bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can increased prenatal exposure to thyroid hormones alter physiology and behaviour in the long-term? Insights from an experimental study in Japanese quails
Authors: Aho Kalle , Stier Antoine , Sarraude Tom , Hsu Bin-Yan , Ruuskanen Suvi
Published: March 2023

Maternal thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine T3 and thyroxine T4) are important regulators of embryonic development and gene expression. While maternal thyroid disorders are known to cause developmental issues in humans, variation in maternal thyroid hormones in healthy mothers have also been found to correlate with infant and child phenotypes. This suggests a potential impact of maternal thyroid hormones on offspring phenotype in an eco-evolutionary context. In chickens, prenatal thyroid hormone treatment has been shown to influence embryonic gene expression and postnatal treatment to influence imprinting and learning. However, the potential long-term effects of maternal thyroid hormones on physiology and behaviour are unclear. This study aims to investigate the long-term effects of maternal thyroid hormones on behaviour, plasma thyroid hormone levels and brain gene expression using the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) as a model. Egg hormone levels were elevated by injecting unincubated eggs with either saline (control), T3, T4 or a mixture of T3 and T4. Social motivation, boldness and fearfulness to predators were tested shortly after hatching and as adults. Plasma thyroid hormone levels and pallial expression of thyroid hormone receptor A, type 2 deiodinase, and nuclear receptor coactivator 1 were measured in adulthood. We found no evidence that elevated thyroid hormone levels in eggs affected behaviour, plasma hormone levels, or gene expression. This is the first study examining the potential long-term effects of elevated maternal thyroid hormones within the natural range. Although we found no evidence of long-term effects, other traits may still be affected and remain to be studied.
Progress on microstructure and residual stress evolution and corrosion behavior in SP-, LSP- and WJP-treated austenitic stainless steels
Authors: Ming Tingyun , Peng Qunjia , Han Yaolei , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to review the effect of traditional shot peening (SP), laser shock peening (LSP) and water jet cavitation peening (WJP) on microstructure evolution and corrosion behavior of austenitic stainless steels 316L and 304.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of SP, LSP and WJP on corrosion behavior of 316L and 304 were discussed in terms of surface peening–induced change in surface roughness, stress state and grain size.

Findings

Residual compressive stress and grain refinement were introduced after SP, LSP and WJP treatment in 316L and 304 stainless steels. Superior corrosion resistance can be obtained by WJP compared with SP and LSP.

Originality/value

The relationship between SP-, LSP- and WJP-induced change in microstructure and stress state and corrosion resistance was summarized.
A systematic literature review of modern slavery through benchmarking global supply chain
Authors: Ishaya Barnabas Jossy , Paraskevadakis Dimitrios , Bury Alan , Bryde David
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The globalisation of supply chains has contributed to modern slavery by degrading labour standards and work practices. The inherent difficulties involved in monitoring extremely fragmented production processes also render workers in and from developing countries vulnerable to labour exploitation. This research adopts a benchmark methodology that will help examine the inherent modern slavery challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines how the benchmark model, including governance, risk assessment, purchasing practice, recruitment and remedy of victims, addresses supply chain modern slavery challenges. The proposed hypotheses are tested based on the reoccurring issues of modern slavery in global supply chains.

Findings

Estimations suggest that modern slavery is a growing and increasingly prominent international problem, indicating that it is the second largest and fastest growing criminal enterprise worldwide except for narcotics trafficking. These social issues in global supply chains have drawn attention to the importance of verifying, monitoring and mapping supply chains, especially in lengthy and complex supply chains. However, the advent of digital technologies and benchmarking methodologies has become one of the existing key performance indicators (KPIs) for measuring the effectiveness of modern slavery initiatives in supply chains.

Originality/value

This review provides an understanding of the current situation of global supply chains concerning the growing social issue of modern slavery. However, this includes various individual specialities relating to global supply chains, modern slavery, socially sustainable supply chain management (SCM), logistic social responsibility, corporate social responsibility and digitalisation. Furthermore, the review provided important implications for researchers examining the activities on benchmarking the effectiveness of the existing initiatives to prevent modern slavery in the supply chains.
Stimulating employee work engagement and the growth mindset
Authors: Lyons Paul , Bandura Randall
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this essay is to explore the dynamics of the concepts of workplace engagement and the growth mindset and how they are linked in a work situation. Exploration leads to specific advice for managers in the stimulation of employee thought and behavior related to the concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is to review the two concepts and to explain the importance and value they offer the organization, manager, and the individual employee. Drawn from research are several suggestions for the manager or coach to aid employee development and performance.

Findings

Existing research makes clear that there are several actions managers can take to stimulate the desirable behavior. Collaboration with the employee in specific areas and reinforcement of progress can bring about useful and meaningful changes in behavior and action.

