bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived interest in learning sustainability competencies among higher education students
Authors: Hyytinen Heidi , Laakso Senja , Pietikäinen Janna , Ratvio Rami , Ruippo Lotta , Tuononen Tarja , Vainio Annukka
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to assess higher education students’ interest in learning sustainability competencies and their pro-ecological worldviews at a large research-intensive university in Finland to provide a background information for developing a sustainability science course.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 797 students participated in the study. The data were collected through an online survey that measured students’ interest in learning sustainability competencies and their pro-ecological worldviews. Participants were classified into five categories based on field of study. The data were analysed by using Pearson’s correlation, independent samples t-tests, and analysis of variance.

Findings

The participating students perceived learning of critical thinking and values thinking most interesting. Interest in learning sustainability competencies and pro-ecological worldview appeared to differ across fields of study. Participants studying humanities expressed lower interest in collaborative use of digital technology compared to the participating students in science and agriculture. Participating students in health and welfare scored lower on interest in learning values thinking than students in other study fields.

Research limitations/implications

The response rate was low. It is likely that the participants felt strongly about sustainability challenges, therefore making them more interested in sustainability competencies. The limited number of sustainability competencies studied does not allow generalisation to all sustainability competencies.

Practical implications

The differences in interest in learning sustainability competencies and pro-ecological worldview should be understood and considered when planning sustainability education.

Originality/value

These results provide new insights into the interlinkage of students’ interest in learning sustainability competencies, their pro-ecological worldviews and their field of study.
Hybrid market offering in the medical technology sector and the role of network configuration: an exploratory assessment in both developed and emerging markets
Authors: Khan Huda , Arslan Ahmad , Haapanen Lauri , Rodgers Peter , Tarba Shlomo Yedidia
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Applying both the dynamic capability and configuration theoretical perspectives, the paper showcases the role of network configuration and dynamics of hybrid offerings in both developed and emerging markets by high-tech firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The current paper uses an exploratory qualitative research methodology based on in-depth case studies of three Finnish high-tech firms operating in the medical technology industry globally.

Findings

The findings from the study showed that dynamic capabilities such as sensing and customer engagement along with internal coordination and adaptation capabilities are critical to the success of hybrid market offerings. Moreover, dynamic capabilities were found to be influential in those emerging and advanced international markets where case firms were less familiar with market dynamics. Moreover, the configuration of these capabilities within functional units and coordination of marketing and R&D activities can be effective for creating hybrid offerings in international markets. Ultimately, this was found to be the case even though target market selection for hybrid offerings was influenced by the level of convergence and fragmentation of the market.

Originality/value

Applying the configuration theory, this is one of the first studies to specifically analyze the differences in organizational network configuration changes in relation to hybrid market offerings in both developed economies and emerging economies. The findings contribute to hybrid market offering literature by pointing out that not only internal capabilities are important for enacting hybrid offerings, but the roles of ecosystems and knowledge centers are also extremely important to develop hybrid offerings. This paper also highlights the criticality of under-studied dynamic capabilities such as market sensing and customer engagement in the context of hybrid offerings in international markets. This showcases the wider role of ecosystems in enabling technology firms to develop hybrid offerings.
Disclosure of auditor risk assessments in expanded audit reports
Authors: Dwyer Karen-Ann M. , Brennan Niamh M. , Kirwan Collette E.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This rich descriptive study examines auditors' client risk assessment (i.e. “key audit matters”/critical audit matters) disclosures in expanded audit reports of 328 Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 350 companies. The study compares auditor-identified client risks with corporate risk disclosures identified in audit committee reports, in terms of number and type of risks. The research also compares variation in auditor-identified client risks between individual Big 4 audit firms. In addition, the study examines auditor ranking of their client risks disclosed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study manually content analyses disclosures in audit reports and audit committee reports of a sample of 328 FTSE-350 companies with 2015 year-ends.

Findings

Audit committees identify more risks than auditors (23% more risks). However, auditor-identified client risks and audit-committee-identified risks are similar (80% similar), as are auditor-identified client risks between the individual Big 4 audit firms. Only ten (3%) audit reports rank the importance of auditor-identified client risks.

Research limitations/implications

Sample is restricted to one year, one jurisdiction, large-listed companies and companies audited by Big 4 auditors.

Practical implications

The study provides important insights for regulators, auditors and users of financial statements by identifying influences on disclosure of auditor-identified client risks.

Originality/value

The paper mobilises institutional theory to interpret the findings. The findings suggest that auditor-identified client risks in expanded audit reports may demonstrate mimetic behaviour in terms of similarity with audit-committee-identified risks and similarity between individual Big 4 audit firms. The study provides important insights for regulators, auditors and users of financial statements by identifying influences on disclosure of auditor-identified client risks.
Adoption of ZakaTech in the time of COVID-19: cross-country and gender differences
Authors: Bin-Nashwan Saeed Awadh , Ismaiel Abdelhamid Elsayed A. , Muneeza Aishath , Isa Mohamad Yazid
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Despite the significant growth in Islamic economies and the increasing number of Muslim youths inclining digital services, empirical-based research addressing the adoption of digital Islamic services is still limited. ZakaTech is a new phrase that has recently emerged as a modern term describing novel technologies adopted by zakat institutions; yet, it has been largely neglected in the literature. Therefore, this study aims to provide an integrated model that scrutinizes the determinants of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) of ZakaTech, combined with social cognitive theory (SCT), in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis where social distancing is the norm in conducting economic activities.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on cross-national evidence from two Muslim-majority countries, a total of 1,006 valid responses were collected from zakat payer users in Saudi Arabia and Egypt using a Web-based survey. To validate the research model and draw significant insights, SmartPLS structural equation modeling was used.

