bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the impact of the supporting the advancement of research skills (STARS) programme on research knowledge, engagement and capacity-building in a health and social care organisation in England
Authors: Tajuria Gulshan , Dobel-Ober David , Bradley Eleanor , Charnley Claire , Lambley-Burke Ruth , Mallen Christian , Honeyford Kate , Kingstone Tom
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the impact a novel education programme - to improve research engagement, awareness, understanding and confidence - had on a diverse health and social care workforce. Barriers and facilitators to engagement were explored together with research capacity-building opportunities and ways to embed a research culture. The programme is entitled ‘Supporting The Advancement of Research Skills’ (STARS programme); the paper reports findings from a health and social care setting in England, UK.

Methods

A four-level outcome framework guided the approach to evaluation and was further informed by key principles of research capacity development and relevant theory. Quantitative data were collected from learners before and after engagement; these were analysed descriptively. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with learners and analysed thematically. A purposive sample was achieved to include a diversity in age, gender, health and social care profession, and level of attendance (regular attendees, moderate attendees and non-attenders).

Results

The evaluation spanned 18 half-day workshops and 11 seminars delivered by expert educators. 165 (2% of total staff at Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT)) staffs booked one or more education sessions; 128 (77%) including Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), psychologists, nursing and midwifery, and social workers attended one or more session. Key themes of engagement with teaching sessions, relevance and impact of training and promoting a research active environment were identified with relevant sub-themes. Positive impacts of training were described in terms of research confidence, intentions, career planning and application of research skills as a direct result of training. Lack of dedicated time for research engagement, work pressures and time commitments required for the programme were key barriers. Facilitators that facilitated engagement are also described.

Conclusions

Findings demonstrate the impact that a free, virtual and high-quality research education programme had at individual and organisational levels. The programme is the product of a successful collaboration between health and social care and academic organisations; this provides a useful framework for others to adapt and adopt. Key barriers to attendance and engagement spoke to system-wide challenges that an education programme could not address in the short-term. Potential solutions are discussed in relation to protecting staff time, achieving management buy-in, recognising research champions, and having a clear communication strategy.
Prediction of emergency department revisits among child and youth mental health outpatients using deep learning techniques
Authors: Saggu Simran , Daneshvar Hirad , Samavi Reza , Pires Paulo , Sassi Roberto B. , Doyle Thomas E. , Zhao Judy , Mauluddin Ahmad , Duncan Laura
Published: February 2024

Background

The proportion of Canadian youth seeking mental health support from an emergency department (ED) has risen in recent years. As EDs typically address urgent mental health crises, revisiting an ED may represent unmet mental health needs. Accurate ED revisit prediction could aid early intervention and ensure efficient healthcare resource allocation. We examine the potential increased accuracy and performance of graph neural network (GNN) machine learning models compared to recurrent neural network (RNN), and baseline conventional machine learning and regression models for predicting ED revisit in electronic health record (EHR) data.

Methods

This study used EHR data for children and youth aged 4–17 seeking services at McMaster Children’s Hospital’s Child and Youth Mental Health Program outpatient service to develop and evaluate GNN and RNN models to predict whether a child/youth with an ED visit had an ED revisit within 30 days. GNN and RNN models were developed and compared against conventional baseline models. Model performance for GNN, RNN, XGBoost, decision tree and logistic regression models was evaluated using F1 scores.

Results

The GNN model outperformed the RNN model by an F1-score increase of 0.0511 and the best performing conventional machine learning model by an F1-score increase of 0.0470. Precision, recall, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and positive and negative predictive values showed that the GNN model performed the best, and the RNN model performed similarly to the XGBoost model. Performance increases were most noticeable for recall and negative predictive value than for precision and positive predictive value.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the improved accuracy and potential utility of GNN models in predicting ED revisits among children and youth, although model performance may not be sufficient for clinical implementation. Given the improvements in recall and negative predictive value, GNN models should be further explored to develop algorithms that can inform clinical decision-making in ways that facilitate targeted interventions, optimize resource allocation, and improve outcomes for children and youth.
Symptomatic post COVID patients have impaired alveolar capillary membrane function and high VE/VCO2
Authors: Agostoni Piergiuseppe , Mapelli Massimo , Salvioni Elisabetta , Mattavelli Irene , Banfi Cristina , Bonomi Alice , Biondi Maria Luisa , Rovai Sara , Tamborini Gloria , Muratori Manuela , Ghulam Ali Sarah , Ghilardi Stefania , De Martino Fabiana , Vignati Carlo , Palermo Pietro , Gugliandolo Paola , Elia Davide , Moscucci Federica , Cassandro Roberto , Andreini Daniele , Mancini Elisabetta , Harari Sergio
Published: February 2024

Background

Post COVID-19 syndrome is characterized by several cardiorespiratory symptoms but the origin of patients’ reported symptomatology is still unclear.

Methods

Consecutive post COVID-19 patients were included. Patients underwent full clinical evaluation, symptoms dedicated questionnaires, blood tests, echocardiography, thoracic computer tomography (CT), spirometry including alveolar capillary membrane diffusion (DM) and capillary volume (Vcap) assessment by combined carbon dioxide and nitric oxide lung diffusion (DLCO/DLNO) and cardiopulmonary exercise test. We measured surfactant derive protein B (immature form) as blood marker of alveolar cell function.

