bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From screen to society: second language learners’ cultural adaptation and identity reconstruction in virtual knowledge communities
Authors: Razmeh Shakiba
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of computer-assisted language learning on cultural adaptation and language learning in non-traditional classroom settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of this study came from extended periods of observation, multiple rounds of semi-structured interviews and home visits. Using narrative inquiry, it analyzes an immigrant's journey of language learning and cultural adaptation within a virtual knowledge community.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal the profound impact of virtual knowledge communities on enhancing second language learning and facilitating cultural adaptation.

Originality/value

This study offers original insights by demonstrating the transformative power of virtual knowledge communities for the purpose of second language acquisition and cultural adaptation.
From identification to innovation: how empowering leadership drives organizational innovativeness
Authors: Burhan Qurat-ul-Ain , Khan Muhammad Asif
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Empowering leadership has a wide range of positive individual employee-related outcomes. However, a limited number of research studies are available emphasizing the overall organization-related outcomes. The major aim of this study is to delve into the function of organizational identification and intellectual capital (structural, relational and human) in mediating the relationship between empowering leadership and organizational innovativeness. Depending upon the resource-based view theory, this study comprehensively investigates the sequential effects of empowered leadership on the mediating roles of organizational identification and intellectual capital in organizational innovativeness.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered through a self-administered questionnaire, which got 337 responses from telecom employees. To evaluate the hypotheses, the data were analyzed in SEM-M-Plus using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that empowering leadership impacts organizational innovativeness with the sequential mediation of organizational identification and intellectual capital (structural, human and social).

Practical implications

Organizations can identify and encourage leaders who exhibit empowering behaviors such as delegating responsibilities, providing autonomy and fostering a sense of ownership among employees. Also, organizations can foster intellectual capital by providing opportunities for learning, training and development. Additionally, knowledge sharing and collaboration can help to enhance the intellectual capital of employees.

Originality/value

While much research has been conducted on empowering leadership, the continued development of knowledge and the emergence of new perspectives related to identification and intellectual capital highlights the importance of exploring alternative paths that have been overlooked. Therefore, there is a pressing need to conduct research that takes into account these additional factors.
Sex and size shape the ontogeny of partial migration
Authors: Witczak Stephanie , Kormann Urs , Schaub Michael , Oppel Steffen , Grüebler Martin U.
Published: January 2024

The arrival‐time hypothesis of partial seasonal migration proposes that over‐winter residence is driven by reproductive benefits of early presence on the breeding grounds. Thus, it predicts increased occurrence of residence at reproductive age. In contrast, the body size hypothesis proposes age‐independent benefits of residence for large individuals, who should exhibit greater winter tolerance. Despite different expectations in age patterns for the two hypotheses in long‐lived partially migrant species, there is little empirical work investigating the ontogeny of migratory phenotypic expression, that is the expression of residence or migration.

We investigated the influence of age, sex and body size on migratory phenotype throughout ontogeny (from first year to early adulthood) in a long‐lived partially migrant species, the red kite Milvus milvus. We GPS‐tracked 311 individuals tagged as juveniles and 70 individuals tagged as adults over multiple years, yielding 881 observed annual cycles. From this data, we estimated age‐dependent probabilities of the transition to residence and of survival in migrants and residents using a Bayesian multistate capture‐recapture model, as well as the probability of resuming migration once resident. We then calculated the resulting proportion of residents per age class.

In both sexes, almost all juveniles migrated in their first winter, after which the probability of becoming resident gradually increased with age class to approximately 0.3 in adults (>3 calendar years). A size effect in third calendar year females suggests that large females adopt residence earlier in life than small females. The transition from residence back to migration only occurred with a probability of 0.15 across all resident individuals. In addition, survival was notably reduced in adult male migrants compared to adult male residents. These results are largely consistent with the arrival‐time and body size hypotheses, simultaneously.

Our results reveal a plastic, yet primarily directional within‐individual change in migratory phenotype towards more residence with increasing age, varying between sexes and between individuals of different size. This study highlights that different individual characteristics can jointly shape the ontogeny of migratory behaviour and result in complex within‐population patterns and persistence of migratory phenotypes.
Wing buzzing as a mechanism for generating vibrational signals in psyllids (Hemiptera: Psylloidea)
Authors: Polajnar Jernej , Kvinikadze Elizaveta , Harley Adam W. , Malenovský Igor
Published: January 2024

Psyllids, or jumping plant lice (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Psylloidea), are a group of small phytophagous insects that include some important pests of crops worldwide. Sexual communication of psyllids occurs via vibrations transmitted through host plants, which play an important role in mate recognition and localization. The signals are species‐specific and can be used to aid in psyllid taxonomy and pest control. Several hypotheses have been proposed for the mechanism that generates these vibrations, of which stridulation, that is, friction between parts of the forewing and thorax, has received the most attention. We have investigated vibrational communication in the European pear psyllid speciesCacopsylla pyrisuga(Foerster, 1848) using laser vibrometry and high‐speed video recording, to directly observe the movements associated with signal production. We describe for the first time the basic characteristics of the signals and signal emission of this species. Based on observations and analysis of the video recordings using a point‐tracking algorithm, and their comparison with laser vibrometer recordings, we argue that males ofC. pyrisugaproduce the vibrations primarily by wing buzzing, that is, tremulation that does not involve friction between the wings and thorax. Comparing observed signal properties with previously published data, we predict that wing buzzing is the main mechanism of signal production in all vibrating psyllids.
Dietary experience alters predatory behavior of two ladybird species on tomato potato psyllid
Authors: Sarkar Shovon Chandra , Milroy Stephen Paul , Xu Wei
Published: January 2024

