bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and multiscale modeling of polycaprolactone/amniotic membrane electrospun nanofiber scaffolds for wound healing
Authors: Lotfi Zahra , Khakbiz Mehrdad , Davari Niyousha , Bonakdar Shahin , Mohammadi Javad , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali , Derhambakhsh Sara 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundEnhancing the efficiency of cell‐based skin tissue engineering (TE) approaches is possible via designing electrospun scaffolds possessing natural materials like amniotic membrane (AM) with wound healing characteristics. Concentrating on this aim, we fabricated innovative polycaprolactone (PCL)/AM scaffolds through the electrospinning process.MethodsThe manufactured structures were characterized by employing scanning electron microscope (SEM), attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy, tensile testing, Bradford protein assay, etc. In addition, the mechanical properties of scaffolds were simulated by the multiscale modeling method.ResultsAs a result of conducting various tests, it was concluded that the uniformity and distribution of fibers decreased with an increase in the amniotic content. Furthermore, PCL‐AM scaffolds contained amniotic and PCL characteristic bands. In the case of protein release, greater content of AM led to the release of higher amounts of collagen. Tensile testing revealed that scaffolds' ultimate strength increased when the AM content augmented. The multiscale modeling demonstrated that the scaffold had elastoplastic behavior. In order to assess cellular attachment, viability, and differentiation, human adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) were seeded on the scaffolds. In this regard, SEM and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays showed significant cellular proliferation and viability on the proposed scaffolds, and these analyses illustrated that higher cell survival and adhesion could be achieved when scaffolds possessed a larger amount of AM. After 21 days of cultivation, particular keratinocyte markers, such as keratin I and involucrin, were identified through utilizing immunofluorescence and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. The markers' expressions were higher in the PCL‐AM scaffold with a ratio of 90:10 v v−1compared with the PCL‐epidermal growth factor (EGF) structure. Moreover, the presence of AM in the scaffolds resulted in the keratinogenic differentiation of ASCs even without employing EGF. Consequently, this state‐of‐the‐art experiment suggests that the PCL‐AM scaffold can be a promising candidate in skin bioengineering.ConclusionThis study showed that mixing AM with PCL, a widely used polymer, in different concentrations can overcome PCL disadvantages such as high hydrophobicity and low cellular compatibility.
Identifying the bridge between depression and mania: A machine learning and network approach to bipolar disorder
Authors: Zavlis Orestis , Matheou Andreas , Bentall Richard 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectivesAlthough the cyclic nature of bipolarity is almost by definition a network system, no research to date has attempted to scrutinize the relationship of the two bipolar poles using network psychometrics. We used state‐of‐the‐art network and machine learning methodologies to identify symptoms, as well as relations thereof, that bridge depression and mania.MethodsObservational study that used mental health data (12 symptoms for depression and 12 for mania) from a large, representative Canadian sample (the Canadian Community Health Survey of 2002). Complete data (N = 36,557; 54.6% female) were analysed using network psychometrics, in conjunction with a random forest algorithm, to examine the bidirectional interplay of depressive and manic symptoms.ResultsCentrality analyses pointed to symptoms relating to emotionality and hyperactivity as being the most central aspects of depression and mania, respectively. The two syndromes were spatially segregated in the bipolar model and four symptoms appeared crucial in bridging them: sleep disturbances (insomnia and hypersomnia), anhedonia, suicidal ideation, and impulsivity. Our machine learning algorithm validated the clinical utility of central and bridge symptoms (in the prediction of lifetime episodes of mania and depression), and suggested that centrality, but not bridge, metrics map almost perfectly onto a data‐driven measure of diagnostic utility.ConclusionsOur results replicate key findings from past network studies on bipolar disorder, but also extend them by highlighting symptoms that bridge the two bipolar poles, while also demonstrating their clinical utility. If replicated, these endophenotypes could prove fruitful targets for prevention/intervention strategies for bipolar disorders.
