bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hotel robots: an exploratory study of Generation Z customers in China
Authors: Chen Yujia , Xue Tao , Tuomi Aarni , Wang Ziya
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Given little light has been shed on the preference of Generation Z tourists or tourists from different cultural backgrounds toward service robot preference in hospitality contexts, this study aims to explore robot service preferences in the accommodation sector in the Chinese market, with a specific focus of Generation Z customers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study followed an exploratory sequential research design including two qualitative methods (i.e. projective techniques and semistructured interviews) to reach its objectives.

Findings

This study suggests that service robots are more preferred for routine tasks and gender differences exist in the preference of service robot’s anthropomorphism level. The preferences are driven by four factors based on different levels of hedonic and utilitarian values: experienced-hedonic value, utilitarian-hedonic value, task-relevant value and utilitarian value.

Research limitations/implications

First, because of the exploratory nature of this study, the data interpretation is unavoidably subjective; therefore, the results can be confirmed by using a more rigorous research method. Second, this study only focuses on the preference of Generation Z customers in China in the hotel sector; as the cultural differences exist in different countries, this study’s findings cannot be readily generalized across populations and service contexts. Finally, this study fails to dig into the effect of gender differences on varying levels of anthropomorphic attributes.

Practical implications

As hotels adopt service robots more widely, managers need to identify customers’ service preferences and prioritize tasks between robots and human resources for more efficient service. Particularly important is understanding the benefits and challenges of specific robot implementations rather than looking for a one-size-fits-all mode of operation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to understand robot service preference with regard to specific tourist groups in illustrating their preference for service delivery. Drawing on self-determination theory, this study potentially provides a theoretical basis for hotel service process optimization.
Keloidal dermatofibroma: Clinicopathological comparison of 52 cases with a series of 2077 other dermatofibromas
Authors: Nishimoto Akana , Ansai Shin‐ichi , Akaishi Satoshi , Dohi Teruyuki , Ogawa Rei
Published: November 2022

Dermatofibroma is a common benign skin lesion with a contested etiology: some believe it is a neoplasm while others propose minor injuries initiate it. Many dermatofibroma variants have been described, including keloidal dermatofibroma, which is unusual by bearing keloidal collagen. Keloidal dermatofibroma was first described in 1998 and only 15 cases have been reported. Since keloids are driven by skin injuries, the existence of keloidal dermatofibroma has been suggested to support the injury hypothesis of dermatofibroma etiology. To better understand keloidal dermatofibroma characteristics and gain clues regarding dermatofibroma etiology, consecutive keloidal dermatofibroma cases (n = 52) and dermatofibroma without keloidal collagen (n = 2077) that were histopathologically diagnosed in 2016–2019 were identified from the records of a Japanese dermatopathology laboratory and compared in terms of demographic, clinical, and histopathological characteristics by univariate analyses. Compared to other dermatofibromas, keloidal dermatofibromas occurred more frequently on the forearm and hand (P < 0.0001 and 0.0019), especially the wrist dorsum, and in the superficial skin layer (P < 0.0001). Keloidal dermatofibromas also demonstrated more cellularity and hemorrhage (both P < 0.0001). Correlation analyses between keloidal collagen amount and keloidal dermatofibroma size (a proxy of time‐since‐onset) did not support the notion that keloidal collagen deposition and keloidal dermatofibroma formation are triggered simultaneously. Recent injury, as indicated by fresh hemorrhage, was equally common in putatively older and younger keloidal dermatofibromas. Thus, keloidal collagen in keloidal dermatofibromas could be due to injury to preexisting dermatofibromas, which suggests that the keloidal dermatofibroma entity does not prove the injury hypothesis. Commonalities between keloids and keloidal dermatofibromas suggest a link between genetics, provocative events that induce myofibroblast differentiation, and keloidal collagen production.
Time to consider pharmacological interventions against infectious disease in wildlife
Authors: Wilkinson Vicky , Richards Shane A. , Næsborg‐Nielsen Christina , Carver Scott
Published: November 2022

Interventions against infectious diseases in wildlife are increasingly necessary but remain problematic. Dissimilar to public and domestic animal health, pharmacological interventions (PIs) are rarely used against disease in wildlife populations.

However, drugs can combat a range of pathogen types while aligning with positive ethical, epidemiological, evolutionary and socio‐economic outcomes.

We discuss how recent conceptual and technological advances could overcome barriers, improve safety and begin a new era of contemporary wildlife management that embraces PIs. We then provide a framework that supports an objective comparison of intervention suitability, including PIs.

We find numerous directions for PI optimisation through innovation and transdisciplinary collaboration and demonstrate the utility of the framework for judging the appropriateness of a PI.

