bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Structure of Individualized and Generalized Political Trust: A Network Analysis of Data from Two Representative-Sample Studies
Authors: Dimdins Girts , Priedols Martins , Austers Ivars , Gaina Viktorija , Leja Veronika
Published: October 2024

This study examined the relationship between generalized (trust in the political system) and individualized (trust in a specific political actor) political trust in two surveys with representative samples from Latvia (total N = 2,001). The results of a regularized partial correlation network analysis of the data from both surveys revealed that variables associated with each level of trust formed separate clusters, which were virtually unrelated in Study 1, and moderately related in Study 2. Across both datasets, political cynicism was the only variable robustly (negatively) related to both levels of trust. External political efficacy was strongly related to generalized political trust, whereas internal political efficacy was unrelated to either level of political trust. Generalized interpersonal trust was only weakly related to generalized political trust and was unrelated to individualized political trust. The findings show that trust in the political system and trust in specific political actors form separate, although related, network structures and are likely determined by a different set of variables, representing different kinds of psychological reasoning. Generalized political trust can be seen as part of a general attitude towards one’s country, whereas individualized trust is based on more situational factors and shaped through the mechanisms of person perception and group perception.
Comparison of Spatial Perception Regarding the Re-functionalized Industrial Buildings: Abdullah Gül University Sümer Campus
Authors: Kılıçaslan Hare , Duman Gültepe Şeyma , Topaloğlu Sema
Published: October 2024

Industrial buildings that conserve their authentic identities and provide cultural sustainability also appeal to the spatial perceptions of users through their old and new usage forms. It is thought that every generation will have different timeframes and experiencing forms in the spaces they are in, based on their own needs, and this is believed to reflect on their spatial perceptions. Accordingly, this study aims to reveal the effect of different generations’ characteristics on their perception of educational buildings converted from industrial buildings and to reflect users’ reactions to the relevant spaces. In this study, the evolving spatial perceptions regarding Abdullah Gül University Sümer Campus, which has been converted as an educational facility from Sümerbank Fabric Factory, were evaluated through the members of the Generation X and Z. This study which employed qualitative data collection and assessment methods was conducted as a particular case study. Furthermore, this study contained the holistic assessment of the physical, functional and psychological aspects of the re-functionalized campus considering the fact that these spaces whose functions were converted to be educational would include differences based on spatial perceptions. The results of this study indicated that Sümer Campus was considered by the Generation X as a location combining the old texture with the new, while the Generation Z assessed the campus as an esthetic formation where the old and new coexisted with contrasts.
Visual Analysis of the Research Context of Opinion Leaders Based on CiteSpace
Authors: Cong Xu , Wenjuan Jiang
Published: October 2024

Since 2000, an increasing number of studies of opinion leaders has analyzed their roles from different perspectives in a wide range of industries. However, few studies had attempted to comprehensively review the existing literature in the past. The purpose of this research is to map the thread and skeleton of the research on opinion leaders from 2000 to 2021. A total of 3,872 related articles have been collected from Wos for scientometrics analysis. The research results show that (1) The research literature on opinion leaders has been in the ascending stage all along, and scholars remain enthusiastic on this research. (2) The most significant contributions mainly come from the United States, Britain, Canada, China, and Australia, but showing no high cooperation intensity. (3) According to the keyword time zone view, it is found that, with the development of time, its influence is gradually reflected on the internet with the development of science and technology. (4) Nine research classifications are able to be drawn in cluster analysis. By using Citespace software, this study is to analyze the last 20-year literature on opinion leaders and sort out their development context, while the data used in this study is merely retrieved from the WoS core database. The boundaries of this study, in the future, could be expanded by considering other types of databases and documents so as to integrate a more comprehensive knowledge map of opinion leaders.
The Impact of the Pay-What-You-Want Pricing Experience on Customer Behavior: Focus on Willingness to Participate in Value Co-Creation
Authors: Lin Zhao , Souma Toshihiko
Published: October 2024

While Pay-What-You-Want (PWYW) gives customers pricing control, prior research has primarily emphasized its financial aspects, leaving its impact on non-financial outcomes, such as post-PWYW customer behavior, largely unexplored. In particular, the non-financial effects of PWYW have not been fully examined after controlling for the effects of increased self-efficacy due to pre-payment service use. We hypothesized that customers with higher self-efficacy due to service use and larger payments in PWYW will demonstrate a stronger willingness to participate in value co-creation. Results of online experiments using a hypothetical scenario centered on new-age music confirmed the hypothesis. This study broadens the scope of PWYW studies in two significant ways. First, it suggests that power derived from service experience and confidence should be distinguished from that derived from pricing mechanisms. Controlling for changes in power derived from service use accurately determines the relationship between PWYW and power. Second, this approach explores non-financial outcomes, particularly the influence of the PWYW experience on customers’ willingness to participate in value co-creation, and provides empirical evidence. Additionally, we provide practical insights for companies considering PWYW adoption, emphasizing the influence of the PWYW experience on customer–provider relations.
Healthcare students are faced with the issue of the rights of people with disabilities and the quality of services: Are we training future healthcare workers who overemphasize technology?
Authors: Aviles Gonzalez Cesar Ivan , Galletta Maura , Sancassiani Federica , Cossu Giulia , Trudu Davide , Urban Antonio , Cantone Elisa , Luchetta Raffaella , Nonnis Marcello , Fragoso-Castilla Pedro , Guerra Muñoz Martha Esther , Machado Sergio , Nardi Antonio Egidio , Carta Mauro G. , Madeddu Clelia
Published: October 2024

