bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Construal and Attentional Biases in Cognitive Processing: Insights from Chinese College Students for Mental Health Contexts
Authors: Li Jing , Liu Sijia , Peng Hongsheng , Tang Liwu , Yuan Lin
Published: April 2024

This study integrates Markus and Kitayama’s self-construal theory with the Biopsychosocial Model to examine the effects of self-construal on cognitive biases and their implications for mental health among Chinese college students. It investigates how independent (IndSC) and interdependent (InterSC) self-construals influence cognitive biases towards positive and negative stimuli, emphasizing the mediating roles of attentional control, self-esteem, cognitive reappraisal, and the need to belong. The research utilizes a hybrid sampling strategy, engaging 748 undergraduate students from diverse majors and universities in Chongqing, China. Participants completed assessments measuring self-construal, attentional control, self-esteem, cognitive reappraisal, need to belong, and cognitive biases. Employing structural equation modeling, the study uncovers that IndSC is positively associated with cognitive biases, favoring positive over negative information, with attentional control and self-esteem serving as significant mediators. InterSC, however, promotes a balanced attention to both positive and negative information, with cognitive reappraisal and the need to belong acting as mediators. These findings underscore the significant role of self-construal within the broader biopsychosocial framework in shaping cognitive processes and highlight the importance of considering these factors in mental health interventions. By leveraging a comprehensive sampling approach, the study ensures a representative sample, enhancing the generalizability of its findings to the broader Chinese college student population. This research not only contributes to the understanding of the complex interplay between cultural psychology and mental health but also suggests the need for mental health interventions that are culturally and individually tailored. Future research should extend to other cultural settings and employ longitudinal designs to further explore the dynamic interactions between self-construal, cognitive biases, and mental health from a biopsychosocial perspective.
Cortical Tau Aggregation Patterns associated with Apraxia in Alzheimer‘s Disease
Authors: Bischof Gérard N. , Jaeger Elena , Giehl Kathrin , Jessen Frank , Onur Oezguer A. , O’Bryant Sid , Kara Esra , Weiss Peter H. , Drzezga Alexander
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Apraxia is a core feature of Alzheimer’s disease, but the pathomechanism of this characteristic symptom is not well understood. Here, we systematically investigated apraxia profiles in a well-defined group of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD; N=32) who additionally underwent PET imaging with the second-generation tau PET tracer [18F]PI-2620. We hypothesized that specific patterns of tau pathology might be related to apraxic deficits.

Methods

Patients (N=32) with a biomarker-confirmed diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease were recruited in addition to a sample cognitively unimpaired controls (CU1; N=41). Both groups underwent in-depth neuropsychological assessment of apraxia (Dementia Apraxia Screening Test; DATE and the Cologne Apraxia Screening; KAS). In addition, static PET imaging with [18F]PI-2620 was performed to assess tau pathology in the AD patients. To specifically investigate the association of apraxia with regional tau-pathology, we compared the PET-data from this group with an independent sample of amyloid-negative cognitively intact participants (CU2;N=54) by generation of z-score-deviation maps as well as voxel- based multiple regression analyses.

Results

We identified significant clusters of tau-aggregation in praxis-related regions (e.g., supramarginal gyrus, angular gyrus, temporal, parietal and occipital regions) that were associated with apraxia. These regions were similar between the two apraxia assessments. No correlations between tau-tracer uptake in primary motor cortical or subcortical brain regions and apraxia were observed.

Conclusions

These results suggest that tau deposition in specific cortical brain regions may induce local neuronal dysfunction leading to a dose-dependent functional decline in praxis performance.
A sociodemographic index identifies non-biological sex-related effects on insomnia in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos
Authors: Sorajja Natali , Chung Joon , Alcántara Carmela , Wassertheil-Smoller Sylvia , Penedo Frank J , Ramos Alberto R , Perreira Krista M , Daviglus Martha L , Suglia Shakira F , Gallo Linda C , Liu Peter Y , Redline Susan , Isasi Carmen R , Sofer Tamar
Published: April 2024

Background

Sex differences are related to both biological factors and the gendered environment. To untangle sex-related effects on health and disease it is important to model sex-related differences better.

Methods

Data came from the baseline visit of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), a longitudinal cohort study following 16,415 individuals recruited at baseline from four study sites: Bronx NY, Miami FL, San Diego CA, and Chicago IL. We applied LASSO penalized logistic regression of male versus female sex over sociodemographic, acculturation, and psychological factors jointly. Two “gendered indices”, GISE and GIPSE, summarizing the sociodemographic environment (GISE, primary) and psychosocial and sociodemographic environment (GIPSE, secondary) associated with sex, were calculated by summing these variables, weighted by their regression coefficients. We examined the association of these indices with insomnia derived from self-reported symptoms assessed via the Women Health Initiative Insomnia Rating Scale (WHIIRS), a phenotype with strong sex differences, in sex-adjusted and sex-stratified analyses. All analyses were adjusted for age, Hispanic/Latino background, and study center.

