bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of amyloid and ameloblast‐associated proteins to odontogenic cysts and tumors: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Al‐Qazzaz Haider H. , Abdullah Bashar H. , Museedi Omar S.
Published: January 2023

Background and Aims

Odontogenic cysts and tumors often form hard and soft structures that resemble odontogenesis. It is well known that amyloid is produced in Pindborg tumors; however, it is still debatable whether it is also formed in other odontogenic tumors and cysts. This study aimed to detect the presence of amyloid in different odontogenic cysts and tumors in correlation to matrix proteins secreted during enamel formation; namely amelogenin and odontogenic ameloblast‐associated protein.

Methods

This study included formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks of 106 different types of odontogenic cysts and tumors. Congo red and thioflavin T were performed to confirm the presence of amyloid; immunohistochemistry was used to detect amelogenin and odontogenic ameloblast‐associated protein.

Results

Amyloid was detected in pindborg tumors (conventional), adenomatoid odontogenic tumors, odontogenic fibroma (Amyloid variant), follicular solid and unicystic ameloblastomas, radicular cysts, dentigerous cysts, dentinogenic ghost cell odontogenic tumor, ameloblastic fibroma, calcifying odontogenic cyst, and primordial Odontogenic tumor. Amelogenin was detected in 95.3% of the cases, while odontogenic ameloblast‐associated protein was detected in 93.4% of the cases. The association between odontogenic ameloblast‐associated protein and amyloid was highly significant at p < 0.01. However, there was no significant relationship between amelogenin and amyloid p > 0.05.

Conclusion

Although pindborg tumor is the bonafide example of amyloid deposition in odontogenic tumors, this study concluded that amyloid may be deposited in traces to massive amounts in various odontogenic cysts and tumors, and it is significantly linked to odontogenic ameloblast‐associated protein but not amelogenin matrix protein, since all amyloid cases were odontogenic ameloblast associated protein positive.
The effectiveness of therapeutic interventions on psychological distress in refugee children: A systematic review
Authors: Cowling Misha M. , Anderson Joel R.
Published: January 2023

Objective

To systematically review existing research exploring the effectiveness of psychological interventions in reducing symptoms of distress amongst refugee and asylum‐seeker children.

Method

Six databases were searched to identify English studies presenting original empirical quantitative data (published before September 2022) testing the efficacy of psychological interventions for children from refugee and asylum‐seeking backgrounds. Quality of studies were assessed through the Appraisal Tool for Cross‐Sectional Studies as well as the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Relevant data were extracted to facilitate a narrative synthesis.

Results

Seventy‐one eligible articles were identified (n > 10,000). A number of cognitive‐behavioral, psychosocial, and trauma‐focused interventions that catered specifically to children and their families were identified. A synthesis of these results suggest that interventions may assist in the reduction of various psychopathologies, although the effects were mixed across intervention types.

Conclusions

While the review yielded promising findings, most findings were derived from small pilot and empirical studies, leading to difficulties with drawing conclusions. There remains a need for studies using more rigorous research methodologies to expand and ratify this valuable knowledge base. Clinical significance: Forced displacement is at an all‐time high. Many children are being forced to seek asylum and refuge, and they become vulnerable to the development of poor mental health, with limited understanding surrounding how to appropriately intervene. This review aims to equip clinicians with increased knowledge and confidence in working therapeutically alongside clients from refugee or asylum‐seeking background, with the goal of fostering positive mental health and wellbeing.
Efficacy of serum apelin and galectin‐3 as potential predictors of mortality in severe COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Berber Nurcan Kırıcı , Geçkil Ayşegül Altıntop , Altan Nazife Özge , Kıran Tuğba Raika , Otlu Önder , Erdem Mehmet , İn Erdal
Published: January 2023

Apelin is a cardioprotective biomarker while galectin‐3 is a pro‐inflammatory and profibrotic biomarker. Endothelial dysfunction, hyperinflammation, and pulmonary fibrosis are key mechanisms that contribute to the development of adverse outcomes in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection. This study aims to analyze the prognostic value of serum apelin and galectin‐3 levels to early predict patients at high risk of mortality in patients hospitalized for severe COVID‐19 pneumonia. The study included 78 severe COVID‐19 patients and 40 healthy controls. The COVID‐19 patients were divided into two groups, survivors and nonsurvivors, according to their in‐hospital mortality status. Basic demographic and clinical data of all patients were collected, and blood samples were taken before treatment. In our study, serum apelin levels were determined to be significantly lower in both nonsurvivor and survivor COVID‐19 patients compared to the control subjects (for both groups, p < 0.001). However, serum apelin levels were similar in survivor and nonsurvivor COVID‐19 patients (p > 0.05). Serum galectin‐3 levels were determined to be higher in a statistically significant way in nonsurvivors compared to survivors and controls (for both groups; p < 0.001). Additionally, serum galectin‐3 levels were significantly higher in the survivor patients compared to the control subjects (p < 0.001). Positive correlations were observed between galectin‐3 and age, ferritin, CK‐MB and NT‐proBNP variables (r = 0.32, p = 0.004; r = 0.24, p = 0.04; r = 0.24, p = 0.03; and r = 0.33, p = 0.003, respectively) while a negative correlation was observed between galectin‐3 and albumin (r = −0.31, p = 0.006). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that galectin‐3 was an independent predictor of mortality in COVID‐19 patients (odds ratio [OR] = 2.272, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.106–4.667; p = 0.025). When the threshold value for galectin‐3 was regarded as 2.8 ng/ml, it was discovered to predict mortality with 80% sensitivity and 57% specificity (area under the curve = 0.738, 95% CI = 0.611–0.866, p = 0.002). Galectin‐3 might be a simple, useful, and prognostic biomarker that can be utilized to predict patients who are at high risk of mortality in severe COVID‐19 patients.
De‐internationalization: An organizational institutionalism perspective
Authors: Mandrinos Symeon , Lim Weng Marc
Published: January 2023

