bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sox9 accelerates vascular ageing by regulating extracellular matrix composition and stiffness
Authors: Faleeva Maria , Ahmad Sadia , Lynham Steven , Watson Gabriel , Whitehead Meredith , Cox Susan , Shanahan Catherine M
Published: May 2023

Rationale

Vascular calcification and increased extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness are hallmarks of vascular ageing. Sox9 (SRY-Box Transcription Factor 9) is a master regulator of chondrogenesis, also expressed in the vasculature, that has been implicated in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) osteo-chondrogenic conversion.

Objective

Here, we investigated the relationship between vascular ageing, calcification and Sox9-driven ECM regulation in VSMCs.

Methods and Results

Immunohistochemistry in human aortic samples showed that Sox9 was not spatially associated with vascular calcification but correlated with the senescence marker p16. Analysis of Sox9 expressionin vitroshowed it was mechanosensitive with increased expression and nuclear translocation in senescent cells and on stiff matrices. Manipulation of Sox9 via overexpression and depletion, combined with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and proteomics, revealed that Sox9 regulates ECM stiffness and organisation by orchestrating changes in collagen expression and reducing VSMC contractility, leading to the formation of an ECM that mirrored that of senescent cells. These ECM changes promoted phenotypic modulation of VSMCs whereby senescent cells plated onto ECM synthesized from cells depleted of Sox9 returned to a proliferative state, while proliferating cells on a matrix produced by Sox9 expressing cells showed reduced proliferation and increased DNA damage, reiterating features of senescent cells. Procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 3 (LH3) was identified as a Sox9 target, and key regulator of ECM stiffness. LH3 is packaged into extracellular vesicles (EVs) and Sox9 promoted EV secretion, leading to increased LH3 deposition within the ECM.

Conclusions

These findings identify cellular senescence and Sox9 as a key regulators of ECM stiffness during VSMC ageing and highlight a crucial role for ECM structure and composition in regulating VSMC phenotype. We identify a positive feedback cycle whereby cellular senescence and increased ECM stiffening promote Sox9 expression which drives further ECM modifications that act to accelerate vascular stiffening and cellular senescence.
Schema cell formation in orbitofrontal cortex is suppressed by hippocampal output
Authors: Zong Wenhui , Zhou Jingfeng , Gardner Matthew P.H. , Zhang Zhewei , Costa Kauê Machado , Schoenbaum Geoffrey
Published: May 2023

Both orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and hippocampus (HC) are implicated in the formation of cognitive maps and their generalization into schemas. However how these areas interact in supporting this function remains an open question, with some proposals supporting a serial model in which OFC draws upon task representations created by HC to extract key behavioral features and others proposing a parallel model in which both regions construct representations that highlight different types of information. Here we tested between these two models by asking how schema correlates in OFC would be affected by inactivation of HC output, after learning and during transfer across problems. We found the prevalence and content of schema correlates were unaffected by inactivation after learning, while inactivation during learning accelerated their formation. These results contradict a serial model and favor the proposal that OFC and HC operate in parallel to extract different features defining cognitive maps and schemas.
Self-reported encoding quality promotes lure rejections and false alarms
Authors: Wahlheim Christopher N. , Garlitch Sydney M. , Mohamed Rawan M. , Weidler Blaire J.
Published: May 2023

The hippocampus supports distinctive encoding, enabling discrimination of perceptions from similar memories. Here, an experimental and individual differences approach examined the role of encoding quality in the classification of similar lures. An object recognition task included thought probes during study and similar lures at test. On-task study reports were associated with lure discrimination in within-subject and between-subjects analyses. Within-subject on-task reports were also associated with false classifications of lures as studied objects. These results are compatible with the view that quality encoding supports memory-based rejection of lures but also engenders false alarms when perceptions and memories are inaccurately compared.
Testing workplace hazing, moral disengagement and deviant behaviors in hospitality industry
Authors: Raza Ali , Ishaq Muhammad Ishtiaq , Jamali Dima R. , Zia Haleema , Haj-Salem Narjes
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to assess the direct impact of workplace hazing and the indirect impact via moral disengagement on organizational deviance behavior and negative word-of-mouth (WOM) communication in the hospitality industry of Pakistan. This research also addresses the significance of psychological (resilience) and social factors (friendship prevalence) as moderators of the relationship between workplace hazing and moral disengagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a multirespondent strategy, the data was collected from 319 newcomers employed in the Pakistani hospitality industry and analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results reveal that workplace hazing increases moral disengagement, organizational deviance and negative WOM communication. Moreover, various psychological factors can significantly decrease and mediate the negative influence of workplace hazing on moral disengagement.

Practical implications

The managers should explicitly and formally handle the workplace hazing issues like harassment and bullying to build a positive working environment for newcomers.

