bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discharge outcomes as predictors of social participation in the community after a stroke: a cohort study
Authors: Souza Flaviane Ribeiro de , Sales Matheus , Laporte Larrie Rabelo , Melo Ailton , Ribeiro Nildo Manoel da Silva
Published: August 2023

The mapping of possible predictors of restrictions in the social participation of people after stroke in the community can be an essential tool to support the development of rehabilitation strategies even in the hospital environment. This study aimed to identify whether mobility, functional balance and dependence on functionality at hospital discharge can predict restrictions on social participation 1 year after stroke in the community. This is a hospital-based cohort study, with individuals over 18 years old admitted with a diagnosis of acute stroke included. People with dementia, previous functional limitations and cancer patients were omitted. Mobility, balance and functional independence were the predictor variables at hospital discharge, and the outcome of interest was social participation assessed 1 year after a stroke in the community. Forty-eight patients were included after a 1-year follow-up. The degree of functional independence at hospital discharge (β = 0.813; P < 0.01) was the independent predictor of social participation, specifically the locomotion (β = 0.452; P < 0.001) and social cognition (β = 0.462; P < 0.001) related to functional independence. Mobility (β = 0.040; P = 0.777) and functional balance (β = 0.060; P = 0.652) did not show an independent association. Cognitive functional independence was a predictor of daily activities (β = 0.786; P < 0.001), social roles (β = 0.390; P = 0.014) and satisfaction (β = 0.564; P < 0.001) of social participation. The degree of functional independence of people after a stroke at hospital discharge was able to predict the level of social involvement in the community one year after the stroke.
Examining the Connection Between Health Outcomes, State Political Ideology, and Food Access in the United States
Authors: Samudra Rhucha P. , Heboyan Vahé
Published: August 2023

Objectives:

To estimate the impact of county-level income, access to food, availability of health resources, socioeconomic factors, and state political ideology on population obesity and mental health in US counties.

Design:

We compiled a county-level data set from the US Census, County Health Rankings, USDA Food Environment Atlas, the American Community Survey, and the State Ideology Database. We specify 2 multivariable regression models for county-level obesity rate and per capita poor mental health days and control for rurality, food access, income, availability of health care resources, state political ideology, and socioeconomic characteristics.

Results:

We find that higher food access reduces obesity in counties; an increase in per capita full-service restaurants by 1 unit is associated with reduction in obesity rate by 1.24 points and an increase in per capita grocery stores reduces poor mental health days by 0.14. We also find that counties in liberal-leaning states tend to have lower obesity rates. Access to primary care providers (increase in primary care physicians by 1 is associated with decline in obesity rate by 1.18 points and poor mental health days by 0.11 days), and recreational facilities (increase in recreational facilities per 1000 by 1 is associated with reduction in obesity rate by 3.16 points and poor mental health days by 0.47 days) reduces obesity rates and poor mental health days. Median income is associated with decrease in obesity rate and poor mental health days. Increase in median household income by 1% is associated with reduction in obesity rate 4.75% and reduction in poor mental health days by 1.39 days.

Conclusions:

We find that access to food and health care at county level and state ideology through policy making affects health outcomes. Our analysis indicates that counties can improve access to food and health care by investing in these services thereby improving county-level health outcomes and save dollars in the process.
Comparison of the Effects of Two Different Exercise Programs on Lower Extremity Functions, Posture and Physical Activity in Office Workers Working at Home and in Office Alternately: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Namlı Seker Aysenur , Arman Nilay
Published: August 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of online functional exercises and posture exercises on lower extremity functions, posture and physical activity in office workers working at home and in office alternately (OWHA) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

Forty individuals were included in the study and were randomized into two groups Group I (Functional exercise group, 20 participants) and Group II (Posture exercise group, 20 participants). The exercises programs were performed online for two days/in a week/8 week. Lower extremity functions, posture, and physical activity were evaluated before and after the exercise program.

Result

Significant improvement was obtained in lower extremity functions (muscular endurance, balance, and functional capacity), posture, and physical activity in Group I, while significant improvement was obtained in balance and functional capacity in Group II after treatment. The change in scores of lower extremity functions, posture, and physical activity after treatment was statistically superior in Group I compared to Group II (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

It was found that both online exercise programs provided effective results in OWHA due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the functional exercise program had superior effects on lower extremity functions, posture, and physical activity compared to the posture exercise program.
The trajectory of abdominal skeletal muscle changes during cardiac rehabilitation in patients with aortic disease
Authors: Yamashita Masashi , Kamiya Kentaro , Kitamura Tadashi , Hamazaki Nobuaki , Ichikawa Takafumi , Shibuya Manaka , Kobayashi Shuken , Suzuki Yuta , Ueno Kensuke , Uchida Shota , Noda Takumi , Hotta Kazuki , Maekawa Emi , Matsunaga Atsuhiko , Yamaoka-Tojo Minako , Ako Junya , Miyaji Kagami
Published: August 2023

Objective

This prospective study focused on routine computed tomography (CT) imaging for aortic disease management and evaluated the trajectory of skeletal muscle changes through inpatient and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation.

