bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of trust in the implementation and uptake of COVID-19 response measures: a qualitative study of health professionals’ experiences in Tanzania
Authors: Metta Emmy , Shayo Elizabeth H. , Ngalesoni Frida , Kalolo Albino , Nyamuryekung’e Kasusu , Mboya Innocent B. , Ndumwa Harrieth P. , Njiro Belinda J. , Amour Maryam A.
Published: October 2023

Background

Even though trust is placed at the central point in ensuring proper functioning of the health systems, studies remain scant on how it affects both the implementation and uptake of COVID-19 response measures in low- and middle-income countries such as Tanzania. This study, therefore, explored the role of trust in the implementation and uptake of recommended COVID-19 response measures including vaccines from the perspective of health professionals in Tanzania.

Methods

This cross-sectional qualitative study was implemented in four of Tanzania’s thirty-one regions. Qualitative data was collected through 26 in-depth interviews held with regional and district disease outbreak response teams, district cold chain co-ordinators and health facility in-charges. In addition, five focus group discussions and seven group interviews were conducted with healthcare workers from the lower-level health facilities. Thematic analysis was conducted and applied the trust constructs.

Results

Interpersonal trust and health system trust emerged as two major themes in the study. Interpersonal trust was reported to stem from lack of transparency that instigated fear, worries, and confusion regarding the implementation and uptake of the recommended response measures. The distrust was mainly between health professionals in health facilities and those assigned to isolation centres as well as between patients and community members. On the other hand, the health system trust was shaped by mixed feelings regarding COVID-19 vaccine national decisions, and conflicting messages from national officials, politicians and religious leaders on COVID-19 responses, safety, and effectiveness of the vaccines. Questions surrounding the short duration of clinical trials, indeterminate post-vaccination protection duration, impotence-linked beliefs, freemasonry notion and unclear vaccinated cards information are other reported contributory factors to mistrust in the health system. However, after a comprehensive health education and experience in COVID-19 vaccination administration most professionals affirmed the effectiveness of the vaccines in limiting infections and its severe consequences.

Conclusion

Participants indicated limited trust at both interpersonal and health system levels aggravated by lack of transparency, unclear and conflicting messages on COVID-19 infections and response measures. Enforced transparency on pandemics alongside standardised messages from the reliable sources is crucial in enhancing trust in implementation and uptake of the recommended response measures.
Cardiac glycoside ouabain efficiently targets leukemic stem cell apoptotic machinery independent of cell differentiation status
Authors: Poohadsuan Jirarat , O’Doherty George A. , Owattanapanich Weerapat , Kungwankiattichai Smith , Rojanasakul Yon , Issaragrisil Surapol , Luanpitpong Sudjit
Published: October 2023

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy characterized by an accumulation of immature leukemic myeloblasts initiating from leukemic stem cells (LSCs)—the subpopulation that is also considered the root cause of chemotherapy resistance. Repurposing cardiac glycosides to treat cancers has gained increasing attention and supporting evidence, but how cardiac glycosides effectively target LSCs, e.g., whether it involves cell differentiation, remains largely unexplored.

Methods

Digoxin, a user-designed digitoxigenin-α-L-rhamnoside (D6-MA), and ouabain were tested against various human AML-derived cells with different maturation phenotypes. Herein, we established two study models to specifically determine the effects of cardiac glycosides on LSC death and differentiation—one allowed change in dynamics of LSCs and leukemic progenitor cells (LPCs), while another maintained their undifferentiated status. Regulatory mechanisms underlying cardiac glycoside-induced cytotoxicity were investigated and linked to cell cycle distribution and apoptotic machinery.

Results

Primitive AML cells containing CD34+ LSCs/LPCs were very responsive to nanomolar concentrations of cardiac glycosides, with ouabain showing the greatest efficiency. Ouabain preferentially induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in LSCs, independent of its cell differentiation status, as evidenced by (i) the tremendous induction of apoptosis by ouabain in AML cells that acquired less than 15% differentiation and (ii) the higher rate of apoptosis in enriched LSCs than in LPCs. We sorted LSCs and LPCs according to their cell cycle distribution into G0/G1, S, and G2/M cells and revealed that G0/G1 cells in LSCs, which was its major subpopulation, were the top ouabain responders, indicating that the difference in ouabain sensitivity between LSCs and LPCs involved both distinct cell cycle distribution and intrinsic apoptosis regulatory mechanisms. Further, Mcl-1 and c-Myc, which were differentially expressed in LSCs and LPCs, were found to be the key apoptosis mediators that determined ouabain sensitivity in AML cells. Ouabain induces a more rapid loss of Mcl-1 and c-Myc in LSCs than in LPCs via the mechanisms that in part involve an inhibition of Mcl-1 protein synthesis and an induction of c-Myc degradation.

