bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change and business accountability, empirical evidence on the roles of environmental strategy and environmental accounting
Authors: Omran Mohammed S. Y. , Yaaqbeh Mohammad N. S.
Published: August 2023

This study examines the roles of environmental strategy and accounting in corporate carbon performance, as measured by the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. A novel interaction model is developed based on legitimacy theory and natural‐resource dependence theory to capture the interaction between environmental strategy and accounting. An international sample of 3322 firms from 73 countries is used in the analysis, based on a panel data design for 17 years (2005–2022). The empirical findings reveal an overall reactive role of these environmental initiatives in relation to carbon performance. The marginal effect analysis shows that environmental accounting favourably moderates the effect of environmental strategic functions on carbon performance, indicating that the former facilitates the translation of the latter into practice. Similarly, environmental strategic initiatives improve the impact of environmental accounting information on carbon performance. The main contribution of this study stems from methodologically demonstrating how the synergy between environmental strategic initiatives and environmental information mechanisms can translate into improved carbon performance. This finding has multiple societal, practical and research implications. The interaction effect evidence can be viewed as consistent with recent trends of integrated approaches to thinking and reporting, where interrelated phenomena are integrated into operational and reporting contexts to improve efficiency. This can be of interest to policymakers, investors, corporate managers and providers of assurance services related to carbon performance.
No clitting! We need to talk about clitoris transplantation
Authors: Campo‐Engelstein Lisa
Published: August 2023

In the last two decades, genital transplants have emerged as another type of quality‐of‐life transplants. Successful allogenic transplantations of the uterus, ovary, testicle, and penis have all been reported. Yet, there is no discussion of clitoris transplantation in the medical literature, mass media, and everywhere else I searched. This surgery could be used for cisgender women who have a clitoral injury or disease or who have undergone female genital cutting. I examine the gender norms regarding sexuality and reproduction to show how they shape surgical advancements. My point in this paper is not to take a normative position on status of current genital transplantations. Rather, I highlight that their existence is due, at least in part, because they align with dominant gender norms: penis and testicle transplantations reinforce the importance of men's virility and the existence of “normal” male genitalia, whereas uterus and ovary transplantations uphold the conflation of women and reproduction and the strong valuing of women's fertility. That medical advances reflect cultural values is not a new claim. What is new in this paper is the discussion of how sexism norms—regarding the invisibility of the clitoris and the devaluing of women's sexual pleasure— has engendered various types of genital transplants, but not clitoris transplantation.
Histiocytic neoplasms: Going, going, but not quite gone
Authors: Collin Matthew
Published: August 2023

BRAF and MEK inhibitors have revolutionised the treatment of patients with high‐risk histiocytic neoplasms but does a complete response mean that treatment can be withdrawn?

Commentary on: Reiner et al. Outcomes after interruption of targeted therapy in patients with histiocytic neoplasms. Br J Haematol 2023;203:389–394.
ETS1 phosphorylation at threonine 38 is associated with the cell of origin of diffuse large B cell lymphoma and sustains the growth of tumour cells
Authors: Chung Elaine Y. L. , Sartori Giulio , Ponzoni Maurilio , Cascione Luciano , Priebe Valdemar , Xu‐Monette Zijun Y. , Fang Xiaosheng , Zhang Mingzhi , Visco Carlo , Tzankov Alexandar , Rinaldi Andrea , Sgrignani Jacopo , Zucca Emanuele , Rossi Davide , Cavalli Andrea , Inghirami Giorgio , Scott David W. , Young Ken H. , Bertoni Francesco
Published: August 2023

The transcriptional factor ETS1 is upregulated in 25% of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Here, we studied the role of ETS1 phosphorylation at threonine 38, a marker for ETS1 activation, in DLBCL cellular models and clinical specimens. p‐ETS1 was detected in activated B cell‐like DLBCL (ABC), not in germinal centre B‐cell‐like DLBCL (GCB) cell lines and, accordingly, it was more common in ABC than GCB DLBCL diagnostic biopsies. MEK inhibition decreased both baseline and IgM stimulation‐induced p‐ETS1 levels. Genetic inhibition of phosphorylation of ETS1 at threonine 38 affected the growth and the BCR‐mediated transcriptome program in DLBCL cell lines. Our data demonstrate that ETS1 phosphorylation at threonine 38 is important for the growth of DLBCL cells and its pharmacological inhibition could benefit lymphoma patients.
Tumour‐derived exosomes promote the induction of monocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells by delivering miR‐106a‐5p and miR‐146a‐5p in multiple myeloma
Authors: Mizuhara Kentaro , Shimura Yuji , Tsukamoto Taku , Kanai Akinori , Kuwahara‐Ota Saeko , Yamaguchi Junko , Muramatsu Ayako , Okamoto Haruya , Taminishi‐Katsuragawa Yoko , Kawaji‐Kanayama Yuka , Isa Reiko , Mizutani Shinsuke , Inaba Toshiya , Kuroda Junya
Published: August 2023