Originality/value

A considerable amount of empirical and other research has been devoted to the two concepts in the past 20 years. Very little of that work has been purposefully directed to the practitioner. This paper attempts to address that shortfall.
Inclusion in the workplace: an integrative literature review
Authors: Nguyen Loi Anh , Evan Rebecca , Chaudhuri Sanghamitra , Hagen Marcia , Williams Denise
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Organizations increasingly use inclusion initiatives to reflect a meaningful involvement of their entire workforce as part of their larger diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategies. However, the conceptualization of inclusion and its impact on larger DEI efforts and the organization remains unclear, coupled with the organizations’ struggles to find ways to embrace and advance inclusion. Hence, the purpose of this study is to synthesize ways of inclusion conceptualizations and review empirical evidence related to inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a literature review using the method of scoping review coupled with topical cluster mapping techniques.

Findings

The authors captured three ways of inclusion conceptualizations and provided an overview of topic clusters related to inclusion and its measurement tools. The authors also proposed a path model of inclusion based on emerging empirical evidence related to inclusion in the workplace.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the pioneering efforts to provide a much-needed review of inclusion in the workplace, which provides guidance for further research and practice to fulfill the goal of inclusion for all in the current workplace.
Individualistic or collectivistic: which consideration motivates purchasing intention of organic foods? A developing country perspective
Authors: Chowdhury Sajib , Ahmed Md. Tanvir , Oni Fahmida Akter , Mamun Tasnim Murad
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper investigates the impact of individualistic (health) and collectivistic considerations (environmental) on the purchasing intention of organic foods.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected 391 responses from service holders of diversified tiers from Bangladesh. It considers two-step structural equation model (SEM), as well as the Ordinal Logistic regression to analyze the fact.

Findings

SEM analysis explores that, both the individualistic and collectivistic considerations affect purchasing intention of organic foods. The regression result finds that income, the number of earning members, occupation, age and BMI are influential determinants of weekly purchasing frequency of organic foods. This research suggests, along with consumer's economic solvency an organized market with dissemination of health and environmental benefits of organic foods acts as a catalyst for purchasing intention of those products.

Research limitations/implications

However, there is still scope of investigating intention-behavior gap between the actual purchasing behavior and purchasing intention, which is not addressed in this study.

Originality/value

To understand the perception of comparatively educated and solvent people toward purchasing intention of organic foods, this research is one of the pioneering attempts in the context of an unorganized organic food market.
Developing and validating an instrument to measure the impact of digital supply chain activities on sustainable performance
Authors: Ahmad Amouei Mahdieh , Valmohammadi Changiz , Fathi Kiamars
Published: March 2023

Purpose

In the age of Industry 4.0 (I4.0), digital technologies (DTs) and the technologies' application in supply chain activities have become more important. On the other hand, global pressures for corporate social responsibility in the sustainable production of products are increasing. Accordingly, the purpose of this research is to develop and validate an instrument to measure the impact of digital supply chain (DSC) activities on the sustainable performance of manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first step, through an in-depth study of the relevant literature, a conceptual model was developed and a questionnaire containing 51 indicators was designed. The questionnaire was distributed among 356 top managers and experts of the Iranian manufacturing companies, whereby finally 233 sound questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of about 64%. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to identify constructs and sub-constructs and the relationship between them was investigated using the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) method.

Findings

Based on the obtained results, three constructs were identified, namely main activities (including sub-constructs: digital supplier, digital manufacturing, digital logistics and innovation and digital customer), support activities (with sub-constructs digital performance, DT and digital human resources) and sustainable performance (with sub-constructs of economic sustainability, environmental sustainability and social sustainability). The designed tool has excellent psychometric properties. The values of t-statistic = 11.07 and β = 0.602 indicate the positive impact of the DSC main activities on sustainable performance. Similarly, t = 2.42 and β = 0.149 prove that DSC support activities have a positive impact on sustainable performance. Also, based on the obtained values (t = 13.16 and β = 0.629), support activities have a significant impact on the main activities of the DSC. Finally, based on the calculated goodness-of-fit (GoF) index value (0.522), this paper concluded that the proposed model has high credibility.

Research limitations/implications

Validation of the model is based on the answers received from the Iranian manufacturing companies. Therefore, caution should be taken regarding the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

The proposed model presents a holistic view of the application of DTs in the supply chain and the DTs' impact on sustainable performance which might help manufacturing companies, particularly the Iranian companies to obtain a broader knowledge of the importance of DTs and DTs' usage toward responding to the challenges of today's complex business environment.

