bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post-lockdown loneliness and social isolation among French students
Authors: Dutertre Emmanuelle , Fouillet Cyril 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the protective and risk factors involved in student loneliness after the lockdown measures taken limiting social contact during the COVID-19 pandemic in France.Design/methodology/approachUsing a cross-sectional survey methodology, the authors collected data on a sample of 546 students pursuing management education in a French business school in several campuses. Loneliness was measured by the three-item UCLA loneliness scale. Logistic regression analysis examined the factors influencing student loneliness.FindingsThe prevalence of loneliness was 23.4%. Risk factors for loneliness were social isolation especially in terms of intensity and isolation from friends (OR: 5.40), having a regular paid activity (OR: 1.62) and not getting academic help from other students (OR: 2.11) or taking meals alone during the lockdowns (OR: 1.94). Being a male student (OR: 0.47), practicing a sport (OR: 0.64) and studying at a specific campus (OR: 0.43) were protective factors.Practical implicationsUnderstanding protective and risk factors affecting student loneliness helps higher education decision-makers to take the necessary actions to enhance student well-being which have an effect on learning processes.Originality/valueLoneliness is a major public health concern among students. Knowledge of the determinants for loneliness are limited and this article attempts to augment this by exploring several protective and risk indicators of loneliness among French students.
Time matters: Why ecological effects of microplastics might change over time
Authors: Speißer Benedikt 
Published: November 2023

AbstractResearch Highlight: Lozano, Y. M., Gordillo, H., Waldmann, W., & Rillig, M. C. (2023). Photodegradation modifies microplastic effects on soil properties and plant performance. Journal of Applied Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2664.14514.Plastics are omnipresent in daily life and so is plastic waste in the environment. Once there, plastic waste remains for a long time, slowly disintegrating into ever smaller particles including microplastics (particles <5 mm). Simultaneously, physical and chemical properties of these particles are modified due to aging processes. Although scientific awareness about microplastic effects on terrestrial ecosystems is recently increasing, current studies focused on the effects of pristine microplastics. However, modified properties due to aging could influence microplastic effects on terrestrial ecosystems and their components. In their current study, Lozano et al. provide first evidence that photodegradation can modify the effects of different microplastics on soil properties and plant performance, indicating that degradation could intensify microplastic effects on plant–soil systems. These results emphasise the need to better investigate how the global issue of plastic pollution affects ecosystems, also over the long term, and the need to stop the flow of plastics entering the environment.
Precise tactile stimulation of worker ants by a robotic manipulator reveals that individual responses are density‐ and context‐dependent
Authors: Rüegg Matthias , Motes‐Rodrigo Alba , Tuleu Alexandre , Stroeymeyt Nathalie , Richardson Thomas O. , Sakar Mahmut Selman , Keller Laurent 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Ant workers are often specialized in specific tasks, and it is well‐established that the main task an ant performs in the colony can be used to predict its sensitivity and responses to task‐associated stimuli. An often‐overlooked aspect of ants' task specialization is that individuals often switch tasks throughout the day and are not always engaged in functional tasks. Furthermore, the tasks individuals engage in are often correlated with other context‐specific factors, such as worker density, which can independently influence individuals' behaviour. Given this intra‐individual variation in task engagement and its correlation with density, it is currently unknown how these two factors interact to modulate ants' sensitivity and responses to stimuli.

To address this question, we built a robotic manipulation system that allowed us to teleoperate a dummy inside ant colonies and to provide simulated antennations to ants when performing different tasks in areas with different worker densities. We coupled this manipulation system with a custom‐built automated tracking system (FORT) that allowed us to track individual identities and locations as well as to record the ants' responses to the dummy stimulation.

We found independent effects of task and worker density on ants' responsiveness and alarm towards the dummy. Ants were less likely to respond and be alarmed by the dummy when stimulated in areas with high worker density. Responsiveness but not alarm was further influenced by the task being performed, with ants doing broodcare being the least responsive. Our results suggest that ants' behaviour is density‐dependent and that ants experience a process of habituation to tactile stimulation. Additionally, ants' responsiveness is modulated by the task they are performing at a given time, showing that sensitivity to stimuli is context‐dependent.

