bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of green training on employee turnover intention and customer satisfaction: An integrated perspective
Authors: Han Jung Woo , Kok Seng Kiat , McClelland Robert
Published: May 2023

The current study aims to examine (1) the impact of green training on green experience, employee satisfaction, turnover intention, and customer satisfaction and (2) its implication on Green HRM effectiveness in the hospitality sector. A quantitative method was utilized to test a path model (PLS‐SEM). Two sets of questionnaires (for employee and customer sides) were developed for the hospitality sector to measure the causations between green training, employee turnover, and customer satisfaction. The findings suggest (1) green training creates green experience, (2) green experience influences both employee and customer satisfaction, (3) However, employee satisfaction did not affect turnover intention and customer satisfaction subsequently. The current study implies that investing in green training should be considered a tool of strategic hospitality management since the finding suggests that green training improves the overall performance of the hospitality sector with some limitations. Moreover, this paper reduced the literature gaps by constructing and empirically testing an integrated path model of green training on employee and customer experience, illustrating the impact of green training through the shared green experience forming the two stakeholders' experience and their interactions.
Wildfire facilitates upslope advance in a shade‐intolerant but not a shade‐tolerant conifer
Authors: Brodie Emily G. , Stewart Joseph A. E. , Winsemius Sara , Miller Jesse E. D. , Latimer Andrew M. , Safford Hugh D.
Published: May 2023

Wildfires may facilitate climate tracking of forest species moving upslope or north in latitude. For subalpine tree species, for which higher elevation habitat is limited, accelerated replacement by lower elevation montane tree species following fire may hasten extinction risk. We used a dataset of postfire tree regeneration spanning a broad geographic range to ask whether the fire facilitated upslope movement of montane tree species at the montane‐to‐subalpine ecotone. We sampled tree seedling occurrence in 248 plots across a fire severity gradient (unburned to >90% basal area mortality) and spanning ~500 km of latitude in Mediterranean‐type subalpine forest in California, USA. We used logistic regression to quantify differences in postfire regeneration between resident subalpine species and the seedling‐only range (interpreted as climate‐induced range extension) of montane species. We tested our assumption of increasing climatic suitability for montane species in subalpine forest using the predicted difference in habitat suitability at study plots between 1990 and 2030. We found that postfire regeneration of resident subalpine species was uncorrelated or weakly positively correlated with fire severity. Regeneration of montane species, however, was roughly four times greater in unburned relative to burned subalpine forest. Although our overall results contrast with theoretical predictions of disturbance‐facilitated range shifts, we found opposing postfire regeneration responses for montane species with distinct regeneration niches. Recruitment of shade‐tolerant red fir declined with fire severity and recruitment of shade‐intolerant Jeffrey pine increased with fire severity. Predicted climatic suitability increased by 5% for red fir and 34% for Jeffrey pine. Differing postfire responses in newly climatically available habitats indicate that wildfire disturbance may only facilitate range extensions for species whose preferred regeneration conditions align with increased light and/or other postfire landscape characteristics.
A pilot multiple‐baseline study of a mobile cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of eating disorders in university students
Authors: Bohrer Brittany K. , Chen Yiyang , Christensen Kara A. , Forbush Kelsie T. , Thomeczek Marianna L. , Richson Brianne N. , Chapa Danielle A. N. , Jarmolowicz David P. , Gould Sara R. , Negi Sonakshi , Perko Victoria L. , Morgan Robert William
Published: May 2023

Objective

Eating disorders (EDs) are serious psychiatric disorders associated with substantial morbidity and mortality that are prevalent among university students. Because many students do not receive treatment due to lack of access on university campuses, mobile‐health (mHealth) adaptations of evidence‐based treatments represent an opportunity to increase treatment accessibility and engagement. The purpose of this study was to test the initial efficacy of Building Healthy Eating and Self‐Esteem Together for University Students (BEST‐U), which is a 10‐week mHealth self‐guided cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT‐gsh) app that is paired with a brief 25–30‐min weekly telehealth coaching, for reducing ED psychopathology in university students.

Method

A non‐concurrent multiple‐baseline design (N = 8) was used to test the efficacy of BEST‐U for reducing total ED psychopathology (primary outcome), ED‐related behaviors and cognitions (secondary outcomes), and ED‐related clinical impairment (secondary outcome). Data were examined using visual analysis and Tau‐BC effect‐size calculations.

Results

BEST‐U significantly reduced total ED psychopathology and binge eating, excessive exercise, and restriction (effect sizes ranged from −0.39 to −0.92). Although body dissatisfaction decreased, it was not significant. There were insufficient numbers of participants engaging in purging to evaluate purging outcomes. Clinical impairment significantly reduced from pre‐to‐post‐treatment.

Discussion

The current study provided initial evidence that BEST‐U is a potentially efficacious treatment for reducing ED symptoms and ED‐related clinical impairment. Although larger‐scale randomized controlled trials are needed, BEST‐U may represent an innovative, scalable tool that could reach greater numbers of underserved university students than traditional intervention‐delivery models.

