bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of vaccination on the disease severity and factors for viral clearance and hospitalization in Omicron-infected patients :A retrospective observational cohort study from recent regional outbreaks in China
Authors: Li Hongru , Zhu Xiongpeng , Yu Rongguo , Qian Xin , Huang Yu , Chen Xiaoping , Lin Haibin , Zheng Huiming , Zhang Yi , Lin Jiarong , Deng Yanqin , Zhong Wen , Ji Yuejiao , Li Qing , Fang Jiabin , Yang Xiaojie , Lin Rong , Chen Sufang , Su Zhijun , Xie Baosong , Li Hong
Published: June 2022

Object

It remains unelucidated regarding the effects of vaccination on disease severity and factors for viral clearance and hospitalization in omicron-infected patients.

Methods

The clinical manifestations of 3,265 Omicron-infected patients (BA.2 variant; the Omicron group) were compared with those of 226 Delta-infected patients (the Delta group).A Multi-class logistic regression model was employed to analyze the impacts of vaccination doses and intervals on disease severity; a logistic regression model to evaluate the risk factors for hospitalization; R 4.1.2 data analysis to investigate the factors for time for nucleic acid negativization (NAN).

Results

Compared with the Delta group, the Omicron group reported a fast transmission, mild symptoms, and lower severity incidence, and a significant inverse correlation of vaccination dose with clinical severity (OR: 0.803, 95%CI: 0.742-0.868, p<0.001). Of the 7 or 5 categories of vaccination status, the risk of severity significantly decreased only at ≥21 days after three doses (OR: 0.618, 95% CI: 0.475-0.803, p<0.001; OR: 0.627, 95% CI: 0.482-0.815, p<0.001, respectively). The Omicron group also reported underlying illness as an independent factor for hospitalization, sore throat as a protective factor, and much shorter time for NAN [15 (12,19) vs. 16 (12,22), p<0.05]. NAN was associated positively with age, female gender, fever, cough, and disease severity, but negatively with vaccination doses.

Conclusion

Booster vaccination should be advocated for COVID-19 pandemic-related control and prevention policies and adequate precautions should be taken for patients with underlying conditions.
The apical Ciliary Adhesion complex is established at the basal foot of motile cilia and depends on the microtubule network
Authors: Chatzifrangkeskou Maria , Skourides Paris A.
Published: June 2022

The Ciliary Adhesion (CA) complex forms in close association with the basal bodies of cilia during the early stages of ciliogenesis and is responsible for mediating complex interactions with the actin networks of multiciliated cells (MCCs). However, its precise localization with respect to basal body accessory structures and the interactions that lead to its establishment in MCCs are not well understood. Here, we studied the distribution of the CA proteins using super-resolution imaging and possible interactions with the microtubule network. The results of this study reveal that the apical CA complex forms at the distal end of the basal foot and depends on microtubules. Our data also raise the possibility that CAs may have additional roles in the regulation of the organization of the microtubule network of MCCs.
The Third Space, mimics and ambivalence of HRM in the Global South: a postcolonial reading
Authors: Jayawardena Dhammika
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to accomplish two purposes: firstly, it revisits the “positional identity” – the ambivalent-hybrid disposition – of human resource management (HRM) in the (postcolonial) Global South. Secondly, it seeks to reframe the role of Southern agents of the epistemic community of HRM, particularly human resource (HR) managers, in managing people in the South.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes inspiration from the postcolonial theory of Homi Bhabha, his notions of hybridity, the Third Space and colonial positionality, to revisit the positional identity of HRM and to reframe the role of HR managers in the South.

Findings

In postcolonial Southern organisations, HR managers play a dual role – as “mimics” and “bastards” of Western discourses of HRM. The dual role tends to put the managers in Southern organisations in a “double–bind”.

Research limitations/implications

This paper helps in the understanding of the role of HRM as well as HR managers in Southern organisations regarding the (post-)colonial legacy of the South.

Originality/value

This paper provides new insights into the identity of HRM in the Global South beyond the dualistic understanding of HR practices, such as convergence–divergence and the mere form of crossvergence. It argues that hybridisation of HRM in Southern organisations takes place in the form of (post-)colonial hybridity.
Impact of leadership practices on manager’s pathways to goal attainment: the mediating effect of emotional intelligence
Authors: Acosta-Prado Julio César , Zárate-Torres Rodrigo Arturo , Tafur-Mendoza Arnold Alejandro , Prada-Ospina Ricardo , Sarmiento Claudia Fabiola Rey
Published: June 2022

Purpose

While the relationship between some leadership styles and emotional intelligence has been studied, leadership practices and emotional intelligence have not been studied for an understanding of how both variables enable a leader to look for pathways to goal attainment. This study aims to examine the impact of leadership practices on pathways to goal attainment while considering the mediating effect of emotional intelligence.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was empirical with an associative strategy. The type of study was explanatory, and latent variables design was followed. The sample consists of 496 Colombian managers, obtained through a non-probability sampling (purposive sample), who work in companies located in Bogota, Colombia. For measuring the variables, three instruments were used, Leadership Practices Inventory, Adult Dispositional Hope Scale and Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale.

