bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The advertising communication effectiveness of using netizen language code-switching in Facebook ads
Authors: Kuo Ying-Feng , Hou Jian-Ren , Hsieh Yun-Hsi
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Netizens refer to citizens of the internet, and code-switching refers to the use of more than one language, style or form of expression to communicate. This study explores the advertising communication effectiveness of using netizen language code-switching in Facebook ads. Moreover, if a brand is with negative brand images, using positive brand images as a control group, this study investigates not only the advertising communication effectiveness of netizen language code-switching but also its effectiveness of remedying the negative brand images.

Design/methodology/approach

Online experiments were conducted, and data were analyzed using independent sample t-test, MANOVA and ANOVA.

Findings

The results indicate that netizen language code-switching can enhance advertising communication effectiveness in Facebook ads. Furthermore, under a negative brand image, netizen language code-switching has significant effects on improving Facebook advertising communication effectiveness.

Originality/value

This study takes netizens as the research subjects to explore the advertising communication effectiveness of netizen language code-switching in Facebook ads. This study provides further insight into the effect of netizens' culture on Facebook advertising and enriches the existing literature on social media advertising, as well as expanding the application of code-switching. The results of this study provide enterprises a new perspective on the copywriting content design of Facebook ads.
Blockchain in your grocery basket: trust and traceability as a strategy
Authors: Yacoub Ghassan , Castillo Maria
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain insights and explicate how blockchain technology enables trust and traceability building from a real business use case.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a qualitative case study of a leading global French grocery retail firm that has started to integrate blockchain into their supply chain and products. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and secondary data sources.

Findings

This paper developed a conceptual framework in unboxing the mechanism by which blockchain enables trust and explicating how information flows in a blockchain-based system compared to a traditional one in a real business application scenario through three main elements, namely, system architecture, data recovery and communication.

Originality/value

Given the upside potential of emerging technologies such as blockchain coupled with the current increasing demand for business use cases, the paper is timely in integrating the business and technological aspects of trust in formulating a firm-level blockchain strategy.
“I came, I saw, I conquered”: reflections on participating in a PhotoVoice project
Authors: Barry Jennifer , Monahan Christine , Ferguson Sharon , Lee Kelley , Kelly Ruth , Monahan Mark , Murphy Rebecca , Gibbons Patrick , Higgins Agnes
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide first-hand reflective narratives from participants of their involvement in the overall process, with particular reference to the benefits and challenges of engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Five participants agreed to write a reflective piece of approximately 500 words on their involvement in the PhotoVoice project.

Findings

The reflective narratives in this paper demonstrate the personal and professional benefits of sustained and meaningful engagement, while challenges such as power imbalances, identity management, time and cost commitments are discussed.

Practical implications

PhotoVoice is a methodology that has the potential to democratise knowledge production and dissemination.

Originality/value

There are scant examples in the PhotoVoice literature of the inclusion of participants involvement in dissemination activities. The reflective narratives in this paper demonstrate the personal and professional benefits of sustained and meaningful engagement, while challenges such as power imbalances, identity management, time and cost commitments are discussed.
Customer–brand relationship in the era of artificial intelligence: understanding the role of chatbot marketing efforts
Authors: Cheng Yang , Jiang Hua
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot marketing efforts (CMEs) in the establishment of relationships between brands and their customers, extending the link between relationship marketing and online consumer behavioral intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from 1,072 customers in the USA, who used chatbot marketing activities from any of 30 brands leading their industries in messaging innovation. Structural equation modeling is used for data analysis.

Findings

Results show that interaction, information, accessibility, entertainment and customization are important CMEs components. CMEs have significant direct effects on the quality of communication with chatbot agents and indirectly affect customer–brand relationships (CBR) and customer response. In addition, the findings demonstrate that CBR mediates the association between communication quality and customer response.

Originality/value

Implications of this study can enable practitioners to understand the effects of AI on user experiences and provide a guide for the development of CMEs strategies and relationship building.
The role of digital scholarship in academic libraries, the case of university of cape coast: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Ocran Theophilus Kwamena , Afful-Arthur Paulina
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to assess the role of academic libraries in digital scholarship at the University of Cape Coast. The study adopted the descriptive survey design and used teaching staff (lecturers) as the population of the study.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample size of 278 was used for the study. The study used questionnaires to obtain data from participants. The study revealed that faculty members appreciate digital scholarship through the services offered by Sam Jonah Library are relevant to the current higher education context, reliable information, preservation of information resources and facilitating the integration of library services into the learning process are closely integrated into the library service, transform scholarly communication, teaching and learning style and research paradigm.

Findings

The study revealed that digital scholarship contributes to faculty members' delivery at the University of Cape Coast through the provision of information literacy training for new students, provision of reference lists of materials available in the library and provision of lists of new materials. The study revealed that faculty members face inadequate facilities to enhance digital scholarship, inadequate open access to reading materials (articles, books, etc.), inadequate platforms or suite of tools for librarians to take faculty.

Practical implications

The application of digital scholarship provides an expansion to the core competitiveness of librarians new services which enables innovativeness and transformation of libraries. Students will be equipped with digital literacy skills; it affords instructors to approach teaching with innovation and scholars are also engaged to perform novel practices in scholarship acquisition. Digital scholarship is the umbrella under which all academic technologies comes under to foster collaboration and better learning experience.

