bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S100A1’s single cysteine is an indispensable redox-switch for the protection against diastolic calcium leakage in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Seitz Andreas , Busch Martin , Kroemer Jasmin , Schneider Andrea , Simon Stephanie , Jungmann Andreas , Katus Hugo A. , Ritterhoff Julia , Most Patrick
Published: September 2023

The EF-hand calcium (Ca2+) sensor protein S100A1 combines inotropic with antiarrhythmic potency in cardiomyocytes (CM). Oxidative posttranslational modification (ox-PTM) of S100A1’s conserved, single cysteine residue (C85) via reactive nitrogen species (i.e. S-nitrosylation or glutathionylation) was proposed to modulate conformational flexibility of intrinsically disordered sequence fragments and to increase the molecule’s affinity towards Ca2+. In light of the unknown biological functional consequence, we aimed to determine the impact of the C85 moiety of S100A1 as a potential redox-switch.

We first uncovered that S100A1 is endogenously glutathionylated in the adult heart in vivo. To prevent glutathionylation of S100A1, we generated S100A1 variants that were unresponsive to ox-PTMs. Overexpression of wildtype (WT) and C85-deficient S100A1 protein variants in isolated CM demonstrated equal inotropic potency, as shown by equally augmented Ca2+transient amplitudes under basal conditions and β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) stimulation. However, in contrast ox-PTM defective S100A1 variants failed to protect against arrhythmogenic diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+leak and ryanodine receptor (RyR2) hypernitrosylation during β-AR stimulation. Despite diastolic performance failure, C85-deficient S100A1 protein variants exerted similar Ca2+-dependent interaction with the RyR2 than WT-S100A1.

Dissecting S100A1’s molecular structure-function relationship, our data indicate for the first time that the conserved C85 residue potentially acts as a redox-switch that is indispensable for S100A1’s antiarrhythmic but not its inotropic potency in CM. We therefore propose a model where C85’s ox-PTM determines S100A1’s ability to beneficially control diastolic but not systolic RyR2 activity.
Targeting and Imaging Mitochondria with a Novel Cyanine-based Fluorescent Dye and Its Application to Whole Brain Imaging
Authors: Yan Xin , Chen Xinqian , Shan Zhiying , Bi Lanrong
Published: September 2023

In vivo, brain imaging poses several challenges due to the complexity of brain tissue and the requirements for effective and safe imaging. In this manuscript, we reported on developing a new fluorescent dye, Cy5-PEG2, that can selectively accumulate in mitochondria, allowing us to visualize these organelles in different cell lines. Its versatility makes it broadly applicable in various experimental conditions, including monitoring mitochondrial dynamics in living cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that the Cy5-PEG2 dye could penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB), making it a promising tool for in vivo brain imaging. We further examined the response of glial cells in the hippocampus and neocortex regions of the brain through biomarkers GFAP and Iba1 but found no significant increase in their expression levels. This indicates that Cy5-PEG2 dye had no noticeable adverse effects on the brain’s immune response or neuronal health. We anticipate such a mitochondria-targeting fluorescent dye can be used to facilitate the study of mitochondrial dynamics and function in the context of whole-brain physiology and disease progression. Further research into the safety and efficacy of this dye may be necessary.
STASCAN deciphers fine-resolution cell-distribution maps in spatial transcriptomics by deep learning
Authors: Wu Ying , Zhou Jia-Yi , Yao Bofei , Cui Guanshen , Zhao Yong-Liang , Gao Chun-Chun , Yang Ying , Zhang Shihua , Yang Yun-Gui
Published: September 2023

Background

The spatial transcriptomics (ST) technologies have been widely applied to decode the spatial distribution of cells by resolving gene expression profiles in tissues. However, a fine-resolved spatial cell map is still limited by algorithmic tools and sequencing techniques.

Results

Here we develop a novel deep learning approach, STASCAN, which could define the spatial cellular distribution of both captured and uncharted areas by cell feature learning that combines gene expression profiles and histology images. STASCAN additionally adopts optional transfer learning and pseudo-labeling methods to improve the accuracy of the cell-type prediction from images. We have successfully applied STASCAN to enhance cell resolution, and revealed finer organizational structures across diverse datasets from various species and tissues generated from 10× Visium technology. STASCAN improves cell resolution ofSchmidtea mediterraneadatasets by six times and reconstructs more detailed 3D cell-type models. Furthermore, STASCAN could accurately pinpoint the boundaries of distinct cell layers in human intestinal tissue, specifically identify a micrometer-scale smooth muscle bundle structure in consistent with anatomic insights in human lung tissue, and redraw the spatial structural variation with enhanced cell patterns in human myocardial infarction tissue. Additionally, through STASCAN on embryonic mouse brain datasets generated by DBiT-derived MISAR-seq technology, the increased cellular resolution and distinct anatomical tissue domains with cell-type niches are revealed. Collectively, STASCAN is compatible with different ST technologies and has notable advantages in generating cell maps solely from histology images, thereby enhancing the spatial cellular resolution.