Synthesis and applications: Interrogating how and when pharmacological interventions can be used to the greatest effect reduces risks and improves outcomes for wildlife, while empowering decision makers to draw from the full suite of intervention methods to find the most appropriate disease management solutions.
Fiscal deficits and the socioeconomic consequences of rebalancing: Insights from a TVP‐VAR with stochastic volatility
Authors: Pham Binh Thai , Sala Hector
Published: November 2022

This article connects two salient economic features: (i) Fiscal shocks have asymmetric effects across business cycle phases (Gechert, Horn, & Paetz, 2019); (ii) the unemployment‐output trade‐off is time varying and may be unstable. The intertwined dynamic behaviour of fiscal deficit shocks and the unemployment‐output trade‐off is studied in this article using a time‐varying parameter (TVP) vector autoregression (VAR) with stochastic volatility techniques applied to the analysis of data from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States of America. We confirm the trade‐off heterogeneity across country, and its time‐varying nature across time, showing in addition its fluctuation around a long‐run reference value. We document significant short‐run impacts of fiscal shocks on the unemployment‐output trade‐off which, based on the experience of the Global Financial Crisis, becomes larger in periods of economic turmoil. Policy‐wise, the rebalancing of public finances may have unexpected adverse effects on job creation if implemented during slumps, precisely when the labour market sensitivity with respect to the performance of the product market is likely to be more acute. This message is particularly relevant in the aftermath of the Covid‐19 pandemic.
Automation Anxiety and Augmentation Aspiration: Subtexts of the Future of Work
Authors: Kelan Elisabeth K.
Published: November 2022

How are gender, class, and race imagined in relation to automation and augmentation in popular books on the future of work? This paper problematises intersectional inequality subtexts in books on the future of work to develop new research directions. The paper shows how automation anxiety is conceptualised as relating to the threat that men might lose their jobs. While working‐class men are constructed as unable to reinvent themselves, middle‐class men are presented as unable to remain the main provider for a nuclear family. Augmentation aspirations relate to how social and emotional skills are considered as future‐proof, but who gets credit for displaying such skills remains uncertain. Creating and working with machines is also considered future‐proof, but there are silences around inequality subtexts in relation to data, the designers, and the design of those technologies. The article suggests a research agenda that can be used to understand how inequalities emerge and how they can be diminished in discussions about automation and augmentation in the future of work.
Why the Everyday Economy is the Innovation Labour Needs
Authors: Edgerton David
Published: November 2022

The foundational economy/everyday economy approach promises much for Labour. It is fitted for a world of crises, where control of real resources matters, and is in line with the social democratic tradition. It marks a radical break with the kind of approach which has characterised political economic policy since the 1980s (and indeed earlier). It represents an opportunity for Labour to articulate a fresh analysis, critique and policy offering. Rachel Reeves has deployed the everyday economy idea and this has found repeated expression in her speeches—and now those of Keir Starmer. And yet, the idea suggests a much more radical rethinking of policies than Labour is offering: it casts doubt on the wisdom of aiming for more growth to be achieved by unleashing start‐ups, science and technology and innovation. That represents a return to conventional opinion while the foundational/everyday approach suggests a new way forward.
Differences between integrated and non‐integrated plans in Medicare Advantage
Authors: Park Sungchul , Langellier Brent A. , Meyers David J.
Published: November 2022

Objective

To understand differences in financial performance, quality performance, supplemental benefits provision, and enrollee composition between integrated and non‐integrated plans in the Medicare Advantage (MA) program.

Data Sources

We used data from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services for 2015–2017. We included 156 integrated MA plans (31 unique contracts) and 2096 non‐integrated MA plans (392 unique contracts).

Study Design

We estimated linear probably models for financial performance, quality performance, supplemental benefits provision, and enrollee composition with state fixed effects and contract random effects. We adjusted for county‐level market structure‐related factors, cost‐related factors, and demand‐related factors. Our primary independent variable was an indicator of plan‐provider integration.

Principal Findings

Integrated MA plans were associated with $19.4 (95% CI: 9.2, 29.7) and $16.6 (95% CI: 10.3, 22.9) higher Part C and Part D monthly premiums, but were associated with higher star quality ratings. There were no significant differences in revenues and plan payments per enrollee between integrated and non‐integrated MA plans. Integrated MA plans were associated with $40.5 (95% CI: −54.0, −26.9) lower non‐claims costs than non‐integrated MA plans. There was limited evidence that integrated MA plans provided more generous supplemental benefits than non‐integrated MA plans. Enrollment rates in integrated MA plans were particularly low among socially marginalized groups (3.4 [95% CI: −5.9, −1.0], 4.7 [95% CI: −8.5, −0.9], and 4.4 [95% CI: −6.4, −2.4] percentage points lower among non‐Hispanic Black, Medicare–Medicaid dual eligible, and the disabled).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that integrated MA plans may achieve higher efficiency and quality, but these benefits may not be experienced by all beneficiaries due to disparities in enrollment. As these models continue to spread, it is critical to develop policies to ensure that MA enrollees have equal access to integrated plans.
Reaching new heights: Testing the performance of metric approaches to estimate stature from burned skeletal remains
Authors: Wolska Bogumiła , Vassalo Ana Rita , Marques Maria Paula M. , Esteves Batista de Carvalho Luís , Gonçalves David
Published: November 2022