Public Significance

Using a single‐case experimental design, we found evidence for the initial efficacy of a mobile guided‐self‐help cognitive‐behavioral therapy program for university students with non‐low weight binge‐spectrum eating disorders. Participants reported significant reductions in ED symptoms and impairment after completion of the 10‐week program. Guided self‐help programs show promise for filling an important need for treatment among university students with an ED.
Spatial predictions of tree density and tree height across Mexico forests using ensemble learning and forest inventory data
Authors: Barreras Aylin , Alanís de la Rosa José Armando , Mayorga Rafael , Cuenca Rubi , Moreno‐G César , Godínez Carlos , Delgado Carina , Soriano‐Luna Maria de los Ángeles , George Stephanie , Aldrete‐Leal Metzli Ileana , Medina Sandra , Romero Johny , Villela Sergio , Lister Andrew , Sheridan Rachel , Flores Rafael , Crowther Thomas W. , Guevara Mario
Published: May 2023

The National Forestry Commission of Mexico continuously monitors forest structure within the country's continental territory by the implementation of the National Forest and Soils Inventory (INFyS). Due to the challenges involved in collecting data exclusively from field surveys, there are spatial information gaps for important forest attributes. This can produce bias or increase uncertainty when generating estimates required to support forest management decisions. Our objective is to predict the spatial distribution of tree height and tree density in all Mexican forests. We performed wall‐to‐wall spatial predictions of both attributes in 1‐km grids, using ensemble machine learning across each forest type in Mexico. Predictor variables include remote sensing imagery and other geospatial data (e.g., mean precipitation, surface temperature, canopy cover). Training data is from the 2009 to 2014 cycle (n > 26,000 sampling plots). Spatial cross validation suggested that the model had a better performance when predicting tree height r2 = .35 [.12, .51] (mean [min, max]) than for tree density r2 = .23 [.05, .42]. The best predictive performance when mapping tree height was for broadleaf and coniferous‐broadleaf forests (model explained ~50% of variance). The best predictive performance when mapping tree density was for tropical forest (model explained ~40% of variance). Although most forests had relatively low uncertainty for tree height predictions, e.g., values <60%, arid and semiarid ecosystems had high uncertainty, e.g., values >80%. Uncertainty values for tree density predictions were >80% in most forests. The applied open science approach we present is easily replicable and scalable, thus it is helpful to assist in the decision‐making and future of the National Forest and Soils Inventory. This work highlights the need for analytical tools that help us exploit the full potential of the Mexican forest inventory datasets.
Chilean bee diversity: Contrasting patterns of species and phylogenetic turnover along a large‐scale ecological gradient
Authors: Marshall Leon , Ascher John S. , Villagra Cristian , Beaugendre Amaury , Herrera Valentina , Henríquez‐Piskulich Patricia , Vera Alejandro , Vereecken Nicolas J.
Published: May 2023

Chile's isolation and varied climates have driven the evolution of a unique biodiversity with a high degree of endemism. As a result, Chile encompasses diverse environments, including the Mediterranean‐type ecosystem, a global biodiversity hotspot. These environments are currently threatened by anthropogenic land use change impacting the integrity of local biomes and associated species. This area is the most intensively sampled in the country with high endemicity of native bee species. Characterizing habitat requirements of bees is a pressing priority to safeguard these insects and the ecosystem services they provide. We investigated broadscale patterns of bee (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila) diversity using newly accessible expert‐validated datasets comprising digitized specimen records from Chilean and US collections, and novel expert‐validated‐type specimen data for the bees of Chile. We used a generalized dissimilarity modeling (GDM) approach to explore both compositional and phylogenetic β‐diversity patterns across latitudinal, altitudinal, climate, and habitat gradients in well‐sampled bee assemblages in Central Chile. Using the GDM measures of increasing compositional and environmental dissimilarity, we categorized and compared the most important drivers of these patterns and used them to classify “wild bee ecoregions” (WBEs) representing unique assemblages. Turnover of bee assemblages was explained primarily by latitudinal variation (proxy for climate) from south to north in Chile. However, temperature variations, precipitation, and the presence of bare soil also significantly explained turnover in bee assemblages. In comparison, we observed less turnover in phylogenetic biodiversity corresponding to spatial gradients. We identified six de novo ecoregions (WBEs), all with distinct taxa, endemic lineages, and representative species. The WBEs represent distinct spatial classifications but have similarities to existing biogeographical classifications, ecosystems, and bioclimatic zones. This approach establishes the baseline needed to prioritize bee species conservation efforts across this global biodiversity hotspot. We discuss the novelty of this classification considering previous biogeographical characterizations and their relevance in assessing conservation priorities for bee conservation. We argue that Chile's WBEs highlight areas in need of funding for bee species surveys and description, distribution mapping, and strengthening of conservation policies.
Habitat functionality: Integrating environmental and geographic space in niche modeling for conservation planning
Authors: Van Moorter Bram , Kivimäki Ilkka , Panzacchi Manuela , Saura Santiago , Brandão Niebuhr Bernardo , Strand Olav , Saerens Marco
Published: May 2023

