bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Segmentation in tapeworms as a modified form of flatworm posterior regeneration involving Wnt and Hedgehog signalling
Authors: Jarero Francesca , Baillie Andrew , Riddiford Nick , Montagne Jimena , Koziol Uriel , Olson Peter D.
Published: October 2023

Tapeworms are parasitic flatworms that lack key features conventionally used to define the head-tail axis in free-living organisms, resulting in long standing questions regarding the true orientation of their main body axis. As adults, most tapeworms also exhibit a segmented body which has been considered an adaptation unique to the group. Anteroposterior (AP) patterning in free-living flatworms is controlled by β-catenin-dependent Wnt signalling and positional control genes are expressed by their musculature in highly regionalised domains. Here we investigate the expression of Wnt and Hedgehog components during the strobilar phase of the tapeworm life cycle during which larval tissues are lost and replaced through the continuous production of new tissues. Results reveal previously unidentified centres of signalling associated with their neuromuscular system and show that segments are marked by secondary, AP axes in agreement with the polarity of the primary body axis. Neuromuscular expression and communication between Wnt and Hedgehog signalling is consistent with embryonic and regenerative growth in planarians and is a common mechanism for establishing AP-polarised boundaries in a diverse range of segmented animals. Taken together our results suggest that segmentation in tapeworms represents a modified form of posterior regeneration, a common feature among flatworms.
Quantitative target engagement of RIPK1 in human whole blood via the cellular thermal shift assay for potential pre-clinical and clinical applications
Authors: Patel Shitalben , Karlsson Marie , Klahn Joseph T. , Gambino Frank , Costa Helena , McGuire Kathleen A. , Baumgartner Christina K. , Williams Jon , Sandoz Sarah , Kath James E.
Published: October 2023

The cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA®) is a target engagement method widely used for preclinical characterization of small molecule compounds. CETSA® has been used for semi-quantitative readouts in whole blood with PBMC isolation, and quantitative, plate-based readouts using cell lines. However, there has been no quantitative evaluation of CETSA® in unprocessed human whole blood, which is preferred for clinical applications. Here we report two separate assay formats – Alpha CETSA® and MSD CETSA® – that require less than 100 μL of whole blood per sample without PBMC isolation. We chose RIPK1 as a proof-of-concept target and, by measuring engagement of seven different inhibitors, demonstrate high assay sensitivity and robustness. These quantitative CETSA® platforms enable possible applications in preclinical pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic studies, and direct target engagement with small molecules in clinical trials.
Shared mechanisms drive ocular following and motion perception
Authors: Kreyenmeier Philipp , Kumbhani Romesh , Movshon J. Anthony , Spering Miriam
Published: October 2023

How features of complex visual patterns combine to drive perception and eye movements is not well understood. We simultaneously assessed human observers’ perceptual direction estimates and ocular following responses (OFR) evoked by moving plaids made from two summed gratings with varying contrast ratios. When the gratings were of equal contrast, observers’ eye movements and perceptual reports followed the motion of the plaid pattern. However, when the contrasts were unequal, eye movements and reports during early phases of the OFR were biased toward the direction of the high-contrast grating component; during later phases, both responses more closely followed the plaid pattern direction. The shift from component- to pattern-driven behavior resembles the shift in tuning seen under similar conditions in neuronal responses recorded from monkey MT. Moreover, for some conditions, pattern tracking and perceptual reports were correlated on a trial-by-trial basis. The OFR may therefore provide a precise behavioural read-out of the dynamics of neural motion integration for complex visual patterns.
Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase II β downregulation induces ER stress mediated ROS generation and increases radio-sensitivity in MCF-7
Authors: Chaudhry Sonica , Checker Rahul , Thoh Maikho , Sandur Santosh Kumar , Subrahmanyam Gosukonda
Published: October 2023

Type II phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase has historically been associated with vesicular trafficking and growth factor receptor signaling. Recently, it was shown to influence apoptosis, cell adhesion, motility, and inflammatory reactions. Previous study from our group showed that down regulation of PtdIns 4-kinase II β inhibits NF-κB translocation to the nucleus and induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines. Since, NF-κB regulates redox homeostasis and stress signaling, the role of PtdIns 4-kinase II β in regulating these signaling cascades was investigated using human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7 cells). Knockdown of PtdIns 4-kinase II β inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation and down regulated Bcl-2 and AKT-3 mRNA levels. Silencing of PtdIns 4-kinase II β increased ROS levels with a concomitant decrease in GSH: GSSG ratio, increased DNA damage and induced apoptosis. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity restored redox homeostasis. Since NOX gets activated during ER stress and the resultant increase in ROS can induce apoptosis, we studied the role of PtdIns 4-kinase II β shRNA in ER stress and observed an increase in ER stress markers, pERK, IRE-1α, BiP and PDI and up regulation of GADD153. At cellular level, these cells showed ER deformity. ROS scavengers and ER chemical chaperone could rescue MCF-7 cells from PtdIns 4-kinase II β shRNA induced apoptosis. These results indicate involvement of PtdIns4-kinase II β in regulation of ER function. Interestingly, irradiation of MCF-7 cells increased PtdIns 4-kinase II β mRNA levels and knock-down of PtdIns 4-kinase II β increased radio-sensitivity of the cells indicating potential role of PtdIns 4-kinase II β in cancer radio-resistance.
Ethanol Behavioral Responses inDrosophila
Authors: Nuñez Kavin M. , Catalano Jamie L. , Scaplen Kristin M. , Kaun Karla R.
Published: October 2023

