bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predatory Bacteria can ReducePseudomonas aeruginosaInduced Corneal Perforation and Proliferation in a Rabbit Keratitis Model
Authors: Romanowski Eric G. , Stella Nicholas A. , Brazile Bryn L. , Lathrop Kira L. , Franks Jonathan M. , Sigal Ian A. , Kim Tami , Elsayed Mennat , Kadouri Daniel E. , Shanks Robert M.Q.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Pseudomonas aeruginosakeratitis is a severe ocular infection that can lead to perforation of the cornea. In this study we evaluated the role of bacterial quorum sensing in generating corneal perforation and bacterial proliferation and tested whether co-injection of the predatory bacteriaBdellovibrio bacteriovoruscould alter the clinical outcome.P. aeruginosawithlasRmutations were observed among keratitis isolates from a study collecting samples from India, so an isogeniclasRmutant strain ofP. aeruginosawas included.

Methods

Rabbit corneas were intracorneally infected withP. aeruginosastrain PA14 or an isogenic ΔlasRmutant and co-injected with PBS orB. bacteriovorus. After 24 h, eyes were evaluated for clinical signs of infection. Samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, optical coherence tomography, sectioned for histology, and corneas were homogenized for CFU enumeration and for inflammatory cytokines.

Results

We observed that 54% of corneas infected by wild-type PA14 presented with a corneal perforation (n=24), whereas only 4% of PA14 infected corneas that were co-infected withB. bacteriovorusperforate (n=25). Wild-typeP. aeruginosaproliferation was reduced 7-fold in the predatory bacteria treated eyes. The ΔlasRmutant was less able to proliferate compared to the wild-type, but was largely unaffected byB. bacteriovorus.

Conclusion

These studies indicate a role for bacterial quorum sensing in the ability ofP. aeruginosato proliferate and cause perforation of the rabbit cornea. Additionally, this study suggests that predatory bacteria can reduce the virulence ofP. aeruginosain an ocular prophylaxis model.
Complement C3 interacts with cytochromecto influence myocardial apoptosis during heart ischemia/reperfusion
Authors: Fang Zhou , Lee Haekyung , Liu Junying , Wong Karen A. , Brown Lewis M. , Zhang Ming
Published: March 2023

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) elicits an acute inflammatory response involving complement factors. Previous animal studies showed that circulation complement C3 was deposited in the ischemic myocardium flooded with oxygenated blood upon reperfusion. Recently, we reported that myocardial necrosis was decreased in C3−/−mice after heart I/R. The current study used in the same heart model to test the effect of C3 on myocardial apoptosis. Our results showed that myocardial apoptosis was increased in C3−/−mice after heart I/R. Further, comparative proteomics analyses found that cytochromecwas present in the myocardial C3-complex following I/R. These results indicate that C3 can interact with cytochromecin the cytosol of cardiomyocytes during myocardial I/R, which may sequester cytochromecand thus reduce the number of cells undergoing apoptosis. In summary, our findings raise the possibility of a new mechanism affecting cell death relevant to pathologic conditions such as ischemia: a circulating innate immune factor, i.e. complement, can interact with intracellular factor(s), and influence the types of cell death that occur.
MRE11A: a novel negative regulator of human DNA mismatch repair
Authors: Du Demin , Yang Yueyan , Wang Guanxiong , Chen Liying , Guan Xiaowei , Rasmussen Lene Juel , Liu Dekang
Published: March 2023

DNA mismatch repair (MMR) is a highly conserved pathway that corrects DNA replication errors. Although well characterized, MMR factors remain to be identified. As a 3’-5’ exonuclease and endonuclease, meiotic recombination 11 homolog A (MRE11A) is implicated in multiple DNA repair pathways. However, the role of MRE11A in MMR is unclear. Here, we show that MRE11A deficiency increased the sensitivity of HeLa cells to N-methyl-N’ nitro-N nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) treatment, implying a potential role of MRE11 in MMR. Moreover, we found MRE11A was largely recruited to chromatin and negatively regulated the DNA damage signals within the first cell cycle after MNNG treatment. We also showed that knockdown of MRE11A increased, while overexpressing MRE11A decreased, MMR activity in HeLa cells, suggesting that MRE11A negatively regulates MMR activity. Furthermore, we show that the recruitment of MRE11A to chromatin requires MLH1 and that MRE11A competes with PMS2 for binding to MLH1. This decreases PMS2 levels in whole cell and on chromatin, and consequently comprises MMR activity. Collectively, our findings reveal that MRE11A is a negative regulator of human MMR.
Decoding the Dual Recognition Mechanism of Glucocorticoid Receptor for DNA and RNA: Sequence vs. Shape
Authors: Johanna Hörberg , Reymer Anna
Published: March 2023

