bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of phase encoding direction on test-retest reliability of human functional connectome
Authors: Cao Hengyi , Barber Anita D. , Rubio Jose M. , Argyelan Miklos , Gallego Juan A. , Lencz Todd , Malhotra Anil K.
Published: March 2023

The majority of human connectome studies in the literature based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data use either an anterior-to-posterior (AP) or a posterior-to-anterior (PA) phase encoding direction. However, whether and how phase encoding direction would affect test-retest reliability of functional connectome is unclear. Here, in a sample of healthy subjects with two sessions of fMRI scans separated by 12 weeks (two runs per session, one with AP, the other with PA), we tested the influence of phase encoding direction on global and nodal connectivity in the constructed brain networks. All data underwent the state-of-the-art Human Connectome Project (HCP) pipeline to correct for phase-encoding-related distortions before entering analysis. We found that at the global level, the PA scans showed significantly higher intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for global connectivity compared with AP scans, which was particularly prominent when using the Seitzman-300 atlas (versus the CAB-NP-718 atlas). At the nodal level, regions most strongly affected by phase encoding direction were consistently mapped to the cingulate cortex and temporal lobe, with significantly higher ICCs during PA scans compared with AP scans, regardless of atlas. Further, we demonstrated that the observed reliability differences between phase encoding directions may relate to a similar effect on the reliability of temporal signal-to-noise ratio (tSNR) in the same regions (that PA scans were associated with higher reliability of tSNR than AP scans). Averaging the connectivity outcome from the AP and PA scans could slightly, but overall have limited value to boost the ICCs. These results were largely replicated in an independent, public dataset from the HCP-Early Psychosis (HCP-EP) study with a similar design but a much shorter scan session interval. Our findings suggest that phase encoding direction has significant effects on the reliability of connectomic estimates in fMRI studies. We urge that these effects need to be carefully considered in future neuroimaging designs, especially in longitudinal studies such as those related to neurodevelopment or clinical intervention.
A foundation model for clinician-centered drug repurposing
Authors: Huang Kexin , Chandak Payal , Wang Qianwen , Havaldar Shreyas , Vaid Akhil , Leskovec Jure , Nadkarni Girish , Glicksberg Benjamin S. , Gehlenborg Nils , Zitnik Marinka
Published: March 2023

Drug repurposing – identifying new therapeutic uses for approved drugs – is often serendipitous and opportunistic, expanding the use of drugs for new diseases. The clinical utility of drug repurposing AI models remains limited because the models focus narrowly on diseases for which some drugs already exist. Here, we introduce TxGNN, a graph foundation model for zero-shot drug repurposing, identifying therapeutic candidates even for diseases with limited treatment options or no existing drugs. Trained on a medical knowledge graph, TxGNN utilizes a graph neural network and metric-learning module to rank drugs as potential indications and contraindications across 17,080 diseases. When benchmarked against eight methods, TxGNN improves prediction accuracy for indications by 49.2% and contraindications by 35.1% under stringent zero-shot evaluation. To facilitate model interpretation, TxGNN’s Explainer module offers transparent insights into multi-hop medical knowledge paths that form TxGNN’s predictive rationales. Human evaluation of TxGNN’s Explainer showed that TxGNN’s predictions and explanations perform encouragingly on multiple axes of performance beyond accuracy. Many of TxGNN’s novel predictions align with off-label prescriptions clinicians make in a large healthcare system. TxGNN’s drug repurposing predictions are accurate, consistent with off-label drug use, and can be investigated by human experts through multi-hop interpretable rationales.
Safety and Effectiveness of SA58 Nasal Spray against SARS-CoV-2 family transmission: an exploratory single-arm trial
Authors: Wang Lianhao , Song Rui , Hu Yuansheng , Zeng Gang , Sun Keqiang , Wang Jianfeng , Bao Yafeng , Zhou Yun’ao , Cheng Long , Wu Can , Pu Junfan , Han Xing , Wu Junlan , Jin Ronghua , Gao Qiang
Published: March 2023

Background

This study has assessed the protective effect of a new Anti-COVID-19 SA58 Nasal Spray (SA58 Nasal Spray) against SARS-CoV-2 infection under continuous exposure.

Methods

This is an exploratory open-label, single-arm trial. To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of SA58 against SARS-CoV-2 family transmission, SA58 was administered to all enrolled family contacts at 3∼6-hour intervals. The frequency of administration and adverse events (AEs) were self-reported by online questionnaire, and RT-PCR tests were used to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infection. The effectiveness was assessed in comparison to a contemporaneous control group whose information was collected through three follow-up visits. Total effectiveness and single-day effectiveness were calculated.

Results

The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 62.9% (44/70) in the experimental group and 94.8% (343/362) in the control group. Using SA58 nasal spray at least three times per day could possibly reduce the risk of household transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by 46.7%∼56.5%. The incidence of AEs was 41.4% and the severity of all AEs was mild.