Introduction: This research describes incorporating the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in training students at an Italian university. It also describes the perception of students on the rights of people with disabilities and the quality of services using the questionnaire the Well-Being at Work and Respect Right (WWRR), the objective is to compare the responses of students from the faculty of health sciences and health professionals human rights respect, organizational well-being, and job satisfaction in healthcare environments method: Cross-sectional study the data obtained were analyzed using the ANOVA test and Chi-SQUARE test results: University students have little recognition of the professional roles for the social and labor inclusion of users of health services, which promotes rethinking the type of training they receive conclusions: the findings show the need to incorporate in a more detailed way the principles of the CRPD in university training plans that promote an emphasis on disabilities based on human rights, despite the fact that the perception by students is optimistic in relation to respect for the rights of users in health services where they have done their training or practices, these results indicate a reevaluation of university training that gives a balance between technical skills but with an emphasis on human rights and social inclusion in health services.
Disagreeing to Agree: Problem-Solving and Knowledge Production
Authors: Prasad Monica
Published: October 2024

Gabriel Abend identifies too much disagreement as an obstruction to the pursuit of knowledge. This paper introduces problem-solving sociology as a method of knowledge production that can avoid this difficulty. I outline the communal, pragmatist tenets of problem-solving research and its promise of developing genuine knowledge for society.
Inclusion of unexposed clusters improves the precision of fixed effects analysis of stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials with binary and count outcomes
Authors: Lee Kenneth Menglin , Yang Grace Meijuan , Cheung Yin Bun
Published: October 2024

Background

The fixed effects model is a useful alternative to the mixed effects model for analyzing stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials (SW-CRTs). It controls for all time-invariant cluster-level confounders and has proper control of type I error when the number of clusters is small. While all clusters in a SW-CRT are typically designed to crossover from the control to receive the intervention, some trials can end with unexposed clusters (clusters that never receive the intervention), such as when a trial is terminated early due to safety concerns. It was previously unclear whether unexposed clusters would contribute to the estimation of the intervention effect in a fixed effects analysis. However, recent work has demonstrated that including an unexposed cluster can improve the precision of the intervention effect estimator in a fixed effects analysis of SW-CRTs with continuous outcomes. Still, SW-CRTs are commonly designed with binary outcomes and it is unknown if those previous results extend to SW-CRTs with non-continuous outcomes.

Methods

In this article, we mathematically prove that the inclusion of unexposed clusters improves the precision of the fixed effects intervention effect estimator for SW-CRTs with binary and count outcomes. We then explore the benefits of including an unexposed cluster in simulated datasets with binary or count outcomes and a real palliative care data example with binary outcomes.

Results

The simulations show that including unexposed clusters leads to tangible improvements in the precision, power, and root mean square error of the intervention effect estimator. The inclusion of the unexposed cluster in the SW-CRT of a novel palliative care intervention with binary outcomes yielded smaller standard errors and narrower 95% Wald Confidence Intervals.

Conclusions

In this article, we demonstrate that the inclusion of unexposed clusters in the fixed effects analysis can lead to the improvements in precision, power, and RMSE of the fixed effects intervention effect estimator for SW-CRTs with binary or count outcomes.
Differing needs for Advance Care Planning in the Veterans Health Administration: use of latent class analysis to identify subgroups to enhance Advance Care Planning via Group Visits for veterans
Authors: Matthieu Monica M. , Ounpraseuth Songthip T. , Williams J. Silas , Hu Bo , Adkins David A. , Oliver Ciara M. , Taylor Laura D. , McCullough Jane Ann , Mallory Mary J. , Smith Ian D. , Suarez Jack H. , Garner Kimberly K.
Published: October 2024

Background

Advance Care Planning via Group Visits (ACP-GV) is a patient-centered intervention facilitated by a clinician using a group modality to promote healthcare decision-making among veterans. Participants in the group document a “Next Step” to use in planning for their future care needs. The next step may include documentation of preferences in an advance directive, discussing plans with family, or anything else to fulfill their ACP needs. This evaluation seeks to determine whether there are identifiable subgroups of group participants with differing needs prior to delivery of the ACP-GV program and, if so, to use information about the subgroups to enhance the program offered to veterans in United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare settings.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of national data from a quality improvement evaluation. Patient- and provider-level data from administrative healthcare records for VA users in all 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia provides data on veterans attending ACP-GV during federal fiscal years 2018–2022 (N = 26,857). Latent class analysis seeks to identify the various subgroups of veterans based on their level of ACP self-efficacy before attending ACP-GV and any demographic differences across the resulting subgroups of veterans attending ACP-GV. ACP self-efficacy is derived from seven items obtained from a participant worksheet used during the group.

