bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual conflict and sexual networks in bed bugs: the fitness cost of traumatic insemination, female avoidance and male mate choice
Authors: Yan Janice L. , Dobbin Maggie L. , Dukas Reuven
Published: July 2024

Sexual conflict is prevalent among animals and is primarily caused by the fact that the optimal mating rates are often higher in males than in females. While there is a growing appreciation that females can also gain from multiple matings, we still know relatively little about which sex controls the observed mating rates and how close it is to the optimal female mating rates. To address this issue, we tracked female bed bugs (
Cimex lectularius
) inseminated daily versus weekly and found that weekly inseminated females lived longer and produced over 50% more offspring. In a follow-up experiment employing a social network framework, we placed 24 bed bugs into a semi-naturalistic arena and recorded all sexual interactions. While recently inseminated females did not avoid males more often, they were more frequently rejected by males. Finally, we tracked avoidance behaviour in a single cohort of female bed bugs as they received six successive daily inseminations. Avoidance rates increased and insemination durations decreased with increasing number of prior inseminations. Overall, our results indicate high costs of polyandry. Although females possess some plastic avoidance strategies, the observed rates of insemination fall closer to the male rather than female optimum.
Rapid eye and hand responses in an interception task are differentially modulated by context-dependent predictability
Authors: Fooken Jolande , Balalaie Parsa , Park Kayne , Flanagan J. Randall , Scott Stephen H.
Published: July 2024

Humans can quickly generate eye and hand responses to unpredictable changes in the environment. Here, we investigated eye-hand coordination in a rapid interception task where human participants used a virtual paddle to intercept a moving target. The target moved vertically down a computer screen and could suddenly ‘jump’ to the left or right. In high-certainty blocks, the target always jumped, and in low-certainty blocks, the target only jumped in a portion of trials. Further, we manipulated response urgency by varying the time of target jumps, with early jumps requiring less urgent and late jumps requiring more urgent responses. Our results highlighted differential effects of certainty and urgency on eye-hand coordination. Participants initiated both eye and hand responses earlier for high-certainty compared to low-certainty blocks. Hand reaction times decreased and response vigor increased with increasing urgency levels. However, eye reaction times were lowest for medium-urgency levels and eye vigor was unaffected by urgency. Across all trials, we found a weak positive correlation between eye and hand responses. Taken together, these results suggest that the limb and oculomotor systems use similar early sensorimotor processing; however, rapid responses are modulated differentially to attain system-specific sensorimotor goals.
Context-dependent roles for autophagy in myeloid cells in tumor progression
Authors: Choi Jayoung , Park Gayoung , Lee Steve Seung-Young , Dominici Erin , Becker Lev , Macleod Kay F. , Kron Stephen J. , Hwang Seungmin
Published: July 2024

Autophagy is known to suppress tumor initiation by removing genotoxic stresses in normal cells. Conversely, autophagy is also known to support tumor progression by alleviating metabolic stresses in neoplastic cells. Centered on this pro-tumor role of autophagy, there have been many clinical trials to treat cancers through systemic blocking of autophagy. Such systemic inhibition affects both tumor cells and non-tumor cells, and the consequence of blocked autophagy in non-tumor cells in the context of tumor microenvironment is relatively understudied. Here, we examined the effect of autophagy-deficient myeloid cells on the progression of autophagy-competent tumors. We found that blocking autophagy only in myeloid cells modulated tumor progression markedly but such effects were context dependent. In a tumor implantation model, the growth of implanted tumor cells was substantially reduced in mice with autophagy-deficient myeloid cells; T cells infiltrated deeper into the tumors and were responsible for the reduced growth of the implanted tumor cells. In an oncogene-driven tumor induction model, however, tumors grew faster and metastasized more in mice with autophagy- deficient myeloid cells. These data demonstrate that the autophagy status of myeloid cells plays a critical role in tumor progression, promoting or suppressing tumor growth depending on the context of tumor-myeloid cell interactions. This study indicates that systemic use of autophagy inhibitors in cancer therapy may have differential effects on rates of tumor progression in patients due to effects on myeloid cells and that this warrants more targeted use of selective autophagy inhibitors in a cancer therapy in a clinical setting.
Reversible disulfide bond crosslinks as tunable levers of phase separation in designer biomolecular condensates
Authors: Mondal Malay , Jankoski Penelope E. , Lee Landon D. , Dinakarapandian Daniel M. , Chiu Tzu-Ying , Swetman Windfield S. , Wu Hongwei , Paravastu Anant K. , Clemons Tristan D. , Rangachari Vijayaraghavan
Published: July 2024

