bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of respiratory viral infections on nasopharyngeal pneumococcal colonization dynamics in children
Authors: Howard Leigh M. , Grijalva Carlos G.
Published: March 2024

Purpose of review

Prevention of acute respiratory illnesses (ARI) in children is a global health priority, as these remain a leading cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality throughout the world. As new products and strategies to prevent respiratory infections caused by important pathogens such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and pneumococcus are advancing, increasing evidence suggests that these and other respiratory viruses and pneumococci may exhibit interactions that are associated with altered colonization and disease dynamics. We aim to review recent data evaluating interactions between respiratory viruses and pneumococci in the upper respiratory tract and their potential impact on pneumococcal colonization patterns and disease outcomes.

Recent findings

While interactions between influenza infection and subsequent increased susceptibility and transmissibility of colonizing pneumococci have been widely reported in the literature, emerging evidence suggests that human rhinovirus, SARS-CoV-2, and other viruses may also exhibit interactions with pneumococci and alter pneumococcal colonization patterns. Additionally, colonizing pneumococci may play a role in modifying outcomes associated with respiratory viral infections. Recent evidence suggests that vaccination with pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, and prevention of colonization with pneumococcal serotypes included in these vaccines, may be associated with reducing the risk of subsequent viral infection and the severity of the associated illnesses.

Understanding the direction and dynamics of viral-pneumococcal interactions may elucidate the potential effects of existing and emerging viral and bacterial vaccines and other preventive strategies on the health impact of these important respiratory pathogens.
Seizure Detection, Prediction, and Forecasting
Authors: Fu Aradia , Lado Fred A.
Published: March 2024

Among the many fears associated with seizures, patients with epilepsy are greatly frustrated and distressed over seizure's apparent unpredictable occurrence. However, increasing evidence have emerged over the years to support that seizure occurrence is not a random phenomenon as previously presumed; it has a cyclic rhythm that oscillates over multiple timescales. The pattern in rises and falls of seizure rate that varies over 24 hours, weeks, months, and years has become a target for the development of innovative devices that intend to detect, predict, and forecast seizures. This article will review the different tools and devices available or that have been previously studied for seizure detection, prediction, and forecasting, as well as the associated challenges and limitations with the utilization of these devices. Although there is strong evidence for rhythmicity in seizure occurrence, very little is known about the mechanism behind this oscillation. This article concludes with early insights into the regulations that may potentially drive this cyclical variability and future directions.
Control of cell state transitions by post-transcriptional regulation
Authors: Mulas Carla
Published: March 2024

Cell state transitions are prevalent in biology, playing a fundamental role in development, homeostasis and repair. Dysregulation of cell state transitions can lead to or occur in a wide range of diseases. In this letter, I explore and highlight the role of post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms in determining the dynamics of cell state transitions. I propose that regulation of protein levels after transcription provides an under-appreciated regulatory route to obtain fast and sharp transitions between distinct cell states.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Causes and consequences of stochastic processes in development and disease’.
Tumor-microvessel on-a-chip reveals sequential intravasation cascade of cancer cell clusters
Authors: Ikeda Yukinori , Suehiro Jun-ichi , Oshima Hiroko , Kok Sau Yee , Takahashi Kazuki , Sakurai Hiroyuki , Watabe Tetsuro , Oshima Masanobu , Matsunaga Yukiko T.
Published: March 2024

Circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters are often detected in blood samples of patients with high-grade tumor and are associated with tumor metastasis and poor prognosis. However, the underlying mechanisms by which CTC clusters are released from primary tumors beyond blood vessel barriers remain unclear. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture system is developed to visualize tumor intravasation by positioning tumor organoids with distinct genetic backgrounds to surround microvessels. We visualized tumor intravasation in a cluster unit, including collective migration in the collagen gel, vessel co-option, and the release of CTC clusters as one of cluster invasion manners yet reported previously. In addition, our results show that both transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expression in tumor cells and subsequent induction of activin expression in endothelium are essential for tumor cell intravasation accompanied with endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) in microvessels. Our 3D in vitro system can be used to develop therapeutic strategies for tumor metastasis by targeting CTC clusters.
Systems genetics approach uncovers associations between host amylase locus, gut microbiome and metabolic traits in hyperlipidemic mice
Authors: Zhang Qijun , Hutchison Evan R. , Pan Calvin , Warren Matthew F. , Keller Mark P. , Attie Alan D. , Lusis Aldons J. , Rey Federico E.
Published: March 2024

