bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of microbiome in autoimmune liver diseases
Authors: Schneider Kai Markus , Kummen Martin , Trivedi Palak J. , Hov Johannes R.
Published: June 2023

The microbiome plays a crucial role in integrating environmental influences into host physiology, potentially linking it to autoimmune liver diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. All autoimmune liver diseases are associated with reduced diversity of the gut microbiome and altered abundance of certain bacteria. However, the relationship between the microbiome and liver diseases is bidirectional and varies over the course of the disease. This makes it challenging to dissect whether such changes in the microbiome are initiating or driving factors in autoimmune liver diseases, secondary consequences of disease and/or pharmacological intervention, or alterations that modify the clinical course that patients experience. Potential mechanisms include the presence of pathobionts, disease-modifying microbial metabolites, and more nonspecific reduced gut barrier function, and it is highly likely that the effect of these change during the progression of the disease. Recurrent disease after liver transplantation is a major clinical challenge and a common denominator in these conditions, which could also represent a window to disease mechanisms of the gut-liver axis. Herein, we propose future research priorities, which should involve clinical trials, extensive molecular phenotyping at high resolution, and experimental studies in model systems. Overall, autoimmune liver diseases are characterized by an altered microbiome, and interventions targeting these changes hold promise for improving clinical care based on the emerging field of microbiota medicine.
Cryptococcal Meningitis in an Immunocompetent Chronic Cannabis User Requiring Temporary Lumbar Drain Placement
Authors: Onwudiwe Oyiyechukwu , Gopalakrishna Harish , Crowther Giovanna Stein , Santhekadur Prashanth
Published: June 2023

Background

Cryptococcus is an invasive encapsulated yeast-like fungus that most commonly affects immunocompromised patients. Cryptococcal central nervous system infections, though rare, have been reported in patients without apparent immunocompromised state and in chronic cannabis smokers.

Case

We present a case of a 30-year-old White man with no significant medical history presenting with fever and headache of 1-month duration. He was found to have cryptococcal meningitis with persistently elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressures requiring a lumbar drain. The only risk factor identified was chronic cannabis use.

Conclusions

Cryptococcal meningitis though rare can occur in immunocompetent hosts. One of the risk factors identified was contaminated cannabis use. Most of these cases go undiagnosed initially as the index of suspicion is low. This may lead to increased mortality in this group of patients. In the literature search, there is only one previous report of cryptococcal meningitis in a cannabis user so the present case adds further evidence of this association.
Inflammatory pain affects alcohol intake in a dose-dependent manner in male rats in the intermittent access model
Authors: Campos-Jurado Yolanda , Morón Jose A.
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Epidemiological studies have shown that there is a relation between pain and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Persistent pain is directly correlated with an increment in alcohol consumption and an increased risk of developing an AUD. Greater levels of pain intensity and unpleasantness are associated with higher levels of relapse, an increase in alcohol consumption, rates of hazardous drinking, and delay to seek for treatment. However, this interaction has not been deeply studied in the preclinical setting.

Methods:

Here, we aim to evaluate how inflammatory pain affects levels of alcohol drinking in male and female rats with a history of alcohol. For that, we used an intermittent access 2-bottle choice paradigm combined with the complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA) model of inflammatory pain.

Results:

Our results show that CFA-induced inflammatory pain does not alter total intake of 20% alcohol in male or female rats. Interestingly, in males, the presence of CFA-induced inflammatory pain blunts the decrease of alcohol intake when higher concentrations of alcohol are available, whereas it does not have an effect on intake at any concentration in female rats.

Conclusion:

Altogether, this study provides relevant data and constitutes an important contribution to the study of pain and AUD and it highlights the necessity to design better behavioral paradigms in animal models that are more translational and reflect current epidemiological findings.
Associations of Muscle Density and Area With Coronary Artery Plaque and Physical Function
Authors: Erlandson Kristine M. , Umbleja Triin , Lu Michael T. , Taron Jana , Ribaudo Heather J. , Overton Edgar T. , Presti Rachel M. , Haas David W. , Sax Paul E. , Yin Michael T. , Zhai Bingxue Kris , Louis Rochelle , Upadhyay Namrata , Eslami Parastou , Douglas Pamela S. , Zanni Markella V. , Fitch Kathleen V. , Fulda Evelynne S. , Fichtenbaum Carl J. , Malvestutto Carlos D. , Grinspoon Steven K. , Brown Todd T.
Published: June 2023

Objective:

Skeletal muscle quality and mass are important for maintaining physical function during advancing age. We leveraged baseline data from Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (REPRIEVE) to evaluate whether paraspinal muscle density and muscle area are associated with cardiac or physical function outcomes in people with HIV (PWH).

Methods:

REPRIEVE is a double-blind randomized trial evaluating the effect of pitavastatin for primary prevention of major adverse cardiovascular events in PWH. This cross-sectional analysis focuses on participants who underwent coronary computed tomography at baseline. Lower thoracic paraspinal muscle density (Hounsfield units [HU]) and area (cm2) were assessed on noncontrast computed tomography.

