bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly specific σ2R/TMEM97 ligand alleviates neuropathic pain and inhibits the integrated stress response
Authors: Yousuf Muhammad Saad , Sahn James J. , Yang Hongfen , David Eric T. , Shiers Stephanie , Mancilla Moreno Marisol , Iketem Jonathan , Royer Danielle M. , Garcia Chelsea D. , Zhang Jennifer , Hong Veronica M. , Mian Subhaan M. , Ahmad Ayesha , Kolber Benedict J. , Liebl Daniel J , Martin Stephen F. , Price Theodore J.
Published: April 2023

The Sigma 2 receptor (σ2R) was described pharmacologically more than three decades ago, but its molecular identity remained obscure until recently when it was identified as transmembrane protein 97 (TMEM97). We and others have shown that σ2R/TMEM97 ligands alleviate mechanical hypersensitivity in mouse neuropathic pain models with a time course wherein maximal anti-nociceptive effect is approximately 24 hours following dosing. We sought to understand this unique anti-neuropathic pain effect by addressing two key questions: do these σ2R/TMEM97 compounds act selectively via the receptor, and what is their downstream mechanism on nociceptive neurons? Using male and female conventional knockout (KO) mice forTmem97,we find that a new σ2R/TMEM97 binding compound, FEM-1689, requires the presence of the gene to produce anti-nociception in the spared nerve injury model in mice. Using primary mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, we demonstrate that FEM-1689 inhibits the integrated stress response (ISR) and promotes neurite outgrowth via a σ2R/TMEM97-specific action. We extend the clinical translational value of these findings by showing that FEM-1689 reduces ISR and p-eIF2α levels in human sensory neurons and that it alleviates the pathogenic engagement of ISR by methylglyoxal. We also demonstrate that σ2R/TMEM97 is expressed in human nociceptors and satellite glial cells. These results validate σ2R/TMEM97 as a promising target for further development for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Significance Statement

Neuropathic pain is a major medical problem that is poorly treated with existing therapeutics. Our findings demonstrate that targeting σ2R/TMEM97 with a newly described modulator reduces pain hypersensitivity in a mouse model with exquisite selectivity. We also identify integrated stress response (ISR) inhibition as a potential mechanism of action that links the receptor to cellular signaling events that have preclinical and clinical validation for pain relief. Our work suggests that σ2R/TMEM97 can be selectively engaged by specific small molecules to produce ISR inhibition in a subset of cells that are critical for neuropathic pain. σ2R/TMEM97-targeted therapeutics thus have the potential to offer effective pain relief without engagement of opioid receptors.
Polycomb safeguards imaginal disc specification through control of the Vestigial-Scalloped complex
Authors: Brown Haley E. , Weasner Brandon P. , Weasner Bonnie M. , Kumar Justin P.
Published: April 2023

A fundamental goal of developmental biology is to understand how cell and tissue fates are specified. The imaginal discs ofDrosophilaare excellent model systems for addressing this paradigm as their fate can be redirected when discs regenerate after injury or when key selector genes are mis-regulated. Here, we show that whenPolycombexpression is reduced, the wing selector genevestigialis ectopically activated. This leads to the inappropriate formation of the Vestigial-Scalloped complex which forces the eye to transform into a wing. We further demonstrate that disrupting this complex does not simply block wing formation or restore eye development. Instead, immunohistochemistry and high throughput genomic analysis show that the eye-antennal disc unexpectedly undergoes hyperplastic growth with multiple domains being organized into other imaginal discs and tissues. These findings provide insight into the complex developmental landscape that tissues must navigate before adopting their final fate.

Summary Statement

Here we describe a novel mechanism by which Pc promotes an eye fate during normal development and how the eye is reprogrammed into a wing in its absence.
Construction of the ETECFinder database for the characterisation of enterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC) and revision of theVirulenceFinderwebtool at the CGE website
Authors: Scheutz Flemming , Nielsen Camilla Hald , von Mentzer Astrid
Published: April 2023

The identification of pathogens is essential for effective surveillance and outbreak detection, which has been facilitated by the decreasing cost of whole-genome sequencing (WGS). However, extracting relevant virulence genes from WGS data remains a challenge. In this study, we developed a web-based tool to predict virulence-associated genes in enterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC), including heat-labile toxin (LT) genes (eltAandeltB), heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) genes (est) for both human and animal, enterotoxin (espC), colonization factors CS1 through 30, F4, F5, F6, F17, F18, and F41, and toxigenic invasion and adherence loci (tia, tibAC, etpBAC, eatA, yghJ, andtleA).

To construct the database, we revised the existing ETEC nomenclature and used the VirulenceFinder webtool at the CGE website (https://cge.cbs.dtu.dk/services/VirulenceFinder/). The database was tested on 1,083 preassembled ETEC genomes and the ETEC reference sequence for strain H10407. We added 455 new alleles, replaced or renamed 50 alleles, and removed two.

