bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of DSM-5 mild and major neurocognitive disorder in India: Results from the LASI-DAD
Authors: Gross Alden L. , Nichols Emma , Angrisani Marco , Ganguli Mary , Jin Haomiao , Khobragade Pranali , Langa Kenneth M. , Meijer Erik , Varghese Mathew , Dey AB , Lee Jinkook
Published: September 2023

Introduction

India, with its rapidly aging population, faces an alarming burden of dementia. We implemented DSM-5 criteria in large-scale, nationally representative survey data in India to characterize the prevalence of mild and major Neurocognitive disorder.

Methods

The Longitudinal Aging Study in India’s Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia (LASI-DAD) (N=4,096) is a nationally representative cohort study in India including 36 Indian states and union territories using multistage area probability sampling methods. Using neuropsychological testing and informant reports, we defined DSM-5 mild and major neurocognitive disorder, reported its prevalence, and evaluated criterion and construct validity of the algorithm using clinician-adjudicated Clinical Dementia Ratings (CDR).

Results

The prevalence of mild and major neurocognitive disorder, weighted to the population, is 17.6% and 7.2%. Demographic gradients with respect to age and education conform to hypothesized patterns. Among N=2390 participants with a clinician-adjudicated CDR, CDR ratings and DSM-5 classification agreed for N=2,139 (89.5%) participants.

Discussion

The prevalence of dementia in India is higher than previously recognized. These findings, coupled with a growing number of older adults in the coming decades in India, have important implications for society, public health, and families. We are aware of no previous Indian population-representative estimates of mild cognitive impairment, a group which will be increasingly important in coming years to identify for potential therapeutic treatment.
Mindfulness facets and psychological well-being among meditators: Serenity as a mediating process
Authors: Cheung Rebecca Y. M. , Wang Iris Yili , Lau Elsa Ngar-Sze
Published: September 2023

Guided by the theoretical processes of mindfulness and psychological well-being, this study examined serenity as a mediator between mindfulness facets and psychological well-being, as indexed by depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Participants were 133 mindfulness practitioners who took part in a 3-day transnational meditation event in Hong Kong. Upon informed consent, participants completed a self-report questionnaire. The findings from structural equation modeling showed that serenity mediated the relation between two facets of mindfulness, including describing and nonreacting to inner experience, and life satisfaction. Serenity also mediated the relation between the mindfulness facet of describing and depressive symptoms. Direct associations were indicated between two mindfulness facets, including observing and nonjudging of inner experience, and depressive symptoms. Taken together, the findings revealed mindfulness facets as major correlates of serenity and psychological outcomes among Chinese meditation practitioners. To foster psychological well-being, researchers, educators, and practitioners should pay attention to role of serenity, describing, and nonreacting to inner experience in mental health.
WITHDRAWN: Exposure to Ambient Particulate Matter during Pregnancy: Implications for Infant Telomere Length
Authors: Ahlers Nina E. , Lin Jue , Weiss Sandra J.
Published: September 2023

Withdrawal Statement

This manuscript has been withdrawn by the authors as it was submitted and made public without the full consent of all the authors. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.

The authors have an approved version for citation that is peer reviewed. Ahlers, N.E.; Lin, J.; Weiss, S.J. Exposure to Ambient Particulate Matter during Pregnancy: Implications for Infant Telomere Length. Air 2024, 2, 24-37.https://doi.org/10.3390/air2010002
Sex-specific differences in physiological parameters related to SARS-CoV-2 infections among a national cohort (COVI-GAPP study)
Authors: Grossmann Kirsten , Risch Martin , Markovic Andjela , Aeschbacher Stefanie , Weideli Ornella C , Velez Laura , Kovac Marc , Pereira Fiona , Wohlwend Nadia , Risch Corina , Hillmann Dorothea , Lung Thomas , Renz Harald , Twerenbold Raphael , Rothenbühler Martina , Leibovitz Daniel , Kovacevic Vladimir , Klaver Paul , Brakenhoff Timo B , Franks Billy , Mitratza Marianna , Downward George S , Dowling Ariel , Montes Santiago , Veen Duco , Grobbee Diederick E , Cronin Maureen , Conen David , Goodale Brianna M , Risch Lorenz
Published: September 2023

Considering sex as a biological variable in modern digital health solutions, we investigated sex-specific differences in the trajectory of four physiological parameters across a COVID-19 infection.

A wearable medical device measured breathing rate, heart rate, heart rate variability, and wrist skin temperature in 1163 participants (mean age = 44.1 years, standard deviation [SD]=5.6; 667 [57%] females). Participants reported daily symptoms and confounders in a complementary app. A machine learning algorithm retrospectively ingested daily biophysical parameters to detect COVID-19 infections. COVID-19 serology samples were collected from all participants at baseline and follow-up. We analysed potential sex-specific differences in physiology and antibody titres using multilevel modelling and t-tests.

Over 1.5 million hours of physiological data were recorded. During the symptomatic period of infection, men demonstrated larger increases in skin temperature, breathing rate and heart rate as well as larger decreases in heart rate variability than women. The COVID-19 infection detection algorithm performed similarly well for men and women.

