bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupling dynamic energy budget and population dynamic models to inform stock enhancement in fisheries management
Authors: Liu Yiwen , Zhang Chongliang , Wei Xiujin , Xu Binduo , Xue Ying , Ren Yiping , Chen Yong
Published: July 2023

Extensive applications of fishery stock enhancement worldwide bring up broad concerns about its negative effects, creating a pivotal need for science‐based assessment and planning of enhancement strategies. However, the lack of mechanistic understanding of enhanced population dynamics, particularly the density‐dependent processes, leads to compromise in model development and limits the capacity in predicting enhancement effects. Here, we developed an individual‐based model based on dynamic energy budget theory and full life‐history processes, to understand the mechanism of density dependence in population dynamics that emerge from individual‐level processes. We demonstrated the utility of the model framework by applying it to an extensively enhanced species, Chinese prawn (Fenneropenaeus chinensis, Penaeidae). The model could yield projections reflecting the observed trajectory of population biomass and yields. The model also delineated the key effects of density dependence on the vital rates of growth, fecundity and starvation mortality. Regarding the manifold effects of stock enhancement, we demonstrated a dampened shape in population biomass and yields with increasing magnitude of enhancement, and trade‐offs between the ecological and economic objectives, that is, pursuing high benefit might compromise the wild population without proper management. Furthermore, we illustrated the possibility of combining stock enhancement and harvest regulation in promoting population recovery while maintaining fisheries yields. We highlight the potential of the proposed model for understanding density dependence in enhancement programme, and for designing integrated management strategies. The approach developed herein may serve as a general approach to assess the population dynamics in stock enhancement and inform enhancement management.
Dimerization choice and alternative functions of ZBTB transcription factors
Authors: Barakat Sarah , Ezen Ege , Devecioğlu İzem , Gezen Melike , Piepoli Sofia , Erman Batu
Published: July 2023

Zinc Finger DNA‐binding domain‐containing proteins are the most populous family among eukaryotic transcription factors. Among these, members of the BTB domain‐containing ZBTB sub‐family are mostly known for their transcriptional repressive functions. In this Viewpoint article, we explore molecular mechanisms that potentially diversify the function of ZBTB proteins based on their homo and heterodimerization, alternative splicing and post‐translational modifications. We describe how the BTB domain is as much a scaffold for the assembly of co‐repressors, as a domain that regulates protein stability. We highlight another mechanism that regulates ZBTB protein stability: phosphorylation in the zinc finger domain. We explore the non‐transcriptional, structural roles of ZBTB proteins and highlight novel findings that describe the ability of ZBTB proteins to associate with poly adenosine ribose in the nucleus during the DNA damage response. Herein, we discuss the contribution of BTB domain scaffolds to the formation of transcriptional repressive complexes, to chromosome compartmentalization and their non‐transcriptional, purely structural functions in the nucleus.
The contribution of geographically common and rare species to the spatial distribution of biodiversity
Authors: White Hannah J. , McKeon Caroline M. , Pakeman Robin J. , Buckley Yvonne M.
Published: July 2023

Motivation and aim

Mapping the spatial distribution of biodiversity is critical for understanding its fundamental drivers (e.g. speciation, environmental filtering) as well as for conservation assessment. An important dimension of this topic is how the distributions of subsets of species contribute to the overall distribution of biodiversity. Although studies have previously investigated the role of geographically common and rare species in determining these patterns, their respective contributions appear to vary between studies. Knowing which species contribute disproportionately to the spatial distribution of biodiversity enables the identification of key indicator species for biodiversity assessments across large areas and is important for prioritising areas for conservation actions. An extensive review of the literature was carried out to synthesise research on how geographic rarity contributes to spatial patterns of biodiversity. We identify potential explanations for the discrepancies in findings between studies and identify opportunities for further research.

Results

Many studies on the contribution of geographic commonness and rarity to the spatial distribution of biodiversity focus on species richness. A prevalent view is that common (widespread) species contribute disproportionately, although this is not ubiquitous across studies due to factors such as the geographic extent from which relative rarity is quantified. We identify research pathways that will further improve our knowledge of how geographically common and rare species shape the spatial distribution of biodiversity including the impact of spatial scale on species contributions and the incorporation of biodiversity components beyond taxonomic alpha diversity, that is functional and phylogenetic diversity.