The tomato potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli, is an invasive pest in Australia, which can cause severe economic loss in the production of Solanaceous crops. As an invasive pest, B. cockerelli may also modify biotic interactions in Australian agricultural and native ecosystems. Resident generalist predators in an area may have the ability to utilize invasive pest species as prey but this will depend on their specific predatory behavior. The extent to which generalist predators learn from their previous dietary experience (i.e., whether they have used a particular species as prey before) and how this impacts subsequent prey choice will influence predator and prey population dynamics after invasion. In this study, one nonnative resident ladybird, Hippodamia variegata, and one native ladybird, Coccinella transversalis, were investigated. Dietary experience with B. cockerelli as a prey species significantly increased preference for the psyllid in a short term (6 h) Petri dish study where a choice of prey was given. Greater suppression of B. cockerelli populations by experienced ladybirds was also observed on glasshouse grown tomato plants. This was presumably due to altered prey recognition by experience. The result of this study suggest the potential to improve the impact of biological control agents on invasive pests by providing early life experience consuming the target species. It may prove valuable for developing improved augmentative release strategies for ladybirds to manage specific insect pest species.
The double shared epitope: Its impact on clinical features and ultrasound findings in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Michitsuji Tohru , Fukui Shoichi , Nishino Ayako , Endo Yushiro , Furukawa Kaori , Shimizu Toshimasa , Umeda Masataka , Sumiyoshi Remi , Koga Tomohiro , Iwamoto Naoki , Origuchi Tomoki , Kawakami Atsushi , Kawashiri Shin‐ya
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The link between the HLA‐DRB1 locus and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) shown in genome‐wide association studies strengthens the shared epitope (SE) hypothesis. We aimed to assess the impact of the double dose of the SE (double SE) on RA and explore its clinical associations, including the response to abatacept.

Methods

We evaluated RA patients treated with csDMARDs or abatacept for HLA‐DRB1 typing, clinical characteristics at baseline, and disease activity and ultrasound findings over 12 months.

Results

Patients with the double SE (n = 12) had significantly higher anti‐citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) titers, higher total grayscale (GS) score, and power Doppler (PD) score at baseline than patients without the double SE. Patients with the double SE exhibited reduced rates of SDAI remission and pronounced improvements in multiple disease activity between baseline and 12 months, including SDAI, CDAI, total GS score, and total PD score. When focusing on abatacept‐treated patients, the decreases in SDAI, CDAI, and total PD score between baseline and 12 months were significantly larger in patients with the double SE.

Conclusions

Patients with the double SE exhibited distinct characteristics, increased disease activity, and improved response to abatacept treatment.
Validation of diagnosis algorithms for ankylosing spondylitis in claim‐based database
Authors: Gau Shuo‐Yan , Tsai Hsiang‐En , Wang Yu‐Hsun , Wei James Cheng‐Chung
Published: January 2024

Background

Claims‐based algorithms using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes have become a common approach for researchers to define ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in studies. To address potential misclassification bias caused by the claim‐based algorithms, we conducted the current study to validate whether these algorithms of medical claims could accurately represent AS diagnoses.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with AS based on ICD codes were retrieved from the electronic medical records database at a Taiwanese medical center (Chung Shan University Hospital, Taiwan). After random sampling and stratification based on age and sex, the medical information of participants was appraised based on the 2009 ASAS guideline to evaluate the actual status of ICD codes claim‐based AS patients. Positive predict values (PPV) of different algorithms of ICD codes were also calculated.

Results

Within the 4160 patients with claim‐based AS diagnosis, 387 eligible patients were finally included in the study design after random sampling. The PPV of the diagnostic algorithm of having at least 4 outpatient or 1 inpatient ICD record was 72.77 (95% CI, 66.79–78.75), whereas the PPV increased to 85.64 when the diagnoses were restricted to be made by rheumatologists (95% CI, 80.53–90.74).

Conclusions

While performing database studies, researchers should be aware of the low PPV of specific algorithms when defining AS. Algorithms with higher PPV were recommended to be adopted to avoid misclassification biases.
Association between serum uric acid levels and lung function in the NHANES cohort (2007–2012): A cross‐sectional analysis of a diverse American population
Authors: Kang Tianlun , Xi Yajing , Lu Siyi , Qian Tangliang , Du Mengmeng , Shi Xiaojun , Hou Xiujuan
Published: January 2024

Background

Hyperuricemia has been linked to various health conditions. However, the relationship between uric acid (UA) levels and lung function remains debated.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study of 6750 participants aged 20–69 from NHANES, we assessed UA levels and lung function (FVC and FEV1). We conducted regression analyses while adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

After accounting for factors like age, sex, BMI, smoking, and more, we found a negative association between UA FVC and FEV1. Specifically, for every 0.1 mg/dL increase in UA, FEV1 decreased by 15.265 mL, and FVC decreased by 24.46 mL. No association was observed with FEV1/FVC. Subgroup analyses revealed similar negative correlations among various groups, particularly in non‐Hispanic Black females under 60.

