bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of Espin in the stereocilia regeneration and protection in Atoh1‐overexpressed cochlear epithelium
Authors: Yang Xuechun , Qi Jieyu , Zhang Liyan , Tan Fangzhi , Huang Hongming , Xu Chunlai , Cui Yong , Chai Renjie , Wu Peina
Published: April 2023

Hair cells (HCs) in mammals cannot spontaneously regenerate after damage. Atoh1 overexpression can promote HC regeneration in the postnatal cochlea, but the regenerated HCs do not possess the structural and functional characteristics of HCs in situ. The stereocilia on the apical surface of HCs are the first‐level structure for sound conduction, and regeneration of functional stereocilia is the key basis for the reproduction of functional HCs. Espin, as an actin bundling protein, plays an important role in the development and structural maintenance of the stereocilia. Here, we found that the upregulation of Espin by AAV‐ie was able to induced the aggregation of actin fibres in Atoh1‐induced HCs in both cochlear organoids and explants. In addition, we found that persistent Atoh1 overexpression resulted in impaired stereocilia in both endogenous and newly formed HCs. In contrast, the forced expression of Espin in endogenous and regenerative HCs was able to eliminate the stereocilia damage caused by persistent Atoh1 overexpression. Our study shows that the enhanced expression of Espin can optimize the developmental process of stereocilia in Atoh1‐induced HCs and can attenuate the damage to native HCs induced by Atoh1 overexpression. These results suggest an effective method to induce the maturation of stereocilia in regenerative HCs and pave the way for functional HC regeneration via supporting cell transdifferentiation.
On financial frictions and firm's market power
Authors: Casares Miguel , Deidda Luca G. , Galdon‐Sanchez Jose E.
Published: April 2023

There are two opposing welfare effects of market power in a model with monopolistic competition, loan defaults and moral hazard. The loss of output produced if firms set a higher mark‐up over marginal costs confronts with some gain due to higher expected profits and the reduction of defaults. Such tradeoff results in an optimal level of market power that decreases with the efficiency of liquidation following default on a loan. If moral hazard is pervasive, credit rationing cuts down the default rates and mitigates the welfare cost of financial frictions.
Codistribution as an indicator of whole metacommunity response to environmental change
Authors: Christopher D. Terry J. , Langdon William , Rossberg Axel G.
Published: April 2023

The landscape scale response of ecological communities to environmental drivers can be challenging to efficiently summarise and differentiate from expected background turnover through time. Metacommunity structure can be encapsulated by fitting joint species distribution models (JSDMs) and partitioning the variance explained into environmental, spatial and species‐codistribution components. Here we identify how these components respond through time with directed environmental change and propose these changes in metacommunity structure as an indicator of sustained directional pressure. Through simulations, we identify how declines in the variation explained by species codistribution could diagnose ecological disintegration, while increases in the explanatory power of environmental and spatial predictors may indicate losses in peripheral areas and dispersal limitations. We then test these results in two well‐studied systems. Butterflies are known to be strongly responding to climate change, and we show that over 21 years the codistribution component declines for butterfly communities in southern England. By contrast, birds in the same region are thought to be responding less strongly to climatic pressure and, despite high occupancy turnover, do not show clear changes in metacommunity structure as measured by this approach. Our results suggest that these approaches could have a high potential to summarise and compare the impacts of external drivers on whole communities.
Proteomic profiling of cutaneous melanoma explains the aggressiveness of distant organ metastasis
Authors: Azimi Ali , Patrick Ellis , Teh Rachel , Kim Jennifer , Fernandez‐Penas Pablo
Published: April 2023

Despite recent developments in managing metastatic melanomas, patients' overall survival remains low. Therefore, the current study aims to understand better the proteome‐wide changes associated with melanoma metastasis that will assist with identifying targeted therapies. The latest development in mass spectrometry‐based proteomics, together with extensive bioinformatics analysis, was used to investigate the molecular changes in 60 formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded samples of primary and lymph nodes (LN) and distant organ metastatic melanomas. A total of 4631 proteins were identified, of which 72 and 453 were significantly changed between the LN and distant organ metastatic melanomas compared to the primary lesions (adj. p‐value <0.05). An increase in proteins such as SLC9A3R1, CD20 and GRB2 and a decrease in CST6, SERPINB5 and ARG1 were associated with regional LN metastasis. By contrast, increased metastatic activities in distant organ metastatic melanomas were related to higher levels of CEACAM1, MC1R, AKT1 and MMP3‐9 and decreased levels of CDKN2A, SDC1 and SDC4 proteins. Furthermore, machine learning analysis classified the lesions with up to 92% accuracy based on their metastatic status. The findings from this study provide up to date proteome‐level information about the progression of melanomas to regional LN and distant organs, leading to the identification of protein signatures with potential for clinical translation.
Theoretical analysis of two cracks in sandstone under the simultaneous action of pressure and shear stress
Authors: Huang Jianwei , Wang Hanbing , Zhou Lei , Zhu Zheming , Deng Ze , Wang Zhihong
Published: April 2023