Results

We evaluated 204 consecutive post COVID-19 patients (56.5 ± 14.5 years, 89 females) 171 ± 85 days after the end of acute COVID-19 infection. We measured: forced expiratory volume (FEV1) 99 ± 17%pred, FVC 99 ± 17%pred, DLCO 82 ± 19%, DM 47.6 ± 14.8 mL/min/mmHg, Vcap 59 ± 17 mL, residual parenchymal damage at CT 7.2 ± 3.2% of lung tissue, peakVO2 84 ± 18%pred, VE/VCO2 slope 112 [102–123]%pred. Major reported symptoms were: dyspnea 45% of cases, tiredness 60% and fatigability 77%. Low FEV1, Vcap and high VE/VCO2 slope were associated with persistence of dyspnea. Tiredness was associated with high VE/VCO2 slope and low PeakVO2 and FEV1 while fatigability with high VE/VCO2 slope. SPB was fivefold higher in post COVID-19 than in normal subjects, but not associated to any of the referred symptoms. SPB was negatively associated to Vcap.

Conclusions

In patients with post COVID-19, cardiorespiratory symptoms are linked to VE/VCO2 slope. In these patients the alveolar cells are dysregulated as shown by the very high SPB. The Vcap is low likely due to post COVID-19 pulmonary endothelial/vasculature damage but DLCO is only minimally impaired being DM preserved.
1-Pyrroline-5-carboxylate inhibit T cell glycolysis in prostate cancer microenvironment by SHP1/PKM2/LDHB axis
Authors: Chang Lei , Li Guohao , Jiang Shan , Li Jie , Yang Jin , Shah Kavita , Zhou Le , Song Hanrui , Deng Leyuan , Luo Zhiguo , Guo Yonglian , Yan Yutao
Published: February 2024

Background

Our previous studies demonstrated that 1-Pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) released by prostate cancer cells inhibits T cell proliferation and function by increasing SHP1 expression. We designed this study to further explore the influence of P5C on T cell metabolism, and produced an antibody for targeting P5C to restore the functions of T cells.

Method

We co-immunoprecipated SHP1 from T cells and analyzed the proteins that were bound to it using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). The influence of P5C on T cells metabolism was also detected by LC/MS-MS. Seahorse XF96 analyzer was further used to identify the effect of P5C on T cells glycolysis. We subsequently designed and produced an antibody for targeting P5C by monoclonal technique and verified its effectiveness to restore the function of T cells in vitro and in vivo.

Result

PKM2 and LDHB bind SHP1 in T cells, and P5C could increase the levels of p-PKM2 while having no effect on the levels of PKM2 and LDHB. We further found that P5C influences T cell energy metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism. P5C also inhibits the activity of PKM2 and decreases the content of intracellular lactic acid while increasing the activity of LDH. Using seahorse XF96 analyzer, we confirmed that P5C remarkably inhibits glycolysis in T cells. We produced an antibody for targeting P5C by monoclonal technique and verified that the antibody could oppose the influence of P5C to restore the process of glycolysis and function in T cells. Meanwhile, the antibody also inhibits the growth of prostate tumors in an animal model.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that P5C inhibits the process of glycolysis in T cells by targeting SHP1/PKM2/LDHB complexes. Moreover, it is important that the antibody for targeting P5C could restore the function of T cells and inhibit the growth of prostate tumors.
Manifestations and management of Sjögren’s disease
Authors: Maleki-Fischbach Mehrnaz , Kastsianok Liudmila , Koslow Matthew , Chan Edward D.
Published: February 2024

Sjögren’s disease is a heterogeneous autoimmune disorder that may be associated with systemic manifestations such as pulmonary or articular involvement. Systemic complications have prognostic implications and need to be identified and managed in a timely manner. Treatment should be tailored to the type and severity of organ involvement, ideally based on multidisciplinary evaluation.
Effects of certain pre-analytical factors on the performance of plasma phospho-tau217
Authors: Bali Divya , Hansson Oskar , Janelidze Shorena
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Pre-analytical factors can cause substantial variability in the measurements of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, their effects on the performance of one of the most promising plasma AD biomarkers, phosphorylated tau (p-tau)217, are not known.

Methods

We included 50 amyloid-β positive (Aβ+) and 50 Aβ− participants from the Swedish BioFINDER-1 study. Plasma and CSF p-tau217 were measured using an immunoassay developed by Lilly Research Laboratories. We examined the effect of four plasma handling conditions, i.e., (1) thawing at room temperature (RT) with no centrifugation, (2) thawing at RT followed by centrifugation, (3) thawing on ice with no centrifugation, and (4) thawing on ice followed by centrifugation. In addition, we also tested the effects of up to 3 freeze–thaw cycles on the associations of plasma p-tau217 with AD-related pathologies measured with CSF p-tau217 and CSF Aβ42/Aβ40.

