bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teachers should be humanitarians first
Authors: Bivins-Hudson Phyllis Geneva
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share one teacher's experiences about her students in an academic system, which does not provide equality and/or equity for students of color. It promulgates the injustices and encourages others to engage in dialogue about these concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a personal narrative inquiry that primarily focuses on shared observations made over a period. The anecdata discusses one teacher's classroom experiences, recounting specific developments and concerns of her students and colleagues. The experiences also include personal accounts, which are connected to those classroom examples, all of which are discussed throughout the paper. Each subtitle is a continuous part of the entire conceptual perspective.

Findings

Teachers should not be ordinary. They should be humanitarians who have achieved a degree in education. They should understand the critical importance of trying to reach each child because as educators, teachers teach students, not content. Therefore, anyone pursuing teaching as a profession should be a humanitarian above all else.

Originality/value

When topics are centered around education, the suffering of children is usually not a part of that conversation. However, in this paper, there are several examples presented that reveal details about specific incidents during this teacher’s tenure. This paper also looks at what the teacher did to support those students who had not yet found their way to the other side of childhood trauma. Further, the teacher provides a series of anecdotes from her own story to illustrate how those experiences helped her address some of the needs of her students.
Aggressive or not aggressive: the different role of ego-network dynamics and density in the international network
Authors: Guan Feiyang , Tienan Wang , Fan Qianqian , Liu Linlin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the effect of competitive aggressiveness on firm performance and the moderating effect of firm 2019s ego-network structures in the international coopetition network.

Design/methodology/approach

From the perspective of strong cooperation of the global automobile industry in recent years, this study uses the global automobile firms in Factiva database as samples to test hypotheses using the least squares dummy variable (LSDV) model.

Findings

This study finds that there is different relationship between the number and variety of competitive actions and firm performance. In addition, ego-network structures have different coefficients for the number and variety of competitive actions.

Originality/value

The conclusions provide theoretical support and policy suggestions for firms to develop effective competitive strategies according to ego-network structures in the international coopetition network.
Reflecting the trends in the academic landscape of special education using probabilistic dynamic topic modeling
Authors: Inaam ul haq Muhammad , Li Qianmu , Hou Jun
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Special education is the education segment that deals with the students facing hurdles in the traditional education system. Research data have evolved in the domain of special education due to scientific advances. The present study aims to employ text mining to extract the latent patterns from the scientific data.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examined the 12,781 Scopus-indexed titles, abstracts and keywords published from 1987 to 2021 through an integrated text-mining and topic modeling approach. It combines dynamic topic models with highly cited reviews of this domain. It facilitates the extraction of topic clusters and communities in the topic network.

Findings

This methodology discovered children’s communication and speech using gaming techniques, mental retardation, cost effect on infant birth, involvement of special education children and their families, assistive technology information for special education, syndrome epilepsy and the impact of group study on skill development peers or self as the hottest topic of research in this domain. In addition to finding research hotspots, it further explores annual topic proportion trends, topic correlations and intertopic research areas.

Originality/value

The results provide a comprehensive summary of the popularity of research topics in special education in the past 34 years, and the results can provide useful insights and implications, and it could be used as a guide for contributors in special education form a structured view of past research and plan future research directions.
Life cycle assessment and relations with triple bottom line in meat production: a systematic approach about cleaner production
Authors: Fritsch Denes Queli Regina , Schneider Rosana de Cassia de Souza , Kipper Liane Mahlmann
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The objective of the present research was to carry out a scientific map about life cycle assessment (LCA) and triple bottom line (TBL) at slaughterhouse areas, looking for Cleaner Production practices aiming at recognizing strategic themes for maintaining the sustainability of productive systems, according to the development of sustainable practices and production evolution in slaughterhouse areas.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature analysis was based on general approach, with steps adapted of study phases and activities of preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses (PRISMA) recommendation guide to do systematic literature review. Activities were subdivided to discuss the results in two kinds of analysis: quantitative and qualitative.

Findings

The main findings of our study reinforce the LCA importance in slaughterhouses to promote Cleaner Production, so that the main measures suggested and/or adopted by different authors include the substitution of raw materials by feeding, with the adoption of grains, protein supplements with less environmental impact in the composition of the feed and changes in the processes seeking for better energy efficiency and optimization of water consumption in meat processing.

Research limitations/implications

There is another action of sustainability considering LCA and Cleaner Production practices in the industrial meat area that should also be considered. These actions are restricted to documents of business circulation, with limited access since they involve issues regarding innovations in economic and technological aspects of slaughterhouses, as well as industrial confidentiality. Furthermore, in patent bases it is possible to advance the studies looking for how the digital transformation has been carried out in this industrial branch, since the 4.0 transformation industry tends to use clean technologies.

