bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eosinophilic myocarditis from a forensic histopathological perspective
Authors: Gun Eylul , Bugra Aytul
Published: January 2023

Eosinophilic myocarditis (EM) is a rare and potentially fatal form of myocarditis characterized by infiltration of the myocardium with eosinophil leukocytes, often accompanied by eosinophilia. Although the exact underlying cause remains unknown, it has been shown to be associated with hypersensitivity reactions, immune‐mediated disorders, infections, or cancer. Due to the differences in symptomatology, it is often diagnosed by postmortem histopathological examination. We aimed to retrospectively examine the histopathological findings of rare cases of EM and to detect accompanying cardiac and other organ pathologies. The histopathological findings of the cases that underwent autopsies between 2012 and 2020 and were diagnosed with EM were assessed. Demographic features, symptoms, causes of death, macroscopical findings at autopsy, toxicologic and microbiological analysis results, accompanying cardiac pathologies, and histopathological findings in other organs were evaluated. Myocarditis was detected on histopathologic examination in 558 (1.1%) of 49,612 forensic autopsies. There were 12 (2.3%) EM cases. There were nine males and four females. The mean age was 42.3 (3–83) years. Heart weights ranged from 82 to 564 g. The most common finding on macroscopic examination was the mottled discoloration and scarring in the myocardium. Microscopic examination revealed perivascular and interstitial infiltration of eosinophils in all of the cases accompanied by myocyte necrosis in four of them. EM was reported as the cause of death in four cases. EM remains a challenging heart disease with its obscure etiopathogenesis and varying clinical presentation and a rare entity diagnosed by postmortem histopathological examination in sudden and unexpected deaths.
Colonialism Otherwise and the Poetics of Solidarity: A Methodological Intervention De‐b/ordering Kashmir
Authors: Dar Sadhvi , Masood Ayesha
Published: January 2023

This paper reflects deeply on possibilities for developing solidarity with Kashmiri freedom struggles by mobilising a memorialisation praxis informed by poetics. We coin the term “colonialism otherwise” to describe the particular instruments and effects of postcolonial colonialism as they appear in the intimate space of family narratives, memories, and feelings. Foregrounding the works of the Kashmiri poet, essayist, and filmmaker, Uzma Falak, we write our memorialisations to respond to the poet's demands to bear witness to Kashmiri people's abjection. Our memorialisation praxis is guided by the questions: how do we know Kashmir as a place, and relatedly, what are the political limitations of our articulated solidarity with the anti‐colonial struggle forazaadi?
New “drugs and targets” in the GWAS era of bipolar disorder
Authors: Qi Hao‐Xiang , Xiao Xiao , Li Tao , Li Ming
Published: January 2023

Objective

Due to the phenotypic heterogeneity and etiological complexity of bipolar disorder (BD), many patients do not respond well to the current medications, and developing novel effective treatment is necessary. Whether any BD genome‐wide association study (GWAS) risk genes were targets of existing drugs or novel drugs that can be repurposed in the clinical treatment of BD is a hot topic in the GWAS era of BD.

Methods

A list of 425 protein‐coding BD risk genes was distilled through the BD GWAS, and 4479 protein‐coding druggable targets were retrieved from the druggable genome. The overlapped genes/targets were subjected to further analyses in DrugBank, Pharos, and DGIdb datasets in terms of their FDA status, mechanism of action and primary indication, to identify their potential for repurposing.

Results

We identified 58 BD GWAS risk genes grouped as the druggable targets, and several genes were given higher priority. These BD risk genes were targets of antipsychotics, antidepressants, antiepileptics, calcium channel antagonists, as well as anxiolytics and analgesics, either existing clinically‐approved drugs for BD or the drugs than can be repurposed for treatment of BD in the future. Those genes were also likely relevant to BD pathophysiology, as many of them encode ion channel, ion transporter or neurotransmitter receptor, or the mice manipulating those genes are likely to mimic the phenotypes manifest in BD patients.

Conclusions

This study identifies several targets that may facilitate the discovery of novel treatments in BD, and implies the value of conducting GWAS into clinical translation.
Challenges and solutions to sustaining paediatric weight management programs in the United States
Authors: Christison Amy L. , Ariza Adolfo J. , Fernandez Cristina , Kumar Seema , Novick Marsha B. , Santos Melissa , Stratbucker William B. , Sweeney Brooke R. , Vidmar Alaina , Kirk Shelley
Published: January 2023

Paediatric weight management (PWM) programs in the United States (US) face challenges in providing sustainable multidisciplinary care for patients. The aim of this study was to report PWM program approaches to sustaining program delivery. A survey of 39 PWM programs was administered to identify challenges and solutions to program sustainability. Common and useful strategies for optimizing reimbursement for services included the use of applicable reimbursable diagnostic codes and management, billing for assessments and non‐medical personnel services, and the use of hospital outpatient department clinic billing. Increasing clinical breadth and capacity was achieved by offering telemedicine and other services, such as psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and metabolic and bariatric surgery, as well as active management of schedules. Securing institutional and extramural funding was also reported. One of the positive changes during the pandemic was the fast adoption of telemedicine services. Although delivering sustainable evidence‐based multidisciplinary PWM under the current US payment models has its challenges, PWM programs implement practical operational strategies to support this work.
Optimal dose of rituximab in ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation in patients with low anti‐A/B antibody titers: A single‐center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Okada Manabu , Narumi Shunji , Hasegawa Yuki , Futamura Kenta , Hiramitsu Takahisa , Ichimori Toshihiro , Goto Norihiko , Kobayashi Takaaki , Uchida Kazuharu , Takeda Asami , Watarai Yoshihiko
Published: January 2023