Results

In the whole cohort (combining Aβ+ and Aβ− participants), we found significant correlations between plasma p-tau217 and both CSF p-tau217 (Rrange, 0.614–0.717, p < 0.001) and CSF Aβ42/Aβ40 (Spearman Rrange, − 0.515 to − 0.652, p < 0.001) for each of the four tested conditions. Correlations between plasma and CSF p-tau217 were also significant for all conditions in the Aβ+ group (Rrange, 0.506–0.579, p < 0.001). However, in this Aβ+ subgroup, correlations with CSF Aβ42/Aβ40 were only significant for centrifuged samples (thawed at RT, R =  − 0.394, p = 0.010; thawed on ice, R =  − 0.406; p = 0.007). In Aβ− participants, correlations between plasma and CSF p-tau217 were again significant only for centrifuged samples (thawed at RT, R = 0.394, p = 0.007; thawed on ice, R = 0.334; p = 0.022), with no correlations seen between plasma p-tau217 and CSF Aβ42/Aβ40 for any of the conditions. While the accuracy of plasma p-tau217 to identify individuals with abnormal CSF Aβ42/Aβ40 or CSF p-tau217 status was high, the AUCs for samples thawed at RT and analyzed without centrifugation were numerically lower than the AUCs of other conditions (CSF Aβ42/Aβ40 = 0.845 vs 0.872–0.884; CSF p-tau217 = 0.866 vs 0.908–0.924, pdiff > 0.11). P-tau217 concentration was consistently higher in non-centrifuged samples than in centrifuged samples (p ≤ 0.021). There were no differences between samples freeze-thawed once, twice, or three times.

Conclusion

Centrifugation improved the performance of plasma p-tau217, but thawing temperatures and up to three freeze–thaw cycles did not have a significant impact. These results may inform the future development of standardized sample-handling protocols for AD biomarkers.
Prevalence and trend of central nervous system–active medication polypharmacy among US commercially insured adults with vs without early-onset dementia: a multi-year cross-sectional study
Authors: Wei Yu-Jung Jenny , Shrestha Nistha , Chiang ChienWei , DeKosky Steven T.
Published: February 2024

Background

Limited data exist on the prevalence and trend of central nervous system (CNS)-active medication polypharmacy among adults with early-onset dementia (EOD) and whether these estimates differ for adults without EOD but with chronic pain, depression, or epilepsy, conditions managed by CNS-active medications.

Methods

A multi-year, cross-sectional study using 2012–2021 MarketScan Commercial Claims data was conducted among adults aged 30 to 64 years with EOD and those without EOD but having a diagnosis of chronic pain, depression, or epilepsy as comparison groups. For each disease cohort, the primary outcome was CNS-active medication polypharmacy defined as concurrent use of ≥ 3 CNS-active medications on the US Beers Criteria list that overlapped for > 30 consecutive days during 12 months following a randomly selected medical encounter with the disease diagnosis. A separate multivariate modified Poisson regression model was used to estimate time trends in CNS polypharmacy in each disease cohort. Differences in trend estimates between EOD and non-EOD disease cohorts were examined by an interaction between EOD status and yearly time.

Results

From 2013 to 2020, the annual crude prevalence of CNS polypharmacy was higher among adults with EOD (21.2%–25.0%) than adults with chronic pain (5.1%–5.9%), depression (14.8%–21.7%), or epilepsy (20.0%–22.3%). The adjusted annual prevalence of CNS polypharmacy among patients with EOD did not significantly change between 2013 and 2020 (adjusted prevalence rate ratio [aPRR], 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88–1.01), whereas a significant decreasing trend was observed among non-EOD cohorts with chronic pain (aPRR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.63–0.69), depression (aPRR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.77–0.85), and epilepsy (aPRR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.83–0.89). The interaction analysis indicated that patients with epilepsy and depression (vs with EOD) had a decreasing probability of CNS-active medication polypharmacy over time (aPRR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.98–0.99]; P < .001 for interaction for both conditions).

Conclusions

The prevalence of CNS polypharmacy among US commercially insured adults with EOD (vs without) was higher and remained unchanged from 2013 to 2021. Medication reviews of adults with EOD and CNS polypharmacy are needed to ensure that benefits outweigh risks associated with combined use of these treatments.
Evaluating the costs of adverse drug events in hospitalized patients: a systematic review
Authors: Durand Maxime , Castelli Christel , Roux-Marson Clarisse , Kinowski Jean-Marie , Leguelinel-Blache Géraldine
Published: February 2024

Background

Adverse drug events (ADEs) are not only a safety and quality of care issue for patients, but also an economic issue with significant costs. Because they often occur during hospital stays, it is necessary to accurately quantify the costs of ADEs. This review aimed to investigate the methods to calculate these costs, and to characterize their nature.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify methods used to assess the cost of ADEs on Medline, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Original articles published from 2017 to 2022 in English and French were included. Economic evaluations were included if they concerned inpatients.

Results

From 127 studies screened, 20 studies were analyzed. There was a high heterogeneity in nature of costs, methods used, values obtained, and time horizon chosen. A small number of studies considered non-medical (10%), indirect (20%) and opportunity costs (5%). Ten different methods for assessing the cost of ADEs have been reported and nine studies did not explain how they obtained their values.

