bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why do firms list their shares in the US? The role of political uncertainty
Authors: Ghadhab Imen , Nizar Hamza
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates the effect of political uncertainty on the decision to cross-list in the United States (US).

Design/methodology/approach

To reach our paper aim, we use a sample of 589 non-US firms cross-listed in the US for the period from 2000 to 2019. We perform logit regression and use several political uncertainty proxies, including US election presidential years, political voting margin and the political uncertainty index from Baker et al. (2002), as a continuous measure of general political condition (Francis et al., 2021).

Findings

We find the following results. Non-US firms are less likely to cross-list their shares when US political uncertainty is high. We also find that the decision to cross-list is driven by price informativeness as a channel that can explain the role of political uncertainty. Our results are robust to the endogeneity concern. In addition, we find that political administration (Democrats vs Republicans) significantly affects the decision to cross-list. More particularly, we show that firms are more likely to cross-list their shares in the US when Democrats win the elections. Moreover, we find that cross-listed firms exhibit lower valuation compared to their non-cross-listed peers when US political uncertainty is high.

Originality/value

Using a unified framework of non-US firms cross-listed in the US, this paper contributes to different strands of the literature. Our first main contribution adds to the literature on cross-listing by providing, in our knowledge, the first evidence regarding the relation between cross-listing and political uncertainty. We add to the existing literature by showing that US political uncertainty significantly determines the decision to cross-list and value creation for cross-listed firms. Whether and how managers alter their strategic decision behavior in such settings is less clear. Hence, our paper contributes to the literature by documenting how political uncertainty impacts cross-listing decision and shapes management guidance decisions. Second, this study joins a growing body of literature that examines the real impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on economic outcomes. We provide empirical evidence suggesting that cross-listed firms exhibit lower valuation during period of high political uncertainty due to decreased price informativeness.
Bridging the gap: sustainable development goals as catalysts for change in accounting education and society
Authors: Twyford Erin Jade , Musundwa Sedzani , Tanima Farzana Aman , George Sendirella
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue for a transformative shift towards an inclusive and socially responsible framework in accounting education. Integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into accounting curricula can help accountants contribute positively towards the goals’ aim. This represents not merely an educational reform but a call to action to forge a path that empowers accounting students to be technically proficient and socially conscious graduates who act as change agents working towards the public interest.

Design/methodology/approach

This study challenges the technical focus of accounting, conceptualising it as a multidimensional technical, social and moral practice, transcending traditional boundaries to address complex societal issues. This paper is primarily discursive, using autoethnography through presenting vignettes written by four female accounting educators across three geographical regions. These first-person narratives foster a sense of interconnectedness and shared responsibility within the accounting community, reflecting a collective commitment to integrating SDGs into accounting education. By sharing personal experiences, the authors invite readers to engage in reflective pedagogy and contribute to shaping a better world through accounting education.

Findings

The transformative potential of purposefully incorporating SDGs into accounting education is not just a theoretical concept. The vignettes in this study provide concrete evidence of how this integration can shape future accountants into socially conscious professionals driven by ethics, equity and environmental responsibility. Our collective reflection underscores the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in aligning accounting education with the SDGs, offering a hopeful vision for the future of this field.

Originality/value

This study builds on existing literature to encourage communication, curriculum development, collaborative teaching approaches, experiential learning opportunities, ongoing evaluation and community dialogue on reshaping accounting education by giving a rare insight into what and how people teach and from what broader motivations. It offers a practical roadmap for educators to integrate SDGs into their teaching.
Safeguarding our roots: natural resources accounting and reporting in the public sector
Authors: Aggestam Pontoppidan Caroline , Bisogno Marco , Caruana Josette , Dabbicco Giovanna
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore natural resources from a public sector accounting perspective, focusing on their definitions, classifications, recognition criteria and disclosure requirements provided by different standard-setters and regulators at both international and national levels.

Design/methodology/approach

By reviewing accounting frameworks for natural resources, this study extrapolates accounting dilemmas around the debate on natural resource accounting, using the dialogic accounting perspective as a theoretical framework.

Findings

Natural resources cannot be defined as a single category. Various categories have different characteristics, requiring different standards to recognize multiple orientations. This avoids monetary reductionism. Furthermore, uncertainty, both in existence and measurement, may disqualify some of these resources from being considered assets. Perhaps, concentrating on the flow of services derived from natural resources is better than focusing on their valuation. This may lead to a split-asset approach (flows and underlying assets) for certain resources. This study’s findings indicate that public-sector entities should consider preparing a separate non-financial report regarding the management of natural resources with the objective of maintaining inter-generational equity.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the debate on natural resources from an accounting and reporting perspective, highlighting the importance of holding public-sector entities accountable for the use of natural resources.
Optimizing marketing strategy: a video analysis approach
Authors: Agrawal Shiv Ratan , Mittal Divya
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The current study analyzes product review videos of influencers to determine why they are popular among customers. The study on electrical and electronic appliances covered by YouTubers is an entirely new field of research. Knowing why customers watch their product review videos before purchasing would be interesting.

