bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifiable Blood TCR Repertoire Components Associated with Immune Aging
Authors: Hu Jing , Pan Mingyao , Reid Brett , Tworoger Shelley , Li Bo
Published: July 2024

T cell senescence results in decayed adaptive immune protection in older individuals, with decreased or increased abundance of certain T cell phenotypic subpopulations. However, no study has linked aging to the dynamic changes of T cell clones. Through a newly develop computational framework, Repertoire Functional Units (RFU), we investigated over 6,500 TCR repertoire sequencing samples from multiple human cohorts. Our analysis identified age-associated RFUs repeatedly and consistently across different cohorts. Quantification of RFU decreases with aging revealed accelerated loss under immunosuppressive conditions. Systematic analysis of age-associated RFUs in clinical samples manifested a potential link between these RFUs and improved clinical outcomes during acute viral infections, such as lower ICU admission and reduced risk of developing complications. Finally, our investigation of bone-marrow transplantation patients indicated a secondary expansion of the age-associated clones upon receiving stem cells from younger donors. Together, our results suggest the existence of certain clones or a ‘TCR clock’ that could reflect the immune functions in aging populations.
Critical charges for droplet collisions
Authors: Dubey A. , Bewley G. P. , Gustavsson K. , Mehlig B.
Published: July 2024

Two micron-sized water droplets approaching each other do not always coalesce due to the cushioning effect of the air between them. When the droplets do not carry any electrical charges, one needs to consider the breakdown of hydrodynamics at very small scales to decide whether the droplets collide and coalesce or not. In contrast, two approaching droplets that are oppositely charged always coalesce if the charges are large enough. To find the charge for which the transition to charge-dominated collisions occurs, we computed the collision efficiency of charged, hydrodynamically interacting droplets settling in quiescent air, including the noncontinuum regime at small interfacial distances. For oppositely charged droplets, we find that the transition occurs when a saddle point of the relative droplet dynamics exits the region within which the continuum hydrodynamics breaks down. For cloud droplets with radii 16 and 20µm, we observe that the transition occurs at ∼103 elementary charges e. For charges smaller than this, we predict that the coalescence rate depends primarily upon the Knudsen number (Kn, the ratio of the mean-free-path of air to the mean droplet radius), whereas coalescence for much larger charges does not depend upon Kn. For droplets charged with the same polarity, we find the critical charge to be substantially larger (∼104e for the above radii) for reasons that we discuss.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Facilitating practical fault-tolerant quantum computing based on color codes
Authors: Zhang Jiaxuan , Wu Yu-Chun , Guo Guo-Ping
Published: July 2024

Color codes are a promising topological code for fault-tolerant quantum computing. Insufficient research on color codes has delayed their practical application. In this work, we address several key issues to facilitate practical fault-tolerant quantum computing based on color codes. First, by introducing decoding graphs with error-rate-related weights, we obtain the threshold of 0.47% of the 6.6.6 triangular color code under the standard circuit-level noise model, narrowing the gap to that of the surface code. Second, our work first investigates the circuit-level decoding of color code lattice surgery, then gives an efficient decoding algorithm, which is crucial to perform logical operations in a quantum computer with two-dimensional architectures. Last, a state injection protocol of the triangular color code is proposed, reducing the output magic state error rate in one round of 15 to 1 distillation by two orders of magnitude compared to a previous rough protocol. We also prove that our protocol offers the lowest logical error rates for state injection among all possible codes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Spin density waves and ground state helices in
EuGa2.4Al1.6
Authors: Littlehales M. T. , Moody S. H. , Bereciartua P. J. , Mayoh D. A. , Parkin Z. B. , Blundell T. J. , Unsworth E. , Francoual S. , Balakrishnan G. , Venero D. Alba , Hatton P. D.
Published: July 2024

The Eu(Ga1−xAlx)4 series is composed of centrosymmetric structures which exhibit a wide range of rich topological phenomena, including some members hosting magnetic skyrmions. In this letter, we investigate the previously unreported intermediate compound EuGa2.4Al1.6, which hosts two distinct phase transitions under zero applied magnetic field. We have used resonant elastic x-ray scattering with full linear polarization analysis to unambiguously determine the zero-field magnetic structures, which consist of a transition between a basal plane transverse spin density wave at higher temperatures into a noncollinear helical ground state. Furthermore, we demonstrate a phase coexistence regime below the transition and reveal an elliptically modulated helical magnetic structure emerging from wavevector splitting.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dynamical Facilitation Governs the Equilibration Dynamics of Glasses
Authors: Chacko Rahul N. , Landes François P. , Biroli Giulio , Dauchot Olivier , Liu Andrea J. , Reichman David R.
Published: July 2024