Originality/value

This paper offers an insight of the role digital scholarship in promoting and advancing scholarship in the academic environment. It highlights a number of digital scholarship platform available in the library. It is observed that digital scholarship practices must be encouraged in the library because it facilitates the role of academic library which is to support teaching, learning and research.
Social media communication of the scientific and technological literature in emergency under COVID-19
Authors: Li Jiapei , Sun Liming , Feng Xin , He Peiyi , Zhang Yue
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper takes the current COVID-19 pandemic raging around the world as a realistic background and uses the informal scientific communication mode in social media as the theoretical basis. It aims to explore the characteristics and rules of scientific communication in social media under emergency events, grasp the potential and risks of scientific communication in social media in special times and provide a perspective of academic communication for the scientific response.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors select the enumeration data of the early COVID-19 theme papers spread on social media networks as the research object, apply descriptive statistical analysis to the basic statistical distribution of variables and use factor analysis and visualization methods to explore the law and characteristics of the spread of scientific papers on social media platforms.

Findings

It was found that users of the COVID-19 paper are mainly in North America, Europe and South America, followed by those in East Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania. The users are mainly public figures, doctors and other practitioners, science communicators and scientists. The process of social media communication reflects three ways of knowledge construction, social interaction and academic communication, and there are three ways of communication law and changing trend of cross transition and integration.

Originality/value

This study observes the function and role of science communication in social media in a special period from a unique perspective of academic communication, so as to promote academic means to fight against the epidemic.
The impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning on the global economy and its implications for the hospitality sector in India
Authors: Bhushan Sudhanshu
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and evaluate the existing and future impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning on the global economy. It includes viewing the inclusion of AI in different sectors, its impact on industries, the trends of the forerunning companies that are capitalizing on AI and the idea of crystalizing exponential growth while maintaining a balance between the understanding of humans and the subsequent possibilities of AI.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on secondary research, reviewing literature based on different industries and perspectives.

Findings

The global potential of AI is exponential; the development of AI should be effective. Globally, we see contrasting views, defining the consequences of AI. Hence, the balance between humans and AI, protocols and a global regulatory system needs to be established to prevent catastrophic results soon.

Practical implications

The benefits of AI are enormous. The rising incorporation of AI must take into consideration the basic safety fundamentals for a better future.

Social implications

This paper will enable readers to understand the importance of AI in the global economy, its current involvement in major industries and the subsequent need for balance in technology.

Originality/value

This conceptual review is by its nature and original contribution and, specifically, an interpretation for India.
Bacterial cell wall‐degrading enzymes induce basidiomycete natural product biosynthesis
Authors: Herkersdorf Sebastian , Krüger Thomas , Wein Philipp , Löffler Susanne , Fontaine Thierry , Gressler Markus , Hertweck Christian , Brakhage Axel A. , Hoffmeister Dirk
Published: June 2021

Natural products play a vital role for intermicrobial interactions. In the basidiomycete arena an important representative is variegatic acid, a lactone natural product pigment whose ecological relevance stems from both inhibiting bacterial swarming and from indirect participation in breakdown of organic matter by brown‐rotting fungi. Previous work showed that the presence of bacteria stimulates variegatic acid production. However, the actual external molecular trigger that prompts its biosynthesis in the mushroom hyphae remained unknown. Here, we report on the identification of Bacillus subtilis subtilisin E (AprE) and chitosanase (Csn) as primary inducers of pulvinic acid pigment formation. Using the established co‐culture system of B. subtilis and Serpula lacrymans, we used activity‐guided FPLC‐based fractionation of B. subtilis culture supernatants and subsequent peptide fingerprinting to identify candidates, and their role was corroborated by means of a pigment production assay using heterologously produced chitosanase and subtilisin. B. subtilis mutants defective in either the aprE or the csn gene still triggered pigmentation, yet to a lower degree, which points to a multicausal scenario and suggests the combined activity of these cell wall polymer‐attacking enzymes as true stimulus.
Unintended consequences: The impact of airway management modifications introduced in response to COVID‐19 on intubations in a tertiary centre emergency department
Authors: Groombridge Christopher J , Maini Amit , Olaussen Alexander , Kim Yesul , Fitzgerald Mark , Smit De Villiers
Published: June 2021

Objective

In response to COVID‐19, we introduced and examined the effect of a raft of modifications to standard practice on adverse events and first‐attempt success (FAS) associated with ED intubation.

Methods

An analysis of prospectively collected registry data of all ED intubations over a 3‐year period at an Australian Major Trauma Centre. During the first 6 months of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia, we introduced modifications to standard practice to reduce the risk to staff including: aerosolisation reduction, comprehensive personal protective equipment for all intubations, regular low fidelity simulation with ‘sign‐off’ for all medical and nursing staff, senior clinician laryngoscopist and the introduction of pre‐drawn medications.