Conclusions

Our data provide new insight for repurposing cardiac glycosides for the treatment of relapsed/refractory AML through targeting LSCs via distinct cell cycle and apoptosis machinery.
Comparing the CFIR-ERIC matching tool recommendations to real-world strategy effectiveness data: a mixed-methods study in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Yakovchenko Vera , Lamorte Carolyn , Chinman Matthew J. , Goodrich David E. , Gibson Sandra , Park Angela , Bajaj Jasmohan S. , McCurdy Heather , Morgan Timothy R. , Rogal Shari S.
Published: October 2023

Background

Practical and feasible methods for matching implementation strategies to diagnosed barriers of evidence-based interventions in real-world contexts are lacking. This evaluation compared actual implementation strategies applied with those recommended by an expert opinion-based tool to improve guideline-concordant cirrhosis care in a Veterans Health Administration national learning collaborative effort.

Methods

This convergent parallel mixed-methods study aimed to (1) identify pre-implementation Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) barriers to cirrhosis care through focus groups with frontline providers, (2) generate 20 recommended strategies using focus group identified barriers entered into the CFIR-Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) Implementation Strategy Matching Tool, (3) survey providers over two consecutive years on the actual use of 73 ERIC strategies and determine strategy effectiveness, (4) compare actual versus recommended strategy use, and (5) compare actual versus expected barriers by reverse applying the CFIR-ERIC Matching Tool.

Results

Eighteen semi-structured focus groups were conducted with 197 providers representing 95 VA sites to identify barriers to quality improvement, including cirrhosis care complexity, clarity of national goals, and local leadership support. The CFIR-ERIC Matching Tool recommended strategies such as assessing for readiness and needs, promoting adaptability, building local groups, preparing champions, and working with opinion leaders and early adopters. Subsequent strategy surveys found that sites used the top 20 “recommended” strategies no more frequently than other strategies. However, 14 (70%) of the top recommended strategies were significantly positively associated with cirrhosis care compared to 48% of actual strategies. Reverse CFIR-ERIC matching found that the strategies most used in the first year corresponded to the following barriers: opinion leaders, access to knowledge and information, and resources. The strategies most frequently employed in the second year addressed barriers such as champions, cosmopolitanism, readiness for implementation, relative priority, and patient needs and resources. Strategies used in both years were those that addressed adaptability, trialability, and compatibility.

Conclusions

This study is among the first to empirically evaluate the relationship between CFIR-ERIC Matching Tool recommended strategies and actual strategy selection and effectiveness in the real world. We found closer connections between recommended strategies and strategy effectiveness compared to strategy frequency, suggesting validity of barrier identification, and application of the expert-informed tool.
Altered expression of proteins involved in metabolism in LGMDR1 muscle is lost in cell culture conditions
Authors: Rico Anabel , Valls Andrea , Guembelzu Garazi , Azpitarte Margarita , Aiastui Ana , Zufiria Mónica , Jaka Oihane , López de Munain Adolfo , Sáenz Amets
Published: October 2023

Background

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R1 calpain 3-related (LGMDR1) is an autosomal recessive muscular dystrophy due to mutations in the CAPN3 gene. While the pathophysiology of this disease has not been clearly established yet, Wnt and mTOR signaling pathways impairment in LGMDR1 muscles has been reported.

Results

A reduction in Akt phosphorylation ratio and upregulated expression of proteins implicated in glycolysis (HK-II) and in fructose and lactate transport (GLUT5 and MCT1) in LGMDR1 muscle was observed. In vitro analysis to establish mitochondrial and glycolytic functions of primary cultures were performed, however, no differences between control and patients were observed. Additionally, gene expression analysis showed a lack of correlation between primary myoblasts/myotubes and LGMDR1 muscle while skin fibroblasts and CD56− cells showed a slightly better correlation with muscle. FRZB gene was upregulated in all the analyzed cell types (except in myoblasts).

Conclusions

Proteins implicated in metabolism are deregulated in LGMDR1 patients’ muscle. Obtained results evidence the limited usefulness of primary myoblasts/myotubes for LGMDR1 gene expression and metabolic studies. However, since FRZB is the only gene that showed upregulation in all the analyzed cell types it is suggested its role as a key regulator of the pathophysiology of the LGMDR1 muscle fiber. The Wnt signaling pathway inactivation, secondary to FRZB upregulation, and GLUT5 overexpression may participate in the impaired adipogenesis in LGMD1R patients.
Optimal practices for the management of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis: real-world experience from Japan, Brazil, and Portugal
Authors: Ando Yukio , Waddington-Cruz Marcia , Sekijima Yoshiki , Koike Haruki , Ueda Mitsuharu , Konishi Hiroaki , Ishii Tomonori , Coelho Teresa
Published: October 2023

Hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis is a rare and autosomal dominant disorder associated with mutations in the transthyretin gene. Patients present with diverse symptoms related to sensory, motor, and autonomic neuropathy, as well as gastrointestinal, ocular, cardiac, renal and orthopedic symptoms, resulting from the deposition of transthyretin amyloid fibrils in multiple organs. The progressive nature of ATTRv amyloidosis necessitates pre- and post-onset monitoring of the disease. This review article is primarily based on a collation of discussions from a medical advisory board meeting in August 2021. In this article, we summarize the best practices in amyloidosis centers in three major endemic countries for ATTRv amyloidosis (Japan, Brazil, and Portugal), where most patients carry the Val30Met mutation in the transthyretin gene and the patients’ genetic background was proven to be the same. The discussions highlighted the similarities and differences in the management of asymptomatic gene mutation carriers among the three countries in terms of the use of noninvasive tests and tissue biopsies and timing of starting the investigations. In addition, this article discusses a set of practical tests and examinations for monitoring disease progression applicable to neurologists working in diverse medical settings and generalizable in non-endemic countries and areas. This set of assessments consists of periodic (every 6 to 12 months) evaluations of patients’ nutritional status and autonomic, renal, cardiac, ophthalmologic, and neurological functions. Physical examinations and patient-reported outcome assessments should be also scheduled every 6 to 12 months. Programs for monitoring gene mutation carriers and robust referral networks can aid in appropriate patient management in pre- to post-onset stages. For pre- and post-symptom onset testing for ATTRv amyloidosis, various noninvasive techniques are available; however, their applicability differs depending on the medical setting in each country and region, and the optimal option should be selected in view of the clinical settings, medical environment, and available healthcare resources in each region.
Mental health treatment programs for children and young people in secure settings: A systematic review
Authors: Schutte Valerie , Danseco Evangeline , Lucente Gabrielle , Sundar Purnima
Published: October 2023

Background

While there are mental health treatment programs for children and young people in secure settings (i.e., secure treatment programs) in many countries, there is a lack of transparency and consistency across these that causes confusion for stakeholders and challenges for the design and delivery of high-quality, evidence-based programs. This systematic review addresses two questions: What do mental health treatment programs for children and young people in secure community settings look like across jurisdictions? What is the evidence underlying the various components of these programs?

Methods

Twelve databases were searched in November 2021: CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Academic Search Complete, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Google Scholar, OpenDOAR, and GreyLit.org. To be included, publications had to be empirical literature or a report on mental health treatment within a secure setting for people under the age of 25; contain pre-identified keywords; be based on a research or evaluation study conducted since 2000; and be assessed as low risk of bias using an adaptation of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative research checklist. The systematic review included 63 publications. Data were collected and analyzed in NVivo qualitative software using a coding framework.

Results

There are secure treatment programs in Australia, Belgium, Canada, New Zealand, the Netherlands, England and Wales, Scotland, and the United States. Although there are inconsistencies across programs in terms of the systems in which they are embedded, client profiles, treatments provided, and lengths of stays, most share commonalities in their governance, definitions, designs, and intended outcomes.

Conclusions

The commonalities across secure treatment programs appear to stem from them being designed around a need for treatment that includes a mental disorder, symptom severity and salience involving significant risk of harm to self and/or others, and a proportionality of the risks and benefits of treatment. Most share a common logic; however, the evidence suggested that this logic may not to lead to sustained outcomes. Policymakers, service providers, and researchers could use the offered recommendations to ensure the provision of high-quality secure treatment programming to children and young people with serious and complex mental health needs.
The landscape of cell-free mitochondrial DNA in liquid biopsy for cancer detection
Authors: van der Pol Ymke , Moldovan Norbert , Ramaker Jip , Bootsma Sanne , Lenos Kristiaan J. , Vermeulen Louis , Sandhu Shahneen , Bahce Idris , Pegtel D. Michiel , Wong Stephen Q. , Dawson Sarah-Jane , Chandrananda Dineika , Mouliere Florent
Published: October 2023

Background

Existing methods to detect tumor signal in liquid biopsy have focused on the analysis of nuclear cell-free DNA (cfDNA). However, non-nuclear cfDNA and in particular mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been understudied. We hypothesize that an increase in mtDNA in plasma could reflect the presence of cancer, and that leveraging cell-free mtDNA could enhance cancer detection.

Results

We survey 203 healthy and 664 cancer plasma samples from three collection centers covering 12 cancer types with whole genome sequencing to catalogue the plasma mtDNA fraction. The mtDNA fraction is increased in individuals with cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal, liver, pancreatic, or prostate cancer, in comparison to that in healthy individuals. We detect almost no increase of mtDNA fraction in individuals with other cancer types. The mtDNA fraction in plasma correlates with the cfDNA tumor fraction as determined by somatic mutations and/or copy number aberrations. However, the mtDNA fraction is also elevated in a fraction of patients without an apparent increase in tumor-derived cfDNA. A predictive model integrating mtDNA and copy number analysis increases the area under the curve (AUC) from 0.73 when using copy number alterations alone to an AUC of 0.81.