Convincing evidence of domain growth in the heating of ultrastable glasses suggests that the equilibration dynamics of supercooled liquids could be driven by a nucleation and growth mechanism. We investigate this possibility by simulating the equilibration dynamics of a model glass during both heating and cooling between poorly and well-annealed states. Though we do observe the growth of domains during heating, we find that domains are absent during cooling. This absence is inconsistent with classical nucleation theory. By comparing the equilibration dynamics of our glass with that of two models with kinetic constraints, we demonstrate that dynamical facilitation generically leads to heating driven by domain growth and cooling without domains. Our results provide strong evidence that dynamical facilitation, not nucleation and interfacial-tension-driven domain growth, is the driving mechanism for the equilibration dynamics of glass formers.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The pattern of bifurcated hydrogen bonds in thiourea cocrystals with diazine derivatives: experimental and quantum theoretical studies
Authors: Wzgarda-Raj Kinga , Olszewski Adrian , Palusiak Marcin
Published: July 2024

Cocrystals of thiourea with pyrazine N-oxide as thiourea–pyrazine N-oxide (2/1), C4H4N2O·2CH4N2S, (I), and with phenazine as thiourea–phenazine (6/7), 7C12H8N2·6CH4N2S, (II), both crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/c. In the crystalline state, molecules of both components are linked by N—H...N hydrogen bonds. In addition, there are R
2
2(8) hydrogen-bond synthons between thiourea molecules in both crystal structures. Furthermore, bifurcated hydrogen bonds between the –NH groups in the thiourea molecule and the N and O atoms in the N-oxide ring [in (I)], as well as the N atom in the central phenazine ring [in (II)], play a significant role in both structures. This emerging motif was thoroughly examined using quantum chemistry methods.
Entrepreneurial identity as a career compass – An exploration of the career narratives of entrepreneurial education graduates
Authors: Killingberg Nils Magne
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Since there are limited role models and career templates for entrepreneurship education (EE) graduates in the labour market, their careers are largely based on personal preferences, aspirations and values. Few studies have investigated how EE impacts graduates’ career aspirations. The present study addressed this gap by exploring how entrepreneurial identity (EI) manifestations act as career identities for EE graduates.

Design/methodology/approach

Five graduates from two EE programmes in Norway were purposefully selected based on their career histories. They were interviewed using a life story approach, and the narratives were analysed to explore how their EIs were developed and how the EIs acted as career identities.

Findings

The study findings revealed three EI manifestations that directed the participants’ careers: change agent, career seeker and maverick specialist. Additionally, the findings showed how EI is developed through EE: by connecting previous aspirations to realistic career alternatives, by being a place where individuals can experiment with provisional selves and by gaining social acceptance and affirmations for a claimed identity. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated how EI manifestations act as career identities that give direction to graduates’ careers.

Originality/value

This study has important implications regarding the broader impact of EE on graduates’ careers. Furthermore, by exploring EE graduates’ narratives, this study provides a richer and more nuanced view of how aspirations and career preferences are developed than previous studies.
Women on boards, corporate environment responsibility engagement and corporate financial performance: evidence from Indonesian manufacturing companies
Authors: Tjahjadi Bambang , Hapsari Adinda Pramesti , Soewarno Noorlailie , Sutarsa Annisa Ayu Putri , Fairuzi Atika
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role of women in business leadership, specifically the effect of women on boards (WoB) on corporate environmental responsibility engagement (CERE) and corporate financial performance (CFP) in the Indonesian manufacturing companies. Furthermore, it also examines whether CERE mediates the WoB – CFP relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This is quantitative research using secondary data obtained from the Indonesian Stock Exchange and the website of each company. Using agency theory, upper echelon theory and sustainability theory, 645 firm-year data from the period of 2015–2019 are analysed. The partial least squares structural equation modelling is used to test the hypotheses studied.

Findings

The results indicate that WoB is positively associated with CFP and CERE, CERE is positively associated with CFP and CERE mediates the effect of WoB on CFP. The samples are derived from the manufacturing industry; thus, it limits its generalisation. The result implies that investors need to increase the proportion of WoB to enhance CFP. For management, it implies that WoB has an important role in increasing environmental responsibility. For regulators, such as the Indonesian Financial Service Authority, it provides useful information for policymaking in terms of increasing the proportion of WoB and the need for a sustainability report. With increased WoB and CERE, CFP will be better so that society will also gain increased social benefits.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the topic is rarely investigated, especially in the two-tier governance system that uses WoB, CERE and CFP. By investigating the impact of women’s presence on the board of commissioners and the board of directors, this research provides crucial empirical evidence for the agency theory, upper echelon theory and sustainability theory. A new data set also has been created for this research.
Propensity toward Islamic debt financing among Moroccan MSMEs: assessing the mediating effect of entrepreneurial achievement motivation using PLS-MGA
Authors: Rhoudri Sana , Ougoujil Safa
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the factors influencing the intention to use Islamic Debt Financing (IDF) among owners-managers of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Morocco.

Design/methodology/approach

We developed and validated a comprehensive model that examines the key behavioral elements affecting attitude towards IDF, entrepreneurial achievement motivation, and IDF usage intention. Entrepreneurial achievement motivation was assessed as a mediator in the relationship between attitude towards IDF and usage intention. Gender and Islamic religiosity were examined as moderators through Multi-Group analysis. Utilizing data from 266 Moroccan MSMEs, we applied structural equation modeling for empirical evaluation.

