bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell-type-specific plasticity shapes neocortical dynamics for motor learning
Authors: Majumder Shouvik , Hirokawa Koichi , Yang Zidan , Paletzki Ronald , Gerfen Charles R. , Fontolan Lorenzo , Romani Sandro , Jain Anant , Yasuda Ryohei , Inagaki Hidehiko K.
Published: August 2023

Neocortical spiking dynamics control aspects of behavior, yet how these dynamics emerge during motor learning remains elusive. Activity-dependent synaptic plasticity is likely a key mechanism, as it reconfigures network architectures that govern neural dynamics. Here, we examined how the mouse premotor cortex acquires its well-characterized neural dynamics that control movement timing, specifically lick timing. To probe the role of synaptic plasticity, we have genetically manipulated proteins essential for major forms of synaptic plasticity, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and Cofilin, in a region and cell-type-specific manner. Transient inactivation of CaMKII in the premotor cortex blocked learning of new lick timing without affecting the execution of learned action or ongoing spiking activity. Furthermore, among the major glutamatergic neurons in the premotor cortex, CaMKII and Cofilin activity in pyramidal tract (PT) neurons, but not intratelencephalic (IT) neurons, is necessary for learning. High-density electrophysiology in the premotor cortex uncovered that neural dynamics anticipating licks are progressively shaped during learning, which explains the change in lick timing. Such reconfiguration in behaviorally relevant dynamics is impeded by CaMKII manipulation in PT neurons. Altogether, the activity of plasticity-related proteins in PT neurons plays a central role in sculpting neocortical dynamics to learn new behavior.
PII signal transduction superfamily acts as a valve plug to control bicarbonate and ammonia homeostasis among different bacterial phyla
Authors: Haffner Michael , Hou Wen-Tao , Mantovani Oliver , Walke Peter R. , Hauf Ksenia , Borisova Marina , Hagemann Martin , Zhou Cong-Zhao , Forchhammer Karl , Selim Khaled A.
Published: August 2023

Life on Earth relies on carbon and nitrogen assimilation by RubisCO and GS-GOGAT enzymes, respectively, whose activities depend on a constant supply of inorganic carbon (Ci) and nitrogen (N). Members of the PII signal transduction superfamily are among the most ancient and widespread cell signaling proteins in nature. One of their most highly conserved functions is controlling Ci- and N-transporters, a feature found in different phyla of the Archaea and in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Recently, we identified the PII-like protein SbtB as Ci-sensing module, mainly controlling the HCO3-transporter SbtA in cyanobacteria. Similar to canonical PII proteins, SbtB is able to bind the adenine nucleotides ATP and ADP. Unlike those, it also binds AMP and preferentially binds the second messenger cAMP and c-di-AMP. The functional significance of the binding of different adenyl-nucleotides to SbtB has remained elusive, particularly in the context of the interaction of SbtB with SbtA. By a combination of structural, biochemical and physiological analysis, we revealed that by binding to SbtA, SbtB acts as unidirectional valve, preventing the reverse transport of intracellular enriched bicarbonate. This mechanistic principle holds true for the PII protein fromBacillusacting on the ammonium transporter AmtB, suggesting an evolutionary conserved role for PII superfamily proteins in controlling unidirectional flow of different transporters.
Mode of carbon and energy metabolism shifts lipid composition in the thermoacidophileAcidianus
Authors: Rhim Jeemin H. , Zhou Alice , Amenabar Maximiliano J. , Elling Felix J. , Weber Yuki , Pearson Ann , Boyd Eric S. , Leavitt William D.
Published: August 2023

The degree of cyclization, or ring index (RI), in archaeal glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraether (GDGT) lipids was long thought to reflect homeoviscous adaptation to temperature. However, more recent experiments show that other factors (e.g., pH, growth phase, and energy flux) can also affect membrane composition. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of carbon and energy metabolism on membrane cyclization. To do so we cultivatedAcidianussp. DS80, a metabolically flexible and thermoacidophilic archaeon, on different electron donor, acceptor and carbon source combinations (S0/Fe3+/CO2, H2/Fe3+/CO2, H2/S0/CO2, or H2/S0/glucose). We show that differences in energy and carbon metabolism can result in over a full unit of change in RI in the thermoacidophileAcidianussp. DS80. The patterns in RI correlated with the normalized electron transfer rate between electron donor and acceptor and did not always align with thermodynamic predictions of energy yield. In light of this, we discuss other factors that may affect the kinetics of cellular energy metabolism: electron transfer chain (ETC) efficiency, location of ETC reaction components (cytoplasmicvs. extracellular), and the physical state of electron donors and acceptors (gasvs. solid). Furthermore, assimilation of a more reduced form of carbon during heterotrophy appears to decrease the demand for reducing equivalents during lipid biosynthesis, resulting in lower RI. Together, these results point to the fundamental role of the cellular energy state in dictating GDGT cyclization, with those cells experiencing greater energy limitation synthesizing more cyclized GDGTs.