Findings

Results from this study suggest that the relationship between leadership practices (model the way, inspire a shared vision and enable others to act) and pathways to goal attainment is mediated by emotional intelligence. Also, leadership practices and emotional intelligence explained 45.60% of the variability of the pathways to goal attainment.

Originality/value

The effectiveness of leadership practices can be explained through the hope they have about the future by using emotional intelligence as an influencing strategy. This study aims to explain how emotional intelligence helps leaders to look for pathways to goal attainment.
Early human capital: the driving force to economic growth in island economies
Authors: Tandrayen Ragoobur Verena , Narsoo Jason
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The paper investigates into the human capital–economic growth nexus by arguing that investment in early education and health helps in achieving higher economic growth. Early investment in human capital matters most for economic growth than the increase in human capital over the years.

Design/methodology/approach

A dynamic vector error correction model (VECM) together with the impulse response function and variance decomposition are used on data for Mauritius from 1983 to 2019. The paper distinguishes between the short-run and the long-run effects of human capital measured by the pupil–teacher ratio in pre-primary education and life expectancy at birth.

Findings

This study’s findings reveal that investment in early education and health has contributed positively to growth performance. There is evidence for long-run growth effects arising from a positive shock in the education and health indicators.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to both the theoretical and empirical literature on the human capital–growth nexus. Mauritius as a natural resource poor small economy is an important case study as it has started early in investing in its people to promote economic growth.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-11-2021-0674.
Impact of transparency and disclosure (T&D) and financial distress (FD) on the valuation of banks in India
Authors: Rawal Aashi , Rastogi Shailesh , Kanoujiya Jagjeevan , Bhimavarapu Venkata Mrudula
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The authors have attempted to reveal the impact that transparency and disclosure (T&D) and financial distress (FD) have on the valuation of banks working in India. T&D involves disclosing the firm's operational and financial performance and corporate governance practices. FD is a position in which a company or individual is not in a condition to fulfill their promise of paying their obligations on time.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors have used panel data analysis (PDA) and secondary data of 34 banks working in the Indian banking sector for four financial years, i.e. 2016 to 2019.

Findings

This study has established that FD and T&D have a positive and significant impact on the valuation of firms. The authors also find evidence that T&D significantly impacts the value of firms under the influence of FD.

Practical implications

The present study implies that it will help firms realize how significantly the transparency level and disclosure policies impact their value in the market. Firms can understand how badly distressing situations can impact the company's whole image. This learning will encourage them to start managing their money and debts efficiently.

Originality/value

The authors study has considered T&D as an independent variable and FD as a moderating variable to find the interacting impact of T&D and FD on the valuation of banks working in India. No such study has come to the authors' knowledge that has established such a relationship of variables in the study.
Technologies in service communication: looking forward
Authors: Mahr Dominik , Huh Jisu
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to bring together the state-of-the-art research and theory from the communication and service research fields to examine the implications of new technologies for the future of service communication.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply the media affordances perspective to develop an overarching framework that facilitates theoretical conceptualization and research question formulation on the constantly evolving technology-enabled communication formats.

Findings

Central to the forward-looking framework of service communication facilitated by new technologies, this paper identifies various affordances at the service frontline where service customers and providers interact with the technologies. Customers are empowered to expand their roles blurring the role distinction between service providers and customers. Depending on what kind of relationships service providers form with the emerging technologies, they may develop new service communication strategies and new interaction possibilities with customers. As a result, the technologies' affordances would facilitate value creation outcomes that can manifest in the external (whether it is in the physical or digital space) and/or internal (one's own mind) spaces. Applying the affordances framework, the authors map out four key areas of future research regarding new technologies in service communication: (1) social media technologies; (2) multisensory reality-enhancing technologies; (3) AI-enabled voice assistants; and (4) AI-driven service robots.

Originality/value

This paper proposes an original theoretical framework to stimulate and guide future research and theory development regarding the implications of new technologies in the constantly evolving and complex service communication landscape.
Factors influencing collective action of gated communities: a systematic review using an SES framework
Authors: Shi Xuerui , Ling Gabriel Hoh Teck
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Within a gated community, management of common property presents great challenges. Therefore, the diagnostic social ecological system (SES) framework proposed by Elinor Ostrom providing a holistic understanding of complex collective action problems in terms of management of commons is used to investigate key institutional-social-ecological factors influencing collective action in the context of gated communities.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used to systematically screen and review the relevant literature from 2000 to 2022, where 28 papers were selected for further analysis.

Findings

The study systematically identifies and categorises a series of variables related to self-organizing management in the gated community, and consequently a SES-based gated community management framework is developed. Based on the conceptual framework, the paper discusses logical interrelationships of institutional-social-ecological factors and their impacts on collective action performance of gated communities.

