bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social complexity during early development has long-term effects on neuroplasticity in the social decision-making network
Authors: Loggia Océane La , Antunes Diogo F. , Aubin-Horth Nadia , Taborsky Barbara
Published: August 2024

In social species, early social experience shapes the development of appropriate social behaviours during conspecific interactions referred to as social competence. However, the underlying neuronal mechanisms responsible for the acquisition of social competence are largely unknown. One key candidate to influence social competence is neuroplasticity, which functions to restructure neural networks in response to novel experiences or alterations of the environment. One important mediator of this restructuring is the neurotrophin BDNF, which is well conserved among vertebrates. We studied the highly social fishNeolamprologus pulcher, in which the impact of early social experience on social competence has been previously shown. We investigated experimentally how variation of the early social environment impacts markers of neuroplasticity by analysing the relative expression of thebdnfgene and its receptorsp75NTRandTrkBacross nodes of the Social Decision-Making Network. In fish raised in larger groups,bdnfandTrkBwere upregulated in the anterior tuberal nucleus, compared to fish raised in smaller groups, whileTrkBwas downregulated andbdnfwas upregulated in the lateral part of the dorsal telencephalon. In the preoptic area (POA), all three genes were upregulated in fish raised in large groups, suggesting that early social experiences might lead to changes of the neuronal connectivity in the POA. Our results highlight the importance of the early social experience in programming the constitutive expression of neuroplasticity markers, suggesting that the effects of early social experience on social competence might be due to changes in neuroplasticity.
Computational screening of potential AT1R inhibitors fromNigella sativafor diabetic-hypertensive therapy
Authors: Tuli Tonima Rahman , Mia Mijan , Ulla SK Nazmul , Gazi Md. Shamim , Hasan Md. Nazmul , Biswas Partha , Tareq Md. Mohaimenul Islam
Published: August 2024

Hypertension, frequently coexists with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, causes due to Angiotensin II. Inhibiting Angiotensin II by targeting AT1R can potentially improve hypertension-related complications in patients with T2DM. In this study, we perform an in-silico screening based on molecular docking and molecular dynamic of 305 compounds of Nigella sativa against Angiotensin-II Type1 Receptor (AT1R). Molecular docking studies were conducted to investigate the binding affinities of the selected ligands with the target receptor and compared against the Losartan (control drug). Top 5 ligands were selected based on binding affinity. Subsequently, we conducted an ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) profiling to assess their pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. Our findings revealed two promising ligands Beta-amyrin (CID-73145) and Taraxerol (CID-92097), which exhibited strong binding affinities and favorable pharmacological profiles with no signs of acute toxicity. The molecular dynamic simulations (MD) including RMSD, RMSF, and MMGBSA binding free energy results showed that selected two ligands bind to AT1R more proficiently with good stability over 100 ns. The computational study serves as a foundational basis for subsequent laboratory and clinical research aimed at identifying selective, potent, and less toxic diabetic-hypertensive therapy targeting AT1R.
Immunological memory in a teleost fish: common carp IgM+B cells differentiate into memory and plasma cells
Authors: Chan Justin Tze Ho , Picard-Sánchez Amparo , Dedić Neira , Majstorović Jovana , Rebl Alexander , Holzer Astrid Sibylle , Korytář Tomáš
Published: August 2024

From ancient cold-blooded fishes to mammals, all vertebrates are protected by adaptive immunity, and retain immunological memory. Although immunologists can demonstrate these phenomena in all fish, the responding cells remain elusive for lack of defining markers and tools to study them. Fundamentally, we posited that it is longevity that defines a memory cell like how antibody production defines a plasma cell. We infected the common carp withSphaerospora molnari, a cnidarian parasite which causes seasonal outbreaks to which no vaccine is available. B cells proliferated and expressed gene signatures of differentiation. Despite a half-year gap between EdU labeling and sampling, B cells retained the thymidine analogue, suggesting that these are at least six-month-old resting memory cells stemming from proliferating precursors. Additionally, we identified a lymphoid organ-resident population expressing exceptional levels of IgM as plasma cells. Thus, teleost fish produce the lymphocytes key to vaccination success and long-term disease protection, and immunological memory is universal and universally demonstrable.
ABC-seq expands small RNAs content with randomized adapter pools operation
Authors: Yu Huahang , Ye Mengying , Guo Yingying , Sun Yating , Cao Ke , zhang Dexin , Chen Feng , Zhao Yongxi
Published: August 2024

