bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutional framework, macroeconomic instability and financial markets: perspective from emerging economies
Authors: Abaidoo Rexford , Agyapong Elvis Kwame
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The study evaluates the role of institutional framework and macroeconomic instability on financial market development among emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses panel data compiled from 32 countries from the sub-region of Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA), covering the period starting from 1996 to 2019. Empirical analyses were carried out using the two-step system generalized method of moments (TS-GMM) statistical framework.

Findings

Reviewed results suggest that institutional quality, effective governance and corruption control have a significant positive impact on financial market development among economies in the sub-region. Further empirical estimates show that macroeconomic risk and macroeconomic uncertainty have significant adverse effects on financial market development. Additionally, reported empirical estimates suggest that an improved institutional framework has the potential to lessen the adverse effect of macroeconomic instability on financial market development among economies in the sub-region.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this empirical inquiry compared to related studies in the present literature stems from the fact that studies employing similar empirical approaches on the subject matter for economies in the sub-region are rare. Additionally, the analysis pursued in this study employs critical variables whose impact on financial market performance in the sub-region has not been examined per our review. These variables include indexes such as macroeconomic risk and institutional quality, which are unique to this study based on their construction; these indexes are generated using a principal component analysis procedure with different underlying variables compared to what may be found in the literature.
Supply chain concentration and financial performance: the moderating roles of marketing and operational capabilities
Authors: Wei Shaobo , Deng Chengnan , Liu Hua , Chen Xiayu
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Based on resource dependence theory (RDT) and transaction cost theory (TCT), we aim to investigate the relationship between supply chain concentration and firm performance. Based on the resource-based perspective, we further investigate the moderating effect of marketing and operational capabilities on the relationship between supply chain concentration and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data from 2,082 firms with 8,371 observations from 2008 to 2020 in China, we use stochastic frontier analysis to calculate marketing capability and operational capability and use multinational regressions to test our research model.

Findings

We find a U-shaped relationship between supplier concentration and firm performance; there is also a U-shaped relationship between customer concentration and firm performance. In addition, the relationship between supplier concentration and firm financial performance is strengthened by the firm’s marketing capability, and the relationship between customer concentration and firm financial performance is weakened by the firm’s operational capability.

Originality/value

Drawing from RDT and TCT, this study extends the research on the impact of supply chain concentration on firm performance. The study finds that supply chain concentration and firm performance have a nonlinear relationship, and it is further moderated by marketing capability and operational capability, providing insights for managers.
“All employees are equal … but some are more equal than others”. Role identity and nonfamily member discrimination in family SMEs
Authors: Ferrari Filippo
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate if, under which conditions, and with which consequences, nonfamily members have the perception of being discriminated against as a consequence of nepotism and adverse selection practices. This research also aims to investigate whether the carried-out role influences the perception of being discriminated against among nonfamily member employees.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was carried out by adopting a structural equation model (SEM) analysis. The survey investigated a sample of Italian family SMEs (participating companies N = 186, total questionnaires collected N = 838).

Findings

Drawing on the multiple identities theory, findings show that role salience (RS) effectively contributes to reducing the unwanted effects of perceived discrimination (PD) among nonfamily member employees. In doing so, this study deepens the knowledge of nonfamily member employment conditions and their consequences on strategic outcomes such as organizational commitment (OC), organizational justice (OJ) and intention to quit (ITQ).

Research limitations/implications

By adopting a self-categorization approach, this study also advances current theoretical literature, as this methodological lens could help scholars further understand diversity in family business.

Practical implications

This study suggests it would be advisable to implement human resource management practices based on job rotation to promote cohesion and reduce perceived distances.

Social implications

SMEs are the most widespread type of firm in the world; as a consequence, avoiding PD among nonfamily member employees has general ethical relevance.

Originality/value

This study expands current literature by showing that RS plays an important role in determining levels of PD. This study also advances current literature by focusing on the impact of multiple identities on fairness and commitment at individual and group levels of analysis of family businesses.
The Effects of Mandatory ESG Disclosure Around the World
Authors: KRUEGER PHILIPP , SAUTNER ZACHARIAS , TANG DRAGON YONGJUN , ZHONG RUI
Published: May 2024

We compile a novel data set on mandatory environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure around the world to analyze the stock liquidity effects of such disclosure mandates. We document a positive effect of ESG disclosure mandates on firm‐level stock liquidity. The effects are strongest if the disclosure requirements are implemented by government institutions, not on a comply‐or‐explain basis, and coupled with strong enforcement by informal institutions. Firms with weaker information environments benefit more from ESG disclosure mandates. Our results support the view that ESG disclosure regulation improves the information environment and has beneficial capital market effects.
Bangladesh and New Development Bank (NDB): Accession and after, money and more
Authors: Chin Gregory T. , Kamal Rifat D.
Published: May 2024