Originality/value

This study is among the first of the study's kind that attempts to develop and validate an instrument to measure the impact of DSC activities on the sustainable performance of manufacturing companies.
Electronic human resource management (e-HRM) configuration for organizational success: inclusion of employee outcomes as contextual variables
Authors: Nyathi Musa , Kekwaletswe Ray
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether employee outcomes of employee performance and job satisfaction mediate and enhance the effect of e-HRM usage on organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a survey involving 35 organizations using e-HRM systems. A partially mixed sequential dominant status explanatory design was used for the study. A stratified convenience sampling technique was used for the quantitative phase of the study. A purposive sampling technique was employed for the qualitative phase. A structural equation modelling technique with the use of the process macro approach was used to analyse collected data.

Findings

There is a positive relationship between e-HRM usage and employee outcomes. Employee performance and job satisfaction mediate the effect of e-HRM usage on organizational performance. Employee performance and job satisfaction are contextual variables that characterize effective e-HRM configurations.

Practical implications

Organizations should invest in employee outcomes in order to maximize the potential of e-HRM. The e-HRM configurations characterized by a multiplicity of dimensions are more likely to add to organizational value creation. The deployment of e-HRM systems should be preceded by high levels of employee performance and job satisfaction, for organizational success.

Originality/value

The study contributes to a growing body of knowledge on dimensions, which characterize effective e-HRM configurations, yielding organizational success. Employee performance and job satisfaction should be added to the characteristics of effective e-HRM configurations.
Areas and contexts of the use of robotics in libraries: an overview of the applied solutions and a discussion of prospects
Authors: Wójcik Magdalena
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Robotics is a topic that rarely appears in Library and Information Science literature as it is mainly explored in the field of computer science. It is also a very complex topic that covers various forms of technical solutions that have varying degrees of complexity; these are conventionally referred to as robots. The aim of this article is to present an overview of the applied solutions from the field of robotics in libraries and a discussion of the future prospects for their use in various areas of library activity.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on a literature review. Systematic comparative searches were made in the Scopus and Web of Science databases and the popular Google Scholar search engine. Publications in English related to the use of robots in libraries were sought in the 2010–2021 period. The results were subjected to qualitative analysis in order to define the main directions of reflection.

Findings

The conducted analyses showed that the topic of the use of robots in libraries is relatively rarely mentioned in LIS literature as the main topic of considerations. In practice, however, many interesting examples of the use of robots in libraries can be found, mainly in the area of educational and popularizing activities.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on a systematic literature review. However, it is based on selected information sources and covers a specific chronological range, therefore it does not reflect all publications in the field of using robots in libraries. The second limitation concerns the examples of library activities mentioned in the text. For obvious reasons, it is not possible to describe all interesting initiatives, so a selection was made to illustrate the main trends.

Practical implications

Robots have a wide practical application in library activities, as evidenced by the examples described in this paper. Systematized reflection on this topic may promote the popularization of the practical implementation of robots in libraries.

Social implications

Robotics is a topic that, due to a lack of reliable knowledge, is often of great concern and social controversy. Disseminating knowledge about the usability of robots may foster a peaceful social debate on this topic.

Originality/value

Robotics-related topics are still rarely discussed in the LIS subject literature. In particular, there are no entry-level review articles that would familiarize a reader with the most important findings on the practical aspects of implementing robots in libraries and provide a starting point for reading more detailed publications on specific technologies or implementations.
Modeling the acceptance and resistance to use mobile contact tracing apps: a developing nation perspective
Authors: Kwarteng Michael Adu , Ntsiful Alex , Osakwe Christian Nedu , Ofori Kwame Simpe
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study proposes and validates an integrated theoretical model involving the theory of planned behavior (TPB), health belief model (HBM), personal norms and information privacy to understand determinants of acceptance and resistance to the use of mobile contact tracing app (MCTA) in a pandemic situation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on online surveys of 194 research respondents and uses partial least squares structural equation modeling (PL-SEM) to test the proposed theoretical model.

Findings

The study establishes that a positive attitude towards MCTA is the most important predictor of individuals' willingness to use MCTA and resistance to use MCTA. Furthermore, barriers to taking action positively influence resistance to the use of MCTA. Personal norms negatively influence resistance to the use of MCTA. Information privacy showed a negative and positive influence on willingness to use MCTA and use the resistance of MCTA, respectively, but neither was statistically significant. The authors found no significant influence of perceived vulnerability, severity, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control on either acceptance or use resistance of MCTA.

