian and auditory input and respond more strongly to coincident tactile-auditory stimulation than to either modality alone. Moreover, the LCIC is required for behavioral responses to high frequency mechanical vibrations. Thus, environmental vibrations captured by Pacinian corpuscles are encoded in the auditory midbrain to mediate behavior.
Large contribution of repeats to genetic variation in a transmission cluster of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Stritt Christoph , Reitsma Michelle , Goig Galo A. , Dötsch Anna , Borrell Sonia , Beisel Christian , Brites Daniela , Gagneux Sebastien
Published: March 2024

Repeats are the most diverse and dynamic, but also the least well understood component of microbial genomes. For all we know, repeat-associated mutations such as duplications, deletions, inversions, and gene conversion might be as common as point mutations, but because of short-read myopia and methodological bias they have received much less attention. Long-read sequencing opens the perspective of resolving repeats and systematically investigating the mutations they induce. For this study, we assembled the genomes of 16 closely related strains of the bacterial pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis from PacBio HiFi reads, with the aim of characterizing the full spectrum of DNA polymorphisms. We find that complete and accurate genomes can be assembled from HiFi reads, with read size being the main limitation in the presence of duplications. By combining a reference-free pangenome graph with extensive repeat annotation, we identified 110 variants, 58 of which can be assigned to repeat-associated mutational mechanisms such as strand slippage and homologous recombination. While recombination events are less frequent than point mutations, they can affect large regions and introduce multiple variants at once, as shown by three gene conversion events and a duplication of 7.3 kb that involve ppe18 and ppe57, two genes possibly involved in immune subversion. Our study shows that the contribution of repeat-associated mechanisms of mutation can be similar to that of point mutations at the microevolutionary scale of an outbreak. A large reservoir of unstudied genetic variation in this "monomorphic" bacterial pathogen awaits investigation.
Blocking Src-PSD-95 interaction rescues glutamatergic signaling dysregulation in schizophrenia
Authors: Featherstone Robert E. , Li Hongbin , Sengar Ameet , Borgmann-Winter Karin E. , Melnychenko Olya , Crown Lindsey M. , Gifford Ray L. , Amirfathi Felix , Banerjee Anamika , Parekh Krishna , Heller Margaret , Zhang Wenyu , Marc Adam D. , Salter Michael W. , Siegel Steven J. , Hahn Chang-Gyu
Published: March 2024

The complex and heterogeneous genetic architecture of schizophrenia inspires us to look beyond individual risk genes for therapeutic strategies and target their interactive dynamics and convergence. Postsynaptic NMDA receptor (NMDAR) complexes are a site of such convergence. Src kinase is a molecular hub of NMDAR function, and its protein interaction subnetwork is enriched for risk-genes and altered protein associations in schizophrenia. Previously, Src activity was found to be decreased in post-mortem studies of schizophrenia, contributing to NMDAR hypofunction. PSD-95 suppresses Src via interacting with its SH2 domain. Here, we devised a strategy to suppress the inhibition of Src by PSD-95 via employing a cell penetrating and Src activating PSD-95 inhibitory peptide (TAT-SAPIP). TAT-SAPIP selectively increased post-synaptic Src activity in humans and mice, and enhanced synaptic NMDAR currents in mice. Chronic ICV injection of TAT-SAPIP rescued deficits in trace fear conditioning in Src hypomorphic mice. We propose blockade of the Src-PSD-95 interaction as a proof of concept for the use of interfering peptides as a therapeutic strategy to reverse NMDAR hypofunction in schizophrenia and other illnesses.
Longitudinal Investigation of Neurobiological Changes Across Pregnancy
Authors: Niu Yanbin , Conrad Benjamin N. , Camacho M. Catalina , Ravi Sanjana , Piersiak Hannah A. , Bailes Lauren G. , Barnett Whitney , Manhard Mary Kate , Cole David A. , Clayton Ellen Wright , Osmundson Sarah S. , Smith Seth A. , Kujawa Autumn , Humphreys Kathryn L.
Published: March 2024

Pregnancy is a period of profound biological transformation. However, we know remarkably little about pregnancy-related brain changes. To address this gap, we chart longitudinal changes in brain structure during pregnancy and explore potential mechanisms driving these changes. Ten participants (Mean age = 28.97 years) are assessed 1–6 times (median = 3) during their pregnancy. Each visit includes anatomical and diffusion-weighted MRI, and assessments of waking salivary hormones, hair hormones, and inflammatory cytokines. Here we observe a reduction in gray matter volume gestational week, while neurite density index (NDI), a proxy of axon density, in white matter tracts increase across pregnancy. Progesterone levels are associated with reductions in brain volumetric measurements, and both progesterone and estradiol levels are linked to increases in NDI in white matter tracts. This study highlights the profound neurobiological changes experienced by pregnant individuals and provides insights into neuroplasticity in adulthood.
Innovation communities as catalysts for BIM adoption: a cross-case analysis of BIM communities in Norway and Vietnam
Authors: Bui Nam , Merschbrock Christoph , Munkvold Bjørn Erik
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how open innovation communities contribute to the adoption of building information modelling (BIM) in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a cross-case analysis of two construction communities, buildingSMART Norway and the BIM Vietnam Community. Data were collected based on 21 semi-structured interviews conducted with industry experts actively engaged in these two communities. The theoretical basis for the study was open innovation and the institutional intervention model, which delineates institutional actions related to the adoption of new information technology.

