bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reintroducing genetic diversity in populations from cryopreserved material: The case of Abondance, a French local dairy cattle breed
Authors: Jacques Alicia , Leroy Grégoire , Rognon Xavier , Verrier Etienne , Tixier-Boichard Michèle , Restoux Gwendal
Published: January 2023

Background

Genetic diversity is a necessary condition for populations to evolve under adaptation, selection or both. However, genetic diversity is often threatened, in particular in domestic animal populations where artificial selection, genetic drift and inbreeding are strong. In this context, cryopreserved genetic resources appear as a promising option to reintroduce lost variants and to limit inbreeding. However, while more common in plant breeding, the use of cryopreserved resources is less documented in animals due to a longer generation interval making it difficult to fill the performance gap due to continuous selection. Thus, this study investigates one of the only concrete cases presenting the results of the use of cryopreserved semen of a bull born in 1977 and belonging to a disappeared lineage, into the breeding scheme of a French local dairy cattle breed, the Abondance breed, more than 20 years later.

Results

We found that this re-used bull was very original relative to the current population and thus allowed to restore genetic diversity lost over time. The expected negative gap in milk production due to continuous selection has been absorbed in a few years by preferential mating with elite cows. Moreover, the re-use of this old bull did not increase the level of inbreeding, it even tended to reduce it by avoiding mating with relatives. Finally, the reintroduction of an old bull in the breeding scheme allowed for increased performance for reproductive abilities, a trait that was less subject to selection in the past.

Conclusions

The use of cryopreserved material was efficient to manage the genetic diversity of an animal population, by mitigating the effects of both inbreeding and strong selection. However, attention should be paid toward mating in order to limit the disadvantages associated with the provision of genetic originality, notably a discrepancy in the breeding values for selected traits or an increase in inbreeding. Therefore, a careful characterization of the genetic resources available in cryobanks could help to ensure the sustainable management of populations and of local or small ones in particular. These results could also be transferred to the conservation of wild populations.
Structural basis of peptide recognition and activation of endothelin receptors
Authors: Ji Yujie , Duan Jia , Yuan Qingning , He Xinheng , Yang Gong , Zhu Shengnan , Wu Kai , Hu Wen , Gao Tianyu , Cheng Xi , Jiang Hualiang , Xu H. Eric , Jiang Yi
Published: January 2023

Endothelin system comprises three endogenous 21-amino-acid peptide ligands endothelin-1, -2, and -3 (ET-1/2/3), and two G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) subtypes—endothelin receptor A (ETAR) and B (ETBR). Since ET-1, the first endothelin, was identified in 1988 as one of the most potent endothelial cell-derived vasoconstrictor peptides with long-lasting actions, the endothelin system has attracted extensive attention due to its critical role in vasoregulation and close relevance in cardiovascular-related diseases. Here we present three cryo-electron microscopy structures of ETAR and ETBR bound to ET-1 and ETBR bound to the selective peptide IRL1620. These structures reveal a highly conserved recognition mode of ET-1 and characterize the ligand selectivity by ETRs. They also present several conformation features of the active ETRs, thus revealing a specific activation mechanism. Together, these findings deepen our understanding of endothelin system regulation and offer an opportunity to design selective drugs targeting specific ETR subtypes.
Globoside and the mucosal pH mediate parvovirus B19 entry through the epithelial barrier
Authors: Suter Corinne , Colakovic Minela , Bieri Jan , Gultom Mitra , Dijkman Ronald , Ros Carlos
Published: January 2023

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is transmitted primarily via the respiratory route, however, the mechanism involved remains unknown. B19V targets a restricted receptor expressed in erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. However, B19V shifts the receptor under acidic conditions and targets the widely expressed globoside. The pH-dependent interaction with globoside may allow virus entry through the naturally acidic nasal mucosa. To test this hypothesis, MDCK II cells and well-differentiated human airway epithelial cell (hAEC) cultures were grown on porous membranes and used as models to study the interaction of B19V with the epithelial barrier. Globoside expression was detected in polarized MDCK II cells and the ciliated cell population of well-differentiated hAEC cultures. Under the acidic conditions of the nasal mucosa, virus attachment and transcytosis occurred without productive infection. Neither virus attachment nor transcytosis was observed under neutral pH conditions or in globoside knockout cells, demonstrating the concerted role of globoside and acidic pH in the transcellular transport of B19V. Globoside-dependent virus uptake involved VP2 and occurred by a clathrin-independent pathway that is cholesterol and dynamin-dependent. This study provides mechanistic insight into the transmission of B19V through the respiratory route and reveals novel vulnerability factors of the epithelial barrier to viruses.