Conclusions

There is no consensus in the literature on how to assess the costs of ADEs, due to the heterogeneity of contexts and the choice of different economic perspectives. Our study adds a well-deserved overview of the existing literature that can be a solid lead for future studies and method implementation.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration CRD42023413071.
Transformative synergy: SSEHCET—bridging mobile edge computing and AI for enhanced eHealth security and efficiency
Authors: Humayun Mamoona , Alsirhani Amjad , Alserhani Faeiz , Shaheen Momina , Alwakid Ghadah
Published: February 2024

Blockchain technologies (BCT) are utilized in healthcare to facilitate a smart and secure transmission of patient data. BCT solutions, however, are unable to store data produced by IoT devices in smart healthcare applications because these applications need a quick consensus process, meticulous key management, and enhanced eprivacy standards. In this work, a smart and secure eHealth framework SSEHCET (Smart and Secure EHealth Framework using Cutting-edge Technologies) is proposed that leverages the potentials of modern cutting-edge technologies (IoT, 5G, mobile edge computing, and BCT), which comprises six layers: 1) The sensing layer-WBAN consists of medical sensors that normally are on or within the bodies of patients and communicate data to smartphones. 2) The edge layer consists of elements that are near IoT devices to collect data. 3) The Communication layer leverages the potential of 5G technology to transmit patients' data between multiple layers efficiently. 4) The storage layer consists of cloud servers or other powerful computers. 5) Security layer, which uses BCT to transmit and store patients' data securely. 6) The healthcare community layer includes healthcare professionals and institutions. For the processing of medical data and to guarantee dependable, safe, and private communication, a Smart Agent (SA) program was duplicated on all layers. The SA leverages the potential of BCT to protect patients' privacy when outsourcing data. The contribution is substantiated through a meticulous evaluation, encompassing security, ease of use, user satisfaction, and SSEHCET structure. Results from an in-depth case study with a prominent healthcare provider underscore SSEHCET's exceptional performance, showcasing its pivotal role in advancing the security, usability, and user satisfaction paradigm in modern eHealth landscapes.
Challenges and success stories of the implementation of infection control and antimicrobial stewardship strategies: proceedings of the 5th Global Ministerial Summit on Patient Safety, 2023
Authors: Büchler Andrea C. , Haddad Galas Murielle , Buetti Niccolò , Alp Emine , Apisarnthanarak Anucha , Dziekan Gerald , Fabre Valeria , Gottwalt Simon , Jindai Kazuaki , Ndoye Babacar , Márquez Villareal Hilda , Otaiza Fernando , Pittet Didier , Schellack Natalie , Gardiol Céline , Harbarth Stephan
Published: February 2024

The 5th edition of the Global Ministerial Summit on Patient Safety was held in Montreux, Switzerland, in February 2023, delayed by three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The overarching theme of the summit was “Less Harm, Better Care – from Resolution to Implementation”, focusing on the challenges of implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies as well as antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) around the world. IPC strategies and ASP are of increasing importance due to the substantial burden of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance threatening patient safety. Here, we summarize countries’ and regional experiences and activities related to the implementation of IPC strategies and ASP shared at the meeting. Full implementation of effective programs remains a major challenge in all settings due to limited support by political and healthcare leaders, and human and financial constraints. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic challenged already well-established programs. By enforcing sustained implementation by dedicated, cross-disciplinary healthcare personnel with a broad skill set, a reduction in healthcare-associated infections and multidrug-resistant pathogens can be achieved, leading ultimately to improved patient safety.
Exploring the role of blockchain technology in modern high-value food supply chains: global trends and future research directions
Authors: Chiaraluce Giulia , Bentivoglio Deborah , Finco Adele , Fiore Mariantonietta , Contò Francesco , Galati Antonino
Published: February 2024

Trust, safety, and quality are among the most important factors in the agri-food supply chains. Traceability is a powerful tool to ensure them, but implementing a transparent and effective system is a complex operation. As a result, innovative systems, like blockchain, could be introduced. Although research on its impacts in the agri-food is recent, the literature appears fragmented. The objective is to investigate the studied aspects of the blockchain adoption in agri-food, with the purpose of retrieving meaningful considerations about the current state of the art about strategic high-value supply chains, such as wine and olive oil, particularly subjected to fraudulent behaviors. A productivity measurement was applied to retrieve the evolution of the number of documents through the years, the most productive countries, the sources, the research areas, and the most significant papers in terms of number of citations received. To understand the research trends, a co-occurrence analysis was employed. Results show that most of the existing studies focus on the role of blockchain in the resolution of some critical issues as food safety and frauds. While wine is currently an emerging sector in which this approach can be implemented, olive oil still needs more attention. In both cases, blockchain could potentially help to support the profitability and sustainability of the production. The research underlines the importance of focusing on the environmental and social dimension of the blockchain phenomenon and the use of technology to improve the efficiency of agri-food chains and reduce waste and resource use.
Gene expression analysis reveals diabetes-related gene signatures
Authors: Farrim M. I. , Gomes A. , Milenkovic D. , Menezes R.
Published: February 2024

Background

Diabetes is a spectrum of metabolic diseases affecting millions of people worldwide. The loss of pancreatic β-cell mass by either autoimmune destruction or apoptosis, in type 1-diabetes (T1D) and type 2-diabetes (T2D), respectively, represents a pathophysiological process leading to insulin deficiency. Therefore, therapeutic strategies focusing on restoring β-cell mass and β-cell insulin secretory capacity may impact disease management. This study took advantage of powerful integrative bioinformatic tools to scrutinize publicly available diabetes-associated gene expression data to unveil novel potential molecular targets associated with β-cell dysfunction.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search for human studies on gene expression alterations in the pancreas associated with T1D and T2D was performed. A total of 6 studies were selected for data extraction and for bioinformatic analysis. Pathway enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were conducted, together with protein–protein interaction networks and the identification of potential transcription factors (TFs). For noncoding differentially expressed RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which exert regulatory activities associated with diabetes, identifying target genes and pathways regulated by these RNAs is fundamental for establishing a robust regulatory network.

