bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Suicide Prevention Life Gatekeeper Training Program in China: A Delphi study
Authors: Cai Chengxi , Yin Chen , Tong Yongsheng , Qu Diyang , Ding Yunzhi , Ren Daixi , Chen Peiyu , Yin Yi , An Jing , Chen Runsen
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Youth suicide has been a pressing public mental health concern in China, yet there is a lack of localised gatekeeper intervention programs developed for Chinese schools. Life Gatekeeper was the first systematically developed gatekeeper program which aimed to equip teachers and parents with knowledge, skills, and ability to identify and intervene students at high risk of suicide. This study aimed to achieve expert consensus on the content of this program.

Methods

The Delphi method was used to elicit consensus on statements essential to include in the training program. In the form of scoring existing statements and responding to open-ended questions, experts have the opportunity to evaluate the content, delivery form, feasibility, and overall feeling of the initial training program. Two Delphi rounds were conducted among Chinese panel members with diversified professional backgrounds in suicide research and practice. Statements were accepted for inclusion in the adjusted training program if they were endorsed by at least 80% of the panel.

Results

Consensus was achieved on 201 statements out of 207 statements for inclusion in the adapted guidelines for the gatekeeper programme, with 151 from the original questionnaire, and 50 generated from the comments of the panel members. These endorsed statements were used to develop the Life Gatekeeper training program.

Conclusion

This Delphi study provided an evidence base in developing of the first gatekeeper training program in China. We hope that the current study could pave the way for more evidence based suicide prevention programs in China. Further study is warranted to evaluate the effectiveness of the Life Gatekeeper training program.
Awareness of cervical cancer and screening in Benin and Cameroon: analysis of the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS)
Authors: Olajide Nike , Jani Bhautesh Dinesh , Niedzwiedz Claire L , Johnman Cathy , Robb Kathryn A.
Published: January 2023

Cervical cancer incidence and mortality are high in Africa. We assessed cervical cancer and screening awareness in two West African countries.

We used data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in Benin (DHS 2017-2018) and Cameroon (DHS 2018). Women (n=21322) aged 15-49 were interviewed on awareness of cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used.

Awareness of cervical cancer was low among women in Cameroon (46.1%) and very low in Benin (9.5%). Among those aware of cervical cancer, 51.4% in Benin and 59.7% in Cameroon were also aware of cervical screening. In the adjusted analysis, women in Cameroon aged 45+ had the highest awareness odds of both cervical cancer (adjusted odds ratio-aOR 2.91, [2.36-3.60]) and screening (aOR 1.75, [1.33-2.29]). In Benin, women aged 45+ had the highest cervical cancer awareness (aOR 1.89 [1.23-2.91]) while screening awareness was highest in women aged 25-34 years (aOR 1.98, [1.20-3.27]). Women with higher education were six to nine times more aware of cervical cancer and three to four times more aware of cervical screening than women with no education in Benin and Cameroon respectively. Additionally, cervical cancer awareness was approximately four times higher in the richest wealth quintile in Cameroon. In Benin, the odds of awareness of cervical cancer were increased with daily internet use (aOR 3.61, [2.45-5.32]) and radio listening once a week (aOR 1.73 [1.04-2.88]) compared to no internet and no radio listening respectively. In Cameroon, both awareness of cervical cancer and screening increased with daily internet use (aOR 1.95 [1.61-2.35]) and (aOR 1.35 [1.10-1.67]) respectively.

There is a need to increase awareness of cervical cancer and screening in Benin and Cameroon and likely among other West African countries. The internet and radio appear to be important potentially effective means for raising awareness.
Structure of pre-miR-31 reveals an active role in Dicer processing
Authors: Ma Sicong , Kotar Anita , Grote Scott , Rouskin Silvi , Keane Sarah C.
Published: January 2023

As an essential post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression, microRNA (miR) levels must be strictly maintained. The biogenesis of many, but not all, miRs is mediated by trans-acting protein partners through a variety of mechanisms, including remodeling of the RNA structure. miR-31 functions as an oncogene in numerous cancers and interestingly, its biogenesis is not known to be regulated by protein binding partners. Therefore, the intrinsic structural properties of pre-miR-31 can provide a mechanism by which its biogenesis is regulated. We determined the solution structure of the precursor element of miR-31 (pre-miR-31) to investigate the role of distinct structural elements in regulating Dicer processing. We found that the presence or absence of mismatches within the helical stem do not strongly influence Dicer processing of the pre-miR. However, both the apical loop size and structure at the Dicing site are key elements for discrimination by Dicer. Interestingly, our NMR-derived structure reveals the presence of a triplet of base pairs that link the Dicer cleavage site and the apical loop. Mutational analysis in this region suggests that the stability of the junction region strongly influence both Dicer binding and processing. Our results enrich our understanding of the active role that RNA structure plays in regulating Dicer processing which has direct implications for control of gene expression.
Macrophage activation drives ovarian failure and masculinization
Authors: Bravo Paloma , Liu Yulong , Draper Bruce W. , Marlow Florence L.
Published: January 2023