Design

Prospective observational study included patients who underwent abdominal CT three times (baseline, post-acute care, and follow-up). The area and density of the all-abdominal and erector spine muscles and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) were measured. A generalized linear model with patients as random effects was used to investigate skeletal muscle changes.

Results

Thirty-nine patients completed outpatient cardiac rehabilitation, and 60 were incomplete. Skeletal muscle area significantly decreased from baseline to the follow-up period only in the incomplete rehabilitation group. Skeletal muscle density significantly decreased from baseline to post-acute care and increased at the follow-up period, but only patients who completed rehabilitation showed recovery up to baseline at the follow-up period. These trajectories were more pronounced in the erector spine muscle. IMAT showed a trend of gradual increase, but only the incomplete rehabilitation group showed a significant difference from baseline to the follow-up period.

Conclusion

The density of skeletal muscle may reflect the most common clinical course; skeletal muscle area and IMAT are unlikely to improve positively, and their maintenance seemed optimal.
Corynebacterium hylobatis sp. nov. and Corynebacterium lemuris sp. nov., two novel species of the genus Corynebacterium isolated from faeces of primates
Authors: Chen Xiu , Chen Xue-Mei , He Jiang-Bo , Yuan Qing , Jiang Ming-Xing , Wang Ji-Ai , Jiang Yi
Published: August 2023

Two Gram-stain positive, aerobic, short-rod-shaped, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative and non-motile strains, designated YIM 101343T and YIM 101645T, were isolated from faeces of Hylobates hoolock and Lemur catta, respectively. The results of 16S rRNA gene analysis indicated that both represented members of the genus Corynebacterium, and they shared a similarity of 98.0 % with each other.

Corynebacterium marinum

DSM 44953T showed the highest similarity with both strains YIM 101343T (99.0 %) and YIM 101645T (97.3 %). The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene indicated that strain YIM 101343T formed a cluster with

C. marinum

DSM 44953T and

Corynebacterium comes

2019T, strain YIM 101645T formed a cluster with

Corynebacterium halotolerans

YIM 70093T, and the two clusters were neighbours. The genomic size of strain YIM 101343T was 3068751 bp and that of strain YIM 101645T was 3169714 bp. The dDDH, ANI and AAI values among strains YIM 101343T, YIM 101645T and the closely related species indicated that the two isolates represented two different novel species. Both strains contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and short-chain mycolic acids, and the major menaquinones were MK-9(H2) and MK-8(H2). The major polar lipids of the two strains were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside. The major fatty acids (>10 %) of both strains were C16 : 0, summed feature 4 and C18 : 1ω9c, but C17 : 1
ω8c was only present as a major component in YIM 101645T
. In addition, phenotypic and some chemotaxonomic characteristics of strains YIM 101343T, YIM 101645T and the closely related species were different. Thus, strains YIM 101343T and YIM 101645T should represent two novel species of the genus

Corynebacterium

, for which the names Corynebacterium hylobatis sp. nov. and Corynebacterium lemuris sp. nov. are proposed, respectively. The type strains are YIM 101343T (=DSM 45970T=CCTCC AB 2013221T) and YIM 101645T (=BCRC 16963T=CCTCC AB 2013281T=KCTC 39868T).
Abolishment of spawner-isolated mortality virus and where the remaining science leads
Authors: Owens Leigh
Published: August 2023

In the late 1980s, there was histological and electron microscopy evidence for a parvovirus-like virus in Australian prawns. The data were consistent with infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV). However, these cases did not fit the then current paradigms of the known viruses and sequencing did not find any meaningful sequence homology. The virus was named spawner-isolated mortality virus (SMV; GenBank AF499102.1) in order to allow publication of the information about its occurrence to inform the scientific and aquacultural communities. This virus was present in the early years of mid-crop mortality syndrome (1993–1995). However, as time passed, nucleotide and protein databases have expanded and sequence investigation tools have become more cost effective. The sequence of the entity known as SMV is now shown to be of

Carnobacterium divergens

(CP016843.1). Therefore, the publications with regard to SMV have been assessed and a recommendation to abolish the name with the still valid science transferred to IHHNV and

C. divergens

.
Neutralizing antibody responses and cellular responses against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 omicron subvariant BA.5 after an mRNA severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine dose in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Kawashiro Keita , Suzuki Rigel , Nogimori Takuto , Iwahara Naoya , Hirose Takayuki , Okada Kazufumi , Yamamoto Takuya , Fukuhara Takasuke , Hotta Kiyohiko , Shinohara Nobuo
Published: August 2023

