bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross‐efficiency evaluation of the data envelopment analysis with conflict behaviour and beneficial relationship perspectives
Authors: Zhuang Hua , Luo Xueying
Published: November 2023

In data envelopment analysis, cross‐efficiency evaluation stands out as a valuable tool for ranking the effectiveness of decision‐making units (DMUs). However, existing research commonly assume that DMUs are randomly classified as either collaborators or opponents of the evaluated DMUs. Unfortunately, few studies have considered the presence of conflict behaviour and beneficial relationships among DMUs during cross‐efficiency evaluation. To address this research gap, this study proposes an innovative approach. Firstly, the proposed framework incorporates an interval cross‐efficiency environment to accommodate the inherent uncertainty and fuzziness in the efficiency scores of DMUs. Secondly, two definitions, namely task conflict cross‐efficiency and relationship conflict cross‐efficiency, are introduced by combining the characteristics of the interval cross‐efficiency matrix with conflict behaviour. To measure the strength of the conflict between DMUs, a novel measurement method is proposed, forming the foundation for constructing two cross‐efficiency secondary programming models based on conflict behaviour. Thirdly, the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient is employed to measure the strength of beneficial relationships among DMUs. Subsequently, two cross‐efficiency secondary programming models are developed based on beneficial relationships. To obtain the final scores, the efficiency scores of the four models are integrated using the Shannon entropy method. Finally, two illustrative applications are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.
Leverage ratio, risk‐based capital requirements, and risk‐taking in the United Kingdom
Authors: Fatouh Mahmoud , Giansante Simone , Ongena Steven
Published: November 2023

We assess the impact of the leverage ratio capital requirements on the risk‐taking behaviour of banks both theoretically and empirically. Conceptually, introducing binding leverage ratio requirements into a regulatory framework with risk‐based capital requirements induces banks to re‐optimise, shifting from safer to riskier assets (higher asset risk). Yet, this shift would not be one‐for‐one due to risk weight differences, meaning the shift would be associated with a lower level of leverage (lower insolvency risk). The interaction of these two changes determines the impact on the aggregate level of risk. Empirically, we use a difference‐in‐differences setup to compare the behaviour of UK banks subject to the leverage ratio requirements (LR banks) to otherwise similar banks (non‐LR banks). Our results show that LR banks did not increase asset risk, and slightly reduced leverage levels, compared to the control group after the introduction of leverage ratio in the UK. As expected, these two changes led to a lower aggregate level of risk. Emperical results indicate that credit default swap spreads on the 5‐year subordinated debt of LR banks decreased relative to non‐LR banks post leverage ratio introduction, suggesting the market viewed LR banks as less risky, especially during the COVID 19 stress.
The nonadherence and risk factors of eradication failure by sequential therapy as first‐line anti‐Helicobacter pylori treatment in real‐world clinical practice
Authors: Lee Chun‐Te , Wu Chung‐Tai , Chang Wei‐Lun , Yang Er‐Hsiang , Hsieh Ming‐Tsung , Chen Wei‐Ying , Sheu Bor‐Shyang , Cheng Hsiu‐Chi
Published: November 2023

Background

The eradication rates of sequential therapy are high in clinical trials; however, the adherence for follow‐up or the patient population in a real‐world setting might be different from those in trails. This study investigates the effectiveness of sequential therapy in a real‐world setting and the factors that lead to treatment failure.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective study, patients receiving sequential therapy as a first‐line anti‐Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) treatment in a real‐world setting were reviewed. The age adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (age‐CCI) and baseline variety of medications were reviewed to determine factors correlated with nonadherence for post‐treatment testing and H. pylori eradication failure.

Results

A total of 1053 patients were reviewed. A total of 579 patients receiving sequential therapy were included in the analyses. Among them, 462 received post‐treatment testing and were placed into the follow‐up group. Thus, the post‐treatment testing rate was 79.8%. Stroke was an independent factor of nonadherence for post‐treatment testing. In the follow‐up group, the eradication failure rate was 8.2%. Female sex (odds ratio [OR] 2.41 [95% CI 1.16–5.03], p = 0.02) and age‐CCI ≥2 (OR 3.16 [1.05–9.48], p = 0.04) were independent factors of H. pylori eradication failure. The eradication failure rates were 14.4%, 7.8%, 7.1%, and 3.1% for the females with age‐CCI ≥2, females with age‐CCI <2, males with age‐CCI ≥2, and males with age‐CCI <2 subgroups, respectively (p = 0.027).

