bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-silico studies on structural and thermodynamics basis of interaction of lac repressor protein binding to different DNA operators
Authors: Das Soumi , Roy Siddhartha , Bhattacharyya Dhananjay
Published: July 2024

Transcription factors, which bind to a large number of sequences in the sea of genome non-specifically, affect the final outcome in a sequence-dependent manner and intrigued us to explore whether there exists any conformational preference of the DNA. Lac-repressor, binds to major groove of DNA with strong sequence specificity, also interacts with the minor groove of its operator by partially intercalating two symmetry related Leucine side-chains between two CG base pairs. We attempt to elucidate mechanisms of the structural and dynamic alterations of two different Lac operator DNA sequences upon Lac repressor recognition using molecular modelling and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. The difference of hydrogen bonding network and deformation of DNA base pair step produce the asymmetric dynamics of the two subunits of Lac repressor protein. Variation of minor groove widths can direct overall shape complementarily between the DNA and protein surfaces indicating DNA is significantly deformed to accommodate the protein fold. Bending flexibility indirectly modulates the Lac binding activity that controls transcription efficiency. Thus we suggest that Lac operator is unique as it uses both Lock & Key mechanism for DNA recognition, where protein induced structural alteration of the receptor DNA is not required, and also Induced Fit/Conformational Selection model of recognition.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

Recognition of two different DNA Sequences by prokaryotic transcription factor lac repressor is modulated through asymmetric protein dynamics that have emerged in terms of conformational entropy and essential dynamics.

The difference of the hydrogen bonding network and the deformation of the DNA base pair step produces the asymmetric dynamics of the two subunits of the lac repressor protein.

The difference in overall protein dynamics upon interaction with DNAs of different sequences is the key feature in stabilizing the gene regulatory networks differently.
Asparagine couples group AStreptococcalmetabolism to virulence
Authors: Sharma Abhinay , Anand Aparna , Ravins Miriam , Horstmann Nicola , McIver Kevin S. , Hanski Emanuel
Published: July 2024

Streptococcus(GAS) is a highly adapted and human-restricted pathogen causing a wide variety of infections, some life-threatening1. This ability is linked to the expression of many virulence factors, whose transcription is regulated by the two-component system, CovR/S2–5.

Here, we show that genome transcription of GAS cultured in a chemically defined medium (CDM) is globally affected when supplemented with asparagine (Asn), including increased expression of many virulence genes. For the first time, we report that GAS solely depends on asparagine synthetase (AsnA) for Asn synthesis, on the ABC transporter (GlnPQ) to import Asn, and on the asparaginase (AsnB) to maintain a precisely balanced intracellular Asn concentration. Furthermore, we show that mutants defective in eitherasnA,glnP, orasnB express significantly lower levels of virulence factors in CDM and are severely attenuated in the sublethal murine model of human GAS soft-tissue infection.

We further show that the synthesis and import of Asn in GAS are ATP-dependent and negatively regulated by intracellular Asn. Thus, Asn availability controls the intracellular ATP level. When ATP becomes limiting, CovR phosphorylation decreases. This augments GAS growth rate, virulence production, metabolism, andvice versawhen the ATP level increases. Furthermore, excess Asn accumulates inside GAS in AsnB mutant, destroying the balance between Asn and ATP. We discuss the high similarity between these mechanistic principles of the Asn-mediated control of GAS virulence and metabolism to the Asn-mediated control of tumor growth6, indicating evolutionary significance.
FoldToken3: Fold Structures Worth 256 Words or Less
Authors: Gao Zhangyang , Tan Cheng , Li Stan Z.
Published: July 2024

Protein structure tokenization has attracted increasing attention in both protein representation learning and generation. While recent work, like FoldToken2 and ESM3, has achieved good reconstruction performance, the compressoin ratio is still limited. In this work, we propose FoldToken3, a novel protein structure tokenization method that can compress protein structures into 256 tokens or less and ensure the reconstruction quality comparable to FoldToken2. To the best of our knowledge, FoldToken3 is the most efficient, light-weight, and compression-friendly protein structure tokenization method. And it will benifit a wide range of protein structure-related tasks, such as protein structure alignment, generation, and representation learning. The work is still in progress and the code will be available upon acceptance.
Zinc Supplementation in the management of acute diarrhea in high-income countries – A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Revoredo Túlio , Alves Lucas Victor , Victor David Romeiro , Alves João Guilherme Bezerra
Published: July 2024

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recommend zinc supplementation for children with diarrhea.

However, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) conducted the majority of the studies supporting this recommendation. Although the mortality rate of acute diarrhoea in developed countries is low, diarrhoea leads to a high number of clinical care and hospital admissions, which represents a significant economic burden. This systematic review assessed the therapeutic benefits of zinc supplementation in the treatment of acute diarrhoea in children living in high-income countries. We conducted a literature search on the Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Scielo databases to find published randomised controlled trials on zinc supplementation and acute diarrhoea in children residing in developed countries. We conducted a systematic literature search of the databases, uncovered 609 titles, and included 3 trials, totaling 620 treated children with acute diarrhoea, after reviewing abstracts and full manuscripts for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two studies showed that zinc did not interfere with the duration of diarrhea. According to the Cochrane Risk of Bias RoB2, risk was considered low in two studies and some concerns in another. There was no statistically significant reduction in the mean RR for the occurrence of diarrheal episodes after 7 days of zinc supplement administration (0.4% vs. 0.6%; RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.28-1.92; p = 0.53; I2 = 16%). Zinc supplementation did not reduce the duration of acute diarrhoea among children living in developed countries.

Whats is New

-Zinc supplementation did not reduce the duration of acute diarrhea among children living in developed countries.

-The anti-diarrheal effect of zinc is dependent on zinc deficiency.

-The WHO and UNICEF recommended regimen of therapeutic zinc should not include high-income countries.

Whats is Known

-Zinc supplementation may reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea in poor countries

-The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) recommend zinc supplementation for children with acute diarrhea
A method of identifying domain-specific academic user information needs based on academic Q&A communities
Authors: Qin Chunxiu , Wang Yulong , Ma XuBu , Liu Yaxi , Zhang Jin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To address the shortcomings of existing academic user information needs identification methods, such as low efficiency and high subjectivity, this study aims to propose an automated method of identifying online academic user information needs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study’s method consists of two main parts: the first is the automatic classification of academic user information needs based on the bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) model. The second is the key content extraction of academic user information needs based on the improved MDERank key phrase extraction (KPE) algorithm. Finally, the applicability and effectiveness of the method are verified by an example of identifying the information needs of academic users in the field of materials science.

Findings

Experimental results show that the BERT-based information needs classification model achieved the highest weighted average F1 score of 91.61%. The improved MDERank KPE algorithm achieves the highest F1 score of 61%. The empirical analysis results reveal that the information needs of the categories “methods,” “experimental phenomena” and “experimental materials” are relatively high in the materials science field.

Originality/value

This study provides a solution for automated identification of academic user information needs. It helps online academic resource platforms to better understand their users’ information needs, which in turn facilitates the platform’s academic resource organization and services.
Click-through rate prediction model based on graph networks and feature squeeze-and-excitation mechanism
Authors: Bi Zhongqin , Sun Susu , Zhang Weina , Shan Meijing
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Predicting a user’s click-through rate on an advertisement or item often uses deep learning methods to mine hidden information in data features, which can provide users with more accurate personalized recommendations. However, existing works usually ignore the problem that the drift of user interests may lead to the generation of new features when they compute feature interactions. Based on this, this paper aims to design a model to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors use graph neural networks to model users’ interest relationships, using the existing user features as the node features of the graph neural networks. Second, through the squeeze-and-excitation network mechanism, the user features and item features are subjected to squeeze operation and excitation operation, respectively, and the importance of the features is adaptively adjusted by learning the channel weights of the features. Finally, the feature space is divided into multiple subspaces to allocate features to different models, which can improve the performance of the model.

Findings

The authors conduct experiments on two real-world data sets, and the results show that the model can effectively improve the prediction accuracy of advertisement or item click events.

Originality/value

In the study, the authors propose graph network and feature squeeze-and-excitation model for click-through rate prediction, which is used to dynamically learn the importance of features. The results indicate the effectiveness of the model.
Exploring IFRS in Islamic finance: a bibliometric and coding analysis of emerging topics and perspectives
Authors: Calandra Davide , Lanzalonga Federico , Biancone Paolo Pietro
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Emerging economies are increasingly benefiting from Islamic finance principles. The distinctive features of this unconventional form of finance are starting to be considered even in developed economies. Islamic finance operates under prohibitions on interest, gambling, speculation and complex derivatives according to the dogma in the Quran, Sunnah, Ijma and Qiyas. International financial reporting standards (IFRS) allow companies to attract global capital due to overcoming international borders. However, Islamic finance cannot apply all accounting standards. Therefore, this study aims to explore the implementation of international accounting standards in the Islamic finance context to present applications and future research fields.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a bibliometric and coding analysis, the study analyses 226 peer-reviewed journal papers extracted from the Scopus database. Using the bibliometrix package, the authors explored the literature’s intellectual, conceptual and social structures, categorising the findings into thematic clusters relevant to traditional and Islamic finance paradigms.

Findings

The results reveal new and interesting elements using the lens of the conceptual, intellectual and social structure. Additionally, the authors find out three main thematic clusters: (1) IFRS and Islamic finance: general principles; (2) IFRS and Zakat; (3) IFRS and Murabaha compatibility; (4) IFRS and Takaful; and (5) IFRS and auditing organisation for Islamic financial institution: governance strategies.