Results:

Of 805 PWH, 708 had paraspinal muscle measurements. The median age was 51 years and 17% were natal female patients. The median muscle density was 41 HU (male) and 30 HU (female); area 13.2 cm2/m (male) and 9.9 cm2/m (female). In adjusted analyses, greater density (less fat) was associated with a lower prevalence of any coronary artery plaque, coronary artery calcium score >0, and high plaque burden (P = 0.06); area was not associated with plaque measures. Among 139 patients with physical function measures, greater area (but not density) was associated with better performance on a short physical performance battery and grip strength.

Conclusions:

Among PWH, greater paraspinal muscle density was associated with a lower prevalence of coronary artery disease while greater area was associated with better physical performance. Whether changes in density or area are associated with changes in CAD or physical performance will be evaluated through longitudinal analyses in REPRIEVE.
Large as life: Francis Bacon on the animate matter of plants
Authors: Giglioni Guido
Published: June 2023

As paradigmatic instantiations of animate matter, plants are natural specimens of both large and long life in Francis Bacon's philosophy. More than animals do, they display the power of physical growth and temporal continuity. More than the minerals do, they boost connectivity and fluidity. As a direct expression of animate matter, the life of plants is bountiful, real and supple. The way they grow redefines the very norms of measure and form in nature. Here the adjective ‘large’, when used to qualify the life of plants, indicates that such variables as size, proportion and hierarchy may vary dramatically when matter takes on the state of vegetal animation. Bacon is certainly aware of the threatening impact that this view may have on the way in which we understand and handle reality: nature, which does not listen to human reason, has within itself the potential to grow out of proportion, ignoring the laws of form, order and measure. In this respect, plants set a bad example as they display remarkable powers of plasticity and metamorphosis in matter. Bacon, however, is more interested in the observable and experimental reality of plants, for this aspect of the investigation could have decisive implications within the greater scheme of the Great Instauration.
Immunoassay-based evaluation of rOmp28 protein as a candidate for the identification of Brucella species
Authors: Hans Richa , Thavaselvam Duraipandian
Published: June 2023

Introduction. Brucellosis is an important bacterial zoonosis, re-emerging as a serious public health concern in developing countries. Two major species,

Brucella melitensis

and

Brucella abortus

, cause recurrent facile infection in human. Therefore, rapid and accurate diagnosis for early disease control and prevention is needed in areas with low disease burden.

Hypothesis. This study evaluated the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (S-ELISA) immunoassay for potential use of whole-cell (WC) and recombinant outer-membrane protein (rOmp28)-derived IgG polyclonals in sensitive detection of

Brucella

.

Aim. Immunoassay-based WC detection of

Brucella

species in important sub-clinical matrices at lower limits of detection.

Methodology. We purified recombinant rOmp28 with Ni–NTA gel affinity chromatography and produced IgG polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) using BALB/c mice and New Zealand white female rabbits against different antigens (Ags) of

Brucella

. Checkerboard sandwich ELISA and P/N ratio (optical density of ‘P’ positive test sample to ‘N’ negative control) were used for evaluation and optimization of the study. The pAbs were characterized using Western blot analysis and different matrices were spiked with WC Ag of

Brucella

.

Results. Double-antibody S-ELISA was developed using WC Ag-derived rabbit IgG (capture antibody at 10 µg ml−1) and rOmp28-derived mice IgG (detection antibody at 100 µg ml−1) with a detection range of 102 to 108 cells ml−1 and a limit of detection at 102 cells ml−1. A P/N ratio of 1.1 was obtained with WC pAbs as compared to 0.6 and 0.9 ratios with rOmp28-derived pAbs for detecting

B. melitensis

16M and

B. abortus

S99, respectively. An increased P/N ratio of 4.4 was obtained with WC Ag-derived rabbit IgG as compared to 4.2>4.1>2.4 ratios obtained with rabbit IgGs derived against cell envelope (CE), rOmp28 and sonicated antigen (SA) of

Brucella

with high affinity for rOmp28 Ag analysed on immunoblots. The rOmp28-derived mice IgG revealed two

Brucella

species at P/N ratios of 11.8 and 6.3, respectively. Upon validation, S-ELISA detected

Brucella

WCs in human whole blood and sera samples with no cross-reactivity to other related bacteria.