Conclusions

In a real‐world setting, the adherence rate of post‐treatment testing for sequential therapy as a first‐line anti‐H. pylori treatment was found to be suboptimal. Female sex and age‐CCI ≥2 were independent factors of eradication failure.
The role of exosomes in cancer‐related programmed cell death
Authors: Li Xin , Jing Zuoqian , Li Xuejie , Liu Lei , Xiao Xiang , Zhong Yifan , Ren Zihan
Published: November 2023

Cancer arises from the growth and division of uncontrolled erroneous cells. Programmed cell death (PCD), or regulated cell death (RCD), includes natural processes that eliminate damaged or abnormal cells. Dysregulation of PCD is a hallmark of cancer, as cancer cells often evade cell death and continue to proliferate. Exosomes nanoscale extracellular vesicles secreted by different types of cells carrying a variety of molecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, to have indispensable role in the communication between cells, and can influence various cellular processes, including PCD. Exosomes have been shown to modulate PCD in cancer cells by transferring pro‐ or antideath molecules to neighboring cells. Additionally, exosomes can facilitate the spread of PCD to surrounding cancer cells, making them promising in the treatment of various cancers. The exosomes' diagnostic potential in cancer is also an active area of research. Exosomes can be isolated from a wide range of bodily fluids and tissues, such as blood and urine, and can provide a noninvasive way to monitor cancer progression and treatment response. Furthermore, exosomes have also been employed as a delivery system for therapeutic agents. By engineering exosomes to carry drugs or other therapeutic molecules, they can be targeted specifically to cancer cells, reducing toxicity to healthy tissues. Here, we discussed exosomes in the diagnosis and prevention of cancers, tumor immunotherapy, and drug delivery, as well as in different types of PCD.
Most individuals with diabetes‐related foot ulceration do not meet dietary consensus guidelines for wound healing
Authors: Donnelly Hailey R. , Clarke Erin D. , Collins Clare E. , Collins Rebecca A. , Armstrong David G. , Mills Joseph L. , Tehan Peta E.
Published: November 2023

The inaugural expert consensus and guidance for Nutrition Interventions in Adults with Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU) have been welcomed by clinicians internationally. This short report aimed to determine how the macronutrient and micronutrient status of individuals living with DFU compared to the American Limb Preservation Society Nutrition Interventions in Adults with DFU expert consensus and guidance. Descriptive analysis was conducted as a secondary analysis of an existing dataset. Mean (SD) dietary intake, the proportion meeting the nutrition recommendations and the proportion exceeding the upper limit (UL) for specific vitamins and minerals were reported. Most individuals with DFU do not meet current consensus guidelines for optimal dietary intake for wound healing, with inadequacies evident for fibre, zinc, protein, vitamin E and vitamin A. Future iterations of the consensus guideline should consider using evidence‐informed recommendations for clinical practice, with the inclusion of all nutrients that are essential for wound healing in DFU.
Some effects of mianserin on monoamine metabolism in the rat brain.
Authors: Leonard BE
Published: November 2023

1 Mianserin does not affect the uptake of biogenic amines into rat brain, in contrast to tricyclic antidepressants which block amine uptake. 2 Mianserin increases the turnover of noradrenaline (NA) in rat brain after acute or chronic administration, whereas tricyclic antidepressants reduce turnover of NA and 5‐hydroxytryptamine. 3 It should not be assumed that a compound must inhibit amine re‐uptake mechanisms before it can be considered as a potential antidepressant.
Attempt to demonstrate an in vivo effect of mianserin hydrochloride on erythrocyte Na+‐K+‐ATPase activity and cyclic AMP concentration.
Authors: Naylor GS , Buckley DE , Boardman LJ , Smith AH , Moody JP
Published: November 2023

1. There is evidence that erythrocyte Na+‐K+‐ATPase activity and erythrocyte cyclic AMP change on recovery from a depressive illness. Mianserin is a recently introduced antidepressant but its mode of action is unknown. The present study was therefore designed to investigate in vivo the effect of mianserin on erythrocyte Na+‐K+‐ ATPase and cyclic AMP. 2. Biochemical estimations were made on blood from depressed patients before beginning either mianserin or matched placebo treatment, after 1 week, and again after 2 weeks' treatment. 3. Neither the erythrocyte Na+‐K+‐ATPase, nor the erythrocyte cyclic AMP concentration, changed significantly in either the mianserin‐ or the placebo‐treated group. 4. The study sheds no light on the possible mechanism of action of mianserin.
Mianserin in the treatment of depressive illness and anxiety states in general practice.
Authors: Murphy JE
Published: November 2023

1. In an initial study in general practice, mianserin was shown to be of similar antidepressant efficacy to imipramine. 2. A subsequent placebo‐controlled study confirmed that mianserin is an effective as imipramine, and also demonstrated that both mianserin and imipramine are superior to placebo in the treatment of depression in general practice. 3. In a third trial, mianserin was found to be as effective as diazepam in the treatment of anxiety states in general practice. 4. The overall incidence of side‐effects in this series of studies, either with mianserin or with the comparison drugs, was very low.
Temperature effects on electrical resistivity of selected ceramics for high‐temperature packaging applications
Authors: Deucher Thomas M. , Okojie Robert S.
Published: November 2023