Conclusions

In short, STASCAN displays significant advantages in deciphering higher-resolution cellular distribution, resolving enhanced organizational structures and demonstrating its potential applications in exploring cell-cell interactions within the tissue microenvironment.
Digital spatial profiling of RNA in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors highlights the distinct profile of α-SMA positive stroma and its impact on surrounding tumor cells
Authors: Niedra Helvijs , Peculis Raitis , Saksis Rihards , Vilisova Sofija , Breiksa Austra , Gerina-Berzina Aija , Earl Julie , Ruz-Caracuel Ignacio , Rosas Marta G. , Rovite Vita
Published: September 2023

Objective

Alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in stroma is linked to the presence of cancer-associated fibroblasts and is known to correlate with worse outcomes in various tumors. In this study, using a digital spatial profiling approach, we characterized the gene expression profiles of the tumor and α-SMA positive stromal cell compartments in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PanNET) tissues.

Methods

The profiling was performed in tissues from eight retrospective cases (Three Grade 1, four Grade 2, and one Grade 3) where the segmentation was done based on tissue morphology and synaptophysin (tumor), α-SMA (stroma) marker expression.

Results

The stromal cell-associated genes were mainly involved in pathways of extracellular matrix modification, while in tumor cells, the gene expression profiles were primarily associated with the pathways involved in cell proliferation. The comparison of gene expression profiles across all three PanNET grades revealed that heterogeneity is not only present within the tumor but also in the α-SMA positive stromal cells. Furthermore, the comparison of tumor cells adjacent versus non-adjacent to α-SMA positive stromal cells revealed an upregulation ofMMP9in G3 tumor analysis.

Conclusions

Overall, this study provides an in-depth characterization of gene expression profiles in both stroma and tumor cells of PanNETs and outlies potential crosstalk mechanisms.
Roads to recovery in remote working. Exploration of the perceptions of energy-consuming elements of remote work and self-promoted strategies toward psychological detachment
Authors: Pensar Heini , Mäkelä Liisa
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper examines an employee's recovery process in the remote-working context. It explores which elements of remote work are energy-consuming for employees and what action they can take to instigate the essential recovery strategy of psychological detachment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a qualitative research approach based on 89 semi-structured interviews with employees working from home with six large corporations from multiple industries. The data were interpreted using thematic analysis.

Findings

The study identifies a main theme – the energy-consuming elements of remote work – and three sub-themes: extended working hours, intensive working and reduced social support. Each theme incorporates elements controlled by individuals (internal) and those beyond their control (external). Second, the authors identified strategies that helped individuals to detach from work, and devised four sub-themes, the authors labeled cognitive controlling, physical disconnection from work, time-bound routines and non-work activities.

Originality/value

This is the first study to focus on recovery as a process in the context of remote working, and it contributes to the knowledge of psychological detachment and strategies for recovery and to the literature on contemporary remote working.
The impact of climate risk on accounting conservatism: evidence from developing countries
Authors: Khalifa Maha , Zouaoui Haykel , Ben Othman Hakim , Hussainey Khaled
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The authors examine the effect of climate risk on accounting conservatism for a sample of listed companies operating in 26 developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ the Climate Risk Index (CRI) developed by Germanwatch to capture the severity of losses due to extreme weather events at the country level. The authors use different approaches to measure firm-level accounting conservatism.

Findings

The authors find that greater climate risk leads to a lower level of accounting conservatism. The results hold even after using different estimation methods.

Research limitations/implications

Although the authors' analysis is limited to the period 2007–2016, it could be helpful for standard setters such as International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and International Sustainable Standards Board (ISSB) as they may consider the potential effect of climate risk in their international standards.

Practical implications

The negative impacts of climate risk on the quality of financial reporting as proxied by accounting conservatism could trigger regulators and standard setters to require disclosure of information relating to climate risks and to incorporate climate-related risks in their risk management systems. In addition, for policymakers, incorporating accounting conservatism as a financial quality reporting standard could help promote greater transparency, accuracy and reliability in financial reporting in the context of climate risk.

