bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The machine/human agentic impact on practices in learning and development: a study across MSME, NGO and MNC organizations
Authors: Dutta Debolina , Kannan Poyil Anasha
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The importance of learning in development in increasingly dynamic contexts can help individuals and organizations adapt to disruption. Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a disruptive technology, with increasing adoption by various human resource management (HRM) functions. However, learning and development (L&D) adoption of AI is lagging, and there is a need to understand of this low adoption based on the internal/external contexts and organization types. Building on open system theory and adopting a technology-in-practice lens, the authors examine the various L&D approaches and the roles of human and technology agencies, enabled by differing structures, different types of organizations and the use of AI in L&D.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a qualitative interview design, data were collected from 27 key stakeholders and L&D professionals of MSMEs, NGOs and MNEs organizations. The authors used Gioia's qualitative research approach for the thematic analysis of the collected data.

Findings

The authors argue that human and technology agencies develop organizational protocols and structures consistent with their internal/external contexts, resource availability and technology adoptions. While the reasons for lagging AI adoption in L&D were determined, the future potential of AI to support L&D also emerges. The authors theorize about the socialization of human and technology-mediated interactions to develop three emerging structures for L&D in organizations of various sizes, industries, sectors and internal/external contexts.

Research limitations/implications

The study hinges on open system theory (OST) and technology-in-practice to demonstrate the interdependence and inseparability of human activity, technological advancement and capability, and structured contexts. The authors examine the reasons for lagging AI adoption in L&D and how agentic focus shifts contingent on the organization's internal/external contexts.

Originality/value

While AI-HRM scholarship has primarily relied on psychological theories to examine impact and outcomes, the authors adopt the OST and technology in practice lens to explain how organizational contexts, resources and technology adoption may influence L&D. This study investigates the use of AI-based technology and its enabling factors for L&D, which has been under-researched.
Modeling relational performance of the supply chains for prefabricated housebuilding in New Zealand
Authors: Masood Rehan , Roy Krishanu , Gonzalez Vicente A. , Lim James B.P. , Nasir Abdur Rehman
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Prefabricated construction has proven to be superior in terms of affordability and sustainability over the years. As a result of sustainable production, prefabricated housebuilding has evolved into a distinct industry reliant on supplier companies acting as supply chains (SCs) for housing projects. These companies' performance is critical to the successful implementation of prefabricated housebuilding technologies. However, in comparison to those choosing manufacturing as a strategy in other industries, the life span of these companies, providing innovative housing solutions, is relatively short. This is due to critical factors influencing the performance, but the inter-relationship of the performance dimensions is more significant. This study establishes the inter-relationship of the companies involved in house building with steel prefabricated housebuilding technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The most recent factors were extracted from the literature. The relationships were developed using the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) method with the input from industry experts, and the driving factors were determined using the Matrice d'Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement (MICMAC) technique.

Findings

Critical performance factors were classified according to performance dimensions, ranked and classified based on driving and dependence power. The inter-relationships among the performance dimensions of time, quality, cost, delivery, features and innovation were determined. Key performance strategies were proposed for prefabricated housebuilding companies involved in manufacturing and/or assembly of steel products.

Originality/value

This study established the interrelationship of performance dimensions for prefabricated house building (PHB) companies to develop strategies against critical challenges to remain competitive in the housing market. Previous research had not looked into interrelationship among the performance dimensions. The proposed performance strategies are applicable to supplier organizations using steel prefabricated technologies in similar markets around the world.
A Review of micro RNAs changes in T2DM in animals and humans
Authors: Afsharmanesh Mohammad Reza , Mohammadi Zeinab , Mansourian Azad Reza , Jafari Seyyed Mehdi
Published: June 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its associated complications have become a crucial public health concern in the world. According to the literature, chronic inflammation and the progression of T2DM have a close relationship. Accumulated evidence suggests that inflammation enhances the insulin secretion lost by islets of Langerhans and the resistance of target tissues to insulin action, which are two critical features in T2DM development. Based on recently highlighted research that plasma concentration of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin‐6 are elevated in insulin‐resistant and T2DM, and it raises novel question marks about the processes causing inflammation in both situations. Over the past few decades, microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of short, noncoding RNA molecules, have been discovered to be involved in the regulation of inflammation, insulin resistance, and T2DM pathology. These noncoding RNAs are specifically comprised of RNA‐induced silencing complexes and regulate the expression of specific protein‐coding genes through various mechanisms. There is extending evidence that describes the expression profile of a special class of miRNA molecules altered during T2DM development. These modifications can be observed as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of T2DM and related diseases. In this review study, after reviewing the possible mechanisms involved in T2DM pathophysiology, we update recent information on the miRNA roles in T2DM, inflammation, and insulin resistance.
Associations of blood biomarkers with arterial stiffness in patients with diabetes mellitus: A population‐based study
Authors: Liang Yong‐Qi , Zhou Rui , Chen Hao‐Wen , Cao Bi‐Fei , Fan Wei‐Dong , Liu Kuan , Zhong Qi , Huang Yi‐Ning , Wu Xian‐Bo , Zou Meng‐Chen
Published: June 2023

Background

Arterial stiffness contributes to additional cardiovascular risks in diabetic patients by triggering the loss of vascular and myocardial compliance and promoting endothelial dysfunction. Thus, prevention of arterial stiffness is a public health priority, and the identification of potential biomarkers may provide benefits for early prevention. This study investigates the relationships between serum laboratory tests and pulse wave velocity (PWV) tests. We also investigated the associations between PWV and all‐cause mortality.

