bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipid metabolism mRNA expression and cellularity of intramuscular adipocytes within the Longissimus muscle of Angus- and Wagyu-sired cattle fed for a similar days on feed or body weight endpoint
Authors: Jaborek J R , Fluharty F L , Lee Kichoon , Zerby Henry N , Relling A E
Published: February 2023

This study investigates intramuscular (IM) adipocyte development in the Longissimus muscle (LM) between Wagyu- and Angus-sired steers compared at a similar age and days on feed (D) endpoint or similar body weight (B) endpoint by measuring IM adipocyte cell area and lipid metabolism mRNA expression. Angus-sired steers (AN, n = 6) were compared with steers from two different Wagyu sires (WA), selected for either growth (G) or marbling (M), to be compared at a similar days on feed (DOF; 258 ± 26.7 d; WA-GD, n = 5 and WA-MD, n = 5) in Exp. 1 or body weight (BW; 613 ± 18.0 kg; WA-GB, n = 4 and WA-MB, n = 5) in Exp. 2, respectively. In Exp. 1, WA-MD steers had a greater (P ≤ 0.01) percentage of IM fat in the LM compared with AN and WA-GD steers. In Exp. 2, WA-MB steers had a greater (P ≤ 0.01) percentage of IM fat in the LM compared with AN and WA-GB steers. The distribution of IM adipocyte area was unimodal at all biopsy collections, with IM adipocyte area becoming progressively larger as cattle age (P ≤ 0.01) and BW increased (P ≤ 0.01). Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor delta (PPARd) was upregulated earlier for WA-MD and WA-MB cattle compared with other steers at a similar DOF and BW (P ≤ 0.02; treatment × biopsy interaction). Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma was upregulated (PPARg) at a lesser BW for WA-MB steers (P = 0.09; treatment × biopsy interaction), while WA-MD steers had a greater (P ≤ 0.04) overall mean PPARg mRNA expression compared with other steers. Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, lipin 1, and hormone sensitive lipase demonstrated mRNA expression patterns similar to PPARg and PPARd or CCAAT enhancer binding protein beta, which emphasizes their importance in marbling development and growth. Additionally, WA-MD and WA-MB steers often had a greater early mRNA expression of fatty acid transporters (fatty acid transport protein 1; P < 0.02; treatment × biopsy interaction) and binding proteins (fatty acid binding protein 4) compared with other steers. Cattle with a greater marbling propensity appear to upregulate adipogenesis at a younger chronological and physiological maturity through PPARd, PPARg, and possibly adipogenic regulating compounds, lysophosphatidic acid, and diacylglycerol. These genes and compounds could be used as potential markers for marbling propensity of cattle in the future.
Alleviation effect of conjugated linoleic acid on estradiol benzoate induced fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome in Hy-line male chickens
Authors: Wang Anqi , Zhang Kexin , Fu Chunyan , Zhou Changming , Yan Zhengui , Liu Xuelan
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to explore whether conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) could alleviate fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) induced by estradiol benzoate intramuscular injection in laying hens. One hundred male Hy-Line white chickens were randomly divided into two groups, namely, the control (CON) and estradiol benzoate (E) groups, and both groups were fed the same basal diet. After injections of estradiol benzoate at 2 mg/kg every two days for a total of 7 times, chickens in the E group showed FLHS symptoms, including liver enlargement, hemorrhage, and steatosis. Then half of the chickens in the E group received an additional diet containing 5000 mg/kg CLA for 8 weeks. The results of morphological observations, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Oil Red O staining showed that CLA alleviated liver enlargement, hemorrhage, and lipid accumulation in FLHS chickens. In addition, we measured liver function and lipid metabolism indicators, including ALT, AST, TG, TCH, HDL-C, and LDL-C, which further suggested that CLA mitigated the disturbance of serum and liver metabolism in FLHS chickens. Mechanistically, CLA inhibited hepatic de novo lipogenesis, cholesterol synthesis, and TG accumulation and increased TG hydrolysis in FLHS chickens by regulating the gene expression of CD36, ACC, FAS, SCD 1, DGAT2, LIPE, ATGL, CPT1A, SREBP-1c, SREBP-2, PPARγ, and PPARα. Furthermore, CLA ameliorated hepatic oxidative stress and inhibited NF-κB signaling pathway-mediated inflammation in FLHS chickens. In conclusion, CLA regulated lipid metabolism, thus further alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation to alleviate FLHS induced by estrogen in chickens.
Establishment of a novel 70K Mac-2 binding protein antibody through screening of fucosylation-related antibodies
Authors: Masuda Mika , Asuka Tatsuya , Terao Naoko , Nishino Shinsuke , Ikeda Shun , Takamatsu Shinji , Kondo Jumpei , Miyoshi Eiji
Published: February 2023