Design/methodology/approach

We analyzed 172 product review videos from influencers on YouTube. Subsequently, the study employed negative binomial regression (NB2) to predict the explanatory power of the independent variables over the dependent variables.

Findings

This paper recommends two different models for viewer engagement in online review videos. One can be used for high and the other for low viewer engagement. Comparatively, viewers put more effort into commenting on a video than liking it. Yet both have their importance as per the requirement.

Research limitations/implications

We only focused on video content in English and Hindi. The study data considered review videos from various electrical and electronic appliances. Future researchers may replicate this study on different product categories.

Practical implications

This study makes a remarkable contribution to how firms and their managers can optimize video content when designing marketing strategies, particularly for retailers and e-tailers.

Originality/value

The current paper takes the lead in contributing to the existing literature on marketing in two ways. First, focusing on product review videos from influencers and second, employing a video analysis approach. Furthermore, this study recommends two different viewer engagement models for marketing practices when employing quantitative and qualitative video content.
Predicting student success with and without library instruction using supervised machine learning methods
Authors: Harker Karen , Hargis Carol , Rowe Jennifer
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The main purpose of this analysis was to demonstrate the value of predictive modeling of student success and identify the key groups of students for which library instruction could provide the most impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Data regarding the attendance of library instruction associated with a first-year writing course were combined with student demographic and academic data over a four year period representing over 10,000 students. We applied supervised machine learning methods to determine the most accurate model for predicting student outcomes, including course outcome, persistence and graduation. We also assessed the impact of library instruction on these outcomes.

Findings

The gradient-boosted decision tree model provided the most accurate predictions. The impact of library instruction was modest but still was second only to the previous grade point average (GPA). The value of this metric, however, was greatest for students who were struggling, especially those who were first-generation students, regardless of ethnicity. More notably, the impact of library instruction was substantially greater for specific student demographics, including students with lower cumulative GPAs.

Research limitations/implications

Features of the models were limited to high-level academic metrics, some of which may not be very useful in predicting outcomes. Measures more closely related to learning styles, the course or course of study could provide for greater accuracy.

Practical implications

Prediction modeling could allow for a more selective approach to outreach and offers information that the librarian can use to customize instruction sessions and reference interactions.

Social implications

Targeting students who may be at risk of not succeeding in a course has ethical implications either way. If used to bias the subjective assessments, these predictions could produce self-fulfilling prophecies. Conversely, to ignore indicators of possible difficulties the student may have with the material is a disservice to the education of that student.

Originality/value

There are few studies that have incorporated library instruction into models of predicting student outcomes. Library resources and services can play a major role in the success of students, particularly those who have had less exposure to the resources and skills needed to use these resources.
Investigation of using amine and acetylamine functional units on naphthalimide dyes for photovoltaic devices
Authors: Hosseinnezhad Mozhgan , Nasiri Sohrab , Nutalapati Venkatramaiah , Gharanjig Kamaladin , Arabi Amirmasoud
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce four new organic dyes based on naphthalimide for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).

Design/methodology/approach

Four new dyes based on naphthalimide with substitutions of amine and acetylamine in position C4 were designed in conjugation with substituted carbazole as donor–acceptor (D-A) architecture. The absorption and emission characteristics of the prepared dyes were evaluated in H2O, DMF and their mixture (DMF:H2O = 1:1). The feasibility of electron transfer in the DSSCs structure and energy levels were evaluated using electrochemical and density functional theory, which confirm the use of dyes in the DSSCs structure. The DSSCs were prepared using an individual strategy and their optical properties were investigated under the light of AM 1.5.

Findings

The prepared dyes exhibit orange color with strong emission at λem = 530–570 nm due to charge transfer with a positive solvatochromic effect. The efficiency of DSSCs based on Dye1-4 1 is: 3.69%, 3.71%, 4.69% and 4.76%. Therefore, the power efficiency increases by about 29 % in the presence of acetylamine group.

Practical implications

The design of new structures of organic dyes should be accompanied by the development of optical and electrical properties. In other words, in addition to the continuous production of electrons, efficient dyes must also be resistant to light to increase the life of the device.

Social implications

Organic dyes play a key role in the production of electrons in the DSSCs structure. The engineering of these structures and the introduction of widely used but low cost types can play an important role in the development of clean energy production.