Methods

We examined a panel of 33 blood biomarkers among diabetic populations in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. The carotid‐femoral (cfPWV) and femoral‐ankle PWV (faPWV) were measured using an automated cardiovascular screening device. The aortic‐femoral arterial stiffness gradient (afSG) was calculated as faPWV divided by cfPWV. Biomarker levels were log‐transformed and correlated with PWV. Cox proportional hazard models were employed for survival analysis.

Results

Among 1079 diabetic patients, biomarkers including high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin, high‐sensitivity troponin T, cystatin C, creatinine, and albuminuria were significantly correlated with afSG (R = 0.078, −0.193, −0.155, −0.153, −0.116, and −0.137, respectively) and cfPWV (R = −0.068, 0.175, 0.128, 0.066, 0.202, and 0.062, respectively). Compared with the lowest tertile of afSG, the risk of all‐cause mortality was lower in the highest tertile (hazard ratio 0.543; 95% confidence interval 0.328–0.900).

Conclusion

Certain biomarkers related to blood glucose monitoring, myocardial injury, and renal function significantly correlated with PWV, suggesting that these putative risk factors are likely to be important atherosclerosis mechanisms in diabetic patients. AfSG may be an independent predictor of mortality among diabetic populations.
The prevalence and treatment utilization of substance use disorders among Muslims in the United States: A national epidemiological survey
Authors: Ragheb Heba , Ahmed Shireen , Uddin Sarah , Le Foll Bernard , Hassan Ahmed N.
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives

Research on substance use disorder (SUD) among Muslims in the United States (US) is limited. There are several unique factors, including denial and stigma, that make this population at risk of SUD. This study explored the prevalence, treatment utilization, and impact of SUD among Muslims in the US compared with a matched control group from general respondents.

Methods

Data from 372 self‐identified Muslims were obtained from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions III. A matched non‐Muslim control group (N = 744) were selected based on demographics and other SUD‐related clinical variables. The impact of SUD was assessed using the 12‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐12).

Results

Among the 372 Muslims, 53 (10.85%) had lifetime alcohol/drug use disorder, while 75 (18.42%) had lifetime tobacco use disorder (TUD). With statistical significance, alcohol use disorder (AUD) was lower while TUD was higher in the Muslim group than in the control group. The rates of all other substances were not statistically different between the Muslim and control groups. The Muslim group have higher help‐seeking and a lower mean score on the SF‐12 emotional scale than the control group.

Conclusion and Scientific Significance

Muslim Americans have higher prevalence of TUD, lower prevalence of AUD, and similar prevalence of other SUD compared to the public. Affected individuals have poor emotional functioning which may be exacerbated by the impact of stigma. This is the first study to estimate prevalence of variety of SUD in American Muslims from a national representative sample.
Multiple Large Shareholders and Firm Performance: Evidence from China*
Authors: Yan Caiyu , He Xuefei , Li Juan , He Hongqu , Ao Tianping
Published: June 2023

Agency theory has shown that multiple large shareholders have competing monitoring and entrenchment governance effects. Therefore, this paper studies the governance effects of multiple large shareholders to determine the dominant effect in the Chinese setting. A panel data model and F‐test demonstrate that a significant positive relationship exists between multiple large shareholders and firm performance, but the positive relationship between multiple large shareholders and firm performance will be weakened by state‐owned enterprises and politically connected enterprises. Furthermore, our findings suggest that multiple large shareholders can enhance firm performance by mitigating the agent–principal problem and the principal–principal problem. Additionally, a threshold model is introduced to explore the impact of other governance mechanisms on multiple large shareholders' governance, and our findings show that enhancing controlling shareholder governance and board size significantly weakens multiple large shareholders governance, but increasing the proportion of independent directors strengthens the positive relationship between multiple large shareholders and Tobin's Q and weakens the positive relationship between multiple large shareholders and ROA.
Surviving in an age of transparency: Emancipatory transparency‐making in food governance in Italy
Authors: Koensler Alexander
Published: June 2023

