bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speculative frictions: writing civic futures after AI
Authors: Thrall Alexandra , Nichols T. Philip , Magill Kevin R.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how young people imagine civic futures through speculative fiction writing about artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The authors argue that young people’s speculative fiction writing about AI not only helps make visible the ways they imagine the impacts of emerging technologies and the modes of collective action available for leveraging, resisting or countering them but also the frictions and fissures between the two.

Design/methodology/approach

This practitioner research study used data from student artifacts (speculative fiction stories, prewriting and relevant unit work) as well as classroom fieldnotes. The authors used inductive coding to identify emergent patterns in the ways young people wrote about AI and civics, as well as deductive coding using digital civic ecologies framework.

Findings

The findings of this study spotlight both the breadth of intractable civic concerns that young people associate with AI, as well as the limitations of the civic frameworks for imagining political interventions to these challenges. Importantly, they also indicate that the process of speculative writing itself can help reconcile this disjuncture by opening space to dwell in, rather than resolve, the tensions between “the speculative” and the “civic.”

Practical implications

Teachers might use speculative fiction writing and the digital civic ecologies framework to support students in critically examining possible AI futures and effective civic actions within them.

Originality/value

Speculative fiction writing offers an avenue for students to analyze the growing civic concerns posed by emerging platform technologies like AI.
Credit counselling: a contemporary strategy for survival of micro small and medium-sized enterprises in under-developed financial markets post COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Okello Candiya Bongomin George , Chrysostome Elie , Nkongolo-Bakenda Jean-Marie , Yourougou Pierre
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to establish the mediating effect of credit counselling in the relationship between access to microcredit and survival of micro small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa post COVID-19 pandemic with data collected from rural Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modelling (SEM) through SmartPLS 4.0 was used to generate the standardized parameters to test whether credit counselling mediates the relationship between access to microcredit and survival of MSMEs in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa post COVID-19 pandemic with data collected from rural Uganda.

Findings

The SEM bootstrap results revealed that credit counselling enhances access to microcredit by 27% to promote survival of MSMEs in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa post COVID-19 pandemic with data collected from rural Uganda.

Research limitations

The current study focused only on women MSMEs. Future studies may possibly collect data from all the MSMEs to draw better generalization of the findings within the sector.

Practical implications

The findings can help public finance policy to ensure provision of credit counselling to microentrepreneurs who borrow from different financial institutions to reduce the problem of loan defaults and delinquency rampant in lending. This could be done through conducting routine business education and counselling sessions for microentrepreneurs who often need credit to grow their businesses.

Originality/value

This study is amongst the first few studies to establish the mediating effect of credit counselling in the relationship between access to microcredit and survival of MSMEs in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic with data collected from rural Uganda. There is a dearth in literature and theory on the rehabilitative and preventive role of credit counselling in reducing repayment defaults amongst borrowers within the credit market to spur survival of MSMEs seen as the main enabler of economic growth, especially in developing countries. In fact, credit counselling acts as a safety net by substituting financial literacy and education to solve the rampant problem of overindebtedness amongst borrowers who are debt illiterate within the credit market.
Entrepreneurial barriers in achieving sustainable business and cultivation of innovation: a resource-based view theory perspective
Authors: Agrawal Rohit , Samadhiya Ashutosh , Banaitis Audrius , Kumar Anil
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The study aims to highlight the barriers faced by the entrepreneurs toward achieving sustainability in business and innovation cultivation by offering solutions for academicians, practitioners and policymakers. The study uses the resource-based view (RBV) theory to discuss how an organization’s resources and capabilities influence the competitive ambience and barriers faced by entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research uses grey-causal modelling (GSC) to analyse the barriers against successful entrepreneurship.

Findings

The research focuses on the usefulness of dynamic capabilities, managing and cooperating resources in the entrepreneurship setting. The paper highlights the importance of resource gathering and nurturing as a method to combat scarcity. This research further identifies that financial limitations, regulatory obstacles, challenges to sourcing qualified labour, poor infrastructure and technology, limited mentorship opportunities, lack of scalability, low initial cost barriers in product development and risk-averse attitudes are the major factors hindering entrepreneurs from obtaining sustainable business and innovation.

Originality/value

The contribution of this research to the literature is that it assesses RBV theory within the realm of entrepreneurship, providing a different perspective on resources and capabilities as well as the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. The systematic approach to the analysis and prioritization of various barriers is innovative, and it adds knowledge in this area.
Information technology, gender economic inclusion and environment sustainability in sub-Sahara Africa
Authors: Ndour Cheikh Tidiane , Asongu Simplice
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study examines the relevance of information and communication technologies in the effect of gender economic inclusion on environmental sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The focus is on a panel of 42 sub-Saharan African countries over the period 2005–2020. The empirical evidence is based on generalized method of moments. The environmental sustainability indicator used is CO2 emissions per capita. Three indicators of women’s economic inclusion are considered: female labour force participation, female employment and female unemployment. The chosen ICT indicators are mobile phone penetration, Internet penetration and fixed broadband subscriptions.