We report the results of the characterization of the electrical resistivity of selected ceramic materials, namely aluminum nitride (AlN), silicon nitride (Si₃N₄), beryllium oxide (BeO), yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃), and non‐ceramic silicon dioxide (SiO2), which are candidates for packaging silicon carbide (SiC) sensors and electronics that can operate at temperatures beyond 800°C. Samples of these materials were thermally cycled twice to 1200°C in nitrogen while the bulk and surface resistivities were measured in situ. Although the resistivity values of all samples dropped with increasing temperature, BeO maintained the relatively highest bulk and surface resistivity values at 1200°C of 28 and 34 kΩ cm, respectively, while AlN had the lowest values at 6.8 and 0.64 kΩ cm. In terms of viability for packaging SiC sensors for >800°C operation, AlN and Si₃N₄ are the choice candidates due to their lowest mismatches in the coefficient of thermal expansion with SiC. However, the relative resistivity stability of Si₃N₄ over AlN makes it a promising candidate, even with its lower thermal conductivity relative to AlN.
Teacher's Views of Art Education in Primary Schools in Scotland
Authors: Robb Anna
Published: November 2023

The majority of art education research in the United Kingdom originates from England; however, the devolved nations each have responsibility for education resulting in four different curricula working concurrently across Great Britain. It can be argued that in comparison to England, art and design education research in Scotland is an under‐researched area though one that is increasingly garnering interest. This paper contributes to the field by presenting and discussing some of the findings from a survey of teachers focused on art and design education in Scottish primary schools in 2022. A total of 110 teachers participated and the survey examined the value of the subject, the current delivery in schools, the future of the subject and support for teachers. A wealth of data were gathered so this paper focuses particularly on the value of the subject among staff, confidence levels regarding delivery and the role of training and professional learning. The paper concludes that while the value of the subject among staff is strong, confidence levels with regard to teaching the subject are not. Staff felt that training had left them unprepared to teach the subject, and there was limited awareness of professional learning opportunities in their geographical area.
Advanced nurse and midwife practitioners' experience of interprofessional collaboration when implementing evidence‐based practice into routine care: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Clarke Vanessa , Lehane Elaine , Cotter Patrick , Mulcahy Helen
Published: November 2023

Aim

To understand advanced nurse and midwife practitioners' experience of interprofessional collaboration in implementing evidence‐based practice into routine care.

Design

A qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Methods

A purposeful sample of 10 Registered Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioners from a range of practice settings in the Republic of Ireland participated in semi‐structured interviews over a 10‐month timeframe. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and data were analysed using a multi‐stage approach in line with guidance for interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

Six superordinate themes emerged: Understanding of advanced practice; ‘Treated as an equal and as a “nurse”’; Nursing management support; ‘A voice to implement anything new’; Confidence and Emotional intelligence. These factors impacted interprofessional relationships and the extent to which advanced practitioners could implement evidence‐based practice.

Conclusion

There is scope to improve advanced practitioners' ability to collaborate with the interprofessional team in implementing evidence‐based practice into routine care.

Impact and Implications

The study findings demonstrate that enhancing understanding of the advanced practice role; increasing organizational support for advanced practitioners and augmenting specific practitioner skills and attributes will increase their ability to collaborate effectively and implement evidence‐based practice. Supporting advanced practitioners in this important aspect of their role will positively influence health outcomes for patients.

Contribution to the Wider Global Clinical Community

As numbers of both nurse and midwife practitioners increase globally, this study provides timely evidence from a range of practice settings to guide the design of education programmes and policies governing advanced practice.

Study recommendations have broad applicability to all healthcare professionals who are engaged in implementing evidence‐based practice into routine care.

Reporting Method

Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
A survey of Indonesian nurses' educational experiences and self‐perceived capability to care for people with intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Tumanggor Roxsana Devi , Pracilio Amy , Siregar Cholina Trisa , Wilson Nathan J. , Cashin Andrew
Published: November 2023

Aims

To describe Indonesian nurses' educational experience regarding care for people with intellectual disability and/or autism and to explore if these educational experiences are associated with their self‐perceived confidence, comfort, knowledge and preparedness to care for these cohorts.

Design

Cross‐sectional descriptive survey.

Methods

A descriptive survey tool utilized in a study of Australian registered nurses was replicated and adapted for this study. Following descriptive analysis, chi‐square analyses were undertaken to explore associations between educational experiences, and self‐rated measures of confidence, comfort and knowledge to work with people with intellectual disability and/or autism. Although there was no end‐user involvement in the design of the study, the concepts explored have all been raised by those with lived insights of intellectual disability and/or autism as being critical to their healthcare experiences.

Results

There were 544 complete responses, and 51.7% were not exposed to any educational or clinical content relevant to caring for people with intellectual disability and/or autism. Moderate to low levels of self‐perceived confidence, comfort, knowledge and preparedness to address healthcare needs of these cohorts were reported. Significant associations were identified between educational and clinical experiences during undergraduate training, and higher levels of self‐perceived confidence, comfort and knowledge.

Conclusion

Mirroring international literature, the findings of this study highlight a large proportion of Indonesian nurses had little educational experience relevant to caring for people with intellectual disability and/or autism, and have relatively low levels of self‐reported capability.

