bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical Coherence Tomography Can Reduce Colposcopic Referral Rates in Patients With High-Risk Human Papillomavirus
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Yan Lei , Yang Xue , Zhou Zhixian , Shi Liye , Fu Chun
Published: May 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of combined human papillomavirus (HPV) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) cervical cancer screening strategies.

Materials and Methods

The OCT and cytology results were compared with the pathological results to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and immediate cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) risk. The authors compared the efficiency of colposcopy by using different triage strategies. They discussed differentiation in OCT screening in different age groups.

Results

Eight hundred thirteen participants with high-risk HPV-positive and cervical cytology results underwent OCT before colposcopy between March 1 and October 1, 2021. The HPV16/18 genotyping with OCT triage has a specificity of CIN3+ lesions (61.1%; 95% CI = 57.6%–64.6%), intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) (66.0%; 95% CI = 62.4%–69.6%). The HPV16/18 genotyping with cytology triage has a specificity of CIN3+ (44.0%; 95% CI = 40.4%–47.6%), CIN2+ (47.0%; 95% CI = 43.2%–50.8%). The OCT triage has a higher positive predictive value compared with the cytology, with a significant difference in CIN2+ lesions (45.0%; 95% CI = 38.8%–51.3% vs 29.2%; 95% CI = 24.7%–33.7%).

Conclusions

The combination of OCT and high-risk HPV triage (both genotyping and nongenotyping) had a similar immediate CIN3+ risk stratification and reduced the number of colposcopies compared with the cytological triage strategy.
Clinical study of probiotics combined with lactulose for minimal hepatic encephalopathy treatment
Authors: Shi Junfen , Li Fang
Published: May 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the clinical effect of probiotics combined with lactulose for minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) treatment.

Methods

A total of 88 patients with MHE were randomly divided into the control (n = 44) and combined groups (n = 44). The control group was treated with lactulose, while the combined group was treated with probiotics and lactulose. Serum ammonia, liver function [alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)], intestinal mucosal barrier markers [fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2) and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)] and number connection test A (NCT-A) and digit symbol test (DST) scores were tested and compared between the two groups.

Results

The post-treatment in the control and combined groups shows decreased serum ammonia levels, ALT and AST levels, FABP2 and AGEs levels and NCT-A score and increased DST score compared with pre-treatment, with a significant difference (P < 0.05). Post-treatment, the serum ammonia level, ALT and AST levels, FABP2 and AGEs levels, NCT-A score decreased and DST score increased in the combined group compared with the control group, with a significant difference (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Probiotics can promote lactulose in MHE treatment.
Emergency Inter-Hospital Transfer of Children to PICUs in the United Kingdom: Qualitative Exploration of Parents’ Experiences of Retrieval Teams*
Authors: Evans Ruth E. C. , Barber Vicky , Ramnarayan Padmanabhan , Davies Patrick , Wray Jo ,   on behalf of the DEPICT Study Group
Published: May 2023

OBJECTIVES:

Each year in the United Kingdom there are around 5,000 inter-hospital transfers of critically ill children into PICUs. There are few published descriptions of what this experience is like for parents. The objective was to describe parents’ experiences of the inter-hospital transfer of their critically ill child to a PICU.

DESIGN:

Qualitative in-depth interviews.

SETTING:

Twenty-four PICUs in England and Wales.

PARTICIPANTS:

Parent interview participants (n = 30) were purposively sampled from a larger pool of parent questionnaire respondents to create a sample diverse in child’s age, presenting medical illness, retrieval team and whether a parent traveled in the ambulance.

MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS:

Open-ended semi-structured interviews using topic guides to encourage parents to describe their experiences of transfer. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using Framework Analysis. Parents’ perceptions of transport staff as confident and competent through observation of clinical care, and positive communication experiences during the transfer process, were related to feelings of trust and being supported, as well as relief from distress. Parents varied in their needs for conversation and support. Parents who did not travel in the ambulance had fewer opportunities to interact with the transport team and experienced different challenges in the period prior to their child’s admission to the PICU.

CONCLUSIONS:

Retrieval teams can influence how parents experience their child’s emergency transfer to the PICU, offering parents proximity to knowledgeable staff. Satisfaction may be related to matching parents’ needs. Understanding parents’ needs and optimizing opportunities for effective communication between parents and staff are beneficial to parents.
Validity of the Adrogué-Madias Formula for the Management of Acute Dysnatremias in Critically Ill Children
Authors: Assadi Farahnak , Azarfar Anoush , Bazargani Behnaz , Derakhshan Ali , Abassi Arash , Mehrkash Mehryar , Moghtaderi Mastaneh , Basiratnia Mitra , Mazaheri Mojgan , Safaeiasl Afshin , Eskandarifar Alireza , Sharbaf Fatemeh Ghane , Badeli Hamidreza , Naghshizadian Rama
Published: May 2023

Validity of the Adrogué-Madias formula for the management of acute dysnatremias in critically ill children: a prospective multicenter analysis.