Main conclusions

Future research should incorporate multiple biodiversity components and model scale dependency. This will further our knowledge on the underlying processes that shape the spatial variation of biodiversity across the planet and help inform biological surveys and conservation activities.
Labor market distortion and its impact on wage inequality in the modernization of small‐scale agriculture
Authors: Wang Dianshuang , Li Xiaochun , Hu Zixin , Yuan Run
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the impacts of labor market distortion on wage inequality by considering the modernization of small‐scale agriculture. Owing to small‐scale operations, agriculture requires an intermediate sector—an agricultural producer service sector—to facilitate the introduction of nonagricultural intermediate inputs and promote modernization. The basic model assumes perfect competition in the service sector and shows that if the elasticity of substitution between labor and services is sufficiently large (small), mitigating distortion widens (reduces) wage inequality between skilled and rural unskilled labor. In the extended model, we introduce a service sector with monopolistic competition and the main results of the basic model almost hold.
Pregnancy and assisted reproductive technology use in Australian female transfusion‐dependent haemoglobinopathy patients: a 20‐year retrospective analysis
Authors: Anderson Stephanie , Perram Jacinta , Nelson Anna , Matthews Stephen , Gou Mel , Ho P. Joy
Published: July 2023

Background

In the last few decades, the life expectancy of patients with transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia (TDT) and sickle cell disease (SCD) has improved significantly, in part because of improved iron chelation. Fertility challenges and pregnancy complications have historically limited reproductive options in this group; however, improved multi‐disciplinary care has made infertility a chronic disease complication requiring attention. Despite this, there are very few reports and no Australian data describing fertility and pregnancy outcomes in this population.

Aims

To identify the rate of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) utilisation in our female transfusion‐dependent haemoglobinopathy patients and to establish the nature of maternal and neonatal complications in this cohort.

Methods

A 20‐year retrospective analysis (1997–2017) at an Australian centre captured data on conception rates, use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in female transfusion‐dependent haemoglobinopathy patients.

Results

Conception was attempted in 14 women (11 TDT and three SCD) during the study period. A total of 28 pregnancies resulting in 25 live births were recorded. ART supported 13 conceptions. A positive association was not identified between elevated mean serum ferritin and ART use; however, all patients with an established diagnosis of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) required ART. Maternal complications included gestational diabetes mellitus and post‐partum haemorrhage. There were no cardiac complications. Two‐thirds of women underwent lower segment caesarean section, with prematurity complicating 20% of births. There were no neonatal or maternal deaths.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is an achievable goal for women with transfusion‐dependent haemoglobinopathies, although the support of ART may be required in a subset of patients.
Applications of CRISPR technology in cellular immunotherapy
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyu , Renauer Paul A. , Zhou Liqun , Fang Shao‐Yu , Chen Sidi
Published: July 2023

CRISPR technology has transformed multiple fields, including cancer and immunology. CRISPR‐based gene editing and screening empowers direct genomic manipulation of immune cells, opening doors to unbiased functional genetic screens. These screens aid in the discovery of novel factors that regulate and reprogram immune responses, offering novel drug targets. The engineering of immune cells using CRISPR has sparked a transformation in the cellular immunotherapy field, resulting in a multitude of ongoing clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the development and applications of CRISPR and related gene editing technologies in immune cells, focusing on functional genomics screening, gene editing‐based cell therapies, as well as future directions in this rapidly advancing field.
Utilization and effects of security technologies in mental health: A scoping review
Authors: Anastasi Giuliano , Bambi Stefano
Published: July 2023

Violence in healthcare is an urgent and increasing issue. Mental health settings are particularly affected, with severe negative impacts on staff, patients, and organizations. Security technologies could help maintain and improve safety in this field. However, knowledge of their utilization and effectiveness in mental health is lacking. A scoping review was conducted using the methodology recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute to map research on the utilization and effects of security technologies in mental health, identify how research is currently performed, and highlight gaps in the existing knowledge. Literature search for peer‐reviewed publications was performed on PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Embase, and Scopus. Following the screening process and the eligibility criteria, 22 articles were included in this review. The publication range was 2002–2020, many studies were surveys, and European countries were the most investigated, especially the United Kingdom. Overall, the use of 10 different technologies was reported 46 times. The most represented category was alarms, followed by video cameras, other technologies (such as wearable sensors), and metal detectors. More than half of the included papers reported positive effects of these measures on safety. This review indicates that several security technologies are available in mental health settings, with encouraging positive safety outcomes for both patients and healthcare professionals, especially nurses. However, research on the topic is still emerging, with a limited number of sources and a few high‐quality designed studies. Therefore, future research should focus on producing evidence on the availability and effectiveness of these measures in mental health settings across countries.
Effect of minimally invasive versus open surgery in hepatectomy on postoperative wound complications in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Junli , Shi Meiping , Ding Wan , Duan Mingda , Dai Ziqing , Chen Yu
Published: July 2023

