bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential properties of Janus kinase inhibitors in the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases
Authors: Taylor Peter C , Choy Ernest , Baraliakos Xenofon , Szekanecz Zoltan , Xavier Ricardo M , Isaacs John D , Strengholt Sander , Parmentier Julie M , Lippe Ralph , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: August 2023

Janus kinases (JAKs) are a family of cytosolic tyrosine kinases that regulate cytokine signal transduction, including cytokines involved in a range of inflammatory diseases, such as RA, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and IBD. Several small-molecule JAK inhibitors (JAKis) are now approved for the treatment of various immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. There are, however, key differences between these agents that could potentially translate into unique clinical profiles. Each JAKi has a unique chemical structure, resulting in a distinctive mode of binding within the catalytic cleft of the target JAK, and giving rise to distinct pharmacological characteristics. In addition, the available agents have differing selectivity for JAK isoforms, as well as off-target effects against non-JAKs. Other differences include effects on haematological parameters, DNA damage repair, reproductive toxicity and metabolism/elimination. Here we review the pharmacological profiles of the JAKis abrocitinib, baricitinib, filgotinib, peficitinib, tofacitinib and upadacitinib.
Intensive Naming: Concerted Cultivation and Flexible Ethnicity among U.S. Middle-Class Mexican-Origin Parents
Authors: Sue Christina A
Published: August 2023

Selecting a name for a child represents an important symbolic and cultural decision. As social labels, names serve as identity markers that influence how their bearers are perceived and treated. Sociologists are increasingly taking advantage of the study of names, with most adopting a quantitative approach and analyzing names as outcomes. Less is known about the social meanings surrounding names and motivations behind naming decisions, the examination of which can provide insight into parental aspirations, the reproduction of class, and strategies for ethnoracial integration. Drawing on 72 in-depth interviews with Mexican-origin respondents, I show how middle-class parents leverage first names to meet their goals of creating middle-class, multicultural children. I find respondents practice intensive naming, a strategic pre-birth form of parenting, where parents carefully assess naming options with the goal of maximizing their children’s opportunities vis-à-vis ethnoracial integration and class distinction. Specifically, I show how parents chose names that are ethnically flexible and signal middle-class status to facilitate their successful integration into various ethnoracial contexts. These findings illustrate the unique challenges parents of color face in their intensive parenting efforts and how names are used as cultural tools to position the next generation in desirable class and ethnoracial terms.
Immunotherapy for inflammatory breast cancer: current evidences and future perspectives
Authors: Valenza Carmine , Trapani Dario , Curigliano Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

Purpose of review

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most fatal type presentation of clinical breast cancer. The immune tumor microenvironment (TME) of IBC is characterized by signals of immune evasion but suggests actionable vulnerability to immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In this review, we aimed to summarize the most important preclinical evidences of IBC immune-vulnerability and the first data from clinical trials evaluating ICIs in IBC.

Recent findings

IBC is characterized by a preexisting active immune TME suppressed by mechanisms of immune-escape, including inhibitory immune-checkpoints, whose expression is higher than in non-IBC. Clinical trials evaluating ICIs in patients with IBC are burdened by slow accrual and low enrollment.

Because of the limited data from clinical trials, no conclusions about the activity of ICIs in IBC can be drawn. Ongoing clinical trials are assessing many promising ICI-based combination approaches. An enhanced multicenter collaboration to evaluate ICIs in patients with this aggressive form of disease and to improve clinical outcomes is required.
HER2-positive breast cancer: cotargeting to overcome treatment resistance
Authors: Zagami Paola , Boscolo Bielo Luca , Nicolò Eleonora , Curigliano Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

Purpose of review

The introduction in clinical practice of anti-HER2 agents changed the prognosis of patients with HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer in both metastatic and early setting. Although the incomparable results obtained in the last years with the approval of new drugs targeting HER2, not all patients derive benefit from these treatments, experiencing primary or secondary resistance. The aim of this article is to review the data about cotargeting HER2 with different pathways (or epitopes of receptors) involved in its oncogenic signaling, as a mechanism to overcome resistance to anti-HER2 agents.

Recent findings

Concordantly to the knowledge of the HER2+ breast cancer heterogeneity as well as new drugs, novel predictive biomarkers of response to anti-HER2 treatments are always raised helping to define target to overcome resistance. Cotargeting HER2 and hormone receptors is the most well known mechanism to improve benefit in HER2+/HR+ breast cancer. Additional HER2-cotargeting, such as, with PI3K pathway, as well as different HERs receptors or immune-checkpoints revealed promising results.