The cracked rock mass could slide along the weak side under the action of compressive loads and shear loads in landslides; thus, the stability evaluation of the crack in rock mass media is of particular importance. The formulas of stress intensity factors (SIFs) for each crack tip are theoretically derived by implementing complex function theory. The results of the analytical solutions are then compared with the predicted results of the finite element analysis via ABAQUS software, revealing a slight relative error. Photo elastic experiment and static compression tests are conducted to verify the correctness of theoretical results. The obtained results reveal that the internal pressure leads to the increasing SIFs of mode II at crack tips. Further, the larger the difference between the horizontal and vertical compressive stresses, the more likely the occurrence of shear failure in the cracked rock mass. For the two cracks, the most dangerous point is the inner crack tip of the longer crack.
Fracture evolution and fracture mechanism of tunnel surrounding rock: A case study based on laboratory tests and theoretical analysis
Authors: Xiao Weijing , Zhang Dongming , Li Shujian , Lu Jun
Published: April 2023

To explore the fracture characteristics and fracture mechanism of the surrounding rock of straight‐walled arched tunnels, this study first carried out biaxial compression tests on rock samples and analyzed the disaster evolution characteristics under loading. Then, a stress distribution function was established using a complex function, and the distribution characteristics of the surrounding rock stress field were determined. Finally, combining the stress field with results obtained by computational tomography and acoustic emission measurements, the dynamic evolution of the main fracture mechanism of the tunnel surrounding rock was comprehensively analyzed, and the fracture mechanism of the surrounding rock of the straight‐walled arched tunnel was elucidated. The research results strengthen the understanding of rock fracture evolution during tunnel construction and operation and provide a basis for tunnel construction and surrounding rock stability analysis.
Global analysis of the perturbation effects of metal‐based nanoparticles on soil nitrogen cycling
Authors: He Gang , Yang Yuyi , Liu Guihua , Zhang Quanfa , Liu Wenzhi
Published: April 2023

Although studies have investigated the effects of metal‐based nanoparticles (MNPs) on soil biogeochemical processes, the results obtained thus far are highly variable. Moreover, we do not yet understand how the impact of MNPs is affected by experimental design and environmental conditions. Herein, we conducted a global analysis to synthesize the effects of MNPs on 17 variables associated with soil nitrogen (N) cycling from 62 studies. Our results showed that MNPs generally exerted inhibitory effects on N‐cycling process rates, N‐related enzyme activities, and microbial variables. The response of soil N cycling varied with MNP type, and exposure dose was the most decisive factor for the variations in the responses of N‐cycling process rates and enzyme activities. Notably, Ag/Ag2S and CuO had dose‐dependent inhibitory effects on ammonia oxidation rates, while CuO and Zn/ZnO showed hormetic effects on nitrification and denitrification rates, respectively. Other experimental design factors (e.g., MNP size and exposure duration) also regulated the effect of MNPs on soil N cycling, and specific MNPs, such as Ag/Ag2S, exerted stronger effects during long‐term (>28 days) exposure. Environmental conditions, including soil pH, organic carbon, texture, and presence/absence of plants, significantly influenced MNP toxicity. For instance, the effects of Ag/Ag2S on the ammonia oxidation rate and the activity of leucine aminopeptidase were more potent in acid (pH <6), organic matter‐limited (organic carbon content ≤10 g kg−1), and coarser soils. Overall, these results provide new insights into the general mechanisms by which MNPs alter soil N processes in different environments and underscore the urgent need to perform multivariate and long‐term in situ trials in simulated natural environments.
DRIVEN BY INSTITUTIONS, SHAPED BY CULTURE: HUMAN CAPITAL AND THE SECULARIZATION OF MARRIAGE IN ITALY
Authors: de la Croix David , Mariani Fabio , Mercier Marion
Published: April 2023

We show that in Italy the legalization of divorce unleashed the forces of secularization, making educated persons more likely to contract a civil instead of a religious marriage. This process, ignited by institutional change, is also shaped by culture: higher social capital or weaker family ties make the choice of civil marriage more responsive to education. These results emerge from both aggregate and individual data, and can be rationalized through a model of religiosity, education and marriage choices. In this framework, the option to divorce increases the relative returns to human capital ‐ thereby increasing the prevalence of civil marriage.
Twelve months old infants' evaluation of observed comforting behavior using a choice paradigm: The role of animacy cues and self‐distress
Authors: Biro Szilvia
Published: April 2023

Comforting is a prosocial behavior that children start to engage in around their second year of life. There is much less known about their ability to evaluate comforting behavior of others. The current study examined whether 12 months old infants, after having watched animated abstract characters comfort or ignore a third party in distress, would show a preference for the comforting character. Using a manual choice paradigm, we found that infants were more likely to choose the comforting character than the ignoring character (Experiment 1). When the characters however lacked human surface features (eyes) infants did not show a preference (Experiment 2). Furthermore, infants self‐distress during the watching of the animations did not prevent infants to evaluate the behavior of the observed characters. These findings support the idea of an early presence of “moral sense” in infancy.
The impact of campus housing problems faced by female expatriate students on the level of their academic achievement
Authors: Elsayed Walaa
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to identify the impact of campus housing problems faced by female expatriate students on their academic achievement. The study sample included 140 female students living in campus housing. The results showed that the value of the impact of campus housing problems on academic achievement reached a total weight of 7663 and a weighted relative weight of 60.82%, indicating a moderate level of impact. Psychological problems were ranked first at 35.01%, followed by social problems at 32.63%, and organizational problems at 32.3%. The study concludes several key problems faced by female expatriate students, including a lack of social support, difficult procedures for family visits and a lack of study resources within campus housing such as offices, stationery, ink, paper and printing. These problems have led to a poor level of academic achievement for female expatriate students.
CX3CL1 induces cell migration and invasion through ICAM‐1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Wu Chia‐Yu , Peng Pei‐Wen , Renn Ting‐Yi , Lee Chia‐Jung , Chang Tsung‐Ming , Wei Augusta I‐Chin , Liu Ju‐Fang
Published: April 2023

