bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroanatomical and functional dissociations between variably present anterior lateral prefrontal sulci
Authors: Willbrand Ethan H. , Bunge Silvia A. , Weiner Kevin S.
Published: May 2023

The lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) is an evolutionarily expanded region in humans that is critical for numerous complex functions, many of which are largely hominoid-specific. While recent work shows that the presence or absence of specific sulci in anterior LPFC is associated with cognitive performance across age groups, it is unknown whether the presence of these structures relates to individual differences in the functional organization of LPFC. To fill this gap in knowledge, we leveraged multimodal neuroimaging data from 72 young adult humans aged 22-36 and show that dorsal and ventral components of the paraintermediate frontal sulcus (pimfs) present distinct morphological (surface area), architectural (thickness and myelination), and functional (resting-state connectivity networks) properties. We further contextualize the pimfs components within classic and modern cortical parcellations. Taken together, the dorsal and ventral pimfs components mark transitions in anatomy and function in LPFC, across metrics and parcellations. These results emphasize that the pimfs is a critical structure to consider when examining individual differences in the anatomical and functional organization of LPFC and highlight the importance of considering individual anatomy when investigating structural and functional features of the cortex.
An Alzheimer’s disease risk variant inTTC3modifies the actin cytoskeleton organization and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway in iPSC-derived forebrain neurons
Authors: Cukier Holly N. , Duarte Carolina L. , Laverde-Paz Mayra J. , Simon Shaina A. , Van Booven Derek J. , Miyares Amanda T. , Whitehead Patrice L. , Hamilton-Nelson Kara L. , Adams Larry D. , Carney Regina M. , Cuccaro Michael L. , Vance Jeffery M. , Pericak-Vance Margaret A. , Griswold Anthony J. , Dykxhoorn Derek M.
Published: May 2023

A missense variant in thetetratricopeptide repeat domain 3(TTC3) gene (rs377155188, p.S1038C, NM_003316.4:c.3113C>G) was found to segregate with disease in a multigenerational family with late onset Alzheimer’s disease. This variant was introduced into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from a cognitively intact individual using CRISPR genome editing and the resulting isogenic pair of iPSC lines were differentiated into cortical neurons. Transcriptome analysis showed an enrichment for genes involved in axon guidance, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and GABAergic synapse. Functional analysis showed that the TTC3 p.S1038C iPSC-derived neuronal progenitor cells had altered 3D morphology and increased migration, while the corresponding neurons had longer neurites, increased branch points, and altered expression levels of synaptic proteins. Pharmacological treatment with small molecules that target the actin cytoskeleton could revert many of these cellular phenotypes, suggesting a central role for actin in mediating the cellular phenotypes associated with the TTC3 p.S1038C variant.

Highlights

The AD risk variant TTC3 p.S1038C reduces the expression levels ofTTC3

The variant modifies the expression of AD specific genesBACE1,INPP5F, andUNC5C

Neurons with the variant are enriched for genes in the PI3K-Akt pathway

iPSC-derived neurons with the alteration have increased neurite length and branching

The variant interferes with actin cytoskeleton and is ameliorated by Cytochalasin D
Micromagnetic Stimulation (μMS) Controls Dopamine Release: Anin vivoStudy Using WINCSHarmoni
Authors: Saha Renata , Goyal Abhinav , Yuen Jason , Oh Yoonbae , Bloom Robert P. , Benally Onri J. , Wu Kai , Netoff Theoden I. , Low Walter C. , Bennet Kevin E. , Lee Kendall H. , Shin Hojin , Wang Jian-Ping
Published: May 2023

Objective

Research into the role of neurotransmitters in regulating normal and pathologic brain functions has made significant progress. Yet, clinical trials that aim to improve therapeutic interventions do not take advantage of thein vivochanges in the neurochemistry that occur in real time during disease progression, drug interactions or response to pharmacological, cognitive, behavioral, and neuromodulation therapies. In this work, we used the WINCSHarmonitool to study the real timein vivochanges in dopamine release in rodent brains for the micromagnetic neuromodulation therapy.

Approach

Although still in its infancy, micromagnetic stimulation (μMS) using micro-meter sized coils or microcoils (μcoils) has shown incredible promise in spatially selective, galvanic contact free and highly focal neuromodulation. These μcoils are powered by a time-varying current which generates a magnetic field. As per Faraday’s Laws of Electromagnetic Induction, this magnetic field induces an electric field in a conducting medium (here, the brain tissues). We used a solenoidal-shaped μcoil to stimulate the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) of the rodent brainin vivo. The evokedin vivodopamine releases in the striatum were tracked in real time by carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFM) using fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV).

Results

Our experiments report that μcoils can successfully activate the MFB in rodent brains, triggering dopamine releasein vivo. We further show that the successful release of dopamine upon micromagnetic stimulation is dependent on the orientation of the μcoil. Furthermore, varied intensities of μMS can control the concentration of dopamine releases in the striatum.