This article examines Bangladesh's new membership in the BRICS‐led New Development Bank (NDB), as the Bangladesh country study for the Special Section on ‘The Evolution of New Development Bank: A Decade Plus in the Making’, in Global Policy journal. In September 2021, Bangladesh became the first country outside of the original BRICS founding members to join NDB. The analysis details how Bangladesh went about joining NDB, especially the geopolitics and diplomacy between Bangladesh and the key NDB founding members (India, China, Russia) which supported Bangladesh's entry; why Bangladesh joined NDB, the main motivations or interests; and how NDB membership is turning out for Bangladesh after acceding to the Bank, what are Bangladesh and the Bank actually doing together, are they realizing the main opportunities as intended, or are outcomes not as intended. Throughout the analysis, we assess how Bangladesh's membership in NDB compares to its multi‐decade memberships in the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Islamic Development, and its newer relations with the other new China‐supported multilateral bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). This study combines primary data gathered from field research, primary desk research, and cross‐verification with the related data, and secondary sources.
Initial screening for neuronal autoantibodies and their putative impact on survival in patients with small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Mikkelsen Anne With , Nilsson Anna Christine , Tenstad Helene Broch , Lillevang Soeren Thue , Asgari Nasrin
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) may be associated with neuronal autoantibodies and paraneoplastic neurological syndromes. It has been suggested that neuronal autoantibodies, especially antineuronal nuclear antibody type 1 (Hu) autoantibodies, are associated with longer survival of patients with SCLC. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and distribution of neuronal autoantibodies at the time of diagnosis of SCLC patients and assess survival rates in relation to autoimmunity.

Methods

In this retrospective study, serum from 40 patients with biopsy‐proven SCLC at the time of diagnosis was studied prior to treatment. The sera originated from a cancer registry at the Oncology Department, Vejle Hospital from 2007 to 2010. The sera were analyzed blindly to clinical status for the presence of neuronal autoantibodies. Medical records were reviewed for neurological symptoms.

Results

Neuronal autoantibodies were detected in 22/40 (55%) of the SCLC patients. A broad range of neurological symptoms was recorded in 28/40 (70%) patients, of which 14/28 (50%) were positive for neuronal autoantibodies. The most frequently detected autoantibodies were Hu (7/40, 17.5%) followed by GAD65 (6/22, 15.0%). Striational and P/Q‐ or N‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel antibodies were less common, with each found in five patients (12.5%). Eight patients (20%) had coexisting autoantibodies. Autoantibody‐positivity was not associated with survival.

Conclusion

Neuronal autoantibodies were at time of diagnosis found in approximately half of the treatment‐naïve SCLC patients. Neither autoantibody positivity at diagnosis nor neurological manifestations correlated with survival and their clinical importance requires further studies in larger, prospective cohorts.
Skull asymmetry in various sheep breeds: Directional asymmetry and fluctuating asymmetry
Authors: Manuta Nicoleta , Duro Sokol , Szara Tomasz , Jashari Tefik , Demircioğlu İsmail , Avanus Kozet , Büyükünal Serkan Kemal
Published: May 2024

Sheep (Ovis aries) play an important role in the economy of Turkey and the Balkan Peninsula due to their use in farming. As a domesticated species, sheep's morphometric and morphological diversity is likely determined by selective breeding practices rather than geographic distribution. This study aimed to analyse four different sheep breed skulls and reveal skull asymmetry using geometric morphometric methods. For this purpose, 2D images of 52 sheep skulls from different breeds were analysed from the dorsal view of the skull, using 28 landmarks. In the comparison of sheep skulls from the dorsal view, the first principal components for directional asymmetry (DA) and fluctuating asymmetry (FA) were 32.98% and 39.62% of the total variation, respectively. Sharri and Ivesi (Awassi) sheep breeds had the broadest distribution of skull shapes among the breeds, while Lara e Polisit was the most conservative breed. DA was used as a measure of biomechanical constraints, and FA was used as an indicator of environmental stress. Consistent with DA, both differences in centroid size and shape between breeds were statistically significant. No differences between males and females related to asymmetry were revealed. Ivesi sheep revealed the highest fluctuating asymmetry. Geometric morphometric methods proved to be a useful tool for distinguishing differences in the shape of the skull of different sheep breeds and also can be useful for taxonomic purposes.
Wildlife corridor degradation and human‐wildlife conflict: A case study from Tanzania
Authors: Elisa Manase , Caro Tim , Yon Lisa , Hardy Ian C. W. , Roberts Simon , Symeonakis Elias
Published: May 2024