Findings

The findings show both similarities and differences in the way in which the communities contribute to industrial practice. Both communities use similar knowledge channels and repositories but apply different approaches to innovation creation and diffusion. In addition, trust can support BIM innovation in the community context.

Originality/value

The comparison of buildingSMART Norway and the BIM Vietnam Community in accelerating BIM innovation allows for exploring how open innovation communities support BIM adoption in the construction industry. The findings provide insights for construction communities into creating and diffusing BIM innovation. In addition, the examples of gaining benefits from community innovation activities are useful for construction firms and practitioners.
Relatedness and regional economic complexity: Good news for some, bad news for others
Authors: Queiroz Arthur Ribeiro , Romero João Prates , Freitas Elton Eduardo
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This article aims to evaluate the entry and exit of companies from local productive structures, with a specific focus on the sectoral complexity of these activities and the complexity of these portfolios. The study focuses on empirically demonstrating the thesis that related economic diversification exacerbates the development gap between more and less complex regions.

Design/methodology/approach

The article uses indicators formulated by the economic complexity approach. They allow a relevant descriptive analysis of the economic diversification process in Brazilian micro-regions and provide the foundation for the econometric tests conducted. Through three distinct estimation strategies (OLS, logit, probit), the influence of complexity and relatedness on the entry and exit events of firms from local portfolios is tested.

Findings

In all estimated models, the stronger relationship between an activity and a portfolio significantly increases its probability of entering the productive structure and, at the same time, acts as a significant factor in preventing its exit. Furthermore, the results reveal that the complexity of a sector reduces the probability of its specialization in less complex regions while increasing it in more complex regions. On the other hand, sectoral complexity significantly increases the probability of a sector leaving less complex local structures but has no significant effect in highly complex regions.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the data used, the indicators are calculated considering only formal job numbers. Additionally, the tests do not detect the influence of spatial issues. These limitations should be addressed by future research.

Practical implications

The article characterizes a prevailing process of uneven development among Brazilian regions and brings relevant implications, primarily for policymakers. Specifically, for less complex regions, policies should focus on creating opportunities to improve their diversification capabilities in complex sectors that are not too distant from their portfolios.

Originality/value

The article makes an original contribution by proposing an evaluation of regional diversification in Brazil with a focus on complexity, introducing a more detailed differentiation of regions based on their complexity levels and examining the impact of sectoral complexity on diversification patterns within each group.
The two ages of electric vehicle promotion in the United States; a comparative thematic analysis, 1910s-2010s
Authors: Lecour Patrick
Published: March 2024

Purpose

There is a lot of talk about the electric car today, but these vehicles are not new. Indeed, thebeginning of the 20th century saw electricity and the automobile take hold in North American society, so that by 1910, the electric car was everywhere. Until the turn of the 1920s, a new era dawned for transportation in the USA, but without the electric car. The purpose of this study is to question Why did it happen.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops such a comparison, not of the cars themselves, through a detailed engineering analysis, but rather of the marketing of electric vehicles in the USA in 1910 and 2010, as it appeared in the marketing strategies of the manufacturers.

Findings

There are many technical and economic reasons for this, but not only; there are also commercial strategy reasons. The position of manufacturers, especially through advertising and the press, can tell us about this golden age of the electric car, what precipitated its fall, and its reappearance a century later.

Originality/value

It is a comparison of images, of how electric vehicles had been and are proposed to the public, through the exploration of mainly promotional material and newspaper articles.
A review of the impact of decision heuristics on calorie underestimation and the implications for unhealthy eating
Authors: Wang Ziang , Begho Toritseju
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The global rise in obesity can be closely linked to excessive calorie consumption and misperceptions regarding food intake. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature to have a better understanding how heuristic cues – mental shortcuts used for decision-making – impact calorie underestimation and consequently lead to unhealthy eating habits.

Design/methodology/approach

A search was conducted across multiple databases with priority given to studies in developed countries that provided insights into the cognitive processes behind food choices, the application of specific heuristics, and the association with eating behaviours. Articles were also selected based on their methodological quality.