Biomolecular condensates (BCs) are membraneless hubs enriched in proteins and nucleic acids that have become important players in many cellular functions. Uncovering the sequence determinants of proteins for phase separation is important in understanding the biophysical and biochemical properties of BCs. Despite significant discoveries in the last decade, the role of cysteine residues in BC formation and dissolution has remained unknown. Here, to determine the involvement of disulfide crosslinks and their redox sensitivity in BCs, we designed a ‘stickers and spacers’ model of phase-separating peptides interspersed with cysteines. Through biophysical investigations, we learned that cysteines promote liquid-liquid phase separation in oxidizing conditions and perpetuate liquid condensates through disulfide crosslinks, which can be reversibly tuned with redox chemistry. By varying the composition of cysteines, subtle but distinct changes in the viscoelastic behavior of the condensates were observed. Empirically, we conclude that cysteines are neither stickers nor spacers but function as covalent nodes to lower the effective concentrations for sticker interactions and inhibit system-spanning percolation networks. Together, we unmask the role of cysteines in protein phase behavior and the potential to develop tunable, redox-sensitive viscoelastic materials.
FGF Signaling Regulates Development of the Anterior Fontanelle
Authors: Bobzin Lauren , Nickle Audrey , Ko Sebastian , Ince Michaela , Bhojwani Arshia , Merrill Amy E.
Published: July 2024

The calvarial bones of the infant skull are connected by transient fibrous joints known as sutures and fontanelles, which are essential for reshaping during birth and postnatal growth. Genetic disorders such as Apert, Pfeiffer, Crouzon, and Bent bone dysplasia linked toFGFR2variants often exhibit multi-suture craniosynostosis and a persistently open anterior fontanelle (AF). This study leverages mouse genetics and single-cell transcriptomics to determine howFgfr2regulates closure of the AF closure and its transformation into the frontal suture during postnatal development. We find that cells of the AF, marked by the tendon/ligament factor SCX, are spatially restricted to ecto- or endocranial domains and undergo regionally selective differentiation into ligament, bone, and cartilage. Differentiation of SCX+ AF cells is dependent on FGFR2 signaling in cells of the osteogenic fronts which, when fueled by FGF18 from the ectocranial mesenchyme, express the secreted WNT inhibitor WIF1 to regulate WNT signaling in neighboring AF cells. Upon loss ofFgfr2,Wif1expression is lost, and cells of the AF retain a connective tissue-like fate failing to form the posterior frontal suture. This study provides new insights into regional differences in suture development by identifying an FGF-WNT signaling circuit within the AF that links frontal bone advancement with suture joint formation.
Social Status as a Latent Variable in the Amygdala of Observers of Social Interactions
Authors: Lee SeungHyun , Rutishauser Ueli , Gothard Katalin M.
Published: July 2024

Successful integration into a hierarchical social group requires knowledge of the status of each individual and of the rules that govern social interactions within the group. In species that lack morphological indicators of status, social status can be inferred by observing the signals exchanged between individuals. We simulated social interactions between macaques by juxtaposing videos of aggressive and appeasing displays where two individuals appeared in each other’s line of sight and their displays were timed to suggest the reciprocation of dominant and subordinate signals. Viewers of these videos successfully inferred the social status of the interacting characters. Dominant individuals attracted more social attention from viewers even when they were not engaged in social displays. Neurons in the viewers’ amygdala signaled the status of both the attended (fixated) and the unattended individuals suggesting that in third party observers of social interactions, the amygdala signals jointly the status of interacting parties.

Highlights

Monkeys infer the social status of conspecifics from videos of simulated dyadic interactions

During fixations neural populations signal the social status of the attended individuals

Neurons in the amygdala jointly encode the status of interacting individuals

In brief

Third party-viewers of pairwise dominant-subordinate interactions infer social status from the observed behaviors. Neurons in the amygdala are tuned to the inferred dominant/subordinate status of both individuals.
Cell volume tunes macrophage innate inflammatory responses through promoting type I interferon signalling
Authors: Cook James R , Gleeson Tara A. , Allan Stuart M. , Lawrence Catherine B. , Brough David , Green Jack P.
Published: July 2024

Macrophages are key effectors in co-ordinating inflammatory and immune responses to threats to the host. How macrophages decipher diverse danger signals to tailor inflammatory responses remains an unanswered question. Cell volume control is critical for normal cellular function. Disturbances in extracellular and intracellular homeostasis induce changes in cell volume, but the impact of disruptions in cell volume in controlling macrophage inflammatory responses is poorly understood. Here, we discover that macrophages use cell volume control as a bona fide danger sensing mechanism to promote and augment inflammatory responses. Using macrophages deficient in the volume regulated anion channel (VRAC), which lack cell volume control under hypo-osmotic conditions, we show that disruptions in cell volume are sensed by macrophages to drive a large transcriptomic response and induction of inflammation. Cell volume disruption, particularly loss of cell volume control, induces type I interferon signalling through a DNA– and STING-dependent mechanism, but independent of cGAS and 2’3’cGAMP transport. Further, we found that cell volume changes synergise with diverse pathogen-mediated signalling to augment type I interferon responses and exacerbate the cytokine storm in a mouse model of hyperinflammation. Our findings highlight cell volume as an important regulator in shaping inflammatory responses, adding to our understanding of how macrophages sense complex danger signals and threats.
Recovering Complete Positivity of Non-Markovian Quantum Dynamics with Choi-Proximity Regularization
Authors: D’Abbruzzo Antonio , Farina Donato , Giovannetti Vittorio
Published: July 2024

