bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of social media usage on expertise coordination and team creative performance in distributed agile software development
Authors: Jiang Jijiao , Yang Xiao , Zhou Cong
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This article explores how the social media usage affect team creative performance via transactive memory system, knowledge interaction and expertise coordination.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on the perspective of transaction memory system and expertise coordination theory. A research model was constructed and tested, involving 289 individuals from 67 distributed agile software development teams.

Findings

The results indicate that social media usage is positively correlated with transactive memory system, and social media usage and transactive memory system have positive relations to knowledge interaction and expertise coordination. Moreover, this analysis shows that knowledge interaction has a positive relationship with expertise coordination, and expertise coordination positively affects team creative performance. However, knowledge interaction has no direct relationship on team creative performance, and its indirect impact on team creative performance was fully mediated by expertise coordination. This research shows that social media usage by distributed agile software development teams can support the development of transactive memory system and promote expertise coordination. In addition, knowledge interaction alone is not enough, and expertise coordination must be achieved to increase team creative performance.

Originality/value

First, this paper explores the mechanism of transactive memory system in distributed Agile Software Development teams from the perspective of social media, which is different from the previous information processing theory framework that confined transactive memory system to the cognitive aspects of knowledge coding, storage and retrieval. Second, this research focuses on the knowledge interaction and expertise coordination formed by team members in the process of communication in the context of social media usage, which confirms the crucial roles of social media usage and transactive memory system in team knowledge management and team creative performance. Then, this research also shows that the development of transactive memory system in the team is indeed an important factor to promote knowledge interaction and professional expertise coordination.
Accelerating teacher effectiveness: the power of partnerships
Authors: Eirich Jodi , Wildesen Jane
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a thriving partnership between Frostburg State University and the Garrett County Public Schools that aims to improve teacher effectiveness and retention through the implementation of a robust induction program. The initiative includes sustained, strategic mentoring; extensive professional development; and validated, competency-based microcredentials aligned to high-leverage practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The study included surveys and structured interviews with teaching fellows and their instructional coaches.

Findings

Having ample support and mentoring can make a significant difference for novice teachers. Partnerships between universities and local school districts can provide this critical support.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation that cannot be ignored is the small number of participants in this program, all of whom are teaching in a rural school system. However, researchers working with larger school districts would add valuable knowledge to the field of study.

Practical implications

This paper includes implications for designing new induction programs or improving existing ones.

Social implications

Mentoring, a major component of high-quality induction programs, has the potential of providing important benefits to beginning teachers including increased motivation, self-confidence, growth in professional identity, and reduced stress and anxiety.

Originality/value

As school systems are struggling to retain qualified teachers, high-quality induction programs are necessary.
Emojis and stock returns
Authors: Reschke Felix , Strych Jan-Oliver
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The authors explore how the sentiment expressed by emojis in comments on stocks is associated with the stocks' subsequent returns.

Design/methodology/approach

By applying our own analyzer, the authors find a sentiment effect of emojis on stocks returns separately to the plain text-expressed sentiment in Reddit posts about meme stocks such as Gamestop during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Findings

The authors document that a one-standard deviation change in emoji sentiment magnitude measured as the quantity of positive emoji sentiment posts over the previous hour is associated with an 0.06% (annualized: 109.2%) one-hour abnormal stock return compared to a mean of 0.03% (annualized: 54.6%). If the stock exhibits a higher intra-hour volatility, a proxy for uninformed noise trading, this relation is more pronounced and even stronger compared to stock return's relation to plain text sentiment.

Research limitations/implications

The authors are not able to show causation that is open to future research. It also remains an open question how emojis impact market price efficiency.

Practical implications

Emojis are positively related to stock returns in addition to plain text-expressed content if they are discussed heavily by retail investors in Internet boards such as Reddit.

Social implications

Shared emotions expressed by emojis might have an influence on how disconnected individuals make homogeneous decisions. This argument might explain our found relation of emojis and stock returns.

Originality/value

So, the study findings provide empirical evidence that emojis in Reddit posts convey information on future short-term stocks returns distinct from information expressed in plain text, in the case of volatile stocks, with a higher magnitude.
Contingent resource-based view of food netchain organization and firm performance: a comprehensive quantitative framework
Authors: Adetoyinbo Ayobami , Trienekens Jacques , Otter Verena
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Much has been written on the effect of fast-moving business environments on organizational and supply chain (SC) management. Yet, empirical findings on the effect of changing external and internal contingencies on today’s globalized agrifood SC networks and performance are still fragmented into different organizational instruments, with some conflicting results remaining unexplained. This study aims to address these deficiencies by providing a comprehensive research framework to investigate how SC external and internal contingencies jointly influence organizational SC network structures and agrifood performance across mutually dependent tiers.

Design/methodology/approach

Using partial least squares structural equation modeling, the so-called “contingency–netchain–performance” framework, based on contingent resource-based theory and the netchain approach, was empirically tested on data obtained from a standardized survey of 405 artisanal producers and 238 processors in the Nigerian shrimp sector.