Findings

By analyzing both Saudi and Egyptian samples, the authors found that all UTAUT constructs are statistically significant, except for effort expectancy in Egypt. The effects of self-efficacy and social isolation on ZakaTech adoption are supported across both countries. Trust in technology reduces users’ inherent risks and increases their likelihood of adopting ZakaTech services in Saudi Arabia, while this is not the case in Egypt. However, the study revealed that trust in electronic-zakat systems (EZSs) is a vital predictor for mitigating perceived risk among Egyptian users of ZakaTech, but it is not the case in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, significant gender differences were found between males and females in the adoption of such digital services in both countries, particularly regarding self-efficacy, trust in EZSs, social isolation and social influence.

Practical implications

The results provide meaningful insights for policymakers to find ways to develop strategies to escalate the adoption of technology in zakat administration and also to create awareness among the users of ZakaTech in a gender-balanced manner that will include zakat payers and recipients as well in the hope that the digital gender divide will be bridged. Bridging the digital gender divide in this regard is imperative for sustainable inclusive development of zakat. Further, strategies need to be developed to provide incentives to zakat authorities and zakat organizations that adopt technology in managing zakat. This is important to escalate the process of fusing technology with zakat, which is an important social finance tool to eradicate poverty in the world.

Originality/value

This research serves as a building block for literature by empirically testing an integrated model of UTAUT-SCT within a modern and unique related context like ZakaTech. Also, it adds value by testing gender disparities in ZakaTech adoption among Muslims.
Can mental imagery enhance review helpfulness and product evaluation? The role of contextual background and mental simulation
Authors: Jeong Jae Eun , Yeu Minsun
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Despite the growing importance of visual information, user-generated photos in product reviews have received relatively little attention. We investigate whether the contextual background of a product image can influence consumers' perceptions of review helpfulness and product evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

Online experiments were conducted using a scenario technique. A single factor (contextual background: low vs. high) between-subjects design was conducted in Study 1. A 2 (contextual background: low vs. high) × 2 (mental simulation: outcome vs. process) between-subjects design was conducted in Study 2.

Findings

A photo with a high (vs. low) contextual background enhances mental imagery, increasing perceived helpfulness and product evaluation. Furthermore, mental simulation plays a significant moderating role in the relationship between contextual background and mental imagery.

Originality/value

Based on cue utilization theory, this study identifies how the contextual background of product images affects consumers' perception and product evaluation by uncovering the underlying mechanism of mental imagery. Furthermore, the research examines the moderating effect of mental simulation while reviewing user-generated photos.
Final analysis of a post‐marketing surveillance study of dabrafenib and trametinib combination therapy in Japanese patients with unresectable malignant melanoma with BRAF V600 mutation
Authors: Kaizuka Tomoaki , Kurihara Ryohei , Harumiya Miki , Kimura Takayuki , Ushida Naoko
Published: March 2023

Targeted therapy with a combination of dabrafenib and trametinib has been developed and widely used for treatment of melanoma. However, data regarding its safety and efficacy in Japanese patients with malignant melanoma are limited. A post‐marketing surveillance (PMS) study was conducted to investigate the safety and efficacy of combination therapy in a Japanese clinical setting with a surveillance period of June 2016 to March 2022; 326 patients with unresectable malignant melanoma with BRAF mutation were enrolled. The interim results were published in July 2020. Herein, we report the results of the final analysis based on the data collected until the completion of the PMS study. The safety analysis population included 326 patients, the majority of whom had stage IV disease (79.14%) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 or 1 (85.28%). All patients were treated with the approved dose of dabrafenib, while 99.08% were treated with the approved dose of trametinib. Adverse events (AEs) occurred in 282 patients (86.50%) and the major AEs (incidence ≥5%) were pyrexia (47.85%), malignant melanoma (33.44%), hepatic function abnormal (9.82%), rash and blood creatine phosphokinase increased (8.59% each), malaise (6.44%), nausea (5.52%), and diarrhea and rhabdomyolysis (5.21% each). The incidences rates of adverse drug reactions of safety specifications were 45.71% for pyrexia, 15.95% for hepatic impairment, 12.58% for rhabdomyolysis, 4.60% for cardiac disorders, and 3.07% for eye disorders. In the efficacy analysis population of 318 patients, the objective response rate was 58.18% (95% confidence interval [CI] 52.54%–63.66%). The progression‐free survival rates at 90, 180, and 360 days were 88.14% (95% CI 84.00%–91.26%), 69.53% (63.85%–74.50%), and 52.07% (45.71%–58.03%), respectively. Consistent with previous interim results, no new safety or efficacy concerns were observed in this final analysis of a PMS study conducted in a Japanese real‐world clinical setting.
Transparent machine learning suggests a key driver in the decision to start insulin therapy in individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Musacchio Nicoletta , Zilich Rita , Ponzani Paola , Guaita Giacomo , Giorda Carlo , Heidbreder Rebeca , Santin Pierluigi , Di Cianni Graziano
Published: March 2023

Aims

The objective of this study is to establish a predictive model using transparent machine learning (ML) to identify any drivers that characterize therapeutic inertia.

