bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The fate and prospects of stem cell therapy in the treatment of hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Luo Bo‐Yan , Zhou Hong‐Su , Sun Yi‐Fei , Xiao Qiu‐Xia , Chen Li , She Hong‐Qing , Wang Shi‐Feng , Yan Shan‐Shan , Chang Quan‐Yuan , He Yu‐Qi , Xiong Liu‐Lin
Published: May 2023

Hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a leading cause of long‐term neurological disability in neonates and adults. Despite emerging advances in supportive care, like the most effective approach, hypothermia, poor prognosis has still been present in current clinical treatment for HIE. Stem cell therapy has been adopted for treating cerebral ischemia in preclinical and clinical trials, displaying its promising therapeutic value. At present, reported treatments for stroke employed stem cells to replace the lost neurons and integrate them into the existing host circuitry, promoting the release of growth factors to support and stimulate endogenous repair processes and so on. In this review, a meaningful overview to numerous studies published up to now was presented by introducing the preclinical and clinical research status of stem cell therapy for cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, discussing potential therapeutic mechanisms of stem cell transplantation for curing HI‐induced brain injury, summarizing a series of approaches for marking transplanted cells and existing imaging systems for stem cell labelling and in vivo tracking and expounding the endogenous regeneration capability of stem cells in the newborn brain when subjected to an HI insult. Additionally, it is promising to combine stem therapy with neuromodulation through specific regulation of neural circuits. The crucial neural circuits across different brain areas related to functional recovery are of great significance for the application of neuromodulation strategies after the occurrence of neonatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (NHIE).
Shank3 deficits in the anteromedial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis trigger an anxiety phenotype in mice
Authors: Contestabile Alessandro , Casarotto Giulia , Musardo Stefano , Espinosa Pedro , Maltese Federica , Jiang Yong‐hui , Bellone Camilla , Glangetas Christelle
Published: May 2023

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent co‐morbidity factor associated with the core domains of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Investigations on potential common neuronal mechanisms that may explain the co‐occurrence of ASD and anxiety disorders are still poorly explored. One of the key questions that remained unsolved is the role of Shank3 protein in anxiety behaviours. Firstly, we characterize the developmental trajectories of locomotor, social behaviour and anxiety traits in a mouse model of ASD. We highlight that the anxiety phenotype is a late‐onset emerging phenotype in mice with a Shank3Δe4‐22 mutation. Consequently, we used an shRNA strategy to model Shank3 insufficiency in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), a brain region exerting a powerful control on anxiety level. We found that Shank3 downregulation in the anteromedial BNST (amBNST) induced anxiogenic effects and enhanced social avoidance after aversive social defeat. Associated with these behavioural defects, we showed alteration of glutamatergic synaptic functions in the amBNST induced by Shank3 insufficiency during adolescence. Our data strongly support the role of Shank3 in the maturation of amBNST, and its key role in anxiety control. Our results may further help to pave the road on a better understanding of the neuronal mechanisms underlying anxiety disorders implicated in ASDs.
Caveolinopathy: Clinical, histological, and muscle imaging features and follow‐up in a multicenter retrospective cohort
Authors: Berling Edouard , Verebi Camille , Venturelli Nadia , Vassilopoulos Stéphane , Béhin Anthony , Tard Céline , Michaud Maud , Villar Quiles Rocio Nur , Vicart Savine , Masingue Marion , Carlier Robert‐Yves , Romero Norma Beatriz , Lacene Emmanuelle , Leturcq France , Eymard Bruno , Laforêt Pascal , Stojkovic Tanya
Published: May 2023

Background and purpose

CAV3 gene mutations, mostly inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, cause various skeletal muscle diseases. Clinical presentations encompass proximal myopathy, distal myopathy, or isolated persistent high creatine kinase (CK) with a major overlapping phenotype.

Methods

Twenty‐three patients with CAV3 symptomatic mutations, from 16 different families, were included in a retrospective cohort. Mean follow‐up duration was 24.2 ± 15.0 years. Clinical and functional data were collected during the follow‐up. The results of muscle imaging, electroneuromyography, muscle histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and caveolin‐3 Western blot analysis were also compiled.

Results

Exercise intolerance was the most common phenotype (52%). Eighty percent of patients had calf hypertrophy, and only 65% of patients presented rippling. One patient presented initially with camptocormia. A walking aid was required in only two patients. Electroneuromyography was mostly normal. CK level was elevated in all patients. No patient had cardiac or respiratory impairment. Muscle imaging showed fatty involvement of semimembranosus, semitendinosus, rectus femoris, biceps brachialis, and spinal muscles. Almost all (87%) of the biopsies were abnormal but without any specific pattern. Whereas a quarter of patients had normal caveolin‐3 immunohistochemistry results, Western blots disclosed a reduced amount of the protein. We report nine mutations, including four not previously described. No phenotype–genotype correlation was evidenced.