Originality/value

The contribution is original as the authors discover institutional theory perspectives and a diatribe between positivist and ontological approaches.
Adoption of fintech products through environmental regulations in Jordanian commercial banks
Authors: Bani Atta Anas Ahmad
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the adoption of fintech products in Jordanian commercial banks, focusing on the influence of environmental regulations. Specifically, the study investigates the impact of environmental pressures (competitors pressure, customer pressure) and top management support on the adoption of fintech products.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted, and data from 550 respondents familiar with the bank’s operations, once you have responses, use structure equation modeling to understand the relationships between variables. Also, applied the regression model to predict outcomes for new respondents. Ensure ethical considerations, like informed consent, are addressed throughout the process.

Findings

The results reveal that competitors pressure and customer pressure have a significant positive influence on the adoption of fintech products, indicating that banks are more likely to adopt fintech solutions when faced with increasing competition and customer demands. Furthermore, top management support was found to be positively associated with the adoption of fintech products, emphasizing the importance of leadership in driving successful integration. Also, regulators and policymakers can foster FinTech adoption in the banking sector by creating supportive frameworks that balance innovation and risk. The findings highlight the need for Jordanian commercial banks to recognize and respond to environmental pressures to remain competitive and meet customer expectations. Additionally, regulations might encourage the development of financial products and services within the fintech sector. This study enriches fintech adoption literature in the context of Jordanian commercial banks.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by shedding light on the factors influencing fintech adoption in Jordanian commercial banks and provides practical implications for banks, regulators and policymakers seeking to promote fintech adoption within the financial sector.
Impact of religiosity on Pakistani youth green purchase intensions and behavior: extending theory of planned behavior
Authors: Hassan Masoodul , Mahmood Zeeshan , Khakwani Infal
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Although much research has examined sustainable consumption, one key factor that has been rediscovered is religion. This study aims to include religiosity as a background variable to extend the theory of planned behavior in measuring the Pakistani youth’s green purchase intentions (GPI) and green purchase behavior (GPB) of energy-efficient home appliances.

Design/methodology/approach

Built on a positivist research philosophy and a deductive approach of a quantitative design, a convenience sample of 317 participants was approached via online forms. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze both the measurement model and the structural model.

Findings

The results suggest that religiosity impacts consumers’ beliefs to maintain control over green behavior and perceived behavioral control (PBC), followed by sustainable attitudes (SA), beliefs that significant others endorse green behavior subjective norms (SN) and GPI. Besides, PBC, SN and SA impact GPI. Furthermore, GPI and PBC impact GPB. Finally, PBC, SN and SA mediate the religiosity and GPI link. However, the moderation effect of PBC on the link of GPI with GPB was not supported.

Research limitations/implications

The model developed is specific to the Muslim population in Pakistan. Therefore, the model might only be able to be generalized to nations that have a similar culture to the Muslims in Pakistan or in other developing countries.

Originality/value

The current research advances the knowledge on the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development goal (SDGs) (Goal-12) by clarifying the mechanisms whereby religiosity impacts factors of sustainable consumption including SA, PBC and SN.
A 3D-printed, dynamic, patient-specific knee simulator
Authors: Conconi Michele , Sancisi Nicola , Backus Reid , Argenti Christian , Shih Albert J
Published: July 2024

Purpose

3D-printed devices proved their efficacy across different clinical applications, helping personalize medical treatments. This paper aims to present the procedure for the design and production of patient-specific dynamic simulators of the human knee. The scope of these simulators is to improve surgical outcomes, investigate the motion and load response of the human knee and standardize in-vitro experiments for testing orthopedic devices through a personalized physical representation of the patient’s joint.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper tested the approach on three volunteers. For each, a patient-specific mathematical joint model was defined from an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee. The model guided the CAD design of the simulators, which was then realized through stereolithography printing. Manufacturing accuracy was tested by quantifying the differences between 3D-printed and CAD geometry. To assess the simulator functionality, its motion was measured through a stereophotogrammetric system and compared with the natural tibio-femoral motion of the volunteers, measured as a sequence of static MRI.

Findings

The 3D-printing accuracy was very high, with average differences between ideal and printed parts below ± 0.1 mm. However, the assembly of different 3D-printed parts resulted in a higher average error of 0.97 mm and peak values of 2.33 mm. Despite that, the rotational and translational accuracy of the simulator was about 5° and 4 mm, respectively.

Originality/value

Although improvements in the production process are needed, the proposed simulators successfully replicated the individual articular behavior. The proposed approach is general and thus extendible to other articulations.
Pure and suggestive impulse buying in mobile shopping app: shopping pattern of young consumers
Authors: Gupta Priyanka , Prashar Sanjeev , Parsad Chandan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study differentiates pure impulse buying behaviour from suggestive impulse buying behaviour in using mobile shopping applications (apps). This study aims to assess the moderating effects of instant discount and cashback promotional offers along with the mediating effects of impulse buying intention (IBI) and user satisfaction (US), using the app stimuli (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, layout, atmosphere, privacy and security).