Transcription factors (TFs) regulate eukaryotic transcription through selecting DNA-binding, can also specifically interact with RNA, which may present another layer of transcriptional control. The mechanisms of the TFs-DNA recognition are often well-characterised, while the details of TFs-RNA complexation are less understood. Here we investigate the dual recognition mechanism of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which interacts with similar affinities with consensus DNA and diverse RNA hairpin motifs but discriminates against uniform dsRNA. Using atomic molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that the GR binding to nucleic acids requires a wide and shallow groove pocket. The protein effectively moulds its binding site within DNA major groove, which enables base-specific interactions. Contrary, the GR binding has little effect on the grooves geometry of RNA systems, most notably in uniform dsRNA. Instead, a hairpin motif in RNA yields a wide and shallow major groove pocket, allowing the protein to anchor itself through nonspecific electrostatic contacts with RNA backbone. Addition of a bulge increases RNA hairpin flexibility, which leads to a greater number of GR-RNA contacts and, thus, higher affinity. Thus, the combination of structural motifs defines the GR-RNA selective binding: a recognition mechanism, which may be shared by other zinc finger TFs
Elastin-like polypeptide delivery of anti-inflammatory peptides to the brain following ischemic stroke
Authors: Howell John Aaron , Gaouette Nicholas , Lopez Mariper , Burke Stephen P. , Perkins Eddie , Bidwell Gene L.
Published: March 2023

Inflammatory processes are activated following ischemic strokes and lead to increased tissue damage for weeks following the ischemic insult, but there are no approved therapies that target this inflammation-induced secondary injury. Here, we report that SynB1-ELP-p50i, a novel protein inhibitor of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inflammatory cascade bound to drug carrier elastin-like polypeptide (ELP), is able to enter both neurons and microglia, cross the blood-brain barrier, localize exclusively in the ischemic core and penumbra in Wistar-Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and reduce infarct volume in male SHRs. Additionally, in male SHRs, SynB1-ELP-p50i treatment improves survival for 14 days following stroke with no effects of toxicity or peripheral organ dysfunction. These results show high potential for ELP-delivered biologics for therapy of ischemic stroke and other central nervous system disorders and further support targeting inflammation in ischemic stroke.
Movement trajectories as a window into the dynamics of emerging neural representations
Authors: Koenig-Robert Roger , Quek Genevieve , Grootswagers Tijl , Varlet Manuel
Published: March 2023

Transforming sensory inputs into meaningful neural representations is critical to adaptive behaviour in everyday environments. While non-invasive neuroimaging methods are the de-facto method for investigating neural representations, they remain expensive, not widely available, time-consuming, and restrictive in terms of the experimental conditions and participant populations they can be used with. Here we show that movement trajectories collected in online behavioural experiments can be used to measure the emergence and dynamics of neural representations with fine temporal resolution. By combining online computer mouse-tracking and publicly available neuroimaging (MEG and fMRI) data via Representational Similarity Analysis (RSA), we show that movement trajectories track the evolution of visual representations over time. We used a time constrained face/object categorization task on a previously published set of images containing human faces, illusory faces and objects to demonstrate that time-resolved representational structures derived from movement trajectories correlate with those derived from MEG, revealing the unfolding of category representations in comparable temporal detail (albeit delayed) to MEG. Furthermore, we show that movement-derived representational structures correlate with those derived from fMRI in most task-relevant brain areas, faces and objects selective areas in this proof of concept. Our results highlight the richness of movement trajectories and the power of the RSA framework to reveal and compare their information content, opening new avenues to better understand human perception.
The Neurochemical Mechanisms Underlying the Enhancing Effects of Rewards and Punishments on Motor Performance
Authors: Hamel R. , Pearson J. , Sifi L. , Patel D. , Hinder M.R. , Jenkinson N. , Galea J.M.
Published: March 2023

Monetary rewards and punishments enhance motor performance and are associated with corticospinal excitability (CSE) increases within the motor cortex (M1) during movement preparation. However, such CSE changes have unclear origins; they could stem from increased glutamatergic (GLUTergic) facilitation and/or decreased type A gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA)-mediated inhibition within M1. To investigate this, paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to assess GLUTergic facilitation and GABAAinhibition within M1 whilst participants prepared to execute 4-element finger-press sequences. Behaviourally, rewards and punishments enhanced both reaction and movement times. Neurochemically, regardless of rewards or punishments, a digit-specificincrease in GLUTergic facilitation and digit-unspecificdecrease in GABAAinhibition occurred during preparation as movement onset approached. In parallel, both rewards and punishments non-specifically increased GLUTergic facilitation, but only rewards non-specifically decreased GABAAinhibition during preparation. This suggests that, to enhance performance, rewards both increase GLUTergic facilitation and decrease GABAAinhibition whilst punishments selectively increase GLUTergic facilitation. A control experiment revealed that such changes were not observed post-movement as participants processed reward and punishment feedback, indicating they were selective to movement preparation. Collectively, these results map the neurochemical changes in M1 by which incentives enhance motor performance.
Crystal structure and DFT calculations of Cp2NbH(SiIMe2)(SiFMe2): an asymmetric bis(silyl) niobocene hydride complex
Authors: Rodriguez Sara M. , Motta Ysidro N. , Hill Michael R. , Oelke Laura M. , Carter Carly C. , Cundari Thomas R. , Yousufuddin Muhammed
Published: March 2023

