bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bifidobacterium promotes retinal ganglion cell survival by regulating the balance of retinal glial cells
Authors: Zhao Xiaohuan , Xu Mengqiao , Zhao Zhenzhen , Wang Yimin , Liu Yang , Zhang Ting , Wan Xiaoling , Jiang Mei , Luo Xueting , Shen Yao , Chen Lei , Zhou Minwen , Wang Feng , Sun Xiaodong
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Optic nerve injury is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons cannot be regenerated once damaged. Therefore, reducing RGC damage is crucial to prevent blindness. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the potential influence of the gut microbiota on RGC survival, as well as the associated action mechanisms.

Methods

We evaluated the effects of microbiota, specifically Bifidobacterium, on RGC. Optic nerve crush (ONC) was used as a model of optic nerve injury. Vancomycin and Bifidobacterium were orally administered to specific pathogen‐free (SPF) mice.

Results

Bifidobacterium promoted RGC survival and optic nerve regeneration. The administration of Bifidobacterium inhibited microglia activation but promoted Müller cell activation, which was accompanied by the downregulation of inflammatory cytokines and upregulation of neurotrophic factors and retinal ERK/Fos signaling pathway activation.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that Bifidobacterium‐induced changes in intestinal flora promote RGC survival. The protective effect of Bifidobacterium on RGC can be attributed to the inhibition of microglia activation and promotion of Müller cell activation and the secondary regulation of inflammatory and neurotrophic factors.
FGF/FGFR system in the central nervous system demyelinating disease: Recent progress and implications for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zhang Qingxiang , Chen Zhiguo , Zhang Kaili , Zhu Jie , Jin Tao
Published: March 2023

Background

With millions of victims worldwide, multiple sclerosis is the second most common cause of disability among young adults. Although formidable advancements have been made in understanding the disease, the neurodegeneration associated with multiple sclerosis is only partially counteracted by current treatments, and effective therapy for progressive multiple sclerosis remains an unmet need. Therefore, new approaches are required to delay demyelination and the resulting disability and to restore neural function by promoting remyelination and neuronal repair.

Aims

The article reviews the latest literature in this field.

Materials and methods

The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathway is a promising target in progressive multiple sclerosis.

Discussion

FGF signal transduction contributes to establishing the oligodendrocyte lineage, neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation, and myelination of the central nervous system. Furthermore, FGF signaling is implicated in the control of neuroinflammation. In recent years, interventions targeting FGF, and its receptor (FGFR) have been shown to ameliorate autoimmune encephalomyelitis symptoms in multiple sclerosis animal models moderately.

Conclusion

Here, we summarize the recent findings and investigate the role of FGF/FGFR signaling in the onset and progression, discuss the potential therapeutic advances, and offer fresh insights into managing multiple sclerosis.
The impact of share‐pledging purposes on firm performance and innovation
Authors: Jia Xiao , Jiang Ellen Jin , Wang Rui
Published: March 2023

Research question

Share pledging by controlling shareholders can be motivated by business or personal purposes. We investigate whether the firm performance and innovation outputs are different for firms with controlling shareholders pledging shares to support their firm's financing (business‐pledging firms) and those pledging shares for increasing personal wealth (individual‐pledging firms).

Research findings

Using data from publicly listed Chinese firms, we find that business‐pledging firms are associated with higher changes in Tobin's Q and more patent outputs compared with individual‐pledging firms. In additional tests, we show that the impact of share‐pledging purposes on firm performance and innovative outputs is more pronounced for Chinese non‐state‐owned enterprises, which have relatively limited access to traditional bank loans.

Theoretical implications

In this study, we bring new empirical evidence to agency theory, especially the “principal–principal” problem. We identify two inherently different purposes in share‐pledging cases—business pledging and individual pledging. We show that in business‐pledging cases, pledgers' interests become more aligned with outside shareholders, and pledgers have higher incentives to enhance firm value and innovation productivity, relative to individual pledging. This paper adds to the evidence on the bright side of share pledges.

Practitioner implications

This paper sheds light on the recent policy debate regarding the costs and benefits of share pledging and has implications for regulators and investors. Thus, it may be vital for publicly listed firms to disclose the purposes of share pledging.
Cytomegalovirus serology in young to mid‐adult life and decline of lung function
Authors: Nenna Raffaella , Zhai Jing , Spangenberg Amber , Sherrill Duane L. , Martinez Fernando D. , Halonen Marilyn , Guerra Stefano
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity has been recently linked to severity and progression of asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To date, no longitudinal study has addressed the relation of CMV serology to levels and decline of lung function in the general adult population.

Methods

We evaluated 403 participants from the Tucson Epidemiological Study of Airway Obstructive Disease (TESAOD) who at enrollment were aged 28–55 years and completed lung function tests. During follow‐up, the 403 participants completed on average 7.2 lung function tests per subject for a total of 2908 observations over a mean period of 14.7 years. We tested CMV serology in serum samples from enrollment and categorized participants into low, medium, and high CMV serology based on tertiles. The relation of CMV serology at enrollment to lung function levels and decline during follow‐up was tested in multivariate random coefficients models.