Originality/value

The study has been one of the first in the literature to propose an integrated theoretical model in the investigation of the determinants of acceptance and resistance to the use of MCTA in a single study, thereby increasing the scientific understanding of the factors that can facilitate or inhibit individuals from engaging in the use of a protection technology during a pandemic situation.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-10-2021-0533
Contesting property: urban commons, statecraft, and the ‘tyranny’ of liberalism in Lebanon
Authors: Stefanelli Alice
Published: March 2023

As heterogeneous forms of commodification threaten the survival of urban commons worldwide, in Beirut a group of residents and professionals has resorted to civic advocacy to keep the beach of Dalieh of Raouche accessible, including calling on public authorities to intervene. Combining Polanyian analysis and recent developments in the anthropology of the state, civic advocacy is recast here as a case of ‘grassroots’ statecraft, adapted to, as well as shaped by, the logics and discourses of late capitalism that it seeks to undo. As such, counter‐movements are reconceptualized as not only defensive, but also offensive and explicitly generative of new political projects and modes of governance. At the same time, the article pushes the argument further to suggest that ‘grassroots’ statecraft in the context of the protection of the commons is inherently multivocal, and that calls for, and rejection of, state intervention may be contained at once within this counter‐movement, forced to coexist by the constraints imposed by the neoliberal political‐economic system it confronts.
Effect of high‐pressure homogenisation on metabolic potential of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 90: in vitro and in situ studies in fermented milk and semihard cheese
Authors: Peralta Guillermo H , Aguirre Andres , Bürgi María D Milagros , Martínez Luciano J , Albarracín Virginia H , Menzella Hugo G , Pozza Leila , Hynes Erica R , Bergamini Carina V
Published: March 2023

The influence of high‐pressure homogenisation (HPH) at 100 MPa on Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 90 (L90) was studied in vitro and in situ (fermented milk and cheese). Lysis and injury signs were observed in cells treated with HPH, which were linked to the release of intracellular enzymes and changes in the metabolic activity of L90. HPH treatment led to a higher lactic acid content and lower pH and pyruvic acid levels in fermented milk. The microbiological and peptide profiles of cheeses were modified by using cells or cell‐free extracts of L90. Finally, this study suggests that L90 could release bioactive peptides.
What Can Students Gain from China's Higher Education?
Authors: Li Hongbin , Wang Huan , Cousineau Claire , Boswell Matthew
Published: March 2023

China's higher education system has undergone a rapid expansion over the last two decades. By drawing on hand‐collected data, we explore students' experiences in college and in the labor market post‐graduation in the wake of this expansion. According to our data, the largest employer of college graduates in the labor market was the state sector, followed by the domestic private sector. To explain the returns to college education in China, we explore three mechanisms: human capital, social networks, and signaling. We find that human capital measures, apart from a student's college English test scores, cannot explain the college wage premium, whereas both social networks (for example, membership of the Communist Party) and signaling matter significantly. This seems to indicate that in China, connections are crucial for student success in the labor market, whereas the higher education system itself is more a system for selecting talented individuals than it is for educating them. Finally, students allocate their time accordingly, for example, by spending more time studying English in college than any other subject.
Women's “timepass”
Authors: Dubochet Lucy
Published: March 2023

In a poor neighborhood of Delhi, women try to cope with unemployment among male breadwinners, and in so doing they often frame their practices as a way of passing time. From the long wait at service points to contentious involvements in work and politics, they depict a host of different and seemingly contradictory activities as meaningless idleness. My analysis of these discourses uncovers a wider pattern of minimizing in which women sometimes internalize and sometimes quietly oppose the constraints that limit what they can do with their time. In a gender landscape where public waiting has usually been associated with men destabilized by a lack of opportunities, women's conversations about lost time become a playing field for alienation, resilience, and subversion, even as the practices that hide underneath allow us a glance into their untold public involvements.
Robot‐assisted surgery for rectal cancer with solitary sacrococcygeal metastasis after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: A case report
Authors: Saito Hiroshi , Kotake Masanori , Ishibayashi Kenichi , Fujimori Daisuke , Sawada Koichiro , Yamamoto Daisuke , Oshima Masahiro , Hayashi Hironori , Oyama Kaeko , Hara Takuo , Uehara Kay , Inaki Noriyuki
Published: March 2023

An 81‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital for anal bleeding. Colonoscopy revealed a type 3 tumor at the upper rectum and biopsy showed adenocarcinoma. An enhanced circumferential lesion at the upper rectum and a solitary soft‐tissue shadow at the fifth sacral vertebra to the coccyx were detected on abdominal magnetic resonance imaging. Fluorodeoxyglucose uptake was observed at the same sites on positron emission tomography. The patient was diagnosed with rectal cancer with isolated sacrococcygeal metastasis and was treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by robotic surgery. Hartmann's operation was performed in the lithotomy position. The left internal iliac artery and vein were then divided. The internal pudendal artery and vein, the piriformis muscle, and sacrospinous ligament were also divided while preserving the lumbosacral trunk. The scheduled transection line of the sacral surface was fully exposed to prevent massive bleeding during sacrectomy. The dorsal surface of the sacrum was then exposed in the prone position and communicated with the pelvic space. The sacrum was transected at the superior margin of S3 and a specimen was extracted. Pathological findings revealed the infiltration of cancer cells in the sacrococcygeal specimen. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 13.
Right thoracoscopic resection in the supine position for recurrent pretracheal lymph nodes after esophagectomy
Authors: Shishido Yuji , Matsunaga Tomoyuki , Yamasaki Makoto , Sakano Yu , Makinoya Masahiro , Miyauchi Wataru , Shimizu Shota , Miyatani Kozo , Kono Yusuke , Murakami Yuki , Hanaki Takehiko , Kihara Kyoichi , Yamamoto Manabu , Tokuyasu Naruo , Takano Shuichi , Sakamoto Teruhisa , Saito Hiroaki , Hasegawa Toshimichi , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki
Published: March 2023

