bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating power to detect recurrent selective sweeps under increasingly realistic evolutionary null models
Authors: Soni Vivak , Johri Parul , Jensen Jeffrey D.
Published: June 2023

The detection of selective sweeps from population genomic data often relies on the premise that the beneficial mutations in question have fixed very near the sampling time. As it has been previously shown that the power to detect a selective sweep is strongly dependent on the time since fixation as well as the strength of selection, it is naturally the case that strong, recent sweeps leave the strongest signatures. However, the biological reality is that beneficial mutations enter populations at a rate, one that partially determines the mean wait time between sweep events and hence their age distribution. An important question thus remains about the power to detect recurrent selective sweeps when they are modelled by a realistic mutation rate and as part of a realistic distribution of fitness effects (DFE), as opposed to a single, recent, isolated event on a purely neutral background as is more commonly modelled. Here we use forward-in-time simulations to study the performance of commonly used sweep statistics, within the context of more realistic evolutionary baseline models incorporating purifying and background selection, population size change, and mutation and recombination rate heterogeneity. Results demonstrate the important interplay of these processes, necessitating caution when interpreting selection scans; specifically, false positive rates are in excess of true positive across much of the evaluated parameter space, and selective sweeps are often undetectable unless the strength of selection is exceptionally strong.

Teaser Text

Outlier-based genomic scans have proven a popular approach for identifying loci that have potentially experienced recent positive selection. However, it has previously been shown that an evolutionarily appropriate baseline model that incorporates non-equilibrium population histories, purifying and background selection, and variation in mutation and recombination rates is necessary to reduce often extreme false positive rates when performing genomic scans. Here we evaluate the power to detect recurrent selective sweeps using common SFS-based and haplotype-based methods under these increasingly realistic models. We find that while these appropriate evolutionary baselines are essential to reduce false positive rates, the power to accurately detect recurrent selective sweeps is generally low across much of the biologically relevant parameter space.
Dissecting peri-implantation development using cultured human embryos and embryo-like assembloids
Authors: Ai Zongyong , Niu Baohua , Yin Yu , Xiang Lifeng , Shi Gaohui , Duan Kui , Wang Sile , Hu Yingjie , Zhang Chi , Zhang Chengting , Rong Lujuan , Kong Ruize , Chen Tingwei , Guo Yixin , Liu Wanlu , Li Nan , Zhao Shumei , Zhu Xiaoqing , Mai Xuancheng , Li Yonggang , Wu Ze , Zheng Yi , Fu Jianping , Ji Weizhi , Li Tianqing
Published: June 2023

Studies of cultured embryos have provided insights into human peri-implantation development. However, detailed knowledge of peri-implantation lineage developments as well as underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Using 3D-cultured human embryos, herein we report a complete cell atlas of the early post-implantation lineages and decipher cellular composition and gene signatures of the epiblast and hypoblast derivatives. In addition, we develop an embryo-like assembloid (E-assembloid) by assembling naive hESCs and extraembryonic cells. Using human embryos and E-assembloids, we reveal that WNT, BMP and Nodal signaling synergistically, but functionally differently, orchestrate human peri-implantation lineage development. Specially, we dissect mechanisms underlying extraembryonic mesoderm and extraembryonic endoderm specifications. Finally, an improved E-assembloid is developed to recapitulate the epiblast and hypoblast developments and tissue architectures in the pre-gastrulation human embryo. Our findings provide insights of the human peri-implantation development, and the E-assembloid offers a useful model to disentangle cellular behaviors and signaling interactions that drive human embryogenesis.
Palmitoylation of the Hemagglutinin of Influenza B virus by ER-localized DHHC enzymes 1, 2, 4 and 6 is essential for virus replication
Authors: Meng Xiaorong , Veit Michael
Published: June 2023

Covalent attachment of the fatty acids palmitate or stearate to the cytoplasmic domain of viral glycoproteins is often crucial for viral replication. This has previously been studied for the hemagglutinin (HA) of Influenza A virus and the responsible enzymes have been identified, but similar studies have not been performed with HA of Influenza B virus, which contains palmitate linked to two cysteines. We show here that the modification is essential for virus replication since exchange of both cysteines or the cysteine located at the end of the cytoplasmic tail prevented the generation of viable viruses. Viruses with an exchange of the membrane-distal cysteine rapidly reverted back to wild-type virus. Blocking exit of proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) revealed that palmitoylation of HA of Influenza B virus occurs in the ER, whereas acylation of HA of Influenza A virus also in the Golgi. Infecting cells deficient in DHHC palmitoyltransferases revealed that HA of Influenza B virus is acylated by the ER-localized DHHCs 1, 2, 4 and 6, which are thus different from the enzymes previously identified for acylation of HA of Influenza A virus. A comparison of predicted and experimentally determined protein structures suggests that the exclusive acylation of the HA of Influenza B virus with palmitate is not a function of the responsible DHHCs and that the transmembrane region may be critical for the acylation of HA of Influenza A and B virus by different DHHCs.