Author summary

The mechanism of entry of parvovirus B19 through the respiratory epithelium remains elusive. By using polarized MDCK II and well-differentiated primary human airway epithelial cell cultures, we revealed that the virus exploits the natural acidic environment of the nasal mucosa and the expression of globoside in the ciliated cell population of the airway to breach the respiratory epithelium by transcytosis. Mechanistically, virus entry and intracellular trafficking in the epithelial cells differ substantially from that in the permissive erythroid progenitor cells.
PLOD2, a key factor for MRL MSC metabolism and chondroprotective properties
Authors: Bahraoui Sarah , Tejedor Gautier , Mausset-Bonnefont Anne-Laure , Autelitano François , Jorgensen Christian , Wei Mingxing , Djouad Farida
Published: January 2023

Background

Initially discovered for its ability to regenerate ear holes, the MRL mouse has been the subject of multiple research studies aimed at evaluating its ability to regenerate other body tissues and at deciphering the mechanisms underlying it. These enhanced abilities to regenerate, retained in the adult, protect the MRL mouse from degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). Here, we hypothesized that MSC derived from the regenerative MRL mouse could be involved in their regenerative potential through the release of pro-regenerative mediators.

Method

To address this hypothesis, we compared the secretome of MRL and BL6 MSC and identified several candidate molecules produced at significantly higher levels by MRL MSC than by BL6 MSC. We selected one candidate and performed functionalin vitroassays to evaluate its role on MRL MSC properties including metabolic profile, migration, and chondroprotective effects. Using an experimental model for osteoarthritis (OA) induced by collagenase (CiOA), we assessed its contribution to MRL MSC protection from OA.

Results

Among the candidate molecules highly expressed by MRL MSC, we focused our attention on procollagen-lysine,2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 2 (PLOD2), coding for the lysyl hydrolase LH2 in charge of post-translational modifications of collagen for its stability and stiffness. PLOD2 is induced by hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1a) involved in the regeneration process of adult MRL mice.Plod2silencing induced a decrease in the glycolytic function of MRL MSC, resulting in the alteration of their migratory and chondroprotective abilitiesin vitro. In vivo, we showed thatplod2silencing in MRL MSC significantly impaired their capacity to protect mouse from developing OA.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that the chondroprotective and therapeutic properties of MRL MSC in the CiOA experimental model are in part mediated by PLOD2.
Capturing consumer loyalty through technological innovation and sustainability: the moderating effect of the grocery commercial format
Authors: Marín-García Antonio , Gil-Saura Irene , Ruiz-Molina María Eugenia , Berenguer-Contrí Gloria
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The food sector is currently undergoing a process of transition as a result of the increased level of consumers' awareness towards issues related to sustainability. This work aims at analyzing the existence of links between technological innovation and sustainability and its consequences on variables of paramount importance in the retail sector such as store image and loyalty towards the establishment. Moreover, we examine if the strength of these relations differs across store formats.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objective of this work, a theoretical model based on the literature is proposed, contrasted through an empirical study carried out in a sample of 510 customers from three food retail formats: hypermarkets, supermarkets and discount stores.

Findings

The results indicate that technological innovation strengthens sustainability. In addition, sustainability is postulated as a dynamic element of the store's image and loyalty. The intensity of these relationships may vary depending on the commercial format.

Practical implications

The implementation of innovative and sustainable practices such as reducing energy consumption, the use of recycled materials to manufacture products, and the participation of retail companies in collective social actions is considered to be of primary importance.

Originality/value

The study sheds light on the knowledge of the relations between customers' perceptions of technological innovation and sustainability in retailing, confirming their influence on store image and customer loyalty. Moreover, the findings reveal the importance of sustainability and innovation for the main types of retail food store format, although with some peculiarities that allow to draw relevant managerial implications for practitioners.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bank systemic risk: some cross-country evidence
Authors: Yan Yuanyun , Jeon Bang Nam , Wu Ji
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study tends to investigate how the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected banks' contribution to systemic risk. In addition, the authors examine whether the impact of the pandemic may vary across advanced/emerging economies, and with banks with differed characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors construct the bank-specific conditional value at risk (CoVaR) and marginal expected shortfall (MES) to measure their contribution to systemic risk and define the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic by the timing when countries report more than 100 confirmed cases. The authors use the approach of difference-in-differences to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on banks' contribution to systemic risk. This sample comprises monthly panel data of around 900 listed commercial banks in 39 advanced and emerging economies.

Findings

The authors find that, firstly, the COVID-19 pandemic increased banks' contribution to systemic risk significantly around the world. Secondly, the impact of the COVID-19 virus was more pronounced in developed countries than in emerging economies. Finally, banks with a larger size and higher loan-to-deposit ratio are more greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, while a higher capitalization for banks is insufficient to shelter them from the adverse impact of such pandemic.