Results

After full adjustment, participants in the highest CMV serology tertile had faster declines of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) compared with subjects in the lowest tertile (by −7.9 ml/year 95% confidence interval [−13.9 ml/year, −1.93 ml/year], and by −0.13%/year [−0.23%/year, −0.026%/year], respectively). These CMV effects were additive with those of cigarette smoking. No associations were found between CMV serology and FVC, indicating specific effects of CMV seropositivity on airflow limitation.

Conclusion

High CMV serology in young to mid‐adult life may be linked to increased COPD risk through an accelerated decline of lung function.
Conservation prioritisation through genomic reconstruction of demographic histories applied to two endangered suids in the Malay Archipelago
Authors: Schleimer Anna , Frantz Alain C. , Richart Lorraine , Mehnert Jörg , Semiadi Gono ,   Wirdateti, Rode‐Margono Johanna , Mittelbronn Michel , Young Stuart , Drygala Frank
Published: March 2023

Aim

The biodiversity of the Malay Archipelago is the product of the region's rich biogeographical history with periods of island connectivity and isolation during the Pleistocene glacial cycles. Here, the case of two endemic suid species, the Javan (Sus verrucosus) and Bawean (S. blouchi) warty pigs, was used to illustrate how biogeographic processes and recent anthropogenic pressures can shape demographic histories with significant implications for species conservation.

Location

Malay Archipelago, with focus on Bawean and Java.

Methods

We employed genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms from the Porcine SNP60 v2 BeadChip to assess interspecific genetic differentiation, to estimate divergence times and to perform demographic model selection.

Results

In contrast to the hypothesis of recent divergence during the last glacial maximum, S. blouchi was found to have diverged from S. verrucosus at least 166 k years ago following a founder event. The contemporary S. blouchi population was characterised by a recent bottleneck that reduced the effective population size to less than 20. The genomic assessment supports the single species status of S. blouchi, as was previously proposed based on morphometrics. The demographic history of S. verrucosus showed evidence of secondary contact with the sympatric banded pig (S. scrofa vittatus) that colonised Java 70 k years ago.

Main Conclusions

While the Javan and Bawean warty pigs have persisted throughout the Pleistocene climatic oscillations, contemporary pressures from human activities threaten their survival and immediate action should be taken to grant legal protection to both S. verrucosus and S. blouchi. This study highlighted the use of demographic history modelling using genomic data to identify evolutionary significant units and inform conservation.
Teaching Honesty and Improving Democracy in the Post‐Truth Era
Authors: Stitzlein Sarah
Published: March 2023

In this paper, Sarah Stitzlein considers the consequences of honesty on our democracy, especially for citizens' ability to engage in civic inquiry together as they face shared problems. Honesty is a key component of a well‐functioning democracy; it develops trust and fosters the sorts of relationships among citizens that enable civic dialogue and reasoning. Post‐truth attitudes and truth decay pose serious obstacles to good civic reasoning as citizens struggle to draw clear distinctions between fact and opinion, weigh personal beliefs and emotions over facts, and increasingly distrust traditionally respected sources of information. Stitzlein employs a Deweyan pragmatist account of truth and a distinctly social account of democracy to build a case for foregrounding honesty in the development of citizens. She describes how schools can employ communities of inquiry to cultivate habits of honesty within citizenship education. She explains how a better democracy — one grounded in a wider understanding of social life and relationships — might head off the temptation to be dishonest for self‐serving reasons, focusing on how dishonesty jeopardizes our relationships to each other as citizens and our ability to engage in civic reasoning together to fulfill shared goals.
Unlocking the genome of perch – From genes to ecology and back again
Authors: Vasemägi Anti , Ozerov Mikhail , Noreikiene Kristina , López María‐Eugenia , Gårdmark Anna
Published: March 2023

Eurasian perchPerca fluviatilishas been a popular model species for decades in the fields of aquatic ecology, community dynamics, behaviour, physiology and ecotoxicology. Yet, despite extensive research, the progress of integrating genomic perspective into existing ecological knowledge in perch has been relatively modest. Meanwhile, the emergence of high‐throughput sequencing technologies has completely changed the methods for genetic variation assessment and conducting biodiversity and evolutionary research. During the last 5 years, three genome assemblies ofP. fluviatilishave been generated, allowing substantial advancement of our understanding of the interactions between ecological and evolutionary processes at the whole‐genome level. We review the past progress, current status and potential future impact of the genomic resources and tools for ecological research in Eurasian perch focusing on the utility of recent whole‐genome assemblies. Furthermore, we demonstrate the power of genome‐wide approaches and newly developed tools and outline recent cases where genomics have contributed to new ecological and evolutionary knowledge. We explore how the availability of reference assembly enables the efficient application of various statistical tools, and how genomic approaches can provide novel insights into resource polymorphism, host–parasite interactions and to genetic and phenotypic changes associated with climate change and harvesting‐induced evolution. In summary, we call for increased integration of genomic tools into ecological research for perch, as well as for other fish species, which is likely to yield novel insights into processes linking the adaptation and plasticity to ecosystem functioning and environmental change.
Topical application of imatinib mesylate ameliorated psoriasis‐like skin lesions in imiquimod‐induced murine model via angiogenesis inhibition
Authors: Hayakawa Kazuma , Maeda Tatsuo , Egusa Chizu , Okubo Yukari , Harada Kazutoshi
Published: March 2023