The molecular basis for how host genetic variation impacts gut microbial community and bacterial metabolic niches remain largely unknown. We leveraged 90 inbred hyperlipidemic mouse strains from the Hybrid Mouse Diversity Panel (HMDP), previously studied for a variety of cardio-metabolic traits. Metagenomic analysis of cecal DNA followed by genome-wide association analysis identified genomic loci that were associated with microbial enterotypes in the gut. Among these we detected a genetic locus surrounding multiple amylase genes that was associated with abundances of Firmicutes (Lachnospiraceaefamily) and Bacteroidetes (Muribaculaceaefamily) taxa encoding distinct starch and sugar metabolism functions. We also found that lower amylase gene number in the mouse genome was associated with higher gutMuribaculaceaelevels. Previous work suggests that modulation of host amylase activity impacts the availability of carbohydrates to the host and potentially to gut bacteria. The genetic variants described above were associated with distinct gut microbial communities (enterotypes) with different predicted metabolic capacities for carbohydrate degradation. Mendelian randomization analysis revealed host phenotypes, including liver fibrosis and plasma HDL-cholesterol levels, that were associated with gut microbiome enterotypes. This work reveals novel relationships between host genetic variation, gut microbial enterotypes and host physiology/disease phenotypes in mice.
Sequential Transcriptional Programs of Tissue Residency Drive Human Uterine NK Cell Development
Authors: Greene Morgan , Asiimwe Rebecca , Wright Emma , Bell Markayla , Epstein Daniel , Yates Stefani D. , Knott Brittney , Fry Samantha , Clevenger Stephanie , Locke Jayme , Little Shawn C. , Richter Holly , Freud Aharon G. , Porrett Paige M.
Published: March 2024

Uterine natural killer cells are critical for pregnancy success, but the origin and development of these cells in humans remain unclear. Here we use various single cell approaches to identify the transcriptional programs governing uterine NK cell development in humans. These analyses suggest a developmental continuum which begins with seeding of the endometrium with blood immature CD56brightprecursors, evolves through CD56brightendometrial founder NK cells, and ends with tissue resident decidual NK cells during pregnancy which possess non-cytotoxic functions. Our work identifies a role for sequential programs of tissue residency in the differentiation of these cells, as differentiating endometrial tissue resident NK (trNK) cells acquire early and late transcriptional programs of residency which coincide with acquisition of unique non-cytotoxic effector programs. Notably, we identified early residency programs in human endometrial trNKs by expression ofNR4A2, AP-1 transcription factors, and other immediate early response genes that were shared with CD8 tissue resident memory T cells in mice, suggesting conservation of transcriptional programs of early tissue residency programs across species and cell types. Late residency programs were guided by TGFβ, which promoted expression of various integrins and trNK subset diversification within the non-pregnant endometrium. Altogether, these data identify the molecular foundations for endometrial trNK heterogeneity and suggest that the uterine NK diversity observed during pregnancy is established before embryo implantation and intimately tied to residency programming.
Comparison of a novel potentiator of CFTR channel activity to ivacaftor in ameliorating mucostasis caused by cigarette smoke in primary human bronchial airway epithelial cells
Authors: Tanjala Adrian Constantin , Jiang Jia Xin , Eckford Paul D.W. , Ramjeesingh Mohabir , Li Canhui , Huan Ling Jun , Langeveld Gabrielle , Townsend Claire , Paone Daniel V. , Busch-Petersen Jakob , Pekhletski Roman , Tang LiPing , Raju Vamsee , Rowe Steven M. , Bear Christine E.
Published: March 2024

Background

Cystic Fibrosis causing mutations in the geneCFTR, reduce the activity of the CFTR channel protein, and leads to mucus aggregation, airway obstruction and poor lung function. A role for CFTR in the pathogenesis of other muco-obstructive airway diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has been well established. The CFTR modulatory compound, Ivacaftor (VX-770), potentiates channel activity of CFTR and certain CF-causing mutations and has been shown to ameliorate mucus obstruction and improve lung function in people harbouring these CF-causing mutations. A pilot trial of Ivacaftor supported its potential efficacy for the treatment of mucus obstruction in COPD. These findings prompted the search for CFTR potentiators that are more effective in ameliorating cigarette-smoke (CS) induced mucostasis.

Methods

A novel small molecule potentiator (SK-POT1), previously identified in CFTR binding studies, was tested for its activity in augmenting CFTR channel activity using patch clamp electrophysiology in HEK-293 cells, a fluorescence-based assay of membrane potential in Calu-3 cells and in Ussing chamber studies of primary bronchial epithelial cultures. Addition of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) to the solutions bathing the apical surface of Calu-3 cells and primary bronchial airway cultures was used to model COPD. Confocal studies of the velocity of fluorescent microsphere movement on the apical surface of CSE exposed airway epithelial cultures, were used to assess the effect of potentiators on CFTR-mediated mucociliary movement.

Results

We showed that SK-POT1, like VX-770, was effective in augmenting the cyclic AMP-dependent channel activity of CFTR. SK-POT-1 enhanced CFTR channel activity in airway epithelial cells previously exposed to CSE and ameliorated mucostasis on the surface of primary airway cultures.

Conclusion

Together, this evidence supports the further development of SK-POT1 as an intervention in the treatment of COPD.
Pan-cancer molecular signatures connecting aspartate transaminase (AST) to cancer prognosis, metabolic and immune signatures
Authors: Siwo Geoffrey H. , Singal Amit G. , Waljee Akbar K.
Published: March 2024

Background

Serum aspartate transaminase (sAST) level is used routinely in conjunction with other clinical assays to assess liver health and disease. Increasing evidence suggests that sAST is associated with all-cause mortality and has prognostic value in several cancers, including gastrointestinal and urothelial cancers. Here, we undertake a systems approach to unravel molecular connections between AST and cancer prognosis, metabolism, and immune signatures at the transcriptomic and proteomic levels.