In humans, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is caused by autoimmunity and genetic factors, such as mutation of BMP15, a key ovarian determining gene. The cellular mechanisms associated with ovarian failure caused by BMP15 mutation and immune contributions to the disorder are not understood. BMP15’s role in ovarian follicle development is conserved in vertebrates, including zebrafish. Using zebrafish, we established a causal link between macrophage activation and ovarian failure. We identified a germline-somatic gonadal cell-macrophage axis underlying ovarian atresia. Germline loss of Bmp15 triggers this axis that single-cell RNA sequencing and genetic analyses indicate involves activation of ovarian somatic cells that express conserved macrophage-activating ligands. Genetic ablation of macrophages blocks premature oocyte loss. Thus, the axis identified here represents potential therapeutic targets to preserve female fertility.

One-Sentence Summary

Sex reversal due to Bmp15 deficiency requires macrophage activation by Csf1a, which is expressed by specialized pre-follicle cells in zebrafish.
Voluntary disclosure and corporate governance: substitutes or complements for firm value?
Authors: Assidi Soufiene
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether voluntary disclosure (VD) and corporate governance (CG) are substitutes or complements to each other in improving firms’ value in a non-Anglo-Saxon setting, namely, France.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of 990 listed firms in France from 2010 to 2020 to test the theoretical predictions. A random effect regression and two-stage least squares estimators are used to test the relationships. The results are largely robust across a number of econometric models that take into account diverse kinds of endogeneities.

Findings

This study reveals that VD and CG are positively associated with firm value. The finding also indicates that VD and CG work together as substitutes rather than as complements. Furthermore, the author’s evidence suggests that ownership structure and CEO characteristics are substitutive with VD in their effect on firm value. This evidence is consistent with the view that VD can add value to the firm but only under a number of conditions.

Practical implications

The results shed further light on how a firm could improve its value among stakeholders by designing VD and CG practices effectively. Specifically, as VD generally acts as a substitute to CG, to accomplish their optimal economic outcomes, firms need to be discerning in executing VD and governance practices. In addition, firms have strategic flexibility in constructing VD and governance practices contingent on their own settings. Policymakers, investors and managers could use these results to examine CG and VD practices in France following the implementation of new regulations.

Originality/value

This study extends and contributes to the mixed or equivocal evidence of the relationships between VD, CG mechanisms and firm value. It contributes to the extant literature by first providing additional evidence, which suggests value-increasing effects of better-governed and more transparent firms. Second, this study reconciles extant disparate results by suggesting that VD can substitute CG in improving firm value. These findings have profound implications for policymakers, investors and firm’s managers.
Physical activity in the workplace: a cost or a benefit for organizations? A systematic review
Authors: Santos Inês Lopes , Miragaia Dina
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Most adults do not follow the minimum requirements for physical activity despite the benefits such activity can provide toward improving quality of life. On average, an adult spends 60% of daily hours in the workplace, making it essential to create working environments that are favorable to avoiding harmful effects on the health of workers. Toward this end, the application of physical activity programs in a work context is one of the possible interventions. This study aims to carry out a systematic review of the literature to identify the impact of physical activity programs applied in the workplace, on employee wellness and organizational productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The search for reports was carried out in two databases, namely, Thomson Reuters Web of Science and Scopus, according to several inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) was applied to ensure the quality of the study. Microsoft Excel 2016 was used to organize the database to support the data analysis.

Findings

The sample comprised 64 reports published in international journals between 1986 and 2019. From these studies, six thematic clusters were formed: Workplace Physical Activity Interventions, Workplace Wellness, Physical Activity and Organizational Performance, Barriers to Developing Physical Activity Programs in the Workplace, Physical Activity and Sedentary Occupations and Workplace Physical Activity Incentives. The analysis of these clusters confirmed that the implementation of physical activity programs in this context could represent beneficial effects for workers and the organizational system by contributing to a reduction in the rates of absenteeism and presenteeism. However, there are still many organizations that do not implement such programs.

Originality/value

The results of this study are essential for managers of organizations to be able to implement physical activity programs in a work context, similarly to the application of a strategy of corporate social responsibility in an intra-organizational environment. This research may also be useful for professionals in the areas of sports and physical exercise, who want to build their business around physical exercise programs applied to a work context.
Fuzzy synthetic evaluation of the factors affecting health and safety practices in Malaysia construction industry
Authors: Oni Olatoyese Zaccheus , Olanrewaju AbdulLateef , Khor Soo Cheen
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The construction industry has been recording a high number of accidents without any sign of abating, the majority of which have been linked to poor health and safety practices. To reduce this menace, this study aims to evaluate the factors affecting health and safety practices on construction sites to improve health and safety practices.

Design/methodology/approach

First, this study reviewed previous studies to derive the factors affecting health and safety practices on construction sites, and based on the literature review, the 50 factors identified were used in developing the questionnaire that was administered to construction professionals. The returned questionnaire was then analysed using fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE).

