bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obesity and risk of depressive disorder in children and adolescents: A meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Chen Yaobing , Zhang Jinli , Yuan Lijun , Hu Huifang , Li Tianze , Zhao Yang , Wu Yuying , Wang Mengmeng , Huo Weifeng , Gao Yajuan , Ke Yamin , Wang Longkang , Zhang Wenkai , Fu Xueru , Li Xi , Hu Fulan , Zhang Ming , Sun Liang , Hu Dongsheng
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This meta‐analysis evaluated the relationship between overweight/obesity and depressive disorders in children and adolescents.

Methods

We examined the databases of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science for pertinent observational studies released up until 20 February 2022. The pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of obesity and overweight with depressive disorder were calculated by means of random‐effects models. The Newcastle‐Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality scale were adopted to evaluate the study quality.

Results

Finally, for this meta‐analysis, we evaluated 22 observational publications covering 175 135 participants (5 cohort study articles, 1 case–control study article and 16 cross‐sectional study articles). A significant positive association was found between obesity and the risk of depression (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.09–1.60, I2 = 79.90%, Pheterogeneity < 0.001) and in the association between obesity and depressive symptoms (RR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.00–1.35, I2 = 25.0%, Pheterogeneity = 0.247). On sensitivity analysis, the pooled RRs remained robust. Subgroup analysis indicated that obese children and teenagers in western countries were more prone to depression.

Conclusion

Evidence from this meta‐analysis, based on observational studies, supported the idea that obese children and adolescents are more likely to experience depression and depressive symptoms.
Wincladtree: Publication‐quality tree‐diagrams with TNT scripts
Authors: Goloboff Pablo A.
Published: February 2024

This note describes the implementation and use of wincladtree, a TNT script to plot publication‐quality tree‐diagrams. This is intended to assist analysis of morphological datasets, where displaying the synapomorphies for the different groups in a compact “Hennigian” style is the norm.
Associations of a proinflammatory diet, habitual salt intake, and the onset of type 2 diabetes: A prospective cohort study from the UK Biobank
Authors: Shen Wenqi , Cai Lingli , Wang Bin , Li Jiang , Sun Ying , Chen Yi , Xia Fangzhen , Wang Ningjian , Lu Yingli
Published: February 2024

Aim

To explore the relationship between proinflammatory diet, habitual salt intake and the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted among 171 094 UK Biobank participants who completed at least one 24‐h dietary questionnaire and were free of diabetes at baseline. Participants were followed up until 1 March 2023 for type 2 diabetes incidence, with diagnosis information obtained from linked medical records. An Energy‐adjusted Diet Inflammatory Index (E‐DII) was calculated based on 28 food parameters. Habitual salt intake was determined through the self‐reported frequency of adding salt to foods. The associations between E‐DII, habitual salt intake and type 2 diabetes incidence were tested by the Cox proportional hazard regression model.

Results

Over a median follow‐up period of 13.5 years, 6216 cases of type 2 diabetes were documented. Compared with participants with a low E‐DII (indicative of an anti‐inflammatory diet), participants with a high E‐DII (indicative of a proinflammatory diet) had an 18% heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The association between E‐DII and type 2 diabetes tends to be linear after adjustment for major confounders. Participants with a proinflammatory diet and always adding salt to foods had the highest risk of type 2 diabetes incidence (hazard ratio 1.60, 95% confidence interval 1.32‐1.94).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that a proinflammatory diet and higher habitual salt intake were associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. These results support the public health promotion of an anti‐inflammatory diet and reducing salt intake to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Intermediate conduction velocity in two cases of Charcot−Marie−Tooth disease type 1A
Authors: Tomaselli Pedro José , Blake Julian , Polke James M. , do Nascimento Osvaldo José Moreira , Reilly Mary M. , Marques Júnior Wilson , Laurá Matilde
Published: February 2024

Background and purpose

Charcot−Marie−Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) is the most prevalent hereditary neuropathy worldwide and classically has slow nerve conduction velocity (NCV), in most cases below 38 m/s. Two unrelated patients with motor NCVs in the upper limbs above 38 m/s are reported.

Method

Case report.

Results

Two genetically confirmed CMT1A patients are presented, from two unrelated families (one of British origin and the other of Brazilian origin). Both individuals had upper limb motor NCVs above 38 m/s, with values ranging from 41.9 to 45 m/s in the median nerve and from 42 to 42.3 m/s in the ulnar nerve. They presented with a very mild phenotype, with CMT Neuropathy Score version 2 (CMTNSv2) of 6 and 5, respectively. In contrast, affected family members within both kinships exhibited a classical phenotype with more severe disease manifestation (CMTNSv2 ranging from 12 to 20) and motor NCVs below 30 m/s.