Our robotic set‐up constitutes a valuable tool to systematically investigate social insect behaviour under unprecedented experimental control to unravel the individual‐level behavioural rules that underpin the organization of social insect colonies. The integrated system presented here opens new research avenues to empirically investigate the effects of more complex stimuli on social insect behaviour and has the potential to significantly further our understanding of decentralized collective systems.
Polygenic risk for schizophrenia, social dispositions, and pace of epigenetic aging: Results from the Young Finns Study
Authors: Saarinen Aino , Marttila Saara , Mishra Pashupati P. , Lyytikäinen Leo‐Pekka , Raitoharju Emma , Mononen Nina , Sormunen Elina , Kähönen Mika , Raitakari Olli , Hietala Jarmo , Keltikangas‐Järvinen Liisa , Lehtimäki Terho 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSchizophrenia is often regarded as a disorder of premature aging. We investigated (a) whether polygenic risk for schizophrenia (PRSsch) relates to pace of epigenetic aging and (b) whether personal dispositions toward active and emotionally close relationships protect against accelerated epigenetic aging in individuals with high PRSsch. The sample came from the population‐based Young Finns Study (n = 1348). Epigenetic aging was measured with DNA methylation aging algorithms such as AgeAccelHannum, EEAAHannum, IEAAHannum, IEAAHorvath, AgeAccelHorvath, AgeAccelPheno, AgeAccelGrim, and DunedinPACE. A PRSsch was calculated using summary statistics from the most comprehensive genome‐wide association study of schizophrenia to date. Social dispositions were assessed in terms of extraversion, sociability, reward dependence, cooperativeness, and attachment security. We found that PRSsch did not have a statistically significant effect on any studied indicator of epigenetic aging. Instead, PRSsch had a significant interaction with reward dependence (p = 0.001–0.004), cooperation (p = 0.009–0.020), extraversion (p = 0.019–0.041), sociability (p = 0.003–0.016), and attachment security (p = 0.007–0.014) in predicting AgeAccelHannum, EEAAHannum, or IEAAHannum. Specifically, participants with high PRSsch appeared to display accelerated epigenetic aging at higher (vs. lower) levels of extraversion, sociability, attachment security, reward dependence, and cooperativeness. A rather opposite pattern was evident for those with low PRSsch. No such interactions were evident when predicting the other indicators of epigenetic aging. In conclusion, against our hypothesis, frequent social interactions may relate to accelerated epigenetic aging in individuals at risk for psychosis. We speculate that this may be explained by social‐cognitive impairments (perceiving social situations as overwhelming or excessively arousing) or ending up in less supportive or deviant social groups.
