bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of quality assurance in higher education from INQAAHE GGP to ISGs − Are quality assurance agencies in Asia ready to the emerging modules?
Authors: Hou Angela Yung Chi , Tao Christopher Hong-Yi , Zhou Kyle Zi-Wei , Lin Arianna Fang Yu , Su Edward Hung Cheng , Chen Ying
Published: March 2024

Purpose

In 2022, the International Network for Quality Assurance (QA) Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) published the new guidelines by adding three QA modules in response to the changing higher education landscape. The paper aims to investigate the transformative focus of quality assurance in higher education globally as well as Asian response to three new QA modules according to the INQAAHE ISGs.

Design/methodology/approach

The research conducted a quantitative approach for data collection. An on-line survey was conducted to perceive QA practices, perceptions toward new emerging QA modules and challenges encountered. In total, there were 26 responses from 18 territories with 22 QA agencies. A total of 13 out of them have a national qualifications framework in place.

Findings

Three are three major findings in the study. First, national policy and criteria and standards in distance education have been developed in the majority of Asian nations. Second, non-signatories of the Tokyo Convention had a higher proportion of having related policies, regulations and criteria in CBHE and distance education. Third, national policies and regulations; and lack of professional staff are two common challenges implementing QA in new types of providers.

Originality/value

The findings are of value for policymakers, QA agencies and universities to advocate the new QA model as a systematic approach in response to changing higher education landscape in the post pandemic era.
Building initial model for seismic inversion based on semi‐supervised learning
Authors: Sun Qianhao , Zong Zhaoyun
Published: March 2024

Seismic inversion is an important tool for reservoir characterization. The inversion results are significantly impacted by a reliable initial model. Conventional well interpolation methods are not able to meet the needs of seismic inversion for lateral heterogeneous reservoirs. Inspired by the sequence modelling network and seismic inversion in the Laplace–Fourier domain, we propose an initial model‐building method using semi‐supervised learning strategy. The proposed method considers spatial information to ensure the horizontal continuity of the initial model. Based on the fact that the low‐frequency components of seismic signals in the Laplace–Fourier domain are easier to obtain, we use the forward model in the Laplace–Fourier domain to replace the time‐domain forward model. The proposed workflow was validated using the Marmousi II model. Although the training was carried out on a small number of low‐frequency impedance traces, the proposed workflow was able to build low‐frequency model for the entire Marmousi II model with a correlation of 98%. Field data examples demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. For lateral heterogeneous reservoirs, the proposed method performs better than the well interpolation method. By utilizing the model obtained by the proposed method as the initial low‐frequency model of the conventional inversion method, it is possible to estimate better inversion results. The results of different combinations of training sets demonstrate the stability of the proposed method. This method may still be a viable choice if there is lateral heterogeneity underground but not much well‐logging label data.
Invasive rodent dynamics in a highly connected African harbour
Authors: Langdon Bárbara
Published: March 2024

Research Highlight: Badou et al. (2023). Maritime international trade and bioinvasions: A three‐year long survey of small mammals in Autonomous Port of Cotonou, Benin. Journal of Applied Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2664.14557. Highly connected points are probably the entry point for many of the introduced species around the world. This is the case of the Port of Cotonou in Africa, where the authors evaluated the population dynamics of small mammals present in the Autonomous Port of Cotonou, in Benin, Africa. Two main zones of the port were assessed: the industrial port, with warehouses, storage rooms, restaurants, garages and open areas, among other uses, and the artisanal port, with rooms where fresh fish and fishing gears are stores, along with the fresh fish market. Using traps, they were able to find that three of the ‘100 most invasive species’ are present at the study area: the house mice (Mus musculus), black rat (Rattus rattus) and Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus). Two native species were also found, Mastomys natalensis and Crocidura olivieri. The authors found clear trends in the species preferences and co‐occurrences. Norwegian rats and house mice prefer industrial‐like environments, so they are mostly found in the industrial port. The Black rats, on the other hand, are present almost exclusively in the artisanal port. They were also able to determine that control efforts should be carefully planned to show long‐term effective results, involving decision makers and stakeholders at every step of the management process.
The story of dividend payment and corporate cash flow in Ghana
Authors: Amoah Benjamin
Published: March 2024

The thorny issue and contradictory conclusions on dividend payments and firm value are not ending any time soon. The existence of a divergence of findings in the literature suggests the need for further empirical studies on this subject matter. Therefore, this study focuses on how a firm's cash flow influences dividend payments in Ghana. Using data from 2015 to 2020, pooled ordinary least squares and random effects estimation, this study provides evidence of dividend payments in Ghana. The results show that dividend payments are influenced by a firm's net cash flow from operations, free cash flow to equity, firm size, and age. The relevant macroeconomic variables for dividend payments are inflation and gross domestic product growth. Another finding is that the more nonfinancial firms take on the characteristics of financial firms, the less dividends they pay. Managers of listed firms in Ghana should grow the size of their firms; however, this should be done in a manner not to expropriate value to managers as predicted in the Jensen agency problem associated with free cash flow.
Plasma proteomic signature of human longevity
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , Axelsson Gisli Thor , Newman Anne B. , Psaty Bruce M. , Boudreau Robert M. , Wu Chenkai , Arnold Alice M. , Aspelund Thor , Austin Thomas R. , Gardin Julius M. , Siggeirsdottir Kristin , Tracy Russell P. , Gerszten Robert E. , Launer Lenore J. , Jennings Lori L. , Gudnason Vilmundur , Sanders Jason L. , Odden Michelle C.
Published: March 2024