The shift of the tumour immune microenvironment to a suppressive state promotes not only the development and progression of the disease in multiple myeloma (MM) but also the development of resistance to immunotherapy. We previously demonstrated that myeloma cells can induce monocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (M‐MDSCs) from healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) via the concomitant secretion of CC motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), but an unknown mediator also promotes M‐MDSC induction. This study demonstrates that miR‐106a‐5p and miR‐146a‐5p delivered by tumour‐derived exosomes (TEXs) from myeloma cells play essential roles in M‐MDSC induction in MM. MiR‐106a‐5p and miR‐146a‐5p upregulate various immunosuppressive/inflammatory molecules in PBMCs, such as IDO1, CD38, programmed death‐ligand 1, CCL5 or MYD88, which are involved in interferon (IFN)‐α response, IFN‐γ response, inflammatory response, tumour necrosis factor‐α signalling and Interleukin‐6‐JAK–STAT3 signalling. These molecular features mirror the increases in myeloid cellular compartments of PBMCs when co‐cultured with myeloma cells. MiR‐106a‐5p and miR‐146a‐5p have a compensatory relationship, and these two miRNAs collaborate with CCL5 and MIF to promote M‐MDSC induction. Collectively, novel therapeutic candidates may be involved in TEX‐mediated sequential cellular and molecular events underlying M‐MDSC induction, potentially improving the efficacy of immunotherapy.
A robot‐assisted laparoscopic revision of an artificial urinary sphincter in a patient with spinal cord injury
Authors: Kovacic James , Canagasingham Ashan , Goolam Ahmed , Chung Amanda
Published: August 2023

This step‐by‐step article demonstrates our approach to robot‐assisted laparoscopic revision of a bladder neck sited artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) for a spinal cord injured patient. The bladder neck location of an AUS in the spinal cord injured demographic is ideal to minimise urethral complications and urinary tract infections, whilst the transabdominal approach reduces the risk of wound breakdown that can occur via the typical perineal incision for AUS insertion. The accompanying video will guide viewers as to our minimally invasive technique for cuff revision in the event of secondary surgery for recurrent urinary incontinence.
Irish mothers' experiences of providing support in decision‐making to adults with intellectual disabilities: A qualitative study
Authors: Casey Hannah , Desmond Deirdre , Coffey Laura
Published: August 2023

Background

Supported decision‐making may increase self‐determination among adults with intellectual disabilities by encouraging and empowering them to make decisions about their lives to the greatest extent possible. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of mothers of adults with intellectual disabilities in Ireland of providing support in decision‐making.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with seven mothers who had an adult son or daughter with an intellectual disability; transcripts were thematically analysed.

Findings

Three main themes were identified: support (family, services and routine), decision‐making (importance, ability and Capacity Act) and challenges (conflict, time, complex and enduring support needs and vulnerability).

Conclusions

The findings indicate that although mothers were supportive of the rights of their adult children with intellectual disabilities to make their own decisions, they were often hesitant to fully relinquish control in an effort to protect and guide them.
Lactobacillus species ameliorate membranous nephropathy through inhibiting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway via tryptophan‐produced indole metabolites
Authors: Miao Hua , Wang Yan‐Ni , Yu Xiao‐Yong , Zou Liang , Guo Yan , Su Wei , Liu Fei , Cao Gang , Zhao Ying‐Yong
Published: August 2023

Background and Purpose

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an immune‐mediated glomerular disease in adults. Antibody‐ and antigen‐bonding mechanisms have been largely clarified, but the subepithelium immune complex deposition‐mediated downstream molecular mechanisms are currently unresolved. Increasing evidence has suggested that gut microbiota contribute to MN pathogenesis.

Experimental Approach

In this study, we identified alterations in faecal gut microbiota and serum metabolites that mediate an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) mechanism in cationic bovine serum albumin (CBSA)‐induced MN rats and in patients with idiopathic MN (IMN).

Key Results

Impaired renal function correlated with the relative abundance of reduced faecal probiotics, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and altered serum levels of tryptophan‐produced indole derivatives (TPIDs) in MN rats. Further results showed that reduced relative abundance of five probiotics, namely Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus murinus, Lactobacillus vaginalis, Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium animalis, positively correlated with decreased levels of indole‐3‐pyruvic acid, indole‐3‐aldehyde and tryptamine and negatively correlated with increased levels of indole‐3‐lactic acid and indole‐3‐acetic acid in serum of MN rats. Altered five probiotics and five TPIDs also were observed in patients with IMN. Further studies showed that MN rats exhibited a significant increase in intrarenal mRNA expression of AhR and its target genes CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and CYP1B1, which were accompanied by protein expression of down‐regulated cytoplasmic AhR, but up‐regulated nuclear AhR, in MN rats and IMN patients.