Research limitations/implications

Apart from requiring empirical validation, the conceptual SES-based gated community management framework is certainly subject to continuous improvement in terms of refinement and addition of other potential determinants of gated community collective action.

Originality/value

Not only the review paper provides updates on the latest gated-community collective action research, it also contributes theoretically by conceptualizing the SES framework and its institutional–social–ecological design principles in gated community management. Studying these factors should also be of practical significance because the findings ultimately offer policy insights and management strategies that help policy-makers, property developers and local communities to govern such neighbourhood common resources efficiently and sustainably.
Management accountants' susceptibility to overconfidence: the overplacement perspective
Authors: Enslin Zack
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Overconfidence bias is considered to be a very influential decision-making bias in the business environment. This paper aims to identify the susceptibility of management accountants to overconfidence-related overplacement bias and to determine its pervasiveness among these professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

Two international samples of management accountants were surveyed using overplacement bias elicitation questions. The hypothesis that bias susceptibility varies between management accountants in different hierarchical employment positions was tested employing binary logistic regression.

Findings

Management accountants are found to be susceptible to overplacement bias, yet its pervasiveness among the samples is similar to other sample populations in comparable studies. Management accountants in the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) were found to be more susceptible to overplacement bias than their colleagues in other management accountant and business management positions.

Research limitations/implications

The use of convenience sampling represents a limitation of the research.

Practical implications

The findings confirm that there is a need for syllabi and continual professional development projects to educate management accountants on this bias. CFOs are especially at risk of being overconfident, which may not be in the best interest of the business.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to assess overplacement bias in management accountants as a group of decision-makers, especially within the context of their increasing involvement in business decision-making.
Effects of fused filament fabrication parameters on the manufacturing of 316L stainless-steel components: geometric and mechanical properties
Authors: Caminero Miguel Ángel , Romero Gutiérrez Ana , Chacón Jesús Miguel , García-Plaza Eustaquio , Núñez Pedro José
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The extrusion-based additive manufacturing method followed by debinding and sintering steps can produce metal parts efficiently at a relatively low cost and material wastage. In this study, 316L stainless-steel metal filled filaments were used to print metal parts using the extrusion-based fused filament fabrication (FFF) approach. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of common FFF printing parameters on the geometric and mechanical performance of FFF manufactured 316L stainless-steel components.

Design/methodology/approach

The microstructural characteristics of the metal filled filament, three-dimensional (3D) printed green parts and final sintered parts were analysed. In addition, the dimensional accuracy of the green parts was evaluated, as well as the hardness, tensile properties, relative density, part shrinkage and the porosity of the sintered samples. Moreover, surface quality in terms of surface roughness after sintering was assessed. Predictive models based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) were used for characterizing dimensional accuracy, shrinkage, surface roughness and density. Additionally, the response surface method based on ANNs was applied to represent the behaviour of these parameters and to identify the optimum 3D printing conditions.

Findings

The effects of the FFF process parameters such as build orientation and nozzle diameter were significant. The pore distribution was strongly linked to the build orientation and printing strategy. Furthermore, porosity decreased with increased nozzle diameter, which increased mechanical performance. In contrast, lower nozzle diameters achieved lower roughness values and average deviations. Thus, it should be noted that the modification of process parameters to achieve greater geometrical accuracy weakened mechanical performance.

Originality/value

Near-dense 316L austenitic stainless-steel components using FFF technology were successfully manufactured. This study provides print guidelines and further information regarding the impact of FFF process parameters on the mechanical, microstructural and geometric performance of 3D printed 316L components.
metaPR2: A database of eukaryotic 18S rRNA metabarcodes with an emphasis on protists
Authors: Vaulot Daniel , Sim Clarence Wei Hung , Ong Denise , Teo Bryan , Biwer Charlie , Jamy Mahwash , Lopes dos Santos Adriana
Published: June 2022

In recent years, metabarcoding has become the method of choice for investigating the composition and assembly of microbial eukaryotic communities. The number of environmental data sets published has increased very rapidly. Although unprocessed sequence files are often publicly available, processed data, in particular clustered sequences, are rarely available in a usable format. Clustered sequences are reported as operational taxonomic units (OTUs) with different similarity levels or more recently as amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). This hampers comparative studies between different environments and data sets, for example examining the biogeographical patterns of specific groups/species, as well analysing the genetic microdiversity within these groups. Here, we present a newly‐assembled database of processed 18S rRNA metabarcodes that are annotated with the PR2 reference sequence database. This database, called metaPR2, contains 41 data sets corresponding to more than 4000 samples and 90,000 ASVs. The database, which is accessible through both a web‐based interface (https://shiny.metapr2.org) and an R package, should prove very useful to all researchers working on protist diversity in a variety of systems.
Analysing economic costs of invasive alien species with the invacost r package
Authors: Leroy Boris , Kramer Andrew M. , Vaissière Anne‐Charlotte , Kourantidou Melina , Courchamp Franck , Diagne Christophe
Published: June 2022

The reported costs of invasive alien species from the global database InvaCost are heterogeneous and cover different spatio‐temporal scales. A standard procedure for aggregating invasive species cost estimates is necessary to ensure the repeatability and comparativeness of studies.