Findings

The results provide statistical evidence that supports the path dependency of firm performance from the interplay of vertical, horizontal and lateral relationships and, primordially, from both external and internal contingencies. The findings show that the contingency paradigm of fit among small-scale food producers and processors cuts across tiers and uncover a tendency to adopt relational governance and tighter network structures that result in an organic organization as the best-fitting structure.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new research framework that offers comprehensive empirical explanations for the joint influence of SC external and internal contingencies on organizational SC network structures and performance across mutually dependent agrifood tiers. This study’s conceptual, practical and policy implications for SC management provide a nascent and flexible basis on which to identify the best-fitting organizational strategies that maximize firm performance across agrifood SC tiers characterized by changing business environments.
Is Marriage a Turning Point? Evidence from Cash Holdings Behaviour
Authors: Al Mamun Md , Boubaker Sabri , Ghafoor Abdul , Suleman Muhammad Tahir
Published: May 2023

Given that marriage transforms people, with wide‐ranging and long‐lasting impacts, we examine the role of CEOs' marital status on firms' cash holdings behaviour. Using a large sample of US‐listed firms, we find that single CEOs stockpile more cash than their married counterparts do. Our finding is robust to controlling for various CEO characteristics, CFO influence, tackling endogeneity concerns and using alternative measures of cash. Moreover, we show that exogenous CEO turnover resulting in appointments of single (married) CEOs increases (decreases) cash holdings. Additional results show that single‐CEO firms practise a more conservative payout policy and save more cash from operating and financing cash flows. Consistent with agency theory, single CEOs extract more compensation from the accumulated cash, leading to a lower value of cash holdings. External corporate governance mechanisms mitigate the relationship between single CEOs and cash holdings. Our results show that single‐CEO firms are more prone to agency problems.
Hsa_circ_0002496 promotes the growth, angiogenesis, and stemness of breast cancer cells via miR‐433‐3p/YWHAZ cascade
Authors: Yang Chao , Zhang Shuo , Liu Liang , Zhang Xiangmei , Du Kaiye , Gao Chao , Li Jingping , Liu Yunjiang
Published: May 2023

Background

Breast cancer (BC) has been studied more and more in modern medicine. Circ_0002496 has established a critical role in BC. MiR‐433‐3p can exert important activity in cancer. YWHAZ can participate in BC development, but the targeting relationship among the three variables and its influence on the related process of BC are not clear.

Methods

RT‐qPCR was used to analyze circ_0002496, miR‐433‐3p, and YWHAZ expression. Immunoblotting was used to analyze YWHAZ, Bax, Bcl‐2, and PI3K/AKT‐related proteins. RNase R assay was used to verify the ring structure of circ_0002496. Cell phenotypes were tested by Cell Counting Kit 8, EdU, sphere formation, tube formation, and flow cytometry assays.

Results

Circ_0002496 was enhanced and MiR‐433‐3p was downregulated in BC, while the expression of YWHAZ was higher in BC. Circ_0002496 targeted miR‐433‐3p and miR‐433‐3p targeted YWHAZ in BC cells. Depletion of circ_0002496 influenced the BC process, but miR‐433‐3p inhibitor reversed the impact of si‐circ_0002496 on the BC process. Re‐expression of YWHAZ weakened the influence of miR‐433‐3p on the BC process. Depletion of circ_0002496 could astrict tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, the circ_0002496/miR‐433‐3p/YWHAZ axis mediated the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Circ_0002496 participated in the malignant procession of BC by miR‐433‐3p/YWHAZ regulation cascade.
Mutations and expressions of breast cancer 1/2 in lung cancer
Authors: Yan Bokang , Xie Bin , Huang Meiyuan , Guo Jiaxing , Sun Jingyue , Chen Jielin , Tao Yongguang , Xiao Desheng
Published: May 2023

Background

Breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer 2 (BRCA2) tumor suppressor genes play crucial roles in DNA repair and regulation of transcription. Mutations in these genes are closely associated with the occurrence of cancers. However, the mutation status of BRCA gene in central south Chinese lung cancer patients remains unclear, and its expression levels in lung cancer also need to be further explored.

Methods

In this study, we use next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology to analyze the BRCA genes mutations in 462 central south Chinese lung cancer patients. Public databases including cBioportal, Catalogue Of Somatic Mutations In Cancer (COSMIC), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Human Protein Atlas (HPA) and Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) are also applied to explore the expression level and mutation status of BRCA in lung cancer patients and their relationships with the prognosis.

Results

We found that the mutation rate of BRCA1/2 in central south Chinese lung cancer patients is 4.3% and 6.5% respectively, and missense mutations account for the majority in both BRCA1/2, which are similar to the international status of BRCA1/2 from public databases. In addition, 45 novel mutations of BRCA1/2 in lung cancer are reported in this study. Furthermore, we find that the BRCA2 mutations are negatively correlated with overall survival rate in lung cancer using cBioportal. Last, we demonstrate that both of the mRNA and protein levels of BRCA1/2 are upregulated in lung cancer, and the elevated mRNA expression levels are positively linked with poor prognosis.

