bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fructose consumption in pregnancy and associations with maternal and offspring hepatic and whole-body adiposity: a scoping review
Authors: Zhao Grace , Chondon Sarah , Gray Clint , Gentili Sheridan , Stanley Meagan , Regnault Timothy RH
Published: July 2024

Background

Fructose is a major component in the Western diet, and its increased intake has been linked to adverse metabolic health, including impaired hepatic function and increased adiposity. The early life period, including preconceptionally, pregnancy and the newborn period, are critical periods in determining later metabolic health. However, the impact of excess fructose intake during this time on maternal, fetal, and offspring hepatic and whole-body adiposity, are ill defined.

Objectives

To understand the effects of maternal fructose consumption pre- and during pregnancy on maternal, fetal and offspring hepatic and whole-body adiposity.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL was performed up to August 23, 2022, to identify studies that focused on maternal fructose consumption pre- and during pregnancy on hepatic and whole-body adiposity in the mother, fetus, and offspring. Citations, abstracts, and full texts were screened in duplicate. Hepatic adiposity was defined as elevated hepatic triglycerides or overall hepatic fat accumulation. Whole-body adiposity was defined as increased adipose tissue or adipocyte hypertrophy.

Results

After screening 2334 citations, 33 experimental studies reporting maternal fructose consumption pre- and during pregnancy in rodents were included. Prenatal fructose exposure was associated with maternal (9 out of 12) and offspring (6 out of 10) whole-body adiposity. A high proportion of studies (13 out of 14) supported the association between fructose during pregnancy and increased maternal hepatic adiposity. Fetal hepatic adiposity and elevated expression of hepatic lipogenic proteins were noted in four studies. Offspring hepatic adiposity was supported in 14 of the 17 articles that discussed hepatic results, with five studies demonstrating more severe effects in female offspring.

Conclusions

Fructose consumption during pregnancy in rodent models is associated with maternal, fetal, and offspring hepatic, whole-body adiposity and underlying sex-specific effects. There are no human fructose studies and its effects in the early life period.

Registration number

H8F26 on Open Science Framework
Functional analysis ofESRP1/2gene variants andCTNND1isoforms in orofacial cleft pathogenesis
Authors: Caetano da Silva Caroline , Macias Trevino Claudio , Mitchell Jason , Murali Hemma , Tsimbal Casey , Dalessandro Eileen , Carroll Shannon H. , Kochhar Simren , Curtis Sarah W. , Cheng Ching Hsun Eric , Wang Feng , Kutschera Eric , Carstens Russ P. , Xing Yi , Wang Kai , Leslie Elizabeth J. , Liao Eric C.
Published: July 2024

Orofacial cleft (OFC) is a common human congenital anomaly. Epithelial-specific RNA splicing regulatorsESRP1andESRP2regulate craniofacial morphogenesis and their disruption result in OFC in zebrafish, mouse and humans. Usingesrp1/2mutant zebrafish and murine Py2T cell line models, we functionally tested the pathogenicity of humanESRP1/2gene variants. We found that many variants predicted byin silicomethods to be pathogenic were functionally benign.Esrp1also regulates the alternative splicing ofCtnnd1and these genes are co-expressed in the embryonic and oral epithelium. In fact, over-expression ofctnnd1is sufficient to rescue morphogenesis of epithelial-derived structures inesrp1/2zebrafish mutants. Additionally, we identified 13CTNND1variants from genome sequencing of OFC cohorts, confirmingCTNND1as a key gene in human OFC. This work highlights the importance of functional assessment of human gene variants and demonstrates the critical requirement ofEsrp-Ctnnd1acting in the embryonic epithelium to regulate palatogenesis.
Enzyme-Responsive DNA Condensates
Authors: Bucci Juliette , Malouf Layla , Tanase Diana A. , Farag Nada , Lamb Jacob R. , Gentile Serena , Del Grosso Erica , Kaminski Clemens F. , Di Michele Lorenzo , Ricci Francesco
Published: July 2024

Membrane-less compartments and organelles are widely acknowledged for their role in regulating cellular processes, and there is an urgent need to harness their full potential as both structural and functional elements of synthetic cells. Despite rapid progress, synthetically recapitulating the nonequilibrium, spatially distributed responses of natural membrane-less organelles remain elusive. Here we demonstrate that the activity of nucleic-acid cleaving enzymes can be localised within DNA-based membrane-less compartments by sequestering the respective DNA or RNA substrates. Reaction-diffusion processes lead to complex nonequilibrium patterns, dependent on enzyme concentration. By arresting similar dynamic patterns, we spatially organise different substrates in concentric sub-compartments, which can be then selectively addressed by different enzymes, demonstrating spatial distribution of enzymatic activity. Besides advancing our ability to engineer advanced biomimetic functions in synthetic membrane-less organelles, our results may facilitate the deployment of DNA-based condensates as microbioreactors or platforms for the detection and quantitation of enzymes and nucleic acids.
Establishing a co-culture aggregate of N-cycle bacteria to elucidate flocculation in biological wastewater treatment
Authors: Parret Laurens , Simoens Kenneth , Horemans Benjamin , De Vrieze Jo , Smets Ilse
Published: July 2024