We examined the anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein IgG antibody and neutralizing antibody titers and cellular immunity in 73 uninfected recipients and 17 uninfected healthy controls who received three doses of a coronavirus 2019 mRNA vaccine. Neutralizing antibody titers were evaluated using GFP-carrying recombinant SARS-CoV-2 with spike protein of B.1.1, omicron BA.1, or BA.5. For cellular immunity, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with peptides corresponding to spike protein antigens of B.1.1, BA.1, and BA.5; spike-specific CD4/CD8 memory T cells were evaluated using intracellular cytokine staining. The median IgG antibody titers were 7.8 AU/mL in recipients and 143.0 AU/mL in healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Neutralizing antibody titers against all three viral variants were significantly lower in recipients (p < 0.0001). The number of spike-specific CD8 + memory T cells significantly decreased in recipients (p < 0.0001). Twenty recipients and seven healthy controls additionally received a bivalent omicron-containing booster vaccine, and IgG antibody and neutralizing antibody titers increased in both groups; however, the increase was significantly lower in recipients. Recipients did not gain sufficient immunity with a third dose of vaccine, suggesting a need to explore methods other than vaccines.
Mesoscale DNA Features Impact APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B Deaminase Activity and Shape Tumor Mutational Landscapes
Authors: Sanchez Ambrocio , Ortega Pedro , Sakhtemani Ramin , Manjunath Lavanya , Oh Sunwoo , Bournique Elodie , Becker Alexandrea , Kim Kyumin , Durfee Cameron , Temiz Nuri Alpay , Chen Xiaojiang S. , Harris Reuben S. , Lawrence Michael S. , Buisson Rémi
Published: August 2023

Antiviral DNA cytosine deaminases APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B are major sources of mutations in cancer by catalyzing cytosine-to-uracil deamination. APOBEC3A preferentially targets singlestranded DNAs, with a noted affinity for DNA regions that adopt stem-loop secondary structures. However, the detailed substrate preferences of APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B have been fully established, and the specific influence of the DNA sequence on APOBEC3A APOBEC3B deaminase activity remains to be investigated. Here, we find that APOBEC3B selectively targets DNA stem-loop structures, and they are distinct from those subjected deamination by APOBEC3A. We develop Oligo-seq, a novel in vitro sequencing-based to identify specific sequence contexts promoting APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B activity. Through this approach, we demonstrate that APOBEC3A an APOBEC3B deaminase activity is strongly regulated by specific sequences surrounding the targeted cytosine. Moreover, we identify structural features of APOBEC3B and APOBEC3A responsible for their substrate preferences. Importantly, we determine that APOBEC3B-induced mutations in hairpin-forming sequences within tumor genomes differ from the DNA stem-loop sequences mutated by APOBEC3A. Together, our study provides evidence that APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B can generate mutation landscapes in cancer genomes, driven by their unique substrate selectivity.
The inter-continental population dynamics ofNeisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Osnes Magnus N , Brynildsrud Ola B , Alfsnes Kristian , van Dorp Lucy , McKeand Samantha A , Ross Jonathan , Town Katy , de Korne-Elenbaas Jolinda , van Dam Alje , Bruisten Sylvia , de Blasio Birgitte F , Caugant Dominique A , Grad Yonatan H. , Williamson Deborah A , Balloux Francois , Didelot Xavier , Eldholm Vegard
Published: August 2023

Neisseria gonorrhoeaeis a globally distributed sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen. Recent studies have revealed that its evolution has been shaped by antibiotic use, while molecular surveillance efforts have demonstrated large changes in lineage composition over relatively short time-spans. However, the global population dynamics ofN. gonorrhoeaeremain unsatisfyingly characterized.

To reconstruct recent large-scale population dynamics, we generated a dated phylogeny from 9,732N. gonorrhoeaegenomes and found the effective population size of the species to have expanded gradually over the past two centuries. While the effective population size of clades with reduced susceptibility to extended-spectrum cephalosporins started declining around 2010, a major clade containing a mosaicmtroperon associated with cephalosporin susceptibility and decreased azithromycin did not display any reduction in population size.

Using ancestral trait reconstruction analyses, we delineated transmission lineages, defined as groups of sequences in which all the samples can be traced back to the same import event to a given location. Import, export and local transmission dynamics across two densely sampled locations (Norway and Victoria, Australia) were investigated in detail. Norway exhibited substantially higher rates of strain import and export compared to Victoria, where incidence was to a larger extent fuelled by locally transmitted lineages. Taken together, our work highlights the power of large-scale phylogenomic analyses to uncover the complex dynamics of lineage transmission inN. gonorrhoeae.
Strategic acyl carrier protein engineering enables functional type II polyketide synthase reconstitutionin vitro
Authors: Li Kevin , Cho Yae In , Tran Mai Anh , Wiedemann Christoph , Zhang Shuaibing , Koweek Rebecca S. , Hoàng Ngọc Khánh , Hamrick Grayson S. , Bowen Margaret A. , Kokona Bashkim , Stallforth Pierre , Beld Joris , Hellmich Ute A. , Charkoudian Louise K.
Published: August 2023

