bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiomyocyte Targeting Peptide to Deliver Amiodarone
Authors: Zahid Maliha , Weber Beth , Yurko Ray , Islam Kazi , Agrawal Vaishavi , Lopuszynski Jack , Yagi Hisato , Salama Guy
Published: May 2023

Background

Amiodarone is underutilized due to significant off-target toxicities. We hypothesized that targeted delivery to the heart would lead to lowering of dose by utilizing a cardiomyocyte targeting peptide (CTP), a cell penetrating peptide identified by our prior phage display work.

Methods

CTP was synthesized thiolated at the N-terminus, conjugated to amiodarone via Schiff base chemistry, HPLC purified and confirmed with MALDI/TOF. Stability of the conjugate was assessed using serial HPLCs. Guinea pigs (GP) were injected intraperitoneally daily with vehicle (7 days), amiodarone (7 days; 80mg/Kg), CTP-amiodarone (5 days;26.3mg/Kg), or CTP (5 days; 17.8mg/Kg), after which GPs were euthanized, hearts excised, perfused on a Langendorff apparatus with Tyrode’s solution and blebbistatin (5μM) to minimize contractions. Voltage (RH237) and Ca2+-indicator dye (Rhod-2/AM) were injected, fluorescence from the epicardium split and focused on two cameras capturing at 570–595nm for cytosolic Ca2+and 610–750nm wavelengths for voltage. Subsequently, hearts were paced at 250ms with programmed stimulation to measure changes in conduction velocities (CV), action potential duration (APD) and Ca2+transient durations at 90% recovery (CaTD90). mRNA was extracted from all hearts and RNA sequencing performed with results compared to control hearts.

Results

CTP-amiodarone remained stable for up to 21 days at 37°C. At ∼1/15thof the dose of amiodarone, CTP-amiodarone decreased CV in hearts significantly compared to control GPs (0.92±0.05 vs. 1.00±0.03m/s, p=0.0007), equivalent to amiodarone alone (0.87±0.08ms, p=0.0003). Amiodarone increased APD (192±5ms vs. 175±8ms for vehicle, p=0.0025), while CTP-amiodarone decreased it significantly (157±16ms, p=0.0136) similar to CTP alone (155±13ms, p=0.0039). Both amiodarone and CTP-amiodarone significantly decreased calcium transients compared to controls. CTP-amiodarone and CTP decreased CaTD90to an extent greater than amiodarone alone (p<0.001). RNA-seq showed that CTP alone increased the expression of DHPR and SERCA2a, while decreasing expression of proinflammatory genes NF-kappa B, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.

Conclusions

Our data suggests that CTP can deliver amiodarone to cardiomyocytes at ∼1/15ththe total molar dose of amiodarone needed to produce comparable slowing of CVs. The ability of CTP to decrease AP durations and CaTD90may be related to its increase in expression of Ca-handling genes, and merits further study.
Improvisers’ experiences across neurotypes of participating in improv comedy
Authors: Keates Nathan , Beadle-Brown Julie
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Previous studies have confirmed the potential benefits of participating in theatrical improvisation, including improved mental health, well-being, skills and strategy development. This study aims to explore the experiences of improv (a subset of theatrical improvisation) for autistic, non-autistic, yet neurodivergent and neurotypical people. In particular, it explores whether participants believe that there have been any benefits from participating in improv.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty adult participants were recruited using snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and qualitative content analysis (QCA). IPA explored the autistic lived experience during improv participation, while QCA sought to identify the benefits gained.

Findings

Implementing IPA allowed for the benefits of improv to be embedded into autistic lived experience. This was aggregated into two themes: “life beyond improv” and “social worlds negative impact”. Findings from QCA found five themes: “creativity and opportunities: the arts and workplace”; “acceptance, cognitive flexibility and rolling with it”; “interpersonal, social and communication skills and human connection”; “gains in mental health, quality of life and wellbeing”; and for just autistic participants, “‘I've gone full autistic’ (and can learn why neurotypicals are like they are)”.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is a novel study area that has not been investigated previously.
Application maturity evaluation of building steel structure welding robotic technology based on multi-level gray theory
Authors: Yu Hongliang , Peng Zhen , He Zirui , Huang Chun
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a maturity evaluation model for the application of construction steel structure welding robotics suitable for the actual situation and specific characteristics of engineering projects in China and then to assess the maturity level of the technology in the application of domestic engineering projects more scientifically.

Design/methodology/approach

The research follows a qualitative and quantitative analysis method. In the first stage, the structure of the maturity model is constructed and the evaluation index system is designed by using the ideas of the capability maturity model and WSR methodology for reference. In the second stage, the design of the evaluation process and the selection of evaluation methods (analytic hierarchy process method, multi-level gray comprehensive evaluation method). In the third stage, the data are collected and organized (preparation of questionnaires, distribution of questionnaires, questionnaire collection). In the fourth stage, the established maturity evaluation model is used to analyze the data.