Conclusions

Caveolinopathy has diverse clinical, muscle imaging, and histological presentations but often has limited functional impact. Mild forms of the disease, an atypical phenotype, and normal caveolin‐3 immunostaining are pitfalls leading to misdiagnosis.
Improving brain and vascular health at the population level: Lessons from the Norwegian success story
Authors: Owolabi Mayowa O.
Published: May 2023

Stroke, dementia and ischemic heart disease are a triple threat which combined are the leading causes of death and disability globally. Fortunately, the three diseases share similar risk factors along the vascular cascade which can be targeted for primordial and primary prevention. In Norway, during 1990–2019, the age‐standardised incidence rates decreased significantly for dementia by −5.4%, ischemic heart disease by −30.0%, and stroke by −35.3%. This was possible because Norway ensured equitable income for her citizens, and committed sufficient funds to universal health coverage while implementing a semi‐decentralized and responsive health system with robust primary health care. This included monitoring the burden of the triple threat and their cardinal risk factors; ensuring primordial, primary and secondary preventive interventions; implementing acute care for ischemic heart disease and stroke; and ensuring interdisciplinary rehabilitation and chronic care for the triple threat. Overall, all countries will need to develop national strategies for combating the triple threat within the context of sustainable development goals with adequate allocation and utilization of resources.
Serine metabolism during differentiation of human iPSC‐derived astrocytes
Authors: Tripodi Farida , Motta Zoraide , Murtas Giulia , Rabattoni Valentina , Nonnis Simona , Grassi Scalvini Francesca , Rinaldi Anna Maria , Rizzi Roberto , Bearzi Claudia , Badone Beatrice , Sacchi Silvia , Tedeschi Gabriella , Maffioli Elisa , Coccetti Paola , Pollegioni Loredano
Published: May 2023

Astrocytes are essential players in development and functions, being particularly relevant as regulators of brain energy metabolism, ionic homeostasis and synaptic transmission. They are also the major source of l‐serine in the brain, which is synthesized from the glycolytic intermediate 3‐phosphoglycerate through the phosphorylated pathway. l‐Serine is the precursor of the two main co‐agonists of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor, glycine and d‐serine. Strikingly, dysfunctions in both l‐ and d‐serine metabolism are associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Here, we exploited a differentiation protocol, based on the generation of human mature astrocytes from neural stem cells, and investigated the modification of the proteomic and metabolomic profile during the differentiation process. We show that differentiated astrocytes are more similar to mature rather than to reactive ones, and that axogenesis and pyrimidine metabolism increase up to 30 days along with the folate cycle and sphingolipid metabolism. Consistent with the proliferation and cellular maturation processes that are taking place, also the intracellular levels of l‐serine, glycine, threonine, l‐ and d‐aspartate (which level is unexpectedly higher than that of d‐serine) show the same biosynthetic time course. A significant utilization of l‐serine from the medium is apparent while glycine is first consumed and then released with a peak at 30 days, parallel to its intracellular level. These results underline how metabolism changes during astrocyte differentiation, highlight that d‐serine synthesis is restricted in differentiated astrocytes and provide a valuable model for developing potential novel therapeutic approaches to address brain diseases, especially the ones related to serine metabolism alterations.
Probationary precarity? Differential inclusion among post‐graduation work permit‐holders in Canada
Authors: Vosko Leah F.
Published: May 2023

In high‐income receiving states, educational visa‐holders are routinely cast as beneficiaries of immigration systems prioritizing well‐trained workers. Promising pathways to permanent residency, Canada's Post‐Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP), an expanding stream of its new International Mobility Program, is a case in point. Yet there is a dearth of scholarly analysis of program design and its effects on visa‐holders. Addressing this lacuna, this article examines the PGWPP through a multi‐method approach focusing on the interface between program requirements, distinctions between doors of entry with attention to criteria for accessing permanent residency, country of origin, and gender. Underlining the porosity of entry categories, contributing to multiple doors through which educational migrants must pass to secure permanent residency, it reveals that PGWP‐holders experience “probationary precarity” – a concept devised to capture labour market insecurities permit‐holders endure.
RETRACTED: Effect of endoscopic loop ties in acute appendicitis on wound infection rate: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ding Hongling , Li Yong
Published: May 2023

A meta‐analysis study to measure the consequence of endoscopic loop ties (ELT) in acute appendicitis (AA) on wound infection rate. A comprehensive literature inspection till February 2023 was applied and 2765 interrelated studies were reviewed. The 27 chosen studies enclosed 15 093 subjects with AA in the chosen studies' starting point, 7141 of them were ELT, and 7952 were open surgery. Odds ratio (OR) in addition to 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to compute the value of the effect of ELT in AA on wound infection rate by the dichotomous and continuous styles and a fixed or random model. Open surgery had a significantly higher postoperative surgical site wound infection (SSWI). (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.09–1.83, P = 0.009) with low heterogeneity (I2 = 34%) compared to ELT in AA subjects. Although no significant difference was detected between open surgery and ELT in intra‐abdominal abscess rate (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.56–1.40, P = 0.59) with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 51%) in AA subjects. Open surgery had a significantly higher postoperative SSWI, however, no significant difference was found in intra‐abdominal abscess rate compared to ELT in AA subjects. However, caused by the small sample sizes of several chosen studies for this meta‐analysis, care must be exercised when dealing with its values.
Vertical stratification of ant assemblages varies along a latitudinal gradient in Brazilian savanna
Authors: Vasconcelos Heraldo L. , Neves Karen C. , Andersen Alan N.
Published: May 2023

Aim

Arboreal and ground‐dwelling species experience distinct microclimates, have contrasting thermal tolerances and thus may be expected to respond differentially to geographic climatic gradients. We tested this idea by evaluating if the degree of vertical stratification of savanna ant assemblages varies along a latitudinal climatic gradient, and by determining how compositional dissimilarities within each stratum varies across increased geographical and climatic distances.