Results

Comparisons of DEGs among the 6 studies showed 59 genes in common among 4 or more studies. Besides alterations in mRNA, it was possible to identify differentially expressed miRNA and lncRNA. Among the top transcription factors (TFs), HIPK2, KLF5, STAT1 and STAT3 emerged as potential regulators of the altered gene expression. Integrated analysis of protein-coding genes, miRNAs, and lncRNAs pointed out several pathways involved in metabolism, cell signaling, the immune system, cell adhesion, and interactions. Interestingly, the GABAergic synapse pathway emerged as the only common pathway to all datasets.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the power of bioinformatics tools in scrutinizing publicly available gene expression data, thereby revealing potential therapeutic targets like the GABAergic synapse pathway, which holds promise in modulating α-cells transdifferentiation into β-cells.
Test review of Iranian English language proficiency test: MSRT test
Authors: Khodi Ali , Ponniah Logendra Stanley , Farrokhi Amir Hossein , Sadeghi Fateme
Published: February 2024

The current article evaluates a national English language proficiency test known as the “MSRT test” which is used to determine the eligibility of candidates for admission to and completion of higher education programs in Iran. Students in all majors take this standardized, high-stake criterion-referenced test to determine if they have obtained the minimum English proficiency level and can be graduated. The present paper seeks to examine the test and its psychometrics characteristics due to the significance of such a high-stakes examination that may have social and long-lasting effects on the participants. It is claimed that the test measures participants’ “knowledge of language” for communication rather than their “knowledge about language” in a constrained context. As a result, the test dimensionality and validity are up for debate. It was found that fundamental revisions in terms of test format and content are required to improve the test quality. The current study examined the areas that are yet unexplored and attempts to describe the MSRT assessment comprehensively.
The Schwann cell-specific G-protein Gαo (Gnao1) is a cell-intrinsic controller contributing to the regulation of myelination in peripheral nerve system
Authors: Xu Jinghui , Peng Qianqian , Cai Jieyi , Shangguan Jianghong , Su Wenfeng , Chen Gang , Sun Hualin , Zhu Changlai , Gu Yun
Published: February 2024

Myelin sheath abnormality is the cause of various neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). G-proteins and their coupled receptors (GPCRs) play the important roles in myelination. Gnao1, encoding the major Gα protein (Gαo) in mammalian nerve system, is required for normal motor function. Here, we show that Gnao1 restricted to Schwann cell (SCs) lineage, but not neurons, negatively regulate SC differentiation, myelination, as well as re-myelination in peripheral nervous system (PNS). Mice lacking Gnao1 expression in SCs exhibit faster re-myelination and motor function recovery after nerve injury. Conversely, mice with Gnao1 overexpression in SCs display the insufficient myelinating capacity and delayed re-myelination. In vitro, Gnao1 deletion in SCs promotes SC differentiation. We found that Gnao1 knockdown in SCs resulting in the elevation of cAMP content and the activation of PI3K/AKT pathway, both associated with SC differentiation. The analysis of RNA sequencing data further evidenced that Gnao1 deletion cause the increased expression of myelin-related molecules and activation of regulatory pathways. Taken together, our data indicate that Gnao1 negatively regulated SC differentiation by reducing cAMP level and inhibiting PI3K-AKT cascade activation, identifying a novel drug target for the treatment of demyelinating diseases.
Pattern recognition of financial innovation life cycle for renewable energy investments with integer code series and multiple technology S-curves based on Q-ROF DEMATEL
Authors: Kou Gang , Dinçer Hasan , Yüksel Serhat
Published: February 2024

The current study evaluates the financial innovation life cycle for renewable energy investments. A novel model is proposed that has two stages. First, the financial innovation life cycle is weighted by the two-generation technology S-curve (TTSC) for renewable energy investments. Second, the TTSC is ranked with integer patterns for renewable energy investments. For this purpose, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) is considered with q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets (q-ROFSs). A comparative examination is then performed using intuitionistic and Pythagorean fuzzy sets, and we find similar results for all fuzzy sets. Hence, the suggested model is reliable and coherent. Maturity phase 1 is the most significant phase of the financial innovation life cycle for these projects. Aging is the most important period for financial innovation in renewable energy investment projects—renewable energy companies should make strategic decisions after that point. In this situation, decisions should relate to either radical or incremental innovation. If companies do not make decisions during these phases, innovative financial products cannot be improved. As a result, renewable energy companies will not prefer financing products.
‘With a little help from my educated friends’: revisiting the role of social capital for immigrants’ labour market integration in Germany
Authors: Rüdel Julia , Steinmann Jan-Philip
Published: February 2024