Mediastinal lymph node recurrence is often observed following esophageal cancer surgery; however, no treatment has been established for the same. Surgical resection is often considered for cases of recurrence in a single lymph node region, although the procedures and approaches vary depending on the recurrence site. Right thoracoscopic resection is rarely opted for owing to its high surgical difficulty. Herein, we report a successful case of right thoracoscopic resection in the supine position for recurrent pretracheal lymph nodes following esophagectomy. The intraoperative findings revealed few adhesions around the recurrent lymph nodes due to the initial surgery, and the recurrent lymph nodes were safely resected within a short period. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 4 without any complications, and there was no recurrence after 20 months. Thus, right thoracoscopic resection may be a promising treatment option for recurrent pretracheal lymph nodes after esophagectomy.
Situational, emotional, and individual dispositions to weight gain in people with hoarding problems
Authors: Norberg Melissa M. , Stevenson Richard J. , Wong Gary , Tame Jack , Aldrich Paul , Meares Susanne , Gray Emily C.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Individuals with hoarding disorder are more likely to be overweight or obese than the general population for unknown reasons.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐nine individuals (Hoarding Group: n = 63; Control Group: n = 66) completed self‐report measures and were offered snacks in a tidy and a cluttered environment in a counterbalanced order. Groups were based on the self‐reporting of high or low hoarding symptoms.

Results

The hoarding group reported being less able to use their kitchen and prepare food at home and experiencing more impulsivity, distress intolerance and problematic eating beliefs than did the control group. The hoarding group consumed more cookies in the tidy room, whereas the control group consumed more cookies in the cluttered room. Greater impulsivity, distress intolerance and problematic body and eating beliefs were related to greater cookie consumption for the hoarding group.

Conclusions

Early interventions that help individuals to tolerate distress and to engage in goal‐directed behaviour regardless of their emotional state may have benefits for both hoarding and eating behaviour. We encourage future researchers to examine this hypothesis.
Determinants of work‐family balance satisfaction during the pandemic: Insights from Québec
Authors: Mathieu Sophie , Tremblay Diane‐Gabrielle , Treleaven Christina , Fuller Sylvia
Published: March 2023

The first wave of the COVID pandemic was the most challenging for employed parents, and more specifically for women. In Québec, research has shown a deterioration in the psychological health of parents in the early weeks of the pandemic. In this research, we investigate how Québec parents who remained employed during the lockdown in 2020 perceived their work‐family balance in the stressful context of new earning and caregiving constraints, drawing on survey data collected in May 2020. Our approach integrates insights from psychological, managerial and sociological literatures. We find that most parents who remained employed found their work‐family balance “easy” in the first months of the pandemic, but women felt less satisfied with their work‐family balance than men as well as those whose employers were less understanding and supportive, and those whose workloads increased. The implications of these results are discussed in the light of previous studies on work‐family intersections, to show that gender continues to matter when family members are faced with extraordinary circumstances such as the closing of childcare and schools, even in the egalitarian context of Québec, where fathers are perceived as legitimate caregivers.
Reactive astrocytes targeting with oral vitamin A: Efficient neuronal regeneration for Parkinson's disease treatment and reversal of associated liver fibrosis
Authors: El‐Mezayen Nesrine Saeid , Attia Mennat‐Allah Magdy , Shafik Mohanad Yehia , Gowied Hadeer Galal , Abdel‐Aal Hadeer Ahmed , Abdel‐Hady Sara Medhat , Ghazy Mostafa Said
Published: March 2023

Introduction

A recent approach to cure neurodegenerative diseases is to reprogram fibroblasts into functioning neurons using multiple exogenous transcription factors (TFs) and micro‐RNAs. Administering agents that can endogenously induce these TFs may bypass the limitations of this approach. Astrocytes may represent a part of the extrahepatic‐stellate system involved in vitamin‐A (VA) homeostasis. Activated‐stellate cells lose their VA‐storage capacity, and this was previously applied for hepatic‐stellate cells (HSCs) targeting to treat liver fibrosis. Accordingly, it is hypothesized that Parkinson's disease (PD) may be coupled with retinoid depletion that may extract VA from VA‐rich‐HSCs triggering liver fibrosis. Thus, VA administration may selectively target VA‐deficient reactive astrocytes and HSCs. Besides, VA has the regenerative capability and may induce endogenous‐TFs generation.