Impact

This study highlights gaps in the educational experiences, and self‐perceived confidence, comfort, knowledge and preparedness of Indonesian nurses regarding caring for people with intellectual disability and/or autism. Given that internationally, people with intellectual disability and/or autism have disproportionately negative health outcomes and experiences, these findings have substantial implications for nursing curriculum, policy and professional development.
Fibroblast growth factor 5 protects against spinal cord injury through activating AMPK pathway
Authors: Chen Feng , Xiong Bing‐Rui , Xian Shu‐Yue , Zhang Jing , Ding Rui‐Wen , Xu Ming , Zhang Zong‐Ze
Published: November 2023

Excessive productions of inflammatory cytokines and free radicals are involved in spinal cord injury (SCI). Fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) is associated with inflammatory response and oxidative damage, and we herein intend to determine its function in SCI. Lentivirus was instilled to overexpress or knockdown FGF5 expression in mice. Compound C or H89 2HCl were used to suppress AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) or protein kinase A (PKA), respectively. FGF5 level was significantly decreased during SCI. FGF5 overexpression mitigated, while FGF5 silence further facilitated inflammatory response, oxidative damage and SCI. Mechanically, FGF5 activated AMPK to attenuate SCI in a cAMP/PKA‐dependent manner, while inhibiting AMPK or PKA with pharmacological methods significantly abolished the neuroprotective effects of FGF5 against SCI. More importantly, serum FGF5 level was decreased in SCI patients, and elevated serum FGF5 level often indicate better prognosis. Our study identifies FGF5 as an effective therapeutic and prognostic target for SCI.
Environmental enrichment improves behaviors rather than the growth and physiology of rock bream Oplegnathus fasciatus
Authors: Li Zhe , Zhou Shanshan , He Jingjing , Ying Jie , Xu Kaida
Published: November 2023

Environmental enrichment has the potential to improve the welfare and post‐release survival of hatchery fish stocked for conservation purposes. However, the effectiveness of environmental enrichment is partly dependent on the fish species, life stage, and specific enrichment structure used. To enhance the effectiveness of environmental enrichment, it is crucial to focus on characteristic differences in enrichment structures, such as type and level. This study investigated how differences in enrichment type and level affected physiological and behavioral aspects of the welfare of pre‐release juvenile rock bream Oplegnathus fasciatus by evaluating growth performance, basal and stressed cortisol levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, and exploratory behaviors regarding anxiety and flexibility. Fish were reared for 4 weeks in different enrichment treatments: barren, low‐level cover structure, high‐level cover structure, low‐level interference structure (LI), and high‐level interference structure (HI). The results revealed that fish reared with the LI treatment showed less anxiety and greater flexibility with respect to exploratory behaviors, without oxidative damage being detected. Despite exhibiting less anxiety as well, fish reared in the HI treatment had oxidative damage, indicated by lower superoxide dismutase activity, compared to those in the barren treatment. In addition, none of these enrichment structures enhanced growth performance or mitigate chronic and acute stress responses. Overall, the low‐level interference structure may be more favorable in promoting the behavioral welfare of the fish. Application of this type and level of enrichment may increase the survival of the hatchery fish after release, which is critical to stocking success.
Post‐acute sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 (PASC) in nursing home residents: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Clark Sophie E. , Bautista Liza , Neeb Karen , Montoya Ana , Gibson Kristen E. , Mantey Julia , Kabeto Mohammed , Min Lillian , Mody Lona
Published: November 2023

Background

Post‐acute sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 (PASC) describes a syndrome of physical and cognitive decline that persists after acute symptoms of infection resolve. Few studies have explored PASC among nursing home (NH) residents.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at two NHs in Michigan. COVID‐positive patients were identified from March 21, 2020 to October 26, 2021. The comparison group were patients who lived at the same NH but who were never infected during the study period. Minimum Data Set was used to examine trajectories of functional dependence (Activity of Daily Living [ADL] composite score) and cognitive function (Brief Interview for Mental Status [BIMS]). Linear mixed‐effects models were constructed to estimate short‐term change in function and cognition immediately following diagnosis and over time for an additional 12 months, compared to pre‐COVID and non‐COVID trajectories and adjusting for sex, age, and dementia status.

Results

We identified 171 residents (90 COVID‐19 positive, 81 non‐COVID) with 719 observations for our analyses. Cohort characteristics included: 108 (63%) ≥ 80 yrs.; 121 (71%) female; 160 (94%) non‐Hispanic white; median of 3 comorbidities (IQR 2–4), with no significant differences in characteristics between groups. COVID‐19 infection affected the trajectory of ADL recovery for the first 9 months following infection, characterized by an immediate post‐infection decrease in functional status post‐infection (−0.60 points, p = 0.002) followed by improvement toward the expected functional trajectory sans infection (0.04 points per month following infection, p = 0.271).