Niche modeling is typically used to assess the effects of anthropogenic land use and climate change on species distributions and to inform spatial conservation planning. These models focus on the suitability of local biotic and abiotic conditions for a species in environmental space (E‐space). Although movements also affect species occurrence, efforts to formally integrate geographic space (G‐space) into niche modeling have been hindered by the lack of comprehensive theoretical frameworks. We propose the “functional habitat” framework to define areas that are simultaneously of high quality in E‐space, and functionally connected to other suitable habitats in G‐space. Originating in metapopulation ecology, approaches have been developed to assess the amount of suitable connected habitats, based on the proximity between pairs of locations. Using network theory, which operates in topological space (T‐space, defined by a network), we extended these metapopulation approaches to integrate movement constraints in G‐space with niche modeling in E‐space. We demonstrate the functional habitat framework using empirical data (GPS tracking and population monitoring) throughout the European wild mountain reindeer (Rangifer t. tarandus) distribution range. We show that functional habitat outperforms traditional suitability in explaining the species' distribution. This approach integrates effects from habitat loss and fragmentation for spatial conservation planning, and avoids overemphasizing small, inaccessible areas with locally suitable habitats. The functional habitat framework formally integrates biotic, abiotic, and movement constraints in niche modeling using network theory, thus opening a wide range of applications in spatial conservation planning.
Renal and blood pressure effects of dapagliflozin in recently hospitalized patients with heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction: Insights from the DELIVER trial
Authors: Chatur Safia , Cunningham Jonathan W. , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Mc Causland Finnian R. , Claggett Brian L. , Desai Akshay S. , Miao Zi Michael , Jhund Pardeep S. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Inzucchi Silvio E. , Kosiborod Mikhail N. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Martinez Felipe A. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Petersson Magnus , Langkilde Anna Maria , McMurray John J.V. , Solomon Scott D.
Published: May 2023

Aims

Patients recently hospitalized for heart failure (HF) often have unstable haemodynamics and experience worsening renal failure, and are at elevated risk for recurrent HF events. In DELIVER, dapagliflozin reduced HF events or cardiovascular death including among patients who were hospitalized or recently hospitalized.

Methods and results

We examined the effects of dapagliflozin versus placebo on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope (acute and chronic), 1‐month change in systolic blood pressure, and the occurrence of serious hypovolaemic or renal adverse events in patients with and without HF hospitalization within 30 days of randomization. The 654 (90 randomized during hospitalization, 147 1–7 days post‐discharge and 417 8–30 days post‐discharge) recently hospitalized patients had lower baseline eGFR compared with those without recent HF hospitalization (median [interquartile range] 55 [43, 71] vs. 60 [47, 75] ml/min/1.73 m2). Dapagliflozin consistently reduced the risk of all‐cause (pinteraction = 0.20), cardiac‐related (pinteraction = 0.75), and HF‐specific (pinteraction = 0.90) hospitalizations, irrespective of recent HF hospitalization. In those recently hospitalized, acute placebo‐corrected eGFR reductions with dapagliflozin were modest and similar to patients without recent hospitalization (−2.0 [−4.1, +0.1] vs. −3.4 [−3.9, −2.9] ml/min/1.73 m2, pinteraction = 0.12). Dapagliflozin's effect to slow chronic eGFR decline was similar regardless of recent hospitalization (pinteraction = 0.57). Dapagliflozin had a minimal effect on 1‐month systolic blood pressure and to a similar degree in patients with and without recent hospitalization (−1.3 vs.−1.8 mmHg, pinteraction = 0.64). There was no treatment‐related excess in renal or hypovolaemic serious adverse events, irrespective of recent HF hospitalization.

Conclusion

In patients recently hospitalized with HF, initiation of dapagliflozin had minimal effects on blood pressure and did not increase renal or hypovolaemic serious adverse events, yet afforded long‐term cardiovascular and kidney protective effects. These data suggest that the benefit to risk ratio favours initiation of dapagliflozin among stabilized patients hospitalized or recently hospitalized for HF.

Clinical Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03619213.
Gas‐Free Amino‐ and Alkoxycarbonylation of Aryl Iodides in a Bioinspired Deep Eutectic Solvent with Mo(CO)6 as a Safe CO Source
Authors: Messa Francesco , Paparella Andrea Nicola , Veselý Dominik , Krajčovič Jozef , Papadia Paride , Perrone Serena , Salomone Antonio
Published: May 2023

The Pd‐catalyzed amino‐ and alkoxycarbonylation of aryl iodides has been exploited, for the first time, in a bioinspired Deep Eutectic Solvent and under gas‐free conditions, by using Mo(CO)6 as the CO source. The method allows for the preparation of carboxylic amides and esters in high yields (up to 99 %), short reaction time (2 h) and under mild reaction conditions (80 °C), with a low catalyst loading (2.5 mol %). Noteworthy, in the case of N‐hexylbenzamide, it has been demonstrated that both the catalyst and DES can be used for four consecutive runs, with a moderate decrease of catalytic efficiency. The methodology has been also applied to the preparation of an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient used for the treatment of human scabies and lice.
Hierarchical structure regulation for sequential steps in solar vapor generation
Authors: Chen Xuanbo , Liu Shuyong , Yang Nailiang , Yu Ranbo , Wang Dan
Published: May 2023