Bone heat‐induced changes complicate osteometric stature estimation of human remains from forensic settings. The validity of current methods has not been tested to a great extent. Our aim was to determine how precise are stature estimations obtained from three different approaches, namely by using (i) Rösing's method (Rösing 1977), (ii) a 10% shrinkage correction factor (Strzałko et al. 1972) and (iii) chemosteometry (Gonçalves et al. 2020). For this purpose, pre‐ and post‐burned head measurements from the humerus, radius and femur were used. The sample comprised 46 human skeletons of known sex and age‐at‐death. These were experimentally burnt to maximum temperatures ranging from 700 to 1100°C (attained after 90–188 min) for other research purposes. Stature estimations were performed through measurements in both pre‐burned and burned bones using the three approaches and based on the method of Olivier and Tissier (1975). Mean absolute differences and the relative technical errors of measurements (TEM%) between the pre‐burned and the estimations were calculated. Absolute mean differences indicated that the chemosteometric approach allowed for potentially more precise stature estimations than the other two procedures. However, the TEM% was very low for all approaches (smaller or close to 1%), and stature estimations were thus well within the error margin reported by Olivier and Tissier (1975). Results suggest that the chemosteometric approach enables more accurate predictions of the actual heat‐induced shrinkage of each bone thus rendering more precise stature estimations. Nonetheless, the other procedures also provided quite reliable estimations although they require confirmation that the bone is calcined.
NGSEP 4: Efficient and accurate identification of orthogroups and whole‐genome alignment
Authors: Tello Daniel , Gonzalez‐Garcia Laura Natalia , Gomez Jorge , Zuluaga‐Monares Juan Camilo , Garcia Rogelio , Angel Ricardo , Mahecha Daniel , Duarte Erick , Leon Maria del Rosario , Reyes Fernando , Escobar‐Velásquez Camilo , Linares‐Vásquez Mario , Cardozo Nicolas , Duitama Jorge
Published: November 2022

Whole‐genome alignment allows researchers to understand the genomic structure and variation among genomes. Approaches based on direct pairwise comparisons of DNA sequences require large computational capacities. As a consequence, pipelines combining tools for orthologous gene identification and synteny have been developed. In this manuscript, we present the latest functionalities implemented in NGSEP 4, to identify orthogroups and perform whole genome alignments. NGSEP implements functionalities for identification of clusters of homologus genes, synteny analysis and whole genome alignment. Our results showed that the NGSEP algorithm for orthogroups identification has competitive accuracy and efficiency in comparison to commonly used tools. The implementation also includes a visualization of the whole genome alignment based on synteny of the orthogroups that were identified, and a reconstruction of the pangenome based on frequencies of the orthogroups among the genomes. NGSEP 4 also includes a new graphical user interface based on the JavaFX technology. We expect that these new developments will be very useful for several studies in evolutionary biology and population genomics.
Rituximab for connective tissue disease‐associated interstitial lung disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Yilin , Li Liren
Published: November 2022

Objective

To assess the efficacy of rituximab (RTX) on lung function and the prevalence of adverse events (AEs) in connective tissue disease‐associated interstitial lung disease (CTD‐ILD) by meta‐analysis.

Methods

EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed and ClinicalKey were searched up to July 16, 2021. The lung function (forced vital capacity, FVC% predicted, and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, DLCO% predicted) and prevalence of AEs of RTX in CTD‐ILD were analyzed by meta‐analysis, and 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Subgroup analyses and meta‐regression were used to explore the heterogeneity.

Results

We identified 29 studies, including 827 CTD‐ILD patients with a median age of 53.05 years. In observational studies, FVC% (mean difference − 1.24, 95% CI [−2.35, −0.12]; P = .030) and DLCO% (−7.71, [−11.79, −3.63]; P = .014) of CTD‐ILD decreased significantly after RTX treatment. In randomized controlled trials, FVC% of CTD‐ILD decreased after RTX treatment (−5.24, [−9.94, − 0.54]; P = .029), but the difference of DLCO% was not significant (1.15, [−4.33, 6.63]; P = .681). The prevalence of AEs, all‐cause mortality and infections was 29.7% (95% CI [0.17, 0.42]), 11.6% (95% CI [0.08, 0.16]) and 20.9% (95% CI [0.15, 0.27]), respectively.

Conclusions

RTX was associated with AEs such as decreased pulmonary function, all‐cause mortality, and infections in CTD‐ILD. Adverse reactions during and after RTX treatment should be carefully monitored. Further prospective studies are needed to compare RTX with other immunosuppressants, antifibrotic drugs or placebos, which can provide therapeutic approaches for CTD‐ILD.
Adolescent (mis)perceptions of peer alcohol posts on social media: Prospective associations with alcohol attitudes and use
Authors: Meisel Samuel N. , Nesi Jacqueline , Janssen Tim , Jackson Kristina M.
Published: November 2022

Background

Social media is a central context in which teens interact with their peers, creating opportunities for them to view, post, and engage with alcohol content. Because adolescent peer interactions largely occur on social media, perceptions of peer alcohol content posting may act as potent risk factors for adolescent alcohol use. Accordingly, the preregistered aims of this study were to (1) compare perceived friend, typical person, and an adolescent's own posting of alcohol content to social media and (2) examine how these perceptions prospectively relate to alcohol willingness, expectancies, and use after accounting for offline perceived peer alcohol use.

