bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to build up big team science: a practical guide for large-scale collaborations
Authors: Baumgartner Heidi A. , Alessandroni Nicolás , Byers-Heinlein Krista , Frank Michael C. , Hamlin J. Kiley , Soderstrom Melanie , Voelkel Jan G. , Willer Robb , Yuen Francis , Coles Nicholas A.
Published: June 2023

The past decade has witnessed a proliferation of big team science (BTS), endeavours where a comparatively large number of researchers pool their intellectual and/or material resources in pursuit of a common goal. Despite this burgeoning interest, there exists little guidance on how to create, manage and participate in these collaborations. In this paper, we integrate insights from a multi-disciplinary set of BTS initiatives to provide a how-to guide for BTS. We first discuss initial considerations for launching a BTS project, such as building the team, identifying leadership, governance, tools and open science approaches. We then turn to issues related to running and completing a BTS project, such as study design, ethical approvals and issues related to data collection, management and analysis. Finally, we address topics that present special challenges for BTS, including authorship decisions, collaborative writing and team decision-making.
Unexpected colour pattern variation in mimetic frogs: implication for the diversification of warning signals in the genus
Ranitomeya
Authors: Lorioux-Chevalier Ugo , Tuanama Valles Mario , Gallusser Stephanie , Mori Pezo Ronald , Chouteau Mathieu
Published: June 2023

Predation is expected to promote uniformity in the warning coloration of defended prey, but also mimicry convergence between aposematic species. Despite selection constraining both colour-pattern and population divergence, many aposematic animals display numerous geographically structured populations with distinct warning signal. Here, we explore the extent of phenotypic variation of sympatric species of
Ranitomeya
poison frogs and test for theoretical expectations on variation and convergence in mimetic signals. We demonstrate that both warning signal and mimetic convergence are highly variable and are negatively correlated: some localities display high variability and no mimicry while in others the phenotype is fixed and mimicry is perfect. Moreover, variation in warning signals is always present within localities, and in many cases this variation overlaps between populations, such that variation is continuous. Finally, we show that coloration is consistently the least variable element and is likely of greater importance for predator avoidance compared to patterning. We discuss the implications of our results in the context of warning signal diversification and suggest that, like many other locally adapted traits, a combination of standing genetic variation and founding effect might be sufficient to enable divergence in colour pattern.
Image cognition using contour curvature statistics
Authors: Marantan Andrew , Tolkova Irina , Mahadevan L.
Published: June 2023

Drawing on elementary invariance principles, we propose that a statistical geometric object, the probability distribution of the normalized contour curvatures (NCC) in the intensity field of a planar image has the potential to categorize objects. We show that NCC is sufficient for discriminating between cognitive categories such as animacy, size and type, and demonstrate the robustness of this metric to variation in illumination and viewpoint, consistent with psychological experiments. A generative model for producing artificial images with the observed NCC distributions highlights the key features that our metric captures, and those that it does not. More broadly, our study points to the need for statistical geometric approaches to cognition that build in both the statistics and the natural invariances of the visual world.
Cycle index polynomials and generalized quantum separability tests
Authors: Bradshaw Zachary P. , LaBorde Margarite L. , Wilde Mark M.
Published: June 2023

The mixedness of one share of a pure bipartite state determines whether the overall state is a separable, unentangled one. Here we consider quantum computational tests of mixedness, and we derive an exact expression of the acceptance probability of such tests as the number of copies of the state becomes larger. We prove that the analytical form of this expression is given by the cycle index polynomial of the symmetric groupSk, which is itself related to the Bell polynomials. After doing so, we derive a family of quantum separability tests, each of which is generated by a finite group; for all such algorithms, we show that the acceptance probability is determined by the cycle index polynomial of the group. Finally, we produce and analyse explicit circuit constructions for these tests, showing that the tests corresponding to the symmetric and cyclic groups can be executed withO(k2)andO(klog⁡(k))controlled-SWAP gates, respectively, wherekis the number of copies of the state being tested.
Marine heatwave conditions drive carryover effects in a temperate sponge microbiome and developmental performance
Authors: Strano Francesca , Micaroni Valerio , Thomas Torsten , Woods Lisa , Davy Simon K. , Bell James J.
Published: June 2023

