bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the gut microbiota of children with malnutrition:in vitromodels reveal differences in fermentability of widely consumed carbohydrates
Authors: Ahn-Jarvis Jennifer , Corbin Kendall , Harris Suzanne , Rey-Troncoso Perla , Olupot-Olupot Peter , Calder Nuala , Walsh Kevin , Maitland Kathryn , Frost Gary , Warren Frederick J.
Published: May 2024

There is increasing evidence in children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) that there is disruption of the gut microbiome and low gut microbiota diversity, which may be contributing factors to poor outcomes during nutritional treatment and recovery. The gut microbiome of children with SAM has been demonstrated to have a lower production of beneficial short chain fatty acids, which may contribute to impaired gut barrier function. Recently, several microbiota-directed therapies have been tested in clinical trials in children with SAM. Among them we hypothesized that feeds containing fermentable carbohydrates from various sources (legumes, chicory, milk oligosaccharides) would be fermented to produce beneficial microbial metabolites by the microbiota of children with SAM. In this study we used anin vitromodel system inoculated with stool from children with SAM to investigate the fermentability of four substrates; inulin (a chicory-derived fructan), two milk powders (one supplemented with a human milk oligosaccharide) and a chickpea enriched feed. We demonstrated that while the milk powders and chickpea feed were fermented to produce short chain fatty acids, inulin was only fermented to a very limited degree. Through 16S rRNA sequencing we demonstrated that the samples inoculated with inulin had low microbial diversity and linked this to the limited ability to metabolise inulin. Through revealing the fermentability of different complementary feeds, the findings of this study will be of use for the design of future therapeutic feeds for treatment of SAM.

Importance

Malnutrition is a major contributor to childhood mortality globally and is a major public health problem primarily affecting Lower- and Middle-Income Countries. Despite the development of nutritional recovery therapies, for those with the severe and complicated form of malnutrition (SAM), mortality and relapse rates remain high. Emerging evidence suggests a role for the gut microbiome in these poor outcomes, which is known to be significantly altered in children in SAM, compared to healthy age matched controls. To aid in recovery from SAM, nutritional interventions should be designed to support the gut microbiome, using a range of ingredients targeted for colonic fermentation. It is important to understand the fermentation capacity of the gut microbiome of children with SAM, to design future nutritional interventions. In this work, we demonstrate that inulin, a widely used chicory-derived prebiotic, is not a suitable fermentation substrate for the gut microbiome of SAM children, while legume-based formulations and milk oligosaccharides result in increased production of beneficial metabolites.
Function and contribution of two putativeEnterococcus faecalisglycosaminoglycan degrading enzymes to bacteremia and catheter-associated urinary tract infection
Authors: Johnson Alexandra O. , Shipman Braden M. , Hunt Benjamin C. , Learman Brian S. , Brauer Aimee L. , Zhou Serena P. , Blair Rachael Hageman , De Nisco Nicole J. , Armbruster Chelsie E.
Published: May 2024

Enterococcus faecalisis a common cause of healthcare acquired bloodstream infections and catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) in both adults and children. Treatment ofE. faecalisinfection is frequently complicated by multi-drug resistance. Based on protein homology,E. faecalisencodes two putative hyaluronidases, EF3023 (HylA) and EF0818 (HylB). In other Gram-positive pathogens, hyaluronidases have been shown to contribute to tissue damage and immune evasion, but function inE. faecalishas yet to be explored. Here, we show that bothhylAandhylBcontribute toE. faecalispathogenesis. In a CAUTI model, ΔhylAexhibited defects in bladder colonization and dissemination to the bloodstream, and ΔhylBexhibited a defect in kidney colonization. Furthermore, a ΔhylAΔhylBdouble mutant exhibited a severe colonization defect in a model of bacteremia while the single mutants colonized to a similar level as the wild-type strain, suggesting potential functional redundancy within the bloodstream. We next examined enzymatic activity, and demonstrate that HylB is capable of digesting both HA and CSin vitrowhile HylA exhibits only a very modest activity against heparin. Importantly, HA degradation by HylB provided a modest increase in cell density during stationary phase and also contributed to dampening of LPS-mediated NF-Bκ activation. Overall, these data demonstrate that glycosaminoglycan degradation is important forE. faecalispathogenesis in the urinary tract and during bloodstream infection.
Weak-valued correlation functions: Insights and precise readout strategies
Authors: Feng Yuan , Chen Xi , Ding Yongcheng
Published: May 2024