Microbial polyketides represent a structurally diverse class of secondary metabolites with medicinally relevant properties and are synthesized by polyketide synthases (PKS). While Type I PKSs are large biosynthetic machineries composed of a single polypeptide chain, type II PKSs are minimally composed of a ketosynthase-chain length factor (KS-CLF) and a phosphopantetheinylated acyl carrier protein (holo-ACP) expressed separately. Although type II PKSs are found throughout the bacterial kingdom, and despite their importance to strategic bioengineering, type II PKSs have not been well-studiedin vitro: In cases where the KS-CLF can be accessed viaE. coliheterologous expression, the cognate ACPs are not activatable by the broad specificityBacillus subtilissurfactin-producing phosphopantetheinyl transferase (PPTase) Sfp and, conversely, in systems where the ACP can be activated by Sfp, the corresponding KS-CLF is typically not readily obtained. Here, we report the high-yield heterologous expression of both cyanobacterialGloeocapsasp. PCC 7428 minimal type II PKS (gloPKS) components inE. coli, which allowed us to functionally reconstitute this minimal type II PKSin vitro. Initially, neither the cognate PPTase nor Sfp converted gloACP to its activeholostate. However, by examining sequence differences between Sfp-compatible and -incompatible ACPs, we identified two conserved residues in gloACP that, when mutated, enabled high-yield phosphopantetheinylation of gloACP by Sfp. Using analogous mutations, other previously Sfp-incompatible type II PKS ACPs from different bacterial phyla were also rendered activatable by Sfp. This demonstrates the generalizability of our approach and breaks down a longstanding barrier to type II PKS studies and the exploration of complex biosynthetic pathways.
Tmem263 deletion disrupts the GH/IGF-1 axis and causes dwarfism and impairs skeletal acquisition
Authors: Sarver Dylan C. , Garcia-Diaz Jean , Saqib Muzna , Riddle Ryan C. , Wong G. William
Published: August 2023

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified a large number of candidate genes believed to affect longitudinal bone growth and bone mass. One of these candidate genes,TMEM263, encodes a poorly characterized plasma membrane protein. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in TMEM263 are associated with bone mineral density in humans and mutations are associated with dwarfism in chicken and severe skeletal dysplasia in at least one human fetus. Whether this genotype-phenotype relationship is causal, however, remains unclear. Here, we determine whether and how TMEM263 is required for postnatal growth. Deletion of theTmem263gene in mice causes severe postnatal growth failure, proportional dwarfism, and impaired skeletal acquisition. Mice lacking Tmem263 show no differences in body weight within the first two weeks of postnatal life. However, by P21 there is a dramatic growth deficit due to a disrupted GH/IGF-1 axis, which is critical for longitudinal bone growth.Tmem263-null mice have low circulating IGF-1 levels and pronounced reductions in bone mass and growth plate length. The low serum IGF-1 inTmem263-null mice is associated with reduced hepatic GH receptor (GHR) expression and GH-induced JAK2/STAT5 signaling. A deficit in GH signaling dramatically alters GH-regulated genes and feminizes the liver transcriptome of Tmem263-null male mice, with their expression profile resembling a wild-type female, hypophysectomized male, and Stat5b-null male mice. Collectively, our data validates the causal role for Tmem263 in regulating postnatal growth and raises the possibility that rare mutations or variants ofTMEM263may potentially cause GH insensitivity and impair linear growth.
Essential Gene Knockdowns Reveal Genetic Vulnerabilities and Antibiotic Sensitivities in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Ward Ryan D. , Tran Jennifer S. , Banta Amy B. , Bacon Emily E. , Rose Warren E. , Peters Jason M.
Published: August 2023

The emergence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria underscores the
need to define genetic vulnerabilities that can be therapeutically exploited.
The Gram-negative pathogen,Acinetobacter baumannii,
is considered an urgent threat due to its propensity to evade antibiotic
treatments. Essential cellular processes are the target of existing antibiotics
and a likely source of new vulnerabilities. AlthoughA.
baumanniiessential genes have been identified by transposon
sequencing (Tn-seq), they have not been prioritized by sensitivity to knockdown
or antibiotics. Here, we take a systems biology approach to comprehensively
characterizeA. baumanniiessential genes using
CRISPR interference (CRISPRi). We show that certain essential genes and pathways
are acutely sensitive to knockdown, providing a set of vulnerable targets for
future therapeutic investigation. Screening our CRISPRi library against
last-resort antibiotics uncovered genes and pathways that modulate beta-lactam
sensitivity, an unexpected link between NADH dehydrogenase activity and growth
inhibition by polymyxins, and anticorrelated phenotypes that underpin synergy
between polymyxins and rifamycins. Our study demonstrates the power of
systematic genetic approaches to identify vulnerabilities in Gram-negative
pathogens and uncovers antibiotic-essential gene interactions that better inform
combination therapies.

Importance

Acinetobacter baumanniiis a hospital-acquired
pathogen that is resistant to many common antibiotic treatments. To combat
resistantA. baumanniiinfections, we need to
identify promising therapeutic targets and effective antibiotic
combinations. In this study, we comprehensively characterize the genes and
pathways that are critical forA.
baumanniiviability. We show that genes involved in aerobic
metabolism are central toA. baumanniiphysiology
and may represent appealing drug targets. We also find antibiotic-gene
interactions that may impact the efficacy of carbapenems, rifamycins, and
polymyxins, providing a new window into how these antibiotics function in
mono- and combination therapies. Our studies offer a useful approach for
characterizing interactions between drugs and essential genes in pathogens
to inform future therapies.
Prediction of optimal 3D printing orientation using vertically sparse voxelization and modified support structure tomography
Authors: Jung Jin Young , Chee Seonkoo , Sul InHwan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Increasingly 3D printing is used for parts of garments or for making whole garments due to their flexibility and comfort and for functionalizing or enhancing the aesthetics of the final garment and hence adding value. Many of these applications rely on complex programming of the 3D printer and are usually provided by the vendor company. This paper introduces a simpler, easier platform for designing 3D-printed textiles, garments and other artifacts, by predicting the optimal orientation of the target objects to minimize the use of plastic filaments.