Objective

Current conventional formulas do not predict the expected changes in serum sodium after administration of various fluids to correct serum sodium abnormalities. The Adrogué-Madias formula is currently the preferred and widely used fluid prescription for adult patients with dysnatremias, but its therapeutic efficacy has not been validated in pediatric patients.

Methods

In this prospective study, we used the Adrogué-Madias formula for calculating the appropriate rate of various fluids administration to correct serum sodium abnormalities in 7 critically ill children with acute dysnatremias.

Results

After administration of various intravenous fluids using the Adrogué-Madias formula, the anticipated as well as the achieved sodium concentrations were almost similar.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the use of the Adrogué-Madias quantitative formula allows to calculate the appropriate rate of administration of various fluids. The calculated fluid administration resulted in the subsequent actual laboratory values and clinical changes.
Comparing Insetting Techniques When Using the Vascularized Fibula Flap for Extremity Oncologic Defect Reconstruction in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Mueller Melissa A. , Mericli Alexander F. , Roubaud Margaret S. , Liu Jun , Adelman David , Lewis Valerae O. , Lin Patrick P. , Hanasono Matthew M.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Extremity reconstruction in skeletally immature patients presents unique challenges in terms of operative technique, bone healing, and limb function. A variety of insetting techniques have been described, with no clearly superior option. We hypothesized that vascularized fibula flaps placed in the intramedullary space are associated with shorter union times and better functionality compared to onlay flaps.

Methods:

In a cohort study, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all pediatric patients who underwent fibula flap extremity reconstruction at a single center from 2001 through 2018. Patient comorbidities, complications, and outcomes were analyzed. Complete fibula union was based on radiographic evidence of significant cortical bridging.

Results:

Thirty-three patients with a mean age of 13.6 years (range, 2-18 years) underwent pedicled (n=7) or free (n=26) fibula flap reconstructions in 12 upper extremities and 21 lower extremities. Median follow-up was 69.5 months (IQR: 16.3-114.6). Onlay and intramedullary fibula position compared to intercalary placement (median 13.5 and 14.6 vs. 3.4 months, p=0.002) were associated with longer time to complete bone union. Complications including allograft fracture (p=0.02) and hardware removal (p=0.018) were also associated with longer time to complete union and eventual conversion to megaprothesis (p=0.02, p=0.038). Thirty-two patients (97%) achieved full union and a functional reconstruction.

Conclusions:

Fibula flap reconstruction is safe and effective for pediatric long bone reconstruction. Longer fibula union times were associated with onlay and intramedullary fibula placement, allograft fracture, and hardware removal.
Subcutaneous and Muscle Metastases From Rectal Adenocarcinoma on 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging
Authors: Yin Hongyan , Yu Haojun , Shi Hongcheng
Published: May 2023

A 50-year-old man with T4 N2 M1 poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the rectum underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgical resection, and subsequent chemotherapy. Six months after surgery, routine follow-up CT revealed the presence of abdominal wall subcutaneous nodules associated with bilateral pulmonary and renal nodules, indicating metastases. Further 18F-FDG PET/CT scan revealed a high number of subcutaneous and muscle metastases. Metastasis of rectal adenocarcinoma to subcutaneous tissue or skeletal muscle is considered rare.
68Ga-PSMA PET/CT Uptake in Cutis Verticis Gyrata
Authors: Şahin Özlem , Karakaşoğlu Cennet Cansel , Erol Çağlagül , Daye Munise
Published: May 2023

68Ga–prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT scan for restaging revealed increased 68Ga-PSMA uptake in cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) in a patient with prostate cancer. Cutis verticis gyrata is an uncommon disorder in which the scalp thickens and mimics the cerebral cortex with deep grooves and folds. Several studies have demonstrated 68Ga-PSMA uptake in noncancerous conditions. This case illustrates another instance of a benign illness accompanied by increased 68Ga-PSMA uptake.
Incidental Detection of Dual Spinal Meningiomas on 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT Masquerading as Metastatic Disease in a Patient With Pulmonary Carcinoid Tumor
Authors: Hod Nir , Levin Daniel , Tiktinsky Katerina , Lantsberg Sophie
Published: May 2023

Simultaneous occurrence of multiple meningiomas of the spine appearing at different neuroaxial levels is extremely rare event. We present the scintigraphic findings of incidentally detected multiple meningiomas of the spine on 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT during the evaluation of a patient with pulmonary carcinoid tumor. These scintigraphic findings could result in a “false-positive” interpretation by exhibiting highly increased uptake similar to that of metastases of neuroendocrine neoplasm. Nuclear medicine physicians should be aware of this potential pitfall in somatostatin receptor imaging to prevent misinterpretation.
18F-FDG PET and MRI Evaluation of Paraneoplastic Limbic Encephalitis
Authors: Moradiya Krunal R. , Patel Parth Y. , Dalal Ishani
Published: May 2023

