bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract P393: Uromodulin Genotype And Response To Loop Diuretics - The BHF UMOD Genotype Blinded Trial
Authors: McCallum Linsay , Lip Stefanie , Brooksbank Katriona , McConnachie Alex , Dominiczak Anna F , MacDonald Thomas M , Webb David J , Padmanabhan Sandosh
Published: October 2023

Background:
Genome-wide association studies identified the major A allele of SNP rs13333226 to be associated with increased BP and uromodulin excretion. Observational studies indicate those with rs13333226-AA genotype have greater BP lowering in response to loop diuretics.

Methods:
This genotype blinded multi-centre trial (NCT03354897) enrolled hypertensive participants without diabetes aged ≥18 years with home SBP >135 mmHg and/or DBP >85 mmHg despite treatment with ≥1 non diuretic antihypertensive drug for ≥3 months. Participants were prescribed torasemide 5mg daily for 16 weeks with ABPM BP measured at baseline, 8 and 16 weeks. Primary endpoint was change in 24h ABPM SBP between baseline and end of treatment by genotype (AA vs AG/GG).

Results:
We screened 251 patients, with 222 prescribed torasemide; 174 had genotype data and took ≥80% of dispensed torasemide over the study period. Drop in mean ABPM SBP at 16 weeks compared to baseline was twice as large for AA than AG/GG genotypes (AA -6.57 mmHg change (95% CI -8.44, -4.69), p<0.0001; AG/GG -3.22 (-5.93, -0.51) mmHg change, p=0.021). Mean ABPM SBP in AA group steadily declined from 139 mmHg at baseline to 132.6 mmHg at end of treatment, in contrast, the AG/GG group began with a marginally lower value mean ABPM SBP, showed a marked drop at 8 weeks, followed by a rebound at 16 weeks, ending slightly higher than those in the AA group.

Conclusions:
The rs13333226-AA genotype identifies a group of hypertensive patients who show a larger, more stable BP reduction in response to torasemide adding further support for a biological uromodulin-NKCC2 interaction, and a role for genotype directed earlier use of loop diuretics in hypertension management.
Abstract P394: BIUXX
Authors: Pan Xiaoqing , Liu Yong , Chen Yuru , Yang Yifan , Kidambi Vidya , Liang Mingyu , Liu Pengyuan
Published: October 2023

Mediating effects of body mass index on the association between DNA methylation regions and 24-hour blood pressure

Xiaoqing Pan, Yong Liu, Yuru Chen, Yifan Yang, Srividya Kidambi, Mingyu Liang, Pengyuan Liu

Background:
Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of DNA methylation in blood pressure (BP) regulation and hypertension development. In addition to epigenetics, it is well known that obesity is one of the major lifestyle factors closely associated with hypertension. However, no studies have evaluated the indirect effect of DNA methylation on 24-hour BP measurements through obesity-related phenotypes such as body mass index (BMI).

Methods:
Causal mediation analysis was applied to examine the mediating effects of BMI on the association between DNA methylation and 24-hour BP phenotypes, including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), in 281 black participants.

Results:
Reanalysis of 38,215 DNA methylation regions (MRs), derived from 1,549,368 CpG sites across the genome, identified up to 138 MRs that were significantly associated with 24-hour BP measurements through the mediator of BMI. Among them, 38 (19.2%) of these MRs were simultaneously associated with SBP, DBP and MAP. Genes associated with BMI-mediated MRs are potentially involved in multiple chronic diseases such as coronary artery disease and renal disease, of which hypertension is a well-known major risk factor. In particular, 3 genes (CDH4, NOTCH1 and COLGALT1) were significantly associated with 24-hour BP measurements directly and indirectly through BMI after adjusting for covariates of age and sex.

Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that in addition to its direct involvement, DNA methylation may mediate the development of hypertension through BMI.
Abstract P411: Significance Of The Nav 1.8. Voltage-gated, Tetrodotoxin-resistant Sodium Channel For The Renal Sensory Innervation In Mice And Rats
Authors: Rodionova Kristina , Ditting Tilmann , Holzmann Katrin , Bach Felix , Linz Peter R , Hilgers Karl F , Schmieder Roland E , Schiffer Mario , Amann Kerstin , Veelken Roland
Published: October 2023

Introduction:
Our previous work showed that the sensory innervation of the kidney in rats has a peculiarity containing predominantly (more than 50%) highly active tonic neurons to electrical stimulation. In a previous publication demonstrated an increased mRNA expression of the TTX-resistant sodium channel Nav1.8 in renal sensory neurons. Hence, we tested the hypothesis that tonic firing pattern is related to the specific expression of Na
v
1.8 on the cell surface of neurons with renal sensoric axons in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG Th12-L2).

Material and methods:
Harvested dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRG Th11-L2) from male Sprague Dawley (SD) with renal afferents were investigated in primary neuronal cell culture using current clamp mode to assess action potential generation during current injection and to characterize neurons as tonic highly active and phasic less active neurons using a Nav1.8 blocker (A-803467) before and after stimulation. Further, renal DRG neurons from a Nav1.8 knock out mouse (C57BL6J-Scn10atm1Jwo) were investigated in a current clamp mode. C57BL6 mice were used as controls.