Conclusion. The developed S-ELISA is specific and sensitive in early detection of

Brucella

from different matrices of clinical and non-clinical disease presentation.
X- vs. Y-Chromosome Influences on Human Behavior: A Deep Phenotypic Comparison of Psychopathology in XXY and XYY Syndromes
Authors: Schaffer Lukas , Rau Srishti , Clasen Liv , Warling Allysa , Whitman Ethan T. , Nadig Ajay , McDermott Cassidy , Xenophontos Anastasia , Wilson Kathleen , Blumenthal Jonathan , Torres Erin , Raznahan Armin
Published: June 2023

Do different genetic disorders impart different psychiatric risk profiles? This question has major implications for biological and translational aspects of psychiatry, but has been difficult to tackle given limited access to shared batteries of fine-grained clinical data across genetic disorders. Using a new suite of generalizable analytic approaches, we examine gold-standard diagnostic ratings, scores on 66 dimensional measures of psychopathology, and measures of cognition and functioning in two different sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) – Klinefelter (XXY/KS) and XYY syndrome (n=102 and 64 vs. n=74 and 60 matched XY controls, total n=300). We focus on SCAs for their high collective prevalence, informativeness regarding differential X– vs. Y-chromosome effects, and potential relevance for normative sex differences. We show that XXY/KS elevates rates for most psychiatric diagnoses as previously reported for XYY, but disproportionately so for anxiety disorders. Fine-mapping across all 66 traits provides a detailed profile of psychopathology in XXY/KS which is strongly correlated with that of XYY (r=.75 across traits) and robust to ascertainment biases, but reveals: (i) a greater penetrance of XYY than KS/XXY for most traits except mood/anxiety problems, and (ii) a disproportionate impact of XYY vs. XXY/KS on social problems. XXY/KS and XXY showed a similar coupling of psychopathology with adaptive function and caregiver strain, but not IQ. This work provides new tools for deep-phenotypic comparisons of genetic disorders in psychiatry and uses these to detail unique and shared effects of the X– and Y-chromosome on human behavior.
The impact of Subclinical Psychotic Symptoms on Delay and Effort discounting: insights from behavioral, computational, and electrophysiological methods
Authors: Terenzi Damiano , Silvetti Massimo , Zoccolan Giorgia , Rumiati Raffaella I. , Aiello Marilena
Published: June 2023

Background

The ability to value rewards is crucial for adaptive behavior and is influenced by the time and effort required to obtain them. Impairments in these computations have been observed in patients with schizophrenia and may be present in individuals with subclinical psychotic symptoms (PS).

Methods

In this study, we employed delay and effort-discounting tasks with food rewards in thirty-nine participants divided into high and low levels of PS. We investigated the underlying mechanisms of effort-discounting through computational modelling of dopamine prefrontal and subcortical circuits and the electrophysiological biomarker of both delay and effort-discounting alterations through resting-state frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA).

Results

Results revealed greater delay discounting in the High PS group compared to the Low PS group but no differences in the effort discounting task. However, in this task, the same levels of estimated dopamine release were associated with a lower willingness to exert effort for high-calorie food rewards in High PS participants compared to Low PS participants. Although there were no significant differences in FAA between the High PS and Low PS groups, FAA was significantly associated with the severity of participants’ negative symptoms.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the dysfunction in temporal and effort cost computations, seen in patients with schizophrenia, may be present in individuals with subclinical PS. These findings provide valuable insight into the early vulnerability markers (behavioral, computational, and electrophysiological) for psychosis, which may aid in the development of preventive interventions.
Oligomeric state of β-coronavirus non-structural protein 10 stimulators studied by OmniSEC and Small Angle X-ray Scattering
Authors: Knecht Wolfgang , Fisher S. Zoë , Lou Jiaqi , Sele Céleste , Ma Shumeng , Rasmussen Anna Andersson , Pinotsis Nikos , Kozielski Frank
Published: June 2023

Members of the β-coronavirus family such as SARS-CoV-2, SARS, and MERS have caused pandemics over the last 20 years. Future pandemics are likely and studying the coronavirus family members is necessary for their understanding and treatment. Coronaviruses possess 16 non-structural proteins, many of which are involved in viral replication and other vital functions. Non-structural protein 10 (nsp10) is an essential stimulator of nsp14 and nsp16, modulating RNA proofreading and viral RNA cap formation. Studying nsp10 of pathogenic coronaviruses is central to understanding its multifunctional role. We report the biochemical and biophysical characterisation of full-length nsp10 from MERS, SARS and SARS-CoV-2. Proteins were subjected to a combination of OmniSEC and SEC-MALS to characterise their oligomeric state. Full-length nsp10s were predominantly monomeric in solution, while truncated versions of nsp10 have a higher tendency to oligomerise. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments reveal a globular shape of nsp10 which is conserved in all three coronaviruses, including MERS nsp10, which diverges most from SARS and SARS-CoV-2 nsp10s. In conclusion, unbound nsp10 proteins from SARS, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2 are globular and predominantly monomeric in solution. Additionally, we describe for the first time a functional role of the C-terminus of nsp10 for tight binding to nsp14.
A Highly Efficient Aorta-Gonad-Mesonephros-Like Definitive Hemogenic Endothelium From Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Fstkchyan Yesai , Cheng Qingwen , Zhang Jingli , Lu Daniel , Huang Guanyi , Dong Tiange , Jones Lauren , Kanke Matt , Hale Chris , Tarbell Kristin , Li Chi-Ming , Wang Songli , Chambers Stuart M.
Published: June 2023

