bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional activation ofBmal1drives the inflammatory activity of monocytes by modulating mitochondrial unfolded protein response during hypobaric hypoxic stress
Authors: Ge Yi-Ling , Liu Yong , Zhang Bin , Xu Jin , He Si-Yuan , Cao Qing-Lin , Li Pei-Jie , Bu Ying-Rui , Bai Yun-Gang , Zhang Lin , Yu Zhi-Bin , Xie Man-Jiang
Published: April 2024

Background

Hypoxic stress-induced inflammation had been considered to play an important role in the onset and progression of altitude-related illnesses, but the origin of inflammatory cytokines, the specific responding cell types, and molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Mitochondria are responsible for oxygen consumption and recently reported to be the master regulators of inflammation, but it is not clear whether and how mitochondrial organelles sense the hypoxic stress and then control the inflammation.

Methods

Human subjects and mouse models were exposed to real or simulated altitude of 5500 m. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and monocyte RAW264.7 cells were cultured under 1% oxygen hypoxic conditions. Myeloid-specificBmal1knock-out mice were generated by crossingBmal1flox/floxmice with Lyz2-Cre mice. Inflammation was investigated by assessing inflammatory mediators, monocyte activities, and leukocyte infiltrating. Mitochondrial unfolded protein response was examined by measuring stress markers, such as LONP1, AFG3L2, and HSP60. The target molecular mechanisms were identified by performing bioinformatic analyses, ChIP assays, and gain/loss-of-function experiments.

Results

1) Monocytes in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs) were more sensitive and contributed promptly to circulating inflammation in response to acute hypobaric hypoxia. 2) Hypoxic stress triggered the mitochondrial unfolded protein response and then induced the mito-inflammation (NLRP3 inflammasome) in monocytes. 3) Activation ofBmal1drove mitochondrial stress and mito-inflammation by promoting Fis1-mediated mitochondrial fission in monocytes under hypoxia. 4) BHLHE40, a stress-responsive transcription factor directly targeted by HIF-1α, stimulatedBmal1transcription in monocytes under hypobaric hypoxia. 5) Myeloid-specificBmal1deletion alleviated systemic circulating and vascular inflammation under acute hypobaric hypoxia.

Conclusion

BHLHE40, a transcription factor associated with hypoxia, stimulatedBmal1, which in turn triggered the mitochondrial unfolded protein response and drove the mito-inflammation in monocytes by promoting Fis1-mediated mitochondrial fission. Our work provides a novel mechanism which may develop the circadian targeting drugs for altitude or hypoxia-related diseases.
Rotating quantum droplets confined in an anharmonic potential
Authors: Nikolaou S. , Kavoulakis G. M. , Ögren M.
Published: April 2024

We investigate the rotational properties of quantum droplets, which form in a mixture of two Bose-Einstein condensates, in the presence of an anharmonic trapping potential. We identify various phases as the atom number and the angular momentum or angular velocity of the trap vary. These phases include center-of-mass–like excitation (without or with vortices), vortices of single and multiple quantization, etc. Finally, we compare our results with those of the single-component problem.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
PPP project price mode typologies: a China-based comparative case study
Authors: Guo Yubo , Liu Jinchan , Chen Chuan , Luo Xiaowei , Martek Igor
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) are crucial to the procurement of global infrastructure projects. Moreover, a price mode based on a cluster of core concessionary items is key to the delivery of value-for-money and successful project outcomes. However, existing research has yet to fully identify PPP concessionary items, nor yet described the range of practical price modes. This study provides taxonomy of core concessionary items impacting PPP projects, systematically classifies price modes, and assesses the applicability and risk impacts of those price modes on PPP projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a comparative case study method in analyzing core concessionary items and alternative price modes. China is taken as the context, as it is one of the world’s largest PPP markets. In ensuring research validity and reliability, diverse data sources are utilized, with a graphic content analysis tool developed to capture the structure of price modes.

Findings

Eight PPP price modes are identified. These are: (1) UP (Unit Price) mode, (2) ALS (Annual Lump Sum) mode, (3) IRR (Internal Rate of Return) mode, (4) RP (Return for Investing Capital (RIC) - Profit Rate of O&M (PROM)) mode, (5) RFP (RIC - Financing Interest Rate (FR) - PROM) mode, (6) RFPL (RIC - FR - PROM - Lower Limit of User Charge (LLoUC)) mode, (7) RFL (RIC - FR - Lump Sum/Fixed Unit Price O&M Contract (LSOM/FUP)) mode, and (8) RFLL (RIC - FR - LSOM/FUP - LLoUC) mode. Other main findings are as follows: (1) Five risk allocation configurations can be achieved via these price modes. Yet while different price modes enable the allocation of specific risks, these do not always align with contracting parties’ original intentions. (2) IRR and RP modes may be less applicable in general because of their vulnerability in allocating critical risks and capacity for spurring opportunistic behavior.