Originality/value

The authors assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on banks' contribution to systemic risk. Using the conditional value at risk (marginal expected shortfall) of banks as the measure, this study’s results suggest that banks' contribution to systemic risk increases by around 25% (48%) amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This study’s findings may shed some light on the potential policies that financial regulators may employ to ameliorate the adverse outcomes of the ongoing pandemic.
The influence of institutional and in-group collectivism practices on next-generation engagement in the family business
Authors: Torres Pedro , Augusto Mário , Quaresma Rui
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This research aims to investigate the influence of country culture on the next generation's intention to become managerial leaders of the family business, focussing on institutional and in-group collectivism practices. The authors investigate not only the direct effect of these collectivism practices on next-generation engagement, but also the extent to which institutional and/or in-group collectivism moderate the relationship between parental support and next-generation engagement and the extent to which institutional and/or in-group collectivism moderate the relationship between self-efficacy and next-generation engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Using cross-national data from the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students' Survey (GUESSS) and the Global Leadership and Organisational Behaviour Effectiveness (GLOBE), hierarchical linear modelling (HLM) is employed to test the hypotheses using a sample of 33,390 observations collected in 20 countries.

Findings

The main findings show that both institutional and in-group collectivism practices may increase next-generation engagement levels. Furthermore, these cultural practices can amplify the relationship between family business self-efficacy and next-generation engagement. However, institutional collectivism can slightly reduce the positive effect of parental support on family offspring's intention to become leaders of the family business. The results also reveal that parental support has a stronger direct effect on next-generation engagement than family business self-efficacy.

Originality/value

This study examines the influence of cultural practices on next-generation engagement, focussing on collectivism practices. The study distinguishes between institutional collectivism and in-group collectivism. Unlike past research, a direct effect of parental support on next-generation engagement is considered. The study also uses a particular type of self-efficacy: family business self-efficacy. In addition, a multi-level method is employed, which is rarely used in this context.
Estimation and prediction in generalized half logistic lifetime model using hybrid censored data
Authors: Soni Sakshi , Shukla Ashish Kumar , Kumar Kapil
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This article aims to develop procedures for estimation and prediction in case of Type-I hybrid censored samples drawn from a two-parameter generalized half-logistic distribution (GHLD).

Design/methodology/approach

The GHLD is a versatile model which is useful in lifetime modelling. Also, hybrid censoring is a time and cost-effective censoring scheme which is widely used in the literature. The authors derive the maximum likelihood estimates, the maximum product of spacing estimates and Bayes estimates with squared error loss function for the unknown parameters, reliability function and stress-strength reliability. The Bayesian estimation is performed under an informative prior set-up using the “importance sampling technique”. Afterwards, we discuss the Bayesian prediction problem under one and two-sample frameworks and obtain the predictive estimates and intervals with corresponding average interval lengths. Applications of the developed theory are illustrated with the help of two real data sets.

Findings

The performances of these estimates and prediction methods are examined under Type-I hybrid censoring scheme with different combinations of sample sizes and time points using Monte Carlo simulation techniques. The simulation results show that the developed estimates are quite satisfactory. Bayes estimates and predictive intervals estimate the reliability characteristics efficiently.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology may be used to estimate future observations when the available data are Type-I hybrid censored. This study would help in estimating and predicting the mission time as well as stress-strength reliability when the data are censored.
Can independent hotels survive? A case study of how technology changes the industry
Authors: Darras Barquissau Nathalie , Pett Timothy L. , Fontan Sers Charlotte
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to examine the hospitality industry by exploring the activities of a small, independent hotel. The hotel was experiencing disruption in recent years due to technology, intense competition and changes in customer preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study uses a qualitative methodology approach by interviewing two generations of family members that were on the brink of failure. Discussions included ways and activities in which the business was exploring that could be identified to address the loss of customers and revenues because of the digitalization of the industry.

Findings

The case findings indicate that by creating a new hybrid business model can provide a successful direction for owners facing digitization with an industry. The findings suggest creating a new hybrid business model can provide improvements in areas such as financial stability and cost reductions, attracting new customers, improved usage of assets and the ability to leverage the technology disruption in the hospitality industry.

Originality/value

This study provides a reflective examination of a small, independent hotel facing financial collapse. However, the family members were able to use the threat of new technologies to create a new opportunity by developing a new hybrid business model that other similar businesses could explore in designing.
Circular supply chain practices and corporate sustainability performance: do ethical supply chain leadership and environmental orientation make a difference?
Authors: Agyabeng-Mensah Yaw , Baah Charles , Afum Ebenezer , Kumi Caleb Amankwaa
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study draws insight from the leader-member exchange theory to examine the link between supply chain ethical leadership and circular supply chain practices. This study further draws on the contingent theory to explore the interactive effect of environmental orientation and circular supply chain practices on corporate sustainability performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative research approach where partial least square structural equation modelling (SMART PLS) is used to analyse survey data gathered from 122 managers of small and medium enterprises in Ghana.