The correlation function in quantum systems plays a vital role in decoding their properties and gaining insights into physical phenomena. Its interpretation corresponds to the propagation of particle excitations between space-time, similar in spirit to the idea of quantum weak measurement in terms of recording the system information by interaction. By defining weak-valued correlation function, we propose the basic insights and the universal methods for recording them on the apparatus through weak measurement. To demonstrate the feasibility of our approach, we perform numerical experiments of perturbed quantum harmonic oscillators, addressing the intricate interplay between the coupling strength and the number of ensemble copies. Additionally, we extend our protocol to the domain of quantum field theory, where joint weak values encode crucial information about the correlation function. Hopefully, this comprehensive investigation can advance our understanding of the fundamental nature of the correlation function and weak measurement in quantum theories.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Constituent model of light hybrid meson decays
Authors: Farina Christian , Swanson Eric S.
Published: May 2024

A model of light hybrid mesons and their strong decays is developed. The model employs a gluonic quasiparticle to describe low energy gluodynamics and uses the QCD Hamiltonian in Coulomb gauge to guide the construction of states and decay amplitudes. We compute the partial widths of the twelve low lying isovector and vector hybrids. Implications of these results on hybrid searches are also made, with the chief conclusions being that direct observation of the vector states will be difficult, that a hybrid π(1800) has distinctive decay characteristics, a narrow η(1900) hybrid should exist, an η1(1750) should be sought, and that the exotic nature of JPC=2−+ hybrid mesons should be discernible with sufficient data. We argue that the isovector π2 hybrid has been discovered, giving a total of four possible hybrid mesons, π1(1600), η1(1855), π(1800), and π2(2360), which appear to be filling out the low lying hybrid supermultiplet in the expected fashion.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Constraints on Neutrino Natal Kicks from Black-Hole Binary VFTS 243
Authors: Vigna-Gómez Alejandro , Willcox Reinhold , Tamborra Irene , Mandel Ilya , Renzo Mathieu , Wagg Tom , Janka Hans-Thomas , Kresse Daniel , Bodensteiner Julia , Shenar Tomer , Tauris Thomas M.
Published: May 2024

The recently reported observation of VFTS 243 is the first example of a massive black-hole binary system with negligible binary interaction following black-hole formation. The black-hole mass (≈10M⊙) and near-circular orbit (e≈0.02) of VFTS 243 suggest that the progenitor star experienced complete collapse, with energy-momentum being lost predominantly through neutrinos. VFTS 243 enables us to constrain the natal kick and neutrino-emission asymmetry during black-hole formation. At 68% confidence level, the natal kick velocity (mass decrement) is ≲10  km/s (≲1.0M⊙), with a full probability distribution that peaks when ≈0.3M⊙ were ejected, presumably in neutrinos, and the black hole experienced a natal kick of 4  km/s. The neutrino-emission asymmetry is ≲4%, with best fit values of ∼0–0.2%. Such a small neutrino natal kick accompanying black-hole formation is in agreement with theoretical predictions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Coping strategies and food insecurity experiences: the case of female-headed agricultural households in Liberia
Authors: Kemboi Michael Kipkorir , Mazenda Adrino , Katiyatiya Chenaimoyo Lufutuko Faith
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Realities of food insecurity are more pronounced with a specific focus on women in developing countries. The need to understand the varied food insecurity experiences among female-headed agricultural households in such contexts provided the rationale and motivation for this study.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional approach, drawing on the binary logistic regression to determine the influence of socioeconomic status on household coping mechanisms in response to food insecurity in a stratified random sample of 509 female-headed agricultural households in Liberia.

Findings

The results revealed that most respondents experienced food insecurity reflected in inadequate food availability, an inability to eat nutritious food and the necessity to skip meals. In response, they employed coping strategies such as borrowing money, selling assets, and reducing health expenses, which were influenced by socioeconomic characteristics such as gender, education, and marital status.

Practical implications

The study illustrates the multi-layered and complex context of food insecurity among women. From these findings, the study proposes the consideration of such dynamics to inform practical and relevant mitigatory policy approaches to the target demographic.

Social implications

With food insecurity being a social problem, the study identifies its social impact by documenting the participants' lived experiences. Thus, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of food insecurity across different segments of society.

Originality/value

The study draws its originality from understanding how food insecurity impacts female-headed households, highlighting the often-ignored gender dynamics of food insecurity in developing nations and aggregating the coping strategies and food insecurity expenses.
Basic properties of ferromagnetic vector hysteresis play models and their validation by finite element method
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Thul Andreas Christian , Müller Lars Eric , Hameyer Kay
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Magnetic hysteresis holds significant technical and physical importance in the design of electromagnetic components. Despite extensive research in this area, modeling magnetic hysteresis remains a challenging task that is yet to be fully resolved. The purpose of this paper is to study vector hysteresis play models for anisotropic ferromagnetic materials in a physical, thermodynamical approach.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, hysteresis play models are implemented to interpret magnetic properties, drawing upon classical rate-independent plasticity principles derived from continuum mechanics theory. By conducting qualitative and quantitative verification and validation, various aspects of ferromagnetic vector hysteresis were thoroughly examined. By directly incorporating the hysteresis play models into the primal formulations using fixed point method, the proposed model is validated with measurements in a finite element (FE) environments.