The identification of protein targets that exhibit anti‐aging clinical potential could inform interventions to lengthen the human health span. Most previous proteomics research has been focused on chronological age instead of longevity. We leveraged two large population‐based prospective cohorts with long follow‐ups to evaluate the proteomic signature of longevity defined by survival to 90 years of age. Plasma proteomics was measured using a SOMAscan assay in 3067 participants from the Cardiovascular Health Study (discovery cohort) and 4690 participants from the Age Gene/Environment Susceptibility‐Reykjavik Study (replication cohort). Logistic regression identified 211 significant proteins in the CHS cohort using a Bonferroni‐adjusted threshold, of which 168 were available in the replication cohort and 105 were replicated (corrected p value <0.05). The most significant proteins were GDF‐15 and N‐terminal pro‐BNP in both cohorts. A parsimonious protein‐based prediction model was built using 33 proteins selected by LASSO with 10‐fold cross‐validation and validated using 27 available proteins in the validation cohort. This protein model outperformed a basic model using traditional factors (demographics, height, weight, and smoking) by improving the AUC from 0.658 to 0.748 in the discovery cohort and from 0.755 to 0.802 in the validation cohort. We also found that the associations of 169 out of 211 proteins were partially mediated by physical and/or cognitive function. These findings could contribute to the identification of biomarkers and pathways of aging and potential therapeutic targets to delay aging and age‐related diseases.
Radiologic and computed tomography evaluation of the beaks from three bird species
Authors: da Silva Daniel Simões , Rahal Sheila Canevese , da Silva Jeana Pereira , Mamprim Maria Jaqueline , de Camargo Gabriel Corrêa , Cassanego Guilherme Rech , Ichikawa Ricardo Shoiti
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the beaks of three species of birds using radiography and computed tomography (CT). The mean lengths of maxillary and mandibular rostra on radiographs were highest for toco toucan, followed by buff‐necked ibis, and least for red‐legged seriema birds. The height and width of maxillary and mandibular rostra measured on CT had mean values highest for toco toucans, followed by red‐legged seriema, and least for buff‐necked ibis. Except for the proximal region of the maxillary rostrum, the HU values were positive for other regions of the maxillary and mandibular rostra in the buff‐necked ibis and red‐legged seriema and negative in all for the toco toucan.
Local injection of micro‐dose guselkumab for palmoplantar pustulosis after partial failure of systemic ixekizumab treatment
Authors: Zhou Chaojing , Chen Dandan , Diao Ziyue , Wang Yufei , Hou Yiyun , Yin ZhiQiang
Published: March 2024

We present a palmoplantar pustulosis case partially resistant to systemic IL‐17A inhibitor (ixekizumab) treatment, and then receiving a local injection of 0.1 mL micro‐dose (1 mg) IL‐23 inhibitor (guselkumab) every 4 weeks for four times. The paradoxical lesion disappeared rapidly following local injection and there was no recurrence after 8 weeks of drug withdrawal. This is the first clinical report on the treatment of palmoplantar pustulosis by local injection of micro‐dose guselkumab.
Mitochondrial ferritin alleviates ferroptosis in a kainic acid‐induced mouse epilepsy model by regulating iron homeostasis: Involvement of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2
Authors: Song Yu , Gao Mengjiao , Wei Boyang , Huang Xiaowei , Yang Zeyu , Zou Junjie , Guo Yanwu
Published: March 2024

Background

Epilepsy is a widespread and chronic disease of the central nervous system caused by a variety of factors. Mitochondrial ferritin (FtMt) refers to ferritin located within the mitochondria that may protect neurons against oxidative stress by binding excess free iron ions in the cytoplasm. However, the potential role of FtMt in epilepsy remains unclear. We aimed to investigate whether FtMt and its related mechanisms can regulate epilepsy by modulating ferroptosis.

Methods

Three weeks after injection of adeno‐associated virus (AAV) in the skull of adult male C57BL/6 mice, kainic acid (KA) was injected into the hippocampus to induce seizures. Primary hippocampal neurons were transfected with siRNA using a glutamate‐mediated epilepsy model. After specific treatments, Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, EEG recording, transmission electron microscopy, iron staining, silver staining, and Nissl staining were performed.

Results

At different time points after KA injection, the expression of FtMt protein in the hippocampus of mice showed varying degrees of increase. Knockdown of the FtMt gene by AAV resulted in an increase in intracellular free iron levels and a decrease in the function of iron transport‐related proteins, promoting neuronal ferroptosis and exacerbating epileptic brain activity in the hippocampus of seizure mice. Additionally, increasing the expression level of FtMt protein was achieved by AAV‐mediated upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) gene in the hippocampus of seizure mice.