Results

The distribution of GISE and GIPSE differed by sex with higher values in male individuals, even when constructing and validating them on separate, independent, subsets of HCHS/SOL individuals. In an association model with insomnia, male sex was associated with lower likelihood of insomnia (odds ratio (OR)=0.60, 95% CI (0.53, 0.67)). Including GISE in the model, the association was slightly weaker (OR=0.63, 95% CI (0.56, 0.70)), and weaker when including instead GIPSE in the association model (OR=0.78, 95% CI (0.69, 0.88)). Higher values of GISE and of GIPSE, more common in male sex, were associated with lower likelihood of insomnia, in analyses adjusted for sex (per 1 standard deviation of the index, GISE OR= 0.92, 95% CI (0.87, 0.99), GIPSE OR=0.65, 95% CI (0.61, 0.70)).

Conclusions

New measures such as GISE and GIPSE capture sex-related differences beyond binary sex and have the potential to better model and inform research studies of health. However, such indices do not account for gender identity and may not well capture the environment experienced by intersex and non-binary persons.
Monitoring the first implementation year of the new nutrition labeling regulations in Brazil
Authors: BORGES CAMILA APARECIDA , Batista Carolina Kikuta , Nunes Beatriz Silva , Leite Matheus NPC , Ribeiro Mariana , Mais Lais Amaral , Martins Ana Paula Bortoletto , Duran Ana Clara
Published: April 2024

Objective: This study aimed to monitor the initial 12 months of the implementation of the updated nutrition labeling regulations in Brazil approved in 2020, focusing on the presence and readability of the front-of-package nutrition labeling (FOPNL) on food packages and the presence of added sugars information in the nutrition facts panel. Methods: We used data on nutrition information and FOPNL of 6,829 food and beverages packages launched at Brazilian food retail between November 2022 and October 2023, available at the Mintel - Global New Products Database. We applied eligibility criteria regarding food groups and cut-off limits for three critical nutrients stipulated by regulations to identify products eligible for FOPNL. We classified the food and beverage according to the NOVA classification, identified the products with added sugars information in the nutrition facts panel and those with FOPNL for added sugar, saturated fat or sodium. Moreover, we analyzed the temporal trends in FOPNL presence among eligible products during the study period. Last, a subsample of 202 product labels was analyzed to identify non-compliance with FOPNL readability standards. Results: 63.9% of the products analyzed were eligible for at least one critical nutrient's FOPNL; however, only 12.9% already featured FOPNL by the end of the 12-month implementation period. Among ultra-processed products, 65.1% were supposed to have FOPNL, but only 14.4% did. Less than 30% of sweet cookies, ice cream, tabletop sweeteners, and candies with added sugar in the list of ingredients declared this information in the nutritional facts panel. Analysis of label images revealed non-compliance with FOPNL readability regarding its location on the packaging, FOPNL in removable parts of the packaging or hidden positions, and inadequate color pattern and format. Conclusion: The implementation of the nutrition labeling regulations in Brazil within the first 12 months reached less than 15% of eligible foods and beverages, indicating non-compliance by the food industry. In this period, almost all new launched products available in the market should have been compliant with the new regulations. Such inadequacies undermine the expected impact of promoting healthier choices at the point of food purchase.
Combined Dendritic Cell And Anti-TIGIT Immunotherapy Potentiate Trail+ Memory NK Cells Against HIV-1 Infected Cells
Authors: Sánchez-Cerrillo I , Popova O , Agudo-Lera M , Tsukalov I , Calvet-Mirabent M , de los Santos I , García-Fraile L , Fuentes P , Delgado-Arévalo C , Alcain J , Sánchez-Gaona N , Lázaro-Díez M , Muñoz-Calleja C , Alfranca Arantzazu , Genescà M , Prado JG , Vbrnac Vladimir , Balazs Alejandro , Buzón MJ , Toribio M.L , Muñoz-Fernández MA , Sánchez-Madrid F , Martín-Gayo E
Published: April 2024

Natural Killer (NK) cells are promising tools for the development of immunotherapies targeting persistently infected CD4+ T cells to potentially achieve remission in people with HIV-1 (PWH). However, the chronicity of HIV-1 infection limits the functional properties of NK cells, and additional approaches are needed to potentiate their cytotoxic activity against HIV-1-infected cells. In the present study, we analyzed the reinvigoration of functional NK cells from PWH after priming with autologous dendritic cells (DC) stimulated with nanoparticles containing Poly I:C (Nano-PIC). We show that improved natural cytotoxic function in NK cell from PWH associates with increased proportions of NKG2C+CD57- precursors of memory NK, which eliminate HIV-1 infected CD4+ T cells mainly through the TRAIL receptor. In addition, expression of TIGIT but not TIM3 limited increase in NKG2C+ memory NK cell precursors and associated with persistent dysfunctionality of NK cells after stimulation with Nano PIC-DC. Blockade of TIGIT restored functional capacities of NK cell from PWH eliminating HIV-1 infected cellsin vitro. Moreover, combining of NK cell and Nano-PIC-DC with anti-TIGIT mAbs immunotherapy limited the expansion of HIV-1 infected cells in humanized immunodeficient NSG mice transplanted with CD4+ T cells from PWHin vivo. Such viral control was associated with preserved NKG2C memory NK cell precursors, increased expression of granzyme B and TRAIL on NK in tissue from transplanted NSG mice. Together, combination of Nano-PIC DC and anti-TIGIT antibodies may be a promising strategy to increase the efficacy of immunotherapies aimed at HIV-1 cure.

