bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retinal development and the expression profiles of opsin genes during larval development in Takifugu rubripes
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wu Yumeng , Li Weiyuan , Wang Jia , Zhou Huiting , Zhang Lei , Liu Qi , Ying Liu , Yan Hongwei
Published: November 2022

The light‐sensitive capacity of fish larvae is determined by the structure of the retina and the opsins expressed in the retinal and nonretinal photoreceptors. In this study, the retinal structure and expression of opsin genes during the early developmental stage of Takifugu rubripes larvae were investigated. Histological examination showed that at 1 days after hatching (dah), seven layers were observed in the retina of T. rubripes larva, including the pigment epithelial layer [retinal pigment epithelium layer (RPE)], photoreceptor layer (PRos/is), outer nuclear layer (ONL), outer plexiform layer (OPL), inner nuclear layer (INL), inner plexiform layer (IPL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL). At 2 dah, optic fibre layer (OFL) can be observed, and all eight layers were visible in the retina. By measuring the thickness of each layer, opposing developmental trends were found in the thickness of ONL, OPL, INL, IPL, GCL and OFL. The nuclear density of ONL, INL and GCL and the ratios of ONL/INL, ONL/GCL and INL/GCL were also measured and the ratio of ONL/GCL ranged from 1.9 at 2 dah to 3.4 at 8 dah and no significant difference was observed between the different developmental stages (P > 0.05). No significant difference was observed for the INL/GCL ratio between the different developmental stages, which ranged from 1.2 at 2 dah to 2.0 at 18 dah (P > 0.05). The results of quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed that the expression of RH1, LWS, RH2‐1, RH2‐2, SWS2, rod opsin, opsin3 and opsin5 could be detected from 1 dah. These results suggest that the well‐developed retina and early expression of the opsins of T. rubripes during the period of transition from endogenous to mixed feeding might be critical for vision‐based survival skills during the early life stages after hatching.
The density of hepatic autonomic innervation differs between compensatory and direct hyperplasia rat models
Authors: Trucas Marcello , Kowalik Marta Anna , Boi Marianna , Serra Maria Pina , Perra Andrea , Quartu Marina
Published: November 2022

To contribute to the knowledge of the autonomic innervation in liver regeneration, here we investigate the distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐ and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)‐like immunoreactive (LI) nerve fibers, to indicate noradrenergic and cholinergic nerves, respectively, in rats under different conditions of liver damage and repair. By immunohistochemistry and assessment of nerve fiber density, three models of induced hepatic regeneration were examined: the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxication, with two treatment periods of 14 weeks and 18 weeks; the partial hepatectomy (PH); the thyroid hormone (T3) treatment. TH‐ and ChAT‐LI nerve fibers were detectable mostly in the portal spaces, the TH‐LI ones occurring only around blood vessels while the ChAT‐LI nerve fibers were also associated with secretory ducts. The density of TH‐like immunoreactivity in the portal areas decreased after the CCl4 14 weeks treatment and PH and increased after T3. By contrast, ChAT‐LI nerve fibers appeared particularly abundant around the neoductal elements in the CCl4 rats and were rare to absent in the PH and T3‐treated groups. The ChAT‐LI nerve fiber density within the portal areas revealed an increase in the CCl4‐treated rats while showing no change in the PH and T3‐treated rats. The changes in the density of perivascular TH‐ and ChAT‐containing nerve fibers suggest a finely tuned autonomic modulation of hepatic blood flow depending on the type of subacute/chronic induced hyperplasia, while the characteristic occurrence of the periductal cholinergic innervation after the CCl4 treatment implies a selective parasympathetic role in regulating the physiopathological regenerative potential of the rat liver.
Towards a Theory of Serendipity: A Systematic Review and Conceptualization
Authors: Busch Christian
Published: November 2022

Serendipity – the notion of making surprising and valuable discoveries – plays a major role in the success of individuals and organizations alike. Previous research has established the importance of serendipity and identified important individual‐ and organizational‐level antecedents. However, the literature has been dispersed and the boundaries of the concept have been blurry, leading to a lack of conceptual clarity and structure, and thus limiting validity and managerial actionability. Based on a systematic literature review, I synthesize existing management‐related research on serendipity and explicate the emergence and composition of serendipity in the organizational context. I first identify three necessary conditions that differentiate serendipity from related concepts such as luck or targeted innovation: agency, surprise, and value. Then, I draw from the literature on sensemaking, event‐based theorizing, and quantum‐based approaches to management to conceptualize the process of cultivating serendipity in the organizational context as a process of enabling potentiality and materialization, and develop a multi‐level theory of (cultivating) serendipity. This conceptualization contributes to our collective understanding of how, why, and when (i.e., under what conditions) organizations can leverage the value in the unexpected, which opens up fruitful avenues for further research.
Gene polymorphisms and serum levels of mannose‐binding lectin in Czech patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A case–control study
Authors: Izakovicova Pavla , Slezakova Simona , Jiraskova Zakostelska Zuzana , Sistkova Jana , Mlcuchova Natalie , Bartova Jirina , Petanova Jitka , Kuklinek Pavel , Fassmann Antonin , Dusek Ladislav , Izakovicova Holla Lydie , Borilova Linhartova Petra
Published: November 2022

Background

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is one of the most prevalent oral mucosal immunological diseases. A recent case–control study in the Egyptian population suggested that single nucleotide polymorphism Gly54Asp (rs1800450) of the mannose‐binding lectin 2 gene might affect the mannose‐binding lectin serum level and recurrent aphthous stomatitis development. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of six functional mannose‐binding lectin 2 gene polymorphisms and analyse their role in recurrent aphthous stomatitis susceptibility in the Czech population.

