bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing species richness along elevational gradients is associated with niche packing in bat assemblages
Authors: Chakravarty Rohit , Radchuk Viktoriia , Managave Shreyas , Voigt Christian C.
Published: February 2023

The change in species richness along elevational gradients is a well‐known pattern in nature. Niche theory predicts that increasing species richness in assemblages can either lead to denser packing of niche space (‘niche packing’) or an expansion into its novel regions (‘niche expansion’). Traditionally, these scenarios have been studied using functional traits but stable isotopes provide advantages such as identifying the degree of resource specialisation, or niche partitioning among functionally similar species.

In this study, we evaluate the relevance of niche packing versus niche expansion by investigating stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic niche width and overlap among 23 bat species from six functional groups across a 1500 m elevational gradient in the Himalaya.

Our results suggest that an increase in species richness in the low elevation is accompanied by small niche width with high overlap, whereas the high elevation assemblage shows large niche width with low overlap among functional group members. At the functional group level, edge‐space foraging, trawling, and active gleaning bats have the highest niche width while passive gleaning bats that are only found in high elevations are isotopic specialists showing low overlap with other groups. Edge and open‐space foraging bats showed idiosyncratic changes in niche width across elevations. We also find that the niches of rhinolophid bats overlap with edge‐space and open‐space foraging bats despite their unique functional traits.

These results support the idea that at low elevations high species richness is associated with niche packing while at high elevations strong niche partitioning prevails in dynamic and resource‐poor environments. We conclude that although high elevation animal assemblages are often ‘functionally underdispersed’, that is show homogenous functional traits, our approach based on stable isotopes demonstrates niche partitioning among such functionally similar species.
Understanding public protective behavioural intention during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Moderating effects of proxy efficacy and collective efficacy
Authors: Cheng Peng , Zhou YaPing , Zhou Shuang , Yang Shu
Published: February 2023

Public efficacy beliefs against COVID‐19 might affect a person's coping strategy toward infection control. This study presented a synthetic conceptual model based on the Integrative Model of Behavioural Prediction (IMBP). We examined inductively the relationships among media exposure, efficacy beliefs, attribution of responsibilities and recommended protective behavioural intention using a survey of 435 participants who experienced the epidemic in China. Results suggest that traditional media exposure could stably and consistently enhance people's self‐efficacy, collective efficacy as well as proxy efficacy, whereas social media exposure only increases the degree of self‐efficacy. Furthermore, we detect that protective behavioural intention is directly affected by self‐efficacy and indirectly affected by collective efficacy and proxy efficacy via the mediation of self‐efficacy. At the same time, the influence of self‐efficacy on attribution of responsibilities and protective behaviours can be moderated by collective efficacy and proxy efficacy, respectively.
Removing Barriers to Whistleblowing at Nonprofit Organizations through Employee Empowerment*
Authors: Arroyo Pardo Paulina , Smaili Nadia , Bensid Souad
Published: February 2023

This study explores how key organizational and governance actors perceive the effectiveness of whistleblowing at nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and how whistleblowing is interrelated with other anti‐fraud mechanisms. Using a systems approach, we develop a conceptual framework of anti‐fraud mechanisms consisting of a set of interrelated components: control‐focused mechanisms and employee‐focused mechanisms (whistleblowing) intended to prevent and detect fraud, influenced by the environment (regulation and stakeholders) and human factors (employees' attitudes and leaders' awareness of fraud). We conducted 14 semistructured interviews with key actors at Canadian NPOs and noted that diverse control mechanisms were in place at these groups, but seemingly no formal whistleblowing policy existed. The organizations were disinclined to formalize a whistleblowing system in the short term despite viewing such a system as effective. Whereas prior research has examined the role of control‐focused mechanisms, NPOs' adoption of whistleblowing systems, and the benefits thereof, we contribute to the literature by stressing that employee empowerment is crucial to overcoming reluctance to blow the whistle. If the board of directors is aware of fraud risk and provides employees with the resources, motivation, and protection to speak up, whistleblowing could be implemented in these organizations. Whistleblowing should be interrelated with other mechanisms to form an effective anti‐fraud system.
Risk of readmission among individuals with cannabis use disorder during a 15‐year cohort study: the impact of socio‐economic factors and psychiatric comorbidity
Authors: Rabiee Rynaz , Sjöqvist Hugo , Agardh Emilie , Lundin Andreas , Danielsson Anna‐Karin
Published: February 2023

Background and aim

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is one of the main reasons for seeking substance treatment in the Nordic countries, but there are few studies on readmission to care. We aimed to characterize CUD readmission and estimate the magnitude of how socio‐economic factors and psychiatric comorbidity influence the risk of CUD readmission.

Design, Setting and Participants

This was a nation‐wide cohort study carried out between 2001 and 2016 in Sweden. The participants were individuals with CUD, aged 17 years and above (n = 12 143).

Measurements

Information on predictors was obtained from registers and included education, income and psychiatric comorbidity assessed by six disease groups. The outcome measure was readmission, defined as a CUD visit to health‐care at least 6 months after initial CUD diagnosis. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated using Cox survival analyses and flexible parametric survival analyses to assess risk of readmission and how the risk varied with age.