Findings

The results show that: (1) fixed broadband subscriptions represent the most relevant ICT moderator of gender economic inclusion for an effect on CO2 emissions; (2) negative net effects are apparent for the most part with fixed broadband subscriptions (3) both positive ICT thresholds (i.e., critical levels for complementary policies) and negative ICT thresholds (i.e., minimum ICT levels for negative net effects) are provided; (4) ICT synergy effects are apparent for female unemployment, but not for female employment. In general, the joint effect of ICTs or their synergies and economic inclusion should be a concern for policymakers in order to better ensure sustainable development. Moreover, the relevant ICT policy thresholds and mobile phone threshold for complementary policy are essential in promoting a green economy.

Originality/value

The study complements the extant literature by assessing linkages between information technology, gender economic inclusion and environmental sustainability.
Beyond multicultural competency: a scoping review of multicultural orientation in psychotherapy and clinical supervision
Authors: Mahon Daryl
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Psychotherapy and clinical supervision outcomes are influenced by client and supervisee factors, one of which is cultural identity. Those with diverse racial and ethnic minoritised identities often experience disparities in therapy outcomes. Therapists and supervisors need to be responsive to the identity of those they support. The multicultural orientation (MCO) framework is an emerging concept in psychotherapy and clinical supervision that may offer these practitioners a framework to be responsive.

Design/methodology/approach

A preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews was conducted. Six databases, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Academic Search Complete, Web of Science and PsychInfo, were searched for peer-reviewed literature published in English between the years 2000 and 2023.

Findings

A total of 1,553 sources were identified, of which (n = 42) are included in this review. Findings suggest that MCO is still in its infancy as applied to therapy and clinical supervision. Most of the research has been conducted in America, using quantitative methodologies with white western populations. Cultural humility is the most studied MCO pillar, and variables such as reductions in psychological stress, the working alliance and microaggressions are reported on as outcomes. MCO applied to the group therapy process is an emerging finding of interest. However, more research is needed, especially experiential designs across different and diverse populations and contexts.

Originality/value

MCO is an emerging therapy and clinical supervision process that has the potential to improve the outcomes for therapy clients and supervisees. Further research is needed to replicate current studies, and further research with diverse populations, countries and contexts should be undertaken as a priority.
Social entrepreneurship in young students promoted by Latin American universities
Authors: Blanco-Jiménez Mónica , Víquez-Paniagua Ana Gabriela , Vásquez-Treviño Diana Maricela , Muñoz-Castro Priscila Elizabeth
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the strategies that allow sowing social entrepreneurship initiatives among young university students in Latin America. This study will also help to understand the different needs and expectations currently treated in higher education in developing its role as a promoter of entrepreneurship in students.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a multinomial logistic regression method analysis based on data collected through an online survey and applied to a sample of 599 advanced business administration students in five Latin American countries.

Findings

The results indicate that three of the independent variables under study are relevant as strategies to instill in university students the initiative for creating social entrepreneurship: establishing links with social communities, providing entrepreneurial education with a social orientation, and offering financial education.

Research limitations/implications

These research findings indicate the role universities should have in promoting social entrepreneurship in university students. Therefore, the proposed strategies are crucial to improving this type of entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is to analyze issues as crucial as social entrepreneurship in Latin American university students and broaden knowledge of the main strategies universities in this region must adopt so that students launch into the social area.
Trophic cascades within and across ecosystems: The role of anti‐predatory defences, predator type and detritus quality
Authors: Piccoli Gustavo Cauê de O. , Antiqueira Pablo Augusto P. , Srivastava Diane S. , Romero Gustavo Q.
Published: February 2024

Species in one ecosystem can indirectly affect multiple biodiversity components and ecosystem functions of adjacent ecosystems. The magnitude of these cross‐ecosystem effects depends on the attributes of the organisms involved in the interactions, including traits of the predator, prey and basal resource. However, it is unclear how predators with cross‐ecosystem habitat interact with predators with single‐ecosystem habitat to affect their shared ecosystem. Also, unknown is how such complex top‐down effects may be mediated by the anti‐predatory traits of prey and quality of the basal resource.

We used the aquatic invertebrate food webs in tank bromeliads as a model system to investigate these questions. We manipulated the presence of a strictly aquatic predator (damselfly larvae) and a predator with both terrestrial and aquatic habitats (spider), and examined effects on survival of prey (detritivores grouped by anti‐predator defence), detrital decomposition (of two plant species differing in litter quality), nitrogen flux and host plant growth. To evaluate the direct and indirect effects each predator type on multiple detritivore groups and ultimately on multiple ecosystem processes, we used piecewise structural equation models. For each response variable, we isolated the contribution of different detritivore groups to overall effects by comparing alternate model formulations.