Methods

We mined public gene expression data across multiple normal and cancerous tissues using the Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEX) resource and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to assess the expression of genes encoding AST isoenzymes (GOT1 and GOT2) and their association with disease prognosis and immune infiltration signatures across multiple tumors. We examined the associations between AST and previously reported pan-cancer molecular subtypes characterized by distinct metabolic and immune signatures. We analyzed human protein-protein interaction networks for interactions between GOT1 and GOT2 with cancer-associated proteins. Using public databases and protein-protein interaction networks, we determined whether the subset of proteins that interact with AST (GOT1 and GOT2 interactomes) are enriched with proteins associated with specific diseases, miRNAs and transcription factors.

Results

We show that AST transcript isoforms (GOT1 and GOT2) are expressed across a wide range of normal tissues. AST isoforms are upregulated in tumors of the breast, lung, uterus, and thymus relative to normal tissues but downregulated in tumors of the liver, colon, brain, kidney and skeletal sarcomas. At the proteomic level, we find that the expression of AST is associated with distinct pan-cancer molecular subtypes with an enrichment of specific metabolic and immune signatures. Based on human protein-protein interaction data, AST physically interacts with multiple proteins involved in tumor initiation, suppression, progression, and treatment. We find enrichments in the AST interactomes for proteins associated with liver and lung cancer and dermatologic diseases. At the regulatory level, the GOT1 interactome is enriched with the targets of cancer-associated miRNAs, specifically mir34a – a promising cancer therapeutic, while the GOT2 interactome is enriched with proteins that interact with cancer-associated transcription factors.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that perturbations in the levels of AST within specific tissues reflect pathophysiological changes beyond tissue damage and have implications for cancer metabolism, immune infiltration, prognosis, and treatment personalization.
Parameters that influence bipartite reporter system expression inC. elegans
Authors: Knoebel Emma , Brinck Anna , Nonet Michael L.
Published: March 2024

The development of bipartite reporter systems inC. eleganshas lagged by more than a decade behind its adoption in Drosophila, the other invertebrate model commonly used to dissect biological mechanisms. Here, we characterize many parameters that influence expression in recently developedC. elegansbipartite systems. We examine how DNA binding site number and spacing influence expression and characterize how these expression parameters vary in distinct tissue types. Furthermore, we examine how both basal promoters and 3’ UTR influence the specificity and level of expression. These studies provide both a framework for the rational design of driver and reporter transgenes as well as molecular and genetic tools for the creation, characterization, and optimization of bipartite system components for expression in other cell types.
Exploring the Dynamics of Social Interactions During the Juvenile Stage in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Bae Moon Young , Wang Bosong , Abdullah Abdullah , Ahmed Asim , Ilyas Raffay , Rasheva Veronica , Murari Kartikeya , Cheng Ning
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), caused by mutations in theFmr1gene, is a neurodevelopmental condition linked to cognitive and behavioral differences, including atypical interactions and heightened anxiety-like responses in social settings. Previous studies that used FXS mouse models focused mostly on adulthood but not on behaviors displayed by juvenile mice. This is especially concerning considering the extensive body of research conducted in children and adolescents with FXS, which indicates dynamic neurodevelopmental changes from childhood to adulthood. Thus, it is crucial to study how FXS affects social interactions during the juvenile stage, in both female and male mice. In this study, we compared the social behavior ofFmr1knockout (KO) mice, a model of FXS, with wild-type (WT) mice of the C57BL/6J strain.

Methods

We examined both male and female juvenile mice at postnatal day 40 (P40). Social interaction tests were carried out using two mice of the same sex and genotype, who previously had not encountered each other, and were allowed to interact freely in an empty chamber for 10 minutes. Their behaviors were recorded by an overhead camera for 10 minutes. Key social behaviors such as head, body, anogenital sniffing, and physical touch, as well as distance traveled, were analyzed with a recently developed marker-less tracking software.

Results

Results from the social interaction tests showed pronounced sex and genotype differences between juvenile females and males of both the WT and KO genotypes. Overall, sex differences were found in all the behavioral parameters that were measured. Notably, the KO females engaged in more social interaction events compared to WT females in each social behavior. On the other hand, there were no significant differences observed between the WT and KO males.