We introduce here the invacost r package, an open‐source software designed to query and analyse the InvaCost database. We illustrate this package and its framework with cost data associated with invasive alien invertebrates.

First, the invacost package provides updates of this dynamic database directly in the analytical environment R. Second, it helps understand the heterogeneous nature of monetary cost data for invasive species, processes to harmonize the data and the inherent biases associated with such data. Third, it readily provides complementary methods to investigate the costs of invasive species at different scales, all the while accounting for econometric statistical issues.

This tool will be useful for scientists working on invasive alien species, by (a) facilitating access to and use of this multi‐disciplinary data resource and (b) providing a standard procedure which will facilitate reproducibility and comparability among studies, one of the major critics of this topic until now. It should facilitate further interdisciplinary works including economists and invasion ecology researchers.
Alienation and Educational “Third Space”: English Learning and Uyghur Subject Formation in Xinjiang, China
Authors: A M , Byler Darren
Published: June 2022

Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork conducted between 2011 and 2018, this article examines how Uyghurs, a Turkic‐speaking ethnic minority in China, found ways to excel in English language learning despite efforts by the national education system to focus their training in Chinese, the language of the colonizer. It argues that the alienation that resulted from the devaluation of Uyghur knowledge and nonstandard Chinese usage pushed Uyghur students to embody expanded subjectivities in a “third space” of English learning. It concludes with a discussion of how an internment camp system has foreclosed this space of limited autonomy for Uyghur students since 2017.
Barriers for recruitment to treatment of youths with co‐occurring substance use disorders and depression
Authors: Kaminer Yifrah , Chan Grace , Burke Rebecca
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives

Recruitment challenges for treatment trials of adolescents with substance use disorder (SUD) and co‐occurring depression (COD) have not been reported. The objective is to examine whether recruitment and engagement during the pretreatment assessment phase differ between adolescents in a SUD‐COD versus SUD‐only treatment study.

Methods

A similar recruitment approach compared five‐stage progressions in the pretreatment phase between a SUD‐only (n = 252) and SUD‐COD (n = 212) study. We examined the “gradient” of recruitment and retention along four stages after referral/inquiries; (a) screening for eligibility by phone, (b) meeting eligibility in an interview, (c) completion of baseline assessment, and (d) participation in the first psychotherapy session of each study.

Results

Compared to SUD‐only, the retention of adolescents with SUD‐COD was significantly poorer from referral/inquiry to all subsequent stages. In particular, the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval from referral/inquiry to screening for eligibility by phone, meeting eligibility in an interview, completion of baseline assessment, and participation in the first psychotherapy session were all less than one. Male attrition rates were slightly higher than females but were not statistically significant.

Discussion and Conclusions

A high proportion of referred adolescents did not meet the study criteria. This indicates a need to examine (1) potential strategies for overcoming recruitment challenges in adolescents and their engagement in the pretreatment phase for studies of COD and (2) baseline variables for predictors and moderators for adequately powered studies.

Scientific Significance

This is the first study to assess recruitment challenges for adolescents with COD.
Effectiveness of the polyglycolic acid patch in preventing prolonged air leakage after pulmonary decortication
Authors: Haberal Miktat Arif , Akar Erkan , Şengören Dikiş Özlem , Özkaya Muharrem , Ay Mehmet Oguzhan
Published: June 2022

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an absorbable polyglycolic acid patch (PGA) in the early prevention of alveolar air leaks after pulmonary decortication operations.

Methods

Between January 2016 and December 2019, files of 185 patients with pleural effusion, empyema, or hemothorax were examined retrospectively. Thirty‐five patients who underwent decortication surgery were included in the study. Two‐way posteroanterior (PA) chest x‐ray, computed tomography (CT), pulmonary function tests (PFT), arterial blood gas, hemogram, and biochemical tests were performed for all patients before the operation. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 was composed of 16 patients (45.7%) with standard decortication, and Group 2 was formed with 19 patients (54.3%) with standard decortication + PGA patch.