Overall, our tool has the potential to greatly facilitate ETEC identification and improve the accuracy of WGS analysis. The revised nomenclature and expanded gene repertoire provide a better understanding of the genetic diversity of ETEC. Additionally, the user-friendly interface makes it accessible to users with limited bioinformatics experience.
Catalytic reactor for operando spatially resolved structure–activity profiling using high-energy X-ray diffraction
Authors: Wollak Birte , Espinoza Diego , Dippel Ann-Christin , Sturm Marina , Vrljic Filip , Gutowski Olof , Nielsen Ida G. , Sheppard Thomas L. , Korup Oliver , Horn Raimund
Published: April 2023

In heterogeneous catalysis, operando measurements probe catalysts in their active state and are essential for revealing complex catalyst structure–activity relationships. The development of appropriate operando sample environments for spatially resolved studies has come strongly into focus in recent years, particularly when coupled to the powerful and multimodal characterization tools available at synchrotron light sources. However, most catalysis studies at synchrotron facilities only measure structural information about the catalyst in a spatially resolved manner, whereas gas analysis is restricted to the reactor outlet. Here, a fully automated and integrated catalytic profile reactor setup is shown for the combined measurement of temperature, gas composition and high-energy X-ray diffraction (XRD) profiles, using the oxidative dehydrogenation of C2H6 to C2H4 over MoO3/γ-Al2O3 as a test system. The profile reactor methodology was previously developed for X-ray absorption spectroscopy and is here extended for operando XRD. The profile reactor is a versatile and accessible research tool for combined spatially resolved structure–activity profiling, enabling the use of multiple synchrotron-based characterization methods to promote a knowledge-based optimization of a wide range of catalytic systems in a time- and resource-efficient way.
Structural, spectroscopic, luminescence sensing and TD–DFT theoretical studies of a CuP2N-type complex
Authors: Zhang Dan-Qi , Song Li , Wu Jin-Tao , Zhu Yu-Fan , Xu Wen-Ze , Lai Jia-Qi , Chai Wen-Xiang
Published: April 2023

Luminescent cuprous complexes are an important class of coordination compounds due to their relative abundance, low cost and ability to display excellent luminescence. The title heteroleptic cuprous complex, [2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)-1,1′-binaphthyl-κ2P,P′](2-phenylpyridine-κN)copper(I) hexafluoridophosphate,rac-[Cu(C44H32P2)(C11H9N)]PF6, conventionally abbreviatedrac-[Cu(BINAP)(2-PhPy)]PF6(I), where BINAP and 2-PhPy represent 2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)-1,1′-binaphthyl and 2-phenylpyridine, respectively, is described. In this complex, the asymmetric unit consists of a hexafluoridophosphate anion and a heteroleptic cuprous complex cation, in which the cuprous centre in a CuP2N coordination triangle is coordinated by two P atoms from the BINAP ligand and by one N atom from the 2-PhPy ligand. Time-dependent density functional theory (TD–DFT) calculations show that the UV–Vis absorption ofIshould be attributed to ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (LLCT) characteristic excited states. It was also found that the paper-based film of this complex exhibited obvious luminescence light-up sensing for pyridine.
Infrastructure availability and disruption levels on performance of firms: a survey of Sub-Saharan Africa informal enterprises
Authors: Mbedzi Edson , Kapingura Forget Mingiri
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Infrastructure deficiency and supply disruption challenges are quite common among developing economies. While Sub-Saharan Africa is not unique to these challenges, it is the extent of levels of infrastructure deficiency and disruptions that affect the level of performance of small businesses. Literature on the performance of small businesses suggests both infrastructure availability and disruptions affect the performance of small businesses, but the effects on informal enterprises that operate from locations where the supply of infrastructure is weak are less documented. The paper, therefore, investigates the effects of four types of infrastructure supply in two dimensions of availability and disruption levels on the performance of informal enterprises in 12 Sub-Saharan African countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data from World Bank informal enterprises surveys based on a sample of 3 735 informal enterprises. The study uses the multiple analysis of variance method based on the World Bank's Informal Enterprise Surveys (IFS) country-level cross-sectional data collected between 2009 and 2019.

Findings

Results show infrastructure supply is quite low irrespective of the form of infrastructure. Infrastructure availability is associated with high supply disruptions. Infrastructure supply deficiency and disruption intensities are negatively associated with informal enterprises' performance. Finally, the effects of both infrastructure availability and supply disruptions are positively associated with informal enterprises' business activity levels.

Research limitations/implications

Due to data limitations, only four types of infrastructure are captured in the analysis. A wider variety of types of infrastructure could improve the analysis.