Discussion

These results highlight the importance of considering the differences that arise during the juvenile stage inFmr1KO mouse model, suggesting that early post-natal phases may be a promising window for therapeutic interventions.
Harmonics of lepton-jet correlations in inclusive and diffractive scatterings
Authors: Tong Xuan-Bo , Xiao Bo-Wen , Zhang Yuan-Yuan
Published: March 2024

Based on our previous work, we study the harmonic coefficient of both inclusive and diffractive azimuthal angle dependent lepton-jet correlations in the Hadron-Electron Ring Accelerator and the future electron-ion collider. Numerical calculations for inclusive and diffractive harmonics, and the ratio of harmonics in e+Au and e+p, indicate their strong discriminating power for nonsaturation models and saturation models. Additionally, we demonstrate that the t-dependent diffractive harmonics can serve as novel observables for the nuclear density profile.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Long-distance contribution to
εK
from lattice QCD
Authors: Bai Ziyuan , Christ Norman H. , Karpie Joseph M. , Sachrajda Christopher T. , Soni Amarjit , Wang Bigeng
Published: March 2024

A lattice QCD approach to the calculation of the long-distance contributions to εK is presented. This parameter describes indirect CP violation in K→ππ decay. While the short-distance contribution to εK can be accurately calculated in terms of standard model parameters and a single hadronic matrix element, BK, there is a long-distance part which is estimated to be approximately 5% of the total and is more difficult to determine. A method for determining this small but phenomenologically important contribution to εK using lattice QCD is proposed and a complete exploratory calculation of the contribution is presented. This exploratory calculation uses an unphysical light quark mass corresponding to a 339 MeV pion mass and an unphysical charm quark mass of 968 MeV, expressed in the MS¯ scheme at 2 GeV. This calculation demonstrates that future work should be able to determine this long-distance contribution from first principles with a controlled error of 10% or less.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Robust Measurements of
n
-Point Correlation Functions of Driven-Dissipative Quantum Systems on a Digital Quantum Computer
Authors: Del Re Lorenzo , Rost Brian , Foss-Feig Michael , Kemper A. F. , Freericks J. K.
Published: March 2024

We propose and demonstrate a unified hierarchical method to measure n-point correlation functions that can be applied to driven, dissipative, or otherwise open or nonequilibrium quantum systems. In this method, the time evolution of the system is repeatedly interrupted by interacting an ancilla qubit with the system through a controlled operation, and measuring the ancilla immediately afterward. We discuss the robustness of this method as compared to other ancilla-based interferometric techniques (such as the Hadamard test), and highlight its advantages for near-term quantum simulations of open quantum systems. We implement the method on a quantum computer in order to measure single-particle Green’s functions of a driven-dissipative fermionic system. This Letter shows that dynamical correlation functions for driven-dissipative systems can be robustly measured with near-term quantum computers.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Adopting relationship trust and influence strategy to enhance green customer integration: a social exchange theory perspective
Authors: Zhou Cong , Xia Weili , Feng Taiwen
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore how relationship trust and different types of influence strategy (i.e., non-coercive and coercive influence strategy) impact green customer integration (GCI), while investigating the moderating mechanisms of big data development and social capital.

Design/methodology/approach

Following hierarchical linear regression analysis, the authors examine hypothesized relationships by combining survey data from 206 Chinese manufacturers with secondary data.

Findings

The results show that relationship trust positively affects non-coercive influence strategy, while its impact on coercive influence strategy is insignificant. Non-coercive influence strategy has an inverted U-shaped impact on GCI. Furthermore, big data development flattens the inverted U-shaped relationship between non-coercive influence strategy and GCI. Conversely, social capital steepens the inverted U-shaped relationship between non-coercive influence strategy and GCI.

Practical implications

This study sheds light on managers on how to involve customers in GCI through friendly strategies that favor the involvement of customers and the willingness to develop environmentally friendly initiatives.

Originality/value

Although GCI has received widespread attention, how it can be enhanced remains unclear. These findings provide novel insights into the emerging GCI literature and complement social exchange theory.
Integrating of FDI, institutions, ICT and logistics for promoting domestic entrepreneurship: evidence from fsQCA
Authors: Luu Tien Dung , Huynh Thuy Tien , Phung Tuan Thanh
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the relationships between foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic entrepreneurship (DE) with the moderating role of formal institutions (FI), logistics and information communication technology (ICT) capacities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on unbalanced panel data of 53 countries from 2006 to 2020 at different stages of development, using a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis.

Findings

The research results indicate that FDI directly affects the establishment of domestic entrepreneurship. Additionally, FDI firms via the buffer mechanism of FI, logistics and ICT development for DE. Through its adjustment to the quality of institutions, logistics and ICT infrastructure, GDP per capita determines the direction of FDI's impact on DE.

Originality/value

The study's findings grant empirical evidence and theoretical contributions to the relationship between FDI and domestic entrepreneurial development through the buffering mechanism of FI, logistics and the role of ICT.
Spatial spillover effects associated with the Sweden Democrats' growing support
Authors: Sümeghy Dávid
Published: March 2024