Cellular gene expression is widely regulated by a large number of small RNAs (smRNAs). The ability to in-depth analysis of smRNAs content is vital for comprehensive understanding their architecture and function. However, experimental approaches capable of realizing both high-content and low-byproduct sequencing analysis are lacking. Here, we develop ABC-seq (randomizedAdapter pool dimerBlocking andCleavage in smRNA sequencing). This method designs randomized adapter pools to recognize more smRNA species. Moreover, it operates two product structure-differentiated enzymatic reactions to maximally eliminate the byproducts of adapter dimers. Using ABC-seq, we detected a broader range of smRNAs including miRNAs, scRNAs, and snoRNAs in rat hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. Upon further analysis of miRNAs, we detected 66 more miRNAs compared to the control method, providing new insights into smRNA-directed gene regulation mechanisms. Furthermore, we revealed cancer drug response -associated smRNAs and uncovered their pivotal role in immune response modulation in non-small cell lung cancer. ABC-seq represents an evolutionary strategy for reshaping the smRNA landscape boundaries and paves the way for a deeper understanding of complex gene regulation networks.
Epigenetic control of commensal induced Th2 Responses and Intestinal immunopathology
Authors: Sangani Kishan A. , Parker Morgan E. , Anderson Hope D. , Chen Li , Pandey Surya P. , Pierre Joseph F. , Meisel Marlies , Riesenfeld Samantha J. , Hinterleitner Reinhard , Jabri Bana
Published: August 2024

Understanding the initiation of T-helper (Th)-2 immunity is crucial for addressing allergic diseases that have been linked to the commensal microbiota. However, Th2 responses are notably absent from known host-microbiota intestinal immune circuits. Notably, the commensal protistTritrichomonasinduces a transient innate ILC2 circuit rather than a chronic Th2 circuit. Canonical Th2 responses rely on the induction of IL-4 production by innate cells. This study shows that the absence ofTet2, a DNA demethylase, reprograms naïve T cells to autonomously produce IL-4 upon T cell receptor stimulation, bypassing the need for IL-4 from innate cells for Th2 differentiation. Loss of this checkpoint induces chronic Th2 responses toTritrichomonas, associated with IL-25-dependent barrier dysfunction and increased susceptibility to allergic pathology in response to dietary antigens.

Sentence Summary

Regulation of cell autonomous IL-4 in T cells is critical to prevent dysregulated Th2 immunity to commensals and predisposition to allergy.
Characterization of muscle growth and sarcomere branching in the striated musculature ofC. elegans
Authors: Fazyl A , Anbu A , Kollbaum S , Conklin E , Schroeder N , Vidal-Gadea AG
Published: August 2024

Striated muscles are essential for locomotion and survival. Their function and structure are highly conserved across taxa. Muscles are highly plastic. Muscle growth can occur through several distinct processes including developmental, allometric, and hypertrophic growth. Additionally, pathological conditions like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) can lead to abnormal muscle growth. While human muscle studies have revealed complex structural adaptations such as sarcomere branching, these processes remain less explored in model organisms likeCaenorhabditis elegans.

In this study, we present an anatomical characterization of muscle growth inC. elegansunder various conditions that parallel those in mammalian systems. We examined developmental, allometric, and hypertrophic growth, as well as muscle atrophy in a DMD model,dys-1(eg33). We find thatC. elegansmuscles undergo growth patterns similar to those observed in mammals, with region-specific increases in myocyte size, sarcomere number, and band widths under different conditions. Moreover, we report for the first time the presence of sarcomere branching and splitting inC. elegansmuscles, phenomena previously described only in vertebrates and Drosophila.

We further report that sarcomere branching is modulated by environmental conditions and pathological states, with increased branching in worms raised swimming and reduced branching in dystrophic muscles. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of muscle adaptation and highlight the potential ofC. elegansas a model for studying muscle pathologies like DMD, particularly during periods of rapid growth.
Strict hierarchy of optimal strategies for global estimations: Linking global estimations with local ones
Authors: Zhou Zhao-Yi , Qiu Jing-Tao , Zhang Da-Jian
Published: August 2024

A crucial yet challenging issue in quantum metrology is to ascertain the ultimate precision achievable in estimation strategies. While there are two paradigms of estimations, local and global, current research is largely confined to local estimations, which are useful once the parameter of interest is approximately known. In this Letter we target a paradigm shift towards global estimations, which can operate reliably even with a few measurement data and no substantial prior knowledge about the parameter. The key innovation here is to develop a technique, dubbed virtual imaginary-time evolution, which establishes an equality between the information gained in a global estimation and the quantum Fisher information for a virtual local estimation. This offers an intriguing pathway to surmount challenges in the realm of global estimations by leveraging powerful tools tailored for local estimations. We explore our technique to reveal a strict hierarchy of achievable precision for different global estimation strategies and uncover unexpected results contrary to conventional wisdom in local estimations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Novel of statistical quality control development and econometric applications
Authors: Areepong Yupaporn , Sukparungsee Saowanit
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and review the impact of the use of statistical quality control (SQC) development and analytical and numerical methods on average run length for econometric applications.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used several academic databases to survey and analyze the literature on SQC tools, their characteristics and applications. The surveys covered both parametric and nonparametric SQC.

Findings

This survey paper reviews the literature both control charts and methodology to evaluate an average run length (ARL) which the SQC charts can be applied to any data. Because of the nonparametric control chart is an alternative effective to standard control charts. The mixed nonparametric control chart can overcome the assumption of normality and independence. In addition, there are several analytical and numerical methods for determining the ARL, those of methods; Markov Chain, Martingales, Numerical Integral Equation and Explicit formulas which use less time consuming but accuracy. New ideas of mixed parametric and nonparametric control charts are effective alternatives for econometric applications.