Originality/value

There are LCA models with a systemic approach to measure the level of sustainability of a process, comprising analysis of impacts related to different areas: environmental, social and economic although in terms of the meat production chain, the impact analysis focuses mainly on the environmental area. So, future works should be developed in meat production chain to assess social and economic impacts, i.e. a sustainable LCA addressing the three areas to consolidate models and standardize metrics with a scientific basis.
Flavonoids and organochlorines in honey from the Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Authors: Tashiro Yutaka
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the flavonoid composition and organochlorine compounds (OCs) in honey samples from different floral sources on the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, and to determine their nutritional characteristics and the risk of intaking hazardous pollutants.

Design/methodology/approach

Honey samples were collected from various regions of the Ryukyu Islands. Thirty-one samples were analyzed for six flavonoid compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography, and OCs from 14 samples were analyzed by gas chromatography. The differences in flavonoid composition among the samples from different floral sources were determined.

Findings

Honey from Bidens pilosa L. var. radiata Sch. Bip. contained high concentrations of luteolin and apigenin. One sample with polychlorinated biphenyls and two with chlordane compounds were detected in one region; however, their concentrations were lower than those for food regulations.

Originality/value

Novel chemical characteristics in Ryukyu honey, including high amounts of luteolin and apigenin from B. pilosa, were discovered, whereas low OC contamination was observed.
Nutrient intakes and cognitive competence in the context of abstract reasoning of school-age children in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana
Authors: Annan Reginald Adjetey , Apprey Charles , Odeafo Asamoah-Boakye , Benedicta Twum-Dei , Sakurai Takeshi , Okonogi Satoru
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The association between nutrition and cognitive test performance among school children is limited in developing countries, including Ghana. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between nutrient intake and cognitive competence in the context of abstract reasoning among school-aged children in the Tamale Metropolis.

Design/methodology/approach

The present cross-sectional study recruited 596 children aged 9–13 years from government-owned and private primary schools in Tamale Metropolis. Dietary intake was assessed by using three-day repeated 24-hour recall. Cognition was assessed by the Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) test, made up of 36 questions and used as a continuous variable, whereby higher scores indicated better cognition.

Findings

The majority of the children did not meet the recommended dietary allowances for protein (55.5%) and fibre (94.0%) and estimated adequate requirement for energy (86.6%), folate (72.8%), vitamin E (90.6%) and zinc (74.8%). More girls (55.1%) performed poorly in the cognition test than the boys (45.7%) (p = 0.029). Between-subject effects determined using univariate and multivariate analyses indicated age (p = 0.002), dietary folate (p = 0.016), vitamin C intake (p = 0.011), combined age and dietary folate (p = 0.049) and combined age and dietary vitamin C (p = 0.022) significantly affected cognition scores. Girls had lower odds (AOR = 0.7, p = 0.021, 95%CI = 0.5–0.9) of scoring above the 50th percentile in cognition test than boys.

Research limitations/implications

The current nutrient intakes of the children were inadequate. The children performed poorly in Raven’s cognition test of abstract reasoning, and this was associated with being a girl.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate nutrient intakes and RCPM test performance among children in Northern Ghana. Thus, the findings of the study provide relevant information needed by stakeholders to implement nutrition programs in basic schools, aimed at ensuring optimal nutrition achievement among school children for improved cognition.
Cold case homicides and assigning priority for investigation: a review of available literature
Authors: Nurthen Katrina , van der Laan Luke
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this scoping literature review was to identify and consolidate all available theories and methods for cold case homicide evaluation, solvability and priority ranking that would serve to guide a broader exploratory study and future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the findings of a scoping literature review. The review forms part of a broader exploratory study. The scoping literature review sought to identify reported evidence from the extant literature in identifying and defining key concepts relevant to cold prioritisation. It also sought to identify any knowledge gaps relevant to the scoping review question.

Findings

The review suggested that internationally, there is a wide variance and inconsistency in the processes, methods and criteria used by policing agencies to evaluate and prioritise cold cases for investigation. Despite this, there were four themes that could be regarded as [parameters for future cold case research: cold case evaluation and review, prioritisation methods, solvability and prioritisation systems and tools. The review revealed several gaps in the literature. No papers could be found discussing the allocation of individual priority rankings based on any kind of weighted criteria system or model. Further, no information could be found in the available literature on any automated systems, online tools, algorithms, or applications utilised when evaluating or prioritising cases.

Research limitations/implications

The research results are limited in that it is possible that relevant extant literature exists that was not discoverable using the scoping review search strategy.

Practical implications

The paper is a part of a broader exploratory study that seeks to develop a framework for cold case prioritisation that, in a time where public scrutiny has increased, has increased transparency with clearly articulated criteria for evaluation and process.