Originality/value

The application of organic dyes based on naphthalimide was evaluated in the DSSCs structure and its photovoltaic properties were investigated.
A method for extracting P‐SV‐converted wave angle‐domain common‐image gathers based on elastic‐wave reverse‐time migration
Authors: Ci Qianqian , He Bingshou
Published: July 2024

Multicomponent seismic technology utilizes the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of reflected P‐waves and converted S‐waves to reduce ambiguity in seismic exploration. The imaging and inversion accuracy of P‐SV‐converted waves are important in determining whether multicomponent seismic exploration can achieve higher exploration accuracy than conventional P‐wave exploration. Pre‐stack inversion of P‐SV‐converted waves requires precise input of P‐SV‐converted wave angle‐domain common‐image gathers. Consequently, the P‐SV‐converted wave angle‐domain common‐image gather extraction accuracy will significantly affect the P‐SV‐converted wave inversion accuracy. However, existing methods for extracting P‐SV‐converted wave angle‐domain common‐image gathers are constrained by issues such as the P‐ and S‐wave crosstalk artefacts, low‐frequency noises and inaccurate calculation of P‐wave incident angles, leading to poor imaging accuracy. We study an angle‐domain cross‐correlation imaging condition and address three key issues based on this condition: the decoupling of P‐ and S‐waves, the separation of up‐going and down‐going waves and the precise calculation of P‐wave incident angles. Our strategies facilitate high‐precision extraction of P‐SV‐converted wave angle‐domain common‐image gathers using elastic wave reverse‐time migration. In this paper, first, we employ the first‐order velocity‐dilatation‐rotation elastic wave equations to decouple P‐ and S‐waves automatically during source and receiver wavefield extrapolations. Second, we calculate the optical flow vectors of P‐ and S‐waves to ensure stable calculations of wave propagation directions. Based on this, we obtain up‐going and down‐going waves of P‐ and S‐waves. Meanwhile, we calculate the incident angle of the source P‐wave using geometric relations. Lastly, we apply the angle‐domain imaging condition to achieve high‐precision extraction of P‐SV‐converted wave angle‐domain common‐image gathers. Model examples demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method.
Unlocking the path: Exploring parental perception and coping strategies amidst special education challenges within mainstream educational settings in Israel
Authors: Gal Carmit , Ryder Chen Hanna , Raveh Amsalem Shani
Published: July 2024

Within the dynamic context of inclusive education for children with special needs in Israel, parents play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. The present study focuses on the experiences of parents with children who have special needs in inclusive educational frameworks in Israel. Using an interpretive phenomenological approach, qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 10 parents of children with special needs who are enrolled in inclusive educational settings, either in mainstream classrooms or kindergartens. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using theoretical thematic analysis, which yielded four main themes: persistent conflict, challenges in choosing educational settings, proactive coping strategies and interaction with educational settings. The study highlights conflicts with other parents, difficulties in decision‐making, and lack of adequate support from the system. Findings underscore the necessity for enhanced organizational frameworks, more proficient staff and supportive environments to effectively include children with special needs into mainstream education in Israel.
Post‐dialysis fatigue predicts all‐cause mortality in patients on chronic hemodialysis
Authors: Watanabe Guy , Tanaka Kenichi , Saito Hirotaka , Kimura Hiroshi , Tani Yoshihiro , Asai Jun , Suzuki Hodaka , Sato Keiji , Nakayama Masaaki , Kazama Junichiro James
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Fatigue is reportedly associated with a poor prognosis in dialysis patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether fatigue on dialysis days or non‐dialysis days is associated with mortality in patients on chronic hemodialysis.

Methods

This was a prospective study of 134 hemodialysis patients. The level of fatigue was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). The association between high fatigue evaluated by the highest quartile of the VAS value and all‐cause death was investigated.

Results

The fatigue scale score was significantly higher on dialysis than on non‐dialysis days. During the follow‐up period (median 6.8 years), 42 patients died. Patients with high post‐dialysis fatigue in the higher quartiles died more frequently compared to those with in the lower quartiles (p = 0.012). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that high post‐dialysis fatigue was an independent predictor of all‐cause death (adjusted hazard ratio 2.12, 95% confidence interval 1.10–4.07).

Conclusion

Higher post‐dialysis fatigue is related to increased mortality.
Single‐operator single‐balloon enteroscopy is safe and effective: A 6‐year retrospective study
Authors: Kou Guan Jun , Liu Chao , Yu Yan Bo , Li Yan Qing , Zuo Xiu Li
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Single‐balloon enteroscopy (SBE) is an effective tool for the detection of small intestine lesions. Because it is conventionally performed by two operators, the efficacy of single‐operator SBE method has not yet been elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield, total enteroscopy rate, procedure time, and complications of single‐operator SBE for small intestinal disease.

