bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decoding transcriptomic signatures of Cysteine String Protein alpha-mediated synapse maintenance
Authors: Wang Na , Zhu Biqing , Allnutt Mary Alice , Grijalva Rosalie M. , Zhao Hongyu , Chandra Sreeganga S.
Published: October 2023

Synapse maintenance is essential for generating functional circuitry and decrement in this process is a hallmark of neurodegenerative disease. While we are beginning to understand the basis of synapse formation, much less is known about synapse maintenancein vivo. Cysteine string protein α (CSPα), encoded by theDnajc5gene, is a synaptic vesicle chaperone that is necessary for synapse maintenance and linked to neurodegeneration. To investigate the transcriptional changes associated with synapse maintenance, we performed single nucleus transcriptomics on the cortex of young CSPα knockout (KO) mice and littermate controls. Through differential expression and gene ontology analysis, we observed that both neurons and glial cells exhibit unique signatures in CSPα KO brain. Significantly all neurons in CSPα KO brains show strong signatures of repression in synaptic pathways, while upregulating autophagy related genes. Through visualization of synapses and autophagosomes by electron microscopy, we confirmed these alterations especially in inhibitory synapses. By imputing cell-cell interactions, we found that neuron-glia interactions were specifically increased in CSPα KO mice. This was mediated by synaptogenic adhesion molecules, including the classical Neurexin1-Neuroligin 1 pair, suggesting that communication of glial cells with neurons is strengthened in CSPα KO mice in an attempt to achieve synapse maintenance. Together, this study reveals unique cellular and molecular transcriptional changes in CSPα KO cortex and provides new insights into synapse maintenance and neurodegeneration.

Significance statement

Synapse maintenance is important for maintaining neuronal circuitry throughout life. However, little is known about molecules that affect synapse maintenancein vivo. CSPα, encoded by theDnajc5gene, is a synaptic vesicle chaperone that is linked to synapse maintenance and neurodegeneration. Here, we show by performing single nucleus transcriptomics of CSPα KO cortex that synapse instability is related to repression in synaptic pathways and elevation of autophagy in neurons. However, we find a heterogeneity of glial responses. Additionally, interactions between neurons and glia are increased in CSPα KO, mediated by synaptogenic adhesion molecules. This study provides a novel perspective on into synapse maintenance and reveals unique cellular and molecular transcriptional changes in CSPα KO brains.
Spatially and Functionally Distinct mTORC1 Entities Orchestrate the Cellular Response to Amino Acid Availability
Authors: Fernandes Stephanie A. , Angelidaki Danai-Dimitra , Nüchel Julian , Pan Jiyoung , Gollwitzer Peter , Elkis Yoav , Artoni Filippo , Wilhelm Sabine , Kovacevic-Sarmiento Marija , Demetriades Constantinos
Published: October 2023

Amino acid (AA) availability is a robust determinant of cell growth, through controlling mTORC1 activity1. According to the predominant model in the field, AA sufficiency drives the recruitment and activation of mTORC1 on the lysosomal surface by the heterodimeric Rag GTPases, from where it coordinates the majority of cellular processes (reviewed in2,3). Importantly, however, 15 years after its initial discovery, the teleonomy of the proposed lysosomal regulation of mTORC1, and where mTORC1 acts on its effector proteins remain enigmatic4. Here, by using multiple pharmacological and genetic means to perturb the lysosomal AA sensing and protein recycling machineries, we describe the spatial separation of mTORC1 regulation and downstream functions in mammalian cells, with lysosomal and non-lysosomal mTORC1 phosphorylating distinct substrates in response to different AA sources. Moreover, we reveal that a fraction of mTOR localizes at lysosomes due to basal lysosomal proteolysis that locally supplies new AAs, even in cells grown in the presence of extracellular nutrients, whereas cytoplasmic mTORC1 is regulated by exogenous AAs. Overall, our study substantially expands our knowledge about the topology of mTORC1 regulation by AAs, and hints at the existence of distinct, Rag- and lysosome-independent mechanisms that control its activity at other subcellular locations. Given the importance of mTORC1 signalling and AA sensing for human ageing and disease2, our findings will likely open new directions toward the identification of function-specific mTORC1 regulators, and suggest new targets for drug discovery against conditions with dysregulated mTORC1 activity in the future.
Convergent neural signatures of speech prediction error are a biological marker for spoken word recognition
Authors: Sohoglu Ediz , Beckers Loes , Davis Matthew H.
Published: October 2023