Location

Brazil.

Taxon

Ants.

Methods

We sampled ants foraging on the ground or in trees at 32 sites. Species were classified according to their main foraging stratum, as arboreal, ground‐dweller or strata generalist. We used linear models to evaluate the effects of latitude and sampling stratum on species richness, and the effect of latitude on the proportion of species typical from trees or from the ground in different sampling strata. The influence of geographic and climatic distances on the compositional differences between assemblages from the same stratum was assessed using regression on distance matrices.

Results

Species richness on the ground increased with latitude significantly faster than in trees. The turnover of species between strata was lower at lower latitudes, where there were proportionally more strata generalists and species typical from the ground stratum foraging in trees. Consequently, the compositional dissimilarity between vertical strata decreased with decreasing latitude. Despite that, the dissimilarities between vertical strata were, on average, as great or even greater than the dissimilarities between assemblages from the same stratum across the horizontal space.

Main Conclusions

We found support for the idea that climatic variation across latitude had different effects on arboreal compared with ground‐foraging assemblages. Overall, our results suggest that as Brazilian savanna becomes hotter and drier as forecast under climate change, ant assemblages may become not only less diverse, notably on the ground, but also more homogeneous vertically.
EGFR marks a subpopulation of dermal mesenchymal cells highly expressing IGF1 which enhances hair follicle regeneration
Authors: Chen Min , Xu Zaoxu , Chen Yu , Yang Qingyang , Lu Ruiqing , Dong Yankai , Li Xiaosong , Xie Jundong , Xu Ren‐He , Jia Haidong , Kang Yan , Wu Yaojiong
Published: May 2023

The skin harbours transcriptionally and functionally heterogeneous mesenchymal cells that participate in various physiological activities by secreting biochemical cues. In this study, we aimed to identify a new subpopulation of dermal mesenchymal cells that enhance hair follicle regeneration through a paracrine mechanism. Integrated single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) data analysis revealed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a marker of distinct fibroblast subpopulation in the neonatal murine dermis. Immunofluorescence staining and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) were used to validate the existence of the cell population in Krt14‐rtTA‐H2BGFP mouse. The difference of gene expression between separated cell subpopulation was examined by real‐time PCR. Potential effect of the designated factor on hair follicle regeneration was observed after the application on excisional wounds in Krt14‐rtTA‐H2BGFP mouse. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated the existence of dermal EGFR+ cells in neonatal and adult mouse dermis. The EGFR+ mesenchymal population, sorted by FACS, displayed a higher expression level of Igf1 (insulin‐like growth factor 1). Co‐localisation of IGF1 with EGFR in the mouse dermis and upregulated numbers of hair follicles in healed wounds following the application of exogenous IGF1 illustrated the contribution of EGFR+ cells in promoting wound‐induced hair follicle neogenesis. Our results indicate that EGFR identifies a subpopulation of dermal fibroblasts that contribute to IGF1 promotion of hair follicle neogenesis. It broadens the understanding of heterogeneity and the mesenchymal cell function in skin and may facilitate the potential translational application of these cells.
Effect of rapamycin on lysosomal accumulation in a CRISPR/Cas9‐based cellular model of VPS13A deficiency
Authors: Tornero‐Écija A. R. , Navas M. A. , Muñoz‐Braceras S. , Vincent O. , Escalante R.
Published: May 2023

VPS13A is a lipid transfer protein localized at different membrane contact sites between organelles, and mutations in the corresponding gene produce a rare neurodegenerative disease called chorea‐acanthocytosis (ChAc). Previous studies showed that VPS13A depletion in HeLa cells results in an accumulation of endosomal and lysosomal markers, suggesting a defect in lysosomal degradation capacity leading to partial autophagic dysfunction. Our goal was to determine whether compounds that modulate the endo‐lysosomal pathway could be beneficial in the treatment of ChAc. To test this hypothesis, we first generated a KO model using CRISPR/Cas9 to study the consequences of the absence of VPS13A in HeLa cells. We found that inactivation of VPS13A impairs cell growth, which precludes the use of isolated clones due to the undesirable selection of edited clones with residual protein expression. Therefore, we optimized the use of pool cells obtained shortly after transfection with CRISPR/Cas9 components. These cells are a mixture of wild‐type and edited cells that allow a comparative analysis of phenotypes and avoids the selection of clones with residual level of VPS13A expression after long‐term growth. Consistent with previous observations by siRNA inactivation, VPS13A inactivation by CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in accumulation of the endo‐lysosomal markers RAB7A and LAMP1. Notably, we observed that rapamycin partially suppressed the difference in lysosome accumulation between VPS13A KO and WT cells, suggesting that modulation of the autophagic and lysosomal pathway could be a therapeutic target in the treatment of ChAc.
Field margins and cropping system influence diversity and abundance of aphid natural enemies in Lablab purpureus
Authors: Obanyi Janet N. , Ogendo Joshua O. , Mulwa Richard M. S. , Nyaanga Jane G. , Cheruiyot Erick K. , Bett Philip K. , Belmain Steven R. , Arnold Sarah E. J. , Nash‐Woolley Victoria C. , Stevenson Philip C.
Published: May 2023