Findings

The evaluation model established by using multi-level gray theory can effectively transform various complex indicators into an intuitive maturity level or score status. The conclusion shows that the application maturity of building steel structure welding robot technology in this project is at the development level as a whole. The maturity levels of “WuLi – ShiLi – RenLi” are respectively: development level, development level, between starting level and development level. Comparison of maturity evaluation values of five important factors (from high to low): environmental factors, technical factors, management factors, benefit factors, personnel and group factors.

Originality/value

In this paper, based on the existing research related to construction steel structure welding robot technology, a quantitative and holistic evaluation of the application of construction steel structure welding robot technology in domestic engineering projects is conducted for the first time from a project perspective by designing a maturity evaluation index system and establishing a maturity evaluation model. This research will help the project team to evaluate the application level (maturity) of the welding robot in the actual project, identify the shortcomings and defects of the application of this technology, then improve the weak links pertinently, and finally realize the gradual improvement of the overall application level of welding robot technology for building steel structure.
IT investment and corporate collaborative innovation: the moderating role of the top management team's educational background and absorptive capacity
Authors: Wu Wenqing , Zhang Pianpian , Tsai Sang-Bing
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Previous studies have shown that the application of information technology (IT) can help break through the innovation boundaries of firms and has undoubtedly become a key enabler of collaborative innovation. These studies, however, are mainly based on theoretical analysis and case studies, and little is empirically known about the relationship between IT investments and collaborative innovation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to empirically explore how firms' IT investments affect the firms' collaborative innovation performance. The authors also examine the moderating roles of the top management team's (TMT's) educational background and absorptive capacity in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data on 2,097 listed Chinese manufacturing companies and used the ordinary least squares (OLS) method to perform regression analysis. In addition, the authors conducted robustness tests using the propensity score matching (PSM) method and the instrumental variable method.

Findings

The results show that the relationship between IT investments and collaborative innovation is inverted, U-shaped and curvilinear. In addition, the TMT's educational background and absorptive capacity positively moderate the inverted U-shaped relationship between IT investments and collaborative innovation.

Originality/value

The study's findings on the relationship between IT investments and collaborative innovation differ from previous mainstream findings that recognized a positive linear relationship. The authors' findings deepen the understanding of the dual role of IT investments. Moreover, this research helps expand the contingency perspective in IT investments and collaborative innovation research.
Empowering higher education students to monitor their learning progress: opportunities of computerised classification testing
Authors: Ifenthaler Dirk , ŞAHİN Muhittin
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to focus on providing a computerized classification testing (CCT) system that can easily be embedded as a self-assessment feature into the existing legacy environment of a higher education institution, empowering students with self-assessments to monitor their learning progress and following strict data protection regulations. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of two different versions (without dashboard vs with dashboard) of the CCT system during the course of a semester; to examine changes in the intended use and perceived usefulness of two different versions (without dashboard vs with dashboard) of the CCT system; and to compare the self-reported confidence levels of two different versions (without dashboard vs with dashboard) of the CCT system.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of N = 194 students from a higher education institution in the area of economic and business education participated in the study. The participants were provided access to the CCT system as an opportunity to self-assess their domain knowledge in five areas throughout the semester. An algorithm was implemented to classify learners into master and nonmaster. A total of nine metrics were implemented for classifying the performance of learners. Instruments for collecting co-variates included the study interest questionnaire (Cronbach’s a = 0. 90), the achievement motivation inventory (Cronbach’s a = 0. 94), measures focusing on perceived usefulness and demographic data.

Findings

The findings indicate that the students used the CCT system intensively throughout the semester. Students in a cohort with a dashboard available interacted more with the CCT system than students in a cohort without a dashboard. Further, findings showed that students with a dashboard available reported significantly higher confidence levels in the CCT system than participants without a dashboard.

Originality/value

The design of digitally supported learning environments requires valid formative (self-)assessment data to better support the current needs of the learner. While the findings of the current study are limited concerning one study cohort and a limited number of self-assessment areas, the CCT system is being further developed for seamless integration of self-assessment and related feedback to further reveal unforeseen opportunities for future student cohorts.
A systematic literature review on the role of sharia governance in improving financial performance in sharia banking
Authors: Minaryanti Annisa Adha , Mihajat Muhammad Iman Sastra
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the study of the relationship between sharia governance (SG), which is represented by the Sharia Supervisory Board (SSB), and internal sharia compliance, and whether it can affect the performance of Islamic banking.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature search consists of two steps: random literature review and systematic literature review. The methodology adopted in this article is a systematic literature review.