Results

There were 783 patients, 136 in the COVID‐19 era and 647 in the pre‐COVID‐19 comparator group. The rate of hypoxia was higher during the COVID‐19 era compared to pre‐COVID‐19 (18.4% vs 9.6%, P < 0.005). This occurred despite the FAS rate remaining very high (95.6% vs 93.8%, P = 0.42) and intubation being undertaken by more senior laryngoscopists (consultant 55.9% during COVID‐19 vs 22.6% pre‐COVID‐19, P < 0.001). Other adverse events were similar before and during COVID‐19 (hypotension 12.5% vs 7.9%, P = 0.082; bradycardia 1.5% vs 0.5%, P = 0.21). Video laryngoscopy was more likely to be used during COVID‐19 (95.6% vs 82.5%, P < 0.001) and induction of anaesthesia more often used ketamine (66.9% vs 42.3%, P < 0.001) and rocuronium (86.8% vs 52.1%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This raft of modifications to ED intubation was associated with significant increase in hypoxia despite a very high FAS rate and more senior first laryngoscopist.
Epigenetic regulation in medulloblastoma pathogenesis revealed by genetically engineered mouse models
Authors: Shiraishi Ryo , Kawauchi Daisuke
Published: June 2021

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant cerebellar tumor in children. Recent technological advances in multilayered ’omics data analysis have revealed 4 molecular subgroups of medulloblastoma (Wingless/int, Sonic hedgehog, Group3, and Group4). (Epi)genomic and transcriptomic profiling on human primary medulloblastomas has shown distinct oncogenic drivers and cellular origin(s) across the subgroups. Despite tremendous efforts to identify the molecular signals driving tumorigenesis, few of the identified targets were druggable; therefore, a further understanding of the etiology of tumors is required to establish effective molecular‐targeted therapies. Chromatin regulators are frequently mutated in medulloblastoma, prompting us to investigate epigenetic changes and the accompanying activation of oncogenic signaling during tumorigenesis. For this purpose, we have used germline and non‐germline genetically engineered mice to model human medulloblastoma and to conduct useful, molecularly targeted, preclinical studies. This review discusses the biological implications of chromatin regulator mutations during medulloblastoma pathogenesis, based on recent in vivo animal studies.
Azithromycin enhances the cytotoxicity of DNA‐damaging drugs via lysosomal membrane permeabilization in lung cancer cells
Authors: Toriyama Kazutoshi , Takano Naoharu , Kokuba Hiroko , Kazama Hiromi , Moriya Shota , Hiramoto Masaki , Abe Shinji , Miyazawa Keisuke
Published: June 2021

Cancer cells use autophagy for growth, survival, and cytoprotection from chemotherapy. Therefore, autophagy inhibitors appear to be good candidates for cancer treatment. Our group previously reported that macrolide antibiotics, especially azithromycin (AZM), have potent autophagy inhibitory effects, and combination treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors or proteasome inhibitors enhances their anti–cancer activity. In this study, we evaluated the effect of combination therapy with DNA‐damaging drugs and AZM in non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. We found that the cytotoxic activities of DNA‐damaging drugs, such as doxorubicin (DOX), etoposide, and carboplatin, were enhanced in the presence of AZM in NSCLC cell lines, whereas AZM alone exhibited almost no cytotoxicity. This enhanced cell death was dependent on wild‐type‐p53 status and autophagosome‐forming ability because TP53 knockout (KO) and ATG5‐KO cells attenuated AZM‐enhanced cytotoxicity. DOX treatment upregulated lysosomal biogenesis by activating TFEB and led to lysosomal membrane damage as assessed by galectin 3 puncta assay and cytoplasmic leakage of lysosomal enzymes. In contrast, AZM treatment blocked autophagy, which resulted in the accumulation of lysosomes/autolysosomes. Thus, the effects of DOX and AZM were integrated into the marked increase in damaged lysosomes/autolysosomes, leading to prominent lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) for apoptosis induction. Our data suggest that concomitant treatment with DNA‐damaging drugs and AZM is a promising strategy for NSCLC treatment via pronounced LMP induction.
CAR‐NK cell in cancer immunotherapy; A promising frontier
Authors: Marofi Faroogh , Abdul‐Rasheed Omar F. , Rahman Heshu Sulaiman , Budi Hendrik Setia , Jalil Abduladheem Turki , Yumashev Alexei Valerievich , Hassanzadeh Ali , Yazdanifar Mahboubeh , Motavalli Roza , Chartrand Max Stanley , Ahmadi Majid , Cid‐Arreguid Angel , Jarahian Mostafa
Published: June 2021

Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have a unique facet of synthetic biology and offer a paradigm shift in personalized medicine as they can use and redirect the patient's immune cells to attack cancer cells. CAR‐natural killer (NK) cells combine the targeted specificity of antigens with the subsequent intracellular signaling ability of the receptors to increase their anti‐cancer functions. Importantly, CAR‐NK cells can be utilized as universal cell‐based therapy without requiring human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching or earlier contact with tumor‐associated antigens (TAAs). Indeed, CAR‐NK cells can be adapted to recognize various antigens, hold higher proliferation capacity, and in vivo persistence, show improved infiltration into the tumors, and the ability to overcome the resistant tumor microenvironment leading to sustained cytotoxicity against tumors. Accumulating evidence from recent in vivo studies rendering CAR‐NK cell anti‐cancer competencies renewed the attention in the context of cancer immunotherapy, as these redirected effector cells can be used in the development of the “off‐the‐shelf” anti‐cancer immunotherapeutic products. In the current review, we focus on the therapeutic efficacy of CAR‐NK cell therapies for treating various human malignancies, including hematological malignancies and solid tumors, and will discuss the recent findings in this regard, with a special focus on animal studies.
Age‐related carotid extra‐media thickening is associated with increased blood pressure and arterial stiffness
Authors: Carlini Nicholas A. , Harber Matthew P. , Fleenor Bradley S.
Published: June 2021