Importance

Some archaea make unique membrane-spanning lipids with different numbers of five or six membered rings in the core structure that modulate membrane fluidity and permeability. Changes in membrane core lipid composition reflect fundamental adaptation strategies of archaea in response to stress, but multiple environmental and physiological factors may affect the needs for membrane fluidity and permeability. In this study, we tested howAcidianussp. DS80 changed its core lipid composition when grown with different electron donor/acceptor pairs. We show that changes in energy and carbon metabolisms significantly affected the relative abundance of rings in the core lipids of DS80. These observations highlight the need to better constrain metabolic parameters, in addition to environmental factors, that may influence changes in membrane physiology in Archaea. Such consideration would be particularly important for studying archaeal lipids from habitats that experience frequent environmental fluctuations and/or where metabolically diverse archaea thrive.
Prokaryotic microbial diversity analysis and metabolic function prediction of salt lakes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zhang Man , Li Yongzhen , Zhu Derui , Xing Jiangwa , Long Qifu , Shen Guoping
Published: August 2023

The Dong Taijinar Salt Lake (DT) and Xi Taijinar Salt Lake (XT) have been widely studied as mineral-rich areas. However, little is known about the composition and distribution of the microbial communities in these two lakes. In this study, metagenomics sequencing was used to analyze the diversity and potential functions of the microbial communities in DT and XT. According to our report, the salinity of DT (332.18–358.30 g/L) was 10 times higher than that of XT (20.09–36.83 g/L). Interestingly, the dominant domain in DT was Archaea (96.16%), while that in XT was Bacteria (93.09%). The distribution ofBacteriain the DT revealed 33 phyla and 1717 genera. The dominant genus in DT wasMarinobacillus, which was positively correlated with total phosphorus content. There were four main phyla and 153 genera identified in theArchaeaof DT. The most abundantArchaeagenera in DT wereNatronomonas(24.61%) andHalorubrum(23.69%), which were mainly positively correlated with the Na+, Ca2+, and Cl−contents. Similarly, there were 33 phyla and 1906 genera ofBacteriain XT, andLoktanellawas the dominant genus. The archaeal taxonomy in XT mainly included four phyla and 149 genera.ProteobacteriaandEuryarchaeotawere the most abundant bacterial and archaeal phyla in the two salt lakes. Analysis of the halophilic mechanisms of the microorganisms identified in these two salt lakes revealed that theBacteriain XT preferred to synthesize compatible solutes, whereas theArchaeain DT preferred a “salt-in” adaptation strategy in salt-stressed environments.

IMPORTANCE

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the origin of many lakes and mountains in China. Among them, the Dong Taijinar and Xi Taijinar salt lakes are important biological resources with unknown microbial community compositions and functional potentials. The results of this study revealed significant differences in the distribution ofBacteriaandArchaeabetween the two salt lakes. Salinity mainly drives lower biodiversity and restricted bacterial growth and metabolism in the high-salinity and near-saturated Dong Taijinar Salt Lake. This study not only identifies the key microorganisms in two penetrating salt lakes, but also provides insights into the mechanisms of salinity tolerance and the unknown ecological functions of microorganisms in extreme environments.
Impaired extinction of cocaine seeking in HIV-infected mice is accompanied by peripheral and central immune dysregulation
Authors: Buck Lauren A , Xie Qiaowei , Willis Michelle , Side Christine M , Giacometti Laura L , Gaskill Peter J , Park Kyewon , Shaheen Farida , Guo Lili , Gorantla Santhi , Barker Jacqueline M
Published: August 2023

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are highly comorbid with HIV infection, necessitating an understanding of the interactive effects of drug exposure and HIV. The relationship between progressive HIV infection and cocaine use disorder is likely bidirectional, with cocaine use having direct effects on immune function while HIV infection can alter addiction-related behavior. To better characterized the neurobehavioral and immune consequences of HIV infection and cocaine exposure, this study utilized a humanized mouse model to investigate the outcomes of progressive HIV infection on cocaine-related behaviors in a cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP) model, and the interactive effects of cocaine and HIV infection on peripheral and central nervous system inflammation. HIV infection did not impact the formation of a cocaine CPP, but did result in resistance to extinction of the CPP. No effects of HIV on yohimbine-primed reinstatement or cocaine seeking under conflict were observed. These behavioral alterations were accompanied by immune changes in HIV infected mice, including increased prefrontal cortex astrocyte immunoreactivity and brain-region specific effects on microglia number and reactivity. Peripheral immune system changes were observed in both mouse and human markers. Among other targets, this included HIV-induced reductions in mouse IL-1α and G-CSF and human TNFα and cocaine-induced alterations in human TNFα and mouse GM-CSF such that cocaine exposure increases both cytokines only in the absence of HIV infection. Together these data provide new insights into the unique neurobehavioral processes underlying HIV infection and cocaine use disorders, and further how they interact to effect immune responses.
Grocery retailer's brand performances from brand personalities and marketing offerings
Authors: Duh Helen Inseng , Pwaka Oliver
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Despite competition and supply-chain disruptions during Covid-19 pandemic (2019–2021), one grocery retailer consistently thrived and was ranked top. The sources of the sustained performances needed examination. Guided by self-congruity theory and integrating three models, the authors examined how much the retailer's brand performances (brand loyalty, equity, preference and repurchase intentions) were emanating from brand personalities and marketing offerings. The mediating roles of brand loyalty and equity were tested.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional data was collected from 480 frequent customers using an online questionnaire posted on the researchers' social media pages. Factor analysis was conducted to identify the dimension that best describes the grocery retailer. Partial least square–structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test a conceptual model.