Findings

The proposed vector hysteresis play model is verified with fundamental properties of hysteresis effects. Numerical analysis is performed in an FE environment. Measured data from a rotational single sheet tester (RSST) are validated to the simulated results.

Originality/value

The results of this work demonstrates that the essential properties of the hysteresis effects by electrical steel sheets can be represented by the proposed vector hysteresis play models. By incorporation of hysteresis play models into the weak formulations of the magnetostatic problem in the h-based magnetic scalar potential form, magnetic properties of electrical steel sheets can be locally analyzed and represented.
A review of the literature on the new European Medical Device Regulations requirements for increased clinical evaluation
Authors: McDermott Olivia , Kearney Breda
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The European Union (EU) Medical Device Regulations (MDR) 2017/745 entered into force on May 2021 with changes related to strengthening the clinical evaluation requirements, particularly for high-risk devices. This study aims to investigate the impact of these strengthened requirements on medical device manufacturers by investigating the challenges they encounter while generating an MDR-compliant clinical evaluation report.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was carried out using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method of peer-reviewed literature and various government jurisdictional reports and legislation.

Findings

The findings from the study understanding what constitutes sufficient clinical evidence poses the biggest challenge to the generation of an MDR-compliant clinical evaluation report. Resulting from the challenges they are facing, manufacturers of certain CE-marked medical devices are planning to remove (and have removed) devices from the EU market upon expiration of their certificate, and in the case of new and innovative devices, some manufacturers are planning to launch in other markets ahead of the EU. These challenges will lead to a potential shortage of certain medical devices in the EU and a delay in access to new devices, thereby negatively impacting patients’ quality of life.

Practical implications

This study provides a unique insight into the challenges currently experienced by medical device manufacturers as they transition to the MDR clinical evaluation requirements and the subsequent impact on the continued availability of medical devices in the EU. A limitation is the lack of literature analysing the regulations and their effects.

Originality/value

This study has both theoretical contributions in that, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first detailed and systematic review of the new MDR Regulations and has implications for practice as manufacturers and policymakers can leverage it alike to understand the challenges of the new MDR.
Understanding weight management in adult secure mental health services: findings from a mixed-methods study in Northern England
Authors: Mills Susanna , Kaner Eileen , Ramsay Sheena , McKinnon Iain
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Obesity and associated morbidity and mortality are major challenges for people with severe mental illness, particularly in secure (forensic) mental health care (patients who have committed a crime or have threatening behaviour). This study aims to explore experiences of weight management in secure mental health settings.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a mixed-methods approach, involving thematic analysis. A survey was delivered to secure mental health-care staff in a National Health Service (NHS) mental health trust in Northern England. Focus groups were conducted with current and former patients, carers and staff in the same trust and semi-structured interviews were undertaken with staff in a second NHS mental health trust.

Findings

The survey received 79 responses and nine focus groups and 11 interviews were undertaken. Two overarching topics were identified: the contrasting perspectives expressed by different stakeholder groups, and the importance of a whole system approach. In addition, seven themes were highlighted, namely: medication, sedentary behaviour, patient motivation, catered food and alternatives, role of staff, and service delivery.

Practical implications

Secure care delivers a potentially “obesogenic environment", conducive to excessive weight gain. In future, complex interventions engaging wide-ranging stakeholders are likely to be needed, with linked longitudinal studies to evaluate feasibility and impact.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to involve current patients, former patients, carers and multidisciplinary staff across two large NHS trusts, in a mixed-methods approach investigating weight management in secure mental health services. People with lived experience of secure services are under-represented in research and their contribution is therefore of particular importance.
Bibliometric insights into HRM and innovative work behavior nexus: tracing past, present and future developments
Authors: Wider Walton , Lin Jiaming , Fauzi Muhammad Ashraf
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The capacity of organizations to adapt swiftly and implement innovative approaches has ignited discussions about which human resource management (HRM) practices can foster creativity and innovative work behavior (IWB) among employees. Research suggests that IWB thrives in an environment where HRM acts as the architect, influencer and developer. However, our understanding of the specific HRM practices that promote innovative work behaviors remains limited. Existing studies offer scattered and occasionally conflicting insights, particularly concerning measurements and theoretical frameworks that could enable greater generalizability. Consequently, a comprehensive review of the relationships between HRM, innovation and IWB could provide clearer evidence about how HRM impacts innovation. This research presents a bibliometric analysis of research on the relationship between HRM and IWB. The purpose of this analysis is to provide an in-depth overview of the current state and future prospects of HRM and IWB by examining past and current research trends and predict future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a bibliometric approach to collect 280 journal articles from the Web of Science database. The study identifies the most influential publications, outlines the knowledge structure and forecasts future trends using co-citation and co-word analysis.