Conclusion

Even under the scenario of continuous exposure to SARS-CoV-2, SA58 nasal spray remained effective in blocking viral transmission and was well tolerated.
Mutational processes of tobacco smoking and APOBEC activity generate protein-truncating mutations in cancer genomes
Authors: Adler Nina , Bahcheli Alexander T. , Cheng Kevin , Al-Zahrani Khalid N. , Slobodyanyuk Mykhaylo , Pellegrina Diogo , Schramek Daniel , Reimand Jüri
Published: March 2023

Mutational signatures represent a footprint of tumor evolution and its endogenous and exogenous mutational processes. However, their functional impact on the proteome remains incompletely understood. We analysed the protein-coding impact of single base substitution signatures in 12,341 cancer genomes from 18 cancer types. Stop-gain mutations (SGMs) were strongly enriched in the signatures of tobacco smoking, APOBEC cytidine deaminases, and reactive oxygen species. These mutational processes affect specific trinucleotide contexts to substitute serine and glutamic acid residues with stop codons. SGMs are enriched in cancer hallmark pathways and tumor suppressors such asTP53, FAT1, andAPC. Tobacco-driven SGMs in lung cancer correlate with lifetime smoking history and highlight a preventable determinant of these harmful mutations. Our study exposes SGM expansion as a genetic mechanism by which endogenous and carcinogenic mutational processes contribute to protein loss-of-function, oncogenesis, and tumor heterogeneity, providing potential translational and mechanistic insights.
Enhanced protective efficacy of a novel, thermostable, RBD-S2 vaccine formulation against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants
Authors: Mittal Nidhi , Kumar Sahil , Rajmani Raju S , Singh Randhir , Lemoine Céline , Jakob Virginie , BJ Sowrabha , Jagannath Nayana , Bhat Madhuraj , Chakraborty Debajyoti , Pandey Suman , Jory Aurélie , S.A. Suba Soundarya , Kleanthous Harry , Dubois Patrice , Ringe Rajesh P. , Varadarajan Raghavan
Published: March 2023

With the rapid emergence of variants of concern (VOC), the efficacy of currently licensed vaccines has reduced drastically. VOC mutations largely occur in the S1 subunit of Spike. The S2 subunit of SARS-CoV-2 is conserved and thus more likely to elicit broadly protective immune responses. However, the contribution of the S2 subunit in improving the overall efficacy of vaccines remains unclear. Therefore, we designed, characterized, and evaluated the immunogenicity and protective potential of a stabilized SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) fused to a stabilized S2. Designed immunogens were expressed as soluble proteins with approximately fivefold higher purified yield than the Spike ectodomain and formulated along with Squalene-in-water emulsion (SWE) adjuvant. S2 immunization failed to elicit a neutralizing immune response but significantly reduced lung viral titers in mice challenged with the heterologous Beta variant. In hamsters, SWE-formulated RS2 showed enhanced immunogenicity and efficacy relative to corresponding RBD and Spike formulations. Despite being based on the ancestral Wuhan strain of SARS-CoV-2, RS2 exhibited broad neutralization, including against Omicron variants (BA.1, BA.5 and BF.7), as well as the clade 1a WIV-1 and SARS-CoV-1 strains. RS2 sera also showed enhanced competition with both S2 directed and RBD Class 4 directed broadly neutralizing antibodies, relative to RBD and Spike elicited sera. When lyophilized, RS2 retained antigenicity and immunogenicity even after incubation at 37 °C for a month. The data collectively suggest that the RS2 immunogen is a promising modality to combat SARS-CoV-2 variants.
ToxoplasmaMembrane Inositol Phospholipid Binding Protein TgREMIND Is Essential for Secretory Organelle Function and Host Infection
Authors: Houngue Rodrigue , Sangare Lamba Omar , Alayi Tchilabalo Dilezitoko , Dieng Aissatou , Bitard-Feildel Tristan , Boulogne Claire , Slomianny Christian , Atindehou Cynthia Menonve , Fanou Lucie Ayi , Hathout Yetrib , Saeij Jeroen PJ , Callebaut Isabelle , Tomavo Stanislas
Published: March 2023

Apicomplexan parasites have specialized secretory organelles called rhoptries, micronemes, and dense granules that are essential for host infection. Here, we show that TgREMIND, aToxoplasma gondiiprotein containing a membrane phospholipid interacting domain, is required for the biogenesis of rhoptries and dense granules. TgREMIND contains a Fes/CIP4 homology-Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (F-BAR) domain at the N-terminus, known to promote cell membrane bending, and a novel uncharacterized domain that we named REMIND forregulator ofmembraneinteractingdomain at the C-terminus. TgREMIND binds to PIP2 lipid species and both F-BAR and REMIND domains are necessary to ensure proper biological activitiesin vitroandin cellulo. Conditional depletion of TgREMIND results in the absence of dense granules and abnormal transparent rhoptries, leading to a severe inhibition of parasite motility, host invasion, and dissemination. Thus, our study demonstrates that TgREMIND is essential for the proper functioning of key secretory organelles required for successful infection byToxoplasma.
Pro-inflammatory feedback loops define immune responses to pathogenic lentivirus infection
Authors: Wilk Aaron J. , Marceau Joshua O. , Kazer Samuel W. , Fleming Ira , Miao Vincent , Galvez-Reyes Jennyfer , Shalek Alex K. , Holmes Susan , Overbaugh Julie , Blish Catherine A.
Published: March 2023