Mac-2 binding protein (Mac-2bp) is a serum glycoprotein that contains seven N-glycans, and Mac-2bp serum levels are increased in patients with several types of cancer and liver disease. Mac-2bp glycosylation isomer has been applied as a clinical biomarker of several diseases, including liver fibrosis. In the present study, we identified fucosylated Mac-2bp in the conditioned medium of cancer cells resistant to anticancer therapies using glycoproteomic analyses. Fucosylation is one of the most important types of glycosylation involved in carcinogenesis and cancer stemness. To establish a next-generation glycan antibody for fucosylated Mac-2bp, we used fucosylation-deficient HEK293T cells to prepare reference Mac-2bp antigens and performed antibody screening. Unexpectedly, the 19-8H mAb obtained with our screen recognized 70K Mac-2bp, which is C-terminus-truncated product, rather than specifically recognizing fucosylated Mac-2bp. We performed immunocytochemistry using our novel 19-8H mAb, which resulted in strong cell surface staining of anticancer drug-resistant cancer cells. Therefore, our novel 19-8H mAb represents a valuable tool for cancer biology research that can help elucidate the biological function of 70K Mac-2bp.
Considerations in Determining the Severity of Burn Scar Contractures With Focus on the Knee Joint
Authors: Schouten Hennie , Nieuwenhuis Marianne , van der Schans Cees , Niemeijer Anuschka , van Zuijlen Paul
Published: February 2023

Scar contractures are a common complication after burn injuries. These contractures are characterized by impairment of joint mobility, leading to a risk for limitations during daily activities, and restrictions in participation in society. Qualifying its severity is not well established in burn care. This study, therefore, examined different approaches to determine the severity of limited mobility in the knee joint due to scar contracture.

To determine the severity of burn scar contractures development of the knee over time, the following approaches were analyzed: prevalence, the degree of limitation, the ability to perform basic daily activities, and the need for reconstructive surgery. Range of motion data of the knee joint was extracted from a 12-month prospective multicenter cohort study in the Netherlands.

Based on prevalence, mean degree of limitation, and the classification based on mathematical division, limitations in knee flexion would be seen as giving the most problems. On the other hand, when classified in terms of impact on function, limitations in extension were found to be giving most problems, although flexion limitations interfered slightly longer with the basic activities of standing, walking, and climbing stairs.

Depending on the chosen approach, the severity of burn scar contractures is projected differently. Interpreting the severity of a burn scar contracture of the knee, preferably should be based on a function-based classification system of the degree of range of motion impairment, activity limitations and participation restrictions in society. Because that does justice to the real impact of burn scar contracture on the individual burn survivor.
Vocalizing Search: How Voice Technologies Alter Consumer Search Processes and Satisfaction
Authors: Melumad Shiri
Published: February 2023

The effect of voice technology on how consumers search for information online is explored. Results from a field survey of consumer experiences with voice-assisted search, three controlled experiments involving dictated (vs. typed) Google searches, and a supplemental experiment (N = 10,385) find that vocalizing (vs. typing) a query leads consumers to provide more specific, detailed descriptions of what they are seeking, which in turn yield search results that they are more satisfied with. This occurs because consumers tend to be more concerned about communicating clearly when engaging with voice technology, which prompts them to think more about how they want to convey their query before saying it out loud (vs. typing it). This increased forethought leads consumers to provide more detailed descriptions of what they are searching for in vocalized queries, such as by including brand names and intended purposes of use. Finally, the increased specificity of vocalized (vs. typed) queries results in search returns that better satisfy consumers’ search goals. Implications for research on consumer–technology interactions, as well as for marketers and consumers, are discussed.
Score-Driven Modeling with Jumps: An Application to S&P500 Returns and Options
Authors: Ballestra Luca Vincenzo , D’Innocenzo Enzo , Guizzardi Andrea
Published: February 2023

We introduce a novel score-driven model with two sources of shock, allowing for both time-varying volatility and jumps. A theoretical investigation is performed which yields sufficient conditions to ensure stationarity and ergodicity. We extend the model to consider a time-varying jump intensity. Both an in-sample and an out-of-sample analysis based on the S&P500 time series show that the proposed methodology provides excellent agreement with observed returns, outperforming more standard Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) specifications with jumps. Finally, we apply our models to option pricing via risk neutralization. Results show this novel approach produces reliable implied volatility surfaces. Supplementary Materials including proofs, the derivation of the conditional Fisher information, and two figures showing additional empirical results are available online.
Test performance metrics for breast, cervical, colon, and lung cancer screening: a systematic review
Authors: Selby Kevin , Sedki Mai , Levine Emma , Kamineni Aruna , Green Beverly B , Vachani Anil , Haas Jennifer S , Ritzwoller Debra P , Croswell Jennifer M , Ohikere Kabiru , Doria-Rose V Paul , Rendle Katharine A , Chubak Jessica , Lafata Jennifer Elston , Inadomi John , Corley Douglas A
Published: February 2023

Background

Multiple quality metrics have been recommended to ensure consistent, high-quality execution of screening tests for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers. However, minimal data exist evaluating the evidence base supporting these recommendations and the consistency of definitions and concepts included within and between cancer types.

Methods

We performed a systematic review for each cancer type using MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) from 2010 to April 2020 to identify guidelines from screening programs or professional organizations containing quality metrics for tests used in breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancer screening. We abstracted metrics’ definitions, target performance levels, and related supporting evidence for test completeness, adequacy (sufficient visualization or collection), accuracy, and safety.