Conclusion

In general, our study better complements knowledge of the BRCA1/2 mutation status in the Chinese lung cancer patients, and firstly reveals the association between BRCA1/2 expression levels and prognosis of lung cancer patients, which may provide great value for the early diagnosis and clinical treatment of lung cancer.
Programmed death ligand‐1 expression and occult lymph node metastasis in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Mitsui Suguru , Tanaka Yugo , Jimbo Naoe , Doi Takefumi , Tane Shinya , Hokka Daisuke , Maniwa Yoshimasa
Published: May 2023

Background

Identifying the preoperative risk factors for lymph node upstaging could contribute to the development of individualized perioperative treatment for patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The current study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for lymph node upstaging, including gene mutation and programmed death ligand‐1 expression in patients with resectable NSCLC.

Methods

Data on the clinicopathological characteristics of patients who underwent lobectomy for clinical N0 NSCLC at our institution were collected. The clinicopathological findings of the pathological N0 and lymph node upstaging groups were then analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the predictive factors for nodal upstaging.

Results

Of 291 patients, 40 had postoperative nodal upstaging (n = 25, N1; n = 15, N2). Large tumor size and high maximum standardized uptake value were significantly associated with nodal upstaging. The nodal upstaging group had a higher proportion of patients with solid adenocarcinoma and lymphatic, vascular, and pleural invasion than the pathological N0 group. Further, the nodal upstaging group had a higher proportion of patients with positive programmed death ligand‐1 expression than the pathological N0 group. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that tumor size and positive programmed death ligand‐1 expression were associated with nodal upstaging.

Conclusion

The appropriate therapeutic strategy including preoperative treatment and resection should be cautiously considered preoperatively in patients with clinical N0 NSCLC who have large tumors and positive programmed death ligand‐1 expression.
Morphometric analysis of the mandible of ram and ewe romanov sheep (Ovis aries) with 3D modelling: A CT study
Authors: İşbilir Fatma , Güzel Barış Can
Published: May 2023

2D images view hardly measurement points due to the overlap of anatomical features. This challenge is overcome by 3D modelling. In particular, images obtained by computed tomography are converted into 3D models through certain software. In sheep breeds with high polymorphism, some changes have occurred in their morphology due to both environmental and genetic factors. In this context, determining the osteometric measurements of sheep and revealing breed‐specific characteristics provide very important data for forensic, zooarchaeological, and developmental sciences. Mandibular reconstruction measurements are used to reveal differences between species and between sexes and for treatment and surgery in many fields of medicine. In the present study, morphometric characteristics were determined by 3D modelling from computed tomography images obtained from mandibles of Romanov ram and ewe. For this purpose, mandibles of 16 Romanov sheep (eight females and eight males) were used. They were scanned using a 64‐detector MDCT device at 80 kV, 200 MA, 639 mGY, and 0.625 mm slice thickness. CT scans were recorded in DICOM format. Reconstructions of the images were made using a special software program. Volume and surface area measurements were made with 22 osteometric parameters of the mandible. GOC‐ID had a statistically significant positive correlation with GOC‐ID, PC‐ID, GOC‐MTR, GOC‐PTW, GOC‐FMN, PMU, MDU, PDU, DU, GOV‐PC, GOV‐IMD, MTR‐MH, MO‐MH, FMN‐ ID, BM, MG, and CG (p < 0.01). GOC‐ID had a statistically significant correlation with MTR‐ID, GOV‐CR, PTW‐MH and SI (p < 0.05). When the CR‐PC measurement point was examined, it was observed that it had no statistically significant correlation with all measurement points (p > 0.05). As a result of the measurement, it was found that the volume and surface areas were higher in rams than in ewes. The morphometric data obtained would be a reference income in the fields of zoo‐archaeology, anatomy, forensics, anaesthesia, surgery, and treatment.
Padel an increasing cause of sport‐related eye injuries in Sweden
Authors: Kasiga Teresa , Bro Tomas
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study was to determine the current Swedish epidemiology of sport‐related eye injuries and to analyse the effect of the increased popularity of the racquet sport padel.

Methods

This was a retrospective, register‐based, cohort study of medical records in the county of Jönköping, Sweden. All individuals with a sports‐related eye injury needing healthcare between January 2017 and December 2021 were included. For these individuals, data about background, consequences and treatment of the injuries were obtained.

Results

During the 5‐year study period, 255 patients sought care for sports‐related eye injuries at the ophthalmological clinics in Jönköping County. Floorball caused the largest proportion of eye injuries (39%) followed by padel (20%) and football (15%). However, the proportion of injuries caused by padel increased during the study period to be the dominating cause in 2021. Compared to floorball, patients with eye injuries from padel were older and had female gender to a higher extent. The ball caused almost all injuries from padel; the majority occurred in the right eye. Most the eye injuries from padel were mild or moderate but 4% had severe consequences with an imminent risk of long‐term complications.

Conclusions

In a short time period, padel has become the leading cause of sports‐related eye injuries in Sweden. To reduce the number of eye injuries, protective eyewear could be recommended.
Opioid prescribing patterns among medical practitioners in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Schaffer Andrea L. , Gisev Natasa , Blyth Fiona M. , Buckley Nicholas A. , Currow David , Dobbins Timothy A. , Wilson Andrew , Degenhardt Louisa , Pearson Sallie‐Anne
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Prescriber behaviour is important for understanding opioid use patterns. We described variations in practitioner‐level opioid prescribing in New South Wales, Australia (2013–2018).

