bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dextromethorphan/Bupropion: A Novel Treatment for Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Willett Kristine C. , Bond LeDea R. , Morrill Amanda M. , Dima Lorena , Ifteni Petru
Published: January 2024

Background:

Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects millions of people and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Patients report decreased quality of life and ability to perform activities of daily living. It is estimated that the current standard of care, which includes pharmacologic therapy with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is effective in 40%–60%. Additional treatment options are warranted. The combination of dextromethorphan (DEX) and bupropion (BUP) (Auveulty) was approved for treatment in 2022. This unique combination offers an interesting mechanism of action and favorable onset of action for patients with MDD.

Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics:

The mechanism of action of DEX–BUP when used in combination is unique. DEX is a noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist rapidly metabolized through the CYP450 2D6. BUP is an aminoketone and CYP2D6 inhibitor, which results in increased plasma levels of DEX through competitive CYP2D6 inhibition.

Clinical Trials:

In a phase 2 clinical study, the efficacy of DEX-BUP was compared with BUP alone in patients with clinically diagnosed MDD. At baseline, participants had moderate-to-severe depression using the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Clinical Global Impressions Severity (CGI-S) scales. There was a significant overall reduction in MADRS and CGI-S scores in the treatment group compared with the BUP monotherapy with improvement observed as early as week 1 of treatment. Later, a phase 3 study was conducted comparing DEX-BUP 45 mg/105 mg with placebo in patients with moderate-to-severe MDD. Similarly, MADRS and CGI-S scores were significantly reduced in the treatment group. Adverse effects were similar in all groups.

Therapeutic Advance:

Clinical response to first line treatment options for MDD are reported to be 40%–60%. Availability of additional treatment options, particularly those with reduced time to efficacy, may improve overall treatment and patient quality of life. DEX–BUP is a combination option that has been shown to improve depression symptoms as early as 1 week after initiation.
Computer Simulation to Assess Emergency Department Length of Stay in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Feng Tianshu , Ajdari Ali , Boyle Linda Ng , Kannan Nithya , Burd Randall , Groner Jonathan I. , Farneth R. Austin , Vavilala Monica S.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Our study aimed to identify how emergency department (ED) arrival rate, process of care, and physical layout can impact ED length of stay (LOS) in pediatric traumatic brain injury care.

Methods

Process flows and value stream maps were developed for 3 level I pediatric trauma centers. Computer simulation models were also used to examine “what if” scenarios based on ED arrival rates.

Results

Differences were observed in prearrival preparation time, ED physical layouts, and time spent on processes. Shorter prearrival preparation time, trauma bed location far from diagnostic or treatment areas, and ED arrival rates that exceed 20 patients/day prolonged ED LOS. This was particularly apparent in 1 center where computer simulation showed that relocation of trauma beds can reduce ED LOS regardless of the number of patients that arrive per day.

Conclusions

Exceeding certain threshold ED arrival rates of children with traumatic brain injury can substantially increase pediatric trauma center ED LOS but modifications to ED processes and bed location may mitigate this increase.
Long-term Effects of Kidney Transplantation Compared With Dialysis on Intima–media Thickness in Children—Results From the 4C-T Study
Authors: Grabitz Carl , Sugianto Rizky I. , Doyon Anke , Azukaitis Karolis , Anarat Ali , Bacchetta Justine , Bayazit Aysun K. , Bulut Ipek K. , Caliskan Salim , Canpolat Nur , Duzova Ali , Harambat Jerome , Kiyak Aysel , Longo Germana , Obrycki Lukasz , Paripovic Dusan , Thurn-Valsassina Daniela , Yilmaz Alev , Shroff Rukshana , Schaefer Franz , Schmidt Bernhard M.W. , Melk Anette ,   for the 4C Study Consortium
Published: January 2024

Background.

Children requiring kidney replacement therapy experience high burden of cardiovascular (CV) disease leading to increased mortality. Intima–media thickness (IMT) indicating atherosclerosis is a validated surrogate marker for future CV events.

Methods.

We investigated the effect of different treatment modalities (dialysis, preemptive kidney transplantation (KTx), late KTx after dialysis) on IMT by multivariable linear mixed-effect modeling. Patients were enrolled in a prospective cohort study.

Results.

A total of 261 analyzed children had a mean follow-up of 3 y. Children after preemptive and late KTx had lower levels of IMT when compared with dialysis. Using an interaction term, a significant progression of IMT over time was seen during dialysis (β = 0.0053 mm/y, P  =  0.004). IMT before the start of therapy was the most influential determinant in all models. Low IMT was associated with maintenance steroid treatment after preemptive KTx. High IMT on dialysis was associated with higher systolic blood pressure, lower body mass index, lower serum albumin, and lower bicarbonate.

Conclusions.

