bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward smart sustainable cities: assessment of stakeholders' readiness for digital participatory planning
Authors: Sameer Nibras , Alalouch Chaham , Al-Saadi Saleh , Saleh Mohamed S.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to assess the readiness of both citizens and the government for digital participatory planning (DDP) as a contribution to the undergoing transformative shift toward smart and sustainable cities to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization. While much attention has been devoted to leveraging technology to mitigate these challenges, there has been a relative lack of emphasis on engaging stakeholders in the planning process in a smart and inclusive manner. DPP stands as a cornerstone for the development of sustainable and smart cities. However, before DPP can be effectively implemented on the ground, it is crucial to assess the city readiness for DPP to ensure its success. This assessment is undertaken as part of Oman's broader initiative to transition into sustainable smart cities in alignment with the goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040.

Design/methodology/approach

A generic evaluation framework was identified, validated and customized to the local context by experts using the pile sorting technique based on the social constructivism theory. Then, the revised framework was used to evaluate the readiness of a sample of local citizens and government officials in Oman for the DPP concept.

Findings

The inferential statistical analysis revealed that citizens are willing to participate in DPP when trust and transparency with policymakers are enhanced. On the government side, the results showed that there is adequate infrastructure that can enable DPP, and planners have a positive attitude toward DPP provided that trust in citizens' opinions is strengthened. This study concludes with a roadmap for preparation for DPP implementation in smart sustainable cities mandated by Oman Vision 2040. The findings and roadmap can inform policy development, decision-making and urban planning practices toward more inclusive, participatory and technologically enabled urban environments.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by emphasizing the significance of stakeholders' smart involvement in planning processes, social sustainability, evaluating city readiness for DPP and providing practical recommendations for DPP implementation in the context of smart sustainable cities. At a theoretical level, the study contributes a framework for assessing readiness for DPP and emphasizes that mutual trust is not only important for conventional participation practices but it is also essential for smart citizens. This study argues that a building or a city is not sustainable unless it is seen as such by its stakeholders, including the end users. Therefore, effective and smart involvement of the citizens in smart city planning is a precondition for the success of the future cities.
Firm certification and export performance: the case of the “SME Leader” label
Authors: Pacheco Luís
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Third-party certifications promote firms' high standards and enhance their legitimacy and reputation, potentially positively impacting their performance, namely on exports.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper studies the differences in firms' export performance between firms with and without the “SME Leader” label, a Portuguese firm-specific label. This study data set comprises data for 5.489 SMEs, for 2014–2020, where 2.950 firms obtained their certification during the period and 2.539 are non-certified control firms. The methodology adopted circumvents the traditional endogeneity problems in this type of study.

Findings

The results indicate that the “SME Leader” label does not directly improves a firm's export performance. Additionally, industry characteristics seem relevant for the relationship between SMEs' certification and their levels of internationalization.

Originality/value

Since the study sample includes firms from all industrial sectors, this study results apply to various organizations.
Trend tracking tools for the fashion industry: the impact of social media
Authors: Rudniy Alex , Rudna Olena , Park Arim
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper seeks to demonstrate the value of using social media to capture fashion trends, including the popularity of specific features of clothing, in order to improve the speed and accuracy of supply chain response in the era of fast fashion.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the role that text mining can play to improve trend recognition in the fashion industry. Researchers used n-gram analysis to design a social media trend detection tool referred to here as the Twitter Trend Tool (3Ts). This tool was applied to a Twitter dataset to identify trends whose validity was then checked against Google Trends.

Findings

The results suggest that Twitter data are trend representative and can be used to identify the apparel features that are most in demand in near real time.

Originality/value

The 3Ts introduced in this research contributes to the field of fashion analytics by offering a novel method for employing big data from social media to identify consumer preferences in fashion elements and analyzes consumer preferences to improve demand planning.

Practical implications

The 3Ts improves forecasting models and helps inform marketing campaigns in the apparel retail industry, especially in fast fashion.
Promoting green employee behaviour from the lens of green transformational leadership
Authors: Lathabhavan Remya , Kaur Sukhpreet
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The present study intends to study the role of green transformational leadership in promoting green employee behaviour via green employee creativity. The study will draw its foundation from resource-based view and social exchange theory, thereby providing theoretical underpinning to explore the relationship between leadership, creativity and green behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was prepared to collect data to examine the relationship among the variables. Responses of 82 human resource (HR) managers and 488 employees of Indian Information Technology/Information Technology Enabled Services (IT/ITES) firms were used for the study. A 2-1-1 multi-level structural equation modelling (ML-SEM) was performed using Mplus version 8.6 software.

Findings

The study reveals significant and positive association for first three hypotheses, i.e. the direct relationship between green transformational leadership, green employee creativity and green employee behaviour. However, the fourth hypothesis is partially supported. Green employee creativity partially mediates the direct relationship between green transformational leadership and green employee behaviour.

