bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring workplace learning experience in work transition among K-12 teachers during COVID-19
Authors: Niu Yuanlu
Published: February 2024

Purpose

When the emergency transition started in the spring of 2020 in the USA, teachers had to quickly switch from traditional in-person teaching to distance and remote teaching, regardless of their level of preparation. The distance and remote learning environments and contexts were different from traditional classrooms, which significantly changed the way teachers communicated and engaged with students in learning. The purpose of this study was to explore the workplace learning experience of K-12 educators during their work transition due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 30 qualitative, in-depth, semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducted with K-12 educators in Arkansas in the USA and synthesized their experiences.

Findings

This study identified four major themes in the workplace learning experiences of K-12 teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic: major challenges in workplace learning, including limited time, information overload, lack of relevance and customization and balancing priorities; challenges specific to different subgroups, such as age differences, prior experience and access to technology; strategies of workplace learning, notably collaborative learning, on-the-job training and professional development; and support for workplace learning, encompassing both formal support from schools and districts and informal support from family, friends and peers.

Originality/value

The paper provides original insights into K-12 teachers’ workplace learning during the COVID-19 pandemic by understanding their adaptation strategies. It fills a research gap by highlighting both the challenges and support mechanisms in educational transitions during a crisis.
Local business environment and firm innovation: evidence from China
Authors: Wu Jiapeng , Gao Dayu , Xu Cheng , Sun Yanqi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influence of the regional business environment on local firm innovation, considering various dimensions such as administrative, financial and legal environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple regression analysis is employed to analyze archival data for firms listed on Chinese stock markets.

Findings

We find that the optimizations of the administrative and financial environments positively affect firm innovation, whereas the legal environment does not exert a similar impact. Our analysis also reveals that the business environment’s optimization significantly influences innovation in firms that are small, non-state-owned and operating in high-tech industries. Furthermore, the business environment acts as a moderating variable in the relationship between firm innovation and firm value.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of institutional-level determinants of firm innovation, highlighting the nuances of the legal environment and the importance of context-specific analysis, especially in emerging markets like China.

Practical implications

Developing countries can significantly enhance firm innovation by improving the business environment, including the optimization of administrative and financial systems, reducing transaction costs and ensuring capital supply. Tailored legal frameworks and alternative institutional strategies may also be explored.

Social implications

This study explicitly emphasizes the governmental role in promoting firm innovation, shedding light on policy formulation and strategic alignment with local administrative policies.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first to explore the relationship between the business environment and firm innovation using World Bank indicators in an emerging market context, providing novel insights into the unique dynamics of legal, financial and administrative sub-environments.
Archaeal blooms and busts in an estuarine time series
Authors: Guider Justin T. , Yoshimura Kristin M. , Block Kaleigh R. , Biddle Jennifer F. , Shah Walter Sunita R.
Published: February 2024

Coastal bays, such as Delaware Bay, are highly productive, ecologically important transitions between rivers and the coastal ocean. They offer opportunities to investigate archaeal assemblages across seasons, with the exchange of water masses that occurs with tidal cycles, and in the context of variable organic matter quality. For a year‐long estuarine, size‐fractionated time series, we used amplicon sequencing, chemical measurements, and qPCR to follow archaeal groups through the seasons. We detected seasonally high abundances of Marine Group II archaea in summer months which correlate with indicators of phytoplankton production, although not phytoplankton biomass. Although previous studies have reported associations between Marine Group II archaea and particles, here they are almost entirely found in very small particles (0.22–0.7 μm), suggesting they are free‐living cells. Populations of Nitrososphaeria did not vary with particle size or environmental conditions. Methanogens were significant fractions of archaeal sequences in large particles at low tide during winter months. Contrary to expectations, Nanoarchaeia were found predominantly in the free‐living fraction despite the previous observation that they require an association with hosts. These results underscore the utility of time series studies in shallow, tidally mixed estuarine environments that capture variable conditions for understanding the ecology and biogeochemistry of planktic archaea.
Microglia activity in the human basal ganglia is altered in alcohol use disorder and reversed with remission from alcohol
Authors: Rasool Ameer Elena , Furlong Teri , Prasad Asheeta A.
Published: February 2024