Conclusions

The mtDNA signal retrieved by whole genome sequencing has the potential to boost the detection of cancer when combined with other tumor-derived signals in liquid biopsies.
e-Consent in UK academic-led clinical trials: current practice, challenges and the need for more evidence
Authors: Mitchell E. J. , Appelbe D. , Bravery A. , Culliford L. , Evans H. , Farrin A. J. , Gillies K. , Hood K. , Love S. B. , Sydes M. R. , Williamson P. R. , Wakefield N. ,   as part of the e-Consent collaborative group
Published: October 2023

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person healthcare visits were reduced. Consequently, trial teams needed to consider implementing remote methods for conducting clinical trials, including e-Consent. Although some clinical trials may have implemented e-Consent prior to the pandemic, anecdotes of uptake for this method increased within academic-led trials. When the increased use of this process emerged, representatives from several large academic clinical trial groups within the UK collaborated to discuss ways in which trialists can learn from one another when implementing e-Consent.

Methods

A survey of UKCRC-registered Clinical Trials Units (CTUs) was undertaken in April–June 2021 to understand the implementation of and their views on the use of e-Consent and experiences from the perspectives of systems programmers and quality assurance staff on the use of e-Consent. CTUs not using e-Consent were asked to provide any reasons/barriers (including no suitable trials) and any plans for implementing it in the future. Two events for trialists and patient and public involvement (PPI) representatives were then held to disseminate findings, foster discussion, share experiences and aid in the identification of areas that the academic CTU community felt required more research.

Results

Thirty-four (64%) of 53 CTUs responded to the survey, with good geographical representation across the UK. Twenty-one (62%) of the responding CTUs had implemented e-Consent in at least one of their trials, across different types of trials, including CTIMPs (Clinical Trial of Investigational Medicinal Product), ATIMPs (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products) and non-CTIMPs. One hundred ninety-seven participants attended the two workshops for wide-ranging discussions.

Conclusion

e-Consent is increasingly used in academic-led trials, yet uncertainties remain amongst trialists, patients and members of the public. Uncertainties include a lack of formal, practical guidance and a lack of evidence to demonstrate optimal or appropriate methods to use. We strongly encourage trialists to continue to share their own experiences of the implementation of e-Consent.
Tailored interventions to improve adherence to medication in elderly patients with Parkinson’s disease: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (AdhCare)
Authors: Mendorf Sarah , Teschner Ulrike , Lehmann Thomas , Prell Tino , Mühlhammer Hannah Maria
Published: October 2023

Background

Nonadherence to medication is a major issue in patients with chronic disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). Many interventions for increasing adherence have been tested, and these have shown weak-to-moderate efficiency. Although the best methods to improve adherence remain unclear, it is reasonable to use tailored interventions instead of the “one-size-fits-all” approach.

Methods

A randomized, controlled, triple-blinded trial in elderly patients with PD is conducted to test the efficacy of AdhCare, a tailored intervention to enhance adherence compared with that achieved with routine care (64 participants per arm). Motor function, quality of life, and adherence measures will be assessed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. The type of intervention depends on the main personal reason for nonadherence (e.g., forgetting to take the medication or poor knowledge about the medication).

Discussion

The results of this study will provide valuable information for health professionals and policymakers on the effectiveness of tailored interventions in elderly patients with PD.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00023655. Registered on 24 February 2021. Last update on 22 March 2023.
An effective treatment in Erdheim Chester disease: vemurafenib: a case report
Authors: Bozan Ersin , Darçın Tahir , Yaman Samet , Yiğenoğlu Tuğçe Nur , Kızıl Çakar Merih , Dal Mehmet Sinan , Altuntaş Fevzi
Published: October 2023

Background

Erdheim Chester disease (ECD) is a rare disease with multisystemic involvement in the group of non-langerhans cell histiocytosis. Although nearly 100 years have passed since its definition, the number of cases reported all over the world is below 1000. In addition to the rarity of the disease, low awareness seems to play a role in this.

Case presentation

47-year-old white caucasian women patient who presented to our clinic with symptoms of weakness-fatigue as well as increasing pain in the knees and ptosis in the left eye. Result of the patient's bone biopsy, ECD was considered pathologically and BRAF V600E mutation was shown molecularly. After presenting the clinical, laboratory and other examination results of the case, the dramatic response seen with targeted therapy will be discussed.

Conclusions

BRAF V600E mutation is frequently seen in ECD. Vemurafenib plays an active role in targeted therapy.
The prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Berhanu Hiwot , Mekonnen Yimer , Workicho Abdulhalik , Hassen Kalkidan , Negeri Zenebe , Sudhakar Morankar , Mitiku Shimelis , Mossie Andualem
Published: October 2023

Globally, more than 33 million people are living with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). A high prevalence of the disease is observed in people with poor socio-economic status, overcrowding, and low access to medical facilities. Even though different studies have been conducted in different settings, there is no reliable data regarding RHD prevalence. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence of RHD in Ethiopia. PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, HINARI, and Google Scholar databases were used to search for peer-reviewed articles. Articles published in English between the years 1992 and 2022 September were considered. The pooled prevalence of RHD was calculated using a random-effect model at a 95% confidence interval, including the weight of each study. Finally, statistical meta-analysis STATA version 16.0 software was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of RHD.A total of twelve cross-sectional studies were included in the meta-analysis. Individual study prevalence ranges from 0.32 to 32.78%. The pooled prevalence of RHD was 3.19% (95% CI: 1.46–5.56%). The prevalence was higher among the population who visited hospitals at 5.42% (95% CI: 1.09–12.7%) compared to schoolchildren at 0.73% (95% CI: 0.30–1.34%) and community-based studies at 3.83% (95% CI: 3.16–4.55%). Addis Ababa had the lowest prevalence of RHD (0.75% (95% CI: 0.38–1.25%), whereas the highest prevalence was observed in the Amhara region (8.95% (95% CI: 7.21–11.06%). A significant variation in the overall estimated prevalence of RHD was not observed between males and females.