Our study belongs to the first research to provide evidence for differential physiological responses to COVID-19 between females and males, highlighting the potential of wearable technology to inform future precision medicine approaches.

This work has received support from the Princely House of the Principality of Liechtenstein, the government of the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Hanela Foundation in Switzerland, and the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) 2 Joint Undertaking under grant agreement No 101005177. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and EFPIA.
Neural correlates of visual object recognition in rats
Authors: Rhee Juliana Y. , Echavarría César , Soucy Ed , Greenwood Joel , Masís Javier A. , Cox David D.
Published: September 2023

Invariant object recognition—the ability to recognize objects across size, rotation, or context—is fundamental for making sense of a dynamic visual world. Although initially believed to be unique to primates due to its complexity, emerging evidence suggests rodents, too, can recognize objects across a range of identity-preserving transformations. Here, we describe a comprehensive pipeline for investigating visual behavior in rats, from high-throughput training to cellular resolution imaging in awake, head-fixed animals. Using this suite of tools, we demonstrate that rats excel in visual object recognition and explore potential neural pathways which may support this capacity. We leverage our optical approach to systematically profile multiple visual areas with responses to a range of stimulus types recorded in the same neurons. Primary and higher-order areas of rat visual cortex exhibit a hierarchical organization consistent with a role in visual object recognition. However, marked deviations from the functional organization of primate visual cortex suggest species-specific differences in the neural circuits underlying visual object recognition. This work reinforces the notion that rats possess sophisticated visual abilities and offers the technical foundation for their use as a powerful model to link neuronal responses to perception and behavior.
Mechanical regulation of cell fate transitions underlying colorectal cancer metastasis formation
Authors: van der Net Mirjam C , Vliem Marjolein J , Kemp Lars JS , Perez-Gonzalez Carlos , Strating Esther A , Krotenberg-Garcia Ana , Houtekamer Ronja M , van den Anker Karen B , Monster Jooske L , Snippert Hugo JG , Khalil Antoine A , van Rheenen Jacco , Suijkerbuijk Saskia JE , Kranenburg Onno , Matic Vignjevic Danijela , Gloerich Martijn
Published: September 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) cells exhibit high plasticity and transition between different cellular states during the development of metastasis. Lgr5-expressing cancer stem cells fuel the growth of the primary tumor and metastasis, yet disseminated tumor cells arriving at the metastatic site are devoid of Lgr5 expression. It is currently unknown how CRC cell fate transitions are regulated during the metastatic process and how tumor cells give rise to metastatic lesions despite being Lgr5neg. Here, we show that the reprogramming of disseminating CRC cells is driven by mechanical interactions with the Collagen I-rich interstitial matrix. Collagen I-induced pulling forces are sensed by integrins and mechanosensitive calcium channels, which together direct the transition of CRC cells into a fetal-like state. The fetal-like state is maintained after reaching the blood circulation and promotes metastasis-initiation of disseminated CRC cells in the liver. Our findings indicate a key contribution of mechanical signals in controlling cell fate transitions that underlie the metastatic potential of CRC, involving an interplay between different mechanosensitive mechanisms.
NDH complex-mediated cyclic electron flow in bundle sheath cells enables C4photosynthesis
Authors: Ermakova Maria , Woodford Russell , Fitzpatrick Duncan , Zwahlen Soraya M. , Farquhar Graham , von Caemmerer Susanne , Furbank Robert T.
Published: September 2023

The superior productivity of C4plants is achieved via a metabolic C4cycle which acts as a CO2pump across mesophyll and bundle sheath (BS) cells and requires an additional input of energy in the form of ATP. Chloroplast NADH dehydrogenase-like complex (NDH) increases ATP production in C3plants by operating cyclic electron flow (CEF) around Photosystem I (PSI), and its importance for C4photosynthesis has been proposed from evolutionary and reverse genetics studies. We used the gene-edited C4speciesSetaria viridiswith nullndhOalleles lacking NDH to study a contribution of the complex to the cell-level electron transport. Our results indicate that NDH is the primary PSI electron acceptor mediating the majority of CEF in BS cells whilst the contribution of the complex to CEF in mesophyll cells is minimal. Moreover, the reduced leaf CO2assimilation rate and growth of plants lacking the complex cannot be rescued by supplying additional CO2, indicating that NDH is essential for generating ATP required for CO2fixation by the C3cycle. Hereby we resolve a cell-level mechanism for the contribution of NDH to supporting high CO2assimilation rates in C4photosynthesis.
Mitochondrial genome analyses uncover intriguing population structure across the invasive trajectory of an iconic invader
Authors: Cheung K , Amos TG , Shine R , DeVore JL , Ducatez S , Edwards RJ , Rollins LA
Published: September 2023