Results

Analysis revealed two distinct groups of veterans, distinguishable by their pre-ACP-GV levels of one aspect of ACP self-efficacy: prior knowledge of ACP. Veterans with higher prior knowledge of ACP are associated with an identified next step focused on checking their current AD status and updating it, and veterans with lower ACP prior knowledge are associated with identifying a next step to discuss ACP more fully with family. Differences in age, sex, race, ethnicity, and marital status exist across subgroups of veterans.

Conclusion

Greater attention must be paid to ACP and veterans’ prior knowledge of ACP to consistently encourage annual review and status updates.
The impact and value of the Parkinson’s nurse specialist to people with Parkinson’s and their care partners: a grounded theory qualitative study
Authors: Mcewan Kathryn , Clarke Amanda , Dalkin Sonia , Hand Annette
Published: October 2024

Background

Where available, Parkinson’s Nurse Specialists (PNS) provide a range of care, support, guidance, and advocacy for people with Parkinson’s (PwP), and, where appropriate, their care partners (CP). Parkinson’s is a complex and progressive condition. Consequently, evaluating health outcomes is not a reliable method to understand the value and impact of PNS. Previous research has identified PNS can improve the subjective well-being of PwP in the community, also that barriers to care include heavy caseloads and a lack of time. Yet little is known about the value of the role of the PNS, particularly about the impact of pharmacological management and review. This research aims to close this research gap by providing explanatory theories of the impact and value of PNS to PwP, their CP, and other professionals.

Methods

A social constructivist grounded theory approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three groups, PNS, PwP, and CP. Interviews were analysed using NVivo for coding and categorising and Word for memo-writing. Data was analysed inductively and iteratively to identify contexts, social processes, actions, and behaviours, before final emergent theories were identified.

Results

46 semi-structured interviews (PNS 18, PwP 19, CP 9) led to four data categories and 13 sub-categories that delineated PNS value. (1) Expert Counsel; provision of emotional support, education, and lifestyle guidance; CP inclusion; provision from diagnosis; and across all stages of Parkinson’s. (2) Conduit of Care; signposting, referral, and connection to PwP, CP, others; PNS barriers and facilitators; (3) Team/Partnership; continuity and partnership, ‘working together’; (4) Pharmacological Support, PNS prescribing; concordance; speed of treatment. Where PNS were accessible they could offer personalised support and partnership, so providing person-centred care that improves health and well-being.

Conclusion

Where a PNS is accessible due to service availability and manageable caseloads, to provide person-centred care, they deliver several benefits to PwP and CP which improve health and perceived well-being. Where PNS are not available, PwP and CP often struggle to manage their Parkinson’s with negative impacts on health and well-being.
How do BMI-restrictive policies impact women seeking NHS-funded IVF in the United Kingdom? A qualitative analysis of online forum discussions
Authors: Muir Rebecca , Hawking Meredith K. D.
Published: October 2024

Background

Across the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of > 30 face restrictions accessing In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment. This study asks: what are the (un)expected and (un)intended harms and consequences experienced by women restricted from accessing NHS-funded IVF due to BMI threshold criteria?

Methods

Posts from a popular infertility online forum were collected and reflexively thematically analysed.

Results

On the forum, users discussed how they struggled to lose weight, how they faced time pressures to meet BMI thresholds, and they shared knowledge on how to comply or appear compliant with BMI cut-offs. Our study found widespread moral discourses around body weight were reproduced in the forum, particularly commonplace narratives that body weight is under personal control, that people with a high BMI should ‘work’ to change their bodies, and that this work helps demonstrate deservingness for IVF treatment. Moralising discourses around weight were linked to the responsibilities of a hoped-for future of motherhood, as users performed deservingness through emphasising their commitment to meeting the BMI threshold.

Conclusion

We conclude that NHS-IVF policies in the United Kingdom do not consider the burdensome emotional and moral work placed on people seeking treatment due to inflexible upper-limit BMI criteria.
First detection of D181 genotype of infectious bronchitis in poultry flocks of Morocco
Authors: Mohamed Mouahid , Yassmina Bidoudan , Rim Regragui , Mouna El Kaouani , Siham Fellahi
Published: October 2024

Background

This paper reports the first pathological and molecular characterization of the novel variant of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) D181 in poultry flocks in Morocco and Africa.