Originality/value

This paper assimilates the extant literature associated with cold case evaluation and prioritisation and presents a summary of themes and gaps in knowledge that informs future research.
Trauma experienced by researchers: challenges and recommendations to support students and junior scholars
Authors: Eliasson Michelle N. , DeHart Dana
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Specifically, the authors discuss three challenges that researchers—especially graduate students—often face: (1) access to adequate material and guidance for researchers; (2) the internal and external strains researchers may face, and (3) the limited conceptualization of research on sensitive topics or vulnerable populations. Although these three challenges may be present for many graduate students and junior scholars, it is important to acknowledge that scholars face many challenges beyond the ones discussed in this note.

Design/methodology/approach

This note will specifically address challenges that arise for graduate students and junior scholars, and we suggest possible strategies to navigate this type of research.

Findings

The authors encourage comprehensive approaches taken by institutions, enacted via advocacy from the field. Professional organizations can create a valuable, ongoing forum for such discussions by including the topic of researcher trauma within workshops, discussion sessions, conference tracks, journals, and newsletters. Second, the topic of researcher trauma must be introduced early and often in graduate training, including planned meaningful coverage in methodology courses, textbooks, and professional training. Third, researchers at all levels should carefully reflect on how their own line of inquiry and their routine research practices could impart trauma.

Originality/value

While ethical principles center on protecting human research participants, risks of trauma experienced by researchers are not consistently addressed in the context of methodological training or human-subjects internal review board and ethics committees' consideration. Although many researchers engage in work that can cause the researcher trauma, few studies address the experiences of researchers in depth, especially the experiences of graduate students or junior scholars.
The influence of palm oil fuel ash and metakaolin on the strength of concrete and crack resistance of reinforced concrete beam: a review
Authors: De'nan Fatimah , Megat Johari Megat Azmi , Anak Nyandau Shaneez Christie , Hashim Nor Salwani
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to know the influence of palm oil fuel ash and metakaolin on the strength of concrete and crack resistance of reinforced concrete beam. An ordinary portland cement has been used in the concretes production where it is an important material to be considered due to its nature that reacts with every substance present. During the cement production, a significant amount of carbon dioxide is emitted from the clinker in rotary kiln and lot of energy is required in the production processes. Such an event can be prevented by replacing the part of cement with metakaolin (MK) and palm oil fuel ash (POFA). Aside from being a cementitious alternative, the materials can also contribute to a greener environment and more sustainable building, as POFA is available in Malaysia and may be used to substitute cement and minimize pollution.

Design/methodology/approach

This study assesses the effect of MK and POFA on the concrete in terms of compressive strength and cracks pattern of the reinforced concrete beam based on the relevant previous studies.

Findings

From this study, the compressive strength of concrete containing MK and POFA was higher than the control mix with the percentage of improvement in the range of 0.8%–78.2% for MK and 0.5%–14%, respectively. The optimum content of MK and POFA is between the range of 10% and 15% and 10% and 20%, respectively, to achieve high strength of concrete. Other than that, the inclusion of MK to the concrete mix improves the strength of reinforced concrete beams and reduces cracks on the surface of reinforced concrete beams, whereas the inclusion of POFA to the concrete mix increases the cracks on reinforced concrete beams. The cracks appeared within the flexure zone of every beam containing the MK and POFA.

Originality/value

It was found that the fineness of MK and POFA has a significant influence on the mechanical properties of concrete.
Fisheries bycatch mitigation measures as an efficient tool for the conservation of seabird populations
Authors: Dasnon Anaïs , Delord Karine , Chaigne Adrien , Barbraud Christophe
Published: May 2022

The impact of industrial fisheries on marine biodiversity is conspicuous in large pelagic vertebrate's fisheries bycatch. In seabirds, this led to the decline of many populations since the 1980s following the rise of global fishing effort. Bycatch mitigation measures were implemented since the 2000s, but their effects on the concerned seabird populations remain poorly quantified and understood.

We studied the effects of bycatch mitigation measures on the demography of the white‐chinned petrel, one of the most bycatch impacted seabirds whose populations suffered dramatic declines before the implementation of mitigation measures. To do so we (a) built multi‐event capture–recapture models to estimate the demographic parameters of a population from Possession Island (southern Indian Ocean) over 30 years, (b) assessed the effect of climate and fishery covariates on demographic parameters, (c) built a population matrix model to estimate stochastic growth rate according to the management in fisheries bycatch and (d) estimated changes in breeding population density using distance sampling data.

The population declined from the 1980s to the mid‐2000s, while trawl and longline fisheries occurred with no bycatch mitigation measures. The negative effects of fishery bycatch through additive mortality and of rat predation on breeding success were likely the main drivers of this decline.

Both modelled population growth rate and observed breeding densities showed an increase since the mid‐2000s. We explained this trend by the improvement in survival probability following implementation of fishery bycatch mitigation measures and in breeding success probability with the local control of the rat population and changes in sea ice conditions on foraging grounds.