We used MEG and fMRI to determine how predictions are combined with speech input in superior temporal cortex. We compared neural responses to bisyllabic spoken words in which the first syllable strongly or weakly predicts the form of the second syllable (e.g. Bingo versus Tango). We further compared neural responses to the same second syllables when heard in an unfamiliar pseudoword and therefore in a situation in which predictions mismatch with sensory input (e.g. Snigo and Meago). Across multiple imaging modalities and analysis approaches (including information-based pattern analysis methods), we show that neural representations of second syllables are suppressed by strong predictions when predictions match sensory input. However, neural representations of the same second syllables show the opposite effect (i.e. enhanced representations following strongly than weakly-predicting syllables) when predictions mismatch with sensory input. Computational simulations show that this interaction between prediction strength and (mis)match is consistent with prediction error but not alternative (sharpened signal) computations. Neural signatures of prediction error are observed early (beginning 200 ms after the onset of the second syllable), localise to early auditory regions (in fMRI, bilateral Heschls gyrus and STG) and are expressed as changes in low-frequency (theta and alpha) power. Our study therefore provides convergent neural evidence that speech perception is supported by the computation of prediction errors in auditory brain regions. These prediction error computations play a central role in the identification of familiar spoken words and perception of unfamiliar pseudowords.
An enzyme-free, cold-process acoustic method for gentle and effective tissue dissociation
Authors: MacMullan Melanie A. , Busalacchi Marlee , Quisling Sophie , Quast Brian , Pullen Johnna , Addington Sydney , Vivek Vibhu , Levers Steve , Renkema Kristin
Published: October 2023

As biological advances continue to improve the resolution of genomic and proteomic studies, the quality of single cell suspensions is becoming increasingly important. While conventional approaches use enzymes which may require heat Abbreviations: Bulk Lateral Ultrasound (BLU) activation to break down extracellular tissue matrices and gain access to single cells, recent studies have suggested that these harsh biochemical and heat-based treatments may result in genomic and proteomic modulation. To minimize these dissociation artifacts, we have developed an instrument for dissociating cells from various tissue matrices using Bulk Lateral Ultrasound (BLU™) energy. This enzyme-free, gentle mechanical dissociation maintains sample temperatures below 8°C for the duration of processing, resulting in high-fidelity single cell suspensions with comparable viability and live cell counts to those obtained with conventional enzymatic dissociations. Here, in murine-derived brain, heart, lung, and B16 melanoma tumor tissue dissociated by either BLU or by a commercially available dissociation kit which uses enzymes and heat, we compare cell viability and expression of population-specific immunological markers. The dramatic differences observed in cell surface expression suggest that cells dissociated using enzymes and heat may be experiencing stress-induced changes post-harvest that could impact conclusions and impede research progress. Alternatively, using gentle mechanical dissociation with BLU, we demonstrate the preservation of these markers and enable a minimally invasive alternative to obtaining high integrity single cell suspensions.

Highlights

Novel, acoustic energy-based, enzyme-free dissociation improves single cell suspensions

Enzymatic dissociation diminishes cell counts, viability, and surface marker expression

Immunophenotyping reveals marker preservation by acoustic-based dissociaton
Does economic policy uncertainty matter for a firm's leverage and speed of adjustment?
Authors: Aftab Muhammad , Shehzadi Saman , Qureshi Fiza
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This research intends to investigate the impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on the firm's leverage and its adjustment speed.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies dynamic panel data modeling by using a partial adjustment model. The study is based on secondary data of the non-financial firms that are listed on the Pakistan stock exchange. For the analysis purpose, the study applies the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation technique and uses a newly developed text-based measure of economic policy uncertainty.

Findings

The results show the negative impact of EPU on leverage decisions but a positive impact of EPU on leverage speed of adjustment for both, short-run and long-run economic policy shocks. Additional analysis reveals that the negative influence of long-run policy shocks on leverage decisions is moderated through profitability, and the negative influence of short-run policy shocks on leverage is moderated through firm size, tangibility and available growth prospects. However, the significant positive impact of EPU on the leverage speed of adjustment in both short and long-term policy shocks indicates that the speed of adjustment for these firms is not affected by policy shocks.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the existing literature on capital structure dynamics,by investigating the impact of EPU on firm financing decisions and estimating the adjustment speed of capital structure in a developing market context. The study also extends the existing literature by applying the concept of long-run and short-run economic policy uncertainty in the capital structure dynamic framework. Additionally, the new news-based measure of EPU is used. Moreover, it also looks into the COVID-19 effect on the relationship.
How healthy are employee-related CSR initiatives: a mapping and discussion of applying health-related employee benefits as part of companies' CSR programs
Authors: Schmeltz Line , Nisbeth Brøgger Matilde
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of corporate health initiatives as part of CSR, and how and to what extent these initiatives are communicated in CSR reports.

Design/methodology/approach

The study comprises two strands. First, a mapping of the extent and nature of health-related CSR initiatives among 11 selected Danish companies is developed, based on a qualitative email questionnaire. Next, the mapping serves as the framework for coding and analyzing CSR reports from 2018 to 2020 from 15 companies (45 in total).