Originality/value

Given the deficiency level of infrastructure and its implications on informal enterprise development, therefore, policy interventions aiming at addressing informal enterprises' challenges should focus on improving infrastructure supply deficiencies and disruption challenges. This paper provides the link between infrastructure levels, infrastructure supply disruptions and performance of the informal enterprises which is an essential starting point for policy intervention in informal enterprise development.
Intellectual disability and autism in adults influence psychological treatments for mental health comorbidities
Authors: Mills Rachel , Nathan Rajan , Soper Paul , Michelet Felix , Stewart Alex G. , Jaydeokar Sujeet
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to examine whether there were differences in the provision of non-pharmacological interventions based on the level of intellectual disability and the presence or absence of autism. Mental health conditions are often underdiagnosed in adults with intellectual disability and do not always receive psychological interventions as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellent guidelines. To realise the national UK programme’s aim of stopping the overuse of medications in people with intellectual disability, it is important that these individuals have access to appropriate non-pharmacological interventions. The authors examined the relationship between an individual’s level of intellectual disability and the presence or absence of autism with access to relevant non-pharmacological interventions from specialist community intellectual disability services.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study of adults accessing four specialist intellectual disability services in North West England in 2019.

Findings

There was a high prevalence of mental health comorbidity, even higher for autistic adults. However, a relatively small percentage of the study population was receiving psychological interventions. The most frequent non-pharmacological intervention was a positive behaviour support plan, irrespective of comorbid mental illnesses.

Research limitations/implications

Not having access to psychological interventions for the treatment of mental illness could result in poor health outcomes and increasing health inequalities. The study highlights the need for developing psychological interventions, particularly for those with moderate to severe intellectual disability and for those with associated autism.

Originality/value

This large sample study examined the relationship between intellectual disability level and the presence of autism with accessing psychological interventions.
Co-design for staff professional learning within universities: a case study
Authors: Kelly Nick , Brophy Claire , Scharoun Lisa , Finger Melanie , Meth Deanna
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The paper discusses the use of co-design for staff professional learning within higher education. It suggests that three distinct approaches to professional learning can be characterised as help-yourself platforms/services, drive-by workshops and co-design workshops. It makes pragmatic suggestions for where co-design might be used and heuristics for its successful use, based upon the authors' collective experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

This practitioner paper presents a case-study of co-design in a university context. Staff from across disciplinary boundaries were brought together to co-design novel learning experiences for students for a non-traditional context.

Findings

Findings from a case study are used to highlight the strengths of a co-design approach, as understood through the lenses of networked learning and self-determination theory. It juxtaposes co-design for staff learning with other approaches and finds it to be valuable and underutilised.

Research limitations/implications

The research discusses a single case study involving two workshops with a sample size of 112 participants. It is included as an example of co-design for professional learning in higher education.

Originality/value

Co-design for professional learning in higher education is poorly understood and presently underutilised. This paper addresses this gap by presenting an example of co-design for professional learning in higher education and theorising its significance.
Preserving algorithmic systems: a synthesis of overlapping approaches, materialities and contexts
Authors: Hodges James A. , Trace Ciaran B.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This article aims to advance a multifaceted framework for preserving algorithms and algorithmic systems in an archival context.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on a review and synthesis of existing literature, during which the authors observe emergent themes. After introducing these themes, the authors follow each theme as manifest in existing digital preservation projects, starting with algorithms' earliest conceptual starting points and moving up through themes' eventual implementation within a complex social environment.

Findings

The authors find current literature is largely divided between that which addresses algorithms primarily as computational artifacts and that which views them instead as primarily social in nature. To bridge this gap the authors propose that “the algorithm,” as the algorithm is frequently deployed in popular discourse, is best understood as not as either the algorithm's technical or social components, but rather the sum total of both.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by its methodology as a literature review. However, the findings point toward a new framing for future research that is less divided in terms of social or material orientation.

Practical implications

Creating multifaceted records of algorithms, the authors argue, enables more effective regulation and management of algorithmic systems, which in turn help to improve their levels of fairness, accountability, and trustworthiness.

Originality/value

The paper offers a wide variety of case studies with the potential to inform future studies, while contextualizing the studies together within a new framework that avoids prior limitations.
Smart collaborative ecosystem: leading complex school systems
Authors: Benoliel Pascale , Schechter Chen
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The need to innovate and apply alternative forms of school organization is evident as the COVID-19 pandemic has generated a need to establish new conceptualizations of schools and education management. The paradigm shift in learning inexorably necessitates a corresponding paradigm shift in educational organization, administration and management in order to build organizational resilience and capital. This study proposed framework seeks to address this issue by proposing a transformation of educational organization and management, shifting away from the unilateral, hierarchical school models and towards a unique, smart collaborative school ecosystem in which residents, industries, schools, universities and research centers can create new digital knowledge and inventive products, services and solutions by enlarging their capitals.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon Bourdieu's theory of social capital, our theoretical contribution is to present the influence of three forms of capital (social, economic and cultural) in cultivating educational capacity and resilience in the school ecosystem, with a particular focus on the role of digital capital in reinforcing the school ecosystem capitals. The authors also argue that ecosystem leaders and principals as boundary spanners play an important role in promoting capital exchange and enlargement as they balance the permeability of organizational boundaries at times of crisis by maneuvering across fields.