Importance

Influenza viruses are a public health concern since they cause seasonal outbreaks and occasionally pandemics. Our study investigates the importance of a protein modification called "palmitoylation" in the replication of Influenza B virus. Palmitoylation involves attaching fatty acids to the viral protein hemagglutinin, and has previously been studied for Influenza A virus. We found that this modification is essential for the Influenza B virus to replicate, as mutating the sites where palmitate is attached prevented the virus from generating viable particles. Our experiments also showed that this modification occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum. We identified the specific enzymes responsible for this modification, which are different from those involved in palmitoylation of HA of Influenza A virus. Overall, our research illuminates the similarities and differences in fatty acid attachment to HA of Influenza A and B virus and identifies the responsible enzymes, which might be promising targets for antiviral therapy.
Job embeddedness and life satisfaction during pandemic: the impacts of work-from-home stressors and emotional exhaustion
Authors: Dechawatanapaisal Decha
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study applies the job demands-resources model the conservation of resources theory to explain and examine the impacts of home-work conflict, perceived insufficient organizational support, and perceived social isolation, that is, work-from-home stressors, o

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 418 Thai employees who worked from home during the nationwide lockdowns at two time points. The hypotheses were tested and analyzed by means of a confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling, and a bootstrapping procedure.

Findings

The results indicate that the three work-from-home stressors significantly cause emotional exhaustion and that these stressors are negatively associated with job embeddedness and life satisfaction via the mediation of emotional exhaustion.

Research limitations/implications

To reduce error in parameter estimation due to self-report data, future research could use a more rigorous longitudinal design with a longer time lag and collect data from multiple sources.

Practical implications

Realizing how critical situations shape the workplace would help organizations understand the issues concerning a remote work approach and create more applicable interventions to improve employees' retention and wellbeing.

Originality/value

This study reinforces the application of COR in times of crisis and extends the traditional JD-R model beyond the normal work context.
Development and validation of natural user interfaces for semantic enrichment of BIM models using open formats
Authors: Matoseiro Dinis Fábio , Rodrigues Raquel , Pedro da Silva Poças Martins João
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Despite the technological paradigm shift presented to the architecture, engineering, construction and operations sector (AECO), the full-fledged acceptance of the building information modelling (BIM) methodology has been slower than initially anticipated. Indeed, this study aims to acknowledge the need for increasing supportive technologies enabling the use of BIM, attending to available human resources, their requirements and their tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

A complete case study is described, including the development process centred on design science research methodology followed by the usability assessment procedure validated by construction projects facility management operational staff.

Findings

Results show that participants could interact with BIM using openBIM processes and file formats naturally, as most participants reached an efficiency level close to that expected for users already familiar with the interface (i.e. high-efficiency values). These results are consistent with the reported perceived satisfaction and analysis of participants’ discourses through 62 semi-structured interviews.

Originality/value

The contributions of the present study are twofold: a proposal for a virtual reality openBIM framework is presented, particularly for the semantic enrichment of BIM models, and a methodology for evaluating the usability of this type of system in the AECO sector.
The direct and indirect effects of financial socialization and psychological characteristics on young professionals' personal financial management behavior
Authors: Goyal Kirti , Kumar Satish , Hoffmann Arvid
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Prior work expresses concern about young people's rising debt and lack of financial preparedness. This study focuses on how financial socialization and psychological characteristics affect the personal financial management behavior (PFMB) of young professionals in India. The authors examine both the direct effect of these factors and the indirect effects through financial literacy and aforementioned psychological characteristics as mediators.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a conceptual framework based on the extant literature and empirically test its hypotheses employing partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

Attitude towards money, financial self-efficacy, financial risk tolerance, financial socialization through parental direct teaching and peers, and media are all positively associated with young professionals' PFMB, whereas external locus of control and procrastination are negatively associated with their PFMB. Almost all psychological characteristics partially mediate the association between financial socialization and PFMB. Finally, financial literacy plays a partially mediating role in the association between procrastination and PFMB as well as between financial socialization and PFMB.

Practical implications

This study helps regulators and policymakers understand PFMB among young professionals. Interventions should build on the positive role of financial socialization, cultivating a good attitude towards money and financial self-efficacy, and reducing reliance on an external locus of control and procrastination. This study also helps policymakers and financial educators develop societally beneficial personal finance programs.