Findings

The main findings are that the dichotomous categorization of foods as healthy or unhealthy can result in underestimating the calorie content in those foods perceived as healthy. Although nutrition claims, health claims and campaigns help in the fight against obesity, there is also the risk that consumers’ reliance on heuristic-based decision-making could aggravate the problem because a misinterpretation or misrepresentation could lead to calorie underestimation and overeating.

Practical implications

To establish effective behavioural interventions for obesity prevalence -, it is critical for interventions and policies to understand how consumers perceive calorie content and how they interpret claims on food marketing or packaging. Recognizing and addressing these heuristic-driven biases and understanding the factors influencing food choices are crucial for encouraging healthier eating habits.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the only review to date that consolidates research on the topic, drawing from multiple disciplines.
Open value creation for the common good: a comprehensive exploration of social innovation in the context of social enterprises
Authors: Nagy Ákos , Krátki Noémi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the ways that social enterprises (SE) create value by embedding themselves in networks through the process of social innovation (SI). The processes of achieving common social missions were studied through selected organizations using an open approach to SI. Novel operational structures as well as unique forms of created value were explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Two organizations embedded in local and international networks were studied and were chosen due to their SI profiles. The study was based on qualitative exploratory research. In-depth analysis was conducted through interviews, open discussions, document analysis as well as personal observation to understand the dynamic interrelatedness of the main factors influencing success of SI ventures.

Findings

This paper identified the role of SI in SEs embedded in networks. Furthermore, the social value creation processes of these organizations as well as the value they create were explored. Based on the findings, SI is rooted in the personality of the included members of the network. The tools of collaboration are platforms that connect the network members to each other. The embedded organizations apply the concept of community sharing with the aim of social value creation.

Research limitations/implications

By focusing mainly on system design principles, the sample consists of mainly those at the core of organizations in facilitator roles, leaving peripheral actor perceptions to be determined by secondhand observations.

Originality/value

While providing a general summary of factors influencing SI activities from extent literature, the paper mainly contributes by providing deeper insight into complex models of SI practices used by SEs. The paper further contributes to popularizing the growing role of SI activities in SEs.
Developing notions of place in an undergraduate elementary social studies methods course
Authors: Cornett Ariel , Piedmont Erin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Place-based, social studies teaching and learning has the potential to foster engaged citizens connected and committed to improving their communities. This study explored the research question, “In what ways do classroom and field-based experiences prepare teacher candidates (TCs) to make connections between place-based education and elementary social studies education?”

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative case study examined how elementary TCs learned about, researched, curated and created place-based social studies educational resources related to community sites. Data collection included TCs’ Pre- and Post-Course Reflections as well as Self-Evaluations, which were analyzed using an inductive approach and multiple rounds of concept coding. Several themes emerged through data analysis.

Findings

The authors organized their findings around three themes: connections (i.e. place becomes personal), immersion (i.e. learning about place to learning in place) and bridge building (i.e. local as classroom). The classroom and field-based experiences in the elementary social studies methods course informed the ways in which TCs learned about and connected to the concept of place, experienced place in a specific place (i.e. downtown Statesboro, Georgia), and reflected upon the myriad ways that they could utilize place in their future elementary social studies classrooms.

Originality/value

TCs (as well as in-service teachers and teacher educators) must become more informed, connected and committed to places within their local communities in order to consider them as resources for elementary social studies teaching and learning.
My colleague is an AI! Trust differences between AI and human teammates
Authors: Georganta Eleni , Ulfert Anna-Sophie
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate trust within human-AI teams. Trust is an essential mechanism for team success and effective human-AI collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

In an online experiment, the authors investigated whether trust perceptions and behaviours are different when introducing a new AI teammate than when introducing a new human teammate. A between-subjects design was used. A total of 127 subjects were presented with a hypothetical team scenario and randomly assigned to one of two conditions: new AI or new human teammate.

Findings

As expected, perceived trustworthiness of the new team member and affective interpersonal trust were lower for an AI teammate than for a human teammate. No differences were found in cognitive interpersonal trust and trust behaviours. The findings suggest that humans can rationally trust an AI teammate when its competence and reliability are presumed, but the emotional aspect seems to be more difficult to develop.

Originality/value

This study contributes to human–AI teamwork research by connecting trust research in human-only teams with trust insights in human–AI collaborations through an integration of the existing literature on teamwork and on trust in intelligent technologies with the first empirical findings on trust towards AI teammates.
Differences in mixed‐species bird flocks across forest succession: Combining network analysis and trait‐based ecology related to the fast‐slow continuum
Authors: Shen Yong , Estrada‐Villegas Sergio , Umaña María Natalia , Goodale Eben , Robinson Scott , Quan Qing , Zhang Qiang
Published: March 2024

Secondary forests are increasingly important for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem functioning. Yet, we know little on how species interactions shift across the wide range of life history strategies in the context of forest succession, especially for non‐trophic animal social systems.