Findings

The vast majority of CUD visits took place in outpatient care (~80%). Approximately 23% of the included individuals were readmitted to care during follow‐up. The fully adjusted model showed an increased risk of readmission among those with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders [HR = 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.29–1.84], low education (HR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.24–1.57), personality disorders (HR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.05–1.54) or mood disorders (HR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.12–1.45). Flexible parametric modeling revealed increased risk of readmission mainly in individuals aged 18–35 years.

Conclusions

The risk of readmission was highest among those with low education, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, mood‐related disorders or personality disorders. Individuals aged 18–35 years showed the highest risk of readmission. Our findings highlight individuals with complex health‐care needs.
Terrorist Attacks, Cultural Incidents, and the Vote for Radical Parties: Analyzing Text from Twitter
Authors: Giavazzi Francesco , Iglhaut Felix , Lemoli Giacomo , Rubera Gaia
Published: February 2023

We study the role of perceived threats from other cultures induced by terrorist attacks and criminal events on public discourse and support for radical‐right parties. We develop a rule which allocates Twitter users to electoral districts in Germany and use a machine‐learning method to compute measures of textual similarity between the tweets they produce and tweets by accounts of the main German parties. Using the exogenous timing of attacks, we find that, after an event, Twitter language becomes on average more similar to that of the main radical‐right party, AfD. The result is driven by a larger share of tweets discussing immigrants and Muslims, common AfD topics, and by a more negative sentiment of these tweets. Shifts in language similarity are correlated with changes in vote shares between federal elections. These results point to the role of perceived threats from minorities on the success of nationalist parties.
TENT5D disruption causes oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and male infertility
Authors: Sha Yanwei , Liu Wensheng , Tang Songxi , Zhang Xiaoya , Xiao Ziyi , Xiao Yuwei , Deng Hongjing , Zhou Huiliang , Wei Xiaoli
Published: February 2023

Background

Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is one of the most complex aggregators of male gametic problems. However, the genetic etiology of OAT is still largely unknown.

Objectives

To reveal the new genetic factors responsible for male infertility owning to OAT and reveal the outcomes of the affected patients from intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Materials and methods

Two infertile men with typical OAT were recruited in 2018 and retrospected a cohort that included 47 patients with OAT from 2013 to 2021. Fifty healthy men with proven fertility served as control subjects. To identify the novel pathogenic variants, whole‐exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used. In silico analysis revealed the affecting of the variants. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was employed to observe the morphological defects of the spermatozoa. Immunofluorescence was used to analyze the expression and localization of the related protein. CRISPR/Cas9 was used to generate the mouse model. ICSI was used as a treatment for the patients and to assess the effects of the pathogenic variant on fertilization and embryo development.

Results

We identified a loss‐of‐function mutation NM_001170574.2:c.823G > T (p.Glu275*) in X‐linked TENT5D from two patients with OAT. This variant is highly deleterious and has not been found in the human population. The count of patients’ spermatozoa is dramatically decreased and displays multiple morphologic abnormalities with poor motility. Tent5d knockout mice are infertile and exhibit parallel defects. ICSI could rescue the infertility of the Tent5d knockout male mice. Moreover, the proband was treated with ICSI and achieved a successful pregnancy outcome for the first time. Subsequent mutation screening identified no TENT5D mutations among 47 additional patients with OAT and 50 control subjects.

Conclusion

Mutation in TENT5D results in OAT and male infertility, and this terrible situation could be rescued by ICSI.
Synthetic lethal targeting of TET2‐mutant haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells by XPO1 inhibitors
Authors: Jing Chang‐Bin , Prutsch Nicole , He Shuning , Zimmerman Mark W. , Landesman Yosef , Look A. Thomas
Published: February 2023

TET2 inactivating mutations serve as initiating genetic lesions in the transformation of haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). In this study, we analysed known drugs in zebrafish embryos for their ability to selectively kill tet2‐mutant HSPCs in vivo. We found that the exportin 1 (XPO1) inhibitors, selinexor and eltanexor, selectively kill tet2‐mutant HSPCs. In serial replating colony assays, these small molecules were selectively active in killing murine Tet2‐deficient Lineage‐, Sca1+, Kit+ (LSK) cells, and also TET2‐inactivated human acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells. Selective killing of TET2‐mutant HSPCs and human AML cells by these inhibitors was due to increased levels of apoptosis, without evidence of DNA damage based on increased γH2AX expression. The finding that TET2 loss renders HSPCs and AML cells selectively susceptible to cell death induced by XPO1 inhibitors provides preclinical evidence of the selective activity of these drugs, justifying further clinical studies of these small molecules for the treatment of TET2‐mutant haematopoietic malignancies, and to suppress clonal expansion in age‐related TET2‐mutant clonal haematopoiesis.
Homologous recombination inquiry through ovarian malignancy investigations: JGOG3025 Study
Authors: Yoshihara Kosuke , Baba Tsukasa , Tokunaga Hideki , Nishino Koji , Sekine Masayuki , Takamatsu Shiro , Matsumura Noriomi , Yoshida Hiroshi , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Shimada Muneaki , Kagimura Tatsuo , Oda Katsutoshi , Sasajima Yuko , Yaegashi Nobuo , Okamoto Aikou , Sugiyama Toru , Enomoto Takayuki
Published: February 2023