Originality/value

This research investigates social, psychological and cognitive characteristics in a comprehensive framework to further the authors’ understanding of the topic of PFMB.
The effects of digital transformation on supply chain resilience: a moderated and mediated model
Authors: Yuan Yaqin , Tan Hongying , Liu Linlin
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of digital transformation on supply chain resilience. Additionally, the paper examines the mediating effect of supply chain process integration as well as the moderating effect of environmental uncertainty in the relationship between digital transformation and supply chain resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on digital empowerment theory, this study proposes a theoretical model. Using survey data collected from 216 enterprises in China, the study employs structural equation modeling to validate the theoretical model.

Findings

The results reveal that digital transformation has a significant impact on supply chain resilience. Three dimensions of supply chain process integration, namely, information flow integration, physical flow integration, and financial flow integration mediate the relationship between digital transformation and supply chain resilience. In addition, environmental uncertainty including market uncertainty and technology uncertainty positively moderates the relationship between digital transformation and supply chain resilience.

Originality/value

First, this paper provides empirical evidence on both the direct and indirect effects of digital transformation on supply chain resilience. Second, this paper enriches the understanding of how supply chain integration impacts supply chain resilience in the digital transformation era by adopting a more granular perspective of process integration rather than broad external and internal integrations. Furthermore, this paper extends the knowledge of the role of external environment in digital transformation and supply chain risk management by examining the moderating effects of market uncertainty and technology uncertainty.
User experience of digital science and education evaluation platform: identification and analysis of key influencing factors
Authors: Qiu Junping , Xu Zhongyang , Luo Haibei , Zhou Jianing , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Establishing and developing digital science and education evaluation platforms (DSEEPs) have several practical implications for the development of China's science, technology and education. Identifying and analyzing the key factors influencing DSEEP user experience (UX) can improve the users' willingness to use the platform and effectively promote its sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a literature survey, a five-element model of UX and semi-structured interviews were used in this study to develop a DSEEP UX-influencing factor model, which included five dimensions and 22 influencing factors. Second, the model validity was verified using questionnaire data. Finally, the key influencing factors were identified and analyzed using a fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (fuzzy-DEMATEL) method.

Findings

Fourteen influencing factors, including diverse information forms and comprehensive information content, are crucial for the DSEEP UX. Its optimization path is “‘Function Services’ → ‘Information Resources’ → ‘Interaction Design’ → ‘Interface Design’ and ‘Visual Design’.” In this regard, platform managers can take the following measures to optimize UX: strengthening functional services, improving information resources, enhancing the interactive experience and considering interface effects.

Originality/value

This study uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to determine the key influencing factors and optimization path of DSEEP UX. Optimization suggestions for UX are proposed from the perspective of platform managers, who provide an effective theoretical reference for innovating and developing a DSEEP.
The role of brand self-congruence, brand love and brand attachment on brand advocacy: a serial mediation model
Authors: Shimul Anwar Sadat , Phau Ian
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of brand self-congruence on brand advocacy. In addition, the roles of brand love and attachment are examined through a serial mediation model.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 324 valid and useable responses collected from an Australian consumer panel were analysed through IBM SPSS. Underpinned by social identity theory and self-expansion theory, a set of hypotheses was examined in a research model.

Findings

The findings show that consumers' brand self-congruence positively impacts brand love, attachment and advocacy intention. Moreover, brand attachment and love mediate the relationship between brand self-congruence and advocacy.

Practical implications

The findings of this research suggest that brand managers should cultivate emotions to build a strong consumer–brand relationship.

Originality/value

This research advances the current understanding of brand advocacy literature concerning brand self-congruence, love and attachment. The findings suggest that consumers' brand self-congruence, combined with brand love and attachment, will generate greater advocacy.
Inside out and upside down? Perceptions of temporary employment histories in the time of COVID
Authors: Song Fei , Lamb Danielle
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Perceptions of employment histories are important insofar as they influence future job prospects. Critically, in light of the current pandemic, wherein many individuals are likely to have unanticipated employment gaps and/or temporary work experiences, this exploratory study aims to seek a better understanding of the signal associated with temporary employment histories, which is particularly germane to individuals' employment trajectories and a successful labour market recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing primarily on signalling theory and using a simulated hiring decision experiment, the authors examined the perceptions of temporary employment histories, as well as the period effect of COVID-19, a major exogenous event, on the attitudes of fictitious jobseekers with standard, temporary and unemployment histories.

Findings

The authors find that prior to COVID-19 unemployed and temporary-work candidates were perceived less favourably as compared to applicants employed in a permanent job. During the COVID-19 pandemic, assessments of jobseekers with temporary employment histories were less critical and the previously negative signal associated with job-hopping reversed. This study’s third wave of data, which were collected post-COVID, showed that such perceptions largely dissipated, with the exception for those with a history of temporary work with different employers.

Practical implications

The paper serves as a reminder to check, insofar as possible, preconceived biases of temporary employment histories to avoid potential attribution errors and miss otherwise capable candidates.