In many African countries, anthropogenic pressure and poor governance have led to the degradation of wildlife corridors, which are important for the long‐term viability of wildlife populations. Yet the nature of such degradation is poorly understood, hindering our ability to reverse these trends. We studied a deteriorating wildlife corridor between Katavi and Mahale National Parks in western Tanzania. Using satellite imagery, we found that the corridor still contains large areas of natural vegetation, diverse terrain and numerous water sources. There has nonetheless been increasing encroachment of the corridor by people between 1990 and 2017, exemplified by a 9% reduction in the area covered by miombo woodlands and a fourfold increase in the area covered by settlements and agricultural land. We used three additional methods to assess deterioration over the last three decades: elephants' movement routes, peoples' perception of animal populations and incidents of human–wildlife conflicts. Elephants were primarily found only in the parts of the corridor adjacent to the two national parks. Tracking of elephant spoor revealed a much‐diminished corridor use, suggesting that seemingly ‘healthy’ habitat within a wildlife corridor will not necessarily predict the presence of elephants or perhaps of other species. Other factors particularly the increasing presence of humans in the area are possibly more important for predicting elephant use of a corridor. Interviews with local residents and conservation experts suggested that, although use by some animal species has declined, many ungulates were still seen in the corridor and neighbouring villages, some of which were associated with human–wildlife conflict. All villages around the corridor were affected by the human–wildlife conflict; this comprised crop damage, livestock injury or killing and attacks on humans. We conclude that corridors could be restored if people were restricted from settling, but this would require governments to enact policies that balance the conservation of Natural Capital with survival of human populations; the latter may involve internal migration in response to growing population pressures.
Non‐invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV‐NAVA) reduces extubation failures in preterm neonates—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kuitunen Ilari , Räsänen Kati
Published: May 2024

Aim

To analyse the evidence of non‐invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV‐NAVA) in preterm neonates compared to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) or nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV).

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials and included studies where NIV‐NAVA was analysed in preterm (<37 gestational weeks) born neonates. Our main outcomes were the need for endotracheal intubation, the need for surfactant therapy, and reintubation rates. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

A total of five studies were included. The endotracheal intubation rate was 25% in the NIV‐NAVA group and 26% in the nCPAP group (RR 0.91, CI: 0.56–1.48). The respective rates for surfactant therapy were 30% and 35% (RR 0.85, CI: 0.56–1.29). The reintubation rate in neonates previously invasively ventilated was 8% in the NIV‐NAVA group and 29% in the nCPAP/NIPPV group (RR 0.29, 95%CI: 0.10–0.81). Evidence certainty was rated as low for all outcomes.

Conclusions

NIV‐NAVA as the primary respiratory support did not reduce the need for endotracheal intubation or surfactant therapy. NIV‐NAVA seemed to reduce the reintubation rate after extubation in pre‐term neonates.
Diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis with cryptic deletion of TET2 and DNMT3A resulting from unbalanced translocation
Authors: Chow Signy , Lee Stephanie , Lin August , Craddock Kenneth J. , Smith Adam C. , Tsui Hubert
Published: May 2024

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a rare haematological neoplasm associated with the gain of function mutation KIT D816V in 90% of adult patients. Classically, cytogenetic aberrations are not common except in cases of SM associated with another haematological neoplasm. We highlight here an unusual clinical presentation of SM and demonstrate the utility of advanced cytogenetic analysis (optical genome mapping, OGM) in detecting a novel cytogenetic abnormality resulting in an unusual mechanism of DNMT3A and TET2 loss of function.
Sociocultural determinants of children's oral health among immigrants in Canada
Authors: Dahlan Rana , Bohlouli Babak , Saltaji Humam , Salami Bukola , Amin Maryam
Published: May 2024

Objective

A conceptual model was designed and tested to predict immigrant children's oral health in Canada by examining parental acculturation and perceived social support (PSS) using structural equation modelling.

Methods

A convenience sample of first‐generation immigrant parents and their children aged 2–12 years were recruited by multilingual community workers in Edmonton, Canada. Parents completed a validated questionnaire on demographics, child's oral health (OH) behaviours, parental acculturation and PSS. Dental examinations determined children's dental caries rate using DMFT/dmft index. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data.

Results

A total of 336 families participated in this study. The average parental acculturation level was 10.46 with a maximum of 15, and the average PSS was 63.27 with a maximum of 75. SEM showed that 77% of the variance of DMFT/dmft scores in children was explained by parental PSS, acculturation level, immigration‐related variables, socioeconomic variables and children's OH behaviours. The direct effect of parental PSS was associated with a significantly reduced rate of dental caries (β = −.076, p‐value = .008) and lower sugar consumption (β = −.17, p‐value = .04). While the mediation effect of parental acculturation on PSS was associated with positive OH behaviours of children (e.g., toothbrushing frequency and dental care utilization), the indirect effect was negatively associated with caries rate (β = .77, p‐value = .00).

Conclusions

The direct effect of Parental Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was associated with more favourable oral health behaviours and a lower prevalence of dental caries, while the mediation effect of acculturation was linked to a higher prevalence of dental caries.
Plasma exosomes impair microglial degradation of α‐synuclein through V‐ATPase subunit V1G1
Authors: Li Yunna , Wang Yiming , Kou Liang , Yin Sijia , Chi Xiaosa , Sun Yadi , Wu Jiawei , Jin Zongjie , Zhou Qiulu , Zou Wenkai , Wang Tao , Xia Yun
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Microglia are the main phagocytes in the brain and can induce neuroinflammation. Moreover, they are critical to alpha‐synuclein (α‐syn) aggregation and propagation. Plasma exosomes derived from patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD‐exo) reportedly evoked α‐syn aggregation and inflammation in microglia. In turn, microglia internalized and released exosomal α‐syn, enhancing α‐syn propagation. However, the specific mechanism through which PD‐exo influences α‐syn degradation remains unknown.

