bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optogenetic inhibition of Gα signalling alters and regulates circuit functionality and early circuit formation
Authors: Lockyer Jayde , Reading Andrew , Vicenzi Silvia , Delandre Caroline , Marshall Owen , Gasperini Robert , Foa Lisa , Lin John Y.
Published: May 2023

Optogenetic techniques provide genetically targeted, spatially and temporally precise approaches to correlate cellular activities and physiological outcomes. In the nervous system, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have essential neuromodulatory functions through binding extracellular ligands to induce intracellular signaling cascades. In this work, we develop and validate a new optogenetic tool that disrupt Gαqsignaling through membrane recruitment of a minimal Regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) domain. This approach,Photo-inducedModulation ofGα protein –Inhibition of Gαq(PiGM-Iq), exhibited potent and selective inhibition of Gαqsignaling. We alter the behavior ofC. elegansandDrosophilawith outcomes consistent with GPCR-Gαqdisruption. PiGM-Iq also changes axon guidance in culture dorsal root ganglia neurons in response to serotonin. PiGM-Iq activation leads to developmental deficits in zebrafish embryos and larvae resulting in altered neuronal wiring and behavior. By altering the choice of minimal RGS domain, we also show that this approach is amenable to Gαisignaling.
Epigenetic information loss is a common feature of multiple diseases and aging
Authors: Sagy Naor , Chang Chieh , Gal Maayan , Bar Daniel Z
Published: May 2023

Aging is a major risk factor for a plethora of diseases. The information theory of aging posits that epigenetic information loss is a principal driver of the aging process. Despite this, the connection between epigenetic information loss and disease has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we analyzed tissue-unique methylation patterns in healthy and diseased organs, revealing that for several diseases these patterns degrade, regressing to a mean form. We interpret this as epigenetic information loss, where tissue-unique patterns erode. Information loss is not limited to diseases. Age-related erosion of unique methylation patterns was observed in some tissues and cells, while other tissues and cells diverged away from the mean. Our findings demonstrate that analyzing methylation patterns in tissue-unique sites can effectively distinguish between patients and healthy controls across a range of diseases, and underscore the role of epigenetic information loss as a common feature in various pathological conditions.

Abstract Figure

Graphical abstract

Tissue unique methylation pattern regress toward the mean upon disease.

A single methylation site, showing low methylation in the liver and high in every other tissue, becomes more methylated in diseased livers.
Analysis of losses in the high-speed PM BLDC motor with open slot stator core made of amorphous soft magnetic material
Authors: Hreczka Marek , Kolano Roman , Kolano-Burian Aleksandra , Burlikowski Wojciech , Hetmańczyk Janusz
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify results related to losses in the core of a brushless DC prototype motor, obtained using its computer FE models, by experimental tests on manufactured machines. The paper focuses on the comparison of losses in the core of a machine with a classical stator core made of an iron–silicon material (Fe–Si) and a new one made of a modern METGLAS material.

Design/methodology/approach

Computer models of the prototype motors were created using FEM. The designed machines were manufactured, and experimental tests were performed. To achieve high frequencies in rotating magnetic fields, motors with a stator to rotor pole ratio of 9/12 were built. Twin rotor approach was applied, as two identical rotors were built along the two geometrically identical stators made of different core materials.

Findings

Experimental studies have shown the superiority of the METGLAS material over the classical Fe–Si material. Material parameters were measured directly on the prepared cores as library data used in the simulation may be incorrect due to technological processes during core production, which was also verified. Problems related to twin rotor approach have been identified. Solution to the problem has been suggested. Necessity of 3D FEM modelling was identified.

Originality/value

The main source of originality is that METGLAS material used in the prototype machines was developed and manufactured by the authors themselves. Original approach to core parameter evaluation based on simplified methodology has been suggested. Another original part is a simplified methodology applied to loss measurement during no-load test.
A multisite study of amphetamine use disorders, length of detention and readmission in rural jails
Authors: Gamble Taylor M. , Kopak Al , Hoffmann Norman
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Most people admitted to jails present indications of substance use disorder, and methamphetamine use disorders (MUDs) have recently become the most prevalent in certain communities. Much of the research conducted with jail populations has focused on large urban facilities, despite them representing a small number of the nearly 3,000 correctional centers in the USA. This study aims to examine MUDs in a large multisite sample of adults admitted to rural jails in the USA to help inform better practices aimed at addressing these conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted with 525 adults ranging in age from 18 to 72 years within three rural detention centers within the USA using the Comprehensive Addictions and Psychological Evaluation-5. Retrospective records were extracted to assess relationships between Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders diagnostic classifications for MUDs, length of detention and jail admission over a 12-month period.