Methods

We quantified opioid prescribing patterns among medical practitioners using population‐level dispensing claims data, and used partitioning around medoids to identify clusters of practitioners who prescribe opioids based on prescribing patterns and patient characteristics identified from linked dispensing claims, hospitalisations and mortality data.

Results

The number of opioid prescribers ranged from 20,179 in 2013 to 23,408 in 2018. The top 1% of practitioners prescribed 15% of all oral morphine equivalent (OME) milligrams dispensed annually, with a median of 1382 OME grams (interquartile range [IQR], 1234–1654) per practitioner; the bottom 50% prescribed 1% of OMEs dispensed, with a median of 0.9 OME grams (IQR 0.2–2.6). Based on 63.6% of practitioners with ≥10 patients filling opioid prescriptions in 2018, we identified four distinct practitioner clusters. The largest cluster prescribed multiple analgesic medicines for older patients (23.7% of practitioners) accounted for 76.7% of all OMEs dispensed and comprised 93.0% of the top 1% of practitioners by opioid volume dispensed. The cluster prescribing analgesics for younger patients with high rates of surgery (18.7% of practitioners) prescribed only 1.6% of OMEs. The remaining two clusters comprised 21.2% of prescribers and 20.9% of OMEs dispensed.

Discussion and Conclusion

We observed substantial variation in opioid prescribing among practitioners, clustered around four general patterns. We did not assess appropriateness but some prescribing patterns are concerning. Our findings provide insights for targeted interventions to curb potentially harmful practices.
A longitudinal qualitative multi‐methods study of new dental graduates' transition journey from undergraduate studies to professional practice
Authors: Al‐Yaseen Waraf , Nanjappa Sucharita , Jindal‐Snape Divya , Innes Nicola
Published: May 2023

Introduction

New dental graduates' (NDGs) transition to professional practice is an important landmark and developmental stage in their career and in the UK it is supported by a formal educational transition process through a one‐year salaried practice‐based programme. However, little is known about graduates' experiences during this period. As part of a larger mixed‐methods project, this study aimed to explore NDGs' experiences during their transition to professional practice, represented by Vocational Dental Practice.

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐six NDGs from one dental school were invited to participate. Two rounds of in‐depth interviews were conducted: Interview 1 upon NDGs' graduation and then Interview 2 was a follow‐up interview after they had spent six‐nine months in vocational dental training (VDT). At Interview 1, a subset of participants agreed to record longitudinal audio‐diaries (LADs) and continued these for 6–9 months into VDT. Data from the interviews and LADs were analysed together using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Eleven of the 66 invited NDGs agreed to be interviewed at Interview 1 (16.6%), seven at Interview2 (10.6%), and six (9.2%) recorded LADs. Four topic summaries were developed around NDGs transition experiences: (1) conceptualisation of the process; (2) responses to the transition, (3) challenges and support and (4) relationships with stakeholders.

Conclusion

NDGs' transition to professional practice was perceived as exciting and rewarding on personal and professional levels but carried challenges. VDT and related stakeholders play a vital role of supporting NDGs into their new professional life.
Predictors for clinical and functional outcomes in stroke patients with first‐pass complete recanalization after thrombectomy
Authors: Cappellari Manuel , Saia Valentina , Pracucci Giovanni , Fainardi Enrico , Casetta Ilaria , Sallustio Fabrizio , Nencini Patrizia , Bigliardi Guido , Saletti Andrea , Ruggiero Maria , Da Ros Valerio , Castellan Lucio , Tassi Rossana , Mandruzzato Nicolò , Toni Danilo , Mangiafico Salvatore ,   the IRETAS group
Published: May 2023

Background and purpose

The aim was to identify baseline clinical and radiological/procedural predictors and 24‐h radiological predictors for clinical and functional outcomes in stroke patients obtaining complete recanalization in one pass of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in an optimal baseline and procedural setting.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of prospectively collected data from 924 stroke patients with anterior large vessel occlusion, Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography (ASPECT) score ≥6 and pre‐stroke modified Rankin Scale score 0, who started MT ≤6 h from symptom onset and obtained first‐pass complete recanalization. A first logistic regression model was performed to identify baseline clinical predictors and a second model to identify baseline radiological/procedural predictors. A third model including baseline clinical and radiological/procedural predictors was performed, and a fourth model including independent baseline predictors from the third model plus 24‐h radiological variables (hemorrhagic transformation [HT] and cerebral edema [CED]).

Results

In the fourth model, higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (odds ratio [OR] 1.089) and higher ASPECT score (OR 1.292) were predictors of early neurological improvement (ENI) (NIHSS score ≤4 points from baseline or NIHSS score of 0 at 24 h), whereas older age (OR 0.973), longer procedure time (OR 0.990), HT (OR 0.272) and CED (OR 0.569) were inversely associated with ENI. Older age (OR 0.970), diabetes mellitus (OR 0.456), higher NIHSS score (OR 0.886), general anesthesia (OR 0.454), longer onset‐to‐groin time (OR 0.996), HT (OR 0.340) and CED (OR 0.361) were inversely associated with 3‐month excellent functional outcome (mRS score 0–1), whereas higher ASPECT score (OR 1.294) was a predictor of excellent outcome.