Originality/value

This paper makes a unique and timely contribution by focussing and examining the differential effect of economic climate, pivoted by the COVID-19 pandemic, on perceptions of temporary employment histories.
Can sustainability performance mitigate the negative effect of policy uncertainty on the firm valuation?
Authors: Azimli Asil , Cek Kemal
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test if building reputation capital through environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing can mitigate the negative effect of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on firms’ valuation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an unbalanced panel of 591 financial firms between 2005 and 2021 from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom (UK) and the USA. Ordinary least square method is used in the empirical tests. To alleviate a potential endogeneity problem, robustness tests are performed using the two-stage least square approach with instrumental variables.

Findings

The results of this paper show that sustainable reporting can offset the negative effect of EPU on the valuation of financial firms. Consistent with the stakeholder-based reputation-building hypothesis, sustainability performance may have an insurance-like impact on firms’ valuation during periods of high uncertainty.

Practical implications

According to the findings, during high policy uncertainty periods, investors accept to pay a premium for the stocks of the firms which built social capital through environmental and social investments. Accordingly, it is suggested that regulatory bodies and governments motivate firms to increase their stakeholder orientation to attain higher reputation capital.

Social implications

Managers can mitigate the negative impact of policy uncertainty on the value of their firms via building social capital, which will increase financial market stability in return, and portfolio investors may use such firms for portfolio optimization decisions.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first to examine the mitigating role of ESG investing on EPU and firm valuation relationships for financial firms. Thus, this study provides new insights related to the impact of ESG performance on valuation during uncertain times.
Tourist involvement in vacation planning and booking: impact on word of mouth and loyalty
Authors: Andersen Cecilie , Engeset Marit Gundersen , Nyhus Ellen Katrine
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how different levels of involvement in the prevacation phase affect vacationers’ subsequent satisfaction, word of mouth (WOM) recommendations and loyal behavior with regard to the planning/booking process.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from a field study (N = 5,158) in a travel planning context are used to investigate the differences in WOM recommendations and loyalty between self-packagers (higher involvement) and package buyers (lower involvement).

Findings

Tourists who are less involved in the prevacation phase are more likely to recommend the planning/booking process, while more involved tourists are more likely to repeat the same planning/booking process than package buyers.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for tourist agencies, tour operators, tourism suppliers and tourism marketers in terms of customer retention and WOM communication. These findings also have theoretical implications for the WOM and loyalty literature.

Originality/value

This paper reveals how involvement in travel planning may affect satisfaction, WOM recommendation and loyalty behavior. These relationships have not been investigated before.
On pathological orthorhombic models
Authors: Stovas Alexey , Roganov Yuriy , Roganov Vyacheslav
Published: June 2023

The singularity directions are very important for wave propagation in anisotropic media since they result in complications of the wavefront, amplitudes and polarization fields. Usually, the singularities are associated with shear waves. However, there is a class of anisotropic models with orthorhombic symmetry, which results in both S1S2 and PS1 types of singularities with abnormal polarization. In this case, we can have the singularity points and singularity lines of different types. Thus, we classify and analyse these models in the phase domain. The group velocity images of both singularity points and lines are also defined.
Changes in alcohol consumption reported on routine healthcare screenings are associated with changes in depression symptoms
Authors: Hallgren Kevin A. , Jack Helen E. , Oliver Malia , Berger Douglas , Bobb Jennifer F. , Kivlahan Daniel R. , Bradley Katharine A.
Published: June 2023

Background

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Consumption version (AUDIT‐C) has been robustly validated as a point‐in‐time screen for unhealthy alcohol use, but less is known about the significance of changes in AUDIT‐C scores from routine screenings over time. Unhealthy alcohol use and depression commonly co‐occur, and changes in drinking often co‐occur with changes in depression symptoms. We assess the associations between changes in AUDIT‐C scores and changes in depression symptoms reported on brief screens completed in routine care.

Methods

The study sample included 198,335 primary care patients who completed two AUDIT‐C screens 11 to 24 months apart and the Patient Health Questionnaire‐2 (PHQ‐2) depression screen on the same day as each AUDIT‐C. Both screening measures were completed as part of routine care within a large health system in Washington state. AUDIT‐C scores were categorized to reflect five drinking levels at both time points, resulting in 25 subgroups with different change patterns. For each of the 25 subgroups, within‐group changes in the prevalence of positive PHQ‐2 depression screens were characterized using risk ratios (RRs) and McNemar's tests.

Results

Patient subgroups with increases in AUDIT‐C risk categories generally experienced increases in the prevalence of positive depression screens (RRs ranging from 0.95 to 2.00). Patient subgroups with decreases in AUDIT‐C risk categories generally experienced decreases in the prevalence of positive depression screens (RRs ranging from 0.52 to 1.01). Patient subgroups that did not have changes in AUDIT‐C risk categories experienced little or no change in the prevalence of positive depression screens (RRs ranging from 0.98 to 1.15).