An asymmetric bis(silyl) niobocene hydride complex, namely, bis(η5-cyclopentadienyl)(fluorodimethylsilyl)hydrido(iododimethylsilyl)niobium, [Nb(C5H5)2(C2H6FSi)(C2H6ISi)H] or Cp2NbH(SiIMe2)(SiFMe2), has been studied to determine the effect of the silyl ligand on the position of the hydride attached to the Nb atom. It has been shown that when a Group 17 atom is substituted onto one of the silyl ligands, there is a greater interaction between the hydride and this ligand, as demonstrated by a shorter Si...H distance. In the present work, we have investigated the effect when the silyl ligands are substituted by different Group 17 atoms. We present here the structure and DFT calculations of Cp2NbH(SiIMe2)(SiFMe2), showing that the position of the hydride is located between the two silyl ligands. The results from our investigation show that the hydride is closer to the silyl ligand that is substituted by fluorine.
The effects of continuing public sector management education: a systematic literature review
Authors: Sørensen Peter
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review previous research on the effects of continuing public sector management education to systematize existing knowledge, identify gaps in the literature and to point out a need for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose is realized as a systematic literature review using the Scopus and JSTOR databases as well as Google Scholar. A combination of the search words identified in previous research about the topic were used: Effect, outcome, impact and result in a combination with three different types of further adult education within leadership, management and/or administration: Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Management (MPM) and Master of Public Governance (MPG). The initial search resulted in millions of files. To continue in a manageable way, the first 10 results pages of each search were analyzed according to three categories: Individual level, organizational level and professional level.

Findings

Results show a limited number of papers documenting the effects of the education programs. Most papers regard the individual level effects, very few the organizational level and a few more the professional level. Given the low number of studies on the last two levels, these are suggested for future research.

Originality/value

This is the first study to summarize knowledge on the effects of the professional masters' programs MPA, MPM and MPG.
The influence of social media celebrity endorsement on beer and wine purchase behaviour
Authors: Calvo-Porral Cristina , Rivaroli Sergio , Orosa-González Javier
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Celebrity endorsement is one of the most popular marketing communication tools that have been used by beverage companies to influence consumers’ behaviour, but little is known about the extent this communication strategy can be impactful and benefit alcoholic beverages like beer and wine. In this context, this study aims to examine whether and how social media celebrity endorsement influences consumers’ beer and wine purchase behaviour. Further, this study examines what are the characteristics of the celebrities that exert greater influence on beer and wine purchase behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the source credibility and source attractiveness theoretical models, and on the match-up theory, a model of consumer purchase behaviour was proposed. Online celebrity endorsement was categorised as promoting either beer or wine, as well as beer and wine brands. Then, this model is empirically analysed through multiple group structural equation modelling on two samples of consumers who read online celebrity’s recommendations in Spain (beer = 280; wine = 277).

Findings

Findings indicate that celebrity’s recommendations exert a different influence pattern on consumer purchase behaviour depending on the product category: congruence is the most relevant variable in beer endorsement, whereas expertise is the most influencing factor in wine celebrity recommendations. Therefore, beer celebrity endorsers should be congruent with the product, whereas wine endorsers should be perceived as experts.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature on celebrity endorsement providing an empirical examination of the social media celebrity characteristics that influence consumer purchase behaviour of beer and wine, reporting interesting differences between these two alcoholic beverages.
Understanding people's intention to use facial recognition services: the roles of network externality and privacy cynicism
Authors: Lyu Tu , Guo Yulin , Chen Hao
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Based on the cognition–affect–conation pattern, this study explores the factors that affect the intention to use facial recognition services (FRS). The study adopts the driving factor perspective to examine how network externalities influence FRS use intention through the mediating role of satisfaction and the barrier factor perspective to analyze how perceived privacy risk affects FRS use intention through the mediating role of privacy cynicism.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collected from 478 Chinese FRS users are analyzed via partial least squares-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The study produces the following results. (1) FRS use intention is motivated directly by the positive affective factor of satisfaction and the negative affective factor of privacy cynicism. (2) Satisfaction is affected by cognitive factors related to network externalities. Perceived complementarity and perceived compatibility, two indirect network externalities, positively affect satisfaction, whereas perceived critical mass, a direct network externality, does not significantly affect satisfaction. In addition, perceived privacy risk generates privacy cynicism. (3) Resistance to change positively moderates the relationship between privacy cynicism and intention to use FRS.