Using data from mixed‐species flocks (hereafter MSFs) and life history and morphological traits from the ‘fast‐slow’ continuum, we utilized a novel combination of network theory and trait‐based ecology to examine the assembly of associations of MSFs among species with different fast‐slow strategies across stages of forest succession that exhibit different degrees of forest complexity.

MSFs formed the most connected and cohesive network in the intermediate successional stage. In contrast, we observed the least connected and cohesive network in the early stage, and a strongly connected but intermediately cohesive network in the late stage. Fast species with smaller body size and mass, and larger clutch size, were gradually replaced by slow species during succession. Interspecific associations generally shifted from those among similarly fast species (early stage) to associations between fast and slow species (intermediate stage), and finally to those among similarly slow species (late stage).

We suggest that vegetation complexity (e.g. tree size, height, diversity and canopy cover), related to the availability of resources and number of niches, shaped the network structure and functional composition of MSFs. Although the late successional forests play an irreplaceable role in protecting forest specialists (i.e. slow species), intermediate stage forests should be also protected, because the large‐sized networks formed by MSFs at intermediate stages can simultaneously conserve more species with varying ecological strategies.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Beyond the kill: The allometry of predation behaviours among large carnivores
Authors: Ritwika V. P. S. , Gopinathan Ajay , Yeakel Justin D.
Published: March 2024

The costs of foraging can be high while also carrying significant risks, especially for consumers feeding at the top of the food chain.

To mitigate these risks, many predators supplement active hunting with scavenging and kleptoparasitic behaviours, in some cases specializing in these alternative modes of predation.

The factors that drive differential utilization of these tactics from species to species are not well understood.

Here, we use an energetics approach to investigate the survival advantages of hunting, scavenging and kleptoparasitism as a function of predator, prey and potential competitor body sizes for terrestrial mammalian carnivores.

The results of our framework reveal that predator tactics become more diverse closer to starvation, while the deployment of scavenging and kleptoparasitism is strongly constrained by the ratio of predator to prey body size.

Our model accurately predicts a behavioural transition away from hunting towards alternative modes of predation with increasing prey size for predators spanning an order of magnitude in body size, closely matching observational data across a range of species.

We then show that this behavioural boundary follows an allometric power‐law scaling relationship where the predator size scales with an exponent nearing 3/4 with prey size, meaning that this behavioural switch occurs at relatively larger threshold prey body size for larger carnivores.

We suggest that our approach may provide a holistic framework for guiding future observational efforts exploring the diverse array of predator foraging behaviours.
Environmental drivers of global variation in home range size of terrestrial and marine mammals
Authors: Broekman Maarten J. E. , Hilbers Jelle P. , Hoeks Selwyn , Huijbregts Mark A. J. , Schipper Aafke M. , Tucker Marlee A.
Published: March 2024

As animal home range size (HRS) provides valuable information for species conservation, it is important to understand the driving factors of HRS variation. It is widely known that differences in species traits (e.g. body mass) are major contributors to variation in mammal HRS. However, most studies examining how environmental variation explains mammal HRS variation have been limited to a few species, or only included a single (mean) HRS estimate for the majority of species, neglecting intraspecific HRS variation. Additionally, most studies examining environmental drivers of HRS variation included only terrestrial species, neglecting marine species.

Using a novel dataset of 2800 HRS estimates from 586 terrestrial and 27 marine mammal species, we quantified the relationships between HRS and environmental variables, accounting for species traits.

Our results indicate that terrestrial mammal HRS was on average 5.3 times larger in areas with low human disturbance (human footprint index [HFI] = 0), compared to areas with maximum human disturbance (HFI = 50). Similarly, HRS was on average 5.4 times larger in areas with low annual mean productivity (NDVI = 0), compared to areas with high productivity (NDVI = 1). In addition, HRS increased by a factor of 1.9 on average from low to high seasonality in productivity (standard deviation (SD) of monthly NDVI from 0 to 0.36). Of these environmental variables, human disturbance and annual mean productivity explained a larger proportion of HRS variance than seasonality in productivity. Marine mammal HRS decreased, on average, by a factor of 3.7 per 10°C decline in annual mean sea surface temperature (SST), and increased by a factor of 1.5 per 1°C increase in SST seasonality (SD of monthly values). Annual mean SST explained more variance in HRS than SST seasonality. Due to the small sample size, caution should be taken when interpreting the marine mammal results.