Marine heatwaves are increasingly subjecting organisms to unprecedented stressful conditions, but the biological consequences of these events are still poorly understood. Here we experimentally tested the presence of carryover effects of heatwave conditions on the larval microbiome, settlers growth rate and metamorphosis duration of the temperate sponge
Crella incrustans
. The microbial community of adult sponges changed significantly after ten days at 21°C. There was a relative decrease in symbiotic bacteria, and an increase in stress-associated bacteria. Sponge larvae derived from control sponges were mainly characterised by a few bacterial taxa also abundant in adults, confirming the occurrence of vertical transmission. The microbial community of sponge larvae derived from heatwave-exposed sponges showed significant increase in the endosymbiotic bacteria
Rubritalea marina.
Settlers derived from heatwave-exposed sponges had a greater growth rate under prolonged heatwave conditions (20 days at 21°C) compared to settlers derived from control sponges exposed to the same conditions. Moreover, settler metamorphosis was significantly delayed at 21°C. These results show, for the first time, the occurrence of heatwave-induced carryover effects across life-stages in sponges and highlight the potential role of selective vertical transmission of microbes in sponge resilience to extreme thermal events.
Temporal dynamics of mother–offspring relationships in Bigg's killer whales: opportunities for kin-directed help by post-reproductive females
Authors: Nielsen Mia Lybkær Kronborg , Ellis Samuel , Weiss Michael N. , Towers Jared R. , Doniol-Valcroze Thomas , Franks Daniel W. , Cant Michael A. , Ellis Graeme M. , Ford John K. B. , Malleson Mark , Sutton Gary J. , Shaw Tasli J. H. , Balcomb Kenneth C. , Ellifrit David K. , Croft Darren P.
Published: June 2023

Age-related changes in the patterns of local relatedness (kinship dynamics) can be a significant selective force shaping the evolution of life history and social behaviour. In humans and some species of toothed whales, average female relatedness increases with age, which can select for a prolonged post-reproductive lifespan in older females due to both costs of reproductive conflict and benefits of late-life helping of kin. Killer whales (Orcinus orca) provide a valuable system for exploring social dynamics related to such costs and benefits in a mammal with an extended post-reproductive female lifespan. We use more than 40 years of demographic and association data on the mammal-eating Bigg's killer whale to quantify how mother–offspring social relationships change with offspring age and identify opportunities for late-life helping and the potential for an intergenerational reproductive conflict. Our results suggest a high degree of male philopatry and female-biased budding dispersal in Bigg's killer whales, with some variability in the dispersal rate for both sexes. These patterns of dispersal provide opportunities for late-life helping particularly between mothers and their adult sons, while partly mitigating the costs of mother–daughter reproductive conflict. Our results provide an important step towards understanding why and how menopause has evolved in Bigg's killer whales.
Sustained store-operated calcium entry utilizing activated chromatin state leads to instability in iTregs
Authors: Lyu Huiyun , Yuan Guohua , Liu Xinyi , Wang Xiaobo , Geng Shuang , Xia Tie , Zhou Xuyu , Li Yinqing , Hu Xiaoyu , Shi Yan
Published: June 2023

Thymus-originated tTregs andin vitroinduced iTregs are subsets of regulatory T cells. While they share the capacity of immune suppression, their stabilities are different, with iTregs losing their phenotype upon stimulation or under inflammatory milieu. Epigenetic differences, particularly methylation state of Foxp3 CNS2 region, provide an explanation for this shift. Whether additional regulations, including cellular signaling, could directly lead phenotypical instability requires further analysis. Here we show that upon TCR triggering, store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and NFAT nuclear translocation are blunted in tTregs, yet fully operational in iTregs, similar to Tconvs. On the other hand, tTregs show minimal changes in their chromatin accessibility upon activation, in contrast to iTregs that demonstrate an activated chromatin state with highly accessible T cell activation and inflammation related genes. Assisted by several cofactors, NFAT driven by strong SOCE signaling in iTregs preferentially binds to primed opened T helper (TH) genes, resulting in their activation normally observed only in Tconv activation, ultimately leads to instability. Conversely, suppression of SOCE in iTregs can partially rescue their phenotype. Thus our study adds two new layer, cellular signaling and chromatin accessibility, of understanding in Treg stability, and may provide a path for better clinical applications of Treg cell therapy.
Construction of a PbII coordination polymer from a semi-rigid ditopic 2,2-biimidazole derivative: synthesis, crystal structure and characterization
Authors: Liu Xiangning , Cai Hua , Zhou Ruikang , Li Yaqi
Published: June 2023

A new PbII coordination polymer, poly[0.75(aqua)[μ3-4,4′-(1H,1′H-[2,2′-biimidazole]-1,1′-diyl)dibenzoato-κ5
O,O′;N;O′′,O′′′]]lead(II)] 1.25-hydrate], {[Pb(C20H12N4O4)(H2O)0.75]·1.25H2O}
n
or {[Pb(L)(H2O)0.75]·1.25H2O}
n
(1) [H2
L = 4,4′-(1H,1′H-[2,2′-biimidazole]-1,1′-diyl)dibenzoic acid], was synthesized under solvothermal reaction conditions and characterized using microanalysis, IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Single-crystal structure analysis reveals that a two-dimensional corrugated layer structure is formed in 1 and that neighbouring layers are further extended into a three-dimensional structure by hydrogen-bonding interactions. In addition, a fluorescence sensing experiment towards Cu2+ based on the polymeric PbII complex was carried out.
The impact of work–leisure facilitation on employees’ turnover intentions: the perspective of positive emotions
Authors: Wang Feng , Zhang Zihui , Shi Wendian
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Work and leisure, as important activity domains, play important roles in the lives of individuals. However, most previous studies focused on only the interference and negative effects of work on leisure, with little focus on the facilitation of work and the positive effects of work on leisure. In view of the shortcomings of previous studies, this study focuses on the facilitation effect of work on leisure and its impact on individual psychology. This study aims to explore the relationship between work–leisure facilitation (WLF) and turnover intention and the role of positive emotions and perceived supervisor support in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the method of multipoint data collection was adopted to measure the subjects; 180 employees were sampled for 5 consecutive working days, and a multilevel structural equation model was established for analysis.