IMT remained rather stable in children several years after KTx. In contrast, children on dialysis had higher IMT values, which increased over time. In these children, blood pressure control, calorie and protein intake, and acid–base homeostasis seem important. Taken together, children might profit from early transplantation to limit accumulation of CV risk.
Non-Degenerate Two-Photon Imaging of Deep Rodent Cortex using Indocyanine Green in the water absorption window
Authors: Tomar Alankrit , Engelmann Shaun A. , Woods Aaron L. , Dunn Andrew K.
Published: January 2024

We present a novel approach for deep vascular imaging in rodent cortex at excitation wavelengths susceptible to water absorption using two-photon microscopy with photons of dissimilar wavelengths. We demonstrate that non-degenerate two-photon excitation (ND-2PE) enables imaging in the water absorption window from 1400-1550 nm using two synchronized excitation sources at 1300 nm and 1600 nm that straddle the absorption window. We explore the brightness spectra of indocyanine green (ICG) and assess its suitability for imaging in the water absorption window. Further, we demonstratein vivoimaging of the rodent cortex vascular structure up to 1.2 mm using ND-2PE. Lastly, a comparative analysis of ND-2PE at 1435 nm and single-wavelength, two-photon imaging at 1300 nm and 1435 nm is presented. Our work extends the excitation range for fluorescent dyes to include water absorption regimes and underscores the feasibility of deep two-photon imaging at these wavelengths.
Heterogeneity in deaths of despair: excess mortality in the US during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Kandula Sasikiran , Keyes Katherine M. , Shaman Jeffrey
Published: January 2024

The impact of Covid-19 on mortality includes both direct effects of the virus and indirect effects mediated through other causal pathways. In the United States, the indirect effects, particularly from suicides, overdoses and alcohol-induced causes (i.e. deaths of despair) (1) are understudied. Here, we estimated excess non-Covid deaths and deaths of despair, in the US overall, in each state and in 72 demographic strata. Nationally, 114,230 (127,597) excess non-Covid deaths, 19,074 (33,559) excess poisoning deaths and 8,746 (13,771) excess alcohol-induced deaths were estimated during 2020 (2021). Excess poisoning and alcohol-induced mortality were highest among the 35-44 and the 55-64 year groups, respectively. The Black and the American Indian/Alaskan Native populations had the highest excess poisoning and alcohol-induced mortality, respectively. Fewer suicides than expected occurred nationally, but excess suicides were estimated among Black youth. These findings suggest that additional resources need to be mobilized to limit increases in deaths of despair.
The multiverse of data preprocessing and analysis in graph-based fMRI: A systematic literature review of analytical choices fed into a decision support tool for informed analysis
Authors: Kristanto Daniel , Burkhardt Micha , Thiel Christiane , Debener Stefan , Gießing Carsten , Hildebrandt Andrea
Published: January 2024

The large number of different analytical choices researchers use may be partly responsible for the replication challenge in neuroimaging studies. For robustness analysis, knowledge of the full space of options is essential. We conducted a systematic literature review to identify the analytical decisions in functional neuroimaging data preprocessing and analysis in the emerging field of cognitive network neuroscience. We found 61 different steps, with 17 of them having debatable options. Scrubbing, global signal regression, and spatial smoothing are among the controversial steps. There is no standardized order in which different steps are applied, and the options within several steps vary widely across studies. By aggregating the pipelines across studies, we propose three taxonomic levels to categorize analytical choices: 1) inclusion or exclusion of specific steps, 2) distinct sequencing of steps, and 3) parameter tuning within steps. To facilitate access to the data, we developed a decision support app with high educational value called METEOR, which allows researchers to explore the space of choices as reference for well-informed robustness (multiverse) analysis.

Highlights

Data analysis variability in neuroimaging hinders replicability.

Analysis across multiple defensible options examines the robustness of results.

We conducted a systematic literature review to identify analytical options.

We identified 61 steps and 102 options in performing graph-fMRI analysis.

Interactive visualization of these steps and options is available as a Shiny app.
A functional medicine and food homology composition discovery based on disease-related target and data mining against cardiac remodeling
Authors: Xiao Dan , Li Runze , Qin Xiaoqing , Feng Jinhai , Baranenko Denis , Natdochii Liudmila , Zhou Yingyu , Liu Jicheng , Lin Yan
Published: January 2024

Background

Medicine and food homological (MFH) products exhibit enhanced safety and tolerability, minimizing notable side effects, making them pivotal for prolonged use in cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to identify functional compounds in MFH based on cardiac remodeling-related target, employing reliable, comprehensive, and high-throughput methods.

Methods

By bioinformatics andin vivoverifications, we initially investigated the key target in the progression of cardiac remodeling. Subsequently, we performed molecular docking among medical homology compound database (MHCD), and then performed drug-likeness evaluations to recognize functional component based on disease-related target. Pharmacological verifications and data mining including cardiac and medullary transcriptomics, neurotransmitter metabolomics, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), and correlationship analysis were utilized to define the benefical effects of MFH functional components, as well as its in-depth mechanims.