One sentence summary

Stimulation of memory NK with a combination of DC and anti-TIGIT antibodies increase their ability to eliminate HIV-1 infected CD4+ T cellsin vitroandin vivo.
PAMPHLET: A Robust Toolkit for Precise PAM Prediction and Unveiling PAM Consistency in Highly Co-occurrence CRISPR-Cas Systems
Authors: Qi Chen , Shen Xuechun , Li Baitao , Liu Chuan , Huang Lei , Lan Hongxia , Chen Donglong , Jiang Yuan , Wang Dan
Published: April 2024

The CRISPR-Cas technology has sparked a new technological revolution, significantly enhancing our ability to understand and engineer organisms. The nuclease that underpins this technology is evolving from the "One Cas9 for all" model to a diverse CRISPR toolbox. Identifying PAM sequences is a critical bottleneck in developing novel Cas proteins. Given the limitations of experimental methods, bioinformatics approaches are essential for predicting PAM sequences of Cas proteins in advance. To date, there are only a few PAM sequence prediction programs, and their accuracy is relatively low due to the limited number of spacers in CRISPR-Cas systems. To overcome this challenge, we have developed a pipeline named PAMPHLET, which innovatively utilizes homology searches of Cas proteins to identify additional spacers. PAMPHLET was tested on 20 CRISPR-Cas systems with known PAMs, increasing the number of spacers by up to 18-fold compared to the original datasets and successfully predicting 18 PAM sequences for protospacers. For rigorous and high-quality wet-lab validation of the predictions made by PAMPHLET, we employed the published DocMF platform. This platform leverages next-generation sequencing chips to profile protein-DNA interactions and can simultaneously screen both 5' and 3' PAMs with high throughput. The PAMPHLET predictions showed high consistency with the DocMF results for four novel Cas proteins. We expect that PAMPHLET will overcome the current limitations in PAM sequence prediction, expedite the discovery of PAM sequences, and help to shorten the development cycle for CRISPR tools. Remarkably, PAMPHLET has revealed an intriguing genomic phenomenon: the C2c9 and C2c10 systems, which lack the canonical adaptation module, possess identical PAM sequences to those found in co-occurring type I systems, suggesting potential shared spacer acquisition mechanisms. This finding highlights the complex evolutionary relationships of CRISPR-Cas systems and propels us toward a deeper understanding of their mechanistic diversity and adaptability.
Characterizing nascent transcription patterns of PROMPTs, eRNAs, and readthrough transcripts in the ENCODE4 deeply profiled cell lines
Authors: McShane Ariel , Narayanan Ishwarya Venkata , Paulsen Michelle T. , Ashaka Mario , Blinkiewicz Hailey , Yang Nina T. , Magnuson Brian , Bedi Karan , Wilson Thomas E. , Ljungman Mats
Published: April 2024

Arising as co-products of canonical gene expression, transcription-associated lincRNAs, such as promoter upstream transcripts (PROMPTs), enhancer RNAs (eRNAs), and readthrough (RT) transcripts, are often regarded as byproducts of transcription, although they may be important for the expression of nearby genes. We identified regions of nascent expression of these lincRNA in 16 human cell lines using Bru-seq techniques, and found distinctly regulated patterns of PROMPT, eRNA, and RT transcription using the diverse biochemical approaches in the ENCODE4 deeply profiled cell lines collection. Transcription of these lincRNAs was influenced by sequence-specific features and the local or 3D chromatin landscape. However, these sequence and chromatin features do not describe the full spectrum of lincRNA expression variability we identify, highlighting the complexity of their regulation. This may suggest that transcription-associated lincRNAs are not merely byproducts, but rather that the transcript itself, or the act of its transcription, is important for genomic function.
Global, asynchronous partial sweeps at multiple insecticide resistance genes inAedesmosquitoes
Authors: Schmidt Thomas L , Endersby-Harshman Nancy M , van Rooyen Anthony RJ , Katusele Michelle , Vinit Rebecca , Robinson Leanne J. , Laman Moses , Karl Stephan , Hoffmann Ary A
Published: April 2024

Aedes aegypti(yellow fever mosquito) andAe. albopictus(Asian tiger mosquito) are globally invasive pests that confer the world’s dengue burden. Insecticide-based man-agement has led to the evolution of insecticide resistance in both species, though the genetic architecture and geographical spread of resistance remains incompletely un-derstood. This study investigates partial selective sweeps at resistance genes on two chromosomes and characterises their spread across populations. Sweeps at the volt-age-sensitive sodium channel gene (VSSC) on chromosome 3 correspond to one nu-cleotide substitution inAe. albopictusand three substitutions inAe. aegypti, including two at the same nucleotide position (F1534C) that have evolved and spread independently. InAe. aegypti, we also identified partial sweeps at a second locus on chromosome 2. This locus contained 15 glutathione S-transferase (GST) epsilon class genes with significant copy number variation among populations and where three distinct genetic backgrounds have spread across the Indo-Pacific region, the Americas, and Australia. Local geographical patterns and linkage networks indicate VSSC and GST backgrounds probably spread at different times and interact locally with different genes to produce resistance phenotypes. These findings highlight the rapid spread of resistance genes globally and are evidence for the critical importance of GST genes in resistance evolution.
Structure of Calcineurin bound to PI4KA reveals dual interface in both PI4KA and FAM126A
Authors: Shaw Alexandria L , Suresh Sushant , Parson Matthew AH , Harris Noah J , Jenkins Meredith L , Yip Calvin K , Burke John E
Published: April 2024

Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase alpha (PI4KA) maintains the PI4P and phosphatidylserine pools of the plasma membrane. A key regulator of PI4KA is its association into a complex with TTC7 and FAM126 proteins. This complex can be regulated by the CNAβ1 isoform of the phosphatase Calcineurin. We previously identified that CNAβ1 directly binds to FAM126A. Here, we report a cryo-EM structure of a truncated PI4KA complex bound to Calcineurin, revealing a direct Calcineurin interaction with PI4KA. Additional HDX-MS and computational analysis show that Calcineurin forms a complex with an evolutionarily conserved IKISVT sequence in PI4KA’s horn domain. We also characterised conserved LTLT and PSISIT Calcineurin binding sequences in the C-terminus of FAM126A. These sites are in close proximity to phosphorylation sites in the PI4KA complex, suggesting key roles of Calcineurin-regulated phosphosites in PI4KA regulation. This work reveals novel insight into how Calcineurin can regulate PI4KA activity.
Control of GSK3β nuclear localization by amino acid signaling requires GATOR1 but is mTORC1-independent
Authors: Schwendener Forkel Diana , Ibazebo Osemudiamen , Soha Sumaiya , Bautista Stephen J. , Impellizzeri Stefania , Botelho Roberto J. , Hesketh Geoffrey , Gingras Anne-Claude , Antonescu Costin N.
Published: April 2024

The availability of certain amino acids regulates cell survival, proliferation, growth, differentiation, and other cellular functions. Sensing of amino acids that converges on the GATOR1 and GATOR2 complexes supports activation of mTORC1 during amino acid replete conditions. Whether amino acid-derived cues regulate additional pathways remains poorly understood. We uncover that amino acid sensing involving GATOR1 and GATOR2 regulates the cellular localization of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). GATOR1 is required to recruit a subset of GSK3β to the lysosome selectively in the presence of amino acids. In addition, while under nutrient replete conditions GSK3β is largely cytosolic, amino acid starvation drives a portion of GSK3β into the nucleus. Acute replenishment of specific amino acids in starved cells triggered nuclear exit of GSK3β. This amino acid-stimulated GSKβ nuclear exit required GATOR1 and GATOR2 but was independent of mTORC1 and its activating RagA/B GTPases. This suggests that GATOR1 has a function that diverges from control of mTORC1 to regulate the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of GSK3β. Furthermore, experimental restriction of GSK3β to the cytoplasm decreased cell survival in amino acid deficient conditions. This suggests that control of GSK3β nuclear localization by GATOR-dependent signals represents a cellular adaptation to metabolic stress that supports cell survival.
HR3/RORα-mediated cholesterol sensing regulates TOR signaling
Authors: Lassen Mette , Pardee Keith , Pedersen Lisa H. , Kubrak Olga , Koyama Takashi , Necakov Sasha , Liu Suya , Kuksis Arnis , Lajoie Gilles , Edwards Aled , Teleman Aurelio A. , Larsen Martin R. , Krause Henry M. , Texada Michael J. , Rewitz Kim
Published: April 2024

Cells and organisms adjust their growth based on the availability of cholesterol, which is essential for cellular functions. However, the mechanisms by which cells sense cholesterol levels and translate these into growth signals are not fully understood. We report that cholesterol rapidly activates the master growth-regulatory TOR pathway inDrosophilatissues. We identify the nuclear receptor HR3, an ortholog of mammalian RORα, as an essential factor in cholesterol-induced TOR activation. We demonstrate that HR3 binds cholesterol and promotes TOR pathway activation through a non-genomic mechanism acting upstream of the Rag GTPases. Similarly, we find that RORα is necessary for cholesterol-mediated TOR activation in human cells, suggesting that HR3/RORα represents a conserved mechanism for cholesterol sensing that couples cholesterol availability to TOR-pathway activity. These findings advance our understanding of how cholesterol influences cell growth, with implications for cholesterol-related diseases and cancer.

Highlights

Cholesterol leads to dynamic TOR pathway activation, driving systemic growth

HR3 inDrosophilabinds cholesterol and couples its availability to TOR activation

HR3 acts upstream of Rag GTPases to activate TOR in response to lysosomal cholesterol

Mammalian HR3 ortholog RORα is required for cholesterol-induced TOR activation
Mass spectrometry-based proteomic exploration of diverse murine macrophage cellular models
Authors: Gudgeon Jack , Marin Rubio José Luis , Sidgwick Frances , Trost Matthias
Published: April 2024