Conclusions

As hypothesized, changes in alcohol consumption reported on AUDIT‐C screens completed in routine care were associated with changes in depression screening results. Results support the validity and clinical utility of monitoring changes in AUDIT‐C scores over time as a meaningful measure of changes in drinking.
Estereotipos de género en los temas de investigación en ecología: Un análisis de los últimos 20 años de las Reuniones Argentinas de Ecología
Authors: Spirito Florencia , Meli Paula , Reyes M. Fernanda , Núñez‐Vivanco Gabriel , Beloff Zoe , De Paepe Josefina L.
Published: June 2023

Aunque Argentina presenta un notable aumento en la comunidad académica, alcanzando el mayor número de personas investigadores per cápita de América Latina, la brecha de género sigue siendo evidente. El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar y evaluar la evolución de los principales temas de investigación en ecología en Argentina durante los últimos veinte años para analizar si los estereotipos socales de género se reproducen en la selección de los temas de investigación. Se analizaron cuatro libros de resúmenes de la Reunione Argentinas de Ecología de los últimos veinte años y se identificó el género de l primer autor/la primera autora y de los y las coautores. Se utilizó el Procesamiento de Lenguaje Natural para analizar las asociaciones de género con las 16.319 palabras que aparecen en los 2.208 títulos de los resúmenes. El número medio de coautoras fue siempre mayor en los resúmenes de trabajos liderados por mujeres, aunque la proporción de coautoras respecto al total de autores aumentó más en los resúmenes de trabajos liderados por hombres. Los temas de investigación evolucionaron desde aquellos considerados pilares fundamentales de la ecología (por ejemplo, estudios poblacionales) hasta temas contemporáneos definidos por estudios de manejo y política. Las diferencias de género estuvieron presentes y cambiaron con el tiempo. En la actualidad, los hombres trabajan en temas de investigación relacionados con la toma de decisiones, mientras que las mujeres se enfocan en los procesos ambientales, por lo que es urgente crear más espacios de liderazgo para las mujeres con el fin de reducir las desigualdades de género.
Examining the use of cannabidiol and delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol‐based medicine among individuals diagnosed with dementia living within residential aged care facilities: Results of a double‐blind randomised crossover trial
Authors: Timler Amanda , Bulsara Caroline , Bulsara Max , Vickery Alistair , Jacques Angela , Codde Jim
Published: June 2023

Objective

Dementia affects individuals older than 65 years. Currently, residential aged care facilities (RACF) use psychotropic medications to manage behavioural and neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia (BPSD), which are recommended for short‐term use and have substantial side effects, including increased mortality. Cannabinoid‐based medicines (CBM) have some benefits that inhibit BPSD and cause minimal adverse effects (AEs), yet limited research has been considered with this population. The study aimed to determine a tolerable CBM dose (3:2 delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol:cannabidiol), and assessed its effect on BPSD, quality of life (QoL) and perceived pain.

Methods

An 18‐week randomised, double‐blinded, crossover trial was conducted. Four surveys, collected on seven occasions, were used to measure changes in BPSD, QoL and pain. Qualitative data helped to understand attitudes towards CBM. General linear mixed models were used in the analysis, and the qualitative data were synthesised.

Results

Twenty‐one participants (77% female participants, mean age 85) took part in the trial. No significant differences were seen between the placebo and CBM for behaviour, QOL or pain, except a decrease in agitation at the end of treatment in favour of CBM. The qualitative findings suggested improved relaxation and sleep among some individuals. Post hoc estimates on the data collected suggested that 50 cases would draw stronger conclusions on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory.

Conclusions

The study design was robust, rigorous and informed by RACF. The medication appeared safe, with minimal AEs experienced with CBM. Further studies incorporating larger samples when considering CBM would allow researchers to investigate the sensitivity of detecting BPSD changes within the complexity of the disease and concomitant with medications.
Prognostic impact of morphology and duration of premature ventricular contractions in a population without structural heart disease
Authors: Scorza Raffaele , Jonsson Martin , Corander John‐Martin , Rosenqvist Mårten , Frykman Viveka
Published: June 2023

Background

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are a common form of arrhythmia associated with an unfavorable prognosis in patients with structural heart disease. It is unclear whether PVCs site of origin and QRS‐width has a prognostic significance in patients without structural heart disease. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic importance of PVCs morphology and duration in this patient group.

Methods

We included 511 consecutive patients without a history of previous heart disease. They were examined with echocardiography and exercise test with normal findings. We categorized the PVCs from a 12 lead ECG according to morphology and width of the QRS‐complex and analyzed the outcome in terms of a composite endpoint of total mortality and cardiovascular morbidity.