Synthesis and applications. We provide a holistic approach to assess the effects of management measures by analysing datasets from sampling methods commonly employed in seabird studies. Our conclusions should encourage the eradication of invasive predatory species in seabird breeding areas and the strengthening of bycatch mitigation measures for the vulnerable seabird species, especially in international waters, but also the development of such measures considering the other marine large pelagic species threatened by fisheries bycatch (sharks, rays, turtles and marine mammals) since it could be crucial to avoid populations' extinction.
Coordination between water uptake depth and the leaf economic spectrum in a Mediterranean shrubland
Authors: Illuminati Angela , Querejeta José Ignacio , Pías Beatriz , Escudero Adrián , Matesanz Silvia
Published: May 2022

Water is the most limiting resource for plant survival and growth in arid environments, but the diversity of water‐use strategies among coexisting species in dryland communities is not well understood. There is also growing interest in assessing whether a whole‐plant coordination exists between traits related to water‐use and the leaf economic spectrum (LES).

We used water stable isotopes (δ2H, δ18O) to quantify water uptake proportions from different soil depths by 24 species in a Mediterranean shrubland. Leaf traits associated with water‐use efficiency, stomatal regulation (δ13C, δ18O) and the LES (SLA, N, P, K concentrations) were also measured. We assessed potential trade‐offs between the above‐mentioned leaf traits, water uptake depth and their relationship with species abundance.

We found distinct ecohydrological niche segregation among coexisting species. Bayesian models showed that our shrubland species used a median of 37% of shallow soil water (0–30 cm) and 63% of deep water (30–100 cm). Still, water source proportions varied considerably among species, as shallow soil water‐use ranged from a minimum of 6.4% to a maximum of 68%. Interspecific variability in foliar carbon investment (SLA) and nutrient concentrations was remarkably high, indicating diverse nutrient‐use strategies along the LES. Leaf δ18O, δ13C and δ15N values also differed widely among species, revealing differences in stomatal regulation, water‐use efficiency and nitrogen acquisition mechanisms. After accounting for evolutionary history effects, water uptake depth was coordinated with the LES: species using shallower soil water from fertile topsoil layers exhibited a more acquisitive carbon‐ and nutrient‐use strategy, whereas water uptake from deeper but less fertile soil layers was linked to a more conservative nutrient‐use strategy. Leaf‐level water‐use traits significantly influenced species abundance, as water‐savers with tight stomatal regulation and high water‐use efficiency were dominant.

Synthesis. Greater utilisation of water stored in nutrient‐rich topsoil layers favoured a more acquisitive nutrient‐use strategy, whereas a deeper water uptake pattern appeared to constrain access to nutrients. Our findings thus suggest a largely inescapable trade‐off and coordination between soil water uptake depth and carbon‐ and nutrient‐use strategies in low‐fertility drylands.
Phonological patterns in Greek language in toddlers and children with Down syndrome and children with language impairment
Authors: Katsarou Dimitra , Andreou Georgia
Published: May 2022

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder which is represented by a variety of deficits in all linguistic domains including phonology. Previous research, mainly conducted in the English language, has documented phonological deficits in early childhood in Down syndrome. Given the paucity of research in the area of phonology in the Greek language, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the phonological skills of children with Down syndrome (N = 45) in the Greek language and compare them with those of age‐matched and non‐verbal age children with language impairment (N = 45). A test, standardized in the Greek language, was used for the above purpose which consisted of four subscales: articulation; phonemic analysis; phonemic completion; and phonemic distinction. The results showed that children with Down syndrome performed poorer on all four subscales than children with language impairment, and provided evidence for distinct difficulties in specific consonants and complex articulations inherent in the Greek language.
Eruptive cherry angiomas–a novel cutaneous manifestation of immunoglobulin type gamma 4‐related disease
Authors: Bandla Maanasa , Lee Senhong , Simpson Ian , Boyapati Ann
Published: May 2022

Immunoglobulin type gamma 4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) is a fibroinflammatory condition that can have systemic and/or cutaneous manifestations. The most common cutaneous features are erythematous papules, nodules and/or plaques, typically involving the head and neck (J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;75:197). We report a case of IgG4‐RD presenting with eruptive cherry angiomas, a novel cutaneous presentation.
Complement blockade with eculizumab for treatment of severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 in pregnancy: A case series
Authors: Burwick Richard M. , Dellapiana Gabriela , Newman Rachel A. , Smithson Sarah D. , Naqvi Mariam , Williams John , Wong Melissa S. , Bautista Martha , Gaden Anna , Kazani Shamsah D. , Dunn Derek A. , Ma Mark H. , Mitter Sanjay , Monteleone Jonathan P. R. , Ortiz Stephan R. , Ghandehari Sara , Merin Noah , Zakowski Mark I. , Karumanchi S. Ananth
Published: May 2022

Problem

We evaluated eculizumab, a complement protein C5 inhibitor, for treatment of severe COVID‐19 in pregnant and postpartum individuals.