Originality/value

The authors add to the literature on international differences in accounting conservatism by showing that climate risk significantly affects unconditional and conditional conservatism. The authors' results provide fresh evidence of the dark side of climate change. That is, climate risk is shown to decrease financial reporting quality.
How to discover consumer attention to design topics of fast fashion: a topic modeling approach
Authors: Pan Xuwei , Li Jihu , Luo Jianhong , Zhan Wenbang
Published: September 2023

Purpose

It is widely known that fast-fashion retailers are struggling to keep up with consumer attention for quick responses within the fashion industry. With the advance of Internet and e-commerce, consumers prefer to purchase online. Online platform information has become an essential source for exploring consumer attention. However, there is often a mismatch between the information provided by retailers and the feedback received from consumers, leading to an imbalance between the supply side and demand side of online information. The purpose of this study is therefore to provide a unified approach to discover consumer attention from the design topic aspect by revealing the information imbalance between supply side and demand side.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the issue of online information imbalance and discover consumer attention, this study proposed an approach that focuses on the design topic perspective. The design topic is a collection of design elements that represent a clothing-design feature more comprehensively and accurately compared to a single design element. The proposed approach begins with generating design topics through topic modeling based on online information provided by retailers on e-commerce platforms. Two indicators, influence degree and attention degree, are then used to quantify the intensity of supply information and consumer attention related to design topics. Finally, design topic strategy diagrams are constructed to reveal information imbalance and discover consumer attention.

Findings

The experimental case demonstrates the existence of information imbalance, indicating that the intensity of supply information and consumer attention from the perspective of design topics is not uniform, although both follow the Pareto principle. The results of consumer attention distribution with heavy power-law tails are consistent with current research findings. This further demonstrates that the proposed approach is capable of discovering consumer attention in the design topic strategy diagrams.

Practical implications

The issue of information imbalance between retailers and consumers poses a challenge in keeping up with customer attention. The proposed approach offers a practical solution by visually identifying the symptoms of information imbalance and discovering consumer attention through design topic strategy diagrams. This approach provides fast-fashion retailers with a valuable reference to seize market opportunities, improve product design and adjust marketing or management strategies.

Originality/value

This study proposes a novel approach to disclose the issue of information imbalance between supply side and demand side and therefore to discover consumer attention from the perspective of design topics. In addition, guidelines for applying the proposed approach for fast-fashion marketing and management are presented.
Extension of the zone method for the design of circular and tubular concrete columns subjected to a standard fire
Authors: Krybus David , Achenbach Marcus , Prifti Livia
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to deal with the enhancement of a simplified method for the design of concrete columns subject to fire toward applications on circular and tubular cross-sections. The original zone method, developed by Hertz as a plastic design method, has been extended by Achenbach for the use as a nonlinear method. This proposed extended zone method (EZM) is verified by checking the theoretical background and is successfully validated by the recalculation of laboratory tests.

Design/methodology/approach

The zone method assumes a reduction of a cross-section by a “damaged” zone. The remaining area is modeled with the constant, temperature-dependent material properties. The equations for the calculation of the damaged zone to model the loss of cross-section resistance or stiffness are derived. The proposed equations are validated by the recalculation of laboratory test and compared to the results of the advanced method (AM).

Findings

It can be shown that the EZM is suitable for the check of the fire resistance of circular concrete columns and leads to a safe and economic design. The method provides a suitable alternative to more sophisticated AM. The further extension toward tubular spun columns is discussed und is the object of the ongoing research.

Originality/value

Presented enhancement extends the range of applications of the EZMs toward circular and tubular cross sections, which has previously not been examined.
Forecasting the impact of financial stress on hedging between the oil market and GCC financial markets
Authors: Mezghani Taicir , Boujelbène Mouna , Boutouria Souha
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper investigates the predictive impact of Financial Stress on hedging between the oil market and the GCC stock and bond markets from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2020. The authors also compare the hedging performance of in-sample and out-of-sample analyses.

Design/methodology/approach

For the modeling purpose, the authors combine the GARCH-BEKK model with the machine learning approach to predict the transmission of shocks between the financial markets and the oil market. The authors also examine the hedging performance in order to obtain well-diversified portfolios under both Financial Stress cases, using a One-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Network (1D-CNN) model.

Findings

According to the results, the in-sample analysis shows that investors can use oil to hedge stock markets under positive Financial Stress. In addition, the authors prove that oil hedging is ineffective in reducing market risks for bond markets. The out-of-sample results demonstrate the ability of hedging effectiveness to minimize portfolio risk during the recent pandemic in both Financial Stress cases. Interestingly, hedgers will have a more efficient hedging performance in the stock and oil market in the case of positive (negative) Financial Stress. The findings seem to be confirmed by the Diebold-Mariano test, suggesting that including the negative (positive) Financial Stress in the hedging strategy displays better out-of-sample performance than the in-sample model.

Originality/value

This study improves the understanding of the whole sample and positive (negative) Financial Stress estimates and forecasts of hedge effectiveness for both the out-of-sample and in-sample estimates. A portfolio strategy based on transmission shock prediction provides diversification benefits.
Natural dyeing of khadi cotton using rare earth salts as mordant with annatto extract
Authors: Vankar Padma S. , Begum Afreen
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Replacing conventional mordants by benign mordants, rare earth (RE) salts have been used in the process of natural dyeing with annatto seed extract. The purpose was threefold – first, to increase the dye uptake through these new mordants; second, to have better fastness properties of dyed swatches and third, to have lesser effluent pollution, as the new RE mordants are used in one-tenth quantities only.