Invasive species offer insights into rapid adaptations in novel environments. The iconic cane toad (Rhinella marina) is an excellent model for studying rapid adaptation during invasion. Previous research using the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 3 (ND3) gene in the Hawai’ian and Australian invasive populations found a single haplotype, indicating an extreme genetic bottleneck following introduction. Nuclear genetic diversity also exhibited reductions across the genome in these two populations. Here, we investigated the mitochondrial genome diversity of cane toads across this invasion trajectory. We created the first reference mitochondrial genome of the cane toad with long-read sequencing and constructed a phylogeny of Anura full mitochondrial genomes. We used transcriptomic data of 125 individuals from the native (French Guiana) and introduced (Hawai’i and Australia) ranges to construct nearly-complete mitochondrial genomes for population genomics analyses. As expected, the cane toad belongs to family Bufonidae, distinct from genusBufo. In agreement with previous investigations of these populations, we identified genetic bottlenecks in both Hawai’ian and Australian introduced populations, alongside evidence of population expansion in the invasive ranges. Although mitochondrial genetic diversity in introduced populations was reduced, our results revealed that it had been underestimated: we identified 45 mitochondrial haplotypes in Hawai’ian and Australian samples, none of which were found in the native range. Additionally, we identified two distinct groups of haplotypes from the native range, separated by a minimum of 110 base pairs (0.6%). These findings enhance our understanding of Anura phylogenetics and how invasion has shaped the genetic landscape of this species.
PERK modulation, with GSK2606414, Sephin1 or salubrinal, failed to produce therapeutic benefits in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS
Authors: Vieira Fernando G. , Tassinari Valerie R. , Kidd Joshua D. , Moreno Andrew , Thompson Kenneth , Perrin Steven , Gill Alan , Hatzipetros Theo
Published: September 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been linked to overactivity of the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) branch of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway, both in ALS patients and mouse models. However, attempts to pharmacologically modulate PERK for therapeutic benefit have yielded inconsistent and often conflicting results. This study sought to address these discrepancies by comprehensively evaluating three commonly used PERK modulators (GSK2606414, salubrinal, and Sephin1) in the same experimental models, with the goal of assessing the viability of targeting the PERK pathway as a therapeutic strategy for ALS. To achieve this goal, a tunicamycin-challenge assay was developed using wild-type mice to monitor changes in liver UPR gene expression in response to PERK pathway modulation. Subsequently, multiple dosing regimens of each PERK modulator were tested in standardized, well-powered, gender-matched, and litter-matched survival efficacy studies using the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. The alpha-2-adrenergic receptor agonist clonidine was also tested to elucidate the results obtained from the Sephin1, and of the previously reported guanabenz studies, by comparing the effects of presence or absence of α-2 agonism. The results revealed that targeting PERK may not be an ideal approach for ALS treatment. Inhibiting PERK with GSK2606414 or activating it with salubrinal did not confer therapeutic benefits. While Sephin1 showed some promising therapeutic effects, it appears that these outcomes were mediated through PERK-independent mechanisms. Clonidine also produced some favorable therapeutic effects, which were unexpected and not linked to the UPR. In conclusion, this study highlights the challenges of pharmacologically targeting PERK for therapeutic purposes in the SOD1G93A mouse model and suggests that exploring other targets within, and outside, the UPR may be more promising avenues for ALS treatment.
Proximity labeling reveals new insights into the relationships between meiotic recombination proteins inS. cerevisiae
Authors: Voelkel-Meiman Karen , Poppel Alex J. , Liddle Jennifer C. , Balsbaugh Jeremy L. , MacQueen Amy J.
Published: September 2023

Several protein ensembles facilitate MutSγ crossover recombination and the associated process of synaptonemal complex (SC) assembly during meiosis, but the physical and functional relationships between the components involved remain obscure. We have employed proximity labeling as a phenotypic tool to discern functional relationships between meiotic recombination and SC proteins inS. cerevisiae, and to gain deeper insight into molecular deficits of crossover-defective mutants. We find that recombination initiation (Spo11) and the Mer3 helicase are dispensable for proximity labeling of the Zip3 E3 ligase by components of the ZZS ensemble (Zip2, Zip4 and Spo16) but are required for proximity labeling of Zip3 by Msh4, consistent with the possibility that MutSγ joins Zip3 only after a specific recombination intermediate has been generated. Proximity labeling analysis of crossover-defectivezip1mutants suggests a key shared defect is a failure to assemble an early recombination ensemble where ZZS can properly engage Zip3. We furthermore discovered that Zip3’s abundance within the meiotic cell is uniquely dependent on the presence of Zip1, and that the post-translational modification of Zip3 is promoted by most MutSγ pathway proteins but countered by Zip1. Based on this and additional data, we propose a model whereby Zip1 stabilizes a functional, unmodified form of Zip3 until intermediate steps in recombination are complete. We also find that SC structural protein Ecm11 is proximity labeled by ZZS complex proteins in a Zip4-dependent manner, but by Zip3 and Msh4, at least in part, via a distinct pathway. Finally, streptavidin pulldowns followed by mass spectrometry on eleven different proximity labeling strains uncovers shared proximity targets of MutSγ-associated proteins, some with known meiotic functions and others not yet implicated in a meiotic activity, highlighting the potential power of proximity labeling as a discovery tool.
Controlled experiment finds no detectable citation bump from Twitter promotion
Authors: Branch Trevor A. , Cȏté Isabelle M. , David Solomon R. , Drew Joshua A. , LaRue Michelle , Márquez Melissa C. , Parsons E. Chris M. , Rabaiotti D. , Shiffman David , Steen David A. , Wild Alexander L.
Published: September 2023