Significance

This work helps us better understand the brain and its conditions arising from a new therapeutic intervention, like μMS, at the level of neurotransmitter release. Despite its early stage, this study potentially paves the path for μMS to enter the clinical world as a precisely controlled and optimized neuromodulation therapy.
Commensal protists in reptiles display flexible host range and adaptation to ectothermic hosts
Authors: Gerrick Elias R. , DeSchepper Leila B. , Mechler Claire M. , Joubert Lydia-Marie , Dunker Freeland , Colston Timothy J. , Howitt Michael R.
Published: May 2023

Parabasalid protists recently emerged as keystone members of the mammalian microbiota with important effects on their host’s health. However, the prevalence and diversity of parabasalids in wild reptiles and the consequences of captivity and other environmental factors on these symbiotic protists are unknown. Reptiles are ectothermic, and their microbiomes are subject to temperature fluctuations, such as those driven by climate change. Thus, conservation efforts for threatened reptile species may benefit from understanding how shifts in temperature and captive breeding influence the microbiota, including parabasalids, to impact host fitness and disease susceptibility. Here, we surveyed intestinal parabasalids in a cohort of wild reptiles across three continents and compared these to captive animals. Reptiles harbor surprisingly few species of parabasalids compared to mammals, but these protists exhibited a flexible host-range, suggesting specific adaptations to reptilian social structures and microbiota transmission. Furthermore, reptile-associated parabasalids are adapted to wide temperature ranges, although colder temperatures significantly altered the protist transcriptomes, with increased expression of genes associated with detrimental interactions with the host. Our findings establish that parabasalids are widely distributed in the microbiota of wild and captive reptiles and highlight how these protists respond to temperature swings encountered in their ectothermic hosts.
Attention rhythmically shapes sensory tuning
Authors: Galas Laurie , Donovan Ian , Dugué Laura
Published: May 2023

Attention is key to perception and human behavior, and evidence shows that it periodically samples sensory information (<20Hz). However, this view has been recently challenged due to methodological concerns and gaps in our understanding of the function and mechanism of rhythmic attention. Here we used an intensive ∼22-hour psychophysical protocol combined with reverse correlation analyses to infer the neural representation underlying these rhythms. Participants performed a task in which covert spatial (sustained and exploratory) attention was manipulated, and then probed at various delays. Our results show that sustained and exploratory attention periodically modulate perception via different neural computations. While sustained attention suppresses distracting stimulus features at the alpha (∼12Hz) frequency, exploratory attention increases the gain around task-relevant stimulus feature at the theta (∼6Hz) frequency. These findings reveal that both modes of rhythmic attention differentially shape sensory tuning, expanding the current understanding of the rhythmic sampling theory of attention.
The Crucial Role of CTCF in Mitotic Progression during Early Development of Sea Urchin
Authors: Watanabe Kaichi , Fujita Megumi , Okamoto Kazuko , Yoshioka Hajime , Moriwaki Miki , Tagashira Hideki , Awazu Akinori , Yamamoto Takashi , Sakamoto Naoaki
Published: May 2023

CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), an insulator protein with 11 zinc fingers, is enriched at the boundaries of topologically associated domains (TADs) in eukaryotic genomes. In this study, we isolated and analyzed the cDNAs encoding HpCTCF, the CTCF homolog in the sea urchinHemicentrotus pulcherrimus, to investigate its expression patterns and functions during early development of sea urchin. HpCTCF contains nine zinc fingers corresponding to fingers 2–10 of the vertebrate CTCF. The expression pattern analysis revealed thatHpCTCFmRNA was detected at all developmental stages and in the entire embryo. Upon expressing the HpCTCF-GFP fusion protein in early embryos, we observed its uniform distribution within interphase nuclei. However, during mitosis, it disappeared from the chromosomes and subsequently reassembled on the chromosome during telophase. Moreover, the morpholino-mediated knockdown of HpCTCF resulted in mitotic arrest during the morula-to-blastula stage. Most of the arrested chromosomes were not phospholylated at serine 10 of histone H3, indicating that mitosis was arrested at the telophase by HpCTCF depletion. Furthermore, impaired sister chromatid segregation was observed using time-lapse imaging of HpCTCF-knockdown embryos. Thus, HpCTCF is essential for mitotic progression during the early development of sea urchins, especially during the telophase-to-interphase transition. However, the normal development of pluteus larvae in CRISPR-mediated HpCTCF knockout embryos suggests that disruption of zygotic HpCTCF expression has little effect on embryonic and larval development.
Automated counting ofDrosophilaimaginal disc cell nuclei
Authors: Bosch Pablo Sanchez , Axelrod Jeffrey D.
Published: May 2023