Methods

The study includes six poultry farms, involving three flocks of layers aged between 28 and 67 weeks and three broiler flocks aged 27, 39 and 42 days from different regions of Morocco. In all affected layer flocks, a severe drop in egg production with poor eggshell quality was reported. Necropsy of dead birds was carried out, and samples of trachea, lungs, oviduct, ovaries, and kidneys were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histopathologic examinations, while other portions were stored at -20 °C for molecular analysis. Real time RT-qPCR for IBV gene group was performed, and IBV variants were identified. Partial S1 gene sequences were amplified by conventional RT-PCR, sequenced, and aligned for phylogenetic and amino acid similarity analysis.

Results

Necropsy of dead birds revealed misshapen and hemorrhagic ovarian follicles with an edematous oviduct and severe reaction in the cecal tonsils. A caseous material accumulation in the sinus was noted in few birds. In contrast, the broiler flocks exhibited respiratory clinical signs such as difficulty in breathing, sneezing, tracheal rales, watery eyes and lethargy, associated with a decrease in feed consumption. Mortality in broiler ranged from 2 to 15%. Histopathological analysis of samples showed a lympho-plasmocytic inflammation in the oviduct, trachea, and lungs. Individual necrosis of epithelial cells, with sloughing of the bronchial epithelium and accumulation of desquamated cells with mucus in the airways, was observed in some birds. Partial S1 gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses showed that the Moroccan strains were very closely related to D181 strains isolated in Dutch layers and breeders in 2018. Nucleotide sequence identities reached 90.9–95% with the Dutch isolates (strain CK/NL/D181/2018).

Conclusion

Our sequencing results demonstrate for the first time that the D181 IBV genotype is circulating in Moroccan poultry. These findings justify permanent monitoring of circulating strains in order to appropriately adjust vaccination strategies to align with the evolving field situation.
Shen-Bai-Jie-Du decoction suppresses the progression of colorectal adenoma to carcinoma through regulating gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids
Authors: Huang Min , Zhang Ye , Ni Mingxin , Shen Meng , Tao Yuquan , Shen Weixing , Sun Dongdong , Li Liu , Xu Changliang , Tan Jiani , Lai Yueyang , Yu Chengtao , Tao Lihuiping , Fan Minmin , Cheng Haibo
Published: October 2024

Background

Shen-Bai-Jie-Du decoction (SBJDD), a traditional Chinese herb formula developed based on evidence-based medicine, is efficacy to reduce the recurrence and carcinogenesis of colorectal adenoma. However, the mechanism of SBJDD to treat colorectal adenoma remains unclear. The present study aims to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of SBJDD on colorectal adenoma carcinogenesis from the aspects of regulating gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Methods

Twenty-one patients diagnosed with colorectal adenoma were recruited in the study and required to take SBJDD for four consecutive weeks. Analysis of gut microbiota was conducted using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, while levels of SCFAs in fecal and serum samples were determined through HPLC–MS/MS. Additionally, twenty-four Apcmin/+ mice were randomly assigned to normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HFD), and SBJDD groups. The pharmacological effects and mechanism of SBJDD on colorectal adenoma carcinogenesis were assessed using RT-qPCR, HE staining, IHC staining, Western blot, IF staining, and Flow cytometry assays.

Results

Our clinical study has shown that SBJDD can regulate the gut microbiota composition and enhance SCFAs production in patients with colorectal adenoma. SBJDD alleviated colorectal adenoma formation and carcinogenesis, as well as protected the integrity of the intestinal barrier in the Apcmin/+ mice model compared to the HFD group. Additionally, SBJDD was found to regulate gut microbiota capable of producing SCFAs. G protein-coupled receptors GPR43, GPR41, and GPR109a were effectively activated in the SBJDD group, while HDAC1 and HDAC3 were inhibited. Furthermore, decreased expression levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), along with elevated expression level of interleukin 10 (IL-10), were observed in the colorectal tissue of the SBJDD group. Finally, SBJDD exhibited the ability to reduce the proportion of M1-type macrophages while increasing the proportion of M2-type macrophages.

Conclusions

Our study objectively demonstrated the pharmacological effects of SBJDD in inhibiting the progression of colorectal adenoma and investigated its mechanisms in terms of regulating gut microbiota, increasing SCFAs, and reducing colorectal inflammation.
Preferences for genetic interventions for SCA and Huntington’s disease: results of a discrete choice experiment among patients
Authors: van Os Nienke J.H. , Oosterloo Mayke , Grutters Janneke P.C. , Essers Brigitte A.B. , van de Warrenburg Bart P.C.
Published: October 2024

Background

Although genetic interventions are on the horizon for some polyglutamine expansion diseases, such as subtypes of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) and Huntington’s disease (HD), the patients’ preferences regarding these new therapies are unclear. This study aims to get insight into what extent different characteristics of genetic interventions affect the preferences of patients with SCA and HD with regard to these interventions.