Biological flocculation is a complex phenomenon that is often treated as a black box. As a result, flocculation problems are usually remediated without knowledge of the exact causes. We show that it is feasible to exploit a model (N-cycle) consortium with reduced complexity to fundamentally study bioflocculation. Strong nitrifier microcolonies were formed during oxic/anoxic cycles in sequencing batch reactors, using alginate entrapment as a cell retention system. After release of these aggregates into suspension, macroclusters with flocs of the denitrifier were observed. These results suggest that a living model of a full-scale activated sludge floc can be built through the use of this bottom-up approach. By eliminating shifts in the microbial community, the applied experimental conditions have a more direct effect on the observations.
Enhancer-promoter hubs organize transcriptional networks promoting oncogenesis and drug resistance
Authors: Perlman Brent S. , Burget Noah , Zhou Yeqiao , Schwartz Gregory W. , Petrovic Jelena , Modrusan Zora , Faryabi Robert B.
Published: July 2024

Recent advances in high-resolution mapping of spatial interactions among regulatory elements support the existence of complex topological assemblies of enhancers and promoters known as enhancer-promoter hubs or cliques. Yet, organization principles of these multi-interacting enhancer-promoter hubs and their potential role in regulating gene expression in cancer remains unclear. Here, we systematically identified enhancer-promoter hubs in breast cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia. We found that highly interacting enhancer-promoter hubs form at key oncogenes and lineage-associated transcription factors potentially promoting oncogenesis of these diverse cancer types. Genomic and optical mapping of interactions among enhancer and promoter elements further showed that topological alterations in hubs coincide with transcriptional changes underlying acquired resistance to targeted therapy in T cell leukemia and B cell lymphoma. Together, our findings suggest that enhancer-promoter hubs are dynamic and heterogeneous topological assemblies with the potential to control gene expression circuits promoting oncogenesis and drug resistance.
A Biparatopic Intrabody Renders Vero Cells Impervious to Ricin Intoxication
Authors: Czajka Timothy F. , Vance David J. , Song Renji , Mantis Nicholas J.
Published: July 2024

Expression of camelid-derived, single-domain antibodies (VHHs) within the cytoplasm of mammalian cells as “intrabodies” has opened-up novel avenues for medical countermeasures against fast-acting biothreat agents. In this report, we describe a heterodimeric intrabody that renders Vero cells virtually impervious to ricin toxin (RT), a potent Category B ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP). The intrabody consists of two structurally defined VHHs that target distinct epitopes on RT’s enzymatic subunit (RTA): V9E1 targets RTA’s P-stalk recruitment site, and V2A11 targets RTA’s active site. Resistance to RT conferred by the biparatopic VHH construct far exceeded that of either of the VHHs alone and effectively inhibited all measurable RT-induced cytotoxictyin vitro. We propose that targeted delivery of bispecific intrabodies to lung tissues may represent a novel means to shield the airways from the effects of inhalational RT exposure.
Prickle2 regulates apical junction remodeling and tissue fluidity during vertebrate neurulation
Authors: Matsuda Miho , Sokol Sergei Y
Published: July 2024

The process of folding the flat neuroectoderm into an elongated neural tube depends on tissue fluidity, a property that allows epithelial deformation while preserving tissue integrity. Neural tube folding also requires the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway. Here, we report that Prickle2 (Pk2), a core PCP component, increases tissue fluidity by promoting the remodeling of apical junctions (AJs) in Xenopus embryos. This Pk2 activity is mediated by the unique evolutionarily conserved Ser-Thr-rich region (STR) in the carboxyterminal half of the protein. Mechanistically, the effects of Pk2 require Rac1 and are accompanied by increased cadherin dynamics and destabilization of tricellular junctions, the hotspots of AJ remodeling. Notably, Pk2 depletion leads to the accumulation of mediolaterally oriented cells in the neuroectoderm, whereas the overexpression of Pk2 or Pk1 containing the Pk2-derived STR promotes cell elongation along the anteroposterior axis. We propose that Pk2-dependent regulation of tissue fluidity contributes to anteroposterior tissue elongation in response to extrinsic cues.
Genetic Causes of early onset Ataxia: Experience from the National Sheffield Paediatric Ataxia Centre
Authors: Garrard K , Beauchamps N , Connolly DJA , Secker S , Allen K E , Campbell S , Panayi M , Hadjivassiliou M , Mordekar SR
Published: July 2024

Early onset cerebellar ataxias are sufficiently distinct in aetiology and disease course from adult onset ataxias to warrant independent evaluation. It has long been assumed that complex (multisystem) ataxias are more frequent in the paediatric ataxia population but the proportion of genetic causes and the makeup of this group of patients has not previously been examined in detail.