Originality/value

By depicting the paths by which concessionary items in price modes affect cash flow, a systematic analysis of price modes was conducted exposing structural characteristics, along with risk allocation choice implications. The study is unique in: (1) Providing a systematic classification of PPP price modes used in PPP projects, (2) Presenting a comprehensive identification and streamlining of concessionary items in PPP practice, and (3) Analyzing the risk effects of different price modes. Together, these outcomes offer a hitherto unavailable perspective on PPP project risk management. The value of the study lies in the following: (1) Existing studies employ diverse concessionary items, but their applicability varies. This study offers an overarching framework facilitating decision-making in selecting appropriate PPP price modes and in determining concessionary items. (2) This study adds to the understanding of PPP price modes in significant ways that will aid local governments and potential sponsors in crafting and administrating more workable contract designs.
Digital literacy: a pathway toward empowering rural women
Authors: Kumar Suneel , Kumar Varinder , Devi Nisha
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the connection between digital literacy and women’s empowerment in the rural Himachal Pradesh. It explores how improved digital skills contribute to increased empowerment among women with a specific focus on the role of education in enhancing digital literacy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study included 250 rural participants who completed structured questionnaires. Analytical tools, including independent-sample t-tests and partial least squares structural equation modeling, were applied to the data to gain insights into the relationship between digital literacy and women’s empowerment.

Findings

This study revealed a significant positive link between digital literacy and women’s empowerment in the rural Himachal Pradesh context. Education has emerged as a key factor that influences women’s digital skills and empowerment levels.

Originality/value

This research adds novelty by examining the digital literacy–women’s empowerment nexus in rural Himachal Pradesh and emphasizing the impact of education. The combination of statistical methods offers a robust approach to understanding this relationship and underscores the importance of digital inclusion and education for gender equality and women’s progress.
Front-line lean leader capacities, practices and effects on implementing tools: a survey of leaders in industrial companies
Authors: Simões Julianita Maria Scaranello , Toledo José Carlos de , Lizarelli Fabiane Letícia
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Front-line lean leadership is critical for implementing and sustaining lean production systems (LPS). The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationships between front-line lean leader (FLL) capacities (cognitive, social, motivational, knowledge and experience), lean leader practices (developing people and supporting daily kaizen) and the degree of implementation of lean tools (pull system, involvement of employees and process control) in manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted with FLLs from large Brazilian manufacturing companies. The survey collected 103 responses, 99 of which were validated. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

There was a positive, significant and direct relationship between FLL capacities, leadership practices and a degree of implementation of LPS tools on the shop floor. The validated model is a reference base for planning FLL capacities and practices that result in more effectively implementing LPS on the shop floor.

Practical implications

The findings provide managers with a new perspective on the importance of the development and training of FLLs focusing on leadership capacities. As decisions about developing lean capabilities impact the application of Lean leadership practices and the use of lean tools, they are also related to day-to-day lean activities and improved operational results. Additionally, the proposed model can be used by managers as a basis to diagnose, develop and select lean leaders.

Originality/value

This study seeks to fill a theoretical gap of knowledge on front-line lean leadership as it jointly addresses and empirically analyzes the existing relationships between lean leadership capacities, encompassing the perspective of psychology, lean practices and tools on the shop floor.
GethReplayer: a smart contract testing method based on transaction replay
Authors: Shi Xiaohong , Wang Ziyan , Zhong Runlu , Ma Liangliang , Chen Xiangping , Yang Peng
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Smart contracts are written in high-level programming languages, compiled into Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) bytecode, deployed onto blockchain systems and called with the corresponding address by transactions. The deployed smart contracts are immutable, even if there are bugs or vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is critical to verify smart contracts before deployment. This paper aims to help developers effectively and efficiently locate potential defects in smart contracts.

Design/methodology/approach

GethReplayer, a smart contract testing method based on transaction replay, is proposed. It constructs a parallel transaction execution environment with two virtual machines to compare the execution results. It uses the real existing transaction data on Ethereum and the source code of the tested smart contacts as inputs, conditionally substitutes the bytecode of the tested smart contract input into the testing EVM, and then monitors the environmental information to check the correctness of the contract.

Findings

Experiments verified that the proposed method is effective in smart contract testing. Virtual environmental information has a significant effect on the success of transaction replay, which is the basis for the performance of the method. The efficiency of error locating was approximately 14 times faster with the proposed method than without. In addition, the proposed method supports gas consumption analysis.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the difficulty that developers encounter in testing smart contracts before deployment and focuses on helping develop smart contracts with as few defects as possible. GethReplayer is expected to be an alternative solution for smart contract testing and provide inspiration for further research.
Sustainability scoring tool for real estate according to German and European valuation principles in the purchasing process
Authors: Oktabec Katharina , Wills Nadine
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Sustainability has become an integral part of the real estate industry, alongside advancing globalization and demographic development. Due to real estate's influence on greenhouse gas emissions throughout its life cycle, both the regulatory and legal requirements concerning the sustainability of real estate are growing and, as a result of social responsibility, the interest of tenants and investors in sustainable real estate. However, criteria for measuring the ecological sustainability of a real estate investment in the purchase process in order to reduce the risk of including “stranded assets” in the portfolio are missing. This paper aims to address the need to integrate the issue of carbon stranding into existing sustainability rating tools.