Methods

Fluorescently labeled VA‐coupled liposomes (FLV) were traced using confocal laser microscope in rats with induced PD for detecting brain accumulation and uptake into fluorescently labeled astrocytes. Liver fibrosis associated with PD was assessed biochemically and histopathologically, while VA deficiency was confirmed by assessing retinol‐binding protein gene expression in the brain and liver. Multiple VA doses were tested for reversing PD‐associated liver fibrosis, generating TFs (involved in reprograming astrocytes/fibroblasts into different neuronal types) and capability of dopaminergic‐neurons regeneration.

Results

Fluorescently labeled VA‐coupled liposomes revealed selective brain accumulation and uptake into astrocytes. PD was associated with significant liver fibrosis and VA deficiency in the brain and liver. Furthermore, VA‐medium dose (VAMD) was the optimum one for reversing PD‐associated liver fibrosis, generating multiple astrocytes/fibroblasts reprogramming TFs, regenerating dopaminergic neurons, and improving PD.

Conclusion

VA‐medium dose pursued brain targeting in PD with the potential capability of regenerating neurons and restoring dopaminergic transmission. This may place this therapy as an essential treatment in PD management protocol.
Factors impacting the medication “Adherence Landscape” for transplant patients
Authors: Bendersky Victoria A. , Saha Amrita , Sidoti Carolyn N. , Ferzola Alexander , Downey Max , Ruck Jessica M. , Vanterpool Karen B. , Young Lisa , Shegelman Abigail , Segev Dorry L. , Levan Macey L.
Published: March 2023

Background

Medication non‐adherence contributes to post‐transplant graft rejection and failure; however, limited knowledge about the reasons for non‐adherence hinders the development of interventions to improve adherence. We conducted focus groups with solid organ transplant recipients regarding overlooked challenges in the process of transplant medication self‐management and examined their adherence strategies and perceptions towards the post‐transplant medication regimen.

Methods

We conducted four focus groups with n = 31 total adult transplant recipients. Participants had received kidney, liver, or combined liver/kidney transplant at Johns Hopkins Hospital between 2014 and 2019. Focus groups were audio‐recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed inductively, using the constant comparative method.

Results

Responses generally fell into two major categories: (1) barriers to adherence and (2) “adherence landscape”. We define the former as factors directly labeled as barriers to adherence by participants and the latter as factors that heavily influence the post‐transplant medication self‐management process.

Conclusions

We propose a shift in the way healthcare providers and researchers, address the question of medication non‐adherence. Rather than asking why patients are non‐adherent, we suggest that constructing and understanding patients’ “adherence landscape” will provide an optimal way to align the goals of patients and providers and boost health outcomes.
Identifying patients with type 2 diabetes who might benefit from insulin pump therapy: Literature review, clinical opportunities, potential benefits and challenges
Authors: Ekanayake Preethika , Edelman Steven
Published: March 2023

The global prevalence and increasing incidence rates of type 2 diabetes (T2D) have rippling effects on healthcare costs and diminishing quality of life. Despite advances in technology, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), or insulin pump therapy, is rarely being recommended by healthcare professionals and is underutilized in T2D management. This review analyses the available literature on CSII use in T2D patients. In addition, it discusses which groups of patients may benefit from CSII, identifies potential challenges associated with CSII use, and suggests future directions for research to expand the applicability of this technology to the broader T2D population.
Glycaemic control and sepsis risk in adults with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Balintescu Anca , Lind Marcus , Andersson Franko Mikael , Oldner Anders , Cronhjort Maria , Eliasson Björn , Svensen Christer , Mårtensson Johan
Published: March 2023

Aims

To study the association between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and sepsis in adults with type 1 diabetes, and to explore the relationship between HbA1c and mortality among individuals who developed sepsis.

Materials and Methods

We included 33 549 adult individuals with type 1 diabetes recorded in the Swedish National Diabetes Register between January 2005 and December 2015. We used multivariable Cox regression and restricted cubic spline analyses to study the relationship between HbA1c values and sepsis occurrence and association between HbA1c and mortality among those with sepsis.

Results

In total, 713 (2.1%) individuals developed sepsis during the study period. Compared with the HbA1c reference interval of 48‐52 mmol/mol (6.5‐6.9%), the adjusted hazard ratio for sepsis was: 2.50 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18‐5.29] for HbA1c <43 mmol/mol; 1.88 (95% CI 0.96‐3.67) for HbA1c 43‐47 mmol/mol; 1.78 (95% CI 1.09‐2.89) for HbA1c 53‐62 mmol/mol; 1.86 (95% CI 1.14‐3.03) for HbA1c 63‐72 mmol/mol; 3.15 (95% CI 1.91‐5.19) for HbA1c 73‐82 mmol/mol; and 4.26 (95% CI 2.53‐7.16) for HbA1c >82 mmol/mol. On multivariable restricted cubic spline analysis, we found a J‐shaped association between HbA1c and sepsis risk, with the lowest risk observed at HbA1c of approximately 53 mmol/mol. We found no association between HbA1c and mortality among those individuals who developed sepsis.