Conclusion

Serum UA levels are inversely associated with FEV1 and FVC in the American population, with a notable impact on non‐Hispanic Black females under 60.
Associations of dexamethasone's effect on morphine consumption after total knee arthroplasty—Subgroup analyses
Authors: Gasbjerg Kasper S. , Lunn Troels H. , Hägi‐Pedersen Daniel , Overgaard Søren , Pedersen Niels A. , Lindholm Peter , Lindberg‐Larsen Martin , Brorson Stig , Schrøder Henrik M. , Thybo Kasper H. , Olsen Markus H. , Mathiesen Ole , Jakobsen Janus C.
Published: January 2024

The DEXamethasone twice for pain treatment after Total Knee Arthroplasty (DEX‐2‐TKA) trial showed that adding one and two doses of 24 mg intravenous dexamethasone to paracetamol, ibuprofen and local infiltration analgesia, reduced morphine consumption (primary outcome) within 48 h after TKA. We aimed to explore the differences in the effect of dexamethasone on morphine consumption in different subgroups. Quantile regression adjusted for site was used to test for significant interaction between the predefined dichotomised subgroups and treatment group. The subgroups were defined based on baseline data: sex (male/female), age (≤65 years/>65 years), American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA)‐score (ASA I + II/III), visual analogue score of preoperative pain at rest (≤30 mm/>30 mm), pain during mobilisation (≤30 mm/>30 mm), type of anaesthesia (spinal anaesthesia/general anaesthesia and spinal converted to general anaesthesia), and prior daily use of analgesics (either paracetamol and/or NSAID/neither). These analyses were supplemented with post hoc multivariate linear regression analyses. Test of interaction comparing sex in the pairwise comparison between DX2 (dexamethasone [24 mg] + dexamethasone [24 mg]) versus placebo (p = .02), showed a larger effect of dexamethasone on morphine consumption in male patients compared to females. Test of interaction comparing age in the pairwise comparison between DX1 (dexamethasone [24 mg] + placebo) versus placebo (p = .04), showed a larger effect of dexamethasone on morphine consumption in younger patients (≤65 years) compared to older. All remaining subgroup analyses showed no evidence of a difference. The supplemental multivariate analyses did not support any significant interaction for sex (p = .256) or age (p = .730) but supported a significant interaction with the type of anaesthesia (p < .001). Our results from the quantile regression analyses indicate that the male sex and younger age (≤65 years) may be associated with a larger analgesic effect of dexamethasone than the effects in other types of patients. However, this is not supported by post‐hoc multivariate linear regression analyses. The two types of analyses both supported a possible interaction with the type of anaesthesia.
Birth characteristics as predictors of respiratory syncytial virus hospitalisation in newborns to optimise immunisation schedule
Authors: Amodio Emanuele , Pisciotta Vincenzo , Genovese Dario , Vella Giuseppe , Verso Maria Gabriella , Giuffrè Mario , Vitale Francesco
Published: January 2024

Aim

To examine birth characteristics that influence infant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalisation risk in order to identify risk factors for severe RSV infections.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of 460 771 Sicilian children under 6 months old from January 2007 to December 2017. Hospital discharge records were consulted to identify cases and hospitalisations with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 466.11 (RSV bronchiolitis), 480.1 (RSV pneumonia) and 079.6 (RSV). RSV hospitalisation risk was estimated using adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results

Overall, 2420 (5.25 per 1000 infants) RSV‐related hospitalisations were identified during the study, with girls accounting for 52.8%. RSV hospitalisation risk increased for full‐term, transferred, extreme immature, and preterm neonates with serious issues (aOR 3.25, 95% CI 2.90–3.64; aOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.47–2.32; aOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.11–2.07; and aOR 1.48, 95% CI 1.14–1.90). Compared to children born in June, the risk of RSV hospitalisation was significantly higher in children born in January (aOR 28.09, 95% CI 17.68–48.24) and December (aOR 27.36, 95% CI 17.21–46.99).