Summary/Abstract

Human pluripotent stem cells are a tremendous tool to model early human development and disease including their use in thein vitrogeneration of blood cell fates. Hematopoietic progenitors and stem cells are the primary source of blood and the immune system from early development to adulthood and arise through successive waves of hemogenic mesoderm either in the yolk sac or embryo proper. Researchers have long sought a tractable human model for observing and distinguishing these waves of hematopoiesis in the dish for human developmental and disease modeling. Here we report a high-efficiency method for differentiating human pluripotent stem cells into an aorta-gonad-mesonephros-like definitive hemogenic mesoderm capable of giving rise to definitive hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells. The hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells exhibit robust multilineagein vitrocolony forming potential. Gene expression analysis and single cell sequencing strongly support the developmental timing and notion that the pluripotent stem cell derived hematopoietic stem and progenitors are strikingly likebone fidehematopoietic stem cells. The hematopoietic progenitors can be subsequently differentiated into polarized macrophage and T-cellsin vitro. Minimal silencing was observed upon differentiation of the pluripotent stem cells to hematopoietic lineages when conducting gene editing. Finally, upon engraftment into immunodeficient animals the hematopoietic progenitors and stem cells differentiate into multiple lineages including B-cells, T-cells, NK-cells, and monocytes.
Patch frequencies in rhombic Penrose tilings
Authors: Mazáč Jan
Published: June 2023

This exposition presents an efficient algorithm for an exact calculation of patch frequencies for rhombic Penrose tilings. A construction of Penrose tilings via dualization is recalled and, by extending the known method for obtaining vertex configurations, the desired algorithm is obtained. It is then used to determine the frequencies of several particularly large patches which appear in the literature. An analogous approach works for a particular class of tilings and this is also explained in detail for the Ammann–Beenker tiling.
Knowledge organisation in institutional repositories: a case study on policies and procedures manuals in the Ibero-American environment
Authors: Bueno de la Fuente Gema , Agustín-Lacruz Carmen , Fujita Mariângela Spotti Lopes , Terra Ana Lúcia
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse the recommendations on knowledge organisation from guidelines, policies and procedure manuals of a sample of institutional repositories and networks within the Latin American area and observe the level of follow-up of international guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

Presented is an exploratory and descriptive study of repositories’ professional documents. This study comprised four steps: definition of convenience sample; development of data codebook; coding of data; and analysis of data and conclusions drawing. The convenience sample includes representative sources at three levels: local institutional repositories, national aggregators and international network and aggregators. The codebook gathers information from the repositories’ sample, such as institutional rules and procedure manuals openly available, or recommendations on the use of controlled vocabularies.

Findings

The results indicate that at the local repository level, the use of controlled vocabularies is not regulated, leaving the choice of terms to the authors’ discretion. It results in a set of unstructured keywords, not standardised terms, mixing subject terms with other authorities on persons, institutions or places. National aggregators do not regulate these issues either and limit to pointing to international guidelines and policies, which simply recommend the use of controlled vocabularies, using URIs to facilitate interoperability.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in identifying how the principles of knowledge organisation are effectively applied by institutional repositories, at local, national and international levels.
How does millennial employee job satisfaction affect performance?
Authors: Indrayani Indrayani , Nurhatisyah Nurhatisyah , Damsar Damsar , Wibisono Chablullah
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to test and analyze the effect of continuous commitment, task complexity, competence and personal value on employee performance millennial intervening job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This research method is quantitative with a sequential explanatory design, then data collection through a questionnaire, with a sample of 205 respondents—data analysis using Structural Equation Model (SEM) with the software Linear Structural Relationship (LISREL).

Findings

The results of research on the performance of millennial employees with intervening work satisfaction showed that continuous commitment (2.49), task complexity (2.74) and professional competence (2.0) had a significant effect. This means that the performance of millennial employees will increase if they get job satisfaction. With satisfaction, the commitment and competence of millennial employees are high. While the research results for the performance of millennial employees have a direct influence, only professional competence (2.27) and task complexity (4.06) are significant. This means that as high as professional competence is characterized by intellectual, emotional mood and attitude, owned by millennial employees, the resulting performance is increased even with complex tasks.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study have significance for enhancing organizational performance so that businesses can maximize the performance of millennial employees by paying attention to job satisfaction, professional competence and personal values.

Originality/value

This research's contribution to millennial workers is to help them improve and develop their performance, allowing them to compete more effectively. The findings of this study have significance for enhancing organizational performance so that businesses can maximize the performance of millennial employees by paying attention to job satisfaction, professional competence and personal values.
Numerical study on shell and tube heat exchangers with different baffles configurations
Authors: Youcef Ahmed , Saim Rachid , Öztop Hakan F.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give a comparison between different type of baffles for a better application. Computational analysis of heat transfer and fluid flow through plain, flower and perforated baffles for heat exchanger.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical simulations for heat exchangers with plain, flower and perforated baffles are carried out with finite volume method. The thermal-hydraulic performance for the three types is presented in the same conditions.

