bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic growth, income inequality and lethal violence in developed countries
Authors: Aransiola Temidayo James , Justus Marcelo , Ceccato Vania
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the effect of GDP growth on crime and to test the hypothesis of nonlinearity. Additionally, we estimate the interaction between GDP and income inequality and examine its impact on the relationship between GDP and homicide rates.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes panel data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), spanning the period from 2000 to 2018 and estimates dynamic panel GMM models.

Findings

We found a nonlinear relationship between GDP and homicide rates, indicating a dual effect of GDP on the occurrence of lethal crimes. Moreover, income inequality conditions the effect of GDP on homicide rates, exerting a significant influence. We conclude that in contexts characterized by high levels of income inequality, GDP growth is more effective in reducing crime, as there is greater potential for improvement.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the complex nonlinearity between economic conditions, income inequality and homicide rates.
Gender distributions in New Zealand universities: guilt in Brotopia
Authors: Wang Jenny Jing , Huang Hedy Jiaying
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explain gender imbalance by theorising how guilt arises as an externally imposed negative emotion that subsequently impairs women's performance in the accounting academia.

Design/methodology/approach

The method involves an analysis of gender distributions at junior and senior levels in New Zealand universities in 2019 and 2024 and relevant case studies of junior academics using unstructured interviews.

Findings

This paper unpacks the nuances of gender imbalance in a “gender-neutral” subject and provides empirical evidence that many women academics may internalise a sense of externally imposed guilt for various reasons. Such feelings of guilt, where they are imposed by workplace expectations and social constructions, may make women more concessionary with regard to a greater teaching workload substituting for research expectations. The more prolonged-term effect on career prospects of such substitutions as practiced in New Zealand may account for the imbalance that exists and seemingly will continue to exist.

Originality/value

This paper sets out first to discover the gender balance in accounting in universities in New Zealand. It contributes to the literature on gender and accounting education in understanding how negative emotions are externally imposed and become career-negating obstacles for women in the accounting academic.
Corporate anti-corruption disclosure and earnings management: evidence from East Africa community
Authors: Githaiga Peter Nderitu
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Corruption and earnings management remain a serious concern across the globe. In addition, corporate disclosure of anti-corruption practices is still in its infancy in developing and emerging countries. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the effect of anti-corruption disclosure (ACD) on earnings management (EM) among listed firms in the East Africa Community (EAC) partners states.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used an ACD check list developed from recent studies and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI-205) standard on anticorruption reporting. The sample comprised 58 firms listed across EAC partner states stock/securities exchanges over the period between 2013 and 2022. The hypothesis was tested using the ordinary least squares (OLS) method.

Findings

This study found low level of ACD among the selected firms. The regression results revealed a negative relationship between ACD and EM. The results are robust to alternative panel data estimation methods and a proxy measure of EM.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper that empirically examines the effect of ACD on EM in the EAC, thus making a contribution to the existing literature.
Caribbean libraries 2.0: the robotic revolution in Caribbean academic library spaces
Authors: Duncan Adrian St. Patrick
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper is the genesis for robots and robotic technology and their introduction to the Caribbean Academic library community. This paper aims to explore the specific areas that this technology can improve as well as their adaptability and dynamic yet multifaceted nature it possesses.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough assessment of literature was done of all developed libraries that are employing the services of robots and robotic technology in their daily operations. Additionally, a meticulous analysis was done of all Caribbean Libraries that have explored, are currently exploring or actively explored the implementation of robots and robotic technology for effective use in their libraries.

Findings

Seamless functionality as well as the reduction of mundane repetitive tasks by library staff is at the fore. Efficacy and heightened levels of accuracy are also found to be a great factor for implementation as well as speed of retrieval and offsite storage are further benefits to the implementation of robots and robotic technology.

Research limitations/implications

This research primarily assessed material on robotics and robotic technology that offers unprecedented efficacy and accuracy in the processing of information and tasks assigned as well as smooth location and retrieval of library material resulting in reduction in wait time for all library users.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first of its kind and is intended to trigger a “light bulb” in the minds of decision-makers and managers of Library spaces as to the potential robots and robotic technology has on fostering greater levels of efficacy in certain key areas of libraries and help improve user services while adding to the theoretical body of knowledge available in the field on this fast rising area.
Perceptions and configurations of balanced scorecard use: evidence from Portuguese SMEs
Authors: Curado Carla , Jesus Maria Miguel , Bontis Nick
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify managerial perceptions, as well as individual and organizational contingencies, that influence the use of balanced scorecard (BSC) among SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a mixed methods approach to study the use of the BSC from a survey database of 414 SMEs across several industries in Portugal.

Findings

This paper shows the perceived benefits, reasoning and obstacles that managers face when using the BSC in SMEs. The BSC is not the first choice for strategic management control of most firms in the sample. Most SMEs in this study have an explicitly formulated business strategy. The results show that it is possible to implement the BSC in SMEs without a formalized strategy. Such findings seem to suggest that the use of the BSC may stimulate the formulation of strategies for those firms.