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by cycles of abuse, withdrawal, and relapse. Neuroadaptations in the basal ganglia are observed in AUD; specifically in the putamen, globus pallidus (GP), and ventral pallidum (VP). These regions are associated with habit formation, drug‐seeking behaviors, and reward processing. While previous studies have shown the crucial role of glial cells in drug seeking, it remains unknown whether glial cells in the basal ganglia are altered in AUD. Glial cells in the putamen, GP, and VP were examined in human post‐mortem tissue of AUD and alcohol remission cases. Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze cell count, staining intensity, and morphology of microglia and astrocytes, using markers Iba‐1 and GFAP. Morphological analysis revealed a significant decrease in microglia cell size and process retraction, indicating activation or a dystrophic microglia phenotype in individuals with AUD compared to controls. Microglia staining intensity was also higher in the GP and VP in AUD cases, whereas microglia staining intensity and cell size in remission cases were not different to control cases. In contrast, no astrocyte changes were observed in examined brain regions for both AUD and remission cases compared to controls. These results suggest alcohol exposure alters microglia, potentially contributing to dysfunctions in the basal ganglia that maintain addiction, and abstinence from alcohol may reverse microglia changes and associated dysfunctions. Overall, this study further characterizes AUD neuropathology and implicates microglia in the putamen, GP, and VP as a potential target for therapy.
Effect of implant type on the stability of cantilever fixed dental prostheses: An in vitro study
Authors: Rohr Nadja , Karakas‐Stupar Irina , Karlin Sabrina , Zitzmann Nicola U. , Zaugg Lucia K.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To simulate the replacement of a premolar with an implant‐supported cantilever fixed dental prosthesis (ICFDP) and how the fracture load is affected by implant type, positioning within the zirconia blank, and aging protocol.

Materials and Methods

Seventy‐two ICFDPs were designed either within the enamel‐ or dentin layer of a 4Y‐PSZ blank for bone‐level and tissue‐level titanium‐zirconium implants. Fracture load was obtained on the cantilever at baseline (no aging) or after aging in a chewing simulator with the load applied within the implant axis (axial aging) or on the cantilever (12 groups with n = 6). A three‐way ANOVA was applied (α = .05).

Results

A three‐way ANOVA revealed a significant effect on fracture load values of implant type (p = .006) and aging (p < .001) but not for the position within the zirconia blank (p = .847). Fracture load values significantly increased from baseline bone level (608 ± 118 N) and tissue level (880 ± 293 N) when the implants were aged axially, with higher values for tissue level (1065 ± 182 N) than bone level (797 ± 113 N) (p < .001). However, when the force was applied to the cantilever, fracture load values decreased significantly for tissue‐level (493 ± 70 N), while values for bone‐level implants remained stable (690 ± 135 N).

Conclusions

For ICFDPs, the use of bone‐level implants is reasonable as catastrophic failures are likely to be restricted to the restoration, whereas with tissue‐level implants, the transmucosal portion of the implant is susceptible to deformation, making repair more difficult.
Systems genetics analysis reveals the common genetic basis for pain sensitivity and cognitive function
Authors: Xu Fuyi , Chen Anran , Pan Shuijing , Wu Yingying , He Hongjie , Han Zhe , Lu Lu , Orgil Buyan‐Ochir , Chi XiaoDong , Yang Cunhua , Jia Shushan , Yu Cuicui , Mi Jia
Published: February 2024

Background

There is growing evidence of a strong correlation between pain sensitivity and cognitive function under both physiological and pathological conditions. However, the detailed mechanisms remain largely unknown. In the current study, we sought to explore candidate genes and common molecular mechanisms underlying pain sensitivity and cognitive function with a transcriptome‐wide association study using recombinant inbred mice from the BXD family.

Methods

The pain sensitivity determined by Hargreaves' paw withdrawal test and cognition‐related phenotypes were systematically analyzed in 60 strains of BXD mice and correlated with hippocampus transcriptomes, followed by quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and systems genetics analysis.

Results

The pain sensitivity showed significant variability across the BXD strains and co‐varies with cognitive traits. Pain sensitivity correlated hippocampual genes showed a significant involvement in cognition‐related pathways, including glutamatergic synapse, and PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. Moreover, QTL mapping identified a genomic region on chromosome 4, potentially regulating the variation of pain sensitivity. Integrative analysis of expression QTL mapping, correlation analysis, and Bayesian network modeling identified Ring finger protein 20 (Rnf20) as the best candidate. Further pathway analysis indicated that Rnf20 may regulate the expression of pain sensitivity and cognitive function through the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, particularly through interactions with genes Ppp2r2b, Ppp2r5c, Col9a3, Met, Rps6, Tnc, and Kras.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that pain sensitivity is associated with genetic background and Rnf20‐mediated PI3K‐Akt signaling may involve in the regulation of pain sensitivity and cognitive functions.
Olanzapine, but not haloperidol, exerts pronounced acute metabolic effects in the methylazoxymethanol rat model
Authors: Horska Katerina , Skrede Silje , Kucera Jan , Kuzminova Gabriela , Suchy Pavel , Micale Vincenzo , Ruda‐Kucerova Jana
Published: February 2024

Aim

Widely used second‐generation antipsychotics are associated with adverse metabolic effects, contributing to increased cardiovascular mortality. To develop strategies to prevent or treat adverse metabolic effects, preclinical models have a clear role in uncovering underlying molecular mechanisms. However, with few exceptions, preclinical studies have been performed in healthy animals, neglecting the contribution of dysmetabolic features inherent to psychotic disorders.

Methods

In this study, methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) was prenatally administered to pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats at gestational day 17 to induce a well‐validated neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia mimicking its assumed pathogenesis with persistent phenotype. Against this background, the dysmetabolic effects of acute treatment with olanzapine and haloperidol were examined in female rats.