Originality/value

This study extends knowledge on people's use of FRS by exploring affect- and cognitive-based factors and finding that the affect-based factors (satisfaction and privacy cynicism) play fully mediating roles in the relationship between the cognitive-based factors and use intention. This study also expands the cognitive boundaries of FRS use by exploring the functional condition between affect-based factors and use intention, that is, the moderating role of resistance to use.
Responsible leadership practices in the hospitality sector family businesses: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Mousa Mohamed , Arslan Ahmad
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The study aims to find out the extent to which hospitality sector family-owned businesses in Egypt feel committed to responsible leadership practices and subsequently meet their stakeholders' expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 owners of family restaurants in Egypt. Thematic analysis was undertaken on the collected data resulting in four major themes.

Findings

The authors find that the four dimensions (aggregation of virtuousness, stakeholder involvement, individual competencies and ethical contributions) are not fully exercised by the owners despite their readiness to behave correctly according to social norms. Furthermore, the respondents elaborated that they do not fully understand how to commence playing a role in contributing to the common good in their societies.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study is the first to empirically investigate responsible leadership practices in the context of small and medium-sized family businesses (restaurants in this case), particularly in the emerging market and non-Western contexts.
Customers’ willingness to choose family takaful: extending the theory of interpersonal behaviour
Authors: Mehboob Shaikh Imran , Amin Hanudin
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the customer’s willingness to participate in family takaful using the theory of interpersonal behaviour (TIB) in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, purposive sampling was used, and 310 useable questionnaires were received from the respondents who were postgraduate students, non-users of family takaful. The respondents are residing in the largest city of Pakistan, which is Karachi. The software Analysis of Moments Structures (AMOS v.25) was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that awareness, affect, facilitating conditions and religious obligation are pivotal in determining the customers’ intention to purchase family takaful products. In addition, perceived risk and social factors are found not to be significant predictors. Resultantly, it may also be necessary to look into the factors examined in this study and other factors that may have played a great role in the acceptance of family takaful in the case of Pakistan.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited in terms of geographic coverage as it only covers part of Karachi city as a place of investigation, and therefore, the results cannot be generalised fully. On the same note, the sampling method can also be broadened to have the actual number of respondents for generalisability purposes. Future studies may focus on the random sampling method using cluster sampling to cover other regions and provinces for a clear picture and understanding.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is one of the first studies to be carried out on empirical grounds using the TIB in the context of family takaful products in Pakistan.
Strategic flexibility: a systematic review and future research directions
Authors: Chanphati Jitrinee , Thosuwanchot Nongnapat
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Strategic flexibility (SF) has become an important factor for firm viability and success amidst uncertain and fast-changing environments. Firms should supplement their primary strategy with alternative ones to change courses of action whenever required. Despite these benefits, some firms are constrained by the high costs of investments. Hence, this paper aims to synthesize and systematically review extant empirical studies on SF and to provide suggestions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a systematic review following the Theory, Context, Characteristics, and Methods (TCCM) framework based on 88 journal articles from 34 high-ranking publications.

Findings

The study shows that extant SF literature focuses on antecedents and outcomes and draws on three main theoretical perspectives. It also presents a growing trend of SF literature in various contexts.

Originality/value

This study provides a systematic review of SF literature from both theoretical and empirical perspectives using the TCCM framework. It highlights the significance of SF in management research and global context.
Weight-based teasing and depressive symptoms among Indian college students: exploring the moderating effect of gratitude
Authors: Bansal Suhans , Garg Naval , Singh Jagvinder
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This instant study explores the relationship between weight-based teasing and depressive symptoms in Indian college students. It further investigates the moderating effect of gratitude on depressive symptoms occurring due to weight-based teasing.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is theoretically based on Fredrickson's broaden-and-built theory (2001). PROCESS macro in IBM SPSS v21 was used to analyze the effect of gratitude in moderation of weight-based teasing and depressive symptoms. The study used correlation and regression analysis to assess the relationship between weight-based teasing and depressive symptoms.

Findings

The study has confirmed that weight-based teasing results in the development of depressive symptoms in Indian college students. The study has also revealed that gratitude casts a significant moderating effect on depression due to weight-based teasing, i.e. a reduction in regression weight of weight-based teasing.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind in India and will significantly add to the national literature on teasing and depression. Further, the study will help stakeholders like educators and policymakers to formulate psychological programs based on positive psychology 2.0 and gratitude to combat the rising issue of body shaming in India.
Investigating police self-legitimacy: individual-level predictors of self-identification and perceived external legitimacy
Authors: Doyle Madison K. , Roche Sean Patrick
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Using an online survey design and a primary data collection of police officers working in a large city in the southern United States, the current study finds evidence that officers perceptions of police legitimacy can be divided into two types: self-identification and perceived external legitimacy. The study investigates the role of perceived organizational support, leader–member exchange and demographic factors in predicting perceptions of self-identification and perceived external legitimacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The police legitimacy literature has focused primarily on the public's perceptions of the legitimacy of police. There is limited understanding of the components of officers' attitudes towards police legitimacy, or the predictors of those components.