Research limitations/implications

The use of fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis limits the generalization of the findings; nonetheless, the transparency of the report enables replication without restrictions.

Practical implications

This paper proposes that the size of the firm and the characteristics of the manager may compensate for the absence of a strategy to guide BSC use.

Social implications

This paper advises a match between the stage of development of the SMEs strategy and the gender of the manager, which may have implications for recruitment purposes.

Originality/value

This study reports alternative configurations of individual and organizational conditions that lead to the use of the BSC in SMEs as well as configurations that prevent its use.
Bold rats (Niviventer confucianus) are more effective in seed dispersal: evidence both under enclosure conditions and in the field
Authors: CHENG Jiming , HE Huimin , ZHENG Linlin , ZHANG Chao , WANG Xiaorong , HU Xingyi , NIU Hongyu , ZHANG Hongmao
Published: September 2024

Rodents are important seed dispersers of plants because they move seeds far away from the parent trees and hoard seeds in the soil, benefiting seed dispersal and regeneration. Traits of plant seeds and animals are associated with rodent‐mediated seed dispersal, but animal personality, the consistent individual behavioral differences in time and environments, has not been fully considered. Here, we first measured the personality of 26 Niviventer confucianus in the laboratory, and 10 individuals in the field of one population, and then tested their behavior of seed consumption and hoarding both in semi‐natural enclosures and the field. We tested the hypothesis that individuals with different personalities have different preferences for seed consumption and hoarding, which has different implications for seed dispersal and regeneration. Under the enclosure conditions, all parameters of personality are repeatable; bold individuals harvested fewer seeds but scatter‐hoarded more seeds and dispersed farther than timid ones, whereas active individuals consumed more seeds, but left fewer seeds on the ground surface than inactive ones. In the field, boldness, activity, and exploration of the animals are repeatable; bold individuals scatter‐hoarded more seeds to farther distances than timid ones, whereas active individuals harvested and consumed more seeds than inactive ones. These results suggest that bold rats tended to scatter hoard seeds and disperse them to a longer distance, implying they are more effective in seed dispersal. In the future, animal personality (e.g. boldness and activity) should be considered in seed dispersal studies and ecological‐based manipulation in seed dispersal and regeneration of forests.
Enhancing value creation through stakeholder engagement in sustainable mega‐events: The case of Expo 2020 Dubai legacy
Authors: Moggi Sara , Giacomo Fabietti , Elisa Isonni
Published: September 2024

Value creation by mega‐events is still an underdeveloped issue. Through their legacy, mega‐events can create long‐term value for the local community hosting the event. In determining the importance of practices for increasing value creation, stakeholder engagement is growing in defining mega‐events features and possible legacies. The study aims to understand how stakeholder engagement can enhance value creation through sustainable events legacy after mega‐events. In doing so, the research analyses the practices and the processes of stakeholder engagement adopted by Expo 2020 Dubai. This unique case study presents an extensive range of stakeholder engagement practices that enhanced the value co‐creation of a mega‐event legacy. Following the three phases of a mega‐event development (pre–during–post), the stakeholder engagement tools were adapted to meet accountability needs and stakeholders’ claims.
Decreased cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (CIRP) binding to GluRl on neuronal membranes mediates memory impairment resulting from prolonged hypobaric hypoxia exposure
Authors: Jiang Hui , Lu Chenyan , Wu Haoyang , Ding Jie , Li Jiayan , Ding Jianfeng , Gao Yuqi , Wang Guohua , Luo Qianqian
Published: September 2024

Aim

To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying memory impairment induced by high‐altitude (HA) hypoxia, specifically focusing on the role of cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (CIRP) in regulating the AMPA receptor subunit GluR1 and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Methods

A mouse model was exposed to 14 days of hypobaric hypoxia (HH), simulating conditions at an altitude of 6000 m. Behavioral tests were conducted to evaluate memory function. The expression, distribution, and interaction of CIRP with GluR1 in neuronal cells were analyzed. The binding of CIRP to GluR1 mRNA and its impact on GluR1 protein expression were examined. Additionally, the role of CIRP in GluR1 regulation was assessed using Cirp knockout mice. The efficacy of the Tat‐C16 peptide, which consists of the Tat sequence combined with the CIRP 110‐125 amino acid sequence, was also tested for its ability to mitigate HH‐induced memory decline.

Results

CIRP was primarily localized in neurons, with its expression significantly reduced following HH exposure. This reduction was associated with decreased GluR1 protein expression on the cell membrane and increased localization in the cytoplasm. The interaction between CIRP and GluR1 was diminished under HH conditions, leading to reduced GluR1 stability on the cell membrane and increased cytoplasmic relocation. These changes resulted in a decreased number of synapses and dendritic spines, impairing learning and memory functions. Administration of the Tat‐C16 peptide effectively ameliorated these impairments by modulating GluR1 expression and distribution in HH‐exposed mice.