Human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been associated with a relatively low survival rate over the years and is characterized by a poor prognosis. C‐X3‐C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1) has been involved in advanced migratory cells. Overexpressed CX3CL1 promotes several cellular responses related to cancer metastasis, including cell movement, migration and invasion in tumour cells. However, CX3CL1 controls the migration ability, and its molecular mechanism in OSCC remains unknown. The present study confirmed that CX3CL1 increased cell movement, migration and invasion. The CX3CL1‐induced cell motility is upregulated through intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) expression in OSCC cells. These effects were significantly suppressed when OSCC cells were pre‐treated with CX3CR1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and small‐interfering RNA (siRNA). The CX3CL1‐CX3CR1 axis activates promoted PLCβ/PKCα/c‐Src phosphorylation. Furthermore, CX3CL1 enhanced activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) activity. The CX3CR1 mAb and PLCβ, PKCα, c‐Src inhibitors reduced CX3CL1‐induced c‐Jun phosphorylation, c‐Jun translocation into the nucleus and c‐Jun binding to the ICAM‐1 promoter. The present results reveal that CX3CL1 induces the migration of OSCC cells by promoting ICAM‐1 expression through the CX3CR1 and the PLCβ/PKCα/c‐Src signal pathway, suggesting that CX3CL1‐CX3CR1‐mediated signalling is correlated with tumour motility and appealed to be a precursor for prognosis in human OSCC.
Effects of different photoperiods on growth and ovarian development and maturation of silver pomfret Pampus argenteus
Authors: Wang Xiangbing , Li Yaya , Hu Jiabao , Zhang Youyi , Zhang Man , Wang Guanlin , Jiang Huan , Sun Jiachu , Guo Chunyang , Xu Shanliang , Yang Yang , Wang Yajun , Yan Xiaojun
Published: April 2023

Photoperiod has a great influence on the growth and ovarian development and maturation of fishes. To analyse the effects of photoperiod on growth and ovarian development of an important marine economic fish, silver pomfret Pampus argenteus, short photoperiod group (L:D = 8:16), control group (L:D = 12:12) and long photoperiod group (L:D = 18:6) were set up for 60 days. The growth performance, ovarian development, changes in hormones and key enzyme activities in the hypothalamic–pituitary−gonadal (HPG) axis and expressions of key regulatory genes in the HPG axis were studied under different photoperiod conditions. The results showed that the final weight gain, body weight index, specific growth rate for weight, specific growth rate for length and average daily growth were the highest in the long photoperiod group, and the feed conversion rate was the lowest. Under long photoperiod condition, gonado‐somatic index and hepato‐somatic index were higher, ovarian maturity was better and expressions of HPG axis−related regulatory genes foxl2a, foxl2b, cyp19a1a, cyp19a1b, kiss, gpr54‐2, gnrh2, fsh and lh were higher. When compared with the other two groups, in the long photoperiod group, the change trend of estradiol (E2) was consistent with those of luteinizing hormone, melatonin (MT) and kisspeptin, and the levels were higher on the 20th and 50th days. These results indicate that prolongation of the photoperiod can improve the growth performance of P. argenteus and promote ovary development and maturation. The authors speculate that photoperiod may regulate the ovarian activity of P. argenteus through MT and kisspeptin/gpr54 signalling pathways. The results show that photoperiod can regulate the ovarian development of P. argenteus, which would help in breaking the seasonal restrictions of animals and regulating an animal's reproductive cycle.
Effect of magnetic field on quality improvement of medium‐term delivery frozen pepper
Authors: Feng Tianlin , Zhang Min , Jiang Qiyong , Bhandari Bhesh , Chen Jingjing
Published: April 2023

The water loss of medium‐term delivery frozen pepper is significant, resulting in the decline of product quality and the loss of nutrients. Hydrocolloids have been proved to help reduce the water loss of fruits and vegetables. Applying magnetic field can reduce the size of ice crystals during freezing, thus preventing cell damage and reducing water loss. In this study, the pickled red pepper was first soaked in gellan gum solution, and then frozen by magnetic field assisted freezing method to reduce the water loss of pepper products during storage. The process was accelerated by repeated (2–6 times) freezing and thawing, so as to reach the standard of medium‐term delivery faster. At the same time, the thawing stage was also supplemented by the action of magnetic field to explore its thawing effect. The results showed that freezing at 10 mT and −20°C and thawing at 4°C and 10 mT can better maintain the texture characteristics of pepper products compared to the control group, thereby reducing the water loss from 40% to 5%, increasing the color appeal, and reducing the loss of red pigment.