Alone, damselfly larvae and spiders each directly decreased survival of detritivores and caused multiple indirect negative effects on detritus decomposition, nutrient cycling and host plant growth. However, when predators co‐occurred, the spider caused a negative non‐consumptive effect on the damselfly larva, diminishing the net direct and indirect top‐down effects on the aquatic detritivore community and ecosystem functioning. Both detritivore traits and detritus quality modulated the strength and mechanism of these trophic cascades. Predator interference was mediated by undefended or partially defended detritivores as detritivores with anti‐predatory defences evaded consumption by damselfly larvae but not spiders. Predators and detritivores affected ecosystem decomposition and nutrient cycling only in the presence of high‐quality detritus, as the low‐quality detritus was consumed more by microbes than invertebrates.

The complex responses of this system to predators from both recipient and adjacent ecosystems highlight the critical role of maintaining biodiversity components across multiple ecosystems.
Effect of green infrastructure on restoration of pollination networks and plant performance in semi‐natural dry grasslands across Europe
Authors: Traveset Anna , Lara‐Romero Carlos , Santamaría Silvia , Escribano‐Ávila Gema , Bullock James M. , Honnay Olivier , Hooftman Danny A. P. , Kimberley Adam , Krickl Patricia , Plue Jan , Poschlod Peter , Cousins Sara A. O.
Published: February 2024

Agricultural intensification, afforestation and land abandonment are major drivers of biodiversity loss in semi‐natural grasslands across Europe. Reversing these losses requires the reinstatement of plant–animal interactions such as pollination. Here we assessed the differences in species composition and patterns of plant‐pollinator interactions in ancient and restored grasslands and how these patterns are influenced by landscape connectivity, across three European regions (Belgium, Germany and Sweden).

We evaluated the differences in pollinator community assemblage, abundance and interaction network structure between 24 ancient and restored grasslands. We then assessed the effect of surrounding landscape functional connectivity (i.e. green infrastructure, GI) on these variables and tested possible consequences on the reproduction of two model plants, Lotus corniculatus and Salvia pratensis.

Neither pollinator richness nor species composition differed between ancient and restored grasslands. A high turnover of interactions across grasslands was detected but was mainly due to replacement of pollinator and plant species. The impact of grassland restoration was consistent across various pollinator functional groups, whereas the surrounding GI had differential effects. Notably, bees, butterflies, beetles, and dipterans (excluding hoverflies) exhibited the most significant responses to GI variations. Interestingly, networks in restored grasslands were more specialised (i.e. less functionally redundant) than in ancient ones and also showed a higher number of insect visits to habitat‐generalist plant species. Landscape connectivity had a similar effect, with habitat‐specialist plant species receiving fewer visits at higher GI values.

Fruit set in S. pratensis and L. corniculatus was unaffected by grassland type or GI. However, the fruit set in the specialist S. pratensis increased with the number of pollinator visits, indicating a positive correlation between pollinator activity and reproductive success in this particular species.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings provide evidence of the necessity to enhance ecosystem functions while avoiding biotic homogenisation. Restoration programs should aim at increasing landscape connectivity which influences plant communities, pollinator assemblages and their interaction patterns. To avoid generalist species taking over from specialists in restored grasslands, we suggest reinforcing the presence of specialist species in the latter, for instance by means of introductions, as well as increasing the connectivity to source populations.
Impacts of Monetary Policy Shocks on Inflation and Output in New Zealand*
Authors: Kirkby Robert , Vu Huong Ngoc
Published: February 2024

We identify monetary policy shocks in New Zealand as 1‐day changes in the whole yield curve around monetary policy announcements. The impacts of these shocks on inflation and output are estimated using functional local projections. We find that the effects of monetary policy shocks are standard in the short run but might be different in the long run. Monetary policy shocks in a small open economy have similar effects as in a large economy, except that unconventional monetary policy announcements have limited impact on long‐term interest rates. Accounting for forward guidance, used in New Zealand since 1997, is important.
Voting and Not Voting in Early 18th‐Century English Parliamentary Elections
Authors: Dudley Chris
Published: February 2024

This article uses data from 28 poll books to explore voter behaviour over time in early 18th‐century English parliamentary elections (from 1710 to 1735). Voters in this period exhibited a high degree of partisan loyalty from one election to the next. But voters were also quite likely to drop out of the electorate between elections. As a case study of Sussex elections in 1734 shows, even among voters who made a definite promise to vote for a given candidate or set of candidates, there was a significant proportion who did not vote. While some non‐voting can be explained as an attempt to avoid disobliging powerful patrons, this article argues that voters needed to be motivated to appear at the polls. The electoral culture of the early 18th century – treats, balls, public appearances by the candidates, etc. – should be understood as attempts to mobilise rather than to persuade potential voters.
Tory Travails and Collegiate Confusion: The Oxford University Election of 1722*
Authors: Aston Nigel
Published: February 2024