Design/methodology/approach

Sustainable natural dyeing was attained by using RE salts as mordant in one-tenth quantity, for natural dyeing, replacing the conventional mordants such as alum and ferrous sulphate. Annatto extract has been used as natural dye.

Findings

Through the study, it was inferred that the natural dyeing using annatto seed extract gives very good colour depth on the dyed swatches and also shows marked improvement in fastness properties.

Research limitations/implications

Research implication is that often it is expected that any new chemical used in the textile processing adds on to the effluent load; however, contrary to that, this study found that the use of RE salt is very beneficial as it is used in smaller quantities, but gives far better dyeing results.

Practical implications

RE salts can be used in natural dyeing without causing any harm to the environment and dyers.

Social implications

Use of RE salts in natural dyeing is a new concept. It is a very safe technology and can be used without causing any harm to the environment and the dyers.

Originality/value

This study is unique as it focuses on the use of RE salts in natural dyeing replacing the conventional mordants, which are used ten times more in quantity.
Electrical, morphological, optical and mathematical simulations equations studies in CAZO, CZO, AZO and ZNO films
Authors: Dalouji Vali , Rahimi Nasim
Published: September 2023

Purpose

In this paper, it can be seen from AFM images of the as-deposited ZnO and CZO films, and the particle size and shape are not clear, while by increasing annealing temperature, they become distinguishable. By increasing temperature to 600°C, ZnO and CZO, CAZO and aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) films particles became almost spherical. Due to high content of Cu in CZO target, and of Al in AZO target which was 5% weight ratio, doping plays a great role in the subject. Therefore, the annealing processing strongly affect the size and the shape of nanoparticles.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors tried to study, in detail, nobel optical characterizations of ZnO films doped by transition metals in different annealing temperature. The authors found that the values of skin depth, optical density, electron–phonon interaction, steepness parameter, band tail width, direct and indirect carriers transitions and the dissipation factor, free carriers density and roughness of films affect the optical properties, especially the optical absorptions of ZnO films doped by transition metals. Also these properties were affected by annealing temperatures. The authors also found that topography characterizations strongly were affected by these parameters.

Findings

The CZO films have maximum value of coordination number ß, with considering NC = 4, Za = 2, Ne = 8. The CZO films annealed at 500 °C have maximum value of optical density. The as-deposited CAZO films have maximum value of steepness parameters in about of 0.13 eV. The as-deposited AZO films have maximum value of dispersion energy Ed in about of 5.75 eV. Optical gap and disordering energy plots of films can be fitted by linear relationships Eg = 0.49 + 0.2 EU and Eg = 0.52 + 0.5 EU, respectively.

Originality/value

With considering Nc = 4, Za = 2, Ne = 8 for ZnO films, coordination number ß has maximum value of 0.198. CZO nanocomposites films annealed at 500°C have maximum value of optical density. Different linear fitting of ln (α) for films were obtained as y = Ax + B where 5<A < 17 and 5<B < 12. As-deposited CAZO nanocomposites films have minimum value of electron phonon interaction in about of 4.91 eV. Optical gap and disordering energy plots can be fitted by linear relationships Eg = 0.49 + 0.2 EU and Eg = 0.52 + 0.5 EU for as-deposited films and films annealed at 500°C, respectively. Steepness parameters of as-deposited CAZO nanocomposites films have maximum value of 0.13 eV. Dispersion energy Ed for as-deposited AZO nanocomposites films has maximum value of 5.75 eV.
Krishivan agri tourism: challenges for sustainability
Authors: Purandare Shraddha
Published: September 2023

Research methodology

The case has been tested and proved significant as a part of executive educative courses. Students and participants are pushed to consider practical options. The audience for this case study could be BBA students, MBA students, postgraduate management students or students who chose marketing as their area of specialization.

• Strategic management courses/modules at the intermediate level.

• Marketing management courses/modules at the entry/intermediate level.

When the instructor wants to discuss marketing models like segmentation, targeting, positioning (STP) or marketing strategy model during the course, he or she may use this example.

Case overview/synopsis

This instructor’s manual accompanies the case entitled “Krishivan Agri Tourism: Challenges for Sustainability.” This case study highlights the entrepreneur’s struggles with his resort’s limited audience, lower weekday occupancy and weekday reach. The government’s declaration of a lockdown and the COVID-19 epidemic ultimately led to financial losses and stressed cash flow. The businessman understood the enormous potential of the Indian agritourism market. It was a turbulent time for him to evaluate his strategies to sustain in the market. The case illustrates the owner’s struggle to survive and prosper in a commercial setting. The scenario can be used by the instructors to talk about risk mitigation strategies such as promotion, marketing and strategy analysis. Readers must consider difficulties related to corporate success strategically. The proposed responses to the discussion questions in the instructors’ manual are provided here. It can be taught in management courses to handle topics like marketing management, strategic marketing, STP and entrepreneurship, among others.