Design/methodology/approach

The main idea is based on the shadow-casting analogy, which assumes that the volume of the support structure is similar to that of the shadow from virtual sunlight. The triangular elements of the target object are converted into 3D pixels with integer-based normal vectors and real-numbered coordinates via vertically sparse voxelization. The pixels are classified into several groups and their noise is suppressed using a specially designed noise-filtering algorithm called slot pairing. The final support structure volume information was rendered as a two-dimensional (2D) figure, similar to a medical X-ray image. Thus, the authors named their method modified support structure tomography.

Findings

The study algorithm showed an error range of no more than 1.6% with exact volumes and 6.8% with slicing software. Moreover, the calculation time is only several minutes for tens of thousands of mesh triangles. The algorithm was verified for several meshes, including the cone, sphere, Stanford bunny and human manikin.

Originality/value

Simple hardware, such as a CPU, embedded system, Arduino or Raspberry Pi, can be used. This requires much less computational resources compared with the conventional g-code generation. Also, the global and local support structure is represented both quantitatively and graphically via tomographs.
Legitimising CSR through the institutional backup – gauging compliance of the Indian corporate sector in the mandatory regime
Authors: Bhatia Aparna , Dhawan Amandeep
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to calculate the corporate social responsibility (CSR) expenditure made by companies as per the provisions of Section 135 of Companies Act 2013 and check the status of compliance/non-compliance of these provisions in the mandatory regime of CSR.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a sample of top 500 Indian companies listed on Bombay Stock Exchange, the study compares the CSR expenditure required to be incurred by companies with the actual CSR expenditure made by them over a time span of seven years and calculates the extent of surplus or deficit attained by them starting from the year of inception of CSR provisions, 2014–2015, till the most recent year, 2020–2021.

Findings

The findings indicate that the average CSR expenditure made by Indian corporate sector is less than the mandatory requirement. More than half of the companies do not comply with the CSR regulations of the country. Even the “Most Profitable” companies fail to contribute the minimum required amount towards social activities akin to their counterparts in the “Less” and “Least” profitable categories.

Practical implications

The disobedience towards the statutory provisions implies that Indian companies are non-compliant towards CSR guidelines despite the regulative institutional pressure that makes CSR a mandatory practice to legitimise it.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the CSR literature in the light of the transformed regulative institutional environment in India. It includes a comprehensive analysis of compliance of companies with the revised statutes over all the years since the inception of new mandatory guidelines on CSR till the most recent time period on a representative sample, thus, making the findings robust and generic with respect to India.
The dimensional impact of escapism on users’ eCart abandonment: mediating role of attitude towards online shopping
Authors: Mazhar Reema , Qayyum Abdul , Jamil Raja Ahmed
Published: August 2023

Purpose

By integrating uses and gratification theory (UGT) and online buying behavior theory (OBBT), this study aims to examine the impact of escapism motives (self-suppression and self-expansion) and attitude toward online shopping (ATS) on eCart abandonment. In addition, the mediating role of ATS between escapism motives and eCart abandonment is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equations modeling was performed on the data of 400 consumers using AMOS 26.

Findings

The results indicated that escapism motivations impacted users’ eCart abandonment, and the attitude toward online shopping mediated this relationship.

Practical implications

The findings of this study imply that online sellers should understand the consumer motives for website use. In response, better strategies should be developed to reduce eCart abandonment.

Originality/value

This study extends knowledge of eCart abandonment by theoretical integration of UGT and OBBT and identification of the intrinsic predictors of virtual cart abandonment behavior. In addition, it is one of the early attempts to examine the dimensional impact of escapism on eCart abandonment.
Exosomal miR‐let‐7c‐5p is involved in the cognitive function of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients by interleukin 10: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhang Hui , Yang Shufang , Zhu Wenwen , Niu Tong , Wang Jue , Yang Mingyue , Liu Enlin , Wang Jumei , Li Sumei , Zhang Haoqiang
Published: August 2023

Background

Interleukin (IL)‐10 plays a notable role in the inflammatory‐associated mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We aimed to investigate whether IL‐10 and its upstream factors exert an impact on MCI in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Methods

A total of 117 T2DM patients were recruited and divided into Control group and MCI group based on the presence or absence of MCI. Clinical parameters were collected. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was conducted for global cognitive function. Digit Span Test (DST), Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), and Trail Making Test‐B (TMTB) were used to evaluate the executive functions of the diabetic patients. Trail Making Test‐A (TMTA) was performed to examine the information processing speed function. Patients' scene memory was examined by Logical Memory Test (LMT). After the baseline data were compared, correlation and regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship among IL‐10, miR‐let‐7c‐5p and cognitive function.