A relevant problem in the theory of open quantum systems is the lack of complete positivity of dynamical maps obtained after weak-coupling approximations, a famous example being the Redfield master equation. A number of approaches exist to recover well-defined evolutions under additional Markovian assumptions, but much less is known beyond this regime. Here, we propose a numerical method to cure the complete-positivity violation issue while preserving the non-Markovian features of an arbitrary original dynamical map. The idea is to replace its unphysical Choi operator with its closest physical one, mimicking recent work on quantum process tomography. We also show that the regularized dynamics is more accurate in terms of reproducing the exact dynamics, which allows us to heuristically push the utilization of these master equations in moderate coupling regimes, where the loss of positivity can have a relevant impact.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Problem solving strategies used in mathematics textbooks for Turkish middle schools
Authors: Türkmen Dural Seda , Dede Yüksel
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study investigated the problem-solving strategies used in solving problems in the learning domain of numbers and operations in mathematics textbooks for Turkish middle schools.

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, four middle school mathematics textbooks published by the Ministry of National Education of Turkey (MEB in Turkish), one from each grade level (Grades 5–8), were examined. The data in this document analysis study were analyzed using semantic content analysis.

Findings

The findings revealed that mathematics textbooks' most used problem-solving strategies for each level were drawing a figure (diagram), writing equality and inequality, making a table and making a systematic list. Drawing a diagram (figure) strategy was the most used strategy at each grade level, while working backwards was the least used one. Another finding was that finding a pattern and solving a simpler analogous problem strategies were rarely used at each grade level.

Research limitations/implications

This study points out how problem-solving strategies used Grades 5-8 mathematics textbooks in a different culture like Türkiye. So, it may also give some important clues for applying problem-solving strategies in mathematics classrooms in a different culture.

Practical implications

This study may draw the attention of educational stakeholders and textbook authors who want to understand and implement problem-solving strategies in mathematics classrooms by considering a different cultural perspective.

Social implications

This study may point to the importance of using problem-solving strategies in mathematics and daily and social learning environments due to the nature of mathematical problem-solving and problem-solving strategies.

Originality/value

This document review study examined the problem-solving strategies used in Turkish middle school mathematics textbooks, and the data were analyzed using semantic content analysis. The findings revealed that mathematics textbooks' most used problem solving strategies for each level were drawing a figure (diagram), writing equality and inequality, making a table and making a systematic list. Drawing a diagram (figure) strategy was the most used strategy at each grade level, while working backwards was the least used one. Another finding was that finding a pattern and solving a simpler analogous problem strategies were rarely used at each grade level.
Quality improvement development in Swedish healthcare and welfare services
Authors: Andersson Ann-Christine
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Quality improvement has developed and spread, and today, all Swedish Regions emphasize that their strategies are based on systematic improvement. This paper aims to describe and illuminate the development of Quality Improvement (QI) in Swedish healthcare and welfare organizations by using publications in a Swedish context.

Design/methodology/approach

The overview synthesis is inspired by a scoping literature review approach of relevant literature. All publications relevant to Swedish healthcare and welfare settings between 1992 until 2020 were included.

Findings

In all, 213 papers, 29 books and chapters and 34 dissertations related to QI and research in Swedish healthcare and welfare context were identified. From 2011 to 2020, the publication rate increased rapidly. Six different focus areas emerged: systematic and value-creating improvement work; collaboration between organizations and healthcare providers; use of improvement methods and (theoretical) models; leadership and learning; measurements, quality registers and follow-up; and involvement and patient safety. Further QI development in Swedish healthcare and welfare points to an increased importance of collaboration between organizations and coproduction with beneficiaries for the healthcare and welfare services.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to describe and illuminate the QI development in the healthcare and welfare sector in a country. The trajectory also points to a need for coproduction to handle future challenges.
The effect of foreign direct investment on economic growth in Afghanistan: an empirical insight
Authors: Mohd Thas Thaker Mohamed Asmy , Baryal Baryalai , Taghizadeh-Hesary Farhad
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the economic growth of Afghanistan over the period 1990 to 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) to measure FDI’s impact on economic growth and determine the short- vs long-run relationship.

Findings

The results show that the F-bound cointegration test confirms the long-run relationship among the variables. The long-run and short-run results reveal that foreign direct investment has a significant negative impact on economic growth in the long run. However, domestic investment and labour force have a significant and positive impact on economic growth in the long run. Moreover, the impact of trade openness on economic growth is insignificant in the long run, while it has a significant negative impact in the short run.