Background

The clinical outcomes of ABO‐incompatible (ABOi) kidney transplantation have improved with the introduction of desensitization therapy with rituximab. However, rituximab prevents not only antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) but also increases the risk of adverse events, such as infection. For ABOi kidney transplantation in patients with low anti‐A/B antibody titers, we previously used a rituximab‐free desensitization protocol and then initiated a single dose of 100 mg rituximab in 2016. We retrospectively compared the outcomes of ABOi kidney transplantation in patients with low anti‐A/B antibody titers before and after the introduction of rituximab.

Methods

ABOi kidney transplantations (n = 142) in patients with low anti‐A/B antibody titers between 2007 and 2021 were included. Patients were divided into two groups (with and without rituximab) for desensitization. The primary outcomes were the incidence of acute AMR and infection.

Results

Sixty‐six patients were desensitized without rituximab (rituximab‐free group), and 76 were pretreated with 100 mg rituximab (rituximab group) before transplantation. The incidence of acute AMR was significantly lower in the rituximab group than in the rituximab‐free group (.0% [0/76] vs. 7.6% [5/66], respectively; p = .047). Post‐transplantation anti‐A/B antibody titers were also lower in the rituximab group than in the rituximab‐free group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events, including infections, between the two groups.

Conclusion

In ABOi kidney transplantation patients with low anti‐A/B antibody titers, the desensitization protocol with a single dose of 100 mg rituximab was effective in preventing acute AMR without increasing the risk of other adverse events.
Widespread habitat for Europe's largest herbivores, but poor connectivity limits recolonization
Authors: Bluhm Hendrik , Diserens Tom A. , Engleder Thomas , Heising Kaja , Heurich Marco , Janík Tomáš , Jirků Miloslav , Klich Daniel , König Hannes J. , Kowalczyk Rafał , Kuijper Dries , Maślanko Weronika , Michler Frank‐Uwe , Neumann Wiebke , Oeser Julian , Olech Wanda , Perzanowski Kajetan , Ratkiewicz Mirosław , Romportl Dušan , Šálek Martin , Kuemmerle Tobias
Published: January 2023

Aim

Several large‐mammal species in Europe have recovered and recolonized parts of their historical ranges. Knowing where suitable habitat exists, and thus where range expansions are possible, is important for proactively promoting coexistence between people and large mammals in shared landscapes. We aimed to assess the opportunities and limitations for range expansions of Europe's two largest herbivores, the European bison (Bison bonasus) and moose (Alces alces).

Location

Central Europe.

Methods

We used large occurrence datasets from multiple populations and species distribution models to map environmentally suitable habitats for European bison and moose across Central Europe, and to assess human pressure inside the potential habitat. We then used circuit theory modeling to identify potential recolonization corridors.

Results

We found widespread suitable habitats for both European bison (>120,000 km2) and moose (>244,000 km2), suggesting substantial potential for range expansions. However, much habitat was associated with high human pressure (37% and 43% for European bison and moose, respectively), particularly in the west of Central Europe. We identified a strong east–west gradient of decreasing connectivity, with major barriers likely limiting natural recolonization in many areas.

Main conclusions

We identify major potential for restoring large herbivores and their functional roles in Europe's landscapes. However, we also highlight considerable challenges for conservation planning and wildlife management, including areas where recolonization likely leads to human–wildlife conflict and where barriers to movement prevent natural range expansion. Conservation measures restoring broad‐scale connectivity are needed in order to allow European bison and moose to recolonize their historical ranges. Finally, our analyses and maps indicate suitable but isolated habitat patches that are unlikely to be colonized but are candidate locations for reintroductions to establish reservoir populations. More generally, our work emphasizes that transboundary cooperation is needed for restoring large herbivores and their ecological roles, and to foster coexistence with people in Europe's landscapes.
Antineurofascin IgG2‐associated paediatric autoimmune nodopathy
Authors: Harris Rachel E. , Atherton Mark , Naude Johann Te Water , Bird‐Lieberman Georgina A. , Ramdas Sithara , Fehmi Janev , Rinaldi Simon , Ong Min T.
Published: January 2023

In this case series of four paediatric patients, we present the first described cases of immunotherapy‐responsive autoimmune nodopathy with IgG2 antineurofascin antibodies. In three cases, the antineurofascin antibodies were predominantly of the IgG2 subclass, a novel finding in comparison to previously described adult cases where IgG4 and/or IgG1/3 have typically been described. One patient had low signal for IgG2 with predominant IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies, a pattern commonly seen in adult patients. Two patients had antibodies targeting all three neurofascin isoforms (155, 186, and 140), whereas antibodies in the sera from the third targeted only the nodal isoforms 186 and 140, and the fourth patient only neurofascin 155. The three patients with IgG2 predominant antibodies appear to be responsive to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to varying degrees thus far, whereas the patient with IgG1/4 antibodies had poor response to IVIG but good response to steroids. Although the full clinical significance of IgG2 predominant antineurofascin antibodies in the context of childhood polyneuropathy remains unclear, emerging evidence of serological‐phenotypic correlation may inform prognostication and therapeutic decision‐making, warranting further study into this area.