Anti‐cathepsin D immunotherapy triggers both innate and adaptive anti‐tumour immunity in breast cancer
Authors: David Timothée , Mallavialle Aude , Faget Julien , Alcaraz Lindsay B. , Lapierre Marion , du Roure Pénélope Desroys , Laurent‐Matha Valérie , Mansouri Hanane , Jarlier Marta , Martineau Pierre , Roger Pascal , Guiu Séverine , Chardès Thierry , Liaudet‐Coopman Emmanuelle 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and PurposeTriple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) has poorer outcomes than other breast cancers (BC), including HER2+ BC. Cathepsin D (CathD) is a poor prognosis marker overproduced by BC cells, hypersecreted in the tumour microenvironment with tumour‐promoting activity. Here, we characterized the immunomodulatory activity of the anti‐CathD antibody F1 and its improved Fab‐aglycosylated version (F1M1) in immunocompetent mouse models of TNBC (C57BL/6 mice harbouring E0771 cell grafts) and HER2‐amplified BC (BALB/c mice harbouring TUBO cell grafts).Experimental ApproachCathD expression was evaluated by western blotting and immunofluorescence, and antibody binding to CathD by ELISA. Antibody anti‐tumour efficacy was investigated in mouse models. Immune cell recruitment and activation were assessed by immunohistochemistry, immunophenotyping, and RT‐qPCR.Key ResultsF1 and F1M1 antibodies remodelled the tumour immune landscape. Both antibodies promoted innate antitumour immunity by preventing the recruitment of immunosuppressive M2‐polarized tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs) and by activating natural killer cells in the tumour microenvironment of both models. This translated into a reduction of T‐cell exhaustion markers in the tumour microenvironment that could be locally supported by enhanced activation of anti‐tumour antigen‐presenting cell (M1‐polarized TAMs and cDC1 cells) functions. Both antibodies inhibited tumour growth in the highly‐immunogenic E0771 model, but only marginally in the immune‐excluded TUBO model, indicating that anti‐CathD immunotherapy is more relevant for BC with a high immune cell infiltrate, as often observed in TNBC.Conclusion and implicationAnti‐CathD antibody‐based therapy triggers the anti‐tumour innate and adaptive immunity in preclinical models of BC and is a promising immunotherapy for immunogenic TNBC.
Atypical Spitz tumor with SQSTM1::NTRK2 fusion: Report of a case with unique spindled cell features
Authors: Phillips Gregory S. , Mengden‐Koon Stephanie , Dhossche Julie , LeBoit Philip E. , Goldstein Alisa M. , Lee Ina , Raffeld Mark , Papanicolau‐Sengos Antonios , Sargen Michael R. , Chung Jina 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA host of signature genetic alterations have been demonstrated in Spitz neoplasms, most notably fusions of kinase genes (including BRAF, ALK, ROS1, NTRK1, NTRK3, RET, MET, MAP3K8) or variants in HRAS. While there are multiple reports of rearrangements involving NTRK1 and NTRK3 in Spitz tumors, there are very few reports of NTRK2‐rearranged Spitz nevi in the literature. This report presents an NTRK2‐rearranged atypical Spitz tumor with spindled cell features. The patient was a 6‐year‐old female with a growing pigmented papule on the back. Histopathological evaluation revealed an asymmetric, biphasic, compound proliferation of melanocytes featuring an epithelioid cell population arranged as variably sized nests and single cells along the basal layer with extension down adnexa, as well as a population of spindled melanocytes with desmoplastic features and loss of Melan‐A expression in the dermis. There was partial loss of p16 expression in the epidermal component and diffuse loss in the dermal component. Immunohistochemistry for PRAME, ALK, NTRK1, HRAS Q61R, p53, and BRAF V600E were negative. A SQSTM1::NTRK2 fusion was identified by RNA sequencing. No TERT promoter hotspot variants were detected. This case report expands the known histopathologic spectrum of genetic alterations in Spitz neoplasms.
Incretin‐based drugs and the risk of diabetic retinopathy among individuals with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Igweokpala Samuel , Sule Naheemot Olaoluwa , Douros Antonios , Yu Oriana H. Y. , Filion Kristian B. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimThe results from the SUSTAIN‐6 trial generated some uncertainty regarding the association between incretin‐based drugs [dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs)] and the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Our objective was to synthesize the available evidence from observational studies regarding the use of incretin‐based drugs and the risk of diabetic retinopathy among individuals with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsWe systemically searched Cochrane Library, Embase and Medline to identify observational studies of interest. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS‐I tool. Data from included studies were pooled using the DerSimonian and Laird random‐effect model with the Hartung‐Knapp extension.ResultsWe included 14 studies in the systematic review, with 10 examining DPP‐4 inhibitors and seven examining GLP‐1 RAs. Nine studies investigated incident diabetic retinopathy, six investigated diabetic retinopathy progression and two investigated both outcomes. Seven studies were at moderate risk of bias, four at serious risk of bias and three at critical risk of bias. Data pooled across studies showed no association between the use of DPP‐4 inhibitors (risk ratio: 0.98, 95% confidence interval: 0.83, 1.17) or GLP‐1 RAs (risk ratio: 0.87, 95% confidence interval: 0.56, 1.34) and the risk of diabetic retinopathy.ConclusionThis study suggests that the use of incretin‐based drugs is not associated with the risk of diabetic retinopathy among individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution considering the limited quality of some of the available evidence.
