bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microsaccade direction reveals the variation in auditory selective attention processes
Authors: Yamagishi Shimpei , Furukawa Shigeto
Published: August 2024

Selective spatial attention plays a critical role in perception in the daily environment where multiple sensory stimuli exist. Even covertly directing attention to a specific location facilitates the brain’s information processing of stimuli at the attended location. Previous behavioral and neurophysiological studies have shown that microsaccades, tiny involuntary saccadic eye movements, reflect such a process in terms of visual space and can be a marker of spatial attention. However, it is unclear whether auditory spatial attention processes that are supposed to interact with visual attention processes influence microsaccades and vice versa. Here, we examine the relationship between microsaccade direction and auditory spatial attention during dichotic oddball sound detection tasks. The results showed that the microsaccade direction was generally biased contralateral to the ear to which the oddball sound was presented or that to which sustained auditory attention was directed. The post-oddball modulation of microsaccade direction was associated with the behavioral performance of the detection task. The results suggest that the inhibition of stimulus-directed microsaccade occurs to reduce erroneous orientation of ocular responses during selective detection tasks. We also found that the correlation between microsaccade direction and neural response to the tone originated from the auditory brainstem (frequency-following response: FFR). Overall, the present study suggests that microsaccades can be a marker of auditory spatial attention and that the auditory neural activity fluctuates over time with the states of attention and the oculomotor system, also involving the auditory subcortical processes.

Significant statement

Microsaccades, tiny involuntary saccadic eye movements, reflect covert visual attention and influence neural activity in the visual pathway depending on the attention states. However, we lack convincing evidence of whether and how microsaccades reflect auditory spatial attention and/or neural activity along the auditory pathway. Intriguingly, we showed that the microsaccade direction exhibited systematic stimulus-related change and correlated with auditory brainstem frequency-following response (FFR) during the dichotic selective attention task. These results suggest that microsaccades are associated with general spatial attention processes, not restricted to the visual domain, and can be a good tool for accessing fluctuating neural activity that may covary with the attention states.
Selective deletion ofTsc1from mouse cerebellar Purkinje neurons drives sex-specific behavioral impairments linked to autism
Authors: Lawson Ryan J. , Lipovsek Nicholas J. , Brown Samuel P. , Jena Achintya K. , Osko Joanna J. , Ransdell Joseph L.
Published: August 2024

There is a striking sex bias in the prevalence and severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with 80% of diagnoses occurring in males. Because the molecular etiology of ASD is likely combinatorial, including interactions across multiple genetic and environmental factors, it is difficult to investigate the physiological mechanisms driving sex-specific differences. Loss of function mutations inTSC1result in dysregulated mTORC1 signaling and underlie a multi-system disorder known as tuberous sclerosis (TSC). Interestingly, more than 50% of individuals diagnosed with TSC are also diagnosed with ASD, making TSC mutations one of the most prevalent monogenic causes of ASD. Mice harboring targeted deletion ofTsc1selectively in cerebellar Purkinje neurons, referred to here asTsc1mut/mut, have multiple ASD-linked behavioral impairments, including deficits in social interactions, motor coordination, and vocalizations. However, these ASD-linked behavioral deficits have only been investigated using maleTsc1mut/mutanimals. Here, we used cohorts of male and femaleTsc1mut/mutanimals to determine if behavioral impairments, previously identified in this model, are similar across sex. Specifically, we measured balance and motor coordination and social interaction behaviors in two age groups across sex. Wedetermined balance and motor coordination deficits are similar in male and femaleTsc1mut/mutmice, and that deficits in the firing ofTsc1mut/mutPurkinje neurons located in the cerebellar vermis are also similar across sex. However, impairments in social approach behavior were found to be significantly more severe inTsc1mut/mutmales compared to females. These results indicate the selective deletion ofTsc1in Purkinje neurons differentially impairs cerebellar circuits based on sex.
ER-phagy drives age-onset remodeling of endoplasmic reticulum structure-function and lifespan
Authors: Donahue EKF , Hepowit NL , Keuchel B , Mulligan AG , Johnson DJ , Ellisman M , Arrojo e Drigo R , MacGurn J , Burkewitz K
Published: August 2024