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder characterized by a skin rash with scaly patches. Microvascular abnormalities are a characteristic feature of psoriasis and play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of psoriatic lesions. Angiogenic factors are upregulated in psoriatic skin lesions and are thought to induce angiogenesis. Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) induces vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and PDGF is upregulated in keratinocytes in psoriatic skin lesions. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of topical imatinib mesylate (IMT) in inhibiting the activation of PDGF signalling in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. When topically applied to the skin of mice with imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriasis, IMT ameliorated skin symptoms similar to those of human psoriasis. Hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, hyperkeratosis, inflammatory cell infiltration and hypervascularity were histologically suppressed by topical IMT. The expression of angiogenic factors including fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and VEGF was decreased. The expression of FGF and VEGF in a PDGF‐stimulated fibroblast cell line was inhibited by IMT. PDGF is required for the signalling pathway producing angiogenic factors in fibroblast. Thus, topically applied IMT inhibits PDGFR activation in fibroblast and suppresses the production of angiogenic factors, thereby mitigating the symptoms of psoriasis. The inhibitory effect of IMT on angiogenesis suggests that topical application IMT may be a viable treatment option for psoriasis.
A novel prediction approach of polymer gear contact fatigue based on a WGAN‐XGBoost model
Authors: Jia Chenfan , Wei Peitang , Lu Zehua , Ye Mao , Zhu Rui , Liu Huaiju
Published: March 2023

Polymer gears have long been used on power transmissions with the fundamental durability data, including fatigue S‐N curves, yielding important data informing reliable and compact designs. This paper proposed a prediction method for polyformaldehyde (POM) gear fatigue life based on the innovative WGAN‐XGBoost algorithm. The findings generated herein revealed that the proposed method performs well in terms of prediction accuracy. The predicted fatigue lives, analyzed under different loading conditions, were within 1.5 times dispersion band compared with experimental results. Furthermore, based upon the enhanced fatigue dataset, a thermo‐mechanical coupled prediction formula for POM gear contact fatigue life was proposed. These findings offered a new approach for high‐power density design of polymer gears.
The consequences of non‐trading institutional investors
Authors: Irani Mohammad (Vahid) , Kim Hugh Hoikwang
Published: March 2023

We document that institutional investors do not trade a single share, on average, in one of five stocks in their portfolio for an extended period. Investors with high inaction are likely to underperform in the future. Our results show a similar underperformance for stocks with a high non‐trading level of institutional investors. We investigate several behavioral biases as potential drivers of the non‐trades and find no evidence of distraction, overconfidence, and disposition effects. Institutional investors’ tendency to sell stocks with salient price movements and recency bias best explains their inactions. Overall, the non‐trading behavior of institutional investors serves as a unique predictor for their future performance and potential behavioral biases are driving this predictability.
Mechanisms underpinning community stability along a latitudinal gradient: Insights from a niche‐based approach
Authors: Evans Luke Christopher , Melero Yolanda , Schmucki Reto , Boersch‐Supan Philipp H. , Brotons Lluís , Fontaine Colin , Jiguet Frédéric , Kuussaari Mikko , Massimino Dario , Robinson Robert A. , Roy David B. , Schweiger Oliver , Settele Josef , Stefanescu Constanti , van Turnhout Chris A. M. , Oliver Tom Henry
Published: March 2023

At large scales, the mechanisms underpinning stability in natural communities may vary in importance due to changes in species composition, mean abundance, and species richness. Here we link species characteristics (niche positions) and community characteristics (richness and abundance) to evaluate the importance of stability mechanisms in 156 butterfly communities monitored across three European countries and spanning five bioclimatic regions. We construct niche‐based hierarchical structural Bayesian models to explain first differences in abundance, population stability, and species richness between the countries, and then explore how these factors impact community stability both directly and indirectly (via synchrony and population stability). Species richness was partially explained by the position of a site relative to the niches of the species pool, and species near the centre of their niche had higher average population stability. The differences in mean abundance, population stability, and species richness then influenced how much variation in community stability they explained across the countries. We found, using variance partitioning, that community stability in Finnish communities was most influenced by community abundance, whereas this aspect was unimportant in Spain with species synchrony explaining most variation; the UK was somewhat intermediate with both factors explaining variation. Across all countries, the diversity–stability relationship was indirect with species richness reducing synchrony which increased community stability, with no direct effects of species richness. Our results suggest that in natural communities, biogeographical variation observed in key drivers of stability, such as population abundance and species richness, leads to community stability being limited by different factors and that this can partially be explained due to the niche characteristics of the European butterfly assemblage.
Understanding community concerns in the Goat Islands logistics hub debate as a form of environmental justice
Authors: Baptiste April Karen , McNamara Kristina , Devonish Hubert
Published: March 2023