The concept of transparency is now an unescapable reference in public, professional, and private life. As transparency‐making has recently transmuted from a progressive instrument to counter corruption into a new universal ideological formation, it is time to problematize the concept of transparency and its uses. In this article, I consider transparency not as a moral principle or static ideology but as a terrain of political struggle over its meaning and practices. An emerging literature in anthropology highlights how transparency has become a form of governance that leads to a sense of deprofessionalization in working life. Based on ethnographic research with activist networks and small‐scale farmers in Italy, I investigate experiments with horizontal and inclusive forms of alternative transparency‐making in food processing. I consider three interrelated emblematic frictions within these experiments: informal versus formal, top‐down versus horizontal, and not‐for‐profit versus commercial. While these experimental forms of transparency‐making allow small‐scale farmers to reappropriate a sense of autonomy and professionalism, the frictions indicate that conventional and alternative transparency‐making are not diametrically opposed. Frictions in emancipatory transparency‐making repoliticize decision‐making processes in ways that are unknown in contemporary concepts of transparency. Ultimately, the concept of emancipatory transparency‐making calls for engagement in open dialogical processes.
Is telomere length a biomarker of sperm quality? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Fernández de la Puente María , Salas‐Huetos Albert , Valle‐Hita Cristina , Babio Nancy , Murphy Michelle M. , Canudas Silvia , Salas‐Salvadó Jordi
Published: June 2023

Background

Telomeres are essential for the integrity of chromosome ends during cell division and their involvement in different processes linked to aging has been established. These chromosome components are involved in spermatogenesis and seem to play an important role in fertilization and embryo development. Telomere length is shortened with each cell division. Recently, short sperm telomere length has been proposed as a potential biomarker of male infertility.

Objectives

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies exploring the association between spermatozoa and/or leukocyte telomere length with sperm quality parameters and different infertility conditions.

Material and methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted with studies from Medline‐PUBMED and Cochrane Library databases until May 2022. Eligible studies included cohort, cross‐sectional and case–control studies, and telomere length in spermatozoa and/or leukocytes cells was defined as the exposure. Semen quality parameters or infertility conditions (e.g., oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, or other spermatogenic impairment combinations) were defined as the outcomes.

Results

Twenty‐three observational studies were included. In the qualitative analysis, high heterogeneity was observed between studies regarding the associations between telomere length and semen parameters in different normozoospermic/fertile and oligozoospermic/infertile populations. In the meta‐analysis, spermatozoa and leukocyte telomere length were shorter in infertile individuals than in fertile individuals (mean difference [95% confidence interval]: –1.43 [–1.66 to –1.21], p‐value <0.001 and –1.67 [–2.02 to –1.31], p‐value <0.001, respectively). Moreover, in terms of sperm telomere length, these differences were also significant between individuals with a normal seminogram and individuals with a low quantity of spermatozoa in the ejaculate (–0.97 [–1.32, –0.61], p‐value <0.001).

Conclusion

The current systematic review and meta‐analysis suggests the potential role of spermatozoa or leukocyte telomere length as a reliable biomarker of semen quality, which may help distinguish between infertility conditions beyond the routine semen analysis.
Visual assessment of matrix‐variate normality
Authors: Počuča Nikola , Gallaugher Michael P.B. , Clark Katharine M. , McNicholas Paul D.
Published: June 2023

In recent years, the analysis of three‐way data has become ever more prevalent in the literature. It is becoming increasingly common to analyse such data by means of matrix‐variate distributions, the most prevalent of which is the matrix‐variate normal distribution. Although many methods exist for assessing multivariate normality, there is a relative paucity of approaches for assessing matrix‐variate normality. Herein, a new visual method is proposed for assessing matrix‐variate normality by means of a distance–distance plot. In addition, a testing procedure is discussed to be used in tandem with the proposed visual method. The proposed approach is illustrated via simulated data as well as an application on analysing handwritten digits.
A critical view on the role of scale and instrumental imaginaries within community sustainability transitions research
Authors: Schmid Benedikt , Taylor Aiken Gerald
Published: June 2023

Research has recently focused on various under‐the‐radar sustainability‐oriented community initiatives to understand and support bottom‐up dynamics of social‐ecological change. While community initiatives vary widely, research on them tends towards an instrumental perspective: a will‐to‐upscale. While exploring possibilities for expanding (some of) the practices and impacts of sustainability‐oriented projects and organizations, we argue for a more cautious approach to instrumentalising community initiatives. We develop our argument around four recurring issues we identify in the literature: (1) conceptual imprecisions; (2) privileging of novelties; (3) politics of urgency; and (4) outwards orientation. In response to these critiques, and leaning on geographical theories of scale, we outline our caution. At its core, this approach is a ‘literacy of scaling’ where scaling functions as a tactic subordinate to the community.
Emerging psychopathology and clinical staging in adolescent offspring of parents with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia—A longitudinal study
Authors: Setiaman Nikita , Mesman Esther , van Haren Neeltje , Hillegers Manon
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Offspring of parents with bipolar disorder (BDo) and schizophrenia (SZo) are at increased risk for these disorders and general psychopathology. Little is known about their (dis)similarities in risk and developmental trajectories during adolescence. A clinical staging approach may help define the developmental course of illness.

Methods

The Dutch Bipolar and Schizophrenia Offspring Study is a unique cross‐disorder and prospective cohort study, established in 2010. In total, 208 offspring (58 SZo, 94 BDo, and 56 control offspring [Co]) and their parents participated. Offspring were 13.2 years (SD = 2.5; range: 8–18 years) at baseline and 17.1 years (SD = 2.7) at follow‐up (88.5% retention rate). Psychopathology was assessed using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children Present and Lifetime Version, and Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment parent‐, self‐ and teacher‐reports. Groups were compared on (1) the presence of categorical psychopathology, (2) timing and development of psychopathology using a clinical staging perspective, and (3) dimensional psychopathology using a multi‐informant approach.