Findings

The variable of internal sharia compliance, sharia risk and internal sharia audit on one of the indications of SG newly researched variable which will later be used as a new paradigm, to measure the implementation of Islamic sharia principles in sharia banking.

Practical implications

The development of a conceptual framework by using measurement of the new SG has practical implications for sharia bank, which can later be applied to also increase sharia banking performance by complying with Islamic sharia principles. This new concept can be used as a reference by the Financial Service Authority (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan) to establish regulations regarding SG framework, especially in Indonesia.

Originality/value

Further research can add more of it or replace it with other variables that are more relevant, in such a way that it could be empirically tested on how the independence and remuneration (lit. performance allowance) of SSB and the internal sharia control team can affect the performance of sharia banks.
The nature of actor engagement intensity: a classification scheme
Authors: Wang Eva Qi , Fehrer Julia A. , Li Loic Pengtao , Brodie Roderick J. , Juric Biljana
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Actor engagement (AE) literature shows inconsistent understandings of engagement intensity. However, a holistic picture of the nature of AE intensity is foundational to advance empirical AE models and measurement frameworks. This paper provides a nuanced understanding of what engagement intensity is and how it unfolds on different network levels.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual study draws from a literature review and offers a comprehensive classification scheme of AE intensity. The literature review extends beyond marketing and service research and draws from the etymology of AE intensity in management and social science, specifically, the fields of student, employee and civic engagement.

Findings

The classification scheme clarifies that AE intensity at the individual level refers to actors' affective and cognitive tone and varying magnitudes (i.e. efforts, duration, activeness) of resource investments. At the dyad level, AE intensity represents relational strength, and at the network level, it refers to the degree of connectedness in the network.

Research limitations/implications

The research reconciles conceptual inconsistencies in the AE literature. Our classification scheme goes beyond the individual actor and actor–actor dyad and offers a holistic overview of possible ways to operationalize AE intensity in networks.

Practical implications

The classification scheme can be used as a strategic checklist to include AE intensities of individual actors (e.g. customers and employees), relationships between these actors and network connectedness, when further developing engagement measurement tools and benchmarks.

Originality/value

This is the first study providing a comprehensive understanding of AE intensity from an individual, dyadic and network perspective.
The partial fire protection of steel members: a comparative study
Authors: Šejna Jakub , Dobrovolný Patrik , Wald František
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper provides a summary of the issues in the passive fire protection of steel structures. Types of passive fire protection and the material properties of protection members and steel members are described. The paper deals with the possibility of partial fire protection for secondary steel beams, in cases where, due to possible membrane action, it is not necessary to apply passive protection to the entire beams.

Design/methodology/approach

Studies of partially fire-protected steel structures are compared, and results from studies with different input data are summarized. A fire experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of partial passive protection in a small-scale furnace. Based on the findings of the experiment, numerical models were prepared using Ansys Mechanical.

Findings

The results are summarized, and a partial fire protection length of 500 mm is recommended. Various partial fire protection lengths were compared, and the temperature development of the steel contactors was compared using a protection length of 500 mm. At the end of the paper, options for partial passive protection of steel beams are presented.

Originality/value

Extended paper from ASFE2021 based on selection.
Designing a system to chart the development of the UK museum sector: an iterative approach
Authors: Poulovassilis Alexandra , Katerinchuk Valeri , Candlin Fiona
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present the methodology for designing a system providing comprehensive data about the UK’s museums and enabling research into the history, status and long-term development of the entire sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have devised and applied an iterative methodology to deliver a knowledge base, web application and website through which these and related resources are publicly accessed, allowing incorporation of the requirements of user stakeholders drawn from across the UK museum sector.

Findings

The methodology has enabled the elicitation of usage scenarios, research questions and feedback from a broad range of user stakeholders, allowing the system to be successfully delivered within the time and staffing constraints of a single publicly-funded research project. Feedback received from external evaluators and users of the system has been overwhelmingly positive.

Originality/value

The system includes the only comprehensive data set of the UK’s museums and is enabling new research by museum studies scholars and museum professionals. The methodology can inform other projects aiming to create specialist knowledge resources involving a wide range of user stakeholders, particularly within constrained time and staffing resources.
An efficient 2.5‐D forward algorithm based on the spectral element method for airborne transient electromagnetics data
Authors: Ke Zhen , Liu Lihua , Huang Lin , Zhao Ziyang , Ji Yicai , Liu Xiaojun , Fang Guangyou
Published: May 2023