Results

During a median follow‐up time of 5.3 years, 19 patients (3.5%) died and 61 (11.3%) met the composite outcome. Patients with PVCs originating from the outflow tracts had a significantly lower risk for the composite outcome compared to patients with non‐OT‐PVCs. Similarly, patients with PVC originating from the right ventricle had a better outcome than patients with left ventricular PCVs. No difference in outcome depending on QRS‐width during PVCs was noticed.

Conclusion

In our cohort of consecutively included PVC patients without structural heart disease PVCs from the outflow tracts were associated with a better prognostic outcome than non‐OT PVCs; the same was true for right ventricular PVCs when compared to left ventricular ones. The classification of the origin of the PVCs was based on 12‐lead ECG morphology. QRS‐width during PVC did not seem to have prognostic significance.
A randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of the LAG‐3‐depleting monoclonal antibody GSK2831781 in patients with active ulcerative colitis
Authors: D'Haens Geert , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent , Marks Daniel J. B. , Lisi Edoardo , Liefaard Lia , Beaton Andrew , Srinivasan Naren , Bouma Gerben , Prasad Naveen , Cameron Raymond , Kayali Zeid , Tarzi Ruth , Hanauer Stephen , Sandborn William J.
Published: June 2023

Background

Selective depletion of T cells expressing LAG‐3, an immune checkpoint receptor that is upregulated on activated T cells, has been investigated in pre‐clinical models as a potential therapeutic approach in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases where activated T cells are implicated.

Aims

GSK2831781, a depleting monoclonal antibody that specifically binds LAG‐3 proteins, may deplete activated LAG‐3+ cells in ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

Patients with moderate to severe UC were randomised to GSK2831781 or placebo. Safety, tolerability, efficacy, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of GSK2831781 were evaluated.

Results

One hundred four participants across all dose levels were randomised prior to an interim analysis indicating efficacy futility criteria had been met. Efficacy results focus on the double‐blind induction phase of the study (GSK2831781 450 mg intravenously [IV], N = 48; placebo, N = 27). Median change from baseline (95% credible interval [CrI]) in complete Mayo score was similar between groups (GSK2831781 450 mg IV: −1.4 [−2.2, −0.7]; placebo: −1.4 [−2.4, −0.5]). Response rates for endoscopic improvement favoured placebo. Clinical remission rates were similar between groups. In the 450‐mg IV group, 14 (29%) participants had an adverse event of UC versus 1 (4%) with placebo. LAG‐3+ cells were depleted to 51% of baseline in blood; however, there was no reduction in LAG‐3+ cells in the colonic mucosa. Transcriptomic analysis of colon biopsies showed no difference between groups.

Conclusion

Despite evidence of target cell depletion in blood, GSK2831781 failed to reduce inflammation in the colonic mucosa suggesting no pharmacological effect. The study was terminated early (NCT03893565).
The impact of loose‐parts‐play on schoolyard social participation of children with and without disabilities: A case study
Authors: Eichengreen Adva , van Rooijen Martin , van Klaveren Lisa‐Maria , Nasri Maedeh , Tsou Yung‐Ting , Koutamanis Alexander , Baratchi Mitra , Rieffe Carolien
Published: June 2023

Background

Outdoor social participation in the school playground is crucial for children's socio‐emotional and cognitive development. Yet, many children with disabilities in mainstream educational settings are not socially included within their peer group. We examined whether loose‐parts‐play (LPP), a common and cost‐effective intervention that changes the playground play environment to enhance child‐led free play, can promote social participation for children with and without disabilities.

Method

Forty‐two primary school children, out of whom three had hearing loss or autism, were assessed for two baseline and four intervention sessions. We applied a mixed‐method design, combining advanced sensors methodology, observations, peer nominations, self‐reports, qualitative field notes and an interview with the playground teachers.

Results

Findings indicated for all children a decrease during the intervention in social interactions and social play and no change in network centrality. Children without disabilities displayed also an increase in solitude play and in the diversity of interacting partners. Enjoyment of LPP was high for all children, yet children with disabilities did not benefit socially from the intervention and became even more isolated compared with baseline level.