Research on the growing support of radical right parties cannot ignore the role of spatial, contextual effects and geographical proximity. One important spatial factor is the halo effect, which suggests that a radical right party is more likely to perform well in a homogeneous electoral district surrounded by ethnically diverse areas. Voter behaviour is influenced by certain neighbourhood effects, which can be spatially distant, originating from neighbouring areas. In this way, the presence of groups more inclined to support the radical right in an area can, through interaction and observations of signs or norms, modify an individual's party preference. In this paper, I model the 2018 election results of the Sweden Democrats at the level of the 6004 Swedish electoral districts using the Spatial Durbin Model specification. The spatial model shows a better fit and indicates a spillover effect of the level of education and median wealth in addition to the contextual role of ethnic diversity and its change. Changes in the proportion of non‐Europeans in neighbouring areas have had a particularly strong spillover effect, which is associated with the growing support for the Sweden Democrats.
Utilisation of Lacticaseibacillus casei ATCC 393‐derived exopolysaccharide for camel milk yoghurt production and its potential anticancer and hepatoprotective properties
Authors: Ali Mona S. , Darwish Aliaa A. , Hassan Mostafa A. , Hekal Sahar A. , E. Abdel‐Mobdy Ahmed , Bakry Amr M.
Published: March 2024

Camel milk yoghurts were created using probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with exopolysaccharide (EPS) production capabilities. Lacticaseibacillus casei ATCC 393, identified as the most efficient EPS producer, was incorporated into conventional yoghurt culture. We compared the effects of adding L. casei ATCC 393 with EPS powder (SLLP) against lactulose. Evaluations included LAB, yeast, mould, cytotoxicity and IC50 values in the samples. The results demonstrated increased bacterial counts, LAB viability, viscosity, antiproliferative effects and a lower IC50 in SLLP, indicating the potential application of EPS‐producing L. casei ATCC 393 and its derived EPS in the development of functional foods.
Consumer perception and acceptance of edible packaging for various food products
Authors: Taylor Sage , Colonna Ann , Jung Jooyeoun , Gutierrez Jessica , Zhao Yanyun
Published: March 2024

Excessive use of single‐use plastic packaging presents an imminent threat to the environment. One of the emerging solutions is using edible food packaging. However, there is lack of consumer information toward edible packaging. This study evaluated consumer attitude, acceptability, and purchase intent of three types of edible food packaging: muffin liner, cranberry pomace fruit leather wrap, and powdered drink sachet. One hundred consumers who frequently consumed muffins, strawberry fruit leather, and powdered lemonade were selected from metropolitan area of Portland, Oregon to participate in the study. The panelists were presented with the edible films and the food products with the edible packaging, information card highlighting the environmental‐friendly edible package, and were prompted with describing the sensory attributes, purchase intent, and qualities regarding the edible packaging with and without food. Overall, panelists liked the three foods with the edible packaging giving overall liking scores of 7.48, 8.06, and 7.48 for the muffin liners, edible fruit leather wraps, and powdered drink sachets, respectively, based on a 9‐point hedonic scale where 1 = dislike extremely and 9 = like extremely. When asked about hypothetical purchase intent, 64%–68% of panelists positively reacted to purchase intent and would buy all three types of edible packaging products. Based on the positive reaction from panelists, edible packaging maybe a possible solution to reducing single‐use plastic packaging in the food industry. This study can be the catalyst for further investigation of the efficacy of different applications of edible food packaging as well as consumer perceptions of eating their packaging.

Practical Application

Edible food packaging is an emerging solution for reducing single‐use plastic waste. This study investigated consumer attitude, acceptability, and purchase intent of edible food packaging for three food packaging applications, including edible muffin liner, fruit leather wrap, and powdered drink sachet. This study demonstrated that consumers strongly agree that edible packaging would serve as an environmentally sustainable solution to single‐use plastics, and are willing to spend more to purchase these sustainable alternatives. This study provides new information toward the future development of edible packaging and consumer perceptions of eating their packaging.
Molecular sexing of birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of sex‐linked genes and logistic regression models
Authors: Petrou Eleni L. , Scott Laura C. , McKeeman Cherie M. , Ramey Andrew M.
Published: March 2024

The ability to sex individuals is an important component of many behavioural and ecological investigations and provides information for demographic models used in conservation and species management. However, many birds are difficult to sex using morphological characters or traditional molecular sexing methods. In this study, we developed probabilistic models for sexing birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) data. First, we quantified distributions of gene copy numbers at a set of six sex‐linked genes, including the sex‐determining gene DMRT1, for individuals across 17 species and seven orders of birds (n = 150). Using these data, we built predictive logistic models for sex identification and tested their performance with independent samples from 51 species and 13 orders (n = 209). Models using the two loci most highly correlated with sex had greater accuracy than models using the full set of sex‐linked loci, across all taxonomic levels of analysis. Sex identification was highly accurate when individuals to be assigned were of species used in model building. Our analytical approach was widely applicable across diverse neognath bird lineages spanning millions of years of evolutionary divergence. Unlike previous methods, our probabilistic framework incorporates uncertainty around qPCR measurements as well as biological variation within species into decision‐making rules. We anticipate that this method will be useful for sexing birds, including those of high conservation concern and/or subsistence value, that have proven difficult to sex using traditional approaches. Additionally, the general analytical framework presented in this paper may also be applicable to other organisms with sex chromosomes.
Anthropology with a philosophical sensibility
Authors: Souza dos Santos Eraldo
Published: March 2024