Findings

The results show that WLF is negatively related to turnover intention, and positive emotions play a mediating role in this relationship. Perceived supervisor support significantly positively moderates not only the relationship between WLF and positive emotions but also the indirect effect of WLF on turnover intention through positive emotions.

Originality/value

Based on affective events theory, this study explored the relationship between WLF and turnover intention and its mechanism by using the daily diary sampling method for the first time, to the best of the authors’ knowledge. The results not only deepen the understanding of affective events theory but also provide management suggestions for reducing employees’ turnover intentions.
Impact of returnee entrepreneurs’ education and knowledge transfer on business development: moderating effect of time living abroad
Authors: Hajdari Agron , Miftari Iliriana , Ramadani Veland , Rexhepi Gadaf , Latifi Vjosë
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of returnee entrepreneurs’ education and knowledge transfer (KT) on business development (BD) as well as the moderating effect of time living abroad on returnee entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative approach was used in this study to grasp and validate the conceptual framework. This research was guided by a positivist survey research technique. A structured questionnaire was used as a data collection tool, and 151 returnee entrepreneurs were involved in the study. SEM with SmartPLS was used as a data analysis tool.

Findings

The results of this study show that returnee entrepreneur’s education and KT is positively associated with BD, while the time living abroad was not proved to have a moderation effect on BD.

Practical implications

This study has academic and practical relevance, as it adds new knowledge and a better understanding of the role of returnee entrepreneurs in BD and expands research on returnee entrepreneurs. In terms of practical contributions, this research offers suggestions to governments, policymakers and the business community about the impact of returnee entrepreneurs in the entrepreneurial ecosystems of their home countries.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few studies that have analysed the impact of returnee entrepreneurs’ education and KT on BD by using the survey technique. The results of this empirical research are based on primary data collected via a questionnaire.
The salience of informed risk: an experimental analysis
Authors: Santorsola Marco , Caferra Rocco , Morone Andrea
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Expanding on the real-world financial market framework and considering the current market turmoil, with cryptocurrencies (where contracts for difference (CFDs) are extremely common) (Hasso et al., 2019) displaying unprecedented volatility, the authors aim to test in an online laboratory setting whether displaying a risk warning message is truly effective in reducing the level of risk taken and whether the placement of this method makes a difference.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the impact of risk disclosure framing on risk-taking behavior, the authors conducted an online pair-wise lottery choice experiment. In addition to manipulating risk awareness through the presence or absence of risk warning messages of varying intensity, the authors also considered dynamic inconsistency, cognitive ability and questionnaire-based financial risk tolerance (FRT) scores. The authors aimed to identify potential relationships between these variables and experimentally elicited risk aversion. The authors' study offers valuable insights into the complex nature of risky decision-making and sheds light on the importance of considering dynamic inconsistency in addition to risk awareness and aversion.

Findings

The authors' results provide statistical evidence for the efficacy of informative and very salient messages in mitigating risky decision, hinting at several policy implications. The authors also provide some statistical evidence in support of the relationship between cognitive abilities and risk preferences. The authors detect that individual with low cognitive abilities scores display great risk aversion.

Originality/value

This study investigates the impact of risk warning messages on investment decisions in an online laboratory setting – a unique approach. However, the authors go beyond this and also examine the potential influence of dynamic inconsistency on decision-making, adding further value to the literature on this topic. To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the participants, the authors collect data on cognitive ability and FRT using questionnaires. This study provides a simple and cost-effective framework that can be easily replicated in future research – a valuable contribution to the field.
Halal industry in Uzbekistan: analysis using the Viable System Model
Authors: Adham Khairul Akmaliah , Masood Adlin , Muhamad Nur Sa'adah , Che Senik Zizah
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Uzbekistan, a former Soviet Union state whose population is 96% Muslim, is aiming to penetrate the global halal market. Since 2016, its government has been committed to establishing a halal economy, purportedly comprising halal product exports and inbound halal tourism services. Given that a conducive halal ecosystem is a critical condition for creating and sustaining a viable halal economy, the current condition of the halal industry in the country must be diagnosed. For this purpose, we developed a diagnostic framework based on the halal principles and the Viable System Model (VSM) to identify the existing players and stakeholders in the halal industry ecosystem in Uzbekistan and their respective roles and functions, as well as the information flows amongst them.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilised the qualitative methodology with the data gathered mainly from in-depth interviews with industry experts and consumers in Uzbekistan.