Methods

Exosomes were extracted from the plasma of patients with PD by differential ultracentrifugation, analyzed using electron microscopy (EM) and nanoparticle flow cytometry, and stereotaxically injected into the unilateral striatum of the mice. Transmission EM was employed to visualize lysosomes and autophagosomes in BV2 cells, and lysosome pH was measured with LysoSensor Yellow/Blue DND‐160. Cathepsin B and D, lysosomal‐associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), ATP6V1G1, tumor susceptibility gene 101 protein, calnexin, α‐syn, ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1, and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 were evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction or western blotting, and α‐syn, LAMP1, and ATP6V1G1 were also observed by immunofluorescence. Small interfering ribonucleic acid against V1G1 was transfected into BV2 cells and primary microglia using Lipofectamine® 3000. A PD mouse model was established via injection with 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) into mice. A lentiviral‐mediated strategy to overexpress ATP6V1G1 in the brain of MPTP‐treated mice was employed. Motor coordination was assessed using rotarod and pole tests, and neurodegeneration in the mouse substantia nigra and striatum tissues was determined using immunofluorescence histochemical and western blotting of tyrosine hydroxylase.

Results

PD‐exo decreased the expression of V1G1, responsible for the acidification of intra‐ and extracellular milieu. This impairment of lysosomal acidification resulted in the accumulation of abnormally swollen lysosomes and decreased lysosomal enzyme activities, impairing lysosomal protein degradation and causing α‐syn accumulation. Additionally, V1G1 overexpression conferred the mice neuroprotection during MPTP exposure.

Conclusion

Pathogenic protein accumulation is a key feature of PD, and compromised V‐type ATPase dysfunction might participate in PD pathogenesis. Moreover, V1G1 overexpression protects against neuronal toxicity in an MPTP‐based PD mouse model, which may provide opportunities to develop novel therapeutic interventions for PD treatment.
Racial disparities in access to minimally invasive proctectomy for rectal cancer—a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program study
Authors: Nasseri Yosef Y. , La Kristina H.‐T. , Oka Kimberly , Solis‐Pazmino Paola , Smiley Abbas , Langenfeld Sean , Cohen Jason , Barnajian Moshe
Published: May 2024

Aim

The aim of this work was to determine racial disparities in access to minimally invasive proctectomy using a national database.

Method

A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program evaluated for surgical approach (robotic, laparoscopic or open), demographics and comorbidity, and then compared by race.

Results

A total of 3511 patients (325 Asian, 2925 White, 261 African American/Black) with cancer who underwent a proctectomy between 2016 and 2020 were included. Both Asians and Whites had significantly higher rates of laparoscopic proctectomy relative to African Americans (38.5%, 33.8% and 28.7%, respectively; p = 0.0001). Asians had the highest rate of robotic proctectomy (38.2%, p = 0.0001). Conversely, Black patients had significantly higher rates of open proctectomy followed by Whites and then Asians (42.1%, 35.4% and 23.4%, respectively; p = 0.0001). In multivariable logistic regression with backward elimination, African Americans were 0.7 times as likely to undergo laparoscopic proctectomy and 1.4 times more likely to undergo open proctectomy than Whites (p = 0.043). Compared with Whites, Asians were 1.8, 1.7 and 1.9 times more likely to undergo minimally invasive, laparoscopic proctectomy and robotic proctectomy, respectively (p = 0.0001, p = 0.001, p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Asians had the highest rate of laparoscopic and robotic proctectomy, while Blacks had the highest rate of open proctectomy. African Americans were least likely to undergo laparoscopic proctectomy compared with all races. Race is an independent risk factor for access to minimally invasive proctectomy.
Substratifying the risk of covert malignancy in significant rectal polyps: Outcomes from a specialist multidisciplinary team (MDT)
Authors: Penman Douglas , Keogh Ashley , Ahmed Shakil , Ahmed Suhail , Farrell Catriona , Andrews Timothy , Javed Ahsan , Sarkar Sanchoy
Published: May 2024

Aim

A treatment strategy for patients with a significant polyp or early colon cancer (SPECC) of the rectum presents a challenge due to the significant rate of covert malignancy and lack of standardized assessment. For this reason, NICE recommends multidisciplinary meetings to improve outcomes. The primary aim of the present study was to report the performance of our specialist early rectal cancer (SERC) multidisciplinary team (MDT) in correctly substratifying the risk of cancer and to discuss the limitations of staging investigations in those patients with “poor outcomes”.

Method

This was a retrospective review of patients referred to our SERC MDT from 2014 to 2019. Lesions were assigned by the MDT to three pre‐resection categories (low, intermediate, high) according to the risk of covert malignancy. Resection method and final histology were compared to the pre‐resection categories.