Few studies have focused on de‐internationalization. In this study, partial and full de‐internationalization are considered as export responses in the context of firms in a highly opaque field that were pursuant to a policy that would not serve their intended goals. With intellectual property rights (IPRs) serving as a coercive policy defining the domain of inquiry and compliance as the driver for firm responses, the institutional logic of national interest, firm orientation (interests, decisions), firm maneuvering (intentional‐reactive, involuntary‐proactive), and firm response (partial and full de‐internationalization) was unpacked alongside associated institutional complexities through the lens of organizational institutionalism. Noteworthily, the organizational institutionalism theory of de‐internationalization suggests that (1)partial de‐internationalizationcharacterized by intentional‐reactive maneuvering across three variants of means‐ends decoupling involving balancing, pacifying, and bargaining, and (2)full de‐internationalizationinvolving involuntary‐proactive maneuvering in exiting or withdrawing from the international market may occur in response to (3)institutional constraintssuch as IPRs in favor of national interest. Thus, this study sheds light on the asymmetry between institutional logic and institutional complexity and the firm responses to such institutional arrangements, thereby delineating the manner in which the aforementioned concepts could relate to each other to enrich our understanding of de‐internationalization in international business.
Pseudomonas lipopeptide: An excellent biomedical agent
Authors: Chauhan Vivek , Mazumdar Shreya , Pandey Akash , Kanwar Shamsher S.
Published: January 2023

Lipopeptides are surface active molecules with hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions and are kenned to be engendered by different species of Bacillus and Pseudomonas. These lipopeptides can be applied in different domains because of their remarkable properties like antibacterial, antifungal, anticorrosion, antitumor, and antiviral. They act by engendering pores in the cell membrane to perforate and conclusively disrupt them. This property of lipopeptide is valuable as an antimicrobial agent. In 2003, lipopeptides were approved as an antibiotic drug in the United States by the USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the purpose of skin and blood infections caused by bacterial species. The biosynthetic genes for these lipopeptides are regulated by the nonribosomal peptide synthetase system. Amphisin, Tolaasin, Viscosin, and Syringomycin are the four main types of lipopeptides produced by Pseudomonas species. Since these lipopeptides are nontoxic, biodegradable, and environmentally cordial, they can abbreviate undesirable ecological perturbances. They can be considered a multifarious weapon for their application in different domains such as biocontrol agents in plants, emulsifiers in cosmetic and food industries, anticorrosion agents in petroleum industries, and antimicrobial agents in pharmaceutical and biomedical industries.
Regulatory utility of mechanistic modeling to support alternative bioequivalence approaches: A workshop overview
Authors: Babiskin Andrew , Wu Fang , Mousa Youssef , Tan Ming‐Liang , Tsakalozou Eleftheria , Walenga Ross L. , Yoon Miyoung , Raney Sam G. , Polli James E. , Schwendeman Anna , Krishnan Vishalakshi , Fang Lanyan , Zhao Liang
Published: January 2023

On September 30 and October 1, 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Center for Research on Complex Generics cosponsored a live virtual workshop titled “Regulatory Utility of Mechanistic Modeling to Support Alternative Bioequivalence Approaches.” The overall aims of the workshop included (i) engaging the generic drug industry and other involved stakeholders regarding how mechanistic modeling and simulation can support their product development and regulatory submissions; (ii) sharing the current state of mechanistic modeling for bioequivalence (BE) assessment through case studies; (iii) establishing a consensus on best practices for using mechanistic modeling approaches, such as physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling and computational fluid dynamics modeling, for BE assessment; and (iv) introducing the concept of a Model Master File to improve model sharing between model developers, industry, and the FDA. More than 1500 people registered for the workshop. Based on a postworkshop survey, the majority of participants reported that their fundamental scientific understanding of mechanistic models was enhanced, there was greater consensus on model validation and verification, and regulatory expectations for mechanistic modeling submitted in abbreviated new drug applications were clarified by the workshop.
Modeling the evolution of deaths from infectious diseases with functional data models: The case of COVID‐19 in Brazil
Authors: Collazos Julian A. A. , Dias Ronaldo , Medeiros Marcelo C.
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we apply statistical methods for functional data to explore the heterogeneity in the registered number of deaths of COVID‐19, over time. The cumulative daily number of deaths in regions across Brazil is treated as continuous curves (functional data). The first stage of the analysis applies clustering methods for functional data to identify and describe potential heterogeneity in the curves and their functional derivatives. The estimated clusters are labeled with different “levels of alert” to identify cities in a possible critical situation. In the second stage of the analysis, we apply a functional quantile regression model for the death curves to explore the associations with functional rates of vaccination and stringency and also with several scalar geographical, socioeconomic and demographic covariates. The proposed model gave a better curve fit at different levels of the cumulative number of deaths when compared to a functional regression model based on ordinary least squares. Our results add to the understanding of the development of COVID‐19 death counts.
A tool for the semantic annotation, validation and optimization of business process models
Authors: Di Martino Beniamino , Colucci Cante Luigi , Esposito Antonio , Graziano Mariangela
Published: January 2023