Methods

The study included 227 subjects; 137 healthy people and 90 patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Six mannose‐binding lectin 2 gene polymorphisms (rs11003125, rs7096206, rs7095891, rs5030737, rs1800450, rs1800451) were analysed by the SNaPshot assay method, mannose‐binding lectin serum levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method in a subgroup of subjects (N = 87).

Results

No significant differences in mean of mannose‐binding lectin serum levels between healthy controls and patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis were observed (383 ng/ml ± 249 standard deviation (SD) vs. 316 ng/ml ± 177 SD in remission phase vs. 343 ng/ml ± 254 SD in active phase;p > 0.05), also the allele and genotype frequencies of the studied mannose‐binding lectin 2 polymorphisms did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > 0.05, odds ratio (OR): 0.75–1.23). Moreover, the distribution of mannose‐binding lectin 2 haplotypes and haplogenotypes was similar in the healthy subjects and patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (p > 0.05, OR: 0.75–1.23).

Conclusions

This study did not confirm the previously reported association of the mannose‐binding lectin 2 Gly54Asp gene variant and low mannose‐binding lectin serum level as the risk factors for susceptibility to recurrent aphthous stomatitis. In addition, no significant relationships between mannose‐binding lectin 2 functional haplotypes or haplogenotypes and recurrent aphthous stomatitis were observed.
Use of completion projective technique to understand consumer's perception upon a novelty cosmetic with olive oil
Authors: Parente Emma , Miraballes Marcelo , Gámbaro Adriana
Published: November 2022

Projective techniques are a type of qualitative methodology that have rarely been applied to cosmetic products. In this study, 334 women completed an online survey aiming to explore their perception of an after‐shower oil with olive oil, applying three variants of the completion projective technique (story completion, sentence completion, and dialogue completion). Even though 36% of the assessors intended to buy and try the product, some aspects discouraged other consumers from buying it, such as the belief that the product will leave a greasy and sticky sensation on the skin (36.4%) and the intense disagreeable smell (28.7%) that it might have. The lack of knowledge of several consumers regarding the effects of olive oil on the skin was also evident. This study allowed us to define important aspects to be considered during the design of a new cosmetic containing olive oil. The information obtained might also be used to plan strategies of communication and position of the product in the market.

Practical Applications

The application of completion projective techniques to study consumers' perception of a novel cosmetic product allows us to obtain relevant information to be considered during the design of the new cosmetic, hence identifying more suitable marketing and communication strategies to promote the product to potential purchasers.
Gloeotrichia pisum in Lake Kinneret: A successful epiphytic cyanobacterium
Authors: Lang‐Yona Naama , Alster Alla , Cummings David , Freiman Zohar , Kaplan‐Levy Ruth , Lupu Achsa , Malinsky‐Rushansky Nechama , Ninio Shira , Sukenik Assaf , Viner‐Mozzini Yehudith , Zohary Tamar
Published: November 2022

With climate change and re‐oligotrophication of lakes due to restoration efforts, the relative importance of benthic cyanobacteria is increasing, but they are much less studied than their planktonic counterparts. Following a major water level rise event that inundated massive reed stands in Lake Kinneret, Israel, we discovered the appearance of a vast abundance of Gloeotrichia pisum (cyanobacteria). This provided an opportunity to investigate the biology and ecology of a benthic epiphytic colonial cyanobacterium, proliferating under altered environmental conditions, with possible toxin production potential and as a model for an invasive epiphyte. The species was identified by its typical morphology, and by sequencing its 16S rRNA gene and the intragenic space. We report on the abundance and spatial distribution of the detected colonies, their morphological characteristics, and pigment composition. High phycoerythrin content provides a brownish color and supports growth at low light levels. Genomic community composition analysis revealed that G. pisum colonies host a diverse microbial community of microalgae, cyanobacteria, bacteria, and archaea with a conserved and characteristic taxonomic composition. The Synechococcales order showed high relative abundance in the colony, as well as other prokaryotes producing secondary metabolites, such as the rhodopsin producer Pseudorhodobacter. The microbial consortium in the colonies performed nitrogen fixation. The diazotroph's phylogenetic relations were demonstrated. Tests for the presence of cyanotoxins (microcystin and cylindrospermopsin) proved negative. This study is the first documentation of this genus in Israel, providing insights into the invasive nature of G. pisum and the ecological implications of its appearance in a lake ecosystem.
Two bloom‐forming species ofUlva(Chlorophyta) show different responses to seawater temperature and no antagonistic interaction
Authors: Bermejo Ricardo , Galindo‐Ponce Maria , Golden Nessa , Linderhoff Charlene , Heesch Svenja , Hernández Ignacio , Morrison Liam
Published: November 2022