HIV causes chronic inflammation and AIDS in humans, though the rate of disease progression varies between individuals. Similarly, simian lentiviruses vary in their pathogenicity based on characteristics of both the host (simian species) and virus strain. Here, we profile immune responses in pig-tailed macaques infected with variants of SIV that differ in virulence to understand the immune mechanisms underlying lentiviral pathogenicity. Compared to a minimally pathogenic lentiviral variant, infection with a highly pathogenic variant results in a more delayed, broad, and sustained activation of inflammatory pathways, including an extensive global interferon signature. Conversely, individual cells infected with highly pathogenic lentivirus upregulated fewer interferon-stimulated genes at a lower magnitude, indicating that highly pathogenic lentivirus has evolved to partially escape from interferon responses. Further, we identified distinct gene co-expression patterns and cell-cell communication pathways that implicateCXCL10andCXCL16as important molecular drivers of inflammatory pathways specifically in response to highly pathogenic lentivirus infection. Immune responses to highly pathogenic lentivirus infection are characterized by amplifying regulatory circuits of pro-inflammatory cytokines with dense longitudinal connectivity. Our work presents a model of lentiviral pathogenicity where failures in early viral control mechanisms lead to delayed, sustained, and amplifying pro-inflammatory circuits, which has implications for other viral infections with highly variable disease courses.
Cationic Polymers Enable Internalization of Negatively Charged Chemical Probe into Bacteria
Authors: Lembke Hannah K. , Espinasse Adeline , Hanson Mckenna G. , Grimme Christian J. , Tan Zhe , Reineke Theresa M. , Carlson Erin E.
Published: March 2023

The bacterial cell envelope provides a protective barrier that is challenging for small molecules and biomolecules to cross. Given the anionic nature of both Gram-positive and Gramnegative bacterial cell envelopes, negatively charged molecules are particularly difficult to deliver into these organisms. Many strategies have been employed to penetrate bacteria ranging from reagents such as cell-penetrating peptides, enzymes, and metal-chelating compounds, to physical perturbations. While cationic polymers are known antimicrobial agents, their ability to permeabilize bacterial cells without causing high levels of toxicity and cell lysis has not been demonstrated. Here, we evaluate the ability of four cationic polymers, two linear and two micellar (from self-assembled amphiphilic block copolymers), to facilitate the internalization of an anionic ATP-based chemical probe intoEscherichia coliandBacillus subtilis. Not only did we observe the permeabilization of these organisms, but also found that labeled cells were able to continue to grow and divide. In particular, the micelle-based polymers yielded effective internalization of the negatively charged chemical probe better than their linear analogues.
Protein Phosphorylation Orchestrates Acclimations ofArabidopsisPlants to Environmental pH
Authors: Jain Dharmesh , Schmidt Wolfgang
Published: March 2023

Environment pH (pHe) is a key parameter that dictates a surfeit of conditions critical to plant survival and fitness. To elucidate the mechanisms that recalibrate cytoplasmic and apoplastic pH homeostasis, we conducted a comprehensive proteomic/phosphoproteomic inventory of plants subjected to transient exposure to acidic or alkaline pH, an approach that covered the majority of protein-coding genes of the model plantArabidopsis thaliana. Our survey revealed a large set so far undocumented pHe-dependent and potentially pH-specific phospho-sites, indicative of extensive post-translational regulation of proteins involved in the acclimation to pHe. Changes in pHealtered both electrogenic H+pumping via P-type ATPases and H+/anion co-transport processes, leading to massively altered net trans-plasma membrane translocation of H+ions. In pH 7.5 plants, transport (but not the assimilation) of nitrogen via NRT2-type nitrate and AMT1- type ammonium transporters was induced, conceivably to increase the cytosolic H+concentration. Exposure to acidic pH resulted in a marked repression of primary root elongation. No such cessation was observed innrt2.1mutants, suggesting a role of NRT2.1 in negatively regulating root growth in response to acidic pH. Sequestration of iron into the vacuole via phosphorylation and abundance of the vacuolar iron transporter VTL5 was inversely regulated in response to high and low pHe, presumptively in anticipation of changes in iron availability associated with alterations of pHein the soil. A pH-dependent ‘phospho-switch’ was also observed for the ABC transporter PDR7, suggesting changes in activity and, possibly, substrate specificity. Unexpectedly, the effect of pHewas not restricted to roots and provoked pronounced changes in the leaf proteome. In both roots and shoots, the plant-specific TPLATE complex components AtEH1 and AtEH2 – essential for clathrin-mediated endocytosis – were differentially phosphorylated at multiple sites in response to pHe, indicating that the endocytic cargo protein trafficking is orchestrated by pHe.
Transferability of European-derived cardiometabolic polygenic risk scores in the South Asians and their interplay with family history
Authors: Hassanin Emadeldin , Maj Carlo , Krawitz Peter , May Patrick , Bobbili Dheeraj Reddy
Published: March 2023

Background & Aims

We aimed to investigate the effect of polygenic risk scores (PRSs) derived from individuals of European (EUR) ancestry on common diseases among individuals of South Asian (SAS) ancestry in the UK Biobank (UKB). Additionally, we studied the interaction between PRS and family history (FH) in the same population.

