bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Cardiovascular Impact and Genetics of Pericardial Adiposity
Authors: Rämö Joel T , Kany Shinwan , Hou Cody R , Friedman Samuel F , Roselli Carolina , Nauffal Victor , Koyama Satoshi , Karjalainen Juha ,   FinnGen, Maddah Mahnaz , Palotie Aarno , Ellinor Patrick T , Pirruccello James P
Published: July 2023

Background

While previous studies have reported associations of pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) with cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease, they have been limited in sample size or drawn from selected populations. Additionally, the genetic determinants of PAT remain largely unknown. We aimed to evaluate the association of PAT with prevalent and incident cardiovascular disease and to elucidate the genetic basis of PAT in a large population cohort.

Methods

A deep learning model was trained to quantify PAT area from four-chamber magnetic resonance images in the UK Biobank using semantic segmentation. Cross-sectional and prospective cardiovascular disease associations were evaluated, controlling for sex and age. A genome-wide association study was performed, and a polygenic score (PGS) for PAT was examined in 453,733 independent FinnGen study participants.

Results

A total of 44,725 UK Biobank participants (51.7% female, mean [SD] age 64.1 [7.7] years) were included. PAT was positively associated with male sex (β = +0.76 SD in PAT), age (r= 0.15), body mass index (BMI;r= 0.47) and waist-to-hip ratio (r= 0.55) (P < 1×10-230). PAT was more elevated in prevalent heart failure (β = +0.46 SD units) and type 2 diabetes (β = +0.56) than in coronary artery disease (β = +0.22) or AF (β = +0.18). PAT was associated with incident heart failure (HR = 1.29 per +1 SD in PAT [95% CI 1.17–1.43]) and type 2 diabetes (HR = 1.63 [1.51–1.76]) during a mean 3.2 (±1.5) years of follow-up; the associations remained significant when controlling for BMI. We identified 5 novel genetic loci for PAT and implicated transcriptional regulators of adipocyte morphology and brown adipogenesis (EBF1,EBF2andCEBPA) and regulators of visceral adiposity (WARS2andTRIB2). The PAT PGS was associated with T2D, heart failure, coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation in FinnGen (ORs 1.03–1.06 per +1 SD in PGS, P < 2×10-10).

Conclusions

PAT shares genetic determinants with abdominal adiposity and is an independent predictor of incident type 2 diabetes and heart failure.

Clinical Perspective

What is new?

In a large, prospective and uniformly phenotyped cohort, pericardial adipose tissue was independently predictive of incident heart failure and type 2 diabetes when adjusted for body mass index.

In contrast, pericardial adipose tissue was not independently predictive of atrial fibrillation.

A genome-wide association study of pericardial adipose tissue identified five novel loci, implicating genes influencing adipocyte morphology, brown-like adipose tissue differentiation and abdominal adiposity.

What are the clinical implications?

Pericardial adipose tissue accumulation may reflect a metabolically unhealthy adiposity phenotype similarly to abdominal visceral adiposity.
Systematics of harvester ants (Messor) in Israel based on integrated morphological, genetic, and ecological data
Authors: Saar Maya , Eyer Pierre-Andre , Cohen Tali Magory , Ionescu-Hirsch Armin , Dor Roi , Dorchin Netta
Published: July 2023

Harvester ants of the genusMessorare considered ecosystem engineers, whose distribution is broadly influenced by a variety of environmental factors. Although distinctMessorspecies have been reported to inhabit different habitats, their taxonomy in Israel remains largely ambiguous, hampering the proper ecological characterization of these species. Here, we applied an integrative species delimitation approach combining morphology-based identification, phylogenetic analyses of nuclear and mitochondrial genes, and ecological niche modelling to investigate the phylogenetic relationships amongMessorspecies in the small but ecologically diverse region of Israel. Our analyses of mitochondrial genes revealed the presence of at least 13 well-defined lineages, whereas only seven were supported by the analysis of the nuclear genes. However, the concatenated tree that included all the three markers supported 11 lineages. Among two of the lineages-inM. semirufusand in a group of ants closest in resemblance toM. grandinidus-we identified 3-4 clades that were well established on most trees, inviting further study. In addition, we reveal three undescribed species and raise two subspecies to species rank, highlighting the high diversity of harvester ants in Israel. Ecological niche modelling consistently supported the observed distribution of species, with soil type and average annual temperature being the most influential factors. These results demonstrate that species distribution modelling can serve as a valuable component of integrative species delimitation. We call for future studies to investigate these fascinating lineages of one of the most prominent and ecologically important genera of ants in the Mediterranean Basin.
A conceptualisation and psychometric evaluation of positive psychological outcome measures used in adolescents and young adults living with HIV: a mixed scoping and systematic review
Authors: Dambi Jermaine M. , Cowan Frances M. , Martin Faith , Sibanda Sharon , Simms Victoria , Willis Nicola , Bernays Sarah , Mavhu Webster
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Sub-Saharan Africa bears the greatest burden of HIV/mental disorders combined. It is important to evaluate the mental health of adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYALHIV) comprehensively by measuring both negative and positive psychological constructs. There has been a proliferation of interest in positive psychological outcome measures, but the evidence of their psychometric robustness is fragmented. This review sought to:

Identify positive psychological outcomes and corresponding outcome measures used in AYALHIV in sub-Saharan Africa

Critically appraise the psychometrics of the identified outcome measures

Methods and analysis

Independent and blinded reviewers searched articles in PubMed, Scopus, Africa-Wide Information, CINAHL, Psych INFO, and Google Scholar. Separate independent reviewers screened the retrieved articles. We applied a narrative synthesis to map the key constructs. The risk of bias across studies was evaluated using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. The quality of the psychometric properties was rated using the COSMIN checklist and qualitatively synthesised using the modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation checklist.

Results

We identified 15 positive psychological constructs: body appreciation, confidence, coping, flourishing, meaningfulness, personal control, positive outlook, resilience, self-management, self-compassion, self-concept, self-efficacy, self-esteem, self-worth and transcendence that had been used to assess ALHIV. Resilience, self-concept, self-esteem, coping and self-efficacy were the most measured constructs. Construct validity and internal consistency were the properties most frequently assessed, while content validity and structural validity were assessed less often.

Conclusions

Few studies performed complete validations; thus, evidence for psychometric robustness was fragmented. However, this review shows the initial evidence of the feasibility of using positive psychological outcomes in low-resource settings. Instead of creating new outcomes, researchers are recommended to leverage the existing measures, adapt them for use, and, if appropriate, strive to maintain the factorial structure to facilitate comparisons.

Registration

PROSPERO-CRD42022325172
An epigenome-wide association study of child appetitive traits and DNA methylation
Authors: Harris Holly A. , Friedman Chloe , Starling Anne P. , Dabelea Dana , Johnson Susan L. , Fuemmeler Bernard F. , Jima Dereje , Murphy Susan K. , Hoyo Cathrine , Jansen Pauline W. , Felix Janine F. , Mulder Rosa
Published: July 2023

Childhood appetitive traits are consistently associated with obesity risk, and yet their etiology is poorly understood. Appetitive traits are complex phenotypes which are hypothesized to be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, as well as their interactions. Early-life epigenetic processes, such as DNA methylation (DNAm), may be involved in the developmental programming of appetite regulation in childhood. In the current study, we meta-analyzed epigenome-wide association studies (EWASs) of cord blood DNAm and early-childhood appetitive traits. Data were from two independent cohorts: the Generation R Study (n=1,086, Rotterdam, the Netherlands) and the Healthy Start study (n=236, Colorado, USA). DNAm at autosomal methylation sites in cord blood was measured using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Parents reported on their child’s food responsiveness, emotional undereating, satiety responsiveness and food fussiness using the Children’s Eating Behaviour Questionnaire at age 4-5 years. Multiple regression models were used to examine the association of DNAm (predictor) at the individual site- and regional-level (using DMRff) with each appetitive trait (outcome), adjusting for covariates. Bonferroni-correction was applied to adjust for multiple testing. There were no associations of DNAm and any appetitive trait at the individual site-level. However, at the regional level, we identified 45 associations of DNAm with food responsiveness, 7 associations of DNAm with emotional undereating, 13 associations of DNAm with satiety responsiveness, and 9 associations of DNAm with food fussiness. This study shows that DNAm in the newborn may partially explain variation in appetitive traits expressed in early childhood and provides preliminary support for early programming of child appetitive traits through DNAm. Investigating differential DNAm associated with appetitive traits could be an important first step in identifying biological pathways underlying the development of these behaviors.
Historical RNA expression profiles from the extinct Tasmanian tiger
Authors: Mármol-Sánchez Emilio , Fromm Bastian , Oskolkov Nikolay , Pochon Zoé , Kalogeropoulos Panagiotis , Eriksson Eli , Biryukova Inna , Sekar Vaishnovi , Ersmark Erik , Andersson Björn , Dalén Love , Friedländer Marc R.
Published: July 2023