Methods

Data in the form of both descriptive and dynamic variables collected from electronic records of 1.5 million patients seen at clinics within the Italian Association of Medical Diabetologists between 2005–2019 were analyzed using logic learning machine (LLM), a “clear box” ML technique. Data were subjected to a first stage of modeling to allow ML to automatically select the most relevant factors related to inertia, and then four further modeling steps individuated key variables that discriminated the presence or absence of inertia.

Results

The LLM model revealed a key role for average glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) threshold values correlated with the presence or absence of insulin therapeutic inertia with an accuracy of 0.79. The model indicated that a patient's dynamic rather than static glycemic profile has a greater effect on therapeutic inertia. Specifically, the difference in HbA1c between two consecutive visits, what we call the HbA1c gap, plays a crucial role. Namely, insulin therapeutic inertia is correlated with an HbA1c gap of <6.6 mmol/mol (0.6%), but not with an HbA1c gap of >11 mmol/mol (1.0%).

Conclusions

The results reveal, for the first time, the interrelationship between a patient's glycemic trend defined by sequential HbA1c measurements and timely or delayed initiation of insulin therapy. The results further demonstrate that LLM can provide insight in support of evidence‐based medicine using real world data.
The gut microbiota metabolite capsiate regulate SLC2A1 expression by targeting HIF‐1α to inhibit knee osteoarthritis‐induced ferroptosis
Authors: Guan Zhiyuan , Jin Xiao , Guan Zhiqiang , Liu Shengfu , Tao Kun , Luo Liying
Published: March 2023

Ferroptosis is an iron‐dependent cell death that has been found to aggravate the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) and gut microbiota‐ OA axis refers to the bidirectional information network between the gut microbiota and OA, which may provide a new way to protect the OA. However, the role of gut microbiota‐derived metabolites in ferroptosis‐relative osteoarthritis remains unclear. The objective of this study was to analyze the protective effect of gut microbiota and its metabolite capsiate (CAT) on ferroptosis‐relative osteoarthritis in vivo and in vitro experiments. From June 2021 to February 2022, 78 patients were evaluated retrospectively and divided into two groups: The health group (n = 39) and the OA group (n = 40). Iron and oxidative stress indicators were determined in peripheral blood samples. And then in vivo and in vitro experiments, a surgically destabilized medial meniscus (DMM) mice model was established and treated with CAT or Ferric Inhibitor‐1 (Fer‐1). Solute Carrier Family 2 Member 1 (SLC2A1) short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was utilized to inhibit SLC2A1 expression. Serum iron was increased significantly but total iron binding capacity was decreased significantly in OA patients than healthy people (p < 0.0001). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator clinical prediction model suggested that serum iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin, and superoxide dismutase were all independent predictors of OA (p < 0.001). Bioinformatics results suggested that SLC2A1, Metastasis‐Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1), and HIF‐1α (Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Alpha)‐related oxidative stress signaling pathways play an important role in iron homeostasis and OA. In addition, gut microbiota 16s RNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were used to find that gut microbiota metabolites CAT in mice with osteoarthritis were negatively correlated with Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores for chondrogenic degeneration (p = 0.0017). Moreover, CAT reduced ferroptosis‐dependent osteoarthritis in vivo and in vitro. However, the protective effect of CAT against ferroptosis‐dependent osteoarthritis could be eliminated by silencing SLC2A1. SLC2A1 was upregulated but reduced the SLC2A1 and HIF‐1α levels in the DMM group. HIF‐1α, MALAT1, and apoptosis levels were increased after SLC2A1 knockout in chondrocyte cells (p = 0.0017). Finally, downregulation of SLC2A1 expression by Adeno‐associated Virus (AAV) ‐SLC2A1 shRNA improves osteoarthritis in vivo. Our findings indicated that CAT inhibited HIF‐1a expression and reduced ferroptosis‐relative osteoarthritis progression by activating SLC2A1.
Morphometric examination of hind limb and foot bones and fibre type composition of crus region muscles in quail and pigeon
Authors: Isbilir Fatma , Akkoc Cansel Guzin Ozguden , Arıcan Ilker
Published: March 2023