Covariate-Adjusted Response-Adaptive Designs Based on Semiparametric Approaches
Authors: Zhu Hai , Zhu Hongjian 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
We consider theoretical and practical issues for innovatively using a large number of covariates in clinical trials to achieve various design objectives without model misspecification. Specifically, we propose a new family of semiparametric covariate-adjusted response-adaptive randomization (CARA) designs and we use the target maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE) to analyze the correlated data from CARA designs. Our approach can flexibly achieve multiple objectives and correctly incorporate the effect of a large number of covariates on the responses without model misspecification. We also obtain the consistency and asymptotic normality of the target parameters, allocation probabilities, and allocation proportions. Numerical studies demonstrate that our approach has advantages over existing approaches, even when the data-generating distribution is complicated.
Construal level among poor children: Executive function implications
Authors: Ren Yi , Zuo Chenyi , Ming Hua , Jiang Ying , Huang Silin 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPoverty impedes children's executive function (EF). Therefore, it is necessary to mitigate the negative effect of poverty by developing efficient interventions to improve poor children's cognitive function. In three studies, we examined whether high‐level construals can improve EF among poor children in China. In Study 1, we observed a positive relationship between family socioeconomic status and children's EF, which was moderated by construal level (n = 206; Mage = 9.71; 45.6% girls). In Study 2a, we experimentally induced high‐ versus low‐level construals and found that poor children with high‐level construals exhibited better EF than those with low‐level construals (n = 65; Mage = 11.32; 47.7% girls). However, the same intervention did not affect the performance of affluent children in Study 2b (n = 63; Mage = 10.54; 54% girls). Moreover, we found that the interventional effects of high‐level construals improved the ability of children living in poverty to make healthy decisions and delayed gratification in Study 3 (n = 74; Mage = 11.10; 45.9% girls). These findings may have implications for using high‐level construals as an effective intervention to improve poor children's EF and cognitive capacity.
Airway delivery of Streptococcus salivarius is sufficient to induce experimental pulmonary hypertension in rats
Authors: Zhang Chenting , Zhang Tingting , Xing Yue , Lu Wenju , Chen Jiyuan , Luo Xiaoyun , Wu Xuefen , Liu Shiyun , Chen Lishi , Zhang Zizhou , Zhou Dansha , Lin Ziying , Chen Yuqin , Xiong Mingmei , Yuan Jason X.‐J. , Yang Kai , Wang Jian 
Published: March 2023

Background and PurposeThe causal relationship between altered host microbiome composition, especially the respiratory tract microbiome, and the occurrence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) has not yet been studied. An increased abundance of airway streptococci is seen in patients with PH compared with healthy individuals. This study aimed to determine the causal link between elevated airway exposure to Streptococcus and PH.Experimental ApproachThe dose‐, time‐ and bacterium‐specific effects of Streptococcus salivarius (S. salivarius), a selective streptococci, on PH pathogenesis were investigated in a rat model established by intratracheal instillation.Key ResultsExposure to S. salivarius successfully induced typical PH characteristics, such as elevated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), right ventricular hypertrophy (Fulton's index) and pulmonary vascular remodelling, in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Moreover, the S. salivarius‐induced characteristics were absent in either the inactivated S. salivarius (inactivated bacteria control) treatment group or the Bacillus subtilis (active bacteria control) treatment group. Notably, S. salivarius‐induced PH is characterized by elevated inflammatory infiltration in the lungs, in a pattern different from the classic hypoxia‐induced PH model. Moreover, in comparison with the SU5416/hypoxia‐induced PH model (SuHx‐PH), S. salivarius‐induced PH causes similar histological changes (pulmonary vascular remodelling) but less severe haemodynamic changes (RVSP, Fulton's index). S. salivarius‐induced PH is also associated with altered gut microbiome composition, suggesting potential communication of the lung‐gut axis.Conclusion and ImplicationsThis study provides the first evidence that the delivery of S. salivarius in the respiratory tract could cause experimental PH in rats.