Originality/value

This study addresses a gap in determining the significance of workplace hazing and its impact on moral disengagement, organizational deviance and negative WOM communication. Also, this study contributes to the literature by examining either social or psychological factors that play an important role in dampening the negative impact of workplace hazing.
Unlocking a multimodal archive of Southern Chinese martial arts through embodied cues
Authors: Hou Yumeng , Seydou Fadel Mamar , Kenderdine Sarah
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Despite being an authentic carrier of various cultural practices, the human body is often underutilised to access the knowledge of human body. Digital inventions today have created new avenues to open up cultural data resources, yet mainly as apparatuses for well-annotated and object-based collections. Hence, there is a pressing need for empowering the representation of intangible expressions, particularly embodied knowledge within its cultural context. To address this issue, the authors propose to inspect the potential of machine learning methods to enhance archival knowledge interaction with intangible cultural heritage (ICH) materials.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a novel approach by combining movement computing with knowledge-specific modelling to support retrieving through embodied cues, which is applied to a multimodal archive documenting the cultural heritage (CH) of Southern Chinese martial arts.

Findings

Through experimenting with a retrieval engine implemented using the Hong Kong Martial Arts Living Archive (HKMALA) datasets, this work validated the effectiveness of the developed approach in multimodal content retrieval and highlighted the potential for the multimodal's application in facilitating archival exploration and knowledge discoverability.

Originality/value

This work takes a knowledge-specific approach to invent an intelligent encoding approach through a deep-learning workflow. This article underlines that the convergence of algorithmic reckoning and content-centred design holds promise for transforming the paradigm of archival interaction, thereby augmenting knowledge transmission via more accessible CH materials.
Sustainable marketing activities, event image, perceived value and tourists’ behavioral intentions in the sports tourism
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Butkouskaya Vera
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study constructs the influence mechanism model of sustainable marketing activities (SMAs), event image, commemorative product perceived value and tourists’ behavioral intentions (TBIs) in the sports tourism context of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games. Additionally, the article discusses the role of event image and product perceived value in enhancing the SMAs’ effect on TBIs.

Design/methodology/approach

The research analyzed 315 valid questionnaires from tourists in the Chinese market by structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that SMAs positively impact sports tourism event image, tourists’ perceived commemorative product value and TBIs. Meanwhile, event image and product perceived value mediate the SMAs and TBIs relationship.

Research limitations/implications

Considering SMAs as essential for sustainable development, this paper contributes to the strategic management discipline. Additionally, the research expands the analysis of event image and product perceived value in the brand theory and customer behavior research.

Practical implications

The article outlines the principal value of SMAs implementation in enhancing behavioral intentions. It also reveals that a favorable event image and good perceived value can enhance SMAs’ effectiveness toward positively influencing TBIs, especially purchase intentions. It provides a new vision for nonprofit organizations to prioritize SMAs’ implementation in marketing strategies.

Originality/value

It is pioneering work with a complex research framework for SMAs implementation in the sports tourism context.
Presidential elections and stock return volatility: evidence from selected sub-Saharan African stock markets
Authors: Musah Godwin , Domeher Daniel , Musah Abubakar
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of presidential elections on stock return volatility in five leading stock markets in sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses various criteria to select an appropriate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model to estimate the second moment of the return distribution with the inclusion of pre- and post-presidential election dummy variables that capture the effect of presidential elections on stock market volatility.

Findings

The empirical results show that high pre-election uncertainty increases volatility in the Nairobi Stock Exchange, Stock Exchange of Mauritius and the Nigeria Stock Exchange. Furthermore, the results show that volatility in stock return is reduced 90 days after an election in Nigeria and South Africa but increases 90 days after elections in Ghana.

Originality/value

Contrary to the previous studies that are conducted in a single country with focus on specific elections, this paper provides a comparative analysis of presidential elections and stock return volatility in five leading stock markets in sub-Saharan Africa.
How does service robot anthropomorphism affect human co-workers?
Authors: Tojib Dewi , Sujan Rahul , Ma Junzhao , Tsarenko Yelena
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Service robots are gradually becoming more anthropomorphic and intelligent. This research aims to investigate how anthropomorphic service robots with different levels of intelligence affect their human counterparts.

Design/methodology/approach

Two between-subject experimental studies were used to test whether different levels of service robot anthropomorphism with different levels of intelligence influence employees' morale and resistance to service robots.

Findings

Study 1 shows that the effect of service robot anthropomorphism (low vs. high) on employees' resistance and morale is mediated by perceived job-security threat. Study 2 validates this mediating effect and shows that it is moderated by the type of AI (mechanical vs. analytical). Specifically, when exposed to mechanical AI-powered service robots, employees exhibit a higher perceived job-security threat toward robots with a high (vs. low) degree of anthropomorphism. This moderating effect is not observed when employees are exposed to analytical AI-powered service robots. This moderated mediation effect is also found for the signing of a petition as the behavioral outcome.

