bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporating strontium enriched amorphous calcium phosphate granules in collagen/collagen-magnesium-hydroxyapatite osteochondral scaffold improves subchondral bone repair
Authors: Xu Jietao , Vecstaudža Jana , Wesdorp Marinus A. , Labberté Margot , Kops Nicole , Salerno Manuela , Kok Joeri , Simon Marina , Harmand Marie-Françoise , Vancíková Karin , van Rietbergen Bert , Misciagna Massimiliano Maraglino , Dolcini Laura , Filardo Giuseppe , Farrell Eric , van Osch Gerjo J.V.M. , Ločs Jānis , Brama Pieter A.J.
Published: June 2023

To date, osteochondral defect repair with a collagen/collagen-magnesium-hydroxyapatite (Col/Col-Mg-HAp) scaffold has demonstrated good clinical results. However, subchondral bone repair has been suboptimal, potentially leading to damage to the regenerated overlying neocartilage. This study aimed at improving the bone repair potential of this scaffold by incorporating strontium (Sr) ion enriched amorphous calcium phosphate (Sr-ACP) granules (100-150 µm). Sr concentration of Sr-ACP was determined with ICP-MS at 2.49 ± 0.04 wt.%. Then 30 wt.% ACP or Sr-ACP granules were integrated into the scaffold prototypes. The ACP or Sr-ACP granules were well distributed and embedded in the collagenic matrix demonstrated by micro-CT and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry. Good cytocompatibility of ACP/Sr-ACP granules and ACP/Sr-ACP enriched scaffolds was confirmed inin vitrocytotoxicity assays. An overall promising early tissue response and good biocompatibility of both ACP and Sr-ACP enriched scaffolds were demonstrated in a subcutaneous mouse model. In a goat osteochondral defect model, significantly more bone observed at 6 months with the treatment of Sr-ACP enriched scaffolds compared to scaffold only in particular in the weight-bearing femoral condyle subchondral bone defect. Overall, the incorporation of osteogenic Sr-ACP granules in Col/Col-Mg-HAp scaffolds showed to be a feasible and promising strategy to improve subchondral bone repair.
TCRpcDist: Estimating TCR physico-chemical similarity to analyze repertoires and predict specificities
Authors: Perez Marta A. S. , Chiffelle Johanna , Bobisse Sara , Mayol-Rullan Francesca , Arnaud Marion , Sauvage Christophe , Coukos George , Harari Alexandre , Zoete Vincent
Published: June 2023

Approaches to analyse and cluster TCR repertoires to reflect antigen specificity are critical for the diagnosis and prognosis of immune-related diseases and the development of personalized therapies. Sequence-based approaches showed success but remain restrictive, especially when the amount of experimental data used for the training is scarce. Structure-based approaches which represent powerful alternatives, notably to optimize TCRs affinity towards specific epitopes, show limitations for large scale predictions. To handle these challenges, we present TCRpcDist, a 3D-based approach that calculates similarities between TCRs using a metric related to the physico-chemical properties of the loop residues predicted to interact with the epitope. By exploiting private and public datasets and comparing TCRpcDist with competing approaches, we demonstrate that TCRpcDist can accurately identify groups of TCRs that are likely to bind the same or similar epitopes. Additionally, we experimentally validated the ability of TCRpcDist to predict antigen-specificities of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes orphan TCRs obtained from four cancer patients. TCRpcDist is a promising approach to support TCR repertoire analysis and cancer immunotherapies.

One Sentence Summary

We present a new approach for TCR clustering which allows TCR deorphanization for the first time.
What makes experimental research publishable in leading hospitality and tourism journals? Perspectives of editorial board members
Authors: Leung Xi Yu , Fong Lawrence Hoc Nang , Xue Xunyue (Joanne) , Mattila Anna S.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Hospitality and tourism research lags in using experimental designs. This study aims to reveal prestigious scholars’ opinions and suggestions on how to effectively design and execute experimental research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an open-ended survey on 187 editors and editorial board members from 22 top hospitality and tourism journals. Their answers were coded following an inductive method of coding, and a list of themes and categories was synthesized.

Findings

The results summarize common problems of this method and indicate significant barriers to making experimental studies publishable. The review criteria for experimental studies are presented from four aspects: overall design, stimuli and manipulations, data collection and reporting results.

Research limitations/implications

The results provide valuable suggestions for researchers interested in experimental design in the hospitality and tourism field. The study contributes to a shift toward well-designed and well-executed experimental research in hospitality and tourism.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is the first to survey editorial board members of impactful hospitality and tourism journals to reveal their insights into the experimental methodology. The study makes significant theoretical and methodological contributions by addressing calls to understand common problems and barriers to experimental research in our field.
Determinants of debunking information sharing behaviour in social media users: perspective of persuasive cues
Authors: Chao Fan , Wang Xin , Yu Guang
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Sharing and disseminating debunking information are critical to correcting rumours and controlling disease when dealing with public health crises. This study investigates the factors that influence social media users' debunking information sharing behaviour from the perspective of persuasion. The authors examined the effects of argument adequacy, emotional polarity, and debunker's identity on debunking information sharing behaviour and investigated the moderating effects of rumour content and target.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was tested using 150 COVID-19-related rumours and 2,349 original debunking posts on Sina Weibo.