Conclusion

These cases, although very rare, highlight the importance of testing PMP22 duplication in patients with intermediate conduction velocities.
Enhancing COVID‐19 misinformation detection through novel attention mechanisms in NLP
Authors: Hussain Anbar , Ali Wajid , Ahmad Awais , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Moqurrab Syed Atif , Paul Anand , Jabbar Sohail , Akram Sheeraz
Published: February 2024

The rapid evolution of electronic media in recent decades has exponentially amplified the propagation of fake news, resulting in widespread confusion and misunderstanding among the masses, especially concerning critical topics like the COVID‐19 pandemic. Consequently, detecting fake news on social media has emerged as a prominent area of research, attracting significant attention. This article introduces a novel cascaded group multi‐head attention (CGMHA) model for COVID‐19 fake news detection. Our research collected Twitter datasets with accurate and fake tweets in Urdu. The novel CGMHA model and depth‐wise convolution capture local and global contextual information by employing multiple attention heads in a cascaded fashion, enabling a comprehensive understanding of fake news. While achieving state‐of‐the‐art performance, we also highlight challenges such as language variations and misinformation nuances in the detection process, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in combatting fake news. Our proposed model surpasses the performance of state‐of‐the‐art models in classifying fake news and achieves accuracy, F1 score, precision, and recall of 0.98, 0.96, 0.95, and 0.95, respectively.
Restrospective reappraisal of the prognostic classification of spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms after BRAF and NRAS mutation characterisation: a single institution experience
Authors: Moysset Irene , Castrejon Natalia , Garcia‐Herrera Adriana , Castillo Paola , Marginet Marta , Teixido Cristina , Podlipnik Sebastian , Albero‐Gonzalez Raquel , Montironi Carla , Navarro Judit , Rovira Carlota , Puig Susana , Carrera Cristina , Alos Llucia
Published: February 2024

Aims

The current WHO classification of melanocytic tumours excludes neoplasms showing BRAF or NRAS mutations from the Spitz category. This study aimed to review and reclassify atypical melanocytic tumours with spitzoid morphological features diagnosed between 2009 and 2021 in our hospital after expanding the molecular profile, including BRAF and NRAS mutations in all cases.

Methods and results

A total of 71 neoplasms showing spitzoid features (Spitz‐like) and atypia were included. The risk of progression of tumours was first studied by integrating the morphology, immunohistochemistry (p16, Ki67, HMB45 and PRAME) and fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation (FISH) results (melanoma multiprobe and 9p21). In a second step, after expanding the molecular study, including BRAF and NRAS mutational status, the neoplasms were finally classified into four subgroups: atypical Spitz tumour (AST, n = 45); BRAF‐mutated naevus/low‐grade melanocytoma with spitzoid morphology (BAMS, n = 2); Spitz melanoma (SM, n = 14); and BRAF or NRAS mutated melanoma with spitzoid features (MSF, n = 10). Follow‐up of patients revealed uneventful results for AST and BAMS. Only one SM presented lymph node metastasis after 134 months. Conversely, patients with MSF showed an unfavourable outcome: three developed lymph node metastases after a mean time of 22 months, with one patient presenting distant metastasis and dying of the disease 64 months from diagnosis. The progression‐free survival showed significant differences between the four groups of spitzoid tumours (P < 0.001) and between both melanoma subtypes (P = 0.012).

Conclusions

The classification and prognostication of atypical neoplasms with spitzoid features requires the integration of histomorphology with the molecular investigation of tumours, which should include BRAF and NRAS mutational status.
Heterogeneity of small duct‐ and large duct‐type intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Kinzler Maximilian N , Schulze Falko , Jeroch Jan , Schmitt Christina , Ebner Silvana , Gretser Steffen , Bein Julia , Finkelmeier Fabian , Trojan Jörg , Zeuzem Stefan , Schnitzbauer Andreas A , Demes Melanie C , Reis Henning , Wild Peter J , Walter Dirk
Published: February 2024

Aims

The histological subtype of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is associated with different mutational characteristics that impact clinical management. So far, data are lacking on the presence of small duct iCCA (SD‐iCCA) and large duct iCCA (LD‐iCCA) in a single patient. The aim of the current study was to determine the presence and degree of intratumoural heterogeneity of SD‐ and LD‐iCCA features in different tumour regions.

Methods and results

All patients treated with surgically resected iCCA at Frankfurt University Hospital between December 2005 and March 2023 were retrospectively analysed. Histomorphological features of SD‐ and LD‐iCCA were evaluated by an expert hepatobiliary pathologist. Tissue samples suspicious for subtype heterogeneity were further investigated. Immunohistochemistry for N‐cadherin, S100P, MUC5AC, MUC6, TFF1 and AGR2 and mutational profiling with the Illumina TruSight Oncology 500 (TSO500) assay were performed separately for the SD‐ and LD‐iCCA regions. Of 129 patients with surgically resected iCCA, features of either SD‐ or LD‐iCCA were present in 67.4% (n = 87) and 24.8% of the patients (n = 32), respectively; 7.8% (n = 10) had histomorphological features of both SD‐ and LD‐iCCA, seven patients (5.4%) of which had sufficient formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue for further analysis. Heterogeneity of both subtypes could be confirmed with immunohistochemistry. In five of seven (71.4%) patients, molecular profiling revealed intratumoural differences in genetic alterations between the SD‐ and LD‐iCCA region. In one patient, a BRAF mutation (p.V600E) was found in the SD‐iCCA but not in the LD‐iCCA region of the tumour.