Autoimmune limbic encephalitis (paraneoplastic or nonparaneoplastic) is a rare condition involving autoantibodies against intracellular or cell-surface proteins of neurons. Patients typically present with acute and progressive neuropsychiatric symptoms. Although the criterion standard for diagnosis remains detection of autoantibodies in cerebrospinal fluid, there are characteristic imaging features that can aid in diagnosis, notably abnormalities in the bilateral medial temporal lobes on imaging, particularly with nuclear imaging. Here, we present 18F-FDG PET findings of paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis in a 65-year-old man.
FDG PET/CT in Primary Retroperitoneal Serous Carcinoma
Authors: Otsuka Isao , Honma Koichi
Published: May 2023

Primary retroperitoneal tumors are rare. Of these, primary retroperitoneal serous carcinoma is extremely rare, with only 15 cases having been reported. A 62-year-old woman presented with abdominal bloating. PET/CT demonstrated 2 tumors showing increased FDG uptake lateral and medial to the right common iliac vessels, without other abnormal uptake. A laparotomy revealed no ascites or abnormalities except a myomatous uterus in the peritoneal cavity. After surgical removal of these retroperitoneal tumors, the patient received adjuvant paclitaxel/carboplatin chemotherapy and remained well for 80 months. This case points to the significance of18F-FDG PET/CT in determining the nature of retroperitoneal tumors.
Effects of melatonin on phosphorylation of memory-related proteins in the hippocampus and the perirhinal cortex in male mice
Authors: Sano Masahiro , Iwashita Hikaru , Suzuki Chihiro , Kawaguchi Mari , Chiba Atsuhiko
Published: May 2023

We recently demonstrated that a single post-training administration of either melatonin, an MT1/MT2 melatonin receptor agonist ramelteon, or a brain melatonin metabolite N1-acetyl-5-methoxyquinuramine (AMK) enhanced object recognition memory. The present study aims to investigate the effects of melatonin, ramelteon, and AMK on relative phosphorylation levels of memory-related proteins in order to explore candidate signaling pathways associated with the receptor-mediated and nonreceptor-mediated memory-enhancing effects of melatonin. We first confirmed that post-training administration of either melatonin, ramelteon, or AMK at 1 mg/kg promoted long-term memory formation, using the novel object recognition task. Next, the effects of the same doses of these drugs on relative phosphorylation levels of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinases (CaMKs) in the hippocampus and the perirhinal cortex (PRC) were examined by western blot analysis. In the hippocampus, treatment with ramelteon or AMK significantly increased and decreased phosphorylation levels of ERK and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and those of CaMKIIα and β, respectively. In the PRC, phosphorylation levels of ERK and those of CaMKIIβ were significantly increased by both ramelteon and AMK and by ramelteon, respectively. Neither ramelteon nor AMK altered the phosphorylation levels of CaMKIV in either hippocampus or PRC. These results suggest that melatonin may be involved in promoting the formation of long-term object recognition memory in a similar, if not identical, manner by modulating the phosphorylation levels of memory-related proteins such as ERK, CaMKIIs, and CREB in both receptor-mediated and nonreceptor-mediated signaling pathways.
The role of selective attention in Chinese emotional word processing: evidence from event-related potentials
Authors: Gao Xuan , Sui Xue , Li Yutong
Published: May 2023

Objectives

This study seeks to explore the interaction between ignored valence and attended valence in the processing of Chinese emotion words.

Methods

The experimental materials utilized in this study consisted of Chinese emotion words. Participants were instructed to observe the words and press a key when presented with target words. Additionally, the electroencephalographic responses of the participants were recorded during the experiment.

Results

The results showed that emotional nontarget words elicited greater amplitude of the N170 in the attend-emotion words block compared to the attend-neutral words block. Negative nontarget words produce greater amplitude of the late posterior positivity compared to positive nontarget words. In addition, emotional nontarget words were influenced by both ignored and attended valence, whereby positive nontarget words resulted in larger amplitude of the N170 component in the attend-negative block compared to the attend-neutral block. The modulation pattern for negative nontarget words was evident on the left hemisphere.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that emotional nontarget words received greater attentional resources in the attend-emotion words block during the early stages of processing, compared to the attend-neutral word block. Additionally, during the later stages of processing, negative nontarget words were more likely to be processed than positive nontarget words. Overall, these results provide support for the evaluation space model.
Plasma after both SARS-CoV-2 boosted vaccination and COVID-19 potently neutralizes BQ.1.1 and XBB.1
Authors: Sullivan David J. , Franchini Massimo , Senefeld Jonathon W. , Joyner Michael J. , Casadevall Arturo , Focosi Daniele
Published: May 2023