The airborne transient electromagnetics method has been widely used in geophysical exploration in recent years, but it still faces challenges in balancing the accuracy and efficiency of electromagnetic data interpretation. As far as forward modelling is concerned, the higher the dimension of the geophysical model, the higher the accuracy of data interpretation, but, correspondingly, the more computing resources need to be consumed, which will greatly reduce investigation efficiency and practicability. In this paper, the spectral element method is first introduced for solving the 2.5‐dimensional forward modelling of the airborne transient electromagnetic system, which has a smaller computing scale than three‐dimensional modelling and is closer to the actual geological structure than either one‐ or two‐dimensional modelling. In the forward algorithm, a non‐uniform quadrilateral structured mesh is adopted to simplify the computing scale, and the Talbot algorithm rather than Gaver–Stefest algorithm is applied to the inverse Laplace transform to improve the numerical precision of this conversion. Moreover, we use parallel computing technology to improve the algorithm efficiency while keeping satisfactory accuracy. The study shows that, whether a low‐resistivity or high‐resistivity layered geophysical model, the numerical solutions of the proposed spectral element method forward algorithm agree well with the analytical solutions of the corresponding models; furthermore, the key factors affecting the accuracy of the numerical solution are analysed by experiments. Finally, we successfully applied it to the 2.5‐dimensional geoelectric model simulation.
Herbivory and warming have opposing short‐term effects on plant‐community nutrient levels across high‐Arctic tundra habitats
Authors: Petit Bon Matteo , Bråthen Kari Anne , Ravolainen Virve Tuulia , Ottaviani Gianluigi , Böhner Hanna , Jónsdóttir Ingibjörg Svala
Published: May 2023

Environmental changes can rapidly alter standing biomass in tundra plant communities; yet, to what extent can they modify plant‐community nutrient levels? Nutrient levels and their changes can affect biomass production, nutrient cycling rates and nutrient availability to herbivores. We examined how environmental perturbations alter Arctic plant‐community leaf nutrient concentrations (percentage of dry mass, i.e. resource quality) and nutrient pools (absolute mass per unit area, i.e. resource quantity).

We experimentally imposed two different types of environmental perturbations in a high‐Arctic ecosystem in Svalbard, spanning three habitats differing in soil moisture and plant‐community composition. We mimicked both a pulse perturbation (a grubbing event by geese in spring) and a press perturbation (a constant level of summer warming).

After 2 years of perturbations, we quantified peak‐season nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in 1268 leaf samples from the most abundant vascular plant species. We derived community‐weighted nutrient concentrations and total amount of nutrients (pools) for whole plant communities and individual plant functional types (PFTs).

Spring grubbing increased plant‐community nutrient concentrations in mesic (+13%) and wet (+8%), but not moist, habitats, and reduced nutrient pools in all habitats (moist: −49%; wet, mesic: −31% to −37%). Conversely, summer warming reduced plant‐community nutrient concentrations in mesic and moist (−10% to −12%), but not wet, habitats and increased nutrient pools in moist habitats (+50%).

Fast‐growing PFTs exhibited nutrient‐concentration responses, while slow‐growing PFTs generally did not. Grubbing enhanced nutrient concentrations of forbs and grasses in wet habitats (+20%) and of horsetails and grasses in mesic habitats (+19–23%). Conversely, warming decreased nutrient concentrations of horsetails in wet habitats (−15%) and of grasses, horsetails and forbs in moist habitats (−12% to −15%). Nutrient pools held by each PFT were less affected, although the most abundant PFTs responded to perturbations.

Synthesis. Arctic plant‐community nutrient levels can be rapidly altered by environmental changes, with consequences for short‐term process rates and plant‐herbivore interactions. Community‐level responses in nutrient concentrations and pools were opposing and differed among habitats and PFTs. Our findings have implications for how we understand herbivory‐ and warming‐induced shifts in the fine‐scaled distribution of resource quality and quantity within and across tundra habitats.
How Australia's economy gained momentum because of Covid‐19
Authors: Rostan Pierre , Rostan Alexandra
Published: May 2023

The objective of the paper is to assess the resilience of the economy of Australia following the Covid‐19 pandemic that hit the global economy in Q4 2019, in years 2020, 2021 and 2022. Quarterly growth rates (annualised) of the Real GDP of Australia and Canada are forecasted between Q2 2022 and Q4 2050. Two sets of forecasts are generated: forecasts using historical data including the pandemic (from Q1 1961 to Q1 2022) and excluding the pandemic (from Q1 1961 to Q3 2019). The computation of the difference of their averages is an indicator of the resilience of the economies during the pandemic, the greater the difference the greater the resilience. Used as a benchmark, Canada's economy shows a slightly lower resilience to the Covid‐19 pandemic (+0.37%) than Australia's economy (+0.39%) based on Q2 2022–2050 forecasts. However, driven by stronger growth than Canada, the average estimate of the Q2 2022–Q4 2050 quarterly (annualised) growth rate forecasts of Australia is expected to be +2.09% with the Q1 1961–Q1 2022 historical data while it should be +1.61% for Canada. Supported by higher growth, Australia's Real GDP is expected to overtake Canada's in Q1 2040.
Promoting basic arithmetic competence in early school years–using a response to intervention model
Authors: Roos Helena , Fälth Linda , Karlsson Lena , Nilvius Camilla , Selenius Heidi , Svensson Idor
Published: May 2023