Including the transpiration of leaves, water evaporation from solar irradiation is a universal phenomenon in nature. Currently, solar vapor generation allows clean water to be obtained from various waterbodies. Since water is transported through porous structures and evaporates on their surfaces, the properties of the nano‐micro structure, especially the surfaces are significantly important. For instance, the surface energy, determined by the localized atomic arrangement, can modify the interactions between water and the substrate. Moreover, the construction of a three‐dimensional hierarchical structure can efficiently enlarge the surface area, and the provided channels play a vital role in mass transfer. In this review, we summarize recent research on the structural regulation in tuning the sequential steps in photo‐vapor generation. We hope this review can provide a rational and systemic basis for the development of advanced solar vapor generating materials, especially from the view of surface engineering.

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Effects of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and bioactive compounds (sesamin and sesamolin) on inflammation and atherosclerosis: A review
Authors: Hadipour Elham , Emami Seyed Ahmad , Tayarani‐Najaran Niloufar , Tayarani‐Najaran Zahra
Published: May 2023

Inflammation, oxidative stress, obesity, infection, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes are the main causes of atherosclerosis, which in the long term lead to hardening of the arteries. In the current study, we reviewed recent findings of the mechanism of sesame and its active compounds of sesamin and sesamolin regulates on atherosclerosis. Sesame can decrease the lipid peroxidation and affect the enzymes, which control the balance of oxidative status in the body. Besides modulating the inflammatory cytokines, sesame regulates the main mediators of the signaling pathways in the process of inflammation, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nuclear factor kappa light‐chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐kB) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPAR‐γ). Sesame decreases the growth of different pathogens. It fights against obesity and helps to reduce weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and lipid count of serum and liver. In addition to lowering fasting blood sugar (FBS), it decreases the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and glucose levels and improves insulin function. With high content of linoleic acid, α‐linolenic acid, and total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), sesame efficiently controls the blood plasma lipids and changes the lipid profile. In the case of hypertension, it maintains the health of endothelium through multiple mechanisms and conserves the response of the arteries to vasodilation. PUFA in sesame suppresses blood clotting and fibrinogen activity. All the mentioned properties combat atherosclerosis and hardening of blood vessels, which are detailed in the present review for sesame.
Hand anthropometric survey of Iranian healthcare workers
Authors: Zare Asma , Jahangiri Mehdi , Seif Mozhgan , Choobineh Alireza , Tahernejad Somayeh
Published: May 2023

Background

Hand anthropometric data can help properly design hand tools and protective equipment for healthcare workers. This study aimed to measure and analyze the hand anthropometric data of Iranian healthcare workers.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 33 hand dimensions were measured among 540 Iranian healthcare workers (270 male and 270 female) in six ethnic groups. Two‐dimensional imaging and traditional measurement methods were used. The data were classified and compared based on gender and ethnicity.

Results

The results revealed a difference between the dimensions of males' and females' hands, which indicated that the dimensions of males' hands were larger. The results showed significant differences between different regions of Iran and other countries including the United States, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Colombia.

Conclusion

Differences in hand anthropometric dimensions should be considered in the design and manufacture of hand tools and hand protection equipment to prevent reduced productivity, occupational injuries, and diseases.
Hall current, radiation absorption, and diffusion thermoeffects on unsteady MHD rotating chemically reactive second‐grade fluid flow past a porous inclined plate in the presence of an aligned magnetic field, thermal radiation, and chemical reaction
Authors: Sridevi D. , Murthy Ch. V. Ramana , Varma N. Udaya Bhaskara
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we analyze the effects of Hall current, radiation absorption and diffusion thermo on unsteady magnetohydromagnetic free convection flow of a viscous incompressible electrically conducting and chemically reacting second‐grade fluid past an inclined porous plates in the presence of an aligned magnetic field, thermal radiation, and chemical reaction. An exact analytical solution of the governing equations for fluid velocity, fluid temperature, and species concentration subject to appropriate initial and boundary conditions is obtained using the perturbation technique. Expressions for shear stress, rate of heat transfer, and rate of mass transfer at the plate are derived. The numerical values of primary and secondary fluid velocities, fluid temperature and species concentration are displayed graphically, whereas those of shear stress and rate of mass transfer at the plate are presented in tabular form for various values of pertinent flow parameters. In addition, the skin friction on the boundary, the heat flux expressed in terms of the Nusselt number, and the rate of mass transfer described in the Sherwood number are all derived, and their behavior is studied computationally. It can be deduced that an increase in radiation absorption and hall current parameters over the fluid region increases the velocity produced. The resulting velocity continually increases to a very high level, with contributions coming from thermal and solutal buoyancy forces. Skin friction may decrease by manipulating the rotation parameter, but the Hall effect can worsen it. When the parameter for the chemical reaction increases, there is a concomitant rise in the mass transfer rate.
Exact analytical solution of forced convection through a porous‐saturated duct
Authors: Karimi Shiva , Shivanian Elyas , Barikbin Zahra , Sohrabi Fatemeh
Published: May 2023