The conflict between environmental justice and economic development is an issue central to the developing world. Using an interview analysis of community residents, this study seeks to identify whether the formally proposed trans‐shipment hub sited for the Goat Islands in Jamaica is an environmental injustice. The site, situated in the Portland Bight Protected Area, is one of Jamaica's largest fish sanctuaries and provides hundreds in the community with their livelihoods. The hub, which was promoted as an economic development project by the Jamaican government, would have allowed Jamaica to enter into the global trans‐shipment chain, subsequently reaping millions of dollars in profit. Resultant themes include issues related to environmental degradation, displacement of community members, hope for employment opportunities and investments into communities and desire for consultation. While many community residents had concerns regarding the potential location of the logistics hub, there were mixed reactions as to whether this type of development should never be allowed to take place. The study reveals the conundrum that is faced by states when it comes to promoting economic development initiatives. On the one hand, there is a desire for these forms of investment to spur economic advancement, yet on the other hand, the environmental injustices cannot be ignored. Further, the paper reveals the importance of consultation and recognition when development projects are proposed.
Economic achievement of immigrants in Japan: Examining the role of country‐of‐origin and host‐country‐specific human capital in an inflexible labor market
Authors: Nagayoshi Kikuko , Kihara Tate
Published: March 2023

The economic integration of immigrants is a salient social issue in Japan. Although the US immigration literature has stressed the importance of host‐country‐specific human capital over country‐of‐origin human capital for immigrants, previous studies in Japan have shown mixed results about the effects of these two types of human capital on the economic integration of immigrants. The mixed results might be because previous studies focused on only specific immigrant groups (with regard to nationalities, cities, and visa status), human capital variables, and dimensions of economic achievements in the Japanese labor market. The segmented nature of the Japanese labor market structure and immigration policies create different pathways to “economic achievements” of immigrants depending on the dimension of “economic achievements” studied. By conducting a nationally representative social survey of Japanese immigrants, we examined the association between the two types of human capital (i.e., country‐of‐origin and host‐country‐specific) and the three indicators of labor market success: employment status and firm size, occupational status, and income. Our results indicate that host‐country‐specific human capital in the form of higher education and language proficiency is important for all three indicators of economic achievement in Japan, while country‐of‐origin human capital in the form of higher education and vocational skills is transferable to some extent. Our results suggest that the significance of human capital in immigrants' economic success is determined not only by the structure of the labor market but also by immigration policies.
Better job prospects or an imperative to ‘just work’? A cross‐national study on social investment and women's employment
Authors: Hong Ijin , Kang Ji Young , Lee Jieun
Published: March 2023

Social investment policies advocate for more and better jobs by supporting families' work‐life balance and investing in human capital. But do they really help to boost employment prospects for women? Earlier literature suggests a positive relationship, but not enough attention has been paid to the type of employment, or to who the actual beneficiaries of these measures are. This article combines ISSP survey data with OECD and national data in a multilevel analysis to determine whether social investment policies benefit female employment, improve job prospects, and apply to all women irrespective of their educational level. We find that training and childcare policies are associated with higher employment levels, however, the claim that social investment increases chances for better job prospects finds little empirical support. These findings suggest that active labour market and childcare policies are associated with more women's employment, but they might still be following a push to ‘just work’.
Kaempferol promotes melanogenesis and reduces oxidative stress in PIG1 normal human skin melanocytes
Authors: Xie Yihui , Mei Xingyu , Shi Weimin
Published: March 2023

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by depigmentation. Kaempferol is a flavonoid compound with broad anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of kaempferol on melanogenesis in PIG1 normal human skin melanocytes and its response to oxidative stress. The effect of kaempferol on melanin synthesis in PIG1 normal human skin melanocytes was explored by measuring tyrosinase activity, melanin content, mRNA and protein expression of key enzymes and expression of related pathway proteins. The effects of kaempferol pretreatment on cell viability, apoptosis, ROS level and HO‐1 protein level under H2O2 stimulation were explored. When treated with kaempferol, the tyrosinase activity and melanin content of PIG1 cells increased, the mRNA and protein expressions of TYR, TRP1, TRP2 and MITF increased, and the phosphorylation level of ERK1/2 increased. Upon the stimulation of H2O2, kaempferol reduced the production of ROS, decreased apoptosis and increased the protein expression of HO‐1 in PIG1 cells. In addition, kaempferol inhibited oxidative stress‐induced melanin reduction and promoted melanin synthesis in PIG1 cells and protected against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress damage.
Primary and secondary plant metabolites determining the suitability of pistachio kernels for the carob moth
Authors: Baghery Fatemeh , Falahati‐pour Soudeh Khanamani , Ali Dini , Michaud J. P. , Soufbaf Mahmoud
Published: March 2023

The carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a serious pest of fruit and nut crops worldwide that causes significant losses in Iranian pistachio orchards. In order to assess variation among cultivars is susceptibility to carob moth and biochemical correlates, the present study evaluated the suitability of kernels of 10 pistachio cultivars for E. ceratoniae development and reproductive performance under laboratory conditions: 25 ± 1°C, 65 ± 5% RH and a 16:8 (L:D) photoperiod. The primary and secondary metabolites of nuts were quantified and correlated with life history traits and various metrics of biological performance and indices of relative suitability were calculated. Nut protein content averaged 18.4 ± 0.1% and did not vary significantly among cultivars. Two cultivars yielded significantly slower larval development and lower values for relative growth rate, female longevity and fecundity, relative to all others. Suitability indices calculated from moth life history parameters varied by a factor of 4.66 across cultivars, with values <1 for the two most resistant varieties. The latter cultivars were less consumed by larvae and were lowest in carbohydrate content and efficiency of food conversion, but ranked highest in total phenolics, tannins and flavonoids. Linear regressions indicated that carbohydrate content was positively correlated with kernel suitability for larval development and adult reproduction, whereas total phenolics, tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins were all negatively correlated. The implications of these findings for integrated management of E. ceratoniae in pistachio orchards, and the possibility of improving pistachio resistance to carob moth, are discussed.
Resin composite cements: Current status and a novel classification proposal
Authors: Maravić Tatjana , Mazzitelli Claudia , Mancuso Edoardo , Del Bianco Federico , Josić Uroš , Cadenaro Milena , Breschi Lorenzo , Mazzoni Annalisa
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Currently, a classification of resin cements that includes relatively recently formulated (“universal”) cements is lacking. Furthermore, the terminology used to define different resin cements in the scientific reports is inconsistent. Accordingly, this work aims to: (i) propose a novel classification of resin composite cements; (ii) disambiguate the term “universal cements” and (iii) present an overview of the properties of these cements.

Methods

An analysis of peer‐reviewed literature (PubMed search), as well as market research on definitive resin composite cements were performed.

Results

A tendency toward simplified and versatile luting materials was observed both in the scientific literature and on the dental market with the advent of self‐adhesive/one‐step resin cements. However, additional priming procedures were necessary to improve their bonding performance in certain clinical situations. Hence, several cements that can be applied both in adhesive and self‐adhesive mode were introduced. These cements are associated with a universal adhesive resin, that can be used as a tooth and/or restorative material primer, without the need for other priming systems, regardless of the substrate. These systems should be considered truly universal. Therefore, we hereby suggested a new classification of resin‐based cements: (1) adhesive/multi‐step; (2) self‐adhesive/one‐step; (3) universal cements (one‐ or multi‐step). Despite promising in vitro results, clinical trials and long‐track laboratory studies are necessary to confirm the reliability of the universal cements.

Conclusions

This review presented the current advances in the field of resin‐based cements, which are reflected in the proposed classification. The term “universal cement” was disambiguated, which will help standardize the terminology used in published research.

Clinical Significance

The classification of resin‐based cements and a better understanding of the proper terminology will help standardize the terminology in published research, as well as improve the understanding of the clinical practitioners of the different indications and possible modalities of use of the available cements.
Racial, ethnic and neighborhood socioeconomic differences in incidence of dementia: A regional retrospective cohort study
Authors: Becerril Alissa , Pfoh Elizabeth R. , Hashmi Ardeshir Z. , Mourany Lyla , Gunzler Douglas D. , Berg Kristen A. , Krieger Nikolas I. , Krishnan Kamini , Moore Scott Emory , Kahana Eva , Dawson Neal V. , Luezas Shamakian Lorella , Campbell James W. , Perzynski Adam T. , Dalton Jarrod E.
Published: March 2023

Background

Evidence on the effects of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage on dementia risk in racially and ethically diverse populations is limited. Our objective was to evaluate the relative extent to which neighborhood disadvantage accounts for racial/ethnic variation in dementia incidence rates. Secondarily, we evaluated the spatial relationship between neighborhood disadvantage and dementia risk.

Methods

In this retrospective study using electronic health records (EHR) at two regional health systems in Northeast Ohio, participants included 253,421 patients aged >60 years who had an outpatient primary care visit between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2015. The date of the first qualifying visit served as the study baseline. Cumulative incidence of composite dementia outcome, defined as EHR‐documented dementia diagnosis or dementia‐related death, stratified by neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation (as measured by Area Deprivation Index) was determined by competing‐risk regression analysis, with non‐dementia‐related death as the competing risk. Fine‐Gray sub‐distribution hazard ratios were determined for neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation, race/ethnicity, and clinical risk factors. The degree to which neighborhood socioeconomic position accounted for racial/ethnic disparities in the incidence of composite dementia outcome was evaluated via mediation analysis with Poisson rate models.