Results

Compared to 80 patients in the control group, 37 patients in the MCI group exhibited lower IL‐10 in plasma and higher miR‐let‐7c‐5p levels in exosomes from plasma. The IL‐10 level was negatively associated with MoCA. Likewise, miR‐let‐7c‐5p levels were negatively correlated with IL‐10 levels and MoCA. Elevated miR‐let‐7c‐5p levels and decreased IL‐10 levels are risk factors for MCI in T2DM patients. Increased miR‐let‐7c‐5p and downregulated IL‐10 may influence VFT and TMTB, respectively, associated with executive function.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that IL‐10 is correlated to the executive function of T2DM patients. Decreased IL‐10 may result from the regulation of miR‐let‐7c‐5p in exosomes.
Vision‐related quality of life among 70‐year‐olds diagnosed with glaucoma
Authors: Johansson Lena Havstam , Kalaboukhova Lada , Erhag Hanna Falk , Skoog Ingmar , Zetterberg Madeleine
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of glaucoma on vision‐related quality of life (VRQoL), lifestyle, physical factors and socioeconomic status in a 70‐year‐old population in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Methods

Responses to questionnaires (N = 1182) between groups with and without self‐reported glaucoma were analysed. Questionnaires included National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI VFQ‐25), Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36), physical activity, socioeconomics, alcohol and tobacco consumption. Balance test and body mass index were also included. About half of the participants were randomized to ophthalmic examination (N = 560), variables were analysed separately according to known and confirmed glaucoma, ocular hypertension and/or cases of previously unknown glaucoma.

Results

Both conventional and Rasch analysis of the NEI VFQ‐25 showed that VRQoL was lower for individuals self‐reporting glaucoma (p = 0.003/p = 0.024). Regarding general QoL, the participants did not differ apart from people self‐reporting glaucoma reported worse general health (p = 0.01). Using logistic regression with lower VRQoL as the dependent variable glaucoma was not a significant predictor of poor VRQoL, odds ratio (OR) 1.83 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76–4.39, p = 0.18). Low household income was associated with lower VRQoL (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.14–2.33, p = 0.01). Socioeconomics, physical activity and lifestyle factors were comparable between the groups (N = 915). Among participants who underwent ophthalmic examination no significant differences were found between glaucoma cases and non‐glaucoma cases in relation to VRQoL (N = 560).

Conclusions

Patients with self‐reported glaucoma assessed a lower VRQoL but not lower general quality of life. Poorer household income was associated with worse VRQoL. General health was reported low in the glaucoma population but lifestyle or physical factors did not diverge.
Female investment in terminal reproduction or somatic maintenance depends on infection dose
Authors: Schulz Nora K. E. , Stewart Carly M. , Tate Ann T.
Published: August 2023

Immune responses are energetically costly to produce and often trade off with investment in reproduction and offspring provisioning. We predicted that hosts can interpret the magnitude of the infection threat from cues like initial bacterial load to adjust reproductive investment into offspring quantity and quality.

To test this prediction, we exposed female flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum) to naïve or sterile media controls or one of three increasing doses of heat‐killed Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). To estimate offspring quantity, we measured the number of eggs and hatched larvae from each maternal treatment group. To estimate offspring quality, we measured egg protein content, development to pupation, pupal weight and offspring survival against Bt infection.

Compared to naïve controls, low and intermediate bacterial doses resulted in lower female fecundity, suggesting a shift to a somatic maintenance strategy. Meanwhile, in the highest‐dose group, fecundity was negatively correlated with egg protein content. This may reflect a trade‐off between offspring quality and quantity that could mask terminal investment based on metrics of quantity alone.

Our results underscore the need to account for the magnitude of environmental cues when quantifying plasticity and trade‐offs among life history traits, and provide new insight into the transgenerational effects of immune responses.
Effects of anti‐Xa activity monitoring on the outcome of high‐risk pregnancies treated with a prophylactic dose of low‐molecular‐weight heparin
Authors: Nasich Lea Liat , Hoffman Ron , Keren‐Politansky Anat , Jabareen Amal , Kalish Yosef , Schliamser Liliana , Brenner Benjamin , Nadir Yona
Published: August 2023

Objective

To evaluate if anti‐Xa level monitoring and dose adjustment in women using a prophylactic dose of enoxaparin can decrease placenta‐mediated pregnancy complications.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study included pregnant women receiving enoxaparin prophylaxis, who were followed at the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Outpatient clinic between 2010 and 2017. The dose was adjusted according to enoxaparin anti‐Xa levels in the study group or the weight of individuals in the control group.

Results

Of 585 women surveyed, 110 met the inclusion criteria; 63 of them were included in the study group and 47 in the control group. Mean starting dose was 46 versus 43 mg (p = .25), mean final dose was 52 mg versus 45 mg (p = .03) and dose adjustment was required in 37% versus 11% (p = .002) in the study and control groups, respectively. Twenty‐eight percent of anti‐Xa measurements in the second trimester were beneath the prophylactic threshold, compared to 11% and 16% in the first and third trimesters, respectively (p = .02). Labors ended with live birth in 91% versus 94% of cases (p = .5), 85% versus 68% of pregnancies were term (p = .05), 11% versus 23% of newborns were low birth weight (p = .1) and placenta‐mediated pregnancy complications were documented in 9% versus 19%, (p = .17) in the study group relative to controls, respectively.