Field margin plants around crops are postulated to increase natural enemy abundance to enhance pest management. A trial was conducted to determine the contribution of field margin vegetation and cropping systems to natural enemies of bean aphids (Aphis fabae) on Lablab purpureus, an orphan crop legume. Natural enemy populations were surveyed in plots with a combination of lablab monocrop or maize‐lablab intercrop and with or without planted field margins comprising four plant species (Chenopodium album, Bidens pilosa, Galinsoga parviflora and Tagetes minuta), arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. A cage experiment was also conducted to understand the extent to which these field margin plants supported the parasitoid wasp, Aphidius colemani, to parasitize bean aphids. A total of 2029 insects from 10 families were collected using sticky cards and pan traps. In comparison to plots with no field margin plants, the presence of plant‐rich field margins increased abundance of natural enemies by 9.5% and supported higher populations of Braconidae (parasitoids) and damsel bugs (predators). The maize‐lablab intercrop had 15.5% lower abundance of natural enemies than the lablab monocrop. Higher grain yield was recorded in plots with a field margin vegetation (300 kg ha−1) compared to plots without field margin vegetation (210 kg ha−1). The presence of a companion plant did not significantly affect the performance of parasitoids, in the cage experiment, indicating that parasitoids were not limited by access to food. In supporting aphid parasitization, B. pilosa was associated with the highest number of mummies (8.28). The lowest number of mummies were observed in cages with T. minuta (3.44). These results demonstrate the potential of plant‐rich field margins to augment natural enemy populations and enhance conservation biocontrol of aphids.
Decomposing industry leverage: The special cases of real estate investment trusts and technology & hardware companies
Authors: Breuer Wolfgang , Nguyen Linh D. , Steininger Bertram I.
Published: May 2023

Different industries exhibit significantly different leverage; companies in the real estate investment trust (REIT) and technology/hardware sectors are extreme examples. In the United States, the leverage ratio is twice as high for REITs (50%) as compared to non‐real‐estate firms (around 25%), and the technology/hardware sector has the lowest ratio (around 17%). We theoretically and empirically analyze their differences. By decomposing the difference into three channels, we find that the industry‐specific channel explains around 67% for REITs and 68% for technology/hardware firms; the value‐based channel is mostly responsible for the remaining portion. Taking the nonlinear influences of extreme values into account, the relevance of the industry‐specific channel is considerably reduced.
Multiobjective programming model for a class of flood disaster emergency material allocation
Authors: Huang Li , Yu Zhicheng , Wang Wei , Song Yue , Wang Yunqing
Published: May 2023

Flood disasters are a hot topic in the field of disaster prevention and control. To reduce the high‐density economic losses caused by floods, it is necessary to effectively and reasonably distribute emergency supplies to disaster sites during the emergency cycle. This article describes setting up a comprehensive multirescue site, multidisaster site, and multiobjective programming model to measure the total amount of time taken to transport supplies and economic losses endured in the response and recovery. Moreover, we use the evolutionary algorithm based on the Pareto concept and simulate the calculation using computer simulation. Finally, a case study is carried out based on various supply data of the historical flood disaster and the flood control supply reserves in the Jiangsu Province. The optimization results are discussed using the sorting method that approaches the ideal solution, and three feasible emergency plans are given, which can provide a reference for emergency supply transportation for urban flood control.
Migrant farmworkers: Resisting and organising before, during and after COVID‐19
Authors: Venkatesh Vasanthi , Esnard Talia , Bogoeski Vladimir , Ferrando Tomaso
Published: May 2023

Migrant farmworkers are a ubiquitous but invisibilised, expropriated and exploited component of the global agricultural economy. Their conditions took centre‐stage during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Fear of production disruption in the migrant labour‐intensive sectors led to foreign workers being deemed ‘essential’ in many countries, and exceptional procedures and regulations were instituted that further increased their exploitation, illnesses and deaths. However, the pandemic has not merely exposed the long‐established structures of racialised exploitation and expropriation in the domain of farm work. Although it exacerbated the precariousness of the living and working conditions defining the reality of migrant farm workers, there is evidence that the pandemic also strengthened farmworkers' individual and collective consciousness, along with forms of organisation and resistance. The symposium ‘Migrant Farmworkers: Resisting and Organizing before, during and after COVID‐19’ explores two dimensions reflected in migrant farmworkers' realities during the pandemic. First, the contributions look at the general conditions defining power structures and material outcomes within the political economy of agriculture before and during the pandemic. Second, they explore the conditions under which resistance and solidarity emerged to question established structures of exploitation.
Humanizing aquaculture development: Putting social and human concerns at the center of future aquaculture development
Authors: Brugere C. , Bansal T. , Kruijssen F. , Williams M.
Published: May 2023