Originality/value

By examining how green transformational leadership influences green employee behaviour through the interaction of creativity, the research offers a novel contribution to the field of sustainable organizational practices, enhancing the understanding of leadership, creativity and environmental commitment. The present research addresses pressing societal issues, contributes to more environmentally responsible practices and enhances the understanding of leadership and creativity in today's socially conscious world. Such a holistic examination of these interconnected factors can lead to actionable strategies for organizations to navigate the challenges of environmental responsibility in a rapidly changing world.
High‐resolution mapping of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) densities for targeted conservation management
Authors: Jansen Jeroen , Jansen Jan , Dean Abbey T. , Brandle Robert , Peacock David E. , Jones Menna E.
Published: October 2023

Despite the staggering economic and ecological impacts of invasive animals, maps of their distribution are often only broad generalisations. Detailed knowledge about the spatial distribution of pest animals is crucial to efficiently reduce their numbers in open landscapes where no conservation fencing, or natural boundaries exist.

Our case study tests a random but spatially balanced transect design to collect data on the distribution of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), a major destructive pest species in Australian ecosystems, and create distribution maps in relation to abiotic and biotic features. We surveyed an area of 650 km2 in the semi‐arid Flinders Ranges of South Australia using 95 transects (1.4 km length by 50 m width), that were placed with a method originally developed for surveying the ocean‐floor and applied for the first time in terrestrial ecosystems.

According to a hurdle model fitted to our data set, the presence of rabbit warrens is influenced by geology, vegetation cover and the topographic wetness index, whereas the number of holes per warren depends on the ruggedness of the terrain, the vegetation cover and whether it has previously been destroyed.

The model predicted the numbers of rabbit holes with up to 96.4% accuracy and at a previously unavailable resolution, providing a significant improvement in detail of the distribution of this feral animal.

Synthesis and applications: A reliable, high‐resolution map of the distribution of rabbit densities was generated with surveying of less than 1% of the study area, information that can now be used to direct targeted conservation management efforts. This method is highly accurate and can still be improved in future studies.
Mobile elements create strain‐level variation in the services conferred by an aphid symbiont
Authors: Patel Vilas , Lynn‐Bell Nicole , Chevignon Germain , Kucuk Roy A. , Higashi Clesson H. V. , Carpenter Melissa , Russell Jacob A. , Oliver Kerry M.
Published: October 2023

Heritable, facultative symbionts are common in arthropods, often functioning in host defence. Despite moderately reduced genomes, facultative symbionts retain evolutionary potential through mobile genetic elements (MGEs). MGEs form the primary basis of strain‐level variation in genome content and architecture, and often correlate with variability in symbiont‐mediated phenotypes. In pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum), strain‐level variation in the type of toxin‐encoding bacteriophages (APSEs) carried by the bacterium Hamiltonella defensa correlates with strength of defence against parasitoids. However, co‐inheritance creates difficulties for partitioning their relative contributions to aphid defence. Here we identified isolates of H. defensa that were nearly identical except for APSE type. When holding H. defensa genotype constant, protection levels corresponded to APSE virulence module type. Results further indicated that APSEs move repeatedly within some H. defensa clades providing a mechanism for rapid evolution in anti‐parasitoid defences. Strain variation in H. defensa also correlates with the presence of a second symbiont Fukatsuia symbiotica. Predictions that nutritional interactions structured this coinfection were not supported by comparative genomics, but bacteriocin‐containing plasmids unique to co‐infecting strains may contribute to their common pairing. In conclusion, strain diversity, and joint capacities for horizontal transfer of MGEs and symbionts, are emergent players in the rapid evolution of arthropods.
Prioritisation in municipal service delivery management: An exploratory qualitative research study in Turkish municipalities
Authors: Barca Mehmet , Aytekin İhsan , Danışman Ali , Kıral Halis , Şahin Mustafa
Published: October 2023

This study attempts to understand to what extent the actual priority setting in the municipalities of Türkiye as a developing country aligns with idealised rational models based on theoretical principles and successful cases in developed countries. For that purpose, the study examines the cases of priority‐setting process of service provision in Turkish municipalities through an exploratory qualitative research method involving focus group meetings with the representatives of 30 municipalities and field observation in two municipalities. The findings reveal key aspects of the prioritisation process, including approaches taken by the municipalities, citizen and stakeholder engagement, the role of managers, criteria used for the assessment of alternatives, and evaluation methods. The analysis identifies two distinct patterns, that is the idealised rationalist versus pragmatic, in all the key aspects examined. These findings contribute to a better understanding of what aspects of idealised rationalist and pragmatical decision‐making processes are distinct from each other, and to a more comprehensive international perspective in public organisations, especially in which top manager such as the mayor is elected into office in developing countries. The study cautions against uncritical acceptance of oversimplified rationalistic as well as universalistic assumptions behind priority‐setting models and advocates for a more substantiated and contextualised understanding of decision‐making processes.

Points for practitioners

Adopting a priority‐setting approach (technique, method, or criteria) necessitates considering the unique conditions and challenges of one's organisation and the local context. It is imperative to blend theoretical principles with practical realities to achieve optimal decision‐making and superior outcomes.

Priority setting in public organisations of developing countries diverges from idealised rational models used in developed countries due to contextual factors like culture and limited resources. Policy advisors from international organisations and developed countries should endorse knowledge and experience sharing that acknowledges both ideal and practical realities. Concurrently, practitioners in developing countries must critically assess the applicability of advised models to their specific context before adoption.