Automated image quantification workflows have dramatically improved over the past decade, enriching image analysis and enhancing the ability to achieve statistical power. These analyses have proved especially useful for studies in organisms such asDrosophila melanogaster, where it is relatively simple to obtain high sample numbers for downstream analyses. However, the developing wing, an intensively utilized structure in developmental biology, has eluded efficient cell counting workflows due to its highly dense cellular population. Here, we present efficient automated cell counting workflows capable of quantifying cells in the developing wing. Our workflows can count the total number of cells or count cells in clones labeled with a fluorescent nuclear marker in imaginal discs. Moreover, by training a machine-learning algorithm we have developed a workflow capable of segmenting and counting twin-spot labeled nuclei, a challenging problem requiring distinguishing heterozygous and homozygous cells in a background of regionally varying intensity. Our workflows could potentially be applied to any tissue with high cellular density, as they are structure-agnostic, and only require a nuclear label to segment and count cells.
Genetic and environmental manipulation ofArabidopsishybridization barriers uncover antagonistic functions in endosperm cellularization
Authors: Bjerkan Katrine N. , Alling Renate M. , Myking Ida V. , Brysting Anne K. , Grini Paul E.
Published: May 2023

Speciation by reproductive isolation can occur by hybridization barriers acting in the endosperm of the developing seed. The nuclear endosperm is a nutrient sink, accumulating sugars from surrounding tissues, and undergoes coordinated cellularization, switching to serve as a nutrient source for the developing embryo. Tight regulation of cellularization is therefore vital for seed and embryonic development. Here we show that hybrid seeds from crosses betweenArabidopsis thalianaas maternal contributor andA. arenosaorA. lyrataas pollen donors result in an endosperm based post-zygotic hybridization barrier that gives rise to a reduced seed germination rate. Hybrid seeds display opposite endosperm cellularization phenotypes, with late cellularization in crosses withA. arenosaand early cellularization in crosses withA. lyrata. Stage specific endosperm reporters display temporally ectopic expression in developing hybrid endosperm, in accordance with the early and late cellularization phenotypes, confirming a disturbance of the source-sink endosperm phase change. We demonstrate that the hybrid barrier is under the influence of abiotic factors, and show that a temperature gradient leads to diametrically opposed cellularization phenotype responses in hybrid endosperm withA. arenosaorA. lyrataas pollen donors. Furthermore, differentA. thalianaaccession genotypes also enhance or diminish seed viability in the two hybrid cross-types, emphasizing that both genetic and environmental cues control the hybridization barrier. We have identified anA. thalianaMADS-BOX type I family single locus that is required for diametrically opposed cellularization phenotype responses in hybrid endosperm. Loss of AGAMOUS-LIKE 35 significantly affects the germination rate of hybrid seeds in opposite directions when transmitted through theA. thalianaendosperm, and is suggested to be a locus that promotes cellularization as part of an endosperm based mechanism involved in post-zygotic hybrid barriers. The role of temperature in hybrid speciation and the identification of distinct loci in control of hybrid failure have great potential to aid the introduction of advantageous traits in breeding research and to support models to predict hybrid admixture in a changing global climate.
Serotonergic reinforcement of a complete swallowing circuit
Authors: Schoofs Andreas , Miroschnikow Anton , Schlegel Philipp , Zinke Ingo , Schneider-Mizell Casey M , Cardona Albert , Pankratz Michael J
Published: May 2023

How the body interacts with the brain to perform vital life functions such as feeding is one of the fundamental questions in physiology and neuroscience. Here, we use a whole-animal scanning transmission electron microscopy dataset ofDrosophilato map out the neuronal circuits that connect the entire enteric nervous system to the brain via the insect vagus nerve at synaptic resolution. This revealed a periphery-brain feedback loop in which Piezo-expressing mechanosensory neurons sense food intake and convey that information onto serotonergic neurons within the brain. These serotonergic neurons integrate the interoceptive information with external and central inputs, and in turn stabilize rhythmic activity of serotonin receptor 7 expressing peripheral motor neurons that drive swallowing. Strikingly, the very same motor neurons also share an efference copy of their activity with the aforementioned mechanosensory neurons, thereby closing the motor-sensory-modulatory loop. Our analysis elucidates an elemental, albeit surprisingly complex reinforcement circuit in which rhythmic motor patterns are stabilized through afferent signaling to central serotonergic neurons upon completion of a rewarding action. The circuit motif is constructed to allow the distinction between self-generated action and those in response to the environment.
Natural wine as an expression of sustainability: an exploratory analysis of Italy's restaurant industry
Authors: Gazzola Patrizia , Pavione Enrica , Grechi Daniele , Scavarda Federica
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Although not yet fully defined, natural wine represents a sector that has gained the widespread attention of final consumers and, therefore, also of the restaurant world, because of its promise of sustainability. The objective of this paper is to understand Italian haute cuisine's interest in natural wine, with the aim of analysing what qualifies this product as sustainable.