Originality/value

In this study, we contribute to this research area by analysing the function of FDI in economic growth from Afghanistan’s experience and perspectives. This is the first study empirically examining this relationship in Afghanistan while considering other selected macroeconomic indicators. This paper could greatly benefit policymakers in Afghanistan by guiding the formulation of FDI policies that would spur its economic growth and development.
Financial performance and carbon emission disclosure
Authors: Al-Mari Jawaher R. , Mardini Ghassan H.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of financial performance on carbon emission disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses ordinary least squares (OLS) multiple regression analysis on a sample of 177 Financial Times Stock Exchange 350 index (FTSE-350) non-financial firms to test the impact of market (Tobin’s Q) and accounting (return on equity) financial performance indicators on carbon emission disclosure.

Findings

The results show that the financial performance market indicator has a significant positive impact on carbon emission disclosure. The accounting indicator illustrates similar results except for Scope 3, where the results are insignificant. This study may help firms understand how financial performance affects carbon emission disclosure, particularly by showing that high-performing firms are motivated to maintain strong environmental practices and enhance carbon emission awareness.

Originality/value

This paper enhances stakeholders’ understanding of how firms’ environmental policies align with their financial objectives, thereby expanding knowledge in carbon accounting.
“Let’s catch up at Shivaji Park”: emotively conversing on connecting and un/belonging through a public space
Authors: Lahiri-Roy Reshmi , Roy Achinto , Karnik Rahul , Likhite Sandesh
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper is based on the personal connections of the four authors to Shivaji Park, the largest public space in Mumbai. Three of the authors are childhood friends and were once long-term residents of that area. The focus of this article is Shivaji Park, anecdotally the largest park in the island city of Mumbai, with its historical connotations and its ongoing role as a relational and cultural artefact in the lives of these authors. The ongoing member status of all four authors in connection with the public space is explored despite all of them now ceasing to be locals.

Design/methodology/approach

This article uses a qualitative approach utilising informal conversations between the four authors recorded on zoom as the research method. Supported by belonging and emotional reflexivity as conceptual frames, it investigates how the spatial context fosters a binding relationality, which is ongoing despite the now disparate locations of the authors.

Findings

Based on a critical analysis of the recorded conversations between the authors the findings highlight that belonging/unbelonging centres around emotionally tinged representations of place.

Originality/value

The core of this paper rests in the emotional connections between the authors based on their collective memories with a public space and its surrounding areas as a focus. The use of informal conversations is crucial in teasing out nuanced aspects of data collected based on human relationalities. The paper emphasises the repercussions of ongoing changes stemming from urban progress. They incur emotional and human costs through a “culling” of connections and belongings.
A novel treatment approach using vitamin B12‐conjugated sericin for mitigating nanodiamond‐induced toxicity in darkling beetles
Authors: Saad Marwa , Selim Nabila , El‐Samad Lamia M.
Published: July 2024

The escalating use of nanodiamonds (NDs) has raised concerns about their ecotoxicological impact, prompting exploration of therapeutic interventions. This paper pioneers the examination of Vitamin B12‐conjugated sericin (VB12‐SER) as a potential therapeutic approach against ND‐induced toxicity in darkling beetles (Blaps polychresta). The study analyzes mortality rates and organ‐specific effects, covering the testis, ovary, and midgut, before and after treatments. Following exposure to 10 mg NDs/g body weight, within a subgroup of individuals termed ND2 with a mortality rate below 50%, two therapeutic treatments were administered, including pure sericin (SER) at 10 mg/mL and VB12‐SER at 10.12 mg/mL. Consequently, five experimental groups (control, SER, ND2, ND2+SER, ND2+SER+VB12) were considered. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to assess the lifespan distribution of the insects in these groups over a 30‐d period. Analyses revealed increased mortality and significant abnormalities induced by NDs within the examined organs, including cell death, DNA damage, enzyme dysregulation, antioxidant imbalances, protein depletion, lipid peroxidation, and morphological deformities. In contrast, the proposed treatments, especially (ND2+SER+VB12), demonstrated remarkable recovery, highlighting VB12‐conjugated SER's potential in mitigating ND‐triggered adverse effects. Molecular docking simulations affirmed binding stability and favorable interactions of the VB12‐SER complex with target proteins. This research enhances understanding of NDs’ effects on B. polychresta, proposing it as an effective bioindicator, and introduces VB12‐conjugated SER as a promising therapeutic strategy in nanotoxicological studies.
Universal screening for Lynch syndrome in endometrial cancer diagnoses in Auckland, New Zealand: The initial experience
Authors: Naiqiso Silipa Lock Sam , Moses Jo , Tan Ai Ling , Eva Lois
Published: July 2024

Background

Universal mismatch repair immunohistochemistry (MMR IHC) tumour testing in endometrial cancer (EC) for Lynch syndrome (LS) was introduced in Auckland, New Zealand, in January 2017. Identifying patients with LS allows them and their families to access risk reduction strategies. Universal MMR IHC testing aids in the molecular classification of EC and has prognostic and therapeutic implications.