Results:
At a concentration of 0.3μM the maximum AP firing frequency of tonic neurons was blocked from 13+/- 1.1 APs/600ms to 7.6+/-1.4 APs/600ms under superfusion with a Nav1.8 blocker. No blocker effects were seen at a concentration of 0.1 μM and due to superfusion with the solvent methanol alone. The firing pattern of renal neurons in the C57BL6 mouse was similar to that in the SD rat with a dominance of the tonic highly active neurons. In a Nav1.8 knock out mouse (C57BL6J-Scn10atm1Jwo) in the population of neurons with dendrites from the kidney only a single cell out of 70 showed tonic firing behavior (control vs Nav1.8 KO mouse, z-test, p<0.05).

Conclusion:
Under physiological conditions, renal sensory neurons exhibit predominantly a firing pattern associated with higher excitability. Our findings in this study support the significance of the TTX-resistant sodium channel Nav1.8 for the specific tonic firing pattern of neurons with renal projections. That might be of importance for pharmacological interventions to influence renal nerve activity, which likely plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood pressure and control of cardiovascular function.
Abstract P412: Microglia Via P2y
12
Transmit Hemodynamic Signal To Promote Sympathetic Activation In Hypertension
Authors: Shi Peng , shen xiao
Published: October 2023

Hypertension is characterized by elevated sympathetic tonicity, but how sympathetic hyperactivity is triggered is not fully understood. Recent studies reveal that microglia highly involve in the regulation of sympathetic neuronal activity in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). In this study, we performed a temporospatial analysis of microglia at both morphological and transcriptomic levels, and found that microglia in the PVN were the earliest responders to hypertensive challenge. Comprehensive vasculature analysis unveiled that PVN was characterized by high capillary density, thin vessel diameter, and complex vascular topology compared to other brain regions. PVN is susceptible to the penetration of ATP derived from the vasculature in response to hemodynamic disturbance upon pressor challenge. Furthermore, either pharmacological blockade or genetic ablation of microglia P2Y12 could substantially restrain pressor response under hypertensive stimulation Together, these findings suggest that a unique vasculature pattern endows PVN with susceptibility to hypertension-associated hemodynamic insults, which is mediated by microglia.
Abstract P417: Proinflammatory Cytokine Production By Activated T Cells Cultured In PVAT-conditioned Media From Dahl S Rats On A High Fat Diet Correlates With The Development Of Hypertension
Authors: Jin Yining , Christian Barbara , Lauver Adam A , Rockwell Cheryl
Published: October 2023

There is growing evidence to suggest an association between the immune system and hypertension. Our previous studies demonstrated that soluble mediators from mesenteric perivascular adipose tissue (mPVAT) influence T cell function during hypertension. Specifically, we found that conditioned media from mPVAT derived from hypertensive rats on high fat (HF) diet for 10 wk promoted expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by activated T cells. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study was to identify the timepoint at which this effect begins. Toward this end, we cultured anti-CD3/anti-CD28-activated splenocytes in mPVAT-conditioned media (PVAT-CM) from Dahl S rats on either control or HF diet for 8 wks. Data show that mPVAT-CM from either control or HF diet animals suppressed IL-2 induction by T cells activated for 24 h by 60% (control: 190.9±15.6 pg/ml vs. HF: 224.3±12.7 pg/ml) compared to the group without CM (580±4.2 pg/ml). We also collected supernatants after 96 h of activation and performed a multiplex cytokine assay. Our data show that while the induction of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17a is greatly increased by PVAT-CM from Dahl S rats on HF diet for 10 wks (29340±5570 pg/ml) compared to control diet (14080±2410 pg/ml), this was not observed at the 8-wk timepoint (HF: 5970±893 pg/ml; control diet: 5995±675 pg/ml). Similarly, PVAT-CM from Dahl S rats on HF diet for 10 wks (653±66 pg/ml) also greatly increased induction of GM-CSF compared to PVAT-CM from rats on control diet (381±57.9 pg/ml)—this difference was not observed at 8 wks (HF: 1274±269 pg/ml; control diet: 1276±58 pg/ml). Overall, the data demonstrate that mPVAT-CM from Dahl S rats on a HF diet for 10 wks, but not 8 wks, significantly increases proinflammatory cytokine production by activated splenic T cells, which correlates with the timepoint at which blood pressure becomes elevated in this model.
Abstract P429: Human Renal Proximal Tubule Cell Paracrine Production Of Dopamine Is Increased In High Sodium Stress And Reduced In Dopamine D
1
Receptor Uncoupled Cells
Authors: Gildea John J , Parrott Quay , Carson Marshall , Marino Collin , Felder Robin
Published: October 2023