Findings

Factor analysis results show that brand sincerity (28.582% variance-explained; M = 4.1) was top (factor 1), followed by excitement (20.336% variance-explained; M = 3.9) and then trustworthiness (18.854% variance-explained; M = 3.87). PLS-SEM results revealed that two brand personalities (brand excitement and trustworthiness) and marketing offerings (price, place, product, promotion) impacted loyalty found to be a strong driver of brand equity. Repurchase intention and brand preference were influenced by brand equity. Brand loyalty mediated most of the relationships between brand personality dimensions, marketing offerings and brand equity. Brand equity also significantly mediated the relationships between brand loyalty, preference and repurchase intentions. The integrated model produced high explanatory powers with brand equity (67.8%), brand preference (71.7%), brand loyalty (63.2%) and repurchase intentions (54.2%).

Originality/value

The study extends a brand personality-loyalty model through integrating two other models that provided marketing offerings and brand equity outcomes. It demonstrates that a stream of profitable customers' responses awaits a retailer who holds both brand and customer mindsets by building admired brand personalities while providing desired marketing offerings.
The effect of NPLs management in the PIIGS banking efficiency: an approach using non-parametric partial order-m frontiers
Authors: Chalampalakis Emmanouil G. , Dokas Ioannis , Spyromitros Eleftherios
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study focuses on the banking systems evaluation in Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain (known as the PIIGS) during the financial and post-financial crisis period from 2009 to 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

A conditional robust nonparametric frontier analysis (order-m estimators) is used to measure banking efficiency combined with variables highlighting the effects of Non-Performing Loans. Next, a truncated regression is used to examine if institutional, macroeconomic, and financial variables affect bank performance differently. Unlike earlier studies, we use the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) as an institutional variable that affects banking sector efficiency.

Findings

This research shows that the PIIGS crisis affects each bank/country differently due to their various efficiency levels. Most of the study variables — CPI, government debt to GDP ratio, inflation, bank size — significantly affect banking efficiency measures.

Originality/value

The contribution of this article to the relevant banking literature is two-fold. First, it analyses the efficiency of the PIIGS banking system from 2009 to 2018, focusing on NPLs. Second, this is the first empirical study to use probabilistic frontier analysis (order-m estimators) to evaluate PIIGS banking systems.
Are the traditional socio-economic causes of poverty still pertinent nowadays? Evidence from Romania within the European Union context
Authors: Ulman Simona-Roxana , Dobay Krisztina Melinda
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Firstly, the authors aimed at offering a general perspective on poverty, highlighting important directions of thinking from the theoretical development, including poverty's main causes (like education, health, social protection, economic growth, employment and good governance). Secondly, it was investigated the problem of poverty in Romania after its accession to the European Union (EU), aiming to show (1) Romania's position among the EU member states, nearby (2) the direct and indirect effects of the selected factors particularly in this country.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data from Eurostat and Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), descriptive and path analyses were performed for the period between 2007 and 2020.

Findings

The main results emphasized (1) the critical position of Romania among the EU member states in 2020 and the progress recorded since 2007, nearby (2) the direct and indirect effects of the selected factors on poverty in this country. The study highlighted the limited chances for the full participation of the poor people of Romania in the progress of the entire society, especially in terms of education and economic growth.

Originality/value

The major contribution of this study is that it assumes to investigate a profound and persistent societal phenomenon in Romania that is not sufficiently analyzed, discussed and understood. Consequently, this study attained its main objective of showing that the main traditional socio-economic causes of poverty are still pertinent in the actual Romanian society.
Climate change risk perception and pro-environmental behavior: the moderating role of environmental values and psychological contract breach
Authors: Latif Badar , Gaskin James , Gunarathne Nuwan , Sroufe Robert , Sharif Arshian , Hanan Abdul
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Debates regarding climate change risk perception (CCRP), particularly its scale and impact on social and environmental sustainability, have continued for decades. CCRP is experiencing a renaissance with an increased focus on environmentally relevant behaviors to mitigate the effects of climate change. However, CCRP lacks investigation from the employee perspective. Supported by the social exchange and value–belief–norm theories, this study aims to address the impact of employees’ CCRP on their proenvironmental behavior (PEB) via the moderating roles of environmental values and psychological contract breach.

Design/methodology/approach

The nonprobability convenience sampling technique was used to collect survey data from a sample of 299 employees across 138 manufacturing firms in Pakistan.

Findings

The results show that employees’ CCRP positively impacts their PEB and that this relationship is moderated by their environmental values and psychological contract breach. Specifically, environmental values strengthen the CCRP–PEB relationship, while psychological contract breach weakens it.