This study investigated whether mathematics education based on a multi‐tiered response to intervention (RTI) model can support students' arithmetic competence in primary schools in Sweden. The intent was to identify and support students at risk of failure. In this study, 113 students participated in the intervention, and 30 students participated in the control group. Both groups were followed from Grade 1 to the end of Grade 2 and compared. During the first semester in Grade 1, all students were taught basic addition and subtraction with explicit instructions in Tier 1. Those who did not respond to Tier 1 after one semester were provided support within Tier 2 during the second semester. The same was repeated in grade 2 and the students that did not respond to Tier 2 were supported within Tier 3. At the end of Grade 2, students in the intervention group performed significantly higher on the basic arithmetic competence in the number range 1–9 than the control group. No significant difference was found in a test measuring basic arithmetic competence in the number range 10–19. This study shows that using multi‐tiered RTI might be sufficient to identify and support students at risk in early arithmetic competence.
Party‐interest group ties: The resource exchange model revisited
Authors: ALLERN ELIN HAUGSGJERD , HANSEN VIBEKE WØIEN , MARSHALL DAVID , OTJES SIMON
Published: May 2023

We examine the existence and strength of organizational ties between parties and interest groups by innovating on classic resource exchange theory. First, we propose that the nature of interest groups’ policy orientation and their general organizational capacity primarily explain the presence of ties, that is, ties are less likely to materialize when groups lack ideological policy goals and have limited organizational capacity. Second, the size and types of resources on offer from both sides are what principally account for the strength of existing ties. We hypothesize that resources from both parties and interest groups are positively associated with institutionalized relationships, but also that resources are hierarchically ordered, that is, resources that are exclusive for the transaction are particularly important for ties at higher levels of institutionalization. Using data from a novel organizational survey of parties and interest groups in seven Western democracies, we find support for the hypotheses using an integrated design of analysis.
The effect of refined nursing education on improving the urination of patients after renal biopsy
Authors: Wang Hailing , Xie Xiaodong , Li Na , Zhu Liying
Published: May 2023

Background

To investigate the clinical effect of better nursing education on patients' postoperative urination after renal biopsy.

Methods

In this study, patients who underwent renal biopsy in the Department of Nephrology at our hospital were selected as the observation group (July–December 2018, n = 120) and control group (January–June 2018, n = 110) and received refined nursing education and routine nursing education, respectively. Postoperatively, the causes of dysuria after puncture, the degree of postoperative pain, and the urination mode were compared between the two groups.

Results

Six patients in the observation group and 23 patients in the control group needed urethral catheterization, accounting for about 5% and 15.2%, respectively. Therefore, the postoperative catheterization rate in the observation group was significantly lower than the control group, with a statistically significant difference.

Conclusion

The refined nursing education proposed in this study can effectively improve urinary dysfunction after renal biopsy and has a clinical promotional value.
Does police patrol in large areas prevent crime? Revisiting the Kansas City Preventive Patrol Experiment
Authors: Weisburd David , Wilson David B. , Petersen Kevin , Telep Cody W.
Published: May 2023

Research Summary

The Kansas City Preventive Patrol Experiment (KCPPE) was seen by its developers to have produced “consistent evidence of the lack of effects of any consequence on crime,” a conclusion that was to have a strong impact on assumptions about police patrol for almost half a century. We identified the original official crime data from the KCPPE, and reanalyzed outcomes focusing on a comparison of the “proactive” versus “control” beats (“reactive beats” were criticized because of violations of treatment integrity); examining broad categories of crime (to increase statistical power); and using count regression models. Our findings are not unequivocal, but point to modest impacts of police patrol on crime in police beats.