Findings

Results revealed direct relationships with financial literacy, risk perception, and cost perception negatively affecting attitude toward IDF. Financial suitability is inversely related to attitude toward IDF. Entrepreneurial self-efficacy and subjective norms positively influenced entrepreneurial achievement motivation. Attitude toward IDF positively impacted entrepreneurial achievement motivation, and both attitude toward IDF and entrepreneurial achievement motivation were linked to the intention to use IDF. Empirical findings indicated that entrepreneurial achievement motivation partially mediates the relationship between attitude towards IDF and usage intention. Multi-group analysis revealed a significant moderating effect of Islamic religiosity on three out of nine structural relationships.

Research limitations/implications

This study is primarily limited by the absence of a longitudinal examination tracking real usage behavior. Moreover, data collection focused on analyzing the behavioral intention to use Islamic debt-based financing products, excluding equity-based financing instruments. Finally, our proposed model concentrates on establishing usage intention solely based on demand-side factors without explicitly integrating supply-side consideration.

Practical implications

Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of IDF adoption behavior and have the potential to support the development of more effective public policies, targeted promotional campaigns, and impactful financial education programs for MSMEs in similar markets.

Originality/value

This paper represents the first attempt to address MSMEs’ apprehensions regarding Islamic debt-based financing products in the MENA region.
A novel ensemble causal feature selection approach with mutual information and group fusion strategy for multi-label data
Authors: Zheng Yifeng , Zeng Xianlong , Zhang Wenjie , Wei Baoya , Ren Weishuo , Qing Depeng
Published: July 2024

Purpose

As intelligent technology advances, practical applications often involve data with multiple labels. Therefore, multi-label feature selection methods have attracted much attention to extract valuable information. However, current methods tend to lack interpretability when evaluating the relationship between different types of variables without considering the potential causal relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the above problems, we propose an ensemble causal feature selection method based on mutual information and group fusion strategy (CMIFS) for multi-label data. First, the causal relationship between labels and features is analyzed by local causal structure learning, respectively, to obtain a causal feature set. Second, we eliminate false positive features from the obtained feature set using mutual information to improve the feature subset reliability. Eventually, we employ a group fusion strategy to fuse the obtained feature subsets from multiple data sub-space to enhance the stability of the results.

Findings

Experimental comparisons are performed on six datasets to validate that our proposal can enhance the interpretation and robustness of the model compared with other methods in different metrics. Furthermore, the statistical analyses further validate the effectiveness of our approach.

Originality/value

The present study makes a noteworthy contribution to proposing a causal feature selection approach based on mutual information to obtain an approximate optimal feature subset for multi-label data. Additionally, our proposal adopts the group fusion strategy to guarantee the robustness of the obtained feature subset.
Gap analysis of strategies for promoting interprofessional teams in healthcare units
Authors: Salehi Reza , Masoudi-Asl Iravan , Gorji Hassan Abolghasem , Gharaee Hojatolah
Published: July 2024

Purpose

A healthcare unit's effectiveness largely depends on how well its interprofessional teams work together. Unfortunately, the strategies used to improve these teams often lack substance. This study analyzed these strategies and found a performance gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This study took a unique mixed-method approach, systematically reviewing both qualitative and quantitative studies that identified strategies to enhance interprofessional teams in healthcare units. To gauge the effectiveness of these strategies, the researcher utilized an Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) in four specialized clinical training centers in Hamadan province, Iran. The analysis of the IPA involved 35 experts from these centers as the statistical population.

Findings

Based on a systematic review, there are seven categories: contextual, strategic, communication, organizational, individual, Human Resources Management (HRM), and environmental for promoting interprofessional teams with a total of 36 sub-indicator. Based on the IPA, the HRM aspect shows the most extensive performance gap. The individual and organizational aspects fall under resource wastage, and the environmental aspect is within the indifferent zone. Also, some critical sub-indicators, such as incentives/rewards, roles and responsibilities, financial resources, team-initiated innovation, the culture of respect, partner resources, humility, data availability, set expectations, and team availability, are in the weak areas.

Practical implications

This research has identified critical areas for improvement in promoting teamwork in clinical training centers through a comprehensive gap analysis. It also presents practical policy solutions to address these weak points, providing a clear roadmap for enhancing interprofessional teams in healthcare units.

Originality/value

Improving teamwork in healthcare can be challenging, but it is possible with proper strategies and tools. One of the highlights of the recent study was the combination of systematic review studies with IPA to identify areas for improving interprofessional teamwork in clinical training centers.
Public toilets for accessible and inclusive cities: disability, design and maintenance from the perspective of wheelchair users
Authors: Carnemolla Phillippa , Mackinnon Katherine , Darcy Simon , Almond Barbara
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Design policy and regulations within our cities can significantly impact the accessibility and social participation of people with disability. Whilst public, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms are highly regulated spaces for this reason, very little is known about how wheelchair users use them or what wheelchair users think of current design standards.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory inquiry adopts an embodied approach to investigate the perspectives of powered and manual wheelchair users on public bathroom usage and design. The study encompasses twelve interviews, delving into how participants utilise accessible bathrooms based on mobility, disability, support levels, wheelchair types, urinary/bowel regimes and catheter use.