Findings

First, debunking information that contains adequate arguments is more likely to be reposted only when the uncertainty of the rumour content is high. Second, using neutral sentiment as a reference, debunking information containing negative sentiment is shared more often regardless of whether the government is the rumour target, and information containing positive sentiment is more likely to be shared only when the rumour target is the government. Finally, debunking information published by government-type accounts is reposted more often and is enhanced when the rumour target is the government.

Originality/value

The study provides a systematic framework for analysing the behaviour of sharing debunking information among social media users. Specifically, it expands the understanding of the factors that influence debunking information sharing behaviour by examining the effects of persuasive cues on debunking information sharing behaviour and the heterogeneity of these effects across various rumour contexts.
Norms or fun? The influence of ethical concerns and perceived enjoyment on the regulation of deepfake information
Authors: Li Minghui , Wan Yan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Deepfake information poses more ethical risks than traditional disinformation in terms of fraud, slander, rumors and other malicious uses. However, owing to its high entertainment value, deepfake information with ethical risks has become popular. This study aims to understand the role of ethics and entertainment in the acceptance and regulation of deepfake information.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed methods were used to qualitatively identify ethical concerns and quantitatively evaluate the influence of ethical concerns and perceived enjoyment on the ethical acceptability and social acceptance of deepfake information.

Findings

The authors confirmed that informed consent, privacy protection, traceability and non-deception had a significantly positive impact on ethical acceptability and indirectly influenced social acceptance, with privacy protection being the most sensitive. Perceived enjoyment impacts the social acceptance of deepfake information and significantly weakens the effect of ethical acceptability on social acceptance.

Originality/value

The ethical concerns affecting acceptance behavior identified in this study provide an entry point for the ethical regulation of deepfake information. The weakening effect of perceived enjoyment on ethics serves as a wake-up call for regulators to guard against pan-entertainment deepfake information.
Digital transformation technologies to analyze product returns in the e-commerce industry
Authors: Jauhar Sunil Kumar , Chakma B. Ripon , Kamble Sachin S. , Belhadi Amine
Published: June 2023

Purpose

As e-commerce has expanded rapidly, online shopping platforms have become widespread in India and throughout the world. Product return, which has a negative effect on the E-Commerce Industry's economic and ecological sustainability, is one of the E-Commerce Industry's greatest challenges in light of the substantial increase in online transactions. The authors have analyzed the purchasing patterns of the customers to better comprehend their product purchase and return patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilized digital transformation techniques-based recency, frequency and monetary models to better understand and segment potential customers in order to address personalized strategies to increase sales, and the authors performed seller clustering using k-means and hierarchical clustering to determine why some sellers have the most sales and what products they offer that entice customers to purchase.

Findings

The authors discovered, through the application of digital transformation models to customer segmentation, that over 61.15% of consumers are likely to purchase, loyal customers and utilize firm service, whereas approximately 35% of customers have either stopped purchasing or have relatively low spending. To retain these consumer segments, special consideration and an enticing offer are required. As the authors dug deeper into the seller clustering, we discovered that the maximum number of clusters is six, while certain clusters indicate that prompt delivery of the goods plays a crucial role in customer feedback and high sales volume.

Originality/value

This is one of the rare study that develops a seller segmentation strategy by utilizing digital transformation-based methods in order to achieve seller group division.
Organizational changes approaches to facilitate the management of Industry 4.0 transformation in manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Brodeur Jonathan , Deschamps Isabelle , Pellerin Robert
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the characteristics and dynamics of the organizational changes needed to facilitate the management of an Industry 4.0 transformation in manufacturing SMEs and propose an approach to manage them.

Design/methodology/approach

This research focuses on a single manufacturing SME in North America, and data were collected using a research intervention method. Data were collected through observation and intervention within the SME over 27 months.

Findings

The research has shown that organizational changes are required in manufacturing SMEs to better manage their Industry 4.0 transformation projects.

Research limitations/implications

Using the case study method limits the generalization of the results. The organizational changes observed, and their characteristics might be specific to the studied manufacturing. Although results could vary in different contexts, many manufacturing SMEs have similar characteristics to those observed in this study.

Practical implications

This research provides preliminary evidence of an iterative organizational change management approach that manufacturing SMEs must adopt to facilitate the management of their digital transformation.