Data from 704 patients from the Sheffield Paediatric Ataxia Centre (SPAC) confirms Friedriech’s ataxia as the most common genetic paediatric ataxia (25%) but this is closely followed byCACNA1Amutations (18.2%). Pick up rate was higher than for adult populations and recessive and dominant conditions were represented in roughly equal proportions. A large proportion of mutations were only found in a single gene and nearly half of the NGS variants identified (46.7%) were variants of unknown significance (VUS). In total 13.8% of this population had a genetic cause confirmed. This demonstrates the utility of large gene panel testing in the paediatric ataxia population and highlights the need for further research and developments into determination of the pathogenicity of genetic variants.

In conclusion, simple mendelian genetic diseases are responsible for a significant proportion of cases of chronic ataxia in the paediatric cohort.
Machian fractons, Hamiltonian attractors, and nonequilibrium steady states
Authors: Prakash Abhishodh , Sadki Ylias , Sondhi S. L.
Published: July 2024

We study the N fracton problem in classical mechanics, with fractons defined as point particles that conserve multipole moments up to a given order. We find that the nonlinear Machian dynamics of the fractons is characterized by late-time attractors in position-velocity space for all N, despite the absence of attractors in phase space dictated by Liouville's theorem. These attractors violate ergodicity and lead to nonequilibrium steady states, which always break translational symmetry, even in spatial dimensions where the Hohenberg-Mermin-Wagner-Coleman theorem for equilibrium systems forbids such breaking. We provide a conceptual understanding of our results using an adiabatic approximation for the late-time trajectories and an analogy with the idea of “order-by-disorder” borrowed from equilibrium statistical mechanics. Altogether, these fracton systems host a paradigm for Hamiltonian dynamics and nonequilibrium many-body physics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Anti-corruption policy and earnings management: do women in monitoring roles matter?
Authors: Ratu Dewi Mustika , Rahajeng Dian Kartika
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The inadequate enforcement of anti-corruption policies in the private sector in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries is the motivation for this study to investigate how a company’s anti-corruption disclosure (ACD) affects earnings management. Moreover, the underrepresentation of women in supervisory roles makes this aspect of particular interest. Hence, this study highlights the question of whether their participation in audit committees can impact the organization's policies.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs archival methods to examine 30 of the largest non-financial companies from each of the ASEAN-5 countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines) from 2016 to 2018. Lastly, the authors also utilize a robustness test.

Findings

As expected, the results indicate that the low willingness to disclose anti-corruption activities encourages earnings management practices. This relationship is significantly more potent in firms with fewer women on their audit committees. The findings remain robust after assessing alternative measurements.

Practical implications

The findings of this study imply that a company’s anti-corruption policies and the role of women in supervisory activity influence rent-seeking behavior. Thus, investors should consider elements that promote transparency in companies. Additionally, regulators must evaluate regulations to promote gender diversity and eradicate corruption by establishing exact policies, providing whistleblowing protection and simplifying indicators for effective disclosure.

Originality/value

The consequences of the anti-corruption policy in the ASEAN-5 countries are relatively under-researched and still focus on a single country. Furthermore, while examining the connection between ACD and earnings management, this study also considered how addressing the supervisory factor is urgent in terms of corporate transparency.
Uncovering the reasons of retraction in virology: a citation and Altmetric investigation
Authors: Malla Rayees Ahmad , Wani Zahid Ashraf
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to delve into the critical examination of retractions in virology to identify the underlying factor that led to the retraction of scientific publications in this specialised domain. Further, this study offers insights into the impact of the retracted publications in the scholarly world vis-à-vis citation and Altmetric indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

The top 100 highly cited retracted articles from virology category were taken from the Web of Science (WoS) database. The Retraction Watch database was used for knowing the reasons for retraction for each retracted publication. The citation and Altmetric score of retracted publications were noted down from WoS and Altmetric.com databases, respectively. Journal Citation Report was used to note down the impact factor of the journals that have published these articles.

Findings

“Misconduct” (57.73%) is the most prevalent reason for the retraction of publications followed by plagiarism (18.55%) and journal issues (14.43%). The retracted papers are cited even after their retraction. Around 70.52% citations were received before and 29.47% after retraction. The highest number of retracted papers was published in the Journal of Virology (14) and Journal of Chemistry (10). High-impact factor journals such as Lancet, Cell and Nature each own one retracted paper. The study found dissemination of these publications through social media platforms with highest social media mentions (394) followed by policy and patents mentions (373) and news and blog mentions (300).

Practical implications

The research delves into understanding the reasons behind the retraction of virology papers and the impact of these publications through citation and Altmetric analyses. Its impactions include bolstering quality control in virology research, maintaining trust in scientific literature. Citation and Altmetric analyses offer deep insights into the broader impact of retracted papers, informing policy and publishing practices to uphold scientific integrity in virology.