Originality/value

In terms of mixed nonparametric control charts, this can be applied to all data which no limitation in using of the proposed control chart. In particular, the data consist of volatility and fluctuation usually occurred in econometric solutions. Furthermore, to find the ARL as a performance measure, an explicit formula for the ARL of time series data can be derived using the integral equation and its accuracy can be verified using the numerical integral equation.
Understanding academic women’s silence in Poland: exploring with social cognitive theory
Authors: Lotfi Dehkharghani Leila , Menzies Jane , North-Samardzic Andrea , Casey Sarah Jane
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore academic women’s silence from the perspective of social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986), by examining the triadic influences of the individual, environment and behaviour, which impacts their silence. The study examines how women use personal, proxy and collective agency (Bandura, 2018) to reduce silence.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviewing 22 academics (20 women, 2 men) at a leading Polish university, this study used the Gioia et al. (2013) method to analyse the interviews, creating first- and second-order codes and final aggregated concepts.

Findings

This study finds, from an environmental perspective, that societal-level gendering, which is underpinned by critical social factors and institutional logics that are part of Poland’s culture promoting gender stereotypes and family values influences women’s silence. There is clear evidence for the regression of women’s rights, which compounds women’s silence. These societal-level factors influence a hierarchical, bureaucratic organizational structure, alongside gender segregation. From an individual perspective, reasons for silence include socialization, fear, women’s lack of power, inequality and self-silencing to mitigate harassment or discrimination. Collective agency was a strongly mentioned theme to help reduce silence, which includes implementing training and development initiatives, creating a safe platform to voice concerns, structural transformation and cultural change.

Originality/value

This study contributes to literature regarding women’s silence by exploring reasons for silence through the lens of Bandura’s social cognitive theory and agentic perspective, which demonstrates how silence could be reduced through collective action, in the understudied context of Poland, which highlights how country context intersects with organizational context and individual experience, influencing women’s silence.
Collective response capacity: Developing crisis leadership in organisations
Authors: Nesse Synnøve , Schei Vidar , Mitroff Ian
Published: August 2024

How can crisis leadership be developed before an organisational crisis occurs? This article addresses this important question by reviewing three individual‐level leadership perspectives (leader personality traits, leadership styles, and functional leadership) and three organisational level perspectives (leadership as contextual, leadership as collective, and leadership as dynamic), on how to develop crisis leadership with regard to recruitment, selection, and training. While crisis leadership is often perceived as something individual “leaders are born with” or as a variant of general leadership abilities, such an understanding leaves much to chance in terms of who will be effective leaders in a crisis, as well as the development of leadership capacity in organisations before a crisis actually occurs. This passive approach not only contradicts research on what constitutes effective crisis leadership but also is perceived to be unethical in terms of the potential consequences ineffective leadership can have in a crisis. This article provides an integrative overview of current and hitherto dispersed crisis leadership development research, showing how recruitment, selection and training to achieve collective crisis leadership capacity encompasses switching between organisational and individual level perspectives. We suggest implications for theory and future research as well as for practitioners responsible for developing crisis leadership in organisations.
Consumers’ familiarity level shapes motives and contexts for preparing and consuming dishes
Authors: Frez‐Muñoz Lucía , Fogliano Vincenzo , Steenbekkers Bea L. P. A.
Published: August 2024

Consumers’ familiarity with foods influences their expectations and experiences upon consumption. Familiarity has mostly been assessed using perceived familiarity when studying single foods. However, foods are often combined to create dishes, complex compositions eaten at various mealtimes. Hence, this paper aimed to study if and how the level of consumers’ dish familiarity shapes their motives and preferred contexts for home cooking and consuming three dishes: one traditional dish, one adopted ethnic dish, and one mainly unavailable and unknown ethnic dish. First, we describe the operationalization of familiarity into the qualitative “consumer's dish familiarity index” (CDFI) used to determine participants’ familiarity level to the dishes. CDFI includes four indicators (perceived availability, consumer's knowledge, preparation, and consumption). In‐depth interviews (n = 27) were conducted with Dutch and Chilean women, as the countries have contrasting levels of immigration and globalization, which are expected to shape their inhabitants’ familiarity level with ethnic dishes. Most experienced consumers (high familiarity) mentioned more dishes and individual‐related motives to prepare and consume a traditional or an adopted ethnic dish. Social‐ and individual‐related motives were salient when a dish was unknown and/or not previously consumed. Consumers’ familiarity level also guided their preferred social context and location when consuming the dishes. A dish barely available will likely be first consumed in a restaurant to try a new dish that is perceived as appetizing to eat. Results showed that convenience, wanting to eat comfort foods, and showing affection to others are important motivators to facilitate the adoption of dishes to be home cooked.