Results

We identified 11 relevant guidelines with 20 suggested quality metrics for breast cancer, 5 guidelines with 9 metrics for cervical cancer, 13 guidelines with 18 metrics for colorectal cancer (CRC), and 3 guidelines with 7 metrics for lung cancer. These included 54 metrics related to adequacy (n = 6), test completeness (n = 3), accuracy (n = 33), and safety (n = 12). Target performance levels were defined for 30 metrics (56%). Ten (19%) were supported by evidence, all from breast and CRC, with no evidence cited to support metrics from cervical and lung cancer screening.

Conclusions

Considerably more guideline-recommended test performance metrics exist for breast and CRC screening than cervical or lung cancer. The domains covered are inconsistent among cancers, and few targets are supported by evidence. Clearer evidence-based domains and targets are needed for test performance metrics.

Registration

PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020179139
Work, music, and friendship
Authors: White Patricia
Published: February 2023

Drawing extensively on letters sent to me by him over fifty years, this paper tries to present a vivid picture of Paul Hirst in different aspects of his life. The first section covers the huge amount of work he did at the universities of London and Cambridge—in teaching and writing philosophy of education, high-level administrative university responsibilities, and involvement in national education policy. This is followed by a glimpse into his passion for music, especially opera. Final sections show him as an academic mentor and friend.
Does a tragedy of the commons due to individual competition arise from genetically fixed traits or plastic traits in dryland wheat? An experimental verification
Authors: Zhu Li , Xiang Jun , Zhang Da-Yong , Wang Wei , Zhu Shuang-Guo , Wang Bao-Zhong , Yang Li-Yuan , Li Meng-Ying , Xiong You-Cai
Published: February 2023

Growth redundancy, the overgrowth of resource-foraging organs in crop stands, is often detrimental to yield and is thus called a ‘tragedy of the commons’. A tragedy can also arise owing to the plastic overproduction of competitive structures when intra-variety individuals forage in close proximity to each other. However, little is known about the sensitivity of crop varieties and resource availability to this ‘plastic’ tragedy. Pot experiments were designed to investigate this issue. The root competition environment was imposed by growing two plants of the same variety in mesh and plastic partitions. Two wheat varieties (old Monkhead and modern 92-46) were used, and two resource levels were established. Compared with 92-46, Monkhead allocated more biomass to stems and leaves and concurrently less to seeds. We identified intra-variety neighbour effects only in 4 out of 24 allometric comparisons with a small magnitude. Allometric data also revealed a lowered response to fertilizer addition in 92-46 than in Monkhead. Based on a limited sample size, our results revealed a trade-off between above-ground vegetative growth and crop yield. This trade-off resulted in a tragedy of the commons in old Monkhead and enhanced yields in modern 92-46. The tragedy of the commons in wheat may generally arise from genetically fixed traits in terms of growth redundancy in old varieties, rather than from the plastic behaviour of individuals. Modern 92-46 may adopt a conservative strategy of resource use, whereas old Monkhead employs an exploitative strategy. Our findings highlight breeders should select genotypes with low individual competitiveness.
Effects of irradiation on cumulative mortality in mice: shifting toward a younger age of death
Authors: Fujimichi Yuki , Sasaki Michiya , Yoshida Kazuo , Iwasaki Toshiyasu
Published: February 2023

Recently, the question of whether cancer risk is only accelerated but not increased by radiation exposure has been raised. To explore this matter, we analyzed whether the cumulative mortality of irradiated mice could be explained by x-axis (age) shifted cumulative mortality of nonirradiated mice. We reanalyzed publicly available data on observed cumulative mortality or prevalence in irradiated female B6C3F1 mice that lived their entire lifespan. The results showed that the irradiated curve was well matched to uniformly shifted nonirradiated curve for the cumulative mortality of all causes of death but not for the cumulative mortality of all solid tumors and prevalence of ovarian tumors as is. After adjusting lifetime mortalities, it was also well matched for all solid and ovarian tumors. The shifted days by irradiation were 71–116 days for all causes of death, 56–135 days for all solid tumors, and 41–140 days for ovarian tumors in the 1.9 Gy-irradiated group. The response was switched between irradiation at 35 and 105 days consistently for all the above indexes, supporting the hypothesis that radiation sensitivity differs between juvenile and adults. The shifted days of all causes of death showed a tendency of linear response to dose. This concept of shifting the age of death can be applied not only for all cause of death but also for mortality of all solid tumors after adjusting the magnitude. These findings contribute to the discussion on the application of the ‘shifting age of death’ concept to radiation protection.
Latent network models to account for noisy, multiply reported social network data
Authors: De Bacco Caterina , Contisciani Martina , Cardoso-Silva Jonathan , Safdari Hadiseh , Lima Borges Gabriela , Baptista Diego , Sweet Tracy , Young Jean-Gabriel , Koster Jeremy , Ross Cody T , McElreath Richard , Redhead Daniel , Power Eleanor A
Published: February 2023