Multiple studies across a variety of scientific disciplines have shown that the number of times that a paper is shared on Twitter (now called X) is correlated with the number of citations that paper receives. However, these studies were not designed to answer whether tweeting about scientific papers causes an increase in citations, or whether they were simply highlighting that some papers have higher relevance, importance or quality and are therefore both tweeted about more and cited more. The authors of this study are leading science communicators on Twitter from several life science disciplines, with substantially higher follower counts than the average scientist, making us uniquely placed to address this question. We conducted a three-year-long controlled experiment, randomly selecting five articles published in the same month and journal, and randomly tweeting one while retaining the others as controls. This process was repeated for 10 articles from each of 11 journals, recording Altmetric scores, number of tweets, and citation counts before and after tweeting. Randomization tests revealed that tweeted articles were downloaded 2.6–3.9 times more often than controls immediately after tweeting, and retained significantly higher Altmetric scores (+81%) and number of tweets (+105%) three years after tweeting. However, while some tweeted papers were cited more than their respective control papers published in the same journal and month, the overall increase in citation counts after three years (+7% for Web of Science and +12% for Google Scholar) was not statistically significant (p> 0.15). Therefore while discussing science on social media has many professional and societal benefits (and has been a lot of fun), increasing the citation rate of a scientist’s papers is likely not among them.
Synaptic interactions between stellate cells and parvalbumin interneurons in layer 2 of the medial entorhinal cortex are organized at the scale of grid cell clusters
Authors: Huang Li-Wen , Garden Derek LF , McCLure Christina , Nolan Matthew F
Published: September 2023

Interactions between excitatory and inhibitory neurons are critical to computations in cortical circuits but their organization is difficult to assess with standard electrophysiological approaches. Within the medial entorhinal cortex, representation of location by grid and other spatial cells involves circuits in layer 2 in which excitatory stellate cells interact with each other via inhibitory parvalbumin expressing interneurons. Whether this connectivity is structured to support local circuit computations is unclear. Here, we introduce strategies to address the functional organization of excitatory-inhibitory interactions using crossed Cre- and Flp-driver lines to direct targeted presynaptic optogenetic activation and postsynaptic cell identification. We then use simultaneous patch-clamp recordings from postsynaptic neurons to assess their shared input from optically activated presynaptic populations. We find that extensive axonal projections support dense but incomplete connectivity between stellate cells and parvalbumin interneurons. Analysis of the spatial organization of synaptic interactions is consistent with local modules defined by excitatory-inhibitory connectivity. We suggest that dense, but specific, direct excitatory-inhibitory synaptic interactions may operate at the scale of grid cell clusters, while indirect interactions may coordinate activity at the scale of grid cell modules.
LRH-1/NR5A2 Activation Rewires Immunometabolism Blunting Inflammatory Immune Cell Progression in Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes and Enhances Human Islet Function in Mice
Authors: Cobo-Vuilleumier N , Rodríguez-Fernandez S , López-Noriega L , Lorenzo PI , Franco JM , Lachaud CC , Martin Vazquez E , Araujo Legido R , Dorronsoro A , López-Férnandez-Sobrino R , Fernádez-Santos B , Salas-Lloret D , van Overbeek N , Ramos-Rodriguez M , Mateo-Rodríguez C , Hidalgo L. , Nano R , Arroba AI , Campos Caro A , Vertegaal ACO , Martin Montalvo A , Martín F , Aguilar-Diosdado M , Piemonti L , Pasquali L , González Prieto R , García Sánchez MI , Martínez-Brocca MA , Vives-Pi M , Gauthier BR
Published: September 2023

The intricate etiology of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), marked by a detrimental cross-talk between the immune system and insulin-producing β-cells, has impeded effective disease-modifying therapies. The discovery that pharmacological activation of the nuclear receptor LRH-1/NR5A2 can reverse hyperglycemia in mouse models of T1D by attenuating the autoimmune attack coupled to β-cell survival/regeneration, prompted us to investigate whether immune tolerization could be achieved in individuals with T1D by LRH-1/NR5A2 activation as well as improving islet function/survival after xenotransplantation in mice. Pharmacological activation of LRH-1/NR5A2 induced a coordinated genetic and metabolic reprogramming of T1D macrophages and dendritic cells, shifting them from a pro-to an anti-inflammatory/tolerogenic phenotype. Regulatory T-cells were also expanded resulting in the impediment of cytotoxic T-cell proliferation. LRH-1/NR5A2 activation enhanced human islet engraftment and function in hyperglycemic immunocompetent mice. In summary our findings demonstrate the feasibility of re-establishing immune tolerance within a pro-inflammatory environment, opening a new therapeutic venue for T1D.
Identifying key urban design attributes for enhanced sense of safety – the case of El-Sherouk city in Cairo
Authors: Aly Toka Fahmy , Ehab Salma , Lotfi Yomna Amr
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Safety, one of the basic human needs for existence, is a very important factor in achieving a successful urban space. A lack of its presence could make it challenging for residents of a place to live and function effectively. Therefore, this study aims to identify the urban design attributes that would potentially enhance the perceived sense of safety, mainly focusing on two case studies in El-Sherouk neighborhood in Cairo. The two selected case studies are considered car-oriented due to their reduced levels of safety.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted through a set of data collection phases from field surveys and survey questionnaires that infer the influence of the surrounding urban environment on a specific target group. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical analysis tool was used to analyze data collected from survey questionnaires.