In terms of the unreformed franchise operative in the early 18th century, the University of Oxford made up an unusual parliamentary constituency. Here it was the votes of non‐resident members that could be decisive to the outcome if the seat was contested. In late Stuart and early Hanoverian Oxford, Tories were almost certain to be returned but, in the general election of 1722, the Tory vote was split between rival candidates offering a possible opening for Oxford Whigs. This essay considers the varieties of electoral behaviour inside the university at this time of exceptional political flux nationally, how the candidates confronted the practical problem of getting ‘outvoters’ into Oxford, and the extent to which the heads of the colleges could rely on a sufficiently stable corporate identity to have their resident members vote in an approved way. The 1722 general election again raised questions as to who exactly was entitled to vote in a university constituancy, how much illegal voting was going on, and whether it was in a candidate's best interests either to connive or draw attention to it. The eventual choices made by the Oxford electorate would signal where the university stood in the wider political picture of the early 1720s, how far it – and the varieties of toryism it contained – was prepared to endorse the legitimacy of the new Hanoverian order.
Factors associated with diabetic foot ulcers and lower limb amputations in type 1 and type 2 diabetes supported by real‐world data from the German/Austrian DPV registry
Authors: Eckert Alexander J. , Zimny Stefan , Altmeier Marcus , Dugic Ana , Gillessen Anton , Bozkurt Latife , Götz Gabriele , Karges Wolfram , Wosch Frank J. , Kress Stephan , Holl Reinhard W. ,   for the DPV‐Wiss‐Initiative
Published: February 2024

Aims

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a leading cause of lower limb amputations in people with diabetes. This study was aimed to retrospectively analyze factors affecting DFU using real‐world data from a large, prospective central‐European diabetes registry (DPV [Diabetes‐Patienten‐Verlaufsdokumentation]).

Materials and Methods

We matched adults with type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) and DFU to controls without DFU by diabetes type, age, sex, diabetes duration, and treatment year to compare possible risk factors. Cox regression was used to calculate hazard ratios for amputation among those with DFU.

Results

In our cohort (N = 63 464), male sex, taller height, and diabetes complications such as neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, nephropathy, and retinopathy were associated with DFU (all p < .001). Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was related to DFU only in T1D (mean with 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.8 [6.9–9.0] % vs 7.5 [6.8–8.5] %, p < .001). High triglycerides and worse low‐density lipoprotein/high‐density lipoprotein ratio were also associated with DFU in T1D, whereas smoking (14.7% vs 13.1%) and alcohol abuse (6.4% vs 3.8%, both p < .001) were associated with DFU in T2D. Male sex, higher Wagner grades, and high HbA1c in both diabetes types and insulin use in T2D were associated with increased hazard ratios for amputations.

Conclusions

Sex, body height, and diabetes complications were associated DFU risk in adults with T1D and T2D. Improvement in glycemic control and lipid levels in T1D and reduction of smoking and drinking in T2D may be appropriate interventions to reduce the risk for DFU or amputations.

image
Evidence of content validity of the nursing diagnosis risk for unstable blood pressure
Authors: Silva Gabrielle P , Mendes Ryanne C. M. G. , Lopes Camila T , Lopes Marcos VO , Perrelli Jaqueline GA , Mangueira Suzana O , Linhares Francisca MP
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To analyze evidence of content validity of the nursing diagnosis (ND) Risk for Unstable Blood Pressure in incarcerated women. 

Method

A methodological study assessing the content validity of an ND, was performed in Brazil, between June and September 2022, with 49 nurses as experts. The label, definition, and relevance of the 19 risk factors of the ND Risk for Unstable Blood Pressure were appraised. Based on the predictive diversity model, the content validity index (CVI) and respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each risk factor. A CVI ≥ 0.8 was considered adequate evidence of content validity.

Findings

The label and the definition of the diagnosis was reformulated. The relevance of 19 etiological factors showed a CVI ≥ 0.8. According to the recommendation of the panel of experts, one of the etiological factors was split in two and two label of etiological factors were changed.

Conclusions

A new label (Risk for Imbalanced Blood Pressure), new definition, and 20 etiological factors (11 risk factors, five associated conditions, and four at‐risk populations) of the ND Risk for Unstable Blood Pressure in incarcerated women were considered valid.