Methods

This longitudinal study included 435 adolescents (Mage = 16.91) in 11th (48%) and 12th grade (52%). Participants completed measures of alcohol content social media posts, perceived peer alcohol use, willingness to drink alcohol, alcohol expectancies, and alcohol use at two time points, 3 months apart.

Results

Consistent with preregistered hypotheses, adolescents reported that 60.3% of the typical person their age and 30.6% of their friends post alcohol content on social media. By contrast, only 7% of participants reported that they themselves posted such content to social media. After accounting for offline perceived peer drinking norms, neither perceived friend nor typical person alcohol content social media posts were prospectively associated with willingness to drink or positive or negative alcohol expectancies. Perceived friend alcohol content posts were prospectively positively associated with past 30‐day alcohol consumption even after controlling for offline perceived peer drinking norms.

Conclusions

Adolescents misperceived the frequency of alcohol‐related posting to social media among their peers, and perceptions of friend alcohol content posts prospectively predicted alcohol use. Given the results from the current study and the ubiquity of social media among adolescents, prevention efforts may benefit from addressing misperceptions of alcohol‐related posting to social media.
Working the Waste Commodity Frontier: Metabolic Value and Informal Waste Work
Authors: Irvine Benjamin
Published: November 2022

Ambitions for a European “circular economy” imply waste is becoming an important “commodity frontier”. Increased recycling in Europe has been accompanied by a proliferation of informal waste work. “Southern” geographies of informal recyclers provide resources for interpreting this phenomenon but studies of a commodity frontier in urban waste have tended to focus on moments when informal waste workers are displaced by capital intensive waste management systems. I draw on concepts in world‐ecology and materialist ecofeminism to explore the proliferation of informal waste workers in Barcelona and the way their (re)production produces “Metabolic Value”. Informal waste work is shown to emerge and persist as part of a commodity frontier process—where the appropriation of unpaid work from non‐commodified spaces is the hallmark of how capitalism secures “Cheap Nature”. The study suggests that, rather than internalising ecological costs, recycling often rests on the appropriation of value from uncommodified spaces.
Inhaled nitric oxide in preterm neonates with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes, a systematic review
Authors: Mullaly Rachel , McCallion Naomi , El‐Khuffash Afif
Published: November 2022

Aim

To perform a systematic literature review to determine the effect of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) on oxygenation, mortality and morbidity in preterm neonates with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) and early hypoxaemic respiratory failure (HRF).

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, Web of Science, Zetoc and ProQuest were searched. Studies including neonates <34 weeks’ gestation with PPROM, oligohydramnios or pulmonary hypoplasia and HRF in the first 28 days of life treated with iNO were included. Studies were critically appraised and assessed for potential risk of bias using standardised checklists.

Results

Six hundred and two records remained after duplicates were removed. Seven studies were included in the critical appraisal process. Quality of available evidence was very low to low. Six studies described an improvement in oxygenation after commencement of iNO. One hundred and three of 284 (36%) neonates exposed to iNO died. Seventy‐seven of 92 (84%) neonates that had an echocardiogram performed before commencement of iNO had pulmonary hypertension (PH) present.

Conclusion

iNO may improve oxygenation when standard care fails. Improvement in oxygenation is likely associated with increase in survival. Survival may lead to an increase in morbidity. Efficacy of iNO in this cohort is likely secondary to relatively high prevalence of PH.
Genetic liability to bipolar disorder and body mass index: A bidirectional two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Byg Lars Meinertz , Speed Maria , Speed Doug , Østergaard Søren Dinesen
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Bipolar disorder is associated with increased body mass index (BMI), but it remains undetermined if this association is causal and, if so, in which direction it goes. Here, we sought to answer these questions using bidirectional two‐sample Mendelian randomization, a method from genetic epidemiology that uses data from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) to examine whether a risk factor is causal for an outcome

Methods

We used summary statistics from GWAS of bipolar disorder and BMI conducted using data collected by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium and the UK Biobank, respectively. The genetic instrument for bipolar disorder contained 53 SNPs and explained 0.5% of phenotypic variance, while the genetic instrument for BMI contained 517 SNPs and explained 7.1% of phenotypic variance

Results

Our findings suggest that genetic liability to bipolar disorder reduces BMI (slope from Egger regression = −0.195, p = 0.004). It follows that a twofold increase in the genetic liability to bipolar disorder leads to a 0.6 (kg/m2) reduction in BMI, predominantly driven by reduced fat mass. Conversely, we found no evidence that BMI causes changes in the risk of developing bipolar disorder