Practical implications

Service firms considering the adoption of mechanical AI-powered service robots should choose a low (vs. high) anthropomorphic robot to reduce the sense of job-security threat felt by human employees, which subsequently increases their acceptance. However, if analytical AI-powered service robots with are to replace their human employees, the degree of anthropomorphism becomes irrelevant.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study to explore how anthropomorphic service robots can influence human employees' evaluations and behaviors.
Compare social support in patients with schizophrenia or methamphetamine dependency with healthy individuals
Authors: Amini Fatemeh , Mousavi Seyyed Mohammad , Yazdani Charati Jamshid
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to compare the social support among patients with schizophrenia or methamphetamine dependency with healthy individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

Using convince sampling, the authors recruited 80 patients (schizophrenia, n = 40; methamphetamine dependency, n = 40) and their companions (healthy individuals, n = 40) who were referred to a psychiatric hospital in a cross-sectional study in Sari, Iran. In in-person interviews, the authors collected data on demographic characteristics and measured social support using a standardized questionnaire.

Findings

The three groups were similar regarding age and marital status, but different in gender distribution (p = 0.001). The average social support score was 58.0 in the schizophrenia group and 42.3 in the methamphetamine-dependent group, both significantly lower than 63.6 in the healthy group (p = 0.001). The social support scores in schizophrenia and methamphetamine-dependent groups were significantly lower than those in the healthy group across all subgroups of gender (p < 0.04), age (p < 0.05) and marital status (p < 0.001). The methamphetamine-dependent group had the lowest score overall and across all demographic groups and social support subdomains.

Research limitations/implications

This study had two main limitations. First, the study samples were from one city and one hospital in the north of Iran and so may not be generalizable to other population and settings. Second, the authors did not study the causes or predictors of low social support like social stigma which should be studied in future studies.

Originality/value

Despite the limitations, this study found low social support for people diagnosed with schizophrenia or methamphetamine dependency. Intervention to increase social support for them, especially for those with substance use, is required.
Single mothers: financial challenges and experiences in Brunei-Muara district
Authors: Affandy Azizie Hilman
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper examines the financial challenges of single mothers in Brunei, illustrating how single parenting affects their lifestyle choices and the coping mechanisms these mothers employ to grapple with their financial hardships.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews with five single mothers living in the Brunei-Muara district. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Results revealed participants described operating with a single income, covering bills alone, the high cost of living in Brunei and the absence of alimony contributed to their financial challenges. Financial stress caused them to change their spending habits, switch to cheaper alternatives, make sacrifices and struggle to meet the needs of their children. Coping mechanisms adopted by single mothers utilized social support, generating side income, and the unique roles of children played a significant role in cushioning the impact of their financial difficulties.

Originality/value

Single mothers are on the rise in Brunei. There is an acute lack of studies emphasizing the financial hardships experienced by single mothers in Brunei. This study attempts to narrow the missing gap and seek avenues of justice for single mothers in a progressive, equitable society.
Restricted access: Real estate agent response to client race, ethnicity, gender, and side of market
Authors: Hanson Andrew , Hawley Zackary
Published: May 2023

We design and implement a correspondence experiment to test for differences in real estate agent response across client race, ethnicity, gender, and side of market. Real estate agents are more likely to respond to White clients than Black or Hispanic clients—Whites have a 32.18% higher response rate than Hispanics and an 8.48% higher response rate than Black clients. We also find that real estate agents are more responsive to sellers (23.81% premium over buyers) and female clients (13.57% premium over males).
Carbon offsetting and renewable energy development
Authors: Lo Alex Y.
Published: May 2023

New carbon crediting and offsetting mechanisms are being developed under the Paris Agreement. Polluters can meet their emission reduction targets by acquiring and retiring carbon offset credits. Globally, most of these credits come from renewable energy sources. However, their additionality is increasingly questionable. Global renewable electricity capacity continues to grow. Greenhouse gas emissions from coal‐fired power generation are starting to fall, as governments and organisations pledge to curtail emissions, more capital is mobilised for energy transition, and renewable energy technologies become commercially competitive. The opportunity to earn carbon offset credits is becoming less indispensable to renewable energy development. Aggregate emissions could rise above the baseline level when polluters increase their emission budgets by using carbon credits generated from a renewable energy installation that is part of the baseline scenario. To safeguard environmental integrity, the conditions for including renewable energy in carbon crediting and offsetting schemes should be reconsidered.
Interaction between major catechins and umami amino acids in green tea based on electronic tongue technology
Authors: Liu Zhongying , Ran Qiansong , Li Qin , Yang Ting , Dai Yuqiao , Zhang Tuo , Fang Shimao , Pan Ke , Long Lin
Published: May 2023