Practical implications

The findings of the study emphasize useful guidance for managers and practitioners as a future avenue to restructure the climate change framework by emphasizing the conditions (i.e. environmental values and psychological contract breach). In doing so, the study is beneficial for managers and practitioners in helping to increase employees’ PEB through the development of climate change action plans.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first investigations into CCRP–employees’ PEB nexus in the developing country context. The study incorporates social exchange and value–belief–norm theory, which serve as the CCRP’s theoretical underpinnings. The findings advance the new knowledge about a firm’s social responsibility to achieve the sustainable development goals outlined in the UN’s 2030 Agenda.
Failure
Authors: Decker Scott H.
Published: August 2023

The Vollmer Award: The award honoring August Vollmer was first made in 1959. It is meant to recognize outstanding contributions to justice as well as scholarship and professional activity. I am honored to be the 2022 awardee because so many of the previous winners are individuals whose careers and work I have great respect for.

Focus of My Remarks: This essay focuses on many failures in criminal justice policy and research. Costly though they may be, failures have the potential to teach us a good deal and we ignore them at our own peril.
Description of a new genus and species of Euptychiina (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) from the Brazilian Amazon rainforest
Authors: Barbosa Eduardo P. , Siewert Ricardo R. , Marín Mario A. , Machado Patrícia A. , Oliveira Isabela F. , Filho José A. C. , Freitas André V. L.
Published: August 2023

A new monotypic genus in the ‘Archeuptychia clade’ Xikrin Barbosa, Freitas, Siewert & Marín gen. nov. (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae: Euptychiina) is described to accommodate a new species, Xikrin ueharapradoi Freitas & Barbosa gen. et sp. nov., in the highly diverse Satyrinae subtribe Euptychiina, based mainly on molecular data. To date, this species is known only from the region of Carajás, in the eastern Amazon rainforest. The phylogenetic relationship and taxonomy of this new taxon are discussed.
Dolichostylus gen. nov., a new Amazonian genus of portanine leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) with two new species
Authors: Prando Jádila Santos , Gonçalves Clayton Corrêa , Dietrich Christopher H. , Takiya Daniela Maeda
Published: August 2023

Dolichostylus gen. nov., a new genus of Portanini, is described, and illustrated, based on two new species: Dolichostylus amazonicus gen. et sp. nov. from Brazil and Ecuador and Dolichostylus zahniseri gen. et sp. nov. from Ecuador. The new genus differs from other portanine genera in having the crown short and rounded, forewing without m‐cu2 vein, connective H‐shaped, style very long and slender, aedeagus with pair of elongate caudoventral processes, female sternite VII longer than wide and first valvula of ovipositor without a distinctly expanded area.
Static anisocoria in cats and dogs with naturally occurring tick paralysis (Ixodes holocyclus)
Authors: Holland CT
Published: August 2023

Objective

To characterise the novel occurrence and neuro‐ophthalmological features of static anisocoria in cats and dogs with tick paralysis (TP) (Ixodes holocyclus) due to a single tick located remote from the head and neck.

Design

Observational case series with retrospective analysis.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed from 69 cats and 169 dogs treated for TP from a suburban veterinary hospital in Newcastle, New South Whales, between September 2005 and October 2021.

Results

Anisocoria was observed in 2/18 (11.1%) cats and 3/30 (10.0%) dogs with a single tick located remote from the head and neck. These proportions were not different when compared within species to 4 of 28 (14.3%) cats and 16 of 98 (16.3%) dogs with aniscocoria with a single tick located on the head and neck region (P = 1 and 0.56 respectively). Anisocoria arose from pupillary efferent dysfunction and included unilateral oculoparasympathetic dysfunction (internal ophthalmoplegia) in one dog, unilateral oculosympathetic dysfunction (Horner's syndrome) in one cat and one dog, and a combination of bilateral, but asymmetric, oculosympathetic and oculoparasympathetic dysfunction in one cat and one dog.

Conclusion

It is proposed that anisocoria in cases of TP with a tick located remote from the head and neck is due to an intrinsic latent asymmetry in the safety factor for pupillary efferent function that is unmasked by a systemically distributed holocyclotoxin inhibiting neural transmission within this system, and this is the prevailing pathomechanism, rather than a direct local effect, underscoring anisocoria with a tick located on the head or neck.
Deep learning prediction model for central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma based on cytology
Authors: Ren Wenhao , Zhu Yanli , Wang Qian , Song Yuntao , Fan Zhihui , Bai Yanhua , Lin Dongmei
Published: August 2023

Controversy exists regarding whether patients with low‐risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) should undergo surgery or active surveillance; the inaccuracy of the preoperative clinical lymph node status assessment is one of the primary factors contributing to the controversy. It is imperative to accurately predict the lymph node status of PTMC before surgery. We selected 208 preoperative fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) liquid‐based preparations of PTMC as our research objects; all of these instances underwent lymph node dissection and, aside from lymph node status, were consistent with low‐risk PTMC. We separated them into two groups according to whether the postoperative pathology showed central lymph node metastases. The deep learning model was expected to predict, based on the preoperative thyroid FNA liquid‐based preparation, whether PTMC was accompanied by central lymph node metastases. Our deep learning model attained a sensitivity, specificity, positive prediction value (PPV), negative prediction value (NPV), and accuracy of 78.9% (15/19), 73.9% (17/23), 71.4% (15/21), 81.0% (17/21), and 76.2% (32/42), respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (value was 0.8503. The predictive performance of the deep learning model was superior to that of the traditional clinical evaluation, and further analysis revealed the cell morphologies that played key roles in model prediction. Our study suggests that the deep learning model based on preoperative thyroid FNA liquid‐based preparation is a reliable strategy for predicting central lymph node metastases in thyroid micropapillary carcinoma, and its performance surpasses that of traditional clinical examination.
Mineralocorticoid replacement therapy in salt‐wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Lang Katharina , Quinkler Marcus , Kienitz Tina
Published: August 2023