Drosophila melanogasteris a powerful genetic model for investigating the mechanisms underlying ethanol-induced behaviors, metabolism, and preference. Ethanol-induced locomotor activity is especially useful for understanding the mechanisms by which ethanol acutely affects the brain and behavior. Ethanol-induced locomotor activity is characterized by hyperlocomotion and subsequent sedation with increased exposure duration or concentration. Locomotor activity is an efficient, easy, robust, and reproducible behavioral screening tool for identifying underlying genes and neuronal circuits as well as investigating genetic and molecular pathways. We introduce a detailed protocol for performing experiments investigating how volatilized ethanol affects locomotor activity using the fly Group Activity Monitor (flyGrAM). We introduce installation, implementation, data collection, and subsequent data-analysis methods for investigating how volatilized stimuli affect activity. We also introduce a procedure for how to optogenetically probe neuronal activity to identify the neural mechanisms underlying locomotor activity.
Workforce agility, organizational identity and solidarity as antecedents of innovative work behaviour – an examination using structural equation modelling
Authors: AlAbood Abdulaziz , Manakkattil MohammedIsmail Sulphey
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to identify the inter-relationship of certain antecedents of innovative work behaviour (IWB). The antecedents identified for the study were workplace agility (WA), organizational identity (OI) and organizational solidarity (OS).

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study were collected online using four standardized and validated questionnaires from 364 gainfully employed respondents from across Saudi Arabia. The respondents belonged to various forms of organizations like manufacturing, service, hospital and banking. The data collected for the study were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The study found a significant positive relationship between the identified concepts of WA, workplace identity, OS and IWB.

Originality/value

A detailed review of the literature found that no previous studies had examined the complex relationship between the identified constructs. The results of the study found a significant positive relationship between the constructs. The findings of the study have many theoretical and practical values and implications. It also enriches the literature about the antecedents of IWB. It is expected that the present study will act as a trigger for more empirical examinations in this interesting area.
Identifying emerging trends and hot topics through intelligent data mining: the case of clinical psychology and psychotherapy
Authors: Sokolova Anna , Lobanova Polina , Kuzminov Ilya
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present an integrated methodology for identifying trends in a particular subject area based on a combination of advanced text mining and expert methods. The authors aim to test it in an area of clinical psychology and psychotherapy in 2010–2019.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors demonstrate the way of applying text-mining and the Word2Vec model to identify hot topics (HT) and emerging trends (ET) in clinical psychology and psychotherapy. The analysis of 11.3 million scientific publications in the Microsoft Academic Graph database revealed the most rapidly growing clinical psychology and psychotherapy terms – those with the largest increase in the number of publications reflecting real or potential trends.

Findings

The proposed approach allows one to identify HT and ET for the six thematic clusters related to mental disorders, symptoms, pharmacology, psychotherapy, treatment techniques and important psychological skills.

Practical implications

The developed methodology allows one to see the broad picture of the most dynamic research areas in the field of clinical psychology and psychotherapy in 2010–2019. For clinicians, who are often overwhelmed by practical work, this map of the current research can help identify the areas worthy of further attention to improve the effectiveness of their clinical work. This methodology might be applied for the identification of trends in any other subject area by taking into account its specificity.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the value of the advanced text-mining approach for understanding trends in a subject area. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, for the first time, text-mining and the Word2Vec model have been applied to identifying trends in the field of clinical psychology and psychotherapy.
Theoretical and numerical analysis of free vibrations of piezoelectric circular plate reinforced with boron nitride
Authors: Moradi Mohammad Hadi , Ranjbar-Roeintan Mehdi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to extract the natural frequencies of a circular plate containing a central hole reinforced with boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and containing piezoelectric layers.

Design/methodology/approach

A unit cell shall be taken into account for the simulation of BNNT's volume fraction. A rectangular micromechanical model is used to obtain the mechanical properties of unit cell of piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composite (PFRC). The three-dimensional (3D) elasticity method is presented to provide the relationship between displacements and stresses. The one-dimensional differential quadrature method (1D-DQM) and the state-space methodology are combined to create the semi-analytical technique. The state-space approach is utilized to implement an analytical resolution in the thickness direction, and 1D-DQM is used to implement an approximation solution in the radial direction. The composite consists of a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix and BNNTs as reinforcement.