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) network has clarified that ~50% of high‐grade serous ovarian cancers show homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). However, the frequency of HRD in Japanese patients with ovarian cancer remains unclear. We aimed to identify the frequency of HR‐associated gene mutations in Japanese patients with ovarian cancer. The JGOG3025 study is a multicenter collaborative prospective observational study involving 65 study sites throughout Japan. We recruited 996 patients who were clinically diagnosed with ovarian cancer before surgery from March 2017 to March 2019, and 701 patients were eligible according to the criteria. We used frozen tumor tissues to extract DNA and performed next‐generation sequencing for 51 targeted genes (including 29 HR‐associated genes) in 701 ovarian cancers (298 high‐grade serous cases, 189 clear cell cases, 135 endometrioid cases, 12 mucinous cases, 3 low‐grade serous cases, and 64 others). HRD was defined as positive when at least one HR‐associated gene was mutated. The frequencies of HRD and tumor BRCA1/2 mutations were 45.2% (317/701) and 18.5% (130/701), respectively, in the full analysis set. Next, we performed multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis for progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Advanced‐stage ovarian cancer patients with HRD had adjusted hazard ratios of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.55–0.94) and 0.57 (95% CI, 0.38–0.86) for PFS and OS, respectively, compared with those without HRD (p = 0.016 and 0.007). Our study demonstrated that mutations in HR‐associated genes were associated with prognosis. Further studies are needed to investigate the prognostic impact of each HR‐associated gene in ovarian cancer.
Involvement of protumor macrophages in breast cancer progression and characterization of macrophage phenotypes
Authors: Komohara Yoshihiro , Kurotaki Daisuke , Tsukamoto Hirotake , Miyasato Yuko , Yano Hiromu , Pan Cheng , Yamamoto Yutaka , Fujiwara Yukio
Published: February 2023

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most prominent immune cells in the breast cancer microenvironment, and the protumor functions of TAMs are thought to affect cancer progression and resistance to anticancer therapy. Numerous studies using human breast cancer samples, cell lines, and murine breast cancer models have revealed details of the mechanisms by which the protumor functions of TAMs are activated. Recent advances have highlighted the significant involvement of TAMs in the resistance of breast cancer cells to immunotherapy. Tumor‐associated macrophages express a number of immunosuppressive genes, and single‐cell sequence analyses of human and murine cancer samples have helped elucidate the mechanism of TAM‐induced immunosuppression. As TAMs are considered suitable targets for anticancer therapies, we summarized the protumor functions of TAMs and the potential of anticancer therapies targeting TAMs, with a focus on breast cancer research.
Deciphering the modulatory role of apigenin targeting oncogenic pathways in human cancers
Authors: Pandey Pratibha , Khan Fahad , Upadhyay Tarun Kumar
Published: February 2023

Cancer is a complicated malignancy controlled by numerous intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. There has been a significant increase in interest in recent years in the elucidation of cancer treatments based on natural extracts that have fewer side effects. Numerous natural product‐derived chemicals have been investigated for their anticancer effects in the search for an efficient chemotherapeutic method. Therefore, the rationale behind this review is to provide a detailed insights about the anticancerous potential of apigenin via modulating numerous cell signaling pathways. An ingestible plant‐derived flavonoid called apigenin has been linked to numerous anticancerous potential in numerous experimental and biological studies. Apigenin has been reported to induce cell growth arrest and apoptotic induction by modulating multiple cell signaling pathways in a wider range of human tumors including those of the breast, lung, liver, skin, blood, colon, prostate, pancreatic, cervical, oral, and stomach. Oncogenic protein networks, abnormal cell signaling, and modulation of the apoptotic machinery are only a few examples of diverse molecular interactions and processes that have not yet been thoroughly addressed by scientific research. Thus, keeping this fact in mind, we tried to focus our review towards summarizing the apigenin‐mediated modulation of oncogenic pathways in various malignancies that can be further utilized to develop a potent therapeutic alternative for the treatment of various cancers.
Developmental changes in the structure of shyness and internalizing symptoms from early to middle childhood: A network analysis
Authors: Bekkhus Mona , McVarnock Alicia , Coplan Robert J. , Ulset Vidar , Kraft Brage
Published: February 2023

Shyness is a temperamental trait that shares considerable conceptual overlap with aspects of internalizing problems, creating difficulties in operationalizing and assessing these two constructs and their association. This study addresses these issues by employing network analyses. Participants were, white, N = 555 children (Mage = 52.45 months, SD = 15.96, 55% girls) followed longitudinally over 4 years (2016–2010) in Norway. Teachers rated child shyness and assessed children's internalizing symptoms. Results suggest that two behavioral shyness traits were the most central aspects of shyness. The centrality of these aspects was robust across age. The most influential symptom connecting internalizing symptoms with shyness was “unhappy.” Shyness became more differentiated with development, and associations between anxiety‐related symptoms and shyness increased as children entered formal schooling.
Why and how we can use data linkage in oral health research: a narrative review
Authors: Slack‐Smith Linda , Arena Gina
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Poor oral health, impacting health and wellbeing across the life‐course, is a costly and wicked problem. Data (or record) linkage is the linking of different sets of data (often administrative data gathered for non‐research purposes) that are matched to an individual and may include records such as medical data, housing information and sociodemographic information. It often uses population‐level data or ‘big data’. Data linkage provides the opportunity to analyse complex associations from different sources for total populations. The aim of the paper is to explore data linkage, how it is important for oral health research and what promise it holds for the future.