Patients with salt‐wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia (SW‐CAH) usually show pronounced impairment of aldosterone secretion and, therefore, also require mineralocorticoid replacement. While a lot of research and discussion focusses on the glucocorticoid therapy in SW‐CAH to replace the missing cortisol and to control adrenal androgen excess, very little research is dealing with mineralocorticoid replacement. However, recent data demonstrated an increased cardiovascular risk in adult CAH patients urging to reflect also on the current mineralocorticoid replacement therapy. In this review, we explain the role and function of the mineralocorticoid receptor, its ligands and inhibitors and its relevance for the therapy of patients with SW‐CAH. We performed an extensive literature search and present data on mineralocorticoid therapy in SW‐CAH patients as well as clinical advice how to monitor and optimise mineralocorticoid replacement therapy.
The locus coeruleus‐dorsal hippocampal CA1 pathway is involved in depression‐induced perioperative neurocognitive disorders in adult mice
Authors: Zhang Kai , Chang Qianqian , Li Feixiang , Li Yun , Ding Ran , Yu Yonghao
Published: August 2023

Background

Patients undergoing surgical anesthesia increasingly suffer from preoperative depression. Clinical studies have shown that depression is a risk factor for perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs) in elder patients. However, the underlying mechanism, especially at the neural circuit level, remains poorly understood.

Methods

Right carotid artery separation under sevoflurane and chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) in adult mice were used to establish surgical anesthesia and chronic depression models. Cognitive function was assessed by the Y maze and novel object recognition tests. A chemogenetic approach was used to modulate the locus coeruleus‐dorsal hippocampal CA1 (LC‐dCA1) circuit. Hippocampal synaptic alterations were evaluated by Golgi staining and whole‐cell patch clamp recording.

Results

We found that CSDS induced synaptic impairments in dorsal hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons and cognitive deficits in adult mice after surgery under sevoflurane. Chemogenetic activation of the LC‐dCA1 pathway significantly alleviated the CSDS‐induced synaptic impairments and cognitive dysfunction. On the contrary, inhibition of this pathway could mimic CSDS‐induced deficits. Furthermore, we showed that dopamine played an important role in CSDS‐induced PNDs in adult mice after surgery/sevoflurane.

Conclusion

Overall, our results have demonstrated a vital role for the LC‐dCA1 pathway in CSDS‐induced PNDs in adult mice undergoing surgery with sevoflurane anesthesia.
All that glitters is not gold—Mixed early labour market outcomes of STEM graduates in Poland
Authors: Zając Tomasz Z. , Żółtak Tomasz , Bożykowski Marek , Jasiński Mikołaj
Published: August 2023

The expansion of higher education resulted in a growing interest in post‐graduation labour market outcomes. Two conflicting narratives are present in the debate. The first focuses on the shortage of skills and the need for further expansion of the sector and seems to pertain mostly to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The second revolves around over‐education and mismatch leading to graduate unemployment or underemployment. Such concerns pertain especially to humanities and social sciences. However, in this article, we argue that the STEM versus non‐STEM opposition on which this debate is premised is not adequate for analysing post‐graduation labour market outcomes. We leverage a unique administrative dataset comprising monthly records on the labour market status of the entire population of recent Polish university graduates (N = 161,323) to demonstrate the heterogeneity of the STEM category in terms of labour market outcomes and the limited predictive value of the field of study for those outcomes. We argue that the category is too broad and internally diverse to be used as an overarching category, especially in research meant to inform policymaking.
Reproductive resilience or sweepstakes recruitment? Assessing drivers of lifetime reproductive success in exploited marine fish
Authors: Tringali Michael D. , Lowerre‐Barbieri Susan K.
Published: August 2023