In this study, the foot and hind limb bones of pigeons and quails were measured morphometrically. Additionally, microscopic classifications of the muscles affecting the foot and digit joints were made. For the macroscopic inspection, 40 birds were used, including 20 adult quails (10 males, 10 females) and 20 adult pigeons (10 males, 10 females). Diethyl ether was inhaled to anaesthetize the animals. The poultry animals were put under anaesthesia, and radiographic pictures of their left feet were obtained individually. DAP measurements were performed separately from the images taken with the Image J program. Then, they were euthanized by cervical dislocation under diethyl ether anaesthesia. The right legs of the euthanized animals were preserved in a 10% neutral formalin solution for histology procedures just after the legs were dissected from the trunk. Morphometric measurements of bone lengths were made in accordance with the measurement points specified by von den Driesch. After fixation for histological examination, routine tissue follow‐up was performed and the tissues were embedded in paraffin. The presence of SO‐type I, FG‐type IIb and FOG‐type IIa in 4–5 μ sections taken from paraffin blocks was demonstrated using the indirect streptavidin‐biotin‐complex method from immunohistochemical methods. The result of our study was statistically evaluated at p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 levels. The length of the hallux, the articulation point to the TMT and the fibre arrangements in the two flexor group muscles showed that the hind limbs and feet of the pigeons had a more favourable anatomical and histological structure for the perching movement.
An annotated ventricular tachycardia (VT) alarm database: Toward a uniform standard for optimizing automated VT identification in hospitalized patients
Authors: Pelter Michele M. , Carey Mary G. , Al‐Zaiti Salah , Zegre‐Hemsey Jessica , Sommargren Claire , Isola Lamberto , Prasad Priya , Mortara David , Badilini Fabio
Published: March 2023

Background

False ventricular tachycardia (VT) alarms are common during in‐hospital electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring. Prior research shows that the majority of false VT can be attributed to algorithm deficiencies.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was: (1) to describe the creation of a VT database annotated by ECG experts and (2) to determine true vs. false VT using a new VT algorithm created by our group.

Methods

The VT algorithm was processed in 5320 consecutive ICU patients with 572,574 h of ECG and physiologic monitoring. A search algorithm identified potential VT, defined as: heart rate >100 beats/min, QRSs > 120 ms, and change in QRS morphology in >6 consecutive beats compared to the preceding native rhythm. Seven ECG channels, SpO2, and arterial blood pressure waveforms were processed and loaded into a web‐based annotation software program. Five PhD‐prepared nurse scientists performed the annotations.

Results

Of the 5320 ICU patients, 858 (16.13%) had 22,325 VTs. After three levels of iterative annotations, a total of 11,970 (53.62%) were adjudicated as true, 6485 (29.05%) as false, and 3870 (17.33%) were unresolved. The unresolved VTs were concentrated in 17 patients (1.98%). Of the 3870 unresolved VTs, 85.7% (n = 3281) were confounded by ventricular paced rhythm, 10.8% (n = 414) by underlying BBB, and 3.5% (n = 133) had a combination of both.

Conclusions

The database described here represents the single largest human‐annotated database to date. The database includes consecutive ICU patients, with true, false, and challenging VTs (unresolved) and could serve as a gold standard database to develop and test new VT algorithms.
The Romantic Anti‐Capitalisms of Short‐Term Rental Hosting
Authors: Medvedeva Nina
Published: March 2023

This article focuses on how Airbnb hosts in the Boston metro, San Francisco, and Washington, DC respond to legislative short‐term rental (STR) regulations. I trace how hosts justify their multiple STR practices by way of the civic good all while foreclosing a debate about the potential negative effects of their monetisation. I show how hosts displace the displeasing aspects of STRs onto the abstracted category of the “Investor Host”, a stand‐in for foreign investment capital and indifferent corporations. I argue that STR owners replicate what Iyko Day calls “romantic anti‐capitalism”, a mode of critiquing capitalism that valorises the local and concrete uses of capital while displacing capital's destructive effects onto an abstracted and racialised other. I build on Day's theorisation by demonstrating how there are multiple genres of romantic anti‐capitalism that function differently based on a person's structural position within settler‐colonialism.
Use of a gene expression signature to identify trimetazidine for repurposing to treat bipolar depression
Authors: Bortolasci Chiara C. , Kidnapillai Srisaiyini , Spolding Briana , Truong Trang T. T. , Connor Timothy , Swinton Courtney , Panizzutti Bruna , Liu Zoe S. J. , Sanigorski Andrew , Dean Olivia M. , Crowley Tamsyn , Richardson Mark , Bozaoglu Kiymet , Vlahos Katerina , Cowdery Stephanie , Watmuff Brad , Steyn Stephan F. , Wolmarans De Wet , Engelbrecht Barend J. , Perry Christina , Drummond Katherine , Pang Terence , Jamain Stéphane , Gray Laura , McGee Sean L. , Harvey Brian H. , Kim Jee Hyun , Leboyer Marion , Berk Michael , Walder Ken
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to repurpose a drug for the treatment of bipolar depression.

Methods

A gene expression signature representing the overall transcriptomic effects of a cocktail of drugs widely prescribed to treat bipolar disorder was generated using human neuronal‐like (NT2‐N) cells. A compound library of 960 approved, off‐patent drugs were then screened to identify those drugs that affect transcription most similar to the effects of the bipolar depression drug cocktail. For mechanistic studies, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from a healthy subject and reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells, which were then differentiated into co‐cultured neurons and astrocytes. Efficacy studies were conducted in two animal models of depressive‐like behaviours (Flinders Sensitive Line rats and social isolation with chronic restraint stress rats).