Findings

This study reports that there is a significant positive relationship between ethical supply chain leadership and circular supply chain practices. The findings further reveal that internal environmental orientation and external environmental orientation moderate the relationship between circular supply chain practices and corporate sustainability performance.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on ethical supply chain leadership's influence on circular supply chain practices. The study also offers an empirical argument to explain contradictory relationships between circular supply chain practices and corporate sustainability performance by applying the contingency roles of internal and external environmental orientation.
Six decades of North American bird banding records reveal plasticity in migration phenology
Authors: Horton Kyle G. , Morris Sara R. , Van Doren Benjamin M. , Covino Kristen M.
Published: January 2023

The timing of avian migration has evolved to exploit critical seasonal resources, yet plasticity within phenological responses may allow adjustments to interannual resource phenology. The diversity of migratory species and changes in underlying resources in response to climate change make it challenging to generalize these relationships.

We use bird banding records during spring and fall migration from across North America to examine macroscale phenological responses to interannual fluctuations in temperature and long‐term annual trends in phenology.

In total, we examine 19 species of North American wood warblers (family Parulidae), summarizing migration timing from 2,826,588 banded birds from 1961 to 2018 across 46 sites during spring and 124 sites during fall.

During spring, warmer spring temperatures at banding locations translated to earlier median passage dates for 16 of 19 species, with an average 0.65‐day advancement in median passage for every 1°C increase in temperature, ranging from 0.25 to 1.26 days °C−1. During the fall, relationships were considerably weaker, with only 3 of 19 species showing a relationship with temperature. In those three cases, later departure dates were associated with warmer fall periods. Projecting these trends forward under climate scenarios of temperature change, we forecast continued spring advancements under shared socioeconomic pathways from 2041 to 2060 and 2081 to 2100 and more muted and variable shifts for fall.

These results demonstrate the capacity of long‐distance migrants to respond to interannual fluctuations in temperatures, at least during the spring, and showcase the potential of North American bird banding data understanding phenological trends across a wide diversity of avian species.
Grazing effects of wintering geese on grassland yield: A long‐term study from Northwest Germany
Authors: Düttmann Heinz , Kruckenberg Helmut , Bünte Rolf , Delingat Julia , Emke Dieter , Garlichs Mona , Korner Pius , Kowallik Christine , Lauenstein Gerhard , Südbeck Peter , Bairlein Franz
Published: January 2023

Escalating conflicts between grassland farming and wintering geese in northern Germany stimulated a long‐term study in order to promote a fair and workable system of compensation of harvest loss. Between 1996 and 2018 standardized experiments were carried out to quantify changes in yield loss and herbage quality. Simultaneously, we weekly monitored the number of geese to relate yield losses to goose numbers and to identify the impact of the different species.

Exclosure experiments were established on conventionally managed grasslands. The number of investigated fields differed over the study period (1990s: n = 6, 2000s: n = 14, 2010s: n = 2–18). On each field, we established 12 marked plots (4.5 m2), six with exclosures from early November until the first cut of grass in May and six with access for the geese. In all plots dry biomass and the quality of herbage (contents of energy, crude protein, crude fibre and ash) were determined at first and second harvest.

The total goose‐dependent yield losses at first harvest increased from 15% in the year 1996/97 to 50% at the end of the 2010s. The increase corresponds with changes in the maximum numbers and the migratory behaviour of the barnacle goose Branta leucopsis. Yield reductions correlated positively with densities of barnacle geese present in April. In contrast, we found no decline in grassland yields with increasing numbers of greater white‐fronted geese Anser albifrons. In all periods second harvest was not affected.

The combined maximum number of both geese which were counted over approximately 23,000 ha of grasslands increased until 2002/03 but levelled off with numbers around 100,000 birds thereafter. While the maximum wintering population of greater white‐fronted geese dropped since 2007/08, the maximum number of barnacle geese increased until mid of 2010s. An increasing proportion of barnacle geese delayed their departure until May.

Within each year grazed plots possessed higher energy and crude protein contents than ungrazed controls, suggesting that the geese maximize their potential nutrient intake rate by grazing.

Synthesis and applications. The present study reveals a significant increase in goose‐related loss of grassland yields which form the basis for a fair and comprehensible system of compensation payments to affected farmers.
Relative importance of two bat species as pollinators of Neobuxbaumia tetetzo (Cactaceae): Evidences from morphometric and pollen load analyses
Authors: Sánchez‐Collazo Xiumy Michelle , Figueroa‐Castro Dulce María , Cruz José Alberto , Castañeda‐Posadas Carlos
Published: January 2023