Design/methodology/approach

Existing tools are examined based on defined criteria to determine whether they are suitable for purchasing a property before suitable tools for purchase are compared. Strengths and weaknesses are identified, which are to be remedied with the scoring tool. Taxonomy regulation is integrated into the existing valuation basis as a legal regulation.

Findings

The result is a scoring tool that enables real estate companies to measure and evaluate the ecological sustainability performance of a property during the acquisition process, taking into account the three aspects of sustainability and considering them when determining an appropriate purchase price in line with market conditions. Moreover, the developed tool helps to minimize the risk of acquiring a stranding asset.

Research limitations/implications

The environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework employed in this study does not incorporate governance considerations. While the analysis extensively evaluates the building's environmental and social aspects, it does not extend to examining the governance practices of the companies involved. Thus, the assessment is confined solely to the physical attributes of the property without accounting for broader corporate governance factors.

Practical implications

The developed scoring tool represents a valuable tool for the real estate industry, offering insights into sustainability performance during property acquisitions and providing a structured framework for decision-making. By addressing both certification and taxonomy regulation requirements, the tool contributes to the industry's evolution toward more sustainable and environmentally responsible real estate practices.

Originality/value

In response to the growing importance of sustainability in the real estate industry, this paper introduces a novel scoring tool for evaluating the sustainability of real estate investments during the acquisition process.
Why building a mentoring culture can be transformational
Authors: Parsloe Ed
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore why creating a mentoring culture can help to transform businesses and solve key recruitment, training and development and retention issues. It looks at what a mentoring culture is and the benefits and provides advice for companies on how to build this kind of culture.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers the approach taken by leadership coaching company The OCM to develop effective coaching and mentoring programmes which can contribute to organisational success in an ever-changing business environment. This paper explores current business challenges and how they can be overcome.

Findings

Creating a mentoring culture can transform a business. It can address many talent and leadership-based challenges and tap into the potential of knowledge transfer across a multi-generational workplace. The paper includes two case studies of organisations whose experiences of mentoring and coaching have been overwhelmingly positive and led to much-needed cultural shifts.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to raise awareness of the benefits of mentoring and coaching as an effective method for attracting, developing and retaining people and meeting the challenges of a modern workplace.
Similar trait‐based successional assembly in native and introduced plants despite species pool differences
Authors: Poddar Urmi , Gurevitch Jessica , Meiners Scott J. , D'Andrea Rafael
Published: April 2024

What drives the composition of invaded communities and the local abundance of introduced species are key questions in ecology.

Community‐assembly theory provides a useful framework for addressing these questions. Specifically, the environmental filtering model of community assembly predicts that a species' presence and abundance in a community depend on the interaction between its functional traits and the local environmental filters. However, for introduced species, larger‐scale dispersal and introduction‐related filters may restrict their regional trait pool.

Here, we tested this framework using long‐term data from 50+ years of old‐field vegetation succession. We asked whether native and introduced plant assemblages followed the same trait‐based assembly rules. We also asked whether local functional dissimilarities between the two can be explained by regional species pool differences, a possibility that has rarely been addressed.

We found strong similarities in the assembly processes of native and introduced plants. Average height and seed mass of both groups increased over time, consistent with previous studies of old‐field succession. Moreover, the two showed similar trait–abundance relationships. While there were also some differences, particularly in their trait–incidence relationships, these differences appeared to be minor.

Furthermore, we identified species pool constraints on introduced species and found that the exotic species pool was biased towards early successional traits.

Lastly, we found that highly invasive exotic species were also likely to deviate from the expected trait–abundance relationship, suggesting a link between the two.

These results imply that introduced species generally follow the same assembly rules as native species. They also indicate that species pool differences can result in local functional composition differences, even when the two groups follow the same assembly rules. Moreover, there may be a link between species invasiveness and deviation from assembly rules, which, if further confirmed, provides a potential method of identifying strong invaders.