Originality/value

This study addresses a specific and crucial aspect of scientific research retractions within the field of virology. While retractions have been studied in broader terms in scientific research, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no such study has been conducted in the scientific field of virology.
The complex emergencies arising from Cawston Park Hospital
Authors: Bunting Vikki
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Three deaths at Cawston Park Hospital shed a bright light on Norfolk’s services for people with learning disabilities and autism, including those operated by the company that ran the hospital. The purpose of this paper is to review Norfolk County Council's current position from the unique aspect of a senior manager wihtin the system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the unique perspective of a social worker from within the system.

Findings

The process of making change included engagement and action concerning such thorny challenges as the pressures on community services; the undervaluing of care-giving as a career; and the continuing admissions to specialist mental health services at a time when hospital discharges are being expedited.

Originality/value

Norfolk’s investment in improving its services involves the adoption of a human rights approach; a capital programme to facilitate new developments; nurturing care-giving as a career; and bringing a clearer evidence base to this work programme.
Unleashing the voice within: managerial insights for empowering open upward communication
Authors: McKee Rob Austin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to provide prescriptions through a practitioner lens to managers and leaders wishing to cultivate an organizational environment characterized by employees’ voluntary open upward communication.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a two-step progression to fostering successful voluntary upward communication, framing manager’s feedback inquiry as a precursor to enabling employee voice. Rationale is provided for each step based on an extensive review of the management literature. At times, the reviewed research reveals counterintuitive findings that serve to underscore the importance of this article.

Findings

Hallmarks of effective organizations include managers who are open to feedback and employees who are comfortable providing it. Specific, actionable and feasible advice is provided for managers to seek feedback more actively and to inculcate a culture of open upward communication.

Originality/value

This paper offers guidance that goes beyond the traditional practices adopted by organizations to encourage upward communication, feedback and employee voice. Yet, this guidance is no more difficult to enact than these more common approaches and it is supported by a growing body of research that has yet to be fully translated into lay terms.
Research on the strain gauge mounting scheme of track wheel force measurement system based on high-speed wheel/rail relationship test rig
Authors: Cai Yuanwu , Chen Bo , Chang Chongyi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the stress and strain distribution on the track wheel web surface and study the optimal strain gauge location for force measurement system of the track wheel.

Design/methodology/approach

Finite element method was employed to analyze the stress and strain distribution on the track wheel web surface under varying wheel-rail forces. Locations with minimal coupling interference between vertical and lateral forces were identified as suitable for strain gauge installation.

Findings

The results show that due to the track wheel web’s unique curved shape and wheel-rail force loading mechanism, both tensile and compressive states exit on the surface of the web. When vertical force is applied, Mises stress and strain are relatively high near the inner radius of 710 mm and the outer radius of 1110 mm of the web. Under lateral force, high Mises stress and strain are observed near the radius of 670 mm on the inner and outer sides of the web. As the wheel-rail force application point shifts laterally toward the outer side, the Mises stress and strain near the inner radius of 710 mm of the web gradually decrease under vertical force while gradually increasing near the outer radius of 1110 mm of the web. Under lateral force, the Mises stress and strain on the surface of the web remain relatively unchanged regardless of the wheel-rail force application point. Based on the analysis of stress and strain on the surface of the web under different wheel-rail forces, the inner radius of 870 mm is recommended as the optimal mounting location of strain gauges for measuring vertical force, while the inner radius of 1143 mm is suitable for measuring lateral force.

Originality/value

The research findings provide valuable insights for determining optimal strain gauge locations and designing an effective track wheel force measurement system.
More than meets the eye: Lid and conjunctival injuries in cases of non‐sexual assault are frequently accompanied by non‐fatal strangulation
Authors: Parekh Vanita , McMinn Janine , Brkic Anna , Williams David , Boxx Caleb , Bailey Laura , Reid Kate
Published: July 2024

Objective

To determine the associations between lid and conjunctival injuries (LACI), non‐fatal strangulation (NFS) and domestic family violence (DFV) in non‐sexual assault.

Methods

The present study involves an analysis of LACI in a clinical audit of 85 sequential non‐sexual assault presentations.

Results

LACI was present in 26.9% of non‐sexual assault cases, and 47.4% of LACI patients also experienced NFS. LACI was sustained in the context of DFV in 62.9% of cases. Females made up 69.2% of LACI patients, with those between 14 and 29 years most at risk. Children were present in 12.8% of cases, 78.2% of perpetrators were male and 44.9% of patients had previously been assaulted by the same perpetrator.

Conclusions

LACI is frequently associated with NFS and/or DFV. Since NFS increases future homicide attempts and events more than sixfold, LACI is an important signal about a patient's homicide risk, expanding the dimensions of the care needed. Those experiencing LACI during an assault also need to be referred for comprehensive eye examination as soon as possible. With consent, systematic forensic photography of LACI enables its assessment and documentation, which assists the legal process. These conclusions should drive legislative consideration and reform, plus expanded education for clinicians and police.
Hydrogeologic and hydrochemical inputs to emerging wetlands on the shores of the receding Salton Sea, California
Authors: Hibbs Barry , Bautista Camila , Alwood Lillian , Drummond Margaret
Published: July 2024