Methods

This is a narrative review of an approach (data linkage) in oral health research.

Results

Data linkage may be a powerful method for bringing together various population datasets. It has been used to explore a wide variety of topics with many varied datasets. It has substantial current and potential application in oral health research.

Conclusions

Use of population data linkage is increasing in oral health research where the approach has been very useful in exploring the complexity of oral health. It offers promise for exploring many new areas in the field.
A content analysis of South Korean newspaper coverage of adolescent cyberbullying
Authors: Chun JongSerl , Kim Jinyung , Lee Serim
Published: February 2023

This study aims to understand the changing frameworks, perspectives and contents of cyberbullying over the years of enactment and amendments made to the School Violence Act. A total of 172 news articles published from 2004 to 2021 were first analysed by content and with a chronological segmentation strategy. In the early years, newspapers reported mostly verbal/written and sexual/visual cyberbullying, while exclusion/extortion emerged only recently. The causes of cyberbullying changed from more individual‐oriented ones to societal factors. Physical and psychological harms were consistently reported, but few indicated relational harms. Nowadays, laws/policies are gaining more emphasis as a solution to cyberbullying than services and/or interventions.
Obstructive sleep apnea and vitamin D level: Has the dust settled?
Authors: Loh Huai Heng , Sukor Norlela
Published: February 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea and vitamin D deficiency are associated with multiple complications with increased morbidity and mortality. However, the relationship between these two entities remains unclear, with clinical studies demonstrating contradictory results. This narrative review aims to present the current evidence and understanding of this relationship and discuss the possible mechanisms linking these two disease entities. Finally, we summarize and propose areas of opportunity for future research.
The impact of surgical interventions on the psychosocial well‐being of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Scholl Lisa , Schneider‐Burrus Sylke , Fritz Björn , Sabat Robert , Bechara Falk G.
Published: February 2023

Background and objectives

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Depending on disease severity, a combination of conservative and surgical treatments is necessary. This analysis aimed to determine the impact of surgical interventions on patient psychosocial well‐being.

Patients and methods

This is a prospective, noninterventional, multicenter study. The medical history, medical examination, and patient‐reported outcomes, including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Dermatology Life Quality Index, and the Short Form‐12 Health Survey, were collected from 481 patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Results

Among all patients with hidradenitis suppurativa included in this study, 74.2% reported surgery before study inclusion, of whom 92.4% could identify surgery type and location. Although adjusted for confounding factors, such as disease severity and activity, the aforementioned patient reported outcomes, did not vary significantly between groups of patients with different techniques and number of prior surgical intervention. However, patients without any prior surgical intervention yielded significantly better scores.

Conclusions

In patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, previous surgery was associated with worse outcomes in anxiety, depression, and quality of life, showing the apparent need of psychological support. It remains unclear whether the morbidity of surgical procedures or a possible higher severity score in patients undergoing surgery is responsible.
Image‐based response assessment during immunotherapy in skin cancer
Authors: Mayer Kristine E. , Gaa Jochen , Biedermann Tilo , Posch Christian
Published: February 2023

Immune‐checkpoint inhibitors and further immunotherapeutic treatment strategies have significantly extended therapy options for melanoma and other skin cancer entities over the last decade. In the context of a broader application of immunotherapeutic approaches, sufficient ways to monitor the course of the disease during therapy are required. Immunotherapies are based on different ways of modulating the immune system. This leads to complex clinical response patterns including pseudoprogression and others, requiring an adaptation of conventional diagnostic imaging tools or the introduction of novel technologies. In this review, current non‐invasive imaging approaches for response assessment during immunotherapies in skin cancers as well as their limitations are discussed. To overcome present hurdles, promising alternatives to better address novel imaging features during immunotherapy are depicted giving an outlook on what can be expected in the future.
Management of rare inherited bleeding disorders: Proposals of the French Reference Centre on Haemophilia and Rare Coagulation Disorders
Authors: Trossaert Marc , Chamouard Valerie , Biron‐Andreani Christine , Casini Alessandro , De Mazancourt Philippe , De Raucourt Emmanuelle , Drillaud Nicolas , Frotscher Birgit , Guillet Benoit , Lebreton Aurelien , Roussel‐Robert Valerie , Rugeri Lucia , Dargaud Yesim
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The rare coagulation disorders may present significant difficulties in diagnosis and management. In addition, considerable inter‐individual variation in bleeding phenotype is observed amongst affected individuals, making the bleeding risk difficult to assess in affected individuals. The last international recommendations on rare inherited bleeding disorders (RIBDs) were published by the United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Doctors' Organisation in 2014. Since then, new drugs have been marketed, news studies on surgery management in patients with RIBD have been published, and new orphan diseases have been described.