Methods

This was a single‐center, retrospective study including consecutive patients who underwent single‐operator SBE for suspicious small intestinal disorders or required therapeutic interventions between December 2014 and January 2019. The SBE procedures were performed by four endoscopists. Diagnostic yield, total enteroscopy rate, procedure time, incubation depth, and complications were analyzed, and stratification analysis was performed.

Results

Altogether 922 patients with 1422 SBE procedures were included for analysis, among whom 250, 172, and 500 patients underwent SBE via the oral route, the anal route and a combined route, respectively. The overall diagnostic yield was 78.52% (724/922). And 253 patients achieved total enteroscopy, with a total enteroscopy rate of 56.10%. The average procedure time for the oral and anal routes were 69.28 ± 14.72 min and 64.95 ± 13.87 min, respectively. While the incubation depth was 389.95 ± 131.42 cm and 191.81 ± 83.67 cm, respectively. Jejunal perforation was observed in one patient, which was managed by endoclips. Stratification analysis showed that the diagnostic yield and total enteroscopy rate significantly increased with operation experience together with decreased procedure time.

Conclusion

Single‐operator SBE is effective and safe for the detection of small intestinal lesions, and is easy to master.
Association of education attainment and risk of connective tissue diseases
Authors: Zeng Yuanyuan , Yang Xiaolan , Tao Shengda , Lei Ling
Published: July 2024

Objective

We employed two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the genetic causal relationship between educational attainment (EA) and risk of five common connective tissue diseases (CTDs).

Methods

Educational attainment (self‐reported at age ≥30 years) was obtained from a meta‐analysis of years of schooling in 766 345 participants of European ancestry from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). A total of 1265 signals associated with EA were identified. Genetic data for five CTDs [rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), polymyositis (PM), and dermatomyositis (DM)] were obtained from the FinnGen consortium. Two‐sample MR analyses were performed separately for EA and the five CTDs.

Results

We found a negative causal relationship between EA and RA (ORIVW = 0.627, 95% CI = 0.537–0.732, p < .001), and SLE (ORIVW = 0.341, 95% CI = 0.123–0.944, p = .038). There were no genetic causal association between EA and SSc (ORIVW = 0.647, 95% CI = 0.351–1.195, p = .164), PM (ORIVW = 0.938, 95% CI = 0.320–2.746, p = .907), or DM (ORIVW = 0.754, 95% CI = 0.351–1.619, p = .468). None of the analyses revealed any horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated a potential causal association between EA and RA, SLE, emphasizing the need for further investigation and potential integration of EA into clinical practice to enhance treatment strategies.
Macrophage iron dyshomeostasis promotes aging‐related renal fibrosis
Authors: Wu Lingzhi , Lin Hongchun , Li Shaomin , Huang Yuebo , Sun Yuxiang , Shu Shuangshuang , Luo Ting , Liang Tiantian , Lai Weiyan , Rao Jialing , Hu Zhaoyong , Peng Hui
Published: July 2024

Renal aging, marked by the accumulation of senescent cells and chronic low‐grade inflammation, leads to renal interstitial fibrosis and impaired function. In this study, we investigate the role of macrophages, a key regulator of inflammation, in renal aging by analyzing kidney single‐cell RNA sequencing data of C57BL/6J mice from 8 weeks to 24 months. Our findings elucidate the dynamic changes in the proportion of kidney cell types during renal aging and reveal that increased macrophage infiltration contributes to chronic low‐grade inflammation, with these macrophages exhibiting senescence and activation of ferroptosis signaling. CellChat analysis indicates enhanced communications between macrophages and tubular cells during aging. Suppressing ferroptosis alleviates macrophage‐mediated tubular partial epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in vitro, thereby mitigating the expression of fibrosis‐related genes. Using SCENIC analysis, we infer Stat1 as a key age‐related transcription factor promoting iron dyshomeostasis and ferroptosis in macrophages by regulating the expression of Pcbp1, an iron chaperone protein that inhibits ferroptosis. Furthermore, through virtual screening and molecular docking from a library of anti‐aging compounds, we construct a docking model targeting Pcbp1, which indicates that the natural small molecule compound Rutin can suppress macrophage senescence and ferroptosis by preserving Pcbp1. In summary, our study underscores the crucial role of macrophage iron dyshomeostasis and ferroptosis in renal aging. Our results also suggest Pcbp1 as an intervention target in aging‐related renal fibrosis and highlight Rutin as a potential therapeutic agent in mitigating age‐related renal chronic low‐grade inflammation and fibrosis.
Artificial intelligence and clinical guidance in male reproductive health: ChatGPT4.0's AUA/ASRM guideline compliance evaluation
Authors: Gokmen Oya , Gurbuz Tugba , Devranoglu Belgin , Karaman Muhammet Ihsan
Published: July 2024

Background

Male infertility is defined as the inability of a male to achieve a pregnancy in a fertile female by the American Urological Association (AUA) and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Artificial intelligence, particularly in language processing models like ChatGPT4.0, offers new possibilities for supporting clinical decision‐making. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of ChatGPT4.0 in responding to clinical queries regarding male infertility, which is aligned with AUA/ASRM guidelines.