Neobuxbaumia tetetzo is a columnar cactus whose flowers are visited by the bat species Choeronycteris mexicana and Leptonycteris yerbabuenae. Although both bat species are considered the pollinators of N. tetetzo, the probability of pollination of each bat species has not been estimated. In this study, we determine the relative importance of C. mexicana and L. yerbabuenae as pollinators of N. tetetzo. The probability of pollination was estimated using two different approaches: (i) morphological correspondence between head (linear traits [total head length, snout length, and face height and width]) and cranial traits (shape traits) of bats and flower traits (linear [internal floral tube length including and excluding the nectary, corolla diameter, stamen length, style length, and corolla tube diameter] and shape traits), and (ii) pollen load analyses to estimate the percentage of occurrence (PO) and the pollination probability index (PPI). Our results showed a lack of a significant correspondence between both head and cranial traits of C. mexicana and the flowers of N. tetetzo, and linear morphological correspondence between total head length of L. yerbabuenae and flower length. Pollen loads of C. mexicana were composed by seven different pollen types, its PO and PPI were 41.87 ± 9.53% and 0.29, respectively. Leptonycteris yerbabuenae pollen loads were composed by three pollen types, with a PO of 78.29 ± 13.67% and a PPI of 0.67. Our results suggest that whereas C. mexicana has a low constancy to the flowers of N. tetetzo, L. yerbabuenae has a higher probability of pollination.
Analysis of a maternal health medicines pipeline database 2000–2021: New candidates for the prevention and treatment of fetal growth restriction
Authors: Lim Shao , McDougall Annie R. A. , Goldstein Maya , Tuttle Andrew , Hastie Roxanne , Tong Stephen , Ammerdorffer Anne , Rushwan Sara , Ricci Christina , Gülmezoglu A. Metin , Vogel Joshua P.
Published: January 2023

Objective

The Accelerating Innovation for Mothers project established a new database of candidate medicines under development between 2000 and 2021 for five pregnancy‐related conditions, including fetal growth restriction. The objective was to assess medicines for fetal growth restriction and their potential for clinical use globally.

Design

Landscape analysis.

Setting

Global (focus on low‐ and middle‐income countries, LMICs).

Sample

Drugs, dietary supplements and biologics under investigation for prevention or treatment of fetal growth restriction.

Methods

A research pipeline database of medicines was created through searching AdisInsight, PubMed and various grant and clinical trial databases. Analysis of clinical and preclinical candidates were descriptive.

Main Outcomes Measures

Fetal growth restriction candidates in clinical development were identified and ranked as high, medium or low potential based on prespecified criteria, including efficacy, safety and accessibility.

Results

Of the 444 unique candidates in the database across all five pregnancy‐related conditions, 63 were for fetal growth restriction. Of these, 31 were in clinical development (phases I, II or III) and 32 were in preclinical development. Three candidates, aspirin, l‐arginine and vitamin D, were ranked as having high potential as preventive agents. There were no high‐potential candidates for treating fetal growth restriction, although five candidates were ranked as having medium potential: allylestrenol, dalteparin, omega‐3 fatty acids, tadalafil, and United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation (UNIMMAP).

Conclusions

l‐Arginine, aspirin and vitamin D are promising, high‐potential preventative agents for fetal growth restriction. Based on the medicines pipeline, new pharmacological agents for fetal growth restriction are unlikely to emerge in the near future.
COInr and mkCOInr: Building and customizing a nonredundant barcoding reference database from BOLD and NCBI using a semi‐automated pipeline
Authors: Meglécz Emese
Published: January 2023

Reference databases with wide taxonomic coverage are greatly needed in many fields of biology, most particularly for the taxonomic assignment of metabarcoding sequences. Therefore, it is fundamental to be able to access and pool data from different primary databases. The COInr database is a freely available, easy‐to‐access database of COI reference sequences extracted from the BOLD and NCBI nucleotide databases. It is a comprehensive database: not limited to a taxon, a gene region or a taxonomic rank; therefore, it is a good starting point for creating custom databases. Sequences are dereplicated between databases and within taxa. Each taxon has a unique taxonomic identifier (taxID), fundamental to avoid ambiguous associations of homonyms and synonyms in the source database. TaxIDs form a coherent hierarchical system fully compatible with the NCBI taxIDs, allowing their full or ranked lineages to be created. The mkcoinr tool is a series of Perl scripts designed to download sequences from BOLD and NCBI, to build the COInr database and to customize it according to the users’ needs. It is possible to select or eliminate sequences for a list of taxa, select a specific gene region, select for minimum taxonomic resolution, add new custom sequences, and format the database for blast, vtam, qiime and rdp classifier. This is a semi‐automated pipeline using command lines in a Linux environment. The COInr database can be downloaded from https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6555985 and mkcoinr and its full documentation is available at https://github.com/meglecz/mkCOInr.
Platelet response to influenza vaccination reflects effects of aging
Authors: Konstorum Anna , Mohanty Subhasis , Zhao Yujiao , Melillo Anthony , Vander Wyk Brent , Nelson Allison , Tsang Sui , Blevins Tamara P. , Belshe Robert B. , Chawla Daniel G. , Rondina Matthew T. , Gill Thomas M. , Montgomery Ruth R. , Allore Heather G. , Kleinstein Steven H. , Shaw Albert C.
Published: January 2023