Results

The critical roles of oxidative stress and the key target of NRF2 in cardiac remodeling were discovered, and β-ecdysterone was screened as the most promising NRF2 enhancer in MHCD. Dose-dependent efficacy of β-ecdysterone in countering oxidative stress and ameliorating cardiac remodeling were then verfied byin vivoandex vivoexperiments. By data mining, the crosstalk mechanism between cardiac remodeling and neuromodulation was identified, and further unveiledSlc41a3as a potential key factor influenced by β-ecdysterone. Additionally, β-ecdysterone mitigated increases in norepinephrine (NE) and its metabolites DHPG in the sympathetic nerve center hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN), as indicated by rs-fMRI. Cardiac and medullary transcriptomes revealed central-peripheral regulation signaling pathways during cardiac remodeling with the involvement of core gene ofDhx37.

Conclusions

Our study identified β-ecdysterone as a natural MFH functional compound countering cardiac remodeling by targeting NRF2 elevation. It elucidates crosstalk between cardiac remodeling and neuromodulation, facilitating precise drug screening and mechanistic insights, providing substantial evidence for β-ecdysterone application and molecular mechanisms in cardiovascular diseases.
A gene regulatory network for specification and morphogenesis of a Mauthner Cell homolog in non-vertebrate chordates
Authors: Kim Kwantae , Piekarz Katarzyna M. , Stolfi Alberto
Published: January 2024

Transcriptional regulation of gene expression is an indispensable process in multicellular development, yet we still do not fully understand how the complex networks of transcription factors operating in neuronal precursors coordinately control the expression of effector genes that shape morphogenesis and terminal differentiation. Here we break down in greater detail a provisional regulatory circuit downstream of the transcription factor Pax3/7 operating in the descending decussating neurons (ddNs) of the tunicateCiona robusta.The ddNs are a pair of hindbrain neurons proposed to be homologous to the Mauthner cells of anamniotes, and Pax3/7 is sufficient and necessary for their specification. We show that different transcription factors downstream of Pax3/7, namely Pou4, Lhx1/5, and Dmbx, regulate distinct “branches” of this ddN network that appear to be dedicated to different developmental tasks. Some of these network branches are shared with other neurons throughout the larva, reinforcing the idea that modularity is likely a key feature of such networks. We discuss these ideas and their evolutionary implications here, including the observation that homologs of all four transcription factors (Pax3/7, Lhx5, Pou4f3, and Dmbx1) are key for the specification of cranial neural crest in vertebrates.
Natural diversity of heat-induced transcription of retrotransposons inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Xu Wenbo , Thieme Michael , Roulin Anne C.
Published: January 2024

Transposable elements (TEs) are major components of plant genomes, profoundly impacting the fitness of their hosts. However, technical bottlenecks have long hindered our mechanistic understanding of TEs. Using RNA-Seq and long-read sequencing with Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ direct cDNA sequencing, we analyzed the heat-induced transcription of TEs in three natural accessions ofArabidopsis thaliana(Cvi-0, Col-0, and Ler-1). In addition to the well- studiedONSENretrotransposon family, we identifiedCopia-35as a second heat-responsive retrotransposon family with particularly high activity in the relict accession Cvi-0. Our analysis revealed distinct expression patterns of individual TE copies and suggest different mechanisms regulating the GAG protein production in theONSENversusCopia-35families. In addition, analogously toONSEN,Copia-35activation led to the upregulation of flanking genes such asAMUP9and potentially to the quantitative modulation of flowering time. Unexpectedly, our results indicate that for both families, the upregulation of flanking genes is not directly initiated by transcription from their 3’ LTRs. These findings highlight the inter- and intraspecific expressional diversity linked to retrotransposon activation under stress, providing insights into their potential roles in plant adaptation and evolution at elevated temperatures.
Creation and Validation of the First Infinium DNA Methylation Array for the Human Imprintome
Authors: Carreras-Gallo Natalia , Dwaraka Varun B. , Jima Dereje D. , Skaar David A. , Mendez Tavis L. , Planchart Antonio , Zhou Wanding , Jirtle Randy L. , Smith Ryan , Hoyo Cathrine
Published: January 2024

Background

Differentially methylated imprint control regions (ICRs) regulate the monoallelic expression of imprinted genes. Their epigenetic dysregulation by environmental exposures throughout life results in the formation of common chronic diseases. Unfortunately, existing Infinium methylation arrays lack the ability to profile these regions adequately. Whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) is the unique method able to profile these regions, but it is very expensive and it requires not only a high coverage but it is also computationally intensive to assess those regions.

Findings

To address this deficiency, we developed a custom methylation array containing 22,819 probes. Among them, 9,757 probes map to 1,088 out of the 1,488 candidate ICRs recently described. To assess the performance of the array, we created matched samples processed with the Human Imprintome array and WGBS, which is the current standard method for assessing the methylation of the Human Imprintome. We compared the methylation levels from the shared CpG sites and obtained a mean R2= 0.569. We also created matched samples processed with the Human Imprintome array and the Infinium Methylation EPIC v2 array and obtained a mean R2= 0.796. Furthermore, replication experiments demonstrated high reliability (ICC: 0.799-0.945).

