bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of the Medial Canthus Fibrous Band in Forming Moderate and Severe Epicanthal Folds in Asians and Its Clinical Application
Authors: Wang Shimeng , Liu Haipeng , Li Tian , Zhang Duo
Published: May 2023

Background:

Epicanthal folds (EFs) are skin folds located at the medial canthus in Asians. However, the anatomical structure of EFs remains unclear. The authors discovered a fibrous band connected to the medial canthal tendon (MCT) and referred to it as the medial canthal fibrous band (MCFB). This study aimed to verify whether the MCFB is different from the MCT and whether its unique anatomical relationship with the MCT plays an important role in EF formation.

Methods:

Forty patients who underwent epicanthoplasty from February of 2020 to October of 2021 were included. EFs from 11 patients underwent biopsy and were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome, and Weigert stains to reveal their composition. Expression of collagens I and III and elastin was determined through immunohistochemical staining, and their mean optical density was measured. Preoperative and immediate exposed lacrimal caruncle area (ELCA) was measured after removing the MCFB.

Results:

The MCFB is a fibrous tissue located in the EF and above the MCT. The orientation and composition of collagen fibers of the MCFB are different from those of the MCT (P < 0.001). The MCFB also has more elastin fibers than the MCT (P < 0.05). Immediate ELCA was significantly higher than before ELCA (P < 0.001) once the MCFB was removed.

Conclusions:

The MCFB is composed of collagen fibers different from those in the MCT and plays a role in EF formation. Removing the MCFB during epicanthoplasty can result in a more attractive appearance postoperatively.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Submuscular Gluteal Augmentation with Implants: An Innovative Technique
Authors: Ibarra-Hurtado Tomás R. , Nuño-Guzmán Carlos M. , Ambriz-Plascencia Ana R. , Ibarra-Tapia María E.
Published: May 2023

Gluteal augmentation is one of the most requested cosmetic procedures. This article describes the surgical technique and early results of an innovative minimally invasive video-assisted submuscular gluteal augmentation with implants. The authors aimed to perform a technique that would reduce complications and surgical time. Fourteen healthy women without obesity or relevant pathologic background who requested gluteal augmentation with implants as a single procedure were included. The procedure was performed through bilateral parasacral 5-cm incisions at cutaneous and subcutaneous planes as far as the gluteus maximus muscle fascia. Through a 1-cm incision in the fascia and muscle, the index finger was introduced under the gluteus maximus, and a submuscular space was created by blunt dissection toward the greater trochanter to avoid a sciatic nerve injury, until the middle gluteus level was reached. Next, the balloon shaft of a Herloon trocar was introduced in the dissected space. Balloon dilatation in this submuscular space was performed as required. The balloon shaft was replaced by the trocar, through which a 30-degree 10-mm laparoscope was introduced. Submuscular pocket anatomic structures were observed, and while the laparoscope was being retrieved, hemostasis was verified. The submuscular plane collapsed, leaving the pocket for the implant to be placed. There were no intraoperative complications. The only postoperative complication was a self-limited seroma in one patient (7.1%). This innovative technique was simple to perform and safe, allowing direct visualization and hemostasis, with a short surgical time, low complication rate, and high degree of satisfaction.
Lip Lifting: The Missing Link in Central Facial Rejuvenation
Authors: Jalalabadi Faryan , Lisiecki Jeffrey L. , Chiodo Michael V. , Rohrich Rod J.
Published: May 2023

The lip lift is a powerful yet finesse operation in the realm of facial rejuvenation. In an era of increased popularity of nonsurgical lip augmentation, the astute plastic surgeon must identify which patients will end up with an unnatural appearance should they receive volume enhancement alone in pursuit of central facial and perioral rejuvenation. In this article, the authors review the ideal youthful lip appearance, characteristics of the aged lip appearance, and indications for lifting. The authors present their preferred surgical technique, the underlying principles that it respects, and adjunct procedures to optimize results in central facial rejuvenation.
Cybersecurity and Technical Patient Privacy Protection
Authors: Nachbar James M. , Kinney Brian M. , Sacks Justin M. , Gurtner Geoff C. , TerKonda Sarvam P. , Reddy Sashank K. , Jeffers Lynn L.
Published: May 2023