Synthesis: Using data from a long‐term succession study, we showed several similarities, and some differences, in the assembly of native and introduced species assemblages. Our results provide a better understanding of the factors constraining and allowing invasion, and help in the identification of ‘rule breaking’ invaders.
Online polarization and identity politics: An analysis of Facebook discourse on Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities in Finland
Authors: Unlu Ali , Kotonen Tommi
Published: April 2024

This study employs a mixed‐methods approach to investigate the nature of Facebook posts related to Muslims and LGBTQ+ individuals in Finland, spanning a period of 4 years. Through the use of the CrowdTangle platform, the researchers extracted and analyzed Facebook posts that encompassed predetermined keywords indicative of potential hate speech. The findings underscored divergent patterns of engagement and sentiment toward these two groups, with implications for the different levels of societal acceptance and tolerance exhibited. Posts related to Muslims typically elicited controversy and were often depicted as threats, whereas posts about the LGBTQ+ community generally advocated for inclusivity. However, persistent negative stereotypes about the LGBTQ+ community were also evident. The analysis also brought to light how political parties strategically used these discourses to steer conversations, consolidate their ideological positions, and mobilize their respective supporters. Grounded in the social identity theory, this study sheds light on the complex dynamics of online political discourse, revealing its far‐reaching impacts on societal attitudes, intergroup relations, and formation of group identities. The nuanced understanding derived from these observations suggests that interventions fostering healthier public discussions on social media platforms could contribute significantly to combating societal division, prejudice, and bias. This research underscores the importance of scrutinizing online discourses to address issues of societal cohesion and social acceptance.
Religious suasion: introduction to the special issue
Authors: Cardoza Danny , Victor Sam
Published: April 2024

In this introduction, we outline a comparative tool for studying communicative ideologies and practices, which we call ‘religious suasion’. Developing a conversation about religious forms of ‘suasion’ is important because it provides a vocabulary for comparing parallel practices of religious influence across different religious communities, allowing for more nuanced understandings of what might commonly – and negatively – be termed ‘proselytizing’. The proposed analytical frame is not concerned with how the ‘convert’ might experience religious change, nor with how social and religious change unfolds on a grand scale. Rather, it interrogates and puts into dialogue multiple forms of discursive practice, demonstrations of virtue, and material forms of religion to reach beyond suasive strategies based on formal doctrines about religious propagation that tend to be associated with traditionally evangelistic religious communities, especially with Christianity. Focusing on the rhetorical strategies, religious imaginaries, and ethical evaluations that underpin how religious actors pursue change in others and in and of the world, ‘religious suasion’ contributes to the development of an anthropology of influence.
‘Levelling up’ social mobility? Comparing the social and spatial mobility for university graduates across districts of Britain
Authors: Yu Yang , Gamsu Sol , Forsberg Håkan
Published: April 2024

Social and spatial mobility have been subject to substantial recent sociological and policy debate. Complementing other recent work, in this paper we explore these patterns in relation to higher education. Making use of high‐quality data from the higher education statistics agency (HESA), we ran a set of multilevel models to test whether the local authority areas where young people grow up influence social and spatial mobility into a higher professional or managerial job on graduation. We found entry to these patterns reflect pre‐existing geographies of wealth and income, with more affluent rural and suburban areas in South‐East England having higher levels of entry to these occupations. Graduates clustered from major cities tended to be spatially immobile and those from peripheral areas further away from these cities show a higher density of long‐distance moves following graduation. We also explored the intersection between social and spatial mobility for graduates with the economic geography of Britain, showing that access to high‐class occupations is not necessarily associated with long‐distance moves across most British districts. Our evidence further suggests that the ‘London effect’, where working‐class students have higher school attainment than their peers elsewhere, may not continue through to graduate employment.
Anticoagulant properties and therapeutic potentials of wasp venom
Authors: Choi Moon Bo , Lee Yong‐Ho
Published: April 2024

Wasp venom is rich in bioactive substances, such as proteins, peptides, and small molecules. The venom significantly affects the mammalian cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems, causing mild to severe symptoms following stings. It exhibits both procoagulant and anticoagulant activities, and significant research has identified its ability to modulate the mammalian coagulation system. Active substances that inhibit clotting have been identified and purified through patient case reports and experimental studies. This study reviewed the findings on how wasp venom interacts with platelets and coagulation factors, such as fibrinogen and prothrombin, and demonstrated its dual influence on the coagulation cascade. This highlights the potential of the venom in therapeutic applications, especially as an anticoagulant, as evidenced by the inhibition of coagulation factors and prolonged clotting times after envenomation, suggesting its utility in developing novel anticoagulant therapies. This review focuses on the anticoagulant effects of social wasp venom, which is prevalent in sting incidents, summarizing the research and observations on its therapeutic potential. This emphasizes the significance of further studies to identify and utilize venom components as innovative anticoagulant treatments.
Investigating the efficacy of an exopolysaccharide (EPS)‐producing strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L75 on oat silage fermentation at different temperatures
Authors: Su Rina , Liang Ying , Chen Hu , Sheoran Neha , Ke Wencan , Bai Jie , Jia Mengya , Zhu Jie , Li Qiang , Liu Qi , Chen Xiaojun , Guo Xusheng
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the effectiveness of an exopolysaccharide (EPS)‐producing strain (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L75) alone or in combination with Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the fermentation characteristics, antioxidant capacities and microbial community successions of oat silage stored at various temperatures. A rapid decrease in pH and lactic acid accumulation was observed in silages treated with L. plantarum and S. cerevisiae (LS) as early as 3 days of ensiling (p < 0.05). Over the ensiling period of 7–60 days, L. plantarum (L)‐inoculated groups showed the lowest pH, lowest ammonia nitrogen and the highest amount of lactic acid regardless of the storage temperatures. When the oat silage was stored at 15°C, LS‐inoculated group exhibited a higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity than control and L‐inoculated group. Furthermore, the proportion of Lactiplantibacillus in the combined inoculation group increased by 65.42% compared to the L‐inoculated group (33.26%). Fungal community data revealed abundant Penicillium carneum in the control and L‐inoculated groups stored at 15°C. Conclusively, these results showed that combined inoculation of L. plantarum L75 and S. cerevisiae improved the fermentation quality of oat silage at 15°C, thus proposing a technique for enhancing the fermentation quality of silage in regions with low temperatures during harvest season.
Assessing microbial plastic degradation requires robust methods
Authors: Obrador‐Viel Theo , Zadjelovic Vinko , Nogales Balbina , Bosch Rafael , Christie‐Oleza Joseph A.
Published: April 2024

