bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hotel management agreements in Nigeria: the Melange Abuja
Authors: Nwosu Belinda , Esara Edidiong Edem
Published: May 2023

Learning outcomes

At the end of the case, a successful learner will be able to:▪ develop sound criteria to guide investors entering into hotel management agreements (HMAs);▪ reconcile principal and agent disputes through the lens of an agency framework; and▪ evaluate the impact of the work environment on employee and organisational outcomes.

Case overview/synopsis

Muyiwa, Chairman of Fara Ltd., signed a HMA with Aytello Hotel Group to operate his hotel in Nigeria, the Mélange Abuja. Aytello was an international hotel management company based in the USA. It was a renowned operator with several brands in its portfolio. The Mélange brand was contemporary, upscale and targeted young business guests with an appetite for adventure. It was the first Mélange to have opened in West Africa. A management agreement was signed in August 2016, which meant that Aytello was now responsible for operating the hotel on behalf of its Owner, Muyiwa. On his part, Muyiwa provided the funds needed to run the hotel profitably. However, soon after the opening, the operator and owner showed signs of conflict. Muyiwa began to distrust the operator and intervened directly in operations. The frequent clashes between Muyiwa and the operator soon led to an impasse that made productive dialogue difficult. As relationships soured, Muyiwa needed to make a decision soon. This case study is designed to teach agency relationships in organisational behaviour.

Complexity academic level

This case study is designed for business leaders on executive programmes and postgraduate students.

Supplementary material

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 12: Tourism and Hospitality.
NSF REU entrepreneurially minded applied energy program evaluation: traditional delivery versus alternative delivery (implemented during COVID-19)
Authors: Bosman Lisa , Soto Esteban , Ostanek Jason , Garcia-Bravo Jose , Lee Sunghwan , Leon-Salas Walter
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs are traditionally delivered in-person and full-time (40 h per week) for 10 weeks during the summer. However, this type of format has the potential to limit broader student participation. This study aims to compare learning assessment data between a traditional NSF REU (10 weeks of summer, full-time, in-person) to an alternative NSF REU delivered virtually, part-time and over 10 months as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A retrospective pre-then-post survey was completed to assess perceived learning gains for each REU program. Three learning gains categories were assessed: entrepreneurial competencies, career goals and research skill development. T-tests were used to evaluate a difference in means between pre and post.

Findings

Findings show the greatest quantity of learning gains within the alternative program delivery. Moreover, a larger quantity of learning gains was perceived within the first semester of the alternative program delivery compared to the second semester.

Practical implications

The authors propose the NSF should be intentional about trying new approaches to REU programs delivery, including duration and format, as a way to broaden participation in engineering.

Originality/value

This study is original in that it is the first of its kind to assess an alternative REU program delivery (allowed only because of the COVID-19 pandemic) in comparison to traditional REU program delivery.
Looking good and sounding right: a scale development of aesthetic labor in the hospitality industry
Authors: Luoh Hsiang-Fei , Tsaur Sheng-Hshiung
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to develop a measurement scale for employee aesthetic labor (AL) in hospitality from the perspectives of frontline employees of international tourist hotels and airlines.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods to develop the AL scale. Participants were frontline employees of international tourist hotels and airlines in Taiwan. The authors’ analysis incorporated both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to examine the results.

Findings

A four-factor, 21-item hospitality AL scale with satisfactory validity and reliability was created. The four AL factors are appropriate voice and response, pleasant appearance, corporate aesthetic image delivery and polite and elegant demeanor.

Research limitations/implications

The developed AL scale can serve as a useful tool for the hospitality industry in terms of employee recruitment and training to align with the corporation's aesthetic image and reduce the potential burden of AL on employees.

Originality/value

Based on dramaturgical theory, this study focuses on the AL practices that are performed during service encounters with customers. It is potentially the first AL scale to be constructed using rigorous scale development procedures.
Corruption, basic services and entrepreneurial venture performance: The case of informal production units in Cameroon
Authors: Modeste Abate Andre , Bakehe Novice Patrick
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between the payment of bribes, the access to electricity and the productivity of informal production units (IPUs).

Design/methodology/approach

The data used for this study come from the second Survey on Employment and Informal Sector conducted in 2010 by the National Institute of Statistics of Cameroon and representative at the national level. The survey was conducted among 3,560 IPUs. Survey participants reported whether they had been personally affected by corruption in the twelve months preceding the survey. Relying on the data of this survey, the recursive trivariate probit model was used to study the correlation between corruption and access to electricity.

Findings

The results reveal that the payment of bribes positively influences IPU access to electricity, and consequently access to this infrastructure has a positive impact on company performance.

Research limitations/implications

A main limitation of this paper is the environment of study in which corruption appeared to be institutionalised. It would therefore be interesting to extend the results obtained by conducting research in other countries and also including other infrastructures such as telecommunications.