Practical Application

This paper provides a novel approach to assess consumer familiarity to dishes. The qualitative consumer's dish familiarity index (CDFI) can be used in future investigations to assess and classify consumers into different dish familiarity levels by using four indicators. The outcomes of this study suggest consumers’ familiarity level could serve as a reference for designing and/or improving (ethnic) foods and creating marketing campaigns to introduce them into (foreign) countries.
Re‐evaluating the impact of collective victimhood on conflict attitudes: Results from a natural experiment, a survey experiment, and panel study using Israel's Holocaust Memorial Day
Authors: Shelef Nadav , vanderWilden Ethan
Published: August 2024

A significant observational literature identifies a link between collective victimhood and conflict‐enhancing attitudes, though results from experimental work increasing victimhood's salience vary. This article thus revisits this question in two studies in a context in which increased salience is especially likely to shift attitudes. Study 1 exploits the happenstance fielding of 12 surveys over Israel's Holocaust Memorial Day between 1979 and 2021. Using all 192 available estimates assessing hawkishness, preferences for out‐group exclusion, and in‐group solidarity, it fails to detect statistically significant effects of a state‐led effort to increase the salience of Israel's collective victimhood narrative in a natural setting 90% of the time. Study 2 replicates the null findings across multiple comparisons and outcomes in a companion harmonized panel and survey experiment. Substantively, the findings suggest that it may be harder to use short‐term manipulations of collective victimhood to shift attitudes than often assumed.
Basophil activation test is a complementary tool in the diagnosis of immediate reactions to platinum salts and taxanes
Authors: Bogas Gádor , Ariza Adriana , Vázquez‐Revuelta Paula , Labella Marina , Madrigal‐Burgaleta Ricardo , Fernández‐Santamaría Rubén , Calvo‐Serrano Silvia , Villar‐Chamorro Esther , Martín‐Clavo Susana , Lebrón‐Martín Clara , Mayorga Cristobalina , Doña Inmaculada , Torres Maria J.
Published: August 2024

Background

Delabelling pathways offer confirmatory diagnosis and can prevent unnecessary second‐line therapies or drug desensitization procedures after chemotherapeutic hypersensitivity reactions (CHT‐HSRs). However, these pathways rely on risky in vivo tests. Data on whether in vitro tests could be helpful are scarce. We assessed the role of basophil activation test (BAT) in the diagnosis of HSRs to platin salts (PSs) and taxanes (TXs) in a well‐defined population featuring varied endophenotypes and severities of HSRs.

Methods

We conducted a 3‐year‐long multicentric, prospective study with 121 suspected‐immediate CHT‐HSR patients. The allergy workup included clinical history (initial reaction based on Type I, cytokine release syndrome, and mixed phenotype's symptoms and if unable to fit in any of these, as “indeterminate”), skin testing (ST), and drug provocation testing (DPT), provided risk assessment was favorable. Final diagnosis classified patients as “hypersensitive,” “non‐hypersensitive,” or “inconclusive.” We performed BAT using CD63 and CD203c as activation markers in patients and controls. Patients underwent DPT regardless of BAT results to prevent bias.

Results

ST positivity significantly correlated with skin involvement, Type I phenotype, cancer recurrence, and lifetime exposures before reactions. DPTs were negative in all indeterminate phenotype patients (p = .02) and those considered low‐risk, whereas they were negative in 62% moderate‐risk patients. 55% were confirmed as hypersensitive (mainly Type I reactions, p < .0001), 24% as non‐hypersensitive (mainly TXs and indeterminate phenotypes), and 21% as inconclusive. BAT showed 79% sensitivity in Type I IgE‐mediated reactions to PSs with a high correlation to ST.

Conclusions

BAT is a promising tool for delabelling and endotyping CHT‐HSRs, especially Type I reactions to PSs, possibly identifying patients at risk of positive DPT. ST seems useful in confirming CHT‐HSRs, especially PS‐induced reactions, and DPT remains the gold standard, being essential even in moderate‐risk patients.
Fertility services for gay men: A website content analysis of US fertility clinics and sperm banks
Authors: Shin Andrew , Miyasaka Matthew , Ambrose Caitlin , Waddell Emma , Ernandez John , Gu Catherine , Berger‐Eberhardt Alexandra , Kathrins Martin
Published: August 2024

Background

Fertility preservation and subsequent third‐party reproduction represents a principal pathway by which gay and bisexual cisgender men may have biologically related children. Previous studies of a similar design have commented on the availability of fertility services for sexually and gender diverse communities, but none have investigated access to the aforementioned services for this specific population.

Objectives

To assess the availability of fertility preservation and third‐party reproduction services for gay and bisexual cisgender men across US fertility clinics and sperm banks.

Materials and Methods

A content analysis was performed on a sample of fertility clinic and sperm bank websites compiled from three online sources. Sample construction and analysis were completed in 2023. Each website was systematically examined by two separate coders with a third coder deciding any discrepancies. Website coding followed a pre‐constructed standardized questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify statistically significant differences.