Immortalised cell lines analogous to their primary cell counterparts are fundamental to research, particularly when large cell numbers are required. Here we report that immortalisation of bone marrow-derived macrophages using the J2-virus resulted in the loss of a protein of interest, MSR1, in wild-type cells by an unknown mechanism. This led us to perform an in-depth mass spectrometry-based proteomic characterisation of common murine macrophage cell lines (J774A.1, RAW264.7, and BMA3.1A7), with comparison to the immortalised bone marrow-derived macrophages (iBMDMs), as well as primary BMDMs. This revealed striking differences in protein profiles associated with macrophage polarisation, phagocytosis, pathogen recognition, and IFN signalling. J774A.1 cells were determined to be the most similar to the gold standard primary BMDM model, with BMA3.1A7 cells the least similar due to the reduction in abundance of several proteins related closely to macrophage function. This comprehensive proteomic data offers valuable insights into the selection of specific macrophage cell lines for cell signalling and inflammation research.
Antimicrobial effect of two endemic Dominican plants on microorganisms that cause otitis
Authors: Rivas-Ramírez Julio A. , Morales-Mercedes Michael M. , Guzmán-Recio Juan A. , Infante María I. , Valdez-Disla Alexander , Guzmán-Marte Anel E. , Ramírez Maritza , La Cruz Dolores Mejía-De , Vásquez-Tineo Manuel
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Otitis is a condition that typically results from infectious agents causing inflammation of the ear and its surrounding tissues. Common treatment involves the use of antimicrobial drugs to combat the infection and alleviate symptoms. However, the overuse of these medications has led to the development of antimicrobial resistance, limiting treatment options. Currently, there is growing interest in exploring the antimicrobial potential of medicinal plant extracts as an effective alternative to conventional drugs.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial capabilities of S. arborescens and S. bahorucana plants against microorganisms isolated from patients exhibiting clinical symptoms suggestive of otitis.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional, in vitro experimental study was conducted, involving the preparation of extracts from Salvia arborescens and Salvia bahorucana using various organic solvents. We used a modified agar dilution method to test the antimicrobial activity against ATCC microorganisms and clinical strains. The phytochemical composition of the plants was determined using thin-layer chromatography (TLC).

Results

Extracts from S. arborescens exhibited a significant presence of flavonoids and saponins. In contrast, S. bahorucana extracts displayed mild to moderate traces of the analyzed phytochemicals. Both plant extracts demonstrated antimicrobial activity capable of inhibiting the growth of strains, including S. aureus ATCC, S. pyogenes ATCC, and P. aeruginosa ATCC. The ethanolic extracts exhibited satisfactory activity against clinical isolate strains, effectively inhibiting the growth of all tested microorganisms. Notably, the ethanolic extract of S. arborescens exhibited stronger antimicrobial activity.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide a foundation for further research aimed at exploring the mechanisms of action and safety of medicinal plant extracts. This research may pave the way for potential clinical applications in the treatment of otitis and other infectious diseases.
Effect of hydrogen on the pitting corrosion behavior of Incoloy 825
Authors: Li Dongyang , Yao Guanghu , Guan Yuyuan , Han Yaolei , Zhao Linya , Xu Lining , Qiao Lijie
Published: April 2024

Purpose

In this paper, the authors aim to study the effect of hydrogen on the pitting corrosion behavior of Incoloy 825, a commonly used material for heat exchanger tubes in hydrogenated heat exchangers.

Design/methodology/approach

The pitting initiation and propagation behaviors were investigated by electrochemical and chemical immersion experiments and observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer methods.

Findings

The results show that hydrogen significantly affects the electrochemical behavior of Incoloy 825; the self-corrosion potential decreased from −197 mV before hydrogen charging to −263 mV, −270 mV and −657 mV after hydrogen charging, and the corrosion current density increased from 0.049 µA/cm2 before hydrogen charging to 2.490 µA/cm2, 2.560 µA/cm2 and 2.780 µA/cm2 after hydrogen charging. The pitting susceptibility of the material increases.

Originality/value

Hydrogen is enriched on the precipitate, and the pitting corrosion also initiates at that location. The synergistic effect of hydrogen and precipitate destroys the passive film on the metal surface and promotes pitting initiation.
Decarbonization and the obstacles to carbon credit accounting disclosure in financial statement reports: the case of UAE
Authors: Gheyathaldin Salih Lilian
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study investigated the visibility of carbon emissions allowances accounting in the financial reports of 32 clean development mechanism (CDM) projects in the UAE to uncover the obstacles to setting consistent standards for carbon emission accounting. As carbon emissions are monetized as credits, consistent accounting standards can aid decision-makers in the development of carbon emission mitigation strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a grounded theoretical framework for exploring the terms used in the policy documents of international accounting bodies regarding accounting standards and guidelines for carbon emission credits. Raw qualitative data were gathered, and an inductive approach was used by analyzing documents from various sources using the qualitative data text analysis software QDA Miner 6.

Findings

The findings showed that the financial statement reports of the corporations did not include disclosure of the carbon credit account. This omission was due to the lack of global standardization of carbon credit accounts and emission allowance recognition. This may hinder the production of a comprehensive report containing accurate and valuable financial information relevant to all stakeholders.