Recent 2022 SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants, have acquired resistance to most neutralizing anti-Spike monoclonal antibodies authorized, and the BQ.1.* sublineages are notably resistant to all authorized monoclonal antibodies. Polyclonal antibodies from individuals both vaccinated and recently recovered from Omicron COVID-19 (VaxCCP) could retain new Omicron neutralizing activity. Here we reviewed BQ.1.* virus neutralization data from 920 individual patient samples from 43 separate cohorts defined by boosted vaccinations (Vax) with or without recent Omicron COVID-19, as well as infection without vaccination (CCP) to determine level of BQ.1.* neutralizing antibodies and percent of plasma samples with neutralizing activity. More than 90 % of the plasma samples from individuals in the recently (within 6 months) boosted VaxCCP study cohorts neutralized BQ.1.1, and BF.7 with 100 % neutralization of WA-1, BA.4/5, BA.4.6 and BA.2.75. The geometric mean of the geometric mean 50 % neutralizing titres (GM (GMT50) were 314, 78 and 204 for BQ.1.1, XBB.1 and BF.7, respectively. Compared to VaxCCP, plasma sampled from COVID-19 naïve subjects who also recently (within 6 months) received at least a third vaccine dose had about half of the GM (GMT50) for all viral variants. Boosted VaxCCP characterized by either recent vaccine dose or infection event within 6 months represents a robust, variant-resilient, neutralizing antibody source against the new Omicron BQ.1.1, XBB.1 and BF.7 variants.
Commensal lifestyle regulated by a negative feedback loop betweenArabidopsisROS and the bacterial T2SS
Authors: Entila Frederickson , Han Xiaowei , Mine Akira , Schulze-Lefert Paul , Tsuda Kenichi
Published: May 2023

Despite the plant health-promoting effects of plant microbiota, these assemblages also comprise potentially detrimental microbes. How plant immunity controls its microbiota to promote plant health under these conditions remains largely unknown. We found that commensal bacteria isolated from healthyArabidopsisplants trigger diverse patterns of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production via the NADPH oxidase RBOHD that selectively inhibited specific commensals, notablyXanthomonasL148. Through random mutagenesis, we found that L148gspE, encoding a type II secretion system (T2SS) component, is required for the damaging effects ofXanthomonasL148 onrbohDmutant plants.In plantabacterial transcriptomics revealed that RBOHD suppresses most T2SS gene expression includinggspE. L148 colonization protected plants against a bacterial pathogen, whengspEwas inhibited by ROS or mutation. Thus, a negative feedback loop betweenArabidopsisROS and the bacterial T2SS tames a potentially detrimental leaf commensal and turns it into a microbe beneficial to the host.
Lifestyle transitions in basidiomycetous fungi are reflected by tRNA composition and translation efficiency of metabolic genes
Authors: Guerreiro Marco Alexandre , Yurkov Andrey , Nowrousian Minou , Stukenbrock Eva H
Published: May 2023

Fungi are ubiquitous and inhabit every known terrestrial habitat. Pathogenic fungi are highly diverse, and recent years have seen an uprise in the emergence of new pathogens on crops, animals and humans. The order Trichosporonales (Tremellomycetes, Agaricomycotina, Basidiomycota) harbours saprobic and a few opportunistic human pathogenic species. These emerging pathogens cause superficial skin irritations, as well as invasive life-threatening infections. Yet, little is known about their evolution, ecology, virulence mechanisms and transition to pathogenic lifestyles. In this study we aimed to determine genomic signatures associated with lifestyle transitions, virulence and host/substrate specialization among 30 Trichosporonales species from a total of 41 genome sequences. We used comparative analyses of genome content, including gene functional categories, repetitive element content and tRNA composition among saprotrophic and reported opportunistic human pathogens. A genome-scale phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that even though the different genera are monophyletic, opportunistic pathogenic species are present in distantly-related clades. Statistical analyses showed that differences in genome structure among species did not correlate with predicted lifestyles. Intriguingly, we found that tRNA content varied widely across species (from 51 to 1455 manually curated tRNA genes). The expansion was independent from the phylogenetic structure. Opportunistic pathogenic species showed an overall increased efficiency in the translation of genes associated with host colonization (i.e. lipid metabolism), while exclusively saprotrophic species showed an increase translation efficiency for genes associated with a saprotrophic lifestyle (i.e. carbohydrate metabolism). This pattern was consistent among distantly-related saprotrophic and pathogenicCryptococcusspecies (order Tremellales). In conclusion, our analyses link genomic information with ecology and fungal lifestyles across an entire order. We find evidence for an evolutionary scenario where distinct habitats select for an optimized translation of genes involved in successful proliferation in the respective habitat. We predict that lifestyles are not strictly defined by gene repertoires, but also by expression profiles in fungal pathogens.
Comparative Analysis of TG/CA Repeats in Sixteen Primate Genomes Reveals the Dynamics and Role of TG/CA Repeats in the Human Genome
Authors: Malwe Aditya S. , Mondal Samuel , Harlapur Pradyumna , Sharma Vineet K
Published: May 2023