Angiotensin II type-2 receptor (AT
2
R) stimulation with Ang III leads to the dopamine D1 Receptor (D
1
R) plasma membrane recruitment in normally cAMP coupled human renal proximal tubule cells (nRPTC). While extending these studies to include D
1
R cAMP uncoupled (uRPTC), we determined that Ang III stimulation did not lead to D
1
R plasma membrane recruitment. We then hypothesized that local production and secretion of dopamine may be stimulated by sodium stress as well as in this AT
2
R to D
1
R recruitment pathway. A stable clone of Dlight 1.3 HEK293 cell line expressing the GFP dopamine biosensor functioned properly through multiple titration experiments using fenoldopam (D
1
R/D
5
R agonist) direct binding, showing dose dependent increase in the Dlight biosensor fluorescence, as well as a dose dependent increase and decrease of intracellular dopamine production in high or low sodium conditions respectively. Dopamine secretion was examined in a co-culture experiment using a stable clone of D
5
R and ICUE3 cAMP reporter HEK293 cell line. Local extracellular dopamine produces a change in the FRET biosensor. Both nRPTCs and uRPTCs make and secrete dopamine and this is increased further with incubation with L-Dopa. Interestingly 8Br-cGMP lead to an increase in dopamine secretion only in nRPTCs by 18.28±3.2 fold FRET nRPTC vs uRPTC (p<0.001, N=9 per group). Further experiments examined autocrine D
1
R signaling second messenger cAMP levels after Ang III stimulation at differing sodium levels. Only nRPTCs produced more cAMP (8.53±0.73 fold increase vs NS VEH control, p<0.01, N=8 per group) when stimulated with Ang III in high sodium conditions, this being from local dopamine production, secretion and D
1
R stimulation. These studies provide new insights into the autocrine dopamine production by RPTCs and D
1
R/AT
2
R trans-regulation that play a role in maintaining sodium and blood pressure homeostasis.
Abstract P432: CTRP1 Contributes To Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension Via Activation Of Intrarenal Renin
Authors: Wang Fei , Zheng Huaqing , Yang Alex , Yang Tianxin
Published: October 2023

C1q/TNF-related protein 1(CTRP1) is generally regarded as an adipokine and its circulating level is elevated in patients with hypertension. However, the functional role and mechanism of CTRP1 in blood pressure (BP) regulation largely remains elusive. In the present study, we investigated the BP phenotype of global CTRP1 knockout mice (termed CTRP1 KO) during angiotensin II (AngII) infusion and further explored the underlying mechanism involving the intrarenal renin. At baseline, 4-mo-old CTRP1 KO mice exhibited no developmental abnormalities or had normal BPs as compared with wild-type controls (WT). AngII infusion (300 ng/min/kg) induced a 3-fold increase in plasma and urinary CTRP1 levels as assessed by ELISA, but it was undetectable in CTRP1 KO mice. By radiotelemetry, AngII-infused CTRP1 KO mice exhibited reduced MAP as compared with AngII-infused WT mice (MAP [mmHg] in Day 7: 124.1 ± 2.4 in CTRP1 KO mice vs. 135 ± 3.1 in WT mice, n = 4 for each group, p < 0.05 by Student’s t test). This reduction was accompanied by a diminished response in intrarenal renin expression, as evidenced by urinary total prorenin/renin excretion ([ng/24h]: 0.51 ± 0.08 in WT/Vehicle vs. 1.22 ± 0.12 in WT/AngII; 0.32 ± 0.11 in CTRP1 KO/Vehicle vs. 0.54 ± 0.09 in CTRP1 KO/AngII; p < 0.05 by Two-way ANOVA analysis) and renal medullary mRNA levels (qRT-PCR: 1.00 ± 0.18 in WT/Vehicle vs. 3.73 ± 0.59 in WT/AngII; 0.52 ± 0.21 in CTRP1 KO/Vehicle vs. 1.31 ± 0.37 in CTRP1 KO/AngII, p < 0.05 by Two-way ANOVA analysis). In contrast, renal cortical renin mRNA was suppressed by AngII infusion more significantly in WT than in CTRP1 KO mice. In cultured mouse collecting duct-derived M-1 cells, treatment with recombinant human CTRP1-His protein (hCTRP1-His) at 20 nM for 24 hours consistently upregulated renin expression at both protein (Densitometry: 1.00 ± 0.23 in Vehicle group vs. 2.58 ± 0.42 in hCTRP1-His group, p < 0.05) and mRNA levels (qRT-PCR: 1.00 ± 0.12 in Vehicle group vs. 11.60 ± 1.21 in hCTRP1-His group, p < 0.05) levels. Collectively, these findings provide evidence favoring CTRP1 as a regulator of intrarenal renin mediating AngII-induced hypertension and further suggest CTRP1 as a potential mediator of adipose-renal crosstalk.
The Political Costs of Austerity
Authors: Gabriel Ricardo Duque , Klein Mathias , Pessoa Ana Sofia
Published: October 2023

Using a novel regional database covering over 200 elections in several European countries, this paper provides new empirical evidence on the political consequences of fiscal consolidations. To identify exogenous reductions in regional public spending, we use a Bartik-type instrument that combines regional sensitivities to changes in national government expenditures with narrative national consolidation episodes. Fiscal consolidations lead to a significant increase in extreme parties' vote share, lower voter turnout, and a rise in political fragmentation. We highlight the close relationship between detrimental economic developments and voters' support for extreme parties by showing that austerity induces severe deconomic costs through lowering GDP, employment, private investment, and wages. Austerity-driven recessions amplify the political costs of economic downturns considerably by increasing distrust in the political environment.
Torn into the Abyss?
Authors: Niemann Dennis , Krogmann David , Martens Kerstin
Published: October 2023