Findings

The findings revealed that the country has considerable potential to develop its halal tourism market due to its beautiful landscape, rich history and cultural heritage, which is supported by a full-fledged development policy. Uzbekistan's industrial sector exhibits substantial readiness to serve the Muslim market; however, the country lacks a specific policy for the development of the halal manufacturing export industry.

Originality/value

Our findings generate emergent themes that are relevant to the operations and future viability of halal industry of a Muslim country in a transitioning economy. These emerging themes further strengthened existing conceptualisation of the Viable System Model in terms of the elements of the environment and the function of policymaking in contributing toward a system's viability. Implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are also provided.
Chance and necessity in the assembly of plant communities: Stochasticity increases with size, isolation and diversity of temporary ponds
Authors: Arim Matías , Pinelli Verónica , Rodríguez‐Tricot Lucía , Ortiz Esteban , Illarze Mariana , Fagúndez‐Pachón César , Borthagaray Ana I.
Published: June 2023

Biodiversity emerges from niche mechanisms, in which the combination of traits determines species performance, and populations drift because of the inherent stochasticity of community assembly processes. Population biology dictates that small and isolated communities are more prone to show stochastic assemblages. However, a reduced mass effect in isolated communities may promote trait selection. In addition, large and connected communities have a larger species pool, higher functional redundancy, lower population sizes and more random recruitment, which also fosters stochasticity in community assembly. These contradictory expectations demand empirical analyses.

Plant metacommunities in temporary ponds are assembled by the action of strong environmental filters and cover wide ranges of local community sizes and connectivity, representing ideal systems for identifying determinants of trait‐selection processes. Using a deviance partition method introduced by the theory of community assembly by trait selection, we evaluated the role of plant traits in local community assemblies along 60 communities from a 14‐year plant survey of temporary ponds.

Variation in pond size, hydroperiod, connectitivity and heterogeneity determined a selection gradien in traits related to drought resistance, life history and disperal strategies; and also in the strength of trait‐mediated community assembly. The taxonomic and functional diversity of a pond and its physical heterogeneity fostered stochasticity in the assembly of the community, which also presented a hump‐shaped association with connectivity. The pond area increased taxonomic richness but decreased functional diversity, determining negative and positive indirect effects on stochasticity.

Synthesis. Diversity provides the raw material for trait selection putatively reducing stochasticity, but here diversity was positively related to stochasticity. Having enough functional diversity, larger redundancy and lower population sizes in diverse communities is probably fostering stochastic assemblages. The hump‐shaped association between stochasticity and connectivity supports a larger role of trait selection in isolated systems due to a weak mass effect, but also on connected communities in which a set of more optimal traits for the selection scenario could be available. In the ongoing state of ecosystem fragmentation, these empirical trends contribute to the mechanistic understanding of the connection between landscape structure and biodiversity assembly.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes in women at increased risk of preterm pre‐eclampsia on first‐trimester combined screening
Authors: Minopoli Monica , Noël Laure , Meroni Anna , Mascherpa Margaret , Frick Alex , Thilaganathan Basky
Published: June 2023

Objective

Uteroplacental dysfunction may not only result in pre‐eclampsia (PE) but also in preterm birth (PTB), small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) birth and stillbirth. The aim of this study is to evaluate the positive predictive value (PPV) of first‐trimester combined PE screening for all of these placenta‐mediated adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary referral maternity unit.

Sample

A total of 13 211 singleton pregnancies.

Methods

First‐trimester combined screening for preterm PE using the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) algorithm.

Main outcomes measures

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), PTB, SGA birth and stillbirth were combined to assess composite adverse and severe adverse pregnancy outcomes (CAPO and CAPO‐S). The PPVs for CAPO and CAPO‐S were calculated for women with a combined risk for preterm PE of ≥1 in 50 and ≥1 in 100.

Results

First‐trimester combined screening identified 2215 women (16.8%) with a risk of ≥1 in 100 for preterm PE. The PPVs for a risk of ≥1 in 100 for CAPO and CAPO‐S were 38.8% and 18.2%, respectively. The equivalent PPVs for a risk of ≥1 in 50 were 45.1% and 21.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

Women identified at high risk of preterm PE are also at increased risk of other placenta‐mediated adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as PTB, SGA birth and stillbirth. Women at high risk for preterm PE after first‐trimester screening may benefit from a higher surveillance care pathway, with interventions to mitigate all the adverse outcomes associated with placental dysfunction.
Examination of acetone findings in suspected drug‐facilitated sexual assaults: A case series
Authors: Arndt Crystal , Palmquist Kaitlyn B. , Gray Teresa R.
Published: June 2023