Methods

Manifest and premanifest patients with SCA or HD were recruited online by platforms of patient associations. The respondents conducted a questionnaire that included a discrete choice experiment (DCE). The experimental design included 24 choice sets, but these were divided into three blocks of eight to reduce the number of tasks per respondent. Each choice set included two alternative treatments and consisted of four attributes (mode and frequency of administration, chance of a beneficial effect, risks, and follow-up), each with three or four different levels. The forced choice-elicitation format was used. Data were analyzed by using a multinominal logistic regression model.

Results

Responses of 216 participants were collected. The mode and frequency of administration of a genetic intervention, as well as the chance of a beneficial effect both influence the choice for a genetic intervention. Respondents less prefer repeated lumbar punctures compared to a single operation. As expected, a higher beneficial effect of treatment was preferred. Risks and follow-up did not influence the choice for a genetic intervention.

Conclusions

The results can be used for the design and implementation of future genetic interventional trials as well as of patient-centered care pathways for rare movement disorders such as SCA and HD.
Longitudinal evidence for a mutually reinforcing relationship between white matter hyperintensities and cortical thickness in cognitively unimpaired older adults
Authors: Bernal Jose , Menze Inga , Yakupov Renat , Peters Oliver , Hellmann-Regen Julian , Freiesleben Silka Dawn , Priller Josef , Spruth Eike Jakob , Altenstein Slawek , Schneider Anja , Fliessbach Klaus , Wiltfang Jens , Schott Björn H. , Jessen Frank , Rostamzadeh Ayda , Glanz Wenzel , Incesoy Enise I. , Buerger Katharina , Janowitz Daniel , Ewers Michael , Perneczky Robert , Rauchmann Boris-Stephan , Teipel Stefan , Kilimann Ingo , Laske Christoph , Sodenkamp Sebastian , Spottke Annika , Esser Anna , Lüsebrink Falk , Dechent Peter , Hetzer Stefan , Scheffler Klaus , Schreiber Stefanie , Düzel Emrah , Ziegler Gabriel
Published: October 2024

Background

For over three decades, the concomitance of cortical neurodegeneration and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) has sparked discussions about their coupled temporal dynamics. Longitudinal studies supporting this hypothesis nonetheless remain scarce.

Methods

We applied global and regional bivariate latent growth curve modelling to determine the extent to which WMH and cortical thickness were interrelated over a four-year period. For this purpose, we leveraged longitudinal MRI data from 451 cognitively unimpaired participants (DELCODE; median age 69.71 [IQR 65.51, 75.50] years; 52.32% female). Participants underwent MRI sessions annually over a four-year period (1815 sessions in total, with roughly four MRI sessions per participant). We adjusted all models for demographics and cardiovascular risk.

Results

Our findings were three-fold. First, larger WMH volumes were linked to lower cortical thickness (σ = -0.165, SE = 0.047, Z = -3.515, P < 0.001). Second, individuals with higher WMH volumes experienced more rapid cortical thinning (σ = -0.226, SE = 0.093, Z = -2.443, P = 0.007), particularly in temporal, cingulate, and insular regions. Similarly, those with lower initial cortical thickness had faster WMH progression (σ = -0.141, SE = 0.060, Z = -2.336, P = 0.009), with this effect being most pronounced in temporal, cingulate, and insular cortices. Third, faster WMH progression was associated with accelerated cortical thinning (σ = -0.239, SE = 0.139, Z = -1.710, P = 0.044), particularly in frontal, occipital, and insular cortical regions.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that cortical thinning and WMH progression could be mutually reinforcing rather than parallel, unrelated processes, which become entangled before cognitive deficits are detectable.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00007966, 04/05/2015).
A comprehensive comparison of deep learning-based compound-target interaction prediction models to unveil guiding design principles
Authors: Abdollahi Sina , Schaub Darius P. , Barroso Madalena , Laubach Nora C. , Hutwelker Wiebke , Panzer Ulf , Gersting S.øren W. , Bonn Stefan
Published: October 2024

The evaluation of compound-target interactions (CTIs) is at the heart of drug discovery efforts. Given the substantial time and monetary costs of classical experimental screening, significant efforts have been dedicated to develop deep learning-based models that can accurately predict CTIs. A comprehensive comparison of these models on a large, curated CTI dataset is, however, still lacking. Here, we perform an in-depth comparison of 12 state-of-the-art deep learning architectures that use different protein and compound representations. The models were selected for their reported performance and architectures. To reliably compare model performance, we curated over 300 thousand binding and non-binding CTIs and established several gold-standard datasets of varying size and information. Based on our findings, DeepConv-DTI consistently outperforms other models in CTI prediction performance across the majority of datasets. It achieves an MCC of 0.6 or higher for most of the datasets and is one of the fastest models in training and inference. These results indicate that utilizing convolutional-based windows as in DeepConv-DTI to traverse trainable embeddings is a highly effective approach for capturing informative protein features. We also observed that physicochemical embeddings of targets increased model performance. We therefore modified DeepConv-DTI to include normalized physicochemical properties, which resulted in the overall best performing model Phys-DeepConv-DTI. This work highlights how the systematic evaluation of input features of compounds and targets, as well as their corresponding neural network architectures, can serve as a roadmap for the future development of improved CTI models.