Conclusion

CIRP plays a critical role in maintaining synaptic integrity under hypoxic conditions by regulating GluR1 expression and distribution. The Tat‐C16 peptide shows promise as a therapeutic strategy for alleviating cognitive decline associated with HA hypoxia.
Adept adaptation and intelligent employment of ancient Arabic heritage: A reading in the poetry of Muhammad al‐Thubayti, a modern Saudi poet
Authors: Alwaqaa Mujahid Ahmed Muhammed
Published: September 2024

This research attempts to analyze Arabic heritage elements employed in Muhammad al‐Thubayti's poetry as his poetry highlights modern issues. Heritage becomes a cornerstone in al‐Thubayti's poetry for it produces new meanings and contexts. It is used in visionary and creative ways enabling him to shape his poetic experiences. Heritage is no longer sacred or static, but it is manipulated in a way that serves the poet's messages. Thus, this paper shows how al‐Thubayti explores the present frustrations and failures at individual and national levels by employing heritage and symbols balancing between his belonging to this heritage and his creative and experimental poetic experience. Through the intelligent adaptation of heritage, he makes connections between the past and modern life to reveal the dilemmas of the present and the glory of the past. The research's main contribution is to shed a new light into the race, milieu, and experience of al‐Thubayti's poetry through utilizing Arabic heritage. This research examines four poems taken from al‐Thubayti's diwan (poetry collection), Tahjit hulman, tahjit wahman [I Spell out a Dream, I Spell out an Illusion]. As a theoretical framework, the analysis of the poems is based on historical theory and formalism.
Personal Attributes Contributing to Chinese EFL Students' Well‐being: Uncovering the Role of Mindfulness and Grit
Authors: Tu Hong , Shi Han
Published: September 2024

The role of students' well‐being in their academic development and growth has been reported in the literature. Nonetheless, most of the previous studies have revolved around the predictive role of interpersonal factors in students' well‐being, and the influence of personal factors is overlooked. To bridge this gap, this study probed the role of two personal attributes, namely mindfulness and grit, in English students' well‐being. To accomplish this, three valid questionnaires were sent to 623 Chinese English as a foreign language (EFL) students chosen from different language institutes in China. Following that, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) were implemented to analyse the potential associations between mindfulness, grit, and well‐being, as well as the role of mindfulness and grit in Chinese students' well‐being. The results demonstrated that Chinese students' well‐being was tightly associated with their mindfulness and grit. Students' grit and mindfulness could uniquely predict 59% and 64% of students' well‐being changes, respectively. The complexity and dynamic nature of positive emotions and personal attributes may also be reasons for the obtained predicting role. It is asserted that L2 practitioners should strike a balance between personality‐related factors and psychological ones to facilitate their students' well‐being.
Global Perspectives on Teacher Emotions and Agency in Higher Education: A Content and Bibliometric Analyses Over the Past Five Decades
Authors: Tran Tuyet Thi , Nguyen Thi Chi , Luong Dinh‐Hai
Published: September 2024

This study dives deep into the evolution of research on teacher emotions (TE), teacher agency (TA) and their role within higher education institutions (HEIs) from 1975 to the present. Combining a meticulous bibliometric and content analysis, the paper has painted a detailed picture of how the academic conversation has developed over nearly half a century. The approach did not just count publications but looked at how they connected globally. The study reveals a rich tapestry of international collaborations, with the United States, Australia and China standing out as key players, showcasing the global interest in this field and its interconnected insights. Another fascinating finding is the uncovering of the multifaceted dimensions of research on TE and TA and the significance of regional and global perspectives in shaping the holistic landscape of the field. The emergent themes, such as ‘Language Teacher Emotion’ and the significant impact of ‘COVID‐19’ on educational dynamics, are even more intriguing. These themes strongly indicate the field's evolution and responsiveness to the emerging challenges in the contemporary academic landscape.
Process drama and foreign language learning: A case study of preservice teachers learning French
Authors: Míguez‐Álvarez Carla
Published: September 2024

This study examines the usefulness of a Process Drama approach for supporting the development of linguistic and communication skills of preservice teachers learning French as a world language in an Early Childhood Education licensure program. Process Drama is an interactive approach to teaching language in which the teacher and students carry out a series of improvisations in the classroom, in which students perform in different types of situations while working on different subjects of the curriculum (Bowell & Heap, 2017; Glass et al., 2013) Through a pretest–posttest design and a qualitative analysis of a questionnaire, findings indicated that preservice teachers improved their pronunciation, intonation, fluency, and nonverbal language in the target language. In addition, they had positive perceptions regarding the experience and the gains they made. Finally, preservice teachers believed that this approach could be implemented with Early Childhood Education students.
Investigating the Biotic and Abiotic Drivers of Body Size Disparity in Communities of Non‐Volant Terrestrial Mammals
Authors: Gearty William , Uricchio Lawrence H. , Lyons S. Kathleen
Published: September 2024

Aim

The species that compose local communities possess unique sets of functional and ecological traits that can be used as indicators of biotic and abiotic variation across space and time. Body size is a particularly relevant trait because species with different body sizes typically have different life history strategies and occupy distinct niches. Here we used the body sizes of non‐volant (i.e., non‐flying) terrestrial mammals to quantify and compare the body size disparity of mammal communities across the globe.