Implications for nursing practice

NANDA‐I accepted the proposal for this nursing diagnosis; hence this study contributed to updating the classification based on scientific evidence. This evidence will favor diagnostic reasoning and recognition of the diagnosis during clinical assessment, and support studies assessing the clinical validity of these elements in incarcerated women.
Phenological growth stages of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton): Detailed identification and description using the extended BBCH scale
Authors: Akshitha Hosahalli Jagannathagowda , Shivakumar Mundagodu Somashekar , Ankegowda Shettahallikoppalu Javaraiah
Published: February 2024

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) is an important spice crop with high market value. In this study, we describe the phenological growth stages of cardamom using a three‐digit extended Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und CHemische Industrie (BBCH) scale, which includes eight principal growth stages, comprising four vegetative, two reproductive and two capsule development stages. Additionally, we identified 45 secondary stages within these principal growth stages, providing a comprehensive characterisation of the crop's growth progression, including bud development, leaf emergence, tillering and shoot development, while the reproductive stages included inflorescence emergence and flowering. The capsule development stage details the maturation process of capsules. The study also highlights the parallel occurrence of tillering, shoot development and inflorescence emergence stages during specific growth phases. The knowledge of growth stages facilitates timely interventions, optimising crop management strategies and enhancing overall crop productivity. Additionally, these findings offer valuable insights for breeding programmes and the selection of superior genotypes, contributing to the sustainable cultivation and economic viability of cardamom as an important export‐oriented spice crop.

Highlights

BBCH scale provides uniform coding for different growth stages of cardamom.

Identified and described eight principal growth stages (PGS).

PGS comprises of 4 vegetative, 2 reproductive and 2 capsule development stages.

45 secondary stages were identified within 8 principal growth stages.

Tillering, shoot development and inflorescence emergence occurs parallelly.
S100A8‐enriched microglia populate the brain of tau‐seeded and accelerated aging mice
Authors: Gruel Roxane , Bijnens Baukje , Van Den Daele Johanna , Thys Sofie , Willems Roland , Wuyts Dirk , Van Dam Debby , Verstraelen Peter , Verboven Rosanne , Roels Jana , Vandamme Niels , Mancuso Renzo , Pita‐Almenar Juan Diego , De Vos Winnok H.
Published: February 2024

Long considered to fluctuate between pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory states, it has now become evident that microglia occupy a variegated phenotypic landscape with relevance to aging and neurodegeneration. However, whether specific microglial subsets converge in or contribute to both processes that eventually affect brain function is less clear. To investigate this, we analyzed microglial heterogeneity in a tauopathy mouse model (K18‐seeded P301L) and an accelerated aging model (Senescence‐Accelerated Mouse‐Prone 8, SAMP8) using cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing. We found that widespread tau pathology in K18‐seeded P301L mice caused a significant change in the number and morphology of microglia, but only a mild overrepresentation of disease‐associated microglia. At the cell population‐level, we observed a marked upregulation of the calprotectin‐encoding genes S100a8 and S100a9. In 9‐month‐old SAMP8 mice, we identified a unique microglial subpopulation that showed partial similarity with the disease‐associated microglia phenotype and was additionally characterized by a high expression of the same calprotectin gene set. Immunostaining for S100A8 revealed that this population was enriched in the hippocampus, correlating with the cognitive impairment observed in this model. However, incomplete colocalization between their residence and markers of neuronal loss suggests regional specificity. Importantly, S100A8‐positive microglia were also retrieved in brain biopsies of human AD and tauopathy patients as well as in a biopsy of an aged individual without reported pathology. Thus, the emergence of S100A8‐positive microglia portrays a conspicuous commonality between accelerated aging and tauopathy progression, which may have relevance for ensuing brain dysfunction.
Dementia in Australia: Clinical recommendations post‐diagnosis
Authors: Foxe David , D'Mello Mirelle , Cheung Sau Chi , Bowen Julane , Piguet Olivier , Hwang Yun Tae
Published: February 2024

The delivery of a dementia diagnosis, the information provided, and the practical advice and support arranged can have a long‐lasting impact on patients and their families and deserves attention equal to that given to the assessment and investigation process. Patients and their families need a constructive yet sensitive conversation about the nature and cause of their difficulties, communicated in plain language, and tailored to their main concerns and needs. This conversation should lead to the provision of high‐quality, easily accessible information. Following this, clinicians may wish to consider broaching the following dementia topics: (1) pharmacological and non‐pharmacological interventions, (2) connection and integration with relevant organisations, (3, 4) application for formal support services and engagement with support teams, (5) safety in the home, (6, 7) financial planning, guardianship and legal matters, (8) driving eligibility, (9) support and education resources to family carers and (10) research initiatives and genetic information. Addressing these topics will contribute to improved disease management, which is likely to improve the dementia journey for the patient, their carer(s), and family.
Immune signatures predict response to house dust mite subcutaneous immunotherapy in patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Wang Nan , Song Jia , Sun Shi‐Ran , Zhu Ke‐Zhang , Li Jing‐Xian , Wang Zhi‐Chao , Guo Cui‐Lian , Xiang Wen‐Xuan , Tong Yun‐Long , Zeng Ming , Wang Heng , Xu Xiao‐Yan , Yao Yin , Liu Zheng
Published: February 2024

Background

Identifying predictive biomarkers for allergen immunotherapy response is crucial for enhancing clinical efficacy. This study aims to identify such biomarkers in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) undergoing subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) for house dust mite allergy.