Findings

A thorough analysis of individual public bathroom elements (layout, toilet, handwashing and grab rails) discussed in the interviews reveals themes of safety, hygiene, planning/avoidance and privacy and dignity. Strikingly, many wheelchair users invest significant effort in planning for bathroom use or avoid public bathrooms altogether. The ongoing maintenance and regular cleaning of bathrooms, something not captured in regulatory standards, has been highlighted as something of critical importance to the ongoing accessibility and safety of public bathrooms for wheelchair users. This points to a relationship between the design and the maintenance of public bathrooms as influencers of health, well-being, community inclusion and the social participation of people with disability.

Research limitations/implications

This qualitative research is exploratory and contributes to a growing body of evidence that explores how public spaces are experienced by diverse members of our communities, including people with disability. To date, there have been very few investigations into the embodied perspectives of wheelchair users about public bathroom design.

Practical implications

The findings can potentially drive innovative and inclusive approaches to bathroom design regulations that include operational and maintenance guidance.

Social implications

The research aims to inform design regulations, standards development and practices of designers, architects, facilities managers, developers and planners, ensuring public spaces are designed to support more accessible, inclusive and socially sustainable cities.

Originality/value

Whilst wheelchair-accessible bathrooms have been designed and constructed for public use (in many countries) for many years, we know very little about how wheelchair users actually use them or what wheelchair users think of current design standards.
Generative AI and training employees with special needs
Authors: Upadhyay Ashwani Kumar
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The viewpoint paper aims to highlight the assistive role that Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) can play in the design of learning and development programs for employees with special needs. The article discusses the challenges, benefits and reasons why Gen AI should be used to manage diversity, equity and inclusion by creating personalized and customized training and development programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The viewpoint paper is based on reviewing articles and videos on the application of Gen AI in learning and development.

Findings

Gen AI offers immense opportunities to design personalized learning solutions for employees with special needs due to disability that can be physical or cognitive. The AI-based solutions support special learners by customizing assistive technology-based solutions and content based on the level of disability and need of the learner. This paper also highlights the importance of synergy between the training department, government and technology solution providers.

Originality/value

The viewpoint paper fills in an important gap by discussing the role that Gen AI can play by facilitating the learning and development of employees with unique skills.
What is in a name: Taxonomy of speech sound disorders from a cross‐linguistic perspective
Authors: Petinou‐Loizou Kakia , Ttofari Kerry , Filippou Elma
Published: July 2024

Background

In response to the call for papers under the theme “What is in a name” proposed by the Scientific Child Speech Committee of the International Association of Communication Sciences and Disorders (IALP), the current paper discusses taxonomy and its relation to speech sound disorders (SSD) from a cross‐linguistic perspective.

Aims

This paper starts with a brief description of specific SSD frameworks and nomenclature.

Methods & Procedures

The authors draw from international theoretical and clinical research which underscore the importance of taxonomy systems in SSD.

Outcomes & Results

The current papers stresses the importance of the contribution to differential diagnosis and prognosis of children with protracted speech profiles on the bases of taxonomy profiles and systems for SSD.

Conclusions & Implications

The advantages and shortcomings of taxonomy in SSD are also discussed from a cross‐linguistic context. The language of focus includes the Greek dialectal variation of Cypriot‐Greek.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

The paper adds to the importance of taxonomy and SSD subsystems which allow differential diagnosis of SSD and the implementation of appropriate intervention methods.

What is already known on this subject

The use of various taxonomy systems regarding SSD are widely available for English‐speaking populations. Such systems in the cross‐linguistic framework remain underexplored.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

The paper underscores the need for the development, adaptation and use of taxonomy systems that will add to the existing databases and taxonomy subsystems used in English

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

Potential clinical implications include the development and implementation of taxonomy systems in profile SSD productions in children.
Deciphering the molecular toolkit: regulatory elements governing shell biomineralization in marine molluscs
Authors: LI Zhuoqing , YANG Meijie , ZHOU Cong , SHI Pu , HU Pengpeng , LIANG Bin , JIANG Qingtian , ZHANG Lili , LIU Xiaoyan , LAI Changping , ZHANG Tao , SONG Hao
Published: July 2024