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) comprises an array of structurally distinct subdomains, each with characteristic functions. While altered ER-associated processes are linked to age-onset pathogenesis, whether shifts in ER morphology underlie these functional changes is unclear. We report that ER remodeling is a conserved feature of the aging process in models ranging from yeast toC. elegansand mammals. Focusing onC. elegansas an exemplar of metazoan aging, we find that as animals age, ER mass declines in virtually all tissues and ER morphology shifts from rough sheets to tubular ER. The accompanying large-scale shifts in proteomic composition correspond to the ER turning from protein synthesis to lipid metabolism. To drive this substantial remodeling, ER-phagy is activated early in adulthood, promoting turnover of rough ER in response to rises in luminal protein-folding burden and reduced global protein synthesis. Surprisingly, ER remodeling is a pro-active and protective response during aging, as ER-phagy impairment limits lifespan in yeast and diverse lifespan-extending paradigms promote profound remodeling of ER morphology even in young animals. Altogether our results reveal ER-phagy and ER morphological dynamics as pronounced, underappreciated mechanisms of both normal aging and enhanced longevity.
Cr-Cr distance and magnetism in the phase diagram of triangular lattice antiferromagnets: A systematic comparative study
Authors: Nocerino E. , Sugiyama J. , Forslund O. K. , Umegaki I. , Kobayashi S. , Yoshimura K. , Sassa Y. , Månsson M.
Published: August 2024

In this study, we investigate the influence of Cr-Cr distances on the magnetic properties of triangular lattice antiferromagnets through the lens of the recently synthesized Cr compounds LiCrSe2, LiCrTe2, and NaCrTe2. Our comprehensive analysis integrates existing magnetic structure data and new insights from muon spin rotation measurements, revealing a striking mutual influence between strongly correlated electrons and structural degrees of freedom in systems possessing very different magnetic properties despite having the same crystal symmetry. In particular, we delineate how Cr-Cr distances specifically dictate the magnetic behaviors of the triangular lattice antiferromagnets LiCrSe2, LiCrTe2, and NaCrTe2. By crafting phase diagrams based on these distances, we establish a clear correlation between the structural parameters and the magnetic ground states of these materials together with a wide variety of trivalent Cr triangular lattice layered magnets. Our analysis uncovers a transition range for in-plane and out-of-plane Cr-Cr distances that demarcates distinct magnetic behaviors, highlighting the nuanced role of lattice geometry in the spin-lattice interaction and electron correlation dynamics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Diffusion-facilitated transport of self-driven particles in polycrystalline structures
Authors: Ezaki Takahiro , Nishinari Katsuhiro , Ando Yasunobu
Published: August 2024

We study particle transport in a polycrystalline system with mesoscale regular structures, which was inspired by ionic transport in solids. We found a novel type of congestion dynamics in which the density of particles spontaneously became strongly inhomogeneous with increasing driving force field and inverse temperature, leaving strongly localized pathways that allowed for substantial particle current. Consequently, particle current was maximized at a certain driving force strength and inverse temperature, which effectively avoided overcrowding of particles via a moderate level of diffusion. Our findings not only extend the theory of collective transport of self-propelled particles but also provide a baseline for understanding the transport properties of real polycrystalline systems, including superionic materials.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Stabilizing Large-Scale Electric Power Grids with Adaptive Inertia
Authors: Fritzsch Julian , Jacquod Philippe
Published: August 2024

The stability of ac power grids relies on ancillary services that mitigate frequency fluctuations. The electromechanical inertia of large synchronous generators is currently the only resource to absorb frequency disturbances on subsecond time scales. Replacing standard thermal power plants with inertialess new renewable sources of energy (NREs) therefore jeopardizes grid stability against, e.g., sudden power-generation losses. To guarantee system stability and compensate the lack of electromechanical inertia in grids with large penetrations of NREs, virtual synchronous generators, which emulate conventional generators, have been proposed. Here, we propose a novel control scheme for virtual synchronous generators, where the provided inertia is large at short times—thereby absorbing faults as efficiently as conventional generators—but decreases over a tunable time scale to prevent coherent frequency oscillations from setting in. We evaluate the performance of this adaptive-inertia scheme under sudden power losses in large-scale transmission grids. We find that it systematically outperforms conventional electromechanical inertia and that it is more stable than previously suggested schemes. Numerical simulations show how a quasioptimal geographical distribution of adaptive-inertia devices not only absorbs local faults efficiently but also significantly increases the damping of interarea oscillations. Our results show that the proposed adaptive-inertia control scheme is an excellent solution to strengthen grid stability in future low-inertia power grids with large penetrations of NREs.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Islam in business ethics research: a bibliometric analysis and future research agenda
Authors: Sofyan Andi Syathir , Rusanti Ega , Nurmiati Nurmiati , Sofyan Syaakir , Kurniawan Robert , Caraka Rezzy Eko
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine research performance in Islamic business ethics and explore future research directions from leading articles and scholars.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used bibliometric and content analysis to analyze 250 articles from reputable Scopus and Web of Sciences journals.

Findings

To date, the normative style still dominates Islamic business ethics research. Asian countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia are the center of discussion on Islamic business ethics. This study also suggests that researchers and academics study aspects of the economy that Islamic values have not touched, such as the theme of art, artificial intelligence for labor relations, workers' rights and language.

Research limitations/implications

This research aims to contribute knowledge to Muslims as a reference guide for ethical business behavior. Non-Muslim managers can use this paper as a guide in forming a global company that is pluralistic and respectful of religious communities.