If the mayor takes a dominant role in the priority setting that outweighs institutional strategies and priorities, effective prioritisation among alternatives may be hindered. To rebalance power, it is crucial to foster an organisational culture that embraces participative decision‐making and professionalism and implements mechanisms such as auditing, transparency, and accountability.
The nexus across water, energy and food (WEF): Learning from research, building on evidence, strengthening practice
Authors: Holmatov B. , Lautze J. , Uhlenbrook S.
Published: October 2023

While water‐energy‐food (WEF) Nexus is one of the most important, and widely investigated, environmental topics of our time, previous stock taking efforts possess notable limitations, namely (i) their focus is restricted to research articles, and (ii) there is less focus on nexus permutations that begin with energy and food. This paper assembled more than 900 documents and systematically categorized them according to more than 10 key parameters (e.g. scale, methods, limitations), to characterize approaches, achieved outcomes and presence of variables likely to support on‐the‐ground change. Our results reveal that WEF Nexus activities are often driven by the water sector, undertaken at global and national scale and authored by experts from diverse backgrounds. Among the utilized methods, modelling and review (i.e. systematic) are the most common. While climate change and governance are routinely considered in WEF Nexus documents, gender, stakeholders and capacity are not. These findings highlight areas for improvement in the design of WEF Nexus initiatives.
Ileocecal involvement in intestinal Behçet's disease and Crohn's disease: comparison of clinicopathological and immunophenotypic features
Authors: Wu Yan Chuang , Fu Yu Juan , Xia Hai Jiao , Zhu Jia , Huang Ying , Jiang Zhi Nong
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Intestinal Behçet's disease (BD) predominantly affects the ileocecal region and is currently diagnosed based on endoscopic features and clinical manifestations. It is difficult to distinguish between intestinal BD and Crohn's disease (CD) due to similar patient populations, gastrointestinal involvement, extraintestinal manifestations, and long‐term recurrent course. In this study we aimed to compare the clinicopathological and immunophenotypic features of intestinal BD to CD.

Methods

The medical and pathological records of 29 cases of intestinal BD and 120 cases of CD diagnosed at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Immunohistochemistry for CD3, CD20, FOXP3, myeloperoxidase, and quantitative analysis of the infiltrating inflammatory cells was conducted.

Results

Intestinal BD with ileocecal ulcer had a higher incidence of abdominal pain and a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate than CD, while chronic diarrhea was more common in CD. Excessive neutrophils in the mucosal lamina propria, neutrophilic exudate on the ulcer surface, and prominent lymphocytic infiltration in ulcer tissues were statistically more frequent in intestinal BD than in CD. The numbers of FOXP3+T cells, CD3+T cells, and CD20+B cells in biopsy tissue from intestinal BD were significantly higher than CD, but the ratio of FOXP3+T cells to CD3+T cells was not statistically different.

Conclusion

Besides the typical clinical and endoscopic findings, diagnostic biopsies from the ileocecal region in intestinal BD show some histological and immunophenotypic features that are different from CD, which may be useful in distinguishing these two entities.
The efficacy and safety of beinaglutide alone or in combination with insulin glargine in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are inadequately controlled with oral antihyperglycemic therapy: A multicenter, open‐label, randomized trial
Authors: Liu Xiangyang , Yang Wenjuan , Liu Jianrong , Huang Xinxi , Fang Yujie , Ming Jie , Lai Jingbo , Fu Jianfang , Ji Qiuhe , Wang Li
Published: October 2023

Background

To compare glycemic control in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) whose blood glucose levels were inadequately controlled with oral antidiabetic drugs after beinaglutide alone or combined with insulin glargine (IGlar).

Methods

In this 16‐week multicenter, randomized clinical trial, 68 participants randomly received beinaglutide or IGlar for 8 weeks, then the two drugs in combination for 8 weeks. The primary outcomes were the proportion of individuals achieving their glycemic target and the change in glucose variability as measured with a continuous glucose monitoring system from baseline to 8 and 16 weeks.

Results

Both the beinaglutide and IGlar groups showed increased proportions achieving their glycemic target at 8 weeks, and the combination augmented the proportion reaching the glycated hemoglobin target from 25.42% at 8 weeks to 40.68% at 16 weeks. The beinaglutide group showed a significant reduction in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure. Beinaglutide elevated high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol by 0.08 mmol/L (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.00–0.16), and diminished low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol by 0.21 mmol/L (95% CI, 0.05–0.48), whereas IGlar showed no effect. Though IGlar was more efficient in lowering fasting plasma glucose than beinaglutide at comparable efficacies (to −1.57 mmol/L [95% CI, −2.60 to −0.54]), this difference was abolished in patients whose fasting C‐peptide was ≥0.9 ng/mL.