Policy Implications

Our findings suggest that lessons drawn for half a century from the KCPPE need to be revisited. The KCPPE does not show that police patrol in large areas has no influence on crime, and this finding is consistent with several more recent studies. At the same time, we note that the effects of patrol in the KCPPE using our analysis strategy, and those found in other studies of preventive patrol in larger areas, are about half that found in hot spots policing studies. This suggests that police agencies ideally should invest in focused hot spots policing initiatives. However, absent an ability to manage such initiatives, or the crime analysis capabilities to identify crime hot spots routinely, simpler preventive patrol schemes to utilize uncommitted patrol time can be seen as potentially effective in preventing crime.
Challenges in pea breeding for tolerance to drought: Status and prospects
Authors: Bagheri Maryam , Santos Carla S. , Rubiales Diego , Vasconcelos Marta W.
Published: May 2023

Drought is increasingly frequent in the context of climate change and is considered a major constraint for crop yield. Water scarcity can impair growth, disturb plant water relations and reduce water use efficiency. Pea (Pisum sativum) is a temperate grain legume rich in protein, fibre, micronutrients and bioactive compounds that can benefit human health. In reducing pea yield because of drought, the intensity and duration of stress are critical. This review describes several drought resistance mechanisms in pea based on morphology, physiology and biochemical changes during/after the water deficit period. Drought tolerance of pea can be managed by adopting strategies such as screening, breeding and marker‐assisted selection. Therefore, various biotechnological approaches have led to the development of drought‐tolerant pea cultivars. Finally, the main objective of the current research is to point out some useful traits for drought tolerance in peas and also, mention the methods that can be useful for future studies and breeding programmes.
Pre‐oxygenation using high‐flow nasal oxygen in parturients undergoing caesarean section in general anaesthesia: A prospective, multi‐centre, pilot study
Authors: Sjöblom Albin , Hedberg Magnus , Johansson Sofia , Henningsson Ragnar , Soumpasis Ioannis , Lafrenz Hannah , Törnberg Daniel , Lodenius Åse , Fagerlund Malin Jonsson
Published: May 2023

Background

Parturients undergoing caesarean section in general anaesthesia have an increased risk of desaturating during anaesthesia induction. Pre‐ and peri‐oxygenation with high‐flow nasal oxygen prolong the safe apnoea time but data on parturients undergoing caesarean section under general anaesthesia are limited. This pilot study aimed to investigate the clinical effects and frequency of desaturation in parturients undergoing caesarean section in general anaesthesia pre‐ and peri‐oxygenated with high‐flow nasal oxygen and compare this to traditional pre‐oxygenation using a facemask.

Methods

In this prospective, non‐randomised, multi‐centre study we included pregnant women with a gestational age ≥30 weeks undergoing caesarean section under general anaesthesia. All parturients were asked to participate in the intervention group consisting of pre‐oxygenation using high‐flow nasal oxygen. Parturients declining participation were pre‐oxygenated with a traditional facemask. Primary outcome was the proportion of parturients desaturating below 93% from start of pre‐oxygenation until 1 min after tracheal intubation. Secondary outcomes investigated end‐tidal oxygen concentrations after tracheal intubation and the proportion of parturients with signs of regurgitation.

Results

A total of 34 parturients were included, 25 pre‐ and peri‐oxygenated with high‐flow nasal oxygen and 9 pre‐oxygenated with facemask. No difference in patient or airway characteristics could be seen except for a higher BMI in the high‐flow nasal oxygen group (31.4 kg m−2 [4.7] vs. 27.7 kg m−2 [3.1]; p = .034). No woman in any of the two groups desaturated below 93%. The lowest peripheral oxygen saturation observed, in any parturient, was 97%. There was no difference detected in end‐tidal oxygen concentration after tracheal intubation, 87% (6) in the high‐flow nasal oxygen group vs 80% (15) in the facemask group (p = .308). No signs of regurgitation, in any parturient, were seen.

Conclusion

Pre‐ and peri‐oxygenation with high‐flow nasal oxygen maintain adequate oxygen saturation levels during induction of anaesthesia also in parturients. Regurgitation of gastric content did not occur in any parturient and no other safety concerns were observed in this pilot study.
GM‐CSF and IL‐7 fusion cytokine engineered tumor vaccine generates long‐term Th‐17 memory cells and increases overall survival in aged syngeneic mouse models of glioblastoma
Authors: Shireman Jack M. , Gonugunta Nikita , Zhao Lei , Pattnaik Akshita , Distler Emily , Her Skyler , Wang Xiaohu , Das Rahul , Galipeau Jaques , Dey Mahua
Published: May 2023