In a meta‐analysis, we assessed the impact of different surgical approaches on the outcome of hepatectomy with hepatocellular carcinoma. Four databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science, have been critically reviewed through the full literature through June 2023. Eleven related trials were examined once they had met the trial's classification and exclusion criteria, as well as the assessment of the quality. A random effects approach was applied to analysis of operative organ infections, and a fixed‐effect model was applied to determine the 95% CI and OR. Analysis of the data was done with RevMan 5.3. Our findings indicated that patients undergoing minimally invasive liver cancer surgery had significantly lower risks of surgical organ infection (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.16–0.77; p = 0.009) and wound infection (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.13–0.28; p < 0.001) compared to those undergoing open surgery. There was no heterogeneity observed between the two groups (I2 = 0) in wound infection. Nevertheless, because of the limited number of randomised controlled trials in this meta‐analysis, care should be taken and carefully considered in the treatment of these values. Further high‐quality studies involving a large number of samples are needed to validate and reinforce the results.
Research Subjects, Participants or Co‐researchers? Extending the Involvement of Students in Art and Design Research
Authors: Maloy Liam , Thomson Pat
Published: July 2023

Art education has a range of purposes. Art is said to support students to explore, interpret, ask critical questions, communicate and realise ideas, experiment, take risks, collaborate, tell stories and/or engage in social and political actions. In this paper, we consider whether educational researchers have the same capacious view of students’ potential and capacities for involvement. We bring the results of a Rapid Evidence Review (RER) of the benefits of arts education into conversation with the literatures on student voice and participation. We outline the ways in which student voice and participation are discussed, then move to the results of the RER. We conclude with a discussion of the opportunities for art education researchers to develop research practices that are inclusive of students.
When and how does the practice environment most benefit the job outcomes of newly graduated nurses?
Authors: Wang Quan , Chen Ting , Lang Xiaorong , Feng Danni , Liu Yuchen , Zhang Kexin , Huang Jingjing , Liu Shiya , Sheng Xiaoxuan , Huang Sufang
Published: July 2023

Background

Providing a favourable practice environment has been regarded as an essential to improve the job outcomes of newly graduated nurses (NGNs). However, little is known about how and when NGNs can best utilize their practice environment to produce optimal job outcomes.

Aim

The aim of this study, which is based on the Conservation of Resources Theory and the Social Cognitive Model of Career Self‐Management, is to investigate whether NGNs who have a higher level of personal growth initiative are more likely to benefit from their practice environment and achieve better job outcomes by increasing their occupational self‐efficacy.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

From 1 September 2022, to 30 September 2022, 279 NGNs from five Chinese state‐owned hospitals were recruited for this study. The participants completed measures of practice environment, personal growth initiative, occupational self‐efficacy, job stress, job satisfaction, turnover intention and quality of care. A descriptive analysis and a moderated mediation model were computed. Reporting adhered to the STROBE statement.

Results

The influence of the practice environment on job outcomes was significantly mediated by occupational self‐efficacy, with personal growth initiative acting as a moderator of this mediation effect.

Conclusions

NGNs who exhibited a higher degree of personal growth initiative were more likely to derive benefits from their practice environment and attain positive job outcomes by enhancing their occupational self‐efficacy. To boost NGNs' occupational self‐efficacy and achieve optimal job outcomes, hospital administrators may not only provide a supportive practice environment for them but also conduct interventions that promote their personal growth initiative.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This study was designed to examine the psychosocial factors associated with NGNs' job outcomes. The study was not conducted using suggestions from the patient groups or the public.

Impacts

Our findings indicate that favourable practise contexts may not always benefit the nursing job outcome if NGNs do not exhibit a high level of personal growth initiative and produce increased occupational self‐efficacy. Therefore, hospital administrators should consider implementing an intervention to improve the personal growth initiative of NGNs so that they can take full advantage of the practice environment and gain resources at work to create optimal job outcomes.
Role delineation of advanced practice nursing: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nahari Ahmed , Alhamed Arwa , Moafa Hamza , Aboshaiqah Ahmad , Almotairy Monir
Published: July 2023

Aims

To identify the roles and activities of nurses, including advanced practice nursing (APN), and to determine nursing practice patterns across health facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional design was used to collect data from 207 nurses working in the Saudi health sector between November 2021 and March 2022 through an online questionnaire. The Advanced Practice Role Delineation tool was used to measure and delineate nursing practice patterns and activities. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. The study followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology reporting guidelines.

Results

Findings showed that participants, regardless of their current role, reported high scores across all domains of practice. The highest average score was obtained for the Clinical Care domain. Except for the leadership domain, findings showed that those reported working as advanced practice nurses had higher average scores across all domains than those working as staff nurses or being in managerial/administrative positions. There were significant differences in the average Clinical Care scores between advanced practice nurses and staff nurses.

Conclusion

Advanced practice nursing roles and activities are being practised in Saudi Arabia; however, there is no clear delineation of these roles and activities according to a unified and national‐level APN scope of practice.