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that the increased BMI observed among individuals with bipolar disorder is not a direct consequence of genetic liability to bipolar disorder, but may more likely represent the sum of downstream correlates of manifest bipolar disorder, such as side effects of pharmacological treatment, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyle. As these factors are all modifiable, they can be targeted as part of clinical management
Review: School‐based mental health literacy interventions to promote help‐seeking – a systematic review
Authors: Ma Karen Kei Yan , Burn Anne‐Marie , Anderson Joanna K.
Published: November 2022

Background

School‐based mental health literacy interventions aim to prevent mental disorders and promote mental wellbeing through improving the knowledge and understanding of mental health, mental disorders, and reducing stigma. Evidence suggests that good mental health literacy helps young people recognise mental health difficulties in themselves and in others, and seek help for mental health problems. Improved help‐seeking can allow for early intervention, which prevents the progression of mental disorders and ultimately reduces the burden of mental disorders. The aim of this review is to identify and synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of school‐based mental health literacy interventions in improving help‐seeking outcomes.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, ERIC, Child Development and Adolescent Studies, British Education Index and ASSIA (June 2020). Additional searches were conducted a year later to identify any new publications (June 2021). We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness or cost‐effectiveness of school‐based interventions to improve help‐seeking outcomes for children and young people aged 4–18 years. Included studies were critically appraised.

Results

We identified 11 studies investigating help‐seeking outcomes of school‐based mental health literacy interventions including a total of 7066 participants from 66 secondary schools. Overall, there is no strong evidence for the effectiveness of school‐based mental health literacy interventions in improving help‐seeking outcomes, including general attitudes towards help‐seeking, personal intentions to seek help, knowledge of when and how to seek help for mental disorders, confidence to seek help, and actual help‐seeking behaviours. None of the studies investigated the cost‐effectiveness of the interventions.

Conclusion

The lack of standardised measures with established reliability and validity for help‐seeking outcomes, and the incomprehensive consideration of the multi‐faceted concepts of MH literacy and MH stigma have contributed to the scarcity of evidence for the effectiveness. Future research should focus on developing standardised measurement tools and including economic evaluations to understand pragmatic and financial aspects of school‐based mental health literacy interventions.
Deep brain stimulation improves electroencephalogram functional connectivity of patients with minimally conscious state
Authors: Dang Yuanyuan , Wang Yong , Xia Xiaoyu , Yang Yi , Bai Yang , Zhang Jianning , He Jianghong
Published: November 2022

Aim

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a potential neuromodulatory therapy that enhances recovery from disorders of consciousness, especially minimally conscious state (MCS). This study measured the effects of DBS on the brain and explored the underlying mechanisms of DBS on MCS.

Methods

Nine patients with MCS were recruited for this study. The neuromodulation effects of 100 Hz DBS were explored via cross‐control experiments. Coma Recovery Scale‐Revised (CRS‐R) and EEG were recorded, and corresponding functional connectivity and network parameters were calculated.

Results

Our results showed that 100 Hz DBS could improve the functional connectivity of the whole, local and local–local brain regions, while no significant change in EEG functional connectivity was observed in sham DBS. The whole brain's network parameters (clustering coefficient, path length, and small world characteristic) were significantly improved. In addition, a significant increase in the CRS‐R and functional connectivity of three MCS patients who received 100 Hz DBS for 6 months were observed.

Conclusion

This study showed that DBS improved EEG functional connectivity and brain networks, indicating that the long‐term use of DBS could improve the level of consciousness of MCS patients.
Hippocampus‐prefrontal cortex inputs modulate spatial learning and memory in a mouse model of sepsis induced by cecal ligation puncture
Authors: Ge Cheng‐Long , Chen Wei , Zhang Li‐Na , Ai Yu‐Hang , Zou Yu , Peng Qian‐Yi
Published: November 2022

Aims

Sepsis‐associated encephalopathy (SAE) often leads to cognitive impairments. However, the pathophysiology of SAE is complex and unclear. Here, we investigated the role of hippocampus (HPC)‐prefrontal cortex (PFC) in cognitive dysfunction in sepsis induced by cecal ligation puncture (CLP) in mice.

Methods

The neural projections from the HPC to PFC were first identified via retrograde tracing and viral expression. Chemogenetic activation of the HPC‐PFC pathway was shown via immunofluorescent staining of c‐Fos‐positive neurons in PFC. Morris Water Maze (MWM) and Barnes maze (BM) were used to evaluate cognitive function. Western blotting analysis was used to determine the expression of glutamate receptors and related molecules in PFC and HPC.

Results

Chemogenetic activation of the HPC‐PFC pathway enhanced cognitive dysfunction in CLP‐induced septic mice. Glutamate receptors mediated the effects of HPC‐PFC pathway activation in CLP mice. The activation of the HPC‐PFC pathway resulted in significantly increased levels of NMDAR, AMPAR, and downstream signaling molecules including CaMKIIa, pCREB, and BDNF in PFC. However, inhibition of glutamate receptors using 2,3‐dihydroxy‐6‐nitro‐7‐sulphamoyl‐benzo (F)quinoxaline (NBQX), which is an α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR inhibitor), or D‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonopentanoate (D‐AP5), which is an NMDA receptor antagonist abolished this increase.