Findings

The results of the co-citation and co-word analysis revealed the existence of four clusters. While acknowledging some limitations, this review sheds light on the expanding field of HRM and IWB research.

Practical implications

The study provides a comprehensive understanding of HRM and IWB as well as insights into future advancements in the field.

Originality/value

This is the first study to use bibliometric analysis based on the Web of Science (WOS) database to conduct a quantitative evaluation of the HRM practice and IWB literature.
The role of employee empathy in forming brand love: customer delight and gratitude as mediators and power distance belief as a moderator
Authors: Choi Laee , Kim MiRan , Kim Soyeon
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study explores the influence of employee empathy on brand love, which subsequently affects customer advocacy, willingness to pay more (WTPM) and tolerance of failure. Additionally, it investigates the mediating role of customer delight and gratitude in connecting employee empathy with brand love and the moderating effect of power distance belief (PDB) between employee empathy and customer delight and gratitude.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 751 usable data were gathered through scenario-based online surveys within a hotel context. The proposed conceptual model used Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) for testing.

Findings

The results affirm the impact of employee empathy on brand love through the pathways of customer delight and gratitude, ultimately influencing positive customer behaviors, such as advocacy, WTPM and tolerance of failure. Moreover, the findings suggest that PDB diminishes the effect of employee empathy on customer gratitude, although it does not affect customer delight.

Originality/value

The study introduces novel insights into the significance of employee empathy as an antecedent of brand love. It contributes to the literature by concurrently conceptualizing customer delight and gratitude as mediators between employee empathy and brand love, consequently leading to favorable consumer behaviors. Furthermore, it advances our theoretical comprehension of an individual customer’s PDB and its psychological impact.
Exploring student response systems for large group teaching: a tale of engagement at scale
Authors: Barker Sandra , Gribble Lynn C.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper is a case study of student response systems used in large-class teaching. It considers the benefits, including the engagement of students and academic gains such as reduced administration. The constraints and impacts in classroom teaching are noted, drawing upon the experience of two teachers with their learning captured as a means of dissemination of practice to support other teachers who may be considering adopting and later adapting such practices (Gribble and Beckmann, 2023).

Design/methodology/approach

An autoethnographical account was undertaken using an action-learning approach as a sense-making exercise. These accounts enabled a depth of insight beyond the anecdotal evidence experienced by an individual teacher alone.

Findings

The findings show that while student response systems have constraints, these can be addressed by putting pedagogical concerns in front of any technology deployment, reaping benefits for students and teachers. Once engaged in using the system, students become more willing to enter further discussions. However, the limitations of both systems indicate that there may be a need for multiple systems to be available based on the pedagogical needs of the class.

Practical implications

The exploration of student response systems and outcomes of positive engagement by students in classroom settings provides insight to those wishing to explore such systems for use in large-class teaching settings.

Originality/value

This work extends discussions surrounding interactivity using student response systems. Additionally, practical insights from the users into their experiences with their students in using such systems provide alternatives for engagement in delivering large-class learning at scale.
Navigating prosperity: the impact of seaport efficiency on economic growth in Ghana’s maritime landscape
Authors: Baafi Joseph Antwi
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of seaport efficiency on economic growth in Ghana over the period 2006–2020.

Design/methodology/approach

Comprehensive methodology, diverse data analysis techniques, including Augmented Dickey–Fuller tests, autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) modeling and Granger Causality, were applied to explore the intricate relationship between Seaport Efficiency and Economic Growth.

Findings

The findings reveal a statistically significant and positive association between seaport efficiency and GDP, underscoring the crucial role of efficient seaport operations in actively stimulating economic growth. Beyond seaport efficiency, influential factors such as capital, human capital, knowledge spillover and productive capacities were identified, contributing to the dynamics of economic growth.

Research limitations/implications

The Granger Causality Test solidifies seaport efficiency as a robust predictor of GDP fluctuations, emphasizing its significance in economic forecasting. Notably, this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge with its nuanced exploration of the intricate relationship between seaport efficiency and economic growth in the specific context of Ghana.

Practical implications

This study’s implications extend beyond academia, offering invaluable guidance for policymakers and planners. It serves as a comprehensive roadmap for informed decision-making, emphasizing the pivotal role of efficient seaports in charting a trajectory for enduring and resilient economic progress in the nation.