The adoption of the business process model notation for the description of internal workflows and procedures by both public administrations and private organizations is steadily growing, thanks to the simplicity of the standard and its consistent expressivity. However, the lack of semantic support from BPMN can pose important limitations to its efficient use, as ambiguities in task definitions and communications can lead to misinterpretations. Furthermore, there is the need to validate the BPMNs, to check their adherence to regulations, especially in public administration, and to verify their conformance to security and privacy constraints. In this work, we present SemPrAnn, a semantic annotation tool for BPMN that, exploiting domain ontologies and logical rules, provides the possibility to unambiguously identify concepts in workflows and to run inferential engines against them to enforce the rules. The manuscript presents the methodology applied for the implementation of the tool, the tool itself with its exposed functionalities, and a case study demonstrating its current capabilities.
Das komplizierte kindliche Mittelohrhämangiom
Authors: Yılmaz Topçuoğlu Miray-Su , Hornberger Cornelia , Lucena-Porcel Carlota , Baumann Ingo
Published: January 2023

Mittelohrhämangiome bei Kleinkindern sind selten. Die Kasuistik beschreibt einen dreijährigen Jungen mit einseitiger Hörminderung und rezidivierenden Paukenergüssen durch ein Mittelohrhämangiom. Dieses verursachte eine Sinusvenenthrombose, Osteomyelitis und Mastoiditis. Eine interdisziplinäre Behandlung erfolgte. Auch gutartige Läsionen des Mittelohrs können schwerwiegende, lebensbedrohliche Komplikationen aufgrund der engen nachbarschaftlichen anatomischen Beziehungen des Mittelohrs hervorrufen. Jede asymmetrische Hörminderung sollte deshalb stets genauer untersucht werden.
Drug consumption in German cities and municipalities during the COVID-19 lockdown: a wastewater analysis
Authors: Oertel Reinhard , Schubert Sara , Helm Björn , Mayer Robin , Dumke Roger , El-Armouche Ali , Renner Bertold
Published: January 2023

Analysis of illicit drugs, medicines, and pathogens in wastewater is a powerful tool for epidemiological studies to monitor public health trends. The aims of this study were to (i) assess spatial and temporal trends of population-normalized mass loads of illicit drugs and nicotine in raw wastewater in the time of regulations against SARS-CoV-2 infections (2020–21) and (ii) find substances that are feasible markers for characterizing the occurrence of selected drugs in wastewater. Raw sewage 24-h composite samples were collected in catchment areas of 15 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in urban, small-town, and rural areas in Germany during different lockdown phases from April 2020 to December 2021. Parent substances (amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, carbamazepine, gabapentin, and metoprolol) and the metabolites of cocaine (benzoylecgonine) and nicotine (cotinine) were measured. The daily discharge of WWTP influents were used to calculate the daily load (mg/day) normalized by population equivalents (PE) in drained catchment areas (in mg/1,000 persons/day). A weekend trend for illicit drugs was visible with higher amounts on Saturdays and Sundays in larger WWTPs. An influence of the regulations to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infections such as contact bans and border closures on drug consumption has been proven in some cases and refuted in several. In addition, metoprolol and cotinine were found to be suitable as marker substances for the characterization of wastewater. A change in drug use was visible at the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 crisis. Thereafter from mid-2020, no obvious effect was detected with regard to the regulations against SARS-CoV-2 infections on concentration of drugs in wastewater. Wastewater-based epidemiology is suitable for showing changes in drug consumption during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The German hearing in noise test with a female talker: development and comparison with German male speech test
Authors: Mönnich Anna-Lena , Strieth Sebastian , Bohnert Andrea , Ernst Benjamin Philipp , Rader Tobias
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The aim of the study was to develop the German Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) with female speaker by fulfilling the recommendations by International Collegium of Rehabilitative Audiology (ICRA) for using a female speaker to create new multilingual speech tests and to determine norms and to compare these norms with German male speech tests—the male speakers HINT and the Oldenburg Sentence Test (OLSA).