Location

Global.

Time Period

Present.

Major Taxa Studied

Non‐volant terrestrial mammals.

Methods

We used IUCN range maps of 3982 terrestrial mammals to identify 1876 communities. We then combined diet data with data on climate, elevation and anthropogenic pressures to evaluate these variables' relative importance on the observed body size dispersion of these communities and its deviation from a null model.

Results

Dispersion for these communities is significantly greater than expected in 54% of communities and significantly less than expected in 30% of communities. The number of very large species, continent, range sizes, diet disparity and annual temperature collectively explain > 50% of the variation in observed dispersion, whereas continent, the number of very large species, and precipitation collectively explain > 30% of the deviation from the null model.

Main Conclusions

Climate and elevation have minimal predictive power, suggesting that biotic factors may be more important for explaining community body size distributions. However, continent is consistently a strong predictor of dispersion, likely due to it capturing the combined effects of climate, size‐selective human‐induced extinctions and more. Overall, our results are consistent with several plausible explanations, including, but not limited to, competitive exclusion, unequal distribution of resources, within‐community environmental heterogeneity, habitat filtering and ecosystem engineering. Further work focusing on other confounding variables, at finer spatial scales and/or within more causal frameworks is required to better understand the driver(s) of these patterns.
Cardiovascular medication adherence testing in patients living with HIV: A single‐centre observational study
Authors: Nazareth Joshua , Adebayo Ayobami , Fahad Muhammad , Karim Hanfa , Pan Daniel , Sze Shirley , Martin Christopher A. , Minhas Jatinder S. , Bernieh Dennis , Osman Hanad , Elverstone Phayre , Stephenson Iain , Gupta Pankaj , Pareek Manish
Published: September 2024

Introduction

People with HIV (PWH) are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to HIV‐negative individuals. We sought to evaluate the adherence to medications for CVD in PWH and identify factors associated with non‐adherence to these medications.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust between 16 April 2019 and 8 November 2022. We recruited consecutive PWH, who were attending a routine follow‐up outpatient appointment and were prescribed at least one medication for CVD. In addition, we included urinary adherence results of patients with samples collected as part of routine clinical care. We used liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to assess if their prescribed medications (antihypertensives, diuretics, beta‐blockers, lipid‐lowering agents, antiplatelets, anticoagulants, antidiabetic medications) were present in the participant's urine sample. Multivariable models were used to identify demographic or clinical features that were associated with non‐adherence.

Results

A total of 162 PWH were included in the analysis. Median age was 55 [interquartile range (IQR): 50–61] years, 63% were male, average time living with HIV was 15 years (IQR: 11–19) and the majority (98%) had an undetectable HIV viral load. In approximately one‐third of patients (59/162), at least one prescribed medication of interest was not detected in urine. Non‐adherence to lipid‐lowering agents was common (35/88, 40%). On multivariable logistic regression, the number of prescribed cardiovascular medications, was associated with medication non‐adherence [medication non‐adherence, per one medication increase: adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.78 (1.34–2.36); p < 0.001].

Conclusion

We found sub‐optimal adherence to medications for CVD in PWH. In order to maximize the clinical benefit of statin therapy in PWH, factors requiring consideration include: improved medication adherence, awareness of polypharmacy, educational interventions and quantitative assessment of sub‐optimal adherence through chemical adherence testing.
Higher consumption of ultra‐processed foods is associated with higher odds of overweight and obesity amongst under‐five children: A national cross‐sectional study in Lebanon
Authors: Chokor Fatima Al Zahraa , Ouaijan Krystel , Hwalla Nahla , Jomaa Lamis , Nasreddine Lara
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Limited evidence exists on the relationship between ultra‐processed food (UPF) consumption and overweight/obesity amongst young children. This study aimed to assess UPF consumption, its socioeconomic correlates and its association with overweight/obesity amongst under‐five children in Lebanon.

Materials and Methods

Data pertinent to children aged 6 months to 4.9 years (n = 893) from a cross‐sectional national survey were used. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, and multi‐component questionnaires were administered to mothers. Dietary intake was assessed using the 24‐h recall approach. NOVA classification was used to assign food items into four groups according to the extent of industrial processing. Contributions of each group to total energy intake (EI) and macronutrient and micronutrient intakes were estimated. Regression models were conducted to explore the correlates of UPF consumption as well as the association between UPF consumption and overweight/obesity status.