Conclusions

A marked portion of patients with iCCA exhibits both SD‐ and LD‐iCCA in different tumour regions. In case of the presence of histopathological heterogeneity, mutational profiling should be considered to avoid missing therapeutically relevant genetic alterations.
Genetic connectivity is maintained in two insect pollinators across a human‐altered landscape
Authors: Schleimer Anna , Wittische Julian , Luttringer Amanda , Rupprecht Christina , Andrási Bálint , Ariey Hinatea , Cruz António , Gallego Gil , Lippert Stéphanie , Purnomo Chanistya Ayu , Herrera‐Mesías Fernanda , Eickermann Michael , Kharrat‐Jarboui Imen , Castelen Lorenzo , Cantú‐Salazar Lisette , Thissen Dylan , Meimberg Harald , Weigand Alexander M. , Frantz Alain C.
Published: February 2024

Population genetics is a valuable tool for assessing the impact of human‐altered landscapes on genetic connectivity in various species. However, when applied to insects, challenges arise due to potentially large effective population sizes (), high dispersal capacities and the recency of anthropogenic impacts.

This study assessed the population genetic structure of two pollinators across a human‐altered landscape in Luxembourg. Samples from the ashy mining bee (Andrena cineraria, N = 201) and the greater bee fly (Bombylius major, N = 637) were genotyped at 25 microsatellite loci, including a genotyping‐by‐amplicon‐sequencing approach for A. cineraria.

Despite high statistical power of > 0.002 in B. major and > 0.0025 in A. cineraria, no deviations from genetic homogeneity were detected. For both species, there was no evidence for isolation‐by‐distance or genetic clustering. Genetic homogeneity was most likely the result of high levels of gene flow that compensate for the effects of genetic drift.

Estimates of ranged between several thousand to tens of thousands, although precision was low. Simulations highlighted that genetic lag times can substantially affect our ability to detect recent (<50 generations) population differentiation when is very large. Lag times were shorter with data from 25,000 simulated di‐allelic loci, but only when sample sizes remained high.

Insect genetic studies should consider lag times due to large and ensure sample size and markers offer adequate power to reject the null hypothesis of no landscape effect on genetic connectivity.
Does the word‐writing strategy in vocabulary learning increase learning outcomes or mislead learners into overestimation?
Authors: Kakihana Shinichiro
Published: February 2024

Studies on the effectiveness of the word‐writing strategy in vocabulary learning have yielded mixed results. However, this strategy has been widespread among learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). This study examines whether the word‐writing strategy is effective and whether learners overestimate its effectiveness. Sixty‐eight Japanese EFL learners acquired new English words through either a writing or a nonwriting condition. Immediately following the learning phase in each condition, the Behavioral Engagement Scale, the State Engagement Scale, and the global judgments of learning (global JOLs) were administered. A multiple‐choice test for form and a productive test for meaning were administered at the end. The results showed no significant differences between the conditions in terms of learning outcomes. However, the writing condition outperformed the nonwriting condition on two engagement measures and the global JOL for form retention. These results suggest that the word‐writing strategy has no effect on learning outcomes, but increases the sense of engagement during learning and misleads students into overestimating learning outcomes. EFL teachers should educate their students about the limits of this technique and recommend more effective learning strategies.
Career formation of Japanese women entrepreneurs
Authors: Lee YounHee
Published: February 2024

This study conducts an in‐depth analysis of Japanese women entrepreneurs' career formation, examining how they navigate the acquisition of essential capital, such as human, cultural, social, and financial, to initiate and sustain their business ventures. It delves into the societal and cultural barriers in Japan, drawing comparisons with South Korea to shed light on the factors contributing to the relatively low engagement of Japanese women in entrepreneurship. Interviews were conducted with 69 women entrepreneurs, unveiling diverse career trajectories and underscoring the significant impact of life events on their decision to pursue entrepreneurship. This study covers the numerous challenges these women face, from societal expectations to balancing family and work, and it considers how they creatively overcome them. The findings of this study not only highlight the resilience and resourcefulness of Japanese women entrepreneurs but also indicate the implications for policy and practice to foster a more supportive environment for women's entrepreneurial endeavors in Japan and similar contexts.
Distribution analysis of TRH in Bactrocera dorsalis using a CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated reporter knock‐in strain
Authors: Teng Feiyue , Guo Fengyi , Feng Jimei , Lu Yongyue , Qi Yixiang
Published: February 2024

Although the study of many genes and their protein products is limited by the availability of high‐quality antibodies, this problem could be solved by fusing a tag/reporter to an endogenous gene using a gene‐editing approach. The type II bacterial CRISPR/Cas system has been demonstrated to be an efficient gene‐targeting technology for many insects, including the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis. However, knocking in, an important editing method of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, has lagged in its application in insects. Here, we describe a highly efficient homology‐directed genome editing system for B. dorsalis that incorporates coinjection of embryos with Cas9 protein, guide RNA and a short single‐stranded oligodeoxynucleotide donor. This one‐step procedure generates flies carrying V5 tag (42 bp) in the BdorTRH gene. In insects, as in other invertebrates and in vertebrates, the neuronal tryptophan hydroxylase (TRH) gene encodes the rate‐limiting enzyme for serotonin biosynthesis in the central nervous system. Using V5 monoclonal antibody, the distribution of TRH in B. dorsalis at different developmental stages was uncovered. Our results will facilitate the generation of insects carrying precise DNA inserts in endogenous genes and will lay foundation for the investigation of the neural mechanisms underlying the serotonin‐mediated behaviour of B. dorsalis.
Characterisation of the myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) gene of Locusta migratoria and the encoded MLCK
Authors: Wei Miao , Zhang Ning , Li Xiang‐dong
Published: February 2024

Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is a dedicated kinase of myosin regulatory light chain (RLC), playing an essential role in the regulation of muscle contraction and cell motility. Much of the knowledge about MLCK comes from the study of vertebrate MLCK, and little is known about insect MLCK. Here, we identified the single MLCK gene in the locust Locusta migratoria, which spans over 1400 kb, includes 62 exons and accounts for at least five transcripts. We found that the five distinct transcripts of the locust MLCK gene are expressed in a tissue‐specific manner, including three muscle‐specific isoforms and two generic isoforms. To characterise the kinase activity of locust MLCK, we recombinantly expressed LmMLCK‐G, the smallest locust MLCK isoform, in insect Sf9 cells. We demonstrated that LmMLCK‐G is a Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase that specifically phosphorylates serine 50 of locust muscle myosin RLC (LmRLC). Additionally, we found that almost all LmRLC molecules in the flight muscle and the hindleg muscles of adult locusts are phosphorylated.
Efficacy of a buccal and lingual at‐home bleaching protocol—A randomized, split‐mouth, single‐blind controlled trial
Authors: Forville Heloisa , Bernardi Laís Giacomini , Favoreto Michael Willian , Coppla Felipe , de Souza Carneiro Taynara , Coppla Fabiana Madalozzo , Loguercio Alessandro D. , Reis Alessandra
Published: February 2024

Objective

To compare the color change, the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity (TS), and gingival irritation (GI) of at‐home bleaching applied on the buccal surface only or the buccal and lingual surfaces.

Materials and Methods

Sixty patients with canines A2 or darker were selected and their superior arches were randomized in two groups: at‐home bleaching on the buccal‐only or on the buccal and lingual surfaces, with 7.5% hydrogen peroxide, for 1 h daily/2 weeks. The color change was evaluated at baseline, 7, 14 days, and 1 month after bleaching using shade guides scales (ΔSGU) and a spectrophotometer (ΔEAB, ΔE00, and ΔWID). Risk and intensity of TS and GI were recorded daily using visual analogic scale (0–10). Patient satisfaction was evaluated with the orofacial esthetics. Paired t‐test, McNemar's, and Wilcoxon signed‐rank test were used for data analysis (α = 5%).

Results

Neither the color change nor the risk/intensity of TS was statistically different between groups (p > 0.05). Patient satisfaction increased after bleaching for both groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The addition of one contact surface does not result in an increased whitening degree compared to bleaching applied solely on the buccal surface.

Clinical Significance

Understanding the influence of surfaces interacting with the bleaching agent is crucial for comprehending the bleaching mechanism and avoiding unnecessary material expenses. Notably, employing the buccal‐only technique is sufficient to achieve the desired efficacy.
Structural insights into the unusual core photocomplex from a triply extremophilic purple bacterium, Halorhodospira halochloris
Authors: Qi Chen‐Hui , Wang Guang‐Lei , Wang Fang‐Fang , Wang Jie , Wang Xiang‐Ping , Zou Mei‐Juan , Ma Fei , Madigan Michael T. , Kimura Yukihiro , Wang‐Otomo Zheng‐Yu , Yu Long‐Jiang
Published: February 2024

Halorhodospira (Hlr.) halochloris is a triply extremophilic phototrophic purple sulfur bacterium, as it is thermophilic, alkaliphilic, and extremely halophilic. The light‐harvesting‐reaction center (LH1–RC) core complex of this bacterium displays an LH1‐Qy transition at 1,016 nm, which is the lowest‐energy wavelength absorption among all known phototrophs. Here we report the cryo‐EM structure of the LH1–RC at 2.42 Å resolution. The LH1 complex forms a tricyclic ring structure composed of 16 αβγ‐polypeptides and one αβ‐heterodimer around the RC. From the cryo‐EM density map, two previously unrecognized integral membrane proteins, referred to as protein G and protein Q, were identified. Both of these proteins are single transmembrane‐spanning helices located between the LH1 ring and the RC L‐subunit and are absent from the LH1–RC complexes of all other purple bacteria of which the structures have been determined so far. Besides bacteriochlorophyll b molecules (B1020) located on the periplasmic side of the Hlr. halochloris membrane, there are also two arrays of bacteriochlorophyll b molecules (B800 and B820) located on the cytoplasmic side. Only a single copy of a carotenoid (lycopene) was resolved in the Hlr. halochloris LH1–α3β3 and this was positioned within the complex. The potential quinone channel should be the space between the LH1–α3β3 that accommodates the single lycopene but does not contain a γ‐polypeptide, B800 and B820. Our results provide a structural explanation for the unusual Qy red shift and carotenoid absorption in the Hlr. halochloris spectrum and reveal new insights into photosynthetic mechanisms employed by a species that thrives under the harshest conditions of any phototrophic microorganism known.
Informed Trading Intensity
Authors: BOGOUSSLAVSKY VINCENT , FOS VYACHESLAV , MURAVYEV DMITRIY
Published: February 2024