Platelets are uniquely positioned as mediators of not only hemostasis but also innate immunity. However, how age and geriatric conditions such as frailty influence platelet function during an immune response remains unclear. We assessed the platelet transcriptome at baseline and following influenza vaccination in Younger (age 21–35) and Older (age ≥65) adults (including community‐dwelling individuals who were largely non‐frail and skilled nursing facility (SNF)‐resident adults who nearly all met criteria for frailty). Prior to vaccination, we observed an age‐associated increase in the expression of platelet activation and mitochondrial RNAs and decrease in RNAs encoding proteins mediating translation. Age‐associated differences were also identified in post‐vaccination response trajectories over 28 days. Using tensor decomposition analysis, we found increasing RNA expression of genes in platelet activation pathways in young participants, but decreasing levels in (SNF)‐resident adults. Translation RNA trajectories were inversely correlated with these activation pathways. Enhanced platelet activation was found in community‐dwelling older adults at the protein level, compared to young individuals both prior to and post‐vaccination; whereas SNF residents showed decreased platelet activation compared to community‐dwelling older adults that could reflect the influence of decreased translation RNA expression. Our results reveal alterations in the platelet transcriptome and activation responses that may contribute to age‐associated chronic inflammation and the increased incidence of thrombotic and pro‐inflammatory diseases in older adults.
Gone too soon: Studying mortality in eating disorders
Authors: Micali Nadia , Herle Moritz
Published: January 2023

Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding and eating disorder) are not only common mental health disorders but they also affect an individual's physical, psychological, and social well‐being, with high impact and burden. Importantly, previous research has found that eating disorders have high mortality, higher than many other psychiatric disorders. Here, we discuss findings from Castellini and colleagues in the context of previous studies.
Combination of hyperthermia and intravesical chemotherapy for the treatment of pT1 stage bladder cancer: A retrospectively clinical study
Authors: Wang Shuo , Yu Ziyi , Du Peng , Cao Yudong , Yang Xiao , Ma Jinchao , Tang Xiaohu , Zhang Qi , Yang Yong
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the efficiency and safety of combined local bladder hyperthermia and intravesical chemotherapy (IVC) for the treatment of patients with pT1 stage bladder cancer.

Method

A total of 189 patients with pT1 who underwent transurethral resection of bladder cancer (TURBT) were retrospectively reviewed. After TURBT, the patients with low‐grade urothelial carcinoma (UC) were treated with either an IVC with pirarubicin (THP) protocol or chemo‐thermotherapy (CHT) with THP protocol, whereas patients with high‐grade UC were treated with either an intravesical immunotherapy (IVI) with bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) protocol or CHT protocol, patients’ characteristics, tumor biological features, and follow‐up data were analyzed and compared between CHT and IVC group in low‐grade UC, CHT, and IVI group in high‐grade UC, respectively.

Results

The median follow‐up time was 24 months. In patients with low‐grade UC, the median recurrence free survival (RFS) interval and costs of treatment in CHT group were significantly higher than those in IVC group (p = .01, p < .001, respectively), CHT was associated with higher RFS compared with IVC by Kaplan–Meier analysis, and three patients in IVC group upgraded to high grade when tumor recurred, whereas no cases were found upgraded in CHT group, p = .38. In patients with high‐grade UC, tumor recurrence rates at 12 (p = .004) and 24 months (p = .004) after TURBT, rate of complications (p = .04)—especially for hematuresis (p = .03) and irritation symptoms (p = .04)—the median costs of treatment (p < .001) in CHT group were significantly lower than those in IVI group, RFS interval, health‐related quality of life) at 12 and 24 months after TURBT in CHT group was significantly higher than those in IVI group (p < .001, p = .002, and p < .001, respectively), and CHT was associated with higher RFS compared with IVI by Kaplan–Meier analysis. The rate of patients upstaged to pT2 in CHT group seemed lower than that in IVI group, but there was no significantly statistical difference (14.3% vs. 24%, p = .58).

Conclusion

CHT has a beneficial prophylactic effect in patients with pT1 bladder cancer, especially in patients with high‐grade UC, which is much more effective and safer than BCG, meanwhile it costs less compared with BCG.
Colonoscopic findings in patients with pelvic floor dysfunction
Authors: Kwan Bianca , Gillespie Chris , Warwick Andrea
Published: January 2023

Backgroundy

Colonoscopy is often performed in the initial workup of pelvic floor dysfunction, even in the absence of red flag symptoms. Current guidelines suggest colonoscopy is only required in the presence of rectal bleeding, diarrhoea or change in bowel habit. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of significant pathology found at colonoscopy in patients with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was performed on all patients presenting to a functional colorectal outpatient clinic between May 2018 and August 2019. Information was collected on presenting symptoms, whether colonoscopy had been performed within 5 years, quality of bowel preparation, withdrawal time, number of polyps detected, histology, presence of diverticular disease, colorectal malignancy, inflammatory bowel disease, solitary rectal ulcer or rectal prolapse.

