bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Host and Vector Ranges of the Emerging Maize Yellow Mosaic Polerovirus
Authors: Ohlson Erik W. , Khatri Nitika , Wilson Jennifer R.
Published: November 2023

Maize yellow mosaic virus (MaYMV) is an emerging polerovirus that has been detected in maize, other cereal crops, and weedy grass species in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Disease symptoms in maize include prominent leaf tip reddening and stunting. Infection by MaYMV has been reported to reduce plant growth and yields by 10 to 30% in some instances. In this study, an experimental host range for MaYMV among agronomically important cereal crops and common grasses was established. Additional aphid species were assessed as potential vectors for MaYMV, and their transmission efficiencies were determined. Here, we report oats, foxtail millet, barley, and rye as new experimental cereal crop hosts of MaYMV in addition to confirming the previously reported hosts of corn, sorghum, wheat, and broom millet. Four of the nine other grass species evaluated were also identified as suitable experimental hosts for MaYMV: ryegrass, switchgrass, green foxtail, and sand love grass. Interestingly, no visible symptoms were present in any of the infected hosts besides the susceptible maize control. Vector range studies identified the greenbug aphid Schizaphis graminum as a new vector of MaYMV, though transmission efficiency was lower than the previously reported Rhopalosiphum maidis vector and similar to the other known aphid vector R. padi. Given MaYMV’s global ubiquity, ability to evade detection, and broad host range, further characterization of yield impacts and identification of viable control strategies are desirable.
Prognosis of CDKN2A germline mutation in patients with familial melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Taibo Ana , Paradela Sabela , Suanzes-Hernández Jorge , Balboa-Barreiro Vanesa , Amado-Bouza Javier , Fonseca Eduardo
Published: November 2023

Familial melanoma is defined as melanoma occurring in two or more first-degree relatives by the WHO. Germline mutations are isolated in a subset of them. It is well known that CDKN2A is the most frequently mutated high-risk gene in familial melanoma, however, the prognosis it confers to patients who carry its mutations is still controversial. This review aims to assess whether germline mutations imply a worse prognosis in patients with familial melanoma. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by searching the electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Data from 3 independent populations were eventually included in the meta-analysis, involving 291 cases and 57 416 controls. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that there is a tendency for patients with germline mutations in the CDKN2A gene to have a worse overall survival (HR = 1.30, 95% CI = 0.99–1.69, P = 0.05) and melanoma-specific survival (HR = 1.5, 95% CI = 0.97–2.31, P = 0.07). Carrier patients would not only have more incidence of melanoma and a higher risk of a second melanoma, but they also seem to have a worse prognosis. The inclusion of gene panel testing in clinical practice and the collaboration within consortia are needed to provide further evidence on the prognosis of these patients.
Melanomas and mast cells: an ambiguous relationship
Authors: Kohl Lisa M. , Sumpter Tina L.
Published: November 2023

Mast cells (MCs) accumulate in a broad range of tumors, including melanomas. While MCs are potent initiators of immunity in infection, and in allergic inflammation, the function of MCs in anti-melanoma immunity is unclear. MCs have the potential to release tumoricidal cytokines and proteases, to activate antigen-presenting cells and to promote anti-tumor adaptive immunity. However, within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), MC activation may promote angiogenesis and contribute to tumor growth. In this review, the relationship between MCs and melanomas is discussed with a focus on the impact of the TME on MC activation.
Resistance mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro to the non-covalent inhibitor WU-04
Authors: Zhang Lijing , Xie Xuping , Luo Hannan , Yu Hongtao , Huang Jing , Shi Pei-Yong , Hu Qi
Published: November 2023

Drug resistance poses a significant challenge in the development of effective therapies against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we identified two double mutations, M49K/M165V and M49K/S301P, in the 3C-like protease (3CLpro) that confer resistance to a novel non-covalent inhibitor, WU-04. Crystallographic analysis indicates that the M49K mutation destabilizes the WU-04 binding pocket, impacting the binding of WU-04 more significantly than the binding of 3CLpro substrates. The M165V mutation directly interferes with WU-04 binding. The S301P mutation, which is far from the WU-04 binding pocket, indirectly affects WU-04 binding by restricting the rotation of 3CLpro’s C-terminal tail and impeding 3CLpro dimerization. We further explored 3CLpro mutations that confer resistance to two clinically used inhibitors: ensitrelvir and nirmatrelvir, and revealed a trade-off between the catalytic activity, thermostability, and drug resistance of 3CLpro. We found that mutations at the same residue (M49) can have distinct effects on the 3CLpro inhibitors, highlighting the importance of developing multiple antiviral agents with different skeletons for fighting SARS-CoV-2. These findings enhance our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 resistance mechanisms and inform the development of effective therapeutics.
Bayesian13C-metabolic flux analysis of parallel tracer experiments in granulocytes: A directional shift within the non-oxidative pentose phosphate pathway supports phagocytosis
Authors: Hogg Melanie , Wolfschmitt Eva-Maria , Wachter Ulrich , Zink Fabian , Radermacher Peter , Vogt Josef Albert
Published: November 2023