Methods

The HINT with a female speaker consists of the same speech material as the male speaking HINT. After recording the speech material, 10 normal hearing subjects were included to determine the performance–intensity function (PI function). 24 subjects were part of the measurements to determine the norms and compare them with the norms of male HINT and OLSA. Comparably, adaptive, open-set methods under headphones (HINT) and sound field (OLSA) were used.

Results

Acoustic phonetic analysis demonstrated significant difference in mean fundamental frequency, its range and mean speaking rate between both HINT speakers. The calculated norms by three of the tested four conditions of the HINT with a female speaker are not significantly different from the norms with a male speaker. No significant effect of the speaker’s gender of the first HINT measurement and no significant correlation between the threshold results of the HINT and the OLSA were determined.

Conclusions

The Norms for German HINT with a female speaker are comparable to the norms of the HINT with a male speaker. The speech intelligibility score of the HINT does not depend on the speakers’ gender despite significant difference of acoustic–phonetic parameters between the female and male HINT speaker’s voice. Instead, the speech intelligibility rating must be seen as a function of the used speech material.
Impact of advanced Parkinson’s disease on caregivers: an international real-world study
Authors: Martinez-Martin Pablo , Skorvanek Matej , Henriksen Tove , Lindvall Susanna , Domingos Josefa , Alobaidi Ali , Kandukuri Prasanna L. , Chaudhari Vivek S. , Patel Apeksha B. , Parra Juan Carlos , Pike James , Antonini Angelo
Published: January 2023

Background

Caring for a partner or family member with Parkinson’s disease (PD) negatively affects the caregiver’s own physical and emotional well-being, especially those caring for people with advanced PD (APD). This study was designed to examine the impact of APD on caregiver perceived burden, quality of life (QoL), and health status.

Methods

Dyads of people with PD and their primary caregivers were identified from the Adelphi Parkinson’s Disease Specific Program (DSP™) using real-world data from the United States, Japan and five European countries. Questionnaires were used to capture measures of clinical burden (people with PD) and caregiver burden (caregivers).

Results

Data from 721 patient-caregiver dyads in seven countries were captured. Caregivers had a mean age 62.6 years, 71.6% were female, and 70.4% were a spouse. Caregivers for people with APD had a greater perceived burden, were more likely to take medication and had lower caregiver treatment satisfaction than those caring for people with early or intermediate PD; similar findings were observed for caregivers of people with intermediate versus early PD. Caregivers for people with intermediate PD were also less likely to be employed than those with early PD (25.3% vs 42.4%) and spent more time caring (6.6 vs 3.2 h/day).

Conclusions

This real-world study demonstrates that caregivers of people with APD experience a greater burden than those caring for people with early PD. This highlights the importance of including caregiver-centric measures in future studies, and emphasizes the need for implementing treatments that reduce caregiver burden in APD.

Trial registration: N/A.
The PoliTO–UniRoma1 database of cyclic and dynamic laboratory tests: assessment of empirical predictive models
Authors: Ciancimino Andrea , Cosentini Renato Maria , Foti Sebastiano , Lanzo Giuseppe , Pagliaroli Alessandro , Pallara Oronzo
Published: January 2023

The soil nonlinear hysteretic behaviour is usually described, in the moderate strain range, through the shear modulus reduction and material damping ratio (MRD) curves. In common practice, in absence of specific laboratory tests, the curves are estimated by employing empirical regression models. Such predictive models, typically calibrated on large experimental datasets, correlate the soil response to its physical properties. This research fits within this context, presenting a comprehensive database of cyclic and dynamic laboratory tests conducted on natural Italian soils. The database, publicly available as supplementary data of the paper, contains the results of the tests conducted by the geotechnical laboratories of the Politecnico di Torino (Turin, Italy) and theSapienzaUniversità di Roma (Rome, Italy) over the past 30 years. The experimental data are employed to assess the performance of some widely used empirical models in predicting the MRD curves of natural uncemented fine-grained soils, emphasizing the importance of using an independent dataset for conducting a reliable statistical analysis. The results show that the use of many soil parameters as proxies for predicting the soil response does not necessarily lead to an improvement in the performance of the model. Therefore, according to Occam’s razor principle, simple models are to be preferred.
Rethinking the Place of Qualitative Methods in Behavior Analysis
Authors: Burney Victoria , Arnold-Saritepe Angela , McCann Clare M.
Published: January 2023

Single-case design research is pervasive and dominant in the field of behavior analysis (BA). It allows for effective application of behavior change technologies in a wide variety of real-world settings. However, as the field has grown, behavioral scholars have suggested incorporating other methods into the investigator’s toolbox to supplement single-case design. To date, the call to expand beyond using only variations of single-case design as the standard for behavior analytic research has gone largely unheard. Given the need for behavior analytic work to be more closely aligned with consumer and stakeholder needs and priorities, along with a proliferation of practitioners and researchers in the field, now is the time to consider the benefits of qualitative research methods for behavior analysts. In particular, in areas of social validity and in exploring diverse applied topics, qualitative methods may help the field of behavior analysis to achieve greater success with documenting the outcomes from behavior change interventions. The present article explores areas where behavior analysis may benefit from utilizing qualitative methods, namely social validity and breadth of topics for study, and provides examples of the value of qualitative research from other fields. A brief outline of qualitative research is provided alongside consideration of the seven dimensions of applied behavior analysis. In situations where single-case design does not offer behavior analysts sufficient methodological opportunity, qualitative research methods could form a powerful addition to the field of behavior analysis.
Young People’s Understanding of Coercive Control in Northern Ireland
Authors: Lagdon Susan , Klencakova Lucia , Schubotz Dirk , Shannon Ciaran , Tully Mark A. , Armour Cherie , Jordan Julie-Ann
Published: January 2023