Results

UPFs were found to contribute 47% of daily EI. Girls and children with higher household income had significantly higher UPF intakes. Children whose mothers had an intermediate, high school, or technical diploma and were employed and whose fathers had higher education levels consumed significantly less EI from UPFs. Children whose %EI fell within the second and third tertiles of UPF intake had significantly higher odds of overweight/obesity as compared to those in the first tertile (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09, 1.32 and AOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.47, 1.76, respectively), after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion

The high intake of UPFs coupled with its association with overweight/obesity call for public health nutrition interventions aimed at improving feeding and dietary practices in this age group.
The mental and emotional status after radical cystectomy and different urinary diversion orthotopic bladder substitution versus external urinary diversion after radical cystectomy: A propensity score‐matched study
Authors: Palermo Giuseppe , Bizzarri Francesco Pio , Scarciglia Eros , Sacco Emilio , Moosavi Seyed Koosha , Russo Pierluigi , Gavi Filippo , Filomena Giovanni Battista , Rossi Francesco , Campetella Marco , Totaro Angelo , Foschi Nazario , Racioppi Marco
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The quality of life in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and urinary diversion is gaining importance. Nowadays a broad consensus about the best urinary diversion does not exist. This study presents an all‐round analysis of the impact of two types of urinary diversion on life's psycho‐social aspects in patients undergoing radical cystectomy.

Methods

This is an observational, single‐centre, prospective study. Eligible participants underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion for bladder cancer in our department from January 2020 and February 2024. Of 130 included patients, 90 (45 with Bricker's ureteroileocutaneostomy and 45 received orthotopic bladder replacement) patients were matched and the study groups were well balanced for the baseline‐matched variables. Patients completed 4 questionnaires (EORTC QLQ‐C30, PGWBI, HADS, PSQI) at three different times: before the surgical procedure, and at 3 and 12 months.

Results

Time shows a statistically significant effect (p < 0.0005) on four of the five functional scales explored (Physical Functioning, Role Functioning, Emotional Functioning, Social Functioning), and for all the nine symptoms/items' scales (p < 0.0005) and the Global Health Status (p = 0.003) in EORTC QLQ‐C30. Neobladder's group shows a statistically significant improvement on the scales of Physical Functioning, Role Functioning, and Social Functioning, and for symptoms of nausea (p = 0.0027), pain (p = 0.0005), dyspnea (p = 0.012), insomnia (p = 0.004), constipation (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

We do not find a better urinary diversion in absolute terms. Neobladder obtained better results only for specific items and features. The urinary diversion's choice must be made in concert by the patient, the caregiver, and health professionals with adequate counseling.
GoFish: a foray into open‐source, aquatic behavioral automation
Authors: Ajuwon Victor , Cruz Bruno , Monteiro Tiago
Published: September 2024

As the most species‐rich vertebrate group, fish provide an array of opportunities to investigate the link between ecological interactions and the evolution of behavior and cognition, yet, as an animal model, they are relatively underutilized in studies of comparative cognition. To address this gap, we developed a fully automated platform for behavioral experiments in aquatic species, GoFish. GoFish includes closed‐loop control of task contingencies using real‐time video tracking, presentation of visual stimuli, automatic food reward dispensers, and built‐in data acquisition. The hardware is relatively inexpensive and accessible, and all software components of the platform are open‐source. GoFish facilitates experimental automation, allowing for customization of high‐throughput protocols and the efficient acquisition of rich behavioral data. We hope this platform proves to be a useful tool for the research community, facilitating refined, reproducible behavioral experiments on aquatic species in comparative cognition, behavioral ecology, and neuroscience.
Mucosal epithelial homeostasis: Reference intervals for skin, gill lamellae and filament for Atlantic salmon and other fish species
Authors: Merkin Grigory V. , Girons Albert , Okubamichael Mearge A. , Pittman Karin
Published: September 2024