HER2+ breast cancer is an heterogenous disease. Cotargeting HER2 with other signaling pathways involved in its mechanism of resistance may improve patient outcomes. Research efforts will continue to investigate novel targets and combinations to create more effective treatment regimes.
The Value of Magnet® Recognition Through the DNP Student Lens
Authors: Cooney Janelle L.
Published: August 2023

The Magnet Recognition Program® provides an international criterion standard around which organizations can challenge themselves to become innovative models of care. Through the Magnet® components of transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary professional practice, knowledge and innovation, and empirical quality results, healthcare organizations are leaders and exemplars in addressing the global issues that impact the nursing and healthcare professional fields. Through education and training, the DNP-prepared nurse has the potential to be at the forefront of these initiatives.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Hospital Nurse Leaders' Turnover Intention
Authors: Li Zhizhong , Gephart Sheila M.
Published: August 2023

OBJECTIVE

This project aims to identify the prevalence of acute care nurse leader turnover intention and the contributing factors.

BACKGROUND

Previous research has identified that nurse leaders often quit around 1 year after stepping into a leadership position. More in-depth investigations of the phenomenon are needed.

METHODS

The 2018 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses data were used in this quantitative, cross-sectional study. The sample of nurse leaders was drawn from survey participants. Characteristics of interest in this study were listed in the survey questionnaire and divided into 5 categories: education, primary nursing employment, race, marital status, and age.

RESULTS

A total of 50 273 participants completed the survey. The final sample size of nurse leaders was 1310 based on the eligibility criteria. The characteristics of the nurse leaders with turnover intention were reported in the 5 previously identified categories. Age, federally assisted student loans, and hours worked in a typical week predicted turnover intention. Low dissatisfaction and ability to practice to the full extent of knowledge, education, and training were strongly associated with nurse leader turnover intention.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings contribute to a more in-depth discovery of the causes of nurse leader turnover and future interventional research.
Utility of in-house and commercial PCR assay in diagnosis of Covid-19 associated mucormycosis in an emergency setting in a tertiary care center
Authors: Pandey Mragnayani , Sachdev Janya , Yadav Renu Kumari , Sharad Neha , Kanodia Anupam , Biswas Jaya , Janani R. Sruti , Gupta Sonakshi , Singh Gagandeep , Ekka Meera , Rana Bhaskar , Gourav Sudesh , Thakar Alok , Biswas Ashutosh , Sikka Kapil , Mathur Purva , Pushker Neelam , Jyotsna Viveka P. , Kumar Rakesh , Soneja Manish , Wig Naveet , Srivastava M. V. Padma , Xess Immaculata
Published: August 2023

Introduction. Invasive mucormycosis (IM) is a potentially fatal infection caused by fungi of the order Mucorales. Histopathology, culture, and radiology are the mainstays of diagnosis, but they are not sufficiently sensitive, resulting in delayed diagnosis and intervention. Recent studies have shown that PCR-based techniques can be a promising way to diagnose IM.

Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Early diagnosis of fungal infections using molecular diagnostic techniques can improve patient outcomes, especially in invasive mucormycosis.

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of our in-house mould-specific real time PCR assay (qPCR) in comparison with the commercially available real time PCR (MucorGenius PCR), for the early diagnosis of mucormycosis in tissue samples from patients with suspicion of invasive mucormycosis (IM). This in-house assay can detect and distinguish three clinically relevant mould species, e.g. Aspergillus spp., Mucorales and Fusarium spp. in a single reaction with only one pair of primers, without the need for sequencing.

Methodology. We enrolled 313 tissue samples from 193 patients with suspected IM in this prospective study. All cases were classified using EORTC/MSGERC guidelines. All samples were tested using traditional methods, in-house qPCR, and MucorGenius PCR.

Results. Using direct microscopy as a gold standard, the overall sensitivity and specificity of in-house qPCR for detection of IM was 92.46% and 80% respectively, while that of the MucorGenius PCR was 66.67% and 90% respectively. However, co-infection of IM and IA adversely affected the performance of MucorGenius PCR in detection of IM.

The in-house PCR detected Aspergillus spp. in 14 cases and Fusarium spp. in 4 cases which showed clinical and radiological features of fungal sinusitis. The in-house qPCR also performed better in detecting possible cases of IM. This aids early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion. Because the in-house PCR is not only sensitive and specific, but also entirely based on SYBR Green for detection of targets, it is less expensive than probe-based assays and can be used on a regular basis for the diagnosis of IM in resource-constrained settings. It can be used to distinguish between mucormycosis and fungal sinusitis caused by Aspergillus and Fusarium in high-risk patients, as well as to accurately detect Mucorales in fungal co-infection cases.
A cross-cultural comparison of organizational culture: evidence from academic libraries in Vietnam and China
Authors: Tran Quan Hoang Nguyen
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to inspect the organizational culture of academic libraries in Vietnam and China, and the objective was to investigate how the academic libraries in Vietnam and China differ in organizational culture’s task, unity and status orientations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study surveyed 546 academic library staff in China and Vietnam to fulfill this objective. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and paired t-tests are used to explore whether the organizational culture in the academic libraries in Vietnam and China is different in terms of task orientation, unity orientation and status orientation.