Our results indicate that environmental variation is relevant for HRS and that future environmental changes might alter the HRS of individuals, with potential consequences for ecosystem functioning and the effectiveness of conservation actions.
Exploring occupational therapy practice in Australian residential aged care facilities: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Rooney Donna , Aplin Tammy , Bennett Sally , Gui Dorcas Simin , Scott Theresa
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Occupational therapy in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) can enhance residents' occupational engagement and wellbeing. However, industry reports suggest that occupational therapists in Australian RACFs have mostly provided physical therapies such as pain management via massage and not addressed residents' occupations. There is limited literature on what constitutes occupational therapists' practice in RACFs to inform policy and practice. The aim of this cross‐sectional survey was to explore practice patterns of occupational therapists working in Australian RACFs and influences on their practice.

Methods

Occupational therapists working in Australian RACFs were invited from July 2019 to March 2020 to complete a self‐report online questionnaire via email and advertisements on industry websites, newsletters, and social media. The questionnaire asked therapists about their caseload, referrals, assessments, and interventions. Data were analysed descriptively and presented as frequencies and percentages.

Results

A total of 214 occupational therapists completed the survey. Occupational therapists' daily practice largely focussed on pain management; other areas of practice included falls prevention, pressure care, and mobility. The Aged Care Funding Instrument in place at the time of the survey was identified as the leading factor influencing therapists' choice of assessments and interventions. Organisational policies and procedures were also perceived as key factors influencing occupational therapy practice.

Conclusion

This paper highlights the influence of government funding and organisational policies in limiting occupational therapists' scope of practice and their ability to fully address the occupational needs of residents. Occupational therapists and the profession in general should be aware of factors in aged care funding models, and their application, that restrict occupational therapy practice and inhibit residents' function and advocate for change where needed. With the introduction of the Australian National Aged Care Classification funding model replacing Aged Care Funding Instrument, future research should explore potential changes to therapists practice following the implementation of the new funding model.
Pre‐loved home: Egg clutches of the striped marsh frog, Limnodynastes peronii, detected in water‐filled burrows created by the hunter hairy crayfish, Cherax setosus
Authors: Gould John , Beranek Chad
Published: March 2024

Many animals create their own microhabitats that are not naturally present in the environment, such as nests and burrows, which are extended phenotypes that perform tasks related to survival and reproduction. Animals may be able to avoid the costs of implementing their own extended phenotypes by exploiting those already created by other species, including structures that are not actively in use or abandoned. Herein, we report on the striped marsh frog, Limnodynastes peronii, from Australia utilizing crayfish burrows for depositing their egg clutches. Field observations revealed large numbers of recently hatched L. peronii tadpoles in two flooded burrows likely created by the hunter hairy crayfish, Cherax setosus, near an ephemeral wetland pond on Kooragang Island, Australia that had partially dried. Our observations indicate that L. peronii may opportunistically exploit crayfish burrows which, when flooded, become suitable aquatic sites for breeding. These small waterbodies may provide fitness benefits to offspring, reducing exposure to aquatic predators found in naturally occurring aquatic systems but at the expense of increasing competition and cannibalism among confined siblings. These burrows may provide suitable microhabitat refuge during droughts, and breeding habitat for amphibians when other typical breeding habitats may not exist due to wetland drying. This is an example of an amphibian using an extended phenotype of a crustacean for the purposes of reproduction, revealing a unique interaction between these species that has not been reported.
HeartMate 3 implantation with an emphasis on the biventricular configuration
Authors: Marasco Silvana F. , McLean Janelle , Kure Christina E. , Rix Julia , Lake Tanieka , Linton Ashlee , Farag James , Zhu Michael Z. L. , Doi Atsuo , Bergin Peter J. , Leet Angeline S. , Taylor Andrew J. , Hare James L. , Patel Hitesh C. , Kaye David , McGiffin David C.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Right ventricular failure following implantation of a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a major driver of mortality. Reported survival following biventricular (BiVAD) or total artificial heart (TAH) implantation remains substantially inferior to LVAD alone. We report our outcomes with LVAD and BiVAD HeartMate 3 (HM3).

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing implantation of an HM3 LVAD between November 2014 and December 2021, at The Alfred, Australia were included in the study. Comparison was made between the BiVAD and LVAD alone groups.

Results

A total of 86 patients, 65 patients with LVAD alone and 21 in a BiVAD configuration underwent implantation. The median age of the LVAD and BiVAD groups was 56 years (Interquartile range 46–62) and 49 years (Interquartile range 37–55), respectively. By 4 years after implantation, 54% of LVAD patients and 43% of BiVAD patients had undergone cardiac transplantation. The incidence of stroke in the entire experience was 3.5% and pump thrombosis 5% (all in the RVAD). There were 14 deaths in the LVAD group and 1 in the BiVAD group. The actuarial survival for LVAD patients at 1 year was 85% and BiVAD patients at 1 year was 95%.