Conclusions

In epilepsy, Nrf2 modulates ferroptosis by involving the expression of FtMt and may be a potential therapeutic mechanism of neuronal injury after epilepsy. Targeting this relevant process for treatment may be a therapeutic strategy to prevent epilepsy.
Genomic screening of fish‐specific genes in gnathostomes and their functions in fin development
Authors: Kudoh Hidehiro , Yonei‐Tamura Sayuri , Abe Gembu , Iwakiri Junichi , Uesaka Masahiro , Makino Takashi , Tamura Koji
Published: March 2024

In this study, we comprehensively searched for fish‐specific genes in gnathostomes that contribute to development of the fin, a fish‐specific trait. Many previous reports suggested that animal group‐specific genes are often important for group‐specific traits. Clarifying the roles of fish‐specific genes in fin development of gnathostomes, for example, can help elucidate the mechanisms underlying the formation of this trait. We first identified 91 fish‐specific genes in gnathostomes by comparing the gene repertoire in 16 fish and 35 tetrapod species. RNA‐seq analysis narrowed down the 91 candidates to 33 genes that were expressed in the developing pectoral fin. We analyzed the functions of approximately half of the candidate genes by loss‐of‐function analysis in zebrafish. We found that some of the fish‐specific and fin development‐related genes, including fgf24 and and1/and2, play roles in fin development. In particular, the newly identified fish‐specific gene qkia is expressed in the developing fin muscle and contributes to muscle morphogenesis in the pectoral fin as well as body trunk. These results indicate that the strategy of identifying animal group‐specific genes is functional and useful. The methods applied here could be used in future studies to identify trait‐associated genes in other animal groups.
The role of real‐time continuous glucose monitoring in diabetes management and how it should link to integrated personalized diabetes management
Authors: Reddy Monika , Oliver Nick
Published: March 2024

Diabetes is a complex metabolic condition that demands tailored, individualized approaches for effective management. Real‐time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) systems have improved in terms of design, usability and accuracy over the years and play a pivotal role in the delivery of integrated personalized diabetes management (iPDM). iPDM is a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach that combines individualized care strategies utilizing technologies and interventions and encourages the active involvement of the person with diabetes in the care provided. The use of stand‐alone rtCGM and its integration with other diabetes technologies, such as hybrid automated insulin delivery, have enabled improved glycaemic and quality of life outcomes for people with diabetes. As the uptake of rtCGM and associated technologies is increasing and becoming the standard of care for people with diabetes, it is important that efforts are focused on associated goals such as reducing health inequalities in terms of access, aligning structured education with rtCGM usage, choosing the right technology based on needs and preferences, and minimizing burden while aiming for optimal glucose outcomes. Utilizing rtCGM in other settings than outpatients and in diabetes cohorts beyond type 1 and type 2 diabetes needs further exploration. This review aims to provide an overview of the role of rtCGM and how best to link rtCGM to iPDM, highlighting its role in enhancing personalized treatment strategies.
Genetics of inborn errors of immunity: Diagnostic strategies and new approaches to CNV detection
Authors: Pérez Elisabet Matas , Torbay Andrea González , López Mario Solis , de la Cámara Ricardo Cuesta Martín , Jiménez Carmen Rodríguez , Álvarez Mari Ángeles Mori , Blanco Julián Nevado , Gianelli Carla , Hijón Carmen Cámara , Granados Eduardo López , Pena Rebeca Rodríguez , del Pozo Mate Ángela , García‐Morato María Bravo
Published: March 2024

Background

Genetic diagnosis of inborn errors of immunity (IEI) is complex due to the large number of genes involved and their molecular features. Missense variants have been reported as the most common cause of IEI. However, the frequency of copy number variants (CNVs) may be underestimated since their detection requires specific quantitative techniques. At this point, the use of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is acquiring relevance.

Methods

In this article, we present our experience in the genetic diagnosis of IEI based on three diagnostic algorithms that allowed the detection of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and CNVs. Following this approximation, 703 index cases were evaluated between 2014 and 2021. Sanger sequencing, MLPA, CGH array, breakpoint spanning PCR or a customized NGS‐based multigene‐targeted panel were performed.

Results

A genetic diagnosis was reached in 142 of the 703 index cases (20%), 19 of them presented deletions as causal variants. Deletions were also detected in 5 affected relatives and 16 healthy carriers during the family studies. Additionally, we compile, characterize and present all the CNVs detected by our diagnostic algorithms, representing the largest cohort of deletions related to IEI to date. Furthermore, three bioinformatic tools (LACONv, XHMM, VarSeq™) based on NGS data were evaluated. VarSeq™ was the most sensitive and specific bioinformatic tool; detecting 21/23 (91%) deletions located in captured regions.