Personal preferences for treatment and care during and after a First Episode Psychosis: A qualitative study
Authors: van der Heijden‐Hobus Inge M. W. , Rosema Bram‐Sieben , Vorstman Jacob A. S. , Kas Martien J. H. , Franke Sigrid K. , Boonstra Nynke , Sommer Iris E. C. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimA first episode of psychosis (FEP) is a stressful, often life‐changing experience. Scarce information is available about personal preferences regarding their care needs during and after a FEP. Whereas a more thorough understanding of these preferences is essential to aid shared decision‐making during treatment and improve treatment satisfaction.MethodsFace‐to‐face interviews with participants in remission of a FEP were set up, addressing personal preferences and needs for care during and after a FEP. The interviews were conducted by a female and a male researcher, the latter being an expert with lived experience.ResultsTwenty individuals in remission of a FEP were interviewed, of which 16 had been hospitalized. The distinguished themes based on personal preferences were tranquillity, peace and quietness, information, being understood, support from significant others, and practical guidance in rebuilding one's life. Our findings revealed that the need for information and the need to be heard were often not sufficiently met. For 16/20 participants, the tranquillity of inpatient treatment of the FEP was predominantly perceived as a welcome safe haven. The presence and support of family and close friends were mentioned as an important factor in the process of achieving remission.ConclusionsThe current exploratory study showed that patients were able to indicate their personal needs. Important findings are the need for information and the need to be heard. Interestingly, hospitalization was mostly seen as an opportunity to achieve tranquillity. More lived experience expertise is needed to elucidate the needs of individuals in the early phase of a FEP to aid people who are recovering from their first psychosis in rebuilding their lives again.
Early phase psychosis and criminal conviction in United States adults
Authors: Webster Kyle D. , Gunter Tracy D. , Vohs Jenifer L. , Breier Alan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimIndividuals experiencing early phase psychosis (EPP) are at increased risk for legal involvement. In prior studies, between 14% and 75% of individuals with EPP reported a history of criminal offending behaviour, criminal charges, or criminal convictions. To better understand the frequency of criminal conviction in a specialty treatment clinic serving EPP clients, the research team supplemented self‐reported data from the clinic intake with information from publicly available databases.MethodsIn this sample of 309 adults, approximately one quarter of patients (n = 76) self‐reported a history of arrest, incarceration, probation, or parole within 6 months of enrolment in a treatment clinic. The research team expanded upon this and collected data from a public database of court proceedings in Indiana for all clinic participants before and after enrolment.ResultsThirty‐nine percent (n = 122) had three or more traffic tickets or a conviction for an ordinance violation, misdemeanour, or felony in the state of Indiana as an adult. This is over two times the national average. Drug and alcohol related convictions were the most common single conviction type, and 29% (n = 89) of subjects experienced at least one incarceration.ConclusionsThese data highlight the need for specialty clinics to partner with professionals with expertise in the prevention and management of criminal behaviour. Future studies should examine risk factors for individuals experiencing EPP and criminal conviction.