Conclusion

Our study reveals the important role of the HPC‐PFC pathway in improving cognitive dysfunction in a mouse model of CLP sepsis and provides a novel pathogenetic mechanism for SAE.
RNA‐binding protein DHX9 promotes glioma growth and tumor‐associated macrophages infiltration via TCF12
Authors: Liu Liang , Zhou Xuelan , Cheng Shan , Ge Yuyuan , Chen Baomin , Shi Jia , Li Haoran , Li Suwen , Li Yongdong , Yuan Jiaqi , Wu Anyi , Liu Xinglei , Huang Shilu , Xu Zhipeng , Dong Jun
Published: November 2022

Background

Glioma is the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system, with high heterogeneity, strong invasiveness, high therapeutic resistance, and poor prognosis, comprehending a serious challenge in neuro‐oncology. Until now, the mechanisms underlying glioma progression have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

The expression of DExH‐box helicase 9 (DHX9) in tissues and cells was detected by qRT‐PCR and western blot. EdU and transwell assays were conducted to assess the effect of DHX9 on proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells. Cocultured model was used to evaluate the role of DHX9 on macrophages recruitment and polarization. Animal study was performed to explore the role of DHX9 on macrophages recruitment and polarization in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis, dual‐luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)‐qPCR assay was used to explore the relation between DHX9 and TCF12/CSF1.

Results

DHX9 was elevated in gliomas, especially in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Besides promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells, DHX9 facilitated the infiltration of macrophages into glioma tissues and polarization to M2‐like macrophages, known as tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs). DHX9 silencing decreased the expression of colony‐stimulating factor 1 (CSF1), which partially restored the inhibitory effect on malignant progress of glioma and infiltration of TAMs caused by DHX9 knockdown by targeting the transcription factor 12 (TCF12). Moreover, TCF12 could directly bind to the promoter region of CSF1.

Conclusion

DHX9/TCF12/CSF1 axis regulated the increases in the infiltration of TAMs to promote glioma progression and might be a novel potential target for future immune therapies against gliomas.
Treatment side affects exercising microvascular oxygenation response in active breast cancer survivors: A pilot study
Authors: Cayot Trent E. , Herbert Brooklyn , Klika Riggs J.
Published: November 2022

Cancer treatment is associated with cardiovascular toxicity, skeletal muscle dysfunction and interruptions in mitochondrial respiration. Microvascular oxygenation responses, measured via near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), at peak exercise intensity has previously been associated with aerobic capacity. Specifically, the greater magnitude of microvascular deoxygenation observed at peak exercise intensity has been associated with higher aerobic capacity. Therefore, a pilot study investigated if diagnosis side (uninvolved side, treatment side) and/or exercise side (paddle side, non‐paddle side) affected microvascular oxygenation responses at peak intensity during paddle exercise. Thirty‐three breast cancer survivors (age = 57 ± 9 years, height = 1.64 ± 0.05 m, weight = 76.5 ± 15.6 kg, 7 ± 7 years since treatment) who also competed as dragon boat racers performed a unilateral (paddle), discontinuous graded exercise test (2‐min exercise, 1‐min rest) on a rowing ergometer to volitional fatigue. Tissue oxygenation saturation (StO2DIFF) and total haemoglobin concentration (total[heme]DIFF) responses at peak exercise intensity were measured bilaterally from the posterior deltoids using NIRS. Two‐way analysis of variance determined if diagnosis side and/or exercise side effected StO2DIFF or total[heme]DIFF. Diagnosis side elicited a moderate effect (effect size = 0.66) on StO2DIFF, as the treatment side deoxygenated less (−6.0 ± 14.7 ∆BSL) compared to the uninvolved side (−16.9 ± 16.9 ∆BSL) at peak exercise intensity. No other significant main effects or interactions were observed for StO2DIFF or total[heme]DIFF. The pilot findings suggest that the ability of the exercising muscle to use oxygen for the purpose of mitochondrial oxidative respiration may be impaired on the treatment side.
In vitro and in vivo gene transfer in the cloudy catshark Scyliorhinus torazame
Authors: Fujimori Chika , Umatani Chie , Chimura Misaki , Ijiri Shigeho , Bando Hisanori , Hyodo Susumu , Kanda Shinji
Published: November 2022