Method of Study

Protocol ECU‐COV‐401 (clinicaltrials.gov NCT04355494) is an open label, multicenter, Expanded Access Program (EAP), evaluating eculizumab for treatment of severe COVID‐19. Participants enrolled at our center from August 2020 to February 2021. Hospitalized patients were eligible if they had severe COVID‐19 with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and oxygen requirement. Eculizumab was administered on day 1 (1200 mg IV) with additional doses if still hospitalized (1200 mg IV on Days 4 and 8; 900 mg IV on Days 15 and 22; optional doses on Days 12 and 18). The primary outcome was survival at Day 15. Secondary outcomes included survival at Day 29, need for mechanical ventilation, and duration of hospital stay. We evaluated pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data, safety, and adverse outcomes.

Results

Eight participants were enrolled at the Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center, six during pregnancy (mean 30 ± 4.0 weeks) and two in the postpartum period. Baseline oxygen requirement ranged from 2 L/min nasal cannula to 12 L/min by non‐rebreather mask. The median number of doses of eculizumab was 2 (range 1–3); the median time to hospital discharge was 5.5 days (range 3–12). All participants met the primary outcome of survival at Day 15, and all were alive and free of mechanical ventilation at Day 29. In three participants we demonstrated that free C5 and soluble C5b‐9 levels decreased following treatment. There were no serious adverse maternal or neonatal events attributed to eculizumab at 3 months.

Conclusion

We describe use of eculizumab to treat severe COVID‐19 in a small series of pregnant and postpartum adults. A larger, controlled study in pregnancy is indicated.
Trends in country and gender representation on editorial boards in anaesthesia journals: a pooled cross‐sectional analysis
Authors:   Anaesthesia Journal Editorial Board Diversity and Representation Study Group
Published: May 2022

Evidence exists that women and people from low‐ and middle‐income countries are under‐represented on the editorial boards of medical journals. This may adversely influence the journal output. We conducted a pooled, cross‐sectional evaluation of the editorial board membership of anaesthesia journals. We collected data on members of editorial boards from the founding year and at 5‐yearly intervals until 2020. For each editor, we recorded gender, country of affiliation, World Bank income classification (1990 onwards) and editorial role (2020 only). The composite editorial board diversity score was calculated for each editorial board. We obtained complete data for the composition of editorial boards from all 30 journals for 2020, but for only 171 out of 304 editorial boards (56%) over the time period examined. In 2020, 409 out of 1973 (21%) were women (range across the editorial boards 0–39%) and 139 out of 1982 (7%) were from low‐, low‐middle‐ and upper‐middle‐income countries (range across the editorial boards 0–71%). In 2020, of editorial board positions with known seniority status, 109 out of 259 (42%) of women and 306 out of 960 (32%) of men were in senior roles. In the same year, 397 out of 1115 (36%) of people from high‐income countries were in senior roles, compared with 19 out of 93 (20%) of people from upper‐middle‐income countries and 0 out of 14 (0%) people from lower‐middle‐income countries. The median composite editorial board diversity score was 4 (range 2–6) in 2020 – 5 or less suggests poor diversity, while 8 or more suggests good diversity. Women and people from low‐ and middle‐income countries are under‐represented on anaesthesia journal editorial boards. The editorial boards do not reflect the anaesthesia workforce and may act as a barrier to the publication of research produced by these groups. Urgent action is required to improve diversity.
Is unemployment benefit stigma related to poverty, payment receipt, or lack of employment? A vignette experiment about Australian views
Authors: Suomi Aino , Schofield Timothy , Haslam Nick , Butterworth Peter
Published: May 2022

The present study sought to better understand the extent to which negative perceptions of people who receive unemployment benefits is due to their poverty status, their unemployment, and/or their receipt of income support payments. We sought to differentiate these three factors in a vignette‐based experiment drawing on a large Australian general population sample (N = 778). Participants rated the personality and capability of two fictional characters. The key experimental manipulation of employment status and benefit receipt was embedded in description of other characteristics. Participants rated vignette characters who received unemployment benefits less favorably on personality (conscientiousness, emotional stability, agreeableness), competence, and warmth than characters described as having a job, as being poor, or as not having a job but without mention of receiving benefits. There was a gradient in the strength of negative assessments across these conditions, but only warmth, conscientiousness and employability distinguished between individuals receiving unemployment benefits and individuals without a job but no reference to benefit receipt. This study provides new insights showing that receiving benefits due to unemployment contributes to negative perceptions over and above the effects of poverty or being unemployed.
Population pharmacokinetics and Bayesian estimation of mycophenolate mofetil in patients with autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Nanga Tom M. , Woillard Jean‐Baptiste , Rousseau Annick , Marquet Pierre , Prémaud Aurélie
Published: May 2022

Aims

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is the most widely used second‐line agent in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Individual dose adjustment of MMF may avoid adverse outcomes while maximizing efficacy. The aim of the present study was to develop population pharmacokinetic (popPK) models and maximum a posteriori Bayesian estimators (MAP‐BEs) to estimate mycophenolic acid interdose area under the curve in AIH patients administered MMF using nonlinear mixed effect modelling.