Practical implications

The main contribution of this research is to highlight the effectiveness of the fight against corruption and its impact on the access of some basics resources that affect the performance of certain companies. Indeed, the fight against corruption would be easier if economic actors had access to certain resources and fundamental infrastructures for their activities. Thus, improving the supply of resources and infrastructures can be an important lever in the fight against corruption in Africa.

Originality/value

This research addresses a vulnerable sector vis-à-vis the pressure of the actors involved in the provision of a service essential to the activity of companies. It highlights the justification for accepting the use of corruption. Indeed, entrepreneurs are faced with a dilemma between moral standards on the one hand, and economic imperatives on the other. If corruption is a condition of access to electricity which, in turn, improves performance, it is easy to pay bribes to gain access to electricity.
Transformations in tourism following COVID-19? A longitudinal study on the perceptions of tourists
Authors: Aschauer Wolfgang , Egger Roman
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study attempts to answer how values and holiday preferences were shaped by the pandemic, how travellers view the future of tourism and how they are willing to contribute to potential changes. Furthermore, it examines the impact of socio-structural background factors, basic values and holiday preferences, and pandemic-related factors on the views of post-pandemic tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal online survey was conducted in which 155 frequent travellers were interviewed both before and during the pandemic about their values and holiday preferences, attitudes towards travelling during the pandemic, and their prospective views regarding tourism.

Findings

The findings revealed that values remained rather stable, but nature experiences, heritage tourism and beach offers gained more relevance when it came to holiday preferences. Concerning travellers’ expectations of future tourism, environmental concern was ranked higher than economic profit. However, those striving for self-direction, stimulation and city tourism offers stated to be less willing to restrict their travel behaviour in the future.

Research limitations/implications

Although our study is just based on a convenience sample, the authors were still able to address notable research gaps. First, because a longitudinal design was selected, it was possible to investigate any potential transitions in basic values and travel style and trace these changes back to the pandemic. Second, thanks to a sophisticated online survey, all concepts could be measured with well-developed scales, which increased the quality of the measurements and led to stable results. Third, young travellers can be considered proponents of future travel styles. Their way of acting and thinking about future tourism could significantly impact the prospective direction of tourism.

Practical implications

This study makes a valuable contribution to changing holiday preferences and provides useful insights for the tourism industry about travellers’ willingness to change their travel behaviour.

Social implications

Since this study primarily considers human values and socio-structural factors, the findings are of particular interest from a sociological perspective and are also interpreted from this viewpoint.

Originality/value

This study is one of only a few longitudinal studies focusing on holiday preferences and shifting values during COVID-19 and attempting to detect crucial drivers of potential tourism transformations in terms of perceptions from the demand side.
Measuring Trust in Primary Care
Authors: MERENSTEIN ZACHARY , SHUEMAKER JILL C. , PHILLIPS ROBERT L.
Published: May 2023

Policy Points

Trust in primary care clinicians is essential for effective patient care and is associated with better health outcomes, but it is rarely assessed, and existing measures have not been thoroughly evaluated.

This scoping review reveals that research assessing patients’ trust in primary care clinicians largely stopped more than a decade ago but offers candidate measures for future testing, implementation, and policy applications.

Context

Trust is a fundamental aspect of any human relationship, and medical care is no exception. An ongoing, trusting relationship between clinicians and patients has shown demonstrable value to primary care. However, there is currently no measure of trust in general use, and none endorsed for use by most value‐based payment programs. This review searched the literature for any existing measures of patient trust in primary care clinicians and assessed their potential to be implemented as a patient‐reported outcome measure.

Methods

A keyword search on PubMed along with scanning references was conducted to find any trust measures in health care. Measures that did not address primary care clinicians were eliminated and the remaining measures were then assessed for their utility to primary care.

Results

This purposeful, scoping review found four tested measures for assessing patients’ trust in primary care clinicians that are candidates for general use. Of these four, the revised Trust in Physicians Scale and Wake Forest Physician Trust Scale are the most tested and viable options.

Conclusion

Renewed national interest in trust in health care should focus on the capacity to measure it. This review informs the effort to test trust measures for use in research, practice improvement, and value‐based payment. Measuring trust, how it relates to outcomes, and learning how it is produced or lost are key to assisting practices and health systems toward earning it.
Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program expansion evaluation—A qualitative study
Authors: Delcher Chris , Horne Nailah , McDonnell Cara , Bae Jungjun , Surratt Hilary
Published: May 2023

Research Summary

We conducted a multisite qualitative evaluation of the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) expansion states that received federal funding in 2019 to measurably augment, adopt, and/or use ODMAP in their service areas. Across five states, 11 agencies including law enforcement agencies, county health departments, and local health coalitions were invited to participate in in‐depth interviews to assess their experiences with ODMAP implementation, including facilitators, barriers, and best practices. Guided by implementation science principles and the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model framework, we identified 12 key elements impacting progress toward ODMAP expansion, including the importance of leveraging interorganizational partnerships, competing environmental priorities, organizational perspectives on readiness for adoption, usability, and burden, organizational leadership support, and the presence of champions, dedicated implementation teams, and key adopter supports.