We train a machine learning method on a class of informed trades to develop a new measure of informed trading, informed trading intensity (ITI). ITI increases before earnings, mergers and acquisitions, and news announcements, and has implications for return reversal and asset pricing. ITI is effective because it captures nonlinearities and interactions between informed trading, volume, and volatility. This data‐driven approach can shed light on the economics of informed trading, including impatient informed trading, commonality in informed trading, and models of informed trading. Overall, learning from informed trading data can generate an effective informed trading measure.
Cellular senescence in the pathogenesis of ovarian dysfunction
Authors: Harada Miyuki
Published: February 2024

The follicular microenvironment is crucial for normal ovarian function, and intra‐ovarian factors, in coordination with gonadotropins, contribute to its regulation. Recent research has revealed that the accumulation of senescent cells worsens the adverse environment of various tissues and plays critical roles in chronological aging and various pathological conditions. Cellular senescence involves cell‐cycle arrest, a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), macromolecular damage, and dysmetabolism. In this review, I summarize the latest knowledge regarding the role of cellular senescence in pathological conditions in the ovary, in the context of reproduction. Specifically, cellular senescence is known to impair follicular and oocyte health in cisplatin‐ and cyclophosphamide‐induced primary ovarian insufficiency and to contribute to the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In addition, cellular senescence is induced during the decline in ovarian reserve that is associated with chronological aging, endometriosis, psychological stress, and obesity, but it remains unclear whether it plays a causative role in these conditions. Finally, I discuss the potential for use of cellular senescence as a novel therapeutic target. The modification of SASP using a senomorphic and/or the elimination of senescent cells using a senolytic represent promising therapeutic strategies. Further elucidation of the role of cellular senescence in the effects of various insults on ovarian reserve, including chronological aging, as well as in pathogenesis of ovarian pathologies, including PCOS, may facilitate a new era of reproductive medicine.
Identification of CTNNB1 in the lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus, and its function in innate immunity and cell proliferation
Authors: Zhang Lele , Wang Fang , Lv Chunhui , Yu Lanliang , Ci Xiaojing , Zhang Ning , Jia Longwu , Xue Yuanyuan , Zhang Xu , Su Xiaolei , Wang Kai
Published: February 2024

β‐Catenin (CTNNB) is a core downstream mediator in the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, which plays a role in immune regulation and cell differentiation. In the present study, two CTNNB genes were identified by genomic analysis of Hippocampus erectus and named He‐CTNNB1 and He‐CTNNB2. He‐CTNNB1 was more conserved than He‐CTNNB2. The full length of He‐CTNNB1 was 2369 bp, including an open reading frame of 2275 bp that encoded 737 amino acids containing 12 armadillo repeats. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that He‐CTNNB1 clusters had homologs in other bony fishes. Tissue distribution analysis showed the highest mRNA expression of He‐CTNNB1 in the ovary, liver, and kidney of the lined seahorse under normal physiological conditions. The transcription level of He‐CTNNB1 was significantly increased in the liver and kidney in response to LPS, poly I:C, and Edwardsiella tarda challenge (p < 0.05). In vitro overexpression of He‐CTNNB1 significantly upregulated the expression of key genes of the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, such as axin2, cMyc, and cyclinD (p < 0.05), which increased cell proliferation during the wound‐healing process. Taken together, our results suggest that He‐CTNNB1 is essential for cell proliferation and the innate immune response in H. erectus.
Small‐scale hatchery of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., in the highlands of Madagascar: Technical approach to improve fry production
Authors: Rakotoambinina Samuel , Desprez Damien , Andriniaina Henri Adelphe , Randriarilala Fanomezantsoa , Rakotomavo David , Rakotoasimbola Lovasoa , Andriantsoa Mamy , Godard Léo
Published: February 2024

In Madagascar, fish farming is a complementary activity to agriculture, developed mainly in the highlands region. The common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., is the main species farmed. The availability of fingerlings is one of the key constraints facing the sector. The present study shows the benefit of an appropriate feed and feeding regime to both broodfish and larvae/fry and also the positive impact of protecting larvae during the first stages of their life by using happa system. The combination of these technical approaches increases significantly carp fry production.
What Explains Party Unity? Evidence from U.S. State Legislatures
Authors: Howard Nicholas O. , Provins Tessa
Published: February 2024

Party unity is central to studying legislative politics and explaining the organization of legislative chambers, passage of policy, and even electoral outcomes. Its effect has been shown at the subnational, national, and international levels. While party unity has been used to explain many phenomena in legislative politics, there is much less known about the determinants of party unity, especially at the subnational level. We leverage a dataset of party unity in 95 U.S. state legislative chambers from 2002 to 2014, to test the impact of party structures, institutional rules, and contextual factors on the level of party unity. We find that majority status, party seat share, and the other party's unity impact party unity similarly for both parties, but the effect of inter‐party heterogeneity differs by party. These findings offer a new and unique insight to how partisan theories operate differently within state legislative versus Congressional parties.
Effects of external tags on maternal postpartum, offspring body mass and breeding frequency in gray seals Halichoerus grypus
Authors: Justrabo Charity C. , den Heyer Cornelia E. , Bowen W. Don , Lidgard Damian C.
Published: February 2024