Findings

A study on the PFRC is carried, likewise, the coefficients of its properties are obtained using a micro-electromechanical model known as the rectangular model. To implement the DQM, the plate was radially divided into sample points, each with eight state variables. The boundary situation and DQM are used to discretize the state-space equations, and the top and bottom application surface conditions are used to determine the natural frequencies of the plate. The model's convergence is assessed. Additionally, the dimensionless frequency is compared to earlier works and ABAQUS simulation in order to validate the model. Finally, the effects of the thickness, lateral wavenumber, boundary conditions and BNNT volume fraction on the annular plate's free vibration are investigated. The important achievements are that increasing the volume fraction of BNNTs increases the natural frequency.

Originality/value

The micromechanical “XY rectangle” model in PFRC along with the three-dimensional elasticity model is used in this literature to assess how the piezoelectric capabilities of BNNTs affect the free vibration of polymer-based composite annular plates under various boundary conditions.
Using geographical information systems in literary tourism: an analysis to the “An English family” novel, from Júlio Dinis
Authors: Oliveira Sofia , Albuquerque Helena
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to present a literary itinerary inspired in Julio Dinis’ novel An English Family (Uma Família Inglesa) through a comparative analysis of the places identified in the novel and the touristic attraction proposed by Visit Porto website. This novel is representative of the cultural identity and society of Porto city in the 19th century. Developing an itinerary based on this novel can facilitate the reading and understanding of the historical and cultural development of Porto.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study is based on the reading of the Julio Dinis’ novel An English Family (Uma Família Inglesa), whose storyline takes place in Porto city, Portugal in the 19th century. It used QGIS v. 3.12 software, a geographical information system to identify the places, to produce the maps and to create the itinerary.

Findings

The comparison between the places identified in the novel and the tourist attraction in Visit Porto website revealed that only 6 points in the novel are referenced on Visit Porto website. These points correspond to the ones in the historical city centre of Porto. However, the creation of an itinerary that brings together all the points mentioned by Julio Dinis in his novel, will allow the development of a new touristic itinerary, alternative to existing itineraries in the city and that can be seen as a distinguish offer that allows a different view of the urban space of Porto.

Research limitations/implications

There are some limitations to this study that can be highlighted. First, it was difficult to find the correct location of some points identified in the novel, due to difficulty of finding historical maps with quality of the data. At the same time, as tourist information is dispersed by several sources, and most of those data is not georeferenced, it was time consuming the integration of all the information in the same geodatabase. The choice of the shortest path can also be considered as a limitation, rather than the route followed by the author in the novel, but geographic information systems operates on spatial and temporal scale, which can present a limitation in tourism analysis. In the case of this project, we have chosen the shortest path, assuming that tourist would prefer that.

Originality/value

This research allowed to address two areas of knowledge that are emerging in the study of urban centres as tourist areas: the use of GIS and literary tourism. Despite the fact that there are already articles on this subject, the originality focuses on the approach made around one of the greatest writers of Portugal in the 19th century, allowing to present a tourist itinerary about one of his literary works, and the comparison made between the places identified in the novel and the tourist points identified on the Visit Porto website.
COVID-19 pandemic and trade flows: empirical evidence from selected Asian Pacific countries
Authors: Bhat Mudaser Ahad , Wani Farhana , Amin Aadil , Bhat G.M. , Beg Farhat Bano
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on trade flows in Asia Pacific countries and explores the causality between COVID-19-related shocks and trade.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used two novel techniques, namely, two-stage instrumental-variables (2SIV) approach and Juodis, Karavias and Sarafids (JKS) causality test, to examine trade dynamics in the Asia Pacific region during the pandemic.

Findings

Using the monthly trade data of 17 Asia Pacific countries between January 2020 and December 2021, the results were threefold. Firstly, the empirical analysis showed that during the COVID-19 crisis, the flow of exports tended to persist idiosyncratically in comparison to the flow of imports. In particular, a specific finding was that the persistence level in exports was about 20%–25% higher than that in imports. Secondly, the authors found that the past values of COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 deaths contain information that helps to predict exports/imports over and above the information contained in the past values of exports/imports alone. Finally, the study established that the government response and stringency indexes have a Granger-causal relationship with exports and imports.

Research limitations/implications

For the foreseeable future, these findings have significant policy ramifications. Firstly, if a COVID-19 crisis-like situation emerges in the future, it will be critical for countries to maintain their competitiveness throughout the crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic, while also rebuilding trade relationships wherever possible. Secondly, because information about government responses and measures can also be used to predict future trade flows, prudent management of government responses and stringent measures will be necessary in a crisis like COVID-19 to achieve the optimum level of exports and imports. At the same time, the trading partners should give up the idea of trade protection and focus on finding a way to balance the conflicting needs of imports and exports.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the authors, for the first time, used a 2SIV approach and JKS causality test to examine trade dynamics in the Asia Pacific region during the pandemic. In addition, the authors present the first comprehensive analysis of the evolving relationships between export and import flows and governmental policy responses under COVID-19. As a result, it contributes uniquely to both public and international economics.
Intellectual capital disclosures (ICD) of Islamic banks under IFRS versus AAOIFI regimes: an international evidence
Authors: Adznan Syaima Binti , Muhamad Sori Zulkarnain Bin , Mohamad Shamsher
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and compare the trend of intellectual capital disclosures (ICD) of Islamic banks under the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) regimes over a seven-year period (2012–2018).