The generalized use of molecular identification tools indicated that multispecific green tides are more common than previously thought.Temporal successions between bloom‐forming species on a seasonal basis were also revealed in different cold temperate estuaries, suggesting a key role of photoperiod and temperature controlling bloom development and composition. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, water temperatures are predicted to increase around 4°C by 2100 in Ireland, especially during late spring coinciding with early green tide development. Considering current and predicted temperatures, and photoperiods during bloom development, different eco‐physiological experiments were developed. These experiments indicated that the growth ofUlva lacinulatawas controlled by temperature, whileU. compressawas unresponsive to the photoperiod and temperatures assayed. Considering a scenario of global warming for Irish waters, an earlier development of bloom is expected in the case ofU. lacinulata. This could have significant consequences for biomass balance in Irish estuaries and the maximum accumulated biomass during peak bloom. The observed seasonal patterns and experiments also indicated thatU. compressamay facilitateU. lacinulatadevelopment. When both species were co‐cultivated, the culture performance showed intermediate responses to experimental treatments in comparison with monospecific cultures of both species.
Biglycan promotes hepatic fibrosis through activating heat shock protein 47
Authors: Yu Mengli , He Xinjue , Song Xin , Gao Jianguo , Pan Jiaqi , Zhou Tianyu , Wang Qinqiu , Zhu Wei , Ma Huijian , Zeng Hang , Xu Chengfu , Yu Chaohui
Published: November 2022

Background

Biglycan (BGN) is a small leucine‐rich proteoglycan that participates in the production of excess extracellular matrix (ECM) and is related to fibrosis in many organs. However, the role of BGN in liver fibrosis remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of BGN in liver fibrosis.

Methods

Human liver samples, Bgn−/0 (BGN KO) mice and a human LX‐2 hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) model were applied for the study of experimental fibrosis. GEO data and single‐cell RNA‐seq data of human liver tissue were analysed as a bioinformatic approach. Coimmunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence staining, western blotting and qRT–PCR were conducted to identify the regulatory effects of BGN on heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) expression and liver fibrosis.

Results

We observed that hepatic BGN expression was significantly increased in patients with fibrosis and in a mouse model of liver fibrosis. Genetic deletion of BGN disrupted TGF‐β1 pathway signalling and alleviated liver fibrosis in mice administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). siRNA‐mediated knockdown of BGN significantly reduced TGF‐β1‐induced ECM deposition and fibroblastic activation in LX‐2 cells. Mechanistically, BGN directly interacted with and positively regulated the collagen synthesis chaperon protein HSP47. Rescue experiments showed that BGN promoted hepatic fibrosis by regulating ECM deposition and HSC activation by positively regulating HSP47.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that BGN promotes hepatic fibrosis by regulating ECM deposition and HSC activation through an HSP47‐dependent mechanism. BGN may be a new biomarker of hepatic fibrosis and a novel target for disease prevention and treatment.
Terrestrial ages of seven meteorite strewn fields and two single unpaired meteorites from the Sultanate of Oman determined using 14C and 10Be
Authors: Sliz Malgorzata U. , Hofmann Beda A. , Leya Ingo , Szidat Sönke , Espic Christophe , Gattacceca Jérôme , Braucher Régis , Borschneck Daniel , Gnos Edwin ,   ASTER Team
Published: November 2022

Through the investigation of terrestrial ages of meteorites from Oman, we aim to better understand the time scales of meteorite accumulation and erosion in Oman and the meteorite flux in the past. Here, we present 14C and 14C‐10Be terrestrial ages of seven ordinary chondrite strewn fields and two unpaired single meteorites from the Sultanate of Oman. After critical evaluation of multiple data for each strewn field, we propose “best estimate terrestrial ages,” typically based on 14C/10Be. For objects for which complex irradiation histories are known or suspected, terrestrial ages were calculated solely using 14C. The best estimate strewn field ages range from 8.1 ± 3.0 ka (SaU 001) to 35.2 ± 5.1 ka (Dho 005). Including two previously dated strewn fields, the mean and median age of nine Oman strewn fields is 15.9 ± 12.3 and 13.6 ka, respectively. The new data show a general good agreement with data previously obtained in a different laboratory, and we observe a similar general correlation between strewn field ages and mean weathering grade as in previous work based on individual meteorites. Weathering degree W4 is reached for dated samples after 20–35 ka. While the age statistics of strewn fields does not show the previously observed lack of young events, the low abundance of young (0–5 ka) individual meteorites as compared with older (~20 ka) meteorites is confirmed by our data and remains unexplained.
Once in a summer: Fall history of the JaH 073 strewn field, Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Wimmer Karl , Gnos Edwin , Hofmann Beda A.
Published: November 2022