Originality/value

The study is among the first to use a grounded theoretical framework to investigate whether corporations are applying common standards and guidelines for carbon emissions accounting.
Effect of texture parameters on the lubrication performance of static and dynamic pressure thrust bearings and multi-objective optimization
Authors: Yu Xiaodong , Shi Guangqiang , Jiang Hui , Dai Ruichun , Jia Wentao , Yang Xinyi , Gao Weicheng
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to study the influence of cylindrical texture parameters on the lubrication performance of static and dynamic pressure thrust bearings (hereinafter referred to as thrust bearings) and to optimize their lubrication performance using multiobjective optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of texture parameters on the lubrication performance of thrust bearings was studied based on the modified Reynolds equation. The objective functions are predicted through the BP neural network, and the texture parameters were optimized using the improved multiobjective ant lion algorithm (MOALA).

Findings

Compared with smooth surface, the introduction of texture can improve the lubrication properties. Under the optimization of the improved algorithm, when the texture diameter, depth, spacing and number are approximately 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, 5 mm and 34, respectively, the loading capacity is increased by around 27.7% and the temperature is reduced by around 1.55°C.

Originality/value

This paper studies the effect of texture parameters on the lubrication properties of thrust bearings based on the modified Reynolds equation and performs multiobjective optimization through an improved MOALA.
A nexus of affective events theory and viable system model to comprehend affective work environment holistically – an empirical investigation
Authors: Chaudhry Iffat Sabir , Espinosa Angela
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Despite being a seminal explanation of the workforce emotional experiences, capable of mapping the path from the antecedents to consequences, affective events theory (AET) only offers a “macrostructure” of a working environment. To date, little is known about the universal features of the work environment that may guide the understanding of imperative work aspects triggering employees’ emotions at work. Hence, the study proposes and validates that Stafford Beer’s viable system model (VSM) can provide a holistic view of the organizational work environment, enabling a comprehensive understanding of work events or factors triggering workforce emotions.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the VSM structural layout is used to fill in the “macrostructure” of the “working environment” in AET to diagnose the functional and relational aspects of the work and the related work events occurring within. Using a deductive approach, 31 work events were adopted to determine the impact of VSM-based work environment events on the employees’ emotional experiences and subsequent work attitudes (job satisfaction) and behaviors (citizenship behavior). To field test the proposed nexus of VSM and AET, the survey was conducted on two hundred and fifteen employees from 39 different organizations. PLS-SEM tested the explanatory power of the suggested VSM’s systemic approach for understanding the affective work environment in totality.

Findings

The findings confirmed that the VSM metalanguage provides a holistic view of the organizational functioning and social connectivity disposing of affective work events, helpful in assessing their aggregate influence on employees’ emotions and work-related outcomes.

Practical implications

The findings identify how employees' emotions can be triggered by everyday work operations and social relations at work, which can affect their extra-role behaviors and necessary work-related attitudes.

Originality/value

The study utilized Beer’s VSM framework based on the systemic principle of “holistic view” for ascertaining the affective work environment and its related features holistically, which filled in well the macrostructure of “work environment features” with micro-structures of organizational inter-related aspects which are yet to be known in AET – a seminal explanation for managing workforce emotions.
Women and Ordination in Ethiopia: In the Case of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Mekane Yesus*
Authors: Kebede Daniel Worku
Published: April 2024

Since the inception of the Evangelical Church of Mekane Yesus (EECMY), women have been part and parcel of the holistic ministry; however, their role has only been limited to providing social welfare activities for a long time. Meanwhile, a communist regime took power in the 1974 revolution and caused severe trials and persecution of evangelical churches, and prominent Mekane Yesus congregations opened for charismatic moves. Such upheavals loosened the stringent structures of the church, allowed women to serve freely and fearlessly, and showed their worthiness amid a brutal government crackdown. Subsequently, the issue of elevating women to ordination began to rise and took several years to realise. This article mainly discusses this historical process from the wider Lutheran tradition as well as in comparison with other Ethiopian mainline evangelical denominations; and how they resolved it constitutionally after intense and long debate by utilising key participant informants, bulletins, magazines, and research work.
A review on recent taxonomic updates of gut bacteria associated with social bees, with a curated genomic reference database
Authors: Yang Chengfeng , Hu Jiawei , Su Qinzhi , Zhang Zijing , Du Yating , Wang Jieni , Sun Huihui , Han Benfeng , Tang Junbo , Guo Lizhen , Li Hu , Cai Wanzhi , Zheng Hao , Zhou Xin , Zhang Xue
Published: April 2024

Honeybees and bumblebees play a crucial role as essential pollinators. The special gut microbiome of social bees is a key factor in determining the overall fitness and health of the host. Although bees harbor relatively simple microbial communities at the genus level, recent studies have unveiled significant genetic divergence and variations in gene content within each bacterial genus. However, a comprehensive and refined genomics‐based taxonomic database specific to social bee gut microbiomes remains lacking. Here, we first provided an overview of the current knowledge on the distribution and function of social bee gut bacteria, as well as the factors that influence the gut population dynamics. We then consolidated all available genomes of the gut bacteria of social bees and refined the species‐level taxonomy, by constructing a maximum‐likelihood core genome phylogeny and calculating genome‐wide pairwise average nucleotide identity. On the basis of the refined species taxonomy, we constructed a curated genomic reference database, named the bee gut microbe genome sequence database (BGM‐GDb). To evaluate the species‐profiling performance of the curated BGM‐GDb, we retrieved a series of bee gut metagenomic data and inferred the species‐level composition using metagenomic intra‐species diversity analysis system (MIDAS), and then compared the results with those obtained from a prebuilt MIDAS database. We found that compared with the default database, the BGM‐GDb excelled in aligned read counts and bacterial richness. Overall, this high‐resolution and precise genomic reference database will facilitate research in understanding the gut community structure of social bees.
Face as a multidimensional construct: Cross‐cultural validation of the Loss of Face Scale in Taiwan and the United States
Authors: Chen Yen‐Ling , Huang Kuan‐Ju , Freeman Andrew J. , Kraus Shane W.
Published: April 2024