Recent challenges to the liberal international order (LIO) have called into question the efficacy of international organizations (IO s) in global governance. However, it remains unclear if the anticipated crisis of the LIO affects all policy fields to the same degree. Based on organizational ecology, this article seeks to explain compositions and trajectories across three fields—climate, education, and health. It shows that the three subpopulations of IO s are stable since the early 2000s, while regional IO s constitute a significant share of the subpopulations. It further finds notable variation in the distribution of generalist and specialist IO s. While the number of generalist IO s in relation to specialist health IO s decreased over time, the article finds generalist education and climate IO s have been on the rise. It argues that—as policy issues grow ever more interconnected over time—IO s expand their thematic scopes to new niches.
The Loyal Scholar. Hindūšāh, Naḫjawān and the Juwaynīs
Authors: Durand-Guédy David
Published: October 2023

This article documents intellectual life in Iran under the Mongols through the case of Hindūšāh Naḫjawānī (d. before 728/1327–28), a scholar known primarily as a historian who has gained a certain notoriety thanks to the pioneering works of Edgard Browne and ʿAbbās Iqbāl on his Tajārib al-salaf. New sources allow to rectify a number of approximations and mistakes about his origin, his name, his works, his career and his scholarly interests. The resulting portrait of Hindūšāh illustrates several key features of the scholarly life of medieval Islam in general and of the Ilkhanid period in particular: social mobility (via Hindūšāh’s rise from a Turkish military background to a well-educated scholar), geographical mobility (through his constant travels from his home region of Naḫjawān), linguistic fluidity in his writings (between Persian and Arabic, but without the slightest interest in Turkish), political context (specifically, the increasing “Shiitisation” of the late Ilkhanate), and, last but not least, loyalty to his patrons. Hindūšāh not only enjoyed the protection of the Juwaynī brothers at a time when they wielded tremendous power in the early Ilkhanate state but also remained loyal to their memory decades after their fall in the 680/1280s. It helps explain his disillusioned view of historiographical writing but also his choice of works to copy. Hindūšāh remained an independent scholar, finding solace from distressing historical events in the study of philosophy and the reading of poetry.
Rosa Arciniega and the Transformations of Avant-Garde Fiction
Authors: Herrero-Senés Juan
Published: October 2023

The objective of this article is to provide a reevaluation of Rosa Arciniega’s (1903–1999) literary work in Spain throughout the 1930s. While her work is currently labelled as ‘social literature’, the present study will argue that this label is reductive and does not take into account the complexities, contradictions and transformations of her work. As this article will show, Arciniega sought to represent and express modernity in its most varied facets by focusing on three different areas: social denunciation, renewal of literary expression, and an appeal to romantic sentimentality. This study seeks to shed light on Arciniega’s immersion in time and the consequent grim diagnosis of modernity which led her from left-wing radicalism to more conservative positions. Formal experimentation will be seen as a key part of her literary trajectory.
Two new species of Cyclocybe (Agaricales, Tubariaceae) from China
Authors: ZHU XIN-YU , NYIMA TENZIN , VIZZINI ALFREDO , HE MAO-QIANG , PHURBU DORJI , ZHAO RUI- LIN
Published: October 2023

Cyclocybe encompasses 12 species which are distributed worldwide. In this study, two new species named C. suberebia and C. dinggyensis are introduced from China. Phylogenetic analyses based on nrITS, nrLSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 data show their placement within Cyclocybe in two distinct lineages. Cyclocybe suberebia is characterized by its dark brown to light brown pileus, smaller spore size, clampless hyphae. Cyclocybe dinggyensis is characterized by a slender basidioma, tetrasporic basidia and clampless hyphae. Descriptions, colour photographs and line drawings of both new species are presented.
A review of the Anatolian Gomphocerus Thunberg, 1815 (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Gomphocerinae) via morphological and bioacoustics characters: data suggesting a new species, a new subgenus and three new statuses
Authors: MOL ABBAS , ŞİRİN DENİZ , TAYLAN MEHMET SAİT , SEVGİLİ HASAN
Published: October 2023

Gomphocerus Thunberg, 1815 (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Gomphocerinae) is an interesting genus with clavate antennae, differing from the other genera by the pyriform (pear-shaped) anterior tibiae in the male and being represented by 17 taxa species-subspecies in the Palaearctic region. Anatolian species of this genus have not been adequately studied, and almost all of them are cold tolerance species and live in high mountain meadows. The previous studies indicate that the taxa belonging to Gomphocerus have some taxonomic problems in both Turkey and the Palaearctic region. For this reason, the genus needs taxonomic revision due to its biogeographical, biodiversity, taxonomical and faunistic issues for which morphological and bioacoustics characteristics are to be used. This study was carried out between the years 2015 and 2021 at different altitudes and habitats of the mountains, where Gomphocerus specimens were collected from various localities in Anatolia. Since the species belonging to the genus have distinct morphological differences, the genus is divided into two subgenera: the nominate subgenus and a new subgenus Bolivarianus Mol, subgen. n. In addition, a new species of the nominate subgenus Gomphocerus (Gomphocerus) eyluldenizi Mol, sp.n. is described from Erzurum province (Eastern Anatolia) and when both morphology and bioacoustics characteristics are evaluated, three subspecies of the genus distributed in Anatolia are designated at species level: Gomphocerus (Gomphocerus) turcicus Mistshenko, 1951 stat. n. et sp. rev., Gomphocerus (Bolivarianus) acutus Karabağ, 1957 stat. n., and Gomphocerus (Bolivarianus) hemipterus Karabağ, 1953 stat. n. Furthermore, a key to the subgenus and species level for Anatolian members of Gomphocerus is provided with original figures, a distributional map and suggestions for conservation status according to IUCN categories are presented.
RECAPACITA PROJECT: Impact of the New York Convention on capacity modification judgments in persons with severe mental disorders: A comparative study using mixed methodology
Authors: Marcó-García Silvia , Ribas-Muñoz Natalia , Guilera Georgina , Balsells-Mejía Sol , Huerta-Ramos Elena
Published: October 2023