Conclusion

This study identified birth month and diagnosis‐related groups as key predictors of RSV hospitalisations. This could help manage monoclonal antibody appropriateness criteria.
Novel sampling technique maintaining the two‐dimensional organization of microbes during cultivation from chronic wounds: The Imprint method
Authors: Iversen Anne Kristine Servais , Fritz Blaine Gabriel , Hansen Mads Joachim , Kirketerp‐Møller Klaus , Jakobsen Tim Holm , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Lichtenberg Mads
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to develop and validate “the Imprint method,”, a technique for sampling microbes from chronic wounds while preserving their two‐dimensional spatial organization. We used nylon filters to sample bacteria and compared with sampling using Eswabs in 12 patients. The Imprint method identified a mean of 0.93 unique species more than Eswab (4.3 ± 2.2 and 3.4 ± 1.4 unique species, respectively; mean ± SD; n = 30). Accuracy between the Eswab and the Imprint method was 93.2% and in cases of disagreement between methods, Imprint had a higher sensitivity in 6/8 of the most prevalent species. In vitro validation confirmed that the Imprint method could transfer bacterial colonies while replicating their two‐dimensional organization and the area covered by bacteria on the plate sampled. Clinical testing demonstrated that the imprint method is a rapid and feasible technique that identified more unique bacterial species than Eswab with a good agreement between methods but that Imprint was better at detecting important pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The Imprint method is a novel technique that cultures and records the two‐dimensional organization of microbes, providing an alternative or supplement to conventional surface culture using Eswab.
Articulating forceps in laparoscopic total mesorectal excision: A video comparison with robotic surgery
Authors: Masui Hideyuki , Itatani Yoshiro , Hoshino Nobuaki , Okamura Ryosuke , Nishigori Tatsuto , Hisamori Shigeo , Tsunoda Shigeru , Hida Koya , Obama Kazutaka
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Total mesorectal excision (TME) is an established standard procedure for rectal surgery; however, it is technically challenging because of the deep and narrow pelvis. Minimally invasive surgeries have gained prominence for TME with favorable outcomes but come with limitations. Laparoscopic surgery often has dexterity restrictions because of the use of straight forceps, whereas robotic surgery is impeded by high costs and extended operative times. Articulating forceps aim to bridge the gap between these methods by offering enhanced dexterity at a lower cost.

Patients and Surgical Technique

This video study involves two female patients diagnosed with lower rectal cancer. One patient underwent laparoscopic intersphincteric resection (Lap‐ISR) using the ArtiSential articulating forceps (LIVSMED Inc.), and the other underwent robot‐assisted low anterior resection (Rob‐LAR) using the da Vinci Xi System. Both operations involved similar mesorectal dissection steps, except for the anastomosis. The standard port placement was used, and dissection was performed circumferentially down to the perianal region.

Discussion

The ArtiSential demonstrated effectiveness comparable with the da Vinci Xi system in TME surgery, with the potential advantage of improved cost‐effectiveness.
Past meets present: Reviving 80‐year‐old Canadian dried serum from World War II and its significance in advancing modern freeze‐dried plasma for prehospital management of haemorrhage
Authors: Singh Kanwal , Peng Henry T. , Moes Katy , Kretz Colin A. , Beckett Andrew
Published: January 2024

During World War II, Charles H. Best utilized Charles R. Drew's plasma isolation and drying technique to lead Canada's initiative to provide dried serum as a means of primary resuscitation for British casualties on the frontlines. Serum was likely utilized over plasma for its volume expansion properties without the risk of clotting during prolonged storage. We reconstituted dried serum from 1943 and discovered intact albumin, as well as anti‐thrombin, plasminogen, protein C and protein S activity. Proteomic analysis identified 71 proteins, most prominent being albumin, and positive for hepatitis B by serological testing. Transmission of blood‐borne diseases ended the programme, until modern advances in testing and pathogen reduction revived this technology. We tested the latest iteration of Canadian freeze‐dried plasma (FDP), which was stored for 4 years, and demonstrated that its clotting capacity remained equivalent to fresh frozen plasma. We recommend that FDP is a strong alternative to contemporary prehospital resuscitation fluids (e.g. normal saline/lactated Ringer's) in managing prehospital haemorrhage where whole blood is unavailable.
Network pharmacology analysis and experimental evaluations of YH complex on androgenetic alopecia by regulating the androgenic‐apoptotic axis
Authors: Kim Mi Hye , Yang Woong Mo
Published: January 2024

Cinnamomum cassia and Astragalus membranaceus have been used as traditional medicines as well as functional foods worldwide, but its hair growth properties have been verified yet. This study was designed that possible molecular mechanism of YH complex consisting of C. cassia and A. membranaceus on androgenetic alopecia (AGA) was predicted and investigated in mice. Target genes of C. cassia and A. membranaceus constructed the YH complex network. AGA mice were induced by injection of testosterone and 100 and 150 mg/kg of YH complex were orally administered. From result of network analysis, the possible underlying mechanism of YH complex was closely related with the “regulation of hair cycle” and “apoptosis signaling pathway.” In depilated AGA mice, YH complex markedly promoted hair regrowth. Histological recovery on size and shape of hair follicles was appeared by YH complex administration. The expressions of 5α‐reductase and TGF‐β were significantly decreased in dorsal skin tissues of YH complex‐treated mice. Antiapoptotic Bcl‐2/Bax ratio was upregulated, while caspase activation was downregulated by treatment with YH complex. In summary, YH complex regulated hair development cycle by inhibiting the androgenic‐apoptotic axis in AGA. YH complex would be a potent therapeutic agent for alopecia.
‘They are watching you do everything online’: Children's perceptions of social media surveillance
Authors: Pescott Claire Kathryn
Published: January 2024