Trial registration Protocol registration (PROSPERO): CRD42021251553, Date of registration May 28 2021
The impact of antidepressants and human development measures on the prevalence of sadness, worry and unhappiness: cross-national comparison
Authors: Mulder Roger T. , Jorm Anthony F.
Published: October 2023

Depression is a major public health concern. Depressed individuals have received increasing treatment with antidepressants in Western countries. In this study, we examine the relationship among individual symptoms (sadness, worry and unhappiness), human development factors and antidepressant use in 29 OECD countries. We report that increased antidepressant prescribing is not associated with decreased prevalence of sadness, worry or unhappiness. However, income, education and life expectancy (measured using the Human Development Index) are associated with lower prevalence of all these symptoms. This suggests that increasing spending on depression treatment may not be as effective as general public health interventions at reducing depression in communities.
Erratum: Multiple shapes from a single nematic elastomer sheet activated via patterned illumination
Authors: Giudici A. , Clement A. , Tabrizi M. , Duffy D. L. , Ravi Shankar M. , Biggins J. S.
Published: October 2023

Original article:
EPL, 140 (2023) 36003.
Signalling pathway crosstalk stimulated by L-proline drives mouse embryonic stem cells to primitive-ectoderm-like cells
Authors: Glover Hannah J. , Holliday Holly , Shparberg Rachel A. , Winkler David , Day Margot , Morris Michael B.
Published: October 2023

The amino acid L-proline exhibits growth factor-like properties during development – from improving blastocyst development to driving neurogenesis in vitro. Addition of 400 μM L-proline to self-renewal medium drives naïve mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to early primitive ectoderm-like (EPL) cells – a transcriptionally distinct primed or partially primed pluripotent state. EPL cells retain expression of pluripotency genes, upregulate primitive ectoderm markers, undergo a morphological change and have increased cell number. These changes are facilitated by a complex signalling network hinging on the Mapk, Fgfr, Pi3k and mTor pathways. Here, we use a factorial experimental design coupled with statistical modelling to understand which signalling pathways are involved in the transition between ESCs and EPL cells, and how they underpin changes in morphology, cell number, apoptosis, proliferation and gene expression. This approach reveals pathways which work antagonistically or synergistically. Most properties were affected by more than one inhibitor, and each inhibitor blocked specific aspects of the naïve-to-primed transition. These mechanisms underpin progression of stem cells across the in vitro pluripotency continuum and serve as a model for pre-, peri- and post-implantation embryogenesis.
A gene regulatory network combining Pax3/7, Sox10 and Mitf generates diverse pigment cell types in medaka and zebrafish
Authors: Miyadai Motohiro , Takada Hiroyuki , Shiraishi Akiko , Kimura Tetsuaki , Watakabe Ikuko , Kobayashi Hikaru , Nagao Yusuke , Naruse Kiyoshi , Higashijima Shin-ichi , Shimizu Takashi , Kelsh Robert N. , Hibi Masahiko , Hashimoto Hisashi
Published: October 2023

Neural crest cells generate numerous derivatives, including pigment cells, and are a model for studying how fate specification from multipotent progenitors is controlled. In mammals, the core gene regulatory network for melanocytes (their only pigment cell type) contains three transcription factors, Sox10, Pax3 and Mitf, with the latter considered a master regulator of melanocyte development. In teleosts, which have three to four pigment cell types (melanophores, iridophores and xanthophores, plus leucophores e.g. in medaka), gene regulatory networks governing fate specification are poorly understood, although Mitf function is considered conserved. Here, we show that the regulatory relationships between Sox10, Pax3 and Mitf are conserved in zebrafish, but the role for Mitf is more complex than previously emphasized, affecting xanthophore development too. Similarly, medaka Mitf is necessary for melanophore, xanthophore and leucophore formation. Furthermore, expression patterns and mutant phenotypes of pax3 and pax7 suggest that Pax3 and Pax7 act sequentially, activating mitf expression. Pax7 modulates Mitf function, driving co-expressing cells to differentiate as xanthophores and leucophores rather than melanophores. We propose that pigment cell fate specification should be considered to result from the combinatorial activity of Mitf with other transcription factors.
A model of replicating coupled oscillators generates naturally occurring cell networks
Authors: Smart Matthew , Shvartsman Stanislav Y. , Nunley Hayden
Published: October 2023