Methods

This observational study employed a design to evaluate the performance of ChatGPT4.0 across 1073 structured clinical queries categorized into true/false, multiple‐choice, and open‐ended. Two independent reviewers specializing in reproductive medicine assessed the responses using a six‐point Likert scale to evaluate accuracy, relevance, and guideline adherence.

Results

In the true/false category, the initial accuracy was 92%, which increased to 94% by the end of the study period. For multiple‐choice questions, accuracy improved from 85% to 89%. The most significant gains were seen in open‐ended questions, where accuracy rose from 78% to 86%. Initially, some responses did not fully align with the AUA/ASRM guidelines. However, by the end of the 60 days, these responses had become more comprehensive and clinically relevant, indicating an improvement in the model's ability to generate guideline‐conformant answers (p < 0.05). The depth and accuracy of responses for higher difficulty questions also showed enhancement (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

ChatGPT4.0 can serve as a valuable support tool in managing male infertility, providing reliable, guideline‐based information that enhances the accuracy of clinical decision‐making tools and supports patient education.
Monitoring Berlin Heart EXCOR by computer vision: A preliminary implementation and evaluation
Authors: Ota Hidehito , Fujimura Tomomi , Kunikata Ayumi , Yamagata Tomosato , Nozawa Hisataka , Ebishima Hironori , Kodera Satoshi , Inuzuka Ryo , Hirata Yasutaka , Matsui Hikoro
Published: July 2024

Background

EXCOR Pediatric is one of the most commonly used ventricular assist devices (VAD) for small children; it requires visual inspection of the diaphragm movement to assess its operating status. Although this visual inspection can only be performed by trained medical professionals, it can also be attempted by the recent advances in computer vision technology.

Methods

Movement of the diaphragm in the operating EXCOR VAD was recorded as movies and annotated frame‐by‐frame in three classes according to the state of the diaphragm: “fill,” “mid,” and “empty.” Three models, MobileNetV3, EfficientNetV2, and MobileViT, were trained using the frames, and their performance was evaluated based on the accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AROC).

Results

A total of 152 movies were available from two participants. Only the 10 mL pumps were used. Ninety‐eight movies were used for annotation and frame extraction, and 7949 frames per class were included in the analysis. The macro‐average accuracies of the three models were 0.88, 0.91, and 0.93, and the AROC were 0.99, 0.98, and 0.99 for MobileNetV3, EfficientNetV2, and MobileViT, respectively.

Conclusion

Image recognition models based on lightweight deep neural networks could detect the diaphragm state of EXCOR VAD with sufficient accuracy, although there were limited variations in the dataset. This suggests the potential of computer vision for the automated monitoring of the EXCOR diaphragm position.
Letter: Post‐endoscopic management after upper gastrointestinal bleeding—Replenishment of iron loss
Authors: Bager Palle , Dahlerup Jens Frederik
Published: July 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Shung et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17949
Estimating reference conditions using baseline vegetation data to inform large‐scale ecosystem restoration efforts
Authors: Guilfoyle Colin , de Eyto Elvira , Graham Conor T. , Birch Sam , Lally Heather T.
Published: July 2024

Aims

Ecological restoration is informed by established guidelines, including the use of reference ecosystems to direct restoration objectives and quantify progress. Despite their importance, the use of reference conditions in restoration projects has been inconsistent, particularly where habitat degradation has occurred at landscape scales. Here we use baseline vegetation data and the relationship between vegetation communities and environmental conditions to identify and select positive reference sites within a proposed landscape‐scale restoration project. In addition, we demonstrate the use of positive references in monitoring through an adjacent post‐restoration case study area.

Location

Wild Nephin National Park, Mayo, Ireland.

Methods

Vegetation communities at sites (n = 230) within a large (4700 ha) proposed restoration area were surveyed using quadrats. Positive reference sites were identified following community classification within the Irish Vegetation Classification (IVC). The environmental determinants of positive references were assessed through redundancy analysis. Based on these determinants, sites with similar environmental conditions were identified though k‐medoids clustering, enabling positive references to be spatially designated. Ordination and Ellenberg's indicator values were used to demonstrate the use of positive references in restoration monitoring.

Results

A total of 49 positive reference sites were identified for the study area. Altitude, soil type, subsoil type, soil depth and topographical position were identified as significant determinants of communities within positive reference sites. K‐medoids clustering with 11 clusters accurately grouped environmentally similar regions of the study area and enabled positive reference sites to be determined and designated spatially based on the cluster groupings.