Findings

Results indicate those who met diagnostic criteria for MUD were more likely to be charged with a drug-related offense, a more serious offense (i.e. felony) and also spend more time detained relative to those who did not receive a similar diagnosis. Multivariate regression analyses also demonstrated persons with MUD diagnoses were significantly more likely to be admitted to the detention center on multiple occasions compared to those without a diagnosis.

Originality/value

Evidence from an understudied population supports the need to address MUDs among adults detained in rural jails. Proper diagnosis and linkage to care can enhance efforts to reduce the prevalence of these conditions.
Haikou restaurant: the entrepreneur's dilemma in the new normal
Authors: Rishi Bikramjit , Sharma Soni
Published: May 2023

Learning outcomes

The purpose of this paper is to understand a new restaurant venture's target segment and create a consumer profile for the new restaurant; to design a positioning statement for the new restaurant; to appraise the marketing strategy and suggest improvements in the marketing mix of a new restaurant venture in the new normal; to discuss the augmentation of services by a new restaurant to compete effectively in the market; and to identify and discuss the vital marketing steps for opening a restaurant in the new normal.

Case overview/synopsis

Kelvin, an ambitious and budding restaurateur, had high aspirations with great plans. V café was his first running venture. The income from V café was not enough to improve his social position. He wanted to open a new restaurant (Haikou) and earn more. Kelvin was well aware of COVID-19's current condition and its severe implications for the restaurant business. He did not have any experience in marketing a restaurant. So he was puzzled about understanding the target segment, positioning and marketing mix of the proposed restaurant in the new normal.

Complexity academic level

The case will cater to business management students pursuing a postgraduate management program. The case can be applied in Marketing Management, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality Management and Services Marketing courses. The prerequisite for this case is a basic understanding of marketing concepts.

Supplementary materials

Supplementary materials teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing
Zakat as an instrument of poverty reduction in Indonesia
Authors: Herianingrum Sri , Supriani Indri , Sukmana Raditya , Effendie Effendie , Widiastuti Tika , Fauzi Qudsi , Shofawati Atina
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the concept of Zakat as an instrument to increase the economy and poverty eradication in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a qualitative method based on library research sourced from books, financial reports and another previous research.

Findings

The results show that the empowerment programs conducted by Zakat institutions in Indonesia are based on the scale of priorities and the potential of Mustahik. Zakat management considers the level of productivity and long-term impacts that improve Mustahik Economy. Thus, the empowerment programs lead to the reduction of Mustahik living below poverty line.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes in two ways: first, it analyzes a model to identify the Mustahik’s potential for the Zakat institution in Indonesia. Second, it encourages the awareness of Muzakki and Mustahik regarding the role of Zakat in the Indonesian economy. This is expected to prompt their level of participation in optimizing the potential of Zakat in Indonesia.

Originality/value

Given the scarce literature that provide qualitative and critical reviews of the implementation Zakat empowerment programs to alleviate poverty conducted by the Zakat institutions in Indonesia, this research can act as a bridge for future research in performing empirical studies regarding the impact of a Zakat empowerment program on society.
A knowledge-based perspective on the professionalization of SMEs: a systematic literature review and future research directions
Authors: Mariano Stefania
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a synthesis of theoretical and empirical work related to the professionalization of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from a knowledge-based perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review consisting of three major steps of planning, conducting and reporting is conducted. Papers are identified, selected and deductively coded. Quantitative and qualitative methods are used to analyze the papers. The finalized list includes 78 papers and 48 journals, with the oldest paper published in 1980 and the most recent papers published in 2022.

Findings

The findings showed that the empirical works (n = 69) outnumbered the conceptual works (n = 9). Most papers focused on the organizational level of analysis and identified causal conditions, modes, intervening conditions and consequences. A multidimensional characteristic of professionalization emerged inductively as an additional attribute.

Originality/value

This paper provides a synthesis of the current literature and offers a research agenda to academics and practitioners interested in the professionalization of SMEs from a knowledge-based perspective.
Development of Respect for Differences Scale for middle school students: validity and reliability study
Authors: Gülüm Başak , Türker İbrahim Halil
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a valid and reliable scale that can measure the level of respect for differences of middle school students. The validity and reliability studies of the scale draft prepared as a result of the opinions received were carried out on 964 middle school students.

Design/methodology/approach

The sequential exploratory mixed method was used. In the study, attitude items were created by examining the studies in the literature with qualitative methods, and the scale was then finalized by applying tests for the attitude scale prepared with quantitative methods.

Findings

As a result of the exploratory factor analysis made on the data obtained, a structure consisting of 20 items and four factors as “gender”, “disability status”, “physical appearance” and “cultural identity” were reached. Also, it was seen that the scale identified 56% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis that was performed on another sample showed that the sample fit of the scale was at an acceptable level. The reliability coefficient of the scale was calculated as Cronbach’s α = 0.815; composite reliability was ranged between 0.766 and 0.894 and the internal consistency of the scale was quite high. It was concluded that the scale developed to determine the level of respect for differences is a valid and reliable measurement tool.