Social network data are often constructed by incorporating reports from multiple individuals. However, it is not obvious how to reconcile discordant responses from individuals. There may be particular risks with multiply reported data if people’s responses reflect normative expectations—such as an expectation of balanced, reciprocal relationships. Here, we propose a probabilistic model that incorporates ties reported by multiple individuals to estimate the unobserved network structure. In addition to estimating a parameter for each reporter that is related to their tendency of over- or under-reporting relationships, the model explicitly incorporates a term for ‘mutuality’, the tendency to report ties in both directions involving the same alter. Our model’s algorithmic implementation is based on variational inference, which makes it efficient and scalable to large systems. We apply our model to data from a Nicaraguan community collected with a roster-based design and 75 Indian villages collected with a name-generator design. We observe strong evidence of ‘mutuality’ in both datasets, and find that this value varies by relationship type. Consequently, our model estimates networks with reciprocity values that are substantially different than those resulting from standard deterministic aggregation approaches, demonstrating the need to consider such issues when gathering, constructing, and analysing survey-based network data.
The determinants of Airbnb prices in New York City: a spatial quantile regression approach
Authors: Bernardi Mauro , Guidolin Mariangela
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we study the price determinants of Airbnb rentals, for the case of New York City, by developing a new dataset, which combines attributes of the property and of the related service, with other information available as open data. This dataset is employed within a spatial quantile semiparametric regression model, able to handle the intrinsic heterogeneity of house prices. The results confirm that property and service attributes play a significant role in determining rental prices, while some variables exert a different impact on prices in magnitude and sign, depending on the quantile considered.
A novel survey for young substellar objects with the W-band filter IV: detection and characterization of low-mass brown dwarfs in Serpens Core
Authors: Dubber Sophie , Biller Beth , Albert Loïc , Liu Michael , Jose Jessy , Zhang Zhoujian , Chen Wen-Ping , Lalchand Bhavana , Damian Belinda , Sharma Tanvi , Allers Katelyn
Published: February 2023

We present spectroscopic confirmation of nine M5 or later Serpens Core candidate members, identified using a combination of CFHT WIRCam photometry and IRTF SpeX spectroscopy. Through spectral fitting, we find that the latest of these nine candidate members is best fit by an L0 spectral standard (in the range of M8–L2), implying a mass of ∼0.01–0.035M⊙. If confirmed as a cluster member, this would be one of the lowest mass Serpens Core objects ever discovered. We present analysis of the physical properties of the sample, as well as the likely membership of the candidate Serpens Core members.
A comptonized fireball bubble: physical origin of magnetar giant flares
Authors: Zhang Zhao Joseph , Zhang Bin-Bin , Meng Yan-Zhi
Published: February 2023

Magnetar giant flares (MGFs) have been long proposed to contribute at least a subsample of the observed short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). The recent discovery of the short GRB 200415A in the nearby galaxy NGC 253 established a textbook-version connection between these two phenomena. Unlike previous observations of the Galactic MGFs, the unsaturated instrument spectra of GRB 200415A provide for the first time an opportunity to test the theoretical models with the observed γ-ray photons. This paper proposed a new readily fit-able model for the MGFs, which invokes an expanding fireball Comptonized by the relativistic magnetar wind at photosphere radius. In this model, a large amount of energy is released from the magnetar crust due to the magnetic reconnection or the starquakes of the star surface and is injected into confined field lines, forming a trapped fireball bubble. After breaking through the shackles and expanding to the photospheric radius, the thermal photons of the fireball are eventually Comptonized by the relativistic e± pairs in the magnetar wind region, which produces additional higher-energy gamma-ray emission. The model predicts a modified thermal-like spectrum characterized by a low-energy component in the Rayleigh-Jeans regime, a smooth component affected by coherent Compton scattering in the intermediate energy range, and a high-energy tail due to the inverse Compton process. By performing a Monte-Carlo fit to the observational spectra of GRB 200415A, we found that the observation of the burst is entirely consistent with our model predictions.
Accelerating declines of North America’s shorebirds signal the need for urgent conservation action
Authors: Smith Paul A , Smith Adam C , Andres Brad , Francis Charles M , Harrington Brian , Friis Christian , Morrison R I Guy , Paquet Julie , Winn Brad , Brown Stephen
Published: February 2023

Shorebirds are declining to a greater extent than many other avian taxa around the world. In North America, shorebirds, along with aerial insectivores and grassland birds, have some of the highest proportions of declining species of any group. Here, we apply a new hierarchical Bayesian model to analyze shorebird migration monitoring data from across North America, from 1980 to 2019, and present the most recent available estimates of trends for 28 species. Point estimates for survey-wide trends in abundance were negative for 26 of 28 species (93%). Despite challenges with low precision associated with migration count data, trends for 19 species had 95% credible intervals that were entirely negative. More than half of the species were estimated to have lost >50% of their abundance. Furthermore, estimated rates of decline have accelerated during the last three generations for most species. Point estimates of trend were more negative for 18 species (64%) during the most recent three-generation period in comparison to the previous three-generation period. Many species now exceed international criteria for threatened species listing. The analytic approach used here allows us to model regional variation in trends, although survey coverage and strength of inference were greatest in the eastern portions of North America (east of 100°W). We found the greatest declines at staging sites along the Atlantic Coast from North Carolina to Nova Scotia, and lesser declines along the Gulf Coast and in the midcontinental United States. The declines in shorebird populations reported here are worrisome and signal the urgent need for conservation action. In addition, it would be beneficial to validate these results through the collection and analysis of complementary data, and to initiate demographic studies throughout the annual cycle to determine where and when declines are most likely to originate. This improved information will allow for the development of more targeted efforts to reverse declines through conservation action.
Magic in the Ancient World
Authors: Maxwell-Stuart Peter
Published: February 2023