Findings

The results from the data concluded that academic libraries in Vietnam had a higher score on task and status orientations than their Chinese counterparts. In this study, there were no coherent factors regarding unity orientation.

Practical implications

This research expresses several solutions to address the problems in academic libraries in Vietnam and China. Scholars and practitioners can benefit from this research as it is a foundation to support them in understanding the organizational culture of libraries in two countries.

Originality/value

This research expands the scope of organizational culture literature in the Asian library sector. Given that no prior studies have compared the library cultures between the two countries, this study is a novelty. The findings of this research can support academic library staff, leaders and practitioners in Vietnam and China to understand their organizational culture. The research also identifies some recommendations to improve the academic library culture in Vietnam and China.
The perception of accountants/auditors on the role of corporate governance and information technology in fraud detection and prevention
Authors: Hassan Syed Waleed Ul , Kiran Samra , Gul Samina , Khatatbeh Ibrahim N. , Zainab Bibi
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the perceptions of financial accountants and both internal and external auditors regarding the impact of corporate governance (CG) and information technology (IT) on the detection and prevention of fraud within organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected from 250 financial accountants, internal auditors and external auditors through questionnaires. The non-probability snowball sampling technique was used for data collection, with the sample t-test, one-way ANOVA and paired sample t-test applied for analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that robust CG practices and IT techniques significantly aid in detecting and reducing fraudulent activities by minimizing opportunities, rationalizations, pressures and capabilities of potential employees to commit fraud. Internal controls also play a significant role in reducing instances of fraud. Notably, ethical officers and ethical training were not perceived as significantly effective in preventing and detecting fraud, leading to a perception that fraudulent practices are prevalent and increasing the risk of future fraudulent activities.

Research limitations/implications

This study recommends the adoption of strong CG practices to identify potential fraud within an organization. Moreover, IT techniques should be tailored to specific needs for effective utilization. Furthermore, the government should increase awareness regarding data provision by departments, organizations and other related personnel. Future research could use secondary data from various regions to expand the literature in this field.

Originality/value

This research uniquely combines three significant factors: CG, IT and forensic accounting in fraud detection and prevention. It contributes to the enhancement of literature about fraud and its preventive and detective measures. The results of this study set the seed for future research, government policymaking and enhanced organizational practices.
What is in your résumé? The effects of multiple social categories in résumé screening
Authors: Pinto Luisa Helena , Portugal Rita , Viana Patricia
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Numerous studies have shown that minority workers are disadvantaged in the labour market due to stereotypes and discrimination. However, published research on résumé screening has overlooked the effects of multiple social categorisations pertaining to candidates' gender, education and origin. This study addresses this gap and examines whether the gender, the level of education and the national origin cues mentioned in the résumé affect the perceived employability of candidates.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs an experimental between-subjects factorial design in that 12 résumés varying in gender, education and national origin were rated by 373 Portuguese working adults.

Findings

The results documented a gender premium as women were favoured in interpersonal and job skills but not in job suitability, and an education premium, since higher educated candidates were preferred despite their gender and origin. No meaningful interactions for gender × education × national origin were observed, which suggests that ingroup favouritism and outgroup discrimination in résumé screening can be averted.

Originality/value

The findings endorse a multidimensional view of perceived employability by investigating candidates' skills and job suitability from the viewpoint of the decision-makers, which extends our understanding of résumé-screening discrimination. This is critical to prevent hiring discrimination at an earlier career stage, which can increase youth employment and enhance the integration in the labour market of local minorities such as women, inexperienced workers and second-generation immigrants.
High methoxyl pectin can improve the extrusion characteristics and increase the dietary fiber content of starch‐cellulose extrudates
Authors: Ek Pichmony , Gu Bon‐Jae , Richter Jana K. , Dey Debomitra , Saunders Steven R. , Ganjyal Girish M.
Published: August 2023

Improving total dietary fiber content while maintaining the texture/expansion of extruded products is a challenge. Pectin has a dual function; it is a source of dietary fiber and it also functions as a hydrocolloid, which could improve the texture of high‐fiber extruded foods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of pectin types from citrus peel on the expansion characteristics of starch‐cellulose extrudates. High and low methoxyl pectin (HMP and LMP) was added to the starch‐cellulose mixtures and extruded using a twin‐screw extruder. The pasting properties of raw mixtures, extrusion properties, microstructure, and dietary fiber contents of the extrudates were studied. The inclusion of HMP in raw material improved the peak viscosity (629.7 ± 8.1 to 754.7 ± 80.1 mPa s) and maintained the final viscosity compared to the control (starch‐cellulose mixture alone), unlike LMP. HMP relatively maintained the extrusion process parameters such as torque, back pressure, and specific mechanical energy as the control. Interestingly, the addition of 7% of HMP had a similar expansion ratio (3.41 ± 0.08 to 2.35 ± 0.06) compared to the control (3.46 ± 0.08 to 2.32 ± 0.09) under the extrusion conditions studied. The total dietary fiber content improved from 12.22 ± 0.01% to 18.26 ± 0.63% (w/w). HMP maintained the expansion characteristic of starch‐cellulose extrudates and improved its total dietary fiber content relative to LMP. Adding HMP to the mixtures improved the extensibility of the melt, favoring bubble growth and expansion of the starch‐cellulose extrudates. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data suggested that there could be intermolecular interactions between starch, cellulose, and pectin, but the nature of these interactions needs further investigation.