The Salton Sea has experienced significant recession over the past two decades due to changes in the diversion of Colorado River water to the Salton Trough for agricultural irrigation. As a result, wetlands have emerged in some exposed playa areas along the Salton Sea, primarily in regions with extensive agricultural return flows and agricultural drainage. One notable wetland system, known as the Bombay Beach Wetlands, has formed on the north shore of the Salton Sea, in an area devoid of agriculture. In many other areas with limited or no agriculture, wetlands have failed to develop, leaving exposed playa surfaces as the Salton Sea recedes. These dry playa surfaces pose a significant threat to the health of local residents due to the presence of toxins contained in windblown dust associated with playa deposits. In this study, stable water isotope data, combined with other hydrological information, led to identification of two potential water sources for the Bombay Beach Wetlands. The first possibility proposes that thermal artesian waters alone contribute to the wetlands' water source, while the second hypothesis involves a combination of drainage from Salton Sea bank storage water mixing with the thermal artesian water. The thermal artesian water discharges into drainage channels that flow towards the Bombay Beach Wetlands, initially devoid of possible groundwater baseflow until reaching the wetlands. Studies were subsequently done along the full reach of the drainage channels receiving thermal artesian water. Dissolved solids content, P and N nutrients, arsenic, and stable water isotopes were tested synoptically along the drainage channels. Channel investigations led to the development of a novel model of salinization, which is linked to channel discharge, channel morphometrics, and channel incision.
Canada: Political Developments and Data in 2023
Authors: STEWART DAVID K.
Published: July 2024

There was no federal election in 2023 but change seemed to be in the air, as the official opposition Conservatives, under their new leader, made major gains in the polls and took a significant lead over the Liberals. Controversy over foreign interference in Canadian politics generated controversy, and foreign policy issues had an uncharacteristic impact on Canadian politics. The Liberal government responded with a major Cabinet shuffle, while by‐elections left the party positions in the House of Commons essentially unchanged.
Genomic analysis links the American mink Royal pastel coat phenotype to retroviral element type 1 insertion in the HPS3 gene
Authors: Manakhov Andrey D. , Aarakelyan Nelli A. , Lapteacru Adela V. , Andreeva Tatiana V. , Trapezov Oleg V. , Rogaev Evgeny I.
Published: July 2024

To date, only 10 of the more than 30 fur colours that had been observed in American mink (Neogale vison) have been linked to specific genes. The Royal pastel fur colour is part of a large family of brownish colours that are quite similar to one another, making breeding and selecting processes more difficult. Here we carried out whole‐genome sequencing of five American minks with Royal pastel (b/b) phenotypes originating from two distinct mink populations. We identified an insertion of endogenous retroviral element type 1 (ERV1) into the first intron of the gene encoding the HPS3 protein, which regulates the trafficking of tyrosinase‐containing vesicles to maturing melanosomes. With Cas9‐targeted nanopore sequencing, we reconstructed the full‐length sequence of the 11.7 Kb ERV1 insertion and observed hypermethylation that spread to the HPS3 gene promoter region. These findings highlight the role of HPS3 in the formation of melanosomes and melanin, as well as the genetic process regulating the intensity and spectrum of hair colour. Moreover, in mink breeding projects, these data are also useful for tracking economically important fur qualities.
Evidence for direct CO2‐mediated alterations in cerebral oxidative metabolism in humans
Authors: Caldwell Hannah G. , Hoiland Ryan L. , Bain Anthony R. , Howe Connor A. , Carr Jay M. J. R. , Gibbons Travis D. , Durrer Cody G. , Tymko Michael M. , Stacey Benjamin S. , Bailey Damian M. , Sekhon Mypinder S. , MacLeod David B. , Ainslie Philip N.
Published: July 2024

Aim

How the cerebral metabolic rates of oxygen and glucose utilization (CMRO2 and CMRGlc, respectively) are affected by alterations in arterial PCO2 (PaCO2) is equivocal and therefore was the primary question of this study.

Methods

This retrospective analysis involved pooled data from four separate studies, involving 41 healthy adults (35 males/6 females). Participants completed stepwise steady‐state alterations in PaCO2 ranging between 30 and 60 mmHg. The CMRO2 and CMRGlc were assessed via the Fick approach (CBF × arterial‐internal jugular venous difference of oxygen or glucose content, respectively) utilizing duplex ultrasound of the internal carotid artery and vertebral artery to calculate cerebral blood flow (CBF).

Results

The CMRO2 was altered by 0.5 mL × min−1 (95% CI: −0.6 to −0.3) per mmHg change in PaCO2 (p < 0.001) which corresponded to a 9.8% (95% CI: −13.2 to −6.5) change in CMRO2 with a 9 mmHg change in PaCO2 (inclusive of hypo‐ and hypercapnia). The CMRGlc was reduced by 7.7% (95% CI: −15.4 to −0.08, p = 0.045; i.e., reduction in net glucose uptake) and the oxidative glucose index (ratio of oxygen to glucose uptake) was reduced by 5.6% (95% CI: −11.2 to 0.06, p = 0.049) with a + 9 mmHg increase in PaCO2.