Cartilaginous fishes have various unique physiological features such as a cartilaginous skeleton and a urea‐based osmoregulation strategy for adaptation to their marine environment. Also, because they are a sister group of bony vertebrates, understanding their unique features is important from an evolutionary perspective. However, genetic engineering based on gene functions as well as cellular behavior has not been effectively utilized in cartilaginous fishes. This is partly because their reproductive strategy involves internal fertilization, which results in difficulty in microinjection into fertilized eggs at the early developmental stage. Here, to identify efficient gene transfer methods in cartilaginous fishes, we examined the effects of various methods both in vitro and in vivo using the cloudy catshark, a candidate model cartilaginous fish species. In all methods, green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression was used to evaluate exogenous gene transfer. First, we examined gene transfer into primary cultured cells from cloudy catshark embryos by lipofection, polyethylenimine (PEI) transfection, adenovirus infection, baculovirus infection, and electroporation. Among the methods tested, lipofection, electroporation, and baculovirus infection enabled the successful transfer of exogenous genes into primary cultured cells. We then attempted in vivo transfection into cloudy catshark embryos by electroporation and baculovirus infection. Although baculovirus‐injected groups did not show GFP fluorescence, electroporation successfully introduced GFP into muscle cells. Furthermore, we succeeded in GFP transfer into adult tissues by electroporation. The in vitro and in vivo gene transfer methods that worked in this study may open ways for genetic manipulation including knockout experiments and cellular lineage analysis in cartilaginous fishes.
The cross‐section of routine practice of echocardiographic diastolic evaluation in atrial fibrillation in a community hospital: A quality improvement project
Authors: Yang Ji Hyun , Dani Sourbha S. , Kim Seong Yoon , Kinzfogl George , Davidson Eric
Published: November 2022

Background

The echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function in the context of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been controversial and can be challenging and labor‐intensive. We aimed to assess the actual practice of diastolic evaluation in AF in our community hospital echocardiography laboratory and to improve clinical performance by a quality improvement project.

Methods

We reviewed 244 echocardiograms in patients with AF at the time of echocardiography from November 2019 to November 2020 (pre‐intervention phase). We classified cases into a complete versus incomplete evaluation group according to the completeness of diastolic parameter measurement. After an educational intervention, we reviewed 68 echocardiograms in patients with AF from August 2021 to October 2021 (post‐intervention phase).

Results

Our results demonstrated an improvement in a complete diastolic assessment from 69% to 91% after intervention (p < .001). In the pre‐intervention phase, the four parameters (mitral inflow pulsed wave Doppler image, left atrium volume index, mitral annular tissue Doppler image [TDI], and tricuspid regurgitation Vmax), mitral annular TDI was not acquired in 71 out of 244 cases (29.1%) and those cases were classified as incomplete evaluation group. Interestingly, in the pre‐intervention phase, 57 out of 162 cases (35%) with preserved EF (≥50%) received significantly more incomplete diastolic evaluation than 14 out of 82 patients (17%) with reduced EF (<50%) (p = .004). There were no statistically significant differences in age, BMI, the reason for requesting echocardiography, and patient level of care between the complete and incomplete evaluation groups. In the post‐intervention phase, completeness of diastolic measurement in AF was significantly improved compared to the pre‐intervention phase (29% vs. 9%, p < .001, respectively).

Conclusion

A quality improvement project effectively improved the clinical performance of diastolic evaluation in AF in our community echocardiography laboratory. After the intervention, we decreased an incomplete evaluation from 30% to 9%. More efforts should be needed to increase awareness and familiarity in evaluating diastolic function in AF.
Alpha‐klotho and peritoneal membrane status: A hypothesis generating study
Authors: Branco Patrícia , Martins Ana Rita , Calça Rita , Mateus Catarina , Jervis Maria João , Rodrigues Anabela , Lopes Sofia Azeredo , Civantos Ester , Mas‐Fontao Sebastian , Gaspar Augusta , Ramos Sância , Morello Judit , Gomes Daniel Pinto , Pereira Sofia Azeredo
Published: November 2022

Background

Long‐term success of peritoneal dialysis relies on the integrity of the peritoneal membrane. This proof‐of‐concept study addressed the hypothesis that fibrosis is already present in the membrane at pre‐dialysis and that the membrane status is related to the individual's uraemic fingerprint.

Methods

A clinical‐mechanistic, transversal, single‐centre study was conducted. Pre‐dialysis peritoneal biopsies were scored considering the submesothelial compact zone thickness (STM), vasculopathy and inflammation. We investigated if the membrane status could be inferred from a panel of proteins (α‐Klotho, Galectin‐3, FGF21, FGF23, Tweak, TNFα and hsPCR) in blood.

Results

A total 58 incident patients aged 56 ± 15 years old were included, 31% female, 55% hypertension, 29% diabetic and 24% obese. Person‐to‐person STM was found to be highly variable and 38% of patients were fibrosis positive. Both α‐Klotho (Spearman r = −.7491, p < 0.001) and FGF21 (Spearman r = −.5102, p < 0.001) were negatively associated with STM. α‐Klotho, but not FGF21, was able to discriminate fibrosis from nonfibrosis with/without inflammation and vasculopathy. PLS models identified α‐Klotho as the protein most relevant for fibrosis. α‐Klotho was independently associated with fibrosis of the peritoneal membrane (OR = .991 (.896–.997), p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Before the start of dialysis in incident patients, some patients already present fibrosis of the peritoneal membrane and other patients do not. Our findings suggest that α‐Klotho may be implicated in fibrosis of the peritoneal membrane.
The paradox of family support for young mothers: An interpretive phenomenology analysis
Authors: McGregor Casey M. , Arditti Joyce A.
Published: November 2022

Objective

We sought to illuminant the lived experiences of becoming a mother during adolescence within the context of multigenerational family caregiving.