Conclusion

Beinaglutide exhibited a favorable hypoglycemic effect on patients with T2DM, and in combination with IGlar, glucose level was further decreased. Low fasting C‐peptide in patients may reduce the glycemic response to beinaglutide therapy. We recommend that C‐peptide levels be evaluated when using or switching to the novel glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists beinaglutide.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03829891.
Mind the uncertainty: Global plate model choice impacts deep‐time palaeobiological studies
Authors: Buffan Lucas , Jones Lewis A. , Domeier Mathew , Scotese Christopher R. , Zahirovic Sabin , Varela Sara
Published: October 2023

Global plate models (GPMs) aim to reconstruct the tectonic evolution of the Earth by modelling the motion of the plates and continents through time. These models enable palaeobiologists to study the past distribution of extinct organisms. However, different GPMs exist that vary in their partitioning of the Earth's surface and the modelling of continental motions. Consequently, the preferred use of one GPM will influence palaeogeographic reconstruction of fossil occurrences and any inferred palaeobiological and palaeoclimatic conclusion.

Here, using five open‐access GPMs, we reconstruct the palaeogeographic distribution of cell centroids from a global hexagonal grid and quantify palaeogeographic uncertainty across the entire Phanerozoic (540–0 Ma). We measure uncertainty between reconstructed coordinates using two metrics: (1) palaeolatitudinal standard deviation and (2) mean pairwise geodesic distance. Subsequently, we evaluate the impact of GPM choice on palaeoclimatic reconstructions when using fossil occurrence data. To do so, we use two climatically sensitive entities (coral reefs and crocodylomorphs) to infer the palaeolatitudinal extent of subtropical climatic conditions for the last 240 million years.

Our results indicate that differences between GPMs increase with the age of reconstruction. Specifically, cell centroids rotated to older intervals show larger differences in palaeolatitude and geographic spread than those rotated to younger intervals. However, high palaeogeographic uncertainty is also observed in younger intervals within tectonically complex regions (i.e. in the vicinity of terrane and plate boundaries). We also show that when using fossil data to infer the distribution of subtropical climatic conditions across the last 240 Ma, estimates vary by 6–7° latitude on average, and up to 24° latitude in extreme cases.

Our findings confirm that GPM choice is an important consideration when studying past biogeographic patterns and palaeoclimatic trends. We recommend using GPMs that report true palaeolatitudes (i.e. use a palaeomagnetic reference frame) and incorporating palaeogeographic uncertainty into palaeobiological analyses.
Risk profiles of adults with heavy alcohol use: Drinking patterns, behavioral and metabolic factors, health problems, and racial and ethnic disparities
Authors: Palzes Vanessa A. , Chi Felicia W. , Weisner Constance , Kline‐Simon Andrea H. , Satre Derek D. , Sterling Stacy
Published: October 2023

Background

Heavy alcohol use is a growing risk factor for chronic disease, yet little is known about its co‐occurrence with other risk factors and health problems. This study aimed to identify risk profiles of adults with heavy alcohol use and examined potential disparities by race and ethnicity.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 211,333 adults with heavy alcohol use (in excess of daily or weekly limits recommended by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism) between June 1, 2013 and December 31, 2014 in Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Latent class analysis was used to examine how heavy drinking patterns clustered with other behavioral and metabolic risk factors and health problems to form risk profiles. Multinomial logistic regression models were fit to examine associations between race, ethnicity, and risk profiles.

Results

A 5‐class model was selected as best fitting the data and representing clinically meaningful risk profiles: (1) “heavy daily drinking and lower health risks” (DAILY, 44.3%); (2) “substance use disorder and mental health disorder” (SUD/MH, 2.3%); (3) “heavy weekly drinking and lower health risks” (WEEKLY, 19.6%); (4) “heavy daily drinking and more health risks” (DAILY‐R, 18.5%); (5) “heavy weekly drinking and more health risks” (WEEKLY‐R, 15.3%). American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) and Black patients had higher odds than White patients of being in the SUD/MH, DAILY‐R, and WEEKLY‐R profiles than the DAILY profile. AIAN, Black, and Latino/Hispanic patients had higher odds than White patients of being in the SUD/MH, DAILY‐R, and WEEKLY‐R profiles rather than the WEEKLY profile.

Conclusions

AIAN, Black, and Latino/Hispanic patients with self‐reported heavy drinking were more likely to be in risk profiles with greater alcohol consumption, more health risks, and higher morbidity. Targeted, culturally appropriate interventions for heavy alcohol use that may address other modifiable risk factors are needed to work towards health equity.
Cotton harvest aid products can favour the formation of structures that protectAnthonomus grandis grandisBoheman(Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from insecticide application
Authors: do Vale Willian Santos , de Moraes Beatriz M. L. , dos Santos Iuri , Coelho Beatriz S. , Cardoso Ana Carolina P. , Neto Benício de M. Santos , Araújo Lilian R. , Bastos Cristina S. , da Silva Carlos A. Domingues , Castellani Maria Aparecida
Published: October 2023

Cotton,Gossypium hirsutumL., has an indeterminate growth habit. Therefore, the plant growing season leads to crops with a large amount of immature vegetative and reproductive structures, thus requiring the use of defoliants to promote the abscission of these structures and enable mechanical harvesting. However, the use of defoliants can negatively affect the development of immature fruits.

This study examined the influence of defoliants, applied alone or in combination with each other, on the formation of dry and malformed reproductive structures of cotton, known as dry bolls, used as shelter by the boll weevilAnthonomus grandis grandisBoheman during cotton fallow periods. We investigated the influence of defoliants, applied alone, or combined with each other or with insecticide, on boll weevil mortality. In addition, we tested the susceptibility of boll weevils inside dry bolls to the action of insecticide.