Ageing results in higher blood pressure and arterial stiffening leading to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The extra‐media thickness (EMT) is a composite measure of the arterial adventitia, perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) and the jugular vein, but the association among EMT and ageing, blood pressure and arterial stiffness is largely unknown. We hypothesized that EMT is associated with ageing, blood pressure and arterial stiffness. Fifty (18M/32F, age range 20–79 years.) individuals underwent measures of EMT (media‐adventitia border to jugular lumen interface) via ultrasonography, blood pressure (brachial; carotid), arterial stiffness (carotid beta‐stiffness, distensibility and Young's modulus) and body composition (dual X‐ray absorptiometry). Independent two‐tailed t‐tests compared characteristics between young and middle‐aged/older adults (MA/O). Bivariate correlations assessed the relation between EMT, ageing, blood pressure and arterial stiffness endpoints. Partial correlations were used to adjust for age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage. Compared to young, MA/O adults had higher EMT, blood pressure, arterial stiffness, BMI and BF% (all, p ≤ 0.05). Carotid EMT was positively correlated with age (r = 0.46), brachial SBP (r = 0.32), carotid SBP (r = 0.42), PP (r = 0.42), beta‐stiffness (r = 0.37) and Young's elastic modulus (r = 0.43) (all, p ≤ 0.05), and negatively correlated with carotid distensibility (r = −0.34, p ≤ 0.05). All endpoints correlated with EMT remained after adjusting for BMI, BF% and sex (p ≤ 0.05). These data suggest EMT is a clinically relevant target that may be associated with age‐related CVD risk in humans, yet further investigation is required to elucidate the role of EMT in age‐related increases in blood pressure and arterial stiffness.
A first‐in‐human study of KMRC011, a potential treatment for acute radiation syndrome, to explore tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics
Authors: Yang Eunsol , Choi Hyejung , Park Jin‐Sol , Noh Young‐Woock , Choi Chi‐Min , Lee Woo‐Jong , Ko Jae‐Wook , Kim Jungryul
Published: June 2021

KMRC011 is a novel Toll‐like receptor 5 agonist under development as a treatment for acute radiation syndrome (ARS). The aim of this first‐in‐human study was to investigate the tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of a single intramuscular dose of KMRC011 in healthy subjects. A randomized, single‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single dose‐escalation study was conducted with the starting dose of 5 μg. Eight (4 only for 5 μg cohort) subjects per cohort were randomly assigned to KMRC011 or placebo in a 3:1 ratio. Dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) was assessed throughout the study. Serum concentrations of KMRC011, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were measured up to 48 h postdose. Based on safety review, the dose of KMRC011 escalated up to 20 μg, and consequently, a total of 4 dose levels (5, 10, 15, and 20 μg) were explored. The most common adverse event was injection site reaction, showing no dose‐related trend. Three DLTs (2 cases of hepatic enzyme increased and 1 of pyrexia) were observed; 1 in the 15 μg cohort and 2 in the 20 μg cohort. A developed method could not detect any KMRC011 in serum. KMRC011 15 μg and 20 μg showed significant increases of G‐CSF, IL‐6, and absolute neutrophil counts, compared with the placebo. A single intramuscular administration of KMRC011 ranging from 5 to 15 μg was tolerated in healthy subjects. Doses of KMRC011 equal to or greater than 15 μg exerted TLR5 agonist‐like activities by increasing serum G‐CSF and IL‐6. It suggests that KMRC011 has the potential for a treatment for ARS.
Model‐based assessments of CYP3A‐mediated drug‐drug interaction risk of milademetan
Authors: Hong Ying , Ishizuka Tomoko , Watanabe Akiko , Tachibana Masaya , Lee Mark , Ishizuka Hitoshi , LaCreta Frank , Abutarif Malaz
Published: June 2021