Practical Application

The study provides practical information on the influence of the addition of high and low methoxyl pectin on starch‐cellulose extrudates. The results can help the industry to produce snack products that are more nutritious but are still well accepted by the consumers.
Does framing climate change policies to fit with epistemic needs for predictability reduce conservatives’ opposition?
Authors: Lammers Joris , Schulte Anna , Baldwin Matthew
Published: August 2023

A short‐term obstacle to united political action to fight climate change in various countries is opposition to pro‐environmental policies among conservatives. Three preregistered studies test the hypothesis that because conservatives have a higher need for closure than liberals (Hypothesis 1), framing pro‐environmental policies in a way that appeals to the need for closure, reduces conservatives’ opposition to these policies (Hypothesis 2). Study 1 confirms Hypothesis 1. Next, two studies test Hypothesis 2 and find that conservatives are less opposed to pro‐environmental policies proposed by a politician (Study 2) or an NGO (Study 3) if these policies are framed in a way that appeals to the need for closure, while the opposite is the case for liberals. Across these two studies, we also test the underlying process but find no evidence for the idea that differences in need for closure mediate the effect (Hypothesis 3a). Instead, the effect is primarily driven by inferences about group membership and ingroup bias (Hypothesis 3b, non‐preregistered). That is, these data suggest that framing policies to appeal to closure needs reduces conservatives’ opposition because they infer that the policy is proposed by a fellow conservative.
Re‐routing GPR56 signalling using Gα12/13 G protein chimeras
Authors: Faas Felix , Nørskov Amalie , Holst Peter J. , Andersson Anne‐Marie , Qvortrup Katrine , Mathiasen Signe , Rosenkilde Mette M.
Published: August 2023

Adhesion G protein‐coupled receptors (aGPCRs) constitute the second largest subclass of the GPCR superfamily. Although canonical GPCRs are explored pharmacologically as drug targets, no clinically approved drugs target the aGPCR family so far. The aGPCR GPR56/ADGRG1 stands out as an especially promising target, given its direct link to the monogenetic disease bilateral frontoparietal polymicrogyria and implications in cancers. Key to understanding GPCR pharmacology has been mapping out intracellular signalling activity. Detection of GPCR signalling in the Gαs/Gαi/Gαq G protein pathways is feasible with second messenger detection systems. However, in the case of Gα12/13‐coupled receptors, like GPR56, signalling detection is more challenging due to the lack of direct second messenger generation. To overcome this challenge, we engineered a Gαq chimera to translate Gα12/13 signalling. We show the ability of the chimeric GαΔ6q12myr and GαΔ6q13myr to translate basal Gα12/13 signalling of GPR56 to a Gαq readout in transcription factor luciferase reporter systems and show that the established peptide ligands (P7 and P19) function to enhance this signal. We further demonstrate the ability to directly influence the generation of second messengers in inositol‐3‐phosphate assays. In the future, these chimeric G proteins could facilitate basic functional studies, drug screenings and deorphanization of other aGPCRs.
Contextualizing privacy with wearable data in higher education
Authors: Hagadone‐Bedir Mariah , Voithofer Rick , Kulp Jessica T.
Published: August 2023

This conceptual study uses dynamic systems theory (DST) and phenomenology as lenses to examine data privacy implications surrounding wearable devices that incorporate stakeholder, contextual and technical factors. Wearable devices can impact people's behaviour and sense of self, and DST and phenomenology provide complementary approaches for emphasizing the subjective experiences of individuals that occur with the use of wearable data. Privacy is approached through phenomenology as an individual's lived bodily experience and DST emphasizes the self‐regulation and feedback loops of individuals and their uses of wearable data. The data collection, analysis and communication of wearable data to support learning systems alongside privacy implications for each are examined. The IoT, cloud computing, metadata and algorithms are discussed as they relate to wearable data, pointing out privacy risks and strategies to minimize harm.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Data privacy is a complex topic and is approached through different perspectives, influencing the degree of an individual's data autonomy.

Wearable technology is increasing in the consumer market and offers great potential to learning environments.

What this paper adds

Extends extant literature on dynamic systems theory and phenomenology, contributing these perspectives to educational research in the context of student data privacy and wearable technologies.

Provides a framework to understand the complex and contingent ways that privacy can be understood in the collection, analysis, and communication of wearable data to support learning.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Higher education faculty and educational policymakers should consider various interactions in systems and among systems of how wearable data collection may be analysed, communicated and stored, potentially exposing students to privacy harms.