The results indicate that the defoliants can increase the number of dry bolls by up to 3.4 times, in relation to the control, 20 days after its application. The studied defoliants did not exert toxic effects on boll weevil when applied separately, nor synergistic effects of toxicity when combined with each other or with insecticides. At the end of the insecticide spraying experiments, the number of live boll weevils was 8.4 times greater when the insect was housed in dry capsules than when not housed.

Defoliants can increase the formation of dry bolls, which can reduce boll weevil mortality due to insecticide application and hamper pest management.
Effect of nociception level index‐guided intra‐operative analgesia on early postoperative pain and opioid consumption: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bornemann‐Cimenti H. , Lang‐Illievich K. , Kovalevska K. , Brenna C. T. A. , Klivinyi C.
Published: October 2023

Acute postoperative pain remains a critical treatment priority and has prompted a search for technologies and techniques to assist with intra‐operative analgesic monitoring and management. Anaesthetists traditionally rely on clinical judgement to guide intra‐operative analgesia, but several emerging technologies such as the nociception level index herald the possibility of routine intra‐operative analgesia monitoring. However, the impact of devices like nociception level index on postoperative outcomes has not been proven. We undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis of articles which compared nociception level index‐guided analgesia to standard care. The primary outcomes were pain intensity and opioid consumption during the first 60–120 min after surgery. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting and duration of stay in the post‐anaesthesia care unit. Ten studies, collectively including 662 patients and published between 2019 and 2023, met inclusion criteria for both the qualitative systematic review and quantitative meta‐analysis. Risk of methodological bias was generally low or unclear, and six studies reported a significant conflict of interest relevant to their findings. Our meta‐analysis was performed using a random‐effects model. It found statistically significant benefits of nociception level index‐guided analgesia for early postoperative pain (mean (95%CI) difference ‐0.46 (‐0.88 to ‐0.03) on an 11‐point scale, p = 0.03), and opioid requirement (mean (95%CI) difference ‐1.04 (‐1.94 to ‐0.15) mg intravenous morphine equivalent, p = 0.02). Our meta‐analysis of the current literature finds that nociception level index‐guided analgesia statistically significantly reduces reported postoperative pain intensity and opioid consumption but fails to show clinically relevant outcomes. We found no evidence that nociception level index‐guided analgesia affected postoperative nausea and vomiting nor duration of stay in the post‐anaesthesia care unit.
The effect of oral dexamethasone on duration of analgesia after upper limb surgery under infraclavicular brachial plexus block: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Maagaard M. , Plambech M. Z. , Funder K. S. , Schou N. K. , Mølgaard A. K. , Stormholt E. R. , Leth M. F. , Bukhari S. , Mortensen A. , Lunn T. H. , Tryggedsson I. , Nørskov A. K. , Zamany C. , Toquer P. , Jæger P. , Andersen J. H. , Mathiesen O.
Published: October 2023

The effects of oral dexamethasone on peripheral nerve blocks have not been investigated. We randomly allocated adults scheduled for forearm or hand surgery to oral placebo (n = 61), dexamethasone 12 mg (n = 61) or dexamethasone 24 mg (n = 58) about 45 min before lateral infraclavicular block. Mean (SD) time until first pain after block were: 818 (219) min; 1171 (318) min; and 1256 (395) min, respectively. Mean (98.3%CI) differences in time until first postoperative pain for dexamethasone 24 mg vs. placebo and vs. dexamethasone 12 mg were: 437 (280–594) min, p < 0.001; and 85 (‐78 to 249) min, p = 0.21, respectively. Mean (98.3%CI) difference in time until first postoperative pain for dexamethasone 12 mg vs. placebo was 354 (218–490) min, p < 0.001. Both 24 mg and 12 mg of oral dexamethasone increased the time until first postoperative pain compared with placebo in patients having upper limb surgery under infraclavicular brachial plexus block.
Role of perfusion medium in rewarming machine perfusion from hypo‐ to normothermia
Authors: von Horn Charlotte , Lüer Bastian , Malkus Laura , Minor Thomas
Published: October 2023

Background

Gradual warming up of cold stored organ grafts using a controlled machine perfusion protocol facilitates restitution of cellular homeostasis and mitigates rewarming injury by adapted increase of temperature and metabolism. The aim of the present study was to compare intra‐ and extracellular type perfusion media for the use in machine perfusion‐assisted rewarming from hypo‐ to normothermia.

Methods

Rat livers were retrieved 20 min after cardiac arrest. After 18 h of cold storage (CS) with or without additional 2 h of rewarming machine perfusion from 8°C up to 35°C with either diluted Steen solution or with Belzer MPS, liver functional parameters were evaluated by an established ex vivo reperfusion system.

Results

Rewarming machine perfusion with either solution significantly improved graft performance upon reperfusion in terms of increased bile production, less enzyme release, and reduced lipid peroxidation compared to CS alone. Cellular apoptosis (release of caspase‐cleaved keratin 18) and release of tumor necrosis factor were only reduced significantly after machine perfusion with Belzer MPS. Histological evaluation did not disclose any major morphological damage in any of the groups.