Modeling of a prehistoric fall can be successful if a strewn field is very well documented and coordinates, masses, and shapes of all individual stones are recorded. In combination with meteoroid mass and wind model constraints, a detailed scenario of the atmospheric passage is obtained for the ~20 × 6 km‐sized JaH 073 L6 strewn field in Oman. The wide mass ranges from 52.2 kg to <1 g together with the large number of ~3500 stones offer the statistical basis to reconstruct the trajectory and the fragmentation sequence. The size of the meteoroid, constrained by noble gas analyses, corresponds to an initial mass of about 12 t at atmospheric entry using an L‐chondrite bulk density of 3400–3500 kg m−3. Assuming typical ablation behavior, these data are compatible with an entry velocity of 20 ± 3 km s−1. The best model fit is achieved for a serial fragmentation scenario starting at an altitude of ~34 km and showing a main fragmentation at 26 km. A resolved event seems to have occurred at 22 km, followed by a more diffuse fragmentation at 19 km. The vertical trajectory angle is calculated at 43 ± 2° and the azimuth at 329 ± 1°. The position of numerous outlying meteorites in the strewn field can only be reproduced by repeated fragmentation with cumulated transverse velocities from explosive events. The wind model adopted from modern data fits surprisingly well and indicates summer monsoon with strong easterly winds during the fall event, consistent with paleoclimatic data.
Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones: Understanding and Integrating Social Justice in Chinese Language Class
Authors: KONG KAISHAN
Published: November 2022

Recent global social unrest—anti‐Asian violence in particular—was a wake‐up call compelling Chinese language teachers to not only reflect on their emotions but also actively incorporate social justice in their curriculum and instruction. Yet, research on social justice in Chinese language classrooms is scarce. Building on recent work on teacher agency, this study investigated 10 Chinese language teachers, originally from mainland China and Taiwan, about their understandings and practices of social justice in their teaching. Findings identified 3 major dimensions that influenced their understandings and practices—namely, community, curriculum, and, more importantly, culture. (Re)shaping their understandings and adapting pedagogical skills were ongoing processes through which the teachers experienced complex feelings, support, and challenges; nonetheless, they drew on their agency to embed social justice in their teaching, manifested through (a) centering social justice topics in curriculum and instruction, and (b) creating a justice‐oriented environment. This study explored social justice in the landscape of Chinese language education and provides implications for teaching and teacher education.
Dysregulated cystathionine‐β‐synthase/hydrogen sulfide signaling promotes chronic stress‐induced colonic hypermotility in rats
Authors: Lin Mengjuan , Hu Guiying , Yu Baoping
Published: November 2022

Background

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an important endogenous gasotransmitter, is involved in the modulation of gastrointestinal motility, but whether it mediates the intestinal dysmotility in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is not known. This study explored the significance of cystathionine‐β‐synthase (CBS)/H2S signaling in stress‐induced colonic dysmotility.

Methods

A rat model of IBS was established using chronic water avoidance stress (WAS). Colonic pathological alterations were detected histologically. Intestinal motility was determined by intestinal transit time (ITT) and fecal water content (FWC). Visceral sensitivity was assessed using the visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distension (CRD). Real‐time PCR, Western blotting, and immunostaining were performed to identify the expression of CBS in the colon. The contractions of distal colon were studied in an organ bath system and H2S content was measured by ELISA. The effects of SAM, a selective CBS activator, on colonic dysmotility were examined. MEK1 was tested as a potential upstream effector of CBS/H2S loss.

Key Results

After 10 days of WAS, the ITT was decreased and FWC was increased, and the VMR magnitude in response to CRD was enhanced. The colonic CBS expression and H2S levels were significantly declined in WAS‐exposed rats, and the density of CBS‐positive enteric neurons in the myenteric plexus in WAS‐treated rats was lower than that in controls. SAM treatment relieved WAS‐induced colonic hypermotility via increased H2S production. AZD6244, a selective inhibitor of MEK1, partially reversed CBS downregulation and colonic hypermotility in WAS‐treated rats.

Conclusions & Inferences

Decreased CBS/H2S signaling through increased MEK1 signaling might be important in the pathogenesis of chronic stress‐induced colonic hypermotility. SAM could be administered for disorders associated with intestinal hypermotility.
Pharyngeal biorhythms during oral milk challenge in high‐risk infants: Do they predict chronic tube feeding?
Authors: Hasenstab Kathryn A. , Prabhakar Varsha , Helmick Roseanna , Yildiz Vedat , Jadcherla Sudarshan R.
Published: November 2022

Background

Eating difficulties are common in high‐risk neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) infants; mechanisms remain unclear. Crib‐side pharyngo‐esophageal motility testing is utilized to assess contiguous swallowing physiology, and cross‐system interplay with cardio‐respiratory rhythms. Aims were to: (1) identify whether distinct pharyngeal rhythms exist during oral milk challenge (OMC), and (2) develop a chronic tube feeding risk prediction model in high‐risk infants.