Originality/value

This research makes a scholarly contribution by providing a comprehensive exploration and detailed future research directions in each subtheme of Islamic business ethics.
Perception about sustainable development goals among Erasmus students in a Spanish university
Authors: Picatoste Xose , Tirca Diana Mihaela , Novo-Corti Isabel
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the positioning of young people in the face of the challenges posed by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It focuses on the case of Erasmus+ students at a Spanish university and tries to evaluate the importance of each of the SDGs for them.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on primary data obtained through a survey of more than 300 young people, factor analysis was applied to evaluate the importance assigned to each SDG and quantify the degree of concern assigned to each of them.

Findings

Results show a high degree of concern for all the SDGs among Erasmus students, although they have done so with different levels of intensity. College students especially value education. Women are more concerned about socioeconomic problems. Furthermore, surprising results have been found in terms of gender equality, which indicates the need to deepen this analysis.

Originality/value

This work contributes to the academic literature, still limited but growing, on how Erasmus students perceive the SDGs and to what level they feel committed to these objectives. Furthermore, it can be helpful for public policy managers regarding a specific group of young university students and a hot topic such as sustainability.
Development and validation of a college organisational sustainability scale
Authors: Zhang Ge , Chen Pengfei , Xu Si
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Given that the current sustainability assessment in higher education institutions primarily relies on qualitative methods with relatively limited quantitative tools, the purpose of this study is to design a tool that could be used to comprehensively assess the overall state of higher education institutions’ sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors based the “Model to Assess the Sustainability of Higher Education Institutions” on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework of economic, environmental and social factors, and established its primary dimensions as educational level, research capacity, community outreach, campus operations, campus experience and assessment reports. They designed the College Organisational Sustainability Scale (CO-SS) based on this research model, drawing their inspiration from the qualitative research tool, the Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire, and taking the following validation steps: expert review (n = 10), pilot testing (n = 150) and formal experiments (n = 1108). These steps were taken to optimise the scale items, test the model’s validity and assess its reliability.

Findings

After undergoing rigorous scientific validation, CO-SS was unequivocally confirmed as an effective and reliable tool, demonstrating its accurate reflection of the level of sustainability in higher education institutions.

Originality/value

The authors took an industry-specific approach by relying on the TBL and the Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire to construct and validate the CO-SS. Furthermore, the CO-SS has the potential to evolve into a self-assessment tool for higher education institutions, and a reliable foundation for data-driven decision-making in the realm of organisational sustainability at universities.
Artificial intelligence drivers' effect on willingness to adopt the human capital supply chain in manufacturing firms: an empirical investigation from developing countries – a mediation model
Authors: AL-Shboul Moh’d Anwer
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study tries to examine the effect of artificial intelligence (AI) drivers on the willingness to adopt the human capital supply chain (HCSC) in manufacturing firms (MFs) in developing countries (DCs) including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, which are listed in the Chambers of Industry of these countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative methodology with a simple random sampling method was adopted using a questionnaire survey-based approach to collect data from 233 out of 1,055 participants (human resource (HR) managers and information technology (IT) senior managers) from various MFs (private and commercial), representing a 22% response rate. Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) was used to analyze the raw data using Amos V.25.

Findings

The results of this study showed that there are positive and statistically significant direct association effects between the reliability of use (RoU), competitive pressures (CPs) and user confidence (UC) factors on the willingness to adopt AI in HCSC in the MFs in DCs. At the same time, there is no significant effect on a firm’s infrastructure readiness (FIRs), in addition to the indirect effect of UC in the relationship between CPs and FIRs on the willingness to adopt AI in HCSC.

Originality/value

Such findings of this study can provide insightful implications for stakeholders and policymakers regarding the importance of using predictive AI drivers' effect on willingness to adopt the HCSC in the MFs in DCs as emerging economies. Additionally, the managers might focus on the existence of a significant positive indirect effect of UC as a mediating factor in the relationship between FIRs and willingness to adopt AI and its applications in HCSC systems and departments.
Price transparency in international retailing on digital platforms
Authors: Kim Kacy , Ryoo Yuhosua , Zdravkovic Srdan , Yoon Sukki
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In the digital era, price transparency—the practice of disclosing cost breakdowns in product manufacturing—has become present on digital platforms. Although its benefits are well-documented and consumers should theoretically desire costless and relevant information for informed decision-making, this paper proposes that consumers may resist overly transparent pricing, particularly when it pertains to premium-priced (vs regular-priced) products from countries with high equity.

Design/methodology/approach

Our research comprises three experimental studies utilizing both student and representative online Prolific samples, covering various products and countries with different equity levels. Initially, a pilot study identifies an interpersonal should-want conflict induced by price transparency when purchasing premium-priced products, leading to information avoidance. Subsequent studies further explore this phenomenon by examining the moderating role of country equity and the mediating role of price unfairness perceptions.