Originality/value

This study is considered significant in terms of presenting a valid and reliable scale that will reveal the attitudes of middle school students towards differences in the literature.
How to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into your library workflow
Authors: Pival Paul R.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the recent developments in artificially intelligent chatbots and how the resulting tools can be incorporated into the daily workflow of library work.

Design/methodology/approach

Recent literature is examined, parallels to librarian reactions to the birth of the original internet search engines are drawn and suggestions for the use of specific tools for specific tasks are given.

Findings

Although effectively less than 6 months old, the field of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots is already fulsome enough to be able to be usefully incorporated into the profession. More tools are imminent, though each of them does and will continue to have shortcomings of which informational professionals need to be aware.

Practical implications

This paper provides practical suggestions and specific tools to incorporate into the workflow of different library specialties, along with important caveats for quality and bias.

Social implications

The public has adopted the use of AI chatbots faster than any previously introduced technology. Librarians have a history of moving more slowly when it comes to the core values of the profession, such as information searching. It is vital for information professionals, such as librarians, to understand both the value and the pitfalls of these tools to be able to work with patrons and stay relevant in the eyes of the public and institutional funders.

Originality/value

This paper fills a need for practical advice in using AI to perform daily library work.
Mental health of Indian LGBT+ community: role of coping self-efficacy and social inclusion
Authors: Parwani Sanjana , Talukdar Asim Kumar
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The sexual minority groups in India seem to be suffering from continued social exclusion affecting their mental health. This study aims to investigate the effect of the hostile attitude of society and lack of social support on the mental health of the Indian LGBT+ members.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were developed by drawing theories and concepts from the literature and were tested using the partial least square–structural equation model with a sample size of 151 of the Indian LGBT+ community.

Findings

The findings showed a strong negative effect of the hostile attitude of society on the mental health of the Indian LGBT+ community. The findings further showed that weak problem-focused and emotion-focused coping self-efficacy negatively mediated the relationship between the hostile attitude of society and mental health, while lack of social support negatively moderated the relationship between the hostile attitude of society and both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping self-efficacy of the Indian LGBT+ community.

Originality/value

This study makes a novel and significant theoretical contribution by investigating the effect of the hostile attitude of society and the lack of social support on the mental health of the Indian LGBT+ community members. This study also makes a significant practical contribution in underpinning the urgent need for social inclusion and support to improve the mental health of Indian LGBT+ community members, which is currently in dire condition.
Application of blockchain in enterprise financing: literature review and knowledge framework
Authors: Song Hua , Yang Yudong , Tao Zheng
Published: May 2023

Purpose

In recent years, the application of blockchain in enterprise financing has become a hot topic in academic research. This study aims to review the existing literature, construct a knowledge framework for this research topic and propose an agenda for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 181 papers published from 2016 to 2020 in core journal databases in China and abroad, this study used bibliometric tools to identify and analyze an overview of literature publications, research hotspot trends and research theme clustering. This study also qualitatively analyzes literature from the dimensions of enabling mechanisms, multitechnology synergy, challenges, theoretical perspectives and research methods.

Findings

This study presents the research progress of blockchain applications in direct financing, bank credit, supply chain finance and other financing modes and analyzes the similarities and differences between domestic and international literature. This study also reveals enabling mechanisms of blockchain in enterprise financing, reflected as information quality improvement (data elements), trust mechanism innovation (business process) and collaboration structure enhancement (network structure). The study found several challenges (e.g. technological uncertainty, data security and organizational change) and trends (e.g. integrated innovation of multiple digital technologies). Additionally, the authors identified several gaps and opportunities for further research.

Research limitations/implications

This study adopts a strict strategy of selecting search terms when retrieving the literature, leading to the exclusion of certain papers on this topic.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable insights into the innovative development of enterprise financing modes enabled by blockchain and emphasizes that managers should clarify the applicable boundaries and necessary conditions of blockchain innovation in different financing scenarios to match technological innovation with industrial expectations.

Originality/value

This study constructs a knowledge framework on this topic based on a comprehensive review of existing research and proposes several important issues for future research based on the identified research gaps.
Determining the relationship between diet inflammatory index, mental status and quality of life in type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Guldali Merve , Guveli Hakan , Cetin Ferhat , Kenger Emre Batuhan , Ozlu Tugce , Ergun Can
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Diabetes is one of the health problems of increasing importance owing to the increase in its incidence and the problems it causes, and it is closely related to nutrition. This study aims to determine the relationship between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) scores of individuals with type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety and quality of life.