Umami amino acids inhibit the bitter and astringent taste presentation of catechins, which is essential for the taste regulation of green tea. In this study, the concentration–intensity trends and taste threshold properties of major catechin monomers were investigated using an electronic tongue. The taste and chemical structure interactions between the ester‐type catechins and theanine, glutamic acid (Glu), and aspartic acid (Asp) were further analyzed by in vitro simulation and analysis of their reciprocal chemical structures. The results showed that the bitterness and astringency of the major catechin monomers increased with increasing concentration, and their bitterness thresholds and their electron tongue response values were higher than those of the astringent values, while the bitterness and astringency of the ester‐type catechins were higher than those of the nonester type. The three amino acids inhibited the bitterness intensity of ester catechins (epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, and gallocatechin gallate) at different concentrations, and the effects on the astringency intensity of ester catechins were complicated. Ester catechins significantly enhanced the umami intensity of theanine, Glu, and Asp at different concentrations. Their reciprocal chemical structures showed that hydrogen bonding was the main interaction force between the three ester‐type catechins and the umami amino acids, with theanine and Glu interacting more strongly with ester‐type catechins than Asp, and Glu having a lower binding energy to ester‐type catechins, which bonded more easily.
Comparison between the WHO‐CFICPS and the PRISMA classification of safety‐related events in a radiation oncology department
Authors: Ben Mustapha Selma , Cucchiaro Séverine , Goreux Joelle , Delgaudine Marie , Boga Deniz , Donneau Anne‐Françoise , Diep Anh Nguyet , Coucke Philippe
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Describing Safety‐Related Events (SREs) in a radiotherapy (RT) department and comparing WHO‐CFICPS (World Health Organization's Conceptual Framework For The International Classification For Patient Safety) and PRISMA (Prevention and Recovery Information System for Monitoring and Analysis) methods for classifying SREs.

Methods

From February 2017 to October 2020, two Quality Managers (QMs) randomly classified 1173 SREs using 13 incident types of WHO‐CFICPS. The same two QMs, reclassified the same SREs according to 20 PRISMA incident codes. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the association between the 13 incident types of WHO‐CFICPS and the 20 PRISMA codes. The chi‐squared and post‐hoc tests using adjusted standardized residuals were applied to detect the association between the two systems.

Results

There was a significant association between WHO‐CFICPS incident types and PRISMA codes (P < 0.001). Ninety‐two percent of all SREs were categorized using 4 of 13 WHO‐CFICPS incident types including Clinical Process/Procedure (n = 448, 38.2%), Clinical Administration (n = 248, 21.1%), Documentation (n = 226, 19.2%) and Resources/Organizational Management (n = 15,613.3%). According to PRISMA classification, 14 of the 20 codes were used to describe the same SREs. PRISMA captured 41 Humans Skill Slips from 226 not better defined WHO‐CFICPS Documentation Incidents, 38 Human Rule‐based behaviour Qualification from not better defined 447 Clinical Process/Procedure and 40 Organization Management priority events from 156 not better defined WHO‐CFICPS Resources/Organizational Management events (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Although there was a significant association between WHO‐CFICPS and PRISMA, The PRISMA method provides a more detailed insight into SREs compared to WHO‐CFICPS in a RT department.
Topical negative pressure wound therapy to prevent wound complications following caesarean delivery in high‐risk obstetric patients: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gonzalez Maritza G. , Barske M. Elisa , Kjellsson Kristine B. , Saboda Kathylynn , Reed Heather A. , Hill Meghan G.
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

We investigated whether the use of a prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system in women undergoing caesarean would decrease wound complications in a high‐risk population.

Materials and Methods

A randomised controlled trial was performed. Women with risk factors for wound complications undergoing caesarean delivery were randomised to a standard dressing or NPWT placed over their caesarean wound. We standardised the closure of the subcutaneous fat and skin layers, both with Vicryl. Patients were followed for wound complications for up to 6 weeks after their caesareans. The incidence of wound complications was the primary outcome. The single‐use NPWT system, PICO, was provided by Smith and Nephew for use in this trial. The trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov, # NCT03082664.

Results

We report here on 154 women randomised to either a standard dressing or to the NPWT. Wound complication rates were equivalent between groups, with 19.4 and 19.7% (P = 0.43) of women with follow‐up information available experiencing wound complications.