Aim

We aimed to determine the incidence of LS in women with EC in Auckland, New Zealand, following the introduction of MMR testing and the impact of universal screening on local genetic services.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective clinicopathological evaluation of women with a new EC diagnosis referred to the Auckland Gynaecological Oncology Unit from 1/1/17 to 31/12/18. Patient data were extracted from the Gynaecological Oncology Unit database and electronic records, and analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

During the study period, 409 patients were diagnosed with EC, with an over‐representation of Pacific Islanders (32.5%). Of these, 82.6% underwent MMR IHC testing, 20% were MMR‐deficient (MMRd), and 71% had somatic hypermethylation. The Pacific Islander population had a 64% (odds ratio 0.36, P = 0.005) reduction in the odds of having MMRd tumours compared with Europeans. Of the patients who underwent MMR IHC testing, 5.5% were referred to a genetic clinic for germline testing. LS was confirmed in eight patients (2.3%).

Conclusion

LS was diagnosed in 2.3% of patients. There was an over‐representation of Pacific Islanders in the EC group but not among those diagnosed with LS.
A hyaluronic acid‐containing reagent compatible with glass‐bottom dishes and capable of sustained binding of human spermatozoa
Authors: Inoue Taketo , Iwayama Hiroshi , Uemura Mikiko , Taguchi Sayumi , Yamashita Yoshiki
Published: July 2024

Objective

Commercial products currently available for sperm selection utilizing hyaluronic acid (HA) binding prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are widely used but have some disadvantages. To potentially circumvent these limitations, we compared ICSI using a self‐made hyaluronic acid (smHA) reagent with ICSI using SpermSlow.

Methods

The binding of the reagents to spermatozoa on plastic‐ or glass‐bottom dishes was quantitated using spermatozoa that were isolated by density‐gradient centrifugation and swim‐up procedures (N = 10/group). Additionally, we investigated the relationship between the HA reagent used prior to ICSI and clinical outcomes after assisted reproduction with HA‐ICSI (N = 81).

Results

The smHA reagent exhibited extremely stable binding to human spermatozoa. The binding time of spermatozoa was significantly longer in the smHA reagent than in SpermSlow on both plastic and glass dishes (plastic: 60.0 ± 0.0 min vs. 2.7 ± 5.9 min, P < 0.001; glass: 60.0 ± 0.0 min vs. 2.5 ± 1.8 min, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the normal fertilization rate between HA‐ICSI with the smHA reagent (128/160, 80.0%) and HA‐ICSI with SpermSlow (171/231, 74.0%, P = 0.184). The frequency of the blastocyst development from the HA‐ICSI‐derived zygote was significantly higher with the smHA reagent (74/101, 73.3%) than with SpermSlow (76/131, 58.0%, P = 0.019). The rates of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, fetal heart movement, live birth, and miscarriage were not significantly different between HA‐ICSI with the smHA reagent and HA‐ICSI with SpermSlow.

Conclusions

The blastulation rate was higher for HA‐ICSI with the smHA reagent as compared with SpermSlow. Clinical outcomes, excluding blastulation, after HA‐ICSI were the same using smHA reagent and using SpermSlow. Spermatozoa binding to the smHA reagent was not attenuated over a 60‐min time course. In conclusion, this reagent may shorten and simplify HA‐ICSI procedures because smHA can be used with any dish material, making it easier to observe the spindle or assess intracytoplasmic morphology.
Consensus statement: support for supervisors of surgical training in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Paltridge Deborah , Martin Jenepher , Churchill James , Grills Richard , Loveday Benjamin , Gupta Romi Das , Rennie Sarah Catherine
Published: July 2024

The Supervisor Support Consensus Statement has been developed after consultation with supervisors of surgical training for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) programmes in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand and other key stakeholders. Six key areas have been recognized with specific recommendations crafted to improve the support and recognition of Supervisors: 1. Clarity of role, 2. Education and Training, 3. Local support, 4. RACS support, 5. Recognition and valuing of the Supervisor role, 6. Risk Management. The purpose of this consensus statement is to clearly articulate supervisor opinions on the support they require to undertake this important role. It has been produced by an independent writing group of experienced surgical supervisors and educators, with support from RACS education department. The consensus statement is a response to a needs assessment of supervisors of surgical training. The statements in this consensus document have been generated from comments and feedback from supervisors that have been refined through process of extensive consultation using a Delphi methodology. We advise specialty training Committees consider these statements and mandate them as part of their accreditation of terms. The role of the supervisor of training requires greater recognition, and incorporation in the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) in Australia and the ASMS Te Whatu Ora SECA in Aotearoa New Zealand would ensure the provisions in this document are enacted. The six areas identified have transferability to other specialities and countries and are valuable when considering how to support supervisors involved in training our next generation of specialist doctors.
Association between human papillomavirus and preterm delivery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kovács Dénes , Szabó Anett , Hegyi Péter , Ács Nándor , Keszthelyi Márton , Sára Levente , Csirzó Ádám , Mátrai Péter , Munnoch Krisztina , Nagy Rita , Bánhidy Ferenc
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The lifetime prevalence of human papillomavirus infection (HPV) is estimated to be around 80% and it is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Despite being well known for its oncologic relevance, it has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, though available evidence is contradicting. Previous meta‐analyses involved articles which based HPV infection on Pap smear results, leading to a significant source of bias. Therefore, we aimed to assess the burden of genetically proven HPV infection on adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Material and Methods