Conclusions

NH residents experienced a significant functional decline that persisted for 9 months following acute infection. Further research is needed to determine whether increased rehabilitation services after COVID‐19 may help mitigate this decline.
Educational experiences and American young adults' childbearing goals: A research note
Authors: Guzzo Karen Benjamin , Hayford Sarah R.
Published: November 2023

Objective

This research note describes the relationship between young adults' educational experiences and childbearing goals in the United States.

Background

In the United States, education is associated with later childbearing and fewer children, but the relationship between education and fertility desires and intentions is less well‐understood. This article contributes to the research literature by illustrating variation in prospective fertility goals by education, focusing on the early life course in order to understand young adults' goals before they have been shaped by parenting and extensive workforce experiences.

Method

This analysis uses data from the National Surveys of Family Growth (1995–2019), a nationally representative survey, to study fertility desires and intentions among childless US men and women ages 19–24. Predicted probabilities demonstrating differences in fertility goals by educational experiences, from three sets of multivariable analyses (logistic regression predicting fertility desires and intentions, separately, and negative binomial regression predicting intended parity), are shown.

Results

Men and women with a bachelor's degree and those enrolled in college do not have lower fertility goals than those without a degree and not enrolled; if anything, more educated individuals are slightly more likely to desire (for men only) and intend children and to have slightly larger intended family size.

Conclusions

Education gaps in fertility in the United States are not attributable to differences in early‐life fertility goals.
Single implant retained overdentures: Evaluation of effect of implant length and diameter on stress distribution by finite element analysis
Authors: Eraslan Ravza , Yagci Filiz , Esim Emir
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Single implant retained mandibular overdenture treatment has been shown to be a minimally invasive, satisfactory, and cost‐effective option for edentulous individuals. However, the impact of implant diameter and length on stress distribution at the implant, bone, and other components in this treatment approach remains unclear. The purpose of this 3D finite element analysis was to evaluate the effect of implant length and diameter on equivalent von Mises stress and strain distribution in single implant retained overdentures at bone, implant, and prosthetic components.

Materials and Methods

Nine models were constructed according to implant lengths (L) (8, 10, 12 mm) and diameters (D) (3.3, 4.1, 4.8 mm). The implants were positioned axially, in the midline of the mandible. A 3D model of the edentulous mandible was created from a computed tomography image. A single implant, abutment with insert PEEK and a housing, acrylic denture, and Co‐Cr framework were modeled separately. In the ANSYS software program, occlusal loads were applied as 150 N, bilaterally vertical direction, or unilaterally oblique direction to the first molar. Minimum principal stress values were evaluated for bone and equivalent von Mises stress and strain values were evaluated for implant and prosthetic components.

Results

Von Mises stress values for vertical load increased at implant, housing, and insert PEEK for all groups when the length of the implant increased. When oblique load was applied, 3.3 mm diameter implant groups showed maximum von Mises stress values for implants, cortical bone, cancellous bone, and housing among all groups. A minimum stress level for implant was found in D4.1/L8 group. Regarding the insert PEEK, strain values were found to be higher as the diameter of the implant increased both for vertical and oblique loads. Cortical bone showed higher minimum principal stress values as compared to cancellous bone under both loading conditions.

Conclusions

The 3.3 mm diameter implant groups exhibited the highest von Mises stress and strain values for both loading conditions at the implant. The diameter of the implant had a greater impact on stress and strain levels at the implant site compared to length. For vertical loading, stress value increased at implant, housing, and PEEK when the length of the implant increased.
The structure of aggressive personality
Authors: Chester David S. , Crowe Michael L. , Hyatt Courtland S. , Miller Joshua D.
Published: November 2023

Objective

We sought to factor analyze a broad array of aggression measures to identify a comprehensive, coherent factor structure for this construct.

Background

Measures and models of trait aggression have multiplied to the point of incoherence.

Method

In Study 1, a diverse sample of 922 undergraduates completed a battery of items acquired from 42 self‐report aggression questionnaires. In Study 2, we administered a curated item pool to another diverse sample of 1447 undergraduates, alongside criterion measures.

Results

We curated an initial item pool of 734 items down to 289 items that exhibited sufficient variability, were not redundant with other items, and possessed strong loadings onto a central ‘trait aggression’ factor. These remaining items were best characterized by a six‐factor structure, which captured relational, angry, violent, retaliatory, intimate partner, and alcohol forms of aggression. We estimated their hierarchical structure, correlations with their original aggression scales, Five Factor Model trait dimensions, impulsivity facets, and found them to be robust to gender composition and the inclusion of alcohol‐naive and intimate‐partner‐naive participants.