Conclusion and Implications

Activation of the intrarenal AhR signalling pathway may involve five TPIDs. These data suggest that gut microbiota could influence MN through TPIDs that engage host receptors.
Endogenous timing and income inequality in the voluntary provision of public goods: Theory and experiment
Authors: Itaya Jun‐ichi , Mizushima Atsue , Kurosaka Kengo
Published: August 2023

This study theoretically and experimentally investigates the effects of income inequality on donors' decisions regarding timing choices and contributions to public goods when contribution timing is endogenously chosen by contributors. To this end, we use the conventional voluntary provision models of Warr (1983) and Bergstrom, Blume and Varian (1986), with Cobb–Douglas preferences augmented with a two‐stage game of Hamilton and Slutsky (1990). The following results were obtained and experimentally confirmed. First, when the distribution of income is extremely unequal, donors are indifferent between the simultaneous and sequential moves in the contribution game. Second, as income inequality is decreased, the simultaneous‐move contribution game is likely to emerge because every donor prefers to act as a leader. Nevertheless, a higher‐income donor may also prefer to act as a follower without specific social preferences and uncertainty regarding the quality of public goods. Third, most theoretical predictions regarding timing decisions are supported in our laboratory experiment, provided that the participants had enough time to learn the consequences of their timing choices.
A pilot study to develop a participation self‐assessment tool for adolescents: The Social Participation Inventory (SPI)
Authors: Bernard Marie , Hoffmann Laura , Richter Matthias , Völlm Carina , Seyda Miriam , Fink Astrid , Dawal Britta
Published: August 2023

Objective

Participation is one of the key goals of re/habilitative processes. Since participation impacts adolescents' social–emotional development and overall health, this goal is particularly important for them. However, to date, no German‐speaking self‐assessment tool for participation among adolescents is available. This study sought therefore to develop such a tool and to test its psychometric properties.

Methods

Based on a preliminary qualitative study, we developed 133 items for a pilot version of the Social Participation Inventory (SPI). The SPI assesses the objective dimension (i.e., attendance) and the subjective dimension (i.e., involvement and satisfaction) of participation. To test the psychometric properties of the SPI, we conducted a quantitative cross‐sectional survey and applied the SPI to n = 151 adolescents with and without disabilities and/or chronic diseases.

Results

By using principal component analyses, we examined the SPI's consistency and verified the theoretical considerations regarding the two components of participation (i.e., objective and subjective dimensions). Items that did not load sufficiently on components were removed after careful theoretical‐based consideration. The condensed version of the SPI consists of 39 items that assess participation and 18 items to assess the perceived importance of respective areas of life. The SPI shows very good overall reliability (Cronbach's α = .920) and good validity.

Conclusion

This study provides a new psychometrically tested participation self‐assessment scale for adolescence with and without disabilities and/or chronic diseases. Further research is needed to re‐evaluate its psychometric properties and to evaluate the application of the SPI in clinical and scientific contexts.
Learning whom not to trust across early and middle adolescence: A longitudinal neuroimaging study to trusting behavior involving an uncooperative other
Authors: Schreuders E. , van Buuren M. , Walsh R. J. , Sijtsma H. , Hollarek M. , Lee N. C. , Krabbendam L.
Published: August 2023

Longitudinal changes in trusting behavior across adolescence and their neural correlates were examined. Neural regions of interest (ROIs) included the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), left anterior insula (AI), bilateral ventral striatum (VS), and right dorsal striatum (DS). Participants (wave 1 age: M = 12.90) played the investor in a Trust Game with an uncooperative trustee three times (1‐year interval). Analyses included 77 primarily Dutch participants (33 females). Participants decreased their investments with wave. Furthermore, activity was heightened in mPFC, dACC, and DS during investment and repayment, and in right VS (investment) and AI (repayment). Finally, DS activity during repayment increased with wave. These findings highlight early–middle adolescence as an important period for developing sensitivity to uncooperative behavior.
Who's the winner? Children's math learning in competitive and collaborative scenarios
Authors: Fish Lesenia R. , Hildebrand Lindsey , Chernyak Nadia , Cordes Sara
Published: August 2023

Games are frequently used to promote math learning, yet the competitive and collaborative contexts introduced by games may exacerbate gender differences. In this study, 1st and 2nd grade children in the U.S. (ages 5–8; N = 274; 70% White, 15% Asian, 2% Black, 1% Native American, 14% mixed or other race; 17% Hispanic) played either a competitive, collaborative, or solo game to learn about a challenging novel math concept: proportion. Overall, both social contexts boosted perseverance and task attitudes. However, analyses revealed the competitive condition yielded gender differences in attention to proportion in the presence of competing cues, with older boys underperforming in the competition condition. Potential explanations for these findings, as well as implications for classroom math learning, are discussed.
Trajectories of parents' gendered play attitudes during early childhood and implications for children's gender development
Authors: Rogers Adam A. , Shawcroft Jane , Stockdale Laura A. , Coyne Sarah M. , Fraser Ashley M.
Published: August 2023