The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) plays a key role in the cellular regulation of immune cell function; however, little is known about the interplay of metabolic adjustments in granulocytes, especially regarding the non-oxidative PPP. For the determination of metabolic mechanisms within glucose metabolism, we propose a novel Bayesian13C-Metabolic flux analysis based onex-vivoparallel tracer experiments with [1,2-13C]glucose, [U-13C]glucose, and [4,5,6-13C]glucose and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry labeling measurements of metabolic fragments including sugar phosphates. With this approach we obtained precise flux distributions and their joint confidence regions, which showed that phagocytic stimulation reversed the direction of non-oxidative PPP net fluxes from ribose-5-phosphate biosynthesis towards glycolytic pathways. This process was closely associated with the up-regulation of the oxidative PPP to promote the oxidative burst. The estimated fluxes showed strong pairwise inter-relations forming a single line in several cases. This behavior could be explained with a three-dimensional permissible space derived from stoichiometric-flux-constraint analysis and enabled a principal component analysis detecting only three distinct axes of coordinated flux changes that were sufficient to explain all flux observations.
Shear stress and very low levels of ligand synergize to activate ALK1 signaling in endothelial cells
Authors: Cheng Ya-Wen , Anzell Anthony R. , Schwartze Tristin A. , Hinck Cynthia S. , Hinck Andrew P. , Roman Beth L. , Davidson Lance A.
Published: November 2023

Endothelial cells (ECs) respond to concurrent stimulation by biochemical fac-tors and wall shear stress (SS) exerted by blood flow. Disruptions in flow-induced responses can result in remodeling issues and cardiovascular diseases, but the detailed mechanisms linking flow-mechanical cues and biochemical signaling remain unclear. Activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) integrates SS and ALK1-ligand cues in ECs; ALK1 mutations cause hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), marked by arteriovenous malformation (AVM) development. However, the mechanistic underpinnings of ALK1 signaling modulation by fluid flow and the link to AVMs remain uncertain. We recorded EC responses under varying SS magnitudes and ALK1 ligand concentrations by assaying pSMAD1/5/9 nuclear localization using a custom multi-SS microfluidic device and a custom image analysis pipeline. We extended the previously reported syn-ergy between SS and BMP9, to include BMP10 and BMP9/10 . Moreover, we demonstrated this synergy is effective even at extremely low SS magnitudes (0.4 dyn/cm2) and ALK1 ligand range (femtogram/mL). The synergistic response to ALK1 ligands and SS requires the kinase activity of ALK1. Moreover, ALK1’s basal activity and response to minimal ligand levels depend on endo-cytosis, distinct from cell-cell junctions, cytoskeleton-mediated mechanosensing, or cholesterol-enriched microdomains. Yet, an in-depth comprehension of ALK1 receptor trafficking’s molecular mechanisms requires further investigation.
ERas-Null Mice Generated Directly from Embryonic Stem Cells in a Lipid-rich Medium Enable the Discovery of A Novel Role in Craniofacial Development
Authors: Qin Yiren , Tian Qiyu , Chung Hoyoung , Geng Fuqian , James Daylon J. , Wang Jianlong , Wen Duancheng
Published: November 2023

Generating mice entirely from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) via tetraploid complementation, termed all-ESC mice, is considered the gold standard for pluripotency testing. In this study, we examined the effects of our newly reported lipid-rich 2i/LIF medium (2iLA) on ESCs for genetic engineering. As a proof of principle, we targeted theERasgene using the 2iLA medium, sinceERas-null mice displayed no noticeable phenotype in a previously developed mouse model through chimeras. We demonstrated that the 2iLA medium effectively supports the creation of both male and femaleERas-null all-ESC mice, emphasizing the advantages of this culture medium. Unexpectedly, we observed thatERas-null all-ESC mice produced with the 2iLA medium exhibited a non-Mendelian lethal craniofacial anomaly, which can be mitigated by using the lipid-free 2i/LIF medium. Our findings not only highlight the potential of the 2iLA medium for gene targeting but also reveal a novel lipid-associated role of theERasgene in craniofacial development. Our system offers a unique alternative for studying developmental gene functions unachievable with traditional methods and provides a novel platform for the rapid construction of mouse models.

Graphic Abstract

All-ESC pups from wild-type (WT) ESCs cultured in lipid-rich 2iLA medium are normal. In contrast, both male and femaleERas-null isogenic all-ESC pups produced from ESCs in 2iLA medium display a non-Mendelian craniofacial anomaly. This phenotype is alleviated when the ESCs are grown in a lipid-free 2iL medium.
Ligand-Dependent Mechanisms of CC Chemokine Receptor 5 (CCR5) Trafficking Revealed by APEX2 Proximity Labeling Proteomics
Authors: Gu Siyi , Maurya Svetlana , Lona Alexis , Borrega-Roman Leire , Salanga Catherina , Gonzalez David J. , Kufareva Irina , Handel Tracy M.
Published: November 2023

CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) promotes inflammatory responses by driving cell migration and scavenging chemokine to shape directional chemokine gradients. A CCR5 inhibitor has been approved for blocking HIV entry into cells. However, targeting CCR5 for the treatment of other diseases has had limited success, likely because of the complexity of CCR5 pharmacology and biology. CCR5 is activated by natural and engineered chemokines that elicit distinct signaling and trafficking responses, including receptor sequestration inside the cell. Intracellular sequestration may be therapeutically exploitable as a strategy for receptor inhibition, but the mechanisms by which different ligands promote receptor retention in the cell versus presence on the cell membrane are poorly understood. We employed live cell ascorbic acid peroxidase (APEX2) proximity labeling and quantitative mass spectrometry proteomics for unbiased discovery of temporally resolved protein neighborhoods of CCR5 following stimulation with its endogenous agonist, CCL5, and two CCL5 variants that promote intracellular retention of the receptor. Along with targeted pharmacological assays, the data reveal distinct ligand-dependent CCR5 trafficking patterns with temporal and spatial resolution. All three chemokines internalize CCR5 via β-arrestin-dependent, clathrin-mediated endocytosis but to different extents, with different kinetics and varying dependencies on GPCR kinase subtypes. The agonists differ in their ability to target the receptor to lysosomes for degradation, as well as to the Golgi compartment and the trans-Golgi network, and these trafficking patterns translate into distinct levels of ligand scavenging. The results provide insight into the cellular mechanisms behind CCR5 intracellular sequestration and suggest how trafficking can be exploited for the development of functional antagonists of CCR5.

Significance Statement

CCR5 plays a crucial role in the immune system and is important in numerous physiological and pathological processes such as inflammation, cancer and transmission of HIV. It responds to different ligands with distinct signaling and trafficking behaviors; notably some ligands induce retention of the receptor inside the cell. Using time-resolved proximity labeling proteomics and targeted pharmacological experiments, this study reveals the cellular basis for receptor sequestration that can be exploited as a therapeutic strategy for inhibiting CCR5 function.
Virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86 variant
Authors: Tamura Tomokazu , Mizuma Keita , Nasser Hesham , Deguchi Sayaka , Padilla-Blanco Miguel , Uriu Keiya , Tolentino Jarel Elgin M. , Tsujino Shuhei , Suzuki Rigel , Kojima Isshu , Nao Naganori , Shimizu Ryo , Jonathan Michael , Kosugi Yusuke , Guo Ziyi , Hinay Alfredo A , Putri Olivia , Kim Yoonjin , Tanaka Yuri L , Asakura Hiroyuki , Nagashima Mami , Sadamasu Kenji , Yoshimura Kazuhisa ,   The Genotype to Phenotype Japan (G2P-Japan) Consortium, Saito Akatsuki , Ito Jumpei , Irie Takashi , Zahradnik Jiri , Ikeda Terumasa , Takayama Kazuo , Matsuno Keita , Fukuhara Takasuke , Sato Kei
Published: November 2023

In late 2023, a lineage of SARS-CoV-2 emerged and was named the BA.2.86 variant. BA.2.86 is phylogenetically distinct from other Omicron sublineages identified so far, displaying an accumulation of over 30 amino acid mutations in its spike protein. Here, we performed multiscale investigations to reveal the virological characteristics of the BA.2.86 variant. Our epidemic dynamics modeling suggested that the relative reproduction number of BA.2.86 is significantly higher than that of EG.5.1. Experimental studies showed that four clinically-available antivirals were effective against BA.2.86. Although the fusogenicity of BA.2.86 spike is similar to that of the parental BA.2 spike, the intrinsic pathogenicity of BA.2.86 in hamsters was significantly lower than that of BA.2. Since the growth kinetics of BA.2.86 is significantly lower than that of BA.2 in bothin vitrocell cultures andin vivo, it is suggested that the attenuated pathogenicity of BA.2.86 is due to its decreased replication capacity.
3-generation family histories of mental, neurologic, cardiometabolic, birth defect, asthma, allergy, and autoimmune conditions associated with autism: an open-source catalogue of findings
Authors: Schendel Diana , Ejlskov Linda , Overgaard Morten , Jinwala Zeal , Kim Viktor , Parner Erik , Kalkbrenner Amy E , Acosta Christine Ladd , Fallin M Danielle , Xie Sherlly , Mortensen Preben Bo , Lee Brian K
Published: November 2023

The relatively few conditions and family members investigated in autism family health history limits etiologic understanding. For more comprehensive understanding and hypothesis-generation we produced an open- source catalogue of autism associations with family histories of mental, neurologic, cardiometabolic, birth defect, asthma, allergy, and autoimmune conditions. All live births in Denmark, 1980-2012, of Denmark-born parents (1,697,231 births), and their 3-generation family members were followed through April 10, 2017 for each of 90 diagnoses (including autism), emigration or death. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were estimated via Cox regression for each diagnosis-family member type combination, adjusting for birth year, sex, birth weight, gestational age, parental ages at birth, and number of family member types of index person; aHRs also calculated for sex-specific co-occurrence of each disorder. We obtained 6,462 individual family history aHRS across autism overall (26,840 autistic persons; 1.6% of births), by sex, and considering intellectual disability (ID); and 350 individual co-occurrence aHRS. Results are catalogued in interactive heat maps and down- loadable data files:https://ncrr-au.shinyapps.io/asd-riskatlas/and interactive graphic summaries:https://public.tableau.com/views/ASDPlots_16918786403110/e-Figure5. While primarily for reference material or use in other studies (e.g., meta-analyses), results revealed considerable breadth and variation in magnitude of familial health history associations with autism by type of condition, family member type, sex of the family member, side of the family, sex of the index person, and ID status, indicative of diverse genetic, familial, and non-genetic autism etiologic pathways. Careful attention to sources of autism likelihood in family health history, aided by our open data resource, may accelerate understanding of factors underlying neurodiversity.