Policy Implications

Since 2016, ODMAP has rapidly expanded in response to the opioid crisis. The system is currently used by a wide range of public safety and public health agencies including multiple state and county jurisdictions funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Overdose Data to Action program. Ongoing, critical, and innovative evaluation of this nascent surveillance system is required.
Fast fitting of neural ordinary differential equations by Bayesian neural gradient matching to infer ecological interactions from time‐series data
Authors: Bonnaffé Willem , Coulson Tim
Published: May 2023

Inferring ecological interactions is hard because we often lack suitable parametric representations to portray them. Neural ordinary differential equations (NODEs) provide a way of estimating interactions non‐parametrically from time‐series data. NODEs, however, are slow to fit, and inferred interactions usually are not compared with the ground truth.

We provide a fast NODE fitting method, Bayesian neural gradient matching (BNGM), which relies on interpolating time series with neural networks and fitting NODEs to the interpolated dynamics with Bayesian regularisation. We test the accuracy of the approach by inferring ecological interactions in time series generated by an ODE model with known interactions. We compare these results against three existing approaches for estimating ecological interactions, standard NODEs, ODE models and convergent cross‐mapping (CCM). We also infer interactions in experimentally replicated time series of a microcosm featuring an algae, flagellate and rotifer population, in the hare and lynx system, and the Maizuru Bay community featuring 11 species.

Our BNGM approach allows us to reduce the fitting time of NODE systems to only a few seconds and provides accurate estimates of ecological interactions in the artificial system, as true ecological interactions are recovered with minimal error. Our benchmark analysis reveals that our approach is both faster and more accurate than standard NODEs and parametric ODEs, while CCM was found to be faster but less accurate. The analysis of the replicated time series reveals that only the strongest interactions are consistent across replicates, while the analysis of the Maizuru community shows the strong negative impact of the chameleon goby on most species of the community, and a potential indirect negative effect of temperature by favouring goby population growth.

Overall, NODEs alleviate the need for a mechanistic understanding of interactions, and BNGM alleviates the heavy computational cost. This is a crucial step availing quick NODE fitting to larger systems, cross‐validation and uncertainty quantification, as well as more objective estimation of interactions, and complex context dependence, than parametric models.
Hold your breath: Observations of the endangered pygmy bluetongue (Tiliqua adelaidensis) submerged in flooded burrows
Authors: Michael Kimberley H. , Gardner Michael G.
Published: May 2023

Understanding adaptations to extreme weather events by endangered species is critical to inform conservation decisions, particularly when their adaptations relate to artificial habitat supplementation at translocation sites. Apnoea, temporary suspension of breathing, has been observed as an anti‐predator adaptation by semi‐aquatic reptiles that dive underwater for periods of time to avoid detection. This study reports on the observations of an endangered grassland skink, the pygmy bluetongue (Tiliqua adelaidensis), remaining submerged in rain‐induced flooded artificial burrows at an experimental translocation site.
Distribution and threats to coconut crabs on Unguja, Zanzibar
Authors: Hamad Haji , Kombo Jaffar , Seif Khadija , Mzee Abbas , Clark Matt , Khamis Miza , Caro Tim
Published: May 2023

Coconut crabs Birgus latro are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat conversion and fragmentation as well as direct exploitation for human consumption. Here, we document the distribution of coconut crabs in 81 coastal wards (shehia) across the island of Unguja, Zanzibar, and its outlying islets using standardised interviews and night‐time fieldwork. Coconut crabs are mostly absent from the main island of Unguja but are found on 14 of 22 small outlying islands. We matched the distribution on the main island to environmental, social and economic data at the ward level. Our analyses show that coconut crabs are more likely to be present in wards containing rocky as opposed to sandy coastlines, and less likely to be found in wards with hotels and urbanisation, a finding of broad relevance for coastal populations of other species. Our findings show that a new government initiative for economic improvement that encourages construction of hotels on small islets around Unguja needs considerable oversight to prevent threatening the long‐term viability of this vulnerable species in one of its last areas in the Western Indian Ocean. In addition, full formal protection of this species will reduce further population fragmentation.
Mechanism of trophoblast cell‐derived microparticles mediated immunocontraceptive response
Authors: Lai Shao‐Yang , Hu Kai‐Lun , Zhou Xuan , Li Xiao‐Xue , Yu Xiao‐Jun , Shi Jing , Zhao Jie
Published: May 2023

Problem

Immunomodulation profoundly affects the process of human implantation. Trophoblast cell‐derived microparticles (Tr‐MPs) may activate specific T cells to attack trophoblast cells, thus potentially acting as an immunocontraceptive vaccine. The safety and persistence of Tr‐MP vaccine are needed to address.

Method of study

Flow cytometry and confocal fluorescent microscopy were conducted to detect cellular absorptivity and localization of Tr‐MPs in bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). The phenotype and cytokine secretion of BMDC and T cells were performed by flow cytometry and enzyme‐linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). The constructed vaccine female moused model were used to observe the infertile effect and safety of Tr‐MPs.