Plastic surgery offices are subject to a wide variety of cybersecurity threats, including ransomware attacks that encrypt the plastic surgeon’s information and make it unusable, as well as data theft and disclosure attacks that threaten to disclose confidential patient information. Cloud-based office systems increase the attack surface and do not mitigate the effects of breaches that can result in theft of credentials. Although employee education is often recommended to avoid the threats, a single error by a single employee has often led to security breaches, and it is unreasonable to expect that no employee will ever make an error. Recognition of the 2 most common vectors of these breaches—compromised email attachments and surfing to compromised websites—allows the use of technical networking tools to prevent both email attachments from being received and employee use of unsanctioned and potentially compromised websites. Furthermore, once compromised code has been allowed to run within the office network, that code must necessarily make outbound connections to exploit the breach. Preventing that outbound traffic can mitigate the effects of a breach. However, most small office network consultants design firewalls to only limit incoming network traffic and fail to implement technical measures to stop the unauthorized outbound traffic that is necessary for most network attacks. The authors provide detailed techniques that can be used to direct information technology consultants to properly limit outbound network traffic as well as incoming email attachments.
FAPI-Negative FDG-Avid Metastatic Relapse of Breast Cancer on PET/CT
Authors: Civan Caner , Has Simsek Duygu , Isik Emine Goknur , Sanli Yasemin , Kuyumcu Serkan
Published: May 2023

A 69-year-old woman with breast cancer underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT because of the increased CA-15-3 level. 18F-FDG PET/CT showed multiple hypermetabolic lymph nodes (LNs) in the neck and mediastinum. The patient was also referred for 68Ga–fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) 04 PET/CT for further evaluation. However, 18F-FDG–avid LNs were FAPI-negative on 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT. Supraclavicular LN biopsy confirmed the metastasis of breast cancer. Recent reports have focused on the potential of FAPI PET imaging in breast cancer; however, this case highlights that false-negative 68Ga-FAPI-04-PET/CT findings should also be considered while evaluating metastatic spread.
Blood Supply of the Temporal Flap Pedicled With Orbicularis Oculi Muscle: Anatomy and Its Clinical Implications
Authors: Gao Qianqian , Yang Zhe , Ma Ning , Chen Sen , Qu Si-Wei , Luo Si-Si , Guo Yi-Long , Li Yang-Qun
Published: May 2023

Background:

Traumatic injury or tumor resection can lead to eyelid defects, nasal defects, and cheek defects. The temporal flap pedicled with orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) can be used to repair these defects. This cadaver-based anatomic study aimed to evaluate the blood supply of this flap and investigate its clinical implications.

Methods:

Twenty hemifaces from 10 cadavers were used in this study. The number of arteries supplying OOM of the flap, the diameter of the artery entering OOM, and the maximum width of OOM were recorded. All data were presented as mean±SD values and analyzed using Student t-test. A P value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Of these 10 specimens, 7 were males and 3 were females. The average age was 67.7 years (range, 53–78 y). The number of arteries supplying OOM was 8.5±1.4 in the male and 7.8±1.2 in the female. The diameter of the zygomatico-orbital artery was detected as 0.53±0.06 mm in the male and 0.40±0.11 mm in the female. The maximum width of OOM was detected as 2.5±0.1 cm in the male and 2.2±0.1 cm in the female. Males had significantly larger average values than females in the diameter of zygomatico-orbital artery and maximum width of OOM (P=0.012, P<0.001, respectively). However, the number of arteries supplying OOM did not differ significantly between sex (P=0.322).

Conclusions:

We conclude that the blood supply of the temporal flap pedicled with OOM is abundant and reliable. The findings provide surgeons with valuable anatomic knowledge for repairing facial defects with this flap.
Human gasdermin D and MLKL disrupt mitochondria, endocytic traffic and TORC1 signalling in budding yeast
Authors: Valenti Marta , Molina María , Cid Víctor J.
Published: May 2023

Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) are the pore-forming effectors of pyroptosis and necroptosis, respectively, with the capacity to disturb plasma membrane selective permeability and induce regulated cell death. The budding yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
has long been used as a simple eukaryotic model for the study of proteins associated with human diseases by heterologous expression. In this work, we expressed in yeast both GSDMD and its N-terminal domain (GSDMD(NT)) to characterize their cellular effects and compare them to those of MLKL. GSDMD(NT) and MLKL inhibited yeast growth, formed cytoplasmic aggregates and fragmented mitochondria. Loss-of-function point mutants of GSDMD(NT) showed affinity for this organelle. Besides, GSDMD(NT) and MLKL caused an irreversible cell cycle arrest through TORC1 inhibition and disrupted endosomal and autophagic vesicular traffic. Our results provide a basis for a humanized yeast platform to study GSDMD and MLKL, a useful tool for structure–function assays and drug discovery.
Correlative super-resolution analysis of cardiac calcium sparks and their molecular origins in health and disease
Authors: Hurley Miriam E. , White Ed , Sheard Thomas M. D. , Steele Derek , Jayasinghe Izzy
Published: May 2023