Lay summary

We calculated the likelihood that a person will be diagnosed with autism if they had a specific family member (e.g, a parent, sibling, grandparent) with a specific mental, neurologic, cardiometabolic, birth defect, asthma, allergy, or autoimmune condition - over 6,000 separate estimates based on 26,840 autistic persons. Results are catalogued in interactive figures and down-loadable data files:https://ncrr-au.shinyapps.io/asd-riskatlas/and interactive graphic summaries:https://public.tableau.com/views/ASDPlots_16918786403110/e-Figure5. Thestudy of autism family health history - which varies widely by condition, family member type, sex of the family member, side of the family, sex of the index person, intellectual disability status - may advance understanding of factors underlying neurodiversity.
Early Progressive Peripheral Airway Dysfunction after Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation is associated with chronic Graft vs Host disease not BOS-0p
Authors: Htun Christopher , Schoeffel Robin E , Rutting Sandra , Huvanandana Jacqueline , Thamrin Cindy , Pope Alun , Phillips Craig L , Greenwood Matthew , Pechey Victoria , King Gregory G , Robinson Paul D
Published: November 2023

Background

Current spirometric-based criteria for diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) may miss early peripheral airway disease associate with disease onset. Multiple breath washout (MBW) and oscillometry offer improved sensitivity, but longitudinal changes occurring in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are unknown.

Objective

In this longitudinal study of HSCT survivors, we investigated changes in nitrogen-based MBW, oscillometry and conventional lung function, from baseline (pre-transplant), over 36-months, and associations with BOS Stage 0p, a spirometry-defined risk classification for potential later BOS development, and chronic graft-vs-host disease (cGVHD).

Study Design

Longitudinal observational study of allogeneic HSCT recipients from a single adult centre. All participants underwent spirometry, plethysmography, gas transfer capacity (DLCO), oscillometry and MBW at each study visit. Tests were performed pre-HSCT and 3 monthly thereafter over 36 months.

Results

64 of 69 recipients recruited were included in the final analysis. Across the entire cohort, deterioration in acinar ventilation inhomogeneity (Sacin) occurred as early as 90 days post-HSCT (0.224 z score change/month, p<0.001), prior to any significant change in spirometry or oscillometry. Progressive deteriorations in Sacinwere associated with cGVHD status and grade but not BOS-0p status.

Conclusions

Early progressive peripheral airway dysfunction occurred following HSCT and was best detected by Sacinfrom MBW. Distal acinar ventilation inhomogeneity (Sacin) deteriorated at an earlier stage than spirometry. Longitudinal deteriorations in Sacinwere related to cGVHD, and independent of early changes in spirometry parameters. These findings suggest an important role of the lung in cGVHD and provide important evidence to support future studies examining the prognostic utility of MBW in long-term monitoring of HSCT patients to provide an early effective signal of BOS.

Highlights

The evolution of peripheral airway function abnormality assessed using Multiple Breath Washout (MBW) and oscillometry following allogeneic HSCT is unknown.

Progressive abnormality is established early following HSCT and occurred in those who developed chronic graft versus host disease (cGHVD) in other organ systems.

This highlights the risk of peripheral airway dysfunction in those affected by cGVHD.

MBW to monitor post-HSCT subjects provides additional insight to that provided by BOS-0p criteria which did not show the same relationship to cGHVD.

These findings identify a potential window for earlier targeted treatment to improve long term outcomes.
Ggnbp2regulates synaptic development and autophagy in motor neurons
Authors: Kerwin Sarah K. , Carrodus Nissa , Kewin Amber , Lin Tian , Qian Xiaoyu , McRae Allan F. , Yang Jian , Collins Brett M. , Wray Naomi R. , Garton Fleur C. , Millard S. Sean
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified numerous candidate ALS risk variants, but their cellular functions are often unknown. Recent studies have identified a variant ofGGNBP2that results in increased expression. To better understand how this gene might contribute to disease, we investigated the function ofDrosophila Ggnbp2 (dGgnbp2)in motor neurons. Loss of function studies showed thatdGgnbp2is required for motor neuron synaptic development. A human transgene completely rescued these phenotypes indicating that the gene is functionally conserved between humans and flies. Overexpression ofdGgnbp2caused severe locomotor defects in adult flies, consistent with ALS pathology. At the cellular level,dGgnbp2regulated autophagy, a process commonly defective in ALS. Both overexpression and removal ofdGgnbp2reduced levels of the phosphorylated lipid, PI(3)P, an essential component of autophagosomes. Our study provides strong evidence thatGgnbp2functions in motor neurons to regulate a cellular process commonly defective in ALS.