This chapter explores early examples of the witch figure and magician, and the development of magic as a practice, by focusing on the material evidence from the earliest clay tablets that recorded spells through to the use of papyrus rolls in the Hellenic world and the creation of magical objects. How did magicians go about their work? How did the development of writing and writing surfaces shape the magical tradition? Furthermore, what did the ancient Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans hope to achieve through magic, and what does this tell us about ancient societies? The chapter also describes the relationship between religion and magic, as understood at the time, and how their definitions changed with the rise of Christianity.
The Demonologists
Authors: Sharpe James
Published: February 2023

The importance of this chapter is in describing how medieval and Renaissance concerns about magic and manifestations of heresy were twisted into the notion of satanic witchcraft. While the promulgation of laws against witchcraft across Europe in the sixteenth century created the mechanism for the widespread persecution of suspected witches, during the previous century demonologists had begun sowing the seeds of concern through their published writings. Following the Reformation, Protestant and Catholic demonologists found common cause (while still blaming each other) in promoting and shaping the campaign. That said, there was significant divergence of opinion amongst the demonologists as to the reality of the powers attributed to witches.
The World of Popular Magic
Authors: Davies Owen
Published: February 2023

With an emphasis on the surviving material culture, this chapter examines the diverse array of magical rituals and spells that were used across Europe from the early modern period to the twentieth century. This is one of the most underexplored aspects of the history of witchcraft and magic. The chapter sets out two main areas of popular magic. First, domestic and personal protection against witches and the spirit world; and, secondly, rituals for magical healing. Basic concepts such as sympathetic magic and the doctrine of signatures are explained. The evidence shows the continued widespread fear of witches in nineteenth- and twentieth-century Europe.
The Rise of Modern Magic
Authors: Davies Owen
Published: February 2023

The occult revival of the late nineteenth century and the rise of Wicca and the numerous modern magical traditions of the twentieth century are the focus of this chapter. But it begins by assessing the influence of Freemasonry and spiritualism. There is an emphasis on the role of imagery in the formation of ritual magicians’ self-identity, and in shaping public perceptions. What do the photographic portraits of Golden Dawn members, such as Samuel Liddell Mathers, in full ritual dress tell us about their ideas and beliefs? The numerous posed photographs of Aleister Crowley are revealing of the different facets of his magical identity. Group photographs and action shots of Wiccans performing magic played an important role in shaping public understanding of modern witchcraft in the 1960s and 1970s. Images of nudity, dancing, and outdoor worship, all provided striking motifs of the nature of magic and the magic of nature.
Witches on Screen
Authors: Bléourt Willem de
Published: February 2023

It is often from films and television that people today get their visual stereotypes of witches, particularly from programmes for children, which in turn, often derive from children’s books. The deeply ingrained stereotype of the ‘old hag’ is still influential, but film and television have portrayed modern manifestations of witchcraft in diverse ways that reflect other themes explored in this book. The influence of Wicca shaped cinematic portrayals of covens. The Wicker Man is a good example of this and other such Wiccan motifs. Fascination with African traditions fed into the 1966 British Hammer Horror film The Witches. The attractive female witch also plays a prominent role in film and television, from Bewitched in the 1960s to the contemporary ‘teen witch’ genre. This chapter explores the influences on screen portrayals of witches past and present, and how film and television have shaped public understanding.
The Arabidopsis transcription factor NLP2 regulates early nitrate responses and integrates nitrate assimilation with energy and carbon skeleton supply
Authors: Durand Mickaël , Brehaut Virginie , Clement Gilles , Kelemen Zsolt , Macé Julien , Feil Regina , Duville Garry , Launay-Avon Alexandra , Roux Christine Paysant-Le , Lunn John E , Roudier François , Krapp Anne
Published: February 2023

Nitrate signaling improves plant growth under limited nitrate availability and, hence, optimal resource use for crop production. Whereas several transcriptional regulators of nitrate signaling have been identified, including the Arabidopsis thaliana transcription factor NIN-LIKE PROTEIN7 (NLP7), additional regulators are expected to fine-tune this pivotal physiological response. Here, we characterized Arabidopsis NLP2 as a top-tier transcriptional regulator of the early nitrate response gene regulatory network. NLP2 interacts with NLP7 in vivo and shares key molecular features such as nitrate-dependent nuclear localization, DNA-binding motif, and some target genes with NLP7. Genetic, genomic, and metabolic approaches revealed a specific role for NLP2 in the nitrate-dependent regulation of carbon and energy-related processes that likely influence plant growth under distinct nitrogen environments. Our findings highlight the complementarity and specificity of NLP2 and NLP7 in orchestrating a multitiered nitrate regulatory network that links nitrate assimilation with carbon and energy metabolism for efficient nitrogen use and biomass production.
Non-monotonic behavior of the Binder parameter in discrete spin systems
Authors: Watanabe Hiroshi , Motoyama Yuichi , Morita Satoshi , Kawashima Naoki
Published: February 2023