Complexity academic level

Marketing management and strategic marketing in Management courses at the intermediate level.
Burrowing depth mediates the extent of metabolic suppression in a soil‐overwintering insect
Authors: Turnbull Kurtis F. , McNeil Jeremy N. , Sinclair Brent J.
Published: September 2023

Conserving energy through winter is important for the fitness of temperate insects. While insects can use buffered microhabitats, metabolic suppression or decreases in the thermal sensitivity of metabolic rate to override seasonal‐scale thermal trends, the relative importance of these strategies for limiting energy use by insects overwintering in soil remains underexplored.

We used a combined laboratory, field and simulation approach to investigate the overwintering energetics of the western bean cutworm (Striacosta albicosta), a univoltine lepidopteran pest of dry beans and corn that overwinters underground as a dormant prepupa.

We hypothesised that (1) the selection of thermally buffered microhabitats (i.e. deeper soil sites) reduces energy use in early autumn and late spring, and that (2) changes in the metabolic rate–temperature relationship reduce the impact of elevated temperatures on overwintering energy use.

We provide evidence that during the warmest parts of winter, dormant S. albicosta prepupae that had burrowed deep benefited from a cool, stable microclimate, whereas those near the soil surface appeared to rely on deeper metabolic suppression to maintain their energy stores.

Although elevated temperatures in the laboratory depleted their energy reserves, these strategies appear sufficient to limit energy drain under natural conditions in the field.

We suggest that small‐scale variation in the depth of soil refuges may mediate the interaction between the risk of energy drain and changes in the metabolic rate–temperature relationship in soil‐overwintering insects.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Pseudomonas syringae isolated in lichens for the first time: Unveiling Peltigera genus as the exclusive host
Authors: Ramírez Natalia , Sigurbjörnsdóttir M. Auður , Monteil Cecile , Berge Odile , Heiðmarsson Starri , Jackson Robert W. , Morris Cindy , Vilhelmsson Oddur
Published: September 2023

Pseudomonas syringae is a bacterial complex that is widespread through a range of environments, typically associated with plants where it can be pathogenic, but also found in non‐plant environments such as clouds, precipitation, and surface waters. Understanding its distribution within the environment, and the habitats it occupies, is important for examining its evolution and understanding behaviours. After a recent study found P. syringae living among a range of vascular plant species in Iceland, we questioned whether lichens could harbour P. syringae. Sixteen different species of lichens were sampled all over Iceland, but only one lichen genus, Peltigera, was found to consistently harbour P. syringae. Phylogenetic analyses of P. syringae from 10 sampling points where lichen, tracheophyte, and/or moss were simultaneously collected showed significant differences between sampling points, but not between different plants and lichens from the same point. Furthermore, while there were similarities in the P. syringae population in tracheophytes and Peltigera, the densities in Peltigera thalli were lower than in moss and tracheophyte samples. This discovery suggests P. syringae strains can localize and survive in organisms beyond higher plants, and thus reveals opportunities for studying their influence on P. syringae evolution.
Genetically predicted body mass index and maternal outcomes of pregnancy: A two‐sample Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Ardissino Maddalena , Geddes‐Barton Miranda , Banerjee Anita
Published: September 2023

Objective

Observational studies have described associations between obesity and adverse outcomes of pregnancy but observational results are liable to influence by residual confounding. Mendelian randomisation (MR) leverages the ‘natural’ genetic randomisation to risk of an exposure occurring at allele assortment and conception. Similar to randomisation in a clinical trial, this limits the potential for the influence of confounding.

Design

A two‐sample MR study.

Setting

Summary statistics from published genome wide association studies (GWAS) in European ancestry populations.

Population or Sample

Instrumental variants for body mass index (BMI) were obtained from a study on 434 794 females.

Methods

Inverse‐variance weighted MR was used to assess the association between BMI and all outcomes. Sensitivity analyses with weighted median and MR‐Egger were also performed.

Main outcome measures

Female‐specific genetic association estimates for outcomes were extracted from the sixth round of analysis of the FINNGEN cohort data.

Results

Higher genetically predicted BMI was associated with higher risk of pre‐eclampsia (odds ratio [OR] per standard deviation 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.46–1.94, P = 8.74 × 10−13), gestational diabetes (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.46–1.92, P = 5.35 × 10−14), polyhydramnios (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.00–1.96, P = 0.049). There was evidence suggestive of a potential association with higher risk of premature rupture of membranes (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.00–1.36, P = 0.050) and postpartum depression (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.99–1.27, P = 0.062).