Results

As compared with non‐irradiation exposure groups, the number of MPs released by trophoblast cells in ultraviolet immunized groups significantly increased. The phagocytosis of Tr‐MPs led to the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), which, in turn, activate T cells. Then cytotoxic T cells attacking trophoblast cells. In mouse model, female mice were infertile after receiving Tr‐MPs, and the effect of contraception is transient and safety.

Conclusion

Using Tr‐MPs to initiate an adaptive immune response against alloantigens in trophoblast cells. Tr‐MPs may be a new candidate for the development of contraceptive vaccines due to its effectiveness, safety, and reversibility.
If you build it who will come? Case mix data of a new rural paediatric outpatient clinic
Authors: Beattie Jessica , Baade Britta , Fuller Lara
Published: May 2023

Introduction

There is limited current evidence describing the case mix data of rural paediatric outpatient clinics. Collection and analysis of this data is essential for health service planning, facilitating the identification of areas of need within specific communities to support contextualised delivery of paediatric health care.

Objective

To describe the case mix of patients seen during the initial 12 months of a rural paediatric service, providing evidence to inform rural health service planning.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Results

There were 149 initial consultations during the study period. Behavioural/developmental problems were found in 71.8% of patients and physical problems were present in 64.4% of patients. This resulted in 38.9% of patients having a combination of problem types. 42.9% of patients were referred to or already accessing allied health services, while 20% were accessing specialised paediatric support services such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme and child protection services. Investigations were ordered for 45% of patients, with medications prescribed in 43% of cases. Only 5.4% of patients were discharged after their initial appointment. There were significant differences in problems identified on the referral compared to at the initial appointment demonstrating the value of this service to a rural community.

Conclusion

The case mix data illustrates a rural paediatric cohort with a complex and chronic burden of disease especially in terms of behavioural and developmental problems. These findings add to the literature on rural paediatric patient care and demonstrate the value of an embedded paediatric service in a medium sized rural town.
Macular hole Delphi consensus statement (MHOST)
Authors: Confalonieri Filippo , Haave Hanna , Binder Susanne , Bober Agnieszka Monika , Bragadottir Ragnheidur , Bærland Thomas , Faber Rowan , Forsaa Vegard , Gonzalez‐Lopez Julio J. , Govetto Andrea , Haugstad Marta , Ivastinovic Domagoj , Jenko Neža Čokl , Nicoară Simona Delia , Kaljurand Kuldar , Kozak Igor , Kvanta Anders , Lytvynchuk Lyubomyr , Nawrocka Zofia Anna , Pajic Sanja Petrovic , Petrovič Mojca Globočnik , Radecka Liga , Rehak Matus , Romano Mario R. , Ruban Andrii , Speckauskas Martynas , Stene‐Johansen Ingar , Stranak Zbynek , Thaler Angela , Thein Anna Sophie Aagaard , Theocharis Ioannis , Tomic Zoran , Yan Xiaohe , Zekolli Muhamet , Zhuri Burim , Znaor Ljubo , Petrovski Beata Eva , Kolko Miriam , Lumi Xhevat , Petrovski Goran
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To derive a Delphi method‐based consensus for the surgical management of Full Thickness Macular Hole (FTMH) and Lamellar Macular Hole (LMH).

Methods

37 expert VR surgeons from 21 mainly European countries participated in Delphi method‐based questionnaire for diagnosis and treatment of FTMHs and LMHs.

Results

A total of 36 items were rated in round 1 by 37 participants, of which 10 items achieved consensus: intraoperative verification of PVD; clinical superiority of OCT‐based FTMH classification; practical ineffectiveness of ocriplasmin; circular 360° ILM peeling for small macular holes; use of regular surgical technique for the size of the hole in concomitant retinal detachment; performing complete vitrectomy; SF6 gas as preferred tamponade; cataract surgery if crystalline lens is mildly/moderately opaque; removal of both ILM and LHEP in LMH surgery. In round 2, 18 items with moderate consensus (45‐70% agreement) in round 1 were rated by 35 participants. Final consensus was reached in 35% of questions related to both diagnosis and surgical procedures.

Conclusions

This Delphi study provides valuable information about the consensus/disagreement on different scenarios encountered during FTMH and LMH management as a guide tosurgical decision‐making. High rate of disagreement and/or variable approaches still exist for treating such relatively common conditions.
Editorial: buspirone for gastroparesis—an intriguing option for a challenging condition
Authors: Sayuk Gregory S.
Published: May 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Parkman et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17479
Common and unique alterations of functional connectivity in major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder
Authors: Yu Ai‐Hong , Gao Qing‐Lin , Deng Zhao‐Yu , Dang Yi , Yan Chao‐Gan , Chen Zhen‐Zhu , Li Feng , Zhao Shu‐Ying , Liu Yue , Bo Qi‐Jing
Published: May 2023

Objective

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are considered whole‐brain disorders with some common clinical and neurobiological features. It is important to investigate neural mechanisms to distinguish between the two disorders. However, few studies have explored the functional dysconnectivity between the two disorders from the whole brain level.