Results

Prenatally MAM‐exposed animals exhibited several metabolic features, including lipid disturbances. Half of the MAM rats exposed to olanzapine had pronounced serum lipid profile alteration compared to non‐MAM controls, interpreted as a reflection of a delicate MAM‐induced metabolic balance disrupted by olanzapine. In accordance with the drugs' clinical metabolic profiles, olanzapine‐associated dysmetabolic effects were more pronounced than haloperidol‐associated dysmetabolic effects in non‐MAM rats and rats exposed to MAM.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate metabolic vulnerability in female prenatally MAM‐exposed rats, indicating that findings from healthy animals likely provide an underestimated impression of metabolic dysfunction associated with antipsychotics. In the context of metabolic disturbances, neurodevelopmental models possess a relevant background, and the search for adequate animal models should receive more attention within the field of experimental psychopharmacology.
Inter‐relationships between cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases: Underlying evidence and implications for integrated interdisciplinary care and management
Authors: Vora Jiten , Cherney David , Kosiborod Mikhail N. , Spaak Jonas , Kanumilli Naresh , Khunti Kamlesh , Lam Carolyn S. P. , Bachmann Michael , Fenici Peter ,   the CaReMe Global Alliance
Published: February 2024

Cardiovascular, renal and metabolic (CaReMe) diseases are individually among the leading global causes of death, and each is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. However, as these conditions commonly coexist in the same patient, the individual risk of mortality and morbidity is further compounded, leading to a considerable healthcare burden. A number of pathophysiological pathways are common to diseases of the CaReMe spectrum, including neurohormonal dysfunction, visceral adiposity and insulin resistance, oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. Because of the shared pathology and common co‐occurrence of the CaReMe diseases, the value of managing these conditions holistically is increasingly being realized. A number of pharmacological and non‐pharmacological approaches have been shown to offer simultaneous metabolic, cardioprotective and renoprotective benefits, leading to improved patient outcomes across the CaReMe spectrum. In addition, increasing value is being placed on interdisciplinary team‐based and coordinated care models built on greater integration between specialties to increase the rate of early diagnosis and adherence to practice guidelines, and improve clinical outcomes. This interdisciplinary approach also facilitates integration between primary and specialty care, improving the patient experience, optimizing resources, and leading to efficiencies and cost savings. As the burden of CaReMe diseases continues to increase, implementation of innovative and integrated care delivery models will be essential to achieve effective and efficient chronic disease management and to ensure that patients benefit from the best care available across all three disciplines.
IDegLira for the real‐world treatment of type 2 diabetes in Italy. Final results from the REX observational study
Authors: Fadini Gian Paolo , Buzzetti Raffaella , Pitocco Dario , Tortato Elena , Scatena Alessia , Lamacchia Olga , Lastoria Giusi , Simoni Lucia , Consoli Agostino ,   REX study group
Published: February 2024

Aim

The study was designed to generate real‐world evidence on IDegLira in the Italian clinical practice in two groups of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), switching to IDegLira either from a basal only (basal group) or basal‐bolus insulin regimen (BB group).

Materials and Methods

This was a non‐interventional, multicentre, single‐cohort, prospective study assessing the long‐term glycaemic control in patients with T2D, who switched to IDegLira from a basal insulin ± glucose‐lowering medication regimen with or without a bolus insulin component for approximately 18 months, conducted in 28 Italian diabetes centres. The primary endpoint was the change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels from baseline to 6 months after IDegLira initiation.

Results

The study included 358 patients with a mean age 67.2 years and diabetes duration of 15.7 years. HbA1c significantly decreased from IDegLira start to all study time points in the overall population (basal group −1.19%; BB group −0.60% at the end of observation). Patients achieving HbA1c <7% levels increased from 12.9% (n = 43) to 40.3% (n = 110) at 18 months. Fasting blood glucose and body weight also significantly decreased in both groups, although more in the BB group. Overall, 14.3% of completed patients had an intensification of treatment (mainly in the basal group) and 48.6% had a simplification of treatment (mainly in the BB group).

Conclusions

Switching to IDegLira in a real‐world clinical setting is a valid therapeutic option for patients with T2D with inadequate glycaemic control on basal or BB insulin regimen and/or need to simplify their insulin therapy, with specific reasons and therapeutic goals according to different T2D management trajectories.
On the inefficiency of non‐competes in low‐wage labour markets
Authors: Potter Tristan , Hobijn Bart , Kurmann André
Published: February 2024