Conclusions

Our custom array will be useful for replicable and accurate assessment, mechanistic insight, and targeted investigation of ICRs. This tool should accelerate the discovery of ICRs associated with a wide range of diseases and exposures, and advance our understanding of genomic imprinting and its relevance in development and disease formation throughout the life course.
RECON gene disruption enhances host resistance to enable genome-wide evaluation of intracellular pathogen fitness during infection
Authors: Stamm Chelsea E. , McFarland Adelle P. , Locke Melissa N. , Tabakh Hannah , Tang Qing , Thomason Maureen K. , Woodward Joshua J.
Published: January 2024

Transposon sequencing (Tn-seq) is a powerful genome-wide technique to assess bacterial fitness under varying growth conditions. However, screening via Tn-seqin vivois challenging. Dose limitations and host restrictions create bottlenecks that diminish the transposon mutant pool being screened. Here we have developed a murine model with a disruption inAkr1c13that renders the resulting RECON-/-mouse resistant to high dose infection. We leveraged this model to perform a Tn-seq screen of the human pathogenListeria monocytogenes in vivo. We identified 139 genes which were required forL. monocytogenesgrowth in mice including novel genes not previously identified for host survival. We identified organ specific requirements forL. monocytogenessurvival and investigated the role of the folate enzyme FolD inL. monocytogenesliver pathogenesis. A mutant lackingfolDwas impaired for growth in murine livers by 2.5-log10compared to wildtype and failed to spread cell-to-cell in fibroblasts. In contrast, a mutant inalsR,which encodes a transcription factor that represses an operon involved in D-allose catabolism, was attenuated in both livers and spleens of mice by 4-log10and 3-log10, respectively, but showed modest phenotypes inin vitromodels. We confirmed that dysregulation of the D-allose catabolism operon is responsible for thein vivogrowth defect, as deletion of the operon in the ΔalsRbackground rescued virulence. By undertaking an unbiased, genome-wide screen in mice, we have identified novel fitness determinants forL. monocytogeneshost infection, which highlights the utility of the RECON-/-mouse model for future screening efforts.

Importance

Listeria monocytogenesis the gram-positive bacterium responsible for the food-borne disease Listeriosis. Although infections withL. monocytogenesare limiting in healthy hosts, vulnerable populations, including pregnant and elderly people, can experience high rates of mortality. Thus, understanding the breadth of genetic requirements forL. monocytogenes in vivosurvival will present new opportunities for treatment and prevention of Listeriosis. We developed a murine model of infection using a RECON-/-mouse that is restrictive to systemicL. monocytogenesinfection. We utilized this model to screen forL. monocytogenesgenes requiredin vivovia Tn-seq. We identified the liver-specific genefolDand a repressor,alsRthat only exhibits anin vivogrowth defect. AlsR controls the expression of the D-allose operon which is a marker in diagnostic techniques to identify pathogenic Listeria. A better understanding of the role of the D-allose operon in human disease may further inform diagnostic and prevention measures.
New physics implications of vector boson fusion searches exemplified through the Georgi-Machacek model
Authors: Chakraborti Manimala , Das Dipankar , Ghosh Nivedita , Mukherjee Samadrita , Saha Ipsita
Published: January 2024

LHC searches for nonstandard scalars in vector boson fusion (VBF) production processes can be particularly efficient in probing scalars belonging to triplet or higher multiplet representations of the Standard Model SU(2)L gauge group. They can be especially relevant for models where the additional scalars do not have any tree level couplings to the Standard Model fermions, rendering VBF as their primary production mode at the LHC. In this work we employ the latest LHC data from VBF resonance searches to constrain the properties of nonstandard scalars, taking the Georgi-Machacek model as a prototypical example. We take into account the theoretical constraints on the potential from unitarity and boundedness from below as well as indirect constraints coming from the signal strength measurements of the 125 GeV Higgs boson at the LHC. To facilitate the phenomenological analysis we advocate a convenient reparametrization of the trilinear couplings in the scalar potential. We derive simple correlations among the model parameters corresponding to the decoupling limit of the model. We explicitly demonstrate how a combination of theoretical and phenomenological constraints can push the Georgi-Machacek model towards the decoupling limit. Our analysis suggests that the VBF searches can provide key insights into the composition of the electroweak vacuum expectation value.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Discovery prospects for electron and neutron electric dipole moments in the general two Higgs doublet model
Authors: Hou Wei-Shu , Kumar Girish , Teunissen Sven
Published: January 2024