Originality/value

This research provides a better understanding of how a manufacturing SME can improve its capabilities to manage its digital transformation by introducing iterative organizational changes. From these results, a link to the organizational learning literature can be drawn and developed upon.
Effect of social media on employee's work performance
Authors: Doshi Parinda , Nigam Priti
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The paper validates a framework using the media synchronicity theory (MST) to study the effect of Social Media Use at Work (SMUW) on the performance “Work Performance” (WP) of the employee. For this, the study initially observed the effect of SMUW on shared vision (SV), network ties (NT), and trust (TRUST) on the knowledge transfer (KT) and the effect of all (SV, NT, TRUST and KT) on the WP of the employees.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method was used to collect responses from 157 employees working at middle and lower-level managerial positions in the chemical companies of India. The data analysis uses variance-based, partial least square SEM, which has established a relationship between the constructs.

Findings

The results found a significant effect of SMUW on the WP of the employees. It was observed that the SV and TRUST can be significantly improved with the help of SMUW, contributing to the KT and simultaneously affecting the WP of the employees.

Practical implications

The study has examined the positive and significant effect of SMUW on the employees' SV, NT and TRUST. Improving SV, NT and trust (dimension of social capital) through social media allows employees to transfer more knowledge. An increase in KT among the employees further positively affected the individual and group performance within the organization. SV positively affected the employee's WP, but NT and trust negatively affected the WP. The research thus provides useful insight to the managers for effective use of social media in the workplace.

Originality/value

The study used MST to understand the effect of the use of social media in the workplace. The study is kind of first in the Indian context which has examined the effect of employees at managerial level in chemical companies, and thus contributes to the existing literature on social networks/social media from the organizational context.
Personal resources at play: the mediating role of psychological capital in the relationship between new ways of working and life satisfaction
Authors: Vasudevan Priyadharshini , Suganthi L.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The new ways of working (NWW), a contemporary work environment with temporal and spatial flexibilities, has become an enforced reality after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted workplaces. However, the understanding of how it impacts employee well-being perceptions is limited. Hence, the current study aims to examine how the NWW facets, namely, time- and location-independent work, management of output, access to organizational knowledge and flexibility in working relations relate to employees' life satisfaction, mediated by psychological capital.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was designed to collect data from 459 Indian knowledge workers. Model fit and the hypothesized relationships were tested using IBM SPSS 25, AMOS and PROCESS Macro.

Findings

All four NWW facets positively relate to psychological capital, which in turn associates with life satisfaction. Except for the facet “management of output”, the other three facets associate positively with life satisfaction before accounting for the mediator. Indirect effects of all four facets on life satisfaction via psychological capital were established. Overall, the findings establish the important mediating role of psychological capital in relating the NWW facets with life satisfaction.

Originality/value

By examining the previously unexplored relationships between NWW, psychological capital and life satisfaction, this study provides novel insights into the role of personal resources in maximizing the beneficial effects of the NWW practices and is highly relevant in the current context where organizations are trying to identify coping mechanisms that help employees adapt to workplace transformations.
Identification and evaluation of collaborative relationships of internal project stakeholders: a social network analysis approach
Authors: Fallah Mohammad Ali , Agha Mohammad Ali Kermani Mehrdad , Moini Alireza , Mashayekh Javad
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The present research is trying to construct the network of relationships between different department of an organization during the design and development of car engine. Analyzing the structure of the network, finding the patterns of collaborations, and determining the important departments are the main purposes of the present research.

Design/methodology/approach

Improving relationships during a project life is an effective way to enhance employee performance in project-oriented organizations. This paper examines the collaborative relationships between internal project stakeholders through social network analysis (SNA) in a project for the design and development of car engine. In the first step of the research, the network of internal stakeholders was studied based on collaboration in the common activities performed by the resources. Then, the network of correspondences between internal stakeholders was studied. Finally, the two networks were integrated into a single network.

Findings

In the integrated network, the “fuel and combustion department” had the largest degree centrality (i.e. highest collaboration with others). The “integration department” was found to have the highest closeness centrality (i.e. more rapid access to other nodes). Furthermore, the “procurement department” had the highest betweenness centrality (i.e. the most strategic department). Our results revealed the potential capabilities of SNA method for the project management in the vehicle industry.

Originality/value

The obtained results of the present research show us the value of applying SNA methods and concepts to analyze the inter-organizational network of the Project Stakeholders relationship.
Inside the “black box” of 1033 Program military equipment use by local law enforcement
Authors: Koslicki Wendy M.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Recent USA police responses to civil rights demonstrations have drawn attention toward the 1033 Program – a military surplus transfer program from the Department of Defense (DOD) to police agencies in the USA – as well as calls for dissolution or reform of the program. However, policy decisions have been sporadic and empirical literature examining the program have relied on public data, which contain information about equipment transfers, but does not show the frequency of agencies' use of this equipment – or contexts of use – once received.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents the findings of a survey of a national sample of law enforcement agencies that used the program to obtain armored vehicles, rifles, and body armor and how these agencies used this equipment in 2019 and 2020. Correlations and binary logistic regression models are tested for 2019 to examine the racial threat hypothesis and additional predictors of equipment use.