Findings

According to the FSE results, inadequate safety planning has the highest critical value, followed by management failure, inadequate safety promotion, safety ignorance, poor supervision and enforcement, a casual attitude towards safety and insufficient experience. The analysis showed that the overall criticality of the factors to the Malaysian construction industry is high, suggesting that if addressed, the health and safety practices of the industry will be improved.

Originality/value

The study provides a holistic approach to the factors affecting health and safety practices in the construction industry using a method that has not been used by previous researchers. The findings will furnish decision makers in the construction industry with practical approaches to adapt and reinforce in the industry to improve health and safety practices.
Analyzing the impact of Covid-19 on sustainable fashion consumption with a model based on consumer value perceptions
Authors: Okur Nazan , Saricam Canan , Iri Aleyna Rumeysa , Sari Irem
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of Covid-19 on sustainable fashion consumption behavior by proposing a conceptual framework combining consumer-specific factors and product-specific factors with a special emphasis on consumer value perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

Theory of consumption value was integrated into the knowledge, attitude behavior model in the conceptual framework having consumer-specific and product-specific aspects. Perceived value (PERVAL) scale was used to measure value perceptions. The model was verified by a survey conducted among a random sample of 520 participants. The factors were extracted by using exploratory factor analysis and then confirmed by using confirmatory factor analysis. The hypotheses in the conceptual model were tested for different consumer groups, and the strength of the relationships was calculated by using multigroup analysis in structural equation modeling.

Findings

It was observed the environmental concern raised the need for getting knowledge about the environment. The impact of environmental knowledge on the value perception of sustainable fashion products varied for the consumers affected by Covid-19 at different levels. Quality perception and price perception were influenced most by environmental knowledge in that order for the consumers with “high fear and uncertainty” and “low fear and uncertainty”. Similarly, the perceived emotional and social values were influential on purchase intention for consumers with high fear and uncertainty, whereas price and social value perceptions were influential for the consumers with low fear and uncertainty.

Originality/value

This study is the initial study that investigated the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the consumption of sustainable fashion products. The integration of theory of consumption value into the knowledge, attitude behavior model allowed identifying the relationship between environmental issues and sustainable fashion consumption. Using the PERVAL scale for measuring perceived value, the study provided valuable insights for understanding the most important value dimensions for sustainable fashion products for consumer groups affected by Covid-19 at different levels. The results regarding the changes in the rankings related to the impact of environmental knowledge on dimensions of perceived value and the impact of perceived values on purchase intention enabled the integrated model to explain the attitude–behavior gap.
Crisp and fuzzy appraisal of tenderer’s qualifications in public works procurement in Turkey
Authors: Özyürek İbrahim , Erdal Mürsel
Published: January 2023

Purpose

In Turkish public procurement practice of construction works, only bidders whose capabilities on each qualification criteria meet prescribed thresholds are taken into evaluation; however, final evaluation disregards contribution of contractor’s abilities to the delivery of project. The purpose of this study is to assign reasonable weights to qualification criteria stated in Public Procurement Law applicable for work contracts by the method of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) with crisp and fuzzy numbers and evaluate the results. Having optimum quality structures to obtain value for money and giving weight to environmental concern in tender evaluation stage can assist sustainable economy.

Design/methodology/approach

To introduce qualifications of tenderers to evaluation process, a survey was conducted among 20 public procurement specialists at Public Procurement Authority of Turkey. AHP and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) methods were used to obtain the weights for qualifications.

Findings

In any method used in the study, experience became the most important criterion after bid price. Facility, machine and equipment criterion became the second and annual turnover criterion became the third most important criterion.

Research limitations/implications

The set of qualification criteria used in this study is confined by Turkish Public Procurement Law and secondary regulations. However, as Public Procurement Law is in accordance with European Union directives, the conclusions of the study should not be considered to be geographically limited by the borders of Turkey. Also, professional to take part in the survey were randomly selected from the Public Procurement Specialist working at Public Procurement Authority.

Social implications

The outcomes of the study may improve sustainability through public procurement.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study offering weights for tenderer’s qualifications to be used in a multi-criteria decision-making process for contractor selection in public work procurement process in Turkey.
Imbalanced trade dependence and Chinese firms’ entry mode choices: the moderating effects of state ownership and marketization
Authors: Xie Qunyong
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Applying resource dependence theory (RDT), this research paper aims to examine the effect of imbalanced trade dependence (ITD) on entry mode choices and how state ownership and marketization each can moderate this effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data on 1,404 foreign projects made by 493 Chinese listed firms during the 2009–2015 period of time, this study applies logit regression to do the statistical analysis.

Findings

It finds that ITD positively affects the choice of wholly-owned subsidiaries. State ownership and marketization each can moderate this influence.