In the current paper, the effect of a magnetic field on the fully developed forced convective flow and heat transfer is studied. An exact solution is extracted when the flow in the porous medium is governed by the Brinkman–Forchheimer Extended Darcy model. First, the problem formulation is explained to obtain a new system of mathematical formulation. Then, by utilizing the properties which are imposed into the problem, the exact closed‐form analytical solution of the problem is explored. Finally, the main results are illustrated to show the impact of the porous media‐shaped parameter, magnetic parameter, Forchheimer number, and viscosity ratio. It should be mentioned that the asymptotic results achieved in this study were compared with the exact results and it is found that they are in good agreement.
Data pricing with privacy loss compensation for cyber‐physical systems: A Stackelberg game based approach
Authors: Yang Ming , Feng Honglin , Wang Xin , Wu Xiaoming , Wang Yunfei , Ren Chuanxu
Published: May 2023

The integration of sensors in cyber‐physical systems has given rise to data markets, where data owners can offer their sensing data for sale to potential buyer. However, determining the optimal data price in such markets is a complex issue, which demands a careful consideration of the interests of all parties involved, as well as the potential privacy loss for data sellers. By taking privacy loss into account, this paper proposes a fair compensation model for data sellers and formulates the pricing problem as a Stackelberg game. An automatic data pricing algorithm is developed to calculate the optimal price maximizing the joint benefits of the data sellers and the buyer where the privacy loss of the data sellers are compensated reasonably. Numerical simulations validate the effectiveness of the proposed pricing model in balancing benefits and privacy loss.
Family economic pressure and early adolescents' prosocial behavior: The importance of considering the types of prosocial behavior
Authors: Xiao Sonya Xinyue , Korous Kevin M. , Hewitt Sarah L. , Nguyen Diana
Published: May 2023

Background

Prior research findings are mixed regarding whether prosocial behavior is positively or negatively related to socioeconomic status and its correlates, such as economic pressure. This may be due to the lack of considerations for the type of prosocial behavior.

Aims

In this study, we aimed to examine how six types of prosocial behavior (i.e., public, anonymous, compliant, emotional, dire, and altruistic) are related to economic pressure among early adolescents. We hypothesized that family economic pressure would be associated with each type of prosocial behavior in differing ways.

Materials & Methods

Participants were 11–14 years old (N = 143, Mage = 12.2 years, SDage = 0.87, 63 boys, 1 trans‐identified boy, 55 girls), early adolescents and their parents. Among them, 54.6% were non‐Hispanic/Latinx (NH/L) White, 23.8% were NH/L Black, 11.2% were NH/L Asian, 2.1% were NH/L Multiracial, and 8.4% were Hispanic/Latinx. Parents reported family economic pressure and adolescents' six types of prosocial behavior.

Results

Path analysis revealed that economic pressure was negatively associated with emotional and dire prosocial behavior over and above age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Family economic pressure was unrelated to public, anonymous, compliant, and altruistic prosocial behavior.

Discussion

These findings show some support for the Family Stress Model, such that economic stress might hinder youth's prosocial development. At the same time, youth may have similar levels of certain types of prosocial behavior regardless of their family's economic pressure.

Conclusion

This research provided insight into the complex relation between economic pressure and youth's prosocial behavior which varies depending on the type of behavior.
On the political right, the customer is always right: Political ideology, entitlement, and complaining
Authors: Shepherd Steven , Teymouri Athar Hesam , Zaboli Sahel
Published: May 2023

Across three preregistered studies and five supplementary datasets, we predicted and found that conservatives were more inclined to complain than liberals due to conservative consumers feeling a greater sense of entitlement. This research contributes to the literature by introducing consumer entitlement as a novel explanation for ideological differences in consumer behavior, and by building on previous work suggesting that conservative consumers complain less than liberals (Journal of Consumer Research, 2017, 44, 477). Evidence is provided across several service contexts and types of complaining behaviors. Study 1 and 4 supplementary datasets supported the basic process. Next, theory‐relevant boundary conditions provided converging process evidence. In Study 2, complaining intentions decreased among conservatives when they felt less (vs. more) entitled than the target of social comparison. In Study 3, complaining intentions decreased among conservatives when a service recovery was framed as providing special treatment. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Slo1 deficiency impaired skeletal muscle regeneration and slow‐twitch fibre formation
Authors: Xia Chao , Wang Yonghui , Jiang Tianyuan , Hu Yan , Chen Yang , Ma Xinrun , Zhang Xuemei , Gao Yanhong
Published: May 2023

Background

It has been observed that Slo1 knockout mice have reduced motor function, and people with certain Slo1 mutations have movement problems, but there is no answer whether the movement disorder is caused by the loss of Slo1 in the nervous system, or skeletal muscle, or both. Here, to ascertain in which tissues Slo1 functions to regulate motor function and offer deeper insight in treating related movement disorder, we generated skeletal muscle‐specific Slo1 knockout mice, studied the functional changes in Slo1‐deficient skeletal muscle and explored the underlying mechanism.