Impacts

Advanced practice nursing roles are evolving in Saudi Arabia; however, no study has examined the existing patterns of APN activities in Saudi Arabia. This study highlights the practice patterns of advanced practice nurses and adds to the international evidence base on the need for delineating APN activities under a unified scope of practice. The findings of this study are beneficial to practitioners, researchers, and stakeholders as well as the legislative and regulatory bodies.

Patient or public contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Founder premiums, venture capital investments and acquirer benefits
Authors: Xie Yamin
Published: July 2023

This study investigates whether the retention of founders has a greater impact on deal prices and acquirer benefits compared with the retention of family successors or CEOs when private firms pursue a merger exit strategy. The results demonstrate that higher prices and returns can be achieved when founders remain postmerger. These findings hold up even when considering the acquirer's long‐term operating and market performance, indicating the robustness of the results. Additionally, the study reveals that the effect of founder retention is larger than that of CEO retention, and the effect of founder‐CEO retention is the largest. Furthermore, the study examines multistage investments and exits, revealing that venture capitalists can trade off the benefits of founder maturity and firm growth. This implies that founder premiums vary with the enterprise life cycle. Finally, the study investigates the mechanism behind these results, finding that venture capital backing, high‐tech industry, earnouts and stock‐for‐stock deals as moderators can significantly enhance the founder‐retention effect on acquirer benefits. This study proposes that the specific human capital and entrepreneurial spirit of founders, transcending ownership, emerge as driving forces behind this effect. Founder heterogeneity also suggests that acquirers can benefit more from founder retention when founders are innovative talents or serial entrepreneurs.
A qualitative analysis of child and family complaints related to child mental health services
Authors: Darcy Laura , Råberus Anna , Sundler Annelie J.
Published: July 2023

Problem

Little is known about issues of patient‐reported problems, in particular within psychiatric services for children with mental ill health. Child and family complaints related to child mental health services can be analyzed and discussed in light of the universal human right to health and healthcare. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze child and family complaints related to child mental health services.

Methods

A retrospective, descriptive design was used. Child and family complaints were analyzed with a qualitative thematic analysis.

Findings

The findings were described in three themes describing lack of access to care, inadequate communication between services and children with mental ill health and their families, and lack of clarity of who is responsible for care, leading to neglect of children's needs. These issues place a huge responsibility on parents or relatives.

Conclusion

Better communication within mental health services, and better collaboration with other services such as school and social services, could limit children's suffering. Healthcare services with named professionals who specialize in child mental health and provide continuity in care, are required. General human rights principles should guide planning and care of children.
Preferred left ventricular lead position for upgrade from right ventricular pacing to cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Ogano Michio , Iwasaki Yu‐ki , Okada Taiji , Tanabe Jun , Shimizu Wataru , Asai Kuniya
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is well‐established for treating symptomatic heart failure with electrical dyssynchrony. The left ventricular (LV) lead position is recommended at LV posterolateral to lateral sites in patients with left bundle branch block; however, its preferred region remains unclear in patients being upgraded from right ventricular (RV) apical pacing to CRT. This study aimed to identify the preferred LV lead position for upgrading conventional RV apical pacing to CRT.

Methods

We used electrode catheters positioned at the RV apex and LV anterolateral and posterolateral sites via the coronary sinus (CS) branches to measure the ratio of activation time to QRS duration from the RV apex to the LV anterolateral and posterolateral sites during RV apical pacing. Simultaneous biventricular pacing was performed at the RV apex and each LV site, and the differences in QRS duration and LV dP/dtmax from those of RV apical pacing were measured.

Results

Thirty‐seven patients with anterolateral and posterolateral LV CS branches were included. During RV apical pacing, the average ratio of activation time to QRS duration was higher at the LV anterolateral site than at the LV posterolateral site (0.90 ± 0.06 vs. 0.71 ± 0.11, p < .001). The decreasing ratio of QRS duration and the increasing ratio of LV dP/dtmax were higher at the LV anterolateral site than at the posterolateral site (45.7 ± 18.0% vs. 32.0 ± 17.6%, p < .001; 12.7 ± 2.9% vs. 3.7 ± 8.2%, p < .001, respectively) during biventricular pacing compared with RV apical pacing.