Plastics are versatile materials that have the potential to propel humanity towards circularity and ultimate societal sustainability. However, the escalating concern surrounding plastic pollution has garnered significant attention, leading to widespread negative perceptions of these materials. Here, we question the role microbes may play in plastic pollution bioremediation by (i) defining polymer biodegradability (i.e., recalcitrant, hydrolysable and biodegradable polymers) and (ii) reviewing best practices for evaluating microbial biodegradation of plastics. We establish recommendations to facilitate the implementation of rigorous methodologies in future studies on plastic biodegradation, aiming to push this field towards the use of isotopic labelling to confirm plastic biodegradation and further determine the molecular mechanisms involved.
Problem gambling in psychotic disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of prevalence
Authors: Corbeil Olivier , Anderson Élizabeth , Béchard Laurent , Desmeules Charles , Huot‐Lavoie Maxime , Bachand Lauryann , Brodeur Sébastien , Carmichael Pierre‐Hugues , Jacques Christian , Solmi Marco , Giroux Isabelle , Dorval Michel , Demers Marie‐France , Roy Marc‐André
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Problem gambling (PBG) is more common in people with mental health disorders, including substance use, bipolar, and personality disorders, than in the general population. Although individuals with psychotic disorders might be expected to be more vulnerable to PBG, fewer studies have focused on this comorbidity. The aim of this review was to estimate the prevalence of PBG in people with psychotic disorders.

Methods

Medline (Ovid), EMBASE, PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL, CENTRAL, Web of science, and ProQuest were searched on November 1, 2023, without language restrictions. Observational and experimental studies including individuals with psychotic disorders and reporting the prevalence of PBG were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal for systematic reviews of prevalence data. The pooled prevalence of PBG was calculated using a fixed effects generalized linear mixed model and presented through forest plots.

Results

Of 1271 records screened, 12 studies (n = 3443) were included. The overall prevalence of PBG was 8.7% (95% CI = 7.8%–9.7%, I2 = 69%). A lower prevalence was found in studies with a low risk of bias (5.6%; 95% CI = 4.4%–7.0%) compared with studies with a moderate risk of bias (10.4%; 95% CI = 9.2%–11.7%). Different methods used to assess PBG also contributed to the heterogeneity found.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis found substantial heterogeneity, partly due to the risk of bias of the included studies and a lack of uniformity in PBG assessment. Although more research is needed to identify those at increased risk for PBG, its relatively high prevalence warrants routine screening for gambling in clinical practice.
Comparative evaluation of full and partial pulpotomy in permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kumar Vishal , Chawla Amrita , Priya Harsh , Sachdeva Akshat , Sharma Sidhartha , Kumar Vijay , Logani Ajay
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to conduct a comparative evaluation of partial and full pulpotomy techniques in cariously exposed teeth with symptoms indicative of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched. Studies evaluating and/or comparing clinical and/or radiographic success of partial and full pulpotomy in teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis with a minimum of 12 months follow‐up were included. The risk of bias (ROB) tool was used for the assessment of ROB. A meta‐analysis was conducted to compare the healing outcome of partial and full pulpotomy. Three studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, there was a low risk of bias in each of the five domains. Full pulpotomy had a higher success rate than partial pulpotomy, according to meta‐analysis, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Young adults' perception of transition from paediatric to adult care
Authors: Forsberg Johanna , Lööf Gunilla , Burström Åsa
Published: April 2024

Aim

Medical advancements will lead to more children with long‐term illnesses and/or disabilities undergoing the transition to adult care. Previous studies show that many young adults are unprepared for this transition, and might suffer from loss of follow‐up. This study aimed to investigate the post‐transfer experiences of the transition among young adults with long‐term illnesses and/or disabilities.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive design was used. Three semi‐structured focus group interviews were conducted with 15 participants (18–25 years of age) recruited via patient organisations focusing on children and young adults with disabilities and/or long‐term illnesses. The interviews were analysed with conventional content analysis.