Originality/value

It develops the concept of ITD, applies it to examine entry mode choices and lets us better understand the substitutive or complementary relationship between governments and foreign firms as two sources of resources. It helps us better understand some competitive advantages of emerging market firms (EMFs) and the impacts of the state on EMFs’ outward FDI. It contributes to entry mode research by applying RDT to explain how ITD influences entry mode choices and how state ownership and marketization each can moderate this relationship.
Assessing the influence of effective leadership on job satisfaction and organisational citizenship behaviour
Authors: Dubey Pushkar , Pathak Abhishek Kumar , Sahu Kailash Kumar
Published: January 2023

Purpose

In the time of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, the effective leadership is what all the organisations are now requiring. Retaining and satisfying the employees in these tough times has become very difficult. In view of this, the present study attempts to investigate three objectives: first, to find out the direct effect of effective leadership on job satisfaction and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB); second, to examine the relationship between job satisfaction and OCB and, third, to investigate whether effective leadership positively moderate and mediate the link between job satisfaction and OCB among managerial employees of private manufacturing firms of Chhattisgarh state.

Design/methodology/approach

Correlational research design was applied in the present study. Cluster sampling was used to finalise sample region, and simple random technique was applied to collect primary responses. Employees working at the managerial positions were chosen as participants in the present study. About 530 questionnaires were sent to the participants in which 400 responses were found useable for analysis.

Findings

The results explained a significant relation of effective leadership with job satisfaction and OCB. In addition, job satisfaction also revealed a positive correlation with OCB. The moderating and mediating effect of effective leadership in the link between job satisfaction and OCB was also noted in significant association.

Originality/value

Private sector enterprises were economically harmed by COVID-19's sudden arrival. This forced corporations to minimise expenses by cutting staff, production and operations. Employees felt alone, needed assistance and guidance. This research demonstrates how effective leadership may reconnect workers and boost organisational performance.
Fabrication of fabric-like bacterial cellulose/activated carbon membrane for filtering layer applications of face masks by using textile padding method
Authors: Phan Hung Ngoc , Bui Huong Mai , Vu Nguyen Khanh
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an ideal alternative filtering material. However, current functionalization approaches for BC have not been fully discovered industrially as well as academically applying textile processing. This study aims to create a sustainable fabric-like membrane made of BC/activated carbon (AC) for applications in filtration using textile padding method, to protect people from respiratory pandemics.

Design/methodology/approach

Fabric-like BC is first mechanically dehydrated then AC is loaded via a textile padding step. The finishing efficacy, properties of fabric-like BC/AC and NaOH pretreatment are analyzed and characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), CIELab color space, color strength (K/S), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm including Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) pore size and volume.

Findings

This research results in a fabric-like BC/AC with pore diameters of 3.407 ± 0.310 nm, specific surface area of 115.28 m2/g and an efficient scalable padding process, which uses 8 times less amount of chemical and nearly 30 times shorter treating duration than conventional methods.

Practical implications

Our globe is now consuming an alarming amount of non-degradable disposable masks resulting in massive trash buildup as a future environmental problem. Besides, current disposable masks requiring a significant upfront technological investment have posed challenges in human protection from respiratory diseases, especially for countries with limited conditions. By combining a sustainable material (BC) with popular padding method of textile industry, the fabric-like BC/AC will offer sustainable and practical values for both humankind and nature.

Originality/value

This research has offered an effective padding process to functionalize BC, and a unique fabric-like BC/AC membrane for filtration applications.
A case of Cockayne syndrome with unusually mild clinical manifestations
Authors: Tsujimoto Mariko , Nakano Eiji , Nakazawa Yuka , Kanda Fumio , Ueda Takehiro , Ogi Tomoo , Nishigori Chikako
Published: January 2023

We present a mild case of Cockayne syndrome that was referred to us with an extreme sunburn at the age of 3. In early teens, although her cutaneous symptoms alleviated without any medications, she developed tremor and dysarthria. Neurological examination and brain imaging suggested demyelination disorders. The patient's cells indicated a reduced recovery of RNA synthesis, which was partially restored by the introduction of CSB (Cockayne Syndrome B)‐cDNA. In addition, her cells indicated a substantially reduced level of CSB protein. Despite the insidious progression of neurological symptoms, she gave birth to a child. Such mild cases of Cockayne syndrome may be misdiagnosed.
Geochemical Characteristics of the Upper Permian Longtan Formation from Northeastern Sichuan Basin: Implications for the Depositional Environment and Organic Matter Enrichment
Authors: XIAO Wei , ZHANG Bing , YANG Kai , WANG Yan , WEN Siyu , MA Kai , CAO Gaoquan
Published: January 2023