Milademetan is a small‐molecule inhibitor of murine double minute 2 (MDM2) that is in clinical development for advanced solid tumors and hematological cancers, including liposarcoma and acute myeloid leukemia. Milademetan is a CYP3A and P‐glycoprotein substrate and moderate CYP3A inhibitor. The current study aims to understand the drug‐drug interaction (DDI) risk of milademetan as a CYP3A substrate during its early clinical development. A clinical DDI study of milademetan (NCT03614455) showed that concomitant administration of single‐dose milademetan with the strong CYP3A inhibitor itraconazole or posaconazole increased milademetan mean area under the curve from zero to infinity (AUCinf) by 2.15‐fold (90% confidence interval [CI], 1.98–2.34) and 2.49‐fold (90% CI, 2.26–2.74), respectively, supporting that the milademetan dose should be reduced by 50% when concomitantly administered with strong CYP3A inhibitors. A physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of milademetan was subsequently developed to predict the magnitude of CYP3A‐mediated DDI potential of milademetan with moderate CYP3A inhibitors. The PBPK model predicted an increase in milademetan exposure of 1.72‐fold (90% CI, 1.69–1.76) with fluconazole, 1.91‐fold (90% CI, 1.83–1.99) with erythromycin, and 2.02‐fold (90% CI, 1.93–2.11) with verapamil. In addition, it estimated that milademetan’s original dose (160 mg once daily) could be resumed from its half‐reduced dose 3 days after discontinuation of concomitant strong CYP3A inhibitors. The established PBPK model of milademetan was qualified and considered to be robust enough to support continued development of milademetan.
The impact of postbariatric hypoglycaemia on driving performance: A randomized, single‐blind, two‐period, crossover study in a driving simulator
Authors: Lehmann Vera , Tripyla Afroditi , Herzig David , Meier Jasmin , Banholzer Nicolas , Maritsch Martin , Zehetner Jörg , Giachino Daniel , Nett Philipp , Feuerriegel Stefan , Wortmann Felix , Bally Lia
Published: June 2021

Postbariatric hypoglycaemia (PBH) is an increasingly recognized complication of bariatric surgery, but its effect on daily functioning remains unclear. In this randomized, single‐blind, crossover trial we assessed driving performance in patients with PBH. Ten active drivers with PBH (eight females, age 38.2 ± 14.7 years, body mass index 27.2 ± 4.6 kg/m2) received 75 g glucose to induce PBH in the late postprandial period and aspartame to leave glycaemia unchanged, on two different occasions. A simulator was driven during 10 minutes before (D0) and 20 (D1), 80 (D2), 125 (D3) and 140 minutes (D4) after the glucose/aspartame ingestion, reflecting the expected blood glucose (BG) increase (D1), decrease (D2) and hypoglycaemia (D3, D4). Seven driving features indicating impaired driving were integrated in a Bayesian hierarchical regression model to assess the difference in driving performance after glucose/aspartame ingestion. Mean ± standard deviation peak and nadir BG after glucose were 182 ± 24 and 47 ± 14 mg/dL, while BG was stable after aspartame (85 ± 4 mg/dL). Despite the lack of a difference in symptom perception, driving performance was significantly impaired after glucose versus aspartame during D4 (posterior probability 98.2%). Our findings suggest that PBH negatively affects driving performance.
Two healthy lifestyle scores are associated with lower subsequent fatigue risk using inverse probability weighting in an international longitudinal cohort of people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Weiland Tracey J. , Nag Nupur , De Livera Alysha , Jelinek George A. , Neate Sandra L. , Bevens William , Simpson‐Yap Steve
Published: June 2021

Background and purpose

Several modifiable lifestyle factors have been associated with the onset and health outcomes of multiple sclerosis (MS), including clinically significant fatigue. A combined lifestyle score approach represents one method of assessing their relationship with clinical outcomes. The aim was to examine the association of two lifestyle scores with clinically significant fatigue and change thereof over 2.5 years' follow‐up using inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW).

Methods

Data on sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical characteristics surveyed from an international cohort of people with MS at baseline and at 2.5‐year follow‐up were used. Fatigue was defined by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS >5) and healthy lifestyle by the Healthy Lifestyle Index Score (HLIS) and the Smoking, Nutrition, Alcohol Consumption and Physical Activity (SNAP) score. Analyses were by IPTW accounting for age, sex, MS type, disability, treated comorbidity number, immunomodulatory medication use, prescription antifatigue medication use, and ongoing relapse symptoms.

Results

In total, 1268 participants completed the FSS at both time points; approximately 62% had fatigue. Using doubly robust IPTW, high (>11/20) HLIS (odds ratio [OR] 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–0.98) and high (>3/5) SNAP (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73–0.90) were each associated with lower risk of fatigue at follow‐up. Evaluating change in fatigue, a higher SNAP score was associated with a lower risk of fatigue (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80–0.97) but the score for HLIS did not reach statistical significance (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.85–1.01).

Conclusion

These results suggest a robust role for key lifestyle factors in preventing clinically significant fatigue and may represent a place for lifestyle modification in improving clinical outcomes in MS.
Brain activity is contingent on neuropsychological function in a functional magnetic resonance imaging study of verbal working memory in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Kobeleva Xenia , Machts Judith , Veit Maria , Vielhaber Stefan , Petri Susanne , Schoenfeld Mircea Ariel
Published: June 2021

Background and purpose

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive degeneration of neurons in motor and non‐motor brain regions, affecting multiple cognitive domains such as memory. A functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study was performed to explore working memory function in ALS.

Methods

To contribute to the growing research field that employs structural and functional neuroimaging to investigate the effect of ALS on different working memory components, the localization and intensity of alterations in neural activity was explored using fMRI. Being the first study to specifically address verbal working memory via fMRI in the context of ALS, the verbal n‐back task with 0‐back and 2‐back conditions was employed.

Results

Despite ALS patients showing unimpaired accuracies (p = 0.724) and reaction times (p = 0.0785), there was significantly increased brain activity of frontotemporal and parietal regions in the 2‐back minus 0‐back contrast in patients compared to controls (using nonparametric statistics with 5000 permutations and a T threshold of 2.5).