We study a non-monotonic behavior of the Binder parameter, which appears in discrete spin systems. We show that the Binder parameters of the Potts model are non-monotonic for q = 3 and 4, while they are monotonic for the Ising case (q = 2). Using the Fortuin–Kasteleyn graph representation, we find that the improved estimator of the Binder parameter consists of two terms with values only in the high- and low-temperature regions. The non-monotonic behavior is found to originate from the low-temperature term. With the appropriately defined order parameter, we can reduce the influence of the low-temperature term and, as a result, the non-monotonic behavior can also be reduced. We propose new definitions for the order parameter, which reduces or eliminates the non-monotonic behavior of the Binder parameter in a system for which the improved estimator of the Binder parameter is unknown.
How Does Corporate Governance Affect Equity Volatility? Worldwide Evidence and Theory
Authors: Gagnon Louis , Jeanneret Alexandre
Published: February 2023

We investigate the causal impact of corporate governance on equity volatility in a quasi-natural experimental setting by exploiting the staggered passage of governance reforms in the past 25 years. Using a sample of 33,831 firms from 48 countries, we find that equity volatility drops by one-fifth following the passage of reforms that increase board independence. This effect is driven by an adjustment in fixed operating costs as managerial expropriation decreases, rather than by changes in firms’ investments, profitability, asset risk, or financing decisions. We rationalize these findings with a model in which minority shareholders are subject to sticky managerial expropriation. (JEL G12, G32, G34)
Impact of NSAIDs on 8-year cumulative incidence of major cardiovascular events in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a nationwide study
Authors: Fakih Olivier , Desmarets Maxime , Martin Bérenger , Prati Clément , Wendling Daniel , Monnet Elisabeth , Verhoeven Frank
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to describe the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in French patients newly benefiting from the French Long-term Illness scheme (LTI) for AS and to evaluate the effect of various treatments on the risk of MACE occurrence.

Methods

This national cohort study was based on the French national medico-administrative database SNDS containing data on hospitalization, the LTI, and outpatient care consumption. All French patients newly receiving LTI benefits for AS from 2010 to 2013 were included. The final follow-up date was 31 December 2018. The occurrences of MACEs [stroke and myocardial infarction (MI)] and comorbidities were identified from algorithms previously described in the literature. Competitive risk analysis using propensity score and inverse weighting was performed to calculate cumulative incidence functions and to determine subhazard ratios (SHRs) for the various treatments of interest.

Results

Between 2010 and 2013, 22 929 patients were included [mean age 43.0 (s.d. 13.9) years, 44.9% mal]. The 8-year cumulative incidences of MACE, stroke, and MI were 1.81% (1.61–2.05), 0.97% (0.83–1.14), and 0.85% (0.71–1.04), respectively. NSAIDs [SHR: 0.39 (0.32–0.50), P < 0.001] and anti-TNF [SHR 0.61 (0.46–0.80), P < 0.001], but not anti-IL17 [2.10 (0.79–5.57)] were associated with a lower risk of MACE occurrence.

Conclusion

MACE incidence rates at 8 years are low in patients newly benefiting from LTI for AS. Our results support the hypothesis of a protective role of NSAIDs and anti-TNF in cardiovascular risk in these patients.
Symptoms of Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome in Relatives of Clinical High-Risk Youth: Preliminary Evidence
Authors: Tarbox-Berry Sarah I , Walsh Barbara C , Pogue-Geile Michael F , Woods Scott W
Published: February 2023

Background and Hypothesis

Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome (APS) impacts functioning and predicts increased risk of psychosis. Risk for developing APS itself has received minimal attention. Knowledge of familial and environmental contributions to APS symptoms would advance understanding of APS and risk for psychosis. As an initial step, this report presents the first data on APS symptoms in family members of APS patients.

Study Design

This study utilized a discordant sibling-pair family study design. The Structured Interview for Psychosis-risk Syndromes (SIPS) was administered to 17 APS probands and 26 non-APS biological siblings. Probands and siblings were compared on positive, negative, disorganized, and general SIPS symptom scales and factors derived from those scales.

Study Results

There was significantly greater symptom severity in probands compared to siblings on nine of 19 SIPS scales. Negative/anxiety, functioning, and positive symptom factors were identified. Probands showed significantly greater severity than siblings on the negative/anxiety and positive factors. Elevated pathology on the negative/anxiety factor best differentiated between probands and siblings, over and above the contribution of the positive factor. No difference was found for the functioning factor.