Findings

The study provides a typology of the extent and nature of such CSR initiatives consisting of more than 50 types of health-related initiatives. Analysis of the CSR reports illustrates an increase in the explicit communication of employee health initiatives as well as the number of different categories applied over the three years.

Practical implications

The study provides CSR managers with awareness about the extent and usage of employee health as part of corporate communication on CSR, including how such initiatives can be communicated in the CSR report. It also gives rise to carefully considering the potential negative implications for employees when planning health initiatives.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind to combine the perspectives of CSR and workplace health promotion to discuss the potential institutionalization of employee health as part of the corporate CSR program.
Multilatinas’ foreign divestment and host country institutional uncertainty: is there a best entry strategy?
Authors: da Fonseca Luíza Neves Marques , da Rocha Angela , Ferreira Jorge Brantes
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the divestment behavior of emerging market multinationals from Latin America – multilatinas – by examining how their foreign market entry decision impacts the likelihood of subsidiary divestment.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses are tested using Cox’s proportional hazard rate model in a longitudinal database of Brazilian multinational companies established in 43 countries.

Findings

Results indicate that these subsidiaries can thrive in environments that bear similarities to their home country, being less likely to divest in institutionally weak countries. Contrary to developed country multinationals, these firms benefit from foreign entry decisions that entail handling partnerships abroad; thus, wholly-owned greenfield (WOGF) investments have a higher likelihood of being divested.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to analyze foreign divestment from multilatinas, accounting for how entry mode strategy and host country institutions may impact these firms’ de-internationalization.
Kantian–Nashian interaction and petty tax corruption in developing countries
Authors: Tran-Nam Binh
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper attempts to develop a simple, static model of tax administration that is capable of explaining the widespread collusive petty tax administration corruption observed in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes a positivist research framework and adopts a theoretical method of analysis, although secondary data will also be mentioned to support theoretical arguments whenever it is appropriate to do so.

Findings

A high rate of collusive tax corruption is inevitable in developing countries.

Research limitations/implications

The model is static and needs to be extended into a dynamic model.

Practical implications

Traditional enforcement tools such as higher audits or a higher penalty regime against tax evasion do not work. Tax simplification can lessen the incidence of tax corruption.

Social implications

Fighting tax corruption requires significant changes in the attitudes of taxpayers and tax auditors.

Originality/value

This paper combines the literature on Kantian economics and tax compliance in an innovative fashion.
The behavior of Islamic and conventional banks around the pandemic: cross-country evidence
Authors: Ghosh Saibal
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Using cross-country data on the 1,000 largest global banks for 2019, the paper aims to examine the response of bank risk and returns to the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The author employs weighted least squares (WLS) techniques for the purposes of analysis.

Findings

The findings suggest that banks with Islamic windows increased their riskiness in response to the pandemic, although there was not much impact on profitability. Additionally, the author categorizes banks based on certain major characteristics and find that these findings are manifest primarily for well-capitalized and less liquid banks.

Originality/value

Research as to the impact of the pandemic on banks' balance sheets has been an unaddressed area of research. By focusing on a large sample of banks across countries with both Islamic and conventional banking presence, the analysis sheds light on the balance sheet response of banks to the pandemic, an aspect that has not been addressed earlier.
The effect of teacher engagement factors on teachers' lesson study professional development in Chinese school settings
Authors: Ji Ying
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the influence of four factors (intellectual, instrumental, self-actualizing and CPD cultural factors) on teachers' engagement in continuing professional development (CPD), specifically in the context of three lesson study activities: teaching research team activity, teaching research group activity and research lesson study activity in Chinese school settings.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods design was employed to examine the perceived effects of these factors on the engagement levels of 33 primary school teachers who participated in lesson study activities. The research used a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews as data collection instruments.

Findings

The results indicated that participants demonstrated higher levels of engagement in research lesson study and teaching research group, whereas their engagement in teaching research team was comparatively lower. Intellectual and CPD cultural factors emerged as the strongest predictors of engagement in all the activities. Self-actualizing factors highly influenced teachers' engagement in research lesson study. Instrumental factors mainly affected novice teachers and some mentors in the teaching research group, but not others.