Paleogenomics continues to yield valuable insights into the evolution, population dynamics, and ecology of our ancestors and other extinct species. However, DNA sequencing cannot reveal tissue-specific gene expression, cellular identity, or gene regulation, which are only attainable at the transcriptional level. Pioneering studies have shown that useful RNA can be extracted from ancient specimens preserved in permafrost and historical skins from extant canids, but no attempts have been made so far on extinct species. We extract, sequence, and analyze historical RNA from muscle and skin tissue of a ∼130-year-old Tasmanian tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus) preserved in desiccation at room temperature in a museum collection. The transcriptional profiles closely resemble those of extant species, revealing specific anatomical features such as slow muscle fibers or blood infiltration. Metatranscriptomic analysis, RNA damage, tissue-specific RNA profiles, and expression hotspots genome-wide further confirm the thylacine origin of the sequences. RNA sequences are used to improve protein-coding and noncoding annotations, evidencing missing exonic loci and the location of ribosomal RNA genes while increasing the number of annotated thylacine microRNAs from 62 to 325. We discover a thylacine-specific microRNA isoform that could not have been confirmed without RNA evidence. Finally, we detect traces of RNA viruses, suggesting the possibility of profiling viral evolution. Our results represent the first successful attempt to obtain transcriptional profiles from an extinct animal species, providing thought-to-be-lost information on gene expression dynamics. These findings hold promising implications for the study of RNA molecules across the vast collections of natural history museums and from well-preserved permafrost remains.
Customer satisfaction and airport efficiency in Brazil: a hybrid NDEA-AHP approach
Authors: Teixeira Rafael , Antunes Jorge Junio Moreira , Wanke Peter , Correa Henrique Luiz , Tan Yong
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to measure and unveil the relationship between customer satisfaction and efficiency levels in the most relevant Brazilian airports.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize a two-stage network DEA (data envelopment analysis) and AHP (analytic hierarchy process) model as the cornerstones of the study. The first stage of the network productive structure focuses on examining the infrastructure efficiency of the selected airports, while the second stage assesses their business efficiency.

Findings

Although the results indicate that infrastructure and business efficiency levels are heterogeneous and widely dispersed across airports, controlling the regression results with different contextual variables suggests that the impact of efficiency levels on customer satisfaction is mediated by a set of socio-economic and demographic (endogenous) and regulatory (exogenous) variables. Furthermore, encouraging investment in airports is necessary to achieve higher infrastructural efficiency and scale efficiency, thereby improving customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

There is a scarcity of studies examining the relationships among customer satisfaction, privatization and airport efficiency, particularly in developing countries like Brazil.
A decision-support framework for selecting additive manufacturing technologies
Authors: Maranha João , Nascimento Paulo Jorge , Calcerano Tomaz Alexandre , Silva Cristóvão , Mueller Stefanie , Moniz Samuel
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study provides an up-to-date review of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies and guidance for selecting the most appropriate ones for specific applications, taking into account the main features, strengths, and limitations of the existing options.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review on AM technologies was conducted to assess the current state-of-the-art. This was followed by a closer examination of different AM machines to gain a deeper insight into their main features and operational characteristics. The conclusions and data gathered were used to formulate a classification and decision-support framework.

Findings

The findings indicate the building blocks of the selection process for AM technologies. Furthermore, this work shows the suitability of the existing AM technologies for specific cases and points to opportunities for technological and decision-support improvements. Lastly, more standardization in AM would be beneficial for future research.

Practical implications

The proposed framework offers valuable support for decision-makers to select the most suitable AM technologies, as demonstrated through practical examples of its utilization. In addition, it can help researchers identify the limitations of AM by pinpointing applications where existing technologies fail to meet the requirements.

Originality/value

The study offers a novel classification and decision-support framework for selecting AM technologies, incorporating machine characteristics, process features, physical properties of printed parts, and costs as key features to evaluate the potential of AM. Additionally, it provides a deeper understanding of these features as well as the potential opportunities for AM and its impact on various industries.
Understanding the relationship between entrepreneurship education, entrepreneurial attitudes, and entrepreneurial intentions among engineering graduates: the moderating role of gender
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Chawla Sonia
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The current study assesses the contribution of entrepreneurship education (EE) in strengthening entrepreneurial attitudes (EAs) and entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) among engineering graduates in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional data were collected through an electronic questionnaire from 340 engineering students. Structural equation modeling was performed for hypothesis testing through SmartPLS4 software.

Findings

The findings demonstrated that EE, EA and EI are positively and significantly correlated. However, the moderation effect of gender on EE–EI linkage was found to be insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides comprehensive insights to understand EE effectiveness on students' EI and further opens the path for future researchers to investigate how the inclusion of other constructs in theory of planned behavior and human capital theory can raise the EI among students. Future research should target a larger sample size comprising students from diverse educational streams.

Practical implications

The findings of this research offer various practical contributions for educational establishments, policymakers and the government in formulating constructive educational interventions that fully trigger the student's EIs.

Originality/value

This study adds to the scarce theoretical examination of EE–EI using the human capital approach in developing countries. In addition, this study is highly relevant to the scarce theoretical and empirical support for investigating the contribution of EE in HEIs in India.
Investigating factors influencing individual user's intention to adopt cloud computing: a hybrid approach using PLS-SEM and fsQCA
Authors: Chanda Razib Chandra , Vafaei-Zadeh Ali , Hanifah Haniruzila , Ramayah T.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The main objective of this study is to investigate the factors that influence the adoption intention of cloud computing services among individual users using the extended theory of planned behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

A purposive sampling technique was used to collect a total of 339 data points, which were analyzed using SmartPLS to derive variance-based structural equation modeling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).