Discussion

Increased brain activity of the frontotemporal and parietal regions during working memory performance was largely associated with better neuropsychological function within the ALS group, suggesting a compensatory effect during working memory execution. This study therefore adds to the current knowledge on neural correlates of working memory in ALS and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of hyperactivity during cognitive processes in fMRI studies of ALS.
The long‐term efficacy of cannabidiol in the treatment of refractory epilepsy
Authors: Patel Sandip , Grinspoon Reid , Fleming Bradley , Skirvin Lauren A. , Wade Christina , Wolper Emma , Bruno Patricia L. , Thiele Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2021

Objective

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to reduce seizures among patients with refractory epilepsies of various etiologies in recent clinical trials and an expanded access program (EAP). Most studies report efficacy over short time periods (<1 year), with little published on longer term efficacy. Here, we investigate the efficacy of CBD for a treatment period of up to 60 months (median = 45.5 months).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of patient‐reported seizure logs and medical records for 54 subjects with refractory epilepsy who enrolled in the Massachusetts General Hospital's open‐label EAP for CBD as a new treatment for epilepsy. We analyzed the effect of CBD on seizure frequencies and concomitant antiepileptic drug (AED) use at 1 year after starting treatment and the most recent study visit.

Results

Our results indicate that CBD maintains its efficacy for controlling seizures from Year 1 to the most recent study visit. The percentage of seizure responders remained similar at these time points (41.7%–42.6%), and the seizure response rate was also maintained (p = .12). Efficacy was also seen over a broad dose range, and up to 50 mg/kg/day. CBD was particularly effective for controlling seizures in the setting of tuberous sclerosis complex and for reducing epileptic spasms and absence seizures. Although CBD use did not lead to an overall decrease in concomitant AEDs, most subjects reduced the dose of at least one concomitant AED compared to baseline. CBD was generally well tolerated, with drowsiness and diarrhea as the primary adverse reactions.

Significance

This study demonstrates CBD does not lose its efficacy in controlling seizures over a treatment period of up to 60 months. Taken alongside other results on the efficacy and tolerability of CBD in the treatment of refractory epilepsies, our results provide evidence that CBD is an effective, safe, and well‐tolerated AED for long‐term use.
Antioxidant extracts from Dicerocaryum senecioides as active ingredients in semi‐permanents and hair conditioners
Authors: Rambwawasvika Hardlife , Dzomba Pamhidzai , Gwatidzo Luke , Chiririwa Haleden
Published: June 2021

Background

Different hair types respond differently to cosmetic treatments; hence, many options ought to be availed to the consumer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of antioxidant extract from Dicerocaryum senecioides as active alternatives in hair semi‐permanent waving and hair conditioning.

Methods

The antioxidant phytochemicals were first identified and isolated by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) and spraying with revealing agents. The antioxidant potency was determined by DPPH antiradical scavenging and ferric reducing power methods. The extract was incorporated in two different formulations to make the extract perm (bio‐semi‐permanent) and the antioxidant hair conditioner (AC). The formulations had their performance examined for hair curling and conditioning on Asian and African hair types. Hair damage was assessed by scanning the surface of treated samples on an attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (ATR‐FTIR) and by quantifying lost protein on ultraviolet visible (UV‐Vis) spectrophotometer.

Results

The extract antioxidant had an IC50 of 26.54 ± 0.34 µg/ml exhibiting greater antioxidant potency compared to the controls quercetin (38.84 ± 0.12 µg/ml) and ascorbic acid (35.22 ± 0.07 µg/ml). The extract perm had a lower curling ability indicated by a perm set of 85.10 ± 3.92% and 81.35 ± 2.35% for Asian and African hairs, respectively, while commercial product, ammonium thioglycolate (ATG) had 96.05 ± 1.70% and 93.60 ± 2.21% for the same. The curling of hair with extract perm resulted in less oxidative damage with oxidative peak areas of 3.37 ± 0.09 and 3.71 ± 0.03 as well as lower protein losses of 4.72 ± 0.71 µg/mg and 5.62 ± 0.70 µg/mg on Asian and African hair samples, respectively. The application of AC reduced the oxidative damage peak areas of ATG and extract perm treated Asian hair samples by 1.15 and 0.48 units, respectively. AC was also effective in reducing damage caused by UV radiation on ATG‐treated samples by 1.06 units (African hair) and 1.09 units on Asian hair.

Conclusion

The results show antioxidant extracts from Dicerocryum senecioides as a promising and safer alternative for hair conditioning and semi‐permanent curling.
Does consumption make company better? An activity and companionship model of experienced utility
Authors: Mora José‐Domingo
Published: June 2021

Companions may enhance the enjoyment of information goods, services, and life in general, but how this enhancement varies over activities and social context remains underexplored. Furthermore, we ignore whether consumption makes company better as compared to non‐consumption. To address these questions, we implement a mixed methods approach. First, we validate a duration‐based measure of experienced utility on survey data; and, second, calibrate an econometric model of this utility measure on secondary data from the American Time Use Survey. Results show that relational proximity of companions reduces experienced utility, suggesting relational costs; whereas numerosity (cumulative number of companions by activity and day) may partly compensate for, or even reverse those costs of relating to others. Moreover, this balance of estimates of proximity and numerosity of companions is positive for non‐consumption but negative for consumption activities. Consumption emerges as a sub‐optimal locus for social interaction, with important implications for theory and practice.
Genetic taste sensitivity and dental caries in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Alkuhl Huda , Morgan Rebecca , Koletsi Despina , Kavvadia Katerina
Published: June 2021

Background

PROP test (6‐n‐propylthiouracil) for the identification of genetic sensitivity to caries in young individuals has emerged as a useful tool for caries risk assessment.