Compared with other aquaculture issues, attention to human and social dimensions is lagging behind. Sectoral development, policy, and programmatic factors have created inequities and sub‐optimal social outcomes, which are jeopardizing the broader contribution the sector could make to human well‐being. Human rights in aquaculture are at the core of this article, which argues that aquaculture development, as a major economic and food producing sector, needs to be about human development. The article reviews: the application of human rights in aquaculture, and the related right to decent work; the notions of justice and equity including the idea of Blue Justice and its relevance in aquaculture; and ethics and social license to operate with the challenges that business ethics and public acceptance pose to the sector. It also reviews how these issues affect people: women, along with slow progress in gender equality in the sector; youth and their engagement in aquaculture, while noting that ‘youth’ does not equate to “jobs” and requires the lifting of many more societal hurdles for their full participation in the sector; indigenous people and local ecological knowledge—a precious asset for future aquaculture as well as the survival and enhancement of the cultural value of aquaculture; and people with disabilities and other minorities who have yet to become fully visible and accounted for in aquaculture development. Redressing human and social issues in aquaculture, and placing people at the center of aquaculture development requires a fundamental change from business as usual. To humanize aquaculture development, a renewed human relationship with aquaculture is proposed, which is founded on recognizing substantive equality and agency, embracing intersectionality, that is, the multiple social dimensions of identity and interaction, and valuing cross‐disciplinary knowledge systems. It would be implemented through new, inclusive, business models, social provisioning approaches, and procedural justice and governance mechanisms for overcoming inequalities. Public, private, and non‐state actors will need to be involved, inclusive of small‐scale farmers, women, youth, people with disabilities, and indigenous communities as key groups. Six key messages conclude the article.
Is integrated taxonomy useful to study diversity and ecology? An example from crustacean zooplankton at the Long‐Term ecological research site MareChiara (LTER‐MC)
Authors: Di Capua Iole , Piredda Roberta , D'Angiolo Rosa , Minucci Carmen , Montalbano Andrea , Boero Ferdinando , Carotenuto Ylenia , Uttieri Marco
Published: May 2023

Molecular tools increasingly refine and improve the identification of zooplankton organisms based on phenotypic features, providing a more robust and comprehensive species description. Integration of data helps revealing the hidden diversity of zooplankton and facilitating the detection of rare and non‐indigenous species. This approach, merging morphological characters and a diagnostic marker for specific identification, such as the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI), is here used to characterize key taxa from the zooplankton assemblage of the Gulf of Naples at the Long‐Term Ecological Research site MareChiara (LTER‐MC) (Central Tyrrhenian Sea, Western Mediterranean Sea). Zooplankton biodiversity assessment using integrated taxonomy was focused on selected crustacean groups: cyclopod copepods (Agetus typicus, Oithona plumifera, Oncaea mediterranea, Oncaea scottodicarloi); newly records of cladocerans (Evadne nordmanni), euphausiids (Euphausia krohnii, Nematoscelis megalops, Nyctiphanes spp.) and sergestids (Lucifer typus), with the aim to boost the knowledge of real zooplankton biodiversity. The results of our investigation provide new high‐quality molecular references of the analysed taxa and contribute to unveiling the genetic diversification of zooplankton species and their relevant ecological significance for Mediterranean coastal waters.
From iatrogenesis to vaccine skepticism: US mothers’ negative vaccine perceptions and non‐vaccination practices as reverberations of medical harm
Authors: Richlin Johanna Bard
Published: May 2023

Vaccine skepticism, and the related practices of selective‐ or non‐vaccination, has steadily grown in the twenty‐first century, especially among US mothers. The phenomenon has been especially pronounced in Oregon, which ranked first nationally for the number of kindergarteners with nonmedical exemptions in 2018. Based on 12 months of digital research in Oregon in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic, my findings suggest that mothers’ vaccine skepticism emerges from experiences of iatrogenesis from childhood through childbirth. While existing literature analyzes medical distrust among BIPOC communities as related to historical and ongoing iatrogenesis, scholars often portray vaccine skepticism among white US mothers as related to “neoliberal parenting” and “intensive mothering.” By analyzing mothers’ vaccine skepticism as an outgrowth of iatrogenesis, this article underscores the long‐term ramifications of systematic medical harm against women in the US. This finding is particularly relevant amid public health crises, when mitigation depends upon vaccine utilization. [vaccines, medical distrust, US mothers, iatrogenesis, autonomy]
How do we differentiate not demonise – Is there a role for healthier processed foods in an age of food insecurity? Proceedings of a roundtable event
Authors: Lockyer Stacey , Spiro Ayela , Berry Sarah , He Jibin , Loth Shefalee , Martinez‐Inchausti Andrea , Mellor Duane , Raats Monique , Sokolović Milka , Vijaykumar Santosh , Stanner Sara
Published: May 2023