Findings

The results obtained from PLS-SEM indicate that attitude towards cloud computing, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, perceived security, cost-effectiveness, and performance expectancy all have a positive and significant impact on the adoption intention of cloud computing services among individual users. On the other hand, the findings from fsQCA provide a clear interpretation and deeper insights into the adoption intention of individual users of cloud computing services by revealing the complex relationships between multiple combinations of antecedents. This helps to understand the reasons for individual users' adoption intention in emerging countries.

Practical implications

This study offers valuable insights to cloud service providers and cyber entrepreneurs on how to promote cloud computing services to individual users in developing countries. It helps these organizations understand their priorities for encouraging cloud computing adoption among individual users from emerging countries. Additionally, policymakers can also understand their role in creating a comfortable and flexible cloud computing access environment for individual users.

Originality/value

This study has contributed to the increasingly growing empirical literature on cloud computing adoption and demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical framework in identifying the potential reasons for the slow growth of cloud computing services adoption in the developing world.
Migration or not? Impact of individual and urban factors on migrant workers' willingness of household registration transfer
Authors: Chu Zhongzhu , Chen Xihui
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that influence migrant workers' household registration transfer willingness at both individual and urban levels and to provide empirical evidence on adjusting the household registration system to accommodate economic development and migrant workers' imbalances.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a hierarchical nonlinear model and examines individual and urban influencing factors of migrant workers' household registration transfer willingness, based on the data from China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS) and the Urban Statistical Yearbooks.

Findings

This paper shows that: (1) multi-factors, such as age, education, marital status, household demographics, industry and migrant workers' contract coverage, have significant effects on migrant workers' household registration transfer willingness; (2) The urban public service equalization indicators, such as regional economic, educational resources, medical care and ecological quality, have significant effects on migrant workers' willingness to transfer household registration; (3) The heterogeneity of migrant workers' willingness to transfer household registration is significant in central, eastern and western China.

Research limitations/implications

The authors provide a fresh perspective on population migration research in China and other countries worldwide based on the pull–push migration theory, which incorporates both individual and macro (urban) factors, enabling a comprehensive examination of the factors influencing household registration transfer willingness. This hierarchical ideology and approach (hierarchical nonlinear model) could be extended to investigate the influencing factors of various other human intentions and behaviors.

Originality/value

Micro approaches (individual perspective) have dominated existing studies examining the factors influencing migrant workers' household registration transfer willingness. The authors combine individual and urban perspectives and adopt a more comprehensive hierarchical nonlinear model to extend the empirical evidence and provide theoretical explanations for the above issues.
Pharmacological targeting of Axin2 suppresses cell growth and metastasis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Cheng Li‐Zhi , Huang Dan‐Ling , Tang Zhang‐Rui , Zhang Jia‐Hao , Xiong Ting , Zhou Chen , Zhang Nai‐Xia , Fu Rong , Cheng Yong‐Xian , Wu Zhao‐Qiu
Published: July 2023

Background and Purpose

The scaffold molecule Axin2 is constitutively activated in colorectal cancer (CRC) and functions as a potent promoter of CRC behaviour. Pharmacological targeting of Axin2 may therefore exert a therapeutic effect in patients with CRC. Here, we discovered a potent small‐molecule inhibitor of Axin2, based on the mechanism by which Axin2 is regulated post‐translationally, and investigated its antitumour effects.

Experimental Approach

Compound discovery and its inhibitory action on Axin2 protein were revealed by microscale thermophoresis, in vitro kinase assay, quantitative kinetic assay, immunoblotting/immunoprecipitation, RT‐qPCR and cycloheximide pulse‐chase assay. Compound antitumour effects and the underlying mechanisms were evaluated in multiple cell‐based assays and mouse models.

Key Results

We discovered that glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) phosphorylates Axin2 at two consensus motifs and coupled Axin2 phosphorylation to its ubiquitination (mediated by the E3 ligase β‐Trcp2) and proteasomal degradation. The binding of Axin2 to GSK3β in CRC cells is faint, which enables most of the Axin2 protein to maintain an unphosphorylated status and thereby permits the cells to preserve high levels of Axin2. Importantly, we identified a small‐molecule compound CW85319 that enhances Axin2's interaction with GSK3β via forming a high affinity for Axin2. Treatment of CRC cells with CW85319 enhanced Axin2 binding with GSK3β, thereby promoting Axin2 phosphorylation, subsequent ubiquitination, and degradation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CW85319 efficiently suppressed Axin2‐driven CRC growth and metastasis, without eliciting side toxicity.