Background

Adolescence is a developmental time frame during which identity formation is most salient and characterized by separation from parents (Erikson, 1968). Teenage childbearing, then, presents a unique scenario during which adolescent mothers and their families may need to renegotiate autonomy and caregiving roles.

Method

Qualitative methods, and interpretive phenomenological analysis, were utilized to explore the lived experiences of nine women who became mothers before the age of 19 years. Mothers were recruited from rural, Central Appalachian regions in the United States.

Results

We identified the essence of young mothers' lived experiences regarding their receipt of caregiving during the transition to parenthood as an adolescent. Mothers equated instrumental and emotional support from family with their own “lovability” and interpreted support as indicative of their evolving competence as mothers.

Conclusions

Young motherhood appeared to be a developmental paradox in that their adolescent identity conflicted with their maternal identity.

Implications

Young mothers would benefit from multilevel interventions. Instead, practitioners might consider supporting whole families of young mothers by providing the means to create a healthy, supportive environment for the mother and her offspring.
Counterintuitive structural and functional effects due to naturally occurring mutations targeting the active site of the disease‐associated NQO1 enzyme*
Authors: Pacheco‐García Juan Luis , Anoz‐Carbonell Ernesto , Loginov Dmitry S. , Kavan Daniel , Salido Eduardo , Man Petr , Medina Milagros , Pey Angel L.
Published: November 2022

Our knowledge on the genetic diversity of the human genome is exponentially growing. However, our capacity to establish genotype–phenotype correlations on a large scale requires a combination of detailed experimental and computational work. This is a remarkable task in human proteins which are typically multifunctional and structurally complex. In addition, mutations often prevent the determination of mutant high‐resolution structures by X‐ray crystallography. We have characterized here the effects of five mutations in the active site of the disease‐associated NQO1 protein, which are found either in cancer cell lines or in massive exome sequencing analysis in human population. Using a combination of H/D exchange, rapid‐flow enzyme kinetics, binding energetics and conformational stability, we show that mutations in both sets may cause counterintuitive functional effects that are explained well by their effects on local stability regarding different functional features. Importantly, mutations predicted to be highly deleterious (even those affecting the same protein residue) may cause mild to catastrophic effects on protein function. These functional effects are not well explained by current predictive bioinformatic tools and evolutionary models that account for site conservation and physicochemical changes upon mutation. Our study also reinforces the notion that naturally occurring mutations not identified as disease‐associated can be highly deleterious. Our approach, combining protein biophysics and structural biology tools, is readily accessible to broadly increase our understanding of genotype–phenotype correlations and to improve predictive computational tools aimed at distinguishing disease‐prone against neutral missense variants in the human genome.
Mean annual temperature and carbon availability respectively controlled the contributions of bacterial and fungal residues to organic carbon accumulation in topsoil across China's forests
Authors: Zhao Xuechao , Tian Peng , Liu Shengen , Yin Pan , Sun Zhaolin , Wang Qingkui
Published: November 2022

Aim

Soil organic carbon (SOC) stabilization has become an important topic in recent years in the context of global climate change. Microbial residues represent a significant component of stabilized SOC pools. However, spatial variations in the contributions of bacterial and fungal residues to SOC and their determinants at a continental scale remain poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the spatial variations and controls of the contributions of microbial residues to SOC in forest topsoil.

Location

North–south transect in eastern China.

Time period

2014.

Major taxa studied

Forest ecosystems.

Methods

A total of 195 surface (0–10 cm) soils were sampled from 28 forest sites across tropical and boreal forests in eastern China from July to August to assess how biotic and abiotic factors govern the geographic patterns of the contributions of soil microbial residues (indicated by amino sugars) to SOC.

Results

Fungal residues (30.0%) had a greater average contribution to SOC than bacterial residues (15.5%). The contributions of bacterial (CBR) and total microbial residues (CMR) to SOC showed negative latitudinal patterns and were positively correlated with mean annual temperature (MAT). In contrast, the contribution of fungal residues to SOC (CFR) showed no clear geographic or climatic patterns. On average, the CBR (9.7%), CFR (21.1%) and CMR (30.8%) were lower in boreal forests than in other biome forests. SOC concentration negatively mediated CBR, CFR and CMR. The piecewise structural equation model results showed that MAT was the primary driver of the geographic pattern of CBR, whereas SOC and soil carbon : nitrogen ratio were more directly associated with the CFR. Additionally, plant factors and microbial properties (i.e., microbial biomass and composition) played relatively little roles in regulating CBR, CFR and CMR.

Main conclusions

These findings advance the current knowledge of the different geographic patterns of CBR and CFR regulated by different potential mechanisms in forest ecosystems. This highlights that the dynamics of microbial residues could potentially have unexpected consequences for topsoil SOC stocks under climate change.