Findings

Price transparency can backfire when purchasing premium-priced products due to the want-should conflict among consumers—the desire to receive disclosure of cost breakdowns versus the inclination not to view it. This conflict results in increased resistance to receiving transparent price information and decreased brand attitudes and purchase intentions, especially for products originating from high-equity countries. Heightened perceptions of price unfairness explain these dynamics.

Research limitations/implications

The study primarily relies on experimental designs with limited sample sizes. To enhance the generalizability of the findings, incorporating large-scale real market data across diverse domains and countries would be beneficial.

Originality/value

Grounded in the should-want conflict and information avoidance theories, this paper uniquely explores the adverse effects of price transparency on digital platforms. We extend this by demonstrating that this conflict is influenced by country equity, where the perceived value added by the association of a product with a given country name affects whether consumers experience the conflict. Our investigation of perceived price unfairness further deepens our understanding of the nuanced effects of price transparency.
Governance disclosure quality and firm performance: empirical evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Ronoowah Rishi Kapoor , Seetanah Boopen
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study examines the types, quality, and financial effects of explanations for non-compliance (NCEs) with corporate governance codes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used content analysis to examine various types of NCEs and developed an NCE index (NCEI) to assess their quality and degree of informativeness. Static and dynamic multivariate panel data regression models were used to analyze the relationship between NCEI and firm performance (FP) of 38 non-financial listed Mauritian firms from 2009 to 2019.

Findings

Listed Mauritian firms do not provide explanations for all non-compliance, and the most common type of NCE is momentary deviation. The NCEI is 0.243, which implies that the overall quality of the NCEs is poor or uninformative. The NCEI varies according to the listing status and industry type. NCEI has a negative and insignificant relationship with both ROA and Tobin’s Q. The results are inconsistent with the agency, stakeholder, stewardship, and resource dependency theories. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the findings were robust.

Practical implications

Multiple theoretical frameworks offer a deeper understanding of corporate governance practices than a single theory does. A decline in the NCEI in 2019 indicates that the move from the “comply or explain” to the “apply or explain” principle does not necessarily result in enhancements in the degree of informativeness. Regulators should develop guidelines on how to disclose NCEs better. Investors appear to be more concerned about “comply/apply or perform” than the “comply/apply or explain” approach.

Originality/value

This study adds to the extant literature by providing new evidence on the types and quality of NCEs as well as their relationship with FP in emerging economies, where such studies are rare.
Product market competition and audit fees: new evidence
Authors: Chung Hanyong , Kim Jae B.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relation between product market competition and audit fees by using firm-level product market competition measures and mitigating the endogeneity issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses 12,136 US firms from 2004 and 2019. To ensure the robustness of the main findings, this study uses three firm-level product market competition measures and import trade tariff rate reductions of the USA as a quasi-natural experiment. This study also performs three cross-sectional tests and validation tests.

Findings

This study demonstrates that there is a negative relation between product market competition and audit fees and establishes a causal relation. Moreover, it reveals that the findings become more pronounced when auditors possess industry-specific expertise, when client firms are younger, and when operating within more homogeneous industries. Additionally, a validation analysis supports the findings.

Practical implications

This study offers significant insights for regulators by highlighting how product market competition plays a constructive role in overseeing firm management.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the existing literature by showing that there is a negative association between product market competition and audit fees after controlling external monitoring mechanisms. The authors also find the causal relation. These findings indicate that competitive pressures originating from product markets exert a significant influence on disciplining a client firm’s management.
Compliance towards health safety practices by students at the dyeing studio in Ghana
Authors: Seidu Raphael Kanyire , Fobiri George Kwame , Tekper Edwina , Ofori Emmanuel Abankwah , Eghan Benjamin , Afriyie Alex Osei , Acquaye Richard , Asinyo Benjamin Kwablah , Howard Ebenezer Kofi
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Safety-related issues are prominent in dyeing workplaces and studios that result in accidents. The purpose of this study is to investigate the compliance towards health safety practices by students at the dyeing studios in selected universities in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured online questionnaire was developed and used to collect 285 responses from students studying at the textile and fashion department of ten universities in Ghana. The study used the partial least square (PLS) algorithm of the structural equational modelling (SEM) by bootstrapping with 5,000 samples in the SmartPLS-SEM version 4.0.

Findings

Students exhibited good attitudes with significant knowledge regarding health safety hazards at the dyeing studio. Results revealed that students’ attitudes significantly and positively affect their knowledge of health safety hazards; hence, as attitude increases, their knowledge of health safety hazards also increases. However, institutional support significantly and negatively affects the knowledge of health safety hazards by students at the dyeing studio. Subsequently, institutional support significantly and positively affects students’ attitudes towards health safety hazards at the dyeing studio; hence, as institutional support increases, their attitude towards health safety hazards also increases. In the moderation analysis, results showed that students’ attitude dampens the negative relationship between institutional support and student’s knowledge.