Teaser

This study investigated the function of the ALS risk variantGGNBP2, in flies, and showed that it regulates autophagy in motor neurons.
Responding to incivility: exploring revenge and incivility climate
Authors: Daniels Shanna R. , Simmons Aneika L.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to test a mediated-moderated model with revenge cognitions as a coping mechanism through which experienced incivility leads to perpetrated incivility. The authors further explore the role of organizational climate for incivility.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were tested utilizing ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and Hayes (2017) process for mediation and moderation. Study 1 was completed by 321 employees, and study 2 was completed by 197 employees each from across many occupations.

Findings

Study 1 results indicate support for a positive relationship between experienced incivility and perpetrated incivility. Study 2 results indicate support for a mediated-moderated relationship where experienced incivility was indirectly associated with incivility perpetration through revenge, and the perception of an incivility climate moderated this relationship.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine revenge as an explanatory mechanism for responding to incivility. It addresses concerns about revenge cognitions to experiencing incivility and the role climate perceptions play in shaping whether an individual will reciprocate with an uncivil act. The authors’ results accentuate the need for organizations to decrease or eradicate incivility so that their employees can evade the associated adverse outcomes.
Mapping the landscape of female entrepreneurship in Africa: trends, networks and hot topic through text mining techniques
Authors: Wedajo Abel Dula , Khan Shagufta Tariq , Bhat Mohd Abass , Zahran Al Balushi Yousuf Mohamed
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The study examines the characteristics and development trends of female entrepreneurship publications, cooperation networks between countries, journals and individuals, intellectual structure of female entrepreneurship studies in Africa and hot research topics. Future comparative studies in different contexts and interdisciplinary collaboration can enrich the understanding about female entrepreneurship research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used text mining to analyze 130 peer-reviewed articles published from 1975 to 2022 for keywords and classify them into eight main classes: (1) Paradoxical space and informality, (2) work–family conflict, (3) women's entrepreneurial identity and networking, (4) rural women's entrepreneurial activities in the agricultural sector, (5) religious belief and women's entrepreneurial practice, (6) financial trap and environmental challenges, (7) women's entrepreneurial intentions and capacity building and (8) women in cultural entrepreneurship.

Findings

Female entrepreneurship publications develop significantly. Since 1975, African female entrepreneurship study has grown. Results show 130 publications from 1975 to 2023, with two papers published yearly in 2006–2011 and 23 in 2023, indicating growing interest. Paradoxical space and informality, work–family conflict, women's entrepreneurial identity and networking, religious belief and practice, financial trap and environmental challenges and entrepreneurial intentions and capacity building were hot topics identified by topic modeling analysis.

Practical implications

Female entrepreneurs have looser intellectual networks. Nation, organization and researcher communication is inadequate. Collaborating researchers from different universities and countries may develop the field.

Originality/value

This study is more data-driven and less biased than earlier reviews because it is based on thousands of citation data rather than a small number of papers pre-selected by the researchers. Displaying the field's structure and evolution enhances previous reviews.
Crowding between urban planning and environmental psychology: guidelines for bridging the gap
Authors: El-Didy Mai Hossam , Hassan Ghada Farouk , Afifi Samy , Ismail Ayat
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Crowded urban regions pose a complex urban challenge that can adversely affect urban residents, encompassing aspects like mental and physical well-being, overall livability and quality of life. The complexity in determining the factors influencing the crowding perception, which encompass subjective and situational psychological factors alongside physical and environmental attributes, imparts ambiguity to planners' approach. This study aims to unravel the intricate interplay between crowding and the physical attributes inherent in the built environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This literature review analyses theories linking urban planning and environmental psychology to uncover gaps in the relationship between urban design principles and residents' perceptions of crowding. It also explores influential variables affecting crowding perception and diverse methodologies across contexts.

Findings

The study built upon a broad literature review which is expected to summarise and classify the variables of urban planning components and approaches according to their impacts on the psychological perception of crowding. Furthermore, highlighting a number of recommendations that can be considered a guide for planners and urban designers to enhance the urban experience and reduce the perception of crowding.

Originality/value

This study seeks to improve the overall experience of crowding in densely populated urban areas. It accomplishes this by identifying influential factors and comprehending the associated outcomes in such contexts. Furthermore, it bridges perspectives from various fields to examine relevant policies and strategies to mitigate crowding consequences.
Industry‐sponsored meal payments are associated with prescriptions and Medicare expenditures on brand‐name colchicine in the United States
Authors: Murayama Anju
Published: November 2023

Aim

To investigate the association between industry‐sponsored meal payments and the prescribing patterns of brand‐name colchicines, namely Colcrys and Mitigare, among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States from 2014 to 2021.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study utilized data from the Open Payments Database and Medicare Part D covering the years 2014 to 2021. The study included 54 836 physicians who submitted more than 10 colchicine claims. Exposure was defined as the receipt of one or more industry‐sponsored meals from the manufacturers of Colcrys or Mitigare. The primary outcomes included the likelihood of prescribing Colcrys and Mitigare, as well as the associated number of claims and Medicare expenditures.