Conclusions

This factor structure mostly supported widely‐accepted models of aggressive personality that focus on its overt and relational forms and reactive functions, though proactive aggression only loosely emerged as a distinct entity. We retained the final items as the Comprehensive Aggression Scale (CAS).
Raising a star: Black motherhood and the politics of whiteness in the Colombian telenovela, La mamá del 10
Authors: Carosi Marcelo
Published: November 2023

This study explores the representation of Blackness in the telenovela La mamá del 10, revealing it as ambiguous but largely depoliticized. Herein, soccer presents a “sanitized” way of being Black when hard work and high‐performance sports are used to frame nonwhite populations within white values that manage to save a young man from repeating his Black father's mistakes. In addition, the mall is examined in relation to racial democracy. La mamá del 10 emphasizes the importance of the mall as a place where Blackness meets social advancement at the expense of kinship and community.
Exosome‐derived miR‐182‐5p promoted cholangiocarcinoma progression and vasculogenesis by regulating ADK/SEMA5a/PI3K pathway
Authors: Wang Jifei , Jiang Wangjie , Liu Shuochen , Shi Kuangheng , Zhang Yaodong , Chen Yananlan , Shan Jijun , Wang Yuming , Xu Xiao , Li Changxian , Li Xiangcheng
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

Increasing evidence suggested that miRNAs regulated the expression of pivotal genes involved in oncogenesis and malignant phenotype. In this project, the purpose was to make an inquiry to the effect and mechanism of miR‐182‐5p in the progression of cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods

By analysing TCGA and GEO databases, combined with tissue expression levels, miR‐182‐5p was identified as one of the most valuable miRNAs for research. The function and relationships between miR‐182‐5p and downstream target genes were both verified by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Methylation‐specific PCR and bisulphite sequencing were used to detect the methylation level changes of downstream gene promoter.

Results

We found that miR‐182‐5p could be taken up by exosomes secreted from cholangiocarcinoma. Moreover, exosomal derived miR‐182‐5p promoted vascular endothelial cell proliferation and migration and induced angiogenesis by targeting ADK/SEMA5a. Subsequently, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway was activated and ultimately caused resistance to gemcitabine and cisplatin.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that the miR‐182‐5p/ADK/SEMA5a axis might serve as a potential therapeutic target for cholangiocarcinoma.
Understanding nutrition students' knowledge, perceived barriers and their views on the future role of nutritionists regarding sustainable diets
Authors: Baungaard Cathrine , Lane Katie E. , Richardson Lucinda
Published: November 2023

Nutrition professionals are important stakeholders in sustainable food systems with skills to promote the connection between health, food production, environment, culture and economics. Higher education institutions are increasingly recognising the importance of teaching about sustainability, yet there exists a gap in the literature detailing the awareness of sustainability issues by nutrition students. This study aimed to ascertain the level of knowledge of sustainable diets (SDs), the perceived barriers to their adoption in their own diets, students' experience of university‐based teaching about SDs and their views on the future role of the nutrition profession in relation to SD amongst nutrition students on Association for Nutrition (AfN)‐accredited degrees. The study assessed environmental and sustainable food literacy (SFL) through an online questionnaire and explored the issues in more detail in virtual or face‐to‐face interviews in 2019. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (Kruskal‐Wallis, Jonckheere‐Terpstra, independent t‐test, Spearman, Pearson Correlations). Qualitative data were analysed using the Braun and Clark (2006) six‐step approach to thematic analysis. The questionnaire responses (n = 51) represented 17 AfN‐accredited undergraduate courses (35% of AfN‐accredited universities in 2019). The majority (76%) of students had received an introduction, partaken in a module or received teaching on SDs throughout their whole degree. Students were predominantly environmentally literate, yet had a fragmented understanding of SDs, focusing on the environmental aspects of SDs. There was no correlation between SFL and reported sustainability content of university courses, highlighting a need for more effective teaching on sustainability topics. Additionally, no relationship between self‐reported diet intake and SFL was found. Students identified a lack of knowledge and education as barriers preventing them from adopting sustainable practices in the present and future. To integrate sustainability into their future practice more consistently and effectively, nutrition students require more structured, holistic sustainability education and knowledge.
Urinary liver‐type fatty acid binding protein is a biomarker reflecting renal damage and the ameliorative effect of drugs at an early stage of histone‐induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Ohata Keiichi , Sugaya Takeshi , Nguyen Hanh Nhung , Arai Karin , Hatanaka Yuri , Uno Kinuko , Tohma Marika , Uechi Teppei , Sekiguchi Keita , Oikawa Tsuyoshi , Nagabukuro Hiroshi , Kuniyeda Kanako , Kamijo‐Ikemori Atsuko , Suzuki‐Kemuriyama Noriko , Nakae Dai , Noiri Eisei , Miyajima Katsuhiro
Published: November 2023

Aim

Circulated histones play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases and severe trauma, and it is one of the potential molecular targets for therapeutics. Recently, we reported that histone is one of the causative agents for urinary L‐FABP increase. However, the mechanism is still unclear, especially in severe cases. We further investigated the mechanism of urinary L‐FABP increase using a more severe mouse model with histone‐induced kidney injury. This study also aims to evaluate the therapeutic responsiveness of urinary L‐FABP as a preliminary study.

Methods

Human L‐FABP chromosomal transgenic mice were administrated 30 mg/kg histone from a tail vein with a single dose. We also performed a comparative study in LPS administration model. For the evaluation of the therapeutic responsiveness of urinary L‐FABP, we used heparin and rolipram.