Rapid release of calcium from internal stores via ryanodine receptors (RyRs) is one of the fastest types of cytoplasmic second messenger signalling in excitable cells. In the heart, rapid summation of the elementary events of calcium release, 'calcium sparks', determine the contraction of the myocardium. We adapted a correlative super-resolution microscopy protocol to correlate sub-plasmalemmal spontaneous calcium sparks in rat right ventricular myocytes with the local nanoscale RyR2 positions. This revealed a steep relationship between the integral of a calcium spark and the sum of the local RyR2s. Segmentation of recurring spark sites showed evidence of repeated and triggered saltatory activation of multiple local RyR2 clusters. In myocytes taken from failing right ventricles, RyR2 clusters themselves showed a dissipated morphology and fragmented (smaller) clusters. They also featured greater heterogeneity in both the spark properties and the relationship between the integral of the calcium spark and the local ensemble of RyR2s. While fragmented (smaller) RyR2 clusters were rarely observed directly underlying the larger sparks or the recurring spark sites, local interrogation of the channel-to-channel distances confirmed a clear link between the positions of each calcium spark and the tight, non-random clustering of the local RyR2 in both healthy and failing ventricles.
Cell type-specificcis-regulatory divergence in gene expression and chromatin accessibility revealed by human-chimpanzee hybrid cells
Authors: Wang Ban , Starr Alexander L. , Fraser Hunter B.
Published: May 2023

Although gene expression divergence has long been postulated to be the primary driver of human evolution, identifying the genes and genetic variants underlying uniquely human traits has proven to be quite challenging. Theory suggests that cell type-specificcis-regulatory variants may fuel evolutionary adaptation due to the specificity of their effects. These variants can precisely tune the expression of a single gene in a single cell type, avoiding the potentially deleterious consequences oftrans-acting changes and non-cell type-specific changes that can impact many genes and cell types, respectively. It has recently become possible to quantify human-specificcis-acting regulatory divergence by measuring allele-specific expression in human-chimpanzee hybrid cells—the product of fusing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells of each speciesin vitro. However, thesecis-regulatory changes have only been explored in a limited number of cell types. Here, we quantify human-chimpanzeecis-regulatory divergence in gene expression and chromatin accessibility across six cell types, enabling the identification of highly cell type-specificcis-regulatory changes. We find that cell type-specific genes and regulatory elements evolve faster than those shared across cell types, suggesting an important role for genes with cell type-specific expression in human evolution. Furthermore, we identify several instances of lineage-specific natural selection that may have played key roles in specific cell types, such as coordinated changes in thecis-regulation of dozens of genes involved in neuronal firing in motor neurons. Finally, using novel metrics and a machine learning model, we identify genetic variants that likely alter chromatin accessibility and transcription factor binding, leading to neuron-specific changes in the expression of the neurodevelopmentally important genesFABP7andGAD1. Overall, our results demonstrate that integrative analysis ofcis-regulatory divergence in chromatin accessibility and gene expression across cell types is a promising approach to identify the specific genes and genetic variants that make us human.
Periodicity, Mixed-Mode Oscillations, and Multiple Timescale in a Phosphoinositide-Rho GTPase Network
Authors: Tong Chee San , Wu Min
Published: May 2023

While rhythmic contractile behavior is prevalent on the cortex of living cells, current experimental observation and mechanistic understanding primarily tackle a small subset of dynamical behavior including excitable or periodic events that can be described by simple activator-delayed inhibitor mechanisms. In this work we found that the oscillatory activation of Rho GTPase in nocodazole-treated mitotic rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells exhibited both simple and complex mixed-mode oscillations, with periodicity ranging from 30 sec to 5 min. Complex mixed-mode oscillations require at least two instability-generating mechanisms. We show that Rho oscillations at the fast timescale (20-30 sec) is regulated by phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3) via an activator-delayed inhibitor mechanism, while the period of the slow reaction (minutes) is regulated by phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI(4)P) via an activator-substrate depletion mechanism where replenishment of phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) is rate-limiting. Conversion from simple to complex oscillations could be induced by modulating PIP3 metabolism or membrane contact site dynamics. In particular, a period-doubling intermediate can be captured by PTEN depletion. Both period doubling and mixed-mode oscillations are intermediate states towards chaos. Collectively, these results suggest that phosphoinositide-Rho GTPase signaling network is poised at the edge of chaos and small parameter changes in the phosphoinositide metabolism network could confer cells the flexibility to rapidly transit into a number of ordered states with different periodicities.
Technological innovation and the co-production of accounting services in small accounting firms
Authors: Jemine Grégory , Puyou François-Régis , Bouvet Florence
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Increasingly, emerging information technologies such as shared software and continuous accounting are offering alternative ways to perform accounting tasks in a supposedly more efficient fashion. Yet, few studies have investigated how they affect the provision of accounting services, especially in the context of small accounting firms, which provide legal and tax services to entrepreneurs and businesses. Drawing on the service perspective, the paper critically examines how technological innovation challenges and reconfigures the co-production of accounting services in these firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper answers calls issued in prior studies to conduct empirical research on emerging information technologies for accountants. It focuses on the specific context of small accounting firms and draws on interviews with small accounting firms' managers (n = 20).