Methods

To calculate the PRS, we used a previously published panel of SNPs derived from the EUR population and applied it to the individuals of SAS ancestry from the UKB study. We applied the PRS using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for cardiometabolic and lifestyle diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD), obesity, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Each PRS was adjusted according to an individual’s predicted genetic ancestry to derive an adjusted PRS (aPRS). We calculated the percentiles based on aPRS and divided them according to the percentiles into three categories: low, intermediate, and high. Considering the intermediate-aPRS percentile as a reference, we compared the low and high aPRS categories and generated the odds ratio (OR) estimates.

Results

The risk of developing severe obesity for individuals of SAS ancestry was almost threefold higher for individuals with high aPRS than for those with intermediate aPRS, with an OR of 3.67 (95% CI = 2.47-5.48, P < 0.01). While the risk of severe obesity was lower in the low-aPRS group (OR = 0.19, CI = 0.05–0.52, P < 0.01). Comparable results were found in the EUR data, where the low-PRS group had an OR of 0.26 (95% CI= 0.24-0.3, P < 0.01) and the high-PRS group had an OR of 3.2 (95% CI = 3.1-3.3, P < 0.01). We observed similar results for CAD and T2D. Further, we show that SAS individuals with a familial history of CAD and T2D with high-aPRS exhibit further higher risk to these diseases, thereby implying a greater genetic predisposition to these conditions.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that using CAD, obesity, and T2D GWAS summary statistics predominantly from the EUR population have sufficient power to identify SAS individuals with higher genetic risk. With future GWAS recruiting more SAS participants and tailoring the PRSs towards SAS ancestry, we believe that the predictive power of PRS would improve.
Defining drivers of under-immunisation and vaccine hesitancy in refugee and migrant populations globally to support strategies to strengthen vaccine uptake for COVID-19: a rapid review
Authors: Deal Anna , Crawshaw Alison F , Carter Jessica , Knights Felicity , Iwami Michiyo , Darwish Mohammad , Hossain Rifat , Immordino Palmira , Kaojaroen Kanokporn , Severoni Santino , Hargreaves Sally
Published: March 2023

Background

Some refugee and migrant populations have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, yet evidence suggests lower uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. They are also an under-immunised group for many routine vaccines. We did a rapid review to explore drivers of under-immunisation and vaccine hesitancy among refugee and migrant populations globally to define strategies to strengthen both COVID-19 and routine vaccination uptake.

Methods

We collected global literature (01/01/2010 - 05/05/2022) pertaining to drivers of under-immunisation and vaccine hesitancy in refugees and migrants, incorporating all vaccines. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health PsycINFO and the WHO’s ‘Global Research on COVID-19’ database and grey literature. Qualitative data were analysed thematically to identify drivers of under-immunisation and vaccine hesitancy, then categorised using the ‘Increasing Vaccination Model’.

Results

63 papers were included in this review, reporting data on diverse population groups, including refugees, asylum seekers, labour and undocumented migrants from 22 countries, with six papers reporting on a regional or global scale. Drivers of under-immunisation and vaccine hesitancy pertaining to a wide range of vaccines were covered, including COVID-19 (n=27), HPV (13), measles or MMR (3), influenza (3), tetanus (1), and vaccination in general. We found a range of factors driving under-immunisation and hesitancy in refugee and migrant groups, including unique awareness and access factors that need to be better considered in policy and service delivery. Acceptability of vaccination was often deeply rooted in social and historical context and influenced by personal risk perception.

Conclusions

These findings hold direct relevance to current efforts to ensure high levels of global immunisation coverage, key to which is to ensure marginalised refugees and migrant populations are included in national vaccination plans of low-middle- and high-income countries. We found a stark lack of research from low- and middle-income and humanitarian contexts on vaccination in mobile groups, a situation that needs to be urgently rectified to ensure high coverage for COVID-19 and routine vaccinations.
The aerial epidermis is a major site of quinolizidine alkaloid biosynthesis in narrow-leafed lupin
Authors: Frick Karen Michiko , Lorensen Marcus Daniel Brandbjerg Bohn , Esteban Eddi , Pasha Asher , Schulz Alexander , Provart Nicholas James , Janfelt Christian , Nour-Eldin Hussam Hassan , Geu-Flores Fernando
Published: March 2023