Design/methodology/approach

A self-developed checklist was developed to measure the extent of ICD practices of Islamic banks in both regimes.

Findings

The results revealed a moderate increase in ICD practices over the period of the study. However, there is no significant difference in ICD between the two financial reporting regimes i.e. IFRS and AAOIFI-based banks. In fact, most of the IFRS-based banks have better ICD than AAOIFI-based banks throughout the analysis period. This study contributed to the ICD literature by introducing Shariah capital as a new category of information to disclose besides the common disclosure on human capital, relational and structural related information by the Islamic banks.

Practical implications

It is important for Islamic banks to distinguish themselves from conventional banks and ICD can be a conduit to show their uniqueness. The introduction of Shariah capital in this study reflects the main objective of Islamic bank’s existence, and it should become an important element in ICD. In fact, some form of guidelines or policy by regulating agencies could facilitate the ICD by Islamic banks and reflect the truth about their ability to capitalize on Intellectual capital and disclose about these practices to their stakeholders.

Originality/value

The introduction of Shariah capital as a new component to the existing components (i.e. human capital, structural capital and relational capital) of intellectual capital brings a new perspective to the research on ICD of Islamic banks. This paper further contributes to the scarce evidence of ICD of Islamic banks globally.
Consumers' usage of mobile payment systems: an application of the innovation resistance and coping theory on the tourism sector
Authors: Hameed Irfan , Akram Umair , Ashraf Arif
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Mobile phone payment is a significant advancement in e-commerce and retailing. This study aims to look at the influencing factors for the attainment or letdown of mobile payment systems (MPS). The coping theory (CP) and innovation resistance theory (IRT) components were applied in the tourism sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were gathered from 402 tourists who utilized MPS for the first time to book their vacation. In a longitudinal study, an online questionnaire was used to contact clients of several travel businesses to predict their intentions and behavior. Covariance-based structure equation modeling (CB-SEM) was applied using IBM-SPSS AMOS to analyze the data.

Findings

CP factors provided highly thought-provoking results, calling into question several apparent beliefs. At the same time, the relationships covering the aspects of the IRT were supported. It has also been found that intentions are a valid predictor of behavior.

Practical implications

The study's findings can be used by governments, media houses, hotels and travel and tourism agencies, particularly in developing countries like Malaysia.

Originality/value

This study adds to the existing literature by offering a complete model that demonstrates the influence of conceptualizations utilized from the most robust theories connected to technology toward MPS for trip reservations from the perspective of developing countries. Importantly, this study measures the consumers' continuous buying behavior by employing a longitudinal research design.
High-performance work system and learning orientation in offline, online, and hybrid workplaces: the mediating role of affective commitment
Authors: Yadav Rohit , Yadav Mohit , Vihari Nitin Simha
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The present study primarily aims to investigate the role of the high-performance work system (HPWS) in shaping learning orientation (LO). Moreover, the study delves into the examination of affective commitment's (AC) role as a mediator. Additionally, the research extends to exploring the potential moderating impact of workplace settings, specifically offline, online and hybrid workplaces, on the mediated relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The model has been tested on 360 respondents from the IT sector in India. The data have been validated using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that AC mediates the relationship between HPWS and LO. Furthermore, this mediation was found to be positive and significant in hybrid and offline workplace settings, whereas it was found to be insignificant in the online workplace setting.

Research limitations/implications

The self-report responses from the respondents could potentially introduce a limitation, as respondents might lead to inflated outcomes in the research findings. While Harmans’ single-factor test did not indicate any common method bias, it is important to acknowledge that this bias might not have been completely eliminated.

Originality/value

The present study has expanded upon the existing research on HPWS by examining its influence on LO, while also considering AC as a mediator. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that no prior studies have undertaken a comparative analysis of this relationship across various workplace settings.
Land use alters bacterial growth dynamics in soil
Authors: Wattenburger Cassandra J. , Buckley Daniel H.
Published: October 2023