This study examined associations between parents' gendered attitudes about play and children's gender development. The sample was 501 families from a large US city followed annually for 4 years (501 mothers, 383 fathers; 69% White, 16% Latinx, 8% African American; children Mage = 5.67 months, 53% boys). Latent trajectories examined change in parents' attitudes toward same‐ and other‐gender play during first 4 years of the child's life. On a subsample (n = 252), trajectories were examined in relation to children's later gender‐typed preferences and gender constancy. Parents grew more gender‐flexible in their attitudes, particularly parents of boys. Trajectories reflecting more stereotypic attitudes showed some associations (small in magnitude) with children's gender‐typed preferences and gender constancy by age 4.
Reconsidering the failure model: Using a genetically controlled design to assess the spread of problems from reactive aggression to internalizing symptoms through peer rejection across the primary school years
Authors: Faur Sharon , Valdes Olivia , Vitaro Frank , Brendgen Mara , Boivin Michel , Laursen Brett
Published: August 2023

According to the failure model (Patterson & Capaldi, 1990), peer rejection is the intermediary link between problem behaviors and internalizing symptoms. The present study tested the model with 464 monozygotic and same‐sex dizygotic twin pairs (234 female, 230 male dyads). Teacher‐reported reactive aggression and internalizing symptoms, and peer‐reported peer rejection were collected at ages 6, 7, and 10 (from 2001 to 2008). Support for the failure model emerged in conventional non‐genetically controlled analyses, but not twin‐difference score analyses (which remove shared environmental and genetic contributions). Univariate biometric models attributed minimal variance in failure model variables to shared environmental factors, suggesting that genetic factors play an important unacknowledged role in developmental pathways historically ascribed to nonshared experiences in the failure model.
A Characterization of Interactive Visual Data Stories With a Spatio‐Temporal Context
Authors: Mayer Benedikt , Steinhauer Nastasja , Preim Bernhard , Meuschke Monique
Published: August 2023

Large‐scale issues with a spatial and temporal context such as the COVID‐19 pandemic, the war against Ukraine, and climate change have given visual storytelling with data a lot of attention in online journalism, confirming its high effectiveness and relevance for conveying stories. Thus, new ways have emerged that expand the space of visual storytelling techniques. However, interactive visual data stories with a spatio‐temporal context have not been extensively studied yet. Particularly quantitative information about the used layout and media, the visual storytelling techniques, and the visual encoding of space‐time is relevant to get a deeper understanding of how such stories are commonly built to convey complex information in a comprehensible way. Covering these three aspects, we propose a design space derived by merging and adjusting existing approaches, which we used to categorize 130 collected web‐based visual data stories with a spatio‐temporal context from between 2018 and 2022. An analyzis of the collected data reveals the power of large‐scale issues to shape the landscape of storytelling techniques and a trend towards a simplified consumability of stories. Taken together, our findings can serve story authors as inspiration regarding which storytelling techniques to include in their own spatio‐temporal data stories.
Smooth Transitions Between Parallel Coordinates and Scatter Plots via Polycurve Star Plots
Authors: Kiesel Dora , Riehmann Patrick , Froehlich Bernd
Published: August 2023

This paper presents new techniques for seamlessly transitioning between parallel coordinate plots, star plots, and scatter plots. The star plot serves as a mediator visualization between parallel coordinate plots and scatter plots since it uses lines to represent data items as parallel coordinates do and can arrange axes orthogonally as used for scatter plots. The design of the transitions also motivated a new variant of the star plot, the polycurve star plot, that uses curved lines instead of straight ones and has advantages both in terms of space utilization and the detection of clusters. Furthermore, we developed a geometrically motivated method to embed scatter points from a scatter plot into star plots and parallel coordinate plots to track the transition of structural information such as clusters and correlations between the different plot types. The integration of our techniques into an interactive analysis tool for exploring multivariate data demonstrates the advantages and utility of our approach over a multi‐view approach for scatter plots and parallel coordinate plots, which we confirmed in a user study and concrete usage scenarios.
Long‐term impact of gastropexy on use of acid‐reducing medication, second operations for gastroesophageal reflux and subjective reflux symptoms after sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Flølo Tone Nygaard , Fosså Alexander , Nedkvitne Jonas Ingolf Petersson , Waage Jo Erling Riise , Rekdal Magne , Dankel Simon Nitter , Fernø Johan , Mellgren Gunnar , Nedrebø Bjørn Gunnar
Published: August 2023

We investigated whether adding gastropexy to sleeve gastrectomy (SG) reduced gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients operated for severe obesity, assessed mainly by use of anti‐reflux medication (ARM) and second operations due to GERD worsening. In a prospective non‐randomized study, patients undergoing SG at two Norwegian hospitals were included from 2011 to 2015 and followed for 7 years. GERD was defined by regular use of ARM, and epigastric pain and heartburn were measured by the Rome II questionnaire. Gastropexy was done by suturing the gastrocolic ligament to the staple line. Patients undergoing SG only, mainly before gastropexia was introduced in 2013, were compared to those with additional gastropexy from 2013 onwards. Of 376 included patients (75% females, mean age 42.6 years and BMI 42.9 kg/m2), 350 (93%) and 232 (62%) were available for evaluation after 1 and 7 years, respectively. Baseline characteristics in the no‐gastropexy (n = 235) and gastropexy groups (n = 141) were similar. In patients without ARM use before surgery, the use increased and in those that used ARM at baseline, the proportion decreased, with no difference in the no‐gastropexy and gastropexy groups. With a combined endpoint of ARM use and/or second operation for GERD, there was no difference during follow‐up between the two groups. With time, adding gastropexy did not reduce symptoms of GERD significantly. In this population, adding gastropexy to SG did not reduce use of ARM and/or second operation for uncontrolled GERD, epigastric pain or heartburn during the first 7 postoperative years.
Rethinking, reducing, and refining the classical oral tyramine challenge test of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
Authors: van Hoogdalem Ewoud‐Jan , Smith Karen L. , Hartstra Jan , Constant John
Published: August 2023