Practical applications

This study provides a simple and novel method to reduce the water loss of frozen products during thawing. These steps combine hydrophilic colloid and magnetic field exploration to reduce the water loss of frozen products, and provide new ideas for product freezing and thawing.
Pragmatic evaluation of events and benefits of lipid lowering in older adults (PREVENTABLE): Trial design and rationale
Authors: Joseph Jacob , Pajewski Nicholas M. , Dolor Rowena J. , Sellers Mary Ann , Perdue Letitia H. , Peeples Sheronda R. , Henrie Adam M. , Woolard Nancy , Jones W. Schuyler , Benziger Catherine P. , Orkaby Ariela R. , Mixon Amanda S. , VanWormer Jeffrey J. , Shapiro Michael D. , Kistler Christine E. , Polonsky Tamar S. , Chatterjee Ranee , Chamberlain Alanna M. , Forman Daniel E. , Knowlton Kirk U. , Gill Thomas M. , Newby L. Kristin , Hammill Bradley G. , Cicek Mine S. , Williams Neely A. , Decker Jake E. , Ou Jiafu , Rubinstein Jack , Choudhary Gaurav , Gazmuri Raúl J. , Schmader Kenneth E. , Roumie Christianne L. , Vaughan Camille P. , Effron Mark B. , Cooper‐DeHoff Rhonda M. , Supiano Mark A. , Shah Raj C. , Whittle Jeffrey C. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Ambrosius Walter T. , Williamson Jeff D. , Alexander Karen P. ,   PREVENTABLE Trial Research Group
Published: April 2023

Whether initiation of statins could increase survival free of dementia and disability in adults aged ≥75 years is unknown. PREVENTABLE, a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized pragmatic clinical trial, will compare high‐intensity statin therapy (atorvastatin 40 mg) with placebo in 20,000 community‐dwelling adults aged ≥75 years without cardiovascular disease, disability, or dementia at baseline. Exclusion criteria include statin use in the prior year or for >5 years and inability to take a statin. Potential participants are identified using computable phenotypes derived from the electronic health record and local referrals from the community. Participants will undergo baseline cognitive testing, with physical testing and a blinded lipid panel if feasible. Cognitive testing and disability screening will be conducted annually. Multiple data sources will be queried for cardiovascular events, dementia, and disability; survival is site‐reported and supplemented by a National Death Index search. The primary outcome is survival free of new dementia or persisting disability. Co‐secondary outcomes are a composite of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for unstable angina or myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, or coronary revascularization; and a composite of mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Ancillary studies will offer mechanistic insights into the effects of statins on key outcomes. Biorepository samples are obtained and stored for future study. These results will inform the benefit of statins for increasing survival free of dementia and disability among older adults. This is a pioneering pragmatic study testing important questions with low participant burden to align with the needs of the growing population of older adults.
Preoperative frailty and adverse outcomes following coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in US veterans
Authors: Kochar Ajar , Deo Salil V. , Charest Brian , Peterman‐Rocha Fanny , Elgudin Yakov , Chu Danny , Yeh Robert W. , Rao Sunil V. , Kim Dae H. , Driver Jane A. , Hall Daniel E. , Orkaby Ariela R.
Published: April 2023

Background

Contemporary guidelines emphasize the value of incorporating frailty into clinical decision‐making regarding revascularization strategies for coronary artery disease. Yet, there are limited data describing the association between frailty and longer‐term mortality among coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study (2016–2020, 40 VA medical centers) of US veterans nationwide that underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Frailty was quantified by the Veterans Administration Frailty Index (VA‐FI), which applies the cumulative deficit method to render a proportion of 30 pertinent diagnosis codes. Patients were classified as non‐frail (VA‐FI ≤ 0.1), pre‐frail (0.1 < VA‐FI ≤ 0.2), or frail (VA‐FI > 0.2). We used Cox proportional hazards models to ascertain the association of frailty with all‐cause mortality. Our primary study outcome was 5‐year all‐cause mortality; the co‐primary outcome was days alive and out of the hospital within the first postoperative year.

Results

There were 13,554 CABG patients (median 69 years, 79% White, 1.5% women). The mean pre‐operative VA‐FI was 0.21 (SD: 0.11); 31% were pre‐frail (VA‐FI: 0.17) and 47% were frail (VA‐FI: 0.31). Frail patients were older and had higher co‐morbidity burdens than pre‐frail and non‐frail patients. Compared with non‐frail patients (13.0% [11.4, 14.7]), there was a significant association between frail and pre‐frail patients and increased cumulative 5‐year all‐cause mortality (frail: 24.8% [23.3, 26.1]; HR: 1.75 [95% CI 1.54, 2.00]; pre‐frail 16.8% [95% CI 15.3, 18.4]; HR 1.2 [1.08,1.34]). Compared with non‐frail patients (mean 362[SD 12]), pre‐frail (mean 361 [SD 14]; p < 0.01) and frail patients (mean 358[SD 18]; p < 0.01) spent fewer days alive and out of the hospital in the first postoperative year.

Conclusions

Pre‐frailty and frailty were prevalent among US veterans undergoing CABG and associated with worse mid‐term outcomes. Given the high prevalence of frailty with attendant adverse outcomes, there may be an opportunity to improve outcomes by identifying and mitigating frailty before surgery.
Vitamin D: A potent regulator of dopaminergic neuron differentiation and function
Authors: Pertile Renata Aparecida Nedel , Brigden Rachel , Raman Vanshika , Cui Xiaoying , Du Zilong , Eyles Darryl
Published: April 2023

Vitamin D has been identified as a key factor in dopaminergic neurogenesis and differentiation. Consequently, developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency has been linked to disorders of abnormal dopamine signalling with a neurodevelopmental basis such as schizophrenia. Here we provide further evidence of vitamin D's role as a mediator of dopaminergic development by showing that it increases neurite outgrowth, neurite branching, presynaptic protein re‐distribution, dopamine production and functional release in various in vitro models of developing dopaminergic cells including SH‐SY5Y cells, primary mesencephalic cultures and mesencephalic/striatal explant co‐cultures. This study continues to establish vitamin D as an important differentiation agent for developing dopamine neurons, and now for the first time shows chronic exposure to the active vitamin D hormone increases the capacity of developing neurons to release dopamine. This study also has implications for understanding mechanisms behind the link between DVD deficiency and schizophrenia.