A set of organic‐rich shales of the upper Permian Longtan Formation, which is widely developed in the northeastern part of the Sichuan Basin, is a key formation for the next step of exploration and development. At present, most studies on this set of formations have focused on the reservoir characteristics and reservoir formation mechanism of the shales, and basic studies on the palaeoenvironment and organic matter (OM) enrichment mechanism have not been fully carried out. In this paper, we recovered the sedimentary palaeoenvironment by mineralogical, elemental geochemical and organic geochemical analyses, and explored the enrichment mechanism of OM under the constraints of palaeoenvironmental evolution. The shales can be divided into two stages of sedimentary evolution: compared with the shales of the Lower Longtan Formation, the shales of the Upper Longtan Formation are relatively rich in quartz, poor in clay and carbonate minerals, and the OM type changes from type III to type II2. The depositional environment has undergone a change from sea level rise, from warm and wet climate to dry and cold climate, and from oxygen‐poor condition restricted to open reduction environment; the land source input has decreased, the siliceous mineral content has increased, the biological productivity has improved, and the deposition rate has changed from high to low. A depositional model was established for the shales of the Longtan Formation, reflecting the differential reservoir formation pattern of organic matter. For the Lower Longtan Formation shales, the most important factors controlling OM content are terrestrial source input and deposition rate, followed by paleoclimate and paleo‐oxygen conditions. For the Upper Longtan Formation shales, the most important controlling factor is paleoproductivity, followed by sedimentation rate. The depositional model constructed for the Upper and Lower Longtan Formation shales can reproduce the enrichment of organic matter and provide a basis for later exploration and development.
Diagenesis of the Paleogene Sandstones in the DN2 Gas Field, Kuqa Foreland Basin and its Link to Tectonics
Authors: YU Guoding , YUAN Jing , LIU Keyu , YANG Xianzhang , DONG Daotao , MA Pengjie , HUANG Chiqiang
Published: January 2023

We investigated diagenesis of the sandstones from the DN2 Gas Field of the Kuqa Foreland Basin (KFB), in order to infer the timing of fluid migration and discuss the linkage between fluids and tectonics. The textures and chemical composition of authigenic minerals, fluid evidence from fluid inclusions and formation water measurements were all used to fulfill this aim. Eodiagenesis occurred with the participation of meteoric water and connate water. Mesodiagenesis is related to high salinity fluids, which were attributed as originating from the overlying Neogene Jidike Formation evaporite (principal minerals including halite, anhydrite, glauberite, carnallite and thenardite). The onset of high salinity fluid migration is inferred to occur during the late Miocene (12.4–9.2 Ma) through the use of homogenization temperatures measured in the present study and K‐Ar dating of authigenetic illites from previous work. This period is consistent with the crucial phase (13–10 Ma) that witnessed the rapid uplift of the southern Tianshan Mts and the stage when calcite and anhydrite veins formed in the studied strata. We thus argue that diagenesis related to high salinity fluids occurred as a response to the Tianshan Mts' rapid uplift and related tectonic processes. The flow of high salinity fluids was probably driven by a density gradient and channeled and focused by fractures formed contemporaneously.
MiR‐138‐5p suppresses the progression of lung cancer by targeting SNIP1
Authors: Wu Jiaen , Han Xuejia , Yang Xiancong , Li Youjie , Liang Yan , Sun Guangbin , Wang Ranran , Wang Pingyu , Xie Shuyang , Feng Jiankai , Sun Hongfang
Published: January 2023

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in the development of various cancers. Here, we aimed to evaluate the roles of miR‐138‐5p in lung cancer progression and the value of miR‐138‐5p in lung cancer diagnosis.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time PCR was performed to examine the expressions of miR‐138‐5p and smad nuclear interacting protein 1 (SNIP1) mRNA. The diagnostic value of miR‐138‐5p was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, sensitivity, and specificity. We explored the effect of miR‐138‐5p on cell proliferation and metastasis by CCK‐8, colony formation, wound healing and transwell assays. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression of SNIP1 and related genes. Lung cancer cell growth was evaluated in vivo using xenograft tumor assay.

Results

MiR‐138‐5p was decreased in the serum of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and in NSCLC cells and tissues. The area under the ROC curve of serum miR‐138‐5p in the diagnosis of NSCLC was 0.922. This finding indicates the high diagnostic efficiency for lung cancer. MiR‐138‐5p suppressed but its inhibitor promoted cell proliferation and migration compared with control treatment in vitro and in vivo. MiR‐138‐5p directly binds to the 3′‐untranslated region of SNIP1 and negatively regulated the expression of SNIP1, thereby inhibiting the expression of cyclin D1 and c‐Myc. Moreover, overexpression of SNIP1 rescues the miR‐138‐5p‐mediated inhibition in NSCLC cells.