Originality/value

While the broader theme has been explored in existing literature, the uniqueness of this study lies in its specific application to the Ghanaian context. The choice of Ghana, a nation where maritime transport handles over 90% of trade, underscores the significance of understanding seaport efficiency in this regional and economic setting. The study’s originality is reinforced by incorporating diverse economic variables, aligning with recommendations for a comprehensive analysis of factors influencing port performance.
Does firm-created social media communication develop brand evangelists? Role of perceived values and customer experience
Authors: Sohaib Muhammad , Safeer Asif Ali , Majeed Abdul
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The social media communication of luxury service firms remains largely unexplored. This study explores the influence of firm-created social media communication (FCSMC) on predicting brand evangelism (BEM) via perceived values, including functional value (FV), emotional value (EV) and social value (SV), by embedding the direct and moderating influence of customer experience (CX) on brand evangelism in the luxury hotel sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This study recruited 405 regular travelers to participate in an online survey. Following meticulous data curation, the empirical analysis was performed on 363 responses using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings revealed that FCSMC substantially impacted perceived values, including FV, EV and SV, as well as BEM. Likewise, perceived values, including FV and EV, were positively associated with BEM. In addition, this study revealed that CX exhibited significant predictive capability with its direct and moderating effects on BEM in the luxury hotel sector.

Originality/value

This original research advances the uses and gratifications theory and attribution theory. It provides novel theoretical insights and practical recommendations for the luxury hotel sector.
Fiction-writing and wonder: documenting a collaborative, creative writing process
Authors: Stice Sarah K. , McCarthy Mark D.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

We articulate cycles of creative storying and data analysis and the wonder that motivated the project by detailing our reading, thinking and writing processes to contribute to the conceptual and practical literature on collaborative writing as method.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper documents a process of collaborative writing as method that produced a co-written fictional narrative that evokes questions about schooling.

Findings

Our process began with world-building for our fictional future, creating characters to serve as a lens for analysis. From our discussions of the data, we crafted a plotline to present our themes in coherent story. As we explored and shared our readings, interdisciplinarity shaped our project in unique ways.

Research limitations/implications

Throughout, our collaboration and fiction-writing opened spaces for wonder, interdisciplinarity and joy that may inspire other researchers to engage in collaborative and/or creative writing processes.

Originality/value

Adding to the rich literature of arts-based research methods, we contribute our reflections on the pragmatics of incorporating reading, writing and thinking for collaboration and creative writing as qualitative research methods for document analysis.
Ecosystem type affects how Amazonian tree species invest in stem and twig wood
Authors: Mori Gisele Biem , Schöngart Jochen , Schietti Juliana , Householder J. Ethan , Robin Michelle , Wittmann Florian , Poorter Lourens , Piedade Maria Teresa Fernandez
Published: May 2024

Wood density (WD) is a key functional trait for its importance in tree performance and in biomass calculations of forests. Yet, the variation of WD among different woody tree parts, how this varies across ecosystems, and how this influences estimates of forest carbon stocks remains little understood, particularly for diverse tropical forests such as the Amazon.

We assembled a dataset on stem and twig wood density from 119 tree species in three different Amazonian ecosystem types that differ considerably in soil nutrition and flooding: non‐flooded forest (Terra Firme), white‐water floodplain forest (Várzea) and black‐water floodplain forest (Igapó) to investigate (i) variation of stem and twig wood density across ecosystems, (ii) the relationships between stem and twig wood density and how these relationships vary across ecosystems.

Wood density varied substantially across ecosystems. Várzea species showed lower mean WD for stems compared to Terra firme, while Igapó species showed higher WD for twigs compared to the other ecosystems. Twig and stem wood density were positively related (R2adj = 0.47) with similarly increasing rates across ecosystems, although average WD values differed between Terra firme and Igapó. For any given twig density, stem density tends to be lower in floodplain environments but higher in Terra firme, a habitat‐specific pattern of wood density variation within trees that may emerge from differences in the function of stem and twig wood for growth and survival in ecologically differentiated environments.

Our results show how ecosystem has strong impacts on how trees allocate resources to different woody tissues, suggesting contrasting ecological strategies linked to ecosystem constraints. Our results suggest that greater consideration of the variation of WD within trees and how these changes across ecosystems might lead to more accurate estimates of above‐ground biomass in Amazonia.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Labor differentiation and cotton productivity in Burkina Faso
Authors: Zong‐naba Aminata , N'gbo Aké G.‐M. , Combary Omer S.
Published: May 2024

Agriculture is a very important sector in Africa's economic development, particularly in Burkina Faso, as it employs a large proportion of the population. Given the importance of labor in this sector, a good allocation of the different types of labor could help increase agricultural productivity in Burkina Faso. This research contributes to the literature by determining the specific contributions of each type of labor in enhancing cotton productivity. The sample of this research is 477 cotton farms, and a semiparametric stochastic frontier model has been used in the analysis. The results show that the proportion of wage labor has a nonlinear effect and contributes to improving cotton productivity when the number of educated people in the household increases. But family labor decreases cotton productivity when the number of educated people in the household increase. The comparison between the findings of the semiparametric and parametric frontier shows that technical efficiency is 72.44% when education is used as the channel through which production factors affect cotton productivity. However, this technical efficiency is 54.96% when production factors directly affect cotton productivity in the parametric frontier model. Promoting education in rural areas will help to increase the number of people educated and consequently improve cotton productivity.
Inclusive education for refugee students from Ukraine—An exploration of differentiated instruction in German schools
Authors: Letzel‐Alt Verena , Pozas Marcela
Published: May 2024