Originality/value

This study addresses a gap in the existing literature by investigating factors influencing teachers' engagement in lesson study professional development. The observed variation in teachers' engagement behaviors and attitudes provides policy makers and school leaders with a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms and effects of these engagement factors on teachers' professional development.
Transfer pricing practices in multinational corporations and their effects on developing countries' tax revenue: a systematic literature review
Authors: Kalra Akash , Afzal Munshi Naser Ibne
Published: September 2023

Purpose

For many global firms and corporate oligopolies, transfer pricing is essential. The transfer pricing literature as it is currently written is succinctly summarized in this study. The authors offer a thorough analysis of transfer pricing research in this study. This review sheds light on the top researchers, approaches, conclusions, theoretical and empirical gaps, and upcoming issues of transfer pricing research over the previous nine years through a methodical analysis of 29 research publications from the Scopus database (2014–2022). To help graduate students pursue further degrees in this area, such as a master's, thesis or PhD, this study will highlight five research issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This essay looks at five significant areas of tax avoidance and transfer pricing research. Some of these issues include determining the impact of transfer pricing regulations on various types of multinational corporations, assessing the effectiveness of transfer pricing regulations in preventing tax evasion, examining various policy options and determining the impact of transfer pricing on other economic outcomes using a systematic literature review.

Findings

The findings of this review demonstrate the need for transfer pricing research to look more closely at transfer pricing as a tool for business in addition to compliance and tax management.

Originality/value

This analysis concludes with future directions for transfer pricing research.
On the traces of documentation: German approach and its pioneers
Authors: Aparac-Jelušić Tatjana
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of the paper is to offer a personal view on the development of documentation/information and documentation (IuD) in Germany, while pointing out the need to further investigate the specific features of its development paths. The methodology is based on critical review of the available literature sources in the German language.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the method of critical review of published documents in journals (especially in Nachrichten für Dokumentation), books and reports of state and provincial administrations that are directly related to monitoring and/or encouraging the development of the young field of documentation.

Findings

The paper offers a review and interpretation of the most significant development phases, the contributions of individuals and the influence of the official state and information policy based on the consulted sources.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to the literature written in German language.

Practical implications

The paper could be of interest to researchers and professionals who are interested in the development of documentation.

Social implications

The paper covers the period after the World War II until the end of 1980s that is especially interesting from the social point of view in divided Germany.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, there is no comprehensive history of documentation in German-speaking countries written in English. This paper is the result of a research project started three years ago with colleagues from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, that aims to cover all phases of the appearance and development of information science in German-speaking countries and could be understood as a kind of introduction to papers planned to follow.
Green brands, customer satisfaction and sustainable performance in the Chinese manufacturing industry
Authors: Waqas Muhammad , Qingfeng Meng , Ahmad Naveed , Iqbal Muzaffar
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Environmental sanctions and pressure from governments and customers can play an essential role in driving the manufacturing industry to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact. Thus, this study explores how pressures from customers and governments influence sustainable firm performance and customer satisfaction through green production, green creativity, green brand innovativeness and green brand image in the Chinese manufacturing industry? Further, the moderating role of green knowledge was analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

640 valid responses from the Chinese manufacturing industry were collected through web-based and physical surveys and later assessed through structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings of this study validated the direct relationship between the proposed construct. Mediation analysis found the mediating role of green brand innovativeness, green brand image green and customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the moderating impact of green knowledge was also proved.

Originality/value

The empirical findings of this research filled the literature gap on cleaner production and sustainable firm performance by focusing on green production, green creativity and green knowledge in the Chinese manufacturing industry context.
Women leadership development in local governance in South and Southeast Asia: a critical analysis
Authors: Azizuddin Muhammad , Shamsuzzoha Ahm
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The main goal of the study is to participate in academic debates and explore women's leadership and related challenges and opportunities in governance, and the extent to which women’s leadership has been enhanced by administrative reforms. The goal is to broaden the scope of action by promoting women's engagement and leadership in local government.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study that uses inductive content analysis to examine the relationship between administrative reforms and women’s leadership development in the context of local government in Southeast and South Asia.

Findings

There is a positive impact of administrative reforms on women's leadership development. There is evidence that women are preparing for leadership roles in administration, which is a sign of progress in political change and modernization of society. They have been empowered by political and administrative education in a transformative way.

Research limitations/implications

This article contributes to the literature that expands knowledge about governance, female leadership and administrative reform. They are interrelated because they are precursors to the development of women's leadership in countries.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can help governments in South and Southeast Asia become more aware of strategies to promote gender balance in governance. The unsatisfactory situation was found to exist because of problems related to socio-political, economic, cultural, and personal development.

Originality/value

This study is the first to highlight the relationship between administrative reform and the development of women in leadership positions in a rarely studied developing country.
Beyond labels: segmenting the Gen Z market for more effective marketing
Authors: Van den Bergh Joeri , De Pelsmacker Patrick , Worsley Ben
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify segments in the Gen Z population (born between 1996 and 2010) in Europe, the USA and Australia, based on brand- and lifestyle-related variables and perceptions about their online activities. This study explores how these segments differ and provide insights into cross-country similarities and differences.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted with 4,304 participants, and cluster analysis and analysis of variance were used to identify and profile Gen Z segments in each of three geographical areas.