The oral tyramine challenge evaluates the safety of novel monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors when taken with tyramine‐containing food or drinks. In its current design, it comprises an extensive series of tyramine escalation steps until a blood pressure threshold is met. Due to the high variation in tyramine bioavailability, and thereby in blood pressure effect, this classical design has various limitations, including safety concerns. Based on data from a previously performed tyramine challenge study, the present study explored a reduced new design that escalates up to 400 mg, and evaluates the dose to a tyramine peak plasma concentration of ≥10 ng/mL, instead of a dose up to 800 mg, and to a blood pressure change of ≥30 mm Hg. Tested by trial simulation, the new design proves more efficient than the classical design in terms of better identifying tyramine sensitivity of test and reference treatments and reducing false‐positive and false‐negative rates in estimating tyramine sensitivity by more than 10‐fold. Since it escalates over a lower tyramine dose range, the new design reduces risk to subjects associated with tyramine‐induced blood pressure excursions, is less demanding for study participants, and is more efficient. By its focus on tyramine bioavailability as the primary concern for novel MAO inhibitors, the new tyramine challenge study provides better answers in a simplified and safer design compared with the classical design in trial simulation, warranting its use in future clinical studies.
RB1 loss in the mesenchymal component of onychomatricoma
Authors: Liu Yu , Zou Daopei , Huang Qiong , Wang Lei
Published: August 2023

Background

Onychomatricoma is a nail neoplasm that usually presents as longitudinal nail plate thickening, involving either the partial or whole nail. Histopathologically, it is characterized by deep invaginations of the proliferating nail matrix and proliferation of CD34+ and CD10+ spindle cells with collagenous to myxoid stroma. Onychomatricoma has been considered a fibroepithelial neoplasm. Recently, RB1 loss has been verified using array comparative genomic hybridization.

Methods

This study investigated the RB1 status in onychomatricoma with morphological methods.

Results

Six patients with onychomatricoma were included in the study. RB1 status was assessed using immunohistochemical staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Immunohistochemical staining showed that all six cases experienced RB1 loss in the mesenchymal component of onychomatricoma but not in the proliferated nail matrix. Fluorescence in situ hybridization in five cases showed a monoallelic deletion of the RB1 locus in the mesenchymal component but not in the proliferated nail matrix.

Conclusions

RB1 loss was observed only in the mesenchymal component of onychomatricoma. Our findings suggest that the proliferated nail matrix in onychomatricoma represents reactive hyperplasia of various degrees secondary to neoplastic mesenchymal proliferation. This indicates that onychomatricoma should be recognized as an RB1‐deleted soft tissue neoplasm rather than a fibroepithelial neoplasm.
Establishment of a new method to isolate viable x‐ray‐sensitive cells from planarian by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting
Authors: Ishida Miyuki , Kuroki Yoshihito , Agata Kiyokazu
Published: August 2023

Planarians show outstanding regenerative ability due to the proliferation of neoblasts. Hence the method to isolate planarian neoblasts is important to understand the regeneration process. In our previous study, we reported a method to isolate planarian neoblasts of Dugesia japonica using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS). However, we have not yet succeeded in cultivating these cells even under in vivo conditions after transplantation into x‐ray‐irradiated planarians. This suggests that dissociated cells might enter apoptotic or necrotic states in the process of fluorescent dye staining and sorting. Here, we developed a new method to isolate viable neoblasts, which can proliferate in the x‐ray‐irradiated planarians. First, the toxicity of various fluorescence dyes was investigated. All nuclear fluorescent dyes such as Hoechst 33342, DRAQ5, and DyeCycle, showed, more or less, toxicity to mammalian culture cells. In contrast, cytoplasmic fluorescent dye for live cells, calcein AM, was less toxic on these cells. Next, we stained the dissociated planarian cells with only calcein AM, and then collected the x‐ray‐sensitive fraction. Although the purity of neoblasts was slightly lower than that of the original staining method (ca. 97% → ca. 89%), the sorted cells could actively proliferate when they were injected into x‐ray‐irradiated planarians. This simple staining and sorting method will provide new opportunities to isolate viable neoblasts and understand regenerating processes.
Causes of death among Australians with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, 2002–2019
Authors: Tomic Dunya , Chen Lei , Moran Lauren L. , Magliano Dianna J. , Shaw Jonathan E.
Published: August 2023

Aims

This population‐based study sought to explore in detail the conditions driving the diversification in causes of death among people with diabetes.