Findings

Achieving educational improvement and building organizational capacity and resilience through the enlargement of system (and subsystem) capitals requires that key actors develop synchronized interpretations of educational aims and functions in various contexts. The authors delineate the importance of developing a synchronization strategy in the proposed conceptualization of smart and resilient school ecosystems.

Originality/value

By integrating research from both non-educational and educational literature, the proposed framework provides a new perspective for educational administration, organization and management, shifting away from the unilateral, hierarchical school models toward a unique, smart collaborative school ecosystem in which members can create new knowledge by enlarging their capitals. Practical lessons for leaders and policymakers from our conceptual framework are proposed.
Model based on service quality, satisfaction and trust, the antecedents of federated athletes' happiness and loyalty
Authors: Cuesta-Valiño Pedro , Loranca-Valle Cristina , Núñez-Barriopedro Estela , Penelas-Leguía Azucena
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The main aim of this work is to design a model in which service quality receives satisfaction and trust and they have influence on happiness and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

A SEM-PLS model is designed to explain the happiness of athletes. This is tested through a survey of Spanish karate federates. The sample proposes 693 responses are collected.

Findings

The results indicate that service quality has a strong positive influence on satisfaction and trust, and it has an indirect influence on happiness and loyalty of the Spanish karate federates.

Research limitations/implications

This article contributes to the literature increasing the knowledge of the variables that have positive influence, as antecedents of happiness and loyalty in karate federations.

Practical implications

The results of this study can help the decision-making of the governing boards of sports federations so they will be more aware of the strategies that promote the happiness and loyalty of the athlete.

Originality/value

One of the original contributions of this work is that the model shows the loyalty, happiness, trust and satisfaction as a result of quality services.
Color change kinetics of lac dye as influenced by some food spoilage metabolites: validation for spoilage monitoring of strawberries
Authors: Sakare Priyanka , Giri Saroj Kumar
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to study the color change kinetics of lac dye in response to aldehydes, carbon dioxide and other food spoilage metabolites for its potential application in intelligent food packaging.

Design/methodology/approach

UV–Vis spectroscopy was used to study the color change of dye solution. Ratio of absorbance of dye solution at 528 nm (peak of ionized form) to absorbance at 488 nm (peak of unionized form) was used to study the color change. Color change kinetics was studied in terms of change in absorbance ratio (A528/A488) with time using zero and first-order reaction kinetics. Lac dye-based indicator was prepared to validate the result of study for monitoring quality of strawberries.

Findings

Lac dye was orange-red in acidic medium and purple in alkaline medium. Color change of dye in response to benzaldehyde followed zero-order reaction kinetics, whereas for carbon dioxide first-order model was found best. No color change of dye solution was observed for alcohols, ketones and sulfur compounds. In the validation part, the color of the indicator label changed from purple to orange when the strawberries spoiled.

Originality/value

The study expands application area for lac dye as sensing reagent in intelligent food packaging for spoilage or ripeness detection of fruits and vegetables.
A comprehensive review of polyphenol oxidase in tea (Camellia sinensis): Physiological characteristics, oxidation manufacturing, and biosynthesis of functional constituents
Authors: Tang Meng‐ge , Zhang Sheng , Xiong Li‐gui , Zhou Jing‐hui , Huang Jian‐an , Zhao Ai‐qing , Liu Zhong‐hua , Liu Ai‐ling
Published: April 2023

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is a metalloenzyme with a type III copper core that is abundant in nature. As one of the most essential enzymes in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), the further regulation of PPO is critical for enhancing defensive responses, cultivating high‐quality germplasm resources of tea plants, and producing tea products that are both functional and sensory qualities. Due to their physiological and pharmacological values, the constituents from the oxidative polymerization of PPO in tea manufacturing may serve as functional foods to prevent and treat chronic non‐communicable diseases. However, current knowledge of the utilization of PPO in the tea industry is only available from scattered sources, and a more comprehensive study is required to reveal the relationship between PPO and tea obviously. A more comprehensive review of the role of PPO in tea was reported for the first time, as its classification, catalytic mechanism, and utilization in modulating tea flavors, compositions, and nutrition, along with the relationships between PPO‐mediated enzymatic reactions and the formation of functional constituents in tea, and the techniques for the modification and application of PPO based on modern enzymology and synthetic biology are summarized and suggested in this article.
Cellular senescence in skin‐related research: Targeted signaling pathways and naturally occurring therapeutic agents
Authors: Dańczak‐Pazdrowska Aleksandra , Gornowicz‐Porowska Justyna , Polańska Adriana , Krajka‐Kuźniak Violetta , Stawny Maciej , Gostyńska Aleksandra , Rubiś Błażej , Nourredine Sarah , Ashiqueali Sarah , Schneider Augusto , Tchkonia Tamara , Wyles Saranya P. , Kirkland James L. , Masternak Michal M.
Published: April 2023