Findings

Five segments in Europe and four segments in the USA and in Australia were identified. Segments differ in terms of the importance they attach to exclusivity, inclusivity and sustainability of brands, how Gen Z members perceive money issues and stand in life and how they perceive their online activities. Similar segments are found in the three geographical areas.

Research limitations/implications

This study proposes a conceptual and analytical approach for exploring intra-cohort diversity. Future research can apply this approach to different generational cohorts and use it to study intra-cohort diversity in other parts of the world.

Practical implications

This study provides input for marketing practitioners to create better focused and more effective campaigns.

Originality/value

Cross-country generational cohort research is scarce, and especially intra-cohort diversity is under-researched. This study offers a deep and fine-grained insight into the diversity of the Gen Z cohort across three geographical areas, based on representative samples in these areas.
Shifts in risk sensitivity and resource availability alter fat stores for a large mammal following extreme winter conditions
Authors: LaSharr Tayler N. , Jakopak Rhiannon P. , Bårdsen Bård‐Jørgen , Robinson Timothy J. , Dwinnell Samantha P. H. , Randall Jill , Kaiser Rusty C. , Thonhoff Mark , Scurlock Brandon , Fieseler Troy , Hymas Neil , Monteith Kevin L.
Published: September 2023

For species that inhabit environments where resource availability may be unpredictable, balance of resource allocation to life‐history traits can have heightened consequences for survival, reproduction, and ultimately, fitness. Acquisition and allocation of energy to maintenance, capital gain and reproduction should be in tune with the landscape an animal inhabits—environmental severity, food availability and population size all influence the resources animals have and dictate the ways they should be allocated.

In seasonal environments, animals that experience periods of extreme resource limitation (e.g. harsh winters) may favour allocation of resources to body reserves to secure their survival at the cost of reproduction (i.e. risk averse). In contrast, the same accumulation of body reserves may not be necessary to survive in relatively benign landscapes where instead, allocation to reproduction is favoured (i.e. risk prone).

According to the theory of risk‐sensitive allocation of resources, when animals are exposed to unprecedented or life‐threatening conditions, they may shift resource allocation to favour building capital over allocation in reproduction to preempt against encountering another life‐threatening event in the future.

Using data from a long‐term project on a highly site‐faithful and long‐lived species, mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), we evaluated how a life‐threatening winter and the associated changes in resource availability resulting from a population reduction influenced how animals acquired and allocated energy to survival (i.e. fat accumulation).

Per capita precipitation, and the associated reduction in population abundance after the severe winter, had a positive influence of accrual of fat over summer. After the extreme physiological stress of a hard winter, deer starting spring with low body reserves accumulated 2.8 percentage points more fat over summer compared with before the experience of a bad winter and had an increased probability of recruiting fewer offspring. Fat stores can interact with environment, life history and behaviour to influence survival during periods of resource scarcity.

For a long‐lived herbivore, we documented shifts in risk tolerance associated with fat accrual in preparation for winter, supporting the notion that risk‐sensitive allocation of resources may be plastic—an essential adaptation for animals to cope with rapidly changing landscapes.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Consumers and nutrients alter colonization of an old field community independently and by distinct mechanisms
Authors: Heckman Robert W.
Published: September 2023

As communities assemble, species establishment can be driven by multiple factors. Two such factors, nutrients and consumers, are predicted to interact, but few studies have explored whether this interaction results from synergistically altering the same biotic and abiotic mediators or complementarily altering different mediators.

To test this, I added seeds of multiple native species to old field communities in which I experimentally manipulated soil nutrients, leaf litter and consumers (insect herbivores and fungal pathogens). Using Bayesian hierarchical modelling, I evaluated the degree to which changes in light and water availability, fungal disease and insect herbivory, and community functional composition influenced seedling establishment and the richness of colonizing species and were driven by experimental treatments. I then examined whether nutrients, litter and consumers interactively determined the success of colonizing species with different resource allocation strategies.

Contrary to expectation, nutrient addition and consumer exclusion reduced, and litter removal increased, seedling establishment and colonizer richness independently and via different pathways. Also contrary to expectation, seedling resource allocation strategy did not interact with nutrient addition and consumer exclusion to alter establishment success. Rather, as community damage (foliar fungal disease + insect herbivory) increased, seedlings with high % leaf nitrogen (a proxy for an acquisitive resource allocation strategy) become increasingly disadvantaged relative to seedlings with low % leaf nitrogen (a proxy for a conservative resource allocation strategy).