Methods

Symptomatic NICU infants (N = 56, 29.7 ± 3.7 weeks birth gestation) underwent pharyngo‐esophageal manometry with OMC at 40.9 ± 2.5 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). Exploratory cluster data analysis (partitioning around k‐medoids) was performed to identify patient groups using pharyngeal contractile rhythm data (solitary swallows and swallows within bursts). Subsequently, (a) pharyngeal‐esophageal, cardio‐respiratory, and eating method characteristics were compared among patient groups using linear mixed models, and (b) chronic tube feeding prediction model was created using linear regression.

Results

Three distinct patient groups were identified with validity score of 0.6, and termed sparse (high frequency of solitary swallows), intermediate, or robust (high swallow rate within bursts). Robust group infants had: lesser pharyngeal and esophageal variability, greater deglutition apnea, pharyngeal activity, and esophageal activity (allp < 0.05), but less frequent heart rate decreases (p < 0.05) with improved clinical outcomes (milk transfer rate,p < 0.001, and independent oral feeding at discharge,p < 0.03). Chronic tube feeding risk = −11.37 + (0.22 × PMA) + (−0.73 × bronchopulmonary dysplasia) + (1.46 × intermediate group) + (2.57 × sparse group).

Conclusions

Robust pharyngeal rhythm may be an ideal neurosensorimotor biomarker of independent oral feeding. Differential maturation of cranial nerve‐mediated excitatory and inhibitory components involving foregut, airway, and cardiac rhythms distinguishes the physiologic and pathophysiologic basis of swallowing and cardio‐respiratory adaptation.
Psychiatric comorbidities among adult patients with disorders of gut–brain interaction: Prevalence and relationships to treatment outcomes
Authors: Madva Elizabeth N. , Staller Kyle , Huffman Jeff C. , Kuo Braden , Garcia‐Fischer Isabelle , Atkins Micaela , Keefer Laurie , Celano Christopher M. , Murray Helen Burton
Published: November 2022

Background

Little is known about the impact of psychiatric comorbidity on pharmacologic treatment outcomes, including neuromodulators (medications targeting the gut–brain axis), among adult patients with disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI). Accordingly, we aimed to examine associations between psychiatric comorbidity and DGBI pharmacologic treatment outcomes.

Methods

In a retrospective study of consecutively referred new patients (N = 410; ages 18–90; 73% female) to a tertiary neurogastroenterology clinic in 2016 with follow‐up through 2018, relationships between psychiatric illness (any psychiatric illness, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders) and pharmacologic treatment selection (any medication, neuromodulating medication) and treatment outcomes, respectively, were examined using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for demographics, gastrointestinal (GI) diagnoses, and pre‐existing neuromodulator use.

Key Results

Anxiety disorders (35%) were the most common psychiatric comorbidity, followed by depressive disorders (29%). Patients with anxiety disorders were more likely to be prescribed a neuromodulator by their gastroenterologist (OR = 1.72 [95% CI 1.10–2.75]) yet less likely to respond to neuromodulators (OR = 0.43 [0.21–0.90]) or any GI medication (OR = 0.24 [0.12–0.50]) in fully adjusted analyses. In contrast, depressive disorders were not associated with neuromodulator prescription or response.

Conclusions and Inferences

Anxiety disorders are common among patients with DGBI and significantly reduce the likelihood of GI pharmacologic treatment response to any medication prescribed, including neuromodulators.
Ten controversies in gastroparesis and a look to the future
Authors: Ramos Gabriela Piovezani , Camilleri Michael
Published: November 2022

Background

Gastroparesis is a complex, challenging gastrointestinal disorder presenting with upper gastrointestinal symptoms, especially nausea and vomiting, with significant impact on patients' quality of life. After ruling out mechanical obstruction, it is essential to identify delay in gastric emptying for definitive diagnosis. The most common causes are idiopathic (no identified etiology), diabetes mellitus, and postsurgical status. Management of gastroparesis focuses on dietary modifications and treatment directed to symptom relief. Unfortunately, approximately one‐third of patients are refractory to pharmacological therapy, and the effectiveness of the few nonpharmacological options has been questioned.

Purpose

Extensive review of the literature identifies several uncertainties or controversies regarding the differential diagnosis based on the spectrum of symptoms, the lack of availability of reliable diagnostic test, and questions regarding effective therapeutic options. In this review, we discuss ten controversies regarding gastroparesis: clinical presentation, diagnosis, overlap syndromes, pathophysiology, etiology, as well as pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapeutic options. In addition, we briefly review studies exploring pathological, inflammatory, and molecular disturbances affecting the intrinsic neuromuscular elements that may be involved in the pathophysiology of gastroparesis and may constitute possible therapeutic targets in the future. Finally, we tabulate future research opportunities to resolve these controversies in the management of patients with gastroparesis.
Oral lichen planus and related lesions. What should we accept based on the available evidence?
Authors: González‐Moles Miguel Ángel , Ramos‐García Pablo
Published: November 2022