Age‐related immune dysfunctions, such as decreased T‐cell output, are closely related to pathologies like cancers and lack of vaccine efficacy among the elderly. Engineered fusokine, GIFT‐7, a fusion of interleukin 7 (IL‐7) and GM‐CSF, can reverse aging‐related lymphoid organ atrophy. We generated a GIFT‐7 fusokine tumor vaccine and employed it in aged syngeneic mouse models of glioblastoma and found that peripheral vaccination with GIFT‐7TVax resulted in thymic regeneration and generated durable long‐term antitumor immunity specifically in aged mice. Global cytokine analysis showed increased pro‐inflammatory cytokines including IL‐1β in the vaccinated group that resulted in hyperactivation of dendritic cells. In addition, GIFT‐7 vaccination resulted in increased T‐cell trafficking to the brain and robust Th‐17 long‐term effector memory T‐cell formation. TCR‐seq analysis showed increased productive frequency among detected rearrangements within the vaccinated group. Overall, our data demonstrate that aging immune system can be therapeutically augmented to generate lasting antitumor immunity.
Genetic portrait of the Amazonian communities of Peru and Bolivia: The legacy of the Takanan‐speaking people
Authors: Sandoval José R. , Revollo Susana , Cuellar Cinthia , Lacerda Daniela R. , Jota Marilza S. , Fujita Ricardo , Santos Fabricio R.
Published: May 2023

During the colonial period in South America, many autochthonous populations were affected by relocation by European missionary reductions and other factors that impacted and reconfigured their genetic makeup. Presently, the descendants of some “reduced” and other isolated groups are distributed in the Amazonian areas of Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, and among them, speakers of Takanan and Panoan languages. Based on linguistics, these peoples should be closely related, but so far no DNA comparison studies have been conducted to corroborate a genetic relationship. To clarify these questions, we used a set of 15 short tandem repeats of the non‐recombining part of the Y‐chromosome (Y‐STRs) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequence data. Paternal line comparisons showed the Takanan‐speaking peoples from Peru and Bolivia descended from recent common ancestors; one group was related to Arawakan, Jivaroan, and Cocama and the other to Panoan speakers, consistent with linguistics. Also, a genetic affinity for maternal lines was observed between some Takanan speakers and individuals who spoke different Amazonian languages. Our results supported a shared ancestry of Takanan, Panoan, Cocama, and Jivaroan‐speaking communities who appeared to be related to each other and came likely from an early Arawak expansion in the western Amazonia of South America.
Geriatric syndromes in the population older than 90 years: The prevalence and association with chronic diseases
Authors: Veizi Betül Gülsüm Yavuz , Taşcı İlker , Naharci Mehmet Ilkin
Published: May 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of geriatric syndromes and comorbid conditions, as well as their interrelationships, in individuals aged 90 years and over.

Methods

This study included participants aged 90 years and older who underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment in a tertiary geriatric outpatient clinic. Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained using the electronic medical records. The geriatric syndrome burden was calculated by adding each syndrome, which was then stratified into one of two groups based on the median value: no or low burden (<4) and high burden (≥4). The modified Charlson comorbidity index was used to determine chronic disease burden.

Results

A total of 235 participants (93.2 ± 2.7 years) were recruited in this study. The mean index score was 7.3, and 46% (n = 107) of participants had a high geriatric syndrome burden. The most common geriatric syndrome was incontinence (69%), followed by polypharmacy (60%) and depression (43%). When compared to patients without such a diagnosis, the prevalence of polypharmacy was significantly higher in patients diagnosed with hypertension, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.02,p = 0.02,p < 0.001,p = 0.008,p = 0.007, respectively). However, no chronic disease was associated with geriatric syndrome burden.

Conclusions

We found that the burden of medical conditions in the older population over 90 years of age could influence general health status significantly, with a high prevalence of chronic diseases and geriatric syndromes.
Evaluating and comparing the clinical characteristics between adult‐onset and childhood‐onset atopic dermatitis in an Asian clinical cohort
Authors: Aponso Shashendra , Goon Rachel Hui Zhen , Zhao Xiahong , Yew Yik Weng
Published: May 2023

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory skin conditions. We aimed to describe the clinical features of adult‐onset and childhood‐onset AD in a multi‐ethnic Asian population.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed of 188 patients with AD managed at a tertiary skin institution in Singapore. Patient demographics, clinical features and disease scores were analysed.

Results

Clinical features related to pigmentary changes, such as orbital darkening and Dennie–Morgan folds were more prevalent among childhood‐onset AD patients than in adult‐onset AD patients. Similarly, features related to prolonged scratching or friction, such as anterior neck folds, perifollicular accentuation and infra‐auricular/infranasal fissuring were also more prevalent in childhood‐onset AD patients. Disease scores such as SCORAD and EASI were not different between patients with childhood versus adult‐onset disease.