Conclusions

The application of HM 3 BiVAD support in selected patients appears to offer a satisfactory solution to patients requiring biventricular support.
Dementia and depression: Biological connections with amyloid β protein
Authors: dos Santos Helamã Moraes , Bertollo Amanda Gollo , Mingoti Maiqueli Eduarda Dama , Grolli Roberta Eduarda , Kreuz Kelli Maria , Ignácio Zuleide Maria
Published: March 2024

Dementia is an umbrella term for a broad group of age‐associated neurodegenerative diseases. It is estimated that dementia affects 50 million people worldwide and that Alzheimer's disease (AD) is responsible for up to 75% of cases. Small extracellular senile plaques composed of filamentous aggregates of amyloid β (Aβ) protein tend to bind to neuronal receptors, affecting cholinergic, serotonergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission, leading to neuroinflammation, among other pathophysiologic processes and subsequent neuronal death, followed by dementia. The amyloid cascade hypothesis points to a pathological process in the cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), resulting in pathological Aβ. There is a close relationship between the pathologies that lead to dementia and depression. It is estimated that depression is prevalent in up to 90% of individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, with varying severity, and in 20 to 30% of cases of Alzheimer's disease. The hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis is the great intermediary between the pathophysiological mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases and depression. This review discusses the role of Aβ protein in the pathophysiological mechanisms of dementia and depression, considering the HPA axis, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, signalling pathways and neurotransmission.
Brucine alleviates fibroblast‐like synoviocytes dysfunction and inflammation by regulating YY1 during rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Zhang Qian , Wang Gaodan , Xu Bin
Published: March 2024

Brucine is a weak alkaline indole alkaloid with wide pharmacological activities and has been identified to protect against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) process. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are also reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of RA. Here, we aimed to probe the role and mechanism of Brucine and circ_0139658 in RA progression. The fibroblast‐like synoviocytes of RA (RA‐FLSs) were isolated for functional analysis. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, as well as inflammatory response were evaluated by CCK‐8 assay, EdU assay, flow cytometry, transwell assay, and ELISA analysis, respectively. qRT‐PCR and western blotting analyses were utilized to measure the levels of genes and proteins. The binding between miR‐653‐5p and circ_0139658 or Yin Yang 1 (YY1), was verified using dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA pull‐down assays. Brucine suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of RA‐FLSs, and alleviated inflammation by reducing the release of pro‐inflammatory factors and macrophage M1 polarization. RA‐FLSs showed increased circ_0139658 and YY1 levels and decreased miR‐653‐5p levels. Circ_0139658 is directly bound to miR‐653‐5p to regulate YY1 expression. Brucine treatment suppressed circ_0139658 and YY1 expression but increased YY1 expression in RA‐FLSs. Functionally, circ_0139658 overexpression reversed the suppressing effects of Brucine on RA‐FLS dysfunction and inflammation. Moreover, circ_0139658 silencing alleviated the dysfunction and inflammation in RA‐FLSs, which were reverted by YY1 overexpression. Brucine suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, and inflammation in RA‐FLSs by decreasing YY1 via circ_0139658/miR‐653‐5p axis.
Traumatic dental injuries: Knowledge assessment of dentists in the Norwegian Public Dental Service of Vestland
Authors: Cvijic Andjelka , Åstrøm Anne , Kvernenes Monika , Tsilingaridis Georgios , Bletsa Athanasia
Published: March 2024

Background/Aim

Most children and adolescents in Norway attend the Public Dental Service (PDS) where they are treated free‐of‐charge until the age of 19 years. Thus, general dentists employed in the PDS are the primary care providers for traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in young patients. This cross‐sectional study assessed the knowledge of PDS general dentists on the acute management and follow‐up of TDI and its socio‐demographic and attitudinal covariates.

Materials and Methods

All general dentists employed in the Vestland County PDS, Western Norway, (N = 170) received an online questionnaire. Socio‐demographic and professional profiles of respondents as well as attitudinal indicators were queried. Clinical case scenarios on emergency treatment and further follow‐ups of TDI were used to calculate a dental trauma knowledge score (DTKS; range: 0–21). Mann–Whitney U tests and Kruskal–Wallis tests determined differences between the demographic subgroups. Logistic regressions determined the potential of single factors in explaining the variability in dental trauma knowledge.

Results

The response rate was 46%. Most participants (60.5%) had not participated in a TDI course after graduation but would like such a course (84.2%). Mean DTKS was 13.82 (±2.6). Knowledge scores differed significantly between age groups (p = .014) and years since graduation (p = .0018). Younger dentists and recently graduated dentists scored highest. Dentists under the age of 30 years scored higher than 30–39‐ and 40–49‐year‐old dentists in these areas: emergency treatment of crown fractures with pulp exposure, identification of complications after avulsion, and management of severe intrusive luxation injury.