Despite the growing interest by researchers into cellular senescence, a hallmark of cellular aging, its role in human skin remains equivocal. The skin is the largest and most accessible human organ, reacting to the external and internal environment. Hence, it is an organ of choice to investigate cellular senescence and to target root‐cause aging processes using senolytic and senomorphic agents, including naturally occurring plant‐based derivatives. This review presents different aspects of skin cellular senescence, from physiology to pathology and signaling pathways. Cellular senescence can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on the skin, indicating that both prosenescent and antisenescent therapies may be desirable, based on the context. Knowledge of molecular mechanisms involved in skin cellular senescence may provide meaningful insights for developing effective therapeutics for senescence‐related skin disorders, such as wound healing and cosmetic skin aging changes.
Peer‐ and web‐based interventions for risky drinking among US National Guard members: Mission Strong randomized controlled trial
Authors: Blow Frederic C. , Walton Maureen , Ilgen Mark , Ignacio Rosalinda V. , Walters Heather , Massey Lynn , Barry Kristen L. , McCormick Richard , Coughlin Lara N.
Published: April 2023

Aims

To test separatel the efficacy of a web‐based and a peer‐based brief intervention (BI), compared with an expanded usual care control (EUC) group, among military reserve component members using alcohoI in a hazardous and harmful manner.

Design

In the randomized controlled trial, participants were assigned to: [1] web‐based BI with web‐based boosters (BI + web), [2] web‐based BI with peer‐based boosters (BI + peer) or [3] enhanced usual care (EUC).

Setting

Michigan, USA.

Participants

A total of 739 Michigan Army National Guard members who reported recent hazardous alcohol use; 84% were male, the mean age was 28 years.

Intervention

The BI consisted of an interactive program guided by a personally selected avatar. Boosters were delivered either on the web or personally by a trained veteran peer. A pamphlet, given to all participants, included information on hazardous alcohol use and military‐specific community resources and served as the EUC condition.

Measurements

The primary outcome measure was binge drinking episodes in the past 30 days, measured at 12 months after the BI.

Findings

All randomized participants were included in the outcome analyses. In adjusted analyses, BI + peer [beta = −0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.56 to −0.31, P < 0.001] and BI + web (beta = −0.34, 95% CI = −0.46 to −0.23, P < 0.001) reduced binge drinking compared with EUC.

Conclusion

This satudy was a web‐based brief intervention for hazardous alcohol use, with either web‐ or peer‐based boosters, reduced binge alcohol use among Army National Guard members.
A comparison between hyaluronic acid and other single ingredient eye drops for dry eye, a review
Authors: Hynnekleiv Leif , Magno Morten , Moschowits Emily , Tønseth Kim Alexander , Vehof Jelle , Utheim Tor P.
Published: April 2023

Dry eye disease (DED) is a highly prevalent and debilitating condition. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan that has a long history as a safe and effective DED treatment. HA is frequently used as a comparator when assessing other topical DED treatments. This study aims to summarise and critically evaluate the literature describing all isolated active ingredients that have been directly compared with HA in the treatment of DED. A literature search was conducted in Embase using Ovid on the 24th of August 2021 and in PubMed including MEDLINE on the 20th of September 2021. Twenty‐three studies met the inclusion criteria, 21 of which were randomised controlled trials. Seventeen different ingredients representing six treatment categories were compared with HA treatment. Most measures showed no significant difference between treatments, suggesting either equivalency of treatments or that studies were underpowered. Only two ingredients were represented in more than two studies; carboxymethyl cellulose treatment appears equivalent to HA treatment, while Diquafosol treatment appears superior to HA treatment. Drop‐frequency varied from one to eight drops daily. No single study explained the choice of drop frequency. Nine studies used a HA concentration of 0.1% which may be below therapeutic levels. Nine studies reported using preserved formulations, six of them with differences in preservatives between the compared groups. Thirteen studies were financially linked to industry. No major complications were reported. Studies were not designed to find differences in treatment effects for different types or severities of DED. HA is a good comparator treatment when assessing other DED treatments, although consensus after decades of use is still lacking for best choice of concentration, molecular weight and drop tonicity. Well‐designed studies are needed to determine an evidence‐based standard for HA treatment to be used as comparator.
Early childhood educators' mental state language and children's theory of mind in the preschool setting
Authors: Mulvihill Aisling , Armstrong Rebecca , Casey Charlotte , Redshaw Jonathan , Scarinci Nerina , Slaughter Virginia
Published: April 2023

The study examined the presence and nature of a relationship between 13 early childhood educators' mental state language (MSL) and 77 preschool children's (3‐ to 5 years) Theory of Mind (ToM). Educator language samples were elicited during two naturalistic group‐time contexts, wordless picture book storytelling and an instructional building task. MSL was coded according to a comprehensive scheme that captures facets of MSL content and quality. To account for well‐established determinants of ToM, a range of child‐ and family‐level factors were also measured. Results indicated no significant relationship between educator MSL during group level instruction and children's ToM in the preschool setting. Although these findings challenge the assumption that educators' MSL is important for children's ToM development, important future directions are discussed.
Factor VII deficiency: A cause of (or risk factor for) bleeding?
Authors: Hampshire Daniel J.
Published: April 2023

Among the rare bleeding disorders factor VII deficiency is the most common, but correlating deficiency with bleeding phenotype is challenging. In their study Lou and colleagues investigate a large cohort of unrelated factor VII deficient patients providing a further perspective on the link between genotype and phenotype in this disorder.