Through a Foucauldian lens, this qualitative study explored the perspectives and lived conditions of children's experiences of social media surveillance. Sixteen children between the ages of 10 and 11 years old participated in the creative method of collaging with an unstructured interview in four schools in South Wales, UK. Visual combined with verbal analysis found a nuanced picture of how social media surveillance has influenced children's cultural and social practices of their childhood. Despite the challenges of peer and adult control exemplified, children did demonstrate agency within their digital spaces. Policy implications should involve a stronger emphasis on developing children's emotional resilience and discernment surrounding perceived surveillance.
Monitoring data for a new large offshore marine protected area reveals infeasible management objectives
Authors: Morris Corey J. , Nguyen Khanh Q. , Neves Bárbara de Moura , Cote David
Published: January 2024

Predicting and measuring changes resulting from marine protected areas (MPAs) has posed a challenge for practitioners, partly because ecosystems are complex and can change in unanticipated ways, but also due to MPA characteristics such as design factors, conservation objectives (COs), and monitoring programs, that can leave little chance of meeting stated goals. We consider these design factors for the Laurentian Channel MPA, a large offshore Canadian protected area established to protect against fishing impacts. Specifically, in this study we evaluated (1) whether it is realistic to expect improvements in the MPA for four previously established taxa‐specific COs, and (2) whether existing scientific surveys are capable of detecting changes in these CO taxa even if they occurred. Three CO species were sampled in scientific multispecies research vessel trawl surveys (Black Dogfish, Smooth Skate, and Northern Wolffish) and a fourth CO, sea pen taxa, were enumerated using seafloor imagery. Simulations indicate that trawl surveys have very little chance of detecting change in the abundance of the three fish species examined, while seafloor imagery data had higher statistical power for sea pen taxa. Moreover, we show that expecting change related to the removal of fishing is unrealistic due to the fact that the MPA was established in an area of minimal fishing pressure. While positive change is unlikely to be induced by the MPA, or be detected if they occurred, this MPA could provide conservation benefits if COs and monitoring approaches were realigned to match the unique features of this area that represents largely unimpacted sensitive benthic habitats.
Foramen ovale flap aneurysm in fetuses associated with and without heart defects: Prenatal diagnosis, imaging, in‐utero hemodynamics, pregnancy, and postnatal outcomes
Authors: Karmegaraj Balaganesh
Published: January 2024

Background

Isolated redundant foramen ovale flap aneurysm (RFOA) in the absence of restrictive foramen ovale is believed to be a cause for pseudocoarctation of aorta since the impediment of blood flow to the left heart can be severe, resembling the picture of left ventricular hypoplasia with retrograde aortic flow. The primary objective of the study is to find whether RFOA is always a benign lesion. The main focus of the study is to share my experience in particular on fetuses having redundant foramen ovale flap aneurysm developing into coarctation of aorta and to study the associated factors.

Methods

Retrospective study (January 2020 to June 2023). All fetuses with RFOA associated with and without congenital heart defects were included. Fetuses with restrictive foramen ovale and RFOA with single ventricle hearts were excluded. The imaging, in‐utero hemodynamics, pregnancy, and postnatal outcomes with at least 3 months follow‐up were presented.

Results

During the study period, a total of 1499 fetal echocardiography were performed. Twenty‐two fetuses with RFOA were included. Fourteen fetuses had isolated RFOA and eight had associated abnormalities [extracardiac (n = 5); intracardiac (n = 2), Both (n = 1)]. Genetic evaluation were performed only in fetuses with associated defects were normal. Postnatally all isolated RFOA fetuses had no aortic arch obstruction. Fetuses with associated aberrant right subclavian artery, isolated left superior vena cava, absent ductus venosus and ventricular septal defects developed aortic arch obstruction after birth. RFOA causes smallish left ventricle in fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot which recovered to normal size postnatally.

Conclusion

Isolated RFOA can be benign, however, if it is associated with cardiac or extracardiac anomalies predominantly resulted in aortic arch obstruction. Though it is a cause for pseudocoarctation of aorta, through postnatal reassessment of aortic arch is mandatory. Careful search for intracardiac and systemic venous anomalies is recommended. It created confusion regarding adequacy of left ventricle when associated with congenital heart defects.
‘Unpredictable chronic mild stress does not exacerbate memory impairment or altered neuronal and glial plasticity in the hippocampus of middle‐aged vitamin D deficient mice’
Authors: Somelar‐Duracz Kelli , Jürgenson Monika , Viil Janeli , Zharkovsky Alexander , Jaako Külli
Published: January 2024

Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide health concern, especially in the elderly population. Much remains unknown about the relationship between vitamin D deficiency (VDD), stress‐induced cognitive dysfunctions and depressive‐like behaviour. In this study, 4‐month‐old male C57Bl/6J mice were fed with control or vitamin D free diet for 6 months, followed by unpredictable chronic stress (UCMS) for 8 weeks. VDD induced cognitive impairment and reduced grooming behaviour, but did not induce depressive‐like behaviour. While UCMS in vitamin D sufficient mice induced expected depressive‐like phenotype and impairments in the contextual fear memory, chronic stress did not manifest as an additional risk factor for memory impairments and depressive‐like behaviour in VDD mice. In fact, UCMS restored self‐care behaviour in VDD mice. At the histopathological level, VDD mice exhibited cell loss in the granule cell layer, reduced survival of newly generated cells, accompanied with an increased number of apoptotic cells and alterations in glial morphology in the hippocampus; however, these effects were not exacerbated by UCMS. Interestingly, UCMS reversed VDD induced loss of microglial cells. Moreover, tyrosine hydroxylase levels decreased in the striatum of VDD mice, but not in stressed VDD mice. These findings indicate that long‐term VDD in adulthood impairs cognition but does not augment behavioural response to UCMS in middle‐aged mice. While VDD caused cell loss and altered glial response in the DG of the hippocampus, these effects were not exacerbated by UCMS and could contribute to mechanisms regulating altered stress response.
Contractile properties and magnetic resonance imaging‐assessed fat replacement of muscles in myotonia congenita
Authors: Jacobsen Laura Nørager , Stemmerik Mads Godtfeldt , Skriver Sofie Vinther , Pedersen Jonas Jalili , Løkken Nicoline , Vissing John
Published: January 2024

Background and purpose

Myotonia congenita (MC) is a muscle channelopathy in which pathogenic variants in a key sarcolemmal chloride channel Gene (CLCN1) cause myotonia. This study used muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantify contractile properties and fat replacement of muscles in a Danish cohort of MC patients.

Methods

Individuals with the Thomsen (dominant) and Becker (recessive) variants of MC were studied. Isometric muscle strength, whole‐body MRI, and clinical data were collected. The degree of muscle fat replacement of thigh, calf, and forearm muscles was quantitively calculated on Dixon MRI as fat fractions (FFs). Contractility was evaluated as the muscle strength per contractile muscle cross‐sectional area (PT/CCSA). Muscle contractility was compared with clinical data.

Results

Intramuscular FF was increased and contractility reduced in calf and in forearm muscles compared with controls (FF = 7.0–14.3% vs. 5.3–9.6%, PT/CCSA = 1.1–4.9 Nm/cm2 vs. 1.9–5.8 Nm/cm2 [p < 0.05]). Becker individuals also showed increased intramuscular FF and reduced contractility of thigh muscles (FF = 11.9% vs. 9.2%, PT/CCSA = 1.9 Nm/cm2 vs. 3.2 Nm/cm2 [p < 0.05]). Individual muscle analysis showed that increased FF was limited to seven of 18 examined muscles (p < 0.05). There was a weak correlation between reduced contractility and severity of symptoms.

Conclusions

Individuals with MC have increased fat replacement and reduced contractile properties of muscles. Nonetheless, changes were small and likely did not impact clinically on their myotonic symptoms.
Stallion semen cryopreservation: Frozen semen preparation, handling and breeding
Authors: Pasch Lauren
Published: January 2024

The use of cryopreserved stallion semen is a significant aspect of equine reproduction, despite the tendency for lower per cycle pregnancy rates than cooled or fresh semen. This decreased fertility of thawed frozen semen is due in part to the innate subfertility of the chosen male breeding population, but also to the direct insults to the sperm cell during the freezing and subsequent thawing process. The mare aspect of frozen semen breeding is intensively managed to compensate for the aforementioned damages, and acceptable pregnancy rates can be achieved. Here we describe the stallion semen cryopreservation process including semen collection, expected causes of damage in processing, freezing and thawing, mare management and future directions.
Cover Image
Authors: Ronquillo Janet , Nguyen Michael T. , Rothi Linnea Y. , Bui‐Tu Trung‐Dan , Yang Jocelyn , Halladay Lindsay R.
Published: January 2024

The cover image is based on the Original Article Nature and nurture: Comparing mouse behavior in classic versus revised anxiety‐like and social behavioral assays in genetically or environmentally defined groups by Janet Ronquillo et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/gbb.12869.

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Roles of support NGOs for migration between the Philippines and Japan: Focusing on the experiences of migrant women and Japanese–Filipino Children
Authors: Ogaya Chiho , Ono Sera , Hara Megumi
Published: January 2024