Mucosal barriers are gatekeepers of health and exhibit homeostatic variation in relation to habitat and disease. Mucosal Mapping technology provides an in‐depth examination of the dynamic mucous cells (MCs) in fish mucosal barriers on tangential sections, about 90° from the view of traditional histology. The method was originally developed and standardized in academia prior to the establishment of QuantiDoc AS to apply mucosal mapping, now trademarked as Veribarr™ for the analysis of skin, gills and gastrointestinal tracts. Veribarr™ uses design‐based stereology for the selection and measurement of cell area (size) (μm2), the volumetric density of MCs in the epithelium (MCD, amount of the epithelia occupied by MCs, in %) and the calculated abundance of the MCs (barrier status or defence activity). MC production was mapped across the skin and gill epithelia in 12 species, discovering that gills consistently have two distinct groups of MCs, one on the lamellae where MCs are few and small and one on the filament where MCs are larger and more abundant. MCs were usually much larger in the skin than in the gills, with the latter requiring fewer and smaller cells for adequate respiration. The difference observed between MCs in gill lamella and gill filament is likely a result of functional demands. In addition, our findings also highlight a variation in the mucosal parameters between the species skin, which cannot be explained by the weight differences, and a potential link between MC distribution and species‐specific lifestyles in the gill lamella. This diversity necessitates the development of species and tissue site‐specific reference intervals for mucosal health evaluation. Mucosal bivariate reference intervals were developed for MC production, including size (trophy) and calculated defence activity (plasia) in the skin and gills of Atlantic salmon, to contrast new measurements against historical data patterns. The application of mucosal reference intervals demonstrates that stress from parasites and treatments can manifest as changes in mucosal architecture, as evidenced by MC hypertrophy and hyperplasia within the gill lamellae. These reference intervals also facilitate comparisons with wild Atlantic salmon, revealing a somewhat higher MC level in farmed salmon gill lamellae. These findings suggest that MC hyperplasia and hypertrophy in the gills are stress/environmental responses in aquaculture. They also advocate for developing specific mucosal bivariate homeostatic reference intervals in aquaculture to improve fish health and welfare across all farmed species.
Partially hydrolyzed guar gum suppresses binge alcohol‐induced liver fat accumulation via gut environment modulation in mice
Authors: Morishima So , Abe Aya , Okamoto Saki , Kapoor Mahendra P. , Osumi Masahide , Oda Machi , Okubo Tsutomu , Ozeki Makoto , Nishio Masahiro , Inoue Ryo
Published: September 2024

Alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD), including alcoholic fatty liver, is a serious problem in many countries, and its economic costs to society are enormous. There is evidence indicating the relations between gut environments and liver disease, and thus, improvement of gut environment is expected to be an effective approach for ALD prevention. In this study, we explored the preventive effect of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) on ALD focusing on the gut–liver axis. Two weeks of PHGG pre‐feeding suppressed the liver fat accumulation in the experimental binge alcohol model mouse. In cecal microbiome, PHGG pre‐feeding increased beneficial Bifidobacterium with its metabolite acetate concentration and suppressed the alcohol‐induced increase in the potential pathobiont Streptococcus. PHGG pre‐feeding increased colonic gene expression of angiogenin genes, which act as antimicrobial peptides and decreased expression of genes for mast cell protease, which suggests a potential involvement in leaky gut. Correlation network analysis based on evaluated parameters revealed four relations worth noticing. (i) The abundance of Bifidobacterium positively correlated with cecal acetate. (ii) Cecal acetate negatively correlated with Streptococcus via colonic angiogenin expression. (iii) Streptococcus positively correlated with liver fat area. (iv) Cecal acetate had direct negative correlation with liver fat area. Considering these relations comprehensively, acetate produced by Bifidobacterium may be a key mediator in ALD prevention; it inhibited growth of potential pathobiont Streptococcus and also directly regulated liver lipid metabolism reaching through portal vein. This study demonstrated that regularly intake of PHGG may be effective in reducing the risk of alcoholic fatty liver via gut–liver axis.
A novel C2H2‐type zinc‐finger transcription factor, CitZAT4, regulates ethylene‐induced orange coloration in Satsuma mandarin flavedo (Citrus unshiu Marc.)
Authors: Sun Quan , He Zhengchen , Ye Junli , Wei Ranran , Feng Di , Zhang Yingzi , Chai Lijun , Cheng Yunjiang , Xu Qiang , Deng Xiuxin
Published: September 2024

Ethylene treatment promotes orange coloration in the flavedo of Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) fruit, but the corresponding regulatory mechanism is still largely unknown. In this study, we identified a C2H2‐type zinc‐finger transcription factor, CitZAT4, the expression of which was markedly induced by ethylene. CitZAT4 directly binds to the CitPSY promoter and activates its expression, thereby promoting carotenoid biosynthesis. Transient expression in Satsuma mandarin fruit and stable transformation of citrus calli showed that overexpressing of CitZAT4 inhibited CitLCYE expression, thus inhibiting α‐branch yellow carotenoid (lutein) biosynthesis. CitZAT4 overexpression also enhanced the transcript levels of CitLCYB, CitHYD, and CitNCED2, promoting β‐branch orange carotenoid accumulation. Molecular biochemical assays, including yeast one‐hybrid (Y1H), electrophoretic mobility shift (EMSA), chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative polymerase chain reaction (ChIP‐qPCR), and luciferase (LUC) assays, demonstrated that CitZAT4 directly binds to the promoters of its target genes and regulates their expression. An ethylene response factor, CitERF061, which is induced by ethylene signaling, was found to directly bound to the CitZAT4 promoter and induced its expression, thus positively regulating CitZAT4‐mediated orange coloration in citrus fruit. Together, our findings reveal that a CitZAT4‐mediated transcriptional cascade is driven by ethylene via CitERF061, linking ethylene signaling to carotenoid metabolism in promoting orange coloration in the flavedo of Satsuma mandarin fruit. The molecular regulatory mechanism revealed here represents a significant step toward developing strategies for improving the quality and economic efficiency of citrus crops.
Melatonin Regulates Rheumatoid Synovial Fibroblasts‐Related Inflammation: Implications for Pathological Skeletal Muscle Treatment
Authors: Su Chen‐Ming , Tsai Chun‐Hao , Chen Hsien‐Te , Wu Yi‐Syuan , Yang Shun‐Fa , Tang Chih‐Hsin
Published: September 2024