Results

The screen identified trimetazidine as a potential drug for repurposing. Trimetazidine alters metabolic processes to increase ATP production, which is thought to be deficient in bipolar depression. We showed that trimetazidine increased mitochondrial respiration in cultured human neuronal‐like cells. Transcriptomic analysis in induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived neuron/astrocyte co‐cultures suggested additional mechanisms of action via the focal adhesion and MAPK signalling pathways. In two different rodent models of depressive‐like behaviours, trimetazidine exhibited antidepressant‐like activity with reduced anhedonia and reduced immobility in the forced swim test.

Conclusion

Collectively our data support the repurposing of trimetazidine for the treatment of bipolar depression.
Emotion transmission in peer dyads in middle childhood
Authors: Hubbard Julie A. , Moore Christina C. , Zajac Lindsay , Bookhout Megan K. , Dozier Mary
Published: March 2023

This study investigated emotion transmission among peers during middle childhood. Participants included 202 children (111 males; race: 58% African American, 20% European American, 16% Mixed race, 1% Asian American, and 5% Other; ethnicity: 23% Latino(a) and 77% Not Latino(a); Mincome = $42,183, SDincome = $43,889; Mage = 9.49; English‐speaking; from urban and suburban areas of a mid‐Atlantic state in the United States). Groups of four same‐sex children interacted in round‐robin dyads in 5‐min tasks during 2015–2017. Emotions (happy, sad, angry, anxious, and neutral) were coded and represented as percentages of 30‐s intervals. Analyses assessed whether children's emotion expression in one interval predicted change in partners' emotion expression in the next interval. Findings suggested: (a) escalation of positive and negative emotion [children's positive (negative) emotion predicts an increase in partners' positive (negative) emotion], and (b) de‐escalation of positive and negative emotion (children's neutral emotion predicts a decrease in partners' positive or negative emotion). Importantly, de‐escalation involved children's display of neutral emotion and not oppositely valenced emotion.
The TGFβ system and TIMP1 and 3 genotypes in Turner syndrome—Relation with aortic congenital malformations
Authors: Ridder Lukas Ochsner , Stochholm Kirstine , Mortensen Kristian Havmand , Andersen Niels Holmark , Gravholt Claus Højbjerg
Published: March 2023

Objective

Cardiovascular complications and congenital malformations are known traits in Turner syndrome (TS), which increases mortality. Women with TS have varying phenotype and cardiovascular risks. A biomarker assessing the risk for cardiovascular complications could potentially reduce mortality in high‐risk TS and reduce screening in TS participants with low cardiovascular risk.

Design, Patients, Participants and Measurements

As part of a study initiated in 2002, 87 TS participants and 64 controls were invited to magnetic resonance imaging of the aorta, anthropometry, and biochemical markers. TS participants were re‐examined thrice lastly in 2016. The focus of this paper is the additional measurements of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP's), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP), peripheral blood DNA and their associations with TS and the cardiovascular risk and congenital heart disease.

Results

TS participants had lower TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 values compared to controls. snp11547635 heterozygosity was not associated with any biomarkers but was associated with increased risk of aortic regurgitation. TIMP4 and TGFβ1 were correlated with the aortic diameter at several measuring positions. During follow‐up, the antihypertensive treatment decreased the descending aortic diameter and increased TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 levels in TS.

Conclusion

TGFβ and TIMP's are altered in TS and may play a role in the development of coarctation and dilated aorta. snp11547635 heterozygosity was not found to impact biochemical markers. Further studies should investigate these biomarkers to further unravel the pathogenesis of the increased cardiovascular risk in TS participants.
Age and sex differentially shape brain networks in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Chen Zhichun , Wu Bin , Li Guanglu , Zhou Liche , Zhang Lina , Liu Jun
Published: March 2023

Aims

Age and sex are important individual factors modifying the clinical symptoms of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Our goal is to evaluate the effects of age and sex on brain networks and clinical manifestations of PD patients.

Methods

Parkinson's disease participants (n = 198) receiving functional magnetic resonance imaging from Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative database were investigated. Participants were classified into lower quartile group (age rank: 0%~25%), interquartile group (age rank: 26%~75%), and upper quartile group (age rank: 76%~100%) according to their age quartiles to examine how age shapes brain network topology. The differences of brain network topological properties between male and female participants were also investigated.

Results

Parkinson's disease patients in the upper quartile age group exhibited disrupted network topology of white matter networks and impaired integrity of white matter fibers compared to lower quartile age group. In contrast, sex preferentially shaped the small‐world topology of gray matter covariance network. Differential network metrics mediated the effects of age and sex on cognitive function of PD patients.

Conclusion

Age and sex have diverse effects on brain structural networks and cognitive function of PD patients, highlighting their roles in the clinical management of PD.
Living donor liver transplantation: A multi‐disciplinary collaboration towards growth, consensus, and a change in culture
Authors: Liapakis AnnMarie , Jesse Michelle T , Pillai Anjana , Bittermann Therese , Dew Mary Amanda , Emre Sukru , Hunt Heather , Kumar Vineeta , Locke Jayme , Mohammad Saeed , Olthoff Kim , Verna Elizabeth C. , Lentine Krista L ,   LDLT Consensus Conference Working Group
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) reduces liver transplant waitlist mortality and provides excellent long‐term outcomes for persons with end stage liver disease. Yet, utilization of LDLT has been limited in the United States (US).