Recent new terminologies have been proposed for lesions in the sphere of oral lichen planus (OLP) that theoretically present unique aetiological, clinical, prognostic or management characteristics different from those of the so‐called typical forms of OLP. We aimed to critically analyse what concepts and terminologies related to OLP should we accept based on the available evidence. A review of the literature was carried out in order to critically analyse the concepts and terminologies related to OLP. New concepts and terminologies include oral lichenoid lesions; contact lichenoid reactions, drug lichenoid reactions or those in the context of graft‐versus‐host disease; chronic ulcerative stomatitis; lichen planus pemphigoid; and some lesions that are difficult to categorise, such as OLP with features of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia and lichenoid lesions of the upper labial mucosa. A multidisciplinary, multicontinent working group has recently published a guideline with recommendations for modifying definitions and terminologies associated with a disease, among which a reasoned, evidence‐based justification for the proposed change is considered essential. An in‐depth analysis of the newly proposed terms for OLP‐related lesions shows that many of them are not justified. In this paper, we set out our position on the basis of the existing evidence on the appropriateness of the use of these new terms.
Comparison of intravenous and inhalation anesthesia on postoperative behavior changes in children undergoing ambulatory endoscopic procedures: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Quintão Vinícius Caldeira , Carlos Ricardo Vieira , Cardoso Priscilla Ferreira Neto , Zeferino Suely Pereira , Kulikowski Leslie Domenici , Lee‐Archer Paul , Carmona Maria José Carvalho
Published: November 2022

Background

Early and delayed behavioral changes are well recognized after anesthesia. Intravenous anesthesia may prevent emergence delirium. However, it has not been evaluated as a preventive strategy for delayed postoperative behavior changes.

Aims

We aimed to determine whether intravenous anesthesia is effective at reducing postoperative behavior changes in children undergoing ambulatory endoscopic procedures when compared to inhalation anesthesia.

Methods

This randomized, double‐blinded controlled trial was approved by the local IRB. Children aged 1–12 years who underwent ambulatory endoscopic procedures were recruited. Preoperative anxiety was evaluated through the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale. All children underwent face mask inhalation induction with sevoflurane. After a peripheral line was placed, each child was allocated to sevoflurane or propofol maintenance. Emergence delirium was evaluated through the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale. The child was discharged home, and behavioral changes were assessed through the Posthospitalization Behavior Questionnaire for Ambulatory Surgery on Days 1, 7, and 14.

Results

Overall, 175 children were enrolled. On Day 1 after the procedure, 57 children presented at least one negative behavior. On Days 7 and 14, 49 and 44 children presented at least one negative behavior, respectively. The median number of negative behaviors was similar between the groups. Post hoc analyses showed a moderate correlation between emergence delirium and negative postoperative behavior on Day 7 (r = .34; p = <.001) and an increase of 3.31 (95% CI 1.90; 4.36 p < .001) points in the mean summed score of new negative behaviors for individuals with emergence delirium.

Conclusion

The incidence of postoperative behavior changes in children undergoing ambulatory endoscopic procedures was similar when comparing intravenous with inhalation anesthesia. Children who experience emergence delirium might show a greater incidence of negative postoperative behavior changes.
Manifestation of anxiety and depression among pediatric patients with psoriasis: A review
Authors: Strouphauer Emily , Stolar Andrea , Tollefson Megha
Published: November 2022

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder with manifestations extending beyond visual presentation to encompass psychological burden. Though the association between psoriasis and mental health disorders in adults is widely accepted, there is inadequate research to generalize these findings to pediatric populations. In this review of the literature, we discuss the prevalence of anxiety and depression among pediatric patients with psoriasis in hopes of raising awareness of these associations and advocating for psychological screening and intervention in dermatology practice.
Comparative opinion loss
Authors: Eva Benjamin , Stern Reuben
Published: November 2022

It is a consequence of the theory of imprecise credences that there exist situations in which rational agents inevitably become less opinionated toward some propositions as they gather more evidence. The fact that an agent's imprecise credal state can dilate in this way is often treated as a strike against the imprecise approach to inductive inference. Here, we show that dilation is not a mere artifact of this approach by demonstrating that opinion loss is countenanced as rational by a substantially broader class of normative theories than has been previously recognised. Specifically, we show that dilation‐like phenomena arise even when one abandons the basic assumption that agents have (precise or imprecise) credences of any kind, and follows directly from bedrock norms for rational comparative confidence judgements of the form ‘I am at least as confident in p as I am in q’. We then use the comparative confidence framework to develop a novel understanding of what exactly gives rise to dilation‐like phenomena. By considering opinion loss in this more general setting, we are able to provide a novel assessment of the prospects for an account of inductive inference that is not saddled with the inevitability of rational opinion loss.
Decentralization and development in Ghana's Fourth Republic
Authors: Debrah Emmanuel , Owusu‐Mensah Isaac
Published: November 2022

This article demonstrates how decentralization can lead to development at the local level, albeit in moderate form. Analyzing data collected from 660 respondents based on face‐to‐face interviews, focus group discussions, and personal observations, we found that the transfer of power and resources to the district assemblies (DAs) has led to the provision of critical social amenities such as roads, education, health‐care facilities, and management of environmental sanitation at the sub‐national level. Respondents are satisfied with the provision of these social amenities because they have led to relative improvements in their basic social needs. Yet, delays and the accumulation of arrears associated with the transfers of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) have deprived the DAs of the needed revenue to deliver far‐reaching social services to the people. The grant of more financial autonomy to the DAs and measures to curtail the overbearing influence of the central government over the administration of the DACF will enhance their capacity to deliver substantial development projects to accentuate the transformation of the rural districts.