Conclusion

Based on our results, we propose a strategy to guide the molecular diagnosis that can be followed by expert and non‐expert centres in the field of IEI.
Assessing mismatch negativity (MMN) and P3b within‐individual sensitivity — A comparison between the local–global paradigm and two specialized oddball sequences
Authors: Rutiku Renate , Fiscone Chiara , Massimini Marcello , Sarasso Simone
Published: March 2024

Mismatch negativity (MMN) and P3b are well known for their clinical utility. There exists no gold standard, however, for acquiring them as EEG markers of consciousness in clinical settings. This may explain why the within‐individual sensitivity of MMN/P3b paradigms is often quite poor and why seemingly identical EEG markers can behave differently across Disorders of consciousness (DoC) studies. Here, we compare two traditional paradigms for MMN or P3b assessment with the recently more popular local–global paradigm that promises to assess MMN and P3b orthogonally within one oddball sequence. All three paradigms were administered to healthy participants (N = 15) with concurrent EEG. A clear MMN and local effect were found for 15/15 participants. The P3b and global effect were found for 14/15 and 13/15 participants, respectively. There were no systematic differences between the global effect and P3b. Indeed, P3b amplitude was highly correlated across paradigms. The local effect differed clearly from the MMN, however. It occurred earlier than MMN and was followed by a much more prominent P3a. The peak latencies and amplitudes were also not correlated across paradigms. Caution should therefore be exercised when comparing the local effect and MMN across studies. We conclude that the within‐individual MMN sensitivity is adequate for both the local–global and a dedicated MMN paradigm. The within‐individual sensitivity of P3b was lower than expected for both the local–global and a dedicated P3b paradigm, which may explain the often‐low sensitivity of P3b paradigms in patients with DoC.
Implications of the Mississippi v. Tennessee Supreme Court Decision for Interstate Groundwater Management
Authors: Wasankar Nimisha , Clement T. Prabhakar
Published: March 2024

Groundwater allocation is rapidly becoming a contentious water resource management problem around the world. It is anticipated that the effects of climate change would further aggravate this problem. Conflicts over the distribution of freshwater are expected to increase as stakeholders want to access more groundwater to meet their growing demands. In the United States, water conflicts are settled through a litigation process. Water litigations can be expensive, protracted, and fraught with complex legal and technical difficulties. A landmark groundwater case involving Tennessee (TN) and Mississippi (MS) was recently litigated in the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). In this case, MS sued TN for stealing their groundwater and SCOTUS unanimously ruled that the water contained in the aquifer that naturally crosses the border between TN and MS is subject to equitable apportionment. This decision has significant ramifications for groundwater management as it established a precedent for resolving future interstate groundwater litigations. Although the Court has previously applied the legal doctrine of equitable apportionment to settle disputes involving surface water use, this is the first instance in which the doctrine has been applied to resolve an interstate groundwater dispute. Therefore, currently, there are little or no guidelines available for equitably distributing groundwater resources between two states. The objective of this article is to examine this historic legal dispute to fully understand the scientific justification for the judicial stances taken by the plaintiff and defendants, and the legal reasoning for the final verdict. We also discuss the challenges this ruling presents for managing interstate groundwater resources.
Group concept mapping strategies for collaborative continuation tasks
Authors: Su Fan , Zou Di
Published: March 2024

The continuation task, which involves reading an unfinished story and completing its ending, offers good potential for language learning. To enhance students' story‐ending writing abilities, this study proposes two types of concept mapping strategies: group filling‐in‐the‐blanks of a teacher‐constructed guided map and group concept mapping, both of which are meant to help students clarify storylines by visualizing a story onto a concept map. A quasi‐experiment was conducted in three classes. Students in Class 1 collaboratively filled in the blanks on a concept map and then wrote completions to three stories. In Class 2, students collaboratively constructed their own concept map and then wrote completions to the same stories. Class 3 students collaboratively wrote completions to the same stories without any concept mapping. Students’ story completions, diaries, responses to questionnaires, the researcher's observation notes, and teacher interviews were collected and analyzed using ANOVAs (Analysis of variance), paired‐sample t‐tests and thematic and domain analysis. The results showed that concept mapping strategies assisted students’ story‐ending writing quality with students achieving higher scores when using the group concept mapping strategy compared to those not using any mapping strategies. Nine interactive patterns were identified, with the collaborative pattern dominating, and these patterns evolved dynamically as the co‐continuation tasks proceeded. Overall, both students and teachers perceived the proposed strategies positively.
Associations of childhood BMI traits with blood pressure and glycated haemoglobin in 6–9‐year‐old Samoan children
Authors: Choy Courtney C. , Johnson William , Braun Joseph M. , Soti‐Ulberg Christina , Reupena Muagututia S. , Naseri Take , Savusa Kima , Lupematasila Vaimoana Filipo , Arorae Maria Siulepa , Tafunaina Faatali , Unasa Folla , Duckham Rachel L. , Wang Dongqing , McGarvey Stephen T. , Hawley Nicola L.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Prevalence and risk factors for elevated glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood pressure (BP) are poorly understood among Pacific children. We examined associations of HbA1c and BP in 6–9 year‐olds with body mass index (BMI) at ages 2, 5, and BMI velocity between 2–9 years in Samoa.

Methods

HbA1c (capillary blood) and BP were measured in n = 410 Samoan children who were part of an ongoing cohort study. Multilevel models predicted BMI trajectory characteristics. Generalized linear regressions assessed associations of childhood characteristics and BMI trajectories with HbA1c and BP treated as both continuous and categorical outcomes. Primary caregiver‐reported childhood characteristics were used as covariates.