When a founder cell and its progeny divide with incomplete cytokinesis, a network forms in which each intercellular bridge corresponds to a past mitotic event. Such networks are required for gamete production in many animals, and different species have evolved diverse final network topologies. Although mechanisms regulating network assembly have been identified in particular organisms, we lack a quantitative framework to understand network assembly and inter-species variability. Motivated by cell networks responsible for oocyte production in invertebrates, where the final topology is typically invariant within each species, we devised a mathematical model for generating cell networks, in which each node is an oscillator and, after a full cycle, the node produces a daughter to which it remains connected. These cell cycle oscillations are transient and coupled via diffusion over the edges of the network. By variation of three biologically motivated parameters, our model generates nearly all such networks currently reported across invertebrates. Furthermore, small parameter variations can rationalize cases of intra-species variation. Because cell networks outside of the ovary often form less deterministically, we propose model generalizations to account for sources of stochasticity.
Dinner at Your Doorstep: Service Innovation via the Gig Economy on Food Delivery Platforms
Authors: Sun Geng , Kim Yeongin , Tan Yinliang (Ricky) , Parker Geoffrey G.
Published: October 2023

Despite the rapid growth of online food delivery (OFD) market, the impact of its three-sided nature—encompassing consumers, restaurants, and gig drivers—on incentives and payoffs remains unclear compared to the traditional two-sided model. This study examines how OFD platforms make optimal choices in a competitive environment involving pricing and service quality. The analysis reveals that insights from two-sided platforms don’t seamlessly translate to OFD markets. The triad nature of OFD can either dampen or heighten price competition in the buyer-seller market, altering subsidization dynamics for platforms. While conventional platforms suffer from negative network effects due to participation pressure, OFD platforms can adapt service strategies to mitigate this. However, introducing gig labor might not always benefit OFD platforms as it could trigger a prisoner’s dilemma situation by empowering competing platforms. The study underscores the dependence of platform strategies on network effects’ strength. As the gig economy rises, the employment status of gig workers garners controversy. The study demonstrates that implementing minimum wage regulations, while benefiting gig drivers, might diminish societal welfare. These findings offer guidance to policymakers aiming to balance gig workers’ interests with overall societal concerns.
Author Country of Origin and Attention on Open Science Platforms: Evidence from COVID-19 Preprints
Authors: Fry Caroline , MacGarvie Megan
Published: October 2023

Online platforms such as preprint servers have become an important way to disseminate new scientific knowledge prior to peer review. However, little is known about how attention to preprints may vary across authors from different countries of origin, particularly relative to evaluation in expert-controlled systems such as scientific journals. This study explores how readers allocated attention across preprints in the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when there was an increase in demand for new research and a corresponding increase in the use of preprint platforms around the world. We find that, after controlling carefully for article quality and topic, as well as the prominence of the preprint’s ultimate publication outlet, preprints with authors from Chinese institutions receive less attention, and preprints with authors from U.S. institutions receive more attention, than preprints with authors from the rest of the world. In an exploration of potential mechanisms driving the observed effects, we find evidence that when evaluation is more constrained, in terms of lack of knowledge or expertise and increase in time pressure, audiences tend to make greater use of preprint authors’ country of origin as a proxy for quality or relevance. The results suggest that geographic biases may persist or even be exacerbated on platforms designed to promote unfettered access to early research findings.

This paper was accepted by Toby Stuart, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4936 .
Shapley–Scarf Housing Markets: Respecting Improvement, Integer Programming, and Kidney Exchange
Authors: Biró Péter , Klijn Flip , Klimentova Xenia , Viana Ana
Published: October 2023

In a housing market of Shapley and Scarf, each agent is endowed with one indivisible object and has preferences over all objects. An allocation of the objects is in the (strong) core if there exists no (weakly) blocking coalition. We show that, for strict preferences, the unique strong core allocation “respects improvement”—if an agent’s object becomes more desirable for some other agents, then the agent’s allotment in the unique strong core allocation weakly improves. We extend this result to weak preferences for both the strong core (conditional on nonemptiness) and the set of competitive allocations (using probabilistic allocations and stochastic dominance). There are no counterparts of the latter two results in the two-sided matching literature. We provide examples to show how our results break down when there is a bound on the length of exchange cycles. Respecting improvements is an important property for applications of the housing markets model, such as kidney exchange: it incentivizes each patient to bring the best possible set of donors to the market. We conduct computer simulations using markets that resemble the pools of kidney exchange programs. We compare the game-theoretical solutions with current techniques (maximum size and maximum weight allocations) in terms of violations of the respecting improvement property. We find that game-theoretical solutions fare much better at respecting improvements even when exchange cycles are bounded, and they do so at a low efficiency cost. As a stepping stone for our simulations, we provide novel integer programming formulations for computing core, competitive, and strong core allocations.