Melatonin has been reported to regulate circadian rhythms and have anti‐inflammatory characteristics in various inflammatory autoimmune diseases, but its effects in diseases‐associated muscle atrophy remain controversial. This study is aimed to determine the evidence of melatonin in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)‐related pathological muscle atrophy. We used initially bioinformatics results to show that melatonin regulated significantly the correlation between pro‐inflammation and myogenesis in RA synovial fibroblasts (RASF) and myoblasts. The conditioned medium (CM) from melatonin‐treated RASF was incubated in myoblasts with growth medium and differentiated medium to investigate the markers of pro‐inflammation, atrophy, and myogenesis. We found that melatonin regulated RASF CM‐induced pathological muscle pro‐inflammation and atrophy in myoblasts and differentiated myocytes through NF‐κB signaling pathways. We also showed for the first time that miR‐30c‐1‐3p is negatively regulated by three inflammatory cytokines in human RASF, which is associated with murine‐differentiated myocytes. Importantly, oral administration with melatonin in a collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model also significantly improved arthritic swelling, hind limb grip strength as well as pathological muscle atrophy. In conclusion, our study is the first to demonstrate not only the underlying mechanism whereby melatonin decreases pro‐inflammation in RA‐induced pathological muscle atrophy but also increases myogenesis in myoblasts and differentiated myocytes.
Following the leaders: Asymmetric party messaging in the U.S. Congress
Authors: Gaynor SoRelle Wyckoff
Published: September 2024

Today, rank‐and‐file members are increasingly removed from the legislative process and often rely on congressional leaders for information to discuss major legislative decisions with constituents. As a result, preparing constituent communication materials has become an institutionalized responsibility for party and committee leaders, leading to a partisan discussion of legislation. Using a mixed‐methods approach of computational text analysis and elite interviews, I demonstrate how members of Congress use leader‐led, partisan messages for constituent communication. Echoing prior work on asymmetric partisanship, I find that Republican leaders are more likely to encourage party‐centric messaging, and rank‐and‐file Republicans, particularly in the House, are more likely to adopt party messaging. The findings illustrate the institutional power of party leaders in a centralized Congress, as well as the role that constituent communication plays in encouraging and maintaining asymmetric polarization.
Atlantic Forest primates and their main food resources
Authors: Vasquez Vagner Lacerda , Beltrão‐Mendes Raone , Pinto Míriam Plaza
Published: September 2024

Primates are arboreal and semi‐arboreal species, highly dependent on vascular plants. Primate diets typically include plant parts, such as fruits and leaves. Knowledge of the most consumed items is essential for this highly threatened group, especially in the deforested and fragmented Atlantic Forest.

Our aim was to synthesise the knowledge about food resources of Atlantic Forest primates. We investigated the temporal and spatial distribution of studies with information on diet, the main taxa recorded as food resources, and the parts of plants most consumed by these primates.

We searched for published literature containing food resource records for primates in the Web of Science and screened Neotropical Primates volumes.

96% of the food records were from plants, mainly fruits (50%), leaves (31%) and flowers (14%). Most plant species, genera and families have few records. The families most recorded were Myrtaceae (n = 440) and Fabaceae (n = 392), and the genera were Eugenia (n = 123), Inga (n = 113), Ficus (n = 109) and Myrcia (n = 102). A few primate species with long‐standing conservation programs or population monitoring had the highest number of food resource records. Study sites generally cover only a small part of the geographic range of the primate species, indicating a geographic bias.

Our findings highlight the scarcity of research on the Atlantic Forest primate diet, which is especially concerning for threatened species such as Callithrix aurita and Leontopithecus caissara, which only had natural history notes on food resources, and Sapajus robustus, which had no records.