Conclusion

The LV anterolateral site is the preferred LV lead position in patients being upgraded from conventional RV apical pacing to CRT.
Role of glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored high‐density lipoprotein binding protein 1 in hypertriglyceridemia and diabetes
Authors: Kurooka Naoko , Eguchi Jun , Wada Jun
Published: July 2023

In diabetes, the impairment of insulin secretion and insulin resistance contribute to hypertriglyceridemia, as the enzymatic activity of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) depends on insulin action. The transport of LPL to endothelial cells and its enzymatic activity are maintained by the formation of lipolytic complex depending on the multiple positive (glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored high‐density lipoprotein binding protein 1 [GPIHBP1], apolipoprotein C‐II [APOC2], APOA5, heparan sulfate proteoglycan [HSPG], lipase maturation factor 1 [LFM1] and sel‐1 suppressor of lin‐12‐like [SEL1L]) and negative regulators (APOC1, APOC3, angiopoietin‐like proteins [ANGPTL]3, ANGPTL4 and ANGPTL8). Among the regulators, GPIHBP1 is a crucial molecule for the translocation of LPL from parenchymal cells to the luminal surface of capillary endothelial cells, and maintenance of lipolytic activity; that is, hydrolyzation of triglyceride into free fatty acids and monoglyceride, and conversion from chylomicron to chylomicron remnant in the exogenous pathway and from very low‐density lipoprotein to low‐density lipoprotein in the endogenous pathway. The null mutation of GPIHBP1 causes severe hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis, and GPIGBP1 autoantibody syndrome also causes severe hypertriglyceridemia and recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis. In patients with type 2 diabetes, the elevated serum triglyceride levels negatively correlate with circulating LPL levels, and positively with circulating APOC1, APOC3, ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4 and ANGPTL8 levels. In contrast, circulating GPIHBP1 levels are not altered in type 2 diabetes patients with higher serum triglyceride levels, whereas they are elevated in type 2 diabetes patients with diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. The circulating regulators of lipolytic complex might be new biomarkers for lipid and glucose metabolism, and diabetic vascular complications.
The effect of liquidity and arbitrage on the price efficiency of Chinese ETFs
Authors: Fu Yuan , Jiang Christine
Published: July 2023

We study the potential factors that determine the large and persistent price deviations in Chinese equity exchange‐traded funds (ETFs). Our results suggest that ETF liquidity and arbitrage activity are positively correlated with ETF price efficiency, and the relation is more pronounced with higher institutional ownership. We also evaluate the effect of two exogenous shocks in the Chinese market. Using a policy change that added market makers to ETFs on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) and Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE), we find that market makers improve price efficiency and that the impact is stronger for ETFs with lower liquidity. We also exploit a change in trading rules on the SZSE and show that the relaxation of arbitrage restrictions improves price efficiency. Altogether, these findings provide evidence that lack of liquidity, due to the unique market structure and regulations of the Chinese market, contributes to price inefficiency of Chinese ETFs.
Association between nut consumption and frailty in the elderly: a large sample cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yang Yaqin , Zhang Duo , Yuan Guowei , Wu Yuchi , Huang Xinyan
Published: July 2023

Background

Limited literature has addressed the impact of nut consumption in mitigating frailty. This study aimed to investigate the association between nut consumption and frailty among Americans aged above 60 years, employing two 24‐h dietary recalls for analysis.

Methods

The data sets of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2003–2018) and the Food Patterns Equivalents Database were utilised for a weighted multiple logistic regression model to evaluate the association between nut consumption and frailty in elderly adults. Furthermore, a restricted cubic spline model was employed to investigate the nonlinear relationship between nut intake and frailty. Besides, stratified and interaction analyses were conducted to explore the sensitivity of nut consumption in reducing the risk of frailty in diverse subgroups.

Results

The research study comprised 10,033 individuals aged 60 years or above, of whom 3591 were classified as frailty and 5302 consumed nuts. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis that adjusted for covariates, the weighted multivariate adjusted odds ratios demonstrated that the prevalence of frailty was lower in the nut intake group than in nonconsumers. The stratified analysis indicated that nearly all subgroups who consumed nuts had a significantly lower risk of frailty compared to nonconsumers, and an interaction was observed between nut intake and nonhypertensive populations. The optimal threshold for nut intake to decrease the risk of frailty was identified as 1.02 ounces.

Conclusions

The study concluded that nut consumption has a constructive impact on averting frailty in elderly adults, particularly in nonhypertensive individuals. Nut intake of ~1.02 ounces per day is advantageous in improving the quality of life in elderly adults.
Do Credit Markets Respond to Macroeconomic Shocks? The Case for Reverse Causality
Authors: BOONS MARTIJN , OTTONELLO GIORGIO , VALKANOV ROSSEN
Published: July 2023

The response of corporate bond credit spreads to three exogenous macro shocks—oil supply, investment‐specific technology, and government spending—is large, significant, and a mirror image of macroeconomic activity. This countercyclicality is driven largely by credit risk premia and translates into significant return predictability. Equity risk premia exhibit similar responses, providing external validity. Information rigidities and leverage play a key role in the transmission of the shocks. Since causal evidence linking macro shocks to credit markets is scarce and recent work highlights the real effects of credit fluctuations, our findings contribute to understanding the joint dynamics of credit markets and the macroeconomy.
Moral Hazard versus Liquidity in Household Bankruptcy
Authors: INDARTE SASHA
Published: July 2023