Over the last 3 decades, the emergence of Japanese–Filipino children, born from the presence of female entertainers holding the “entertainer” residency status, has profoundly shaped the dynamic movement of individuals between Japan and the Philippines. These distinctive migration patterns have been regarded as noteworthy “social issues” within both Japanese and Philippine contexts. This study aims to illuminate the multifaceted roles assumed by support organizations in addressing this phenomenon. This article draws from collaborative research conducted with three prominent organizations primarily located in the Philippines, dedicated to providing assistance and empowerment to Japanese–Filipino children and their mothers. This paper delves into the diverse functions that support organizations undertake within the context of migration between these two countries. In summary, this paper discerns several key roles that support organizations have undertaken in the migration between Japan and the Philippines. First, these NGOs contribute to shaping the discourse surrounding the challenges associated with entertainers and Japanese–Filipino children, thus influencing perceptions of these issues. Second, these support organizations serve as transformative spaces for former entertainer women returning to their home countries, aiding them and their offspring in undergoing identity shifts and personal growth. Finally, while these organizations strive to combat human trafficking and exploitative migration, unintended consequences have led to the direct and/or indirect mediation of the younger generation's movement to Japan. In essence, this research underscores the intricate roles that support organizations play in mediating the intricate web of migration dynamics between Japan and the Philippines.
Earlier diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in primary care: A call to action
Authors: Gad Hoda , Kalra Sanjay , Pinzon Rizaldy , Garcia Rey‐an Nino , Yotsombut Kitiyot , Coetzee Ankia , Nafach Jalal , Lim Lee‐Ling , Fletcher Pablo E. , Lim Vivien , Malik Rayaz A.
Published: January 2024

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) often remains undiagnosed (~80%). Earlier diagnosis of PN may reduce morbidity and enable earlier risk factor reduction to limit disease progression. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common PN and the 10 g monofilament is endorsed as an inexpensive and easily performed test for DPN. However, it only detects patients with advanced neuropathy at high risk of foot ulceration. There are many validated questionnaires to diagnose PN, but they can be time‐consuming and have complex scoring systems. Primary care physicians (PCPs) have busy clinics and lack access to a readily available screening method to diagnose PN. They would prefer a short, simple, and accurate tool to screen for PN. Involving the patient in the screening process would not only reduce the time a physician requires to make a diagnosis but would also empower the patient. Following an expert meeting of diabetologists and neurologists from the Middle East, South East Asia and Latin America, a consensus was formulated to help improve the diagnosis of PN in primary care using a simple tool for patients to screen themselves for PN followed by a consultation with the physician to confirm the diagnosis.
Effect of changing precipitation in different periods on precipitation use efficiency in a semi‐arid grassland
Authors: Wang Hongjiao , He Yuying , Qiao Daiyu , Xiao Rui , Yang Zhongling
Published: January 2024

Question

Climate change intensifies global and regional water cycles, leading to changes in both the magnitude and timing of precipitation. Precipitation use efficiency (PUE) plays a crucial role in measuring the response of above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP) to precipitation changes. However, little is known about how changes in precipitation during different periods affect PUE.

Methods

Using a manipulation precipitation experiment in a semi‐arid steppe, we simulated a 60% increase and decrease in precipitation during the early (April–June), late (July–September), and entire (April–September) growing seasons across 2015–2021 to examine the effects of changes in precipitation timing on PUE.

Results

The results showed that: (1) decreased precipitation in the late growing season (DLP) and whole growing season (DWP) stimulated PUE by an average of 0.14 and 0.12 g m−2 mm−1 yr−1 respectively, whereas increased precipitation in the late growing season (ILP) and whole growing season (IWP) suppressed PUE by an average of 0.11 and 0.09 g m−2 mm−1 yr−1 respectively. By contrast, neither decreased nor increased precipitation in the early growing season affected PUE; (2) the increased PUE under DLP was primarily attributed to the increase of PUE in grass (GR) and annuals and biennials (AB), whereas the elevation of PUE under DWP was mainly due to an increase of PUE in AB. By contrast, the reduction of PUE under ILP was mainly caused by a decline of PUE in GR; (3) changes in evapotranspiration and leaf dry matter content (LDMC) explained the variation of PUE in AB while changes of PUE in GR was mainly due to the alteration of soil water content and LDMC.

Conclusions

These results suggest that precipitation during the late growing season has a crucial influence on PUE, highlighting the importance of evapotranspiration and LDMC in regulating ecosystem productivity in the semi‐arid steppe.
Generic cognition: A neglected source of context sensitivity
Authors: Almotahari Mahrad
Published: January 2024

What is the relationship between the claim that generics articulate psychologically primitive generalizations and the claim that they exhibit a unique form of context sensitivity? This article maintains that the two claims are compatible. It develops and defends an overlooked form of contextualism grounded in the idiosyncrasies of system 1 thought.
Health‐related quality of life with standard and curative therapies in thalassemia: A narrative literature review
Authors: Shah Richa , Badawy Sherif M.
Published: January 2024

Health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) is a patient‐reported outcome that assesses the impact of a disease or illness on different domains of a patient's life. Different general and disease‐specific measures can be used to evaluate HRQOL. This article aimed to summarize the evidence for HRQOL among patients with transfusion‐dependent (TDT) and non‐transfusion‐dependent thalassemia (NTDT). We included HRQOL data related to standard therapy with blood transfusions, iron chelation, and/or luspatercept in TDT and NTDT, as well as curative therapies for TDT, including hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and gene therapy. Patients with thalassemia had worse HRQOL scores compared to the general population, and chronic pain was seen to increase in frequency and severity over time with age. NTDT patients reported worse physical health and functioning, mental health, general health, and vitality than TDT patients. However, TDT patients reported worse pain, change in health, and social support than NTDT. Most therapies improved overall HRQOL among thalassemia patients. Deferasirox, an oral iron chelator, was associated with more HRQOL benefits compared to deferoxamine, an intravenous iron chelator. Luspatercept showed clinically meaningful improvement in physical functioning among TDT and NTDT. Furthermore, HSCT and gene therapy were associated with better physical, emotional, and mental domains scores.
Longitudinal outcomes of a therapist‐supported digital mental health intervention for depression and anxiety symptoms: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pettitt Adam K. , Nelson Benjamin W. , Forman‐Hoffman Valerie L. , Goldin Philippe R. , Peiper Nicholas C.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study examined treatment outcomes (depression and anxiety symptoms) up to 24 months after completion of a therapist‐supported digital mental health intervention (DMHI).