Conclusion

Collectively, the CMRO2 is altered by approximately 1% per mmHg change in PaCO2. Further, glucose is incompletely oxidized during hypercapnia, indicating reductions in CMRO2 are either met by compensatory increases in nonoxidative glucose metabolism or explained by a reduction in total energy production.
The Hirschman effect re‐examined from the perspective of security perception: A case study of Southeast Asian countries and China
Authors: Zhao Xinlei
Published: July 2024

The dependency relationship in economic and trade cooperation between countries has long been a subject of ongoing debate among scholars of international relations. Albert Hirschman proposed his theory, known as the “Hirschman effect,” which examines how profit‐making groups influence the foreign policies of nations. However, this article contends that interest groups alone cannot fully account for the Hirschman effect. Through examining cases involving Southeast Asian countries and China, it becomes evident that security needs and interest preferences collectively influence the strength of the Hirschman effect between small and large countries. Specifically, Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines illustrate varying degrees of the Hirschman effect, with Cambodia exhibiting a positive effect, Malaysia demonstrating a composite effect, and the Philippines displaying a negative effect.
Effect of esketamine on haemodynamic fluctuations in patients undergoing hysteroscopic surgery: A prospective, double‐blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Guan Yingchao , Pan Hongxia , Cong Xiaojing , Fang Fang , Du Shuping , Wang Xiaodong , Ding Yi , Zhou Yejian , Yu Songyang
Published: July 2024

Aims

We explored whether esketamine anesthesia during hysteroscopic surgery can reduce intraoperative hemodynamic fluctuations and improve patient benefit.

Methods

A total of 170 patients undergoing hysteroscopic surgery were enrolled, and 151 patients were finally included in the analysis, among which 19 used vasoactive drugs during surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to either the esketamine anesthesia group (E group) or the sufentanil anesthesia group (S group). The primary outcomes were blood pressure and heart rate during the surgery. Secondary outcomes included resistance to laryngeal mask insertion, demand for propofol and remifentanil, nausea and vomiting, Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS), dizziness and pain intensity after resuscitation, vasoactive medication treatment, hospitalization time and expenses.

Results

E group had a more stable heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean blood pressure than the S group (p < 0.001). Patients in E group had a higher demand for propofol (p < 0.001) but better RASS scores (p < 0.001) after resuscitation. The incidence of intraoperative vasoactive medication use was higher in the S group (18.4% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.029). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of resistance to laryngeal mask insertion, remifentanil demand, time required for resuscitation, postoperative pain, dizziness, nausea or vomiting.

Conclusions

Compared with sufentanil, esketamine‐induced anesthesia during hysteroscopic surgery can reduce intraoperative hemodynamic fluctuations and the incidence of intraoperative vasoactive medication. Although esketamine‐induced anesthesia may increase the demand for propofol during surgery, it does not affect the anesthesia recovery time and the quality of patient recovery is better.
The moral dark side of entrepreneurial leadership: How it leads to employee creative unethicality
Authors: Zhao Sijia , Yi Lingfeng , Shen Ya Xi
Published: July 2024

Drawing on the social cognitive theory of morality, we propose a moderated mediation model to explain why and how employees under the supervision of entrepreneurial leadership engage in unethical behaviors to achieve creative performance. Specifically, we anticipated that entrepreneurial leadership would cause employees to engage in moral justification, which in turn would lead to creative unethicality. Furthermore, we argue that politics perception serves as a critical boundary condition, strengthening the indirect effect of entrepreneurial leadership on creative unethicality. We conducted two multiwave and multisource surveys and constructed a structural equation model to test the proposed hypotheses. Study 1, which involved 201 coworker–employee dyads in a single company, provided full support for all hypotheses. Study 2, conducted in 12 companies with 400 employees and 69 supervisors, replicated the findings of Study 1 and further confirmed the moderated mediation model. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Effects of novel lactoferrin peptides on LPS‐induced alveolar bone destruction in a rat model
Authors: Yamada Sakura , Chea Chanbora , Furusho Hisako , Oda Kanae , Shiba Fumie , Tanimoto Kotaro , Tate Shin‐ichi , Miyauchi Mutsumi , Takata Takashi
Published: July 2024

To develop novel bovine lactoferrin (bLF) peptides targeting bLF‐tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6) binding sites, we identified two peptides that could target bLF‐TRAF6 binding sites using structural analysis. Moreover, another peptide that could bind to the TRAF6 dimerization area was selected from the bLF sequence. The effects of each peptide on cytokine expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated osteoblasts (ST2) and on osteoclastogenesis were examined using an LPS‐treated co‐culture of primary bone marrow cells (BMCs) with ST2 cells and a single culture of osteoclast precursor cells (RAW‐D) treated with soluble receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand. Finally, the effectiveness of these peptides against LPS‐induced alveolar bone destruction was assessed. Two of the three peptides significantly suppressed LPS‐induced TNF‐α and interleukin‐1β expression in ST2 cells. Additionally, these peptides inhibited and reversed LPS‐induced receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) upregulation and osteoprotegerin (OPG) downregulation, respectively. Furthermore, both peptides significantly reduced LPS‐induced osteoclastogenesis in the BMC‐ST2 co‐culture and RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis in RAW‐D cells. In vivo, topical application of these peptides significantly reduced the osteoclast number by downregulating RANKL and upregulating OPG in the periodontal ligament. It is indicated that the novel bLF peptides can be used to treat periodontitis‐associated bone destruction.
Interventions to improve executive functions in children aged 3 years and under: A systematic review
Authors: Duncan Andrea F. , Gerner Gwyn J. , Neel Mary Lauren , Burton Vera J. , Byrne Rachel , Warschausky Seth
Published: July 2024