Understanding the processes that drive reproductive success in marine fish stocks is critical to effective fisheries management. These processes can be difficult to investigate, especially in age‐structured populations, because they occur at transgenerational scales. Reproductive success is often attributed to a small portion of the adult population (<0.01%) and thought to be driven primarily by random external factors, consistent with the concept of sweepstake reproductive success (SRS). A competing concept, the reproductive resilience paradigm, posits that fishes have evolved complex spawner‐recruit systems to achieve lifetime reproductive success and maintain population stability within highly variable environments. Here, we examine these two concepts. First, we analyse the popular sport fish red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus, Sciaenidae), drawing on genetic and reproductive data to estimate a plausible range for the ratio of effective population size () to adult abundance () and to infer variance in lifetime reproductive success (). Then, we synthesize available data and infer for two other fishes that have ratios reportedly >0.10, the southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii, Scombridae) and the silver seabream (Chrysophrys auratus, Sparidae). Although commonly regarded as an SRS species, red drum did not meet the SRS criterion. Overdispersed values were inferred for all three species, with those for red drum and silver seabream being dependent upon population‐closure assumptions. Results are presented within the conceptual framework of reproductive resilience, considering the roles of random extrinsic forces versus evolved traits to achieve lifetime reproductive success and population stability in high and variable mortality environments.
Trends in pathology diagnoses during 10 years of a colorectal cancer screening programme
Authors: Carragher Raymond , Ings Grace R , Baker Gavin , Rosborough Jeni , Johnston Dorothy B , Shah Rajeev , Cameron Iain , O'Neill Ciaran , Kelly Paul J , McVeigh Gerard , Irwin Steve , Khosraviani Kourosh , Dickey William , Owen Tracy A , McKee Christine F , Coleman Helen G , Loughrey Maurice B
Published: August 2023

Aims

We report pathology findings from the first 10 years of the faecal–occult blood‐based Northern Ireland Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, presenting summary data and trends in pathology diagnoses and clinicopathological features of screen‐detected cancers.

Methods and results

Data were analysed from a comprehensive polyp‐level pathology database representing all endoscopy specimens from programme inception in 2010 until 2021. A total of 9800 individuals underwent 13 472 endoscopy procedures, yielding 25 967 pathology specimens and 32 119 diagnoses. Index specimen diagnoses (4.1%) and index colonoscopies (10.4%) yielded a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, representing 1045 cancers from 1020 individuals (25 with synchronous cancers). A further 13 index cancers were identified via computed tomography colonography; 65.3% of cancer diagnoses were in males; 41.7% were stage I, 23.1% stage II, 25.8% stage III and 1.8% stage IV (7.6% unstaged). Of 233 pT1 cancers diagnosed within local excision specimens, 79 (33.9%) had completion surgery. Ten‐year trends showed a steady decline in the proportion of index colonoscopies that yielded a diagnosis of cancer (14.7% in year 1; 4.8% in year 11) or advanced colorectal polyp. There was a strong upward trend in diagnoses of sessile serrated lesions, which overtook hyperplastic polyps in proportions of total index diagnoses by the end of the study time‐frame (8.7% compared to 8.5%).

Conclusions

Over the first 10 years of a population colorectal cancer screening programme, ‘real world’ pathology data demonstrate success in the form of reduced diagnoses of cancer and advanced colorectal polyp with passage of successive screening rounds. Interesting trends with respect to serrated polyp diagnoses are also evident, probably related to pathologist and endoscopist behaviour.
Enhanced lupus progression in alcohol‐administered Fc gamma receptor‐IIb–deficiency lupus mice, partly through leaky gut‐induced inflammation
Authors: Chancharoenthana Wiwat , Kamolratanakul Supitcha , Yiengwattananon Phatcharapon , Phuengmaung Pornpimol , Udompornpitak Kanyarat , Saisorn Wilasinee , Hiengrach Pratsanee , Visitchanakun Peerapat , Schultz Marcus J , Leelahavanichkul Asada
Published: August 2023

Alcohol can induce a leaky gut, with translocation of microbial molecules from the gut into the blood circulation. Although the contribution of inflammation to organ‐mediated damage in lupus has been previously demonstrated, the mechanistic roles of alcohol consumption in lupus activation are not known. Herein, we tested the effects of 10‐week lasting alcohol administration on organ damages and immune responses in 8‐week‐old lupus‐prone Fc gamma receptor IIb–deficient (FcγRIIb−/−) mice. Our study endpoints were evaluation of systemic inflammation and assessment of fecal dysbiosis along with endotoxemia. In comparison with alcohol‐administered wild‐type mice, FcγRIIb−/− mice demonstrated more prominent liver damage (enzyme, histological score, apoptosis, malondialdehyde oxidant) and serum interleukin(IL)‐6 levels, despite a similarity in leaky gut (fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran assay, endotoxemia and gut occludin‐1 immunofluorescence), fecal dysbiosis (microbiome analysis) and endotoxemia. All alcohol‐administered FcγRIIb−/− mice developed lupus‐like characteristics (serum anti‐dsDNA, proteinuria, serum creatinine and kidney injury score) with spleen apoptosis, whereas control FcγRIIb−/− mice showed only a subtle anti‐dsDNA. Both alcohol and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) similarly impaired enterocyte integrity (transepithelial electrical resistance), and only LPS, but not alcohol, upregulated the IL‐8 gene in Caco‐2 cells. In macrophages, alcohol mildly activated supernatant cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α and IL‐6), but not M1 polarization–associated genes (IL‐1β and iNOS), whereas LPS prominently induced both parameters (more prominent in FcγRIIb−/− macrophages than wild type). There was no synergy in LPS plus alcohol compared with LPS alone in both enterocytes and macrophages. In conclusion, alcohol might exacerbate lupus‐like activity partly through a profound inflammation from the leaky gut in FcγRIIb−/− mice.
Topical metformin accelerates wound healing by promoting collagen synthesis and inhibiting apoptosis in a diabetic wound model
Authors: Tombulturk Fatma Kubra , Soydas Tugba , Kanigur‐Sultuybek Gönül
Published: August 2023