Funding: P. Biró gratefully acknowledges financial support from the Hungarian Scientific Research Fund, OTKA [Grant K143858] and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences [Grant LP2021-2]. F. Klijn gratefully acknowledges financial support from AGAUR–Generalitat de Catalunya [Grants 2017-SGR-1359 and 2021-SGR-00416] and the Spanish Agencia Estatal de Investigación [Grants ECO2017-88130-P and PID2020-114251GB-I00] (funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033) and the Severo Ochoa Programme for Centres of Excellence in R&D (Barcelona School of Economics) [Grant CEX2019-000915-S]. Research visits related to this work were financed by COST Action [Grant CA15210 ENCKEP], supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology), http://www.cost.eu/ .
A method to calculate and measure losses and efficiency in DC-DC converters
Authors: Vesali Mahmood
Published: October 2023

In this paper, training on how to calculate and measure losses in power converters is presented. In the power converters all elements have losses due to circuit condition, therefore in order to calculate the losses in the elements, all conditions are considered, so the accuracy of the calculations are high. All relationships and formulas for calculating losses are presented, so the different ways of calculating losses are clear in this paper. All basic converters in this paper are studied in term of losses, so this paper is a good reference for calculating losses in DC-DC converters. In converters with soft switching, elements are added that also have losses in the converter, which the method of obtaining losses of these elements is also taught. Finally, methods for obtaining losses in simulation and experimental prototypes are given that prove the methods and theoretical formulas.
Water Discharge Control in BLDC Motor Driven Pumps to Increase Drip Irrigation Accuracy
Authors: Suwito Suwito , Rivai Muhammad
Published: October 2023

Drip irrigation is the most energy and water-efficient irrigation. The multi-sector drip irrigation system can irrigate various types of plants which are divided into several sectors. Changes in the number of active sectors due to differences in irrigation duration resulted in unstable emitter discharges. This instability makes irrigation inaccurate and results in excess or shortage of water supply for crops. Water pump control is needed to match the amount of active emitter discharge. This study controls the discharge of water pumps in multi-sector drip irrigation so that the discharge is in accordance with the number of active emitters. The pump discharge control uses the proportional integral and derivative (PID) method. The type of centrifugal water pump used is driven by a Brushless DC (BLDC) motor with a six-step speed control method. The test results show that the pump can adjust the water discharge with a steady state error of 2.8%.
Treatment of Peri-implantitis: Fiction or Reality? Part 1: Non-surgical and Surgical Management
Authors: Sousa Vanessa , Beltrán Víctor , Mardas Nikos , Nanayakkara Lochana , Donos Nikolaos
Published: October 2023

Peri-implantitis is a biological complication characterized by an inflammatory process affecting the soft and hard tissues around an osseo-integrated load-bearing implant. Clinically, it results in progressive bone loss, pocket formation, bleeding and/or suppuration and leads to implant loss. Although the main aetiological factor is bacterial biofilms, the clinical presentation and progression of peri-implantitis is exacerbated by several local, systemic and iatrogenic factors. Treatment protocols of peri-implantitis include various decontamination procedures of the exposed implant surface. In this two-part series, we will review the available evidence for the non-surgical and surgical management of peri-implantitis (Part 1), and then we will discuss various modalities for implant surface decontamination (Part 2).

CPD/Clinical Relevance: The pre-operative risk identification and management at both patient and site level, early diagnosis and regular supportive peri-implant care are fundamental for long term implant success and survival.
Sustainability of Different Fluoride Delivery Methods
Authors: Elleray Elizabeth , Lyne Alexandra , Duane Brett
Published: October 2023

The impact of human-induced global warming is a present issue. The health and social care system is associated with significant use of resources and carbon emissions. The Greener NHS Programme is dedicated to promoting methods that enhance patient care while minimizing the healthcare industry's environmental impact. This article summarizes the evidence for the environmental sustainability of using the fluoride prevention methods that are recommended by the Department of Health.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: The sustainability of the use of fluoride in the prevention of caries is an issue to consider.
The plants in my street
Authors: Mountain Julie
Published: October 2023

Best known for their conkers, Julie Mountain explains how to make the most of horse chestnuts
VACCINATION AGAINST COVID-19 REDUCED THE MORTALITY RISK OF COVID-POSITIVE HIP FRACTURE PATIENTS TO BASELINE LEVELS: THE NATIONWIDE DATA-LINKED IMPACT PROTECT STUDY
Authors: Hall A.J. , Clement N.D. , Maclullich A.M.J. , White T.O. , Duckworth A.D.
Published: October 2023

COVID-19 confers a three-fold increased mortality risk among hip fracture patients. The aims were to investigate whether vaccination was associated with: i) lower mortality risk, and ii) lower likelihood of contracting COVID-19 within 30 days of fracture.

This nationwide cohort study included all patients aged >50 years with a hip fracture between 01/03/20-31/12/21. Data from the Scottish Hip Fracture Audit were collected and included: demographics, injury and management variables, discharge destination, and 30-day mortality status. These variables were linked to population-level records of COVID-19 vaccination and testing.