Function and regulation of GPR84 in human neutrophils
Authors: Forsman Huamei , Dahlgren Claes , Mårtensson Jonas , Björkman Lena , Sundqvist Martina 
Published: March 2023

Human neutrophils are components of the innate immune system and are the most abundant white blood cells in the circulation. They are professional phagocytes and express several G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are essential for proper neutrophil functions. So far, the two formyl peptide receptors, FPR1 and FPR2, have been the most extensively studied group of neutrophil GPCRs, but recently, a new group, the free fatty acid (FFA) receptors, has attracted growing attention. Neutrophils express two FFA receptors, GPR84 and FFA2, which sense medium‐ and short‐chain fatty acids respectively, and display similar activation profiles. The exact pathophysiological role of GPR84 is not yet fully understood, but it is generally regarded as a pro‐inflammatory receptor that mediates neutrophil activation. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of how GPR84 affects human neutrophil functions and discuss the regulatory mechanisms that control these responses, focusing on the similarities and differences in comparison to the two FPRs and FFA2.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue GPR84 Pharmacology. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.10/issuetoc
Biological functions and structural biology of Plasmodium falciparum autophagy‐related proteins: The under‐explored options for novel antimalarial drug design
Authors: Usman Mohammed Aliyu , Salman Abdulmalik Abdullahi , Ibrahim Mohammed Auwal , Furukawa Koji , Yamasaki Kazuhiko 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMalaria remains a threat to global public health and the available antimalarial drugs are undermined by side effects and parasite resistance, suggesting an emphasis on new potential targets. Among the novel targets, Plasmodium falciparum autophagy‐related proteins (PfAtg) remain a priority. In this paper, we reviewed the existing knowledge on the functions and structural biology of PfAtg including the compounds with inhibitory activity toward P. falciparum Atg8‐Atg3 protein–protein interaction (PfAtg8‐PfAtg3 PPI). A total of five PfAtg (PfAtg5, PfAtg8, PfAtg12, PfAtg18, and Rab7) were observed to have autophagic and/or non‐autophagic roles. Available data showed that PfAtg8 has conserved hydrophobic pockets, which allows it to interact with PfAtg3 to form PfAtg8‐PfAtg3 PPI. Additionally, 2‐bromo‐N‐(4‐pyridin‐2‐yl‐1,3‐thiazol‐2‐yl) benzamide was identified as the most powerful inhibitor of PfAtg8‐PfAtg3 PPI. Due to the dearth of knowledge in this field, we hope that the article would open an avenue to further research on the remaining PfAtg as possible drug candidates.
Girls, sexuality and playground‐assemblages in a South African primary school
Authors: Janak Raksha , Bhana Deevia 
Published: March 2023

AbstractInspired by new feminist materialism, this paper seeks to reimagine existing knowledge of girls, sexuality and playgrounds by considering how the socio‐material reality may unlock girls' capacities for what is possible through play. Focusing on semi‐structured interviews of girls (aged 12–13), the paper draws attention to the playground as an ‘assemblage’ of human and non‐human matter that connect to illuminate other ways of being, feeling and doing. We argue that the assemblage not only creates spaces for girls to disrupt hetero‐patriarchal ideologies but simultaneously serves to reinforce them. Interventions require attention to the oppressive materialities that underpin play.