Methods

The Tongji (discovery) cohort comprised 72 AR patients who completed 1‐year SCIT follow‐up. Circulating T and B cell subsets were characterized using multiplexed flow cytometry before SCIT. Serum immunoglobulin levels and combined symptom and medication score (CSMS) were assessed before and after 12‐month SCIT. Responders, exhibiting ≥30% CSMS improvement, were identified. The random forest algorithm and logistic regression analysis were used to select biomarkers and establish predictive models for SCIT efficacy in the Tongji cohort, which was validated in another Wisco cohort with 43 AR patients.

Results

Positive SCIT response correlated with higher baseline CSMS, allergen‐specific IgE (sIgE)/total IgE (tIgE) ratio, and frequencies of Type 2 helper T cells, Type 2 follicular helper T (TFH2) cells, and CD23+ nonswitched memory B (BNSM) and switched memory B (BSM) cells, as well as lower follicular regulatory T (TFR) cell frequency and TFR/TFH2 cell ratio. The random forest algorithm identified sIgE/tIgE ratio, TFR/TFH2 cell ratio, and BNSM frequency as the key biomarkers discriminating responders from nonresponders in the Tongji cohort. Logistic regression analysis confirmed the predictive value of a combination model, including sIgE/tIgE ratio, TFR/TFH2 cell ratio, and CD23+ BSM frequency (AUC = 0.899 in Tongji; validated AUC = 0.893 in Wisco).

Conclusions

A T‐ and B‐cell signature combination efficiently identified SCIT responders before treatment, enabling personalized approaches for AR patients.
Pitch Black: How design entrepreneurs are rethinking race in post‐Katrina schools
Authors: Tompkins Christien
Published: February 2024

Putting anthropologists of design in conversation with Black studies, this article demonstrates how a group of repentant education entrepreneurs in post‐Katrina New Orleans mobilized racialized affective and narrative surplus within an information economy based on design rituals and protocols. I examine how this splinter group of education reformers established design communities through ritualized “pitches” and show how the egalitarian aspirations of designers rely on forms of empathetic erasure rooted in narratives of spectacular violence and universalist assumptions about the motivations, behaviors, and capacities of so‐called users and so‐called designers. While it is easy to laud the “empathy principles” of design thinking for taking seriously the agency and intellectual capacity of its racialized “users,” this article shares anti‐Blackness theorists’ skepticism of liberal humanization projects and is concerned with the burdens that the relationship between designers and users entails. What is the human at the center of design? Humanity here is not a shared essence, nor an egalitarian relation, but in this instance marks a process through which surplus affect and the spectacle of Blackness is instrumentalized and transmuted into racial capital.
Most recently developed polyester polymer alloy dialyzer: A new medium cut‐off membrane?
Authors: Maduell Francisco , Rodríguez‐Espinosa Diana , Rodas Lida María , Gómez Miquel , Arias‐Guillén Marta , Fontseré Néstor , Vera Manel , del Carmen Salgado Maria , Rico Nayra , Broseta José Jesús
Published: February 2024

Background

New versions of the polyester polymer alloy (PEPA) membrane have appeared over the years, with increases in both the pore size and the amount of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to optimize hydrophilicity performance. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the most recently developed PEPA dialyzer, the FDY series, in hemodialysis (HD) modality in terms of uremic toxin removal and albumin loss and to compare it with that of several high‐flux dialyzers currently used in HD and post‐dilution hemodiafiltration (HDF) treatments.

Methods

A prospective study was carried out in 21 patients. All patients underwent six dialysis sessions with the same routine dialysis parameters; only the dialyzer and/or the dialysis modality varied: FX80 in HD, FDY 180 in HD, Clearum HS17 in HDF, Elisio 19H in HDF, Vitapes 180 in HDF, and FX80 in post‐dilution HDF. The reduction ratios (RR) of urea, creatinine, ß2‐microglobulin, myoglobin, κFLC, prolactin, α1‐microglobulin, α1‐acid glycoprotein, λFLC, and albumin were compared intraindividually. Dialysate albumin loss was also measured.

Results

Both membranes FDY and FX80 are high‐flux dialyzers and are applied here in high‐flux HD. The average RR of β2‐microglobulin was slightly lower in the two HD treatments than in the HDF treatments. Comparison of dialysis treatments revealed that the PEPA FDY dialyzer in the HD modality was more effective than the FX80 dialyzer in high‐flux HD and was as effective as post‐dilution HDF, especially in terms of myoglobin, κFLC, prolactin, α1‐microglobulin, and λFLC RRs. The FDY treatments obtained similar albumin RR in blood and slightly higher dialysate albumin loss, although the values were clinically acceptable.