Practical implications

Work-related safety at the dyeing studios is very important to help drive for an injurious free hands-on practice with dyeing activities. Hence, the findings of this study call on institutions to provide appropriate personal protective equipments and first aid kits, effective training and supervision for workspace safety at the dyeing studios for students. This would go a long way to maintain good health safety practices during students’ dyeing activities at the studio, hence eliminating possible hazards.

Originality/value

The present study provides an in-depth understanding of how key variables such as institutional support influence the knowledge and attitude of students towards studio dyeing practices. Key findings from the study reiterated the importance of training workshops, state-of-the-art studios and adherence to safety by students to prevent injuries.
Root traits and soil legacies drive species competition outcomes
Authors: Dabu Xilatu , Ji Hui , Yang Liang , Bezemer T. Martijn , Jing Jingying
Published: August 2024

Plant competition can be affected by plant functional traits but also by differences in fitness mediated by soil microbes. Climatic conditions such as drought further influence plant competition. Yet little is known about how soil microbes and drought interact with plant species that have distinct root traits and how this influences plant competition outcomes.

We grew three plant species that co‐occur in temperate grasslands in China (Stipa krylovii, Artemisia frigida, Agropyron cristatum) in monocultures and mixtures and subjected the plant combinations to five soil inocula (root‐associated soil of S. krylovii, A. frigida, A. cristatum, an equal mixture of the three root zone soils and sterilized soil) as well as to a drought treatment. The relative change in plant biomass was used to determine plant competition outcomes.

The three species exhibited clear differences in competitive abilities with A. cristatum > S. krylovii > A. frigida, and soil inocula or the drought treatment did not change the order. The relative yield (RY) of plants was affected by soil inocula, drought and plant arrangement. The strongest competitor, A. cristatum, with high total root length, root surface area and root volume experienced more negative biotic feedback, and drought enhanced the magnitude of these negative effects. On the contrary, the most inferior competitor, A. frigida, with high specific root length tended to have neutral or positive biotic feedback, and drought had no effect. Furthermore, the RY and fitness difference (reflected as the competitive ability in the mixture) of the three species were differentially influenced by root traits and plant–soil feedback. RY of A. cristatum could be predicted by the feedback effect in the mixture, and the fitness difference was mainly related to root traits. Both RY and fitness differences of A. frigida (the weakest competitor) could be predicted by root trait differences and feedback effects. Differences in root traits were the best predictors of the intermediate competitor S. krylovii.

Our study shows that competition outcomes of co‐existing species depend on root traits and species‐specific PSF effects in mixture. Future work should examine the mechanisms that explain how plant competition and soil microbial heterogeneity act in conjunction with climate change in influencing plant coexistence.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Jung, the Rebirth Motif and Psychedelics I: Documenting Jung’s Contact with the British Pioneers
Authors: Hill Ginny
Published: August 2024

C. G. Jung wrote very little about psychedelic drugs and he took a sceptical view of them. However, he was sufficiently impressed by Aldous Huxley’s 1954 account of taking mescaline, The Doors of Perception, to invite Huxley to visit him in Switzerland. Huxley declined Jung’s invitation but Huxley’s collaborator Humphry Osmond met Jung instead. This paper documents Jung’s contact with the British pioneers of psychedelics research and presents the scant material illuminating his views about these drugs. It also determines the efforts of British psychiatrist Ronald Sandison, who was the first to develop an “explicitly Jungian approach” to psychedelic‐assisted psychotherapy (Hill, 2013), and it highlights a connection between Sandison’s initiative and the Society of Analytical Psychology (SAP) through the involvement of two SAP members: Margot Cutner, Sandison’s colleague, and Michael Fordham, who supervised a trainee working with one of Sandison’s former patients. Despite Jung’s objections to the use of psychedelics, Sandison and Cutner developed ground‐breaking protocols during the 1950s and they were among the first to document the phenomenon of “spiritual rebirth symbolized in the birth experience known to many LSD therapists” (Sandison, 2001). In two companion papers, I consider Jung’s treatment of the rebirth motif in his commentary on The Tibetan Book of the Dead, which later became a central text in the psychedelic movement, and I chart the evolution in psychedelics research from an association with schizophrenia during the 1950s to the mystical paradigms of the 1960s and beyond.
The intergenerational association of preterm birth: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Seid Abdulbasit , Cumpston Miranda S. , Ahmed Kedir Y. , Bizuayehu Habtamu Mellie , Thapa Subash , Tegegne Teketo Kassaw , Dadi Abel F. , Odo Daniel Bogale , Shifti Desalegn Markos , Belachew Sewunet Admasu , Kibret Getiye Dejenu , Ketema Daniel Bekele , Kassa Zemenu Yohannes , Amsalu Erkihun , Bore Meless G. , Hassen Tahir Ahmed
Published: August 2024

Background

Around half of preterm births lack identifiable causes, indicating the need for further investigation to understand preterm birth risk factors. Existing studies on the intergenerational association of preterm birth showed inconsistency in effect size and direction.