In 2013, Spain aligned its capacity modification processes (CM) legislation with the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities, specifically for individuals with severe mental disorders (SMD). The reforms replaced incapacity verdicts with support provision and introduced the term “CM”. However, the social impact of these changes remains uncertain. The RECAPACITA project was initiated to generate knowledge on SMD and CM, and this study aims to investigate modifications in CM sentences and associated terminology. Using a qualitative-quantitative methodology, content analysis was conducted on 56 sentences from individuals with SMD. Terminology analysis utilized 19 sentences to achieve information saturation. A comparison was made between sentences prior to 2013 and those spanning 2014 to 2023, analyzing the data through ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (significance level: 0.05). The analysis revealed that psychiatric illness, its evolution, lack of self-governance, and economic management were frequently mentioned aspects in the sentences. However, no significant correlations were found. Qualitatively, mentions of self-governance were more prevalent in sentences before 2013. Conversely, after 2013, there was an increased focus on substances use, lack of insight and medical adherence, and the need for support in daily life. The term “incapable person” appeared in 100% of the sentences, indicating no differences in terminology. The study suggests that current CM sentences provide increasingly individualized information, addressing the specific support needs of individuals. To enhance future legal proceedings, incorporating neuroscience in studying SMD individuals and reconsidering terminology based on Convention guidelines is recommended.
A systematic review on the factors governing precision agriculture adoption among small-scale farmers
Authors: John Dah , Hussin Norhayati , Shahibi Mohd Sazili , Ahmad Masitah , Hashim Hasnah , Ametefe Divine Senanu
Published: October 2023

The global agricultural paradigm is witnessing a transformative shift with the advent of precision agriculture. While large-scale agricultural enterprises have been swift in their embrace of this innovation, its uptake among small-scale farmers remains nuanced and complex. This study elucidates the multi-faceted determinants that influence the adoption of precision agriculture within the small-scale farming sector. The study adopts a systematic literature review approach, meticulously selecting and analysing 29 relevant papers. Drawing upon an exhaustive literature review and empirical analyses, the research presents a composite framework weaving economic, technological, social, and environmental factors. Among these, the social dynamics emerge as the most significant factor, shaped by awareness levels, knowledge dissemination pathways, and entrenched cultural norms. These social elements often intertwine with ingrained traditional practices and perceptions, forming the most intricate layer shaping adoption attitudes. Notably, although economic factors like substantial initial investments and the calculus of Return on Investment are present, they are overshadowed by social considerations. The technological landscape is characterised by the challenges of digital literacy, infrastructural readiness, and technological interoperability. Lastly, environmental imperatives, underscored by resource scarcity, climate change resilience, and ecosystem services, offer both challenges and motivations. Together, these factors delineate the intricate roadmap guiding small-scale farmers in their journey toward precision agriculture adoption. This comprehensive exploration provides stakeholders with actionable insights, fostering informed decision-making and strategic interventions to augment precision agriculture's integration within the small-scale farming tapestry.
The caring classes: A socio-demographic and occupational analysis of caring values
Authors: Velotti Lorenzo , Cigna Luca Michele
Published: October 2023

In the past, the working class was perceived as a cohesive social and political subject, although this was never fully the case, and it is certainly less the case today. Class, in fact, is not just defined by economic attributes, but also by social, cultural and ethical ones. Care, understood either as work or values, is fundamental for better understanding class. The implications of the relationship between care values and class are yet not fully understood. In this article, building on David Graeber’s intuition regarding the caring classes, we theorise and statistically explore the existence of a working-class care ethos by examining which socio-demographic and occupational groups share care values. Using European Social Survey (ESS) data and ordinal logistic regressions, we test to what extent self-perceptions of care for others are associated with occupational/working profiles and socio-demographic characteristics. We find that caring for others is a value shared, transversally, by an intersection of different individuals who experience a few conditions of subalternity in the context of patriarchal and racial capitalism; a left-wing political orientation and a background of political/union organising; some specific occupational profiles marked by interpersonal interaction; and, most significantly, by explicit forms of care work. We conclude by speculating that the concept of caring classes can be a useful one towards a fertile terrain of political struggle.
Integrating Critical Content into an Undergraduate Research Methods Course to Support Student Learning Outcomes
Authors: Calderon Christine , Hines Jarrod C.
Published: October 2023

Background

Undergraduate students have reported low utility for research. Drawing from the literature about motivation and culturally relevant and responsive education, we framed psychological research methods as a social justice tool to enhance learners’ understanding of racial inequality and valuing of course content.

Objective

Two instructors infused critical methods content throughout their undergraduate psychological research methods courses to increase students’ perceptions of systemic racism in research, multicultural perspective taking, and motivation toward the course.

Method

Undergraduate students’ attitudes were measured at the beginning and end of the semester using an anonymous online survey. The critical research methods content was integrated throughout the semester.