Acetone presence in human biological specimens can result from exogenous administration or endogenous production, resulting from diabetes, dietary composition, alcoholism, and stress response. Victims of drug‐facilitated sexual assaults (DFSA) are understood to experience enhanced stress. At the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences (HCIFS), DFSA drug testing includes analysis of volatile compounds, ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, and acetone, by headspace gas chromatography/flame ionization detection. The prevalence of acetone‐positive specimens in DFSA casework has been observed to exceed that of other human performance case types. In this report, DFSA cases received between 2019 and 2021 (n = 393) were reviewed and 41 acetone‐positive cases were detailed. Overall, nearly 11% of the DFSA cases had acetone‐positive blood or urine specimens, where 3% identified acetone only, 6% identified acetone and other drug(s), and 2% identified acetone, ethanol, and other drug(s). Acetone concentrations ranged from 0.010 to 0.147 g/100 mL in urine. Other drugs such as nor‐carboxy‐Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, amphetamine, methamphetamine, ethanol, and benzoylecgonine were commonly detected. Elevated stress response encountered during DFSAs may facilitate the mechanism behind enhanced acetone production leading to increased identification. Limited availability of victim medical history precludes understanding the contribution of other disease states or physiological conditions. Nonetheless, the identification of acetone in DFSA specimens supports its potential as a biomarker of trauma in forensic toxicology casework and warrants future research within the community.
Flat does not mean 2D: Using X‐ray microtomography to study insect wings in 3D as a model for comparative studies
Authors: Schubnel Thomas , Mazurier Arnaud , Nel André , Grandcolas Philippe , Desutter‐Grandcolas Laure , Legendre Frédéric , Garrouste Romain
Published: June 2023

While not generally used for relatively flat structures, X‐ray microtomography can provide decisive insights for comparative anatomy and evolutionary studies of flat structures, thereby solving long‐standing ecological and evolutionary issues. This is particularly true for the study of insect wings, organs that have played a central role in the evolution and ecological success of insects, the first organisms to develop powered flight.

We present the challenges inherent in studying insect wings by microtomography, as well as solutions to overcome them. We highlight the impact of insect preparation (i.e. dry or ethanol‐preserved specimens, complete specimens or only part of the wings, wings stained with iodine or with a 0.3% solution of phosphotungtic acid—PTA) and of the acquisition mode (phase contrast or not), on scan quality and ease of interpretation. We compare our results with those obtained by more ‘traditional’ techniques, based on examination of the wings with a binocular or SEM microscope.

We show that X‐ray microtomography is effective in establishing vein homologies—a crucial step in many evolutionary studies in insects—by accessing the internal structures of the wing base itself, where veins originate. It can also be used for difficult tasks such as distinguishing between crossveins and main veins, establishing vein polarity (i.e. concave vs. convex veins) or vein fusions, situations that complicate the establishment of vein homology hypotheses and the completion of subsequent evolutionary studies. Unstained, ethanol‐preserved specimens give the least conclusive results, while dry specimens and ethanol‐preserved wings stained with PTA give the best results.

We show that 3D tools provide crucial insights for the study of insect wings, illustrating how CT‐scan tools may contribute to a change in dimension, introducing quantification and functional approaches and hopefully stimulating new studies for other seemingly 2D organs in several other fields, including plant studies. We highlight, nonetheless, that this tool must be used in coordination with more traditional observational techniques, at least for insect wings, to provide a more complete picture of these fundamental organs.
Czech Republic: Political Developments and Data in 2022
Authors: PETRÚŠEK IVAN , KUDRNÁČ ALEŠ
Published: June 2023

The war in Ukraine dominated Czech politics in 2022. The Cabinet of Petr Fiala militarily and politically supported the Ukrainian defence efforts against the Russian adversary. Fiala visited Ukraine twice in 2022 (being the first Western leader, along with the Slovenian and Polish prime ministers, to meet with Zelensky in Kyiv on 15 March). Senate and local elections occurred in the autumn. Fiala's party (Civic Democratic Party, ODS) had the strongest showing in the Senate election, while the ANO party of the previous Prime Minister Andrej Babiš suffered a defeat. Babiš was acquitted in a long‐lasting subsidy fraud case and began campaigning for the January 2023 presidential election. Domestically, the double‐digit inflation, increasing public debt and energy supply routes were the crucial issues that led to several big anti‐government protests. The Czech Republic presided over the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2022.
Laparoscopic repair of an incarcerated inguinal hernia containing the sigmoid colon with a colonoscope
Authors: Soeta Nobutoshi , Kawamata Takahiro , Tosa Taro , Suzushino Seiko , Higuchi Mitsunori , Saito Takuro
Published: June 2023