Microbial growth and mortality are major determinants of soil carbon cycling. We measured in situ growth dynamics of individual bacterial taxa in cropped and successional soils in response to a resource pulse. We hypothesized that land use imposes selection pressures on growth characteristics. We estimated growth and death for 453 and 73 taxa, respectively. The average generation time was 5.04 ± 6.28 (SD; range 0.7–63.5) days. Lag times were shorter in cultivated than successional soils and resource amendment decreased lag times. Taxa exhibiting the greatest growth response also exhibited the greatest mortality, indicative of boom‐and‐bust dynamics. We observed a bimodal growth rate distribution, representing fast‐ and slow‐growing clusters. Both clusters grew more rapidly in successional soils, which had more organic matter, than cultivated soils. Resource amendment increased the growth rate of the slower growing but not the faster‐growing cluster via a mixture of increased growth rates and species turnover, indicating that competitive dynamics constrain growth rates in situ. These two clusters show that copiotrophic bacteria in soils may be subdivided into different life history groups and that these subgroups respond independently to land use and resource availability.
The Aims and Functions of Criminal Law
Authors: Cornford Andrew
Published: October 2023

What are the aims and functions of criminal law? This question has recently been much debated. Unfortunately, however, the debate is difficult to assess, as what it means to call something an aim or function of criminal law remains unclear. This article therefore does two things. First, it examines what these competing claims about criminal law's aims and functions might mean. Most plausibly, it is argued, they refer to one of three sets of things that criminal law does: those that justify its retention or use, that it is aimed at doing, or that explain its existence or persistence. Second, the article examines how convincing these claims are when thus understood. It argues that, in each of the senses identified, criminal law has numerous aims and functions – more than all sides in the debate allow.
UNHOMING, TRAUMA AND WAITING: The Post‐Grenfell Building Safety Crisis in England
Authors: Preece Jenny , Flint John
Published: October 2023

In this article we seek to advance our understanding of unhoming in a population not previously perceived to be vulnerable to such processes. We examine the particular forms of trauma in an emergent space of urban marginality, which has arisen through the fracturing of longstanding citizen–state relations and the rupturing of habitual orientations to home in a world that had hitherto been knowable and predictable. In this article we highlight the centrality of waiting in experiences of unhoming, which act as a mechanism of domination over a group newly subject to a specific manifestation of marginality; this mechanism has particular significance for understanding the differentiated dynamics of urban displacement. In this article we utilize interviews with 31 residents of residential flats in England living in buildings affected by fire safety defects, identified following the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire disaster in London in which 72 individuals died. We argue that research on urban dispossession needs to be attentive to distinctive processes and consequences of—and resistance to—unhoming. The experiences of newly affected populations unmask the underpinning precarity and unequal power relations of housing‐based urban citizenship.
Initial experience of a Priority Primary Care Centre in metropolitan Melbourne
Authors: Saddington Emma , Rahman Fatima , Stuart Josh , Hocking Jessica , Talarico Carly , Smit De Villiers , Cameron Peter A , Mitra Biswadev
Published: October 2023

Objective

To report the initial experience of a newly built Priority Primary Care Centre (PPCC) from the ED perspective.

Methods

A single‐centre prospective cohort study, assessing referrals to the PPCC from 1 February to 30 June 2023.

Results

There were 1240 patients referred to the PPCC from the ED, of which 87 (7.0%) were referred back to the ED. The incidence rate of PPCC referrals was 4.2% (95% confidence interval 4.0–4.5).

Conclusions

The PPCC enabled re‐direction of a small proportion of ED presentations. Early results suggest that such patients can be adequately selected and managed at PPCCs.
Prediction of renal and cardiometabolic outcomes in gout during urate‐lowering therapy by sonography
Authors: Calabuig Irene , Marty‐Ané Anne , Norberciak Laurène , Budzik Jean‐François , Legrand Julie , Martínez‐Sanchis Agustín , Pascart Tristan , Andrés Mariano
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To assess whether the extent of monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition estimated by ultrasound could predict renal and cardiometabolic events during urate‐lowering therapy (ULT).

Methods

A prospective study on gout patients from two referral centers initiating ULT who underwent baseline ultrasound and were followed for 1 year. Ultrasound scans assessed six joints for double‐contour (DC) signs and tophi. A five‐point change (mL/min/1.73 m2) in the glomerular filtration rate at month 12 (M12) was considered significant. Outcomes of interest were renal function degraded versus improved and a composite cardiometabolic outcome (new hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerotic disease, and cardiovascular death). Homogeneity analyses and Cox regression models were performed.

Results

One hundred sixty patients were recruited. At baseline, 81.1% of patients (n = 129) showed sonographic tophi with a mean number of 1.4 joints (±1.3) with a DC sign. At M12, 18 patients (11.3%) were lost to follow‐up. The serum urate (SU) target (<6.0 mg/dL) was reached in 86 patients (69.9%). Regarding renal function, 15.9% of patients showed improvement, while in 31.0% it degraded. Fourteen new cardiometabolic events occurred in 12 patients. Neither the DC sign nor tophi showed any significant impact on the outcomes of interest. Baseline SU level was higher in those with renal improvement but not with renal decline, while achieving the SU target protected against new cardiometabolic events (HR = 0.2; 95% CI: 0.05–0.81).