Results

Effect sizes provided marginal support for increased awareness of systemic racism in research and multicultural perspective-taking. Results also indicated that students who more strongly perceived research as a social justice strategy reported greater valuing of research, and those who perceived higher value reported greater intentions to pursue research in the future.

Conclusion

Results provide proof of concept for critical methods content in facilitating undergraduate students’ critical awareness and engagement with psychological research methods.  

Teaching Implications

Teachers can utilize critical content to support students’ critical engagement and goal setting within their learning contexts.
Competition and Constituents’ Polarization Online
Authors: Zavyalova Anastasiya , Callahan Conor , Hubbard Timothy D. , Zyung J. Daniel
Published: October 2023

Society is becoming increasingly polarized. This affects how constituents with conflicting identities engage with organizations online. A strong catalyst of polarization is events that affirm or threaten constituents’ identities and exacerbate in-group versus out-group distinctions. Using a mixed method approach, we theorize that competitive contests between organizations are identity-relevant events that affect online engagement by identifying and disidentifying constituents in different ways. Specifically, we hypothesize that identity-affirming contest outcomes lead to a higher likelihood of online engagement than identity-threatening ones. Therefore, identifying constituents are more likely to engage online after their organization's competitive victories, whereas disidentifying constituents do so after losses. We further hypothesize that close calls or unexpected outcomes amplify these effects. In the context of online engagement by college football followers, we find that victories lead to higher online engagement than losses by team fans but lower engagement by team opponents. We also find that whereas fans are more likely to engage online after unexpected contest outcomes and, in some robustness tests, marginally after close calls, opponents are not affected by either outcome characteristic. To explore how competition and (dis)identification affect the emotional content of online comments, we supplement these findings with content analysis of online posts and a physiological laboratory experiment. Our study demonstrates that polarized constituents react to organizational events through identity-based mechanisms rather than objective evaluations of performance signals. Failure to account for the polarization of constituents therefore conceals important differences in how they engage with organizations online.
An Examination of Teachers’ Perceptions of Principal Support for Change and Teachers’ Collaboration and Communication around Literacy Instruction in Reading First Schools
Authors: Berebitsky Dan , Goddard Roger D. , Carlisle Joanne F.
Published: October 2023

Background/Context

Little research has directly examined whether principal leadership can increase the degree to which teachers work together regularly in focused ways around content. Prior research has shown that reform efforts seeking to alter the process of teaching can be successful if teachers collaborate to build capacity and improve instruction. Furthermore, the research literature has highlighted supportive principal leadership as a key component of teachers’ perception of an effective collaborative change process.

Purpose

This study examines the empirical link between teachers’ perceptions of principal support for change and teachers’ reports of the degree of collaboration and communication with one another around literacy.

Setting

The data for this study was collected in all 165 Reading First schools in Michigan in the 2006-2007 school year.

Subjects

Survey data was collected from 1,738 teachers across all schools.

Research Design

Data for this study was collected as part of the evaluation of Reading First in Michigan. Literacy teachers in kindergarten through third grade completed surveys at three points throughout the school year (fall, winter, and spring). These surveys contained questions about principal support for change and collaboration and communication around literacy.

Data Collection and Analysis

The primary analytic method employed in this study was multilevel modeling. Factor analysis and full information maximum likelihood estimation were also used.

Findings/Results

The measure of principal support for change was a significant positive predictor of teachers’ assessment of the degree of regular collaboration and communication around reading instruction; a one standard deviation increase in teachers’ reports of principal support for change was associated with a 0.202 standard deviation increase in teachers’ assessment of the degree of collaboration and communication around literacy when controlling for the other variables in the model.

Conclusions/Recommendations

This paper demonstrates that the degree to which teachers report collaboration and communication around literacy in Reading First schools is significantly related to their perceptions of principal support for change. If policymakers expect teachers to collaborate around issues of instruction, then they need to consider the principal's role in supporting change in the school by encouraging teachers to improve their instruction and take the risks associated with innovation. In sum, the results of this study are important for educators, as the role of the principal is potentially critical for positive changes in teacher collaboration and, consequently, student achievement in high-poverty schools.
The critical role of assertiveness of women business owners in the link between firm performance and family instrumental support
Authors: Kaciak Eugene , Memili Esra
Published: October 2023

Drawing on the cognitive psychology of entrepreneurship, bounded rationality and role congruity perspectives, we investigate the moderating role of the assertiveness of women business owners in the relationship between their business performance and subsequent family-to-business instrumental support. Previous research has generally examined the family support women receive while running their businesses as an antecedent of firm performance. In this article, we reverse the order of these factors and investigate whether the past performance of a woman-led firm is a precursor of family support. Based on results of a longitudinal study of women business owners in Denmark, we found that the higher the assertiveness, the weaker the link between past performance and instrumental family support for businesses.
The classification of benign and malignant lung nodules based on CT radiomics: a systematic review, quality score assessment, and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Fandong , Yang Chen , Zou Jiajun , Ma Weili , Wei Yuguo , Zhao Zhenhua
Published: October 2023