There were 13,345 patients with a median age of 82.0 years (IQR 74.0–88.0), and 9329/13345 (69.9%) were female. Of 3022/13345 (22.6%) patients diagnosed with COVID-19, 606/13345 (4.5%) were COVID-positive within 30 days of fracture. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that vaccinated patients were less likely to be COVID-positive (odds ratio (OR) 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.48, p<0.001) than unvaccinated patients. 30-day mortality rate was higher for COVID-positive than COVID-negative patients (15.8% vs 7.9%, p < 0.001). Controlling for confounders (age, sex, comorbidity, deprivation, pre-fracture residence), unvaccinated patients with COVID-19 had a greater mortality risk than COVID-negative patients (OR 2.77, CI 2.12–3.62, p < 0.001), but vaccinated COVID19-positive patients were not at increased risk (OR 0.93, CI 0.53–1.60, p = 0.783).

Vaccination was associated with lower COVID-19 infection risk. Vaccinated COVID-positive patients had a similar mortality risk to COVID-negative patients, suggesting a reduced severity of infection. This study demonstrates the efficacy of vaccination in this vulnerable patient group, and presents essential data for future outbreaks.
Genetic Diversity in Pioneer Ants: The Cardiocondyla shuckardi Group
Authors: Heinze Jürgen , Hawkes Peter G.
Published: October 2023

The myrmicine ant genus Cardiocondyla consists of around 80 species of small, inconspicuous ants, which live mainly in subtropical and tropical Africa, Eurasia, and Australia. Several species have been accidentally introduced to America and have also invaded numerous originally ant-free islands around the world. The diversity of life histories in this genus, with lethally fighting wingless males, dominance hierarchies among queens, and considerable variation in the sociogenetic organization of colonies across species, has made it an interesting model to investigate the evolution and behavioral ecology of reproductive strategies. Taxa of the African Cardiocondyla shuckardi group are of particular interest, as in a phylogeny they lie between facultatively polygynous species with fatal male competition and monogynous species with mutually tolerant males. Studies on male behavior and sociogenetics in C. “venustula,”  a widespread member of the C. shuckardi group, showed that males defend small territories inside their subterraneous nests. At the same time, they revealed a surprisingly large variability in mtDNA haplotypes both within and between populations in South Africa, Angola, and Côte d’Ivoire. As the different lineages are very similar in morphology and nuclear markers, more research is needed to clarify the very confused taxonomic situation in this fascinating group of ants.
Lipid Food Preference and Transportation Using Tools by an Indian Ant Species Monomorium pharaonis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): A Field Study
Authors: Sarkar Ritika , Banik Sarmistha , Karmakar Ranajit
Published: October 2023

Besides proteins and carbohydrates, the Pharaoh ant (Monomoroium pharaonis) prefers lipid foods especially when it becomes limiting in the colony. We used four different food-grade lipids such as mustard oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil and butter for seven consecutive days for a specified time frame (11.15 hr - 14.15 hr). There was a specific time zone in which the highest number of ants accumulated at all four food baits with varying peak values. Sunflower oil was the most preferred food, and mustard oil showed the lowest like. The differential number of ants in all four lipid food baits under observation can be attributed to the physical features and nutrient content. We also noted an interesting feature of the foraging activity: the major role of gathering and transporting food was performed primarily by two castes, intermediate and large, among the four distinct foraging castes. Most tools used in the present investigation were <0.5mm and of naturally available sand particles. They used the smallest tools more often as compared with the size of the other two categories. Our ant (M. pharaonis) transported only the butter-soaked smallest tools back to the nest. M. pharaonis used the smallest tools more often and this could be because the particular-sized tools were efficiently managed by the ant species under study. Our ants transported only the butter-soaked smallest tools back to the nest. It is revealed that butter was the most important lipid food for the particular ant colony of M. pharaonis.
Skrzypek as Synecdoche: Polish-Jewishness in Fiddler on the Roof
Authors: Moss Rachel Merrill
Published: October 2023

Abstracts: From a theatre's protest against losing their space, to a themed restaurant, to a shabbat ceremony, Skrzypek na dachu ( Fiddler on the Roof ) appears in Poland in unexpected places. This essay explores the performance's many iterations from its prewar context as Tevye the Dairyman , to the postwar translation of the American musical in the turbulent early 1980s, to Anatewka Restaurant established in 2000, and beyond, to examine how elements of the piece have come to encapsulate certain intangibles of Polish cultural heritage stemming from its Jewish past. In examining its history of performance in Poland, this essay theorizes how Skrzypek as a performance and cultural touchstone comes to stand in for engagement with Polish-Jewishness in Poland today, mapping out Skrzypek and its earlier iterations as they perform a transhistorical bridge spanning pre- through postwar eras. Contextualizing the narrative's historical appearances and collective impact, this essay traces how Jewishness, vis-à-vis Tevye to Skrzypek , has been taken up over time and in changing political contexts to redefine Polishness in various moments. The musical is an important entry into a broader field of inquiry into performances of Jewishness in Poland that collectively perform a broadened Polish narrative that includes the country's now-lost multiethnic past.