Results

A total of 675 clinic and sperm bank websites (136 academic and 539 private) were analyzed. Five hundred and two (74.4%) offered third‐party reproduction and 326 (48.3%) offered fertility preservation for gay and bisexual cisgender men. Furthermore, 248 websites (36.7%) featured some form of disqualifying language either directly communicating or implying exclusion of gay and bisexual cisgender men from these services. Private facilities were more likely to offer third‐party reproduction (odds ratio [OR] = 1.88, p < 0.01) but less likely to offer fertility preservation (OR = 0.68, p < 0.05) compared with academic affiliated facilities. Lastly, states in the highest Human Rights Campaign Equality Index tier were significantly more likely to offer third‐party reproduction (OR = 2.50, p < 0.01) than the lowest tier.

Discussion and Conclusion

These findings demonstrate great variability in access to fertility preservation and third‐party reproduction services. Geography and ambiguity in facility‐specific policies represent persistent barriers to family building for gay and bisexual cisgender men.
Fibrin clot adherence on cleaned and decontaminated titanium abutment surfaces: An in vitro study
Authors: Ulusoy Habibe Öztürk , Ercan Esra , Özatik Orhan , Tunalı Mustafa
Published: August 2024

Statement of Problem

Osseointegration is now primarily established, but soft tissue integration is still susceptible to failure and problematic on implant surfaces. So, implant dentistry is increasingly focusing on improving peri‐implant soft tissue integration.

Purpose

The present study aimed to evaluate the blood fibrin clot formation and adhesion on the abutment after cleaning and decontamination and determine the suitable abutment surface associated with fibrin clot attachment.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐two abutments (14 per group) were used in the present study: a brand‐new (BN), contaminated with biofilm (CO) and decontaminated with an enzymatic cleaner and autoclave sterilization (DEC). For a fibrin clot, 9 mL of whole human blood and abutments was centrifuged at 2700 rpm for 12 min. Clots were divided into two parts for histomorphometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Twelve abutments disconnected from the clot and two not treated with blood were observed under SEM.

Results

Residual debris and biofilm were observed on the abutment surface in the CO group but not in other groups. Healthy and organized fibrin clots formed on all abutments. The fibrin extension areas are distributed uniformly in BN and DEC groups but irregularly in CO. The surface percentage of the fibrin clot extensions was 41.76% ± 6.73, 26.99% ± 6.40, and 37.83% ± 9.72 for the BN, CON, and DEC groups, respectively. The blood clot‐attached areas in the CO group were statistically lower than the other groups. No difference was observed between the BN and DEC groups.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that surface contamination could influence blood clot attachment on the abutment surfaces. Cleaning and sterilization can have a favorable effect on soft tissue healing on abutment surfaces.
Regional Disparities in Kidney Transplant Allocation in Brazil: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Salomão Pontes Daniela Ferreira , Fernandes Ferreira Gustavo , Segev Dorry , Massie Allan B. , Levan Macey , Barbosa Abner Mácola Pacheco , da Rocha Naila Camila , Modelli de Andrade Luis Gustavo
Published: August 2024

Background

Brazil has a large public transplant program, but it remains unclear if the kidney waitlist criteria effectively allocate organs. This study aimed to investigate whether gender, ethnicity, clinical characteristics, and Brazilian regions affect the chance of deceased donor kidney transplant (DDKT).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Transplant System/Brazil database, which included all patients on the kidney transplant waitlist from January 2012 to December 2022, followed until May 2023. The primary outcome assessed was the chance of DDKT, measured using subdistribution hazard and cause‐specific hazard models (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR]).

Results

We analyzed 118 617 waitlisted patients over a 10‐year study period. Male patients had an sHR of 1.07 ([95% CI: 1.05–1.10],p < 0.001), indicating a higher chance of DDTK. Patients of mixed race and Yellow/Indigenous ethnicity had lower rates of receiving a transplant compared to Caucasian patients, with sHR of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95–1) and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.95–1), respectively. Patients from the South region had the highest chance of DDKT, followed by those from the Midwest and Northeast, compared to patients from the Southeast, with sHR of 2.53 (95% CI: 2.47–2.61), 1.21 (95% CI: 1.16–1.27), and 1.10 (95% CI: 1.07–1.13), respectively. The North region had the lowest chance of DDTK, sHR of 0.29 (95% CI: 0.27–0.31).

Conclusion

We found that women and racial minorities faced disadvantages in kidney transplantation. Additionally, we observed regional disparities, with the North region having the lowest chance of DDKT and longer times on dialysis before being waitlisted. In contrast, patients in the South regions had a chance of DDKT and shorter times on dialysis before being waitlisted. It is urgent to implement approaches to enhance transplant capacity in the North region and address race and gender disparities in transplantation.
Evaluation of right ventricular function in patients with Behcet's disease by four‐dimensional echocardiography
Authors: Ulutas Zeynep , Tasolar Hakan , Karaagac Mirac , Hidayet Siho , Karaca Yucel , Bayramoglu Adil , Yolbas Servet , Akaycan Julide , Ermis Necip , Cansel Mehmet , Pekdemir Hasan
Published: August 2024

Aim

Behcet's disease (BD) is a systemic disorder characterized by vasculitis, resulting in thickened vascular walls that reduce elasticity and impair function. BD can involve the cardiovascular system in three ways: cardiac, arterial, and venous. In this study, our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of pulmonary arterial stiffness (PAS) and pulmonary pulse transit time (PPTT) measures in demonstrating right ventricular functions in asymptomatic BD patients. We aimed to objectively evaluate right ventricular function in patients with BD using four‐dimensional echocardiography (4DE).