Radiomics methods are increasingly used to identify benign and malignant lung nodules, and early monitoring is essential in prognosis and treatment strategy formulation. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics for distinguishing between benign and malignant lung nodules by performing a meta-analysis. Between January 2000 and December 2021, we searched the PubMed and Embase electronic databases for studies in English. Studies were included if they demonstrated the sensitivity and specificity of CT-based radiomics for diagnosing benign and malignant lung nodules. The studies were evaluated using the QUADAS-2 and radiomics quality scores (RQS). The inhomogeneity of the data and publishing bias were also evaluated. Some subgroup analyses were performed to investigate the impact of diagnostic efficiency. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) Guidelines were followed for this meta-analysis. A total of 20 studies involving 3793 patients were included. The combined sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve based on CT radiomics diagnosis of benign and malignant lung nodules were 0.81, 0.86, 27.00, and 0.91, respectively. Deek's funnel plot asymmetry test confirmed no significant publication bias in all studies. Fagan nomograms showed a 40% increase in post-test probability among pretest-positive patients. Current evidence shows that CT-based radiomics has high accuracy in the diagnosis of benign and malignant lung nodules.
Deep learning to predict esophageal variceal bleeding based on endoscopic images
Authors: Hong Yu , Yu Qianqian , Mo Feng , Yin Minyue , Xu Chang , Zhu Shiqi , Lin Jiaxi , Xu Guoting , Gao Jingwen , Liu Lu , Wang Yu
Published: October 2023

Objective

Esophageal varix (EV) bleeding is a particularly serious complications of cirrhosis. Prediction of EV bleeding requires extensive endoscopy experience; it remains unreliable and inefficient. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the feasibility of using deep learning (DL) to predict the 12-month risk of EV bleeding based on endoscopic images.

Methods

Six DL models were trained to perform binary classification of endoscopic images of EV bleeding. The models were subsequently validated using an external test dataset, then compared with classifications performed by two endoscopists.

Results

In the validation dataset, EfficientNet had the highest accuracy (0.910), followed by ConvMixer (0.898) and Xception (0.875). In the test dataset, EfficientNet maintained the highest accuracy (0.893), which was better than the endoscopists (0.800 and 0.763). Notably, one endoscopist displayed higher recall (0.905), compared with EfficientNet (0.870). When their predictions were assisted by artificial intelligence, the accuracies of the two endoscopists increased by 17.3% and 19.0%. Moreover, statistical agreement among the models was dependent on model architecture.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the feasibility of using DL to predict the 12-month risk of EV bleeding based on endoscopic images. The findings suggest that artificial intelligence-aided diagnosis will be a useful addition to cirrhosis management.
Flow cytometric signature of CD371-positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Shakah Hind , Tbakhi Abdelghani , Khudirat Saleh , Abweh Ruba Al , Hasasna Nabil , Alwhaidi Alaa , Khoujah Abdallah , Barakat Fareed
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) aids in the diagnosis and management of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) by establishing a baseline immunophenotype for leukemic cells and measuring minimal residual disease (MRD) throughout the course of treatment. Aberrant expression patterns of myeloid markers in B-ALL are also examined during long-term surveillance. Here, we investigated the utility of the newly described myeloid marker cluster of differentiation (CD)371 in MRD surveillance via MFC in patients with CD371-positive B-ALL.

Methods

Eight-color MFC with standard panels (including CD371) was used to evaluate 238 patients with newly diagnosed B-ALL. Expression levels of key markers were retrospectively assessed at diagnosis, as well as days 15 and 33 of therapy.

Results

CD371 was expressed in 8.4% of patients with B-ALL. CD371 positivity was associated with older age at diagnosis, higher expression levels of CD34 and CD38, and lower expression levels of CD10 and CD20. Residual leukemic cells demonstrated decreased CD10 expression and increased CD45 expression after therapy, whereas CD371 expression remained stable.

Conclusions

Patients with CD371-positive B-ALL exhibit a specific signature that merits further analysis, particularly because it has been associated with DUX4 rearrangement.
Sleep disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: association with quality of life, fatigue, depression levels, functional disability, disease duration, and activity: a multicentre cross-sectional study
Authors: Gouda Wesam , Mokhtar Mona , Elazab Seham A. , Alreefi Reem , Alomar Taif , Kushk Fatimah , Alahmadi Raghad , Khalil Mayada , Kamal Mohamed
Published: October 2023

Objective

To investigate the correlations between pain, quality of life, fatigue, levels of depression, disability and activity, and sleep quality and common sleep disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

This multicentre, cross-sectional study enrolled patients with RA and sex- and age-matched control subjects. Clinical, sociodemographic, serological and therapeutic data were collected. Data from the Disease Activity Score (DAS28-CRP), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Berlin questionnaire, a visual analogue scale to evaluate fatigue severity (VAS-F), health assessment questionnaire disability index (HAQ-DI) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-depression (CES-D) score were analysed.

Results

The study enrolled 247 patients with RA (190 females and 57 males) and 60 control subjects (50 females and 10 males). The PSQI for patients with RA was significantly associated with the DAS28-CRP, HAQ-DI and VAS-F. There was a significant correlation between the CES-D score, the Berlin questionnaire and the HAQ-DI and the age of control subjects. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that HAQ-DI (coefficient β = 0.103) and VAS-F (coefficient β = 0.028) significantly predicted the risk of sleep apnoea.