Coercive control and related research have progressed significantly in the past number of years, with an ever-growing evidence base adding to its construct. However, currently there is a lack of evidence on young people’s knowledge and understanding of coercive control. We included a module of questions in the 2020 Northern Ireland Young Life and Life and Times survey (n = 2,069) with the aim of capturing baseline measurable data on understanding of coercive control within intimate relationships among 16-year olds. Only 16% (n = 325) of respondents had heard of the term coercive control and knew what it meant. Findings also revealed that females, compared to males, were less likely to have heard of coercive control. When the victim being subjected to the behaviours was portrayed as female as opposed to male there was stronger recognition of the associated risks, need for support, and the seriousness of the situation. Our study findings call to question young people’s knowledge of unhealthy intimate relationship behaviours beyond blatant and deliberate acts of harm such as those described in the coercive control scenarios. Gender disparities in awareness of coercive control across the study sample also give cause for concern given the increased risk of intimate partner violence among women and girls as well as lower reporting and help seeking among male victims. Results solidify the necessity for dedicated preventative and intervention efforts which focus on intimate relationships and reflect the diverse needs and experiences of young people. Supporting young people to act on their own behalf is an important step change to empowerment within their own intimate relationships.
In-line measurement of extrusion force and use for nozzle comparison in filament based additive manufacturing
Authors: Fischer Jonas , Echsel Markus , Springer Patrick , Refle Oliver
Published: January 2023

In fused filament fabrication (FFF), it is important to control the extrusion process for different materials and extruder hardware precisely. The effective extrusion force on the nozzle allows the characterization of the flow behaviour of the molten polymer. Therefore, integrating compact force sensors into the extrusion unit allows the identification of suitable process windows for different materials and the evaluation of hardware. However, actual setups are not compact and restriction-free. This paper presents a new compact and concentric setup, which allows an accurate measurement of the forces in the extruder avoiding parasitic effects. Furthermore, the test rig and the calibration process including influencing factors such as filament contact force and extrusion height is described. On this basis, a varying parameter study using different nozzles, feeding velocities, and temperatures is conducted. The recorded values of the extrusion force are compared with the literature values and the flow behaviour is assigned to the corresponding nozzle geometry. It has been shown that the calibrated test rig is able to measure the extrusion force with sufficient accuracy. These measurements correspond to comparable literature values. The boundary conditions of feeding velocity for processing a specific material and nozzle are determined. In this way, requirements such as the fastest or a uniform extrusion can be specifically served by varying the corresponding parameters. An evaluation of the effects in the nozzles results in a nozzle performance overview.
Parametric models and information geometry on W*-algebras
Authors: Ciaglia F. M. , Di Nocera F. , Jost J. , Schwachhöfer L.
Published: January 2023

We introduce the notion of smooth parametric model of normal positive linear functionals on possibly infinite-dimensional $$W^{\star }$$

W
⋆

-algebras generalizing the notions of parametric models used in classical and quantum information geometry. We then use the Jordan product naturally available in this context in order to define a Riemannian metric tensor on parametric models satsfying suitable regularity conditions. This Riemannian metric tensor reduces to the Fisher–Rao metric tensor, or to the Fubini-Study metric tensor, or to the Bures–Helstrom metric tensor when suitable choices for the $$W^{\star }$$

W
⋆

-algebra and the models are made.
Robustness of Significant Dichotomous Outcomes in Randomized Controlled Trials in the Treatment of Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Analysis
Authors: Liu Qi , Chen Hong , Gao Yonghua , Zhu Changju
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Significant results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) should be properly weighed. This study adopted fragility index (FI) to evaluate the robustness of significant dichotomous outcomes from RCTs on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment.

Materials and methods

ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed were searched from inception to July 31, 2021. FIs were calculated and their distribution was depicted. FI’s categorical influential factors were analyzed. Spearman correlation coefficient (rs) was reported for the relationship between FI and the continuous characteristics of RCTs.

Results

Fifty RCTs with 120 outcomes in 7869 patients were included. The FI distribution was abnormal with median 3 (interquartile range 1–7, P = 0.0001). The FIs and robustness were affected by the outcomes of interest, various patient populations, and interventions (T = 18.215,16.667, 23.107; P = 0.02,0.0001, 0.001, respectively). A cubic relationship between the FIs and absolute difference of events between groups with R square of 0.848 (T = 215.828, P = 0.0001, R square = 0.865) was observed. A strong negative logarithmic relationship existed between FI and the P value with R square = – 0.834.