Conclusion

We found no difference in wound complications in women with risk factors treated with a prophylactic NPWT system or standard wound dressing at the time of caesarean birth.
Detection of multiple druggable mutations of lung cancer from cytology specimens by MINtS: An advanced medicine A trial
Authors: Fujita Kazutaka , Arai Ryo , Shoji Satoshi , Saito Ryota , Nomura Motoko , Hotta Takamasa , Asahina Hajime , Kawakami Masanori , Nakachi Ichiro , Hasegawa Yukihiro , Okafuji Kohei , Suzuki Aya , Miyanaga Akihiko , Sunaga Noriaki , Nagashima Hiromi , Ikeda Naoya , Watanabe Satoshi , Nagai Yoshiaki , Furuta Megumi , Kage Hidenori , Arai Daisuke , Fukuhara Tatsuro , Nakayama Masayuki , Morita Satoshi , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Hagiwara Koichi
Published: May 2023

Most multigene mutation tests require tissue specimens. However, cytological specimens are easily obtained in the clinical practice and provide high‐quality DNA and RNA. We aimed to establish a test that utilizes cytological specimens and performed a multi‐institutional study to investigate the performance of MINtS, a test based on next‐generation sequencing. A standard procedure for specimen isolation was defined. The specimens were considered suitable for the test if >100 ng DNA and >50 ng RNA could be extracted from them. In total, 500 specimens from 19 institutions were investigated. MINtS detected druggable mutations in 63% (136 of 222) of adenocarcinomas. Discordant results between MINtS and the companion diagnostics were observed in 14 of 310 specimens for the EGFR gene, and 6 of 339 specimens for the ALK fusion genes. Confirmation by other companion diagnostics for the EGFR mutations or the clinical response to an ALK inhibitor all supported the results obtained by MINtS. MINtS along with the isolation procedure presented in the current study will be a platform to establish multigene mutation tests that utilize cytological specimens. UMIN000040415.
Think of the children!: Relationships between nudity‐related experiences in childhood, body image, self‐esteem and adjustment
Authors: West Keon
Published: May 2023

There are widespread, strongly held beliefs that naturism has a negative impact on children. However, naturist groups advocate for including children and prior research has not clearly investigated how naturism affects children. Two pre‐registered, cross‐sectional studies (N1 = 411, N2 = 250) investigated how nudity‐related experiences in childhood predicted overall adjustment. In Study 1, adults reported their recalled experiences of nudity in childhood as well as their current levels of body appreciation, self‐esteem and overall adjustment. In Study 2, mothers reported on their children's current experiences of nudity and the children themselves reported on their current levels of body appreciation, self‐esteem and overall adjustment. Results for both studies were similar (though in Study 2, some associations only approached statistical significance): Experiences of naturism were associated with positive, not negative outcomes. These findings suggest that, despite the concerns some people express, naturism does not generally lead to negative outcomes for children.
Non‐surgical treatment of mild to moderate peri‐implantitis with an oscillating chitosan brush or a titanium curette—12‐month follow‐up of a multicenter randomized clinical trial
Authors: Khan Sadia N. , Koldsland Odd Carsten , Roos‐Jansåker Ann‐Marie , Wohlfahrt Johan Caspar , Verket Anders , Mdala Ibrahimu , Magnusson Anna , Salvesen Eirik , Hjortsjö Carl
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To study clinical and radiographic outcomes after non‐surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis using either an oscillating chitosan brush (OCB) or titanium curette (TC) and to observe changes in clinical signs of inflammation after repeated treatment.

Methods

Thirty‐nine patients with dental implants (n = 39) presented with radiographic bone level (RBL) of 2–4 mm, bleeding index (BI) ≥ 2, and probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥ 4 mm were randomly assigned to mechanical debridement with OCB (test) or TC (control). Treatment was performed at baseline and repeated at 3, 6, and 9 months in cases with > 1 implant site with BI ≥ 1 and PPD≥4 mm. Blinded examiners recorded PPD, BI, pus, and plaque. The radiographic bone level change between baseline and 12 months was calculated. A multistate model was used to calculate transitions of BI.

Results

Thirty‐one patients completed the study. Both groups exhibited a significant reduction in PPD, BI, and pus at 12 months compared to baseline. Radiographic analysis showed stable mean RBL in both groups at 12 months. There was no statistically significant difference in any of the parameters between the groups.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this 12‐month multicenter randomized clinical trial, non‐surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis with OCB or TC showed no statistically significant differences between the groups. Clinical improvements and, in some cases, disease resolution, was observed in both groups. However, persistent inflammation was a common finding which further puts emphasis on the need for further treatment.
Prenatal ultrasound findings, genetic testing, and literature review of Isolated left subclavian artery
Authors: Zhang Simin , Wang Jingjing , Han Jijing , Wang Li , Wang Limei , Xiong Xiaowei , Wu Qingqing
Published: May 2023

Background

The occurrence of Isolated left subclavian artery (ILSA) is relatively rare, ILSA is caused by the persistence of the dorsal segment of the sixth left arch, with regression of the fourth arch artery and interruption of the left dorsal aorta at the distal end of the seventh intersegmental artery on the left side during embryonic development. The left subclavian artery is connected to the pulmonary artery through an arterial duct, which can be closed or unobstructed. This abnormality can lead to congenital subclavian steal syndrome and vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency.