Findings

The perforated baffles generate low shell pressure with high Nusselt number; transverse baffles give the best heat transfer with high pumping power. The overall performance coefficient of these three types of heat exchangers shows that the perforated baffles have a highest and the transverse baffles have the lowest. Analysis of the results show that perforated transverse baffles produce pressure drop lower by 6.68% than transverse baffles and 2.64% lower than flower baffles. The pumping power for perforated transverse baffles lower by 13.3% to the transverse baffles and 4.72% lower than that of flower baffles. The Nusselt number for perforated baffles higher by 4.16% to the flower baffles and 2.77% with transverse baffles. The overall performance factor in the heat exchanger with perforated baffles higher by 5.55% to that with transverse baffles and 3.46% with flower baffles. Recirculation areas are reduced in shell with perforated baffles and velocity distribution becomes more uniform.

Originality/value

Using of perforated baffles in heat exchanger give the best overall performance factor.
“Overcrowded but lonely”: exploring mental health and well-being among young prisoners in Cambodia
Authors: Pat Puthy , Edin Kerstin , Jegannathan Bhoomikumar , San Sebastian Miguel , Richter Sundberg Linda
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Young prisoners are one of the most vulnerable groups in society for mental health problems and ill-being. Therefore, there is a crucial need to understand their physical, psychological and social situations. This study aims to explore young Cambodian prisoners’ experiences and perceptions of mental health and well-being, their determinants and their coping strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Six focus group discussions were carried out in three prisons with a total of 48 young prisoners between the ages of 15 and 24 years (50% women, 50% men). Semi-structured questions guided the discussions, and thematic analysis was applied to analyse the data.

Findings

Young prisoners reported multifaceted experiences of mental health and well-being. The majority described adverse mental health experiences, while some revealed better well-being, partly influenced by the socio-economic support from outside the prisons and previous involvement or not in drug abuse. The experience of physical overcrowding without emotional attachment among the fellow prisoners was perceived as the overarching determinant of loneliness and mental health problems, while socio-emotional support and rituals were described as the most important coping mechanisms.

Originality/value

This pioneering study from Cambodia gives young prisoners an opportunity to voice their experiences and perceptions of mental health and well-being in the prison setting. The findings in this study underline the importance of prison authorities tackling overcrowding to promote well-being and reduce mental health problems. Also, the coping mechanisms outlined by the participants should be considered when planning psychosocial interventions.
The role of self-efficacy on feelings of burnout among Flemish school principals during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bellemans Lore , Devos Geert , Tuytens Melissa , Vekeman Eva
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Work-related stress is a significant occupational health issue. Stress cannot be viewed separately from the perceptual or interpretive act by the individual. Self-efficacy is a personal characteristic that explains a high proportion of variation in the performance of school principals.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study examines if the COVID-pandemic is related to burnout among school principals. Additionally, the study analyzes if the self-efficacy of school principals plays a mediating role in the impact that the COVID-19 crisis had on their burnout level. To explore this, the authors used survey data of 981 Flemish school principals.

Findings

The findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic is related to feelings of burnout among Flemish school principals. In addition, self-efficacy mediated the relationship between the COVID-19 scale and the four core subscales of burnout: exhaustion, mental distance, emotional impairment and cognitive impairment. No mediating effect of self-efficacy was found for the secondary symptoms of burnout, psychological distress and psychosomatic complaints.

Originality/value

This paper emphasizes the importance of school principal's self-efficacy experiences for crisis management. Implications for school leadership training and support are discussed.
Social capital and sustainable growth of full-service restaurants in the global south: testing the mediating role of dynamic capabilities
Authors: Najjinda Shamirah , Sendawula Kasimu , Otengei Samson Omuudu , Walugembe Ahmad , Kimuli Saadat Nakyejwe Lubowa
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish whether dynamic capabilities mediates the association between social capital and sustainable growth of full-service restaurants in Kampala, Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is cross-sectional and correlational in nature. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data from 154 full-service restaurants in Kampala. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS.25) and Medgraph – Excel Version were used to conduct correlation, hierarchical regression and mediation analysis on the data in order to establish the mediating role of dynamic capabilities.

Findings

Study findings revealed that first, social capital and dynamic capabilities significantly predict sustainable growth of full-service restaurants, second, social capital is significantly associated with dynamic capabilities and third, dynamic capabilities significantly mediate social capital and sustainable growth of full-service restaurants.

Originality/value

The study confirmed that dynamic capabilities significantly mediate social capital and sustainable growth of full-service restaurants unlike the previous studies that focused on the direct association between the study variables in explicating sustainable growth.
Building technical, human and conceptual skills: implications for Vietnamese librarians
Authors: Tran Quan Hoang Nguyen
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study examines the working skills of Vietnamese librarians in terms of technical, human and conceptual skills. Then, this study suggests recommendations to improve their working skills.