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Neurochemical alterations of intrinsic cardiac ganglionated nerve plexus caused by arterial hypertension developed during ageing in spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar Kyoto rats
Authors: Pauziene Neringa , Ranceviene Dalia , Rysevaite‐Kyguoliene Kristina , Ragauskas Tomas , Inokaitis Hermanas , Sabeckis Ignas , Plekhanova Khrystyna , Khmel Olena , Pauza Dainius H.
Published: April 2023

The acknowledged hypothesis of the cause of arterial hypertension is the emerging disbalance in sympathetic and parasympathetic regulations of the cardiovascular system. This disbalance manifests in a disorder of sustainability of endogenous autonomic and sensory neural substances including calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP). This study aimed to examine neurochemical alterations of intrinsic cardiac ganglionated nerve plexus (GP) triggered by arterial hypertension during ageing in spontaneously hypertensive rats of juvenile (prehypertensive, 8–9 weeks), adult (early hypertensive, 12–18 weeks) and elderly (persistent hypertensive, 46–60 weeks) age in comparison with the age‐matched Wistar–Kyoto rats as controls. Parasympathetic, sympathetic and sensory neural structures of GP were analysed and evaluated morphometrically in tissue sections and whole‐mount cardiac preparations. Both the elevated blood pressure and the evident ultrasonic signs of heart failure were identified for spontaneously hypertensive rats and in part for the aged control rats. The amount of adrenergic and immunoreactive to CGRP neural structures was increased in the adult group of spontaneously hypertensive rats along with the significant alterations that occurred during ageing. In conclusion, the revealed chemical alterations of GP support the hypothesis about the possible disbalance of efferent and afferent heart innervation and may be considered as the basis for the emergence and progression of arterial hypertension and perhaps even as a consequence of hypertension in the aged spontaneously hypertensive rats. The determined anatomical changes in the ageing Wistar–Kyoto rats suggest this breed being as inappropriate for its use as control animals for hypertension studies in older animal age.
Topological reorganization of functional hubs in patients with Parkinson's disease with freezing of gait
Authors: Sreenivasan Karthik , Bayram Ece , Zhuang Xiaowei , Longhurst Jason , Yang Zhengshi , Cordes Dietmar , Ritter Aaron , Caldwell Jessica , Cummings Jeffrey L. , Mari Zoltan , Litvan Irene , Bluett Brent , Mishra Virendra R.
Published: April 2023

Background and Purpose

Resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI) studies in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with freezing of gait (FOG) have implicated dysfunctional connectivity over multiple resting‐state networks (RSNs). While these findings provided network‐specific insights and information related to the aberrant or altered regional functional connectivity (FC), whether these alterations have any effect on topological reorganization in PD‐FOG patients is incompletely understood. Understanding the higher order functional organization, which could be derived from the “hub” and the “rich‐club” organization of the functional networks, could be crucial to identifying the distinct and unique pattern of the network connectivity associated with PD‐FOG.

Methods

In this study, we use rs‐fMRI data and graph theoretical approaches to explore the reorganization of RSN topology in PD‐FOG when compared to those without FOG. We also compared the higher order functional organization derived using the hub and rich‐club measures in the FC networks of these PD‐FOG patients to understand whether there is a topological reorganization of these hubs in PD‐FOG.

Results

We found that the PD‐FOG patients showed a noticeable reorganization of hub regions. Regions that are part of the prefrontal cortex, primary somatosensory, motor, and visuomotor coordination areas were some of the regions exhibiting altered hub measures in PD‐FOG patients. We also found a significantly altered feeder and local connectivity in PD‐FOG.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings demonstrate a widespread topological reorganization and disrupted higher order functional network topology in PD‐FOG that may further assist in improving our understanding of functional network disturbances associated with PD‐FOG.
How does the insurer's mobile application sales strategy perform?
Authors: Chen An , Chen Yusha , Murphy Finbarr , Xu Wei , Xu Xian
Published: April 2023

While the impact of an Internet‐based sales strategy on sales performance has been well studied, there is little academic research that examines the impact of a mobile application (MA) sales strategy on the sales performance of insurers. Using a unique data set for term life insurance policies from a Chinese life insurer, we study the impact of implementing this strategy on insurance purchases. We find a significant growth in the insurance purchase quantity and somewhat lower growth in premiums received from new policies. This paper determines that this is due to improved channel accessibility and the cost reduction of the MA channel. Although sales of traditional distribution channels are cannibalized in the short term by the MA distribution strategy, this substitution effect does not persist in the long run. In addition, we find that this strategy reduces impulsive purchases.
Measuring stigma associated with hepatitis B virus infection in Sierra Leone: Validation of an abridged Berger HIV stigma scale
Authors: Yendewa George A. , Sellu Edmond J. , Kpaka Rashid A. , James Peter B. , Yendewa Sahr A. , Cummings Peterlyn E. , Babawo Lawrence M. , Massaquoi Samuel P. , Ghazawi Manal , Ocama Ponsiano , Lakoh Sulaiman , Babawo Lawrence S. , Salata Robert A.
Published: April 2023