Results

One theme emerged: limbo, defined as an indefinite experience without knowing when or even if something would happen, or whether they would be overlooked. The theme rested on four categories: transition experiences, organisational aspects, influence on daily life, and self‐management.

Conclusion

Areas for improvement were identified across the entire transition that is, in the preparation, transfer, and post‐transfer stages. Our findings indicate a limited understanding among healthcare providers (HCPs) that the transition continues until the young adult has been fully integrated into adult care.
Feed characteristics of dried corn grain and corn grain silage produced in Japan compared with imported corn grain
Authors: Touno Eiko , Tagawa Shin‐ichi , Kamizono Tomomi , Kunizane Hisanori , Uchino Hiroshi , Kawamoto Hidenori , Uozumi Sunao , Deguchi Shin
Published: April 2024

We compared the in situ dry matter degradability (ISDMD) and crude protein degradability (ISCPD) of high‐moisture corn grain silage and dried corn grains produced in Japan (JHC and JDC, respectively) with corn grains imported from the United States (USC), Brazil (BRC), and South Africa (SAC). The ISDMD values of USC, BAC, and SAC were between those of JHC and JDC, but ISDMD did not differ significantly between USC and SAC. In contrast, ISDMD was lower for BAC than USC and SAC. Overall, our results indicate that ISDMD and ISCPD in the rumen differ between corn grains sources (domestic compared with imported and between production locations), primarily due to differences between the corn varieties represented. In particular, the ISDMD and ISCPD of JHC were greater than those of JDC, and this difference in degradability needs to be considered when using high‐moisture corn grain silage as a substitute for dried corn grain as a feed for dairy cattle.
Exploring promising minor natural phenolic compounds in neuroprotection‐related preclinical models
Authors: Moreira Vasconcelos Carlos Franciney , Neugebauer Agnieszka Zofia , Basto Souza Ricardo
Published: April 2024

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, are characterised by the progressive loss of specific neuronal cell populations due to multifactorial factors, including neurochemical and immunological disturbances. Consequently, patients can develop cognitive, motor and behavioural dysfunctions, which lead to impairments in their quality of life. Over the years, studies have reported on the neuroprotective properties inherent in phenolic compounds. Therefore, this review highlights the most recent scientific findings regarding phenolic compounds as promising neuroprotective molecules against neurodegenerative diseases.
A comprehensive histomolecular characterization of meningioangiomatosis: Further evidence for a precursor neoplastic lesion
Authors: Tauziède‐Espariat Arnault , Masliah‐Planchon Julien , Sievers Philipp , Sahm Felix , Dangouloff‐Ros Volodia , Boddaert Nathalie , Hasty Lauren , Aboubakr Oumaima , Métais Alice , Chrétien Fabrice , Roux Alexandre , Pallud Johan , Blauwblomme Thomas , Beccaria Kévin , Bourdeaut Franck , Puget Stéphanie , Varlet Pascale
Published: April 2024

Meningioangiomatosis (MAM) remains a poorly understood lesion responsible for epileptic disease. In the past, MAM was primarily described in the context of neurofibromatosis type 2 before being mainly reported sporadically. Moreover, the malformative or tumoral nature is still debated. Because a subset of MAM are associated with meningiomas, some authors argue that MAM corresponds to an infiltration pattern of these tumors. For these reasons, MAM has not been added to the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Central Nervous System Tumors as a specific entity. In the present study, we characterized a series of pure MAM (n = 7) and MAM associated with meningiomas (n = 4) using histopathology, immunohistochemistry, genetic (fluorescent in situ and DNA sequencing analyses), and epigenetic (DNA‐methylation profiling) data. We evidenced two distinct morphological patterns: MAM with a fibroblastic‐like pattern having few lesional cells, and MAM with a more cellular pattern. A subset was associated with the genetic alterations previously reported in meningiomas (such as a KMT2C mutation and a hemizygous deletion of chromosome 22q including the NF2 gene). The DNA‐methylation profile, using a t‐distributed stochastic neighbor embedding analysis, evidenced that MAM (pure or associated with meningiomas) clustered in a separate group from pediatric meningiomas. The present results seem to suggest that MAM represents a neoplastic lesion and encourage the further study of similar additional series so that it may be included in a future WHO classification.
English tweets on allergy: Content analysis and association with surveillance data
Authors: Sousa‐Pinto Bernardo , Jankin Slava , Vieira Rafael José , Marques‐Cruz Manuel , Fonseca João Almeida , Bousquet Jean
Published: April 2024

Background

Analysis of X (formerly Twitter) posts can inform on the interest/perceptions that social media users have on health subjects. In this study, we aimed to analyse tweets on allergic conditions, comparing them with surveillance data.