Findings

A statistically significant correlation is found between perceived percentage of Black and other race residents and the frequency of armored vehicle deployment in 2019 and between the perceived percentage of other race residents and the percentage of special weapons and tactics (SWAT) officers wearing body armor. Perceived increases in drug crimes also significantly increase the likelihood of SWAT officers carrying military rifles, with increased odds of 402.3%.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine contextual data surrounding law enforcement use of 1033 Program acquisitions with a national sample, assisting in providing greater accuracy in determining predictors and outcomes of the program's use.
A review and analysis of errors in post‐stack time‐shift interpretation
Authors: MacBeth Colin , Izadian Saeed
Published: June 2023

This study complements two earlier papers on the interpretation and estimation of post‐stack time‐shifts that detail the most popular measurement methods to date. In this current work, the focus is on describing the magnitude and identifying the origin of the uncertainty present in these time‐shift values. We also consider how the underlying assumptions behind conventional time‐shift estimation methods can contribute to the inadequate resolution of the subsurface time‐lapse changes. The various errors fall into three broad categories: (1) those related to intrinsic data limits that cannot be avoided; (2) those associated with seismic measurement methods that can be corrected with some effort; and finally (3) those that arise due to approximations to the wave physics made during the design or implementation of the methods. In the first category are limitations due to sampling rate and signal‐to‐noise ratio, and wavelet interferences resulting from the narrow band nature of the seismic data and the heterogeneous nature of the geology itself. The effects produce errors of typically a fraction of a millisecond, but exceptionally in 4D data with poor repeatability up to 1 ms. In the second category are acquisition and processing errors. These are usually of the order of a few milliseconds but can reach up to 10s of milliseconds and are, therefore, essential to correct. It is possible to correct the effects of tides and seawater variations in marine acquisition if these changes are monitored and measured. Navigation and timing are identified as issues to consider carefully. For land data, daily and seasonal near‐surface variations are still problematic, and source and sensors must be buried to deliver interpretable time‐shifts. The impact of choices made during processing can be significant but is specific to the workflow and dataset and thus cannot be generically assessed. However, the effects from residual multiples can be identified and treated. Of moderate importance is the third category of errors, which consists of four items. Of these, the effect of lateral image shifts and amplitude effects are judged to play a minor role. Deviation from the assumption of vertical ray‐paths during post‐stack analysis appears to be of concern only for reservoirs with noticeably dipping structures and strong contrasts. The effect of pre‐stack variations on the post‐stack measurements remains a topic to be more thoroughly examined, and the conclusion is unclear. Finally, it is apparent that uncertainties in all categories are strongly dependent on the field setting and geographical location.
Unbalancing Zur (FurB)‐mediated homeostasis in Anabaena sp. PCC7120: Consequences on metal trafficking, heterocyst development and biofilm formation
Authors: Olivan‐Muro Irene , Sarasa‐Buisan Cristina , Guio Jorge , Arenas Jesús , Sevilla Emma , Fillat Maria F.
Published: June 2023

Zinc is required for the activity of many enzymes and plays an essential role in gene regulation and redox homeostasis. In Anabaena (Nostoc) sp. PCC7120, the genes involved in zinc uptake and transport are controlled by the metalloregulator Zur (FurB). Comparative transcriptomics of a zur mutant (Δzur) with the parent strain unveiled unexpected links between zinc homeostasis and other metabolic pathways. A notable increase in the transcription of numerous desiccation tolerance‐related genes, including genes involved in the synthesis of trehalose and the transference of saccharide moieties, among many others, was detected. Biofilm formation analysis under static conditions revealed a reduced capacity of Δzur filaments to form biofilms compared to the parent strain, and such capacity was enhanced when Zur was overexpressed. Furthermore, microscopy analysis revealed that zur expression is required for the correct formation of the envelope polysaccharide layer in the heterocyst, as Δzur cells showed reduced staining with alcian blue compared to Anabaena sp. PCC7120. We suggest that Zur is an important regulator of the enzymes involved in the synthesis and transport of the envelope polysaccharide layer, influencing heterocyst development and biofilm formation, both relevant processes for cell division and interaction with substrates in its ecological niche.
Astragalosides inhibit proliferation of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes in experimental arthritis by modulating LncRNA S56464.1/miR‐152‐3p/Wnt1 signaling axis
Authors: Cui Xiaoya , Wang Jing , Fan Chang , Jiang Hui , Li Weiping
Published: June 2023

Aim

Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge., the dried root of the plant A. membranaceus, is widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in many Chinese herbal remedies. Astragalosides (AST) is the primary medicinal ingredient of A. membranaceus and has a therapeutic effect on RA, but the specific mechanism of this effect has yet to be elucidated.

Methods

In this study, MTT and flow cytometry were used to determine the effects of AST on fibroblast‐like synoviocyte (FLS) proliferation and cell cycle progression. Additionally, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to determine the effects of AST on the LncRNA S56464.1/miR‐152‐3p/Wnt1 signaling axis and on critical genes that are essential to the Wnt pathway.