Design/methodology/approach

In this cross-sectional study, 158 individuals with type 2 diabetes who applied to a nutrition and diet outpatient clinic of a private hospital in Istanbul were included. Their depression status was evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory; their anxiety status was evaluated using the Beck Anxiety Inventory; and their quality of life was evaluated using the Short Form 36 Quality of Life scale. One-way ANOVA test was used to define the difference between groups. All test results were evaluated at a significance level of 0.05.

Findings

There was no significant relationship between DII scores, depression (p = 0.814) and anxiety (p = 0.817). However, a significant decrease was observed in the scores of the quality of life criterion in the groups with high depression and anxiety scores (p < 0.05). In addition, participants with high anxiety states had higher HbA1c levels (p = 0.043).

Originality/value

Individuals in this sample with no known psychiatric diagnosis or treatment history demonstrated a significant relationship between depression and anxiety scores and quality of life.
Developing a holistic sensory evaluation three-part method for textiles and apparel: a practical application for novel materials and products
Authors: Ghalachyan Armine , Karpova Elena , Frattali Anastasia
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to propose and demonstrate a practical application of a new three-part holistic sensory evaluation (HSE) method for textiles and apparel based on the senses of sight, touch, hearing and smell. HSE method development was carefully documented, described and successfully applied to evaluate sensory characteristics and consumer perceptions and acceptance of bacterial cellulose (BC), a novel sustainable material for apparel.

Design/methodology/approach

In Part One of the HSE method, research participants described the material in their own words based on the senses of sight, touch, hearing and smell. In Part Two, they rated the intensities and their linking for 25 predetermined attributes describing BC. Part Three measured participants’ overall liking of BC and its perceived suitability for apparel and accessories.

Findings

Application of the HSE method resulted in an in-depth understanding of BC material. Areas for material improvements and positive characteristics were identified, providing direction for further development. Consumers found BC suitable for accessories and outer-layer garments but not for apparel.

Originality/value

Sensory evaluation of textiles and apparel has traditionally focused on the senses of touch and sight. The new HSE method allows evaluating the full range of sensory characteristics of materials/products and holistically assessing consumer perceptions. The method is especially useful for novel materials and wearable technology. BC has gained increased interests as a novel sustainable material, yet consumer studies have been lacking. This study reports a comprehensive evaluation of BC material from consumer perspective.
Advancing employee experience management (EXM) platforms
Authors: Abhari Kaveh , Bhullar Aziz , Le Jennifer , Sufi Najma
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present a novel framework for an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Employee Experience Management (EXM) platform that addresses strategic HR concerns such as employee engagement, personal and professional development and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducted a comprehensive study of the applications of AI technology in HR management and workforce development between 2020 and 2023. The study results were then contextualized in the context of EXM to identify an innovative employee-centered framework.

Findings

This paper presents a novel framework comprising three essential elements: advanced sentiment analytics, context-sensitive career crafting and augmented mentorship. These elements are introduced with the purpose of enhancing the employee experience by leveraging AI technology to provide personalized support.

Originality/value

This paper presents possibilities and priorities in designing the next generation of EXM platforms. Furthermore, this paper offers criteria for evaluating and selecting emerging EXM technologies to guide organizations in adopting future EXM platforms.
Efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment in Chinese and Japanese patients aged ≥2 years with mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis
Authors: Ma Lin , Zhang Litao , Kobayashi Michiko , Tao Xiaohua , Qian Qiufang , Cheng Hao , Liu Sujun , Zhou Yangmei , Chen Yayuan , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: May 2023

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a significant impact on the overall wellbeing of patients and their families. Crisaborole ointment, 2%, is a nonsteroidal phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor approved for the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis in multiple countries. However, in the key pivotal trials, a low proportion of the overall patient population was Asian, therefore the safety and efficacy of crisaborole in the Asian population with atopic dermatitis remains unclear. CrisADe CLEAR was a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled, phase 3 study (NCT04360187) to assess the efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment in Chinese and Japanese patients aged ≥2 years with mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis involving ≥5% treatable body surface area. Patients were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive crisaborole or vehicle twice daily for 28 days. The primary endpoint was percentage change from baseline in the Eczema Area and Severity Index total score at day 29. Additional endpoints were improvement and success per Investigator's Static Global Assessment score at day 29 and change from baseline on the Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale at week 4. Safety was assessed using rates of treatment emergent adverse events, serious adverse events, and clinically significant changes in vital signs and clinical laboratory parameters. Crisaborole‐treated patients showed a significantly greater reduction versus vehicle in percentage change from baseline in Eczema Area and Severity Index total score at day 29 (P = 0.0002). Response rates for achievement of Investigator's Static Global Assessment improvement and success at day 29 were significantly higher for patients treated with crisaborole versus vehicle (P = 0.0124 and P = 0.0078, respectively). Crisaborole‐treated patients showed a significantly greater reduction versus vehicle in change from baseline on the Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale at week 4 (P = 0.0009). No new safety signals were identified. Treatment with crisaborole was effective and well tolerated in Chinese and Japanese patients with mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis.
A case of persistent, confluent maculopapular erythema following a COVID‐19 mRNA vaccination is possibly associated with the intralesional spike protein expressed by vascular endothelial cells and eccrine glands in the deep dermis
Authors: Sano Hozumi , Kase Misaki , Aoyama Yukiko , Sano Shigetoshi
Published: May 2023