Method

This study included 40 patients diagnosed with BD and 40 healthy subjects. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic parameters were compared. In addition to standard transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation, right ventricle quantification (RVQ) by using the 4DE and 2D‐speckle tracking echocardiography were performed.

Results

The sPAP, 4D RVQ, and right ventricular strain values exhibited significant differences between the BD and control groups. Right ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (RVDD), right ventricular end‐systolic diameter (RVSD), right atrium (RA) area, right ventricular myocardial performance index (RVMPI), and PAS were increased in BD patients compared to the control group. Right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), Tricuspid S’, and PPTT were decreased in BD patients compared to control subjects. PPTT correlated with right ventricular free wall strain (RV‐FWS) and PAS. In a multivariate linear regression analysis, PAS and RVFAC were found to be independent predictors of RVFWS. In addition, RVFAC and TAPSE are independent predictors for PPTT.

Conclusion

Patients with BD may have elevated pulmonary arterial stiffness (PAS) in correlation with decreased PPTT. To ascertain the prognosis for these individuals, right ventricular (RV) functions must be evaluated. Measurements of RVFAC and RVEF via 4DE and deformation imaging techniques may be more useful in identifying subclinical impairment of RV. Individuals with BD, PAS, and PPTT may suggest a link between early pulmonary vascular remodeling and RV subclinical impairment.
Parasitisation activity of Spalangia cameroni and Muscidifurax zaraptor, pupal parasitoids of Musca domestica
Authors: D'Arco Sara , Costi Elena , Prodi Letizia , Yatman Tutku , Maistrello Lara
Published: August 2024

The house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is a significant pest in livestock farms and a major concern for both humans and farmed animals due to its ability to transmit over 200 pathogens. The use of pupal parasitoids is a sustainable strategy for controlling this pest. Spalangia cameroni Perkins (Hymenoptera: Spalangiidae) and Muscidifurax zaraptor Girault & Sanders (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) are commonly used as biocontrol agents for M. domestica. The objective of this study was to determine the oviposition peak of female parasitoids in relation to their age and the sex ratio of the adult progeny. For both species, 20 fresh M. domestica pupae (24–48 h old) were provided daily to each fertilised female for 14 days, after which the pupae were checked for parasitoid emergence. A control group of 20 pupae without female parasitoids was maintained. The results showed that S. cameroni had a higher overall percentage of parasitisation (57.7%) compared with M. zaraptor (32.4%). The parasitisation ratio of S. cameroni remained almost constant throughout the 14‐day period, whereas that of M. zaraptor decreased drastically after Day 11. Peak oviposition for S. cameroni was on Day 5 with 13 parasitised pupae per female, whereas M. zaraptor parasitised eight pupae per day on 4 days during its peak oviposition period (between Days 3 and 8). The newly emerged parasitoids had a skewed sex ratio towards females: 81% for S. cameroni and 66% for M. zaraptor. The presence of these parasitoid species resulted in fewer new house fly emergences than in the control group, where natural pupal mortality was lower in the absence of parasitoids. These findings may be useful for optimising the mass production and time‐use of the two parasitoid species for the management of house flies in livestock farms.
Recorded Rates of Trauma‐Exposure in a Retrospective Epidemiologically Complete First‐Episode Psychosis Cohort
Authors: Redmond Aisling , Gaynor Keith , Naughton Sean , Clarke Mary
Published: August 2024

Background

Trauma plays an important role in the development and maintenance of psychosis. However, it is still under‐examined in daily clinical practice. The current study investigated the rates of recording of trauma‐exposure in the clinical histories of a first‐episode psychosis (FEP) cohort attending an early intervention psychosis service.

Methods

This study used a retrospective chart review methodology in a 6‐year epidemiologically complete FEP cohort attending an early intervention psychosis service. The Trauma and Life Events Checklist was used to define the rate and types of trauma‐exposure reported in clinical histories. The relationships were examined between recorded trauma‐exposure and positive and negative symptoms, depression and duration of untreated psychosis at first assessment.

Results

Trauma‐exposure was frequently recorded within clinical histories. Childhood trauma‐exposure was recorded in 47.4% of the sample, which is lower than may be expected. No significant relationships between the recorded trauma‐exposure and symptom measures were found. A significant relationship was found between interpersonal stressors and positive symptoms, and work‐related stress and negative symptoms, highlighting the importance of proximal stressful life events.