The intricate process of shell biomineralization in marine molluscs is governed by a complex interplay of regulatory elements, encompassing secretomes, transporters, and noncoding RNA. This review delves into recent advancements in understanding these regulatory mechanisms, emphasizing their significance in elucidating the functions and evolutionary dynamics of the molluscan shell biomineralization process. Central to this intricate orchestration are secretomes with diverse functional domains, selectively exported to the extrapallial space, which directly regulate crystal growth and morphology. Transporters are crucial for substrate transportation in the calcification and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Beyond proteins and transporters, noncoding RNA molecules are integral components influencing shell biomineralization. This review underscores the nonnegligible roles played by these genetic elements at the molecular level. To comprehend the complexity of biomineralization in mollusc, we explore the origin and evolutionary history of regulatory elements, primarily secretomes. While some elements have recently evolved, others are ancient genes that have been co‐opted into the biomineralization toolkit. These elements undergo structural and functional evolution through rapidly evolving repetitive low‐complexity domains and domain gain/loss/rearrangements, ultimately shaping a distinctive set of secretomes characterized by both conserved features and evolutionary innovations. This comprehensive review enhances our understanding of molluscan biomineralization at the molecular and genetic levels.
Volatile profiles of Murcott and Ponkan mandarins obtained by stir bar sorptive extraction technique and their contributions to the fruit aroma
Authors: de Siqueira Airla Carla Pires , Dutra Sandes Rafael Donizete , Nogueira Juliete Pedreira , Araujo Hannah Caroline Santos , de Jesus Mônica Silva , Rajkumar Gomathi , Leite Neta Maria Terezinha Santos , Narain Narendra
Published: July 2024

Citrus species have undergone immense diversification ever since their ancestral origin. Ponkan and Murcott are two mandarin varieties widely consumed in Brazil and their aroma producing active compounds have not yet been extensively investigated. The present study analyzed the volatile constituents of the Ponkan and Murcott varieties employing the stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) technique and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis for the first time. Extraction was performed using the two phases of Twister bar, polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS), and ethylene glycol (EG) silicone in immersion and headspace modes. Among the detected 62 compounds comprising alcohols, aldehydes, esters, terpenes, and others identified, 55 and 37 compounds in the Ponkan and Murcott variety were determined, respectively, from both immersion and headspace modes using the two phases of Twister bar. From the odor active values, the Ponkan was characterized with the domination of compounds such as hexanal, decanal, nonanal, (E)‐2‐hexanal, ethyl hexanoate, d‐limonene, linalool, and geraniol. Similarly, the Murcott variety was characterized with predominant compounds, namely, nonanal, octanal, hexanal, (E)‐2‐hexanal, ethyl hexanoate, d‐limonene, and linalool. The profile of volatile compounds was found to be unique in both the varieties studied, and SBSE technique with GC‐MS analysis favored the characterization of their respective profile due to the high amount of phase in the Twister bars, when compared to similar techniques, like solid phase microextraction. The PDMS Twister bar showed better capacity of adsorption of volatile compounds, since it is a relatively low‐polarity polymer, which discriminates less analytes with different structures and polarities sampled from complex matrices, such as fruits juice.
How do investors value the publication of tax information? Evidence from the European public country‐by‐country reporting
Authors: Müller Raphael , Spengel Christoph , Weck Stefan
Published: July 2024

We examine the costs associated with public disclosure, as opposed to confidential reporting, of tax country‐by‐country reporting (CbCR) information. Our study addresses a critical knowledge gap, considering the growing adoption of public tax transparency measures. We aim to illuminate this matter by examining the expected costs for firms of making previously confidential CbCR information publicly available. The fact that the information was previously confidentially reported to the tax authorities allows us to assess the cost of publication in isolation. Employing an event study methodology, we provide early evidence on the capital market reaction to this new requirement on a sample of European firms falling within its scope. We document a significantly negative cumulative average abnormal return of EUR 47 billion to 64 billion for up to 3 days following the announcement. Additional cross‐sectional results suggest that concerns about the reputational costs arising from public scrutiny and the proprietary costs from disclosing sensitive business information outweigh the potential benefits of an extended information environment from an investor perspective. Our findings highlight that the public disclosure of tax information imposes significant—and likely unintended—costs from a firm perspective. This aspect should be carefully considered when developing tax transparency measures.
Clinical presentation and management of enterovirus and parechovirus infection in children: A single‐centre study in regional Australia
Authors: Sorubarajan Tharmarajah , Sorubarajan Sivapriyan
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aims to analyse the clinical presentation caused by enterovirus (EV) and/or human parechovirus (HPeV) infection in children, as well as the management of such cases admitted to a regional hospital in Australia.

Methods

Retrospective study reviewing medical records.

Setting

Single hospital in regional Australia.

Participants

All children under 18 years admitted over the 5‐year period beginning from 1 January 2017 with confirmed EV and/or HPeV infection. Cases with clinically insignificant EV/HPeV isolation were excluded.

Main Outcome Measures

Data collected included demographic data, signs and symptoms present, specimens of EV/HPeV isolation, co‐occurring pathogens, peak C‐reactive protein (CRP), antibiotic therapy, discharge diagnosis and follow‐up after discharge.

