bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bayesian tests for random mating in polyploids
Authors: Gerard David 
Published: August 2023

AbstractHardy–Weinberg proportions (HWP) are often explored to evaluate the assumption of random mating. However, in autopolyploids, organisms with more than two sets of homologous chromosomes, HWP and random mating are different hypotheses that require different statistical testing approaches. Currently, the only available methods to test for random mating in autopolyploids (i) heavily rely on asymptotic approximations and (ii) assume genotypes are known, ignoring genotype uncertainty. Furthermore, these approaches are all frequentist, and so do not carry the benefits of Bayesian analysis, including ease of interpretability, incorporation of prior information, and consistency under the null. Here, we present Bayesian approaches to test for random mating, bringing the benefits of Bayesian analysis to this problem. Our Bayesian methods also (i) do not rely on asymptotic approximations, being appropriate for small sample sizes, and (ii) optionally account for genotype uncertainty via genotype likelihoods. We validate our methods in simulations and demonstrate on two real datasets how testing for random mating is more useful for detecting genotyping errors than testing for HWP (in a natural population) and testing for Mendelian segregation (in an experimental S1 population). Our methods are implemented in Version 2.0.2 of the hwep R package on the Comprehensive R Archive Network https://cran.r‐project.org/package=hwep.
Reactive arthritis as a rare complication of intravesical bacillus Calmette–Guérin treatment: Report of two cases
Authors: Bandeira Matilde , Dourado Eduardo , Lopes Filipe , Tenazinha Catarina , Barros Rita , Barreira Sofia C. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntravesical bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy is recommended for non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer after transurethral resection. BCG‐associated musculoskeletal adverse events are rare. We report two cases of BCG reactive arthritis that were unusually severe and refractory. These describe two male patients who presented with polyarthritis after BCG exposure. Ultrasonography‐guided glucocorticoid injections, high‐dose systemic glucocorticoids and the institution of sulfasalazine were required for achievement of remission. Bacillus Calmette–Guérin reactive arthritis can present as polyarthritis of small and medium joints or as mono‐oligoarthritis of asymmetrical ankles and knees, frequently associated with tenosynovitis and enthesitis. The mechanism by which BCG promotes arthralgia and arthritis is poorly understood. The most well‐accepted theory is that the BCG antigens migrate to different peripheral tissues, including the joints. There is also a lack of knowledge regarding risk factors, with possible genetic factors playing a role. As the two presented cases show, BCG‐induced reactive arthritis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of arthritis and refractory tenosynovitis in BCG‐exposed patients.
Assessing real‐time positive subjective effects of alcohol using high‐resolution ecological momentary assessment in risky versus light drinkers
Authors: Fridberg Daniel J. , Lee Zoe , Fischer Andrew M. , Cursio John F. , King Andrea C. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐resolution ecological momentary assessment (HR‐EMA) can assess acute alcohol responses during naturalistic heavy drinking episodes. The goal of this study was to use HR‐EMA to examine drinking behavior and subjective responses to alcohol in risky drinkers (moderate–severe alcohol use disorder [MS‐AUD], heavy social drinkers [HD]) and light drinkers (LD). We expected that risky drinkers would endorse greater alcohol stimulation and reward, with lower sedation, than LD, even when controlling for amount of alcohol consumed.MethodsParticipants (N = 112; 54% male, M ± SD age = 27.2 ± 4.2 years) completed smartphone‐based HR‐EMA during one typical alcohol drinking occasion and one non‐alcohol‐drinking occasion in their natural environment. Participants were prompted to complete next‐day surveys that assessed drinking‐related outcomes, study acceptability, and safety.ResultsHR‐EMA prompt completion rates were excellent (92% and 89% for the alcohol and nonalcohol episodes, respectively). The MS‐AUD group consumed the most alcohol with the highest estimated blood alcohol concentration (eBAC) by the end of the alcohol drinking episode (0.14 g/dL) versus LD (0.02 g/dL), with HD intermediate (0.10 g/dL). Relative to LD, MS‐AUD and HD endorsed greater positive effects of alcohol (stimulation, liking, and wanting).ConclusionsThis study is the first to use HR‐EMA to measure and compare real‐world acute alcohol responses across diverse drinker subgroups, including persons with MS‐AUD. Results demonstrate that risky drinkers experience heightened pleasurable effects measured in real‐time during natural‐environment alcohol responses. Rather than drinking excessively to eventually achieve desirable subjective effects, risky drinkers show sensitivity to positive alcohol effects throughout a heavy drinking episode.