We study the efficiency of non‐compete agreements (NCAs) in an equilibrium model of labour turnover. The model is consistent with empirical studies showing that NCAs reduce turnover and average wages for low‐wage workers. The model also predicts that, by reducing turnover, NCAs raise recruitment and employment. We show that optimal NCA policy: (i) is characterized by a Hosios‐like condition that balances the benefits of higher employment against the costs of inefficient congestion and poaching; (ii) depends critically on the minimum wage; and (iii) alone cannot always achieve the constrained‐efficient allocation—a result that also holds for optimal minimum wage policy—yet with both policies, efficiency is always attainable. To guide policymakers, we derive a sufficient statistic in the form of an easily computed employment threshold above which NCAs are necessarily inefficiently restrictive, and show that employment levels in current low‐wage US labour markets typically exceed this threshold. Finally, we calibrate the model and show that Oregon's 2008 NCA ban for low‐wage workers increased welfare modestly (by roughly 0.1%), and that if policymakers had also raised the minimum wage to its optimal level conditional on the enacted NCA ban (a 30% increase), then welfare would have increased more substantially—by over 1%.
Predicting niche overlap with model‐based ordination
Authors: van der Veen Bert , O'Hara Robert B. , Hui Francis K.C. , Hovstad Knut A.
Published: February 2024

The ecological niche is a fundamental concept in ecology that can be used in order better understand species relationships. The overlap in species niches provides a measure of the likelihood for species to co‐occur. Most approaches that quantify niche overlap have been based on distance and similarity indices, for pairwise combinations of species. In this paper, we suggest that niche overlap can be calculated from the predictions of a model. Using a statistical model to predict niche overlap provides various benefits, includes the possibility to adjust the model to properties of the data. We demonstrate this using an example dataset of an ecological community of Foraminifera species, to which we fit a generalized linear latent variable model (GLLVM). GLLVMs are a flexible class of models that allow to estimate the distribution of species using both measured environmental predictors and residual covariation between species. We demonstrate how to calculate niche overlap from GLLVMs for any combination of species, and separately for different environments. Predicting niche overlap from a model further expands the toolset available to ecologists for the exploration of species co‐occurrence patterns.
Climate, host ontogeny and pathogen structural specificity determine forest disease distribution at a regional scale
Authors: Caballol Maria , Serradó Francesc , Barnes Irene , Julio Camarero J. , Valeriano Cristina , Colangelo Michele , Oliva Jonàs
Published: February 2024

Predicting forest health at a regional level is challenging as forests are simultaneously attacked by multiple pathogens. Usually, the impacts of each pathogen are studied separately, however, interactions between them can affect disease dynamics. Pathogens can interact directly by competing for the same niche, but also facilitate or suppress each other via indirect effects through the host. We studied 66 native Mediterranean Pinus nigra stands located in the Pyrenees which were affected by two pathogens with different structural specificity: Dothistroma pini causing Dothistroma needle blight and Diplodia sapinea causing Diplodia shoot blight. We explored the ecology of both pathogens and whether the diseases they caused had an impact on trees and recruits. No signs of competition were found on adult trees. Diplodia shoot blight was restricted to the warmest and driest areas, while no climatic restrictions were identified for Dothistroma needle blight. Both diseases caused additive effects on crown defoliation and defoliated trees showed stagnated growth. In the regeneration layer, signs of disease suppression were found. In the warmest and driest areas, seedling mortality was mainly associated with Diplodia shoot blight, even though both pathogens were detected. Clear signs of D. pini spillover from canopy trees to recruits were found. However, seedling mortality caused by Dothistroma needle blight was only restricted to the coldest and wettest sites where D. sapinea could not survive. Large crowns in adult trees probably allow both pathogens to co‐exist and cause additive impacts. The smaller size of recruits and a higher susceptibility to environmental stress compared to adult trees probably facilitates the effects of Diplodia shoot blight which masked those caused by Dothistroma needle blight. By considering climatic constraints, host ontogeny and structural specificity, we could dissect the disease impacts of two different pathogens and successfully explain forest health at a regional scale.
Engagement of basal amygdala‐nucleus accumbens glutamate neurons in the processing of rewarding or aversive social stimuli
Authors: Poggi Giulia , Bergamini Giorgio , Dulinskas Redas , Madur Lorraine , Greter Alexandra , Ineichen Christian , Dagostino Amael , Kúkeľová Diana , Sigrist Hannes , Bornemann Klaus D. , Hengerer Bastian , Pryce Christopher R.
Published: February 2024

Basal amygdala (BA) neurons projecting to nucleus accumbens (NAc) core/shell are primarily glutamatergic and are integral to the circuitry of emotional processing. Several recent mouse studies have addressed whether neurons in this population(s) respond to reward, aversion or both emotional valences. The focus has been on processing of physical emotional stimuli, and here, we extend this to salient social stimuli. In male mice, an iterative study was conducted into engagement of BA‐NAc neurons in response to estrous female (social reward, SR) and/or aggressive‐dominant male (social aversion, SA). In BL/6J mice, SR and SA activated c‐Fos expression in a high and similar number/density of BA‐NAc neurons in the anteroposterior intermediate BA (int‐BA), whereas activation was predominantly by SA in posterior (post‐)BA. In Fos‐TRAP2 mice, compared with SR‐SR or SA‐SA controls, exposure to successive presentation of SR‐SA or SA‐SR, followed by assessment of tdTomato reporter and/or c‐Fos expression, demonstrated that many int‐BA‐NAc neurons were activated by only one of SR and SA; these SR/SA monovalent neurons were similar in number and present in both magnocellular and parvocellular int‐BA subregions. In freely moving BL/6J mice exposed to SR, bulk GCaMP6 fibre photometry provided confirmatory in vivo evidence for engagement of int‐BA‐NAc neurons during social and sexual interactions. Therefore, populations of BA‐NAc glutamate neurons are engaged by salient rewarding and aversive social stimuli in a topographic and valence‐specific manner; this novel evidence is important to the overall understanding of the roles of this pathway in the circuitry of socio‐emotional processing.
Human–animal entanglements in the early medieval European slave trade: re‐reading the Raffelstetten customs regulations
Authors: Christensen Sarah
Published: February 2024