Conclusion

The robustness of significant dichotomous outcomes of COVID-19 treatments was fragile and affected by the outcomes of interest, patients, interventions, P value, and absolute difference of events between the groups. FI was an useful quantitative metric for the binary significant outcomes on COVID-19 treatments.

Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42021272455).
Legitimacy Politics
Authors: Dellmuth Lisa , Tallberg Jonas
Published: January 2023

Once staunch advocates of international cooperation, political elites are increasingly divided over the merits of global governance. Populist leaders attack international organizations for undermining national democracy, while mainstream politicians defend their importance for solving transboundary problems. Bridging international relations, comparative politics, and cognitive psychology, Lisa Dellmuth and Jonas Tallberg explore whether, when, and why elite communication shapes the popular legitimacy of international organizations. Based on novel theory, experimental methods, and comparative evidence, they show that elites are influential in shaping how citizens perceive global governance and explain why some elites and messages are more effective than others. The book offers fresh insights into major issues of our day, such as the rise of populism, the power of communication, the backlash against global governance, and the relationship between citizens and elites. It will be of interest to scholars and students of international organisations, and experimental and survey research methods.
Social Policy in a Climate Emergency Context: Towards an Ecosocial Research Agenda
Authors: Hirvilammi Tuuli , Häikiö Liisa , Johansson Håkan , Koch Max , Perkiö Johanna
Published: January 2023

Social policy developed as a research field and academic discipline to ensure protection from social risks in the era of emerging capitalism and industrialization. While welfare states have successfully increased their citizens’ wellbeing, they have also contributed to the ecological crisis, while the shared scientific understanding of exceeded planetary boundaries and worsening climate change scenarios has not (yet) reshaped mainstream social policy research. In this article, we suggest that the established traditions in social policy research can nevertheless provide a solid ground for responding to the climate emergency and facilitating the sustainable transformation of society and the economy. With a focus on four of the research fields that are central in social policy scholarship – risks, citizenship, welfare regimes, and wellbeing – we develop an ecosocial research agenda. By discussing the classic and climate-adjusted understandings of these fields, we open future pathways for social policy research and invite scholars to engage with our proposed research agenda.
Enhancing adolescent parent interactions in communication through facilitative playgroups
Authors: ABARCA Diana , ALLEN Kasey , TOWSON Jacqueline A. , GREEN Katherine B.
Published: January 2023

Adolescent pregnancy can impact the educational attainment of adolescent mothers and language development of their children. However, support services and interventions can mitigate these risk factors. Adolescent mothers have shown success in implementing various language facilitation strategies (LFS) with their children when coached. We developed a triadic language intervention in a facilitated playgroup context to support adolescent mothers’ use of language strategies when interacting with their children. The current pilot study utilized a pre-test, post-test descriptive approach to analyze differences in adolescent mothers’ language use and parenting behaviors and their children’s language use after participation in facilitated playgroups. All adolescent mothers demonstrated enhanced parenting practices. Changes in mothers’ and children’s language from pre- to post-test were variable across participants. While this pilot study shows promising evidence of the utility of a triadic intervention situated in playgroups with adolescent families, further research is required to address the limitations of this study.
Income sources, cyclical behaviors of fiscal policy, and welfare conflict
Authors: Li Meng , Xiao Chengrui
Published: January 2023

This paper explores the effect of fiscal policy on the welfare of heterogeneous agents with different income sources over the business cycle. Policy experiments allow the government to choose the cyclical properties of fiscal policy instruments conditional on long-run levels to separately maximize the welfare of entrepreneurs and workers. This policy choice creates welfare conflicts between the two groups, which is confirmed by empirical evidence. The government maximizes workers’ welfare by choosing procyclical capital income tax rates and countercyclical labor income tax rates while it optimizes entrepreneurs’ welfare with countercyclical capital income tax rates and strongly countercyclical labor income tax rates. The socially optimal policy is a tradeoff between the welfare of entrepreneurs and workers. The welfare conflict holds when the government modifies the cyclical behavior of policy in a crisis, or it adjusts the long-run level and cyclical behavior at the same time.
Aluminum Components in Bridgmanite Coexisting With Corundum and the CF‐Phase With Temperature
Authors: Wang Lin , Liu Zhaodong , Koizumi Sanae , Ballaran Tiziana Boffa , Katsura Tomoo
Published: January 2023

Phase relations in the MgSiO3–MgAl2O4–Al2O3 system are investigated at 27 GPa and 2000–2600 K using a multi‐anvil apparatus. The AlAlO3 content in the bridgmanite increases from 8.6 to 20.0 mol% with increasing temperature from 2000 to 2600 K, while the MgAlO2.5 content remains nearly constant, that is, 3–4 mol% at these temperatures. Therefore, the presence of an additional Al‐bearing phase suppresses the oxygen vacancy substitution for Al3+ in bridgmanite. Conversely, significant amounts of the Al8/3O4 component can be dissolved into the calcium‐ferrite type MgAl2O4–Mg2SiO4–Al8/3O4 phase (CF‐phase), implying that the CF‐phase likely contains some amount of vacancies. Therefore, the CF‐phase could also be a candidate mineral for transporting volatiles into the lower mantle. Our results, combined with previous studies on Al‐bearing bridgmanite, indicate that, once the Al per formula unit exceeds 0.12 in bridgmanite, the MgAlO2.5 content remains nearly constant and the AlAlO3 component becomes dominant.
Quick balance skill improvement after short-term training with error amplification feedback for older adults
Authors: Chen Yi-Ching , Chang Gwo-Ching , Huang Wei-Min , Hwang Ing-Shiou
Published: January 2023