Face culture is a crucial facet of East Asia. The most common self‐report measure for face concern is the unidimensional Loss of Face Scale. In this study, we examined the dimensionality, factor structure, and validity of the Loss of Face Scale in two samples. Sample 1 (N = 602) consisted of 303 Taiwanese mothers and 299 U.S. mothers. Sample 2 (N = 602) was an independent sample from Sample 1, consisting of 294 Taiwanese mothers and 308 U.S. mothers. We proposed a modified 15‐item four‐dimensional factor structure to better capture the complexity of face. Four sub‐domains emerged from the results of exploratory structural equation modelling: Low‐Profile, Over‐Preparation, Harmony Seeking, and Non‐Aggression. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis indicated configural and metric invariance but failed to establish full scalar invariance across countries. Convergent validity was supported by positive correlations with other Asian cultural values. While all four domains of face showed small to moderate correlations with depression in the U.S., only Low‐Profile was associated with depression in Taiwan, suggesting that not all aspects of face concern are non‐adaptive in East Asian contexts. Future studies should consider the multidimensional nature of face as well as how different dimensions affect mental and social well‐being across cultures.
Successful treatment of paediatric refractory Hodgkin lymphoma with immunotherapy – A case report and literature review
Authors: Mogensen Nina , Cananau Carmen , Ranta Susanna , Karlén Jonas , Kwiecinska Anna , Baecklund Fredrik
Published: April 2024

Aim

To describe a rare case of primary refractory Hodgkin lymphoma nodular sclerosis syncytial variant in a child and review immunotherapy in relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma.

Methods

We described the treatment course of a child with primary refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma and discussed different options for salvage therapy, with an emphasis on immunotherapy. We searched PubMed for all published clinical trials investigating immunotherapy in classic Hodgkin lymphoma written in English until 31 June, 2023. The reference list of each identified paper was searched for additional publications.

Results

Our patient was salvaged with anti‐programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) antibody therapy followed by high‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue. Radiotherapy was avoided. We identified five one‐armed phase II trials investigating anti‐PD‐1 therapy in first relapse/refractory disease in a total of 254 patients aged 9–71 years, of which one included 31 children. The complete remission rate before high‐dose chemotherapy was 59%–95% overall and 67%–89% among those with refractory disease.

Conclusion

Although it remains to be proven in randomised trials, anti‐PD‐1 therapy may provide higher complete response rates than traditional chemotherapy. Anti‐PD‐1 therapy has the potential to increase the chance of cure while decreasing the risk of late effects from chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Digital tools for local farmers: Thinking with spreadsheets in the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Flachs Andrew , Raturi Ankita , Low Megan , Miller Valerie , Norton Juliet , Redmond Celeste , Thomas Haley
Published: April 2024

With the emergence of social distancing, the shutdown of schools and restaurants, and increased anxieties about in‐person farmers markets in early 2020, local farmers and food distributors quickly pivoted to digital tools to manage their farms and connect with buyers. In this paper, we explore the role of a seemingly simple digital tool in shaping alternative agrarian relations during the pandemic‐induced local food boom: the spreadsheet. Through interviews with farmers and food distributors across urban, periurban, and rural landscapes in the United States (U.S.), we show how spreadsheets and other digital tools have helped farmers manage demand during the COVID‐19 pandemic while also presupposing costs, benefits, and efficiencies for these alternative agricultural food spaces. Ultimately, many local farmers found themselves pursuing goals of simplicity, labor efficiency, and expansion‐oriented growth as they made sense of their farm data. Reflecting on these values, and the spreadsheet data underlying them, became a point of tension for farmers who place a high importance on diversification, stability, and interpersonal interactions. By attending to how these data are tracked, we gain deeper insights into how farmers and other stakeholders think about agrarian futures: who does the work, what gets planted, who's buying, and who benefits.
Mothers of children who died by suicide
Authors: Paryente Bilha
Published: April 2024

Background

This study examined the journey back to routine of mothers of children who died by suicide.

Objective

This research was aimed at understanding mothers' thoughts, emotions, and coping strategies with the loss of their child, using the salutogenic approach and examining their perceptions of available coping resources to study their sense of coherence and thereby promote relevant professional interventions.

Method

Semistructured in‐depth interviews with 30 mothers aged 50 to 65 years who had lost a child in the preceding 4 to 18 years.

Results

Following content analysis, data were structured into three themes: (a) understanding of the new reality through the difficulty of returning to one's routine or choosing life, adjusting to social life, and finding new recreational activities; (b) coping with the help of others, avoiding coping, and dealing with the family by open conversations and managing with the rest of the children; and (c) emotional processing of the loss seen through the shock and the sense of having overlooked something, guilt, and relief.