Methods

In October 2021, the American Society of Transplantation held a consensus conference to identify important barriers to broader expansion of LDLT in the US, including data gaps, and make recommendations for impactful and feasible mitigation strategies to overcome these barriers. Domains addressed encompassed the entirety of the LDLT process. Representation from international centers and living donor kidney transplantation were included for their perspective/experience in addition to members across disciplines within the US liver transplantation community. A modified Delphi approach was employed as the consensus methodology.

Results

The predominant theme permeating discussion and polling results centered on culture; the beliefs and behaviors of a group of people perpetuated over time.

Conclusions

Creating a culture of support for LDLT in the US is key for expansion and includes engagement and education of stakeholders across the spectrum of the process of LDLT. A shift from awareness of LDLT to acknowledgement of benefit of LDLT is the primary goal. Propagation of the maxim "LDLT is the best option" is pivotal.
In conversation with Carol Robinson
Authors: Dhillon Paraminder , Robinson Carol
Published: March 2023

Dame Carol Robinson is a professor of chemistry and Director of the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery at the University of Oxford. Carol's career in science began at the age of 16 as a lab technician at Pfizer (based in Kent), during which time she studied part‐time and took evening classes to obtain a degree in chemistry. This was followed by a master's degree at the University of Swansea and a PhD at the University of Cambridge. Carol's postdoctoral training was undertaken in Peter Bennett's lab at the Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Bristol. Subsequently, she took a career break of 8 years to spend time with her family but made a strong comeback, taking up a position at the University of Oxford, where she began to explore protein folding. It was here that she first demonstrated, using the GroEL chaperonin−substrate complex as a prototype, that protein secondary structure can be analysed in the gas phase. Carol later made history as the first female professor of chemistry at the University of Cambridge (2001) and again as the first female professor of chemistry at the University of Oxford (2009). In her research, she has also continuously pushed boundaries, pioneering the application of mass spectrometry for the elucidation of the 3D architecture of macromolecular complexes, including membrane‐bound assemblies. She has received many awards and honours in recognition of her significant contributions to the field of gas‐phase structural biology, including the Royal Society Fellowship, the Davy Medal, the Rosalind Franklin Award and the FEBS/EMBO Women in Science Award. In this interview, she discusses some of her career highlights and ongoing research aspirations and draws on her unique experiences to offer advice to early career scientists.
Alteration of neural activity and neuroinflammatory factors in the insular cortex of mice with corneal neuropathic pain
Authors: Xu Rui , Zhang Yu‐Wen , Gu Qing , Yuan Tian‐Jie , Fan Bing‐Qian , Xia Jun‐Ming , Wu Jin‐Hong , Xia Ying , Li Wen‐Xian , Han Yuan
Published: March 2023

Dry eye disease (DED) affects nearly 55% of people worldwide; several studies have proposed that central sensitization and neuroinflammation may contribute to the developing corneal neuropathic pain of DED, while the underlying mechanisms of this contribution remain to be investigated. Excision of extra orbital lacrimal glands established the dry eye model. Corneal hypersensitivity was examined through chemical and mechanical stimulation, and open field test measured the anxiety levels. Restingstate fMRI is a method of functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) was performed for anatomical involvement of the brain regions. The amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF) determined brain activity. Immunofluorescence testing and Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction were also performed to further validate the findings. Compared with the Sham group, ALFF signals in the supplemental somatosensory area, secondary auditory cortex, agranular insular cortex, temporal association areas, and ectorhinal cortex brain areas were increased in the dry eye group. This change of ALFF in the insular cortex was linked with the increment in corneal hypersensitivity (p < 0.01), c‐Fos (p < 0.001), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (p < 0.01), TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β (p < 0.05). In contrast, IL‐10 levels (p < 0.05) decreased in the dry eye group. DED‐induced corneal hypersensitivity and upregulation of inflammatory cytokines could be blocked by insular cortex injection of Tyrosine Kinase receptor B agonist cyclotraxin‐B (p < 0.01) without affecting anxiety levels. Our study reveals that the functional activity of the brain associated with corneal neuropathic pain and neuroinflammation in the insular cortex might contribute to dry eye‐related corneal neuropathic pain.
Stocking method effects on forage accumulation, canopy attributes, and nutritive value of grazed Mulato II brachiariagrass pastures
Authors: de Almeida Otávio Goulart , Pedreira Carlos Guilherme Silveira , Holschuch Solange Garcia , Pedroso Gabriel Baracat , Yasuoka Junior Issamu , da Silva Valdson José
Published: March 2023