Results

Of 350 SPECC lesions, 174 were assessed as low‐risk, 108 intermediate‐risk and 68 high‐risk. The cancer incidence was 4.8%, 8.3% and 53%, respectively (15.5% overall). Eight lesions were categorized as low‐risk but following piecemeal resection were found to be malignant. Five lesions, three of which were categorized as high‐risk, were ultimately benign following conventional surgery. One pT1sm1 cancer, removed by anterior resection, may have been treated by local excision.

Conclusion

A total of 83% of malignant polyps were triaged to an en bloc resection technique and surgical resection avoided for nearly all benign lesions. However, 12 patients from this cohort were deemed to have a poor outcome because of miscategorization. Further comparative research is needed to establish the optimum strategy for rectal SPECC lesion assessment.

Originality statement

There is currently no consensus for staging significant polyps of the rectum. This paper reports the effectiveness of a specialist early rectal cancer MDT to correctly risk‐stratify significant rectal polyps. It underscores the importance of accurate categorization for treatment decision‐making, while acknowledging the limitations of current staging modalities.
Patterns of spontaneous neural activity associated with social communication abilities among infants and toddlers showing signs of autism
Authors: Cohenour Torrey , Dickinson Abigail , Jeste Shafali , Gulsrud Amanda , Kasari Connie
Published: May 2024

Early disruptions to social communication development, including delays in joint attention and language, are among the earliest markers of autism spectrum disorder (autism, henceforth). Although social communication differences are a core feature of autism, there is marked heterogeneity in social communication‐related development among infants and toddlers exhibiting autism symptoms. Neural markers of individual differences in joint attention and language abilities may provide important insight into heterogeneity in autism symptom expression during infancy and toddlerhood. This study examined patterns of spontaneous electroencephalography (EEG) activity associated with joint attention and language skills in 70 community‐referred 12‐ to 23‐month‐olds with autism symptoms and elevated scores on an autism diagnostic instrument. Data‐driven cluster‐based permutation analyses revealed significant positive associations between relative alpha power (6–9 Hz) and concurrent response to joint attention skills, receptive language, and expressive language abilities. Exploratory analyses also revealed significant negative associations between relative alpha power and measures of core autism features (i.e., social communication difficulties and restricted/repetitive behaviors). These findings shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying typical and atypical social communication development in emerging autism and provide a foundation for future work examining neural predictors of social communication growth and markers of intervention response.
Estimation of contemporary effective population size in plant populations: Limitations of genomic datasets
Authors: Gargiulo Roberta , Decroocq Véronique , González‐Martínez Santiago C. , Paz‐Vinas Ivan , Aury Jean‐Marc , Lesur Kupin Isabelle , Plomion Christophe , Schmitt Sylvain , Scotti Ivan , Heuertz Myriam
Published: May 2024

Effective population size (Ne) is a pivotal evolutionary parameter with crucial implications in conservation practice and policy. Genetic methods to estimate Ne have been preferred over demographic methods because they rely on genetic data rather than time‐consuming ecological monitoring. Methods based on linkage disequilibrium (LD), in particular, have become popular in conservation as they require a single sampling and provide estimates that refer to recent generations. A software program based on the LD method, GONE, looks particularly promising to estimate contemporary and recent‐historical Ne (up to 200 generations in the past). Genomic datasets from non‐model species, especially plants, may present some constraints to the use of GONE, as linkage maps and reference genomes are seldom available, and SNP genotyping is usually based on reduced‐representation methods. In this study, we use empirical datasets from four plant species to explore the limitations of plant genomic datasets when estimating Ne using the algorithm implemented in GONE, in addition to exploring some typical biological limitations that may affect Ne estimation using the LD method, such as the occurrence of population structure. We show how accuracy and precision of Ne estimates potentially change with the following factors: occurrence of missing data, limited number of SNPs/individuals sampled, and lack of information about the location of SNPs on chromosomes, with the latter producing a significant bias, previously unexplored with empirical data. We finally compare the Ne estimates obtained with GONE for the last generations with the contemporary Ne estimates obtained with the programs currentNe and NeEstimator.
Genomic prediction of resistance to Hymenoscyphus fraxineus in common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) populations
Authors: Meger Joanna , Ulaszewski Bartosz , Pałucka Małgorzata , Kozioł Czesław , Burczyk Jarosław
Published: May 2024