Multiple actors in learning systems must engage in continuous and evolving feedback loops around data security, consent, ownership and control to determine who has access to student data, how it is used and for what purposes.

The EU's General Data Protection and Regulation offers one of the most comprehensive frameworks for higher education institutions and faculty around the world to follow for protecting student data privacy.
Caries clusters at lesion‐severity thresholds: A Sierra Leone case study
Authors: Sibanda L. , Ghotane S. G. , Bernabe E. , Challacombe S. J. , Pitts N. B. , Gallagher J. E.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Despite being almost entirely preventable, globally, dental caries is extremely prevalent. Moreover, dental caries will continue to present an even larger challenge for lower income countries, particularly those in the African context, as they transition to a more Western diet. Hence, epidemiological data providing insight into disease patterns and trends is critical to inform public health action. The purpose of this study was to examine dental caries clusters by caries detection threshold among 15‐year‐old adolescents in Sierra Leone, using data from the latest national survey, and to explore associated sociodemographic factors.

Methods

This paper presents a secondary analysis of oral health data on 490 15‐year‐olds from the Sierra Leone national oral health survey of schoolchildren. Hierarchical cluster analysis of dental caries experience was conducted across all surfaces at four decay detection thresholds using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) (clinical: ICDAS 2–6, cavitated: ICDAS 3–6, obvious: ICDAS 4–6 and extensive obvious: ICDAS 5–6 decay) across the four regions of Sierra Leone. Ordered logistic regression was used to estimate the association of sociodemographic factors with generated clusters relating to clinical and obvious decay experience. These are of both clinical and epidemiological relevance.

Results

A 3‐cluster decay pattern representing a ‘low’ to ‘high’ decay experience distribution was observed under each decay detection threshold across surfaces. For clinical decay (including visual enamel caries), 28.8% had low, 55.1% medium and 15.9% high caries status. In the adjusted model, the only significant risk factor across obvious and clinical decay thresholds was region, with adolescents outside the Western region more likely to experience decay.

Conclusion

This study suggests that adolescents in Sierra Leone fall into three distinct caries clusters: low, medium to high decay experience distribution, regardless of decay threshold. It reinforces the importance of recognizing dental caries detection thresholds and the use of contemporary epidemiological methodology. This suggests that adolescents outside the Western region are likely to have higher caries experience. The data also provides insight to the nature of adolescents in each cluster and should help to inform policy and planning of the integration of oral health into primary care and school systems.
Family involvement, innovation and product market competition
Authors: Singh Sukhdeep , Chakraborty Indrani
Published: August 2023

The paper constructs a theoretical framework suggesting a moderating impact of product market competition in determining the relationship between family ownership/control and innovation. We argue that the elimination of ‘career concerns’ of CEOs in firms with greater family share may explain the mechanism followed to encourage R&D investments. Empirical testing of the hypotheses is performed using data from the Indian manufacturing industry for the period 2001–2018. The findings suggest that the domestic product market competition complements the relationship between family ownership/control and R&D investments. This indicates that family firms tend to invest more in R&D as domestic product competition increases. The data suggest that the effect of family involvement on innovation is due to the reduction of managerial career concerns, as we find that managerial turnover (conditional on poor performance) is lower if family involvement is higher. This effect is significantly stronger under higher degrees of competition.
Differences in virulence of genets of Heterobasidion annosum and susceptibility of young plants of different conifer species and origins
Authors: Beram Refika Ceyda , Aday Kaya Ayşe Gülden , Doğmuş Lehtijärvi Hatice Tuğba , Lehtijärvi Asko , Woodward Steve
Published: August 2023

Heterobasidion species are the most important pathogens causing root and stem rot on conifers in northern hemisphere forests. The host list of this complex is very wide and includes over 200 species of trees and shrubs. Among the members of this complex, Heterobasidion annosum s. s. has the largest host range. In this study, young plants of Pinus sylvestris, Picea orientalis, Abies nordmanniana, Cedrus libani and Pinus brutia (three different origins) were inoculated on the lower stem with known genets of Heterobasidion annosum s.s. collected from Pinus brutia stands in south‐western Türkiye. Infection frequency, assessed as presence of the conidial stage in stem discs following incubation, in the inoculated seedlings was 100%. The Heterobasidion annosum s. s. isolates were re‐isolated from all inoculated host species. Control seedlings showed no symptoms of disease. Mortality in inoculated plants was 11.5% of the 735 inoculated plants, which died over an 8‐weeks incubation period. The isolates showed greater growth on Cedrus libani, Pinus sylvestris and Picea orientalis seedlings compared to other species tested. On the other hand, it was found that the least affected seedlings were Pinus brutia TB12 and Abies nordmanniana. This study proved that differences occur in aggressiveness of Heterobasidion annosum s. s. to host species. A striking point in the results is that, despite being the host species from which the isolates were obtained, Pinus brutia seedlings showed lower sensitivity to Heterobasidion annosum s. s. than the other conifer species tested. Inoculations of three different Pinus brutia provenances suggested there was no significant difference in mean lesion lengths and fungal growth values in Pinus brutia plants, except in Pinus brutia TB14, which was more susceptible to extension growth of the pathogen.
An assessment of Sentinel‐1 synthetic aperture radar, geophysical and topographical covariates for estimating topsoil particle‐size fractions
Authors: Deodoro Sandra Cristina , Moral Rafael Andrade , Fealy Reamonn , McCarthy Tim , Fealy Rowan
Published: August 2023