CEO narcissism and firm's cash conversion cycle: The moderating role of CEO's gender
Authors: Zaher Heba F. , Marquez‐Illescas Gilberto 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of CEO narcissism on firm's cash conversion cycle (CCC), and how this influence is moderated by CEO gender. Based on a sample of 354 CEOs in 229 S&P 500 firms, our results indicate that firms led by more narcissistic CEOs tend to have a shorter CCC and this effect is weaker in companies led by a female CEO. Our additional analyses show that the effect of CEO narcissism on the CCC may improve or damage firm performance depending on the firm's CCC level.
Mound‐building behaviour of a keystone bioturbator alters rates of leaf litter decomposition and movement in urban reserves
Authors: Hall Matthew J. , Martin John M. , Burns Alicia L. , Hochuli Dieter F. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBioturbation, the disturbance of soil and litter by digging animals plays an important role for a variety of species and ecological processes in many ecosystems. The majority of studies globally on the ecosystem engineering effects of digging vertebrates have focussed on mammals, with birds, reptiles and amphibians remaining comparatively understudied. The loss of ecosystem engineers is a key conservation challenge, and the return of these species is increasingly seen as a priority for habitat restoration; yet this concept is highly novel when we consider urban ecosystems. The Australian brush‐turkey (Alectura lathami), historically a rainforest bird and now common in urban ecosystems, displaces significant quantities of soil and leaf litter through its foraging and nest‐building behaviour and has previously been described as an ecosystem engineer. Here, we tested the effect of brush‐turkey nest building on the decomposition rate of leaf litter, an important ecosystem process. We placed mesh bags of dried Angophora costata and Lantana camara leaves at increasing distances from brush‐turkey incubation mounds. We predicted that leaf litter closer to the nest would break down faster during the brush‐turkey breeding season due to increased turnover associated with nest mound maintenance. We found slower leaf litter decomposition in the breeding than the non‐breeding season, but a relatively greater rate of decomposition closer to the mound in the breeding season. Our results show a seasonal difference in the spatial pattern of leaf litter decomposition and movement; we interpret that brush‐turkey mound‐building behaviour was the key driver. The ecosystem services provided by brush‐turkeys are of particular interest for future research as this species is naturally recolonizing areas where it has been absent for decades, including urban areas. The effect of this species on ecosystem processes including nutrient cycling, seedbank stimulation and reduced fuel loads warrants further investigation.
Bioethical implications of organ‐on‐a‐chip on modernizing drug development
Authors: Thakar Rahul G. , Fenton Kathleen N. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOrgan‐on‐chips are three‐dimensional microdevices that emulate the structure, functionality, and behavior of specific tissues or organs using human cells. Combining organoids with microfabricated fluidic channels and microelectronics, these systems offer a promising platform for studying disease mechanisms, drug responses, and tissue performance. By replicating the in vivo microenvironment, these devices can recreate complex cell interactions in controlled conditions and facilitate research in various fields, including drug toxicity and efficacy studies, biochemical analysis, and disease pathogenesis. Integrating human induced pluripotent stem cells further enhances their applicability, thereby enabling patient‐specific disease modeling for precision medicine. Although challenges like economy‐of‐scale, multichip integration, and regulatory compliance exist, advances in this modular technology show promise for lowering drug development costs, improving reproducibility, and reducing the reliance on animal testing. The ethical landscape surrounding organ‐on‐chip usage presents both benefits and concerns. While these chips offer an alternative to animal testing and potential cost savings, they raise ethical considerations related to community engagement, informed consent, and the need for standardized guidelines. Ensuring public acceptance and involvement in decision‐making is vital to address misinformation and mistrust. Furthermore, personalized medicine models using patient‐derived cells demand careful consideration of potential ethical dilemmas, such as modeling physiological functions of fetuses or brains and determining the extent of protection for these models. To achieve the full potential of organ‐on‐a‐chip models, collaboration between scientists, ethicists, and regulators is essential to fulfil the promise of transforming drug development, advancing personalized medicine, and contributing to a more ethical and efficient biomedical research landscape.