Aim

To systematically appraise available evidence on the association between genetic taste sensitivity, as detected by (PROP), and caries.

Design

Seven databases, as of March 2020, were searched. Search terms included ‘caries’, ‘taste predisposition’, ‘PROP’. Risk of bias assessment was performed using ROBINS‐I tool, and the quality of evidence was assessed with GRADE. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were conducted to synthesize data, and pooled effects were estimated through standardized mean differences (SMDs) and associated confidence Intervals (95% CIs).

Results

Of 92 articles initially retrieved, 12 were eligible for inclusion. Seven contributed to the meta‐analyses. All were cross‐sectional studies, with moderate‐to‐serious risk of bias. The non‐tasters of PROP exhibited a significantly higher value for the DMFT compared with tasters (SMD: 1.23; 95% CI: 0.90, 1.56; P < .001), whereas the association for the DMFS was SMD: 1.34; 95% CI: 0.66, 2.01; P < .001 (non‐tasters versus super‐tasters). The quality of evidence was very low overall.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, non‐tasters to PROP exhibited higher caries experience, with subsequent clinical implications for follow‐up and management of the ‘high‐susceptibility’ individuals.
Formation of anisotropic grains and modified ferroelectric properties in Cr‐doped Bi5FeTi3O15 thin films
Authors: Zhang Junyan , Song Dongpo , Lee Jung‐Kun
Published: June 2021

Aurivillius phase Bi5CrxFe1−xTi3O15 (0≤ x ≤1) thin films are prepared by the chemical solution deposition method, and the effect of Cr content on the microstructure, ferroelectric property, and electric transport behavior of Bi5CrxFe1−xTi3O15 films is investigated. X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that all of Bi5CrxFe1−xTi3O15 films are complete solid solution and maintain the Aurivillius structure. The replacement of Fe3+ with smaller Cr3+ decreases anisotropy and lattice aspect ratio in a‐b plane, which is minimized at the composition of Bi5Cr0.5Fe0.5Ti3O15. This changes the grain shape from sphere to plate, and Bi5Cr0.5Fe0.5Ti3O15 film consists of only plate‐like grains. Cr doping increases saturated polarization (Pm) and decreases coercive field (Ec). Cr doping increases Pm of Bi5CrxFe1−xTi3O15 film to 35 μC/cm2, but decreases Ec down to 125 kV/cm. A decrease in the lattice aspect ratio of a‐b plane promotes the alignment of ferroelectric dipoles under electric field. The frequency‐dependent dielectric property and the leakage current show that the plate‐like grains of Cr‐rich Bi5CrxFe1−xTi3O15 films suppress the transport of carriers from grains to grains and prevents a dramatic leakage current increase. The results of this study provide a design rule to control the ferroelectricity of Aurivillius phase Bi5CrxFe1−xTi3O15 thin films by modifying the composition and lattice aspect ratio.
When does being paid an hourly wage make it difficult to be a happy volunteer?
Authors: DeVoe Sanford E. , Pai Jieun
Published: June 2021

When people willingly volunteer their time, how does the salience of the opportunity costs of their time influence their experience of the activity? Study 1 uses the American Time Use Survey Well‐Being module to examine whether the subjective experience of happiness while volunteering is influenced by how people are paid and the opportunity costs of their time spent volunteering. Among hourly paid workers for whom there is a salient heuristic for the opportunity costs of time, we found that higher opportunity costs of time as indicated by income and duration of the activity were associated with diminished happiness experienced during volunteering. No differences across income and duration emerged among non‐hourly workers for whom there was not a salient heuristic for the opportunity costs of time. Using a student population who all volunteered for the same charity activity, Study 2 tested whether making the opportunity costs salient caused less happiness to be reported from the activity than those in the control condition. These studies contribute to our understanding of the psychological consequences of thinking about time in terms of money and how it may influence the hedonic experience of activities people choose to undertake in the applied context of volunteering.
Ion‐poor water and dietary salt deprivation upregulate the ghrelinergic system in the goldfish (Carassius auratus)
Authors: Lim YouRee , Lee Vivienne , Blanco Ayelen , Kelly Scott P. , Unniappan Suraj
Published: June 2021