Methods

In this study, 117 patients with MDD, 65 patients with BD, and 116 healthy controls completed resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (R‐fMRI) scans. Both edge‐based network construction and large‐scale network analyses were applied.

Results

Results found that both the BD and MDD groups showed decreased FC in the whole brain network. The shared aberrant network across patients involves the visual network (VN), sensorimotor network (SMN), dorsal attention network (DAN), and ventral attention network (VAN), which is related to the processing of external stimuli. The default mode network (DMN) and the limbic network (LN) abnormalities were only found in patients with MDD. Furthermore, results showed the highest decrease in edges of patients with MDD in between‐network FC in SMN–VN, whereas in VAN–VN of patients with BD.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that both MDD and BD are extensive abnormal brain network diseases, mainly aberrant in those brain networks correlated to the processing of external stimuli, especially the attention network. Specific altered functional connectivity also was found in MDD and BD groups, respectively. These results may provide possible trait markers to distinguish the two disorders.
How binding are binding guidelines? An analytical framework
Authors: Daly Paul
Published: May 2023

Guidelines are a type of “soft law” that play an important role in contemporary public administration. Despite the propagation of guidelines in recent decades, their legal effects are often difficult to classify. Clearly, guidelines are neither legislation nor delegated or subordinate legislation, but they are nonetheless designed to influence people's behaviour. Distinguishing binding from non‐binding guidelines is an important issue because the permissible scope of their use often depends on bindingness. Yet there is no analytical framework available to determine bindingness. To fill this gap in the literature, I develop an analytical framework consisting of three indicia which help to distinguish binding guidelines from non‐binding guidelines: the presence or absence of imperative language, the level of detail and precision and the extent of effects on third parties. With the help of numerous examples drawn from the Canadian legal system, I explain how to distinguish binding from non‐binding guidelines, bringing analytical clarity to an important area of contemporary public administration.
Linking neighbourhood safety and children's internalizing and externalizing problems: Mediating role of maternal depression
Authors: Cho Youngmin
Published: May 2023

This study examined the relationship among neighbourhood safety, maternal depression and child behaviour problems among Korean children in South Korea. Using the 2019 Panel Study on Korean Children (N = 1127), we found that residing in less safe neighbourhoods was associated with higher levels of internalizing and externalizing problems. Additionally, results from mediation analysis showed that the relationships between neighbourhood safety and internalizing and externalizing problems were significantly mediated by maternal depression in South Korea. These findings suggest that maternal depression may be an important mechanism linking unsafe neighbourhoods to South Korean children's behaviour problems.
Seasonal shifts in diel vertical migrations by lake‐dwelling coastal cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii, reflect thermal regimes and prey distributions
Authors: Thomas Zachary R. , Beauchamp David A. , Clark Casey P. , Quinn Thomas P.
Published: May 2023

Lakes provide important habitat for salmonids that may use them as a primary feeding area between periods of reproduction. The seasonal changes in vertical thermal structure in lakes can affect the distribution of salmonids on seasonal and diel time scales as they search for, consume, and digest prey that also exploits the water column's distribution of food, temperature and light. Our goal was to analyse the vertical distribution of wild, native coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) in Lake Washington on daily and seasonal time scales. This lake is stratified in the summer and isothermal in winter, allowing us to compare vertical movements between periods with and without thermal structure in water 50 m deep. We predicted that trout would be deeper in the water column during stratified months and shallower during isothermal months, and shallower at night than in the day. Overall, the trout showed these patterns in the depths and temperatures they occupied, tending to be within or below the thermocline in the summer but not in the coolest water available, and closer to the surface when the lake was isothermal. The trout were also closer to the surface at night and deeper during the day. The vertical range of these diel movements shifted with the seasons–deepest in October, as the thermocline deepened and weakened, and shallowest in January when the lake was isothermal. These seasonal and diel vertical distribution patterns by the trout optimise metabolism for growth, and facilitate feeding on planktivorous fishes that also show seasonal and diel vertical distribution changes.
Characterization of the role of TMEM175 in an in vitro lysosomal H+ fluxes model
Authors: Yang Chuanyan , Tian Fuyun , Hu Mei , Kang Chunlan , Ping Meixuan , Liu Yiyao , Hu Meiqin , Xu Haoxing , Yu Ye , Gao Zhaobing , Li Ping
Published: May 2023