This study investigated behavioral and cortical mechanisms for short-term postural training with error amplification (EA) feedback in the elderly. Thirty-six elderly subjects (65.7 ± 2.2 years) were grouped (control and EA, n = 18) for training in stabilometer balance under visual guidance. During the training session (8 training rounds of 60 s in Day 2), the EA group received visual feedback that magnified errors to twice the real size, whereas the control group received visual feedback that displayed real errors. Scalp EEG and kinematic data of the stabilometer plate and ankle joint were recorded in the pre-test (Day 1) and post-test (Day 3). The EA group (−46.5 ± 4.7%) exhibited greater post-training error reduction than that of the control group (−27.1 ± 4.0%)(p = 0.020), together with a greater decline in kinematic coupling between the stabilometer plate and ankle joint (EA: −26.6 ± 4.8%, control: 2.3 ± 8.6%, p = 0.023). In contrast to the control group, the EA group manifested greater reductions in mean phase-lag index (PLI) connectivity in the theta (4–7 Hz)(p = 0.011) and alpha (8–12 Hz) (p = 0.027) bands. Only the EA group showed post-training declines in the mean PLI in the theta and alpha bands. Minimal spanning tree analysis revealed that EA-based training led to increases in the diameter (p = 0.002) and average eccentricity (p = 0.004) of the theta band for enhanced performance monitoring and reduction in the leaf fraction (p = 0.030) of the alpha band for postural response with enhanced automaticity. In conclusion, short-term EA training optimizes balance skill, favoring multi-segment coordination for the elderly, which is linked to more sophisticated error monitoring with less attentive control over the stabilometer stance.
Proof of concept and early development stage of market-oriented high iron and zinc rice expressing dicot ferritin and rice nicotianamine synthase genes
Authors: Tsakirpaloglou Nikolaos , Bueno-Mota Gela Myan , Soriano Jessica Candace , Arcillas Erwin , Arines Felichi Mae , Yu Su-May , Stangoulis James , Trijatmiko Kurniawan Rudi , Reinke Russell , Tohme Joseph , Bouis Howarth , Slamet-Loedin Inez H.
Published: January 2023

Micronutrient deficiencies such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and vitamin A, constitute a severe global public health phenomenon. Over half of preschool children and two-thirds of nonpregnant women of reproductive age worldwide have micronutrient deficiencies. Biofortification is a cost-effective strategy that comprises a meaningful and sustainable means of addressing this issue by delivering micronutrients through staple foods to populations with limited access to diverse diets and other nutritional interventions. Here, we report on the proof-of-concept and early development stage of a collection of biofortified rice events with a high density of Fe and Zn in polished grains that have been pursued further to advance development for product release. In total, eight constructs were developed specifically expressing dicot ferritins and the rice nicotianamine synthase 2 (OsNAS2) gene under different combinations of promoters. A large-scale transformation of these constructs to Bangladesh and Philippines commercial indica cultivars and subsequent molecular screening and confined field evaluations resulted in the identification of a pool of ten events with Fe and Zn concentrations in polished grains of up to 11 μg g−1 and up to 37 μg g−1, respectively. The latter has the potential to reduce the prevalence of inadequate Zn intake for women of childbearing age in Bangladesh and in the Philippines by 30% and 50%, respectively, compared to the current prevalence. To our knowledge, this is the first potential biotechnology public-sector product that adopts the product cycle phase-gated approach, routinely applied in the private sector.
Validation of a surgical drill with a haptic interface in spine surgery
Authors: Yamanouchi Kento , Takano Shunya , Mima Yuichiro , Matsunaga Takuya , Ohnishi Kouhei , Matsumoto Morio , Nakamura Masaya , Shimono Tomoyuki , Yagi Mitsuru
Published: January 2023

Real haptics is a technology that reproduces the sense of force and touch by transmitting contact information with real objects by converting human movements and the feel of the objects into data. In recent years, real haptics technology has been installed in several surgical devices. A custom-made surgical drill was used to drill into the posterior lamina to verify the time required for penetration detection and the distance the drill advanced after penetration. A surgeon operated with the drill and the same aspects were measured and verified. All experiments were performed on female miniature pigs at 9 months of age with a mean body weight of 23.6 kg (range 9–10 months and 22.5–25.8 kg, n = 12). There were statistically significant differences in the average reaction time and the distance travelled after penetration between a handheld drill and the drill with the penetration detection function (p < 0.001). The reaction time to detect penetration and the distance after penetration were both significantly improved when compared with those of the handheld surgical drill without the penetration detection function, with mean differences of 0.049 ± 0.019 s [95% CI 0.012, 0.086 s] and 2.511 ± 0.537 mm [95% CI 1.505, 3.516 mm]. In this study, we successfully conducted a performance evaluation test of a custom-made haptic interface surgical drill. A prototype high-speed drill with a haptic interface accurately detected the penetration of the porcine posterior lamina.
Collective excitations of germinating pollen grains at critical points
Authors: Pietruszka Mariusz A.
Published: January 2023