Conclusions

Sonographic MSU crystal burden was unhelpful in predicting renal and cardiometabolic events during the first year of ULT. Reaching the SU target prevented cardiometabolic events, while its benefit in preserving/improving renal function is unclear.
Developmental outcome of children with Robin sequence treated with the current Paris protocol
Authors: Fleurance Alix , Leunen Dorothée , Végas Nancy , Soupre Véronique , Griffon Lucie , Adnot Pauline , Malecot Gaelle , Luscan Romain , Amiel Jeanne , Fauroux Brigitte , Abadie Véronique
Published: October 2023

Aim

We aimed to investigate the developmental outcome of children with Robin sequence (RS) for whom continuous positive airway pressure was the main strategy to release upper airway obstruction.

Methods

We included children with isolated RS or RS associated with Stickler syndrome who were aged 15 months to 6 years. We used the French version of the Child Development Inventory and calculated the developmental quotient (DQ) for eight different domains and the global DQ (DQ‐global). We searched for determinants of risk of delay.

Results

Of the 87 children, for 71%, the developmental evolution was within the norm (DQ‐global ≥86 or ≥−1 SD), 29% were at high risk of delay (DQ‐global <86 or <−1 SD), and only 3% were at very high risk of delay (DQ‐global <70 or <−2 SD). The DQs for expressive language and language comprehension were lower in our study population than the general population, but an improvement was noticed with the children's growth.

Conclusion

Risk of a developmental delay was not greater for children with the most severe respiratory phenotype than the others. Children whose mothers had low education levels were more at risk than the others.
Making money out of making money in ancient Athens
Authors: Davis Gillan , Albarède Francis
Published: October 2023

The observed weights of ancient coins are usually less than the nominal “ideal” weights of the coin standards to which they belong because state authorities took a fee—“seigniorage”—for minting coins to cover costs and to make a profit. The basis for calculating the amount taken by the state and the way it administered manufacture are not well understood. Here we analyze the weights of 1344 of the earliest coins of Athens (c. 550–479 bce). We reveal a parabolic relationship between the cost of the silver and the weights of the coins whereby a progressively higher proportion was taken as the denomination decreased, meaning that the smaller the coin, the larger was the proportion of silver taken from it. There was tight control of the minting process and mathematical sophistication in precisely adjusting the silver content from the first introduction of coinage. It also made minting a profitable business. Changes in minting practice can be detected with the introduction of the Athenian “owl” coins, when the percentage of silver taken by the state increased and the spread of weights widened to include coins weighing more than the nominal weight. The latter indicates a significant shift toward monetization of the economy.
Rural digital infrastructure and labor market: Evidence from universal telecommunication service
Authors: Wang Qing , Xia Xingyu , Lan Sai , Li Miao
Published: October 2023

This study estimates the effects of the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure on rural employment and income. We use a triple‐difference framework and exploit the geographic variation of the recent universal telecommunication service in China. Empirical results reveal increased broadband adoption after the implementation of the program with governmental subsidy. The universal telecommunication service led to an increase in rural residents’ income and their employment in the non‐agricultural sector, especially salaried work. The findings suggest that digital infrastructure promotes the transformation of the rural economy in emerging markets.
Depression and approach‐avoidance achievement goals of Chinese undergraduate students: A four‐wave longitudinal study
Authors: Gao Wenjuan , Ji Junlin , Zhang Wenjie , Liu Xinqiao
Published: October 2023

Objective

The study explored the prospective relations between depression and approach‐avoidance achievement goals of undergraduate students in China.

Methods

2473 full‐time undergraduates reported their depression and achievement goals annually from the freshman to the senior year. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and cross‐lagged models.

Results

Students' achievement goals decreased gradually during the first 3 years but rose in the fourth year, and the avoidance goals appeared to be less prevalent than the approach goals over time. Depression was negatively associated with approach goals, whereas positively correlated with avoidance goals. Depression in the freshman and sophomore years resulted in more avoidance goals 1 year later, and the depressive problems in the junior year predicted the decline of approach goals in the senior year.

Conclusions

The present study highlighted the deleterious effects of depression on the achievement goals of college students.
Immunogenicity and clinical effectiveness of mRNA vaccine booster against SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron in patients with haematological malignancies: A national prospective cohort study
Authors: Kevličius Lukas , Šablauskas Karolis , Maneikis Kazimieras , Juozapaitė Dovilė , Ringelevičiūtė Ugnė , Vaitekėnaitė Vilmantė , Davainienė Birutė , Daukėlaitė Guoda , Vasilevska Dominika , Stoškus Mindaugas , Narkevičiūtė Ieva , Sivickienė Violeta , Rudaitis Kęstutis , Minkauskas Mantas , Naumovas Daniel , Beinortas Tumas , Griškevičius Laimonas
Published: October 2023