Results

Overall, 12.90% (n = 53) of children had high HbA1c (≥5.7%) and 33.17% (n = 136) had elevated BP. BMI at 5‐years and BMI velocity were positively associated with high HbA1c prevalence in males. A 1 kg/m2 per year higher velocity was associated with a 1.71 (95% CI: 1.07, 2.75) times higher prevalence of high HbA1c. In females, higher BMI at 5‐years and greater BMI velocity were associated with higher BP at 6–9 years (95% CI: 1.12, 1.40, and 1.42, 2.74, respectively).

Conclusion

Monitoring childhood BMI trajectories may inform cardiometabolic disease screening and prevention efforts in this at‐risk population.
The transcription factor SpiB regulates the fibroblastic reticular cell network and CD8+ T‐cell responses in lymph nodes
Authors: Horsnell Harry L , Cao Wang HJ , Belz Gabrielle T , Mueller Scott N , Alexandre Yannick O
Published: March 2024

Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) construct microanatomical niches that support lymph node (LN) homeostasis and coordination of immune responses. Transcription factors regulating the functionality of FRCs remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of the transcription factor SpiB that is expressed in LN FRCs. Conditional ablation of SpiB in FRCs impaired the FRC network in the T‐cell zone of LNs, leading to reduced numbers of FRCs and altered homeostatic functions including reduced CCL21 and interleukin‐7 expression. The size and cellularity of LNs remained intact in the absence of SpiB but the space between the reticular network increased, indicating that although FRCs were reduced in number they stretched to maintain network integrity. Following virus infection, antiviral CD8+ T‐cell responses were impaired, suggesting a role for SpiB expression in FRCs in orchestrating immune responses. Together, our findings reveal a new role for SpiB as an important regulator of FRC functions and immunity in LNs.
Aligning patient values and code status: Choice of Diction's Effect (CODE) study
Authors: Kota Karthik J. , Chen Catherine , George Renu , Nagengast Samantha , Azab Andrew , Bhalla Raman , Dave Payal , Ji Stephanie , Lawrence Ibiyonu , Naik Jay , Noman Sofiul , Parikh Payal , Patel Manish , Patel Sheetal , Priest Stephen O. , Prister James , Schaer Daniel , Theodorou Ross Christina , Shah Rohan V. , Duberstein Paul , Steinberg Michael B.
Published: March 2024

Background

Decisions regarding resuscitation after cardiac arrest are critical from ethical, patient satisfaction, outcome, and healthcare cost standpoints. Physician‐reported discussion barriers include topic discomfort, fear of time commitment, and difficulty articulating end‐of‐life concepts. The influence of language used in these discussions has not been tested. This study explored whether utilizing the alternate term “allow (a) natural death” changed code status decisions in hospitalized patients versus “do not resuscitate” (DNR).

Methods

All patients age 65 and over admitted to a general medicine hospital teaching service were screened (English‐speaking, not ICU‐level care, no active psychiatric illness, no substance misuse, no active DNR). Participants were randomized to resuscitation discussions with either DNR or “allow natural death” as the “no code” phrasing. Outcomes included patient resuscitation decision, satisfaction with and duration of the conversation, and decision correlation with illness severity and predicted resuscitation success.

Results

102 participants were randomized to the “allow natural death” (N = 49) or DNR (N = 53) arms. The overall “no code” rate for our sample of hospitalized general medicine inpatients age >65 was 16.7%, with 13% in the DNR and 20.4% in the “allow natural death” arms (p = 0.35). Discussion length was similar in the DNR and “allow natural death” arms (3.9 + 3.2 vs. 4.9 + 3.9 minutes), and not significantly different (p = 0.53). Over 90% of participants were highly satisfied with their code status decision, without difference between arms (p = 0.49).

Conclusions

Participants’ code status discussions did not differ in “no code” rate between “allow natural death” and DNR arms but were short in length and had high patient satisfaction. Previously reported code status discussion barriers were not encountered. It is appropriate to screen code status in all hospitalized patients regardless of phrasing used.
Characterizing changes to older adults' care transition patterns from hospital to home care in the initial year of COVID‐19
Authors: Arbaje Alicia I. , Hsu Yea‐Jen , Zhou Zehui , Greyson Sylvan , Gurses Ayse P. , Keller Sara , Marsteller Jill , Bowles Kathryn H. , McDonald Margaret V. , Vergez Sasha , Harbison Katie , Hohl Dawn , Carl Kimberly , Leff Bruce
Published: March 2024

Background

Skilled home healthcare (HH) provided in‐person care to older adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic, yet little is known about the pandemic's impact on HH care transition patterns. We investigated pandemic impact on (1) HH service volume; (2) population characteristics; and (3) care transition patterns for older adults receiving HH services after hospital or skilled nursing facility (SNF) discharge.