Design/methodology/approach

The study was done in three stages: analysis of variance, followed by structural equation modelling (SEM) and paired t-tests.

Findings

The results showed that instant discounts and cashback offers are different from each other for the mediating variable IBI. The SEM results for pure impulse buying showed that, except for layout, the remaining variables have a positive relationship with IBI. For suggestive impulse buying, effort expectancy and layout were significantly related to both the mediating variables. Finally, pure and suggestive impulse buying behaviour showed significant differences.

Originality/value

Previous studies have looked into impulse buying in its generic sense and not through the “types” of impulse buying they were measuring. As impulse buying behaviour is a predominant theme for discussion today, marketing professionals and researchers must comprehend the impact of app stimuli in the context of select types of impulse buying behaviour.
Beyond predator richness: How diversified cropping can enhance pest regulation
Authors: Peñaflor Maria Fernanda G. V.
Published: July 2024

Research Highlight discussing: Heinen, J.; Dominguez, V.; Aguilera, G.; Malsher, G.; Vesterinen, E.; Roslin, T.; Bommarco, R.; Bartomeus, I. (2024). Diversified cropping strengthens herbivore regulation by providing seasonal resource continuity to predators. Journal of Applied Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2664.14674. Crop monocultures consist of homogenous agroecosystems highly dependent on pesticides for pest regulation and mineral fertilisation for maintaining plant nutrition, representing the least resilient system. Agricultural diversification practices can increase heterogeneity in agroecosystems, resulting in greater richness of arthropod predators and enhanced ecological services. Among natural enemies of pests, generalist predators are important for pest regulation as they prey on diverse arthropod pests and be present throughout the season. However, since they consume other predators (intraguild predation) and soil fauna, it is uncertain whether enhanced richness of generalist predators translates into improved pest regulation. The study by Heinen et al. examined how diversified crop rotation and organic fertilisation influenced predator–prey interactions throughout the cropping cycle in cereal fields. The predators' diet preference shifted over the growing season, indicating that soil fauna is an important resource for recruitment and maintenance of predators early in the season. Although intraguild predation was considerably high, it decreased across the season in fields with the greatest level of diversification, where predation of pests remained stable. This study demonstrated how diversified cropping is important for providing resource continuity with alternative prey (soil fauna and predators) over crop‐growing season, enhancing predator richness and herbivore regulation.
Interleg coordination in free‐walking bug Erthesina fullo (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Han Qingfei , Chen Yuyu , Shen Huan , Wang Wei , Liu Xuefei , Wen Shikun , Qi Qian , Dai Zhendong , Yu Zhiwei , Gorb Stanislav N. , Ji Aihong
Published: July 2024

Insects can adapt their walking patterns to complex and varied environments and retain the ability to walk even after significant changes in their physical attributes, such as amputation. Although the interleg coordination of intact insects has been widely described in previous studies, the adaptive walking patterns in free‐walking insects with amputation of 1 or more legs are still unclear. The pentatomid bug Erthesina fullo exhibits a tripod gait, when walking freely on horizontal substrates, like many other insects. In this study, amputations were performed on this species to investigate changes in interleg coordination. The walking parameters were analyzed, such as the locations of touchdown and liftoff, cycle period, walking speed, and head displacement of intact and amputated insects. The results show that E. fullo displays adaptive interleg coordination in response to amputations. With 1 amputated leg, bugs changed to a 3‐unit gait, whereas with 2 amputated legs they employed a wave gait. These data are helpful in exploring the motion mode control in walking insects and provide the theoretical basis for the gait control strategy of robots, when leg failure occurs.
Efficacy of robot‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery for managing thymoma recurrence following sternotomy: a case report
Authors: Takamori Satoshi , Nakatsuka Marina , Endo Makoto
Published: July 2024

This report addresses the management strategy and effectiveness of robot‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) for treating local recurrence of thymoma, a condition often complicated by severe adhesions and limited data on re‐operation following median sternotomy. We report about a 43‐year‐old man with thymoma recurrence 4 years after thymothymectomy via a median sternotomy. Follow‐up computed tomography revealed a nodule adjacent to the left brachiocephalic vein, indicating possible thymoma recurrence. Thus, re‐operation was performed using a left‐sided approach via RATS with an artificial pneumothorax. The manipulation space was secured with an artificial pneumothorax, and multidirectional manipulation using RATS demonstrated good efficacy. Collectively, this case highlights the efficacy of RATS as a viable approach for managing thymoma recurrence in mediastinal locations, particularly when sternotomy is complicated by severe adhesions.
Macrophenological dynamics from citizen science plant occurrence data
Authors: Mora Karin , Rzanny Michael , Wäldchen Jana , Feilhauer Hannes , Kattenborn Teja , Kraemer Guido , Mäder Patrick , Svidzinska Daria , Wolf Sophie , Mahecha Miguel D.
Published: July 2024

Phenological shifts across plant species is a powerful indicator to quantify the effects of climate change. Today, mobile applications with automated species identification open new possibilities for phenological monitoring across space and time.