Design/methodology/approach

After introducing a theoretical framework based on the concept of natural wine, a brief paragraph is dedicated to consumer preferences; subsequently, the analysis focusses on a questionnaire given to restaurateurs to determine the impact that natural wine has had in the Italian context. The results try to identify the importance that restaurateurs give to the characteristics of natural wine and their propensity for using such wine in their own businesses.

Findings

The analysis, conducted on a sample of medium-high range restaurants, highlights their strong interest in natural wine, as a result of the final consumers' attitude towards wine with characteristics attributable to sustainability. The positive perception by restaurateurs is similar across Italy, both geographically and in terms of the size of the restaurant.

Originality/value

The originality of the work is the focus on the world of restaurants. To date, the literature on natural wine remains embryonic and always refers to the final consumer. This research is the first step in a broader study that will involve a greater number of restaurants, extending beyond Italy to all of Europe, with the aim of understanding the real development potential of natural wine.
Conceptualizing the relationship between corporate social advocacy and political polarization
Authors: Parcha Joshua M.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Corporations are now taking stands on contemporary and controversial social issues that share no obvious connection to the corporations’ business practices. At the same time, political polarization continues to intensify, which begs the question: Are these corporate stands – referred to as corporate social advocacy (CSA) – and political polarization related to each other, and if so, how? The purpose of this study is to provide a conceptualization of the connections between CSA and political polarization through a series of propositions that can be tested in subsequent research studies. Corporations have influence in society, and the ways in which they communicate on controversial social issues could further intensify or help assuage political polarization. Conversely, political polarization may be causing CSA in the first place, which would put into question the legitimacy and desirability of CSA because of the environment from which CSA is cultivated.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is designed to be conceptual, and the approach is based on theory building.

Findings

The study conceptualizes the relationship between CSA and political polarization to be symbiotic because both are bidirectional causes of each other. Engagement in CSA is also argued to be positively associated with perceptions that corporations contain particular political ideologies, i.e. more “liberal-leaning” or “conservative-leaning.” This study also predicts that – dependent on particular conditions – CSA will also lead to an increase in both boycotts and skepticism.

Practical implications

This study will contribute to scholars’, practitioners’ and consumers’ understanding of the causes and effects of CSA. The way in which political polarization is potentially causing CSA puts into question the legitimacy of corporations engaging in CSA in the first place. If CSA is cultivated in the soil of political polarization, is CSA desirable for corporations? Conversely, the way in which CSA is potentially causing political polarization also puts the legitimacy of CSA into question. If CSA is causing political polarization, is CSA desirable for society?

Social implications

Corporations are an influential part of society, and thus will influence how society views controversial social issues. If the predictions in this study hold, corporations will play an important role in either intensifying or reducing political polarization, and political polarization will also play an important role in how corporations communicate about CSA issues.

Originality/value

Research focused on CSA is burgeoning, yet limited studies have examined how CSA and political polarization interact. Although there could be positive aspects of corporate involvement in CSA, this study examines some of the potential negative aspects of corporate involvement in CSA. Future research will also be able to test the propositions proposed in this study.
High-involvement work practices, work engagement and their effects on bank employees' turnover intentions: the moderating role of functional competence
Authors: Islam Md Shamirul , Amin Muslim , Feranita Feranita , Karatepe Osman M.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to propose and examine a research model where work engagement mediates the impacts of high-involvement work practices (HIWPs) on bank employees' turnover intentions. Specifically, the paper assesses: (a) the effects of empowerment, information sharing, rewards and training on work engagement and turnover intention, (b) work engagement as a mediator of the effects of these HIWPs on turnover intention (c) and functional competence as a moderator of the effects of these HIWPs on work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was employed to gather data from 343 employees working in commercial banks in Bangladesh. The authors applied partial least squares structural equation modeling to assess the aforesaid linkages.

Findings

Empowerment and information sharing increase bank employees' work engagement, while training and rewards reduce their proclivity to leave. Work engagement partly mediates the relationships of empowerment and information sharing to turnover intention. Functional competence moderates the relationship between three HIWPs (empowerment, information sharing and rewards) on work engagement.

Originality/value

The paper examines the association between HIWPs and turnover intention, which has been subjected to little empirical inquiry among bank employees during a crisis (e.g. Covid-19 pandemic). The paper provides new insights into the underlying mechanism linking HIWPs and turnover intention and highlights the moderating effect of functional competence. Additionally, the study offers new knowledge on the impact of the pandemic on bank employees' HIWPs. Finally, this paper used data gathered from bank employees in Bangladesh, which is an underrepresented Asian country in the extant service research.
Unlocking sustained use of clean cooking technologies in Uganda: the influence of technology-specific attributes
Authors: Katutsi Vincent Patsy , Kaberuka Will , Ngoma Muhammed , Yawe Bruno Lule
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to establish whether three technology-specific attributes – convenience, compatibility with cultural needs and social reputation – influence the sustained use of clean cooking technologies in Uganda’s households.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a cross-sectional and correlational research design. A survey was conducted with 125 households. The data were analyzed using SPSS and Smart PLS.