Currently, refugee Ukrainian learners are attending German mainstream schools, leading to an even more diverse student population. Given that the German school system is committed to provide inclusive education for all, this study aims to examine how teachers address Ukrainian students learning needs by means of differentiated instruction. To this end, a qualitative study was conducted in which eight elementary school and advanced secondary school teachers were interviewed. Findings revealed that refugee Ukrainian students in German mainstream schools are taught alongside German students, but are also placed in separated classrooms. Additionally, they occasionally participate in remote learning via Zoom from Ukraine. Furthermore, teachers reported using more frequently tiered assignments or peer tutoring systems. In contrast, practices such as mastery learning or open education are seldomly implemented. Implications of the results, as well as limitations and further lines of research are discussed.
Quality improvement lessons learned from National Implementation of the “Patient Safety Events in Community Care: Reporting, Investigation, and Improvement Guidebook”
Authors: Sullivan Jennifer L. , Shin Marlena H. , Chan Jeffrey , Shwartz Michael , Miech Edward J. , Borzecki Ann M. , Yackel Edward , Yende Sachin , Rosen Amy K.
Published: May 2024

Objective

To evaluate nationwide implementation of a Guidebook designed to standardize safety practices across VA‐delivered and VA‐purchased care (i.e., Community Care) and identify lessons learned and strategies to improve them.

Data Sources and Study Setting

Qualitative data collected from key informants at 18 geographically diverse VA facilities across 17 Veterans Integrated Services Networks (VISNs).

Study Design

We conducted semi‐structured interviews from 2019 to 2022 with VISN Patient Safety Officers (PSOs) and VA facility patient safety and quality managers (PSMs and QMs) and VA Facility Community Care (CC) staff to assess lessons learned by examining organizational contextual factors affecting Guidebook implementation based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Interviews were conducted virtually with 45 facility staff and 10 VISN PSOs. Using directed content analysis, we identified CFIR factors affecting implementation. These factors were mapped to the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) strategy compilation to identify lessons learned that could be useful to our operational partners in improving implementation processes. We met frequently with our partners to discuss findings and plan next steps.

Principal Findings

Six CFIR constructs were identified as both facilitators and barriers to Guidebook implementation: (1) planning for implementation; (2) engaging key knowledge holders; (3) available resources; (4) networks and communications; (5) culture; and (6) external policies. The two CFIR constructs that were only barriers included: (1) cosmopolitanism and (2) executing implementation.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest several important lessons: (1) engage all collaborators involved in implementation; (2) ensure end‐users have opportunities to provide feedback; (3) describe collaborators' purpose and roles/responsibilities clearly at the start; (4) communicate information widely and repeatedly; and (5) identify how multiple high priorities can be synergistic. This evaluation will help our partners and key VA leadership to determine next steps and future strategies for improving Guidebook implementation through collaboration with VA staff.
Best management practices for integrating refugee employees
Authors: Adamovic Mladen , Cooney‐O'Donoghue Diarmuid
Published: May 2024

The number of international refugees in developed countries continues to increase due to various factors, including war, poverty, poor economic conditions, and environmental disasters. While prior research has focused on the challenges faced by refugees in finding work, prior research has neglected the organisational perspective. Therefore, our research question is: Which HR and management practices are viewed by refugees and organisational leaders as being most effective for the workplace integration of refugee employees? To address this research question, we conducted an exploratory semi‐structured interview study, drawing on quality of work life research. We conducted 37 semi‐structured interviews with refugees and people seeking asylum, as well as 35 interviews with managers who supervise refugees (including managers who develop employment programs and provide employment assistance for refugees). Based on the interview findings, we identify best HR practices and management strategies for integrating refugee employees in the workplace. Our interview findings and best HR practices for integrating refugee employees are summarised through the following five overall themes, each with additional sub‐dimensions: (1) workforce planning, (2) training and development, (3) inclusive work practices, (4) meaningful work, and (5) well‐being‐focused management. Our interview findings have important practical implications for organisations, managers, and policymakers who are working to advance the integration of refugees and people seeking asylum in the workforce.
Efficacy and safety of inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination in COVID‐19‐associated pneumonia among patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: A real‐world retrospective observational study
Authors: Liu Shuman , Jin Ziyi , Feng Xuebing , Da Zhanyun , Tang Yu , Hu Huaixia , Wang Dandan , Sun Lingyun
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To identify the effectiveness and safety of inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) patients.