Data derived from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) are widely employed to predict soil properties, particularly soil moisture and soil carbon content. However, few studies address the use of microwave sensors for soil texture retrieval and those that do are typically constrained to bare soil conditions. Here, we test two statistical modelling approaches—linear (with and without interaction terms) and tree‐based models, namely compositional linear regression model (LRM) and random forest (RF)—and both nongeophysical (e.g., surface soil moisture, topographic, etc) and geophysical‐based (electromagnetic, magnetic and radiometric) covariates to estimate soil texture (sand %, silt % and clay %), using microwave remote sensing data (ESA Sentinel‐1). The statistical models evaluated explicitly consider the compositional nature of soil texture and were evaluated with leave‐one‐out cross‐validation (LOOCV). Our findings indicate that both modelling approaches yielded better estimates when fitted without the geophysical covariates. Based on the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE), LRM slightly outperformed RF, with NSE values for sand, silt and clay of 0.94, 0.62 and 0.46, respectively; for RF, the NSE values were 0.93, 0.59 and 0.44. When interaction terms were included, RF was found to outperform LRM. The inclusion of interactions in the LRM resulted in a decrease in NSE value and an increase in the size of the residuals. Findings also indicate that the use of radar‐derived variables (e.g., VV, VH, RVI) alone was not able to predict soil particle size without the aid of other covariates. Our findings highlight the importance of explicitly considering the compositional nature of soil texture information in statistical analysis and regression modelling. As part of the continued assessment of microwave remote sensing data (e.g., ESA Sentinel‐1) for predicting topsoil particle size, we intend to test surface scattering information derived from the dual‐polarimetric decomposition technique and integrate that predictor into the models in order to deal with the effects of vegetation cover on topsoil backscattering.
The role of SPP/SPPL intramembrane proteases in membrane protein homeostasis
Authors: Mentrup Torben , Leinung Nadja , Patel Mehul , Fluhrer Regina , Schröder Bernd
Published: August 2023

Signal peptide peptidase (SPP) and the four SPP‐like proteases SPPL2a, SPPL2b, SPPL2c and SPPL3 constitute a family of aspartyl intramembrane proteases with homology to presenilins. The different members reside in distinct cellular localisations within the secretory pathway and the endo‐lysosomal system. Despite individual cleavage characteristics, they all cleave single‐span transmembrane proteins with a type II orientation exhibiting a cytosolic N‐terminus. Though the identification of substrates is not complete, SPP/SPPL‐mediated proteolysis appears to be rather selective. Therefore, according to our current understanding cleavage by SPP/SPPL proteases rather seems to serve a regulatory function than being a bulk proteolytic pathway. In the present review, we will summarise our state of knowledge on SPP/SPPL proteases and in particular highlight recently identified substrates and the functional and/or (patho)‐physiological implications of these cleavage events. Based on this, we aim to provide an overview of the current open questions in the field. These are connected to the regulation of these proteases at the cellular level but also in context of disease and patho‐physiological processes. Furthermore, the interplay with other proteostatic systems capable of degrading membrane proteins is beginning to emerge.
Fragrance in dermocosmetic emulsions: From microstructure to skin application
Authors: Dallay Charlotte , Malhiac Catherine , Picard Céline , Savary Géraldine
Published: August 2023

Fragrance is added to almost all dermocosmetic emulsions, as it has been found to be a key driver in consumer choice and contributes to the perception of product performance. Fragrance is a complex mixture of odorant chemicals at different concentrations. When incorporated into a formulation, the individual fragrance chemicals partition between the emulsion phases depending on their physicochemical properties, which can impact the structure, stability, texture and odour of the final product. On the other hand, it is well known in the food industry how the composition and structure of food emulsion matrices influence the release of aroma chemicals. Fragranced dermocosmetic emulsions have been studied to a lesser extent but it is interesting to apply findings from the food domain since emulsion structure, composition and aroma compounds share common features. This review aims to give an overview of the literature dealing with the interactions between fragrance and dermocosmetic emulsions. The effects of fragrance on emulsion microstructure, stability and texture are highlighted and discussed. The effects of composition and structure of emulsion on the release of fragrance molecules are also presented. Finally, the interactions between skin and fragranced emulsions are addressed.
Evaluation of a new technique using artificial intelligence for quantification of plasma cells on CD138 immunohistochemistry
Authors: Gantana Ethan James , Nell Erica‐Mari , Musekwa Ernest , Lohlun Robert Kingsley , Chetty Carissa , Moodley Keshanya , Chabunya Sylvester , Ras Jacqui , Chapanduka Zivanai Cuthbert
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The diagnosis of plasma cell neoplasms depends on the accurate quantification of plasma cells, traditionally done by immunohistochemical CD138 staining of bone marrow biopsies. Currently, there is no fully satisfactory reference method for this quantification. In our previous study, we compared the commonly used overview estimation method (method A) with a novel method for counting plasma cells in three representative areas (method B). Results showed comparable concordance parameters between the two methods. In this follow‐up study, we compared the previously evaluated methods with a digital analysis method (method C) that uses artificial intelligence in open‐source software, QuPath.