Baryon asymmetry of the Universe offers one of the strongest hints for physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM). Remarkably, in the two Higgs doublet model (g2HDM) that possesses a second set of Yukawa matrices, one can have electroweak baryogenesis (EWBG) while the electron electric dipole moment (eEDM) is evaded by a flavor tuning that echoes the Standard Model (SM). We show that eEDM may first emerge around 10−30  e cm or so, followed by neutron EDM (nEDM) down to 10−27  e cm. We illustrate a cancellation mechanism for nEDM itself, which in turn can be probed when a facility capable of pushing down to 10−28  e cm becomes available.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Spectral analysis for elastica dynamics in a shear flow
Authors: Liu Lujia , Sznajder Paweł , Ekiel-Jeżewska Maria L.
Published: January 2024

We present the spectral analysis of three-dimensional dynamics of an elastic filament in a shear flow of a viscous fluid at a low Reynolds number in the absence of Brownian motion. The elastica model is used. The fiber initially is almost straight at an arbitrary orientation, with small perpendicular perturbations in the shear plane and out-of-plane. To analyze the stability of both perturbations, equations for the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions are derived and solved by the Chebyshev spectral collocation method. It is shown that their crucial features are the same as in the case of the two-dimensional elastica dynamics in shear flow [Becker and Shelley, ] and the three-dimensional elastica dynamics in the compressional flow [Chakrabarti , ]. We find a similar dependence of the buckled shapes on the ratio of bending to hydrodynamic forces as in the simulations for elastic fibers of a nonzero thickness [Słowicka , ].

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Investigation of Floquet engineered non-Abelian geometric phase for holonomic quantum computing
Authors: Cooke Logan W. , Tashchilina Arina , Protter Mason , Lindon Joseph , Ooi Tian , Marsiglio Frank , Maciejko Joseph , LeBlanc Lindsay J.
Published: January 2024

Holonomic quantum computing functions by transporting an adiabatically degenerate manifold of computational states around a closed loop in a control-parameter space; this cyclic evolution results in a non-Abelian geometric phase which may couple states within the manifold. Realizing the required degeneracy is challenging and typically requires auxiliary levels or intermediate-level couplings. One potential way to circumvent this is through Floquet engineering, where the periodic driving of a nondegenerate Hamiltonian leads to degenerate Floquet bands, and subsequently non-Abelian gauge structures may emerge. Here we present an experiment in ultracold Rb87 atoms where atomic spin states are dressed by modulated RF fields to induce periodic driving of a family of Hamiltonians linked through a fully tuneable parameter space. The adiabatic motion through this parameter space leads to the holonomic evolution of the degenerate spin states in SU(2), characterized by a non-Abelian connection. We study the holonomic transformations of spin eigenstates in the presence of a background magnetic field, characterizing the fidelity of these single-qubit gate operations. Results indicate that while the Floquet engineering technique removes the need for explicit degeneracies, it inherits many of the same limitations present in degenerate systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Revisiting electromagnetic response of superconductors in mean-field approximation
Authors: Oh Chang-geun , Watanabe Haruki
Published: January 2024

In the standard mean-field treatment of superconductors, the electron-electron interactions are assumed to be written in terms of local density operators. However, more general interactions, such as pair-hopping interactions, may exist or may be generated in a low-energy effective Hamiltonian. In this work, we study the effect of correlated hopping interactions toward the electromagnetic response of superconductors. When only the Hamiltonian after the mean-field approximation is provided, one cannot unambiguously determine its electromagnetic response whenever such interactions are allowed. This work demonstrates that such interactions induce additional terms in the current operator, leading to modifications in the Meissner weight and optical conductivities that deviate from conventional expectations. These results underscore the need for caution when incorporating gauge fields into the Bogoliubov–de Gennes Hamiltonian.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Impact of information systems (IS) infusion on Open Government Data (OGD) adoption
Authors: Matheus Ricardo , Alexopoulos Charalampos , Rizun Nina , Loukis Euripides , Saxena Stuti
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to underline the possible influence of the moderator, information systems (IS) infusion, on Open Government Data (OGD) adoption and usage.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the partial least squares-structural equation modeling methodological approach, the adapted unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model has been used for understanding the role of the moderating variable, namely, IS infusion.

Findings

Findings show that the moderating impact of IS infusion is positively significant with respect to the performance expectancy–behavioral intention relationship thereby bolstering the impact on users’ perception of OGD vis-à-vis work/academics performance and negatively significant for social influence–behavioral intention, information quality–behavioral intention, thereby clinching the fact that with the increased engagement and involvement of OGD in the everyday life of the user, the role of significant others and information quality gets least significant.

Originality/value

Extant OGD-focused research has underscored the impact of different variables as far as OGD adoption and usage is concerned; the present study seeks to add on to the extant literature by understanding the implications of IS infusion on the adapted UTAUT model constructs and behavioral intention relationships.
TikTok as a lens into teacher attrition: perspectives from #teacherquittok
Authors: Barber Chelsey , Literat Ioana
Published: January 2024

Purpose

A key social networking site for teachers, TikTok offers a new and valuable lens on educator attrition. This study aims to explore social media’s role in the increased transparency around leaving the profession and the online narratives crafted around transitioning out of the classroom.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the conceptual framework of emergent storytelling and a recursive thematic analysis of videos and comments posted to the #teacherquittok hashtag on TikTok, this study examines how teachers are using social media to share their experiences of exiting the classroom.