Frankish customs regulations recorded in the tenth‐century ‘Inquest on the tolls of Raffelstetten’ have long formed a cornerstone of traditional arguments about slavery's role in the early medieval European economic revival. This paper experiments with the application of a more‐than‐human lens to the Raffelstetten record and other evidence to generate new insights into the intimate experience of enslavement and the interspecies networks of relations that shaped the slave trade and slave markets in early medieval Europe. Human and animal entanglements, as revealed in the Raffelstetten record, determined how enslaved people experienced capture, transport, and sale.
Understanding the role of self‐esteem and emotion dysregulation in victims of intimate partner violence
Authors: Taccini Federica , Rossi Alessandro Alberto , Mannarini Stefania
Published: February 2024

Self‐esteem and emotion dysregulation appear to be important factors in the psychological well‐being of trauma survivors. On the one hand, self‐esteem may act as a shield against the psychological consequences of traumatic experiences; on the other hand, emotion regulation can affect the way individuals deal with post‐traumatic affects (e.g., fear, terror, shame, and guilt). Consequently, the objective of this study was to investigate the role that emotion dysregulation and self‐esteem play in the well‐being of a sample of women after the traumatic experience of intimate partner violence (IPV). This study involved 282 women (mean

age
 = 41.55, SD = 10.52) who experienced IPV in the last year. Conditional process analyses and Johnson‐Neyman analysis for regions of significance were performed. The results showed that emotion dysregulation mediated the relationship between post‐trauma affectivity (i.e., fear, terror, shame and guilt) and survivors' well‐being. Furthermore, self‐esteem negatively predicted lack of well‐being and acted as a moderator of the relationship between emotion dysregulation and lack of well‐being. In this regard, through the Johnson‐Neyman analysis for regions of significance, it was possible to identify a cut‐off value above which the relationship between emotion dysregulation and lack of well‐being became non‐statistically significant. This study contributed to understanding the role that emotion dysregulation and self‐esteem play in the well‐being of IPV survivors. In this regard, clinical implications will be presented.
Upgrade of bio‐oil produced from the sisal residue composting
Authors: Cunha Flávia Silva , Lima Sirlene Barbosa , Pires Carlos Augusto de Moraes
Published: February 2024

The present work studies the composting effects on the chemical characteristics of bio‐oil produced by pyrolysis of sisal residue. Three systems were composted with sisal residue proportions to sisal fiber powder of 100:0, 90:10, and 75:25, respectively. The systems showed reductions of 33%–48% (extractive), 70%–80% (hemicellulose), and 80%–90% (cellulose) after composting. An increase in lignin content was observed in all systems. The pyrolysis of the composted systems was performed at 450°C and 550°C. At both temperatures, this process was selective in producing a large concentration of hydrocarbons (>160% increase), mainly alkanes and alkenes, reducing the concentrations of ketones, aldehydes, and phenolics (>50%) and eliminating esters, furans, and acetic acid to composted biomasses. The higher temperature favored aromatics and cyclic hydrocarbon production from the pyrolysis of composted samples. In addition to these results, composting helped reduce the oxygenated bio‐oil species by approximately 44%–75% at the lowest and ~69% at the highest temperatures. These results indicate that composted sisal residue can produce bio‐oils that are more suitable for biorefineries since they are rich in aliphatic hydrocarbons and non‐oxygenated species.
Mapping the landscape: A bibliometric analysis of information and communication technology adoption by older adults with cognitive frailty or impairment
Authors: Md Fadzil Nurul Hidayah , Shahar Suzana , Singh Devinder Kaur Ajit , Rajikan Roslee , Vanoh Divya , Mohamad Ali Nazlena , Mohd Noah Shahrul Azman
Published: February 2024

The adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) by older adults with cognitive frailty and impairment is beneficial to support aging in place and promote healthy aging. However, data are scarce regarding the use of ICT by this demographic in comparison with other age groups. This bibliometric analysis was aimed at systematically mapping the literature on ICT‐related research on older adults with cognitive frailty and cognitive impairment to provide insights into research trends, patterns and knowledge gaps. Data were extracted from the Web of Science database, which identified 324 publications between 1980 and 2023. Performance analysis and science mapping were carried out using Microsoft® Excel, VOSViewer and Harzing's Publish or Perish. The analysis showed an upsurge in the research output trend over time. Notable journals, authors, citations, nations and research areas have been documented. Four key clusters were identified, including: (i) caregiver concern, support and involvement; (ii) technology as a tool for cognitive training and cognitive rehabilitation; (iii) cognitive improvement; and (iv) the use of technology for prevention and self‐management. The findings derived from this analysis provide an appropriate reference for future researchers to bridge the gap in ICT‐related studies among this population, and distinguish the relevant articles that are required for further investigation. These include the need for further long‐term research, the incorporation of ICT‐based approaches to counter cognitive frailty and the importance of multidomain telehealth interventions.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 251–262.
Melanosomal localization is required for GIF‐2115/2250 to inhibit melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells
Authors: Sakurai Ayumi , Kawaguchi Kyoka , Watanabe Miyu , Okajima Sayaka , Furukawa Saho , Koga Kenichi , Oh‐Hashi Kentaro , Hirata Yoko , Furuta Kyoji , Takemori Hiroshi
Published: February 2024

Objective

Tyrosinase inhibitors suppress melanogenesis in melanocytes. During a screening for tyrosinase inhibitors, however, we noticed some discrepancies in inhibitory efficacies between melanocytes and in vitro assays. The compound (S)‐N‐{3‐[4‐(dimethylamino)phenyl]propyl}‐N‐methyl‐indan‐1‐amine (GIF‐2115) exerts antioxidative stress activity upon accumulation in late endosomes and lysosomes. GIF‐2115 was also identified as a potent antimelanogenic reagent in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. GIF‐2115 inhibited the activity of mushroom tyrosinase and the lysates of B16F10 cells. However, structure–activity relationship studies indicated that GIF‐2238, which lacks the benzene ring in the aminoindan structure of GIF‐2115, inhibited tyrosinase activity in vitro but did not inhibit melanogenesis in B16F10 cells. The aim of the present study is to show the importance of the intracellular distribution of tyrosinase inhibitors in exerting their antimelanogenic activity in melanocytes.

Methods

The intracellular distribution of compounds was monitored by linking with the fluorescent group of 7‐nitro‐2,1,3‐benzoxadiazole (NBD). To mislocalize GIF‐2115 to mitochondria, the mitochondria‐preferring fluoroprobe ATTO565 was used.

Results

We reconfirmed the localization of GIF‐2250 (GIF‐2115‐NBD) not only to matured but also to early‐stage melanosomes. Although GIF‐2286 (GIF‐2238‐NBD) maintained tyrosinase inhibitory activity, it did not show specific intracellular localization. Moreover, when GIF‐2115 was linked with ATTO565, the resultant compound GIF‐2265 did not inhibit melanogenesis in B16F10 cells, despite its strong tyrosinase inhibitory activity.

Conclusion

These results suggest that melanosomal localization is essential for the antimelanogenic activity of GIF‐2115, and GIF‐2115 derivatives may be new guides for drugs to endosomes and lysosomes as well as melanosomes.
Dynamic changes of volatile compounds and small molecule compounds during curing and drying processes of Megalobrama amblycephala
Authors: Liu Dongyin , Deng Yi , Qiu Wenxin , Wang Shizhe , Zhou Mingzhu , Xiong Guangquan , Li Chuan , Wang Lan , Shi Liu , Wu Wenjin , Yu Qiao
Published: February 2024

In this study, the changes in volatile compounds, lipids, and small molecule compounds during the curing and drying processes were examined. The results showed that lipid oxidation was enhanced during curing and drying processes. A total of fifty‐two types of volatile compounds in the dry‐cured fish were detected, and the contents of alcohols (such as 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol, 1‐octen‐3‐ol), ketones (such as 2‐heptanone, 2‐octanone), and aldehydes (such as 3‐methylbutyraldehyde, hexanal, nonanal, decanal) were increased during curing and drying processes. A total of 812 metabolites were identified. The metabolites in linoleate, arachidonate, nucleotide, amino acid, and other metabolic pathways showed significant differences between drying stage and curing stage. The oxidative degradation of arachidonate acid, linoleate acid, and amino acid may contribute to the changes in volatile compounds during the curing and drying stages. Seven compounds including shikimic acid, carnitine C5: DC, carnitine C7: DC, 2‐hydroxybutanoic acid, 3‐hydroxybutanoic acid, malonic acid, and methylmalonic acid could be key small molecule compounds in curing and drying processing. These findings are valuable for understanding the mechanisms underlying flavour changes occurring during fish curing and drying processes.
Digital morphology compared to the optical microscope: A validation study on reporting bone marrow aspirates
Authors: Zini G. , Chiusolo P. , Rossi E. , Di Stasio E. , Bellesi S. , Za T. , Viscovo M. , Frioni F. , Ramundo F. , Pelliccioni N. , De Stefano V.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of the utilization for clinical reporting of the evaluation of digital images of bone marrow aspirates by morphologists and their comparability with the classic microscopic morphological evaluation.

Methods

We scanned 180 consecutive bone marrow needle aspirates smears using the “Metafer4 VSlide” whole slide imaging (WSI) digital scanning system. We evaluated the statistical comparability and the risk of bias of the microscopic readings with those performed on the screen on the digitized medullary images.