Results

The histological change with cast formation as a characteristic of the models was observed in proximal tubules. Urinary L‐FABP levels were significantly elevated and these levels tended to be higher in those with more cast formation. Heparin and rolipram had the ameliorative effect of the cast formation induced by histone and urinary L‐FABP levels significantly decreased.

Conclusion

Histone is one of the causative agents for the increase of urinary L‐FABP at an early stage of AKI. In addition, it suggested that urinary L‐FABP may be useful as a subclinical AKI marker reflecting kidney damage induced by histone. Furthermore, urinary L‐FABP reflected the degree of the damage after the administration of therapeutic agents such as heparin and PDE4 inhibitor.
Warming influences carbon and nitrogen assimilation between a widespread Ericaceous shrub and root‐associated fungi
Authors: Hupperts Stefan F. , Islam Kazi Samiul , Gundale Michael J. , Kardol Paul , Sundqvist Maja K.
Published: November 2023

High‐latitude ecosystems are warming faster than other biomes and are often dominated by a ground layer of Ericaceous shrubs, which can respond positively to warming. The carbon‐for‐nitrogen (C‐for‐N) exchange between Ericaceous shrubs and root‐associated fungi may underlie shrub responses to warming, but has been understudied.

In a glasshouse setting, we examined the effects of warming on the C‐for‐N exchange between the Ericaceous shrub Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum and its root‐associated fungi. We applied different 13C and 15N isotope labels, including a simple organic N form (glycine) and a complex organic N form (moss litter) and quantified their assimilation into soil, plant biomass, and root fungal biomass pools.

We found that warming lowered the amount of 13C partitioned to root‐associated fungi per unit of glycine 15N assimilated by E. nigrum, but only in the short term. By contrast, warming increased the amount of 13C partitioned to root‐associated fungi per unit of moss 15N assimilated by E. nigrum.

Our study suggests that climate warming affects the short‐term exchange of C and N between a widespread Ericaceous shrub and root‐associated fungi. Furthermore, while most isotope tracing studies use labile N sources, we demonstrate that a ubiquitous recalcitrant N source may produce contrasting results.
Diet, gym, supplements, or maybe it is all in your mind? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies on placebo and nocebo effects in weight loss in adults
Authors: Żegleń Magdalena , Kryst Łukasz , Bąbel Przemysław
Published: November 2023

Introduction

There is evidence that placebo and nocebo effects are significant for many conditions, but their impact on weight loss has not yet been well described.

Material and methods

A systematic review of studies indexed on PubMed, Cochrane, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, TripDatabase, and Embase was carried out. Studies (1) with at least two study groups — placebo and a corresponding control group; (2) published in English; and (3) focusing on adults participating in weight loss programs or on placebo/nocebo effects in weight loss were included. Synthesis and meta‐analysis of the results of studies with comparable research plans were performed.

Results

Some preliminary trends suggesting placebo and nocebo effects in weight loss were found. Placebo effects manifested in trends towards a slightly greater reduction of Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat ratio in the placebo compared with the control groups. On the other hand, in one study, it was found that the expectancy effects of taking oral weight‐loss agents might be disadvantageous (i.e., because they elicit a nocebo effect on weight loss).

Conclusion

The findings suggest a possibility that the nocebo effect may occur when an intervention has a medical context. In contrast, the placebo effect can be observed in cases where the intervention is of a different nature. However, considering the low number of studies analyzing the use of placebos in weight loss, new primary research is needed.
Peripheral refraction under different levels of illuminance
Authors: Marcellán Vidosa María Concepción , Remón Laura , Ávila Francisco J.
Published: November 2023

Peripheral refraction is believed to be involved in the development of myopia. The aim of this study was to compare the relative peripheral refraction (RPR) at four different levels of illuminance, ranging from photopic conditions to complete darkness, using an open‐field autorefraction method. The RPR was calculated for each eccentricity by subtracting central from peripheral autorefraction measurements. The study included 114 myopic eyes from 114 subjects (mean age of 21.81 ± 1.91 years) and the mean difference in RPR between scotopic and photopic conditions (0 and 300 lux, respectively) was +0.32 D at 30° temporal and +0.37 D at 30° in the nasal visual field (NVF). Statistically significant differences were observed between 0 and 300 lux at 30° in the temporal visual field and at 30° and 20° in the NVF. Our results revealed a significant increase in relative peripheral hyperopia with increasing visual field eccentricity along the horizontal visual field in myopic eyes of young adults. Furthermore, this relative peripheral hyperopia increased as illumination decreased. These findings suggest that an increase in peripheral illuminance may protect against myopic eye growth.
Predictive coding I: Introduction
Authors: Sprevak Mark
Published: November 2023