Conclusions

The most prominent decrease in anti‐Xa levels was observed in the second trimester. Monitored women had significantly more term deliveries and demonstrated a trend toward higher birth weight and fewer placenta‐mediated pregnancy complications. Larger studies are needed to confirm improved pregnancy outcome in monitored women.
Corroborating otolith age using oxygen isotopes and comparing outcomes to scale age: Consequences for estimation of growth and reference points in northern pike (Esox lucius)
Authors: Rittweg Timo D. , Trueman Clive , Ehrlich Elias , Wiedenbeck Michael , Arlinghaus Robert
Published: August 2023

Accurate age estimates are crucial for assessing the life‐histories of fish and providing management advice, but validation studies are rare for many species. We corroborated age estimates with annual cycles of oxygen isotopes (δ18O) in otoliths of 86 northern pike (Esox lucius) from the southern Baltic Sea, compared results with visual age estimates from scales and otoliths, and assessed bias introduced by different age‐estimation structures on von Bertalanffy growth models and age‐structured population models. Age estimates from otoliths were accurate, while age estimates from scales significantly underestimated the age of pike older than 6 years compared to the corroborated reference age. Asymptotic length () was larger, and the growth coefficient was lower for scale ages than for corroborated age and otolith age estimates. Consequentially, scale‐informed population models overestimated maximum sustainable yield (), biomass at (), relative frequency of trophy fish (), and optimal minimum length limit but underestimated fishing mortality at (). Using scale‐based ages to inform management regulations for pike may therefore result in conservative management and lost yield. The overestimated asymptotic length may instill unrealistic expectations of trophy potential in recreational anglers targeting large pike, while the overestimation in MSY would cause unrealistic expectations of yield potential in commercial fishers.
Where are you at? Re‐engaging bioregional ideas and what they offer geography
Authors: Hubbard Ella , Wearne Samuel , Jónás Krisztina , Norton Jonny , Wilke Maria
Published: August 2023

Bioregionalism was popularised in the 1970s back to the land movement. It is distinguished from other forms of environmentalism through the spatial imaginary of a bioregion as the scale for environmental action and regenerative living. Bioregional thought has been widely critiqued by geographers for its potentially deterministic understanding of the relationship between place and culture. This paper argues that bioregionalism is less of a homogenous movement and more of a discursive forum that houses a spectrum of perspectives. We identify three key tendencies within bioregional thought, an ontological tendency, a critical tendency and a processual tendency. Each tendency is rooted in different spatial imaginaries, and generates different axiologies and strategies of change. We argue that contemporary processual tendencies in bioregional thought are productive for geographers considering questions of (1) materiality, agency and place, (2) politics, ethics and place, and (3) acting in place for urgent and ethical change.
The effect of corporate annual report quality on the relationship between institutional blockholder monitoring and firm's information environment
Authors: Chung Chune Young , Fard Amirhossein , Sul Hong Kee
Published: August 2023

Expanding on current research, this study finds that firms with better financial report readability demonstrate a stronger relationship between institutional blockholder monitoring and information asymmetry. This result supports our hypothesis that enhanced readability improves firm information and aids the institutional investor monitoring of firms, reducing information asymmetry. By demonstrating that readability amplifies the marginal effect of institutional blockholder monitoring, we highlight the significance and policy implications of better corporate disclosure readability.
Gas permeability of alumina–spinel refractory castables bonded with hydratable magnesium carboxylate
Authors: Sun Luyan , Ding Donghai , Xiao Guoqing , Chen Jianjun , Li Yanjun , Kang Jian , Chong Xiaochuan , Lei Changkun , Luo Jiyuan , Zheng Xin
Published: August 2023

The high level of gas permeability can effectively reduce the explosive spalling risk of refractory castables. The hydratable magnesium carboxylate (HMC) is expected to improve the permeability of castables owing to the thermal decomposition of the HMC hydrates. This study compared the gas permeability and explosive spalling resistance of HMC bonded refractory castables (HMCC) with calcium aluminate cement bonded refractory castables (CACC). Thermal decomposition of (Mg3(C6H5O7)2∙11H2O) (hydrates of HMC), drying behavior, and the pores size distribution of castables were investigated. The level of gas permeability of HMCC is higher than that of CACC, which was confirmed by the higher values of Darcian k1 and non‐Darcian k2. The degas temperatures of HMC hydrates (156°C) and HMCC (432°C) are lower than those of CAC hydrates (289°C) and CACC (536°C) at a heating rate of 20°C/min, respectively. The large‐size and more permeable pores in HMCC were obtained according to the mercury intrusion porosimeter (MIP) results, which formed the connected paths for gases (H2O, CO2, C2H4, CO, CH4) released from the castables.
The MgO–TiO2–SiO2 system: Experiments and thermodynamic assessment
Authors: Ilatovskaia Mariia , Treichel André , Fabrichnaya Olga
Published: August 2023