Conclusions

Higher NIHSS score was a predictor of ENI but inversely associated with 3‐month excellent outcome. Older age, HT and CED were inversely associated with both good outcomes.
Early predictors of dysphagia in ischaemic stroke patients
Authors: Mattavelli Daniele , Mele Francesco , Cova Ilaria , Rosa Silvia , Bertora Pierluigi , Pomati Simone , Pizzorni Nicole , Schindler Antonio , Pantoni Leonardo
Published: May 2023

Background and purpose

Post‐stroke dysphagia affects outcome. In acute stroke patients, the aim was to evaluate clinical, cognitive and neuroimaging features associated with dysphagia and develop a predictive score for dysphagia.

Methods

Ischaemic stroke patients underwent clinical, cognitive and pre‐morbid function evaluations. Dysphagia was retrospectively scored on admission and discharge with the Functional Oral Intake Scale.

Results

In all, 228 patients (mean age 75.8 years; 52% males) were included. On admission, 126 (55%) were dysphagic (Functional Oral Intake Scale ≤6). Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.05), pre‐event modified Rankin scale (mRS) score (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.09–1.84), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.49–2.14), frontal operculum lesion (OR 8.53, 95% CI 3.82–19.06) and Oxfordshire total anterior circulation infarct (TACI) (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.05–2.04) were independently associated with dysphagia at admission. Education (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85–0.98) had a protective role. At discharge, 82 patients (36%) were dysphagic. Pre‐event mRS (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.04–1.56), admission NIHSS (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.56–2.26), frontal operculum involvement (OR 15.53, 95% CI 7.44–32.43) and Oxfordshire classification TACI (OR 3.82, 95% CI 1.95–7.50) were independently associated with dysphagia at discharge. Education (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.83–0.96) and thrombolysis (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.23–0.95) had a protective role. The 6‐point “NOTTEM” (NIHSS, opercular lesion, TACI, thrombolysis, education, mRS) score predicted dysphagia at discharge with good accuracy. Cognitive scores had no role in dysphagia risk.

Conclusions

Dysphagia predictors were defined and a score was developed to evaluate dysphagia risk during stroke unit stay. In this setting, cognitive impairment is not a predictor of dysphagia. Early dysphagia assessment may help in planning future rehabilitative and nutrition strategies.
Rapid recovery of poststroke cardiac autonomic dysfunction: Causes to be considered
Authors: Wang Ruihao , Moeller Sebastian , Akhundova Aynur , Marthol Harald , Kollmar Rainer , Köhrmann Martin , Hilz Max J.
Published: May 2023

Background and purpose

Acute stroke frequently causes cardiovascular–autonomic dysfunction (CAD). Studies of CAD recovery are inconclusive, whereas poststroke arrhythmias may wane within 72 h. We evaluated whether poststroke CAD recovers within 72 h upon stroke onset in association with neurological improvement or increased use of cardiovascular medication.

Methods

In 50 ischemic stroke patients (68 ± 13 years old) who—prior to hospital‐admission—had no known diseases nor took medication affecting autonomic modulation, we assessed National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, RR intervals (RRIs), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), respiration rate, parameters reflecting total autonomic modulation (RRI SD, RRI total powers), sympathetic modulation (RRI low‐frequency powers, systolic BP low‐frequency powers), and parasympathetic modulation (square root of mean squared differences of successive RRIs [RMSSD], RRI high‐frequency powers), and baroreflex sensitivity within 24 h (Assessment 1) and 72 h after stroke onset (Assessment 2) and compared data to those of 31 healthy controls (64 ± 10 years). We correlated delta NIHSS values (Assessment 1 – Assessment 2) with delta values of autonomic parameters (Spearman rank correlation tests; significance:p < 0.05).

Results

At Assessment 1, patients were not yet on vasoactive medication and had higher systolic BP, respiration rate, and heart rate, that is, lower RRIs, but lower RRI SD, RRI coefficient of variance, RRI low‐frequency powers, RRI high‐frequency powers, RRI total powers, RMSSDs, and baroreflex sensitivity. At Assessment 2, patients were on antihypertensives, had higher RRI SD, RRI coefficient of variance, RRI low‐frequency powers, RRI high‐frequency powers, RRI total powers, RMSSDs, and baroreflex sensitivity but lower systolic blood pressure and NIHSS values than at Assessment 1; values no longer differed between patients and controls except for lower RRIs and higher respiration rate in patients. Delta NIHSS scores correlated inversely with delta values of RRI SD, RRI coefficient of variance, RMSSDs, RRI low‐frequency powers, RRI high‐frequency powers, RRI total powers, and baroreflex sensitivity.