The information synthesised here can be useful for planning and executing more efficient Atlantic Forest restoration plans, considering the key plant species for the primate diet. We reinforce the need to conduct more research on the diets of Atlantic Forest primates, as this knowledge can contribute to the understanding of the plasticity and physiology of organisms.
Reaction qualifications in the eyes of the people: An experimental‐philosophical study based on US survey data
Authors: Pedersen Viki Møller Lyngby , Andersen Didde Boisen , Midtgaard Søren Flinch , Sønderskov Kim Mannemar
Published: September 2024

Is it fair for employers to select candidates partly based on how the employers think customers react to the candidates' appearances, that is, based on candidates' reaction qualifications? Both philosophically (in the literature on wrongful discrimination) and empirically, this question has recently been getting attention. Here, we focus on a theory of unfair disadvantages emphasizing (i) whether the possession of the appearance feature in question reflects choices on the part of the candidate and (ii) whether the appearance feature in question reflects values or convictions of importance to the candidate. We scrutinize the theory by evaluating how well these factors map on to folk intuitions about wrongful discrimination using an experimental‐philosophical approach and data from the United States. We do so on the presumption that coherence with folk intuitions is one desideratum for a philosophical theory and that attention should be given to potential discrepancies between philosophical theories and folk intuitions. Our central finding is that there is only general support for factor (i), not (ii), in the American population. Our study also adds to the extant empirical literature on reaction qualifications that tend to focus on the employer's side of the matter, not the candidate's as we do.
‘My body was no longer a problem’: Electric mountain biking, disability, and the cultural politics of green exercise
Authors: Cherrington Jim , Brighton James
Published: September 2024

Disability is often overlooked in discussions of green exercise. Consequently, we still know little about how ableist ideologies might play out in the context of nature engagement, or the forms of pleasure that disabled people derive from participation in green spaces. In this paper, we address this gap in the literature by exploring the relationship between electric mountain biking and disability in England (UK). Adopting the work of Bernard Stiegler, we highlight the superficiality of existing ideologies of nature, analyse the myriad ways that e‐mountain bikes can challenge ableist attitudes towards outdoor recreation, and explore the freedoms and constraints that accompany the assemblages between e‐mountain bikes and ‘disabled’ bodies. Drawing on data from 20 online interviews, we highlight the social contexts and interactions that shape technological choices, adaptations, and outcomes within the disabled e‐mountain bike community. Our analysis reveals that, while e‐mountain bikes are stigmatised in green spaces, the enhanced level of social interaction that is afforded by the presence of such technology allows participants to de‐emphasise their perceived physical inadequacy and, instead, focus on promoting a more empowering image of the socio‐technical disabled body that is active, capable and self‐determined.
Heterogeneity of synaptic NMDA receptor responses within individual lamina I pain‐processing neurons across sex in rats and humans
Authors: Dedek Annemarie , Topcu Emine , Dedek Christopher , McDermott Jeff S. , Krajewski Jeffrey L. , Tsai Eve C. , Hildebrand Michael E.
Published: September 2024

Excitatory glutamatergic NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are key regulators of spinal pain processing, and yet the biophysical properties of NMDARs in dorsal horn nociceptive neurons remain poorly understood. Despite the clinical implications, it is unknown whether the molecular and functional properties of synaptic NMDAR responses are conserved between males and females or translate from rodents to humans. To address these translational gaps, we systematically compared individual and averaged excitatory synaptic responses from lamina I pain‐processing neurons of adult Sprague–Dawley rats and human organ donors, including both sexes. By combining patch‐clamp recordings of outward miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents with non‐biased data analyses, we uncovered a wide range of decay constants of excitatory synaptic events within individual lamina I neurons. Decay constants of synaptic responses were distributed in a continuum from 1–20 ms to greater than 1000 ms, suggesting that individual lamina I neurons contain AMPA receptor (AMPAR)‐only as well as GluN2A‐, GluN2B‐ and GluN2D‐NMDAR‐dominated synaptic events. This intraneuronal heterogeneity in AMPAR‐ and NMDAR‐mediated decay kinetics was observed across sex and species. However, we discovered an increased relative contribution of GluN2A‐dominated NMDAR responses at human lamina I synapses compared with rodent synapses, suggesting a species difference relevant to NMDAR subunit‐targeting therapeutic approaches. The conserved heterogeneity in decay rates of excitatory synaptic events within individual lamina I pain‐processing neurons may enable synapse‐specific forms of plasticity and sensory integration within dorsal horn nociceptive networks.

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Key points

Synaptic NMDA receptors (NMDARs) in spinal dorsal horn nociceptive neurons are key regulators of pain processing, but it is unknown whether their functional properties are conserved between males and females or translate from rodents to humans.

In this study, we compared individual excitatory synaptic responses from lamina I pain‐processing neurons of male and female adult Sprague–Dawley rats and human organ donors.

Individual lamina I neurons from male and female rats and humans contain AMPA receptor‐only as well as GluN2A, GluN2B‐ and GluN2D‐NMDAR‐dominated synaptic events. This may enable synapse‐specific forms of plasticity and sensory integration within dorsal horn nociceptive networks.

Human lamina I synapses have an increased relative contribution of GluN2A‐dominated NMDAR responses compared with rodent synapses.

These results uncover a species difference relevant to NMDAR subunit‐targeting therapeutic approaches.