Because the ghrelinergic system in teleost fishes is broadly expressed in organs that regulate appetite as well as those that contribute to the regulation of salt and water balance, we hypothesized that manipulating salt and water balance in goldfish (Carassius auratus) would modulate the ghrelinergic system. Goldfish were acclimated to either freshwater (FW) or ion‐poor FW (IPW) and were fed either a control diet containing 1% NaCl or low‐salt diet containing 0.1% NaCl. Endpoints of salt and water balance, i.e., serum Na+ and Cl− levels, muscle moisture content and organ‐specific Na+‐K+‐ATPase (NKA) activity, were examined in conjunction with brain, gill and gut mRNA abundance of preproghrelin and its receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor (ghs‐r). Acclimation of fish to IPW reduced serum osmolality and Cl− levels and elevated kidney NKA activity, while FW fish fed a low NaCl diet exhibited a modest reduction in muscle moisture content but otherwise no apparent osmoregulatory disturbance. In contrast, a combined treatment of IPW acclimation and low dietary NaCl content reduced serum osmolality and Cl− levels, elevated muscle moisture content and increased gill, kidney and intestinal NKA activity. This intensified response to the combined effects of water and dietary ion deprivation is consistent with an increased effort to enhance ion acquisition. In association with these latter observations, a significant upregulation of preproghrelin mRNA expression in brain and gut was observed. A significant increase in ghs‐r mRNAs was also observed in the gill of goldfish acclimated to IPW alone but a reduction in dietary NaCl content did not impact the ghrelinergic system of goldfish in FW. The results support the hypothesis that the ghrelinergic system is modulated in response to manipulated salt and water balance. Whether the central and peripheral ghrelinergic system contributes to ionic homeostasis in goldfish currently remains unclear and warrants further research.
GD3 synthase deletion alters retinal structure and impairs visual function in mice
Authors: Abreu Carla Andreia , Teixeira‐Pinheiro Leandro Coelho , Lani‐Louzada Rafael , da Silva‐Junior Almir Jordão , Vasques Juliana F. , Gubert Fernanda , Nascimento‐dos‐Santos Gabriel , Mohana‐Borges Ronaldo , Matos Eduardo de Souza , Pimentel‐Coelho Pedro Moreno , Santiago Marcelo Felippe , Mendez‐Otero Rosalia
Published: June 2021

Gangliosides are glycosphingolipids abundantly expressed in the vertebrate nervous system, and are classified into a‐, b‐, or c‐series according to the number of sialic acid residues. The enzyme GD3 synthase converts GM3 (an a‐series ganglioside) into GD3, a b‐series ganglioside highly expressed in the developing and adult retina. The present study evaluated the visual system of GD3 synthase knockout mice (GD3s–/–), morphologically and functionally. The absence of b‐ series gangliosides in the retinas of knockout animals was confirmed by mass spectrometry imaging, which also indicated an accumulation of a‐series gangliosides, such as GM3. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) density was significantly reduced in GD3s–/– mice, with a similar reduction in the number of axons in the optic nerve. Knockout animals also showed a 15% reduction in the number of photoreceptor nuclei, but no difference in the bipolar cells. The area occupied by GFAP‐positive glial cells was smaller in GD3s–/– retinas, but the number of microglial cells/macrophages did not change. In addition to the morphological alterations, a 30% reduction in light responsiveness was detected through quantification of pS6‐expressing RGC, an indicator of neural activity. Furthermore, electroretinography (ERG) indicated a significant reduction in RGC and photoreceptor electrical activity in GD3s–/– mice, as indicated by scotopic ERG and pattern ERG (PERG) amplitudes. Finally, evaluation of the optomotor response demonstrated that GD3s–/– mice have reduced visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. These results suggest that b‐series gangliosides play a critical role in regulating the structure and function of the mouse visual system.

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Retentive Forces of Removable Partial Denture Clasp Assemblies Made from Polyaryletherketone and Cobalt‐Chromium: A Comparative Study
Authors: Gentz Frank I. , Brooks Daniel I. , Liacouras Peter C. , Petrich Anton , Hamlin Christopher M. , Ellert Daniel O. , Ye Ling
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To compare retentive forces of removable partial denture clasps traditionally fabricated with cobalt‐chromium (CoCr) material and two computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufactured (CAD/CAM) thermoplastic polymers.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐eight clasp assemblies (16 CoCr, 16 polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and 16 polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) thermoplastic polymer) were fabricated for 48 mandibular tooth analogs. Individual clasps were inserted and removed on the tooth analogs utilizing a chewing simulator for 15,000 cycles to simulate 10 years of use. Retentive forces were measured utilizing a mechanical load tester at baseline and intervals of 1500 cycles. Data were analyzed with one‐way Analysis of Variance, Tukey post‐hoc, and paired T tests.

Results

Mean retentive forces between all groups were significantly different (p < 0.001). Retentive forces of CoCr clasps were significantly higher than both polymers (p < 0.001). The mean retentive forces for PEEK were not significantly different from PEKK (p = 0.23). A significant increase in retentive forces was observed for all three clasps after the first period of cycling, followed by continual decrease for the remaining cycles. At the endpoint of 15,000 cycles, no clasp assemblies showed lower retentive forces than at initial baseline.

Conclusion

Thermoplastic polymer clasps demonstrated lower retentive forces compared to CoCr clasps. All three groups displayed a similar pattern of initial increase, followed by a gradual decrease, of retentive force. Despite this observation, the clasps maintained similar or higher retentive forces than measured at baseline. This resistance to fatigue and ability to fabricate with CAD/CAM technologies provides support for clinical use of these high‐performance polymer (HPP) materials.