Results

The data showed that after the administration of AST, FLS proliferation and LncRNA S56464.1, β‐catenin, C‐myc, Cyclin D1, and p‐GSK‐3β(Ser9)/GSK‐3β expression were significantly reduced, and miR‐152 and SFRP4 expression was notably increased.

Conclusion

These results suggest that AST can inhibit FLS proliferation by modulating the LncRNA S56464.1/miR‐152‐3p/Wnt1 signaling axis and that AST may be a potential therapeutic drug for RA.
Descendants over 300 years: Marital fertility in five lineages in Qing China
Authors: Hu Sijie
Published: June 2023

This paper studies the marital fertility—broadly defined as the ratio of live births to married women—of five Chinese lineages since the 17th century, mainly in the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). The results demonstrate a unique pattern of Chinese marital fertility by exploiting new genealogical data and studying more than 50,000 individuals from five lineages. Contrary to the conventional wisdom, the marital fertility rates in the period were moderate. On the other hand, in line with the classic ideas, this paper finds no clear indication of two fertility controls within marriages, parity‐dependent early stopping and longer spacing.
Unusual presentation of telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans at the site of healed herpes zoster; Wolf's isotopic response
Authors: Sarsik Sameh , Soliman Sarah H. , Elhalaby Rofyda Essam
Published: June 2023

There are several reported cases of Wolf's isotopic response, including infections, cancers, inflammatory and immune‐related disorders. It is interesting that the majority of these occurred after herpes zoster (HZ) had healed. In this article, we describe an unusual case of adult mastocytosis/telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans (TMEP) at the location of recovered HZ. Given that adult mastocytosis is thought to be caused by dysregulation of the mast cell growth factor receptor, the c‐Kit proto‐oncogene (CD117), and the fact that the varicella zoster virus‐infected cutaneous lesions contain CD117‐positive mast cells (CD117+MCs), we hypothesize that CD117+ MCs may be in charge of the local immunological response and cytokine release those results in TMEP after HZ.
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in breast cancer patients: Does oestrogen receptor status make a difference?
Authors: Sii Stephanie , Polyakov Alex , Rozen Genia , Agresta Franca , Stern Kate
Published: June 2023

Background

The presence of different breast cancer receptor status may impact ovarian stimulation outcomes.

Aim

To study the association between oestrogen receptor (ER) status in breast cancer patients and fertility preservation outcomes in a major tertiary referral centre.

Materials and Methods

Women who underwent fertility preservation following the diagnosis of breast cancer from 2008 to 2018 were included in the study. Patient age, ovarian stimulation parameters and laboratory outcomes were recorded and compared between the ER positive and negative groups. The primary outcome was total number of oocytes frozen. Secondary outcomes included total number of oocytes collected, mature oocytes, and embryos frozen.

Results

The women included in the study (n = 214) were analysed in the following groups based on their fertility preservation method: oocyte freezing (n = 131), embryo freezing (n = 70), and both embryo and oocyte freezing (n = 13). There was an increase in the mean (but not mature) number of oocytes frozen (12.4 and 9.2, P‐value = 0.03) favouring the ER positive group, even though the women in this group were older (35.0 and 33.4, P‐value of 0.03). There is no difference in the starting follicle‐stimulating hormone dose, duration of stimulation, mature oocytes collected, and embryos frozen in both groups.

Conclusion

Patients with ER positive breast cancer may have more positive ovarian stimulation outcomes.
Optic nerve diseases and regeneration: How far are we from the promised land?
Authors: Cen Ling‐Ping , Park Kevin K. , So Kowk‐Fai
Published: June 2023

The retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the sole output neurons that connect information from the retina to the brain. Optic neuropathies such as glaucoma, trauma, inflammation, ischemia and hereditary optic neuropathy can cause RGC loss and axon damage, and lead to partial or total loss of vision, which is an irreversible process in mammals. The accurate diagnoses of optic neuropathies are crucial for timely treatments to prevent irrevocable RGCs loss. After severe ON damage in optic neuropathies, promoting RGC axon regeneration is vital for restoring vision. Clearance of neuronal debris, decreased intrinsic growth capacity, and the presence of inhibitory factors have been shown to contribute to the failure of post‐traumatic CNS regeneration. Here, we review the current understanding of manifestations and treatments of various common optic neuropathies. We also summarise the current known mechanisms of RGC survival and axon regeneration in mammals, including specific intrinsic signalling pathways, key transcription factors, reprogramming genes, inflammation‐related regeneration factors, stem cell therapy, and combination therapies. Significant differences in RGC subtypes in survival and regenerative capacity after injury have also been found. Finally, we highlight the developmental states and non‐mammalian species that are capable of regenerating RGC axons after injury, and cellular state reprogramming for neural repair.
When a dermatopathologist encounters the ultra‐rare: A case series of superficial soft tissue/cutaneous myxopapillary ependymomas
Authors: Chatzopoulos Kyriakos , Hytiroglou Prodromos , Charville Gregory W. , Toland Angus M. S. , Martinez‐Lage Maria , Cimino Patrick J. , Rosenblum Marc K. , Linos Konstantinos
Published: June 2023

Myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) is an uncommon variant of ependymoma, almost exclusively seen in conus medullaris or filum terminale. MPE can be diagnostically challenging, especially when arising extra‐axially. Here we report 5 cases of superficial soft tissue/cutaneous MPE, identified across three tertiary institutions. All patients were female and three of them (3/5, 60%) were children (median age 11 years, range 6–58 years). The tumors presented as slow‐growing masses of the sacrococcygeal subcutaneous soft tissues, occasionally identified after minor trauma and clinically favored to be pilonidal sinuses. Imaging showed no neuraxis connection. Macroscopically, tumors were well‐circumscribed, lobulated, and solid and microscopically they exhibited typical histopathology of MPE, at least focally. Two of the tumors (2/5, 40%) showed predominantly solid or trabecular architecture with greater cellular pleomorphism, scattered giant cells, and increased mitotic activity. All tumors (5/5, 100%) showed strong diffuse immunohistochemical expression of GFAP. One tumor clustered at the category “ependymoma, myxopapillary” by methylome analysis. Two patients (2/5, 40%) had local recurrence at 8 and 30 months after the initial surgery. No patients developed metastases during the follow‐up period (median 60 months, range 6–116 months). Since a subset of extra‐axial MPEs behaves more aggressively, timely and accurate diagnosis is of paramount importance.
Age‐dependent effect of methyl eugenol on male mating success of the peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata
Authors: Rasool Awais , Munis Muhammad Farooq Hussain , Shah Said Hussain , Fatima Sehar , Irshad Afshan , Haq Ihsan ul
Published: June 2023

The peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a pest of economic importance, endemic to South and South‐East Asia. It is highly invasive and due to its quarantine pest status, it interferes with horticultural trade. Males of many Bactrocera species are strongly attracted to methyl eugenol (ME) [1,2‐dimethoxy‐4‐(2‐propenyl) benzene], a phenylpropanoid compound naturally occurring in many plant species. Feeding on ME is also reported to enhance male mating success in several Bactrocera species. Such an effect can increase the effectiveness of the sterile insect technique (SIT). The current study was designed to identify the sexual maturity age of males of B. zonata, the relation between male age and attraction to ME, and the effect of ME on male mating success. The results showed that males initiated their mating at 8 days of age and attained the highest mating success at 16 days of age. The percentage of immature males responding to ME increased with age and the maximum response was observed during the age of sexual maturity. Methyl eugenol treatment at sexual maturity significantly enhanced male mating success over untreated males. The males treated with ME at a sexually immature age (5 days old) achieved significantly higher mating success after reaching sexual maturity. These findings suggested that B. zonata males can be treated with ME at the age of 5 days in sterile‐male ‘holding and release’ facilities and thereafter released in the field, where they are expected to achieve higher mating success after attaining sexual maturity. The results are discussed as a valid approach for enhancing the effectiveness of SIT application against B. zonata.
The introduced Arapaima gigas in the Bolivian Amazon: Trophic position and isotopic niche overlap with native species
Authors: Rejas Danny , Oberdorff Thierry , Declerck Steven A. J. , Winder Monika
Published: June 2023

Non‐native fish species may generate major ecological impacts on native assemblages. This study aims to assess the potential impact of the introduced Arapaima gigas on native fish assemblages in two oxbow lakes of the Bolivian Amazon. Stable isotope data were used to determine trophic position (TP) and isotopic niche overlap, to evaluate potential predation and competition interactions, respectively. Results suggest that A. gigas is more an omnivore than a top predator, as often claimed. Arapaima gigas occupied an intermediate TP between detritivore/herbivore and piscivore fish species and showed broader isotopic niche compared to most native species analysed. The isotopic niche of A. gigas significantly overlapped with most native fish species in one lake (i.e. Lake Mentiroso), while there was low niche overlap in the second (i.e. Lake Miraflores). Given its omnivorous tendencies, the predation impact of A. gigas on other fish species is likely less than currently claimed and likely varies with the food web structure of the ecosystem. More precise data on resource availability and use are necessary to infer whether niche overlap will have negative impacts on native fish species through potential competitive interactions. Increasing our understanding on the processes generating impact of these introductions on resident communities through food web ecology will pave the way for better resource management and conservation efforts.
Cardiovascular risk factors in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: A cross‐sectional analysis from the MS‐STAT2 randomized controlled trial
Authors: Williams Thomas , John Nevin , Calvi Alberto , Bianchi Alessia , De Angelis Floriana , Doshi Anisha , Wright Sarah , Shatila Madiha , Yiannakas Marios C. , Chowdhury Fatima , Stutters Jon , Ricciardi Antonio , Prados Ferran , MacManus David , Braisher Marie , Blackstone James , Ciccarelli Olga , Gandini Wheeler‐Kingshott Claudia A. M. , Barkhof Frederik , Chataway Jeremy ,   the UCL MS‐STAT2 investigators
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose

There is increasing evidence that cardiovascular risk (CVR) contributes to disability progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). CVR is particularly prevalent in secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and can be quantified through validated composite CVR scores. The aim was to examine the cross‐sectional relationships between excess modifiable CVR, whole and regional brain atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging, and disability in patients with SPMS.