Conclusions

Higher genetically predicted BMI is associated with marked increase in risk of pre‐eclampsia, gestational diabetes and polyhydramnios. The relation between genetically predicted BMI and premature rupture of membranes and postpartum depression should be assessed in further studies. Our study supports efforts to target BMI as a cardinal risk factor for maternal morbidity in pregnancy.
‘The Ruins of the Face’: The Aesthetics of Ruin in Austen's Persuasion
Authors: Kraege Lisa
Published: September 2023

This article investigates Jane Austen's network of bodily metaphors in Persuasion, re‐examining ‘bloom’ in the context of its pair, ‘ruin’. While the novel is traditionally understood as a progress narrative that moves from Anne's self‐description as being ‘in ruins’ to the restoration of her ‘bloom’, the article examines the inconsistency around Anne's appearance and ‘bloom’ throughout the novel, contending that rather than presenting a progression, the novel stages the problematics of physiognomy, of reading the body as an index of internal feeling. I argue that by situating Austen's metaphors within context of picturesque writing on ruins and ‘roughness’ from William Gilpin and Uvedale Price, we can conceive of weathered, worn out, broken, pierced, and ruined bodies as the rough texture that animates Persuasion.
Analysis of the risk factors in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion
Authors: Li Ming‐Ming , Lin Jie , Wu Hai‐Fan , Zheng Guo‐Jun , Cai Ruo‐Nan
Published: September 2023

Problem

We aimed to explore the risk factors in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) and to provide a basis for clinically targeted therapy.

Method of study

This case‐control study comprised 202 patients with URSA treated at our hospital and 115 women in early pregnancy with a normal birth history during the same period. After procuring the data we conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis of risk factors related to URSA.

Results

Logistic regression analysis showed (i) that the number of spontaneous abortions (SAs; odds ratio [OR] = 492.123), the levels of autoantibodies (OR = 19.322) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α; OR = 9.615), and the CT and TT genotypes of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T (OR = 6.217 and 15.009, respectively) were risk factors for URSA and (ii) that 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐(OH)D; OR = 0.919) was a protective factor. The most important risk factor was a history of one or more SAs, with the risk of pregnancy loss increasing 491.123‐fold. Every unit increase in serum 25‐(OH)D reduced the risk of SA by 8.1%.

Conclusions

The risk factors for URSA included the number of SAs, the levels of autoantibodies and TNF‐α, and the MTHFR C677T T allele; 25‐(OH)D was a protective factor. We recommend that women diagnosed with URSA receive intervention as soon as possible so as to actively reduce the incidence of recurrent SA.
Telling the Truth About Empire? A Word on Methodology
Authors: Biccum April R.
Published: September 2023

Empire/imperialism are terms that re‐emerge with patterned frequency. Claims that the Australia United Kingdom and United States agreement is imperial, that an Australian empire exists, or that coloniality continues after the end of formal colonialism are all made without connecting colonialism, settler‐colonialism, coloniality, or sub‐imperialism to the larger whole of which it is a part — empire. At the same time, political science has begun to make claims about empire as a particular type of politics and comparative historical literature has also emerged. This paper argues that empire should a site of inquiry for any decolonial project and elaborates what would be involved methodologically. It engages the question of methodology by comparing different approaches to the study of empire. My argument is that the interpretivist approach is the more methodologically robust principally because it raises a series of unresolvable methodological problems. I argue that study of empire, as a particular form of politics, is not just a social scientific question, it is an ethical normative question. I argue that it is politically necessary for the decolonisation of knowledge to broach the question of empire and its methodological problems. Only when we know the truth about empire, can we confidently contribute to a politics that would be post‐imperial.
The role of the mesangium in glomerular function
Authors: Boi Roberto , Ebefors Kerstin , Nyström Jenny
Published: September 2023