Here, we report an 86‐year‐old Japanese woman presenting with confluent maculopapular erythema, which developed following the second dose of COVID‐19 Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine (BNT162b2). Her skin lesions spread over time and persisted for more than 3 months. Surprisingly, immunohistochemical staining of the lesion 100 days after the disease onset revealed the COVID‐19 spike protein expressed by vascular endothelial cells and eccrine glands in the deep dermis. As she had no episode of COVID‐19 infection, it is highly likely that the spike protein was derived from the mRNA vaccine and it might be the cause of the development and persistence of her skin lesions. Her symptoms were prolonged and intractable until oral prednisolone was given.
Individual‐plant selectivity by sheep in drylands scales‐up at plant population level and controls the forage supply and its accessibility
Authors: Oñatibia Gastón R. , Aguiar Martín R. , Oesterheld Martín
Published: May 2023

Diet selectivity by domestic herbivores controls plant community structure and dynamics and may induce rangeland degradation, particularly in drylands. However, management decisions frequently ignore herbivore selectivity. Here, we studied how grass morphology controls sheep selectivity for individual plants, and how this selectivity interacts with grazing intensity to determine population plant‐size distributions and the forage supply.

In Patagonian steppes, we manipulated the plant morphology (size and standing‐dead proportion) of three dominant grass species differentially preferred by sheep for 4 years. Then, we evaluated how these morphological alterations affected intra‐ and inter‐specific preference patterns. We also evaluated how grazing intensity (ungrazed, moderate grazing and intensive grazing) affected the plant‐size distribution of the three species, the forage supply, and its accessibility.

For the highly preferred species, herbivores selected plants that were either naturally or experimentally short, with low proportion of standing‐dead biomass. In contrast, morphological changes did not alter the within‐species selectivity of the least preferred species.

Grazing intensity strongly changed the population plant‐size distribution of preferred species in ways that resembled the experimental manipulations of morphology. Moderate grazing showed the greatest morphological heterogeneity among individuals. When integrating the green biomass of forage species' individuals at ecosystem level, we found that the forage supply was the highest in ungrazed sites and decreased as grazing intensity increased. However, considering the dissuading effect of the standing‐dead proportion of plants, the accessible forage was the highest under moderate grazing.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings (i) showed that, within preferred species, sheep selectivity at individual‐plant level is controlled by morphological characteristics that determine accessibility to green high‐quality biomass. This effect was as important as that of species identity; (ii) empirically proved plant–animal positive feedback at individual level; and (iii) revealed how the individual‐plant selectivity scales‐up at population level and controls the forage supply, but also its accessibility. Our complementary approach generates critical knowledge for developing management practices to control key forage species defoliation and to adjust the grazing pressure to the offer of accessible forage, avoiding the common carrying capacity overestimation. These aspects are essential for sustainable production in grazed drylands.
Participant recruitment for paediatric research using social media: A practical ‘how‐to’ guide for researchers
Authors: Lang Sarah , Day Kaitlin , Gallaher Emma , Jebeile Hiba , Collins Clare E. , Baur Louise A. , Truby Helen
Published: May 2023

Aim

Social media platforms are being increasingly used to support participant recruitment into paediatric health‐related research. This study aimed to develop a multi‐phase approach for using social media as a recruitment strategy for paediatric research studies.

Methods

The process was informed by the authors’ prior experiences recruiting for paediatric obesity‐related research studies, expertise in social media marketing and digital participant/ patient recruitment. Reflection on these experiences resulted in the iterative creation of a draft process which was further refined. A narrative literature review using a structured search was conducted to refine and augment the content and finalise the process.

Results

A six‐phase recruitment approach was developed that includes: (i) plan for social media use as a recruitment strategy, (ii) explore relevant ethical considerations to protect the wellbeing of potentially vulnerable groups and create an ethical management plan, (iii) identify and understand the different target audiences and develop the advertising strategy, (iv) develop and design campaign content, (v) implement, monitor and iteratively refine the recruitment campaign, (vi) evaluate the campaign success. Potential activities and key considerations relevant for paediatric research are presented within each phase.