Results

SZo and BDo showed more categorical psychopathology and (sub)clinical symptoms, as compared to Co. SZo have, compared to BDo, an increased risk for developmental disorders, a younger age of onset, and more (sub)clinical symptoms of the mood and behavioral spectrum as reported by multiple informants.

Conclusions

Our study shows that the phenotypical risk profile overlaps between SZo and BDo, although an earlier onset of developmental psychopathology was found specifically in SZo, suggesting of a potentially different ethiopathophysiology. Longer follow‐up and future studies are needed.
An imbalanced approach to governance? An analysis of the WHO's position on human genome editing
Authors: Thaldar Donrich , Shozi Bonginkosi
Published: June 2023

In 2021, the WHO Expert Advisory Committee on Developing Global Standards for Governance and Oversight of Human Genome Editing (the ‘Committee’) published its policy recommendations. It proposes, inter alia, a set of nine values and principles to inform the governance of human genome editing (HGE) and makes recommendations regarding how HGE can be regulated. While these proposals contain valuable contributions to the discourse on the global governance of HGE, they also contain elements that call for heightened attention to the risks of the technology, and a countervailing focus on the potential benefits of the technology is missing. The Committee ostensibly prioritises restricting HGE technology in the interest of society as a collective but, in doing so, neglects to consider the interests and rights of individuals. In this article, we suggest that this approach is imbalanced insofar as it fails to give sufficient weight to the promise of this technology in considering the regulation of risks and disregards the importance of the fundamental liberties underlying the use of HGE in its discussion of values and principles that should guide governance. How this is problematic is illustrated with reference to the Committee's openness to using patents as HGE governance tools and its blanket rejection of ‘eugenics’. It is concluded that while the Committee makes some sensible recommendations on global governance, the Committee's approach of emphasising restrictions on HGE without also giving weight to the value of an open and liberal policy space is not something that liberal democratic states ought to follow.
The role of gut microbiota in cerebrovascular disease and related dementia
Authors: Cuartero María Isabel , García‐Culebras Alicia , Nieto‐Vaquero Carmen , Fraga Enrique , Torres‐López Cristina , Pradillo Jesús , Lizasoain Ignacio , Moro María Ángeles
Published: June 2023

In recent years, increasing evidence suggests that commensal microbiota may play an important role not only in health but also in disease including cerebrovascular disease. Gut microbes impact physiology, at least in part, by metabolizing dietary factors and host‐derived substrates and then generating active compounds including toxins. The purpose of this current review is to highlight the complex interplay between microbiota, their metabolites. and essential functions for human health, ranging from regulation of the metabolism and the immune system to modulation of brain development and function. We discuss the role of gut dysbiosis in cerebrovascular disease, specifically in acute and chronic stroke phases, and the possible implication of intestinal microbiota in post‐stroke cognitive impairment and dementia, and we identify potential therapeutic opportunities of targeting microbiota in this context.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue From Alzheimer's Disease to Vascular Dementia: Different Roads Leading to Cognitive Decline. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.6/issuetoc
Progression of fibrosis in liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C before and after sustained virologic response
Authors: Liu Alex , Angirekula Mounika , Elhawary Ahmed , Mara Kristin , Kulai Tasha , Leise Michael , Watt Kymberly D.
Published: June 2023

Background: Liver transplant (LT) recipients with untreated hepatitis C (HCV) are at risk for cirrhosis graft failure. The advent of direct acting antiviral agents (DAA) has improved outcomes in HCV.

Aims: We aim to examine liver transplant outcomes and allograft fibrosis development/progression after sustained virologic response (SVR).

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 226 consecutive liver transplant recipients with HCV from 2007 to 2018. The cohort was split into transplants pre (Group A) and post (Group B) 2014 to reflect the introduction of DAAs. Fibrosis was monitored with liver biopsy and non‐invasive imaging.

Results: Group B had significantly improved HCV treatment rates and earlier SVR compared to Group A, with a cumulative incidence rate of SVR at 2 years of 86.7% versus 15.4% (HR = .11, p < .001). Prior to achieving SVR, Group A demonstrated worsening of fibrosis stage per year (+.21, p < .001) whereas Group B showed minimal change on protocol annual biopsy (−.02, p = .80). After SVR, most patients were followed non‐invasively and demonstrated stable or improved fibrosis stage over time. Patients undergoing transient elastography showed regression in fibrosis stage per year (−.19, p < .001).