Information regarding the protective anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody levels and the effectiveness of the mRNA vaccines against the Omicron variant in patients with haematological malignancies is limited. We prospectively followed two times BNT162b2 vaccinated oncohaematological patients (n = 1010) without prior COVID‐19 for PCR‐confirmed breakthrough infections during the Alpha/Delta and the Omicron phases of the pandemic. Anti‐S1‐IgG levels were longitudinally monitored in patients who had received the third (booster) vaccine dose. Patients with anti‐S1‐IgG levels <50 BAU/mL 1 month after the booster had a higher risk of Omicron infections (RR 1.91; 95% CI 1.39–2.63; p = 0.0001) and severe infections (RR 8.74; 95% CI 3.99–19.1; p < 0.0001). Conversely, the risk of severe COVID‐19 was <1% with anti‐S1‐IgG levels >500 BAU/mL and neutralizing antibody concentrations >50 U/mL. The risks of breakthrough Omicron infections (HR 0.55; 95% CI 0.32–0.96; p = 0.034) and severe COVID‐19 (HR 0.27; 95% 0.11–0.7; p = 0.0074) were lower among patients who had received the booster dose. In conclusion, low antibody levels are associated with significantly increased risk of both the breakthrough Omicron infections and severe COVID‐19. The third mRNA vaccine dose improved the protection against the Omicron and reduced the risk of severe disease.
‘It's satisfying but destructive’: A qualitative study on the experience of bedtime procrastination in new career starters
Authors: Hill Vanessa M. , Ferguson Sally A. , Vincent Grace E. , Rebar Amanda L.
Published: October 2023

Background

Bedtime procrastination, the volitional delay of going to bed without any external circumstances causing the delay, is linked to multiple indicators of inadequate sleep. Intervening to reduce bedtime procrastination may be an important avenue to improve sleep outcomes, yet the phenomenon remains poorly understood in populations at risk for bedtime procrastination. New career starters, those who have graduated from tertiary education and started a new full‐time job within the past 12 months, may be susceptible to problematic bedtime procrastination and are at an opportune time for a ‘fresh start’ to change behaviour.

Aims

The objectives of this study were to understand how bedtime procrastination is experienced and perceived by new career starters, to identify the enablers and barriers to behaviour change in new career starters and to explore themes for future interventions.

Materials & Methods:

Data were collected through in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 28 participants.

Results

Inductive thematic analysis was used to find seven themes: (1) negative feelings before and during bedtime procrastination; (2) wanting to versus knowing I shouldn't; (3) difficulty falling asleep; (4) influence of automatic processes; (5) consequences of bedtime procrastination; (6) lack of self‐control and (7) technology captures late‐night attention. Participants emphasised the need for me‐time, self‐negotiation to continue procrastinating and knowledge of the value of sleep.

Discussion & Conclusion

Findings suggest that bedtime procrastination involves both reflective and automatic cognitive processes. Future interventions would benefit from a dual‐process approach, using cognitive and behavioural techniques to reduce bedtime procrastination.
A novel, label‐free, pre‐equilibrium assay to determine the association and dissociation rate constants of therapeutic antibodies on living cells
Authors: Janezic Eric M. , Doan Alexander , Mai Elaine , Bravo Daniel D. , Wang Jianyong , Kim Hok Seon , Spiess Christoph , Bewley Kathryn , ElSohly Adel , Liang Wei‐Ching , Koerber James T. , Richalet Pascale , Vanhove Marc , Comps‐Agrar Laetitia
Published: October 2023

Background and Purpose

Monoclonal antibodies (Ab) represent the fastest growing drug class. Knowledge of the biophysical parameters (kon, koff and KD) that dictate Ab:receptor interaction is critical during the drug discovery process. However, with the increasing complexity of Ab formats and their targets, it became apparent that existing technologies present limitations and are not always suitable to determine these parameters. Therefore, novel affinity determination methods represent an unmet assay need.

Experimental Approach

We developed a pre‐equilibrium kinetic exclusion assay using recent mathematical advances to determine the kon, koff and KD of monoclonal Ab:receptor interactions on living cells. The assay is amenable to all human IgG1 and rabbit Abs.

Key Results

Using our novel assay, we demonstrated for several monoclonal Ab:receptor pairs that the calculated kinetic rate constants were comparable with orthogonal methods that were lower throughput or more resource consuming. We ran simulations to predict the critical conditions to improve the performance of the assays. We further showed that this method could successfully be applied to both suspension and adherent cells. Finally, we demonstrated that kon and koff, but not KD, correlate with in vitro potency for a panel of monoclonal Abs.