Results

Overall, 27 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria; 81.5% of the patients were ≤3 months of age with a median of 2 months (interquartile range 1–3); 74.1% were males. The most common clinical features were a fever ≥38°C and irritability/lethargy/high‐pitched cry. 29.6% of the patients had co‐occurring pathogens detected, and a CRP ≤10 mg/L was observed in 77.8% of cases. All but two children were treated with antibiotics while awaiting polymerase chain reaction results. The most common discharge diagnosis was meningitis. In all, 74.1% of the children attended follow‐up appointments.

Conclusions

EV and HPeV should be considered as a possible aetiology of fever and irritability/lethargy/high‐pitched cry in children under 3 months.
Citizenship, agency, and the problem of sovereignty
Authors: Bryant Rebecca
Published: July 2024

This commentary asks what would change about the analyses inAE’s “Citizenship, Solidarity, and Nonbelonging” forum if the state were not assumed as the background. Using research on unrecognized states and their citizens, the commentary urges a return to the problem of sovereignty that takes seriously the desires that sovereignty evokes. Doing so, it argues, can help us understand the shape that political belonging might take beyond the nation‐state.
Spaces and challenges of citizenship
Authors: Castañeda Heide
Published: July 2024

This commentary engages the articles in the “Citizenship, Solidarity, and Nonbelonging” forum by discussing three points: citizen participation in and challenges to bureaucratic practices; the spatialities of citizenship and belonging; and the potentials for co‐optation of civic mobilization vis‐à‐vis the privatization of state responsibilities. It concludes that citizen mobilizations can effectively structure the terms of the debate and create new forms of belonging in the wake of inherited injustices.
Citizenship beyond solidarity and belonging
Authors: Çağlar Ayşe
Published: July 2024

The authors in this forum highlight collective action that gives way to new scripts of citizenship. This collective action also opens new spaces of common life, where people can perform the politics of being with others. I ask whether the concepts of commoning and sociability, rather than the language of solidarity and belonging, would be more suitable to capture the dynamics of contemporary citizenship struggles.
Auricular cartilage regeneration using chondroitin sulfate‐based hydrogel with mesenchymal stem cells in rabbits
Authors: Janipour Masoud , Soltaniesmaeili Amir , Owji Seyed Hossein , Shahhossein Zahra , Hashemi Seyedeh‐Sara
Published: July 2024

Background

Cartilage is an avascular and alymphatic tissue that lacks the intrinsic ability to undergo spontaneous repair and regeneration in the event of significant injury. The efficacy of conventional therapies for invasive cartilage injuries is limited, thereby prompting the emergence of cartilage tissue engineering as a possible alternative. In this study, we fabricated three‐dimensional hydrogel films utilizing sodium alginate (SA), gelatin (Gel), and chondroitin sulfate (CS). These films were included with Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ‐MSCs) and intended for cartilage tissue regeneration.

Methods

The hydrogel film that were prepared underwent evaluation using various techniques including scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, assessment of the degree of swelling, degradation analysis, determination of water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), measurement of water contact angle (WCA), evaluation of mechanical strength, and assessment of biocompatibility. The rabbit ear cartilage regeneration by hydrogel films with and without of WJ‐MSCs was studied by histopathological investigations during 15, 30, and 60 days.

Results

The hydrogel films containing CS exhibited superior metrics compared to other nanocomposites such as better mechanical strength (12.87 MPa in SA/Gel compared to 15.56 in SA/Gel/CS), stability, hydrophilicity, WVTR (3103.33 g/m2/day in SA/Gel compared to 2646.67 in nanocomposites containing CS), and swelling ratio (6.97 to 12.11% in SA/Gel composite compared to 5.03 to 10.90% in SA/Gel/CS). Histopathological studies showed the presence of chondrocyte cells in the lacunae on the 30th day and the complete restoration of the cartilage tissue on the 60th day following the injury in the group of SA/Gel/CS hydrogel containing WJ‐MSCs.

Conclusions

We successfully fabricated a scaffold composed of alginate, gelatin, and chondroitin sulfate. This scaffold was further enhanced by the incorporation of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells. Our findings demonstrate that this composite scaffold has remarkable biocompatibility and mechanical characteristics. The present study successfully demonstrated the therapeutic potential of the SA‐Gel‐CS hydrogel containing WJ‐MSCs for cartilage regeneration in rabbits.
A mathematical description of nonself for biallelic genetic systems in pregnancy, transfusion, and transplantation
Authors: Rieneck Klaus
Published: July 2024

A central issue in immunology is the immunological response against nonself. The prerequisite for a specific immunological response is the exposure to the immune system of a nonself antigen. Mathematical equations are presented, which define the fraction of all outcomes with a nonself allele in biallelic systems at the population level in pregnancy and transfusion/transplantation medicine. When designing assays, the mathematical descriptions can be used for estimating the number of genetic markers necessary to obtain a predetermined probability level in detecting nonself alleles of a given frequency. For instance, the equations can be helpful in the design of assays, where the nonself allele can be detected by analysis of cfDNA in plasma from pregnant women, to estimate fetal fraction or to monitor changes in cfDNA in plasma of transplantation patients. The equations give exact, quantitative descriptions of all nonself situations in pregnancy and transfusion/transplantation.
Effect of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) oil as feed additive on broiler performance, carcass, liver and kidney functions, antioxidant, lipid profile, and immunity
Authors: Alagawany Mahmoud , Elewa Mohamed S. , Abou‐Kassem Diaa E. , Ismail Tamer Ahmed , Salah Ayman S. , Madkour Mahmoud , Di Cerbo Alessandro , Zizzadoro Claudia
Published: July 2024