Case presentation

We reported three fetuses with ILSA and intracardiac malformation. Among them, one case was suspected to be diagnosed with ILSA by echocardiography, while the other two cases were not diagnosed, but were accidentally discovered during autopsy. We have also conducted a literature review of its prenatal screening, diagnosis, management, and outcomes. Our three cases were tested by WES‐Trio (whole exome sequencing). Worldwide, the ILSA cases reported in English literature have not been detected by WES. And likely pathogenic results were found in our two cases. Although it could not explain the intracardiac malformation we found, it will help to explore the etiology in the future.

Conclusions

Prenatal echocardiography detection and diagnosis of ILSA is a new challenge, which has different effects on the prognosis of the fetus. When finding intracardiac malformation with right aortic arch, we need to perform an unconventional view of ultrasound scanning and combine with CDFI to find the origin of the left subclavian artery. Although we cannot find the cause of the disease temporarily, but our genetic results can help prenatal genetic counseling.
Impact of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors on the risk of hip fracture in older patients in Japan using a nationwide administrative claims database: A matched case–control study
Authors: Saito Tomoyuki , Nojiri Shuko , Kasai Takatoshi , Hiratsuka Yoshimune , Ishijima Muneaki , Daida Hiroyuki
Published: May 2023

Aim

Some clinical trials have shown that sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are associated with fracture risk. However, this notion remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate hip fracture risk after the use of SGLT2 inhibitors while controlling for factors that may affect fracture risk. Furthermore, hip fracture risk is evaluated in relation to the SGLT2 inhibitors component and its concomitant use with other antidiabetic agents.

Methods

Using large‐scale real‐world data, this case–control study investigated hospitalized patients between January 2018 and December 2020. Patients were aged 65–89 years and had been prescribed with SGLT2 inhibitors at least twice. Patients with hip fracture (cases) and those without (controls) were identified via 1:3 matching according to sex, age (±3 years), hospital size classification, and number of concomitant antidiabetic agents. Exposure to SGLT2 inhibitors of the cases and controls was compared with the use of multivariate conditional logistic regression.

Results

After matching, 396 cases and 1081 controls were identified. The adjusted odds ratio for patients receiving treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors was 0.83 (95% confidence interval: 0.55–1.26), indicating no increase in hip fracture risk. Additionally, no increased risk was observed with respect to SGLT2 inhibitors by component or concomitant use with other antidiabetic agents.

Conclusion

Our study showed that SGLT2 inhibitors do not increase hip fractures in older patients. However, because the risk assessment of SGLT2 inhibitors by component and their concomitant use with other antidiabetic agents is based on a limited number of patients, it is important to interpret the results with caution. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 418–425.
Induction of MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 expression during Helicobacter pylori infection via MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Karayiannis Ioannis , Martinez‐Gonzalez Beatriz , Kontizas Eleftherios , Kokkota Androniki Voulgari , Petraki Kalliopi , Mentis Andreas , Kollia Panagoula , Sgouras Dionyssios Nicholas
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)‐induced gastric pathology involves remodeling of extracellular matrix mediated by aberrant activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). We have previously shown that in vitro H. pylori infection leads to MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 overexpression, associated with phosphorylation of bacterial oncoprotein CagA. We extended these findings in an in vivo model of H. pylori infection and further assessed the involvement of MAPK pathways in MMP expression.

Materials and Methods

C57BL/6 mice were infected with H. pylori strains HPARE, HPARE ΔCagA, and SS1, for 6 and 9 months. Transcriptional expression of Mmp‐3 and Mmp‐9 was evaluated via qPCR while respective protein levels in the gastric mucosa were determined immunohistochemically. Epithelial cell lines AGS and GES‐1 were infected with H. pylori strain P12 in the presence of chemical inhibitors of JNK, ERK1/2, and p38 pathways, for 24 h. mRNA and protein expression of MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 were determined via qPCR and Western blot, respectively.

Results

We observed transcriptional activation of Mmp‐3 and Mmp‐9 as well as aberrant MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 protein expression in murine gastric tissue following H. pylori infection. CagA expression was associated with MMP upregulation, particularly during the early time points of infection. We found that inhibition of ERK1/2 resulted in reduced mRNA and protein expression of MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 during H. pylori infection, in both cell lines. Expressed protein levels of both MMPs were also found reduced in the presence of JNK pathway inhibitors in both cell lines. However, p38 inhibition resulted in a more complex effect, probably attributed to the accumulation of phospho‐p38 and increased phospho‐ERK1/2 activity due to crosstalk between MAPK pathways.