Aim

Therefore, the two main objectives of this review, based on the recent recommendations published by the French Reference Centre on Haemophilia and Rare Bleeding Disorders, are: (i) to briefly describe RIBD (clinical presentation and diagnostic work‐up) to help physicians in patient screening for the early detection of such disorders; and (ii) to focus on the current management of acute haemorrhages and long term prophylaxis, surgical interventions, and pregnancy/delivery in patients with RIBD.
Intravenous thrombolysis + endovascular thrombectomy versus thrombolysis alone in large vessel occlusion mild stroke: a propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Schwarz Ghil , Bonato Sara , Lanfranconi Silvia , Matusevicius Marius , Ghione Isabella , Valcamonica Gloria , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Paiva Nunes Ana , Mancuso Michelangelo , Zini Andrea , Candelaresi Paolo , Rand Viiu‐Marika , Comi Giacomo P. , Mazya Michael V. , Ahmed Niaz
Published: February 2023

Background and purpose

The best reperfusion treatment for patients with mild acute ischaemic stroke harbouring proximal anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) is unknown. The aim was to compare the safety and efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) plus endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) versus IVT alone in LVO patients with mild symptoms.

Methods

From the Safe Implementation of Treatment in Stroke–International Stroke Thrombolysis and Thrombectomy Register (SITS‐ISTR), were included: (i) consecutive acute ischaemic stroke patients, (ii) treated within 4.5 h from symptoms onset, (iii) baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤5 and (iv) intracranial internal carotid artery [ICA], M1 or T occlusion [defined as occlusion of ICA terminal bifurcation]. After propensity score matching, 3‐month functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0–1 and 0–2) and safety outcomes (symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage and death) were compared (via univariable and multivariable logistic [and ordinal] regression analyses) in patients treated with IVT + EVT versus IVT alone.

Results

In all, 1037 patients were included. After propensity score matching (n = 312 per group), IVT + EVT was independently associated with poor functional outcomes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.46 for mRS 0–1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30–0.72, p = 0.001; aOR 0.52 for mRS 0–2, 95% CI 0.32–0.84, p = 0.007; aOR 1.61 for 1‐point shift in mRS score, 95% CI 1.12–2.32, p = 0.011), with no significant differences in safety outcomes compared to IVT alone, despite numerically higher rates of symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (3.3% vs. 1.1%; p = 0.082), a higher rate of any haemorrhagic transformation (17.6% vs. 7.3%; p < 0.001) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (7.9% vs. 1.5%; p = 0.002) in the IVT + EVT group.

Discussion

In anterior circulation LVO patients presenting with NIHSS score ≤5, IVT + EVT (vs. IVT alone) was associated with poorer 3‐month functional outcome. Randomized controlled trials are needed to elucidate the best treatments in mild LVO patients.
Disentangling the drivers of continental mammalian endemism
Authors: Shipley Benjamin R. , McGuire Jenny L.
Published: February 2023

Endemic species and species with small ranges are ecologically and evolutionarily distinct and are vulnerable to extinction. Determining which abiotic and biotic factors structure patterns of endemism on continents can advance our understanding of global biogeographic processes, but spatial patterns of mammalian endemism have not yet been effectively predicted and reconstructed. Using novel null model techniques, we reconstruct trends in mammalian endemism and describe the isolated and combined effects of physiographic, ecological, and evolutionary factors on endemism. We calculated weighted endemism for global continental ecoregions and compared the spatial distribution of endemism to niche‐based, geographic null models of endemism. These null models distribute species randomly across continents, simulating their range sizes from their degree of climatic specialization. They isolate the effects of physiography (topography and climate) and species richness on endemism. We then ran linear and structural models to determine how topography and historical climate stability influence endemism. The highest rates of mammalian endemism were found in topographically rough, climatically stable ecoregions with many species. The null model that isolated physiography did not closely approximate the observed distribution of endemism (r2 = .09), whereas the null model that incorporated both physiography and species richness did (r2 = .59). The linear models demonstrate that topography and climatic stability both influenced endemism values, but that average climatic niche breadth was not highly correlated with endemism. Climate stability and topography both influence weighted endemism in mammals, but the spatial distribution of mammalian endemism is driven by a combination of physiography and species richness. Despite its relationship to individual range size, average climate niche breadth has only a weak influence on endemism. The results highlight the importance of historical biogeographic processes (e.g. centers of speciation) and geography in driving endemism patterns, and disentangle the mechanisms structuring species ranges worldwide.
Helicobacter pylori treatment knowledge, access and barriers: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bailey Kimberly S. , Brown Heidi E. , Lekic Viktor , Pradeep Kathi , Merchant Juanita L. , Harris Robin B.
Published: February 2023

Background

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is among the most common bacterial infections in the world and one of the most common infectious agents linked to malignancy, gastric cancer (GC). Within the US there is high disparity in the rates of Hp infection and associated diseases. Hp infection is treatable, and knowledge may influence screening and treatment seeking behaviors.