Stigma associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is common in endemic countries; however; instruments are lacking to accurately measure HBV‐related stigma. We therefore aimed to develop and validate a concise instrument for measuring perceived HBV‐related stigma in Sierra Leone. We enrolled 220 people living with HBV (PWHB) aged ≥18 years from August to November 2022. The initial Likert‐scale instrument entailed 12 items adapted from Berger's HIV Stigma Scale. We included four additional items adapted from the USAID indicators for enacted stigma. The proposed scale's psychometric properties were assessed. After item reduction, the final HBV Stigma Scale consisted of 10 items and had good internal consistency (overall Cronbach's α = 0.74), discriminant, and construct validity. Exploratory factor analysis produced a three‐dimensional structure accounting for 59.3% of variance: personalized stigma driven by public attitudes (six items), negative self‐image (two items), and disclosure concerns (two items). Overall, 72.8% of respondents reported perceived HBV‐related stigma (mean score 29.11 ± 4.14) and a similar proportion (73.6%) reported at least one instance of enacted stigma. In assessing criterion‐related validity, perceived HBV‐related stigma correlated strongly with enacted stigma (r = 0.556) and inversely with having family/friends with HBV (r = −0.059). The 10‐item HBV Stigma Scale demonstrated good internal consistency and validity and is suitable for screening for HBV‐related stigma in Sierra Leone. The psychometric properties of the scale can be optimized with item additions/modifications and confirmatory factor analysis. The scale may help in combating stigma as a barrier to achieving HBV global elimination goals.
Evaluation of a rapid immunoassay for bacteriuria in dogs
Authors: Sutter Craig M. , Dear Jonathan D. , Fine Jeffrey R. , Pires Jully , Sykes Jane E. , Segev Gilad , Westropp Jodi L.
Published: April 2023

Background

The ability to detect bacteriuria in dogs with a point‐of‐care test might improve medical care and antimicrobial stewardship.

Hypothesis and Objective

A rapid immunoassay (RIA; RapidBac) will provide acceptable sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of bacteriuria.

Animals

Forty‐four client‐owned dogs with a clinical indication for urinalysis and aerobic bacterial urine culture.

Methods

Prospective study. Urine, collected by cystocentesis, was submitted for urinalysis and culture at a diagnostic laboratory. Owners completed an enrollment questionnaire regarding their dogs' clinical signs. The RIA was performed according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Results were compared to culture.

Results

Forty‐four urine specimens were evaluated from 44 dogs. The sensitivity and specificity of the RIA test to detect bacteriuria compared to urine culture were 81.8% (95% CI, 65.7%‐97.9%) and 95.5% (95% CI, 86.8%‐99.9%), respectively. For cultures yielding ≥103 CFU/mL, sensitivity increased to 90.0% (95% CI, 76.9%‐100%) and specificity was similar at 95.2% (95% CI, 86.1%‐99.9%). Malodorous urine, bacteriuria, and pyuria were more likely to be present in dogs with positive RIA or urine culture results compared to dogs with negative results.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The RIA was easy to perform and had good sensitivity and excellent specificity in this group of dogs. The RIA might be a useful screening test for decision‐making regarding antimicrobial therapy in dogs with a clinical indication for urine culture. Consideration could be given to amending the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Disease definition of bacterial cystitis as the presence of signs of lower urinary tract disease together with positive culture or a positive RIA.
The FLOWERING LOCUS T gene expression is controlled by high‐irradiance response and external coincidence mechanism in long days in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lee Nayoung , Ozaki Yusuke , Hempton Andrew K. , Takagi Hiroshi , Purusuwashi Savita , Song Young Hun , Endo Motomu , Kubota Akane , Imaizumi Takato
Published: April 2023

In natural long days, the florigen gene FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) shows a bimodal expression pattern with morning and dusk peaks in Arabidopsis. This pattern differs from the one observed in the laboratory, and little is known about underlying mechanisms. A red : far‐red (R : FR) ratio difference between sunlight and fluorescent light causes this FT pattern mismatch.

We showed that bimodal FT expression patterns were induced in a day longer than 14 h with sunlight R : FR (= c. 1) conditions. By circadian gating experiments, we found that cumulative exposure of R : FR‐adjusted light (R : FR ratio was adjusted to 1 with FR supplement) spanning from the afternoon to the next morning required full induction of FT in the morning. Conversely, only 2 h of R : FR adjustment in the late afternoon was sufficient for FT induction at dusk.

We identified that phytochrome A (phyA) is required for the morning FT expression in response to the R : FR adjustment on the previous day. As a part of this mechanism, we showed that PHYTOCHROME‐INTERACTING FACTOR 7 contributes to FT regulation.

Our results suggest that phyA‐mediated high‐irradiance response and the external coincidence mechanism contribute to morning FT induction under natural long‐day conditions.
Supporting older patients in working on rehabilitation goals: A scoping review of nursing interventions
Authors: Vaalburg Anne Marie , Boersma Petra , Wattel Elizabeth M. , Ket Johannes C. F. , Hertogh Cees M. P. M. , Gobbens Robbert J. J.
Published: April 2023

Background

Nurses are consistently present throughout the rehabilitation of older patients but are apprehensive about performing goal‐centred care in the multidisciplinary team.