Conclusions

Overall, the study demonstrates with a practical example how landscape‐scale restoration can be informed and monitored through the identification of appropriate positive reference sites within the restoration area, based on the relationship between existing non‐degraded plant communities and their environmental determinants, derived from baseline habitat data.
Big ideas that changed the world of disability: Exploring theory with self‐advocates
Authors: Grove Nicola , Richards Simon , Rice Simon , Magwood Claudia , Collis Bryan , Martick Steffen , Schuppener Saskia , Kremsner Gertraud , Tilley Elizabeth , Walmsley Jan
Published: July 2024

Background

Inclusive research has sidelined discussion of theoretical issues with researchers with intellectual/learning disabilities. This is a situation which the Big Ideas initiative sought to change. Between 2021 and 2023, the Open University, Leipzig University and the University of Koblenz organised nine workshops to explore influential theories in disability research. The objective was to share a theory (Big Idea) that sheds light on disability with self‐advocates and discuss how it relates to their experience. By making theories accessible and discussing how they relate to lived experience, we aimed to inform self‐advocates and activist researchers about key concepts in disability, deepen their capacity for research and campaigning, and better equip them to activate for change.

Methods

The online workshops were evaluated by observers. These observations were used by an inclusive group of activist researchers as the basis for an overall evaluation of the project.

Findings

People with learning disabilities can engage with complex theories if these are presented accessibly alongside opportunities for reflective discussion. Input from self‐advocates helps to broaden and deepen theoretical understanding.

An unanticipated but important finding was that the Big Ideas workshops created a new space in which academics and self‐advocates could learn together as equals.

Conclusions

Making theory accessible and easier to understand is both possible and valuable.
Ticagrelor increases its own potency at the P2Y12 receptor by directly changing the plasma membrane lipid order in platelets
Authors: Pyrshev Kyrylo , Allemand Florentin , Rabani Vahideh , Yesylevskyy Semen , Davani Siamak , Ramseyer Christophe , Lagoutte‐Renosi Jennifer
Published: July 2024

Background and Purpose

Although the amphiphilic nature of the widely used antithrombotic drug Ticagrelor is well known, it was never considered as a membranotropic agent capable of interacting with the lipid bilayer in a receptor‐independent way. In this study, we investigated the influence of Ticagrelor on plasma membrane lipid order in platelets and if this modulates the potency of Ticagrelor at the P2Y12 receptor.

Experimental Approach

We combined fluorescent in situ, in vitro and in silico approaches to probe the interactions between the plasma membrane of platelets and Ticagrelor. The influence of Ticagrelor on the lipid order of the platelet plasma membrane and large unilamellar vesicles was studied using the advanced fluorescent probe NR12S. Furthermore, the properties of model lipid bilayers in the presence of Ticagrelor were characterized by molecular dynamics simulations. Finally, the influence of an increased lipid order on the dose‐response of platelets to Ticagrelor was studied.

Key Results

Ticagrelor incorporates spontaneously into lipid bilayers and affects the lipid order of the membranes of model vesicles and isolated platelets, in a nontrivial composition and concentration‐dependent manner. We showed that higher plasma membrane lipid order in platelets leads to a lower IC50 value for Ticagrelor. It is shown that membrane incorporation of Ticagrelor increases its potency at the P2Y12 receptor, by increasing the order of the platelet plasma membrane.

Conclusion and Implications

A novel dual mechanism of Ticagrelor action is suggested that combines direct binding to P2Y12 receptor with simultaneous modulation of receptor‐lipid microenvironment.
Synthesis, biological evaluation and mechanism of action of benzothiazole derivatives with aromatic hydrazone moiety, a new class of antileishmanial compounds
Authors: Coimbra Elaine Soares , Antinarelli Luciana M. R. , de Oliveira Lemos Ari Sérgio , da Silva Neto Adolfo Firmino , Pinheiro Alessandra Campbell , de Souza Marcus Vinícius Nora
Published: July 2024

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoa Leishmania spp., considered as a significant and urgent public health problem mainly in developing countries. In the absence of an effective vaccine, the treatment of infected people is one of the most commonly prophylactic measures used to control this disease. However, the therapeutic arsenal is reduced to a few drugs, with serious side effects and variability in efficacy. Attempting to this problem, in this work, a series of benzothiazole derivatives was synthetized and assayed against promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of L. amazonensis, as well as the toxicity on macrophages. In addition, studies about the mechanism of action were also performed. Among the synthesized molecules, the substitution at position 4 of the aromatic ring appears to be critical for activity. The best compound exhibited IC50 values of 28.86 and 7.70 μM, against promastigotes and amastigotes of L. amazonensis, respectively, being more active than miltefosine, used as reference drug. The in silico analysis of physicochemical and pharmacokinetic (ADMET) properties of this compound suggested a good profile of oral bioavailability and safety. In conclusion, the strategy of using benzothiazole nucleous in the search for new antileishmanial agents was advantageous and preliminar data provide information about the mechanism of action as well as in silico parameters suggest a good profile for preclinical studies.
Investigating potential mechanisms of vitamin D against thyroid cancer via network pharmacology and experimental validation
Authors: Liu Bin , Hou Bowen , Zhao Yu , Gao Fengyi , Dong Xiaoyin , He Jiageng
Published: July 2024