Results

The median age was 55 years (minimum = 25, maximum = 75) and the vast majority (82.9%; n = 29) of patients were males. There was no significant difference between groups in age, aetiology, or sex. The most common etiological cause in both Group 1 and Group 2 was nonspecific infection (56.3% and 73.7%, respectively). When Group 2 and Group 1 were compared regarding median times (day) of air leak cessation (Group 2 = 4; Group 1 = 8.5), chest drain removal (Group 2 = 5; Group 1 = 10), and hospital discharge times (Group 2 = 8; Group 1 = 13),the durations were statistically significantly shorter in Group 2 than in Group 1 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Use of the PGA patch in pulmonary decortication operations significantly reduced the duration of air leaks, drain removal, and discharge time from the hospital in the postoperative period.
Clinically unquestionable but histologically deceptive melanomas in acral skin grafts: PRAME confirms its role
Authors: Santandrea Giacomo , Valli Riccardo , Ragazzi Moira , Castagnetti Fabio , Lai Michela , Longo Caterina , Piana Simonetta
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of PRAME in reducing the risk of an underestimation of tumour margins, in a consecutive series of acral melanomas recurring on skin grafts.
The need for psychological support in routine dermatological care across the UK
Authors: Hughes Olivia
Published: June 2022

This article presents a patient perspective on the importance of having psychological support for skin conditions available in the dermatological treatment pathway in the UK.
Maternal antenatal vitamin D supplementation and offspring risk of atopic eczema in the first 4 years of life: evidence from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: El-Heis Sarah , D’Angelo Stefania , Curtis Elizabeth M. , Healy Eugene , Moon Rebecca J. , Crozier Sarah R. , Inskip Hazel , Cooper Cyrus , Harvey Nicholas C. , Godfrey Keith M. ,   the MAVIDOS Trial Group
Published: June 2022

Background

Evidence linking prenatal maternal vitamin D supplementation with the offspring’s risk of atopic eczema is inconsistent, with most data coming from observational studies.

Objectives

To examine the influence of maternal cholecalciferol supplementation during pregnancy on the risk of atopic eczema in the offspring at ages 12, 24 and 48 months.

Methods

Within the UK Maternal Vitamin D Osteoporosis Study (MAVIDOS) double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial, we examined the relationship of maternal vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy with offspring atopic eczema at ages 12, 24 and 48 months. In MAVIDOS, pregnant women were allocated to either cholecalciferol 1000 IU per day or matched placebo, taken from around 14 weeks’ gestation until delivery, with the primary outcome of neonatal whole-body bone mineral content. The prevalence of atopic eczema in the offspring was ascertained at ages 12 (n = 635), 24 (n = 610) and 48 (n = 449) months, based on the UK Working Party criteria for the definition of atopic dermatitis. The trial was registered with ISRCTN (82927713) and EudraCT (2007-001716-23).

Results

The characteristics of mothers and offspring were similar between the intervention and placebo groups, apart from longer breastfeeding duration in the intervention group. Adjusting for breastfeeding duration, offspring of mothers who received cholecalciferol 1000 IU daily had a lower odds ratio (OR) of atopic eczema at age 12 months [OR 0·55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·32–0·97, P = 0·04]; this effect weakened and was not statistically significant at ages 24 months (OR 0·76, 95% CI 0·47–1·23) or 48 months (OR 0·75, 95% CI 0·37–1·52). The statistical interaction of intervention and breastfeeding duration in relation to eczema at age 12 months was not significant (P = 0·41), but stratification showed reduced infantile eczema risk in the intervention group for infants breastfed for ≥ 1 month (OR 0·48, 95% CI 0·24–0·94, P = 0·03) but not in those breastfed for < 1 month (OR 0·80, 95% CI 0·29–2·17, P = 0·66).

Conclusions

Our data provide the first randomized controlled trial evidence of a protective effect of antenatal cholecalciferol supplementation on the risk of infantile atopic eczema, with the effect potentially being via increased breast milk cholecalciferol levels. The findings support a developmental influence on atopic eczema, and point to a potentially modifiable perinatal influence on atopic eczema.

What is already known about this topic?  There are currently no antenatal interventions proven to reduce the incidence of infantile atopic eczema in the general population.However, observational studies have led to speculation that antenatal vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial.
6‐Shogaol (enexasogoal) treatment improves experimental knee osteoarthritis exerting a pleiotropic effect over immune innate signalling responses in chondrocytes
Authors: Gratal Paula , Mediero Aránzazu , Lamuedra Ana , Matamoros‐Recio Alejandra , Herencia Carmen , Herrero‐Beaumont Gabriel , Martín‐Santamaría Sonsoles , Largo Raquel
Published: June 2022

Background and Purpose

The pathogenesis of osteoarthritis implicates a low‐grade inflammation associated to the innate immune system activation. Toll like receptor (TLR) stimulation triggers the release of inflammatory mediators, which aggravate osteoarthritis. We studied the preventive effect of 6‐shogaol, a potential TLR4 inhibitor, on the treatment of experimental knee osteoarthritis.

Experimental Approach

Osteoarthritis was induced in C57BL6 mice by surgical section of the medial meniscotibial ligament, which received 6‐shogaol for eight weeks. Cartilage damage, inflammatory mediator presence and disease markers were assessed in joint tissues by immunohistochemistry. Computational modelling was used to predict binding modes of 6‐shogaol into the TLR4/MD2 receptor and its permeability across cellular membranes. Employing LPS‐stimulated chondrocytes and MAPK assay, we elucidated 6‐shogaol action mechanisms.