What this paper adds

Paediatric immunotherapy‐responsive nodopathies were associated with antineurofascin antibodies predominantly of the IgG2 subclass in 3 out of 4 patients.

Identification of antibodies and understanding their phenotypic relevance could predict response to treatment and guide therapeutic decision‐making in children.
Push‐pull and kill strategy for Diaphorina citri control in citrus orchards
Authors: Eduardo Wellington Ivo , Silva Ana Caroline , Volpe Haroldo Xavier Linhares , Alquézar Berta , Peña Leandro , Miranda Marcelo Pedreira
Published: January 2023

The development of sustainable methods to control Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is crucial to improve management of huanglongbing (HLB), the most important citrus disease worldwide. In a flushing Citrus × sinensis L. Osbeck (Rutaceae) orchard, this study assessed the combined effects of insecticide‐treated Bergera koenigii L. (Rutaceae) trees in the orchard border, as a lethal trap crop, and the application of processed kaolin to the citrus crop, as a repellent (push‐pull and kill strategy), in reducing D. citri infestation and dispersal. Additionally, the volatile organic compound (VOC) emission profile and attractiveness of B. koenigii shoots were investigated in indoor experiments. The push‐pull and kill strategy reduced the number of D. citri adults on citrus trees by 95, 84, and 63% compared to the untreated control, trap crop only, and kaolin only treatments, respectively. These high reductions can be attributed to the combination of attractive stimuli (VOCs) and repellent stimuli by the trap crop and kaolin, respectively. The number of psyllids observed on citrus trees subjected to treatments with trap crop and kaolin separately was 69 and 86% lower than on untreated control trees, respectively. In addition, all treatments reduced and delayed D. citri dispersal inside the orchard, especially the push‐pull and kill strategy. In olfactometric assays, D. citri females showed a significant preference for B. koenigii odors over C. × sinensis cv. ‘Valencia’ flush odors, likely related with the different VOC emission profiles of the two plants. This study shows the effectiveness of push‐pull and kill as a new management strategy to control D. citri and consequently HLB.
The neural determinants of abstract beauty
Authors: Rasche Samuel E. , Beyh Ahmad , Paolini Marco , Zeki Semir
Published: January 2023

We have enquired into the neural activity which correlates with the experience of beauty aroused by abstract paintings consisting of arbitrary assemblies of lines and colours. During the brain imaging experiments, subjects rated abstract paintings according to aesthetic appeal. There was low agreement on the aesthetic classification of these paintings among participants. Univariate analyses revealed higher activity with higher declared aesthetic appeal in both the visual areas and the medial frontal cortex. Additionally, representational similarity analysis (RSA) revealed that the experience of beauty correlated with decodable patterns of activity in visual areas. These results are broadly similar to those obtained in previous studies on facial beauty. With abstract art, it was the involvement of visual areas implicated in the processing of lines and colours while with faces it was of visual areas implicated in the processing of faces. Both categories of aesthetic experience correlated with increased activity in medial frontal cortex. We conclude that the sensory areas participate in the selection of stimuli according to aesthetic appeal and that it is the co‐operative activity between the sensory areas and the medial frontal cortex that is the basis for the experience of abstract visual beauty. Further, this co‐operation is enabled by “experience dependent” functional connections, in the sense that currently the existence and high specificity of these connections can only be demonstrated during certain experiences.
Microbiological status at intake in relation to clinical periodontal status at intake and the response to non‐surgical periodontal therapy—A retrospective analysis
Authors: Tahery Ilias , Ahmadzai Fardin , Valkenburg Cees , Slot Dagmar E. , Van der Weijden Fridus (G. A.)
Published: January 2023

Aim

Retrospective analysis of subgingival microbiological data at intake in relation to the clinical periodontal status at intake and following non‐surgical periodontal treatment.

Materials and Methods

Data were obtained from a population that consisted of patients diagnosed with moderate‐to‐severe periodontitis who had undergone non‐surgical periodontal treatment between 2016 and 2020. The presence and number of eight selected putative periodontal pathogens [Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), Parvimonas micra (Pm), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), Treponema denticola (Td) and Filifactor alocis (Fa)] at intake and the percentage of teeth and sites with PPD >5 mm at intake and after treatment were extracted. Correlations within collected data were analysed with adjustment for multiple comparisons. Sub‐analyses were performed based on gender, age, and smoking and diabetic status.

Results

Six hundred and sixty‐one patients could be included. The percentage of teeth with PPD >5 mm and the percentage of sites with PPD >5 mm at intake were significantly correlated to Pi, Tf, Pm, Fn and Fa. Patients with higher numbers of these pathogens at intake had a better treatment response. Those patients with higher numbers of Aa had a lower percentage of teeth and sites with PPD >5 mm at intake. Those with higher numbers of Aa also showed a smaller decrease in the percentage of sites with PPD >5 mm.