Lysosome acidification is a dynamic equilibrium of H+ influx and efflux across the membrane, which is crucial for cell physiology. The vacuolar H+ ATPase (V‐ATPase) is responsible for the H+ influx or refilling of lysosomes. TMEM175 was identified as a novel H+ permeable channel on lysosomal membranes, and it plays a critical role in lysosome acidification. However, how TMEM175 participates in lysosomal acidification remains unknown. Here, we present evidence that TMEM175 regulates lysosomal H+ influx and efflux in enlarged lysosomes isolated from COS1 treated with vacuolin‐1. By utilizing the whole‐endolysosome patch‐clamp recording technique, a series of integrated lysosomal H+ influx and efflux signals in a ten‐of‐second time scale under the physiological pH gradient (luminal pH 4.60, and cytosolic pH 7.20) was recorded from this in vitro system. Lysosomal H+ fluxes constitute both the lysosomal H+ refilling and releasing, and they are asymmetrical processes with distinct featured kinetics for each of the H+ fluxes. Lysosomal H+ fluxes are entirely abolished when TMEM175 losses of function in the F39V mutant and is blocked by the antagonist (2‐GBI). Meanwhile, lysosomal H+ fluxes are modulated by the pH‐buffering capacity of the lumen and the lysosomal glycosylated membrane proteins, lysosome‐associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1). We propose that the TMEM175‐mediated lysosomal H+ fluxes model would provide novel thoughts for studying the pathology of Parkinson's disease and lysosome storage disorders.
Metabolic‐Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is associated with immune activation, increased epicardial fat volume, and steatohepatitis among people with HIV in a Thai cohort
Authors: Han Win Min , Apornpong Tanakorn , Chattranukulchai Pairoj , Siwamogsatham Sarawut , Lwin Hay Mar Su , Boonrungsirisap Jedsadakorn , Wichiansan Thanathip , Gatechompol Sivaporn , Ubolyam Sasiwimol , Kerr Stephen J. , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Avihingsanon Anchalee
Published: May 2023

Introduction

A change in terminology from fatty liver disease to metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), along with modified diagnostic criteria, was proposed in 2020, and data regarding MAFLD burden in people living with HIV are limited. We investigated associations between MAFLD and immune activation, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks including epicardial fat volume, and steatohepatitis in an Asian cohort.

Methods

We evaluated CVD risk (epicardial fat tissue, coronary artery calcium [CAC] score, and 10‐year atherosclerotic CVD [ASCVD] score) in people living with HIV aged >50 years. Individuals with excessive alcohol consumption and viral hepatitis infections were excluded. MAFLD diagnosis was based on 2020 International Consensus criteria. Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with significant activity and liver fibrosis was defined as FibroScan‐aspartate aminotransferase (FAST) score ≥0.67 and >0.35. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate factors associated with MAFLD and NASH with significant activity and liver fibrosis.

Results

The median age was 54 years (interquartile range [IQR] 52–60) and current CD4 count was 613 (IQR 467–804) cells/mm3. A total of 37% were female, and most (98%) people living with HIV were virally suppressed. The prevalence of MAFLD and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease was 35% and 38%, respectively. In multivariate analyses, higher body mass index, albumin, epicardial fat volume, and liver stiffness were significantly associated with MAFLD. A higher CD4/CD8 ratio was associated with a lower risk of MAFLD. People with HIV with MAFLD had higher odds of having NASH with significant activity and liver fibrosis (adjusted odds ratio 3.3; 95% confidence interval 1.6–6.6), and similar associations were also observed among different MAFLD categories.

Conclusions

The complex relationship between MAFLD and immune activation, steatohepatitis, and epicardial fat tissue suggests an increased risk of advanced liver disease and CVDs beyond the traditional risk factors in people living with HIV with fatty liver disease.
Assessment of the developmental defects of the enamel in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease: A comparative study
Authors: Lopes Caroline Maria Igrejas , Marques Kátia Maria Gonçalves , Miranda Marina Lins , de Menezes Valdenice Aparecida
Published: May 2023

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most important hemoglobinopathy in terms of frequency and social impact and can affect the stomatognathic system.

Aim

To assess and compare the developmental defects of the enamel (DDE) in children and adolescents with and without SCD.

Design

This was a cross‐sectional, analytical, and comparative study of 210 children and adolescents aged 5–18 years, who visited the Hematology and Hemotherapy Hospital of Pernambuco.

Results

Developmental defects of the enamel were observed in 55.2% of the SCD patients and 35.2% of the non‐SCD patients (healthy group; p < .05). In the SCD group, DDE were more common in females than in males (69.1% vs. 40.0%; p < .05). The incidence of DDE in the permanent teeth was higher in the upper arch than in the lower arch (SCD group, 13.1% vs. 4.6%; healthy group, 8.9% vs. 3.6%; p < .05).

Conclusion

Compared with the healthy group, the SCD patients were almost twice as likely to develop DDE, mostly affecting females and the permanent teeth. These findings suggest that individuals with SCD need early dental care to avoid future oral problems.
The interrelatedness of cognitive abilities in very preterm and full‐term born children at 5.5 years of age: a psychometric network analysis approach
Authors: Rapuc S. , Pierrat V. , Marchand‐Martin L. , Benhammou V. , Kaminski M. , Ancel P.‐Y. , Twilhaar E.S.
Published: May 2023

Background

Very preterm (VP) birth is associated with a considerable risk for cognitive impairment, putting children at a disadvantage in academic and everyday life. Despite lower cognitive ability on the group level, there are large individual differences among VP born children. Contemporary theories define intelligence as a network of reciprocally connected cognitive abilities. Therefore, intelligence was studied as a network of interrelated abilities to provide insight into interindividual differences. We described and compared the network of cognitive abilities, including strength of interrelations between and the relative importance of abilities, of VP and full‐term (FT) born children and VP children with below‐average and average‐high intelligence at 5.5 years.