Results

There were 260 patients seen within the study period, of which 67% had undergone recent colonoscopy within the last 5 years. The mean age was 53 and 219 (84%) patients were female. Average withdrawal time was 13 min. Polyps were found in 48.7% and adenomas in 32.4% of all colonoscopies. The adenoma detection rate was 32.7%. None of the colonoscopies found evidence of malignancy. A new diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease was discovered in two patients.

Conclusion

There was low rates of serious pathology such as malignancy or inflammatory bowel disease in patients referred to a functional clinic. However, colonoscopy is still useful in workup of pelvic floor dysfunction, as many patients have erratic bowel habits or vague symptoms, and will have adenomas found.
The neurobiology of hatred: Tools of Dialogue© intervention for youth reared amidst intractable conflict impacts brain, behaviour, and peacebuilding attitudes
Authors: Feldman Ruth
Published: January 2023

Myths, drama, and sacred texts have warned against the fragile nature of human love; the closer the affiliative bond, the quicker it can turn into hatred, suggesting similarities in the neurobiological underpinnings of love and hatred. Here, I offer a theoretical account on the neurobiology of hatred based on our model on the biology of human attachments and its three foundations; the oxytocin system, the “affiliative brain”, comprising the neural network sustaining attachment, and biobehavioural synchrony, the process by which humans create a coupled biology through coordinated action. These systems mature in mammals in the context of the mother–infant bond and then transfer to support life within social groups. During this transition, they partition to support affiliation and solidarity to one's group and fear and hatred towards out‐group based on minor variations in social behaviour. I present the Tools of Dialogue© intervention for outgroup members based on social synchrony. Applied to Israeli and Palestinian youth and implementing RCT, we measured social behaviour, attitudes, hormones, and social brain response before and after the 8‐session intervention. Youth receiving the intervention increased reciprocity and reduced hostile behaviour towards outgroup, attenuated the neural marker of prejudice and increased neural empathic response, reduced cortisol and elevated oxytocin, and adapted attitudes of compromise. These neural changes predicted peacebuilding support 7 years later, when young adults can engage in civil responsibilities. Our intervention, the first to show long‐term effects of inter‐group intervention on brain and behaviour, demonstrates how social synchrony can tilt the neurobiology of hatred towards the pole of affiliation.
The evolution of catchment‐depositional system relationships on the dip slopes of intra‐rift basement highs: An example from the Frøya High, Mid‐Norwegian rifted margin
Authors: Henstra Gijs A. , Cullen Timothy M. , Gawthorpe Robert L. , Munoz‐Barrera Jhon M. , Muravchik Martin , Rotevatn Atle
Published: January 2023

Basement highs form one of many potential sediment source areas during the evolution of continental rifts and rifted margins and add to the topographic complexity typical of active rifts. Footwall basement highs acting as a source area to sedimentary systems in the hangingwall of major faults have been documented in many systems worldwide. However, the back‐tilted footwall dip slopes of such highs have received comparatively little attention. Here, we investigate a subsurface case study from the Norwegian continental shelf, where catchments and shallow marine syn‐rift sedimentary systems on a dip slope are preserved due to early transgression of an intra‐rift high. At the onset of Late Jurassic rifting, the Frøya High emerged as a prominent, N‐S trending, 25 km‐wide basement high tilted towards the east in response to several kilometres of displacement along the Klakk Fault Complex, a major normal fault zone at the Frøya High's western edge. Using well‐calibrated 3D seismic reflection data, we observe a series of conspicuous Upper Jurassic wedges along the eastern edge of the Frøya High along the margin of the Froan Basin. Internally, these wedges show sigmoidal geometries marking top and foresets of clinoform packages with a maximum thickness of ca. 200 m with foresets between 30 and 200 m high, dipping ca. 10° towards the east, southeast and northeast. We interpret these wedges to represent a series of eastward prograding deltas positioned along a constructional shoreline, connected to E‐W trending valleys and river catchments up‐dip. The deltas show strong progradation, interpreted to reflect the impact of the continued uplift of their catchments prior to the abrupt termination of sediment supply from drainage capture by footwall scarp drainages. The presence of a connected, largely constructional shoreline has implications for Late Jurassic sediment distribution around the Frøya High, providing primary sedimentary input for longshore‐driven sedimentary systems in the Draugen Ridge to the north. Comparisons with other syn‐rift dip slope systems highlight a broadly similar evolution but shows a distinct lack of the protracted backstepping observed in other dip slope systems. We postulate that different structural configurations of dip slope systems, being footwall uplift or hangingwall subsidence driven, may drive the strongly progradational character of the deltaic systems on the Frøya High. The Frøya High example highlights the need to constrain primary sediment input points to aid the interpretation of volumetrically significant, but short‐lived and subtle depositional systems, especially within complex, tectonically active settings.
The evolving landscape of biologic therapies for atopic dermatitis: Present and future perspective
Authors: David Eden , Ungar Benjamin , Renert‐Yuval Yael , Facheris Paola , del Duca Ester , Guttman‐Yassky Emma
Published: January 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common, chronic inflammatory skin diseases with a significant physical, emotional and socioeconomic burden. In recent years the understanding of AD pathogenesis has expanded from the Th2‐centred perspective, with the recognition of the involvement of other immune axes. In different AD endotypes, influenced by environment, genetics and race, transcriptomic profiles have identified differing contributions of multiple immune axes such as, Th17, Th22 and Th1. The enriched pathogenic model of AD has catalysed the development of numerous biologic therapies targeting a range of key molecules implicated in disease progression. Currently, dupilumab and tralokinumab, which both target the Th2 pathway, are the only approved biologic therapies for AD in the United States and Europe. New biologic therapies in development, however, target different Th2‐pathway molecules along with cytokines in other immune axes, including Th17 and Th22, offering promise for varied treatments for this heterogeneous disease. As the biologic pipeline advances, the integration into clinical practice and approval of these experimental biologics may provide more effective, tailored therapeutic solutions and illuminate on the pathologic processes of AD across a broader, more diverse patient population.
The association between disability, school achievement expectations, self‐efficacy and psychosomatic problems among Swedish adolescents attending compulsory regular school
Authors: Lönnfjord Victoria , Bergh Daniel , Sundh Mona , Hagquist Curt
Published: January 2023