Findings

Results of the Ordinary Least Squares regression models indicate perceived organizational support mediates the relationship between leader–member exchange and self-identification and perceived external legitimacy. Exploratory mediation analyses indicate perceived organizational support mediates both of those relationships.

Originality/value

The results provide further evidence that the two types of self-perceived legitimacy are analytically distinct. They differ from previous work in that demographic and organizational variables predict each type similarly, and that one predictor (POS) mediates the influence of another (LMX). The results have implications for future police self-legitimacy research.
Integration of Lean manufacturing and Industry 4.0: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Singh Arshdeep , Gupta Sahil , Kaswan Mahender Singh , Singh Maninder
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the prominent research constituents in the domain of integration of Lean manufacturing and Industry 4.0 techniques and analyze the intellectual structure among them.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric analysis of articles based on Donthu et al. (2021a) has been adopted to conduct a systematic review of the integration of Lean manufacturing and Industry 4.0 using the Scopus database.

Findings

The co-citation analysis and bibliographic coupling depicted three clusters and themes around which the research related to the integration of Lean manufacturing and Industry 4.0. Publications related to the topic have majorly focused on the development of conceptual models and frameworks for integrating Lean manufacturing and Industry 4.0, analyzing the compatibility between the two techniques for better implementation of one another and the techniques' combined impact on operational performance.

Originality/value

Most of the review studies related to the domain of integration of Lean manufacturing and Industry 4.0 have adopted a systematic literature review methodology. The present study has tried to infer the intellectual framework of the research being conducted in the said domain using the bibliometric analysis to identify the prominent research constituents in the field and examine the intellectual relationship between them.
Impact of fake news on social networks during COVID-19 pandemic in Spain
Authors: Macarrón Máñez María Teresa , Moreno Cano Antonia , Díez Fernando
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The pandemic has enhanced the global phenomenon of disinformation. This paper aims to study the false news concerning COVID-19, spread through social media in Spain, by using the LatamChequea database for a duration from 01/22/2020, when the first false information has been detected, up to 03/09/2021.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative analysis has been conducted with regard to the correlation between fake news stories and the pandemic state, the motive to share them, their dissemination in other countries and the effectiveness of fact checking. This study is complemented by a qualitative method: a focus group conducted with representatives of different groups within the society.

Findings

Fake news has been primarily disseminated through several social networks at the same time, with two peaks taking place in over a half of the said false stories. The first took place from March to April of 2020 during complete lockdown, and we were informed of prevention measures, the country’s situation and the origin of the virus, whereas the second was related to news revolving around the coming vaccines, which occurred between October and November. The audience tends to neither cross-check the information received nor report fake news to competent authorities, and fact-checking methods fail to stop their spread. Further awareness and digital literacy campaigns are thus required in addition to more involvement from governments and technological platforms.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the research is the fact that it was only possible to conduct a focus group of five individuals who do not belong to generation Z due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, although a clear contribution to the analysis of the impact of fake news on social networks during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain can be seen from the privileged experiences in each of the fields of work that were identified. In this sense, the results of the study are not generalizable to a larger population. On the other hand, and with a view to future research, it would be advisable to carry out a more specific study of how fake news affects generation Z.

Originality/value

This research is original in nature, and the findings of this study are valuable for business practitioners and scholars, brand marketers, social media platform owners, opinion leaders and policymakers.
Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the internal iliac artery following bone marrow aspiration in a child: An extremely rare complication of a very common procedure
Authors: McLaughlin Aden , Gibson Craig , Ryan Anne , Roebuck Derek
Published: March 2023

Presented here is a very rare and potentially life‐threatening complication of a very common procedure. Vascular injury with traumatic pseudoaneurysm following BMAT in a paediatric patient has only been reported once in the literature to the best of our knowledge. Presented here is a second case, with pathognomonic imaging findings on CT that underwent successful coil embolisation.
COVID‐19 outcomes in patients with and without autoimmune rheumatic diseases: A multicenter comparative study
Authors: Abdulnaby Nasser K. , Gamal Sherif M. , Alkemary Alkhateeb , Abdo Marwa , Sabry Irene M. , Belita Mohamed I. , Mohamed Sally S.
Published: March 2023

Background and objective

People with rheumatic diseases are particularly concerned with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Our work aimed to study the impact of pre‐existing autoimmune rheumatic disease (AIRD) and its immunosuppressive drugs on COVID‐19 severity and outcome.

Patients and methods

This is a multicenter case‐control study performed between September 2020 and February 2021 on 130 adults with COVID‐19, including 66 patients with AIRD and 64 without AIRD, who served as a control group.