Findings

The results indicate that, in contrast to convenience, social reputation and compatibility with cultural needs significantly influence the sustained use of clean cooking technologies in Uganda’s households.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area; hence, several households in other urban centers and rural communities were excluded from the study. In addition, technology-specific attributes only accounted for 34.4% of the variation in the sustained use of clean cooking technologies in Uganda, leaving 65.6 unexplained. Therefore, the authors recommend that future studies look at other technology-specific attributes that may influence the sustained use of clean cooking technologies in Uganda’s households.

Originality/value

This study provides initial evidence of technology-specific attributes and the sustained use of clean cooking technologies based on the expectation–confirmation model.
Corruption's effect on BRICS countries' economic growth: a panel data analysis
Authors: Simo-Kengne Beatrice D. , Bitterhout Siphiwo
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The theoretical debate of corruption's impact on economic growth remains unsettled, making it an empirical question. This study aims to investigate corruption's effect on BRICS countries' economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

A panel dataset on BRICS countries spanning 1996 to 2020 was used. Bias-corrected estimators in small dynamic panels were employed to estimate a growth model as a linear-quadratic function of corruption that accounts for cross-sectional dependence, endogeneity and unobserved heterogeneity due to country and time-specific characteristics.

Findings

The results indicate that corruption is detrimental to economic growth in BRICS countries; the quadratic relationship implies corruption is less prevalent in some countries than others. Thus, governments of BRICS countries are encouraged to embark on anti-corruption policies to boost their economic performance.

Originality/value

An important limitation of corruption studies is the difficulty in measuring real corruption experiences due to the secretive nature of corruption and the fact that corruption is known not to leave a paper trail. For the uncertainty of the index estimates, the analysis used a continuous corruption composite score measuring the standard deviation of the extent to which public power is exercised for public gain. Furthermore, estimation and inference are robust to small dynamic panels with a general form of cross-sectional dependence.
Electrical resistivity tomography technique coupled with numerical modelling: A case study for stability analysis
Authors: Bharti Abhay Kumar , Singh Satyendra K. , Pal Sanjit Kumar , Singh Krishna Kant Kumar , Prakash Amar , Bhattacharjee Rana , Kumar Lalan
Published: May 2023

Cavity due to underground old mine workings is one of the major threats to the coal mines and the overlying subsurface and surface properties, which need to be protected. The detection of old mine workings and stability assessment of overlying strata are common problems in most of the Indian coalfields. Several coal mines in India are loss‐making, mainly due to different types of mine hazards. Khandra mine is one such mine at Raniganj Coalfield, Eastern Coalfields Ltd., a subsidiary of Coal India Limited. In the present study, 2‐dimensional and 3‐dimensional electrical resistivity tomography were carried out for detailed subsurface characterization. It supports delineating underground workings, including the nature of voids/cavities (air or water‐filled). Excessive distortions were reported in electrical resistivity tomography application, especially at the near‐surface, owing to large resistivity variations. Refinement of the model by half‐unit electrode spacing was attempted here to reduce the distortions with minimum possible absolute errors. 3‐Dimensional resistivity volumetric model was also developed with the help of five electrical resistivity tomography parallel profiles for better apprehension of the subsurface. Analysis provided important inputs for stability analysis using 3‐dimensional numerical modelling. The physico‐mechanical properties of the overlying strata, pre‐excavation in situ stresses, boundary conditions and the mine geometry simulation were incorporated for understanding the stability analysis. Stability analysis was carried out using the finite difference technique. The analysis of 3‐dimensional numerical modelling indicated that two distinct layers comprising (i) laterite/part of the course to medium‐grained sandstone and (ii) developed galleries of R‐IX seam exhibited a very low safety factor below 1.0, indicating potholing/subsidence susceptibility. The other three layers comprising parts of fine‐grained sandstone exhibited a relatively higher safety factor of around 2.0, indicating moderately stable zones, but not on a long‐term basis. Parts of Siduli stream embankments need suitable retaining walls to avoid water inundation for the stability of the area.
Does Public Firms’ Mandatory IFRS Reporting Crowd Out Private Firms’ Capital Investment?
Authors: LIU JIANCHENG (DUNCAN) , SHI WEI , ZENG CHENG , ZHANG GUOCHANG
Published: May 2023