Results

Among 54 836 eligible physicians, 44.9% received meal payments from the Colcrys manufacturer, and 8.0% from the Mitigare manufacturer, over the eight‐year study period. The average meal payment value was $14.9 for Colcrys and $15.1 for Mitigare. The receipt of meal payments was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of prescribing Colcrys (odds ratio: 1.24 [95% CI: 1.21–1.27], p < .001) and Mitigare (odds ratio: 3.54 [95% CI: 2.98–4.20], p < .001). Each additional meal payment corresponded with a significant increase in Medicare expenditures: $55.4 (95% CI: $48.3–$62.5, p < .001) for Colcrys and $153.7 (95% CI: $17.7–$289.6, p = .03) for Mitigare. These associations remained consistent across different specialties and genders.

Conclusion

This study reveals that receipt of meal payments from manufacturers of brand‐name colchicine was significantly associated with an increased rate of prescriptions for these brand‐name drugs, leading to higher Medicare expenditures in the United States.
Dissociation of drug and negative emotional cue induced attentional bias in individuals with methamphetamine‐use disorder
Authors: He Meiheng , Wang Lili , Zhu Dong , Xu Ding , Zhu Xiangru , Yang Suyong
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives

Although both drugs and negative emotions can trigger drug craving or relapse in individuals with methamphetamine‐use disorder (MUD), it remains unclear whether individuals with MUD have attentional biases toward both drug and negative emotional cues and whether this bias involves attention orientation or difficulty in attention disengagement. This study aimed to measure different components of attentional bias toward drug‐related and negative emotional cues in individuals with MUD.

Methods

Two dot‐probe tasks were used to investigate attentional bias toward drug (drug task) and negative emotional cues (emotion task) in individuals with MUD. Forty‐three males with MUD (average age of 43.44 ± 11.91 years, average drug‐use duration of 11.35 ± 8.39 years) participated in the study voluntarily.

Results

There was a significant interaction between the task type and location (p = .01). Specifically, for drug cues, participants showed significant difficulty in attention disengagement toward drug cues (p = .01); however, no attention orientation (p = .46). For negative emotional cues, neither significant attention orientation (p = .07) nor significant difficulty in attention disengagement (p = .50) was found.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

Attentional bias in individuals with MUD was highly selective for drug cues; thus, difficulty in attention disengagement from drug cues can be considered a potential mediating mechanism for attentional bias modification interventions for individuals with MUD. This study served to generate hypotheses or suggest future experiments on interventions for individuals with MUD.
Is testosterone deficiency a predictive factor for recurrence of urethral stricture?
Authors: Özsoy Emrah , Kutluhan Musab Ali , Tokuç Emre , Kayar Rıdvan , Demir Samet , Akyüz Mehmet , Öztürk Metin İshak
Published: November 2023

Background

Testosterone plays a vital role in maintaining tissue homeostasis, and testosterone deficiency may potentially influence the likelihood of urethral stricture recurrence.

Objectives

To evaluate the prognostic value of testosterone levels in the recurrence after direct visual internal urethrotomy in primary short segment bulbar urethral strictures and its clinical reflections.

Materials and methods

A total of 723 patients who underwent direct vision internal urethrotomy between January 2000 and October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. After implying exclusion criteria, 116 patients with available data were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups as recurrence and no recurrence. Age, stricture length, etiology, time of recurrence, diagnosis of previous diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, body mass index, and total testosterone levels were recorded. Free testosterone and bioavailable testosterone values were calculated using total testosterone, albumin, and sex hormone binding globulin values. Hypogonadism was considered as a total testosterone level less than 300 ng/dL. Demographic characteristics and total testosterone, free testosterone, and bioavailable testosterone levels were compared between the two groups for statistical significance. The recurrence rates of patients with and without hypogonadism were compared.

Results

Recurrence was observed in 41.4% of the cases (n = 48). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, body mass index values, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking status, presence of hypogonadism, and etiology (p = 0.745, 0.863, 0.621, 0.622, 0.168, 0.051, and 0.232). In terms of total testosterone levels and bioavailable testosterone levels, the recurrence group had significantly lower values (p = 0.018 and 0.04). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of stricture length (p = 0.071). Sixteen of 28 patients with hypogonadism had recurrence, whereas 32 of 88 patients without hypogonadism had recurrence (p = 0.051).

Discussion

Testosterone levels have potential to predict recurrence in primary short‐segment bulbar urethral strictures. This study represents the inaugural analysis of the impact of testosterone deficiency on recurrence within the cohort of patients with primary short‐segment bulbar urethral strictures.

Conclusion

Testosterone levels and ratios may serve as predictive factors for identifying recurrent cases in primary short‐segment bulbar strictures. For patients at a higher risk of recurrence, urethroplasty may be considered as an initial treatment option, even in cases of primary and short‐segment strictures.
The effects of bupropion alone and combined with naltrexone on blood pressure and CRP concentration: A systematic review and meta‐regression analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Jiang Qidong , Velu Periyannan , Sohouli Mohammad Hassan , Ziamanesh Fateme , Shojaie Shima , Fatahi Somaye , Li Qin
Published: November 2023

Background

Considering the conflicting effects of bupropion on parameters related to cardiovascular system including blood pressure and inflammation, in this meta‐analysis study, we investigated the effects of this drug alone or in combination with naltrexone on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and C‐reactive protein (CRP).