The wound healing process, which is a pathophysiological process that includes various phases, is interrupted in diabetes due to hyperglycemia, and since deterioration occurs in these phases, a normal healing process is not observed. The aim of the current study is to investigate the proliferative and antiapoptotic effects of metformin on wound healing after topical application on diabetic and non‐diabetic wounds. For this purpose, we applied metformin topically on the full‐thickness excisional wound model we created in diabetic and nondiabetic groups. We investigated the effects of metformin on the apoptotic index by the Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP Nick‐End Labeling method and on collagen‐I, collagen‐III, p53, and c‐jun expression levels by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction technique in wound biopsy tissues. Our results showed that c‐jun and p53 mRNA levels and apoptotic index increased with the effect of diabetes, while collagen synthesis was disrupted. As a result of the study, we showed that metformin increases cellular proliferation and has anti‐apoptotic effects by increasing collagen‐I/III expression and decreasing p53/c‐jun level, especially in diabetic wounds and also in normal wounds. In conclusion, the topical effect of metformin on diabetic wounds reversed the adverse effects caused by diabetes, increasing the wound healing rate and improving the wound repair process.
Empowering supply chains with Industry 4.0 technologies to face megatrends
Authors: Pessot Elena , Zangiacomi Andrea , Marchiori Irene , Fornasiero Rosanna
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates how current megatrends (i.e., aging population, growing urbanization, shifts in consumer demands, geopolitical shifts, depletion of natural resources, climate change) are changing the supply chain landscape and the role of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies to support alignment with these changes. Building on contingency theory, the study employs focus‐group interviews with various experts to generate new insights into fitting supply chain capabilities and enabling technologies. Data collected in the focus groups helped us to identify five supply chain capabilities as prevalent and mostly fitting the external contingencies, i.e., customer‐driven, urban‐centered, resource‐efficient, fast reactive, and human‐centered supply chain. Moreover, this study highlights and compares the potential of I4.0 technologies and their applications in supporting specific supply chain capabilities. The findings of this study can inform supply chain managers in the definition of capabilities to be enhanced at the supply chain level and contribute toward understanding the extent of I4.0 technologies in empowering supply chains to face turbulent and changing conditions.
On a new colorful species of Moenkhausia (Characiformes: Characidae) from the upper rio Madeira basin at the Chapada dos Parecis, Brazil, with comments on its conservation and putative biogeographic history
Authors: Marinho Manoela Maria Ferreira , Dagosta Fernando César Paiva
Published: August 2023

A new species, Moenkhausia iris, is described from the upper rio Madeira basin, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The new species is unique among congeners by its color in life, which is the dorsal half of body blue or green and ventral half red, more intense above the anal fin. Additionally, it can be distinguished by having a single, vertically elongated humeral spot, a lateral surface of body, caudal peduncle, and anal fin without distinct blotches or oblique marks and 18–19 branched anal‐fin rays. The new species is endemic from a small tributary of the Rio Guaporé, rio Madeira drainage at Chapada dos Parecis. Its putatively close relatives are endemic to the upper rio Juruena located at the same shield. Both headwaters are very close to each other, sharing other restricted range species, and their hydrogeological topography indicates the upper rio Juruena stretch was captured by the rio Guaporé through a headwater capture event. Moenkhausia iris is much appreciated in the international aquarium trade, as well as many other tetras endemic from the same area. Exportation is based on the capture of wild individuals so sustainable exploitation is necessary for its conservation.
ERS: A simple scoring system to predict early recurrence after surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Costentin Charlotte , Audureau Etienne , Park Young Nyun , Langella Serena , Vibert Eric , Laurent Alexis , Cauchy François , Scatton Olivier , Chirica Mircea , Rhaiem Rami , Boleslawski Emmanuel , di Tommaso Luca , Ferrero Alessandro , Yano Hirohisa , Akiba Jun , Donadon Matteo , Nebbia Martina , Detry Olivier , Honoré Pierre , Di Martino Marcello , Schwarz Lilian , Barbier Louise , Nault Jean‐Charles , Rhee Hyungjin , Lim Chetana , Brustia Raffaele , Paradis Valérie , Guettier Catherine , Le Bail Brigitte , Okumura Shinya , Blanc Jean‐Frédéric , Calderaro Julien
Published: August 2023

Background

Surgical resection (SR) is a potentially curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) hampered by high rates of recurrence. New drugs are tested in the adjuvant setting, but standardised risk stratification tools of HCC recurrence are lacking.

Objectives

To develop and validate a simple scoring system to predict 2‐year recurrence after SR for HCC.

Methods

2359 treatment‐naïve patients who underwent SR for HCC in 17 centres in Europe and Asia between 2004 and 2017 were divided into a development (DS; n = 1558) and validation set (VS; n = 801) by random sampling of participating centres. The Early Recurrence Score (ERS) was generated using variables associated with 2‐year recurrence in the DS and validated in the VS.