We investigate how the mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by publicly listed firms in the European Union affects peer private firms. We find that private firms’ capital investment decreases significantly after the IFRS mandate, relative to public firms. Private firms also display decreased investment when benchmarked against firms relatively insulated from the impact of the IFRS mandate, but the magnitude of the effect is smaller in this case. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that mandatory IFRS reporting (combined with other reforms), while increasing public firms’ financing and investment, crowds out funding for private firms. The effect is more pronounced for larger private firms and in industries where public peers have greater external financing needs. Our evidence suggests that financial reporting regulations cause shifts in resource allocation in an economy.
Occupational exposure to traumatic evidence and posttraumatic stress symptoms in forensic science professionals: Prevalence and patterns
Authors: Schiro Samantha , Elwood Lisa S. , Streed Thomas , Kivisto Aaron J.
Published: May 2023

Forensic science professionals are routinely exposed to potentially traumatizing evidence. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of occupational posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among forensic science professionals, identify job‐related correlates of PTSD symptoms, and examine the role of social support in mitigating PTSD symptomology. In response to recruitment through the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, and Evidence Technology Magazine, 449 forensic science professionals participated in the current study. Results found that 73.5% (n = 330) of the overall sample experienced at least one work‐related traumatic event consistent with meeting Criterion A for PTSD, and these rates were higher for field‐based respondents (n = 203, 87.9%). The prevalence of past‐month provisional PTSD was 21.6% for the full sample. Disaggregated PTSD rates were 29.0% and 14.5% for field‐based and non‐field‐based respondents, respectively. These rates were 6‐ to 8‐fold higher than the past‐year prevalence of PTSD in the general US population, estimated to be 3.5%, and were found to be at least as high as those observed in prior epidemiological research with non‐treatment seeking members of the US military deployed to war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Results further showed that social support was protective against PTSD symptomology. The high rates of occupational exposure to trauma and consequent PTSD symptomology observed in this large sample of forensic science professionals highlight the under‐acknowledged psychological risks of these occupations and the need for enhanced attention to mental health resources for these professionals.
Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) neonates use broadband calls to communicate with their mothers
Authors: ZHAO Lin , CHENG Jianbin , ZENG Wen , YANG Bo , ZHANG Guiquan , LI Desheng , ZHANG Hemin , BUESCHING Christina D. , LIU Dingzhen
Published: May 2023

Infant call structure should have evolved to elicit maximum maternal attention and investment. Neonates of giant pandas produce three types of vocalizations reported to be vitally important in the context of mother–infant communications. However, how cubs, 0–15 days old, communicate with their mothers to elicit maternal care remains unknown. We analyzed 12 different call parameters of 3475 squawks, 1355 squalls, and 491 croaks from 11 captive giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) neonates from age 0 to 15 days. In playback experiments, we also tested whether mothers could detect ultrasound. Our results show that neonates use broadband calls with ultrasonic frequencies up to 65 kHz to convey information about their physiological needs and to attract maternal care. In playback experiments, we tested if mothers reacted differently to broadband calls (BBC) than to artificially altered calls that included only frequencies <20 kHz (AUDC) or calls that included only frequencies >20 kHz (USC). Playback confirmed that, although adult females responded significantly less often to USC, BBC than to or AUDC, they could detect USC, BBC and generally made appropriate behavioral responses, indicating a potential benefit for neonates to utilize ultrasonic and broadband frequencies. Our findings provide a new insight into mother–infant communication in giant pandas and will be helpful for reducing the mortality of cubs, younger than 1 month old, in captivity.
Newly diagnosed non‐small cell lung cancer with interstitial lung abnormality: Prevalence, characteristics, and prognosis
Authors: Zhu Min , Yi Jiawen , Su Yanping , Zhang Yixiao , Gao Yanli , Xu Xiaoli , Zhang Shu , Zhang Yuhui , Huang Kewu
Published: May 2023

Background

Along with the improvement of lung cancer screening implementation, the identification of interstitial lung abnormality (ILA) is increasing. Currently, there is a limited description of the oncogenic status and ILA subtypes among newly diagnosed non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with ILA in the Chinese population. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, oncogenic status and factors associated with overall survival (OS) among NSCLC patients with ILA.

Methods

A total of 765 newly diagnosed NSCLC cases at our hospital were reviewed and ILA was diagnosed according to the criteria of the Fleischner Society. The characteristics, clinical pathological features and OS of NSCLC patients with ILA were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Of the 765 patients included in the study, 101 (13.2%) cases experienced ILA at the time of NSCLC diagnosis. Multivariate analysis revealed that ILA was more likely to be detected in NSCLC patients who were age ≥60 (OR 2.404, p = 0.001), male gender (OR 2.476, p = 0.004), and EGFR wild‐type (OR 2.035, p = 0.007). Additionally, according to the multivariate Cox model, the presence of ILA in NSCLC patients was significantly associated with a shorter OS period than those without ILA (751 days vs. 445 days, HR 0.6, p = 0.001). Following analysis, it was determined that OS in patients with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) was shorter than in those without UIP (HR 1.82, p = 0.037).