Conclusions

The results suggested that miR‐138‐5p suppressed lung cancer cell proliferation and migration by targeting SNIP1. Serum miR‐138‐5p is a novel and valuable biomarker for NSCLC diagnosis.
Seasonal variation in prey preference, diet partitioning and niche breadth in a rich large carnivore guild
Authors: Vissia Sander , Virtuoso Francisca A. S. , Bouman Ariet , van Langevelde Frank
Published: January 2023

Large carnivore community structure is affected by direct and indirect interactions between intra‐guild members. Co‐existence between different species within a carnivore guild may occur through diet, habitat or temporal partitioning. Since carnivore species are highly dependent on availability and accessibility of prey, diet partitioning is potentially one of the most important mechanisms in allowing carnivores to co‐exist. Intra‐guild interactions may vary over time as carnivore prey preference and diet overlap can change due to seasonal changes in resource availability. We conducted scat analysis to compare the seasonal changes in prey preference, diet partitioning and niche breadth of four large carnivore species, namely leopard Panthera pardus, spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta, brown hyena Parahyaena brunnea and wild dog Lycaon pictus in central Tuli, Botswana. Large carnivores in central Tuli display a high dietary overlap, with spotted hyena and brown hyena displaying almost complete dietary overlap and the other carnivore species displaying slightly lower but still significant dietary overlap. Dietary niche breadth for both hyena species was high possibly due to their flexible foraging strategies, including scavenging, while leopard and wild dog showed a relatively low niche breadth, suggesting a more specialised diet. High dietary overlap in central Tuli is possibly explained by the high abundance of prey species in the area thereby reducing competition pressure between carnivore species. Our research highlights the need to assess the influence of diet partitioning in structuring large carnivore communities across multiple study sites, by demonstrating that in prey rich environments, the need for diet partitioning by carnivores to avoid competition may be limited.
Identification of active spermatogenesis using a multiphoton microscope
Authors: Takeda Tomoki , Iwatsuki Shoichiro , Nozaki Satoshi , Okada Atsushi , Mizuno Kentaro , Umemoto Yukihiro , Yasui Takahiro
Published: January 2023

Background

The sperm retrieval rate of microdissection testicular sperm extraction varies from 25% to 60%. Therefore, it is necessary to establish objective selection criteria for identifying seminiferous tubules with spermatozoa.

Objectives

Our aim was to develop a method for identifying spermatogenesis without sectioning testicular tissues.

Materials and methods

Testicular tissues of 10‐week‐old normal rats were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde. Fluorescent labeling of seminiferous tubule nuclei and F‐actin was performed, and the specimens were observed without sectioning using a multiphoton microscope. Cryptorchid rats were used as a model lacking elongated spermatids. Multiphoton images were compared with images of normal seminiferous tubules. In addition, seminiferous tubules of 10‐week‐old normal rats were labeled by testicular interstitial injection of fluorescent probes and observed by a multiphoton microscope without fixation. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling‐stained images of normal and probe‐injected testes were compared.

Results

In fixed seminiferous tubules, elongated spermatids were identified. In addition, F‐actin of apical ectoplasmic specialization was observed around elongated spermatids. Furthermore, spermatogenic stages were identified by an array of nuclei or F‐actin. In cryptorchid testes, elongated spermatids and F‐actin of the apical ectoplasmic specialization were not observed. In testes injected with fluorescent probes, F‐actin of the apical ectoplasmic specialization was observed, and spermatogenic stages were identified without fixation. There was no significant difference in the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling‐positive cells per seminiferous tubule between normal and probe‐injected testes.

Conclusions

Seminiferous epithelium could be observed without sectioning of tissues by fluorescent probes and a multiphoton microscope. Active spermatogenesis was observed by labeling F‐actin with and without fixation. Moreover, the toxicity of fluorescent probes was limited. Our method has a potential for live imaging of testicular tissue.
WNT/β‐catenin pathway is a key regulator of cardiac function and energetic metabolism
Authors: Balatskyi Volodymyr V. , Sowka Adrian , Dobrzyn Pawel , Piven Oksana O.
Published: January 2023

The WNT/β‐catenin pathway is a master regulator of cardiac development and growth, and its activity is low in healthy adult hearts. However, even this low activity is essential for maintaining normal heart function. Acute activation of the WNT/β‐catenin signaling cascade is considered to be cardioprotective after infarction through the upregulation of prosurvival genes and reprogramming of metabolism. Chronically high WNT/β‐catenin pathway activity causes profibrotic and hypertrophic effects in the adult heart. New data suggest more complex functions of β‐catenin in metabolic maturation of the perinatal heart, establishing an adult pattern of glucose and fatty acid utilization. Additionally, low basal activity of the WNT/β‐catenin cascade maintains oxidative metabolism in the adult heart, and this pathway is reactivated by physiological or pathological stimuli to meet the higher energy needs of the heart. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the organization of canonical WNT signaling and its function in cardiogenesis, heart maturation, adult heart function, and remodeling. We also discuss the role of the WNT/β‐catenin pathway in cardiac glucose, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial physiology.
Tolerability safety and effectiveness of enhanced external counterpulsation versus individual shear rate therapy in patients with lower extremity atherosclerotic disease: A prospective pilot clinical trial
Authors: Soubh Nibras , Hillmeister Philipp , Buschmann Eva , Klaproth Christian , Buschmann Ivo
Published: January 2023

Aims

We aimed to investigate the tolerability, safety, and effectiveness of enhanced external counterpulsation therapy (EECP) versus individual shear rate therapy (ISRT) in patients with lower extremity atherosclerotic disease (LEAD).