In our meta‐analysis, pregnant women tested for HPV DNA were only considered eligible. We conducted a systematic search in three major databases (PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL) on September 22, 2023. Cohort, cross‐sectional, and case‐control studies were eligible for the analysis. The exposed group consisted of HPV‐infected patients. We assessed the odds ratios (OR) with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. In order to reduce the heterogeneity, we performed subgroup analyses based on different strains (high risk HPV, HPV 16/18, study design). The study was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022370228).

Results

Our study involved 14 articles with 7008 women. A significant association was found between preterm delivery and HPV infection (OR: 1.94, CI: 1.31–2.87). No significant association was found when separately examining high‐risk HPV‐infected women (OR: 1.94, CI: 0.82–4.59), and HPV 16 or 18‐infected women (OR: 2.08, CI: 0.50–8.63) in terms of preterm delivery. No significant association was found between spontaneous abortion and HPV infection (OR: 1.02, CI: 0.16–6.31).

Conclusions

Our analysis indicates an association between HPV infection and preterm delivery. It is imperative that future studies consider confounding variables more comprehensively. Additionally, the global implementation of HPV vaccination programs holds significance not only in oncology but also in obstetrics.
Letter: Microbial manipulation for primary sclerosing cholangitis‐associated inflammatory bowel disease—hope on the horizon
Authors: Bogatic D. , Bryant R. V.
Published: July 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Ricciuto et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17936
A business ethics perspective on constructive deviant behavior in organizations: A literature review and an integrated framework proposal
Authors: Popescu Irina‐Alina , Cimino Antonio , Coniglio Ilda Maria
Published: July 2024

Constructive Deviant Behavior (CDB) raises an ethical dilemma that poses a significant challenge within the realm of business ethics. This ethical dilemma is the extent to which individuals should be allowed, or even encouraged, to challenge established norms in the name of organizational and stakeholder well‐being before compromising ethical principles. Despite the growing body of research in this field, which highlights the emergence of a new domain, there remains a lack of a comprehensive framework to define and understand CDB within organizational contexts. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to fill this gap by conducting a thorough analysis of the literature using the PRISMA methodology. In order to systematically review previous research, a sample of relevant articles was selected and analyzed in depth with the aim of defining a comprehensive framework clarifying the nature, forms, and dimensions of CDB. In addition, the relationships between CDB and its antecedents and outcomes were investigated from a business ethics perspective. Within this context, the study proposes a unified CDB framework while acknowledging and integrating the diverse perspectives that have emerged in past studies. Furthermore, this research reveals that individual and organizational characteristics are the predominant antecedents of CDB. Finally, as an emerging domain of increasing practical relevance within business ethics, this subject offers fertile avenues for future research, as delineated by the findings of this study.
‘Not a party to this crime’: The reciprocal constitution of identity and morality by signatories of the Academics for Peace petition in Turkey
Authors: Acar Yasemin Gülsüm , Coşkan Canan , Sandal‐Önal Elif , Reicher Stephen
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we examine how social identity, moral obligation and the relationship between the two shaped support for the 2016 Academics for Peace petition in Turkey. We examine the pre‐trial statements of nine defendants charged for signing the petition and appearing in court on the same day in December 2018. We first conduct an inductive thematic analysis on one statement, and then, using the themes from this analysis, we conducted a deductive thematic analysis on the remaining eight statements. In line with the existing studies, we find considerable evidence that social identity and moral obligation are invoked as key reasons for signing in this highly repressive context. However, rather than these being separate factors, the two are reciprocally constitutive. That is, social identities define moral obligations and, at the same time, enacting moral obligations defines identity (both the position of the individual in the group and the nature of the group in the world). In discussion, we consider the broader implications of a moralized view of social identities for our understanding of both collective action and social identity processes more generally.
Umbrella review of hospital passports: Their use and improvements
Authors: Jackson Jennifer , Sinyor Jessica , Trower Hayley
Published: July 2024

Background

The hospital or health passport is widely acknowledged as a central element in making reasonable adjustments for patients with intellectual disabilities. Historically, the health passport has been used exclusively for patients with intellectual disabilities; however, it has wider applications for any patient requiring additional support. Commonly, it documents past medical history, communication needs and a person's means of expressing pain. There are, however, significant barriers to their use, meaning patients are unable to access adjustments to improve their experiences in a healthcare system that already marginalises and discriminates against people with intellectual disabilities. This umbrella review aims to establish whether the passport is an effective reasonable adjustment, identify barriers to its use and make recommendations to alleviate these barriers.