While philosophy and anthropology have much to say to each other, they do not always mesh in productive ways. Critically reflecting on an edited volume that seeks to bring insights from philosophy to anthropological analysis, I consider how the volume's form, while didactic, may contribute to the reproduction of power dynamics that both anthropologists and philosophers have denounced. More broadly, however, I argue that reading and engaging with philosophy can broaden anthropologists’ theoretical imagination and perception in the field, just as having an anthropological sensibility can expand the philosophical imagination and open new avenues of philosophical inquiry.
‘Not a goal, but a given’: Neonatal care participation through parents' perspective, a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hoeben Hannah , Obermann‐Borst Sylvia A. , Stelwagen Mireille A. , van Kempen Anne A. M. W. , van Goudoever Johannes B. , van der Schoor Sophie R. D. , van Veenendaal Nicole R.
Published: March 2024

Aim

To explore parents' perspectives regarding participation in neonatal care, with focus on the family integrated care (FICare) model utilised as a tool to enhance parent–infant closeness. Additionally, we describe experiences in different architectural settings.

Methods

An online survey, categorised by four FICare pillars, was distributed through social media to parents of newborns hospitalised to Dutch neonatal wards between 2015 and 2020. Quantitative findings were summarised using descriptive statistics, while open‐ended responses were thematically analysed.

Results

Among the 344 respondents (98% mothers), most reported feeling involved in care (315/340). However, 79% also felt separated from their infant (265/337). Irrespective of architectural settings, parents reported incomplete implementation of FICare pillars: 14% was invited to educational sessions (parent education), 51% discussed family‐specific care plans (staff education), 21% was facilitated in connecting with veteran parents (psychosocial support) and 22% received couplet‐care (environment). Although 65% of parents were invited to attend clinical rounds, 32% actively participated in decision making. Thematic analysis revealed fundamentals for feeling welcome on the ward, peer‐to‐peer support, psychosocial support and participation in clinical rounds.

Conclusion

Overall, parents expressed satisfaction with participation in neonatal care. However, structural implementation of FICare lacks. Regardless of architecture, expanding parent participation beyond presence requires attention.
Two‐year neurodevelopmental outcome in extremely preterm‐born children: The Austrian Preterm Outcome Study Group
Authors: Kiechl‐Kohlendorfer Ursula , Simma Burkhard , Berger Angelika , Urlesberger Berndt , Wald Martin , Haiden Nadja , Fuiko Renate , Ndayisaba Jean‐Pierre ,   The Austrian Preterm Outcome Study Group
Published: March 2024

Aim

The current study determined the neurodevelopmental outcome of extremely preterm infants at 2 years of age.

Methods

All live‐born infants 23–27 weeks of gestation born between 2011 and 2020 in Austria were included in a prospective registry. Neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years of corrected age was assessed using Bayley Scales of Infant Development for both motor and cognitive scores, along with a neurological examination and an assessment of neurosensory function.

Results

2378 out of 2905 (81.9%) live‐born infants survived to 2 years of corrected age. Follow‐up data were available for 1488 children (62.6%). Overall, 43.0% had no, 35.0% mild and 22.0% moderate‐to‐severe impairment. The percentage of children with moderate‐to‐severe neurodevelopmental impairment decreased with increasing gestational age and was 31.4%, 30.5%, 23.3%, 19.0% and 16.5% at 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 weeks gestational age (p < 0.001). Results did not change over the 10‐year period. In multivariate analysis, neonatal complications as well as male sex were significantly associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairment.

Conclusion

In this cohort study, a 22.0% rate of moderate‐to‐severe neurodevelopmental impairment was observed among children born extremely preterm. This national data is important for both counselling parents and guiding the allocation of health resources.
Rewilding, gender and the transformation of the Côa Valley
Authors: Bartolini Nadia , Carvalho Bárbara , May Sarah
Published: March 2024

This paper focuses on women's agency through their responses to a rewilding initiative. To do this, we draw on ethnographic research conducted in a rewilding landscape in the Côa Valley in Portugal. Our initial encounters in the rewilding field were all with male workers. This led us to actively seek out women's experiences, who were mainly located on the margins of rewilding. We believe these experiences cast rewilding—and its effects on rural communities—in a new light. We discuss three women's differing relationships with a rewilding initiative: Beatriz who sold land to rewilding and purchased other productive land for her son; Diana and Matilda who are running businesses alongside raising young families and envisioning futures. Their experiences highlight not only how they have developed alternative means to ensure the reproduction of the family, but also how rewilding is more than nature. We conclude that listening to voices less heard enables a better understanding of how rewilding affects people's lives and their differential access to resources.
Predictors of White parents' racial socialization: Links to attributions for racial inequalities and views of White privilege
Authors: Pahlke Erin , Nelson Ella , Patterson Meagan M.
Published: March 2024