Methods

Retrospective, cohort, comparative study of recently hospitalized older adults (≥ 65 years) receiving HH services after hospital or SNF discharge at two large HH agencies in Baltimore and New York City (NYC) 1‐year pre‐ and 1‐year post‐pandemic onset. We used the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) and service use records to examine HH utilization, patient characteristics, visit timeliness, medication issues, and 30‐day emergency department (ED) visit and rehospitalization.

Results

Across sites, admissions to HH declined by 23% in the pandemic's first year. Compared to the year prior, older adults receiving HH services during the first year of the pandemic were more likely to be younger, have worse mental, respiratory, and functional status in some areas, and be assessed by HH providers as having higher risk of rehospitalization. Thirty‐day rehospitalization rates were lower during the first year of the pandemic. COVID‐positive HH patients had lower odds of 30‐day ED visit or rehospitalization. At the NYC site, extended duration between discharge and first HH visit was associated with reduced 30‐day ED visit or rehospitalization.

Conclusions

HH patient characteristics and utilization were distinct in Baltimore versus NYC in the initial year of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Study findings suggest some older adults who needed HH may not have received it, since the decrease in HH services occurred as SNF use decreased nationally. Findings demonstrate the importance of understanding HH agency responsiveness during public health emergencies to ensure older adults' access to care.
Metabolic response of auditory brainstem neurons to their broad physiological activity range
Authors: Palandt Nicola , Resch Cibell , Unterlechner Patricia , Voshagen Lukas , Winhart Valentin R. , Kunz Lars
Published: March 2024

Neurons exhibit a high energetic need, and the question arises as how they metabolically adapt to changing activity states. This is relevant for interpreting functional neuroimaging in different brain areas. Particularly, neurons with a broad firing range might exhibit metabolic adaptations. Therefore, we studied MNTB (medial nucleus of the trapezoid body) principal neurons, which generate action potentials (APs) at frequencies up to several hundred hertz. We performed the experiments in acute brainstem slices of the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) at 22.5–24.5°C. Upon electrical stimulation of afferent MNTB fibres with 400 stimuli at varying frequencies, we monitored autofluorescence levels of NAD(P)H and FAD and determined the extremum amplitudes of their biphasic response. Additionally, we compared these data with alterations in O2 concentrations measured with an electrochemical sensor. These O2 changes are prominent since MNTB neurons rely on oxidative phosphorylation as shown by our pharmacological experiments. We calculated the O2 consumption rate as change in O2 concentration divided by stimulus durations, because these periods varied inversely with stimulus frequency as a result of the constant number of 400 stimuli applied. The O2 consumption rate increased with stimulation frequency up to a constant value at 600 Hz; that is, energy demand depends on temporal characteristics of activity despite the same number of stimuli. The rates showed no correlation with peak amplitudes of NAD(P)H or FAD, whilst the values of the two molecules were linearly correlated. This points at the complexity of analysing autofluorescence imaging for quantitative metabolic studies, because these values report only relative net changes of many superimposed oxidative and reductive processes. Monitoring O2 concentration rates is, thus, an important tool to improve the interpretation of NAD(P)H/FAD autofluorescence data, as they do not under all conditions and in all systems appropriately reflect the metabolic activity or energy demand.

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Considerable genetic diversity and structure despite narrow endemism and limited ecological specialization in the Hayden's ringlet, Coenonympha haydenii
Authors: Springer Amy L. , Gompert Zachariah
Published: March 2024

Understanding the processes that underlie the development of population genetic structure is central to the study of evolution. Patterns of genetic structure, in turn, can reveal signatures of isolation by distance (IBD), barriers to gene flow, or even the genesis of speciation. However, it is unclear how severe range restriction might impact the processes that dominate the development of genetic structure. In narrow endemic species, is population structure likely to be adaptive in nature, or rather the result of genetic drift? In this study, we investigated patterns of genetic diversity and structure in the narrow endemic Hayden's ringlet butterfly. Specifically, we asked to what degree genetic structure in the Hayden's ringlet can be explained by IBD, isolation by resistance (IBR) (in the form of geographic or ecological barriers to migration between populations), and isolation by environment (in the form of differences in host plant availability and preference). We employed a genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) approach coupled with host preference assays, Bayesian modelling, and population genomic analyses to answer these questions. Our results suggest that despite their restricted range, levels of genetic diversity in the Hayden's ringlet are comparable to those seen in more widespread butterfly species. Hayden's ringlets showed a strong preference for feeding on grasses relative to sedges, but neither larval preference nor potential host availability at sampling sites correlated with genetic structure. We conclude that geography, in the form of IBR and simple IBD, was the major driver of contemporary patterns of differentiation in this narrow endemic species.
Oral mucosal changes in tight junction proteins in patients with oral lichen planus
Authors: Ren Xiaomeng , Li Kaiyi , Fang Xin , Zhu Zhengda , Chen Qianming , Li Chunlei , Hua Hong
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the expression of tight junction, its distribution pattern in oral lichen planus samples and its potential association with the severity of oral lichen planus.