Results

The evaluation of cellularity on the screen was equivalent, with a higher frequency of “normal” than the analysis of digital preparations. The means and medians of the percentage values obtained on the different cell populations with the microscopic and digital reading were comparable as the main categories are concerned, with an average difference equal to 0 for the neutrophilic and eosinophilic granulocytic series, at −0.2% for the total myeloid cells, at 1.2% for the erythroid series, at −0.4% for the lymphocytes and at −0.4% for the blasts. Dysplastic features were consistently identified in 69/71 cell lineages.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that screen evaluation of digitized bone marrow needle aspirates provides quantitative and qualitative results comparable to traditional microscopic analysis of the corresponding slide smears. Digital images offer significant benefits in reducing the workload of experienced operators, reproducibility and sharing of observations, and image preservation. Even in routine diagnostic activities, their use does not alter the quality of the results obtained in evaluating bone marrow needle aspirates.
Functional genomics in inborn errors of immunity
Authors: Hurabielle Charlotte , LaFlam Taylor N. , Gearing Melissa , Ye Chun Jimmie
Published: February 2024

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) comprise a diverse spectrum of 485 disorders as recognized by the International Union of Immunological Societies Committee on Inborn Error of Immunity in 2022. While IEI are monogenic by definition, they illuminate various pathways involved in the pathogenesis of polygenic immune dysregulation as in autoimmune or autoinflammatory syndromes, or in more common infectious diseases that may not have a significant genetic basis. Rapid improvement in genomic technologies has been the main driver of the accelerated rate of discovery of IEI and has led to the development of innovative treatment strategies. In this review, we will explore various facets of IEI, delving into the distinctions between PIDD and PIRD. We will examine how Mendelian inheritance patterns contribute to these disorders and discuss advancements in functional genomics that aid in characterizing new IEI. Additionally, we will explore how emerging genomic tools help to characterize new IEI as well as how they are paving the way for innovative treatment approaches for managing and potentially curing these complex immune conditions.
Systematic review and network meta‐analysis of mesenchymal stem cells in treating diabetic skin ulcers in animal models
Authors: Jin Xiaoyu , Yang Liehao , Pan Lingfeng , Shi Shuxin , Li Mingxi , Chen Wanying , Wang Peng , Zhang Lianbo
Published: February 2024

Background

Diabetic cutaneous ulcers often pose considerable challenges in the healing process. These challenges stem from factors including inadequate perfusion of the ulcer's surrounding environment, persistent inflammation, tissue damage and microbial proliferation. The existing standard treatment modalities prove insufficient in fully addressing the complex pathogenesis of these ulcers. As a novel approach, researchers are exploring cellular therapies employing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of diabetic skin ulcers. MSCs are readily found in various tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, placenta, amniotic membrane, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord. However, the optimal source of MSCs for effectively treating diabetic skin ulcers remains a topic of ongoing discussion.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of Embase, PubMed and Web of Science databases, spanning from their inception to November 2022. Subsequently, we rigorously screened the literature following predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria and evaluated the quality of the selected studies using the SYRCLE scale. Finally, the included literature underwent analysis, employing the Bayesian school of thought‐based R language. To ensure transparency and accountability, we registered this study with PROSPERO's International Systematic Review Prospective Registry, with the Registration ID: CRD42023387421.

Results

We included a total of 11 articles in our analysis, all of which were randomized controlled studies involving 218 animal models. Among these studies, two utilized adipose‐derived MSCs, six employed bone marrow‐derived MSCs, one utilized amniotic membrane‐derived MSCs and three utilized umbilical cord‐derived MSCs. Our network meta‐analysis results revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in the healing rates of diabetic skin ulcers among MSCs derived from amniotic membrane, adipose tissue, umbilical cord and bone marrow on days 7–8, 10–12 and 12–14. Notably, according to the probability ranking table, the most effective treatment for diabetic wounds was found to be amniotic membrane‐derived MSCs.

Conclusion

There was no statistically significant difference in the efficacy of MSCs derived from amniotic membrane, adipose, umbilical cord and bone marrow in the treatment of diabetic skin ulcers during the short‐term observation period, and the probability ranking graphs indicate that amniotic membrane‐derived MSCs may be the best choice for the treatment of diabetic skin ulcers.
Effects of thoracoscopic lobectomy on surgical wound infection in patients with lung cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Guang , Ren Ming‐Zhi , Xin Xiang‐Bing , Niu Yan‐Jie , Wang Tao
Published: February 2024