Discussion

This study found that clinicians were frequently recording trauma‐exposure in daily practice. However, it was unclear whether the recording of trauma‐exposure highlighted led to systematic diagnosis, assessment or treatment of trauma for people with psychosis. The importance of treatment and service planning to include information about trauma‐exposure is discussed.
Pharmacological management of prolonged seizures in Dravet syndrome including intravenous phenytoin
Authors: Abi Tayeh Rana , Dozières‐Puyravel Blandine , Arnaud Lionel , Titomanlio Luigi , Dauger Stéphane , Höhn Sophie , Le Guern Eric , Auvin Stéphane
Published: August 2024

Dravet syndrome (DS) is an infantile onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Sodium channel blockers are known to exacerbate seizures in this syndrome. Due to its high incidence, the management of prolonged seizures is crucial for DS patients. There is still ambiguity regarding the use of intravenous phenytoin for prolonged seizure in DS patients mainly due to the lack of data, raising concern about the safety of it use. We conducted a retrospective study (from January 2009 to January 2020) aiming to assess the management of prolonged seizures in DS with a focus on the use of intravenous phenytoin. Data were collected for patients admitted to our hospital for seizures lasting >5 min. Among 52 identified patients in our database, 23 experienced 59 prolonged seizures managed in our hospital. Only four seizures ceased without rescue medication. Notably, the use of intravenous phenytoin was not associated with discernible adverse effects and was effective in stopping status epilepticus in 71% of cases. This study suggests the safety and efficacy of intravenous phenytoin for prolonged seizure in DS. There is a need for broader investigations of emergency treatments for evidence‐based recommendations for the emergency plan of each patient.
Daily variation and repeatability of advertisement calls in an austral temperate forest frog under controlled conditions
Authors: Moreno‐Gómez Felipe N. , Bidart‐Enríquez Gabriel , Cossio‐Rodríguez Romina , Muñoz Matías I. , Quispe Maricel , Penna Mario
Published: August 2024

Estimating repeatability allows a first approximation that may indicate a potential response to selection of sexual traits. Acoustic sexual signals comprise spectral and temporal variables, where the former generally have lower intra‐individual variation and higher repeatability values. Studies of repeatability in anurans have been conducted mainly in natural conditions, but the stability of laboratory settings allows extended recording intervals, favoring measurement accuracy. We conducted a study of variation and repeatability of the calls of males of Batrachyla taeniata, a frog from the South American temperate forest to evaluate under homogeneous environmental and social conditions: (i) the extent of variation in acoustic properties of calls within and among days, (ii) the extent of temporal variation in the repeatability of call properties, and (iii) differences in repeatability among call variables. Variation of acoustic properties differed within and across days of recording, call rate generally increased within and throughout days, suggesting sensitization processes. Call duration decreased during these time spans, yielding constant calling effort. In contrast, the dominant frequency decreased within days but increased across days. Overall repeatability differs significantly among variables: dominant frequency, call rate, and call duration having the highest, intermediate, and lowest values, respectively. The high repeatability of call rate relative to call duration contrasts with an opposing general tendency in previous studies in anurans. The repeatability of the three variables analyzed increases within days, and the repeatability of call rate also increases throughout days, highlighting the relevance of this variable for individual identity over different time ranges.
Sandwich caregiving and midlife women's health: An examination of racial disparities
Authors: Li Qi
Published: August 2024

Objective

This research project aims to (a) investigate the association between sandwich caregiving and midlife women's health and (b) ask how this relationship differs by race.

Background

Although researchers consistently find that physical health declines substantially during midlife for women, much about what produces this trend is unexplored. One notable gap in prior literature is the impact of simultaneously providing care to both aging parents and young children (i.e., sandwich caregiving) on the health and well‐being of midlife women.

Method

This study analyzes six consecutive waves of nationally representative data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79) between 2008 and 2018 with growth curve models.

Results

The analysis illustrates that sandwich caregiving does not have a significant relationship with self‐reported physical health among White and Black mothers but has a negative association with fair or poor self‐rated physical health among Hispanic mothers.

Conclusion

This study contributes to previous scholarship by specifying the heterogeneous consequences of sandwich caregiving for the health and well‐being of White, Black, and Hispanic women during midlife. Moreover, this work highlights the importance of exploring the complex implications of sandwich caregiving, as more and more midlife adults begin to provide care to dual generations.

Implications

This study underscores the relevance of the life course perspective and the stress process model in understanding sandwich caregiving. Furthermore, my findings emphasize the significance of the family as a social institution in shaping social inequality and the need for race‐specific interventions to mitigate the adverse health outcomes of sandwich caregiving.
Methane release from tidal wetlands
Authors: Chen Weinan , Luo Yiqi , Niu Shuli
Published: August 2024

Here is a commentary on “Methane Fluxes in Tidal Marshes of the Contiguous United States” recently published in Global Change Biology. Tidal wetlands are distinctive ecosystems with highly diverse species composition and complex, flexible environments. Thus, it is critical to accurately determine CH4 emissions from tidal wetlands in a changing climate. This study provides a very valuable data set to further explore the patterns, responses, and adaptation of CH4 fluxes in different tidal wetland ecosystems. We look forward to future research to further explore the unique processes and mechanisms of methane emissions in tidal wetlands in the future.
A history of restorative justice in Scotland: The evolving nature of an innovation in criminal justice policy and practice
Authors: Kirkwood Steve , Kritikos Leo
Published: August 2024