Synthesis: These results indicate that seedling establishment is unlikely to be interactively impacted by nutrients and consumers (fungal pathogens + insect herbivores) because these two drivers act on different environmental pathways to influence community assembly.
Back to the Stone Age: Europe's Mainstream Right and Climate Change
Authors: Pearson Mitya
Published: September 2023

While populist radical right parties’ stances on climate change are well‐researched, accounts of Europe's mainstream right parties’ actions in this policy area are less common. This article provides a survey of the approach of four European centre‐right parties—the Christian Democratic Union in Germany, the Moderate Party in Sweden, the People's Party in Spain and the Austrian People's Party—to climate change in recent years. It examines some of the key strategic challenges that mainstream right parties are facing and their implications for climate policy, finding evidence of common approaches among this party family to climate policy.
Journey for a cure: Illness narratives of obstetric fistula survivors in North Central Nigeria
Authors: Degge Hannah M. , Laurenson Mary , Dumbili Emeka W. , Saxby Heidi , Hayter Mark
Published: October 2023

Obstetric fistula is a life transforming event resulting in embodied biographical disruption. Survivors suffer myriad long‐term physical and emotional consequences. This paper is an account of a narrative inquiry, conducted with 15 fistula survivors in North‐central, Nigeria, who described how their identities had been transformed by their condition. A narrative therapeutic approach, using Frank’s ‘chaos, restitution and quest’ typology, was used to map their recovery narratives. ‘Chaos’, described by Frank as the opposite of restitution, dominated, with women losing hope of recovery. Women’s shift towards ‘restitution’ began with treatment, but inadequate health‐care access often delayed this process. In their quest narratives, women’s life and identify changes enabled them to derive meaning from their experience of obstetric fistula within the context of their own lives. The findings highlight socio‐structural factors raising the risk of obstetric fistula, which in turn causes biographical disruption and hampers sufferers’ treatment and recovery. Rehabilitation should include income‐generating skills to bring succour to survivors, particularly those whose incontinence persists after repairs.
Comprehensive applications of metabolomics on tea science and technology: Opportunities, hurdles, and perspectives
Authors: Wen Mingchun , Zhu Mengting , Han Zisheng , Ho Chi‐Tang , Granato Daniel , Zhang Liang
Published: October 2023

With the development of metabolomics analytical techniques, relevant studies have increased in recent decades. The procedures of metabolomics analysis mainly include sample preparation, data acquisition and pre‐processing, multivariate statistical analysis, as well as maker compounds’ identification. In the present review, we summarized the published articles of tea metabolomics regarding different analytical tools, such as mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet–visible spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The metabolite variation of fresh tea leaves with different treatments, such as biotic/abiotic stress, horticultural measures, and nutritional supplies was reviewed. Furthermore, the changes of chemical composition of processed tea samples under different processing technologies were also profiled. Since the identification of critical or marker metabolites is a complicated task, we also discussed the procedure of metabolite identification to clarify the importance of omics data analysis. The present review provides a workflow diagram for tea metabolomics research and also the perspectives of related studies in the future.
A charred body inside a burning car with a garden hose connected to the exhaust pipe: Post‐mortem self‐immolation, a complex or a complicated suicide after the ingestion of alcohol? The importance of an interdisciplinary approach
Authors: Simonit Francesco , Da Broi Ugo , Angeli Federica , Innocenti Dario , Desinan Lorenzo
Published: October 2023

The analysis of charred bodies represents a serious challenge for forensic pathologists, and an interdisciplinary approach is often the only way to determine the cause and manner of death. We present an unusual case in which the charred body of a 61‐year‐old man was found inside his burning vehicle. In order to determine cause and manner of death, an interdisciplinary team was employed, with experts in forensic pathology, forensic radiology, toxicology and fire investigations. Post‐mortem computed tomography, autopsy and toxicology ruled out the presence of trauma injury and detected signs of vital exposure to fire and blood alcohol levels. On the other hand, according to fire investigations, the fire started inside the car and partially burned fragments of a garden hose were found along the right side of the car. A suicide could therefore be hypothesized, with the man having attempted to poison himself with the car's exhaust fumes and having set the car on fire. The death was consistent with a complicated suicide in which the victim, in a state of reduced capability, accidentally set his car on fire and was unable to escape. The hypothesis of a complex suicide, with the car having been set deliberately on fire, could not, however, be ruled out.
Can the World Trade Organization Act as a Bulwark Against Deglobalization?
Authors: Evenett Simon J.
Published: October 2023