Conclusions

Results support the importance of non-familial effects on risk for APS and suggest differences in familial contribution to APS symptoms. Understanding the relative contribution of familial and environmental effects on APS symptoms may reveal important differences among APS patients, with implications for risk characterization, symptom course, and treatment selection.
Effects of donor source on transcriptomic profiles of human kidney tissue
Authors: Arat Seda , Huynh Renee , Kumpf Steven , Qian Jessie , Shoieb Ahmed , Virgen‐Slane Richard , Voigt Frank , Xie Zhiyong , Jakubczak John L.
Published: February 2023

Normal human tissue is a critical reference control in biomedical research. However, the type of tissue donor can significantly affect the underlying biology of the samples. We investigated the impact of tissue donor source type by performing transcriptomic analysis on healthy kidney tissue from three donor source types: cadavers, organ donors, and normal‐adjacent tissue from surgical resections of clear cell renal cell carcinomas, and we compared the gene expression profiles to those of clear cell renal cell carcinoma samples. Comparisons among the normal samples revealed general similarity, with notable differences in gene expression pathways involving immune system and inflammatory processes, response to extracellular stimuli, ion transport, and metabolism. When compared to tumors, the transcriptomic profiles of the normal adjacent tissue were highly similar to the profiles from cadaveric and organ donor tissue samples, arguing against the presence of a field cancerization effect in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. We conclude that all three normal source types are suitable for reference kidney control samples, but important differences must be noted for particular research areas and tissue banking strategies.
Patient Outcomes and Unit Composition With Transition to a High-Intensity ICU Staffing Model: A Before-and-After Study
Authors: Proper Jennifer L. , Wacker David A. , Shaker Salma , Heisdorffer Jamie , Shaker Rami M. , Shiue Larissa T. , Pendleton Kathryn M. , Siegel Lianne K. , Reilkoff Ronald A.
Published: February 2023

IMPORTANCE:

Provider staffing models for ICUs are generally based on pragmatic necessities and historical norms at individual institutions. A better understanding of the role that provider staffing models play in determining patient outcomes and optimizing use of ICU resources is needed.

OBJECTIVES:

To explore the impact of transitioning from a low- to high-intensity intensivist staffing model on patient outcomes and unit composition.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:

This was a prospective observational before-and-after study of adult ICU patients admitted to a single community hospital ICU before (October 2016–May 2017) and after (June 2017–November 2017) the transition to a high-intensity ICU staffing model.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:

The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, ICU length of stay (LOS), and unit composition characteristics including type (e.g., medical, surgical) and purpose (ICU-specific intervention vs close monitoring only) of admission.

RESULTS:

For the primary outcome, 1,219 subjects were included (779 low-intensity, 440 high-intensity). In multivariable analysis, the transition to a high-intensity staffing model was not associated with a decrease in 30-day (odds ratio [OR], 0.90; 95% CI, 0.61–1.34; p = 0.62) or in-hospital (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.57–1.38; p = 0.60) mortality, nor ICU LOS. However, the proportion of patients admitted to the ICU without an ICU-specific need did decrease under the high-intensity staffing model (27.2% low-intensity to 17.5% high-intensity; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:

Multivariable analysis showed no association between transition to a high-intensity ICU staffing model and mortality or LOS outcomes; however, the proportion of patients admitted without an ICU-specific need decreased under the high-intensity model. Further research is needed to determine whether a high-intensity staffing model may lead to more efficient ICU bed usage.
Application of decellularization-recellularization technique in plastic and reconstructive surgery
Authors: Shang Yujia , Wang Guanhuier , Zhen Yonghuan , Liu Na , Nie Fangfei , Zhao Zhenmin , Li Hua , An Yang
Published: February 2023

In the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, the loss of organs or tissues caused by diseases or injuries has resulted in challenges, such as donor shortage and immunosuppression. In recent years, with the development of regenerative medicine, the decellularization-recellularization strategy seems to be a promising and attractive method to resolve these difficulties. The decellularized extracellular matrix contains no cells and genetic materials, while retaining the complex ultrastructure, and it can be used as a scaffold for cell seeding and subsequent transplantation, thereby promoting the regeneration of diseased or damaged tissues and organs. This review provided an overview of decellularization-recellularization technique, and mainly concentrated on the application of decellularization-recellularization technique in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including the remodeling of skin, nose, ears, face, and limbs. Finally, we proposed the challenges in and the direction of future development of decellularization-recellularization technique in plastic surgery.
miR-124 Exacerbates depressive-like behavior by targeting Ezh2 to induce autophagy
Authors: Zeng Duan , Shi Yue , Li Siyuan , Xu Feikang , Zhu Weimin , Li Huafang , He Shen , Yuan Qianfa
Published: February 2023

Background

On the basis of our previous research, miR-124 and autophagy have been shown to be associated with depression and antidepressant treatment, respectively. However, whether miR-124 is involved in depressive-like behavior and antidepressant efficacy through regulating autophagy remains poorly understood.

Methods

The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model in mice was established, and then intraperitoneal fluoxetine injections (10 mg/kg) were administered for a duration of 4 weeks. The behavioral changes induced by CUMS were evaluated by the tail suspension test, open field test, sucrose preference test, and elevated plus maze test. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect expression levels of miR-124 and its three precursor genes in hippocampus of mice. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of Ezh2 and autophagy proteins (P62, Atg3, Atg7, LC3-I, and LC3- II) in hippocampus of mice.