Verbalized arithmetic principles correlate with mathematics achievement
Authors: Cui Jiaxin , Wang Li , Li Dawei , Zhou Xinlin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundWhen mathematical knowledge is expressed in general language, it is called verbalized mathematics. Previous studies on verbalized mathematics typically paid attention to mathematical vocabulary or educational practice. However, these studies did not exclude the role of symbolic mathematics ability, and almost no research has focused on verbalized mathematical principles.AimsThis study is aimed to investigate whether verbalized mathematics ability independently predicts mathematics achievement. The current study hypothesized that verbalized mathematics ability supports mathematics achievement independent of general language, related cognitive abilities and even symbolic mathematical ability.SampleA sample of 241 undergraduates (136 males, 105 females, mean age = 21.95, SD = 2.38) in Beijing, China.MethodsA total of 12 tests were used, including a verbalized arithmetic principle test, a mathematics achievement test, and tests on general language (sentence completion test), symbolic mathematical ability (including symbolic arithmetic principles test, simple arithmetic computation and complex arithmetic computation), approximate number sense ability (numerosity comparison test) and several related cognitive covariates (including the non‐verbal matrix reasoning, the syllogism reasoning, mental rotation, figure matching and choice reaction time).ResultsResults showed that the processing of verbalized arithmetic principles displayed a significant role in mathematics achievement after controlling for general language, related cognitive abilities, approximate number sense ability and symbolic mathematics ability.ConclusionsThe results suggest that verbalized mathematics ability was an independent predictor and provided empirical evidence supporting the verbalized mathematics role on achievement as an independent component in three‐component mathematics model.
Towards the convergent therapeutic potential of G protein‐coupled receptors in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Annamneedi Anil , Gora Caroline , Dudas Ana , Leray Xavier , Bozon Véronique , Crépieux Pascale , Pellissier Lucie P. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAutism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are diagnosed in 1/100 children worldwide, based on two core symptoms: deficits in social interaction and communication, and stereotyped behaviours. G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell‐surface receptors that transduce extracellular signals to convergent intracellular signalling and downstream cellular responses that are commonly dysregulated in ASD. Despite hundreds of GPCRs being expressed in the brain, only 23 are genetically associated with ASD according to the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) gene database: oxytocin OTR; vasopressin V1Aand V1B; metabotropic glutamate mGlu5and mGlu7; GABAB2; dopamine D1, D2and D3; serotoninergic 5‐HT1B; β2‐adrenoceptor; cholinergic M3; adenosine A2Aand A3; angiotensin AT2; cannabinoid CB1; chemokine CX3CR1; orphan GPR37 and GPR85; and olfactory OR1C1, OR2M4, OR2T10 and OR52M1. Here, we review the therapeutic potential of these 23 GPCRs, as well as 5‐HT2Aand 5‐HT7, for ASD. For each GPCR, we discuss its genetic association, genetic and pharmacological manipulation in animal models, pharmacopoeia for core symptoms of ASD and rank them based on these factors. Among these GPCRs, we highlight D2, 5‐HT2A, CB1, OTR and V1Aas the more promising targets for ASD. We discuss that the dysregulation of GPCRs and their signalling is a convergent pathological mechanism of ASD. Their therapeutic potential has only begun as multiple GPCRs could mitigate ASD.