Conclusion

Due to the widespread use and diverse characteristics of social media users, social media has the potential to disseminate details of research opportunities to community members who may otherwise not hear about, engage with, and potentially benefit from research participation. Researchers should collaborate with communication experts and target audiences to generate relevant and effective recruitment campaigns. Researchers should implement processes to protect vulnerable audiences’ wellbeing at each stage of the process. Recruitment via social media may support wider community participation in research studies designed to improve young people's health.
Pitfalls arising from site selection bias in population monitoring defy simple heuristics
Authors: McClure Christopher J. W. , Rolek Brian W.
Published: May 2023

Site selection bias can occur when researchers monitor animals at sites of great abundance, occupancy or quality. The prevailing heuristic is therefore that ecologists should never select sites using these criteria. There is thus concern that common monitoring schemes including surveys at colonies, migratory bottlenecks and artificial breeding sites intentionally monitor sites of great abundance. Whether such routine monitoring schemes likely succumb to site selection bias is unexamined.

We simulate the dynamics of long‐lived vertebrate populations to test three potential pitfalls hypothesized to occur when sites are selected for monitoring based on abundance, occupancy or quality. (1) For regression to the mean, population levels might appear to decline at monitored sites because they were chosen during a peak of abundance and random fluctuations cause populations to decrease from that point. (2) Preferential sampling occurs when some sites are preferred by the focal organism and have an above‐average probability of being selected for monitoring. (3) The missing zero effect occurs when occupied sites are chosen more often for monitoring because of initial or historical occupancy.

Our simulations demonstrate that regression to the mean should only occur when inter‐annual fluctuations in abundance are relatively large compared with the average difference between sites. If researchers monitor sites that are truly of great average abundance, regression to the mean is avoided. Preferential sampling can cause a delay in the detection of a decline because monitored sites are preferred by the focal species and thus should be the first to be occupied and the last to be abandoned. Finally, the missing zero effect can cause a perceived decline in a stable population because sites were chosen when they were initially occupied and thus can only be abandoned, whereas potential colonizations at initially unoccupied sites cannot be observed.

Regression to the mean occurred during specific circumstances that do not seem biologically plausible for some study systems (e.g. colony surveys). It is therefore impractical to apply a single simple heuristic such as ‘never monitor animals at sites of great abundance’ across organisms of varying life histories.
(The Impossibility of) Deliberation‐Consistent Social Choice
Authors: Adachi Tsuyoshi , Chung Hun , Kurihara Takashi
Published: May 2023

There is now a growing consensus among democratic theorists that we should incorporate both “democratic deliberation” and “aggregative voting” into our democratic processes. But how should the two democratic mechanisms of deliberation and voting interact? In this article, we introduce a new axiom, which we call “Nonnegative Response toward Successful Deliberation” (NNRD). The basic idea is that if some individuals change their preferences toward other individuals’ preferences through democratic deliberation, then the social choice rule should not make everybody who has successfully persuaded others through reasoned deliberation worse off than what they would have achieved without deliberation. We prove an impossibility theorem that shows that there exists no aggregation rule that can simultaneously satisfy NNRD along with other mild axioms that reflect deliberative democracy's core commitment to unanimous consensus and political equality. We offer potential escape routes; however, each escape route can succeed only by compromising some core value of deliberative democracy.
Retrospective evaluation of therapeutic plasma exchange treatment in a pediatric intensive care unit: Single‐center experience
Authors: Durak Cansu , Guney Sahin Ebru , Can Yasar Yusuf , Varol Fatih
Published: May 2023

Background

The aim of this study is to characterize the clinical indications, outcomes, and complications of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in pediatric intensive care unit.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on critically ill patients who received TPE. A dataset of 672 treatments administered to 102 patients was analyzed.

Results

The most common indication for TPE was COVID‐19‐related clinical conditions, followed by sepsis (24.5%), neurological diseases (9.8%) and renal diseases (6.9%). None of our patients died due to TPE‐related complications, and the most common complication during and after the TPE was hypotension (21.7%).

Conclusion

Although TPE is riskier to provide to critically ill children, our experience indicates that it can be performed relatively safely in critically ill children with appropriate treatment indications. In particular, indications, onset time, number of sessions and other procedures should be standardized for the pediatric age group.
Noninvasive finger plethysmography for continuous blood pressure monitoring in patients with left ventricular assist device
Authors: Favilla Christopher G. , Carter Sarah C. , Atluri Pavan , Reehal Navpreet , Genuardi Michael V.
Published: May 2023

Background

Accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement remains challenging in patients with HeartMate 3™ left ventricular assist devices (HM3 LVADs). The Finapres® NOVA is a promising non‐invasive continuous BP monitor that uses the volume clamp method via a finger cuff, so here we aimed to validate the instrument in HM3 patients.