Conclusion

The clinical periodontal status at intake and the response to treatment showed a weak but significant positive relationship for Pi, Tf, Pm, Fn and Fa. Conversely, higher numbers of Aa at intake were associated with more localized periodontitis and a reduced treatment response.
Ostracizing sources avoid communal tastes: Effect of ostracizing behaviour on extraordinary consumption
Authors: Park Eujin , Lee Sue Hyun
Published: January 2023

Although people often exclude others in their daily encounters and social media interactions, no consumer research on ostracism has solely focused on sources of ostracism. We argue that the influence of ostracism on evasive behaviour is worth investigating since the scant academic investigations on sources are limited to their reparation intentions for their harmful behaviour. Three experiments were conducted to examine the influence of ostracizing behaviour (vs. neutral vs. social interaction) on extraordinary consumption in face‐to‐face and social media contexts. It was uncovered that sources sense dissonant feelings in dissimilar contexts when their behaviour transcends society's normative boundaries and, hence, prefer consumption that does not commonly appear in society as a means to evade this dissonance. The effect was moderated by sources' justification of their behaviour. We initiate consumer research on sources of ostracism and contribute to the marketing practice of introducing extraordinary consumption options by investigating the psychological consequences of ostracizing behaviour.
Cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between family meals frequency and children's overweight/obesity in families at high risk of type 2 diabetes: The Feel4Diabetes‐study
Authors: Mahmood Lubna , Gonzalez‐Gil Esther M. , Makrilakis Konstantinos , Liatis Stavros , Schwarz Peter , Herrmann Sandra , Willems Ruben , Cardon Greet , Latomme Julie , Rurik Imre , Radó Sándorné , Iotova Violeta , Usheva Natalya , Tankova Tsvetalina , Karaglani Eva , Manios Yannis , Moreno Luis A. ,   the Feel4Diabetes‐Study Group
Published: January 2023

Background

The frequency of family meals has been suggested as a protective factor against obesity among children.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between family meals frequency and children's overweight/obesity in families at high risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) across six European countries.

Methods

989 parent–child dyads (52% girls and 72% mothers) were included. Participants completed validated measures to assess the frequency of family meals and anthropometrics. Multivariable regression models were applied to examine the longitudinal associations between family meals frequency and overweight/obesity in children. Logistic regression was performed to predict the odds of having overweight/obesity depending on changes in family meals frequency over a two‐year follow‐up period. Analyses were stratified for children's sex.

Results

High frequency of family breakfasts and/or dinners was inversely associated with children's BMI in boys and girls at T2. Results showed decreased odds of overweight/obesity at follow‐up among both boys (OR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.41, 0.96) and girls (OR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.31, 0.87) who consumed minimum of three times family breakfasts and/or family dinners a week at baseline. An increase in family breakfasts and/or dinners frequency was associated with lower odds of overweight/obesity in both boys and girls at follow‐up.

Conclusion

A high frequency of family breakfasts and/or dinners but not lunch during childhood is associated with lower odds of overweight/obesity development in children from families at high risk of T2D. The promotion of family meals could help in preventing the development of overweight/obesity among children.
Molecular identification of glutathione S‐transferase genes and their potential roles in insecticides susceptibility of Grapholita molesta
Authors: Zhang Songdou , Zhang Dongyue , Jia Yujie , Li Jianying , Li Zhen , Liu Xiaoxia
Published: January 2023

Grapholita molesta is one kind of serious fruit‐boring pests in the world, which caused huge economic losses to the fruit industry including pear and apple. The heavy usage of synthetic insecticides resulted in different degrees of resistance of G. molesta to some commonly used insecticides. However, the tolerance mechanisms of G. molesta to insecticides are still unclear. Glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) belong to the superfamily of detoxifying enzymes and mainly play important roles in detoxification metabolism and insecticide susceptibility of insects. In this study, we first evaluated the toxicity of three insecticides including emamectin benzoate, chlorantraniliprole and lambda‐cyhalothrin on G. molesta at different developmental stages. Synergism study showed that the susceptibility of G. molesta larvae to these three insecticides obviously increased when the enzyme activity of GST was inhibited by diethyl maleate compared with the controls. Next, we screened out six GmGST genes which are upregulated after insecticides treatment from a total of 21 GmGST genes and analysed their sequence characteristics and expression profiles. RNAi and bioassay results further revealed that the mortality of 5th instar larvae significantly increased after exposure to LC30 of emamectin benzoate, chlorantraniliprole and lambda‐cyhalothrin when silencing of GmGSTo2, GmGSTs1 and GmGSTz1 compared with the controls. In conclusion, this study indicated that GmGSTo2, GmGSTs1 and GmGSTz1 play important roles in insecticides susceptibility of G. molesta to three commonly used insecticides, which is significance for its future integrated management.
Construction a novel detection method for Trichomonas vaginalis based on recombinant enzyme polymerase amplification targeting the Actin gene
Authors: Li Fakun , Deng Yangyang , Sheng Wanxin , Gao Xihui , Wang Weijuan , Chu Zhili , Mei Xuefang , Yang Zhenke , Tian Xiaowei , Wang Shuai , Zhang Zhenchao
Published: January 2023