The increase in introduced insect pests and pathogens due to anthropogenic environmental changes has become a major concern for tree species worldwide. Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is one of such species facing a significant threat from the invasive fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Some studies have indicated that the susceptibility of ash to the pathogen is genetically determined, providing some hope for accelerated breeding programs that are aimed at increasing the resistance of ash populations. To address this challenge, we used a genomic selection strategy to identify potential genetic markers that are associated with resistance to the pathogen causing ash dieback. Through genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) of 300 common ash individuals from 30 populations across Poland (ddRAD, dataset A), we identified six significant SNP loci with a p‐value ≤1 × 10−4 associated with health status. To further evaluate the effectiveness of GWAS markers in predicting health status, we considered two genomic prediction scenarios. Firstly, we conducted cross‐validation on dataset A. Secondly, we trained markers on dataset A and tested them on dataset B, which involved whole‐genome sequencing of 20 individuals from two populations. Genomic prediction analysis revealed that the top SNPs identified via GWAS exhibited notably higher prediction accuracies compared to randomly selected SNPs, particularly with a larger number of SNPs. Cross‐validation analyses using dataset A showcased high genomic prediction accuracy, predicting tree health status with over 90% accuracy across the top SNP sets ranging from 500 to 10,000 SNPs from the GWAS datasets. However, no significant results emerged for health status when the model trained on dataset A was tested on dataset B. Our findings illuminate potential genetic markers associated with resistance to ash dieback, offering support for future breeding programs in Poland aimed at combating ash dieback and bolstering conservation efforts for this invaluable tree species.
DASC‐21 score and the risk of in‐hospital death in elderly patients with heart failure
Authors: Shimizu Ruri , Ishikawa Joji , Jyubishi Chihiro , Futami Shutaro , Morozumi Ai , Saito Yoshihiro , Komatsu Shunsuke , Toba Ayumi , Ishiyama Taizo , Fujimoto Hajime , Usui Shinichi , Tuboko Yusuke , Awata Shuichi , Harada Kazumasa
Published: May 2024

Aim

We investigated whether the Dementia Assessment Sheet for Community‐based Integrated Care System‐21 Items (DASC‐21), a questionnaire that assesses cognitive function, including activities of daily living (ADL), was predictive of in‐hospital death and prolonged hospital stay in elderly patients hospitalized for heart failure.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed the DASC‐21 score at the time of admission, in‐hospital death, length of hospital stay, and change in the Barthel index in 399 patients hospitalized for heart failure between 2016 and 2019.

Results

The mean patient age was 85.8 ± 7.7 years (61.3% women). The median DASC‐21 score was 38 (64.7% higher than 31). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, a higher DASC‐21 score was associated with an increased risk of in‐hospital death (odds ratio [OR] = 1.045 per 1 point increase, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.010–1.081, P = 0.012), even after adjusting for confounding factors, including atrial fibrillation, ejection fraction, and B‐type natriuretic peptide. Difficulties (3 or 4) with the self‐management of medication in instrumental ADL inside the home (OR = 3.28, 95% CI: 1.05–10.28, P = 0.042), toileting (OR = 3.66, 95% CI: 1.19–11.29, P = 0.024), grooming (OR = 6.47, 95% CI: 2.00–20.96, P = 0.002), eating (OR = 7.96, 95% CI: 2.49–25.45, P < 0.001), and mobility in physical ADL (OR = 5.99, 95% CI: 1.85–19.35, P = 0.003) were identified as risk factors for in‐hospital death. Patients in the highest tertile of the DASC‐21 score had a significantly longer hospital stay (P = 0.006) and a greater reduction in the Barthel index (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In elderly patients hospitalized for heart failure, higher DASC‐21 scores were associated with an increased risk of in‐hospital death, prolonged hospital stay, and impaired ADL. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 546–553.
Prosody outweighs statistics in 6‐month‐old German‐learning infants' speech segmentation
Authors: Marimon Mireia , Langus Alan , Höhle Barbara
Published: May 2024

It is well established that infants use various cues to find words within fluent speech from about 7 to 8 months of age. Research suggests that two main mechanisms support infants' speech segmentation: prosodic cues like the word stress patterns, and distributional cues like transitional probabilities (TPs). We tested 6‐month‐old German‐learning infants' use of prosodic and statistical cues for speech segmentation in three experiments. In Experiment 1, infants were familiarized with an artificial language string where TPs signaled either word boundaries or iambic words—a stress pattern that is disfavored in German. Experiment 2 was a control and only the test phase was presented. In Experiment 3, prosodic cues were absent in the string and only TPs signaled word boundaries. All experiments included the same conditions at test: disyllabic words with high TPs in the string, words with low TPs and words with non‐co‐occurring syllables. Results showed that infants relied more strongly on prosodic cues than on TPs for word segmentation. Notably, no segmentation evidence emerged when prosodic cues were absent in the string. This finding underlines early impacts of language‐specific structural properties on segmentation mechanisms.
Machine learning and deep learning to identifying subarachnoid haemorrhage macrophage‐associated biomarkers by bulk and single‐cell sequencing
Authors: Yang Sha , Hu Yunjia , Wang Xiang , Deng Mei , Ma Jun , Hao Yin , Ran Zhongying , Luo Tao , Han Guoqiang , Xiang Xin , Liu Jian , Shi Hui , Tan Ying
Published: May 2024