Lupins are promising legume crops that accumulate toxic alkaloids in the seeds, complicating their use as high-protein crops. The alkaloids are synthesized in green organs (leaves, stems, and pods) and a subset of them is transported to the seeds during fruit development. The exact sites of biosynthesis and accumulation remain unknown, however mesophyll cells have been proposed as sources, and epidermal cells have been suggested as sinks. We examined the spatial localization of the alkaloids in biosynthetic organs of narrow-leafed lupin using mass spectrometry-based imaging (MSI). The alkaloids that accumulate in seeds (“core” alkaloids) were evenly distributed across tissues, however their esterified versions accumulated primarily in the epidermis. In addition, we generated a tissue-specific RNAseq dataset of biosynthetic organs using laser-capture microdissection. The dataset revealed that alkaloid biosynthetic genes are strongly expressed in the epidermis. To confirm the biosynthetic capacity of the leaf epidermis, we combined precursor feeding studies with mass spectrometry imaging, which showed that the lower epidermis is highly biosynthetic. Our work challenges the current assumptions on the precise sites of lupin alkaloid biosynthesis, with direct implications for the elucidation of the alkaloid biosynthesis pathway and the long-distance transport network from source to seed.
A frictional contact problem with normal damped response conditions and thermal effects for a thermo-electro-viscoelastic material
Authors: Djabi Abdelmoumene
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The paper presents a mathematical problem involving quasistatic contact between a thermo-electro-viscoelastic body and a lubricated foundation, where the contact is described using a version of Coulomb’s law of friction that includes normal damped response conditions and heat exchange with a conductive foundation. The constitutive law for the material is thermo-electro-viscoelastic. The problem is formulated as a system that includes a parabolic equation of the first kind for the temperature, an evolutionary elliptic quasivariational inequality for the displacement and a variational elliptic equality for the electric stress. The author establishes the existence of a unique weak solution to the problem by utilizing classical results for evolutionary quasivariational elliptic inequalities, parabolic differential equations and fixed point arguments.

Design/methodology/approach

The author establishes a variational formulation for the model and proves the existence of a unique weak solution to the problem using classical results for evolutionary quasivariational elliptic inequalities, parabolic difierential equations and fixed point arguments.

Findings

The author proves the existence of a unique weak solution to the problem using classical results for evolutionary quasivariational elliptic inequalities, parabolic difierential equations and fixed point arguments.

Originality/value

The author studies a mathematical problem between a thermo-electro-viscoelastic body and a lubricated foundation using a version of Coulomb’s law of friction including the normal damped response conditions and the heat exchange with a conductive foundation, which is original and requires a good understanding of modeling and mathematical tools.
Viewpoint on what may be considered as evidence and how to obtain it when designing health-promoting and inclusive green spaces
Authors: Stigsdotter Ulrika Karlsson , Zhang Gaochao , Gramkow Marie Christoffersen , Sidenius Ulrik
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The point of departure for this viewpoint paper is the current development in which landscape architects are working towards achieving the United Nations sustainable development goals and the associated cross-cutting pledge “Leave No One Behind”. The sustainable development goals 3 and 11 can be achieved through landscape projects that are inclusive and health promoting, and the authors argue that an evidence-based design process is needed to ensure that project designs deliver what they promise. However, most landscape architects are not trained in evidence-based design and are therefore unsure of what can be used as evidence. A further challenge is the lack of relevant and applicable research evidence for design processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present a process model for evidence-based health design in landscape architecture as an overall framework on which the authors base their arguments. The model includes four topics of evidence: target group, human health, environment and use of nature. For each topic, the authors present their view on what may be considered as evidence and where it can be found or generated. The study view is supported by a detailed presentation of where and how evidence was found and generated in a design project for an accessible and health-promoting forest trail for people with mobility disabilities.

Findings

The authors suggest a broad definition of evidence, and that the design process should draw on evidence from relevant research and practice disciplines. Evidence can be found in multiple sources, for example, scientific articles, theoretical works and design guidelines. It can also be generated by landscape architects themselves, for example, through landscape analyses and stakeholder workshops. The evidence should guide and support the landscape architect and not dictate the design process.

Practical implications

The authors hope that the knowledge provided on the evidence-based health design process and on where to collect or how to generate evidence may inspire landscape architects in their future health design projects.

Originality/value

People with mobility disabilities face many health challenges and should potentially be able to benefit from visiting green spaces. The authors hope that the knowledge provided on the evidence-based health design process and on where to collect or how to generate evidence may inspire landscape architects in their future health design projects.
Towards understanding the relationships between economics, tribalism and the use of thewastainformal network in the workplace
Authors: Alsarhan Fadi , Al-Twal Arwa
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to understand the relationship between economic challenges, tribalism and the use of the wasta informal network in the workplace across Middle East and North Africa (MENA) organizations, with Jordanian public organizations taken as an illustrative case.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was applied, and a total of 28 semi-structured interviews were conducted with human resource (HR) officials working in different public organizations such as state-owned enterprises (SOEs), ministries, government agencies (GAs) the military forces and security agencies.

Findings

The authors' findings show that employees who live in rural areas are more likely to use wasta in public organizations than the counterparts living in the capital Amman. This contrast is accounted for by major differences between mentalities, the strength of tribalism, norms and living standards among residents of urban and rural areas. The authors argue that these differences play a pivotal role on the use of wasta informal networks in the workplace.