Methods

We retrieved tweets from England on “allergy,” “asthma,” and “allergic rhinitis,” published between 2016 and 2021. We estimated the correlation between the frequency of tweets on “asthma” and “allergic rhinitis” and English surveillance data on the incidence of asthma and allergic rhinitis medical visits. We performed sentiment analysis, computing a score informing on the emotional tone of assessed tweets. We applied a topic modelling approach to identify topics (clusters of words frequently occurring together) for tweets on each assessed condition.

Results

We analysed a total of 13,605 tweets on “allergy,” 7767 tweets on “asthma,” and 11,974 tweets on “allergic rhinitis.” Food‐related words were preponderant on tweets on “allergy,” while “eyes” was the most frequent meaningful word on “allergy rhinitis” tweets. We observed seasonal patterns for tweets on “allergic rhinitis,” both in their frequency and sentiment – the incidence of allergic rhinitis medical visits was moderately to strongly correlated with the frequency (ρ = 0.866) and sentiment (ρ = −0.474) of tweets on “allergic rhinitis.” For tweets on “asthma,” no such patterns/correlations were observed. The average sentiment score was negative for all assessed conditions, ranging from −0.004 (“asthma”) to −0.083 (“allergic rhinitis”).

Conclusions

Tweets on “allergic rhinitis” displayed a seasonal pattern regarding their frequency and sentiment, which correlated with surveillance data. No such patterns were observed for “asthma.”
A randomized clinical trial on zirconia versus titanium implants in maxillary single tooth replacement
Authors: de Beus J. H. W. , Cune M. S. , Slot J. W. A. , Jensen‐Louwerse C. , la Bastide‐van Gemert S. , Meijer H. J. A. , Raghoebar G. M. , Schepke U.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This RCT aimed to compare zirconia and titanium dental implants in the maxillary premolar region. The comparison was based on marginal bone level (MBL) changes, clinical parameters, aesthetic outcomes, and patient related outcome measures (PROMs) 1 year after prosthetic loading.

Materials and Methods

Fifty patients were randomly assigned to receive either a zirconia (ZrO2, n = 25) implant or a titanium (Ti, n = 25) bone‐level implant. Implants were provided with a lithium disilicate crown 3 months after placement. Follow‐up was at 1 month and after 1 year. The primary outcome pertained to changes in MBL. Reported secondary outcomes consisted of implant survival, peri‐implant tissue health, aesthetics, and PROMs.

Results

Mean MBL change after 1 year was 0.01 mm (SD = 0.45; min = 0.72, max = 0.86) for ZrO2 and −0.09 mm (SD = 0.34; min = 0.53, max = −1.06) for Ti (p = .439). Scores for the other clinical outcome parameters and PROMs were generally favorable, with no significant differences. However, significant differences were found for the aesthetic outcomes regarding two criteria: (a) level of facial mucosa (p = .022), in favor of Ti, and (b) root convexity/soft tissue color and texture (p = .005) in favor of ZrO2.

Conclusion and clinical implications

The ZrO2 and Ti implant types used in this study, replacing a single missing maxillary premolar, show a comparable outcome in terms of MBL change after 1 year. Clinical and aesthetic parameters, as well as PROMs, are favorable and similar between both implant types after 1 year of prosthetic loading. These short‐term study results suggest that both are suitable for clinical use.
Mortality and morbidity after combined heart and liver transplantation in the failing Fontan: An updated dual center retrospective study
Authors: Vaikunth Sumeet S. , Ortega‐Legaspi Juan M. , Conrad Desiree R. , Chen Sharon , Daugherty Tami , Haeffele Christiane L. , Teuteberg Jeffrey , Mclean Rhondalynn , MacArthur John W. , Woo Y. Joseph , Maeda Katsuhide , Ma Michael , Nasirov Teimour , Hoteit Marrouf , Hilscher Moira B. , Wald Joyce , Mandelbaum Tal , Olthoff Kim M. , Abt Peter L. , Atluri Pavan , Cevasco Marisa , Mavroudis Constantine D. , Fuller Stephanie , Lui George K. , Kim Yuli Y.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

As the adult Fontan population with Fontan associated liver disease continues to increase, more patients are being referred for transplantation, including combined heart and liver transplantation.

Methods

We report updated mortality and morbidity outcomes after combined heart and liver transplant in a retrospective cohort series of 40 patients (age 14 to 49 years) with Fontan circulation across two centers from 2006–2022.

Results

The 30‐day, 1‐year, 5‐year and 10‐year survival rate was 90%, 80%, 73% and 73% respectively. Sixty percent of patients met a composite comorbidity of needing either post‐transplant mechanical circulatory support, renal replacement therapy or tracheostomy. Cardiopulmonary bypass time > 283 min (4.7 h) and meeting the composite comorbidity were associated with mortality by Kaplan Meier analysis.