Methods

RMD patients with COVID‐19 in Jiangsu Province were polled between December 8, 2022, and February 1, 2023. Information on demographics, disease characteristics, antirheumatic drug use, vaccination status and survival state were collected. COVID‐19‐associated pneumonia was the primary outcome. The effect of COVID‐19 immunization on RMD patients was assessed using multivariate logistic regression, and the adverse events (AEs) following vaccination were evaluated.

Results

Among 592 RMD patients with COVID‐19, 276 (46.6%) individuals experienced COVID‐19‐associated pneumonia, and 290 (49.0%) patients were injected with inactivated vaccines. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, vaccines reduced the incidence of COVID‐19‐associated pneumonia, and receiving booster vaccine was an independent protective factor for COVID‐19‐associated pneumonia in RMD patients (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.41–0.98, p = .034). In particular, inactivated vaccines have a protective impact on RMD patients with a high risk of developing pneumonia, including those aged 45 years and older (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.34–0.83), and who have lung involvement (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.23–0.82). The total AEs rate of vaccines was 13.9% (40/290), only 11 (3.8%) experienced the recurrence or deterioration of RMDs, and no serious AEs occurred.

Conclusion

Inactivated COVID‐19 vaccines were safe and effective in reducing the risk of COVID‐19‐associated pneumonia of RMD patients in China.
Dysregulation of TNF‐induced protein 3 and CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein β in alveolar macrophages: Implications for systemic sclerosis‐associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Hua Xiao , Hongbing Rui , Juan Xue , Jizan Liu , Beibei Yang
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This study investigates the role of TNF‐induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3) and CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein β (C/EBPβ) in alveolar macrophages (AMs) of patients with systemic sclerosis‐associated interstitial lung disease (SSc‐ILD) and their influence on pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods

Transfection of HEK293T cells and AMs with plasmids carrying TNFAIP3 and C/EBPβ was performed, followed by co‐culturing AMs with pulmonary fibroblasts. Immunoblotting analysis was then utilized to assess the expression of TNFAIP3, C/EBPβ, and collagen type 1 (Col1). Quantitative PCR analysis was conducted to quantify the mRNA levels of C/EBPβ, IL‐10, and TGF‐β1. STRING database analysis, and immunoprecipitation assays were employed to investigate the interactions between TNFAIP3 and C/EBPβ.

Results

TNFAIP3 expression was significantly reduced in SSc‐ILD AMs, correlating with increased Col1 production in fibroblasts. Overexpression of TNFAIP3 inhibited this pro‐fibrotic activity. Conversely, C/EBPβ expression was elevated in SSc‐ILD AMs, and its reduction through TNFAIP3 restoration decreased pro‐fibrotic cytokines IL‐10 and TGFβ1 levels. Protein–protein interaction studies confirmed the regulatory relationship between TNFAIP3 and C/EBPβ.

Conclusions

This study highlights the important role of TNFAIP3 in regulating pulmonary fibrosis in SSc‐ILD by modulating C/EBPβ expression in AMs. These findings suggest that targeting TNFAIP3 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for managing SSc‐ILD patients.
SLC34A2 promotes cell proliferation by activating STX17‐mediated autophagy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Xu Yi , Duan Shiyu , Ye Wen , Zheng Zhousan , Zhang Jiaxing , Gao Ying , Ye Sheng
Published: May 2024

Background

Solute carrier family 34 member 2 (SLC34A2) has been implicated in the development of various malignancies. However, the clinical significance and underlying molecular mechanisms of SLC34A2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain elusive.

Methods

Western blotting, quantitative real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry were utilized to evaluate the expression levels of SLC34A2 mRNA/protein in ESCC cell lines or tissues. Kaplan–Meier curves were employed for survival analysis. CCK‐8, colony formation, EdU and xenograft tumor model assays were conducted to determine the impact of SLC34A2 on ESCC cell proliferation. Cell cycle was examined using flow cytometry. RNA‐sequencing and enrichment analysis were carried out to explore the potential signaling pathways. The autophagic flux was evaluated by western blotting, mRFP‐GFP‐LC3 reporter system and transmission electron microscopy. Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry were utilized for identification of potential SLC34A2‐interacting proteins. Cycloheximide (CHX) chase and ubiquitination assays were conducted to test the protein stability.