When discussing glomerular function, one cell type is often left out, the mesangial cell (MC), probably since it is not a part of the filtration barrier per se. The MCs are instead found between the glomerular capillaries, embedded in their mesangial matrix. They are in direct contact with the endothelial cells and in close contact with the podocytes and together they form the glomerulus. The MCs can produce and react to a multitude of growth factors, cytokines, and other signaling molecules and are in the perfect position to be a central hub for crosstalk communication between the cells in the glomerulus. In certain glomerular diseases, for example, in diabetic kidney disease or IgA nephropathy, the MCs become activated resulting in mesangial expansion. The expansion is normally due to matrix expansion in combination with either proliferation or hypertrophy. With time, this expansion can lead to fibrosis and decreased glomerular function. In addition, signs of complement activation are often seen in biopsies from patients with glomerular disease affecting the mesangium. This review aims to give a better understanding of the MCs in health and disease and their role in glomerular crosstalk and inflammation.
Letter: fatty liver disease could have been a confounding factor for phase change in patients with chronic hepatitis B in the immune tolerant phase
Authors: Wan Bo , Chen Ruanqin , Lin Han
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Lee et al and Lee and Kim papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15741 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16000
Letter: fatty liver disease could have been a confounding factor for phase change in patients with chronic hepatitis B in the immune‐tolerant phase—authors' reply
Authors: Lee Han Ah , Kim Seung Up
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Lee et al and Wan et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15741 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15973
Letter: ACE2, IBD and COVID‐19—why IBD patients may be at reduced risk of COVID‐19
Authors: Prentice Ralley E. , Tjandra Doug , Garg Mayur , Lubel John S. , Fourlanos Spiros , Johnson Doug , Al‐Ani Aysha , Christensen Britt
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Taxonera et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15804
Letter: faecal immunochemical testing for adults with symptoms of colorectal cancer–ready for prime time?
Authors: Farrugia Alexia , Widlak Monika M. , Smith Stephen , Waugh Norman , Arasaradnam Ramesh P.
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Nicholson et al and Turvill papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15969 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16051 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16082
Editorial: defining a microbial signature to predict non‐response to a low FODMAP diet—a step closer or is it? Authors' reply
Authors: Chumpitazi Bruno Pedro , Shulman Robert J.
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Chumpitazi et al and Halmos papers. To view these articles, visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16204andhttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16229
Editorial: is enteral nutrition back in acute severe ulcerative colitis?
Authors: Laharie David
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Sahu et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16249 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16276
Increased incidence of coeliac disease autoimmunity rate in Israel: a 9‐year analysis of population‐based data
Authors: Lechtman Niva , Shamir Raanan , Cohen Shlomi , Chodick Gabriel , Kariv Revital , Supino‐Rosin Lia , Weintraub Yael , Yerushalmy‐Feler Anat , Ben Tov Amir
Published: September 2023

Background

Incidence rate and temporal trends in coeliac disease and coeliac disease autoimmunity incidence vary worldwide with most data available from North American and European countries.

Aims

To explore temporal trends in incidence of coeliac disease autoimmunity and their relation to increase in screening tests in Israel.

Methods

A large retrospective population‐based study was conducted in Maccabi Healthcare Services, a 2.3‐million‐member health maintenance organisation operating in Israel. The cohort included all patients with newly diagnosed coeliac disease autoimmunity based on first positive anti‐tissue transglutaminase type 2 IgA antibodies. Data were analysed for the years 2007‐2015.

Results

During the study period (17.3 million person‐years), a total of 403 283 patients were tested for coeliac disease autoimmunity, of whom 6444 were positive, representing an average incidence rate of 36.64 per 100 000 person‐years (95% CI: 35.74‐37.55). Incidence of coeliac disease autoimmunity increased from 25.4 per 100 000 in 2007 to 52.3 per 100 000 person‐years in 2015 (Incidence rate ratio of 2.06, 95% CI 1.81‐2.26). Coeliac disease autoimmunity incidence was highest in the paediatric age groups, especially in children aged 0‐5, and was 4 times higher than the incidence in adults aged 26‐55 (Incidence rate ratio of 0.24, 95% CI (0.22‐0.26). The increase in incidence surpassed the increase in testing for new patients. Positive trends in incidence were highest in small children, whereas the incidence in adults was stable over the years.

Conclusions

There was a steady increase in coeliac disease autoimmunity incidence in our cohort between the years 2007‐2015. The paediatric population was the only contributor to this trend.
Letter: SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in two inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with dual targeted therapy—Authors' reply
Authors: Al‐Ani Aysha H. , Prentice Ralley E. , Rentsch Clarissa , Christensen Britt
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Al‐Ani et al and Privitera et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15779 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16297
Acute myeloid leukaemia therapeutic innovation and clinical trials: past, present and future
Authors: Craddock Charles
Published: September 2023

Outcomes in acute myeloid leukaemia have improved steadily over the last six decades thanks to advances in disease classification, risk stratification and the advent of new drug and transplant therapies. Over this period the UK has made a major contribution to this international effort, both through its delivery of large prospective randomised trials with integrated genomic and measurable residual disease assessments and its pioneering role in the development of allogeneic stem cell transplantation as a potent anti‐leukaemic therapy.
Evolution or revolution in multiple myeloma therapy and the role of the UK
Authors: Cook Gordon , Morris Curly T. C. M.
Published: September 2023

The knowledge of disease biology as well as the therapeutic landscape in multiple myeloma (MM) has expanded exponentially in recent years. These advances have seen improvements in survivorship, not only in the clinical trial setting but also in the real setting. Importantly there is also every evidence to indicate that such improvements in our understanding and treatments will continue. This article is not intended to be a comprehensive review; rather it aims to give a temporal context to these developments with exemplars, and highlight the central role that UK clinicians, healthcare workers, scientists and most importantly patients and their relatives have played in this revolution.
“Knowing that I had HPV, I literally just shut down”: A qualitative exploration of the psychosocial impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) in women living with mental health conditions
Authors: O'Donnell Nicola , Waller Jo , Marlow Laura , Anderson Niall C. , McBride Emily
Published: September 2023