Conclusions

In our nationwide observational study of adult individuals with type 1 diabetes we found a J‐shaped relationship between HbA1c and risk of sepsis, with the lowest risk at HbA1c levels about 53 mmol/mol (7.0%). HbA1c was not associated with mortality in individuals affected by sepsis.
Navigating a flawed system: An investigation of the strategies employed by legal teams in family court
Authors: Katz Colleen C. , Pisciotta Caterina , Hajjar Roula , Wall Eden V. , Lens Vicki
Published: March 2023

Family courts have been criticized for failing their core mission of rehabilitating families. Structural inequalities embedded in the family court system, combined with the role of adversarial judges and resource constraints, have contributed to the creation of a problematic environment for parents and families. In this paper, we examine the strategies that legal teams (attorneys, legal social workers and parent advocates) employ to serve child welfare‐involved parents in navigating this complex system. Interviews were conducted with 32 participants employed by public defender organizations in a large Northeastern city. We called on thematic analysis to identify three distinct themes: (1) Keeping the Lines of Communication Open (the importance of regular communication between parents and attorneys); (2) Strategic Use of Parent Voice (the intentionality behind when and how parents should speak directly to the judge); and (3) Parents as Chameleons (the grooming of parents to meet certain judicial ideals of parenthood). We identified several strategies to empower child welfare involved parents as they pursue legal permanency for their children: (a) ameliorating communication barriers between parents and their legal team members; (b) preparing parents to amplify their voices in the courtroom; and (c) using more general language to co‐manage parental appearance and presentation.
Why abolition
Authors: Roberts Dorothy
Published: March 2023

Calls to abolish the child welfare system have provoked questions about the feasibility of dismantling the current system and worries that abolition will put vulnerable children at greater risk of maltreatment. Despite the clear evidence of harm inflicted by the family policing system, some child welfare experts argue that abandoning the system is dangerous because it is needed to protect children from harm. This essay makes a concise case for abolition of family policing and contests the claims made against it. It explains not only how the family policing system harms children, but also why abolishing it is essential to keep children safe.
A case of neonatal thrombocytopenia due to maternal Helicobacter pylori‐associated immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Ikeda Naho , Shoji Hiromichi , Ikuse Tamaki , Ohkawa Natsuki , Kashiwagi Kosuke , Saito Yukika , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: March 2023

Many studies in adults have suggested an association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). In adults with ITP and H. pylori infection, eradicating H. pylori is recommended as the first‐line therapy. However, the association between ITP and H. pylori in children remains controversial. Diagnosing thrombocytopenia in pregnant women is challenging but crucial because maternal ITP causes neonatal ITP through transplacental transfer of immunoglobulin G, also known as passive ITP. Herein, we report a case of neonatal passive ITP due to maternal H. pylori‐associated ITP. A boy was born at term with neonatal thrombocytopenia to a mother tentatively diagnosed with gestational thrombocytopenia. However, further examination suggested that maternal thrombocytopenia was associated with H. pylori, and neonatal thrombocytopenia was diagnosed as ITP due to maternal ITP. The newborn received intravenous immunoglobulin treatment, and the thrombocytopenia did not recur. The mother was examined using esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and her rapid urease test using gastric mucosa tissue samples was positive. Subsequently, she was diagnosed with H. pylori infection and received H. pylori eradication therapy, after which her platelet count remained normal. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of neonatal passive ITP secondary to maternal H. pylori‐associated ITP. This case suggests that maternal H. pylori infection can lead to the production of platelet autoantibodies, which can destroy antibody‐sensitized platelets in the mother and neonate. To summarize, H. pylori infection can also cause ITP in children. Therefore, pregnant women diagnosed with H. pylori‐associated ITP should receive H. pylori eradication therapy to prevent their neonates from developing passive ITP.
Using technology to promote the development of health science libraries in China
Authors: Zhang Jianjing , Zhang Yanlei , Xie Zhiyun
Published: March 2023

From the point of view of the development of libraries, technology has made possible the emergence and development of library automation; digital libraries; mobile libraries; and smart libraries. This article briefly describes the impact of technological developments and application in Health Science Libraries in China in relation to collections development, service provision and the role of library associations.
Effectiveness of a sonic‐flosser toothbrush with different size brush heads and manual toothbrush plus dental floss on plaque, gingival bleeding and inflammation in adults with naturally occurring gingivitis: A 4‐week randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mancinelli‐Lyle Deborah , Qaqish Jimmy G. , Goyal C. Ram , Schuller Reinhard
Published: March 2023