Objective

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to review existing studies and provide comprehensive evidence on the intergenerational association of preterm births.

Search Strategy

We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Maternity and Infant Care databases, from the inception of each database to 04 April 2024.

Selection Criteria

Eligibility criteria included studies that reported on women who had given birth and had recorded information about a family history of preterm birth in one or both of the child's biological parents.

Data Collection and Analysis

Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. A random‐effects model was used to compute pooled estimates using odds ratios.

Main Results

Sixteen eligible studies with a total of 2 271 612 mothers were included. The findings indicated a 1.44 (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.34, 1.54) fold increase in odds of giving preterm births among women who were born preterm. Additionally, having a sibling born preterm (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.24, 1.87) and having a partner born preterm (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.25) were associated with increased likelihood of giving preterm births among women.

Conclusion

The study revealed that women with a family history of preterm birth face an increased risk of giving preterm births. Screening pregnant women for a family history of preterm birth is essential, with those having a positive family history requiring closer follow‐up.
Microhabitat and seasonal influence on bess beetle (Coleoptera: Passalidae) assemblage in Altitudinal Atlantic Forest
Authors: Araújo Josival F. , da Silva Pedro V. , Salomão Renato P. , Moura Rita C.
Published: August 2024

Understanding the spatiotemporal distribution of diversity has been a significant challenge in the field of conservation biology. Presently, there exists a limited understanding of the spatial distribution of passalid beetles within decomposing logs, as well as their distribution in microhabitats such as the cortex, heartwood and trunk–soil interface. Moreover, there is a scarcity of studies that delve into the temporal distribution patterns of passalid beetles. We evaluate the effect of seasons of the year and microhabitats on the distribution of passalid in an Altitudinal Atlantic Forest. More specifically, the effects of the period of the year and microhabitats were analysed on an assemblage scale and population structure scale. Collections were actively conducted monthly, during dry and rainy seasons, and distinct microhabitats of logs (tree cortex, heartwood and trunk–soil interface) were sampled. We discovered passalid galleries within 235 logs, housing a total of 785 individuals representing nine species across six genera and two tribes. Within the three examined microhabitats, the heartwood and cortex harboured the majority of individuals. In contrast, the trunk–soil interface microhabitat displayed reduced diversity and abundance and the absence of indicator species, exhibiting a distinct community structure compared with the others. The dry season stood out with a greater number of individuals, underscoring the influence of precipitation on passalid activity in this study. Our study contributes to understanding the ecological dynamics of these insects and evaluating their resilience to current landscape transformations on the planet.
Mepolizumab depletes inflammatory but preserves homeostatic eosinophils in severe asthma
Authors: Fricker Michael , Harrington John , Hiles Sarah A. , Gibson Peter G.
Published: August 2024

Background

Eosinophils are key therapeutic targets in severe asthma that are suppressed by IL5 (mepolizumab) and IL5 receptor (benralizumab) blockade. The effect of IL5 pathway biologics on recently described homeostatic (hEOs) and inflammatory (iEOs) eosinophil subsets is unknown. We aimed to determine the relative impact of mepolizumab and benralizumab treatment on eosinophil subset and phenotype, and explore clinical associations of eosinophil subsets with severe asthma characteristics and treatment response.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional observational study of severe asthma (eosinophilic n = 32, non‐eosinophilic n = 23, mepolizumab‐treated n = 25), with longitudinal follow‐up of 30 eosinophilic participants at two timepoints (4–24 weeks, >24 weeks) post‐commencement of mepolizumab (n = 20) or benralizumab (n = 10). Blood hEOs and iEOs were measured by flow cytometry assessment of surface CD62L protein.

Results

iEO proportion was significantly lower in mepolizumab‐treated participants in both the cross‐sectional and longitudinal study. Mepolizumab and benralizumab depleted iEOs to a similar extent, however a significantly greater number of hEOs remained in mepolizumab participants at follow‐up. Greater iEO proportion correlated with poorer asthma control in eosinophilic but not non‐eosinophilic asthma. Higher residual iEO proportion correlated with poorer asthma control in mepolizumab‐treated individuals. Reduced blood eosinophil viability was observed in around half of mepolizumab‐treated participants, which was associated with significantly better asthma control and spirometry.