Design/methodology/approach

To attain this objective, the study surveyed 243 Vietnamese librarians. Several statistical tests, including analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the paired t-test, were used to investigate differences in respondents' responses based on demographic variables such as gender, age, education and managerial level.

Findings

Gender appears to impact the working skill of Vietnamese librarians. In detail, the findings indicate that male librarians have higher technical skills than female librarians.

Research limitations/implications

This study opens the scope of working skill literature, particularly in the library sector. Notably, this is the first study investigating this issue in Vietnam. Given the current circumstances, suggesting practical recommendations to enhance the working skills of Vietnamese libraries is essential.

Originality/value

This is the first study examining Vietnamese librarians in technical, human and conceptual skills. Therefore, this research is essential in this field.
Glycoprotein M6A upregulation detected by transcriptome analysis controls the proliferation of keloidal fibroblasts
Authors: Kurimoto‐Nishiguchi Mana , Muraoka Kyoko , Inaba Yutaka , Kunimoto Kayo , Yamamoto Yuki , Kumegawa Shinji , Ueno Kazuki , Asamura Shinichi , Nakatani Yumi , Sawamura Soichiro , Makino Katsunari , Jinnin Masatoshi
Published: June 2023

Hypertrophic scars and keloids are fibroproliferative disorders caused by abnormal wound healing. Their exact cause has not been found, but abnormalities during the wound healing process including inflammatory, immune, genetic, and other factors are thought to predispose an individual to excessive scarring. In the present study, we performed transcriptome analysis of established keloid cell lines (KEL FIB), focusing on gene expression analysis and fusion gene detection for the first time. For gene expression analysis, fragments per kilobase per million map read values were calculated, which were validated by real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Fusion genes were predicted by transcriptome sequence, and validated by Sanger sequence and G‐banding. As a result, GPM6A was shown in the expression analysis to be upregulated in KEL FIB compared with normal fibroblasts. The GPM6A upregulation in KEL FIB was confirmed by real‐time PCR, and GPM6A messenger ribonucleic acid expression was consistently significantly elevated in the tissues of hypertrophic scar and keloid compared to normal skin. Immunohistochemistry also revealed that the number of fibroblast‐like spindle‐shaped cells positive for GPM6A was significantly increased in keloidal tissues. GPM6A inhibition by small interfering ribonucleic acid significantly reduced the number of KEL FIB. On the other hand, although we hypothesized that fusion genes are involved in the pathogenesis of keloids, the transcriptome analysis could not prove the presence of fusion genes in KEL FIB. Taken together, GPM6A upregulation may have an inducible effect on cell proliferation in keloidal fibroblasts. GPM6A can be a novel therapeutic target in hypertrophic scars and keloids. The inflammatory nature may be more prominent in the pathogenesis of keloids, rather than being skin tumors, as proposed by Ogawa et al. Future studies using several cell lines will be required.
The growth impacts of agriculture value‐added, energy utilization, and environmental degradation in Pakistan: Causality in continuous wavelet transform approach
Authors: Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday , Alola Andrew A. , Ullah Sami , Abbas Shujaat
Published: June 2023

Considering the increasing challenge to Pakistan's sustainable economic growth and development, the current study posits a fresh perspective on the dimension of attainable sustainable economic growth in the country. Based on this, a more innovative Granger causality of wavelet coherence and frequency domain approaches are employed to proffer inference for the relationship between economic growth, agriculture value‐added, energy utilization, urbanization, and environmental degradation via carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions over the period 1965 to 2021. The result reveals that economic growth in Pakistan is positively related to the aforementioned variables with a significant dimension. Moreover, with a statistically significant degree of evidence, there is bidirectional causality between energy utilization and economic expansion. Similarly, there is a significant bidirectional causality between environmental degradation (as captured by carbon emission) and economic expansion. This better translates that historical information of energy utilization and carbon emissions could explain the future dimension of economic growth in Pakistan and vice versa. Expectedly, increasing urbanization and value‐added from the agricultural sector of the economy both Granger causes economic growth in Pakistan. The implication for the policymaker is that as much as economic growth is a vital indicator of sustainable development, the policy initiatives should reflect environmental, energy development, agricultural sector, and urban activities dimensions.
Performance of eye sign combined with increased interleukin‐6 in cerebrospinal fluid in patients with neuropsychiatric lupus erythematosus
Authors: Shi Lin‐Hong , Liu Ze‐Yang , Yu Shu‐Jiao , Xia Qiang , Zhao Jun , Wu Rui
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To ascertain whether microvascular alterations of eye sign combined with intrathecal concentrations of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) can predict the development of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE).

Methods

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples of IL‐6 were collected and measured at the same time for patients with SLE who were consecutively enrolled. Patients with a diagnosis of NPSLE were identified. Eye sign examinations according to our criteria were performed and scored for all SLE patients. Demographic and clinical parameters were compared between groups to identify potential predictors for NPSLE using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The performance of potential predictors from eye sign along with IL‐6 in the CSF was assessed.