Methods

Archived CD138 immunohistochemically stained trephine sections of bone marrow samples used in our previous study were used (n = 33). Reviewers selected three representative areas on each sample by taking images with a light microscope and camera. Digital analysis was performed using the positive cell detection function in QuPath. The entire process was repeated by each reviewer to test intraobserver concordance (concordance correlation coefficient [CCC]) in addition to interobserver concordance (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]).

Results

Intraobserver concordance of method C showed strong agreement for all reviewers with the lowest CCC = 0.854. Interobserver concordance for method C using ICC was 0.909 and 0.949. This showed high interobserver agreement with significant differences between method C and previously assessed method A (ICC = 0.793 and 0.713) and method B (ICC = 0.657 and 0.658).

Conclusion

We were able to successfully count CD138‐positive plasma cells in bone marrow biopsies using artificial intelligence. This method is superior to both manual counting and overview estimation, regardless of tumour load.
Role of weather in the natural gas market: Insights from the STL‐GARCH‐W method
Authors: Peng Lijuan , Xia Zhenglan , Huang Yisu , Pan Zhigang
Published: August 2023

Weather has been shown to affect natural gas markets, but there is limited research on the strength and manner in which weather affects predictions of natural gas volatility. In this study, six weather indicators are used as exogenous variables, and seasonal‐trend decomposition‐generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity‐Weather (STL‐GARCH‐W) and STL‐GJR‐GARCH‐W models are constructed to explore the effect of weather on global natural gas market. The empirical findings indicate that temperature and precipitation have a notable positive effect on natural gas, while solar radiation has a prominent negative effect. Furthermore, the STL‐GARCH‐W model outperform the STL‐GJR‐GARCH‐W model and the benchmark STL‐GARCH model when temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation are considered. In addition, the January effect has been shown to significantly influence natural gas price volatility. Finally, most parameters in both models are of statistical significance, demonstrating that both models accurately forecast natural gas volatility and emphasizing the importance of weather indicators for modelling natural gas price volatility. Our study provides new insights for energy market investors and policy makers.
Acrochordons as a cutaneous sign of impaired carbohydrate metabolism, hyperlipidemia, liver enzyme abnormalities and hypertension: A case–control study
Authors: Şenel E. , Salmanoğlu M. , Solmazgül E. , İnal B. Berçik
Published: August 2023

Background

Acrochordons are common and benign skin tumours. A few studies with contradictory results have been reported regarding the abnormalities of carbohydrate and/or lipid metabolisms in patients with acrochordons.

Objectives

We aimed to determine if the presence of acrochordons could be a marker of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, liver enzyme abnormalities and hypertension by comparing with a control group.

Methods

A total of 110 patients having two or more acrochordons and age‐ and gender‐matched 110 controls were included in the study. Localization, size and the total number of acrochordons were recorded in the patient group. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum lipids and liver enzyme levels were tested in patient and controls. All participants underwent a standard 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test with 75 g glucose. Diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose intolerance were diagnosed according to the American Diabetes Association criteria. Arterial blood pressures were measured in two groups.

Results

A total of 56 patients and 10 controls were diagnosed with overt DM. Thirteen per cent of the patients and 9% of controls had an impaired glucose tolerance test. The difference was statistically significant for the diagnosis of DM and not significant for the impaired glucose tolerance. The mean levels of FPG, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma‐glutamyltransferase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher in patients than those in controls. Furthermore, serum levels of HDL were less in patients. Patients with acrochordons had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures than controls.

Conclusions

The results of our study suggest that acrochordons may represent a cutaneous sign for impaired carbohydrate or lipid metabolism, liver enzyme abnormalities and hypertension.
Diagnostic validation of vertebral heart score machine learning algorithm for canine lateral chest radiographs
Authors: Solomon J. , Bender S. , Durgempudi P. , Robar C. , Cocchiaro M. , Turner S. , Watson C. , Healy J. , Spake A. , Szlosek D.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The vertebral heart score is a measurement used to index heart size relative to thoracic vertebra. Vertebral heart score can be a useful tool for identifying and staging heart disease and providing prognostic information. The purpose of this study is to validate the use of a vertebral heart score algorithm compared to manual vertebral heart scoring by three board‐certified veterinary cardiologists.