Materials and Methods

Cross‐sectional study designs were conducted. Transcriptome sequencing was conducted using oral mucosal tissues from 22 patients with oral lichen planus and 11 healthy controls. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription PCR were performed to verify the expression of claudin‐1, claudin‐4, occludin and zonula occludens‐1 in oral mucosal tissues from another 30 patients with oral lichen planus and 26 healthy controls. The relationship between tight junction protein expression and oral lichen planus severity was explored using correlation analysis.

Results

5603 and 2475 differentially expressed genes were upregulated and downregulated respectively, in oral lichen planus tissues. KEGG analysis showed that tight junctions including CLDN1, CLDN4, OCLN and TJP1 were downregulated in oral lichen planus. Claudin‐1, claudin‐4, occludin and zonula occludens‐1 expression was verified to be significantly lower in oral lichen planus. Furthermore, correlation analyses showed that decreased occludin expression was positively related to oral lichen planus severity.

Conclusion

Decreased expression of TJ barrier proteins may be associated with the development of oral lichen planus.
How Do Muscle Function and Quality Affect the Progression of KOA? A Narrative Review
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhou Haojing , Gong Yichen , Tang Yi , Su Hai , Jin Zhaokai , Chen Guoqian , Tong Peijian
Published: March 2024

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is widely recognized as a chronic joint disease characterized by degeneration of knee cartilage and subsequent bone hyperplasia. However, it is important to acknowledge the significant role of muscles in the development and progression of KOA. Muscle function (MF) and muscle quality (MQ) are key factors in understanding the involvement of muscles in KOA. Quantitative indices such as muscle mass, muscle strength, muscle cross‐sectional area, muscle thickness, and muscle fatigue are crucial in assessing MF and MQ. Despite the growing interest in KOA, there is a scarcity of studies investigating the relationship between muscles and this condition. This review aims to examine the commonly used indices and measurement methods for assessing MF and MQ in clinical settings, while also exploring the association between muscles and KOA. Furthermore, this article highlights the importance of restoring MF and MQ to enhance symptom management and improve the quality of life for patients with KOA.
Genetic insights into Tietz albinism‐deafness syndrome: A new dominant‐negative mutation in MITF
Authors: Yamamoto Kohei , Okamura Ken , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Ito Shosuke , Akabane Kozue , Arai Yosuke , Kawaguchi Junnosuke , Hozumi Yutaka , Suzuki Tamio
Published: March 2024

Tietz albinism‐deafness syndrome (TADS) is a rare and severe manifestation of Waardenburg syndrome that is primarily linked to mutations in MITF. In this report, we present a case of TADS resulting from a novel c.637G>C mutation in MITF (p.Glu213Gln; GenBank Accession number: NM_000248). A 3‐year‐old girl presented with congenital generalized hypopigmentation of the hair, skin, and irides along with complete sensorineural hearing loss. Histopathological and electron microscopy investigations indicated that this variant did not alter the number of melanocytes in the skin but significantly impaired melanosome maturation within melanocytes. Comprehensive melanin analysis revealed marked reductions in both eumelanin (EM) and pheomelanin (PM) rather than changes in the EM‐to‐PM ratio observed in oculocutaneous albinism. We conducted an electrophoretic mobility shift assay to investigate the binding capability of the identified variant to DNA sequences containing the E‐box motif along with other known variants (p.Arg217del and p.Glu213Asp). Remarkably, all three variants exhibited dominant‐negative effects, thus providing novel insights into the pathogenesis of TADS. This study sheds light on the genetic mechanisms underlying TADS and offers a deeper understanding of this rare condition and its associated mutations in MITF.
The Two Faces of Binding Precedents: A Hohfeldian Look
Authors: Arriagada María Beatriz
Published: March 2024

Taking into account one of the meanings of the expression binding precedent and stipulating a definition for that meaning, this article aims to contribute to the concept's structural characterization. By this I mean the effort to identify the legal norms on which the existence and functioning of binding precedents depend and to show that these norms constitute a group of Hohfeldian legal relations between the courts whose precedents must be followed, the courts that must follow them, and the individuals whose legal situations are as a result modified by the observance and the breach of those precedents.
Effects of Leonurine on oocyte maturation and parthenogenetic embryo development in sheep
Authors: Wei Panpan , Wang Jing , Yu Hengbin , Chen Yan , Liu Chang , Zhang Yue , Zeng Weibin , Hu Guangdong
Published: March 2024

Leonurine (LEO), an alkaloid isolated from Leonurus spp., has anti‐oxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic effects and can prevent damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). These properties suggest that it can improve the maturation rate of oocytes and developmental ability of embryos, which are key parameters in animal breeding. In this study, the effects of LEO on in vitro maturation and early embryonic development in sheep oocytes were evaluated. Among various doses examined (0, 10, 20 and 40 μM), a dose of 20 μM was optimal with respect to the oocyte maturation rate. Compared with estimates in the control group, GSH levels and mitochondrial membrane potential of sheep oocytes treated with 20 μM LEO were significantly higher, and 40 μM LEO would affect oocyte maturation. Additionally, ROS levels were significantly lower, expression levels of the antioxidant genes CAT and SOD1 were significantly higher, and there was no significant difference in GPX3 expression. The Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and Caspase‐3 expression were significantly reduced in the 20 μM LEO group. During early embryonic development in vitro, the cleavage rate and blastocyst rate were significantly higher in the 20 μM LEO treatment group compared to other groups. GSH levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were significantly higher, while ROS levels were significantly lower, and expression levels of the antioxidant genes CAT, GPX3 and SOD1 were significantly higher in eight‐cell embryos treated with 20 μM LEO than in the control group. The Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and Caspase‐3 levels were significantly decreased. In summary, LEO can reduce the effect of oxidative stress, improve the oocyte maturation rate and enhance embryonic development.
Blood defense system – Proposal for a new concept of an immune system against blood borne pathogens comprising the liver, spleen and bone marrow
Authors: Kashimura Makoto
Published: March 2024