Methods

We linked Australians with type 1 or type 2 diabetes of all ages on the National Diabetes Services Scheme to the National Death Index for 2002–2019. We investigated the proportional contributions of different causes of death to total deaths over time across eight categories of causes of death, stratified by sex and diabetes type. The underlying causes of death were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes.

Results

Between 2002 and 2019, there was a shift in the causes of death among Australians with diabetes away from cardiovascular disease. The proportion of deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease declined in both sexes (ptrend <0.001), most substantially among women with type 2 diabetes from 48.2% in 2002 to 30.7% in 2019. Among men with type 2 diabetes, cancer replaced cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death. The proportion of deaths due to dementia increased overall, from 2% in 2002 to over 7% in 2019, and across all age groups, notably from 1% to 4% in those aged 70–79. The proportion of deaths due to falls and Parkinson's disease also increased.

Conclusions

There has been a shift of causes of death among those with diabetes away from cardiovascular disease. The proportion of deaths due to conditions such as dementia and falls is increasing among those with diabetes, which will require consideration when planning future resource allocation.
Diabetes knowledge, self‐efficacy and dietary, psychological and physical health barriers: Comparing young and usual‐onset type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wong Sabrina K. W. , Soon Winnie , Griva Konstadina , Smith Helen Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

Aims

Young‐onset (21–39 years old) type 2 diabetes (YOD) is associated with high complication rates and glycaemic levels, and poor self‐management plays a significant role. Knowledge, skills and barriers influence self‐management behaviours considerably. Therefore, this study assessed diabetes knowledge, self‐efficacy and barriers (situational dietary barriers, physical health, mental health and diabetes‐related distress) between participants with young and usual‐onset (40–59 years old) (UOD) diabetes.

Methodology

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted. Differences between YOD and UOD were analysed using bivariate analysis and effect sizes were estimated with Cohen's d. Differences were further adjusted by demographic factors (gender, ethnicity, marital status, educational level, income level) and diabetes duration.

Results

A total of 409 (97 YOD, 312 UOD) participants were recruited. Participants with YOD had lower self‐efficacy levels (adjusted B = –0.19, CI –0.35 to −0.03) and higher dietary barriers (adjusted B = 3.6, CI 2.1–5.1), lower mental health scores (adjusted B = –3.5, CI –5.7 to −1.4) and higher diabetes‐related distress levels (adjusted B = 0.2, CI 0.2–0.4).

Conclusions

Our study found that participants with YOD faced more challenges with adapting to life with diabetes when compared with UOD. More effective self‐management programmes are needed to support the multifaceted needs of adults with YOD.
Retail pricing format and rigidity of regular prices
Authors: Ray Sourav , Snir Avichai , Levy Daniel
Published: August 2023

We study the rigidity of regular and sale prices, and how it is affected by pricing formats (i.e. pricing strategies). We use data from three large Canadian stores with different pricing formats (Every‐Day‐Low‐Price, Hi‐Lo and Hybrid) that are located within a 1 km radius of each other. Our data contain both the actual transaction prices and actual regular prices as displayed on the store shelves. We combine these data with two ‘generated’ regular price series (filtered prices and reference prices) and study their rigidity. Regular price rigidity varies with store formats because different format stores treat sale prices differently, and consequently define regular prices differently. Correspondingly, the meanings of price cuts and sale prices vary across store formats. To interpret the findings, we consider the store pricing format distribution across the USA and Canada.
Congenital anomalous drainage of the inferior vena cava and hepatic veins into the left atrium associated with long QT syndrome: Multimodality imaging, pitfalls, and caveats
Authors: Malakan Rad Elaheh , Radmehr Hassan , Taghizadeh Ashkan , Pouraliakbar Hamidreza
Published: August 2023

Isolated congenital anomalous drainage of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and partial hepatic veins (HV) into the left atrium (LA) via an interatrial communication (IAC), associated with the normal connection of the IVC to the right atrium is exceedingly rare. Therefore, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding the management of these cases. To date, there has been no report of abnormal IVC drainage caused by abnormal IVC‐IAC alignment. Much more frequently, patients have an abnormal connection or abnormal drainage mediated by a persistent Eustachian valve that allows blood to pass from the inferior vena cava to the left atrium. Herein, we report an 8‐year‐old boy with anomalous IVC and hepatic vein drainage into the LA due to IVC‐IAC malalignment. We describe the findings of multimodality imaging, including transthoracic, transesophageal, contrast, and speckle‐tracking echocardiography, cardiac angiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. We go over the diagnostic and therapeutic pitfalls and caveats of this case that can apply to similar patients.
A simple nudge increases socioeconomic diversity in undergraduate Economics
Authors: Pugatch Todd , Schroeder Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

We assess whether a light‐touch intervention can increase socioeconomic and racial diversity in undergraduate Economics. We randomly assigned over 2200 students a message with basic information about the Economics major; the basic message combined with an emphasis on the rewarding careers or financial returns associated with the major; or no message. Messages increased the proportion of first generation students majoring in Economics by five percentage points. This effect size was sufficient to reverse the gap in Economics majors for first generation students. Suggestive evidence indicates the effects may be driven by first generation students who were not also underrepresented minorities.
Sartre, Kant, and the spontaneity of mind
Authors: Apostolopoulos Dimitris
Published: August 2023