Methods

We analysed 50 mycophenolic acid PK profiles from 34 different patients, together with some demographic, clinical, and laboratory test data. The median number of plasma samples per profile, immediately preceding and following the morning MMF dose, was 7. PopPK modelling was performed using parametric, top‐down, nonlinear mixed effect modelling with NONMEM 7.3. MAP‐BEs were developed based on the best popPK model and the best limited sampling strategy selected among several.

Results

The pharmacokinetic data were best described by a 2‐compartment model, Erlang distribution to describe the absorption phase, and a proportional error. The mean (relative standard error) of popPK parameter estimates of clearance, intercompartmental clearance, central volume and absorption rate with the final model were: 21.6 L h−1 (11%), 22.7 L h−1 (19%), 35.9 L (21%) and 8.7 h−1 (9%), respectively. The peripheral volume was fixed to 300 L. The best MAP‐BE relied on the limited sampling strategy at 0.33, 1 and 3 hours after MMF dose administration and was very accurate (bias = 5.6%) and precise (root mean squared prediction error <20%).

Conclusion

The precise and accurate Bayesian estimator developed in this study for AIH patients on MMF can be used to improve the therapeutic management of these patients.
The potential role of mass spectrometry for the identification and monitoring of patients with plasma cell disorders: Where are we now and which questions remain unanswered?
Authors: Giles Hannah V. , Wechalekar Ashutosh , Pratt Guy
Published: May 2022

Mass spectrometry (MS) techniques provide a highly sensitive methodology for the assessment and monitoring of paraproteins compared to standard electrophoretic techniques. The International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) recently approved the use of intact light chain matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) in lieu of immunofixation in the clinical assessment of patients and the assessment of patients enrolled on clinical trials. The increased sensitivity of these assays may help to detect and monitor monoclonal proteins (MP) in many patients with previously non‐measurable disease, will reduce complete response (CR) rates and increase detection of low‐level MP. The ability to track the unique mass or amino acid sequence of the MP also eliminates interference from therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (tmAbs) in most patients with IgG kappa myeloma. The intact light chain assays also provide structural information about the monoclonal light chain, including the presence of N‐linked glycosylation, which has been shown to be commoner on amyloidogenic light chains and may have prognostic significance in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). In this review, we discuss these issues alongside differences in the analytical and practical aspects related to the different MS assays under development and the challenges for MS.
From a child who IS a problem to a child who HAS a problem: fixed period school exclusions and mental health outcomes from routine outcome monitoring among children and young people attending school counselling
Authors: Toth Katalin , Cross Lauren , Golden Sarah , Ford Tamsin
Published: May 2022

Background

Exclusion from school is a disciplinary tool with an increasingly recognised relationship to poor mental health among children and young people. We explored the relationship between mental health and school exclusion for a cohort of children and young people receiving one to one counselling.

Method

We analysed routinely collected data from a diverse UK sample of children and young people aged between four and 16 years old and receiving school‐based counselling (n = 6712 students from 308 primary and 61 secondary schools). Fixed period school exclusion rates (number of sessions) were compared between the academic year before and the academic year in which the child attended counselling. Mental health (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) was compared at baseline and at the end of the intervention (after between 16–22 counselling sessions depending on the phase of education).

Results

Despite more complex and severe initial difficulties, and facing greater adversity, children and young people who experienced school exclusion prior to counselling demonstrated a significant reduction in subsequent sessions of school exclusion in the academic year that the counselling took place (from two full school weeks to half a school week). Moreover, over 74% of the students had fewer reported exclusions and more than half (56.14%) did not have any further subsequent exclusions. They also had better mental health measured by the teacher reported SDQ (pre‐intervention M = 18.94, SD = 6.83 vs. postintervention M = 15.67, SD = 7.56, t(310) = 8.23, p < .001) or by the parents (pre‐intervention M = 18.09, SD = 6.42 vs. postintervention M = 14.0, SD = 6.99, t(171) = 7.71, p < .001).