Originality/value

The outcomes obtained in this study have proven to be unique and important due to the authors' holistic theoretical understanding of wasta, which offers important insights into its emergence, evolution and use in the workplace. The outcomes of this study also serve as guidance for organizations in understanding the “hidden force” of wasta and the extent to which the organizations' businesses may be impacted by this, based on the type of employees the organizations already have or intend to hire and employees' tribal ties. This study accounts for the wide use of informal networks in managerial activities, based on important social and economic realities that have not been previously explored in the literature.
Rayleigh waves in nonlocal generalized thermoelastic media
Authors: Kumar Manjeet , Kaswan Pradeep , Sarkar Nantu , Liu Xu , Kumari Manjeet
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate the propagation characteristics (such as particle motion, attenuation and phase velocity) of a Rayleigh wave in a nonlocal generalized thermoelastic media.

Design/methodology/approach

The bulk waves are represented with Helmholtz potentials. The stress-free insulated and isothermal plane surfaces are taken into account. Rayleigh wave dispersion relation has been established and is found to be complex. Due to the presence of radicals, the dispersion equation is continuously computed as a complicated irrational expression. The dispersion equation is then converted into a polynomial equation that can be solved numerically for precise complex roots. The extra zeros in this polynomial equation are eliminated to yield the dispersion equation’s roots. These routes are then filtered for inhomogeneous wave propagation that decays with depth. To perform numerical computations, MATLAB software is used.

Findings

In this medium, only one mode of Rayleigh wave exists at both isothermal and insulated boundaries. The thermal factors of nonlocal generalized thermoelastic materials significantly influence the particle motion, attenuation and phase velocity of the Rayleigh wave.

Originality/value

Numerical examples are taken to examine how the thermal characteristics of materials affect the existing Rayleigh wave’s propagation characteristics. Graphical analysis is used to evaluate the behavior of particle motion (such as elliptical) both inside and at the isothermal (or insulated) flat surface of the medium under consideration.
Importance and conditions of effectiveness of CSR communications in franchise networks
Authors: Oueslati Hanene , Bennaghmouch-Maire Saloua , Deparis Martine , Paquier Marie-Catherine
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The aim of this research work is to consider the relevance of corporate social responsibility (CSR)-related social media communication in franchise networks, with a focus on the perceptions and expectations of franchisors and franchisees and franchisors and franchisees' customers.

Design/methodology/approach

Three studies were conducted as part of this research: two qualitative studies with franchisors and franchisees in the first instance (N = 39) and franchisors and franchisees' customers in the second instance (N = 13), as well as an online ethnographic study of customer reactions (N = 871) to different CSR communications from the networks already interviewed.

Findings

The results show that CSR communication remains very important in a context characterised by a growing interest in CSR commitment in companies in general and in franchise networks in particular. However, different conditions of effectiveness of this CSR communication have been identified. The different conditions can avoid CSR's detrimental effects and increase CSR's credibility.

Practical implications

In franchise networks, the task of communicating about CSR is complex. This requires the integration of franchisees, which are very important to CSR's success. CSR communication also requires integrating customers by studying their expectations at this level. This study gives the basic keys to the success of CSR communication in franchise networks, from the point of view of franchisors, franchisees and the customers of franchisors and franchisees.

Originality/value

This study focusses on a topic that has received very little attention, particularly in franchise networks. The various studies conducted allow us to better understand the particularities of CSR communication, particularly in the context of tripartite franchisor–franchisee–customer relations.
Pedagogical strategies and academic performance in theses seminars: a study in an undergraduate management program in Peru
Authors: Pasco-Dalla-Porta Mario Marcello , Lau Milos , Ponce-Regalado Fátima , Pacheco Mariselli Martha Marianella
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Writing a thesis is a difficult endeavor for undergraduate students, especially in management careers, due to the highly practical approach of the discipline. Students often find difficult to understand and apply research methods in concrete research projects, so a proper set of teaching-learning strategies is critical. This study aimed to examine the effect of these strategies on the academic performance of students in two research seminars in an undergraduate management program in Peru.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted a mixed approach. The quantitative component included a survey of 249 students in both seminars, while the qualitative one involved only some of the students using three focus groups. The corresponding data analysis included stepwise linear regression models and content analysis.

Findings

The study found that a clear course structure, adequate research methods literature, good advisor–student communication and goal planning and achievement were the key determinants of the students' final grades.

Originality/value

This research fills a gap in previous studies on the subject by including a broader set of strategies and by statistically estimating the strategies' effects on academic performance.
Photovoice study of gratitude in ex-juvenile offenders
Authors: Lado Paula , Keraf Marselino K.P.A. , Adu Apris , Liem Andrian , Kiling Indra Yohanes
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Gratitude is an element of positive psychology that has been found effective in improving subjective well-being and decreasing aggression in offenders. However, there is a dearth of studies on gratitude in ex-juvenile offenders. This study aims to explore the gratitude of ex-juvenile offenders using a photovoice technique.

Design/methodology/approach

Photos and stories behind pictures were collected from eight ex-juvenile offenders who reside in Kupang, Indonesia.

Findings

Thematic analysis resulted in four main themes: family as an oasis of gratitude, difficulty in social reintegration, strong peer support and gratitude and spirituality.