Methods

In a single‐center cohort, BP was monitored in 15 patients within 72 h following HM3 implantation. A radial artery catheter quantified arterial blood pressure (ABP), while the NOVA measured finger arterial pressure (fiAP) and reconstructed brachial artery pressure (reBAP). Waveforms were recorded for 10 min, and mean values were calculated in 15‐s intervals.

Resuts

fiAP and ABP were moderately correlated during both the first (ICC 0.61, p = 0.04) and final measurements (ICC 0.66, p = 0.03). reBAP and ABP were strongly correlated during both the first (ICC 0.81, p = 0.002) and final measurements (ICC 0.83, p = 0.001). Both NOVA‐derived values may underestimate low BP values while overestimating relatively high BP values. The reBAP was within 5 mm Hg of the ABP in 40% of patients (and within 10 mm Hg in 67%).

Conclusions

This pilot represents the first evidence in support of the Finapres® NOVA for non‐invasive BP measurement in select patients with HM3 LVADs. The instrument may provide useful data during BP medication adjustments or pump titration, but despite the correlation between the non‐invasive reBAP and invasive ABP, individual‐level inaccuracy may be clinically meaningful. Further investigation is needed to clarify these limitations and optimize accuracy before widespread adoption in this unique patient population.
Do mass layoffs affect voting behaviour? Evidence from the UK
Authors: Braakmann Nils , Vermeulen Wessel N.
Published: May 2023

How bad are mass layoffs politically? We study this question across both regional and individual‐level datasets. Using a difference‐in‐difference framework with differential timing on constituency‐level data for the UK, we find no evidence that mass layoff announcements negatively affect incumbents – either locally or nationally – in the General Elections 2010, 2015, 2017 and 2019. Using individual data on party preferences, we demonstrate that our results are not an artefact of the UK majority voting system and associated tactical voting. We also find no evidence that the null results can be explained by increased outmigration of affected individuals or changes of candidates by political parties. We find evidence that economic expectations are not strongly affected by mass layoffs, which, although a surprising finding by itself, might help to explain the absence of an effect on political outcomes.
Digital inclusion and people with learning disabilities
Authors: Chadwick Darren , Richards Cameron , Molin Martin , Strnadová Iva
Published: May 2023

Accessible Summaries

The digital inclusion of people with learning disabilities is an important topic because more of our lives are spent using technology and being online.

Articles in this special issue talk about the digital inclusion of people with learning disabilities. We look at their experiences and the experiences of other people in their lives.

The articles talk about how people with learning disabilities use technology and the things that help and stop people from using the internet and technology.

The articles also talk about how using technology helped a lot of people during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

The articles talk about how people with learning disabilities need choices, opportunities, support and training to make digital inclusion happen so they can use technology like everybody else.
Combination therapy of DKK1 inhibition and NKG2D chimeric antigen receptor T cells for the treatment of gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Yipeng , Liang Kaijie , Zhou Xiaoyu , Zhang Xin , Xu Hui , Dai Hongjiu , Song Xueru , Yang Xueyi , Liu Baorui , Shi Tao , Wei Jia
Published: May 2023

Despite the successful application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cell therapy in hematological malignancies, the treatment efficacy in solid tumors remains unsatisfactory, largely due to the highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and low density of specific tumor antigens. Natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) CAR‐T cells have shown promising treatment effects on several cancers such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma. However, the application and efficacy of NKG2D‐CAR‐T cells in gastric cancer (GC) still needs further exploration. This study identified a novel combination immunotherapy strategy with Dickkopf‐1 (DKK1) inhibition and NKG2D‐CAR‐T cells, exerting synergistic and superior antitumor effect in GC. We show that the baseline expression of NKG2D ligands (NKG2DLs) is at low levels in GC tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas and multiple GC cell lines including NCI‐N87, MGC803, HGC27, MKN45, SGC7901, NUGC4, and AGS. In addition, DKK1 inhibition by WAY‐262611 reverses the suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and upregulates NKG2DL expression levels in both GC cell lines and GC tissues from a xenograft NCG mouse model. DKK1 inhibition in GC cells markedly improves the immune‐activating and tumor‐killing ability of NKG2D‐CAR‐T cells as shown by cytotoxicity assays in vitro. Moreover, the combination therapy of NKG2D‐CAR‐T and WAY‐262611 triggers superior antitumor effects in vivo in a xenograft NCG mouse model. In sum, our study reveals the role of DKK1 in remodeling GC TIME and regulating the expression levels of NKG2DLs in GC. We also provide a promising treatment strategy of combining DKK1 inhibition with NKG2D‐CAR‐T cell therapy, which could bring new breakthroughs for GC immunotherapy.
Two cases of unilateral cortical fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery‐hyperintense lesions in anti‐myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein‐associated encephalitis with seizures (FLAMES)
Authors: Ishizawa Kunihiko , Iwasaki Osamu , Oka Hironori , Sugawara Takashi , Amari Masakuni , Kawarabayashi Takeshi , Okamoto Koichi , Kaneko Kimihiko , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Ikeda Yoshio , Takatama Masamitsu , Shoji Mikio
Published: May 2023