Conclusions

School‐based mental health interventions may positively influence educational engagement as well as mental health. Providers should, therefore, monitor both to explore the impact of their interventions. The identification of poor mental health may alter staff perceptions and management of challenging pupils, which future studies should explore.
Interactions between cigarette smoking and cognitive status on functional connectivity of the cortico‐striatal circuits in individuals without dementia: A resting‐state functional MRI study
Authors: Qiu Tiantian , Xie Fei , Zeng Qingze , Shen Zhujing , Du Guijin , Xu Xiaopei , Wang Chao , Li Xiaodong , Luo Xiao , Li Kaicheng , Huang Peiyu , Zhang Tianyi , Zhang Jinling , Dai Shouping , Zhang Minming ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging
Published: May 2022

Aims

Cigarette smoking is a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and controlling risk factors may curb the progression of AD. However, the underlying neural mechanisms of the effects of smoking on cognition remain largely unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore the interaction effects of smoking × cognitive status on cortico‐striatal circuits, which play a crucial role in addiction and cognition, in individuals without dementia.

Methods

We enrolled 304 cognitively normal (CN) non‐smokers, 44 CN smokers, 130 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) non‐smokers, and 33 MCI smokers. The mixed‐effect analysis was performed to explore the interaction effects between smoking and cognitive status (CN vs. MCI) based on functional connectivity (FC) of the striatal subregions (caudate, putamen, and nucleus accumbens [NAc]).

Results

The significant interaction effects of smoking × cognitive status on FC of the striatal subregions were detected in the left inferior parietal lobule (IPL), bilateral cuneus, and bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Specifically, increased FC of right caudate to left IPL was found in CN smokers compared with non‐smokers. The MCI smokers showed decreased FC of right caudate to left IPL and of right putamen to bilateral cuneus and increased FC of bilateral NAc to bilateral ACC compared with CN smokers and MCI non‐smokers. Furthermore, a positive correlation between FC of the NAc to ACC with language and memory was detected in MCI smokers.

Conclusions

Cigarette smoking could affect the function of cortico‐striatal circuits in patients with MCI. Our findings suggest that quitting smoking in the prodromal stage of AD may have the potential to prevent disease progression.
Perception and attitude of the local people toward carnivore population and conservation in the Faragosa‐Fura landscape of the Southern Rift Valley, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebo Berhanu , Takele Serekebirhan , Shibru Simon
Published: May 2022

Local people's perceptions and attitudes toward wildlife have been advocating for the success of biodiversity conservation. However, area‐specific data on local people's perceptions and attitudes toward carnivore populations and conservation in human‐dominated landscapes are scarce. The purpose of this study was to investigate local people's perceptions of carnivore population abundance and trend, as well as their attitudes toward carnivore conservation in the Southern Rift Valley of Ethiopia. We collected data from 352 households' interviews using a semi‐structured questionnaire and photographic sampling of 13 carnivore species in 2020. About 57% of respondents perceived the population abundance trend of carnivores had decreased between 2015 and 2019. The reported decline was higher for lions, caracals, and leopards, while the increase was higher for common genets and mongooses. The reported population abundance of carnivore species varied significantly. Only marginally more people (52%) opposed carnivore conservation, citing livestock predation as the primary reason. Two thirds of respondents opposed the conservation of spotted hyenas, black‐backed jackals, common genets, and mongoose species while supporting the conservation of lions, caracals, African civets, and leopards. Respondents' livestock number was the most important factor significantly affecting all three models (population abundance, population trend, and support for conservation). Age and education status were displayed to have an effect on population abundance and trend models, while gender, land size, and damage to livestock were shown to have an effect on one of the two models. Thus, we recommend that awareness raising of human–carnivore coexistence through adult education programs be targeted at people who oppose conservation, own more livestock, experience more livestock damage, and have not received formal education. Also, effective livestock husbandry practices should be implemented to promote peaceful human–carnivore coexistence.
Mentoring at times of crises: Personal reflections on mentoring relationships during COVID‐19
Authors: Wassif Hoda S. , Wake Charlotte
Published: May 2022

COVID‐19 presented a huge challenge for practice, education and all interactions, and mentorship was no different. The purpose of this commentary is to reflect on the juxtaposition between mentors and mentees in dental education during COVID‐19. This commentary will focus on the interaction between mentor/mentee outside clinical practice and in relation to supporting and mentoring dental practitioners in the context of postgraduate education. The aim is to share our learning from this experience with other dental educators beyond COVID‐19.
The discursive form of human understanding as the source of the transcendental illusion
Authors: Ganzinger Florian
Published: May 2022