Originality/value

The results of this study indicated that family, peer support and intensive spiritual activities in prisons were influential in forming a sense of gratitude for ex-juvenile offenders. Interventions need to consider these three aspects to improve gratitude and resulting well-being in ex-juvenile offenders.
Diversity of Shari’ah supervisory board and the performance of Islamic banks: evidence from an emerging economy of Pakistan
Authors: Khan Ismail , Khan Ikram Ullah , Uddin Mohammad Jasim , Khan Safeer Ullah , Marwat Jahanzeb
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Given the relative importance of the Shari’ah supervisory boards (SSBs) in Islamic banks’ (IBs’) performance, this study aims to examine the impact of SSB diversity on IBs’ performance from the stakeholders’ perspective in the context of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Random-effects model and generalized method of moment are used to investigate the impact of SSB diversity on IBs’ performance across a panel data of 22 Islamic banks in Pakistan from 2005 to 2020 inclusive.

Findings

The findings of this study show that SSB size, SSB relevant educational background diversity, bank’s size and bank’s stability have a positive impact on IBs’ performance. In contrast, SSB age, nationality and cross-membership diversities have a negative impact on IBs’ performance. Moreover, SSB gender, tenure and general educational diversities have no significant impact on IBs’ performance.

Research limitations/implications

SSB diversity and IBs practices are different across different jurisdictions. This study is conducted on IBs in Pakistan because of data constraints; thus, the results of this study may not be generalizable to other countries' IBs.

Practical implications

In structuring the SSBs’ framework, the regulatory authorities and policymakers should consider mandating an ideal SSB size and hiring relevant qualified members with low cross-membership to improve IBs' performance. Thus, the structure potentially attracts Muslim stakeholders, enhances their satisfaction and improves IBs' performance.

Social implications

Having diversified members in the SSB, IBs equally benefit both individual and group stakeholders in society. Diversity in SSB members enhances IBs' performance and the social welfare of various stakeholders in society.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first empirical research that examines comprehensively the impact of SSB structural and demographic diversities on IBs' performance in the context of Pakistan. This paper contributes to the unique Shari’ah governance structure in the context of Pakistan. Additionally, this study may serve to assist IBs’ stakeholders in better comprehending the SSB practices of IBs in Pakistan.
A comprehensive review of protein‐based carriers with simple structures for the co‐encapsulation of bioactive agents
Authors: Cheng Hao , Chen Wanwen , Jiang Jiang , Khan Muhammad Aslam , Wusigale  , Liang Li
Published: March 2023

The rational design and fabrication of edible codelivery carriers are important to develop functional foods fortified with a plurality of bioactive agents, which may produce synergistic effects in increasing bioactivity and functionality to target specific health benefits. Food proteins possess considerable functional attributes that make them suitable for the delivery of a single bioactive agent in a wide range of platforms. Among the different types of protein‐based carriers, protein–ligand nanocomplexes, micro/nanoparticles, and oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions have increasingly attracted attention in the codelivery of multiple bioactive agents, due to the simple and convenient preparation procedure, high stability, matrix compatibility, and dosage flexibility. However, the successful codelivery of bioactive agents with diverse physicochemical properties by using these simple‐structure carriers is a daunting task. In this review, some effective strategies such as combined functional properties of proteins, self‐assembly, composite, layer‐by‐layer, and interfacial engineering are introduced to redesign the carrier structure and explore the encapsulation of multiple bioactive agents. It then highlights success stories and challenges in the co‐encapsulation of multiple bioactive agents within protein‐based carriers with a simple structure. The partition, protection, and release of bioactive agents in these protein‐based codelivery carriers are considered and discussed. Finally, safety and application as well as challenges of co‐encapsulated bioactive agents in the food industry are also discussed. This work provides a state‐of‐the‐art overview of protein‐based particles and O/W emulsions in co‐encapsulating bioactive agents, which is essential for the design and development of novel functional foods containing multiple bioactive agents.
Predictive factors for progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease in anti‐synthetase syndrome
Authors: Zhao Yin , Zhang Chen , Su Haiyuan , Yin Xiaoyang , Liu Xinlei , Hou Hou , Wang Gaoya , Li Dong , Zhang Na , Wei Wei
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is common in anti‐synthetase syndrome (ASS). Progressive fibrosing ILD (PF‐ILD) may develop in ILD with autoimmune features. Data on PF‐ILDs in ASS as a group are scarce. This study aimed to explore the characteristics and predictors of PF‐ILD in ASS patients.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 96 ASS‐ILD patients. Baseline clinical data were collected. PF‐ILD assessments were conducted at every hospital visit during windows of 24 months after initial diagnosis. Phenotypic, survival features and predictors of PF‐ILD were estimated through SPSS 22.0.

Results

The results revealed that 35.42% (34/96) were evaluated to be PF‐ILD with a median interval time of 14.73 months. Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia was the most common radiological pattern of PF‐ILD. Ground glass opacity (GGO), traction bronchiectasis and reticulation were representative high‐resolution computed tomography findings of this group. Compared with the non‐progressive group, PF‐ILD patients had higher frequencies of anti‐Ro‐52 antibodies (91.18% vs 66.13%, P = 0.007) and GGO in the lower + middle and lower + middle + upper zones of the left lung, as well as lower + middle zones in the right lung (85.30% vs 54.84%, P = 0.003; 64.71% vs 38.71%, P = 0.015; 82.35% vs 58.06%, P = 0.016). Multivariate Cox analysis identified that anti‐Ro‐52 antibody (hazards ratio [HR] 3.55, 95% CI 1.06–11.90, P = 0.040) and GGO in left lower + middle lung zones (HR 22.11, 95% CI 1.95–250.90, P = 0.012) were independent risk factors for PF‐ILD.