This meta‐analysis systematically evaluates the impact of thoracoscopic lobectomy on wound infection and complications in lung cancer patients. An extensive computerized search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang databases for studies comparing thoracoscopic lobectomy with open thoracotomy in the treatment of lung cancer, covering the period up to September 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data and assessed the quality according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software. Ultimately, 21 studies involving 2118 lung cancer surgery patients were included. The analysis revealed that thoracoscopic lobectomy significantly reduced the incidence of wound infections (odds ratio [OR] = 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13–0.37, p < 0.001) and complications (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.21–0.36, p < 0.001) in lung cancer surgery patients, and also significantly shortened hospital stays (standardized mean difference = −2.07, 95% CI: −2.39 to −1.76, p < 0.001). This study indicates that compared with conventional open thoracotomy, thoracoscopic lobectomy in the treatment of lung cancer reduces the incidence of wound infections and complications and shortens hospital stays, demonstrating significant therapeutic efficacy and warranting broader clinical application.
The impact of breast‐conserving surgery and modified radical mastectomy on postoperative wound complications in patients with early breast cancer
Authors: Yang Xiaopeng , Lin Qun , Wang Qunfei
Published: February 2024

In recent years, breast conservation surgery (BCS) and modified radical mastectomy (MRM) have been widely used in the treatment of early‐stage breast cancer. However, the effects of complications from these two surgical methods are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of BCS and MRM on postoperative wound complications in patients with early breast cancer. Eighty‐eight patients with early breast cancer were randomly divided into BCS group (n = 46) and MRM group (n = 42). The occurrence of postoperative wound complications was compared between the two groups. The results showed that BCS patients had significantly lower intraoperative surgical times, blood losses, incision lengths, drainage volumes, drainage times and lengths of hospital stays than their MRM counterparts (p < 0.05). The overall incidence of postoperative wound complications in the BCS group was significantly lower than that in the MRM group at 1 month after surgery, but the difference was not statistically significant (p < 0.001). The rate of excellent breast cosmetic outcome was significantly higher in the BCS group than in the MRM group (p < 0.001). Compared to MRM, BCS has a lower incidence of intraoperative and postoperative wound complications, better cosmetic outcomes and higher clinical value in the treatment of early‐stage breast cancer.
A zero‐exchange approach for left atrial access in pulmonary vein isolation with pulsed field ablation
Authors: Bejinariu Alexandru Gabriel , Spieker Maximilian , Makimoto Hisaki , Augustin Nora , Kelm Malte , Rana Obaida R.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has emerged as an innovative technique for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Typically, a transeptal puncture (TSP) with a standard sheath precedes a switch to the larger diameter sheath in the left atrium. This study aimed to describe the safety and feasibility of direct TSP using the large diameter Faradrive sheath before performing PVI with PFA.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 166 consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing PVI with PFA at our institution. TSP was performed in all cases with transesophageal echocardiography guidance, using the Faradrive sheath and a 98 cm matched Brockenbrough needle. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of pericardial tamponade during or within the first 48 h after the procedure. The secondary endpoint was the occurrence of any major complication.

Results

All 166 patients were included into the final analysis (44% female): 64% of patients had paroxysmal AF and 36% persistent AF (68 ± 11 years old, median CHA2DS2Vasc Score 3, median left atrial volume index 31). The median duration of the procedure was 60 min, median time to TSP was 15 min, and the median fluoroscopy dose was 595 cGy × cm2. The primary endpoint occurred in one patient: a non‐TSP related pericardial tamponade, which was managed with pericardial puncture.

Conclusion

Direct TSP with skipping sheath exchange using the large diameter Faradrive sheath for PVI with PFA was safe, feasible, and reduced costs in all patients. Large scale studies and registries are needed to verify this workflow.
A Capacity‐Based Approach for Assessing Changes in Responsibility Sharing in the EU: Comparing the Syrian and Ukrainian Refugee Crises
Authors: Hierro Maria , Maza Adolfo
Published: February 2024

This study explores whether the European Union's (EU's) response to the large‐scale refugee displacement from Ukraine in 2022 has led to a more equitable sharing of responsibilities amongst member states with regard to the Syrian refugee crisis. To do so, responsibility sharing is assessed by comparing actual and capacity‐based refugee shares for each country, drawing the definition of the latter from an improved version of the European Commission's distribution key. Our analysis reveals that whilst disparities in actual refugee shares between countries are somewhat smaller in the current emergency humanitarian situation compared with the Syrian crisis, such disparities almost double when countries' reception capacities are incorporated as a benchmark. Thus, the study reveals a kind of paradox: greater disparities in responsibility sharing in a context of high solidarity amongst countries for the reception of refugees.
Taking firms' margin targets seriously in a model of competition in supply functions
Authors: Claude Denis , Tidball Mabel
Published: February 2024

This article deals with the integration of industry‐level markup targets into oligopoly theory. It proposes a behavioral competition model in which firms use the average cost‐plus price to determine their supplies. Specifically, firms are assumed to increase (resp., decrease) their supplies as the market price rises over (resp., falls below) this reference price. The equilibrium market outcome lies between those corresponding to Bertrand and Cournot competition. It depends on the industry's margin target, which determines the slope of firms' supply functions. The more significant the markup target is, the lower are the firms' equilibrium supplies at any price level and the higher is the equilibrium market price. An industry‐wide commitment to targeting a markup thus reduces competition in equilibrium. The reduction in competition is more pronounced than when firms commit to linear supply functions.