Findings

The study emphasizes five significant challenges that accounting firm managers face when using information technologies to support the provision of their services (ensuring reliability, factoring in their heterogeneous client base, repricing, training clients to use new technologies and promoting advisory services). Information technologies are shown to have a structuring role in the co-production of accounting services, as they lead to reconfigurations of the relationships between accountants and their clients. A range of four configurations is developed to highlight accountants' strategies to maintain collaborative relationships with their clients while integrating new technologies into their work practices.

Originality/value

By conceptualizing accounting services as a co-production process, the paper offers new insights into the implications of emerging information technologies for small accounting firms.
Exploring anti-corruption education in Malaysian educational institutions
Authors: Mohammed Nor Farizal , Lokman Norziana , Mohamed Norazida , Abu Bakar Norsuhaily
Published: May 2023

Purpose

From 2000 to 2021, the Malaysian corruption perception index demonstrated a declining tendency, identifying Malaysia as a highly corrupt nation. Corruption in the nation has become a social cancer that has impacted the workplace and political climate. Using Dewey’s (1937) theory of education and social change, this paper argues that anti-corruption education is a tool for reforming the corruption culture of a nation. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to explore and understand the current anti-corruption education in Malaysian educational institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The results of this study were derived from a qualitative content analysis of 20 Google News articles, an interview with the sole implementation agency, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and a literature assessment of MACC publications. Due to a dearth of preceding study and journal publications on the topic, this type of qualitative content analysis of news has been applied in prior studies.

Findings

The results indicate that anti-corruption education has been implemented in the primary, secondary and higher education institutions in Malaysia. Nonetheless, the concept and implementation are inadequate, superficial and insufficient. The analysis advises more inclusive techniques for delivering anti-corruption education for social transformation.

Originality/value

Prior research has focussed on laws and regulations to prosecute the corrupt, but has underrated the ability of education to alter the corruption culture. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first journal paper, written on anti-corruption education in Malaysia. This study sets the way for further anti-corruption education studies in the future. This line of research will provide insights for the nation’s policymaking, which aims to create a nation free of corruption and capable of sustaining itself.
Impact of servant leadership on innovative work behaviour: a moderation mediation analysis
Authors: Shailja Shailja , Kumari Patiraj , Singla Himanshu
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect the servant leadership on innovative work behaviour (IWB) of teachers. Besides this, the mediating effect of ambidexterity on enhancing IWB and moderating role of gender has also been investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Variance-based SEM has been used for testing the proposed structural model with a sample of 350 college teachers.

Findings

Findings of the study revealed that servant leadership positively influences IWB. Additionally, IWB can be augmented with the presence of individual ambidexterity.

Originality/value

As per our knowledge, the present study is the first of its kind that makes an additional contribution to the IWB literature by investigating a partial mediating role of individual ambidexterity on the relationship between servant leadership and IWB.
Modelling the ethical priorities influencing decision-making in cybersecurity contexts
Authors: Sadeghi Bakhtiar , Richards Deborah , Formosa Paul , McEwan Mitchell , Bajwa Muhammad Hassan Ali , Hitchens Michael , Ryan Malcolm
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Cybersecurity vulnerabilities are often due to human users acting according to their own ethical priorities. With the goal of providing tailored training to cybersecurity professionals, the authors conducted a study to uncover profiles of human factors that influence which ethical principles are valued highest following exposure to ethical dilemmas presented in a cybersecurity game.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ game first sensitises players (cybersecurity trainees) to five cybersecurity ethical principles (beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, autonomy and explicability) and then allows the player to explore their application in multiple cybersecurity scenarios. After playing the game, players rank the five ethical principles in terms of importance. A total of 250 first-year cybersecurity students played the game. To develop profiles, the authors collected players' demographics, knowledge about ethics, personality, moral stance and values.

Findings

The authors built models to predict the importance of each of the five ethical principles. The analyses show that, generally, the main driver influencing the priority given to specific ethical principles is cultural background, followed by the personality traits of extraversion and conscientiousness. The importance of the ingroup was also a prominent factor.

Originality/value

Cybersecurity professionals need to understand the impact of users' ethical choices. To provide ethics training, the profiles uncovered will be used to build artificially intelligent (AI) non-player characters (NPCs) to expose the player to multiple viewpoints. The NPCs will adapt their training according to the predicted players’ viewpoint.
The tactician role of FinTech in the accounting and auditing field: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Thottoli Mohammed Muneerali
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to know the tactician role of financial technology (FinTech) in the field of accounting and auditing through contextualized systematic literature review by using bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative bibliometric analysis includes studies from 2017 to 2021 using the Scopus and Web of Science databases, which yielded 277 published papers with the keywords, FinTech accounting and auditing. The contextualized systematic literature review greatly helped in clarifying the content within each cluster.