This paper studies the role of moral hazard and liquidity in driving household bankruptcy. First, I estimate that increases in potential debt forgiveness have a positive, but small, effect on filing using a regression kink design. Second, exploiting quasi‐experimental variation in mortgage payment reductions, I estimate that filing is five times more responsive to cash‐on‐hand than relief generosity. Using a sufficient statistic, I show the estimates imply large consumption‐smoothing benefits of bankruptcy for the marginal filer. Finally, I conclude that 83% of the filing response to dischargeable debt comes from liquidity effects rather than a moral hazard response to financial incentives.
Late effects of prematurity: Psychiatric outcomes of 17‐year‐olds born very preterm
Authors: Moor Stephanie , Williman Jonathan , Harris Sarah , Ellis Nicola , Graham Patricia , Austin Nicola
Published: July 2023

Aim

Very preterm (VPT) birth is a known early vulnerability factor, impacting both physical and mental health over the life‐span. The additional burden of psychiatric illness in VPT adolescents is likely to adversely affect critical developmental tasks and personal, social and academic/vocational trajectories. Our aim was to examine the magnitude and extent of the risk of psychological burden by determining the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in our prospectively followed‐up VPT and full‐term (FT) control cohorts, in this period of developmental transition at age 17 years.

Methods

Rates of psychiatric disorder in the VPT and FT control cohorts were ascertained at clinical interview of the adolescents and their care giver(s) by an adolescent psychiatrist.

Results

VPT birth was associated with a greater risk of generalised anxiety disorder (VPT vs. FT risk ratio (RR) 2.33; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16, 4.67, P = 0.02), as well as attentional problems (VPT vs. FT RR 3.46; 95% CI: 1.01, 11.88, P = 0.03). Although care givers of VPT adolescents reported many social and communication difficulties, and observation at clinical interview supported this, our data did not reach clinical threshold for group differences in autistic spectrum disorder. For all other psychiatric disorders, there was no difference between VPT and FT control adolescents.

Conclusion

Our longitudinal cohort follow‐up study examining the late effects of VPT birth has demonstrated increased rates of clinically significant psychiatric disorder in this period of important developmental transition. Families and health professionals need to be aware of the increased risk so they can monitor for symptoms and seek effective mental health treatments and support.
Macrophages polarize to the pro‐inflammatory phenotype and delay neutrophil efferocytosis to augmentAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitanceJP2 clearance
Authors: Hashai Koren , Abadi Fairuz , Clyman Dana , Shany‐Kdoshim Sahron , Polak David
Published: July 2023

Objective

The study examines how neutrophils cross‐talk with macrophages during JP2Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitanceinfection and factors that are involved in inflammatory resolution and efferocytosis.

Background

Although sub‐gingival bacteria constitute the primary initiating factor in the pathogenesis of molar‐incisor pattern periodontitis (MIPP), the non‐resolved host response has a major role in tissue destruction. While evidence links neutrophils to MIPP pathogenesis, their clearance during inflammatory resolution, governed by macrophages, is poorly understood.

Methods

Human neutrophils (differentiated from HL60 cells) and macrophages (differentiated from THP1 cells) were inoculated with JP2. The supernatants were collected and exposed to naïve neutrophils or macrophages with or without exposure to JP2. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured with 2′‐7′‐dichlorofluorescein‐diacetate and a fluorescent plate reader. Immunofluorescence labeling of CD47 and cell vitality were examined using flow cytometry. Macrophage polarization was tested by immunofluorescence staining for CD163 and CD68 and a fluorescent microscope, and TNFα and IL‐10 secretion was tested using ELISA and RT‐PCR. Efferocytosis was examined by pHrodo and carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester staining and fluorescent microscopy. In vivo, macrophages were depleted from C57Bl/6 mice and neutrophil CD47 levels were tested using the subcutaneous chamber model.

Results

Neutrophils exposed to macrophage supernatant show increased ROS, mainly extracellularly, that increased during JP2 infection. Macrophages showed pro‐inflammatory M1 phenotype polarization during JP2 infection, and their supernatants prolonged neutrophil survival by inhibiting CD47 down‐expression and reducing neutrophil necrosis and apoptosis. Also, the macrophages delay neutrophil efferocytosis during JP2 infection which, in turn, enhanced JP2 clearance. Depletion of macrophages in mice mildly prevented neutrophils CD47 reduction and reduced JP2 clearance. The JP2 infection in mice also led to macrophage M1 polarization similar to the in vitro results.