Among the different microsatellite sequences found in the human genome, the dinucleotide TG/CA repeats are one of the most abundant, exhibiting multifaceted functional roles. Availability of several primate genomes offers relevant datasets for studying the evolution and function of these repeats in non-human primates and human genome. Using pairwise genomic alignments, genome-wide analysis of these repeats was performed in human and sixteen other primate genomes. The total number of these repeats and expansion of medium (12≤ n< 23) and long (n≥23) (TG/CA)nrepeats was significantly higher in human than other primates. Further, other dinucleotide repeats like TA were found in the orthologous genomic regions in other primates. Thus, selection, elongation and a selective process of conversion of other dinucleotide repeats in primates to TG/CA repeats in humans was apparent and presented in this study as a comprehensive model for the dynamics and role of TG/CA repeats in the human genome.
Dysbiosis of a leaf microbiome is caused by enzyme secretion of opportunisticXanthomonasstrains
Authors: Pfeilmeier Sebastian , Werz Anja , Ote Marine , Bortfeld-Miller Miriam , Kirner Pascal , Keppler Andreas , Hemmerle Lucas , Gäbelein Christoph G. , Pestalozzi Christine M. , Vorholt Julia A.
Published: May 2023

Dysbiosis is characterized by a perturbed microbiota associated with host disease. In both plants and animals, the innate immune system contributes to maintain microbiota homeostasis in healthy organisms, with NADPH oxidases playing a crucial role. InArabidopsis thaliana, the absence of NADPH oxidase RBOHD can lead to an altered leaf microbiota, including an enrichment of opportunisticXanthomonaspathogens. It is currently unclear whether the microbiota change occurs independently of the opportunistic pathogens or is caused by the latter, and which virulence factors ofXanthomonasare essential for its opportunistic lifestyle. Here, we found that the opportunisticXanthomonasstrains secrete a cocktail of cell wall degrading enzymes via the type-2 secretion system (T2SS) that degrade leaf tissue and promoteXanthomonasgrowth during plant infection. Both disease severity and leaf degradation activity were increased inrbohDcompared to Col-0 plants, attesting to the opportunistic behaviour of theXanthomonasstrains on immune compromised plants. Using gnotobiotic plant experiments with a synthetic bacterial community of more than 100 commensal strains and drop-in ofXanthomonaswildtype or mutant strains revealed that T2SS-dependent virulence is required for plant disease and for the shift in microbiota composition. Overall, our data indicate that a single opportunistic pathogen can drive community shifts, here caused by tissue damage in leaves, creating an environment in which specific commensal bacteria can thrive.
Gas extraction under intertidal mudflats is associated with declines in sediment grain size and minor changes in macrozoobenthic community composition
Authors: Barra Paula de la , Aarts Geert , Bijleveld Allert
Published: May 2023

In intertidal environments, land subsidence may change the local flooding regime and sediment composition, two main drivers of the macrozoobenthic community structure. In the Dutch Wadden Sea, a UNESCO world heritage site, gas extraction has resulted in an average subsidence of up to 2 mm y-1of intertidal mudflats. These mudflats support a highly productive macrozoobenthic community, which offers important resources for birds and fishes. To what extent land subsidence due to gas extraction affects sediment and macrozoobenthos remains unknown and increasingly important given sea level rise.

Taking advantage of a monitoring program, we evaluated the effect of anthropogenically caused land subsidence on sediment composition and intertidal macrozoobenthos. Nearly 4600 points were sampled yearly (2008-2020) across the Dutch Wadden Sea, allowing us to compare sediment composition and macrozoobenthos biomass within and outside the subsidence area while controlling for the main drivers of these variables. We also compared population trends within and outside the subsidence area for 31 species with different habitat use in terms of depth and sediment composition.

Sediment median grain size decreased in the subsided area at 1 µm y-1while on average remaining constant in other intertidal mudflats. Mud fraction was 3% higher within the subsided area throughout the studied period. This had no effect on the total biomass of macrozoobenthos. The biomass of species that use deeper areas increased within the subsidence area compared to outside, and the opposite was true for species using shallower places, but comparable patterns were also found in an area not affected by subsidence.

Changes in median grain size could be happening, and minor changes in macrozoobenthic community composition. For a successful implementation of the “hand on the tap” principle in the Wadden Sea, it is necessary to define beforehand the relevant variables that represent the natural values, implement proper monitoring, and define threshold values above which effects are not acceptable. We propose median grain size, mud fraction and macrozoobenthic biomass as good measures of the natural values of the Wadden Sea, and the methods used here as a way for identifying anthropogenic effects on them.
Distinct guard cell specific remodeling of chromatin accessibility during abscisic acid and CO2 dependent stomatal regulation
Authors: Seller Charles A. , Schroeder Julian I.
Published: May 2023