The ‘ultra‐processed food’ (UPF) concept, with classification of foods by ‘level of processing’ rather than nutrient profiles, and its relationship with health outcomes, is currently a topic of debate among academics and increasingly referred to in the media. The British Nutrition Foundation convened a virtual roundtable on 6th July 2022 to gather views on the use of the term (and current definitions of) UPF for public health messaging, seeking to establish areas of consensus and disagreement and identify topics for further research. A small group of invited expert stakeholders attended, including representatives from academia, policy, behavioural science, communications, health, food science, retail and consumer interests. Participants' discussions clustered into cogent themes which included: problems with the use of definitions for UPF, the lack of causal evidence and defined mechanisms linking processing per se with poor health outcomes, and advice that may result in consumer confusion. There was agreement that many foods classified as UPF are high in fat, sugars and/or salt and public health messages should continue to focus on reducing these in the diet since it is unclear whether reported associations between high intakes of UPF and poor health reflect poorer dietary patterns (defined by nutrient intakes), and nutrient‐health relationships are well established. Examples of misalignment were also highlighted (i.e. some foods are classified as UPF yet recommended in food‐based dietary guidelines [featuring in healthy dietary patterns]). This raises challenges for consumer communication around UPF. Concern was also expressed about potential unintended consequences, particularly for vulnerable groups, where advice to avoid UPF could create stigma and guilt due to lack of time or facilities to prepare and cook meals from scratch. It could also impact on nutrient intakes, as some foods classified as UPF represent more affordable sources of important nutrients (e.g. packaged wholemeal bread). Discordance between the concept of UPF and current strategies to improve public health, such as reformulation, was also discussed. The group concluded that the use of the concept of UPF in UK policy (e.g. dietary guidelines) would be unhelpful at present. Overall, participants felt that it was more important to focus on providing practical advice around selection of healthier processed foods and making healthier foods more accessible rather than promoting the avoidance of UPF. The latter may act to demonise all foods classified as UPF by current definitions, including some affordable nutrient‐dense foods.
Re‐humanising management through co‐presence: Lessons from enforced telework during the second wave of Covid‐19
Authors: Taskin Laurent , Klinksiek Ive , Ajzen Michel
Published: May 2023

The use of enforced telework during the Covid‐19 crisis sheds light on the importance of co‐presence—i.e., presence mediated by information and communication technologies instead of physical proximity—for managing people. Previous studies on telework have exposed the risk of social isolation, which can lead workers to feel dehumanised. In this paper, we investigate how management adapts to co‐presence by drawing on 28 semi‐structured interviews conducted in February and March 2021 among employees and managers from private and public organisations in Belgium. Surprising results show that co‐presence was mainly lived as a way to maintain proximity and constituted an opportunity for some managers to re‐humanise their work approach, and for employees to feel humanely managed. Finally, we discuss the implications of our results for the study of humanisation and co‐presence in management, including some critical considerations regarding the very notions of ‘de‐’ and ‘re‐humanisation’, and make recommendations in terms of technology, work organisation, and management.
Assessing inbreeding in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) as a step towards F1 hybrid breeding
Authors: Harris Caitlin , Hall Madison , Arrowfield Ruby , Herridge Rowan , Eady Colin , Macknight Richard , Brownfield Lynette
Published: May 2023

Perennial ryegrass is an important turf and forage grass in temperate regions worldwide. Limited genetic gains have been made with current breeding strategies compared with other grass crops, such as rice and maize, which benefit from Filial 1 (F1) hybrid breeding. One of the largest constraints on hybrid breeding in ryegrass is self‐incompatibility preventing inbreeding, as homozygous parental lines are required to develop hybrids with maximal hybrid vigour. Obligate outcrossing in ryegrass has resulted in cultivars with high levels of heterozygosity, lacking trait uniformity across the population. A naturally occurring self‐fertile (SF) locus that overcomes the self‐incompatibility system has been identified in a European perennial ryegrass population. This study crossed the SF locus into an elite cultivar, producing a self‐compatible population that was inbred for several generations. Genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) was used to assess the population structure and degree of inbreeding in the self‐compatible population. Phenotypic analysis indicated that increased homozygosity did not necessarily affect growth and performance. This study concludes that self‐compatible ryegrass is a promising tool for hybrid breeding and agronomic improvement of perennial ryegrass.
Flower morphology evolution in Jaborosa (Solanaceae): shape and size variation associated with contrasting pollination modes
Authors: Ibañez A. C. , Sérsic A. N. , Cocucci A. A. , Moré M.
Published: May 2023

Flower morphology is considered an important factor in species diversification because it may influence the efficiency of pollination in different ways (e.g. attraction and mechanical fit with different groups of pollinators). In the present study, we quantified the variation in flower morphology (i.e. shape and size) of the diverse South American genus Jaborosa Juss. (Solanaceae) in relation to contrasting pollination modes: rewarding pollination either by moths or by generalist small insects versus brood‐site deceptive pollination by saprophilous flies.

We examined variations of flower morphology in frontal (pollinator attraction) and sagittal (functional fit with pollinators) views in 12 Jaborosa species using geometric morphometric methods and comparative approaches to infer whether flower shape evolution, not attributable to flower allometry or phylogenetic relationship, is associated with shifts in pollination modes.

We found remarkable variation in flower morphology among both Jaborosa species and pollination modes, largely in sagittal view. Evolutionary trends in shape of fly‐pollinated flowers were mainly attributable to changes in developmental trajectories. Variation in flower architecture facilitated differential pollen placement – on the proboscis of moths, and either on the back or ventral region of saprophilous flies – promoting diversification of the genus.