Results

Variables associated with 2‐year recurrence in the DS were (with associated points) alpha‐fetoprotein (<10 ng/mL:0; 10–100: 2; >100: 3), size of largest nodule (≥40 mm: 1), multifocality (yes: 2), satellite nodules (yes: 2), vascular invasion (yes: 1) and surgical margin (positive R1: 2). The sum of points provided a score ranging from 0 to 11, allowing stratification into four levels of 2‐year recurrence risk (Wolbers' C‐indices 66.8% DS and 68.4% VS), with excellent calibration according to risk categories. Wolber's and Harrell's C‐indices apparent values were systematically higher for ERS when compared to Early Recurrence After Surgery for Liver tumour post‐operative model to predict time to early recurrence or recurrence‐free survival.

Conclusions

ERS is a user‐friendly staging system identifying four levels of early recurrence risk after SR and a robust tool to design personalised surveillance strategies and adjuvant therapy trials.
A Torn Country: Erdoğan's Turkey And the Elections of 2023
Authors: Yavuz M. Hakan
Published: August 2023

This article examines the victory of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey's 2023 presidential election, the role of fear‐oriented populist nationalism in Turkish politics, and the implications of the results for society. It argues that Turkey faces a deep moral and social crisis rather than a mere political problem. The article explores the sociocultural origins of polarization, as competing communities with few shared values contribute to divisions. It also analyzes the formation and ideologies of the People's Alliance and the Nation Alliance, the two major blocs involved in the 2023 elections, providing insights into their visions for Turkey. Last, the article scrutinizes the cult of the strongman, the widespread use of nationalism and religion, the utilization of state resources by Erdoğan's administration, and the influence of media—largely controlled by Erdoğan—on public opinion. This includes investigating the impact of alternative truths and narratives on the electoral process. The analysis highlights the deep‐rooted moral bankruptcy Turkey faces in the third decade of Erdoğan's rule.
A time tree for the evolution of insect, vertebrate, wind, and water pollination in the angiosperms
Authors: Renner Susanne S.
Published: August 2023

This article is a Commentary on Stephens et al. (2023), 240: 880–891.
Is the Housing Market an Inequality Generator?
Authors: Eggum Terje , Røed Larsen Erling
Published: August 2023

We study inequality generated by capital gains in the housing market by exploiting two countrywide data sources in Norway: a registry of housing units and a database of transactions. We identify and follow all individuals in six birth cohorts in Norway, who were owners on January 1, 2007, and on January 1, 2019, and estimate the sum of their actual and potential capital gains from their owned and sold properties. We demonstrate that there is a substantial increase in capital gains inequality over the period, both across and within geographical strata and across and within birth cohorts. We find a statistically significant and economically meaningful difference between the distributions of capital gains of female and male owners in Oslo.
Media Covid misinformation due to confounding
Authors: Brenneman Matthew T. , Pierce Rebecca L.
Published: August 2023

We discuss a case study on how misinformation regarding Covid‐19 health outcomes can arise due to confounding. Data from the UK on mortality rates suggest that people who have some level of vaccination and contract the Delta variant of Covid are twice as likely to die than those who are unvaccinated. Age, however, a confounding variable, when accounted for, produces a more complicated picture. The mortality rates for the vaccinated are statistically lower than the unvaccinated for the older but not younger age group. We present several approaches for teaching confounding to help students better understand this underemphasized concept's cause, effects, and origins.
Publication rate and evidence‐based evaluation of abstracts presented at the annual European College of Veterinary Surgeons scientific meeting
Authors: Yi Joanne , Kettleman William S.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To determine the publication rate of abstracts presented at 10 European College of Veterinary Surgeons conferences from 2006 to 2015, report the key publication milestones, and determine variables associated with full manuscript publication.

Study design

Literature review.

Sample population

One thousand thirty‐eight abstracts.

Methods

All conference abstracts (n = 1038) from the 2006 to 2015 annual ECVS scientific meetings were reviewed, and final publication was determined through a comprehensive bibliographic search. Categories for the level of evidence (LoE), subject, discipline, and institution affiliation were assigned for each abstract. Dates of manuscript submission, acceptance, and publication were recorded.

Results

The overall publication rate for ECVS abstracts from 2006 to 2015 was 32%. Abstracts with levels 4 (60%) and 5 (23%) evidence were presented the most at ECVS conferences and had the highest publication rates at 38% and 36%, respectively. Key publication milestones showed that most abstracts (83%) received publication within the first 36 months with most LoE 2 abstracts (91%) being published within 24 months of presentation. Most published abstracts were affiliated with academic institutions (85%), on dog (29%) and horse (27%) subjects, focused on orthopedic (35%) and soft tissue disciplines (27%), and published in Veterinary Surgery (32%).

Conclusion

The ECVS abstract publication rate was lower, and timeline was longer to publish than other veterinary surgical conferences. Publication occurred most frequently in academic institutions, in select journals, and was limited to orthopedic, soft‐tissue, dog, and horse studies.

Clinical significance

Results from this study may help improve the publication fate of abstracts in veterinary surgery. Additionally, caution is warranted when using information from abstracts that have yet to be published to help guide clinical decisions.