Here, we introduce an innovative spatio‐temporal machine learning methodology that harnesses such crowd‐sourced data to quantify phenological dynamics across taxa, space and time. Our algorithm links individual phenological responses across thousands of species and geographical locations, using a similarity measure. The analysis draws on nearly ten million plant observations collected through the AI‐based plant identification app Flora Incognita in Germany from 2018 to 2021.

Our method quantifies changes in synchronisation across the annual cycle. During the growing season, synchronised behaviour can be encoded by a few characteristic macrophenological patterns. Nonlinear spatio‐temporal changes of these patterns can be efficiently quantified using a data compressibility measure. Outside the growing season, the phenological synchronisation diminishes introducing noise into the patterns.

Despite biases and uncertainties associated with crowd‐sourced data, for example due to human data collection behaviour, our study demonstrates the feasibility of deriving meaningful indicators for monitoring plant macrophenology from individual plant observations. As crowd‐sourced databases continue to expand, our approach holds promise to study climate‐induced phenological shifts and feedback loops.
Selective decontamination of the digestive tract in burn patients: Protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Tsuchiya Emma Atsuko , Jensen‐Abbew Jacob , Krag Mette , Møller Morten Hylander , Vestergaard Martin Risom , Overgaard‐Steensen Christian , Helleberg Marie , Holmgaard Rikke , Heiberg Johan
Published: July 2024

Background

Nosocomial infections contribute significantly to mortality and morbidity in burn patients. Selective decontamination of the digestive tract is an infection prevention measure that has been shown to improve survival in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients. It has been hypothesized that burn patients may benefit from selective decontamination of the digestive tract.

Methods/Design

We will conduct a systematic review with meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing the patient‐important effects of selective decontamination of the digestive tract in burn patients, as compared with placebo or no intervention/standard of care. The primary outcome will be 30‐day mortality. Secondary outcomes include serious adverse events, anti‐microbial resistance, pneumonia, blood stream infections, ICU‐ and hospital‐free days and 90‐day mortality. We will search the following databases: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, Web of Science and CINAHL and follow the recommendations provided by the Cochrane Collaboration and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. The certainty of evidence will be assessed according to the GRADE approach: Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

Discussion

There is clinical equipoise about the use of selective decontamination of the digestive tract in burn patients. In the outlined systematic review and meta‐analysis, we will assess the desirable and undesirable effects of selective decontamination of the digestive tract in burn patients.
Dilemmas of vulnerability in Indian education NGOs: Neoliberal subjectivity, emotions, and class‐based employment hierarchies in Delhi
Authors: Thornton Rich
Published: July 2024

Neoliberal discourse seems to simultaneously demand Delhi's education NGOs to foreground social emotional learning that promotes emotional vulnerability and requires educational leaders to passionately present as “resilient” entrepreneurs who must not let emotions influence their capacity to lead. This article ethnographically analyzes the relational dynamics in these NGOs and argues that the complexity of navigating this subjective neoliberal dilemma reproduces class‐based employment hierarchy in NGO leadership, hindering NGO aims to further social justice.
No Surrender from down under: The Australian Anti‐Irish Home Rule Movement, 1911–14
Authors: Beckton Samuel Gary
Published: July 2024

As the third Irish Home Rule crisis grew more threatening from 1911 onwards, Ulster Unionists began searching for allies across the British Empire, including in Australia. This article highlights the role and influence of the Australian anti‐Home Rule movement from 1911 to 1914, investigating why the Loyal Orange Institution in Australia published resolutions sympathetic to the Unionist cause. The article also investigates who the supporters were, who donated thousands of pounds in aid, or who enlisted in an Australian Ulster volunteer contingent. Most importantly, it considers how widespread and organised these Ulster sympathisers were, particularly by 1914 when they produced an anti‐Home Rule petition.
Associations of global and specific components of positive psychological well‐being with mortality risk: Findings from two cohort studies
Authors: Park Yoobin , Guimond Anne‐Josee , Crosswell Alexandra D. , Kubzansky Laura D.
Published: July 2024