TGF‐β‐induced PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway controls myofibroblast differentiation and secretory phenotype of valvular interstitial cells through the modulation of cellular senescence in a naturally occurring in vitro canine model of myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Tang Qiyu , Markby Greg R. , MacNair Andrew J. , Tang Keyi , Tkacz Michal , Parys Maciej , Phadwal Kanchan , MacRae Vicky E. , Corcoran Brendan M. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling contributes to several cardiovascular disorders. The aim of this study was to examine the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Double‐immunofluorescence examined expression of PI3K and TGF‐β1 in canine valves. Valve interstitial cells (VICs) from healthy or MMVD dogs were isolated and characterized. Healthy quiescent VICs (qVICs) were treated with TGF‐β1 and SC‐79 to induce activated myofibroblast phenotypes (aVICs). Diseased valve‐derived aVICs were treated with PI3K antagonists and expression of RPS6KB1 (encoding p70 S6K) was modulated using siRNA and gene overexpression. SA‐β‐gal and TUNEL staining were used to identify cell senescence and apoptosis, and qPCR and ELISA to examine for senescence‐associated secretory phenotype. Protein immunoblotting was used to examine expression of phosphorylated and total proteins. TGF‐β1 and PI3K are highly expressed in mitral valve tissues. Activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and increased expression of TGF‐β are found in aVICs. TGF‐β transitions qVICs to aVICs by upregulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR. Antagonism of PI3K/AKT/mTOR reverses aVIC myofibroblast transition by inhibiting senescence and promoting autophagy. Upregulation of mTOR/S6K induces transformation of senescent aVICs, with reduced capacity for apoptosis and autophagy. Selective knockdown of p70 S6K reverses cell transition by attenuating cell senescence, inhibiting apoptosis and improving autophagy. TGF‐β‐induced PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling contributes to MMVD pathogenesis and plays crucial roles in the regulation of myofibroblast differentiation, apoptosis, autophagy and senescence in MMVD.
Music and language in the crib: Early cross‐domain effects of experience on categorical perception of prominence in spoken language
Authors: Langus Alan , Boll‐Avetisyan Natalie , van Ommen Sandrien , Nazzi Thierry 
Published: March 2023

AbstractRhythm perception helps young infants find structure in both speech and music. However, it remains unknown whether categorical perception of suprasegmental linguistic rhythm signaled by a co‐variation of multiple acoustic cues can be modulated by prior between‐ (music) and within‐domain (language) experience. Here we tested 6‐month‐old German‐learning infants’ ability to have a categorical perception of lexical stress, a linguistic prominence signaled through the co‐variation of pitch, intensity, and duration. By measuring infants’ pupil size, we find that infants as a group fail to perceive co‐variation of these acoustic cues as categorical. However, at an individual level, infants with above‐average exposure to music and language at home succeeded. Our results suggest that early exposure to music and infant‐directed language can boost the categorical perception of prominence.Research Highlights
6‐month‐old German‐learning infants’ ability to perceive lexical stress prominence categorically depends on exposure to music and language at home.
Infants with high exposure to music show categorical perception.
Infants with high exposure to infant‐directed language show categorical perception.
Co‐influence of high exposure to music and infant‐directed language may be especially beneficial for categorical perception.
Early exposure to predictable rhythms boosts categorical perception of prominence.
Number sense at 12 months predicts 4‐year‐olds’ maths skills
Authors: Decarli Gisella , Zingaro Donatella , Surian Luca , Piazza Manuela 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPreverbal infants spontaneously represent the number of objects in collections. Is this ‘sense of number’ (also referred to as Approximate Number System, ANS) part of the cognitive foundations of mathematical skills? Multiple studies reported a correlation between the ANS and mathematical achievement in children. However, some have suggested that such correlation might be mediated by general‐purpose inhibitory skills. We addressed the question using a longitudinal approach: we tested the ANS of 60 12 months old infants and, when they were 4 years old (final N = 40), their symbolic math achievement as well as general intelligence and inhibitory skills. Results showed that the ANS at 12 months is a specific predictor of later maths skills independent from general intelligence or inhibitory skills. The correlation between ANS and maths persists when both abilities are measured at four years. These results confirm that the ANS has an early, specific and longstanding relation with mathematical abilities in childhood.Research Highlights
In the literature there is a lively debate about the correlation between the ANS and maths skills.
We longitudinally tested a sample of 60 preverbal infants at 12 months and rested them at 4 years (final sample of 40 infants).
The ANS tested at 12 months predicted later symbolic mathematical skills at 4 years, even when controlling for inhibition, general intelligence and perceptual skills.
The ANS tested at 4 years remained linked with symbolic maths skills, confirming this early and longstanding relation in childhood.