Trichomoniasis is a common and curable sexually transmitted disease worldwide. The rapid, convenient, and accurate diagnosis of trichomoniasis is an important link in the prevention and treatment of the disease. The current detection methods of Trichomonas vaginalis are mainly wet mount microscopy, culture, nested PCR, and loop‐mediated isothermal amplification. However, these detection methods have some shortcomings. In this study, a recombinant enzyme polymerase amplification (RPA) assay had been conducted to detect T. vaginalis. The target gene and the corresponding primers were screened, and the reaction system and conditions were optimized in the assay of RPA. The sensitivity and specificity of this detection method were analyzed. The detection efficiency of wet mount microscopy, culture, nested PCR, and RPA was compared by testing 53 clinical samples from vaginal secretions. By screening, the actin gene of T. vaginalis could be used as a target gene for RPA detection of T. vaginalis, and the optimum reaction condition to amplify the actin gene by RPA was at 39°C for 30 min. The detection limit of T. vaginalis DNA using RPA was 1 pg, corresponding to a sensitivity of approximately five trophozoites. The RPA assay demonstrated high specificity for T. vaginalis, and there was no cross‐reactivity with Giardia lamblia, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus, Toxoplasma gondii, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Of the 53 clinical samples, the positive rates of T. vaginalis detected by wet mount microscopy, culture, nested PCR and RPA were 50.9 4% (27/53), 71.7% (38/53), 71.7% (38/53), and 69.81% (37/53), respectively. Compared with culture which was used as the gold standard for diagnosing trichomoniasis, testing clinical samples by wet mount microscopy showed 71.05% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and moderate diagnostic agreement with the culture (K = 0.581, Z = 4.661, p < 0.001). The nested PCR showed 100% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and excellent diagnostic agreement (K = 1, Z = 7.28, p < 0.001), while RPA displayed 97.37% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and excellent diagnostic agreement (K = 0.954, Z = 6.956, p < 0.001). At the present study, rapid amplification of actin gene by RPA could be used as a tool for detection of T. vaginalis. The detection method of RPA was more sensitive than wet mount microscopy and displayed excellent specificity. Moreover, RPA amplification of actin gene did not require a PCR instrument and the amplification time was shorter than that of ordinary PCR. Therefore, the RPA assay was proposed in this study as a point‐of‐care examination and a diagnostic method of T. vaginalis infection, which exhibited the potential value in the treatment and prevention of trichomoniasis.
Differential response of RTGUTGC and RTGILL‐W1 rainbow trout epithelial cell lines to viral stimulation
Authors: Simón Rocío , Martínez Patricia , González Lucía , Ordás M. Camino , Tafalla Carolina
Published: January 2023

Mucosal surfaces constitute the main route of entry of pathogens into the host. In fish, these mucosal tissues include, among others, the gastrointestinal tract, the gills and the skin. However, knowledge about the mechanisms of regulation of immunity in these tissues is still scarce, being essential to generate a solid base that allows the development of prevention strategies against these infectious agents. In this work, we have used the RTgutGC and RTgill‐W1 epithelial‐like cell lines, derived from the gastrointestinal tract and the gill of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), respectively, to investigate the transcriptional response of mucosal epithelial cells to a viral mimic, the dsRNA poly I:C, as well as to two important viral rainbow trout pathogens, namely viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) and infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV). Additionally, we have established how the exposure to poly I:C affected the susceptibility of RTgutGC and RTgill‐W1 cells to both viruses. Our results reveal important differences in the way these two cell lines respond to viral stimuli, providing interesting information on these cell lines that have emerged in the past years as useful tools to study mucosal responses in fish.
Comment on: Differential effect of anticoagulation according to cognitive function and frailty in older patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kudo Masataka , Ito Hideyuki , Sato Kotaro , Nagayama Hirofumi , Fujisawa Satoshi , Yoshioka Takashi
Published: January 2023

See the Reply by Weijia Wang.
The associations between paranormal beliefs and sleep variables
Authors: Rauf Betul , Perach Rotem , Madrid‐Valero Juan J. , Denis Dan , Sharpless Brian A. , Poerio Giulia Lara , French Christopher C. , Gregory Alice M.
Published: January 2023

Previous studies have found significant associations between paranormal beliefs and sleep variables. However, these have been conducted on a small scale and are limited in the number of sleep variables investigated. This study aims to fill a gap in the literature by investigating paranormal beliefs in relation to a wide range of sleep variables in a large sample. Participants (N = 8853) completed a survey initiated by the BBC Focus Magazine. They reported on their demographics, sleep disturbances and paranormal beliefs. Poorer subjective sleep quality (lower sleep efficiency, longer sleep latency, shorter sleep duration and increased insomnia symptoms) was associated with greater endorsement of belief in: (1) the soul living on after death; (2) the existence of ghosts; (3) demons; (4) an ability for some people to communicate with the dead; (5) near‐death experiences are evidence for life after death; and (6) aliens have visited earth. In addition, episodes of exploding head syndrome and isolated sleep paralysis were associated with the belief that aliens have visited earth. Isolated sleep paralysis was also associated with the belief that near‐death experiences are evidence for life after death. Findings obtained here indicate that there are associations between beliefs in the paranormal and various sleep variables. This information could potentially better equip us to support sleep via psychoeducation. Mechanisms underlying these associations are likely complex, and need to be further explored to fully understand why people sometimes report “things that go bump in the night”.
Using simulations to explore the potential effect of disease and inflammation on the frequency of violative flunixin residues in cattle
Authors: Greene Jonathan M. , Martinez Marilyn N.
Published: January 2023