This article examines the link between immigrants’ social capital and their labour market access (employment) and success (occupational status) in Germany and contributes to previous research in two ways. Firstly, based on insights from theories of social capital and immigrant integration, we overcome the mere distinction between inter- and intra-ethnic ties. Instead, we approximate resources immigrants can access and mobilize by considering both the ethnic and socioeconomic compositions of their networks. Secondly, by using autoregressive cross-lagged panel models, we properly deal with the methodological challenge of endogeneity inherent to studies concerned with the relationship between social capital and labour market outcomes. Based on longitudinal data from the German Socio-Economic Panel the empirical findings indicate the necessity of considering both the ethnic and socioeconomic compositions of immigrants’ networks—as both have independent effects on immigrants’ labour market integration. We conclude that future research on the relationship between immigrants’ social capital and their economic integration may benefit from approximating resources available through social contacts by considering not only the ethnic dimension but also the socioeconomic dimension of contacts.
Observation of antitumor mechanism of GE11-modified paclitaxel and curcumin liposomes based on cellular morphology changes
Authors: Tang Hailing , Li Lijuan , Wang Baoshan ,   Guangxi Scientific Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Published: February 2024

Curcumin and paclitaxel are widely used as anti-tumor hydrophobic model drugs for the designation of smart tumor-targeting nanocarriers and the study of the correlation between structural characteristics of nanoparticles and in vivo therapeutic efficacy. Various signaling pathways on cell growth and proliferation have been comprehensively studied in vitro and in vivo under the action of curcumin and paclitaxel nanoparticles. In this paper, we prepared EGFR-targeted GE11 peptide-modified curcumin and paclitaxel compound liposomes (CUR-PTX@GE11-L). The tumor suppression mechanism of CUR-PTX@GE11-L is observed from the aspects of drug release behavior, changes of cell morphology, liver retention, and tumor-targeting efficiency. We hope it can provide a new vision for the rational construction of smart nanoscale drug delivery system through the observation of cytotoxic effects of CUR-PTX@GE11-L, especially on the cellular morphology change.

Graphical Abstract
Examining attributes of retailers that influence where cannabis is purchased: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Donnan Jennifer R. , Downey Molly , Johnston Karissa , Najafizada Maisam , Bishop Lisa D.
Published: February 2024

Background

With the legalization of cannabis in Canada, consumers are presented with numerous purchase options. Licensed retailers are limited by the Cannabis Act and provincial regulations with respect to offering sales, advertising, location, maximum quantities, and information sharing in an effort to protect public health and safety. The degree these policies influence consumer purchase behavior will help inform regulatory refinement.

Methods

A discrete choice experiment within a cross-sectional online survey was used to explore trade-offs consumers make when deciding where to purchase cannabis. Attributes included availability of sales/discounts, proximity, product information, customer service, product variety, and provincial regulation. Participants ≥ 19 years old who lived in Canada and purchased cannabis in the previous 12 months were recruited through an online market research survey panel. A multinomial logit (MNL) model was used for the base model, and latent class analysis was used to assess preference sub-groups. Key limitations included ordering effect, hypothetical bias, and framing effect.

Results

The survey was completed by 1626 people, and the base model showed that customer service carried the most weight in purchase decisions, followed by proximity and availability of sales and discounts. There was considerable heterogeneity in preference patterns, with a five-group latent class model demonstrating best fit. Only one group (15% of sample) placed a high value on the store being provincially regulated, while three groups were willing to make a trade-off with regulation to access better customer service, product information, or closer proximity. One group preferred non-regulated sources (24% of sample); this group was also primarily driven by the availability of sales and discounts. Three groups (60.5% of sample) preferred online stores.

Conclusion

This study highlighted that there exists significant diversity with respect to the influence of consumer experiences on cannabis purchase behaviors. Modifications to cannabis retail regulations that focus on improving access to product information as well as reviewing limitations on sales and discounts could have the most impact for shifting customers to licensed retailers.
BRCA mutations: screening for germ-line founder mutations among early-onset Syrian breast cancer patients
Authors: Wahabi Alzahabi Salma , Saifo Maher , Abou Alchamat Ghalia
Published: February 2024

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common female cancers in many countries including Syria. Familial breast cancer or previous family cancer history are considered significant risk factors. Therefore, detecting the prevalence and founder mutations in the population facilitates genetic counselling, risk assessment and the development of a cost-effective screening strategy. In this study, we investigated the three germ-line founder mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes: [NM_007294.4 (BRCA1):c.68_69del (p.Glu23fs), NM_007294.4 (BRCA1):c.5266dup (p.Gln1756fs) and NM_000059.4 (BRCA2):c.5946del (p.Ser1982fs)], to examine their incidence and frequency in early-onset breast cancer cases and determine if they are connected to familial breast cancer. One hundred early diagnosed BC females (≤ 40 years old) with no other type of cancer were recruited. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples, and mutations were investigated using the Amplification-Created Restriction Site (ACRS) method.

Results

The family history of cancer was observed in 61% of the cases, of which 35% were breast cancer; however, none of the screened mutations were detected among BC patients.