Objective

Psychological distress after testing positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) at cervical cancer screening is well documented in the general population. However, little is known about the impact of an HPV‐positive result on those with pre‐existing mental health conditions, who may be at higher risk of experiencing clinically significant distress. This study explored the psychosocial impact of HPV in women with co‐morbid mental health conditions, as well as their experience of cervical screening during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted with 22 women aged 27–54 who had tested positive for HPV at routine cervical screening in England, and who reported having at least one mental health condition. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Being informed of an HPV‐positive result increased distress and heightened pre‐existing psychological challenges. Psychosocial response and duration of HPV‐related distress appeared to be influenced by the ability to regulate emotions, number of consecutive HPV‐positive results, interactions with health care professionals, and other life stressors. The experience added further complexity to many women's perceptions of self and self‐esteem. Women who had received psychological treatment for their mental health condition were best able to self‐manage HPV‐related distress by applying learned coping skills.

Conclusions

Receiving an HPV‐positive result at cervical screening appears to be a distressing experience for women with co‐morbid mental health conditions. Future hypothesis‐driven research is needed to confirm findings and develop effective interventions to reduce psychosocial burden.
Coping strategies and belief in COVID‐19 conspiracy theories
Authors: Molenda Zuzanna , Marchlewska Marta , Karakula Adam , Szczepańska Dagmara , Rogoza Marta , Green Ricky , Cislak Aleksandra , Douglas Karen M.
Published: September 2023

Conspiracy beliefs have been related to aversive emotional experiences often accompanying major world events and have also been linked to maladaptive ways of coping with stress. In this research, we examined how different coping strategies (i.e. self‐sufficient, social‐support, avoidance and religious) predicted the adoption of COVID‐19 conspiracy theories. In two studies (Study 1, n = 1000 and Study 2, n = 616) conducted among Polish participants, we found that avoidance and religious coping were positively linked to COVID‐19 conspiracy beliefs. In Study 1, conspiracy beliefs also mediated the positive relationships between avoidance and religious coping and adherence to safety and self‐isolation guidelines during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Study 2 additionally showed that the relationship between fear, induced by reading threatening news on COVID‐19, and conspiracy beliefs was the strongest among those high in avoidance coping. These studies highlight the role of coping strategies in the adoption of COVID‐19 conspiracy beliefs.
Predictors of asthma control differ from predictors of asthma attacks in children: The Swiss Paediatric Airway Cohort
Authors: Ardura‐Garcia Cristina , Mallet Maria Christina , Berger Daria Olena , Hoyler Karin , Jochmann Anja , Kuhn Alena , Moeller Alexander , Regamey Nicolas , Singer Florian , Pedersen Eva Sophie Lunde , Kuehni Claudia Elisabeth ,   the SPAC Study Team
Published: September 2023

Background

It is unclear if predictors of asthma attacks are the same as those of asthma symptom control in children.

Objective

We evaluated predictors for these two outcomes in a clinical cohort study.

Methods

The Swiss Paediatric Airway Cohort (SPAC) is a multicentre prospective clinical cohort of children referred to paediatric pulmonologists. This analysis included 516 children (5–16 years old) diagnosed with asthma. At baseline, we collected sociodemographic information, symptoms, personal and family history and environmental exposures from a parental baseline questionnaire, and treatment and test results from hospital records. Outcomes were assessed 1 year later by parental questionnaire: asthma control in the last 4 weeks as defined by GINA guidelines, and asthma attacks defined as any unscheduled visit for asthma in the past year. We used logistic regression to identify and compare predictors for suboptimal asthma control and asthma attacks.

Results

At follow‐up, 114/516 children (22%), reported suboptimal asthma control, and 114 (22%) an incident asthma attack. Only 37 (7%) reported both. Suboptimal asthma control was associated with poor symptom control at baseline (e.g. ≥1 night wheeze/week OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.7–6), wheeze triggered by allergens (2.2; 1.4–3.3), colds (2.3; 1.4–3.6) and exercise (3.2; 2–5), a more intense treatment at baseline (2.4; 1.3–4.4 for Step 3 vs. 1), history of preschool (2.6; 1.5–4.4) and persistent wheeze (2; 1.4–3.2), and exposure to tobacco smoke (1.7; 1–2.6). Incident asthma attacks were associated with previous episodes of severe wheeze (2; 1.2–3.3) and asthma attacks (2.8; 1.6–5 for emergency care visits), younger age (0.8; 0.8–0.9 per 1 year) and non‐Swiss origin (0.3; 0.2–0.5 for Swiss origin). Lung function, exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and allergic sensitization at baseline were not associated with control or attacks.

Conclusion

Children at risk of long‐term suboptimal asthma control differ from those at risk of attacks. Prediction tools and preventive efforts should differentiate these two asthma outcomes.