Conclusion

Younger dentists had a higher theoretical knowledge of TDI. Continuing professional development among dentists in the Norwegian PDS is needed for emergency treatment and complication management after TDI.
Stop codon readthrough as a treatment option for epidermolysis bullosa—Where we are and where we are going
Authors: Zandanell Johanna , Wießner Michael , Bauer Johann W. , Wagner Roland N.
Published: March 2024

In the context of rare genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations, the concept of induced stop codon readthrough (SCR) represents an attractive avenue in the ongoing search for improved treatment options. Epidermolysis bullosa (EB)—exemplary for this group of diseases—describes a diverse group of rare, blistering genodermatoses. Characterized by extreme skin fragility upon minor mechanical trauma, the most severe forms often result from nonsense mutations that lead to premature translation termination and loss of function of essential proteins at the dermo‐epidermal junction. Since no curative interventions are currently available, medical care is mainly limited to alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. Complementary to attempts of gene, cell and protein therapy in EB, SCR represents a promising medical alternative. While gentamicin has already been examined in several clinical trials involving EB, other potent SCR inducers, such as ataluren, may also show promise in treating the hitherto non‐curative disease. In addition to the extensively studied aminoglycosides and their derivatives, several other substance classes—non‐aminoglycoside antibiotics and non‐aminoglycoside compounds—are currently under investigation. The extensive data gathered in numerous in vitro experiments and the perspectives they reveal in the clinical setting will be discussed in this review.
Healthy couple, better sleep: Exploring connections and changes in couple relationship education participants
Authors: Wei Menglin , Adler‐Baeder Francesca , McGill Julianne M. , Novak Josh R.
Published: March 2024

Considerable evidence suggests couple relationship education (CRE) programs are effective in improving couples' relationship functioning, yet few studies have examined the implications of CRE programs on indicators of physical health despite substantial research supporting links between relational and physical health. This study utilized a sample of 308 couples randomly assigned to a CRE curriculum to explore the dyadic links between conflict management and self‐care skills (emphasized in CRE), stress, and sleep dysfunction concurrently. We prospectively tested whether changes in skills drove changes in sleep dysfunction or vice versa, for both self and partner. Results from a series of structural equation models indicated indirect links for men and women between conflict management and self‐care skills and sleep dysfunction through lower stress level at program start. Dyadically, men's and women's better conflict management skills were associated with partners' lower stress, which was in turn associated with partners' lower sleep dysfunction. Men's better self‐care skills were linked with partners' lower stress levels, which were linked with partners' lower sleep dysfunction. Tests of dyadic prospective cross‐lagged effects among changes in sleep and changes in skills indicated that initial improvements in both partners' sleep predicted improvements in their own conflict management skills 1 year later. Initial improvements in women's conflict management skills predicted reduced sleep dysfunction for themselves. Additionally, for both partners, early changes in self‐care predicted later reductions in sleep dysfunction. Dyadically, immediate improvements in men's self‐care predicted reduced sleep dysfunction for their partner a year later. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Groundwater microbial communities reflect geothermal activity on volcanic island
Authors: Watson Sheree J. , Arisdakessian Cédric , Petelo Maria , Keliipuleole Kekuʻiapōiula , Tachera Diamond K. , Okuhata Brytne K. , Frank Kiana L.
Published: March 2024

Studies of the effects of volcanic activity on the Hawaiian Islands are extremely relevant due to the past and current co‐eruptions at both Mauna Loa and Kīlauea. The Big Island of Hawaiʻi is one of the most seismically monitored volcanic systems in the world, and recent investigations of the Big Island suggest a widespread subsurface connectivity between volcanoes. Volcanic activity has the potential to add mineral contaminants into groundwater ecosystems, thus affecting water quality, and making inhabitants of volcanic islands particularly vulnerable due to dependence on groundwater aquifers. As part of an interdisciplinary study on groundwater aquifers in Kona, Hawaiʻi, over 40 groundwater wells were sampled quarterly from August 2017 through March 2019, before and after the destructive eruption of the Kīlauea East Rift Zone in May 2018. Sample sites occurred at great distance (~80 km) from Kīlauea, allowing us to pose questions of how volcanic groundwater aquifers might be influenced by volcanic subsurface activity. Approximately 400 water samples were analyzed and temporally split by pre‐eruption and post‐eruption for biogeochemical analysis. While most geochemical constituents did not differ across quarterly sampling, microbial communities varied temporally (pre‐ and post‐eruption). When a salinity threshold amongst samples was set, the greatest microbial community differences were observed in the freshest groundwater samples. Differential analysis indicated bacterial families with sulfur (S) metabolisms (sulfate reducers, sulfide oxidation, and disproportionation of S‐intermediates) were enriched post‐eruption. The diversity in S‐cyclers without a corresponding change in sulfate geochemistry suggests cryptic cycling may occur in groundwater aquifers as a result of distant volcanic subsurface activity. Microbial communities, including taxa that cycle S, may be superior tracers to changes in groundwater quality, especially from direct inputs of subsurface volcanic activity.
Genomic analysis of an aggressive hepatic leiomyosarcoma case following treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Numata Yuto , Akutsu Noriyuki , Idogawa Masashi , Wagatsuma Kohei , Numata Yasunao , Ishigami Keisuike , Nakamura Tomoya , Hirano Takehiro , Kawakami Yujiro , Masaki Yoshiharu , Murota Ayako , Sasaki Shigeru , Nakase Hiroshi
Published: March 2024