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assigns a tolerance and withdrawal period when evaluating new drugs for use in food‐producing species. Because withdrawal periods are determined from data generated in normal, healthy animals, questions have been raised regarding whether disease and inflammation can be a factor associated with some residue violations. We explored this question using flunixin liver concentrations as a model situation. Using data contained in the flunixin FOI Summary (NADA 101‐479) and Monte Carlo simulation, we generated sets of residue depletion data. Our mathematical model was simple linear regression containing the terms alpha (the marker residue back‐extrapolated to time zero, which equals ) and beta (the elimination rate constant which equals ). By modifying alpha and beta means and variances, we determined the smallest change in these parameters that would result in the presence of violative residues above the statistically determined expected frequency of 1%. The results of this in silico study indicated that the magnitude of change in alpha and beta needed to generate violative residues exceeds that likely to occur due to disease or inflammation when flunixin is used in accordance with the approved product label.
Twenty years of experimental philosophy research
Authors: Li Jincai , Zhu Xiaozhen
Published: January 2023

This paper reports the first study in the literature that adopts a bibliometric approach to systematically explore the scholarship in the young and fast‐growing research field of experimental philosophy. Based on a corpus of 1,248 publications in experimental philosophy from the past two decades retrieved from the PhilPapers website, the study examined the publication trend, the influential experimental philosophers, the impactful works, the popular publication venues, and the major research themes in this subarea of philosophy. It found, first, an overall growing trend in publications in experimental philosophy, encompassing four developmental stages. Second, it found that significant changes in topics of interest have taken place, with some gaining increasing attention, others seemingly going out of fashion, and still others remaining popular constantly. Third, the study identified lists of leading philosophers, frequently cited publications, and popular journals helpful for researchers and newcomers to get a quick start in learning about the field.
Dysfunctional breathing and its impact on asthma control in children and adolescents
Authors: Vahlkvist Signe , Jürgensen Louise , Hell Tine Detlefsen , Petersen Thomas Houmann , Kofoed Poul‐Erik
Published: January 2023

Background

Dysfunctional breathing (DB) has been shown to negatively affect asthma control in adults, but for children and adolescents, the knowledge is scarce. DB is among others characterized by dyspnea and hyperventilation. The Nijmegen Questionnaire (NQ) is often used as a marker for DB. We conducted a cross‐sectional survey to estimate the prevalence of DB in patients with asthma in a pediatric outpatient clinic and to determine the impact of DB on asthma control.

Methods

Patients between 10 and 17 years were invited to complete the NQ and the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) and report the use of beta2 agonist (β2). Spirometry data and prescribed asthma medications were noted from the patient record.

Results

Three hundred and sixty‐three patients (180 boys) completed the survey. Sixty‐seven patients (18%) scored ≥23 points in the NQ predicting DB. The DB group was older (median (range)) 15.6 (10.5–17.9) vs. 13.7 (10.0–17.9) years) (p < .01), and girls were overrepresented (84%) (p < .01). FEV1% exp. was higher in the DB group (mean (SD)) (89.4 (9.0) vs. 85.7 (11.8)) (p < .02). ACQ score (median (range)) (2.0 (0–4) vs. 0.6 (0–3.4)) (p < .01) and the use of β2 (median (range)) (2 (0–56) vs. 0 (0–20) puffs/week) (p < .01) were higher. Inhaled corticosteroid dose (mean (SD) (416 (160) vs. 420 (150) mcg) and the use of a second controller were equal between the groups.

Conclusion

Dysfunctional breathing was a frequent comorbidity, especially in adolescent girls. DB correlated with poorer asthma control and higher use of β2 and may be an important cofactor in difficult‐to‐treat asthma.
Interdependence between online peer‐to‐peer lending and cryptocurrency markets and its effects on financial inclusion
Authors: Chung Sunghun , Kim Keongtae , Lee Chul Ho , Oh Wonseok
Published: January 2023