Conclusions and Implications

These findings suggest that pharmacological targeting of Axin2 by CW85319 may provide therapeutic benefits against certain human cancers, especially CRC.
Τhe neuroprotective role of environmental enrichment against behavioral, morphological, neuroendocrine and molecular changes following chronic unpredictable mild stress: A systematic review
Authors: Dandi Εvgenia , Spandou Evangelia , Dalla Christina , Tata Despina Α.
Published: July 2023

Environmental factors interact with biological and genetic factors influencing the development and well‐being of an organism. The interest in better understanding the role of environment on behavior and physiology led to the development of animal models of environmental manipulations. Environmental enrichment (EE), an environmental condition that allows cognitive and sensory stimulation as well as social interaction, improves cognitive function, reduces anxiety and depressive‐like behavior and promotes neuroplasticity. In addition, it exerts protection against neurodegenerative disorders, cognitive aging and deficits aggravated by stressful experiences. Given the beneficial effects of EE on the brain and behavior, preclinical studies have focused on its protective role as an alternative, non‐invasive manipulation, to help an organism to cope better with stress. A valid, reliable and effective animal model of chronic stress that enhances anxiety and depression‐like behavior is the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The variety of stressors and the unpredictability in the time and sequence of exposure to prevent habituation, render CUMS an ethologically relevant model. CUMS has been associated with dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, elevation in the basal levels of stress hormones, reduction in brain volume, dendritic atrophy and alterations in markers of synaptic plasticity. Although numerous studies have underlined the compensatory role of EE against the negative effects of various chronic stress regimens (e.g. restraint and social isolation), research concerning the interaction between EE and CUMS is sparse. The purpose of the current systematic review is to present up‐to‐date research findings regarding the protective role of EE against the negative effects of CUMS.
Song complexity is associated with habitat quality in an upland passerine
Authors: García Javier , Laiolo Paola , Suárez‐Seoane Susana
Published: July 2023

Understanding the influence of intrinsic (genetic and morphological) and extrinsic (geographical, environmental and social) factors on the performance and spatial differentiation of sexual signals, such as bird song, can help identify behavioural indicators of individual quality, habitat degradation and social environment. We used the Iberian Bluethroat Luscinia svecica azuricollis, a migratory bird that breeds in fragmented landscapes dominated by shrublands, as a case study to: (1) assess how a set of acoustic indicators of song performance are driven by intrinsic and extrinsic factors; and (2) contrast deterministic (adaptations to the environmental context and morphological constraints) vs. stochastic (differentiation by geographical isolation) explanations for song differentiation patterns. We explored acoustic indicators of song performance (spectral, temporal and song complexity) in relation to parameters related to genetic structure, body size, habitat type, habitat quality (assessed through a spatially explicit modelling approach) and social context (population abundance and songbird community composition). Then, we explored the contribution of genetic, geographical and environmental dissimilarity to song diversification across space. Our results highlight an association of song spectral variables with genetic structure and a significant connection between song complexity and duration with habitat quality. We found no relationship between social features and acoustic variables, or between song differentiation and genetic or geographical distances. There was, however, a correlation between song differentiation and environmental dissimilarity. We recommend the consideration of song complexity as an indicator of habitat quality.
The evolving direct‐to‐consumer retail model: A review and research agenda
Authors: McKee Samantha , Sands Sean , Pallant Jason Ian , Cohen Justin
Published: July 2023

The substantial growth of e‐commerce sales, driven by digital advancements, has enticed brands to sell direct‐to‐consumers (DTC) online. Despite the growth of the DTC online retail model in practice, academic literature remains fragmented. This systematic review is timely as it meets the need for a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of DTC over two decades of research to 2023. A SPAR‐4‐SLR protocol combined with a Theory–Context–Methods (TCM) approach examines the extant literature through a marketing lens. An analysis of 81 articles reveals a need for consumer behavior theories to underpin research on the DTC retail model. We conclude the review by identifying areas for further development, such as the need for research on the technology‐driven balance of power between brands, retailers, and consumers. Contextually, the authors highlight research opportunities on SME brands' internationalization and the DTC online luxury experience. Methodological directions include empirical qualitative studies and experiments on the emerging topics of technology‐enabled retail services and the experiential e‐commerce impact on customer experience. These future research undertakings will help us to better understand the DTC retail model.
Co‐creating digital educational resources to enhance quality in student nurses' clinical education in nursing homes: Report of a co‐creative process
Authors: Laugaland Kristin A. , Akerjordet Kristin , Frøiland Christina T. , Aase Ingunn
Published: July 2023

Aim

To report a methodological, co‐creative approach for developing an interactive digital educational resource to enhance the quality of student nurses' clinical education in nursing homes and to elucidate the lessons learned from this approach.

Design

This study applied a co‐design methodology that builds on participatory design principles.