Related Articles

Adams, Brian E. 2016. “Assessing the Merits of Decentralization: A Framework for Identifying the Causal Mechanisms Influencing Policy Outcomes.” Politics & Policy 44(5): 820–49. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12172.

Ayanoore, Ishmael, and Sam Hickey. 2022. “Reframing the Politics of Natural Resource Governance in Africa: Insights from the Local Content Legislation Process in Ghana.” Politics & Policy 50(1): 119–36. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12449.

Debrah, Emmanuel. 2016. “Decentralization, District Chief Executives, and District Assemblies in Ghana's Fourth Republic.” Politics & Policy 44(1): 135–64. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12146.
Distinct neural dynamics underlying risk and ambiguity during valued‐based decision making
Authors: Deng Leyou , Li Qi , Zhang Mang , Shi Puyu , Zheng Ya
Published: November 2022

Uncertainty can be fractioned into risk and ambiguity psychologically and neurobiologically. However, whether and how risk and ambiguity are dissociated in terms of neural dynamics during value‐based decision making remain elusive. The present event‐related potential (ERP) study addressed these issues by asking participants to perform a wheel‐of‐fortune task either during a risky context (Experiment 1; N = 30) where outcome probability was known or during an ambiguous context (Experiment 2; N = 30) where outcome probability was unknown. Results revealed that the cue‐P3 was more enhanced for risk versus ambiguity during the anticipatory phase, whereas the RewP was more increased for ambiguity than risk during the consummatory phase. Moreover, the SPN and the fb‐P3 components were further modulated by the levels of risk and ambiguity, respectively. These findings demonstrate a neural dissociation between risk and ambiguity, which unfolds from the anticipatory phase to the consummatory phase.
Neural timing of the other‐race effect across the lifespan: A review
Authors: Serafini Luana , Pesciarelli Francesca
Published: November 2022

Face race influences the way we process faces, so that faces of a different ethnic group are processed for identity less efficiently than faces of one's ethnic group ‐ a phenomenon known as the Other‐Race Effect (ORE). Although widely replicated, the ORE is still poorly characterized in terms of its development and the underlying mechanisms. In the last two decades, the Event‐Related Potential (ERP) technique has brought insight into the mechanisms underlying the ORE and has demonstrated potential to clarify its development. Here, we review the ERP evidence for a differential neural processing of own‐race and other‐race faces throughout the lifespan. In infants, race‐related processing differences emerged at the N290 and P400 (structural encoding) stages. In children, race affected the P100 (early processing, attention) perceptual stage and was implicitly encoded at the N400 (semantic processing) stage. In adults, processing difficulties for other‐race faces emerged at the N170 (structural encoding), P200 (configuration processing) and N250 (accessing individual representations) perceptual stages. Early in processing, race was implicitly encoded from other‐race faces (N100, P200 attentional biases) and in‐depth processing preferentially applied to own‐race faces (N200 attentional bias). Encoding appeared less efficient (Dm effects) and retrieval less recollection‐based (old/new effects) for other‐race faces. Evidence admits the contribution of perceptual, attentional, and motivational processes to the development and functioning of the ORE, offering no conclusive support for perceptual or socio‐cognitive accounts. Cross‐racial and non‐cross‐racial studies provided convergent evidence. Future research would need to include less represented ethnic populations and the developmental population.
One turn at a time: Behavioral and ERP evidence for two types of rotations in the classical mental rotation task
Authors: Ankaoua Maya , Luria Roy
Published: November 2022

We perform mental rotations in many everyday situations, such as reading a map or following furniture assembling instructions. In a classical mental rotation task, participants are asked to judge whether a rotated stimulus is presented in its mirrored form or its canonical form. Previous results have indicated a degree effect: RT is longer as the angle of rotation increases, and this effect is traditionally explained by arguing that this judgment requires rotating the stimulus back to its upright form. Importantly, in half of the trials, the stimuli are rotated on both the page plane and mirror plane. Namely, we argue that in previous research the task actually involved two different rotation processes. To provide a clear dissociation between these two rotations, we collected EEG data and used the Contralateral Delay Activity (CDA) as an indicator of visual working memory (VWM) load. The results of Experiment 1 suggested different VWM involvement according to the degrees rotations when the item was not mirrored, such that the CDA amplitude generally increased as the degree of rotation was higher. Mirrored trials were all at ceiling in terms of CDA, regardless of their rotation degree. Experiment 2 showed increased CDA amplitude uniquely related to the flip rotation. Thus, we provided ERP evidence that the canonical mental rotation task involves two types of rotations that can be dissociated based on the load they imposed on VWM.
Dynamic autonomic nervous system states arise during emotions and manifest in basal physiology
Authors: Pasquini Lorenzo , Noohi Fatemeh , Veziris Christina R. , Kosik Eena L. , Holley Sarah R. , Lee Alex , Brown Jesse A. , Roy Ashlin R. K. , Chow Tiffany E. , Allen Isabel , Rosen Howard J. , Kramer Joel H. , Miller Bruce L. , Saggar Manish , Seeley William W. , Sturm Virginia E.
Published: November 2022