Rotational stocking (RS) is generally associated with the intensification of pasture‐based animal production systems, although many studies have shown little advantage over continuous stocking (CS). The objective of this research was to describe and explain the effects of two average canopy heights (20 and 30 cm) and three stocking methods (CS; rotational stocking with lenient defoliation, RSL; and rotational stocking with moderate defoliation, RSM) on forage accumulation (FA), vertical distribution of plant‐part components, and nutritive value of ‘Mulato II’ hybrid brachiariagrass (Brachiaria spp. syn. Urochloa spp.) during two summer rainy seasons in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. Pastures were maintained at average canopy height of 20 and 30 cm under CS, and treatments under RSL and RSM were imposed by variations of ±20 and 30% of the average canopy heights, representing defoliation intensities of 33 and 47% of the pre‐graze heights, respectively. The FA was not affected by CS, RSL, RSM stocking methods, averaging 8090 kg DM ha−1 year−1. Canopy bulk density and distribution of plant‐part components in the canopy profile were better at the average canopy height of 20 cm, accompanied by the greater nutritive value. The leaf bulk density was generally greater in RSM compared to CS. Pastures under CS had greater crude protein and in vitro digestible matter, and lesser neutral detergent fibre concentrations. Mulato II brachiariagrass should be managed at an average height of 20 cm under CS.
Microbiome and function alterations in the gastric mucosa of asymptomatic patients with Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Yu Tingting , Lu Tianyu , Deng Wei , Yao Danping , He Cheng , Luo Peng , Song Jian
Published: March 2023

Background

Most patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection have no clinical symptoms, numerous studies reported the gastric microbiome in H. pylori‐infected patients, but asymptomatic patients have not been distinguished. How the microbiome and function changes in asymptomatic patients with H. pylori infection remains poorly understood.

Methods

A total of 29 patients were divided into H. pylori‐infected asymptomatic group (10 patients), H. pylori‐infected symptomatic group (11 patients) and H. pylori‐uninfected group (8 patients). Gastric mucosa specimens were taken for histopathological examination, special staining, and 16 S rDNA sequencing. High‐throughput results were evaluated by community composition analysis, indicator species analysis, alpha diversity analysis, beta diversity analysis, and function prediction.

Results

The gastric microbiota composition at phylum and genus level of H. pylori‐infected asymptomatic patients were similar with H. pylori‐infected symptomatic group, but different from H. pylori‐uninfected patients. The diversity and richness of gastric microbial community declined significantly in H. pylori‐infected asymptomatic group comparing with H. pylori‐uninfected group. Sphingomonas may be an indicator between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with H. pylori infection, the AUC value of Sphingomonas is 0.79. Interactions between species increased and altered notably after H. pylori infection. More genera were affected by Helicobacter in H. pylori‐infected asymptomatic patients. The function condition changed significantly in asymptomatic patients with H. pylori infection, there was no difference comparing with symptomatic ones. Amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism strengthened but carbohydrate metabolism remained constant after H. pylori infection. The metabolism of fatty acid and bile acid was disturbed after infection with H. pylori.

Conclusion

The gastric microbiota composition and function mode changed significantly after H. pylori infection regardless of the presence of clinical symptoms, there was no difference between H. pylori‐infected asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. The difference in gastric microbiota composition and interactions between species might be responsible for presence of digestive symptoms.
Treatment efficacy of diet and exercise program for fatty liver and pretreatment predictors
Authors: Akuta Norio , Kawamura Yusuke , Fujiyama Shunichiro , Nakamichi Kenichi , Saegusa Eiji , Ogura Hidetoshi , Kato Masaki , Doi Etsuko , Inoue Naoko , Sezaki Hitomi , Hosaka Tetsuya , Kobayashi Mariko , Saitoh Satoshi , Arase Yasuji , Ikeda Kenji , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Kumada Hiromitsu , Suzuki Fumitaka
Published: March 2023

Aims

Both diet and exercise counseling are recommended for patients with fatty liver, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), to achieve weight loss goals. However, data evaluating treatment efficacy are limited.

Methods

The subjects of this retrospective cohort study were 186 consecutive Japanese cases with fatty liver diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. Treatment efficacy and predictive factors of “Hospitalization Program for Improvement Purpose for Fatty Liver” as a combined diet and aerobic and resistance exercise program were evaluated according to the hospitalization group (153 cases) or the no hospitalization group (33 cases). To balance the confounding biases, treatment efficacy was evaluated using propensity score‐matched analysis. In the hospitalization group, a diet of 25–30 kcal/kg multiplied by ideal body weight (BW) daily and aerobic and resistance exercise (exercise intensity of 4–5 metabolic equivalents daily, respectively) were performed for 6 days.

Results

In liver function tests and BW at 6 months compared with baseline, the rates of decrease of the hospitalization group (24 cases) were significantly higher than those of the no hospitalization group (24 cases), using propensity score‐matched analysis. In markers of glycolipid metabolism and ferritin levels, the rates of the hospitalization group were not different from those of the no hospitalization group. In the hospitalization group (153 cases), multivariate regression analysis identified the etiology of non‐NAFLD, the presence of diabetes mellitus, and large waist circumference as independent predictors of decreased rates of hemoglobin A1c levels.