Findings

The authors find that teachers used TikTok to share personal accounts that form a meta-narrative that provides context to their decisions to leave, share stories of loss and gain through negotiating the transition out of the classroom and finally debate the implications for preservice teachers. The authors discuss key takeaways for rethinking teacher support, teacher education and the role of social media in teachers’ professional lives.

Originality/value

While many studies seek to understand teacher attrition, this work examines how teachers’ stories shared on social media may be shaping attrition into an increasingly networked and narrated act.
Transforming first-aid training: a new lesson study approach for the Red Cross
Authors: Hanfstingl Barbara , Ogradnig Thomas Andreas
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The first-aid courses organized by the Youth Red Cross Carinthia (Austria) had a quality problem, necessitating a professionalization in teaching and time structure. This research aimed to enhance the quality and effectiveness of these courses by implementing modified lesson studies with non-professional trainers. The paper presents the realization process, empirical research and results obtained by applying the first-aid curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

Around 22 lesson study first-aid courses (14 classes with 2 cycles, 8 with 3 cycles) were conducted and evaluated in different Austrian school types. An observation sheet was created to evaluate attention and competencies. Interviews were conducted with both teachers and students to validate the results.

Findings

The research findings demonstrate that lesson studies can significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of first-aid courses. Inexperienced and experienced first-aid teachers significantly improved their teaching skills. Newly educated first-aid teachers showed substantial improvement, leading to the introduction of an induction period and coaching opportunity within the Youth Red Cross Carinthia.

Originality/value

This is the first lesson study conducted in a non-academic context. It highlights the adaptation process of Carinthian first-aid courses. It illustrates how lesson studies impact lesson clarity, instructional variety, student engagement in the learning process, student outcome, student feedback and teaching effectiveness in a non-academic context. It contributes to the literature on the application of lesson study in first-aid education and provides insight into the benefits of this approach in enhancing the quality of first-aid training.
Optimal service resource management strategy for IoT-based health information system considering value co-creation of users
Authors: Fang Ji , Lee Vincent C.S. , Wang Haiyan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper explores optimal service resource management strategy, a continuous challenge for health information service to enhance service performance, optimise service resource utilisation and deliver interactive health information service.

Design/methodology/approach

An adaptive optimal service resource management strategy was developed considering a value co-creation model in health information service with a focus on collaborative and interactive with users. The deep reinforcement learning algorithm was embedded in the Internet of Things (IoT)-based health information service system (I-HISS) to allocate service resources by controlling service provision and service adaptation based on user engagement behaviour. The simulation experiments were conducted to evaluate the significance of the proposed algorithm under different user reactions to the health information service.

Findings

The results indicate that the proposed service resource management strategy, considering user co-creation in the service delivery, process improved both the service provider’s business revenue and users' individual benefits.

Practical implications

The findings may facilitate the design and implementation of health information services that can achieve a high user service experience with low service operation costs.

Originality/value

This study is amongst the first to propose a service resource management model in I-HISS, considering the value co-creation of the user in the service-dominant logic. The novel artificial intelligence algorithm is developed using the deep reinforcement learning method to learn the adaptive service resource management strategy. The results emphasise user engagement in the health information service process.
Breaking the e-waste stigma: how corporate gender diversity drives sustainable change in the UK
Authors: Issa Ayman , In’airat Mohammad
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between female leaders at board and executive levels and e-waste reduction in firms listed on the FTSE All-Share Index.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a sample of nonfinancial firms listed in the FTSE All-Share Index between 2004 and 2021, comprising 2,523 firm observations. The primary technique used is ordinary least squares, with subsample analysis and the two-stage least squares method used to address endogeneity concerns.

Findings

This study suggests that the presence of female directors and executives can bring a more comprehensive and diverse approach to e-waste management, which can contribute to improved e-waste reduction initiatives. However, the study also highlights that the impact of female leadership on e-waste reduction may vary based on factors such as the size of the firm and the industry’s carbon footprint.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this research have noteworthy implications for companies and policymakers alike. By placing importance on gender diversity, companies can reap the benefits of diverse perspectives and approaches when addressing environmental challenges. Policymakers, on the other hand, can contribute to positive environmental outcomes by advocating for gender diversity in corporate leadership.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research stems from its discovery that having female directors and executives in a firm leads to a broader and more varied approach to managing e-waste, ultimately enhancing efforts to reduce it. This underscores the significance of gender diversity in advancing sustainable practices within organizations. The study highlights the distinct viewpoints and experiences that women offer when tackling environmental issues in the corporate sphere.
Forced shift to teleworking: how abusive supervision promotes counterproductive work behavior when employees experience COVID-19 corporate social responsibility
Authors: Liang Yuan , Wu Tung-Ju , Wang Yushu
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated teleworking, which inadvertently led to an impaired communication between supervisors and employees, resulting in abusive supervision. Drawing on the conservation of resources (COR) theory and the social identity theory, this study aims to address this negative association by examining the mediating role of state mindfulness and the moderating role of COVID-19 corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the relationship between abusive supervision and counterproductive work behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs both qualitative and quantitative research designs. Data collection involved an experimental design with 117 participants (Study 1), a cross-sectional survey with 243 participants (Study 2) and semi-structured interviews with 24 full-time employees (Study 3).