Methods

Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science and Embase databases were searched using standard keywords to identify all controlled trials investigating effects of bupropion alone and combined with naltrexone on the BP and CRP. Pooled weighted mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were achieved by random‐effects model analysis for the best estimation of outcomes.

Results

The pooled findings showed that that bupropion alone or in combination with naltrexone would significantly increase SBP (weighted mean difference (WMD): 1.34 mmHg, 95% CI: 0.38–2.29) and DBP (WMD: 0.93 mmHg, 95% CI 0.88–0.99) as well as decrease CRP (WMD: −0.89 mg/L, 95% CI −1.09 to −0.70). The findings of the subgroup also show the greater effect of bupropion on blood pressure (SBP and DBP) increase in a dose greater than 360 mg and a duration of intervention less equal to 26 weeks. In addition, the subgroup analysis showed that changes in SBP after receiving bupropion together with naltrexone were more compared to bupropion alone.

Conclusions

The addition of combination therapies such as bupropion and naltrexone can significantly improve CRP levels. However, its effect on blood pressure requires proper management of this drug.
Assessment of variability of peat physicochemical properties, subsidence and their interactions within Selangor forests
Authors: Dhandapani Selva , Evers Stephanie , Boyd Doreen S. , Yesuf Gabriel , Kinneen Lois , Haughan Alice , Sjogersten Sofie
Published: November 2023

Tropical peat swamp forests are carbon‐rich ecosystems both above‐ and belowground, which play a major role in the climate balance of the earth. The majority of the world's tropical peat forest cover is located in Southeast Asia and is increasingly threatened by anthropogenic disturbances. Despite their importance for biodiversity conservation and climatic balance of the earth, pristine peatlands are almost extinct in many parts of Southeast Asia. Peninsular Malaysia is one such region, where there are no undisturbed peatlands left in the west coast. We studied the largest peat forest area in the west coast of Malaysia, located in the state of Selangor. We evaluated variability of peat subsidence (for 1 year), peat physicochemical properties and macronutrient contents between forest regions and between different depths (not for subsidence) covering the top 50 cm, and the complex interactions between them. We found that there was significant peat subsidence in all the studied regions, however, there was no significant difference in subsidence between different forest regions. Physicochemical properties such as peat moisture, pH and carbon (C) content and all macronutrient contents except phosphorus (P), either varied between regions, or showed significant interactions between region and depth in Selangor peat forests. All the measured peat physicochemical properties varied with depth. Among macronutrients, only nitrogen (N), P and calcium (Ca) showed significant change with depth, while there were no changes with depth for sulphur (S), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) contents. These changes in each peat physicochemical property and macronutrient contents correlated with changes in other peat physicochemical properties and nutrient contents; however, there is a need for controlled experiments to further understand these significant interactions. The findings show continued carbon loss in secondary peat swamp forests through subsidence, indicating the long‐term impact of selective logging and associated historical drainage. The significant variability of peat physicochemical properties and macronutrient contents with region and depth, also show the need for intensive sampling to characterise large secondary peat swamp forests.
Mesenteric vasoconstriction after endotoxin administration in cats pretreated with aspirin
Authors: GREENWAY C. V. , MURTHY V. S.
Published: November 2023

Study of the delayed responses to lethal doses of endotoxin in cats is complicated by acute pulmonary vasoconstriction which results in hypotension, cardiac failure and pulmonary oedema. This acute response is abolished if the animal is pretreated with aspirin (10–100 mg/kg). In these cats, pretreated with aspirin, arterial pressure and right atrial pressure remain unchanged in the first 2 h after administration of endotoxin. Later, arterial pressure falls and the animals die but no haemorrhagic lung lesions are visible.

These results confirm our previous conclusion that the delayed lethal response to endotoxin is an independent action and not a secondary consequence of the acute response. The mechanism of the action of aspirin is discussed and it is suggested that it prevents the release by endotoxin of vasoactive substances, possibly from platelets.

In cats pretreated with aspirin, administration of endotoxin results in a marked mesenteric vasoconstriction. Although arterial pressure does not decrease significantly, superior mesenteric arterial flow decreases to 20% of control in the first hour after endotoxin and remains at this low level until the animal dies. Mesenteric ischaemia may contribute to the cat's death.

The mesenteric vasoconstriction is not reduced by prior administration of phenoxybenzamine and is only slightly reduced after phenoxybenzamine, hypophysectomy and nephrectomy. It is concluded that catecholamines, vasopressin and angiotensin play at most a minor role in the mechanism of this vasoconstriction and that other unknown factors are predominant.
Axion-assisted resonance oscillation rescues the Dodelson–Widrow mechanism
Authors: Guo Shu-Yuan , Liu Xuewen , Zhu Bin
Published: November 2023

The $$\textrm{keV}$$
keV
scale sterile neutrino was a qualified candidate for dark matter particles in the Dodelson-Widrow mechanism. But the mixing angle, needed to provide enough amount of dark matter, is in contradiction with the astrophysical observations. To alleviate such tension, we introduce an effective interaction, i.e. $$g_a (\phi /\Lambda )\partial _{\mu }a \overline{\nu _\alpha }\gamma ^{\mu } \gamma _5 \nu _\alpha $$

g
a

(
ϕ
/
Λ
)