Background

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody‐associated disease (MOGAD) is a rare inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Unilateral cortical fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery‐hyperintense lesions in anti‐MOG‐associated encephalitis with seizures (FLAMES) has recently been proposed as a subcategory of MOGAD. FLAMES is characterized by fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging showing hyperintense cortical lesions in MOG‐associated encephalitis with seizures.

Case Presentation

We herein report two cases of unilateral cortical FLAMES. The first case was a 29‐year‐old woman who developed headaches, fever, convulsions and right hemiparesis. Brain FLAIR magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed hyperintense cortical lesions on the left side. The second case was a 37‐year‐old women who developed headaches and fever. Brain FLAIR MRI showed hyperintense cortical lesions on the left side. Both cases were positive for anti‐MOG antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid and serum, and were diagnosed with unilateral cortical FLAMES in MOGAD. Both patients were treated with intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral corticosteroids, which improved MRI findings and clinical symptoms.

Conclusions

Both patients were diagnosed with MOGAD due to characteristic unilateral cortical encephalitis on brain FLAIR MRI. Unilateral cortical FLAMES is an important clue for the clinical diagnosis of MOGAD.
Rehabilitation of distal extension maxillary ridges with fixed and removable implant‐supported prostheses: Preliminary 12‐month randomized clinical trial
Authors: El Haron Ahmed Mahmoud , Askar Osama Mohammed Raouf , Said Ahmed Wael , Elsyad Moustafa Abdou
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This trial evaluated clinical outcomes of fixed and removable implant‐supported prostheses for rehabilitation of atrophied distal extension maxillary ridges.

Materials and Methods

A total of 54 participants with atrophied distal extension maxillary ridges were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 18/group). Group I (SLF); participants treated with fixed restoration supported by three long implants after sinus augmentation, Group II (SF); participants treated with fixed restoration supported by one long and two short implants, and Group III (OD): participants treated with removable partial denture assisted by one long implant that was placed mesial to maxillary sinus (IARPD). Modified plaque index (MPI), modified gingival index (MGI), pocket depth (PD), implant stability (IS), and crestal bone loss (CBL) were measured after prosthesis insertion (T0), 6 (T6), and 12 months (T12) after insertion. Patient satisfaction was measured at T12 using a visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

The implant survival rates were 96.8%, 92.4%, and 84.6% for SLF, SF, and OD groups respectively. The SLF recorded the highest MPI, MGI, PD, and IS values, followed by the SF, and the OD showed the lowest values. The OD recorded the highest CBL followed by the SF and the SLF showed the lowest CBL. With exception of satisfaction with surgery and cleaning, SLF and SF groups recorded significantly higher patient satisfaction than the OD for all VAS questions.

Conclusion

Fixed restorations supported with either long or short implants were associated with improved implant stability, reduced bone loss, and increased patient satisfaction compared to implant‐assisted RPDs. However, implant‐assisted RPDs were associated with more favorable peri‐implant soft tissue health and increased satisfaction with surgery, healing, and cleaning.
Cooperation of TGF‐β and FGF signalling pathways in skin development
Authors: Li Xinxin , Xie Rongfang , Luo Yilin , Shi Runlu , Ling Yuanqiang , Zhao Xiaojing , Xu Xuejuan , Chu Weiwei , Wang Xusheng
Published: May 2023

The skin is a multi‐layered structure composed of the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The epidermis originates entirely from the ectoderm, whereas the dermis originates from various germ layers depending on its anatomical location; thus, there are different developmental patterns of the skin. Although the regulatory mechanisms of epidermal formation are well understood, mechanisms regulating dermis development are not clear owing to the complex origin. It has been shown that several morphogenetic pathways regulate dermis development. Of these, transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling pathways are the main modulators regulating skin cell induction, fate decision, migration and differentiation. Recently, the successful generation of human skin by modulating TGF‐β and FGF signals further demonstrated the irreplaceable roles of these pathways in skin regeneration. This review provides evidence of the role of TGF‐β and FGF signalling pathways in the development of different skin layers, especially the disparate dermis of different body regions. This review also provides new perspectives on the distinct developmental patterns of skin and explores new ideas for clinical applications in the future.