Findings

The study identified the tactician role of fintech primarily in the accounting and auditing professional field. Fintech is still in its inception, with continual development and implementation taking place especially, in the auditing field. The findings also confirm that FinTech can produce a confluence between various research areas, including accounting, auditing, business finance, economics, management and business field.

Research limitations/implications

The study describes the tactician role of FinTech and its huge possibility for future study in the accounting and auditing field among professionals, academics and regulators.

Practical implications

This study be able to help accounting professionals, policymakers and government regulators to establish policy development, as this research emphasizes the tactician role of FinTech in the accounting and auditing field.

Social implications

FinTech in accounting and auditing might add to the existing field of FinTech in the IR4.0 era that give benefits to different players such as policymakers, governments, researchers, FinTech entrepreneurs and practicing professionals.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, little focus has been given about FinTech in the accounting and auditing field using bibliometric analysis. The insights of systematic literature review provide researchers on FinTech among practicing professionals and offer opportunities for further scientific endeavours.
A life-saving collaborative network: repairing ventilators in Brazil
Authors: Vasconcellos Luis , Ferreira Fernando Coelho , Sakuramoto Carlos
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the formation of an inter-organizational collaboration network that made it possible to repair 2,516 mechanical respirators that were inoperative in Brazil during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was used in a single case study with semi-structured interviews. The interviewee selection process was non-probabilistic through snowball sampling.

Findings

The results suggest that society, through different social groups with their different roles, can organize itself quickly through the formation of collaborative networks, and this organizational configuration can be an alternative for facing crises where actions isolated would be insufficient or slow to urgently address complex situations.

Practical implications

This paper aims to (1) demonstrate that society, through different social groups with their different roles, can organize itself quickly through the formation of collaborative networks; (2) favor the understanding and dynamics of the formation of a network; and (3) contribute to a possible replication of this initiative in future contexts.

Originality/value

The case portrays an unprecedented formation of a collaboration network involving more than 144 organizations that mobilized quickly in a complex context of a pandemic and that generated remarkable results through the reintroduction of equipment that were responsible for the preservation of thousands of lives during the year from 2020.
Multidisciplinary topology and material optimization approach for developing patient-specific limb orthosis using 3D printing
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , Chhabra Deepak
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the potential benefits favoring the adaptation of structural optimization techniques in the additive manufacturing (AM) of medical utilities to meet the repetitive demand for functionally precise customized orthoses. Irregularities encountered during the conventional treatment of tendon injuries can be eschewed using advanced structural simulation in design and innovative splint fabrication using 3D printing.

Design/methodology/approach

A customized mallet finger splint designed from 3D scans was subjected to ANSYS topological simulation comprising multi-level weight reduction to retain optimal mass (100%, 90%, 80%, 70% and 60%). A batch of the four typical 3D printing materials was chosen to conduct a comparative mechanical and thermal stress analysis, facilitating the selection of the optimal one for fabricating functionally adaptive splints. Assurance of structural safety was accomplished through the experimental validation of simulation results against the testing data set of ASTM D695 and ASTM D638 Type-1 specimens over a universal testing machine (UTM). Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing processed the optimized splint fabrication to assist evaluation of weight reduction percentage, fitting aesthetics, appearance, comfort, practicality and ventilation ease at the user end.

Findings

AM efficacy can efficiently execute the design complexity involved in the topology optimization (TO) results and introduces rehabilitation practicality into the application. Topologically optimized splint provided with favorable comfort, stiffness and strengthening features, offers ventilation ease and structural stability for customized appliances, with 30.52% lighter weight and 121.37% faster heat dissipation than unoptimized one.

Originality/value

The state of art multidisciplinary optimization featured with structural and material optimization attributes can deliberately meet medical necessity for performance-oriented orthotic devices.
Embracing precarity across species: Muslim ethics and care for stray dogs in Russia
Authors: Rabinovich Tatiana
Published: May 2023

Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in Saint Petersburg between 2015 and 2016, this article puts work on postsocialist precarity in conversation with scholarship on piety and interspecies care in Muslim contexts to explore how Aliya, a low‐income Slavic convert to Islam, responded to social and economic hardships by tending to stray dogs. In doing so, she did not turn away, turn inwards, or turn political in the conventional sense of the word. Instead, she engaged in what I term ‘embracing precarity’, which I define as a response to uncertainty, grounded in Islamic spirituality, ethics, and care. By embracing canine tactility – often in departure from cultural norms concerning stray dogs in Islam and at the risk of deepening her own vulnerability – Aliya embarked on a path towards God with nonhuman others. The emergent relatedness between her and the dogs illustrates how striving for an ethical Muslim life amid uncertainty may open one up to experimentation, improvisation, and becoming with precarious others in a pursuit of a relationship with God and a favourable afterlife.
Assessment of Brazilian consumers' perception about the presence of stabilisers in UHT milk: A study using virtual focus groups
Authors: de Alcântara Natália Emmerick , Tavares Filho Elson Rogério , Pimentel Tatiana Colombo , Pagani Mônica Marques , Mársico Eliane Teixeira , de Oliveira Silva Adriana Cristina , da Cruz Adriano Gomes , Esmerino Erick Almeida
Published: May 2023