Commentary on: Lou et al. Structural and functional characterization of novel F7 mutations identified in Chinese factor VII deficient patients. Br J Haematol. 2023;202:623–635.
Modified internal sinus elevation for patients with low residual bone height: A retrospective clinical study
Authors: Deng Yinxin , Tong Chunyu , Gao Kang , Dou Yiping , Ma Ruihong , He Yilin , Li Beibei , Liu Weiwei , Ma Pan
Published: April 2023

Background

We have modified the internal sinus elevation by combining it with the sinus mucoperiosteum stripping procedure, which further increases the indications for the internal lift. Similar long‐term clinical follow‐up studies and three‐dimensional finite element analyses are rare.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of the modified internal sinus floor elevation method in patients with low residual bone height using a three‐dimensional (3D) finite element model and report on the long‐term outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Overall, 99 implants were placed in 86 patients. All patients were followed‐up for 3–24 months. The modified internal sinus floor elevation was dynamically simulated using a 3D finite element model, and the stress of the sinus membrane was measured.

Results

In trial group A (modified internal sinus floor elevation group), 57 implants were placed in 52 patients. The sinus floor height was lifted by 6.5 mm (95%confidence interval (CI): 6.2–6.8). The perforation rate was 8.8%, and the implant survival rate was 96.5%. In control group B (external sinus floor elevation group), 42 implants were placed in 34 patients. The sinus floor height was lifted by 8.8 mm (95%CI: 8.4–9.3). The perforation rate was 14.3%, and the implant survival rate was 100%. In trial group A, compared with the control group B, perforation decreased by 5.5% (odds ratio = 0.50 and 95%CI: 0.14–1.78; p = 0.282), and the sinus floor lift height was 2.3 mm lower (95%CI, 1.8–2.9; p < 0.001). The finite element analysis showed that the peak stress of the sinus membrane increased with an increase in height elevation and degree of membrane separation.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate the positive clinical outcomes in patients with low RBH associated with the modified internal sinus elevation procedure.
Association of dysphagia with altered brain glucose metabolism in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Oh Ji Yeon , An Eui Jin , Lee Young , Kim Seung Min , Cheon Miju , Kim Jun Yup
Published: April 2023

Aims

Dysphagia is a major clinical concern in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the relationship between the development of phase‐specific dysphagia and the regional brain glucose metabolism remains unclear. Our objective was to investigate the distributions of brain glucose metabolism specific to oral and pharyngeal phases of dysphagia in PD.

Methods

In this retrospective cross‐sectional study, patients with PD who underwent videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and 18F‐fluorodeoxy‐glucose positron emission tomography at intervals of <1 month were included. Each swallow was assessed by the binarized Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale with 14 subitems, seven each for the oral and pharyngeal phases. Metabolism mapping was performed by superimposing significant clusters of subitems belonging to each of the two phases using voxel‐wise Firth's penalized binary logistic regression model, adjusting for age and PD duration at VFSS.

Results

Eighty‐two patients with PD who met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. The oral phase dysphagia‐specific overlap map showed hypermetabolism in the right inferior temporal gyrus, bilateral cerebellum, superior frontal gyrus, and anterior cingulate cortices. Hypometabolism in the bilateral orbital and triangular parts of the inferior to middle frontal gyrus was also correlated with the occurrence of oral phase dysphagia. The development of pharyngeal phase dysphagia was related to hypermetabolism of posterior aspects of the bilateral parietal lobes, cerebellum, and hypometabolism of the mediodorsal aspects of anterior cingulate and middle to superior frontal gyri.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that phase‐specific distribution of brain glucose metabolism may explain the dysphagia of PD.
Achieving a real‐time online monitoring system for conservation culturomics
Authors: Johnson Thomas Frederick , Cornford Richard , Dove Shawn , Freeman Robin , Millard Joseph
Published: April 2023