Findings

Finally, by the end of this research, a set of urban design qualities vital for achieving the desired levels of safety were introduced. The findings of this study revealed key urban design qualities that can potentially contribute to enhancing the perceived sense of safety as they showed a strong positive correlation: (1) imageability, (2) transparency, (3) complexity and (4) human scale and enclosure. Moreover, multiple linear regression indicates that urban design qualities are strong predictors of perceived safety.

Originality/value

This study presents a holistic approach to studying the relationship between urban design and perceived safety by examining two case studies located in El-Sherouk City in Cairo, Egypt. While previous research has focused on one theory of safety design such as crime prevention, defensible space theory, eyes on the street or safer city centers, this article tries to fill in the gap in the literature by analyzing all aspects of urban design and its correlation to an enhanced perceived safety. In addition, most of the previous studies have tackled the safety aspects of old urban settlements. However, this study tackles a new urban settlement.
Factors influencing mobile phone usage awareness for accessing agricultural marketing information by grape smallholder farmers in Dodoma, Tanzania
Authors: Nyagango Alex I. , Sife Alfred S. , Kazungu Isaac
Published: September 2023

Purpose

There is a contradictive debate on factors influencing mobile phone usage awareness among scholars. This study aims to examine factors influencing mobile phone usage awareness for accessing agricultural marketing information.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used with 400 smallholder grape farmers. The use of structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews helped to collect primary data. Data analysis was subjected to descriptive, ordinal logistic regression and thematic approaches.

Findings

This study found that farmers were mostly aware of voice calls helping to access buyers and price information. Education, age and sex were the critical factors influencing mobile phone usage awareness among grape smallholder farmers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to scientific knowledge by providing an understanding of the perceived factors on mobile phone usage awareness within the grape subsector to inform policymakers.
Exploring the barriers to ESG adoption using modified TISM approach
Authors: Parameswar Nakul , Hasan Zuby , Shri Charu , Saini Neha
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The study explores the barriers to ESG adoption and develops a hierarchical relationship between identified barriers to determine the driving and dependence power.

Design/methodology/approach

Through literature and unstructured interviews nine barriers affecting the adoption of ESG reporting were identified and examined using the modified Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (m-TISM) approach. Further, MICMAC analysis is used to analyse the driver-dependence power amongst the barriers.

Findings

In this analysis, the variable lying at the lowest level of hierarchy are considered to be the critical factor and lack of clarity around regulatory and reporting standards is found to be very critical for ESG adoption. To address impediments to ESG adoption, the government should make ESG disclosure mandatory and clearly explain the rules, regulations and advantages associated with ESG implementation.

Originality/value

The current study is very few among examining the barriers to ESG adoption and steppingstone towards the mandatory implementation of ESG disclosures in current scenario.
Cause for caution: Response to Forum Contribution by van der Meer and Folmer
Authors: Piersma Theunis , Koolhaas Anita , van Gils Jan A. , Dekinga Anne
Published: September 2023

Triggered by the disappearance of the bivalve‐eating red knots Calidris canutus from feeding areas in the western Dutch Wadden Sea after these intertidal flats were exposed to the harvesting of edible cockles Cerastoderma edule by shallow‐draft suction dredging vessels, the admission of such dredging practices in this state nature monument, RAMSAR‐site and area designated protection under the EC Habitat and Bird Directives became an issue of politicized and heated societal debate in the 1990s and early 2000s. In the absence of focussed scientific research yielding peer‐reviewed papers, the few published studies on the issue were ‘side‐products’ of a long‐term study on foraging ecology and population dynamics of red knots.

In their contribution, van der Meer and Folmer criticized some of the statistical analyses in, what they consider, key papers leading to the closure of these forms of shellfish‐harvesting in the Dutch Wadden Sea.

The material provided by van der Meer and Folmer represents useful hindsight, further analytical sophistication and a (in our view biased) literature review, and thus raises new issues of concern, while leaving intact the arguments for concern about harmful ecological effects of large‐scale suction‐dredging in protected intertidal areas.

Policy implications. We conclude that, even in the light of the statistical concerns expressed by van der Meer and Folmer, there is still reasonable doubt on an absence of harmful ecological effects of suction‐dredging. This means that the eventual precautionary ruling on suction‐dredging for cockles in the protected Dutch Wadden Sea would remain perfectly valid.
Telocytes protect against lung tissue fibrosis through hexokinase 2‐dependent pathway by secreting hepatocyte growth factor
Authors: Zhang Shaoyuan , Sun Linyi , Chen Borong , Lin Siyun , Gu Jianmin , Tan Lijie , Lin Miao
Published: September 2023