Background

Early executive functioning (EF) skills are foundational capabilities that predict school readiness, academic development and psychiatric risk. Early interventions enhancing these capabilities could have critical import in improving outcomes. However, to develop interventions, it is necessary to identify specific EF skills that will vary with child age. Thus, we aimed to examine the characteristics and efficacy of interventions targeting EF in infancy and early childhood up to age 3.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and APA PsycINFO databases was performed for studies published before December 2022. Randomized and non‐randomized studies of interventions designed to improve at least one EF skill in children ≤3 years were included. EF skills included attentional control, inhibition/self‐regulation, activity initiation, working memory, cognitive flexibility, planning ability, problem‐solving and performance monitoring. We independently extracted data, used the revised Cochrane Risk‐of‐Bias tool to assess the quality of the evidence and conducted Synthesis Without Meta‐analysis (SWiM). The overall quality of the evidence and the strength of recommendations was determined using elements of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results

Thirty‐five studies met inclusion criteria (original n = 7467). Studies were highly variable in the EF skill targeted, target subject (i.e., child, parent and teacher), nature and dosage of the intervention, and timing of outcome assessment. Most interventions focused on improving impulse control and self‐regulation. The overall quality of evidence was low to moderate with a high risk of bias, though six studies had low risk of bias but yielded mixed findings of efficacy.

Conclusions

The relatively small number of early EF intervention studies uses such variable methods that there is currently no converging evidence of efficacy to recommend a specific intervention. Thus, findings support the need for a more systematic, targeted approach to the design and implementation of early EF interventions for target populations.
Impairments of insulin and glucagon sensitivity in Chinese women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhang Dan , Zhu Jianan , Wewer Albrechtsen Nicolai J. , Rayner Christopher K. , Saffery Richard , Zhang Hua , Chen Chang , Wu Tongzhi
Published: July 2024

Aim

To evaluate insulin and glucagon sensitivity in Han Chinese women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

In total, 81 women with GDM and 81 age‐matched healthy controls were evaluated with a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at gestational weeks 24‐28. Plasma glucose concentrations were measured at fasting and 1 h and 2 h post‐OGTT. Fasting plasma insulin, glucagon and amino acids were also measured. Insulin and glucagon sensitivity were assessed by the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and glucagon‐alanine index, respectively.

Results

As expected, plasma glucose concentrations were higher at fasting and 1 h and 2 h post‐OGTT in GDM participants (p < .001 each). Both the HOMA‐IR and the glucagon‐alanine index were higher in GDM participants. There was a weak positive correlation between HOMA‐IR and glucagon‐alanine index (r = 0.24, p = .0024). Combining the HOMA‐IR and the glucagon‐alanine index yielded better capacity (area under the curve = 0.878) than either alone (area under the curve = 0.828 for HOMA‐IR and 0.751 for glucagon‐alanine index, respectively) in differentiating GDM from healthy participants. While the majority of GDM participants (64%) exhibited both reduced insulin and glucagon sensitivity, a third of them presented either reduced insulin (20%) or glucagon (14%) sensitivity alone. HOMA‐IR and glucagon‐alanine index correlated differentially with fasting glucose, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, sum of amino acids and hepatic steatosis index.

Conclusions

Impairments of both insulin and glucagon sensitivity occur frequently in Chinese women with GDM, which may, individually or together, drive metabolic derangements in GDM. These observations provide new insights into the pathophysiology of GDM and support the need to target insulin or glucagon resistance, or both, in the management of GDM.
Characterising a diversity of coastal community fisheries in Kiribati and Vanuatu
Authors: Campbell Brooke , Steenbergen Dirk , Li Owen , Sami Abel , Nikiari Beia , Delisle Aurélie , Neihapi Pita , Uriam Tarateiti , Andrew Neil
Published: July 2024