Conclusion

There were significant differences in clinical features between childhood‐onset and adult‐onset AD. Certain features are related to pigmentary changes and might be more accentuated in patients with skin of colour. Further studies are needed to understand how the different features might be clinically significant and related to the various AD endotypes and disease trajectories.
Comparison of wellbeing structures based on survey responses and social media language: A network analysis
Authors: Sametoğlu Selim , Pelt Dirk H. M. , Eichstaedt Johannes C. , Ungar Lyle H. , Bartels Meike
Published: May 2023

Wellbeing is predominantly measured through surveys but is increasingly measured by analysing individuals' language on social media platforms using social media text mining (SMTM). To investigate whether the structure of wellbeing is similar across both data collection methods, we compared networks derived from survey items and social media language features collected from the same participants. The dataset was split into an independent exploration (n = 1169) and a final subset (n = 1000). After estimating exploration networks, redundant survey items and language topics were eliminated. Final networks were then estimated using exploratory graph analysis (EGA). The networks of survey items and those from language topics were similar, both consisting of five wellbeing dimensions. The dimensions in the survey‐ and SMTM‐based assessment of wellbeing showed convergent structures congruent with theories of wellbeing. Specific dimensions found in each network reflected the unique aspects of each type of data (survey and social media language). Networks derived from both language features and survey items show similar structures. Survey and SMTM methods may provide complementary methods to understand differences in human wellbeing.
Editorial: coeliac disease follow‐up guided by gluten immunogenic peptides—are we there yet? Authors' reply
Authors: Garzón‐Benavides Marta , Rodríguez‐Herrera Alfonso , Sousa Carolina , Pizarro‐Moreno Angeles
Published: May 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Garzón‐Benavides et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17417 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17464
Editorial: adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine in adults with inflammatory bowel disease—time for universal recommendation? Authors' reply
Authors: Caldera Freddy , Spaulding Aaron C. , Hayney Mary S. , Farraye Francis A.
Published: May 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Caldera et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17454 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17490
COVID‐19 pandemic and the determinants of depressive symptoms among senior citizens of India: An empirical investigation
Authors: Ray Koustubh Kanti
Published: May 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic inflicted multiple threats to individuals' physical, mental, and financial health conditions. The pandemic‐related restrictive behaviors pose serious consequences for public health and increase the risk of mental illness among individuals, particularly among older citizens. The combination of their pre‐existing illnesses, social isolation, COVID fear, and financial adversity frequently aggravates their condition and leads to depression and mental illness. Thus, the present study investigates the mental health status and the determinants of depressive symptoms among older adults of Bhubaneswar during the COVID pandemic context. The study used the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15) to measure their depressive symptoms. The social isolation parameter is measured with the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Financial self‐efficacy, COVID‐19‐related psychological fear, and comorbidity health status are other determinants considered. A chi‐square test and multinomial logistic regression (MLR) models are adopted to find the probable risk factors that may influence depressive symptoms among older people. The results indicate that comorbidity health conditions, a social isolation mindset, and financial efficacy issues are the significant determinants that drive an older person towards different depression categories. The improvement of these influential factors can lead senior citizens to avoid any health emergency like COVID pandemic. In the event of a public health emergency, such as COVID pandemic, the government could use the study's findings to devise methods for assisting the elderly. Society as a whole should be aware of these findings, which can lead to depressive symptoms, and offer support to the elderly. Future research may concentrate on identifying the causes of depressive symptoms in different age groups or in the presence of specific comorbidity health conditions. Future research may also investigate the factors influencing depressive symptoms in a specific occupation.
Questioning children's activism: What is new or old in theory and practice?
Authors: Taft Jessica K. , O'Kane Claire
Published: May 2023

This article explores the multiple and shifting meanings of children's activism and addresses some of the potential benefits and disadvantages of framing a given set of practices as children's activism. After recognizing the potential dangers of overuse of the term, we offer our own conceptual understanding of children's activism, focusing on collectivity, challenging expectations and transforming power. Further, in questioning what is new and old in theory and practice on children's activism, we illustrate how scholars and practitioners supporting children's participation can benefit from established literature, strategies and tools from youth activism and broader work on social movements.
Land‐cover and land‐use change trajectory hopping facilitates estate‐crop expansion into protected forests in Indonesia
Authors: Xin Yu , Sun Laixiang , Hansen Matthew C.
Published: May 2023

Protected areas (PAs) have been regarded as a critical strategy to protect natural forest (NF) and biodiversity. Estate‐crop expansion is an important driver of deforestation in Indonesia. Yet, little is known regarding the temporal dynamics of PA effectiveness in preventing estate‐crop expansion into NF. We employ Cox proportional hazard models and their extensions to characterize the dynamics of estate‐crop expansion into NF in Indonesia during 1996–2015. The results show that PA effectiveness in Sumatra decreased over time and became insignificant in 2012–2015. A multistate modeling analysis shows that hopping in land‐cover and land‐use change (LCLUC) trajectories with shrub and/or bare ground as intermediates has decreased PA effectiveness and facilitated the expansion. Preventing LCLUC trajectory hopping becomes crucial to biodiversity conservation because it tends to occur at lowland forest, diminishing natural habitat area and increasing NF isolation.