Scientific contribution

This work features comprehensive CTI datasets to allow for the objective comparison and benchmarking of CTI prediction algorithms. Based on this dataset, we gained insights into which embeddings of compounds and targets and which deep learning-based algorithms perform best, providing a blueprint for the future development of CTI algorithms. Using the insights gained from this screen, we provide a novel CTI algorithm with state-of-the-art performance.
Chemometric approaches for discriminating manufacturers of Korean handmade paper using infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Lee Yong Ju , Won Seo Young , Park Seong Bin , Kim Hyoung-Jin
Published: October 2024

The objective of this study was to identify the manufacturer of Hanji, Korean handmade paper widely used in conservation science. To achieve this, machine learning models utilizing attenuated total reflectance–infrared spectroscopy (ATR–IR) were developed to assess the robustness and effectiveness of the computed models. Principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares–discriminant analysis (PLS–DA), decision tree (DT), and k-NN models were constructed using IR spectral data, with the spectral region between 1800 and 1500 cm⁻1 identified as the critical input variable through Variable Importance in Projection (VIP) scores. The transformation of the obtained spectra into second derivative spectra proved beneficial in this key spectral region, leading to significant improvements in model performance. Additionally, the application of DBSCAN for outlier detection was effective in refining the dataset, further enhancing the performance of the models. Specifically, the k-NN model, when applied to the selected variables and preprocessed with the second derivative transformation, achieved an F1 score of 0.92. These findings underscore the importance of focusing on the 1800–1500 cm⁻1 spectral range and applying outlier detection techniques, such as DBSCAN, to enhance the robustness and accuracy of the Hanji classification models by eliminating the influence of atypical data points.
Large-fiber neuropathy in Parkinson’s disease: a narrative review
Authors: Kwon Eun Hae , Steininger Julia , Scherbaum Raphael , Gold Ralf , Pitarokoili Kalliopi , Tönges Lars
Published: October 2024

Background

Numerous studies reported a higher prevalence of polyneuropathy (PNP) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) compared to the general population. Importantly, PNP symptoms can aggravate both motor and sensory disturbances in PD patients and negatively impact the disease course. Recent analyses indicate distinct PNP patterns in PD.

Main text

This review aims to provide an overview of the current insights into etiological factors, diagnostic methods, and management strategies of large fiber neuropathy in PD. Despite the higher prevalence, the causes of PNP in PD are still not fully understood. A genetic predisposition can underlie PNP onset in PD. Main research attention is focused on long-term levodopa exposure which is suggested to increase PNP risk by depletion of methylation cofactors such as vitamin B12 and accumulation of homocysteine that altogether can alter peripheral nerve homeostasis. Beyond a potential “iatrogenic” cause, alpha-synuclein deposition has been detected in sural nerve fibers that could contribute to peripheral neuronal degeneration as part of the systemic manifestation of PD. Whereas mild axonal sensory PNP predominates in PD, a considerable proportion of patients also show motor and upper limb nerve involvement. Intriguingly, a correlation between PNP severity and PD severity has been demonstrated. Therefore, PNP screening involving clinical and instrument-based assessments should be implemented in the clinical routine for early detection and monitoring. Given the etiological uncertainty, therapeutic or preventive options remain limited. Vitamin supplementation and use of catechol-O-methyltransferase-inhibitors can be taken into consideration.

Conclusion

PNP is increasingly recognized as a complicating comorbidity of PD patients. Long-term, large-scale prospective studies are required to elucidate the causative factors for the development and progression of PD-associated PNP to optimize treatment approaches. The overall systemic role of “idiopathic” PNP in PD and a putative association with the progression of neurodegeneration should also be investigated further.
Functional response and control potential of adult
Arma chinensis
on Colorado potato beetle in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Liu Juan , Liao Jianghua , Li Chao
Published: October 2024

Potato is an important food crop. The Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is its key pest. CPBs are now resistant to several chemical pesticides, making their control more difficult. The predatory insect,
Arma chinensis
, is a natural enemy of other plant pests. We studied the predation of adult
A. chinensis
on CPB eggs and young larvae under indoor controlled conditions and its control of CPB in cages under outdoor conditions. Adult
A. chinensis
effectively reduces CPB egg and larva populations, and its predatory functional response aligns with Holling’s Type II model.
A. chinensis
adults released within outdoor cages reduced CPB populations. Based on the predation behavior of the adults of
A. chinensis
to CPB eggs and young larvae,
A. chinensis
is an efficient and potential predator.
Equal, equitable or exacerbating inequalities: patterns and predictors of social prescribing referrals in 160 128 UK patients
Authors: Bu Feifei , Hayes Daniel , Burton Alexandra , Fancourt Daisy
Published: October 2024

Background

Social prescribing is growing rapidly globally as a way to tackle social determinants of health. However, whom it is reaching and how effectively it is being implemented remains unclear.