Several countries use stabilisers in the product to avoid undesirable alterations, such as aggregation/gelation of proteins after thermal processing of UHT milk. Brazilian consumers' perception of these additives was investigated using virtual focus groups. Several relevant factors to the decision of consumers were elicited. The results show that most consumers do not have the habit of reading the UHT milk label and demonstrate a lack of knowledge about using stabilisers in UHT milk, even confusing it with preservatives. It is noted that the dairy sector must improve its communication strategies for UHT milk consumers.
Disaggregated energy consumption, environment, and economic growth nexus of emerging South and East Asian Countries: An ARDL approach
Authors: Rahaman Sk Habibur , Chen Fuzhong
Published: May 2023

This study examines the nexus between disaggregated energy consumption (EC), CO2 emissions, and economic growth in emerging South and East Asian countries over the period of 1994 to 2019. The long‐run equilibrium relationship is determined by using the “Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model” and the “Generalized least square (GLS) technique.” The panel causality test developed by “Dumitrescu and Hurlin, 2012” determines the direction of causation between variables. Disaggregated EC and CO2 emissions positively affect economic growth in the research. The PMG estimate also validates the GLS findings, which produce the same results as the PMG estimation. To check the robustness, we also use FMOLS and DOLS estimators. The results confirm the feedback hypothesis for South and East Asian nations regarding energy uses, CO2 emissions, and economic growth. In contrast, there is unidirectional causality between industrial development and economic growth. These findings will help governments in South and East Asia craft effective energy policy regulations for their financial institutions.
Enzymatic enrichment of acylglycerols rich in n − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids by selective methanolysis: Optimization and kinetic studies
Authors: Jiang Cong , Wang Zixin , Huang Ye , Wang Xiaosan , Chang Ming , Wang Xingguo
Published: May 2023

n − 3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (n − 3 PUFA) have special physiological effect, but their contents in natural oils may not meet the growing demand. Lipase‐catalyzed selective methanolysis could be used to produce acylglycerols rich in n − 3 PUFA. To explore the kinetics of enzymatic methanolysis, factors affecting the reaction, including reaction system, water content, substrate molar ratio, temperature, lipase loading, and reaction time, were first investigated in the view of optimizing the reaction. Then the effects of triacylglycerol concentrations and methanol concentrations on initial reaction rate were studied. Finally, the key kinetic parameters of methanolysis were determined subsequently. The results showed that under optimal conditions, the n − 3 PUFA content in acylglycerols increased from 39.88% to 71.41%, and the n − 3 PUFA yield was 73.67%. The reaction followed a Ping‐Pong Bi Bi mechanism with inhibition by methanol. The kinetic analysis indicated the lipase could selectively remove saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in acylglycerols. The inhibition constant of methanol to the n − 3 PUFA (KiM, 0.30 mmol/L) was lower than that to the SFA and MUFA (219.64 and 79.71 mmol/L). The combined effects of the fatty acid selectivity of Candida antarctica lipase A and methanol inhibition resulted in an enrichment of n − 3 PUFA in acylglycerols. Overall, the methanolysis reaction catalyzed by the lipase A is a prospective enrichment method.

Practical Application

This study demonstrated that enzymatic selective methanolysis is a prospective enrichment method to produce acylglycerols rich in n − 3 PUFA. This method is highly efficient, environment‐friendly, and simple. n − 3 PUFA concentrates have been widely applied in the food, health‐care food, and pharmaceutical industries.
Classification of early mechanical damage over time in pears based on hyperspectral imaging and transfer learning
Authors: Liu Dayang , Lv Feng , Wang Congcong , Wang Guanglai , Zhang Huiting , Guo Jingtao
Published: May 2023

Mechanical damage of fresh fruit caused by compression and collision during harvesting and transportation is an urgent problem in the agricultural industry. The purpose of this work was to detect early mechanical damage of pears using hyperspectral imaging technology and advanced modeling techniques of transfer learning and convolutional neural networks. The visible/near‐infrared hyperspectral imaging system was applied to obtain the intact and damaged pears at three time points (2, 12, and 24 h) after compression or collision damage. After the hyperspectral images were preprocessed and feature‐extracted, ImageNet was used to pre‐train ConvNeXt network, and then, transfer learning strategy was applied from compression damage to collision damage to build the T_ConvNeXt model for classification. The results showed that the test set accuracy of fine‐tuned ConvNeXt model was 96.88% for compression damage time. For the classification of collision damage time, the test set accuracy of T_ConvNeXt network reached 96.61% and was 3.64% higher than the fine‐tuned ConvNeXt network. The number of training samples was proportionally reduced to verify the superiority of the T_ConvNeXt model, and the model was compared with conventional machine learning algorithms. This study achieved the classification of mechanical damage over time and achieved a generalized model for different damage types. The accurate prediction of pear damage time is crucial for determining proper storage conditions and shelf‐life time.