Conclusion: HCV patients undergoing LT after 2014 had higher rates of SVR and improved clinically relevant transplant outcomes, namely less graft loss and death relating to HCV. Fibrosis progression halted or improved after SVR in both cohorts, suggesting that LT recipients with SVR do not require fibrosis monitoring even with established fibrosis prior to SVR.
Hypoalbuminemia is a risk factor for invasive fungal infections and poor outcomes in infected kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Santos Angelie , Jorgenson Margaret R. , Osman Fauzia , Srivastava Aniruddha , Misch Elizabeth Ann , Garg Neetika , Aziz Fahad , Swanson Kurtis J. , Mohamed Maha , Djamali Arjang , Mandelbrot Didier , Parajuli Sandesh
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Invasive fungal infections (IFI), are estimated to occur in 2%–14% of kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) in the current era of immune suppression and are associated with high mortality rates. We hypothesized that hypoalbuminemia in KTRs is a risk factor for IFI and would be associated with poor outcomes.

Methods

In this study, using data from a prospective cohort registry, we describe the frequency of IFI due to Blastomycosis, Coccidioidomycosis, Histoplasmosis, Aspergillosis, and Cryptococcus in KTRs with serum albumin levels measured 3–6 months before diagnosis. Controls were selected based on incidence density sampling. KTRs were divided into three groups based on the pre‐IFI serum albumin level: normal (≥4 g/dL), mild (3–4 g/dL), or severe (<3 g/dL) hypoalbuminemia. Outcomes of interest were uncensored graft failure after IFI and overall mortality.

Results

A total of 113 KTRs with IFI were compared with 348 controls. The incidence rate of IFI among individuals with normal, mild, and severe hypoalbuminemia was 3.6, 8.7, and 29.3 per 100 person‐years, respectively. After adjustment for multiple variables, the trend for risk of uncensored graft failure following IFI was greater in KTRS with mild (HR = 2.1; 95% CI, .75–6.1) and severe (HR = 4.47; 95% CI, 1.56–12.8) hypoalbuminemia (P‐trend < .001) compared to those with normal serum albumin. Similarly, mortality was higher in severe hypoalbuminemia (HR = 1.9; 95% CI, .67–5.6) compared to normal serum albumin (P‐trend < .001).

Conclusion

Hypoalbuminemia precedes the diagnosis of IFI in KTRs, and is associated with poor outcomes following IFI. Hypoalbuminemia may be a useful predictor of IFI in KTRs and could be incorporated into screening algorithms.
Ischaemic stroke patients present sex differences in gut microbiota
Authors: Lledós Miquel , Prats‐Sánchez Luís , Llucià‐Carol Laia , Cárcel‐Márquez Jara , Muiño Elena , Cullell Natalia , Gallego‐Fabrega Cristina , Martín‐Campos Jesús M. , Aguilera‐Simón Ana , Guasch‐Jiménez Marina , Guisado‐Alonso Daniel , Ramos‐Pachón Anna , Martínez‐Domeño Alejandro , Izquierdo Artur , Marín Rebeca , Camps‐Renom Pol , Martí‐Fàbregas Joan , Fernández‐Cadenas Israel
Published: June 2023

Background

Gut microbiota plays a role in the pathophysiology of ischaemic stroke (IS) through the bidirectional gut–brain axis. Nevertheless, little is known about sex‐specific microbiota signatures in IS occurrence.

Methods

A total of 89 IS patients and 12 healthy controls were enrolled. We studied the taxonomic differences of the gut microbiota between men and women with IS by shotgun metagenomic sequencing. To evaluate the causal effect of several bacteria on IS risk, we performed a two‐sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) with inverse‐variance weighting (IVW) using genome‐wide association analysis (GWAS) summary statistics from two cohorts of 5959 subjects with genetic and microbiota data and 1,296,908 subjects with genetic and IS data, respectively.

Results

α‐Diversity analysis measured using Observed Species (p = 0.017), Chao1 (p = 0.009) and Abundance‐based Coverage Estimator (p = 0.012) indexes revealed that IS men have a higher species richness compared with IS women. Moreover, we found sex‐differences in IS patients in relation to the phylum Fusobacteria, class Fusobacteriia, order Fusobacteriales and family Fusobacteriaceae (all Bonferroni‐corrected p < 0.001). MR confirmed that increased Fusobacteriaceae levels in the gut are causally associated with an increased risk of IS (IVW p = 0.02, β = 0.32).

Conclusions

Our study is the first to indicate that there are gut microbiome differences between men and women with IS, identifying high levels of Fusobacteriaceae in women as a specific risk factor for IS. Incorporating sex stratification analysis is important in the design, analysis and interpretation of studies on stroke and the gut microbiota.
Clinical presentation and evaluation of epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia: Results of an international expert consensus panel
Authors: Smith Kelsey M. , Wirrell Elaine C. , Andrade Danielle M. , Choi Hyunmi , Trenité Dorothée Kasteleijn‐Nolst , Jones Hannah , Knupp Kelly G. , Mugar Jon , Nordli Douglas R. , Riva Antonella , Stern John M. , Striano Pasquale , Thiele Elizabeth A. , Zawar Ifrah
Published: June 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine areas of consensus among an international panel of experts for the clinical presentation and diagnosis of epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia (EEM; formerly known as Jeavons syndrome) to improve a timely diagnosis.