Conclusions

As shown in this study, neutrophil efferocytosis potentially may be reduced during JP2 infection, promoting JP2 clearance, which may contribute to the inflammatory‐mediated periodontal tissue damage.
Are sleep‐related beliefs and behaviours dysfunctional in people with insomnia after acquired brain injury? A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Verkaik Frank , Ford Marthe E. , Geurtsen Gert J. , Van Someren Eus J. W.
Published: July 2023

Inappropriate sleep‐related beliefs and behaviours are considered key maladaptive mechanisms in the development and maintenance of insomnia in the otherwise healthy population. The aim of this study was to evaluate critically the role of sleep‐related beliefs and behaviours in insomnia after acquired brain injury. Cross‐sectional data of 51 outpatients with insomnia disorder and acquired brain injury were used to evaluate associations of the insomnia severity index with the dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep scale and sleep‐related behaviours questionnaire. Seven (44%) of the dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep scale items and 10 (31%) of the sleep‐related behaviours questionnaire items correlated significantly with insomnia severity. Ten experts were consulted on whether they considered the questionnaire items maladaptive or accurately reflecting coping with conditions experienced by people with acquired brain injury. Although multiple linear regression showed that the total scores of the questionnaires explained a significant part of interindividual differences in insomnia severity (R2 = 0.27, F(2,48) = 8.72, p < 0.01), the experts unanimously rated only four (25%) of the dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep scale items as dysfunctional beliefs and three (9%) of the sleep‐related behaviours questionnaire items as safety behaviours. In people with brain injury, sleep related beliefs and behaviours may also play a role in insomnia, especially a diminished perception of control and worry about sleep. However, more than half of the questionnaire items on sleep‐related beliefs and behaviours may not be considered inappropriate and maladaptive for the acquired brain injury population, and may reflect adequate observations and efforts in coping with consequences of the brain damage.
Non‐invasive candidate protein signature predicts hepatic venous pressure gradient reduction in cirrhotic patients after sustained virologic response
Authors: Richards Shola M. , Guo Fang , Zou Heng , Nigsch Florian , Baiges Anna , Pachori Alok , Zhang Yiming , Lens Sabela , Pitts Rebecca , Finkel Nancy , Loureiro Joseph , Mongeon Dale , Ma Shenglin , Watkins Mollie , Polus Florine , Albillos Agustin , Tellez Luis , Martinez‐González Javier , Bañares Rafael , Turon Fanny , Ferrusquía‐Acosta José , Perez‐Campuzano Valeria , Magaz Marta , Forns Xavier , Badman Michael , Sailer Andreas W. , Ukomadu Chinweike , Hernández‐Gea Virginia , Garcia‐Pagán Juan Carlos
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

A reduction in hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is the most accurate marker for assessing the severity of portal hypertension and the effectiveness of intervention treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic potential of blood‐based proteomic biomarkers in predicting HVPG response amongst cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension due to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and had achieved sustained virologic response (SVR).

Methods

The study comprised 59 patients from two cohorts. Patients underwent paired HVPG (pretreatment and after SVR), liver stiffness (LSM), and enhanced liver fibrosis scores (ELF) measurements, as well as proteomics‐based profiling on serum samples using SomaScan® at baseline (BL) and after SVR (EOS). Machine learning with feature selection (Caret, Random Forest and RPART) methods were performed to determine the proteins capable of classifying HVPG responders. Model performance was evaluated using AUROC (pROC R package).

Results

Patients were stratified by a change in HVPG (EOS vs. BL) into responders (greater than 20% decline in HVPG from BL, or <10 mmHg at EOS with >10 mmHg at BL) and non‐responders. LSM and ELF decreased markedly after SVR but did not correlate with HVPG response. SomaScan (SomaLogic, Inc., Boulder, CO) analysis revealed a substantial shift in the peripheral proteome composition, reflected by 82 significantly differentially abundant proteins. Twelve proteins accurately distinguished responders from non‐responders, with an AUROC of .86, sensitivity of 83%, specificity of 83%, accuracy of 83%, PPV of 83%, and NPV of 83%.

Conclusions

A combined non‐invasive soluble protein signature was identified, capable of accurately predicting HVPG response in HCV liver cirrhosis patients after achieving SVR.
Risk of acute liver injury following the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir use
Authors: Wong Carlos King Ho , Mak Lung Yi , Au Ivan Chi Ho , Cheng Wing Yiu , So Ching Hei , Lau Kristy Tsz Kwan , Lau Eric Ho Yin , Cowling Benjamin J. , Leung Gabriel M. , Yuen Man Fung
Published: July 2023

Background

Elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were reported as adverse events of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir users in the EPIC‐HR trial.