Objectives

The aim of this review was to explore working interventions on setting goals and working with goals designed for nurses in geriatric rehabilitation, and to describe their distinctive features.

Methods

We performed a scoping review. We searched MEDLINE and CINAHL through August 4, 2021. Search terms related to the following themes: nurses, rehabilitation, geriatric, goal and method. We used snowballing to find additional. From the selected studies, we systematically extracted data on means, materials and the nursing role and summarized them in a narrative synthesis, using intervention component analysis.

Results

The study includes 13 articles, describing 11 interventions which were developed for six different aims: improving multidisciplinary team care; increasing patient centredness; improving disease management by patients; improving the psychological, and emotional rehabilitation; increasing the nursing involvement in rehabilitation; or helping patients to achieve goals. The interventions appeal to four aspects of the nursing profession: assessing self‐care skills incorporating patient's preferences; setting goals with patients, taking into account personal needs and what is medically advisable; linking the needs of the patient with multidisciplinary professional treatment and vice versa; and thus, playing an intermediate role and supporting goal achievement.

Conclusions

The interventions show that in goal‐centred care, the nurse might play an important unifying role between patients and the multidisciplinary team. With the support of nurses, the patient may become more aware of the rehabilitation process and transfer of ownership of treatment goals from the multidisciplinary team to the patient might be achieved. Not many interventions were found meant to support the nursing role. This may indicate a blind spot in the rehabilitation community to the additional value of its contribution.
Comparing the directional effect of number calling on the developmental eye movement test results in Hebrew‐speaking children
Authors: Eichler Rachel , Scheiman Mitchell , Ben‐Eli Hadas
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the directional effect of number calling on the developmental eye movement (DEM) test in Hebrew‐speaking children who read from right (R) to left (L). Previously, the DEM has been studied in nine languages, all read from L to R and has never been tested on Hebrew speakers.

Methods

Healthy Hebrew‐speaking children, aged 6–13 years were divided into two age groups (6–9, 10–13 years). Children had near visual acuity of 0.00 logMAR or better, no strabismus, stereoacuity ≤100 s of arc and near point of convergence ≤6 cm. The DEM test was performed twice, from R to L and L to R, randomly. Comparisons between age groups for horizontal and vertical reading speed and ratio between reading directions were analysed, as well as the correlation between age and directionality.

Results

A total of 92 children were included; 48 and 44 in the 6–9 and 10–13 year age groups, respectively. The mean vertical and horizontal time for both directions (R to L and L to R) in the younger group was significantly slower than the older group (p < 0.001). The older children showed no significant difference in the horizontal time reading from L to R and R to L. However, the younger children read more quickly in their native direction (R–L; 71.5 ± 25.9 s) compared with L–R (76.0 ± 31.4 s, p = 0.01). In both directions, the ratio was significantly higher in the younger age group. A negative correlation was demonstrated between age and reading ratio (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

A clear directional preference of R to L was found in children under 10 years of age. We suggest administering the test from R to L in young Hebrew‐speaking children. These results may also apply to young Arab‐ and Persian‐speaking children who also read from R to L.
Anticipated administrative burdens: How proximity to upcoming compulsory meetings affect welfare recipients' experiences of administrative burden
Authors: Baekgaard Martin , Madsen Jonas Krogh
Published: April 2023

Administrative burden research claims that target group members are likely to experience learning, compliance, and psychological costs when interacting with government programs. We argue that the mere anticipation of such interactions may translate into experiences of administrative burden. Utilizing a large‐scale dataset with responses from 2276 Danish social benefit recipients, we estimate how proximity to upcoming compulsory meetings with street‐level bureaucrats—a common condition in means‐tested benefit programs—affect the recipients' experiences of burdens. We find that the shorter the time to future meetings, the more benefit recipients experience stress and stigma, but the less they experience learning costs. The findings suggest that welfare recipient experiences of burden are likely to fluctuate over time and that psychological costs increase as recipients have to make mental and practical preparations for complying with government demands.
Raging better: Reflections on the Myisha Cherry's The Case for Rage
Authors: MacLachlan Alice
Published: April 2023

Myisha Cherry's The Case for Rage is a significant addition to the growing body of analytic philosophy that succeeds in not just engaging but shaping and even creating new forms of public discourse. It does so while remaining an exemplar for what good analytic philosophy should look like: filled with systematic and clear distinctions that illuminate rather than obfuscate real and concrete lived phenomena. I offer two challenges to Cherry's typology of rage: first, I rehabilitate two of variations she takes to be morally and politically problematic, and, second, I argue that the freedom to feel, express, and act on Lordean rage proper should be more limited than Cherry allows. I then raise a set of questions about the aesthetics of persuasive anger. Finally, I highlight two striking insights in Cherry's rich argument.
A longitudinal study of exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction and laryngeal obstruction in high school athletes
Authors: Ersson Karin , Mallmin Elisabet , Nordang Leif , Malinovschi Andrei , Johansson Henrik
Published: April 2023

Background

Exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) and exercise‐induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) are common in elite athletes. Knowledge of which factors are related to incident EIB and EILO is limited. The aim of this study was to explore the course of EIB and EILO in adolescent athletes over a 2 years period and baseline characteristics related to incident EIB.