Conclusions

The investigated germ-line mutations were not common among Syrian female patients with early-onset BC and were not associated with familial BC. Other mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes or other genes may have a contributing role. Future studies and the need to launch nationwide mutation screening tests for BRCA 1/BRCA2 in the Syrian population are recommended.
Stigma and public attitudes toward euthanasia or assisted suicide for psychiatric conditions: results from a general population survey in Germany
Authors: Schomerus Georg , Schindler Stephanie , Baumann Eva , Angermeyer Matthias C.
Published: February 2024

Background

With growing numbers of countries legalizing euthanasia or assisted suicide (EAS), there is a debate as to whether EAS should also be available to people with severe, treatment-resistant mental illness. Excluding mental illness as a legitimate reason to receive EAS has been framed as discriminating against people with mental illness.

Aims

We examine whether approval or opposition to psychiatric EAS are related to stigma toward people with mental illness.

Method

We asked a representative sample of the general population in Germany (N = 1515) whether they would approve of EAS for someone with severe, treatment-resistant mental illness. Stigma was assessed with the Value-Based Stigma Inventory (VASI), addressing rejection of people with mental illness in relation to different personal values.

Results

A total of 19% of the German population approved of psychiatric EAS. Higher stigma scores were associated with greater approval of EAS (Spearman rank correlation coefficient, 0.28; P < 0.001). This association held true when controlling for sociodemographic variables. It was strongest for stigma related to perceived threats to one's security, reputation and meritocratic values.

Conclusions

Our results highlight that, although opposing psychiatric EAS is sometimes framed as discriminatory, approval of psychiatric EAS might also carry hidden, stigmatising motives. To avoid any unintended negative consequences for people with severe, treatment-resistant mental illness, any legislation on psychiatric EAS needs to be crafted with particular caution.
Liver Androgen Receptor Knockout Improved High-fat Diet Induced Glucose Dysregulation in Female Mice But Not Male Mice
Authors: Osei-Ntansah Adjoa , Oliver Trinitee , Lofton Taylor , Falzarano Claire , Carr Kiana , Huang Ruthe , Wilson Andre , Damaser Ella , Harvey Guyton , Rahman Md Ahasanur , Andrisse Stanley
Published: February 2024

Previous research has indicated that liver androgen receptors may play a role in modulating disease. This study aims to investigate the pathophysiology of high-fat diet (HFD) induced dysglycemia in male and female liver androgen receptor knockout (LivARKO) mice. We performed metabolic tests on LivARKO female and male mice fed a HFD or a control diet (from Research Diets Inc.) during months 1 or 2 after starting the diet. Additionally, we performed Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR analysis on the livers of the mice to examine intermediates in the insulin signaling pathway. LivARKO-HFD female mice displayed no difference in glucose tolerance compared to female LivARKO-Control (Con) mice, whereas in wild-type female mice, HFD impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Our data suggests that starting at 1 month, LivARKO may be protecting female mice from HFD-induced metabolic dysfunction. LivARKO-HFD female mice displayed significantly worse insulin sensitivity at 15 minutes compared to LivARKO-Con female mice, but, strangely, LivARKO-HFD female mice had significantly better insulin sensitivity at 60 and 90 minutes compared to LivARKO-Con female mice. Despite protecting against IGT, LivARKO did not protect against HFD-induced hyperinsulinemia in female mice. In contrast to females, male LivARKO-HFD mice displayed impaired glucose tolerance compared to male LivARKO-Con mice. Thus, LivARKO is not protective against HFD-induced glucose metabolic dysfunction in male mice. Lastly, LivARKO-HFD female mice maintained hepatic insulin sensitivity whereas LivARKO-HFD male mice displayed hepatic insulin resistance. These findings suggest that LivARKO delayed the onset of HFD-induced dysglycemia in female mice.
Is Pay Transparency Good?
Authors: Cullen Zoë
Published: February 2024

Countries around the world are enacting pay transparency policies to combat pay discrimination. Since 2000, 71 percent of OECD countries have done so. Most are enacting transparency horizontally, revealing pay between coworkers doing similar work within a firm. While these policies have narrowed coworker wage gaps, they have also led to counterproductive peer comparisons and caused employers to bargain more aggressively, lowering average wages. Other pay transparency policies, without directly targeting discrimination, have benefited workers by addressing broader information frictions in the labor market. Vertical pay transparency policies reveal to workers pay differences across different levels of seniority. Empirical evidence suggests these policies can lead to more accurate and more optimistic beliefs about earnings potential, increasing employee motivation and productivity. Cross-firm pay transparency policies reveal wage differences across employers. These policies have encouraged workers to seek jobs at higher paying firms, negotiate higher pay, and sharpened wage competition between employers. We discuss the evidence on effects of pay transparency, and open questions.
Migration and Innovation: Learning from Patent and Inventor Data
Authors: Lissoni Francesco , Miguelez Ernest
Published: February 2024

Research on international migration and innovation relies heavily on inventor and patent data, with “migrant inventors” attracting a great deal of attention, especially for what concerns their role in easing the international transfer of knowledge. This hides the fact that many of them move to their host country before starting their inventive career or even before completing their education. We discuss the conceptual and practical difficulties that stand in the way of investigating other likely channels of influence of inventor’s migration on innovation, namely the easing of skill shortages and the increase of variety in inventive teams, firms, and location.
Security Risk Analysis as a Strategic Counterterrorism Tool for National Security: The Case of Frontex Common Integrated Risk Analysis Model (CIRAM)
Authors: Kanellopoulos Anastasios Nikolaos
Published: February 2024