Whether existing multilateral trade commitments really deter larger trading nations from taking steps that further weaken cross‐border commercial ties is assessed here. Evidence from salient commercial policy episodes of recent years is combined with information on the actual leeway available to G‐20 members under extant World Trade Organization rules. The upshot is a bleak assessment of the capacity of the existing multilateral trade rule book to rein in any attempt by larger trading nations to “deglobalize” the world economy.
Treatment of age‐related macular degeneration with aflibercept using a treat, extend and fixed protocol; A 4‐year study of treatment outcomes, durability, safety and quality of life (An extension to the MATE randomised controlled trial)
Authors: Airody Archana , Baseler Heidi A. , Seymour Julie , Allgar Victoria , Mukherjee Rajarshi , Downey Louise , Dhar‐Munshi Sushma , Mahmood Sajjad , Balaskas Konstantinos , Empeslidis Theo , Hanson Rachel L. W. , Dorey Tracey , Szczerbicki Tom , Sivaprasad Sobha , Gale Richard P.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Data are limited pertaining to the long‐term benefits of aflibercept treatment for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD). The aim of this study was to provide outcomes, safety, durability and quality‐of‐life data with aflibercept using a modified treat, extend and fixed regime over 4 years.

Methods

Prospective, multicentre, single cohort observational study of treatment‐naïve nAMD participants treated with aflibercept as 2‐year extension of the MATE‐trial that compared early and late Treat‐and‐Extend for 2 years. Refracted ETDRS best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), treatment interval and adverse events were assessed. Quality‐of‐life was measured using the Macular Disease Dependent Quality of Life (MacDQoL) and Macular Disease Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaires (MacTSQ).

Results

Twenty‐six of 40 participants completing the MATE‐trial were enrolled with 20 completing the total 4‐year study. Mean BCVA was 60.7 at Month 0 and 64.8 ETDRS letters at Month 48 while CRT decreased from 423.7 μm to 292.2 μm. Five participants discontinued treatment due to inactivity. The mean number of treatments and visits for the remaining participants was 27 and 30.0, respectively, with treatment intervals extended to 12 weeks in four participants at Month 48. Both AMD‐specific QoL and treatment satisfaction remained stable between Months 0 and 48 and mean BCVA significantly correlated with AMD‐specific QoL scores at Months 12, 24 and 48.

Conclusions

Results suggest that BCVA can be maintained over 48 months when following a treat‐extend‐and‐fix regimen of aflibercept with intervals out to 12 weeks, while maintaining AMD‐specific QoL and treatment satisfaction.
Ethical challenges in research on sexual dysfunction
Authors: Binik Ariella , Binik Yitzchak M.
Published: September 2023

Despite more than a century of research on sexual dysfunction, there has been limited attention to ethical concerns. This is problematic because sex research involves complex ethical questions that generate confusion for ethics review and have not been addressed by ethical guidelines. We analyze two questions. First, does sexual content raise the risk profile of a research protocol? We argue that there is nothing inherent in sexual content that makes a study high risk and that many sexual dysfunction studies involve no more than minimal risk. Second, we ask whether research interventions that involve seeing participants undressed or having physical contact with a research subject are permissible? We argue that these interventions raise an important ethical challenge—they often involve sexual dysfunction researchers engaging in interventions that would not be conducted in their standard practice. To resolve this, we propose an expertise‐based account of the permissibility of sexual dysfunction research.
University students' digital spaces in online learning communities: Implications for understanding, protecting and maintaining privacy
Authors: Özer Şanal Seda , Çiçek Büşra
Published: October 2023

In addition to learning effectively and effectively in online learning communities (OLCs), students must be in a secure environment and privacy must be respected. The study aimed to identify privacy violations that university students encounter in OLCs, and identify recommendations and some strategies to implement to ensure privacy at the OLC. A qualitative research method was applied in the study. First, focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 108 students who participated actively in the OLC. After analysing the interview data, a privacy violations report (RPV‐OLC) was prepared at the OLC. According to the RPV‐OLC, a problem description for the Delphi technique was designed and 17 experts were identified for the interview. Delphi panels with experts were completed in 5 months. The content analysis process was used for the data obtained. Students said they encountered information sharing and access, access to information, system/course settings, resistance to negotiations, communication problems and lack of knowledge. On the other hand, experts suggest that different suggestions and strategies could be implemented to ensure privacy in the OLC, such as partial privacy, mutual trust, contextual privacy agreements, role‐based or anonymous identity use, and privacy education. The study focused on defining the concept of privacy and student privacy violations in online learning environments and providing solutions for educators, students and system administrators.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Digital learning environments pose a threat to the privacy of students.

The fact that privacy violations in the OLC can trigger concerns among students has a negative impact on learning processes.

There is high interest at the moment in how to plan the most effective teaching in online learning environments—but privacy is being neglected.

What this paper adds

This article explains the privacy violations university students encounter at the OLC.

This document contains guidelines on how to mitigate and prevent privacy violations in OLC.

The results of the study also provide suggestions for privacy protection at the OLC.

Implications for practice and/or policy

It is important that the instructors who participate in the OLC are informed about the necessary measures, rules, principles, activities and follow‐up measures to protect their personal privacy.