Elucidation of the mechanisms and molecular targets of KeChuanLiuWei‐Mixture for treatment of severe asthma based on network pharmacology
Authors: Cheng Yanqi , Sun Ding , Zou Lu , Li Shaobin , Tang Ling , Yu Xiao , Tang Binqing , Wu Yingen , Fang Hong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractKeChuanLiuWei‐Mixture (KCLW) is widely used as a Chinese medicine prescription to treat severe asthma. However, the underlying therapeutic mechanism of KCLW remains unclear. In this study, a network pharmacology method was used to identify the chemical constituents of KCLW by the TCMSP database and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Differential expression identification, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and functional enrichment analysis were used to screen key targets of KCLW for severe asthma. Our results confirmed that quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and wogonin are the most critical active ingredients in KCLW. Moreover, the 16 relevant severe asthma‐related targets of KCLW were obtained by overlapping the PPI networks of the KCLW putative targets and severe asthma‐related genes, among which the most important targets were IL‐6, NOS2, VEGFA, CXCL2, and PLAT. Functionally, the 16‐targets and their interacting differentially expressed genes were primarily related to biological functions and pathways related to immunity and inflammation, such as inflammatory response, T cell differentiation, Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway, TGF‐β/Smad signaling pathway, and NF‐κB signaling pathway. KCLW inhibited inflammation in PDGF‐BB‐induced airway smooth muscle cells. In summary, this study demonstrates the active substance and potential therapeutic mechanism of KCLW in severe asthma, and offers a clinical direction for KCLW against severe asthma.
The relationship between APOE genotype, CSF Tau and cognition across the Alzheimer's disease spectrum, moderation and mediation role of insula network connectivity
Authors: Zhu Yao , Wu Yan , Lv Xinyi , Wu Jiaonan , Shen Chunzi , Tang Qiqiang , Wang Guoping ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimsTo investigate whether insula network connectivity modulates the relationship between apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 genotype, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers (Aβ, Tau, and pTau) and cognition across Alzheimer's disease (AD) spectrum.MethodsForty‐six cognitive normal (CN), 35 subjective memory complaint (SMC), 41 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 32 AD subjects from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) were obtained. Multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate the main effects and interaction of the APOE genotype and disease status on the insula functional connectivity (IFC) network. Mediation and moderation analysis were performed to investigate whether IFC strengths regulate the association between APOE genotype, CSF biomarkers and cognition. Additionally, the support vector machine (SVM) model integrating APOE genotype, CSF biomarkers, and neuroimaging biomarkers (insula volumes and altered regional IFCs) was used to classify the AD spectrum.ResultsThe interactive effect of the APOE genotype and disease on the insula network was found in the left medial superior frontal gyrus (SFGmed.L), right anterior medial prefrontal cortex (aMPFC.R), and bilateral thalamus (THA.B). The functional connectivities (FCs) in the left insula (LIns) connecting with the left posterior middle temporal gyrus (pMTG.L), SFGmed.L, and right lingual gyrus (LING.R) were correlated with cognition. LIns‐SFGmed.L and LIns‐pMTG.L FCs could moderate the effects of Tau on cognition. Furthermore, LIns‐SFGmed.L FC may suppress the association between APOE genotype and cognition. More importantly, the integrated biomarkers from the SVM model yielded strong powers for classifying the AD spectrum.ConclusionsInsula functional connectivity regulated the association between APOE genotype, CSF Tau and cognition and provided stage‐dependent biomarkers for early differentiation of the AD spectrum. The present study used a cross‐sectional design. Follow‐up studies are needed to validate the relationship.