In plants, the germinating pollen grain (pollen tube) is a single, elongated cell that serves as a conduit through which gametes pass. Pollen tubes display a fast growth rate, which under certain conditions, changes periodically and is accompanied by ion exchange with the growth environment. Therefore, pollen tubes exposed to various abiotic conditions may adversely affect or improve their reproductive performance and fertility. We examined a collection of live pollen tubes of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) and hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis L.) using a non-invasive semiconductor–electrolyte interface technique in the vicinity of the germination temperature or optimum growth temperature of a pollen grains/tubes. The time series measurements and numerical calculations, performed using information theory methods, represent signatures of collective dynamics in living cells at critical—molecularly encoded—germination and growth temperatures. This method (and soil pH data) can facilitate assisted plant migrations from one ecosystem to another as the Earth faces climate change.
A versatile Halo- and SNAP-tagged BMP/TGFβ receptor library for quantification of cell surface ligand binding
Authors: Jatzlau Jerome , Burdzinski Wiktor , Trumpp Michael , Obendorf Leon , Roßmann Kilian , Ravn Katharina , Hyvönen Marko , Bottanelli Francesca , Broichhagen Johannes , Knaus Petra
Published: January 2023

TGFβs, BMPs and Activins regulate numerous developmental and homeostatic processes and signal through hetero-tetrameric receptor complexes composed of two types of serine/threonine kinase receptors. Each of the 33 different ligands possesses unique affinities towards specific receptor types. However, the lack of specific tools hampered simultaneous testing of ligand binding towards all BMP/TGFβ receptors. Here we present a N-terminally Halo- and SNAP-tagged TGFβ/BMP receptor library to visualize receptor complexes in dual color. In combination with fluorescently labeled ligands, we established a Ligand Surface Binding Assay (LSBA) for optical quantification of receptor-dependent ligand binding in a cellular context. We highlight that LSBA is generally applicable to test (i) binding of different ligands such as Activin A, TGFβ1 and BMP9, (ii) for mutant screens and (iii) evolutionary comparisons. This experimental set-up opens opportunities for visualizing ligand-receptor binding dynamics, essential to determine signaling specificity and is easily adaptable for other receptor signaling pathways.
TLR5 agonists enhance anti-tumor immunity and overcome resistance to immune checkpoint therapy
Authors: Gonzalez Caleb , Williamson Sarah , Gammon Seth T. , Glazer Sarah , Rhee Joon Haeng , Piwnica-Worms David
Published: January 2023

Primary and adaptive resistance to immune checkpoint therapies (ICT) represent a considerable obstacle to achieving enhanced overall survival. Innate immune activators have been actively pursued for their antitumor potential. Herein we report that a syngeneic 4T1 mammary carcinoma murine model for established highly-refractory triple negative breast cancer showed enhanced survival when treated intra-tumorally with either the TLR5 agonist flagellin or CBLB502, a flagellin derivative, in combination with antibodies targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1. Long-term survivor mice showed immunologic memory upon tumor re-challenge and a distinctive immune activating cytokine profile that engaged both innate and adaptive immunity. Low serum levels of G-CSF and CXCL5 (as well as high IL-15) were candidate predictive biomarkers correlating with enhanced survival. CBLB502-induced enhancement of ICT was also observed in poorly immunogenic B16-F10 melanoma tumors. Combination immune checkpoint therapy plus TLR5 agonists may offer a new therapeutic strategy to treat ICT-refractory solid tumors.
Compliant mechanical response of the ultrafast folding protein EnHD under force
Authors: Reifs Antonio , Ruiz Ortiz Irene , Saa Amaia Ochandorena , Schönfelder Jörg , De Sancho David , Muñoz Victor , Perez-Jimenez Raul
Published: January 2023

Ultrafast folding proteins have become an important paradigm in the study of protein folding dynamics. Due to their low energetic barriers and fast kinetics, they are amenable for study by both experiment and simulation. However, single molecule force spectroscopy experiments on these systems are challenging as these proteins do not provide the mechanical fingerprints characteristic of more mechanically stable proteins, which makes it difficult to extract information about the folding dynamics of the molecule. Here, we investigate the unfolding of the ultrafast protein Engrailed Homeodomain (EnHD) by single-molecule atomic force microscopy experiments. Constant speed experiments on EnHD result in featureless transitions typical of compliant proteins. However, in the force-ramp mode we recover sigmoidal curves that we interpret as a very compliant protein that folds and unfolds many times over a marginal barrier. This is supported by a simple theoretical model and coarse-grained molecular simulations. Our results show the ability of force to modulate the unfolding dynamics of ultrafast folding proteins.