Conclusion

Further study to mitigate early mortality and the above comorbidities as well as the high risk of bleeding and vasoplegia in this patient population is warranted.
Reject or revise: Gender differences in persistence and publishing in economics
Authors: Shastry Gauri Kartini , Shurchkov Olga
Published: April 2024

We design an experiment to study gender differences in reactions to editorial decisions on submissions to top economics journals. Respondents read a hypothetical editor's letter where the decision (e.g., revise and resubmit) is randomized across participants. Relative to an R&R, female assistant professors who receive a rejection perceive a significantly lower likelihood of subsequently publishing the paper in any leading journal than comparable male assistant professors. We do not find this gender difference among tenured professors. We consider several mechanisms, pointing to gender differences in attribution of negative feedback to ability and confidence under time constraints as likely explanations.
Effects of sub‐nanogram doses of acetamiprid, dimethoate, flupyradifurone, and sulfoxaflor on courtship, mating, and olfactory host finding of the parasitic wasp Lariophagus distinguendus
Authors: Schöfer Nils , Ratschmann Gabriel , Ruther Joachim
Published: April 2024

Continued use and development of new insecticides are seen as a necessary part of modern agriculture, but insecticides, even at sublethal levels, may also affect beneficial non‐target species, such as pollinators, predators, and parasitic wasps. Here, we studied sublethal effects of four insecticides – acetamiprid, dimethoate, flupyradifurone, and sulfoxaflor – all targeting cholinergic neurons in insects, on sexual communication and olfactory host finding in the parasitic wasp Lariophagus distinguendus (Förster) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). We found that all four insecticides reduced, at least at one of the tested sublethal doses, pheromone‐mediated courtship behaviour (wing fanning) in males and the mating frequency of treated wasps. Treated females no longer preferred host‐associated kairomones. This suggests that the olfactory sense of the wasps is hampered by sublethal insecticide doses. The lowest bioactive doses tested in the bioassays were 0.021 ng for sulfoxaflor and 0.105 ng for acetamiprid, dimethoate, and flupyradifurone. These low amounts are field realistic and might be taken up by the wasps, e.g., by feeding contaminated plant nectar. Exposure to these compounds likely compromises the important ecosystem service provided by parasitic wasps as natural enemies in terrestrial ecosystems.
Pseudoplagiostoma eucalypti: An emerging pathogen of Eucalyptus in northern India
Authors: Negi Nitika , Ramkrishna  , Meena Rajendra K. , Pandey Amit , Bhandari Maneesh S. , Pandey Shailesh
Published: April 2024

In December 2022, a leaf spot and blight disease was observed in Eucalyptus plantations in northern India. Morphological features coupled with phylogenetic analysis of combined internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1‐alpha (tef1) and β‐tubulin (tub2) regions confirmed the association of Pseudoplagiostoma eucalypti with the disease symptoms. The pathogenicity of P. eucalypti was first proved on detached leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and reconfirmed in glasshouse inoculation experiments. Finally, Koch's postulates were fulfilled by re‐isolating the pathogen from the inoculated leaves. This pathogen was first described in 1995 from the leaves of Eucalyptus spp. collected from southern India, and this study confirms its first serious occurrence after more than two decades in northern India. In addition, this is the first report on the polyphasic characterization of P. eucalypti from India.
Comparing brief video interventions to reduce public and self‐stigma: Randomized control trial
Authors: Amsalem Doron , Jankowski Samantha E. , Markowitz John C. , Stroup T. Scott , Dixon Lisa B. , Pope Leah G.
Published: April 2024

Aim

Stigma is a major mental healthcare barrier. This study compares the efficacy of two types of brief video interventions, targeting public and self‐stigma, in reducing public stigma towards people living with psychosis. We hypothesized both interventions would similarly reduce public stigma and outperform the control group. As a secondary analysis, we explored the effect of familiarity with a person living with serious mental illness (SMI).

Methods

Participants (N = 1215) aged 18–35 recruited through crowdsourcing were assessed pre‐ and post‐intervention and at 30‐day follow‐up regarding five public stigma domains: social distance, stereotyping, separateness, social restriction and perceived recovery. Both videos present individual narratives using different approaches: the self‐stigma video was created through focus groups, while the public stigma video portrays a single person's journey.

Results

A 3 × 3 analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant group‐by‐time interaction across all five stigma‐related domains (p's < .001). Effect sizes (Cohen's d) ranged from 0.29 to 0.52 (baseline to post‐intervention), and 0.18 to 0.45 (baseline to 30‐day follow‐up). The two video interventions did not significantly differ. Linear mixed modelling showed a significant difference between participants familiar and unfamiliar with people living with SMI for the public stigma video, with greater stigma reductions for unfamiliar participants.

Conclusions

This study corroborates previous findings on the positive influence of social contact‐based interventions on youth mental health perceptions. Results provide insights into the relationship between public and self‐stigma and the impact that familiarity with SMI may have on the efficacy of stigma reduction efforts further validation in diverse groups is needed.