In plants, epidermal guard cells integrate and respond to numerous environmental signals to control stomatal pore apertures thereby regulating gas exchange. Chromatin structure controls transcription factor access to the genome, but whether large-scale chromatin remodeling occurs in guard cells during stomatal movements, and in response to the hormone abscisic acid (ABA) in general, remain unknown. Here we isolate guard cell nuclei fromArabidopsis thalianaplants to examine whether the physiological signals, ABA and CO2, regulate guard cell chromatin during stomatal movements. Our cell type specific analyses uncover patterns of chromatin accessibility specific to guard cells and define novel cis-regulatory sequences supporting guard cell specific gene expression. We find that ABA triggers extensive and dynamic chromatin remodeling in guard cells, roots, and mesophyll cells with clear patterns of cell-type specificity. DNA motif analyses uncover binding sites for distinct transcription factors enriched in ABA-induced and ABA-repressed chromatin. We identify the ABF/AREB bZIP-type transcription factors that are required for ABA-triggered chromatin opening in guard cells and implicate the inhibition of a set of bHLH-type transcription factors in controlling ABA-repressed chromatin. Moreover, we demonstrate that ABA and CO2induce distinct programs of chromatin remodeling. We provide insight into the control of guard cell chromatin dynamics and propose that ABA-induced chromatin remodeling primes the genome for abiotic stress resistance.

Significance statement

Specialized leaf cells called guard cells integrate environmental cues to optimally control the size of microscopic stomatal pores. The hormone abscisic acid (ABA), a key regulator of plant drought responses, and changes in atmospheric CO2concentration are signals that control stomatal aperture size, but whether these signals also regulate genome packaging into chromatin is unknown. Using guard cell specific chromatin profiling we uncovered regulatory DNA sequences driving specific gene expression in this cell-type. We also discovered that ABA triggers extensive and persistent changes to chromatin structure in guard cells. Unexpectedly, exposure of plants to elevated atmospheric CO2had only minimal impact on chromatin dynamics. Furthermore, we identified the specific transcription factors that regulate ABA-induced chromatin dynamics in guard cells.
Dementia education and training for caregivers supporting older people with intellectual disability: a scoping review of the literature
Authors: Acton Daniel James , Jaydeokar Sujeet , Jones Steven
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Education and training is vital in improving age-related care provisions. However, a lack of awareness and understanding of dementia could be a factor in meeting the age-related needs of people. This paper aims to examine the impact dementia education has on caregivers’ confidence to provide person-centred care for people with intellectual disability and identifies additional training needs.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic scoping review was completed using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses to guide the process of mapping existing evidence of dementia education and training programmes available to caregivers of people with intellectual disability.

Findings

A search of five electronic databases identified 11 articles that reported on the role of dementia education in improving the knowledge of caregivers in effectively delivering the age-related care. Findings suggest that improved training provision is needed to support early diagnosis and increase caregivers’ confidence in meeting the physical and psychological needs of older adults with intellectual disability.

Originality/value

This review contributes to the literature by identifying the value of and need for continued development in dementia education and training to improve person-centred dementia care.
Research on online shopping contextual cues: refining classification from text mining
Authors: Wang Lin , Gao Huaxia , Zhao Yang
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Contextual cues have become a hot research topic in the field of mobile consumer behavior, owing to the continuous rise of digital marketing. However, the complex online shopping scene makes it challenging to directly identify the association between the characteristics of contextual cues and consumer behavior. Presently, few studies have only systematically extracted and refined the types and characteristics of contextual cues. The purpose of this study is to explore the types and mechanisms of contextual cues in online shopping scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the word2vec algorithm, grounded theory and co-occurrence cluster method, along with online shopping word-of-mouth (WOM) text and consumer behavior theory, in order to explore different types of contextual cues and its efficiency from 5,619 comment corpus.

Findings

This study puts forward the following conclusions. (1) From the perspective of online shopping, contextual cues comprise aesthetic perception cues, value perception cues, trust-dependent cues, time perception cues, memory attention cues, spatial perception cues, attribute cues and relationship cues. (2) Based on the online shopping scenarios, contextual cues and their interaction effects exert an effect on consumer satisfaction, recommendation, purchase and return behavior.

Originality/value

The study conclusions are helpful to further reveal the deep association between contextual cues and consumer behavior in the process of online shopping, thus providing practical and theoretical enlightenment for enterprises to not only effectively reshape the scene but also promote the consumers' active purchase behavior.
Some properties of generalized greyness of interval grey number
Authors: Li Li , Li Xican
Published: May 2023

Purpose

In order to make full use of the generalized greyness of interval grey number, this paper analyzes the properties and its applications of generalized greyness.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the static properties of generalized greyness in bounded background domain, infinite background domain and infinitesimal background domain are analyzed. Then, this paper gives the dynamic properties of generalized greyness in bounded background domain, infinite background domain and infinitesimal background domain and explains the dialectical principle contained in it. Finally, the generalized greyness is used to judge the effectiveness of interval grey number transformation.

Findings

The results show that the generalized greyness of interval grey number has relativity, normativity, unity, eternity and conservation. The static and dynamic properties of generalized greyness are the same in the infinite and infinitesimal background domain, while they are different in the bounded background domain. The generalized greyness can be used as an index to judge whether the grey number transformation is greyness or information preservation.