Results

The expression of SLC34A2 was significantly upregulated in ESCC and correlated with unfavorable clinicopathologic characteristics particularly the Ki‐67 labeling index and poor prognosis of ESCC patients. Overexpression of SLC34A2 promoted ESCC cell proliferation, while silencing SLC34A2 had the opposite effect. Moreover, SLC34A2 induced autophagy to promote ESCC cell proliferation, whereas inhibition of autophagy suppressed the proliferation of ESCC cells. Further studies showed that SLC34A2 interacted with an autophagy‐related protein STX17 to promote autophagy and proliferation of ESCC cells by inhibiting the ubiquitination and degradation of STX17.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that SLC34A2 may serve as a prognostic biomarker for ESCC.
The gut microbiome in alcohol use disorder and alcohol‐associated liver disease: A systematic review of clinical studies
Authors: Grodin Erica N. , Burnette Elizabeth M. , Rodriguez Crystal , Fulcher Jennifer A. , Ray Lara A.
Published: May 2024

Evidence suggests that a relationship exists between the gut microbiome and the pathogenesis of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol‐associated liver disease (AALD). This systematic review identified studies that investigated the gut microbiome in individuals with an AUD or an AALD. A search was conducted on October 27, 2022, in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases. Fifty studies satisfied eligibility criteria. Most studies found evidence for gut dysbiosis in individuals with AUD and AALD. Microbiome intervention studies have mostly been conducted in AALD patients; fecal microbial transplant interventions show the most promise. Because most studies were conducted cross‐sectionally, the causal relationship between the gut microbiome and alcohol use is unknown. Furthermore, almost all studies have been conducted in predominantly male populations, leaving critical questions regarding sex differences and generalizability of the findings. The study summaries and recommendations provided in this review seek to identify areas for further research and to highlight potential gut microbial interventions for treating AUD and AALD.
Patient sequentially receives a left ventricular assist device and a porcine kidney transplant
Authors: Han Jason J.
Published: May 2024

As a second porcine kidney xenotransplant case in a human recipient to date, this breakthrough technology offers an option even to patients with complex multiorgan failures, who may not be candidates for a conventional organ transplant.
Population kinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling of the haemodynamic effects of cafedrine/theodrenaline (Akrinor) under general anaesthesia
Authors: Dings Christiane , Lehr Thorsten , Vojnar Benjamin , Gaik Christine , Koch Tilo , Eberhart Leopold H. J. , Huljic‐Lankinen Susanne , Murst Melanie , Kreuer Sascha
Published: May 2024

Aims

The 20:1 combination of cafedrine and theodrenaline (C/T) is widely used in Germany for the treatment of arterial hypotension. Since there is little knowledge about the impact of covariates on the effect, the aim was to develop a kinetic/pharmacodynamic covariate model describing mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) for 30 min after the administration of C/T.

Methods

Data of patients receiving C/T from the HYPOTENS study (NCT02893241, DRKS00010740) were analysed using nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling techniques.

Results

Overall, 16 579 measurements from 315 patients were analysed. The combination of two kinetic compartments and a delayed effect model, coupled with distinct Emax models for HR, SBP and DBP, described the data best. The model included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), antihypertensive medication, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification grade, baseline SBP at the time of hypotension and pre‐surgery HR as covariates (all P < .001). A higher baseline SBP led to a lower absolute increase in MAP. Patients with higher age, higher BMI and lower ASA grade showed smaller increases in MAP. The initial increase was similar for male and female patients. The long‐term effect was higher in women. Concomitant antihypertensive medication caused a delayed effect and a lower maximum MAP. The HR increased only slightly (median increase 2.6 bpm, P < .001).

Conclusions

Seven covariates with an impact on the effect of C/T could be identified. The results will enable physicians to optimize the dose with respect to individual patients.
Effects on and consequences of responses to errors: Results from two experimental studies
Authors: Tulis Maria , Dresel Markus
Published: May 2024

Background

Interest in the potential of learning from errors to benefit innovation and organizational and personal growth is currently increasing. In practice, individuals frequently do not appear to learn spontaneously from errors and setbacks without support. Based on prior work, this paper considers antecedents and consequences of adaptive responses to errors.

Aims

Two experiments with undergraduate students aimed to identify the causal link between beliefs and maintained motivation and the adaptation of actions to the end of analysing and effectively correcting errors.

Samples and Methods

In Study 1 (N = 195, 72% female, M = 20.7 years, SD = 3.0), we experimentally manipulated learners' beliefs around the importance of errors to learning, after which they completed a 50‐min learning session on research methods and statistics. In Study 2 (N = 67, 58% female, M = 21.8 years, SD = 3.99), we intertwined the manipulation more closely with the actual learning process by using prompts about adaptive responses to errors immediately after error feedback.

Results

In Study 1, those to whom we stressed the negative effects of errors showed significantly fewer adaptive action‐related responses to errors, less persistence, and less use of metacognitive strategies after errors. In Study 2, we found significant positive effects on the learners' persistence, their metacognitive control, and effort investment.

Conclusions

Our results support and expand previous, mostly correlational, research findings on individuals' adaptive responses to errors.