Practical Application

The T_ConvNeXt model proposed in this paper transferred from compression damage to collision damage effectively promoted the generality of the damage time classification model. Guidelines for choosing an effective shelf life from a commercial aspect were presented.
A patient with refractory proliferative lupus nephritis treated with telitacicept: A case report
Authors: Chen Jing‐Wen , Zhan Jing‐Yi , Liang Si‐Ping , Wang Xiao‐Dan , Lin Chang‐Song , Xu Qiang
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease. Lupus nephritis (LN) is a common type of organ damage which occurs in SLE patients and is characterized by recurrent proteinuria. Activation of B lymphocytes can lead to refractory LN, which is an important pathogenic factor in SLE. B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and A proliferation‐inducing ligand (APRIL) are predominantly produced by myeloid cells (monocytes, dendritic cells, neutrophils, etc) to regulate B lymphocyte function. Telitacicept was the first dual‐targeting biological drug which targeted both BLyS and APRIL. Telitacicept has passed a phase II clinical trial and has since been approved for the treatment of SLE.

Case Presentation

We report a case of SLE confirmed by renal biopsy as proliferative lupus nephritis (PLN) with massive proteinuria, which was treated with telitacicept (European League Against Rheumatism / American College of Rheumatology 2019 standard). During the 19 months of follow‐up, the patient's renal function was stable, massive proteinuria was relieved, and creatinine and blood pressure did not increase.

Conclusions

During the 19 months of telitacicept treatment (160 mg once weekly), PLN reduced blood system damage and proteinuria without increasing the risk of infection.
Perceptions about levels of harmful chemicals in e‐cigarettes relative to cigarettes, and associations with relative e‐cigarette harm perceptions, e‐cigarette use and interest
Authors: Wackowski Olivia A. , Bover Manderski Michelle T. , Gratale Stefanie K. , Weiger Caitlin V. , O'Connor Richard J.
Published: May 2023

Background and aims

Exposure to chemicals contributes to harm from nicotine products, and e‐cigarette communications often refer to chemicals. However, while e‐cigarette studies commonly measure perceived harmfulness of e‐cigarettes relative to cigarettes, few have assessed comparative perceptions about chemicals. This study measured perceived levels of harmful chemicals in e‐cigarettes compared with cigarettes and associations with e‐cigarette/cigarette relative harm perceptions, e‐cigarette use and interest.

Design, setting and participants

This was an on‐line cross‐sectional survey of adults/young adults from a nationally representative research panel in the United States conducted in January 2021. Participants were independent samples of 1018 adults who smoked cigarettes and 1051 young adult non‐smokers (aged 18–29 years).

Measurements

Participants were asked their perceptions of the level of harmful chemicals in e‐cigarettes versus cigarettes (fewer/about the same/more/do not know), perceived harmfulness of using e‐cigarette versus cigarettes (less/about the same/more/do not know) and their current e‐cigarette use and use interest.

Findings

Approximately 20% of all participants (18.1% of adult smokers, and 21.0% of young adult non‐smokers) believed e‐cigarettes contain fewer harmful chemicals than cigarettes, while 35.6% of adult smokers and 24.9% of young adult non‐smokers responded ‘do not know’. Participants more frequently reported ‘do not know’ to the chemicals item than the harm item. Approximately half (51.0–55.7%) of those who believed e‐cigarettes contain fewer harmful chemicals also believed e‐cigarettes are less harmful than cigarettes. Both beliefs were associated with higher odds of interest in using e‐cigarettes [less harmful belief, odds ratio (OR) = 5.53, 95% confidence interval (CI = 2.93–10.43); fewer chemicals belief, OR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.40–4.29] and past 30‐day e‐cigarette use (less harmful belief, OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.17–5.44; fewer chemicals belief, OR = 5.09, 95% CI = 2.31–11.19) for adults who smoke, but not young adult non‐smokers.

Conclusions

In the United States, most adults who smoke cigarettes and young adult non‐smokers do not appear to think that e‐cigarettes have fewer harmful chemicals than cigarettes, and many are uncertain about how these levels compare.
Potential for modulation of platelet function via adenosine receptors during inflammation
Authors: Boncler Magdalena , Bartczak Kinga , Rozalski Marcin
Published: May 2023