Results

Regarding COVID‐19 clinical manifestations; diarrhea, fatigue, and headache were found with significantly higher frequency in the AIRD group while a higher frequency of cough was found in the control group. Comparing COVID‐19 complications, only septic shock was significantly higher in the AIRD group (P = 0.013). Both groups were treated with similar COVID‐19 drugs except for tocilizumab and anticoagulants, which were statistically significantly more frequently used in the control group (P < 0.001 for both). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in the outcome or severity of COVID‐19. There was no impact of previous immunosuppressive drugs before COVID‐19 on the severity of the disease except for a longer duration of recovery in patients on steroids (P < 0.001). Patients with hypertension had severe COVID‐19 compared with those without (odds ratio 2.8, 95% confidence interval 1.2‐6.9; P = 0.020).

Conclusion

AIRD may not affect COVID‐19 severity and outcome. Similarly, immunosuppressive medications had no effect; except that patients on systemic steroids had longer duration for recovery. Comorbid conditions, such as hypertension, may be associated with more severe COVID‐19 disease course.
Long‐term follow‐up of persistent pulmonary subsolid nodules: Natural course of pure, heterogeneous, and real part‐solid ground‐glass nodules
Authors: Zhang Zhedong , Zhou Lixin , Min Xianjun , Li Hao , Qi Qingyi , Sun Chao , Sun Kunkun , Yang Fan , Li Xiao
Published: March 2023

Background

Previous studies have suggested the applicability of three classifications of subsolid nodules (SSNs). However, few studies have unraveled the natural history of the three types of SSNs.

Methods

A retrospective study from two medical centers between November 2007 and November 2017 was conducted to explore the long‐term follow‐up results of three different types of SSNs, which were divided into pure ground‐glass nodules (pGGNs), heterogeneous ground‐glass nodules (hGGNs), and real part‐solid nodules (rPSNs).

Results

A total of 306 consecutive patients, including 361 SSNs with long‐term follow‐up, were reviewed. The median growth times of pGGNs, hGGNs, and rPSNs were 7.7, 6.0, and 2.0 years, respectively. For pGGNs, the median period of development into rPSNs was 4.6 years, while that of hGGNs was 1.8 years, and the time from pGGNs to hGGNs was 3.1 years (p < 0.05). In SSNs with an initial lung window consolidation tumor ratio (LW‐CTR) >0.5 and mediastinum window (MW)‐CTR >0.2, all cases with growth were identified within 5 years. Meanwhile, in SSNs whose LW‐CTR and MW‐CTR were 0, it took over 5 years to detect nodular growth. Pathologically, 90.6% of initial SSNs with LW‐CTR >0 were invasive carcinomas (invasive adenocarcinoma and micro‐invasive adenocarcinoma). Among patients with rPSNs in the initial state, 100.0% of the final pathological results were invasive carcinoma. Cox regression showed that age (p = 0.038), initial maximal diameter (p < 0.001), and LW‐CTR (p = 0.002) were independent risk factors for SSN growth.

Conclusions

pGGNs, hGGNs, and rPSNs have significantly different natural histories. Age, initial nodule diameter, and LW‐CTR are important risk factors for SSN growth.
Collaboration for Evidence‐based Practice and Research in Anaesthesia (CEPRA): A consortium initiative for perioperative research
Authors: Nørskov Anders Kehlet , Jakobsen Janus Christian , Afshari Arash , Bisgaard Jannie , Geisler Anja , Hägi‐Pedersen Daniel , Lange Kai Henrik Wiborg , Lundstrøm Lars Hyldborg , Lunn Troels Haxholdt , Maagaard Mathias , Møller Ann Merete , Nedergaard Helene Korvenius , Nikolajsen Lone , Olsen Markus Harboe , Juhl‐Olsen Peter , Rasmussen Bodil Steen , Vested Matias , Vester‐Andersen Morten , Wikkelsø Anne , Mathiesen Ole ,   The CEPRA collaboration group
Published: March 2023

Evidence in perioperative care is insufficient. There is an urgent need for large perioperative research programmes, including pragmatic randomised trials, testing daily clinical treatments and unanswered question, thereby providing solid evidence for effects of interventions given to a large and growing number of patients undergoing surgery and anaesthesia. This may be achieved through large collaborations. Collaboration for Evidence‐based Practice and Research in Anaesthesia (CEPRA) is a novel collaborative research network founded to pursue evidence‐based answers to major clinical questions in perioperative medicine. The aims of CEPRA are to (1) improve clinical treatment and outcomes and optimise the use of resources for patients undergoing anaesthesia and perioperative care, and (2) disseminate results and inform caretakers, patients and relatives, and policymakers of evidence‐based treatments in anaesthesia and perioperative medicine. CEPRA is inclusive in its concept. We aim to extend our collaboration with all relevant clinical collaborators and patient associations and representatives. Although initiated in Denmark, CEPRA seeks to develop an international network infrastructure, for example, with other Nordic countries. The work of CEPRA will follow the highest methodological standards. The organisation aims to structure and optimise any element of the research collaboration to reduce economic costs and harness benefits from well‐functioning research infrastructure. This includes successive continuation of trials, harmonisation of outcomes, and alignment of data management systems. This paper presents the initiation and visions of the CEPRA network. CEPRA aims to be inclusive, patient‐focused, methodologically sound, and to optimise all aspects of research logistics. This will translate into faster research conduct, reliable results, and accelerated clinical implementation of results, thereby benefiting millions of patients whilst being cost and labour‐saving.
The Ortolani test has a high positive predictive value in clinical hip screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Maikku M. , Rantala T. , Valkama M.
Published: March 2023

Aim

Previous studies have not described separate positive predictive values for Ortolani and Barlow tests in clinical hip screening. We aimed to determine the positive predictive values at discharge following birth, in predicting dysplasia or instability in the subsequent hip ultrasound examinations.