Thyroid cancer (TC) is one of the most common endocrine malignancies worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that vitamin D (VD) has potential benefits in the treatment of TC. However, evidence regarding the targets and molecular mechanisms of VD in TC remains limited. In this study, we conducted network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental evaluation to explore the target genes, biological functions, and signaling pathways involved in this process. Network analysis revealed 77 potential target genes of VD against TC, and four hub target genes were identified: ESR1, KIT, CCND1, and PGR. Furthermore, we identified the biological processes (BP) and signaling pathways involving these potential target genes, and then determined the possible interaction between the hub targets and VD through molecular docking. Finally, through in vitro experiments, we found that VD effectively inhibits the proliferation of TC cells and downregulates the expression of the ESR1 gene. In conclusion, the effects of VD against TC involve multiple biological targets, BP, and signaling pathways. These findings provide scientific evidence for the application of VD in the treatment of TC.
Factor structure of FUNDES‐Child‐SE measuring the participation and independence of children with disabilities
Authors: Gothilander Jennifer , Axelsson Anna Karin , Danielsson Henrik , Almqvist Lena , Ullenhag Anna
Published: July 2024

Background

FUNDES‐Child‐SE is a proxy rating questionnaire for measuring participation and independence in children with disabilities in a Swedish context. It includes the components of frequency of attendance, engagement and independence. The original, Taiwanese FUNDES‐Child 7.0, has previously been found to have a four‐factor structure for frequency of participation and a two‐factor structure for independence. The aim of this study was to test the factor structure in FUNDES‐Child‐SE. The factor structure is an important part of construct validity.

Methods

Caregivers of 163 children with disabilities aged 6–18 years participated in this cross‐sectional study. Exploratory factor analysis was used to find the factor structure for Engagement. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the factor structure for all three components.

Results

The proposed factor structure for frequency of participation (daily living participation frequency, mobility participation frequency, learning participation frequency and community participation frequency) and independence (daily living independence and social participation independence) fit with data from FUNDES‐Child‐SE after excluding three to five items and adding two to five covariances of residuals. In the engagement component, two factors, named engagement in informal activities and engagement in formal activities, were found. After excluding one item and adding 10 covariances of residuals, the factor structure had an acceptable fit to data.

Conclusions

Differences in components' factor structure indicate that attendance and engagement are separate aspects of participation. Before using numeric scores from FUNDES‐Child‐SE in clinical settings, responsiveness and interpretability should be evaluated.
“Still work?” Design and effect of interventions used to modify feeding problems in children with autism: A systematic review of studies employing group designs
Authors: Chung Louisa Ming Yan , Fang Yuan , Or Peggy Pui Lai , Sun Fenghua , Poon Eric Tsz Chun , Chan Carmen Ka Man
Published: July 2024

Background

Feeding problems in children with autism jeopardize the well‐being of both children with autism and their families. Mixed findings were reported from previous interventions, which were mostly evaluated by single subject research design (SSRD) studies. Moreover, feasibility assessment and social validity measurement were unaddressed by these SSRD studies. To fill this substantial knowledge gap, the present review systematically summarized and evaluated feeding interventions implemented in children with autism, which were assessed by studies employing group designs.

Method

An extensive literature search in eight established online databases was conducted, and a total of 17 eligible studies published in 2009–2021 were included for further analysis. A descriptive account of the features of the investigations is provided, including assessment of study quality.

Results

A total of 449 children with autism and 203 parents/caregivers participated in the included studies. The multiple use of five strategic intervention components were highlighted in this review, including nutrition education/consultations, environmental modifications, sensory exposure, cognitive components, and behaviour interventions. The reviewed interventions showed a preliminarily positive effect for modifying feeding problems in children with autism. Furthermore, the evaluation based on the RE‐AIM framework (reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) demonstrated that an interdisciplinary multi‐component intervention strategy may achieve high effectiveness and feasibility in improving feeding problems in a wide range of children with autism.