Materials and Methods

A convolutional neural network centred around semantic segmentation of relevant anatomical features was developed to predict heart size and vertebral bodies. These predictions were used to calculate the vertebral heart score. An external validation study consisting of 1200 canine lateral radiographs was randomly selected to match the underlying distribution of vertebral heart scores. Three American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine board‐certified cardiologists were enrolled to manually score 400 images each using the traditional Buchanan method. Post‐scoring, the cardiologists evaluated the algorithm for misaligned anatomic landmarks and overall image quality.

Results

The 95th percentile absolute difference between the cardiologist vertebral heart score and the algorithm vertebral heart score was 1.05 vertebrae (95% confidence interval: 0.97 to 1.20 vertebrae) with a mean bias of −0.09 vertebrae (95% confidence interval: −0.12 to −0.05 vertebrae). In addition, the model was observed to be well calibrated across the predictive range.

Clinical Significance

We have found the performance of the vertebral heart score algorithm comparable to three board‐certified cardiologists. While validation of this vertebral heart score algorithm has shown strong performance compared to veterinarians, further external validation in other clinical settings is warranted before use in those settings.
Waking up on the wrong side of the bed: Depression severity moderates daily associations between sleep duration and morning affect
Authors: Wescott D. L. , Taylor M. L. , Klevens A. M. , Franzen P. L. , Roecklein K. A.
Published: August 2023

Mornings are salient times for disrupted affect that may be impacted by prior sleep. The current study extends work linking sleep disruptions with negative affect by examining how nightly changes in sleep duration, timing, and quality relative to a person's average impact morning affect. We further tested whether depression severity moderated the relationship between nightly variations in sleep and morning affect. This is a secondary analysis of participants ages 18–65 years with varying levels of depression (N = 91) who wore an Actiwatch for 3–17 days (n = 73) while reporting morning affect using a visual analogue scale. Multilevel models tested the previous night's sleep duration, timing, or quality as a predictor of morning affect. Sleep measures were group‐mean centred to account for nightly variation in participants' sleep. A cross‐level interaction between depression severity and nightly sleep was entered. Sleeping longer (b = 0.1; p < 0.001) and later (b = 1.8; p = 0.01) than usual were both associated with better morning mood. There was a significant interaction between nightly actigraphic sleep duration and depression severity on morning affect (b = 0.003; p = 0.003). Participants with higher depression severity reported worse affect upon waking after sleeping less than their usual. In comparison, sleeping less than usual did not affect morning affect ratings for participants with lower depression. A similar interaction was found for sleep quality (b = 0.02; p < 0.001). There was no interaction for midsleep timing. Sleeping less than usual impacted morning affect in individuals with greater depression, potentially suggesting a pathway by which sleep disturbances perpetuate depression.
Introduction: W. E. B. Du Bois: Religion and Social Inequality
Authors: Edwards Korie Little
Published: August 2023

W.E.B. Du Bois understood the critical role religion plays in power inequities in the, world. He was very acquainted with how it is used as a tool to exclude and subordinate human beings and yet, at the same time, serve as a source of refuge. This special issue of the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion is a collection of articles that examines religion and social inequality from a variety of different angles with a Du Boisian lens. When we focus our lens on religion and social inequality, we are highlighting the ways in which religion plays a part in the unequal distribution of power across social groups in society. This special issue focuses on how religion impacts social life and the way individuals and groups embody or struggle to reclaim their agency within a context of silent oppression at times and not‐so‐silent oppression at others times at the personal‐, group‐, and global levels.
Is alveolar ridge preservation an overtreatment?
Authors: Mardas Nikos , Macbeth Neil , Donos Nikolaos , Jung Ronald Ernst , Zuercher Anina Nives
Published: August 2023

The morphology and dimensions of the postextraction alveolar ridge are important for the surgical and restorative phases of implant treatment. Adequate new bone formation and preservation of alveolar ridge dimensions following extraction will facilitate installation of the implant in a restorative position, while preservation of soft tissue contour and volume is essential for an aesthetic and implant‐supported restoration with healthy peri‐implant tissues. Alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) refers to any procedure that aims to: (i) limit dimensional changes in the alveolar ridge after extraction facilitating implant placement without additional extensive bone and soft tissue augmentation procedures (ii) promote new bone formation in the healing alveolus, and (iii) promote soft tissue healing at the entrance of the alveolus and preserve the alveolar ridge contour. Although ARP is a clinically validated and safe approach, in certain clinical scenarios, the additional clinical benefit of ARP over unassisted socket healing has been debated and it appears that for some clinicians may represent an overtreatment. The aim of this critical review was to discuss the evidence pertaining to the four key objectives of ARP and to determine where ARP can lead to favorable outcomes when compared to unassisted socket healing.