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of three oral hygiene groups: a novel sonic‐flosser toothbrush with a compact brush head, a novel sonic‐flosser toothbrush with a full size brush head and manual toothbrush plus dental floss on the reduction of gingival bleeding after 4 weeks. Secondarily, the groups were compared on the reduction of gingival inflammation and dental plaque.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and five (n = 105) healthy adults were enrolled in this randomized, examiner‐blind, three‐group, parallel clinical trial. Subjects were assigned to one of three groups: sonic‐flosser toothbrush with full size brush head (SFF), sonic‐flosser toothbrush with compact brush head (SFC), or manual toothbrush and string floss (MTF). Bleeding on probing (BOP), Modified Gingival Index (MGI), and Rustogi Modification of the Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) scores were recorded at baseline, 2‐weeks, and 4‐weeks.

Results

All subjects completed the study. All three groups demonstrated a significant reduction in BOP, MGI and RMNPI from baseline to 4‐weeks for all areas recorded (p < 0.001), except gingival margin plaque scores for SFF, SFC and MTF (p = 0.203, p = 0.082, p = 0.324 respectively). Both the SFF and SFC groups were statistically more effective than MTF for whole mouth BOP, MGI and RMNPI (p < 0.001) and proximal areas (p = 0.022 or less). There were no adverse events reported by the subjects or identified by the examiner during the study.

Conclusion

The sonic‐flosser toothbrush with a full size or compact brush head was statistically and clinically more effective at improving gingival health and reducing plaque than manual toothbrush and dental floss for adults with naturally occurring gingivitis over 4‐weeks.
Nail abnormalities in subepidermal blistering diseases: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Vafaeian Ahmad , Ghanbarzadeh Arefeh , Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Abedini Robabeh , Balighi Kamran , Etesami Ifa , Farid Ali Salehi , Farimani Zeinab , Mahmoudi Leila , Azar Pedram Molhem , Mahmoudi Hamidreza
Published: March 2023

Background

Nail involvement in subepidermal autoimmune blistering diseases (SEABD) is not common. Although these changes can be transient, permanent changes can also occur. This study addresses nail involvement manifestations and their associated factors in patients with SEABD.

Methods

From March 2020 to March 2021, we enrolled 56 patients with SEABD who were being examined at a tertiary skin hospital and checked their nail changes. We investigated the association between the SEABD subtypes and treatments that patients were receiving and the nail abnormalities. Additional factors including age, gender, duration since diagnosis, presence of mucosal involvement, and anti‐bp230 and anti‐bp180 IgG antibody quantitative levels (in those patients with bullous pemphigoid) were analyzed.

Results

The most common nail abnormalities were ridging, onycholysis, and onychoschizia. We observed a lower prevalence of onycholysis in EBA, a lower prevalence of periungual bullae in MMP, and a higher prevalence of scarring loss in EBA. Rituximab and dapsone were effective in preventing onycholysis as well as prednisolone in preventing subungual hematoma. Multiple lesions were found to be more common in the foot digits including great toes, probably because of higher exposure to trauma.

Conclusions

In summary, in patients with SEABD and concomitant nail involvement, the underlying disease control, proper treatment, and avoidance of trauma may be helpful.
The use of physical restraints and PRN medications in adolescent psychiatric inpatient units
Authors: Chung Joohyun , Shao Ming , Ryan Riazat , Eisenstein Maureen , Yan Donghui , Domaleski Vareen , Choi Jeungok , Lee Chi Hyun
Published: March 2023

Problem

Although physical restraint practices and psychotropic/sedative pro re neta (PRN, as needed) medications have been commonly used for managing inpatient aggression, little is known about the characteristics of adolescents who receive them in psychiatric adolescent inpatient units. We aimed to determine the relationship between the use of physical restraints and psychotropic/sedative PRN medications, and to characterize individual attributes, substance use, clinical factors, and time of the first restraint episodes of the use of physical restraints and psychotropic/sedative PRN medications.

Methods

A retrospective case‐control study approach was used with the data from electronic health records at a pediatric psychiatric hospital in the United States. Descriptive statistics, χ2, multivariate logistic regression, and Cox proportional hazard model were used.

Findings

Participants of younger age and participants with a longer length of stay were significantly associated with the use of physical restraints and psychotropic/sedative PRN medications, although the substance‐related risks were not significantly associated with the use of restraints. Physical restraints were more likely to have occurred soon after the admission and tapered off as the length of stay increased.

Conclusions

This study provides important information in understanding the risk factors of the use of restraints and psychotropic/sedative PRN medications in psychiatric adolescent inpatient units.