Conclusions

In our patients, CAD recovery was almost complete within 72 h after stroke onset and correlated with neurological improvement. Most likely, early initiation of cardiovascular medication and probably attenuating stress supported rapid CAD recovery.
Weather and exercise: A comparative review and the role of geographers
Authors: Hodgson Antonia , Hitchings Russell
Published: May 2023

As part of an argument about the value of a geographical approach to the connection between local weather and physical exercise, this paper begins with how that connection features in four areas of scholarship that have been at the forefront of exploring it so far. By comparing how each of them commonly imagines ‘the human’ and ‘the weather’ in their studies, we particularly highlight how different bodies of work illuminate different facets of the weather‐exercise connection. This, we suggest, represents an opportunity for geographers to explore how these facets combine in context with a view to tackling the complex public health challenges associated with increasing human inactivity and a warming world. Building on that, we end with three promising cross‐cutting themes that we think could usefully guide these endeavours: adaptation, decision‐making and place.
Estimating Freshwater Lens Volume Based on Island Circularity
Authors: Thissen Lena , Greskowiak Janek , Massmann Gudrun
Published: May 2023

For many islands around the globe freshwater lenses (FWLs) are an important source of drinking water. Therefore, it is important to be able to estimate the amount of potable water below an island. This study provides a new approach on estimating FWL volumes from the islands' shape using a circularity parameter. FWLs of islands having several shapes, either shapes of real islands or idealized shapes, were modeled using a numerical steady‐state approach and the Ghyben‐Herzberg relation. Results were then compared in order to estimate possible FWL volumes of islands of various shapes from FWL volumes of islands with idealized shapes. Approximate lower and upper boundaries for the FWL volume were defined depending on the lens volumes of an elliptical island having the same circularity and that of a circular island, respectively, and on the circularity. For the maximum depth of a FWL it is not possible to define such an interval from the subset of islands used in this study. The presented findings can help to estimate the FWL volume on islands for which no data are available. The method may also be applied to give a first indication on potential FWL volume changes following climate change.
A global review identifies agriculture as the main threat to declining grassland birds
Authors: Douglas David J. T. , Waldinger Jessica , Buckmire Zoya , Gibb Kathryn , Medina Juan P. , Sutcliffe Lee , Beckmann Christa , Collar Nigel J. , Jansen Raymond , Kamp Johannes , Little Ian , Sheldon Rob , Yanosky Alberto , Koper Nicola
Published: May 2023

Grasslands are globally threatened and their biodiversity, including grassland birds, is declining markedly. To inform grassland bird conservation globally, we systematically reviewed threats and conservation actions for grassland birds, extracting data from 528 papers. Across the 10 primary grassland regions of the globe, agriculture was the most frequently or joint most frequently reported threat in nine regions (reported as a threat in 73% of publications); hunting was the most frequently reported threat in the remaining region. Natural system modifications (reported as a threat in 32% of publications) and climate change and severe weather (24%) were less frequently reported threats compared with agriculture. The types of threat from agriculture varied regionally, but the most pervasive were livestock farming and ranching (reported in 58% of publications where agriculture was a primary threat) and non‐timber cropping (43%). Most agricultural threats relate to intensification, but agricultural abandonment, typically the cessation of grazing, sometimes accompanied by tree planting/succession, poses an emerging threat to some grassland birds (reported in 32% of publications where agriculture was a primary threat). The most frequent conservation actions implemented to date include land/water management and protection, and species‐specific management actions. Authors of reviewed publications in almost all regions recommend more land/water management, followed by calls for further land/water protection. The parlous state of grassland birds globally suggests that existing conservation actions for grasslands are inadequate. Furthermore, our review suggests that these should be primarily targeted at reversing the negative impacts of agriculture, in particular livestock farming and cropping.
FAM20A mutations and transcriptome analyses of dental pulp tissues of enamel renal syndrome
Authors: Wang Shih‐Kai , Zhang Hong , Wang Yin‐Lin , Lin Hung‐Ying , Seymen Figen , Koruyucu Mine , Wright J. Timothy , Kim Jung‐Wook , Simmer James P. , Hu Jan C.‐C.
Published: May 2023

Aim

Biallelic loss‐of‐function FAM20A mutations cause amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) type IG, better known as enamel renal syndrome (ERS), characterized by severe enamel hypoplasia, delayed/failed tooth eruption, intrapulpal calcifications, gingival hyperplasia and nephrocalcinosis. FAM20A binds to FAM20C, the Golgi casein kinase (GCK) and potentiates its function to phosphorylate secreted proteins critical for biomineralization. While many FAM20A pathogenic mutations have been reported, the pathogeneses of orodental anomalies in ERS remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to identify disease‐causing mutations for patients with ERS phenotypes and to discern the molecular mechanism underlying ERS intrapulpal calcifications.

Methodology

Phenotypic characterization and whole exome analyses were conducted for 8 families and 2 sporadic cases with hypoplastic AI. A minigene assay was performed to investigate the molecular consequences of a FAM20A splice‐site variant. RNA sequencing followed by transcription profiling and gene ontology (GO) analyses were carried out for dental pulp tissues of ERS and the control.