The outflow of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is continuous and dynamic, but its functional organization is not well understood. Whether ANS patterns accompany emotions, or arise in basal physiology, remain unsettled questions in the field. Here, we searched for brief ANS patterns amidst continuous, multichannel physiological recordings in 45 healthy older adults. Participants completed an emotional reactivity task in which they viewed video clips that elicited a target emotion (awe, sadness, amusement, disgust, or nurturant love); each video clip was preceded by a pre‐trial baseline period and followed by a post‐trial recovery period. Participants also sat quietly for a separate 2‐min resting period to assess basal physiology. Using principal components analysis and unsupervised clustering algorithms to reduce the second‐by‐second physiological data during the emotional reactivity task, we uncovered five ANS states. Each ANS state was characterized by a unique constellation of patterned physiological changes that differentiated among the trials of the emotional reactivity task. These ANS states emerged and dissipated over time, with each instance lasting several seconds on average. ANS states with similar structures were also detectable in the resting period but were intermittent and of smaller magnitude. Our results offer new insights into the functional organization of the ANS. By assembling short‐lived, patterned changes, the ANS is equipped to generate a wide range of physiological states that accompany emotions and that contribute to the architecture of basal physiology.
Why did Argentina and Uruguay decide to pursue a carbon tax? Fiscal reforms and explicit carbon prices
Authors: Rabbia Martin
Published: November 2022

Since 2014, carbon taxes have been spreading in South America. Counterintuitively, while they are primarily considered climate policies, their adoption has been largely driven by causes unrelated to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon tax policymaking literature has overlooked the causes that trigger the causal mechanisms for adopting carbon taxes and has instead centered on parts of the causal mechanism. Focusing on the very beginning of the process, namely the causes triggering the decision to pursue carbon taxes in Argentina and Uruguay, this study both contributes to the carbon tax policymaking literature and to the burgeoning application of logical Bayesian analysis in qualitative studies. According to previous studies, the pursuit of carbon taxes inherently entails political challenges linked, among others, to its potential regressive impacts and effects on industries, which makes the sudden rise of carbon taxes in Argentina and Uruguay surprising. Based on 26 expert interviews and a desk review, the study applies a logical Bayesian analysis to study potential causes structured around mutually exclusive hypotheses consistent with the carbon tax policymaking literature. It shows that the causes for pursuing carbon taxes in Argentina and Uruguay are not primarily related to mitigation. Instead, Argentina conceived carbon taxation as part of a broader reform of its fiscal system, and Uruguay as a way to make explicit the already high implicit carbon price.
Bacterial culture time to detection in platelet components: An evidence synthesis and estimation of detection failures
Authors: Walker Brandon S. , Schmidt Robert L. , Moore Ryleigh A. , White Sandra K. , Fisher Mark A. , Metcalf Ryan A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Non‐pathogen reduction platelet bacterial risk control strategies in the US FDA guidance include at least one culture. Almost all of these strategies have a culture hold time of ≥12 h. Studies have reported time to detection (TTD) of bacterial cultures inoculated with bacteria from contaminated platelets, but these data and estimates of risk associated with detection failures have not been synthesized.

Methods

We performed a literature search to identify studies reporting TTD for samples obtained from spiked platelet components. Using extracted data, regression analysis was used to estimate TTD for culture bottles at different inoculum sizes. Detection failures were defined as events in which contaminated components are transfused to a patient. We then used published data on time of transfusion (ToT) to estimate the risk of detection failures in practice.

Results

The search identified 1427 studies, of which 16 were included for analysis. TTD data were available for 16 different organisms, including 14 in aerobic cultures and 11 in anaerobic cultures. For inocula of 1 colony forming unit (CFU), the average TTD for aerobic organisms was 19.2 h while it was 24.9 h in anaerobic organisms, but there was substantial overall variation. A hold time of 12 versus 24 h had minimal effect for most organisms.

Conclusion

TTD variation occurs between bacterial species and within a particular species. Under typical inventory management, the relative contribution of culture detection failures is much smaller than the residual risk from sampling failures. Increasing the hold period beyond 12 h has limited value.
British and American norms in the Trinidadian English lexicon
Authors: Wilson Guyanne
Published: November 2022

Previous work on norm orientations in the Caribbean Englishes has focussed largely on phonological norms, such as accents, and, to a lesser extent, grammatical norm orientation. Outside of the publication of dictionaries, however, lexical norms and their spread have received little attention. This paper examines lexical norm orientations in Trinidadian English, presenting the results of a corpus‐based study and survey study of the lexical preferences of speakers of Trinidadian English. The findings suggest that while there is evidence of American influence on Trinidadian lexicon, British variants persist. Indeed, British and American variants often coexist, albeit with different connotations in Trinidadian English. From a methodological standpoint, this paper demonstrates the benefits of using a mixed‐methods approach in looking at norms, particularly with regard to lexicon.