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is one of the common manifestations of end‐stage lung disease. Chronic lung failure after lung transplantation is mainly caused by bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) and is mainly characterized by lung tissue fibrosis. Pulmonary epithelial‐mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is crucial for pulmonary fibrosis. Telocytes (TCs), a new type of mesenchymal cells, play a protective role in various acute injuries. For exploring the anti‐pulmonary fibrosis effect of TCs in the BOS model in vitro and the related mechanism, rat tracheal epithelial (RTE) cells were treated with transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) to simulate lung tissue fibrosis in vitro. The RTE cells were then co‐cultured with TCs primarily extracted from rat lung tissue. Western blot, Seahorse XF Analysers and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect the level of EMT and aerobic respiration of RTE cells. Furthermore, anti‐hepatocyte growth factor (anti‐HGF) antibody was exogenously added to the cultured cells to explore further mechanisms. Moreover, hexokinase 2 (HK2) in RTE cells was knocked down to assess whether it influences the blocking effect of the anti‐HGF antibody. TGF‐β could induce lung tissue fibrosis in RTE cells in vitro. Nevertheless, TCs co‐culture decreased the level of EMT, glucose metabolic indicators (lactate and ATP) and oxygen levels. Furthermore, TCs released hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Therefore, the exogenous addition of anti‐HGF antibody in the co‐culture system blocked the anti‐lung tissue fibrosis effect. However, HK2 knockdown attenuated the blocking effect of the anti‐HGF antibody. In conclusion, TCs can protect against lung tissue fibrosis by releasing HGF, a process dependent on HK2.
How green human resource management and institutional pressure drive performance via green image: the equifinal paths and their performance outcomes
Authors: Zhang Qiansong , Yang Lei , Cheng Jiazhen , Feng Taiwen
Published: September 2023

Although the enablers of green image have been studied extensively, most prior studies have focused on the net effects of individual factors. In addition, the existing literature overlooks how green image is shaped by different paths and the impact of these paths on different performance. From the configurational perspective, we identify how the configurations of green human resource management (GHRM) depend on perceived institutional pressure to shape a favorable green image. Using data from 317 Chinese manufacturers, we conduct fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis and propensity score matching analysis to explore the configurations that achieve a favorable or unfavorable green image and whether a favorable green image formed by different configurations improves firm performance. The results reveal five equifinal paths of GHRM that depend on perceived institutional pressure and can enhance green image and three that can shape an unfavorable green image. We also find that favorable green images shaped by distinct configurations have different effects on firm performance. This research enriches the literature on green image and provides novel insights for enhancing green image and subsequent firm performance.
Batch culture analysis to identify potent organic acids for suppressing ruminal methane production
Authors: Yamada Kyouko , Iwamae Keiichiro , Suzuki Yutaka , Koike Satoshi , Kobayashi Yasuo
Published: September 2023

We performed an in vitro rumen batch culture study to screen 11 commercially available organic acids for methane‐suppressing ability and analyzed the rumen microbiota to determine the mode of action of the acids that showed potent methane‐suppressing activity. Nine of the 11 acids showed methane‐suppressing activity. Maleic anhydride, itaconate, citrate, and fumarate, which showed the highest activity, were further examined. These four acids showed methane‐suppressing activity irrespective of the hay‐to‐concentrate ratios of the substrate. Maleic anhydride and itaconate decreased total gas and short‐chain fatty acid production. Maleic anhydride and fumarate increased propionate production, while itaconate increased butyrate production. Maleic anhydride, itaconate, and citrate increased lactate production. Fumarate increased the abundance of bacteria involved in propionate production. Maleic anhydride, itaconate, and citrate increased the abundance of bacteria involved in lactate production. Thus, the results indicate that maleic anhydride, itaconate, and citrate may decrease methane in part by stimulating the acrylate pathway.
Efficacy of gilteritinib in comparison with alectinib for the treatment of ALK‐rearranged non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ando Chihiro , Ichihara Eiki , Nishi Tatsuya , Morita Ayako , Hara Naofumi , Takada Kenji , Nakasuka Takamasa , Watanabe Hiromi , Kano Hirohisa , Nishii Kazuya , Makimoto Go , Kondo Takumi , Ninomiya Kiichiro , Fujii Masanori , Kubo Toshio , Ohashi Kadoaki , Matsuoka Ken‐ichi , Hotta Katsuyuki , Tabata Masahiro , Maeda Yoshinobu , Kiura Katsuyuki
Published: September 2023

Gilteritinib is a multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), approved for the treatment of FLT3‐mutant acute myeloid leukemia, with a broad range of activity against several tyrosine kinases including anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). This study investigated the efficacy of gilteritinib against ALK‐rearranged non‐small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). To this end, we assessed the effects of gilteritinib on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and acquired resistance responses in several ALK‐rearranged NSCLC cell lines and mouse xenograft tumor models and compared its efficacy to alectinib, a standard ALK inhibitor. Gilteritinib was significantly more potent than alectinib, as it inhibited cell proliferation at a lower dose, with complete attenuation of growth observed in several ALK‐rearranged NSCLC cell lines and no development of drug tolerance. Immunoblotting showed that gilteritinib strongly suppressed phosphorylated ALK and its downstream effectors, as well as mesenchymal–epithelial transition factor (MET) signaling. By comparison, MET signaling was enhanced in alectinib‐treated cells. Furthermore, gilteritinib was found to more effectively abolish growth of ALK‐rearranged NSCLC xenograft tumors, many of which completely receded. Interleukin‐15 (IL‐15) mRNA levels were elevated in gilteritinib‐treated cells, together with a concomitant increase in the infiltration of tumors by natural killer (NK) cells, as assessed by immunohistochemistry. This suggests that IL‐15 production along with NK cell infiltration may constitute components of the gilteritinib‐mediated antitumor responses in ALK‐rearranged NSCLCs. In conclusion, gilteritinib demonstrated significantly improved antitumor efficacy compared with alectinib against ALK‐rearranged NSCLC cells, which can warrant its candidacy for use in anticancer regimens, after further examination in clinical trial settings.
Quad Mesh Quantization Without a T‐Mesh
Authors: Coudert‐Osmont Yoann , Desobry David , Heistermann Martin , Bommes David , Ray Nicolas , Sokolov Dmitry
Published: September 2023