Harnessing the power of regional baselines for broad‐scale genetic stock identification: A multistage, integrated, and cost‐effective approach
Authors: Hsu Bobby , Habicht Christopher 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn mixed‐stock fishery analyses, genetic stock identification (GSI) estimates the contribution of each population to a mixture and is typically conducted at a regional scale using genetic baselines specific to the stocks expected in that region. Often these regional baselines cannot be combined to produce broader geographical baselines due to non‐overlapping populations and genetic markers. In cases where the mixture contains stocks spanning across a wide area, a broad‐scale baseline is created, but often at the cost of resolution. Here, we introduce a new GSI method to harness the resolution capabilities of baselines developed for regional applications in the analysis of mixtures containing individuals from a broad geographic range. This method employs a multistage framework that allows disparate baselines to be used in a single integrated process that produces estimates along with the propagated errors from each stage. All individuals in the mixture sample are required to be genotyped for all genetic markers in the baselines used by this model, but the baselines do not require overlap in genetic markers or populations representing the broad‐scale or regional baselines. We demonstrate the utility of our integrated multistage model using a synthesized data set made up of Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, from the North Bering Sea of Alaska. The results show an improved accuracy for estimates using an integrated multistage framework, compared to the conventional framework of using separate hierarchical steps. The integrated multistage framework allows GSI of a wide geographic area without first developing a large scale, high‐resolution genetic baseline or dividing a mixture sample into smaller regions beforehand. This approach is more cost‐effective than updating range‐wide baselines with all regionally important markers.
Preparation of bionic nacre by “freezing‐mineralization” and their electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties
Authors: Wu Canfeng , Li Yi , Yao Yingbang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNatural nacre has attracted a lot of attention due to its superior mechanical properties. It is generally made up of 95% flake calcium carbonate and 5% organic matter. In this work, we prepared the bionic nacre material using the “freezing‐mineralization” method. The bionic material exhibits a microstructure that is quite similar to that of natural material and shows a high dielectric constant. The thermal conductivity in the in‐plane direction reaches 1.15 W/(m•K) at ambient temperature, which is 2.25 times higher than the out‐of‐plane direction's, clearly demonstrating an anisotropic behavior. Additionally, the mechanical performance of the biomimetic material can be on par with that of natural materials with a maximum breakdown stress of 51.4 MPa. Our results prove that the “freezing‐mineralization” method is essential to developing bionic nacre materials.
Corrosion mechanism and behavior of nickel slag on semi‐rebonded magnesia‐chrome brick for top‐blown furnace
Authors: Zong Hongxing , Lu Miaomiao , Zheng Jianghua , Li Bin , Xin Yalou , Ren Xuegen , Du Xueyan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe corrosion behavior and mechanism of nickel slag on semi‐rebonded magnesia‐chrome brick are investigated. The variations in the specimens before and after corrosion were studied using microstructure, phase composition, and thermodynamic simulations. The results reveal that at high temperatures, the metal oxides in nickel slag easily react with Cr2O3 to generate Cr‐spinel, and the isolation layer forms a continuous phase on the surface of the refractory. The appearance of the isolation layer causes the nickel slag corrosion process on semi‐rebonded magnesia‐chrome brick to shift from direct to indirect corrosion controlled by ion diffusion, effectively blocking the continuous penetration of Ca2+ and Si4+ in the slag inside the refractories. As a result, the semi‐rebonded magnesia‐chrome brick resists nickel slag corrosion extremely well.
Potential role of epithelial–mesenchymal transition induced by periodontal pathogens in oral cancer
Authors: Ma Yiwei , Yu Yingyi , Yin Yuqing , Wang Liu , Yang Huishun , Luo Shiyin , Zheng Qifan , Pan Yaping , Zhang Dongmei 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWith the increasing incidence of oral cancer in the world, it has become a hotspot to explore the pathogenesis and prevention of oral cancer. It has been proved there is a strong link between periodontal pathogens and oral cancer. However, the specific molecular and cellular pathogenic mechanisms remain to be further elucidated. Emerging evidence suggests that periodontal pathogens‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is closely related to the progression of oral cancer. Cells undergoing EMT showed increased motility, aggressiveness and stemness, which provide a pro‐tumour environment and promote malignant metastasis of oral cancer. Plenty of studies proposed periodontal pathogens promote carcinogenesis via EMT. In the current review, we discussed the association between the development of oral cancer and periodontal pathogens, and summarized various mechanisms of EMT caused by periodontal pathogens, which are supposed to play an important role in oral cancer, to provide targets for future research in the fight against oral cancer.