Here, we report the first case of laparoscopic surgery to repair an incarcerated colonoscope in an inguinal hernia containing the sigmoid colon. After colonoscopy was performed on a 74‐year‐old man with positive fecal occult blood test results, the colonoscope could not be withdrawn. A bulge consistent with an incarcerated colonoscope was found on examination of the patient's left inguinal area. Computed tomography revealed and led to the diagnosis of an incarcerated colonoscope in the sigmoid colon within the inguinal hernia. After confirmation during emergency laparoscopic surgery, the incarcerated sigmoid colon was reduced, and the colonoscope was removed under radiographic and laparoscopic guidance. No ischemic changes or serosal injuries were observed, averting the need for resection. A transabdominal preperitoneal approach with a mesh was then used to repair the inguinal hernia laparoscopically. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful, and no recurrence was observed at the 1‐year follow‐up.
Entrepreneurial ecosystem for promoting social innovation in emerging markets: Is corporate social responsibility integration with technology business incubators the right path?
Authors: Bhat Savita
Published: June 2023

This study attempts to fill in two research gaps in the extant literature concerning the ecosystem for social innovation in the context of emerging market economies such as India. The study first attempts to assess the potential of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in not‐for‐profit entities such as technology business incubators (TBIs) to stimulate social innovations in the prevalent ecosystems in emerging markets. Further, using a random‐effects Tobit model, the study examines the characteristics of firms that spend higher percentages of CSR expenditure on not‐for‐profit TBIs/societies/trusts in India. The study provides policy suggestions to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem for promoting social innovation in emerging markets such as India.
Myeloid cells in vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease: Possible therapeutic targets?
Authors: García‐Culebras Alicia , Cuartero María Isabel , Peña‐Martínez Carolina , Moraga Ana , Vázquez‐Reyes Sandra , de Castro‐Millán Francisco Javier , Cortes‐Canteli Marta , Lizasoain Ignacio , Moro María Ángeles
Published: June 2023

Growing evidence supports the suggestion that the peripheral immune system plays a role in different pathologies associated with cognitive impairment, such as vascular dementia (VD) or Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this review is to summarize, within the peripheral immune system, the implications of different types of myeloid cells in AD and VD, with a special focus on post‐stroke cognitive impairment and dementia (PSCID). We will review the contributions of the myeloid lineage, from peripheral cells (neutrophils, platelets, monocytes and monocyte‐derived macrophages) to central nervous system (CNS)‐associated cells (perivascular macrophages and microglia). Finally, we will evaluate different potential strategies for pharmacological modulation of pathological processes mediated by myeloid cell subsets, with an emphasis on neutrophils, their interaction with platelets and the process of immunothrombosis that triggers neutrophil‐dependent capillary stall and hypoperfusion, as possible effector mechanisms that may pave the way to novel therapeutic avenues to stop dementia, the epidemic of our time.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue From Alzheimer's Disease to Vascular Dementia: Different Roads Leading to Cognitive Decline. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.6/issuetoc
Circadian clock protein Bmal1 accelerates acute myeloid leukemia by inhibiting ferroptosis through the EBF3/ALOX15 axis
Authors: Wang Dan , Wang Fenglin , Zhang Haixia , Chen Pan , Yang Minghua
Published: June 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a major leukemia with high mortality. Ferroptosis is an important regulator of cancers. However, the role of ferroptosis and its regulatory mechanisms in AML remain largely unknown. In this study, we reported elevated brain and muscle ARNT‐Like protein‐1 (Bmal1) expression in AML patients and cell lines, and its upregulation indicated the poor survival of patients. The correlation analysis showed that Bmal1 expression was closely correlated with cytogenetics and the French–American–British subtypes, but was not correlated with age, gender and white blood cells. RSL3 reduced Bmal1 expression in HL‐60 and NB4 cells. Malondialdehyde, total iron, Fe2+, glutathione and lipid peroxidation were examined to evaluate ferroptosis. Overexpression of Bmal1 repressed RSL3‐induced ferroptosis in AML cells. Bmal1 recruited Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) to the Early B cell factor 3 (EBF3) promoter and enhanced its methylation, thus suppressing EBF3 expression. Moreover, the knockdown of Bmal1 sensitized AML cells to RSL3‐induced ferroptosis, and it was counteracted by EBF3 knockdown. Furthermore, EBF3 bound to the Arachidonate 15‐pipoxygenase (ALOX15) promoter to enhance its expression, and overexpression of EBF3 enhanced RSL3‐induced ferroptosis dependent on ALOX5. We established a subcutaneous AML xenograft tumor model and reported that knockdown of Bmal1 and overexpression of EBF3 restrained AML growth by promoting ALOX15‐mediated ferroptosis in vivo. Collectively, Bmal1 inhibits RSL3‐induced ferroptosis by promoting EZH2‐mediated EBF3 methylation and suppressing the expression of EBF3 and ALOX15, thus accelerating AML.
The role of science communication and academic health advocacy in improving population oral health and tackling inequalities
Authors: Abbas Hazem , Takeuchi Kenji , Osaka Ken , Guarnizo‐Herreño Carol C. , Tsakos Georgios , Watt Richard G.
Published: June 2023