Environmental monitoring is increasingly shifting toward a set of systems that describe changes in real time. In ecology specifically, a series of challenges have prevented the rollout of real‐time monitoring for features such as biodiversity change or ecosystem service provision. Conservation culturomics, a field concerned with interactions between people and nature, is well placed to demonstrate how monitoring might move toward a network of real‐time platforms, given its existence exclusively in the digital realm. We examined a set of considerations associated with the development of real‐time monitoring platforms for conservation culturomics and introduce a near real‐time platform for the Species Awareness Index, a global index of changing biodiversity awareness derived from the rate of change in page views for species on Wikipedia. This platform will update automatically each month, operating in near real time (https://joemillard.shinyapps.io/Real_time_SAI/). There are plans to make the underlying data queryable via an application programing interface independent of the platform. The real‐time Species Awareness Index will represent the first real‐time and entirely automated conservation culturomic platform and one of the first real‐time platforms in the discipline of ecology. Real‐time monitoring for culturomics can provide insight into human–nature interactions as they play out in the physical realm and provide a framework for the development of real‐time monitoring in ecology. Real‐time monitoring metrics can be processed on private virtual machines and hosted on publicly available cloud services. Conservation now needs an online, real‐time observatory that can evolve with the structure of the web.
The spectral dynamics of visual awareness: An interplay of different frequencies?
Authors: Tafuro Alessandra , Mazzi Chiara , Savazzi Silvia
Published: April 2023

The goal of this study was to investigate the neurophysiological correlates of visual awareness, with a specific focus on its event‐related spectral perturbation (ERSP) features. To this aim, we tried to disentangle the proper neural correlates of consciousness (NCC) from other prerequisite and post‐perceptual processing. To do so, we administered an orientation discrimination task, inducing a response bias through task instructions. EEG results showed that different frequency bands are involved in this kind of task, with different spectral and temporal dynamics. In particular, alpha and beta bands seem to be particularly engaged, especially in the aware‐unaware contrast, showing a main power suppression for aware trials and replicating previous literature. Moreover, we demonstrated that the process of visual awareness is orchestrated by a complex interaction of different frequencies (i.e., theta, alpha, beta and gamma) being involved as prerequisites and post‐perceptual processes.
Atlanto‐occipital subluxation in an adult Thoroughbred gelding
Authors: Barnes Hattie K. , Crosby Katherine , Talbot Alison , Baldwin Christopher M.
Published: April 2023

A 13‐year‐old gelding was referred to the University of Liverpool Equine Hospital for further investigation of ataxia and neck pain following a suspected traumatic incident in the field 5 days prior. The following case report documents the clinical presentation, ultrasonographic, radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) findings of a right lateral atlanto‐occipital (AO) subluxation. In brief, clinical presentation included abnormal head carriage, ataxia and cranial cervical swelling with associated neck pain. Radiography showed lateral deviation of the poll and subluxation of the right AO joint with significant widening of the left AO joint. CT was undertaken standing which confirmed lateral luxation of the right occipital condyle in relation to the right articular process of the AO joint such that the right articular process of the atlas was located medial to the right occipital condyle. The gelding was subjected to euthanasia and post‐mortem the subluxation was resolved with a closed traction procedure. This case initiates discussion of diagnosis, management and outcome for this uncommon injury. The use of CT in this case gives previously undocumented detail on the nature of the subluxation and assisted in the management and post‐mortem closed reduction procedure.
Amyloid fibril formation, structure and domain swapping of acyl‐coenzyme A thioesterase‐7
Authors: Kumar Manjeet , Teakel Sarah L. , Swarbrick Crystall , Chowdhury Intifar S. , Thorn David C. , Sunde Margaret , Carver John A. , Forwood Jade K.
Published: April 2023

Acyl‐coenzyme A thioesterase (Acot) enzymes are involved in a broad range of essential intracellular roles including cell signalling, lipid metabolism, inflammation and the opening of ion channels. Dysregulation in lipid metabolism has been linked to neuroinflammatory and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Structurally, Acot enzymes adopt a circularised trimeric arrangement with each monomer containing an N‐ and a C‐terminal hotdog domain. Acot7 spontaneously forms amyloid fibrils in vitro under physiological conditions. The resultant amyloid fibrillar structures were characterised by dye‐binding fluorescence assays, far‐UV circular dichroism spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray fibre diffraction. Acot7 has an unusual mechanism of aggregation with no lag phase. The initial phase (~ 18 h) of aggregation involves conformational rearrangement within the oligomers to form species of enhanced β‐sheet character. The subsequent loss of α‐helical structure is accompanied by large‐scale amyloid fibril formation. The crystal structure of Acot7 revealed an unexpected arrangement of the two domains within the circularised trimeric structure, which is the basis for a proposed mechanism of amyloid fibril formation involving domain swapping during the initial phase of aggregation. Acot7 formed fibrils in the presence of its substrate arachidonoyl‐CoA and its inhibitors and maintained its enzyme activity during fibril assembly. It is proposed that the Acot7 fibrillar form acts as functional amyloid.
Distinct differences between calvarial and long bone osteocytes in cell morphologies, gene expression and aging responses
Authors: Gao Minhao , Zhu Bin , Fan Jing , Gao Youshui , Xue Feng , Li Guangyi , Hubbard Alysia , Gao Xiangrong , Sun Jing , Ling Jing , Cao Longxiang , Liu Delin , Yuan Jun , Jiang Qing , Papadimitriou John , Zou Weiguo , Feng Jian Q. , Yang Liu , Zhang Changqing , Gao Junjie , Zheng Minghao
Published: April 2023