Conclusions

H. pylori colonization leads to the upregulation of MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 in vivo, which primarily involves ERK1/2 and JNK pathways. Therefore, their inhibition may potentially offer a protective effect against gastric carcinogenesis and metastasis.
Causes of vagrancy of North Asian passerines in western Europe
Authors: Bozó László , Csörgő Tibor
Published: May 2023

In recent decades, several explanations for vagrancy of North Asian bird species in Europe have been suggested. The explanations can typically be divided into two, non‐exclusive groups. Some cite weather factors as the primary cause of vagrancy, whereas others hypothesize an internal defect behind the phenomenon. In addition, some authors also suggest climate‐driven range expansion following breeding population increase as a contributing factor. In recent years, studies have been published that have provided clear evidence for the origin of vagrant birds, as well as the reasons for their vagrancy. Here we summarize current knowledge and conclude that weather, habitat use, feeding habit, breeding success and climate change are important factors that affect the vagrancy of birds, together with the number of observers playing an important role in contributing data. In the future, advances in technology such as the development of tracking systems and the extensive use of stable isotopes will make it possible to explain the causes of vagrancy more precisely, so further research in this area of ornithology is essential.
Engagement in collaborative writing: Exploring learners’ control of task content and text quality
Authors: Phan Huong Le Thu , Dao Phung
Published: May 2023

To extend L2 collaborative writing (CW) research that has largely focused on learners’ interactional behaviours and written performance, the current study adopted learner engagement as a theoretical lens to investigate whether different aspects of learner engagement in CW (i.e., cognitive, emotional and social) are affected by learners’ control of task content and whether they predict text quality. Thirty ESL learners performed two CW tasks, with the first task giving learners all pictures to co‐construct a story in writing whereas in the second task they were given half of the picture set and thus had to self‐produce the content for the rest of the story. Learner engagement during CW was gauged by multiple measures (e.g., LREs, idea units, instances of responsiveness, and self‐rated emotions). Post‐task interviews were conducted to supplement the quantitative results about the impact of the control of task content on learner engagement. Discourse analysis was applied to examine the linguistic aspects of the joint‐written text. Learner engagement scores were compared across two task conditions and entered into regression models to examine their association with the text quality. Results revealed that learners showed and reported higher cognitive, social, and emotional engagement in CW when they had greater control over the task content than when provided with all content. LREs, an indicator of cognitive engagement, were found to predict the texts’ accuracy. Results are discussed in terms of the design of CW tasks and the role of learner engagement in text quality.
Migration aspirations and the perceptions of the political, economic and social environment in Africa
Authors: Helbling Marc , Morgenstern Sandra
Published: May 2023

While much research has investigated how objective pull factors in the destination countries affect migration movements, and how subjective push factors affect migration aspirations, we know little about the interrelationship between subjective and objective factors. This paper therefore examines how people's perceptions of their political, economic and social structural environment affect their migration aspirations and to what extent these perceptions are determined by the objective situation in a country. Accounting for individual perceptions is important because individuals may be affected by structural factors to different degrees, and their knowledge of the objective situation may vary. Perceptions may also be affected by individuals' norms and values as well as people's different expectations. This study is based on data from Round 7 of the Afrobarometer survey, fielded between 2016 and 2018 in 34 African countries. Our findings show that positive perceptions of the structural environment are related to lower migration aspirations and that this relationship is only partly dependent on the objective situation in a country.
Clinical performance characteristics for bordered foam dressings in the treatment of complex wounds: An international wound dressing technology expert panel review
Authors: Santamaria Nick , Woo Kevin , Beeckman Dimitri , Alves Paulo , Cullen Breda , Gefen Amit , Lázaro‐Martínez José Luis , Lev‐Tov Hadar , Najafi Bijan , Sharpe Andrew , Swanson Terry
Published: May 2023

The aim of this article is to identify and describe clinical practice performance characteristics for bordered foam dressings in the treatment of complex wounds. Our recently published systematic review of outcomes and applied measurement instruments for the use of bordered foam dressings in complex wounds has led to us identifying a range of important clinical and patient‐centred issues related to this dressing class. Specifically, here, we focus on an overview of performance criteria in the areas of application, adhesion, exudate management and debridement functions of bordered foam dressings. Our hope is that by highlighting the clinical performance criteria, future testing standards for wound dressings will more closely match our clinical expectations and, thereby, assist clinicians to make better wound treatment choices based on meaningful and clinically relevant dressing product performance standards. complex wounds, complex wound care, treatment, bordered foam dressings, dressing performance.
Plant photosynthetic responses under drought stress: Effects and management
Authors: Zahra Noreen , Hafeez Muhammad Bilal , Kausar Abida , Al Zeidi Maryam , Asekova Sovetgul , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Farooq Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Balanced photosynthesis is essential for improved plant survival and agricultural benefits in terms of biomass and yield. Photosynthesis is the hub of energy metabolism in plants; however, drought stress (DS) strongly perturbs photosynthetic efficiency due to biochemical and diffusive limitations that reduce key photosynthetic components and close stomata. This review describes photosynthetic responses, chloroplast retrograde signalling, and genetic imprints that curtail DS damage to photosynthetic machinery. While stomatal closure, disrupted photosynthetic systems, over‐reduced electron transport rates (ETR), partial hindrance of the Calvin cycle, and reduced pigment contents strongly affect the repertoire of photosynthetic processes under DS, chloroplast retrograde signalling also has a plausible role in preserving photosynthetic capacity. Progress in agronomic, genetic engineering approaches and isoprene regulation would help to rescue photosynthetic apparatus under DS.
The formation mechanism of Cd–S–Se quantum dots with CdSe/CdS core–shell structure within silicate glass
Authors: Han Karam , Nam Yoon Hee , Kim Seon Hoon , Choi Ju Hyeon , Liu Chao , Chung Woon Jin
Published: May 2023