Results

Increasing neighborhood disadvantage was associated with increased risk of EHR‐documented dementia diagnosis or dementia‐related death (most vs. least disadvantaged ADI quintile HR = 1.76, 95% confidence interval = 1.69–1.84) after adjusting for age and sex. The effect of neighborhood disadvantage on this composite dementia outcome remained after accounting for known medical risk factors of dementia. Mediation analysis indicated that neighborhood disadvantage accounted for 34% and 29% of the elevated risk for composite dementia outcome in Hispanic and Black patients compared to White patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Neighborhood disadvantage is related to the risk of EHR‐documented dementia diagnosis or dementia‐related death and accounts for a portion of racial/ethnic differences in dementia burden, even after adjustment for clinically important confounders.
Neurodevelopmental Effects of a Mindfulness and Kindness Curriculum on Executive Functions in Preschool Children—A Randomized, Active‐Controlled Study
Authors: Shlomov Ilana , Levit‐Binnun Nava , Horowitz‐Kraus Tzipi
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to explore the effect of a mindfulness‐based curriculum designed especially for preschoolers on facets of executive functions. Fifty‐one preschoolers were randomly assigned to either a mindfulness and kindness curriculum (MC) or an active control dialogic reading program (DR). A battery of behavioral and neurophysiological tests was used to tap into facets of executive control (inhibition, shifting). Electroencephalography data were acquired during the attentional network task (ANT). Relative to DR, children in the MC group exhibited a reduced difference in the N200 Event related potentials (ERP) amplitudes for the congruent versus incongruent conditions during the ANT paradigm representing inhibition and shifting abilities. On the behavioral tasks, both groups improved on executive functions (EF) but on different facets; MC group showed increased inhibition and the DR group demonstrated significantly greater shifting abilities. The results highlight the sensitivity of electrophysiological data to detect subtle cognitive changes. The understanding of how mindfulness‐based interventions in preschoolers affect facets of executive functions can enable further refinement and maximization of the benefits of these interventions for this age group.
One hundred important questions facing plant science: an international perspective
Authors: Armstrong Emily May , Larson Emily R. , Harper Helen , Webb Cerian R. , Dohleman Frank , Araya Yoseph , Meade Claire , Feng Xiangyan , Mukoye Benard , Levin Maureece J. , Lacombe Benoit , Bakirbas Ahmet , Cardoso Amanda A. , Fleury Delphine , Gessler Arthur , Jaiswal Deepak , Onkokesung Nawaporn , Pathare Varsha S. , Phartyal Shyam S. , Sevanto Sanna A. , Wilson Ida , Grierson Claire S.
Published: March 2023

The ‘One Hundred Important Questions Facing Plant Science Research’ project aimed to capture a global snapshot of the current issues and future questions facing plant science. This revisiting builds on the original 2011 paper. Over 600 questions were collected from anyone interested in plants, which were reduced to a final list of 100 by four teams of global panellists. There was remarkable consensus on the most important topics between the global subpanels. We present the top 100 most important questions facing plant science in 2022, ranging from how plants can contribute to tackling climate change, to plant‐defence priming and epigenome plasticity. We also provide explanations of why each question is important. We demonstrate how focussing on climate change, community and protecting plant life has become increasingly important for plant science over the past 11 years. This revisiting illustrates the collaborative and international need for long‐term funding of plant science research, alongside the broad community‐driven efforts to actively ameliorate and halt climate change, while adapting to its consequences.
Is carbon, not water, the resource that limits stomatal opening?
Authors: Buckley Thomas N.
Published: March 2023

This article is a Commentary on Potkay & Feng (2023), 238: 506–528.
Association of abnormal p‐wave parameters with brain MRI morphology: The atherosclerosis risk in communities neurocognitive study (ARIC‐NCS)*
Authors: Reyes Jorge L. , Norby Faye L. , Ji Yuekai , Wang Wendy , Parikh Romil , Zhang Michael J. , Oldenburg Niki C. , Lutsey Pamela L. , Jack Clifford R. , Johansen Michelle , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Coresh Josef , Mosley Thomas , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Alonso Alvaro , Chen Lin Yee
Published: March 2023

Background

Recent evidence indicates that abnormal P‐wave parameters (PWPs)—ECG markers of atrial myopathy—are associated with incident dementia, independent of atrial fibrillation (AF) and clinical ischemic stroke. However, the mechanisms remain unclear and may include subclinical vascular brain injury. Hence, we evaluated the association of abnormal PWPs with brain MRI correlates of vascular brain injury in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study (ARIC‐NCS).