The current study evaluated the effects of parsley essential oil on broiler growth performance, carcass features, liver and kidney functions, immunity and antioxidant activity, and lipid profile. A total of 160 unsexed 7‐day broiler chicks (Cobb500) were distributed into five groups; each group contained five replicates with eight birds each. The treatments were (1) basal diet (no additive, T1), (2) basal diet + 0.5 mL parsley essential oil/kg (T2), (3) basal diet + 1 mL parsley essential oil/kg (T3), (4) basal diet + 1.5 mL parsley essential oil/kg (T4), and (5) basal diet + 2 mL parsley essential oil/kg (T5). According to GC‐MS analysis, parsley oil contains D‐limonene, hexadecanoic acid, α‐cyclocitral, globulol, α‐pinene, myristicin, cryophyllene, bergapten, α‐chamigrene, etc. The current results indicated that the most abundant molecules in parsley oil were D‐limonene (18.82%), oleic acid (14.52%), α‐cyclocitral (11.75%), globulol (11.24%), α‐guaiene (7.34%), apiol (5.45%), and hexadecanoic acid (4.69%). Adding parsley essential oil to the broiler diet quadratically increased body weight (BW) during 1–3 weeks of age. The T5 group recorded the highest value (869.37 g) of BW in comparison to other treatments and the control group. The cholesterol, triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and total immunoglobulin, including immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels in the birds fed parsley essential oil were not affected. The T3 group recorded the highest value (159 ng/mL) of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the lowest value (2.01 ng/mL) of malondialdehyde (MDA) when compared to the control and other treatment. In conclusion, we recommend using parsley oil at levels of 1 mL/kg diet of broiler chicks.
Multiple myeloma refractory to lenalidomide: A systematic literature review of trials and real‐world evidence
Authors: Hartley‐Brown Monique A. , Weisel Katja , Bitetti Jacopo , Carter John A. , McNamara Simon , Purser Molly , Palumbo Antonio , Richardson Paul G.
Published: July 2024

The growing use of frontline lenalidomide treatment in multiple myeloma (MM) is increasing the proportion of lenalidomide‐refractory patients, which may limit the efficacy of subsequent lines of treatment (LOT). This systematic literature review (January 2008–October 2023) of clinical trials (CT) and real‐world studies (RW) assessed treatment outcomes in adults with relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM) who were previously treated with ≥1 LOT, progressed and were lenalidomide‐refractory. Medline, EMBASE and additional electronic databases were searched for articles published in English. Primary outcomes included progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and overall/objective response rate (ORR); 24 CT and 19 RW were included. For CT, the population‐weighted mean of median PFS (CT = 14) and OS (CT = 6) were shorter in the lenalidomide‐refractory cohort (months: 8.8 [n = 2699] and 21.7 [n = 1066], respectively) than the intent‐to‐treat population (months: 13.8 [n = 5380] and 35.9 [n = 2264], respectively); the population‐weighted (N = 2142) mean ORR for lenalidomide‐refractory patients (CT = 18) was 56.0%. RW reported considerable variation in PFS (RW = 7), OS (RW = 8) and ORR (RW = 8); and median PFS (RW = 2; months) was lower in lenalidomide/bortezomib‐refractory (5.5/5.5; n = 81/n = 25) versus lenalidomide‐refractory (7.3/8.0; n = 81/n = 61) patients. These data provide evidence that clinical trials and real‐world outcomes are suboptimal in lenalidomide‐refractory patients with RRMM, highlighting the need to improve treatment options for this population.
Why the Feldstein–Horioka “puzzle” remains unsolved
Authors: Felipe Jesus , Fullwiler Scott , Yusoph Al‐Habbyel
Published: July 2024

We argue that the 40‐year‐old Feldstein–Horioka “puzzle” should have never been labeled as such. We discuss two problems with the literature. First, we show that the series of investment and saving rates typically used in empirical exercises to test the Feldstein–Horioka thesis are not appropriate. The correct series to properly test it are not collected. Second, we show that the Feldstein–Horioka regression is not a model in the econometric sense, that is, an equation with a proper error term (a random variable). The reason is that by adding the capital account to their regression, one gets the accounting identity that relates the capital account, domestic investment, and domestic saving. This implies that the estimate of the coefficient of the saving rate in the Feldstein–Horioka regression can be thought of as a biased estimate of the same coefficient in the accounting identity, where it has a value of 1. Because the omitted variable is known, we call it pseudo bias. Given that this (pseudo) bias is known to be negative and less than 1 in absolute terms, it should come as no surprise that the Feldstein–Horioka regression yields a coefficient between 0 and 1.
Assessing the conservation value of cemeteries to urban biota worldwide
Authors: Itescu Yuval , Jeschke Jonathan M.
Published: July 2024