I argue that Sartre's Transcendence of the Ego draws on Kant's theory of spontaneity to articulate its metaphysical account of consciousness's mode of being, to defend its phenomenological description of the intentional structure of self‐consciousness, and to diagnose the errors that motivate views of consciousness qua person or substance. In addition to highlighting an overlooked dimension of Sartre's early relation to Kant, this interpretation offers a fresh account of how Sartre's argument for the primacy of pre‐personal consciousness works, and brings the extent of his proximity to idealist models of mind into greater relief. It also affords Sartre the resources to respond to criticisms that his account of self‐consciousness relies on a spurious distinction and that his view of freedom cannot explain how consciousness is conditioned by its world.
How temperature and aridity drive lignin decomposition along a latitudinal transect in western Siberia
Authors: Dao Thao Thi , Mikutta Robert , Wild Birgit , Sauheitl Leopold , Gentsch Norman , Shibistova Olga , Schnecker Jörg , Lashchinskiy Nikolay , Richter Andreas , Guggenberger Georg
Published: August 2023

Climate change drives a northward shift of biomes in high‐latitude regions. This might have consequences on the decomposition of plant litter entering the soil, including its lignin component, which is one of the most abundant components of vascular plants. In order to elucidate the combined effect of climate and soil characteristics on the decomposition pattern of lignin, we investigated lignin contents and its degree of oxidative decomposition within soil profiles along a climosequence in western Siberia. Soil samples were collected from organic topsoil to mineral subsoil at six sites along a 1500‐km latitudinal transect, stretching from tundra, through taiga and forest steppe to typical steppe. The stage of lignin degradation, as mirrored by decreasing organic carbon‐normalized lignin contents and increasing oxidative alteration of the remnant lignin (acid‐to‐aldehyde ratios of vanillyl‐ and syringyl‐units [(Ac/Al)V and (Ac/Al)S]) within soil horizons, increased from tundra to forest steppe and then decreased to the steppe. Principal component analysis, involving also climatic conditions such as mean annual temperature and aridity index, showed that the different states of lignin degradation between horizons related well to the activity of phenoloxidases and peroxidases, enzymes involved in lignin depolymerization that are produced primarily by fungi and less importantly by bacteria. The low microbial lignin decomposition in the tundra was likely due to low temperature and high soil moisture, which do not favour the fungi. Increasing temperature and decreasing soil moisture, facilitating a higher abundance of fungi, led to increased fungal lignin decomposition towards the forest‐steppe biome, while drought and high pH might be responsible for the reduced lignin decomposition in the steppe. We infer that a shift of biomes to the north, driven by climate change, might promote lignin decomposition in the northern parts, whereas in the south a further retardation might be likely.
Efficacy of bioactive materials in preventing Streptococcus mutans‐induced caries on enamel and dentine
Authors: Contreras Sheila Mondragón , Fernandes Juliana Benace , Spinola Manuela da Silva , Garcia Maíra Terra , Junqueira Juliana Campos , Bresciani Eduardo , Caneppele Taciana Marco Ferraz
Published: August 2023

The study investigated the ability of bioactive materials used to restore enamel and dentine specimens to prevent caries. Enamel (n = 50) and dentine (n = 50) specimens were obtained from bovine incisors, prepared, and randomly allocated to one of five groups according to the restorative treatment: alkasite without adhesive system; alkasite with adhesive system; high viscosity glass ionomer cement; resin composite; no restoration; negative control group. Specimens were restored, exposed to a thermal cycling aging protocol, sterilized, and exposed to a cariogenic challenge induced by Streptococcus mutans and then submitted to surface and subsurface microhardness tests and polarized light microscopy to verify the caries lesion development in enamel or dentine surrounding the restorative materials. Data were analyzed using one‐way ANOVA. In enamel and dentine, glass ionomer cement, alkasite without and with adhesive system presented a lower percentage surface microhardness loss than resin composite and negative control. Enamel subsurface microhardness presented no statistically significant differences between glass ionomer cement, alkasite without and with adhesive system. Glass ionomer cement also did not present statistically significant differences from resin composite and the negative control. In dentine, glass ionomer cement showed the highest subsurface microhardness values. In conclusion, bioactive restorative materials provide greater protection to enamel and dentine against surface caries development than resin composite.
Seizure control in women with epilepsy undergoing assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Abdulrazaq Aisha A. , Ainsworth Alessandra J. , Britton Jeffrey W. , Shenoy Chandra C. , Babayev Samir N. , Cascino Gregory D. , Smith Kelsey M.
Published: August 2023