Cinchonine and cinchonidine alleviate cisplatin‐induced ototoxicity by regulating PI3K‐AKT signaling
Authors: Tang Dongmei , Wang Xue , Wu Jingfang , Li Yimeng , Li Cai , Qiao Xiangyun , Fan Li , Chen Yutao , Zhu Huanhuan , Zhang Zhiyuan , He Yingzi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimCinchonine (CN) and its isomer cinchonidine (CD), two of the common cinchona alkaloids, are wildly used as antimalarial drugs. However, the effects of CN and CD on the auditory system are unknown.MethodsMolecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation were used for predicting effective drugs. The CCK‐8 assay was conducted for assessing cell viability in House Ear Institute‐Organ of Corti 1 (HEI‐OC1) cells. MitoSox Red staining revealed reactive oxygen species (ROS) amounts. TMRM staining was used to assess the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Immunofluorescence staining of myosin 7a was used to examine hair cells (HCs) in cisplatin‐treated neonatal mouse cochlear explants, while TUJ‐1 immunostaining was used for the detection of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Cleaved caspase‐3 and TUNEL immunostaining were utilized for apoptosis assessment. Immunoblot was carried out to detect PI3K‐AKT signaling effectors.ResultsPretreatment with CN or CD significantly increased cell viability and reduced mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS accumulation in cisplatin‐treated HEI‐OC1 cells. Immunofluorescent staining of cochlear explants showed that CN and CD attenuated cisplatin‐induced damage to SGNs and HCs. Immunoblot revealed that CN and CD downregulated the expression of cleaved caspase‐3 and activated PI3K‐AKT signaling in cisplatin‐injured HEI‐OC1 cells.ConclusionCD and CN can reduce ototoxicity caused by cisplatin and might help treat cisplatin‐associated hearing loss.
Modelling migratory behaviour and habitat use of fish in a large, uninterrupted river network: A case study of a migratory salmonid
Authors: Chudnow Rachel , van Poorten Brett , Pillipow Ray , Spendlow Ian , Gantner Nikolaus , Hinch Scott 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) research has historically focused on highly impacted systems or occurred in a reactionary manner following overharvest. Here, we used telemetry and multi‐state capture–recapture modelling to inform management decision‐making for this highly migratory, conservation‐listed species in British Columbia's upper Fraser River watershed (UFW). Our work reduced critical information gaps surrounding the seasonal migration patterns, distribution, and survival rates of fluvial bull trout within the region. By using results of an existing microsatellite DNA analysis, we were able to assign each tagged individual to one of five spawning populations. This assignment allowed us to investigate potential differences in migratory behaviour and seasonal habitat use among the different spawning populations. We identified that the majority of tagged UFW fluvial bull trout made repeated, long‐distance migrations (>300 km one direction) to appropriate spawning, overwintering and foraging habitats. The five populations did not vary in their seasonal transition probabilities at the spatial scale investigated, suggesting key habitats are important to multiple populations. We also detected post‐spawning migration and distribution patterns that suggest UFW bull trout exploit seasonal resource pulses during salmon smolt outmigration. Our results highlight the importance of protecting, restoring and maintaining a diverse assemblage of complex habitats and the natural connections between them (e.g. between tributary spawning habitats and larger rivers) at a spatial scale that supports migratory bull trout life histories. This work provides valuable information for prioritizing conservation actions and identifying restoration opportunities both in the UFW and across the species' range.
Peripherin: A proposed biomarker of traumatic axonal injury triggered by mechanical force
Authors: Fang Tong , Yue Liang , Longlong Zhu , Longda Ma , Fang Huang , Yehui Lv , Yang Li , Yiwu Zhou 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTraumatic axonal injury (TAI) is one of the most common pathological features of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our previous study using proteomics suggested that peripherin (PRPH) should be a potential candidate as a biomarker for TAI diagnosis. This study is to further elucidate the role and association of PRPH with TAI. In the animal study, we performed immunohistochemistry, ELISA and morphological analysis to evaluate PRPH level and distribution following a severe impact. PRPH‐positive regions were widely distributed in the axonal tract throughout the whole brain. Axonal injuries with PRPH inclusion were observed post‐TBI. Besides, PRPH was significantly increased in both cerebral spinal fluid and plasma at the early phase post‐TBI. Colocalization analysis based on microscopy revealed that PRPH represents an immunohistological biomarker in the neuropathological diagnosis of TAI. Brain samples from patients with TBI were included to further test whether PRPH is feasible in the real practice of neuropathology. Immunohistochemistry of PRPH, NFH, APP and NFL on human brain tissues further confirmed PRPH as an immunohistological biomarker that could be applied in practice. Collectively, we conclude that PRPH mirrors the cytoskeleton injury of axons and could represent a neuropathological biomarker for TAI.