Conclusions

This review found that interventions achieved and maintained a positive effect on modification of feeding problems in groups of children with autism. Information and gaps identified and summarized in the implementation process may assist both researchers and stakeholders to further support these vulnerable children.
A new Urbacodon (Theropoda, Troodontidae) from the Upper Cretaceous Iren Dabasu Formation, China: Implications for troodontid phylogeny and tooth biology
Authors: Wang Shuo , Ding Nuo , Tan Qingwei , Yang Rui , Zhang Qiyue , Tan Lin
Published: July 2024

Tooth attachment and replacement play significant roles in the feeding ecology of polyphyodont vertebrates, yet these aspects have remained largely unexplored in non‐avialan paravians including troodontids. Here, we describe a new troodontid species, Urbacodon norelli sp.n., recovered from the Upper Cretaceous Iren Dabasu Formation of Inner Mongolia, China, based on an incomplete right dentary and 12 associated replacement teeth. Urbacodon norelli is distinguished from all other known troodontids, including its relative U. itemirensis from Uzbekistan, by several features: the presence of paired dentary symphyseal foramina, the presence of a relatively steep anterior margin of the dentary, the absence of a dentary chin, the presence of a common groove hosting the anterior 12 dentary teeth, and the presence of relatively larger dentary teeth. Phylogenetic analysis places both species of Urbacodon as sister taxa to Zanabazar junior, confirming their status as later‐diverging troodontids. Radiographs revealed an alternating tooth replacement pattern in U. norelli, with a maximum Zahnreihen‐spacing estimated to be 3. During tooth replacement, the anteriorly inclined interdental septa, which wedge between anterior dentary teeth, underwent frequent remodelling as the developing tooth moved upwards, particularly anterolabially. This rapid turnover left insufficient time for an interdental plate to form, resulting in the absence of such structures in this specimen. The frequent remodelling of periodontal tissues accompanying tooth replacement is likely to account for the absence of interdental plates. The discovery of this new troodontid expands our understanding of paravian theropods from the Upper Cretaceous Iren Dabasu Formation and provides valuable insights into troodontid tooth biology.
How debunking biases in research and development decisions could lead to more equitable healthcare?
Authors: Weber Benjamin , Zineh Issam , Lalonde Richard , Visser Sandra A. G.
Published: July 2024

Decades of research have demonstrated that a variety of cognitive biases can affect our judgment and ability to make rational decisions in personal and professional environments. The lengthy, risky, and costly nature of pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) makes it vulnerable to biased decision‐making. Moreover, cognitive biases can play a role in regulatory and clinical decision‐making, the latter impacting diagnostic and treatment decisions in the therapeutic use of medicines. These inherent and/or institutionalized biases (e.g., in assumptions, data, or decision‐making practices) could conceivably contribute to health inequities. In this mini‐review, we provide a broad perspective on how cognitive biases can affect pharmaceutical R&D, regulatory evaluation, and therapeutic decision‐making. Example approaches to mitigate the effect of common biases in the development, approval, and use of new therapeutics, such as quantitative decision criteria, multidisciplinary reviews, regulatory and treatment guidelines, and evidence‐based clinical decision support systems are illustrated. Mitigating the impact of cognitive biases could increase pharma R&D efficiency, change the perspective and prioritization of unmet medical needs, increase representativeness and quality of evidence generated through clinical trials and real‐world research, leading to higher quality insights and more effective medication use, and as such could eventually contribute to more equitable healthcare.
How Can I Be an Antiracist Designer? Design with Intent: Four Antiracist Design Principles to Guide You
Authors: Rudd Christopher
Published: July 2024

Design knows very well how to be racist and how to make racism digestible for society.

Design has long struggled to get a seat at the table, but how can designers best use that position to serve the underserved and create products and services that are antiracist?
Epigenetic markers of tooth eruption – DNA methylation and histone acetylation
Authors: Westerlund Anna , Shikhan Asal , Sabel Nina , Asa'ad Farah , Larsson Lena
Published: July 2024

The present study aimed to evaluate whether epigenetic markers are expressed in the dental follicles surrounding ectopically erupting teeth. Twenty‐one dental follicles were collected in 20 adolescent children through surgical exposure of ectopic teeth. The epigenetic modifications of DNA methylation and histone acetylation were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The results showed cells positive for DNA‐methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), DNA methyltransferase 3 beta (DNMT3B), ten‐eleven translocation‐2 (TET2), acetyl‐histone H3 (AcH3), acetyl‐histone H4 (AcH4), 5‐methylcytosine (5mC), and 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) were present in all the samples. The levels of epigenetic markers representing active chromatin (5hmC, AcH3, AcH4, and TET2) were statistically significantly higher than those of markers representing inactive chromatin (5mC, DNMT3B, DNMT1). In conclusion, follicles in ectopic teeth display major epigenetic modifications. In the follicles, epigenetic markers associated with the activation of bone‐related genes are more abundant than markers associated with the inactivation of bone‐related genes.