Few studies have examined the impacts of externally fitted data‐loggers and telemetry tags on pinnipeds. We tested for instrument effects on body mass of lactating female gray seals and their offspring and probability of pupping in the next breeding season. Known‐age adult females (n = 216) were fitted with instruments in winter, spring, and fall from 1992 to 2018 at Sable Island, Nova Scotia. Of those tagged in spring and fall, 61 of 135 returning females and 59 of their offspring were weighed within 5 days postpartum and 79 pups were weighed at weaning. Instrumented females were assigned to treatments based on tag frontal area sums, tag mass, deployment duration, and acoustic tag presence compared to control females without instruments using linear mixed‐effects models. None of the treatment effects were included in the preferred models predicting birth mass of offspring or probability of breeding in the following year. The small negative effect (−3% to −7%) on postpartum maternal mass and pup weaning mass (−4.7%) for females instrumented in fall may be an artifact as longer spring deployments showed no effect. Overall, we found that the instruments deployed had no detectable negative effects on the maternal and offspring variables measured.
Malignancy arising in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma: Report of a rare case with unusual morphologic features
Authors: Das Sumanta , Sharma Mehar Chand , Suri Vaishali , Sahu Saumya , Garg Ajay , Laythalling Rajinder Kumar
Published: February 2024

Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma is a grade 1 tumor that arises in a sellar/suprasellar location. Despite being a grade 1 tumor, there is high recurrence and endocrinal insufficiency. Malignancy arising in craniopharyngioma is extremely rare, has a dismal prognosis, and is currently not included as a separate entity in the World Health Organization Classification of Central Nervous System 5th edition. Here we describe a case of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma and its malignant counterpart. The malignant part had unique histomorphology and basaloid cells with pseudoglandular architecture and a myxoid background. It bore a striking resemblance to adenoid cystic carcinoma. Both the benign and malignant counterparts were beta‐catenin and SOX‐2 positive, providing proof of the malignant part arising from the benign part. Tumors like squamous cell carcinoma and odontogenic ghost cell carcinoma have been described in cranipharyngioma. This case study is the first to describe this unique morphology of adenoid cystic carcinoma‐like features. The possibility of adenoid cystic carcinoma was excluded by immunohistochemistry.
Spinal astroblastoma, MN1 altered in 3‐year‐old child: An uncommon tumor at an unusual site
Authors: Panda Arun Kumar , Das Sumanta , Singh Anuj , Vaishya Sandeep , Gupta Rakesh Kumar , Sharma Mehar Chand , Ahlawat Sunita
Published: February 2024

Astroblastoma is an uncommon circumscribed glial tumor mostly involving the cerebral hemisphere. The characteristic molecular alteration is meningioma (disrupted in balanced translocation) 1 (MN1) rearrangement. No definite World Health Organization grade has been assigned as both low‐ and high‐grade tumors are known to occur. Tumors in the spine are extremely rare; to date only three cases have been reported in the literature. A vigilant microscopy and ancillary testing aid in diagnosis when the tumors present in unusual locations, as in our case. The prompt differentiation of this tumor from its mimickers is a mandate as modalities of management are different and not clearly established.
Syzygium crystalliferum (Myrtaceae), a new tree species from Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines and lectotypification of Eugenia purpuriflora Elmer
Authors: Mansibang Jayson A. , Udasco Leonardo C. , Garrino Abigail L. , Ann M. Aumentado Jamie , Gregory Q. Rule Mark , Patykowski John
Published: February 2024

A new species of Syzygium (Myrtaceae) from Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, Luzon, Philippines – Syzygium crystalliferum is described and illustrated here as species new to science. Syzygium crystalliferum is similar to S. purpuriflorum by having sessile leaves, cordate base, terminal inflorescence, large flowers and free perianth lobes. However, it is unique in pustules in dried leaves and inflorescence, and having chartaceous‐coriaceous leaf texture, coarser secondary leaf venation, individual flowers borne on a distinct pedicel, shorter hypanthium, smaller calyx lobes, and red fruit turning deep purple when ripe. Preliminary assessment of conservation status following IUCN guidelines assign S. crystalliferum as Critically Endangered (CR). This discovery makes the first addition to Philippine Syzygium in over 70 years since Elmer D. Merrill's last taxonomic work on the genus. Additionally, a lectotype for the basionym Eugenia purpuriflora is designated.
The TaSnRK1‐TabHLH489 module integrates brassinosteroid and sugar signalling to regulate the grain length in bread wheat
Authors: Lyu Jinyang , Wang Dongzhi , Sun Na , Yang Fan , Li Xuepeng , Mu Junyi , Zhou Runxiang , Zheng Guolan , Yang Xin , Zhang Chenxuan , Han Chao , Xia Guang‐Min , Li Genying , Fan Min , Xiao Jun , Bai Ming‐Yi
Published: February 2024