Kant famously claims that pure reason is subject to a transcendental illusion in which the subjective validity and the regulative use of a principle of reason are conflated with its objective validity and constitutive use. His doctrine of transcendental illusion is puzzling for he insists that this illusion is natural as well as necessary. The two dominant interpretation strategies cannot make sense of this puzzle because they turn out to be either too strong or too weak: they either struggle to account for the legitimate, regulative use of the transcendental principle of reason or fall short of explaining the necessity of the transcendental illusion. In contrast, I shall argue that it is possible to account for the fact that the transcendental illusion is natural and necessary because it has its source in the discursive form of our human understanding, and that this illusion can nevertheless be known to be illusory because our discursive nature can be recognised as a merely particular form of understanding by comparing it with a possible, intuitive form of understanding in an act of critical self‐reflection.
Gene therapy: Practical aspects of implementation
Authors: Pipe Steven W. , Reddy K. Rajender , Chowdary Pratima
Published: May 2022

The first wave of gene therapies for haemophilia submitted for regulatory review utilize a liver‐directed approach in which a functional gene copy of factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX (FIX) is packaged inside a recombinant adeno‐associated viral vector (rAAV). Following a single treatment event, these particles are taken up into liver cells, where the rAAV uncoats and delivers the DNA to the nucleus of the cell, where genetic elements that accompany the gene allow for efficient expression and secretion of FVIII or FIX protein into the plasma. An immune response to the vector capsid has been manifest by elevations in common liver enzymes that must be diligently followed postinfusion for weeks and months afterward and if signs of toxicity appear, will trigger a course of immunosuppression. Despite this, the studies have shown that this works in the great majority of individuals and the immunosuppression course is either avoided or short‐lived for many. Optimal outcomes in the haemophilia population will be dependent on proper screening assessment and maintenance of liver health prior to consideration of gene therapy, close short‐term follow up and implementation of immunomodulatory strategies to identify and manage liver toxicity and preserve durable transgene expression. This review proposes best practices to assist clinical teams with overcoming the challenges this platform of therapy poses to the traditional clinical care models and infrastructure within the haemophilia treatment centres (HTCs) who will be coordinating the patient's journey through this potentially transformative therapy.
Adapting a codesign process with young people to prioritize outcomes for a systematic review of interventions to prevent self‐harm and suicide
Authors: Knowles Sarah , Sharma Vartika , Fortune Sarah , Wadman Ruth , Churchill Rachel , Hetrick Sarah
Published: May 2022

Background

Research and clinical outcomes that matter to people with lived experience can significantly differ from those outcomes studied by researchers. To inform a future Cochrane review of suicide and self‐harm prevention interventions, we aimed to work with young people with relevant lived experience to agree on priority outcomes.

Design

Four participatory codesign workshops were completed across two sites (New Zealand, United Kingdom) with 28 young people in total. We iteratively adapted the methods over the course of the study.

Results

‘Improved coping’ and ‘safer/more accepting environment to disclose’ were the final top‐rated outcomes. ‘Reduction of self‐harm’ was considered a low priority as it could be misleading, stigmatizing and was considered a secondary consequence of other improvements. In contrast to typical research outcomes, young people emphasized the diversity of experience, the dynamic nature of improvement and holistic and asset‐based framing. Methodologically, dialogue using design materials (personas) to thematically explore outcomes was effective in overcoming the initial challenge of disparate quantitative ratings.

Discussion

The results will directly inform the development of a Cochrane review, enabling identification of whether and how outcomes of most importance to young people are measured in trials. Rather than producing discrete measurable outcomes that could be easily added to the systematic review, the young people challenged the academic conceptualization of outcomes, with implications for future evidence synthesis and intervention research, and for future codesign.

Patient or Public Contribution

Young people with lived experience were codesigners of the outcomes, and their feedback informed iterative changes to the study methods.
Assembly of alumina particles in aqueous suspensions induced by high‐frequency AC electric field
Authors: John James E. , Qian Shizhi , Ghosh Dipankar
Published: May 2022

The role of high‐frequency alternating current (AC) electric field in the assembly of alumina particles in aqueous media was investigated. Field–particle interactions were in situ investigated for coarse and fine powder particles in very dilute suspensions. For both coarse and fine particles, AC field‐induced assembly led to the formation of chains of particles within a minute, which were aligned in the field direction. However, a much finer network of particle chains evolved in fine particle suspensions. Threshold field strength for chain formation was also lower for fine particles (28 V/mm) than for coarse particles (50 V/mm), suggesting stronger interactions for finer particles. Chain length increased with both field strength and field duration. Chain formation was attributed to mutual dielectrophoretic (DEP) interaction forces. Increase in DEP forces with field strength resulted in enhanced interactions. For finer particles, decreasing interparticle distance might have favored stronger interactions. Suspension microstructure was disrupted as soon as the field was removed. However, higher field duration was associated with an improved pattern stability and retention following the field removal. Finally, particle motion was studied in deliberately applied spatially nonuniform AC field, which revealed different mechanisms of chain formation for coarse (negative‐DEP) and fine (positive‐DEP) particles.