Cemeteries are key urban green spaces with multifaceted societal and ecological importance. Their biodiversity is shaped by unique environmental and cultural factors. They can potentially protect rare and endangered species, yet their conservation value compared with other urban green spaces remains largely unexplored. We sought to fill this gap by systematically reviewing literature to investigate the conservation value of cemeteries relative to other urban green spaces (botanical gardens, institutional premises, natural remnants, and parks) by comparing species richness and proportions of native and unique species. We analyzed data from 70 papers covering 50 cities in 27 countries with linear and binomial mixed‐effects models at both site and city level. Cemetery conservation value was similar to urban parks, except for the proportion of unique species, for which parks had significantly higher proportions (21.9% vs. 14.2%, p < 0.001). Cemeteries hosted slightly higher proportions of native species at the city level than botanical gardens (99.7% vs. 99.6%, p < 0.001) and institutional green spaces (96.3% vs. 94.1%, p = 0.034) and proportions comparable to parks and natural remnants (p > 0.05). They also had similar or higher values than institutional premises in species richness and unique species proportions (p > 0.05) and a higher site‐level proportion of native species (p < 0.001). In contrast, species richness (slopes = −0.11 and −0.25, respectively) and unique species proportions (4.4% and 6.9%, respectively, p < 0.001 for both) were lower in cemeteries than in remnants of natural areas and in botanical gardens. The conservation value of cemeteries and parks was similar for animals, but parks had a higher value for plants. Overall, cemeteries were generally at least as valuable as some other green spaces for urban biodiversity and mostly native biota. Their religious and cultural significance suggests they will remain intact in the long term; thus, it is essential to prioritize and further promote their biodiversity in conservation and sustainable urban design plans.
Reporting of self‐reported hand eczema as an occupational disease in hospital cleaners: A cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study
Authors: Sedeh Farnam Barati , Ullum Anna Glenn , Christensen Karl Bang , Michaelsdóttir Thórunn Elísabet , Mortensen Ole Steen , Jemec Gregor Borut , Ibler Kristina Sophie
Published: July 2024

Background

Hand eczema (HE) is a prevalent disease among professional cleaners.

Objectives

To investigate how often cleaners have their self‐reported HE, induced or worsened by cleaners' occupational activities, reported as an occupational disease to the authorities in Denmark and to identify reasons for underreporting. In addition, consultation by physicians and treatment for HE among cleaners were also investigated.

Methods

This cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study included hospital cleaners at three different hospitals in Region Zealand, Denmark.

Results

We included 224 out of 234 cleaners from three hospitals (response rate: 96%). The lifetime prevalence of self‐reported HE with onset in adulthood was 18.3% (n = 41), with cleaners believing every case to be caused or exacerbated by their occupation. Only 9.7% (n = 4/41) of the cases were reported as an occupational disease to the authorities. The most common reasons for non‐reporting were a lack of perceived seriousness of the disease (40.5%) and unawareness of the risk of self‐reported HE being of occupational origin (32.4%). Remarkably, only 75.7% (n = 28/37) of workers with unreported cases had consulted a physician at some point. Additionally, among cleaners who self‐reported HE attributed or aggravated by their occupation, but not officially reported as such, only 56.8% (n = 21/37) had ever used hand moisturisers, while less than 45% had ever used topical steroids or calcineurin inhibitors.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal substantial underreporting of self‐reported HE, perceived to be induced or worsened by the cleaner's occupational activities, as an occupational disease to the authorities.
Ten lessons for rare wildlife species conservation when coming from a common species background
Authors: Golding Jessie D. , Specht Hannah M. R. , Millspaugh Joshua J.
Published: July 2024

Efforts to slow biodiversity loss have ushered in an era of proactive conservation for rare species, or species that have any combination of low relative abundance, high habitat specificity, and limited geographic range. Approaches to wildlife management and conservation were often developed for more abundant, generalist species, and frequently do not translate well to rare species. Conservation for rare species therefore requires adapting knowledge, action and inquiry tools for common species to rare species. We therefore present 10 lessons for adapting conservation tools to rare species, each with advice to implement the lessons. Several themes emerge from these lessons. Information scarcity necessitates high standards of information for rare species. Missing rare species information can be complemented with multiple forms of knowledge, particularly when the need for conservation action precludes additional data collection. Investment in depth (over breadth) of information for individuals of rare species can provide alternatives to population trend, which has lower reliability for rare species. Natural history documentation can improve rare species conservation strategies. Finally, curiosity‐driven inquiry can inspire rare species conservation innovation. We hope providing guidance that addresses challenges for rare species will help others bridge the gap between common wildlife approaches and proactive rare species conservation.