Materials and Methods

In this cross‐sectional study of 1042 respondents recruited from the Online Amazon MTurk platform, we sought to assess baseline knowledge of Hp and to gain insight into barriers related to Hp care.

Results

Just over half (52.3%) reported some prior knowledge of Hp with 11.7% (n = 122) reporting being treated for Hp themselves and 21.4% reporting family members diagnosed with Hp. Of respondents reporting prior treatment, 95 (78%) reported GI upset and 27 (21%) reported not completing medications. Specific to Hp and GC, 70% indicated that a belief that the treatment was worse than the symptoms would affect their willingness to seek care, while 81% indicated knowing Hp can cause GC would affect their treatment decisions and knowing their gastric symptoms were caused by Hp would affect their willingness to receive care.

Conclusions

Knowledge of Hp in this US sample of online respondents is low and self‐reported difficulties with treatment compliance is high. Increasing awareness of this infection and addressing the challenges to treatment compliance could potentially reduce rates of Hp antibiotic resistance and progression to GC or other complications of Hp infection.
Use of the particle agglutination/particle agglutination inhibition test for antigenic analysis of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Kobayashi Jun , Matsuyama Shutoku , Shirakura Masayuki , Arita Tomoko , Suzuki Yasushi , Asanuma Hideki , Watanabe Shinji , Hasegawa Hideki , Nakamura Kazuya
Published: February 2023

Background

The antigenicity of SARS‐CoV‐2 is a critical issue for the effectiveness of the vaccine, and thus, it should be phenotypically evaluated by serological assays as new field isolates emerge. The hemagglutination/hemagglutination inhibition (HA/HI) tests are well known as a representative method for antigenic analysis of influenza viruses, but SARS‐CoV‐2 does not agglutinate human or guinea pig red blood cells. Therefore, the antigenic analysis requires complicated cell‐based assays using special equipment such as plate reader or ELISPOT analyzer.

Methods

Based on the HA/HI tests for influenza viruses, we developed the particle agglutination/particle agglutination inhibition (PA/PAI) test to easily and rapidly quantify the virus and antibody using human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (hACE2)‐bound latex beads. The virus titers were determined by mixing the beads and the virus from culture supernatant, settling it overnight, and then observing the sedimentation/agglutination pattern (PA test). The neutralization antibody titers were determined by mixing virus‐infected hamster antisera in addition to the beads and virus (PAI test).

Results

The PA titer was positively correlated with the plaque‐forming units. The PAI titer using the hamster antisera clearly revealed the antigenic difference between the omicron and previous variants. The antigenic differences were supported by the results shown in other methods.

Conclusions

The PAI test is an easy and rapid method to analyze the antigenicity of SARS‐CoV‐2.
130/80 mmHg as a unifying hypertension threshold for office brachial, office central, and ambulatory daytime brachial blood pressure
Authors: Chuang Shao‐Yuan , Cheng Hao‐Min , Chang Wei‐Lun , Yeh Wan‐Yu , Huang Chi‐Jung , Chen Chen‐Huan
Published: February 2023

The present study investigated the prognostic values for office brachial (OB), office central (OC), and ambulatory daytime brachial (AmDB) hypertension, as defined by a unifying threshold of 130/80 mmHg, and the incremental value of either OC or AmDB hypertension to OB hypertension. A total of 1219 community residents without receiving anti‐hypertensive treatment (671 men and 548 women, aged ≥ 30 years old) from central Taiwan and Kinmen islands had OB, OC, and AmDB blood pressure measurements during a cardiovascular survey conducted in 1992–1993. OB hypertension, OC hypertension, and AmDB hypertension were all defined in retrospect at the threshold of 130/80 mmHg. They were followed up for nonfatal and fatal cardiovascular events until December 31, 2017, by linking the baseline database to the National Health Insurance Research dataset and the National Death Registry. During a follow‐up of 25 612.5 person‐years (Average event‐free time: 21.0 years), there were 368 fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events. In multivariable analyses, OB hypertension, OC hypertension, and AmDB hypertension had similar hazard ratios for cardiovascular events [2.03, 95% confidence interval: 1.47‐2.80]; 1.92 (1.47‐2.51); and 1.79 (1.41‐2.29), respectively. Using OB normotension as the reference, either the concordant OB and OC hypertension [2.24 (1.61‐3.12)], or the concordant OB and AmDB hypertension [2.52 (1.80‐3.54)] was significantly associated with cardiovascular events. Moreover, OB hypertension plus AmDB normotension was also significantly associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events. We concluded that OB hypertension, OC hypertension, and AmDB hypertension defined by a unifying threshold of 130/80 mmHg may provide similar estimates of long‐term risk for cardiovascular events. Cross‐classification analyses suggest that addition of OC hypertension or AmDB hypertension may improve the prognostic value of OB hypertension.
Five‐year outcomes of a randomized controlled clinical trial comparing single‐tooth implant‐supported restoration with either zirconia or titanium abutments
Authors: Ferrantino Luca , Carrillo de Albornoz Ana , Sanz Mariano
Published: February 2023

Aim

To evaluate the influence of the abutment material (zirconia vs. titanium) on the long‐term aesthetic and clinical outcomes of implant‐supported restorations.