Conclusion

Within the limitation of our model, the use of Belzer MPS seems to be an at least adequate alternative to a normothermic medium like Steen solution for rewarming machine perfusion of cold liver grafts.
Effect of isotretinoin on CYP2D6 and CYP3A activity in patients with severe acne
Authors: Zhao Yuqian , Vary Jay C. , Yadav Aprajita S. , Czuba Lindsay C. , Shum Sara , LaFrance Jeffrey , Huang Weize , Isoherranen Nina , Hebert Mary F.
Published: October 2023

Aims

Previously, retinoids have decreased CYP2D6 mRNA expression in vitro and induced CYP3A4 in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed to determine whether isotretinoin administration changes CYP2D6 and CYP3A activities in patients with severe acne.

Methods

Thirty‐three patients (22 females and 11 males, 23.5 ± 6.0 years old) expected to receive isotretinoin treatment completed the study. All participants were genotyped for CYP2D6 and CYP3A5. Participants received dextromethorphan (DM) 30 mg orally as a dual‐probe substrate of CYP2D6 and CYP3A activity at two study timepoints: pre‐isotretinoin treatment and with isotretinoin for at least 1 week. The concentrations of isotretinoin, DM and their metabolites were measured in 2‐h postdose plasma samples and in cumulative 0‐4‐h urine collections using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry.

Results

In CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers, the urinary dextrorphan (DX)/DM metabolic ratio (MR) (CYP2D6 activity marker) was numerically, but not significantly, lower with isotretinoin administration compared to pre‐isotretinoin (geometric mean ratio [GMR] [90% confidence interval (CI)] 0.78 [0.55, 1.11]). The urinary 3‐hydroxymorphinan (3HM)/DX MR (CYP3A activity marker) was increased (GMR 1.18 [1.03, 1.35]) and the urinary DX‐O‐glucuronide/DX MR (proposed UGT2B marker) was increased (GMR 1.22 [1.06, 1.39]) with isotretinoin administration compared to pre‐isotretinoin.

Conclusions

Administration of isotretinoin did not significantly reduce CYP2D6 activity in extensive metabolizers, suggesting that the predicted downregulation of CYP2D6 based on in vitro data does not translate into humans. We observed a modest increase in CYP3A activity (predominantly CYP3A4) with isotretinoin treatment. The data also suggest that DX glucuronidation is increased following isotretinoin administration.
Effect of CYP2D6 genotype on duloxetine serum concentration
Authors: Hole Kristine , Gangsø Sofie , Jensstuen Åsa Tonette , Ormøy Hanne Holte , Paulsen Maren , Molden Espen , Haslemo Tore
Published: October 2023

Duloxetine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A2 and CYP2D6. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the CYP2D6 genotype on duloxetine serum concentration adjusting for age and sex. Patients were included retrospectively from a therapeutic drug monitoring service. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the effect of CYP2D6 genotype, age and sex on the duloxetine concentration‐to‐dose (C/D) ratio. In total, 269 patients were included and assigned to the following genotype‐predicted phenotype subgroups: CYP2D6 poor metabolizers (PMs, n = 23), intermediate metabolizers (IMs, n = 121), normal metabolizers (NMs, n = 120) and ultrarapid metabolizers (UMs, n = 5). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a 95% higher duloxetine C/D ratio in PMs compared with NMs (p = 0.009). Patients ≥65 years had a 56% higher C/D ratio than younger patients (p = 0.01), while women had a 46% higher C/D ratio than men (p = 0.04). In conclusion, the CYP2D6 PM phenotype is associated with a twofold higher concentration at recommended dosing compared with the NM phenotype. CYP2D6 PM females above 65 years are at particular risk of high duloxetine levels as they may obtain a threefold higher C/D ratio compared with younger, male NMs.
Category intersections as conceptual combinations: Combining male categories of age and sexual orientation
Authors: Coladonato Rosandra , Yzerbyt Vincent , Carnaghi Andrea
Published: October 2023

We reconcile interactive and additive models of category intersection by recasting these theoretical efforts within the conceptual combination framework. In three studies (Ntot = 364), we showed that, in line with an interactive approach, combining ‘elderly men’ with ‘gay men’ generated an atypical subtype with unique attributes that could not be reduced to the sum of the attributes of the constituent categories (Studies 1–3). Moreover, consistent with the additive models, combining ‘heterosexual men’ with age categories (i.e. young/elderly men, Study 1) made their age typicality particularly salient, and ‘young men’ with sexual orientation categories (i.e. gay/heterosexual men, Study 2) emphasized their sexual orientation typicality. Also, participants not only appraised ‘gay men’ and ‘young gay men’ in part as redundant categories, but they also judged ‘elderly men’ and ‘elderly heterosexual men’ to be largely overlapping. These findings take advantage of a multi‐method assessment, spanning from measures of perceived typicality to the analysis of attributes freely generated in reaction to the target categories. Our results inform cognitive models of multiple category combinations and shed light on the cognitive ‘invisibility’ of elderly gay men and its social implications.
Lepidoptera research in Puerto Rico: Reconnecting with historical legacies to guide future priorities
Authors: Terry Caitlin N. , Alonso‐Rodríguez Aura M. , Miller Scott E. , Hulshof Catherine M.
Published: October 2023