Methods

We used skeletal muscle‐specific Slo1 knockout mice (Myf5‐Cre; Slo1flox/flox mice, called CKO) as in vivo models to examine the role of Slo1 in muscle growth and muscle regeneration. The forelimb grip strength test was used to assess skeletal muscle function and treadmill exhaustion test was used to test whole‐body endurance. Mouse primary myoblasts derived from CKO (myoblast/CKO) mice were used to extend the findings to in vitro effects on myoblast differentiation and fusion. Quantitative real‐time PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence approaches were used to analyse Slo1 expression during myoblast differentiation and muscle regeneration. To investigate the involvement of genes in the regulation of muscle dysfunction induced by Slo1 deletion, RNA‐seq analysis was performed in primary myoblasts. Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry were used to identify the protein interacting with Slo1. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to identify whether Slo1 deletion affects NFAT activity.

Results

We found that the body weight and size of CKO mice were not significantly different from those of Slo1flox/flox mice (called WT). Deficiency of Slo1 in muscles leads to reduced endurance (~30% reduction, P < 0.05) and strength (~30% reduction, P < 0.001). Although there was no difference in the general morphology of the muscles, electron microscopy revealed a considerable reduction in the content of mitochondria in the soleus muscle (~40% reduction, P < 0.01). We found that Slo1 was expressed mainly on the cell membrane and showed higher expression in slow‐twitch fibres. Slo1 protein expression is progressively reduced during muscle postnatal development and regeneration after injury, and the expression is strongly reduced during myoblast differentiation. Slo1 deletion impaired myoblast differentiation and slow‐twitch fibre formation. Mechanistically, RNA‐seq analysis showed that Slo1 influences the expression of genes related to myogenic differentiation and slow‐twitch fibre formation. Slo1 interacts with FAK to influence myogenic differentiation, and Slo1 deletion diminishes NFAT activity.

Conclusions

Our data reveal that Slo1 deficiency impaired skeletal muscle regeneration and slow‐twitch fibre formation.
Validation of a telephone‐based administration of the simplified nutritional appetite questionnaire
Authors: Thai Binh Duong , Bauer Jürgen M. , Eidam Annette , Durga Jane , Grund Stefan , Mross Thomas , Benzinger Petra
Published: May 2023

Background

Anorexia of aging is characterized by an age‐associated reduction of appetite, whose aetiology in most cases is multifactorial and which often triggers malnutrition. The Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) is an established screening tool. This study aimed to investigate reliability, validity, and feasibility of its telephone administration (T‐SNAQ) in German community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

This cross‐sectional single‐centre study recruited participants from April 2021 to September 2021. First, the SNAQ was translated into German according to an established methodology. After translation, reliability, construct validity, and feasibility of the T‐SNAQ were analysed. A convenience sample of community‐dwelling older adults aged ≥70 years was recruited. The following measurements were applied to all participants: T‐SNAQ, Mini Nutritional Assessment – Short Form (MNA‐SF), six‐item Katz index of independence in activities of daily living (ADL), eight‐item Lawton instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (T‐MoCA); FRAIL scale, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15) and Charlson co‐morbidity index as well as daily caloric and protein intake.

Results

One hundred twenty participants (59.2% female) with a mean age of 78.0 ± 5.8 years were included in the present study. The percentage of participants identified with poor appetite based on T‐SNAQ was 20.8% (n = 25). T‐SNAQ showed a good internal reliability with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.64 and a good test–retest reliability [intraclass coefficient of 0.95 (P < 0.05)]. Regarding construct validity, T‐SNAQ was significantly positively correlated with MNA‐SF (r = 0.213), T‐MoCA (r = 0.225), daily energy (r = 0.222) and protein intake (r = 0.252) (P < 0.05). It also demonstrated a significant negative association with GDS‐15 (r = −0.361), FRAIL scale (r = −0.203) and Charlson co‐morbidity index (r = −0.272). Regarding applicability, the mean time for T‐SNAQ was 95 s and completion rate was 100%.

Conclusions

The T‐SNAQ is a feasible screening instrument for anorexia of aging in community‐dwelling older adults via telephone interviews.
Current and emerging technologies for defining and validating tendon cell fate
Authors: Huang Alice H. , Galloway Jenna L.
Published: May 2023

The tendon field has been flourishing in recent years with the advent of new tools and model systems. The recent ORS 2022 Tendon Section Conference brought together researchers from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, showcasing studies in biomechanics and tissue engineering to cell and developmental biology and using models from zebrafish and mouse to humans. This perspective aims to summarize progress in tendon research as it pertains to understanding and studying tendon cell fate. The successful integration of new technologies and approaches have the potential to further propel tendon research into a new renaissance of discovery. However, there are also limitations with the current methodologies that are important to consider when tackling research questions. Altogether, we will highlight recent advances and technologies and propose new avenues to explore tendon biology.
Variation in fatty acid content among benthic invertebrates in a seasonally driven system
Authors: Hedberg Per , Lau Danny C. P. , Albert Séréna , Winder Monika
Published: May 2023