Methods

A total of 2,253 VP children from the EPIPAGE‐2 cohort and 578 FT controls who participated in the 5.5‐year‐follow‐up were eligible for inclusion. The WPPSI‐IV was used to measure verbal comprehension, visuospatial abilities, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. Psychometric network analysis was applied to analyse the data.

Results

Cognitive abilities were densely and positively interconnected in all networks, but the strength of connections differed between networks. The cognitive network of VP children was more strongly interconnected than that of FT children. Furthermore, VP children with below average IQ had a more strongly connected network than VP children with average‐high IQ. Contrary to our expectations, working memory had the least central role in all networks.

Conclusions

In line with the ability differentiation hypothesis, children with higher levels of cognitive ability had a less interconnected and more specialised cognitive structure. Composite intelligence scores may therefore mask domain‐specific deficits, particularly in children at risk for cognitive impairments (e.g., VP born children), even when general intelligence is unimpaired. In children with strongly and densely connected networks, domain‐specific deficits may have a larger overall impact, resulting in lower intelligence levels.
Effect of calcium hydroxide on pasting, thermal, and water‐adsorption behavior, and the flow properties of nixtamalized corn flour
Authors: León‐Villalobos Joaquín Aldair , Maldonado‐Astudillo Yanik Ixchel , Jiménez‐Hernández Javier , Alvarez‐Fitz Patricia , Flores‐Andrade Enrique , Castro‐Coronel Yaneth , Ramírez‐Sucre Octavio , Salazar Ricardo
Published: May 2023

Nixtamalized corn flour (NCF) has gained favor worldwide due to the growing popularity of Mexican cuisine. This research evaluates the effect of the amount of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) employed during the nixtamalization on the water‐adsorption, thermodynamic, and flow properties of NCF. In addition, NCF pasting and thermal properties were evaluated to relate bulk‐powder properties to wet‐dispersion conditions. Ca(OH)2 amounts of 1.5 and 2.0% induced higher ash and calcium content as well as lower fat and protein content. Also, pasting properties and gelatinization enthalpy (ΔHgel) values, in addition to yellowish NCF, were related to Ca(OH)2 concentration. With the independence of the Ca(OH)2 amounts employed, no important differences in the equilibrium's moisture content, as well as a negligible effect of temperature on adsorption behavior, were observed. For prepared NCF, the moisture content corresponding to minimum integral entropy was not observed within the range of the aw analyzed; thus, GAB parameters are more reliable for suggesting the storage conditions. NCF with a low amount of Ca(OH)2 exhibited higher values of mean caking strength (≈1.81 N) and cohesiveness index (≈13.99 × 10−5 N m g−1), in addition to higher resistance to flow. Therefore, the amount of Ca(OH)2 positively influenced flow properties, whereas wet‐dispersion properties such as lower maximal peak viscosity and ΔHgel values were obtained.

Practical applications

This study contributes useful information to the manufacturers of NCF concerning the amount of Ca(OH)2 needed to obtain NCF with desirable physical properties while attempting to affect thermal and pasting properties to a lesser extent. In addition, this study characterizes and provides the adequate amount of Ca(OH)2 employed the during the nixtamalization process to improve the flowability of NCF in industry during handling. Finally, the absence of a moisture content corresponding to minimum integral‐adsorption entropy provides clarification for NCF producers regarding the long‐term storage stability of NCF.
Pressure release technique versus placebo applied to cervical and masticatory muscles in patients with chronic painful myofascial temporomandibular disorder: A randomised clinical trial
Authors: Serrano‐Hernanz Gema , Angulo‐Carrere Teresa , Ardizone‐García Ignacio , Svensson Peter , Álvarez‐Méndez Ana M.
Published: May 2023

Background

The therapeutic approach to myofascial TMD should focus on pain relief and rehabilitation of function.

Objective

This study investigated whether pressure release technique (PRT) is effective for reducing pain in people with chronic myofascial temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Methods

A single‐blinded randomised parallel‐group trial, with 3 months follow‐up was conducted. A total of 72 patients were randomly allocated to receive PRT or sham PRT. Primary outcome was pain assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), range of opening of the mouth (ROM), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK‐11), State–Trait Anxiety Index (STAI) and State–Trait Depression Index (ST‐DEP). All parameters were assessed at baseline, at the end of the treatment and at 3 months follow‐up. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA.

Results

There were significant main effects of time, group and interaction between time and group (F ≥ 21.92; p < .001) on VAS pain. Post hoc tests showed a significant reduction in VAS pain scores in the PRT group (≥31.9%; p < .001). Effect sizes were moderate in the PRT group at all follow‐up periods (≥1.25 Cohen's d). Also, there were significant effects of time in secondary outcomes (F ≥ 9.65; p < .001), and there were also interactions between time and group (F ≥ 3.82; p < .002) with better effects in the PRT group.