The Caribbean archipelago of Puerto Rico supports a diverse flora and fauna and is located in a region characterized by complex socio‐economic and environmental change. The diversity of entomofauna across Puerto Rico has received considerable attention in wide‐scale research over the last century, with particular emphasis on the order Lepidoptera as the subject of substantial taxonomic and ecological surveys. However, much of this work is incomplete, outdated, or has been obscured in gray literature. Thus, our primary objectives were to contextualize the role of past research in the current understanding of Puerto Rican Lepidoptera and to outline an agenda for future research. Specifically, we provide an overview of taxonomic, ecological, agricultural, and conservation Lepidoptera research in Puerto Rico and highlight key studies and historical datasets. We found that, despite a strong taxonomic legacy, native moth taxonomy remains poorly understood, except for a few major pests. Further, much of the recent Lepidoptera research has focused on short‐term evaluations of agricultural pests, necessitated by immediate economic needs. The current ecological status of Lepidoptera on the islands is unknown. Therefore, prioritizing ecological research could provide timely insight for understanding changing Lepidoptera diversity and distribution and for conserving this biologically and economically significant group. Greater emphasis on long‐term monitoring and digitization of museum collections would be particularly useful for quantifying past and forecasting future impacts of global change.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
The role of visual rating and automated brain volumetry in early detection and differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Mai Yingren , Cao Zhiyu , Zhao Lei , Yu Qun , Xu Jiaxin , Liu Wenyan , Liu Bowen , Tang Jingyi , Luo Yishan , Liao Wang , Fang Wenli , Ruan Yuting , Lei Ming , Mok Vincent C. T. , Shi Lin , Liu Jun ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2023

Background

Medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) is a diagnostic marker for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the accuracy of quantitative MTA (QMTA) in diagnosing early AD is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of QMTA and its related components (inferior lateral ventricle [ILV] and hippocampus) with MTA in the early diagnosis of MCI and AD.

Methods

This study included four groups: normal (NC), MCI stable (MCIs), MCI converted to AD (MCIs), and mild AD (M‐AD) groups. Magnetic resonance image analysis software was used to quantify the hippocampus, ILV, and QMTA. MTA was rated by two experienced neurologists. Receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) analysis was performed to compare their capability in differentiating AD from NC and MCI, and optimal thresholds were determined using the Youden index.

Results

QMTA distinguished M‐AD from NC and MCI with higher diagnostic accuracy than MTA, hippocampus, and ILV (AUCNC = 0.976, AUCMCI = 0.836, AUCMCIs = 0.894, AUCMCIc = 0.730). The diagnostic accuracy of QMTA was superior to that of MTA, the hippocampus, and ILV in differentiating MCI from AD. The diagnostic accuracy of QMTA was found to remain the best across age, sex, and pathological subgroups analyzed. The sensitivity (92.45%) and specificity (90.64%) were higher in this study when a cutoff value of 0.635 was chosen for QMTA.

Conclusions

QMTA may be a better choice than the MTA scale or the associated quantitative components alone in identifying AD patients and MCI individuals with higher progression risk.
Truncated Dyrk1A aggravates neuronal apoptosis by inhibiting ASF‐mediated Bcl‐x exon 2b inclusion
Authors: Zhang Shuqiang , Zhong Junjie , Xu Lian , Wu Yue , Xu Jie , Shi Jianhua , Gu Zhikai , Li Xiaoyu , Jin Nana
Published: October 2023

Aim

Aggravated neuronal loss, caused mainly by neuronal apoptosis, is observed in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and animal models of AD. A truncated form of Dual‐specific and tyrosine phosphorylation‐regulated protein kinase 1A (Dyrk1A) plays a vital role in AD pathogenesis. Downregulation of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐xL is tightly correlated with neuronal loss in AD. However, the molecular regulation of neuronal apoptosis and Bcl‐x expression by Dyrk1A in AD remains largely elusive. Here, we aimed to explore the role and molecular mechanism of Dyrk1A in apoptosis.

Methods

Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK8), flow cytometry, and TdT‐mediated dUTP Nick‐End Labeling (TUNEL) were used to check apoptosis. The cells, transfected with Dyrk1A or/and ASF with Bcl‐x minigene, were used to assay Bcl‐x expression by RT‐PCR and Western blots. Co‐immunoprecipitation, autoradiography, and immunofluorescence were conducted to check the interaction of ASF and Dyrk1A. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of apoptosis‐related genes was performed in mice overexpressing Dyrk1A (TgDyrk1A) and AD model 5xFAD mice.

Results

Dyrk1A promoted Bcl‐xS expression and apoptosis. Splicing factor ASF promoted Bcl‐x exon 2b inclusion, leading to increased Bcl‐xL expression. Dyrk1A suppressed ASF‐mediated Bcl‐x exon 2b inclusion via phosphorylation. The C‐terminus deletion of Dyrk1A facilitated its binding and kinase activity to ASF. Moreover, Dyrk1a1–483 further suppressed the ASF‐mediated Bcl‐x exon 2b inclusion and aggravated apoptosis. The truncated Dyrk1A, increased Bcl‐xS, and enrichment of apoptosis‐related genes was observed in the brain of 5xFAD mice.