Traditionally, platelets are known to play an important role in haemostasis and thrombosis; however, they serve also as important modulators of inflammation and immunity. Platelets secrete adhesion molecules and cytokines, interact with leukocytes and endothelium, and express toll‐like receptors involved in a direct interaction with pathogens. Platelets express A2A and A2B subtypes of receptors for adenosine. The activation of these receptors leads to an increase in cAMP concentration in the cytoplasm, thereby resulting in inhibited secretion of pro‐inflammatory mediators and reduced cell activation. Therefore, platelet adenosine receptors could be a potential target for inhibiting platelet activation and thus down‐regulating inflammation or immunity. The biological effects of adenosine are short‐lasting, because the compound is rapidly metabolized; hence, its lability has triggered efforts to synthesize new, longer‐lasting adenosine analogues. In this article, we have reviewed the literature regarding the pharmacological potential of adenosine and other agonists of A2A and A2B receptors to affect platelet function during inflammation.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Platelet purinergic receptor and non‐thrombotic disease. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.4/issuetoc
Physical interaction platforms: A taxonomy of spaces for interactive value creation
Authors: Perez Mengual Maximilian , Danzinger Frank , Roth Angela
Published: May 2023

Physical interaction platforms (PIPs) such as living labs, innovation hubs and fab labs can play a key role for complex innovation tasks in the context of grand challenges. Although research focuses predominantly on aspects like collaboration within and organization of these spaces, little research has shed light on the development process of the PIP itself. This paper aims to contribute to innovation literature by identifying essential dimensions for the design and sustainable operation of PIPs. We use and transfer conceptual knowledge and empirical evidence in an iterative taxonomy development process. Five iterations were performed: (1) initial screening of PIPs, (2) an expert workshop, systematic literature reviews on (3) platform classifications and (4) on platform‐mediated value creation, and (5) a taxonomy evaluation by practitioners. The resulting PIP taxonomy consists of 18 design dimensions summarized in five groups: physical architecture, platform actors, key‐value propositions, value creation and revenue logic. It contributes with (1) a tangible framework for PIP concept development building on established design dimensions from platform‐, business model‐ and value creation literature. (2) It emphasizes criteria that require thorough reflection in the design phase (e.g., IP rights), enabling practitioners to identify and overcome critical issues early.
Chromatin structure related to oncogenesis
Authors: Matsumoto Syota , Horikoshi Naoki , Takizawa Yoshimasa , Kurumizaka Hitoshi
Published: May 2023

Chromatin is the fundamental structure of genomic DNA in eukaryotic cells. The nucleosome, the primary unit of chromatin, consists of DNA and histone proteins, and is important for the maintenance of genomic DNA. Histone mutations are present in many types of cancers, suggesting that chromatin and/or nucleosome structures could be closely related to cancer development. Histone modifications and histone variants are also involved in regulating chromatin and nucleosome structures. Chromatin structures are dynamically changed by nucleosome binding proteins. In this review article, we discuss the current progress toward understanding the relationship between chromatin structure and cancer development.
Co‐parenting and parenting behaviour: The role of parent mental health for mothers and fathers in the postnatal period
Authors: Schulz Madison L. , Wood Catherine E. , Giallo Rebecca
Published: May 2023

The relationship between co‐parenting, parent mental health and parenting remains unclear for parents during the postnatal period, particularly fathers. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate these relationships for families in the postnatal period. Routinely collected self‐report data from 138 mothers and 138 fathers participating in Family Foundations, a co‐parenting intervention facilitated by a community health service in Melbourne, were used. Path analysis revealed that for mothers, more supportive co‐parenting was associated with fewer mental health difficulties and, in turn, low parenting hostility and high parenting warmth. For fathers, supportive co‐parenting was associated with fewer mental health difficulties, which was associated with low parenting hostility but not parenting warmth. Co‐parenting was also directly associated with parenting warmth and hostility for fathers. The findings highlighted some key differences between mothers and fathers and the importance of interventions targeting the co‐parenting relationship during early childhood.
Makeup Extraction of 3D Representation via Illumination‐Aware Image Decomposition
Authors: Yang Xingchao , Taketomi Takafumi , Kanamori Yoshihiro
Published: May 2023

Facial makeup enriches the beauty of not only real humans but also virtual characters; therefore, makeup for 3D facial models is highly in demand in productions. However, painting directly on 3D faces and capturing real‐world makeup are costly, and extracting makeup from 2D images often struggles with shading effects and occlusions. This paper presents the first method for extracting makeup for 3D facial models from a single makeup portrait. Our method consists of the following three steps. First, we exploit the strong prior of 3D morphable models via regression‐based inverse rendering to extract coarse materials such as geometry and diffuse/specular albedos that are represented in the UV space. Second, we refine the coarse materials, which may have missing pixels due to occlusions. We apply inpainting and optimization. Finally, we extract the bare skin, makeup, and an alpha matte from the diffuse albedo. Our method offers various applications for not only 3D facial models but also 2D portrait images. The extracted makeup is well‐aligned in the UV space, from which we build a large‐scale makeup dataset and a parametric makeup model for 3D faces. Our disentangled materials also yield robust makeup transfer and illumination‐aware makeup interpolation/removal without a reference image.