Conclusion

Patients with RA may suffer from poor sleep quality, which is attributed to depression, fatiguability, disability and disease activity.
Spinal disease in a captive population of Panthera species: Review of 86 cases (2003–2021)
Authors: Metcalfe Abbie , Dennis Michelle M. , Ramsay Edward C. , Cushing Andrew
Published: October 2023

This retrospective study aimed to characterize and determine the prevalence of spinal disease in nondomestic felids within a sanctuary population. A review of 304 postmortem examination reports in Panthera species from 2003 to 2021 revealed that 86/304 (28%) were diagnosed with spinal disease. Spinal lesions were categorized according to pathologic process: degenerative (78/86, 91%), developmental (8/86, 9%), inflammatory (6/86, 7%), or neoplastic (8/86, 9%). Degenerative lesions included intervertebral disk disease (IVDD; 66/78, 85%), spondylosis without concurrent IVDD (4/78, 5%), and idiopathic (noncompressive) degenerative myelopathies (8/78, 10%). Fourteen individuals had lesions in more than 1 category. Developmental cases were vertebral (4/8) or spinal cord (3/8) malformations or both (1/8). Inflammatory lesions included meningitis (4/6) and meningomyelitis (2/6). Neoplasia included vertebral multiple myeloma (4/8) and others (4/8). IVDD often involved multiple disks but primarily affected the cervical (41/66, 62%) and thoracic spine (32/66, 48%). A multivariate binary logistic model predicted the diagnosis of IVDD at postmortem examination, where odds of being affected were highest for males, lions ( Panthera leo), and geriatric age group (>14 years). The spinal lesions documented in this study provide insight into high-risk signalment categories and predominant associated lesions affecting captive Panthera populations. Specifically, spinal disease, especially cervical IVDD, is common among Panthera species, and lions, males, and older felids are at increased risk.
Beach-Chair Versus Lateral Decubitus Positioning for Primary Arthroscopic Anterior Shoulder Stabilization: A Consecutive Series of 641 Shoulders
Authors: Yow Bobby G. , Anderson Ashley B. , Aburish Zein , Tennent David J. , LeClere Lance E. , Rue John-Paul H. , Owens Brett D. , Donohue Michael , Cameron Kenneth L. , Posner Matthew , Dickens Jonathan F.
Published: October 2023

Background:

There are limited data comparing the beach-chair (BC) versus lateral decubitus (LD) position for arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization.

Purpose:

To identify predictors of instability recurrence and revision after anterior shoulder stabilization and evaluate surgical position and glenoid bone loss as independent predictors of recurrence and revision at short- and midterm follow-ups.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A consecutive series of 641 arthroscopic anterior stabilization procedures were performed from 2005 to 2019. All shoulders were evaluated for glenohumeral bone loss on magnetic resonance imaging. The primary outcomes of interest were recurrence and revision. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the relationships of outcomes with age, position, glenoid bone loss group, and track.

Results:

A total of 641 shoulders with a mean age of 22.3 years (SD, 4.45 years) underwent stabilization and were followed for a mean of 6 years. The overall 1-year recurrent instability rate was 3.3% (21/641) and the revision rate was 2.8% (18/641). At 1 year, recurrence was observed in 2.3% (11/487) and 6.5% (10/154) of BC and LD shoulders, respectively. The 5-year recurrence and revision rates were 15.7% (60/383) and 12.8% (49/383), respectively. At 5 years, recurrence was observed in 16.4% (48/293) and 13.3% (12/90) of BC and LD shoulders, respectively. Multivariable modeling demonstrated that surgical position was not associated with a risk of recurrence after 1 year (odds ratio [OR] for LD vs BC, 1.39; P = .56) and 5 years (OR for LD vs BC, 1.32; P = .43), although younger age at index surgery was associated with a higher risk of instability recurrence (OR, 1.73 per SD [4.1 years] decrease in age; P < .03). After 1 and 5 years, surgical position results were similar in a separate multivariable logistic regression model of revision surgery as the dependent variable, when adjusted for age, surgical position, bone loss group, and track. At 5 years, younger age was an independent risk factor for revision: OR 1.68 per SD (4.1 years) decrease in age ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Among fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons, there was no difference in rates of recurrence and revision surgery after performing arthroscopic anterior stabilization in either the BC or the LD position at 1- and 5-year follow-ups. In multivariable analysis, younger age, but not surgical position, was an independent risk factor for recurrence.
Evaluation of an Electronic Service-Learning Course Utilizing Regular and Intensive Delivery Modes: The Hong Kong Experience
Authors: Zhu Xiaoqin , Wu Xue , Zhang Shunhao , Shek Daniel T. L.
Published: October 2023

Purpose: This paper evaluated an electronic service-learning (e-SL) course utilizing regular and intensive delivery modes offered to undergraduate students in the 2020–2021 academic year. Methods: We collected pretest–posttest data ( N = 130) and students’ subjective evaluations of the course ( N = 148) and the services they had provided ( N = 160). Results: Students showed significant positive changes in both e-SL modes on positive youth development attributes, service leadership qualities, and life satisfaction, with greater changes among students taking the intensive mode. Students’ views towards the e-SL course and the services they provided were positive, and students in the two e-SL modes did not differ significantly in their subjective evaluations. In addition, students’ changes in outcome measures were positively associated with their subjective evaluations. Conclusions: The study provides additional support for the potential effectiveness of e-SL and suggests the promising application of intensive mode in implementing e-SL projects.