Findings

The results reveal that state mindfulness acts as a mediator in the positive relationship between abusive supervision and counterproductive work behaviors (CWB). Furthermore, COVID-19 CSR mitigates the relationship between abusive supervision and CWB within the organization, but not with the supervisor. Additionally, COVID-19 CSR moderates the impact of abusive supervision on state mindfulness.

Practical implications

The results emphasize the crucial role of CSR when employees encounter abusive supervision during the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations and managers should adopt appropriate strategies to enhance employees' perception of CSR. Prioritizing the cultivation of state mindfulness is also recommended, and organizations can provide short-term mindfulness training to improve employees' state mindfulness.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the understanding of abusive supervision and CWB in the context of forced teleworking.
Microsoft Copilot and Anthropic Claude AI in education and library service
Authors: Adetayo Adebowale Jeremy , Aborisade Mariam Oyinda , Sanni Basheer Abiodun
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the collaborative potential of Microsoft Copilot and Anthropic Claude AI as an assistive technology in education and library services. The research delves into technical architectures and various use cases for both tools, proposing integration strategies within educational and library environments. The paper also addresses challenges such as algorithmic bias, hallucination and data rights.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a literature review approach combined with the proposal of integration strategies across education and library settings.

Findings

The collaborative framework between Copilot and Claude AI offers a comprehensive solution for transforming education and library services. The study identifies the seamless combination of real-time internet access, information retrieval and advanced comprehension features as key findings. In addition, challenges such as algorithmic bias and data rights are addressed, emphasizing the need for responsible AI governance, transparency and continuous improvement.

Originality/value

Contribute to the field by exploring the unique collaborative framework of Copilot and Claude AI in a specific context, emphasizing responsible AI governance and addressing existing gaps.
Empowerment through engagement: assessing the female university students’ involvement in volunteering activities
Authors: Rubel Md. Ariful Islam , Rumi Maruf Hasan , Ripon Md. Abujafar
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify how the involvement of female university students in volunteer organisations is contributing to their self-empowerment in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study with a qualitative approach was conducted. A total of 20 in-depth interviews with female student volunteers, two focus group discussions with student members of the volunteer organisation and ten key informant interviews with academics, gender experts and high-level representatives of civil society organisations were conducted. The data were collected from eight purposively selected universities in Dhaka. The data were collected between 1 January 2023 and 23 March 2023.

Findings

The inter-organisational environment appears to be supportive and welcoming, despite the fact that some male colleagues belittle women with insulting comments. Female students are predominantly involved in public presentation activities and their advice is rarely considered. To reach a top position, they have to show more commitment than their male colleagues. Subjective prejudices discourage women from taking on positions of responsibility. Participation in voluntary organisations strengthens the self-confidence, critical thinking, networking and social capital of female students, making it easier for them to gain employment. These factors contribute to the empowerment of female students.

Originality/value

This study is an excellent empirical document that establishes a link between the empowerment of female students and their participation in voluntary activities. The recommendations of this study pave the way for future research in different countries on how volunteering helps young people, especially female students, to shape their future by taking on social responsibility alongside their academic activities.
Impact of climate on a host–hyperparasite interaction on Arabica coffee in its native range
Authors: Ayalew Biruk , Hylander Kristoffer , Adugna Girma , Zewdie Beyene , Tack Ayco J. M.
Published: January 2024

Natural enemies of plant pathogens might play an important role in controlling plant disease levels in natural and agricultural systems. Yet, plant pathogen–natural enemy interactions might be sensitive to climatic changes. Understanding the relationship between climate, plant pathogens and their natural enemies is thus important for developing climate‐resilient, sustainable agriculture.

To this aim, we recorded shade cover, daily minimum and maximum temperature, relative humidity, coffee leaf rust and its hyperparasite at 58 sites in southwestern Ethiopia during the dry and wet season for 2 years.