Oral conditions are a public health problem globally and stark oral health inequalities exist between and within countries. Yet, oral diseases are rarely considered as a health priority and evidence‐informed policy generation is challenging. Science communication and health advocacy are critical in that respect. However, due to time limitations, research workload and other factors, academics are usually hindered from participating in such lengthy endeavours. Here, we make the case that ‘science communication and health advocacy task forces’ should be a priority at academic institutions. The two main duties of these task forces are knowledge transfer about the burden of oral conditions and patterns of inequalities, and their underlying social and commercial determinants, and advocacy and mediation between the stakeholders involved directly or indirectly in policy making. These interdisciplinary task forces, including both academics and non‐academics, should collectively have skills that include (1) knowledge about oral health, dental public health and epidemiology, (2) ability to communicate clearly and coherently and make the case in both lay and scientific language terms, (3) familiarity with digital and social media platforms and ability to create visual aids, videos and documentaries, (4) good negotiation skills and (5) maintaining scientific transparency and avoiding getting involved in confrontation with political parties. In the current context, the role of the academic institutions should not only be the production of knowledge, but also the active transferability and application of this knowledge towards public benefit.
Diagnostic utility of 11C‐methionine PET/CT in primary hyperparathyroidism in a UK cohort: A single‐centre experience and literature review
Authors: Huynh Kevin A. , MacFarlane James , Newman Christine , Gillett Daniel , Das Tilak , Scoffings Daniel , Cheow Heok K. , Moyle Penelope , Koulouri Olympia , Harper Ines , Aloj Luigi , Mendichovszky Iosif A. , Inchiappa Danilo , Buch Harit N. , Chung Teng‐Teng , Simpson Helen L. , Powlson Andrew S. , Challis Ben G. , Bashari Waiel A. , Stokes Victoria J. , Masterson Liam , Jani Piyush , Fish Brian , Gurnell Mark , Casey Ruth T.
Published: June 2023

Objective

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disorder, with 80% of all cases usually caused by one single hyperfunctioning parathyroid adenoma. Conventional imaging modalities for the diagnostic work‐up of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) include ultrasound of the neck, 99mTc‐sestamibi scintigraphy, and four‐dimensional computed tomography (4D‐CT). However, the role of other imaging modalities, such as 11C‐methionine PET/CT, in the care pathway for PHPT is currently unclear. Here, we report our experience of the diagnostic utility of 11C‐methionine PET/CT in a single‐center patient cohort (n = 45).

Design

Retrospective single‐center cohort study.

Patients and Measurements

The data of eligible patients that underwent 11C‐methionine PET/CT between 2014 and 2022 at Addenbrooke's Hospital (Cambridge, UK) were collected and analyzed. The clinical utility of imaging modalities was determined by comparing the imaging result with histopathological and biochemical outcomes following surgery.

Results

In patients with persistent primary hyperparathyroidism following previous surgery, 11C‐methionine PET/CT identified a candidate lesion in 6 of 10 patients (60.0%), and histologically confirmed in 5 (50.0%). 11C‐methionine PET/CT also correctly identified a parathyroid adenoma in 9 out of 12 patients (75.0%) that failed to be localized on other imaging modalities. 11C‐methionine PET/CT had a sensitivity of 70.0% (95% CI 55.8 – 84.2%) for the detection of parathyroid adenomas.

Conclusions

This study highlights a diagnostic role for 11C‐methionine PET/CT in patients that have undergone unsuccessful prior surgery or have equivocal or negative prior imaging results, aiding localization and a targeted surgical approach.
Machine learning‐based identification of cuproptosis‐related markers and immune infiltration in severe community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Chen Shuyang , Zhou Zheng , Wang Yajun , Chen Shujing , Jiang Jinjun
Published: June 2023

Background

Severe community‐acquired pneumonia (SCAP) is one of the world's most common diseases and a major etiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Cuproptosis is a novel form of regulated cell death that can occur in various diseases.

Methods

Our study explored the degree of immune cell infiltration during the onset of severe CAP and identified potential biomarkers related to cuproptosis. Gene expression matrix was obtained from GEO database indexed GSE196399. Three machine learning algorithms were applied: The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), the random forest, and the support vector machine‐recursive feature elimination (SVM‐RFE). Immune cell infiltration was quantified by single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) scoring. Nomogram was constructed to verify the applicability of using cuproptosis‐related genes to predict the onset of severe CAP and its deterioration toward ARDS.

Results

Nine cuproptosis‐related genes were differentially expressed between the severe CAP group and the control group: ATP7B, DBT, DLAT, DLD, FDX1, GCSH, LIAS, LIPT1, and SLC31A1. All 13 cuproptosis‐related genes were involved in immune cell infiltration. A three‐gene diagnostic model was constructed to predict the onset of severe CAP: GCSH, DLD, and LIPT1.