The purpose was to investigate the association between disability, and psychosomatic problems among adolescents at compulsory regular school also taking into account parental and student achievement expectations and student self‐efficacy. We analysed cross‐sectional questionnaire data collected in 2010, from 2004 Swedish adolescents. The results showed that the degree of psychosomatic problems and self‐efficacy varied with regard to whether the adolescent reported having a disability or not. The distribution of parents' and adolescents' own achievement expectations did not differ significantly with regard to having a disability. Neither achievement expectations nor self‐efficacy did moderate the association between disability and psychosomatic problems.
A Quantum Geometric Framework for Modeling Color Similarity Judgments
Authors: Epping Gunnar P. , Fisher Elizabeth L. , Zeleznikow‐Johnston Ariel M. , Pothos Emmanuel M. , Tsuchiya Naotsugu
Published: January 2023

Since Tversky argued that similarity judgments violate the three metric axioms, asymmetrical similarity judgments have been particularly challenging for standard, geometric models of similarity, such as multidimensional scaling. According to Tversky, asymmetrical similarity judgments are driven by differences in salience or extent of knowledge. However, the notion of salience has been difficult to operationalize, especially for perceptual stimuli for which there are no apparent differences in extent of knowledge. To investigate similarity judgments between perceptual stimuli, across three experiments, we collected data where individuals would rate the similarity of a pair of temporally separated color patches. We identified several violations of symmetry in the empirical results, which the conventional multidimensional scaling model cannot readily capture. Pothos et al. proposed a quantum geometric model of similarity to account for Tversky's findings. In the present work, we extended this model to a more general framework that can be fit to similarity judgments. We fitted several variants of quantum and multidimensional scaling models to the behavioral data and concluded in favor of the quantum approach. Without further modifications of the model, the best‐fit quantum model additionally predicted violations of the triangle inequality that we observed in the same data. Overall, by offering a different form of geometric representation, the quantum geometric framework of similarity provides a viable alternative to multidimensional scaling for modeling similarity judgments, while still allowing a convenient, spatial illustration of similarity.
The impact of diabetes on cancer detection during the prevalence round of a national screening program for colorectal cancer
Authors: Graversen Susanne Boel , Nannsen Anne Østergaard , Bjerg Lasse , Larsen Mette Bach , Andersen Berit , Laurberg Tinne
Published: January 2023

Aims

Diabetes is associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and inferior survival after CRC. Screening may enable the early detection of CRC. We aimed to assess the impact of diabetes on cancer detection and disease stage during the prevalence round of a national CRC screening program.

Methods

We performed a register‐based cohort study based on the randomized procedure for inviting Danish residents aged 50–74 years to the prevalence round of national CRC screening program in 2014–2017. By comparing the random half of the population who had been invited by 1 May 2016 with the not yet invited half, the effect of screening was assessed by the detection of CRC and disease stage among individuals with and without diabetes. Further, the impact of diabetes on the screening participation rate was calculated.

Results

By randomisation, 504,673 individuals had been invited to the CRC screening by 1 May 2016, and 549,359 individuals had not yet been invited. The diabetes prevalence was 10% in both groups. When comparing those not yet invited to those invited, the effect of screening on the number of detected cancers per 100,000 individuals was higher in those with diabetes (from 207 to 494 cancers) than in those without diabetes (from 147 to 364 cancers), and screening resulted in overall higher proportions of stage I cancer. Among those invited to screening, the participation rate was 9.1% lower (95% CI: 8.7%–9.5%) in individuals with versus without diabetes.

Conclusions

Despite a lower participation rate, the effect of CRC screening was higher in individuals with diabetes.