Online peer‐to‐peer (P2P) lending has emerged as an innovative financial technology (FinTech) platform that renders financial services that are potentially more inclusive and affordable than those offered by traditional financial institutions. A similar purpose is served by cryptocurrency markets, where transaction costs are reduced and financial accessibility is improved based on disruptive technologies such as blockchain and distributed ledgers. Despite these developments, however, in the operations management literature limited attention has been devoted to the contribution of online P2P lending to the promotion of financial inclusion (i.e., the availability and usage of financial services for all groups of people) and its dynamic interplay with cryptocurrency markets. The rise of cryptocurrency markets affects the composition and activity of borrowers and investors in P2P lending markets and hence the capacity of the latter to support financial inclusion, leading to an operations management challenge in online P2P lending. We examine how cryptocurrency markets influence P2P lending markets' democratization of access to financial services, particularly P2P borrowing. To investigate these effects in depth, we develop a simple theoretical model to derive testable propositions, which are then empirically validated on the basis of unique data sets. We find that the growth in cryptocurrency markets is associated with increased loan requests and larger loan amounts in P2P markets, especially from borrowers who maintain good credit ratings, possess technical knowledge about cryptocurrencies, and intend to borrow for investment purposes. Our results suggest that cryptocurrency markets bring economic gains to the P2P lending market, at least in the short term. Nonetheless, the transfer of funds from P2P lending to cryptocurrency markets, particularly by highly creditworthy and tech‐savvy investors, may provoke increased inequality in access to P2P lending markets. By scrutinizing the interdependence between two representative FinTech markets we uncover important operations management implications for theory and practice regarding the healthy growth and effective governance of crowdfunding platforms and the corresponding sustainability of their role in upholding financial inclusion.
Phenotypes of cyclic nucleotide‐gated cation channel mutants: probing the nature of native channels
Authors: Ma Yi , Garrido Keila , Ali Rashid , Berkowitz Gerald A.
Published: January 2023

Plant cyclic nucleotide gated channels (CNGCs) facilitate cytosolic Ca2+ influx as an early step in numerous signaling cascades. CNGC‐mediated Ca2+ elevations are essential for plant immune defense and high temperature thermosensing. In the present study, we evaluated phenotypes of CNGC2, CNGC4, CNGC6, and CNGC12 null mutants in these two pathways. It is shown CNGC2, CNGC4, and CNGC6 physically interact in vivo, whereas CNGC12 does not. CNGC involvement in immune signaling was evaluated by monitoring mutant response to elicitor peptide Pep3. Pep3 response cascades involving CNGCs included mitogen‐activated kinase activation mediated by Ca2+‐dependent protein kinase phosphorylation. Pep3‐induced reactive oxygen species generation was impaired in cngc2, cngc4, and cngc6, but not in cngc12, suggesting that CNGC2, CNGC4, and CNGC6 (which physically interact) may be components of a multimeric CNGC channel complex for immune signaling. However, unlike cngc2 and cngc4, cngc6 is not sensitive to high Ca2+ and displays no pleiotropic dwarfism. All four cngc mutants showed thermotolerance compared to wild‐type, although CNGC12 does not interact with the other three CNGCs. These results imply that physically interacting CNGCs may, in some cases, function in a signaling cascade as components of a heteromeric channel complex, although this may not be the case in other signaling pathways.
Bank‐intermediated trade finance and the intensive margin of African trade
Authors: Bempong Nyantakyi Eugene
Published: January 2023

This paper presents evidence on the importance of bank‐intermediated trade finance for the intensive margin of African trade, using unique data from 43 African countries. It shows that African trade is underserved by banks. Banks intermediate about 40% of the region's trade – a far lower share than the global average of 80%. It finds that bank‐intermediated finance has a positive and significant effect on the intensive margin of African trade, even after accounting for the impact of domestic credit to the private sector. Estimates from standardised coefficients show that the impact of access to trade finance on trade volume for Africa is large and exceeds that of exchange rate volatility and trade logistics. These results suggest that policies aimed at promoting the region's trade should make access to bank‐intermediated finance a priority.
Configuration of pathologic fractures in dogs with osteosarcoma following stereotactic body radiation therapy: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Altwal Johnny , Martin Tiffany Wormhoudt , Thamm Douglas H. , Séguin Bernard
Published: January 2023

For some cases of canine appendicular osteosarcoma (OSA), limb‐sparing treatment options are often desired, one of which is stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). A major complication of SBRT is fracture of the irradiated bone at the site of treatment. The present study evaluated 127 appendicular OSA sites in 122 dogs treated with SBRT to identify the most common pathologic fracture locations and configurations. A total of 50 tumours experienced a pathologic fracture, and 38 had imaging sufficient to identify fracture configuration. The distal tibia was more likely to develop a fracture than other sites. Multiple types of fracture configuration (transverse, oblique, spiral and comminuted) were observed. The distal radius was significantly more likely to develop a transverse fracture than other sites. Documentation of fracture location and configuration leads to the identification of the forces contributing to fracture occurrence, since each configuration is a result of different forces acting on each affected bone. Such knowledge is imperative for the development of new approaches to diminish the occurrence of pathologic fractures.
Effect of water vapor pressure on positive and negative tone electron-beam patterning of poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Chaudhuri Krishnaroop , Brill Joseph W. , Pham Jonathan T. , Hastings J. Todd
Published: January 2023