The objective of this study was to determine seizure control in women with epilepsy (WWE) undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). Through retrospective chart review, WWE undergoing ART were identified. Demographics and details regarding epilepsy type, seizure control, and ART procedures were extracted. Seizure frequency prior to and during ART were compared. We identified 12 WWE, who underwent 29 embryo transfers, resulting in 16 pregnancies and 10 live births. Nine women were seizure‐free at least 2 years before fertility treatment, including three with resolved epilepsy. Seven were on antiseizure medications throughout fertility treatment and pregnancy, with only one on polytherapy. Eleven (all with controlled epilepsy or epilepsy in remission) remained seizure‐free throughout fertility treatment. One woman with drug‐resistant epilepsy continued to have seizures throughout fertility treatment and pregnancy without an exacerbation of seizure frequency. There was no increased seizure frequency associated with fertility treatment and subsequent pregnancy in this small series of WWE. Although this study was statistically underpowered, our results provide some preliminary evidence that ART might not pose a threat to seizure control, but larger, confirmatory studies are necessary.
First unprovoked seizures among soldiers recruited to the Israeli Defense Forces during 10 consecutive years: A population‐based study
Authors: Tsur Adili , Spierer Ronen , Cohen Renana , Blatch Dana , Eyal Sara , Honig Asaf , Ekstein Dana
Published: August 2023

Objective

The management of patients after a first unprovoked seizure (FUS) can benefit from stratification of the average 50% risk for further seizures. We characterized subjects with FUSs, out of a large generally healthy homogenous population of soldiers recruited by law to the Israeli Defense Forces, to investigate the role of the type of service, as a trigger burden surrogate, in the risk for additional seizures.

Methods

Soldiers recruited between 2005 and 2014, who experienced an FUS during their service, were identified from military records. Subjects with a history of epilepsy or lack of documentation of FUS characteristics were excluded from the study. Data on demographics and military service and medical details were extracted for the eligible soldiers.

Results

Of 816 252 newly recruited soldiers, representing 2 138 000 person‐years, 346 had an FUS, indicating an incidence rate of 16.2 per 100 000 person‐years. The FUS incidence rate was higher in combat versus noncombat male and female soldiers (p < .0001). Most subjects (75.7%) were prescribed antiseizure medications (ASMs), and 29.2% had additional seizures after the FUS. Service in combat units, abnormal magnetic resonance imaging, and being prescribed ASMs were correlated with a lower risk of having multiple seizures (95% confidence interval [CI] = .48–.97, .09–.86, .15–.28, respectively). On multivariate analysis, service in combat units (odds ratio [OR] = .48 for seizure recurrence, 95% CI = .26–.88) and taking medications (OR = .46, 95% CI = .24–.9) independently predicted not having additional seizures.

Significance

FUS incidence rate was higher in combat soldiers, but they had a twofold lower risk of additional seizures than noncombat soldiers, emphasizing the value of strenuous triggers as negative predictors for developing epilepsy. This suggests a shift in the perception of epilepsy from a “yes or no” condition to a continuous trend of predisposition to seizures, warranting changes in the ways etiologies of epilepsy are weighted and treatments are delivered.
Prevalence of ictal injuries in functional (psychogenic nonepileptic) seizures: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Moreira Adriana Boschi , Knochenhauer André Enoch , Froehner Giullia Victória , Schwarzbold Marcelo Liborio , Asadi‐Pooya Ali Akbar , Demarchi Izabel Galhardo , Brigo Francesco , Lin Katia
Published: August 2023

Objective

Ictal injuries have long been considered typical signs of epileptic seizures. However, studies have shown that patients with functional seizures (FS)—also named psychogenic nonepileptic seizures—can also present these signs, misleading physicians and delaying a correct diagnosis. This systematic review aimed to assess the prevalence of injuries from FS.

Methods

A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature), Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, OpenGrey, and ProQuest. Observational studies were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for studies reporting prevalence data. RStudio was used for meta‐analyses. Cumulative evidence was evaluated according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria.

Results

From the 2607 identified records, 41 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 28 were included in meta‐analyses. A meta‐analysis of 13 studies, including 1673 individuals, resulted in an overall lifetime prevalence of injuries due to FS per person of 25% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 19%–32%, I2 = 88%). Considering a limited period (video‐electroencephalographic [VEEG] monitoring days), a meta‐analysis of 13 studies, including 848 individuals, resulted in an injury prevalence due to FS per person of .7% (95% CI = 0%–3%, I2 = 73%). Also, a meta‐analysis of eight studies, including 1000 individuals, resulted in a prevalence of injuries per FS of .1% (95% CI = 0%–.98%, I2 = 49%). The certainty in cumulative evidence assessed by GRADE was rated “very low” for lifetime prevalence of injuries per person, “low” for prevalence per person during VEEG monitoring, and “moderate” for prevalence per number of FS.

Significance

Overall pooled lifetime prevalence of injuries due to FS per person was 25%. In comparison, the prevalence of injuries per person during VEEG monitoring and per functional seizure was .7% and .1%, respectively. [Correction added on 07 October 2023, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, ‘consecutively’ was corrected to ‘respectively’.] The evidence of the occurrence of injuries due to FS breaks the paradigm that epileptic seizures can cause injuries but FS cannot.