Diversification of shape, independent of size, in most of the studied Jaborosa species would indicate adaptation to contrasting pollination modes.
In Medias Res: Using Sociology to Uncover the Harm of Arbitrary Deprivation of Nationality in Colombia. Reflections on Public Sociology as a Graduate Student1
Authors: Besserer Rayas Andrés
Published: May 2023

Some literature on public sociology conceives of students as a public rather than potential or real practitioners of this type of sociology. There is a dearth of texts reflecting on graduate student training in public sociology and the trade‐offs they face. In this paper, I engage in a reflexive account of my experience doing public sociology, as I partnered with nonprofits to conceptualize, research, and write a report on the effects of stripped citizenship in Colombia after a mistaken administrative decision deprived 40,000 mostly binnational Venezuelan‐Colombians of their nationality in that country. This report has served as part of strategic litigation and to raise public awareness of the harmful policy. I argue that three things are key for graduate students to engage in public sociology and have been overlooked. First, training in public sociology, especially training with elements of apprenticeship, can develop the publicly engaged sociological imagination and toolkit, which is key to identifying opportunities for interventions in the midst of fieldwork, and models for interventions. Second, support from established professors. And third, local, contextual knowledge is indispensable. I also discuss ways to offset some of the trade‐offs that graduate students are likely to face when doing public sociology.
Collective views of vaccination predict vaccine hesitancy and willingness to receive a COVID‐19 vaccine
Authors: Davisson Erin K. , Hoyle Rick H.
Published: May 2023

We examined the association between sociodemographic factors, views of vaccines as being an individual choice to protect oneself versus a collective choice to protect others, general vaccine hesitancy, and willingness to receive a COVID‐19 vaccine. In a sample of adults (N = 619; 33% non‐white), we showed that demographic factors explain significant variance in both vaccine hesitancy and willingness to receive a COVID‐19 vaccine. Viewing vaccines as an individual choice to protect oneself explained additional variance in vaccine hesitancy. However, people who viewed vaccines as a collective choice to protect others showed both less vaccine hesitancy and greater willingness to receive a COVID‐19 vaccine. These findings suggest that promoting prosocial attitudes about vaccinations may decrease vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccine uptake.
Grounded Cognition, Linguistic Relativity, and Abstract Concepts
Authors: Borghi Anna M. , Mazzuca Claudia
Published: May 2023

Kemmerer's paper convincingly claims that the grounded cognition model (GCM) entails linguistic relativity. Here, we underline that tackling linguistic relativity and cultural differences is vital for GCM. First, it allows GCM to focus more on flexible rather than stable aspects of cognition. Second, it highlights the centrality of linguistic experience for human cognition. While GCM‐inspired research underscored the similarity between linguistic and nonlinguistic concepts, it is now paramount to understand when and how language(s) influence knowledge. To this aim, we argue that linguistic variation might be particularly relevant for more abstract concepts—which are more debatable and open to revisions.
CsMYBL2 homologs modulate the light and temperature stress‐regulated anthocyanin and catechins biosynthesis in tea plants (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Zhao Xuecheng , Li Ping , Zuo Hao , Peng Anqi , Lin Junming , Li Penghui , Wang Kunbo , Tang Qian , Tadege Million , Liu Zhonghua , Zhao Jian
Published: May 2023

Anthocyanin and catechin production in tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves can positively affect tea quality; however, their regulatory mechanisms are not fully understood. Here we report that, while the CsMYB75‐ or CsMYB86‐directed MYB–bHLH–WD40 (MBW) complexes differentially activate anthocyanin or catechin biosynthesis in tea leaves, respectively, CsMYBL2a and CsMYBL2b homologs negatively modified the light‐ and temperature‐induced anthocyanin and catechin production in both Arabidopsis and tea plants. The MBW complexes activated both anthocyanin synthesis genes and the downstream repressor genes CsMYBL2a and CsMYBL2b. Overexpression of CsMYBL2b, but not CsMYBL2a, repressed Arabidopsis leaf anthocyanin accumulation and seed coat proanthocyanin production. CsMYBL2b strongly and CsMYBL2a weakly repressed the activating effects of CsMYB75/CsMYB86 on CsDFR and CsANS, due to their different EAR and TLLLFR domains and interactions with CsTT8/CsGL3, interfering with the functions of activating MBW complexes. CsMYBL2b and CsMYBL2a in tea leaves play different roles in fine‐tuning CsMYB75/CsMYB86–MBW activation of biosynthesis of anthocyanins and catechins, respectively. The CsbZIP1–CsmiR858a–CsMYBL2 module mediated the UV‐B‐ or cold‐activated CsMYB75/CsMYB86 regulation of anthocyanin/catechin biosynthesis by repressing CsMYBL2a and CsMYBL2b. Similarly, the CsCOP1–CsbZIP1–CsPIF3 module, and BR signaling as well, mediated the high temperature repression of anthocyanin and catechin biosynthesis through differentially upregulating CsMYBL2b and CsMYBL2a, respectively. The present study provides new insights into the complex regulatory networks in environmental stress‐modified flavonoid production in tea plant leaves.
CBP and Gcn5 drive zygotic genome activation independently of their catalytic activity
Authors: Ciabrelli Filippo , Rabbani Leily , Cardamone Francesco , Zenk Fides , Löser Eva , Schächtle Melanie A. , Mazina Marina , Loubiere Vincent , Iovino Nicola
Published: May 2023

Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is a crucial step of embryonic development. So far, little is known about the role of chromatin factors during this process. Here, we used an in vivo RNA interference reverse genetic screen to identify chromatin factors necessary for embryonic development in
Drosophila melanogaster
. Our screen reveals that histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases are crucial ZGA regulators. We demonstrate that Nejire (CBP/EP300 ortholog) is essential for the acetylation of histone H3 lysine-18 and lysine-27, whereas Gcn5 (GCN5/PCAF ortholog) for lysine-9 of H3 at ZGA, with these marks being enriched at all actively transcribed genes. Nonetheless, these HATs activate distinct sets of genes. Unexpectedly, individual catalytic dead mutants of either Nejire or Gcn5 can activate zygotic transcription (ZGA) and transactivate a reporter gene in vitro. Together, our data identify Nejire and Gcn5 as key regulators of ZGA.
CATER: Combined Animal Tracking & Environment Reconstruction
Authors: Haalck Lars , Mangan Michael , Wystrach Antoine , Clement Leo , Webb Barbara , Risse Benjamin
Published: May 2023

Quantifying the behavior of small animals traversing long distances in complex environments is one of the most difficult tracking scenarios for computer vision. Tiny and low-contrast foreground objects have to be localized in cluttered and dynamic scenes as well as trajectories compensated for camera motion and drift in multiple lengthy recordings. We introduce CATER, a novel methodology combining an unsupervised probabilistic detection mechanism with a globally optimized environment reconstruction pipeline enabling precision behavioral quantification in natural environments. Implemented as an easy to use and highly parallelized tool, we show its application to recover fine-scale motion trajectories, registered to a high-resolution image mosaic reconstruction, of naturally foraging desert ants from unconstrained field recordings. By bridging the gap between laboratory and field experiments, we gain previously unknown insights into ant navigation with respect to motivational states, previous experience, and current environments and provide an appearance-agnostic method applicable to study the behavior of a wide range of terrestrial species under realistic conditions.
End of COVID-19 emergencies sparks debate
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai , Wadman Meredith
Published: May 2023

Moves by WHO and U.S. dial back data collection, reporting mandates
In Mexico, the world’s last wild axolotls face extinction
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: May 2023

Scientists push to save the unusual salamander
Field Research Is Essential to Counter Virological Threats
Authors: Runstadler Jonathan A. , Lowen Anice C. , Kayali Ghazi , Tompkins S. Mark , Albrecht Randy A. , Fouchier Ron A. M. , Stallknecht David E. , Lakdawala Seema S. , Goodrum Felicia D. , Casadevall Arturo , Enquist Lynn W. , Alwine James C. , Imperiale Michael J. , Schultz-Cherry Stacey , Webby Richard J.
Published: May 2023

The interface between humans and wildlife is changing and, with it, the potential for pathogen introduction into humans has increased. Avian influenza is a prominent example, with an ongoing outbreak showing the unprecedented expansion of both geographic and host ranges.
Small-Molecule Compound CY-158-11 Inhibits Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Formation
Authors: Shen Li , Zhang Jiao , Chen Yao , Rao Lulin , Wang Xinyi , Zhao Huilin , Wang Bingjie , Xiao Yanghua , Yu Jingyi , Xu Yanlei , Shi Junhong , Han Weihua , Song Zengqiang , Yu Fangyou
Published: May 2023

Most bacteria exist in the form of biofilms, often strongly adherent to various surfaces, causing bacterial resistance and chronic infections. In general, antibacterial drugs are not effective against biofilms.
Barriers and facilitators for the adoption of telemedicine services in low-income and middle-income countries: a rapid overview of reviews
Authors: Dhyani Vijay Shree , Krishnan Jisha B , Mathias Edlin Glane , Hossain Mahbub M , Price Carrie , Gudi Nachiket , Pattanshetty Sanjay , Zodpey Sanjay
Published: May 2023

Objective

To identify the barriers and facilitators for uptake of telemedicine services in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Design

The rapid review approach to identify the barriers and facilitators for the uptake/delivery of telemedicine in health system from both the provider and the patient’s perspective. A two-stage sequential screening process was adopted. Data extraction was done using a piloted data extraction form.

Data sources

A search on PubMed (NCBI), Embase (Ovid), the Cochrane Library (Wiley), Scopus (Elsevier) and the WHO Global Index Medicus was conducted.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies published between 1 January 2012 and 1 July 2022 on barriers and facilitators for uptake of telemedicine services in LMICs were included.

Results

Database search identified a total of 2829 citations. After removing 1069 duplicates, 1760 were taken forward for title and abstract screening. A total of 43 articles were included at full text stage and 8 articles were included in this overview for narrative synthesis. Barriers and facilitators to telemedicine adoption and use were categorised under four subheadings, namely organisational and environmental, individual and cultural barriers, financial barriers and technological barriers. Providers, patient and health policy-makers perspectives were captured.

Conclusion

Any development of telemedicine services should engage the primary users such as patients and their family caregivers to design people-centred digital health systems and services. Usability studies must be commissioned by the governments and host agencies to enhance the interaction experience pending which investments would remain futile. Future research should employ mixed methods or multi methods approaches to understand the interaction between patients and providers.