Methods

Co‐creating the digital educational resource included multiple sequential and interactive phases inspired by the design thinking framework. Workshops were employed as the primary co‐creative activity.

Results

Seven separate homogenous or joint heterogeneous workshops were conducted with student nurses, nurse educators, registered nurse mentors and e‐learning designers (n = 36) during the active stakeholder engagement phases to inform the educational content, design and functionality of the digital educational resource. These were informed by, and grounded in, learning theory and principles.

Conclusion

Co‐creative approaches in nursing education are an essential avenue for further research. We still lack systematic knowledge about the impact and benefits of co‐created initiatives, stakeholders' motivations, barriers, facilitators to participation and the role of context in supporting effective co‐creative processes to increase the quality of nursing education.

Impact

This paper demonstrates how digital educational initiatives to enhance quality in clinical nursing education can be co‐created with key stakeholders through a novel methodological approach inspired by design thinking. To date, the methodological development process of co‐created educational interventions has received limited attention and compared with the content and theoretical underpinnings of such interventions, has rarely been addressed. Therefore, this paper facilitates knowledge exchange and documents vital aspects to consider when co‐creating digital educational initiatives incorporating multistakeholder perspectives. This promotes a stronger academic–practice partnership to impact and enhance the quality of clinical nursing education in nursing homes.

Public Contributions

Student nurses, nurse educators, and registered nurse mentors worked alongside researchers and e‐learning designers in the co‐creative process.
‘We only come from one perspective’: Exploring experiences of allies supporting expert by experience leadership in mental health education
Authors: Happell Brenda , Gordon Sarah , Sharrock Julie , O Donovan Aine , Warner Terri
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Academics from health professional backgrounds have a crucial role in supporting the implementation and sustainability of academic positions for experts by experience in mental health education. Perspectives and experiences of these academics have yet to be extensively explored. A deeper understanding will add to our understanding of this important role and provide guidance for academics with similar aspirations.

Aim

The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of supporting academic positions for experts by experience in mental health education.

Methods

A qualitative exploratory design was utilised. In‐depth interviews were conducted with academics who have actively supported academic positions for experts by experience.

Results

Allyship was a key theme identified. Participants described allyship as complex, time‐consuming and rewarding, through three sub‐themes: the tension of allyship, the impact of being an ally and interpersonal and relational issues with health professional academics.

Conclusions

Allyship was influenced by the negative attitudes of many health professional academics, who do not appreciate the value of this work.

Implications for Practice

Allyship has a crucial role in enhancing experts by experience leadership in the education of health professionals. Understanding the experience of allyship will assist in further understanding and developing these important roles.
Radiofrequency ablation of the occipital nerves for treatment of neuralgias and headache
Authors: Abd‐Elsayed Alaa , Yapo Sarah A. , Cao Nancy Nguyen , Keith Mitchell Kenneth , Fiala Kenneth James
Published: July 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy as a treatment for occipital neuralgias and headaches at health clinics in the United States between January 1, 2015 and June 20, 2022. We hypothesize that RFA is a minimally invasive treatment that provides significant pain relief long‐term for occipital neuralgias and associated headaches.

Methods

This retrospective analysis studies data collected from 277 occipital nerve RFA patients who had adequate pre‐procedure and post‐procedure follow‐up for data analysis. Data collected includes the patient's age, biological sex, BMI, headache diagnosis, pre‐procedure, and post‐procedure pain score using the visual analog scale (VAS), subjective percent improvement in symptom(s), and duration of symptom relief. Statistical analysis used SPSS software, version 26 (IBM), using a paired t‐test to assess the significance between pre and post‐occipital RFA therapy pain scores. p‐values were significant if found to be ≤0.05.

Results

The mean pre‐procedure pain score before RFA therapy for patients who completed at least 6 months of follow‐up was 5.57 (SD = 1.87) and the mean post‐procedure pain score after RFA therapy was 2.39 (SD = 2.42). The improvement in pain scores between pre‐procedure and post‐procedure was statistically significant with a p‐value < 0.001. The mean patient‐reported percent improvement in pain following RFA therapy was 63.53% (SD = 36.37). The mean duration of pain improvement was 253.9 days after the initiation of therapy (SD = 300.5). When excluding patients who did not have any relief following their RFA procedure, the average pre‐procedure pain score was 5.54 (SD = 1.81) and post‐procedure pain score was 1.71 (SD = 1.81) with a p‐value < 0.001.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the minimally invasive, safe, and effective treatment of RFA in patients with refractory occipital neuralgias and headaches. Additional studies are necessary to illuminate ideal patient characteristics for RFA treatment and the potential for procedural complications and long‐term side effects associated with occipital nerve RFA therapy.
A new typology for comparing scientific advisory committees. Evidence from the Italian response to the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Capano Giliberto , Casula Mattia , Malandrino Anna , Terlizzi Andrea , Toth Federico
Published: July 2023