Practical implications

The research shows that the generalized greyness can be used as an index to judge the validity of the grey number transformation and also can be applied in grey evaluation, grey decision-making and grey prediction and so on.

Originality/value

The paper succeeds in realizing the mathematical principle of “white is black”, the “greyness clock-slow effect” of the value domain of interval grey number and the generalized greyness conservation principle, which provides a theoretical basis for the rational use of generalized greyness of interval grey number.
Readiness for agile-sustainability in health-care organizations
Authors: Thomas Albi , Suresh M.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify the agile-sustainability readiness factors and analyze them in the context of health-care organization. In this study, agile-sustainability refers to “adapt to the changing environment and respond quickly by maximum using the resources as well as supporting the three pillars of sustainability”.

Design/methodology/approach

The “total interpretive structural modelling” (TISM) is used to examine the interrelationships of the identified readiness factors, and to classify the identified readiness factors based on its power to drive and depend on other factors, “Matrice d’impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classment (MICMAC) analysis” was used.

Findings

This study used a “literature review and experts’ opinion” to identify ten agile-sustainability preparedness characteristics. Organizational leadership, multi-skilled and multi-knowledgeable employees and decision-making autonomy were identified as critical elements in this study.

Research limitations/implications

The research focuses primarily on readiness for agile-sustainability in health-care sector.

Practical implications

This research aids health-care administrators and managers in their decision-making. This study suggests that the evaluation of the readiness factors would promote in raising service standards, ensuring an agile and sustainable health-care operations. The readiness elements that support effective implementation of agile-sustainability in health care require a higher priority from health-care management.

Originality/value

This study created a structural model for health-care organizations based on the TISM-based preparedness for agile-sustainability framework, which is a novel effort for adopting agile-sustainability in health care.
Digital transformation of supply chain management in retail and e-commerce
Authors: Gong Shuanglei
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of studying digitization transformation of the supply chain is to understand how digital technologies and processes are changing the way supply chains operate and to identify the opportunities and challenges associated with this transformation. Studying digitization transformation of the supply chain is important because it can help global businesses in identifying the best practices in supply chain management (SCM) systems and enhance supply chain performance. Hence, this research study is contributing in revealing the outcomes of digital inclusiveness in overall SCM for the growth of retail and e-commerce based platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is using both descriptive and explanatory research designs to provide a comprehensive understanding of the problems in SCM. Descriptive research provides a detailed description of the characteristics of the population under study, while explanatory research identifies the causal relationships between the variables. Descriptive research has helped us to develop hypotheses about the relationships between variables that can be tested using explanatory research. Explanatory research has been used to validate the findings of descriptive research. By using both descriptive and explanatory research designs, our research design has increased the generalizability of our findings.

Findings

According to this study, businesses intend to change their supply chain strategies after the wake of competitive era to make them more robust, sustainable and collaborative with suppliers, customers and stakeholders by investing more in SCM technology like Blockchain, AI, analytics, robotic process automation and data control centers. This study evaluates the impact of digitization on supply chain systems. This includes assessing the benefits of digitization and identifying the factors that contribute to successful implementation. This research is studying the role of data analytics in SCM and how it can be leveraged to improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase transparency.

Research limitations/implications

The study highlights the importance of adopting digitization in supply chain systems to improve supply chain robustness, sustainability and collaboration with stakeholders. This study's emphasis on data analytics in SCM presents an opportunity for businesses to gain insights into their supply chain systems and make data-driven decisions. This can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve overall supply chain performance. The study's focus on SCM technology and data analytics may overlook other factors that contribute to successful SCM, such as organizational culture, human resources and supply chain governance.

Originality/value

This study will complement to the existing body of information, management theory and practice and will benefit all. The research work is original and can be implemented worldwide to promote digitization in SCM for smooth transactions in the entire chain of wholesalers, retail distributors and customers.
A solution for finite journal bearings by using physics-informed neural networks with both soft and hard constrains
Authors: Xi Yinhu , Deng Jinhui , Li Yiling
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to solve the Reynolds equation for finite journal bearings by using the physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) method. As a meshless method, it is unnecessary to use big data to train the neural networks, but to satisfy the Reynolds equation and the corresponding boundary conditions by using the known physics information.

Design/methodology/approach

Here, the boundary conditions are enforced through the loss function firstly, i.e. the soft constrain method. After this, an equation was constructed to build a surrogate model for satisfying the corresponding boundary conditions naturally, i.e. the hard constrain method.

Findings

For the soft one, in brief, the pressure results agree well with existing results, apart from the ones on the boundaries. While for the hard one, it can be noted that the discrepancies on the boundaries are reduced significantly.