Methods

Eighteen patients (age: 73.1 ± 6 years) underwent EECP and ISRT, each daily over five consecutive days in a cross‐over design with a 1 week resting period in between the two regimens. A quality‐of‐life questionnaire was used to assess the therapy experience. Oxygen saturation (SO2), relative hemoglobin amount (rHb) and blood flow (Flow) in the capillary‐venous‐system (microcirculation) of the skin were monitored continuously during all therapy sessions using the micro‐lightguide spectrophotometer, also known as oxygen to see (O2C). The effects of EECP and ISRT on the renal function and skeletal muscles were evaluated using serial blood and urine tests.

Results

EECP therapy had to be terminated early before the end of the 5th session in 10 patients (55.6%) because of discomfort. Four patients (22.2%) experienced signs of critical limb ischaemia under EECP. The total score of the quality‐of‐life questionnaire was significantly higher (= better tolerated) post‐ISRT compared with EECP. Microcirculation monitoring revealed that ISRT significantly increased the SO2, blood flow and rHb during the therapy. All three parameters remained significantly increased in the observation period after ISRT. The serum levels of creatin kinase and myoglobin increased significantly under EECP.

Conclusions

ISRT significantly improves tolerability, safety, and effectiveness over EECP in patients with LEAD.
Subthalamic neurons interact with nigral dopaminergic neurons to regulate movement in mice
Authors: Fan Jiang‐Peng , Zhang Xue , Han Yu , Ji Ying , Gu Wei‐Xin , Wu Hai‐Chuan , Zhou Chunyi , Xiao Cheng
Published: January 2023

Aim

This study aims to address the role of the interaction between subthalamic (STN) neurons and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopaminergic (DA) neurons in movement control.

Methods

Fiber photometry and optogenetic/chemogenetic techniques were utilized to monitor and manipulate neuronal activity, respectively. Locomotion in mice was recorded in an open field arena and on a head‐fixed apparatus. A hemiparkinsonian mouse model was established by unilateral injection of 6‐OHDA in the medial forebrain bundle. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp techniques were applied to record electrophysiological signals in STN neurons and SNc DA neurons. c‐Fos‐immunostaining was used to label activated neurons. A rabies virus‐based retrograde tracing system was used to visualize STN neurons projecting to SNc DA neurons.

Results

The activity of STN neurons was enhanced upon locomotion in an open field arena and on a head‐fixed apparatus, and the enhancement was significantly attenuated in parkinsonian mice. Optogenetic stimulation of STN neurons enhanced locomotion, increased activity of SNc DA neurons, meanwhile, reduced latency to movement initiation. Combining optogenetics with patch‐clamp recordings, we confirmed that STN neurons innervated SNc DA neurons through glutamatergic monosynaptic connections. Moreover, STN neurons projecting to SNc DA neurons were evenly distributed in the STN. Either 6‐OHDA‐lesion or chemogenetic inhibition of SNc DA neurons attenuated the enhancement of locomotion by STN stimulation.

Conclusion

SNc DA neurons not only affect the response of STN neurons to movement, but also contribute to the enhancement of movement by STN stimulation. This study demonstrates the role of STN‐SNc interaction in movement control.
Study of the mechanism underlying the role of PINK1/Parkin in the formic acid‐induced autophagy of PC12 cells
Authors: Chen Nan , Yan Jiao , Hu Yundi , Hao Lele , Liu Herong , Yang Huifang
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to explore PINK1/Parkin's role in methanol metabolite formic acid‐induced autophagy in PC12 cells and provide a theoretical basis for elucidating methanol‐induced neurotoxicity. After treatment with different formic acid concentrations, we observed the morphology and mitochondria of PC12 cells. We used an ultra‐micro enzyme kit to detect the mitochondrial Na+‐K+‐ATPase and Ca2+‐Mg2+‐ATPase activities; a JC‐1 kit to detect changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP); MDC staining to detect the autophagy levels; and western blotting to measure the expression levels of the mitochondrial marker protein COX IV and the autophagy‐related proteins Beclin1, P62 and LC3II/LC3I, and the mitochondrial and cytoplasmic levels of PINK1, Parkin and P‐Parkin. Compared with the control group, the mitochondrial diameters, the mitochondrial Na+‐K+‐ATP and Ca2+‐Mg2+‐ATPase activities, the MMP, and the COX IV expression levels decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The fluorescence signal intensity (indicating autophagy); relative Beclin1 and LC3II/LC3I protein expression levels; and relative mitochondrial PINK1, Parkin and P‐Parkin levels increased significantly, and the relative P62 protein expression levels and relative cytoplasmic PINK1, Parkin and P‐Parkin levels decreased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. Thus, formic acid alters mitochondrial morphology, causes mitochondrial dysfunction, affects the PINK/Parkin pathway and, thus, activates the process of mitochondrial autophagy.
Trends and motivations for freebirth: A scoping review
Authors: Shorey Shefaly , Jarašiūnaitė‐Fedosejeva Gabija , Akik Burcu Kömürcü , Holopainen Annaleena , Isbir Gozde Gokce , Chua Jing Shi , Wayt Carly , Downe Soo , Lalor Joan
Published: January 2023

Background

Even when maternity care facilities are available, some women will choose to give birth unassisted by a professional (freebirth). This became more apparent during the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), as women were increasingly concerned they would contract the virus in health care facilities. Several studies have identified the factors that influence women to seek alternative places of birth to hospitals, but research focusing specifically on freebirth is limited.