Aims

To gain a comprehensive picture of social prescribing in the UK, from referral routes, reasons, to contacts with link workers and prescribed interventions.

Method

This study undertook the first analyses of a large database of administrative data from over 160 000 individuals referred to social prescribing across the UK. Data were analysed using descriptive analyses and regression modelling, including logistic regression for binary outcomes and negative binomial regression for count variables.

Results

Mental health was the most common referral reason and mental health interventions were the most common interventions prescribed. Between 72% and 85% of social prescribing referrals were from medical routes (primary or secondary healthcare). Although these referrals demonstrated equality in reaching across sociodemographic groups, individuals from more deprived areas, younger adults, men, and ethnic minority groups were reached more equitably via non-medical routes (e.g. self-referral, school, charity). Despite 90% of referrals leading to contact with a link worker, only 38% resulted in any intervention being received. A shortage of provision of community activities – especially ones relevant to mental health, practical support and social relationships – was evident. There was also substantial heterogeneity in how social prescribing is implemented across UK nations.

Conclusions

Mental health is the leading reason for social prescribing referrals, demonstrating its relevance to psychiatrists. But there are inequalities in referrals. Non-medical referral routes could play an important role in addressing inequality in accessing social prescribing and therefore should be prioritised. Additionally, more financial and infrastructural resource and strategic planning are needed to address low intervention rates. Further investment into large-scale data platforms and staff training are needed to continue monitoring the development and distribution of social prescribing.
Dynamic protein assembly and architecture of the large solitary membraneless organelle during germline development in the wasp Nasonia vitripennis
Authors: Kharel Kabita , Tindell Samuel J. , Kemph Allie , Schmidtke Ryan , Alexander Emma , Lynch Jeremy A. , Arkov Alexey L.
Published: October 2024

Throughout metazoa, germ cells assemble RNA-protein organelles (germ granules). In Drosophila ovaries, perinuclear nuage forms in the nurse cells, while compositionally similar polar granules form in the oocyte. A similar system appears to exist in the distantly related (∼350 million years) wasp Nasonia, with some surprising divergences. Nuage is similarly formed in Nasonia, except that anterior nurse cells accumulate significantly more nuage, in association with high levels of DNA double-strand breaks, suggesting that increased transposon activity anteriorly is silenced by high nuage levels. In the oocyte, the germ plasm forms a single granule that is 40 times larger than a homologous Drosophila polar granule. While conserved germ granule proteins are recruited to the oosome, they show unusual localization: Tudor protein forms a shell encapsulating the embryonic oosome, while small Oskar/Vasa/Aubergine granules coalesce interiorly. Wasp Vasa itself is unusual since it has an alternative splice form that includes a previously unreported nucleoporin-like phenylalanine-glycine repeat domain. Our work is consistent with the high degree of evolutionary plasticity of membraneless organelles, and describes a new experimental model and resources for studying biomolecular condensates.
Back to the future – 20 years of progress and developments in photonic microscopy and biological imaging
Authors: Erard Marie , Favard Cyril , Lavis Luke D. , Recher Gaëlle , Rigneault Hervé , Sage Daniel
Published: October 2024

In 2023, the ImaBio consortium (imabio-cnrs.fr), an interdisciplinary life microscopy research group at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, celebrated its 20th anniversary. ImaBio contributes to the biological imaging community through organization of MiFoBio conferences, which are interdisciplinary conferences featuring lectures and hands-on workshops that attract specialists from around the world. MiFoBio conferences provide the community with an opportunity to reflect on the evolution of the field, and the 2023 event offered retrospective talks discussing the past 20 years of topics in microscopy, including imaging of multicellular assemblies, image analysis, quantification of molecular motions and interactions within cells, advancements in fluorescent labels, and laser technology for multiphoton and label-free imaging of thick biological samples. In this Perspective, we compile summaries of these presentations overviewing 20 years of advancements in a specific area of microscopy, each of which concludes with a brief look towards the future. The full presentations are available on the ImaBio YouTube channel (youtube.com/@gdrimabio5724).
Activation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response regulates the dynamic formation of stress granules
Authors: Lopez-Nieto Marta , Sun Zhaozhi , Relton Emily , Safakli Rahme , Freibaum Brian D. , Taylor J. Paul , Ruggieri Alessia , Smyrnias Ioannis , Locker Nicolas
Published: October 2024