To explore predictors of variations in White parents’ racial socialization messages, we collected data on racial socialization practices, attributions for racial inequalities, and views about White privilege from White parents of White children between the ages of 10 and 14 (N = 194). After controlling for education and political ideology, endorsement of external attributions for racial inequality was related to sending more frequent messages about awareness of racism and White privilege, whereas endorsement of internal attributions was related to sending more frequent messages about colorblindness and preparation for bias. Further, beliefs about White privilege were associated with socialization regarding awareness of racism and acknowledgment of White privilege and negatively related to colorblind and preparation for bias messages. Results highlight the ways in which White parents’ racial socialization approaches reflect underlying views of race and racism.
Influence of stress‐specific interventions on biomarker levels and cognitive function in cancer patients: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ding Xiaotong , Zhu Mingyue , Zhao Fang , Wang Qing , Shi Jiyuan , Li Zheng
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Cancer patients' psycho‐physiological health is seriously affected by long‐term exposure to stress. Many studies have explored the impact of stress‐specific interventions on cancer patients' biomarker levels and cognitive functions. However, the current research findings are inconsistent, and their statistical power is limited by the small samples. Therefore, we conducted this meta‐analysis to verify the effect of stress‐specific interventions on cancer patients.

Methods

The literature involved nine databases from the inception until January 13, 2024, extracted 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 software was used to perform a meta‐analysis, and the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB2) was utilized for quality evaluation.

Results

Nine RCTs were assessed as having a low risk of bias, and others had a moderate risk. The results showed that stress‐specific interventions had beneficial effects on patients' subjective cognition but uncertain impacts on their executive function, tumour necrosis factor‐α level, morning cortisol level, and no effect on cortisol at other times, interleukin (IL)‐10, IL‐8, IL‐6, IL‐1, and C‐reactive protein.

Conclusion

More rigorous studies are required to elucidate the influence of stress‐specific interventions on biomarker levels. The potential mechanism by which stress‐specific interventions affect the cancer patient's cognitive function remains unclear.
Animal migration in the Anthropocene: threats and mitigation options
Authors: Cooke Steven J. , Piczak Morgan L. , Singh Navinder J. , Åkesson Susanne , Ford Adam T. , Chowdhury Shawan , Mitchell Greg W. , Norris D. Ryan , Hardesty‐Moore Molly , McCauley Douglas , Hammerschlag Neil , Tucker Marlee A. , Horns Joshua J. , Reisinger Ryan R. , Kubelka Vojtěch , Lennox Robert J.
Published: March 2024

Animal migration has fascinated scientists and the public alike for centuries, yet migratory animals are facing diverse threats that could lead to their demise. The Anthropocene is characterised by the reality that humans are the dominant force on Earth, having manifold negative effects on biodiversity and ecosystem function. Considerable research focus has been given to assessing anthropogenic impacts on the numerical abundance of species/populations, whereas relatively less attention has been devoted to animal migration. However, there are clear linkages, for example, where human‐driven impacts on migration behaviour can lead to population/species declines or even extinction. Here, we explore anthropogenic threats to migratory animals (in all domains – aquatic, terrestrial, and aerial) using International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Threat Taxonomy classifications. We reveal the diverse threats (e.g. human development, disease, invasive species, climate change, exploitation, pollution) that impact migratory wildlife in varied ways spanning taxa, life stages and type of impact (e.g. from direct mortality to changes in behaviour, health, and physiology). Notably, these threats often interact in complex and unpredictable ways to the detriment of wildlife, further complicating management. Fortunately, we are beginning to identify strategies for conserving and managing migratory animals in the Anthropocene. We provide a set of strategies that, if embraced, have the potential to ensure that migratory animals, and the important ecological functions sustained by migration, persist.
Predictive mapping of tree species assemblages in an African montane rainforest
Authors: Babaasa Dennis , Finn John T. , Schweik Charles M. , Fuller Todd K. , Sheil Douglas
Published: March 2024

Conservation of mountain ecosystems can benefit from knowledge of habitats and their distribution patterns. This benefit is particularly true for diverse ecosystems with high conservation values such as the “Afromontane” rainforests. We mapped the vegetation of one such forest: the rugged Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda—a World Heritage Site known for its many restricted‐range plants and animal taxa including several iconic species. Given variation in elevation, terrain and human impacts across Bwindi, we hypothesized that these factors influence the composition and distribution of tree species. To test this, detailed surveys were carried out using stratified random sampling. We established 289 georeferenced sample sites (each with 15 trees ≥20 cm dbh) ranging from 1320 to 2467 m a.s.l. and measured 4335 trees comprising 89 species that occurred in four or more sample sites. These data were analyzed against 21 digitally mapped biophysical variables using various analytical techniques including nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and random forests. We identified six tree species assemblages with distinct compositions. Among the biophysical variables, elevation had the strongest correlation with the ordination (r2 = 0.5; p < 0.001). The “out‐of‐bag” (OOB) estimate of the error rate for the best final model was 50.7% meaning that nearly half of the variation was accounted for using a limited set of variables. We demonstrate that it is possible to predict the spatial pattern of such a forest based on sampling across a highly complex landscape. Such methods offer accurate mapping of composition that can guide conservation.
Clinical features and impact of p53 status on sporadic mismatch repair deficiency and Lynch syndrome in uterine cancer
Authors: Kato Mayumi Kobayashi , Fujii Erisa , Asami Yuka , Momozawa Yukihide , Hiranuma Kengo , Komatsu Masaaki , Hamamoto Ryuji , Ebata Takahiro , Matsumoto Koji , Ishikawa Mitsuya , Kohno Takashi , Kato Tomoyasu , Yoshida Hiroshi , Shiraishi Kouya
Published: March 2024