Results

Biallelic FAM20A mutations were demonstrated for each affected individual, including 7 novel pathogenic variants: c.590‐5T>A, c.625T>A (p.Cys209Ser), c.771del (p.Gln258Argfs*28), c.832_835delinsTGTCCGACGGTGTCCGACGGTGTC CA (p.Val278Cysfs*29), c.1232G>A (p.Arg411Gln), c.1297A>G (p.Arg433Gly) and c.1351del (p.Gln451Serfs*4). The c.590‐5T>A splice‐site mutation caused Exon 3 skipping, which resulted in an in‐frame deletion of a unique region of the FAM20A protein, p.(Asp197_Ile214delinsVal). Analyses of differentially expressed genes in ERS pulp tissues demonstrated that genes involved in biomineralization, particularly dentinogenesis, were significantly upregulated, such as DSPP, MMP9, MMP20 and WNT10A. Enrichment analyses indicated overrepresentation of gene sets associated with BMP and SMAD signalling pathways. In contrast, GO terms related to inflammation and axon development were underrepresented. Among BMP signalling genes, BMP agonists GDF7, GDF15, BMP3, BMP8A, BMP8B, BMP4 and BMP6 were upregulated, while BMP antagonists GREM1, BMPER and VWC2 showed decreased expression in ERS dental pulp tissues.

Conclusions

Upregulation of BMP signalling underlies intrapulpal calcifications in ERS. FAM20A plays an essential role in pulp tissue homeostasis and prevention of ectopic mineralization in soft tissues. This critical function probably depends upon MGP (matrix Gla protein), a potent mineralization inhibitor that must be properly phosphorylated by FAM20A‐FAM20C kinase complex.
Genetic landscape of human platelet antigen variants in the Indian population analysed from 1029 whole genomes
Authors: Rophina Mercy , Bhoyar Rahul C. , Imran Mohamed , Senthivel Vigneshwar , Divakar Mohit Kumar , Mishra Anushree , Vatsyayan Aastha , Jolly Bani , Sivasubbu Sridhar , Scaria Vinod
Published: May 2023

Genetic variants in human platelet antigens (HPAs) considered allo‐ or auto antigens are associated with various disorders, including neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, platelet transfusion refractoriness and post‐transfusion purpura. Although global differences in genotype frequencies were observed, the distributions of HPA variants in the Indian population are largely unknown. This study aims to explore the landscape of HPA variants in India to provide a basis for risk assessment and management of related complications. Population‐specific frequencies of genetic variants associated with the 35 classes of HPAs (HPA‐1 to HPA‐35) were estimated by systematically analysing genomic variations of 1029 healthy Indian individuals as well as from global population genome datasets. Allele frequencies of the most clinically relevant HPA systems in the Indian population were found as follows, HPA‐1a – 0.884, HPA‐1b – 0.117, HPA‐2a – 0.941, HPA‐2b – 0.059, HPA‐3a – 0.653, HPA‐3b – 0.347, HPA‐4a – 0.999, HPA‐4b – 0.0010, HPA‐5a – 0.923, HPA‐5b – 0.077, HPA‐6a – 0.998, HPA‐6b – 0.002, HPA‐15a – 0.582 and HPA‐15b – 0.418. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of HPA allele and genotype frequencies using large scale representative whole genome sequencing data of the Indian population.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Canadian immunology: communication and complexity
Authors: Mashhouri Siavash , Nantel Sabryna , Sultana Saki , Gatti Dominique , Westhaver Lauren P , Messing Melina , McNagny Kelly M , Jenne Craig N , Melichar Heather J , Valdez Tejeira Yanet , Nersesian Sarah
Published: May 2023

The Canadian Society for Immunology (CSI) organized an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training workshop during its 2022 Scientific Meeting to improve understanding of EDI and explore strategies to achieve EDI goals in the scientific environment. The workshop focused on identifying Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely (SMART) goals related to EDI in academia through small group discussions and learning exercises. Attendees highlighted several equity considerations within the field of academic immunology, including financial barriers, lack of diversity in research teams and gender bias; they emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive and accessible research environment. The collection and use of data relevant to EDI goals within the CSI were also identified as challenges. Fostering a culture of active and nonjudgmental listening within the CSI community is another aspirational goal to address EDI. The workshop received positive feedback from attendees, who noted that more diverse voices and specific actions for local research environments are needed.
In‐field evaporative protection for dryland wheat and lentil crops using polymers
Authors: Nuttall James G. , Delahunty Audrey J. , O'Leary Garry J. , Wallace Ashley J.
Published: May 2023

In semi‐arid cropping regions where rainfall is variable, stored soil water is important for reducing the impacts of dry periods; however, in‐season evaporation limits yield potential. We tested the productivity benefits of protecting wheat and lentil crops from evaporation using inter‐row polymer cover, when grown in southern Australia. For wheat, white polyvinyl chloride (PVCw) increased yield by 50% (561 kg/ha) and 11% (408 kg/ha) for decile 2 (2018) and 3 (2019) seasonal rainfall respectively; and for lentil, yield increases were 20% (443 kg/ha) in 2019. A sprayable alginate polymer increased wheat yield by 8% (310 kg/ha). Total water use for wheat in 2018 was reduced (17 mm) for PVCw and water use efficiency (WUE) significantly increased from 7 to 11 kg/ha/mm, whereas in 2019, WU was greater (47 mm) for PVCw, but WUE was equivalent to the control (~15 kg/ha/mm). Colour of the PVC modified the light available to the crop and canopy temperature, where a highly reflective inter‐row cover (albedo 0.44) increased wheat yield (~487 kg/ha). For the future, formulations of highly reflective polymers applied in‐season within dryland cropping enterprises are likely to provide production advantages, although logistical viability of application and potential environmental implications may define impediments to adoption.
Resolved‐detrimental surface crystallization in yttrium lanthanum gallate glasses for optical fiber applications
Authors: Calzavara Florian , Florian Pierre , Fayon Franck , Sarou‐Kanian Vincent , Guérineau Théo , Danto Sylvain , Messaddeq Younès , Dussauze Marc , Jubera Véronique , Cardinal Thierry , Fargin Evelyne
Published: May 2023