Regulation of grain size is a crucial strategy for improving the crop yield and is also a fundamental aspect of developmental biology. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms governing grain development in wheat remain largely unknown. In this study, we identified a wheat atypical basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factor, TabHLH489, which is tightly associated with grain length through genome‐wide association study and map‐based cloning. Knockout of TabHLH489 and its homologous genes resulted in increased grain length and weight, whereas the overexpression led to decreased grain length and weight. TaSnRK1α1, the α‐catalytic subunit of plant energy sensor SnRK1, interacted with and phosphorylated TabHLH489 to induce its degradation, thereby promoting wheat grain development. Sugar treatment induced TaSnRK1α1 protein accumulation while reducing TabHLH489 protein levels. Moreover, brassinosteroid (BR) promotes grain development by decreasing TabHLH489 expression through the transcription factor BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT1 (BZR1). Importantly, natural variations in the promoter region of TabHLH489 affect the TaBZR1 binding ability, thereby influencing TabHLH489 expression. Taken together, our findings reveal that the TaSnRK1α1‐TabHLH489 regulatory module integrates BR and sugar signalling to regulate grain length, presenting potential targets for enhancing grain size in wheat.
Ecological interactions between farmed Atlantic salmon and wild Atlantic cod populations in Norway: A review of risk sources and knowledge gaps
Authors: Bøhn Thomas , Strøm John F. , Sanchez‐Jerez Pablo , Keeley Nigel B. , Johansen Torild , Gjelland Karl Ø. , Sandlund Nina , Sæther Bjørn‐S. , Sætra Ingeborg , Olsen Esben M. , Skjæraasen Jon E. , Meier Sonnich , van der Meeren Terje , Bjørn Pål A.
Published: February 2024

Aquaculture provides an important and expanding source of protein rich and healthy food to the world. However, to minimize environmental harm from aquaculture, interactions with wild fish communities need to be thoroughly assessed. Here, we characterize the existing knowledge pertaining to such interactions, exemplified with Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farming in open net pens along the Norwegian coast and potential consequences for wild Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) populations. Importantly, the wild cod fishery also provides a protein rich, high quality food source with high economic value. We identify seven risk sources that may affect behaviour, physiology, and survival in wild cod. Of particular importance is the large amount of waste feed that causes wild fish to aggregate around farms, thereby altering a multitude of ecological interactions including predation and disease transmission. Moreover, altered food quality in pellets may alter physiological processes and cause mortality to vulnerable life‐stages in wild cod. More research is needed on mechanisms and thresholds for harm. As the most important cod fisheries are found in northern Norway, where climate change also is rapid, we expect stronger and potentially more harmful interactions between fish farming and wild cod fisheries as aquaculture continues to expand. We hope that our analysis will inspire further research, on farmed salmon and wild cod interactions, but also on aquaculture and wild fish interactions in general. Such research is fundamental for the development of management systems that can reduce the impact of aquaculture on fisheries and the environment.
A roadmap for virtual professional learning: Bringing inquiry science practices to life through teacher professional community
Authors: Haavind Sarah
Published: February 2024

According to the Next Generation Science Standards, three‐dimensional teaching challenges educators to adopt an inquiry approach through science and engineering practices aligned with disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts. Few teachers today feel confident in their ability to orchestrate such lessons. Teaching inquiry science takes time and hard work. It also requires collaborative professional learning communities that support teachers in overcoming typical classroom challenges. This article describes an effective approach for facilitating professional learning that supports inquiry science teaching. Since the COVID pandemic, more teachers are familiar with videoconferencing and may even have initiated or expanded their use of asynchronous text based discussion. A hybrid combination of these platforms provides an effective, two‐fold strategy for facilitating a teacher professional learning community (PLC) that engages teachers in deepened reflection and sustained collaboration with colleagues. To illustrate how this approach can be successfully adopted, I draw from a recent example of the InquirySpace PLC that unfolded during the final year of a National Science Foundation‐funded educational research project. Key to the success of this PLC was a combination of responsiveness to teachers’ support requests, a warm and encouraging tone, orchestrating interactive engagement, and the showcasing of PLC member voices.
Metaphysical explanations: The case of singleton sets revisited
Authors: Büttner Kai Michael
Published: February 2024

Many contemporary metaphysicians believe that the existence of a contingent object such as Socrates metaphysically explains the existence of the corresponding set {Socrates}. This paper argues that this belief is mistaken. The argument proposed takes the form of a dilemma. The expression “{Socrates}” is a shorthand either for the expression “the set that contains all and only those objects that are identical to Socrates” or for the expression “the set that contains Socrates and nothing else”. However, Socrates' existence does not explain the existence of the set that contains all and only those objects that are identical to Socrates, because there is such a set no matter whether or not Socrates exists. And although Socrates' existence does explain that of the set that contains Socrates and nothing else, this explanation is a conceptual rather than a metaphysical one. Both these claims rely on a deflationary account of the use of set theoretic vocabulary that is explained, though not properly justified, in the paper.
Comparing alternative China and the US arrangements with CPTPP
Authors: Li Chunding , Lin Xin , Whalley John
Published: February 2024