If we can overcome students' concerns about privacy violations at the OLC, we can create more comfortable learning spaces.

The aim of learning should not only be to peak performance; the most important responsibility of educators or system administrators is to preserve each student's private space, while at the same time achieving the best performance.
Cord blood transplantation for AML: Comparable LFS in patients with de novo versus secondary AML in CR1, an ALWP/EBMT study
Authors: Baron Frédéric , Nagler Arnon , Galimard Jacques‐Emmanuel , Sanz Jaime , Versluis Jurjen , Forcade Edouard , Chevallier Patrice , Sirvent Anne , Anthias Chloe , Kuball Jürgen , Furst Sabine , Rambaldi Alessandro , Sierra Jorge , von dem Borne Peter A. , Gallego Hernanz Maria Pilar , Cluzeau Thomas , Robinson Stephen , Raiola Anna Maria , Labussière‐Wallet Hélène , Byrne Jenny L. , Malfuson Jean‐Valère , Ruggeri Annalisa , Mohty Mohamad , Ciceri Fabio
Published: October 2023

We investigated whether secondary versus de novo acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) would be associated with poor outcomes in adult acute AML patients in first complete remission (CR1) receiving unrelated cord blood transplantation (CBT). This is a retrospective study from the acute leukaemia working party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Inclusion criteria included adult at first allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation between 2000 and 2021, unrelated single or double unit CBT, AML in CR1, no ex vivo T‐cell depletion and no post‐transplant cyclophosphamide. The primary end‐point of the study was leukaemia‐free survival (LFS). A total of 879 patients with de novo (n = 696) or secondary (n = 183) AML met the inclusion criteria. In multivariable analyses, sAML patients had non‐significantly different LFS (HR = 0.98, p = 0.86), overall survival (HR = 1.07, p = 0.58), relapse incidence (HR = 0.74, p = 0.09) and non‐relapse mortality (HR = 1.26, p = 0.13) than those with de novo AML. Our results demonstrate non‐significantly different LFS following CBT in adult patients with secondary versus de novo AML.
Intratumoral administration of unconjugated Accum™ impairs the growth of pre‐established solid lymphoma tumors
Authors: Bikorimana Jean‐Pierre , El‐Hachem Nehme , Moreau Mathilde , Lawson Christine , Tai Lee‐Hwa , Gonçalves Marina , Abusarah Jamilah , Beaudoin Simon , Stanga Daniela , Plouffe Sebastien , Rafei Moutih
Published: September 2023

The Accum™ technology was initially designed to enhance the bioaccumulation of a given molecule in target cells. It does so by triggering endosomal membrane damages allowing endocytosed products to enter the cytosol, escaping the harsh environmental cues of the endosomal lumen. In an attempt to minimize manufacturing hurdles associated with Accum™ conjugation, we tested whether free Accum™ admixed with antigens could lead to outcomes similar to those obtained with conjugated products. Surprisingly, unconjugated Accum™ was found to promote cell death in vitro, an observation further confirmed on various murine tumor cell lines (EL4, CT‐26, B16, and 4 T1). At the molecular level, unconjugated Accum™ triggers the production of reactive oxygen species and elicits immunogenic cell death while retaining its innate ability to cause endosomal damages. When administered as a monotherapy to animals with pre‐established EL4 T‐cell lymphoma, Accum™ controlled tumor growth in a dose‐dependent manner, and its therapeutic effect relies on CD4 and CD8 T cells. Although unconjugated Accum™ synergizes with various immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti‐CTLA4, anti‐PD‐1, or anti‐CD47) at controlling tumor growth, its therapeutic potency could not be further enhanced when combined with all three tested immune checkpoint inhibitors at once due to its dependency on a specific dosing regimen. In sum, we report in this study an unprecedented new function for unconjugated Accum™ as a novel anticancer molecule. These results could pave the path for a new line of investigation aimed at exploring the pro‐killing properties of additional Accum™ variants as a mean to develop second‐generation anticancer therapeutics.
The development of visual categorization based on high‐level cues
Authors: Peykarjou Stefanie , Hoehl Stefanie , Pauen Sabina
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the development of rapid visual object categorization. N = 20 adults (Experiment 1), N = 21 five to six‐year‐old children (Experiment 2), and N = 140 four‐, seven‐, and eleven‐month‐old infants (Experiment 3; all predominantly White, 81 females, data collected in 2013–2020) participated in a fast periodic visual stimulation electroencephalographic task. Similar categorization of animal and furniture stimuli emerged in children and adults, with responses much reduced by phase‐scrambling (R2 = .34–.73). Categorization was observed from 4 months, but only at 11 months, high‐level cues enhanced performance (R2 = .11). Thus, first signs of rapid categorization were evident from 4 months, but similar categorization patterns as in adults were recorded only from 11 months on.