Methods

Participants had SPMS, and data were collected at enrolment into the MS‐STAT2 trial. Composite CVR scores were calculated using the QRISK3 software. Prematurely achieved CVR due to modifiable risk factors was expressed as QRISK3 premature CVR, derived through reference to the normative QRISK3 dataset and expressed in years. Associations were determined with multiple linear regressions.

Results

For the 218 participants, mean age was 54 years and median Expanded Disability Status Scale was 6.0. Each additional year of prematurely achieved CVR was associated with a 2.7 mL (beta coefficient; 95% confidence interval 0.8–4.7; p = 0.006) smaller normalized whole brain volume. The strongest relationship was seen for the cortical grey matter (beta coefficient 1.6 mL per year; 95% confidence interval 0.5–2.7; p = 0.003), and associations were also found with poorer verbal working memory performance. Body mass index demonstrated the strongest relationships with normalized brain volumes, whilst serum lipid ratios demonstrated strong relationships with verbal and visuospatial working memory performance.

Conclusions

Prematurely achieved CVR is associated with lower normalized brain volumes in SPMS. Future longitudinal analyses of this clinical trial dataset will be important to determine whether CVR predicts future disease worsening.
Environmental health perceptions of urban youth from low‐income communities: A qualitative photovoice study and framework
Authors: Sprague Nadav L. , Zonnevylle Hannah M. , Jackson Hall Lexi , Williams Rosalind , Dains Hannah , Liang Donghai , Ekenga Christine C.
Published: June 2023

Background

Children are amongst the most susceptible groups to environmental exposures, for both immediate and life‐course health outcomes. Despite their increased susceptibility, children's knowledge, experiences and voices are understudied. A deeper understanding of children's environmental health perceptions has the potential to better inform policy, develop targeted interventions and improve public health outcomes.

Methods

In this study, our community–academic partnership used the Photovoice research method to examine how urban children from low‐income communities perceive environmental influences on their health. Twenty children, ages 10–12, took photographs and participated in focus group interviews regarding their perspectives on how the environment influences their health.

Results

Qualitative analyses revealed five major thematic categories: environmental exposures, environmental health sentiments, environmental health outcomes, interest in environmental health and environmental health solutions. We used the findings to develop an environmental health perspective theoretical framework that can inform future work designed to promote the environmental health and well‐being of children from low‐income communities in urban communities.

Conclusion

Photovoice enabled children from low‐income communities to capture and communicate their environmental health perceptions. These findings have the potential to inform and identify potential targets and opportunities for environmental health interventions and promotion in their communities.

Patient or Public Contribution

Partnerships with community‐based organizations were central to the present study. By design, these community‐based partners were involved in the conduct and procedures of the study.
Treatment‐emergent reverse transcriptase resistance during antiretroviral therapy with bictegravir, tenofovir alafenamide, and emtricitabine: A case series
Authors: DeKoven Samuel , Naccarato Mark , Brumme Chanson J. , Tan Darrell H. S.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Bictegravir/tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine (BIC/TAF/FTC) is a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV with a high barrier to resistance and few reported cases of treatment failure. We present three cases of treatment‐emergent resistance to nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) in patients with suboptimal treatment adherence and assess whether the resistance‐associated mutations were present before BIC/TAF/FTC initiation or emerged during therapy.

Methods

We used genotypic drug resistance testing by Sanger sequencing to identify emergent resistance mutations in plasma viral load specimens collected after combination antiretroviral therapy initiation in all participants. Additionally, we performed ultra‐deep sequencing by Illumina MiSeq on the earliest available plasma HIV‐1 viral load specimen and on any available specimens closest in time to the initiation of BIC/TAF/FTC therapy to identify low‐abundance resistance mutations present in the viral quasispecies.

Results

All three participants developed NRTI resistance after prolonged exposure and incomplete adherence to BIC/TAF/FTC. The T69N, K70E, M184I, and/or T215I mutations identified in clinical samples at the time of virological failure were not present on deep sequencing of either baseline samples or samples collected before BIC/TAF/FTC initiation.