∂
μ

a

ν
α

¯

γ
μ

γ
5

ν
α

, among Standard Model neutrino $$\nu _\alpha $$

ν
α

, axion a, and singlet $$\phi $$
ϕ
. The axial-vector interaction form is determined by the axion shift symmetry, and the singlet $$\phi $$
ϕ
with dynamically varied vacuum expectation value is introduced to reinforce the axial-vector coupling strength and evade the stringent neutrino oscillation constraints. The effective potential generated by the new interaction could cancel the SM counterpart, resulting in an enhanced converting probability between SM neutrino and sterile neutrino. Hence, the production rate of sterile neutrinos can be substantially enlarged with smaller mixing compared to the DW mechanism.
A Novel Hybridized Cluster-Based Geographical Opportunistic Routing Protocol for Effective Data Routing in Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ragavi B. , Baranidharan V. , Ramash Kumar K.
Published: November 2023

Underwater wireless sensor nodes comprise hundreds to thousands of battery-operated sensor nodes with limited bandwidth. These networks are employed to transmit the data with enhanced quality of service (QoS). However, efficient data routing is the most challenging obstacle in many underwater applications. To solve the issues in underwater sensor nodes, the hybridized cluster-based geographical opportunistic routing protocol with distance vector establishment has been proposed to transmit the data efficiently. Primarily, the proposed methodology finds out the shortest path with minimal hop count whereas the void node can be updated with infinite hop count. Thereafter, the sleep/wake scheduling and waiting mechanism and periodic beaconing algorithm are incorporated into the proposed model to attain a higher packet delivery ratio with minimal energy consumption. This proper scheduling and optimal cluster routing enhance the continuous data transmission in underwater applications. The simulation result reveals that the proposed method achieves better energy efficiency and higher network lifetime when compared with the existing clustering methods.
Smart Elastic Material with a Moving Local Stiffness Zone for Reducing the Effects of Impact Loading
Authors: Zhao Dai , Dyniewicz Bartłomiej , Bajer Czesław I.
Published: November 2023

The elastic material properties which change momentarily and locally under the high deformation rate due to the movement of a wavefront are presented. The work contains mathematical formulation, semianalytical results, numerical formulations, and simulation results demonstrating the effectiveness of modifying the rheological properties of the elastic material upon shock load or contact with a rigid obstacle. While the semianalytical solutions can be obtained in a narrow time interval, numerical solutions allow us to track the process of wavefront reflections from edges. The effectiveness of reducing the physical quantities significant for impact in the presented examples reaches 30–70% of forces or accelerations, depending on the adopted criteria.
Word as Nourishment: Mandinka Proverbs of Senegambia
Authors: Saho Bala
Published: November 2023

Using Mandinka ʿAjamī sources, the article explores the meaning, purpose, and usefulness of proverbs among the Mandinka people of Casamance, Senegal and The Gambia who speak the variety known as Western Mandinka. Proverbs are by nature vehicles for the transmission of moral, ethical, and philosophical wisdom in society. Therefore, they serve as pivotal educational tools. This article examines their persistence, spread, and social purpose in Mandinka societies of Senegambia and beyond. The examples discussed show how proverbs are not isolated sayings, but function in a complex social and cultural context. The article suggests that they present specific challenges for translators and interpreters who may not be familiar with relevant cultural and linguistic intricacies. Consulting with local communities and local language experts is therefore an indispensable part of such research.
African ʿAjamī Library Project: A Ten-Year Retrospective
Authors: Castro Eleni
Published: November 2023

This article provides an in-depth look at the past ten years of the African ʿAjamī Library project, founded and led by Dr. Fallou Ngom, Professor of Anthropology and former Director of the African Studies Center at Boston University, with the goal to serve as a digital continental open access public repository of aggregated digitized ʿAjamī texts from non-Europhone Africa. With over 31,400 pages of manuscripts – hosted at Boston University’s institutional repository, OpenBU – the African ʿAjamī Library has had over half a million individual views and downloads to-date. The article examines the types of manuscripts digitized; manuscript impact, visibility and usage; fieldwork locations and methodologies; the importance of local project teams and partnerships, and what the next ten years might look like for this project.
Competence and Mastery in Practice: On Participation, Responsibility and Believing in Your Own Abilities
Authors: Hestholm Grethe Nina
Published: November 2023

How can school-weary youth regain faith in their abilities and their own future? The film discussed in this article is a critique of compulsory school’s inability to mediate knowledge and self-confidence through practical experiences. We meet two young boys who describe their schooldays as a time of little self-accomplishment and little joy in learning. Being given the opportunity to participate in the practical relation between themselves, the materials, the tools, and the customers at the car workshop Midtun Dekk, they now have experienced performance accomplishment and developed self-efficacy. They both emphasize how this workplace has changed their lives and their attitude towards themselves, and they both express a sincere gratitude to the company manager who gave them trust and responsibility. This article will highlight some of the conditions that may have contributed to their positive development. The determinative experiences of the boys combined with the power of visual communication makes it also necessary to discuss some of the considerations to be made in the process of presenting research through a research film. The author wants to ask: How much is it acceptable to edit in a research film? Can too much intervening change the result from argumentative reasoning to propaganda?