Previous studies have examined how various aspects of positive psychological well‐being (PPWB) independently relate to healthy aging, yet a notable gap remains in understanding the effects of their overlap (i.e., shared variance). We used data from two longitudinal cohorts, the Midlife Development in the United States Study and the Health and Retirement Study (N = 3,302 and 7,209), each of which assessed hedonic and eudaimonic facets of PPWB (positive affect, purpose in life, personal growth, and self‐acceptance) and tracked mortality status across 14–15 years of follow‐up. We derived a global factor identifying elements common across PPWB facets and also specific PPWB factors from a bifactor model. Then, we examined if higher PPWB levels (global and specific) are associated with mortality risk. Across cohorts, higher global well‐being factor levels were associated with reduced mortality risk, even after adjusting for a range of potential confounders. Fewer independent associations were evident with the specific PPWB factors. Findings suggest that variance common across hedonic and eudaimonic facets of PPWB is associated with lower mortality risk. Considering the shared versus unique effects of different PPWB facets can offer valuable insights for theorizing mechanisms underlying health benefits of PPWB and guiding decisions about intervention targets.
The impact of math anxiety and self‐efficacy in middle school STEM choices: A 3‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Cuder Alessandro , Pellizzoni Sandra , Di Marco Miriana , Blason Claudia , Doz Eleonora , Giofrè David , Passolunghi Maria Chiara
Published: July 2024

Introduction

In today's world, which is progressively oriented towards science and technology and facing a growing demand for skilled professionals, it becomes essential to identify the factors that encourage individuals to pursue careers in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Previous research has shown that affective‐motivational factors, math performance and gender influence STEM occupational and academic choices in adulthood. However, few studies examined how these factors may influence STEM choices as early as middle school. This study aims to assess how math anxiety, math self‐efficacy, math performance and gender influence STEM school choices during middle school.

Methods

We longitudinally assessed a group of 109 students (Year 6) over three school years, with measurements taken on three different occasions.

Results

Findings indicated that individuals who made an STEM school choice experienced lower math anxiety, higher self‐efficacy and math performance and were predominantly male. Furthermore, the results indicated that both math anxiety in Year 7 and self‐efficacy in Year 6 made the most substantial unique contributions to the STEM school choice.

Conclusion

Math anxiety and math self‐efficacy seem to be both crucial in influencing middle school students' STEM choices, offering new perspectives for early interventions aimed at promoting more informed school choices.
The enigma of sickle cell hepatopathy: Pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and therapy
Authors: Rizvi Insia , Solipuram Divya , Kaur Navneet , Komel Aqsa , Batool Saba , Wang Jennifer
Published: July 2024

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common genetic disorders in the world predominantly affecting economically disadvantaged populations. There is a notable discrepancy between the growing adult SCD population and available diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for SCD. Sickle cell hepatopathy (SCH) is an all‐inclusive term to describe the acute and chronic liver manifestations of SCD. The pathophysiology of SCH follows no defined pattern or sequence that poses challenges to clinicians and researchers alike. Evidence is lacking for this underreported disease at various levels from diagnostic to therapeutic options. This paper reviews the basic pathophysiology, clinical features, biochemical and radiological findings of various SCH manifestations and outlines the management of each condition. Old and new therapy options in SCD including hydroxyurea, red blood cell exchange transfusion, ursodeoxycholic acid, voxelotor, l‐glutamine and crizanlizumab have been reviewed to investigate the role of these options in treating SCH. The role of liver transplant, haematopoietic stem cell transplant and gene therapy in SCH patients have been reviewed.
Pursuing the elusive footsteps of malaria in peripheral blood smears utilizing artificial intelligence
Authors: Katz Ben‐Zion , Karny Shahar
Published: July 2024

For over a century, the need to identify malaria in the peripheral blood has been the driving force behind the development of fundamental clinical microscopy techniques. In the study by Moysis et al., artificial intelligence‐based model was utilized to identify and provide quantitative morphological characteristics of red blood cells typical to severe malaria anaemia, irrespective to the actual presence of visible parasites.

Commentary on: Moysis et al. Leveraging deep learning for detecting red blood cell morphological changes in blood films from children with severe malaria anaemia. Br J Haematol 2024;205:699‐710.
Th17 pathway‐related immune signatures in the pathobiology of myasthenia gravis: Integrating the roles of regulatory/effector cytokines and transcription factors
Authors: Varghese Nibu , Nagappa Madhu , Sreenivas Nikhitha , Dey Saikat , Mullapudi Thrinath , Kuniyil Anagha Pettututhazhe , Shivaram Sumanth , Seshagiri Doniparthi V. , Nair Binu Valsalakumari Sreekumaran , Debnath Monojit
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder mediated by antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), muscle specific kinase (MuSK), and other antigens in the neuromuscular junction. Antibody production is influenced by T lymphocytes. The T helper 17 (Th17) subset, an inflammatory lineage of Th cells, is associated with several autoimmune diseases. Functional interactions between T lymphocytes and pathogenic antibody responses including aberrant Th17 cell responses have been reported in MG. However, the precise mechanism(s) underlying the activation and/or pathogenic transformation of Th17 cells are not clearly known. The current study aimed at simultaneously exploring the roles of the inducers, master regulator transcription factors, and effectors of Th17 cells in patients with MG.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, quantification of gene expression of IL6, IL17A, STAT3, and RORC in the peripheral mononuclear cells by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) as well as estimation of plasma levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐17A cytokines by multiplex suspension assay were carried out in 59 patients with MG and 61 healthy controls.