Key Results

6‐Shogaol treatment prevented articular cartilage lesions, synovitis and the presence of pro‐inflammatory mediators, and disease markers in osteoarthritis animals. Molecular modelling studies predicted 6‐shogaol interaction with the TLR4/MD‐2 heterodimer in an antagonist conformation through its binding into the MD‐2 pocket. In cell culture, we confirmed that 6‐shogaol reduced LPS‐induced TLR4 inflammatory signalling pathways. Besides, MAPK assay demonstrated that 6‐shogaol directly inhibits the ERK1/2 phosphorylation activity.

Conclusion and Implications

6‐Shogaol evoked a preventive action on cartilage and synovial inflammation in osteoarthritis mice. 6‐shogaol effect may take place not only by hindering the interaction between TLR4 ligands and the TLR4/MD‐2 complex in chondrocytes, but also through inhibition of ERK phosphorylation, implying a pleiotropic effect on different mediators activated during osteoarthritis, which proposes it as an attractive drug for osteoarthritis treatments.
Community science data provide evidence for upward elevational range shifts by Eastern Himalayan birds
Authors: Girish Krishna S. , Srinivasan Umesh
Published: June 2022

The ongoing climate crisis is a significant threat to global biodiversity. As Earth warms, many species respond by shifting their geographical ranges either polewards, or in mountainous regions, upslope towards higher elevations, presumably to track suitable thermal environments. Upslope range shifts are of particular concern in tropical mountain ranges because: (a) tropical species are particularly thermally sensitive; (b) species moving upwards could become locally extirpated as they run out of habitable space; and (c) tropical mountains harbor a high fraction of Earth's terrestrial biodiversity. Rapid upslope shifts can, therefore, result in significant biodiversity losses. We used community science data over a 13‐year period to evaluate whether 93 Eastern Himalayan bird species might be shifting to higher elevations. To do this, we analyzed changes in their occurrence probabilities in eBird checklists from birdwatching hotspots at fixed elevations. We found patterns consistent with upslope range shifts; species with elevational ranges primarily below hotspot elevations show increases in their occurrence probability over time, and those with most of their elevational ranges above a hotspot elevation decline in occurrence probability. Our findings are suggestive of rapid responses to climate change by Eastern Himalayan birds. We caution that Eastern Himalayan bird species might be at special risk from increasing global temperatures because of heightened thermal sensitivity coupled with high rates of warming in the region. To remain resilient in the face of climate change, Eastern Himalayan birds likely require undisturbed habitats spanning entire elevational gradients, to track rising temperatures by moving to higher elevations.
Synthetic heterocyclic derivatives as promising xanthine oxidase inhibitors: An overview
Authors: Kaur Gurinder , Singh Atamjit , Arora Geetakshi , Monga Aditi , Jassal Anupmjot Kaur , Uppal Jasreen , Bedi Preet Mohinder Singh , Bora Kundan Singh
Published: June 2022

Inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XO) is an effective and most prominent therapeutic approach for the management of gout. Discovery of its association in the pathophysiology of diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, etc., widened its therapeutic horizons. Limited drug candidates in clinical practice along with side effects forced researchers to develop more efficacious and safer XO inhibitors for the management of gout and other disorders associated with XO hyperactivity. In this regard, this review focus on (a) various drug candidates in clinical practice and under clinical trials, (b) Development of various heterocyclic motifs as XO inhibitors in last two decades and (c) various patented synthetic XO inhibitors.
Novel hybrid virtual screening protocol based on pharmacophore and molecular docking for discovery of GSK‐3β inhibitors
Authors: Liu Xiaochang , Yu Jiaxue , Luo Yongyan , Dong Haojian
Published: June 2022

GSK‐3β is a member of the GSKs subfamily and plays a major role in the regulation of transcriptional elongation, which has attracted widespread attention as a therapeutic target for AD. In this study, by combining pharmacophore‐based virtual screening and kinase inhibition assays, we have successfully identified four small molecules that inhibit GSK‐3β activity at micromolar potency. These hit compounds showed drug‐like properties according to Lipinski's rule of five and ADMET. An inter‐complex interaction study showed that all hit compounds adapted well to the ATP pocket of the GSK‐3β protein. Among them, hits 2 and 4 displayed considerable inhibitory activities with IC50 value of 0.74 ± 0.04 μM and 2.32 ± 0.84 μM respectively. Overall, the discovered GSK‐3β inhibitors act as new chemical leads to develop improved inhibitors that block the interaction of GSK‐3β, and the hybrid virtual screening strategy designed in this study provides an important reference for design and synthesis novel selective GSK‐3β inhibitors.
Ambulatory fludrocortisone suppression test in the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism: Safety, accuracy and cost‐effectiveness
Authors: Carasel Ana , Calissendorff Jan , Avander Kamila , Shabo Ivan , Volpe Cristina , Falhammar Henrik
Published: June 2022

Objective

The aims of this study were to explore if the ambulatory fludrocortisone suppression test (FST) was safe, accurate and cost‐effective.