Conclusion

ILA is a common comorbidity among newly diagnosed NSCLC patients. We found that patients with EGFR wild‐type NSCLC were more likely to develop ILA. The presence of ILA, especially UIP, was significantly associated with poor NSCLC prognosis.
Association between genetically determined telomere length and health‐related outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of Mendelian randomization studies
Authors: Chen Boran , Yan Yushun , Wang Haoran , Xu Jianguo
Published: May 2023

Emerging evidence has shown that leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with various health‐related outcomes, while the causality of these associations remains unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of current evidence from Mendelian randomization (MR) studies on the association between LTL and health‐related outcomes. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to April 2022 to identify eligible MR studies. We graded the evidence level of each MR association based on the results of the main analysis and four sensitive MR methods, MR‐Egger, weighted median, MR‐PRESSO, and multivariate MR. Meta‐analyses of published MR studies were also performed. A total of 62 studies with 310 outcomes and 396 MR associations were included. Robust evidence level was observed for the association between longer LTL and increased risk of 24 neoplasms (the strongest magnitude for osteosarcoma, GBM, glioma, thyroid cancer, and non‐GBM glioma), six genitourinary and digestive system outcomes of excessive or abnormal growth, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential. Robust inverse association was observed for coronary heart disease, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and facial aging. Meta‐analyses of MR studies suggested that genetically determined LTL was associated with 12 neoplasms and 9 nonneoplasm outcomes. Evidence from published MR studies supports that LTL plays a causal role in various neoplastic and nonneoplastic diseases. Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to bring insight into the potential prediction, prevention, and therapeutic applications of telomere length.
Online mental health screening for rural fathers over the perinatal period
Authors: Fletcher Richard , Regan Casey , Leigh Lucy , Dizon Jason , Deering April
Published: May 2023

Objective

To determine the feasibility of identifying distressed fathers in rural areas of NSW via a ‘light touch’ support program (SMS4dads).

Design

A retrospective observational study using self‐reported distress and routinely captured help‐seeking behaviour over a 14‐month period (September 2020–December 2021) comparing rural and urban fathers.

Setting

Rural and urban Local Health Districts in NSW.

Participants

A total of 3261 expectant and new fathers enrolled in a text‐based information and support service (SMS4dads).

Main Outcome Measures

Registrations, K10 score, program engagement, attrition, escalation and referral to online mental health services.

Results

Rural (13.3%) and urban (13.2%) enrolments were equivalent. Rural fathers had higher rates of distress than urban fathers (rural 19%; urban 16%) and were more likely to be smokers, consume alcohol at risky levels and report lower education levels. Rural fathers were more likely to exit the program early (HR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.08–1.62; p = 0.008); however, once adjusted for demographic factors aside from rurality, this increased likelihood was nonsignificant (HR = 1.10; 95% CI 0.88–1.38; p = 0.401). Although engagement with psychological support during the program was equivalent, a greater proportion of rural participants were escalated to online mental health support (7.7%) than urban participants (6.1%); however, this was nonsignificant (p = 0.222).

Conclusion

Digital platforms offering text‐based parenting information in a ‘light touch’ format may be an effective way to screen rural fathers for mental distress and connect them to online support.
Influenza A (H1N1) virus induced long‐term remission in a refractory acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: You Liangshun , Liu Yi , Chen Nianci , Zhu Li , Xu Gaixiang , Lv Zuopo , Zhou Yile , Li Chenying , Tong Hongyan , Jin Jie , Meng Haitao
Published: May 2023

There have been reports of haematological cancer patients achieving spontaneous remission after being infected with the influenza A or SARS‐COV‐2 virus. Here, we present the first case of long‐term complete remission (CR) induced by influenza A (IAV, H1N1 subtype) in a refractory AML patient and have functionally validated this finding in two different animal disease models. We observed a significant increase in the proportion of helper T cells in the patient after IAV infection. The levels of cytokines, including IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐17A, IFN‐γ and TNF‐α, were higher in IAV‐infected patients compared with control groups. These findings indicate that the anti‐tumour effects induced by IAV are closely related to the modification of the immune response. Our study provides new evidence of the anti‐tumour effects of IAV from a clinical practice perspective.
Complementary roles of EP2 and EP4 receptors in malignant glioma
Authors: Qiu Jiange , Li Qianqian , Li Junqi , Zhou Fengmei , Sang Peng , Xia Zhongkun , Wang Wei , Wang Lin , Yu Ying , Jiang Jianxiong
Published: May 2023

Background and Purpose

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumour in the central nervous system, but the current treatment is very limited and unsatisfactory. PGE2‐initiated cAMP signalling via EP2 and EP4 receptors is involved in the tumourigenesis of multiple cancer types. However, whether or how EP2 and EP4 receptors contribute to GBM growth largely remains elusive.