Methods

We included all infants with suspected or diagnosed DDH at the study hospital from 2015 to 2017 in this retrospective study. Infants with positive Ortolani or Barlow test after birth were referred for a hip ultrasound, without treatment being started. The positive predictive value of the tests to predict Graf type ≥ IIC morphology, ≥5 mm displacement in a dynamic ultrasound, or either one or both findings at the hip ultrasound examination was calculated.

Results

There were 33 Ortolani‐positive hips and 103 Barlow‐positive hips in 105 referred infants (30% male) at the screening. They received ultrasound examination at mean 21.7 days of age (SD 4.8, range 11–35). The positive predictive value was 39–61% for the Ortolani test and 4%–16% for the Barlow test depending on the true positive definition.

Conclusion

The Ortolani test, performed by a specialist at the maternity ward, has a high positive predictive value for developmental dysplasia of the hip.
Noise in the brain: Transcranial random noise stimulation and perceptual noise act on a stochastic resonance‐like mechanism
Authors: Battaglini Luca , Casco Clara , Fertonani Anna , Miniussi Carlo , Di Ponzio Michele , Vicovaro Michele
Published: March 2023

Stochastic resonance (SR) is a phenomenon in which a certain amount of random noise added to a weak subthreshold stimulus can enhance signal detectability. It is unknown how external noise interacts with neural noise in producing an SR‐like phenomenon and whether this interaction results in a modulation of either network efficiency or the efficiency of single neurons. Using random dot motion stimuli and noninvasive brain stimulation, we attempted to unveil the specific mechanism of action of the SR‐like phenomenon in motion perception, if present. We aimed to determine whether signal integration efficiency changes with external noise (random dot numerosity) and how electrical transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) can affect the peak performance. The participants performed a coherent motion detection task in which the random dot numerosity varied, whereas the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) remained constant. We applied placebo or tRNS with an amplitude of either 1 or 2 mA during task execution. We found peaks in participants' performance both in the case of placebo stimulation and in the case of 1‐mA tRNS. In the latter case (i.e., with an additional noise source), the peak emerged at lower random dot numerosity levels than when no additional noise was added (placebo). No clear peak was observed with 2‐mA tRNS. An equivalent noise (EN) analysis confirmed that SR arises from a modulation of the network efficiency underlying motion signal integration. These results indicate a joint contribution of external and neural noise (modulated by tRNS) in eliciting an SR‐like phenomenon.
Academic research and knowledge repatriation at the intersection of epistemic and environmental justice in the Caribbean
Authors: Kirby‐Straker Rowie , Johnston Carrie , Shields Kathy , Von Burg Ron
Published: March 2023

Researchers from institutions of higher education who conduct studies in the Caribbean often rely on local knowledge and support to produce scientific publications that could inform resource management. However, such research remains largely inaccessible to local communities because of the proprietary nature of the current knowledge ecosystem in academia. This commentary proposes knowledge repatriation as a means of advancing decolonial research efforts within higher education. First, we highlight the intersecting features of epistemic and environmental (in)justice with examples from the Caribbean context and discuss how knowledge repatriation efforts can counter extant environmental and epistemological exploitative practices. Second, we identify how academic institutions are specially positioned to challenge traditional research practices and advance knowledge repatriation. Third, we explore one example of how knowledge repatriation can unfold within a Caribbean context and some related challenges.
Comparison of facilitators and barriers to providing oral hygiene measures in dependent older people and young children: A systematic review
Authors: Hillebrecht Anna‐Lena , Höfer Karolin , Blasi Alicia , Wicht Michael J. , Barbe Anna Greta
Published: March 2023

Objective

The objective of the study was to systematically compare barriers/facilitators providing oral hygiene to young children and dependent older people and to generate ideas to improve the implementation of oral hygiene measures.

Background

Many older people, like children, rely on third‐party assistance for teeth cleaning. Barriers/facilitators in providing oral care services have been described in recent works. The aim of our study was to compare these results for both groups and to increase knowledge on analogies/differences in barriers/intermediaries.

Methods

We performed a systematic review. Studies reporting on knowledge, attitudes and beliefs acting as barriers/facilitators for provision of teeth cleaning were included. Thematic analysis was used and identified themes translated to domains and constructs of the theoretical domains framework and aligned to the behaviour change wheel. Based on three published reviews in children or older people, our search (PubMed via Medline), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Web of Science, Google Scholar, last search (21 January 2023) encompassed both populations dated from their last publication (28 February 2018). The review was registered (Prospero, CRD42021278944). For quality assessment, the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used.