The formation mechanism of Cd–S–Se quantum dots (QDs) with a CdS/CdSe core–shell structure within a silicate glass system was investigated by monitoring the change in the first excitonic absorption peak of CdSe, CdS, and Cd–S–Se QDs as a function of the heat‐treatment (HT) duration. When a silicate glass containing QD formation components for CdSe or CdS single‐phased QDs was heat‐treated, CdSe QDs grew via Ostwald ripening, whereas CdS QDs hardly formed within the given silicate glass matrix. When the glass, including CdO, ZnSe, and ZnS, was utilized for the synthesis of Cd–S–Se QDs within the glass matrix, Cd–S–Se QDs were successfully formed and exhibited similar growth behavior to CdSe QDs during the initial stage of HT. The structural changes in the QD‐embedded glasses during HT were also monitored by Raman spectroscopy and discussed, and a possible formation mechanism of CdSe/CdS core–shell‐structured QDs within silicate glasses is suggested.
The impact of treatment preferences: A narrative review
Authors: Sidani Souraya
Published: May 2023

Attending to treatment preferences is an element of person‐centred care, reported as beneficial in improving treatment adherence, satisfaction, and outcome, in practice. The results of preference trials were inconsistent in supporting these benefits in intervention evaluation research. Informed by the conceptualisation of treatment preferences positing their indirect impact on outcomes, this narrative review aimed to summarise the evidence on the effects of preferences on enrolment; withdrawal or attrition; engagement, enactment, and satisfaction with treatment; and outcomes. The search yielded 72 studies (57 primary trials and 15 reviews). The results of vote counting indicated that (1) offering participants the opportunity to choose treatment enhances enrolment (reported in 87.5% of studies), and (2) providing treatments that match participants' preferences reduces attrition (48%); enhances engagement (67%), enactment (50%) and satisfaction with (43%) treatment; and improves outcomes (35%). The results are attributed to conceptual and methodological issues including less‐than‐optimal assessment of treatment preferences, which contributes to ill‐identified preferences, accounting for withdrawal, low enactment, and limited satisfaction with treatment. These treatment processes, in turn, mediate the impact of treatment preferences on outcomes. It is important to refine and standardise the methods for assessing preferences and to examine their indirect impact (mediated by treatment processes) on outcomes in future preference trials to validly identify their benefits.
Readiness assessment in flood risk management and climate adaptation: A mechanism for social innovation?
Authors: Kelly Rhys , Kelly Ute
Published: May 2023

This paper discusses the development and initial trials of a readiness assessment methodology intended to support more informed, ethical and effective processes of project development and stakeholder engagement within an evolving and increasingly challenging context of Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) in England and Wales. In particular, it considers how and to what extent this approach to readiness assessment can be considered an example of social innovation. Drawing on scholarship about social innovation, the paper also considers challenges within the design and implementation of readiness assessment processes. In turn, this supports an exploration of obstacles to and limitations of social innovation, particularly in the context of far‐reaching social‐ecological change.
Gain and loss spirals: Reciprocal relationships between resources and job insecurity
Authors: Jiang Lixin , Xu Xiaohong , Zubielevitch Elena , Sibley Chris G.
Published: May 2023

Based on gain and loss spiral principles from Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, we examined change‐related reciprocal relations between three key resources (i.e. self‐esteem, sense of belonging and perceived social support) and job insecurity. We adopted a latent change score (LCS) approach and examined the loss and gain spirals with a seven‐wave longitudinal dataset from the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study (N = 6518). The LCS models indicated that: (1) self‐esteem predicts decreased job insecurity, but not vice versa, (2) sense of belonging predicts decreased job insecurity, but not vice versa and (3) there is a change‐related reciprocal relationship between perceived social support and job insecurity. Inconsistent with the primacy of resource loss proposed by COR theory, we also confirm that the effects of self‐esteem, sense of belonging and perceived social support on changes in job insecurity (i.e., gain spirals) are stronger than the effects of job insecurity on changes in these three resources (i.e., loss spirals). These findings provide a cautionary note to previous research based on cross‐sectional or lagged designs and using regression or (traditional or random intercept) cross‐lagged analyses. By taking a resource perspective, our research provides an impetus for understanding change‐related reciprocal relations between resources and job insecurity.