We investigated subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) macrophage subpopulations and identified relevant key genes for improving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. SAH rat models were established, and brain tissue samples underwent single‐cell transcriptome sequencing and bulk RNA‐seq. Using single‐cell data, distinct macrophage subpopulations, including a unique SAH subset, were identified. The hdWGCNA method revealed 160 key macrophage‐related genes. Univariate analysis and lasso regression selected 10 genes for constructing a diagnostic model. Machine learning algorithms facilitated model development. Cellular infiltration was assessed using the MCPcounter algorithm, and a heatmap integrated cell abundance and gene expression. A 3 × 3 convolutional neural network created an additional diagnostic model, while molecular docking identified potential drugs. The diagnostic model based on the 10 selected genes achieved excellent performance, with an AUC of 1 in both training and validation datasets. The heatmap, combining cell abundance and gene expression, provided insights into SAH cellular composition. The convolutional neural network model exhibited a sensitivity and specificity of 1 in both datasets. Additionally, CD14, GPNMB, SPP1 and PRDX5 were specifically expressed in SAH‐associated macrophages, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Network pharmacology analysis identified some targeting drugs for SAH treatment. Our study characterised SAH macrophage subpopulations and identified key associated genes. We developed a robust diagnostic model and recognised CD14, GPNMB, SPP1 and PRDX5 as potential therapeutic targets. Further experiments and clinical investigations are needed to validate these findings and explore the clinical implications of targets in SAH treatment.
Ependymal cells undergo astrocyte‐like reactivity in response to neuroinflammation
Authors: Groh Adam M. R. , Caporicci‐Dinucci Nina , Afanasiev Elia , Bigotte Maxime , Lu Brianna , Gertsvolf Joshua , Smith Matthew D. , Garton Thomas , Callahan‐Martin Liam , Allot Alexis , Hatrock Dale J. , Mamane Victoria , Drake Sienna , Tai Huilin , Ding Jun , Fournier Alyson E. , Larochelle Catherine , Calabresi Peter A. , Stratton Jo Anne
Published: May 2024

Ependymal cells form a specialized brain–cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) interface and regulate local CSF microcirculation. It is becoming increasingly recognized that ependymal cells assume a reactive state in response to aging and disease, including conditions involving hypoxia, hydrocephalus, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation. Yet what transcriptional signatures govern these reactive states and whether this reactivity shares any similarities with classical descriptions of glial reactivity (i.e., in astrocytes) remain largely unexplored. Using single‐cell transcriptomics, we interrogated this phenomenon by directly comparing the reactive ependymal cell transcriptome to the reactive astrocyte transcriptome using a well‐established model of autoimmune‐mediated neuroinflammation (MOG35‐55 EAE). In doing so, we unveiled core glial reactivity‐associated genes that defined the reactive ependymal cell and astrocyte response to MOG35‐55 EAE. Interestingly, known reactive astrocyte genes from other CNS injury/disease contexts were also up‐regulated by MOG35‐55 EAE ependymal cells, suggesting that this state may be conserved in response to a variety of pathologies. We were also able to recapitulate features of the reactive ependymal cell state acutely using a classic neuroinflammatory cocktail (IFNγ/LPS) both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, by comparing reactive ependymal cells and astrocytes, we identified a conserved signature underlying glial reactivity that was present in several neuroinflammatory contexts. Future work will explore the mechanisms driving ependymal reactivity and assess downstream functional consequences.

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Moral disengagement and neutralization techniques as explanations of unethical behavior
Authors: McCormack Robyn , Chowdhury Rafi M. M. I.
Published: May 2024

Ethical consumption is important for both consumers and social welfare. However, many consumers avoid or ignore ethical consumption practices. An explanation of the psychological processes that impede ethical behavior is important research. A survey of 436 American consumers reveals that various types of moral disengagement (behavior and victim loci) and neutralization techniques sequentially explain unethical consumer behavior. From a theoretical perspective, both these constructs are relevant in this context, yet prior research utilizes these constructs separately or conflates them. Moreover, findings show that a particular type of moral disengagement, the agency locus, paradoxically promotes ethical consumer behavior. This research also examines locus of control (chance) and trait cynicism as antecedents of unethical consumer behavior. Locus of control (chance), not trait cynicism, leads to less ethical consumer behavior through moral disengagement and neutralization techniques. Insights benefit consumers, marketers, and policymakers in promoting ethical consumption that enhances consumer well‐being.
Biocentric Work in the Anthropocene: How Actors Regenerate Degenerated Natural Commons
Authors: Albareda Laura , Branzei Oana
Published: May 2024

As natural commons vital to selves, organizations, and institutions collapse under cumulative anthropogenic pressures, can human agency still reverse some of the damage already done? This article explores how emerging forms of social symbolic work regenerate degenerated natural commons. Using a five‐year multi‐sited immersive ethnography of natural commons that had collapsed, we explain how actors (re)turn to the biophysical roots of socio‐ecological systems to take care, work with, and care for nature. We show how actors’ comprehension develops over time by connecting their social‐symbolic construction of natural commons post collapse with three sets of practices we label biomanipulation, biofacilitation, and bioaffiliation. We inductively theorize biocentric work as a processual form of social‐symbolic work that connects three cycles of material abduction, relational intercession, and discursive grounding. Our tri‐cyclical process model underscores the biophysical foundations of social‐symbolic work in the Anthropocene by explicitly and iteratively situating self, organizations and institutions in the states and dynamics of natural commons.
Kelps may compensate for low nitrate availability by using regenerated forms of nitrogen, including urea and ammonium
Authors: Lees Lauren E. , Jordan Sydney N. Z. , Bracken Matthew E. S.
Published: May 2024