Conclusions

PF‐ILD was associated with poor prognosis. Over one‐third of ASS‐ILD patients may develop to PF‐ILD. Anti‐Ro‐52 antibody positivity and GGO in left lower + middle lung zones were independent risk factors for PF‐ILD in ASS patients.
Genetic variants of NEUROD1 target genes are associated with clinical outcomes of small‐cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Lee Sunwoong , Yoo Seung Soo , Choi Jin Eun , Hong Mi Jeong , Do Sook Kyung , Lee Jang Hyuck , Lee Won Ki , Park Ji Eun , Choi Sun Ha , Seo Hyewon , Lee Jaehee , Lee Shin Yup , Cha Seung Ick , Kim Chang Ho , Kang Hyo‐Gyoung , Park Jae Yong
Published: March 2023

Background

Neurogenic differentiation factor 1 (NEUROD1) is frequently overexpressed in small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC). NEUROD1 plays an important role in promoting malignant behavior and survival.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated the association between putative functional polymorphisms in 45 NEUROD1 target genes and chemotherapy response and survival outcomes in 261 patients with SCLC. Among the 100 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) studied, two were significantly associated with both chemotherapy response and overall survival (OS) of patients with SCLC.

Results

The SNP rs3806915C>A in semaphorin 6A (SEMA6A) gene was significantly associated with better chemotherapy response and OS (p = 0.04 and p = 0.04, respectively). The SNP rs11265375C>T in nescient helix–loop helix 1 (NHLH1) gene was also associated with better chemotherapy response and OS (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). Luciferase assay showed a significantly higher promoter activity of SEMA6A with the rs3806915 A allele than C allele in H446 lung cancer cells (p = 4 × 10−6). The promoter activity of NHLH1 showed a significantly higher with the rs11265375 T allele than C allele (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

These results suggest that SEMA6A rs3806915C>A and NHLH1 rs11265375C>T polymorphisms affect the promoter activity and expression of the genes, which may affect the survival outcome of patients with SCLC.
Clinical characteristics associated with relapse 2 years after electroconvulsive therapy for major depression
Authors: Pluijms Esther M. , Vinther Poul T. , Kamperman Astrid M. , Birkenhäger Tom K.
Published: March 2023

Objective

High relapse rates are observed after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for major depression. Identifying patients who are at increased risk for relapse to intensify their treatment regimen post‐ECT might reduce relapse rates. We aimed to determine clinical characteristics that are associated with relapse within 2 years after successful ECT.

Methods

Patients who remitted to ECT in a randomised controlled trial comparing adjuvant nortriptyline and placebo during a course of bilateral ECT were followed‐up prospectively for 1 year with open‐label nortriptyline (Dutch Trial Register NTR5579). Second‐year follow‐up data were collected retrospectively. Thirty‐four patients were included in this follow‐up cohort. To examine the association between clinical characteristics and the risk of relapse, unadjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated.

Results

At 2 years post‐ECT, the overall relapse rate was 50%, and the HRs for relapse in patients with psychotic features, a higher severity of depression, and medication resistance prior to ECT were 0.33 (CI 0.12–0.89; p = 0.029), 0.88 (CI 0.80–0.98; p = 0.014), and 4.48 (CI 1.28–15.73, p = 0.019), respectively. No effect was found for age, sex or episode duration on the relapse rate.

Conclusions

Depressed patients with psychotic features, with higher symptom severity and without medication resistance prior to ECT have a significantly decreased risk of relapse after successful ECT. A sustained remission rate of 50% over 2 years in patients with severe major depression who were treated with nortriptyline monotherapy after successful ECT is encouraging.
Effect of conventional needle irrigation, passive ultrasonic irrigation, sonic irrigation and XP‐endo finisher in removing intracanal Vitapex paste
Authors: Xu Xiaoqi , Li Zheng , Jiang Peiru , Zheng Chengxiang , Dou Lei
Published: March 2023

To compare the efficiency of conventional needle irrigation, passive ultrasonic irrigation, sonic irrigation and XP‐endo Finisher in removing Vitapex paste from root canals. The root canals of human single‐rooted teeth were prepared and obturated with Vitapex paste. After 2 weeks, the 48 teeth were randomly allocated into four groups: conventional needle irrigation (CNI) group, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) group, sonic irrigation (SI) group and XP‐endo Finisher (XP) group. The specimens of four groups were scanned using a micro‐computed tomography after the Vitapex pastes was removed. The results showed that more residual paste was left in the CNI group than in the other three groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference among the PUI, SI and XP group (p > 0.05). And, the majority of the residual Vitapex was found in the apical third, with a small amount in the middle third after using any of the three agitated irrigation techniques.