Variable-pressure electron-beam lithography (VP-EBL) employs an ambient gas at subatmospheric pressures to reduce charging during electron-beam lithography. VP-EBL has been previously shown to eliminate pattern distortion and provide improved resolution when patterning poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) on insulating substrates. However, it remains unknown how water vapor affects the contrast and clearing dose nor has the effect of water vapor on the negative-tone behavior of PMMA been studied. In addition, water vapor has recently been shown to alter the radiation chemistry of the VP-EBL process for Teflon AF. Such changes in radiation chemistry have not been explored for PMMA. In this work, VP-EBL was conducted on conductive substrates to study the effect of water vapor on PMMA patterning separately from the effects of charge dissipation. In addition, both positive and negative-tone processes were studied to determine the effect of water vapor on both chain scission and cross-linking. The contrast of PMMA was found to improve significantly with increasing water vapor pressure for both positive and negative-tone patterning. The clearing dose for positive-tone patterning increases moderately with vapor pressure as would be expected for electron scattering in a gas. However, the onset set dose for negative-tone patterning increased dramatically with pressure revealing a more significant change in the exposure mechanism. X-ray photoelectron spectra and infrared transmission spectra indicate that water vapor only slightly alters the composition of exposed PMMA. Also, electron scattering in water vapor yielded a much larger clear region around negative-tone patterns. This effect could be useful for increasing the range of the developed region around cross-linked PMMA beyond the backscattered electron range. Thus, VP-EBL for PMMA introduces a new means of tuning clearing/onset dose and contrast, while allowing additional control over the size of the cleared region around negative-tone patterns.
Measurements of ion fluxes in extreme ultraviolet-induced plasma of new EUV-beam-line 2 nanolithography research machine and their applications for optical component tests
Authors: van Veldhoven J. , Wu C.-C. , Storm A. J. , van Putten M. , Meijlink J. R. , Ushakov A. G.
Published: January 2023

In modern extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, sensitive optical components, such as multilayer mirrors and photomasks, may be affected by plasma interactions. The new 13.5 nm EUV-beam-line 2, designed to provide accelerated tests for next generation lithography, is used to investigate EUV-induced plasma phenomena. First systematic measurements of ion fluxes produced in EUV-induced hydrogen plasma are reported, with operating conditions including 5 and 20 Pa gas pressure, 3 kHz EUV pulse repetition rate, and 4.2 W total EUV beam power produced in a 10–15 ns EUV pulse. Space- and time-resolved distributions of ion fluxes and ion energies were measured using a retarding-field ion energy analyzer mounted next to the EUV beam. Typical ion energies were in the range of 1–8 eV and typical ion fluxes were in the range of 2–8 × 1017 ions m−2 s−1. The obtained ion fluxes are applied in a photomask lifetime test to understand the material effects after an EUV exposure.
Increasing Shoe Longitudinal Bending Stiffness Is Not Beneficial to Reduce Energy Cost During Graded Running
Authors: Perrin Titouan P. , Rossi Jeremy , Kerhervé Hugo A. , Millet Guillaume Y.
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Carbon plates have been used to increase running shoes’ longitudinal bending stiffness (LBS), leading to reductions in the energy cost of level running (Cr). However, whether or not this is true during uphill (UH) running remains unknown. The aim of our study was to identify the effect of LBS on Cr during UH running. Methods: Twenty well-trained male runners participated in this study. Cr was determined using gas exchange during nine 4-minute bouts performed using 3 different LBS shoe conditions at 2.22 and 4.44 m/s on level and 2.22 m/s UH (gradient: + 15%) running. All variables were compared using 2-way analyses of variance (LBS × speed/grade effects). Results: There was no significant effect of LBS (F = 2.04; P = .14, ) and no significant LBS × grade interaction (F = 0.31; P = .87, ). Results were characterized by a very large interindividual variability in response to LBS changes. Conclusions: The current study contributes to a growing body of literature reporting no effect of LBS on Cr during level and UH running. Yet, the very large interindividual differences in response to changes in LBS suggest that increasing shoe LBS may be beneficial for some runners.
Dome1–JAK–STAT signaling between parasite and host integrates vector immunity and development
Authors: Rana Vipin S. , Kitsou Chrysoula , Dutta Shraboni , Ronzetti Michael H. , Zhang Min , Bernard Quentin , Smith Alexis A. , Tomás-Cortázar Julen , Yang Xiuli , Wu Ming-Jie , Kepple Oleksandra , Li Weizhong , Dwyer Jennifer E. , Matias Jaqueline , Baljinnyam Bolormaa , Oliver Jonathan D. , Rajeevan Nallakkandi , Pedra Joao H F , Narasimhan Sukanya , Wang Yan , Munderloh Ulrike , Fikrig Erol , Simeonov Anton , Anguita Juan , Pal Utpal
Published: January 2023

Ancestral signaling pathways serve critical roles in metazoan development, physiology, and immunity. We report an evolutionary interspecies communication pathway involving a central
Ixodes scapularis
tick receptor termed Dome1, which acquired a mammalian cytokine receptor motif exhibiting high affinity for interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Host-derived IFN-γ facilitates Dome1-mediated activation of the
Ixodes
JAK–STAT pathway. This accelerates tick blood meal acquisition and development while upregulating antimicrobial components. The Dome1–JAK–STAT pathway, which exists in most Ixodid tick genomes, regulates the regeneration and proliferation of gut cells—including stem cells—and dictates metamorphosis through the Hedgehog and Notch–Delta networks, ultimately affecting
Ixodes
vectorial competence. We highlight the evolutionary dependence of
I. scapularis
on mammalian hosts through cross-species signaling mechanisms that dually influence arthropod immunity and development.
Human consumption of insects
Authors: Hazarika Arup Kumar , Kalita Unmilan
Published: January 2023

Farming edible insects can help improve food security and boost developing economies