Methods

Database and citation searches informed a synthesis of international evidence to address these aims. Following the removal of duplicates and screening, nine review papers originating from the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland were identified for inclusion. Seven focus on the use of passports for patients with intellectual disabilities, one on the use of passports for autistic people, and one exploring the use of passports for patients with dementia.

Findings

The results demonstrated that the passports are effective in improving care for patients with intellectual disabilities. However, there are barriers to its routine use. We identified three main issues with the current use of the hospital passport. First, there is a need for greater managerial support to implement reasonable adjustments. Second, standardisation of the passports at a national level will make them more accessible to healthcare professionals and will ensure that information is not ‘buried’; the development of a standardised passport must involve consultation of patients, carers and staff to meet the needs of all stakeholders. Finally, education for all healthcare staff to raise awareness of the passport and ensure it is utilised appropriately will ultimately pave the way for positive, long‐lasting change.

Conclusions

Passports can be an effective means of communicating reasonable adjustments. Addressing a lack of awareness of its utility, ensuring managerial commitment to implementing reasonable adjustments and making the passport accessible through a standardised format will empower patients to engage with their own care.
Family migration and structural transformation
Authors: Cao Huoqing , Chen Chaoran , Xi Xican , Zuo Sharon Xuejing
Published: July 2024

This paper integrates the migration decisions of married couples into a multi‐sector spatial model, investigating their impact on structural transformation, productivity and gender wage gap. Focusing on China, a country characterized by a higher share of agricultural employment and a lower share in services compared with countries with similar income, we uncover a significant gender gap in migration costs among rural married couples. Furthermore, while migration costs have decreased for all demographic groups from 2000 to 2010, the decline was least pronounced for married couples when both partners left agriculture. We find that reducing migration costs for married couples who migrate together would lead to a decline in agricultural employment, a rise in service sector employment, an increase in aggregate productivity and a narrowing of the gender wage gap. Eliminating the gender differences in migration costs would also increase service sector employment and reduce the gender wage gap.
Longitudinal imaging for monitoring disease activity in late‐onset Rasmussen's encephalitis during multimodal rehabilitation and immune therapy
Authors: Adam Lucas C. , Gilly Lana , Mueller Joerg , Wissel Joerg , Kivi Anatol
Published: July 2024

Background

Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE) is a rare autoimmune encephalopathy typically manifesting in early childhood, causing unilateral autoimmune inflammation of the cerebral cortex, leading to progressive neurological deficits, notably focal epileptic seizures. The late‐onset variant of RE in adults progresses slower and presents atypical features. Despite extensive research, the etiology remains elusive, hindering accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

Case Presentation

We present a biopsy‐confirmed late‐onset variant of RE case in a 71‐year‐old man with a disease course of 12 years. After the initiation of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and immunosuppressive treatment, disease stabilization was achieved, as evidenced by clinical assessments and imaging. Initially, the affected hemisphere swelled hyperacutely, followed by years of atrophic encephalopathy stabilizing into a residual state, with emerging focal disease signs in the contralateral hemisphere. Multimodal rehabilitation and immune therapy attenuated brain atrophy and reduced signal enhancement.

Conclusions

Late‐onset variant of RE rehabilitation remains underdeveloped, focusing on symptom management and functional recovery post‐surgery. Longitudinal imaging is crucial for monitoring immune therapy response in clinical practice.
Propofol improves sleep deprivation‐induced sleep structural and cognitive deficits via upregulating the BMAL1 expression and suppressing microglial M1 polarization
Authors: Liu Huan , Yang Chenyi , Wang Xiaoqing , Yu Baochen , Han Ying , Wang Xinyi , Wang Zixuan , Zhang Miao , Wang Haiyun
Published: July 2024

Background

Sleep deprivation (SD) is a growing global health problem with many deleterious effects, such as cognitive impairment. Microglia activation‐induced neuroinflammation may be an essential factor in this. Propofol has been shown to clear sleep debt after SD in rats. This study aims to evaluate the effects of propofol‐induced sleep on ameliorating sleep quality impairment and cognitive decline after 48 h SD.

Methods

Almost 8–12‐week‐old rats were placed in the SD system for 48 h of natural sleep or continuous SD. Afterwards, rats received propofol (20 mg·kg−1·h−1, 6 h) via the tail or slept naturally. The Morris water maze (MWM) and Y‐maze test assessed spatial learning and memory abilities. Rat EEG/EMG monitored sleep. The expression of brain and muscle Arnt‐like protein 1 (BMAL1), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus and BMAL1 in the hypothalamus were assessed by western blot. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay detected IL‐6, IL‐1β, arginase 1 (Arg1), and IL‐10 levels in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence was used to determine microglia expression as well as morphological changes.