To rapidly adapt to harmful changes to their environment, cells activate the integrated stress response (ISR). This results in an adaptive transcriptional and translational rewiring, and the formation of biomolecular condensates named stress granules (SGs), to resolve stress. In addition to this first line of defence, the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) activates a specific transcriptional programme to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis. We present evidence that the SG formation and UPRmt pathways are intertwined and communicate. UPRmt induction results in eIF2α phosphorylation and the initial and transient formation of SGs, which subsequently disassemble. The induction of GADD34 (also known as PPP1R15A) during late UPRmt protects cells from prolonged stress by impairing further assembly of SGs. Furthermore, mitochondrial functions and cellular survival are enhanced during UPRmt activation when SGs are absent, suggesting that UPRmt-induced SGs have an adverse effect on mitochondrial homeostasis. These findings point to a novel crosstalk between SGs and the UPRmt that might contribute to restoring mitochondrial functions under stressful conditions.
El método hipotético-inductivo de René Girard. Una demostración atea de la existencia de Dios
Authors: Buil Zamorano Unai
Published: October 2024

En el presente artículo, se explicará la noción de ‘ciencia’ plasmada en las obras del antropólogo francés René Girard. Esta ciencia se entiende como método de investigación principalmente inductivo en el que el concepto central de ‘hipótesis’ no refleja una tentativa de respuesta a un problema dado, sino que resulta la propia conclusión del proceso de búsqueda intelectual que, en el caso de este autor, tiene por objeto al ser humano. El proyecto de Girard se cifra en construir una antropología realmente científico-evolucionista que no elimine las especificidades humanas, sino que trate de entenderlas radicalmente desde el mundo de la biología animal, sin apriorismos filosóficos o semejantes. La idea en torno a la cual se irá forjando esta antropología será la ‘mímesis’, que es un elemento que, por su naturaleza y evolución, está asimismo vinculado con el ‘deseo’ y el ‘sacrificio’. Sin embargo, paradójicamente, Girard acabará declarando que su ‘hipótesis’ revela que los estudios religiosos son el ámbito donde, en definitiva, adquieren todo su sentido la Antropología e, incluso, la Metafísica. En suma: la ‘hipótesis’ de Girard erige la teoría de la religión como una especie de “ciencia primera” y referencia de las demás disciplinas del saber humano. Tal ciencia primera es llamada también ‘Teoría Mimética’ y está marcada por un claro carácter crítico y apofático, solo templado por la aportación positiva de la revelación del Dios bíblico en los ritos y mitos de la cultura judeocristiana.
Tło filozoficzne teorii percepcji Thomasa Reida
Authors: Kucharski Dariusz
Published: October 2024

The subject of this article is not explicity the theory of perception that Reid propounded. To present it would go beyond his modest framework because an essential part of Reid's view was the so-called common sense principles. The nature, number and cognition role of these principles would require a separate discussion. In this text, therefore, I concentrate on the specific preliminaries of the philosophy proposed by the founder of the Scottish school of common sense, which can be interpreted as a "negative reference point", which is the starting point for "positive" solutions, i.e. Reid's proposed theory of perception. He thus began with a critique of the "theory of ideas", which, in Reid's view, was the main reason for the failure to formulate a satisfactory philosophy of mind. Within this critique, we find his reflections on the method of philosophising itself, the differences that occur in the study of such different objects as material objects and cognitive mind, and his interpretation of the consequences of the adaption of the theory of ideas by the philosophers of modernity. The result of Reid's theoretical analyses is the rejection of the assumption of any mutual interaction between matter and mind, the questioning of the possibility of perception of material objects based on similarity of sense impressions and the things perceived, and the accusation of the proponents of this theory of dooming philosophy to idealism and scepticism.
Comment on “Salesforce Compensation with Inventory Considerations”: A Rejoinder
Authors: Dai Tinglong , Jerath Kinshuk
Published: October 2024

In this rejoinder, we address the concern about equilibrium existence in our previous work published in 2013. By making the simple adjustment of discretizing inventory ordering amounts to prevent inventory orders in arbitrarily small increments, we show that the results from that paper hold, thus maintaining the robustness of the insights obtained.

This paper was accepted by Jeannette Song, operations management.
Voluntary Work for Children in the Republic of Croatia
Authors: Svalina Vlasta , Jukić Renata
Published: October 2024

In today's uncertain world events, it is necessary to promote volunteering from early education. Therefore, it is important and necessary to introduce such extracurricular activities from the first grade of primary school. In the Republic of Croatia, there are various humanitarian organizations that gladly accept any kind of help. Therefore, we need to find teachers who will use their influence to motivate children for humanitarian action and make them aware of the importance of empathy and helping others on a daily basis. This study shows the activities of first-graders to fourth-graders of primary school in the Republic of Croatia. The school curricula in 21 Croatian counties were randomly analysed, and the results are represented in this study. The results show that teachers who organize volunteer activities for their students have a greater level of agreement with the statements that a positive attitude of teachers about volunteering encourages volunteer activities in school. It also helps to enrich the school prevention program by establishing a volunteer club within the school, where volunteering should be encouraged in the classroom class. Volunteering should be encouraged at the school's Student Council, and volunteering should be planned in the school curriculum for participants who do not organize volunteer activities for their students. It can be concluded that teachers have positive attitudes about volunteering within the school. However, participants show significant differences in attitudes regarding gender and personal experience of volunteering.