Conclusions

We speculate that increased Dyrk1A and truncated Dyrk1A may aggravate neuronal apoptosis by decreasing the ratio of Bcl‐xL/Bcl‐xS via phosphorylating ASF in AD.
Discovering human cell‐compatible gene therapy virus variants via optimized screening in mouse models
Authors: Dai Moyu , Yang Ning , Xu Kai , Zhang Jingwen , Li Xueke , Zhang Ying , Li Wei
Published: October 2023

In gene therapy, intravenous injection of viral vectors reigns as the primary administration route. These vectors include adeno‐associated viruses, adenoviruses, herpes viruses, rhabdoviruses and others. However, these naturally occurring viruses lack inherent tissue or organ tropism for tailored disease treatment. To address this, we devised an optimized process involving directed viral capsid evolution, organ‐specific humanized mouse models and in vitro‐in vivo virus screening. Our approach allows for the rapid generation specifically modified adeno‐associated virus variants, surpassing the time required for natural evolution, which spans millions of years. Notably, these variants exhibit robust targeting of the liver, favouring chimeric human liver cells over murine hepatocytes. Furthermore, certain variants achieve augmented targeting with reduced off‐target organ infection, thereby mitigating dosage requirements and enhancing safety in gene therapy.
Assessment of quality improvement of simulation‐based learning using an evidence‐based framework in dental education
Authors: Zain Erum , Talreja Nidhi , Hesarghatta Ramamurthy Priyadarshini , Muzaffar Danish , Rehman Kiran , Khan Asfand Ali , Jubapu Ayesha Shaziya , Termizi Ahmad
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Simulation‐based education is of paramount importance in a dental pre‐clinical setting. Hence, continuous quality improvement is crucial to optimize students' knowledge and clinical skills. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of evidence‐based simulation learning (EBSL) compared with traditional‐based simulation learning (TBSL) using Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act (PDSA) model.

Materials and Methods

This quality improvement project was undertaken at a private university. Guided by the PDSA model, rubber dam application tasks were conducted in the simulation lab in 2 phases. Phase 1 included TBSL and phase 2 included EBSL comprising of 2 PDSA cycles. ‘Plan’ stage involved obtaining feedback from students and the concerned staff. ‘Do’ stage included implementation of EBSL in eight steps adopted from Higgins's framework. ‘Study’ stage evaluated the outcomes and in ‘Act’ stage amendments were made to the first EBSL cycle. In the second PDSA cycle re‐implementation and evaluation of the rubber dam application exercises were carried out. Descriptive data were presented as percentages and mean scores were compared using paired t‐test.

Results

Thirty‐seven year 2 students participated in this study. A significant improvement in the mean scores was observed between TBSL and EBSL (3.02 + 0.16 and 3.91 + 0.27, respectively, p < .001) using PDSA model with the highest mean score for rubber dam application in the second PDSA cycle for EBSL (4.00 + 0.01). Ninety‐five per cent of the students provided positive feedback pertaining to EBSL.

Conclusion

EBSL was effective in achieving high student satisfaction, desired knowledge, and skills required during simulation‐based exercises. The PDSA cycle can be considered to optimize pre‐clinical skills learning.
Differential effects of conventional and high‐definition transcranial direct‐current stimulation of the motor cortex on implicit motor sequence learning
Authors: Firouzi Mahyar , Baetens Kris , Saeys Manon , Duta Catalina , Baeken Chris , Van Overwalle Frank , Swinnen Eva , Deroost Natacha
Published: October 2023

Conventional transcranial direct‐current stimulation (tDCS) delivered to the primary motor cortex (M1) has been shown to enhance implicit motor sequence learning (IMSL). Conventional tDCS targets M1 but also the motor association cortices (MAC), making the precise contribution of these areas to IMSL presently unclear. We aimed to address this issue by comparing conventional tDCS of M1 and MAC to 4 * 1 high‐definition (HD) tDCS, which more focally targets M1. In this mixed‐factorial, sham‐controlled, crossover study in 89 healthy young adults, we used mixed‐effects models to analyse sequence‐specific and general learning effects in the acquisition and short‐ and long‐term consolidation phases of IMSL, as measured by the serial reaction time task. Conventional tDCS did not influence general learning, improved sequence‐specific learning during acquisition (anodal: M = 42.64 ms, sham: M = 32.87 ms, p = .041), and seemingly deteriorated it at long‐term consolidation (anodal: M = 75.37 ms, sham: M = 86.63 ms, p = .019). HD tDCS did not influence general learning, slowed performance specifically in sequential blocks across all learning phases (all p's < .050), and consequently deteriorated sequence‐specific learning during acquisition (anodal: M = 24.13 ms, sham: M = 35.67 ms, p = .014) and long‐term consolidation (anodal: M = 60.03 ms, sham: M = 75.01 ms, p = .002). Our findings indicate that the observed superior conventional tDCS effects on IMSL are possibly attributable to a generalized stimulation of M1 and/or adjacent MAC, rather than M1 alone. Alternatively, the differential effects can be attributed to cathodal inhibition of other cortical areas involved in IMSL by the 4 * 1 HD tDCS return electrodes, and/or more variable electric field strengths induced by HD tDCS, compared with conventional tDCS.