At temperate latitudes where seasonal changing environmental conditions strongly affect the magnitude, duration and species composition of pelagic primary production, macrobenthic organisms living below the photic zone rely on the sedimentation of organic matter as their primary energy source. The succession from nutritious spring blooms to summer cyanobacteria is assumed to reduce food quality for benthic primary consumers and their fatty acid (FA) profiles. In contrast, we find low seasonal variability in FA content of five benthic macroinvertebrates spanning two trophic levels in the Baltic Sea, a system with high seasonal variation in phytoplankton species composition. However, levels of the major FA groups vary greatly between benthic species. The results suggest that benthic macroinvertebrates have evolved FA metabolism adapted to degraded sedimenting material. Moreover, our study shows that species composition of benthic macrofauna rather than seasonal changing conditions affect availability of essential nutrients to higher trophic levels.
Transmembrane protein 147, as a potential Sorafenib target, could expedite cell cycle process and confer adverse prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ma Wanshan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Lu Jing , Lv Shiyu , Zhang Zhenyu , Ma Hongxin , Chen Qianqian , Cao Wenjing , Zhang Xiaoning
Published: May 2023

TMEM147 was identified as a core component of ribosome‐bound translocon complex at ER/NE. So far, sparse studies reported its expression profiling and oncological implications in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Here we inspected TMEM147 expression levels in HCC cohorts from public databases and tumor tissues. TMEM147 was augmented at transcriptional levels (p < 0.001) and protein levels in HCC patients. A series of bioinformatics tools implemented in R studio were orchestrated in TCGA‐LIHC to evaluate the prognostic significance, compile relevant gene clusters, and explore the oncological functions and therapy responses. It is suggested that TMEM147 could predict poor clinical outcomes effectively and independently (p < 0.001, HR = 2.231 for overall survival (OS) vs. p = 0.04, HR = 2.296 for disease‐specific survival), and was related to risk factors including advanced histologic tumor grade (p < 0.001), AFP level (p < 0.001) and vascular invasion (p  = 0.007). Functional enrichment analyses indicated that TMEM147 was involved in cell cycle, WNT/MAPK signaling pathways and ferroptosis. Expression profiling in HCC cell lines, mouse model, and a clinical trial revealed that TMEM147 was a considerable target and marker for adjuvant therapy in vitro and in vivo. Subsequentially, in vitro wet‐lab experimentation authenticated that TMEM147 would be downregulated by Sorafenib administration in hepatoma cells. Lentivirus‐mediated overexpression of TMEM147 could promote cell cycle progression from S phase into G2/M phase, and enhance cell proliferation, thus attenuating drug efficacy and sensitivity of Sorafenib. Further explorations into TMEM147 may inspire a fresh perspective to predict clinical outcomes and improve therapeutic efficacy for HCC patients.
Overexpression of TYRO3 indicates poor prognosis and induces gastric cancer progression via AKT‐mTOR pathway
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Cheng Zhengwu , Dai Dafei , Li Hao , Shao Xinyu , Xu Menglin
Published: May 2023

Gastric cancer (GC) is among of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. This is because many patients are diagnosed with advanced GC and postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy have also exhibited limited effects on GC. TYRO3 has been considered carcinogenic and a potential therapeutic target for GC. However, TYRO3 function and mechanism in GC remains elusive. The study results indicated that TYRO3 was aberrantly elevated in GC tissues and predicted poor prognosis. TYRO3 is closely associated with clinicopathological indicators in GC tissues such as lymph node metastasis, venous invasion, neural invasion, and the tumor‐node‐metastasis stage. In addition, TYRO3 expression levels are closely related to the AKT‐mTOR pathway in GC tissues. Moreover, the oncogenic role of TYRO3 was determined through in vitro and in vivo functional assays, and knockdown of the TYRO3 expression level in GC cell lines can effectively suppress the AKT‐mTOR pathway and inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration. In conclusion, this study provides a theoretical basis for establishing the potential association and regulatory mechanism between TYRO3 and AKT‐mTOR and offers a new strategy for GC‐targeted therapy.
An integrative analysis reveals the prognostic value and potential functions of PSMD11 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Cong , Xu Tiantian , Ji Kun , Cao Shoujin , Cao Yunbo , Ai Jing , Jing Li , Sun Jun‐Hui
Published: May 2023