Following China's formal application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans‐Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the US' intention to rejoin the trade agreement has obviously strengthened. This article develops a numerical general equilibrium model encompassing 29 countries, incorporating the concept of inside money and trade costs. The aim is to simulate and compare the impacts of China and the US participating in the CPTPP. Comparison results indicate that China entering the CPTPP would yield greater benefits for remember countries in terms of trade, GDP and manufacturing employment compared to the US. Moreover, China's participation can also positively impact GDP and manufacturing employment in most non‐member countries. Additionally, our simulation results unveil that the US would be more favoured among CPTPP members and globally concerning welfare considerations.
Comparison of plasma l‐lactate between jugular and cephalic veins in healthy and systemically ill horses using a point‐of‐care device
Authors: Rhodes Adrienne D. , Wilkins Pamela A. , McCoy Annette M.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To compare plasma l‐lactate (LAC) values between samples collected from jugular and cephalic venipuncture in healthy horses and systemically ill horses.

Design

Prospective, experimental study.

Setting

Large animal university teaching hospital.

Animals

Thirty healthy adult university‐owned horses and 43 client‐owned horses presenting to the large animal hospital for elective surgical procedures or for emergent medical evaluation of systemic illness.

Interventions

Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein (JV) and cephalic vein (CV) and placed in EDTA blood tubes prior to any medical therapy. LAC values were obtained with a handheld lactate meter at the time of blood collection.

Measurements and Main Results

LAC was higher in CV samples than JV samples in healthy horses (P < 0.001); however, all values were within the normal reference range. Similarly, LAC was higher in CV samples than JV samples in systemically ill horses (P < 0.001), but the median JV value was within normal reference range (1.9 mmol/L [17.1 mg/dL]), while the median CV value was outside the normal reference range (2.9 mmol/L [26.1 mg/dL]).

Conclusions

The CV is an alternative venipuncture site for assessing plasma LAC if the JV is not accessible or to preserve the JV for subsequent catheterization. However, in ill horses, the CV value may be outside the reference range when the corresponding JV value would have been within the reference range.
Routine results of an algorithm for managing the production of blood components
Authors: Pérez‐Aliaga Ana Isabel , Ayerra Irene , Sánchez‐Guillén Javier , López F. Javier , Puente Fernando , Aranda Alfonso , Domingo José María , Garcés Carmen
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

The variability in the number of donations together with a growing demand for platelet concentrates and plasma‐derived medicines make us seek solutions aimed at optimizing the processing of blood. Some mathematical models to improve efficiencies in blood banking have been published. The goal of this work is to validate and evaluate an algorithm's impact in the production of blood components in the Blood and Tissues Bank of Aragon (BTBA).

Materials and Methods

A mathematical algorithm was designed, implemented and validated through simulations with real data. It was incorporated into the fractionation area, which uses the Reveos® fractionation system (Terumo BCT) to split blood into its components. After 9 months of daily routine validation, retrospective activity data from the Blood Bank and Transfusion Services before and during the use of the algorithm were compared.

Results

Using the algorithm, the outdating rate of platelet concentrates (PC) decreased by 87.8% in the blood bank. The average shelf life remaining of PC supplied to Transfusion Services increased by almost 1 day. As a consequence, the outdating rate in the Aragon Transfusion Network decreased by 33%. In addition, extra 100 litres of plasma were obtained in 9 months.

Conclusions

The algorithm improves the blood establishment's workflow and facilitates the decision‐making process in whole blood processing. It resulted in a decrease in PC outdating rate, increase in PC shelf life and finally an increase in the volume of recovered plasma, leading to significant cost savings.
Experimental Investigation of a Rapid Calculation and Damage Diagnosis of the Quasistatic Influence Line of a Self-Anchored Suspension Bridge Based on Deflection Theory
Authors: Gao Qingfei , Dong Yidian , Wang Tong , Pang Baolong , Yang Shishuo
Published: February 2024

Based on deflection theory, the basic differential equations and deformation compatibility equations of self-anchored suspension bridges are established. The calculation formula for the stiffening girder deflection of a three-span self-anchored suspension bridge is derived, and the validity of the formula is confirmed through an example. In addition, a fast calculation method for the theoretical deflection influence line is proposed by using the deflection calculation formula, and a calculation method for the actual deflection influence line is founded on the concept of time and space coordinate transformation. By loading the bridge with a load car and using real-time monitoring of the displacement response of the bridge test section, combined with the proposed intelligent damage evaluation program, the abnormal situation of the damage of the three-span self-anchored suspension bridge can be quickly and accurately identified. The research results of this paper can provide flexible, economical, and effective guidance for detecting the capacity of real bridges.
Esports Coaching: Applying a Constraints-Led Approach to Develop Team Coordination and Communication
Authors: Bubna Kabir , Trotter Michael G. , Watson Matthew
Published: February 2024

The current case study reports on the application of a novel coaching approach in the context of a semiprofessional League of Legends team competing in Europe. The case study aimed to develop the coordinative tendencies of the team by applying a constraints-led approach that manipulated the practice environment to promote specific goal-directed behavior. The present study outlines the objectives of League of Legends, the needs analysis, intervention development, intervention delivery, and feedback from the players in regard to the effectiveness of the intervention and their development. Finally, the present study provides personal reflections from the practitioner, who was applying contemporary skill-acquisition approaches in esports for the first time.