Context

The diagnosis of primary aldosteronism (PA) remains time‐consuming and complex. The FST is used to confirm PA, but it is an in‐patient test due to potentially serious complications such as hypokalemia. In Stockholm, FST has been performed since 2005 as an ambulatory procedure.

Design

This is a retrospective study including all patients investigated with FST in four hospitals in Stockholm, Sweden, during 2005–2019.

Patients/Measurements

In total, 156 cases of ambulatory FST (FSTamb) and 15 cases of in‐patient FST (FSTin) were included. FSTamb and FSTin were compared regarding health costs, clinical characteristics and laboratory results.

Results

No difference was found in the outcomes of FSTamb and FSTin. No severe complications were reported in FSTamb patients. No difference was found in the median value for plasma potassium on Day 5 between the two groups. Only three patients (1.9%) in the FSTamb had to repeat the test due to incomplete intake of medications. FSTamb and FSTin were equally accurate. The cost of performing FSTamb was at least 50% lower compared with FSTin ($2400 vs. $5200 per patient). The time needed for FSTamb was 60 min of physician's time and 150 min of nurse's time which were lower than the 5 days in FSTin.

Conclusions

Ambulatory FST is safe and accurate and can be performed with significantly less healthcare costs compared to FSTin.
The influence of thin as compared to thick peri‐implant soft tissues on aesthetic outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bienz Stefan P. , Pirc Miha , Papageorgiou Spyridon N. , Jung Ronald E. , Thoma Daniel S.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

In systematically healthy patients with an implant‐supported fixed restoration (P), what is the influence of thin (E) as compared to thick (C) peri‐implant soft tissues on aesthetic outcomes (O)?

Methods

Following an a priori protocol, a literature search of six databases was conducted up to August 2020 to identify prospective/retrospective clinical studies on healthy patients with an implant‐supported fixed reconstruction. Measurement of the buccal soft tissue thickness and an aesthetic outcome was a prerequisite, and sites presenting with a buccal soft tissue thickness of <2 mm or shimmering of a periodontal probe were categorized as a thin phenotype. After study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment, random‐effects meta‐analysis of Mean Differences (MD) or Odds Ratios (OR) with their corresponding 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were conducted, followed by sensitivity analyses and assessment of the quality of evidence.

Results

Thirty‐four unique studies reporting on 1508 patients with 1606 sites were included (9 randomized controlled trials, one controlled trial, 10 prospective cohort studies, 8 cross‐sectional studies, and 6 retrospective cohort studies). The mean difference of the pink aesthetic score (PES) after the follow‐up was not significantly different between thin (<2.0 mm) or thick soft tissues (≥2.0 mm) or phenotypes (12 studies; MD = 0.15; [95% CI = −0.24, 0.53]; p = .46). PES changes during the follow‐up, however, were significantly in favour of thick soft tissues (≥2.0 mm) or phenotypes (p = .05). An increased mean mucosal thickness was associated with an increased papilla index (5 studies; MD = 0.5; [95% CI = 0.1, 0.3]; p = .002) and an increase in papilla presence (5 studies; OR = 1.6; [95% CI = 1.0, 2.3]; p = .03). Thin soft tissues were associated with more recession, −0.62 mm (4 studies; [95% CI = −1.06, −0.18]; p = .006). Patient‐reported outcome measures (patient satisfaction) were in favour of thick soft tissues −2.33 (6 studies; [95% CI = −4.70, 0.04]; p = .05). However, the quality of evidence was very low in all instances due to the inclusion of non‐randomized studies, high risk of bias and residual confounding.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of the present study (weak study designs and various soft tissue measurements or time‐points), it can be concluded that increased soft tissue thickness at implant sites was associated with more favourable aesthetic outcomes.
Occurrence, associated factors and soft tissue reconstructive therapy for buccal soft tissue dehiscence at dental implants: Consensus report of group 3 of the DGI/SEPA/Osteology Workshop
Authors: Guerrero Adrián , Heitz‐Mayfield Lisa J. A. , Beuer Florian , Blanco Juan , Roccuzzo Mario , Ruiz‐Magaz Vannesa , Sanz‐Martín Ignacio , Schlee Markus , Schliephake Henning , Soetebeer Maren , Sculean Anton , Zabalegui Ion , Zucchelli Giovanni , Al‐Nawas Bilal
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To systematically assess the literature and report on (1) the frequency of occurrence of buccal soft tissue dehiscence (BSTD) at implants, (2) factors associated with the occurrence of BSTD and (3) treatment outcomes of reconstructive therapy for the coverage of BSTD.