Results

A total of 120 patients with SLE were enrolled; 30 with NPSLE and 90 with non‐NPSLE. No significant positive correlation was observed between CSF level and serum level of IL‐6. CSF IL‐6 was significant higher in the NPSLE group than the non‐NPSLE (P < 0.001) group. Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that total score, ramified loops, and microangioma of eye sign were predictors for NPSLE after adjusting for SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and antiphospholipid antibody (APL). Total score, ramified loops, microangioma of eye sign, and SLEDAI remain significant predictors for NPSLE after adjusting for CSF IL‐6. Using receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, the cut‐off point of potential predictors was applied in multivariable logistic analysis; APL, total score, ramified loops, and microangioma of eye sign remain significant predictors for NPSLE after adjusting for CSF IL‐6.

Conclusion

Specific microvascular alterations of eye sign are predictors for the development of NPSLE in addition to increased IL‐6 in the CSF.
Ethanol inhibition of undifferentiated rat neural progenitor cell replication can be prevented by chlorogenic acid via the NFATc4/CSE signaling pathway
Authors: Shanmugam Sambantham , Patel Dhyanesh , Rodriguez Angelica L. , Walchale Aashlesha , Liu Xiaobo , Bergeson Susan E. , Mahimainathan Lenin , Narasimhan Madhusudhanan , Henderson George I.
Published: June 2023

Background

Prenatal ethanol exposure hinders oxidative stress‐mediated neuroblast/neural progenitor cell proliferation by inhibiting G1‐S transition, a process vital to neocortical development. We previously showed that ethanol elicits this redox imbalance by repressing cystathionine γ‐lyase (CSE), the rate‐limiting enzyme in the transsulfuration pathway in fetal brain and cultured cerebral cortical neurons. However, the mechanism by which ethanol impacts the CSE pathway in proliferating neuroblasts is not known. We conducted experiments to define the effects of ethanol on CSE regulation and the molecular signaling events that control this vital pathway. This enabled us to develop an intervention to prevent the ethanol‐associated cytostasis.

Methods

Spontaneously immortalized undifferentiated E18 rat neuroblasts from brain cerebral cortex were exposed to ethanol to mimic an acute consumption pattern in humans. We performed loss‐ and gain‐of‐function studies to evaluate whether NFATc4 is a transcriptional regulator of CSE. The neuroprotective effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) against the effects of ethanol were assessed using ROS and GSH/GSSG assays as measures of oxidative stress, transcriptional activation of NFATc4, and expression of NFATc4 and CSE by qRT‐PCR and immunoblotting.

Results

Ethanol treatment of E18‐neuroblast cells elicited oxidative stress and significantly reduced CSE expression with a concomitant decrease in NFATc4 transcriptional activation and expression. In parallel, inhibition of the calcineurin/NFAT pathway by FK506 exaggerated ethanol‐induced CSE loss. In contrast, NFATc4 overexpression prevented loss of ethanol‐induced CSE. CGA increased and activated NFATc4, amplified CSE expression, rescued ethanol‐induced oxidative stress, and averted the cytostasis of neuroblasts by rescuing cyclin D1 expression.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that ethanol can perturb CSE‐dependent redox homeostasis by impairing the NFATc4 signaling pathway in neuroblasts. Notably, ethanol‐associated impairments were rescued by genetic or pharmacological activation of NFATc4. Furthermore, we found a potential role for CGA in mitigating the ethanol‐related neuroblast toxicity with a compelling connection to the NFATc4/CSE pathway.
Mandatory inclusive finance policy and small banks' operating performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Ma Dan , Wang Wenchun
Published: June 2023

We take the mandatory establishment of the Inclusive Finance Division in large state‐owned banks as a quasi‐experiment to explore the impact of inclusive finance policy on operating performance and risk‐taking behaviours of small regional banks. Using financial information for Chinese banks from 2013 to 2019, we find that small regional banks' performance deteriorated, and they engaged in more risk‐taking activities after the policy shock. Moreover, there are even much sharper performance declines in subsets of city commercial banks, and banks face high competition from large state‐owned banks.
Anti‐VEGF and steroid combination therapy relative to anti‐VEGF mono therapy for the treatment of refractory DME: A systematic review of efficacy and meta‐analysis of safety
Authors: Hatamnejad Amin , Orr Samantha , Dadak Rohan , Khanani Arshad , Singh Rishi , Choudhry Netan
Published: June 2023