Results

Depression-like behaviors were successfully induced in CUMS models and reversed by SSRI treatments. The expression levels of miR-124 and its precursor gene (miR-124-3) were significantly increased in the hippocampus of CUMS mice, while the expression levels were significantly decreased after 4 weeks of fluoxetine treatment. The mRNA and protein expressions of Ezh2, a validated target of miR-124, were decreased in the hippocampus of CUMS mice, and the fluoxetine treatment could reverse the expressions. A correlation analysis suggested that miR-124 had a significant negative correlation with Ezh2 mRNA expression. The protein levels of LC3-II/I, P62, and Atg7, which were found to be regulated by Ezh2, were increased in the hippocampus of CUMS mice and decreased after fluoxetine treatment.

Conclusion

We speculated that autophagy was enhanced in the CUMS model of depression and might be mediated by miR-124 targeting Ezh2.
Evaluating the Impact of ACGME Resident Duty Hour Restrictions on Patient Outcomes for Bilateral Breast Reductions
Authors: Chi David , Chen Austin D. , Wu Winona W. , Chattha Anmol , Lee Bernard T. , Lin Samuel J.
Published: February 2023

Background:

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) implemented duty-hour restrictions limiting residents to 80 hours per week in 2003 and further extended restrictions in 2011 to improve resident and patient well-being. Numerous studies have examined the effects of these restrictions on patient outcomes with inconclusive results. Few efforts have been made to examine the impact of this reform on the safety of common plastic surgery procedures. This study seeks to assess the influence of ACGME duty-hour restrictions on patient outcomes, using bilateral breast reduction mammoplasty as a marker for resident involvement and operative autonomy.

Methods:

Bilateral breast reductions performed in the 3 years before and after each reform were collected from the National Inpatient Sample database: pre-duty hours (2000–2002), duty hours (2006–2008), and extended duty hours (2012–2014). Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to investigate the association between ACGME duty hour restrictions on medical and surgical complications.

Results:

Overall, 19,423 bilateral breast reductions were identified. Medical and surgical complication rates in these patients increased with each successive iteration of duty hour restrictions (P < 0.001). The 2003 duty-hour restriction independently associated with increased surgical (OR = 1.51, P < 0.001) and medical complications (OR = 1.85, P < 0.001). The 2011 extended duty-hour restriction was independently associated with increased surgical complications (OR = 1.39, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

ACGME duty-hour restrictions do not seem associated with better patient outcomes for bilateral breast reduction although there are multiple factors involved. These considerations and consequences should be considered in decisions that affect resident quality of life, education, and patient safety.
Concomitant Bandage Contact Lens, Oral Nicergoline, and Topical Autologous Serum for Severe Neurotrophic Keratitis
Authors: Polania-Baron Eduardo J. , Graue-Hernandez Enrique O. , Ramirez-Miranda Arturo , Navas Alejandro
Published: February 2023

Background:

To report the outcomes of using the combination of oral nicergoline, autologous serum, and contact lens to enhance corneal epithelization in neurotrophic keratitis and to discuss the clinical potential of this management.

Methods:

This was a prospective consecutive case series study of eight patients treated for neurotrophic keratitis at the “Conde de Valenciana” Institute of Ophthalmology. Oral nicergoline, autologous serum, and bandage contact lens were initiated at the same time, immediately after stage 3 diagnosis keratitis was confirmed clinically, and until corneal epithelialization was achieved or eminent corneal perforation was seen. In patients where diabetes was a cause, glycosylate hemoglobin was measured to asses metabolic control. Corneal esthesiometry and corrected distance visual acuity were assessed before and after treatment.

Results:

This study included eight eyes of eight patients (5 men [62.5%], average age 57±17.9 years). All patients completed at least 1 month of follow-up after nicergoline and contact lens suspension. Of the eight eyes, no one had positive culture growth and complete epithelial healing was achieved in all cases. Half of patients had diabetes and had a poor metabolic control. Corneal sensitivity improved in all eyes almost 2 centimeters in Cochet–Bonnet esthesiometry (P=0.01). In addition, final visual acuity gains were obtained (P=0.100).

Conclusions:

The combination of oral nicergoline, autologous serum, and bandage contact lens simultaneously could be an alternative in the management of stage 3 neurotrophic keratitis when conventional medical treatment has no improvement of corneal epithelization.
Uveitis and glaucoma: a look at present day surgical options
Authors: Seow Wei Hong , Lim Chris Hong Long , Lim Blanche Xiao Hong , Lim Dawn Ka-Ann
Published: February 2023

Purpose of review

To review the various surgical options in the management of medically refractory glaucoma in uveitic eyes.

Recent findings

Uveitic glaucoma is particularly challenging to manage. We look at the evidence for various surgical options, or the lack of, in the surgical management of medically refractory glaucoma in uveitis.

Conventional glaucoma filtration surgeries such as trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage implants were more commonly described first line surgical options in the therapy of medically refractory uveitic glaucoma. However, with the introduction of newer implants and options of minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, the choice of first line surgeries may now be possibly expanded to include other options. More research is required to evaluate the efficacy of the newer surgical options in the management of glaucoma in uveitis patients.