Methods

Questionnaire data on respiratory symptoms, asthma, and aeroallergy and results of objective EIB and EILO tests were collected from 58 participants (27 tested for EILO) at baseline and after 2 years (follow‐up). Associations between incident EIB and baseline asthma‐like symptoms, exercise‐induced symptoms, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), aeroallergy, and sex were assessed using logistic regression models.

Results

Ten participants had incident EIB, and eight participants had persistent EIB. Five were EIB positive at baseline but negative at follow‐up, while 35 participants were EIB negative at both time points. Having incident EIB was associated with reporting waking up with chest tightness (OR = 4.38; 95% CI: 1.06, 22.09). Reporting an increased number of asthma‐like symptoms increased the likelihood of incident EIB (OR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.16, 6.58). No associations were found between exercise‐induced symptoms, FeNO, aeroallergy, or sex and incident EIB. Incident EILO was found in three and persistent EILO in two of the 27 participants tested.

Conclusion

Two in nine had incident EIB and one eighth had incident EILO, suggesting that recurrent testing for EIB and EILO may be relevant in young athletes. Particularly, EIB‐negative athletes reporting multiple asthma‐like symptoms could benefit from recurrent EIB testing.
Skin manifestations and submacroscopical features of acromegaly: A case‐control study using dermoscopy and high‐frequency ultrasound
Authors: Wang Yukun , Guo Xiaopeng , Liu Jie , Xing Bing
Published: April 2023

Background

Although the cutaneous involvement of acromegaly has been recognized, the submacroscopical skin changes and the extent of skin thickening of patients remain unclear.

Objectives

This study aimed at investigating the clinical cutaneous manifestations, dermoscopic features, and skin thickness revealed by high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS) of acromegalic patients.

Methods

A case‐control observational study was conducted. Patients with acromegaly and controls were prospectively included and received thorough cutaneous examinations to compare the macroscopical and dermoscopic features. The skin thickness measured by HFUS and its correlation with clinical data were also assessed.

Results

Thirty‐seven and 26 patients from acromegalic and control group were included, respectively. Clinical skin manifestations were recorded in detail. Under dermoscopy, red structureless area (91.9% vs. 65.4%, p = 0.021), perifollicular orange halo (78.4% vs. 26.9%, p = 0.005), and follicular plug (70.3% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.001) in the facial area, and perifollicular pigmentation (91.9% vs. 23.1%), broom‐head hairs (83.8% vs. 3.9%), honeycomb‐like pigmentation (97.3% vs. 38.46%), widened dermatoglyphics (81.1% vs. 3.9%) at the extremities (p < 0.001) were more prevalent in acromegaly. The mean skin thickness was 4.10 ± 0.48 mm for acromegaly, and 3.55 ± 0.52 mm for controls (p < 0.001) but no correlation with disease duration, adenoma size, and hormone level was found in acromegaly.

Conclusions

Submacroscopical skin changes under dermoscopy and skin thickness increase assessed by HFUS can provide clinicians with subtle evidences for early detection of acromegaly and objective parameters for accurate assessment of its skin involvement.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DQB1*06:03:47 allele by next generation sequencing
Authors: Desoutter Judith , Lion Julien , Elsermans Vincent , Top Isabelle , Guillaume Nicolas
Published: April 2023

HLA‐DQB1*06:03:47 differs from HLA‐DQB1*06:03:01 by one synonymous nucleotide substitution in codon 158 in exon 3.
Death‐associated protein kinase 3 regulates the myogenic reactivity of cerebral arteries
Authors: Turner Sara R. , Al‐Ghabkari Abdulhameed , Carlson David A. , Chappellaz Mona , Sutherland Cindy , Haystead Timothy A. J. , Cole William C. , MacDonald Justin A.
Published: April 2023

The vascular smooth muscle (VSM) of resistance blood vessels is a target of intrinsic autoregulatory responses to increased intraluminal pressure, the myogenic response. In the brain, the myogenic reactivity of cerebral arteries is critical to homeostatic blood flow regulation. Here we provide the first evidence to link the death‐associated protein kinase 3 (DAPK3) to the myogenic response of rat and human cerebral arteries. DAPK3 is a Ser/Thr kinase involved in Ca2+‐sensitization mechanisms of smooth muscle contraction. Ex vivo administration of a specific DAPK3 inhibitor (i.e., HS38) could attenuate vessel constrictions invoked by serotonin as well as intraluminal pressure elevation. The HS38‐dependent dilatation was not associated with any change in myosin light chain (LC20) phosphorylation. The results suggest that DAPK3 does not regulate Ca2+ sensitization pathways during the myogenic response of cerebral vessels but rather operates to control the actin cytoskeleton. A slow return of myogenic tone was observed during the sustained ex vivo exposure of cerebral arteries to HS38. Recovery of tone was associated with greater LC20 phosphorylation that suggests intrinsic signalling compensation in response to attenuation of DAPK3 activity. Additional experiments with VSM cells revealed HS38‐ and siDAPK‐dependent effects on the actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation status. The translational importance of DAPK3 to the human cerebral vasculature was noted, with robust expression of the protein kinase and significant HS38‐dependent attenuation of myogenic reactivity found for human pial vessels.