The study of scientific advisory committees (SACs) is a recurrent topic of research in public policy and public administration. Scholars are increasingly interested in analyzing the scientization of policy advice as well as the role played by knowledge‐based policymaking processes. Despite recent developments in the field, SACs studies continue to face an analytical and empirical gap due to the lack of parsimonious conceptualizations of the characteristics that enable them to be both theoretically relevant and effective in driving comparative analysis. To fill this research gap, this article proposes a novel typology of SACs based on a specific conceptualization of the motivations of policymakers that allows the selection of two classificatory criteria: the origin of the members and the degree to which their expertise is homogeneous. The theoretical relevance of this typology is illustrated by applying it to the SACs established in the Italian regions to address the COVID‐19 pandemic. The article highlights the relevance of the typology to the theory underlying the empirical analysis. In doing so, it provides relevant insights into the composition and nature of SACs that is useful not only for the academic debate on evidence‐based policymaking but also for both practitioners and decision‐makers.
Prediction of Laminar Burning Speed of Propane/Hydrogen/Air Mixtures Using Power-Law Correlation and Two Machine Learning Models
Authors: Lu Zhenyu , Metghalchi Hameed
Published: July 2023

Propane (C3H8) and hydrogen (H2) are regarded as alternative fuels that are favorable to the environment. Hydrogen gas's low energy density, storage, and transportation are the main issues with using it as an alternative fuel. Addition of hydrogen gas in the combustion of propane will also improve flame stability, broaden lean flammability limits, and reduces pollutant emissions. Thus, utilizing propane and hydrogen mixtures as fuel is a good choice. Laminar burning speed is a fundamental property of a combustible mixture and can be used to provide information regarding the mixture’s reactivity, exothermicity, and diffusivity. In this study, power-law correlation and machine learning methods were used to create models that predict the laminar burning speed of propane/hydrogen/air mixtures at various states. Two machine learning models are artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector machine (SVM). The data were generated by using CANTRA code and a chemical kinetic mechanism. For a wide variety of input values, the models were able to determine the laminar burning speed with great accuracy. The ANN model yields the best performance. The main advantage of these models is the noticeably faster computing time when compared to chemical reaction mechanisms.
Opportunities and Challenges of Quantum Computing for Engineering Optimization
Authors: Wang Yan , Kim Jungin E. , Suresh Krishnan
Published: July 2023

Quantum computing as the emerging paradigm for scientific computing has attracted significant research attention in the past decade. Quantum algorithms to solve the problems of linear systems, eigenvalue, optimization, machine learning, and others have been developed. The main advantage of utilizing quantum computer to solve optimization problems is that quantum superposition allows for massive parallel searching of solutions. This article provides an overview of fundamental quantum algorithms that can be utilized in solving optimization problems, including Grover search, quantum phase estimation, quantum annealing, quantum approximate optimization algorithm, variational quantum eigensolver, and quantum walk. A review of recent applications of quantum optimization methods for engineering design, including materials design and topology optimization, is also given. The challenges to develop scalable and reliable quantum algorithms for engineering optimization are discussed.
Generative Design by Embedding Topology Optimization into Conditional Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Wang Zhichao , Melkote Shreyes , Rosen David W.
Published: July 2023

Generative design (GD) techniques have been proposed to generate numerous designs at early design stages for ideation and exploration purposes. Previous research on GD using deep neural networks required tedious iterations between the neural network and design optimization, as well as post-processing to generate functional designs. Additionally, design constraints such as volume fraction could not be enforced. In this paper, a two-stage non-iterative formulation is proposed to overcome these limitations. In the first stage, a conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN) is utilized to control design parameters. In the second stage, topology optimization (TO) is embedded into cGAN (cGAN + TO) to ensure that desired functionality is achieved. Tests on different combinations of loss terms and different parameter settings within topology optimization demonstrated the diversity of generated designs. Further study showed that cGAN + TO can be extended to different load and boundary conditions by modifying these parameters in the second stage of training without having to retrain the first stage. Results demonstrate that GD can be realized efficiently and robustly by cGAN+TO.
An Examination of the Challenge/Threat State and Sport-Performance Relationship While Controlling for Past Performance
Authors: Jewiss Matthew , Runswick Oliver R. , Greenlees Iain
Published: July 2023

A challenge state is associated with superior performance compared to a threat state in a variety of performance domains (e.g., sport, aviation, education). However, in the challenge and threat (C/T) literature, between-subjects variability in past performance is often inconsistently controlled for. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of C/T states on performance using two methods to control for past performance. Experiment 1 used previous performance statistics in a between-subjects design and Experiment 2 used a within-subject design. In Experiment 1, regression analysis showed that cardiovascular correlates of C/T states predicted cricket batting performance in 45 amateur cricketers. In Experiment 2, between- and within-subject analysis found that past performance was the only predictor of subsequent golf putting performance in 40 noncompetitive golfers. Taken together, the findings challenge the role that C/T states play in predicting performance under pressure after controlling for past performance.
Characterization of a novel aromatic substrate-processing microcompartment in Actinobacteria
Authors: Doron Lior , Sutter Markus , Kerfeld Cheryl A.
Published: July 2023