Conclusions

Despite a generally high genetic barrier to resistance, NRTI resistance‐associated mutations may emerge during therapy with BIC/TAF/FTC in the setting of suboptimal adherence.
Juniper berry extract containing Anthricin and Yatein suppresses lipofuscin accumulation in human epidermal keratinocytes through proteasome activation, increases brightness and decreases spots in human skin
Authors: Sakamoto Kotaro , Fujimoto Runa , Nakagawa Satoshi , Kamiyama Erina , Kanai Kyoko , Kawai Yuka , Kojima Hiroyuki , Hirasawa Asuka , Wakamatsu Kanae , Masutani Teruaki
Published: June 2023

Objective

Skin brightness and spot have a significant impact on youthful and beautiful appearance. One important factor influencing skin brightness is the amount of internal reflected light from the skin. Observers recognize the total surface‐reflected light and internal reflected light as skin brightness. The more internal reflected light from the skin, the more attractive and brighter the skin appears. This study aims to identify a new natural cosmetic ingredient that increases the skin's internal reflected light, decreases spot and provides a youthful and beautiful skin appearance.

Methods

Lipofuscin in epidermal keratinocytes, the aggregating complex of denatured proteins and peroxidized lipids, is one factor that decreases skin brightness and causes of spot. Aggregates block light transmission, and peroxidized lipids lead to skin yellowness, dullness and age spot. Lipofuscin is known to accumulate intracellularly with ageing. Rapid removal of intracellular denatured proteins prevents lipofuscin formation and accumulation in cells. We focused a proteasome system that efficiently removes intracellular denatured proteins. To identify natural ingredients that increase proteasome activity, we screened 380 extracts derived from natural products. The extract with the desired activity was fractionated and purified to identify active compounds that lead to proteasome activation. Finally, the efficacy of the proteasome‐activating extract was evaluated in a human clinical study.

Results

We discovered that Juniperus communis fruits (Juniper berry) extract (JBE) increases proteasome activity and suppresses lipofuscin accumulation in human epidermal keratinocytes. We found Anthricin and Yatein, which belong to the lignan family, to be major active compounds responsible for the proteasome‐activating effect of JBE. In a human clinical study, an emulsion containing 1% JBE was applied to half of the face twice daily for 4 weeks, resulting in increased internal reflected light, brightness improvement (L‐value) and reduction in yellowness (b‐value) and spot in the cheek area.

Conclusion

This is the first report demonstrating that JBE containing Anthricin and Yatein decreases lipofuscin accumulation in human epidermal keratinocytes through proteasome activation, increases brightness and decreases surface spots in human skin. JBE would be an ideal natural cosmetic ingredient for creating a more youthful and beautiful skin appearance with greater brightness and less spot.
Managerial litigation risk and auditor choice
Authors: Li Leye , Monroe Gary S. , Coulton Jeff
Published: June 2023

Our study investigates the causal relationship between managerial litigation risk and auditor choice decisions. Exploiting the staggered adoption of universal demand (UD) laws at the state level in the United States, we use a stacked regression approach and find a lower propensity for affected firms to switch to higher‐quality auditors after the exogenous reduction of managerial litigation risk. This result supports the managerial entrenchment hypothesis that lower litigation risk leads to more managerial entrenchment, which allows managers to be opaque in order to enjoy private benefits. This negative effect is mitigated for firms with more audit committee industry expertise and for firms that are more reliant on external finance. Our study contributes to our understanding of how regulatory changes that have an impact on agency problems affect firms' demand for auditing.
Four decades of negative word‐of‐mouth and negative electronic word‐of‐mouth: A morphological analysis
Authors: Ribeiro Dahlia Allwyn , Kalro Arti D.
Published: June 2023

Customers voice their negative brand experiences to their family and friends in the form of negative word‐of‐mouth (NWOM). Web 2.0 enables the sharing of NWOM in electronic format on various social media sites, online customer review forums, and blogs, which is known as negative electronic word‐of‐mouth (NeWOM). Researchers need to study the spread of NWOM/NeWOM to prevent adverse consequences for companies and suggest an optimal response for its redressal. Existing literature review studies have focused on word‐of‐mouth (WOM) and electronic WOM (eWOM) and have considered both positive and negative WOM and eWOM concurrently. Past literature reviews have captured the breadth of the WOM domain, ignoring the depth. This research article contains a review of 282 journal papers capturing the depth of the extant literature by focusing solely on ‘negative’ WOM and eWOM (NWOM and NeWOM), and presents a broad view of the NWOM and NeWOM domains using morphological analysis (MA). This will help to conceptualize and categorize the existing state‐of‐the‐art literature into broad dimensions and identify future research opportunities. The MA framework helps to bifurcate this literature into the following four dimensions: (i) nomenclature of NWOM and NeWOM, (ii) antecedents of NWOM/NeWOM, (iii) impacts of NWOM/NeWOM, and (iv) prevention and recovery response to NeWOM. Further dissection of these four dimensions leads to 15 sub‐dimensions and 217 variants. Combinations of the 217 variants enable the identification of 550 novel future research opportunities in the area of NWOM and NeWOM.