Aim

To quantify the risk and severity of acute liver injury (ALI) associated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir use.

Methods

This self‐controlled case‐series study was conducted using electronic medical records of patients with confirmed diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection between 26th February 2022 and 12th February 2023 in Hong Kong.

Results

Among 2 409 848 patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during the study period, 153 853 were prescribed with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, of whom 834 (.5%) had incident ALI (moderate: 30.5%; moderate to severe: 18.9%; severe or fatal: 5.8%). Compared with the non‐exposure period, risk of ALI increased significantly during the pre‐exposure period (IRR = 38.13, 95% CI = 29.29–49.62) and remained elevated during the five‐day nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment (IRR = 20.75, 95% CI = 17.06–25.25) and during wash‐out period (IRR = 16.27, 95% CI = 13.23–20.01). Compared to the pre‐exposure period, risk of ALI was not increased during the five‐day nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment period (IRR = .54, 95% CI = .43–.70). Compared to 5469 non‐nirmatrelvir/ritonavir users with incident ALI, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir users had less severe ALI by the severity index (p < .001) and peak INR (1.7 vs. 2.3; p < .001). ALI cases with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir use had lower risk of all‐cause death (29.1% vs. 39.1%; OR = .64; p < .001) and no increase in risk of liver decompensation (1.0% vs. 1.3%; OR = .62; p = .230) compared to non‐users.

Conclusion

The risk of ALI associated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment for COVID‐19 was elevated in the pre‐exposure period, but not following nirmatrelvir/ritonavir initiation. ALI following nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment were mostly mild and less severe than ALI events in non‐nirmatrelvir/ritonavir users.
Iterative application of generative adversarial networks for improved buried pipe detection from images obtained by ground‐penetrating radar
Authors: Chun Pang Jo , Suzuki M. , Kato Y.
Published: July 2023

Ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) is widely used to determine the location of buried pipes without excavation, and machine learning has been researched to automatically identify the location of buried pipes from the reflected wave images obtained by GPR. In object detection using machine learning, the accuracy of detection is affected by the quantity and quality of training data, so it is important to expand the training data to improve accuracy. This is especially true in the case of buried pipes that are located underground and whose existence cannot be easily confirmed. Therefore, this study developed a method for increasing training data using you only look once v5 (YOLOv5) and StyleGAN2‐ADA to automate the annotation process. Of particular importance is developing a framework for generating images by generative adversarial networks with an emphasis on images that are challenging to detect buried pipes in YOLOv5 and add them to a training dataset to repeat training recursively, which has greatly improved the detection accuracy. Specifically,F‐values of 0.915, 0.916, and 0.924 were achieved by automatically generating training images step by step from only 500, 1000, and 2000 training images, respectively. These values exceed theF‐value of 0.900, which is obtained from training by manually annotating 15,000 images, a much larger number. In addition, we applied the method to a road in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, and confirmed that the method can detect the location of buried pipes with high accuracy on a real road. This method can contribute to labor‐saving training data expansion, which is time‐consuming and costly in practice, and as a result, the method contributes to improving detection accuracy.
The Bursaphelenchus xylophilus candidate effector BxLip‐3 targets the class I chitinases to suppress immunity in pine
Authors: Qiu Yi‐Jun , Wu Xiao‐Qin , Wen Tong‐Yue , Hu Long‐Jiao , Rui Lin , Zhang Yan , Ye Jian‐Ren
Published: July 2023

Lipase is involved in lipid hydrolysis, which is related to nematodes' energy reserves and stress resistance. However, the role of lipases in Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, a notorious plant‐parasitic nematode responsible for severe damage to pine forest ecosystems, remains largely obscure. Here, we characterized a class III lipase as a candidate effector and named it BxLip‐3. It was transcriptionally up‐regulated in the parasitic stages of B. xylophilus and specifically expressed in the oesophageal gland cells and the intestine. In addition, BxLip‐3 suppressed cell death triggered by the pathogen‐associated molecular patterns PsXEG1 and BxCDP1 in Nicotiana benthamiana, and its Lipase‐3 domain is essential for immunosuppression. Silencing of the BxLip‐3 gene resulted in a delay in disease onset and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the expression of pathogenesis‐related (PR) genes. Plant chitinases are thought to be PR proteins involved in the defence system against pathogen attack. Using yeast two‐hybrid and co‐immunoprecipitation assays, we identified two class I chitinases in Pinus thunbergii, PtChia1‐3 and PtChia1‐4, as targets of BxLip‐3. The expression of these two chitinases was up‐regulated during B. xylophilus inoculation and inhibited by BxLip‐3. Overall, this study illustrated that BxLip‐3 is a crucial virulence factor that plays a critical role in the interaction between B. xylophilus and host pine.