Methods

An international steering committee was convened of physicians and patients/caregivers with expertise in EEM. This committee summarized the current literature and identified an international panel of experts (comprising 25 physicians and five patients/caregivers). This international expert panel participated in a modified Delphi process, including three rounds of surveys to determine areas of consensus for the diagnosis of EEM.

Results

There was a strong consensus that EEM is a female predominant generalized epilepsy syndrome with onset between 3 and 12 years of age and that eyelid myoclonia must be present to make the diagnosis. There was a strong consensus that eyelid myoclonia may go unrecognized for years prior to an epilepsy diagnosis. There was consensus that generalized tonic–clonic and absence seizures are typically or occasionally seen in patients. There was a consensus that atonic or focal seizures should lead to the consideration of reclassification or alternate diagnoses. There was a strong consensus that electroencephalography is required, whereas magnetic resonance imaging is not required for diagnosis. There was a strong consensus to perform genetic testing (either epilepsy gene panel or whole exome sequencing) when one or a combination of factors was present: family history of epilepsy, intellectual disability, or drug‐resistant epilepsy.

Significance

This international expert panel identified multiple areas of consensus regarding the presentation and evaluation of EEM. These areas of consensus may be used to inform clinical practice to shorten the time to the appropriate diagnosis.
Non‐canonical nucleosides: Biomimetic triphosphorylation, incorporation into mRNA and effects on translation and structure
Authors: Benčić Patricia , Keppler Michael , Kuge Marco , Qiu Danye , Schütte Lena M. , Häner Markus , Strack Katharina , Jessen Henning J. , Andexer Jennifer N. , Loenarz Christoph
Published: June 2023

Recent advances in mRNA therapeutics demand efficient toolkits for the incorporation of nucleoside analogues into mRNA suitable for downstream applications. Herein, we report the application of a versatile enzyme cascade for the triphosphorylation of a broad range of nucleoside analogues, including unprotected nucleobases containing chemically labile moieties. Our biomimetic system was suitable for the preparation of nucleoside triphosphates containing adenosine, cytidine, guanosine, uridine and non‐canonical core structures, as determined by capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry. This enabled us to establish an efficient workflow for transcribing and purifying functional mRNA containing these nucleoside analogues, combined with mass spectrometric verification of analogue incorporation. Our combined methodology allows for analyses of how incorporation of nucleoside analogues that are commercially unavailable as triphosphates affect mRNA properties: The translational fidelity of the produced mRNA was demonstrated in analyses of how incorporated adenosine analogues impact translational recoding. For the SARS‐CoV‐2 frameshifting site, analyses of the mRNA pseudoknot structure using circular dichroism spectroscopy allowed insight into how the pharmacologically active 7‐deazaadenosine destabilises RNA secondary structure, consistent with observed changes in recoding efficiency.
The C‐terminal domain of MinC, a cell division regulation protein, is sufficient to form a copolymer with MinD
Authors: Wang Na , Sun Haiyu , Zhao Kairui , Shi Runqing , Wang Shenping , Zhou Yao , Zhai Meiting , Huang Chenghao , Chen Yaodong
Published: June 2023

Assembly of cell division protein FtsZ into the Z‐ring at the division site is a key step in bacterial cell division. The Min proteins can restrict the Z‐ring to the middle of the cell. MinC is the main protein that obstructs Z‐ring formation by inhibiting FtsZ assembly. Its N‐terminal domain (MinCN) regulates the localization of the Z‐ring by inhibiting FtsZ polymerization, while its C‐terminal domain (MinCC) binds to MinD as well as to FtsZ. Previous studies have shown that MinC and MinD form copolymers in vitro. This copolymer may greatly enhance the binding of MinC to FtsZ, and/or prevent FtsZ filaments from diffusing to the ends of the cell. Here, we investigated the assembly properties of MinCC–MinD of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We found that MinCC is sufficient to form the copolymers. Although MinCC–MinD assembles into larger bundles, most likely because MinCC is spatially more readily bound to MinD, its copolymerization has similar dynamic properties: the concentration of MinD dominates their copolymerization. The critical concentration of MinD is around 3 μm and when MinD concentration is high enough, a low concentration MinCC could still be copolymerized. We also found that MinCC–MinD can still rapidly bind to FtsZ protofilaments, providing direct evidence that MinCC also interacts directly with FtsZ. However, although the presence of minCC can slightly improve the division defect of minC‐knockout strains and shorten the cell length from an average of 12.2 ± 6.7 to 6.6 ± 3.6 μm, it is still insufficient for the normal growth and division of bacteria.
Spontaneous allelic variant in deafness–blindness gene Ush1g resulting in an expanded phenotype
Authors: Vartanian Vladimir , Krey Jocelyn F. , Chatterjee Paroma , Curtis Allison , Six Makayla , Rice Sean P. M. , Jones Sherri M. , Sampath Harini , Allen Charles N. , Ryals Renee C. , Lloyd R. Stephen , Barr‐Gillespie Peter G.
Published: June 2023