Predictive coding – sometimes also known as ‘predictive processing’, ‘free energy minimisation’, or ‘prediction error minimisation’ – claims to offer a complete, unified theory of cognition that stretches all the way from cellular biology to phenomenology. However, the exact content of the view, and how it might achieve its ambitions, is not clear. This series of articles examines predictive coding and attempts to identify its key commitments and justification. The present article begins by focusing on possible confounds with predictive coding: claims that are often identified with predictive coding, but which are not predictive coding. These include the idea that the brain employs an efficient scheme for encoding its incoming sensory signals; that perceptual experience is shaped by prior beliefs; that cognition involves minimisation of prediction error; that the brain is a probabilistic inference engine; and that the brain learns and employs a generative model of the world. These ideas have garnered widespread support in modern cognitive neuroscience, but it is important not to conflate them with predictive coding.
An explorative multiverse study for extracting differences in P3 latencies between young and old adults
Authors: Sadus Kathrin , Schubert Anna‐Lena , Löffler Christoph , Hagemann Dirk
Published: November 2023

It is well established that P3 latencies increase with age. Investigating these age‐related differences requires numerous methodological decisions, resulting in pipelines of great variation. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effects of different analytical pipelines on the age‐related differences in P3 latencies in real data. Therefore, we conducted an explorative multiverse study and varied the low‐pass filter (4 Hz, 8 Hz, 16 Hz, 32 Hz, and no filter), the latency type (area vs. peak), the level of event‐related potential analysis (single participant vs. jackknifing), and the extraction method (manual vs. automated). Thirty young (18–21 years) and 30 old (50–60 years) participants completed three tasks (Nback task, Switching task, Flanker task), while an EEG was recorded. The results show that different analysis strategies can have a tremendous impact on the detection and magnitude of the age effect, with effect sizes ranging from 0% to 88% explained variance. Likewise, regarding the psychometric properties of P3 latencies, we found that the reliabilities fluctuated between rtt = .20 and 1.00, while the homogeneities ranged from rh = −.12 to .90. Based on predefined criteria, we found that the most effective pipelines relied on a manual extraction based on a single participant's data. For peak latencies, manual extraction performed well for all filters except for 4 Hz, while for area latencies, filters above 8 Hz produced desirable results. Furthermore, our findings add to the evidence that jackknifing combined with peak latencies can lead to inconclusive results.
A systematic review of hair cortisol in healthy adults measured using immunoassays: Methodological considerations and proposed reference values for research
Authors: Igboanugo Somkene , O'Connor Claire , Zitoun Osama A. , Ramezan Reza , Mielke John G.
Published: November 2023

Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) has shown remarkable promise as a stable, non‐invasive measure of systemic cortisol; however, despite methodological advances, the value that would typically be seen in healthy adults has not been established. Therefore, we sought to review the relevant literature to determine a reference value for HCC in healthy (i.e., non‐clinical) adults. To this end, we conducted a systematic review of the PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL databases for studies that measured healthy adult HCC using immunoassay methods, given that these are the most widely accessible analytical tools. To be eligible, studies were required to have been published in English, to have provided relevant descriptive statistics (i.e., means and standard deviations), and to have used a healthy adult human sample. We found 17 studies that met our inclusion criteria; the reports involved 1348 participants with a mean age of about 38 years. Since we identified a large amount of between‐study heterogeneity, we completed a random‐effect meta‐regression analysis and found that test kit vendor was the only significant variable of the model. As a result, when using methodologies from traditional finite mixture distributions to determine reference values for mean and elevated HCC in individual healthy adults, we calculated these estimates for each of the major test kit vendors. Future work will need to determine whether our estimated reference values need to be modified, and these efforts will be greatly assisted by studies that account for potential moderating factors, such as age, sex, and ethnicity.
Brains of endurance athletes differ in the association areas but not in the primary areas
Authors: Geisler Maria , de la Cruz Feliberto , Makris Nikos , Billah Tashrif , Zhang Fan , Rathi Yogesh , O'Donnell Lauren J. , Bouix Sylvain , Herbsleb Marco , Bär Karl‐Jürgen , Kikinis Zora , Weiss Thomas
Published: November 2023

Regular participation in sports results in a series of physiological adaptations. However, little is known about the brain adaptations to physical activity. Here we aimed to investigate whether young endurance athletes and non‐athletes differ in the gray and white matter of the brain and whether cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with these differences. We assessed the CRF, volumes of the gray and white matter of the brain using structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI), and brain white matter connections using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) in 20 young male endurance athletes and 21 healthy non‐athletes. While total brain volume was similar in both groups, the white matter volume was larger and the gray matter volume was smaller in the athletes compared to non‐athletes. The reduction of gray matter was located in the association areas of the brain that are specialized in processing of sensory stimuli. In the microstructure analysis, significant group differences were found only in the association tracts, for example, the inferior occipito‐frontal fascicle (IOFF) showing higher fractional anisotropy and lower radial diffusivity, indicating stronger myelination in this tract. Additionally, gray and white matter brain volumes, as well as association tracts correlated with CRF. No changes were observed in other brain areas or tracts. In summary, the brain signature of the endurance athlete is characterized by changes in the integration of sensory and motor information in the association areas.