Conclusions

The most recently developed PEPA dialyzers in the HD modality were as effective as all treatments in the HDF modality and were clearly superior to high‐flux helixone HD treatment. These results confirm that this dialyzer should be categorized within the medium cut‐off (MCO) membrane classification.
Skin structure of the slow worm lizard Anguis fragilis (Anguidae, Sauria, Reptilia) with emphasis on the epidermal micro‐ornamentation in relation to the animal movements
Authors: Bonfitto Antonio , Randi Maria Roberta , Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: February 2024

Skin structure of the slow worm lizard Anguis fragilis (Anguidae, Sauria, Reptilia) with emphasis on the epidermal micro‐ornamentation in relation to the animal movements (Acta Zoologica, Stockholm). The structure of the skin and superficial micro‐ornamentation in the slow worm Anguis fragilis, a limbless lizard with a fossorial activity, was examined using histology, immunofluorescence, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The scales, with a triangular to trapezoidal shape, are very overlapped and interlocked to form a smooth surface and are reinforced by osteoderms. The epidermis shows a thin Oberhautchen layer merged with a thicker beta‐layer that contains corneous beta‐proteins. The SEM survey detects a smooth surface made of tile‐like patterned Oberhautchen cells with irregular perimeters that form an interlocking surface. Disk‐like sensory organs of 15–20 μm diameter are observed only on the head scales, the first to sense the environment and contact the ground. Numerous Oberhautchen denticles, namely corneous thorns of about 0.2–0.3 μm, adorn the caudally directed perimeter of Oberhautchen cells in the ventral scales of the trunk and tail. This microstructure may determine gripping and increased friction with the substrate during the lateral undulating and forward movements of the slow worm. TEM observations reveal sparse short serrated protrusions of Oberhautchen cells that are largely merged with the underlying beta‐cells. Altogether, the scale surface of the slow worm efficiently suites this limbless lizard to its environment and lifestyle.
Media exposure and preschoolers' social‐cognitive development
Authors: Lenhart Jan , Richter Tobias
Published: February 2024

Exposure to narratives may have beneficial effects on children's social‐cognitive development because narratives provide information about the social world and often require social understanding for story comprehension. In the current study, we examined the influence of narratives presented via different media (books, audiobooks, TV/films) on theory‐of‐mind performance and mental verb comprehension in a sample of 114 three‐ to six‐year‐old preschool children. Parents' reports on the number of (children's) books at home, the overall duration of TV/film and audio media exposure, the frequency of shared book reading, watching children's TV/films and audiobook listening, and parent–child discussions about media content were collected. Children's theory‐of‐mind performance and mental verb comprehension were measured as dependent variables. When gender, age, language skills and parental education were controlled, only the number of children's books, shared book reading frequency, audio‐media exposure and audiobook usage significantly predicted children's theory‐of‐mind scores. None of the media exposure or the parent–child discussion variables had significant incremental effects above the family and child characteristics on mental verb comprehension.
Lamin A K97E leads to NF‐κB‐mediated dysfunction of inflammatory responses in dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sengupta Duhita , Sengupta Kaushik
Published: February 2024

Background Information

Lamins are type V intermediate filament proteins underlying the inner nuclear membrane which provide structural rigidity to the nucleus, tether the chromosomes, maintain nuclear homeostasis, and remain dynamically associated with developmentally regulated regions of the genome. A large number of mutations particularly in the LMNA gene encoding lamin A/C results in a wide array of human diseases, collectively termed as laminopathies. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one such laminopathic cardiovascular disease which is associated with systolic dysfunction of left or both ventricles leading to cardiac arrhythmia which ultimately culminates into myocardial infarction.

Results

In this work, we have unraveled the epigenetic landscape to address the regulation of gene expression in mouse myoblast cell line in the context of the missense mutation LMNA 289A<G (Lys97Glu) that is found in DCM‐afflicted patient with severe symptoms. Significant changes in H3‐specific epigenetic modifications indicated a dysregulation in transcription machinery which was investigated by RNA sequencing analysis. The major pathways involved in IL‐17 signaling, cellular response to interferon‐beta and gamma, cytokine production, and related pathways are found to be downregulated. Analysis of the promoter sequences of the genes in the abovementioned pathways led us to the master regulator NF‐κB and its regulatory network.

Conclusions

We report here for the first time that there is a significant downregulation of the NF‐κB pathway, which has been implicated in cardio‐protection elsewhere.

Significance

This provides a new pathophysiological explanation that correlates an LMNA mutation and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Five‐year changes in macular thickness in the elderly population: A cohort study
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Heydarian Samira , Emamian Mohammad Hassan , Fotouhi Akbar
Published: February 2024

Background

The aim of this study is to determine the 5‐year changes in macular thickness and related factors.

Methods

Data were from the second (2014) and third (2019) phases of the Shahroud Eye Cohort Study. Examinations included measurement of uncorrected and best‐corrected visual acuity, non‐cycloplegic autorefraction, slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, and funduscopy. Participants underwent Cirrus HD‐OCT 4000 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA). imaging.