Relationships between novel phenotypic behaviors and specific genetic alterations are often discovered using target‐specific, directed mutagenesis or phenotypic selection following chemical mutagenesis. An alternative approach is to exploit deficiencies in DNA repair pathways that maintain genetic integrity in response to spontaneously induced damage. Mice deficient in the DNA glycosylase NEIL1 show elevated spontaneous mutations, which arise from translesion DNA synthesis past oxidatively induced base damage. Several litters of Neil1 knockout mice included animals that were distinguished by their backwards‐walking behavior in open‐field environments, while maintaining frantic forward movements in their home cage environment. Other phenotypic manifestations included swim test failures, head tilting and circling. Mapping of the mutation that conferred these behaviors showed the introduction of a stop codon at amino acid 4 of the Ush1g gene. Ush1gbw/bw null mice displayed auditory and vestibular defects that are commonly seen with mutations affecting inner‐ear hair‐cell function, including a complete lack of auditory brainstem responses and vestibular‐evoked potentials. As in other Usher syndrome type I mutant mouse lines, hair cell phenotypes included disorganized and split hair bundles, as well as altered distribution of proteins for stereocilia that localize to the tips of row 1 or row 2. Disruption to the bundle and kinocilium displacement suggested that USH1G is essential for forming the hair cell's kinocilial links. Consistent with other Usher type 1 models, Ush1gbw/bw mice had no substantial retinal degeneration compared with Ush1gbw/+ controls. In contrast to previously described Ush1g alleles, this new allele provides the first knockout model for this gene.
Association between the anthropometric measurements and dietary habits on telomere shortening in healthy older adults: A‐cross‐sectional study
Authors: Barcın‐Güzeldere Hatice Kübra , Aksoy Meral , Demircan Turan , Yavuz Mervenur , Beler Mahmut
Published: June 2023

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of anthropometric measurements and dietary habits on telomere length in healthy older residents in rural and urban areas.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study. The study population included 81 healthy older individuals aged ≥80 years. A quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to determine dietary habits. Anthropometric measurements were taken by researchers. The telomere length of individuals was determined from leukocytes using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Urban women had longer telomeres than rural women (P < 0.05). Rural men had significantly higher hip circumference, middle‐upper arm circumference and fat‐free mass than urban men (P < 0.05). It was shown that while fresh vegetable consumption was higher in rural areas, carbonated drink consumption was higher in urban areas (P < 0.05). In women, homemade bread and sugar consumption were higher in rural areas, and honey consumption was higher in urban (P < 0.05). Red meat, milk‐based dessert and pastry consumption explain telomere shortening by 22.5%, 24.8% and 17.9%, respectively. In addition, the model based on anthropometric measurements also contributes to explaining telomere shortening by 42.9%.

Conclusion

Red meat, milk‐based dessert and pastry consumption, and waist circumference, hip circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio and waist‐to‐height ratio are associated with telomere length. Longer telomeres are associated with a healthy, balanced, adequate diet and maintaining a healthy body weight/proportion, and they are crucial for achieving healthy aging.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 565–572.
Survey of physicians' and patients' understanding, perceptions, and attitudes toward depressive state in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Yukawa Arito , Ueno Daisuke , Narumoto Jin , Matoba Satoaki , Senoo Keitaro
Published: June 2023

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia among older people and has a significant impact on quality of life. However, it is not always perceived as a serious mental health risk. This study investigated the understanding, perceptions, and attitudes toward the risk of depressive state associated with older patients with AF.

Methods

We conducted a quantitative survey in April–June 2021 among patients with AF aged ≥65 years (n = 156), and physicians or cardiologists attending at least 10 older patients with AF annually (n = 158).

Results

In total, 45% of patients considered AF a cause of a depressive state. In contrast, 16% of physicians reported that they considered AF a cause of a depressive state. Fifty‐two percent of the patients had experienced a depressive state. Of these, 98% expressed that a depressive state lowered their quality of life. Two of the three patients reported that they would consult their physicians if they felt depressed. By contrast, 30% of physicians responded that even if they perceived their patients as depressed, they prescribe anti‐anxiety medication but do not refer the patient to psychiatrists. Of the physicians, 50% stated that they did not regard the association of AF and depressive state as serious, although both physicians and patients understood that negative anxiety, such as fear of AF attacks, strokes, or heart failure, was the most important contributor to a depressive state.