The clinical features of sporadic mismatch repair deficiency (MMRd) and Lynch syndrome (LS) in Japanese patients with endometrial cancer (EC) were examined by evaluating the prevalence and prognostic factors of LS and sporadic MMRd in patients with EC. Targeted sequencing of five LS susceptibility genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM) was carried out in 443 patients with EC who were pathologically diagnosed with EC at the National Cancer Center Hospital between 2011 and 2018. Pathogenic variants in these genes were detected in 16 patients (3.7%). Immunohistochemistry for MMR proteins was undertaken in 337 of the 433 (77.9%) EC patients, and 91 patients (27.0%) showed absent expression of at least one MMR protein. The 13 cases of LS with MMR protein loss (93.8%) showed a favorable prognosis with a 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate of 100%, although there was no statistically significant difference between this group and the sporadic MMRd group (p = 0.27). In the MMRd without LS group, the 5‐year OS rate was significantly worse in seven patients with an aberrant p53 expression pattern than in those with p53 WT (53.6% vs. 93.9%, log‐rank test; p = 0.0016). These results suggest that p53 abnormalities and pathogenic germline variants in MMR genes could be potential biomarkers for the molecular classification of EC with MMRd.
Region‐specific DNA hydroxymethylation along the malignant progression of IDH‐mutant gliomas
Authors: Hana Taijun , Mukasa Akitake , Nomura Masashi , Nagae Genta , Yamamoto Shogo , Tatsuno Kenji , Ueda Hiroki , Fukuda Shiro , Umeda Takayoshi , Tanaka Shota , Nejo Takahide , Kitagawa Yosuke , Yamazawa Erika , Takahashi Satoshi , Koike Tsukasa , Kushihara Yoshihiro , Takami Hirokazu , Takayanagi Shunsaku , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Saito Nobuhito
Published: March 2024

The majority of low‐grade isocitrate dehydrogenase‐mutant (IDHmt) gliomas undergo malignant progression (MP), but their underlying mechanism remains unclear. IDHmt gliomas exhibit global DNA methylation, and our previous report suggested that MP could be partly attributed to passive demethylation caused by accelerated cell cycles. However, during MP, there is also active demethylation mediated by ten‐eleven translocation, such as DNA hydroxymethylation. Hydroxymethylation is reported to potentially contribute to gene expression regulation, but its role in MP remains under investigation. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of hydroxymethylation during MP of IDHmt astrocytoma. Five primary/malignantly progressed IDHmt astrocytoma pairs were analyzed with oxidative bisulfite and the Infinium EPIC methylation array, detecting 5‐hydroxymethyl cytosine at over 850,000 locations for region‐specific hydroxymethylation assessment. Notably, we observed significant sharing of hydroxymethylated genomic regions during MP across the samples. Hydroxymethylated CpGs were enriched in open sea and intergenic regions (p < 0.001), and genes undergoing hydroxymethylation were significantly associated with cancer‐related signaling pathways. RNA sequencing data integration identified 91 genes with significant positive/negative hydroxymethylation‐expression correlations. Functional analysis suggested that positively correlated genes are involved in cell‐cycle promotion, while negatively correlated ones are associated with antineoplastic functions. Analyses of The Cancer Genome Atlas clinical data on glioma were in line with these findings. Motif‐enrichment analysis suggested the potential involvement of the transcription factor KLF4 in hydroxymethylation‐based gene regulation. Our findings shed light on the significance of region‐specific DNA hydroxymethylation in glioma MP and suggest its potential role in cancer‐related gene expression and IDHmt glioma malignancy.
Differential psychophysiological responses associated with decision‐making in children from different socioeconomic backgrounds
Authors: Delgado Hernán , Lipina Sebastián , Pastor M. Carmen , Muniz‐Terrera Graciela , Menéndez Ñeranei , Rodríguez Richard , Carboni Alejandra
Published: March 2024

This study examined how socioeconomic status (SES) influences on decision‐making processing. The roles of anticipatory/outcome‐related cardiac activity and awareness of task contingencies were also assessed. One hundred twelve children (Mage = 5.83, SDage = 0.32; 52.7% female, 51.8% low‐SES; data collected October–December 2018 and April–December 2019) performed the Children's Gambling Task, while heart rate activity was recorded. Awareness of gain/loss contingencies was assessed after completing the task. Distinct decision‐making strategies emerged among low and middle/high‐SES children. Despite similar awareness levels between SES groups, future‐oriented decision‐making was linked solely to the middle/high‐SES group. Somatic markers did not manifest unequivocally. However, contrasting cardiac patterns were evident concerning feedback processing and the association between anticipatory activity and awareness (low: acceleration vs. middle/high: deceleration). Results are interpreted from an evolutionary‐developmental perspective.