Materials and Methods

In 30 patients, a single implant‐supported restoration with either a zirconia or a titanium abutment was placed in the anterior maxilla (incisors, canines, and bicuspids). Aesthetic (Implant Crown Aesthetic Index or ICAI), clinical, radiographic, and patient‐centred outcomes were recorded at baseline (1 month after final restoration), 1 year, and 5 years of follow‐up. This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02315794).

Results

Twenty‐five subjects completed the follow‐up visits at 1 and 5 years. ICAI values showed statistically significant better aesthetic outcomes when zirconia abutments were used compared to titanium abutments. Between 1 and 5 years, the aesthetic sub‐analysis of the crown component worsened but the mucosal sub‐analysis improved. There were no significant changes in bone levels, but the plaque index, bleeding on probing, and probing depths worsened in both groups.

Conclusions

At 5 years, standard zirconia abutments achieved better aesthetic outcomes, although with similar clinical behaviour.
Applicability of the histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate solution as a machine perfusion solution for marginal liver grafts
Authors: Iwata Hiroyoshi , Matsuno Naoto , Ishii Daisuke , Toriumi Asuka , Otani Masahide , Ohara Mizuho , Obara Hiromichi , Nishikawa Yuji , Yokoo Hideki
Published: February 2023

Background and Aim

There are very few reports comparing the use of the University of Wisconsin solution and histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate solution as machine perfusion solutions for marginal liver grafts. We aimed to clarify whether the use of the histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate solution in hypothermic machine perfusion improves the split‐liver graft function in a large animal model.

Methods

Porcine split‐liver grafts were created by 75% liver resection. Hypothermic machine perfusion experimental groups were divided as follows: Group 1, perfusate, University of Wisconsin gluconate solution (UW group; n = 5), and Group 2, perfusate, histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate solution (HTK group; n = 4). After 4 h of preservation, the liver function was evaluated using an isolated liver reperfusion model for 2 h.

Results

In the HTK group, the portal vein and hepatic artery resistance during hypothermic machine perfusion and the portal vein resistance during isolated liver reperfusion were lower than those in the UW group. In addition, the total Suzuki score for hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury in the HTK group was significantly better than that in the UW group. The number of anti‐ETS‐related genes staining‐positive sinusoid epithelial cell nuclei in the HTK group was higher than that in the UW group (not significant).

Conclusions

The histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate solution can be perfused with lower vascular resistance than the University of Wisconsin solution, reducing shear stress and preventing sinusoid epithelial cell injury in marginal grafts used as split‐liver grafts.
Phylotranscriptomics of Swertiinae (Gentianaceae) reveals that key floral traits are not phylogenetically correlated
Authors: Chen Chunlin , Ruhfel Brad R. , Li Jialiang , Wang Zefu , Zhang Lushui , Zhang Lei , Mao Xingxing , Wang Ji , He Dashan , Luo Yue , Hu Quanjun , Duan Yuanwen , Xu Xiaoting , Xi Zhenxiang , Liu Jianquan
Published: February 2023

Establishing how lineages with similar traits are phylogenetically related remains critical for understanding the origin of biodiversity on Earth. Floral traits in plants are widely used to explore phylogenetic relationships and to delineate taxonomic groups. The subtribe Swertiinae (Gentianaceae) comprises more than 350 species with high floral diversity ranging from rotate to tubular corollas and possessing diverse nectaries. Here we performed phylogenetic analysis of 60 species from all 15 genera of the subtribe Swertiinae sensu Ho and Liu, representing the range of floral diversity, using data from the nuclear and plastid genomes. Extensive topological conflicts were present between the nuclear and plastome trees. Three of the 15 genera represented by multiple species are polyphyletic in both trees. Key floral traits including corolla type, absence or presence of lobe scales, nectary type, nectary position, and stigma type are randomly distributed in the nuclear and plastome trees without phylogenetic correlation. We also revealed the likely ancient hybrid origin of one large clade comprising 10 genera with diverse floral traits. These results highlight the complex evolutionary history of this subtribe. The phylogenies constructed here provide a basic framework for further exploring the ecological and genetic mechanisms underlying both species diversification and floral diversity.
Anxiety in pregnancy and stress responsiveness: An exploratory study of heart rate variability, cortisol, and alpha‐amylase in the third trimester
Authors: Riddle Julia N. , Jager Leah R. , Sherer Morgan , Pangtey Meeta , Osborne Lauren M.
Published: February 2023