Conclusion

Establishing mental healthcare involving physicians together with psychiatrists is necessary to improve the mental and physical health outcomes for older patients with AF. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 543–548.
Porous ceramics derived from steel slag/coal gangue mixtures using cigarette butts as the pore‐forming agent
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Wang Yang , Li Jingtao , Li Baorang
Published: June 2023

Fabrication of ceramic materials with interconnected pores is necessary to improve thermal energy storage efficiency in high‐temperature infiltration technology. In the present study, industrial wastes such as coal gangue, steel slag, etc., were selected as the raw materials to prepare ceramics with interconnected pores. By adopting 50% cigarette butts as the pore‐forming agent, steel slag–coal gangue mixtures with a mass ratio of steel slag to coal gangue of 1:9 were sintered at 1100°C, and ceramics with interconnected elongated pores were prepared successfully. The highest apparent porosity and lowest volume density of the as‐prepared ceramics were ca. 73% and .74 g/cm3, respectively. Further measurements of the thermophysical properties indicated that no obvious mass loss was observed in the temperature range from ambient temperature to 800°C. The maximum values of specific heat and thermal conductivity were 1.38 J/(g K) and 1.661 W/(m K), respectively, and meanwhile the minimum compressive strength could exceed 3.5 MPa. These research results implied that the as‐prepared steel slag–coal gangue ceramics can provide long‐term service and offer excellent thermal stability over a wide temperature range. Therefore, they should have potential applications in high‐temperature infiltration technology.
Measurement of immature platelet fraction is useful in the differential diagnosis of MYH9 disorders
Authors: Kouno Hiroyoshi , Kunishima Shinji , Takebe Junko , Uchiyama Toru , Kaname Tadashi , Ishiguro Akira
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Although the presence of large and giant platelets is important in screening for MYH9 disorders, platelet morphology evaluation is dependent on operator subjectivity. Immature platelet fraction (IPF%) is widely used in clinical practice because of its rapidity and reproducibility; however, IPF% has been rarely analyzed in MYH9 disorders. Therefore, our study aimed to clarify the usefulness of IPF% in the differential diagnosis of MYH9 disorders.

Methods

We assessed 24 patients with MYH9 disorders, 10 with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (cITP), 14 with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with thrombocytopenia (<100 × 109/L), and 20 healthy volunteers. Platelet‐related data, including IPF% and platelet morphology (diameter, surface area, and staining), were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Median IPF% in MYH9 disorders, 48.7%, was significantly higher than in all other groups (cITP: 13.4%, MDS: 9.4%, controls: 2.6%). IPF% in MYH9 disorders was significantly negatively correlated with platelet count and significantly positively correlated with the diameter and surface area of platelets, but a correlation was not found between IPF% and platelet staining. The area under the curve of IPF% for the differential diagnosis of MYH9 disorders was 0.987 (95% CI: 0.969–1.000), with a sensitivity of 95.8% and specificity of 93.2% when the cutoff value of IPF% was 24.3%.

Conclusion

Our study strongly suggests that IPF% is useful in the differential diagnosis between MYH9 disorders and other types of thrombocytopenia.
Persistent symptoms of maternal post‐traumatic stress following childbirth across the first months postpartum: Associations with perturbations in maternal behavior and infant avoidance of social gaze toward mother
Authors: Rousseau Sofie , Feldman Tamar , Shlomi Polachek Inbal , Frenkel Tahl I.
Published: June 2023

Recent literature identifies childbirth as a potentially traumatic event, following which mothers may develop symptoms of Post‐Traumatic‐Stress‐Following‐Childbirth (PTS‐FC). The current study examines whether stable symptoms of PTS‐FC during the early postpartum period may impose risk for perturbations in maternal behavior and infant social‐engagement with mother, controlling for comorbid postpartum internalizing symptoms. Mother‐infant dyads (N = 192) were recruited from the general population, during the third trimester of pregnancy. 49.5% of the mothers were primipara, and 48.4% of the infants were girls. Maternal PTS‐FC was assessed at 3‐day, 1‐month and 4‐month postpartum, via self‐report and clinician‐administered interview. Latent Profile Analysis generated two profiles of symptomology: “Stable‐High‐PTS‐FC” (17.0%), and “Stable‐Low‐PTS‐FC” (83%). Membership in the “Stable‐High‐PTS‐FC” profile associated with perturbed maternal sensitivity, which was in turn significantly associated with infant avoidance of social gaze toward mother (Indirect effect β = −0.15). Results suggest the need for early screening and inform the planning of early preventive interventions.
Evaluation of oral health‐related quality of life following dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia in Turkish children with early childhood caries
Authors: Öztürk Gülce , Gümüş Hüsniye
Published: June 2023

Background

Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most common dental problems, which often require dental rehabilitation with general anesthesia (DRGA).

Aim

To assess the short‐ and long‐term effects of DRGA on children and their families' oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in preschool children, the incidence of complications on the first day, and the factors affecting them and parental satisfaction.

Design

A total of 150 children treated for ECC under DRGA were included in the study. OHRQoL was assessed on the day of DRGA, 4 weeks, and 1 year after treatment using the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). The incidence of complications and parental satisfaction with DRGA were evaluated. The data were analyzed for statistical significance (p < .05).

Results

In total, 134 patients were re‐evaluated at the end of the fourth week and 120 at the end of the first year. The average ECOHIS scores before and after DRGA (4 weeks and 1 year) were 18.1 ± 8.5, 3.1 ± 3.9, and 5.9 ± 6.2, respectively. After DRGA, 29.2% of the children reported at least one complication. Ninety‐one percent of the parents reported that they were satisfied with DRGA.

Conclusion

DRGA has a positive effect on the OHRQoL of Turkish preschool children with ECC and is highly evaluated by their parents.