The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy and safety of combined anti‐VEGF and steroid therapy in treatment refractory DME patients. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of peer‐reviewed articles reporting on visual, anatomical and adverse outcomes to compare the efficacy and safety of combined intravitreal anti‐VEGF/steroids versus anti‐VEGF monotherapy for refractory DME. Seven studies (4 RCTs and 3 observational studies) reporting on 452 eyes were included. Our systematic review showed that combination therapy is significantly more effective for anatomical outcomes in the treatment of resistant DME compared to anti‐VEGF monotherapy in six studies. Two studies found that addition of intravitreal steroids promoted faster visual improvement, but not significantly better final visual outcomes compared to anti‐VEGF monotherapy. Combination therapy was associated with a higher incidence of IOP‐related adverse events (RR = 0.10, 95% CI = [0.02, 0.42], p = 0.002) and cataract‐related adverse events (RR = 0.10, 95% CI = [0.01, 0.71], p = 0.02). Our systematic review and meta‐analysis of seven studies and 452 eyes revealed that combination therapy of anti‐VEGF and steroid intravitreal drugs in the management of treatment refractory DME resulted in superior anatomical outcomes in all but one study. Combination therapy led to superior short‐term visual outcomes in two studies, while others reported no difference between treatment groups. Meta‐analysis revealed that combination therapy was associated with more adverse events. Future research should provide guidance on the standard definitions for treatment resistance and therapeutic alternatives for DME patients with sub‐optimal response to anti‐VEGF treatment.
Process and Pitfalls of Online Teaching and Learning with Design Study “Lite” Methodology: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Syeda Uzma Haque , Dunne Cody , Borkin Michelle A.
Published: June 2023

Design studies are an integral method of visualization research with hundreds of instances in the literature. Although taught as a theory, the practical implementation of design studies is often excluded from visualization pedagogy due to the lengthy time commitments associated with such studies. Recent research has addressed this challenge and developed an expedited design study framework, the Design Study “Lite” Methodology (DSLM), which can implement design studies with novice students within just 14 weeks. The framework was developed and evaluated based on five semesters of in‐person data visualization courses with 30 students or less and was implemented in conjunction with Service‐Learning (S‐L). With the growth and popularity of the data visualization field—and the teaching environment created by the COVID‐19 pandemic—more academic institutions are offering visualization courses online. Therefore, in this paper, we strengthen and validate the epistemological foundations of the DSLM framework by testing its (1) adaptability to online learning environments and conditions and (2) scalability to larger classes with up to 57 students. We present two online implementations of the DSLM framework, with and without Service‐Learning (S‐L), to test the adaptability and scalability of the framework. We further demonstrate that the framework can be applied effectively without the S‐L component. We reflect on our experience with the online DSLM implementations and contribute a detailed retrospective analysis using thematic analysis and grounded theory methods to draw valuable recommendations and guidelines for future applications of the framework. This work verifies that DSLM can be used successfully in online classes to teach design study methodology. Finally, we contribute novel additions to the DSLM framework to further enhance it for teaching and learning design studies in the classroom. The preprint and supplementary materials for this paper can be found at https://osf.io/6bjx5/.
FlexEvent: going beyond Case‐Centric Exploration and Analysis of Multivariate Event Sequences
Authors: van der Linden S. , Wulterkens B.M. , van Gilst M.M. , Overeem S. , van Pul C. , Vilanova A. , van den Elzen S.
Published: June 2023

In many domains, multivariate event sequence data is collected focused around an entity (the case). Typically, each event has multiple attributes, for example, in healthcare a patient has events such as hospitalization, medication, and surgery. In addition to the multivariate events, also the case (a specific attribute, e.g., patient) has associated multivariate data (e.g., age, gender, weight). Current work typically only visualizes one attribute per event (label) in the event sequences. As a consequence, events can only be explored from a predefined case‐centric perspective. However, to find complex relations from multiple perspectives (e.g., from different case definitions, such as doctor), users also need an event‐ and attribute‐centric perspective. In addition, support is needed to effortlessly switch between and within perspectives. To support such a rich exploration, we present FlexEvent: an exploration and analysis method that enables investigation beyond a fixed case‐centric perspective. Based on an adaptation of existing visualization techniques, such as scatterplots and juxtaposed small multiples, we enable flexible switching between different perspectives to explore the multivariate event sequence data needed to answer multi‐perspective hypotheses. We evaluated FlexEvent with three domain experts in two use cases with sleep disorder and neonatal ICU data that show our method facilitates experts in exploring and analyzing real‐world multivariate sequence data from different perspectives.
Beyond Alternative Text and tables: Comparative Analysis of Visualization Tools and Accessibility Methods
Authors: Kim N. W. , Ataguba G. , Joyner S. C. , Zhao Chuangdian , Im Hyejin
Published: June 2023

Modern visualization software and programming libraries have made data visualization construction easier for everyone. However, the extent of accessibility design they support for blind and low‐vision people is relatively unknown. It is also unclear how they can improve chart content accessibility beyond conventional alternative text and data tables. To address these issues, we examined the current accessibility features in popular visualization tools, revealing limited support for the standard accessibility methods and scarce support for chart content exploration. Next, we investigate two promising accessibility approaches that provide off‐the‐shelf solutions for chart content accessibility: structured navigation and conversational interaction. We present a comparative evaluation study and discuss what to consider when incorporating them into visualization tools.