Methods

Eight databases were searched from their respective inception dates to April 2022 for studies related to freebirth. Data from the studies were charted and a thematic analysis was subsequently conducted.

Results

Four themes were identified based on findings from the 25 included studies: (1) Geographical and socio‐demographic determinants influencing freebirth, (2) Reasons for choosing freebirth, (3) Factors hindering freebirth, and (4) Preparation for and varied experiences of freebirth.

Discussion

More women chose to give birth unassisted in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) compared with high‐income countries (HICs). Overall, motivation for freebirth included previous negative birth experiences with health care professionals, a desire to adhere to their birth‐related beliefs, and fear of contracting the COVID‐19 virus. Included studies reported that study participants were often met with negative responses when they revealed that they were planning to freebirth. Most women in the included studies had positive freebirth experiences. Future research should explore the different motivators of freebirth present in LMICs or HICs to help inform effective policies that may improve birth experiences while maintaining safety.
Habitat split as a driver of disease in amphibians
Authors: Becker C. Guilherme , Greenspan Sasha E. , Martins Renato A. , Lyra Mariana L. , Prist Paula , Metzger Jean Paul , São Pedro Vinicius , Haddad Célio F. B. , Le Sage Emily H. , Woodhams Douglas C. , Savage Anna E.
Published: January 2023

Anthropogenic habitat disturbance is fundamentally altering patterns of disease transmission and immunity across the vertebrate tree of life. Most studies linking anthropogenic habitat change and disease focus on habitat loss and fragmentation, but these processes often lead to a third process that is equally important: habitat split. Defined as spatial separation between the multiple classes of natural habitat that many vertebrate species require to complete their life cycles, habitat split has been linked to population declines in vertebrates, e.g. amphibians breeding in lowland aquatic habitats and overwintering in fragments of upland terrestrial vegetation. Here, we link habitat split to enhanced disease risk in amphibians (i) by reviewing the biotic and abiotic forces shaping elements of immunity and (ii) through a spatially oriented field study focused on tropical frogs. We propose a framework to investigate mechanisms by which habitat split influences disease risk in amphibians, focusing on three broad host factors linked to immunity: (i) composition of symbiotic microbial communities, (ii) immunogenetic variation, and (iii) stress hormone levels. Our review highlights the potential for habitat split to contribute to host‐associated microbiome dysbiosis, reductions in immunogenetic repertoire, and chronic stress, that often facilitate pathogenic infections and disease in amphibians and other classes of vertebrates. We highlight that targeted habitat‐restoration strategies aiming to connect multiple classes of natural habitats (e.g. terrestrial–freshwater, terrestrial–marine, marine–freshwater) could enhance priming of the vertebrate immune system through repeated low‐load exposure to enzootic pathogens and reduced stress‐induced immunosuppression.
Commentary/Response: Economic evidence should be routinely collected and reported for studies of intervention effectiveness in mental health. A commentary on Vartiainen et al. (2022)
Authors: Caldwell Deborah M. , Thorn Joanna C.
Published: January 2023

Anxiety and related disorders are increasingly widespread amongst children and adolescents. Preventing mental health disorders from developing has the potential to realise long‐term benefits for children and adolescents. In their paper, ‘Economic evidence of preventive interventions for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents—a systematic review’, Vartiainen et al. conducted a systematic review to examine economic evidence of interventions for the primary prevention of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents, under 18 years of age. Five articles were eligible for inclusion in the review, of which two were model‐based economic evaluations and three conducted alongside randomised controlled trials (RCTs). All five papers used either a cost‐effectiveness analysis (CEA) or cost‐utility analysis (CUA) as their main analysis. Vartiainen et al. concluded that, due to the small number of studies and relatively small sample sizes, the evidence for the cost‐effectiveness of anxiety prevention interventions is weak. In this commentary, the challenges of conducting economic evaluations for prevention interventions are briefly outlined and Vartiainen et al.'s findings are discussed in the context of two further reviews of economic studies, published in 2021. The first focuses on the prevention of anxiety and depression in children and young people and the second takes a broader perspective and also includes interventions for mental health promotion. Both additional reviews note the small number of published economic evaluations, and all three reviews are united in their call for economic evaluations to be conducted alongside all future mental health prevention intervention trials.