Methods

The sample consisted of 380 participants who participated in an eight‐week DMHI from February 6, 2017 to May 20, 2019. Participants reported depression and anxiety symptoms at eight timepoints from baseline to 24 months. Mixed‐effects modelling was used to investigate symptom changes over time. The proportion of participants meeting criteria for treatment response, clinically significant change, and remission of depression and anxiety symptoms were calculated, including proportions demonstrating each outcome sustained up to each timepoint.

Results

Multivariate analyses yielded statistically significant reductions in depression (β = −5.40) and anxiety (β = −3.31) symptoms from baseline to end of treatment (8 weeks). Symptom levels remained significantly reduced from baseline through 24 months. The proportion of participants meeting criteria for clinical treatment outcomes remained constant over 24 months, although there were linear decreases in the proportions experiencing sustained clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Treatment gains were made for depression and anxiety symptoms at the end of treatment and up to 24 months. Future studies should determine the feasibility of integrating post‐treatment programmes into DMHIs to address symptom deterioration.
Urbanization, civil conflict, and the severity of food insecurity in Africa
Authors: Djeufack Dongmo Aristophane , Avom Désiré
Published: January 2024

The objective of this article is to examine the impact of urbanization and civil conflicts on the severity of food insecurity for a panel of 43 African countries over the period 2000–2020. Subsequently, the heterogeneous choice models approach was used for the estimations. The results show that urbanization and civil conflict increase food insecurity. The parallel line probability hypothesis results specifically show that a one‐unit increase in urban growth rate increases the probability of belonging to a high‐risk food insecurity category by more than .6 times. Furthermore, the results show that the impacts of urbanization on food insecurity are modulated by civil conflicts in Africa leading to the net effect of .692. This corresponds to the policy threshold of 2.315 when the net positive effect is canceled out. Therefore, this study strongly recommends the need for African economies to develop urban agriculture while controlling the pace of urbanization in order to reduce food insecurity and avoid possible civil wars.

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Ayanoore, Ishmael, and Sam Hickey. 2022. “Reframing the Politics of Natural Resource Governance in Africa: Insights from the Local Content Legislation Process in Ghana.” Politics & Policy 50(1): 119–36. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12449.

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A review of data collection methods used to monitor the associations of wild species with marine aquaculture sites
Authors: English Greg , Lawrence Michael J. , McKindsey Christopher W. , Lacoursière‐Roussel Anaïs , Bergeron Hannah , Gauthier Stéphane , Wringe Brendan F. , Trudel Marc
Published: January 2024

Aquaculture contributes a significant portion of the global aquatic biomass destined for human consumption. Bivalve and marine finfish aquaculture operations require sea‐based farm sites that result in considerable interactions with the natural environment. The addition of feed waste and physical structures (e.g., net pens and longline mussel culture) can provide an attractive artificial reef for many species and studies have shown both positive and negative effects on the surrounding ecosystem due to wild species interactions with aquaculture sites. Assessing these interactions can be complex, depending on the local ecosystem, and several monitoring techniques have been used to accurately determine associations of wild finfish and decapods to marine farms. In this review, we assessed the main methods used to monitor aquaculture‐ecosystem interactions. The advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed and suggestions to mitigate shortfalls for future studies are outlined. It was evident that combining methodologies should be prioritised to lessen the impact of identified weaknesses of any given approach. Designing studies with complementary approaches may help attain robust data that can be used to further understand aquaculture‐ecosystem interactions and the underlying proximate mechanisms.
Policy complexity and implementation performance in the European Union
Authors: Haag Maximilian , Hurka Steffen , Kaplaner Constantin
Published: January 2024

This study examines the relationship between the complexity of EU directives and their successful implementation at the national level. Moving beyond the state‐of‐the‐art, we propose a comprehensive framework considering structural, linguistic, and relational dimensions of policy complexity. We argue that policy complexity entails higher transaction costs, hindering effective implementation. Using a novel dataset covering roughly 1000 directives from 1994 to 2022, we find strong evidence of policy complexity negatively impacting implementation performance. Moreover, we find that states with higher administrative capacity are better able to process high complexity efficiently and that Eurosceptic member states attract fewer infringement proceedings in highly complex policy environments than Europhile member states. This could alternatively point to strategic enforcement behavior of the Commission or to bureaucracies that are less Eurosceptic than their political masters might wish for. Our study thereby contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges of successful implementation of EU directives.