Originality/value

The PINNs method is used to solve the Reynolds equation for finite journal bearings, and the error values on the boundaries for the results of the soft constrain method are improved by using the hard constrain method. Therefore, the hard constraint maybe also a good option when the pressure results on the boundaries are emphasized.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2023-0045/
Product placement versus traditional TV commercials: new insights on their impacts on brand recall and purchase intention
Authors: Gamage Dulanjana , Jayasuriya Nisha , Rathnayake Nilmini , Herath Kithmini Minoma , Jayawardena Diunugalge Peshala Seuvandi , Senarath Diluksha Yasith
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the effect of marketing communication techniques concerning product placement and TV commercials on brand recall and the purchase intention of consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 420 participants randomly assigned to one of the four scenarios of an experiment watched a selected episode of a Sri Lankan TV show that consisted of commercial breaks. Then, their recall and purchase intention toward the advertised/placed brand were measured using a questionnaire and binary logistic regression was the analytical tool.

Findings

This research indicated that a combination of product placement and TV commercials forms the highest impact on both brand recall and purchase intention. The next highest impact is created solely by product placement, while sole TV commercials make the lowest impact comparatively.

Practical implications

This study is beneficial to brands and entrepreneurs looking for the most effective marketing communication methods to promote their brands and products to consumers.

Originality/value

As an initial study performed on a comparison between two commonly used marketing communication techniques, i.e. product placement and TV commercials, in the Sri Lankan context would also enrich the global marketing literature on the comparative effectiveness of both techniques, where studies are limited so far.
Improving quantity surveying education through continually updating curriculum digitalisation to meet industry requirements
Authors: Ebekozien Andrew , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The dynamic nature of the built environment and trending smart construction project complexities demand proactive needs tailored towards architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) education. It is a task for the built environment professionals (BEP) to prepare for the future, including the quantity surveying (QS) profession. Studies are scarce in preparing QS education from Nigeria’s stakeholders’ perspective regarding digital technology. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate how to improve QS education by continually updating curriculum digitalisation to meet the construction industry requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were sourced from elite virtual interviews across Nigeria. A total of 40 key stakeholders knowledgeable in QS education, advocating a future template for the advancement of QS education in higher institutions, were engaged, and saturation was achieved.

Findings

Findings show that improving QS education through continually updating curriculum digitalisation to meet industry requirements cannot be over-emphasised in the 21st-century-built environment industry. The outcomes of the results led to the conclusion that the current QS education curriculum was not meeting the expectations of other BEP stakeholders. Thus, for competitiveness in the future, the QS education curriculum needs to infuse more related-digital technology modules/courses to assist in the sustainability and relevance of the profession within the BEP.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focussed on improving Nigeria’s QS education using digital technologies via a qualitative approach. Future study is needed via a quantitative approach for broader coverage and validation.

Practical implications

The research revealed the need for designing QS programmes to provide for industry demands with emphasis on digital technologies modules/courses. Nigeria’s QS education stakeholders have been stirred up to embrace the curriculum review and make the profession digitalised and relevant within the BEP. The built environment sector is trending towards digitalisation, and the QS programmes cannot afford to be behind.

Originality/value

This research identified the current gap regarding digitalisation of the curriculum. This study will stir QS educational providers and regulators to improve future programmes via digital technologies. It would encourage the use of digital technologies with the right enabling environment. The outcome would mitigate the gap and improve Nigeria’s QS education in the future.
Smart mobile tourism app featuring augmented reality and big data analytics: an empirical analysis using UTAUT2 and PCT models
Authors: Sia Phoebe Yueng-Hee , Saidin Siti Salina , Iskandar Yulita Hanum P.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Considering the limited understanding of determinants influencing the adoption of smart mobile tourism app (SMTA) featuring augmented reality (AR) and big data analytics (BDA), privacy concern (PC) and the risk of privacy information disclosure (PI) have threatened SMTA adoption. This study aims to propose an expanded consumer acceptance and use of information technology (UTAUT2) model by including new contextual components, integrated with privacy calculus theory (PCT) model to examine the determinants influencing behavioural intention (BI) to use SMTA.

Design/methodology/approach

Personal innovativeness (IN) and privacy information disclosure (PI) are incorporated in UTAUT2 model to determine its effect on SMTA featuring AR and BDA technologies from smart perspective. Both privacy concern (PC) and privacy risk (PR) derived from PCT model are also included to determine its influences on an individual's willingness to disclose privacy information for better-personalised services. We collected responses from 392 targeted participants, resulting in a strong response rate of 84.66%. These responses were analysed statistically using structural equation modeling in both SPSS 22.0 and SmartPLS 3.0.

Findings

Findings showed that personal innovativeness (IN), habit (HT) and performance expectancy (PE) significantly affect behavioural intention (BI) while privacy concern (PC) significantly affect privacy information disclosure (PI) to use SMTA. In contrast, effort expectancy (EE), hedonic motivation (HM) and privacy information disclosure (PI) had no significant effects on behavioural intention (BI) while privacy risk (PR) had no significant effects on privacy information disclosure (PI) to use SMTA.

Originality/value

The study findings help tourism practitioners in better comprehending recent trends of SMTA adoption for establishing targeted marketing strategies on apps to improve service quality. In addition, it enables app development companies acquire app users’ preferences to enhance their app development for leading app usage.