The present study aimed to explore the association between anxiety symptoms, including sleep, and physiological stress responsiveness in pregnant women with and without anxiety, as identified by psychiatric diagnosis. Fifty‐four pregnant women with (n = 25) and without (n = 29) anxiety completed a laboratory cognitive stressor (the Stroop Color‐Word Task) during the third trimester. Heart rate variability (HRV) (as the root mean square of successive differences, RMSSD) was recorded during baseline, stressor, and recovery periods. Salivary cortisol (sCORT) and alpha amylase (sAA) were measured at four timepoints surrounding the stressor task. Psychometric scales (Penn State Worry Questionnaire [PSWQ], Perceived Stress Scale [PSS], Spielberg Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale [STAI], and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]) were collected. Women in the anxiety group exhibited significantly less rebound in HRV (RMSSD, change of 4‐ms difference, p = .025) from baseline to recovery following the Stroop than did those in the non‐anxiety group. Neither neuroendocrine measure (sCORT, sAA) differed between groups at any measurement period. Across the recording period, lower reported sleep quality (PSQI, p = .0092) and higher subjective stress (PSS, p = .039) were associated with lower RMSSD. The findings suggest that women with and without anxiety in late pregnancy display differences in the degree of autonomic rebound as indicated by HRV following a stressor. In addition, levels of HRV over time were associated with subjective perceptions of increased stress and poor sleep.

Pregnancy and Anxious

The Role of the Immune and Endocrine Systems (NCT03664128).
Osteohistology and palaeobiology of giraffids from the Mio‐Pliocene Langebaanweg (South Africa)
Authors: Jannello Juan Marcos , Chinsamy Anusuya
Published: February 2023

The reconstruction of life history traits, such as growth rate, age at maturity and age at death can be estimated from the histological analysis of long bones. Here, we studied 20 long bones (metapodials, tibia and femora) of Sivatherium hendeyi and Giraffa cf. Giraffa jumae recovered from the Miocene–Pliocene locality of Langebaanweg on the West Coast of South Africa. We analysed the long bone histology and growth marks of juvenile and adult specimens of these taxa. Our results show that bone tissue types and vascular canal orientation varies during ontogeny, as well as between the different skeletal elements, and also across single cross sections of bones. Majority of our specimens appear to be still growing, with only an adult metacarpal of S. hendeyi being skeletally mature as indicated by the presence of an outer circumferential layer. We propose that the growth marks preserved in the cortices of the bones studied are most likely related to multiple catastrophic events as opposed to being annual/seasonal.
I was, I am, I will be: Identity and time perspective before and duringCOVID‐19
Authors: Bobba Beatrice , Lynch Lucia Stella , Sugimura Kazumi , Crocetti Elisabetta
Published: February 2023

The ways in which youth reach a stable identity, a core developmental task of emerging adulthood, are intertwined with their perceptions of the past, present, and future. Additionally, these dynamics are embedded in and are strongly influenced by the socio‐historical context and concurrent events, such as COVID‐19. This study examines how different groups of emerging adults (university students and workers) engage in identity processes in educational/vocational and interpersonal domains and frame their perspective of time before (N = 299,Mage = 21.90; 51.4% females) and during the pandemic (N = 497;Mage = 23.11; 68.2% females). Significant differences in identity processes and time perspective emerged between the two cohorts. Moreover, significant associations between identity and time perspective were found to be similar across different identity domains and cohorts.
Stress and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis: How can the COVID‐19 pandemic inform our understanding and treatment of acute insomnia?
Authors: Elder Greg J. , Altena Ellemarije , Palagini Laura , Ellis Jason G.
Published: February 2023

Stress and sleep are very closely linked, and stressful life events can trigger acute insomnia. The ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic is highly likely to represent one such stressful life event. Indeed, a wide range of cross‐sectional studies demonstrate that the pandemic is associated with poor sleep and sleep disturbances. Given the high economic and health burden of insomnia disorder, strategies that can prevent and treat acute insomnia, and also prevent the transition from acute insomnia to insomnia disorder, are necessary. This narrative review outlines why the COVID‐19 pandemic is a stressful life event, and why activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, as a biological marker of psychological stress, is likely to result in acute insomnia. Further, this review outlines how sleep disturbances might arise as a result of the COVID‐19 pandemic, and why simultaneous hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis measurement can inform the pathogenesis of acute insomnia. In particular, we focus on the cortisol awakening response as a marker of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis function, as cortisol is the end‐product of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. From a research perspective, future opportunities include identifying individuals, or particular occupational or societal groups (e.g. frontline health staff), who are at high risk of developing acute insomnia, and intervening. From an acute insomnia treatment perspective, priorities include testing large‐scale online behavioural interventions; examining if reducing the impact of stress is effective and, finally, assessing whether “sleep vaccination” can maintain good sleep health by preventing the occurrence of acute insomnia, by preventing the transition from acute insomnia to insomnia disorder.
Framing the tendency to betray one's good intentions. Akrasia as a dialogical dynamic
Authors: Romaioli Diego
Published: February 2023

Akrasia, otherwise known as ‘weakness of will’, is a state of mind whereby people act deliberately against their better judgment. This paper aims to provide a conceptual framework for understanding akrasia from psychosocial perspectives that assume the self is multiple and strongly interconnected with the relational flow of which it is a part. Drawing on key ideas from Dialogical Self Theory, we analyze the main dialogical dynamics that can generate akratic episodes with reference to how individuals organize their personal position repertoire, and to the relational and socio‐cultural setting in which the actions are taken. The discussion enables us to identify some indicators to frame the tendency to betray one's good intentions, and to offer some suggestions on how to reduce the occurrence of the various forms of akrasia analyzed.