Conclusions

The inclusion of PRT to conventional management with occlusal splints and self‐care management appears to be effective to improve self‐reported levels of pain in patients with chronic myofascial TMD pain. Retrospectively registered (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03619889).
The Winchcombe fireball—That lucky survivor
Authors: McMullan Sarah , Vida Denis , Devillepoix Hadrien A. R. , Rowe Jim , Daly Luke , King Ashley J. , Cupák Martin , Howie Robert M. , Sansom Eleanor K. , Shober Patrick , Towner Martin C. , Anderson Seamus , McFadden Luke , Horák Jana , Smedley Andrew R. D. , Joy Katherine H. , Shuttleworth Alan , Colas Francois , Zanda Brigitte , O'Brien Áine C. , McMullan Ian , Shaw Clive , Suttle Adam , Suttle Martin D. , Young John S. , Campbell‐Burns Peter , Kacerek Richard , Bassom Richard , Bosley Steve , Fleet Richard , Jones Dave , McIntyre Mark , James Nick , Robson Derek , Dickinson Paul , Bland Philip A. , Collins Gareth S.
Published: May 2023

On February 28, 2021, a fireball dropped ∼0.6 kg of recovered CM2 carbonaceous chondrite meteorites in South‐West England near the town of Winchcombe. We reconstruct the fireball's atmospheric trajectory, light curve, fragmentation behavior, and pre‐atmospheric orbit from optical records contributed by five networks. The progenitor meteoroid was three orders of magnitude less massive (∼13 kg) than any previously observed carbonaceous fall. The Winchcombe meteorite survived entry because it was exposed to a very low peak atmospheric dynamic pressure (∼0.6 MPa) due to a fortuitous combination of entry parameters, notably low velocity (13.9 km s−1). A near‐catastrophic fragmentation at ∼0.07 MPa points to the body's fragility. Low entry speeds which cause low peak dynamic pressures are likely necessary conditions for a small carbonaceous meteoroid to survive atmospheric entry, strongly constraining the radiant direction to the general antapex direction. Orbital integrations show that the meteoroid was injected into the near‐Earth region ∼0.08 Myr ago and it never had a perihelion distance smaller than ∼0.7 AU, while other CM2 meteorites with known orbits approached the Sun closer (∼0.5 AU) and were heated to at least 100 K higher temperatures.
The transcriptional state and chromatin landscape of cichlid jaw shape variation across species and environments
Authors: Tetrault Emily , Swenson John , Aaronson Ben , Marcho Chelsea , Albertson R. Craig
Published: May 2023

Adaptive phenotypes are shaped by a combination of genetic and environmental forces, but how they interact remains poorly understood. Here, we utilize the cichlid oral jaw apparatus to better understand these gene‐by‐environment effects. First, we employed RNA‐seq in bony and ligamentous tissues important for jaw opening to identify differentially expressed genes between species and across foraging environments. We used two Lake Malawi species adapted to different foraging habitats along the pelagic–benthic ecomorphological axis. Our foraging treatments were designed to force animals to employ either suction or biting/scraping, which broadly mimic pelagic or benthic modes of feeding. We found a large number of differentially expressed genes between species, and while we identified relatively few differences between environments, species differences were far more pronounced when they were challenged with a pelagic versus benthic foraging mode. Expression data carried the signature of genetic assimilation, and implicated cell cycle regulation in shaping the jaw across species and environments. Next, we repeated the foraging experiment and performed ATAC‐seq procedures on nuclei harvested from the same tissues. Cross‐referencing results from both analyses revealed subsets of genes that were both differentially expressed and differentially accessible. This reduced dataset implicated notable candidate genes including the Hedgehog effector,KIAA0586and the ETS transcription factor,etv4, which connects environmental stress and craniofacial morphogenesis. Taken together, these data provide novel insights into the epigenetic, genetic and cellular bases of species‐ and environment‐specific bone shapes.
Efficient data dimensionality reduction method for improving road crack classification algorithms
Authors: Rodriguez‐Lozano Francisco J. , Gámez‐Granados Juan C. , Palomares Jose M. , Olivares Joaquín
Published: May 2023

Automatic crack classification plays an essential role in road maintenance. Using many features for the classification is inefficient for implementing embedded systems with low computational resources makes it difficult. Therefore, this work proposes a new data dimensionality reduction (DDR) for crack classification algorithms (DDR4CC). DDR4CC reduces the required information about the cracks to only four features. Using these features, the images can be classified into longitudinal, transverse, and alligator cracks or healthy pavement. DDR4CC is compared with eight DDR methods, and the reduced set of features is analyzed using five different classification algorithms. Besides, five different datasets, generated by a combination of several public datasets, are used. We are proposing a simple DDR method with high interpretability of the data, obtaining very fast computation and high accuracy. Experiments show that DDR4CC enhances the results of the classification algorithms, providing almost perfect classifiers with a minimum computation time.