Domestic workers' agency against workplace sexual harassment: The role of social norms in Bangladesh
Authors: Nazneen Sohela , Huq Lopita 
Published: March 2023

SummaryMotivationThere are 1.3 million domestic workers in Bangladesh; the precarious and private nature of domestic work makes them vulnerable to sexual harassment. Prevalent social norms that regulate sexuality and notions of family honour lead to victim blaming and normalization of male aggression. We contribute to the literature on social norms and women's agency by exploring how they tackle sexual harassment.PurposeWe explore the connection between social norms and gendered agency in tackling workplace sexual harassment. We ask: how do young female domestic workers in Dhaka protect themselves from workplace sexual harassment? What insights do these strategies offer to strengthen women's voice and agency against sexual harassment?Methods and approachUsing a case‐study approach based on interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and participatory exercises with domestic workers, we explore when, how, and where domestic workers raise their voice against incidents of harassment.FindingsOur findings show that, while most of the workers interviewed expect to face some form of sexual harassment at work, very few lodge formal complaints. They use a range of informal strategies or small manoeuvres to minimize risks. The decision by domestic workers to voice their concerns with family members, community actors, and employers is influenced by their alternative employment options, the damage to their and their family's reputation, and the support they may expect to receive from these actors. The class position and gender of the domestic worker influence these interactions.Policy implicationsBased on our findings, we argue that prevalent social norms on sexuality, the precarious nature of domestic work, and the private nature of the home as a workplace, constrain domestic workers' agency, and their protection strategies remain largely individualized. Strengthening agency requires going beyond legal reform and involves creating an alternative public discourse on women's sexuality, developing links between domestic workers with local community organizations and networks, and changing the perceptions of actors responsible for providing protection.
Salivary gland substances of the arboreal termite Nasutitermes corniger induce worker aggregation and gnawing of food substrate
Authors: Gazal Vinícius , Bailez Omar , Viana‐Bailez Ana Maria 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn social insects, collective behavior is regulated by substances secreted by various glands of different members of society. In this study, we investigate whether salivary glands of the arboreal termite Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky) (Isoptera: Termitidae) contain substances that regulate the intensity of foraging behavior. Foraging arenas of N. corniger nests maintained under laboratory conditions received the addition of two filter paper substrates, one impregnated with salivary gland extract from third‐instar small workers (SW3) (treatment) and the other impregnated with distilled water (control). A similar experiment was conducted using salivary gland extract from fourth‐instar large workers (LW4). Occurrences of initial exploration, mass recruitment, and substrate gnawing behaviors, as well as numbers of recruited and gnawing workers, were recorded. There was a higher rate of mass recruitment to treated substrates than to the control (SW3: 80 vs. 25%; LW4: 90 vs. 25%). Gnawing behavior also occurred at higher rates on treated substrates (SW3: 95 vs. 35%; LW4: 100 vs. 45%). The number of workers recruited to and gnawing on treated substrate was significantly higher than the number of workers recruited to and gnawing on control substrate. The higher rates of worker recruitment, as well as the higher numbers of recruited and gnawing workers, show that salivary glands of last‐instar workers contain substances with arresting and/or phagostimulating pheromonal actions or substances that release compounds with these properties.
Impact of climate warming on phenological asynchrony of plankton dynamics across Europe
Authors: Gronchi Enzo , Straile Dietmar , Diehl Sebastian , Jöhnk Klaus D. , Peeters Frank 
Published: March 2023

AbstractClimate warming alters the seasonal timing of biological events. This raises concerns that species‐specific responses to warming may de‐synchronize co‐evolved consumer‐resource phenologies, resulting in trophic mismatch and altered ecosystem dynamics. We explored the effects of warming on the synchrony of two events: the onset of the phytoplankton spring bloom and the spring/summer maximum of the grazer Daphnia. Simulation of 16 lake types over 31 years at 1907 North African and European locations under 5 climate scenarios revealed that the current median phenological delay between the two events varies greatly (20–190 days) across lake types and geographic locations. Warming moves both events forward in time and can lengthen or shorten the delay between them by up to ±60 days. Our simulations suggest large geographic and lake‐specific variations in phenological synchrony, provide quantitative predictions of its dependence on physical lake properties and geographic location and highlight research needs concerning its ecological consequences.