Osteocytes are the terminally differentiated bone cells resulted from bone formation. Although there are two distinct processes of bone formation, intramembranous and endochondral ossifications contributing to the formation of calvarial and long bones, it is not clear whether the distinct pathways determine the differences between calvaria and femoral cortical bone derived osteocytes. In the present study, we employed confocal structured illumination microscopy and mRNA‐sequencing analysis to characterize the morphologic and transcriptomic expression of osteocytes from murine calvaria and mid‐shaft femoral cortical bone. Structured illumination microscopy and geometric modelling showed round shaped and irregularly scattered calvarial osteocytes compared to spindle shaped and orderly arrayed cortical osteocytes. mRNA‐sequencing analysis indicated different transcriptomic profiles between calvarial and cortical osteocytes and provided evidence that mechanical response of osteocytes may contribute to geometrical differences. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis showed that these two groups of osteocytes come from distinct pathways with 121 ossification‐related genes differentially expressed. Analysis of correlation between ossification and osteocyte geometries via a Venn diagram showed that several genes related to ossification, cytoskeleton organization and dendrite development were differentially expressed between calvarial and cortical osteocytes. Finally, we demonstrated that aging disrupted the organization of dendrites and cortical osteocytes but had no significant effects on calvarial osteocytes. Together, we conclude that calvarial and cortical osteocytes are different in various aspects, which is probably the consequence of their distinct pathways of ossification.
Global patterns and predictors of avian population density
Authors: Santini Luca , Tobias Joseph A. , Callaghan Corey , Gallego‐Zamorano Juan , Benítez‐López Ana
Published: April 2023

Aim

How population density varies across animal species in the context of environmental gradients, and associated migratory strategies, remains poorly understood. The recent influx of avian trait data and population density estimates allows these patterns to be described and explored in unprecedented detail. This study aims to identify the main macroecological drivers of population density in birds.

Location

Global.

Time period

1970–2021.

Major taxa studied

Birds (Aves).

Methods

We collated a dataset of 5072 local population density estimates for 1853 species and modelled population density as a function of trait and environmental predictors in a Bayesian framework accounting for phylogenetic and spatial autocorrelation. We explored the influence of body mass, diet, primary lifestyle, mating system, nesting behaviour, territoriality, and migratory behaviour on population density, accounting for a range of environmental variables, including preferred habitat type, primary productivity, precipitation and temperature. Based on this empirical baseline, we then predicted the mean population density for 9089 species of birds and estimated global geographic patterns of bird population density.

Results

Population density was lower in species with larger body mass and higher trophic levels, and also declined in territorial species, migratory species, brood parasites and species inhabiting resource‐poor habitat types (e.g., deserts). Conversely, population density increased in cooperative breeders. Environmental drivers were most influential for migratory birds, with precipitation and temperature both associated with higher population density. Overall, bird population densities were higher at lower latitudes.

Main conclusions

Our results support previous findings on the role of body mass, diet and environmental gradients, but also reveal novel species‐specific drivers of avian densities related to reproduction, migration and resource‐holding behaviour. Substantial fine‐scale variation remains unexplained. We provide a global dataset of population density predictions for use in macroecological analyses and conservation assessments.
Environmental corporate social responsibility under price competition and the second‐mover advantage: An endogenous timing approach
Authors: Park Chul‐Hi , Lee Sang‐Ho
Published: April 2023

We consider an environmental corporate social responsibility (ECSR) under price competition in a product differentiated duopoly and formulate an extensive endogenous timing game where firms choose ECSR and subsequently choose prices. We show that a successive sequential‐move appears in the equilibrium wherein an ECSR leader adopts a lower degree of ECSR and thereupon chooses a price leader. Therefore, the firm with a low degree of ECSR becomes a price leader while the firm with a high degree of ECSR becomes a price follower but earns higher profits, that is, a second‐mover advantage with ECSR‐induced higher costs appears.
Social norms and gendered occupational choices of men and women: Time to turn the tide?
Authors: Palffy Patricia , Lehnert Patrick , Backes‐Gellner Uschi
Published: April 2023

We analyze the relationship between social gender norms and adolescents' occupational choices by combining regional votes on constitutional amendments on gender equality with job application data from a large job board for apprenticeships. The results show that adolescent males in regions with stronger traditional social gender norms are more likely to apply for typically male occupations. This finding does not hold for females, suggesting that incentivizing men to break the norms and choose gender‐atypical occupations (e.g., in healthcare) can be even more effective in accelerating advancement toward gender equality in the labor market than incentivizing women to choose STEM occupations.
Isolated Splenic Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Wilson Alan J.
Published: April 2023

A case of isolated splenic vein thrombosis is presented and discussed with reference to the previous literature. This is a rare condition, but probably goes unrecognised in many cases of pancreatic inflammatory disease.