Methods

ARIC‐NCS participants who underwent 3T brain MRI scans in 2011–2013 were included. PWPs were measured from standard 12‐lead ECGs. Brain MRI outcomes included cortical infarcts, lacunar infarcts, cerebral microhemorrhages, brain volumes, and white matter disease (WMD) volume. We used weighted multivariable logistic and linear regression to evaluate the associations of abnormal PWPs with brain MRI outcomes.

Results

Among 1715 participants (mean age, 76.1 years; 61% women; 29% Black), 797 (46%) had ≥1 abnormal PWP. After multivariable adjustment, including adjusting for prevalent AF, abnormal P‐wave terminal force in lead V1 (aPTFV1) and prolonged P‐wave duration (PPWD) were associated with increased odds of both cortical (OR 1.41; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.74 and OR 1.30; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.63, respectively) and lacunar infarcts (OR 1.36; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.63 and OR 1.37; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.65, respectively). Advanced interatrial block (aIAB) was associated with higher odds of subcortical microhemorrhage (OR 2.04; 95% CI, 1.36 to 3.06). Other than a significant association between aPTFV1 with lower parietal lobe volume, there were no other significant associations with brain or WMD volume.

Conclusion

In this exploratory analysis of a US community‐based cohort, ECG surrogates of atrial myopathy are associated with a higher prevalence of brain infarcts and microhemorrhage, suggesting subclinical vascular brain injury as a possible mechanism underlying the association of atrial myopathy with dementia.
TreEAT trial: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy and safety of early introduction of tree nuts for the prevention of tree nut allergy in infants with peanut allergy
Authors: McWilliam Vicki L. , Koplin Jennifer J. , Allen Katie , Robinson Marnie , Smart Joanne , Loke Paxton , Peters Rachel L. , Dang Thanh , Lee Katherine J. , Dalziel Kim , Tey Dean , Taranto Mark , Perrett Kirsten P.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Children with peanut allergy are at increased risk of developing tree nut allergies, which can be severe and for most lifelong. Introduction of peanut in the first year of life can reduce the risk of peanut allergy; however, prevention strategies for tree nut allergies have not been established. We aimed to test the efficacy and safety of a novel strategy, a supervised multi‐nut oral food challenge (OFC) compared with standard care for tree nut allergy prevention in infants at high risk of developing tree nut allergy, TreEAT.

Methods and Analysis

TreEAT is a 2‐armed, open‐label, randomized, controlled trial (RCT). Infants (n = 212) aged 4–11 months with peanut allergy will be randomized 1:1 at peanut allergy diagnosis to either a hospital‐based multi‐tree nut (almond, cashew, hazelnut, and walnut) OFC using multi‐nut butter or standard care (home introduction of individual tree nuts). All infants will be assessed at age 18 months, with questionnaires and SPT to peanut and tree nuts. Peanut and tree nut OFCs will be performed as required to determine the allergy status for each nut. The primary outcome is tree nut allergy at age 18 months. Secondary outcomes include peanut allergy resolution, proportion, and severity of adverse events related to tree nut ingestion, number and frequency of tree nuts ingested, quality of life and parental anxiety, and allergy‐related healthcare visits from randomization to 18 months of age. Analyses will be performed on an intention‐to‐treat basis.

Ethics and Dissemination

TreEAT was approved by the Royal Children's Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (#70489). Outcomes will be presented at scientific conferences and disseminated through publication.

Trial Registration Number

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04801823.
Creative geographies in the age of AI: Co‐creative spatiality and the emerging techno‐material relations between artists and artificial intelligence
Authors: Lundman Riina , Nordström Paulina
Published: March 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) expands the more‐than‐human perspective on creativity and creative geographies, as new techno‐material relations and spatialities are formed when humans and AI create together. In this paper, we suggest the concept of ‘co‐creative spatiality’ to refer to the special sites, relations and processes of human–AI collaboration in artistic creative practice. Our study builds on interviews with 26 Finland‐based artists who have used AI in their artistic work. In our analysis, we focus on the questions of what, how, where, who and with of creativity, through which we study the spatialities of creativity and their links to AI. We discuss, how the emerging techno‐materialities of AI affect co‐creative spatiality by stretching the boundaries of (human) imagination and sparking creativity across new imaginative terrains. Co‐creative spatiality reveals novel and unfamiliar collaborations that constitute our material worlds and, therefore, we believe it invites geographical analysis from all those interested in the transformations of creative and artistic practices in the age of AI.
Assessing deviations for HPCs obtained during COVID‐19 (ADHOC): Evaluating impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on cellular therapy products and processes, the BEST collaborative study
Authors: Thibodeaux Suzanne R. , Coble Dean , Day Victoria , Fontaine Magali J. , Gabelli Maria , Gardiner Nicola , Geach Tamara , Schwartz Joseph , Vasovic Ljiljana V. , Wyre Rachael , Girdlestone John ,   Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusions (BEST) Collaborative
Published: March 2023

Background

The success of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is dependent on a world‐wide network of collection centers providing donations that predominantly have been infused as fresh cells. The logistics chain that supports the just‐in‐time delivery model for stem cell and immunotherapy products was severely stressed by the COVID pandemic, and in early 2020 a number of national and international bodies recommended that cells should be cryopreserved at the collection or transplant center to avoid interruptions in their acquisition or delivery to patients who had started conditioning.