Conclusions

Social participation in the schoolyard of children with and without disabilities did not improve during LPP in a mainstream setting. Findings emphasize the need to consider the social needs of children with disabilities when designing playground interventions and to re‐think about LPP philosophy and practices to adapt them to inclusive settings and goals.
Anticoagulant therapy in COVID‐19: A narrative review
Authors: Mohseni Afshar Zeinab , Tavakoli Pirzaman Ali , Hosseinzadeh Rezvan , Babazadeh Arefeh , Taghizadeh Moghadam Mohamad Ali , Miri Seyed Rouhollah , Sio Terence T. , Sullman Mark J. M. , Barary Mohammad , Ebrahimpour Soheil
Published: June 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), can manifest itself in several ways, including coagulopathy and thrombosis. These complications can be the first and sometimes only manifestations of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and can occur early or late in the course of the disease. However, these symptoms are more prevalent in hospitalized patients with venous thromboembolism, particularly those admitted to intensive care units. Moreover, various forms of arterial and venous thrombosis, or micro‐ or macro‐vasculature embolisms, have been reported during the current pandemic. They have led to harmful consequences, such as neurological and cardiac events, nearly all resulting from the hypercoagulable state caused by this viral infection. The severe hypercoagulability observed in patients with COVID‐19 accounts for most cases of the disease that become critical. Therefore, anticoagulants seem to be one of the most vital therapeutics for treating this potentially life‐threatening condition. In the current paper, we present a thorough review of the pathophysiology of COVID‐19‐induced hypercoagulable state and the use of anticoagulants to treat SARS‐CoV‐2 infections in different patient groups, as well as their pros and cons.
Reduced alpha2 power is associated with slowed information processing speed in multiple sclerosis
Authors: De Cock Alexander , Van Ranst Alexander , Costers Lars , Keytsman Eva , D'Hooghe Marie B. , D'Haeseleer Miguel , Nagels Guy , Van Schependom Jeroen
Published: June 2023

Objective

Cognitive impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), significantly impacts daily functioning, is time‐consuming to assess, and is prone to practice effects. We examined whether the alpha band power measured with magnetoencephalography (MEG) is associated with the different cognitive domains affected by MS.

Methods

Sixty‐eight MS patients and 47 healthy controls underwent MEG, T1‐ and FLAIR‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and neuropsychological testing. Alpha power in the occipital cortex was quantified in the alpha1 (8–10 Hz) and alpha2 (10–12 Hz) bands. Next, we performed best subset regression to assess the added value of neurophysiological measures to commonly available MRI measures.

Results

Alpha2 power significantly correlated with information processing speed (p < 0.001) and was always retained in all multilinear models, whereas thalamic volume was retained in 80% of all models. Alpha1 power was correlated with visual memory (p < 0.001) but only retained in 38% of all models.

Conclusions

Alpha2 (10–12 Hz) power in rest is associated with IPS, independent of standard MRI parameters. This study stresses that a multimodal assessment, including structural and functional biomarkers, is likely required to characterize cognitive impairment in MS. Resting‐state neurophysiology is thus a promising tool to understand and follow up changes in IPS.
Evaluating population trends of juvenile Atlantic Sturgeon at low abundance in a dynamic estuarine environment (Hudson River, New York)
Authors: DuFour Mark R. , Qian Song S.
Published: June 2023

Evaluating population trends in dynamic estuarine environments can be challenging, especially when survey data include a high percentage of zero observations. In fishery‐independent surveys, zeros that come from reduced susceptibility to sample gears and reduced availability of the population to the survey impact survey catchability and negatively bias relative abundance indices. A zero‐inflated negative binomial model was used to standardize a juvenile Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) relative abundance index (Hudson River, New York) that included a high proportion (42%) of zero observations and intra‐ and interannually variable covariates. Reduced susceptibility was related to low water temperature, with the percentage of zeroes increasing rapidly below 7°C. Availability was influenced by temperature and distance to salt front, as catch rates increased with temperature and peaked in mesohaline waters ~27 km downstream of the predicted salt front. An alternative index suggested significant population growth (r = 0.15; p‐value = 0.007) occurred from 2004 to 2015. The zero‐inflated model helped better understand Hudson River juvenile Atlantic Sturgeon ecology and relative trends in abundance, to better inform future management and monitoring decisions along the Atlantic Coast.
The commercial impact of live streaming: A systematic literature review and future research agenda
Authors: Xu Yujun , Kapitan Sommer , Phillips Megan
Published: June 2023

Live streaming allows streamers and viewers to watch, create, and share videos in real time on topics from gaming, shopping, and social channels to tourism and entertainment. It is distinct from earlier forms of social media in that it allows for real‐time interaction and is extremely synchronous. That makes live streaming an important new area of enquiry. Yet live streaming platforms, streamers, and scholars lack an informed structure from which to build more holistic understanding and strategy. Following the theory–context–characteristics–methodology framework, we undertake a framework‐based systematic literature review of 89 articles to source, review, and synthesize disparate findings in the arena of live streaming and live streaming commerce users' motivation and interactions. A dual stimulus–organism–response integrative framework is developed to further explore the characteristics of interaction and motivation factors. A future research agenda highlights areas of research focus that are critical next steps for scholars.
Underwater endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal tumors decreases the incidence of post‐electrocoagulation syndrome
Authors: Koyama Yohei , Fukuzawa Masakatsu , Aikawa Hiroyuki , Nemoto Daiki , Muramatsu Takahiro , Matsumoto Taisuke , Uchida Kumiko , Madarame Akira , Morise Takashi , Yamaguchi Hayato , Kono Shin , Nagata Naoyoshi , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Kawai Takashi , Saito Yutaka , Itoi Takao
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Underwater endoscopic submucosal dissection (U‐ESD) is a recently developed procedure that has the potential to prevent post‐ESD coagulation syndrome (PECS) owing to its heat‐sink effect. We aimed to clarify whether U‐ESD decreases the incidence of PECS compared with conventional ESD (C‐ESD).