Blood‐borne pathogen (BBP) infections can rapidly progress to life‐threatening sepsis and must therefore be promptly eliminated by the host's immune system. Intravascular macrophages of the liver sinusoid, splenic marginal zone and red pulp and perisinusoidal macrophage protrusions in the bone marrow (BM) directly phagocytose BBPs in the blood as an innate immune response. The liver, spleen and BM thereby work together as the blood defence system (BDS) in response to BBPs by exerting their different immunological roles. The liver removes the vast majority of these invading organisms via innate immunity, but their complete elimination is not possible without the actions of antibodies. Splenic marginal zone B cells promptly produce IgM and IgG antibodies against BBPs. The splenic marginal zone transports antigenic information from the innate to the adaptive immune systems. The white pulp of the spleen functions as adaptive immune tissue and produces specific and high‐affinity antibodies with an immune memory against BBPs. The BM works to maintain immune memory by supporting the survival of memory B cells, memory T cells and long‐lived plasma cells (LLPCs), all of which have dedicated niches. Furthermore, BM perisinusoidal naïve follicular B cells promptly produce IgM antibodies against BBPs in the BM sinusoid and the IgG memory B cells residing in the BM rapidly transform to plasma cells which produce high‐affinity IgG antibodies upon reinfection. This review describes the complete immune defence characteristics of the BDS against BBPs through the collaboration of the liver, spleen and BM with combined different immunological roles.
Early Career Teachers’ Motivation, Preparation, and Self-Efficacy
Authors: Zhang Shaoan , Wiens Peter
Published: March 2024

Drawing on data from 355 early career teachers in the Teaching and Learning International Survey 2018, linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between Initial Teacher Preparation (ITP), motivations to become a teacher, and teacher self-efficacy (TSE). Results indicated that ITP and motivations statistically significant predicted overall TSE and each TSE component. The descriptive results showed that the ITP item, “teaching in a multicultural or multilingual setting” was ranked lowest; the means for the social utility value were ranked higher than that of the personal utility value; and multicultural classrooms component was ranked lower than instruction, management, engagement.
Postsynaptic β1 spectrin maintains Na+ channels at the neuromuscular junction
Authors: Sert Ozlem , Ding Xiaoyun , Zhang Chuansheng , Mi Ruifa , Hoke Ahmet , Rasband Matthew N.
Published: March 2024

Spectrins function together with actin as obligatory subunits of the submembranous cytoskeleton. Spectrins maintain cell shape, resist mechanical forces, and stabilize ion channel and transporter protein complexes through binding to scaffolding proteins. Recently, pathogenic variants of SPTBN4 (β4 spectrin) were reported to cause both neuropathy and myopathy. Although the role of β4 spectrin in neurons is mostly understood, its function in skeletal muscle, another excitable tissue subject to large forces, is unknown. Here, using a muscle specific β4 spectrin conditional knockout mouse, we show that β4 spectrin does not contribute to muscle function. In addition, we show β4 spectrin is not present in muscle, indicating the previously reported myopathy associated with pathogenic SPTBN4 variants is neurogenic in origin. More broadly, we show that α2, β1 and β2 spectrins are found in skeletal muscle, with α2 and β1 spectrins being enriched at the postsynaptic neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Surprisingly, using muscle specific conditional knockout mice, we show that loss of α2 and β2 spectrins had no effect on muscle health, function or the enrichment of β1 spectrin at the NMJ. Muscle specific deletion of β1 spectrin also had no effect on muscle health, but, with increasing age, resulted in the loss of clustered NMJ Na+ channels. Together, our results suggest that muscle β1 spectrin functions independently of an associated α spectrin to maintain Na+ channel clustering at the postsynaptic NMJ. Furthermore, despite repeated exposure to strong forces and in contrast to neurons, muscles do not require spectrin cytoskeletons to maintain cell shape or integrity.

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Key points

The myopathy found in pathogenic human SPTBN4 variants (where SPTBN4 is the gene encoding β4 spectrin) is neurogenic in origin.

β1 spectrin plays essential roles in maintaining the density of neuromuscular junction Nav1.4 Na+ channels.

By contrast to the canonical view of spectrin organization and function, we show that β1 spectrin can function independently of an associated α spectrin.

Despite the large mechanical forces experienced by muscle, we show that spectrins are not required for muscle cell integrity. This is in stark contrast to red blood cells and the axons of neurons.