Conclusion

Our study confirmed the involvement of the newly discovered cuproptosis‐related genes in the progression of SCAP.
“Oilfield Trash or Oilfield Treasure? A Pastoral Response to Living in the Extraction Economy of the Permian Basin” by Rev. Dr. Dawn Darwin Weaks
Authors: Darwin Weaks Dawn
Published: June 2023

The climate crisis is witnessed on a global scale and it is also experienced in the local communities that work in extractive industries. In this article, a pastor in the Permian Basin explores the term “oilfield trash” as it is used for oilfield workers in the Permian Basin, connecting the epithet with the negative conditions for quality of life there, and comparing it to treatment of oilfield workers in Norway. Treatment of workers is identified as essential to esteem of communities and land. Renaming workers “treasure” in keeping with the tradition of Isaiah 62:4 is identified as part of the healing needed for extractive communities to transition away from fossil fuels. Four avenues of congregational ministry within mining economies are identified, with the way of “partnership” with the workers in the industry recommended as offering hope for churches to help relieve the climate crisis.
Measuring grip strength in adolescents and adults with cerebral palsy in a clinic setting: Feasibility, reliability, and clinical associations
Authors: Sugiyama Tomoko , Whitney Daniel G. , Schmidt Mary , Haapala Heidi , Bowman Angeline , Peterson Mark D. , Hurvitz Edward A.
Published: June 2023

Aim

To determine the feasibility and reliability of measuring grip strength and its association with anthropometrics and diseases among adolescents and adults (≥16 years old) with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

In this cross‐sectional study, individuals with CP, classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS)/Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) levels I to V, were recruited to measure grip strength, anthropometrics, and self‐reported current/history of disease during a routine clinical visit. Feasibility was determined as the proportion recruited/consented/completed testing. Test–retest reliability of three maximal effort trials per side was assessed. Linear regression determined associations of grip strength with anthropometrics after adjusting for age, sex, and GMFCS. The predictive ability of GMFCS alone, grip strength alone, GMFCS + grip strength, and GMFCS × grip strength for diseases was compared.

Results

Of 114 individuals approached, 112 participated and 111 successfully completed all tasks. There was good to excellent reliability of test–retest grip strength between trials for dominant and non‐dominant sides for the entire cohort and when stratified by each GMFCS and MACS level (intraclass correlation coefficient range 0.83–0.97). Sex, GMFCS, MACS, body mass, and waist circumference were associated with grip strength (p < 0.05), but not hip circumference, waist:hip ratio, or triceps skinfold thickness. Modeling grip strength with GMFCS had a higher predictive value for relevant diseases than GMFCS alone.

Interpretation

Grip strength is a feasible and reliable measurement for CP, and is associated with some demographics and anthropometric measures. Grip strength, in addition to the GMFCS, enhanced prediction of disease outcomes.

What this paper adds

Measurement of hand grip strength is clinically feasible for adolescents/adults with cerebral palsy.

Grip strength has good to excellent test–retest reliability across Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) levels.

Grip strength is associated with sex, weight, waist circumference, GMFCS, and especially MACS.

Grip strength, in addition to GMFCS, shows promise for enhancing disease prediction in this cohort.
Metabolic bariatric surgery as a therapeutic option for patients with type 2 diabetes: A meta‐analysis and network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: De Luca Maurizio , Zese Monica , Bandini Giulia , Chiappetta Sonja , Iossa Angelo , Merola Giovanni , Piatto Giacomo , Tolone Salvatore , Vitiello Antonio , Silverii Giovanni Antonio , Ragghianti Benedetta , Mannucci Edoardo , Monami Matteo ,   Expert Panel and Evidence Review Team for the Italian Guidelines on Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery
Published: June 2023

Aim

To compare different types of metabolic surgery with non‐surgical therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

The present network meta‐analysis (NMA) includes randomized clinical trials (duration ≥ 52 weeks) comparing different surgery techniques with non‐surgical therapy in diabetes patients. The primary endpoints were endpoint HbA1c, body mass index (BMI) and diabetes remission. The secondary endpoints included fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure, arterial hypertension and dyslipidaemia remission, quality of life and surgical adverse events. Indirect comparisons of different types of surgery were performed by NMA. Mean and 95% confidence intervals for continuous variables, and the Mantel–Haenzel odds ratio for categorial variables, were calculated.

Results

The types of surgical procedure included laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), bilio‐pancreatic diversion (BPD), greater curvature plication (GCP), one‐anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and Duodeno–Jejunal bypass. Thirty‐six trials were included. Metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) was associated with a significantly higher reduction of HbA1c, diabetes remission and BMI compared with medical therapy. In the NMA, a significant reduction of HbA1c was observed with OAGB and SG. Complete diabetes remission significantly increased with all surgical procedures in comparison with non‐surgical therapy, except for GCP. In addition, only BPD, RYGB and OAGB were associated with a significant reduction of BMI.

Conclusions

MBS is an effective option for the treatment of T2D in patients with obesity. Further long‐term trials of appropriate quality are needed for assessing the risk–benefit ratio in some patient cohorts, such as those with a BMI of less than 35 kg/m2 and aged older than 65 years.