Methods

A total of 205 patients who underwent colorectal ESD (C‐ESD: 125; U‐ESD: 80) were analyzed. Propensity score matching analysis was performed to adjust for patient backgrounds. Ten C‐ESD and two U‐ESD patients with muscle damage or perforation during ESD were excluded when comparing PECS. The primary outcome was to compare the incidence of PECS between the U‐ESD and C‐ESD groups (54 matched pairs). Secondary outcomes were to compare procedural outcomes between the C‐ESD and U‐ESD groups (62 matched pairs).

Results

Among the 78 patients who underwent U‐ESD, PECS occurred in only one patient (1.3%). Adjusted comparisons between the U‐ESD and C‐ESD groups demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of PECS in the U‐ESD group (0% vs 11.1%; P = 0.027). Median dissection speed was significantly faster in the U‐ESD than in the C‐ESD group (10.9 mm2/min vs 6.9 mm2/min; P < 0.001). En bloc and complete resection rates were 100% in the U‐ESD group. Although perforation and delayed bleeding occurred in one patient each (1.6%) as adverse events in the U‐ESD group, there were no differences compared with the C‐ESD group.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that U‐ESD effectively decreases the incidence of PECS and is a faster and safer method for colorectal ESD.
Comment on: Data‐driven classification of health status of older adults with diabetes: The diabetes and aging study
Authors: Christiaens Antoine , Sinclair Alan J.
Published: June 2023

See the Reply by Elbert et al. in this issue
The dorsal portion of the bovine diaphragm as a useful tissue for producing a 3D muscle scaffold
Authors: Martinello Tiziana , Akyürek Eylem Emek , Ventriglia Gianluca , Patruno Marco , Sacchetto Roberta
Published: June 2023

Three‐dimensional (3D) organoids are an innovative approach to obtain an in vitro model for ex vivo studies to overcome the limitations of monolayer cell culture and reduce the use of animal models. An organoid of skeletal muscle requires the presence of the extracellular matrix to represent a functional muscle in vitro, which is why decellularized tissue is an optimal choice. Various muscles have been considered to produce a muscle organoid, most from rodents or small animals, and only recently some studies have been reported on the muscles of large animals. This work presents a muscular organoid produced from the bovine diaphragm, which has a peculiar multilayered structure with different fibre orientations depending on the considered area. This paper analyses the anatomical structure of the bovine diaphragm, selects the most appropriate portion, and presents a decellularization protocol for a multilayered muscle. In addition, a preliminary test of recellularization with primary bovine myocytes was presented with the future aim of obtaining a 3D muscle allogenic organoid, completely bovine‐derived. The results demonstrate that the dorsal portion of bovine diaphragm presents a regular alternation of muscular and fibrous layers and that the complete decellularization does not affect the biocompatibility. These results provide a strong foundation for the potential application of this portion of tissue as a scaffold for in vitro studies of muscle organoids.
Fractional erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser in the treatment of morphea mouse model
Authors: Guo Qing , Cen Junjie , He Mingjie , Huang Danqi , Tang Zengqi , Xiong Hui
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess the efficiency and the mechanism of fractional erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser for the treatment of morphea in mouse model.

Background

Morphea is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by excessive collagen deposition in skin. Fractional Er:YAG laser treatment is a promising treatment to improve morphea, despite limited studies about the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism.

Methods

The mouse model of morphea was established by subcutaneously injecting with bleomycin (BLM). A total of 24 mice received fractional Er:YAG laser treatment once a week for 4 weeks. Objective measurement employed was ultrasonic imaging to measure dermal thickness. Subjective measures included scoring according to the adjusted Localized morphea Cutaneous Assessment Tool (LoSCAT); hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining to evaluate the histological grade of fibrosis; and quantitative morphometric studies to determine the expression of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP1) by immunohistochemistry.

Results

In this self‐controlled study, fractional Er:YAG laser treatment significantly ameliorate the severity of morphea, including lower clinical score (p < 0.01), decreased dermal thickness (p < 0.001), declined histological grade of fibrosis (p < 0.001), increased MMP1 (p < 0.001), and reduced TGF‐β1 (p < 0.01) expression.

Conclusions

We found that fractional Er:YAG laser treatment of morphea has good clinical, ultrasonic, and histopathologic efficacy, which may be a promising treatment in the future.