Conclusions and Implications

Our novel assay has the potential to systematically probe binding kinetics of monoclonal Abs to cells and can be incorporated in a screening cascade to identify new therapeutic candidates. Wide‐spread adoption of pre‐equilibrium assays using physiologically relevant systems will lead to a more holistic understanding of how Ab binding kinetics influence their potency.
The impact of DNA double‐strand break repair pathways throughout the carbon ion spread‐out Bragg peak beam
Authors: Buglewicz Dylan J. , Buglewicz Jessica K. F. , Hirakawa Hirokazu , Kato Takamitsu A. , Liu Cuihua , Fang YaQun , Kusumoto Tamon , Fujimori Akira , Sai Sei
Published: October 2023

Following carbon ion beam irradiation in mammalian cells, such as used in carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT), it has been suggested that the balance between whether nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) or homologous recombination (HR) is utilized depends on the DNA double‐strand break (DSB) complexity. Here, we quantified DSB distribution and identified the importance of each DSB repair pathway at increasing depths within the carbon ion spread‐out Bragg peak (SOBP) beam range. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines were irradiated in a single biological system capable of incorporating the full carbon ion SOBP beam range. Cytotoxicity and DSB distribution/repair kinetics were examined at increasing beam depths using cell survival as an endpoint and γ‐H2AX as a surrogate marker for DSBs. We observed that proximal SOBP had the highest number of total foci/cell and lowest survival, while distal SOBP had the most dense tracks. Both NHEJ‐ and HR‐deficient CHO cells portrayed an increase in radiosensitivity throughout the full carbon beam range, although NHEJ‐deficient cells were the most radiosensitive cell line from beam entrance up to proximal SOBP and demonstrated a dose‐dependent decrease in ability to repair DSBs. In contrast, HR‐deficient cells had the greatest ratio of survival fraction at entrance depth to the lowest survival fraction within the SOBP and demonstrated a linear energy transfer (LET)‐dependent decrease in ability to repair DSBs. Collectively, our results provide insight into treatment planning and potential targets to inhibit, as HR was a more beneficial pathway to inhibit than NHEJ to enhance the cell killing effect of CIRT in targeted tumor cells within the SOBP while maintaining limited unwanted damage to surrounding healthy cells.
Are Turkish doctors in deep water? The role of professional ethics and factors affecting the medical brain drain: A qualitative study from Turkey
Authors: Önal F. Gülsüm , Akay Fatih Erkan
Published: October 2023

With the increased rate of the Turkish medical brain drain (MDB) in recent years, there is a need for more comprehensive studies to elucidate its vague migratory factors. The aim of this paper is to try to narrow that gap by analyzing present impacts of the MDB in Turkey and to evaluate if these aspects were driven by professional ethical values, and if so, what ethical principles they were based on. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 19 doctors from various backgrounds, followed by a thematic analysis. The MDB in Turkey demonstrated a multifactorial structure, with prominent push factors that are intertwined at macro‐meso‐micro levels. The effort to maintain the principles of beneficence, non‐maleficence, and protecting professional autonomy were the most important in the context of professional ethics. Only deep‐rooted regulations might ensure the prevention of the MDB in Turkey and the prospect of doctors returning in the future. Conclusively, the recent criticisms the MDB has been garnering may inspire improvements in deteriorating human and health rights in Turkey.
Autoimmune encephalitis antibody profiles and clinical characteristics of children with suspected autoimmune encephalitis
Authors: Yang Jiaxin , Luo Hanyu , Ding Ran , Fang Zhixu , Gui Jianxiong , Han Ziyao , Yang Xiaoyue , Huang Dishu , Ma Jiannan , Jiang Li
Published: October 2023

Aim

To identify the spectrum of autoimmune encephalitis antibody biomarkers (AE‐Abs) in children with suspected autoimmune encephalitis and explore the clinical features indicating AE‐Abs presence.

Method

We included children with suspected autoimmune encephalitis who underwent AE‐Abs tests at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between June 2020 and June 2022. Clinical features suggestive of AE‐Abs were analysed based on AE‐Abs test results.

Results

A total of 392 children were tested for AE‐Abs with suspected autoimmune encephalitis. Of these, 49.5% were male, with a median age of 7 years 11 months (6 months–17 years 11 months); 93.6% (367/392) of all patients had both serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests performed. The antibody‐positive rate in the cohort was 23.7% (93/392), the serum antibody‐positive rate was 21.9% (84/384), and the CSF antibody‐positive rate was 20.8% (78/375). Eleven different AE‐Abs were detected. Serum analysis revealed that N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor immunoglobulin‐G (NMDAR‐IgG) (15.1%) was greater than myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)‐IgG (14.6%) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐IgG (3.3%). CSF analysis revealed that NMDAR‐IgG (16.3%) was greater than MOG‐IgG (13.8%) and GFAP‐IgG (3.3%). Compared with antibody‐negative patients, antibody‐positive patients were more often female (odds ratio [OR] 1.86, p = 0.03), with memory impairment (OR 2.91, p = 0.01) and sleep disorders (OR 2.08, p = 0.02).

Interpretation

In children, the most frequent AE‐Abs detected were NMDAR‐IgG and MOG‐IgG. Female sex, memory impairment, and sleep disorders predict a higher likelihood of AE‐Abs.
Magnetic resonance imaging sequences for children with spastic cerebral palsy: Is two better than one?
Authors: Chin Eric M.
Published: October 2023

This commentary is on the original article by Liu et al. on pages514–522of this issue.