Gallium‐rich heavy metal oxide glasses have become highly attractive optical materials since they exhibit a wide transparency window spanning from the ultraviolet ∼270 nm up to the mid‐infrared (IR) region ∼6 μm making them promising for a future integration in optical fiber devices. Nonetheless, in most composition, surface crystallization is a key limiting factor for optical fiber drawing using the classical preform‐to‐fiber method. Herein, taking advantage of structural information from vibrational spectroscopies (Raman/IR) and 71Ga Solid‐State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, we describe the key role of lanthanum and yttrium rare—earth elements on the glass structure and their impact on the capability to draw those new glass compositions into optical fibers. This approach emphasizes that yttrium ions as compared with lanthanum ones favor the glass disorder, increasing significantly the fraction of GaO5 units with respect to GaO4. That, combined with thermal analysis and examination of the crystallization behaviors, highlights that Y2O3 prevents the glass devitrification during the glass shaping. The smaller yttrium radius is believed to be the key physical parameter preventing the precipitation of the BayGa5‐yGey+1La3‐yO14 (y = 0, 1, 2, 3) langasite‐type crystal phase. This study remains particularly relevant and opens up the way for the development of highly robust power scaled fiber devices operating from the visible up to the challenging mid‐IR domain.
Preparation of ZnO‐glass composite hollow fiber and its application in formation of ZIF‐8 membrane
Authors: Chen Hanhan , Wang Yang , Liu Lu , Yang Tengfei , Xue Zhiwei , Wang Xiaobin
Published: May 2023

The sintering temperature of ZnO ceramic hollow fibers (HFs) is generally up to 1400°C and presents a major challenge to obtain HFs with high permeability and mechanical strength at lower sintering temperature. This work proposed a glass powder‐assisted method to reduce the sintering temperature by using their adhesive property. ZnO‐glass composite HFs with longer finger‐like channels, high permeability (3.12 × 10−5–9.1 × 10−6 mol·m−2·s−1·Pa−1) and good mechanical strength (42.12–52.75 MPa) were obtained at sintering temperature of 1150°C. More glass powders can generate stronger bonding effect during the ZnO particles, resulting in a decrease in porosity and an increase in the mechanical strength of ZnO‐HF. These ZnO‐HFs were further applied for inducing ZIF‐8 membranes by one‐step solvothermal growth. ZnO not only provides the growth and nucleation centers but also acts as transitional bridge to make the ZIF embed into support to improve the bonding force between membrane and support. Therefore, HF‐supported‐ZIF‐8 membrane exhibited both mechanical and thermal robustness by maintaining their gas separation performance during the 30‐min sonication treatment and 50‐h operation testing at 25–200°C. Furthermore, this membrane provided good reproducibility. This work opens prospects for preparing ceramic HFs at lower sintering temperature and their functional applications as well as the preparation of MOF membranes.
Social cognition and real‐life functioning in patient samples with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome with or without psychosis, compared to a large sample of patients with schizophrenia only and healthy controls
Authors: Frascarelli Marianna , Accinni Tommaso , Buzzanca Antonino , Carlone Luca , Ghezzi Francesco , Moschillo Antonella , Kotzalidis Georgios D. , Bucci Paola , Giordano Giulia Maria , Fanella Martina , Di Bonaventura Carlo , Putotto Carolina , Marino Bruno , Pasquini Massimo , Biondi Massimo , Di Fabio Fabio
Published: May 2023

Patients with the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DS) show an increased risk of developing a psychotic illness lifetime. 22q11.2DS may represent a reliable model for studying the neurobiological underpinnings of schizophrenia. The study of social inference abilities in a genetic condition at high risk for psychosis, like 22q11.2DS, may shed light on the relationships between neurocognitive processes and patients' daily general functioning. The study sample consisted of 1736 participants, divided into four groups: 22q11.2DS patients with diagnosis of psychotic disorder (DEL SCZ, N = 20); 22q11.2DS subjects with no diagnosis of psychosis (DEL, N = 43); patients diagnosed with schizophrenia without 22q11.2DS (SCZ, N = 893); and healthy controls (HC, N = 780). Social cognition was assessed through The Awareness of Social Inference Test (TASIT) and general functioning through the Specific Levels of Functioning (SLoF) scale. We analysed data through regression analysis. The SCZ and DEL groups had similar levels of global functioning; they both had significantly lower SLoF Total scores than HC (p < .001); the DEL SCZ group showed significantly lower scores compared to the other groups (SCZ, p = .004; DEL, p = .003; HC, p < .001). A significant deficit in social cognition was observed in the three clinical groups. In the DEL SCZ and SCZ groups, TASIT scores significantly predicted global functioning (p < .05). Our findings of social cognition deficit in psychosis‐prone patients point to the possible future adoption of rehabilitation programmes, like Social Skills Training and Cognitive Remediation, during premorbid stages of psychosis.