Understanding what diversity of small‐scale fisheries translates to in practice, and what this means for management regimes seeking sustainability, continues to be a challenging undertaking. This is particularly so in the tropical Pacific Islands region, where small‐scale coastal fisheries play a significant role in domestic food and livelihood systems. A renewed regional policy focus on supporting coastal fisheries, combined with momentum built from a decades‐long ‘Pacific renaissance’ in community‐based fisheries management approaches, has increased resourcing and support for coastal fishery data collection and knowledge production. In this context, there is growing demand to explicitly characterise diversity and complexity of community‐based coastal fisheries to inform how national co‐management programs can adequately support the many communities within national constituencies. This study presents findings from a community‐based coastal fisheries monitoring programme implemented in ten communities across Kiribati and Vanuatu between 2019 and 2021. Findings illustrate the intra‐ and inter‐country diversity of contextual drivers, fishing practices, and fisher participation. We discuss the implications of this enhanced understanding of community‐based fisheries for applied co‐management practice in these two countries. In doing so, we add to a growing knowledge base about fishing practices in Pacific Island coastal communities and elucidate avenues through which to incorporate this knowledge into adaptive co‐management practice.
Gut microbiota dysbiosis links chronic apical periodontitis to liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Insights from a mouse model
Authors: Gan Guowu , Luo Yufang , Zeng Yu , Lin Shihan , Lu Beibei , Zhang Ren , Chen Shuai , Lei Huaxiang , Cai Zhiyu , Huang Xiaojing
Published: July 2024

Aim

In this study, we investigated the systemic implications of chronic apical periodontitis (CAP). CAP may contribute to the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression through the gut microbiota and its metabolites, which are related to the degree of fibrosis.

Methodology

Sixteen 7‐week‐old male apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE−/−) mice were randomly divided into two groups: the CAP and Con groups. A CAP model was established by sealing the first‐ and second‐maxillary molars with bacterium‐containing cotton balls. Apical lesions were evaluated by micro‐CT. Histological evaluations of NAFLD were performed using second harmonic generation/two‐photon excitation fluorescence (SHG/TPEF) assays. Additionally, we comprehensively analyzed the gut microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and explored metabolic profiles by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Immunofluorescence analysis was used to examine the impact of CAP on tight junction proteins and mucin expression. Transcriptome assays have elucidated gene expression alterations in liver tissues.

Results

Micro‐CT scans revealed an evident periapical bone loss in the CAP group, and the total collagen percentage was increased (Con, 0.0361 ± 0.00510%, CAP, 0.0589 ± 0.00731%, p < .05). 16S rRNA sequencing revealed reduced diversity and distinct taxonomic enrichment in the CAP group. Metabolomic assessments revealed that differentially enriched metabolites, including D‐galactosamine, were enriched and that 16‐hydroxyhexadecanoic acid and 3‐methylindole were depleted in the CAP group. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed disruptions in tight junction proteins and mucin production, indicating intestinal barrier integrity disruption. Liver transcriptome analysis revealed upregulation of Lpin‐1 expression in the CAP group.

Conclusion

This study provides comprehensive evidence of the systemic effects of CAP on liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients by elucidating alterations in the gut microbiota composition and metabolism.
Urinary tract infections in patients with urinary catheterization receiving home health service: A prevalence study
Authors: Köse Mert , Çiftçi Bahar
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of urinary tract infections in patients with urinary catheterization receiving home health services and the affecting factors. The population of this descriptive study consisted of patients who had lived in the central districts of Erzurum between February and March 2022, were actively registered to home health services, had a urinary catheter and met the research criteria. The period prevalence method (3 months) was used in the study, and 121 patients constituted the study sample. The study data were collected using a Sociodemographic and Information Form on Urinary Catheter. Before the home visit, patients' relatives were asked to clamp the urinary catheter. After completing the data collection forms, a sufficient amount of urine was taken from the attached urinary catheter, put into the urine and culture cup/tube, and labelled with a barcode. The samples were sent to the laboratory within 15 min at the latest. The medical specialist evaluated the results, and the necessary pharmacological treatment was delivered to the patient. Of the patients with indwelling urinary catheters who received home health services, 94.2% had a urinary tract infection. Moreover, it was determined that there was a statistically significant correlation between the presence of urinary tract infection in patients and the variables of constipation, frequency of perineal cleaning, and the use of toilet paper. It was concluded that the prevalence of urinary tract infections is very high in patients with urinary catheterization receiving home health services.
Recent advances in understanding of the mechanisms of RNA interference in insects
Authors: Koo Jinmo , Palli Subba Reddy
Published: July 2024

We highlight the recent 5 years of research that contributed to our understanding of the mechanisms of RNA interference (RNAi) in insects. Since its first discovery, RNAi has contributed enormously as a reverse genetic tool for functional genomic studies. RNAi is also being used in therapeutics, as well as agricultural crop and livestock production and protection. Yet, for the wider application of RNAi, improvement of its potency and delivery technologies is needed. A mechanistic understanding of every step of RNAi, from cellular uptake of RNAi trigger molecules to targeted mRNA degradation, is key for developing an efficient strategy to improve RNAi technology. Insects provide an excellent model for studying the mechanism of RNAi due to species‐specific variations in RNAi efficiency. This allows us to perform comparative studies in insect species with different RNAi sensitivity. Understanding the mechanisms of RNAi in different insects can lead to the development of better strategies to improve RNAi and its application to manage agriculturally and medically important insects.