The global burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a preeminent etiology of cancer‐related mortalities sheds light on the imperative necessity for a more profound comprehension of its fundamental biological mechanisms. In this context, the precise function of the 26S proteasome non‐ATPase regulatory subunit 11 (PSMD11) in HCC remains equivocal. To address this vital knowledge gap, we interrogated the cancer genome atlas, genotype‐tissue expression, International cancer genome consortium, gene expression omnibus, the cancer cell line encyclopedia, and tumor immune single‐cell hub databases to evaluate the expression pattern of PSMD11, further confirmed by reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) in LO2, MHCC‐97H, HepG2, and SMMC7721 cell lines. Additionally, we meticulously assessed the clinical significance and prognostic value of PSMD11, while also exploring its potential molecular mechanisms in HCC. Our findings demonstrated that PSMD11 was highly expressed in HCC tissues, correlating with pathologic stage and histologic grade, thereby conferring a poor prognosis. Mechanistically, PSMD11 appears to exert its tumorigenic effects through the modulation of tumor metabolism‐related pathways. Impressively, low PSMD11 expression was associated with increased immune effector cell infiltration, heightened responsiveness to molecular targeted drugs such as dasatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, and imatinib, as well as reduced somatic mutation rate. Additionally, we demonstrated that PSMD11 might modulate HCC development through intricate interactions with cuproptosis‐related genes ATP7A, DLAT, and PDHA1. Our comprehensive analyses collectively suggest that PSMD11 represents a promising therapeutic target in HCC.
VerteFormer: A single‐staged Transformer network for vertebrae segmentation from CT images with arbitrary field of views
Authors: You Xin , Gu Yun , Liu Yingying , Lu Steve , Tang Xin , Yang Jie
Published: May 2023

Background

Spinal diseases are burdening an increasing number of patients. And fully automatic vertebrae segmentation for CT images with arbitrary field of views (FOVs), has been a fundamental research for computer‐assisted spinal disease diagnosis and surgical intervention. Therefore, researchers aim to solve this challenging task in the past years.

Purpose

This task suffers from challenges including the intra‐vertebrae inconsistency of segmentation and the poor identification of biterminal vertebrae in CT scans. And there are some limitations in existing models, which might be difficult to be applied to spinal cases with arbitrary FOVs or employ multi‐stage networks with too much computational cost. In this paper, we propose a single‐staged model called VerteFormer which can effectively deal with the challenges and limitations mentioned above.

Methods

The proposed VerteFormer utilizes the advantage of Vision Transformer (ViT), which does well in mining global relations for input data. The Transformer and UNet‐based structure effectively fuse global and local features of vertebrae. Beisdes, we propose the Edge Detection (ED) block based on convolution and self‐attention to divide neighboring vertebrae with clear boundary lines. And it simultaneously promotes the network to achieve more consistent segmentation masks of vertebrae. To better identify the labels of vertebrae in the spine, particularly biterminal vertebrae, we further introduce global information generated from the Global Information Extraction (GIE) block.

Results

We evaluate the proposed model on two public datasets: MICCAI Challenge VerSe 2019 and 2020. And VerteFormer achieve 86.39% and 86.54% of dice scores on the public and hidden test datasets of VerSe 2019, 84.53% and 86.86% of dice scores on VerSe 2020, which outperforms other Transformer‐based models and single‐staged methods specifically designed for the VerSe Challenge. Additional ablation experiments validate the effectiveness of ViT block, ED block and GIE block.

Conclusions

We propose a single‐staged Transformer‐based model for the task of fully automatic vertebrae segmentation from CT images with arbitrary FOVs. ViT demonstrates its effectiveness in modeling long‐term relations. The ED block and GIE block has shown their improvements to the segmentation performance of vertebrae. The proposed model can assist physicians for spinal diseases' diagnosis and surgical intervention, and is also promising to be generalized and transferred to other applications of medical imaging.
Reducing the burden of knee osteoarthritis through community pharmacy: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial of the Knee Care for Arthritis through Pharmacy Service
Authors: Darlow Ben , Brown Melanie , Stanley James , Abbott J. Haxby , Briggs Andrew M. , Clark Jane , Frew Gareth , Grainger Rebecca , Hood Fiona , Hudson Ben , Keenan Rāwiri , Marra Carlo , McKinlay Eileen , Pask Alison , Pierobon Andrés , Simmonds Shirley , Vincent Loren , Wilson Ross , Dean Sarah
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) negatively impacts the health outcomes and equity, social and employment participation, and socio‐economic wellbeing of those affected. Little community‐based support is offered to people with knee OA in Aotearoa New Zealand. Identifying Māori and non‐Māori with knee OA in community pharmacy and providing co‐ordinated, evidence‐ and community‐based care may be a scalable, sustainable, equitable, effective and cost‐effective approach to improve health and wellbeing.

Aim

Assess whether the Knee Care for Arthritis through Pharmacy Service (KneeCAPS) intervention improves knee‐related physical function and pain (co‐primary outcomes). Secondary aims assess impacts on health‐related quality of life, employment participation, medication use, secondary health care utilisation, and relative effectiveness for Māori.

Methods and analysis

A pragmatic randomised controlled trial will compare the KneeCAPS intervention to the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand Arthritis Fact Sheet and usual care (active control) at 12 months for Māori and non‐Māori who have knee OA. Participants will be recruited in community pharmacies. Knee‐related physical function will be measured using the function subscale of the Short Form of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Knee‐related pain will be measured using an 11‐point numeric pain rating scale. Primary outcome analyses will be conducted on an intention‐to‐treat basis using linear mixed models. Parallel within‐trial health economic analysis and process evaluation will also be conducted.

Ethics and trial dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Central Health and Ethics Committee (2022‐EXP‐11725). The trial is registered with ANZCTR (ACTRN12622000469718). Findings will be submitted for publication and shared with participants.