Experimental Approach

We performed comprehensive data analysis of gene expression in human GBM samples and determined their expression correlations through multiple bioinformatics approaches. A time‐resolved fluorescence energy transfer (TR‐FRET) assay was utilized to characterize PGE2‐mediated cAMP signalling via EP2 and EP4 receptors in human glioblastoma cells. Using recently reported potent and selective small‐molecule antagonists, we determined the effects of inhibition of EP2 and EP4 receptors on GBM growth in subcutaneous and intracranial tumour models.

Key Results

The expression of both EP2 and EP4 receptors was upregulated and highly correlated with a variety of tumour‐promoting cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in human gliomas. Further, they were heterogeneously expressed in human GBM cells, where they compensated for each other to mediate PGE2‐initiated cAMP signalling and to promote colony formation, cell invasion and migration. Inhibition of EP2 and EP4 receptors revealed that these receptors might mediate GBM growth, angiogenesis, and immune evasion in a compensatory manner.

Conclusion and Implications

The compensatory roles of EP2 and EP4 receptors in GBM development and growth suggest that concurrently targeting these two PGE2 receptors might represent a more effective strategy than inhibiting either alone for GBM treatment.
Frequency of screw‐retained angulated screw channel single crown following immediate implant placement and provisionalization in the esthetic zone: A cone beam computed tomography study
Authors: Kan Joseph Y. K. , Rungcharassaeng Kitichai , Kamolroongwarakul Pongrapee , Lin Guo‐Hao , Matsuda Hiroyuki , Yin Shi , Wang Hom‐Lay , Tarnow Dennis , Lozada Jaime L.
Published: May 2023

Objective

The purpose of this cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) study was to determine the frequency percentage of screw‐retained crown using angulated screw channel (ASC) abutment for single immediate implant placement and provisionalization (IIPP) in the esthetic zone.

Methods

The CBCT images of 200 patients without disease and without metal restorations in maxillary anterior teeth were evaluated. The mid‐sagittal‐sectional CBCT images of maxillary anterior teeth (#6–#11) were created in an implant planning software, screen‐captured, and transferred to a presentation program. Template of tapered implants with diameter of 3.5 mm (for central and lateral incisors) and 4.3 mm (for central incisors and canines) and lengths of 13, 15, and 18 mm were applied to the sagittal images to identify the IIPP cases. To qualify for IIPP, the implant must engage >35% bone with at least 1 mm of surrounding bone and no perforations. The IIPP cases were further divided into straight screw channel (IIPPSSC) abutment or 25‐degree angulated screw channel abutment (IIPPASC), based upon its restorability. The frequency percentages of possible IIPP, IIPPSSC, and IIPPASC were reported and compared among all maxillary anterior teeth.

Results

A total of 1200 maxillary anterior teeth sagittal images from 200 patients (88 male and 112 female) with a mean age of 51.3 years (range 20–83 years) were evaluated in this study. The overall frequency percentages of IIPP, IIPPSSC, and IIPPASC possibility were 84% (74%–92%), 14% (10%–24%), and 75% (66%–87%), respectively.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this CBCT study, 90% of single IIPP in the esthetic zone can be restored with screw‐retained crown when utilizing ASC. In addition, the possibility of using a screw‐retained restoration following IIPP increases about five times with ASC abutment compared to the SSC abutment.
How can excess residual cement be reduced in implant‐supported restorations?: An in vitro study
Authors: Gönder Aykut , Polat Serdar , Kılıçarslan Mehmet Ali , Ocak Mert , Tamam Evşen
Published: May 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different cements and cementation techniques used in implant‐supported restorations and the application of various vent modifications and extraoral replica techniques on the amount of overflowing cement in cemented systems.

Materials and Methods

In this study, three different abutment designs were used as fully closed, occlusal vented, and occlusal + proximal vented. An extraoral replica was produced by milling the CAD/CAM ceramic block. The number of groups with and without replicas was determined as six (n = 10). For the cementation procedures, three different cements were tested: dual‐cure resin, eugenol‐free zinc oxide, and polycarboxylate cements. Cobalt–chromium superstructures to be cemented to the implant analog–abutment complex were produced by direct metal laser sintering method. Twenty‐four hours after the cementation process, residual cement were measered with Micro‐CT. In comparisons between groups, ANOVA test was used for normally distributed variables and Kruskall–Wallis H test was used for non‐normally distributed variables at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results

The difference in residual cement volumes between the groups in terms of both cementation techniques (whether or not to use an extraoral replica and different vent desings) and cement types was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was significantly less residual cement in all groups that used extraoral replicas than those that did not. As for the cement types, the most residual cement occurred in the resin cement.

Conclusion

The use of extraoral replicas and vent designs on the abutment significantly reduces the amount of residual cement. Regardless of the cementation technique, the type of cement used affects the amount of excess cement.

Clinical Relevance

To reduce residual cement, both the type of cement and the cementation technique used must be considered.