Study Design

To assess the potential consequences of such pandemic‐related deviations to normal practice, we surveyed nine international laboratories to determine if the characteristics or transplant outcomes of allogeneic stem cell donations differed in the immediate periods before and after the switch to routine cryopreservation.

Results

Nine centers on two continents provided data for 72 HSC donations just before, and 71 just after, switching to cryopreservation for allogeneic HSC products. No statistically significant differences between the period before and after cryopreservation were noted for time from product collection to receipt, product temperature at receipt, or CD34+ cell viability at receipt. There was an indication of slower absolute neutrophil count recovery after cryopreservation was required (mean time of 15 vs. 17.6 days).

Discussion

While there were no apparent changes to most parameters studied, there was an indication of slower neutrophil engraftment that will need to be examined in larger, longer term studies.
Ex vivo evaluation of a technique for equine jejunocecal anastomosis using radiofrequency thermofusion and a Cushing oversew
Authors: Gandini Marco , Cerullo Anna , Gallo Livio , Iussich Selina , Minoli Lucia , Giusto Gessica
Published: March 2023

Objective

To describe a technique for a side‐to‐side jejunocecal anastomosis in horses using radiofrequency thermofusion (TF) of the intestines supported by a Cushing oversew and to compare this anastomosis to handsewn and stapled techniques.

Study design

Ex vivo study.

Sample population

Intestinal tracts from 24 slaughtered horses.

Methods

A radiofrequency device was used to perform a jejunocecal anastomosis (Group RFA). The construction time and bursting pressure of this construct were compared with those of a hand‐sewn double layer (Group HS) and stapled anastomoses (Group ST) without oversew of the staple line. Histology was also performed for the TF anastomoses to evaluate the extent of the thermal damage.

Results

The median (range) construction time (min) for the TF (15.8 [14.4‐16.8]) was not significantly different from that for the HS (25.5 [24.2‐26.3]) and ST (10.8 [9.7‐12.5]) groups (p = .07). The construction time for ST was shorter than that for HS group (p < .001). The average (standard deviation) bursting pressure (mmHg) for HS (153.1 +/− 17.5) was higher than that for RFA (76 +/− 15) and ST groups (48 +/− 13; p < .001). The bursting pressure of the RFA was higher than that of the ST anastomoses (p = .001). The thermal damage caused by the device was within the suture oversew in the deeper layers, whereas it extended a few mm beyond the suture line in the serosa.

Conclusion

Radiofrequency assisted anastomoses provide similar construction times to current techniques and have a higher bursting pressure than ST anastomoses.

Clinical significance

Radiofrequency‐assisted anastomoses with a suture oversew demonstrated comparable bursting pressures to ST anastomoses. The use of the radiofrequency device on the intestine is extra label and causes serosal tissue damage, which may increase the risk of adhesions.
Tame hereditary path algebras and amenability
Authors: Eckert Sebastian
Published: March 2023

In this note we revisit the notion of amenable representation type introduced by Gábor Elek. We show that tame hereditary path algebras of quivers of extended Dynkin type over any field  are of amenable type. This verifies a conjecture of Elek, which draws similarities to the tame‐wild dichotomy, for another class of tame algebras. We also show that path algebras of wild acyclic quivers over finite fields are not amenable.
Understanding plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition mechanisms in tetraethoxysilane-based plasma
Authors: Li Hu , Ishii Koichi , Sasaki Shun , Kamiyama Mao , Oda Akinori , Denpoh Kazuki
Published: March 2023

The mechanisms of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS)-based plasma were investigated by monitoring the plasma via experimental and computational approaches using a quadrupole mass spectrometer/residual gas analyzer and coupled plasma-gas flow simulation. For experimental measurements, plasma was generated from a TEOS/inert gas mixture, that is, Ar/TEOS or He/TEOS. The results showed that a larger number of TEOS fragments (i.e., silicon complex species) were generated in the He/TEOS plasma than in the Ar/TEOS plasma. Plasma simulation showed that the He/TEOS plasma has a higher electron temperature than the Ar/TEOS plasma, enhancing the dissociation reactions by electron impact. The spatial distributions of TEOS fragments of this mixture observed in the plasma simulation showed that the number of TEOS fragments reaching the wafer surface increased as the O2 ratio of the gas mixture increased. However, a further increase in the O2 flow rate beyond a certain ratio caused the number of signals to decrease. This is attributed to the changes in the determining step from the gas-phase reaction of SiO production to the diffusion of SiO from the portion near the inlet. We also found that metastable species such as Ar*, O2*, and O* are the main contributors to the generation of atomic oxygen (O), which is closely related to the high deposition rate.