Materials and Methods

Two systematic reviews addressing focused questions related to implant BSTD occurrence, associated factors and the treatment outcomes of BSTD coverage served as the basis for group discussions and the consensus statements. The main findings of the systematic reviews, consensus statements and implications for clinical practice and for future research were formulated within group 3 and were further discussed and reached final approval within the plenary session.

Results

Buccally positioned implants were the factor most strongly associated with the risk of occurrence of BSTD, followed by thin tissue phenotype. At immediate implants, it was identified that the use of a connective tissue graft (CTG) may act as a protective factor for BSTD. Coverage of BSTD may be achieved with a combination of a coronally advanced flap (CAF) and a connective tissue graft, with or without prosthesis modification/removal, although feasibility of the procedure depends upon multiple local and patient‐related factors. Soft tissue substitutes showed limited BSTD coverage.

Conclusion

Correct three‐dimensional (3D) positioning of the implant is of utmost relevance to prevent the occurrence of BSTD. If present, BSTD may be covered by CAF +CTG, however the evidence comes from a low number of observational studies. Therefore, future research is needed for the development of further evidence‐based clinical recommendations.
Effect of peri‐implant mucosal thickness on esthetic outcomes and the efficacy of soft tissue augmentation procedures: Consensus report of group 2 of the SEPA/DGI/OF workshop
Authors: Jung Ronald E. , Becker Kathrin , Bienz Stefan P. , Dahlin Christer , Donos Nikos , Hammächer Christian , Iglhaut Gerhard , Liñares Antonio , Ortiz‐Vigón Alberto , Sanchez Nerea , Sanz‐Sánchez Ignacio , Thoma Daniel S. , Valles Cristina , Weng Dietmar , Nart José
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the literature in terms of the effect of peri‐implant mucosal thickness on esthetic outcomes and the efficacy of soft tissue augmentation procedures to increase the mucosal thickness with autogenous grafts or soft tissue substitutes.

Material and methods

Two systematic reviews (SR) were performed prior to the consensus meeting to assess the following questions. Review 1, focused question: In systemically healthy patients with an implant‐supported fixed prosthesis, what is the influence of thin as compared to thick peri‐implant mucosa on esthetic outcomes? Review 2, focused question 1: In systemically healthy humans with at least one dental implant (immediate or staged implant), what is the efficacy of connective tissue graft (CTG), as compared to absence of a soft tissue grafting procedure, in terms of gain in peri‐implant soft tissue thickness (STT) reported by randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs)? Review 2, focused question 2: In systemically healthy humans with at least one dental implant (immediate or staged implant), what is the efficacy of CTG, as compared to soft tissue substitutes, in terms of gain in peri‐implant STT reported by RCTs or CCTs? The outcomes of the two SRs, the consensus statements, the clinical implications, and the research recommendations were discussed and subsequently approved at the consensus meeting during the group and plenary sessions.

Conclusions

There was a tendency of superior esthetic outcomes in the presence of a thick mucosa. The connective tissue graft remains the standard of care in terms of increasing mucosa thickness.
A puzzling case of multiple asymptomatic nodules over scalp—A case report
Authors: Rathod Santoshdev P. , Ambasana Akshay R. , Gohil Parul , Jagati Ashish
Published: June 2022

Cirsoid aneurysms (CAs) of the scalp are rare arteriovenous malformations presenting as nodular lesions of the scalp. Depending on the size and intracranial extension, they can vary from asymptomatic to potentially lethal from secondary hemorrhage. Being vascular clinically misdiagnosed cases may lead to a devastating outcome from any kind of diagnostic surgical intervention. Here, we report a case of a 45‐year‐old woman who presented with multiple papulonodular lesions on the scalp, diagnosed as CA.
Using compositionality to understand parts in whole objects
Authors: Arun S. P.
Published: June 2022

A fundamental question for any visual system is whether its image representation can be understood in terms of its components. Decomposing any image into components is challenging because there are many possible decompositions with no common dictionary, and enumerating the components leads to a combinatorial explosion. Even in perception, many objects are readily seen as containing parts, but there are many exceptions. These exceptions include objects that are not perceived as containing parts, properties like symmetry that cannot be localized to any single part and special categories like words and faces whose perception is widely believed to be holistic.

Here, I describe a novel approach we have used to address these issues and evaluate compositionality at the behavioural and neural levels. The key design principle is to create a large number of objects by combining a small number of pre‐defined components in all possible ways. This allows for building component‐based models that explain neural and behavioural responses to whole objects using a combination of these components. Importantly, any systematic error in model fits can be used to detect the presence of emergent or holistic properties. Using this approach, we have found that whole object representations are surprisingly predictable from their components, that some components are preferred to others in perception and that emergent properties can be discovered or explained using compositional models. Thus, compositionality is a powerful approach for understanding how whole objects relate to their parts.