Grid preserving maps of triangulated surfaces were introduced for quad meshing because the 2D unit grid in such maps corresponds to a sub‐division of the surface into quad‐shaped charts. These maps can be obtained by solving a mixed integer optimization problem: Real variables define the geometry of the charts and integer variables define the combinatorial structure of the decomposition. To make this optimization problem tractable, a common strategy is to ignore integer constraints at first, then to enforce them in a so‐called quantization step. Actual quantization algorithms exploit the geometric interpretation of integer variables to solve an equivalent problem: They consider that the final quad mesh is a sub‐division of a T‐mesh embedded in the surface, and optimize the number of sub‐divisions for each edge of this T‐mesh. We propose to operate on a decimated version of the original surface instead of the T‐mesh. It is easier to implement and to adapt to constraints such as free boundaries, complex feature curves network etc.
Emerging Trends in Design Management Education in the UK
Authors: Lam Busayawan , Choi Youngok
Published: September 2023

Design programs in the UK are attended by an increasingly diverse body of students, with an increasingly diverse set of interests and needs. Would specialist modules (system design, service design, sustainable design, retail design, international studies, digital culture, digital media, digital marketing, exhibition design, and the like) be the answer to serving requirements beyond the core essentials?
Design Education: The Squeeze Continues…
Authors: Justice Lorraine
Published: September 2023

It has never been easy to fit everything design students need to know into the curriculum. Now, however, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and the use of robots have added a whole new layer to what we need our students to learn—and what our educators need to know to teach them.
Integrated Design Innovation: A Mindset for Designers of Tomorrow
Authors: O'Keefe Amy , Rottenberg Sarah
Published: September 2023

Integrated design innovation master's programs combine the principles of human‐centered design and design thinking with studies in engineering, technology, and business.
Extreme risk dependence between green bonds and financial markets
Authors: Karim Sitara , Lucey Brian M. , Naeem Muhammad A. , Yarovaya Larisa
Published: September 2023

The current study investigates the extreme risk dependence between green bonds and financial markets by employing the dual approaches of time‐varying optimal copula and extreme risk spillover analysis of dynamic conditional Value‐at‐Risk. We report significant symmetric (asymmetric) tail‐dependent copulas in the upper (lower) tails characterizing independent regimes. Green bonds offer sufficient diversification, safe‐haven, and hedging opportunities during stable and distressing times to financial markets. The extreme risk spillovers revealed that COVID‐19 transformed the spillovers between green bonds and financial markets except Bitcoin. We proposed insightful implications for policymakers, governments, investors, and portfolio managers to relish the findings for their investment avenues.
Extended and spatially asynchronous reproductive periodicity in a harvested, warm‐temperate rocky‐reef gastropod (Turbinidae)
Authors: Seinor Kate , Purcell Steven W. , Malcolm Hamish , Smith Stephen D. A. , Benkendorff Kirsten
Published: September 2023

Turban snails are targeted for their high‐quality meat and, consequently, are often subjected to heavy harvesting pressure. Managing recreational and small‐scale fisheries is challenging, partly due to a lack of biological data underpinning certain regulatory measures. This study aimed to fill current knowledge gaps on the reproductive cycle of the recreationally and culturally harvested Australian turbinid, Turbo militaris. The objectives were to investigate the reproductive timing of T. militaris in New South Wales (NSW) and identify likely environmental drivers of reproductive periodicity. Oocytes and gonads were sampled from wild animals monthly over 15 months at two sites separated by ~500 km. Analysis of oocyte size frequency and gonadosomatic index revealed that T. militaris has a pattern of extended reproduction, which is synchronous between sexes. Turbo militaris was ripest during summer, and spawning appears to have occurred over multiple events, although primarily during winter. Reproductive timing was associated with environmental explanatory variables, including sea surface temperature, wave height, salinity, phytoplankton and nitrate concentration, together accounting for 81% of the variation in oocyte size frequency and 67% in the gonadosomatic index. Reproductive periodicity was correlated with wave conditions and phytoplankton concentrations inconsistently between sites, indicating that the effect of some environmental conditions may be unpredictable or site‐specific. Reproductive timing was asynchronous between two sites in the NSW fishery, posing challenges for designing seasonal fishing closures and community‐based harvesting rules. Spatial closures for species with spawning over extended timeframes, or spatially asynchronous reproductive cycles, are potentially more suitable for achieving fisheries management objectives.
Impact of genetic polymorphism on personalized diet and exercise program for steatotic liver disease
Authors: Akuta Norio , Kawamura Yusuke , Fujiyama Shunichiro , Nakamichi Kenichi , Saegusa Eiji , Ogura Hidetoshi , Kato Masaki , Doi Etsuko , Inoue Naoko , Sezaki Hitomi , Hosaka Tetsuya , Kobayashi Mariko , Saitoh Satoshi , Arase Yasuji , Ikeda Kenji , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Kumada Hiromitsu , Suzuki Fumitaka
Published: September 2023

Aims

The effects of genetic polymorphism on a personalized diet and exercise program for steatotic liver disease (SLD) are still unclear.