Results

The 5‐year changes (95% confidence interval) of central and overall macular thicknesses were − 3.48 ± 8.16 μ (−3.92, −3.03) and − 0.79 ± 4.06 μ (−1.03, −0.54), respectively.

The median and IQR of 5‐year changes in the central subfield thickness were −3 and 10, although they were 0 and 5 in the overall macular thickness, respectively. Multiple regression model showed the central macular thickness (CMT) decreased with a U‐shape pattern with increasing age. The 5‐year changes in CMT were significantly lower in females compared to males β = −1.55; (−2.78, −0.32) and in smokers compared to non‐smokers β = −1.92; (−3.55, −0.28). Moreover, higher body mass index β = −0.12; (−0.22, −0.02) and CMT at baseline β = −0.08; (−0.10, −0.06) were significantly associated with lower CMT changes. The average 5‐year changes in overall macular thickness showed a non‐linear decrease with age and was significantly higher in females β = 0.93; (0.4, 1.43). These changes were directly related to the anterior chamber depth β = 0.87; (0.10, 1.64) in the baseline.

Conclusions

The macular thickness decreased slightly after 5 years; however, this change is not clinically significant. Demographic factors such as age and sex and refractive errors were significantly related to macular thickness changes.
Effect of valproic acid on the formation and migration of cranial neural crest cells at the early developmental stages in rat embryos
Authors: Suzuki Reiko , Imai Hajime
Published: February 2024

Cranial neural crest cells (NCCs) are critical for craniofacial development. The administration of valproic acid (VPA) to pregnant females causes craniofacial malformations in offspring. However, the in vivo influence of VPA on mammalian cranial NCCs remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the developmental stage‐specific effect of VPA on cranial NCCs through the administration of a single dose of VPA to pregnant rat females immediately prior to the formation of the cranial neural crest (NC). We performed whole‐mount immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization to examine localization changes of gene transcripts associated with the epithelial–mesenchymal transition of the cranial NC (i.e., cranial NCC formation) and cranial NCC migration. The results showed that Hoxa2 mRNA was abnormally detected and Sox9 mRNA expression was decreased in the midbrain–rhombomere (R) 1/2 NC, which forms cranial NCCs that migrate to the frontonasal mass (FNM) and branchial arch (BA) 1, through VPA administration, thus reducing the formation of SNAI2‐positive NCCs. Hoxa2‐positive NCCs were detected normally in BA2 and abnormally in FNM and BA1, which are normally Hox‐free, implying VPA‐induced abnormal cranial NCC migration. In vitro verification experiments using the whole embryo culture system revealed that midbrain–R4 NCC migration was abnormal. These results indicate that VPA reduces the formation/delamination of the midbrain–R1/2 NCCs in a developmental stage‐specific manner and subsequently causes the abnormal migration of R4 NCCs, which suggests that the abnormal formation and migration of cranial NCCs contribute to the inhibition of axonal elongation in the trigeminal nerve and a reduction in head size.
Effect of prefabricated immediate interim prosthesis design and insertion workflow on seating accuracy on implants placed via static computer‐assisted implant surgery: A cross‐sectional in vitro study
Authors: Abduo Jaafar , Lau Douglas
Published: February 2024

Background

Immediate implant restoration by prefabricated prosthesis has multiple benefits. However, the design and insertion workflow of the prosthesis may influence the seating.

Purpose

Evaluation of seating accuracy of prefabricated interim prosthesis of different designs and insertion workflows for immediate restoration of implants placed via static computer‐assisted implant surgery (sCAIS).

Materials and Methods

A maxillary model without incisors was used to plan for two implants at the lateral incisor locations. According to the planned implants, sCAIS surgical template and a four‐unit interim prosthesis were designed. Four prostheses were fabricated based on the design and insertion workflow. The first prosthesis involved complete fabrication (CF) of the interim prosthesis, where the interim prosthesis is fabricated for laboratory attachment to abutments. The other three prostheses were produced by partial fabrication (PF), where the interim prosthesis shell was produced with internal spacing between the fitting surface and the abutments. The PF prostheses were cemented on abutments attached to the inserted implants. Three different PF prosthesis designs were included with different levels of internal spacing: 100 μm (PF.1), 200 μm (PF.2), and 300 μm (PF.3). A total of 15 surgical models received implants on which each prosthesis was seated and scanned by a laboratory scanner. The vertical, horizontal, and proximal contact errors were measured.

Results

Although all prostheses were seated on every model, the CF prostheses had greater vertical error, followed by PF.1, PF.2, and PF.3 prostheses, respectively. A similar pattern was observed for proximal contact error, where PF.3 was most superior. PF.3 prostheses had the least horizontal error than the other prostheses.

Conclusions

All interim prostheses experienced errors at the vertical, horizontal, and proximal surfaces, which can be attributed to deviations of the inserted implants. The PF of interim prosthesis with increased internal spacing for intraoral insertion appeared to reduce seating errors.