Results

Compared to the control group, the sleep‐deprived rats showed poor cognitive performance on both the MWM test and the Y‐maze test, accompanied by disturbances in sleep structure, including increased total sleep time, and increased time spent and delta power in non‐rapid eye movement sleep. In addition, SD induces abnormal expression of the circadian rhythm protein BMAL1, activates microglia, and causes neuroinflammation and nerve damage. Propofol reversed these changes and saved sleep and cognitive impairment. Furthermore, propofol treatment significantly reduced hippocampal IL‐1β and IL‐6 levels, increased BDNF, Arg1, and IL‐10 levels, and switched microglia surface markers from the inflammatory M1 type to the anti‐inflammatory M2 type.

Conclusion

Propofol reduces SD‐induced cognitive impairment and circadian rhythm disruption, possibly by lowering neuronal inflammation and switching the microglia phenotype from an M1 to an M2 activated state, thus exerting neuroprotective effects.
Amyloid‐β but not tau accumulation is strongly associated with longitudinal cognitive decline
Authors: Wang Wenwen , Huang Jiani , Qian Shuangjie , Zheng Yi , Yu Xinyue , Jiang Tao , Ai Ruixue , Hou Jialong , Ma Enzi , Cai Jinlai , He Haijun , Wang XinShi , Xie Chenglong
Published: July 2024

Objective

Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology is featured by the extracellular accumulation of amyloid‐β (Aβ) plaques and intracellular tau neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. We studied whether Aβ and tau accumulation are independently associated with future cognitive decline in the AD continuum.

Methods

Data were acquired from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) public database. A total of 1272 participants were selected based on the availability of Aβ‐PET and CSF tau at baseline and of those 777 participants with follow‐up visits.

Results

We found that Aβ‐PET and CSF tau pathology were related to cognitive decline across the AD clinical spectrum, both as potential predictors for dementia progression. Among them, Aβ‐PET (A + T− subjects) is an independent reliable predictor of longitudinal cognitive decline in terms of ADAS‐13, ADNI‐MEM, and MMSE scores rather than tau pathology (A − T+ subjects), indicating tau accumulation is not closely correlated with future cognitive impairment without being driven by Aβ deposition. Of note, a high percentage of APOE ε4 carriers with Aβ pathology (A+) develop poor memory and learning capacity. Interestingly, this condition is not recurrence in terms of the ADNI‐MEM domain when adding APOE ε4 status. Finally, the levels of Aβ‐PET SUVR related to glucose hypometabolism more strongly in subjects with A + T− than A − T+ both happen at baseline and longitudinal changes.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Aβ‐PET alone without tau pathology (A + T−) measure is an independent reliable predictor of longitudinal cognitive decline but may nonetheless forecast different status of dementia progression. However, tau accumulation alone without Aβ pathology background (A − T+) was not enough to be an independent predictor of cognitive worsening.
Usefulness of Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy When Starting Antifibrotic Treatment and Predicting Progressive Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Disease: Descriptive Research
Authors: Takatsuka Makiko , Yamakawa Hideaki , Takemura Tamiko , Sato Shintaro , Ohta Hiroki , Kusano Kenji , Oba Tomohiro , Kawabe Rie , Akasaka Keiichi , Sasaki Hiroki , Amano Masako , Araya Jun , Matsushima Hidekazu
Published: July 2024

Background

Although transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) is widely used in diagnostic algorithms for various interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), its real‐world utility in the therapeutic decision‐making strategy for ILD patients remains unclear, in particular, when judging the time to start antifibrotic agents.

Methods

We analyzed medical records of 40 consecutive patients with idiopathic or fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis who underwent TBLC. A TBLC‐based usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) score was used to assess three morphologic descriptors: patchy fibrosis, fibroblastic foci, and honeycombing.

Results

In our 40 patients with ILD, the most frequent radiological feature was indeterminate for UIP (45.0%). Final diagnosis included idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (22.5%), fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (5.0%), fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (35.0%), and unclassifiable ILD (37.5%). Linear mixed‐effects analysis showed that declines in the slopes of %FVC and %DLCO in patients with TBLC‐based UIP “Score ≥ 2” were significantly steeper than those of patients with “Score ≤ 1.” During follow‐up of patients with Score ≥ 2 (n = 24), more than half of them (n = 17) received an antifibrotic agent, with most patients (n = 13) receiving early administration of the antifibrotic agent within 6 months after the TBLC procedure.

Conclusions

TBLC‐based UIP Score ≥ 2 indicated the increased possibility of a progressive fibrosis course that may prove helpful in predicting progressive pulmonary fibrosis/progressive fibrosing ILD even if disease is temporarily stabilized due to anti‐inflammatory agents. Patients may benefit from early introduction of antifibrotic agents by treating clinicians.