Coffee leaf rust severity was positively related to the maximum temperature. Hyperparasite severity was higher when the minimum temperature was low (i.e. in places with cold night temperatures). While canopy cover did not have a direct effect on rust severity, it reduced rust severity indirectly by lowering the maximum temperature. Canopy cover had a direct positive effect on the hyperparasite severity during one surveying period.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings highlight that coffee leaf rust and its hyperparasite are both affected by shade cover and temperature, but in different ways. On the one hand, these niche differences lead to the worrying prediction that levels of coffee leaf rust will increase, and its hyperparasite will decrease, with climate change. On the other hand, these niche differences between coffee leaf rust and its hyperparasite provide opportunities to develop strategies to manage the environment (such as shade cover and microclimate) in such a way that the rust is disfavoured and the hyperparasite is favoured.
Characterisation of extracellular vesicles properties and miRNAs profiles in Brown Swiss milk
Authors: Du Chunmei , Quan Suyu , Ma Jian , Yin Fuquan , Xu Mengsi , Lin Liuxia , Zhou Guangxian , Wu Jiang , Gan Shangquan
Published: January 2024

The conserved extracellular vesicles (EVs)‐miRNAs from milk might potentially influence human gene expression, or even introduce their analogous nucleotide chains into the human food chain. This study aimed to characterise the features of Brown Swiss milk EVs and the EVs‐miRNAs profile. Brown Swiss milk EVs exhibited a cup‐shaped morphology, with a distribution of (2.3 ± 0.8) E + 11 particles/mL. Sequencing identified a total of 238 miRNAs, which were mainly implicated in immune response and cell signal transduction. The conservation of these milk EVs‐miRNAs among species suggested they might be evolutionarily selected to regulate the growth and development of the newborns.
Increased pressure lowered trust among unvaccinated during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Effects of the announcement of reintroducing vaccination passports in Denmark
Authors: JØRGENSEN FREDERIK , BOR ALEXANDER , PETERSEN MICHAEL BANG
Published: January 2024

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the imposition of moralistically justified costs on unvaccinated individuals was used to incentivize vaccination uptake. Here, we ask whether such a strategy creates adverse consequences in the form of lowered trust in the pandemic response among unvaccinated individuals, which could jeopardize their compliance with the broader set of health interventions. As our empirical case, we use a press conference held by the Danish government on 8 November 2021, where COVID‐19‐vaccination passports were reintroduced, in part, to pressure unvaccinated people to take up the vaccine. We analyse the effects of the press conference using daily, nationally representative survey data (total N = 24,934) employing a difference‐in‐differences design. We demonstrate that the press conference decreased the trust in the pandemic management by 11 percentage points among unvaccinated individuals, while trust remained high among vaccinated individuals. Moralistic cost imposition also reduced collective action motivation and coping appraisal among unvaccinated individuals, and, while it increased societal threat appraisal among vaccinated people, it failed to do so among unvaccinated individuals. Our findings imply that decision‐makers using moralized cost imposition as a health intervention should be aware of its potential unintended adverse consequences.
Neuropeptide ACP is required for fat body lipid metabolism homeostasis in locusts
Authors: Hou Li , Guo Siyuan , Wang Yuanyuan , Liu Shaoye , Wang Xianhui
Published: January 2024

Fat body metabolism plays crucial roles in each aspect of insect life traits. Although neuropeptides have been documented to be one of the major neuroendocrinal regulators involved in fat body metabolism, the detailed regulatory mechanism is poorly explored. Here, we conducted comparative metabolome and transcriptome analyses of fat body between wide type (WT) and adipokinetic hormone/corazonin‐related peptide (ACP) loss of function mutants of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria. We found that knockout of ACP resulted in significantly reduced fat body triacylglycerol content but enhanced abundance of phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Additionally, the expression levels of genes involved in triacylglycerol and phospholipid synthesis and degradation were significantly altered in the fat body of ACP mutants. Moreover, female ACP mutants displayed much higher fecundity compared to WT females. These findings highlight the important role of neuropeptide ACP in fat body lipid metabolism homeostasis in locusts.
Paleomicrobiology: Tracking the past microbial life from single species to entire microbial communities
Authors: Grasso Gianluca , Bianciotto Valeria , Marmeisse Roland
Published: January 2024

By deciphering information encoded in degraded ancient DNA extracted from up to million‐years‐old samples, molecular paleomicrobiology enables to objectively retrace the temporal evolution of microbial species and communities. Assembly of full‐length genomes of ancient pathogen lineages allows not only to follow historical epidemics in space and time but also to identify the acquisition of genetic features that represent landmarks in the evolution of the host–microbe interaction. Analysis of microbial community DNA extracted from essentially human paleo‐artefacts (paleofeces, dental calculi) evaluates the relative contribution of diet, lifestyle and geography on the taxonomic and functional diversity of these guilds in which have been identified species that may have gone extinct in today's human microbiome. As for non‐host‐associated environmental samples, such as stratified sediment cores, analysis of their DNA illustrates how and at which pace microbial communities are affected by local or widespread environmental disturbance. Description of pre‐disturbance microbial diversity patterns can aid in evaluating the relevance and effectiveness of remediation policies. We finally discuss how recent achievements in paleomicrobiology could contribute to microbial biotechnology in the fields of medical microbiology and food science to trace the domestication of microorganisms used in food processing or to illustrate the historic evolution of food processing microbial consortia.