Results

Gene expression levels of IL17A were significantly upregulated in patients as compared to healthy controls. The plasma levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐17A were significantly elevated in patients compared to healthy controls. IL17A as well as RORC gene expressions correlated with the clinical features. IL17A gene expression levels were higher in AChR‐MG patients.

Conclusion

The present study supports the crucial role of the Th17 pathway in the pathobiology of MG, including its potential influence on disease severity.
Maxillary sinus lift augmentation: A randomized clinical trial with histological data comparing deproteinized bovine bone grafting vs graftless procedure with a 5–12‐year follow‐up
Authors: Carmagnola Daniela , Pispero Alberto , Pellegrini Gaia , Sutera Samuele , Henin Dolaji , Lodi Giovanni , Achilli Antonio , Dellavia Claudia
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Different protocols and procedures for sinus lift and implant placement are available, generally involving the use of grafts to increase the tissue volume and/or prevent the Schneiderian membrane from collapsing. Among xenografts, deproteinised bovine bone graft (DBBP) is frequently used in sinus lift procedures. Leaving an ungrafted space following membrane elevation has proven to have a bony regenerative potential as well. This study aimed to compare the clinical and histological features of sinus lift surgery performed with or without biomaterials.

Methods

Patients with severe maxillary posterior atrophy (residual bone height 2–6 mm and residual crest thickness ≥4 mm), and in need of sinus lift surgery to allow the placement of three implants were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. They underwent sinus lifts with DBBP (control) or with a graftless technique (test) and immediate placement of two implants (a mesial and distal one). After 6 months, a bone sample was retrieved from the area between the previously inserted fixtures, and a third, central implant was placed. The collected bone samples were analyzed morphologically and histomorphometrically. The patients were provided with prosthetic restorations after 6 months and followed up for 5–12 years.

Results

Ten patients were enrolled in the test and nine in the control group. The 6‐month follow‐up showed in the control group an average augmentation of 10.31 mm (±2.12), while in the test group it was 8.5 mm (±1.41) and a success rate of 96.3% in the control and 86.7% in the test group (p > 0.05). The histological analysis evidenced the presence of new bone tissue surrounded by immature osteoid matrix in the test group, and a variable number of DBBP particles surrounded by an immature woven bone matrix in the control group.

Conclusion

The results of the present trial indicate that, with residual bone height of 2–6 mm and residual crest thickness ≥4 mm, sinus lift surgery with or without biomaterials followed by implant restoration, produces similar clinical and histological outcomes.
The Screening Hand Assessment for Infants for detecting the risk of unilateral cerebral palsy: Item selection and development
Authors: Ryll Ulrike C. , Kembe Johanna , Verhage Cornelia H. , Sgandurra Giuseppina , Krumlinde‐Sundholm Lena , Eliasson Ann‐Christin
Published: July 2024

Aim

To develop a screening tool (the screening Hand Assessment for Infants [s‐HAI]) for infants aged from 3.5 months that can identify a high risk of developing unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) based on a selection of items from the HAI.

Method

Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed on previously collected HAI assessments from 212 infants (104 females, 108 males) aged from 3.5 to 8.5 months, to select items suitable for screening. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and cut‐off values were derived for the suggested item combination. The clinical outcome (unilateral CP yes or no) at 24 months or older served as the external criterion.

Results

About half of the infants developed unilateral CP. The AUC across the items ranged from 0.63 to 0.80, and from 0.85 to 0.87 for different item combinations. Sensitivity for the selected 6‐item set was 91% for 8 points or less and 88% for 7 points or less on the contralesional score of each hand, while specificity was 60% and 73% respectively.

Interpretation

The s‐HAI, designed from six HAI items, has the potential to be used to screen infants at risk of unilateral CP from 3.5 months of age. It is easy to administer, time‐efficient, and can be used in different settings. Its measurement properties and feasibility need to be tested in a new data set.
Enhancing clinical service design for multimorbidity management: A comprehensive approach to joined‐up care for diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure
Authors: Al‐Chalabi Saif , Sinha Smeeta , Kalra Philip A.
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Multimorbidity is becoming the norm rather than the exception, especially among the ageing population and people with lower socio‐economic status. In addition to the rising healthcare cost, multimorbidity poses considerable difficulty in the delivery of adequate holistic care for affected patients.

Methods

This review presents a discussion of the current barriers to delivering holistic care to people with multimorbidity and proposes a model of clinical care for people living with cardiovascular‐kidney‐metabolic (CKM) syndrome as an exemplar of a multimorbidity cluster.