We have discovered a new cluster of genes that is found exclusively in the Actinobacteria phylum. This locus includes genes for the 2-aminophenol
meta
-cleavage pathway and the shell proteins of a bacterial microcompartment (BMC) and has been named aromatics (ARO) for its putative role in the breakdown of aromatic compounds. In this study, we provide details about the distribution and composition of the ARO BMC locus and conduct phylogenetic, structural, and functional analyses of the first two enzymes in the catabolic pathway: a unique 2-aminophenol dioxygenase, which is exclusively found alongside BMC shell genes in Actinobacteria, and a semialdehyde dehydrogenase, which works downstream of the dioxygenase. Genomic analysis reveals variations in the complexity of the ARO loci across different orders. Some loci are simple, containing shell proteins and enzymes for the initial steps of the catabolic pathway, while others are extensive, encompassing all the necessary genes for the complete breakdown of 2-aminophenol into pyruvate and acetyl-CoA. Furthermore, our analysis uncovers two subtypes of ARO BMC that likely degrade either 2-aminophenol or catechol, depending on the presence of a pathway-specific gene within the ARO locus. The precise precursor of 2-aminophenol, which serves as the initial substrate and/or inducer for the ARO pathway, remains unknown, as our model organism
Micromonospora rosaria
cannot utilize 2-aminophenol as its sole energy source. However, using enzymatic assays, we demonstrate the dioxygenase’s ability to cleave both 2-aminophenol and catechol
in vitro
, in collaboration with the aldehyde dehydrogenase, to facilitate the rapid conversion of these unstable and toxic intermediates.

IMPORTANCE

Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are proteinaceous organelles that are widespread among bacteria and provide a competitive advantage in specific environmental niches. Studies have shown that the genetic information necessary to form functional BMCs is encoded in loci that contain genes encoding shell proteins and the enzymatic core. This allows the bioinformatic discovery of BMCs with novel functions and expands our understanding of the metabolic diversity of BMCs. ARO loci, found only in Actinobacteria, contain genes encoding for phylogenetically remote shell proteins and homologs of the
meta
-cleavage degradation pathway enzymes that were shown to convert central aromatic intermediates into pyruvate and acetyl-CoA in gamma Proteobacteria. By analyzing the gene composition of ARO BMC loci and characterizing two core enzymes phylogenetically, structurally, and functionally, we provide an initial functional characterization of the ARO BMC, the most unusual BMC identified to date, distinctive among the repertoire of studied BMCs.
Bacterial TANGO2 homologs are heme-trafficking proteins that facilitate biosynthesis of cytochromes
c
Authors: Han Sirui , Guo Kailun , Wang Wei , Tao Yizhi J. , Gao Haichun
Published: July 2023

Heme, an essential molecule for virtually all living organisms, acts primarily as a cofactor in a large number of proteins. However, how heme is mobilized from the site of synthesis to the locations where hemoproteins are assembled remains largely unknown in cells, especially bacterial ones. In this study, with
Shewanella oneidensis
as the model, we identified HtpA (SO0126) as a heme-trafficking protein and homolog of TANGO2 proteins found in eukaryotes. We showed that HtpA homologs are widely distributed in all domains of living organisms and have undergone parallel evolution. In its absence, the cytochrome (cyt)
c
content and catalase activity decreased significantly. We further showed that both HtpA and representative TANGO2 proteins bind heme with 1:1 stoichiometry and a relatively low dissociation constant. Protein interaction analyses substantiated that HtpA directly interacts with the cytochrome
c
maturation system. Our findings shed light on cross-membrane transport of heme in bacteria and extend the understanding of TANGO2 proteins.

IMPORTANCE

The intracellular trafficking of heme, an essential cofactor for hemoproteins, remains underexplored even in eukaryotes, let alone bacteria. Here we developed a high-throughput method by which HtpA, a homolog of eukaryotic TANGO2 proteins, was identified to be a heme-binding protein that enhances cytochrome
c
biosynthesis and catalase activity in
Shewanella oneidensis
. HtpA interacts with the cytochrome
c
biosynthesis system directly, supporting that this protein, like TANGO2, functions in intracellular heme trafficking. HtpA homologs are widely distributed, but a large majority of them were found to be non-exchangeable, likely a result of parallel evolution. By substantiating the heme-trafficking nature of HtpA and its eukaryotic homologs, our findings provide general insight into the heme-trafficking process and highlight the functional conservation along evolution in all living organisms.