Security Risk Analysis consists an important tool that can be leveraged to properly process information related to National Security and draw useful conclusions through appropriate analytical products. The European Union formulated the appropriate legislation and established new organizations to ensure its external and internal security such as Frontex, designed and developed, in collaboration with the member states, a new security risk analysis tool, the Common Integrated Risk Analysis Model (CIRAM). This paper seeks to approach and examine descriptively, both the elements of this model and its appropriateness to carry out Counterterrorism Risk Analysis.
Αεικρίσεις και Πολυκρίσεις: Σκιαγραφώντας το Σύγχρονο Περιβάλλον Ασφάλειας μέσα από Αναφορές Στρατηγικών Εγγράφων Περιφερειακών και Διεθνών Δρώντων
Authors: Κουκάκης Γεώργιος
Published: February 2024

Το σύγχρονο περιβάλλον ασφάλειας έχει χαρακτηριστεί ως ένα περιβάλλον αεικρίσεων και πολυκρίσεων, καταδεικνύοντας την ταυτόχρονη εμφάνιση κρίσεων σε διάφορα πεδία, η οποία είναι έκδηλη σε μία πληθώρα στρατηγικών εγγράφων, τα οποία περιέχουν σχετικές αναφορές που καταδεικνύουν την ύπαρξη ή ανάδυση ποικίλων απειλών και κινδύνων. Σκοπός της παρούσας ανάλυσης είναι η ανάδειξη των κυριότερων απειλών και κινδύνων του σύγχρονου περιβάλλοντος ασφάλειας μέσα από τη συγκριτική ανάλυση διάφορων στρατηγικών εγγράφων διεθνών και περιφερειακών δρώντων.
A second Renaissance of herbarium-based research, almost five centuries after their invention
Authors: De Vos Jurriaan M. , Stöcklin Jürg
Published: February 2024

The present issue of Bauhinia presents the Proceedings of the Bauhin2022 conference, that the authors organized at the University of Basel, Switzerland, from 15-16 September 2022 in honor of Caspar Bauhin (1560–1624), celebrating his pioneering Flora of Basel 400 years after its publication (Bauhin 1622). This meeting, with ca. 100 participants from 14 countries, with 25 invited and contributed talks, 31 posters, and a discussion workshop fueled our thinking on the increasingly pivotal role of herbaria in current day research.
Caspar Bauhin’s life (1560–1624) – Academic career, achievements as a botanist and his herbarium
Authors: Stöcklin Jürg , De Vos Jurriaan M.
Published: February 2024

Caspar Bauhin was born 1560 in Basel as a refugee child from a distinguished Protestant family which escaped persecution of the Huguenots in France. He studied medicine and botany at the University in Basel, in Italy and France and became the first professor for medical Anatomy and Botany in Basel. He is the founder of one of the first Botanical Gardens north of the Alps, and the first to offer regularly botanical excursions and courses in systematics and taxonomy for medical students. In his many publications, C. Bauhin aimed to give a systematic overview of all c. 5600 plant species known at the time, based on meticulous comparison and descriptions by himself, renaming them by distinguishing clearly between genus and species and by adding the synonyms of other authors. Thereby Caspar Bauhin was paving the way for botany as an independent scientific discipline and for Linnaeus, who heavily relied on him for the further development of botanical systematics and nomenclature more than a century later. His herbarium, which today is kept at the University of Basel, served him as working tool and included more than 4000 species, which he collected himself or through exchange with a wide net of correspondents. Not the least of Bauhin’s achievements is the publication in 1622 of one of the first comprehensive local floras, which until today is used as a reference for floristic changes in the surroundings of Basel.
An integrated approach to studying tropical plant diversity – Taxonomic monographs, herbarium specimens and the sweet potato
Authors: Muñoz-Rodríguez Pablo , Wood John R.I. , Scotland Robert W.
Published: February 2024

Recent decades have witnessed a massive increase in data accumulation, but our knowledge of the world’s biodiversity is still fragmentary: data accumulation has not been matched by a parallel taxonomic effort, and many groups of organisms have never been comprehensively studied. In the current context of climate change and biodiversity loss, we need to accelerate taxonomy and species discovery. This, however, requires a good taxonomic and phylogenetic framework, which is lacking for most groups of tropical plants. This contribution discusses the role of botanical monographs in accelerating taxonomy. We argue that the increasingly easier access to data in the world’s herbaria and the availability of DNA sequence data place botanists in an unparalleled position to produce taxonomic monographs, the forefront of taxonomic research. We illustrate the discussion with the results of a monographic study of the genus Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae). We integrated herbarium-based morphological studies with techniques of phylogenetic and genomic analysis of thousands of specimens to develop more robust species delimitation hypotheses and a comprehensive phylogenetic framework. Monographs such as ours have implications for other disciplines beyond taxonomy. We specifically show how it enabled important discoveries related to the origin of sweet potato, a worldwide staple crop.