Results

Single organ/disease services may not be able to provide optimum care to people with multimorbidity due to the potential complex interactions between multiple disease symptoms and management. In addition, people with multimorbidity may be required to attend multiple appointments in different healthcare centres. This may negatively impact access to services due to time and financial burden. Other barriers include co‐ordinating communication between healthcare professionals and reduced continuity of care. Optimising CKM health requires patient‐centred care led by an interdisciplinary care team who ideally should possess CKM competencies utilising a shared care protocol to coordinate evidence‐based care and use of telehealth to empower patients. Stakeholders and policymakers need to adapt new policy models to establish and enhance CKM care models by allocating funds and implementing frameworks for educational reforms.

Conclusions

A CKM service has the potential to increase the uptake of cardiac and renal protective medications as well as optimising metabolic care, increase capacity in both primary and secondary care, improve quality of life and clinical outcomes, reduce patient inconvenience, and importantly allow rapid translation of advances in cardiorenal metabolic diseases into clinical practice.
Heated fibre optics to monitor soil moisture under successive saturation–drying cycles: An experimental approach
Authors: Bertotto Luis Eduardo , Reis Alan , Cobalchini Érick Rúbens Oliveira , Schwamback Dimaghi , Sousa Mota Uchôa José Gescilam , Wendland Edson Cezar
Published: July 2024

In recent decades, distributed temperature sensing (DTS) has emerged as a robust technology for environmental applications, enabling high‐resolution temperature measurements along fibre optic cables (FOCs). The actively heated fibre optic (AHFO) method is employed to monitor soil moisture (, m3 m−3), wherein the soil temperature subsequent to the application of a heat pulse is measured by a DTS (AHFO‐DTS approach). Despite significant improvements in the application of AHFO‐DTS under controlled and natural conditions, the thermal behaviour of soil during multiple saturation–natural drying cycles has been insufficiently evaluated. This study aimed to address this gap by constructing an experimental horizontal soil profile in the laboratory for the application of the AHFO‐DTS method during two successive saturation–drainage–evaporation (SDE) cycles. Three heating strategies were applied to a metallic alloy in contact with a FOC, and calibration models were used to correlate with the thermal conductivity (), cumulative temperature increase (), and maximum temperature increase (). The results indicated that during the second SDE cycle, the highest errors in estimates were observed with the low power‐short heat pulse, whereas the application of the low power‐long duration and high power‐short duration pulses improved the accuracy of calculations. Additionally, errors in estimates escalated under wetter conditions, attributed to a shift in soil heat transfer capacity from the first to the second SDE cycle for > 0.10 m3 m−3. This behaviour was ascribed to thermal hysteresis, arising from the contact resistance of the FOC and the alloy with the surrounding soil. Furthermore, the method exhibited the least sensitivity to this effect and yielded reliable estimates, thus its adoption is recommended. Moreover, the use of the low power‐long duration heating strategy is suggested as it promotes a trade‐off between energy saving and accurate estimates. We concluded that assessing soil thermal response under multiple SDE cycles enhances the comprehension of the AHFO‐DTS method. Overall, our findings provide insights into enhancing the applicability of this approach under field conditions, particularly following irrigation schedules and natural rainfall events.
The protective effect of pregabalin and xanthenone on testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Abdel‐Fattah Maha M. , Ahmed Ahmed Mamdouh , Saleh Rabeh Khairy , Messiha Basim Anwar Shehata , Rofaeil Remon Roshdy
Published: July 2024

Background

Torsion of the spermatic cord is a hazardous and common urologic issue. The current work evaluates the possible protective effect of pregabalin (PGB) and xanthenone (XAN) in testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury induced by testicular torsion/detorsion in rats.

Materials and methods

Seven groups of adult male Wistar albino rats were allocated randomly into seven groups, namely, sham control, torsion/detorsion (T/D), PGB 50 mg/kg, PGB 100 mg/kg, XAN 1 mg/kg, XAN 2 mg/kg, and PGB 50 mg/kg plus XAN 1 mg/kg groups. Serum cholesterol and testosterone levels were determined. Also, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐қB), angiotensin (Ang) II, Ang‐(1–7), and angiotensin‐converting enzyme2 (ACE2) were assessed in testicular tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and caspase‐3 was performed. Finally, the histopathological examination of the testicular tissues was performed.

Results

The PGB 50 mg/kg, PGB 100 mg/kg, XAN 1 mg/kg, XAN 2 mg/kg, and PGB 50 mg/kg plus XAN 1 mg/kg groups showed a significant decrease in serum cholesterol, MDA, NO, TNF‐α, NF‐қB, and Ang‐II levels coupled with a significant increase in both testosterone and ACE2 expression. Furthermore, all test groups showed a significant improvement in the histopathological picture with a reduction in caspase‐3 and an increase in HO‐1 immunoexpression in testicular tissue.

Conclusion

PGB and XAN may have promising effects on preventing testicular T/D injury through antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic actions.