Conclusion

The diet and exercise program for fatty liver improved liver function tests and BW. Further study should be performed to develop a feasible and suitable program.
One for all, all for one: neuro‐HIV multidisciplinary platform for the assessment and management of neurocognitive complaints in people living with HIV
Authors: Damas José , Darling Katharine E. A. , Bidlingmeyer Phanie , Nadin‐Debluë Isaure , Bieler Mélanie , Vollino Lidia , Sokolov Arseny A. , Berney Alexandre , Maccaferri Giorgio , Filippidis Paraskevas , Viala Benjamin , Granziera Cristina , Dunet Vincent , Du Pasquier Renaud , Cavassini Matthias
Published: March 2023

Background

With ageing, comorbidities such as neurocognitive impairment increase among people living with HIV (PLWH). However, addressing its multifactorial nature is time‐consuming and logistically demanding. We developed a neuro‐HIV clinic able to assess these complaints in 8 h using a multidisciplinary approach.

Methods

People living with HIV with neurocognitive complaints were referred from outpatient clinics to Lausanne University Hospital. Over 8 h participants underwent formal infectious disease, neurological, neuropsychological and psychiatric evaluations, with opt‐out magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and lumbar puncture. A multidisciplinary panel discussion was performed afterwards, with a final report weighing all findings being produced.

Results

Between 2011 and 2019, a total of 185 PLWH (median age 54 years) were evaluated. Of these, 37 (27%) had HIV‐associated neurocognitive impairment, but they were mainly asymptomatic (24/37, 64.9%). Most participants had non‐HIV‐associated neurocognitive impairment (NHNCI), and depression was prevalent across all participants (102/185, 79.5%). Executive function was the principal neurocognitive domain affected among both groups (75.5% and 83.8% of participants impaired, respectively). Polyneuropathy was found in 29 (15.7%) participants. Abnormalities in MRI were found in 45/167 participants (26.9%), being more common among NHNCI (35, 77.8%), and HIV‐1 RNA viral escape was detected in 16/142 participants (11.2%). Plasma HIV‐RNA was detectable in 18.4% out of 185 participants.

Conclusions

Cognitive complaints remain an important problem among PLWH. Individual assessment from a general practitioner or HIV specialist is not enough. Our observations show the many layers of HIV management and suggest that a multidisciplinary approach could be helpful in determining non‐HIV causes of NCI. A 1‐day evaluation system is beneficial for both participants and referring physicians.
Additive manufacturing of B4C‐W‐based composites via fused deposition molding using highly filled granular feedstocks
Authors: Yi Zhonghuai , Sun Yi , Zhang Ning , Xiong Huiwen
Published: March 2023

The miniaturization and mobility of nuclear reactors have become an important trend in the development of nuclear energy. In order to simplify the design of shielding materials with improved complexity and reduced weight, 3D B4C‐W‐based composites were fabricated via fused deposition molding using highly‐filled granular feedstocks containing 62 vol% B4C‐W powders (boron carbide accounted for 30 wt% and tungsten for 70 wt%) and 38 vol% polymer binders (60 wt% Carnauba wax, 22 wt% polypropylene, 13 wt% polystyrene, and 5 wt% stearic acid). The rheological properties and microstructure of the feedstock and extruded filaments were clarified. Roles of the printing parameters including extrusion temperature, platform temperature and deposited‐layer height in the morphology of 3D composites were investigated in detail. Extruded filaments with good shape retention, dense fracture surface, and uniformly dispersed B4C‐W grains were achieved, benefiting from the smooth printing and shear thinning behaviour of the feedstock. Defects including warping, small pores or stacking pores could be formed under improper printing parameters, owing to the poor bonding strength between deposited layers induced by thermal internal stress or decomposition of wax. 3D composites with large size of 130 × 130 × 5 mm were fabricated, which showed a satisfactory compressive strength of 34.8 MPa. This work showed a facile route to fabricate 3D radiation shielding materials based on highly‐filled polymers.
Development and psychometric property testing of a Medical Device‐related Pressure Injuries Knowledge and Practice Assessment Tool
Authors: Demirer Erdinç , Karadağ Ayişe , Aktan Derya Çobanoğlu , Çakar Vildan
Published: March 2023

Aims

We aimed to develop and test the psychometric properties of a Medical Device‐related Pressure Injuries Knowledge and Practice Assessment Tool.

Background

Assessment of nurses' knowledge and practices is critical in the prevention of Medical Device‐related Pressure Injuries.

Design

This was an instrument development and testing study.

Methods

The sample of the study consisted of nurses (n = 189). The study was conducted in three phases between January and February 2021. In the first phase, multiple‐choice items contained within Aetiology/Risk Factors, Prevention Interventions, and Staging domains were created. In the second phase, content validity and criterion validity were evaluated, and the tool was pre‐tested. The third phase examined item difficulty, discrimination index and distractor quality. The test–retest method was used for reliability.

Results

The Content Validity Index was found to be 0.75, 0.86 and 0.96 for the domains of Aetiology/Risk Factors, Prevention and Staging, respectively. The item difficulty values of the items were between 0.18 and 0.96. A positive, strong and significant relationship was found between the results and a positive, moderate and significant relationship between the tools administered for the proof of scale validity. The Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was found to be 0.54.

Conclusions

The tool is a suitable measurement instrument for use in nursing education, research and clinical settings.