High‐level political support for restorative justice in Scotland is at its strongest for many years, and yet its availability is lower now than in the mid‐2000s. To explore the reasons behind this paradox, we undertook an oral history project focused on the origins and development of restorative justice in Scotland. Based on 15 interviews with professionals, we tracked how the nature, objectives and scale of restorative justice has evolved in Scotland over time. Our analysis shows how the meaning and purpose of justice initiatives can shift, providing insight into policy development and broader debates about the role of justice responses.
Vertical stratification of leaf physical traits exerts bottom–up pressures on insect herbivory in a sugar maple temperate forest
Authors: Hakimara Mahsa , Despland Emma
Published: August 2024

Do light vertical gradients in temperate forest structure insect herbivore communities? We tested the hypothesis that the increase in light intensity from understory to forest canopy drives differences in leaf physical traits and bud burst phenology that impact insect herbivores and thus play a role in structuring both herbivore communities and the leaf damage they cause. Understanding these interactions is essential for addressing knowledge gaps in the dynamics of temperate deciduous forest ecosystems.

Twelve sugar maple (Acer saccharum) sites were monitored in southern Quebec, examining insect herbivore patterns from understory saplings to mature tree‐shaded and sun canopy (where intensity is highest and canopy cover lowest) over the summers of 2020, 2021 and 2022. Additionally, we recorded leaf physical traits and sun exposure.

Our findings revealed that leaf thickness increased along the vertical gradient in 2021, making mature tree leaves in the canopy less favourable to herbivores than understory sapling leaves. Accordingly, we recorded a consistent decrease in insect herbivory damage rates from understory to shaded and to sun canopy in 2020 and 2021, driven by leaf cutters, skeletonizers, stipplers and leaf miners. These results support our hypothesis that variation in leaf physical traits contributes to the vertical stratification of insect damage. This variation in leaf traits can be linked to light levels or to tree ontogeny. In 2022, the gradient of insect herbivore abundance corroborated the observed damage trends from the previous years. We calculated an average annual herbivory rate of 9.1% of the leaf surface in our study site.

Overall, our study highlights the importance of vertical gradients in structuring insect herbivore communities and emphasizes the role of leaf traits in mediating these interactions. In addition, the average annual herbivory rate suggests limited evidence supporting a significant contribution of background herbivory to the decline of sugar maple forests.
Characteristics of late‐onset Behçet's disease and comparison with juvenile and adult‐onset Behçet's disease
Authors: Bölük Kübra Nursel , Akdağ Köse Afet
Published: August 2024

Background

The course of late‐onset Behçet's disease (LBD) is unknown. This study aimed to determine the characteristics and systemic involvement of LBD.

Methods

In this retrospective, cross‐sectional, and comparative study, 700 patient files from 4100 patients diagnosed with Behçet's disease (BD) were selected and divided into three groups: LBD, adult BD (ABD), and juvenile BD (JBD). The age limits for LBD and JBD were determined to be 42 and 16, respectively. LBD patients were compared to ABD and JBD patients in terms of demographics, systemic involvement, and disease duration.

Results

The LBD rate among BD patients was 4.7% (183/4,100). The time from initial symptom occurrence to the age at which the BD criteria were met was longer in LBD than in ABD or JBD. Except for genital ulcers, the frequencies of involvement in LBD were similar to those in ABD and JBD. The frequency of family history was significantly lower in LBD (12%) than in ABD (15.9%) or JBD (18.2%). The time from the initial symptom to oral aphthae, genital ulcers, and eye involvement was longer in LBD than in ABD or JBD. Furthermore, erythema nodosum was observed after a longer duration in LBD than in ABD.

Conclusion

Considering that involvement occurs much later in LBD and there are no differences in the frequencies of involvement except for genital ulcers, LBD patients should be followed up as closely as ABD and JBD patients.
The effect of peanut meal on the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities, and flavour of soy sauce
Authors: Yao Ruohan , Zhang Shuyu , Zhao Shuoshuo , Liu Xueli , Wang Wenjun , He Jing , Zhao Guozhong
Published: August 2024

To solve the serious problem of homogenising commercial soy sauce, peanut meal, a high‐quality plant protein resource, was used to replace soybean meal to ferment soy sauce. In this study, we investigated the effects of different raw material ratios (w/w) and starters on the physicochemical and antioxidant activities, sensory characteristics and flavour of soy sauce. The results showed that peanut meal helped to increase the protease activity of koji, deepen the colour of soy sauce, improve the antioxidant activity of soy sauce, and enrich the aroma of soy sauce. The total phenol and total flavonoid content of PMSS (2:2) with starters were increased by 20% and 36%, respectively, compared to soybean meal soy sauce. The results of SPME‐GC–MS and recombination and omission experiments showed that the aroma of peanut meal soy sauce was more complex and more abundant in esters, pyrazines, and phenols. Ethyl 2‐methylbutanoate, Apricolin, 2‐Methyl‐1‐butanol, and Isovaleraldehyde in peanut meal had high OAV values. In addition, PMSS (2:2) with starters had the highest sensory score, with intense fruity, caramel, malty, and smoky aromas. These results show that peanut meal can improve the quality and flavour of soy sauce and provide a theoretical basis for the development of peanut soy sauce.