Results

Seventeen articles were identified (older people (n = 8), children (n = 9)). Deficits exist for both in terms of “knowledge/skills” among caregivers, with special difficulties in children with challenging behaviour and older people. “Capability” as one of the main elements of behavioural factors that are the basis for behaviour to take place (COM‐B, Capability, Opportunity, Motivation–Behaviour) is most often mentioned for children and “opportunity” for older people.

Conclusions

Most of the facilitators and barriers affecting oral care provision in children are also relevant in older people. Approaches for the development of strategies for better implementation of oral hygiene measures in older people are presented.
Purification of heterooligosaccharides by microbial treatment and nanofiltration
Authors: Pruksasri Suwattana , Nguyen Thu‐Ha , Novalin Senad , Haltrich Dietmar
Published: March 2023

Various methods can be applied for the purification of oligosaccharides such as galactooligosaccharides (GOS), fructooligosaccharides (FOS) or heterooligosaccharides (HOS). In the present work, two methods (microbial treatment and nanofiltration (NF)) for purification of an enzymatically synthesised HOS mixture were investigated and compared. With the microbial fermentation, the monosaccharides including glucose, galactose and N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) could be completely removed whereas lactose was only partially consumed. However, ethanol and acetate were produced as the result of microbial fermentation, which may be considered as an additional problem. The purification yield and the purity of the resulting HOS mixture were 79.4 and 59.3%, respectively. Applying NF with a molecular weight cut‐off (MWCO) of 400 Dalton, the yield and the purity of the HOS mixture were 78.0 and 54.9%, respectively. The resulting product mixture (retentate) obtained after nanofiltration is significantly more concentrated than that of fermentation (257 vs. 106 g L−1 of HOS), however, GlcNAc could not be removed.
Deprivation of Furusato: The damage faced by evacuees after the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident
Authors: Seki Reiko
Published: March 2023

This paper considers the damage caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake and the meaning of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant accident, and reflects on the evacuees' experiences over past 12 years. During this time, several lawsuits demanding the clarification of responsibility for the accident and compensation for damages have been filed against TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) and the Japanese Government. The “loss and transformation of hometowns (furusato in Japanese)” has become one of the key issues in these lawsuits. While the casees were being litigated, the mandated “evacuation designated zones” were gradually lifted. Even in the “Difficult‐to‐Return Areas” where annual integrated doses of radioactive substances are over 50 mSv and evacuation orders are still in effect, efforts are being made to lift the evacuation orders. Because they were forced to leave their places of residence, evacuees have claimed, “we lost oue furusato [hometown].” However, because they are able to return after evacuation orders are lifted, both TEPCO and the Japanese Government have insisted that “their furusato has not been lost” and “they cannot claim compensation for furusato damages.” In this paper, I call the irreversible and absolute damage caused by the nuclear power plant accident “the deprivation of furusato.” I look at furusato from three aspects: the relationship between people and nature, the connection between people, and notions of persistence and sustainability. Then, I discuss what kind of reconstruction is being promoted to respond to the deprivation of furusato and for whom.
The role of trichoscopy beyond hair and scalp diseases: A review
Authors: Rudnicka Lidia , Chrostowska Sylwia , Kamiński Mateusz , Waśkiel‐Burnat Anna , Michalczyk Agnieszka , Rakowska Adriana , Olszewska Małgorzata
Published: March 2023

Trichoscopy is a diagnostic tool for hair and scalp diseases. It was recently shown that it also allows the identification of features associated with disorders that typically do not affect the scalp. The aim of this article was to analyse and outline the usefulness of trichoscopy in suspecting such diseases. Connective tissue diseases were the most investigated systemic disorders in regard to trichoscopy. The most common features of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis and dermatomyositis are thick arborizing and tortuous vessels. Avascular areas are present in systemic sclerosis. Spermatozoa‐like vessels may be observed in cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas, while salmon‐coloured areas with arborizing and linear vessels may be seen in patients with cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas. In patients with advanced multiple myeloma, follicular spicules may be observed. Trichoscopic features of angiosarcomas include pink areas, red, polymorphic areas and dark red to purple areas. Polymorphous vessels and whitish areas on a pink background are the predominating trichoscopic features of metastases of malignant tumours to the scalp. Cutaneous sarcoidosis is characterized by orange‐coloured areas and telangiectasias. Systemic amyloidosis may manifest with salmon‐coloured perifollicular halos, while the most common trichoscopic features of syphilitic alopecia are as follows: decreased number of hairs per follicular unit, vellus hairs, background erythema, focal atrichia and yellow dots. In conclusion, dermatologists may suspect some systemic diseases on the basis of trichoscopic findings.