Conclusions

Mothers were found to be on a complex journey to restore routine after an upsetting event. They built a routine for themselves with an awareness of the difficulty of this process as they attempted to return to their routine or to change it.

Implications

Informed and tailored interventions could provide a partial sense of relief for mothers of children who have committed suicide.
ATP2B4 is an essential gene for epidermal growth factor‐induced macropinocytosis in A431 cells
Authors: Yoshie Shunsuke , Kuriyama Masashi , Maekawa Masashi , Xu Wei , Niidome Takuro , Futaki Shiroh , Hirose Hisaaki
Published: April 2024

Macropinocytosis (MPC) is a large‐scale endocytosis pathway that involves actin‐dependent membrane ruffle formation and subsequent ruffle closure to generate macropinosomes for the uptake of fluid‐phase cargos. MPC is categorized into two types: constitutive and stimuli‐induced. Constitutive MPC in macrophages relies on extracellular Ca2+ sensing by a calcium‐sensing receptor. However, the link between stimuli‐induced MPC and Ca2+ remains unclear. Here, we find that both intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ are required for epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐induced MPC in A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells. Through investigation of mammalian homologs of coelomocyte uptake defective (CUP) genes, we identify ATP2B4, encoding for a Ca2+ pump called the plasma membrane calcium ATPase 4 (PMCA4), as a Ca2+‐related regulator of EGF‐induced MPC. Knockout (KO) of ATP2B4, as well as depletion of extracellular/intracellular Ca2+, inhibited ruffle closure and macropinosome formation, without affecting ruffle formation. We demonstrate the importance of PMCA4 activity itself, independent of interactions with other proteins via its C‐terminus known as a PDZ domain‐binding motif. Additionally, we show that ATP2B4‐KO reduces EGF‐stimulated Ca2+ oscillation during MPC. Our findings suggest that EGF‐induced MPC requires ATP2B4‐dependent Ca2+ dynamics.
Efficacy of various exercise interventions for migraine treatment: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Reina‐Varona Álvaro , Madroñero‐Miguel Beatriz , Fierro‐Marrero José , Paris‐Alemany Alba , La Touche Roy
Published: April 2024

Objective

To compare various exercise modalities’ efficacy on migraine frequency, intensity, duration, and disability.

Background

Exercise has been shown to be an effective intervention to reduce migraine symptoms and disability; however, no clear evidence exists regarding the most effective exercise modalities for migraine treatment.

Methods

A systematic review was performed in PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Clinical trials that analyzed the efficacy of various exercise modalities in addressing the frequency, intensity, duration, and disability of patients with migraine were included. Eight network meta‐analyses based on frequentist (F) and Bayesian (B) models were developed to estimate the direct and indirect evidence of various exercise modalities. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence (CI) and credible intervals (CrI) were calculated for each treatment effect based on Hedge's g and p scores to rank the modalities.

Results

We included 28 studies with 1501 migraine participants. Yoga (F: SMD −1.30; 95% CI −2.09, −0.51; B: SMD −1.33; 95% CrI −2.21, −0.45), high‐intensity aerobic exercise (F: SMD −1.30; 95% CI −2.21, −0.39; B: SMD −1.17; 95% CrI −2.20, −0.20) and moderate‐intensity continuous aerobic exercise (F: SMD −1.01; 95% CI −1.63, −0.39; B: SMD −1.06; 95% CrI −1.74, −0.38) were significantly superior to pharmacological treatment alone for decreasing migraine frequency based on both models. Only yoga (F: SMD −1.40; 95% CI −2.41, −0.39; B: SMD −1.41; 95% CrI −2.54, −0.27) was significantly superior to pharmacological treatment alone for reducing migraine intensity. For diminishing migraine duration, high‐intensity aerobic exercise (F: SMD −1.64; 95% CI −2.43, −0.85; B: SMD −1.56; 95% CrI −2.59, −0.63) and moderate‐intensity continuous aerobic exercise (SMD −0.96; 95% CI −1.50, −0.41; B: SMD −1.00; 95% CrI −1.71, −0.31) were superior to pharmacological treatment alone.

Conclusion

Very low‐quality evidence showed that yoga, high‐ and moderate‐intensity aerobic exercises were the best interventions for reducing migraine frequency and intensity; high‐ and moderate‐intensity aerobic exercises were best for decreasing migraine duration; and moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise was best for diminishing disability.
Carbon tariffs and environmental policy: Taxes versus standards
Authors: Wu Tsaur‐Chin , Lin Chin‐Ho , Chang Chia‐Jen
Published: April 2024

This paper compares different environmental policies under free‐trade and carbon tariffs. Our findings are as follows. First, taxes and standards of exporting countries become laxer under carbon tariffs than free trade. Next, if an importing country adopts free trade, its welfare is relatively lower (higher) under taxes when the marginal pollution damage is smaller (greater). Conversely, if an importing country implements a carbon tariff policy, its welfare is relatively higher under taxes. Last, the importing country's free‐trade (carbon tariff) policy leads the exporting country to have lower (higher) welfare under taxes than standards.