A 70‐year‐old man undergoing treatment for immunoglobulin G4‐related disease developed a liver mass on computed tomography during routine imaging examination. The tumor was located in the hepatic S1/4 region, was 38 mm in size, and showed arterial enhancement on dynamic contrast‐enhanced computed tomography. We performed a liver biopsy and diagnosed moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient underwent proton beam therapy. The tumor remained unchanged but enlarged after 4 years. The patient was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence and received hepatic arterial chemoembolization. However, 1 year later, the patient developed jaundice, and the liver tumor grew in size. Unfortunately, the patient passed away. Autopsy revealed that the tumor consisted of spindle‐shaped cells exhibiting nuclear atypia and a fission pattern and tested positive for α‐smooth muscle actin and vimentin. No hepatocellular carcinoma components were observed, and the patient was pathologically diagnosed with hepatic leiomyosarcoma. Next‐generation sequencing revealed somatic mutations in CACNA2D4, CTNNB1, DOCK5, IPO8, MTMR1, PABPC5, SEMA6D, and ZFP36L1. Based on the genetic mutation, sarcomatoid hepatocarcinoma was the most likely pathogenesis in this case. This mutation is indicative of the transition from sarcomatoid hepatocarcinoma to hepatic leiomyosarcoma.
eDNA for monitoring and conserving terrestrial arthropods: Insights from a systematic map and barcode repositories assessments
Authors: Leandro Camila , Jay‐Robert Pierre , Pétillon Julien
Published: March 2024

In the past decade, environmental DNA (eDNA) assays have become an essential tool to investigate species presence with samples from the environment instead of collected specimens. eDNA sampling techniques have proved their worth in freshwater and marine studies; now, some trends emerge for their use in terrestrial habitats and particularly to study arthropods. After a systematic review of the literature, we illustrate and analyse the diversity of such studies and discuss their benefits and drawbacks.

We identified the most relevant research themes and focused on (i) the taxa and environmental sample types targeted and (ii) the details of the survey scheme. In parallel, we also assessed the available number of sequences from cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), 16S and 18S barcode regions for four major taxa (spiders, centipedes, springtails and insects) in relation to their diversity.

We found strong taxonomic and geographic biases regarding coverage per barcode. eDNA research on terrestrial arthropods mainly focuses on insect species that affect humanity in a positive or negative way, and the availability of sequences is much higher for species from temperate‐developed countries than from tropical ones. Moreover, although a high variety of environmental samples are being used, most studies do not assess the barcode completeness of the target taxa nor compare the efficacy of eDNA monitoring technique to other well established and known traditional techniques.

Careful workflow designs and comparisons are needed before giving any management or conservation advice as eDNA monitoring does not come without error. Strengths and weaknesses of eDNA assays for conservation are discussed.
When the time is right: Men's experiences of recovery in self‐harm
Authors: Gabrielsson Sebastian , Wolpher Nicole , Zammata Elias , Fagerström Lisbeth , Lindgren Britt‐Marie
Published: March 2024

Previous research has mainly focused on self‐harm among women, defining what it is, what functions it has, how to manage and prevent self‐harm, and how to recover from it. A recent review of the literature on self‐harm among men concluded that research need to consider both clinical and personal aspects of recovery and pointed out the need to explore recovery from men's point of view. This study aimed to describe men's experiences of recovery in self‐harm. Data were collected in Sweden in 2020 using semi‐structured interviews. Eleven men who had recovered in self‐harm were interviewed. Interviews were analysed using an abductive approach to qualitative content analysis. The analysis involved the application of an established framework for personal recovery in mental illness: connectedness, hope, identity, meaning, and empowerment (CHIME). The analysis identified one main theme: when the time is right, and five sub‐themes: finding support in others; trusting that change is possible; getting to know yourself; reaching a new understanding; and developing new strategies to manage life. While the cessation of self‐harm might both be a sign of and contribute to recovery, it is not the defining feature of recovery. Mental health professionals should be persistent in providing person‐centred, recovery‐oriented care for men who self‐harm. The CHIME framework can be applied in the context of men's recovery in self‐harm. This study is reported in accordance with the COREQ guidelines.