Nitrate, the form of nitrogen often associated with kelp growth, is typically low in summer during periods of high macroalgal growth. More ephemeral, regenerated forms of nitrogen, such as ammonium and urea, are much less studied as sources of nitrogen for kelps, despite the relatively high concentrations of regenerated nitrogen found in the Southern California Bight, where kelps are common. To assess how nitrogen uptake by kelps varies by species and nitrogen form in southern California, USA, we measured uptake rates of nitrate, ammonium, and urea by Macrocystis pyrifera and Eisenia arborea individuals from four regions characterized by differences in nitrogen availability—Orange County, San Pedro, eastern Santa Catalina Island, and western Santa Catalina Island—during the summers of 2021 and 2022. Seawater samples collected at each location showed that overall nitrogen availability was low, but ammonium and urea were often more abundant than nitrate. We also quantified the internal %nitrogen of each kelp blade collected, which was positively associated with ambient environmental nitrogen concentrations at the time of collection. We observed that both kelp species readily took up nitrate, ammonium, and urea, with M. pyrifera taking up nitrate and ammonium more efficiently than E. arborea. Urea uptake efficiency for both species increased as internal percent nitrogen decreased. Our results indicate that lesser‐studied, more ephemeral forms of nitrogen can readily be taken up by these kelps, with possible upregulation of urea uptake as nitrogen availability declines.
Study on the evaluation method of cigarette astringency in the simulated oral environment
Authors: Song Xiaofei , Qian Shanhua , Li Hui , Shen Yujun , Bian Da , Shan Kai , Shi Jingquan
Published: May 2024

Cigarettes with pronounced astringency can diminish consumers' enjoyment. However, due to the complex composition of cigarettes, quantifying astringency intensity accurately has been challenging. To address this, research was conducted to develop a method for assessing astringency intensity in a simulated oral environment. The astringency intensity of four cigarette brands was determined using the standard sensory evaluation method. The mainstream smoke absorbing solution (MS) was prepared by simulating the cigarette smoking process, and its physicochemical properties (such as total phenol content and pH levels) were analyzed. The lubrication properties of the five solutions were tested using the MFT‐5000 wear tester, and factors influencing cigarette astringency were examined. The findings showed that total phenol content and pH of MS were positively and negatively correlated with astringency intensity, respectively. Particularly, the lubrication properties of MS were significantly correlated with astringency intensity, and the correlation coefficient was affected by load and speed during testing. The study concluded that coefficient of friction was a more reliable measure for assessing the extent of astringency in cigarettes than the total phenol content and pH of MS, offering new insights into astringency evaluation and development of high‐grade cigarettes.
Thy‐1 restricts steatosis and liver fibrosis in steatotic liver disease
Authors: Blank Valentin , Karlas Thomas , Anderegg Ulf , Wiegand Johannes , Arnold Josi , Bundalian Linnaeus , Le Duc Gabriela‐Diana , Körner Christiane , Ebert Thomas , Saalbach Anja
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims

Steatotic liver disease (SLD) is generally considered to represent a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and includes a disease spectrum comprising isolated steatosis, metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis and ultimately cirrhosis. A better understanding of the detailed underlying pathogenic mechanisms of this transition is crucial for the design of new and efficient therapeutic interventions. Thymocyte differentiation antigen (Thy‐1, also known as CD90) expression on fibroblasts controls central functions relevant to fibrogenesis, including proliferation, apoptosis, cytokine responsiveness, and myofibroblast differentiation.

Methods

The impact of Thy‐1 on the development of SLD and progression to fibrosis was investigated in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced SLD wild‐type and Thy‐1‐deficient mice. In addition, the serum soluble Thy‐1 (sThy‐1) concentration was analysed in patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated SLD stratified according to steatosis, inflammation, or liver fibrosis using noninvasive markers.

Results

We demonstrated that Thy‐1 attenuates the development of fatty liver and the expression of profibrogenic genes in the livers of HFD‐induced SLD mice. Mechanistically, Thy‐1 directly inhibits the profibrotic activation of nonparenchymal liver cells. In addition, Thy‐1 prevents palmitic acid‐mediated amplification of the inflammatory response of myeloid cells, which might indirectly contribute to the pronounced development of liver fibrosis in Thy‐1‐deficient mice. Serum analysis of patients with metabolically associated steatotic liver disease syndrome revealed that sThy‐1 expression is correlated with liver fibrosis status, as assessed by liver stiffness, the Fib4 score, and the NAFLD fibrosis score.

Conclusion

Our data strongly suggest that Thy‐1 may function as a fibrosis‐protective factor in mouse and human SLD.