Conclusions

Mepolizumab depletes iEOs and reduces circulating eosinophil viability in severe asthma but preserves a residual population of circulatory hEOs. In contrast benralizumab depleted both iEOs and hEOs. Higher iEO abundance and eosinophil viability are associated with poorer clinical outcomes following mepolizumab‐treatment. Monitoring circulating eosinophil phenotype and viability may be useful to predict biologic treatment response in severe asthma.
Wood species of Karaburun anchors used in archaic period ships
Authors: Kocabaş Ufuk , Akkemik Ünal , Asal Rahmi
Published: August 2024

Two anchors discovered at Karaburun on the Black Sea coast in 2011 are very rare examples of wooden anchors from the Archaic period. The anchors, dated to the Archaic period, measure 460.5 cm (KA1) and 502 cm (KA2) in length. The solid piece of wood used to form the body and arms of the anchors was identified as a member of the white oak group (Quercus Sect. Quercus); in addition, holm oak (Quercus ilex L.), common dogwood (Cornus sanguinea L.), and bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) were used in the manufacturing of the other elements. The anchors are believed to have originated from the Black Sea shores.
Parental autonomy support and psychological control and children's biobehavioral functioning: Historical cohort differences in urban China
Authors: Xu Jianjie , Chen Xinyin , Liu Sihan , Weng Xiaofang , Zhang Hanyi , Yi Zhennan , Gao Mengyu (Miranda) , Han Zhuo Rachel
Published: August 2024

This study examined parental autonomy support and psychological control and their relations with child biobehavioral functioning. Participants included 238 Chinese parent–child dyads (M
age‐child = 8.38 years, 42.0% girls) in two cohorts (2013 and 2021). Parents in the 2021 cohort displayed higher levels of autonomy support and psychological control during the parent–child interaction than in the 2013 cohort. Parental psychological control was positively associated with emotion regulation and negatively associated with externalizing problems in the 2013 cohort, but not in the 2021 cohort. Parental psychological control was also negatively associated with vagal suppression in the 2021 cohort, but not in the 2013 cohort. The result suggests that sociocultural contexts may shape the display of parental behaviors and their significance for child development.
Trabecular bone score norms in Asian‐Indians and associations with serum 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone
Authors: Mannar Velmurugan , Vishal Anand , Saha Soma , Kalaivani Mani , Kandasamy Devasenathipathy , Goswami Ravinder
Published: August 2024

Objective

There is limited information on population‐specific norms of trabecular‐bone‐score (TBS) and its associated factors. Here, we provide norms of TBS in Asian‐Indians and its relationship with serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and intact‐parathyroid hormone (iPTH).

Participants and Measurements

TBS, bone‐mineral‐density (BMD), and vertebral‐fractures (VFs) were assessed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry in 923 healthy Asian‐Indians (aged 20–60 years). Serum 25(OH)D, iPTH, T4/TSH,, glycosylated‐haemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured and associations with TBS assessed using multivariable linear regression. Subjects with BMD Z‐score ≤ −2.0 or ≥2.0 at any sites, VFs, TSH > 10.0 or <0.05 µIU/ml, blood‐glucose >11.1 mmol/L or HbA1c > 8.0% were excluded for generating Asian‐Indian norms.

Results

TBS norms were generated in 744 healthy Asian‐Indians (M:F,389:385). The cut‐offs generated for ‘normal’, ‘partially‐degraded’, and ‘degraded’ TBS were >1.305, 1.204–1.305 and <1.204, respectively. Mean TBS was lower in females than males (p < .001). There was 75% congruency in TBS categories between Asian‐Indian and existing norms. Specificity (97.8 vs. 77.9%, p < .001) and diagnostic‐accuracy (97.8% vs. 78.4%, p < .001) of TBS to detect osteoporosis were higher with Asian‐Indian norms. The sensitivity of ‘partially‐degraded’ TBS to diagnose osteopenia was also higher with Asian‐Indian norms. In multivariable regression, gender, body‐mass‐index (BMI), BMD‐L1‐L4, serum PTH, daily dietary‐calorie intake and calcium intake were associated with TBS. Though 25(OH)D inversely correlated with PTH, 25(OH)D was not associated with TBS.

Conclusion

This study provides norms for TBS in Asian‐Indians with gender‐specific differences. Increasing age and higher BMI were associated with lower TBS. Associations of TBS with circulating PTH and/or 25(OH)D need confirmation in further studies.
Retrospective assessment of patients' risk for peri‐implant diseases using the implant disease risk assessment (IDRA) tool: A cohort study
Authors: de Medeiros Dantas José Lucas , Freire Guilherme Carlos Beiruth , dos Santos Calderon Patrícia , Duarte Poliana Mendes , de Vasconcelos Gurgel Bruno César
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The implant disease risk assessment (IDRA) tool was designed to assess an individual's risk of developing peri‐implant diseases by evaluating and integrating multiple risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the IDRA tool to determine the risk of developing peri‐implant disease in patients rehabilitated with dental implants.