Phase relations in the MgO–TiO2–SiO2 system have been investigated in air over a wide temperature range using the equilibration method. X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy combined with wave length X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EPMA), and differential thermal analysis (DTA) have been used for sample characterization. Based on the obtained experimental results, isothermal sections of the system at 1523, 1673, and 1773 K have been established. The solid‐state invariant reaction MgTi2O5 + T‐SiO2⇋P‐MgSiO3 + TiO2 has been detected at 1625 ± 8 K by step‐wise heat treatment. A partial liquidus projection has been suggested, and the temperatures and compositions of three eutectic invariant reactions have been experimentally measured by DTA and ex‐situ analysis of the sample microstructures after melting using SEM/EPMA. Considering the newly obtained experimental data, thermodynamic parameters describing the system have been thermodynamically evaluated within the CALPHAD approach.
Synchrotron X‐ray multiscale tomography: Visualization of heterogeneous microstructures and defects in ceramics
Authors: Okuma Gaku , Wakai Fumihiro
Published: August 2023

Synchrotron X‐ray multiscale tomography is a three‐dimensional (3D) imaging method that combines microtomography and nanotomography to perform a high spatial resolution measurement with a wide field of view. We show how this method can be used to track the 3D microstructural evolution at multiple length scales in powder processing, sintering, and microfracture of ceramics. Heterogeneity, complexity, diversity, and hierarchical structure of powder compact lead to various types of defects that control the quality, reliability, and lifetime of products. The elimination and formation of defects are affected by applied stress in spark plasma sintering and by internal stresses generated during differential sintering and constrained sintering. The complex subsurface crack system induced by Vickers indentation demonstrates how heterogeneous microstructures control the toughening mechanisms.
The evolution of grain boundary energy in textured and untextured Ca‐doped alumina during grain growth
Authors: Conry Bryan , Kole Molly , Burnett W. Ryan , Harley Joel B. , Tonks Michael R. , Kesler Michael S. , Krause Amanda R.
Published: August 2023

The role of anisotropic grain boundary energy in grain growth is investigated using textured microstructures that contain a high proportion of special grain boundaries. Textured and untextured Ca‐doped alumina was prepared by slip casting inside and outside a high magnetic field, respectively. At 1600°C, the textured microstructure exhibits faster growth than the untextured microstructure and its population of low‐angle boundaries increases. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is employed to measure the geometry of thermal grooves to assess the relative grain boundary energy of these systems before and after growth. In the textured microstructure, the grain boundary energy distribution narrows and shifts to a lower average energy. Conversely, the energy distribution broadens for the untextured microstructure as it grows and exhibits abnormal grain growth. Further analysis of the boundary networks neighboring abnormal grains reveals an energy incentive that facilitates their growth. These results suggest that coarsening is not the only dominant grain growth mechanism and that the system can lower its energy effectively by replacing high energy boundaries with those of low energy. The faster growth of lower energy boundaries suggests that isotropic simulations do not adequately account for anisotropic grain growth mechanisms or anisotropic mobility.
Burnout and secondary traumatic stress in staff working with people with intellectual disabilities: The role of adverse childhood experiences, resilience and trauma‐informed organisational climate
Authors: Mercer Louise , Cookson Alex , Müller‐Myhsok Bertram , van Vuuren Julie
Published: August 2023

Background

There has been extensive research into adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), however, less consideration has been given to the prevalence and impact of ACEs for staff working with people with intellectual disabilities.

Method

Participants were staff employed by agencies that care for people with intellectual disabilities. An online survey collected demographic information and measures of ACEs, resilience, trauma‐informed organisational climate, burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Correlation, regression, mediation and moderation analyses were used.

Results

81.7% of 109 participants had experienced at least one ACE. Burnout, secondary traumatic stress and resilience were greater in the present study than in comparable samples. Trauma‐informed organisational climate significantly predicted burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Resilience significantly predicted burnout.

Conclusions

Staff working with people with intellectual disabilities are likely to have experienced ACEs. Working in a trauma‐informed organisational climate and resilience may be effective avenues for reducing burnout and secondary traumatic stress.
Laterality defect of the heart in non‐teleost fish
Authors: Huijskes Myrte M. , Icardo José M. , Coolen Bram F. , Jensen Bjarke
Published: August 2023

Dextrocardia is a rare congenital malformation in humans in which most of the heart mass is positioned in the right hemithorax rather than on the left. The heart itself may be normal and dextrocardia is sometimes diagnosed during non‐related explorations. A few reports have documented atypical positions of the cardiac chambers in farmed teleost fish. Here, we report the casual finding of a left–right mirrored heart in an 85 cm long wild‐caught spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) with several organ malformations. Macroscopic observations showed an outflow tract originating from the left side of the ventricular mass, rather than from the right. Internal inspection revealed the expected structures and a looped cavity. The inner curvature of the loop comprised a large trabeculation, the bulboventricular fold, as expected. The junction between the sinus venosus and the atrium appeared normal, only mirrored. MRI data acquired at 0.7 mm isotropic resolution and subsequent 3D‐modeling revealed the atrioventricular canal was to the right of the bulboventricular fold, rather than on the left. Spurred by the finding of dextrocardia in the shark, we revisit our previously published material on farmed Adriatic sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii), a non‐teleost bony fish. We found several alevins with inverted (left‐loop) hearts, amounting to an approximate incidence of 1%–2%. Additionally, an adult sturgeon measuring 90 cm in length showed abnormal topology of the cardiac chambers, but normal position of the abdominal organs. In conclusion, left–right mirrored hearts, a setting that resembles human dextrocardia, can occur in both farmed and wild non‐teleost fish.