Methods

Participants of this retrospective cohort study were 203 Japanese patients with SLD diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. All of them were introduced the personalized diet and exercise treatment. A diet of 25–30 kcal/kg multiplied by ideal body weight (BW) daily and aerobic and resistance exercise (exercise intensity of 4–5 metabolic equivalents daily, respectively) were performed for 6 days. Treatment efficacy was evaluated in terms of the rate of decrease of liver function tests, glycolipid metabolism markers, physical findings, image findings, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk score at 6 months compared with baseline. Furthermore, the impact of genetic polymorphism was also investigated.

Results

At 6 months compared with baseline, liver function tests (AST, ALT, γGTP), glycolipid metabolism markers (hemoglobin A1c, triglycerides [TG], low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol), physical findings (BW, body mass index), image finding (liver stiffness measurement), and CVD risk score (Suita score) improved significantly. There was no significant difference in treatment efficacy, except for the rates of decrease of TG, according to genotype PNPLA3 rs738409, TM6SF2 rs58542926, and HSD17B13 rs6834314. The rates of decrease of TG with TM6SF2 CT were significantly higher than those with CC or TT, and the rates of TG with HSD17B13 AA were significantly higher than those with AG by multiple comparisons.

Conclusion

Personalized diet and exercise program for SLD improved liver function tests, physical findings, glycolipid metabolism markers, and CVD risk score. Genetic polymorphism might partially affect treatment efficacy. Further studies should be performed to develop an individualized program for SLD, considering genetic polymorphism.
The role community‐based healthcare providers play in managing hard‐to‐heal wounds
Authors: Beeckman Dimitri , Cooper Matthew , Greenstein Emily , Idensohn Patricia , Klein Robert J. , Kolbig Norbert , LeBlanc Kimberly , Milne Catherine , Treadwell Terry , Weir Dot , White Wendy
Published: September 2023

It is common for community‐based healthcare providers (CHPs)—many of whom have not received specialised training in wound care—to deliver initial and ongoing management for various wound types and diverse populations. Wounds in any setting can rapidly transition to a stalled, hard‐to‐heal wound (HTHW) that is not following a normal healing trajectory. Failure to recognise or address issues that cause delayed healing can lead to increased costs, healthcare utilisation and suffering. To encourage early intervention by CHPs, a panel of wound care experts developed actionable evidence‐based recommendations for CHPs delineating characteristics and appropriate care in identifying and treating HTHWs. A HTHW is a wound that fails to progress towards healing with standard therapy in an orderly and timely manner and should be referred to a qualified wound care provider (QWCP) for advanced assessment and diagnosis if not healed or reduced in size by 40%–50% within 4 weeks. HTHWs occur in patients with multiple comorbidities, and display increases in exudate, infection, devitalised tissue, maceration or pain, or no change in wound size. CHPs can play an important initial role by seeing the individual's HTHW risk, addressing local infection and providing an optimal wound environment. An easy‐to‐follow one‐page table was developed for the CHP to systematically identify, evaluate and treat HTHWs, incorporating a basic toolkit with items easily obtainable in common office/clinic practice settings. A flow chart using visual HTHW clinical cues is also presented to address CHPs with different learning styles. These tools encourage delivery of appropriate early interventions that can improve overall healthcare efficiency and cost.
The island syndrome in birds
Authors: Jezierski Michał T. , Smith William J. , Clegg Sonya M.
Published: September 2023

The island syndrome is a widespread biological phenomenon that describes a suite of morphological, behavioural, demographic and life‐history changes associated with island dwelling. These similar evolutionary responses among disparate groups of animals and plants represent a remarkable case of convergent evolution. Among animals, birds are a highly suitable group to study the island syndrome; they are a comparatively data‐rich taxon, are frequent island colonisers, and sometimes display extreme adaptations such as the loss of flight. However, the avian island syndrome literature is fragmented, and multiple components are rarely considered together even though many are inextricably linked. We reviewed multi‐species comparative studies, single‐species or population‐level studies and anecdotal accounts, to summarise and assess the support for individual components of the island syndrome for birds, and to identify suites of traits that should be considered together. The weight of evidence for island syndrome patterns in morphology is substantial, but is more partial or even anecdotal for various aspects of behaviour, life history and physiology. Full validation of the island syndrome in birds will require the less‐studied components to be treated in a comparative framework, and for covarying components to be examined in an integrated way. An improved description of the scope of the syndrome will pave the way to understanding its drivers.