Methods

A retrospective observational cross‐sectional study was conducted, collecting data from 92 patients with 92 selected dental implants. Data included the history of periodontitis, sites with bleeding on probing (BoP), teeth and/or implants with probing depths (PDs) ≥ 5 mm, alveolar bone loss relative to the patient's age, susceptibility to periodontitis, the frequency of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT), the distance from the restorative margin (RM) of the implant‐supported prosthesis to the marginal bone crest (MBC), and factors related to the prosthesis itself. Additionally, the validated instrument periodontal risk assessment (PRA) was employed for comparison. Statistical analyses utilized Chi‐square, Mann–Whitney, and ROC curve.

Results

Outcomes indicated that 62 implants (67.4%) were classified as high‐risk. Among the IDRA parameters, history of periodontitis was the primary factor contributing to an increased risk (p < 0.001). IDRA revealed high sensitivity (100%) and low specificity (63%) (AUC = 0.685; 95% CI: 0.554–0.816; p = 0.047), and there was a low agreement between the IDRA and PRA tools (Kappa = 0.123; p = 0.014). The peri‐implant disease developed in 16 implants with 5.44 (±2.50) years of follow‐up, however, no significant association was observed between the high‐ and low‐medium risk groups and the occurrence of peri‐implant diseases.

Conclusion

Most of the evaluated implants presented high IDRA risk. The IDRA tool exhibited high sensitivity and low specificity; no significant association was observed between the risk profile and the development of peri‐implant diseases.
Health‐related quality of life assessment in health economic analyses involving type 2 diabetes
Authors: Smith Hayley , James Steven , Brown Fran , Gaca Michele , O'Neal David , Tran‐Duy An , Devlin Nancy , Kelly Ray , Ekinci Elif I.
Published: August 2024

Aim

Incorporating health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) measures into health economic analyses can help to provide evidence to inform decisions about how to improve patient outcomes in the most cost‐effective manner. The aim of this narrative review was to assess which HRQoL instruments have been used in economic evaluations of type 2 diabetes management including in Indigenous communities.

Method

MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid) and Cochrane were searched from inception to June 2022. Studies included patients with type 2 diabetes; economic evaluations, derived scores from direct questioning of individuals; and were in English. Records were assessed for bias using the JBI critical appraisal tools.

Results

A total of 3737 records were identified, with 22 publications meeting the criteria for inclusion. Across those 22 articles, nine HRQoL instruments had been utilised. Generic tools were most frequently used to measure HRQoL, including EQ‐5D (−3 L and −5 L) (n = 10, 38%); SF‐12 (n = 5, 19%); and SF‐36 (n = 4, 15%). Two tools addressing the specific stressors faced by people with type 2 diabetes were utilised: Problem Areas In Diabetes tool (n = 1, 4%) and Diabetes Distress Scale (n = 1, 4%). Two publications reported whether the study population included Indigenous peoples.

Conclusion

A wide range of HRQoL instruments are used in economic evaluations of type 2 diabetes management, with the most frequent being varying forms of the EQ‐5D. Few economic evaluations noted whether Indigenous peoples were featured in the study population. More research into HRQoL in people living with type 2 diabetes is urgently needed to improve evidence on effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of interventions.
Global deletion of G protein‐coupled receptor 55 impairs glucose homeostasis during obesity by reducing insulin secretion and β‐cell turnover
Authors: Liu Bo , Ruz‐Maldonado Inmaculada , Persaud Shanta J.
Published: August 2024

Aim

To investigate the effect of G protein‐coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) deletion on glucose homeostasis and islet function following diet‐induced obesity.

Methods

GPR55−/− and wild‐type (WT) mice were fed ad libitum either standard chow (SC) or a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed at 9/10 and 19/20 weeks of dietary intervention. Insulin secretion in vivo and dynamic insulin secretion following perifusion of isolated islets were also determined, as were islet caspase‐3/7 activities and β‐cell 5‐bromo‐20‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation.

Results

GPR55−/− mice fed a HFD were more susceptible to diet‐induced obesity and were more glucose intolerant and insulin resistant than WT mice maintained on a HFD. Islets isolated from HFD‐fed GPR55−/− mice showed impaired glucose‐ and pcacahorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate‐stimulated insulin secretion, and they also displayed increased cytokine‐induced apoptosis. While there was a 5.6 ± 1.6‐fold increase in β‐cell BrdU incorporation in the pancreases of WT mice fed a HFD, this compensatory increase in β‐cell proliferation in response to the HFD was attenuated in GPR55−/− mice.

Conclusions

Under conditions of diet‐induced obesity, GPR55−/− mice show impaired glucose handling, which is associated with reduced insulin secretory capacity, increased islet cell apoptosis and insufficient compensatory increases in β‐cell proliferation. These observations support that GPR55 plays an important role in positively regulating islet function.